January 8, 2020 :: Look-Ahead Issue by OUT FRONT Magazine

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CONTENTS JANUARY 8, 2020 VOL43 NO19

6 NEW YEAR NEW YOU 8 DUSTIN SCHLONG: FROM PRINCE TO KING 10 TRUMPDATE: FOCUS ON VOTING THIS NOVEMBER 13 HOW TO GET QUEER HEALTHCARE IN 2020 18 TRENDS: LOOKING INTO 2020 28 A BRIGHT AND COLORFUL NEW YEAR WITH EUGENE YANG 34 FLOURISHING IN A NEW SPACE

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YOU LOST ME WORLD PREMIERE

SERVING THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS SINCE 1976 PHONE 303-477-4000 FAX 303-325-2642 WEB OutFrontMagazine.com FACEBOOK /OutFrontColorado TWITTER @OutFrontCO INSTAGRAM /OutFrontColorado FOUNDER PHIL PRICE 1954-1993 ADMINISTRATION info@outfrontmagazine.com JERRY CUNNINGHAM Publisher J.C. MCDONALD Vice President MAGGIE PHILLIPS Operations Manager JEFF JACKSON SWAIM Chief Strategist EDITORIAL editorial@outfrontmagazine.com ADDISON HERRON-WHEELER Editor VERONICA L. HOLYFIELD Creative Director BEN GROSS Copy Editor BRENT HEINZE Senior Columnist CHARLES BROSHOUS Senior Photographer DENNY PATTERSON Celebrity Interviewer INTERNS: Apollo Blue, Arianna Balderrama WRITERS: Judy Wolf, Jordan Hanson, Sam Albala, Seth Holder ART art@outfrontmagazine.com DESIGN2PRO Graphic Designer COVER DESIGN Veronica L. Holyfield COVER PHOTO JJ Constantine CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS: Elijah Bleu Gonazales, Geoff Decker, JJ Constantine MARKETING + SALES marketing@outfrontmagazine.com BENJAMIN YOUNG Director of Sales & Marketing QUINCEY ROISUM Marketing Executive KELSEY ELGIE DOMIER Marketing Executive MADELINE ESPINOZA Marketing Executive

A POETIC NEW DRAMA

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O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 5

FROM THE EDITOR

New I Year New You

t’s officially 2020. New year’s resolutions have been set (and hopefully are still being kept eight days in), goals for the year will be executed, and new possibilities are unfolding.

political leader in place to start off 2020, and just generally be our best selves right out of the gate. But that doesn’t happen. All good things take work, including making political change, or making a positive change in your own life.

But, the further we get from the start of the new year, the easier it is to put those resolutions back on the shelf, despair over the current state of politics and social issues, and decry 2020 as a horrible year, hoping for a better 2021.

So, if you’re already thinking about throwing in the towel a week or so into the new year, roll back, rethink it, and get ready for a truly awesome 2020. Let’s do the work to make this the best year yet.

So instead, this year, let’s try and keep the good momentum going and remember that positive change happens slowly. Everyone would like to get down—or up—to their goal weight the first week of the year, have a new, respectable

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We have a lot of fun things in store for you in 2020, and we can’t wait to share them with you. But we’re going to be patient and take things one issue at a time. Here’s to the new year! -Addison Herron-Wheeler

Follow our queer hijinks on Instagram @outfrontcolorado

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g n o l h c S

DUSTIN

By Judy Wolf Photos by Stu Osborne

FROM PRINCE TO KING

his small-statured boy has ruled large over the KingDom of Denver for the last two years, something which a bout with chemo and cancer couldn’t even stop. Dustin Schlong is back now and stronger than ever.

With a show of his own opening up in 2020 at Gladys: the Nosy Neighbor, and Drag King Boot Camp under his belt, he takes his moves and health very seriously. Nicknamed Pop Pop, he performs both comedic and dramatic pieces on stage. From teaching baby kings at Drag King Boot Camp to opening up his life onstage, he gives his all to his community and to his art. Before coming out as trans, or even as part of the queer community, Dustin got hooked on drag at Bump and Grind’s Sunday Drag Brunch while still in High School. He broke out of the Highlands Ranch bubble and brought his friends to more and more of these brunches. “I’m either gonna lose my friends today or they’re going to love it,” he remembered about his early days of drag.

“I wasn’t really out yet, or even queeridentifying really; it was just a fun adventure downtown. But, after I did come out, I just started going to Charlie’s and watching Kai Lee Mykels. After that, I ended up talking to some friends about drag. I wanted to do masculine drag, though.” 8 \\ J A N U A R Y 8 , 2 0 2 0

Dustin blew off any negative remarks about drag being for men dressing like women and just went for it. Soon, after hanging at Charlie’s for a bit, he attended Drag King Game Night at Blush & Blu. “I did my first performance about twoand-a-half years ago and haven’t looked back,” he recalled. Since he began his drag journey, the shape of drag and gender identity in general has changed as well. “Gender is being more explored, more open, more interpreted in a lot of different ways.” Dustin explained. “If you want to express your gender in a different way, that’s drag. Any ‘old’ definitions can be thrown out. If it means something to you, if it’s funny, if it’s putting your heart and soul out there and expressing yourself in a way you otherwise can’t, that’s drag.” The drag king world opened up when Dustin began traveling the country and the world in search of other kings. “I just met some of the nicest, friendliest, most supportive guys, and that’s how I got the whole basis of the drag boot camp together.” Dustin has been holding Drag King Boot Camp at Blush & Blu since November 7, and he just wrapped up with a finale on January 4. The two-hour, weekly class was taught along with Calder Goodlay and other guest speakers, and the whole thing was free. With this class, Dustin is giving his students the tools kings need to be successful. “I want to be supportive and willing to answer questions, spend time with them, and give them the skills and the stage they need,” he said. Still, despite all this positivity, there has been a darker side. In April of 2019, Dustin was diagnosed with cancer. He depicted this experience on stage recently in one of his performances. This was a perfect act to do at Gladys’ Weirdo show, where, “You get to do anything. It’s a safe place where I could bring that story.” “I made a bodysuit that looked like the Operation game,” he explained. On stage, Dustin depicted the removal of ovaries and a tumor, all while a buzzer was going off. To represent chemo, there was an IV on the stage, and he represented

losing all his hair by ripping off his wig and beard. “At the time, I tried to hold on to my beard. To a trans guy, that’s really important. But I lost all that, too.” “The song connected with the sadness and the depression that happens as you are accepting that death could be your fate,” he added. “All of this just hit. I shut down for a while, tried to stay engaged, but wanted to run away and hide and be done with everything, and people didn’t really see that side of me. I put on a smile, but the truth was, there were days I wanted to give up so bad, like I was a burden. I wanted the performance to be funny and storytelling, but I wanted to show that meaning, too.” Dustin explained the end of the performance that night: “At the end of your last chemo treatment, you get to ring a bell. Getting to ring it again on stage meant a lot to me.” What inspires him now? “This boot camp has been a huge inspiration to me. Not only have I grown as myself in the community, but to give these opportunities as a drag king and with the uprise of kings gaining momentum, it’s so nice to see all of these eager, young people with all of this drive and wanting

to dive into it, and being a bridge for for them.” Not only does he want the kings to gain the tools to succeed on stage, he wants to make sure they actually get booked. “I’ve reached out to show producers for these new performers, and I’m letting everyone know we are insuring the kings who will be getting these bookings are trying and fighting for this. These opportunities, even, like, a year ago, didn’t exist.” Despite the fact that Dustin is a man and a king who wants to give other kings a chance, he is pumped about helping performers of all types, and emphasizes that everyone can be a king. “Drag kings have a more masculine take perhaps but no set rules of what ‘masculine’ really means,” he added. "Whether that be wearing high heels and a packer and letting your boobs be out or whatever, your costuming and your makeup is up to you, and if you identify as a drag king, then you are doing it.” Look out for Dustin and a city full of kings in 2020, and get ready for some masculine, androgynous, fabulous vibes. O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 9

By Jordan Hanson

Trumpdate

Focus on Voting this November

t’s easy to feel disillusioned with politics, especially against the backdrop of everything happening right now in our system of government. The current impeachment inquiry has dragged on for months, first in the House between closed and open sessions of testimony across two separate committees, and now it is moving to the Senate. This column is not about impeachment, but it is precisely the reality of what’s happening in the news that should inspire us to be more diligent in our scrutiny towards the 2020 election cycle, so that we may be rewarded for the strength of our convictions and the assiduous nature of the processes our eventual nominee will have survived. With that focus in mind, here are just a few of the many reasons to be passionate about the elections coming up this November. First, we can seize the opportunity to expand all of the good legislative work done in the House of Representatives during this term. The House has passed nearly 400 bills this term alone, ranging from bills desperately needed by the LGBTQ community, like the Equality Act and the Violence Against Women Act, to more mundane but crucial legislation like anti-corruption or governmental reforms and comprehensive, bipartisan background checks on gun sales. 1 0 \\ J A N U A R Y 8 , 2 0 2 0

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in particular has outright refused to bring many of these bills up for a debate. In fact, McConnell is so proud of this dearth of legislative progress in stonewalling the democrat’s attempts to legislate that he has adopted the nickname “the Grim Reaper” of the Senate, inferring that’s where democrat-led bills go to die. By electing progressive, democratic politicians across the country, we have an opportunity to push this momentum in the other direction and help our legislators do the important work of governing the country. Second, we can elect a president who represents a much wider segment of the U.S. population, instead of our current president, who selectively represents the rich and most affluent among us. This year, he refused requests to display an LGBTQ pride flag from U.S. embassies all around the world, an unequivocal statement of support that was unopposed under the Obama Administration. Recently, Trump didn’t even mention our community in the World Aids Day proclamation, even though trans people are at particular risk of contracting HIV, and gay or bisexual men are most likely to be affected by the virus. This is not new, of course, as the Trump administration has refused to mention us in any of the past three World Aids Day proclamations, despite standing on stage at the Republican

Convention and waving a rainbow flag around. We are just that to him: a prop. With our votes and active participation in this upcoming election cycle, we can help shift that tide to ensure more of our country receives a seat at the table in the new administration’s priorities, and that our needs are met, too, instead of becoming casual lip service like we have been for the past three years. Third, we can ensure all Americans are provided the opportunity to proudly serve our country in the armed forces without fear of discrimination or the requirement to hide who they really are. The Trump administration has been particularly harsh on the transgender community, rolling back extensive work done by President Obama to ensure our military is open to and inclusive of trans people. These actions, which now require anyone enlisting to serve specifically as the gender listed on their birth certificates, make no sense when all available data shows this kind of policy actually hurts military readiness more than it could ever help unit cohesion. Contrary to many of Trump’s claims, a long-term study conducted by the RAND Corporation concluded that while there are some monetary costs to providing gender-affirming care to service members, the benefits of doing so far outweigh any reported disadvantages. Instead, allowing enlisted, transgender people to serve proudly in uniform as their true selves helps bolster military readiness by having tangible effects on unit cohesion.

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This makes obvious sense: our military units perform better when our service members aren’t concerned about hiding things from the other members of their unit for fear of being dishonorably discharged, not to mention the very real benefits in fighting depression and suicidal ideation that often accompany gender dysphoria. We can take a stand in this election cycle to ensure everyone can be afforded the opportunity to serve openly as who they are, without regard to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Finally, we can use our voices and our votes to stand up for the Latinx community, many of whom have also withstood continued abuse from the Trump administration. From separating families at the border to putting children in cages, these policies do not promote quintessential American values of fairness, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. With the revocation of DACA, many queer, Latinx people have been forced back into hiding out of the very real fear that living openly might result in their deportation to a country where they face certain dangers like assault, rape, or murder for their identities. Trans woman Roxsana Hernandez, due to a lack of sufficient care in detention, died in ICE custody; her autopsy report showed signs of physical abuse. There is certainly a lot wrong with the way our country operates today. The best news and advice I can give is that elections are our most powerful opportunity to do something about it. Politicians and interest groups can spend many times more dollars on an election than there are people in the country, but that does not change the reality that is our system of democratic governance. No matter which particular candidate you back this November, remember that they will represent you whether you vote or not.

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HOW TO GET QUEER HEALTHCARE IN 2020 By Sam Albala

n an ideal world, all healthcare would be LGBTQ-friendly, or, simply put, globally humane for all individuals. As it stands, though, if you are not a cis, white, straight person, and sometimes even if you are, you are likely to have had an uncomfortable, if not harmful, experience with a healthcare professional. LGBTQ advocacy organization One Colorado reported from a recent survey that while 95 percent of LGBTQ Coloradans have health insurance, one in five have been denied care by a provider for being LGBTQ. This is unacceptable, and no individual should be blocked from living their best life. Discrimination, hurdles, and even the anxiety of having to come out over and over again to healthcare professionals are not only defeating but downright counterproductive. Seeing a healthcare professional should be a source of useful information and not an exchange that violates, alienates, or prevents a patient from maintaining a healthy life. Those in the LGBTQ community should have both access to adequate healthcare and the safe space to have and maintain healthy, thriving lives. With better resources, there is hope that one bad experience wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t prevent folks from learning about and treating their healthcare issues. If you have experienced discrimation or have ever felt at all uncomfortable, you have the right to report that provider and to change providers immediately without needing to explain yourself. More than that, there

are organizations that would love to assist you in finding inclusive care. This will conserve energy and allow for a better flow of trust after any sticky or just-plain-unacceptable experiences. Healthcare is very personal, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to be able to choose the right providers for your life regardless of sexuality, identity, and status. All healthcare providers should make you feel seen and heard. A good step is to talk with any LGBTQ friends about their healthcare options. For those 95 percent who have health insurance, if comfortable, ask your insurance company about LGBTQ healthcare providers, too. Some websites even specify queer-friendly providers. Before meeting with a provider, see if you can go to the website, call the office, and generally scan to see if the language is gendered or if they make any assumptions about your identity when you call. There are centers in both Denver and Boulder with resources and representatives happy to guide you. There are also hospitals; care centers; and community offices for mental, physical, and sexual health that have growing knowledge and genderaffirming practices. Notes on a few of these organizations are on the next page. If you have had an experience that has prevented you from going to the doctor, start a conversation with someone in the community. The status and strength of your health is important and valuable. O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 1 3

Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center welcomes people of all genders and sexual identities. Be aware that medical charts must match legal and insurance information. However, BVWH makes an effort to use the correct pronouns and names. 2855 Valmont Rd, Boulder, CO Email: info@bvwhc.org. Phone: (303) 416-4112 (appointments), (303) 442-5160 (general inquiries) Boulder Community Health is a non-profit medical health center. To connect with someone directly for information on LGBTQ healthcare services, contact SWise@bch.org. Boulder County AIDS Project supports, advocates for, and educates anyone who is or could be affected by HIV. 2118 14th St, Boulder, CO Email: info@bcap.org. Phone (303) 444-6121. The Center on Colfax is a resource and community center for LGBTQ folks providing assistance on finding health coverage, testing sites, and more. 1301 E. Colfax Ave, Denver, CO Email: info@lgbtqcolorado.org Phone: (303) 733-3343. Denver Health LGBTQ+ Center of Excellence has trained, LGBTQ doctors and staff. 777 Bannock St, Denver, CO Patient navigators are available at (303) 602-6760 or (303) 602-6819. Email: LGBTadmin@dhha.org. Mariposa is an app that provides direct access to a trans-identified doctor trained in Hormone Replacement Therapy. For more information, visit them at getmariposa.com. One Colorado provides resources, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ folks across the state. Visit the website at onecolorado.org/lgbtq-resources/ health-resources-for-lgbtq1 4 \\ J A N U A R Y 8 , 2 0 2 0

patients/ for detailed information on healthcare. Out Boulder is an LGBTQ+ community center serving Boulder County. Resources can be found on their website, outboulder.org. Phone: (303) 499-5777 (Boulder). (720) 600-4138 (Longmont). Planned Parenthood of the RockyMountains is a sexual health resource center. From an In Case You’re Curious book for young ones with questions about sex, to PrEP, HIV, and other sexual health testing services, the centers give access and knowledge about anything related to sexual health. Website: plannedparenthood. org/health-center. Queer Asterisk has offices in both Boulder and Denver (and even Longmont). The offices are run by queer and trans therapists and educators providing individual, couple/ relationship, family, and group therapy. 2027 Broadway Suite E, Boulder, CO 1155 Sherman Suite 511, Denver, CO 1823 Sunset Pl Suite F, Longmont, CO Transgender Center of the Rockies offers community, counseling, therapy groups, and medical services. 3460 S Federal Blvd, Sheridan, CO Phone: (303) 761-0200. Trans Health Boulder County has a list of genderaffirming primary care providers on their website: transhealthbouldercounty.org/ general-practitioners. The UCHealth Integrated Transgender Program has transgender and genderdiverse health specialists to help with evaluation, hormone therapy, surgery, routine health maintaince, and more. Phone: (720) 848-2650

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Puerto

Vallarta,

Mexico offers beach weddings with picturesque sunsets Marriott and Westin Hotels Welcome LGBTQ Weddings

By Jerry Jones NEMA News Network

or many LGBTQ couples, a wedding in an exotic location, or even one on the beach, was something they could dream about but never really afford. The staff at Two Sister Hotels in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, wants you to know that your wedding dreams can come true, and they are looking to work with you and your budget. The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa and The Westin Resort and Spa Puerto Vallarta sit about a mile apart from each other, and both have received LGBT certification by the Jalisco Tourism Secretariat and Talento Consultores; The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is also TAG Approved and TMR Out Now certified. 1 6 \\ J A N U A R Y 8 , 2 0 2 0

With the hotels operating under the Marriott International umbrella, they sit on beachfront property overlooking Banderas Bay and the Pacific, and each has ample space for just about any size wedding. Marriott International has long been recognized as a leader in the hotel industry on topics of diversity and inclusion, regularly scoring 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. The company also offers education and sales training to its associates to give them greater insight into what their guests might expect. However, be warned that most of the American weddings performed at the hotels are symbolic in nature—the couples have gotten married before they left the U.S. If you want a legal, Mexican ceremony, the law requires that you be in the country at least four days prior

to your wedding, and there are several other steps that you must take. "'Love is love' has become our inspiration to coordinate wedding experiemces. We remember that this is not only the wedding day for the couple, it’s also the arrival of friends and family, setting up the right moments for networking and details that will last as memories of your special day,” said Areli Vega, wedding and special events manager, The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa. “Our recently renovated resort offers amazing beachfront locations; it has become a preferred resort for Americans and Canadians. Some couples have have marked their first walk together on white horses; others prefer the butterfly release, and of course, we can always make the vow pronunciation a special surprise for your loved one.”

Most of the weddings held at the hotels are done on the beach, and at sunset. Each hotel will only allow two weddings on the same day. With wedding packages starting as low as $75 USD per person (not including food), each hotel has specialists who will work with LGBTQ couples to help make them feel comfortable and make lifetime memories. “We have a lot of options to offer with our packages, or we can personalize their wedding to meet their own needs,” said Denisse Montes De Oca, wedding and special events manager, The Westin Resort and Spa Puerto Vallarta. “We love to work with couples. And their location in the U.S. is not a problem. We work through email, telephone, and FaceTime right up until the wedding.” Planning for a wedding—especially one that is in a foreign country—can be a daunting experience. But, rest assured, Montes De Oca said, the thousands of details will be expertly handled. “Our certified wedding planners are trained to help,” she explained. “After completing demanding coursework, each Marriott Certified Wedding Planner is qualified to coordinate weddings of all types, including ethnic and military weddings. Relying on experience, training, tradition, and old-fashioned intuition, Marriott Certified Wedding Planners can help you determine an overall vision for your wedding and help you execute each detail. That includes setting an event budget; deciding on a menu; arranging table settings; and finding florists, photographers, a band, and other entertainment for the big day.” Montes De Oca said she is often asked, "When is the best time of year to have my wedding?" She claims that the hotels can make any time of the year work. “We have a huge, annual Pride celebration in Puerto Vallarta around Memorial Day,” She said. “That’s always a high-interest time. But, there are pros and cons to our different seasons. The summer months can be hotter, and later in the summer, rain showers are typical. But both hotels are experienced and can make anything work to please the happy brides or grooms.”

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Artistic director and hair specialist: Elijah Bleu Gonzales

www.instagram/ elijahbleu

Photographer: JJ Constantine

www.instagram/ jjconstantinephoto MUA: Ryan Neil

www.instagram.com/ ryan_aedan_neil Wardrobe stylist: Abigail Searls

www.instagram.com/ abigailsearls Models: Kevin Williams

@kevkevwill

Stephen Hampton-Valle

@stephen.ahv

Jackie Waring

@jackie_waring Janelle Tejan

@modeljanelletejan

Into 2020 O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 1 9

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This was inspired by early 70s Franรงois Hardy. Colorful, mysterious, and fun. -Abigail Sears

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One of my passions as a make up artist is working with men, as they are often overlooked. -Ryan Neil

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Looking forward while drawing inspiration from icons of the past, that’s what 2020 style is all about. From roller disco to diva flare, these trends put a new decade spin on the looks we know and love.

Hair Expert Elijah Bleu Gonzales

Style Expert Abigail Sears

Trends in hair never change that drastically; we are constantly upcycling with a new spin—from Cher’s long, solid black hair to Brigitte Bardots’ iconic bangs. We also have the classic shag which never quite left the scene, as well as, dare I say ... the mullet. For haircuts, anticipate the return of geometric shapes and sharp lines, blunt bangs and razor-cut bobs, with lots of natural texture.

My love of fashion has been rooted in storytelling and a creative vision, and as we progress into this new decade, our biggest strength in fashion is going to be the commingling of vintage and modern, masculine and feminine. The 2020 looks I put together are really a blending of modern style with 70s amd 80s aesthetics, and by piecing together opposing fabrics and textiles, these looks can be worn in really versatile ways.

Color trends are still using the lived-in look, and lowmaintenance hair color will always be in style. However, monochromatic hair and vibrant, bold colors will make a splash on the scene this season.

The past 10 years was a dangerous decade for fast fashion. My hope for the 20s is that it will be inspired by more conscious minds, and that we establish more of an upcycling ethos when it comes to putting together fierce looks.

Makeup Expert Ryan Neil

Jackie I had in gold, mermaid disco pants, with an open, hand-knitted vintage sweater. This was really a strong look that blended some version of grandma chic and disco queen that I just felt worked. She was inspired by Kacy Musgraves, Cher, and Kim Kardashian.

One of my passions as a make up artist is working with men, as they are often overlooked. Having a ritual of self-care is important to fighting environmental damage, protecting your skin, and keeping it hydrated and healthy looking. Janelle has a PSA: euphoria-inspired makeup. Want to experiment with a light-colored eyeliner? Janelle is wearing a metallic High-Pigment Longwear NARS pencil, "The Strip," with a sculpted, bronze shadow. A modern take on 70s glam. This spring, it’s all about mixing and matching the fun stuff, like Jackie's intensely pigmented shades. Jackie is wearing the dynamic duo of blue and green liner with a wash of a soft, metallic shadow all over the lid and a nude gloss with a pop of pink on her cheek. Stephan and Kevin both have on a serum and primer with an SPF. You can wear light concealer to even the skintone out, a light bronzer, and Rosebud lip balm to finish it off (petroleum-free).

For Janelle, I had this fun, orange balloon pant with a vintage, pink-and-orange blouse and a matching, pinkand-orange flannel jacket. This look popped with green mesh socks and a gold block mule. This was inspired by the early 70s François Hardy. Colorful, mysterious, and fun. Kevin was my monochromatic inspiration. I put him in oversized, thick caramel cords paired with a feminine, gold-and-caramel, button-down shirt. This was really a look that established that you can do so much with opposing textures. For Stephan, my disco boy, I used some old, sequined pants and a navy, paisley button-down. I was really channeling Studio 54. I think this look had really incredible, opposing textures, and I really loved how he was able to just make it come to life.

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“Nothing for this shoot was purchased; everything was either from my personal collection or borrowed from Buffalo Exchange. The last decade was a dangerous decade for fast fashion, and my hope for the 20s is that more conscious minds will establish an upcycling ethos when it comes to putting together fierce looks.”–Abigail Sears

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Looking to a Bright and Colorful New Year

Eugene

By Denny Patterson Photos courtesy of Eugene Yang

ugene Yang is the Asian sensation best known for his work with BuzzFeed and The Try Guys. In addition to acting, filmmaking, and being an overall badass internet celebrity, he is an LGBTQ icon. The only openly gay member among The Try Guys, Yang helped create LGBTQ-themed videos such as Season 1 Episode 3, “The Try Guys Try Drag for the First Time,” and he executively produced and hosted BuzzFeed’s “Queer Prom” five-part video series that documented the journey of eight high school seniors who attended the company’s first LGBTQ-themed prom together with other students. He also works with various human rights and LGBTQ advocacy charities like The Trevor Project. In October 2019, he was awarded the Human Rights Campaign’s Visibility Award.

However, nothing will ever be like this past June when Yang officially opened up about his sexual identity and explicitly came out a gay in a music video that instantly went viral. Garnering millions of views, the video made a tremendous 2 8 \\ J A N U A R Y 8 , 2 0 2 0

Yang

impact and is still circulating across the internet today.

OUT FRONT had the opportunity to chat more with Yang about the video, his time with The Try Guys, and what we can expect in the future.

audience very quickly, expanding

I would like to begin by talking more about the coming-out video you released last June. For millions, this video made an incredible impact and continues to do so today. Why did you want to come out this way?

knowledge of my personal life. Like,

This is a very complex question [laughs]. When I started working online, I was struggling with the idea of racing the

I was thrust into this 'viral stardom.’

would I be able to come out to my family before the audience knew? At the same time, some of my work is dedicated to trying to elevate the queer community, so it was very difficult, especially when You are essentially selling yourself and giving your life to the cameras.

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“

The Try Guys brand is being open to other identities and races, and they are just the nicest, most open-minded guys you could ever meet.

When I was working at my previous job at BuzzFeed, I was explicitly queer and open. I came out as LGBTQ, but I wasn’t very particular. That was also because people in my family are Asian, and they don’t know what queer or LGBTQ is. They thought queer meant happy. I created BuzzFeed’s first queer prom, and some of the older people in my family were like, 'Oh, so they’re like weird kids.' That was kind of why, on the personal side, I was struggling with this. It came down to when it dawned on me that I had some sort of impact with my position as an online creator, which I was always unaware of. So many kids were clearly following me and watching all the things I produced, and many of them who were identifying as questioning or LGBTQ would talk to me and say how they came out because of XYZ video I did. This was prior to the coming-out video. I had no one growing up to give me that shred of confidence or open that dialogue in my life. I was giving these kids a conditioned version of myself, and to see that I had an iota of influence because of what I have done online was the pivotal point for me. I always had this project in the back of my head, and when I realized my position as an internet creator with a huge, international audience, I needed to exercise that proclamation now. With the number of eyes paying attention, I wanted to give that 1,000 percent without conditioning. And this video wasn’t just for the public to know, but there were some people in my personal circles who didn’t know, and I didn’t tell them until that video came out. It was a huge shift for me. As much as I live openly in my West Hollywood community, it is very different when I go home to Texas or Korea. It was a big moment to open the dialogue with my family and have conversations with my viewers and fans. They are using that video not only to speak with themselves about their identities, but also with their families. It has been overwhelming, but it feels like an enormous amount of pressure has been lifted off my shoulders.

I bet. How did your parents and family react after seeing the video? I always say, for many people, there’s not just a switch. There’s not an on/off button. Many parents who come from different

backgrounds or have more conservative views are growing and learning alongside you. Sometimes, if they are not at all on the same path, that is when you can start considering that these people are toxic in your life. Those trying to understand the path, you are often the only source of information for them. I have kind of constantly been at this sort of struggle on how to educate and inform my family without them feeling offended or disheartened. So, I am happy that everything is good on the family side. I would also say this isn’t a topic of conversation when we see each other, but it certainly means something. My mother came to our San Francisco Bay/San Jose area show, and I didn’t tell her anything I was doing in the show. My entire section and solo number were essentially a celebration of LGBT through culture. Baby drag, lip sync, queer history filled with dance. I am tucked, got a bra on, everything, and she had no idea what to expect. The thing she told me afterwards is that I looked pretty. For me, that was the [best] covert, around-the-bush response I could get from someone of her background. That fulfilled me. I know she will never set foot in a gay bar or go to an actual drag show with me, but the fact that she said I looked pretty was enormous. That was a triumph.

What about Keith, Ned, and Zach? How did they react to the video? They have always been supportive. The thing is, we also function as a production company. I was ready to produce this video on my own, but they immediately stepped in to help. They have been privy to my identity and life since we first met, and they have always been huge champions. The Try Guys brand is being open to other identities and races, and they are just the nicest, most open-minded guys you could ever meet. I always joke, they’re cool for cis, white, straight men [laughs]. They have been behind me 1,000 percent, and I think they were just as surprised about the response. I didn’t know if the video would do well, and I didn’t know if anyone would respond, but the response was wonderful.

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What kind of advice would you give to someone who is afraid to come out or accept their true self? Hmm, that’s a tough one. I think the big thing is, young people today are growing up surrounded by social media, and they have this idea that their coming-out experience should somehow be on a timeline. They don’t necessarily feel like they are celebrating themselves like the icons they follow. There was a huge period of my time as a rising, digital star where I felt beholden to present the most untarnished version of myself. Like, I needed to be this beacon of something, slaying the game. I came to a point where I’m like, that’s not my story. Embrace your flaws. The core of my video was me coming to terms with myself. I am a gay, Asian man, and I’m 33 years old. There is no timeline or limit for you to come out and accept yourself. I want to emphasize that everyone is on their own journeys, and I hope with more education and exposure to what else is out there, they can start crafting their own destinies in their own way.

Are you are currently involved with someone? I am! I don’t like to talk about him or our relationship much to the media, but I do have a significant other, and I am very happy and content with that relationship, contrary to the popular belief that I am undateable, which was very true for the majority of my life. I do not denounce that assumption.

I would now like to ask you a couple questions related to The Try Guys. You did your first nationwide tour last year. How did that go? It went well! We had a lot of wonderful experiences being able to see people who have been following us for years. I didn’t understand quite what the nature of touring would be, but we put together a fantastic show. It was like this glam rock extravaganza mixed with comedy, dance, and improv. We would do something unique in every city, and we take audience suggestions. The biggest thing I was most surprised by is that we have such a diverse group of fans, especially a large group of young, female fans. A lot of people don’t know this, but 80 percent of our followers are female. We were told that we are wonderful examples of non-toxic masculinity. The far right would describe us as beta-males or something like that. We were called everything under the sun, and one of our biggest surprises was that we have been used in Russian propaganda videos about feminization of the Western male or some bullsh*t like that. We take pride in that!

When The Try Guys first began, did you ever think you all would become such a phenomenon? No, not at all [laughs]. I had no idea. We were also full-time producers at Buzzfeed and some of the first video producers there. We shaped that department at the time. If you remember YouTube in 2014 and 2015, there really weren’t shows. We recognized storytelling and characters are eternal, and people responded well to that. So, we just followed what the

audience wanted. They wanted to see the four of us together. It was never an egotistical thing, never a Hollywood’s calling type of thing. The audience liked our rapport, so we essentially not only became best friends, but we became best friends and colleagues on camera while working with each other. I never would have expected to become best friends with those three. Throw us in a room together, and we would be in completely different social circles. There is a kind of beauty in that. We never thought it would become what it is today.

What has been one of your favorite Try Guys segments? Oh my goodness. You know, I am particular to series that we do that are more education-oriented. We like to call it edutainment. Essentially, we have done multiple series, like miniseries, that focus on a topic where we slide in education underneath the comedy. Like, we did a series on old age. We tried on old-age simulation suits. Prior to that, we did a drunk driving series where we did a closed course, and we tested driving drunk versus driving high or texting. And those are interesting because the impact those videos have, oftentimes, they are shown by teachers to their students. A lot of these different series are shown in a lot of different courses in high school and middle school. Well, hopefully just high school because we do curse a lot [laughs]. We do a ton of research for those videos, and at our cores, we are academic nerds. It is very fulfilling for me as a producer who is trying to do a little more than just simply going for the laugh. Having people learn is wonderful, and one thing we do look forward to over the next couple years is doing an environmental series. We are also interested in doing something that will point towards the 2020 election. Think of The Try Guys taking over Capitol Hill! To stay up-to-date with Eugene Yang, follow him on Twitter (@EugeneLeeYang), Instagram (eugeneleeyang), and visit tryguys.com.

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Flourishing in a

NEW

SPACE

By Rylee Thomas Photos by Veronica L. Holyfield 3 4 \\ J A N U A R Y 8 , 2 0 2 0

he art world can feel very highbrow and unreachable. It’s difficult to feel accepted into a climate that feeds itself on critique and subjective opinions, and it’s difficult to even get into a gallery. Art collectives offer alternatives to this by creating a space of inclusivity and support, rallying a community of artists who collaborate to promote each other’s work. Even then, most art collectives are driven by a core group of members who almost exclusively show their own art. Joining an already existing art collective can prove challenging to new artists, and starting a new collective can be incredibly time-consuming and expensive. The artists with Flourish Creative Spaces are trying to change that by starting a new, innovative place for community and creation.

Robyn Frances, Samuel Flores, and Heather Penhale met while working at a club in downtown Denver in 2018. They didn’t know they were working towards establishing Flourish, as they had been sharing their dreams and goals with one another for quite some time. Their monikers, Grow Love, Wildflower, and LuckyPen, respectively, reflect the free-spirited individuality that their new collective encourages.

was space,” Grow Love said. The space itself is industrial, raw, and unique. It’s comprised of three areas that connect to the other collectives in the surrounding buildings, forming one extensive maze of bright colors and intriguing mediums. It moves cohesively and acts as a warm, inviting home for all those seeking to create. It will act as a gallery, classroom, event space, and more, for and by the community.

Their collaboration was effortless, all working towards a shared goal of inclusivity and giving space and value to artists who might not be given the opportunity otherwise. You don’t have to be a member, which most other art collectives require, to show in the gallery space or to teach or take a class. For these three artists, providing an inclusive environment for their fellow creatives was quite simple. “It didn’t take very much time at all to create Flourish,” Grow Love explained. "It took two months from sharing that we all wanted a space, to leasing, completely renovating, to opening.”

Flourish have created a space without preconceived notions or expectations, and they allow room for art and artists to grow and art appreciators to expand their analytical eye. The main gallery space is free from title cards and thematic explanations usually found on the walls of museums and galleries that guide the viewer from piece to piece through themes and concepts. Instead, the space inspires critical thought.

Their vision was clear: a space for everyone to make art, live, love, and grow with one another. “All we needed

At first, I found myself in need of structure: what is this show about? What connects the artists; tell me the context; tell me the story. Then, you realize this could be a space where art can exist on its own, for both the artists themselves and for the audience. What a challenging concept, to be put in charge

of your own experience in a gallery, without the narrative being dictated by an outside force. Flourish will nurture the art community in Denver, and it will in turn yield a new wave of talented artists and art-appreciators while challenging traditional elements of art institutions. In 2020, the founders of Flourish Creative Spaces are looking forward to settling into their new space and their community. “We want to have as many artists as possible in our space to show art, take classes, teach, and generally be inspired and feel nurtured,” they explained. This new collective will bring a fresh outlook to the experience of art galleries, breaking down some of the barriers that have kept them unapproachable and rigid. “All artists and creatives are connected in some way, shape, or form,” they added, “and we’re here to provide the space necessary to collaborate on big things.” And big things lie ahead for Flourish Creative spaces in 2020. Robyn Frances is no longer affiliated with Flourish.

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Envision:You Partner with State Leaders to Address LGBTQ Health Needs By Seth Holder 3 6 \\ J A N U A R Y 8 , 2 0 2 0

RALI Colorado brings together local, state, and national leaders to identify lasting solutions to help end the state’s opioid crisis. RALI sponsored the public awareness campaign. Three prominent Coloradans—each of whom is deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of all Coloradans—have also joined the campaign to raise awareness and capacity around mental health issues in Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community. State Representative Leslie Herod, former State Senator Linda Newell, and Michelle Barnes, executive director of the Colorado Department of Human Services, each taped public service announcements (PSAs) which aired on radio stations in parts of Colorado in December. The PSAs encouraged LGBTQ+ community members to access resources and services if they or a loved one are affected by mental health illness or substance use disorder and encourage loved ones to spot the warning signs of opioid misuse.