674 Outword Pride Two - Local Heroes - 6-10-21

SPECIAL PRIDE ISSUE - LOCAL HEROES! No. 674 • June 10, 2021 outwordmagazine.com

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Broadway Bares & More Go Virtual page 29 Oakland Black Pride Announces Inaugural ‘Inside/Out!’ page 8

Concert for Love & Acceptance PRIDE Month 2021 in Seattle page 12

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Panda(Emic) Inspires New Clothing-Brand For Men page 36

Outword Sacramento LGBT Community Center Development Team Head Pride Month Efforts Staff PUBLISHER Fred Palmer A RT DIRECTOR/ PRODUCTION Kristy Harris Ron Tackitt GRA PHIC DESIGN Kristy Harris Ron Tackitt EDITOR editor@outwordmagazine.com A RTS EDITOR Chris Narloch SA LES Fred Palmer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chris Allan Christopher J. Beale Matthew Burlingame Faith Colburn Kristy Harris Diana Kienle Chris Narloch Lauren Pulido Ron Tackitt PHOTOGRA PHY Charles Peer Ron Tackitt ON THE COVER Five Local Heroes!

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Nat. Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Nat. Gay & Lesbian Journalist Association Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce

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he Sacramento LGBT Community Center (The Center) welcomes two new members to its Development Team, adding to the fold Lauren Pulido as Community Engagement Manager and Jason Alviar as Communications and Marketing Manager..

“We’re excited to have Lauren and Jason on the team,” Said Allison VanKuiken, who joined the Center as Chief Development Officer in November 2020. “They’re bringing fresh ideas and it feels like our team is complete.”

Rounding out the Development team of new faces is Annual and Corporate Giving Director, Lanz Nalagan, who’s been a staffer at the Center for four years.

“Allison, Jason, and Lauren are great additions,” says Nalagan. “In the short time they’ve been with us they’ve already made such an impact.”

In their first major task together, Allison, Lanz, Jason, and Lauren built a program of Pride Month events that the whole community can safely enjoy while the State returns to normalcy from the COVID19 Pandemic.

Last month, the Center released a statement regarding Sacramento Pride 2021, stating that “2021’s Pride March and Festival would not take place in the traditional in-person format this June 13-14,” citing that “there is still too much uncertainty to safely gather tens of thousands of people as we did prior to the pandemic.”

The Development team went to work building relationships with local businesses, public facilities, and major brands to help turn a usually two-day event, into a monthlong celebration of LGBTQ+ visibility, inclusion, and community Pride.

The Development Team wanted to highlight events that’ll give folx an unforgettable Pride Month experience.

Glowing with Pride starts June 21 where the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, and several public buildings in and around Sacramento will be bathed in Rainbow Lights commemorating Pride Month acting as a beacon of hope after a long period of Isolation.

Ride with Pride is an event partnered

with Spin scooters where we’re reinventing Pride and exploring new ways of bringing people together and building community.

The Grand Opening of the Marsha P. Johnson Center South will celebrate the Center’s brand new south Sacramento Facility bringing services and resources to the underserved black and brown LGBTQ+ community.

The Family-Friendly Drag Show is an event presented by the Center’s Qspot which will be an outdoor drag show that the whole family can sit and enjoy.

You Betta Work Fair is a Career/Job fair held at the Center’s Parking lot and will be open to the whole community. LGBTQ+ jobseekers will be connected to businesses in the private, public, and labor sectors to network and land a job that’s right for them.

More information about Sacramento Pride Month including a list of events in June complete with dates and times can be found on www.sacramentopride.org. For more information about our development team including contact info and bios can be found at www.saccenter.org.

The 2021 Festival will Return to the Heart of Palm Springs

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ocated in Downtown Palm Springs, the Pride Festival will feature 250+ exhibitors, multiple entertainment venues, activities for youth and teens, sponsor pavilions, a food court, and our signature Pride inflatable characters. The Parade route is also expected to be on Palm Canyon Dr. All activity depends on any COVID-19 safety guidelines in place.

Make plans now! Palm Springs Pride Festival Hours of Operation (subject to adjustment an hour + or -) Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm Sunday, November 7, 2021 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Parade: Sunday, November 7 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm June 10, 2021 - June 24, 2021 • No. 674

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Google.org Donates $2 million to OutRight’s LGBTIQ Emergency Fund

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oogle.org has announced USD $2 million in support for OutRight Action International’s Covid-19 Global LGBTIQ Emergency Fund. OutRight launched the Covid-19 Global LGBTIQ Emergency Fund in April 2020 to support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer (LGBTIQ) organizations around the world responding to the disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on LGBTIQ communities.

Since the early days of the pandemic LGBTIQ people have faced devastation of livelihoods, increasing homelessness and food insecurity, rising levels of domestic and family violence, scapegoating for the crisis, isolation from communities, and exclusion from relief efforts.

In the first year, OutRight distributed USD $1 million in grants from the Fund to over 125 organizations in 63 countries, reaching 50,000 people. Since the Fund’s launch in April 2020, OutRight has received more than 2,500 applications from communities in need in 131 countries, totaling over 38 million USD in support requests.

Executive Director of OutRight Action International, Jessica Stern, comments: “Google.org’s support for OutRight’s

Covid-19 Global LGBTIQ Emergency Fund is truly transformative, doubling its reach and impact. Thanks to the contribution from Google.org, OutRight will be able to serve tens of thousands of LGBTIQ people in need around the globe, providing a lifeline at an incredibly challenging time.”

With Google.org’s funding, OutRight will be able to support at least an additional 100 LGBTIQ organizations in over 60 countries, reaching tens of thousands of people. In addition, Google.org is providing $1 million in Google Ad Grants to support OutRight’s advocacy for LGBTIQ human rights globally.

The Emergency Fund was launched with generous support from founding partners Calvin Klein, Inc., Dunn Family Charitable Foundation, Gilead Sciences, Inc., and Microsoft Corp.

Which Pride Parade Ranks Highest? Hint: It’s Not SF or NYC

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ew research out today from InMyArea.com (https://www. inmyarea.com/) asked more than 1,000 past attendees of Pride Parades and found our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is #1. The complete ranking can be found at: https://www.inmyarea.com/ moving/ranking-pride-parades New York City’s parade, the birthplace of Pride parades, ranked #2 overall. However, respondents overwhelmingly said ‘if they had to pick one city to attend pride’ that NYC was the event – more than one-in-five or 21 percent saying so.

Rounding out the top 10 are: #3: Columbus #4: Seattle #5: Denver #6 Boston #7: Los Angeles #8: San Francisco #9: Atlanta #10: Key West 6

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Oakland Black Pride Announces Inaugural ‘Inside/Out!’ National Pride Month Celebration: June 24-27

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akland Black Pride, a nonprofit created to address inequities that exist for people at the critical intersection of blackness and queerness, is pleased to announce the inaugural Inside/ OUT! Black Pride Celebration in partnership with the City of Oakland, Oakland Parks, Recreation and Youth Development.

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Set to take place June 24-27, 2021, the four-day series of events offers virtual workshops and limited-capacity events at several Oakland businesses and includes a Queer Expo, Kickball Tournament and Skate for Pride Party hosted by Grammy Winner Durand Bernarr. The Inside/OUT! program of events culminates in a Slayer’s Ball grand finale at The Bridge Yard. The event honors the legacy of Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, two trans-women of color who were prominent figures in the Stonewall Uprising, social justice advocates and mothers of the Pride movement.

“Inside/Out! marks the first-ever Black-led Pride Month event in the Bay Area in celebration of the immense contributions of Black LGBTQIA+ people to our society,” said Olaywa K. Austin, executive director of Oakland Black Pride. “At Oakland Black Pride, we take great joy and responsibility in mobilizing to create pathways for queer Black people to express themselves freely, live healthy lives and have equal opportunities for professional advancement.”

The empowering line-up of panels and workshops expands on that advancement with a daily Fitness & Nutrition Class hosted

by Brown & Healthy, an Inclusive Economics

panel for BIPOC and LGBTQ Businesses, a session on Reclaiming Our Food Systems and The Revolutionary Dance Floor panel featuring two DJs and two professional dancers in the style of Red Table Talk. This year’s event will also include a Queer Pub Crawl featuring food and drink specials at select Oakland bars and restaurants such as Kingston 11, PORT Bar, Oeste and Sobre Mesa. Additionally, Oakland-based Chef Nelson German of Sobre Mesa will host a PRIDE benefit dinner featuring a six-course tasting menu with three cocktail pairings in partnership with Chef Christina Harrison of JusLa Eats.

“It’s with great pride that we welcome the Inside/OUT! Black Pride Celebration to the ‘town’ of Oakland,” remarked Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. “In a continued effort to combat the effects of racial and gender inequality, we stand with Oakland Black Pride in honoring the unique and beautiful contributions of the Black LGBTQIA+ community.”

General admission to most events are free to the public, but registration is required. The decentralized line-up is in adherence with city and state Covid-19 safety protocols.

Attendees can view the full schedule by visiting oaklandblackpride.org.

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LA Pride Announces Month-long Volunteer Opps and Expanded Concert Talent Line-up

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hristopher Street West Association Inc (CSW), the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that produces the annual LA Pride celebration, announces sign-up details for Angelenos wishing to participate in the 300+, month long Pride Makes a Difference volunteer in partnership with Big Sunday. Further, LA Pride is announcing additional confirmed talent to the June 10th Thrive with Pride concert presented by TikTok.

Pride Makes a Difference: 300+ Volunteer & Donation Opportunities Starting today, Angelenos can register to sign up at www.lapride.org/pridemakesadifference to donate, volunteer or drop off goods all month long benefiting a variety of local and some national nonprofit organizations that work with underserved groups within and outside of our community.

In conjunction with local nonprofit organization Big Sunday, LA Pride’s Pride Makes a Difference will highlight a specific thematic need weekly, starting with health and wellness.

Organizations LA Pride will be supporting include the Hollywood Food Coalition, The Trevor Project, Aviva Family and Children’s Services, The Black AIDS Institute and many others.

“Big Sunday is all about connecting people through helping. We are so impressed that LA Pride has added a giving-back element to this year’s celebration, and can’t think of a better event to celebrate the talent, diversity, big hearts and generous spirit of so many in our great city,” said David Levinson, founder and executive director, Big Sunday about Pride Makes a Difference.

More weekly thematic details below: • J une 1-5: Highlight on health & wellness, presented by Cedars-Sinai with support from Orangetheory Fitness, Lord Jones and AIDS Healthcare Foundation • June 6-12: Highlight on combating food insecurity, sponsored by Pavilions, Albertsons and Vons, Bella+Canvas, U.S. Bank, WarnerMedia, HBO Max

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ONLY $79 www.HotCold.com via an online registry that has been created for toiletry kits and food items that are most in need by many of the listed organizations. More information and registry details can be found on the lapride.org/pridemakesadifference website.

Further, Angelenos can drop off goods at drop off locations throughout Los Angeles, including multiple Orangetheory Fitness studios. More dropoff location information can be found also on the website.

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June 10 Line-Up for Thrive with Pride Concert presented by TikTok Joining hyperpop diva Charli XCX for the livestreamed TikTok concert at 7:00PM on Thursday, June 10 will include a bevy of LGBTQ+ talent including host Benito Skinner, aka BennyDrama, and performances by incredible artists Love Bailey, VINCINT and Gia Woods. More updates and information about each artist can be found on the lapride.org website.

LA Pride has also teamed up with SKYY VODKA to present Club Thrive, the official • June 13-19-21: Highlight on combating housing after-party to the concert and kick-off to LA Pride weekend in Los Angeles. Everyone is invited to insecurity presented by T-Mobile with support join for a livestreamed DJ set following the from Nordstrom, Tinder, UPS, and Citi Thrive with Pride concert, available to all through • June 20-30: Highlight on protecting the LA Pride’s Instagram Live channel. environment presented by T-Mobile with Follow @lapride on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok support from Toyota, Target and Kim Crawford and Instagram, or for more information about Supporters can choose to donate items digitally any Pride event, visit www.lapride.org.

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Positive Partnering

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By Damond Sladen (They/Them) and Kelsie Hale (She/Her) Instagram: @mythanedame and @kelshoran

hen I first acknowledged my true identity I thought that even though I was transgender I still had to stay within the structure of the gender binary system; there was only male and female and no in between.

In my past relationships I embodied the machismo way of life doing the stereotypical toxic masculinity 101: being “emotionless “, only showing anger, growing a beard, becoming stronger, abstaining from “feminine colors”, in other words living by the stereotypes of society. I’ve lived this way for over a decade, but have always wanted to delve into the thought that if I was able to live authentically as a trans person maybe the system is meant to be broken and it’s not as black-and-white as I thought. I’ve come to learn that there is a gray area or rainbow that blends each of the colors together to be fluid.

My partner Kelsie has opened my eyes to being in a relationship that is built on safety, this has given me the comfort and ability to explore every aspect of who I am. It has encouraged me to delve into the unknown of myself with the comfort of knowing I have someone by my side, someone to help me find the answers to the questions that I’ve been longing to answer, someone who helps me understand and challenge myself in finding who I am. When I first realized that I wanted to use they/them, it was easy to talk to Kelsie knowing there was no fear of her rejecting me or having to change who I am to appease others and their perceptions.

Instead we have a candid conversation of when I decided to start this exploration, what caused it, and what she could do to help me feel more comfortable in my own skin and more comfortable in society.

When I started exploring and expanding into what most would perceive as typically more feminine colors, clothing, and accessories Kelsie was and has been my biggest and loudest cheerleader. She is always hyping me up, always telling me how good I look in the clothes, how happy I look, consistently checking in on me in this journey by asking me where I am in the day as far as gender presentation, and helping me find clothes and accessories she thinks

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I’ll like. She even helps me style myself in outfits to help represent the most authentic and true me.

It’s not an easy journey to find yourself but having a supportive and loving partner truly does make all the difference. I have come out multiple times, each one different from the former and just as nerve wracking.

Each time I keep telling myself what I did the first time; you deserve to be happy and not suffer in silence, you deserve to be loved in all ways, shapes and forms by the ones you value and cherish the most. It may be painful and sometimes you’ll ask yourself why; you may even shame yourself because of the pain it’s causing. But at the end of the day, to live your most authentic self in your truest form is the best gift you can give yourself. I am continuously thankful to have family and friends that love me so much but I am the most thankful for having Kelsie in my life. I would give her the world because with her in mine, this world has become that much more safer for me to be me.

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PRIDE Month 2021 in Seattle

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elebrate Pride with these cornerstone events taking place in Seattle this year:

Seattle Pride: Resilience | Saturday & Sunday, June 26-27 The official Seattle Pride celebrations will once again be virtual, with in-person events planned for October 2021. The weekend of Pride (June 26-27) will be jam-packed with performances, gameshows, educational and activism-focused speakers and panels, virtual booths to connect with local non-profits and vendors, and community gathering/discussion groups.

Highlights of this year’s event include performances by national and local LGBTQIA+ artists like: Big Freedia, Mary Lambert, Perfume Genius, mxmtoon, DJ dark_wiley, Simone Pin, and Seattle Ladies Choir.

All Together Now | Thursday & Friday, October 9-10 Seattle Pride, the organizers of the Seattle Pride Parade and Seattle Pride in the Park events, have planned for an in-person LGBTQIA+ event in the fall.

With the theme All Together Now, Seattle Pride is planning a fall reunion to remember. Details of the event are still in development but the festivities will take place on Capitol Hill and other area neighborhoods October 9-10. Events will include a self-guided route with numerous stopping points featuring a wide variety of activities, performances and more, taking place in and around many of the community’s favorite LGBTQIA+ and ally-owned businesses.

More details will be announced as available.

Power Couples in Seattle’s LGBTQIA+ Community Nothing says Pride like celebrating the people who make up its vibrant community. Here are a just who proudly call Seattle home: Seattle Pride in the Culinary World: Chefs Aisha Ibrahim and Samantha Beaird are taking the helm at iconic Seattle fine-dining establishment, Canlis.

The renowned restaurant welcomed Aisha Ibrahim as their new Executive Chef in May as they prepare to reopen their dining room July 1. Chef Ibrahim is the first female executive chef at Canlis, and only the seventh in Canlis’s 70-year history. Chef Ibrahim moved from Thailand to take over at Canlis, along with her partner, Samantha Beaird, who will serve a key role as research and development chef at Canlis.

Seattle Pride in Sports: Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird – partners, celebrated athletes and dynamic advocates – are two of the most celebrated members of the LGBTQ community in Seattle. Rapinoe, an Olympic gold medalist and two-time 12 Outword Magazine

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Women’s World Cup champion, and Bird, an Olympic gold medalist and four-time WNBA champion who plays for the Seattle Storm, appeared virtually to give the keynote address at the 2021 PCMA Convening Leaders Conference, partnering with Visit Seattle. Rapinoe and Bird discussed how they became activists, focusing on the work being done in Seattle to make it an inclusive hub.

Seattle Pride in the Arts: Jenny Pohlman and Sabrina Knowles are life and work partners, and trailblazers of glass art in the Pacific Northwest. Each year, they open their incredible home and studio for Refract, Seattle’s Glass Art Experience, providing demos to the public and showcasing their work. Their work was also featured at the Museum of Glass in the national LGBTQ glass art show, Transparency.

Additional Events and Offerings • Pride Asia Fest 2021 | Sunday, May 30 Pride ASIA is held annually to create a safe space for Queer Asian Pacific Islander Americans to celebrate PRIDE. • Business of Pride | Thursday, June 10 The Puget Sound Business Journal will sponsor Business of Pride, a virtual event to highlight LGBTQ business leaders, allies and advocates in the Puget Sound area who are making a difference in advancing equality in the business world.

• Rock for Pride | Saturday, June 12 Rock for Pride is a virtual event, aimed at providing awareness support and a sense of pride to the LGBTQIA community. The event will feature heartfelt messages of love and celebration by fellow community leaders as well as performances by Seattle musicians, drag artists, and more.

• Capitol Hill Pride March & Rally | June 26-27. This year’s Capitol Hill Pride March & Rally will take place in person, with all social distancing and COVID guidelines in place.

• Wine & Dine | June 1-30 During the month of June, local restaurant Aerlume is partnering with Aluel Cellars to feature their The Scholar Bordeaux-style red blend as their special glass pour. Aluel is one of two LGBTQ-owned wineries in Washington State, with a tasting room in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. The Scholar raises money for the Greater Seattle Business Alliance (GSBA) scholarship fund.

More Details: For more information, please visit our 2021 Pride webpage with event listings, inspiration for intentional spending, community resources and more: pride. visitseattle.org. outwordmagazine.com

CCAF College Scholarships Invest in Local HIV+ Youth

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apital City AIDS Fund (CCAF) is committed to the Sacramento region and investing in the future of our community. CCAF’s Helen Veress Mitchell Scholarship Fund provides young people living with HIV/AIDS with up to $1,500 per year to attend college or technical school. Applications for the Helen VeressMitchell Scholarship are now available on the CCAF website.

One of CCAF’s primary goals is to raise money to distribute to local HIV+ youth to help them with school. To date, the scholarship fund has awarded approximately $300,000 to hundreds of students. CCAF takes pride in having a PhD student studying at-risk behavior among young gay men, several MA graduates and many BA and technical school grads.

“What we have found is that many of our students, once they graduate, get jobs in the community helping others living with HIV,” said Stuart Eldridge, CCAF scholarship committee chair. “We believe this is one of the best investments we could ever make.”

Charisse is a PhD student who studies at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and has been funded annually by CCAF’s Scholarship Fund throughout her college experience. Her research focuses on the implementation of interventions to improve health outcomes among adolescents

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living with HIV. “I’ve been honored to receive CCAF scholarships throughout my college studies,” said Charisse. “Many people don’t want to invest in us because they don’t think we’re going to live long.”

While CCAF knows that new medications will help Charisse live a long, rewarding life, living with HIV is not easy.

The antiretroviral medications can be hard on the body. However, they provide hope.

CCAF also is committed to the hope that someday HIV infections will stop. That’s why CCAF is committed to education and prevention. Investing in young people who carry the message to other youth is one of the many ways CCAF is making a difference.

Applications must be received no later than July 15, 2021. Scholarships will be awarded September 15, 2015. To get more information about scholarships and download an application, go to www.capcityaidsfund.org

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Crocker Art Museum Guide to Summer Fun

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ooking for fun this summer? Come to the Crocker Art Museum! In-person and virtual art experiences are on tap all summer long for all ages. Advance tickets may be required.

Visit crockerart.org/calendar for a complete list of offerings and more details, including health and safety information. See you in the galleries!

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New Exhibitions Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection JUNE 6 — SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 For America: Paintings from the National Academy of Design JULY 3 – OCTOBER 3, 2021 Crocker Art Camps Connect with old and new friends at the Crocker’s new outdoor studio during weeklong, fun, learning experiences that include art projects, recreation, creative free time, gallery lessons, and tours of the Museum’s special exhibitions. Each camp has two sessions to choose from!

Crocker Art Camp: Animal Adventures Session 1: June 21 – 25; 9AM – NOON Session 2: July 19 -23; 9AM - NOON $ 295 MEMBERS • $340 NONMEMBERS From wild and woolly, to friendly and furry, discover a variety of ways to capture animals through art. Learn to draw, paint, and collage real (or imagined) animals, while taking inspiration from the menagerie of artwork featured in the Crocker’s collection.

Crocker Art Camp: Art and Nature Session 1: June 28 – July 2; 9 AM – NOON Session 2: August 2 - 6; 9 AM - NOON $ 295 MEMBERS • $340 NONMEMBERS Jump into the natural world to examine, explore, and have some fun with nature through art! Energized by the art-filled galleries at the Museum, campers will print, draw, and paint the world around them.

From color-infused landscapes to animated still-lifes, in this camp, imaginations run wild!

Crocker Art Camp: Trains, Planes and Art Mobiles Session 1: July 12 - 16; 9 AM – NOON Session 2: August 9 -13; 9 AM - NOON $ 295 MEMBERS • $340 NONMEMBERS Buckle up for gallery adventures, spaceships, and flying machines! After a year of staying in one place, art is on-the-go in this horizon-bound camp that dives into a variety of art media, from sketching to sculpting, while exploring objects that move through air, on land, and in space.

Family Fun: Portraits Friday, July 9 $6 MEMBERS • $12 NONMEMBERS Children 3 and under free Start times are available every 15 minutes from 11 AM – 1:00 PM. Maximum 5 people per time slot.

Explore the art of portraits with an interactive, guided family tour of the Crocker’s collection and the special exhibition For America: Paintings From the National Academy of Design. Then get

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creative with an art-making activity inspired by the exhibitions. Art projects are designed for ages 4 to 9 with caregivers, but all are welcome to participate.

Family Fun: Tiffany Glass Friday, August 13 $6 MEMBERS • $12 NONMEMBERS Children 3 and under free Start times are available every 15 minutes from 11 AM – 1:00 PM. Maximum 5 people per time slot. Explore the colorful beauty of glass with an interactive, guided family tour of Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection. Then get creative with an artmaking activity inspired by the exhibition. Art projects are designed for ages 4 to 9 with caregivers, but all are welcome to participate.

The Tiffany Tour Thursdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 Fridays, August 6, 13, 20, 27 10 AM, 11 AM, and 3 PM Free with Museum Admission. Advance Registration required. Groups of 6 or less per tour. Enjoy an intimate guided tour of the art featured in Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection along with other glass art in the Crocker ’s collection.

Tour: For America and Beyond Fridays, July 9, 16, 17, 23, 30 Thursdays, August 5, 12 10 AM and 11 AM and 3:00 PM Free with Museum Admission. Advance Registration required. Groups of 6 or less per tour. In this guided tour, feast on masterworks by American artists featured in For America: Paintings From the National Academy of Design and Legends from Los Angeles: Betye, Lezley, and Alison Saar in the Crocker Collection, currently on view.

School + Teacher Programs Gallery Bytes Tues, July 20, Tues, August 3, Tues, August 17, 11:00, 11:30, NOON....FREE This new program invites you to virtually drop into different Crocker galleries and explore art through fun and thoughtprovoking conversations with Museum staff, guides and guests. Get to know works of art from the convenience of your own home.

Each session will focus on a theme and a few artworks, all live-streamed from the galleries. This activity was supported in part by the Kelly Foundation.

11:00 – Elementary school students 11:30 – Middle and high school students 12:00 – Teachers and adults outwordmagazine.com

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Outword Magazine 15

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Northern Nevada Pride Festival and CommUNITY Pride Parade

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he Northern Nevada Pride 2021 will return to an in-person event on July 24, 2021!

• Northern Nevada Pride Festival and CommUNITY Parade is an event presented by and benefiting the local non-profit organization Our Center, Northern Nevada’s only LGBTQ community center located at 1745 South Wells. Ave in Reno, NV. • The mission of Northern Nevada Pride is to empower all members of our fun-loving community. We will bring together the LGBTQ Community, Allies, and Businesses to promote diversity, celebrate our culture, remember our history, and advocate for our future.

• Due to the COVID19 pandemic, Northern Nevada Pride 2020 was a virtual event.

• Northern Nevada Pride 2019 hosted an estimated 15,000 participants and raised over $30,000 for Our Center.

• Northern Nevada Pride’s in-person festival and parade are back on July 24, 2021!

• The CommUNITY Pride Parade will begin at 10am in Downtown Reno.

• The Pride Festival will be in Wingfield Park from 11am – 5pm.

• After a year inside, it is time to come OUTside, OUTloud, OUT&proud!

• June is recognized nationally as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

• Northern Nevada Pride is celebrated in July as an official part of Artown.

2019 Highlight Video: outwordmagazine.com

https://youtu.be/N7TdDWTlc7o After a year inside, it is time to come OUTside, OUTloud, OUT&proud! Northern Nevada Pride’s festival and CommUNITY Pride Parade are BACK! Saturday, July 24th, join Northern Nevada Pride for a day-long celebration as they bring together the LGBTQ Community, Allies, and Businesses to promote diversity, celebrate culture, remember history, and advocate for the future. The parade will be in Downtown Reno, NV starting at 10am. The festival will be in Wingfield Park from 11am – 5pm.

Keep getting those vaccines and stay safe so that we can all be together in PRIDE! Northern Nevada Pride wishes everyone a Happy Pride Month in June, and we look forward to our in-person event on July 24th!

Sponsor, vendor, parade, and volunteer information can be found on their website www.NorthernNevadaPride.org.

For more information on this event, please visit www.NorthernNevadaPride.org, or our Facebook at www.facebook.com/ NorthernNevadaPride.

For more information on Our Center, please visit www.OurCenterReno.org Build Our Center, Inc. is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization working to Build, Connect, and Strengthen the community.

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YouTube Originals Global Pride Event Benefiting LGBTQ+ Youth Premieres June 25 at 12pm PST

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ouTube Originals revealed major additions to “YouTube Pride 2021,” a multi-hour, starstudded livestream event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community on Friday, June 25. The virtual celebration will feature celebrity emcees Demi Lovato, Olly Alexander with Mawaan Rizwan, Trixie Mattel, and Daniel Howell each hosting their Pride party from their respective YouTube channels. Throughout musical performances, giving challenges, special guests, live moments and much more, viewers will be encouraged to help the LGBTQ+ community by raising funds for the The Trevor Project in the US and akt in the UK.

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The multi-talented entertainers will each host an hour-long segment of “YouTube Pride 2021,” creating a seamless, back-toback celebration for viewers looking to join Pride Month festivities from home. Special guest Tyler Oakley will also join the list of previously announced talent including Kim Chi, Monét X Change, Peppermint, and Denali Foxx who will join the hosts throughout the live-streamed event.

YouTube also recently launched the #GiveWithPride challenge, a donation campaign that aims to raise $500,000 for The Trevor Project, an organization committed to providing support, resources and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. Throughout Pride Month, YouTube creators will encourage their subscribers to donate via YouTube’s donate feature with the promise of posting a highly anticipated stunt video to their channel if the goal is met (think: bleaching hair, recreating viral dance videos, or getting a tattoo). To help reach the goal,

video content sharing stories of pride, questions for the hosts and more. Select responses will then be featured throughout the stream on June 25.

“YouTube Pride 2021” is sponsored by Levi’s® and State Farm in the US. In addition to the YouTube Originals livestreamed event, YouTube’s month-long celebration of the LGBTQ+ community includes a homepage playlist featuring uplifting content with bold and brave conversations from creators sharing their personal journeys to self acceptance.

YouTube Music is also offering a “Celebrating Pride’’ playlist which includes music from both iconic and up-and-coming artists, while YouTube Gaming will host a This virtual Pride special will also live Minecraft competition later in the month incorporate the larger LGBTQ+ community featuring creators from around the world with viewer submissions. Producers at JA with the goal of bringing awareness to Films have created a microsite with a Call To mental health issues affecting the LGBTQ+ Action asking users and creators to submit community. during the month of June, YouTube is matching any donations made to the “Give With Pride” campaign up to $250,000. Select creators including PatrickStarr, Gigi Gorgeous, Elle of the Mills, The Fitness Marshall, Jackson Bird, Alannized, Jessie Paege, KingOfReads, and Jade Fox are set to air their stunt video during “YouTube Pride 2021” if the fundraising goal is met.

In the U.K., YouTube will partner with creators such as Jessica Kellgren-Fozard, Jamie Raines, and Shaaba for a U.K.-based “Give With Pride” challenge in support of akt, a charity supporting LGBTQ+ youth who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment.

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e asked, you answered. In this very special Pride issue, we present your choices for local LGBTQ+ heroes!

Name: Taryn Thru-U (AKA Johnathan Cameron) Pronouns: My staff has deemed my pronouns as she in drag, she or he in my general attire, bitch by most and in their most endearing terms, Mama T. Title: Currently I am the General Manager for The Depot Bar and Badlands Nightclub. I am also a Case Manager at Sunburst Projects. This is a non-profit organization that helps individuals living with HIV and AIDS find support, medication and therapy in dealing with the Virus.

What Organizations are Special to You? I am Empress 32 and 43 of the Imperial Court of Sacramento, an organization that I have been a part of for 20+ years. This organization raises money for other non-profits and has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars over its 48 years of existence. This organization has given me a platform to raise awareness and money for other worthy groups.

Who Inspires You? The person who inspires me is my brother. Having passed away less than 6 years ago, I never really valued him as I do now. He never questioned who I was. He supported and encouraged me to explore life and, in some cases, to live for now.

Having died at a young age, it shows how precious friends and family can be.

What Do You Like Most About Living in Sacramento?

I moved to Sacramento in the fall of 1990 to attend college at CSU, Sacramento. I started as a Business major but graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance. I haven’t left because I love the fact that Sacramento is a “Big City with Little Home Town Vibes”. I also love the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. This community has opened its arms to a sometimes crude, a tad masculine, broad shouldered drag queen and this is the family I have chosen. Hopefully as the world changes, so will this Community. We need to find inner peace and acceptance for all members of our community.

Name: Dennis Mangers Pronouns: He, him, his.

Title: Former Member California State Legislature (Ret.) Former Strategic Advisor to Senate President and Mayor Darrell Steinberg (Ret.) What Organizations are Special to You? Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus (Founding member) Stonewall Democratic Club (Founding member) Sacramento Region Community Foundation ( Former Board member and Chair) Sacramento Ballet (Former Board member and Chair) 20 Outword Magazine

Dennis Mangers (continued) Organizations (cont.)Broadway Sacramento (Former Board Member and Chair) American Leadership Foundation (Senior Fellow and former Board member and Chair) Who Inspires You? I am continually inspired by my friend Mayor Darrell Steinberg who has uplifted the rights of Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ community for over the 25 years he has served in public office. He is smart, devoted to public service and the most ethical political figure I’ve encountered in my 55 years in politics.

What Do You Like Most About Living in Sacramento?

I love living in Sacramento because being an LGBTQ+ activist here has given me the opportunity to influence public policy affecting our special community at both the City and State levels while enjoying the benefits of living in the more inclusive environment we have helped create.

Name: Melissa Muganzo Murphy Pronouns: She/They/Sis Title: Muganzo Entertainment, Inc., CEO/ The Muganzo Experience, Executive Director How long have you been active in the LGBTQ+ community?

In 2006, I started attending programs and supporting events that addressed LGBTQ+/ SGL/BIQTPOC community issues and needs.

I am so proud of the work I’ve done and being done by my esteemed colleagues to make our world safer, more welcoming, and universally inclusive.

What Organizations are Special to You? The Sacramento LGBT Center, Sacramento State Pride Center, Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, LoveMila Brand, The Trimmings, Sew Sew Creative, and Mario Esco Multi-Media Who Inspires You? My wife, my daughter, my sister and my mother - all incredible Black women who are independent thinkers, creatives in their own right, and not afraid to take up space.

What do you like most about living in Sacramento? The fall weather and scenery are like no other. The colors of the trees and the leaves combined with perfect tempretures always makes me proud to call Sacramento home. Since moving to Sacramento in 2011, I have grown exponentially as a person and professional and credit a large portion of my success to my Sacramento community showing me love and welcoming me with open arms.

What Do You Hope or Wish for the Future of the LGBTQ+ Community?

Visibiilty, ownership, entrepreneurship, and more inclusion of Black Queer and Trans success stories and histories. We are here and thriving and are doing the work to ensure the next generation can see themselves and their ability to create a fulfilling life for themselves.

Black/(Afro) Indigeonous Queer and Trans People of Color (BIQTPOC) deserve joy and happiness and I’m honored to be among folks doing the work to see that through - for myself, my family, and for the future.

What Else Would You Like Our Readers to Know?

To learn more ways to get involved with Muganzo Entertainment, visit www. muganzoentertainment.com or follow them on Instagram (@muganzoentertainment) and Twitter (@melissa_muganzo)

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Name: Lauren Pulido Pronouns: He/Him/His/They/Them/Theirs Title: I currently serve as both a Board Member at the Gender Health Center and the Community Engagement Manager at the Sacramento LGBT Center.

How Long Have You Been Active in the LGBTQ+ Community? I have been active in the LGBTQ+ community for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was one of the only “out” folks at my school which led me to begin advocating for both myself and others to be able to live their authentic lives safely and openly. In college, I used that lived experience to help create the LGBTQ+ Studies Minor curriculum at Sacramento State University and went on to be the first person in Sacramento State’s history to graduate with this new degree. After I graduated in 2019, I facilitated raising the Transgender Pride Flag over Sacramento’s City Hall and California’s State Capitol for Transgender Day of Remembrance. Seeing the Transgender Pride Flag flown over a state capital building for the first time in our nation’s history emboldened me to pursue a career which enabled me to give back to the community that built me.

What Organizations are Special to You? The Gender Health Center is an incredibly important space to me because it centers the voices of our Transgender, gender nonconforming and Intersex (TGI) comunity and BIPOC folx which have historically and disproportionately been underrepresented in places of influence. The Sacramento LGBT Center is also a special organization to me because it works to create a region where LGBTQ+ people thrive while also supporting the health and wellness of the most marginalized. The Stonewall Foundation of Greater Sacramento is also a great organization that focuses on education and leadership development through creating a pipeline of support for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults aimed at raising and improving civic engagement.

Who Inspires You? The trailblazers and LGBTQ+ pioneers, particularly Black Trans Women, that have come before us to make this moment in time possible for LGBTQ+ people are who inspire me. The dedication to the movement, even when there was no source of knowing that something positive could come out of the fight is what fuels me to keep pushing for our LGBTQ+ community now.

What Do You Like Most About Living in Sacramento? What I love about Sacramento is the people. We have such an amazing community of folks in Sacramento and it is an absolute privilege to be part of such a diverse and continually evolving culture. The people in Sacramento are what make this place so special and unique, and why I am so proud to have always called this city my home.

What Do You Hope or Wish for the Future of the LGBTQ+ Community?

I want Sacramento LGBTQ+ folks to have political agency to create the future we want to see because I believe that those closest to the problem should be closest to the solution. I want our community to go from surviving to thriving, creating, and dictating the policies that will embolden a better tomorrow. This future is possible, but it will take all of us.

What Else Would You Like Our Readers to Know?

Thank you to my wife for supporting me and my dreams.

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Name: Clarmundo Sullivan Pronouns: Him, He, His Title: Golden Rule Services, Founder and Current Executive Director How Long Have You Been Active in the LGBTQ+ Community?

I have been active in the LGBTQ community for over 30 years, working towards the elimination of gender, racial and health inequities experienced by the LGBTQ community. I feel honored to build upon the contributions of those LGBTQ activists (like Jose Sarria, Bayard Rustin, James Baldwin, Marlon Riggs) who have made it easier for me to be an openly gay man of color.

What Organizations are Special to You? Organizations that are special to me include Golden Rule Services, Sacramento County Public Health Department, Ryan White CARE Program, AIDS Drug Assistance Program, the Court of the Great Northwest Imperial Empire, and the National Minority AIDS Council. These organizations have supported my efforts to eliminate the HIV epidemic.

Who Inspires You? I obtain my inspiration from Jesus Christ. His example reminds me to show love and support for those who are the most vulnerable and disenfranchised.

What Do You Like Most About Living in Sacramento? Being near my identical twin brother. He appreciates me for everything that I am. Also having a strong, active LGBTQ community.

What Do You Hope or Wish for the Future of the LGBTQ+ Community?

I hope for the elimination of racism, classism, sexism, internalized homophobia and cliques in the LGBTQ community What Else Would You Like Our Readers to Know?

I enjoy antique shopping, fundraising, and slot machines!

Special thanks to our readers who nominated these people as LGBTQ+ heroes in the local community, and thank you to all of our heroes who continue to make us PROUD!

June 10, 2021 - June 24, 2021 • No. 674

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TidalWave Comics Adds Three New Graphic Novels for Gay Pride Month

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idalWave Comics is proud to announce the addition of three new graphic novels inspired for Gay Pride month in June as part of their “FAME” and “Female Force” series.

These unique graphic novels are a tribute to the lives and accompaniments of those who are proud to stand up for those who aren’t afraid to live authentically.

All three graphic novels will link together to combine one giant cover by artist George Amaru.

BOOK ONE: FAME: Pride: Pete Buttigieg, Anderson Cooper, Tom Daley, Freddie Mercury and Ryan Murphy Writer: Michael Frizell, Michael Troy, Mike Lynch, CW Cooke Artist: Alex Schumacher, Jason Moser, Manuel Díaz, Beniamino Bradi. Release Date: 6/9/2021 Stand strong. Be loud. Be proud. Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, is the son of intellectuals. After graduating from Harvard and studying as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, Pete became the nation’s youngest mayor and the first openly gay candidate for President of the United States.

Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, the silver fox, Anderson Cooper, chose to follow his journalism passion with a vengeance. Freddie Mercury was a British musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the iconic rock band Queen. Ryan Murphy, the creator of the enduring television shows Nip/Tuck, American Horror Story, and Glee, came out as gay to his first therapist. The therapist declared him “too precious for his own good.” So is his work. Tom Daley, British diver Tom Daley made quite a splash at the 2012 Olympic Games with his winning personality and dedication to LGBTQ activism. This 96-page graphic novel will make you feel more pride.

To order on Amazon click here: https://amzn.to/3wwbtLi

famous drag queen. This whimsical look at the life and times of the host of the popular Logo series “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is as unique as the woMan himself. You’ve all seen the music videos. The performances. The award show acceptance speeches and the interviews. We all know her name and her image, but how many of us know the story of Lady Gaga? Take a look behind the curtain and learn the truth about her.

This 96-page graphic novel will make you feel more pride.

To order on Amazon click here: https://amzn.to/3yD5qq4

BOOK THREE: Female Force: Pride LGBTQ+: Ellen DeGeneres, Joan Jett, Kristen Stewart, Jane Lynch and Rosie O’Donnell Writer: Sandra C. Ruckdeschel, Dan Rafter, Spike Steffenhagen, CW Cooke, Kimberly Sherman Artist: Pedro Ponzo, Kristopher Smith, Aaron Sowd, Beniamino Bradi, Warren Martineck.

Release Date: 6/23/2021 Live your truth. Be proud. Stand up for who you are and what you believe in. Ellen DeGeneres’ journey to get where she is now was not always a smooth one. She’s felt the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. But through it all, she managed to stay true to herself and prove that she is a female force to be reckoned with.

Best known for her work with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, including their hit cover “I Love Rock N’ Roll,” Joan Jett’s wild ride from a BOOK TWO: FAME: Pride Activists: Dolly member of The Runaways to her solo career Parton, Cher, RuPaul and Lady Gaga catapulted her into stardom. Kristen Stewart’s Writer: Dan Rafter, Marc Shapiro, Michael non-conformist style and choices of unique film Frizell, CW Cooke roles mark her as a maverick in the industry.

Artist: Dan Glasl, Zach Bassett , Ramos Salas, Kristen has become a household name through Joe Phillips. Release Date: 6/16/2021 the “Twilight” Saga, but box office numbers do Everyone needs an ally, especially when not define her success. An actress, vocal artist, pushing for social change. Dolly Parton, the woman famous for proclaiming, “It costs a lot of singer, author, comedian, and talk show host, Jane Lynch, is in the public eye every time you money to look this cheap,” has proven to be a turn on the television. Her journey to success is powerhouse singer, songwriter, multiinspiring. Rosie O’Donnell is one of the most instrumentalist, record producer, actress, author, outspoken LGBTQ allies as well as living her businesswoman, and philanthropist. Cher is a authentic life as an out and proud member of the platinum-selling singer, an award-winning actress, and a performer for the ages. She’s bright, lesbian community. This 96-page graphic novel will make you feel more pride. accomplished in multiple areas, and the voice of To order on Amazon click here: a generation. The self-described “Supermodel of https://amzn.to/3bSKh1D the World,” RuPaul is easily the world’s most outwordmagazine.com

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The Big SGMC Comeback

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he Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus is excited to announce that SGMC will be back—in person—this fall! After more than a year of online-only activities, SGMC is making the plans, the preparations, and the progress to relaunch with a 2021 Holiday Show.

SGMC survived the pandemic because of the dedication of the members and tremendous community support. SGMC “kept the lights on” through donations and grants and the organization is in a solid position to return to the stage.

“We want to thank all our supporters,” said Lynda Walls, SGMC Executive Director. “Sacramento has been so amazing in supporting SGMC. From all the well-wishes to the folx who opened their wallets and helped get us through a year with no earned revenue, we are overwhelmed and extremely grateful. We can’t wait to sing for Sacramento again!”

The Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus is thrilled to announce that beginning in August, the chorus will join other notable

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Sacramento performance arts groups taking residence at the E. Claire Raley Studios for the Performing Arts, or CLARA, in Midtown.

Rehearsals will begin around Labor Day in preparation for their first concert since December 2019.

Through the pandemic, the SGMC Membership Committee kept the family together through online activities, but the membership is eager to gather in person.

SGMC Membership Chair John Kraynak states, “After 18 months of Zoom group chats

and Netflix movie parties, the singing members are excited to finally get together and do what we love to do―make music together. It’s what brought us all together in the first place and what feeds our collective soul.”

“The only thing we love more is sharing this experience with others,” Kraynak continues. “We’re looking forward to welcoming new singers who want to be part of something very special and give back to this amazing community.”

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The 2021 SGMC Holiday show is scheduled for evening performances on December 3, 4, and 7 and a matinee on December 5 at the First United Methodist Church in Midtown. Ticket information will be available on the SGMC website (sacgaymenschorus.org) and social media this October. This show will continue the K•SGMC FM Holiday Hits with a Splash of Sass theme and will feature SGMC fan favorites, traditional holiday songs, and a few new surprises.

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The 2021 Concert for Love & Acceptance

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By Chris Narloch

penly gay country music artist and philanthropist Ty Herndon, in partnership with CMT, recently announced June 30 as the date for the 2021 Concert for Love and Acceptance.

Produced by Herndon’s charitable foundation, The Foundation for Love & Acceptance, the event will return as a star-studded online concert this month, co-hosted by Herndon and CMT’s Cody Alan, who has hosted the event alongside Herndon since 2017.

The 2021 event will include appearances and performances by Brothers Osborne, Kristin Chenoweth, Terri Clark, LOCASH, Kathy Mattea, Rissi Palmer, and more performers to be announced.

GLAAD, MusiCares, and Nashville’s Oasis Center are the beneficiaries of event proceeds, and the free concert will be live streamed exclusively on CMT’s Facebook and YouTube channels, and at www.f4la.org

We’re Back! Live & In-Person in July!!!

Hosted by DoMe Moore

Thursday, July 8th, 6pm at Mango’s, 20th & K Admission will be first come, first served, SO SHOW UP EARLY!!!

Presented by the

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We will be following all current California Department of Health guidelines.

20 TO PLAY $

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“Quiet Place 2” & “Conjuring 3” Plus “In The Heights” & “Cruella”

By Chris Narloch

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lockbusters are back, my friends, and most of the movie theaters in and around the Sacramento area have reopened, with safety protocols such as sanitizing and social distancing still in place.

I’m not sure whether the moviegoing experience will return to ‘normal’ (i.e. full capacity) after June 15, when CA officially opens back up for business, but I urge film fans to patronize cinemas again just as soon as they have the time and money to do so.

Theaters need all of the support they can get after being shuttered for over a year, and beyond that, there are finally several new movies that demand to be seen on the big screen.

Read on for my reviews.

T he cast of “A Quiet Place Part II”

A Quiet Place Part II If you read this before June 10, you can also see “A Quiet Place Part II” at the Esquire IMAX, where the movie is currently scaring the heck out of people, until “In The Heights” Anthony Ramos (far right) and costars from “In T he Heights” In The Heights opens there that evening. The movie is another must on the big screen and a successful Everything you’ve heard about this film is true. “In The Heights” is the best movie musical sequel to the original film that established actor John Krasinski as a director to watch. That since “La La Land” and a return to classic song-and-dance cinema. The film is a triumphant 2018 hit was no fluke judging by Krasinski’s clever continuation, which is both a minicollaboration between John Chu (the talented director of “Crazy Rich Asians”) and Linprequel and a sequel. The director wisely created a family we really care about, and the Manuel Miranda, who took home Tony Awards for the Broadway version of “In The Heights” actors who play that family unit (Krasinski’s wife Emily Blunt, Noah Jupe, and Millicent before he hit it even bigger with a little show named “Hamilton.”

Simmonds) are all dynamite. In addition to the freaky monsters from the first film -- they Anthony Ramos (“Hamilton,” “A Star Is Born”) takes over the lead role of Usnavi from can hear a pin drop -- there is also an adorable baby in peril this time around, and, really, Miranda, and it fits him like a glove. Ramos gives a star-making performance in this movie, what more could you ask for in a horror movie? and he is ably supported by old pros such as Jimmy Smits, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Marc Anthony, and Lin-Manuel himself (taking over the small role of the Piragua Guy).

The filmmakers update the story to include a same-sex couple and a moving sub-plot involving DACA, and Chu stages the musical numbers with great skill. Miranda made certain that most of the exterior scenes were actually filmed in his beloved birthplace of Washington Heights, where the musical’s story is set, and this magnificent movie is a love letter to both the New York City of today and the Hollywood movie musicals of yesteryear.

I urge you to see “In The Heights” on the biggest screen you can find, and in Sacramento that means the Esquire IMAX on K Street, where the movie opened on June 10th. For more information, go to www.imax.com/imax-esquire-oo

Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson star in “The Conjuring 3.”

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It I was unable to preview this one before our deadline, but I am excited to see the third installment in this successful horror franchise, which finds real-life ‘paranormal investigators’ Edward and Lorraine Warren mixed up with a murder suspect who claims demonic possession as their defense. Inspired by an actual true crime case, the new film could be another entertaining rollercoaster ride for Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, who had great chemistry and great fun in the first two movies playing a wacky married couple of supernatural sleuths. “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” is in theaters now.

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Emma Stone and costars from “Cruella”

Cruella Disney’s big-budget, live-action reboot of Cruella De Vil isn’t the triumph I had hoped for or the disaster some critics would have you believe. The new movie is kind of a mess, but it’s a fun mess. Unusually dark in tone for a Disney family film -- a fact that I found refreshing -- the movie is also too long. On the plus side, the two Emmas (Stone and Thompson) make great adversaries, the soundtrack is sensational, and the film’s fashions are fab-u-lous. “Cruella” is now playing in theaters and on Disney Plus Premier Access.

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Food

Beverage

and More

Broadway Bares & More Go Virtual

By Chris Narloch

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t will be interesting to see if arts organizations continue to reach out with virtual programming as more live venues open up and folks emerge out into the world looking for arts and culture again. I hope so, since I have enjoyed many terrific online events during the pandemic that I never would have been able to attend in person. Here are several exciting upcoming events you may want to check out online.

A past performer from “Broadway Bares”

Broadway Bares After more than a year of being homebound and Zoomed out, the cast of “Broadway Bares” will turn on their cameras and turn up the heat when “Broadway Bares: Twerk from Home” premieres online later this month.

From the front porch to the kitchen, the bedroom to the backyard, this year’s erotic edition of “Broadway Bares” will have the whole house swooning with all-new, highly produced virtual performances.

The free and frisky stream, which for the second year replaces the in-person event because of the pandemic, is produced by and benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA).

During the stream, NYC’s hottest vaxxed and waxed dancers will perform intimate numbers created across the city under strict COVID safety protocols. See them take it off for a good cause this June 20. For more information, visit www.broadwaycares.org

“WIRED” is an official event of San Francisco Pride. To register, visit www.sfgmc. org/pride-2021 Tales of the City: The Musical This is another San Francisco Pride Week event, commemorating the 10th anniversary of Armistead Maupin’s “Tales of the City: The Musical,” which came to life a decade ago at A.C.T.’s Geary Theater.

A special online screening of the celebrated musical, filmed during its original 2011 run, will stream during SF Pride Week via Broadway On Demand’s National Theater Network, this June 21-27.

Tickets are on sale now for this not-to-bemissed, rare presentation of “Tales of the City: The Musical.” For more information, go to www.act-sf.org/tales

Night of A Thousand Judys Last but not least, Pride Month would not be complete without at least one tribute to the late, great godmother of the queer community, Judy Garland.

SFGMC The Ninth Annual “Night of A Thousand If music is more your thing, you can enjoy Judys” is an online concert event honoring an all-virtual showcase by San Francisco Gay Garland, to benefit The Ali Forney Center in Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) celebrating LGBTQ+ New York City, the nation’s largest agency Pride month. dedicated to LGBTQ homeless youths.

Packed with exciting performances, Alan Cumming, Karen Mason, Sam Harris, “WIRED” will also feature uplifting videos Mary Testa, Jose Llana, Jane Monheit and from Chorus members and SFGMC friends, more are scheduled to perform at this year’s special guests, and more. benefit, which will stream online this June “WIRED” will stream on SFGMC’s 24 at 5:00 PT. For more information, visit YouTube and Facebook pages on Thursday, www.thousandjudys.com June 24 at 6 p.m. PT. outwordmagazine.com

June A past performer from “Broadway Bares”

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Food

Beverage

and More

LGBTQ TV Network, Revry, Premieres Original Cooking Series With Renowned Chef

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”lobal LGBTQ+ streaming network, Revry, is thrilled to inspire your tastebuds with its newest original series, “Jonathan’s Kitchen: Seasons to Taste,” a tantalizing 8-episode cooking show with storyteller, cook and author Jonathan Bardzik.

Bardzik is the author of three cookbooks including Seasons to Taste: Farm-Fresh Joy for Kitchen and Table (Story Farm & Tarnów Entertainment), which is the inspiration for this fresh new cooking show. With even fresher ingredients, Bardzik shares seasonally-inspired recipes and the people they bring together, including Central Farm Markets group and MeatCrafters owner Debbie Moser; and award-winning, bestselling author, chef, television personality and Mediterranean diet advocate Amy Riolo.

Bardzik even charms with his own parents and his husband, Jason, as guests! The show takes viewers through recipes and techniques accessible to beginners and innovative enough for experienced home cooks.

“Jonathan’s exuberant passion is infectious,” says Damian Pelliccione, CEO and Co-Founder of Revry. “He is a force of nature and as a gay married chef, we knew his talents would connect with our audience.

We’re thrilled to champion his delicious gifts!”

The big hearted Bardzik opens each episode by sharing, “I believe life can and should be lived with joy, and I find that each day by preparing a simple meal, setting a table and sharing it with the people I love.

And I want to share it with you.” He is self-taught and got his start cooking professionally 10 years ago performing in front of live audiences offering weekend demos at historic Eastern Market in Washington, DC where he shares a home with his husband Jason.

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Jonathan Bardzik and guest in the kitchen.

“It’s been a joy watching Jonathan bring his TV show concept to life. He really wanted it to be a joyful show and celebrate community, family and friends.” said Executive Producer Richard g. Jones. “The outcome is like a buffet for the soul, that will uplift anyone who watches it.”

Jonathan grew up eating fresh food from his parents’ garden and learning about farming and plants from his father who holds a PhD in plant and soil science.

Jonathan combines experience from his family’s garden center business, an MBA degree and 11 years working in marketing for a national trade association to share food and cooking stories that offer his audiences a unique perspective in the kitchen.

He has cooked with more than 900 audiences, which has earned him coverage from the Washington Post, USA Today, and Food Network Magazine, and regular appearances on the Washington, DC area’s ABC, CBS and Fox morning news shows. It has also earned him a place on the TedX stage.

Jonathan’s Kitchen world premieres on Revry May 21 at 4pm PST / 7pm EST and is then available anytime on demand at Revry. tv. The show is produced by Parrlime Productions & Tarnów Entertainment and directed by Jonathan Bardzik.

Jonathan’s Kitchen: Seasons to Taste sponsors include Central Farm Markets, Five Ways Forward LLC, All-America Selections, Red Bear Craft Brewery, and Seasons Olive Oil & Vinegar Tap Room. outwordmagazine.com

Food

Beverage

and More

San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Presents Wired

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an Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig and Executive Director Chris Verdugo have announced WIRED, an all-virtual showcase celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride month. Packed with exciting performances, WIRED will also feature uplifting videos from Chorus members and SFGMC friends, special guests, and more. WIRED will stream on SFGMC’s YouTube and Facebook pages on Thursday, June 24 at 6 p.m. PT. To register, visit www.sfgmc.org/pride-2021. WIRED is an official event of San Francisco Pride.

“This year, we are cramming more fun and excitement into our Pride showcase than ever before,” said Seelig. “We chose WIRED as our theme, because we’ve been singing through wires for the past year. The singers have been incredibly busy behind their Zoom cameras creating six brand-new world premiere videos. We will also be hearing from some of our special friends on what Pride means to them, enjoying the talents of three young rising stars, and commemorating the 40th anniversary of the national tour in June 1981.”

“Pride month serves as platform to raise awareness and promote increased visibility of the LGBTQ+ community,” adds Verdugo.

“As we work towards in-person performances later this fall, we are thrilled to celebrate Pride month with a virtual showcase highlighting our important work, our rich and diverse community, and our unique stories.”

Highlights of WIRED include never-beforeseen performances, including a rousing homage to RuPaul and a performance of Todrick Hall’s iconic, “Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels,” both presented with SFGMC’s signature choralography for the first time in a virtual format. In addition, 24-year-old composer and singer Julian Hornik will present “28 Barbary Lane” from his 12-movement musical, “@QueerZ,” originally scheduled to premiere with SFGMC in Spring 2020. SFGMC will also commemorate the 40th anniversary of their 1981 national tour with a special video outwordmagazine.com

San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus

featuring 21 singers who embarked on that tour. The Lollipop Guild and HomoPhonics— SFGMC’s two vocal ensembles—will also present performances. Special guests for the evening include LeAnn Rimes, San Francisco Bay Area Theater Company (SFBATCO), Broadway stars Daniel Quadrino and Troy Iwata, and more!

WIRED is sponsored by Terrence Chan & Edward Sell and Gilead Sciences.

Founded in 1978, SFGMC sparked a nationwide LGBTQ choral movement after its first public performance at a vigil on the steps of City Hall following the assassinations of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone. Since then, SFGMC has been embedded in the fabric of San Francisco. It has soothed souls in pain, lifted spirits in triumph, and has remained a steadfast beacon of hope.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig, SFGMC has established a heightened level of performance standards bringing renewed audience and choral industry acclaim. Recent touring schedules, recordings, and outreach programs have broadened its impact and reputation in the community while maintaining its signature blend of humor, personality and groundbreaking performances. In 2019, SFGMC acquired a historic facility that has become its permanent home for rehearsals and offices. The building also serves as the first-ever National LGBTQ Center for the Arts, a community space for LGBTQ artists and arts organizations.

June 10, 2021 - June 24, 2021 • No. 674

Outword Magazine 31

SACRAMENTO’S LGBTQ FILM FESTIVAL IS COMING.

Joey the Chimpanzee Dies

By Chris Narloch

Sponsorhips and Advertising Opportunities are Available Now! Contact Fred at Outword Media Today!

916-329-9280

T

he Sacramento Zoo has announced the passing of Joey, a long-time resident of the zoo who recently made the journey to chimpanzee heaven. Joey delighted thousands of zoo goers over the years. How could you not love that face?

R.I.P. Joey!

Don’t Miss The 20th Sacramento French Film Festival

By Chris Narloch

S

alif Cisse and Edouard Sulpice costar in “A l’abordage” (“All Hands On Deck”), just one of the movies being presented virtually on the streaming platform of the Sacramento French Film Festival this June 18-27. There will also be two in-person screenings, one at the Crest and the other at the Esquire IMAX, as part of this year’s Festival. For more information and a complete list of films, please visit www.sacramentofrenchfilmfestival.org 32 Outword Magazine

June 10, 2021 - June 24, 2021 • No. 674

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Teatro Espejo Presents “Frida” Virtually

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By Chris Narloch

eatro Espejo, Sacramento’s premier Latinx/Chicanx theatre company, is proud to present “Frida,” a virtual play about the tumultuous life of Frida Kahlo. The production not only illuminates and pays tribute to Frida’s incredible paintings, but also to the masterpiece that was her own survival.

“With this production, I hope to shine a light on Frida’s raw and personal struggles that led her to create the famous paintings depicting her incredible pain, suffering, and her frustrating relationship with Diego Rivera,” said Teatro Espejo’s Artistic Director Manuel Pickett.

“Frida” also seeks to share with audiences the Frida behind the artist and the woman ahead of her time who knew love, strength, conviction, and in her final years, learned to embrace her brilliance and purpose in life.

The virtual production of “Frida” by Ruben Amavizca-Murua will be performed in English this June 11-20, and in Spanish this July 9-11.

Teatro Espejo is the longest-running Latinx and Chicanx performing arts organization in Northern California. For more information, go to www.teatroespejo.com

34 Outword Magazine

June 10, 2021 - June 24, 2021 • No. 674

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Feinstein’s At The Nikko Is Back In Business

By Chris Narloch

F

einstein’s At The Nikko, the premier destination for queerfriendly, world-class cabaret in San Francisco, has resumed live performances with an exciting slate of sensational talent scheduled for this summer.

Superb vocal stylists such as Liz Calloway and Lillias White will be packing them in at Feinstein’s At The Nikko in the coming weeks. Here are two other shows I am excited to see there.

MX Justin Vivian Bond. Photo credit: Kyle Kupres.

MX Justin Vivian Bond The New York Times #1 “At Home Diva” of the pandemic returns to San Francisco live and in person for a pre-Pride engagement. Featuring Musical Direction by Davis Sytkowski, Mx Bond makes their San Francisco return to Feinstein’s at the Nikko for four performances only, of “Your Auntie Glam’s ‘Live At Last!’ Happy Hour.”

MX Bond is the recipient of an Obie, a Bessie, and a Tony Award nomination and has been at the forefront on Trans visibility and activism since the early 1990s. Their Feinstein’s At The Nikko dates are this June 16-19.

Spencer Day. Photo credit Rikke Photography

Spencer Day Openly gay and handsome as hell, Spencer Day -- the #1 Billboard jazz/pop singer and songwriter seen everywhere from Lincoln Center to the Hollywood Bowl -- will celebrate the resurgence of live concerts with a very special return engagement in San Francisco for an exclusive four-night run.

His concert, “Here Comes the Sun,” will focus on brighter days ahead with an optimistic mix of Spencer’s unique original songs, timeless standards, pop classics, and creative covers. You can see the sexy singer at Feinstein’s this June 23-26.

To purchase tickets for these and other Feinstein’s At The Nikko shows, please visit www.feinsteinssf.com outwordmagazine.com

June 10, 2021 - June 24, 2021 • No. 674

Outword Magazine 35

Panda(Emic) Inspires New Clothing-Brand For Men Who Like Their Men Chunky, Hunky And A Whole Lotta Funky

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vercoming adversity is something that the gay community has done for generations. Fact. When the chips have been down, we’ve gotten creative and drop dead gorgeous, which is exactly what throuple-entrepreneurs, David Little, Kevin Wainwright and Jose Luis Olmos Alvaro have done by launching their new BearWolfPanda LGBTQ clothing line, which has been created during the pandemic for men who like their men chunky, hunky and a whole lotta funky.

Overcoming adversity is something that the gay community has done for generations. Fact. When the chips have been down, we’ve gotten creative and drop dead gorgeous, which is exactly what throupleentrepreneurs, David Little, Kevin Wainwright and Jose Luis Olmos Alvaro have done by launching their new BearWolfPanda LGBTQ clothing line, which has been created during the pandemic for men who like their men chunky, hunky and a whole lotta funky.

BearWolfPanda (BWP) is a bright and colourful clothing line of fun tees, hoodies, sweatshirts and accessories, all with the gay community in mind, whether you identify as bear, wolf, panda, thirsty twink, muscle Mary or, more simply, he/him.

Featuring a range of high-impact designs, it’s aimed squarely at real-sized men with sizes ranging from small to 5XL – proof, if it was ever needed, that size really does matter.

One of the brand’s entrepreneurs Kevin, who is an acclaimed West End actor, (pictured above) comments; “I’ve always had a creative talent and a huge interest in art and design.

We had talked for a few years about t-shirts and products for the gay market and its tribes and watched as different companies started up and were visibly successful.

Lockdown 2020 gave us the opportunity to explore and start our dream”.

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June 10, 2021 - June 24, 2021 • No. 674

And that dream has become a reality as the trio launch the bearwolfpanda.net website to the gay world. After months of development, they have an e-commerce platform to be proud of, a range of quality design-led clothing in the online store and an ability to ship across the world. Not bad for a restauranteur, West End actor and fireman.

It’s clearly a recipe for success, as they’ve already had a flurry of feedback from satisfied customers who not only love the quality of the BWP range and fit, but also the uncompromised design and wearability that makes everyone feel fantastic.

To celebrate the launch of their new website and brand, the brand is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a YEAR OF TEES – and that’s the t.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply like/share and tag yourself on the competition post hosted on BearWolfPanda’s social channels and a winner will be chosen at random. Closing date for entries is August 1st.

In addition, the brand is on the lookout for hotties from around the world who would like to collaborate as ambassadors to help spread some BWP love. If this sounds right up your proverbial, you can drop the chaps a line at bearwolfpanda on IG and Facebook. outwordmagazine.com

YOUR Business

To Sponsor this Page

Contact Fred at 916.329.9280 ext.1

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nspired by the Pride and Transgender flags, Skagen Denmark is offering a collection of watches that feature two limited-edition styles of their bestselling Aaren watch to honor a spectrum of love. Both timepieces feature an interchangeable 20mm strap and 41mm watch case with a specially numbered caseback.

Skagen is partnering with InterPride and donating a minimum of $25,000 to a mission of promoting Pride internationally, and increase collaboration, networking, and communication among Pride Organizations, act as a source of education, and encourage diverse communities to hold and attend Pride events.

Purchase one directly at: www.skagen.com/en-us/

Advertiser Directory ACCOUNTING/TAX PREP RUSSELL, CPAS Jason Russell, CPA Lic. 99177 Jason@RussellCPAs.com 916-966-9366

ADULT STORES

L’AMOUR SHOPPE 2531 Broadway, 916-736-3467l

AUTO DEALERS

ELK GROVE SUBARU 8585 Laguna Grove Dr., Elk Grove, 877-360-0259 ElkGroveSubaru.com ELK GROVE DODGE, CHRYSLER, JEEP 8575 Laguna Grove Dr., Elk Grove, 877-399-4262 ElkGroveDodge.com

BANKING SAFE CREDIT UNION www.safecu.org

GRAPHIC DESIGN OUTWORD MEDIA 916-329-9280 graphics@outwordmagazine.com

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JASON LABARTHE Suite 14, 2580 Fair Oaks Blvd., Suite 14, Sac 916-743-8995

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UNIVERSITY AUDIOLOGIC, INC. Deborah Powell, M.S., 1325 Howe Ave., Ste. 101 916-927-3137

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SUNCREST BANK 916-830-3560

PERFECTION HOME SYSTEMS 916-481-0658 www.HotCold.com

WELLS FARGO BANK www.wellsfargo.com

HEALTH SERVICES

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BADLANDS 2003 K St., 916-441-6823 SacBadlands.com THE DEPOT 2001 K St., Sac, 916-441-6823 TheDepot.net SIDETRAX 2007 K St., 916-441-6823 facebook.com/sidetraxsac

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ABATIN SACRAMENTO www.abatinsacramento.com RIPP CANNABIS www.smokeripp.com

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HEALING TOUCH CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Darrick Lawson, 1919 21st St, Ste. 101, 916-447-3344 www.FixMyBack.com

COUNSELING WEAVE 916-920-2952 (24/7) www.weaveinc.org

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ERIC GROVE, DDS KENDALL HOMER, DMD 9216 Kiefer Blvd., STE 5 916-363-9171 • grovehomerdentists.com

DINING/BEVERAGES ROXY RESTAURANT & BAR 2381 Fair Oaks Blvd Sacramento, CA 95825 916-489-2000 SCOTT’S SEAFOOD - ON THE RIVER 916-379-5959 ScottsSeafoodontheRiver.com

CAPITAL CITY AIDS FUND 1912 F Street, 916-448-1110 ONE COMMUNITY HEALTH 1500 21st St., 916-443-3299 onecommunityhealth.com RIVER BEND MEDICAL ASSOC. www.rbmafamilydocs.com

HOUSING (ELDER)

MUTUAL HOUSING Lavender Courtyard www.mutualhousing.com/future-communities/lavendercourtyard/

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STATE FARM INSURANCE Ryan Maguire, Agent 916-572-0090 www.ryanmaguire.com

INVESTMENT MGMT. PRINCIPAL SECURITIES INC. Steven J. Wright 9-6-462-9009 Wright.Steve.J@Principal.com

LIBRARIES

FRIENDS OF THE SAC. PUBLIC LIBRARY 8250 Belvedere, Ste. E, 916-731-8493

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CAMERON YEE, O.D. 6407 Riverside Blvd., 916-395-0673 DrCameronYee@aol.com

PLUMBING

BONNEY PLUMBING HEATING AND AIR 916-246-6785 www.bonney.com

PEST MANAGEMENT

ZOCALO RESTAURANT 916-441-0303 www.experiencezocalo.com

EARTH GUARD PEST SERVICES 916-457-7605 contact@earthguardpest.com

ESTAT E PLANNING

PET SITTING/CARE

ASSETS & AGING Bob Scrivano assetsandaging.com/outword

GRATEFUL DOG 430 17th Street, Sacramento 916-446-2501 gratefuldogdaycare.com

EYEWEAR

LUCKY BUDDY PET CARE 916-505-4375 LuckyBuddyPetCare.com

STYLEYES 2231 J Street, Ste. 102, Midtown Sacramento 916-448-2220 • www.styleyes.biz

FINANCIAL PLANNING EDWARD JONES INVESTING Kelly Shultz, Financial Advisor 916-896-0428

MIDTOWN FINANCIAL Al Roche, 1750 Creekside Dr. Suite 215, 916-447-9220 MidtownFinancial.net

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STEELE FINANCIAL PARTNERS Judy Steele, Financial Advisor 916-846-7733 jsteele@1stallied.com

June 10, 2021 - June 24, 2021 • No. 674

PHARMACY

PUCCI’S PHARMACY 3257 Folsom Blvd., 916-442-5891 www.puccirx.com

REAL ESTAT E

COLDWELL BANKER Mark T. Peters, 916-341-7794 www.MarkPeters.biz MCMARTIN REALTY Brian McMartin, 916-402-4160 brian@brianmcmartin.com McMartinRealty.com

Outword Magazine 37

y p p Ha r u o H

“Getting It Together” is a Must Read

ly

th n o m s ’ d r o Outw

brought siness to you by

s this Banner

G

LAAD Media Award-nominated, bestselling writer Sina Grace (“Iceman,” “Sensational Wonder Woman”) and popular writer/producer Omar Spahi (“Code 8,” “Ben 10”) are proud to announce the collected edition release of their hit Image Comics series, “Getting It Together.”

A fresh, updated spin on twentysomething, found-family dramedies like “Friends,” the comic book series follows best friends Sam and Jack.

Sam is dating Lauren -- Jack’s indie Torocker Sponsor this --Page sister and roommate but when Sam and Lauren open up their long-term Contact Fred at 916.329.9280 ext.1 and relationship, skyrocketing tensions send social shockwaves through their Bay Area friend group.

Jack, just trying to find the bear of his

BACK IN PERSON?

dreams and caught in the middle of it all, may be forced to take sides in a conflict he never wanted to be a part of.

Life gets pretty messy when you’re in your 20s and your friends are your family.

“Getting It Together” is now available at comic book shops and with all major booksellers. For more information about this inclusive, LGBTQ+ graphic novel, please visit https://imagecomics.com

FINGERS CROSSED! If all goes according to plan, we’ll return to host our first in person Liquid Therapy on a special day, Friday June 18th, then return to the 2nd Friday each month!

BADLANDS 2003 K St, Sacramento Friday, June 18th, 2021 & Friday, July 9th, 2021 5:30-7:00pm We’ll keep you posted! Follow our Facebook page @OutwordMagazine for the latest and to RSVP & join us!

38 Outword Magazine

June 10, 2021 - June 24, 2021 • No. 674

outwordmagazine.com

Book Review:“Punch Me Up to the Gods: A Memoir” by Brian Broome

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By Terri Schlichenmeyer

ittle kids have it so easy. Somebody feeds them when they’re hungry, does their laundry, buys them toys, and plays with them. Somebody escorts them everywhere and sometimes, they even get carried.

Brian Broome. Photo by Andy Johanson

Yep, life is good when you’re a little kid except, as in the new memoir, “Punch Me Up to the Gods” by Brian Broome, when it’s not.

He called Corey his “best friend,” but Corey was no friend to ten-year-old Brian Broome. Sure, things were sympatico at first but it didn’t take long for Corey to sense Broome’s insecurities, or to start pummelling Broome, or to humiliate him. Broome’s father hoped that Corey might act as “a form of therapy” for a boy who played with girls too much; Broome endured the abuse and didn’t complain to the adults because he was a little in love with Corey.

As if Corey’s thrashings weren’t harsh enough, Broome’s dad beat Broome for a multitude of reasons, from a pink shirt to frustration over unemployment to racism: he said he’d rather kill his children himself than to let a white person do it. Broome. in fact, often wished that he was white like the people on TV, so he’d have the benefits of it.

White parents really seemed to love their kids...

Broome dreamed of moving far away from the tiny working-class Ohio town of his birth, to a larger city where he believed he could avoid the bullying and teasing, leave his life behind, and escape the embarrassment of his parents’ ramshackle existence. He did leave once, for college, but he was deeply humiliated by the racism and homophobia of his roommates. He called his mother then, and she came to get him. outwordmagazine.com

She was one of a handful of Black women who saved him.

Being a man isn’t easy. Being a Black man in America is harder. Being a gay Black man led Broome to drugs, alcohol, and away from his family – although, he says, “... yes, I was loved. Just not in ways that I could understand.”

Be prepared to be messed with here.

Your emotions may never be the same.

There’s a tighly-coiled, ready-to-strike fist wrapped in melancholy and a miles-long people-watching incident in this book, both giving aptness to its title.

“Punch Me Up to the Gods” refers to author Brian Broome’s father’s secondfavorite words before the beatings began, and they’ll hit you hard, too. You’re not embarrassed, in fact, to be seen carrying a book around, are you? Because you will, this one.

Happily, there are moments of humor, too, as Broome recalls things that occurred in his youth, or maybe just a few years ago. He surprises readers with similes that are sobering, in the middle of laughter. He steps back sometimes, to pick at something else, turns it over twice to examine it, and pulls it into his tale.

For this, you won’t regret picking this wonderfully companionable, startingly gracious and compelling memoir. “Punch Me Up to the Gods” is a don’t-miss, devouring it is so easy.

June 10, 2021 - June 24, 2021 • No. 674

Outword Magazine 39