No. 677 • July 22, 2021 outwordmagazine.com
Black Widow
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SF Judge Reinstates Void Marriages
Book Review: ”The Guncle”
Country Queen Side Jobs
Sacratomato Week
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Outword 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 Christopher J. Beale Faith Colburn Kristy Harris Diana Kienle Chris Narloch Lauren Pulido Ron Tackitt PHOTOGRA PHY Ron Tackitt ON THE COVER The Marvel Cinematic Universe returns to the big screen with “Black Widow”! DISTRIBUTION Kaye Crawford Michael Crawford
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Final California Budget Includes $3M for LGBTQ+ Teacher Training
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overnor Gavin Newsom recently approved $3 million for the California Department of Education to develop an LGBTQ+ cultural competency training curriculum for public school teachers and staff. $2,402,000 of the funding request was included in AB 130, while the remaining $598,000 was approved in SB 129. The funding was requested by Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, and supported by the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus.
LGBTQ+ students. As the president of CFT, as a math teacher, and as a board member of Equality California, I am so grateful to Governor Newsom, Superintendent Thurmond and the Legislature for their dedication to our LGBTQ+ students, teachers and the community.” GLSEN’s 2019 National School Climate Survey found that 52.4% of students reported that their teachers or other school staff made homophobic remarks, and 66.7% of students The final budget allocation is a significant mandate was ultimately stripped from the reported that their teachers or other school victory for the LGBTQ+ community and for bill due to lack of funding. staff spoke negatively about students’ gender “I am thankful to the Governor and the Equality California, which has long expression. These remarks pose a risk of advocated for such training, arguing that it is Legislature for prioritizing funding in the immediate harm to students’ well-being. proposed budget for training and resources critical to ensuring teachers have the tools These statistics also suggest that students to support LGBTQ+ students,” said State and training to support LGBTQ+ students, may be learning anti-LGBTQ+ language and Superintendent Tony Thurmond. “Creating who face lower school completion rates, positive learning environments starts with us perspectives from school personnel, higher rates of depression and suicidal making our schools safe and inclusive for all perpetuating the societal cycle of antiideation and higher rates of youth LGBTQ+ stigma that feeds the negative students.” homelessness. As many as four out of 10 The California Federation of Teachers and health, economic and other disparities that youth experiencing homelessness in California Teachers Association — the state’s LGBTQ+ people experience. California identify as LGBTQ+. In 2021 Beyond remarks, a staggering 86.3% of alone, state legislatures and governors across two largest teachers unions — have strongly LGBTQ+ students experienced harassment supported Equality California’s proposals to the country have introduced and enacted or assault based on their sexual orientation, ensure public school teachers and staff have record numbers of legislation targeting gender expression, or other personal the tools and training they need to support transgender youth. According to Trevor characteristics. Over half (56.6%) of these LGBTQ+ students. Project’s 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ LGBTQ+ students never reported the “Our educators and classified school Youth Mental Health, 42% of LGBTQ youth harassment or assault to school staff for a professionals are on the front lines every seriously considered attempting suicide in variety of reasons, including a fear of day, making sure every student feels safe, the past year, including more than half of supported and ready to learn in school,” said escalation, a belief that school staff would transgender and nonbinary youth. not effectively intervene, shame, the California Federation of Teachers President “There’s no doubt that our schools must be involvement of school staff in the Jeff Freitas. “The $3 million allocation to a safe, supportive and welcoming for all harassment or assault, or other concerns. develop LGBTQ+ cultural competency students,” said Equality California Executive training for school workers will help ensure When students did report incidents, 60.5% of Director Rick Chavez Zbur. “At a time when they have the tools they need to best support them said that staff did nothing. states across the country are attacking transgender kids, we are elated that California has taken this momentous step toward ensuring that public school teachers he City of Sacramento in response to drought conditions and staff have the tools and training they need to support LGBTQ+ students.” throughout the region has declared a “Water Watch,” the first In 2018, State Superintendent of Public of six stages in the Water Shortage Contingency Plan, which Instruction Tony Thurmond — then a member of the California Assembly — passed describes how the City may respond to anticipated water shortages. If dry conditions worsen, additional affecting the Sacramento region and state, legislation sponsored by Equality California the City will be asking City residents and to require school districts to provide teachers stages have increasing levels of water-use businesses to voluntarily reduce their and staff with LGBTQ+ cultural competency reduction that can be activated as water use by 10 percent.” training, but the bill was vetoed by Governor directed by City Council. “The City will be taking several City departments are being Jerry Brown. The following year, theninternal actions to reduce its water directed to take actions like Assemblymember Todd Gloria — who now use by up to 10 percent,” said City reducing irrigation for parks and serves as mayor of San Diego — authored Manager Howard Chan. “In streetscapes and ceasing nonsimilar legislation sponsored by Thurmond response to drought conditions essential water use for City and Equality California, but the training programs. Residents and businesses can reduce water use by decreasing landscape-watering times and fixing leaks in irrigation systems. The amount of money people can save with water conservation rebates recently doubled, including grass conversions and indoor/outdoor fixture and appliance upgrades, which can be found at www. SacWaterWise.com. “Activating our Water Shortage Contingency Plan allows us to make effective changes toward reducing water use in the City,” said Bill Busath, director of the City’s Department of Utilities. “This is an important step toward managing our water supplies during drought conditions.” The City last declared drought conditions from 2014 to 2017.
City of Sacramento Declares “Water Watch”
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July 22, 2021 - August 12, 2021 • No. 677
outwordmagazine.com
Sacramento Rainbow Chamber Of Commerce Appoints New Executive Committee Members he Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce Board of
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Directors has elected new Executive Committee members. Positions include a new Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary, whose terms will run July 1, 2021 through July 1, 2022.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome such an accomplished, dedicated team to serve on this year’s Board,” said Fred Palmer, Rainbow Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “We are proud to have this diverse group of individuals representing our business community and contributing to the success of the Greater Sacramento region.” The Board welcomes Alexandra Michel, a Mortgage Loan Officer with RedDoor as its new Chair. She succeeds Joel Hockman, Owner of Pucci’s Pharmacy, who served as Board Chair since 2018. “I’m looking forward to increasing the Chamber’s presence throughout the Sacramento region,” said Alexandra Michel, Chair of the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce. “We’ll focus on supporting one another, to lift up the entire community.” Samuel N. Jones, Executive Director for University Housing Services at Sacramento State, will assume the role of Vice Chair. “I am excited to be joining a diverse Executive Board,” said Samuel N. Jones, Vice Chair of the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce. “I hope to continue contributing to our community and
working to increase our exposure and gain more members.” Additionally, Stephanie Slagel, Executive Assistant with Goodwill Industries® of Sacramento Valley & N. Nevada was elected as Treasurer. Cameron Saylor, an Account Executive with Effectv, is the new Secretary. “I am honored to be part of the incoming Executive Committee,” said Stephanie Slagel, Treasurer of the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce. “I’m really looking forward to working with our new Executive team, as well as our fellow Board Members in developing and implementing our programs and initiatives. We truly have some exciting things in store for our membership and the communities we support!” “As the incoming secretary, I am excited to create a new vision, mission and goals with this new and diverse executive team,” said Cameron Saylor, Secretary of the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce. “Our different backgrounds and experiences will allow us to create strategic pathways for the Rainbow Chamber to elevate our community and provide inclusive and educational events.” The elected committee members will serve a one-year term and lead the Chamber in its strategic initiatives to serve the Sacramento Region’s LGBTQ+ business community. For more information about the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, visit rainbowchamber.com/board-members.
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About The Sacramento Rainbow Chamber Of Commerce The Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce (SacRCC) is a regional chamber of commerce serving LGBTQ+ business owners, professionals and allies in the seven-county Greater Sacramento region. The Chamber’s mission is to encourage and support small businesses in the LGBT and allied communities, to foster economic prosperity in the Greater Sacramento region, and to promote diversity, and inclusion and equality for all. July 22, 2021 - August 12, 2021 • No. 677 outwordmagazine.com
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A Letter to Outword Readers from PFLAG Sacramento he following is a letter submitted to Outword Magazine by
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By Kay Whistler
PFLAG Sacramento President Kay Whistler.
Dear LGBTQ+ Community, PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With over 400 chapters and 200,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America. Our mission is to build on a foundation of loving families united with LGBTQ+ people and allies who support one another, and to educate ourselves and our communities to speak up as advocates until all hearts and minds respect, value and affirm LGBTQ+ people. PFLAG Sacramento celebrated its 39th anniversary this last April. We celebrate diversity and envision a society that embraces everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Only with respect, dignity, and equality for all will we reach our full potential as
human beings, individually and collectively. We at PFLAG Sacramento, like everyone else, are looking forward to getting together in-person for social events in the coming months. Human interaction is what we have missed so much over the last 15+ months. We would love to start planning some in-person events where we get together for fun activities, such as picnics, potlucks, musical events, or movie nights. PFLAG Sacramento is forming a new committee of volunteers to help our board plan upcoming social events and would love you to join. The only requirement for joining the committee is to be a PFLAG Sacramento member in good standing. To receive more information on PFLAG Sacramento, annual membership, and our new Social Events Committee, contact Kay Whistler (President) or Kim Woodruff (Membership) at contact@pflagsacramento.org.
Judge Blocks Tennessee AntiTrans Restroom Sign Law
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federal judge blocked a new law in Tennessee that required businesses and other entities that allow transgender people to use the public restroom that matches their gender to post a government-prescribed warning sign. The lawsuit, which was filed on behalf of business owners Kye Sayers and Bob Bernstein who object to the stigmatizing message they would be required to display, states that the law violates the First Amendment and asks the court for a preliminary injunction to stop enforcement of the law while the lawsuit proceeds. The court’s decision recognized that “Restaurants and performing spaces are businesses, but that is not all they are; they are also among the most important physical locations in which communities — so often consigned, in this era, to electronic space — can gather and grow together in a manner rooted in a particular neighborhood, in a particular city, in a particular state. The plaintiffs have presented evidence that they have strived to be welcoming spaces for communities that include transgender individuals and that the signage required by the Act would disrupt the welcoming environments that they wish to provide. That harm would be real, and it is not a harm that could simply be remedied by some award at the end of litigation.” outwordmagazine.com
“This law is bad for businesses in Tennessee, and most importantly, harmful to transgender people,” said Hedy Weinberg, ACLU of Tennessee executive director. “We are glad the court saw that this law is likely unconstitutional and hope that the state gives up the wasteful effort to defend discrimination and a violation of the First Amendment.” “I am glad the court saw that forcing businesses to display a sign that hurts transgender and intersex people is unconstitutional,” said Kye Sayers, owner of the Sanctuary, a performing arts and community center in Chattanooga. “These signs would have damaged our businesses and the environment we have tried to create for our community, customers, and staff.” “I’m happy that the court stopped this invasive and decisive legislation for now and am hopeful this leads to a permanent ban of an unconstitutional violation of my freedom of speech rights,” said Bob Bernstein, owner of Fido restaurant in Nashville. This statement is online here: https://www. aclu.org/press-releases/judge-blockstennessee-anti-trans-restroom-sign-law
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San Francisco Judge Reinstates Void Newsom Marriages
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appy Pride: That marriage ceremony you participated in 2004 that you thought was invalid? Not anymore. San Francisco Superior Court Judge, the Honorable Victor M. Hwang, issued a landmark ruling reinstating the same sex marriages that the California Supreme Court ruled were void and a legal nullity in 2004. Approximately 4,000 couples participated in legally invalid marriage ceremonies in San Francisco in 2004. Many of those couples are no longer together and are now legally married to other people. Under this shocking ruling, a former partner can come to court and claim they didn’t know the marriages were void and a legal nullity and successfully claim their former partners owe them spousal support, are jointly liable on tax debt, and have a 50% interest in all of their former partner’s assets. “This ruling creates incredible chaos for the 8,000+ people who have relied on the Supreme Court’s ruling from 2004”, noted attorney Amy Harrington. “It opens the flood gates for former partners to assert community property claims 20 years after they were notified that their marriages were nullified and void from their inception. In my client’s case, her former partner is the subject of an elder abuse restraining order and now the court is allowing her to perpetuate her elder financial abuse through the court system.” Statement of Decision Attached. In the spring of 2004, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom made the unprecedented decision to allow same sex couples the right to marry in San Francisco. Approximately 4,000 couples were married from February 12 to March 11, 2004. On August 12, 2004, the California Supreme Court ruled in Lockyer v. City and County of San Francisco, 2004, that San Francisco didn’t have the legal authority to change the law on marriage for the State of California. Same-sex marriage became valid in San Francisco on May 15, 2008[1] and same sex couples are free to enter into legally valid and binding marriages. Last week, in a decision in San Francisco Family Law Case FDI-20-792829, Cynthia Sue Hernandez v. June King, Judge Hwang ruled that the marriage in question could be considered valid based entirely on the possibility that one party may have believed she was married. Judge Hwang issued this ruling, despite the couples being warned on the marriage application of the potential invalidity of the marriage, and later receiving legal notice from the San Francisco County Clerk confirming that their marriages were void from inception and a legal nullity. Although Judge Hwang’s decision confirms “…the law is clear, Petitioner and Respondent’s 2004 marriage license was invalidated and legally null under the Lockyer decision,” he concludes that “Petitioner had a good faith belief that
July 22, 2021 - August 12, 2021 • No. 677
she was married to Respondent” even though he repeatedly found Ms. Hernandez to be untruthful throughout her trial testimony. (Hernandez v. King, 2021) Although the two parties in the matter of Hernandez v. King had not been romantically involved for years and Respondent June King has an Elder Abuse Restraining Order against Petitioner Cynthia Hernandez, the Judge ruled that Ms. Hernandez could be considered the putative spouse of Ms. King, thus being potentially entitled to up to half of Ms. King’s assets. A putative spouse is someone who believes they are married, even if they are not legally married. After years of Ms. Hernandez constantly harassing Ms. King, which resulted in the Elder Abuse Restraining Order, Ms. King will now potentially be forced to give money and/or property to an abuser whom she hoped to be free of. For years, Ms. King understood that their 2004 marriage was void. “I am shocked that this is our justice system,” Ms. King said. This is not about same-sex marriage. This is about couples who were given legal notice that their marriages were invalid suddenly having their marriages legitimized. This ruling does not just affect Ms. King; Judge Hwang’s ruling could suggest that all 4000 couples who were married in San Francisco in early 2004 could have their marriages deemed legitimate. 17 years later, many may be separated or remarried. Those 8,000 affected individuals could suddenly be told that their former partner has a legal case to the acquisition of assets they believed to be their sole property. The Pandora’s box of possibilities for exploitation are endless. Could someone be eligible to open a probate upon the death of their former partner, despite not being together in years? In the case of Ms. Hernandez and Ms. King, Ms. King held assets in her name alone; is Ms. Hernandez entitled to assets that were never intended as joint property? The overturning of the California Supreme Court’s ruling in Lockyer v. City and County of San Francisco (2004) 33 Cal.4th 1055 could prove to have broad and lasting negative repercussions on individuals, like Ms. King, who truly believed that their 2004 marriages were fully voided but now may learn that they have a putative spouse who will come for their assets. outwordmagazine.com
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LGBTQ+ Community Must Have Access to Real Economic Opportunity, Which Entrepreneurship Can Provide
By Christopher Cabaldon / Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
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ormer mayor of West Sacramento, California, Christopher Cabaldon says cities and towns that break down systemic barriers to entrepreneurship will benefit from creating access to real economic opportunity, which can help the LGBTQ+ community.
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As Pride Month winds down, it’s worth noting – and celebrating – the dramatic progress that the LGBTQ+ community has made over the years. Some 70% of Americans support gay marriage, according to a recent Gallup poll. This would have been unthinkable just 12 years ago, when support was at about 40%. We’ve also won stronger and more inclusive legal protections, and the new federal government now has its first-ever LGBTQ Cabinet Secretary and transgender subcabinet appointee. As a gay man, I am fully aware of how much things have changed. In 2008, the town of West Sacramento voted to re-elect me as mayor… in the same election that its citizens voted for a constitutional amendment that would prohibit me from getting married. So yes, things are better. But one look through our rainbow-shaded glasses makes it clear discrimination isn’t fully behind us. We started at rock bottom with our rights, our souls, and our very existence contested by society and institutions. Much of that endures in many parts of the country, and its legacy is in higher levels of poverty and homelessness, and elevated suicide rates. The basis for this discrimination has a basis in systemic barriers that keep the LGBTQ+ community from real economic opportunity. Some 21% of LGBT people have an income of less than $12,000 per year compared to 4% of the general population, according to one study. This inequity has been decades in the
Entrepreneurship would be a way for many of us to claim our own destiny, and to create prosperity for ourselves and our communities. Even this realm is fraught, however: More than $1.5 trillion was invested by venture capital firms globally from 2010 to 2019, but less than 1% of funding deals went to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, according to entrepreneur.com. But I’m not giving up. I’m here, and I’m fighting for this opportunity — and several mayors across the country have joined me. StartOut Pride Economic Impact Index The “SPEII” is the first iteration of the Inclusion Impact Indexes by StartOut and Socos Labs. The portal aims to help individuals, municipalities, investors, ecosystem builders, grantors, and other decision makers, make informed decisions based on the latest data, rather than assumptions, in order to reap the benefits of support of minority entrepreneurs.
• In Tampa, Florida, Mayor Jane Castor is using the power of convening to connect the region’s startup network organizations to resources and power. • Satya Rhodes-Conway, the mayor of Madison, Wisconsin, just launched a pop-up initiative to support Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs. • San Diego’s new mayor, Todd Gloria, is advancing a policy to direct more of the city’s procurement opportunities to local entrepreneurs. • And Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia is investing in the full scope of the entrepreneurial ecosystem with innovations in capital, mentorship, and making. Without the protection of antiregulatory relief. discrimination laws, we were passed over for Also, the African American Mayors jobs, and often fired when we summoned the Association hosted a Summit on this issue courage to come out. on June 22, and they discussed One way for us to conquer the social entrepreneurship as a way to raise ostracism and state-sanctioned awareness about equity and inclusion. discrimination would be to create our own The Kauffman Foundation’s Mayor’s economic opportunity, which is not Council – of which I am a proud member – dependent on working for someone who is a coalition of former mayors who are might hate us for who we love. THE STATE OF LGBT ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE U.S. This report from StartOut, a nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, focuses exclusively on emerging growth companies with a survey sample size of 140 LGBT entrepreneurs and a big data set of 6,703 LGBT entrepreneurs and 92,096 growth entrepreneurs of straight or unknown sexual orientation. This study is the most comprehensive of its kind, and is intended to paint a clearer picture of the LGBT entrepreneurial experience in the U.S.
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July 22, 2021 - August 12, 2021 • No. 677
active in encouraging entrepreneurship, education, and civic innovation. We are also fighting for a level playing field and greater entrepreneurial opportunities for everyone, which would provide a dramatic boost to the
U.S. economy. If everyone had equal access to funding and resources, for instance, there would be 10-times more LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in the U.S., according to a study by StartOut. It’s as simple as keep pace or be left behind: States with unfriendly LGBTQ+ policies have lost more than 1 million jobs as LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs moved away to start their own businesses. Entrepreneurship is more than just a way of making a living – it’s a crucial part of the American economy, and new businesses started by entrepreneurs are a source of most new net jobs in the U.S., according to the Kauffman Foundation’s America’s New Business Plan. That means that growing the numbers – and the successes – of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs is one of the surest paths to opportunity for the broader LGBTQ+ workforce, too. So, in the end, I am heartened by what I’ve seen in the big picture for the LGBTQ+ community. But there’s more that we can do, and entrepreneurship is a key step on our journey toward true equity. Former Mayor Christopher Cabaldon served as mayor of West Sacramento for more than two decades, making him the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history. As mayor, Cabaldon led groundbreaking initiatives on improving sustainability, economic development, and access to education. Globally, he has been a featured speaker at the World Urban Forum, the New Cities Summit, the Innovation Growth Lab, the Global Parliament of Mayors, and the Mayors’ Food Policy Compact. Cabaldon was inaugural chair of the national LGBTQ Mayors Alliance, and former chair of both the Asian/Pacific and LGBT caucuses of the League of California Cities. Cabaldon currently represents California on the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education. He served previously as vice chancellor of the California Community Colleges and director of the state legislature’s higher education committee. In 2019, Cabaldon was appointed to a tenured faculty post at Sacramento State University as the Hazel Cramer Endowed Chair and professor of Public Policy and Administration. He earned a bachelor’s degree in science in environmental economics from U.C. Berkeley and a Master of Public Policy Administration from Sacramento State. outwordmagazine.com
Gay Veteran Rocha Seeks San Diego Area Congressional Seat
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By Matthew S. Bajko Bay Area Reporter
oseph C. Rocha, a gay Latino veteran who fought the military’s homophobic “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, is aiming to be the second out Democratic person of color elected to Congress from California.
Rocha, 35, who lives in Escondido with his dog Daytwa, is running against Republican Congressman Darrel Issa in the 50th Congressional District northeast of San Diego. Their 2022 contest is expected to be one of the most closely watched in the state next year. Also running are Democrat William Stephen Houlahan and former Escondido mayor Sam Abed, a Republican. The top two vote-getters regardless of party in the June primary will compete in then November general election. “I am looking forward to talking to voters in this district about Issa’s lack of leadership. I am convinced we will come out on top in the primary,” said Rocha in a phone interview with the Bay Area Reporter. Last November, Issa easily defeated his Democratic opponent, Ammar Campa-Najjar, by 8 percentage points in a race that saw the congressman accused of lobbing Islamaphobic attacks against Campa-Najjar. In last year’s June primary contest, Issa was accused of deploying homophobic attacks against fellow Republican Carl DeMaio, a gay former San Diego councilman and unsuccessful mayoral candidate. Rocha told the B.A.R. not only is he ready for the tumult of a political campaign but that voters in the district are ready for a candidate focused on their needs. “We have a country and a district that is really struggling and residents who need an emphasis on recovery and how they can best provide for their family as we make our way out of this pandemic,” said Rocha, who plans to focus full time on his campaign. “Those dirty tricks are just not going to work anymore for the congressman.” Rocha’s decision to move back from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina after satisfying his eight-year commitment with the United States Marine Corps, in which he served as a judge advocate, has riveted San Diego political circles. Longtime gay San Diego commissioner and newspaper columnist Nicole Murray Ramirez noted that the congressional district has a large bloc of veteran voters who are likely to be impressed with Rocha and his resume. There is also a sizable Latino population in the district, which reaches into southern Riverside County. “I think that Marine captain Joseph Rocha fits the district well,” said Ramirez, who has long been close friends with him. “As a proud naval and marine veteran, a prosecutor, a judge advocate, and as a proud Latino man and a member of the LGBTQ community, he is poised to become a frontrunner to challenge Issa.” Rocha graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law and interned with the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. He also served as a field coordinator on gay former supervisor Bevan Dufty’s unsuccessful 2011 bid to become mayor of San Francisco. “Joseph’s military experience and public service in a place like San Diego really says outwordmagazine.com
Joseph C. Rocha
something about who Joseph is,” noted Dufty, who is planning to host a local fundraiser for Rocha this fall. “A lot of individuals are really impressed by what Joseph has accomplished besides his hardships he has faced and that he wanted to continue to serve even after the horrible treatment he experienced when he enlisted.” Rocha’s grandparents emigrated from Mexico in the 1960s and found work in California’s tomato fields and canneries. His mother struggled with drug addiction and lost custody of Rocha when he was 7 years old after leading the police on a high-speed car chase. “That was the end of the road for my life living with my mom,” he recalled. He and his siblings where raised in Riverside by his father, a truck driver. They had a falling out when Rocha came out of the closet at 17 and his father kicked him out of their house; they would reconcile years later. At 18 Rocha enlisted in the Navy and served as a bomb dog handler in the Persian Gulf. But, in 2007, he was discharged under DADT due to his sexual orientation, having been hazed by fellow service members who suspected he was gay. Shortly thereafter Rocha’s mother died. “She struggled with substance use until my early 20s,” said Rocha. He lent his story to the public, legal, and political fights to overturn DADT, pledging to re-enlist if the anti-LGBTQ policy were overturned. Former President Barack Obama signed the bill repealing DADT in December 2010, leading Rocha to apply to the Marine Officer Candidate School. Having risen through the ranks of the Marine Corps handling a range of felony cases, Rocha said it was time for him to embark on his next career move. “I served for years under the Trump presidency. I saw the transgender ban, the Muslim ban and an insurrection,” noted Rocha, referring to the bans against trans military members and immigrants from a number of Muslim countries imposed by President Donald Trump and the ransacking of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters on January 6. “I wanted to … I felt called to a different type of service and a space where I could continue to make change in people’s lives.” To learn more about Rocha, visit his campaign site at https://rochaforcongress.com
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July 22, 2021 - August 12, 2021 • No. 677
Outword Magazine 9
Book Review:”The Guncle” by Steven Rowley
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he situation you’re facing isn’t one you wanted. You had no wish for it; in fact, it’s a hundred percent the opposite.
Not your circus, not your monkeys, as they say. So usually, you’d follow your instincts and run but this time, you surprise yourself by stepping up and taking ownership. Now it is your problem but, as in the new novel, “The Guncle” by Steven Rowley, that’s more than okay. Sara had been his friend first. Patrick wasn’t exactly happy when she married his brother, Greg, but she managed to make it work and he loved her for it. He loved her first, actually, and he never let her forget it. But now she was gone and Greg had asked the impossible: would Patrick – gay man, former TV star, Palm Springs fixture, no-responsibilities Patrick – take Greg and Sara’s kids, nine-year-old Maisie and six-year-old Grant, for the summer so Greg could go to rehab while grieving the death of his wife? Could the kids’ GUP (Gay Uncle Patrick) step up? No. There was no way that Patrick was taking temporary custody of two kids – but then his older sister, Clara, copped an attitude, rolled her eyes, and told him he was “off the hook.” PfftRight.
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Don’t be surprised, either, if you spend your vacation racing to reach the ending you think’s coming...
And so Greg headed to rehab after the funeral and the kids went home with Patrick to Palm Springs. It would be a long 90 days. Grant was cute but full of questions; Patrick learned to make things up. Maisie was nobody’s fool and Patrick learned to hide his passwords. He gave them “Guncle” Rules (gay + uncle = guncle), life lessons, and stories about their mother – but past
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
that, what does a gay man who never wanted kids do when he suddenly has two of them? He takes them to the museum way too often, that’s what. He takes them to five-star restaurants and cringes when they order kid food. He lounges with them in the pool, gets them a dog, lets them put up a Christmas tree in July, hugs them, and throws a party. And he loves them... There are four words that best describe “The Guncle”: A. Dor. A. Bull. That’s it. This novel is simply as charming as they come and don’t be surprised if you can almost hear your favorite actors as any of the characters here. Don’t be surprised, either, if you spend your vacation racing to reach the ending you think’s coming and you’re wrong. Indeed, author Steven Rowley offers the perfect mix of snorts and sobs here, snarky fun one minute and pathos the next but neither emotion is belabored or forced. That gives readers room to enjoy the tale as it unfolds and grows like an inflating pool toy, and to watch the characters twisting wistfully in irresistible, concentric circles. Your ticket’s in your hand, your suitcase is packed, your destination is close, but you need a book to get you there. If you’d love to immerse yourself inside a sweet novel like “The Guncle,” then step right up.
Author Steve Rowley, photo by Byron Lane
July 22, 2021 - August 12, 2021 • No. 677
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Capital Stage Offers Free Virtual Sensory-Friendly Dance in Performances Of “Ripe Frenzy” Sacramento at The Sofia By Chris Narloch
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By Chris Narloch
f you know anyone with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), please let them know about two upcoming performances on Saturday, August 21 at The Sofia in Sacramento, where the talented folks with Sensory Friendly Dance (SFD) will present Ron Cunningham’s “Peter and the Wolf” in an inclusive theater environment by relaxing traditional theater rules and making sensory friendly accommodations to the theater experience. This year, Sensory Friendly Dance invites not only the autistic community, but all Sacramento families to enjoy “Peter and the Wolf,” further enhancing the inclusivity of the experience. For more information and tickets visit: www.sensoryfriendlydance.org
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acramento’s Capital Stage will return to in-person productions at its theater on J Street at the end of August and will continue to offer free virtual performances until then. The next play up is Jennifer Barclay’s “Ripe Frenzy,” an intriguingsounding work that uses a high school production of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” as the backdrop for an examination of the tragic frequency of mass shootings in our country. Directed by Michael Stevenson, the virtual performances of “Ripe Frenzy” will be available On Demand this August 3-8. Register for free tickets at: www.capstage.org
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July 22, 2021 - August 12, 2021 • No. 677
Outword Magazine 11
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Yabba Dabba Do! A Victory for the ‘Flintstones House’
By Chris Narloch
I
n a victory for free speech (and Flintstones fans everywhere), Florence Fang has prevailed in her lawsuit against the city of Hillsborough — near San Francisco — who had claimed her home was a “public nuisance” for its dinosaur-themed decor and colorful paint job. Fang will get to keep intact her wacky dream home, which includes statues of Fred, Wilma, Barney and Betty, and the city will reimburse her for the costs of the lawsuit. You gotta love the Bay Area!
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July 22, 2021 - August 12, 2021 • No. 677
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Country Queen Side Jobs & New Dance Music
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hroughout the pandemic, during a dark period when many of the performing arts were down for the count, music has kept me going. Here are reviews of new sounds by two of my favorite country queens and a couple club music kings who know how to get their groove on.
DJ and music producer David Guetta
Jennifer Nettles -- Always Like New The lead vocalist from the popular country duo Sugarland steps out with a wonderful new CD that unleashes her inner Broadway diva on ten covers of famous show tunes from musicals as diverse as “Hamilton,” “My Fair Lady,” and “Dear Evan Hansen.” Nettles has a big, dramatic vocal style that is perfectly suited to Broadway, and she opens the album with a lovely arrangement and vocal on “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly.” A couple songs here are over sung, but Nettles’ versions of “Almost Like Being In Love,” “Tomorrow,” and especially “It All Fades Away” are understated and gorgeous.
Miranda Lambert
By Chris Narloch Saro -- Daddy I Love Him This sexy singer has an album coming out later this year, and this is a sensational single that makes me eager to hear what else the R&B artist has planned for that disc. You can watch a smokin’ hot video for the song at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TopomXJrrAU T he sexy singer Saro
Jennifer Nettles
David Guetta -- If You Really Love Me This enormously successful French DJ and record producer has another hit on his hands with this catchy dance track, which incorporates part of the lyrics from Whitney Houston’s song “How Will I Know.” John Newman takes over the vocal duties on this version, and you can listen to the result at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5J2RiF8hwU
Miranda Lambert & Friends -The Marfa Tapes Miranda Lambert is my favorite younger, female country singer, and she enjoys a successful solo career in addition to side projects like her wonderful work with the “girl group” Pistol Annies and this new album, a musical menage a trois with her singer-songwriter buddies Jack Ingram and Jon Randall. “The Marfa Tapes” has a pleasingly loose, off the cuff feel to it that sounds like three good friends jamming and playing around in the studio. Laughter and banter between the artists during the recording sessions has even been left on the album. There is nothing “unfinished” about the songs themselves, however, and all three songwriters get the chance to shine. Still, Lambert’s lead vocals are my favorites on the disc, and she has twangy good fun on “Geraldene” and breaks your heart on “Ghost,” “In His Arms,” and a stripped-down cover of her own former hit “Tin Man.” Proceeds will go to:
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1st game at 7 pm Admission will be first come, first served, SO SHOW UP EARLY!!! Presented by the
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July 22, 2021 - August 12, 2021 • No. 677
Outword Magazine 13
Food
Beverage
and More
Midtown’s Sutter District to Celebrate Sacratomato Week
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ocated in the heart of Midtown, Sacramento’s Sutter District invites the community to savor the tastes of summertime by celebrating Sacratomato Week July 19-25, 2021. Complete with eye-catching banners proudly on display throughout the dynamic district and entertaining live music being performed at key intersections in the Sutter District, abundant and delicious tomato-themed offerings will take center stage during the special week. Midtown residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy a variety of delicious appetizers, entrees and drinks made with Sacramento’s signature commodity.
Sacratomato Week offers a wonderful opportunity to support vibrant and engaging locally owned restaurants, bars, and eateries. A sampling of some of the tomato-themed menu options and drink specials offered by participating Sutter District restaurants, bars, and eateries. For more information about the 2021 Sacratomato Week go to www.exploremidtown.org.
Salmon BLT from Cafe Bernardo. Photos by Jazzy Swink.
14 Outword Magazine
July 22, 2021 - August 12, 2021 • No. 677
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Tiffany Lights Up The Crocker
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By Chris Narloch
f you act fast, you can still see the small but terrific show “Legends From Los Angeles” which features 20 or so wonderful works of art, by Betye Saar and her two daughters, that exemplify the Black Arts Movement. That exhibition continues at Sacramento’s Crocker Art Museum through this August 15th. While you’re there, allow plenty of time to enjoy the Crocker’s sumptuous new show, in the large gallery on the third floor of the museum, which showcases the stunning art of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Most people know the Tiffany name from either Tiffany & Co., the luxury American retailer known for fine jewelry, china and silver, or from the famous Audrey Hepburn film, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” “Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection,” currently at The Crocker, features more than 60 objects, spanning over 30 years of Tiffany’s prolific career. One of America’s most renowned and inventive artists, Tiffany (1848–1933) worked in glass, metalwork, jewelry, and painting, all of which are represented in this exquisite exhibition. I have always loved Tiffany’s ornate, stained leaded glass lamps, which frequently have floral designs, and a generous number of those gorgeous lamps are prominently displayed against the long, back wall of the gallery. I was fascinated to find out that those handmade lamps were created primarily by young, unwed women who were known as the “Tiffany Girls” and that a woman named Clara Driscoll, who supervised the Tiffany Studio’s glass cutting department, designed several dozen of the most beautiful lamps. The exhibition also includes several stunning examples of Tiffany’s famous stainedglass windows plus vintage household items (such as fireplace andirons) that are turned in to works of art thanks to the Tiffany touch. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Tiffany masterpieces in Sacramento, through this September 12th. For more information, visit www.crockerart.org
Virtual Lin-Manuel Miranda Times Two
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By Chris Narloch
rtists and performers have been using the internet like never before over the last 16 months, to get the word out about their art during the pandemic. “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda has two virtual events upcoming that shine a light on his incredible talents. An Evening with Lin-Manuel Miranda This is an evening with Lin-Manuel Miranda discussing his recent book, “In the Heights: Finding Home.” The eagerly awaited follow-up to the New York Times bestseller “Hamilton: The Revolution,” Lin-Manuel Miranda’s new book gives readers an extraordinary inside look at “In the Heights,” his breakout Broadway debut, written with Quiara Alegría Hudes, now a Hollywood blockbuster. This event will stream on Stellar, and your ticket includes a copy of the memoir. Miranda’s virtual book promotion will take place this July 21st at 6:00 p.m. PT. John Kander and Lin-Manuel Miranda Vineyard Theatre’s 2021 Gala Series culminates in an intimate conversation between legendary musical theater composers John Kander (“Cabaret,” “Chicago,” The Vineyard’s “The Scottsboro Boys”) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (“In the Heights,” “Hamilton”). Join them as they share insights about their unique writing processes and reveal favorite selections from each other’s songbooks, performed by some of outwordmagazine.com
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Broadway’s brightest stars: Mandy Gonzalez (“In the Heights”), Bryonha Marie Parham (“Prince of Broadway”), George Salazar (“Be More Chill”), and more. All proceeds from this special benefit event will directly support The Vineyard’s artistic and education programs and re-opening plans. The On Demand recording will be available this July 22-25. For tickets to both these events, visit: www.goldstar.com/artists/lin-manuel-miranda-tickets
July 22, 2021 - August 12, 2021 • No. 677
Outword Magazine 15
Superhero Cinema At IMAX
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By Chris Narloch
uperhero cinema continues to rule the U.S. box office, and there is no better way to enjoy a big blockbuster than on the really big screen of an IMAX Theatre. Check out one or both of these new movies currently in theaters.
Black Widow I am on the fence with this film, which has a nice, feminist feel that is rare for a Marvel movie. Unfortunately, that is arguably the only original element in a mostly unexceptional M.C.U. side story. The movie’s plot leads into “Avengers: Infinity War” which makes “Black Widow” an unnecessary prequel to the recent M.C.U. films, in much the same way that “Solo” was irrelevant to the recent “Star Wars” reboots. Still, the female director, Cate Shortland, elicits strong performances from her two female lead actors, Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh, who play long lost sisters that reunite as adults --- not with a hug but with a violent, butt-kicking catfight. One of the sisters has become an Avenger -- the other an assassin -- and when I realized very early on in the movie that I was in for two hours-plus of Russian baddies (and bad Russian accents by the lead actors) my heart sank at the laziness of yet another action flick with that tired trope. On the plus side, Florence Pugh is especially good in “Black Widow,” and the after-credits teaser scene makes it clear that her character will return in a future M.C.U. movie. Hopefully, that film will be better than this one. Snake Eyes I wasn’t in to playing with G.I. Joe as a gay kid -- Ken and Barbie were more my speed -- but I will be first in line to see this new G.I. Joe movie, if only to see Henry Golding take on the starring role as Snake Eyes. Golding is the tall, handsome Malaysian actor with the posh British accent who vaulted to romantic leading man status with his very first film, “Crazy Rich Asians.” Now we’ll see if he can cut it as an action hero. A mysterious lone fighter, known only as “Snake Eyes”, is welcomed into and trained by an ancient Japanese ninja clan called the Arashikage, but finds his loyalties being tested when secrets from his past are revealed. He eventually goes on the path to become the famous hero G.I. Joe. You can see “Snake Eyes” after it opens at Sacramento’s Esquire IMAX on the evening of July 22, the same day that “Black Widow” ends its run at that theater. Visit www.imax.com/theatre/2718/movies 16 Outword Magazine
July 22, 2021 - August 12, 2021 • No. 677
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Queer Movies in Theaters & On Netflix
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By Chris Narloch
wo terrific new movies, one opening in theaters and the other coming to Netflix, put their focus on the intolerance the queer community continues to face in many areas of the United States. Read on for my reviews of both films.
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Reid Miller and Mark Wahlberg star in “Joe Bell.”
Joe Bell Mark Wahlberg gives a surprisingly sensitive and poignant performance in this true story about a straight-arrow husband and father who embarked on a cross-country trek to raise awareness about intolerance after his gay teenage son committed suicide as a result of extreme bullying. The movie was written by the screenwriters of “Brokeback Mountain” and although it’s not as great as that film, “Joe Bell” is another sincere, heartfelt tearjerker that both entertains and conveys a powerful message of inclusivity and forgiveness. Wahlberg plays Joe Bell, and a perfectly-cast Reid Miller is terrific as Jadin, Joe’s queer son, who catches hell at his conservative, small-town Oregon high school for being the only boy on the cheerleading squad. The young man’s story unfolds in flashback as we watch dad grapple with guilt while trying to fulfill his mission to walk across the country and share his son’s story. The film’s conclusion is heartbreakingly sad, but the true story of the Bell family is heartbreakingly sad so you can’t fault the film for not having a happy ending. “Joe Bell” is an important reminder that despite progress, bullying and homophobia continue to be killers in our country. Any film that shines a spotlight on that tragic fact has its heart in the right place. “Joe Bell,” which has a fine supporting cast that includes Connie Britton and Gary Sinise, opens in theaters on July 23rd.
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Pray Away You can see this documentary on Netflix beginning August 3, and it’s a fascinating non-fiction film about Exodus, the “ex-gay” religious organization that shut down after some of its leaders realized they were living a lie and had done grave damage to countless members of the LGBTQ+ community. A number of those now-openly gay (or bisexual) leaders are interviewed in “Pray Away,” and it’s painful to see them voice their sincere regret over the religious brainwashing that led them to betray themselves and other queer people, all in the name of God. The filmmakers also include one young man, not related to Exodus, who believes he has left his “sinful” gay past behind and now tries to “help” other queer people change their sexual orientation. His internalized homophobia is so palpable that it’s remarkable the young man agreed to appear on camera, and I wish the moviemakers had given him more screen time because it’s both scary and valuable to see that the “ex-gay” movement is still (regrettably) alive and well.
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A publicity photo for the Netflix documentary “Pray Away”
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Midtown Association Granted 12 Local Businesses with Access to “PRIDE, Pronouns & Progress” Gender Inclusion Educational Workshops
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fter launching an all new “PRIDE, Pronouns & Progress” gender inclusion training program in June, the Midtown Association – in partnership with WEAVE, the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, Faces Nightclub, and Outword Media – granted access to 12 local businesses to participate in inclusivity educational workshops that took place earlier this month.
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I’m incredibly proud of this inclusivity inclusion training program that supports our mission to cultivate Midtown as the center for culture, creativity, and vibrancy in Sacramento’s urban core,” said Emily Baime Michaels, Executive Director of the Midtown Association. “After all, we believe Midtown Love is a verb – being in action to actively celebrate, include, and proudly protect our fellow community members. This new gender inclusion program does just that by furthering understanding and applauding acceptance.” The 12 businesses located in Midtown and the Central City that were granted free access to the important training workshop include the following: 3fold Communications, The Art Studios Sacramento, Cyclebar, Fleet Feet Sacramento, HR E-Z Inc., Lash Me Pretty, Mutual Housing, Sacramento Republic FC, SETA Head Start, Solfire Yoga, Temple Coffee, and Trinity 18 Outword Magazine
July 22, 2021 - August 12, 2021 • No. 677
Episcopal Cathedral. Designed to educate the business community and raise awareness about the importance of nurturing an inclusive environment, the hour-long inclusivity training sessions were focused on three primary topics: educating interested businesses about gender identities, gender rights (in the workplace and beyond) and the importance of pronouns (that go well beyond he/him/his and she/ her/hers to include gender neutral or inclusive pronouns, and more). For more information about the “PRIDE, Pronouns & Progress” grant program and workshops, Midtown Sacramento and/or about the Midtown Association, please visit www. exploremidtown.org or follow on social media – Facebook at www.facebook.com/ exploremidtown/ and @ExploreMidtown on Instagram and Twitter. outwordmagazine.com