Gay San Diego - July 2014 by sdcnn

Volume 5 Issue 14 July 11–24, 2014

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GAY

SAN DIEGO SERVING OUR LGBT COMMUNITY

2 NEWS

Pride Guide inside!

Building consensus within his community

LGBT Local Hero Robert Gleason shines Monica Medina |

Sport dancing San Diegans

t DINING Mayor Kevin Faulconer, surrounded by various leaders and members of the San Diego’s LGBT community, holds a press conference before ceremoniously installing the first two pride flags to be flown throughout Downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter. A total of 124 rainbow colored flags will fly above the streets of the Gaslamp for the next two weeks to commemorate Pride season in San Diego. (Photo by SDCNN)

A regal eatery

s SPORTS

Tennis tourney results

d THEATER

Mayor Faulconer makes Pride history

A new tradition takes place in the Gaslamp Quarter McKenna Aiello | Gay San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer kicked off the 40th anniversary of San Diego Pride on Wednesday, July 9 when he became the first mayor of San Diego to hoist rainbow flags over the Gaslamp Quarter. As members of the Gaslamp Quarter Association, San Diego LGBT Pride, and other leaders and members of the local LGBT community looked on, Faulconer acknowledged the struggles of past LGBT leaders and looked toward a future comprised of even more triumphs for the community. “Today I’m proud to stand next to people who continue to fight for acceptance and equality,” Faul-

coner said during the press conference leading the flag ceremony. “And given the fact that the first march took place in Downtown, here we have come full circle,” he said. A moderate Republican, Faulconer has not been shy in openly sharing his support for the LGBT community; he chairs the Mayors for the Freedom to Marry Coalition — a national, non-partisan group advocating for the marriage rights of same-sex couples — and has appointed several members of the LGBT community on both his transition and permanent staff. Jimmy Parker, executive director of the Gaslamp Quarter Association,

see Faulconer, pg 20

Jeremy Ogul | Gay San Diego

On the fringe of the festival

Index Calendar....…….....…4 Opinion............….….6 Wedding Guide....….….10 Classifieds.……………18 Fitness.......…......…23

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San Diego Community News Network

(l to r) Rev. Canon Albert Ogle and Robert Gleason were both recently named “LGBT Pride Month Local Heroes” by KPBS and Union Bank. (Photos by Courtesy KPBS)

Mankind makes its move One of Hillcrest’s most popular gay adult retailers has finally settled into a new location on University Avenue. Mankind opened its doors at 1295 University Ave. on July 5. The store sells men’s designer clothing, sex toys, pornography DVDs and accessories. Many were dismayed last November when Mankind founder Keith Miller announced he was closing at the end of its lease, after more than five years in business at its former location. That’s when Brian Casey seized the opportunity to buy the store from Miller, who also owns Helix Studios, a giant in the world of gay adult entertainment. The old Mankind store — in a converted house at 3425 Fifth Ave. — had plenty of charm and quirk, but it was too far off the beaten path to realize its full potential, Casey said. The store’s new prime location on the block positioned between Baja Betty’s and Rich’s will lead to significant growth in the customer base. Indeed, surveys have shown that some parts of University Avenue get as much foot traffic as Downtown and Little Italy, said Benjamin Nicholls, interim executive director of the Hillcrest Business Improvement Association.

Ask anyone who knows Robert Gleason what quality most defines him, and it’s pretty much unanimous: consensus builder. That’s how fellow honoree Reverend Albert Ogle describes him. Ditto, Max Disposti and Vincent Pompei, two of last year’s Local Hero recipients. Gleason, a 2014 LGBT Pride Month Local Hero, is the newly appointed president and CEO of Evans Hotels, a company he’s been with for 30 years. A long-time San Diegan, Gleason is an activist for the following areas: the arts, economic development, electoral politics and LGBT civil rights, and his work as a consensus builder is front and center in his efforts in helping to pull together the LGBT Community Leadership Council.

Assistant Manager of Visual Marketing Donald Bynum makes sure product displays look perfect. (Photo by Jeremy Ogul)

Along with similar retail stores such as Obelisk, Mankind fills an important niche that Nicholls likes to call “pride retailers,” which cater to the LGBT community but also appeal to a broader audience. He said such stores play a critical role in the unique identity and culture of the Hillcrest community.

see Mankind, pg 20

“Talk about collaboration,” he said. “The one big initiative we started was meant to bring LGBT and allied resources together. I chaired the board for eight years, and the great thing about it was seeing all these disparate organizations, that didn’t often work together, get involved. When people were coming forward and trying to form new groups, they’d start with us. “Once a year we’d hold a reception for everyone’s board members to learn and grow capacity. Max Disposti, who is now the executive director of the North County LGBTQ Resource Center, showed up and said, ‘Hey I’m interested in doing community work in Oceanside,’ and he started coming every month and that’s how his organization grew. It’s good to see what he’s done. The first step always is visibility and just being present.”

see KPBS Hero, pg 13

NEWS

GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

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North Park couple going for the gold at Gay Games

Luis Girjalva (top) and Tyler-Ryan Allen, partners in life and in dance, are raising money to get to the Gay Games. (at right) The couple competes together. (Courtesy Luis Girjalva)

McKenna Aiello | Gay San Diego For the past eight months, TylerRyan Allen and Luis Girjalva — partners on stage as well as off — have been training for the performance of a lifetime. In August the two dance-aficionados will travel to Cleveland and Akron, Ohio to represent the United States at the 2014 Gay Games — an international sporting event aimed at combining the competitive spirit of the Olympic Games with the social movement of spreading LGBT athlete awareness and unity. To the two North Park residents, who will be competing in both the International and American Style divisions, the chance to bring home a medal is the product of decades spent climbing the ladder of competi-

tive ballroom and Latin dance. “What has kept my passion and drive going all these years is how I feel,” Girjalva said. “I love the feeling of being in front of a room of people, and having them emote as they are involved in my dance. I can capture them and make them feel like they are a part of it.” He began dancing at just 7 years old, and has since made a name for himself in the highly competitive Latin dance community. With titles like the “North American Same-Sex Latin Champion” and “Canadian Rising Star Rhythm Champion” to name just a couple accolades under Girjalva’s belt, the pair is confident their first trip to the Gay Games will be victorious. Allen’s dance career in American style reached a pivotal high

eight years ago when he moved to San Diego to work with Mary Murphy, a celebrity in the ballroom dance world and long-time judge on Fox’s show “So You Think You Can Dance.” “In the Smooth style, I think that our Latin training will give us a lovely contrast in movement, as this style calls for mainly gliding and grand movements,” Allen said. “The speed from our Latin will definitely add our own personal style into the mix. These styles play so well off one another and we are confident that it’s the perfect pairing for us to bring home the gold.” But beyond the glory that comes with winning a gold medal, the opportunity to represent the LGBT community in a sporting tradition that Allen said has not always been “gay friendly,” is what really matters. “The Gay Games gives the LGBT community a way to feel safe to express who they are and still be well respected Olympians,” Allen said. “We are going to be representing the U.S.A. at the Gay Olympics! We are just so fortunate to be able to do that.” And though this may be the first time Girjalva and Allen will face hundreds of other competitors in the “DanceSport” category, the Gay Games has worked to honor other LGBT athletes for 32 years under the founding principles of “Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best.” Prior to the inaugural Gay Games in 1982, being gay and being an athlete were considered two roles that could never mix. Now returning to the U.S. for its ninth-annual games from Aug. 9 – 16, competitors can feel even

more comfortable with their athleticism — regardless of sexual orientation, gender, nationality or age. The Gay Games isn’t exactly like the typical Olympic Games, though. While the number of athletes expected to attend this year’s games is about 9,000 — comparable to the Summer Olympics — this year’s Games will host 35 sports and other cultural events. Those events will vary from traditional Olympic sports like figure skating, swimming, volleyball and rowing, to more unconventional events like same-sex DanceSport, choral, band and rodeo. In addition, athletes do not have to qualify for any given event, they can merely register to compete based on skill level and age. But the road to the Games has been far from simple for the two dance professionals. “The journey has been challenging because we are both artists, and both come with quite a lot of experience,” Allen said. “Everyone likes being right of course, so let’s just say that sometimes we agree to disagree and just push through to

the next dance.” Girjalva and Allen will compete in nine dances total during the 2014 Games — Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive, Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz. With those multiple entries come lofty bills to pay, as the two will be wearing five different elaborate costumes and three pairs of dance shoes each, not to mention the cost of airfare, hotel and registration. To help raise funds for the couple’s endeavor, Allen decided to bring their passion for dance together with their desire to increase LGBT involvement in the same-sex dance world, with a night of performance art in their North Park neighborhood. “Dance into the Night,” featuring six of Girjalva and Allen’s Olympic-worthy routines, will be held on July 24 at Queen Bee’s Arts and Cultural Center, located at 3925 Ohio St. The event will also include guest performances by local dance teams, a silent auction and a raffle for prizes. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, and are available at QueenBeesSD.com.t

SDCNN acquires three additional community newspapers Parent company of Gay San Diego doubles in size SDCNN Staff On Tuesday, July 1, San Diego Community News Network (SDCNN) officially acquired three community newspapers from Mission Publishing Group, LLC. The Mission Times-Courier, Mission Valley News and La Mesa Courier will now join SDCNN’s San Diego Uptown News, San Diego Downtown News and Gay San Diego in providing in-depth, hyper-local, community news to the heart of San Diego. “Jim Madaffer has done a terrific job over the last two decades and these papers have truly become staples of the neighborhoods they serve,” said SDCNN Publisher David Mannis. “The SDCNN team is excited to add these quality newspapers to our family of community papers and we look forward to serving the people and businesses of these vibrant areas.” The combined 68,000 circulation of the newly acquired newspapers will give SDCNN a total circulation of nearly 130,000, with a distribution that expands its current reach of Uptown and Downtown neighborhoods into those of eastern and central San Diego, including Mission Valley, San Carlos, Allied Gardens, Grantville, Del Cerro, La Mesa and others. “I am confident David Mannis will continue with the quality local news and neighborhood service we have strived to deliver for nearly 20 years,” said Jim Madaffer, publisher of Mission Publishing Group, LLC. Mannis has been in the publishing industry for more than 30 years. He previously published the La Jolla Village News, Beach & Bay Press and The Peninsula Beacon, and just celebrated the five-year anniversary of SDCNN in June. A former San Diego City Councilmember, Jim Madaffer is president of Madaffer Enterprises, a government affairs consulting firm located in Downtown San Diego. He serves on the board of directors of the San Diego County Water Authority and was appointed to the California Transportation Commission earlier this year by Governor Jerry Brown. For more information on the San Diego Community News Network and newly acquired newspapers, visit SDCNN.com and Scoopsandiego.com. t

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GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

4 GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

Friday, July 11

Bare: A Pop Opera: A contemporary rock musical about identity, sexuality, and religion. Weds – Sunday shows through August 3, tonight 8 p.m. Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., Normal Heights. For tickets diversionary.org or call 619-220-0097. Woman In The Mirror, A Dancer’s Journey: Final performance of an award-winning one-woman show by San Diegobased performing artist and Michael Jackson impersonator Devra Gregory. 5 p.m., Tenth Ave. Arts Center, 930 10th Ave., Downtown. For tickets and more visit DEVasMJ.com Fridays on Fifth: Sponsored by the Hillcrest Business Association a weekly Friday happy hour event encouraging people to “eat, drink and shop” from 4 – 9 p.m. on Fifth Avenue between Brookes Avenue and Washington Street. For more info, visit fridaysonfifth.com.

Saturday, July 12

She-Fest: A precursor to San Diego Pride, She-Fest is taking place for the first time ever and it’s free! This allwomen event includes booths, activities, workshops, and, of course, a killer line-up of lady musicians. Event starts at 11 a.m., music at noon. North Park Community Park, Idaho Street at Howard Avenue, North Park. Free or $15 donation for SheFest T-shirt. Visit: sdpride.org/ event/she-fest 11th Annual Rainbow Prom: Provides youth a safe, welcoming, and affirming event where they can be themselves with their peers. Youth (under 18 ) only. 6 – 9p.m. The Center, 3909 Centre St., Hillcrest. Visit: thecentersd.org San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus presents Luv Madonna: Music of the Material Girl: Two huge tribute shows to kick off Pride Week with over-the-top sets, costumes, dancers, and production. 8 p.m. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Downtown. For tickets and more visit sdgmc. org. Second performance at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Sunday, July 13

World Cup Championship Match Viewing Party: Match will be shown on LED screen outdoors on 30th St. Local food trucks, DJs and more will be on hand for the festivities. No alcohol allowed on the street. Doors open at 9 a.m., pre-game broadcast starts at 11 a.m., with kickoff at Noon. 30th Street between Lincoln and University. All ages. FREE. Visit wcnp2014.com. Fringe Festival: The second annual San Diego Fringe Festival ends today, with five stages, 70 companies, 200 artists and nearly 350 performances through July 13. Venues are the Tenth Ave Arts Center, Spreckels Theatre, and Lyceum Theatre. For more info and tickets, visit sdfringe.org. Divas and Dogs: All TOONed Up: Lips Restaurant & Art Of Fur Academy are teaming up to Celebrate Lips’s 15 years in San Diego and the opening of Art Of Fur Academy in North Park ... with a Creative Twist; they are teaming drag queens and dogs and transforming them into “TOONed up” characters from your favorite animated movies. 7 p.m. Lips, 3036 El

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Cajon Blvd., North Park. Visit lipssd.com and artoffur.com San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus presents Luv Madonna: Music of the Material Girl: Huge Madonna tribute show to kick off Pride Week with overthe-top sets, costumes, dancers, and production. 3 p.m. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Downtown. For tickets and more visit sdgmc.org.

Monday, July 14

Broke Ass Mondays: Happy hour cocktails and food $4 all night. 2 p.m. to close, every Monday. Urban MO’s, 308 University Ave., Hillcrest Visit urbanmos.com. Movie Monday: “Amelie” is this week’s screening at 7 p.m in the Ex-Patriate Room at Croce’s Park West, 2760 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill. Call 619-2334355 or visit crocesparkwest. com – FREE with food or drink purchase.

Tuesday, July 15

Pre-Pride Industry Night Party: Hosted bar and complimentary appetizers at this pre-Pride event. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., hosted bar until 7p.m. Heat Bar & Kitchen, 3797 Park Blvd., Hillcrest. RSVP to sam@ heatbarandkitchen.com. Visit heatbarandkitchen.com Painting and Vino: Local professional artists instruct attendees on painting a masterpiece. Today – “Cheers” at 98 Bottles in Little Italy, 2400 Kettner Blvd. Event is 6 – 9 p.m. and 21+ up. Cost is $45, all supplies included, but registration is required. Corkage fee $15 if you bring your own wine. For more info, visit paintingandvino.com. Lesbian Meet-up: New weekly early morning business networking meeting, offering a chance to share and support each other’s business or passions. All lesbians in community are invited. 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Caffe Calabria, 3933 30th St., North Park.

Wednesday, July 16

Pride Kickoff Pink Party: Women’s party featuring a Burlesque show and all night happy hour. DJ Dida at 9 p.m., show at 10 p.m. Gossip Grill, 1220 University Ave., Hillcrest. No cover. Visit GossipGrill.com Film Out: “Big Gay Love” A new comedy written and directed by Ringo Le. This event is co-presented by San Diego Pride. The director Ringo Le and actor Jonathan Lisecki will be in attendance. After party at Harvey Milk’s American Diner. 7 p.m., Landmark Theatres Hillcrest Cinemas, 3965 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest. $10. Visit filmoutsandiego.com Amy & Freddy: Duo of Amy Armstrong (singer) and Freddy Allen (pianist, music director) possessing the “rare talent to captivate, amuse and enchant.” 8 p.m. Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. For tickets and more visit martinisabovefourth.com.[Second performance 8 p.m. Thursday, July 17]

Thursday, July 17

Greater San Diego Business Association Pride KickOff Mixer: Enjoy GSDBA Pride cocktails and extended happy hour. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Gossip Grill, 1220 University Ave., Hillcrest. $15 members, $25 non-

members. Visit. www.gsdba.org #Lez Blackout Party: Pride week kick off event with go-go dancers, rotating DJs, and a live performance by Frenchie Davis. Doors at 9:30 p.m. Rich’s, 1051 University Ave., in Hillcrest. Visit richssandiego.com/lez. Live Music — Pride Pre-Party featuring special guests: Lady HaHa (Lady Gaga tribute), Kenny Metcalf as Elton John, Murmur (R.E.M. tribute), and more. 21+. Doors at 7 p.m. House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Tickets start at $21. Visit houseofblues.com/sandiego/ Amy & Freddy: Duo of Amy Armstrong (singer) and Freddy Allen (pianist, music director) possessing the “rare talent to captivate, amuse and enchant.” 8 p.m. Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. For tickets and more visit martinisabovefourth.com.[Second performance 8 p.m. Thursday, July 17]

Friday, July 18

Trans* Pride: the firstannual Trans* Pride event takes place at Balboa Park, wecoming all trans* folk and allies for a barbecue from 12 – 4 p.m. followed by a march at 4:30 p.m. Guests are requested to bring food, friends, family, art, music, games or anything you want to share. Expressions of Pride: Official SD Pride event hosted by San Diego Multicultural LGBT Literary Foundation, featuring books and readings by dozens of LGBT authors of color. There will be something for every age group and many authors will be in attendance. 1 – 5 p.m. Diversionary Theatre 4545 Park Blvd., University Heights. For more info visit sdliteraryfoundation.org. Spash – Pre-Pride Pool Party: North Park’s Lafayette Hotel hosts a pool party to kick off Pride weekend, featuring DJ John Joseph. Tickets $20 presale, $25 at the door, and may be purchased at eventbrite.com. Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd. Spirit of Stonewall Rally & Flag Raising: The community gathers at the Hillcrest Pride Flag to remember the events in New York City’s Stonewall Inn on the evening of June 28, 1969. Transgender actress Laverne Cox is the keynote speaker. The event starts at 6 p.m. at the intersection of Normal Street and University Avenue. Pride of Hillcrest Block Party: The intersection of Normal Street and University Avenue will once again be overtaken by this evening of upbeat music, food, drinks and live entertainment. This year’s party kicks off two hours earlier than normal, running from 5 – 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets ($25), private cabanas ($1,500) and more information available at hillcrestblockparty.com. R Night: A special Pride event for women, by women. Featuring all girl Go-Go dancers and live dance music at The Brass Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave. Doors open at 9 p.m. Pride Ball: 10 p.m. – 4 p.m., DJs Shane Stiel and Alyson Calagna take over Spin Night Club late into the night at Bill Hardt’s Pride Ball. Limited number of presale tickets available for $25 at billhardtpresents.com. Spin is located at 2028 Hancock St.

Saturday, July 19

Pride 5K: 9:30 – 11 a.m., the annual Pride 5K takes to the streets on Saturday morning, running a loop along the Pride Parade route that begins and ends at The LGBT Center, 3909 Centre St. Advanced registration is $40; day of is $45. Visit frwsd. org/wp/pride for registration and more information. Pride Parade: 11 a.m., come watch one of the nation’s largest Pride Parades make its way down University Avenue through Hillcrest, winding its way to Balboa Park for the Pride Festival. More than 300,000 people are expected to attend, so show up early to get a good spot! Pride Parade After Party: The Brass Rail hosts a day-long after party for the Pride Parade starting at 11 a.m. Sexy Go-Go dancers, non-stop music, no cover. The Brass Rail is located at 3796 Fifth Ave. Pride Music Festival: Noon – 8 p.m., Marston Point in Balboa Park turns into a massive two-day music festival featuring more than 200 artists and 300 vendor booths. Saturday’s headliners include Robbie Rivera and tyDi. Weekend passes are $20; kids under 15 enter free. Tickets and info at sdpride.org. Flaunt Pool Party: 12 – 7 p.m., Flaunt San Diego brings back its pool party for a San Diego Pride edition, featuring hosts Seth Fornea and Jared Bradford LeBlanc and swimwear by Rufskin San Diego. DJs HECTOR FONSECA and Gino Santos will perform. $10 – $20 tickets available at flauntsd. eventbrite.com. She She Pride Dance: 6 – 10, p.m., Wang’s North Park hosts an evening for ladies over 35, with a happy hour until 7 p.m. and a DJ spinning until 10 p.m. $10 cover. Wang’s is located at 3029 University Ave. Circuit Daze: 10 p.m. – 4 a.m., international table scratchers Dan Slater of Australia and Danny Verde of Italy spin late into the night at the Hall of Champions at 2131 Pan American Plaza. Limited number of presale tickets available for $85 at billhardtpresents.com. Overdrive Pride at Spin: 12-hour event running from 10 p.m. – 10 a.m. Musical lineup features Nina Flowers of RuPaul’s Drag Race, DJ Tristan Jaxx and a laser show by RAGErLAZER. Mimosas will be served at sunrise. Presale tickets are $30 at eventbrite.com. Spin Night Club is located at 2028 Hancock St.

Sunday, July 20

Remedy Pride Pool Party: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., the W Hotel in San Diego hosts a pool party spreading across three stories in their Downtown location, including an indoor lounge, pool deck and rooftop bar. Presale tickets are available for $25 until July 19 at sdpix.com. W Hotel is located at 421 West B St. Pride Music Festival: Noon – 8 p.m., Marston Point in Balboa Park turns into a massive two-day music festival featuring more than 200 artists and 300 vendor booths. Sunday’s headliners include Deborah Cox and Charice. Weekend passes are $20; kids under 15 enter free. Tickets and info at sdpride.org. Pride Masquerade TDance: 1 – 6 p.m., Commonwealth San Diego hosts the first

annual T-Dance featuring headliner DJ Von Kiss for Pride’s Sunday Funday, presented by Bryant Jones. Commonwealth is located at 1263 University Ave. in Hillcrest. Sunday Pride BBQ: 3 – 8 p.m., The San Diego Eagle hosts a benefit for the Satyrs Motorcycle Club. $5 donation suggested. San Diego Eagle is located at 3040 North Park Way. FlawLes Pool Party: 12 – 8 p.m. join the FlawLes team at the rooftop pool of Downtown’s Andaz Hotel, with DJ/producer Kim Anh, currently touring with Uh Huh Her. 600 F. St., Downtown. Tickets $35, $45 VIP must be purchased in advance. Search FlawLes on eventbrite. com. The Zoo Party: 4 – 11 p.m., the San Diego Zoo shows its Pride with special performances by the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus and Zoe Badwi, as well as DJ sets by Marcel Hetu, TAJ and Wayne G. Limited number of presale tickets available for $110 at billhardtpresents.com.

Monday, July 21

Pride Recover y Party: Party on the patio with DJ Taj and the rest of the Urban MO’s pink posse. 2 – 8 p.m. Urban Mo’s Bar and Grill, 308 University, Hillcrest. No cover. Visit urbanmos.com

Tuesday, July 22

Trivia Tuesday: Every Tuesday come alone or with a group of friends for a chance to win valuable HBC gift cards. Hillcrest Brewing Company, 1458 University Ave., Hillcrest. Visit hillcrestbrewingcompany. com or call 619-269-4323. Spaghetti & Showtunes: When was the last time you had an all-you-can-eat plate of fabulous spaghetti for a mere $6? Now that’s a bargain. 5 p.m. – 2 a.m., every Tuesday. Urban MO’s, 308 University Ave., Hillcrest Visit urbanmos.com.

Wednesday, July 23

WOSD Free Film Night: “FLOW – For Love of Water” is a documentary about water-related disasters, each a product of human abuse. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Women’s Museum of California, 2730 Historic Decatur Rd, Barracks 16, Liberty Station. Visit womensmuseumca.org. Pictionar y: Come play with Tiger … and Sister Ida Know on the back patio. Match your skills, win fun prizes and raise money for a good causes. 7:30 – 10 p.m. #1 on Fifth, 3845 Fifth Ave. in Hillcrest.

Thursday, July 24

Comic-Con International Opens: Running through July 27. This marks the 45th year for the show, making it the country’s longest continuously-run comics and popular arts convention. Visit comic-con.org/cci Live Music – Tori Amos Unrepentant Geraldines Tour: Amos has been heralded for her innovative sound as well as her raw lyrical content. With a career spanning nearly 30 years, she has lots of material to draw from. 7:30 p.m., Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. For tickets and more visit humphreysconcerts.com.t

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GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

OPINION

GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

gay-sd.com

Pride across the ages

Letters

More on HBA troubles Stauffer responds, cites intimidation I would not consider standing up for respectful, professional and fair treatment in the workplace for staff, vendors and myself, reporting a board member interfering with business of the HBA to the president/board attempting to take advantage (intimidation) of their position on the Board, to be “a disgruntled employee’’ as I was identified by Nichols in his letter dated June 24 [See “Letters: Setting the HBA’s record straight,” Vol. 5, Issue 13]. I have attempted to bring these and several other issues to (Board President Johnathan Hale’s) attention in past months. I had a stellar review in February from the entire [HBA] board, excluding board member Cecelia Moreno. As well, later in May and after a month’s plus of detailed reporting to Hale on my daily activities, Hale emailed me and stated, “you’re soaring and you don't need to do these reports anymore.” So, I don't understand how Nicholls could comment “numerous performance problems.” I did not “stop coming to work” as Nicholls states. Johnathan Hale came to my office, told me I was terminated, asked for my key, unplugged my computer and told me to leave. At a brief Executive Board Meeting on June 10, Board Secretary Eddie Reynoso suggested hiring a coach for both the board and myself. Hale rejected Reynoso’s suggestion and stated an Interim Director was being moved to board for approval. The conversation became highly emotional and I felt it in my best interests personally and more so, emotionally, to leave this situation with Hale. It was then I handed Hale the company credit card. I felt we were not able to resolve the issues at this time and I was not comfortable with the credit card on my person. Despite reaching out on several occasions to the board VP and other board members, I’ve only received one response to my request for 30 minutes of uninterrupted time before the board, a courtesy I would consider a fiduciary duty by the board to the HBA’s members. No one is trying to diminish the work the HBA does at all and I don’t recall where any of

my comments or the “detractors” comments, Nicholls speaks about, does either. I have personally seen the so called “detractors” issues and they are 100 percent correct in their pursuit to have the HBA ran as per any federal, state guidelines/laws, (pertaining to a public nonprofit) bylaws and as a healthy organization for the benefit of its members. I am not “joined” with anyone as Nicholls states, I am independently standing up for what is right and not allowing the events of my termination (solely carried out by Johnathan Hale and without his Board, 5(a) of the Hillcrest Business Improvement Association bylaws) to be “brushed under the rug” or any attempts to hide from its members, the public, or the board for that matter. I have not made one false or any “unsubstantiated accusations” as Nicholls claims. I have emails, bylaws, minutes, audios and more to confirm what I am stating is true. There is much more to this than contained in these few paragraphs and this is why I asked for the board to hear me, call an emergency meeting and give me 30 minutes of uninterrupted time. This is all I have asked for: to be able to speak to them without being interrupted. —Sonya Stauffer, former executive director of the Hillcrest Business Association, via email HBIA should come clean Benjamin Nicholls complains that “two long-time detractors” of the (Hillcrest Business Improvement Association) were “actively seeking to undermine an organization that is doing such positive work on behalf of Hillcrest [See “Letters: Setting the HBA’s record straight,” Vol. 5, Issue 13].” In an assertion unburdened by any factual foundation, Mr. Nicholls ignores the serious governance problems at HBIA while blindly attacking well-meaning whistleblowers. Mr. Nicholls should specifically address these issues: 1. The current president of HBIA knowingly ignored federal, state and local laws, and for his own convenience held more than 25 board and board committee meetings in his own offices rather than in the legally mandated,

PUBLISHER David Mannis (619) 961-1951 david@sdcnn.com

DIRECTOR SALES & MARKETING

Mike Rosensteel (619) 961-1958 mike@sdcnn.com

SALES INTERNS Edgar DeLeon Carlos Dervis Charlie Baterina

EDITOR Morgan M. Hurley (619) 961-1960 morgan@sdcnn.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Terrie Drago (619) 961-1956 terri@sdcnn.com

ACCOUNTING Priscilla Umel-Martinez (619) 961-1962 accounting@sdcnn.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR Hutton Marshall (619) 961-1952 hutton@sdcnn.com

Illissa Fernandez (619) 961-1964 illissa@sdcnn.com

EDITORIAL INTERN McKenna Aiello

Sloan Gomez (619) 961-1954 sloan@sdcnn.com

ART DIRECTOR Vincent Meehan (619) 961-1961 vincent@sdcnn.com

Lisa Hamel (619) 961-1957 lisahamel@sdcnn.co

PRODUCTION ARTIST Arielle Jay graphics@sdcnn.com

Yana Shayne (619) 961-1963 yana@sdcnn.com

CONTRIBUTORS Charlene Baldridge • Dae Elliot Tom Felkner • Dave Fidlin Michael Kimmel • Scott Markey Monica Medina • Jeff Praught Amanda Nachman • Caleb Rainey Jeremy Ogul • Caleb Rainey Frank Sabatini Jr. • George Vernon

WEB DESIGN Kim Espinoza espinozawebworks.com kim@kespinoza.com

ADA-compliant facilities; 2. In doing so, the current president exposed HBIA to potential legal liabilities of several hundreds of thousands of dollars, potentially bankrupting the association; 3. The current HBIA president illegally and unilaterally fired the former executive director of the association. Without the vote of directors, he then unilaterally installed Mr. Nicholls as the well-paid interim executive director; 4. In his letter to the editor, Mr. Nichols violated federal and California laws by disclosing and discussing confidential personnel issues regarding a former employee of the association, again creating substantial potential legal liabilities for the association; 5. Mr. John Thurston, one of the “two longtime detractors” cited by Mr. Nicholls, has in fact been an active and generous supporter of the works of HBIA. As a professional photographer, he donated his works and skills to decorate many unsightly utility upright boxes in Hillcrest, and also provided the new graphics for the Hillcrest Trolley; 6. Mr. Nicholls neglected to mention that at the June board meeting of the association, the former long-time co-owner of City Deli, a 30year member of the association’s board, an active member of the association, and two other members of the audience were all also harshly critical of the current association president. Mr. Nicholls should professionally deal with the unquestionable problems at HBIA attributable to negligent and incompetent leadership. Attacking the whistleblowers is counter-productive and wholly unprofessional. Unless of course Mr. Nicholls’ real job description is not executive director for the benefit of the association and its members, but public relations "Spin Doctor" for the current association president. — David Lundin, president and creative director of Son Appareil Photography, via email Editor’s Note: As a matter of full disclosure, a Gay San Diego employee outside of the editorial department sits on the Hillcrest Business Association’s board of directors.

An open letter from 40 years ago Dear brothers and sisters, I am Gary B. Gulley, the organizer of the first gay pride parade in our city of San Diego in 1974. I am also an initiator of Gays against the War in 1972 & ’73, the Gay Center in 1972 & ’73, the founder of the Gay Students’ Union at San Diego State University in 1975, and organizer of Labor against the Briggs Initiative [Prop. 6] in 1978. I was also the last president of the San Diego Gay Liberation Front in 1972 after Robert [Jess] H. Jessop. I wish to thank all of those who supported our community’s struggle for equal justice and civil rights with special thanks to ECS [Episcopal Community Services]. That year, 1974, over 200 of us marched from New Town Park to a rally in Balboa Park in June. We did so without a permit from the city; for freedom is not by permit. Since those early years, our annual parades have now grown to be around 250,000 each year. Since the release of gay male AIDS in January of 1978 we have lost tens of thousands of our brothers here in San Diego, but their loss has also lead to the advanced biotech industries we have today. We can all take solace in knowing that their many deaths have gone on to benefit us now in so many ways. Jesus had his St. John the beloved, King David had his Jonathan, and before the French dandy the 19-year-old Marquis de La Fayette Washington had his Wakefield. God saw fit to give us the Ten Commandments; all else is merely interpretation and speculation. I also like to think that God sent us His gay son, Sweet Jesus, because in His wisdom he knew we already had enough demigods running about. Thanks to the many and diverse groupings that now make up our yearly parades. May the Good Lord look kindly upon you all. With best regards for you and yours —hand-carried by Mr. Gulley to the Gay San Diego offices

Gentle reminders Thanks for reminding me to give myself a year or two to really change direction [See “Life Beyond Therapy: Feeling younger – growing older,” Vol. 5, Issue 12]. I find myself adding stress via nega-

see Letters, pg 16

OPINIONS/LETTERS Gay San Diego encourages letters to the editor and guest editorials. Please email both to editor@gay-sd.com. Include phone number and address for verification. We reserve the right to edit letters and editorials for brevity and accuracy. Letters should be no longer than 350 words in length unless approved by staff editors. Letters and guest editorials do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or staff. SUBMISSIONS/NEWS TIPS Press releases and story ideas are welcome. Send press releases, tips, photos or story ideas to morgan@sdcnn.com. For breaking news and investigative story ideas contact the editor by phone or email. DISTRIBUTION GAY San Diego is distributed free, biweekly, every other Friday. COPYRIGHT 2014. All rights are reserved.

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GAY NEWS BRIEFS SAN DIEGO MAKES NATIONAL ‘BIKE FRIENDLY’ LIST USA Today recently published a list of the nation’s most “bike friendly” cities, and San Diego finally made the list. “Year-round mild weather, a terrain that’s not too hilly or too flat, and loads of distinctive neighborhoods …” are some of the reasons America’s Finest City made the list. Some of the coastline rides around the region listed as “beautiful, cycle-friendly routes” were Cabrillo National Monument, Pacific Coast Highway, and the Silver Strand. “San Diego is making great strides and we’ve got even more on the way to be excited about including CicloSDias, bike share and the regional bike plan,” said Andy Hanshaw, executive director of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition (SDCBC). Hanshaw cited several major accomplishments from the past year, including launching CicloSDias, SANDAG’s $200 million approval of the regional bike plan, the unanimously approved DECOBike ride share program, and a record number of Bike to Work participants for 2014. For more info about biking efforts in San Diego, visit sdcbc.org. DONUT BAR OFFERING FREE PRIDE DONUTS San Diego’s Donut Bar, located at 631 B St., Downtown, is a gourmet donut shop that designs specialty donuts for holidays and special events alongside their standard line of custom, top quality donuts. Their “Pride donut” premiered in July of 2013 and is back by popular demand. Recently voted “Best Donut Shop” by readers of Gay San Diego, Donut Bar will be offering readers a free “Pride donut” with any purchase during Pride weekend, July 18, 19, and 20. Since first opening in March of 2013, the store has repeatedly won local and national awards and other accolades. Donut Bar’s loyal customers follow them on Facebook to watch for details on the rotating menu and line up daily, sometimes for hours, to get their hands on the gooey goodness. sells out by 11 a.m. most days of the week. Launched in March of 2013, Donut Bar premiered their “Pride Donuts” in July of that year, to Earlier this year the company expanded to Orange County. For more information visit donutbarsandiego.com. ATKINS’ TRANSGENDER BIRTH CERTIFICATE BILL NOW LAW On July 1, California legislation went into effect that

intends to streamline the legal process for transgender people wishing to correct the gender identified on their birth certificate. Authored by Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), AB 1121 eliminates the requirement for court appearances, fees and public notification for name changes, which previously required a person to pay to publish a notice of the intended name change in a local newspaper for four weeks. The 2011 National Transgender Discrimination Survey reported that 44 percent of transgender people were denied service, harassed or even assaulted when presenting identity documents not matching their gender presentation. Atkins authored a similar bill, AB1577 or the “Respect After Death Act,” which allows families to reflect the correct gender on a diseased transgender family member’s death certificate. The bill was approved by the assembly and now awaits consideration in the state senate.

DOGGIE STREET FEST COMES TO TOWN On Saturday, July 12, the sixth annual Doggie Street Festival makes its way to NTC Park at Liberty Station, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hailed as Southern California’s “largest pet adoption-focused festival,” it will feature food trucks, music, veterinary tips, a kids area, pet treats, pet adoptions, special guests, a dog parade and more. Attendees are encouraged to dress their dog up in a world cup jersey and enter them into the soccer dog parade at 10 a.m. Prizes will be given away for the top five contestants. For more information visit doggiestreetfestival.org. GSDBA’S ANNUAL PRIDE MIXER AT GOSSIP GRILL Kick off your Pride weekend on July 17 with the Greater San Diego Business Association (GSDBA) at Gossip Grill. The annual pride mixer is a great opportunity for local LGBT businesses to mingle and learn more about each other, and gives non-members the chance to learn more about the GSDBA, San Diego’s LGBT chamber of commerce, if they are considering joining the chamber. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., $15 for members and $25 for non-members. 21+. Gossip Grill is located at 1220 University Ave. in Hillcrest. For more info visit gsdba.org. ‘TESTING FOR PRIDE TICKETS’ Thanks to a grant from San Diego LGBT Pride, HIV-testing programs Lead the Way and The Early Test are offering 250 free weekend tickets for the San Diego

see BRIEFS, pg 12

Monday, July 14

tuesday, July 22

transgender Coming Out Group

Senior Food Bank Program, 1 pm, the Center

7-8:30 pm, the Center

The Senior Food Bank Program provides food and nutrition education to eligible low-income seniors 60 years or older on the fourth Tuesday of every month. For more information, visit the San Diego Food Bank website at www. sandiegofoodbank.org or contact Larue Fields at seniors@thecentersd.org or 619.692.2077 x205.

Saturday, July 26

red hot: Post PrIDe Paradise

Red Hot!

Saturday/Sunday, July 19/20

6-9 pm, the Center

Family Matters Children’s Garden at Pride

Bust out your dancing shoes and join the Women’s Resource Center for our Red Hot ladies night. DJ Laura Jane will be in the house, spinning all your favorite hits. Enjoy dancing, mingling and snacks for only $5 per person. Tickets are available at the door. A no-host bar will be available, complete with drink specials all night. Women 21+ are welcome - ID must be shown at the door. For more information, contact Sheena Whitaker at 619.692.2077 x212, or women@thecentersd.org.

Pride Festival, Balboa Park Join us at the Children’s Garden for games, crafts, music, prizes, snacks and family restrooms, all in an enclosed family space. This year NASA will be joining our Children’s Garden with the NASA Agility Astro Course and arts & crafts. Enjoy Karaoke, snow cones, nachos, popcorn, fresh fruit, juices and FUN! You’ll need to buy tickets to get into the Pride festival, but entrance to the Children’s Garden is no additional charge. For more information, contact us at 619.692.2077 x121 or families@thecentersd.org.

www.thecentersd.org The San Diego LGBT Community Center 3909 Centre Street • 619-692-2077

Twitter: @LGBTCenter

facebook.com/At.The.Center

ALUV Madonna Chorus of Youth Outreach tickets donated to hundreds of San Diego students Tom Felkner | Special to GSD Outside The Hillcrest Youth Center across the asphalt parking lot, Bob Lehman is greeted with cheers of “Madonna, Madonna!” Two teen boys shout their approval as Lehman carries in one hand the telltale hot-pink poster announcing the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus (SDGMC) LUV Madonna show and, in the other, a stack of free tickets. “I guess that answered the question if kids still love Madonna,” laughed Lehman, the chorus’s president. “Obviously, Madonna has entered into that rare stratosphere of a gay icon.” The scene is repeated across San Diego more than a dozen times as tickets are presented to groups ranging from the Lambda Archives student volunteer program, to Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County to the UC San Diego

Jose Navarro grew up with a Big Brother and is one now. (Courtesy

program for adolescents living with HIV to San Diego’s Media, Visual, and Performing Arts (MVPA) high school for the performing arts. They are all invited to attend the July 12 and 13 Balboa Theatre shows as guests of the chorus. This is all thanks to a $5,000 matching grant program launched by a chorus donor and matched by fans, singers and people from throughout San Diego. The purpose is to reach out to young people and students as part of SDGMC’s mission of building community support and providing a dynamic force for social change. Already, 300 tickets have been underwritten with a potential of up to 400 tickets if the grant is fully funded. “We remember what it was like — especially as a gay kid — wanting to feel like you were a part of something bigger than yourself,” said Joe Florence, a math teacher at MVPA and SDGMC treasurer. “Our chorus uses music to help all kids feel like they belong and that there are people out there who care for their wellbeing.” SDGMC has a long history of outreach through its community partner program. For example, the chorus is once again donating dozens of tickets to Stepping Stone (addiction recovery services) and Being Alive (for people living with HIV/AIDS) to allow their clients the opportunity to attend each concert. In addition, for each concert, the chorus selects a special com-

SDGMC)

events attheCenter This group supports transgender people in all stages of exploring gender identity. It is open to transgender women (MTF), transgender men (FTM), genderqueer/gender non-conforming people, people who are intersex and those questioning their gender identity. SOFFAs (significant others, friends, family, allies) are welcome to attend with their transgender loved ones.

GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

see SDGMC, pg 23

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GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

The only diet that works

MICHAEL KIMMEL LIFE BEYOND THERAPY Pool parties. Pride. Hot weather. Less clothing. We want to look good, particularly at this time of year. Many of us want to lose weight. Work out more. Eat healthier. It seems we try everything to look good. We work so hard to change how we look on the outside, but we forget about the inside. We think that if only we found the perfect diet/exercise plan, that we’d become the person we’ve always wanted to be. It doesn’t work that way. The only diet that works is one of no more negative thoughts about yourself. For example, no more self-talk like: “I’ll like myself if I lose _ pounds.” “I’ll approve of myself if I go to the gym more.” “I’ll be acceptable if I get down to a size .” When I lived in Los Angeles — in the late 1980s — a friend told me “For years, I tried every diet around. I kept

gaining and losing the same 15 pounds. Then I read a book called, ‘The Only Diet There Is’ and I finally stabilized my weight at where I wanted it.” My friend is still slim today, more than 25 years later. A diet of no negative self-talk could also be called a “forgiveness diet.” You forgive yourself for not being perfect, not being thinner, and for eating that ice cream. And while you’re at it, you could also forgive other people for not being perfect, too. Sounds simplistic, doesn’t it? That your weight might be dependent upon your thoughts? Well, it’s true. Everything in our life starts off as a thought in our heads before it becomes something we manifest in the world. Inner (thinking) manifests as Outer (physical). Not the other way around. What you think of yourself determines who you become. Do you treat yourself with love, kindness and forgiveness? Or do you berate, punish and scold yourself regularly? If you want to change your life, selfpunishment doesn’t work very well. Imagine yourself as a little child, learning how to walk. Your parent is nearby, helping you take your first steps. You take one step, then another, and … you’re walking! Then, of course, you fall down. What happens next? Does your parent tell you, “That was so great! I’m so proud of you! Want to try again?” Or does your parent say, “Is that all you can do? That’s pathetic. Get up and do it again.” Which strategy is likely to be more successful? The same thing is true for the adult you. If you encourage and praise yourself, you are able to change your life more quickly and easily. For example, if you aspire to exercise more and eat healthier, on the days that you do it, you could tell yourself: “I did it! I

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did really well today. Good for me.” By giving yourself positive reinforcement, you’re more likely to repeat the behavior(s) you say you want. The challenge is more difficult on days when it doesn’t go well. Let’s say you have a day where you eat lots of junk food and sit on the sofa watching hours of reality TV. Do you punish yourself with phrases like: “I am so lazy, I just hate myself. I’ll never lose this weight”? Or do you say something like, “Okay, I slipped today. But I’ve been doing so well on all those other days. Tomorrow I’ll get back on the program. Slipping for one day isn’t a big deal.” See how that self-directed kindness helps you get back on your desired program? It works. Here are three questions from Sondra Ray, the author of “The Only Diet There Is” that may help you with your “diet” of more self-directed kindness and less emotional self-abuse. Ms. Ray suggests that you ask yourself these questions and write your answers every morning. 1. What am I most happy about in my life right now? 2. What am I really grateful for in my life right now? 3. Who do I really love most in my life right now? Wouldn't it be illuminating to do this for a week, a month or even a year? Why not make time for happiness, gratitude and love? Isn’t that what we all want more of? —Michael Kimmel is a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in helping LGBT clients achieve their goals and deal with anxiety, depression, grief, sexually addictive behavior, coming out, relationship challenges and homophobia. Michael is currently accepting new clients. Contact him at 619-955-3311 or visit lifebeyondtherapy.com.t

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The Nickys, SD Pride, and Danielle Lo Presti!

DA E E L L I OT T SOUTH BAY ALLIANCE South Bay Pride Art & Music Festival was nominated for a Nicky Award for “Outstanding Community Organization” Nicky Award this week! It is an honor to be in the company of all the wonderful organizations that were also nominated. I am so proud of all the people that have worked year after year to make this Pride event bigger and better. Thank you to all of our community, our volunteers and our board. This free, all-volunteer event could not happen without you. San Diego Pride weekend is approaching fast. We have a parade contingent and a booth! Drop by and pick up your BOGO cards. You can present them at South Bay Pride’s beverage garden when buying a drink and get the second one free! We’re giving away beads too and will be announcing all the bands in this

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year’s South Bay Pride lineup. Our donation drive has started as well. As usual, we are having opportunity drawings to thank all of you who support us so generously and help keep this event free. Our “early bird” drawing will be July 23rd and then multiple drawings throughout the day on Sept. 13. For every $5 donated, we put in a ticket for an opportunity to win one of our great prizes. This year’s early bird prize is two VIP Box tickets to the Arcade Fire “Reflektor Tour” on Aug. 5 at the Sleep Train Amphitheater. These seats are located in the heart of the amphitheater with the best sightlines to the stage and include exclusive premium parking, venue VIP entrance, access to the VIP Lounge, personal wait service at your Box, access to private restrooms. Talk about a night out! If you donate before July 23 you will double your chances to win as your tickets will also be in the Sept. 13 drawings for the grand prize of two VIP Box tickets the “Carnivores Tour” of Linkin Park and 30 Seconds to Mars with special guest by AFI on Sept. 16. It’s a great time to donate to South Bay Pride Art & Music Festival while getting a chance at some absolutely fantastic prizes! Visit our website SouthBayPride. org to donate or come by our booth at San Diego Pride and donate there. While there, check out all the great bands we have lined up for this year’s festival! On that note, I am especially proud to announce that Danielle Lo Presti and the Masses will be one of our headliners on the Port Authority of SD Main Stage! Her powerful live performances are not the only reason she's earned a reputation for putting on a “can’t miss” show; Danielle is also founder and producer of the revolutionary and historymaking, San Diego IndieFest — the nation's first and only exclusively independent music and arts festival. Danielle and her partner Alicia Champion are also being honored at this year’s San Diego Pride Stonewall Awards as an “Inspirational Couple.” Don’t miss this dynamic musician as she uses her artistic arsenal to address the many social issues of our day! Some (not all) of the other bands that will be playing are Social Animal, Three Chord Justice, Thunderlux, Royal Heart, and of course the great Sue Palmer and her Boogie Woogie Band is back by popular demand! Laura Jane will be emceeing the Port Authority of SD Main Stage giving us the over-the-top entertainment that only Laura Jane can. It really wouldn’t be South Bay Pride without her. Once again, thank you all for your generous support of time and money that makes this event happen each year and not only happen but grow bigger and better. Happy Pride week San Diego! — Dae Elliott is a sociologist working at SDSU since 1994. She is a founding executive committee member and current executive director of South Bay Alliance, a 501(c)3 nonprofit and organizer of the annual South Bay Pride Art & Music Festival . Contact her at southbayalliance@gmail.com.t

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GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

GAY SAN DIEGO July 11â&#x20AC;&#x201C;24, 2014

WEDDING GUIDE

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NEWS

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She Fest addresses a missing piece to the pride puzzle: women. Imagine a laid-back picnic with acoustic jams, free massages and like-minded women looking to connect. Where women can hang out on picnic blankets with coolers filled with homemade guacamole and fresh lemonade. Meant for friends and families from the community — four-legged friends too — She Fest debuts this Pride season.

She Fest shines a spotlight on women during Pride

Kelcie Kopf approached San Diego Pride about a women’s-only event and got their full support. (Courtesy Kelcie Kopf) Amanda Nachman | Gay San Diego

GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

The free event will feature live music, workshops and games from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, at the North Park Community Park, located at 4044 Idaho St., between Polk and Howard avenues. T-shirts will be sold for $15, with all proceeds benefitting the event. A raffle will give away two VIP all-access passes to the San Diego Pride Music Festival. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs and their own food. When Kelcie Kopf, 34, pitched her idea for She Fest to the San

Diego Pride committee six months ago, the committee jumped on board because it was exactly what Pride needed: a family-friendly, women-centric event. Eight years ago, Kopf moved to San Diego from Lubbock, Texas without any personal connections. Meeting friends wasn’t as easy as she had hoped, and she wasn’t out as a lesbian yet either. After testing out the bar scene, Kopf turned to “Meetup,” an online community, and founded the San Diego Lesbian group, which grew quickly and boasts more than 2,000 members today. Her knack for organizing events caught on and soon Inferno Dances asked Knopf to help manage their dances that targeted a more “seasoned” lesbian audience, ages 35 and up. She also volunteered with the Dyke March planning committee and helped plan Women’s Fest at The Center. Knopf quickly realized that each committee she worked with was unaware of the others. Inspired to bring women together to share what they’re doing, Kopf began organizing She Fest. “There wasn’t a place to experience that community,” she said. “I couldn’t find it, so I tried to create it.” While at one time, Pride offered a space at the festival dedicated to women, those events have been dropped in more recent years.

Overall, Kopf noticed a lack of women-focused activities. “Today there’s a perceived lack of representation of women,” she said. “They said they were looking for something like this.” She Fest will be one of Pride’s signature events this year. The Pride committee fully embraced She Fest, loaning Kopf two staff members — Gloria Cruz, Pride’s entertainment director and Helen Leung, operations manager — and as well as helping with administrative, legal tasks and promotions. Kopf and her 15-strong She Fest committee of volunteers threw fundraisers at Broke Girls Coffee Bar, Gossip Grill, Brass Rail and even secured three sponsors —The San Diego Human Dignity Foundation, LGBTQ Spiritual Summit and Purple Light Vacations — raising over half of the $5,000 goal required to pay for permits, tables and sound equipment. More than 25 organizations will host activities such as yoga and Zumba classes, a workout boot camp, flag football and a women’s drum circle. Workshops such as Relationships, Self-branding, Bike Safety/Mechanics and Reducing Stress/Managing Chronic Pain will also be offered. And if the workshops don’t reduce the stress, mobile spa service Spoiled on the Spot will offer free chair massages. Musical performances will

include Monica Fontanoza, Mira Parfitt, Lillian Lefranc, Christine Sako, Bakkuda, Studdin Daily, Spare Parts for Broken Hearts, The Lovebirds and Sister Speak. She Fest will also have games like corn hole and ladders, but attendees can bring more activities to contribute to the festivities. “Plan for it like a day out at the park with the family,” Kopf said. So far, over 500 people have RSVP’d on Facebook. After the fun filled day in the sun, a She Fest after party will take place at U-31, located at 3112 University Ave., in North Park, from 6 – 10 p.m. with performances by Lorie Moore, MC Flow, Karina Frost and more. Admission is free with a $5 suggested donation. “My goal with this festival is that we can go into Pride weekend feeling stronger and more united as a community of women and begin to shape the face of our LGBTQ community,” Kopf said. You can get an original She Fest shirt at the event or order one online squareup.com/market/ she-fest-2014. For more info on She Fest, visit sandiegopride.org website under “events” and RSVP on Facebook under groups/shefestsandiego. —Amanda Nachman is a local freelance writer and the publisher of CollegeMagazine.com. She can be reached at anachman@gmail.com.t

GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

COMMUNITY VOICES

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Expressing our literary pride

CA L E B R A I N E Y

OUT ON THE PAGE It is with great excitement that I write this article. Not only is Pride this month but San Diego will play host to the first multicultural LGBT literary festival on the West Coast! The San Diego Multicultural LGBT Literary Foundation in partnership with Diversionary Theatre and Lambda Archives will be starting Pride weekend with the first annual “Expressions of Pride.” The event takes place on Friday, July 18 from 1 – 5 p.m. right before the Stonewall Rally on Normal Street where Laverne Cox is the featured speaker. Expressions of Pride will take place at the Diversionary Theatre space located at 4545 Park Boulevard, in University Heights. The event is free and open to all ages. It will feature a literary festival, curated by the Multicultural LGBT Literary Foundation, with literally hundreds of titles by LGBT writers. “Expressions of Pride will have queer classics by authors like James Baldwin, Gloria Anzaldúa, Audre Lorde, and Michael Nava, alongside new favorites like Craig Womack,

Malinda Lo, Charles Rice-González, and Ghalib Dhalla,” stated the press release. As someone involved at the Foundation and a lover of literature, I could not be more excited about this historic event. The theme of this year’s Pride is “Reflections of Pride,” one that encourages looking back at where we have come from and determining what that past means for where we are going. Our stories are a critical part of that reflection process. From the trembling hand of Baldwin as he penned Giovanni’s Room to the in-your-face queerness of David Levithan’s “Two Boys Kissing,” our literature holds our past and allows us to imagine a prouder and freer future. Often art and literature specifically are not viewed as integral to Pride celebrations. So I am thrilled to see Expressions of Pride being offered and carving out a space for art and literature during Pride weekend. The organizers of the festival also state in the press release, “Be sure to stock up, as you won’t find this selection of titles and authors anywhere else! Add titles to your own library from our selection of general fiction, poetry, and memoir by LGBT writers of color or enliven your teen’s ‘Summer Reading List’ with books from our huge selection of young adult fiction. And, of course, multicultural families with young children will love looking through our collection of picture books.” With so few events catered to children and young adults, this is truly a remarkable feat on behalf of the host organizations. The studies are in and it is clear that LGBT youth must see themselves reflected positively. It builds self-esteem and decreases feeling of isolation and self-hatred. The exposure to young adult literature by LGBT people would have made my life so much easier than it was during those formative teen years. I am thrilled that current children and teens now have the opportunity to explore stories that reflect them and their families positively. The event will also feature

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FROM PAGE 7

BRIEFS

Dozens of books from LGBT authors of color will be presented at “Expressions of Pride.” (Photos by Courtesy Caleb Rainey)

two trans writers, Tom Cho and Ryka Aoki, who will be doing readings and signings. Lambda Archives has curated an amazing exhibit detailing the history of LGBT literature and you will be able to pick up tickets for the latest Diversionary play at the event as well. Lastly, Manuel A. Acevedo, an incredible visual artist whose work explores gay Latino masculinity, will be showing his original artwork and prints. This will be his first solo show in San Diego and is not to be missed. Pride is one of the few times each year that all branches of the community come together to celebrate being LGBT and all that has meant to us. Let’s be sure to not forget about our writers or communities of color that have been so instrumental in the forming of our community. For more information regarding Expressions of Pride visit sdliteraryfoundation. org/events or email the Foundation at info@ sdliteraryfoundation.org. —Caleb Rainey is a literature enthusiast and activist who juggles several jobs and tries to make time to read! He has a master’s in cultural studies from SDSU and serves on the board of the Multicultural LGBT Literary Foundation. Contact him at calebrainey73@yahoo.com.t

Pride Festival as part of its “Testing for Tickets” initiative. Testing began June 23, and distributing tickets is on a first come, first serve basis. “As excitement builds for this year’s Pride festivities, we want to remind people of the importance of knowing their HIV status, getting tested and using safer sex practices,” stated Lead the Way community outreach manager Joshua Romero in a press release. “Testing for Tickets is our way of celebrating the LGBT community and providing free, confidential HIV testing in the heart of Hillcrest.” The following locations are participating in “Testing for Tickets”: Lead the Way 3830 Park Blvd. Monday – Friday | 12 – 8 p.m. Saturday | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Make appointment online or call 619-543-9340 AVRC 220 Dickinson St. Monday - Friday | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Make an appointment by calling 619-543-8080 San Diego LGBT Community Center 3909 Centre St. Tues. and Thurs. | 9 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Friday | 9 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. Walk-in appointments or call 619543-8080 Urban Mo’s Bar & Grill 308 University Ave. Wednesdays | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Walk-in appointments

GRAND OPENING (Corner of University & Fourth)

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KPBSHERO A graduate of the Bishop’s School in La Jolla, Gleason attended college at Princeton University, earning an A.B. in Economics. He also has a J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law, where he graduated summa cum laude. He has also volunteered his time and served on various boards, including the Old Globe Theatre, the San Diego LGBT Community Center, the Francis Parker School, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, the San Diego LGBT Community Leadership Council, and the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, just to name a few, and he is currently chairman of the board for the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority which recently undertook a huge expansion. Yet, what he seems most fervent about is advocating for the rights of the LGBT community, and for good reason. It’s a cause that truly hits home. He came of age during a period he describes as “the very early and very dark days of HIV/AIDS,” a difficult time for many. “I was just sort of understanding myself, and coming out and seeing the incredible fear and discrimination that was being targeted at the gay community,” he said. “In so much of what I do, I work really hard to ensure we don’t go back to that, and not just for the

NEWS any LGBT person can do for their community is to come out as openly gay. “If you look at any polling over the last 20 years, the biggest single determining factor in moving people’s opinions about issues relating to equality are about knowing someone who is LGBT,” he said. “So, the most important thing you can do for your rights is to come out, and talk to your co-workers and the people in your house of worship.” Despite recent successes in achieving equality, Gleason knows there is still much work to be done. “There are still significant barriers, prejudice,” he said. “Not every city is San Diego and not every state is California. There are states where you can be fired for putting a picture of your partner on your desk. And many more states where you can't marry, where it’s difficult to raise children in those relationships, and so people stay quiet. I think those of us who do a lot of this work, try to use what voice we’ve been allowed to have for people who don’t have a voice.” The summer of 2008 is remembered quite fondly by Gleason; the California Supreme Court had just legalized same-sex marriage in June of that year, and the Prop 8 ban on gay marriage was still months away. “I got married during the summer of love,” he said. “It was an amazing summer. Marc [Gleason’s spouse] and I were going to two to four weddings every single weekend. Watching people get married who had been together for 20, 30 or 40 years, I never imagined I’d see that.

Gleason (left) married his husband Marc during the short time same-sex marriage was legal in California in 2008. (Courtesy Robert Gleason) LGBT community but for all communities who face discrimination and oppression.” He has spent 10 years serving on the board of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that’s sole focus, he explained, is to “identify, train and raise financial support for openly LGBT candidates at every level of office across the country, who are in favor of marriage freedom and LGBT equality.” It is because of his work with the Victory Fund that Gleason believes the best thing

“I said to folks, the three happiest days of my life are the day I got married, the day my son was born and the day my daughter was born, and all those are things I never could have possibly imagined as a kid growing up.” For Gleason, access and equality are key to all he undertakes. “In my work at the airport we had a huge focus on local and small business contracting, about making sure those economic opportunities are accessible to small business,” he explained. “The work on the Arts Com-

GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

Atkins is honored

CEO of the San Diego LGBT Community Center Dr. Dolores Jacobs (left) stands with Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins at a celebration of Atkins’ achievements held at The Center on June 27. Council President Todd Gloria hailed Atkins as “a role model for every citizen, but particularly the LGBT community” at the event. One of nine openly gay members of the California State Assembly, Atkins gave credit to San Diego. “A lot of people in this room helped us create this infrastructure,” she said, adding that the San Diego LGBT community “has really come together.” Atkins will be the Grand Marshal of the San Diego LGBT Pride Parade on Saturday, July 19 in Hillcrest. (Courtesy San Diego LGBT Center) mission is about the access and outreach that those organizations do in terms of making sure their performances, or whatever they’re creating, is accessible to the public. “Of course, in the LGBT community, it’s about advancing equality in very tangible and realistic terms. So all of the work I do is related. It’s about access and equality, and what is fair and just across the community.” Gleason is grateful for the support he has received over the years and wants to make sure others are similarly supported. “I feel very lucky,” he said. “I came out to my friends and a few teachers in high school. I was completely out in college, but not to my family until right after that. Today, I have this great support network but I was cognizant at the time, and I am cognizant now that that’s not everybody’s circumstance. So I work really hard to try to make sure that it is.” When he contemplates what inspires him, he doesn’t need to look further than his own community. “Growing up, I didn’t have gay role models," he admitted. “Now I do. Now I see people that I admire greatly, like Toni Atkins, [the openly lesbian Speaker of the California Assembly], who are doing really incredible work all across the country. “I’m inspired by courageous and good people who choose a career in public service, selflessly and for the right reasons, particularly LGBT folk who are courageous enough to be out front ser ving as role models and work for the betterment of the whole community,” he said. “When it comes down to it, our issues are ever ybody’s issues.”

Robert Gleason was chosen as a 2014 Pride Month Local Hero honoree. The Local Hero program, launched in 1998, is co-sponsored by KPBS and Union Bank and honors two local residents each month of the calendar year who go above and beyond for their respective community. For more about the program, visit kpbs.org/news/blogs/ hey-neighbor/local-heroes.t

Gleason with Marc and their children. (Courtesy Robert Gleason)

Q PUZZLE

WORDS TO LIVE BI Across 1 Bea sitcom 6 Aid’s partner 10 Mardi ___ 14 Had title to 15 Festive fete 16 C&W gay fave McEntire 17 Start of the disadvantage of being bisexual, per Bernard Manning 20 Soft seat 21 Area of Amelia Earhart 22 Uncle Sam's mail org. 24 Linked with 25 Barbra’s “Funny Girl” guy 28 Bird over P’town 31 Causeless Dean character 33 Playground retort 34 Article for Frida 37 Light, woody material 38 More of the disadvantage 39 “Gone with the Wind” guy 41 Porky’s place

42 E.M. Forster’s “Where Angels Fear to ___” 44 Guy with three ho’s? 45 Earphones 47 1966 Joe Orton play 48 Go back to homophobic views, e.g. 51 “Rocky Horror’s” ___ Raff 53 Worshipping Caleb Johnson, perhaps? 56 A.D. part 60 End of the disadvantage 62 Andrew Van de Camp, for one 63 First name in stunts 64 Hamilton Burger to Perry Mason, usually 65 Alan of “And the Band Played On” 66 Opening for cheap 67 Make noise in bed

Words to Live Bi solution on page 18 Down 1 Crowds at the Stonewall riots 2 ___ bit (slightly) 3 Body of soldiers 4 Old people may take them out for a blow job 5 Rims 6 Hawk-chicken difference 7 Like California, in Mexico 8 How far up it goes (abbr.) 9 “Annals” author-historian 10 Fairy-tale daughter 11 Took advantage of a decorator 12 Monks’ head 13 Decline 18 Muscle Mary stat 19 Suit makers 23 Like drag queen nylons of old 25 Heavenly balls 26 Sexual partners, crudely 27 With skill 29 Calculation for carpet layers

30 It may be reassigned 32 Toward the side 34 Host before Fallon 35 Comics dog that goes either way? 36 9 inches, e.g. 40 One butt cheek? 43 Shook up 45 Montana’s capital 46 Like half of the Odd Couple 48 Gay rodeo accessory 49 Ford lemon that was not fruitful 50 Promised 52 Birdcage dwellers 54 Sitarist Shankar 55 North Sea feeder 57 Britney Spears’ “___ Curious” 58 Not e’en once 59 Opening noted at the office 61 Short-order sandwich for porkers?

DINING

GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

gay-sd.com

SAUSAGE

Diablo chicken sausage with house-made chips

(Photo by Frank Sabatini Jr.))

The Regal Beagle

indulgences Hungarian sausage with sauerkraut (Photo by Frank Sabatini Jr.)

here isn’t a time or season when eating sausage falls out of favor. It’s one of those foods that link art with tradition, having grown to nearly 800 varieties worldwide according to most culinar y glossaries. The Regal Beagle focuses on nine of them that are complimented by a flame grill and pilings of house-made potato chips. Like the namesake bar that was a hangout for Janet, Chrissy and Jack in Three’s Company, the India Street establishment aims for a playful, neighborhood vibe, sans the flocked wallpaper

and red-linen tablecloths. Other differences per vade as well. Craft beer flows from two dozen taps while a zipline transports food orders from the bar to the kitchen. Additionally, there is no wait ser vice, at least not in the few times I’ve visited. Ever ything is ordered through the bartenders. Customers fetch their own utensils and condiments from a mustard station. They even fish out drink coasters contained in baskets on the tables, including a communal high top in the middle of the room.

When your meal is ready, the cook announces the name of a movie character printed on your order stub, at which point you pick up the chow at the kitchen door under such identities as Bruce Banner, Dark Helmet and Luke Skywalker. Despite navigating the system pretty much on your own, I have found the bartenders and kitchen staff to be exceptionally fast and enthusiastic. Sausages such as German garlic, smoked Cajun and jalapeno-cheddar are made by acclaimed Swiss “meister” Jacob

3659 India St. (Mission Hills) 619-297-2337 Prices: Appetizers and salads, $6 to $11; sausages, burgers and hot dogs, $5.50 to $18.50 Kappeler of T&H Prime Meats and Sausage in San Marcos. For diehard traditionalists, his pork bratwurst hails from a family recipe dating back to the 1600s. Free of nitrates and preser vatives, all of the links are blistered on a gas grill, which breaks down their casings somewhat while infusing the meat with a desirable char flavor. Without the overhead of a wait staff, prices are kept appreciably below normal. A third-pound link on a buttermilk bun costs only $9, climbing 50 cents if you spring for a couple of toppings. The menu touts the Moroccan lamb sausage as “awesome.” And it is. Moist and herby, it offers the solid grassy flavor of a grilled lamb chop — no fried peppers or onions necessar y. The Diablo

chicken incorporates mozzarella cheese inside. It’s lean and milder tasting, thus requiring the caramelized veggies and perhaps a few squirts of Dijon mustard to ramp it up. My favorite link of late is the porky Hungarian “kolbasz” made with 20 percent bacon. Paprika and cayenne pepper in the recipe lend an attractive reddish color that signals a spicy smack. For additional tang I ordered it topped with sauerkraut, which became awkwardly counterbalanced by a glass of Delirium Red fruit beer that I didn’t anticipate would taste so sweet. The soft Belgian-style vanilla stout that my companion chose would have matched much better. Other menu items include beef or black bean burgers, quarter-pound hotdogs and several appetizers such as chicken wings, mini corn dogs, giant pretzels and hummus with veggies and olives. In my last visit, we started off with battered, fried green beans ser ved in large quantity — healthy on the inside, seriously fattening on the outside. But then again, this isn’t the kind of place where you start counting calories after hunkering down. Although if you must, a sprightly salad of mixed greens, candied walnuts, dried fruit and blue cheese crumbles will be your safest bet. Sausage sampler platters are also available should fickleness strike. There’s also a “wheel of indecision” at the bar for those who can’t settle on a beer from the chalkboard list. Give it a spin and let fate decide. Or if the needle lands in the only “free” slot, then take back the burden and your pick is on the house. —Frank Sabatini Jr. is the author of “Secret San Diego” (ECW Press), and began his local writing career two decades ago as a staf fer for the former San Diego Tribune. He has since covered the culinary scene and other subjects for various print and broadcast media outlets in the area. You can reach him at fsabatini@san. rr.com.t

07/31/14

NEWS

gay-sd.com

GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

New venue, same mission Special Delivery relocates their popular BBQ fundraiser Dave Fidlin | Gay San Diego An annual event aimed at putting the spotlight on a nonprofit that gives away “love in a bag” is returning to Hillcrest this month. But there are a few tweaks in this year’s barbecue fundraiser that benefits Special Deliver y San Diego, a Mission Hills organization that currently provides nutritious, fresh-made meals to homebound people living with HIV and AIDS. According to its website, the organization ser ves about 300 meals ever y day. While the fundraiser will still be held during San Diego Pride festivities on the weekend of July 18, the event has a new location and an expanded itinerar y. The barbecue — Special Deliver y’s sole large-scale fundraiser each year — is now taking place at Rich’s San Diego in Hillcrest, rather than its usual spot at Top of the Park in Bankers Hill, where the event had taken place since its inception. While new property owner Wyndham Vacation Ownership’s decision to shutter Top of the Park at the beginning of this year left a number of organizations scrambling, Peters said there is a silver lining behind the new partnership with Rich’s. “The barbecue is going to be located right along the [Pride] parade route,” said Melanie Peters, spokesperson for Special Deliver y. “We can be open and have the barbecue right while ever ything is going on. I think this will make the fundraiser a much more interactive event.” The fundraiser will also be extended over much of the Pride weekend this year, rather than in just one fell swoop as before, a change which Peters and others with Special Deliver y hope helps raise even more awareness of the organization and its mission statement.

Special Deliver y is the brainchild of Mission Hills restaurateur Ruth Henricks. She founded the organization in 1991 after a loyal customer, Scott, stopped showing up for his usual breakfasts at The Huddle. Scott was weak from complications related to HIV/AIDS and could not cook his own meals. Today, Special Deliver y prepares and ser ves regular meals for more than 130 qualifying people who have been diagnosed

Friendly attendants will let you spin the wheel for prizes. (Courtesy Purple Light Vacations)

with HIV or AIDS and have incurred other complications that have resulted in a homebound lifestyle. The meals are delivered at no cost. Despite having expanded its recipient base in its more than two decades of existence, Special Deliver y’s largely grassroots spirit has held true. As has been the case from the beginning, Henricks and others behind the effort say 91 cents of ever y dol-

lar donated goes directly toward the meals. “It’s amazing how orderly ever ything is,” Peters said of Special Deliver y’s storage and assembly facility at 4021 Goldfinch St., adjacent to The Huddle. “It’s almost like this is a big business, but it’s being run by volunteers.” In fact, Special Deliver y is a completely volunteer-driven organization. No one draws a salar y for purchasing, cooking, preparing or delivering the meals. Corporate sponsorships from a number of local businesses have made the organization move along seamlessly over the years. While this year’s barbecue ser ves primarily as an effort to raise $15,000 to help fund operations, a call also is going out to drastically increase the organization’s number of active volunteers. With about 20 current active volunteers, Peters said nearly 70 more are needed to keep the organization’s true grassroots spirit alive and ensure recipients are given the opportunity to receive meals on a regular basis. “Some of the volunteers have been there since day one,” Peters said. Since early on, Special Deliver y undertook some unique, personalized approaches to its operations plan. For example, it is one of just two similar organizations across the countr y that

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Special Delivery’s popular annual barbecue was always held at Top of the Park until it closed earlier this year. (Courtesy Special Delivery) also take into consideration that their clients may need adapted meals because they may also be diabetic or have other conditions. “That’s important because a lot of [HIV/AIDS] patients do have special dietar y needs,” Peters said. “There are other organizations out there doing this, but they’re not taking care of that part of it.” The barbecue has long been an opportunity to have fun while supporting a serious cause, and this year’s event is no exception. Purple Light Vacations is a gold sponsor of this year’s program and has donated $1,000 in cash and additional prizes for an assortment of festivities. Supporters attending the barbecue will have an opportunity to spin the local LGBT travel company’s prize wheel and have a crack at winning various items, such as a cruise or an iPad Mini. Special Deliver y’s annual

Pride barbecue fundraiser will be held from 9 p.m. Friday, July 18 to 2 a.m. Saturday and again from 11 a.m. Saturday July 19 to 3 a.m. Sunday, at Rich’s, located at 1051 University Ave., in Hillcrest. Late night menus will offer a variety of finger foods but the Saturday cook-out will include burgers, mesquite chicken or garden burger plates. Purple Light also will have its prize wheel at the Diversionar y Theater, 4545 Park Blvd., on Thursday, July 17. Proceeds from that wheel spin also will benefit Special Deliver y. For more information, visit specialdeliver ysandiego.com. —Dave Fidlin is a freelance writer. You can reach him at dave.fidlin@thinkpost.net. Gay San Diego Editor Morgan M. Hurley contributed to this repor t.t

GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

gay-sd.com

Lez Pride: Five ‘can’t miss’ women’s events Pride weekend

There are plenty of women’s events this pride season to keep women out and about. (Courtesy FlawLes) Amanda Nachman | Gay San Diego

The pool party tradition began when the Andaz was the Ivy, one of San Diego’s hottest venues. Unlike other LGBT events, FlawLes events are hosted by venues with mostly straight staff. Geary said she felt like it left a positive impact on those staff members and it’s these interactions that help spark straight allies. “They thought we were crazy,” Geary said. But the tables have since turned and now luxury venues call FlawLes to host their events at their location. Geary witnessed how over the years women were starting to get more comfortable with being out in the community, going to straight bars, expecting more — weekends, nicer venues. FlawLes has come a long way from its first event with only 200 in attendance, as this year Geary is expecting 600 to lounge around the pool. She said each year they grow 15 – 20 percent. This year Geary is especially excited to work with headlining DJ and producer Kim Anh, currently on tour with Uh Huh Her. “Kin’s not just a DJ, she’s someone who’s making it in the music industry; she’s the real deal.” FlawLes’ Pool Party isn’t cheap, but partygoers are paying for quality.

1. FlawLes Pride Pool Party Escape the neighborhood and don’t settle for anything less than perfection. The FlawLes-sponsored annual “closing ceremony” Pool Party raises the bar as one of the sexiest women’s event during Pride. The founders specifically chose the Andaz, one of San Diego’s most luxurious venues — boasting incredible views of San Diego Bay and Coronado from its rooftop pool — for that very reason. Talonya Geary, 37, is co-founder of FlawLes, a lesbianfocused special events and media company, and she pays close attention to what the San Diego lesbian community wants. Geary and Dr. Wendy Ochoa, 40, launched FlawLes eight years ago as a means for women to connect. “We started when San Diego was a smaller [lesbian] community, confined to Tuesdays and Wednesday nights halfheartedly thrown into these venues,” Geary said. They decided FlawLes would attack the most popular venues in San Diego, and offer the lesbian community only the highest-quality events. “We felt the community deserved the best,” she said.

The Andaz Hotel has a rooftop pool and bar with great views of Downtown, San Diego Bay and Coronado. (Courtesy FlawLes) “It’s not just go into the venue, turn the lights on, staff a DJ and call it a day,” she said. “Expect a really unforgettable experience.” FlawLes stays on the pulse of San Diego’s lesbian community by surveying women each year and adapting accordingly. For example, this year they’re doing everything they can do lower drink prices through liquor sponsorships. They’ve also introduced student and military discounted tickets. Clearly FlawLes is paying attention. Join the party from 12 – 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 20 at the Andaz Hotel, located at 600 F St., Downtown. Tickets, $35 and $45 VIP, must be purchased in advance. eventbrite. com/e/flawles-pool-party-2014-tickets-11456236913 Four more you just can’t miss:

The FlawLes pool party expects 600 attendees this year. (Courtesy FlawLes)

2. Pride kickoff Pink Party at Gossip Grill, 1220 University Ave., Hillcrest. Wednesday, July 16, 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. 3. Lez Pride Blackout Party at Rich's, 1051 University Ave., Hillcrest. Thursday, July 17, 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. 4. R-NIGHT: A special Pride event for Ladies at the Brass Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest. Friday, July 18, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 5. She She Pride Dance for Ladies Over 35 at Wang’s, 3029 University Ave., North Park. Saturday, July 19, 6 — 10 p.m.t

FROM PAGE 6

LETTERS tive self talk when things don’t happen “super fast.” Your message here gave me a break, let me be a little kinder to myself today. We all need to know, “it’s going to be ok” if we just continue on with our goals, little by little. Thank you. —Lisa Wright, via gay-sd.com

AIDS/HIV ire

Thirty-five years later, fundraisers are still using the same ol’ shtick [See “Opinion: We must fight the injustices HIV/AIDS thrives upon,” Vol. 5, Issue 13]. They all say the same thing. “The AIDS epidemic is ‘raging’” … “We must fight the ‘injustices’ HIV/ AIDS thrives upon us” … “Most of ‘all’, it will require a sea change in the way society — and donors — view the community that are being ‘ravaged’ by this disease.” Hell, young gay men believe: HIV is simply part of being gay; HIV is easier to manage than diabetes; HIV is part of a “gay man’s sexuality.” Sir Elton may have raised $3 billion dollars for “AIDS,” supporting Mr. Campbell and others, but he has never “come out” to say, “Slap a god damn rubber on it when poken’ someone in the butt!” Seventy eight percent, that is 78 percent of all male HIV infections are due to MSM — men having sex with men. Perhaps after 35 years, there are better places to donate! —Kevin McCarthy, via gay-sd. comt

ENTERTAINMENT

gay-sd.com

Gays, games and clubbing Where to be each day of Pride weekend

Flaunt Pool Party at Hotel Palomar San Diego (1047 Fifth Ave., Downtown) on Saturday, July 19 from noon to 7 p.m. Presented by Artificial People and DJ Tristan Jaxx Productions, organizers consider this to be the “all-star pride pool party.” The line-up includes DJ Gino Santos from noon to 2 p.m. and DJ Hector Fonseca from 2 – 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance. On the day of, tickets are $10 before 2 p.m., and $20 after 2 p.m. Presale tickets can be purchased at

GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

Hillcrest) from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Pride Masquerade T-Dance at Commonwealth (1263 University Ave., Hillcrest) from 1 – 6 p.m.; T Party at #1 Fifth Ave. (3845 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest) from 3 – 8 p.m.; the ever-popular CHURCH at Babycakes (3766 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest) from 3 – 8 pm; Sunday Beer Bust at Flicks (1017 University Ave.) starting at 3 p.m.; Beer Bust at The Hole (2820 Lytton st., Point Loma); and close out the weekend with Stripper Circus Pride at Rich’s (1051 University Ave., Hillcrest)

Local bars attract dozens of revelers on every Sunday of the year, but they'll be especially packed on Pride Sunday. (Courtesy R. Cervantes)

George Vernon | Gay San Diego Every year as San Diego Pride approaches, excitement builds as all of the parties, nightclub events, and other celebrations are announced. That excitement can quickly become overwhelming when trying to figure out how to fit all of the events into one weekend. Here are our top six picks for gays and friends looking for the best parties, circuit events, and nightlife spots during San Diego Pride weekend. Thursday night With many visitors arriving in town early and several locals taking Friday off of work to jump-start the weekend, many are looking for something to do on Thursday night. Several of the local bars that host weekly Thursday night events will be packed to the brim, with an extra celebratory atmosphere. Top picks for Thursday night include Pride #WET at Bourbon Street with Benny & Marshall (4612 Park Blvd., University Heights); Pride MUSCLE at the Brass Rail (3795 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest); Candyland at Flicks (1017 University Ave., Hillcrest); and TAGGED or Varsity Pride Underwear Party, both happening throughout the two rooms at NUMBERS (3811 Park Blvd., Hillcrest). Wherever you go, Pride Thursday is a fun night out with lots of energy as people aren’t worn out yet! Splash Pre-Pride Pool Party Cool down on Friday afternoon before Pride weekend heats up. The San Diego Summer Splash Pre-Pride Pool Party will take place on Friday, July 18 from 1 – 5 p.m. at the Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club (2223 El Cajon Blvd. in North Park). The Lafayette has become popular in recent years with sexy locals and visitors alike, who enjoy lounging, drinking, and relaxing poolside. The pool party will include music by DJ John Joseph, a full bar, and fun in and out of the pool. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance on eventbrite. com using keywork “Splash” or at Obelisk Mercantile (1037 University Ave., Hillcrest). Limited tickets will be available at the door for $25. Global Male’s San Diego Pride Rooftop Party Head Downtown for Global Male’s San Diego Pride Rooftop

Party at the W Hotel (421 West B St., Downtown), on Friday July 18 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. The party will feature celebrity host Prince Roman of New York City, winner of Andrew Christian’s model contest, hip hop and Latin music by DJ Hectik, Pride gift bags, and $5 drink specials all night long. Doors at 9 p.m. with a $5 cover before 10:30 p.m. with text, flyer, or email available at global-male.com. HillcrestSocial.Net’s Parade Viewing Party The San Diego LGBT Pride Parade is one of the largest in the nation and spectators are welcome to watch it from Flicks (1017

University Ave., Hillcrest) for HillcrestSocial.Net’s Parade Viewing Party. The parade starts at 11 a.m., but the air conditioned bar opens at 9 a.m. with the parade being broadcasted on Flicks’ 12 large TV screens. DJ Will Z will be taking music video requests through HillcrestSocial.net in the morning and later that night. There is no cover and the HillcrestSocial.net app can be downloaded from both the Google Play and Apple markets. Flaunt Pool Party Pride does fall in the middle of the San Diego summer, so here is a yet another pool party: the

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flauntsd.eventbrite.com. #SundayFunday — Pride Edition Sunday Funday is always a big deal in Hillcrest, but on Sunday of San Diego Pride weekend, it’s the ultimate day out. After checking out the San Diego Pride and Music Festival or enjoying brunch, head back into Hillcrest and hop between a number of places that will offer up drinks, men, sun, and plenty of pride. Hot events include DIVE at the Brass Rail (3796 Fifth Ave.,

from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Pretty much anywhere you go in Hillcrest and surrounding areas will be filled with Pride energy, so take your pick and enjoy! For more information about all the events during Pride weekend, visit the event page of our media partner sdpix.com. —George Vernon is a local freelance writer. He can be reached at georgevernon76@gmail.com.t

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GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

NEWS

FROM PAGE 1

was also on hand, representing the businesses of the district. Parker addressed the district’s tradition of inviting millions of visitors to the Gaslamp Quarter ever y year through quintessential San Diego Events such as Comic Con. “Today, though, we increase that tradition and make sure we are welcoming everybody,” Parker said. Parker said he hopes as a result of the flag raising and this new recognition of the LGBT community within the Quarter they will see more diversity in the historic neighborhood. Faulconer also presented a City proclamation to San Diego Pride’s Executive Director Stephen Whitburn, honoring the historic anniversary of this year’s Pride events and declaring July 14 – 20 as Pride Week in the region. “San Diego is one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the nation and it’s terrific to have a mayor that embraces our community,” Whitburn said. The crowd cheered as a cityrun Sky-Jack scissor-lift raised the hard hat-wearing mayor up to a traditional gaslamp light fixture, located at the corner of Fifth Avenue Mayor Faulconer, in a hard-hat, ceremoniously installs and L Street, immediately below the first two rainbow colored pride flags near the the arch that signifies the entrance entrance to the Gaslamp Quarter. (Photo by SDCNN) to the Gaslamp Quarter. There, Faulconer positioned two rainbow-colored flags, which will join more than 120 others flying above the Gaslamp’s most populated streets the next two weeks signifying to visitors that it is Pride season in the City of San Diego. This new observance comes as a first for San Diego, as rainbow flags to commemorate the annual Pride event are typically only placed along the streets of Hillcrest. More than 300,000 LGBT members and supporters are expected to attend and celebrate this year’s 40th annual Pride events happening July 18 – 20 throughout Hillcrest and Balboa Park. For more information, visit sandi124 rainbow flags will fly above the Gaslamp for the next two egopride.org.t

“It’s really tempting for retailers to just go online, but that doesn’t contribute to a community. That doesn’t build the community,” Nicholls said. Mankind’s new store has a slightly

FAULCONER

weeks announcing Pride season to visitors. (Photo by SDCNN)

MANKIND

gay-sd.com a better sense of what a garment will look like in different settings. Translucent panels on the fitting room doors allow a faint silhouette to come through, adding an element of excitement and sexiness, Casey said. Bottles of lube, artfully arranged on backlit, mirrored shelves are designed to evoke the liquor bottles lined up at the back of a bar, he said. The new storefront on University was sup-

Mankind’s owner Brian Casey inside the new location. (Photo by Jeremy Ogul) smaller footprint than the old store — nearly 2,300 square feet compared to 3,100 square feet — but by using space more efficiently, the store has not reduced the amount of merchandise it sells, Casey said. Without the multiple flights of stairs in the old store and with fitting rooms large enough to fit a wheelchair, he said the new store is also more accessible to customers with disabilities. The store features underwear, swimwear, shirts, shorts, flip-flops and accessories from Diesel, Penguin, Timoteo, Andrew Christian, Freedom Reigns, Nasty Pig and Descendants of Thieves, among others. “We’re really all about the designers,” Casey said. “We wanna be upscale but not prohibitively expensive. Not Target, but not Nordstrom.” He further playfully described Mankind as the “Gay Abercrombie” and the “Victoria Secret for lesbians.” Gay men are obviously Mankind’s focus market, but with a wide selection of sex toys from vibrators to cock rings, the store also attracts lesbians and straight women, as well as straight men. The store offers about a 3-to-1 ratio of men’s clothing to toys and entertainment. Casey is a Boston native who moved to San Diego three years ago to pursue work in software marketing. Though he has experience working in retail stores, this is his first venture as a retailer. Already he has introduced new design elements that make the store stand out. The fitting rooms, for example, will be equipped with a custom LED lighting system that allows customers to adjust the hue and brightness of the light to get

posed to open by March, but was delayed by renovations on the second floor of the building, where the building owner is converting office space to apartments. While most of the merchandise is on shelves now, Casey said he is still adding finishing touches to the store, and a grand opening party will be held sometime after Pride. Mankind is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. For more information visit mankindsd.com.t

Mankind has gels for every body. (Photo by Jeremy Ogul)

SPORTS

gay-sd.com

JEFF PRAUGHT

GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

DUGOUT CHATTER

SDTF hosts San Diego Open 29

Tournament co-directors Hoffman (far left) and Linke (far right) congratulate Open division doubles champions Romeo Matias and Jerry Sabio. (Photo by Alise)

(l to r) Camila Gill & Janene Christopher, C division doubles finalists; Todd Linke (tournament co-director); and Allen Sanchez & Andrew Hoffman (tournament co-director), C division doubles champions (Photo by Priscilla Martinez) As is its tradition every year, the San Diego Tennis Federation (SDTF) hosted its annual San Diego Open July 4 – 6 for the 29th time. The popular tournament, open to men and women and featuring singles and doubles play, held matches Friday through Sunday on Independence Day weekend at three different sites: Barnes Tennis Center in Point Loma, the University of San Diego, and at the SDTF’s home court, the Balboa Tennis Club at Morley Field. There were 145 players in this year’s field of entrants, and believe it or not, a contingent from Australia even made the trip to Southern California. Players as far away as Texas and Florida also made their way across the countr y to join the field. The tournament structure typically features five brackets of singles and doubles match play. Those divisions are “Open,” A, B, C, and D, with A being the most competitive skill level. SDTF also added an Over–40 Singles competition in both B and C this year. All told, there were 12 different brackets. Somewhat surprisingly, the biggest bracket this year was the B Singles bracket, whose 32 entrants narrowly edged the popular C Division Singles bracket. In doubles play, the C division led the way. The tournament annually receives raves from players about how well organized it is, a testament to the leadership of tournament co-directors Andrew Hoffman and Todd Linke, as well as the volunteers who help put on the event. Adding to the allure is San Diego’s fantastic climate for tennis. Playing conditions on Independence Day were perfect, but Saturday and Sunday brought warmer and stickier temperatures. “The pickle juice was definitely flowing by Saturday,” Linke said. “There were some cramping and injury issues because it was definitely hot Saturday. By Sunday, the pickle juice was just about gone.” San Diegans claimed titles in seven of the 12 brackets, with the locals nearly sweeping the entire doubles field. The team of Romeo Matias and Jerry Sabio needed three victories to secure the Open

bracket title, culminating with a straight-set triumph (6-2, 6-2) over Seth Makechnie and Sean Murphy. In Doubles B, Ricardo Espinoza and Matthew Smyth bounced back after dropping the first set and defeated Barry Bosacker/Cory Davtyan (3-6, 6-2, 6-3). Hoffman not only helped run the tournament, he played in it as well, winning two titles. After he and partner Allen Sanchez won at noon on Sunday, they came back at 2 p.m. to take the Doubles C title with a 6-1, 7-6 victory over Janene Christopher and Cami Gill. Jere Diersing and Keith Forman won the Doubles C title with a 7-6, 6-4 triumph over Rob Schwartz and Norman Tucker. Hoffman’s other title came in singles play, as he won the Over–40 B bracket with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over SDTF President Scott

Guiltner. Not to be outdone by his tournament co-director, Linke also won an Over–40 title, defeating Janene Christopher 6-3, 6-4 in the C bracket. Robert Morales claimed the Singles D bracket with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Michael Bauwens. “It was a very positive experience for everyone,” said Linke, who shared leadership duties with Hoffman for the third consecutive year. “Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. There was great competition and great camaraderie.” The San Diego Open relies heavily on volunteers, and approximately 25 people signed up to offer their time throughout the weekend with various tasks. Those duties ranged from running water bottles over to players during their matches to providing assistance in the first aid tent. Entrants enjoyed the traditional Welcome Registration Party on

Thursday of tournament weekend, where they could register and receive their player swag bags at the Morley Field complex. Each year, a banquet is also held on Saturday, and this year’s was held at the 94th Aero Squadron. The Gay/Lesbian Tennis Association (GLTA) sanctions all national LGBT tennis tournaments and they require that each event be philanthropic in nature. The banquet, attended by nearly 90 people, helped raise money for Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), an organization that works to make schools safer and more affirming for all students, regardless of sexual orientation. SDTF raised over $5,000 combined the past two tournaments, and Linke is especially excited to help present this year’s contribution once the final numbers are tallied. “Our benefactor is near and dear to my heart because I am a teacher,” he said. “I am thrilled that our contribution is going to GLSEN.” Linke also acknowledged Guiltner, who not only serves as SDTF president and is on the tournament committee, as someone who went above and beyond the normal call of duty to help out with this year’s event. He was named honorary codirector of the San Diego Open by the entire organization. Hoffman expects next year’s tournament field to be even bigger, as it will be San Diego Open 30

and will be featured on the GLTA National Tour. The SDTF is one of the oldest and largest gay tennis leagues in the nation and currently includes over 200 members. Year-round, the organization holds events such as a Singles Challenge Ladder (players climb up the “ladder” by earning points for each victor y), Singles League (traditional wins and losses), Team Tennis, Promiscuous Doubles (where partners swap ever y 20 minutes), and the popular Friday Night Doubles at Balboa Tennis Center (2221 Morley Field Dr.). Newcomers are strongly encouraged to gain their introduction to SDTF by showing up on Fridays. Sign-ups for Friday Night Doubles are at 6 p.m., with matches beginning an hour later. Skill levels range from beginners to experts. Membership is just $48 per year. For more information about membership, upcoming tournaments, and social activities, visit the league’s website at sdtf.org. —Jeff Praught is actively involved in the LGBT sports community, where he plays in the local softball (AFCSL), football (SDAFFL) and basketball (SD Hoops) leagues. He has served on AFCSL’s board of officers in various capacities and is currently the commissioner of SD Hoops. He can be reached at dugoutchatter@gmail.com. t

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THEATER

GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

CHARLENE BALDRIDGE

gay-sd.com

THEATER REVIEW

Fringe to exit July 13 Catch a show before it’s too late By Monday, July 7, the 2014 San Diego International Fringe Festival (through July 13) was ten productions, four days and four venues into its 2014 span, at least in this attendee’s experience of it. Because the elevator at Tenth Avenue Arts Center had the vapors, the inveterate (except for stairs) reporter concentrated on main stage shows, becoming a groundling in the best Shakespearean sense. One of the most unusual productions, “Beau and Aero,” hailing from Oakland and suitable for children, has closed, but the world premiere of British playwright David Bottomley’s “The Peacock and the Nightingale,” directed by San Diegan Bryant Hernandez, continues through Saturday, and there are plenty of others from which to choose from still left through the weekend. In “The Peacock and the Nightingale” film star Marilyn Monroe, English poet Dame Edith Sitwell, and director George Cukor get together to film a documentary about a Tudor-era historical script penned by Sitwell. Monroe covets the role of Anne Boleyn, and after meeting and talking with her; Sitwell favors her casting in the role. The hour-long play consists largely of a heady exchange between the two celebrities, Sitwell on a U.S. tour, and Monroe already a Hollywood

sex symbol, having just completed “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” The script needs further work; however, the performances by age-appropriate actor Loie Gail as Sitwell and Rhianna Basore as a carefully studied Monroe, are astounding. Randy Coull portrays Cukor. Final performance at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 12, on the Main Stage of Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 10th Ave., Downtown. San Diego playwright Tim West directs his own fetching comedy, “Olivia Bolivia,” featuring Maxine Sutton as fifth grader Olivia Baumgartner. Olivia engenders international havoc when researching a geography project about Bolivia. Sutton’s fully realized Olivia is precocious, determined and gifted. West surrounds her with two fine San Diego actors, Danny Campbell and Betty Matthews, who play a variety of experts, teachers and helpful others. 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 12 and 8 p.m. Sunday, July 13, Spreckels Theatre, Fringe off Broadway, 923 First Ave., Downtown. Other “Baldridge Best of the Fringe”: “The Gym: A New Musical with Something for Every Body” with music by Rayme Sciaroni and lyrics by Margee Forman, explores types of people you meet at the gym. There

are a few inspiring moments, and it’s mostly light-hearted fun with catchy and clever songs and lyrics. Showings are 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 12; and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 13, Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, Downtown. “Nightbird,” San Diego actor/ playwright Eddie Yaroch directs his intense work, which questions the tendency of battered woman to stay with their abusers. Excellent acting by Max Macke, Vimel Sephus and Kristin Woodburn. One final show, 3 p.m. Saturday, July 12, Spreckels Fringe Off Broadway. The glory of Fringe is seeing what one could/would not likely see elsewhere. For instance, Bodhi Tree Concerts’ production of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s “Seven Deadly Sins” is a San Diego premiere certainly worth your time. One final performance 12:30 p.m. Sunday, July 13 at the Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza. The risks you take are minimal — only $10 per performance plus a $5 Fringe Tag, which allows access to Fringe Club (beer and a bite) atop the Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 10th Ave., Downtown, plus restaurant discounts. For further information check out sdfringe.com. —Charlene Baldridge can be reached at charb81@gmail.com.t

(l to r) Edith Stillwell and Marilyn Monroe (Photo by Rick Raney)

Edith lectures Marilyn in "The Peacock and the Nightingale: (Photo by Rick Raney)

Santa Barbara, Calif. (Pacific Pride)

July 12 San Diego July 18-20 Vancouver, B.C. Aug. 3 Reno, Nev. Aug. 16 San Jose, Calif. (Silicon Valley Pride)

Aug. 16 - 17 Las Vegas Sept. 5-6 Chula Vista, Calif. (South Bay Pride)

Sept. 13 Oceanside, Calif. (Pride @ the beach)

Oct. 11 Bakersfield, Calif. TBD San Bernardino, Calif. Oct. 25-26 Palm Springs, Calif. Nov. 7-9

gay-sd.com

Summer Fitness

Fitness Scott Markey Summer is finally upon us. With all of the summer events going on in our beautiful San Diego, such as the 4th of July celebrations that just passed, the upcoming Del Mar horse racing season, Comic Con, Over The Line (OTL), going to all our great beaches, being out on the ocean and the bays, and all of our many parks. Let us not forget “Pride” and all that this amazing yearly event brings to us. But most of all, spending time with friends, family, and loved ones, is what the summer months are all about. The list of things to do and places to be here in San Diego are endless. As fun as the summer is, it comes and goes pretty quickly. I mention this because all of you die-hard gym-goers, like myself, and all of you who sacrificed all year long by adhering strictly to your diet and workout regimens, letting

FITNESS

loose a little bit and having some fun is what summer is all about. If you are like me, you know that skipping or missing scheduled workouts is something we do not want to do. Try not to let this bother you so much. With all the tempting food, parties, and get-togethers the summer brings, it is hard to stay on track as much as you did in the winter months. So let’s look at some ways to stay in shape, and look and feel the best you can all summer long. First let’s try to get your workouts done in the morning, this way you won’t feel guilty. You can also hit the gym at night, leaving your days wide open. The positive side of the summer months is that you can get your workouts done outside, you just have to be a little creative. You may be spending most of your time outdoors or at the beaches or parks but have no weights lying around. No problem. Squats, push-ups, planks, and core exercises only need your body weight. For some of you stronger guys and girls who might need a little extra resistance, I’m sure you can find a friend or use your partner to add the extra weight needed: on your shoulders for squats, or on your back for push ups, etc. You get the idea. Being outdoors also feels good and you can go for walks or hit some sprints for cardio sessions. You don’t need a gym for this and beach sprints are amazing! You can regulate the difficulty by what part of the beach you sprint or run on; the softer sand for a harder workout, or the harder, flatter sand for an easier workout. Just remember, especially if making it to the gym is not an option, plan ahead and think outside the box when it comes to your workouts. I myself can get a good workout in anywhere! Like I said, it’s just a matter of being creative, and using what you have around you.

GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

Now let’s talk briefly about food. This can be somewhat of a challenge, as when you’re going to barbecues and parties, the food being offered might not be in your dietary program. No problem again! Just plan ahead. Make your meals beforehand, even the night before. Pack as much as you can — both meals and snacks — and bring a cooler, too. This way, you can leave it in your car, or bring it along. By doing this you will be well prepared for anything that might come up. This way you will have your own food, should you be somewhere that the food being so graciously offered, is not on your specific menu. Let’s say you are invited to a party. This works out especially well as you can prepare and bring a “healthy” dish of your liking to satisfy your nutritional needs. This way no matter what, you know there will be something there to eat that is good for you. Most important is to stay hydrated! That means water. Try to stay away from sugary drinks as much as you can. Everyone likes an energy drink here and there, I know. Just try to limit them. What if you are invited to a party or function where alcohol will be present? Sugary, or mixed drinks should be out, or at least limited. Watch the beers as well. They add up, and will go right to your stomach. You’d be surprised at the vast number of cocktails available on the healthier side. Let’s face it, it’s summer. It’s time to have some fun. You’ll be back to your stringent workout and dietary regimen in no time at all, so in the meantime, be committed and just do the best you can. If any of my readers are having trouble coming up with a workout or a dietary plan, feel free to email me and I will try to help you as best as I can. So here’s to a safe, happy and healthy summer! —Scott Markey has over 25 years in the fitness and health industry. He specializes in physique management, fitness training and nutritional consultation. You can find him on Facebook or reach him at scottmarkey@yahoo.com.t

FROM PAGE 7

SDGMC munity organization that has had a major impact on San Diego, as well as on individual chorus members. Past partners have included a women’s shelter, a youth arts program, a senior memory center and a meal delivery agency. For LUV Madonna, the chorus has chosen the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego as its partner. Through 17 community-based sites, they change lives with quality youth programs and guidance in a safe, affordable and fun environment. The Clubs serve kids ages five to 18 years old with academic achievement, character development and physical fitness programs. “The Clubs were great!” said chorus office manager Jose Navarro Jr., who learned to swim at the Boys & Girls Clubs in Queens, New York as a boy. “They provide an outlet to keep kids off the streets and stay out of trouble. Especially growing up in a rough neighborhood, it was a safe haven.” Navarro is now a Big Brother in Oceanside and his “little brother,” like Navarro twenty years earlier, is currently a Boys & Girls Club member. During the LUV Madonna show, the Boys and Girls Club programs will be highlighted from the stage. SDGMC members will also contribute “wish list” items like board games and art supplies. “We are so proud to be partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs,” added Carlos Salazar, SDGMC Director of Outreach. “San Diego is a better city thanks to their hard work and the dedication they have for our kids.” Back at The Hillcrest Youth Center, which provides services for LGBTQ youth, Lehman enters the cozy front room to smiles and applause as he presents the tickets to the young people who have gathered for the evening. “It’s an incredible feeling,” Lehman said. “And it makes us remember that our chorus is more than just about singing — it’s about using our music to reach out and make a difference.” Tickets are now on sale to LUV Madonna — Music of the Material Girl at sdgmc.org or by calling the Balboa Theatre box office at 619-570-1100. Shows are Saturday, July 12 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 13 at 3 p.m. Donations, including for the matching grant ticket program, may be made at sdgmc.org.t

ADVERTORIAL

Are travel agencies still relevant? With the explosion of web-based travel sites, many and perhaps most people choose to book vacations on their own. The days of heading to a travel agency to look over brochures, discuss options, and be handed a ticket certainly are outdated. This is borne out by the fact that there are fewer than half as many accredited travel agencies today as there were just 20 years ago. Yet, somehow bookings by travel agencies still account for about a third of the travel market. How do these agencies manage to survive in a do-it-yourself world? According to a 2013 CNN report, travel agencies have survived by specializing. Generally with luxury and business travelers who “value personal relationships and expertise over savings.” Jonathan Geen, president and CEO of San Diego-based Purple Light Vacations, agrees that personal relationships and expertise are the most important aspect of his agency. However, he disagrees that you have to give up on value. “We’re a full-service agency, but we have a focus on LGBT cruises and land vacations hosted through Atlantis, RSVP, Olivia, Source Events, and several other charter companies. Most of these companies don’t discount their packages or adjust pricing. So you’ll pay the same whether you book directly with them or go through us. We’re also registered to sell packages through the cruise lines and Expedia. We can usually beat, or at least match, a price you can find on your own. But, we provide additional information and services — that you won’t receive on your own — at no additional cost.” Many of the no-cost services that Purple Light Vacations offer are knowledge-based. Mr. Geen noted that they have local contacts in many of the most popular cruise ports and

supply clients with insight into restaurants, nightlife, local tour guides and other information that isn’t generally found in the guidebooks. “We want to get to know our clients and what interests them,” Geen said. “Then we can let them know if there is a bar, concert, opera or other event going on at their destination that they may be interested in. Depending on the length and type of vacation, we are also generally able to offer thank you gifts to our clients that they wouldn’t receive when booking on their own. Wine, shipboard credits for a massage or specialty restaurant, and similar items have been popular.”

What free services does Purple Light Vacations offer? Purple Light Vacations provides the following added value to its customers at no additional cost whatsoever: • Destination insight including tips from locals that are not in the guidebooks • Knowledgeable advice and customized services, including assistance in selecting the vacation or honeymoon that best suits the customer’s goals • Thank you gift for trips of five or more nights

Does Purple Light Vacations offer any unique services? Purple Light offers optional travel concierge services to make vacations even more special and stress free before, during and after the trip. These services include pre-trip packing, pet sitting, grocery shopping, and even theme party costume design and construction by Broadway-caliber designers. For more information, visit PurpleLightVacations.com.

GAY SAN DIEGO July 11–24, 2014

gay-sd.com

California Properties

Jojo Giordano

619.995.5252

BRE #01718481 Point Loma Office

Jojo Giordano understands that purchasing the home of your dreams can be both exciting and challenging. Her passion is to guide her clients through the entire process - and be with them every step of the way. Helping her clients find that dream home at the right price is Jojo’s area of expertise. She takes pride in her ability to reach and exceed both her goals and her clients’ goals as well.

Jojo will guide you through the complexities of home buying and selling – making your dreams become a reality. She specializes in attending to your needs. Jojo’s extensive training in sales and marketing have made her an expert in her field. She knows how to market homes at the right price to get results, as well as find homes that her buyers can afford.

700 W. E Street, Downtown

575 6th Avenue, Downtown

Luxury 28th Floor High-Rise - $949K Kathy Risley 619.709.8484 BRE #01443408

Gaslamp Quarter Studio - $289K Teresa Brackin 619.985.6512 BRE #01081657

8431 Whale Watch Way, La Jolla

6852 Deep Valley Road, San Diego

6 bed, 5 bath, 9,270 sqft. - $10.9M Ghassan Aboukhater 619.436.6239 BRE #01930856

4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2 car, 1887 sqft. - $569 Alisha Eftekhari 619.929.4280 BRE #01918969

7281-7283 Mohawk, San Diego

10068 Dunbar Lane, El Cajon

As a native of San Diego, Jojo Giordano knows the city and will listen to your wishes and dreams, to help you find that perfect home. She will provide you with the high level of honesty, integrity and professionalism that your deserve. Her goal is to make your home sale or purchase – your dream – come true.

Stan Krimerman Stan “Diego” Krimerman has been a licensed premiere Real Estate agent in San Diego since 2005 and has been awarded the 5 Star Top Agent award by San Diego Magazine in 2012, 2013 & 2014. His team consistently provides award-winning, VIP service to all of their clients, from first-time home-buyers and sellers, to savvy real 619.417.6370 estate investors. His tried-and-true real estate practices BRE #01477653 ensure that you make the best decision regarding your Mission Valley Office purchase or sale. Buying and selling a home is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your lifetime. Our job is to make sure that every client feels like a VIP and more importantly has a positive experience. We approach each purchase and sale with honesty and integrity and will strive to make your experience as effortless as possible.

2 Houses on one large lot. Bruce Bielaski 619.252.1268 BRE #01294322

3 bed, 2 bath on 3 acres Hilary Bateman 619.284.5288 BRE #01894237

Christine Miller

619.339.8527

Christine Miller has been serving your real estate needs for over 14 years. She specializes in single family homes, condos, and residences of 1-4 units. She grew up in San Diego, where she attended school from elementary to college. She holds a bachelors degree in business administration, and a real estate broker’s license with the California Department of Real Estate.

841 20th Street, San Diego Classic Victorian architectural beauty. Krista Lombardi 619.519.3251 BRE #01504924 & Susan Einemo 858.717.3763 BRE #01464003

It has been her desire to fulfill every client’s dream of home ownership. She is an articulate communicator, and a keen problem solver. Selling and buying a home can be a complicated and sometimes stressful affair, but having an experienced and professional Realtor like her makes all the difference.

BRE #01275045 Mission Hills Office

Christine is also very active in her community, providing food to the homeless, participating in holiday charity events and donating her time and money to many social causes.

Alisha Eftekhari 619.929.4280 BRE #01918969

Barbara Nolan 619.572.0264 BRE #01039808

Bob Gabhart 619.980.8561 BRE #01317331

Chris Fryson 773.457.1185 BRE #01944629

Erin Jaszcak 619.990.9628 BRE #01928389

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Jane Austin 619.508.6800 BRE #01938428

Joel Blumenfeld 619.508.2192 BRE #01889382

Josie Crispin 619.843.2355 BRE #01003551

Maureen McGrath 619.922.2441 BRE #01714823

SteveSims 619.540.7786 BRE #01870416

Tila Cota 619.846.1390 BRE #01328090

Dustin Robinson

619.855.5220

BRE #01885120 Mission Hills Office

Dustin Dravland Robinson, is a Top Producing REALTOR® with a decade of experience in home sales, real estate development, architectural planning and design. Dustin ranks in the Top 7% in production among ALL BHHS Agents WORLDWIDE, and has been consistently ranked among the Top 2 REALTOR®’s at BHHS’ office in the heart of coveted Mission Hills.

Dustin has extensive knowledge and experience selling real estate throughout California (SD County, Orange County, LA County, Sacramento, and the SF Bay Area). He has expertise in web-based real estate search, community demographics, and cutting-edge marketing tools (including social media advertising, virtual home tours, staging, online media, and marketing). Dustin has helped people across California find the homes of their dreams, and helped people sell their current homes for other investments. In San Diego County, he has sold over $20 million in real estate throughout various communities.

Mission Hills (619) 299-8020

Gaslamp (619) 595-7020

Kyle Davis 619.372.1633 BRE #01924997

Lara Hamm 612.419.1234 BRE #01905340

Mission Valley (619) 294-3113 Point Loma (619) 222-0555

©2014 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by the seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.