LGBTQ San Diego County News, Volume 1, Issue 1, Oct. 11-24, 2019

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY NEWS “The Paper of Record for the Community”

October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

Dining All ‘bitches’ welcome at the sassiest breakfast joint C10

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Feature 19 years of The San Diego Kings Club C5 community voices Love, sex and Grindr C8

Pride in Oceanside C15

Pros & Cons Weighing in on Philadelphia’s Gay Pride Flag C16

SAN DIEGO COUNTY NEWS “The Paper of Record for the Community”

Wall of Honor

On Nov. 5, the International Imperial Court System of the United States, Canada and Mexico will gather with LGBTQ veterans for an official wreath-laying ceremony in Washington, D.C., at the statue of openly gay Revolutionary War hero Major General Baron Friedrich von Steuben. The last of the four pillar statues in the corners of LaFayette Square, it is considered one of America’s most famous statues of European-born heroes, dedicated on Dec. 7, 1910.

This will be the first time that Baron von Steuben (Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin von Steuben) has been honored by the American LGBTQ community. Two wreaths will be presented — one red, white and blue wreath presented

by LGBTQ veterans, and a rainbow wreath by LGBTQ activists.

By Albert H. Fulcher

Wall of Honor continues on C3

A laying of wreaths in Washington, D.C., honors LGBTQ history

By Albert H. Fulcher

Making a difference, the 2019 Community Wall of Honor inductees Eight trailblazers of the San Diego LGBT community and its allies are to be inducted into The Community Wall of Honor at The San Diego LGBT Community Center on Oct. 27. Founded in 2004 by Nicole Murray Ramirez, the Imperial Court de San Diego and The Center, the Wall of honor is a recognition of the significant affirmative influence in the San Diego County LGBT community.

At this years ceremony, Chris Shaw and Doug Snyder, Julia Legaspi, Connor Maddocks, Tracie Jada O’Brien, Teresa Oyos, Venice “Lady Pepper” Price Brook, Maureen Steiner and Andrea Villa are to be inducted, continuing the wall’s tradition of remembering, honoring and educating the community’s history.

An Openly Gay War Hero Forgotten

Laying of Wreaths continues on C2

Above: (left to right) Tracie Jada O’Brien Connor Maddocks Maureen Steiner Teresa Oyos Bellow: (left to right) Chris Shaw & Doug Snyder Andrea Villa Venice “Lady Pepper” Price Brooks Julia Legaspi (courtesy photos)

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The Baron von Steuben statue in LaFayette Square, Washington, D.C. (Photo by Nicole Murray Ramirez)

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October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

Andrea Villa She/Her/Hers Community Activist Wall of Honor continues from page 1

As a child, Andrea and her family spent their summer days in Balboa Park. It was there on the lawns near the shuffleboard courts that her father told them about his father — a day laborer who immigrated from Mexico to help build the iconic Cabrillo Bridge for the 1915 Panama Exhibition.

Pride was the locus of her activism until 1987 when Andrea quit her job to attend the March on Washington for LGBT Rights, an event that would change her life. The momentum of 250,000 people in the streets of the nation’s capital fed the fire for justice that has lit her path ever since. She met local activists who would be her mentors over the years, among them Larry Baza, Albert Bell, and most importantly, Jeri Dilno. After the March, Andrea sought to be of service in equality and justice movements. She was a founding member of ActUP! San Diego, served on the board of San Diego LGBT Pride as member and co-chair, and was elected to the board twice as president of the storied San Diego Democratic Club (now San Diego Democrats for Equality).

In 2004, Andrea joined The San Diego LGBT Center’s board of directors, where she was a founding member of its Latino Advisory Council and helped launch the nation’s first LGBTQ Latino/a/x organization in San Diego, where queer Latinx youth, adults, and their families could find support, dignity, and vital services. She threw herself into the intersectional work of The Center, serving on the board in multiple capacities over 11 years, including vice chair and chair of the board.

Along with her late wife, Aida Mancillas, she also grew active in marriage equality, engaging Latino leadership — straight and gay — in the movement.

And, when asked, she answered the call to co-chair the San Diego No on 8 Campaign.

The loss of that fight in November 2008 was devastating. “We were gutted,” she recalls. “But we were back at it that weekend, helping a small group of new youth activists organize a protest against the vote.”

Her coffee pot may be in Oakland, but her heart is in San Diego. She’ll be back soon.

Doug Snyder & Chris Shaw He/Him/His Community Leaders

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Doug Snyder and Chris Shaw have been together since 1983.

They’ve both been involved in the LGBTQ+ community since 1979 and have founded: WCPC (West Coast Production), The Flame (San Diego’s Lesbian night club), Studio Nine (a LGBTQ+ under-21 nightclub), Hamburger Mary’s (which later became Urban MO’s), Baja Betty’s, Gossip Grill (California’s only women’s bar), Hillcrest Brewing Company (the world’s first LGBTQ+ brewery) and Inside Out. Doug, Chris, and their 284 staff members have always been dedicated and extremely active in the community. Over the last 40 years, they have donated or raised hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars for our community. Their philosophy has always been, “You cannot have a successful business without a strong healthy community.”

That is why it has always been a priority to create an incredible Hillcrest community. They feel blessed to be part of this great community and will always stay committed to Hillcrest. It has never about the awards, the acknowledgments or articles in the paper. For Doug and Chris, it has always been about creating and building a community where everyone can feel comfortable being who they are and thrive being who they are.

Julia Legaspi She/Her/Hers Community Activist

Julia was born in Cavite City, Philippines, the fifth of 11 siblings to Ceferino Legaspi and Juliana de los Santos.

Julia opened JHIGS Hair Studio in 1982, a favorite spot for locals and many celebrities.

Equality has been Julia’s advocacy, and she’s a prominent leader in the LGBT community and the Fil-Am community. Julia received recognition from different civic organizations and political leaders, such as Mayor Susan Golding, whoc proclaimed Nov. 19, 1991 as “Julia Legaspi Day” in the city of San Diego.

In 2004, Julia was bestowed the honor of being the first transgender person appointed to public office in the city of San Diego and only the third in the country. She was also appointed by then-Mayor Dick Murphy to The Equal Opportunity Commission and later to The Human Relations Commission.

Julia is currently the president of The Los Chabacanos of Cavite City, and is also a current member of the mayor’s and the sheriff’s LGBT advisory boards.

Julia firmly believes, “Discrimination against any of us is discrimination against all of us!”

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Connor Maddocks He/Him/His Community Activist

Connor Maddocks has been civil rights advocate in the San Diego transgender community since transitioning 16 years ago. He is an active guest speaker and trainer to various organizations, businesses, colleges and health care agencies on transgender issues. He’s done extensive trainings on all aspects of workplace compliance, diversity, legal and human rights issues. Connor is a former member of the San Diego Pride board of directors, and a proud active volunteer of Pride for the past 15 years. He also works with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. In 2015, Connor began working with the San Diego Police Department, doing the very first trainings on transgender issues to the entire SDPD and for San Diego local law enforcement professionals through the U.S. attorney’s office. Connor is now a member of the San Diego Police Chief’s Advisory Board.

Connor has been the chair of the Transgender Day of Remembrance since 2006, has co-chaired and been on the committee for Transgender Day of Empowerment since its inception in 2004. He created the annual Transgender Community Picnic held every fall, took over leadership of the San Diego FTM/SO meeting and has been running it since 2005. As the facilities manager at the San Diego LGBT Center where he began working in 2006, Connor founded the Trans Coming Out Discussion Group, Woman’s Discussion Group, co-founded Transforming Family with Monica Nunez, and in 2013 became the program coordinator for Project Trans, the LGBT Center’s first transgender program.

He is most proud of all the interactions with his community and helping to bring them all together. He is also the parent of three amazing daughters and grandparent to eight beautiful grandkids.

Tracie Jada O’Brien She/Her/Hers Community Activist

October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

Tracie Jada O’Brien’s activism began shortly after taking her first HIV test in 1991. The result was life changing.

Prior to that, she engaged in risk-taking activities. Then a significant life change — living a limited existence being a female assignment, male at birth, was not her destiny. In the early 1990s, Tracie worked with San Diego AIDS Foundation creating and modeling the first HIV-prevention brochure targeting transgender population and sex workers.

Tracie engaged in collaborative efforts with Family Health Centers of San Diego’s Gay Men’s HIV Health Program.

Tracie, along with two other staunch transgender advocates, approached Family Health Centers HIV testing clinic asking them to provide monitored hormone therapy to the transgender community. They explained, the transgender community would have healthy, safe access to clean needles, decreasing risks of HIV transmission and hepatitis infection. Family Health Centers welcomed the idea and began monitored hormone therapy and free medications.

Her involvement in the Annual Transgender Day of Empowerment (DOE), launched November 2004 at the LGBT Center with 75 attendees. Fifteen years later, this still empowers San Diego transgender and nonbinary communities providing education scholarships to 23 deserving trans/GNC individuals.

In 2005, Tracie attended the first Transgender Consultation Forum hosted by the CDC. Transgender activists came across the nation to formally document significant disparities in transgender HIV care, prevention, and care.

As a result, California Office of AIDS invited transgender activists from across the state to Sacramento, creating the foundation for The Center of Excellence for Transgender Health at the University of California, San Francisco.

The best reward for Tracie is telling new patients at the beginning of their transition journey that “all” of their care, including surgeries, can be covered by county insurance.

This is critical for the transgender community as many survive on a yearly wage of $10,000 or less. With access to their life-affirming services, lessening dysphoria, many in our community report less depression, anxiety and have confidence to get that job or enroll in school.

Wall of Honor continues on page 17

Laying of Wreaths continues from Page 1

This is a long overdue recognition of Baron von Steuben by the LGBTQ community and is spearheaded by longtime Latino/ gay activist and San Diego City Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez, who also organized and chaired the successful 2016 national letter-writing campaign to then-Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to name a vessel after gay civil rights icon Harvey Milk. The USNS Harvey Milk will begin construction in San Diego in December.

When asked about the importance of honoring Baron von Steuben, Ramirez said, “A community, indeed a “A community, indeed a movement that does not know where it came from and movement that does not whose shoulders it stands on, doesn’t really know we’re know where it came it’s going.” from and whose shoulders Historians believe that von Steuben served as an it stands on, doesn’t really openly gay man in the Revolutionary War at a time know we’re when sex between men was punishable as a crime. it’s going.”

During his lifetime, the concept of gay marriage was unthinkable and there was no language or culture of — Nicole Murray Ramirez homosexuality, although same-sex relationships were common.

Recommended by Benjamin Franklin and then hired by Top to bottom George Washington to help combat the Continental Army durMajor General Friedrich Wilhelm Augustus, ing the worst days of the Revolutionary War, von Steuben is Baron von Steuben. (1730-1794) Yale University Art Gallery known for his bravery, discipline and strength he brought to the American troops. Smithsonian.com historian/writer Erick The Baron von Steuben statue in LaFayette Trickey said that “every U.S. soldier is indebted to von Steuben” Square, Washington, D.C. as he created America’s professional army.

(Photo by Nicole Murray Ramirez) Von Steuben joined the Prussian military and became Frederick the Great’s personal aide but was abruptly dismissed from his promising career in 1763. Historians are unsure of the exact among gay men in an age circumstances, but later in life, von Steuben wrote about an before same-sex marriage “implacable enemy” that led to his firing. Rather than staying and they lived together until and providing for his defense, he chose to flee his homeland. von Steuben died in 1794 and Historians believe that Franklin and Washington knew of his both inherited his estate. His reputation but didn’t believe that his private life was relevant secretary, John Mulligan, to his military career. When he arrived at Washington’s camp, was also gay and believed to Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens were assigned as his have been in a relationship aides and are believed to have been active in a romantic relawith von Steuben, inherited tionship with each other. his library and some money.

He was known for his sexually charged parties and his “Von Steuben may have intense relationships with other men. He lived with his tow been one of early America’s aides-de-camp William North and Benjamin Walker, who were most open LGBT figures, but believed to be in a romantic relationship, perhaps including he was hardly the only man von Steuben, and lived with them in camp for two years. After whose love of other men was the war ended, von Steuben was granted U.S. citizenship and well known. And though he adopted both North and Walker. This was a common practice

was to have helped save the American army, his contribution is largely forgotten today.” — History.com.

For more about von Steuben’s contribution to the United States military operations during the American Revolution and what historians believe about his homosexuality, visit History.com.

For more information on the Nov. 5 event in Washington, D.C., contact Nicole Murray Ramirez at Nicolemrsd1@gmail.com.

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Publisher’s Point Today is “National Coming Out Day” and the new LGBTQ San Diego County News is also coming out today! Formerly Gay San Diego, our new name says it all, as we will be covering our diverse community throughout San Diego County. We will be building up our website to make sure that you will be able to receive LGBTQ breaking news every day.

We are keeping our awardwinning editor Albert Fulcher and hired Mike Rosensteel as chief operations manager. We are also happy to announce that former New York, Houston, and San Diego KFMB-TV CBS 8 reporter M.G. Perez has joined our team as a professional investigative reporter. Big Mike Phillips is dedicating his hometown talent as the publication’s photo editor and we are very excited to announce that Cesar A. Reyes is onboard as our creative director.

LGBTQ San Diego County News will also include special correspondence from reporters in our state capitol and Washington, D.C. Connor Maddocks has joined our team and will be covering the transgender community. We are planning a bilingual column for our Spanish-speaking community, as we are going to also cover Baja California, Mexico and its growing LGBTQ community. We plan to give more coverage on our community’s exciting nightlife scene including bar events, parties and personalities.

Our publication will also not only include obituaries, but weddings, anniversaries, and birthday announcements. Congratulatory announcements will also be available.

The upcoming 2020 elections will be the most important one.

Not only for our great nation, but the LGBTQ community and we will be giving it extensive coverage and endorsing candidates for office. We will cover important issues facing our region: homelessness, proposed convention center expansion, rising rental and housing costs, and state and local ballot measures. We will gladly publish letters to the editor.

Something exciting for all of us is that a major goal for this publication is becoming a nonprofit business that will donate its proceeds to important community causes.

We have just taken over this publication last week and signed an office lease this past Tuesday so please be patient with us as we build LGBTQ San Diego County News to be indeed the “paper of record for the LGBTQ community.”

Terry Sidie Publisher

Nicole Murray Ramirez Associate Publisher

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October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

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2019 San Diego Pride Parade And the winners are…

Left: Qualcomm represents Pride theme at the 2019 San Diego Pride Parade. (Photo by Albert H. Fulcher)

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October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

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Clockwise Rudy Ramrod is the only original member of The San Diego Kings Club, originating in 2000.

Tony Technique, “the dancing divo”. (l to r) Ajax and Smokey Gonzalez performing a duet. (l to r) San Diego Drag King troupe Smokey Gonzalez (Yvette Orgega), Lisa Raye, Regina Styles (Richard Poole), Rudy Ramrod (Drina Lickert), Ajax and Tony Technique.

(Photos by Albert H. Fulcher)

19 years of The San Diego Kings Club

By Albert H. Fulcher

I

t was a big night of entertainment and celebration as The San Diego Kings Club (SDKC) took the stage in honor of its 19th anniversary on Sept. 27 at the Gossip Grill.

The only original SDKC entertainer, Rudy Ramrod (Drina Lickert), was joined by longterm troupe members Smokey Gonzalez (Yvette Orgega), Tony Technique, Lisa Raye, Regina Styles (Richard Poole), Ajax (AJ Turner), with guest performer “from the other side of Fifth Avenue” Leggs Benedict, as DJ KinkyLoops kept the tunes rolling on (even though it was her birthday).

They packed the house with a great night of entertainment, with some phenomenal music

by Reba McEntire, Queen, Frank Sinatra, and an eclectic set of songs from old country to rock n’ roll. It truly made it an evening of celebration, ending the show with a toast for the present, those who have performed in the past and a bright future ahead.

Rudy Ramrod said that the troupe was started by Kelly Medina (aka Chest Rockwell) 19 years ago at The Flame.

It began as a weekly contest on Wednesday nights called “Drag it Out.” He said Medina founded it to give an opportunity for people to perform as drag kings and that the event went so well, it turned into a monthly performance, beginning with seven members.

Over the years, SDKC had different homes: The Flame, Bacchus House, Six Degrees, Bacchus House back to The Flame, Numbers and its current home, Gossip Grill.

“We perform at many Prides

in Southern California,” Ramrod said. “We also have performed at many colleges and done several clinics. We’ve done numerous shows for charities. We’ve had some amazing performers over the years that have moved on to other great things. I continue doing the show because I enjoy doing it.

The SDKC offers a great show with a different energy from other drag shows. I am very

dressed like cowboys dancing to a Madonna song. She thought, “Wait, those guys are girls?”

“After that, I was hooked.

I told my friend, Ricky Poole (aka Regina Styles), about this drag king show and that he had to come see it,” Ortega said. “I started going to the shows on a regular basis. I got to know some of the Kings — Rudy Ramrod, Tommy

“I know we are proud to be a part of the rich history of the longest-running drag king troupe in North America. — Lisa Raye proud to be a part it.”

Ramrod said the anniversary show was fantastic, Gossip Grill is a great place to call home for the troupe, and that he has loved working with the talented group of performers over the years.

Smokey Gonzalez (Maria Yvette Ortega) said she first went to The Flame in 2002, and witnessed a drag king show for the very first time.

At that time, SDKC had around eight members and she remembers all of these “guys”

Salami, El Pachuco and James Bondage, to name a few.

They were like celebrities to me. They had weekly shows, sometimes two shows a night.

They packed the place every time. The crowd would scream for them like they were rock stars.”

Ortega said after a year or two, some of the Kings suggested that she perform.

Admittingly a shy person, the thought of getting up in front of people terrified her, so she told them no. But in 2006,

they convinced her to try out for Quest for the Crown contest at Six Degrees. She was eventually eliminated from that competition.

“In January of 2008, I tried out again,” Ortega said. “After eight weeks of competition, in March of 2008, I was chosen, along with Whiskey Dick, as the newest members of The San Diego Kings Club. Being part of this group has been such a blessing. I have more confidence in myself. I’m able to get up in front of people and perform as my alter ego, Smokey Gonzalez. I’m able to go outside of my comfort zone and when I see people smiling and having a great time, it makes it all worthwhile.”

Lisa Raye said after coming to San Diego in 2012, she met Rudy and Smokey while helping her drag mother Ajax’s show.

“Vogue Decadence was on a Friday and The Kings were the following day, and we would often cross promote,” Raye said. “I am a huge fan of drag and knew there were drag kings. I was excited to watch a different type of drag show. I had also fallen for Rudy, even if he didn’t know it. I worked both shows for many months. When I became an official member in August of 2013, the cast included Rudy Ramrod, Smokey Gonzalez, Regina Styles, and Whiskey Dick.”

Raye said that she was not performing at that time, then one day took a chance and performed solo.

“I’m a faux queen; I work well with kings because of my height, as many drag queens tend to be on the taller side,” Raye said. “I’m only 5-foot-1inch, so it adds to the illusion

for the kings. Rudy and I are known for our chemistry when we perform together. The SDKC show has always been open to new drag kings to try and hone or show off their art.

Tony Technique came to us from the Bay Area and has performed for many years. He became an official member in 2015; he is our dancing divo.

Shortly after Tony joined us, our chameleon Sammy Evil joined the cast a year later.”

Raye said that Ajax has performed with the kings on and off for the entire SDKC history, and that Ajax and Regina have been the emcees throughout the years.

“The three queens take pride in our kings and showcase them, especially with events like Out at the Fair,” Raye said. “We did several group numbers with the entire cast but made sure our kings were our focus. I know we are proud to be a part of the rich history of the longest-running drag king troupe in North America.

I’m proud to say I co-produce this amazing show, with its crazy cast of characters. I’m looking forward to many more years of drag kings in San Diego.”

“The show is going strong as we continue to sell out month after month,” Ramrod said.

“We look forward to our 20th year as we continue to be the longest-running drag king troupe in North America. We also won two Nicky awards and we were featured at the ‘Legendary Drag Queens of San Diego’ exhibit at the San Diego History Center. Last year, the SDKC performed at Out at the Fair. We were so popular that now all Out at the Fairs have drag king performances.

That is something we’re proud of. I try to continue to have an outlet for drag kings in San Diego. That how this all started.

But we also have drag queens in our troupe. I try to have an open format so that the performers can display their art.”

San Diego King Club performs at Gossip Grill every fourth Friday of the month with the show starting at 8 p.m. For more information, visit gossipgrill.com/dragkings.

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October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

with him in a new capacity. Benny Cartwright is back with us on a regular basis and we have already added new writers like M.G. Perez and Conner Maddocks. I’m looking forward to work with all of them.

I truly believe we have a great foundation for a team Albert H. Fulcher that can get things accomplished and provide all of our —Albert Fulcher can be reached at albert@sdcnn.com. readers with a variety of topics that fits can’t tell you how thrilled the diversity of our readers.

I am to be part of LGBTQ We strive to be an all-inclusive San Diego News. As you can publication. tell, we have already made I am indebted to the founder some significant changes in the and publisher of Gay San Diway we bring news and resourcego, David Mannis. Thank you es to our local LGBTQ commufor allowing me to work with nity with a new look, and better you, your team and allowing yet, a new outlook for the future me to make changes and take of this publication. chances with Gay San Diego Many of you know our new content. It has been a pleasure owner and publisher Terry to work with you and I wish Sidie as he is a frequent face only the best for you in your here in San Diego. I am grateretirement. ful that he embraced the vision There are many things and funding this new venture.

I’m excited about. First, a He’s a straight shooter and a larger staff so that we may downright nice fellow. If you bring more news to your lohaven’t had the pleasure of cal newsstand or electronic meeting him, you will get your device. I believe that the best chance. I believe it is pretty news coverage comes from safe to say that you will see the diversity of the team that him here in this community is bringing the news to you. much more in the future.

Terry and Nicole have already It would be remiss of me not brought onboard some exciting to acknowledge Nicole Murray new people and brought back Ramirez, our new associate some of your favorite writers. publisher. He spearheaded As we get the team together, the purchase of this sale and you will see more breaking has brought many community news, investigative news, a leaders into the fold to help larger span of coverage and I support keeping the 10-year see more videos and podcasts running of Gay San Diego conin this newspaper’s future. tinuing and heading into the I am elated that this publinew and bright direction. cation is moving in the direcBig Mike Phillips has tion of becoming a non-profit contributed to this paper and newspaper that will not only our local community for years. be able to serve the commuIt’s an honor to be working nity with information, but to

Moving Gayly Forward

I

opinion also support our local community and its organizations financially. This is a dream come true in my opinion and I believe wholeheartedly this is a great leap in other ways that we can continue to serve this community.

But I have to say this. This cannot be accomplished without your help. As you continue to read LGBTQ San Diego County News and you like what you see, continue to pick up a hard copy of our paper at your local newsstand. Visit us online for publication and online-only content. Follow us on our social media outlets and spread the word to your friends and family and let them become part of this community that we are strongly motivated to build.

It is astounding to me, at the support of many community leaders and the people that I see on a regular basis that want to help make this new endeavor a success.

It has been overwhelmingly positive in response to the new direction that this newspaper is heading. It is also empowering to know that these people want to see the things that we do and want to see us do in the future. This vision goes well beyond the people behind the walls of an office, and I look ahead with great optimism.

Also, if you are able, please contribute to the success of this paper financially.

For now, that means we need our restaurants, storefront and online businesses, theaters, realtors, lawyers, medical professionals to take a chance and advertise with this paper. It will not run without it. Our community is why many of these businesses are successful, because our local LGBTQ population is spending their hard-earned money for your goods and services. Many say that print is dead. But it is not. Community newspapers, like this one, have been the ones that have survived the most as major newspapers cut down and merge services. And statistics show that most people love their community papers because it relates to their home where they live, eat, drink, shop and entertain themselves, their families and their friends.

I’m already ready for your feedback on everything you see and anything that you want to see this publication accomplish to serve this community better. I’m waiting and excited to hear from you.

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY NEWS “The Paper of Record for the Community”

LGBTQ San Diego County News 2525 Camino del Rio South, Suite 270 San Diego, CA, 92108 PUBLISHER Terry Sidie SAN DIEGO COUNTY NEWS “The Paper of Record for the Community”

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Nicole Murray Ramirez Nicolemrsd1@gmail.com 619-241-5672 DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & SALES Mike Rosensteel mike@sdcnn.com 619-865-2220 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Albert H. Fulcher albert@sdcnn.com 619-315-8194 CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cesar A. Reyes cesarartreyes@gmail.com 858-204-1071 PHOTO EDITOR Big Mike Phillips Bmsd1957@gmail.com 619-807-7324 COPY EDITOR Dustin Lothspeich WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA Albert Fulcher albert@sdcnn.com.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Benny Cartwright Michael Kimmel Susan Jester Fernando Z. López Conner Maddocks M.G. Perez Neal Putman Frank Sabatini Jr. San Ysidro Health DISTRIBUTION LGBTQ San Diego County News is distributed free every other Friday of the month. © 2019. All rights reserved.

OPINION/LETTERS LGBTQ San Diego County News encourages letters to the editor and guest editorials. Please email them directly to albert@sdcnn.com and include your name, phone number and address for verification. We reserve the right to edit letters for brevity and accuracy. Letters and guest editorials do not necessarily relflect the views of the publishers or staff.

SUBMISSION/NEWS TIPS Press releases and story ideas are welcomed. Send press releases, tips, photos or story ideas to albert@sdcnn.com. For breaking news and investivative story ideas, contact the editor by phone or email.

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community voices

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October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

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Rich’s celebrates 28th anniversary

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conversations with nicole Nicole Murray Ramirez —Nicole Murray Ramirez has been writing a column since 1973. He has been a Latino/gay activist for almost half a century and has advised and served the last seven mayors of San Diego. Named the ‘Honorary Mayor of Hillcrest’ by a city proclamation, he has received many media awards including from the prestigious San Diego Press Club. Reach Nicole at Nicolemrsd1@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Nmrsd2.

his year is, as many of you know, the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall riots against police brutality and discrimination. The Stonewall Inn is now a national historic landmark and is a reminder to us all how gay bars have played such an important role in the LGBTQ community. In reality, in the 1960s, while churches played the role of gathering and feeling safe for the African American community, for the LGBTQ community, it was our bars.

This weekend, Rich’s — one of the most popular award-winning nightclubs on the West Coast — celebrates its 28th anniversary. It has also established a solid record of always giving back to the community and civil rights causes. Even Governor Gavin Newsome has been to Rich’s. This Saturday, I urge you to stop by and thank owner Nick Moede and Ryan Bedrosian (general manager) for not only having one of the best nightclubs in Southern California but for always being there for our community.

When I asked Nick and Ryan what they had to say about their 28th Anniversary, they said: “We are proud to celebrate 28 years of Rich’s. Hillcrest is a great community and we are fortunate to be an integral part of San Diego’s LGBTQ nightlife scene. We are looking forward to celebrating our anniversary with everyone this Saturday!”

Gays Vs. Cops Baseball Game!

Presidential transition photo portrait, circa 2001 Ellen’s photography by © Glenn Francis, PacificProDigital.com

Bravo, Ellen DeGeneres and George W. Bush When super television star and out lesbian Ellen DeGeneres went to a football game and sat next to former President George W. Bush (they both brought their wives), all hell broke loose on Twitter and Facebook from some angry LGBTQ people and liberals. Some, pretty nasty. But good for Ellen as she stated she is indeed a liberal Democrat who is a friend with a conservative Republican. For decades, people have blasted me for being friends and supporting moderate Republicans and continuing to bash LGBTQ Republicans. Can’t we all agree to disagree on issues but be civil? I have served and advised five Republican and two Democratic mayors and our current Mayor Kevin Faulconer (R) has the best pro-equality record than any of the last seven mayors!

Yes, most Republican leaders are bad on LGBTQ civil rights but there are always exceptions. After all, yes, there are Republican and Democrats, but foremost, we are Americans.

Joe Letkus Turns 80 (Facebook)

One of San Diego’s most popular and respected businesmen Joe Letzkus is having a big blowout birthday bash at Flicks on Saturday, Oct. 19, and you all are invited. Joe is a past owner of Flicks and has been involved in countless organizations. Come out and wish Joe a happy 80th birthday at Flicks next Saturday!

Whitburn takes lead for City Council Stephen Whitburn is in the lead in all recent polls, and has gotten more contributions and endorsements than any of the four candidates for the 3rd District City Council seat.

Whitburn endorsers include California Assembly woman Lorena Gonzalez, Senator Marty Block, Senator Dede Albert, former Council members Donna Frye and John Hartley, and San Diego Democrats for Equality, San Diego Young Democrats, Veterans Democratic Club, University Democratic Club, San Diego Downtown Democratic Club, San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action, San Diego Uptown Democratic Club, LGBTQ Vote 2020, and almost every major Democratic leader.

Yes, I am excited to announce that we are in discussions to hold a “Charity Baseball Game” between a gay baseball team and a San Diego Police Department baseball team.

Proceeds will benefit the Police Widows/Orphan Fund and the Eddie Conlon LGBTQ Youth Fund. And yes, maybe I will be a part of a drag cheerleading squad.

Who knows? Stay tuned.

Drop Out, Janessa Goldbeck We can’t stand candidates who pop up out of nowhere and run for office and have no record whatsoever in the LGBTQ community, yet they brag that they’re gay. And just because you’re a part of the “Truman Project” does not qualify you to run for office without any record in the region.

Ms. Janessa Goldbeck, do us and you a favor and just drop out. Thank you!

Oh yes, for those who don’t know her (about 99% of you), she is running against frontrunner Georgette Gomez for Congress. (Facebook)

Nicole’s Quick Movie Review: Joker - A masterpiece of a very dark movie. Joaquin Phoenix deserves an Oscar.

Rambo: Last Blood - This movie badly needs a blood transfusion ...ugh.

Downtown Abby - Wonderful to see them all again! Great gay scene.

Hustlers - Great movie.

Wish it had more scenes with Cardi B though.

It Chapter Two - I hope they’ll have chapters three and four.

Judy - Renee Zellweger deserves an Oscar — period.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold I wish I would have lost my way

(l-r) Assembly member Todd, Gloria, Rich’s owner Nick Moede and general manager Ryan Bedrosian (Courtesy photos)

to the theater.

Once Upon A Time in Hollywood - A hot mess.

Screenwriters had to have been on LSD or smoked way too much weed.

Brittany Runs A Marathon - It makes you want to get on a diet — after your large pop-

corn with extra butter, bonbons and large coke.

Where’s My Roy Cohn? This guy was Donald Trump’s mentor and attorney. And you will understand where Trump gets his character after seeing this movie.

Nicky Awards Nominations

Open Today, Oct. 11 - 31 Yes, the “Gay Academy Awards of San Diego” (ABCNews), the 44th annual Nicky Awards are coming up on Sunday, Dec. 8. You, the public, can nominate someone starting today until Oct. 31.

Then the official Nicky Nominations Night will be at Flicks on Nov. 12 with public voting starting on Nov. 14 and ending on Nov. 29. The Nicky Awards are always a fun, exciting, red-carpet night that is always sold out. For further information: Richard Poole at 619-2881183 or Michael Lochner at 619-972-6369.

Carl DeMaio Takes Lead Former City Council member and popular conservative radio talk show host Carl DeMaio is in the lead in all polls in the 50th Congressional race with disgraced Congressman Duncan Hunter. He has also broken all records for getting campaign contributions.

If DeMaio wins, he will be the first openly gay Republican Congressman. Though he has a perfect pro-equality City Council record, he will definitely not be a “gay activist” and yes, I disagree with him on border issue stands. But the reality is this is a solid Republican district, which current polls have at more than 66% in support of Trump. The Democrat does not have a chance in the general but will probably come out of the primary.

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October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

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Love, sex and Grindr

Life Beyond Therapy Michael Kimmel —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.

Contact him at 619-955-3311 or visit lifebeyondtherapy.com.

This column originated in questions that I’ve gotten from my clients, such as: Is it true that too much Grindr or Scruff sex makes you numb?

Does Grindr encourage sex addiction?

My friend met his husband on Grindr. Why can’t I? Has Scruff replaced dating and going to bars?

G

rindr, Scuff and similar apps let you look at pictures of other men and read how they describe who they are and what they want. I have used both apps and have had both terrific and notso-terrific experiences. This seems typical, regardless of who you are. Yes, even the beautiful people have bad experiences on Grindr… or so I’m told.

Recently, on Scruff, a guy

asked me, “What are you looking for today?” A very good question. Why do any of us use these apps? Are we lonely? Horny? Bored?

Do we just want to “window shop” (as one client calls it) or do we want to find someone hot and get off? Do we want an emotional connection first (meet for coffee) or is it purely physical (just sex, with little to no emotion or conversation)?

Whatever you want to

use these apps for is fine with me (yes, you have my official psychological stamp of approval). If you do, I recommend that you be clear about what you want and ask for it – directly and respectfully.

Years ago, I was a go-go boy in a popular gay club in Manhattan. I was very clear on why I was doing it — 1.) money, 2.) to reap the benefits of working out intensely, and 3.) to give my self-esteem a boost. I didn’t last long, but I’m glad I had the experience.

Similarly, I think Grindr and Scruff offer us a variety of experiences: we may have some great adventures, meet some great guys, and/ or waste a lot of time in the chase (I hear that from clients too).

I’ve heard people say that Grindr and Scruff encourage sex addiction. Don’t be so naïve. Sex addiction has been a problem long before these apps existed. You can use the apps to deepen your sex addiction, or use them to talk with and meet interesting men. The apps work the same, how you use them is totally up to you.

Too much meaningless sex would make anyone feel a bit numb. If you don’t know the guy you’re with

and don’t care about him, there’s little human connection there. If you’re just using someone to get off, be honest with yourself about that, but don’t expect it to leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy afterward.

I have a client who met his husband on Grindr, and his friends wonder, “Why can’t that happen to me?”

Well, let’s look at the odds.

I am not a statistician, but the likelihood of a Grindroriginated marriage are not in your favor. These two guys were not looking for a husband when they met on Grindr. They hooked up and had a lot of fun … so much fun that they wanted to get together again, and again.

Eventually, it wasn’t just sex that they were enjoying.

About a year later, they got married. And are still quite happily married in an open relationship that works well for both of them.

If you’re looking to get married, Grindr and Scruff may not be your best apps (Pete Buttigieg used Hinge).

On the other hand, you never know!

Some people who are active on Grindr and Scruff rarely go out to bars anymore because they used to use bars to hook up. However, many people like going to bars for other reasons: to be social, relax and have a drink with interesting people, go somewhere where the bartender (and regulars) know your name.

People ask me, “Have hook-up apps made the concept of dating passé?”

It seems like “hanging out” with someone seems to have replaced dating. Regardless of the verbiage, the idea is the same: spending time with someone and getting to know them.

Love, sex and Grindr are an interesting trio. While it’s true that you never know where you’ll find love (or sex), Grindr and its fellows are one more place to look. It’s great to have options. Use them wisely and see what (and who) you discover.

Graphic by CanStockPhoto.com

9 million meals

(l to r) Alberto Cortés, executive director, Mama’s Kitchen, Senate President Pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, Kevin Atto, Mama’s Kitchen Board president. Mama’s Kitchen, a local nonprofit meal delivery service dedicated to men, women and children affected by HIV, cancer, and other critical illnesses, including congestive heart failure and Type II diabetes, delivered its nine millionth meal with the help of Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins on Sept. 30. (Courtesy photo)

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October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

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Big Mike and Friends Big Mike Phillips —Big Mike Phillips is an activist, fundraiser, bartender and photographer who has lived in San Diego for 30 years. He has help create two nonprofits and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity. He has been a photographer for more than 25 years and has recorded our LGBTQ history not only in San Diego but around the country including three LGBTQ Marches on Washington DC. Big Mike has served the last four San Diego Mayors by serving on their LGBTQ advisory boards.

Contact Big Mike at 619-807-7324, or bmsd1957@gmail.com.

I

’ve been blessed with so many amazing people in my life, it excites me to be able to share with all of you the different people who I know, work with and those who make a difference in the world in which we live. It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to my very sweet, talented, loving friend Clarione Gutierrez.

I first meet Clarione in 2013 when I saw him on Facebook doing a live speed painting. I was so impressed I contacted him and asked if he would do it for my annual birthday fundraiser, which was raising money for the Toni Atkins Women’s Health Fund.

He created a beautiful art piece right in front of us and then bidding started and he sold it to the highest bidder for $1,300.

Though Clarione is a native of San Diego, he grew up in South Bay near Imperial Beach, later moving to Los Angeles for college to attend Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, where he earned his degree. After moving to New York City for a few years, he then moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and eventually moved back home to San Diego.

His talents are so creative and beautiful that he had the honor of performing with the cast of “The Lion King” on Broadway for an annual fundraiser called “Gypsy of the Year,” which benefited Broadway Cares/Equality Fights for AIDS. One of his most impressive projects I believe he has done is the award-winning children’s books he created with his friend Tyler Curry in 2005 titled “A Peacock Among Pigeons.” If you don’t already have a copy, I suggest you get yours today. He has already left a mark on Southern California with murals on many restaurants and businesses, primarily with the Rise and Shine Restaurant Group (Breakfast Republic and The Fig Tree Café, to name a couple).

Clarione never ceases to amaze me; with his very busy schedule, he still takes time to give back. It’s not uncommon to see him volunteering by doing his live speed painting, donating original pieces of art to silent auctions, and teaching classes.

Some of the well-deserved charity organizations to benefit from his generosity are Human Rights Campaign, Imperial Court de San Diego, San Diego Pride, The San Diego LGBT Community Center, Harvey Milk Foundation and the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus.

Though with all he does to help create a colorful, beautiful canvas in our community, he even took time to meet the love of his life right here in San

Clarione Gutierrez

Diego. In his words, “I met my beautiful husband Jeff in the summer of 2014 at the gym. I was on the elliptical and his striking blue eyes caught mine as he passed in front of me and we have been inseparable since.”

Clarione and Jeff were married March 2019 in Palm Springs.

I am honored to call both of these wonderful men my friends.

I was never so humbled, touched and grateful when Clarione surprised me on stage at my annual

birthday fundraiser with such a beautiful portrait of me in the rainbow colors that he painted. I will always cherish such a kind gift. Thank you again. Meeting Clarione and becoming great friends with him makes me a better human being. I love watching people make the world a better place and Clarione does that.

If you would like to contact Clarione for future works of his talent, email him at clarionequtierrez@gmail.com or visit his website at clarione.com.

All are

welcome Monte Vista Village is a vibrant, energetic senior living community dedicated to helping you live a life enriched wonderful experiences in a beautiful environment.

We’d love to hear from you! 619-465-1331 INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | LONG-TERM SKILLED NURSING

2211 Massachusetts Avenue | Lemon Grove, California 91945 montevistavillage.com

top: Big Mike and Clarione Gutierrez A painting by Clarione Gutierrez given to Big Mike Phillips at his annual birthday fundraiser.

(Photo by Big Mike Phillips) Clarione Gutierrez at the Rob Benzon Foundation 20 Year Anniversary Launch Party on July 12 with his finished speed painting as part of the fundraiser.

(Photo by Jose Islas – jai Photography)

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October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

dining

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Restaurant Review Frank Sabatini Jr. —Frank Sabatini Jr. is the author of ‘Secret San Diego’ (ECW Press), and began his local writing career more than two decades ago as a staffer for the former San Diego Tribune.

You can reach him at fsabatini@san.rr.com.

All ‘bitches’ welcome I’m in love with a bitch.

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he resides on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest, cooks some mean pancakes and breakfast sandwiches, and is an advocate of fun, freedom and workplace diversity.

It isn’t a person, but rather one of the sassiest breakfast joints to descend on San Diego.

I was initially skeptical about Breakfast Bitch in the weeks leading up to its opening on San Diego Pride weekend in July. Was this some politically incorrect, derogatory concept targeting the LGBTQ community — or African American women? Would it operate on the premise of meanness and cattiness?

The answer is no, no and no.

Consider it a term of endearment when your party walks in and a staffer greets you with the words, “Hey bitches.” The salutation invariably comes with an embracing smile, particularly if it’s from the ultra-friendly gay face of the restaurant, Dallas Sawyer, who doubles as a host and server.

“Most of our front-house staff are gay. And our two chefs are African American women,” said Tracii Hutsona, who owns and operates the retro-style eatery with her husband Derrell Hutsona.

The couple also runs a luxury-lifestyle business in Los Angeles.

And Derrell is a former college and NFL football player who served as a running back for the Cincinnati Bengals. Both often work the frontlines of the restaurant — and they’re among the nicest, most socially polished people you’ll ever meet.

A friend and I visited on a Monday morning. By 10:30 a.m. customers were queued up in the order line, which runs along an open kitchen. Nearly every table became occupied. The vibe was festive and upbeat, more of what you’d expect to find on weekends.

The chefs were also present: Chanel Williams and Miqua King, both of whom are currently enrolled in the culinary program at Mesa College. We would soon experience their knack for balancing textures and flavors through several dishes were ordered.

As my friend effused about the Kona-style coffee sourced locally from Make Good Coffee Co., an order of “scary pancakes” arrived.

They’re from a separate pancake menu that changes monthly.

“I don’t like pancakes the size of throw rugs. And these are reasonably sized,” my friend pointed out as we reveled also in their thinness, which was similar to Swedish-style pancakes. Best of all, they weren’t overly sweet, and we loved the occasional tinges of saltiness stemming from the pepita seeds and butter. For good reason, syrup isn’t served with them, and we didn’t want it anyhow.

The menu’s two primary categories are “main bitch” and “skinny bitch.” We ordered a little from both.

The latter offers a substantial avocado toast on brioche with an egg cooked to your liking. We chose sunny-side, which was cooked perfectly and oozed seductively over the fresh guacamole, shredded Parmesan cheese, and spring-mix lettuces (from Specialty Produce).

My friend detected onions in the guac, which she wasn’t nuts about. I noticed once she pointed them out but didn’t mind.

All items from the “main bitch” section involve jumbo croissant sandwiches. They’re a notch higher in price than your everyday breakfast sandwich, but for good reason.

The “bougie” is the most expensive ($16.75). It’s stuffed with a payload of shredded Atlantic lobster meat, along with a poached egg and fresh spinach. The ingredients are brilliantly tied together with cilantro-lime sauce the chefs recently introduced in lieu of Hollandaise. But you can opt for either — or both as we did, with the lemony Hollandaise served on the side.

Top to Bottom Avocado toast on brioche Bellow:The ‘all American’, The “bougie” lobster and egg sandwich, October’s ‘scary bitch’ pancakes, Host Dallas Sawyer; (back row, l to r) chefs Chanel Williams and Miqua King; and owners Derrell and Tracii Hutsona (Photos by Frank Sabatini Jr.)

If you’re considering ordering cheesy hash browns, turkey bacon, or eggs a la carte, look no further than the “all American.” For $13.80, you end up with all of those items stuffed into a croissant, along with multi-colored sautéed bell peppers.

It tasted as pretty as it looked.

Other top sellers include the battered and grilled “Frenchy” croissant filled with fresh fruit, strawberry coulis and cream cheese. For beef lovers, there’s the “New Yorker” croissant featuring strip steak with grilled onions and sweet peppers Vegans will have nothing to bitch about when delving into pancakes made with vanilla protein powder; a “fruity bitch” salad served in a pineapple boat; and the “green bitch” smoothie that blends together spinach, apples, bananas, pineapples and kombucha. A few other vegan options exist as well.

Despite its playful shtick and retro décor, the atmosphere at Breakfast Bitch doesn’t feel forced or overplayed. My inner prankster, however, imagines bringing out-oftown company here, and ushering them inside while somehow blocking their view of the signage above the entrance — if only to see the looks on their faces when receiving the “bitch” greeting — and the affable “bye bitches” farewell as we’re exiting.

Breakfast Bitch 3825 Fifth Ave. (Hillcrest) 877-732-4824 eatbreakfastbitch.com Prices: “Skinny bitch” dishes, $7.95 to $9.95 Pancakes (customized and seasonal presentations) start at $7.95; “main bitch” items, $8.50 to $15.75

dining

gay-sd.com

A vegan bakery in Hillcrest will soon begin cranking out this apple crumble pie and other holiday faves throughout the season

Foodie

Flashes (Courtesy photo)

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

Finding plant-based pastries and desserts can be tough, especially over the holidays.

Coming to the rescue is Hazel & Jade Bakery in Hillcrest, which is launching a full line of both sweet and savory baked goods tailored to Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

This month look for pumpkin brioche, pumpkin whoopies, black cat cookies and more. Coming in November are pecan, pumpkin and applecrumble pies, plus ginger-pear coffee cake, and croissant dressing. In December, the bakery will showcase cookies shaped to various holiday themes as well as brownies, snickerdoodles and more. All ingredients used at Hazel & Jade are plant-based. 3852 Fourth Ave., 619-295-2001, hazelandjade.com.

Satisfy your mac-and-cheese cravings an upcoming competition later this month If you’re a fan of noodles and cheese, look no further than the fifth annual San Diego Mac n’ Cheese Fest, to be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Waterfront Park downtown. Nearly two dozen restaurants from around San Diego County will square off in a friendly competition. Their chefs will vie for two different awards; one decided by a panel of judges and the other voted on by festival attendees.

Participants include West Coast Tavern, Lazy Dog, Studio Diner, The Smoking Gun, Meal Prep Boutique, and more. About 20 local breweries will be onsite as pouring their latest and greatest releases as well.

Admission is $39, which includes unlimited mac-ncheese samples and unlimited 2-ounce beer tastings.

VIP tickets are $75, which includes 10:30 a.m. entry and access to a private-seating area. 1600 Pacific Coast Highway, sandigomacncheese.com.

(Ajenda PR)

Free pizzas and bargains are in the offing for Paxti’s Pizza grand opening The full-service Patxi’s Pizza, which recently replaced Project Pie on University and Fourth avenues, is holding its official grand opening on Oct. 23, followed by a fundraiser for the San Diego LGBT Community Center on Oct. 26.

For the grand opening, free 10-inch Neapolitan-style pizzas will be given to the first 50 customers in line. Throughout the remainder of the day, free samples of Patxi’s popular Chicago-style pizza will be available, as well as buy-one, get-one free Neapolitan pies.

In support of the LGBTQ community, the company will offer select deep-dish slices for $5 apiece and give 20% of the proceeds to The Center.

Patxi’s is owned by the Los Angeles-based Elite Restaurant Group. It has 17 locations throughout California, Colorado and Washington state.

3888 Fourth Ave., 619-501-8000, patxispizza.com.

(Photo by John O’Mara) (Facebook)

(Alternative Strategies) sy photo)

North County’s ever-expanding food scene will soon include a new barbecue joint Attention North County residents and denizens: The Square at Bressi Ranch in Carlsbad will soon see the arrival of WR Kitchen & Bar, an offshoot to the Southern California-based Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill, which has a location in Mission Valley’s Hazard Center.

The restaurant will feature ample indoor-outdoor seating options, a full bar, and an open kitchen flaunting a woodfire grill. Menu highlights include assorted salads, sandwiches, roasted meats and seafood. There will also be tacos filled with everything from smoked brisket and Atlantic salmon to pulled pork and cauliflower. The establishment is expected to open by the end of fall. 2668 Gateway Road, Carlsbad, wrkitchenbar.com.

These vodkas from North Park landed on a USA Today top-10 readers’ choice list From a short list of distill-

ers operating within urban San Diego, 619 Spirits in North Park was recently cited as one of the 10 best vodka distilleries by USA Today, in its 2019 readers’ choice travel award contest.

The distillery and tasting room is owned by Nick Apostolopoulos, who produces vodka with infusions of locally sourced ingredients such as cucumbers, scorpion peppers, coffee, and rose petals. Lunch, dinner and latenight dishes are also served in the tasting room. 3015 Lincoln Ave., 619-269-2757, 619spirits.com.

October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

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Stoned Cold Soiree

Lambda Archives annual fundraiser has a 60’s vibe in the spirit of Stonewall

By Albert H. Fulcher

AIDA GIUSEPPE VERDI

Candace Carroll, Esq. and Len Simon, Esq., Production Sponsors October 19, 22, 25 and 27m San Diego Civic Theatre

OPENS OCTOBER 19!

San Diego Opera’s new staging places all of the musical elements front and center – a worldrenowned cast will join the San Diego Symphony and San Diego Opera Chorus on stage. Accentuated by stunning theatrical set elements by Tony Award®️ winning set designer Michael Yeargan, and brilliant costumes by fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, this will be an Aida unlike any you’ve heard or seen.

Aida is a perfect start to San Diego Opera’s 2019-2020 season.

Get your tickets today. sdopera.org | 619.533.7000

LEE AND FRANK GOLDBERG 19/20 SEASON SPONSORS

SDOPERA

L

ambda Archives of San Diego is the local LGBTQ+ community archives whose mission is to collect, preserve and teach the local queer history here in San Diego County, Northern Baja California and Imperial County. It was established in 1987, now in its 32nd year.

On Oct. 5, Lambda Archives held its annual fundraiser at the San Diego History Center, surrounded by the current “LGBTQ+ San Diego: Stories of Struggles and Triumphs” exhibit, open through January 2020. Dinner, silent auctions and a beautiful rendition of “You Don’t Own Me” by the San Diego Women’s Chorus began the evening. San Diego Mx. Gay Pride 2019 Amber St James emceed the event with their colorful flair. Councilmember Chris Ward presented Lambda Archives with a proclamation from the city, and keynote speaker Ashlee Marie Preston addressed the crowd with some brutal, but enlightening facts that people of color and transgender people of color still face today.

Nicole Verdes, Lambda Archives board president said that the evening was Lambda’s signature annual fundraiser event.

“We are going to have fun,” Verdes said. “It is a fundraiser, but we are also give attention into the recent violence against transgender women of color. We invited all community members, local queer organizations to be with us here tonight.”

Verdes said that The Stoned Soul Soirée is a 60’s theme and in the spirit of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. She said she was thrilled with the evening’s keynote speaker, award-winning media personality, transgender activist and civil rights activist Ashlee Marie Preston.

Preston made history as the first transgender editor-in-chief of a national publication and also the first openly transgender to run for state office in California.

Preston said that with all the work that we continue to do and the ways we contribute to our movement, one of the biggest challenges for her is allowing people to celebrate.

“That is why I believe that the work done

by Lambda Archives and much of the work that you do at the local organizations in San Diego is so important,” Preston said. “We think as this liberation as this far, distant reality, not understanding that we get to enjoy that in this very moment.”

Preston said that history has a dual access, the history in days past and the history that we are creating in the moment.

Preston moved to Los Angeles at the age of 19 from rural Kentucky and began her transition. She said in Kentucky, they didn’t have the colorful words that we have today to describe identity today. She said that she just knew that she was different and unlike the boys she was surrounded with growing up. This caused her to withdraw because she saw no one that looked or felt like her. When she moved to Los Angeles, she said she was excited because for the first time she felt like her full authentic self. But when she transitioned during her job, she said she was not prepared for the bullying, harassment and discrimination.

Her human resources department would do nothing about these problems that she was facing. Preston was eventually fired, lost her apartment and found herself of the streets of Hollywood. Shelters would not accept her and the few times she did get in, she was raped and sexually assaulted.

“The streets felt much safer than anywhere else I could be,” Preston said. “And I owe so much of my survival to sex workers.

When I was struggling, the church did not help me. All of these organizations with millions of dollars, would not help me. It was the drag queens performing at the bars that would share their tips with me. It was the sex workers that put clothes on my back and made sure that I had food and a place to sleep. They were the only sense of family that I had.’

Preston said eventually she went into sex work because she knew if she didn’t do something quickly that she wasn’t going to survive.

“Everything that I had to do to in the name of survival was so gut-wrenching and heartbreaking I started using methamphetamines as a social lubricant to numb me from all of the trauma that I faced on a day to day basis. This is the story of what it is like to be a trans woman of color living life on the margins.”

Preston said we carry the legacy that was built on the backs of homeless sex workers Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera who put their bodies, health, and safety on the line that we could make sure all of us had inalienable rights for safe space in living our lives authentically.

Preston eventually began volunteering to surround herself with her own people. She quickly realized that in working with nonprofits that they were only a paycheck away from being placed in the demographics that they served. She said many of these boards and executives don’t reflect the demographics that they serve.

“It ended with me sitting across from them handing me my last paycheck and thanking me for my time,” Preston said.

“While they treated all the gay white men with all of this love, gave them all of the resources. They would pull the black and brown people out of the bottom drawers int the trauma corner for donor dollars and then toss us aside when fundraising season was over.”

Preston said she could not watch these organizations, that stated their missions, which were complete lies.

“I realized, even though we are part of the LGBTQIA community doesn’t mean that racism, sexism and transphobia don’t exist,” Preston said. “I realized that we can’t heal what we don’t reveal.”

Preston talked about many things that people of color are still facing today and said that in order for things to change, it has to start from the top, and include the minority groups that “are in the margins,” not only in assistance, but in everyday life as in hiring them to work, giving them the opportunities to succeed and that it has to start within the LGBTQ community.

Clockwise Keynote speaker award-winning media personality, transgender activist a nd civil rights activist Ashlee Marie Preston (right) San Diego Mx. Gay Pride 2019 emceeing at Lambda Archive of San Diego’s Stoned Cold Soirée on Oct. 5. (l to r) Nicole Verdes, Lambda Archives board president, Councilmember Chris Ward and Mark D. Maddox, Lambda Archives board member

calendar

gay-sd.com

Volunteers and donations needed –The annual Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov. 28 is right around the corner. This event is looking for the following food items: 60-70 turkeys, 25-30 hams, 32 boxes (26.7 oz) mashed potatoes, 32 boxes (26.7 oz) stuffing mix, five cases of yams, five cases of canned mixed vegetables, five cases of turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, 30 packages of dinner rolls, five cases of chicken broth, eight gallons of orange juice, eight gallons of apple juice eight gallons of cranberry juice, 24 cases of soda (regular and diet), eight cases of water, four cases of fruit cocktail, 10 lbs. of unsalted butter, four boxes of brown sugar, 10 bunches of celery, 10 lbs. of onions, eight gallons of milk. The event will feed an estimated 400 people this year as well as food that is taken to the Hillcrest Fire Station, UCSD Hospital and the North Park Senior Apartments.

Clothing and toiletry donations are also needed. If you would like to make a monetary donation, visit piryx.page.link/CJGB. To volunteer or to make donations, contact Robert Rodriguez at 619-817-9926 or Steven Blocker at 619-921-3775.

Contestants wanted – Contestants wanted for the Miss Gay California at Large 2019 being held on Nov. 2 at Rich’s San Diego at 5 p.m. $10 door cover. Categories of competition: Something Sweet Presentation; Give me Body: Swimsuit; It’s Showtime: Talent; Evening Gown Eleganza. Winner receives a crown, sash, trophy and cash prize. $25 application fee. For more information, contact Richard at 619-288-1183 or Darnelle at 619-737-7326.

Palm Springs Pride – A weekend packed full of parties, festivals and live music, Palm Springs Pride 2019 is not to be missed. This event is your go-to guide for all pride celebrations happening in Palm Springs during the weekend. It will be updated with the best parties, parade photos, and events. This event is curated by the Palm Springs Pride organization for you! We’ll bring you details on all the best events. Visit our event for 2019 Palm Springs Pride at pspride.org. Nov. 1-3.

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The Scream Zone – The House of Horror, The Haunted Hayride and The Chamber await the adrenaline rush of fear lovers at The Scream Zone at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. With several events going on during the entire event, this is a nightmare of scary fun every day of the week except Mondays. Sundays through Thursdays: 7-11 pm.

Fridays and Saturdays: 7 p.m.midnight. Runs through Nov. 2. $17-$37. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. thescreamzone.com

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‘Girlfriend’ – It’s 1993 and mixtapes are the language of love. Set in the American heartland during the summer between high school and whatever comes next, college-bound jock Mike and self-assured but aimless Will find themselves drawn to each other. Their rush of first love full of excitement, confusion, and passion, forges an unlikely bond neither were expecting. Told to the power-pop precision of Matthew Sweet’s seminal rock album, “Girlfriend” is a vibrant new musical about the terror and thrill of discovering yourself, and the life you want to lead. Running through Oct. 20. $20-$45.

Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. Suite 101. bit.ly/2kFoMtw

October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

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SOS – Tickets are now on sale for Sobriety on the Sand’s (SOS) annual three-day event Oct. 11-13. With three days of events, entertainment, fun and games, workshops and more, SOS provides a safe and entertaining space for those in recovery. $125. Marina Village, Mission Bay. 1936 Quivira Way. sobrietyonthesand.org

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Pride by the Beach – The North County LGBTQ Resource Center’s annual Pride by the Beach, a free family friendly in the heart of downtown Oceanside at Civic Center Plaza. Dance tent, Education Walk with Lambda Archives, Youth Zone and a main stage line up including Ada Vox, Ingénue, Uptown Starlets, a drag show and more. The street festival contains more than 120 exhibitors and resources.

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Pier View Way, Oceanside. pridebythebeach.org

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Euforia + Postcard – San Diego Italian Film Festival and FilmOut San Diego present short “Postcard” and full featured film “Euforia.”

Acclaimed leading actors Riccardo Scamarcio and Valerio Mastandrea play Matteo and Ettore, two adult brothers living drastically different lives, in actor-director Valeria Golino’s quietly wrenching new drama.

When Ettore, a public-school teacher and father of modest means, is diagnosed with a serious illness, he goes to stay with cosmopolitan Matteo in his sprawling Roman bachelor pad, and Matteo takes charge of overseeing his brother’s medical care. Between appointments with doctors and visits from Ettore’s wife and his lover, the brothers reckon with long-unresolved tensions and resentments, and face the implications of Ettore’s failing health, against the backdrop of the sunny Roman cityscape. $12. Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park. bit.ly/3130qt5

Ha Ha Halloween Tea Party – Mariam’s Ha Ha Halloween Tea Party at Mo’s Bar and Grill is one of the Tea Party favorites of the year. Join for a night of spoopy fun with a line up of queens, burlesque and Elvira impersonator Countess Autumn Lynn. Doors: 7 p.m. Show: 8 p.m. $10. 308 University Ave. bit.ly/2AUxU22

Q Puzzle TV Quote Across 1 Suck air 5 “Frozen” queen 9 Vagina, in slang 13 Penetrating reed 14 Turnpike fee 15 Soothing agent for skin 16 Big top, e.g.

17 Asshole 18 Sonny and Cher’s “I Got You ___” 19 Start of a dis from a TV series 22 NBC sketch source 25 “Queen of Soul” Franklin 26 Stud site 29 Rocker Ringo 31 Govt. obligation 33 “The View” moderator Goldberg 35 Goes down on a hill 36 More of the dis 39 Sitcom radio station 42 They’re tiny but attractive 43 “Phantom” scar source 47 Singer DiFranco 48 “Keep your pants on!”

50 “___ the Band Played On” 51 Blazing stars 53 Big name in beer 55 End of the dis 60 With 62-Across, TV series of the dis

61 By mouth 62 See 60-Across 64 “You’ve Got Mail” female 65 They get laid only once 66 Concerning 67 “Jabberwocky” starter 68 Amount of AZT, e.g.

69 Knock off Down 1 Figured out 2 Follower of Jim Buchanan 3 Chaz to Cher 4 Engages in foreplay 5 Anesthesia of old 6 “My Fair Lady” composer 7 Cold shower 8 Islam’s deity 9 Chews the fat 10 Home of T. Bankhead 11 Risk rust, for the Tin Man 12 Part of a giggle 20 Nonoral Marx 21 Boca ___ 22 Direction away from NNE 23 Ordinal for John Nash 24 Tony Randall’s “7 Faces of Dr. ___” 26 Canon camera 27 E. Wolfson or R. Cohn

28 Second pitches for Bernstein 30 Gambol 32 Sally Ride’s org.

34 Top’s betting phrase?

35 Job for Burr’s Mason 37 Broadway director Mantello 38 Printer’s measures 39 Obi-___ Kenobi 40 Technical skill 41 Danny Kaye’s “On the ___” 44 Bottom 45 Tongues to mouths, and more 46 Banned bug killer 48 Prefix in a kids’ clothing line 49 Rank of cross-dresser M. Klinger 52 Charles, who could make you a man 54 Really fighting 56 Drag queen in a men’s dorm?

57 Jason went cruising in this 58 “Out” and “Curve” 59 “Showboat’s” “Nobody ___ But Me” 60 Explosive stick 63 Point between “gay” and “com”

QSyndicate.com

Solutions on page 17

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news

October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

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The dare to be scared The Scream Zone at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, a horrifying destination

By Albert H. Fulcher

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(Photos courtesy The Scream Zone)

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onsidered San Diego County’s largest haunted experience, those who love the dare of the scare will love the experience as you run through its three zones, The House of Horror, the Chamber and the Haunted Hayride. Located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, this is an attraction not for the faint of heart as it has many spooky, ghoulish creatures just waiting to claim their next victim.

There is plenty for everyone, even sitting outside waiting for friends or family to come back with its food vendors and Spirit Lounge Bar. But it is well worth going through the haunted places as there are some amazing special effects, characters that play the role and do their best to make the experience as frightening as possible, and if you are a people watcher, there is a lot of entertainment in watching everyone else’s reactions as you speed through with one frightening spectacle after another.

The Chamber is the smallest attraction and has a lot of creatures that haunt you, but the real fun in this is finding your way through this dark elaborate maze. With uneven floors, the inability to see anything at some points, and a dizzying tunnel that makes your head spin, it’s scary and funny at the same time as you try to find your only way out. Here’s a tip. Don’t follow a gruesome Dorothy’s directions. She is very misleading and sends you in circles.

They call it “The Bloody Brick Road” for a reason.

The House of Horror is an elaborate set up, with many dimensions and themes throughout. Lots of strobe lights and darkness here to as creatures from nightmares past, present and future are sure to find their way to you.

They might pop up right in front or be tailing you with screams, whispers and teeth gnashing. The Zombie Maze is great, and a little more well-lit than other parts, but don’t let the cages fool you

for the zombies come at you from every direction. The Día de Muertos garden is hauntingly beautiful with a few surprises waiting for you as you wonder through. And traveling through the town of Derry is not the right place for people with a phobia for clowns. It’s a fast and furious trip through the mansion, but there are some excellent effects and the actors take their roles extremely seriously.

By far, the most fun attraction is The Haunted Hayride. And you feel a little safer too. But whether riding through the dominion of the demonic nuns and priests, or Zombieland Midway, because of the absence of darkness, there is so much to see when it comes to the actors and although they are not allowed to touch you in any of the attractions (you can’t touch them either), they will be right in your face or behind your back. The hayride is low enough, that there is little protection from you and some of the most iconic horror villains in movie history as you go through Horror Icon Row. This was so much fun and with a group of about a dozen people, watching their reactions were just as cool as the creatures of the night.

The Scream Zone is open through Nov. 2 and tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. I strongly suggest the VIP package as it gives you entrance to all three attractions, a fast track for the House of Horror and Haunted Hayride. This is a life saver, because the only negative thing that can be said about this is that the long lines are more horrifying than the attractions. The Fast Track is the only way to go.

Plus, it comes with a couple more bonuses and saves more than $50 than paying individually for each attraction.

For more information about The Scream Zone visit thescreamzone.com.

north county/ South Bay

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October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

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Pride by the Beach Saturday, Oct. 12 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Oceanside Civic Center Plaza 300 N. Coast Hwy, Oceanside

Pride in Oceanside

Clockwise North County LGBTQ Resource Center founder Max Disposti (center)

North County LGBTQ Center’s Pride by the Beach

By Albert H. Fulcher

I

n 2008, the North County LGBTQ Research Center’s Pride by the Beach started with 800 people. Now the attendance for this free event of the year in North County brings in thousands. This is an extremely family-friendly event, from the booths to the entertainment.

And there is plenty of that going on this year.

At the main stage, Mariam T will be hosting the Oct. 12 festivities, which include time slots for performances. Headlining the early evening is Ada Vox, a contestant that made drag queen herstory on “American Idol” last season and has just released her new single “Because of You.” Also on the slate to perform are San Diego’s own Ingénue, Ari Mirage and Hailey Wild.

Pre-Pride march to the main stage.

This year, the Dance Tent will bring Latin, country and hip-hop to the stage, and along with the street festival, there is food, giveaways, an Education Walk, and in true North County Pride spirit, the Extreme Youth Zone.

The Pre-Festival Ceremony with a performance by the Calpulli Omeyocan Aztec Dancers begins at 10:45 a.m. at Coast Highway, followed by a procession to the main stage.

The North County Center received a proclamation from the city of Oceanside on Oct. 9 for its continued efforts in supporting the LGBTQ community. On Sept. 20, Congressman Mike Levin, 49th District, announced that the North County LGBTQ Research Center founder Max Disposti was his September Constituent of the Month for his positive impact in North County.

Mariam T hosting Pride by the Beach’s main stage.

Youth wear their gender-identifying flags like superhero capes at Pride by the Beach 2018.

(Photos by Albert H. Fulcher)

Dance Tent 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Latin 1 p.m.-3 p.m. –Country 3 p.m.-5 p.m. – Hip-hop Main Stage 11 a.m. Indigenous Blessing – James Trujillo, La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians and Keynote Speaker Timothy Ruise, Rainbow of Truth 11:30 a.m. – San Diego Cheer Extreme Noon – Festival Dedication & Flag Raising 1 p.m. – Joey Pearson & The Band of Pilgrims 1:30 p.m. – Hailey Wild 1 p.m. – Ari Mirage 2 p.m. – Ingénue 3 p.m. – Mariam T 3:30 p.m. – Uptown Starlets 4:15 p.m. – Ada Vox

nent of a multi-faceted effort to ensure all San Ysidro Health organizational sites and departments are welcoming to LGBTQ+ patients and can provide appropriate care and support.”

For more information regarding San Ysidro Health or to donate, please visit www.syhealth. org or call 619-662-4100.

MICHAEL KIMMEL San Ysidro Health ribbon cutting for its newest clinic, the Gender-Affirming Medicine & Sexual Health Clinic, on Sept. 12. (Courtesy photo)

San Ysidro Health opens Gender-Affirming Medicine & Sexual Health Clinic in Chula Vista Organization aims to close the gap in LGBTQ+ services in the South Bay area

By San Ysidro Health

O

n Thursday, Sept. 12, San Ysidro Health hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebratory event commemorating the opening of its newest clinic site, the GenderAffirming Medicine & Sexual (GeMS) Health Clinic, located next to San Ysidro HealthChula Vista (678 Third Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910).

The GeMS Health Clinic was built in order to expand

services the organization currently offers and to close the gap in LGBTQ+ services in the South Bay area. The clinic is a state-of-the-art facility that provides the following services: LGBTQ+-focused primary care; transgender care services, including hormone therapy; sexual health; contraception; STD testing; HIV and Hepatitis C testing and prevention; PrEP; referrals to behavioral health; and walk-in services.

GeMS Health is a safe, confidential and inclusive space

with medical providers and staff experienced in providing specialty care in sexual health.

“As we celebrate 50 years of service across San Diego County, San Ysidro Health is committed to our daily mission of improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve, with access for all, and we take pride in our specialty services for our LGBTQ+ patients,” said Kevin Mattson, president and CEO, San Ysidro Health. “The GeMS Health Clinic is one compo-

—About San Ysidro Health: San Ysidro Health is a nonprofit organization committed to providing high quality, compassionate, accessible and affordable health care services for the entire family.

The organization was founded by seven women in search of medical services for their children. Fifty years later, San Ysidro Health now provides innovative care to over 105,000 lives in our care through a vast and integrated network of 34 program sites across San Diego County including: medical clinics, dental clinics, behavioral health centers, HIV centers, WIC nutrition centers, mobile medical units, school-based health centers, chiropractic services, pediatric developmental clinic, teen clinic, senior health center and Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). San Ysidro Health and its program sites are designed under the concept of the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model of care, where the patient, not the support staff or provider, is the focus of all care and services. For additional information, please visit San Ysidro Health at www.syhealth.org. Connect with San Ysidro Health on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Psychotherapist Author of "Life Beyond Therapy" in Gay San Diego 5100 Marlborough Drive San Diego CA 92116 (619)955-3311 www.LifeBeyondTherapy.com

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Pros & Cons

October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

gay-sd.com

PRO Fernando Z. López that the purple we wear for our fallen and against bullying represents spirit on Spirit Day. Symbols like the Pride flag have an important role to play in building a community, giving us something iconic we can use to be and feel seen.

Unfortunately, our history teaches us that not everyone has always been welcomed or fully embraced in the LGBTQ community. And the “we” in that statement can mean any of us. There was a time that we referred to ourselves as the “gay community,” but over time our language has grown as has our understanding of the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity.

In the early days of our movement, many who had access to wealth and influence were cis white gay men and women. A huge part of the legal arguments and public education narrative that early activists used centered on a perceived inherent and immutable nature of sexual orientation and gender identity. Bi and trans people were in many ways intentionally pushed out of our community and forced to build new communities of their own. In 1998, Michael Page created the bi Pride flag, and in 1999, Monica Helmes created the trans Pride flag. These two important symbols gave new visibility and recognition to members of our community.

I remember the early days as those flags began to be more visible, folks would say that

If you’ve ever seen or waved a Pride flag with six bright, beautiful colors, know that it is not a copy of the original Pride flag designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978. That said, most in our community would acknowledge the six-color version as the Pride flag or at least a version of it. The original version had eight colors with each color holding a meaning: hot pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for magic and art, indigo for serenity, and violet for spirit.

Over the decades, there have been many versions of the Pride flag as colors have been added or taken away for different logistic or artistic reasons.

One of the most compelling versions I’ve learned about in my work is the “Victory over AIDS” Pride flag from 2001 that added a black stripe after the violet stripe, and it was stated that the stripe would not be removed until we found a cure for AIDS. I also find it fascinating to think about the meaning of the flag colors and how we have adopted them as a community, sometimes without knowing it.

Not everyone realizes that the red AIDS ribbon represents life, or the orange of Trevor Project represents healing, or

MILLIONS OF MOMENTS OF

“there was no need for them,” or “the rainbow Pride flag already includes you.” Clearly, 20 years later, those beautiful bi and trans flags endure as symbols of community that push back against the transphobia, biphobia, and erasure that are still prominent within our own LGBTQ community.

There are now scores of Pride flags that have been adopted by our ever-growing understanding of the diversity within our community. The leather community, bears, seniors, lesbians, pansexual folks, polyamorous, and more all have a version of a Pride flag.

In 2017, a flag was introduced in Philadelphia that used the six-color Pride flag and added a black and brown stripe to honor the lives and activism of black and brown people in our community. Just as racism exists in this country, it continues to exist in the LGBTQ community. Racism is one of the most challenging issues to combat, and when the Philadelphia flag was showcased, there was a flare of racism felt by many people of color in the LGBTQ community. Some claimed the new flag dishonored the original flag, others claimed it wasn’t needed.

As a Latinx queer person, I know all too well the sting of racism inside and outside the LGBTQ community. When I saw the Philadelphia flag for the first time, I felt seen. I felt like the issues it was intending

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Weighing in on Philadelphia’s Gay Pride Flag

CON Susan Jester

When you look up the definition of “flag” in the dictionary, the description of the word is “a piece of cloth, varying in size, shape and color … used as the symbol of a nation, state or organization, as a means of signaling.” For the purposes of this discussion, it is relevant to understand the history and the intent behind the rainbow flag with its colors becoming the symbol of LGBTQ Pride in 1978, and in 1994, becoming the symbol on a worldwide scale in honor of the Stonewall riots and the LGBTQ rights movement.

In 1978, when Gilbert Baker, a gay man and drag queen, was urged by Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the U.S., to create a symbol of pride for the gay community, he chose to make that symbol a flag because he saw flags as the most powerful symbol of pride. The dictionary definition of “flag” supports Baker’s vision then as it does today. We rally around the rainbow flag on Pride weekend to show our pride in who we are together, as a community, and as individuals out and proud.

To understand the importance of a “symbol” to the gay liberation movement of 1978 is key to how the rainbow colors on their own, made a statement to a nation whose laws in most states made homosexuality a criminal status punishable by imprisonment and sometimes mental institution confinement. Baker felt a “flag” fit the mission of the movement at that time to proclaim and make visible LGBTQ people from all walks of life and all diverse communities. The intent of the message, and choice of a rainbow for a flag was to urge LGBTQ people to come out, be visible, live in truth, and get out of the closet and out of living a lie. A rainbow flag was, in Baker’s words, a “natural flag from the sky” that all LGBTQ people could rally around and

under. The colors were chosen for what they represent on the meaning and message on the color spectrum, not for race, color or religion of the LGBTQ individuals standing under the flag, but to represent the message of the movement and the people in the movement as a family together under the sky.

Each original stripe had its own meaning (hot pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony and violet for spirit).

The first versions of the rainbow flag were flown on June 25, 1978, at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. Baker and volunteers had made them by hand. They were an instant hit. Demand for the flags called for mass production, which resulted in color modifications due to production issues (the pink and turquoise stripes were removed, and indigo was replaced by basic blue, which resulted in the modern-day six-striped flag (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet).

The various colors came to reflect both the immense diversity, and most importantly, the unity of the LGBTQ community in its ongoing pursuit of equality. For Baker, the meaning of the colors was the message.

As executive director of Stonewall 25, it was a great thrill and joy to see Gilbert Baker’s mile-long version of the rainbow flag for the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, marched up First Avenue past the U.N. Building and become the international symbol for LGBTQ Pride in 1994. The photo was the centerfold in Life magazine that year! Stonewall 25 was an international event that provided outreach the preceding year to LGBTQ people around the world. One hundred activists from various nations were flown to New York City for the event. The mile-long flag had LGBTQ people from every nation, every part of the U.S. and every color together under the flag carrying it. A symbol Pros & Cons continues on page 18

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Maureen Steiner She/Hers/Mine Community Activist Wall of Honor continues from page 3

Maureen Steiner is more than an advocate for social justice. Maureen was taught by example that giving to the community is a moral obligation and a privilege. She is a community activist and has been a social leader for most of her life.

Maureen served as the first openly LGBT person on many committees in Coronado and San Diego, including chairing both the Coronado Planning Commission and the San Diego County Democratic Party. She served on the Community Leadership Council and the LGBT Historic Task Force, city of San Diego Salary Setting Commission and numerous other civic and nonprofit boards. She was a leader at Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLADD) and strong supporter of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) of San Diego and their program goals. Additionally, she has served on the boards of the San Diego Archaeological Center and the Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO), where she played a role in the saving of the Western Metal Building, which is now the signature part of the Downtown ballpark.

As a board member and then president of Lambda Archives of San Diego, Maureen had a goal of making the organization a vibrant and relevant part of the LGBT+ community. She succeeded in so many ways by bringing the “antiquarian collecting society” into the current conversation and expanding it from a passive to an active community asset.

Maureen has always demonstrated transparent and ethical leadership. She received the Richard Geyser Community Leadership Award from the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation. She is a proud member of the Imperial Court de San Diego, served as the first “Ms. South Bay Pride,” and has been a staunch advocate for programs and services helping San Diego LGTBQ youth.

Teresa Oyos She/Her/Hers Community Activist

October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

Teresa Oyos was born and raised in San Diego. She began her activism after enrolling at San Diego City College in 1971. It was there she became very active in M.E.C.H.A., the newspaper La Verdad, and picketing to get Chicano Park. That activism carried over into taking the summer off to volunteer full time with the United Farmworkers Union, where she lived at the “Boycott House” with her daughter, organizing during the week and picketing Safeway on the weekends. That experience culminated in meeting the humble Cesar Chavez.

After coming out in 1974, Teresa became involved with a collective to help open Las Hermanas, a women’s coffeehouse and cultural center. In 1984, she joined the staff at The San Diego Gayzette, allowing her to work with Christine Kehoe and Julie Warren, and becoming friends with Adam Gettinger-Brizuela.

These friendships, and the encouragement of Nicole Murray-Ramirez, fueled the fire of establishing Orgullo, the first LGBTQ Latino/a/x organization in San Diego.

Starting in 1996, Teresa worked at first for CRASH for 10 years, and then for HNRP (HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program), conducting research and then outreach throughout San Diego County on the affects, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. After 20 years of HIV/AIDS activism, Teresa retired from HNRP/UC San Diego in 2016.

Teresa was a commissioner on the city of San Diego’s Human Relations Commission from 2008-10 and was a longstanding member of The Center’s Latino Services Advisory Committee from 2004-10.

Teresa met the love of her life, Rose, in 1986; the couple were married in 2016.

Sober since 1987, Teresa is enjoying being fully retired, and all the joys of traveling, cooking and volunteering that come with it.

Venice “Lady Pepper” Price Brooks She/Her/Hers Community Activist

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Venice “Lady Pepper” Price Brooks was born in Torrance, California. She is a graduate of La More High School, located in La More, California. Venice moved to San Diego in 1983 and transitioned shortly afterward her arrival.

She felt incredibly embraced and supported by the San Diego transgender community, including her older sister who came and stayed with Venice during her transition.

The move to San Diego allowed for deeper connections throughout the community. Venice still feels there is more work to be done to serve and uplift our transgender community. Her leadership in the transgender community is also displayed with her involvement and passion with Diamonds in the Rough. Venice is an ordained minister and has worked closely with a local congregation in Hemet, California. Her call to ministry allowed her to share God’s ministry to the LGBTQ community, reminding them, “We are all God’s children.” Venice “Lady Pepper” Price Brooks has been married to her husband for 31 years.

classifieds Calendar continues from page 13

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attorney

computer/it support

FilmOut San Diego ‘Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker – With themes that vary from homophobia, to homoeroticism, to mental illness, to perhaps coming out of the closet – what better film to showcase than this underrated, cultclassic film for our Halloween monthly film selection. Ignored upon its initial release, the film (renamed Night Warning) has garnered a sterling reputation over the past decades among LGBTQ+ genre film lovers. Framed as a contemporary Oedipus tale, the plot focuses on a teenager (Jimmy McNichol) who, raised by his neurotic aunt (Susan Tyrrell), finds himself at the center of a murder investigation after a death is committed in their house. The boy’s sexually repressed aunt secretly harbors incestuous feelings for him, while a homophobic detective (Bo Svenson) investigating the crime irrationally believes the murder to be a result of a homosexual love triangle. All while Billy is pursuing a relationship with Julia (Julia Duffy). With strong supporting turns

by Marcia Lewis, Steve Eastin & Bill Paxton (yes, it’s Paxtonated!). 7-9:30 p.m. $12.50.

Landmark’s Hillcrest Cinemas, 3965 Fifth Ave. bit.ly/2AZn7Um

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AnnaBelles Scary Doll Workshop – Alexander Salazar-Fineart presents AnnaBelles Scary Doll Workshop for AIDS LifeCycle invites you to this possessed dolls workshop led by Satan and Sheila Szilagi-Noseworthy. A master of Cosplay makeup and costume will help you make that creepy doll that can bring you nightmares. $50. Vintage doll included…and wine. 100% supports AIDS LifeCycle. 6-9 p.m. The Blok. 19th and Market streets.bit.ly/35kInlt

Puzzle solution TV Quote from page 13

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October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

Boxer brief

break-in receives 10 years in state prison

By Neal Putnam

A man clad only in his boxers who then awakened and frightened a gay couple in their Banker’s Hill home by demanding clothing has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison.

The couple wrote the judge of the crime’s impact, saying the sudden burglary at 6:30 a.m. in their home in 2300 block of Curlew Street caused them to develop severe anxiety — so much they moved out of that apartment.

Cliff Edwards, Jr., 50, wore only boxers as he appeared at the bed of the couple and demanded clothing and shoes on Sunday, Jan. 27. Both Robert Alva and his boyfriend Mark Dylan Renfro were stunned to see him, and they could not determine how he got inside.

“Since moving out of my

news San Diego home where the crimes occurred, my anxiety surrounding the situation has greatly diminished, but the psychological impact of this event will stay with me forever,” wrote Alva.

“I would never wish this horrible experience on another human being and hope that the court can serve the appropriate sentence for Mr. Edwards so that he can never inflict this psychological trauma in another individual again,” Alva continued.

“I reportedly woke up in the middle of the night, believing that Mr. Edwards was in the darkness beyond the foot of my bed. I had to fearfully enter my home every day, believing that somebody

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was waiting behind the door or waiting to spring upon me after walking up my long driveway and turning the corner.”

“This was the most frightening experience to-date as I was literally scared for my life.

Edwards’ mannerisms were erratic, so I followed his commands in order to get him to leave my home,” wrote Renfro.

Renfro grabbed some sweatpants and an olive shirt from their laundry hamper and gave them to Edwards. When he demanded shoes, Renfro testified in the April 4 preliminary hearing that the shoes were outside. After Edwards went outside, Renfro said he locked the door after him, and Alva called police.

Police officers responded within 5 minutes and found Edwards walking barefoot down the street wearing his ill-fitting clothes. He was then arrested. The victims said Edwards told them “someone’s after me.”

Edwards pleaded guilty to robbery, which was charged because he committed a bur-

glary and ordered the men to give him some clothing.

He apparently took off whatever clothes he did have and entered the home in only his boxers.

The screen door to their unit was unlocked, but the front door was locked before they went to bed. A photo of the lock shown in court shows it was missing a striker metal plate, and Edwards may have inserted a credit card or a tool to get inside.

San Diego Superior Court Judge Robert O’Neill imposed eight years for robbery and added two more years for Edwards as he has prior convictions for attempted robbery in 2015 and burglary in 2009, according to court records. He was fined $3,265.

Had the case gone to trial and if he was convicted, Edwards could have received 25 years to life for having this third felony conviction, said Deputy District Attorney James Koerber.

“Since then, I walk the street with extreme caution and carry pepper spray with me in the event that I encounter another deranged individual,” wrote Alva, who added that the couple now live abroad.

Charges alleging he dissuaded victims from calling police and burglary were dismissed after he pleaded guilty to robbery.

Edwards’ attorney, Lisa Suwczinsky, said she did not know the circumstances why Edwards showed up wearing only boxers in the victims’ home. Whatever clothing he wore before the incident was never found. Police also could not find an address for him.

Pros & Cons continues from page 16

CON Susan Jester

PRO Fernando Z. López to highlight were the issues I faced. I felt like the community it was rallying together and honoring was my community.

The Philadelphia flag may not be a flag you want to fly or one you feel represents you, but denigrating it serves justice to no one. I’ve listened to the anti-gay right use coded words in meetings trying to ban the flying of any Pride flag because as they say, “The American flag includes all of us, and we don’t need to fly any other flag.” We all fight to fly our flags, to be seen.

In 2017, near the end of Gilbert Baker’s life, he created an update to his original design, adding one more stripe — lavender to mean diversity. This, of course, is the same year that the Philadelphia flag was unveiled. Diversity seemed to be on many people’s minds.

When asked what the proper way to hang a Pride flag was, Gilbert would say that it didn’t matter, as long as you hang it with pride. To me, what Pride flag or flags you choose to fly shouldn’t be a point of controversy. Fly your flags with pride and appreciate how beautifully diverse our community is. It’s something we can all take pride in.

of diversity and unity in itself that day.

Science says that rainbows appear in seven colors, because water droplets break white sunlight into the seven colors of the spectrum. You can only see a rainbow if the sun is behind you. Colors are made by mixing any two of the spectrums. While the different colors are often associated with “diversity” in our community, the original intent and today’s focus should continue to be on the “meaning of the colors” as well. I have seen many versions of our rainbow flag representing various communities within our LGBTQ community and I love seeing them. I also appreciate the bisexual flag, the transgender flag and the flags that represent other individual segments of our community’s diversity. Our LGBTQ community and its diversity is represented best in my opinion when we stand together in unity. We should not forget the history and the intentional meaning of standing under one official flag, the six-striped rainbow Gilbert Baker flag that has become the international symbol of LGBTQ Pride in promising times and challenging times around the world.

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30th annual AIDS Walk & Run San Diego

out & about

October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

A little drizzle didn’t stop thousands of people coming out for the annual AIDS Walk & Run San Diego on Sept. 28. Funds raised from this annual event provides monies to support The San Diego LGBT Community Center’s local HIV support services and prevention programs, distributed through several San Diego organizations. AIDS Walk & Run started in 1985 with community leaders Susan Jester and the late Gary Rees and Albert Bell organizing the first event as the San Diego Walks for Life. (Photos by Big Mike Phillips)

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October 11-24, 2019 volume 1 issue 1

Spruce up for the holidays.

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