The Godfather of Queer Film

ACROSS

1 Where Dr. N. Kim works

5 Tail for Pluto?

DOWN

1 ___ Minh City, Vietnam

2 Hunter in the night sky

3 Elite divers

4 Furniture piece with cushions

5 Moves barely

6 Fix a sneaker, maybe

7 Lorca’s “Later!”

8 One with a long tongue

9 Arabian Disney character

10 Mr. C. portrayer on “Happy Days” 11 Ill humor

12 Rock group?

13 Madonna’s “Dick Tracy” character

21 Shrill barks

24 Hurt, like a Broadway Auntie? 26 The Brewer twins, for short 27 Island of the Philippines 28 important to recognize the good the community can do.” His Instagram fame exploded with his informative posts on MPOX, and he said he reflects often with gratitude that when he spoke, the community listened.

Christynne said, adding that she promises to continue to “stand up to the bullies.” It appears it would be wise to believe her.

Citing a recent New York Times article that praised the LGBTQ community for stopping a national pandemic through preemptive distribution of information and education, he also praised social media for its impactful part in the dissemination and distribution of LGBTQbased health information.

Hero of Pride: Dr. Carlton Thomas

San Diego-based gastroenterologist and self-proclaimed “Gay Dr. Ruth,” Dr. Carlton Thomas has focused his efforts on LGBTQ-based health and sex education. He was a leading advocate for distribution of information during the recent nationwide MPOX outbreak, drawing national recognition.

Dr. Thomas stated how “incredibly honored” he was to receive the Hero of Pride award. Pouring his heart and soul into countless nights of working tirelessly to help those affected to find information, get diagnosed, and treat their symptoms, he is “blown away” by the amount of both local and national recognition his efforts have received.

Given the current social climate he believes that, “It’s

Humble about the accolades his efforts have garnered, he says his hope for beyond the awards is to “continue to have a broader impact on health information distribution,” a promise that will most likely make thousands feel safer.

Community Service: Naya Marie Velazco

For activist Naya Marie Velazco the work is personal. Current director of programs at the Transgender Health and Wellness Center, located in the De Anza View Medical Center in the Clairemont area, Velazco works not only to improve Trans lives in Southern California, but in southern bordering cities, as well. She said she is adamant about emphasizing the intersectionality in the LGBTQ community that is often overlooked. She noted her personal efforts and collaborations on a variety of initiatives, which included “memorializing

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