THE FIGHT SOCAL'S LGBTQ MONTHLY MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017 by The Fight Magazine

FEB R UAR Y 2017 | T H E F I GH T 1

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THECONTENTS FEATURES 22 YEARNING TO BREATHE FREE

LGBT IMMIGRATION AND TRUMP

27 LEAVING A LEGACY

AUTHOR, ACTIVIST STUART TIMMONS

28 THE EX FACTOR

OVERCOMING A BREAKUP

30 MUSCLE CAR

AUTOMOTIVE DESIGNER BRYAN THOMPSON

32 REVENGE BODY

FIRED UP ATHLETICS

40 BEAR WITH US

“WHERE THE BEARS ARE”

DEPARTMENTS 12 THE TALK CODY ALAN 14 THE ROSTOW REPORT WE THE PEOPLE 19 THE STATE SENIOR CARE 20 THE CITY CYBERBULLIES 24 THE DESERT PALM SPRINGS 35 THE TRANSACTION GENDER IDENTITY 36 THE SHARE LOCAL RECOVERY 38 THE JOYSTICK GAMING 48 THE HISTORY HARVEY MILK

52 THE EPIDEMIC

DIABETES & HIV

54 THE EVENT

MR. LA LEATHER BEAR

42 THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

56 THE CALENDAR

44 WE ARE EVERYWHERE

58 THE FINAL FIGHT

A MAN FACING THE INEVITABLE

THE ONE NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN ARCHIVES

46 LOVE IS BLIND

DEKKOO’S SECOND ORIGINAL SERIES

53 SHAMELESS

DAVID PEVSNER’S “MOST VERSATILE”

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OUT & ABOUT

SEXUAL RACISM

ON THE COVER

BRYAN THOMPSON BRYANTHOMPSONDESIGN.COM COVER PHOTO, TOC PHOTO AND FEATURE PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM

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THEEDITOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stanford Altamirano MANAGING EDITOR Mark Ariel ART DIRECTOR Nadeen Torio MARKETING CONSULTANTS Tom Pardoe Sean Galuszka Roxie Perkins Jacci Ybarra SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Faragher Sinan Shihabi WEBMASTER Nadeen Torio ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Sinan Shihabi >> IN THIS ISSUE <<

“Going through the ending of a significant relationship can be exponentially more difficult for LGBTQ people, having been rejected, demeaned and devalued by society-atlarge and too often by our family of origin,” writes James Guay, LMFT (“The Ex Factor,” page 28). “As LGBTQ individuals we have too often lacked basic validation for our inherent worth and value, a feltsense that is essential for healthy development,” states Guay. “In addition, many of us have also been bullied by the gender(s) of our attraction. So we often seek relationships to heal us from this lack of validation and from attacks on our very beingness from a group of people that have also historically harmed us.” “While we are hurt AND we are healed in relationships, we often come to the starting gate from this one-down position. Thankfully we are also resilient and have a great capacity for love and compassion,” writes Guay. “Grief takes the time it needs to take. There is no one right way to

grieve and no one right amount of time it should take,” says Guay. Also in this issue—Ann Rostow gauges the depressing, frenetic, disheartening political landscape (“We The People,” page 14). “It would be ironic indeed if our community was spared as Muslims, immigrants, Mexicans and who knows who else gets the full Trump treatment,” writes Rostow. “But I am encouraged by a sign at one of the airport rallies that read something like: ‘First, they came for the Muslims, and I said ‘Not today. Motherfucker.’ I have no doubt that gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender men and women will carry that mindset into our uncertain future, come what may.” And last, but not least, with this issue of THE FIGHT, we celebrate our 6 year anniversary. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our loyal readers, advertisers, sponsors, sales executives, graphic designers, contributing writers, photographers and distributors. We wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you.

STANFORD ALTAMIRANO Editor-In-Chief

GET THE FIGHT AT HOME Sent Via First Class Mail 12 Issues: $36 6 Issues: $24 Mail check or money order to: Third Step, LLC 611 S. Catalina St. Suite 307 Los Angeles, CA 90005 PUBLISHER Third Step, LLC DISTRIBUTION Pride In Media The Fight Magazine is published monthly by Third Step, LLC. 611 South Catalina Street, Suite 307 Los Angeles, CA 90005 Telephone (323) 297-4001 Fax (213) 281-9648 Email info@TheFightMag.com THE FIGHT MAGAZINE LEGAL CAVEATS By listing in The Fight Magazine, advertisers acknowledge that they do business in the spirit of cooperation, fairness and service, maintaining a high level of integrity and responsibility. Providers of products or services are fully and solely responsible for providing same as advertised. The Fight Magazine assumes no liability for improper or negligent business practices by advertisers. Advertisers and their agencies assume responsibility and liability for the content of their advertisements in The Fight Magazine. Publisher assumes no liability for safe-keeping or return of unsolicited art, manuscripts or other materials. The Fight Magazine reserves the right to edit all material for clarity, length and content. All contents © 2017 Third Step LLC. All rights reserved. Content may be reproduced with permission. The Fight Magazine assumes no liability for any claims or representations contained anywhere in this magazine and reserves the right to cancel or refuse advertising at publisher’s discretion.

TheFightMag.com For Display Advertising, please call (323) 297-4001

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HEALTH

AND

SEX BELONG TOGETHER

Healthysexuals

CONNECT

Know your status. And be ready for what’s ahead. VISIT AND TALK TO A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

FEB R UAR Y 2017 | T H E F I GH T 7

THECONTRIBUTORS >> WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS <<

PAULO MURILLO Paulo Murillo has been writing for LGBT media for over 18 years. He got his start writing a bi-weekly column called “Luv Ya, Mean It” for FAB! Newspaper. Read his blog at thehissfit.com, friend him on Facebook, and find him on Instagram and Tweeter as @paulo_murillo. ANN ROSTOW Ann Rostow writes news analysis columns for THE FIGHT and other gay publications across the country. For weekly LGBT News updates, visit her blog at: annrostow.blogspot.com. Ann can be reached at: arostow@aol.com. DUSTI CUNNINGHAM Los Angeles based photographer Dusti Cunningham grew up in a very clean single-wide trailer home in rural Kansas. His family didn’t own television so they watched tornadoes. None of his dogs were named Toto. Dolly Parton and his mother were his heroes, both wore wigs. His inspirations are gypsies, pirates, circuses, 1970s glamour, and the National Enquirer. www.dusticunningham.com. PICKLE Pickle is a MILF who lost custody of her kids after the fire and is just trying to explore her creative side. She has a lot of opinions and in spite of her limited qualifi-

LA PRIDE. Joe has appeared in Titus Andronicus, Dark Side of the Moon, and Take Me Out. He also co-starred in the music video Hopeful Romantic, Hallmarks’ Holly’s Holiday, and other various short films. Murillo

Pickle

Rostow

Lyonne

cations, she likes to share them. Her career was detailed in her retrospective: Pickle: 30 Years in the Business, and you can catch her as Peg Bundy in Purgatory in the upcoming show “Peg Bundy Has an Existential Crisis.” Pickle lives in Los Angeles where she drives a Prius (for now). Follow her escapades on instagram @itspicklebitch. ROBERT GREEN Robert is a photo journalist and current member of the California B&B Corps uniform club, found-

For Breaking Daily LGBT News Visit

www.thefightmag.com

8 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com

Guay

Cunningham

Green

M elamed

Arellano

ing member of the Southern California Bondage Club and official event photographer for the Los Angeles Leather Coalition (LALC). Branded as Motorboot Photography his photos document and follow the breadth of the leather and fetish community in the LA area. JOSEPH ARELLANO A stage and film actor from Bedford, Indiana, Joe has been involved in community events such as The Friendly House Luncheon, PATH, and

VICTOR MELAMED Victor Melamed began his career in journalism writing for the nowdefunct Israeli gay magazine “Magaim.” He is currently working on a novel based on a true story about a love affair between two men on opposite sites of the Middle East conflict. ORLY LYONNE Orly Lyonne is a freelance journalist, focusing on issues related to LGBT equality, culture and art. Her passions include skydiving, community theater and vegan restaurants. Orly can be reached at orlylyonne@gmail.com. JAMES GUAY, LMFT James Guay, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (#mft39252), is a psychotherapist for individuals and couples at his West Hollywood office specializing in affirmative LGBTQ health and well being. www.LivingMoreFully. com, 310-405-0840. You can watch James & his co-host Heather Dawn, share sex, love and relationship advice via their YouTube/Podcast show at: www.thejamesandheathershow.com.

FEB R UAR Y 2017 | T H E F I GH T 9

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THELETTERS >> FROM OUR READERS <<

Here. Right. Now.

Erectile Dysfunction affects half of all men over age 401.

CYNICAL MANIPULATION Dear Editor, With rumors flying about on a draft executive order that would have overturned Obama-era enforcements of LGBT rights in the workplace, the White House released a statement saying that “President Donald J. Trump is determined to protect the rights of all Americans, including the LGBTQ community. President Trump continues to be respectful and supportive of LGBTQ rights, just as he was throughout the election.” Whether or not the draft, or a version of it, becomes reality— the alleged support for gay rights isn’t antithetical to a populist, anti-immigrant leader. In fact, it’s very much in keeping with the far-right strategy across Europe. In France, the Netherlands and Germany, right-wing leaders have embraced causes such as gay rights and feminism. Islam, they argue, is a threat to the very people protected by these social movements. They have claimed some of the progressive causes of the left— such as gay rights—as their own, by depicting Muslim immigrants as the primary threat to the LGBT community. As fear of Islam has spread, with their encouragement, they have presented themselves as the only true defenders of western identity and western liberties—the last bulwark protecting a besieged Judeo-Christian civilization from the barbarians at the gates. It’s cynical manipulation, a way to rally minorities against minorities. And one last thing—regarding Trump’s alleged pro LGBT statement on Obama-era enforcements of LGBT rights in the workplace—the move does not prevent Trump from enacting another executive order which would roll back gay rights in other areas or from including religious freedom amendments in other federal policy, bearing in mind the President has already pledged to sign into law the First Amendment Defence Act which would allow businesses to discriminate against LGBTI people under the guise of religious freedom. —Joseph Nabhani, via the internet

> WRITE TO THE EDITOR

Email: editor@thefightmag.com Fax: (213) 281-9648. Letters may be shortened due to space requirements.

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FEBTEMB SEP R UARER Y 2017 2016| |THE T H EF F I GH I GH T T 11 11

THETALK >> W H AT T H E Y ’ R E S AY I N G <<

SAVING LIVES

DUSTIN LANCE BLACK

“To those who do come out and make that brave act, you’re saving lives… There are a lot more gay kids out there who love football and want to play football and could be stars in football, but they’re afraid.” —Screenwriter, director, film and television producer Dustin Lance Black urging closeted queer sports players to come out, during a speech in the UK last month, promoting his LGBT history series When We Rise.

FALLS SHORT

“I wanted to be honest with myself and my country music family. I think being anything but honest falls short of a true and happy, open life. For me [coming out] was really just about, ‘Let me be as honest as I can.’” —CMT and iHeartRadio host Cody Alan to Rolling Stone last month.

CODY ALAN

IT’S TIME

ILOVEMAKONNEN

SAMPSON McCORMICK

“The double standard is real. As a black gay comedian who plays to LGBT, mixed, and mostly heterosexual audiences, I don’t get to be ‘OK.’ Excellence must be the standard. Whenever I show up, I have to look good, and everything I do has to be beyond exceptional. Because just like in life, everything we do—the way that we walk, talk, dress, and enter a room—is heavily scrutinized.” —Comedian, writer, and activist Sampson McCormick in a commentary in The Advocate last month.

THAT PERVERTED

“That perverted homosexual spirit is a spirit of delusion and confusion and has deceived many men and women, and it’s caused a strain on the body of Christ.” —Grammy-nominated gospel singer Kim Burrell, a pastor at Love and Liberty Fellowship Church, in Houston, Texas, during a sermon, last month.

KIM BURRELL

“As a fashion icon, I can’t tell u about everybody else’s closet, I can only tell u about mine, and it’s time I’ve come out.” —ILoveMakonnen, the singer most known for his hit song Tuesday, coming out in a tweet last month.

US FORWARD

LOVE TRANSCENDS

“At Lush we believe that love transcends gender. We set out to do one thing when creating our Valentine’s Day visuals, we wanted to capture love between two people and we believe that’s what we have done here.” —Cosmetics giant, Lush, embracing the all encompassing spirit of love with its latest ad campaign.

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ELLEN DEGENERES

LUSH COSMETICS

DOUBLE STANDARD

“I want to personally thank him for changing my life. I am a legally married woman because of him, and so is my wife. His courage and compassion created equality for everyone. He moved us forward and made more happen in the past eight years than I ever dreamed possible.” —Honoring President Barack Obama’s final day in office last month, Ellen DeGeneres, on her talk show.

FEB R UAR Y 2017 | THE F I GH T 13

THEROSTOWREPORT >> DON’T MESS WITH OBERFEFELL, THE FAR RIGHT EMBOLDENED & ENCOURAGED <<

write to you on Tuesday, January 31, just 11 days into the terrifying presidency of Donald Trump. Tonight, we’ll hear his pick for the Supreme Court (more on that later). And in the next few days, we will find out if Trump plans to weaken gay rights policies by carving out loopholes for “religious freedom.” On Monday, rumor had it that Trump would actually roll back Obama’s executive orders, which banned LGBT discrimination by federal contractors and outlawed trans bias in the federal workforce. But this morning, the White House said those 2014 orders will remain in place. Will they be modified in some way? We’ll see. It would be ironic indeed if our community was spared as Muslims, immigrants, Mexicans and who knows who else gets the full Trump treatment. But I am encouraged by a sign at one of the airport rallies that read something like: “First, they came for the Muslims, and I said ‘Not today. Motherfucker.’” I have no doubt that gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender men and women will carry that mindset into our uncertain future, come what may. It’s not looking good, people. And of course, even though this is an LGBT magazine and an LGBT news column, we are also patriots. We’re not just worried about our own problems, we are worried about our country and the world. It’s now pretty clear that Donald Trump is not just your average freakazoid. He has a severe personality disorder, possibly malignant narcissism. To the extent that his entourage joins him in his disordered fantasy life, we are all in real trouble.

WE THE PEOPLE

Even though this is an LGBT magazine and an LGBT news column, we are also patriots. We’re not just worried about our own problems, we are worried about our country and the world.

Don’t Mess With Obergefell Meanwhile, in an ominous development here in my home state, the Texas Supreme Court

BY ANN ROSTOW

reversed itself and agreed to hear arguments next month to determine whether or not

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the city of Houston is obliged to provide benefits to samesex married couples. Under

pressure from the far right governor and lieutenant governor, the judges will consider the bizarre argument that just because gays and lesbians have won the right to marry doesn’t mean that cities (or others) can’t block them from receiving marital rights granted to straight couples. I say “reversed itself,” because when this case was first presented to the conservative court last year, the justices declined to accept it by a nearly unanimous vote. Launched by a couple of mean-spirited Houston tax payers, the case reached the state appellate court just as marriage rights were being litigated in Texas and throughout the country. After the High Court’s 2015 ruling in Obergefell v Hodges, the appellate court remanded the case to the trial court for a ruling consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s marriage equality decision. That ruling was then appealed to the Texas high court, but as noted, the justices declined to review the case last September and it appeared to be game over for the hapless litigants. But it seems the game is still being played by our resilient adversaries, including those operating the levers of power in the Lone Star State. Let gays get married, these men reluctantly agree. However, there’s no reason why those marriages have to be recognized on the same footing as heterosexual unions. This counter intuitive reasoning seems ludicrous, so much so that I never deigned to report this case as legitimate “news” until now. The question is, why on earth did the Texas Supremes change their minds about accepting the case if not for the prospect that they might rule against us and might then get a Trump High Court to agree with them down the road? Keep in mind that replacing Scalia won’t change the dynamics of

>> IS BETSY ON OUR SIDE, JUSTICE GORSUCH HARD TO STOP <<

the Court that struck down the Defense of Marriage Act one year and granted us marriage equality the next. But replace a second justice and we can’t assume that marriage rights won’t be undermined by faith-based loopholes and exceptions. It’s chilling to consider and there’s talk that Anthony Kennedy may step down after the 2017/2018 session.

The Far Right Emboldened & Encouraged In other Texas news, ours is one of several legislatures considering North Carolina style bathroom bills as state lawmakers around the country get set for another round of antigay and anti-trans posturing. Here in Austin, we have a pragmatic Republican in charge of the house, which gives us some hope of beating back the worst proposals. Elsewhere, even conservatives are forced to consider the economic impact of bashing our community, a decision which has sucked millions out of the North Carolina economy and tar-heeled its reputation among business leaders and sports associations. Yet there’s no doubt that the far right has become emboldened and encouraged by the rise of Trump and company. The anti-LGBT First Amendment Defense Act (FADA) has been sitting on the Congressional back burner for a year or so. Now, it will likely move to the front and switch to high heat. Only the implicit threat of public outrage protects us. When the rumors swirled around the possibility of a major antigay executive order, there was no doubt that such a move would bring the LGBT community and our allies into the streets like nothing we’ve seen in decades. But I wonder, if Congress laboriously works its way through passage of FADA, and if it’s presented as

I AM ENCOURAGED BY A SIGN AT ONE OF THE AIRPORT RALLIES THAT READ SOMETHING LIKE: “FIRST, THEY CAME FOR THE MUSLIMS, AND I SAID ‘NOT TODAY. MOTHERFUCKER.’” I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT GAYS, LESBIANS, BISEXUALS AND TRANSGENDER MEN AND WOMEN WILL CARRY THAT MINDSET INTO OUR UNCERTAIN FUTURE, COME WHAT MAY. a harmless nod to people of faith, will we still be able to galvanize that kind of protest? Maybe, but what if it’s just one of a dozen other things in a parade of horribles? Can regular Americans sustain our newfound activism? We must.

Is Betsy On Our Side? On another topic, I’m not sure what to make of the New York Times report on Betsy DeVos’s secret support for the gay and trans community. You have to read it for yourselves; it’s titled “Betsy DeVos, A Friend of LGBT Rights? Past Colleagues Say Yes.” One key anecdote in this fascinating article describes the time that DeVos herself arranged for a transgender woman to use the ladies room at a GOP call center in the late 1990s over the objections of other women at the location. As for her family’s open support of antigay projects, she and her husband do not appear on those fund raising reports with the exception of a tax document allegedly prepared by someone who embezzled money from her mother. DeVos reportedly advocated under the

radar for marriage equality in 2015, and has celebrated the unions of gay friends. Very in-ter-est-ting! So here’s a question. If this is true (it’s in the Times!) do we want a pro-gay Education Secretary who will undercut our public schools? Or would we rather have an antigay Secretary who might be better but who will make sure trans kids are locked out of the facilities throughout the country? If you assume, as I do, that any Trump nominee will be bad for education, it becomes a tough call.

Justice Gorsuch Hard to Stop

So Neil Gorsuch, huh? First of all, I can’t imagine that the Democrats will be able to prevent his confirmation. The man is highly qualified, well liked, conservative but not on the fringe. His record only hints at how he would deal with abortion or gay rights cases, and although those hints are not encouraging for us, they’re still just hints. The fact is, there were some worse nominees available as well as a few better ones. But unless Democrats can keep Scalia’s

seat empty for four years, we’re stuck with someone. Most disturbing to me is Gorsuch’s apparent conviction that it is never appropriate for the courts to challenge an individual’s presentation of faith. If I say my religion dictates that I cannot even fill out a government form that will allow a third party to offer an insurance plan for contraceptives, it’s not for the courts to challenge that announcement. Really? So how do you think Gorsuch will react to the private business that declines to serve gay and lesbian couples? He may not have issued high profile rulings on sexual orientation, but our future court battles are likely to revolve around the tension between civil rights and bigotry disguised as “religious freedom.” There, he’s made his feelings known. He is also on record as suggesting progressive groups have been relying on courts rather than legislatures to advance their agendas. But has the man checked out the legislative process in the last decade or so? Compromise went out with the 20th century. Don’t tell California’s progressives they haven’t used the legislative branch, because they have. And don’t tell Texan progressives they should work with lawmakers, because they can’t. Plus, civil rights belong in the courts, period. Finally, a note on the Fourth Circuit ruling in favor of a transgender Virginia high school boy who sought to use the school bathrooms. That case, now on the Supreme Court docket, relied on the Obama administration’s Education Department interpretation of Title IX. Gorsuch believes government agencies should not be allowed to dictate legal guidelines, and were he to somehow get confirmed in time to hear this case, that victory would be overturned. Barring something weird, however, I can’t see how he’d manage to take a seat that quickly. n

FEB R UAR Y 2017 | THE F I GH T 15

What is TRUVADA for PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis)?

uYou may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems

TRUVADA is a prescription medicine that can be used for PrEP to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection when used together with safer sex practices. This use is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This includes HIV-negative men who have sex with men and who are at high risk of getting infected with HIV-1 through sex, and malefemale sex partners when one partner has HIV-1 infection and the other does not. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV-1. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.

Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP?

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA for PrEP?

Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: uYou must be HIV-negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1 infection. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are conﬁrmed to be HIV-negative. uMany HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: uYou must continue using safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. uYou must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. uTo further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1: • Know your HIV-1 status and the HIV-1 status of your partners. • Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months or when your healthcare provider tells you. • Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV-1 to infect you. • Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior. • Have fewer sex partners. • Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. • If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. uIf you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. TRUVADA can cause serious side effects: uToo much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach-area pain, cold or blue hands and feet, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or fast or abnormal heartbeats. uSerious liver problems. Your liver may become large and tender, and you may develop fat in your liver. Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, lightcolored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach-area pain.

if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking TRUVADA for a long time. In some cases, these serious conditions have led to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of these conditions. uWorsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you also have HBV and take TRUVADA, your hepatitis may become worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without ﬁrst talking to your healthcare provider. If your healthcare provider tells you to stop taking TRUVADA, they will need to watch you closely for several months to monitor your health. TRUVADA is not approved for the treatment of HBV. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you also take lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) or adefovir (HEPSERA).

What are the other possible side effects of TRUVADA for PrEP?

Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: uKidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA for PrEP. uBone problems, including bone pain or bones getting soft or thin, may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones. uChanges in body fat, which can happen in people taking TRUVADA or medicines like TRUVADA. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomacharea (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRUVADA for PrEP?

uAll your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you

have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection. uIf you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Pregnancy Registry: A pregnancy registry collects information about your health and the health of your baby. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take medicines to prevent HIV-1 during pregnancy. For more information about the registry and how it works, talk to your healthcare provider. uIf you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. The medicines in TRUVADA can pass to your baby in breast milk. If you become HIV-1 positive, HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. uAll the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. uIf you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA for PrEP, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include ledipasvir with sofosbuvir (HARVONI). You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page. 1 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

Have you heard about

TRUVADA for PrEP ? TM

The once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when used with safer sex practices. • TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex. • You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA. Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you.

visit start.truvada.com FEB R UAR Y 2017 | THE F I GH T 17

IMPORTANT FACTS (tru-VAH-dah)

This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP

Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP to help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: • You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1 infection. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are conﬁrmed to be HIV-1 negative. • Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP.

TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP" section. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. • Bone problems. • Changes in body fat.

While taking TRUVADA for PrEP to help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: • You must continue using safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. • You must stay HIV-1 negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. • Tell your healthcare provider if you have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. • If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. • If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. • See the “How to Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information. TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including: • Buildup of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach-area pain, cold or blue hands and feet, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or fast or abnormal heartbeats. • Severe liver problems, which in some cases can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach-area pain. • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have HBV and take TRUVADA, your hepatitis may become worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without ﬁrst talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months. You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight, or have been taking TRUVADA for a long time.

ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP (PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS) TRUVADA is a prescription medicine used with safer sex practices for PrEP to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection in adults at high risk: • HIV-1 negative men who have sex with men and who are at high risk of getting infected with HIV-1 through sex. • Male-female sex partners when one partner has HIV-1 infection and the other does not. To help determine your risk, talk openly with your doctor about your sexual health. Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. • Take lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) or adefovir (HEPSERA). TRUVADA, the TRUVADA Logo, TRUVADA FOR PREP, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and HEPSERA are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Version date: April 2016 © 2016 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0050 09/16

1 8 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.

BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis infection. • Have any other medical conditions. • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. • Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you become HIV-1 positive because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP.

HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1. • Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. • You must practice safer sex by using condoms and you must stay HIV-1 negative.

HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK • Know your HIV-1 status and the HIV-1 status of your partners. • Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months or when your healthcare provider tells you. • Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV-1 to infect you. • Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior. • Have fewer sex partners. • Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.

GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV-1 infection. • Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for program information.

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SENATOR SCOTT WIENER (D-SAN FRANCISCO)

PROTECTING SENIORS New bill introduced to protect the aging LGBT community. BY VICTO R MELA MED

GBT seniors and HIV-positive people living in long-term care facilities throughout California would be protected from discrimination under a bill gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) introduced this month, reports The Bay Area Reporter at ebar.com. His bill is modeled after a policy he authored and San Francisco officials adopted in 2015 on the recommendation of the city’s LGBT Aging Policy Task Force. Known as a “Bill of Rights” for residents of such facilities, it barred operators from restricting or evicting residents based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status. It also laid out protocols for caring for transgender and gender non-conforming residents and protected the visitation rights of same-sex spouses or partners of residents in such facilities. Residents were given the right to room with the person of their choosing and could not be restricted from having sex. Wiener’s Senate Bill 219 will mirror those provisions. “Our LGBT senior population is growing and we have not done enough to meet the unique needs of these seniors,” Wiener told the Bay Area Reporter in an interview this week. “We need to make sure LGBT seniors in long-term care facilities aren’t going back into the closet and being treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.” The city law needs to be expanded statewide, said Wiener, because “this is not just a San Francisco issue. We have many LGBT seniors throughout the state facing real challenges as they age with health issues, discrimination, and housing. We need to support them.” n

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THECITY NEON TREES >> BY PAULO MURILLO <<

TWEAKERS DOCUMENTARY CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

SOLIDARITY WITH WOMEN’S MARCH

An estimated 750,000 people packed the streets of downtown Los Angeles last month in solidarity with all women for the Women’s March Los Angeles. The march was designed to unify communities, taking a stand for justice and equality for all - regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or religion. Singer Miley Cyrus, Barbara Streisand, Marcia Gay Harden, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin were among the participants. (Photo by Paulo Murillo.)

LA CENTER’S MONITOR TRUMP CAMPAIGN

The Los Angeles LGBT Center launched the “100 Days and Me” campaign last month to outline key threats to the LGBT community by the new Trump administration.The campaign will focus on threats in several categories, including: health care, youth, seniors, equality, immigration, transgender, housing, women, education, hate crimes, and domestic violence. For more information, visit 100DaysAndMe.org.

CYBERBULLY IN SD HILLCREST AREA

Grindr and Scruff users in San Diego are complaining about a cyber troll who sends them disturbing messages and stalks them if they reject his advances. Hillcrest area resident Ricardo Sousa alleges that he was bombarded with homophobic texts and death threats after rejecting a man with the screen name “Hung Top.” Sousa has received harassing messages on Facebook and has found threatening notes taped to his car, reports the San Diego Gay and Lesbian News (SDGLN). Sousa has contacted the San Diego Police Department regarding the incident.. According to the comments section in SDGLN, other gay men have suffered the same abuse by the same man. 2 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

FRANK In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the docuSANELLO mentary film “Tweakers,” the City of West Hollywood will host a special screening on Friday, February 17, 7pm – 10pm, at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers 625 N. San Vicente Blvd. A panel discussion will follow the screening. “Tweakers” was created by filmmakers Jimmy Palmieri, Yvette Sotelo and Sue Sexton of the Tweakers Project. It is an hour long documentary based upon a book by Frank Sanello that chronicled the devastating impact of crystal meth addiction on the LGBT community.

For more information, call 323-848-6823 or visit facebook.com/ groups/thetweakersproject/.

F*CK W/OUT FEAR CAMPAIGN The Los Angeles LGBT Center launched the F*ck w/out Fear campaign to raise awareness for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a safe and effective tool to prevent HIV infection.The Center’s sex-positive F*ck w/out Fear campaign uses raw, real language to get people’s attention and spur conversation. It also combats misconceptions about the safety and effectiveness of PrEP and the belief that it’s unaffordable. PrEP is now covered by most insurance plans. For the uninsured, the Center can help make it affordable through patient assistance programs. After a free PrEP consultation, which can now be scheduled online, most people will be able to leave with a prescription. To learn more about the F*ck w/out Fear campaign, PrEP, and to book a free PrEP consultation online, visit PrEPHere.org.

LORRI L. JEAN ON TRUMP’S SUPREME COURT NOMINATION

In response to President Trump’s nomination of Neil Gorsuch to serve on the United States Supreme Court, Los Angeles LGBT Center CEO Lorri L. Jean issued the following statement: “I’m extremely concerned by President’s Trump’s nomination of Neil Gorsuch to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. His judicial philosophy and record is as out of the mainstream as any nominee could be, and the fact that he describes himself as the ‘second coming of Antonin Scalia’—the most notoriously anti-LGBT Justice to ever serve on the nation’s highest court—should be alarming to all. We urge all fair-minded people to call their senators and urge them to conduct an extreme vetting of Judge Gorsuch. If he cannot unequivocally say that the Supreme Court’s decisions upholding the constitutional freedom and equality of LGBT people over the last 20 years are—and will—remain the law of the land, then he must be rejected.” LORRI L. JEAN

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YEARNING TO BREATHE FREE U.S. immigration law and the new Trump presidency: what you need to know. BY LO RRAI NE P. D’ ALESSI O, ATTORNEY AT LAW

fter barely a week in office, Donald Trump has already sent shockwaves throughout the immigrant community with a string of incendiary announcements. From his executive order authorizing the construction of a border wall, to his decision to temporarily ban travelers from several Middle Eastern countries, Trump seems to be making good on the hardline immigration stance he adopted in the election, leaving many families anxious over how they might be affected. At the same time, Trump has caused deep alarm among LGBT advocates after stacking his administration with some of the country’s most anti-gay politicians. Chief among them is Vice President Mike Pence, notorious for his defense of “gay conversion therapy” and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. This resurgence of homophobia at the highest levels of power has raised fears throughout the community, with many worried Trump will try to turn back decades of hard-fought progress on issues like marriage equality. Now, legal and political experts are scrambling to predict what other policies 2 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

Trump might pursue. While much is still up for speculation, several issues have already emerged as potential flashpoints, many of which stand to impact both immigrants and the LGBT community. Here are three key things at stake:

Visas and Green Cards for Same-Sex Spouses After decades of recognizing only heterosexual marriages for immigration purposes, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reversed its policies following United States v. Windsor, in which the Supreme Court ruled that both same-sex and opposite-sex unions legally qualified as marriage. This victory opened the door for American LGBT citizens to sponsor their foreign, same-sex spouses for immigrant visas and Green Cards, changing the lives of thousands of families. Trump’s victory, however, has left many questioning whether these protections will remain in place. So far, most legal experts believe Trump is unlikely to try dismantling these newly-won rights

for LGBT Americans and their foreign spouses, arguing that any attempt to deny immigration privileges to same-sex couples would be quickly struck down in court. In other words, it will be business as usual…for now. The real danger, however, could lie in the future. Thanks to an unfilled vacancy, Trump will have the opportunity to appoint at least one new, socially conservative justice to the Supreme Court, which could tilt the court’s delicate balance between liberal and conservative judges in favor of the right-wing. Should a new legal challenge to same-sex marriage arise, this recomposed Supreme Court might strike down its former rulings around marriage equality, taking us back to the “bad old days.” For this reason, if you are a foreigner currently living or working in the U.S. and are married or engaged to a same-sex American partner, but do not have legal status, you would be wise to file your case as quickly as possible, in order to get your visa approved before any major legal shifts take place.

> > U . S . I M M I G R AT I O N L AW < <

Raising Barriers to Entry for Business Visa Applicants The selection of Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions as Attorney General has also sparked criticism from immigration rights advocates. Sessions has a long record of attacking legal immigration frameworks like the H1-B visa for skilled workers, asserting such programs “steal jobs” from American workers (a claim strongly disputed by many labor market experts). In keeping with this rhetoric, Sessions has advocated for restrictions that would lower the number of legal visas issued each year.

THE NEXT FOUR YEARS PROMISE TO BE A VERY CHALLENGING TIME FOR LGBT IMMIGRANTS, THEIR FAMILIES AND THEIR ALLIES. IT WILL BE UP TO THE LEGAL COMMUNITY TO REMAIN VIGILANT IN ANTICIPATING THESE CHALLENGES, AND DEVELOPING STRATEGIES TO RESPOND TO THEM. Under Sessions, the Justice Department could very well increase its scrutiny of employers who hire foreign workers through such visa programs, imposing onerous rules that make the visa process more difficult and time-consuming for both business-owners and applicants alike. The overall effect would be to create a more hostile environment in which applications are approved less quickly and less often, making it harder for foreign workers (including LGBT folks) to gain lawful employment in the U.S.

DACA Denied Implemented by Obama in 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program postponed deportation for more than 750,000 undocumented immigrants whose parents brought them to the U.S. as children. Now, DACA looks likely to be one of the first casualties in Trump’s push for radical immigration reform. Trump has repeatedly expressed his intention to scrap the program through executive action, and many analysts expect him to make such a move within his first few months in office. A reversal of DACA would leave a substantial segment of the immigrant population newly vulnerable to deportation, making their future highly uncertain. In a region like California that is home to so many immigrants, any reversal of DACA would be profoundly disruptive, and likely to impact many individuals with LGBT identities. Overall, the next four years promise to be a very challenging time for LGBT immigrants, their families and their allies. It will be up to the legal community to remain vigilant in anticipating these challenges, and developing strategies to respond to them. For more info visit dlgimmigration.com. FEB R UAR Y 2017 | THE F I GH T 23

THEDESERT >> BY PAULO MURILLO <<

THE OBAMAS VACATION IN PALM SPRINGS The Obamas took a well-deserved vacation at a mansion built on the mountain tops of Rancho Mirage, shortly after Trump’s poorly attended inauguration ceremony. The home is owned by interior designer Michael S. Smith, who redecorated the White House while the Obama’s lived there, and his husband James Costos, who was the ambassador to Spain and Andorra under Obama. Smith restored the 1970s home several years ago. The 11,000-square-foot home is perched high above the Coachella Valley with sweeping views of the San Jacinto mountains. The stay lasted three days due to harsh rains and cold temperatures. According to reports, Obama got in one round of golf, before the former First Family jumped on Sir Richard Branson’s private jet to head for warmer climate in the Caribbean.

BEARS CONVERGE ON PALM SPRINGS

It’s finally here! The International Bear Convergence (IBC) for bears and their admirers takes place this month in Palm Springs on February 9-15, 2017. The four-day event will come GEORGE to life with DJs, live entertainment and thousands of bears Two men who assaulted gay couple George ZANDERS from around the globe. The last two years were hugely sucand Christopher Zander in Palm Springs cessful and the promoters expect more of the same in 2017 near the city’s main nightlife district during with record-breaking attendance. Taking place at the Hard Rock Halloween in 2015, pleaded guilty last month. Hotel, with multiple bars, cabanas and outdoor lounge areas— Christopher James Carr and Keith Edward the evenings will heat up with three high-energy dance parties. Terranova have admitted to assaulting the couple. Carr, 31, was sentenced to four years in state prison after pleading guilty to Go to www.ibc-ps.com for more information. assault and admitting to committing a hate crime. Terranova, 36, was placed on three years of probation after pleading guilty to assault. The assault may have contributed to the death of George Zanders, a well-known LGBT rights activist in the area, who died six weeks after the attack. The cause of his death is not yet known. Zander was one of the founding members of the Desert Stonewall Democrats and was on the Palm Springs Police Department Advisory Board.

MEN PLEAD GUILTY IN GAY COUPLE ATTACK

CHURCH APOLOGIZES TO GAY PASTOR

REV.

First United Methodist KEVIN A. Church (UMC) of Kenosha isJOHNSON sued a pro-LGBT declaration and apology to a gay pastor who was affected by a decree made by the UMC, which stated that the practice of homosexuality was incompatible with Christian teachings. First UMC invited the Rev. Kevin A. Johnson, who is currently a pastor in Palm Springs, and his husband, back to Kenosha for a “weekend of reconciliation” on February 4-5. Rev. Johnson had been dismissed from his position as associate paster 35 years ago. The invitation was under consideration for more than a year as First UMC of Kenosha went through steps to declare itself a Reconciling Ministries Congregation in the UMC. The new position includes welcoming the LGBTQ community into its church. 2 4 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

RED DRESS DRESS RED PARTY The Center Palm Springs is painting the town red as they get ready to throw the Red Dress Dress Red dance party on Saturday, March 11.The party was voted the Most Fun Non-Profit Event or Gala in the Coachella Valley’s Ultimate Pride List for 2017. The Red Dress Dress Red dance party is known for attracting over 500 queens, bears, femmes, studs, and everything in between serving up fabulousness and dancing the night away amongst TV personalities, philanthropists, and politicians. The only requirement is to dress in red, whether it’s a sassy dress or a snappy pantsuit. Proceeds benefit The Center Palm Springs. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit thecenterps.org.

PrEP STUDY DISCOVER is a new clinical study for men who have sex with men and trans women who have sex with men. This study is to evaluate if a once-daily investigational medicine can help reduce the risk of getting HIV infection from sex (“PrEP”, or Pre-exposure Prophylaxis).

TO BE ELIGIBLE: • You must be at least 18 years of age • You must be HIV negative If you are accepted into the DISCOVER Study, you will receive study-related exams, lab tests, and study medicine at no cost. For more information, please contact: Evan Fuller, Study Coordinator (310) 967-3620 or efuller@pacificoaks.com

Or go to www.clinicaltrials.gov and search NCT number 02842086

FEB R UAR Y 2017 | THE F I GH T 25

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LEAVING A LEGACY Stuart Timmons, gay author and LGBT historian, dies at 60. BY PA U LO MU RILLO

tuart Timmons, an LGBT activist, historian, journalist and author passed away last month. He was 60 years old. The cause of death appears to be due to breathing problems that led to heart failure. Timmons was best known as the author of two books on gay history. With Lillian Faderman, he co-wrote “Gay L.A.: A History of Sexual Outlaws, Power Politics, and Lipstick Lesbians” (2006), which

traces more than 200 years of gay and lesbian life in Los Angeles, beginning with Spanish missionaries’ encounters with cross-gendered Native Americans in the late 1700s. He also wrote “The Trouble With Harry Hay” (1990), a biography of the founder of the Mattachine Society, the nation’s first gay political organization, which was launched in Los Angeles in 1950. Even though he suffered a debilitating

stroke nine years ago Timmons remained active in the gay community. He launched the WeHo LGBTQ History Mobile Tour in 2015 as part of the “One City One Pride” events in West Hollywood that year. He was also a former board member and executive director of the ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives.

FEB R UAR Y 2017 | THE F I GH T 27

>> COMMUNITY LEADERS <<

THEEXFACTOR Overcoming a break up. Utilizing your pain as an opportunity for growth. BY JAMES GUAY, LMFT

emember the exquisite pain of your first long-term relationship break up? Going through the ending of a significant relationship can be exponentially more difficult for LGBTQ people, having been rejected, demeaned and devalued by society-at-large and too often by our family of origin. Case in point: At age 20, I was kicked out of my home for being gay and for being inlove with my first boyfriend. I moved in with him and over the six years we were together, his family became my adopted family. I fondly recall at our commitment ceremony (it was in the early 90s) when his ex-marine father gave a heartfelt and tearful speech about how instead of looking at having a gay son as “losing a son, he gained a son.” I remember the international travel, holiday events, buying a home together, adopting a Labrador Retriever and then one night, being blind-sided that he wanted to break up. I felt the devastating blow of not only losing my best friend, my lover and a fellow adventurer, but also the loss of his loving and fun-filled family. It was grief compounded on grief. I literally felt my breath taken

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GRIEF TAKES THE TIME IT NEEDS TO TAKE. THERE IS NO ONE RIGHT WAY TO GRIEVE AND NO ONE RIGHT AMOUNT OF TIME IT SHOULD TAKE. away like someone punched me in the stomach. Panic set in. Self-criticism set in. Hopelessness set in. The future I had constructed and the stability I thought I had, came crashing down all at the same time. Pain sound familiar? And it’s not like break-ups get any easier over time. The ending of my second six year relationship felt just as devastating. I had a few more coping skills but the pain was just as intense.

As LGBTQ individuals we have too often lacked basic validation for our inherent worth and value, a felt-sense that is essential for healthy development. In addition, many of us have also been bullied by the gender(s) of our attraction. So we often seek relationships to heal us from this lack of validation and from attacks on our very being-ness from a group of people that have also historically harmed us. While we are hurt AND we are healed in relationships, we often come to the starting gate from this one-down position. Thankfully we are also resilient and have a great capacity for love and compassion. While it’s risky being vulnerable in relationships—whatever form they take—it’s also tremendously rewarding. It’s through our relationships that we work out our insecurities, work out stuff we’d rather not admit to, and hopefully learn to become more real, more loving and more empathic as human beings. But this does not seem to matter when we’re in the thick of grief, anger, hopelessness and self-doubt that so frequently accompanies break ups. I remember being in a bookstore after

>> BREAKING UP <<

my first break up, when the words of a book jumped out at me, “When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times,” by the Buddhist nun, Pema Chödrön. This book became my God-send…or maybe Buddha-send would be more appropriate to say. Her down-to-earth wisdom taught me how to lean into the hurt, the pain, the grief and breath out cool comfort and relief. She taught me how to use pain as a perfect, albeit excruciating at times, opportunity for growth. Having gone through this dark night of the soul a few times, I’m genuinely forever grateful for my relationships for being such potent teachers and healers. Sometimes no matter what anyone says or does, we just have to feel the depths of our feelings for a period of time. This is about giving space for all of our feelings to show up, not over-indulging in them for too long and not denying or ignoring them altogether—a delicate balance when talking about grief. We also can notice that they come in waves, sometimes with increased intensity while at other times receding into calmer tides. These ups and

downs can make us feel like we’re going crazy but the more we relax into them and see them as typical responses to grieving, the more they can help us heal. When we mindfully and non-judgmentally look at our internal landscape, we can discover the roots of our pain which can be linked to the roots of our oppression as LGBTQ individuals. We can unearth the profound ways we’ve been traumatized by society at large, as their scapegoats. We can reclaim our right to exist. We can re-empower ourselves in ways we may have lost before. It’s a time for self-reflection. What was my part for why this relationship ended? What are ways I can be a better partner the next time around? How can I choose my partner(s) differently? What are my repeating patterns in relationships? It’s also particularly useful during the healing process to take better care of ourselves through good nutrition, adequate sleep, regular exercise and spending time with trustworthy friends/family. We need to have energy from consistent nutrition, more stabilized mood/energy from adequate sleep, anti-depressant hormones

produced through exercise and surround ourselves with people who get it and can support us through the process. Grief takes the time it needs to take. There is no one right way to grieve and no one right amount of time it should take. Often those around us want us to feel better as quickly as possible. They love us and also probably don’t want to feel the discomfort of what we’re feeling. We may hear advice to have sex, date or the oh not so helpful, “Just get over it already.” We need to pay better attention to our needs, our pacing and our ability to begin a new relationship. Most importantly, this is a time to feed ourselves emotionally with love and compassion for what we’re going through, mistakes and all. James Guay, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (#mft39252), is a psychotherapist for individuals and couples at his West Hollywood office specializing in affirmative LGBTQ health and well being. www.LivingMoreFully.com, 310405-0840. You can watch James & his co-host Heather Dawn, share sex, love and relationship advice via their YouTube/Podcast show at: www.thejamesandheathershow.com.

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> > C O V E R F E AT U R E < <

MUSCLE CAR Automotive designer Bryan Thompson on living your passion, mentoring young people and listening to the tiny voice inside.

“

BY MA RK A RIEL | PH O TO BY D USTI CUNNI NGHAM

ar design is just like bodybuilding,” states automotive designer Bryan Thompson. “I’m really into surface development. Creating a beautiful surface on a car is just like doing it in the gym. The difference between a sexy, taught surface with muscular tension, and one that’s flaccid and weak is separated by mere millimeters, and it takes time and consistent effort to get it just right.” With 15 years in the automotive industry, designing for major car companies including Nissan, Peugeot and Volvo/Mack Trucks, Thompson reveals, in an interview with THE FIGHT, that as a child he always saw cars and objects as creatures. “Everything from our family Tercel 4WD, to the Bang & Olufsen stereo my mom came home with on a whim in 1979, had a soul or presence in my mind because they ‘affected’ the world they existed in. I thought that since they illicit strong reactions in people, they were somehow alive… I wanted to make friends with the stereo, the car, the phone, and then create more friends.” Originally from a small town in Arizona, Thompson says that he has always been “out,” in the sense that there was never a big reveal to be shared. “In 1979 I was only five years old - but I worshiped Erik Estrada enough to tear a photo of him out of the TV Guide and tape it to my wall. Imagine my mom’s surprise when she saw the shot of a shirtless ‘Ponch’ right there over her young son’s bed. I remember how she looked at the picture, did a double take, and then asked, ‘Bryan, I’m curious why you want this in your bedroom?’ I grinned and replied: ‘It makes me feel good.’ To her credit, she just nodded and smiled and didn’t immediately sign me up for analysis. Much later she told me she knew I was gay even before I put up the photo. She let me keep the picture until the crush was over. That episode stayed with me; My mom taught me a lesson that day in my bedroom: I learned to be proud of my passions. I learned to not be afraid of who I am or what I want.”

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Thompson got his start in the industry after dropping out of college at Arizona State University when a guidance counselor told him car design was a “pipe dream.” Without knowing French, he moved to France, found a camping trailer to live in outside a mechanic’s garage, and proceeded to sneak onto trains, travel Europe and visit every car design studio he could get into. After refusing to leave the lobby at the Fiat Studios in Turin, Italy, until he would be seen, the Design Director spent an afternoon with him and gave him the crucial advice he was looking for. After graduating from College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, and almost a decade designing at Nissan Design in Southern California, Thompson went freelance. He now designs for multiple industries, from Executive Jet interiors for Embraer, to Airstream Camping trailers, to Entertainment Production Design. He credits the throne from which Katy Perry “Roars” in the music video for the song as one of his favorite projects he’s worked on. Additionally, Thompson considers himself a gay rights activist. He recently created a scholarship to assist young people who exhibit significant design talent. “As I grow older, I want to inspire and mentor young people who are interested in car design… I hope the scholarship I’ve created helps inspire those kids who know they have talent but are told they’re misguided, to get into design,” says Thompson. “This is where they need to be. I was told that being gay was something that would lead to a life of sadness, and that car design was an unobtainable desire. Neither of those things is true, and I’m so glad I listened to the tiny voice inside; just like a muscle, it gets stronger the more you encourage and work it out. I created the scholarship for gay and lesbian students who are interested in being car designers. I want to inspire that kid out there who’s being told there’s something wrong with him to know everybody is wrong and he’s right.” As for the future Thompson is planning on more work in design, activism, and television. “I’ve been growing my consultancy

work since I left college, and now I want to focus more on bringing light to new talent. I’d love to host a design show,” he reveals. “We are shooting a calendar to support the scholarship that features gay car designers and industry talent, and I’m really looking forward to publishing that soon. I love making pop culture, informing, creating, and

hopefully inspiring.” “As for my principal design work, it’s a great time to be a car designer. I can rarely talk about the projects I’m working on, but what I can say is that autonomous cars are changing everything from the social space of vehicles to how we will relate to one another on a very human level. I love my job.” For more about Bryan Thompson visit: BryanThompsonDesign.com. (To contribute to Thompson’s scholarship go to www.BryanThompsonDesignScholarship.com.) FEB R UAR Y 2017 | THE F I GH T 31

>> ELDON HERNANDEZ <<

ELDON HERNANDEZ

REVENGE BODY

When his boyfriend of 20 years voted for Trump, Fired Up Athletics founder Eldon Hernandez didn’t just get upset. He got physical.

BY SEA N G A LU SZKA

umans are negatively affected by break ups. It’s universal. After all, hope and stability just “broke up” with America. Now we face a slew of blind dates with insanity and prejudice. It’s naturally upsetting. So when his boyfriend of 20 years voted for Trump, Fired Up Athletics founder Eldon Hernandez didn’t just get upset. He got physical. “I’m turning that into a positive by focusing on my business and bringing you the best year of health and fitness,” says Hernandez in an interview with THE FIGHT. Taking physical action encourages and fosters the change we seek mentally, spiritually, and even socially. When so much feels out of our control, we can at least control our physical state. So how do we mend our collective broken hearts and guard against the Trump Era? We get stronger, now! With adorable, charismatic Eldon Hernandez at the helm, there are no more “EX”cuses: Bad Mood? Depression, anxiety, and fear are all normal responses to a break up (or the incoming administration). Working out is clinically proven to reduce stress and anxiety and help you look your best. “Looking good and feeling great about yourself helps current relationships and even helps you find your soul mate,“ Hernandez offers. Improve physical stamina for those long protest marches and you may end up walking alongside your next date. Also, running into

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your ex while you happen to look amazing can be… empowering. Not FIT Enough? As a gay man, I’m especially hard on myself for not having enough muscle, comparing and despairing at body builders grunting out sets of impossible weights like towering Hulks. But as Hernandez explains, “We’re not your standard corporate-run gym. We’re a studio. We don’t have those fancy machines or heavy weights you can’t pick up. Our goal is to improve your overall performance by increasing your body’s fat burning potential and boosting your metabolism. You want results, and you want to be fit and healthy.” Research shows building muscle bulk alone is not the key to a healthier body. As a certified P90X instructor, Hernandez “changes lives by changing the way people think about fitness; removing the fear, intimidation, and pressure of working out.” If we could only remove the fear, intimidation, and pressure from our government, but, baby steps. Change starts within. Working out is a great way to feel strong against any bullying system, internal or external. Don’t Have Time Lunch Time Boot Camp classes are only 30 minutes. “If your boss doesn’t allow 30 minutes for lunch, you should quit,” Hernandez advises. “Lunch Time Boot Camp uses the Tabata principle: 20 seconds movement, 10 seconds rest. Each Tabata is 4 minutes long with 4 Tabata intervals per class. It combines a team atmosphere, intense full-body cardio workouts, and fitness education that transforms your body into that lean, fat-burning machine you’ve always wanted.” Besides, you can always schedule lunch later with that hottie from class. Better yet, dinner. Just don’t mention the “ex.” Feeling Alone? Hernandez suggests you “join a group of motivated people like yourself, bust through personal plateaus, rock out to hardcore music, and give it your all encouraging each other to get in the best shape of your lives.” P90X is a groupfocused, total-body strength and cardio class that incorporates proven principles from functional strength coaching. Plus, group classes offer an accountability factor no personal commitment can match. Finally, any positive group consciousness helps dispel feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. These feelings will arise the next four years. It’s going to be a long fight. You’ll want to be in the best shape possible. For more info visit: FiredUpAthletics.com.

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THETRANSACTION > > S E N AT O R T O N I G A T K I N S < <

SENATOR TONI G. ATKINS (D-SAN DIEGO)

GENDER RECOGNITION

California introduces bill to create non-binary gender marker. BY O RLY LYO N N E

bill that would create a third, non-binary gender designation and simplify the process to change one’s gender marker was introduced by California lawmakers last month. Senators Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) said that the Gender Recognition Act of 2017, created with the help from Equality California and the Transgender Law Center, would help more transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex individuals obtain identity documents that match their gender identity, LGBT Weekly reports. “Our society is becoming more enlightened every day about gender identity,” Sen. Atkins said. “It’s time for our state to make it easier for transgender Californians and those who don’t conform to traditional notions of gender to have state-issued identification documents that reflect who they truly are. This bill will help them avoid the discrimination and harassment that too many of these residents face in their daily lives.” Currently, people seeking a gender change in the state-issued identity documents must provide a sworn statement from a doctor certifying the transition-related treatment they have received and must appear in court for a gender-change order, even if no one is contesting the change. The bill would remove these barriers and create a third gender marker. It would also create a process for people under the age of 18 to change the gender on their birth certificate. n FEB R UAR Y 2017 | THE F I GH T 35

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>> BY PAULO MURILLO <<

LETTING GO

With Valentine’s Day in mind, we asked a few local sober folks how they maintained their sobriety throughout the heartbreak of a breakup while in recovery. ROB PETERS

TRY NEW THINGS

“

y divorce was around three years ago—I was like nine years sober at the time. I didn’t really think about using. I acted out sexually. It was about feeling better about myself, which ultimately, that doesn’t do that, but in the interim it was a good for my self-esteem. What I learned from my divorce is that things always change. You can’t stay stuck in one mindset. I always struggled with change. I learned to accept change and to embrace it. Otherwise, I’ll be unhappy and not participate in life. Try new things. I turned 50 and I jumped out of an airplane. I started riding horses again and doing things I always wanted to do. My advice to anyone going through a breakup is to look at your part. That was hard for me. Even if you don’t think you have a part, it’s important to sit down and write out your part. After that, you can forgive and the pain lessens.” —Rob Peters, sober, since January 1, 2005.

“

can now look at my part and see some of the shady things I did to him, which is why he broke up with me. I was a dick. Being sober, I was able to use the tools of recovery. I got to put it down on paper and see my part in it and go back and make a formal amends. The result of that is that now we’re pretty good friends.” —Mike Henehan, sober since October 10, 2001.

JUDD MINTER

FOCUS ON YOUR PART

“

e were together for five years. When we broke up, I felt sick and sad because I lost my best friend. I did the work on the different ways I could’ve handled an uncomfortable, horrible situation and it was all about my part and not the other person, because that’s what I was taught to do. I knew TOOLS OF blaming anybody else wasn’t going to work. I only MIKE HENEH RECOVERY looked at how I could be a better person and make AN e were decisions that would be less hurtful in the future. I together for feel like I was hurtful in my breakup and I never want three and a to treat someone like that again. That’s the truth. half years. It was tough. I never wanted to get loaded over my sadness. Friends told me whatThe idea of drinking in a social setting to make things ever you do, do not call fun did dance in my head, but I’m very clear about my him or text him. That drinking. There is no such thing as one glass of wine. was the hardest thing I’m in the dating world now and I’m fine with what for me, but in the long God puts in my path. I could be crazy about someone run, it was the best and it may not work out because that’s not what’s in thing I did for myself. my path. At least not yet, and I’m okay with that. I have I learned a lot. My no resistance to what the universe holds for me. character defects My advice to someone going through a break in came right to the sursobriety is don’t jump into another relationship, go to face. He said something to me and a lot of meetings, and do work around it and focus on I fired back everything I wanted to say to him. It felt good to get your part only.” it off my chest, but on the other hand, it wasn’t sober behavior. I —Judd Minter, sober since November 3, 2005.

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>> VIDEO GAMES <<

OH NO—NIOH?

I have been blindsided by an absolute gem of a game that has a samurai with supernatural allies to help fight against malicious demons in feudal Japan. BY JO SEPH A RELLA N O

didn’t intend to play Nioh. I didn’t intend to dive in as much as I have during the first 5 - 6 hours...but it took me in without mercy and didn’t let go. In the game you play as the first western samurai who gets blessed with Japanese spirits to fight against an evil darkness engulfing the land of the rising sun. The armor, landscapes, enemies, artwork and fighting all stem from the rich, luscious Japanese lore to give a breathtaking and painstakingly hard action RPG. Team Ninja behind the critically acclaimed series Ninja Gaiden have been working on this game since 2005. Unveiled at E3, it has been manipulated many times with different play styles. Known for their fast pace action and smooth fighting mechanics, NIOH takes a different direction stemming from the best selling series Dark Souls. And why you say!? Well. Let’s discuss.

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The battle system has you thinking of each move strategically and with absolute patience. With three different fighting stances you can switch from a strong attack, slow moving technique… to a fast, cunning play style that deals multiple hits, but less damage, allowing you to dodge majestic attacks from the evil baddies you encounter. Or if you want to be a hybrid, you can switch the footwork to allow heavy and light attacks to give the enemy a unexpected routine. All of which are filled with minor characteristics that can make even the avid samurai take notice. It is That. Intricate. But alas, the battle system is just the first layer. The armor and weapons all have amazing shapes and designs. Being placed in the stunning beauty of surreal landscapes and artwork, you really sit and take in the history and detail in each piece of weaponry or armor that is equipped. But when it is fused with Japanese supernatural allies, that is where the coolness excels. Another aspect of Nioh is the managing and allocation of spirits that aid you in your quest to defeat demons. They range from many animals such as great white sharks to amazing majestic lions. All of which enhance your weapons to have a elemental flair in which you devastate enemies by utilizing the spirits’s wondrous abilities. Team Ninja outdid themselves in the animations and it is no surprise that you take in each summon as a work of art. Yes. yes. It is beautiful. It has great characters, beautiful graphics, challenging gameplay.....but is it good? Astoundingly yes. It is a title that challenges your mind and discipline. Like a complex game of chess Nioh utilizes the best of some games and pushes them to higher memorable levels. In a long time I have seen bosses that have felt lackluster, forgettable. These boss fights make you sweat, tense, and overall ecstatic when you defeat them. Showering you with artifacts, weapons, and rare items. It surely awards the player in meaningful ways that Quenches that die hard thirst. n If you are an action fan—or just a general gamer—buy it now at WORLD 8—located at 1057 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006. Phone: (213) 389-5212.

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FEB R UAR Y 2017 | THE F I GH T 39

>> WHERE THE BEARS ARE <<

BEAR WITH US

The award-winning gay comedy mystery web series Where the Bears Are launching Kickstarter campaign for a Season 6. BY VI CTOR MELAMED

here the Bears Are, one of the most successful gay web series to date, was created by Rick Copp (The Brady Bunch Movie, The Golden Girls) Ben Zook (Jack and Jill, Reno 911!) and Joe Dietl (Two and a Half Men, Mom). Wanting to create something online and outside the studio system, the three created this hugely successful comedy mystery web show that is best described as The Golden Girls meets Murder, She Wrote with big, hairy gay men! Basically, three bumbling gay “bear” roommates living in Los Angeles who solve a murder

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THE GOLDEN GIRLS MEETS MURDER,

SHE WROTE WITH BIG, HAIRY GAY MEN!

every season and it’s hilarious! The show won the “Best Gay Web Series” award from afterelton.com and has accumulated over 23 million views

since premiering in 2012. Translated into 12 languages, the show has a worldwide fan base with over 55K Youtube subscribers and over 103k Facebook likes! Guest stars in the series include Margaret Cho, Missy Pyle (Gone Girl ), Chaz Bono (American Horror Story ), Tuc Watkins (Desperate Housewives), Brooke Dilman (Wrecked) Parvesh Cheena (Arrested Development ) and Kevin Chamberlin (Jesse). The Season 6 Kickstarter Campaign will run from Feb. 13th to March 16th, 2017. Go to: Kickstarter.com/profile/wherethebearsare.

FEB R UAR Y 2017 | THE F I GH T 41

> > F I N A L D E S T I N AT I O N < <

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

Excerpts from late night conversations with a man facing the inevitable.

ust because you were never promised a rose garden doesn’t mean that you can’t proudly walk down that thorny path to whatever it is you think is your final destination to self fulfillment. It’s that simple. It’s that complex. But in all honesty—in the end—to quote an amazing singer of great intellect—nothing really matters… I have been single and married, a saint and a whore, a giver and a taker, a pitcher and a catcher, a victor and a loser—all in one… and that’s the God’s honest truth… and a bold faced lie… Lying is the truth. Everyone lies. We lie to placate ourselves because at the end of the day—if we really looked at things as they truly are—if that is even possible— we would be too devastated to go on.

••• “Life is divided into the horrible and the miserable. That’s the two categories. The horrible are like, I don’t know, terminal cases, you know, and blind people, crippled. I don’t know how they get through life. It’s amazing to me. And the miserable is everyone else. So you should be thankful that you’re miserable, because that’s very lucky, to be miserable.” That is my favorite Woody Allen quote. I keep it on my phone. It tickles me. ••• Tell me about you. Where were you born? Where did you grow up? Happy childhood? Class president? Agonizing coming out story? Moved away? Created a new life? Found your truth? Made shit happen? Had to compromise? Found love? Lost love? Another compromise? Occasional drug use? Not so occasional? New day? New you? Found Jesus? Does he fill you with light and love and serenity and joy and gratitude?

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BY MARK ARI EL

How nice for you. ••• I was 6, he was 7. In the back yard, behind the trees. Show me yours. I will show you mine. His name was Paul. I rubbed my cheek on his buttocks. He said I love you. And then we hugged. Don’t tell anybody. No, I won’t. I promise. Many years later … a phone hook up line. He sounded sweet. He said why not come over now. I will leave the door unlocked. I walked into a dark apartment. He said I’m in here. And there he was. Face down on the bed naked with his ass up in the air. Fuck me. Fuck me please. I walked out. Maybe I’m not gay after all? ••• The only problem I have with death is that it usually leaves a dead body behind and I don’t like strangers touching me. There were moments when clarity prevailed. Beautiful moments. Standing on the balcony. The sun setting. A gentle breeze. A child’s laughter. It’s a beautiful world. I don’t want to leave it. Why are you here? No, seriously. I do not have answers or solutions or last minute realizations to help you get through the night. And anyway—even if I did, they might not work for you. We don’t all necessarily get wiser, or kinder or more loving. In fact some of us just grow old and bitter and defeated. Fortunately that is not me. I am very wise. I am so full of wisdom I could explode at any moment… ah, the humanity. Note to self: Never give up. And never, under any circumstances, face the facts. Fail. Fail again. Fail better. ••• I remember a purple shirt that never stayed tucked in. I remember peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, an apple, a red and blue lunchbox, the smell of fresh paint

and chlorine at the swimming pool. I remember another country, a foreign language, beautiful boys, trying to fit in, feeling like a fraud… I have this terrible secret… “What is it?” “I can’t tell you.” “Did you murder someone?” “No, it’s something worse.” ••• Men. Short, tall, cocky, timid, skinny, chunky, sweet, endearing, sensitive, coarse, funny, morose, beautiful men. The best were the unspoken bonds, just two bodies, flesh on flesh, sharing the shame, the joy, the secret, the uncertainty, the passion of the moment… at a train station, in the park, behind the church, in the parking lot, in a movie theater… One of my many future projects was to write a thesis on the amazing intimacy of the one night stand. It’s so much easier to be completely honest, totally exposed, absolutely vulnerable, with a complete stranger. Especially when no words are exchanged… Language is a tricky duck. Harold Pinter said: “The speech we hear is an indication of that which we don’t hear. It is a necessary avoidance, a violent, sly, and anguished or mocking smoke screen which keeps the other in its true place. When true silence falls we are left with echo but are nearer nakedness.” ••• I finally fall asleep. I wake in pain. How long have I slept? A few minutes? Hours? Days? No matter. Living inside your head has its advantages. I dream of rain. I dream of love as time runs through my hand. The incredibly sad truth is that I didn’t do anything extraordinary. No major contribution. No lasting legacy. No engraved plaques, no endowments, no living trusts, no my heart will go on, no symbolic gesture that means so much to so many. Nothing meant anything, nothing

> > AARON VALENZUELA < <

was real, nothing was achieved, no gain, no loss, nothing left for the ages… My one regret in life is that I am not someone else. ••• “Holy! Holy! Holy!”

“Everything is holy! Everybody’s holy! Everywhere is holy! Everyday is in eternity! Everyman’s an angel!” ••• I was 6, he was 7. In the back yard, behind the trees… His name was Paul…

He said I love you And that’s the God’s honest truth… and a bold faced lie… New day… New you… Why are you here? Fuck me. Fuck me please… A gentle breeze. A child’s laughter. It’s a beautiful world. I don’t want to leave it.

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>> THE ONE <<

WE ARE EVERYWHERE The One National Gay and Lesbian Archives: the oldest continuing LGBTQ organization in the United States, here in Los Angeles. BY PICKLE

estled in what used to be a Delta Tau Delta fraternity house at USC lives the largest repository of LGBTQ materials in the world. The One National Gay and Lesbian Archives also happens to be the oldest continuing LGBTQ organization in the United States, right here under our noses in sunny Los Angeles. Michael Oliveira, one of the archivists, was gracious enough to give me a tour of the facility. We peered through decades of LGBTQ history neatly categorized on the shelves; copies of LGBTQ publications—magazines, newspapers, documents, letters, personal papers. Jim Kepner, a leader of the Gay Rights movement, was an obsessive collector of these materials; his desire to preserve our history manifested itself in a tremendous collection and library, which then merged with ONE Inc’s own records and library, snowballing into the staggering depository that stands today. We examined the pamphlets and thrilling serials from the 50s and 60s, tales of vixenish Lesbians snatching housewives, only to meet with bitter disaster and peril, all the coded language with which homosexuality of the time shrouded itself. A copy of BLK Magazine (“Young, Gifted and Fierce”), gay “directories” (“Before the days of Grindr,” Oliveira chuckled) and an immense collection of erotic photographs (of course) featuring athletes in poses with their nether-regions delicately covered by minuscule tarps nabbed our attention for some time. There are signs from protests throughout the Gay Rights Movement and even, sitting austerely on a shelf, a conversion therapy device eerily marked with a cartoon bee (a “bug in the ear”) The ONE Archives Foundation also produces shows in its gallery; coming up is Die Kranken: Sprayed with Tears, which will feature new work inspired by the archive’s materials on Southern California’s gay motorcycle clubs. “The group’s name, translating to “the sick” in German, references both the historical pathologization of homosexuality and the pandemic of a generation of gay men, while nodding to the Blue Max, a local motorcycle club founded in 1968.” The show will be open from February 11th to April 9th, with an

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Opening Reception on February 11th from 6-9pm. In September, the Archives will also present Axis Mundo: Queer Networks in Chicano L.A. Back in the main room, which features the enormous library of books and novels and where visitors can examine the titles (materials can’t be taken out of the archive, but can be viewed on site), a young man named Devlyn Camp sat, poring over letters and documents from the Mattachine Society. “It’s like Christmas,” he beamed. Devlyn Camp (one of those names you have to say in its entirety) is starting a podcast that will chart the origins and progression of the Mattachine Society and the ONE Archive is the perfect resource for his work.

THERE IS A TREMENDOUS POWER THAT LINGERS IN THE AIR AMONG THE MILLIONS OF PHOTOGRAPHS, BOOKS, INDIVIDUAL PIECES OF A HISTORY THAT MORE THAN A FEW WOULD LIKE TO SEE ERASED… I would highly recommend taking a visit to this noble institution, which is free and open to the public. Peruse the books, request to see a magazine, connect to the history forged by generations of revolutionaries whose legacy we must continue to fight for in the coming years, months, days, hours of this unsettling period. There is a tremendous power that lingers in the air among the millions of photographs, books, individual pieces of a history that more than a few would like to see erased, but thanks to organizations such as the ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives here in Los Angeles, our story only grows and thrives, continuing to boldly assert that we are here, We Are Everywhere.

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FEB R UAR Y 2017 | THE F I GH T 45

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LOVEISBLIND Single men on off-the-wall, unpredictable, and blind-as-a-bat first dates. BY VI CTOR MELAMED

ollowing on the heels of their hit drama Feral, international gay subscription streaming service Dekkoo will release their second original series, “Love Is Blind” this coming Valentine’s Day (February 14). Foregoing the reality TV trappings of rented real estate, dubious “drama” and elimination anticipation, Dekkoo’s “Love Is Blind,” is cheap, cheerful and charming. Real guys, real blind dates, real–sometimes flirty, sometimes awkward–laughs.

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Cute, sexy, and funny, with a sweet soupçon of snark, “Love is Blind” follows fourteen single New York City men on seven (one per episode) off-the-wall, unpredictable, and blind-as-a-bat first dates. Voyeuristic viewers tag along for the day-long courtship as these courageous men turn each other on—and sometimes [snap!] turn on each other. Matches potentially made in gay heaven are subjected to sexy/awkward ice-breaking activities–from wrestling matches and kink classes to body painting and tantric

yoga–before being whisked away to a proper dinner date, where, clutching much needed drinks, the couples unwind, flirt and on occasion, fizzle. “Love is Blind” is hosted by cheekily charming comedian Mike Kelton (Logo/ MTV/VH1), who provides hilarious running commentary and “in-depth” analysis throughout each episode. ”Love Is Blind” debuts Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2017 on Dekkoo.com.

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THEHISTORY >> H A R V E Y B E R N A R D M I L K <<

HARVEY MILK

“Rights are not won on paper; they are won only by those who make their voices heard.” BY ORLY LYONNE

r ts

visit us at

hellothello.com 4 8 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

arvey Bernard Milk (May 22, 1930—November 27, 1978)—a politician, gay rights activist, and cultural icon— became the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California when he won the seat on San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1978. He fashioned himself as mayor of Castro Street—one of the first and most lively gay neighborhoods in the United States. During his 11-month tenure, he helped pass a stringent gay rights ordinance for the city. Milk’s theatrical political campaigns and his fervent activism for gay people since 1973 earned him popularity within the community and made him an icon for the gay rights movement. Milk was assassinated in 1978 by Dan White, a resigned city supervisor trying to get his job back. Milk envisioned a march for lesbian and gay rights in the US capitol to increase the visibility of the gay and lesbian community during his lifetime. His death accelerated the planning for the national march in 1979. The quote “Rights are not won on paper; they are won only by those who make their voices heard” was the ending of Milk’s address made at the San Francisco’s Gay Freedom Day Rally in 1978. The March Committee of Lesbian and Gay Rights later adopted this quote on the iconic “Liberty Logo” to represent the march and commemorate Milk and his contribution to the advancement of lesbian and gay rights. n

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A wonderfully life-affirming piece of theatre... touchingly and gloriously imaginative.”- The Times

IN ASSOCIATION WITH BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE & BERKELEY REPERTORY THEATRE PRESENT

ADAPTED BY Michael Morpurgo and Emma Rice

FEB 9 — MAR 5, 2017

CONNECT WITH US:

310.746.4000 | TheWallis.org/946

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Writers In Treatment and Compassion for Addiction presents

8th Annual

Experience, Strength & Hope Awards ®

A tribute to five extraordinary women: Elaine Stritch, Polly Bergen, Mary Cleere Haran, Julie Wilson, and Joan Rivers.

Book Now to Avoid Disappointment

Singer, Sherri Lewis Presenter, Joanna Cassidy

Spoken Word by Dejuan DJ Verrett

Presenter, Joe Walsh

Host, Ed Begley, Jr.

Presenter, Tony Denison

“The NY theater world’s best kept secret” —VOGUE

Comedy Performance by Sarge

Honoring

Pat O’Brien for his book, I’ll Be Back Right After This

Singer: Sherri Lewis

Host: Ed Begley, Jr. Special Performance: Comedian, Sarge Guest Presenter: Joe Walsh

MARCH 9–11 Samueli Theater

600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

ORDER TICKETS TODAY!

(714) 556-2787 SCFTA.org

Thursday, February 23, 2017 Skirball Cultural Center

2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049

Catered Networking Reception: 5:30-7:30 PM Show: 7:30-9:00 PM Dress Code: No Gowns, No Tuxes, No UGGs

FREE Parking

Tickets: $100

Call: (818) 762-0461 FEB R UAR Y 2017 | THE F I GH T 51

THEEPIDEMIC >> DIABETES <<

HIV & DIABETES

People infected with HIV may be more susceptible to developing diabetes. BY VI CTOR MELAMED

he prevalence of diabetes is higher among HIV-infected individuals living in the United States compared with the general adult US population, suggests research published in the online journal BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care. “Nationally representative estimates of diabetes mellitus prevalence among HIV-infected adults in the US are lacking,” lead author Alfonso Hernandez-Romieu, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, and colleagues observe in their study, published online. “This analysis...suggests that HIV-infected adults may be more likely to have diabetes mellitus at younger ages and in the absence of obesity compared with the general US adult population,” they observe. Hence, they recommend that healthcare providers should follow existing screening guidelines and obtain fasting blood glucose and HbA1c prior to and after starting antiretroviral therapy. This is an observational study so no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, and the researchers point out that as HIV treatment is now so effective, those who have the infection are likely to live long enough to become vulnerable to serious diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, that afflict the general population. Nevertheless, they conclude: “Although obesity is a risk factor for prevalent [diabetes] among HIV infected adults, when compared with the general US adult population, [these] adults may have higher [diabetes mellitus) prevalence at younger ages, and in the absence of obesity.” They add: “Additional research would help to determine whether [diabetes] screening guidelines should be modified to include HIV infection as a risk factor for [the condition], and to identify optimal management strategies in this population.” n

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>> DAVID PEVSNER <<

SHAMELESS David Pevsner’s first CD of original gay songs—funny, raunchy, sexy, and sweet. BY O RLY LYO N N E

s an actor, writer and live performer in his one-man musicals “Musical Comedy Whore” and “To Bitter and Back,” David Pevsner has never shied away from sensitive, risqué, or outrageous subject matter. On his CD of comedy songs “Most Versatile” he enters the recording field with a collection of truly funny, dirty, smart, sometimes emotional, and always well-crafted tunes that leave no aspect of the gay experience unturned, most gleaned from his real life experience. Work

(“The Naked Maid”), sexual history (“The Book of Lust”), unfortunate medical situations (“Pain in the Butt”), fantasy (“The Perky Little Porn Star” and “The Best Part”), leather/BDSM (“Accoutrements”), searching for that impossible love (“Ballad”), aging single (“Shoot Me”)— songs that are a whirlwind of one man’s gay experiences- recognizable to all of us. His honesty, shamelessness, and wit set this collection apart from the standard musical comedy/cabaret fare. Featuring guest artists such as Maxwell Caulfield,

Jim J. Bullock and more, it’s a ball. The ditties are definitely meant for adults: gay, straight or otherwise...anyone with an open mind and a funny bone. Available for Digital Download on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby and more. For more info go to: www.davidpevsner.com/ DavidPevsner.com/Most_Versatile.html. To see all Pevsner has to offer—visit “Shameless: David Pevsner’s Personal Photo Blog” at http://realguyla.tumblr.com.

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THEEVENT >> PHOTOS BY ROBERT GREEN. MOTORBOOT PHOTOGRAPHY <<

MR. LA LEATHER BEAR CONTEST

Congrats to Daniel Sotoâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Mr LA Leather Bear 2017. The contest, which took place last month at Eagle LA, celebrated the amazing title year of Mr. L.A. Leather Bear 2016, David Cosio and included raffles, entertainment, hot bear studs strutting the stage and more!

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PACINO LIGHT JUDITH

GOD LOOKED AWAY THE INAUGURAL PLAYWORKS DEVELOPMENT PRODUCTION

written by DOTSON RADER

directed by ROBERT ALLAN ACKERMAN

Tony Award winners Al Pacino and Judith Light take to the stage in this seismic story about legendary playwright Tennessee Williams and his struggle to resist the end of his career.

FEB 8 - MAR 19

626.356.7529 PasadenaPlayhouse.org

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THECALENDAR >> THINGS TO DO << With one of Glasgow’s most revered havens for eclectic late night debauchery: Optimo (Espacio). Enjoy Bears in Space DJs, Chris Bowen and Victor Rodriguez and Lights Down Low DJs Corey Sizemore and Richie Panic.

SOCAL: AIDS/LIFECYCLE EXPO Los Angeles LGBT Center—Highland Annex, 1220 N. Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA. 11am-3pm. Info: lalgbtcenter.org. Workshops about fundraising, training, nutrition, camp life, and even what to pack.

946: THE AMAZING STORY OF ADOLPHUS TIPS

rtistic director Emma Rice and Michael Morpurgo have adapted Morpurgo’s The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips, about a botched rehearsal for the D-day landings that ended in a catastrophe, concealed for years. This family show mixes carnival and tragedy in a series of mash-ups, both merry and sad. Feb. 9–Match 5, 2017 at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Info: TheWallis.org/946

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11

A GENTLE REMINDER: MISS COCO PERU’S GUIDE TO A SOMEWHAT HAPPY LIFE Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Renberg Theatre, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles, CA 90038. 8pm. Through hilarious and moving story and song, the great Miss Peru shares a step-by-step guide to creating your very own “somewhat” happy life.

KISS & TELL LIVE LOS ANGELES The Downtown Independent, 251 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA. 2pm-5pm. Nationally recognized LGBTQ panel discussion event. Enjoy a live episode of the hit iTunes podcast “Kiss & Tell Radio” followed by a diverse panel of LGBTQ movers and shakers for a conversation on topics ranging from dating and pop culture to politics.

CONNIE & JUICE’S “HOUSE OF LOVE” The Cavern Club Celebrity Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave (Under Casita Del Campo), Los Angeles, CA. 8pm. It’s an all-dance, fun-loving nostalgia trip with Love Connie (John Cantwell), her motor-cycle riding hubby, Juice (Mario Diaz), and their beloved cat, Vickie (Jennifer Dohn), in their new TV variety show.

SIPS AND GIGGLES The Frida Cinema, 305 E 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701. 6pm-10pm. Comedy show featuring comedian Fortune Feimster. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12

LIGHTS DOWN LOW LA VS BEARS IN SPACE Akbar, 4356 W Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, 4pm.

CHARLES BUSCH: THE LADY AT THE MIC

harles Busch enchants audiences in this intimate evening of songs and stories. A two-time MAC Award winner, Tony Award ® nominee and recipient of a Drama Desk Lifetime Achievement Award, the actor, playwright, novelist, screenwriter, director and drag legend pays tribute through song and personal reminiscence to five extraordinary and much-missed women: Elaine Stritch, Polly Bergen, Mary Cleere Haran, Julie Wilson and Joan Rivers. March 9–11, 2017. Segerstrom Center’s Cabaret Series in Samueli Theater. Info: SCFTA.org. 5 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

TIES THAT BOND Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029. 4pm-8pm. Info: www.EagleLA.com. Join the Men of ONYX SouthWest and observe or take part. All you need to do is have an open mind and allow your inner kink to come out. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17

VALENTINES FETISH BALL 2017 Globe Theatre, 740 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA. 10pm-3am. Tickets & Info: www.kinkyvalentines.com. 8th annual costume dance event , kinky alternative to a box of chocolates. GROWLr ROUGHHOUSE Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029. 9pm-2am. Info: www.EagleLA.com. Beats by Josh Peace & Mateo Segade. GoGo Guys, Late Night Delights. HOUSE, DISCO’S REVENGE! Akbar, 4356 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90029. 8pm-2am. Info: www.akbarsilverlake.com. Come dance your heart or broken heart out. Live set by Marvina 7 and live visuals by Mike Habs. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18

OFF THE HOOK Globe Theatre, 740 S Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90014. 9pm-4am. Meat Rack—one of LA’s favorite

and most established men of muscle parties along with MegaWoof America.

KINKMOSPHERE The Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601. 9pm2am. Info: www.bulletbarla.com. An ONYX SoCal-Southwest and Bullet Bar presentation. Experience the Men of ONYX SW in a way you’ve never experienced them before. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20

RUTHLESS PEOPLE COMEDY SHOW Micky’s West Hollywood, 8857 Santa Monica Blvd., 90069. 7pm. Info: www.mickys.com. Comedy, hosted by Samantha Hale. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

EXPERIENCE, STRENGTH AND HOPE AWARDS Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd, Angeles, CA 90049. 5:30pm. Tickets & Info Call: 818-762-0461. Broadcast giant and recovery advocate Pat O’Brien is set to receive the 8th Annual Experience, Strength and Hope Award presented by The Eagles’ Joe Walsh. With guest host, Ed Begley Jr., guest singer Sherri Lewis. SUNDAY FEBRUARY 26

MARI’S LEATHER GARDEN PARTY MCC in the Valley, 5730 Cahuenga Blvd. North Hollywood, CA, 4pm-9pm. Tickets & Info: losangelesleatherpride.com. Mixer, hosted by Sister Mariposa Patriota of the LA Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, where the public can interact with the contestants, judges, producers, sponsors and the VIPs in the calm and serene garden patio. FRIDAY, MARCH 10

BEARRACUDA LONG BEACH UPGRADED W/ GROWLr! Executive Suite Nightclub, 3428 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90804. Info: www.Bearracuda.com. Chunky visuals, giveaways, tasty snacks, go-go bears and friendly guys.

FUN HOME

ased on Alison Bechdel’s bestselling graphic memoir, Fun Home explores Bechdel’s discovery of her own sexuality, her relationship with her gay father, and her attempts to unlock the mysteries surrounding his life. It is the first Broadway musical with a lesbian protagonist. A refreshingly honest musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

Feb. 21 - Apr. 1, 2017. Center Theatre Group. Info: AhmansonTheatre.org.

Your place or mine?

Visit Squirt.org on your mobile to hookup today FEB R UAR Y 2017 | THE F I GH T 57

THEFINALFIGHT >> CECILIO ASUNCION <<

SEXUAL RACISM

Cecilio Asuncion, the star of Strut, Oxygen’s reality show about transgendered fashion models, on stereotypes about masculinity. BY JO H N STEIN

t the start of a new year, the gay community still faces discrimination and marginalization by mainstream society. So it may come as a surprise to learn that within a community fighting for equality, another divisive issue is bubbling to the surface: sexual racism. Sexual racism is pervasive within the gay community, especially on the gay hook-up apps where it’s not hard to find white males posting their preference of “No Asians” or “No rice, no spice.” There exists a social hierarchy of sorts, with white men firmly on top, Latinos a distant second and Asian, Black, and other minorities occupying the lower rungs of the ladder. Many in the gay community are demanding change, arguing that posting derogatory and exclusionary statements on profiles is not a preference, it is pure and simple racism. They’re calling for leaders in all minority groups to raise their voices for change. Cecilio Asuncion, the Filipino star of Strut, Oxygen’s popular reality show about transgendered fashion models, says he has experienced sexual racism from gay men. “Asian men face a host of stereotypes about their masculinity,” he says. “That we’re not athletic, we’re effeminate, that we must have a small penis…” He admits that even he bought into the stigma. “For years, I thought the biggest prize 5 8 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

would be dating a non-Asian guy. That, somehow, landing a non-Asian man would mean I had achieved something great.” “Now that I am older and wiser, I realize the prize isn’t who I end up with. It’s about being happy with myself and standing up against people who want to discriminate against me because of the skin I am in.” Asuncion admits he was initially hesitant to speak out about the plight of being gay and Asian. “I don’t wake up mornings thinking, ‘how can my gay Asian self change the world today,” he laughs. He realized he had a responsibility to make his voice heard when he noticed he could count the number of gay Filipinos on TV today on one hand. “There’s Nico Santos on Superstore, Josh Chan on My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and... that’s it. I can’t think of any more.” Before starring on Strut and launching “Slay,” his Los Angeles modeling agency, Asuncion produced and directed What’s the T?, a documentary that explores the challenges, successes, and lives of five transgender women. “As first a director and then a model agent, I had always been behind the cameras. Doing the show was the first time I stepped in front of them. I’m probably not the best person to be the spokesperson on any important issue but I’ll do what I have to do until someone else is ready to take the baton.” Asuncion is drawing strength from the trans community he has worked with for so long. “I have learned so much from these men and women,” he says. “First and foremost, the importance of loving myself and the packaging you come in despite what others might say.” “I’ve also learned patience,” he continues. “The trans community was invisible for years. They waited for the world to see them, and though there is still a lot more work to do, we’re finally seeing successful trans actors in Hollywood and now trans models in fashion. The trans community is well on their way toward equality.” He believes the year of the Gaysian will come. Maybe not this year or even next, but sometime soon; in the meantime, until change is made, he encourages Asian gays and other minority groups to surround themselves with allies and prepare for the next battle. “The fight against sexual racism will be won.” n

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