AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 1
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THECONTENTS FEATURES 13 AND THE WINNER IS 14 17 20 22
24
43 44
BEN KAUFHER, MR. LOS ANGELES LEATHER 2018 TALES OF THE CITY THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD’S WEHO READS STRONGER TOGETHER MR. BEAR LA 2018 ART BERKOWITZ TRANSFORMING OUR CULTURE FOLSOM STREET EVENTS PARTNERS WITH CLIVE BARKER “ARE YOU ALLOWED TO GO BACK TO CHATTANOOGA?” SINGER SONGWRITER BRANDON STANSELL PALM SPRINGS HOT RODEO 2018 OFFICIAL GUIDE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW SEX IN THE AGE OF TRUMP WAYS TO RELIEVE STRESS YES MISTRESS QUEER DOMINATRIX MISTRESS JUSTINE CROSS
DEPARTMENTS 08 11 12 16
THE TALK LENA WAITHE THE STATE EVAN LOW THE CITY LOCAL NEWS THE TRANSACTION TRUMP’S BAN
18 THE ROSTOW REPORT GRINDR POLITICS
40 THE SHARE LOCAL RECOVERY 41 THE EPIDEMIC GENETIC BREAKTHROUGH
42 THE ART FRANCO AMERICANO 48 THE EVENT CUB SCOUT 50 THE CALENDAR THINGS TO DO
ON THE COVER BRANDON STANSELL COVER PHOTO, TOC PHOTO AND FEATURE PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM TH I GH www.thefightmag.com 44 T H EEF F I GH T T| |www.thefi ghtmag.com
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www.hondaofhollywood.com AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 5
THEEDITOR
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stanford Altamirano MANAGING EDITOR Mark Ariel ART DIRECTOR Nadeen Torio MARKETING CONSULTANTS Tom Pardoe Sean Galuszka Jacci Ybarra John Michael Gambam SOCIAL MEDIA Mark Ariel Sinan Shihabi WEBMASTER Nadeen Torio ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Sinan Shihabi EVENTS MANAGER Joseph Arellano
>> IN THIS ISSUE <<
This month THE FIGHT is proud to be the Official Media Sponsor of Palm Springs Hot Rodeo 2018. See pages 24-39. Palm Springs Hot Rodeo is part of the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA). IGRA endorses and promotes animal welfare and the humane, responsible treatment of animals in their housing, feeding, training, exercising and competition.They strive to ensure their events are purposefully tailored and executed to provide animal and human participants the safest environment possible. Also in this issue—an interview with the new Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2018, Ben Kaufher (“And The Winner Is,” page 13).
Kaufher, Mr. LA Leather Bear 2018, won the coveted title of Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2018 last month at the Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2018 Contest that took place at The Globe Theater. Kauhner said the process of competing with ten other brothers was intense but gratifying, and that winning the title was an honor he takes seriously. “This is the first time a Bear has ever won… I think that is a testament to how our community is evolving.” One of his goals as Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2018 is to “to welcome as many new people as possible… there are many voices that aren’t heard as much as they should be—people of color, trans folks, and gender non-conforming. I want to expand our inclusiveness.”
CONTRIBUTORS Dusti Cunningham Orly Lyonne Victor Melamed Paulo Murillo Roxie Perkins Abraham Ramos Timothy Ray Ann Rostow Paul V. Vitagliano 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
STANFORD ALTAMIRANO Editor-In-Chief
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 © 2018 Third Step LLC. All rights reserved. Content may be reproduced with permission.
Every month THE FIGHT donates a portion of its proceeds to an LGBTQ community organization. This month’s donation has been sent to Queer Land Trust, focusing on acquiring and protecting spaces for LGBTQ youth and elders, artists and activists, especially the low-income or historically underserved. For more info visit: queerlandtrust.org. 6 TTH HEE FFIIGH GHTT || www.thefi www.thefightmag.com 6 ghtmag.com
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
AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 7
THETALK >> W H AT T H E Y ’ R E S AY I N G <<
BE UNAFRAID
“I remember making the choice to be unafraid… I made the choice to not care what others thought of who I was. I was going to be truly me.” —Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon upon receiving the Human Rights Campaign’s Visibility Award last month.
LENA WAITHE
ADAM RIPPON
CUT A PATH
“He has helped cut a path for young people to see that being your true self is the best way to live.” GUS KENWORTHY
—Olympian Gus Kenworthy, presenting the Human Rights Campaign’s Visibility Award to Adam Rippon, last month.
STARTS CONVERSATIONS “[My brother] came out around the same time we started filming… I think the strength of a film like this is that it starts conversations, and I hope that it can do that for more people.”
NICK ROBINSON
—Actor Nick Robinson, star of the gay coming of age film Love, Simon, in an interview on Ellen.
IDEA OF MYSELF
JOEY POLLARI
“A lot of the trouble was selfshame. I do believe a system of power, of patriarchy, of masculinity did impact me… The greatest difficulty I found was that it didn’t match my idea of myself.”
—Actor Joey Pollari (Love, Simon) on coming out, in an interview with The Advocate.
A POSITIVE THING
“The fact that this has a character whose gayness is way down the list of things that are most important about him is a positive thing.”
“Think about how many black people there are in Hollywood. It’s a nice little number, especially, we’re growing now… Think about how many out gay black people there are in Hollywood. You can count them on one or two hands. The numbers don’t add up.” —Writer and actress Lena Waithe, last month on The View, calling on fellow queer people in Hollywood who haven’t come out to step up and be visible.
I’M ALL DOWN ALAN CUMMING
—Actor Alan Cumming, the first openly gay lead character in a network drama, on CBS’ new series Instinct, in an interview with Seth Meyers on Late Night.
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THE NUMBERS
KENDALL JENNER
“I don’t think I have a bisexual or gay bone in my body, but I don’t know! Who knows?! I’m all down for experience—not against it whatsoever—but I’ve never been there before.”
—Kendall Jenner, daughter of Caitlyn and Kris, in an interview with Vogue last month.
David Hockney: 82 Portraits and 1 Still-life April 15–July 29, 2018
^ Los Angeles County Museum of Art 5905 Wilshire Blvd. |LACMA.org free for members and children 17 and under
ABOVE: David Hockney, Barry Humphries, 26th, 27th, 28th March 2015 from 82 Portraits and 1 Still-life, collection of the artist, © David Hockney, photo by Richard Schmidt. BELOW: David Hockney, Earl Simms, 29th February, 1st, 2nd March 2016 from 82 Portraits and 1 Still-life, collection of the artist, © David Hockney, photo by Richard Schmidt
AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 9
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Assemblyman Evan Low (D-Campbell) has authored a bill that would brand so-called gay conversion therapy as fraud under the state’s consumer protection laws.
A
bill has been introduced in California which would see practitioners of debunked gay “cure” therapies prosecuted for fraud, reports Pink News. Performing gay cure therapy on minors is already is illegal in nine US states and counting, as well as Switzerland, Malta, Taiwan, two Canadian provinces, and the Australian state of Victoria. Experts overwhelmingly agree that attempts to “cure” sexuality are futile, misguided, and often extremely harmful. Attempts to force teens to repress their sexuality has been linked to depression, self-harm and even suicide. Amid calls for lawmakers to take a tougher line against the fraudulent treatment, proposals have been tabled in California which would implement the harshest sanctions yet. Out lawmaker Evan Low, who sits on the state’s Legislative Assembly, drew up AB-2943, known as the Unlawful business practices: sexual orientation change efforts bill. The bill would build on the existing law to introduce a possible conviction under state law for gay “cure” practitioners. It would amend the section of the existing Civil Code section on fraud which deals with “unfair or deceptive acts or practices”—such as financial misrepresentation, false commercial claims and deliberate misselling to consumers—to include a prohibition on “advertising, offering to engage in, or engaging in sexual orientation change efforts with an individual.” n AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 11 THE
THECITY
Restaurant closed permanently late last month after serving the LGBT community for over 30 years. The space located on the section of the Broadway Corridor in the heart of the Alamitos Beach neighborhood held farewell celebrations on March 16 and 17. It officially closed on Tuesday, March 20. The closing of Paradise marks another end of an era in Long Beach, which saw the closing of Pistons Bar in 2016.
HOLLYWOOD
RUPAUL GETS STAR ON HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME
L OS ANGE L E S
SUPPORTING MARCH FOR OUR LIVES Tens of thousands of people gathered in Downtown Los Angeles for the March for Our Lives demonstration to call to action an end to gun violence. Among the thousands in attendance were members from the LGBT community who let their presence known with rainbow flags and sassy gay signage. “NRA Can Sashay Away,” one sign read. “The Only Guns I Want to Hold are Zac Efron’s,” read another held by a gay male protestor. The Los Angeles chapter of Gays Against Guns convened at Pershing Square and marched to city hall. Gays Against Guns are an action group of LGBTQ people and their allies committed to nonviolently breaking the gun industry’s chain of death—investors, manufacturers, the NRA and politicians who block safer gun laws. To join, visit gaysagainstguns.net.
W E S T H O L LYWOOD
CSW ANNOUNCES THEME FOR LA PRIDE FESTIVAL Christopher Street West (CSW), the non-profit that produces the annual LA Pride Festival and Parade announced this year’s LA PRIDE festival theme with #JUSTBE 2018 campaign to focus on self-expression. According to a CSW press release, #JUSTBE is more than just a theme. It’s a bigger story that will permeate every element of this year’s Pride festivities – from 1 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
the Festival to the Parade (returning to its home on Santa Monica Boulevard this year) to the many week-long community events that CSW is busy planning. To learn more, visit lapride.org. LONG BEA C H
PARADISE RESTAURANT AND BAR CLOSES The city of Long Beach lost a gay landmark when Paradise Bar and
RuPaul Charles had his star placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, March 16. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced that RuPaul is the 2,631st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star was dedicated in the category of Television. The star has been placed at 6652 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the World of Wonder production office which produces the show RuPaul’s Drag Race. Since 2009, RuPaul has produced and hosted the reality competition series RuPaul’s Drag Race. SAN DIEGO
SENATOR TONI ATKINS MAKES HISTORY San Diego Democratic Senator Toni Atkins, 55, has made history by becoming the first woman and first lesbian to become California Senate Leader. Atkins is taking over the post of Senate president pro tempore after serving as Speaker of the California State Assembly. She also represents the 39th district, encompassing most of San Diego. Aside from running the senate, she will focus on developing a process to deal with sexual harassment allegations. She has been a driving force behind a successful push to raise money for subsidized housing by charging $75 for many real-estate transactions. Atkins, who advanced groundbreaking legislation on health care, LGBT rights and housing. She is described by her colleagues as kind, measured and compassionate but steadfast in her commitment to fighting for people and ideas she believes in. n
PHOTO BY PAULO MURILLO
>> BY PAULO MURILLO <<
>> BEN KAUFHER <<
Mr. LA Leather Bear 2018 Ben Kaufher is the new Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2018.
FROM L TO R: SPIKE, MR. PRECINC T LEATHER 2018; BEN KAUFHER, MR. LOS ANGELES LEATHER 2018 AND PUP YOSHI, MR. EAGLE 562 LEAT HER 2018.
BY MA RK A RIEL
B
en Kaufher of Bears LA won the coveted title of Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2018 last month at the Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2018 Contest which took place at The Globe Theater. The runner ups were Spike, Mr. Precinct Leather 2018 and Pup Yoshi, Mr. Eagle 562 Leather 2018. Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina,
LAW OFFICE OF REGINA RATNER WWW.RRATNERLAW.COM CALL: 213-674-7211 FAMILY LAW PRACTICE COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE/DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS PROPERTY DIVISION SPOUSAL SUPPORT CHILD CUSTODY/SUPPORT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PRE & POST NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS ADOPTION & ART CONTRACTS ESTATE PLANNING MEDIATION REGINA RATNER (L), ALANA YAKOVLEV, ESQ.
Kaufher, a set costumer, has lived in LA for a decade with his husband Ben. In a short interview with THE FIGHT after his win, Kaufher said that when his name was announced as the winner “I thought it was a Moonlight situation—I was waiting for them to correct it and announce the real winner!” Kauhner said the process of competing
with ten other brothers was intense but gratifying, and that winning the title was an honor he takes seriously. “This is the first time a Bear has ever won… I think that is a testament to how our community is evolving.” One of his goals as Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2018 is to “to welcome as many new people as possible… there are many voices that aren’t heard as much as they should be—people of color, trans folks, and gender non-conforming. I want to expand our inclusiveness.”
WALK FREE LAW
ALANA YAKOVLEV, ESQ. WWW.WALKFREELAW.COM CALL: 213-674-7323 FEDERAL AND STATE CRIMINAL DEFENSE CIVIL HARASSMENT RESTRAINING ORDERS CIVIL RIGHTS 1983 ACTIONS— POLICE MISCONDUCT, DISCRIMINATION, FAIR HOUSING CONTRACT DRAFTING AND BUSINESS LITIGATION IMMIGRATION CANNABIS LAW/BUSINESS SET-UP/LICENSING EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FOR SAME SEX COUPLES SEXUAL ASYLUM WORKPLACE PETITIONS RESPECT IN THE WORKPLACE— HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION CONSUMER RIGHTS ADVOCACY
AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 13
PHOTO BY ROBERT GREEN, MOTORBOOT PHOTOGRAPHY.
AND THE WINNER IS
Tales Of The City >> KEVIN WEILER <<
WeHo Reads celebrates National Poetry Month and One City One Pride. BY O RLY LYO N N E
T
he City of West Hollywood’s WeHo Arts program presents WeHo Reads, a literary series at the West Hollywood Library. Past authors who have been part of the WeHo Reads series include André Aciman (Call Me By Your Name), Armistead Maupin, Cecil Castelucci, Chris Kraus (I Love Dick), David Ulin, Eileen Myles, Emma Donoghue (Room), LeVar Burton, Michelle Visage (interviewed by Bianca Del Rio), Nina Revoyr, Samantha Dunn, Steven Chbosky (The Perks of Being a Wallflower) and many others. In April, the City of West Hollywood celebrates National Poetry Month. In 2014, the City started a City Poet Laureate program. The current City Poet Laureate is Kim Dower. As part of her annual project she has collected answers to prompts from approximately 100 WeHoans each year, and weaved together a City-wide collaborative poem from the answers. This year’s poem is titled “West Hollywood is For Dreamers”which can be read at www.bitly.com/wehocitypoet. Dower has also curated a poetry reading to take place on April 25, 2018 at 7pm inside the West Hollywood Library. The event, “Route 66 Through The Eyes of Poets” builds on the success of last year’s “Sunset Strip Through The Eyes of Poets” which was recorded by KPFK later and broadcast. In May and June, WeHo Reads will join forces with the City’s One City One Pride program and present a variety of literary events celebrating Harvey Milk Day and LGBTQ authors.
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On Harvey Milk Day, May 22, at 7pm in the City’s Council Chambers at the West Hollywood Library, Celebration Theatre— the oldest LGBTQ theatre in the country—will present a staged reading of Dear Harvey, written by Patricia Loughrey. This event will serve as the official kick-off for One City One Pride. On Wednesday, May 23, at 7pm, WeHo Reads and One City One Pride present the Lambda Literary finalists reading, where you can hear readings by the Los Angeles area finalists for Lambda Literary Awards. On Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 7pm, historian and author Lillian Faderman (co-author with the late Stuart Timmons of Gay LA: A History of Sexual Outlaws, Power Politics, and Lipstick Lesbians) will join WeHo Reads and One City One Pride to present her brand new book, Harvey Milk: His Loves and Death. For more information on WeHo Reads visit www.weho.org/wehoreads.
Pride Recovery LA is an LGBTQ focused program that is located in West Hollywood, CA. We offer quality care for our clients, ages 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 60, to help them lead healthy lifestyles and commit to lifelong positive change. Each facility is staffed with highly trained clinicians and educators who utilize a full array of treatment methodologies to help adults carve out a meaningful place in the community.
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AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 15
THETRANSACTION REP. TED LIEU, D-CALIFORNIA
>> TED LIEU <<
NEW TRANS TROOP BAN
Rep. Ted Lieu, D-California: “No evidence a trans sniper is less accurate or a trans pilot is less effective.” BY O RLY LYO N N E
P
resident Trump released an order last month banning most transgender troops from serving in the military except under “limited circumstances,” following up on his calls last year to ban transgender individuals from serving. The White House said retaining troops with a history or diagnosis of “gender dysphoria”—those who may require substantial medical treatment—“presents considerable risk to military effectiveness and lethality.” The supposed impetus for the ban—that trans people are physically and mentally compromised and that their health costs are too extreme for the military’s $600 billion annual budget—have already been refuted by studies completed during the Obama administration, reports The Advocate.
Rep. Ted Lieu, D-California, tweeted about the “stupid bigotry from @realDonaldTrump,” writing, “As a veteran who served on active duty, we focused on the mission. We didn’t care if you were transgender, bald, gay, or had freckles. No evidence a trans sniper is less accurate or a trans pilot is less effective.”
Democrats on the House Armed Service Committee said that the president’s decision is “vicious, inhumane and utterly wrong,” and they pointed out, “There are scores of transgender men and women serving in the military right now, under a policy that had already been established & vetted by DOD and validated by the courts.” n
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Mr. Bear LA 2018 Art Berkowitz: “I would like to see the LGBTQ community become more inclusive.” B Y V I C T O R M E LA MED | PH O TO BY RO BERT G REEN
A
rt Berkowitz recently won the title of Mr. Bear LA 2018. (His bear brother, Mr. LA Leather Bear 2018 Ben Kaufher became the new Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2018 last month). Winning the title, on a personal level, provides “me the opportunity to bring together groups of people that would otherwise not interact with one another. I do this to provide a space for inclusion.” says Berkowitz in an interview with THE FIGHT. Originally from New York, Berkowitz, trained gourmet chef and baker, has been living in LA for 25 years—and he just celebrated 22 years in a committed relationship with his partner. “I feel that there are a lot of LGBTQ people in our community that are not sure where they fit in,” says Berkowitz. “I’m not an expert in any of these groups, but I am looking to learn more about them. My goal is to work with organizations to bring cohesion to the large number of LGBTQ people with varied interests.” “In this day and age we are confronted with numerous groups that are against our way of life and what we believe,” continues Berkowitz. “I would like to see the LGBTQ community become more inclusive, and show the world that we stand strong. I would like to see more LGBTQ people become more involved in community outreach and mentorship programs.” ■
For more info on Bears L.A. visit www.bearsla.org. AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 17 THE
THEROSTOWREPORT >> BY ANN ROSTOW <<
THE BRAINS OF A DANDELION
I see that Caitlyn Jenner, the Republican transwoman who supported Trump in 2016 and naively believed that he would help the LGBT community, has changed her tune. Back in the day, Jenner said she’d never vote for Hillary Clinton, the “liar,” and mused that Trump would be “good for women.” Now, she’s calling Trump a disaster, saying he has set the transgender community back 20 years. I was about to question in print why any of us even gives a damn about the opinion of this mindless idiot. I mean seriously, dear Readers. She’s got the brains of a dandelion. I know she’s a member of our colorful and charming LGBT community but still! Then I realized that I was the one who decided to begin my column with her revelations. So sue me, sue me, what can you do me. I love you!
SUBSETS OF SEX
Speaking of transwomen, we won a fantastic victory at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit the other day. On March 7, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously that a funeral parlor owner, who fired a director for planning to start her transition, had discriminated on the basis of sex in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. I know we’ve talked about this before, but it’s critical. If more and more federal courts continue to agree that gay and trans bias are subsets of sex discrimination, we will prevail in our civil rights goals much faster than we
“YOU CAN’T WIN ELECTED OFFICE AND THEN EXPECT YOUR PUBLIC CYBER SEX-CAPADES TO REMAIN PRIVATE… IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT, DON’T SHOW YOUR STUFF ALL OVER THE INTERNET FOR ALL TO SEE. GO OLD SCHOOL. SEDUCE SOMEONE FACE TO FACE LIKE THE REST OF US HAD TO.” might otherwise. It could take forever to convince Congress to add sexual orientation and gender identity to Title VII protections against workplace bias and other civil rights statutes. But sex is already protected. Sex discrimination is already against the law in the workplace, in housing, in public education. Ergo, if LGBT discrimination is seen as falling under the general category of sex discrimination, our community would suddenly have the law on our side. Last year, the full court of the Seventh Circuit ruled that gays can sue under Title VII’s ban on sex discrimination, and in early March, the full Second Circuit ruled the same in a
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similar case. Here we have a Sixth Circuit panel, and we have recently launched a Title VII case for a gay Michigan man in the Eighth Circuit. Obviously, the ultimate decision rests with the Supreme Court, which ducked a case out of the Eleventh Circuit earlier this session. They might be asked to review the above mentioned Sixth Circuit litigation. We will see.
GO SLOW SENATE Speaking of Title VII, I just have to note that we continue to enjoy the support of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the five-member
federal commission in charge of enforcing the half-century old law against workplace discrimination (Title VII). The Commission cannot include more than three members of one political party, so we all assumed that the insidious Trump minions would balance the membership back towards the conservative side right away. However, Trump has not managed to get his two nominees confirmed by the Senate, in part due to their “murky” attitude towards LGBT rights as one press report described it. I’m not sure what their status is at present, but for now, the EEOC is operating with one Republican, two GLBT-friendly Democrats, and two vacancies. As such, the EEOC just filed a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the gay Michigan man in the Eighth Circuit. Thanks guys! I also see that Trump just named a conservative lawyer, Sharon Fast Gustafson, to be the EEOC’s General Counsel, the main litigator for the agency. Gustafson will also have to be confirmed by the Senate, so that’s something.
BOMBERS AWAY
You’ll be sad to hear that the mid-March Austin bomber, Mark Conditt, apparently did not think much of gay relationships, calling them “not natural” in a blog post or something. The 24-year-old white guy was the disaffected school shooter-type, so puffed up with nothing to show for himself (even though he was so incredible!) that all he could think to do was to kill a few innocent people.
> > T H E B R A I N S O F A D A N D E L I O N • S U B S E T S O F S E X • G O S L O W S E N AT E • B O M B E R S A WAY • L O N E S TA R D I M M I T S < <
Conditt favored the death penalty, pointing out that if you leave a killer alive, he could kill more people. On the other hand, he had a soft spot for sex offenders and sex offender registries. “You have to really hate the guy to make him suffer for the rest of his life, even when his prison time is up,” he observed. “Will putting [a sex offender] on a list make it better? Wouldn’t this only make people shun him, keep him from getting a job, and making friends? Just for a crime that he may have committed over 15 years ago as a adolescent?” Gosh, food for thought n’est-ce pas? Hey, I live here in Austin, so I was on the ground to witness many of my fellow citizens going nuts over standard Amazon deliveries miles and miles away from any of the handful of bomb sites. Still, I was glad to learn that this fruitcake was gone for
good, black-listed on the great register of Eternity.
LONE STAR DIMMITS
While we’re in Texas, what do you think of the 19-year-old gay city councilman from Groves, Texas, Mr. Cross Coburn? The other day, an anonymous informant sent some Grindr screen shots of Coburn to the local TV news gang, asking whether this is the way a city councilman should present himself online. The images included naked selfies, shot Craigslist-style in the bathroom mirror (Guys, really? This is not attractive—take it from a middle aged lesbian) along with dick pics and discussions of how horny he was. I first saw this story on the gay blog Towleroad, under a headline that accused the press of gay shaming young Cross.
But please. You can’t win elected office and then expect your public cyber sex-capades to remain private. Who knows? Maybe the citizens of Groves, Texas, will enjoy the studly council-teen and reelect him when his term expires. Maybe not. That’s politics, and if you don’t like it, don’t show your stuff all over the Internet for all to see. Go old school. Seduce someone face to face like the rest of us had to. And what the hell, y’awl. I have one more Texas tale for your consideration, this one out of Orton, Texas, a panhandle town just two shakes of a bunny’s tail from Muleshoe and Dimmit. When Dallas resident Brenda Light, formerly of Olton, died at 77, her son Barry put an obituary in the Olton Enterprise. Under survivors, he listed himself and his husband—a partner of over thirty years, John Gambill.
As you might imagine, Gambill and Brenda Light had been family for decades. The publisher of this rag, Phillip Hamilton, deleted the reference to Gambill “because I wanted to,” he explained later. Hamilton pointed out that since the Bible didn’t envision same-sex marriages, mentioning a same-sex husband would be a “lie.” It’s just, I don’t know. I think it was one of the post-Millennial gun control activists who pointed out that it’s a matter of time until certain antediluvian old timers will be dead, while he and his cohort will be around to change the world. God speed to that. Except not God speed to my own death, of course. I want to stick around and watch the fireworks. n Ann Rostow can be reached at arostow@aol.com.
Lotus Place Recovery is a gender diverse conscious organization whose goal is to help clients grow into their authentic selves as they work towards self-acceptance and sobriety. Utilizing our team of experienced professionals, we provide a vast array of therapeutic modalities unique to each client’s journey towards healing. Clients explore multiple components of Self and Safety in Gender Expression, Emotional Intelligence, Self-Acceptance, Grief and Loss, Deconstruction of the Critical/Negative Self and the Impact of Trauma on the Self Experience while learning to live a substance-free lifestyle. Lotus Place Recovery’s core foundation is the SelfAcceptance ProgramÓ uniquely designed by Heidi Wells, Clinical Director and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, whose extensive background in diversity and trauma recovery contributed to the formulation of a program tailored to address the needs of the LGBTQIA? Community. The SelfAcceptance Program seeks to increase client awareness of the Self (strengths and challenges) while decreasing negative belief systems that mediate the daily functioning experience and contribute to chronic relapse and selfdestructive behaviors. This is accomplished by facilitating trauma resolution; deconstructing negative self-concepts and helping clients discover their unique journey to healing the Self while maintaining long-term sobriety.
For more information about Lotus Place Recovery in Orange County, California please contact our staff 24/7 at (888) 735-3832. AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 19
>> CLIVE BARKER <<
TRANSFORMING OUR CULTURE Folsom Street Events announces partnership with legendary artist Clive Barker. BY KIA N KA MATA KI
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olsom Street Events announced last month that the 2018 Folsom Street Fair and Magnitude posters will feature original images by writer, film director, painter, and photographer, Clive Barker. The images have been selected from the never before seen photographic series titled Imagining Man. Clive Barker, one of the premiere names in horror and fantasy, started his career as a director, and playwright for a small theater group in London. In his spare time, Barker began writing short stories that were published in various magazines. These stories were then published as a three-volume set titled The Books of Blood. Eventually he began writing full-length novels. Their success enabled Barker to begin his film career as a writer and director. In 1987, Barker redefined the horror film genre with the release of Hellraiser. The film’s success lead to adaptations of his work Nightbreed, Candyman, and Lord of Illusions. He was also the executive producer on the Academy Award-winning film, Gods and Monsters.
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Additionally, Barker is a gifted visual artist. Often illustrating his own books, Barker’s paintings are best viewed in his series, The Abarat Quintet. His paintings and illustrations have also been featured in galleries across the United States. The bulk of Barker’s ground breaking erotic photography has, before now, never been seen. “The organization’s Executive Director, and Board of Directors, has invited me to bring my art to Folsom,” says Clive Barker. “As an artist who has always played on the edge of public taste, I feel very comfortable in the company of the extraordinary people, especially LGBTQ individuals, who are living lives that are transforming our culture. I’m so proud of our community. Thank you to Folsom, my brothers, my sisters, and non-binary and gender non-conforming siblings. I love you.” Patrick Finger, Executive Director, says: “I saw Hellraiser during its original 1987 theatrical release. At 17 years old, with no sexual experience, a part of me understood the film’s underlying themes of BDSM. I have been a fan of Clive Barker’s work for years. This partnership has been a personal, and professional, dream come true. All of us at Folsom Street Events are honored to welcome Clive to our family.” Finger also adds: “The posters are just the beginning of our partnership with Clive Barker. We have much more in the works. Stay tuned!” Folsom Street Events 2018 Returning Sponsors are: PRESENTING Bud Light, RECON, Steamworks and Mr. S Leather; PREMIER Blow Buddies; CHARTER/ WEBSITE SF Eagle, Timoteo/CellBlock13; SUPPORTING Powerhouse, Orchid and Serpent Stores, Society of Janus, OASIS and Lone Star Saloon; MEDIA The Fight Magazine. Folsom Street Events receives support from Grants for the Arts for its stellar live music at Folsom Street Fair. Folsom Street Events, a 501©3 nonprofit organization, produces Hog Wild, Bay of Pigs™, Up Your Alley™, ROUGH, LeatherWalk™, Magnitude®, Folsom Street Fair™, DEVIANTS™, and more. The mission of Folsom Street Events is to unite the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for selfexpression while raising critical funds for San Francisco-based and national charities. Gate donations at the fairs benefit local and national charities. For more information about Folsom Street Fair, please visit www.folsomstreetevents.org.
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>> COVER INTERVIEW <<
Singer songwriter Brandon Stansell, next month’s Palm Springs Hot Rodeo headliner, on country music, coming out and the Golden Girls. BY MA RK ARI EL | PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNI NGHAM
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os Angeles-based “California country” performer Brandon Stansell, designated last year as one of the “10 New Country Artists You Need to Know” by Rolling Stone magazine, puts his heart and soul into his music. As a gay singer-songwriter much of Stansell’s music deals with his journey coming out and living his authentic life. Stansell will be performing at Palm Springs Hot Rodeo next month, on Friday, May 11 at The Toolshed in Palm Springs. (For more info visit: hotrodeo.org). In an interview with THE FIGHT Stansell talks about coming out to his religious family, moving to Los Angeles for a boy and finding his voice in a sea of other country singers. A little about your childhood: how was life growing up in Tennessee? I love being from Tennessee—I grew up on a farm just outside of Chattanooga. I have four siblings all pretty close in age, so we always kept each other entertained. I had a pretty idyllic childhood. My parents were always my biggest advocates and I never doubted the fact that I was loved and supported which is probably why coming out was so hard for me. Overnight, all the love and support I had gotten so used to evaporated. When did you come out? I knew I was gay when I was 6. I was 22 when I finally came out. I would like to say that I’d been strong or brave enough to be honest with my family and friends about my sexuality but it actually took me falling in love with someone to force my hand. I was dating my first boyfriend for over a year and it got too hard to hide. I also loved him very much, so lying about our relationship was difficult. My southern guilt caught up to me! 2 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
How did it work out with your family? My family had a difficult time managing their religious beliefs and the love they had for their son and brother but eventually prioritized one over the other. I, unfortunately, got the short end of the stick there. But after almost a decade I am able to see the good in the bad, and the good is this— these experiences made me who I am: a person I am very proud of. At what point in your life did you know you wanted to be a singer/songwriter? When I was a little kid! I used do shows at Opryland in Nashville. I remember as child there was nothing that made me happier than when I was on a stage. I did my first show at the Opry House at 6 yearsold and have never looked back. You were a back up dancer for Taylor Swift. Did you want to be a dancer at some point? Nashville breeds entertainers, not just dancers or singers or songwriters. We do it all! I took every job that came my way whether it meant I was singing or dancing, I just wanted to entertain people. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I finally started writing my own music and now songwriter feels like home base to me. Who were/are your idols? I have favorites than span multiple genres including Dolly Parton, Year and Years, Vince Gill, Tracy Chapman, Brandi Carlile, Elvis and Patsy Cline. What motivated you to move to LA? Initially I moved to LA for a boy. Everyone told me not do it but I did it anyway and almost as soon as I got here we broke up. In the moment I thought to myself, “damn, I just became a statistic!”
It didn’t take me long, however, to realize how much I loved this city. I fell into a wonderful community, so this place really feels like home now. I tell people all the time, “you’d have to drag me away kicking and screamin’ to get me to leave.” How was it acclimating to LA? I always say LA is a lot like Nashville in that everybody here wants to be an actor where as in Nashville everybody wants to be a Country Music singer. Living in Nashville, I had a hard time finding my voice in a sea of other country singers but LA gave me the space I needed to find myself and my sound. What song was the most difficult for you to write or perform—and why? I rarely sing any tracks from my first EP Dear John. This EP was a conceptual album I wrote about breaking up with my first long-term boyfriend. We loved each other a lot and this project was my way of dealing with all of the emotions I was feeling at the time. So, it’s hard to sing anything from this record because it brings back to life the feelings I felt when I wrote it. I read you are a huge Golden Girls fan. What is your favorite quote from that series? You have given me an impossible task here, too many amazing quotes! If you had to choose a different profession—what would it be? I would run for office. I was never interested in politics growing up, but once you realize other people are making decisions and laws that effect you and your community, I can’t help but to want to be involved. For more about Brandon Stansell visit: brandonstansell.com.
> > LEO HERRERA, COLUMBINE DEMERS, BRENDEN SCHUCART < <
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I congratulate all the participants in this year’s GSGRA Rodeo.
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2018 Hot Rodeo Production Team Rodeo Directors: Buck Beal, Terry Russ Assistant Rodeo Directors: Del Hoover, Jim Watkins Rodeo Treasurer: Gregg Harvey Dance Coordinator: Bill Swindle Riderless Horse Ceremony: Kristy Schaeffer Invocation: Rev. Andrew Green and Canon Victoria Hatch St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Palm Springs Grand Entry Vocalists: USA—Laura Scott; Canada—Christopher Durbin Riderless Horse—Brandon Stansell
WELCOME TO PALM SPRINGS HOT RODEO
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he men and women of the Greater Palms Springs Chapter of the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association take pleasure in welcoming you to Hot Rodeo 2018. Our production team has worked hard in the planning and production of what we hope you will find to be an exciting rodeo and memorable weekend for you. Rodeo production is an enormous task over several months employing the efforts and talents of many. We are grateful to one and all; but particularly to our Chapter President, Ken Smith; and GSGRA Treasurer, Sammy Van Galder, for their inspired leadership and unwavering support honed from many years’ experience. Heartfelt thanks go to our many sponsors, without whose interest and financial support our rodeo would not be possible. Lastly, and often unseen, we are very grateful for the countless hours and labors of 100+ volunteers who provide the vigor and muscle behind Palm Springs Hot Rodeo. Special thanks to our contestants, IGRA certified rodeo officials, arena and chute crews from near and far, for their devotion to rodeo and resolute dedication to competition, sportsmanship, and to competitor safety & animal welfare. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Hot Rodeo 2018: the excitement of competition, the spectacle and solemnity of Grand Entry, celebrity entertainment; the food, bar, and other services of our vendors—all here to enhance your day and rodeo experience. Thank you for coming. We hope you’ll enjoy Palm Springs Hot Rodeo as much as we enjoy bringing it to you.
Pool Party Coordinator: Vendor Coordinator: Jim Watkins Contestant/Registration Coordinator: Ed Thompson Hotel & Travel Coordinator: Ken Smith Security Coordinator: James Cline Marketing Coordinator: Truck Dyal Ticket Sales Coordinator: Gregg Harvey Bar Manager: Drew Kramer Webmaster: Sammy Van Galder Arena Tractor: Rowdy Rose / RDO Equipment Photography Director: Buck Beal Official Photographers (“Shutterbucks”): Ray Baumann, James Cline, Luis Gavela, Jeff Hermann, Mark Kelley, Andre Lapierre, Ken Larson, Bill Swindle, Gerard Quinn
Buckaroos: Jim Applegate, Ray Baumann, Jody Cap, Del Hoover, Mark Ockerman, Tim Roberts, Chuck Saucer, and Buck Beal
Buck Beal and Terry Russ Rodeo Directors
Men Lead On Saturday at 9am. Women First On Sunday at 9am.
Volunteer Coordinators: Cooper Anderson, Tim Roberts
VIP Pavilion Hosts: Chuck Saucer and Sean Kennefick
Let’s rodeo!
Running Order
Awards Coordinator:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
7. Goat Dressing Calf Roping on Foot 8. Chute Dogging Team Roping Break-away Calf Roping 9. Barrel Racing 10. Flag Race Steer Decorating 11. Wild Drag Race Pole Bending 12. Bull Riding Steer Riding
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Grand Marshal: Gregg Harvey Community Grand Marshal: Lisa Middleton GPSC Board of Directors: Ken Smith, Buck Beal, Terry Russ, Gregg Harvey
friday friday friday May 11th, May 11th, May 11th, at 7:30pm 7:30pm at 7:30pm
country music music songwriter songwriter and and recording recordingartist artist country music songwriter and recording artist
bRANDOn sTANSELL sTANSELL bRANDOn Headlining sTANSELL Performer Headlining Performer Headlining Performer
AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 27
No. 1 CRAFT COCKTAILS & EPIC EATS
RAISING
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AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 29
2018 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Thursday May 10th, 6:30pm–9pm. DANCE CONTEST—2018 HOT RODEO DANCE CHAMPION COMPETITION Hunters Nightclub, 302 E. Arenas Rd., Palm Springs, CA. Dance contest registration, $20 per person. See the poster for contest rules and Music Play List. Two-Step, Waltz, Shadow, Swing, and Line Dance. Ribbons awarded for each category. Hot Rodeo Dance Champion Buckle awarded to overall winner. Thursday May 10th, 9pm–close PALM SPRINGS HOT RODEO— WELCOME PARTIES Blackbook Bar, 315 E. Arenas Road, Palm Springs, CA. Hunters Nightclub, 302 E. Arenas Road, Palm Springs, CA. Friday May 11th, 8am–5pm IGRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING The Center—LBGTQ Center, 1301 N Palm Canyon Dr. ROOM #3, Palm Springs, CA Friday May 11th, 1pm–5pm HOT & WET COWBOY POOL PARTY Baymont Inn & Suites, 390 S Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA
PALM SPRINGS HOT RODEO
Friday May 11th, 8pm–close BRANDON STANSELL CONCERT / OUT BEHIND THE SHED KICK-OFF PARTY Tool Shed, 600 E. Sunny Dunes Rd., Palm Springs, CA Saturday May 12th, 9am–5pm PALM SPRINGS HOT RODEO COMPETITIVE EVENTS A.C. Dysart Equestrian Park, 2101 W Victory Ave. Banning, CA Saturday May 12th, 7pm–1am DANCING UNDER THE STARS— Sponsored by Chill Bar S. Indian Canyon & Arenas Rd. Parking Lot, Palm Springs, CA Sunday May 13th, 9am–5pm PALM SPRINGS HOT RODEO COMPETITIVE EVENTS A.C. Dysart Equestrian Park, 2101 W Victory Ave. Banning, CA Sunday May 13th, 8pm
Grand Marshal GREGG HARVEY “It is truly an honor to be named the Grand Marshall of the 2018 Hot Rodeo,” says Gregg Harvey. “Some 21 or 22 years ago, I walked into a meeting of the Bay Area Chapter looking to volunteer and get involved. I walked out of that meeting, after meeting some amazing men and women with the following goals: Promote the sport of rodeo and the country western lifestyle, which encourages individual’s participation. www.thefightmag.com 3 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefi ghtmag.com
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CONTESTANT REGISTRATION Baymont Inn & Suites, 390 S Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA
PALM SPRINGS HOT RODEO AWARDS CEREMONY TBD. Check hotrodeo.org for updates.
Friday May 11th, 5pm–8pm
Community Grand Marshal LISA MIDDLETON
alm Springs Hot Rodeo proudly honors Lisa Middleton as Community Grand Marshal this year. Ms. Middleton was elected to the Palm Springs City Council in November 2017. Representing Palm Springs, she serves on the Riverside County Transportation Commission, the Sunline Board of Directors, and the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy. Also representing Palm Springs, she serves on the following Coachella Valley Association of Governments Committees— Transportation, Energy & Environment, and Conservation. Prior to her election Ms. Middleton served as a member of the Palm Springs Planning Commission and as Chairwoman of the Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS). She is a member of the Boards of Directors of Neighborhoods USA, the Equality California Institute and the Desert LGBTQ Center. Ms. Middleton is the first transgender person elected to a non-judicial office in the state of California. In appreciation of her inspiring leadership, and in recognition of her commitment and contributions to the City of Palm Springs and all its people, the men and women of Palm Springs Hot Rodeo proudly proclaim Lisa Middleton as Community Grand Marshal 2018.
Educate inform its members, other interested organizations, and individuals, regarding the sport of rodeo and the country western lifestyle. Provide a forum for communication among its members, the gay community and the public in general through activities and charitable contributions. My years as a chapter member of the Bay Area Chapter and now the Greater Palm Springs Rodeo Corporations has been my privilege and honor. I share this day with my family, my amazing friends and my partner of 23 years Greg Francis. Thank you again for this wonderful honor.”
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AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 33
HOT RODEO
EVENT DESCRIPTIONS
Rough Stock Events: Bull Riding
Historically the most dangerous event in Rodeo and is open to Men and Women contestants. The contestant uses an approved rigging with a flat braided rope and braided hand grip, a loop and a bell. This is wrapped around the chest of the bull and the rider’s hand is tied into the hand grip. The rope can be worked with rosin and saddle soap to provide a very sticky grip to assist with their hold. The Stock Contractor flanks the bull with a soft cotton rope around the back end that signals the bull to buck when released from the chute. When the contestant is tied in and ready, they signal for the chute gate to open. The rider must stay mounted and in control for six (6) seconds, may only use one hand to hold on, and the other hand must not touch the animal or themselves. The Rider is scored 50% on their ability and skill, and 50% on the skill of the bull.
Rough Stock Events: Steer Riding
An entry level event for new Cowboys and Cowgirls. A steer is a less aggressive animal with a different skill set. The contestant uses an approved rigging with a flat braided rope and braided hand grip, a loop and a bell. This is wrapped around the chest of the steer and the rider’s hand is tied into the hand grip. The rope can be worked with rosin and saddle soap to provide a very sticky grip to assist with their hold. The Stock Contractor flanks the steer with a soft cotton rope around the back end that signals the steer to buck when released from the chute. When the contestant is tied in and ready, they signal for the chute gate to open. The rider must stay mounted and in control for six (6) seconds, may only use www.thefightmag.com 3 4 T H E F IGH T | www.thefi ghtmag.com
one hand to hold on, and the other hand must not touch the animal or themselves. The Rider is scored 50% on their ability and skill, and 50% on the skill of the steer.
Rough Stock Events: Chute Dogging
A fast and skillful event of a Steer versus a Cowboy or Cowgirl. This event is designed to give even the novice a chance to compete in rough stock events. The steer and the contestant both start in the chute and face a 60-second time limit. The contestant will call for the chute gate to be opened and must lead the steer out into the arena to a 10-foot line in front of the chute gate, and then attempt to wrestle or “dog” the steer to the ground. The contestant will turn the steer’s head up and toward the steer’s shoulder, hoping it will fall over on its other shoulder, causing all four feet to point in the same direction as the head. If the steer falls the other way (dog-fall), the contestant may let the steer up and start over. This is a timed event with the fastest time winning.
Roping Events: Calf Roping on Foot (Toe-Roping)
A great event for new Cowboys and Cowgirls. The contestant stands in the roping box behind a designated line and attempts to rope a calf as it leaves the roping chute. The contestant is not allowed to “snare” the calf and must throw the loop over the calf’s head. Once the loop passes over the calf’s head, the contestant must pull the slack and release the rope.
Roping Events: Mounted Break-Away Roping
Cowboys and Cowgirls compete in this event with their trained horse and a calf.
The contestant will tie the end of their rope to the saddle horn with a thin piece of string. The contestant will ride their horse out of the roping box and must throw their loop over the calf’s head. Once the loop passes over the calf’s head, slack in the rope is pulled which breaks the string and releases the rope from the saddle horn and signals the judge to stop the time. Fastest time wins in this event.
Roping Events: Team Roping
A traditional event composed of a team of two contestants (Cowboys and/ or Cowgirls) on their trained horses and a roping steer. A roping steer is extensively trained in this event and has special equipment placed on their head around their horns for protection. The contestants ride their horses out of the roping boxes as the steer is released. The “header” will throw their rope’s loop at the horns of the steer and once caught, dally their rope to their saddle horn. They will turn their horse and the steer in a counterclockwise motion causing the steer’s hind end to swing out so the “heeler” can throw their loop at the hind legs of the steer. Once the heeler has their loop set, the steer steps into the loop, they pull the slack and dally their rope to their saddle horn and back up to face the steer and the header to stop the time.
Speed Events: Barrel Race
A horse and rider compete for the fastest time running a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. A running start is allowed. A five second penalty is assessed for each barrel that is knocked over during the run. Disqualification will take place if the horse and rider break the required pattern.
Speed Events: Pole Bending
A horse and rider compete for the fastest time working a zig-zag pattern through six equally spaced poles. A running start is allowed. A five second penalty is assessed for knocking a pole down. Disqualification will take place if the horse and rider break the required pattern. The pattern must still be maintained, even if a pole has been knocked down.
Speed Events: Flag Race
A horse and rider compete for the fastest time running a triangular pattern similar to the Barrel Race. A pole is exchanged for the 3rd barrel. A flag is placed in a bucket on the first barrel. A running start is allowed. The horse and rider must run the pattern past the first barrel and pick up the flag. Continue the pattern around the pole and to the second barrel to stick the flag in the empty bucket and continue to the finish line. A five second penalty is assessed for knocking over the first bucket or the pole. Disqualification will take placed if the horse and rider break the required pattern, miss the flag, miss sticking the flag in the second bucket, or knocks over the second bucket or barrel.
Camp Events
Whenever a group of cowhands get together for a good time, hell is going to be raised! Cowhands generally have their own definition of fun and challenge. After a few beers and some serious ego pumping, it is amazing what a group of cowhands can come up with! Prerequisites for participation are a willingness to eat dirt and the ability to hold your own with an ornery steer or goat. Sixty percent of contestants at a gay rodeo get their start in these three “camp events” and the old-timers stay in because the pay-offs (or winnings) are the best of all events.
Camp Events: Goat Dressing
An athletic event com-
of a team ofArts twoprogram presents The City of Westposed Hollywood's WeHo
(cowboys and/or cowgirls), a goat, and a pair of briefs style underwear. The contestants must run to a goat (one contestant carries the underwear), catch the goat, put the underwear on the goat (over the tail), and run back to the finish line. Fastest time wins.
Camp Events: Steer Decorating
A fast event composed of a team
Thursday, March 22, 7pm of two (cowboys and/or cowgirls) WeHo Reads and Book Soup present: and one steer. One contestant Chelsey Johnson, in conversation with starts at a line 10-feet from the Carrie Brownstein (Portlandia, Sleater Kinney), chute gate and holds the end discussing and signing her debut novel,of Stray City a 25-foot rope that is
around Wednesday,looped March 28, 7pm the horns of a Hollywood steer in the chute. Friends of the West Library The second presents Sebastian Galvez in “AncontesEvening with Tennessee Williams" a one-man tant starts at ashow line directed by Paul Sand40-feet from the chute and has a ribbon for tying on the tail of the steer. The team can work together to get the steer out of Wednesday, April 25, 7pm the chute and across West Hollywood celebrates the 10-foot line. Once across the 10-foot National Poetry Month: line, the contestant with the ribbon will tie Route 66 Through the Eyes of Poets it on the tail ofcurated the steer. Once tied, the by West Hollywood City contestant with the rope can remove the Poet Laureate Kim Dower rope from the horns of the steer while the Tuesday, May 22, 7pmribbon-tying contestant runs back to the One City One Pride LGBTQ Festival openArts chute thatKick-off their steer came out of and Harvey Milk Day and celebration: tag the timer to end the event. They Join us for a free staged reading of the play cannot tag the timer until the rope is reDear Harvey by Patricia Loughton move from the horns of the steer. Fastest followed by a light reception time wins.
Tuesday, April 10, 7pm WeHo Reads and Book Soup present: Michael Imperioli (Summer of Sam, The Sopranos) discussing and signing his debut novel, And The Perfume Burned His Eyes
Wedensday, May 23, 7pm
Camp Events: DragReads: Race One City One PrideWild and WeHo
present the 2018 Lambda Literary Award An exciting, yet dangerous event comFinalists posed of aReading team of three contestants and a steer with a halter and lead rope. One Wednesday, May 30, 7pm constant must be male, one contestant Historian Lillian Faderman discusses her must be female, and the third contesnew book Harvey Milk: Histant Livescan andbe Death either a male or female, as part of One City One Pride the be “in drag” (wig & dress). but&must Lesbian Speaker Series The team members work together to lead the steer to the “finish line” RSVP or ticket purchase required all events. while one teamfor member assists, Please visit weho.org/wehoreads to RSVP and forinmore and the team member draginfo. readies to mount the steer near the finish line. The steer is lead across the line and stopped for the drag to mount and ride back across the finish line. Fastest time wins.
AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 35
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We’re all in this together. State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That’s one reason why I’m proud to support PS Hot Rodeo 2018. Get to a better State®.
State Farm, Bloomington, IL
AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 37
2018 HOT RODEO OFFICIALS
BUCKLE SPONSORS All Around All Around Cowboy: Terry Russ—Windermere Real Estate All Around Cowgirl: Cowgirl Country Club Roughstock Events Bull Riding—Men: Friends of Miss Patsi Bull Riding—Women: Steer Riding—Men: Buck Beal Steer Riding—Women: Chute Dogging—Men: Terry Murphy— Bennion Deville Homes Chute Dogging—Women: Katy Ranzoni Roping Events Calf-Roping on Foot—Men: Ed Thompson Calf-Roping on Foot—Women: Mounted Breakaway Roping—Men: Palm Springs Gay Softball League Kraut Law Group Mounted Breakaway Roping—Women: Kraut Law Group Mounted Speed Events Barrel Race—Men: Boheme Salon in Yucaipa, CA Barrel Race—Women: Dr. Larry Smith Pole Bending—Men: In Memory of Jimmy Golden Pole Bending—Women: Stone Chase Ranch, Sky Valley www.thefightmag.com 3 ghtmag.com 38 8 T TH HE E F F IGH IGH T T || www.thefi www.thefightmag.com
Flag Race—Men: Rick Roberts Flag Race—Women: Camp Events Steer Decorating (Team Event) Steer Decorating (Team Event) Goat Dressing (Team Event) Goat Dressing (Team Event) Wild Drag Race (Team Event) Wayne Green Wild Drag Race (Team Event) Wayne Green Wild Drag Race (Team Event) Wayne Green Additional Buckles Grand Marshal: Gregg Harvey Outstanding Volunteer: Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert (PSLOD) 2018 Hot Rodeo Rookie Community Goat Dressing Buckle #1 Community Goat Dressing Buckle #2 Country Dance Champion Mr. Palm Springs Hot Rodeo 2018 Miss Palm Springs Hot Rodeo 2018 2018 Rodeo Directors Chute Sponsors Bucking Chute #1 Bucking Around Bucking Chute #2 Green Guys Construction Bucking Chute #3 Bucking Chute #4
Rodeo Directors: Buck Beal, Terry Russ Assistant Rodeo Directors: Del Hoover, Jim Watkins Arena Director: Dee Zuspann Assistant Arena Director: Tim Smith Arena Crew Coordinator: Megan Follin Chute Coordinator: Denise Rinehart-Stange Assistant Chute Coordinator: Carl Schmidt Judges: Terry Covington, Jack Morgan, Tom Sheridan, Greg Tinsley Scorekeepers: Guy Puglisi, Rick Kelly, Ed Labrash Assistant Scorekeeper: Rodeo Secretary: Ron Trusley Assistant Rodeo Secretary: Michael Norman Timers: Ray Bradford, Steve Hess, John Hill, Jeffrey Neal, Christopher Sanders, Ed Thompson Announcers: Douglas Graff & Adam Johnson Stock Contractor: Jane Silva & Bill Lyle, The Thrill of Morgan Hill IGRA Auditor: Barn Manager: Don Kendrick and Pepe Lozada Ferrier: Jaimes Loughrey Veterinarian: Rachel Reedy, DVM Emergency Medical Services: Event Medical Standbys: Bob McLaren Rodeo Treasurer: Gregg Harvey Assistant Rodeo Treasurer: Chris Caufield
ANIMAL WELFARE
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he International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) endorses and promotes animal welfare and the humane, responsible treatment of animals in their housing, feeding, training, exercising and competition. We strive to ensure our events are purposefully tailored and executed to provide animal and human participants the safest environment possible, and shall act to immediately disqualify or reprimand any contestant, official, or contracted personnel found to be treating animals in an irresponsible manner.
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AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 39
THESHARE
THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY
>> BY PAULO MURILLO <<
LETTING GO OF RESENTMENTS
We asked these local sober folks, with various lengths of continuous sobriety time, how they let go of resentments in recovery. DESIREÉ SALES
Step WORK
“I had a breakup this past year where my boyfriend cheated on me. I still have the resentment that I’m working on right now. As far as all the other resentments in my life, the way I let them go is I do step work. It’s a process. I write the person’s name down. What did this person do to me? What was my part in it? What did it make me feel? Letting go of resentments is hard, but I know if I don’t let go, my ass is going to go out. I have the moments where I’m in that headspace and I have to go do something productive. I talk to my sponsees, my sponsor, go to meetings and I share about it. I try to focus on the positive things in my life. One of my sponsees pointed out that I focus on that one thing, instead of focusing on the 99 people that love me and I have to remember that.” —Desireé Sales, sober since January 2009.
went wrong and not talk about any of my stuff. I like to pray for them, but it’s the type of prayer where I pray they get things that I actually want for myself, like health. As much as I may resent a person, I do want them to have good health. I want them to have a warm heart; to be loved. Once I start to think of those things honestly, I start to feel them, and the resentment begins to lift. It can be incredibly difficult, but it’s more difficult to think that I can relapse from this. No one is worth me relapsing over, so I’m going to pray for that person, not so much for them, but for me.” —Dale Walker, sober since August 8, 2013.
MY PART
RIGOROUSLY HONEST “Initially I let it fester. I heard early on that the justified ones are the most dangerous to hold on to. Resentments are the number one offenders. They’ll take us out. Once I felt it enough and I’m finally at the point of letting it go, I start taking action. I call my sponsor to basically tell on myself and be rigorously honest, because I like to focus on their part, what they did, what
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DALE WALKER
“The way I handle resents today is I pray for the person for two weeks that they get everything they want. If after two weeks I still have the resentments, then I have to look at my part in it. I look at why I have the resentment and what my part is, and TERRY generally I figure out SUE that well, my resentment isn’t their fault, it’s mine. I try to make sure my side of the street is clean before I continue a resentment. I didn’t handle resentments very well before I got sober. I was a bitchy queen. That was 35 years ago. Resentments still come up today, but they’re a lot easier to let go. People can stay sober and be resentful, but they tend to be miserable. They may be sober, but they’re not serene. They may go to meetings, but they sit there with their arms folded and say hateful stuff. If you don’t deal with a resentment then it’s like you take poison and hope the other person dies. I’m the one carrying the resentment, so many times people don’t know I have it. It’s all in my head. Meanwhile they’re doing just fine.” —Terry Sue, sober since June 14, 1982
THEEPIDEMIC > > C R O T O N Y L AT I O N < <
SATYA DANDEKAR, PHD
DISRUPTING HIV
The goal is to force the virus to be expressed so it is visible to the immune system. BY O RLY LYO N N E
N
ew research published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation suggests that an epigenetic mechanism that controls gene expression may draw HIV out of hiding and make it vulnerable to antiretroviral therapy (ART), reports Specialty Pharmacy Times. “We have been working on mechanisms that could be used to disrupt HIV latency,” said senior author Satya Dandekar, PhD. “The goal is to force the virus to be expressed so it is visible to the immune system and can be targeted through immuno-therapeutics. This is the first study to identify histone crotonylation as a driver for HIV transcription and de-crotonylation of histone as an epigenetic marker for HIV silencing.” In the new study, the researchers focused on crotonylation in hopes that it could hold the key to curing HIV. This mechanism modifies the protein that packages DNA, which affects gene expression. To gain a more in-depth understanding of the crotonylation, the authors investigated the ACSS2 enzyme, which plays a role in fatty acid metabolism in the gut. This enzyme may be an important target, as HIV has been linked to impaired lipid metabolism, according to the study. “We examined well-characterized cell models of HIV latency and immune cells from HIV patients who had been undergoing antiretroviral therapy and had undetectable viral loads,” Dr Dandekar said. “In those samples, we were able to disrupt the HIV silencing by inducing histone crotonylation.” Interestingly, increasing histone crotonylation was found to work synergistically with other anti-HIV latency treatments, which suggests a combination therapy could help target latent cells, according to the study. n
AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 41
THEART >>
LGBTQ ARTISTS
<<
FRANCO AMERICANO Exaggerated forms posed within a dark and dreamy realm, translating each personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inner landscape.
L
os Angeles based artist Franco Americano a self-taught artist, has exhibited in the US and abroad including shows in Barcelona, Spain and Paris, France. United States exhibitions include New York, Colorado, San Francisco, Chicago and Los Angeles. His work has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Tom of Finland Catalog and The Advocate. His paintings and works on paper distinctively present a central, coupled or lone figure as Americano translates each personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inner landscape. His figures are exaggerated forms posed within a dark and dreamy realm, offering elusive, idiosyncratic portraits with a wide-range of fluctuating expressions. n Contact info: IG @franco_americano, www.saatchiart.com/francoamericano.
FRANCO AMERICANO
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>> MR HANKEYS
TOYS <<
SEX IN THE AGE OF TRUMP Sales of sex toys are up. “People are looking for ways to relieve stress.” BY O RLY LYO N N E
A
ccording to Mr. Hankey of mrhankeystoys.com, the recent political upheaval may have been bad for the country but good for sales in the sex industry. “Our sales are up 200% over last year—however I’m not really sure that has anything to do with the political environment… perhaps it is because people are looking for ways to relieve stress,” says Mr. Hankey, in an interview with THE FIGHT. Top sellers this year, says Hankey, continue to be “The Big Daddy and Boss Hogg—they consistently perform well. The CutlerX is also an amazing piece that people love.” “We are going to release the Rentman soon,” reveals Hankey. “That will be an amazing life casting available in four sizes, I am really excited to see that one.” In general, says Hankey, “We will be releasing a ton of new stuff this year … We’ll also be releasing smaller toys for those who are not as extreme as our original, loyal customer base. Our fantasy line will continue to grow and we expect to have a very full line-up by the end of year.” “We still typically get each handmade item shipped within 1-2 days and our quality and designs will always keep improving,” says Hanke. “I encourage anyone who is interested in our toys to sign up for our newsletter, we don’t do spam, annoying daily email blasts or sell customer email addresses but we do occasionally send discounts or announce new products.” ■ For more info visit mrhankeystoys.com. AP E FFIIGH APR RIILL 2018 2018 || TH THE GHTT 43 43
YES MISTRESS
>> COVER INTERVIEW <<
An interview with queer dominatrix and dungeon owner Mistress Justine Cross. BY ROX I E P E R K I N S
M
istress Justine Cross is a queer professional and lifestyle dominatrix who also owns, runs, and operates Dungeon East and Dungeon West. As a BDSM educator Cross hosts speaking events and educational performances at college campuses including at UCLA’s “BDSM 101” workshop held at their LGBT Resource Center. In an interview with THE FIGHT Cross talks about navigating between her personal and professional life, gender bending and 50 Shades of Grey.
Professional means I do this for a living. This is my career and company and I’m getting paid to do BDSM. And personal means I also enjoy this in my private life.
What is the difference between lifestyle and professional dominatrix?
As a queer woman do you define your dominatrix work as particularly queer
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How would you define the job of a professional dominatrix? It varies because there’s so much variety within BDSM but generally a dominatrix would be a professional dominant doing various things under the BDSM umbrella. Things like corporal punishment, different kinds of fetishes, leather, latex, gender bending, role playing—things of that nature.
or does your queerness not come into play with your work? My queerness is more in my personal life, even though it’s something I’m out about. Over the past few years I’ve been involved with more events in the queer community which has been definitely more fun because I’m getting to do what I love to do with friends and in my community—versus, you know, doing what I do for a private audience of one—generally a middle aged, male, client… Is your average client really the stereotypical middle aged, white, straight, man? More or less… Most of my clients are middle aged, white, male, heterosexual
> > MISTRESS JUSTINE CROSS < <
for the most part. I think that has a lot to do with who has disposable incomes… Because—you know—everyone’s into this! It’s not just middle aged, white men! Do you find that nowadays the average person is more educated about BDSM due to mainstream films like 50 Shades of Grey or do you find that nowadays people tend to think of BDSM as more of a subculture? I think BDSM is definitely getting out there more in terms of shows and podcasts and it’s certainly much more accessible now because of the internet— but also because of the integration of it into so many different kinds of events. [Nowadays] I’m getting hired to do parties and events that, you know, are definitely for crowds where no one’s ever hired a Dominatrix before. So definitely there is a lot more exposure and people are getting into it more… I also go to college campuses every once in awhile to give talks and performances and you’d think that all these kids would have the pulse and would know all about dungeons or
BDSM stuff—nope! Ha. But I think it’s like—if you’re into it, you’re finding out about it. […] I mean just the fact that I’m participating in a thing called “BDSM 101” at UCLA’s LGBT Center where it’s a lot of bigger promoters talking about safe sex and they hired me to talk about BDSM, and consent, and dungeons—that’s huge! So there’s definitely more exposure. What drew you to this line of work? I moved out to Los Angeles after college. You know, I’d done [BDSM] in my personal life and I knew a couple of pro dommes but it wasn’t really the right time for me to get involved with it. So I moved out here and I had a regular job, nothing particularly special. But I guess I just thought, well, I’ll just google “Los Angeles” and “dungeon” and see what’s around town. So I found a space and I started working there for about a year. It was a commercial dungeon which is very different than the kind of space that I run. At a commercial dungeon there’s a staff of people working there which generally includes professional dommes, switches, and subs. […] There are very specific rules there
about what you can and can’t do. Your rates are set for you by the person who’s running the space and things like that. So I was there for about a year and I wanted to move on and become an independent domme and set my own rates and have my own clientele. So I did that and I was renting from other spaces. And then I realized that I was renting from other spaces so much that I was paying their mortgage! That was when I realized I needed to have my own dungeon. So I got my own dungeon and realized that I didn’t wanna pay rent—so I started renting the space out to other people and then that went so well that I ended up needing another space. So then I got another space and now I have these two dungeons and still book my own sessions and my own time… it turned into a really an entirely other business that I wasn’t really expecting it to when I first started doing it. But as it turned out I was really good at business and marketing. I have degrees in literature and psychology so that was not totally expected. But here I am! More information on Mistress Justine Cross can be found at www.losangelesdominatrix.com.
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AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 45
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CUB SCOUT AT THE EAGLE
Cub Scout celebrated last month the “Queens of the Jungle” at The Eagle LA with special guests Meatball, Tony Berrow & Cassandra joining Lady Bear & Sarah Problem. Music by: Chris Bowen and Victor Rodriguez.
HEE FFIGH IGHTT || www.thefightmag.com www.thefightmag.com 4488 TTH
SUNDAY
AUGUST 12
2018
11:00 AM-8:00 PM BURBANK BLVD
(Between Cahuenga Blvd & Strohm Ave)
AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 49
THECALENDAR >> THINGS TO DO << WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4
DRAG QUEEN BINGO FUNDRAISER
Hamburger Mary’s, 8288 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, 90046. 7pm. WH2O fundraiser for a fun evening of BINGO hosted by glamorous drag queens! A suggested donation of $20 will get you a stack of bingo sheets. They are raising funds for their upcoming competitions at Nationals in Indianapolis and the Gay Games in Paris.
The Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Blvd. EAST NoHo CA 91601. 9pm. Find out who will be MBL 2018. Cigar Bar hosted by Master Kevin.
PORTRAIT BY DAVID HOCKNEY. AT LACMA. SEE SUNDAY, APRIL 15.
SUNDAY, APRIL 15
LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART PRESENTS: DAVID HOCKNEY LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036. In 82 Portraits and 1 Stilllife, David Hockney offers a vibrant and intimate view of people with whom he has developed relationships over the past 50 years.
THE L WORD RETURNS TRIVIA NIGHT
Bar 10, 8933 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069. 7pm-2am. A three part spectacular event at Bar 10 in West Hollywood. Starting at 7pm, 12 lucky people will be able to purchase a walk in ticket for $10. First come first serve!
AIDS/LIFECYCLE LOTERIA FUNDRAISER
Redline Gay Bar—DTLA, 131 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 12:00pm-5pm. A Sunday brunch Loteria in support of AIDS/LifeCycle. Hosted by the fabulous Lola with special guest appearance Bearonce. Brunch 12noon/Loteria 2pm. Raffle, Brunch, Drink Specials and Drag entertainment.
SATURDAY, APRIL 7
FULL FRONTAL DISCO 9 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Akbar, 4356 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029. 9pm-2am. Midnight Roller Disco Duet with Trey Knight & Kim Manning. Disco Dolls Isreal Zamora & All American Drew. Your Dance Commanders Mario Diaz &N Nelstar. Resident DJs Slash Fiction (Henry Self & Mick Dimaria). $5.
TUESDAY, APRIL 24
SINISTER WISDOM
West Hollywood Library— Council Chambers Auditorium, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, 90069. 7pm-9pm. Hear a group of women who have contributed to Sinister Wisdom, A Lesbian Literary & Art Journal that began in 1976 and has been publishing the words/art/images of Lesbians since that time as a non-profit and all volunteer organization.
DRAGTASTIC NYC
The Village at Ed Gould Plaza—LA LGBT Center, 1125 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90038. 8pm. Tickets: www.eventbrite. World premier screening. Filmed in 2010 for the Logo Network. There will be live performances by Pandora Boxx, Kelly Mantle and Harmonica Sunbeam along with Q&A with Pandora, Kelly, Harmonica and the film’s producer/director Andrea Meyerson.
11TH ANNUAL DON THOMPSON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL
Ray Stark Theatre—USC, SCA 108, George Lucas Building Lobby, USC School of Cinematic Arts Complex, 900 W. 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007. 2pm-6pm. The festival showcases the work of up-and-coming LGBTQ and ally Trojan filmmakers and has become one of USC Lambda’s signature events, with proceeds benefiting the Don Thompson Scholarship in Cinematic Arts. SUNDAY, APRIL 8
GAY CAMPING 101 & BIG GAY PICNIC! Beacon (Echo Park Boathouse) , 751 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA.90026. 2pm-6pm. Info: www.greatoutdoorsla.org. Great Outdoors LA invites you to join them for an afternoon in Echo Park.
LETTER-WRITING ACTION
1220 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038. 11am-pm. Info: www.proudout.com/po-event/ letter-writing-action/. Organized by the Los Angeles LGBT Center, a letter-writing campaign, urging our California legislators to pass SB 918, creating an Office of Homeless Youth and a $60 Million grant program, and AB2119, clarifying that foster youth have the right to accessgender affirming care. TUESDAY, APRIL 10
MICHAEL IMPERIOLI
West Hollywood City Council Chambers, 625 North San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood, 90069. 7pm-9pm. Book Soup and the City of West Hollywood’s WeHo Reads program present: Michael Imperioli discussing and signing his debut novel, The Perfume Burned His Eyes.
San Diego LGBT Community Center, 6pm-9pm. Info: www.sdpride.org/tdoe. Celebrate the rich diversity of San Diego’s transgender community. This year’s program is will include trans speakers, entertainment, refreshments and community awards.
THE LGBT BAR ASSOCIATION 39TH ANNUAL GALA: ENDEAVOR TOGETHER
California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037. 6:30pm-10:30pm. Honors individuals and organizations that have made unselfish contributions to education, human rights, and equality for the LGBT community.
FOXHOLE
Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601. 9pm-2am. Mr. Bullet Leather Edition. A bathhouse theme party celebrating the golden days. $10 Cover (includes $5 ticket off first drink).
FRIDAY, APRIL 13
SATURDAY, APRIL 14
14TH ANNUAL TRANSGENDER DAY OF EMPOWERMENT
MR. BULLET LEATHER CONTEST & CIGAR BAR 2018
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SATURDAY APRIL 28
L.A. DRAG BECOMES HER
The Montalban, 1615 Vine St. Los Angeles, CA 90028. 8pm-11:59pm. Info: www.themontalban.com. Peaches Christ Productions & Matthew Herrmann present: DRAG a hi-sterical parody of the ‘90s legendary comedy “Death Becomes Her.”
MEAT RACK 11 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles. 9pm-2am. Featuring the long-awaited return of DJ TED EIEL with his signature CHUNKHOUSE sound that’s defined MEAT RACK since 2007!
FLOW JAM IN THE PARK ECHO PARK 2234 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA. 1pm-5pm The LA Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence invite you and your friends for a free community flow event in Echo Park Lake. SUNDAY, APRIL 29
BEER BUST FOR DYKE DAY LA 2018 Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, 90029. 2pm-7pm. Raise money to support the funding of Dyke Day LA.
ONLINE NOW!
Prty SEXY
Looking for a good time, but it’s harder to find…
New to the scene, and the site. I’m a weekend warrior, but PNP anytime. HIV STATUS: ASK ME
CALL: 323-463-7001
VISIT: friendsgettingoff.org
Friends Getting Off provides free drug counseling for gay and bisexual men who use methamphetamine. The program combines group counseling with an intervention that gives rewards for negative urine samples. Participation is 8 weeks followed by a 16 week support group and one follow-up assessment.
1419 North La Brea Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028 A clinic of Friends Community Center, a division of Friends Research Institute, Inc. This project is supported by funds received from the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Division of HIV and STD Programs and the City of West Hollywood.
AP R I L 2018 | TH E F I GH T 51
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