THE FIGHT SOCAL'S LGBT MONTHLY MAGAZINE MAY 2015 by The Fight Magazine

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THECONTENTS >> MORE TO COME <<

C O V E R S T O R I E S A N D F E AT U R E S

LONG BEACH PRIDE

19 THE FESTIVAL, THE PARADE 19

HEALING 20 SEXUAL GAY MEN’S HEALTH FAIR

POLITIC 21 BODY LONG BEACH MAYOR ROBERT GARCIA PRIDE: FIGHT FOR EQUALITY 24 LA NEXT MONTH IN WEHO MASTER 28 PUPPET PUPPETEER MATT SCOTT LOVER 34 SCAR EMBRACING YOUR IMPERFECTIONS YOURS 38 PROUDLY LONG BEACH LGBTQ PROFILES JESUS FOR APLA 42 PLASTIC AIDS FUNDRAISER, LIVE AUCTION FORWARD 43 FASHION SAINT LAURENT: THE MOVIE

ON THE COVER COVER MODEL: MATT SCOTT COVER PHOTO, MAIN TOC PHOTO AND FEATURE PHOTO BY: DUSTI CUNNINGHAM MAKE UP: ADAM WINTER

DEPARTMENTS

10 THE CONTRIBUTORS THE TALENT 13 THE LETTERS READERS RESPOND 14 THE TALK BRUCE JENNER 17 THE STATE TRANS RIGHTS 18 THE CITY MUNICIPAL ELECTION 22 THE ROSTOW REPORT THE SUPREMES 36 THE EPIDEMIC PHARMACY PROFILE 44 THE SHARE LOCAL SOBRIETY 46 THE EVENT CHILD OF THE 70s

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48 THE CALENDAR WHAT’S COMING UP 50 THE FINAL FIGHT TYRONE RONTGANGER

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THEEDITOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stanford Altamirano MANAGING EDITOR Mark Ariel ART DIRECTOR Nadeen Torio MARKETING CONSULTANTS Michael Bishop Tom Pardoe Eric Slayton >> IN THIS ISSUE <<

In celebration of Long Beach Pride taking place this month THE FIGHT features various interviews with local personalities residing in the city. In a conversation with Mark Ariel Long Beach puppeteer Matt Scott reveals what attracted him to the profession and the support he receives from the community (“Puppet Master,” page 28). “Puppetry is a unique and challenging art form. It is so all-encompassing, that I always find myself challenged, no matter how many times I build a new character,” says Scott. “From concept to design, sculpting, carving, painting, costuming, putting in animated faces, building in specialty tricks, the possibilities are endless and always a new set of obstacles to overcome.” “One of the oddest things about my career so far has been the audience themselves,” reveals Scott. “I really thought I would have captured the attention of more gay people. My influences and style is particularly queer. But I find I am actually supported most by the eclectic, straight, art contingent. Most of my appearances are in burlesque and sideshow stages. It makes me a little sad that its my hetero, hipster peers that can call out the influence of someone like Charles

Nelson Reilly or Gloria Swanson in a character, while the younger gay audiences scratch their heads and shrug. There is a disconnect that I am always mumbling about, but I keep on. I chose to pick up a forgotten art form, and I keep hoping that it sparks interest in our golden, gilded past.” Also in the issue—Porter Gilberg, Executive Director at The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach talks about the meaning of pride, on a personal level (“Proudly Yours,” page 38). “I have lived in Long Beach for 12 years. I grew up near Temecula, CA and was itching for a bigger city with a vibrant LGBTQ community. Long Beach fit the bill so when I turned 18 I made the move,” says Gilberg. “To me, Pride is about celebrating rebellion and the exhilaratingly political aspects of our community. Of course there’s always parties, but every Pride season I like to take time to think about those who made our movement possible; the drag queens and butches that rebelled at Stonewall, the folks who fought back at the Black Cat riot, and the fierce queers who said ‘no more’ at Compton’s Cafeteria riot... I’m fiercely proud to be a queer person and Pride season is one of my favorite times to blare that from the hills.”

SOCIAL MEDIA Paulo Murillo Michael Bishop WEBMASTER Nadeen Torio 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 © 2015 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.

STANFORD ALTAMIRANO Editor-In-Chief

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THECONTRIBUTORS >> WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS <<

PAULO MURILLO West Hollywood resident Paulo Murillo has been writing for gay media for over twelve years. He got his start writing a bi-weekly column called “Luv Ya, Mean It” for FAB! Newspaper. Visit his website at thehissfit.com, or friend him on Facebook. TYRONE RONTGANGER Tyrone Rontganger was born in London and moved to West Berlin in the 1980s. He actively took part in the freedom demonstrations in East Berlin and stood on the Wall the night it fell on November 9, 1989. He’s been a wearer of leather and rubber since his early 20s and has always been a regular on Berlin’s diverse leather scene. Elected Mr Leather Berlin 2012, he became German Mr Leather 2013 and again in 2014. DUSTI CUNNINGHAM Los Angeles based photographer

updates, visit her blog at: annrostow.blogspot.com. Ann can be reached at: arostow@aol.com.

Murillo

Rostow

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,

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Rontganger

Nicastro

Lyonne

Cunningham

circuses, 1970s glamour, and the National Enquirer. www.dusticunningham.com. ANN ROSTOW Ann Rostow writes news analysis columns for THE FIGHT and other gay publications across the country. For weekly LGBT News

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. ANDY NICASTRO Andy Nicastro is a freelance producer, writer and graphic designer, and was the Director of Global Production for Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation Holocaust documentation project from 1994 - 1999. He lives in Los Angeles with his husband, the actor Patrick Bristow. His blog, “Shortly After Takeoff,” which chronicles his recovery from crystal meth addiction, can be found at www.andynicastro.com.

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THELETTERS >> FROM OUR READERS <<

BEARS REPEATING Dear Editor, What an amazing straight ally Scandal’s Kerry Washington is (THE FIGHT, “The Talk,” Issue #51). I hope all of your readers read her quote—and especially: “Sometimes even within our own communities, we designate who among us is best suited to represent us and who, really, shouldn’t even really be invited to the party. As ‘others,’ we are taught to be successful we must reject those ‘other ‘others’ or we will never belong.” It bears repeating. As we have gained more rights over the past few years—marriage of course being one of the major victories in many states—it seems that some in our community are trying to emulate a straight lifestyle. And not only that—in some cases those “emulators” look down upon those of us who do not live according to hetero-normative social codes. As a community still fumbling to find its own way after attaining a degree of social acceptance—we must be aware of the fact that all of us are entitled to live in the way we choose (without hurting anyone, of course)— whether it is within a monogamous marriage or not. And whatever works for you—is no “lesser than” or “more than.” —Jameson George, Los Angeles, CA

MORE PLEASE Dear Editor, Wow—one helluva sexy photo shoot (THE FIGHT, “At The Baths,” Issue #51)! More please! Oh and especially more Shawn Morales. Or David Rest. Oh—hell—any of those boys! —Ty Brock, via the internet

HID MY GAY Dear Editor, I enjoyed reading your interview with David Rest (THE FIGHT, “Go-Go Dancing In The USA,” Issue #51). As someone who is not American-born I also went through a period of cultural adjustment, and hid my gay identity from my parents. But now— after living in the USA for many years—I recently told them about myself. It took some time—but they have accepted me for who I am. I hope the same happens for David Rest. —Morad Kateb, 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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THETALK >> W H AT T H E Y ’ R E S AY I N G <<

BRUCE JENNER

SAVING LIVES “Bruce Jenner is a beautiful, brave human being. Sending him lots of love. He’s saving lives and opening minds tonight.” —Ellen DeGeneres, tweeting her support last month for Bruce Jenner.

ELLEN DEGENERES

ALL OF US “All of us deserve the right to be loved for who we are.” —Oprah Winfrey, tweeting her support last month for Bruce Jenner.

BILLY CRYSTAL OPRAH WINFREY

YOU DESERVE

MY SOUL

“For all intents and purposes, I am a woman... So, here I am. Stuck—and I hate the word—a girl stuck in a guy’s body. I hate that terminology... I’m me. I’m a person and this is who I am... My brain is much more female than it is male. It’s hard for people to understand that, but that’s what my soul is.” —Former Olympic superstar athlete turned “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” reality star Bruce Jenner coming out as transgender in an interview with Diane Sawyer on ABC last month.

BEING HUMAN

MARLEE MATLIN

“Bruce Jenner. Being human is the most brave thing you can do. Let’s give all transgendered the freedom, love and respect that we all expect.” —Marlee Matlin, tweeting her support last month for Bruce Jenner.

“Courageous and true to yourself. I hope the world gives you the love and respect you deserve.” —Matt Bomer, tweeting his support last month for Bruce Jenner. MATT BOMER

WITH LOVE

BILLIE JEAN KING

“We learn from you to be courageous, funny and to be our authentic self. With love and Go For It!” —Billie Jean King, tweeting her support last month for Bruce Jenner.

TRUE OLYMPIAN “I’m so proud of Bruce Jenner—now you see the true Olympian!” —Margaret Cho, tweeting her support last month for Bruce Jenner.

MARGARET CHO

GIANT LEAP

SO INSPIRING

“One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” —Jimmy Fallon, tweeting his support last month for Bruce Jenner.

“Absolutely floored at how courageous and brave Bruce Jenner is. So inspiring and so powerful. Shame on anyone who dare judge.” —Sam Smith, tweeting his support last month for Bruce Jenner.

JIMMY FALLON

LET’S EMPOWER

LADY GAGA

“We have the chance to write this moment in history together. Let’s empower people like Bruce all over the world by being loving & not mean.” —Lady Gaga, tweeting her support last month for Bruce Jenner.

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SAM SMITH

MILESTONE MOMENT “An historic, milestone moment for our culture, a big national conversation & a brave move towards self-realization.” —Ross Mathews, tweeting his support last month for Bruce Jenner.

ROSS MATHEWS

MAY 2015 | TH E F I GH T 15

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THESTATE >> T R A N S G E N D E R R I G H T S <<

U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE JON TIGAR

TRANSGENDER RIGHTS IN PRISON

Judge won’t delay order on inmate sex reassignment surgery. BY VICTOR MELAMED

federal judge refused last month to delay his order for California to provide sex reassignment surgery for a transgender inmate, reports The Associated Press. U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar made his ruling in response to a request by state corrections officials, who also have appealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will now ask the 9th Circuit for a stay, said spokeswoman Deborah Hoffman. The state wanted Tigar to reconsider while it awaits a ruling from the appeals court in the case of Michelle-Lael Norsworthy, 51, whose birth name is Jeffrey Bryan Norsworthy. It’s just the second time a judge in the U.S. has directed a state prison system to provide the surgery, reports The Associated Press. The previous order in a Massachusetts case was overturned and is being appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. In San Francisco, Tigar agreed with state officials that the case raises a serious legal question. He said he granted Norworthy’s request, however, after concluding she is likely to ultimately win her case and that she is suffering serious psychological and emotional harm in the meantime because her rights are being violated. Kris Hayashi, executive director of the Transgender Law Center in Oakland, which helped represent Norsworthy, welcomed the ruling. “Judge Tigar recognized the urgency for Michelle in receiving the care that all the evidence shows is critical for her health,” Hayashi said in a statement. n MAY 2015 | TH T T1717 MAY 2015 | TEH F EI GH F I GH

THECITY >> BY PAULO MURILLO <<

MAYOR LINDSEY P. HORVATH SWORN-IN

he City of West Hollywood held its annual City Council Reorganization and Installation meeting last month. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti attended the ceremony to swear in Councilmember Lindsey P. Horvath as the City’s new Mayor. Screenwriter, producer and director Dustin Lance LINDSEY P. Black, swore in Councilmember HORVATH Lauren Meister as the City’s new Mayor Pro Tempore. Former Council members Abbe Land, Valerie Terrigno, Jeffrey Prang (now L.A. County Assessor) and Paul Koretz (now an L.A. City Council member) also attended the ceremony.

PALM SPRINGS HOT RODEO

he City of Palm Springs hosted the 2015 Hot Rodeo and County Fair. The LGBT rodeo circuit event took place the weekend following White Party weekend from April 30th to May 3rd. The annual rodeo festival is produced by the Greater Palm Springs Chapter of the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association (GSGRA). The event welcomed hundreds of rodeo enthusiasts and fun-seekers for a full weekend of dancing, drinking, pool parties, contests and a real country fair. For more information, visit palmspringsrodeo.org.

DIRK SHAFER’S DEMISE: METH, COCAINE

he L.A. County Coroner’s office revealed that former Playgirl Man of the Year model, Dirk Shafer’s death was caused by dangerous mixture of methamphetamine and cocaine toxicity. WEHOville reports that Shafer also DIRK SHAFER suffered from hypertensive cardiovascular disease, which may have also contributed to his untimely death. Shafer, 52, was found dead in his car at 1350 Laurel Ave in West Hollywood, between Fountain Ave and Sunset Blvd on March 5. Shafer gained national attention for being named Playgirl’s “Man of the Year” in 1992. He later directed and starred in the 1995 film called “Man of the Year” where he gave a fictional account of a gay man who had to deny he was gay. Shafer was buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in early April at a private ceremony attended by his family. 1 8 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

WEHO SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

he City of West Hollywood will hold a Special Municipal Election on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. This will allow the Citizens of West Hollywood to elect one member to the City Council to fill the current vacancy. The elected Councilmember will serve out the balance of the current term ending March 2017. Visit the city’s website (weho.org) for a list of qualified candidates as they appear on the ballot, their contact list and other election information.

LB STUDENTS: DAY OF SILENCE

ocal Long Beach students were among thousands globally taking a vow of silence last month on April 16 to raise awareness about the bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth, reports Long Beach Press Telegram. Students at the University of Virginia launched the Annual Day of Silence in 1996. Four years later, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network became an organizing sponsor of the event. Two-thirds of LGBT youth hear homophobic remarks in school, while 85 percent have been verbally harassed in school, according to GLSEN’s National School Climate Survey.

SAN DIEGO ADDS GENDER IDENTITY

arly last month, San Diego City Council approved an amendment to add gender identity and gender expression as types of unlawful discrimination to the City of San Diego’s Nondiscrimination in Contracting Ordinance, reports San Diego Gay & Lesbian News. Gender identity refers to both an individual’s sense of self regarding characteristics labeled as masculine, feminine, both, neither or in-between. Gender expression means a person’s gender-related appearance and behavior whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth. The State of California Government Code includes both as protected classes for purposes of employment.

>> PRIDE <<

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ver the past several years, the Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Celebration has become one of the premiere Pride events nationwide now attracting over 80,000 participants over two days. The Festival Celebration includes five large dance areas including a main stage featuring Salt-N-Pepa and Patti LaBelle among others. The Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride

Parade kicks off on Sunday, May 17 at 10:30am. More than 200 marching groups and floats have been part of the parade entries since 1995, representing various religious, human service, governmental and social organizations. For more information on Long Beach Pride visit: longbeachpride.com.

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>> GETTING TO ZERO <<

SEXUAL HEALING First annual WeHo Gay Men’s Health Fair promotes new campaign of “Getting to Zero.” B Y VICTO R MELA MED

he Men’s Health Foundation, a new nonprofit based in West Hollywood, dedicated to the health & wellness of gay men, with focus on young gay men of color, has partnered with the City of West Hollywood to host the 1st Annual WeHo Gay Men’s Health Fair on Saturday, May 16 in Plummer Park. The half-day event will combine performance, a live DJ, a swimwear runway fashion show with great food and workshops that promote awareness and discussion of evidence-based, high-impact prevention strategies like PrEP and Treatment as Prevention. Central messaging around PrEP and use of antiretroviral treatment for HIV-positive persons as proven strategies that can prevent new HIV infections and improved awareness of personal sexual health will be at play in elective workshops that explore sexuality, stigma, body image and ways that gay men connect on social apps and the Internet. The event planning committee, of mainly young gay men in their 20s, helped design a fun day that will be a viable option of how to spend part of a Saturday in sunny Los Angeles. High Impact Prevention can be implemented in ways that translate to young, gay men at-risk, and one of those ways is keeping the messages simple and understandable, and spin them in a fun, innovative structure that people will want to participate in. Driving the HIV epidemic in LA County is the city of West Hollywood, which is disproportionately impacted by HIV and AIDS and continues to have some of the highest numbers, proportions, and rates of People Living With HIV/AIDS in the county, accounting for 35% of the county’s HIV/AIDS diagnoses. HIV outreach, prevention and treatment remains a high public health, political and financial priority for the city of West Hollywood. The majority of new infections both in the US (63%) 2 0 TTHHEE FFIIGH www.thefightmag.com 20 GH TT || www.thefightmag.com

and locally in LAC (77%), including the city of West Hollywood, are men who have sex with men; young men of color are at significantly elevated risk. Therefore, the importance of promoting awareness and education on high-impact, biomedical strategies, new smart tools in our prevention toolbox, are paramount to getting to zero new infections, according to the City Council of the City of West Hollywood. “I’ve never felt this level of excitement in the medical community about the very real possibility of an AIDS-free world. Effective HIV treatment IS prevention. And PrEP IS prevention. These two proven concepts can literally rock the world. They can stop the spread of HIV in its tracks”, said Tony Mills, MD, the Executive Director of the Men’s Health Foundation. WEHO Gay Men’s Health Fair takes place on Saturday, May 16, 10am-3:30pm, at Fiesta Hall @ Plummer Park (and Great Hall), 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood.

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Body Politic Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia welcomes you to Pride. BY VICTO R MELA MED

It has been almost a year since you have been in office—how would you sum up your first 12 months? “It’s been great. I’m extremely grateful to be able to represent the city I love, and we’ve been seeing a lot of positive changes happening all over Long Beach. We’re seeing new investment, new residents moving in, great new special events...Long Beach is really taking off.” As Long Beach’s first Latino mayor, as well as the city’s first gay mayor, are there any issues that you feel particularly passionate about? “I certainly have always felt strongly about the issues that impact the LGBT community, as well as Latinos in the city. So of course, marriage equality and immigration issues are always on my radar, and I’m proud that Long Beach has always been on the right side of those issues.” As this issue is our Long Beach LGBTQ Pride issue, is there anything you would like to convey to our readers regarding this event? “I think we have the best Pride Parade and Festival in the world, and I want to encourage everyone to participate. It’s an amazing week here in Long Beach, with everyone celebrating love, equality, and freedom.” Is there anything we haven’t asked that you would like to share with our readers? “Just that they should come to Long Beach and experience first hand all we have to offer. We really have it all here—perfect weather with a beautiful coastline, shopping, arts, entertainment and restaurants, recreational activities, and, most important, great people. There’s a reason Long Beach residents love our city so much, and we want as many visitors as possible to come and see for themselves.” n

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THEROSTOWREPORT >> BY ANN ROSTOW <<

THE SUPREME COURT, ANCIENT GREEKS & THE FREEDOM TO MARRY

s far as I could tell on TV, it was a beautiful late April morning in D.C. as LGBT well-wishers stood within shouting distance of antigay protestors in front of the Supreme Court building. It sort of looked like Pride Day in San Francisco meets the crowd at the Guthrie, Oklahoma church picnic. I was tuned into C-SPAN while I wandered around the house doing stuff, so the only sound I heard was a vague background din, chants punctuated by hostile anti-gay screams about roasting in Hell and ad hoc interviews with uninformed protestors. Interested parties around the country had recourse to the live blog as oral arguments on marriage equality began inside the Court. Every ten or fifteen minutes someone would post a tantalizing snippet or two. In the interim, everyone else would toss out irrelevant questions. A few news reports filtered out, mostly announcing that the justices were “divided” (surprise!) and that Anthony Kennedy was the swing vote (really?). Finally the audio feed of the arguments were posted online, followed by the C-SPAN version, followed by more in-depth news reports, followed by phone conversations with all my friends. Ladies and Gentlemen, this was a day of nonstop crack cocaine for those of us who have long been obsessed with the legal fight for the freedom to marry. As expected, the justices on the left were undoubtedly on our side. Justice Kennedy is surely on our side as well although he made some annoying comparisons between the “millennia” of traditional

TED CRUZ

Ian Reisner, who hosted Ted Cruz with his ex-partner Mati Weiderpass, said he had no idea that Cruz was adamantly opposed to marriage equality (and gay rights in general for that matter) and he apologized to the community, saying he had made “a terrible mistake.” marriages versus the handful of years that same-sex couples have been allowed to wed. But for some reason I was particularly annoyed by the conservative justices, who substituted absurd hypotheticals for legitimate questions and wasted time with sophomoric tangents. I mean of course I expected them to be in opposition. But I also expected intelligent legal debate. But no. Why can’t a brother and sister who live together for 25 years get married? Why can’t polygamous groups get married? The ancient Greeks had no problem with homosexuality, and yet they reserved marriage for a man and a woman, what about that? Huh?

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What if a minister didn’t want to perform a gay marriage? Wouldn’t he or she be forced to do so if we rule in favor? I can’t member all the side streets we traveled, but for example, there was zero discussion of whether or not sexual orientation bias should be given extra legal scrutiny like other forms of discrimination. We’re talking about the ancient Greeks, but not about the core issue of heightened scrutiny? We’re seriously asking whether or not a minister would be forced to perform a marriage in violation of his or her First Amendment rights? We’re talking about incest laws and polygamy? I was surprised not to hear a colloquy on why a

man can’t marry a dog. It was also jarring to hear the conservative men keep asking why the Court should make this decision rather than the people (hint: it’s a constitutional issue), whether or not a definitive ruling would “cut off debate,” and why the Court shouldn’t take a “wait and see” attitude. Earth to Supreme Court: A decision against marriage equality is not a “wait and see” decision, nor would it extend “debate.” It would derail the gay rights movement for the indefinite future, galvanize the far right into an antigay frenzy, overturn four federal appellate courts, let loose a barrage of new litigation, trigger legislation to restore marriage bans in a dozen or so conservative states, and possibly call into question hundreds or thousands of recent marriages. What are these men thinking? It’s actually because of the points above that it seems obvious that the Court will rule in our favor. They have effectively done so already by declining to review the four appellate victories for marriage equality, allowing marriage to become law in the majority of states. What is less certain is whether they will rule that gay men and lesbians deserve equal treatment, an opinion that would bolster our fight against discrimination in other contexts, or whether they will simply rule that the fundamental right to marry under the Due Process clause includes us in its embrace. That would be a victory as well, but an Equal Protection ruling has legs. Who knows? Maybe we’ll get both.

CRUZ CONTROL & HILLARY’S FOREIGN INVESTORS

’ve been so immersed in marriage equality that I’ve been oblivious to most of

>> ANCIENT GREEKS, CRUZ CONTROL, OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER <<

the other LGBT news. When you’re on crack, who has time for cocktails or heroin? Actually, crack has never been on my radar so for all I know anything goes. I did notice that Ted Cruz went to an event at the home of two rich gay guys in New York, who promptly got slammed on social media for entertaining one of the most conservative antigay kooks in the GOP primary. Ian Reisner, who hosted Cruz with his ex-partner Mati Weiderpass, said he had no idea that Cruz was adamantly opposed to marriage equality (and gay rights in general for that matter) and he apologized to the community, saying he had made “a terrible mistake.” Ooops. The man owns the Out Hotel on Times Square and a bunch of properties on Fire Island.

Speaking of presidential politics, can you believe we are already inundated with campaign coverage over a year and a half out from the election? It’s like how all the Christmas stuff now starts before Thanksgiving. I turned on Morning Joe at an early hour to catch some Supreme Court news and as soon as the set went on I was overwhelmed by a screaming and shouting match about Hillary’s foreign investors. I had to shut it off at once and drink some coffee.

SEXUAL ORIENTATION OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

o, I was all set to make fun of Pat Robertson because I saw a head-

line that read: “Pat Robertson has crazy advice for woman following her husband’s gay affair.” But it turns out that the woman’s husband had a drunken fling with a man from church and then told her it was a one-time mistake. Good old Pat advised that after 11 years of marriage she should forgive him and give him another chance. Not crazy to me, I’d tell her the same thing. Wouldn’t you? That said, I think we all know what’s going with that guy, don’t we? Speaking of internalized homophobia, I recently read a Daily Beast article about a new psychological dysfunction called “sexual orientation obsessive compulsive disorder,” or SO-OCD. According to the piece by Samantha Allen, the condition refers to a person who is not gay, but

who is obsessively scared that he or she might be. Such a person might manifest the disease by watching gay porn to make sure it had no effect or refusing to hang around with members of the same sex or, I don’t know, I had to check the dateline on the story to make sure it wasn’t April 1. But it wasn’t! If you google the acronym, you’ll find a wealth of material about this odd phenomenon, which we are told, is absolutely not the same as a gay person who cannot accept his or her sexual orientation. My question is, when will we reach the point in society where some gay men and lesbians might become susceptible to the reverse OCD, namely a deep fear that one might actually be straight? Someday my brothers and sisters. n

MAY 2015 | TH E F I GH T 23

>> LA PRIDE <<

LA Pride: The Fight For Equality World’s first LGBT pride parade, LA PRIDE, celebrates its 45th anniversary next month in West Hollywood. B Y V I C T O R M E L A MED

ext month, June 12-14, the world’s first Pride Parade, LA PRIDE, will set the stage for an epic 45th Anniversary celebration in West Hollywood. Originally, marking the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York, LA PRIDE began as a way to honor the fight for equality, celebrate diversity and bring the TLGB community together as one voice. Forty-five years later the organization’s core mission remains the same. For three days, starting June 12th and ending June 14th, LA PRIDE returns with its signature Music & Arts Festival featuring live concerts, art & culture exhibits, community events along with the iconic PRIDE Parade which brings hundreds of thousands KESHA to the streets of West Hollywood. In 1970, a year after the modern transgender, lesbian, gay, and bisexual liberation movement was launched by the rebellion at the Stonewall Inn on New York’s Christopher Street, activists

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around the country were thinking of ways to mark the anniversary. Los Angeles LGBT community leaders, Reverend Troy Perry, Reverend Bob Humphries and Morris Kight stepped up and created the world’s first Pride Parade. “At the time we had no idea what we were creating, we just wanted to acknowledge a courageous group that stood up to being bullied by police. It was a microcosm of what was taking place throughout the country and we thought, what better way to make noise, get attention and excite our community than by dressing up and putting on a parade,” said parade founding father, Reverend Troy Perry. The original parade was met with many obstacles including permit denials and police hostility but the organizers persevered, along with the help of ACLU and several community organizations, which helped to push the parade forward. Today, the annual LA PRIDE Parade attendance has grown to hundreds of thousands, regularly pulls in major celebrity participants and performers

and takes place over a three-day period in West Hollywood. This year’s Festival highlights will include performances from singer-songwriter and pop rock sensation Kesha along with super group, Fifth Harmony and FIFTH HARMONY Tamar Braxton. While the mood of the weekend is celebratory, the non-profit organization, which produces LA PRIDE, Christopher Street West, continues to focus on supporting the community through various programs including grants, non-profit partnerships and sponsorships and low-income housing for people living with HIV/AIDS with Casa Del Sol, an APLA partnership. In addition to community outreach, Christopher Street West has used the massive exposure that LA PRIDE receives to raise awareness around social issues that affect the community from transgender equality to community diversity and acceptance. Pre-sale tickets for Saturday, June 13 and Sunday’s June 14 LA PRIDE Festival are now available at: www.lapride.org.

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MAY 2015 | TH E F I GH T 27

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

Puppet Master Excerpts from a conversation with Long Beach puppeteer Matt Scott. Magic, imagination and keeping the dream alive. BY MA RK A RIEL | PH O TO BY DUSTI CUNNI NGHAM | MAKE UP BY ADAM WI NTER

“A

s a child I was always a loner and a wanderer. I sought out private spaces to be alone with my imagination, which always had more appeal then the middle child role I was never comfortable with in my family. I played alone, and I created alone. My greatest joy came from Saturday morning children’s programming, which at the time was ruled by Sid and Marty Kroft. The Kroft productions were pure magic, HR Puffenstuff, the Bugaloos, Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, these were my greatest influences. They were worlds where humans co-existed with puppets, where magic, imagination and wonder were all anyone needed to conquer any situation, and anything was possible.”

LIFE CHANGER “When I was about 10, my mother pulled me out of school early and we went to the Pantages to see Camelot with Richard Burton, and it was a life changer. The set design was magical, here was an entire world of Arthurian fantasy, live, actual, manifest, that players interacted within. When Guinevere was set on fire at the stake, I was on the edge of my seat thinking I was actually going to witness a real person burned alive!! Well anyone familiar enough knows that she is rescued (damn it!), but I never forgot the rush that came from that, my first theatrical experience.”

my locally grown peers remembered it at all. I had all but relinquished my memories of it to childhood fantasy, until one day, walking through Echo Park, I saw its dilapidated glory before me. I went to the box office and to my surprise they were OPEN! I went inside and got a tour of the backstage. There I saw dozens of marionettes that had entertained and enchanted me two decades prior. I was swept away in the joy of old friends and beautiful craftsmanship. I knew I had to be a part of something that had such strong influence on my young mind. I worked there for almost 18 years, closely watching Bob manipulate, trying to master the same dexterity.”

SUBCONSCIOUS STATE “One of the “Puppetry is a unique and challenging oddest things about art form. It is so all-encompassing, that I always find myself challenged, no matter my career so far has how many times I build a new character. been the audience themFrom concept to design, sculpting, selves. I really thought I would carving, painting, costuming, putting in animated faces, building in specialty have captured the attention of tricks, the possibilities are endless more gay people. My influences and always a new set of obstacles to overcome. I spent 8 years playing with and style is particularly queer. parts of a puppet that I only recently But I find I am actually finished. It is a puppet of a vampire that, with a tug of a string and a twist of a consupported most by the trol, pops apart to become a flock of bats eclectic, straight, art in an instant. I dreamt of this puppet one night and woke up telling myself I HAD contingent.”

BOB BAKER “In my late 20s I accidentally stumbled upon the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. I had vague recollections of going to the theater on field trips as a boy, but none of 2 8 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

several puppet theaters to learn every style, manipulation, control structure, and stringing technique I could retain. Trial and error provided the last of my training. Eventually I built my first show. It started with a single character. I wanted a pinhead puppet, as in Zippy the pinhead of comic book fame. The one character turned into an entire cast of sideshow puppets, inspired by Todd Browning’s Freaks. That was almost 12 years ago, and it remains one of my most frequently performed shows, even though I feel it is primitive in its construction. I built it with no experience under my belt, but with a burning desire to make something. I think that artistic passion is why it still charms and captivates audiences.”

TRIAL AND ERROR “I traveled to Europe and weaseled my way into the backstage areas of

to build it. Its based on a centuries old concept called The Grand Turk. Essentially, there’s nothing new under the sun, but trying to work out an idea that came from a subconscious state proved to be one of my biggest achievements.”

> > M AT T S C O T T < <

MAY 2015 | TH E F I GH T 29

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

WILLFUL SUSPENSION

DANCING TOTEMS

“Puppetry is like a three dimensional cartoon. But unlike cartoons, it’s real! The puppets have dimension, they have character, they move, sing, dance, joke, and they actually exist. It may not really be a talking animal, but it is still actually doing what you see on stage. There is a sense of willful suspension of disbelief because the audience WANTS to be entertained, so they will allow themselves to forget the strings, or the person standing there. I believe spectators see what they want to see. The mind interprets what is being staged and processes it with their own experiences. The child sees an actual dancing monkey, the adult sees a representation of a creature but is still baffled at how it is being controlled, even in plain sight. It’s a magical moment.”

“Currently I am in production of a new show that will premiere this June at the Queen Mary for the Ink N Iron festival (www.ink-n-iron. com). It’s a tiki-themed production, so after Long Beach it goes with Ink N Iron to Nashville in August. I will probably be performing it throughout the summer. It takes from a lot of my influences, some more apparent than others; 1920s boardwalk seagulls, singing flowers, dancing totems, it starts off very enchanted and Disneyesque, but by the end it evolves into savage island natives, cannibals and virgin sacrifice. The whole thing is a series of vignettes, indi-

There is a sense of willful suspension of disbelief because the audience WANTS to be entertained, so they will allow themselves to forget the strings, or the person standing there.

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vidual numbers that play out independently, but is cohesive as an ideal, stylized, nostalgic version of mid-century Polynesian culture.”

GILDED PAST “One of the oddest things about my career so far has been the audience themselves. I really thought I would have captured the attention of more gay people. My influences and style is particularly queer. But I find I am actually supported most by the eclectic, straight, art contingent. Most of my appearances are in burlesque and sideshow stages. It makes me a little sad that its my hetero, hipster peers that can call out the influence of someone like Charles Nelson Reilly or Gloria Swanson in a character, while the younger gay audiences scratch their heads and shrug. There is a disconnect that I am always mumbling about, but I keep on. I chose to pick up a forgotten art form, and I keep hoping that it sparks interest in our golden, gilded past.” For more on Matt Scott’s puppetry visit: www.facebook.com/RasputinPuppets.

HOW MIRACLES HAPPEN... 2014

brought many new babies for Coastal Fertility Medical Center (Coastal). Dr. Lawrence Werlin is one of the nation's most noted Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI) specialists. Dr. Werlin believes educating patients about their options is paramount. Due to his passion for teaching, he holds free monthly seminars to introduce the public to the world of Fertility treatment and gives them a better understanding and the hope that this field of medicine can achieve. Dr. Werlin is a nationally noted expert in the emerging field of Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) and Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). He pioneered two studies to assess the effects of PGS/PGD. This is the screening of chromosomes and genes of an embryo. Dr. Werlin says, "This allows couples to test for abnormalities of an embryo and potentially eliminate hereditary disease in a family." Coastal has been one of Orange County's leading providers of reproductive care to patients since 1982.

The Center's primary goal is patient personal care. Coastal and its dedicated staff are widely recognized for their compassion, as well as their special attention to the individual needs of their patients. "Our lives are connected to our patients, and it becomes a lifetime relationship. Our patients keep us in their lives and update us on all their mile stones, such as receiving college graduation cards from our grown up children," Dr. Werlin states. Coastal welcomes 2015 with open arms and looks forward to helping more families. For more info please visit: www.coastalfertility.com.

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SCAR LOVER

It’s the stomach scar that remains the greatest reminder of my life of addiction, the most profound physical memento of a life lived selfishly, a life not worth living at all. BY ANDY NI CASTRO

Ugly inside of me Taught me of beauty I wouldn’t trade that work of art for all the silk of perfect skin... I’m a scarlover too and I’m full of scars like you.

—Maria Mckee, “Scarlover”

stare at it in the mirror every morning after stepping from the shower. It glares back at me: a slightly pink, quarter-inch wide vertical line starting at the bottom of my navel and disappearing into my pubic thatch, where it continues for another inch which remains invisible save for periods when I’ve been a little over-enthusiastic with my manscaping chores. My scar. Or, more accurately, one of my scars. I have several: each one a pockmarked or discolored reminder that I was once a daily user of crystal methamphetamine. There’s the small depression near my chin, nearly invisible now thanks to regular injections of Juvaderm to plump up the crater. It’s still obvious to me, though, and each time I drag my razor over it I am reminding of the weekend I spent holed up in my bedroom, smoking crystal and trying to ignore the gradually increasing chin-itch that seemed to come out of nowhere. Within hours it had blossomed into an inflamed lump resembling an engorged and angry zit. The next twenty-four hours were spent squeezing it, compressing it, scratching at it—trying to express the contents—to no avail. The lower right side of my face burned and swelled so large there was no longer any definition between my jaw and my neck. I pressed bag after bag of frozen vegetables against the hot skin, seeking relief. I continued to smoke my meth pipe, though, and by the time I sought medical help and learned it was a MRSA (staph) infection, the damage had been done. 3 4 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

Marathon Of Self-Destruction There are also several dime-shaped patches on my left thigh that resist all attempts at tanning, also the result of a staph infection I left untreated for far too long, picked up repeatedly from my drug dealer’s sheets, those times I traded sex for drugs in his filthy, worst-episode-of-hoarders-ever apartment. Repeated hospitalizations and IV Vancomycin treatments (the “antibiotic of last resort,” as my doctor called those treatments) were required to bring the MRSA super-bug into submission. Yet, each time the infection would be vanquished, while the abscess would still be drying and healing, I’d score more meth and continue my marathon of self-destruction.

“I’m grateful to understand that I have never been perfect, I never will be perfect, and that perfect is no longer an ideal I need to strive for.” Cosmetic fillers and time have faded these scars perceptibly, and though they are reminders of a past that I do not, as we say in recovery, “wish to shut the door on,” they are my lesser scars that are very rarely commented on by others and trouble me only occasionally. It’s the stomach scar that remains the greatest reminder of my life of addiction,

the most profound physical memento of a life lived selfishly, a life not worth living at all, a life that were it not for the grace of God and the love of those who were still able to love me when I most needed it, would have been extinguished long ago.

Toxic Sludge When I was still relatively new to using meth, just before entering my second stint at rehab at Glendale Adventist Alcohol and Drug Services, my appendix ruptured. Being high constantly, however, dulled any warning pain I should have felt. Instead, I entered that rehab filled with shit not only metaphorically, but literally. As the toxins from my intestines seeped into my bloodstream, I developed headaches of increasing intensity, reaching a point where any source of light would bring me to near blindness and induce excruciating, headcrushing pain. My inability to focus—my temper exacerbated by physical agony—I was eventually asked to leave due to a pain-induced verbal outburst I directed at the head of the facility. It took several more days after leaving for the cause of my headaches to be diagnosed. I was given a spinal tap, and meningitis was discovered. The ruptured appendix, however, went undetected until the middle of my first night in Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, when I suddenly began to feel feverish. My stomach, which oddly had not given me much pain at all until this point, began to swell, harden, and turn a deep shade of blue. Peritonitis had set in with a rapidity that terrified not only myself, but the nurses on duty as well. I was rushed into surgery with a 104 degree fever, and my family was told there was a chance I would not survive. I did survive, obviously. I remember the surgeon standing over me in the recovery room, telling Patrick that after removing my internal organs from my

a bottle opener, and rough stitching that appeared to have been done using packing twine, creating an uneven post-healing appearance of a dress shirt with one of the lower buttons in the wrong hole.

Multitude Of Blessings

abdominal cavity, it had taken six liters of fluid to clean the toxic sludge from them. I discerned a look of disgust on his face as he said this, and to this day am not sure if he was disgusted by the procedure, or by me, this filthy meth addict whose filthy insides he had just been forced to handwash for several hours.

I came to suspect the latter, as the wound began to heal. He had done a piss-poor job at sewing me up, cosmetically speaking. In more charitable moments I’m willing to forgive him for this, since the surgery was unplanned, and of course, because it saved my life. In less spiritually evolved moments, I hate him for his brutal handiwork: an incision that looked like it had been made with

That scar has also faded somewhat over the last ten years, of course, but it still troubles me. Sometimes I shudder slightly with revulsion when I look at it, so grotesque does it appear to me. When I’m inclined to explain its origin— usually when I catch someone looking at it—they invariably tell me it’s not nearly as bad as I think it is. I rarely believe them. I stared at it again this morning, this twelve-year old scar, reaching down and pulling the bisected sides of my lower belly taut, re-creating the flat, smooth stomach of my pre-addiction years, the sliced-in-two abdomen that no amount of dieting or sit-ups will ever be able to fully flatten and smooth again. Many times, I’ve contemplated cosmetic surgery to enhance its appearance. I have always discarded the idea, eventually. Because underneath the revulsion, another feeling usually surfaces, pushing the revulsion aside, at least temporarily. It’s a feeling instigated by my program of recovery, a feeling I rarely had regarding much in my life, even with the multitude of blessings that have always surrounded me, even in my darkest hours: gratitude. I’m grateful I survived. I’m grateful to understand that I have never been perfect, I never will be perfect, and that perfect is no longer an ideal I need to strive for. I’m grateful I’m alive. I’m grateful to be surrounded by love and friends and family. My days are spent helping others dealing with far more pressing issues than the vanity of looking good in a swimsuit. I have God in my life, I wield love with the same passion I once wielded a glass pipe, and I am so very grateful for every bleak moment of my addiction, because having lived in darkness for so long, I am uniquely qualified to help others find their way out of it, too. I can point to my scar, this souvenir from my trip to hell, and I can talk to others about where addiction took me. I can then speak to how recovery saved me. At this moment, as I write this, I am grateful even for my scar. MAY 2015 | TH T T3535 MAY 2015 | TEHFEI GH F I GH

THEEPIDEMIC

I got my life back online.

>> H I V / A I D S M E D I C AT I O N S <<

Scott, D.A.P. client

BEVERLY HILLS MEDICAL PLAZA PHARMACY

D.A.P. treats and supports the whole person My addiction led me into homelessness and I thought I had nowhere to turn. But D.A.P. helped me see there was a way back, if I was willing to do the work. Now, I have five years of sobriety, have finished four years of college with two degrees and a promising career... but best of all, I have peace-of-mind again. Now, I’m volunteering my time here in D.A.P.’s computer lab because it’s time to “pay it forward” to others who might need a little help. Just like I did.

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>> PROFILES <<

Proudly Yours Long Beach residents talk about their professions, their love for their city and what Pride means to them. PH OTOS BY DUSTI CUNNI NGHAM

PORTER GILBERG Executive Director, The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach “I have lived in Long Beach for 12 years. I grew up near Temecula, CA and was itching for a bigger city with a vibrant LGBTQ community. Long Beach fit the bill so when I turned 18 I made the move... I have been working for The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach for almost 5 years. Before that I volunteered here for three years. I started out as an undergraduate intern and have worked my up to the top of the organization. I love working here and can’t see myself doing anything else... To me, Pride is about celebrating rebellion and the exhilaratingly political aspects of our community. Of course there’s always parties, but every Pride season I like to take time to think about those who made our movement possible; the drag queens and butches that rebelled at Stonewall, the folks who fought back at the Black Cat riot, and the fierce queers who said “no more” at Compton’s Cafeteria riot... I’m fiercely proud to be a queer person and Pride season is one of my favorite times to blare that from the hills.”

LANDON CIDER Drag King / Entertainer “I’m an LA native, living in Long Beach for 10 years. I LOVE Long Beach! As a member of the LGBTQ community I recognize there are harsh realities with living in certain areas of the country/world, that keep us locked up in our closets. Long Beach has a friendly energy overall, and I’m proud to raise my rainbow flag! I studied acting and musical theater in college... but “normal” theater didn’t fit my discovered androgyny. At one point, I was a regular at Hamburger Mary’s “Starlette Revue,”—I loved the theatricality the Queens brought every week. So I figured... why not do that, but my way! After recovering for my bout with cancer, I returned to the stage with my debut as Landon in February 2009, and now fortunate to do it fulltime. I host and produce 4 monthly King shows across SoCal, including here at Hamburger Mary’s [in Long Beach] the 2nd Saturday of every month. Pride to me means Living your truth. However that falls on the sexual identity or gender spectrum, is embracing yourself for who you are. Whether you live in an environment that forces you to keep your truth locked inside your home, or in an area that embraces rainbow flags and leather chaps....living your truth is Pride! One of the more important things about me is my partner Gabi Luna. We were brought together by Myspace in 2007, and are engaged to be married this November!” 3 8 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

>> PROFILES <<

DJ RYAN JONES Professional DJ “I am not from Long Beach originally, but when I was 16 and first got my driver license - Long Beach was where I spent every single night that summer. It was the closest gay community I could drive to and therefore I grew up here as a baby gay in a lot of ways. Hence when I moved back here from New York in 2007, I decided to move to the Long Beach instead of defaulting back to the LA East side. I’m so glad I made that decision. It felt like coming home... Essentially I became interested in DJing the day I first became aware of electronic music. I’ll never forget hearing the first clang come out of the speakers of Depeche Mode’s “People Are People” one day in 1984 and even at that young age I had to know more. I became obsessed with exploring all kinds of catalogs of electronic music and telling my friends they needed to hear it. That’s something that has never stopped for me... I currently hold three residencies that I’m quite proud of. One being resident DJ at Eagle LA and another being a resident DJ for Bearracuda, which runs in 40 cities and 10 countries around the world. I’m also a resident DJ for a San Francisco based DJ/art/performance collective called SQURRRL. For LBC Pride I’ll be playing at Bearracuda Friday night at the Executive Suite. As for Eagle, you can find me there on most Sundays as long as I’m not out of town, and occasional Saturdays, as well as their regular bear night “B-Bar.” You can always keep up on my Twitter (@djryanjones) or my Facebook (/djryanjones).”

JEWELS Entertainer / Drag Queen “I grew up in a small town outside of Death Valley, in the middle of NO WHERE but moved to Long Beach when I was 17 years old and have been in this amazing city ever since... My first experience with drag, or even being in a movie theater, was at the age of 17 seeing the Rocky Horror Picture Show. All the crazy characters with their eccentric personas fascinated me and sparked my curiosity. The Glamour has been flowing freely ever since! ... I am lucky to say I can do drag as my full time job. I host, produce and market shows and events throughout Southern California. The ability to do what you love is an astounding blessing... Pride to me is an expression of freedom! It’s the outward embodiment of love, joy, compassion and creativity. The pride season gives us all an occasion to celebrate how far we have come as a community, and to regroup and focus on the many challenges we have yet to face in our battle for equality... Aside from that, come out and see what the buzz is about. Join us for amazing DRAG shows at Hamburger Mary’s Long Beach and West Hollywood. You can get all the information about our crazy escapades by following me: facebook.com/JewelsLongBeach.” MAY 2015 | TH T T3939 MAY 2015 | TEHFEI GH F I GH

>> PROFILES <<

GINA SMITH LGBTQ Center Board, St Mary Medical Foundation Board “I was born in Long Beach and I love this big little town. It is a unique and special community where everyone is welcome... I serve on the LGBTQ Center Board and St Mary Medical Foundation Board both in Long Beach. Because of my board affiliations I’m on numerous committees, among them for the LGBTQ Center The Senior Services Committee, The Annual Black and White Gala Committee, The Spring and Summer Social Committee. For St Mary I’m on The Angel Committee, The Annual St Mary Foundation Gala and Auction committee, and several committees for the C.A.R.E. Program (St Mary HIV/AIDS Program). I help produce the Spring To C.A.R.E. Event, The C.A.R.E. To Dine Kickoff, and The C.A.R.E. To Dine Event. One of my favorite committees is the Easter Walk—a fund raiser for the C.A.R.E. Program where I have the privilege of working with the fabulous and amazing Jewels. Pride, to me, is a celebration of who we are... how far we have come ... and hopefully reminds us that we still have work to do. It celebrates our value, worth, importance and dignity... and reminds me of how many generations fought for our validation and rights.”

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>> 5TH ANNUAL AIDS FUNDRAISER <<

Plastic Jesus For APLA Art Project Los Angeles announces Plastic Jesus as featured artist of fifth annual AIDS fundraiser taking place June 6 at Bonhams in Hollywood. BY O RLY LYO N N E

rt Project Los Angeles is excited to announce Plastic Jesus as the featured artist of the fifth annual fundraiser for AIDS Project Los Angeles, which takes place June 6 at Bonhams in Hollywood. Plastic Jesus was selected from a group of talented artists in the event’s first-ever juried competition and will be featured in the Art Project catalogue as well as in the

event’s live auction. Plastic Jesus is a Los Angeles-based street artist who specializes in bold works inspired by current events, the urban environment, pop culture, and politics. He utilizes irony and criticism to create artworks that engage on multiple levels. His eye-catching pieces include the recent “No Kardashian Parking Anytime” signs

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recently posted in Los Angeles, as well as the ongoing project in which the artist stenciled the now-iconic phrase “Stop Making Stupid People Famous” throughout the streets of Los Angeles, New York, London, and Paris. A unique, one-off canvas work with this phrase made specifically for Art Project 2015 will be featured in the event’s live auction. Proceeds from Art Project Los Angeles support a variety of vital services that APLA and APLA Health & Wellness provide to over 12,000 Angelenos every year. Art Project Los Angeles takes place June 6 at Bonhams in Hollywood. For tickets and additional information, please visit apla.org/artproject.

THE STORY THAT HAS NEVER BEEN TOLD BEFORE “A LUSH, STYLISH AND EVOCATIVE JOURNEY. BERTRAND BONELLO’S MAGNIFICENTLY MOUNTED BIOPIC SUCCEEDS AS A WARTS AND ALL STORY OF THE LEGENDARY FASHION DESIGNER YVES SAINT LAURENT.” -Mark Adams, SCREENDAILY GASPARD ULLIEL

Fashion Forward “Saint Laurent,” a bio-drama film on the famed designer, opens this month at select theaters in Los Angeles.

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aint Laurent” a French biography drama film co-written and directed by Bertrand Bonello, and starring Gaspard Ulliel as Yves Saint Laurent, opens this month at select theatres in Los Angeles and New York. The film centers on Saint Laurent’s life from 1967 to 1976, during which time the famed fashion designer was at the peak of his career. The film was selected as the French entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards, but was not nominated. In January 2015, Saint Laurent received ten César Award nominations, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. It also received five nominations at the 20th Lumières Awards, winning Best Actor for Gaspard Ulliel. Algerian-born Yves Saint Laurent is regarded as one of the greatest names in fashion history. In 1985, fashion historian Caroline Rennolds Milbank wrote, “The most consistently celebrated and influential designer of the past twenty-five years, Yves Saint Laurent can be credited with both spurring the couture's rise from its sixties ashes and with finally rendering ready-to-wear reputable.” He is also credited with having introduced the tuxedo suit for women and was known for his use of non-European cultural references, and non-white models. In 1983, Saint Laurent became the first living fashion designer to be honored by the Metropolitan Museum of Art with a solo exhibition. Saint Laurent died in June 2008 of brain cancer at his residence in Paris. A few days prior, he and his life partner Pierre Bergé had been joined in a same-sex civil union known as a Pacte civil de solidarité (PACS) in France. n

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Courage To Change

We asked a few local sober folks about the moment they decided they were done drinking and/or using drugs, and what they’re life is like now after making that decision. REACHING OUT “The last time I got loaded, I was severely beaten up by the police and I was just done. I couldn’t breathe; I had three broken ribs; my face was fucked up, and I had only been out of prison for a couple of days and ended up going back in. When I was in TONY prison, I started reaching MATTHEWS out to people who were trying to change their life, so for the three years I was incarcerated, I started doing 12step work. My life is completely different today... It is so much better and I have so much peace and serenity that I can’t even define with words.” —Tony Matthews, sober since September, 2012.

WILDEST DREAMS “I didn’t realize I had the disease of addiction. I had been [using] all day, every day for years, but I wanted something different, because I was in so much pain. My mom gave me two options: I could go to rehab, or I could die in the streets, so I went to rehab. I relapsed a few times, but the minute I realized I had this disease, I was terrified CARRIE HOPE ROGERS and I got very willing. [In sobriety] I didn’t know I could have this much peace and this much joy and authentic love and feeling connected to humanity and actually like myself. I have been given literally a life beyond my wildest dreams.” —Carrie Hope Rogers, sober since November 2003. 4 4 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

SPIRITUAL CONNECTION “I decided to make a change when I realized about the illusion or delusion of what I thought the drugs and alcohol were going to do. That illusion would never come true, so the NIKAS JACKSIE idea of going after it—that is the insanity. My life has greatly improved sober, but what I hold most dear to my heart is my spiritual experience and my daily ability to connect to this divinity... Through that spiritual connection I find my strength.” —Nikas Jacksie, sober since December, 2014.

CHANGE EVERYTHING “I was in prison and I was still using. I got in trouble and they threw me in the hole. On the third day in the hole, I actually heard a voice asking me if I was ready to die. I remember saying, no, I don’t want to die, and that voice told me to change everything. In my life I’ve had a lot of what we call God shots and I MARC never paid attention, but I heard this one. I deRABINS cided I can’t use anymore... When I got out of prison, I ran into a friend who was four years sober and he took me to a 12-step meeting and that’s how I was able to maintain my sobriety. My life today is extraordinary.” —Marc Rabins, sober since January, 1995.

HAVE MOTIVATION “Time and time again, it just got worse and worse. I recently went out and once again, I thought I could try a different formula and that formula is always something I think I can control and make work and it—like other formulas I’ve tried in the past—did not work. It was ridiculous. I had to stop. My life AARON ROSS absolutely improved in sobriety. In my drinking and using, the things that are supposed be important, become unimportant. Now I actually have motivation to do things and make changes.” —Aaron Ross, sober since February, 2015.

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THEEVENT >> PHOTOS AND TEXT BY PAULO MURILLO <<

White Party Weekend 2015

ver 30,000 gay men migrated to Palm Springs for Jeffrey Sankerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s White Party Weekend last month. The weekend featured nine parties within a 72-hour marathon of dancing, DJs, hot men and a trip to the Wet â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Wild water theme park in Palm Springs. The gay dance music festival also featured performances by LeAnne Rimes, Jordin Sparks and Natalie La Rose to name a few. Fashionista Kelly Osbourne was named the 2015 Queen of White Party.

4 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

>> PHOTOS AND TEXT BY PAULO MURILLO <<

Child Of The 70s Web Series

hild of the 70s Web Series— Season 3 celebrated its premier at the Ricardo Montalban Theater in Hollywood last month. The web series stars and was created by Michael Vaccaro. Directed by Tom Pardoe, and co written by Vaccaro and Terrance Moss. Child of the ‘70s also stars Ann Walker, Susan Olsen from the Brady Bunch, Ted Lange from the Love Boat, Bruce Vilanch, Sheena Metall, Leo Forte, Frankie Valenti, Judy Tenuta, Carol Ita White, Chuck Suculla, Kitten Kay Sera, Dr. Ralph Mayer and Terry Ray. Season 3 was sponsored by Equality Vodka and Continental Kitchen. Watch a new episode every Wednesday at youtube.com/ childoftheseventies1.

MAY 2015 | TH T T4747 MAY 2015 | TEHFEI GH F I GH

THECALENDAR >> THINGS TO DO << GROUPS

MARIO DIAZ, CLUB KING. SEE SATURDAY, MAY 16

ASIAN/PACIFIC GAYS AND FRIENDS www.apgf.org GAY ASIAN PACIFIC SUPPORT NETWORK www.gapsn.org LOS ANGELES GAY AVIATION CLUB Pilots, Flights Attendants, Mechanics. www.unusualattitudes.info CLUB NUR Gay Middle Eastern. www.clubnur.com GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF LOS ANGELES www.gmcla.org GAY & LESBIAN SALSA Every Monday, 8 p.m. Little Temple Bar, 4519 Santa Monica Blvd., Silverlake, 90029. gaysalsanight@yahoo. com or www.facebook.com/gaysalsanight GAY TRAFFIC SCHOOL Third Tuesday and Wednesday of every month, 6-10 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles 90038. 1-800-Gay-4-You or www.laglc.org HIV MEDICAL & CASE MANAGEMENT Valley Community Clinic in North Hollywood offers HIV Testing and Medical Services including counseling and medical treatment. For more info: www.valleycommunityclinic.org

SATURDAY, MAY 9

DOWN-N-DIRTY Tom of Finland Foundation, 1421 Laveta Terrace, Los Angeles, 3pm-8pm. Celebrate Tom’s Birthday with DJ sets by Maricón Collective, Go-Go boys, photo booth, new Maricón merch y mucho mas. DRAG QUEEN WORLD SERIES Glendale Sports Complex, 2200 Fern Ln, Glendale, 12:30pm-4pm. For tickets, visit dragqueenworldseries.com. It’s the LA Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence vs. The West Hollywood Cheerleaders. AIDS fundraiser. BRUTUS: MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE The Faultline, 4216 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, 9pm-2am. Mathu Andersen, Salty Sailors, Kyle Krebs and Bennett Anthony. Every second Saturday. Visuals by Captain Mark Cuadrado, Chris Bowen (Bears in Space, Cub Scout) & Mario Diaz Presents (Full Frontal Disco, B.F.D.). PINK SABBATH Verdugo Bar, 3408 Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles, 2pm-7pm. Come worship the sun and the goddess of disco with DJs Victor Rodriguez, James Cerne. Hosted by Nick Austin, Harpal Sodhi, Jimmy Vogel, Bretta Filta. Drink specials, food truck, $5 door and $1 popsicles. FRIDAY, MAY 15

A CLUB CALLED RHONDA Los Globos, 3040 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 9pm-4am. Blast off into orgasmic oblivion at this pansexual party palace. Enjoy sets by Ben UFO, the delirious defender of the purity of the DJ Midland, the princely paragon of the UK Underground, South London Ordnance, the terrifying technician of UK heavy weaponry and much more.

CLUB KING The Cavern Club Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, 8pm. The award winning documentary Club King is back starring Mario Diaz, Jackie Beat, Justin Vivian Bond, Nadya Ginsburg, Selene Luna and others. Hosted by Jackie Beat and Nadya Ginsburg. KINKSTER Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd (at Myra Ave), 9pm2am, Visit eaglela.com for more info. Green Mirror Entertainment Presents: KINKSTER - A Very Special GEAR Night! You’ll get Kinky Demos, Kinky Go-Go Dancers And Kinky MEN! Leather/Fetish Gear is highly encouraged. RUPAUL’S DRAGCON Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., 4pm. Visit rupaulsdragcon.com for ticket information. The first drag convention in HERstory is sashaying to Los Angeles Convention Center for one weekend only. Come and meet your favorite queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race, as well as special celebrity guests! 2015 LONG BEACH LESBIAN & GAY PRIDE FESTIVAL E. Shoreline Dr, Long Beach, 11am-10pm. Visit longbeachpride.com for more information. Performers this year include Salt-N-Pepa, Lunden Reign, Marley Monroe and others. SUNDAY, MAY 17

LONG BEACH GAY & LESBIAN PRIDE PARADE Bixby Park, Ocean Blvd & Cherry Ave. 10:30am. Visit longbeachpride.com for more information. More than 200 marching groups and floats comprise the parade entries since 1995, representing various religious, human service, governmental and social organizations. Arrive early to show your pride for a chance to win free admission to the festival, exclusive Long Beach Pride merchandise and more.

SATURDAY, MAY 16

SUNDAY, MAY 31

WEHO GAY MEN’S HEALTH FAIR Fiesta Hall @ Plummer Park (and Great Hall), 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, 10am-3:30pm. Performance, live DJ, swimwear runway fashion, food and workshops that promote awareness and discussion of evidence-based, high-impact prevention strategies like PrEP and Treatment as Prevention.

MR * MISS * MS L.A. PRIDE PAGEANT 2015 Club Cobra, 10937 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, 5pm. For more information call: Karina (213) 999-0456 or Empress KC (714) 678-7372. The Imperial Court of Los Angeles and Hollywood with LA PRIDE / Christopher Street West, proudly present MR. * MISS * MS L.A. PRIDE PAGEANT 2015.

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POP LUCK CLUB Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m. Locations vary. Los Angeles based organization for Gay Dads, Prospective Dads, and their families. www.popluckclub.org PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, at the Gay & Lesbian Center. RSVP to Dennis@malecare.org or call (323) 860-7340. GREAT AUTOS OF YESTERYEAR The largest LGBT classic car club on the West Coast. www.greatautos.org LOS ANGELES PRIME TIMERS Social group for older mature gay men and admirers. www.laprimetimers.org LOS ANGELES GAY BRIDGE CLUB www.communityvisions.org/IAGLBC LOS ANGELES GAY/LESBIAN SCIENTISTS www.lagls.org LOS ANGELES GAY FOR GOOD Gays making a commitment to volunteer for social welfare and environmental service projects. www.gayforgood.org LOS ANGELES GAY NATURISM California Men Enjoying Naturism. cmen.info BI-OSPHERE P.O.V. Every 2nd Wednesday, 8-9:30 p.m., The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302. M-F between 6-9 p.m. Topic-driven discussion for women and men who identify as, or are exploring bisexuality. MEN’S SPEAKEASY Every Tuesday at 8 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302. Fun, alternative space for gay and bisexual men to meet and make new friends. LGBT BOOK CLUB First Wednesday of each month, 7:30-9:30 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302, M-F between 6-9 p.m. USC LAMBDA LGBT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION alumnigroups.usc.edu/lambda/ LOS ANGELES BLACK PRIDE www.myblackpridela.com GREATER PASADENA AID FUND www.greaterpasadenaaidfund.org

> EMAIL YOUR EVENT OR GROUP TO editor@thefightmag.com POSITIVE IMAGES WORKSHOP Every Monday, from 7-9 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. If you’re looking for ways to deal with HIV, the Live Life Better Workshop can help you learn coping skills, build a support system, and work toward your health goals. An RSVP is required. For more information or to reserve your place, call (323) 860-7321. The e-mail contact is positiveimages@lagaycenter.org. TRANSGENDER PERCEPTIONS Every Friday, 8 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302. M-F between 6-9 p.m. Social networking group offers a safe and welcoming opportunity for people of any age and gender identity to learn from others and to share experiences. GET CENTERED Meditation Class. Every Saturday, 10-11 a.m., $10. Gay & Lesbian Center, 1625 N Schrader Blvd. Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7300. SENIORS SERVICES Ongoing, The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7359. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT Ongoing, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, 1625 N Schrader Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-5806. MPOWERMENT WEEKLY WORKSHOPS Tuesdays and fridays, 6 p.m. APLA, 3550 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300, Los Angeles. More info: Donta Morrison, tel: (213) 201-1561. For young gay men of color—ages 18 thru 24—looking for a safe place to hang out. TRAVEL

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Mondays, 6:10-7:10 p.m. CRYSTAL METH ANONYMOUS Saturdays, 9:10-10:10 a.m. DEBTORS ANONYMOUS Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m. MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS Wednesdays, 8:15-9:45 p.m. Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. SEXUAL COMPULSIVES ANONYMOUS Mondays, 8-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m. Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m. Thursdays, 8:15-9:15 p.m. Saturdays, 12:15-1:45 p.m. WOMEN’S NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Saturdays, Noon-1 p.m. SPORTS

LOS ANGELES LESBIAN SOFTBALL www.lagaysoftball.com LOS ANGELES LESBIAN TACKLE FOOTBALL www.californiaquakefootball.com LOS ANGELES LESBIAN RUGBY www.eaglerockrugby.com WOMEN’S SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GOLF www.womensgolf.org/wscga LOS ANGELES LESBIAN POKER www.lalpg.com LOS ANGELES WOMEN ON A ROLL Luncheons, Comedy Nights, and Conversation Groups. www.womenonaroll.com LOS ANGELES GAY RODEO CLUB www.gsgra.org

FRIENDS TRAVEL www.FriendsTravel.com Gay Owned & Operated, Since 1985.

LOS ANGELES GAY FLAG FOOTBALL www.laflagfootball.com There’s also lesbian tackle football.

12 STEP GROUPS

WEST HOLLYWOOD GAY RUGBY www.larebellion.org

All groups meet at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302 M-F between 6-9 p.m.

LOS ANGELES POOL LEAGUE Friendly Billiard teams. www.lapl8ball.com

GAY & LESBIAN BOWLING LEAGUE www.tavernguildleague.com

KOL AMI REFORM SYNAGOGUE kol-ami.org, 1200 North La Brea Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90038

SAGA LA Gay Ski & Snowboard Club. www.sagala.org

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF LOS ANGELES fccla.org 540, South Commonwealth Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020

V.O.I.L.A. Volleyball. www.lagayvolleyball.com GREAT OUTDOORS The largest gay outdoor recreational organization in Southern California. www.greatoutdoorsla.org GAY AND LESBIAN SIERRANS Camping, Outdoors, Hiking Angeles. www.sierraclub.org CHEER LA Cheerleading. www.cheerla.org LA ROWING www.larowing.org DIFFERENT SPOKES Cycling www.differentspokes.com Rides start in various locations in the greater Los Angeles area. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BLADES Ice Hockey. www.bladeshockey.com LOS ANGELES FRONTRUNNERS Running and walking club. www.lafrontrunners.com WEST HOLLYWOOD SOCCER CLUB Comfortable, supportive environment for learning and playing the world’s most popular game. www.gaysoccer.com LOS ANGELES GAY SCUBA CLUB www.barnaclebusters.org LOS ANGELES GAY ROCK CLIMBING www.lalgbtclimbing.com WEST HOLLYWOOD AQUATICS Swim and Water Polo Teams. www.wh2o.org WORSHIP

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH mccla.org, 4953 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 BETH CHAYIM CHADASHIM SYNAGOGUE bcc-la.org, 6090 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035

HOLLYWOOD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH hollywoodumc.org, 6817 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028 HOLY SPIRIT holyspirit-la.org, 4201 West Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029 UNITED UNIVERSITY CHURCH uniteduniversitychurch.org, 817 West 34th St., Los Angeles, CA 90089 DIGNITY CENTER dignitylosangeles.org, 126 South Avenue 64, Los Angeles, CA 90042 HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH-HLYWD hopelutheranchurch.net, 6720 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038 WEST HOLLYWOOD PRESBYTERIAN wehopres.org, 7350 W Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046 MOUNT HOLLYWOOD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH mthollywood.org, 4607 Prospect Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 IMMANUEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH immanuelpres.org, 3300 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010 ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH stmatthewsnoho.org, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood, CA 91602 CHRIST CHAPEL OF THE VALLEY christchapel.com, 11050 Hartsook St., North Hollywood, CA 91601 ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH stpaulssm.org, 958 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403 ST. MONICA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY stmonica.net, 725 California Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403 WEHO CHURCH wehochurch.com, 916 N. Formosa Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90046 ST. VICTOR’S CATHOLIC CHURCH saintvictor.org, 8634 Holloway Dr. West Hollywood, CA 90069 ST. LUKE LUTHERAN stlukelutheran.com, 5312 Comercio Way, Woodland Hills, CA 91364

For Breaking Daily LGBT News Visit

www.thefightmag.com

MAY 2015 | TH E F I GH T 49

THEFINALFIGHT >> TYRONE RONTGANGER <<

a (gay) man: When I watch a porno, I get hard. When I get hard, I want/need sex. But the whole time I was looking, I felt uncomfortable. I didn’t feel sexual with women around.

GENDER SEGREGATION

THE OPPOSITE OF SEX Tyrone Rontganger, German Mr. Leather 2013/14, and a judge at the recent Mr. L.A. Leather 2015 contest, on the differences between leather bars in Berlin and Los Angeles. BY TYRO N E RO N TG A N G ER

ne of the biggest surprises I had during my visit to Los Angeles was on my first night out there for Eric Paul Leue’s [Mr. L.A. Leather 2014] roast at the Bullet Bar, the kind of leather bar you can find all over the world. A long bar with dark walls, sexy guys serving beer, stools to sit on from where you chat with the staff, pounce on a passer-by, or whiskey-drink your man-size problems into oblivion. Nothing particularly unusual! Order a drink from the bar there and you could also be in a leather bar in any European city between London and Berlin. I order my vodka-cola and take it onto the terrace where I can quietly enjoy it outside. And that’s where I had my big shock: WOMEN. In a gay leather bar. I honestly thought I’d drop my drink. This trip to Los Angeles for Leather Pride was my first “leather holiday” in the US, therefore also my first time in an American leather bar and consequently also the first time I had ever been in a leather bar where I had encountered members of the opposite sex. I took my seat, a lonely bar stool in the corner; and as usual my big eyes fell on the porno film... I love pornos! I enjoy seeing hot, unattainable guys kissing, stroking and pounding each other. I’m

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As a European, it just didn’t make any sense to me at all: In Europe, or Germany at least, and it doesn’t matter where, there are no leather bars where women can enter. The same goes for the associations, night clubs, anything. We completely segregate: Men over here, women over there! Jon [Wright] from the LALC [Los Angeles Leather Coalition] explained to me that in the US, it’s to do with laws on discrimination so it’s illegal in California to put a sign on the door that says “No Women!” The disparity between California and Berlin made me wonder: is gender segregation a benefit or an injustice? That night at The Bullet I went looking for the darkroom, as in my European mentality there had to be one somewhere. Eventually I ask Eric Paul Leue where it is. “Welcome to LA, honey!” Eric (German born) says to me. “This is not Berlin. We don’t have darkrooms here!” Then all of a sudden, it at least makes some sense to me: If you’re going to admit women into a bar, then you’d in theory have to also let them enter the darkroom.

LESBIANS RESPOND How do our homosexual sisters see it? My friend Annet Audehm, a frontline lesbian and probably the most prominent LGBT activist in Berlin offers me her opinion. “I don’t have any problem at all with not getting

into certain places,” she says. “We have our own places, exclusively for women—lesbian women! No men allowed!” Mari, a counselor in Berlin for LGBTQ youth: confirms this: “We have women’s bars here in Berlin where nothing with a penis can enter, not even on dogs, nor children over the age of six. Why would I feel discriminated against because I can’t get into a men’s bar that I don’t even want to go to? Men can’t get into our bars either!” It’s clearly a two-way street here. We men don’t want the women in our bars and the women here neither care nor want it in return, regardless whether their female colleagues in America think they should or not. It is as normal for them to live here in a female dominated lesbian world as it is for us to live here in a male dominated gay one. Yet we live in the same city, side by side and share the same issues, without having an issue with each other on this particular theme. Perhaps it really is the heteros here who have it the best. If you’re a straight woman who also likes to have indiscriminate sex in public, you can still visit the heterosexual darkroom in Berghain, the mixed sex parties at Club Culture House, or one of the many “swinger” clubs. Or go dancing in the Kitkat Club, where you can walk around naked, get fucked at the bar or hit the dance floor wearing a strap-on dildo. I guarantee you in all cases the straight men will line up for you. The straight bars and clubs seem to be the only places in Berlin where men and women can actually meet and have sex. With each other. n

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