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LEGACY WEEKEND NOVEMBER 21-22 An annual event honoring our bold, courageous, and creative LGBTQIA+ community FOR TICKETS AND STREAMING INFO | OUTFEST.ORG/LEGACY2020
FEATURING
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THECONTENTS
ON TH E COVER & ON T HIS PAGE DANIEL FRANZESE COVER PHOTO, CONTENTS PHOTO & FEATURE PHOTO
BY PAUL BRICKMAN
MAKE UP: LAURA RACZKA ASSISTANT: HUNTER STEVENS
F EATU RE S
14
A BETTER TOMORROW
18
FINDING HOME
20
A LIFE OF ACTIVISM
24
MY CHILD IS AN HONOR STUDENT
26
COPING MECHANISMS
28
RAINBOW REVOLUTION
DIGNITY HEALTH—ST. MARY MEDICAL CENTER THE COVENANT HOUSE AN INTERVIEW WITH DANIEL FRANZESE
KIDS OF SAME-SEX PARENTS RESEARCH BISEXUAL RECORDING ARTIST TAYLA PARX QUEER IDENTITY AND VISIBILITY
D EPARTMENTS
08 10 12 16 22 32 36 38
THE TALK THE CITY THE TRANSACTION THE ROSTOW REPORT THE SHARE THE ART THE CALENDAR THE FINAL FIGHT
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THEEDITOR
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stanford Altamirano MANAGING EDITOR Mark Ariel ART DIRECTOR Nadeen Torio MARKETING CONSULTANTS Sean Galuszka Antonio Garnica NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media www.rivendellmedia.com SOCIAL MEDIA Mark Ariel Sinan Shihabi WEBMASTER Nadeen Torio ARTS EDITOR Sinan Shihabi
>> MOVING FORWARD <<
Hopefully by the time you read this Joe Biden will be Presidentelect of the United States. However, “no matter what happens with the Presidential election, the LGBTQ community today stands united with other communities which have also
together—we can build a more equitable and loving national community.” “For four years, the LGBTQ community has faced hundreds of attacks against our collective and individual rights from the Trump Administration—assaults that
“CLEARLY, OUR FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, JUSTICE, AND EQUALITY IS FAR FROM OVER.” faced ongoing attacks against their humanities,” Los Angeles LGBT Center CEO Lorri L. Jean said in a statement this month. “We stand with Black, Indigenous and people of color, with activists seeking racial justice, with feminists and immigrants, and, indeed, with the many millions of people who believe in the possibility that—working
included attempts to take away our health care, remove legal protections, and threaten the safety and well-being of our youth. Indeed, we have experienced nothing less than a concerted effort to delegitimize our existence and strip us of our humanity,” said Jean. “Clearly, our fight for freedom, justice, and equality is far from over.”
CONTRIBUTORS Paul Brickman Dusti Cunningham Orly Lyonne Victor Melamed Paulo Murillo Ann Rostow Sinan Shihabi Christopher Anthony Velasco 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 Paper Pushers LA 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.
STANFORD ALTAMIRANO Editor-In-Chief
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 © 2020 Third Step LLC. All rights reserved. Content may be reproduced with permission. The Fight Magazine assumes no liability for any claims or representations contained anywhere in this magazine and reserves the right to cancel or refuse advertising at publisher’s discretion. TheFightMag.com For Display Advertising, please call (323) 297-4001
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THETALK > > W H AT T H E Y ’ R E S AY I N G < <
RELIGIOUS “FREEDOM”
MORE PROACTIVE
“As a queer person I am terrified of this new 6-3 conservative court placing other people’s socalled religious ‘freedom’ over our basic civil rights.”
CYNTHIA NIXON
—Actress Cynthia Nixon on Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court last month, to The Hollywood Reporter. Coney Barrett was the trustee of a private Christian school that wouldn’t allow LGBTQ teachers nor admit children of LGBTQ parents.
OWN BIGOTRY
FORTUNE FEIMSTER
“She is extremely dangerous and, if she chooses to bend the law to reflect her own bigotry, she is likely to become the biggest legal threat to LGBTQ+ Americans that we’ve seen in a long time.”
—Comedian Fortune Feimster on marrying her longtime partner Jacquelyn Smith last month, in an interview with People.
HAVING FUN
—Comedian Billy Eichner on Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court last month, to The Hollywood Reporter.
ON A MISSION
LORI LIGHTFOOT
“Hopefully, marriage equality is here to stay. But we wanted to be more proactive and get married while we know we can. It definitely got the ball rolling for us a lot faster.”
“We, of all people, have been accustomed to doing hard things and winning hard fights. We’re on a mission to save our country and the world. Let’s win this.”
“You know, they play that song [Village BILLY EICHNER People’s “YMCA”] like every night at every gay bar across America... And last night I think it was ‘Macho Macho Man’ and that one too. You cannot write this stuff. But he is having fun and dancing. On the graves of 215,000 Americans. Dancing.” —CNN’s Don Lemon on Trump, at his rallies, “dancing on the graves” of COVID-19 victims to the tune of the Village People’s “YMCA.»
INSPIRE TRUST
—Lori Lightfoot, Chicago’s first Black lesbian mayor,writing in The Advocate last month
“I think the most important role of a mayor right now is to inspire trust in government, and to make people feel at ease during a time that is pretty tumultuous.”
CALLING US
“I wasn’t just a woman working in law enforcement. I was a gay woman. That made me a target. A threat... The courage to do what’s right and just no matter how difficult it may be. That’s what history is calling us to do,” —Ohio’s Charmaine McGuffey, running to be one of the few out sheriffs in the nation, highlighting her experiences in a campaign ad, last month.
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CHARMAINE MCGUFFEY
DON LEMON
—Austin Quinn-Davidson, Anchorage, Alaska’s first woman mayor and first gay mayor after becoming the city’s acting mayor after Mayor Ethan Berkowitz announced his resignation amidst sexual harassment allegations, in an interview with the Anchorage Daily News. AUSTIN QUINN-DAVIDSON
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THECITY >>
BY PAULO MURILLO
<<
INVISIBLE MEN FOUNDER LUCKIE ALEXANDER
Alliance for Housing and Healing, crowned this year’s queen on Sunday, October 18, 2020. It was a battle for the the tiara unlike any the pageant has hosted in its 30 year history, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The show was a re-imagined drive-in theater experience at the Pasadena Rose Bowl. Not only did it manage sell out every single ticket on that parking lot, but the night also raised an impressive $325,000, which will go directly towards efforts to prevent homelessness and hunger for men, women, children and families living with HIV/AIDS throughout Los Angeles County.
SAN DIEGO
ACTIVISTS GET STATUE OF GOV. PETE WILSON REMOVED
WEST HOLLYWOOD
TRANSGENDER AWARENESS MONTH TO BE COMMEMORATED WITH ONLINE EVENTS The City of West Hollywood and its Transgender Advisory Board recognize November as Transgender Awareness Month. Kicking-off events this year, the City presented the Transgender Awareness Month Awards via Zoom. This year’s honorees included Nick Adams, GLAAD’s Director of Transgender Media & Representation. Awards were also presented to the organization Invisible Men and its founder Luckie Alexander, for his work to highlight issues facing transgender men, and to Trans Can Work, an organization focused on raising employers’ awareness of the skills and talents that gender diverse professionals can offer. The City will host an online Transgender Day of Remembrance Ceremony at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020 featuring speakers and a reading of names to memorialize people who have been murdered as a result of anti-transgender violence. More information about this event is at: www.weho.org
ORANGE COUNTY
RADIANT HEALTH CENTERS OFFERS DRIVE-UP RAPID HIV TESTING Radiant Health Centers, a nonprofit specializing in LGBTQ+ specialized medical care and comprehensive social services, has begun offering free drive-up rapid HIV testing to the Orange County community. The program is by-appointment-only and offers a complete HIV testing experience, including pre-appointment consultation and PrEP or PEP prescriptions, based on test results. The drive-up testing process includes counseling and 1 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
education over the phone before the appointment to minimize physical interaction with testing staff while also providing clients with helpful information to facilitate a supportive experience. All appointments are private and confidential. To learn more, visit radianthealthcenters.org.
L OS A NGELES
BEST IN DRAG SHOW RAISES $325,000 FOR CHARITY Best in Drag Show 2020 fundraiser benefiting Aid for AIDS, a program of
LGBT Activists called for the removal of a statue of former Gov. Pete Wilson near Horton Plaza Park in downtown San Diego. Some representatives of Latino and gay rights groups held a news conference in front of the life-size bronze sculpture, saying Wilson supported laws and policies that hurt immigrants and LGBTQ community members. They accused the former Governor of using his influence to demonize Latino and LGBT communities to gain power. The 13-yearold statue was removed by Horton Walk, the nonprofit that owns the statue. Steve Williams, its president, stated that no decision has been made about whether the statue will be returned.
PALM SPRINGS
GAY CLERK RISKS LOSING JOB OVER “KAREN” ENCOUNTER Aidan Bearpaw, an employee of Bones-N’-Scones in Palm Springs, was dragged into a viral encounter when a woman tried to shop at his store without a mask. She was refused service. The woman called the police, but the 911 dispatcher told her she must wear a mask. He recorded the incident via Facebook Live. He told the New York Post it was very stressful. His bosses were initially furious, and raised the possibility he was going to be fired, but co-workers stood by him and eventually so did the BonesN-Scones. n
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THETRANSACTION >> SARAH McBRIDE <<
SARAH MCBRIDE
TRANS ELECTION VICTORIES
T
Sarah McBride has become the highest ranking trans legislator in the country
rans candidate Taylor Small of Vermont, has made history as the new representative-to-be for two districts in the state legislator, reports LGBTQ Nation. In the Midwest, Stephanie Byers becomes the first transgender person of color in a state legislature by eking out a victory in Kansas. Non-binary Black Muslim millennial Mauree Turner has won their race in Oklahoma. Also Sarah McBride became the highest ranking trans legislator in the country by winning a seat on the Delaware state senate. McBride, who is the National Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, will be representing Delaware’s first district and is focused on criminal justice reform, equal access to education, afford-
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able healthcare, and increased access to paid medical leave. “Time and time again, I’ve had the opportunity to see there is space for people of
all different backgrounds, including trans people, in our politics,” McBride recently told LGBTQ Nation. n
COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV
The basics for protecting yourself from COVID-19 are almost the same as for everyone.
STAY IN PLACE
1
You are safest at home. Only leave your house for essentials such as a trip to the grocery store or pharmacy.
MAINTAIN YOUR SPACE
2
Avoid close contact with others and maintain at least 6 feet of space.
COVER YOUR FACE
3
When out in the public, cover your face with a bandana, neck gaiter or homemade mask. Leave N95 and surgical masks for the medical professionals.
CONTINUE YOUR MEDICATION
4
Continue your HIV medications to keep your immune system as healthy as possible, establish a plan for clinical care or talk to your provider about the use of telemedicine.
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>> SCOTTY <<
PHOTO CAPTION: LEFT TO RIGHT: PAUL LOVELY, CARE CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NOLAN ROSS SAMÉ-WEIL, FRIEND OF CARE, CAROLYN CALDWELL, ST. MARY HOSPITAL PRESIDENT, AND ARDEL AVELINO, ST. MARY VP OF CLINIC
The CARE Center at Dignity Health—St. Mary Medical Center: Remembering 40 Million People—Let’s End AIDS orld AIDS Day takes place on the 1st of December each year. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first-ever global health day, and serves as an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against HIV, to continue to show support for people living with and affected by HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. The CARE Center at Dignity Health—St. Mary Medical Center hosts community members, supporters, staff, and physicians for an emotional event honoring those who have lost their battle to AIDS and all those who continue to courageously fight the disease at a World AIDS Day commemoration. The annual event has historically included personal stories from CARE clients, a powerful art display illustrating the journey of HIV through the eyes of survivors, and over the years special guests have performed songs and poetry readings that truly inspire hope for a better tomorrow. One such story is that of our friend Ray, whose journey at CARE started over twenty years ago. Ray first heard about CARE from his late partner. Although Ray was asymptomatic for many years, his body eventually began to exhibit the effects of his diagnosis. “Coming to CARE was the best decision I ever made,” states Ray. “AIDS affects every part of your life—physical, mental, spiritual. My CARE doctor said, ‘I can’t cure you, but I can make you feel better.’ I hung onto that – that gave me hope.” Less than 40 years ago, scientists first discovered the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)—the virus that leads to AIDS. Since then it has become one of the most devastating 1 4 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
PAUL LOVELY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CARE CENTER: “KNOWING YOUR STATUS, BY GETTING TESTED REGULARLY, IS ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAYS TO HELP US END AIDS.” pandemics in modern history. According to the National AIDS Trust, there are an estimated 37 million people worldwide living with HIV today—1.1 million of them in the United States alone, and more than 35 million have died of HIV/AIDS over the past 35 years. “Knowing your status, by getting tested regularly, is one of the most effective ways to help us End AIDS,” states Paul Lovely, Executive Director of the CARE Center. “Thanks to the support of various Foundations and Government funding sources, anyone can receive HIV and STI testing at the CARE Center, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.” The dedication of St. Mary’s CARE Center has been recognized nationally and locally by the City of Long Beach— acknowledging its commitment to End AIDS and support the diverse needs of the its residents. CARE has also been acknowledged by the County of Los Angeles as a Center of Excellence for PrEP and PEP services. CARE has a strong collaborative relationship with various partners, including the City of Long Beach and the Long Beach Department of Health & Human Services, to increase awareness, provide resources and education, and raise necessary funds to combat HIV in the community. If you are in need of support, CARE is here for you. Follow us on Facebook at StMaryMedicalCenter to learn about this year’s World AIDS Day events and other helpful information.
Get tested. Today. No matter when you last tested your sexual health, knowing your status has never been more important—for you, your partners, and for the community. And at the CARE Center at Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center, HIV and STI screenings are safe, simple, and confidential. Beyond screenings, the CARE Center also offers comprehensive health services regardless of your ability to pay. So in honor of World AIDS Day December 1—and every day—take time to make your health a priority at the CARE Center in Long Beach. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/stmary/testing or call 562.453.3766.
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THEROSTOWREPORT >> BY ANN ROSTOW <<
JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL
Readers, I’m writing on election night at about midnight East Coast time. Why? Because I wanted my column to reflect the wonderful news that Democrats had won a landslide victory and taken back the Senate, setting the stage for a vast renewal of hope for America and for our vibrant GLBT community. Instead I’m watching the chaos of an election that hangs on the thread of the vaunted blue wall, which won’t count votes until whenever, giving Trump the chance to bluster about late results that shouldn’t count. For all I know, by the time you read this the whole mess will have been sorted out to our benefit and all will be well. But the specter of a Trump win is still alive for me at this moment, and it’s horrifying. Like many people, I became more and more alarmed while watching the 2016 results, until the nightmare became reality. This time, I settled in happily, my Champagne glass filled to the brim, thinking that finally, this whole horror show will soon be over. And then, what the hell! I think we’ll win, but do we have to trigger our PTSD in the process? Do we have to go through this? James Carville says we’re just fine and just have to be patient. He told Democrats to put away the razor blades and the Ambien. Okay, I’m calming down. But still, there’s a big difference between a blue tsunami combined with a Senate majority, and a narrow victory that leaves Mitch McConnell in charge. Plus, we will probably have to fend off a barrage of Trump legal tactics, which I don’t think will succeed, but which stir up his minions around the country. But all that said, my friends, there is only one critical goal here. And that is defeating
UNFORTUNATELY, “WINNING” SEEMS TO INCLUDE LIVING IN A COUNTRY WHERE HALF OUR FELLOW CITIZENS ARE BECOMING A CULT AND WOULD RATHER SEE A NEO-FASCIST STRONGMAN IN CHARGE THAN A CAPABLE EXECUTIVE. Trump, even if we only have a few electoral college votes to spare and even if we have to suffer through a chaotic end game from the president. And even if we don’t win the Senate, we will still be able to dismantle much of the Trump administration’s antiGLBT policies. All the cabinet departments’ antigay and antitrans position statements are gone. The ban on transgender military service is gone. The State Department’s antigay position on human rights will
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be revised back to normal. The Justice Department will once again become a neutral force for equality. The weight that has been pressing down on our community’s chest for four years will be lifted from one day to the next.
BACK TO SCOTUS WE GO
We will be left diminished by the Trump years, and most of all by the change in the Supreme Court. On November
4, the Court will hear oral arguments in Fulton v Philadelphia, the main gay rights case of this session. We dodged a bullet in the Title VII case last summer, winning an unexpected 6-3 majority in favor of the idea that GLBT bias is a form of sex discrimination and therefore illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. That ruling would also suggest that GLBT bias is illegal in every other federal law that bans sex discrimination, particularly Title IX of the Education Amendments of I forget the year (1972?) which governs discrimination in public schools and colleges. So that was great! Justice Gorsuch was the unexpected author of the opinion, and it looked as if we might count John Roberts as an occasional swing vote ally in the future. Now, however, we’ve replaced our greatest champion with a woman who appears poised to become one of our greatest adversaries. Justice Gorsuch may have sided with us on an arcane question of textual interpretation in the Title VII case, but it’s doubtful he will join us on a matter of religious freedom. And here we have a question of whether or not the City of Philadelphia can refuse to place foster kids with Catholic Social Services, a group that does not accept same-sex couples as foster parents on religious grounds. Philadelphia does not do business with those who discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. Yet Catholic Social Services argues that it should enjoy a religious exemption to this regulation. Think about that. If businesses and individuals can claim a faith-based excuse for ignoring gay rights laws, what purpose do those laws serve? They become meaningless. Meanwhile, no one argues that a Christian business can refuse customers based on
> > J E S U S TA K E T H E W H E E L • B A C K T O S C O T U S W E G O • B E T W E E N C H U R C H A N D S TAT E • S T U C K W I T H S TA R T R E A L I T Y < <
race or gender, even if they might find some scriptural basis for such a policy. Yet religious bias against GLBTs is commonly understood as a legitimate matter of faith. I find this really irritating. I’m a little drunk.
BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE There’s a lot more to our big gay Supreme Court case I’m sorry to say. Sorry because it’s hard to write about legal stuff when the world is falling apart and I’m into my second bottle. But this is important. One of the main issues to be decided in Fulton v Philadelphia transcends gay rights. And that is the question of whether religion can be used to avoid a law that is generally applicable and does not involve faith.
ER ORDU O Y RAY HOLID BIRDSY! EARL
Just thirty years ago, the Court said no, in an opinion written by Antonin Scalia. It makes sense. You can’t claim your faith requires a fireworks display in the middle of the city, or a peyote ritual in violation of drug laws. As Scalia noted, religion can’t be used so broadly, otherwise every man would become a law unto himself. This case has specifically asked whether or not that precedent, Employment Division v Smith, should be overturned. If that happens, the wall between church and state will buckle and religious expression will become, not just a legal consideration, but a legal priority. Will it happen? Before Ginsburg’s death I’d say no. Now, we don’t just have six conservatives on the Court, but we have five, possibly six, justices with strong leanings
towards faith-based actors. And for what it’s worth, they’re all Catholics, which is a little weird in my view. (Throw in Sotomayor and we have seven Catholics on the ninemember High Court.) If these justices band together to throw out such a major precedent, there’s no telling what they might get up to in the future. They won’t undo marriage equality, but they could easily rule that people of faith can ignore our unions at will.
STUCK WITH STARK REALITY
Well, that analysis did nothing to lift my spirits. And now I’m back to the unnerving election results. We seem to have won the electoral vote in Nebraska which is small comfort. It is now nearly four in the morning East Coast time,
and the situation is no clearer than it was at midnight. The pleasant sense of confidence inspired by James Carville has gone away, and I now fear I will have to go to bed with a gnawing fear in my stomach, tossing and turning for hours. Tomorrow morning I’ll be stuck with stark reality, whatever that may be, without the benefit of a boatload of Champagne in my system to ease my distress. Fast forward to stark reality and it looks like we’re winning. Unfortunately, “winning” seems to include living in a country where half our fellow citizens are becoming a cult and would rather see a neo-fascist strongman in charge than a capable executive. Oh, and I have a hangover. n arostow@aol.com
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>> COVENANT HOUSE <<
LGBTQ youth make up roughly 40% of California’s homeless youth. How Covenant House helped one man to “live in victory.”
N
ovember is Youth Homelessness Awareness Month, a month that follows LGBTQ history month. This connection is an intentional one as LGBTQ youth make up roughly 40% of California’s homeless youth. Most of these kids are not living on the streets by choice. Many have turned to the streets as a last resort. Many have been abused and abandoned. This November, while we all plan to celebrate what we are thankful for, we need to remember the struggles that our LGBTQ youth face and how we can help them overcome these struggles. This is the story of Anthony Solis. Tell us about yourself. I was born in a military hospital on Labor Day in 1977 at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California, the middle child of four brothers. My mom was a housewife and my dad was a mailman. My father worked a lot and he drank even more. When I was still an infant, my mother dressed me as a girl and fixed my hair like a girl and even took me out to the park as a girl. My mother wanted a daughter. On that occasion, my father saw us in the park and became very angry, physically abusing my mother for it. Shortly after, my dad sent me away to live with my grandma for the next
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BY VICTOR MELAMED
four months in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the pattern of abuse continued and eventually my father turned his anger to me. As a child, when I was sound asleep he would grab me by my leg yanking me off my top bunk and I would hit my head on the floor, sometimes busting my mouth open. He would pick me up over his head and launch me into the wall. I wondered why my mom wouldn’t help me but I realized when she would, he would unleash his anger on her. When I wasn’t getting beat at night by my father, I would be getting beat in the day by my mom. My mom would purposely keep me home from school making me absent, laying the blame on me when the school checked in on me and landing me in detention. I was alone a lot. I got used to it. How much did your sexuality play into your circumstances surrounding homelessness? I had a friend out me as gay to my mother when I was a teenager. She informed my dad who once again released his rage on me calling me faggot while beating me. It was the last time he hit me. I took off running, and I ran and ran and ran. I didn’t know where I was going, I was just going and would never ever go back. I was now a homeless teen in the streets of downtown Los Angeles. My first night of being free, a man came up
to me, punched me in my face, and took my shoes and shirt. Having nothing, I started walking the streets all over, panhandling, looking for somewhere to go. For years I lived in fear on the streets. From theft to having grown men sexually assault me, I struggled to survive. I felt like my soul had been ripped away from me. One day, shivering, hungry, bloody, no shoes and no hope, I saw a telephone booth and picked up the phone. I called 411; I cried to the operator asking her to help me, I was pleading for someone to help me and she connected me to Covenant House. A man named Brian came and picked me up, I was apprehensive and scared to go with him but I could see it in this man’s eyes that he was really there to help me and my silent voice said get in. Tell us about your time at Covenant House. Arriving at Covenant House there were no beds available but they set me up with a temporary bed, gave me warm socks, blankets, a pillow, and something to eat. It was the home that I never had. Eventually a bed opened for me and I was given a case manager. I was also given medical care and, most importantly, I was given a counselor to help me get through the years of pain and abuse. I got my first job
> > C O V E R F E AT U R E < <
working at Covenant House’s kitchen. I felt it, I felt and knew there was a better world for me now. I even applied for and won “Most Turned Around Resident”, a contest which took me to New York City for a candlelight vigil to spotlight youth homelessness where I read a speech with then President Bill Clinton. Upon returning from my trip to New York, Paramount Pictures opened an
internship for Covenant House youth. I applied and was accepted, I went on to work as an on-set dresser for years, working on shows like Clueless, Sister Sister, Moesha, Frasier, and Star Trek. If it weren’t for Covenant House, I don’t know what would have happened to me. Perhaps I would have jumped off that bridge, perhaps I would still be living under freeways, perhaps I would be a broke, lost soul on drugs on the
streets, but today I am none of these things. Today I am thankful and I am blessed. Today, I live in victory. Today, I turn every obstacle as being under my feet, it’s no match for me. To find out more about Covenant House of California and its work with youth experiencing homelessness, visit them online CovenantHouseCalifornia.org or @CovenantHouseCalifornia on social media. NO VEMB ER 2020 | THE F I GH T 19
>> DANIEL FRANZESE <<
A LIFE OF ACTIVISM An interview with Daniel Franzese: upcoming projects, Mean Girls, and being queer and Christian. BY MARK ARIEL | PHOTO BY PAUL BRICKMAN
How are you dealing with the pandemic? At first it was surreal. It felt half scary and half like a vacation. Like I can’t remember the last time before the pandemic I had even one single day with nothing to do for work. And now here I am playing Mario Kart for five hours straight and ordering groceries and weed to my apartment I never get to leave. Then later my niece started to fail 2nd grade taking it online - everyone in my family was too occupied with work and kids to help her so I began teaching her 2nd grade on Zoom. It was unbelievable. She went from C and D to A and B and all summer we read The Baby Sitter’s Club and I learned what I might be like as a parent… It was wonderful. Now she is killing it in 3rd grade and nothing less than a B on her report card. I’m a proud Guncle. Did you have any upcoming projects put on hold because of Covid? Yeah, I was set to direct my first feature. It’s a queer obsession thriller. We will make it one day but it really slowed us down. I also have been on tour and cancelled so many comedy dates from Scotland to Omaha. This interview is taking place before the election. Do you have any predictions? I really can’t wait for this to all be over. This is going to be so historic either way. I predict that now that our nation has become a reality show we are gonna eventually learn exactly how shady all of Washington has been one day in the near future. Your new podcast Yass, Jesus! is about being queer and Christian. Can you tell us what motivated you to launch this project. 20 0 TTH HEE FFIGH IGHTT || www.thefightmag.com www.thefightmag.com 2
“THE IMPACT OF PLAYING A GAY CHUBBY TEEN IN A MAJOR STUDIO FILM DID SO MUCH FOR REPRESENTATION AND I AM HUMBLED BY THAT EVERYDAY…” Gay people are told by false Christians that they need to make a choice between Gay and God. That’s simply a lie and they honestly need to mind their fucking business. Nobody is talking to YOU about ME on judgement day so take several seats. God IS love. There are beautiful queer stories in the Bible and queer perspectives rarely discussed openly and people need to hear them! When we are asking for equality it wasn’t just about marriage. I want my God back. I have a place in God’s home. These ridiculous mega churches tell us we don’t belong and take money in the name of God. Being gay is not a sin in the Ten Commandments but worshiping false idols is. So when I see gays screaming for Lady Gaga or Beyoncé as if they were at church I want to let them know that God gave them their gifts and He has so many in store for you. Don’t listen to the haters who act like jerks all week then put a suit on Sunday morning and think they are better than you. Sex doesn’t define you. You can love Jesus and love getting your bootyhole licked—it’s fine… Our own producer even came out and got divorced and finally realized she was gay. I can’t tell you how much I needed
to hear these stories growing up. It could have a changed everything. Out of all the films you have been in—which ones do you feel had the most impact on your career? Mean Girls is obviously colossal and such an incredible thrill ride to be a part of. So many fantastic things have come into my life. The impact of playing a gay chubby teen in a major studio film did so much for representation and I am humbled by that everyday from people who reach out to me from across the globe telling me how my role helped them accept themselves. I will always be blessed for being a part of that movie but I will always be most fond of a little horror film I’d did called Kill Theory. It was the film where I think I finally found my footing as an actor. Any final thoughts you’d like to share with our readers? One of the best things I think an LGBTQIA+ person can be in this world is an example of LOVE. My role as the HIV+ Eddie Bear in Looking led me to a life of activism. I became an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and have done a lot of work on their behalf… I have heard first hand amazing things that Elizabeth Taylor has done for the fight against HIV/AIDS and it all lives on in her grandchildren. What a legacy! It’s unbelievable what one person can accomplish. She had inspired me beyond belief to lend my voice and mind to everything I can to help people. If I could leave you with one thing it’s that one person can change the world. It could be you. You can follow Daniel Franzese on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook @whatsupdanny
> > C O V E R F E AT U R E < <
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FRESH OUT OF REHAB
We asked these clean and sober individuals in early recovery what it’s like—after completing a rehabilitation program at the Van Ness Recovery House—moving into a sober living space.
LIFE WITH TOOLS
EDGAR LAGOS
for all of one month combined. I was court ordered, so I said what I needed to say for the courts. This time I realized I need help. When I first went into rehab I identified as nonbinary. I went by Mariah, but I also said my birth name. Today I’m living as a woman. I’m a transgender woman and I learned how to act and live like a woman. I checked in to rehab on March 10th and I transitioned May 4th. I changed everything. I checked into the House and I came out a different person. It’s a great feeling.” —Mariah, sober since March 10, 2020.
“Getting out of rehab is fabulous. I now have a life with tools. Being in the house was very uncomfortable because all my life I did whatever I wanted to do. I didn’t follow rules. I never let people tell me what to do. In rehab, I was told what to do. It was uncomfortable. I had to learn to follow direction. Now that I’m out, I don’t always want to do my readings or call my sponsor, but my sponsor warns me that the people who don’t do the work relapse, and I don’t want to relapse. The best thing about being out of rehab is my freedom. I don’t have to deal with 20 different personalities. It’s great being able to visit my family whenever I like. I’m so happy with my recovery. It’s easy for me to take responsibility for my life because today I’m happy.” —Edgar Lagos, sober since January 14, 2020.
CHANGED EVERYTHING “I went into rehab right before the pandemic, so I was the last person to go in before we went on lockdown. I feel very accomplished because it was very challenging being there every day with the same people. Rehab helped me change my life. Even though I did the work, the house helped me. This is my third time going through the House. My honesty and willingness is different. The first two times I was there, I left early. I was there
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TANGIBLE POWER
MARIAH
“I got sober at 19. I’m now 20. If you’re familiar with the Hero’s Journey, it’s very much like the end of that story. He goes back to normal life, but he’s gained this whole experience. My story is that the climax or the fateful battle become my bottom. The resurrection ELIAS FERGUSON would be going to rehab and the whole process of rehab. After rehab I feel like I’ve come back to normal society, functioning as a civilized person, but I’ve gained this power you could say, where I am a functioning sober person. It is very substantial and almost like a tangible power through the experience that I had. I now have tools that I can utilize at any point that will prepare me for another journey as I continue to stay sober. The best thing about being out of rehab is being back to the world that I’m used to, but being different and more developed and utilizing my tools to reach my full potential.” —Elias Ferguson, sober since February 5, 2020.
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>> SCOTTY BOWERS <<
Kids of same-sex parents perform better academically, according to study ccording to a recently published study by researchers from the University of Oxford, kids raised by LGBTQ+ couples academically outperform their peers raised by straight couples, reports Raffy Ermac in The Advocate. The study was conducted in the Netherlands (the first country to first legalize same-sex marria ge, the study notes), and according to its abstract, the data was pulled from 2,971 children with same-sex parents (2,786 lesbian couples and 185 gay male couples) and over a million children with different-sex parents who were followed from birth through their primary and secondary education, reports Ermac in The Advocate. “Our results indicate that children raised by same-sex parents from birth outperform children raised by different-sex parents on standardized test scores at the end of primary education by about .14 standard deviations,” the summary reads. “By contrast, children who live with same-sex parents at a later date perform worse (albeit not significantly) on the test than children with different-sex parents, likely due to the negative influence of parental separation.” As UNILAD - a British Internet media company—points out, it’s worth noting that the families with LGBTQ+ parents are usually of a higher economic status than families raised by the average straight parents, and that income status played an important role throughout the study. “Our study shows that socio-economic status is a major factor,” Oxford postdoctoral researcher and the study’s lead researcher Deni Mazrekaj told UNILAD. “We found that 2 4 TTHHEE FFIIGH www.thefightmag.com 24 GH TT || www.thefightmag.com
“SAME-SEX PARENTS ARE ALSO VERY LIKELY TO BE HIGHLY MOTIVATED TO BECOME PARENTS GIVEN THE PROCEDURES THEY HAVE TO UNDERGO TO HAVE CHILDREN.” same-sex parents are often wealthier, older, and more educated than the typical different-sex couple. Same-sex couples often have to use expensive fertility treatments and adoption procedures to have a child, meaning they tend to have a high level of wealth.” He continued: “However, once we controlled for [socio-economic status], the positive associations reduced, but remained positive. Thus it is likely that other factors also play a role, for instance, these are wanted pregnancies and samesex parents are also very likely to be highly motivated to become parents given the procedures they have to undergo to have children.”
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COPING MECHANISMS Bisexual recording artist Tayla Parx: “Be nice to yourself. Go through those growing pains, because they enable you to become who you’re meant to be.” BY ORLY LYONNE
M
ultiple GRAMMY® Award-nominated recording artist Tayla Parx has released the official music video for her new single “Residue.” “Residue” is available now via Tayla Made/ Atlantic at all DSPs and streaming services. “Residue” precedes Parx’s eagerly-anticipated new album, Coping Mechanisms, due to arrive at long last on November 20th. “It’s about one of those moments when you try to get somebody off your brain or heart,” Parx says of “Residue.” “You’re confessing, ‘I’m trying to get rid of you,” which is another one of my unhealthy coping mechanisms. In certain cases, you’re being avoidant and acting like it was never there versus finding solutions to the problem head-on.” “I’m ever-changing,” Parx says. “I’m unwilling to let my creative side die—ever. I’m a businesswoman, I’m a brand, and I’m a human. I’m working on being a better one all the time too. I’m going to allow myself to continue to evolve. My message is, ‘It’s okay to not be okay sometimes.’ It’s also okay to be better than okay other times. Be nice to yourself. Go through those growing pains, because they enable you to become who you’re meant to be.” “Residue” was first heralded this spring by the acclaimed first single, “Dance Alone,” available now at all DSPs and streaming services. Hailed by Insider as one of “the 18 best LGBQ love songs of all time,” the disco-infused track proved a sensation upon arrival, earning over 1.2 million Spotify streams (including placement on Michelle Obama’s #BlackGirlMagic playlist) amidst widespread critical applause from the likes of Variety, which declared, “’Dance Alone’ has perhaps the defining chorus of 2020.” “Dance Alone” is joined by a joyously energetic official video, filmed at Parx’s home in Los Angeles and streaming now via YouTube. Most recently, Parx released A Blue State, a powerful cover compilation mini project reflecting her mood and political nuance. Parx pays homage to Kirk Franklin’s “I Smile,” Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and Lauryn Hill’s “Everything isEverything.” A Blue State is available now via Tayla Made/Atlantic at all DSPs and streaming services. 2 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
“MY MESSAGE IS, ‘IT’S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY SOMETIMES.’”
Female Sexual Orientation Genetics Research Depends on You Sexual orientation is a fundamental trait of great scientific interest. Understanding the origins of sexual orientation will enable us to learn a great deal about sexual motivation, sexual identity, gender identity and sex differences. Our primary goals are scientific, but we also are hopeful for greater societal understanding. To assist us in our research, we are seeking participants who are: • Cisgender (i.e., women assigned at birth as female) • Women (at least 18 years old) • Regardless of sexual orientation (e.g., lesbian, bisexual, straight) Participants will receive a gift card after providing DNA samples (saliva) and answering a questionnaire.
For more information, call toll-free 866.364.7571 FemaleSexualOrientation.com
www.dashofpride.com @dashofpride NO VEMB ER 2020 | THE F I GH T 27
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>> MAGNUS HASTINGS <<
RAINBOW REVOLUTION A collection of vibrant portraits that celebrate the expanding spectrum of queer identity and visibility. Magnus Hastings’ new coffee-table book, Rainbow Revolution is a collection of vibrant portraits that celebrate the expanding spectrum of queer identity and visibility. Inspired by the photographer’s social media campaign #GayFace—a project that quickly became a viral sensation for featuring an array of people representing all of the different colors of the LGBTQ community—Rainbow Revolution is packed with more than 300 photographs of everyday individuals and celebrities like Kathy Griffin, Boy George, Luke Evans, and fan favorites from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Accompanying Hastings’ gorgeous photos are powerful essays from some of the subjects, detailing their own personal battles in stories that are marked with sincerity and oftentimes, humor. “The essays elevate the book for me and give it a purpose beyond the social media recognition the images have gained,” says Hastings. Magnus Hastings’ “Rainbow Revolution” is available everywhere books are sold on November 24 via Chronicle Books. NO VEMB ER 2020 | THE F I GH T 29
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THEART >>
LGBTQ ARTISTS
<<
DAKOTA NOOT
A
Los Angeles-based artist and curator, Dakota Noot uses drawings, paintings, and installations to create animal-human hybrids that explore rural yet fantastical, queer identities. Originally from Bismarck, North Dakota, he continues to show in both North Dakota and Los Angeles, including solo and two-person shows at Highways Performance Space, MuzeuMM, and PØST. Noot has exhibited in group shows at Charlie James Gallery, Shoshana Wayne Gallery, Torrance Art Museum, and “Queer Biennial: What if Utopia?” at LAST Projects. His series of cutout drawinginstallations have been shown at LA. n https://instagram.com/dakotanoot, https://www.dakotanoot.com
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DAKOTA NOOT
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PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER ANTHONY VELASCO
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THECALENDAR >> THINGS TO DO << Info: www.modelsofpride.org. The 28th annual Models of Pride conference is the largest FREEconference for LGBTQ youth & allies 12-24, as well as parents & professionals. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15
MARCH 9:30PM
Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Anita May Rosenstein Campus Garage, 1118 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles. Info: www.lalgbtcenter.org/theatre. Conceived and directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera, Produced by Jon imparato, MARCH is the first production for the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s new Garage Theatre series, combining the intimacy of live theatre with the safety of a drive-in movie. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16
LOS ANGELES GAY MEN SPEED DATING, 8PM-10PM
MODELS OF PRIDE, SEE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
PALM SPRINGS PRIDE WEEK
Various locations. Info: visit www.pspride.org Pride Week is November 6-8 in Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Pride organization is encouraging the community to come together in solidarity, in the spirit of activism, and to demonstrate resilience under the theme Exist. Resist. Persist. A combination of social distance, in-person, and virtual programs will be featured.
LOS ANGELES LESBIAN VIRTUAL SPEED DATING, 7PM-9PM
www.mycheekygaydate.com The perfect opportunity to find a virtual companion! Ages 22-44. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14
MODELS OF PRIDE
Through November 15.
Bon Vivant Market & Café, 3155 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. www.mycheekygaydate.com. An even that offers a fresh alternative to speed dating and matchmaking. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5
GAY—CENTERED INNER WORK CLUB 7PM-9PM
Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood. An ALTERNATIVE gay space for those interested in community-building and planetary healing through personal psychological liberation.
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THEFINALFIGHT
Horrific Anti-LGBT Persecution in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras. United States blocks path to asylum
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LGBT people against violence and discrimination, and that they face major obstacles if they attempt to seek asylum in the United States. “LGBT people in the Northern Triangle face high levels of violence that their own governments appear unable or unwilling to address,” said Neela Ghoshal, senior LGBT rights researcher at Human Rights Watch. “For some LGBT people in the region, seeking asylum in the United States is the only hope of safety, but the Trump administration has blocked them at every turn.” “As long as LGBT people continue to experience threats to their lives and safety based on their identity in their countries of origin, the US should welcome them with open arms, rather than slamming the door on them.” n
PHOTO BY LEO ABDELNABY ON UNSPLASH
The
governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras have failed to effectively address violence and entrenched discrimination LGBT people, leading many to seek asylum in the United States, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Yet policies by the administration of President Donald Trump have made it almost impossible for them to obtain asylum, reports the Human Rights Watch. The 152-page report documents violence experienced by LGBT people in the three Northern Central American countries collectively known as the Northern Triangle, including at the hands of gangs, law enforcement officials, and their own families. Human Rights Watch found that Northern Triangle governments fail to adequately protect
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NO VEMB ER 2020 | THE F I GH T 39
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