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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
BEAR IN MIND
18 THE INTERNATIONAL BEAR CONVERGENCE 18
21
26
IN COURAGE 21 PROFILES NBA’S JASON COLLINS RETIRES
28
24
CLEAN 24 COMING THE NICK CAPRA INTERVIEW END OF AIDS 26 THE THE STATE OF THE EPIDEMIC AND LOATHING 28 FEAR TACKLING THE HIV STIGMA ANIMAL WITHIN 32 THE DISCOVERING YOUR FETISH BARRIERS 33 BREAKING SUPPORT GROUP FOR DISABLED MASCULINITY 34 CELEBRATING DAVE RHODES LEATHER JOURNAL GIFT GUIDE 38 THE UNIQUE HOLIDAY IDEAS
ON THE COVER COVER MODEL: NICK CAPRA COVER PHOTO, TOC PHOTO AND COVER FEATURE PHOTO BY: ANTHONY DURAN PHOTO EDITOR: JEFF KING
DEPARTMENTS
11 THE LETTERS OUR READERS 12 THE TALK ROSE MCGOWAN 15 THE STATE MARK TAKANO 16 THE CITY JEFFREY PRANG 22 THE ROSTOW REPORT MARRIAGE 30 THE LAW REMAINING SILENT 36 THE SHARE LOCAL SOBRIETY 40 THE EPIDEMIC COMMON GROUND 42 THE EVENT PALM SPRINGS PRIDE
32
33 4 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com
34
38
44 THE CALENDAR EVENTS 46 THE FINAL FIGHT ROB SMITH
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W E D O N AT E A P O RT I O N O F O U R P R O C E E D S T O T H E L A L G B T C E N T E R
THEEDITOR
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stanford Altamirano MANAGING EDITOR Mark Ariel ART DIRECTOR Nadeen Torio
>> IN THIS ISSUE <<
In recognition of World AIDS Day this month Dr. Tony Mills, a leading LA-based clinician in the fields of men’s health and wellness, writes about the possibility of living in an “AIDS-free” world (“The End Of AIDS,” page 26. In order to achieve what Hilary Clinton termed “An AIDS-free Generation” everyone seems to agree there are a few fundamental steps, says Dr. Mills. “We must identify persons with HIV who remain undiagnosed and link them to health care. We must link and retain persons diagnosed with HIV to health care and get them on anti-HIV therapy to maximize HIV virus suppression so they remain healthy and so that we can prevent further transmission. And we need to facilitate access to prevention strategies including PrEP for high-risk persons to keep them HIV negative.” “PrEP is Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, which means taking medications ahead of time to prevent HIV transmission should someone encounter the virus. It’s a new and effective way that can help those who are HIV negative stay negative,” writes Dr. Mills. “Let us focus our efforts and let us reach out and work together to attain this goal of an AIDS-free generation that was once a dream but is now a
very real possibility,” states Dr. Mills. Also in this issue, with LA Leather Pride coming up in March, Dave Rhodes, the founder, publisher and Editor-In-Chief of “The Leather Journal,” talks to Mark Ariel about how the leather community has evolved over the years (“Celebrating Masculinity,” page 34). “There is an effort in the Leather community to bring in new blood,” says Rhodes. “While many allude to those younger age-wise there also are those who are young experiencewise. In general, key word general, people develop aspects of their sexuality after they have dealt with their sexual orientation—gay lesbian, bisexual, transgender. The questioning factor here is in determining where one fits after that.” “There are many educational organizations out there,” reveals Rhodes. “I am a member of Avatar Club Los Angeles which is based on teaching. Young gay men who have just come out begin their exploration with us. Many older folks also come to Avatar. The 40 year-old man who has not dealt with his kinky side can be just as green and vulnerable as the 20 year old who has bolted out of the closet and exploded onto the scene.” For more on the upcoming LA Leather Pride visit: laleatherpride.com.
MARKETING CONSULTANTS Camilo Fernandez Negar Riazi John Michael Gamban Sue Ho SOCIAL MEDIA Paulo Murillo 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 © 2014 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 STANFORD ALTAMIRANO Editor-In-Chief
6 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com
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THECONTRIBUTORS >> OUR WRITERS <<
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. ANN ROSTOW Ann Rostow writes news analysis columns for THE FIGHT and other gay publications across the country. For weekly LGBT News updates, visit her blog at: annrostow.blogspot.com. Ann can be reached at: arostow@aol.com. ROB SMITH Rob Smith is an author, lecturer, writer, and LGBT activist. His first book “Closets, Combat, and Coming Out: Coming of Age as a Gay Man in the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Army” is in stores now. He can be found at www.robsmithonline.com. VICTOR MELAMED Victor Melamed began his career in journalism writing for the nowdefunct Israeli gay magazine “Magaim.” He is currently working on a novel based on a true story about a love affair between two men on opposite sites of the Middle East conflict. DAVID HAKIMFAR Los Angeles based Attorney
Murillo
Rostow
Hakimfar
Mills
Smith
Melamed
Arellano
Shucart
David Hakimfar received his law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego. While there, he made the Honor Roll and National Dean’s List. Currently David Hakimfar is a Trial Attorney and Senior Partner of Hakimfar Law, PLC. He can be reached at: 1-888-789-PRIDE (7743). BRENDEN SHUCART Brenden Shucart is an HIV/ AIDS-LGBT rights advocate, actor, and writer whose work has been featured in Out There,The Advocate and HIV
Duran
Plus magazine among others. His essays around HIV-related health issues and stigma have been described as “humanizing and heartbreaking” and “beautiful, honest, and important.” As an actor Shucart has appeared in the short film “Bug Chaser,” James Franco and Travis Mathews’ “Interior. Leather Bar.,” and Mathews’ 2010 short film “I Want Your Love.” TONY MILLS, MD A leading LA-based clinician in the fields of men’s health and wellness, Dr. Mills serves as
the primary care provider for over 2,000 patients, including approximately 1,000 living with HIV. Dr. Mills received both his undergraduate and medical degrees from Duke University. He completed an internship in Internal Medicine, a residency in Anesthesiology and a fellowship in Cardiovascular Anesthesiology, all at the University of California, San Francisco. He can be contacted via his website: SoCalMensHealth.com JOSEPH ARELLANO A stage and film actor from Bedford, Indiana, Joe has been involved in community events such as The Friendly House Luncheon, PATH, and LA PRIDE. Joe has appeared in Titus Andronicus, Dark Side of the Moon, and Take Me Out. He also co-starred in the music video Hopeful Romantic, Hallmarks’ Holly’s Holiday, and other various short films. ANTHONY DURAN Anthony Duran, native Angelino, is a photographer and erotic visual contributor to print and film projects worldwide. Since beginning his career in the 1990s, Anthony’s work has graced numerous magazine covers in Europe, Australia and the US. Anthony can be reached at ad@anthonyduranphotography.com.
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THELETTERS >> FROM OUR READERS <<
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MOST POWERFUL Dear Editor, Thank you Andy Nicastro for your honest and raw account about dealing with addiction and mental illness (“That Thing Called Hope,” THE FIGHT Issue #46.) This has to be one of the most powerful stories I have ever read about dual diagnosis. Thank you for sharing it with the world. I hope that those addicts who advocate that psychiatric medications should be considered a relapse will read this and change their way of thinking. As Andy wrote: “Stigma kills. Psychiatric medication saves lives.” —Brian Donato, Los Angeles, CA
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MUCH SHAME Dear Editor, As someone who has been diagnosed with clinical depression— your feature “That Thing Called Hope” (THE FIGHT Issue #46) was right on the money. I agree with Andy Nicastro that there is much shame regarding mental illness of any kind. Kudos to your magazine for featuring this topic—and other topics as well. I also enjoyed reading your article on bisexuality (“A Blessing And A Curse,” THE FIGHT Issue #45). It is not often I see any outreach to the bisexual community in other gay publications. I just want to let you know it is appreciated. —S. Kahn, via the internet
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MORE ONGOING Dear Editor, I was very saddened to read about the untimely death of Kate von Roeder (“Losing Kate,” (THE FIGHT Issue #46). I did not know her—but my heart went out to her. We must do more to find better ways to reach out to the transgender community. It seems to me that the trans community feels like the gay community did 20 years ago—isolated and alone. I was glad that the CSW Pride festival focused more on transgender people this year. We must have more ongoing efforts to make sure the “T” in LGBT feels part of our community. —Daniel Dlugosz, Long Beach, CA
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THETALK >> W H AT T H E Y ’ R E S AY I N G <<
ZACHARY QUINTO
UNDERLYING “We need to be really vigilant and open about the fact that these drugs are not to be taken to increase our ability to have recreational sex ... There’s an incredible underlying irresponsibility to that way of thinking ... and we don’t yet know enough about this vein of medication to see where it’ll take us down the line.” —Openly gay actor Zachary Quinto in an interview with Out Magazine, cautioning against dependence on the treatment known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP. In a subsequent Huffington Post op-ed, Quinto said his comments were “never meant to be incendiary or judgmental.” ROSE MCGOWAN
wearing an orange Speedo and take molly [MDMA]... I see no help, and I see no paying it forward, and I have a huge problem with that... There are so many things to help and do, and I see no extending of a hand outside of the gay community to another community, and that’s a problem for me.” —”Charmed” actress Rose McGowan in a conversation with filmmaker Bret Easton Ellis on his podcast. Later the actress offered a semi-apology, tweeting: “Could I have articulated my frustration in a better fashion? Undoubtedly. For that I apologize, but I stand by the overall point.”
“I see now basically people who’ve fought for the right to stand on top of a float
EDGARS RINKEVICS
that I’m in a genre and an industry that’s ashamed of me for being me.” —Country music artist Billy Gilman coming out in a YouTube video he posted last month. “A fellow country artist and friend made it easier for me to make this video,” said Gillman, referring to country singer Ty Herndon who came out earlier last month.
ALL OF YOU “I proudly announce I am gay... Good luck to all of you.” —Latvia’s foreign minister, Edgars Rinkevics, coming out on Twitter, last month. His announcement was welcomed by local LGBT activists, who have faced open hostility from social conservatives in the former Soviet republic.
TY HERNDON
IT’S TIME “During an Anthony Robbins seminar, I realized I had an incredible story that could possibly help someone’s son or daughter or grandchild’s life not be as difficult as mine has been. Maybe they wouldn’t have to go through as much pain and suffering. It’s time to tell my truth: I’m an out, proud and happy gay man.” —Country music star Ty Herndon coming out in an interview with People magazine.
FOR BEING ME ORANGE SPEEDO
Action”—a group that said it could stop people from being attracted to the same sex.
BILLY GILMAN
“It’s difficult for me to make this video, not because I’m ashamed of being a gay male artist, or a gay artist or a gay person but ... knowing
1 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
SMID (L), MCQUEEN
THE MIRROR “For most of my life, the mirror I saw reflected my mistakes, shortcomings and failures. The reflection I see today with Larry shows me the positive things in my life, my strengths, gifts and talents. I see how I can succeed at a mutual intimate and loving relationship. For this, I am truly grateful.” — Former “ex-gay” leader John Smid announcing his marriage to his same sex partner Larry McQueen, in a Facebook post. Smid is the former executive director of “Love in
JOSH DUGGAR
AS THE UNION “The rally will send a strong reminder to Arkansas Supreme Court Justices that an overwhelming majority of voters, 75 percent, voted to preserve marriage as the union of a man and a woman.” —”19 Kids & Counting” Josh Duggar at a gay marriage opposition rally in Arkansas last month. Earlier last month the ultra-conservative Duggar family was criticized for allegedly banning gay posters from their official Facebook page.
DECEMB ER 2014 | TH E F I GH T 13
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THESTATE >> C A L I F O R N I A <<
OPENLY GAY TAKANO RE-ELECTED
M
ark Takano, the openly gay Democratic congressman from Riverside, California, won his bid for reelection to the House of Representatives, last month. Takano (D-Calif.) was re-elected to represent California's 41st Congressional District. Takano, who was challenged by Republican Steve Adams, was first elected to the House in 2012. He is a longtime educator and currently serves on the Science, Space and Technology and Veterans' Affairs committees. Takano was the first out gay person to be elected to represent California at the federal level, reports www.towleroad.com.
SAN DIEGO'S GAY HILLCREST FOR SALE
W
est Hollywood isn't the only city dealing with overdevelopment issues. A 25,000-squre-foot property in San Diego, on the west side of Sixth Avenue and University, between University and Robinson Avenue has gone up for sale for $12 million. San Diego Gay & Lesbian News reports that in November, an adjacent block on the east side of Sixth Avenue, between Robinson and Pennsylvania avenues, has gone on the market for $18.5 million. The block houses several restaurants and shops as well as a 76 gas station. Both properties are key locations in Hillcrest and there are fears that the purchasers will have the power to bring unwanted change to a part of the city the some describe as the equivalent of West Hollywood's Boystown.
GBT INMATES SUE CA COUNTY
G
ay, bisexual and transgender inmates have filed a federal lawsuit against San Bernardino County and its sheriff, alleging they are kept in a segregated unit that doesn't give them equal access to rehabilitation services and work programs that could shorten their incarceration and help them learn job skills, reports The Associated Press. The lawsuit, which seeks class-action status, was filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles and includes 15 plaintiffs, including current and former inmates at West Valley Detention Center, where San Bernardino County houses gay, bisexual and transgender inmates in a special unit known as the "alternative lifestyle tank." n DECEMB ER 2014 | THE F I GH T 15
THECITY >> BY PAULO MURILLO <<
JEFFREY PRANG ETHAN WALKER
HATE CRIME SUSPECT SOUGHT
A
uthorities are looking for a man who they say led an attack on a Victorville man who was struck with rocks, bottles and a wooden board because he’s gay. Detectives arrested two suspects last month -- a 17-year-old boy and 22-yearold Robert Fraire -- and are still looking for a third suspect - Ethan Walker, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said. The attack occurred Oct. 28 in a remote drainage wash near Mall Boulevard and Petaluma Road in Victorville, authorities said. Before the attack Walker and the victim were friends, officials said. But, apparently after learning the man was gay, Walker arranged to meet him near the drainage wash to walk him to work, where Walker, Fraire and the 17-year old, attacked him with rocks, bottles and the board while yelling gay slurs, according to sheriff’s authorities. The victim suffered numerous injuries, and his cellphone Anyone with details about Walker’s whereabouts is urged to call Det. Dana Weinberg at (760) 241-2911.
JEFFREY PRANG VICTORIOUS IN LA COUNTY ASSESSOR RACE
W
est Hollywood councilmember Jeffrey Prang declared victory in the race for Los Angeles County assessor on Friday November 21, as the latest round of ballot showed him in the lead with 50.8 percent of the votes, while his opponent John Morris holds 49.2 percent of the vote. Prang ends almost 18 years as a council member for the West Hollywood City Council. The Council will decide whether to appoint someone to fill the remainder of his term of schedule a special election for next June. REP. HENRY WAXMAN
LA LGBT CENTER THANKS WAXMAN
T
1 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
he Los Angeles LGBT Center created a digital
thank you letter that anyone can sign to show appreciation for Rep. Henry Waxman (CA-33) who retires this month after more than 40 years of service in Congress. The Center recognizes Waxman as a friend and a staunch political ally for LGBT people throughout the country and anyone affected by HIV. Waxman introduced the Civil Rights Amendment of 1975 to ban discrimination based on someone’s sexual orientation. To sign the thank you letter, visit lalgbtcenter.org.
GRANT ENABLES CYBER CENTER TO REOPEN
T
he Los Angeles LGBT Center celebrated the reopening of its Cyber Center last month, made possible by a $24,000 David Bohnett Foundation grant that provided 13 new Microsoft Officeloaded desktop computers with which Center clients can network, communicate and explore professional and educational opportunities. “The David Bohnett Foundation enables the Los Angeles LGBT Center to offer a vital service: computer and internet access. In these days of ubiquitous connectivity, most of us take such access for granted. But there are still many LGBT people who can’t afford a computer or highspeed internet access,” said Center CEO Lorri L. Jean.
WEHO HOSTS TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
T
his City of West Hollywood hosted the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance event on Thursday, November 20, at the Auto Court of the West Hollywood Library. Transgender Day of Remembrance commemorates transgender individuals who have been murdered for being transgender in Southern California due to transphobia. The day is observed across the world on November 20. The day serves to honor and memorialize those who have lost their lives because of anti-transgender hatred and prejudice. It also helps to raise public awareness about ongoing hate crimes against the transgender community.
DRUG & ALCOHOL FREE NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
“A
Mid-Winter’s Night Fantasy,” a sober New Year’s Eve Party, takes place at the West Hollywood Park auditorium, 647 San Vicente Blvd., on Wednesday, December 31, from 8pm to 1am. Featuring DJ Walter Del Mar, there will be live entertainment, dancing, a photo booth, and interactive activities. The event is free, however attendees are requested to RSVP at: lalgbtcenter.org/boom
NO VEMB ER 2014 | T H E F I GH T 17
PHOTO BY JAMES GOSNELL
>> LGBTQ SUPPORT <<
BEAR in MIND Themed pool parties, live entertainment and thousands of bears from around the globe at the upcoming International Bear Convergence in Palm Springs. BY VICTO R MELA MED
T
he second International Bear Convergence (IBC), the premier winter event for Bears & admirers in Palm Springs, takes place on February 12-16, 2015, Presidents’ Day Weekend, at The Renaissance Palm Springs. The four-day event includes themed pool parties, live entertainment and
1 8 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com
thousands of bears from around the globe. “The first year was a huge success and we expect our numbers to triple,” says Stevo Harris, the event’s producer, in an interview with THE FIGHT. With the event just a few months away, and the hotel already 60% sold out, Harris says the excitement is mounting. “The
IBC 2014.
talk about the duel concert with Amber and Ultra Nate is giving us a lot of feedback and creating a lot of energy surrounding the event. Two amazing performers on their own and together—it’s going to be an amazing night!” A few of the upgrades being implemented for the upcoming event include “adding more bars and changing the main stage concert to Saturday. Sunday night will be our leather event. And Friday night is our opening dance,” reveals Harris. “We have also included pool chairs and lounges as part of our VIP package—and those VIP tags are already 80% sold,” states Harris. “The event itself is very positive and upbeat. Hot guys everywhere. Whether you are a Bear, a Cub, a chaser or just a gay guy looking to make new friends, come out and join us,” says Harris. “The IBC Team is so proud of what we have started and we look forward to many more years of IBC and meeting new guys from all over the country and the world!” For more info—and to reserve tickets—visit: www.ibc-ps.com.
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Profiles In Courage Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player, retires. BY VICTO R MELA MED
J
ason Collins, the first openly gay man to play in the NBA, announced his retirement from the league last month, reports The Associated Press. Collins, 35, made the announcement in a first-person story for Sports Illustrated. It's the same forum he used in April last year to publicly reveal his sexuality and become the first openly gay man in any of the four major North American professional leagues. "It feels wonderful to have been part of these milestones for sports and for gay rights, and to have been embraced by the public, the coaches, the players, the league and history," Collins wrote. A graduate of Harvard-Westlake High in Studio City who went on to play at Stanford, Collins started his career with the New Jersey Nets in 2001 and rejoined the franchise in Brooklyn, reports The Associated Press. Bucks coach Jason Kidd was Brooklyn's coach last year, and Collins singled him out for “It feels the courage he showed in bringing him on board. wonderful to "It had been argued that have been part of no team would want to these milestones take on a player who was likely to attract a media for sports and for circus from the outset and gay rights.” whose sexuality would be a distraction," he wrote. "I'm happy to have helped put those canards to rest." Collins noted that there are still no openly gay players in the NFL, NHL or major league baseball. He wrote that someday, "when we get to the point where he's not compelled to hide his true self and is able to live an authentic life," being a gay athlete won't be a big deal. "But we're not there yet," he said. n DECEMB ER 2014 | THE F I GH T 21
THEROSTOWREPORT >> BY ANN ROSTOW <<
Ann Rostow, hard at work, wearing her Pastafarian strainer.
Poland has just ruled that Pastafarianism is a legitimate religion. Absurd? Perhaps. But no more absurd than allowing conservative Christians to insist that providing public accommodation to gay men and women is a violation of faith. GIVING THANKS, BUSY FEMALE BEES AND SILVER LININGS
W
hy did THE FIGHT editors pick the day before Thanksgiving to request this month's column? I have no idea, but I must say I appreciate having an excuse to skip the trip to the insanely crowded grocery store. Sorry honey! Have to work! Good luck out there. I go back and forth about Thanksgiving. I'm a female baby boomer, which means I can count on one hand the Thanksgivings that have not obliged me to perform some combination of shopping, cooking, arranging and (worst of all) near constant cleaning. I know that on the other hand, many of you guys have always enjoyed a carefree day of eating and watching sports; a magical day where everything "just happened" in a kitchen full of busy female bees. Hey! I'm not bitter. So since we last communed in these pages, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled against marriage equality in four cases out of Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky. I'm sure you've read about that by now. And I'm sure you've also gathered by now that the 2-1 appellate panel loss has a very thick and glossy silver lining, to wit the possibility that the Supreme Court may once again consider one or more marriage cases for their 2014/2015 session.
THE MOMENT OF TRUTH AND DEMANDING RESOLUTION
N
ormally, there's a long delay between the time an appellate court rules and the time that the High Court might see a petition. For one thing, the losers have to decide whether or
2 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
not to appeal to the full appellate court. They have weeks to make this decision, but in these cases it took us a day or two to decide to go straight to the justices. Then, the lawyers have to draft a petition, normally a lengthy process-up to three months-culminating in a finely wrought brief. This time, however, we slapped our petitions together in no time and zipped them over to Washington. It's already done. Next, the other side has weeks to forge a well-reasoned reply. But yet again we're in luck, because the state of Michigan has already replied, agreeing with us that the Court should hear marriage equality without further delay. I can only assume that we will file our reply to Michigan's reply before you even read this column. In other words, everyone wants to rush this appeal to the High Court's current docket. So let's say a petition on Michigan arrives at the Court by mid-December, while petitions on other cases are done in time for the early January conference. Will the Court duck review again, just as it did back on October 6? Will the Court delay in order to postpone the moment of truth for another year or so? I just can't imagine that. True, I couldn't imagine that the justices would decline to review the marriage cases out of the Tenth and Fourth Circuits earlier this fall. But now we have the much talked about "circuit split," a difference of opinion at the appellate courts that demands resolution. And surely at least four out of our five allies on the bench will want this case handled now. Justice Ginsburg, God bless her, has survived two cancers and had a stent put into her heart in late November. Do we really want to roll the dice on another justice?
THIRTY-FIVE AND COUNTING: THE STATE OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY
M
eanwhile, after a confusing array of motions and squeals and whining and more motions and requests for stays and begging for delays, we finally brought marriage equality to 35 states. The extra states were the ones that fell under the jurisdictions of the Tenth, Fourth and Ninth Circuits; appellate courts that had ruled in favor of marriage equality on behalf of certain other states under their law. It took some legal maneuvers, but states like South Carolina, Montana, Kansas and others finally fell in line with binding law. Kansas is still protesting, but it's basically over for the Jayhawks. Some other states are still appealing their fate, but since marriages are legal during this process it doesn't really matter. In Mississippi, one of the few Democratic federal judges somehow wound up on a marriage equality case, and guess what? We won! That ruling, on November 25, will be stayed pending appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, where appeals of cases in Texas and Louisiana are already scheduled for oral arguments January 9. I could write more about both those cases, but I won't. And on the same day that Mississippi fell, down went Arkansas, where a federal judge ruled against marriage discrimination in a case that will be headed to the Eighth Circuit. There's a state lawsuit about to finish up in Arkansas as I write, so we'll see if the Razorbacks see marriage equality before the appellate court steps in. Let's just say that things are going our way, and that all these outstanding suits, including those in Florida, the Dakotas and elsewhere, will be moot if the Supreme Court does its job.
>> GIVING THANKS, RESOLUTION, MARRIAGE EQUALITY RELIGIOUS FREEDOM <<
ONWARD PASTA SOLDIERS: A COMPLICATED DEBATE OVER â&#x20AC;&#x153;RELIGIOUS FREEDOMâ&#x20AC;?
M
eanwhile, as marriage equality approaches the status of fait accompli, we are preparing for the next battle, a complicated, and probably lengthy national debate over "religious freedom." And we're not debating the straightforward accommodation of, let's say, kosher meals for a Jewish prisoner, or the right to wear a headscarf at work. No, in our current constitutional framework, we seem to be debating the right to claim that any behavior is a manifestation of some sacred vow. As Justice Alito noted in the Hobby Lobby decision
(which involved, not the constitution, but federal law) it is not for the courts to presume to judge the legitimacy of a religious belief. Say what? This is why I recently paid $20 to become an ordained minister in the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Funny? Of course. But it's more than that. The entire religion is contrived to make a serious point about the separation of church and state and the position of faith in the public square. Indeed, a woman in Utah just made headlines for insisting on wearing a pasta strainer in her driver's license photo. It turns out that Utah doesn't try to pass judgment on religions and that this woman is one of a dozen others who has donned the Pastafarian symbol for her identity card.
In Florida, a collision of religious displays in the state capitol rotunda is now the subject of legal action. After authorities allowed a creche, they were also obliged to welcome other symbols of faith, including a Festivus pole made out of beer cans and a Pastafarian presentation that consisted of some holy noodles and a sign on a red plastic office chair. (They are being sued by a Satanic group that apparently strained the tolerance of the local officials with an installation featuring angels falling into a pit of fire.) Poland has just ruled that Pastafarianism is a legitimate religion. Absurd? Perhaps. But no more absurd than allowing conservative Christians to insist that providing public accommodation to gay men and women is a violation of faith.
No more absurd than allowing a for-profit corporation to pick and choose which secular federal mandates live up to its purported religious standards. So why shouldn't Pastafarians be allowed to pray before town hall meetings, celebrate His Noodley Goodness in the public square, or even refuse to serve unsavory customers? Actually, the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster does not discriminate. But what if we did? what if our "faith" demanded it? The answer is not to diminish the status of minority religions. It is simply to enforce the principle that general laws, enacted for a secular purpose, may incidentally intrude on faith. And further, to keep the state from getting involved in our spiritual, or non-spiritual, lives to begin with. n
DECEMB ER 2014 | THE F I GH T 23
>> BY ANN ROSTOW <<
COMING CLEAN Ducati Models’ Nick Capra on breaking free from the shackles of addiction, dealing with tragic loss and reigniting his career in the adult film industry.
A
dult video veteran Nick Capra came out of retirement earlier this year with nine months of clean and sober time under his belt— after a four-year break from an extensive porn career that dates back to 2002. “The average life span of a porn star is two to five years,” reveals Capra. “That’s if you’re successful. I’m going into year 13 2 4 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
BY PA U LO MURI LLO | PHOTO BY ANTHONY DURAN
and this is probably the most successful year of my career.” Capra, currently managed by Ducati Models, says he owes his new success to recently celebrating one year of continuous clean and sober time. In an interview with THE FIGHT Capra talks about breaking free from the shackles of addiction, living life openly and honestly and reigniting his career in the industry.
What’s your clean and sober date? My sobriety date is November 26, 2013. What was your drug of choice? My primary drug of choice was crack cocaine. Right behind it, was meth. I smoked crack and shot meth. Is this your first time in recovery? No. My relapse was not a big surprise.
>> NICK CAPRA <<
It’s really a garden-variety story that you hear all the time in the rooms [of recovery]. I had over 4 years sober. I stopped sponsoring. I stopped going to meetings. I alienated myself from my group of sober friends. Inevitably, I left myself completely defenseless to the next huge challenge in my life that came up, and I relapsed.
mind on drugs. The truth for me is that I was completely numbed out and disconnected when I was high and having sex. Did you have any apprehensions about sex in sobriety? No. Fortunately for me, I remember what good, connected sex felt like before dope. So when I’m getting ready to engage in sex with a man now, I don’t feel triggered. That doesn’t mean that I still don’t use sex from time to time in sobriety as a tool to check out—sobriety is a trip though, because it’s almost impossible for me to lie to myself about my motives for sex. I know when it’s an authentic connection, and I know when I’m using it to disconnect. Sobriety doesn’t allow me the luxury of being really dishonest with myself for very long.
is sober how to conduct their sex lives. I personally believe that anything that is naturally healthy—and sex is quite natural and healthy—that I have made unhealthy, needs some work; an overhauling. If sex in sobriety were a problem for me today, I would work the steps on it. Abstaining from sex for me—out of fear—is simply that: a fear. I would need to find a healthy way to face that fear, not avoid it. I didn’t get sober to live in fear anymore.
What made you get sober again? I was in a relationship with a man named Tony. He was the love of my life. We met, while I was 2 years sober. And, At what point in your sobriety did when things went wrong in our relationyou decide to continue your career in ship, I inevitably relapsed, which led to adult films? our breakup. Tony tried to help me. He I came back to the industry at the end of wanted me to come back to him. Like any February, 2014 with just 90 days sober. sane, rational person, he wouldn’t take me I’ve shot a ton of videos. I’ve traveled back until I got sober again. But -as most across the country three different times addicts can probably relate—I was back in this year shooting and making appearthe physical allergy and mental obsession ances—all of it sober. with my drugs. I was far gone-out of his reach. He couldn’t save me from myself. Do you think the industry gets a bad Several months into my relapse, after rap regarding drug use on the set? Tony and I had broken up, he killed himYes. The public draws its ideas of what It’s twice as hard to self. It took me a little time to get past happens on porn sets from movies come back to sobriety after the shock of his suicide. Then, all that they’ve seen like Boogie Nights. the guilt, shame, remorse, and selfDo people show up high on sets? having it for so many years, and blame that came while I was still Occasionally. Is it acceptable? No. high and dealing with his suicide. I’ve been fired from more than then starting over... but frankly, I It took a few months for me to one movie for being high on get clarity and get sober, but I the set in my past. The studios was dealing with something much eventually did. So, to answer are run like any other business. your question: the greatest love We are a product that they are greater than an ego battle. I was of my life had to die for me to marketing. If the product comes dealing with the heartache of Tony’s get sober. [air quotes] defective, or high, it is terminated. suicide... All I wanted to do was get What was it like starting over and counting days after having How much has your life changed well, so I could be better again, so many years of sobriety? since you decided to get clean and Obviously, there is an ego thing insober? and be the man he loved. volved. It’s twice as hard to come back to Well, I’m sitting here having this conversobriety after having it for so many years, sation with you right now. That certainly and then starting over... but frankly, I was wouldn’t have been happening if I were dealing with something much greater than high. I was fucking miserable when I an ego battle. I was dealing with the heartwas high. I was 177 pounds on day three What are some of the stigmas gay men ache of Tony’s suicide. And all I wanted to sober. I’m 206 pounds today. I can look have about sober sex? do was get well, so I could be better again, people in the eye when I speak. I can see There are so many. It will never be as good and be the man he loved. And start loving past my own nose and relate to others, as it was when I was high; it’s gonna trigmyself again. instead of just living in Nick’s world...most ger me; what if my partner is high and he of the time. I have an amazing relationoffers me dope; I’m not gonna be able to Is sex under the influence a big part of ship with my mother, which was all but perform as well sexually...the laundry list of your story? gone when I was high. I have a feeling of fears we conjure up in our minds surroundThe sex isn’t the same when you are high. purpose in the world. I care about myself. ing sober sex, can turn into mountains. It’s completely physical. I hear guys talk I care about others. I have real friendships about how it was this completely mindtoday. I wouldn’t trade any of that for the How do you feel about guys who blowing spiritual connection when they best dope in the world. stop having sex altogether after were high. My thinking is this: I was high. they get sober? Anything seems like a mind blowing spiriFor more on Nick Capra, read his blog at pornstudIt’s not my place to tell someone who tual connection when you are out of your blog.com and follow him on twitter @nickcapra. DECEMB ER 2014 | TH E F I GH T 25
>> BY ANN ROSTOW <<
THE END OF AIDS Dr. Tony Mills, a leading LA-based clinician in the fields of men’s health and wellness, on the possibility of living in an “AIDS-free” world.
E
BY TO N Y MILLS, MD
very year, December 1 is designated as World AIDS Day. For 26 years, World AIDS Day has been an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commem2 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
orate people who have died. The theme for World AIDS Day 2014 is “Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation.” There has been much discussion about what constitutes “The End of AIDS” and there is much debate about whether or not it is
even an attainable goal. Several groups are aiming to become the first to reach this lofty prize. The state of New York, the city of San Francisco, and our home here in West Hollywood have all launched campaigns to become the first places to be “AIDS-free.” With the new infection rate in the US being rock steady at about 60,000 new infections per year, how do any of these aspirants reach the goal? What does being “AIDS-free” actually look like?
DIAGNOSE EARLIER I see two ways that we might define “AIDS-free.” Since AIDS is an advanced stage of HIV disease and most people today who are diagnosed with HIV do not yet have an AIDS diagnosis, we could say that AIDS-free means no progression from HIV to AIDS. This would mean diagnosing people earlier and getting them on treatment faster and keeping them in care. If we can treat the HIV, we can prevent the advancement from HIV to AIDS and this could lead to an “AIDS-free” world. What we know now as well is that putting HIV positive men and women on HIV treatment decreases their viral load to undetectable levels and prevents them from transmitting HIV to others. This biomedical prevention strategy known as “Treatment as Prevention” (TasP) was called in 2011 by the journal Science the “Breakthrough of the Year”. So not only can we prevent HIV to AIDS progression with treatment, we can prevent the spread of HIV.
>> AIDS FREE <<
PROMOTE TESTING This brings us to a second possible definition of “AIDS-free” which would be no new HIV infections. This is, in many ways, a much loftier goal and much harder to achieve. CDC data predicts that over 50% of new infections occur from contact with the 20% of people in the US who are living with HIV and do not know they have it. We can promote testing as the CDC has done in recommending routine testing of everyone in a health care setting regardless of risk factors but we will still never be able to find all of the individuals who are living in the dark with HIV. Fortunately, we have ways that HIV negative people can stay negative. Safe sex works. Condoms work. Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) that is taking a monthlong course of HIV meds after a high-risk exposure works. And now we have another biomedical intervention that looks promising as well called PrEP. PrEP is Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, which means taking medications ahead of time to prevent HIV transmission should some-
On this important World AIDS Day 2014, let us remember our HIV history, let us remember those lost in the past to this terrible disease and those currently living with HIV. But let us look forward to a brighter future, towards the attainable goal of ending AIDS. one encounter the virus. It’s a new and effective way that can help those who are HIV negative stay negative.
PREVENT TRANSMISSION So how can we achieve this ideal of
what Hilary Clinton termed “An AIDS-free Generation?” Everyone seems to agree there are a few fundamental steps. We must identify persons with HIV who remain undiagnosed and link them to health care. We must link and retain persons diagnosed with HIV to health care and get them on anti-HIV therapy to maximize HIV virus suppression so they remain healthy and so that we can prevent further transmission. And we need to facilitate access to prevention strategies including PrEP for high-risk persons to keep them HIV negative. So on this important World AIDS Day 2014, let us remember our HIV history, let us remember those lost in the past to this terrible disease and those currently living with HIV. But let us look forward to a brighter future, towards the attainable goal of ending AIDS. You must have good vision to see the End of AIDS but let us focus our efforts and let us reach out and work together to attain this goal of an AIDS-free generation that was once a dream but is now a very real possibility.
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>> BY ANN ROSTOW <<
FEAR AND LOATHING
Every time I looked into the eyes of a neg boy and saw a glimmer of genuine interest shining back, the fear bubbled up anew.
R
ejection is a universal human experience; no matter who you are, or what circumstances you were born into, at some point you encountered someone who wasn’t picking up what you were putting down. Like many gay men, I grew up in an environment of generalized rejection. I felt the troubled concern of my parents, the suspicious alienation from my male peers, and the blind hostility of a society which reminded me at every available opportunity that I was immoral, or sick, or just “less than” the other boys. Then we get 2 8 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
BY BRENDEN SHUCART
older and find new and creative reasons to reject each other-for being too hairy, too fem, too old. We love to reject each other so much that we don’t even wait to be approached anymore, walling ourselves off from one another using rejections dressed up as preferences like “masc only” or “no fats, no fems, no [insert race here].” But none of that holds a candle to the rejection that follows an HIV diagnosis. After seroconverting, rejection became, if not a constant companion, an old friend who might pop by unannounced at any moment. But you never forget your first: mine was a beautiful architecture student I
met about a month after being diagnosed. My friends were barely able to pry the bong out of my hand long enough to get me showered, dressed, and out of the house, and I certainly had no intention of getting into a situation where I’d feel obligated to have a conversation about my brand new virus. I wasn’t expecting him to ask if I was positive, and definitely not on some WeHo dance floor, but once I answered his question, I knew “checking on his friends” meant he was never coming back. I danced there by myself for fifteen minutes anyway, eyes pressed tight to save my friends from seeing me cry.
> > F E A R A N D L O AT H I N G < <
On some level I couldn’t help but feel that I deserved the pain I was feeling.
with anguish and hooded betrayal. Of course, he never spoke to me again.
STD/DDF UB2
POZ 4 POZ
neg boy and saw a glimmer of genuine interest shining back, the fear bubbled up anew. At some point, I realized I was anticipating the rejection, and the only guys I reached out became those with “poz 4 poz” in their profile.
Like everyone else who came out in the Growing up, I thought that there was nothmid ‘90s, I had to figure out what that really ing worse than getting HIV. In retrospect, this meant for myself, and like most, I turned to seems like a laughable lack of imagination. the internet for answers. On one hand, the But if there is one immediate upswing PREP net was an incredible blessing; it provided to contracting HIV, it’s that you no longer the ability to explore and learn about my live with that constant gnawing fear of I don’t have any of the dating apps blossoming gay identity from the relative contracting it. Gradually, I began to feel a on my phone; ten minutes with Grindr safety of my desktop, and to communicate little fearless. felt almost exactly like the time I spent and connect with men all over the world Shortly thereafter I moved to San in Reno—drunk and hopped up on fairly was a freedom unparalleled by any cohort Francisco and promptly fell in love. decent cocaine, playing slots and makof gay men who came before me. Suddenly, I found myself in a serodiscoring friends with the sort of people who On the other hand, unfortunately, dant relationship. We loved, fought, and play slots in the Biggest Little City in the nearly everyone I encountered was either played the way young lovers do. World at 4 am. new and clueless as I was, or they were But boredom led me recently to take a walking-wounded survivors of the Plague peek again, and all the old standards that Years, seemingly embittered by their made me hate gay internet sex culture loss and struggle, and finally there were still there—slavish devotion to a Ultimately, I have no were refugees, the closeted men who platonic notion of “masc” that only exhid from the world and themselves in ists in ads for cigarettes, racism masclue if he contracted HIV countless little ways. querading as “preference,” infinitely from me or one of his other In the gay corners of the early varied iterations of bottom shame, internet-AOL chatrooms and later and of course, “neg4neg.” lovers. Part of me likes to think it gay.com and Adam4Adam-there In my absence, however, the wasn’t me - we were almost always were no sage elders willing to online dating scene has become induct me into the mysteries safe, and if we weren’t I was inevita- a more interesting place. Now of the Cult of Judy or teach me mixed in with the empty ‘sup’s bly the bottom - but at the end of the and headless torsos, are satirical about Stonewall. My encounters instead were usually with closeted profiles, lampooning the headless day, I’ve always felt responsible, bros slightly older than me, and at torsos and vapid dialogue. and it became my responsibiltheir feet I found as much disdain And PrEP. ity to ensure no one I loved for my gayness as I did power in my This won’t come as news to homosexuality. anyone born before 1981, but AIDS would ever get HIV again. Not that I minded, I viewed all the hit the gay community like meteor. It camp, the drag, and the androgyny as felled our greatest leaders and most relics of a time when gay men were inspired visionaries, and robbed us shunned from mainstream society and of two generations worth of history, had to make do with the scraps they insight, and experience. found on the outskirts. It didn’t help that the In its wake, we learned to fear and Ultimately, I have no clue if he conshadow of the Plague Years was cast over mistrust the connection we found in one tracted HIV from me or one of his other everything, in the haunted faces of survivors, another. Many of us have even come to lovers. Part of me likes to think it wasn’t the shame-drenched safe sex campaigns, view love itself with wary apprehension. me-we were almost always safe, and if and in every profile: “STD/DDF UB2.” And when the dust cleared, we found we weren’t I was inevitably the bottomOf course, since we were all drug and our movement in the hands of the but at the end of the day, I’ve always felt disease free, the heat of the moment conservatives, the assimilationists, and responsible, and it became my responsiwas often enough to justify going without the self-loathing faggots who had always bility to ensure no one I loved would ever condoms. But using protection or not, I resented the sexual liberation their more get HIV again. would always experience waves of anxiety well integrated brothers enjoyed. After we split up, I found myself once following the act-a gut wrenching cocktail For the first time in my life, I can see this again meeting dudes on the internet, but of shame and fear would often leave me chapter of shared history coming to a close. this time it seemed a more welcoming sleepless and sweating for days. PrEP is not the end of AIDS, but it does environment. I still faced rejection, but When someone finally had the guts to be mark the end of AIDS stigma. The Truvada San Francisco had more than its fair share up-front with me about his HIV-a beautiful Generation will be the first cohort of gays in of handsome HIV-positive men who were ginger barista at a favorite late-night coffee thirty years to grow and flourish unencumhonest about their status, and even more shop in my hometown-I wasn’t ready. I bered by the trauma of the Plague Years. who were neg, but unafraid of mine. freaked out, and with that, the hunger in his And with their ascent, we can finally But I was still afraid. eyes transformed, replaced in a heartbeat begin to heal. Every time I looked into the eyes of a DECEMB ER 2014 | TH E F I GH T 29
THELAW >> 5TH AMMENDMENT <<
WHEN SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN
The 5th Amendment: how remaining silent could be used against you. BY D AVID H A KIMFA R
R
ecent court decisions in both the California Supreme Court and United States Supreme Court have radically changed a common perception, or misperception now, regarding a person’s right to remain silent. On August 14, 2014, the California Supreme Court ruled, in a 4-3 split decision, that a suspect’s silence can be used as evidence of guilt during trial. The underlying case was of a man named Richard Tom. Tom was convicted of vehicular manslaughter and gross negligence after his vehicle broadsided a family’s vehicle. The crash had killed 8-year-old Sydney Ng and seriously injured her 10-year-old sister. After the collision, Tom was confronted by police and chose to remain silent. However, prior to the police advising Tom of 30 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com
his Miranda rights (right to remain silent, have an attorney present, etc.), Tom hadn’t verbally expressed to police that his condition for silence was for protection from self-incrimination. The result is now criminal suspects are required to express their right to remain silent in order to preserve it. Now, the burden is shifted to suspects, not police, to invoke their right to refuse questioning prior to advisement of Miranda rights. It was the United States Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Miranda v. Arizona, which held that “if a person in custody is to be subjected to interrogation, he must first be informed in clear and unequivocal terms that he has the right to remain silent” and that “[t]he warning of the right to remain silent must be accompanied by the explanation that anything said can and will be used against the individual in court.” The decision heavily relied on the U.S. Supreme Court case Salinas v. Texas, in which the Court ruled 5-4 that when a suspect doesn’t answer a particular question during an interrogation, his silence can be used as evidence in court to demonstrate guilt. In that case, the majority also held that a suspect must verbally announce his intention to remain silent for legal protection to apply. Salinas created a national precedent for undermining the right to remain silent. Now, the closely-decided Tom decision demonstrates a no-win situation for suspects, particularly those who may be ignorant of their rights. Think about it... what are the chances that a suspect—innocent or guilty—would be informed of these outrageous nuances in the right to remain silent? While Mr. Tom may not be the most sympathetic character, the legal precedence for convicting individuals based on si-
lence may have broad-reaching effects on criminal justice. Tom’s appellate attorney Marc Zilversmit called the ruling “terribly dangerous” because it doesn’t clarify when a person has the right not to speak with police. “It’s not going to help prosecutors know what to do or the police,” Zilversmit said. “It’s really a nightmare for ordinary citizens.” Tom could have profound implications for the criminal accused throughout California. Justice Goodwin Liu, in his scathing dissent of Tom, wrote that the court violated “common sense expectations” that remaining silent after being placed under arrest isn’t an obvious assertion of one’s right to remain silent. “Often the best way not to incriminate oneself is to say nothing.” Justice Liu also noted from the prosecutor’s own account, that Tom was striving to avoid incriminating himself by invoking his constitutional right to remain silent. Justice Liu wisely asks how Tom was supposed to actively claim his right as he sat alone in the back of a police car. “To whom and how should he have invoked the Fifth Amendment privilege? Was he required to approach an officer on his own initiative and blurt out, ‘I don’t want to talk?’ “ Tom does not outright destroy the right to remain silent in California, but it requires suspects to have a lawyer’s understanding of when they need to invoke the right and how they are supposed to do so in order to ensure that this right is preserved. Because few suspects are likely to have such a sophisticated understanding of the law, that means that the right will be little more than an illusion for many people trying to invoke it in California’s courts. David Hakimfar is a trial attorney and senior partner of Hakimfar Law, PLC, and a member attorney of Pride Legal. He can be reached at 310-730-1250.
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The Animal Within
How one man’s sexual fetish changed his perspective on life. Puppy play, handsome daddies and being in the moment. B Y JO SEPH A RELLA N O
A
d chasing an , s y o t w e h Biting c laying tug p , s p u p r e ly ith oth ere insane w wrestling w s g in h t of these kid. of war, all feel like a e m e d a m fun and
fter arriving from the somewhat conservative Midwest for a fresh start, I began to embrace my sexual fetishes more openly. My eventual realization of my pup play fetish came to fruition after meeting my daddy almost two years ago. It all began during a routine visit to the market—when I noticed a handsome silver daddy walking in as I was leaving. Instantly I turned around, stayed a couple of minutes and started sniffing. Woof. How I could not? Piercing green eyes, commanding presence, I knew from that moment on that I was in love. Thankfully the feeling was mutual. Being his boy and servicing him in multiple ways struck me with the happiness, discipline and horniness that I had always wanted. I found it very hot to have wordless sex—utilizing only animalistic sounds to express my pleasure. Looking back I now realize that I was showing my pup side without knowing it. I was clueless, and had no idea as to what it all meant—until one night— during our lovemaking—my daddy said, “You are a puppy.”
HEART AND SOUL A puppy? After hearing those words, I was confused yet, tickled. I hopped on my laptop and I immediately started researching puppy play. After reading articles, seeing videos, pictures of pups with their tails, puppy mitts, leashes, muzzles, and pup hoods, my mind was blown. In my heart and in my soul I felt that being a pup was right. My daddy chose my pup name—Rut Roh—because I am kind of a clumsy guy. I knock over things, I forget the size of my body, I sometimes wear my shirt inside out, I forget to put things back, I leave drawers open, and I trip or bump into walls.... So one day—within a split second of me spilling a glass of milk on the floor—my daddy looked at me and said 2 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
Rut Roh... I couldn’t help but grin ear to ear... That was it... He knew me so well and it fit my personality perfectly.
CURIOUS AND TEACHABLE After getting my name and loving the experience that was coming from it, I wanted to play with other puppies. LA Pride was fast approaching and so without hesitation I decided to volunteer for Christopher Street West, helping out with the parade and different areas of the festival—one of those areas is called “Erotic City.” Erotic City had quite a few vendors and in the middle of the designated area—they fenced off a “puppy play place” complete with a white picket fence and Astroturf. The pups started strolling in—myself included. I began talking to my friends and introducing myself to the pups. After conversing and making jokes, nuzzling others, the pups migrated to the Puppy Area. This was it. The puppy mosh. After experiencing the rush of energy with other pups, it was clear to me that Rut Roh was here to stay. Not only was being non-sexual and playful exhilarating, the mindset was to be in the moment -and optimistic. Biting chew toys, chasing and wrestling with other pups, playing tug of war, all of these things were insanely fun and made me feel like a kid. My experience being a pup has allowed me to express many sexual desires—as well as discovering new facets of my personality. It has provided a new perspective—through the eyes of a puppy—and has made me curious and teachable to this day. DECEMB ER 2014 | THE F I GH T 35
>> LGBTQ SUPPORT <<
Breaking Barriers Photographer Mark Studner seeks to create a support group for LGBTQ individuals with disabilities in Los Angeles. BY O RLY LYO N N E
M
ark Studner knows a thing or two about overcoming life’s obstacles. Born with cerebral palsy, but determined to triumph, Studner has been a professional photographer for over twenty years. “I picked up my first camera at the age of nine years old, when I was attending a school for persons with disabilities,” revealed the LA-based photographer in a recent interview with THE FIGHT. “It was just something I knew I would be doing for the rest of my life.” Well known for his expert quality of work, with his photos gracing the covers of numerous gay magazines over the years, Studner is now embarking on a new
project, slightly closer to his heart. After taking part—for the past year—in a support group at the Long Beach Gay Center for LGBTQ individuals with special needs—Studner is determined to create a similar group in Los Angeles. “I still attend the group at the Long Beach Center, however—as there is a large community of people with disabilities in Los Angeles—I am seeking to create a group in the LA area.” “The gay community can be very cold to folks with disabilities... however once they get to know us as people—those walls slowly break down,” reveals Studner. “I would like to introduce the disability
community to the gay community at large. I want this support group to be a place where we can embrace our similarities, get to know each other, and see that we are really not that different.” “It is important,” explains Studner, “to have a support system exclusively for those in the LGBTQ community with disabilities. I want to encourage members of my community to be strong enough to advocate for ourselves and to pass it forward.” Email Mark Studner at: markstudnerphoto@ earthlink.net if you would like to be a part of the group, or help organize it.
OUR VOICE. COMMUNITY IS BACK. Don’t Miss A Single Issue! Get It At Home!
12 Issues: $36 6 Issues: $24 Sent Via First Class Mail
Mail check or money order to: Third Step, LLC 611 S. Catalina St. Suite 307 Los Angeles, CA 90005
DECEMB ER 2014 | TH E F I GH T 23
DAVE RHODES.
>> BY ANN ROSTOW <<
PHOTO BY JAY LAWTON.
CHUCK CONNORS, “THE RIFLEMAN”
Celebrating Masculinity With LA Leather Pride coming up in March, Mark Ariel chats with Dave Rhodes, the founder, publisher and Editor-In-Chief of “The Leather Journal,” the Leather/BDSM/Fetish Community Publication of Record. Excerpts from the conversation below. BY MA RK A RIEL
I
am a man who loves masculine men and masculine scenarios. This reflects in what I read, what movies and television programs I watch and those with whom I connect. As for my definition of leather—I see it as a broad range of things, not just actual cowhide. It is an attitude and a feeling, an attraction to certain types as mentioned above... I love the natural scent of men—that is part of my leather essence. The first attraction I can remember was of Chuck Connors, lead character of The Rifleman television series circa 1960. There was strong masculinity there. It was a natural attraction. Nothing was contrived or placed in front of me as a suggestion—overt or 3 4 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
subliminal. It is still that way now—and it is still as intense a craving as it was then.
WITH THE BLESSING I was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. My father was in the Navy and we moved due to his transfers. We lived in Newfoundland, Canada, in St. Johns and Argentia where I started school. I was advanced a grade as I was ahead of my age group intellectually. We moved back to the United States and then soon came to California, in 1958, where I’ve lived ever since... Back in 1987 I worked at Frontiers [an LA-based gay magazine] as their advertising director. During that time a close friend
of mine, Louis Jay, and I dreamed up the idea of a “Leather News Magazine.” We wondered if there could be something centered around news and events with a club directory where people nationwide could make contact. We wanted to educate a greater number of people about what was already around them. While Drummer [a now defunct gay leather magazine] met just about every need imaginable, we needed news and a community-wide method of contact... Issue one of “The Leather Journal” hit newsstands on May 1, 1987. We worked on it during off-hours—with the blessing of Frontiers publisher Bob Craig, himself a Leatherman. Up until then, much of the news was presented with the intent to tantalize. We wanted to put out something like what the real world had, and eventually become a publication of record, which we did in relatively short order... I loved Drummer Magazine and was not competing against it and wanted to work alongside Drummer. For the most part, that is what happened. Any time they tried to be a news publication it did not work and when we tried to go porno the result was the same... The growth of The Leather Journal was amazing. The clubs really loved it because they had a way to get their information out to the world and they could find out about clubs elsewhere.
A NATURAL ORDER To me, being a part of the Leather community is an attitude. If I never saw a piece of cowhide in my life, my attitude would still be the same. I have an attraction to kink and those who are into it. I am clearly on the submissive side as I can barely even fathom myself as a dominant. Dominance/ submission; pain and bondage for pleasure and fulfillment. I believe that this is a
>> DAVE RHODES <<
natural order of things for some people and I am one of those people... I could be completely nude and still be a Leatherman. I can service and submit to a man in the most expensive and prestigious Leather one could purchase from the world’s most famous leather artisan or nude and be humbly servile in his presence.
ASPECTS OF SEXUALITY There is an effort in the Leather community to bring in new blood. While many allude to those younger age-wise there also are those who are young experiencewise. In general, key word general, people develop aspects of their sexuality after they have dealt with their sexual orientation—gay lesbian, bisexual, transgender. The questioning factor here is in determining where one fits after that. There are many educational organizations out there. I am a member of Avatar Club Los Angeles which is based on teaching. Young gay men who have just come out begin their exploration with us. Many older folks also come to Avatar. The 40
To me, being a part of the leather community is an attitude. If I never saw a piece of cowhide in my life, my attitude would still be the same. I have an attraction to kink and those who are into it.
year-old man who has not dealt with his kinky side can be just as green and vulnerable as the 20 year old who has bolted out of the closet and exploded onto the scene. I know of several individuals who teach at colleges around Southern California on Leather/BDSM/Fetish. Their presentations are not full courses, but are brought in to
speak to classes as guest speakers. One of the reasons that the Leather community has organizations is to protect people from being exposed to predators who only have their self-interests at heart, to the detriment of the new and eager. That goes back to the earliest days of organized Leather.
RICH AND REWARDING My advice to those reading this who are considering exploring Leather is to contact one of the established organizations, speak to one of the titleholders who are wearing a title patch and ask where they can find out more. This patience may not make sense to a young man with raging hormones, but it may be one of the most important acts of patience in that man’s life—not just safety-wise, but also because what awaits can be a rich and rewarding life with plenty of good friends. For more on the leather community visit: www.theleatherjournal.com. For more on the upcoming LA Leather Pride visit: laleatherpride.com.
DECEMB ER 2014 | TH E F I GH T 35
THESHARE
THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY
>> BY PAULO MURILLO <<
GRANT ME THE SERENITY
With the holiday season upon us, we asked a few local sober folks how they maintain their serenity and sobriety during—what can be—the most stressful time of the year. KARL ZAHL
CURTIS HUTCHINSON
CERTAIN FRIENDS “The holidays are such a bittersweet time for me. There are times I don’t feel like being cheery and I even start resenting people who are. Then I realize that it’s preposterous to even think that way. I need an attitude check. I have to practice happiness and joy when my character wants to alter that. But for the most part, I’m a happy person by nature. I’ll definitely keep more serene and calm if I surround myself with my friends that are even keeled with my well being. I have certain friends that keep me feeling sane and joyous. I’ll spend more time with them, so I can spend more time with my less spirited ones. Oh, and feed me cupcakes, and all is right with the world-butter cream.” —Curtis Hutchinson, sober since December, 2007.
The holidays are the time of year I’m forced to realize that I have a different way of dealing with life then many of my family members. I have an emotional and spiritual toolbox at my disposal to maintain sanity during the holidays. I also attend meetings out of town. I’m traveling out of state for Christmas and I have meetings planned already. Being sober, I’m much easier to deal with and in turn it makes my family dynamic much smoother.” —Karl Zahl, sober since October 2013.
come together and celebrate. So for sure it gets a little crazy having all these nieces and nephews to think of and shop for. Talk about stress! Luckily, I have a sister and brother in law who are also sober, so I find support in them. I make sure to also stay really connected and honest with the people close to me, including my sponsor. This year I plan to hit up some of those marathon-12-step meetings that will be happening throughout LA during the holidays. In fact, I can find so much gratitude in holidays today and gratitude has been key in keeping my serenity and recovery.” —Dale Walker, sober since August, 2013.
“The holidays have always been a time for my family to
“The key to maintaining my serenity and sobriety during the holidays is remembering the only person I can change is myself. 3 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
MICHAEL LEIMBEK
DALE WALKER
OSVALDO VILLALOBOS
PRAY AND MEDITATE
CONNECTED AND HONEST
ATTEND MEETINGS
expectations of myself and of others. Sometimes, in the past, I’ve imposed undue expectations on myself about what I think I should be doing or how I think I should be feeling and that invariably results in some form of disappointment. So, I’m going to take it easy, get out of my own way, and work towards the needs of others.” —Michael Leimbek, sober since September, 2002.
BEING OF SERVICE “My serenity is connected to my spiritual maintenance. The best way to attend to that is by being of service. I also try and eliminate
“I try not to go out to bars or clubs just to avoid the temptation--especially on New Year’s Eve. How I maintain my serenity is that I don’t hang around people who like to party. I have a support network of friends who don’t drink or use drugs. My family is very supportive during the holidays and most of them can handle their booze. Most importantly, I pray and meditate.” —Osvaldo Villalobos, sober since November 2008.
WEST HOLLYWOOD AUDITORIUM
NEW YEARS EVE 2015
8PM til 1AM
A Mid-Winter Nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fantasy RSVP at WWW.LALGBTCENTER.ORG/BOOM
647 N. San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069 18 and over - Handicapped accessible Validated parking in the structure next to the Library.
Co-Sponsors:
City of West Hollywood California 1984
DECEMB ER 2014 | T H E F I GH T 37
The Gift Guide Unique items for a particular group of people on your holiday shopping list. BY PAULO MURI LLO
S
ome like to give, others would rather receive. For those who prefer to be on the gift-giving end, the process can be overwhelming. For example, what do you give that health nut who lives on kale and the latest digestive cleanse? What does one buy for that Madonna fanatic who has every M promo eBay has to offer? Where does a guy go to shop for that particular friend who won’t let you forget he’s clean and sober? How do you bring a touch of luxury to that friend who has a fetish for leather? And for the ultimate gift, where does one shop for that special ring that says I love you—or better yet, a ring that says I want to love you for the rest of my life? Below are some gift guide ideas for a particular group of people on your holiday shopping list.
THE O SO JUICY GIFT
F
or that oh so health conscious friend in your life consider buying the O So Juicy gift of wellbeing. Located on 99 La Cienega Blvd., Suite 108, in Beverly Hills, Oh-So Juicy is family-owned and offers an array of organic ingredients to create cold-pressed exciting juices that combine flavor and health inside every juicy bottle. O So Juicy sticks oh-so funny labels on their products with names like the Just Beet It juice, Turn the Beet Around, Orange You Glad, Citrus Kisses, and Sweet Greens Are Made of These, to name of few fun drinks. The Alka-Green juice is a tasty favorite. They also offer a cleanse program that can start a New Year, all shiny and new with the O So Juicy Cleanse and The Green Cleanse regimen. One to ten-day packages are available for pickup and they also deliver. To learn more, visit osojuicyorganic.com
THE SHADY GIFT
A
nd speaking of shiny and new...for the Madonna fan who has it all, or is looking for a whole new shady way to express his (or her) love for the big M, it doesn’t get better than a Cunt[tee]. The gay-owned and fan made Cunt[tees] t-shirt line makes hilarious shirts with shady messages. Messages include, “You Had Me at Madonna,” “Madonna Made Me Gay,” and the shirt that started it all “Cunty Madonna Shade,” to mention only a few of many funny-if not bitchy phrases. No snarky Madonna fan is complete without 38 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com
throwing some shade at Lady Gaga, so Cunt[tees] offers shirts with messages like, “Lady Who?” “Not a Monster” and “Reductive Resistance.” The shade comes in tote bags and stickers as well. Gift cards are also available. For more information, visit whatsthetee.net
GIFT OF SOBRIETY
S
hadiness aside, some of us have that certain friend or loved one who cashed in the chips and is now sober...and they won’t let us forget it. For that sober somebody in your life, there’s always My 12 Step Store, located on 8730 Santa Monica Boulevard in the heart of WeHo. This is the go to recovery shop for sobriety chips, medallions, books, greeting cards, apparel, and the store also offers recovery jewelry in both silver and 14K gold. Give the gift of talking to the big G.O.D. with a luxurious wooden God Box, which come in various selections and price points. The store specializes in all 12-step recovery programs-no matter the poison of choice-be it meth, sex, food, pills, gambling, or love. If there’s a program for it, you’ll find the perfect gift at My 12 Step Store. You can order online at my12stepstore.com
A KINKY SURPRISE
G
ifting a pair of leather chaps, a leather harness or anything that needs to
>> GIFT GUIDE <<
be stuck onto or into that certain kinky friend or kinky couple in your life, can seem, to some, a little inappropriate. Luckily there’s Twisted DNA 46 XY—a company that offers high quality full grain Italian leather goods and uses edgy leather man elements such as armbands, harnesses and bandannas to create and accessorize throw pillows, duvet and apparel. Twisted DNA was conceived in 2011, by founder David McGrath, who channels Tom of Finland, and the Ralph Lauren Home Collection to create awesome leather accessories for the leather inspired home. Best sellers include the Armband Euro Square Pillow, Leather Armband Pillow and the leather armband throw. Twisted DNA is also launching a new line of scented candles geared towards a man’s sensibilities, in five different fragrances: Leather Bound, Testosterone, Cathedral, Pomegranate & Basil, and Fig. For more information, visit twisteddna46xy.com
I’m a good cook but sometimes my pantry is bare. Kathy, D.A.P. client
D.A.P. treats and supports the whole person My case manager says that “food is medicine” because a healthy diet...along with medication and my doctor visits...is an important part of keeping my HIV in-check. Since I can’t work anymore, it’s been a life-saver to live right across the parking lot from D.A.P., in a comfy apartment with my own kitchen. Their monthly food voucher helps fill my cabinets... and my refrigerator loves the fruits and vegetables from their Farmer’s Market.
This and more...all under one roof
THE GIFT OF FOREVER
P
ledge your love and commitment till death do you part to that special life partner, or give yourself a gift as a token of self-appreciation with Proposition Love Jewelry. Every purchase made is a pledge to support the equal rights for everyone. Prop Love was created by jewelry designers Sam Street and Jonathan Tack after they were married in California just a few days before Prop 8 was voted into law. Their jewelry line incorporates a triangle into all their designs as a symbol of the gay rights movement throughout history. They also design fashion rings, pendants, bracelets and their trademark EnGAYgement Rings(tm). Their Love is Love collection is a real standout. Ten percent of the profits go to organizations that support Marriage Equality, Gay Rights, LGBT Youth, Anti Bullying, and HIV / AIDS activism. Prop Love jewelry is available in sterling silver, 14K rose gold, 14K white gold, and 14K yellow gold. The Eternity Stack Ring in 14K Yellow Gold Diamond is the stuff that gay wedded bliss is made of.
Thanks to your generous support, Desert AIDS Project has been saving lives for 30 years. Please continue to help by donating at desertAIDSproject.org, joining one of our annual giving programs, or by saving the date for one of our upcoming fundraising events. Desert AIDS Walk | October 18, 2014 Dancing With The Desert Stars | November 14, 2014 World AIDS Day | December 1, 2014 - Pathways to Health & Well-Being HIV Conference - Everyday Heroes
760.323.2118 desertAIDSproject.org
Find the love at propositionlove.com DECEMB ER 2014 | TH E F I GH T 39
THEEPIDEMIC
I got my life back online.
>> VENICE FAMILY CLINIC <<
Scott, D.A.P. client
COMMON GROUND
HIV clinic serving uninsured and underinsured people on the Westside of Los Angeles.
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.
This and more...all under one roof Thanks to your generous support, Desert AIDS Project has been saving lives for more than 30 years. Please continue to help by donating at desertAIDSproject.org, joining one of our annual giving programs, or by saving the date for one of our upcoming fundraising events. Dancing With The Desert Stars | November 14, 2014 World AIDS Day | December 1, 2014 - Pathways to Health & Well-Being HIV Conference - Everyday Heroes Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala February 7, 2015
760.323.2118
BY VI CTO R M EL A M ED
C
ommon Ground—the Westside HIV Community Center— was started in 1992 in response to the AIDS crisis. Their mission, explains the programs current director, Arron Barba, was to "provide HIV prevention services and HIV services to people with AIDS in the Santa Monica Community. Common Ground created a large peer based HIV prevention program for Santa Monica High School, advocated and ushered in an HIV housing complex on the beach, introduced syringe exchange to the Westside of Los Angeles and has now become one of the few stand-alone AIDS service organizations to merge with a community clinic." In 2013, Venice Family Clinic acquired Common Ground. The Clinic's Board of Directors acknowledged the value in the social service support and the various wraparound services offered at Common Ground, and therefore approved the acquisition. "The Common Ground program fights HIV and associated diseases by mobilizing the passion, support and expertise of our community through comprehensive healthcare, mental health services, education, testing and psychosocial support," states Barba. Currently serving uninsured and underinsured people on the Westside of Los Angeles, the program specializes in high risk, injection drug users, homeless, mentally ill and co-infected individuals. "Our outreach provides HIV education to underserved communities regardless of labels for sexual orientation, gender or gender expression," explains Barba. "The HIV prevention team, which is immersed in the harm reduction community, is able to engage clients in open discussions about HIV risks in a culturally competent manner. Our HIV medical services are provided within the larger context of medical services, which protects clients from forced disclosure. Our HIV prevention and treatment programs are also reinforced with psychosocial support for all of our clients." Additional services include health education and risk reduction programs for Latinas, STD and Hepatitis C testing, and medically assisted treatment for opiate addiction. n
desertAIDSproject.org For more info call 310-314-5480 or visit: commongroundhiv.org. 40 THE F IGHT | www.thefightmag.com
THEEVENT >> PHOTOS BY TROY TACKETT, WWW.TACKETTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM <<
PROJECT NUNWAY LA
T
he Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence hosted an extraordinary fashion experience last month at the West Hollywood Park Auditorium. Participants created outrageous fashion that embodied surrealism, avant-garde creativity, and overthe-top fashionable art. Project NunwayLA generated over $15,000 for charity.
4 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
>> PHOTOS BY PAULO MURILLO <<
T
PALM SPRINGS PRIDE
he 28th Annual Greater Palms Pride saw its fair share of pride flags streaking the rainbow colors at its new location in downtown Palm Springs last month. The Pride parade stretched from Tachevah to Amado Road, on North Palm Canyon Drive. Pop singing bombshell, Amanda Lapore, was the parade grand marshal this year. She did not disappoint with her traditional wink to Hollywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golden Age in a glamorous slinky teal dress. For more on Greater Palm Springs Pride, visit pspride.org
DECEMB ER 2014 | TH E F I GH T 43
THECALENDAR >> THINGS TO DO << Suite 3, 6:30pm-9:00pm. Visit gaymatchmakingclub.com. Ages 30 to 50 (ID required). It’s the last speed dating event for the year. This event is perfect for men who want to meet a variety of men, at different ages. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
LESLIE JORDAN THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4
LESLIE JORDAN IN “FRUIT FLY” Renberg Theatre, Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N. McCadden Place in Hollywood. December 4 - 21. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 7pm. Tickets at www.lalgbtcenter.org/theatre or by phone at (323) 860-7300. Emmy winner and LGBT icon Leslie Jordan’s heartfelt and hilarious homage to his parents (especially his mother) and growing up gay in the Deep South.
JOHN WATERS BURLESQUE: WINTER WEIRDOLAND The Dragonfly, 6510 Santa Monica Blvd. 9pm. For tickets, visit ticketfly.com/event/704273. Special tribute to John Waters features Burlesque by Anna Bells, Audrey Dee Lux, Brandy Snifter, Courtney Cruz, Diamondback Annie, Dolly Danger, Iza la Vamp and others. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
6TH ANNIVERSARY NOH8 PHOTO SHOOT NOH8 HQ, 2601 N. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank, 1pm-3pm. Visit noh8campaign.com. Celebrate the NOH8 Campaign’s 6th Anniversary with an open photo shoot. The photos are first come, first served. Anyone taking a photo is asked to wear a plain white shirt.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
“BUTCH” THE MALE THING! The Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Blvd, 9pm-2am. Visit bulletbarla.com for more information. Hosted by Shawn Morales of RuPaul’s Drag Race Pit Crew, “Butch” brings you classic pin-up models, hot music and a friendly crowd surrounded by vintage porn, cheap drinks and more.
B BAR AT THE EAGLE LA 4219 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, for more info visit: eaglela.com. Bears, cubs, otters and other furry critters. Sponsored by THE FIGHT - free raffle for tickets to the International Bear Convergence in Palm Springs!
GAPSN WHITE BALL 2014 Micky’s, 8857 Santa Monica Blvd., 6pm to 9:30pm. Holiday party, toy drive, and bachelor auction to benefit GAPSN and bring a little holiday cheer. Admission is free with a new unwrapped toy valued at $15.00.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31
SEXXXY SANTA EXXXTRAVAGANZA VI Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 1125 N. Fairfax Ave, Ste 461160, 9pm-1am. The sisters return for some naughty fun to raise funds for a good cause. DAVID HERNANDEZ VS. JAI RODRIGUEZ Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W Sunset Blvd, 8:30pm in Los Angeles. Visit ticketweb.com, to purchase tickets. Two talented performers square off in a vocal battle as Jai Rodriguez (“Rent”) faces David Hernandez (“American Idol”) in a head-to-head showdown that spans genres and styles. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
BIG GAY LOVE LOS ANGELES DVD RELEASE PARTY Akbar, 4356 W Sunset Blvd, 6pm - 9pm. Visit akbarsilverlake.com for more info. Funny man Jason Stuart will host a raffle DVD giveaway. Proceeds go to Operation Smile an organization that gives surgeries to disabled children in developing countries. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11
HOLIDAY GAY MALE SPEED DATING Gay Matchmaking Club, 800 S. Robertson Blvd.,
4 4 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
#BOOM - AN ALCOHOL AND DRUG FREE NEW YEAR’S EVE EXPERIENCE West Hollywood Park Auditorium, 647 North San Vicente Boulevard, 8pm - 1am. #BOOM is back at the city of West Hollywood. This year’s theme, “A Mid-Winter’s Night Fantasy,” promises to be bigger and better, with live entertainment, dancing, a photo booth, and interactive activities. MASTERBEAT XV: THE FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY The Mayan, 1038 S Hill St, 9pm. Visit masterbeatxv.com. Masterbeat is pulling out all the stops to make this the biggest and best New Year’s event in history, with 5 Superstar DJ’s spinning 4 Epic Events at 4 Legendary Clubs. BEARRACUDA LA—NEW YEAR’S EVE The Dragonfly, 6510 Santa Monica Blvd. 9pm. For tickets, visit Bearracuda.com/LA. 100s of guys socializing and dancing all night! Double headlining DJs: Paul Goodyear and Matt Consola play the main room. DJ Ryan Jones works the back room till the wee hours. RHONDAPOLIS NYE 2015 The Standard Downtown L.A., 550 South Flower, 9pm. For tickets, visit ticketfly.com/event/714415. Behold the return of RHONDAPOLIS. 13 floors, 4 discotheques, 1 woman, no mercy. The towering NYE extravaganza transforms the Standard, Downtown LA into a building-wide celebration of the fabulous year past and the fierce year to come.
GROUPS
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 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
DECEMB ER 2014 | TH E F I GH T 45
THEFINALFIGHT >> VICTIMS <<
ARE WE VICTIMS?
How can we ever win the fight when we’re afraid to put up our dukes and hop in the ring? BY RO B SMITH
N
ot too long after a viral video showing a woman being aggressively catcalled walking the streets of New York City broke the internet, the gays got a viral video of their very own. In the video, titled “three hours of walking through New York City as a homosexual,” a man dressed in very tight pants and a belly-exposing shirt walks through NYC carrying a Victoria’s Secret bag perched delicately on his elbow. In the selectively edited video, he’s followed, made fun of, and even has the f-bomb dropped on him by people on the street, most of whom are black. Of course, the video spread like wildfire among the LGBToriented blogs and websites, and the responses pretty much boiled down to two categories: those recounting similar stories of their own, and those bashing black men who “should know better.” Very few people questioned the “experiment” or the actor conducting it, which was unfortunate. As it turns out, the video was click bait by NYC based comedian Dennis Cee, a presumably straight man who runs a wildly success-
ful youtube channel where he shows videos of pranks with titles like “Selfies in the Hood,” a great deal of which show him being aggressively attacked by the black male targets of the pranks. So what we have here is a straight guy trading on gay and racist stereotypes in order to bring views to his page. The sad part is that it worked. The video has 1.5 million views on YouTube, but the success of the story made me ask a very uncomfortable question: are LGBT people becoming too comfortable with being victims? The fact that this video was taken completely without question as a fact of life for gays in New York City is deeply disturbing and indicative of a victim mindset that is becoming more and more pervasive in the community. When I saw the story of an Ohio State University student that was punched in the eye for kissing his boyfriend in public, I wanted the ending to be different. I wanted to read a story about that student bashing back, about him getting involved in a scuffle with his attacker, about him doing something, anything other than taking his licks and moving on. Of course, he did something, alright: he posted a photo of his black eye on twitter along with a “note” to his attacker. When that story got a lot of support and retweets, I had to stop myself from screaming “WHY??” “Why are you supporting this victim? When are we going to step up and start FIGHTING BACK?” Over the past few years, I’ve
noticed a distinct shift from out in the open activism to online #hacktivism. This kind of hacktivism revels in the kind of “work” that it takes to create a hashtag, or to comment on an online video, or to retweet a positive “ain’t nobody gonna get me down” message from someone who has been bashed. Are we becoming a community that doesn’t want to do the real work to defend our right to exist? Is it easier for us to walk the streets of our perspective cities with our head low, hoping not to get bashed, and being fully prepared to run to the internet or the press if we do? I’m not saying that we should go out looking for a fight, but as a gay person in 2014 we should be vigilant about defending ourselves in every way. Yes, defending ourselves can be done with with magazine covers and red carpets to promote “visibility” and winning high-profile court cases to defend our rights in the eyes of the law. But you know what? Sometimes good old-fashioned street fighting is absolutely necessary when our safety is threatened while trying to live our lives. When I think of this, I’m reminded of something an old friend of mine used to say when the topic of physical safety came up: “I may not win the fight, but the other person will know that they have been in a fight.” The question is: how can we ever win the fight when we’re afraid to put up our dukes and hop in the ring? n
Is it easier for us to walk the streets of our perspective cities with our head low, hoping not to get bashed, and being fully prepared to run to the internet or the press if we do? I’m not saying that we should go out looking for a fight, but as a gay person in 2014 we should be vigilant about defending ourselves in every way. 4 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
FOUR DAYS OF POOL PARTIES, DANCE EVENTS AND WOOFY MEN!
Hosted at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 15
MONDAY FEBRUARY 16
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 15
Weekend Passes & Hotel Reservations at www.ibc-ps.com
~Benefiting AIDS Assistance Program~
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