THE FIGHT SOCAL'S LGBTQ MONTHLY MAGAZINE DEC 2016 by The Fight Magazine

DECEMB ER 2016 | TH E F I GH T 1

WE FOCUS ON HIV TO HELP YOU FOCUS ON

TODAY

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THECONTENTS

FEATURES 20 EVERY DAY IS WORLD AIDS DAY

TAKE CHARGE, GET EDUCATED, GET TESTED

24 THE FABRIC OF THE REPUBLIC

WHY WE MUST DISSENT

26 FAMILY VALUES REINFORCING COMMUNITY TIES

DEPARTMENTS 11 THE TALK JOE JONAS

ON THE COVER

15 THE LETTERS READERS RESPOND

TOP, L-R JACKIE BEAT, MISSJACKIEBEAT.COM MARIO DIAZ, MARIODIAZPRESENTS.COM

16 THE STATE GOING RED 18 THE CITY JOHN DURAN

30 HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE DEALING WITH TRUMP VOTERS IN YOUR FAMILY

22 THE DESERT DAVID SEDARIS

32 AGING AND HIV ATTENTION, CARE, AND ADVOCACY

36 THE PROFILE REVIVE

42 RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

“GAY GROOM” ROBERT BLACKMON

44 LUXURY ON A BUDGET BOBBY TRENDY IN PALM SPRINGS 4 4 TTH HEE FFIIGH GHTT || www.thefightmag.com www.thefightmag.com

28 THE ROSTOW REPORT REJOIN THE WORLD 40 THE SHARE HOLIDAY SOBRIETY 46 THE EVENT PRECINCT DTLA 48 THE CALENDAR OUT & ABOUT 50 THE FINAL FIGHT REBEL HEART

BOTTOM, L-R NADYA GINSBURG, NADYAGINSBURG@YOUTUBE.COM SELENE LUNA, SELENELUNA.COM TRAVIS WALCK, TRAVISWALCK.COM MUFFY BOLDING, MUFFYBOLDING.COM COVER PHOTO, TOC PHOTO AND FEATURE PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM

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THEEDITOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stanford Altamirano MANAGING EDITOR Mark Ariel ART DIRECTOR Nadeen Torio MARKETING CONSULTANTS Tom Pardoe Eric Slayton Sean Galuszka SOCIAL MEDIA Paulo Murillo Sinan Shihabi WEBMASTER Nadeen Torio ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Sinan Shihabi >> IN THIS ISSUE <<

As a person who has “lived with AIDS for thirty-something years… to me every day is World AIDS Day,” says Peter Fitzgerald (“Every Day Is World AIDS Day,” page 20.) “Thus,” writes Fitzgerald, “all of the annual fuss is an empty gesture to numb people to the reality that I live with on a daily basis; that HIV is still being transmitted; still killing thousands each year worldwide and still mutating behind the blood-brain barrier in spite of the best meds we throw at it.” “Take charge,” urges Fitzgerald, “Get educated, get tested and live fully in the knowledge that you have done everything you could to stop the spread of HIV—starting with you.” Also in this issue - Brenden Shucart writes about life in Trump’s America (“The Fabric Of The Republic ,” page 24). “We must never stand for the normalization of white supremacy in the White House. We must dissent,” writes Shucart.

“America has always been a deeply flawed place. It has broken its treaties, enslaved innocents, persecuted its minorities, but it has always held the promise of being something more,” states Shucart. “The choices we make in the coming months and years could mean the difference between realizing the America we always dreamed it could be—the America they told us about in kindergarten—or a dystopia undreamed of in the darkest scripts of Hollywood.” “None of us has the luxury of standing idly by. We all have something to lose. When they write the histories of the Trump years, when you look back on these terrifying times, how do you want to remember yourself? As someone who stepped aside and let the darkness rush in? Or someone who stood up in defense of the noblest ideals of your community, your country, and yourself?”

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 © 2016 Third Step LLC. All rights reserved. Content may be reproduced with permission.

STANFORD ALTAMIRANO Editor-In-Chief

The Fight Magazine assumes no liability for any claims or representations contained anywhere in this magazine and reserves the right to cancel or refuse advertising at publisher’s discretion.

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

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

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THECONTRIBUTORS >> WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS <<

PAULO MURILLO West Hollywood resident Paulo Murillo has been writing for gay media for over twelve years. He got his start writing a bi-weekly column called “Luv Ya, Mean It” for FAB! Newspaper. Visit his website at thehissfit.com, or friend him on Facebook. 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. 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 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.” DUSTI CUNNINGHAM Los Angeles based photographer Dusti Cunningham grew up in a very clean single-wide trailer home in rural Kansas. His family didn’t own television so they watched tornadoes. None of his dogs were named Toto. Dolly Parton and his mother were his heroes, both wore wigs. His inspirations are gypsies, pirates, circuses, 1970s glamour, and the National Enquirer. www.dusticunningham.com. PICKLE Pickle is a MILF who lost custody of her kids after the fire and is just trying to explore her creative side. She has a lot of opinions and in spite of her limited qualifications, she likes to share them. Her career was detailed

Murillo

Blackmon

Rostow

Tyagi

Cunningham

Guay

Shucart

Fitzgerald

Pickle

Trendy

Green

Arellano

in her retrospective: Pickle: 30 Years in the Business, and you can catch her as Peg Bundy in Purgatory in the upcoming show “Peg Bundy Has an Existential Crisis.” Pickle lives in Los Angeles where she drives a Prius (for now). Follow her escapades on instagram @itspicklebitch.

JAMES GUAY, LMFT James Guay is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (#mfc39252). He works primarily with individuals and couples interested in embracing their lives anew. For more details about James Guay’s background and specialties visit: www.jamestherapy.com or call 310-405-0840.

ROBERT E. BLACKMON In 2001, writer and on-air talent Robert E. Blackmon, became the first leather man to hold the title “Mr. Sister Leather,” sponsored by the International fundraising organization the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Later that year he competed at Los Angeles Mr.Leather where he placed 2nd Runner up. Blackmon has served as secretary, vice chair and co-producer of Los Angeles Leather Pride, since its inception.

KESHAV TYAGI Keshav Tyagi is an HIV activist and public health professional. Originally from Boston, he received his Masters in Public Health from USC in 2015, and has been living in LA for more than 6 years. He has been employed in various capacities in the field of HIV prevention for the past 5 years. He currently works at APLA Health as a Research Study Coordinator, where he organizes a study to understand the needs of those getting older with HIV in LA.

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

PETER FITZGERALD Peter Fitzgerald is a documentary producer, journalist, movie critic, screenwriter and LGBT activist. His many documentaries on classic movies have included a feature film, numerous television specials and “making-of” documentaries for Turner Classic Movies, Warner Bros. & MGM/UA. He served as Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2001. His writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times and his articles and reviews can be read at Medium.com/@PeterFitzgerald. BOBBY TRENDY Bobby Trendy is an interior decorator, designer and television personality. He first achieved notoriety as a series regular on The Anna Nicole Show. Trendy is one of the producers of West Hollywood’s Sassy Prom event. For more on Bobby Trendy, visit www. bobbytrendy.com. Friend him of Facebook and follow him on Instagram @Iambobbytrendy. ROBERT GREEN Robert is a photo journalist and current member of the California B&B Corps uniform club, founding member of the Southern California Bondage Club and official event photographer for the Los Angeles Leather Coalition (LALC). Branded as Motorboot Photography his photos document and follow the breadth of the leather and fetish community in the LA area. JOSEPH ARELLANO A stage and film actor from Bedford, Indiana, Joe has been involved in community events such as The Friendly House Luncheon, PATH, and 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.

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All leases do not include Tax and license and fees. Subaru will donate $250 to a charity of your choice. At participating dealers only. See dealer for program details and eligibility. *Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased from November 17, 2016, through January 3, 2017, to four national charities designated by the purchaser or lessee. Pre-approved Hometown Charities may be selected for donation depending on retailer participation. Certain participating retailers will make an additional donation to the Hometown Charities selected. Purchasers/lessees must make their charity designations by January 31, 2017. The four national charities will receive a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000 each. See your local Subaru retailer for details, or visit subaru.com/share. All donations made by Subaru of America, Inc.

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1 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

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

WHAT MAKES YOU

HILLARY CLINTON

MAKE AMERICA

JUSSIE “We don’t all have to SMOLLETT see the world in the same way. You are actually allowed to feel that being gay is wrong… You only become a horrible person when you violate my basic human rights. That is when it becomes a problem, when you start being the aggressor in two consenting adults and the life that they live. That is what makes you an asshole.” —Empire Star Jussie Smollett in an interview last month with HIV Plus magazine. JOE JONAS

A COMPLIMENT

“I know many of you are deeply disappointed about the results of the election. I am, too—more than I can ever express… I know this isn’t easy… A lot of people have asked themselves whether America was the country we thought it was. But please listen to me when I say this: America is worth it… It’s up to each and every one of us to keep working to make America better and stronger and fairer.” —Hillary Clinton, last month, in her first public appearance after losing to Donald Trump, at the annual gala held by the Children’s Defense Fund.

REAFFIRM THE VALUES

GEORGE TAKEI

“In times like these we must reaffirm the values we cherish and have fought for: equality, justice, the care of our planet… This country has seen wars and grave injustices, slavery and even civil war in its past. Yet we found our way through. We will now, too.” —Gay Star Trek star George Takei, a survivor of a Japanese-American internment camp during World War II, offering guidance on Twitter last month for those despairing at the prospect of Donald Trump as president. BEX TAYLORKLAUS

“I don’t have an issue with it. I think it’s a compliment.” —Joe Jonas in an interview with PrideSource on rumors about his sexuality.

NOT TO HALT

“Part of why I’m coming out is because there’s so much hate and fear in and around the LGBT community right now and it’s important for us not to halt progress out of fear.” —Scream star Bex Taylor-Klaus coming out of the closet last month on YouNow.

MUCH COURAGE

“It’s easy to forget now just how much courage was required for Ellen to come out on the most public of stages ELLEN 20 years ago.” DEGENERES, —President Barack Obama prePORTIA senting comedian and actress Ellen DE ROSSI DeGeneres with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, last month. DeGeneres is married to Australian-American actress and philanthropist Portia de Rossi.

CHRIS EVANS

GOING FORWARD

“I’ve never felt any sort of backlash or friction as a result of the stance I’ve taken in my career in support of my gay brother or any other human rights… hopefully, it stays that way going forward,” said Evans. —Actor Chris Evans in a interview with The FIX last month.

DECEMB SEP TEMB ER ER2016 2016| |TH TH EEF F I GH I GH T T 11 11

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

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

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

Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page. 1 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

Have you heard about

TRUVADA for PrEP ? TM

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

visit start.truvada.com DECEMB ER 2016 | TH E F I GH T 13

IMPORTANT FACTS (tru-VAH-dah)

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

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP

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

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

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

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

1 4 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

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

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

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

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

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

THELETTERS >> FROM OUR READERS <<

MAJOR BATTLE Dear Editor, THE FIGHT, it would seem, has become real. As an avid reader of your magazine, I always found THE FIGHT to be more edgy, more socially conscious and a bit more diverse then some of the others on the free mag market. I certainly hope that your editorial staff will keep moving in this direction—as the next 4 years will require non-traditional media to take a much more active role in reporting on— and exposing—what looks like a major battle ahead to keep our rights in place—whilst also being vigilant regarding new anti-gay laws that will most likely crop up with the extreme homophobic cabinet picks of President-elect Trump (writing the words “President” and “Trump” still seems unreal). While pundits can only speculate about what exactly Trump might accomplish with a Republican-controlled Congress, the president-elect could make a sweeping impact upon LGBTQ rights gains seen over the past few decades, according to an article on vice.com. VP-elect Mike Pence signed Indiana’s discriminatory “religious liberty” law and has predicted that marriage equality would lead to “societal collapse.” Trump has put Pence in charge of his transition team. Among several concerning names on this team, Trump appointed Ken Blackwell to head up domestic policy issues; Blackwell serves as senior fellow at the Family Research Center, a conservative Christian lobbying and advocacy organization, which the Southern Poverty Law Center has designated as an anti-LGBTQ hate group. If there is one “good” thing that may come out of all of this—it is, perhaps, our coming together, to fight a common enemy, as we did when AIDS began ravaging our community and not very many people seemed to care. We’re back to where we started from. But we’re stronger and we have more vocal allies today. We can overcome this madness. As long as we’re up for The Fight. —Eric Charles, via the internet

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> WRITE TO THE EDITOR

Email: editor@thefightmag.com Fax: (213) 281-9648. Letters may be shortened due to space requirements. DECEMB ER 2016 | TH E F I GH T 15

THESTATE >> S A N F R A N C I S C O G AY M E N ’ S C H O R U S <<

GOING RED

SFGMC to tour red states to “build some bridges.” BY ORLY LYONNE

1 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF SFGMC

he San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) announced last month that they’ll be bringing their harmonies and spirit of activism to the Southern United States, reports SFGate.com. After the recent election, the first LGBTQ chorus in the United States decided to cancel their 2018 international tour to visit red red states where they feel their efforts are especially needed. “I think last [month’s] election clarified that there’s still so much work to be done here in the U.S. and places looking for our support and activism,” Gay Men’s Chorus spokesperson Peter Zimmerman said. “There are so many states that have passed legislation impacting LGBTQ community and restricting their rights. There’s been a lot of anti-gay rhetoric. We want to raise awareness and hopefully build some bridges while we’re there with local LGBQT communities and nonprofits.” Zimmerman added: “We think a tour like this will open hearts and minds and show solidarity for LGBTQ people in those areas and people who are fighting to change their local and state laws.” While the exact itinerary is still in the planning stages, the tour does have a name: “Lavender Pen Freedom Tour,” reports SFGate.com. This is a reference to the color of the pen SF Mayor George Moscone used to sign a Gay Civil Rights Bill sponsored by Harvey Milk in 1978. “Lavender also is a combination of blue and red—unity in color, between ‘red’ states and ‘blue’ states,” Zimmerman explained. n

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THECITY NEON TREES >> BY PAULO MURILLO <<

TRANS POLICE OFFICER KEPT OUT OF TRANS EVENT

“VOICES OF HOPE” IN BEVERLY HILLS

On December 1, which World AIDS Day, The Advocate hosted a community event “Voices of Hope” at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, where three panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt were on display. Speakers included Olympic gold medalist and advocate Greg Louganis, Here Media CEO Paul Colichman, Beverly Hills Councilmember and former mayor the Honorable Lili Bosse, Beverly Hills community leader Michael Libow, actor and advocate Mel England, and the Black AIDS Institute’s Programs Coordinator Gerald Garth.

WEHO MURDERER APPEAL REJECTED

A state appeals court panel upheld a MURDER man’s 12-year prison sentence last month VICTIM KURTLAND for fatally stabbing and mutilating his MA live-in boyfriend at their West Hollywood apartment, reports wehoville.com. The three-justice panel rejected the defense’s contention that Andre Davids should have been sentenced to six years in prison for the March 29, 2014, death of Kurtland Ma. Davids, now 39, was convicted last December of voluntary manslaughter. Deputy District Attorney Michele Hanisee called it “absolutely one of the most gruesome crime scenes that I or the homicide detectives have ever seen.” The prosecutor noted that Ma suffered about 40 stab wounds, was “disemboweled,” with some of his organs stuffed into his mouth, and pill bottles and pills shoved into his body cavity in a killing motivated by Ma’s decision to break up with Davids.

HEALTH SERVICES AT L.A. LGBT CENTER

To better serve the growing number of people who want a medical provider or therapist who specializes in caring for LGBT people, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has added four new medical providers; shortened the wait time to see a doctor or therapist; opened a new, larger pharmacy with free monthly prescription delivery; and launched a new secure patient website that facilitates communication with providers and offers a number of conveniences. To learn more about the Center’s health and medical services and to schedule an appointment, visit lalgbtcenter.org/health. 1 8 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

Christine Garcia, San Diego’s first transgender police officer, helped plan the Transgender Day of Awareness event held Nov 17, on Centre Street, but was denied access to the event that she helped organize, because people felt her CHRISTINE police uniform would upset GARCIA those in attendance. Garcia, who transitioned last year, was part of the police department security detail during a march honoring the trans community down University Avenue. After the march, Garcia tried to enter the event as a member of the LGBT community, but was asked to leave. Leaders of The Center directly apologized to Garcia and San Diego police Chief Shelley Zimmerman after the incident. Delores Jacobs, CEO of The Center, said the occurrence was a regrettable misunderstanding.

JOHN DURAN IS HONOR 41 RECIPIENT

West Hollywood Council member John Duran is one of 41 hispanic recipients to receive this year’s Honor 41 Award, which acknowledges Latin activists in the LGBTQ community. Honor 41 is a national Latina/o LGBTQ non-profit organization that promotes CHRISTINE positive images in the LGBTQ comGARCIA munity, creates awareness on issues and builds an online family community. Duran is a civil rights attorney who has been very active in LGBT and other human rights issues.

SHERIFF’S TRAINING IN CASE OF ACTIVE SHOOTERS

In response to attacks like the one experienced at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando Florida where 49 people lost their lives, the City of West Hollywood hosted a public safety training regarding active shooters at the House of Blues building. The training was conducted by personnel from the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. It provided readiness skills to people who work in local businesses and nighttime establishments. Instructors discussed recent active shooter incidents, what was learned from them, how to deal with an incident and basic gunshot first aid training. Attendees also learned how to evaluate workplaces for a quick and effective evacuation. The training featured live action drills.

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DECEMB ER 2016 | TH E F I GH T 19

>> AIDS <<

EVERY DAY IS WORLD AIDS DAY

Take charge, get educated, get tested and live fully in the knowledge that you have done everything you could to stop the spread of HIV—starting with you. BY PETER FITZG ERA LD

esterday was World AIDS Day, and millions of well-meaning social media mavens hailed triumph over HIV and posted ‘sad’ emojis for its victims. I have lived with AIDS for thirty-something years, so to me, every day is World AIDS Day. Thus, all of the annual fuss is an empty gesture to numb people to the reality that I live with on a daily basis; that HIV is still being transmitted; still killing thousands each year worldwide and still mutating behind the blood-brain barrier in spite of the best meds we throw at it.

For Breaking Daily LGBT News Visit

www.thefightmag.com

2 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

Now you’re thinking, “Buzzkill!” and who could blame you? Unless you’re like me or the many thousands of other survivors, you couldn’t begin to imagine what my struggle has entailed, or the emotional baggage that I live with. Experience has taught me that you don’t want to know about the plague years because you grew up under their shadow. You were shown the ravages in mass media and don’t want any part of it. And that’s ok. I’m grateful that X-gens and millennials haven’t seen what I’ve seen, or fought for the care I’ve had to fight for. I’ve learned that many of you don’t have the constitution for such a battle, and choose to wishfully proclaim that “the HIV era is over” and bury your heads in the sand. But then, there were other social media messages that heartened me. World AIDS Day (aka WAD) provided an opportunity for you to learn that PrEP (aka taking Truvada daily) is a reliable barrier to protect you against HIV infection during sex without a condom. I was also happy to see people spreading information about the unlikelihood of infection during bareback sex with HIV positive people whose virus is undetectable. I’ve seen the numbers and cheer for such progress. Happily, I see gay men embracing full contact sex and eschewing fear mongers like Michael Weinstein of AHF. Unfortunately, most of you are viraphobic, and imagine that asking a few vague questions of your sexual partners, often after sex, is a sufficient prophylactic in dealing with the real and present danger of HIV infection. Still, I suggest that you take charge, get educated, get tested and live fully in the knowledge that you have done everything you could to stop the spread of HIV — starting with you.

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THEDESERT >> PALM SPRINGS <<

HRC ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY FUNDRAISER

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) held its 17th Annual Palm Springs Garden Party Fundraiser last month to celebrate and recognize those who work tirelessly to achieve equality and to acknowledge the work that remains ahead. Palm Springs resident and longtime HRC Foundation board member Andy Linsky presented the Advocate for Equality Awards to Brad White and Alexis Ortega, for their leadership and dedication to the LGBT community. Thomas Cowley was acknowledged for his many contributions. John Barrowman, well-known television, Broadway performer and passionate LGBT advocate was also acknowledged with HRC Visibility Award. JOHN BARROWMAN

For information on HRC, visit: hrc.org.

FLORENCE HENDERSON WAS TO STAR IN LOCAL BENEFIT Stage, film, TV actress and LGBT ally Florence Henderson died three days before she was scheduled to star in a benefit for local theatre company, Coyote Stageworks, at the Annenberge Theater in Palm Springs. Henderson would have starred in a staged reading of the allfemale comedy/drama, “Steel Magnolias.” Henderson died at age 82 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, from heart failure. Family and friends had surrounded Henderson’s hospital bedside. The actress was known for her performances in Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS at their annual Broadway Backwards fundraiser. She also attended Point FLORENCE HENDERSON Foundation Voices on Point Gala in 2013.

LANCE BASS TO MOVE TO PALM SPRINGS

Former N’Sync singer and TV personality, Lance Bass said he and his husband Michael Turchin were looking to buy a home in Palm Springs during their visit to the city for Palm Springs Pride. Bass met Turchin in Palm Springs and the two married in Los Angeles in 2014. “I love this town,” He told The Desert Sun. “Palm Springs feels like home to me. In fact, we’re in town looking for a home here, so yeah, we might be moving to Palm Springs.” Bass is the host of Logo TV’s gay dating show “Finding Prince Charming.” The show premiered in Palm Springs. The show was picked up for a second season. Casting is currently underway. LANCE BASS

COACHELLA VALLEY RESIDENTS HOLD ANTI-TRUMP RALLIES

Hundreds of Coachella Valley protesters gathered at Stevens Park in Palm Springs on November 12, to protest the presidential election of reality TV personality Donald Trump. The crowds marched peacefully through downtown Palm Springs along Palm Canyon Drive, carrying signs and shouting chants like, “Not My President!” “Love Trumps Hate!” and “I reject the president-elect” as drivers honked to show support. Organizers Eleanor Gonzalez and Kymberli Foster arranged what turned out to be the largest demonstration of its kind in Plam Springs history, as a way for Coachella Valley residents to reject Trump and to show solidarity with the tens of thousands of people in numerous cities nationwide who have taken to the streets to declare their disapproval of the impending Trump presidency. 2 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

MELALEUCA DONATES $10,000 TO DESERT AIDS PROJECT

CEO of Melaleuca, Frank VanderSloot, donated $10,000 on behalf of the company to the Desert AIDS Project in Palm Springs last month. The donation was a surprise to many since the billionaire businessman has been known for opposing gay marriage in the last few years. Desert AIDS Project described VanderSloot as a part of an evolution of acceptance for LGBT individuals. “I think that I’ve been really misunderstood. I’ve never said a mean thing about a gay person in my life,” VanderSloot told Local News 8/KIDK Eyewitness News in Idoho Falls. An gay employee of Melaleuca in Palm Springs connected VanderSloot with the organization so he could make the donation. FRANK VANDERSLOOT

THE SANTALAND DIARIES The Desert Rose Playhouse, the Valley’s LGBTQ stage company, presents “The Santaland Diaries” by David Sedaris (adapted by Joe Mantello), through December 18, 2016. “The Santaland Diaries” is based on the true chronicles of DAVID SEDERS gay humorist David Sedaris’ experience as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Santaland display. This Christmas classic riffs on a few of Sedaris’ truly odd encounters with his fellow man during the height of the holiday crunch. More info at www.desertroseplayhouse.org.

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

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

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

DECEMB ER 2016 | TH E F I GH T 23

>> WE’RE STILL HERE <<

THE FABRIC OF THE REPUBLIC We must never stand for the normalization of white supremacy in the White House. We must dissent.

hen Hillary Clinton conceded the election to Donald Trump, the news hit me like a punch in the gut. It wasn’t that I didn’t see it coming, I just couldn’t bring myself to believe it, not really. Even now, weeks later, it’s painful to write about. I’m embarrassed that someone so manifestly ill-suited for the position will soon be the leader of the free world, I’m terrified of the havoc such a person could do to our country and our planet, and I’m personally ashamed that I didn’t try harder to persuade members of my family to vote another way. Even if Trump spends the next four years reigning as the most centrist of North Eastern Republicans (which I’m sorry to say, simply isn’t going to happen) his campaign and election have possibly already done irreparable harm to the fabric of the Republic. You can’t elevate the presidential candidate endorsed by the KKK without real and terrifying consequences, as the tsunami of hate crimes sweeping the country— so clearly and painfully shows. Of course, it’s impossible to say which (if any) of his horrifying campaign rhetoric Trump intends to follow through on. He has been literally on every conceivable side of every possible position over the course of the 2016 campaign, and in the weeks since the election he has walked back or modified almost all of the promises he made on the trail—leaving us to peer into the tea leaves of of his cabinet appointments and public comments in an effort to catch a glimpse of the shape of things to come. But even those glimpses are terrifying. In wake of his victory Trump has been more critical of the cast of Hamilton

2 4 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

BY BRENDEN SHUCART

THE CHOICES WE MAKE IN THE COMING MONTHS AND YEARS COULD MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REALIZING THE AMERICA WE ALWAYS DREAMED IT COULD BE… OR A DYSTOPIA UNDREAMED OF IN THE DARKEST SCRIPTS OF HOLLYWOOD. than he has of the bigots committing racist and anti-queer acts in his name. He has has tapped “alt-right” white nationalist Steve Bannon to be is chief strategist and old school Southern racist Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III for Attorney General. He summoned the nation’s leading journalists, editors, and publishers to Trump Tower where he attempted to badger them into submission. He has claimed (with no evidence whatsoever) that “millions of people” voted illegally in California, Virginia, and New Hampshire—striking at the very heart of the legitimacy of the American democratic system. And he has suggested revoking the citizenship of protesters who burn the flag.

The attempt to normalize this madness is already underway. The politicians and talking heads tell us to “give Trump a chance” and then prattle on about Trump’s transition and speculate about his cabinet picks as if he were George Bush or Mitt Romney, as if we were not soon to be lead by a proto-fascist riding a wave of white nationalism into the White House—as if this were all normal. But this is not normal. This isn’t the America our greatgrandparents handed us, this is the America they warned us about. We must never stand for the normalization of white supremacy in the White House. We must dissent. ORGANIZE. Rally, form coalitions with other communities endangered by the looming Trump administration, remind him that WE’RE STILL HERE. But don’t do so under the banner of “Not My President.” He IS our president (assuming Russian hackers didn’t steal him an election) and we have to own this problem if we want to fix it. PROTEST. Sing songs, wave signs, get out in the streets and make your voice heard. But do so in a way that disrupts the lives of the rich and the powerful, not poor and middle-class folk who are struggling to keep their heads above water. And for the love of all that’s great about this country, Don’t Burn the American Flag. WRAP YOURSELF IN THE FLAG. Make clothes out of it, paint it on your face. And if you want to wave the rainbow flag, work it into the stars and stripes. If you want to wave the Mexican flag, have it rendered in red white and blue. Own all the symbols of America, otherwise we risk ceding them to neo-Nazis. BE A BRIDGE. Don’t cut those who voted for Trump. Don’t write them off as racists and fools. Imagine them complexly.

> > W E M U S T DISSENT < <

Show them, lovingly, the pain their choices are causing you and your community. SUBSCRIBE. Invest in first rate media organizations like the New York Times, Washington Post, or Slate magazine. Provide them with the resources they need to expose the dealings of Trump and his cronies. DONATE. Give to organizations like the ACLU and the Southern Poverty Law Center that defend the rights of marginalized peoples. JOIN. Become a member of your local Democratic Club, join the Green party, join Black Lives Matter. Hell, join the Elk’s Club! Commit your time and and your energy to civil society that is the fabric of this country. America has always been a deeply flawed place. It has broken its treaties, enslaved innocents, persecuted its minorities, but it has always held the promise of being something more. The choices we make in the coming months and years could mean the difference between realizing the America we always dreamed it could be—the America they told us about in kindergarten—or a dystopia undreamed of in the darkest scripts of Hollywood. None of us has the luxury of standing idly by. We all have something to lose. When they write the histories of the Trump years, when you look back on these terrifying times, how do you want to remember yourself? As someone who stepped aside and let the darkness rush in? Or someone who stood up in defense of the noblest ideals of your community, your country, and yourself?

DECEMB ER 2016 | TH E F I GH T 25

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

Club promoter and actor Mario Diaz and Drag Superstar Jackie Beat on Trump’s America, reinforcing community ties and their framily, a family of friends.

n the horrific aftermath of the new world order, when our most fundamental values—values such as decency, reason, and compassion—are under attack— Drag Superstar & writer Jackie Beat offers some words encouragement. “No one person runs this country. Thankfully, it is set up so that hopefully one idiotic buffoon can’t do too much damage,” says Beat. “Don’t get me wrong,” she clarifies, “Trump can do plenty of damage – offend and/or alienate other world leaders, tarnish the image of our country, turn back the clock on basic human rights—but he cannot and will not run America into the ground.” Beat, along with club promoter and actor Mario Diaz, spoke with THE FIGHT this month about Trump’s America, reinforcing community ties and their «framily,» a family made up of friends. “These are the times when our voices are the most important,” says Mario Diaz. “Sometimes things need to get ugly before they can get cleaned up and hopefully we can all learn from this ridiculous turn of events. A magnifying glass has reflected the sad reality that a huge segment of our population has hate in their hearts. That cannot be ignored and it’s time to be tough, stand together and kick some ass. These issues have always been present but now there’s no hiding from them.” When asked if this new reality could bring us closer together as a community Jackie Beat reveals that she is “already experiencing a new unity and comradery at my shows. When I do an anti-Trump song, people make it very clear that they agree wholeheartedly with what I’m saying.” “This election drew a distinct line in the sand,” says Diaz. “We are on the right side—the side of inclusion. What it should mean to be an American. We are the majority, we are the future and with that we can bond and take care of each other.” 2 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

BY MA RK ARI EL | PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNI NGHAM

LOVING FRIENDS While many in the community are grappling with family members who voted for Trump, Jackie Beat reveals she is blessed to have an “amazing family”—as well as “framily”—a family of friends. “My mother and father were intelligent enough to accept the biological reality of gay people,” says Beat. “But not everyone is that lucky, so family is something that many of us ‘freaks’ have to build out of like-minded and loving friends…. So many of my chosen family members are straight women. I feel like the relationship between a gay man and a straight woman is a sacred one that has existed throughout history. You just know that Cleopatra had a gay BFF, probably her hairdresser, who talked about sex with her. And he no doubt was the one who talked her into her signature hairstyle and fierce eyeliner!” “Not all of us find the acceptance, support and sense of security from our blood families,” says Mario Diaz. “Aside from the classic homo with daddy issues, I have been well taken care of in the love department. And that is mainly due to my ‘chosen family,’” reveals Diaz. “Throughout my life, since I ran away at 15, I’ve been blessed with a brilliant, diverse and loving group friends I have always considered my family. And that hasn’t changed to this day. I’ve got my people...and what an amazing bunch of Queerdos I have… We all need someone to laugh with, create with, debate with, commiserate with and someone to be there in tough times. I’ve got all my bases covered with this Motley Ship of Fools.” GO BONKERZ! “Many people are already suffering from the effects of this volatile election and we need to stand up for one another,” says Mario Diaz. “If you see something...do something! Don’t just watch and film it with your

iphone... have their back! Step up! Make your voice be heard and be a shoulder to cry on… there are many other actions that we can take. Like donating to groups and programs that help protect the rights we’ve been fighting for all these years. If that’s not a good option for you then volunteer your time and support in your community. Work with at-risk LGBT youth, The Trevor Project, Equality California, The LGBT center, soup kitchens or support groups. And we should all support grassroots candidates that have your values in mind. This is how we make progress.” On a lighter note, Jackie Beat recommends to continue enjoying life. “As my sister Nadya Ginsburg always says, ‘No one parties like the oppressed’ so let’s have some fucking fun! Come to one of my shows, go to one of Mario’s parties. And if you’re craving a bit of both, check out the club night we do together called BONKERZ! It’s at Precinct DTLA and the next one is Saturday, December 10.” For more on Mario Diaz—visit mariodiazpresents.com. For more on Jackie Beat—visit missjackiebeat.com.

DECEMB ER 2016 | TH E F I GH T 27

THEROSTOWREPORT >> BY ANN ROSTOW <<

HOVERING ON THE EDGE OF CONSCIOUSNESS

believe my last column was written from the Palm Court. I was sipping on some kind of sherry and gin concoction that Jimmy whipped up (I told him “surprise me!”) and I was writing with my new safety fountain pen, a sailing gift from Lady Eldryth Pierce Mabley. It’s hard to think back, but I imagine I was telling you about our plans for New York City and how excited we were to return in time for the big suffrage parade. Now I continue our communication from the Carpathia infirmary, my ears still ringing with the screams of the dying, my lungs still afire, my body still frozen from the ice water that washed through our small boat. How is this possible? The Titanic was unsinkable. It had a double digit lead until Jim Comey announced it might have forgotten to turn over a few more emails. Oops, never mind! Will things ever be right again? I’d ask Uncle Phillip, but he perished in the tragedy. I last saw him in the smoking room with Alexander Peabody and the Count. They were pouring what looked like brandies and toasting Titus Oates although by then the ship was listing terribly. I’m not sleeping very well these frightful days, and before I wake I hover on the edge of consciousness, aware that the world has changed and wanting to drift away again. But by then it’s always too late. I wake, for sure this time, into a new America where Donald Trump is President of the United States and where the seats of power are gradually being filled by a B-movie cast of characters with no real experience and little care for others; ideologues who lack the subtlety of mind to grapple with nuance, and who instead operate in black and white like children.

DO YOU REMEMBER THAT STAR TREK MOVIE WHERE PICARD WINDS UP IN A CHRISTMAS FANTASY FOR AWHILE BEFORE HE REALIZES THAT HE HAS TO SHAKE IT OFF AND SAVE THE UNIVERSE? I’M GOING TO STAY THERE UNTIL TWELFTH NIGHT… Did I mention I lost my right foot to frostbite?

THE COARSENING OF DEBATE

’m dropping this fun Titanic metaphor with no small amount of effort. I’d rather be fanciful than face reality, and part of my problem is that each time I consider the impact of the election I have a different reaction. Just after the election I wrote an entire essay for THE FIGHT looking on the

2 8 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

bright side, much of which has already shown to be false. Infrastructure spending sounded great, until we learned that the policy makers are not planning to allocate funds to fix old roads and bridges, but are instead planning to give tax credits to the investors backing new forprofit construction projects. Surely, Trump was not going to wipe out Obamacare without a workable replacement, I speculated. Well actually yes, he is planning exactly that.

I basically thought Trump would gravitate towards veteran business people and bureaucrats and instead he has collected a bunch of loony tunes to serve him and he has given his ear to Steve Bannon. I thought Trump might be presidential, or give a thought to his legacy. But no, the man just tweeted that the penalty for burning a flag should be loss of citizenship or prison. What? (I can’t do it justice in print, but just scream that at the top of your lungs.) Given all of this and more, what makes us think that this administration will abide by any restraints whatsoever? How do we advocate for ourselves and for the rule of law in general when the political system itself seems to be losing coherence? What are we to make of the coarsening of debate, the loss of respect, the feeling that our American checks and balances are about to give way to a display of raw power from a bunch of bruisers who have no idea how or why the rules for governing this country were made. Where do we go from here? We don’t “go” anywhere. We survive. Oh, and I’m thinking of raising my monthly contribution to the watchdogs at the Southern Poverty Law Center from $14 to $20.

A 5-4 PRO-GAY BALANCE

es, life goes on, and even as I write on November 30, Lambda Legal lawyers are arguing a major case before the 11 active judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Sometime next year, maybe in three months, maybe in six, maybe in ten, this court will likely rule that gays and lesbians are already protected against workplace discrimination under federal law. By banning sex discrimina-

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tion, the theory goes, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 inherently bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity as well. It may not be written out in the statute, but gay and trans bias are nonetheless subsets of gender bias. The theory isn’t new, and indeed, the High Court ruled in 1989 that sexual stereotyping is illegal under Title VII’s ban on sex discrimination. So it’s high time that a federal appellate court, one rung down from the Supremes, puts this in writing. Will such a ruling then head to the High Court? It could, and remember, even though Trump will appoint the justice who replaces Scalia, we will still maintain a 5-4 pro-gay balance as long as our own champions keep breathing. Last month I was certain that we were roughly 18

months away from a powerful ruling in favor of LGBT civil rights. Now it may still be possible, but it’s surely not a done deal.

GRADUALLY REJOINING THE WORLD

find it hard to face regular old LGBT news. I’m depressed. I managed the above account of the Title VII arguments in the seventh circuit. What more do you want? An update on the fourth circuit trans case? Forget it. A piece on Lambda’s intersex client who is trying to get a non-gendered passport? Sorry. The dirt on the lesbian friendly Zales commercial that pissed off One Million Moms? Another time. Cake news? A state court ruling in favor of transition surgery out of Minnesota? A

Medal of Freedom for Ellen Degeneres? The recountpending victory of Democrat Roy Cooper who seems to have beaten anti-GLBT Pat McCrory for Governor of North Carolina? Oh, here’s something! My cousin Penny believes there’s a chance the beleaguered president of South Korea might be hiding a lesbian tryst with her close friend who is accused of corruption. We don’t exactly have evidence to back this up, but we believe it, Penny and I. By the end of breakfast the other day, we were convinced, and in this new world of fake news why should we be hamstrung by a need for proof. That’s so November 7, 2016. Mel and I have stopped watching cable TV. We’ve stopped watching the Sunday shows. We have kept our expensive newspaper subscriptions

only because someone has to pay for reporters and editors, so it’s like a charitable donation. I glance at their front pages every morning the same way I would peek into a tarantula display at the science museum, with fear and loathing and a strange compulsion to see. I suppose my plan is to run the “holidays” from now through mid-January, festive drinks and earmuffs protecting me from the outside world. Do you remember that Star Trek movie where Picard winds up in a Christmas fantasy for awhile before he realizes that he has to shake it off and save the universe? I’m going to stay there until Twelfth Night. I’m going to take some crazy drugs on January 20 (what are the kids doing these days? send me some!). And then I’m going to gradually rejoin the world, if it’s still there. n

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>> LEATHERMEN <<

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE How to survive the holidays if your family voted for Trump. BY JA MES G U AY, LMFT

id your family vote for Trump? Feeling betrayed, depressed, hurt, angry, or scared? Finding it difficult to imagine being with your family of origin during the holidays? This presidential election has certainly brought out the worst in people and in our political institutions. It has shined a huge spotlight on the misogyny, racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, classism, Islamophobia and xenophobia that continues to exist in the United States. The Southern Poverty Law Center has accumulated over 400 incidents of increased hateful harassment and intimidation in the first 5 days after the election and 3 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

the top three types were against blacks, immigrants and the LGBTQ community. Trump’s demeaning rhetoric has ignited the unresolved bigotry and fear of those not wanting to lose power and privilege. For LGBTQ people, having historically been neglected, despised, and scapegoated by society-at-large, our collective trauma this election season is palpable. Furthermore, our sexual orientation and gender identity intersects with our race, religion, class, body shape/size/ability, age, and other aspects of who we are that can exponentially trigger experiences of trauma and micro-aggressions against our very beingness. If we are members of

multiple oppressed groups we feel these injustices in multiple ways. If your family voted for Trump, despite his campaign promises that deleteriously impact us, it can leave you feeling emotionally raw and wounded. This lack of unconditional love and support from the people we’ve known the longest and are suppose to be there in these moments is incomprehensible. Many of us have received calls to give Trump and his white supremacist cabinet a chance, that it won’t be as bad as we fear, that this is part of the democratic process, that they voted for economic changes and are not prejudiced and yet we’ve mostly received very little, if any, actual empathy for what we’ve been forced to endure then and now. It’s not okay for family to support our oppressors in discriminating against us. And, it’s not our job to make family feel more comfortable with their own bigotry. We deserve to have family that will fight with us to protect us from our oppressors and to advance social justice, not sit idly by or encourage us to be passive in response. So, how do we survive the holidays? If you’ve reached your limit, are feeling too pummeled by it all, or don’t want to put yourself in harm’s way, the answer may be to spend quality time alone or with family of choice, instead of with your family of origin. Because LGBTQ people usually don’t come from our own, and we live in a heterosexist and cisgenderist world, it’s been important to create our own family of support. This holiday season might be especially important to spend time with trustworthy like-minded souls that share your political beliefs and values. Giving ourselves the time we need to recover, heal and strengthen our internal resolve to affect positive change in the world is necessary. Choosing this option can be about prioritizing self-preservation at this time. However, depending on your circumstances, you may decide to spend the holidays with your family of origin. They may be tolerant but not supportive, or friendly but not knowledgeable. Or, they may be situationally hostile. You have a choice whether to initiate or participate in political conversations. You have a choice whether to change the subject, request the conversation end or walk away. There is no one perfect way to respond in all scenarios. It’s case specific. One of the unenviable aspects of being an oppressed minority, or a disenfranchised majority (aka women), is that we

>> IF YOUR FAMILY VOTED FOR TRUMP <<

often are placed in the position of having to educate others about our oppression. This can be particularly degrading with family of origin when we hear all around us that “blood is thicker than water” and “family will be there no matter what.” And yet, here we are needing to educate our family about our differences. This is another reason to be thankful for our allies and to be a good ally for others who are different than us. Allies can do some of this important work for us and with us. Speaking to our family about their vote for Trump, and all that this vote entails, puts us in a very precarious position. Despite our best efforts, the conversation may easily slip into character attacks and hurt feelings. We may unearth sentiments we previously were unaware of. However, confronting this potential conflict can also bring greater understanding and closeness with those open enough and empathic enough to understand how we’re affected by their actions. Tips for Navigating Conversations with Trump Supporting Family Members: • Make “I statements” instead of attacking

others—“I feel hurt that you voted for…” • State the facts without the moral judgments—“I feel betrayed that you voted for someone that has promised to elect Supreme Court Justices that will reverse marriage equality, selected a VP who has actively discriminated against people like me, promotes conversion therapy, etc…” • Listen mindfully to what they have to say instead of what your response will be. • Empathize with them—This does not require you to agree, like or respect their actions/beliefs. • Make direct requests NOT demands – “Given what I’ve shared and how your vote directly impacts my well-being, I need you to vote differently next time and in the meantime to confront homophobia/ biphobia/transphobia when you hear it and to take specific actions to protect my safety and well-being (i.e. donations to social justice organizations, letter-writing, signing petitions, sharing information, volunteering, demonstrations, other nonviolent resistance strategies etc).” At the end of the day, no matter how

well you articulate your feelings and needs, they may be unwilling to meet them. If your relationship with them is consistently hostile or unsupportive, you may need to set firmer boundaries, including the option of having no contact for a period of time. Treat yourself with the compassion and care that you would like to have from them. Surround yourself with kindred souls to replenish your emotional reserves. Be a good ally for others. And remember the famous words by Howard Zinn, “You can’t be neutral on a moving train.” This Trump train has left the building and is careening toward destruction. Neutrality is complicit with oppression. We must act up and fight for social justice! James Guay, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (#mft39252), is a psychotherapist for individuals and couples at his West Hollywood office specializing in affirmative LGBTQ health and well being. www.LivingMoreFully.com, 310405-0840. You can watch James & his co-host Heather Dawn, share sex, love and relationship advice via their YouTube/Podcast show: www. thejamesandheathershow.com.

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>> GETTING OLDER WITH HIV <<

AGING AND HIV

In L.A., almost half of all adults living with HIV are least 50 years old. Those growing older with HIV represent an important group that requires attention, care, and advocacy. BY KESHAV TYAGI , MPH

ark is a typical gay male. At 51, he regularly exercises, works as a home health caregiver for seniors, and has a loving partner. In addition to his active lifestyle, Mark is also a long-term survivor living with HIV. In fact, he is one of many in Los Angeles, the United States, and globally who are getting older with HIV. In L.A., almost half of all adults living with HIV are least 50 years old; in 10 years, 75% of all people living with HIV will fall into this category. Mark and those growing older with HIV represent an important group that requires attention, care, and advocacy. When HIV first emerged, being diagnosed was a near-certain death sentence. But over the next three decades, new medications

3 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

and treatment advances have turned living with HIV into a manageable, chronic condition. Those who became positive at the height of the epidemic now have the ability to live full and long lives with undetectable viral loads and strong immune systems. Those who are diagnosed today can be connected to an HIV medical specialist and provided treatment. In Mark’s opinion, surviving and having such qualified medical care means a lot. “Having met my own mortality early on, when I was given five years to live, I’ve been able to witness my own renaissance,” he says. ”I’ve surpassed those five years, and pressed on. I’ve made it to 51 years old. I’m considered a long-term survivor, and I feel called on to carry on the memories of those I have lost.”

Like many of those who made through the dark, early days of the epidemic, however, Mark is asking himself, “Now what?” He survived, but the future looks unpredictable for him as a person growing older with HIV. He’s not alone with his sentiment and he is perfectly justified. His worry, as well as the concern of many who are aging with HIV, is due to many issues. Medically speaking, when we age, we are more likely to get age-related chronic diseases like type II diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. If you are living with HIV, these diseases can affect you at an earlier age, and more severely. The burden of managing and taking care of chronic diseases alongside Continued on page 34

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>> GETTING OLDER WITH HIV <<

(Continued from page 32)

HIV can be a lot for anyone to physically handle. In addition, researchers are only just now qualifying and understanding the long-term impact taking HIV medications has on the body. So far, scientists have found HIV treatment is correlated to impaired liver and kidney function, bone fragility, and an elevated risk for a heart attack. All in all, our bodies are resilient and our immune system will do anything it can to stay strong and fight. But when we get older, that fight naturally weakens. Psychologically, growing older with HIV also presents significant challenges. These concerns come from primarily three sources: survivor’s guilt, loneliness from not presently having a support network or community, and anxiety about an unstable and lonely future. Since many older LGBTQ individuals, regardless of HIV status, are more likely to live alone and not have children or close relatives, these feelings of loneliness are exacerbated. In fact, it’s Mark’s biggest worry about getting older with HIV and he is aware of being part of the larger group facing these issues. It’s very real,” he says. “Older folks with HIV typically don’t have a big support group. I see them alone, perhaps afraid of the future.” Logistically, there other two major concerns for individuals who are aging with HIV—the first being financial stability. When first diagnosed, those with an employment history withdrew savings, went on disability, and prepared for death. But when the end did not come, they were burdened with expensive and unpaid medical bills, inadequate disability benefits, and no job. Many still struggle to re-enter the workforce after having been unemployed for long periods. In addition, they are afraid to get off of disability and lose the financial safety net they have. Alongside financial insecurity is a second logistical concern—availability of affordable housing. Many people growing older with HIV are financially strapped and must rely on housing support services through programs like Housing Opportunities for People with HIV/AIDS (or HOPWA). Such programs typically have waiting periods of several years, leaving some individuals homeless and powerless in the interim. For Mark, the prospect of homelessness is “a death sentence to a senior with HIV.” While HIV medical care is widely available in Los Angeles, providers are challenged with addressing age-related illnesses alongside HIV. Most doctors 3 34 4 TTH HEE FFIGH IGHTT || www.thefightmag.com www.thefightmag.com

working in HIV care know how to manage the disease on its own, but there is a need for provider education on how HIV and age-related disease management is to be done in tandem. There already is a shortage of providers who are versed in HIV, in addition to few specialized in geriatric and older adult care. Ultimately, training doctors to be versed in both specialties will be crucial for whatever care guidelines are developed to help these people. In addition, HIV-related stigma is still very much a problem in society, except now it comes alongside age-based prejudice, either separately or in tandem. In medical settings outside of HIV service organizations and major hospitals, where there may be less experience in dealing with LGBTQ or HIV-positive patients, older individuals with HIV can face the brunt of

THERE IS A NEED FOR PROVIDER EDUCATION ON HOW HIV AND AGE-RELATED DISEASE MANAGEMENT IS TO BE DONE IN TANDEM. such stigma. Mark relays a story about visiting his optometrist during which the doctor wore gloves and a mask for protection, which was justified with a “just in case.” His experience is unfortunately not isolated. In 2012, a UCLA study that examining dental professional stigma toward those living with HIV/AIDS revealed approximately one out of 10 individuals would be likely to encounter discrimination by a dental practitioner in L.A. County if they revealed their HIV status. One out of 20 dental offices in LA County would actually refuse service to these people as well. This was found to be more likely in places like the San Fernando Valley and South L.A., areas with a higher population of people living with HIV. Mark’s experience, along with the findings from studies such as this one, show that the fear of stigma and discrimination is not unfounded and underscore the need for continued provider education on the subject.

Stigma, of course, is not limited to doctors’ offices. Mark has experienced it in gay bars, for example—where he’s been shamed for his age with people calling him “grandpa” disparagingly. He’s also been shamed for his HIV status as well, being told such things like “You’re poz? I can’t kiss you!” and asked, “Can I drink from this bottle if you put your mouth on it?” He attributes a lot of this to younger generations’ misconceptions of how HIV is transmitted (in turn, showing a need for continued health education about HIV), so he proactively teaches others about safer sex and HIV, rather than letting other’s indignation affect him. But it goes to show that even in LGBTQ spaces traditionally deemed safe, stigma is still a problem. And when combined with age-based shaming, those growing older with HIV can feel overwhelmed or depressed by such experiences. Despite all these challenges and barriers, there is great potential for HIV service organizations and medical centers to examine their current service delivery models in order to be responsive to the specific needs of those getting older with HIV. APLA Health, for example, recently received a grant to explore what kinds of social service programs could be developed and implemented in L.A. to effectively support older adults living with HIV. Through focus group discussions with HIV-positive individuals who are 50 years and older, and including such groups like gay and bisexual men, women, transgender women, heterosexual men, and those speaking Spanish as a first language, APLA Health hopes to paint a holistic picture of what it looks like to age with HIV, and understand the challenges this community faces with respect to health, service access and gaps, and unmet needs. This information will be used to educate health care providers, community agencies, and policymakers, in order to create a strategy for developing and implementing services to help those aging with HIV live healthy, fulfilling lives. As members and allies of the LGBTQ community, we can all do our part to advocate and serve Mark and others who are growing older with HIV. These are people who survived one of the hardest times in our history and lived to tell the tale. Therefore, we have a community-wide responsibility to be aware of the concerns of this population and advocate for their continued livelihood.

DECEMB ER 2016 | TH E F I GH T 35

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Ms. Chase, a Family Nurse Practitioner, has been performing aesthetic medical treatments since 2004. As an advanced injector, Ms. Chase is highly experienced to safely perform the most complex facial restorations due to fat loss, genetics and the effects of general aging. Ms. Chase is also involved in structuring and performing medical device studies for FDA approval. Ms. Chase recently helped get a revolutionary radio frequency device for skin rejuvenation approved by the FDA. Next year, Ms. Chase is scheduled to be involved in two FDA studies. The first study is for a non-surgical device that kills fat cells in 30 minutes. The second study will provide a non-surgical treatment for male rejuvenation.

Dr. Wu is a board certified OBGYN surgeon and a Diplomat of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgeons. He is also an Associate Professor at UC Riverside’s Medical School. Dr. Wu is better known to other surgeons for his cosmetic surgery skills than he is to the general public. Dr. Wu is often asked to treat difficult cases and perform surgical revisions by his colleagues. Dr. Wu’s research has yielded a number of medical patents and he is in high demand to lead research studies for company’s medical devices for approval by the FDA. It was Dr. Wu’s research that greatly

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THESHARE >> BY PAULO MURILLO <<

CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS CLEAN AND SOBER

A few local folks with various lengths of recovery time on how they deal with family life during the holidays. SHAWN INGRAM

SET BOUNDARIES

y family is grateful for my recovery and very supportive of it. I have the dubious distinction of being the first sober person in the family and the only one. I did all of my damage on the west coast away from my family. The first inkling they had that I was an addict was when I showed up for Christmas in 2012 forty pounds lighter. Now I’m very open about my sobriety. They don’t see me often enough, but I’m able to be in touch and I have an ability to be honest with them and I’m able to set boundaries, which is stuff that they notice and appreciate.” —Shawn Ingram, sober since March, 19, 2014. “

great things happen in his life and now they get to see it in me. These past two years, for Thanksgiving, I’ve been clean and sober and I was able to be of service to my family… that’s important because we have strong family values and strong relationships and it’s a good feeling knowing we’re all here and we’re all safe… My entire family is very supportive. I’ve been very blessed. —Ricky Cardoos, sober since August 21, 2015.

KENNETH HASH

VERY BLESSED

y brother and I are alcoholic addicts. My brother got sober a little over six years ago. He found a solution and it took him a few years to convince me to come out here to LA to live a new life. Now I’m out here, following in the footsteps of my brother and I’m clean and sober. My family has an interesting dynamic, because they don’t really know too much about the disease of addiction other than when they saw it progress in my brother and me. They saw my brother get clean and sober and some

COMPASSION CAME

RICKY CARDOOS

4 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

y family lost me in my active addiction. I went missing. I was 22 and I was out for about 10 years. There was no Thanksgiving, no Christmas, no phone calls, nothing. I did the work in finding my part in everything. And then my heart opened up. Compassion came in. The family is still a work in progress, but my mom supports my sobriety. I’m the only sober person in my family. One year I told my mom I had a sober service commitment on Thanksgiving and would not be able to see her and she was very supportive. So we had Thanksgiving dinner the night before. It was very moving… Everyone in my family is happy to have me back. —Kenneth Hash, sober since May 17, 2012.

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>> ROBERT BLACKMON <<

ROBERT BLACKMON. PHOTO BY JOHN TAYLOR.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT “Gay Groom” Robert Blackmon: “Creating your own customs and traditions are how new things begin.” BY RO BERT BLA CKMO N

often run the gamut of emotions when I see a friend’s Facebook status change from “Single” to “Engaged.” This is especially true if that friend or friends are from my LGBT community. I don’t know why, but there is something about that little seven letter word that changes the game completely. People who were the bar hopping type suddenly become homebody nesters. Those who never seemed to be able to hold a relationship for more than two weeks become focused and more settled. Sometimes I don’t know how to act or what to say, because it seems so out of character to their personality. But I am thrilled for them none the less. While some gay people choose to go the traditional route and do the whole down on one knee thing, many in the LGBT community take a different approach. One image in particular sparked this article. A friend of mine posted an image of him and his partner, but it was what you didn’t see that made it a beautiful moment. An above shot of their hands, one atop the other wearing matching black leather bracelets with a polished silver plate (suitable for engraving I would assume). This was such a powerfully strong yet tender at the same time. These are two very masculine leather men. Literally the silhouette of Tom of Finland iconography. It sent chills down my spine at the unusual and very personal way they chose to announce their union. It got me to thinking about the other various ways that we in our community break from heterosexual traditions.

4 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

As “The Gay Groom” I have one rule that I always remind my clients. The only rule is that there are no rules. Creating your own customs and traditions are how new things begin. The very essence of how we have developed as a community of “outsiders” coming together to form our own chosen family. Conforming to what society deems as normal and traditional go against who we are. I’m not saying that you have to be different in your traditions, but there isn’t a necessity for you to do so either. Two women in denim jeans and matching bow ties with an officiant and a witness in the park. Certainly not traditional. It’s not even remotely what we immediately think of when we think of a bride. But if that is how they feel comfortable and it makes them happy go for it! Who says there has to be rice and flowers? After all building a life with another person is about those two people and the others that they chose to be a part of their lives. Take mine as a prime example. My then boyfriend (now husband of eight years) Martin chose what I would consider the most awkward time to propose. We were headed to San Francisco for the Folsom Street Fair and stopped overnight at a wonderful cliff side hotel with limited cell phone reception. Great for a romantic getaway, bad for the business conference call that I had that evening. By the time the choppy phone call was finished I was in a right foul mood and wanted to do nothing but roll over and go to sleep. Martin had other plans. As I was turning out the light he said, “Can you reach over in the corner and hand me “that” out of my travel bag?” I wanted to tell him to get out of bed and get it himself, but I honored his request. “Open it”, he continued. It was a long gold box. You know the ones that have the white pressed cotton padding inside. I’m now completely confused and my Ice Queen exterior quickly begins to melt. He then said, “You always say we act like an old married couple. I never see you wear any jewelry and I don’t know your ring size so I hope this will do.” I opened the box to reveal a simple shiny gold necklace. As the tears begin to well up in my eyes he then says, “Will you marry me?” Well hell—by now I’m a puddle of tears! I screamed out loud “Yes!” That was nearly nine years ago that he put that simply gold necklace around my neck and it’s NEVER been removed since. Not one time. That amazing heartfelt gesture from a very quiet person meant more to me than anything.

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DECEMB ER 2016 | TH E F I GH T 43

>> PALM SPRINGS <<

LUXURY ON A BUDGET

INNdulge

Bobby Trendy’s guide to being fabulous in Palm Springs. BY BO BBY TREN D Y

jumped on the Hollywood-to-downtown Red Line subway, and ended up in Palm Springs. This was thanks to the LA to Palm Springs ride share program Tesloop. For $39 each way, I was chauffeured to Palm Springs. Traveling in luxury style on a budget was my getaway theme! Upon arrival, I walked to Bongo Johnnies for lunch, then caught a Lyft to INNdulge to take advantage of their $99 per night special. After a relaxing

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afternoon by the pool, I had a blast at their nightly social hour, then headed to Jake’s for a three course bargain. A gay night on the town followed with stops at Hunters, Spurline and the newish Chill Bar. Breakfast the next morning was lovely and complimentary at INNdulge. Meats, cheeses, pastries, breads, cereals, juices, fruit and coffee. My relaxing day of doing nothing but lounging, soaking and flirting was off to a great start! The sun sets early in the desert,

so maximizing your sun time is important. As the sun set, I dropped by for some banter at the INNdulge social hour, then slipped away to the legendary Happy Hour at Wang’s. Hello $4 martinis! After a downing a few, I wandered up Palm Canyon to a new, gay owned restaurant— Watercress. In the old Hamburger Mary’s space, it serves delicious and inexpensive Vietnamese food. Another night of revelry followed on Arenas Road. In the morning I headed back to LA. After a luxurious few days in Palm Springs and a Tesla ride home, I could not bring myself to catch the Redline. I summoned an Uber instead!

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

MR. PRECINCT LEATHER 2017 Congratulations to FiFi LaFilleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Mr. Precinct Leather 2017. The contest took place last month, presented by The Precinct Bar DTLA and The Boulet Brothers during Queen Kong.

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DECEMB ER 2016 | TH E F I GH T 47

THECALENDAR >> THINGS TO DO <<

SEND IN THE ZOMBIE-CLOWNS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

LGBTQ PROTEST AGAINST TRUMP Hollywood Walk of Fame, 7018 Hollywood Blvd., 1:30pm. Join the fight with a peaceful protest. All sexualities and genders are welcome. Speeches will be made against recent attacks on minorities. Signage highly encouraged. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11

ONYX SOUTHWEST Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90029. 4pm-8pm. Info: www.eaglela.com Naughty or Nice? Toy Drive. Dress in your kinky holiday gear and join the men of ONYX Southwest for their holiday toy drive. FREE NAME AND GENDER CHANGE LEGAL CLINIC Los Angeles LGBT Center, 1125 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles. 1pm-4pm. Free legal help navigating the process and making sure that your documents reflect your identity, regardless of what happens with the new President. MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

ROCKIN’ HOLIDAY PARTY! Friendship Auditorium, 3201 Riverside Dr., Los Angeles 90027. 1pm-5pm. Join the LA LGBT Center’s Senior Services for delicious food, fabulous music, and great raffle prizes. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16

UNLOADED FRIDAYS Fubar, 7994 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046. 10pm-2am. Featuring Wet Underwear Gogo Boys. Come early for the comedy show from 8-10pm. No Cover, Cheap Drinks, Happy Hour 10-11pm. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17

CHRISTMAS QUEENS The Novo DTLA, 800 W Olympic Blvd, Ste A335, Los Angeles, CA. 7pm-11:59pm. A group of former contestants from various seasons of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” returning to the stage just in time for the

“Dragula, Search for the World’s First Supermonster”— the captivating new web series produced and hosted by the Boulet Brothers. BY PI CKLE

t seems appropriate, as we watch very real monsters pack their bags for a stay in the White House, that this month’s subject is a celebration of fear, gore and everything vulgar. Enter “Dragula, Search for the World’s First Supermonster,” the captivating new web series produced and hosted by the Boulet Brothers in association with Hey Qween Tv and Ash and Bone Cinema. A drag competition series, “Dragula” pits nine queens with their own unique take on monstrosity against each other for the crown and title of Supermonster, as well as a prize of $10,000 (raised by the fans via Indiegogo). The queens face challenges ranging from an interpretation of classic witches to enacting a zombie apocalypse in the blazing sun of Death Valley and include such personalities as the superb Vander Von Odd, Glamazon and LA staple Melissa Befierce and the hilarious Meatball (arguably the Divine of our generation). “Dragula” is a triumph for the irregular; where any other drag reality competition coming into a world saturated by Rupaul’s Drag Race would have failed, the Boulet Brothers’ fresh (if you count rotting skin as “fresh”) interpretation succeeds. They literally drag notions of glamour and polish through the mud (in the second challenge, a throwback to 80s GLOW wrestling, the losing queens must fight for their lives in a mud wrestling showdown). The result is magnificent. Don’t get me wrong—I love Drag Race—but the Boulets are cunning. Where Rupaul is sentimental and charismatic, a symbol of commercial success, the Brothers are mysterious and sinister, and have a contempt for anything typical or clean. They satiate the craving for wickedness and mess we’ve developed from years of sequined gowns and delicate up-dos. They are the Freddy Kreugers of Logo’s cotton-candy dreams, to titillating effect. In a world currently wrought with human monstrosity, it is refreshing to feel the good kind of fear and delight in the imaginary. I’m sure the Boulets are no stranger to collecting human hearts and I am happy to announce that they have captured mine. I hope it tastes good. n

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holidays. Performances by: The Only Detox, Ginger Minj, Jiggly Caliente, Katya, Manila Luzon, Sharon Needles and Thorgy Thor. BEARS IN TOYLAND Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90029. 9pm-2am. Info: www.eaglela.com $6 cover or bring an unwrapped toy for a child. Hosted by Mr. Bear LA 2017 & SoCal Bear 2017. KINKY XXXMAS! Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA. 9pm-2am. Info: www.bulletbarla.com. Green Mirror Entertainment and Bullet Bar present a holiday party for leathermen, puppies, kinksters and those who love them. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

COURTNEY ACT—DASHING THROUGH THE DIVAS Rockwell, 1714 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027. 8pm-9pm. Courtney Act carols through all of your favorite, festive divas. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30

DOG POUND Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA. 9pm-2am. Info: www.bulletbarla.com. Come celebrate New Year’s Eve with the pups! SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31

SUPERHEROES: SOBER NYE PARTY #BOOM! West Hollywood Park Auditorium, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd., 8pm to 1am. FREE. West Hollywood’s premiere alcohol and drug free New Year’s event with over 700 party-goers under one roof, complete with a DJ, dancing, food, games and a superhero costume contest. ONE LOVE: MASTERBEAT The Belasco, 1050 S. Hill Street, 9pm-4am. Tickets available at oneworld2017.com. DJ’s Grind and Micky Friedmann will take you into the new year in the main theater, with Alex Acosta spinning all night in the upstairs ballroom and Tristan Jaxx taking over the underground vault.

DECEMB ER 2016 | TH E F I GH T 49

THEFINALFIGHT >> NOT MY PRESIDENT <<

REBEL HEART We can’t let Trump be our new normal. We need to call him out. We need to put him on blast while he fills every cabinet seat with members who oppose LGBT rights. PH O TO S A N D TEXT BY PA U LO MU RI LLO

was there. I joined the massive gathering of thousands of anti-Donald Trump demonstrators at the peaceful, yet angry Unity Against Hate rally on Saturday, November 12, which started at McArthur Park and ended at the Federal Building in Downtown Los Angeles. I also attended the smaller Trump protest that happened the following day at the footsteps of the CNN Building in Hollywood, because let’s face it, media outlets like CNN created Trump. They brought that Conway woman into our living rooms and they gave Trump the free press he needed to rise to power. The Saturday rally was the 5th protest in Los Angeles at the time and is currently the largest anti-Trump protest in the country with the number of protesters ranging from 8,000 to 14,000, depending on which news outlet still has your ear. The crowd felt much larger from the ground. It was loud and people were diverse in age, race, religion, sexual identity and personality. Parents brought their children. One guy carried his toddler son on his chest with a sign that read “Babies Against Bigots” to express his fear for his child’s future. We hit the pavement and blocked major intersections with fists punching at the sky, rainbow flags waving, and angry signage protruding over a long river of heads protesting the presidential election of a reality TV personality with a deranged, if not dangerous disposition that has inspired close to 1,000 hate incidents against minorities across the nation since he was elected. The chants varied, but people resorted back to repeating “Not My President!” And “No Trump! No Hate! No KKK in the USA!” 5 50 0 T TH HE E F F IGH IGH T T || www.thefightmag.com www.thefightmag.com

The protest outside the CNN building the following day was not as large, but the message was clear. “Shame on the Media! Shame on CNN!” I went to both antiTrump rallies by myself. My friends were either too spiritually beaten to pound a rebel drum, or they were too busy tweeting about their outrage and not too much action. I was told the whole thing was a waste of time. They said the protest was too little, too late. Some Facebook friends (the white ones) suggested that we give Trump a chance. And of course I heard that we were being sore losers, that we were acting like whiny bitches, that we were inspiring our own hatred with these protests and that we needed to “go high” and accept the outcome. I say we give Donald J. Trump the same chance, respect, peace, support and legitimacy that he and his goons gave Obama after he was first elected president. We must remember that Trump may very well be our reality for the moment, but we can’t let him be our new normal. We need to call him out. We need to put him on blast while he fills every cabinet seat with members who oppose LGBT rights. We need to continue protesting the hatred, bigotry, misogyny, xenophobia and homophobia that he inspires in the hearts of the neo-Nazi alternative right and all those who voted similarly to the Ku Klux Klan. I know these anti-Trump rallies won’t change the outcome of the election, but there was something cathartic about being part of these protests. It gave many of us some badly needed relief after a devastating loss. And it felt great to remind the Trump/Pence ticket that the majority of Americans did not vote for them. A massive anti-Trump protest is forming in Washington DC in time for Trump’s inauguration day. Similar demonstrations are coming to a major city near you. Will you be there?

DECEMB ER 2016 | TH E F I GH T 51

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