The Pride L.A. 1.11.19 by THE PRIDE LOS ANGELES

1.11 – 1.24.2019 ISSUE NUMBER 06, VOLUME 3

| JANUARY 11 – 24, 2019

LOS ANGELES

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TWO DEATHS; ZERO ARRESTS Timothy Dean, 55

Gemmel Moore, 26

INSIDE

Two black gay men have died in Ed Buck’s WeHo apartment, yet there isn’t substantial evidence to charge him with anything. Still, the public seeks justice. MORE ON PAGE 2 • Newly Appointed LGBTQ+ members of Congress • California Begins Issuing Licenses, IDs with third gender option “x” • The Gayest Golden Globes Yet • City of WeHo’s Lesbian Speaker Series: Self Starters

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NEWS

WEST HOLLYWOOD

` ⚫ BY AMY PATTON

1.11 – 1.24.2019

LOS ANGELES

SEEKING JUSTICE

Photos: screenshots from Facebook Live.

Jasmyne Cannick speaking at the rally outside Ed Bucks WeHo apartment Monday night.

Two Suspicious Deaths at Ed Buck’s; Zero Arrests "This man is not a problem to the Black Community; He's a problem to every community!"

A crowed of over 100 people showed up to a rally outside the home of prominent LGBTQ+ political activist and campaign doner Ed Buck Monday night after a second gay black man was found dead in Buck’s West Hollywood apartment earlier that morning. Buck has not been charged with anything for either deaths. Detective Q. Rodriguez of the Los Angeles Sheriff Department’s Homicide Bureau is leading an investigation into the most recent death of 55-year-old Timothy Dean. “Me personally, I demand a full investigation. I really think this man, Buck, was involved,” Dean’s sister Joyce Jackson said, according to the New York Daily News. “I really believe he preyed on people. I think he’s sick. He really needs to get some help.” In July 2017, 26-year-old Gemmel Moore was found dead in Buck’s apartment due to an overdose on methamphetamine. Buck’s lawyer, Seymour Amster, said that his client wasn’t responsible for either deaths and that both men were friends he was trying to help. Amster said that Dean may have been using drugs

before he arrived. Amster said that the most recent victim “reached out for [Buck’s] help” Sunday night and began acting “in a bizarre way” after he arrived at Buck’s apartment, as reported by Fox News. “This was just a longtime friend of 25 years, a longtime resident of West Hollywood,” Amster said, as reported by the NewYork Daily News. “He’s torn up. He’s devastated. He just lost a longtime friend.” “As far as we’re concerned, this is an accidental death,” Amster said. Last year, when the police ruled that there was insufficient evidence to charge Buck for anything regarding Moore’s death, Gemmel’s mother LaTisha Nixon, family friends and supporters were upset. They pointed to evidence that included a diary in which Moore claimed Buck paid him to inject the drug. In a December 2016 entry, Moore wrote: “I’ve become addicted to drugs and the worst one at that. Ed Buck is the one to thank. He gave me my first injection of crystal meth it was very painful, but after all the troubles, I became addicted…” In his final entry, on Dec. 3, 2016, Moore wrote: “If it didn’t hurt so bad, I’d kill myself, but I’ll let Ed Buck do it for now.” The LGBT Center of Los Angeles issued the following statement on Monday regarding the deaths in Ed Buck’s home: “The Los Angeles LGBT Center calls upon Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva and his department to fully investigate this tragedy and

aggressively seek justice wherever the investigation might lead. “Although the investigation is in its early stages, we urge Sheriff Villanueva to keep the public fully informed as LGBT people have a considerable and urgent interest in a case that is so clearly linked to the health and safety of our community. The reports we have heard provide more questions than answers.The fact is two black men have died at Mr. Buck’s home in less than two years. “While much is still to be learned, it appears this tragedy is linked to substance use. LGBT people and other marginalized groups are at elevated risk for impacts that result from the current epidemic uses of opioids, methamphetamine, and other dangerous drugs.The Center provides free or low-cost, comprehensive, and judgment-free addiction recovery services and has a service to provide free fentanyl testing strips to those who request them. For help or more information, contact the Center’s Addiction Recovery Services at recovery@lalgbtcenter.org or 323-993-7448.” At the Monday night rally, Jasmyne Cannick, a communications and public affairs strategist who has worked on behalf of Moore’s mother, demanded action from the L.A. Sherrif’s Dept. and District Attorney Jackie Lacey. “We will leave and there will be another man going into his house tonight, another man coming in tomorrow,” Cannick said. “Now it’s time for the Sheriff’s Department and Jackie Lacey to sh-t or get off the pot.” Cannick also said that she hoped that newly

A rally attendee chanting "arrest him now" with the rest of the crowd gathered outside Ed Buck’s West Hollywood apartment Monday night.

elected Sheriff Alex Villanueva would take a more aggressive approach to the investigation than former Sheriff Jim McDonnell did. Cannick and Black Live Matter LA organized a protest at Lacey’s Los Angeles office on Wednesday to demand justice as well. This story is developing; Check thepridela.com for updates.

1.11 – 1.24.2019

LOS ANGELES

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1.11 – 1.24.2019

LOS ANGELES

NEWS

CALIFORNIA

` ⚫ BY AMY PATTON

LEGAL PROTECTION

CA Begins Issuing Licenses, IDs with Third Gender Option

A third gender option is now available on California driver’s licenses and state identification cards. This is a major victory for non-binary or gender non-conforming folk, as it could help set precedent for nation-wide reforms. California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) began issuing IDs on Wednesday, Jan. 2 to non-binary residents, who identify as neither male or female, assigning them an “X” marker instead of the traditional “M” or “F”. The new California law is part of a recent wave of changes in states throughout the U.S. that have made it easier for transgender, gender-nonconforming and intersex people to have accurate documents that recognize their identities. California estimates that about 54,600 people will seek an ID gender change in the first year of the new law, according to Artemio Armenta, a DMV spokesperson. The new law allows people to “self certify,” which means medical records are unnecessary to make the change to the ID. This will also make it easier for trans people to change their IDs to male or female since the process previously required doctor’s

notes. The state estimates roughly 20,000 people will seek gender changes each subsequent year, Armenta said in the Guardian. “Having an ‘M’ or ‘F’ marker on that piece of identification that is used so fre-

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Altman is genderqueer and was one of the first people in line to get their new ID. Altman, who uses gender-neutral “they/ them” pronouns, said the document provided a “formal rebuttal to bigoted people who continue to assert that ‘there are only two genders,’” according to the Guardian. “Now, I have an official paper that says no,” Altman said. Oregon was the first state to adopt the “X” marker for state IDs in 2017. Several states and cities, including California, have since followed suit and also adopted new rules to allow non-binary people to have gender-neutral markers on their birth certificates. Having the correct gender markers on state ID can help non-binary and trans people in daily interactions and transactions where they may be misgendered or denied basic recognition. “It’s the very beginning of a way larger fight,” Nazanin Szanto, a 25-year-old genderqueer Oakland resident, said to the Guardian. “Non-binary people have been here forever … Now, we’re getting recognition. We’re getting a chance to live slightly more authentically.”

1.11 – 1.24.2019 NEWS

NATIONAL

` ⚫ BY STAFF WRITER

LOS ANGELES

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MAKING HISTORY

10 Openly LGBTQ-Identifying People Sworn into Congress

5.75 in.

As we ring in the new year, the U.S. made political history as 10 openly LGBTQ+-identifying politicians were sworn into the 116th U.S. Congress. On Thursday, Jan. 3, two LGBTQ++ people were sworn into the U.S. Senate and the other eight were sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives. This is the most LGBTQ+ people to have ever served in either chamber. The previous record was held by the last Congress with seven LGBTQ+ people serving – one in the Senate and six in the House. Half of the 10 LGBTQ+ members will now be women and two are people of color, up from just two LGBTQ+ women and one person of color. Five of the members are new to their positions. “A historic number of LGBTQ+ people will serve in the new U.S. Congress and their influence will shape the debate on equality legislation and issues moving forward,” LGBTQ+ Victory Institute President Annise Parker said. “In the U.S. Senate, those opposed to the Equality Act will now need to look two openly LGBTQ+ Senators in the eyes and tell them their lives are not worth protecting. In the U.S. House, Speaker Pelo-

Photo: Courtesy.

Katie Hill (CA-25) won a position in the House, becoming the first openly LGBTQ women elected to the U.S. House from California and just the second openly bisexual person ever elected to Congress.

si will have eight LGBTQ+ Representatives to consult about how various healthcare or criminal 10.0 justicein. reform policies uniquely affect our community. The relationships these

LGBTQ+ lawmakers will build with their colleagues on Capitol Hill are transformative, and with an unprecedented number of women and people of color also joining the

116th Congress, equality issues will finally receive the attention they deserve.” Katie Hill (CA-25) won a position in the House. By winning, Hill became the first openly LGBTQ+ women elected to the U.S. House from California and just the second openly bisexual person ever elected to Congress. She defeated anti-LGBTQ+ incumbent U.S. Representative Steve Knight, who opposes marriage equality and supported legislation to allow discrimination against LGBTQ+ federal employees. “Katie ran a fierce campaign and told it like it is – calling out the sexism and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment that too often pervades our politics and policies,” Parker said. “Katie’s authenticity resonated with voters, who chose an out bisexual woman over an incumbent who attacked the LGBTQ+ community to enflame extremist voters who thrive on division. But tonight it is clear that hate is no longer a viable political strategy in any corner of California and that voters demand a values-driven agenda focused on solutions. Katie will join a historic number of LGBTQ+ women in the U.S. Congress next year and together these women will transform the conversation in Washington, DC.”

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1.11 – 1.24.2019

LOS ANGELES

HISTORY

LOS ANGELES

HONORING AN ICON

⚫ BY AMY PATTON

Remembering Harvey Milk's Legacy

orty years ago, politician and LGBTQ+ advocate Harvey Milk’s iconic journey was tragically ended. The generation of out LGBTQ+ leaders he inspired went on to transform the world we live in, not only here in the U.S., but globally, too. UNC-Chapel Hill Professor of Political Science Andrew Reynolds has documented this history through the epic stories of courageous political candidates and elected officials around the world who shattered stereotypes to transform politics and society. Los Angeles LGBT Center hosted a special event on Wednesday, Jan. 9 at the Center to launch Reynolds’ new book, "The Children of Harvey Milk: How LGBTQ Politicians Changed the World." During his short time in office, Milk helped pass the country’s first gay rights ordinance, sparking the beginning of the Gay Rights Movement on the west coast. He also lead the front against Proposition 6 – a bill that would ban gay and lesbian identifying individuals from teaching in public schools. Milk is also greatly attributed

WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN GOOD PEOPLE BECAUSE TO WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN CARELESSNESS OR OF TOTHE GOOD PEOPLE BECAUSE THE CARELESSNESS NOF EGLIGENCE OF OTHERS. OR

to widespread representation of LGBTQ members in politics. The Rainbow Wave of this year’s midterms exemplifies this. The most recent elections not only say a record breaking number of queer people running for office, but won those positions as well. Voter turn out in the LGBTQ community was at a record high as well. Not only did Milk lead the way for LGBTQ representation in politics, but he was a dynamic politician with a multi-issue platform. Milk represented the underdog; those displaced by gentrification, racial and economic minorities, the hippies. His killer, Dan White, represented the traditional working class Catholic families that felt threatened by the fringe groups gaining political traction. “Dan White ran talking to people in his district about how he would work to rid San Francisco of social deviants,” Historian and author of “Harvey Milk: His Lives and Death” Lillian Faderman said, as reported by NBC News. At Wednesday’s event, Reynolds spoke on the visibility of LGBTQ politicians. A panel discussion followed, featuring Mayor John

Photos: Courtesy.

During his short time in office, Milk helped pass the country’s first gay rights ordinance, sparking the beginning of the Gay Rights Movement on the west coast. Not only did Milk lead the ay for LGBTQ representation in politics, but he was a dynamic politician with a multi-issue platform. Milk represented the underdog; those displaced by gentrification, racial and economic minorities, the hippies.

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1.11 – 1.24.2019 HISTORY

LOS ANGELES

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GAY L.A.

` ⚫ BY HENRY GIARDINA

The Last Los Angeles Bathhouse

Swimming pools and public bathhouses have always been a big part of L.A. culture-- along with the men who enjoy them.

Before the AIDS epidemic, bathhouses acted as a community center. But with way more sex. “To the left of me,” wrote David Colker for the Los Angeles Times in a 1994 article, “four men were having sex. Only two of them were actually looking at each other.” So begins most bathhouse stories of the time. At the Compound, one of the Valley’s oldest establishments, porn would screen on the walls while patrons got it on in public (or private) rooms below. But not for long. Even in 1994, the gay bathhouse’s days were numbered. “A decade ago,” Colker writes, “Los Angeles boasted slick, high-tech bathhouses famous throughout the gay world. But as the specter of AIDS darkened the mid-1980s, the baths came under fire as places where unsafe,

multi-partner sex spread the disease.” The Compound wasn’t the only spa coming under attack. It seemed that the more sexually open the bathhouse was, the more it would be targeted by law enforcement and political officials. “The Corral Club…” according to the L.A. Times “had a community ‘orgy room’ with a small stage where live sex shows took place, and several private rooms containing chains with wrist and ankle straps hanging from the ceilings.” Whether or not the baths were at fault for these crimes, the scene soon shut down, leaving only a few houses remaining in L.A. by the late ‘90s. In 2014, the oldest of these, Ivar Avenue’s Hollywood Spa, closed its doors for good. The spa was originally opened by Scott Goulet in 1974, when bathhouse culture was booming in the city. The owner’s death by AIDS-related complications came only three years after the spa was included in a lawsuit filed against the then-L.A. District Attorney for encouraging the spreading of HIV/AIDS through unprotected sex. “We’re going to fight this thing. As far as we’re concerned, we’re the good guys,”

co-owner John Ferry, told the Los Angeles Times at the time. “We consider the Hollywood Spa to be an important asset in terms of being a place for gay men to socialize, be educated about health issues and be free from homophobic attacks such as this lawsuit.” Little did he know that the spa would end up shutting down decades later due to factors as basic as a declining patronage and a rent increase. While a few bathhouses still exist that cater to a Gay clientele – FLEX Spa and North Hollywood Spa to name a few – the fact that the bathhouse has gone the way of the dodo says more about trends in law enforcement and national prudishness than anything else. When these bathhouses first opened, they had to fight against an openly homophobic government and a culture still viewed gay sex as deviant. Today, in a more outwardly liberal era, bathhouse culture hasn’t had a real renaissance. “Behind the walls of a bathhouse lies a totally homosexual world unlike anywhere on the outside.” Colter wrote in his article. “Even on the streets of gay enclaves such as West Hollywood, there are billboards showing het-

Photo: Bob Mizer.

erosexual couples, straight love songs on the radio and plenty of reminders ranging from magazine covers to movie posters that to be gay in this society is to be different.”

Photo: Hollywood Spa.

When Hollywood’s oldest bathhouse closed its doors in 2014, it marked the end of an era.

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1.11 – 1.24.2019

LOS ANGELES

ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS

` ⚫ BY HENRY GIARDINA

ON THE GOLDEN SCREEN

Just How Gay Were the Golden Globes? A BREAKDOWN

In most award shows, you can count on a few consolation prizes going out to the few out gay actors in the year’s prestige films. Usually there’s a teary speech about “how far we’ve come” and maybe, if we’re lucky, a good old fashioned “f-ck the Patriarchy” from Jill Soloway. But the 2019 Golden Globes didn’t just honor the gayest roles of the past year. This year’s award show went beyond, with “Killing Eve” star Sandra Oh not only crushing it as a host, but taking home a well-deserved win for her portrayal of queer would-be spy Eve Polastri. Oh wasn’t the only woman taking home the gold for a nuanced portrayal of a queer character. Below, find the breakdown of who and what was gayest at this year’s show.

Who: Ben Whishaw What: “A Very English Scandal” How Gay Is It: Pretty gay Why: Whishaw (who is actually gay) plays Norman Scott, a gay member of Parliament who spurred a scandal in the ‘70s for, you guessed it, being gay. Whishaw dedicated his role to Scott.

Openly gay actor Ben Whishaw also received recognition at the Golden Globe Awards for his role in “A Very British Scandal.”

Who: Mahershala Ali What: “Green Book” How Gay Is It: Considering the subject material, pretty gay. Why: When pianist Don Shirley has to get bailed out by his driver Tony “Lip” Vallelonga after he’s busted for having gay sex at the YMCA (it’s the ‘60s) it sparks a decades-long friendship between the two men. But no sex, unfortunately.

Who: Olivia Coleman What: “The Favourite” How Gay Is It: Could be gayer Why: Real-life lesbian Queen Anne (18th century) has to choose between two handmaids (or does she? Not really.) While it would have been nice to see a queer woman in this role, as far as acting ability and sheer watchability goes, it doesn’t get much better than Coleman.

Got an OPINION you want heard? Send your Letters to the Editor! Amy Patton || amy@thepridela.com

Who: Melissa McCarthy What: “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” How Gay Is It: Surprisingly Very. Why: Lesbian author Lee Israel finds a way to make money as a writer without “eating shit.” Unfortunately, it’s not quite legal. While this film might not immediately strike viewers as being the gayest ever, its realistic depiction of the gritty artist’s life in the ‘90s painfully underscores the central friendship of the film, between two middle-aged, out-queer people struggling to find their place in this world.

Photo: A Very British Scandal.”

Who: Billy Porter What: “Pose” How Gay Is It: Hella Why: Pray Tell receives his HIV-positive diagnosis shortly into the series.With his friends and lovers dying of the same affliction all around him, Tell can’t help but view his condition as a death sentence. But does that stop him from being the fiercest judge on the ballroom scene? Hell no.

1.11 – 1.24.2019

LOS ANGELES

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ENTERTAINMENT FILM

` ⚫ BY AMY PATTON

1.11 – 1.24.2019

LOS ANGELES

GIVE IT A WATCH

Photo: Those People.

A young Manhattan painter’s goals are put to the res when he falls for an older man while still having feelings for his long-standing secret crush.

10 LGBTQ+ Movies to Watch on Netflix Ahhhh. With the holidays long gone, there’s finally some time for peace and quiet. So New Year resolutions be damned; binge watch these 10 LGBTQ+ films on Netflix this weekend. Go on, we won’t tell anyone. 1. Alex Strangelove - 2018 - TVMA - 1 hr 39 minutes High school senior Alex Truelove’s plan to lose his virginity to lovable girlfriend Claire goes awry when he meets the equally lovable Elliot 2. 3 Generations - 2015 - PG-13 - 1 hr 32 minutes When teenage Ray begins transitioning from female to males, his single mom and grandmother must cope with the change while tracking down his father. 3. Duck Butter - 2018 - TV-MA - 1 hr 34 minutes Wary of dishonesty in relationships, two young women embark on a 24-hour experiment on intimacy, but their romance flounders as the clock winds down 4. Loving Annabelle - 2006 - TVMA - 1 hr 6 minutes An esteemed young poetry teacher at a Catholic boarding school risks everything when she engages in a feverish affair with a female student 5 .The Feels - 2018 - TV-MA - 1 hr 27 minutes During their bachelorette weekend, a les-

bian couple’s relationship hits a snag when one of the brides confesses to never having an orgasm 6. Below Her Mouth - 2016 - TVMA - 1 hr 39 minutes An engaged fashion editor begins a torrid affair with a female roofer that threatens to turn both of their lives upside down 7. God’s own Country - 2017 - TVMA - 1 hr 44 minutes In Yorkshire, a withdrawn gay farmer begins a torrid affair with a Romanian migrant worker who shows him the depths of his capacity for affection 8. Handsome Devil - 2016 - TV-MA - 1 hr 34 minutes A self-described outsider is sent to a rugby-obsessed boarding school, where he forms an unexpected bond with the star player 9. Concussion - 2013 - 1 hr 36 minutes A lesbian housewife, feeling trapped in a stale marriage, begins visiting female prostitutes and soon seeks excitement by becoming a sex worker 10. Those People - 2015 - TV-MA 1 hr 29 minutes A young Manhattan painter’s goals are put to the res when he falls for an older man while still having feelings for his long-standing secret crush

1.11 – 1.24.2019 ENTERTAINMENT LITERATURE

` ⚫ BY AMY PATTON

LOS ANGELES

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GIVE IT A READ

10 LGBTQ+ Books to Add to Your 2019 Reading List 1. The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee Historical Fiction / Adventure Fiction 2017 Henry "Monty" Montague was bred to be a gentleman. His passions for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men, have earned the disapproval of his father. His quest for pleasures and vices have led to one last hedonistic hurrah as Monty, his best friend and crush Percy, and Monty's sister Felicity begin a Grand Tour of Europe. When a reckless decision turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt, it calls into question everything Monty knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores. 2. The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters Historical Fiction 2014 It is 1922, and London is tense. Ex-servicemen are disillusioned, the out-of-work and the hungry are demanding change. And in South London, in a genteel Camberwell villa, a large silent house now bereft of brothers, husband and even servants, life is about to be transformed, as impoverished widow Mrs Wray and her spinster daughter, Frances, are obliged to take in lodgers. For with the arrival of Lilian and Leonard Barber, a modern young couple of the 'clerk class', the routines of the house will be shaken up in unexpected ways. And as passions mount and frustration gathers, no one can foresee just how far-reaching, and how devastating, the disturbances will be.

with her constant smile and sexy voice, and his feelings for her grow so strong that he can’t resist kissing her. Sage finally discloses a big secret: she was born a boy. Enraged, frightened, and feeling betrayed, Logan lashes out at her–a reaction he soon desperately wishes he could take back. Once his anger cools, Logan is filled with incredible regret, and all he wants is to repair his friendship with Sage. But it’s hard to replace something that’s been broken—and it’s even harder to find your way back to friendship when you began with love.” 5. Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour Young Adult Fiction 2014 After being entrusted with her brother's Los Angeles apartment for the summer as a graduation gift, Emi Price isn't sure how to fulfill his one condition: that something great take place there while he's gone. Emi may be a talented young production designer, already beginning to thrive in the competitive film industry, but she still feels like an average teen, floundering when it comes to romance. But when she and her best friend, Charlotte, discover a mysterious letter at the estate sale of a Hollywood film legend, Emi must move beyond the walls of her carefully crafted world to chase down the loose ends of a movie icon's hidden life, leading her to uncover a decades' old secret and the potential for something truly epic: love.

3. If I was Your Girl by Meredith Russo Young Adult Fiction 2016 My name is Amanda. I’m 18. When you look at me, you might see that I’m pretty and popular; you might think my life is easy. But being me has never been easy. Because I haven’t always been Amanda. When I was born, I was named Andrew. Now, at my new school, I finally feel like myself. But do I owe my new friends the truth about my past?

6. Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis-Benn Literary Fiction 2016 "At an opulent resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Margot hustles to send her younger sister, Thandi, to school. Taught as a girl to trade her sexuality for survival, Margot is ruthlessly determined to shield Thandi from the same fate. When plans for a new hotel threaten their village, each woman - fighting to balance the burdens she shoulders with the freedom she craves - must confront long-hidden scars.”

4. Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher Young Adult Fiction 2009 “Everyone has that one line they swear they’ll never cross, the one thing they say they’ll never do. We draw the line. Maybe we even believe it. Sage Hendricks was my line. Logan Witherspoon befriends Sage Hendricks at a time when he no longer trusts or believes in people. He's drawn to Sage,

7. The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne Domestic Fiction 2017 Cyril Avery is not a real Avery or at least that's what his adoptive parents tell him. And he never will be. But if he isn't a real Avery, then who is he? Born out of wedlock to a teenage girl cast out from her rural Irish community and adopted by a well-todo if eccentric Dublin couple via the intervention of a hunchbacked Redemptorist

nun, Cyril is adrift in the world, anchored only tenuously by his heartfelt friendship with the infinitely more glamourous and dangerous Julian Woodbead. At the mercy of fortune and coincidence, he will spend a lifetime coming to know himself and where he came from - and over his three score years and ten, will struggle to discover an identity, a home, a country and much more. In this, Boyne's most transcendent work to date, we are shown the story of Ireland from the 1940s to today through the eyes of one ordinary man. The Heart's Invisible Furies is a novel to make you laugh and cry while reminding us all of the redemptive power of the human spirit.

8. Dark Rainbow: Queer Erotic Horror by Andrew Robertson Erotic Fiction / Short Fiction 2018 Dark Rainbow contains 15 tales of dark appetites, hidden fantasies, sex and slashers including new work from Angel Leigh McCoy, Jeff C. Stevenson, Sèphera Girón, Julianne Snow, Derek Clendening, Spinster Eskie, Lindsay King-Miller and many more. "There has always been a special relationship between queer culture and horror, said Writer and Editor Andrew Robertson. “ Horror is a genre about the ‘other’ and being a part of queer culture often comes with feelings of ‘otherness’ or being an outsider based on your desires…maybe you see a freak on screen during a midnight madness screening and you think to yourself, Well, I feel like a freak too. Maybe the monster is just misunderstood. We are all hunger for something, right?” 9. Cockloft: Scenes From a Gay

Marriage by Kyle Thomas Smith Fictional Realism 2018 “Whether they're trembling before an invasive squirrel, giving the straight dope to an errant call-girl or enduring a #MeToo moment with a handsy waiter on their Roman honeymoon, Kyle and Julius are just the kind of gay married couple who didn't see the 2016 election coming. In this variegated book of vignettes, flash scenes and personal essays, award-winning author Kyle Thomas Smith documents the peculiarities of life in his home, his borough, his chiropractor's office and these times.” 10. Raising Rosie By Eric and Stephani Lohman Nonfiction / Autobiography 2018 When their daughter Rosie was born, Eric and Stephani Lohman found themselves thrust into a situation they were not prepared for. Born intersex - a term that describes people who are born with a variety of physical characteristics that do not fit neatly into traditional conceptions about male and female bodies - Rosie's parents were pressured to consent to normalizing surgery on Rosie, without being offered any alternatives despite their concerns. Part memoir, part guidebook, this powerful book tells the authors' experience of refusing to have Rosie operated on and how they raised a child who is intersex. The book looks at how they spoke about the condition to friends and family, to Rosie's teachers and caregivers, and shows how they plan on explaining it to Rosie when she is older. This uplifting and empowering story is a must read for all parents of intersex children.

⚫

1.11 – 1.24.2019

LOS ANGELES

COMMUNITY

WEST HOLLYWOOD

` ⚫ BY AMY PATTON

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5 NIGHTS FROM

LESBIAN SPEAKER SERIES

Meeting the Self Starters

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As a double minority, it can be hard for queer women to lead an industry, let alone make a noticeable impact. So where do aspiring queer professional women look for guidance? The City of West Hollywood's Lesbian Speakers Series - a series of free talks, performances and readings featuring phenomenal lesbians and queer women – featured “Self Starters” panel on Wednesday, Jan. 9. “The overall message of this panel is to curate a discussion with lesbian and queer women who are leading in their industry, whether it be business, finance, literature, film and more, and to foster an evening of LGBTQ+ community for those interested in learning about the life experience of these women and their current careers, and to inspire those who attend,” panel moderator CB Lee said. “As a queer woman and an author who not only has published several award-nominated books, I'm also well experienced in moderating and leading discussions at academic conferences, book festivals and more, and I'm quite excited to be moderating this event. I hope that attendees find it compelling and inspiring!” The event speakers included: Michelle Badillo, writer/actress ("One Day At A Time"); Chris Baldwin, President/Board of Directors, L Project LA; Freya Estreller, Co-Founder of Coolhaus Ice Cream and Future Gin; Talonya Geary, Author, Speaker, #Godoer; Kirstin Schaffer, Executive Director, Women In Film. The Pride L.A. spoke with the event coordinator Corey Roskin, a Social Services Specialist for the City aboutt the most recent installment of the Lesbian Speakers Series. In one sentence, what is the Self Starters event? ROSKIN: The Self Starters is the City of West Hollywood’s next Lesbian Speakers Series Event. This event will feature a panel of dynamic lesbians and queer women discussing the powerful work they are doing in the community personally and professionally as motivators, creators, influencers, and change makers. What is the overall message? Why curate this panel in particular?

The overall message is to provide inspiration and encouragement to lesbians and queer women in the community. This panel is being curated as a way to start the new year off with dialogue and conversation that helps to move the community in a forward thinking direction. How were the women selected to speak? What about them make them good guests for the panel? The women were selected vis-à-vis conversations and suggestions from the women who participate on the City of West Hollywood’s Lesbian & Gay Advisory Board. The women on the panel are all inspirational speakers, powerful voices in the community, and they represent a diverse collective from a variety of professions. What do you hope the audience gets from the event? We hope the audience is inspired and is encouraged to take action in their own lives and in the community as a result of attending and participating in the evening. What is the importance of the Lesbian Speaker Series in general? The Lesbian Speakers Series was started in the fall of 2015 with the support of the West Hollywood City Council as initiated by the City’s Mayor John J. Duran. The Series is a way that the City is recognizing the accomplishments and importance of lesbians and queer women by providing talks, performances, films, etc. by and featuring them. Events that have been held thus far are noted on the attached document. Why make it women-specific? The event is women-specific because it is part of the City of West Hollywood’s Lesbian Speakers Series which targets those who identify as lesbians and/or queer women. The City of West Hollywood also produces the yearly event, One City One Pride, which features 40 days of programming with a broad array of events featuring the incredible diversity of the LGBTQ community. The Lesbian Speaker Series is described as a series of free talks, performances and readings “featuring phenomenal lessbians and queer friends. For more information, call 323.848.6510.

1.11 – 1.24.2019 ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION

LOS ANGELES

JUST FOR LAUGHS

` ⚫ BY STAFF WRITER

Coming Out for Comedy Your streaming screen is about to get a whole lot gayer. And funnier. “OUT on Stage” is the is the first all-queer stand up comedy series premiering on Thursday, Jan.17 on Dekkoo. But why listen to me talk about how cool it is? The Pride L.A. talked to three of the comedians on the show about what makes “OUT on Stage” awesome. Check it out below. GLORIA BIGELOW: In one sentence, what is "Out on Stage?" Out on Stage is a queer comedic fantasia that is the is the first all queer stand up series ever! Why participate in the show? I participated in Out on Stage because it was an opportunity to spread my gay agenda of laughter throughout! What can viewers expect from the show overall/ your specific episode? I didn't know what to expect when I saw it in the theaters, but I can say with a fair amount of confidence, that people can expect to laughwhich is great, because that's the point. How do your experiences in the LGBTQ+ community affect/ influence the show? My experience as an out black lesbian affects every aspect of my life and so therefore, it influences what it is that I want to talk about. That comes out in the show. 5Who is the target audience/ who should watch this? You don't have to speak gay to watch this show- it's for anyone who wants to laugh. KYLE SHIRE: In one sentence, what is "Out on Stage?" Out On Stage is a queer stand up series featuring an incredibly diverse batch of up-and-coming comics. Why create/ participate in the show? There is a severe lack of queer representation in stand up. While we have come a long way in recent years, and there are now more brilliant, out, queer comedians than ever before, comedy is not a meritocracy.A lot of bookers still look at "straight white cis dudes" as the default template for comics, and if you deviate from that template, and are booked on a line up, than your presence must be balanced by adding other straight white cis dudes to the line up (unless you're booked on a "theme night") To them, it doesn't matter if you're funnier than every other straight white dude on the line up. As such, it can be hard for

queer comics to get their faces out in front of new audiences in new cities. Out On Stage is an unabashedly queer stand up show. It's a fantastic way to show a bunch of new, interesting queer voices in the stand up world to people who may not get the opportunity to catch the 2 or 3 queer comics their local clubs book per year (if we're being generous). What can viewers expect from the show overall/ your specific episode? Expect to see some queer POVs that have yet to be explored in the realm of stand up. In my episode specifically, you should be ready to expect some shouting, sweating, and some bad, bad, moustachery. How do your experiences in the LGBTQ+ community affect/ influence the show? I shout about gay nonsense and people laughed. Who is the target audience/ who should watch this? If I had it my way, queer youths would get a free period to watch this in school, and elderly conservatives would be strapped to impounded Hoveround's with their eyes Clockwork Oranged open, and forced to watch it. RANEIR POLLARD In one sentence, what is "Out on Stage?" Out On Stage is a bunch of lgbt comedians giving the world a taste of the rainbow. Why create/ participate in the show? Besides the fact that I'll do any job that presents a check up front... a lot of comedians I adore are a part of the project so i was happy to be included. What can viewers expect from the show overall/ your specific episode? Viewers can expect the entire clische of expectations presented before every standup specials: hilarious, unexpected and daring! How do your experiences in the LGBTQ+ community affect/ influence the show? For a LGBTQ+ person to be proud of who they are, they must fight to overcome all the signals in society telling them they are inherently wrong. Comedians are people that use trauma from their life to create laughter. These two factors make for a great perspective in comedy. Who is the target audience/ who should watch this? This movie is for mature audiences anywhere and everywhere!

(323) 244-7500 CALL TODAY!

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⚫ 13

⚫ 14

CULTURE

PERFORMING ARTS

` ⚫ BY AMY PATTON

1.11 – 1.24.2019

LOS ANGELES

EXPRESS YOURSELF

Photo: Courtesy Christopher Ramirez.

“Color Bonita” premieres at the LGBT Center of Los Angeles on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m.

Painting Yourself the “Color Bonita”

There’s a certain narrative that often follows the LGBTQ+ Latino Community, or lack thereof. “There’s not a whole lot of visibility for queer Latino men,” Merced-based artist Christopher Ramirez said. So he set out to change that. Ramirez’ performance art “Color Bonita,” which debuts at the LGBT Center of Los Angeles on Saturday, Jan 19, looks at the intrinsic core identities and experiences of the Gay Latino Man. “I wanted to find out who I am, what does it mean to be a Latino man, what are

some of our adversities and obsticles, challenges we have come over or are unfortunately a victim to,” Ramirez said. What started as an ethnographic research project for grad school in 2004, has since evolved into a conversation for this marginalized group, thus opening up a dialogue for queer Latino men to express who they are. Ramirez’ project largely looks at the family dynamic at play in the Latino Community and how that affects its queer members. “Machismo in Latino culture is very masculine, defining expectations of what it

means to be a Latino man,” Ramirez said. Ramirez recalled a conversation he once had with his late great grandmother in which she told him that because he does not “walk like a girl, talk like a girl” he wasn’t gay and that he needed to find a wife. “I think indirectly that put a lot of pressure on me,” Ramirez said. “I’m under a microscope thinking about every motion; How my hand moves, how I walk. Its been very hard in my own daily practice. All that anxiety that has been built up in my body over time” “Color Bonita” is not only a creative outlet for Ramirez to express himself and his experiences, but it incorporates conversations and stories directly from two other gay Latino men, who wish to remain anonymous for privacy. As Ramirez worked on the project over the years, he interviewed many men

to work with. He quickly discovered that many in the Latino Community were still closeted largely out of fear of family rejection. “It was a very powerful journey for me,” Ramirez said. “I was getting glimpses and self reflection of who I am in contrast to all the stories these men were sharing with me about their lives.” “Color Bonita” is a new media art performance piece intimately connecting audiences with the queer Latino experience around family, religion, machismo and homophobia. Ramirez combines sound, images and interviews to illuminate the complexity of these histories as an act of witnessing and testimony. “Color Bonita” premieres at the LGBT Center of Los Angeles on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. For tickets and information, visit the eventbrite page at eventbrite.com/e/color-bonita-tickets-53119889018/amp or email Ramirez at vencholo@gmail.com

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1.11 – 1.24.2019

LOS ANGELES

⚫ 15

⚫ 16

ENTERTAINMENT THEATRE

` ⚫ BY STAFF WRITER

1.11 – 1.24.2019

LOS ANGELES

THESBIAN LESBIAN

PREVIEW: The Dark Humor, Satire of “Hir”

Described as hilarious and terrifying, “Hir” is a dysfunctional family dramedy for a new era: a highly intelligent, heartfelt and deeply, darkly humorous portrayal of a family in crisis, in which domestic abuse, the trauma of war and the acceptance of gender neutrality are illustrated in a nearly absurd, emotionally gripping, intensely real dynamic. Somewhere in the American suburbs, Isaac, dishonorably discharged from his tour in Afghanistan, has returned home to discover a household in revolt. The insurgent: his mom. Liberated from an oppressive marriage to Isaac’s father by his debilitating stroke, and with Max, Isaac’s newly out transgender sibling, as her ally, Paige is on a crusade to dismantle the patriarchy. The Pride L.A. spoke with Director Bart DeLorenzo for an iside scoop. Tell me a little bit about “Hir” and why you wanted to direct it. Hir is ferocious. It’s a brilliant dark comedy that gets at the heart of the American family and the “new” American family. The writer, Taylor Mac, is a genius – as anyone

who’s seen the great 24-Decade History of Popular Music downtown at the Ace Hotel and Holiday Sauce at Royce Hall will tell you. The wit, irreverence, and fierce intelligence combine to create unique pieces of entertainment that you can’t help but talk about for days afterwards. Hir offers the chance to experience this mind-blowing sensibility much more intimately. How do you approach a play like this? How does it compare to previous works you’ve directed? This play is crazy. Taylor Mac calls the style “absurd realism,” which to me means that he’s taken the familiar trappings and resentments of classic American drama and pumped them up to shocking ridiculousness. So I think you rehearse it like a conventional realistic play, but then you try and release everyone to go further – in their performances, in the design, in the pace and the style. It’s those moments in rehearsal when I’m aghast at what’s happening in front of me that I think we’re doing the play justice. What is a particularly hard scene to direct and why? Every play has different challenges, but

Actress Cynthia Kania in “Hir.”

I’ve never had one in which the props were so specific and complicated. The play takes place in a very cluttered room and we use every item in it. There’s food prep (and food fights), there are “performances” within the play, songs, dances, physical struggles, it’s got everything. This is not a sitting-aroundtalking play. I think the sheer range is the most challenging. What is your favorite part of the play? That’s hard to say. As an audience member, I love to laugh and I love to cry. This play gives big opportunities for both. Maybe the moment – which I don’t want to be too specific about -- in which the characters are fighting with everything they’ve got and it reaches a kind of crazy comic pitch and then the bottom drops out. And a character reveals something we’ve never seen. I love that moment. It feels like we’re getting at the core of something. I’m sorry I can’t be more specific, but I don’t want to spoil it. It seems that this play is packed and complex. What message do you hope the audience leaves with? I don’t think it’s a message play. It’s an experience that asks a question. Through the lens of a suburban American family, the play takes the audience on a journey into the heart of this present political/social moment and shows the current struggle in all its complexity. Where will we go as a culture? To “make America great again”? Retreating to some sort of oppressive patriarchal past, or stepping toward a very uncertain aspirational future? And what will we do with the past and those that can’t find their way? Like all great American plays, I think Hir asks us to consider where we’re going. How is this play relevant to the

Photo: Ron Sossi.

current climate? It’s everything about now. This year, it’s being produced everywhere in the country because it sizzles within this cultural moment. The questions of power and privilege, gender and sexuality, and who will inherit the earth. And it proudly takes as its form, the story of a “classic” nuclear family and then twists it into a delirious dark sitcom that’s also a tragedy. Why should people come see this play? To see all the questions already in your head brought to vivid hilarious life so that you can see them more clearly. To laugh deeply at all the ridiculous contradictions in our current moment. To feel more alive. Performances of Hir take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. from Jan. 19 through March 17. On Sunday, Jan. 20 only, the performance will be at 5 p.m. with no 2 p.m. matinee. Additional weeknight performances are scheduled on Thursday, Jan 31; Wednesday, Feb. 20; and Wednesday, March 6, all at 8 p.m. Talkbacks with the cast follow the performances on Thursday, Jan. 31; Wednesday, Feb. 20; and Friday, Feb. 22. Tickets range from $32 to $37; there will be three “Tix for $10” performances, on Friday, Jan. 25; Thursday, Jan. 31; and Friday, Feb. 22. Friday, Feb. 22 is “College Night” and includes a pre-performance snacks on the patio for students as well as a post-performance discussion: $10 with valid student ID (use promo code COLLEGE). Additional discounts are available at select performances for seniors, students and patrons under 30; call theater for details. The Odyssey Theatre is located at 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West Los Angeles, 90025. For reservations and information, call (310) 4772055 or go to OdysseyTheatre.com.

1.11 – 1.24.2019 COMMUNITY OPINION

` ⚫ BY AIDAN PARK

LOS ANGELES

⚫ 17

DEAR AIDAN

DEAR AIDAN: My Sister’s Dating a Scumbag! Dear Aidan:

girls and guys and GURLS for which the "Bros before Hoes" did not apply. The best thing you can do is hold a space for her of love. Be the person that she can safely come to to discuss problems in her relationship. A non-judgmental ear, if you will. A person who will support her no matter what decision she makes. You can express your opinions and concerns, but I would urge you to avoid coming from a place of "I need to get her to see the error of her ways," but instead from a place of "She is doing her best and I am here to help her figure out the best thing to do." If you give her to freedom to figure it out for herself, it will bring you closer together and you guys will be closer for it. Trust that she will make the right decision when she is ready.

My sister is dating a guy who is just not good for her. She is in college and I don't understand why she has to date a guy who is a high school drop out, runs with the wrong crowd and rude to service people! What should I do? Dear Concerned Sister: WOW! Okay, well first of all, I think she is very lucky to have a sister such as you that cares so much about her! You are clearly level-headed and future-minded, which is very lucky for your sister! HOWEVER! Time for the TRUTH! The reality of the situation is... you can't really convince anyone to do anything that they do not want to do. If your sister wants to see this guy, she will SEE THIS GUY UNTIL SHE IS READY NOT TO. No amount of pleading, criticizing, bargaining is going to work. Blackmail and threats will only lead to the deterioration of your relationship with her. Locking her up in the bedroom and throwing away the key will only lead to a potentially ugly family lawsuit. People don't "come to their senses" from talks or even powerpoint presentations. For example, you can tell someone until you are blue in the face that there is nothing to see in Fresno, but some people just have to see for themselves. You tell them, "there is nothing to see there! Save your money and the time!" But some people

must go see what is there (or isn’t there). Only once they have taken the bus to Fresno, seen the "downtown" (at which only 50 percent of the businesses are open... I was just there; hede my advice) and taken the greyhound bus back next to a woman carrying 14 cats, will they agree with you! So while you do not have control over her behavior, you can control point of view on the situation and be more loving to your sister. Instead of criticizing her for her choices, you can try to be more un-

derstanding and see what she sees in the guy. He may be rude to service people but maybe he's really nice to Uber drivers? You never know... and as long as you are stuck in the "he's not good enough" mentality, you won't be able to see the positive aspects in this fellow that your sister so dearly loves and that will be bad for your relationship with your sister. Do not underestimate the power of ummmm... attractive sexual appendages? When push comes to shove, if forced to make a decision, I know lots of

“Dear Aidan” is a reoccurring advice column written by Aidan Park. Questions for Aidan can be submitted via social media or at amy@ thepridela.com. Follow Aidan on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter @AidanParkShow and check out his upcoming comedy shows on his website AidanPark.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER AMY PATTON

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Sam Catanzaro

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THE PRIDE L.A., The Newspaper Serving Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender L.A., is published by MIRROR MEDIA GROUP. Send all inquiries to: THE PRIDE L.A., 2116 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA. Phone: 310.310.2637 Written permission of the publisher must be obtained before any of the contents of this paper, in part or whole, can be reproduced or (c) 2017 The Pride L.A. redistributed. All contents THE PRIDE L.A. is a registered trademark of MIRROR MEDIA GROUP. T.J. MONTEMER, CEO 310.310.2637 x7

⚫ 18

LOS ANGELES

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Open Mic Night When: Friday, Jan. 11 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Where: The Village at Ed Gould Plaza What: Open Mic for poets, singers, comedians and musicians Why: An event aimed toward LGBTQ youth and allies 24 and younger, it is a great way to meet fellow young, queer artists. Plus free dinner! PGO: Gay Long Beach Jan. Community Meet Up When: Saturday, Jan. 12 from 10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: The Pike Outlets What: LGBT Pokemon Go meetup Why: ‘Mon catching with fellow queers! PolyQule LA When: Saturday, Jan. 19 from 1–3 p.m. Where: Cuties Coffee, Los Angeles What: A queer focused polyamory meet-up Why: PolyQule was formed from a communal need and desire to have a QUEER FOCUSED, inclusive, safe space for polyamorous people to meet and mingle for friendship, romance and collaboration. “Hir” Opening Night When: Saturday, Jan. 9 from 8 –10 p.m.

1.11 – 1.24.2019

The best goings-on around and about L.A., period. Where: The Odessy Theatre, Los Angeles What: A dark commedy play about the tribulations of a genderqueer person’s family dynamics. Why: A poignant, yet hilarious performance, this is something you don’t want to miss AIDS/ LifeCycle Sunday Funday Gameday When: Sunday, Jan. 20 from 3–7 p.m. Where: The Village at Ed Gould Plaza What: Come play all your favorite childhood board games in a very ADULT tournament. Connect 4, Uno, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Operation, Jenga and More! Why: Winners will be generously rewarded with prizes from our community partners such as: Free Indoor Cycling Classes, Bicycle Tune Ups, Bike Fittings, Gift Cards, and Gift Baskets full of amazing cycling gear. Rainbow Pop! When: Tuesday, Jan. 22 from 7–10 p.m. Where: Laugh Factory, 8001 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A. What: LGBTQ+ Comedy night at the Laugh Factory Why: A night of hilarity from some of the best queer and ally comedians. What else do you have to do on a Tuesday night?

1.11 – 1.24.2019 PARLOR TRICKS

BY ANDY KRAVIS / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

LOS ANGELES

NY TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE

82 Rapper who founded the record label Mass Appeal 1 Locale for a bottom feeder 83 Japanese drama 7 Relinquish 84 Slippery, say 11 Total nerdburger 85 ____-free 16 The Mormon Church, for 87 Friendly greeting on the short highway 19 Having come apart 89 Wine from central Tuscany 20 Company with a Roman 92 The Apollo Theater usher centurion logo, informally ordered a … 21 Name shouted at the end of the “Flintstones” closing 97 The pastry chef ordered a … theme song 100 Eastern philosophy 22 I.S.P. option 101 Ocular socket 23 At the ice cream parlor, the 102 Simpson with the 2004 hit grand marshal ordered “Pieces of Me” a… 103 Arthur who composed 25 R&B’s ____ Brothers “The Yeomen of the Guard” 26 Effort 106 Approximately 27 Atoms 107 All out 28 Weak-minded type 110 Won 30 Something lost in old literature 111 Without alteration 32 Airline to Ben Gurion Airport 112 Filming locale 33 Water 113 Places for cheap drinks 35 Sites with corporate names, 115 And the homebody often ordered an … 36 Low-status, as work 118 “We’ll teach you to drink deep ____ you depart”: 38 Govt. org. under Homeland Hamlet Security 119 Stores with Småland play 39 The confirmed bachelor areas ordered a… 120 Perspicacious 42 The crossing guard ordered 121 Fishing sites a… 122 Director Guillermo ____ 45 See 46-Across Toro 46 With 45-Across, focus directly 123 Earth on hitting someone 124 Beaux-____ 47 Accident investigation org. 125 Vaporize 49 Navigational aid, for short 50 Actress Aniston, DOWN in the tabloids 1 Elided greeting 52 God, in Rastafarianism 2 One who facilitates self55 “Get ____!” destructive behavior 57 Winds, as videotape 3 Supermodel Lima 59 Frequent co-star 4 Marina apparatus of Mastroianni 5 Stops 61 “Frozen” snowman 6 It can symbolize an open 63 Question of doubt mouth in an 8-Down 65 How many verbs in Esperanto 7 Kind of intake, are irregular to a nutritionist 66 Premium Cuban cigar brand 8 See 6-Down 67 The amateur singer ordered 9 Some narcs a… 10 What “X” may stand for 70 The dental hygienist 11 Bad thing on a motorist’s ordered a … record, for short 72 Radicchio relative 12 Pufflet 73 Smelly 13 First name of the First Lady 75 Amtrak stops: Abbr. of Song 76 What an auctioneer’s gavel 14 Some sights in Oz indicates 15 Where many Golden State 77 In a way Warriors fans live 78 Home planet of TV’s ALF 16 Like much 80 Planted of the Western Hemisphere ACROSS

38 44

46 54

47 55

56 63

89 98

102

103 108 113

118 122

D E A A G E N T S

T A R I P L M S I D A S U G S S A

81 87

100 105

110

111

123

124

125

56 Writing of W. S. Gilbert 58 Weight 59 English facilities 60 Scruffs 62 Country singer with the No. 1 albums “Breathe” and “Cry” 64 Follow closely 66 Females whose gender identities match their gender assignments at birth 68 Some gametes 69 Tach readings 71 Savings vehicle, in brief 74 A pop 78 ____ rea (intent to commit a crime) 79 Winter garment insert 81 Likely to butt in 84 Pay up? 86 Toy to keep track of?

ANSWERS B A Y A R E A

D E M I J L O O H O N S N O T S H Y E O A S S C H A E R

L A T I N A M E R I C A N

D O R S A L

S L Y E S T

N E B U L A

N A P E S

A P R I O R I

K I S S O F F

E T O P S Y

106

121

E M E R A N G L E A D G P S L S E C C T I T N S S O W T O L E M O E V A N E D I D E N W S A

101

120

E L L A

82 88

119

W I S P

116

E D X W T I R D A T E S I E D S B P O O N O N S U E S A C C O T H A R T A L L I A I N I N S K E E A R T

115

This Week’s Sudoku Puzzle E M O T I C O N

50 59

104

114

17 Along the back 18 Most foxy 24 Pres. who signed the Glass-Steagall Act 29 Rehab affliction, for short 31 Bulbous, narrow-necked bottles 32 Lifesaver, for short 33 Successful presidential slogan of old 34 ____ al-Fitr (holiday marking the close of Ramadan) 37 Miles away 40 Fails (to) 41 Problems of amnesia 43 Stop 44 Channel with highlights 48 Angry chorus 51 Annual science fiction award 52 Isn’t serious 53 Family support group 54 Vegas establishment with a giant guitar sign

E D C N E A D E F L S D O I R R A L I F I C C A K E R E A L I S I O K E B V E R A M E W E T I A N T N G S O E E E H O G D I V E I K E A T E R R

109

112

85 91

107

78 83

S E A B U N D O P A R A B I T E L A L M E N I T R A F T J A H O L A F K A R A E N D I S O R T N O H C H B A K I A S H L W H O L L O T E R E D E L

24 27

117

88 What “goes to” a movie star 90 “That’s really important to me” 91 T.S.A. requirements 93 Some counterculture gatherings 94 Theoretical 95 Dismissal, slangily 96 W.W. II arena 97 Had a good cry 98 Like sailors on leave 99 8: Abbr. 104 Soviet space dog of 1957 105 Contribute 108 No longer bothered by 109 Manual selection 111 Eponym of the Courage Award given at the ESPYs 114 Fed. agcy. founded by 24-Down 116 ____ Beach, Hawaii 117 “Gangnam Style” rapper

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STAR GAZING ARIES (March 21-April 19) The planets are in a position that encourages you to focus on mental health. Stretch your mind in a productive way. Don’t forget the importance of eating right for maintaining healthy emotional footings. Today is a five out of 10. Color gold plays a role. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Pay attention to your family, Taurus. You play bigger roles in their lives than you realize. Today might be a windy day where you are, but you can be someone’s steady oak tree. In the evening, especially, look to reconnect with someone you thought was lost. GEMINI (May 21-June 21) Gemini is feeling Mars in particular today. Wake up feeling refreshed and empowered. Today you have the heart of a lion if you're willing to roar. Overcome that mental obstacle that’s been holding you back lately. Something scandalous is around the corner at work; don't get pulled into the drama. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Cancers are feeling the chill of an icy relationship lately. How might you turn up the heat? Look to connect on a deeper level, and don’t be afraid to reveal your true feelings. Planetary transits are beneficial to you today, so accept the kindness of a stranger. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) There are some challenges awaiting you today, Leo, but if you stick it through, the day ends on an upswing. End your evening with self-affirmation. Your power spice today is celery seed, so try out a new recipe that uses it. Today is a six out of 10. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Virgo, you are living through an intense period of change right now. Health and beauty concerns are possibly creating a great upheaval in your mind lately. They might even be interfering with your sleep. Black and Gold are your power colors today. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Libras will benefit from finding someone to talk to today. Commit to making the best choices for your emotional well-being. A special movie might play a role in how the day progresses. Stand for something as opposed to falling for someone today. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) How have you been feeling, Scorpio? Be honest when you answer. You can use some changes right now, and the position of Mars is a great inspiration for those changes. Reach a new height in personal development. Find a book that challenges you. This is a great day to start a new fitness routine, and maybe find a friend along the way. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a nicely harmonious day for you, Sagittarius. Things are aligning well. Some of the stars’ positions point to the completion of tasks that have troubled you for a while. Enter into a new phase with your relationship, or seek to change the status of an old one. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Capricorns can expect a run of good luck in the near future. Don’t take it for granted or blow all the profits on some gaudy extravagance. Always set something aside for when the luck begins to fade. Today is a nine out of 10. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Aquarius, today is all yellow for you. Yellow is your power color, and lemons are a source of strength. Take strength in cheerfulness and humor. Offer it as much as you can. It’s a great day to do a kindness for a stranger! PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Keep protecting the people you love, Pisces. You’re doing a fantastic job of being a positive influence on the people around you. Seek opportunity to be around the color white today, because it's a source of strength and power.

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LOS ANGELES

1.11 – 1.24.2019