TheStandard_Vol11_Issue5.pdf

CONTENTS

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 5

theStandardPS.com

Volume 11 Issue 5

COVER DRAG IS NOT A CRIME !

LOCAL QUEENS CHIME IN COVER IN MEMORIAM

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KindRED PRIDE FOUNDATION LAUNCHES NEW GLOBAL TRADITION: “RED SHIRT PRIDE DAY”

FEATURE PG 32-33

MUST SEE COMING OUT FOR LOVE

1ST LESBIAN DATING COMPETITION

FEATURE

ASIAN SENSATIONS

SAYING GOODBYE TO PIONEERS OF DRAG

LOCAL NEWS

WHITE PARTY

RETURNS TO THE DESERT

CELEBRATING ASIAN ACTORS WHO DARE TO BARE

MUSIC

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COMMENTARY

The Standard Magazine

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NINO EILETS Publisher

LUCIANO McNULTY Editor

MAYA KALABIC Art Director

PHOTOGRAPHER

David A. Lee

CONTRIBUTORS

Ilich Mejia, Larry Olson, Michael Khordoc Martha Tang, Jeff Dorta, Jade Wiselogle, Chris Astrala, Ryan Turrin, Stacy Holmes, Greg Stillwell, Dann Foley, Jill Langham & Terri Schlichenmeyer www.thestandardps.com

EDITORIAL CREDITS : BrandPoint, Huffington Post, LGBTQ Nation, Project Publicity, MSN, Reuters, NBC News, Artsy, Forbes & Time.com

The Standard Magazine is published monthly. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of the Standard or its staff, advertisers or readers with exception of editorials. Publication of the name or photograph of any person, business or organization in articles or advertising in the Standard is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person, business or organization. The Standard disclaims any responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Advertising rates are subject to change without notice. The Standard reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject any advertisement for any reason including, but not limited to poor taste. It is the policy of The Standard that we only publish letters to the editor that are signed by the author and verifiable by phone number. We can reserve the right of anonymity upon request. The letters need to be original, in good taste and free of libel as well as edited for clarity and grammar. Letters are subject to editing by The Standard that also reserves the right to decline print. Please forward your letters to: info@thestandardps.com The views expressed is not necessarily those of The Standard. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. No portion of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed consent of the publisher.

DRAG IS NOT A CRIME!

BY CHRIS ASTRALA

CRIME!

COVER

Say it again; DRAG IS NOT A CRIME ! Drag is an art form built on self-expression and artistic performance. Drag is also powerful tool for political protest, that uplifts the LGBTQ+ community in the face of discrimination and oppression.

Once a fringe art form, drag has become an increasingly visible and indispensable vertical of pop culture—influencing everything from beauty techniques to everyday vocabulary (slay, tea, shade, gagging...etc.). Drag Race marked the dawn of a new era in drag history, welcoming it into the mainstream—but this social progress is exactly what the new legislation is designed to counteract.

The more than 20 bills nationwide are a pushback against modern drag, which has grown from an underground performance art using costumes and makeup to play with gender norms, which flourished in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender venues, to a mainstream entertainment, helped in part again by the popularity of the televised pageant show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Performers and civil rights groups have condemned the proposed drag regulations, saying they are unconstitutional, redundant under existing obscenity laws, and would lead to further harassment and violence against gay and transgender people. They see the bills as part of a Republican effort to advance laws limiting LGBT people’s conduct across the country.

Anti-drag bills are just the latest in a long history of anti-LGBT legislation that is premised on false, dangerous slurs against gay and trans people: that they are “grooming” children or seeking to sexually exploit them.

We’re living in a moment of resurgent homophobia. Like anti-Semitism, it will probably never die out, and opportunistic politicians will always find in the specter of queers a handy way to get a crowd riled up. Hence the recent Tennessee legislation (with other states sure to follow) that outlaws public shows by performers—including male and female impersonators— that the state considers harmful to minors, including, of course, the popular drag-queen story hours that libraries and bookstores have now been presenting for some time.

Our queer community refuses to be silenced and stands proud in our artistry and message of acceptance.

Drag performers wouldn’t keep quiet even during an era of rank homophobia, and you can bet that the current generation, which has tasted tolerance, won’t back down. You just don’t silence a drag queen.

On April 18, 2023, Palm Springs hosted the Drag4Drag Rally to show solidarity & support for the Drag community. With an amazing turnout, it was proof that Palm Springs and its LGBTQ community and allies are standing tall in the fight against discrimination and encouraged all people to stand in solidarity, honor and thank the Drag community. Not only was the rally an opportunity for all to be heard, but the City had also declared on that date, that Palm Springs is now a Drag Sanctuary City.

We wanted to get insight from several of our local Drag celebrities in response to all the Drag controversy plus we threw in a few additional fun facts from these fierce Queens. Here’s what they had to say.

Time.com

BELLA da BALL

How did you get your start in Drag?

I have always loved dressing in ‘drag’, even as a young kid. I have photos from way back dressed in my mother’s high heels and hat, and my sister’s crinoline. But, in adult life, started dressing when lived in Los Angeles and going to Oil Can Harry’s. I emceed the Halloween contest for many years in drag. Once we started coming to Palm Springs, had a group of friends who also enjoyed dressing up and we would go to Sweetwater Saloon for theme nights—50’s, Prom, Barbie, etc. The manager there asked us if we wanted to do shows there and our performing days started. Our group was named The Delicious Divas and included Amba Goodbar, Lauren, Stephanie, Honey du Melon, Wild Ginger Snap, Babette d’Muir, Lady Jenna, Marina del Ray, and myself, Bella da Ball. Before we decided on our names, our group said to me, that I was the cofounder of the group and the organizer and manager and the belle of the ball, that I should be Bella da Ball. Members of the group appeared around the area, did shows, at benefits and social events, and I did more and more, and it mushroomed.

Who are some of your biggest influencers?

Love RuPaul (the first number I ever did in a show was her Snapshot), love Dame Edna (the hair, the glasses, the camp), love seeing drag in the tv shows (Bosom Buddies, Carol Burnett showHarvey Korman/Mother Marcus, characters on Saturday Night Live) and movies (Hairspray, Birdcage, To Wong Foo), and locally, Bijou.

What is your take on all the Drag Controversy?

It is so sad to be penalizing and highlighting in a negative way drag personalities and performances. It is art. It is entertainment. Drag is not a crime. Drag has been around forever. So many problem areas and topics that need addressing and solving and drag and the LGBTQ community is not the problem. There is such a wealth of talent and fun and community locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally, we must stand together and make our hair and heels visible and known. It is so touching and impressive and meaningful when I get young (yes, even families) and old, gay and straight, bi and trans, singles and couples, and people from all over the world at my appearances. There are so many areas of concern available on the internet, television, movies, publications that are in need of review. Drag is not one of them.

It’s simple, if you don’t like drag or drag shows, do as you would any concert, show, movie, restaurant, event, business, shop or any place you aren’t a fan of, don’t go. There is something for everyone.

If you could perform with any artist living or deceased, who would that be and why?

Would love to be on stage with Carol Burnett and her talented, crazy group—Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Vickie Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner. Would love to have been with Lucille Ball when Lucy, Ethel and Fred (dressed in drag) tried to save Rickie’s job at the club. Would love to be in another Hairspray (played a jailhouse hooker in the Musical Theatre University version at Rancho Mirage High School) with Bruce Vilanch. I do emceeing and hosting at many benefits, events, social happenings around the area. I would love to emcee and host some television awards show.

Where do you see the art of Drag going in the future?

I think Drag appearances, drag presence, drag shows, drag in tv and movies is just going to continue to grow. There are so many fabulous new, up and coming, drag queens and kings that are making a splash and ready to take over the world and carry on the tradition and the fun and fabulousness. Drag is colorful. Drag is over-the-top. Drag is exaggerated, bigger-than-life often, hair, make-up, nails, heels, jewelry, clothes, purses….it will continue to explode and be popular. It is so mainstream now.

Bella da Ball, social ambassador and hostess with the mostest, is a recipient of a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars (369 North Palm Canyon). Bella received Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce P.S. I Love You Award, City of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission Community Service Award for promoting Universal Human Rights Close to Home, was Community Sweetheart in the Palm Springs Festival of Lights parade, Safe Schools Desert Cities Champion for Youth Award for LBGTQIA Youth In The Desert, Human Rights Campaign Advocate for Equality Award for outstanding leadership and service to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Bella and Brian have hosted cabaret shows, Bingo, Trivia and many other events through the years at various venues, including Ace Hotel, Copa, Hotel Zoso, Rainbow, Ground Zero, and many others.

Known for big hair, big eyeglasses, long legs, short skirts, high heels….Bella da Ball.

TOMMI ROSE

How did you get your start in Drag?

It was more of a challenge from friends while attending the Bi-Centennial 4th of July celebration in Daytona Beach in 1976. I entered a contest that night and won. I knew it was what I wanted to do when I saw Charles Pierce on the Merv Griffin Show back in 1974. The minute he walked out as Bette Davis, I KNEW that this is what my destiny was.

Who are some of your biggest influencers?

Charles Pierce, obviously. We met several years later, and he became my mentor and friend. Female comedy stars were my favorites, and I was fortunate enough to have met many of them. The big ones were Lucille Ball, Totie Fields, Carol Burnett, and then those I became friends with, including Mae West, Carol Channing, Phyllis Diller, and my darling Kaye Ballard.

What is your take on all the Drag Controversy ?

I find it perplexing that they are going after drag queens, but what about the parents and guardians that TOOK children to these events. I see the blame being directed at the wrong group of people. Now I’m not saying to go after the adults in charge of these kids, but the ultra-conservative right wing “Christian” zealots prefer to target the LGBTQ+ community to further their own agenda. What happened to “separation of church and state” and “equality for all”? They believe that it is only equality of those that believe the same why they do.

If you could perform with any artist living or deceased, who would that be and why?

Mae West. I think it’s self-explanatory! :)

Where do you see the art of Drag going in the future?

That’s a very good question, but one I really don’t have an answer for. Drag has been a part of the human condition for so many years, it must find a way to continue to evolve, to grow and to continue to be a form of art and expression.

SASSY ROSS

How did you get started?

Everything started when I first went to a nightclub with a couple of friends and there was a drag show. I wasn’t expecting it, but, while having fun with my friends and enjoying a cocktail, the music stopped, the show started and suddenly a beautiful drag queen appeared on the stage yelling: Show Time! Show Time! The show is about to start! That was my first time I ever watched a Drag show, and I loved It! About a year later “Sassy Ross” was born! And I’m still loving every minute of it!

Biggest Influences?

Big influences for me are Madonna, Ru Paul & Tina Turner. I adore and, in some way, idolize them because they don’t worry about what people say about them. They do what they love to do. That is dressing up, performing and making people happy! They totally express themselves on stage and that’s exactly what I like to do! I thank my husband Warren who has always been my biggest supporter, motivator, inspiration and assistant.

My take on the Drag Controversy.

When a legal bill goes after Drag performers, it has an increasing effect that limits our liberties not just Drag performers but on all the LGBTQ community as a whole. It’s sad because legal bills impact our basic freedom. Drag entertainers perform and make money and have fun and spread happiness. Most entertainers are compassionate, graceful and make people happy. Drag performers are just regular, people who enjoy what they do and happy doing so. More people need to follow that example these days!

If I could perform with any artist? Who? Why?

That’s Easy! “Charo”! I have seen Charo perform and man, I can tell you she is still a firecracker! She truly puts here love and compassion in what she does! She is truly one of a kind!

Where do you see the art Drag in the future?

To be honest, Drag is not going away any time soon, I know this first-hand as a performer. I see the demand growing exponentially for performers. It has become very popular. It relaxes most all people and makes them happier. I have fun doing it as a performer /impersonator and it gives me great satisfaction from seeing people of all ages, from all walks of life really enjoying the performances. It is very rewarding to me and thousands of persons I have entertained. Demand is growing stronger for the live Drag performances and their variety of entertainment.

MARINA MAC

How did you get your start in Drag?

I was discovered. Picked from a crowd of hundreds. Well, kinda but not really. I was at the Palm Springs Halloween Block party in 2010, and a drag queen by the name of Wenda Watch bumped into me and loved my make up. I was dressed as Franken Furter from Rocky horror. She said she was hosting an amateur Drag night and that I should try it . On January 1, 2011, I “tried it”, and, ya know , the rest is history... eh hem… Herstory!

Who are some of your biggest influencers?

I pull a lot from the 70s and 80s icons, such as Pete Burns, Adam Ant, Boy George, and of course, Divine. They were colorful, comfortable in their skin, and did not give a f**k what anyone had to say. Yep, that’s me.

What is your take on all the Drag Controversy ?

It’s absurd! Some people need to get a life, it’s Drag for crying out loud. It’s art, get over it. It blows my mind that people want to focus their energy on banning drag queen story hour, Sarah shows, and Disney attendance. There’s bigger fish to fry… you know, guns. What difference is it when going to a Broadway show and seeing those people perform? Do we put a ban on Cats, Wicked Witches, or Jungle Animals? No! We don’t.

If you could perform with any artist living or deceased, who would that be and why?

David Bowie. I more so wanted to be in his presence and pick his brain and learn from him. He was quirky, creative, talented, and a trendsetter. At least in my eyes.

Where do you see the art of Drag going in the future?

I’m content. I have no big sparkly grand ambitions. I enjoy performing, Big crowd or small. I love the power it brings being in drag. I feel I have a stronger and powerful voice while I’m Marina Mac. I will continue to work with the LGBTQIA youth, work with charities, raise signs at rallies, and piss off Republicans. These are simple, super easy to attain, and make the most impact.

COVER

ETHYLINA CANNE

How did you get your start in Drag?

Well, to be honest, I was that little boy who was trying on his mother’s shoes and dresses at a very young age. So, if we start there that would have been at age 8. My first time on stage in drag, was at my junior high’s drama class spring production. I was 13 years old, and our teacher allowed the male and female roles to be switched (very progressive at that time one would say) My schoolmate Lisa played “PA” and I played “MA.” Imagine the character looking and sounding like Mama Harper from “Mama’s Family”, because that is what I gave the student assembly. I was the Vikki Lawrence of middle school.

Fast forward to San Francisco in 1995. After many different drag names which included Sally Raphael (sister of Jessy Raphael), Farm Girlfriend, Darcy Pinoche, and others, Ethylina Canne was introduced to the world. My first time actually performing at a venue on a stage, not in school, was at the world-famous STUD Bar in SF at the Tuesday night party “Trannyshack” created by the Legendary Heklina. This was THE weekly hot ticket and it was a combination of everything you could imagine all in one place. Showtime didn’t start until midnight, which looking back, I have no idea how all the patrons did that on a school night?! The party ran for many years, with many stars gracing the stage, and I popped in every so often to perform. I will always say that Heklina launched my drag career. Without her help, I have no idea how things would have turned out.

Who are some of your biggest influencers?

Well, I am “old soul” as they say. Even though I was born in the 70’s, I’m influenced by some of the greats when it comes to who I draw inspiration from. Doris Day, Ann Margret, Etta James, Elaine Stritch, Keely Smith, Charo, Shirley Bassey, Liza Minnelli, Ann Miller, Donna Summer, …I mean I could go on, but I think you get the picture. I am drawn to the days of old Hollywood and the glamour that came with it. I was exposed to all these greats early on in life thanks to my Grandmother. I was always encouraged to take advantage of my creative side and became aware that the stage was indeed where I belonged. That costume for “Ma” in the school play? You just know that my Grandmother helped me create that look. Although I kind of live in this wheelhouse of influencers, I also like to bring in modern day music and style from Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Kelly Clarkson, Meghan Trainor, and the likes. I have found that combining the old with the new in performance, makes a kind of magical combination that can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

What is your take on all the Drag Controversy ?

Drag has been around forever and history tells and shows us so. I never thought doing drag would ever be considered a crime in my lifetime. And I find it absolutely hilarious that it’s being presented with a “protect the children” storyline. Throughout my career, I can probably count the number of children at the shows I have done on my 10 fingers. My drag look is child friendly, and my humor is more of a “laughing with you” approach than “laughing at you.” I always assess the crowd no matter what kind of engagement it is to see if children are present. I mean it should be a no brainer that if a pre-teen child is in the audience, dropping the F-Bomb every other word might not be a good idea. Most drag shows are in adult only venues that a child wouldn’t be allowed in anyways. For the venues where children are allowed to attend a show, let’s use brunch as an example, it should be the parents’ choice to bring their child or not. Pretty simple right. It should not be the decision of the government.

I think the claim of drag queens grooming children is also another laughable fact. No one is trying to turn your child into a drag queen… TRUST ME. Most drag queens I know don’t even like children. If you want to find the groomers, I would head to the town church, because that’s a hot bed of grooming as we see time and time again these days.

All this being said, I think that the people most affected by these idiotic laws and bills are our trans brothers and sisters. What is going to happen when they simply go to grocery store, outwardly appearing as their authentic selves? Will the drag police pull up and say that they are in drag while standing next to a child in the produce section? Do they get fined or arrested for just being themselves? It really is quite alarming if you think about it, and we need to all stand together and fight like never before.

Where do you see the art of Drag going in the future?

Drag is literally EVERYWHERE these days. There are so many spin-offs of Drag Race that I can’t keep up. Towns have multiple drag brunches happening at the same time on the same day in different venues, and they are all sold out. Jinx Monsoon was on Broadway and now “Dr. Who.” Trixie Mattel has a motel in Palm Springs. The list of amazing accomplishments and milestones of my drag sisters cold go on and on. Even though things might be a little difficult and unpleasant with all that is happening in the world, It’s really a great time for the Art of Drag to shine. There is no doubt in my mind that it will keep shinning and the future looks bright!

IN MEMORIAM

“Our legacy is really the lives we touch, the inspiration we give, altering someone’s plan - if even for a moment - and getting them to think, cry, laugh, argue. More than anything, we are remembered for our smiles; the ones we share with our closest and dearest, and the ones we bestow on a total stranger, who needed it right then, and God put you there to deliver.”

—Carrie Hamilton

Taking a moment to acknowledge these amazing Drag Pioneers.

Stefan Grygelko (June 17, 1967 –April 3, 2023), better known by the stage name Heklina, was an American actor, drag queen, and entrepreneur in San Francisco. Grygelko’s mother was Icelandic, and having been born in the U.S., he lived in Iceland in the 1980s; he named his drag character after the Icelandic volcano Hekla Heklina founded the drag club Trannyshack in 1996.

In addition to several film and TV appearances, Heklina was well-known in the San Francisco LGBTQ+ community for starting the Trannyshack live show, performing with Golden Girls Live, and opening Oasis Nightclub in San Francisco, which business partner D’Arcy Drollinger took over in 2019.

LILY SAVAGE

Paul James O’Grady MBE DL (June 14, 1955 –March 28, 2023) was an English comedian, broadcaster, drag queen, actor, and writer. He achieved notability in the London gay scene during the 1980s with his drag persona Lily Savage, through which he gained broader popularity in the 1990s. O’Grady subsequently dropped the character and in the 2000s became the presenter of various television and radio shows, including The Paul O’Grady Show. He developed his drag act in 1978, basing the character of Lily Savage upon traits found amongst female relatives. Touring England as part of drag mime duo the Playgirls, O’Grady then went solo as a stand-up comedian in the early 1980s. Performing as Savage for eight years at a South London gay pub, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT), he gained a popular following among London’s gay community and used his character to speak out for gay rights. After being nominated for a 1992 Perrier Award, O’Grady attracted mainstream attention and made various television, radio, and theatrical appearances.

CRYSTAL WOODS

Crystal Woods, (April 15, 1958 –March 2, 2023) a Florida native, she came to Las Vegas in 1985 for what was thought to be a 6-week run at the Riviera Hotel and Casino. It turned into a 33-year residency on the Las Vegas Strip. Appearing in such notable productions of An Evening at LaCage, Boy-Lesque, and Divas Las Vegas, her show stopping performances as Whitney Houston and Motown Superstar Diana Ross made her a pioneering leader in the art of celebrity female impersonation. She was an incredible entertainer and a true trailblazer in the drag queen community. She was an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ rights, encouraging numerous young people to become their true selves.

HEKLINA

Darcelle XV aka Walter Willard Cole ( November 16, 1930 – March 23, 2023), an absolute legend of Portland’s entertainment landscape, Walter Cole was an author, playwright, actor, costume designer, owner and headliner of the Darcelle XV Showplace; the oldest continuously running cabaret in the United States, celebrating over 55 years. Cole first purchased a coffeehouse called Caffé Espresso, which later relocated and expanded to include a basement jazz club called Studio A. In 1967, he purchased a tavern in northwest Portland which became Darcelle XV Showplace.

Cole first wore a woman’s dress at age 37. By 1969, he had developed the alter ego Darcelle and came out as gay. He left his wife (though they remained legally married) and began a relationship with Roxy Neuhardt, who worked alongside Darcelle at the Showplace as a choreographer, show director, performer, bookkeeper, office manager, and payroll accountant.

In 2018, Darcelle was named the Guinness World Record’s “Oldest working drag queen”. Walter Cole win November 2020 Darcelle celebrated his 90th birthday and at the time still performed six shows a week at the club that bears his name. His autobiography “Just Call Me Darcelle” is available on Amazon.com.

Dame Edna Everage, (February 17, 1934- April 22, 2023) often known simply as Dame Edna, was a character created and performed by Australian comedian Barry Humphries, known for her lilac-colored (“wisteria hue”) hair and cat eyeglasses (“face furniture”); her favorite flower, the gladiolus (“gladdies”); and her boisterous greeting “Hello, Possums!” As Dame Edna, Humphries wrote several books, including an autobiography, My Gorgeous Life; appeared in several films; and hosted several television shows (on which Humphries also appeared as himself and other alter-egos).

Humphries regularly updated Edna. Starting as a drab Melbourne housewife satirizing Australian suburbia, the character adopted an increasingly outlandish wardrobe after performances in London in the 1960s, through which she grew in stature and popularity.

Edna was known for her outlandish spectacles. Humphries claimed that they were inspired by the glasses worn by Melbourne eccentric, beautician, radio broadcaster, actor and dancer Stephanie Deste, as were many other aspects of Dame Edna’s personality.

Edna described her chat-shows as “an intimate conversation between two friends, one of whom is a lot more interesting than the other”. The character was used to satirize the cult of celebrity, class snobbery, and prudishness and is often used by Humphries to poke fun at the political leaders and fashions of the times. Her exuberant persona and scathing commentary on society and celebrity, as well as her habit of treating celebrities like ordinary people (on her television shows) and ordinary people like celebrities (in her stage shows) became signatures.

In March 2012, Humphries announced that the character would be retired at the end of the current stage tour, but later in 2013 he decided to bring her back. Humphries died in April 2023, having played Edna for more than 60 years.

To all these fabulous Drag trailblazers, “Rest in Perfection”

DARCELLE XV

DAME EDNA EVERAGE

BOOK REVIEW ALWAYS OVERBOOKED

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

It was supposed to be a nice night out.

But you drove around and around looking for the restaurant and once you found it, you learned that you needed reservations. Practically before the evening started, you sensed that your food could be as cold as your date. As in “Gray Love,” edited by Nan Bauer-Maglin and Daniel E. Hood, looking for love wasn’t like this when you were younger.

You thought you’d be happy alone.

After the divorce, the funeral, the last break-up, you didn’t think a little you-time was a bad idea. And it wasn’t – but love, someone to go to the movies with or dine with or snuggle with, seems more and more appealing now. Today, though, as the forty-two essays in this book confirm and as you’ve learned, that’s easier said than done.

You want a partner, someone your age, but you fear becoming a caretaker. You like doing your own thing but having someone around to do it with would be nice. You have company but you are “without intimacy.” Or you don’t want a full-time someone but it’s scary to think about “falling off a ladder alone.”

So, you go online because, well, people don’t meet like they used to. That’s when you learn that dating sites are generally ripe with people who lie about their ages, who seem clingy or who want things you can’t give, “the Uncertain, the Angry... the Unattractive,” and – let’s be honest – jerks. Unlike real life circa 1973 or 1993, there’s nobody to vouch for singles online.

You wonder, “What would I wear?” You learn about scams the hard way, while tales of love at way-up-there-ages are inspirational. Experimenting with same sex, different sex, different race isn’t off the table, but nobody’s asked – or you did, and it was wonderful and why didn’t you do that before? Love is love. You date the wrong people, you date the right people, you’re exhausted and disappointed. And sometimes, even for a while, you’re someone’s “’sweetie.’”

According to a study quoted in “Gray Love,” about twenty-five percent of American adults live alone. If you’re one of them and open to a relationship, you need this book.

Just know that this is not a how-to manual. Editors Nan BauerMaglin and Daniel E. Hood don’t offer advice in their introduction, and most of their storytellers didn’t Ann-Landers their way into this book. Instead, you’ll read tales of dating and mating gone happily right and very, very wrong, told in ways that will make you laugh, sigh, and know that you’re not alone in your late-life search for love.

The mixture here is diverse and wide: if one tale makes you want to swear off dating forever, the next one offers Happily Ever After. Be aware that a few of the tales inside “Gray Love” flirt with the explicit and others might ruffle a feather or two. Still, it could be great to share it with a millennial or older GenZ’er, If you see this book on a bookshelf, take it out.

“Gray Love: Stories About Dating and New Relationships After 60,” edited by Nan Bauer-Maglin and Daniel E. Hood c.2023, Rutgers University Press

$24.95 / 303 pages

CANINE INFLUENCER UNLEASHES FIERCE NEW LINE OF DRAG QUEEN-INSPIRED APPAREL FOR DOGS

BY JEFF DORTA

Instagram sensation “RuPawl the Doggie Drag Queen” is launching a collection of canine clothing and accessories inspired by the queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Dubbed Doggie Drag, the fashion line features an array of stunning and flamboyant pieces that capture the essence of drag culture. “Our line of dog clothing and accessories are about celebrating individuality and selfexpression,” says, José Lizárraga founder and CEO of Doggie Drag. “Four-legged divas can shine as bright as the queens on the show. They deserve the opportunity to express their resplendence, nerve, and talent, too.”

The collection features a range of eye-catching outfits, from brightly colored feather boas to sparkling sequined dog tags and bold statement charms. Pooches can be transformed into blonde bombshells in Doggie Drag’s Queen Mutha wig. It comes with a tulle bow with metal clip and adjustable chin straps. Or they can sashay away in the Mutha of the Runway gown, an opulent tulle explosion that includes glistening silver embellishments. Dogs can rule the racetrack in a hot pink and checkered Start Your Engines jumpsuit inspired by the outfit RuPaul wore in the poster art of the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. It features color patches and crystal silver ornamentation. Or they can join the Pit (bull) Crew and serve masculine realness in their Doggie Drag Bandana.

Every piece is designed with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality, ensuring that dogs look and feel their best while strutting their sassy tails on the streets.

“Doggie Drag is fun and humorous, but it is also important,” Lizárraga continues. “We are living in a time when the drag community

is being targeted and attacked by right wing conservatives. We see Doggie Drag as a part of the effort to promote drag as a form of resistance and joy, to highlight the artistry of leading drag talent and showcase the beauty and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.”

The RuPawl phenomenon started in the spring of 2017 when Dr. Lizárraga began posting images of the little pup that he and his partner Dr. Arturo Cortez rescued from the San Francisco SPCA. Fans loved the playful and curious chihuahua, not only for their super-cute look, but for their fierce and fabulous lewks. Lil RuPawl, as the pup came to be known, lit up Instagram wearing replicas of the gowns seen on RuPaul’s Drag Race, created by their owner, Dr. Lizárraga.

Over the past few years, RuPawl has modeled Dr. Lizárraga’s canine-crafted interpretations of some of the most iconic RuPaul’s Drag Race creations including Ginger Minj’s Pop Art look from All Stars 6, a stunningly accurate rendering of Maddy Morphosis’s Rain Clowd gown, and Willow Pill’s blue strawberry gown reimagined with blue Kong chew toys. RuPawl recently wowed fans with Dr. Lizárraga’s version of Mistress Isabelle Brook’s puff gown and Sasha Colby’s gown that paid homage to Beyoncé.

RuPawl has become a staple within the drag community, even appearing in 2018’s Drag Con in Los Angeles where they met fans and interacted with stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Vanessa Vanjie Mateo couldn’t get enough of Lil RuPawl, gushing over RuPawl’s outfit and wig.

RuPawl’s social media content has gained an international following that, in addition to well-known drag artists, includes LGBTQ+ scholars, activists, and celebrities. The @RuPawl_official page has won two Webby Awards (and is currently nominated for a third), recognizing it as an important platform for socio-political issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

“We’re excited about the growth potential of the RuPawl and Doggie Drag brands,” Dr. Lizárraga says. “Drag is everyday art, but it is also the perfect way to include our loveable canines in celebratory occasions like Pride, Halloween, weddings and more. Whether you’re attending a parade or dressing up for a costume party, Doggie Drag shines the spotlight on your glam dog’s unique personality and sense of style.”

Doggie Drag couture items are currently available in small and medium sizes; however, some accessories are for dogs of all sizes. Pride items including a Rainbow gown will be available in early June.

Visit DoggieDrag.com

Follow Doggie Drag on IG and Twitter @doggiedrag

Follow RuPawl on IG, Tik Tok and Twitter @RuPawl_official

SASHA VELOUR: THE BIG REVEAL

BY JADE WISELOGLE

Last month, Sasha Velour released her debut book, “The Big Reveal: An Illustrated Manifesto of Drag”. Billed as a first-of-itskind, “spellbinding” novel, Sasha’s work thoughtfully weaves memoir, history, and theory into a living portrait of an artist and an art. Throughout the book, Sasha illuminates drag as a unique form of expression with a rich history and a revolutionary spirit as she recalls her own journey and uncovers the history of queer life around the world that made it all possible. This exciting new book highlights both Sasha’s intellect and imagination, featuring photos and her original artwork and illustrations intertwined with insightful critical theory, riveting LGBTQ+ history, memoir, and all-engrossing camp.

As a modern-day pioneer of innovative, emotive, and provocative drag aesthetics, Sasha Velour continues to raise the bar for the art of drag performance across the globe. Sasha is most notably recognized as the winner of season nine of the Emmy-nominated “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on VH1 in 2017, where her lip-sync performance to Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional” made history and was hailed as “the performance of the year” by The A.V. Club and named one of “TV’s Best Musical Moments on Television” by Entertainment Weekly. The act cleverly featured an elaborate reveal full of rose petals hidden in her gloves and wig and is now widely regarded as one of the most iconic performances in the show’s history. Ingenuity is not something new to Sasha, as her live performances have been renowned by critics as “an entirely new level of performance art” (Yahoo!) and “heart-wrenching” (Billboard). Her first one-queen drag show “Smoke & Mirrors” toured from 2019-2022 to over 80 cities around the world including sold-

out performances at the prestigious London Palladium and the Folies Bergère in Paris. Sasha’s esteemed drag show “NightGowns,” founded in 2015, has hosted some of the world’s greatest drag performers before being adapted into a docu-series directed by Sophie Muller and The Documentary Group in 2020. In 2021, the cast released two original “NightGowns” films: “NightGowns Forever,” an anthology of past shows, and “NightGowns the Musical,” an original comedy set in 1967, adapted from a live show performed Off-Broadway.

Sasha’s talents also expand beyond the drag universe, as her artist profile continues to transcend boundaries and mediums untouched by many other queens. Her studio and illustration work has been the subject of two acclaimed solo gallery shows in New York in 2014 and 2016 before being tapped by Google to draw their homepage search engine doodle of the late Marlene Dietrich in celebration of her 116th birthday in 2017. Together with her partner Johnny Velour, she also self-published and designed the art magazine “Velour,” which celebrates the art of drag through visual art, poetry, photography, and essays. Sasha frequently uses her platform to discuss politics, queer history, and LGBTQ+ issues in an educational format, having transformed her into a highly soughtafter public speaker. She has graced the stages at prestigious venues, including The Smithsonian for “The Long Conversation,” an event with thought leaders from around the world, the US Embassy in Singapore, and many distinguished universities including Purdue, The University of Illinois, the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and Columbia.

MOVIES IN THE PARK

BY MICHAEL C. GREEN

Following a successful series debut this summer, the Palm Springs Cultural Center is bringing its outdoor film series, Movies in the Park, back to the Downtown Palm Springs Park for the Spring 2023 season. The season will kick off on Wednesday, March 8th with the classic musical rom-com GIGI, starring Leslie Carron and Maurice Chevalier, directed by Vincente Minnelli.

The Summer 2022 Movies in the Park series featured three of Marilyn Monroe’s most iconic films as a celebration of the Forever Marilyn statue. The 2022-2023 season will continue screening classic comedies of the fifties and sixties, with beloved stars such as Audrey Hepburn, Doris Day, Cary Grant, and Jane Fonda, and Palm Springs icon, Marilyn Monroe.

The movies are scheduled to start at 7pm but show times will vary slightly in the late spring depending on sundown. Attendees of these free community events are encouraged to make an evening of it by enjoying downtown shops and dining before the events.

“We were delighted to see how much fun people had at the summer Movies in the Park series and we’re thrilled to continue giving back to the community with this program.” said Executive Director, Michael C. Green.

FILM SCHEDULE:

May 17 - THE GIRL CAN’T HELP IT

Starring Jayne Mansfield and Tom Ewell, featuring Little Richard

Hefty hoodlum Marty “Fats” Murdock (Edmond O’Brien) employs has-been agent Tom Miller (Tom Ewell) to transform his girlfriend, Jerri Jordan (Jayne Mansfield), into a singing star because he trusts Tom not to make a pass at her. However, the more time Tom spends with the stunning blonde, the more smitten he becomes. His troubles multiply when he realizes that Jerri can’t sing a note, is not in love with Murdock and wants to settle down with a nice man like himself.

May 31 - FUNNY FACE

Starring Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire

Dispatched on an assignment, New York City-based fashion photographer Dick Avery (Fred Astaire) is struck by the beauty of Jo Stockton (Audrey Hepburn), a shy bookstore employee he’s photographed by accident, who he believes has the potential to become a successful model. He gets Jo to go with him to France, where he snaps more pictures of her against iconic Parisian backdrops. In the process, they fall for one another, only to find hurdles in their way.

For more information visit www.psculturalcenter.org

KINDRED PRIDE FOUNDATION LAUNCHES NEW GLOBAL TRADITION:

“RED SHIRT PRIDE DAY”

BY MICHEL KHORDOC

The KindRED Pride Foundation is launching a global movement for the first Saturday of June each year where all LGBTQ+ individuals and allies wear a RED Shirt not only in celebration of Pride Month but as well as a message of “KindRED” spirit.

The link between red and Pride originated in 1991 when Disney cast members and the Central Florida LGBT Community decided to meet socially on the first Saturday in June in front of the Castle at Magic Kingdom. They wore red t-shirts as an expression of pride and to identify their “kindred spirits” since they had only met on a bulletin board and never in person.

“The KindRED Pride Foundation was inspired by the desire to expand the magic created by those who bravely participated in the original ‘Gay and Lesbian Day at Magic Kingdom,” says Alison Burgos, co-founder and Vice President of the KindRED Pride Foundation. She continues - “We want to honor the courage of the cast members who risked their careers by expressing their kindred spirits over 30 years ago and to honor all the LGBTQ+ visitors from around the world who have brought their own ‘Magic’ to Magic Kingdom each year.”

“Gay Disney” flourished and quickly grew to be one of the largest LGBTQ+ annual gatherings in the world. The growth was in part the result of the national exposure brought on by the protests of far-right groups threatening to boycott. With airplanes banners flying overhead until 2013, the LGBTQ+ community responded in droves and year after year journeyed to Disney World Resorts from around the world.

“Red is also the first color of the rainbow flag and stands as a symbol of life and passion,” says Burgos who hopes to start a yearly world-wide tradition to build connections with LGBTQ+ communities and allies around the world - a sign of solidarity for those that believe in diversity, inclusion, equality, safe expression, and kindness.

“What better way to kick off Pride Month than people around the world wearing RED as a celebration of life in all of its different colors, shapes, sizes, genders, orientations, nationalities, ages, abilities, and status,” says Tom Christ, Co-Founder and Board Member of the KindRED Pride Foundation.

Engaging that connection and firing up that grassroot outreach via social media, the KindRED Pride Foundation is inviting people throughout the world to organically join the movement by posting an

image and/or a video of themselves wearing red using the hashtags #REDshirtchallenge, #TaketheREDshirtchallenge and #RSPD.

The first Saturday of June will now be RED Shirt Pride Day Around the World!

The KindRED Pride Foundation will inaugurate its Red Shirt Campaign at the official kickoff of their very own Pride Cup. The Pride Cup is an annual LGBTQ+ multi-sport competition held during Gay Disney weekend – the first weekend in June in Orlando. With events welcoming all levels of athletes, the spirit of the competition is “Be Kind Champion” to coincide with Pride Month celebration and RED Shirt Pride Days.

More About KindRED Pride Foundation

Registration for The Pride Cup is open now. Individuals, groups, and 501(c) (3) organizations can sign up at www.thepridecup.com.

A handful of corporate sponsors are on board again this year to support The Pride Cup: NASCAR, Sonny’s BBQ, LPGA, PGA, Orlando City, Orlando Pride, Orlando Magic, Pride Radio, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Major League Soccer, Equality Florida, BlissHealth, Pineapple Health, Priority Health RX, Girls in Wonderland, One Magical Weekend, OUT Sports League, BobbyDreher.com, Hotspots Magazine, EDGE Media Network, and Gayming Magazine.

KindRED Pride Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to support the endeavors of like-minded charities for the education, promotion, and celebration of Diversity, Inclusion, Equality, Safe Expression, and Kindness. The organization is aligning with national, regional, and local non-profits who provide valuable resources to fight bullying, teen homelessness, HIV services, and legal/ business/housing services to the LGBT+ community. For more information, go to www.kindredpride.org.

LET’S GET SOAKIN’ WET WITH DJ JACE M

BY LARRY OLSEN

DJ Jace M will make his White Party Palm Springs debut this month, co-headlining the Saturday SOAKED! Pool Party at the Hilton hotel with Brazil’s Liza Rodriguez. The Miami-based DJ and producer specializes in happy, uplifting, circuit music with vocals. “I like songs people can sing along to on the dance floor. Songs that make people want to hug their dancing partner,” he explains.

He draws inspiration from many of the leading DJs from the early 2000s: luminaries like Abel, Ralphie Rosario, Tony Moran, Manny Lehman and DJ GRIND. As they did, Jace produces his own dancefloor music. He has released a slew of remixes, both by himself, and with collaborators including Toy Armada and Mauro Mozart. He released a remake of the *NSYNC favorite “Tearin’ Up My Heart” with vocals by out singer Joey Diamond and he released an original track, “We Won’t Go” with DJ Joe Gauthreaux.

His Saturday SOAKED! Pool Party at the Hilton hotel begins at 11am and continues through 7pm, with signature Ketel One cocktails, sexy go-go guys, and poolside private cabanas available, as well as daybeds with private servers. We spoke with DJ Jace M from his South Florida studio.

What special surprises do you have in store for your White Party debut?

DJ Jace M: I have been working on a lot of new material with my production buddy, Toy Armada. I’ve got a lot of new remixes, too, that I’m super excited to share.

Why is spinning Palm Springs’ White Party a huge deal?

White Party is one of the best-known festivals in the gay community. It brings people from across the globe and everyone is so happy to be together. I’ve been working hard to secure this gig!

You have had a really good year!

It has been incredible. I headlined Winter Party in Miami, Mantamar’s festival in Puerta Vallarta, CircuitMOM parties, Thots & Prayers Events and lots of clubs across the country.

Did you work in an office before becoming a full-time DJ?

I actually still do! I am a computer engineer for one of the largest software companies in the world.

What drove you into DJing?

I have been DJing for almost 25 years. I started in college and

then held a residency at Necto in Detroit for about fifteen years.

Have you found support from other DJs?

A number of my fellow DJs have helped me along in my career, whether through mentorship, recommending me for gigs, or simply working together. GSP, Dan Slater, Abel, Joe Gauthreaux, just to name a few!

What skills do DJs need in 2023 to be successful?

The most important part of being a DJ is reading your crowd. These days, anyone can download music and mix it together, but are they taking the floor on a journey? Or just mashing some songs together hoping it works well? DJs also have to be good at marketing, social media, taking the time to respond to people who interact with you… and it definitely doesn’t hurt if you have a music theory background.

What are the latest music trends?

I think we’re really seeing a shift in the type of music we hear at gay events. DJs are stepping outside of their boxes and playing different genres like house, disco, and tech house. I really welcome the change and the variety.

What special techniques do you use get people moving on the dance floor?

That’s top-secret information! (Laughing) No, but really, I just try to listen to what is going on in the music scene. I go to lots of music events, gay and straight, and I listen to other DJs to learn techniques and ideas. Then I apply what I learn on my own dance floor.

What would you say is the most rewarding part of being a DJ?

I really like to make people happy. Looking down from the DJ booth and seeing people together with their friends, dancing, and enjoying life is incredibly rewarding.

You’ve gotten a bit cheeky with your latest photo shoot (pun intended). Why was it important for you to show this side of yourself?

I have always been the DJ that thought DJs should get hired for their talent and musical abilities, so I haven’t done a lot of cheeky photoshoots. I was recently having a conversation with a friend, and we were talking about being comfortable in our own skin. I don’t have a 12 pack of abs or giant muscles, but I like my body. I’m Palestinian and my culture, like in any Middle Eastern culture, is pretty conservative when it comes to sexuality and the body. I wanted to step outside of that and embrace who I am.

What is your ultimate goal as a DJ?

I don’t have lofty goals. I simply want to make great music that brings people together.

Follow Jace M on Instagram @ JaceDJ. For tickets to the Saturday SOAKED! Pool Party at the Hilton hotel, visit WhitePartyGlobal.com

ALL PHOTOS BY STUDIO MIAMI

JOIN

THE WORLD’S LARGEST LGBTQ+ DANCE MUSIC FESTIVAL: WHITE PARTY PALM SPRINGS SET TO RETURN TO THE DESERT MAY 12 - 14, 2023

White Party Global (WPG) announces the return of White Party Palm Springs 2023. Taking place May 12-14 in Palm Springs, CA this iconic weekend attracts thousands of attendees from around the world and has become a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community. This year, the festival is being reimagined to offer a more modern, fresh, and innovative experience and features a lineup of top-tier talent and entertainment, including world-renowned DJs, live performances, and more.

“It is once again an honor to announce our 2023 events as WP Weekend moves forward into a modern and reimagined format,” says Chris Diamond, White Party Global Executive Producer. “WP 2023” has been carefully curated for all our returning attendees including

our new party guests we welcomed in 2022…As we continue to grow, we are focused on keeping up with new trends in dance music, showcasing award winning recording artists, and continuing to present new themes & specialty acts is our number one priority. It’s what our guests deserve. It truly is going to blow everyone away…See you all on the dance floor!”

Start the weekend off with a splash with the return of SOAKED, the popular pool party series, featuring an all-new stage design for the ultimate poolside party experience all weekend long. This exciting pool party series offers an unforgettable experience, complete with private lounges, thirst-quenching signature White Party drinks and

services, state-of-the-art sound and video, steamy go-go boys, and a sizzling lineup of global DJs, including Jeremy Dava (Mexico), Marti Frieson (Houston), Liza Rodriguez (Brazil), Jace M (Miami), and Nick Stracener (Dallas). Saturday’s SOAKED! party will feature a fashionable twist, with a special fashion show by White Party Palm Springs 2023 sponsor Garçon.

Friday night kicks off with a bang with “FLUIDITY”, a unique celebration that embraces and honors the vibrance and influence of the House Ballroom and Drag Scene. Designed to be a legendary night for free expression, guests are invited to come out, celebrate, and be authentically themselves. Come as you are, be who you want! The night will feature dazzling ballroom battles, drag performances and house beats by DJs Dan Slater (Australia) and Tom Stephan (U.K.), plus so much more. It’s the perfect way to kick off this unforgettable weekend.

Brace yourself for a winter wonderland at “WHITEOUT” on Saturday night. The Palm Springs Convention Center is set to be blanketed in a blizzard of epic proportions, complete with stunning state-of-the-art staging, sound, and lighting. As if that wasn’t enough,

the party will also feature chilling snow and ice FXs to help guests cool down in the desert heat. Whether you choose to stick to the traditional white dress code or go all out with a snow and ice costume fantasy, “WHITEOUT” is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Get ready to dance the night away with DJ’s Shane Marcus (USA), Mor Avrahami (Israel), and GSP (Greece) at the main event.

On Sunday, it’s time to dance and celebrate under the beautiful Palm Springs sky for the iconic, world-famous White Party T-Dance. “ORBIT” reimagines T-Dance as an extra-terrestrial spacecraft landing on the “Stranger Springs” desert floor. State of the art sound, lighting, video, and recently “abducted” White Party dancers will be on the stage all night long. As you dance and celebrate under the beautiful Palm Springs sky, the outdoor dance floor will be filled with warm breezes and hot bodies, all grooving to the beats of WP’s own “OG” DJ lineup. For the first time ever spinning together, DJs Dawna Montell, Manny Lehman, and Tony Moran will lead you through time and space, culminating in a traditional epic fireworks and video display with a final surprise that has never been seen in the Palm Springs desert. Don’t miss out on this interstellar adventure!

LOCAL NEWS

The weekend culminates in a high-energy climax with “ESCAPE”, the closing party on Sunday night. As soon as “ORBIT” ends, DJs Phil Romano (Italy) and Micky Friedmann (Germany) will take the reins and keep the beats flowing into the morning. Get ready to dance until you can dance no more at “ESCAPE”, the perfect way to cap off White Party Weekend.

Additional special guests will be unveiled within the coming months. In addition to special guests, WPG will be hosting warm up parties leading up to White Party Palm Springs 2023. To be kept up

to date on the latest announcements and new musical guests, please visit www.whitepartyglobal.com and follow us on social via Instagram and Facebook.

This year, White Party Palm Springs is powered by Garçon, Ketel One, Wet Platinum, GAY PV, Commando, KGAY, Budlight Next, Mistr, Daiquiri Dicks, and Crumble.

For all the latest information on the host hotel, weekend pass pricing, and event details, be sure to visit www.whitepartyglobal.com

MUST SEE

COMING OUT FOR LOVE FIRST U.S. LESBIAN DATING COMPETITION SHOW

BY MICHEL KHORDOC

Prolific queer filmmaker Nicole Conn (A Perfect Ending, Elena Undone, More Beautiful For Having Been Broken), through her Nicole Conn Films Global, presents Coming Out for Love (“COFL”), the new, 16-episode dating competition originally scheduled to launch in February of 2023. On May 5, 2023, exclusively at www.comingoutforlove.com, the first episode and full season teaser will be available free of charge with new episodes released weekly by subscription.

Initially scheduled to premiere on Valentine’s Day, streaming platform technical issues forced the showrunners to postpone the launch until May 5, 2023. Having simplified their streaming service and subscription models, episodes will now be available exclusively at www.comingoutforlove.com with several bundle options that vary in cost from $9.99 - $99.99. Each bundle price point offers incremental perks with insider and exclusive access and content, including the post-episode dissection talk show, Coming Out After Dark, co-hosted by COFL series host Jessica Clark and singer, comedian, and TV host Mikalah Gordon.

Conn tapped LGBTQ+ icon and activist Jessica Clark to host and co-produce the dating series. An actress in such films as True

Blood, Season of Love, ALIEN: Harvest, and A Perfect Ending, she is also known as co- owner of High Art Tattoo. “Jessica is made for this,” says Conn, “She’s our Padma Lakshmi and Cat Deeley all rolled into one. Her imprint is so strong on this series, we immediately made her a producer.”

COFL showcases sixteen queer women living together under one roof and participating in emotional and physical challenges to win weekly keys that unlock the heart of Season One’s Single, influencer and activist Amber Whittington.

The series prides itself on authentic representation of the queer community and does not shy away from, or edit out, hot button topics or highly volatile scenes, including sensitive racial conversations, racy sexual encounters, and not so “pc” moments. The format, competitions, and relationship interactions will appeal to all audiences, queer or straight. Queer visibility and representation are important for LGBTQ+ individuals to feel validated and helps challenge the toxic misconceptions and offensive stereotypes about the queer community.

Season One Single Amber Whittington is a multi-nominee for

LGBT Influencer of the Year awards and was featured in Rolling Stone Magazine as a “creator to watch” in May 2022. Whittington’s YouTube channel and her “Amber’s Closet” platform have been beacons of hope for many young queer women coming out. She boasts over 1.9M followers.

Showrunner Nicole Conn continues, “Amber is the absolute strongest first lead we could have ever imagined and everyone in America will fall in love with her.”

Conn is thrilled to finally have this series come to fruition, sharing, “We decided to risk the repercussions of delaying the premiere to guarantee we could give the audience the very best experience possible! I’ve been labeled a pioneer and am proud to have the first female-loving-female reality dating competition show make Herstory in 2023. My daughter Gabrielle and I have watched The Bachelor together faithfully for years and I always wished there were a show that represented the love her two mothers shared. For over 15 years I tried to get this show made. Finally, we have a project we’re damn proud of in its representation of a very diverse, multi-talented group of young queer women. THIS is the future of reality dating shows.”

Co-Executive Producer Brandon Amelotte says, “Coming Out For Love gives the enormous fan base of dating competition shows another fun and engaging option. These are real women opening themselves up as they explore their issues, emotions, and sexuality. Come along for this remarkable journey, you won’t be disappointed.”

The 16-episode series, from Nicole Conn Films Global in partnership with Just Jo Productions and Pelican Films, was filmed entirely on location at the Palm Palace in Palm Springs, CA and features a veritable Who’s Who of queer celebrities as judges and guests, including Sedona Prince (Oregon Ducks basketball star), Stoney Michelli Love (CEO and founder of Stuzo Clothing), Caroline Rose Giuliani (filmmaker, political activist, writer), Whitney Mixter (Showtime’s The Real L Word), Jill Osur (gender, racial and social activist, CEO Teneral Cellars wines), fashion designer Nik Kacy (founder of Equality Fashion Week ), Franco Stevens (Curve) and her wife, Jen Rainin (Ahead of the Curve), Tisha Floratos-Silano with Olivia Travel, singer/songwriter Tanerélle, and country music singer, Brooke Eden.

To learn more about the show and get access to exclusive content, please visit: comingoutforlove.com and follow the show on socials FB: @comingoutforloveshow IG @ComingOutForLove_Show

PERSPECTIVE

MEDICARE… AN EIGHT LETTER WORD

BY JILL LANGHAM

I hope that April was a good month for you all and that you are now surviving the humid days that have once again returned. I know I have commented on this in the past, but it appears to be falling on deaf ears. Why oh why are the businesses around town able to use ‘misters’ on days when the dew point is higher than the humidity, making water dense air even heavier and more humid, especially when we are being asked to save water? Can I please get an answer? It doesn’t make any sense people!

The dew point should be lower than the humidity and as soon as it switches to being higher, pilots must re-evaluate their flight plans to assure that their plane will fly properly. I can’t explain the aerodynamics to you but having been married to a pilot, I heard all about it for 13 years. When you have extra moisture in the air you absolutely don’t want to add to it. To utilize the misters properly you look both to the ground below the area as well as the furniture tops and if water if there is water accumulating then you know the reason for the use of the misters is ineffective and they should be promptly turned off. Instead, if the area is dry on the furniture and the floor below you can be rest assured that they are doing their job. It’s truly that simple. Hopefully someone is listening and will start do the right thing.

Last month I had planned to write about Medicare and taxes but decided to hold off. But after going to pick up a prescription from Ralph’s yesterday, I realized that I can now longer hold my tongue. Turning 65 meant that I was now eligible to receive Medicare benefits, or better stated, I had to enroll in Medicare benefits, or I would be fined by the government. So, like many of you, I signed up and then had to find a secondary company to supplement Medicare.

As it turns out the supplemental program that I chose does not cover any of the medications that I am on. So, I am still expected to pay a monthly fee which is bad enough, but all my prescriptions are not ones that Medicare, who does not know a thing about my state of health, covers because they don’t believe that someone over 65 needs to be on Biodentical female hormones or a natural hypothyroid medication. Instead, they would like me to get off my estradiol patch and the Armour thyroid, both of which I have been on for over 20 years!!!

I asked my pharmacist about it, and he readily agreed that Medicare is not our friend. They prefer to have us stay sick and dependent on pills that we either don’t need or whose side effects include death. I think that it is fair to say that the regime that I am on and the lifestyle that I am choosing to follow is allowing my genetic code to perform at a very high level or else I am convinced that I could not look the way that I do or have the energy that I have at 68 years old.

I believe that we are being sold the “Book of Old,” and that the expectation is that we will get sicker and less healthy with age, but I do not believe that for one minute. The more seriously that I take myself when I comes to self-care, self- love and self-help, the better I feel and the better I do. I have all the same organs as all of you even though some are in different locations and have different roles. I think the United States over-medicates everyone and it is in our best interest to be our own medical advocate.

Your Health is Your Responsibility and no one else’s!

A great friend of mine shared a story with me today about a long-term friend of his who has been on 15 medications for years. He woke up a few months ago and pronounced to the world that he was done. He went on a keto based eating plan and in 2 months lost

35 pounds and with his doctor’s approval got off all his medications and is doing and feeling fantastic. He touts having more energy than he has had in years.

It truly is up to us to take our health into our own hands! You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to be the Best Version of you and to be willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish that goal. I guarantee that you will only look and feel better while living a fuller, healthier and happier life.

But my upset is still related to the fact that the medications that have aided me so much pre-Medicare and are covered by the same insurance company that I have now are costing me 7 times more than what I paid since being forced to go on Medicare because of my age. THAT’S RIDICULOUS!

Why is this okay? I am enraged each month when I go to the pharmacy to get a refill! I want answers. I am sick of it. I have filled out the request for an exception and had to have my doctor sign off on my need for this particular brand of thyroid, complete with examples of what happened to me once I changed to the generic brand, but it did not work, and my request was denied.

I am sure that I am one of millions who are having the same issue. I would love to hear from any of you to see what can be done! I have Anthem as my supplemental insurance company. Blue Cross Blue Shield owns Anthem. I know that our government owns Medicare, but I somehow feel that all these companies are working together benefitting one another but not us, the consumers. I can only imagine what my costs would be if I had an ongoing illness that prevented me from fully taking care of myself. Between the cost of food at the grocery store and the cost of insurance and pharmaceutical’s it’s amazing that there is much left over for fun and travel. And now with the interest rates soaring once again we are really in a pickle.

Stay well and do whatever you can to stay out of the hospital!

Here’s to your Health and Happiness.

XOXO

Jill, Your Dancing Queen

ASIAN SENSATIONS CELEBRATING ASIAN ACTORS WHO DARE TO BARE

BY LARRY OLSON

As male nudity in Hollywood becomes less taboo, an increasing number of celebrities are daring to bare all on screen. This month, with the help of MrMan.com, the website that serves as an IMDB of sorts for male nudity on film and television, we are spotlighting the Asian American and Pacific Islander actors who are taking Hollywood by storm, shedding their inhibitions, and their clothes, in groundbreaking films.

BOWEN YANG

Bowen Yang is a hilarious comedian who made headlines by becoming the first-ever Chinese American cast member on Saturday Night Live. Openly gay, Bowen Yang also contributed his talents to the diverse cast of Hulu’s 2022 comedy Fire Island. Sure, he’s hilarious, but what would a trip to Fire Island be without some skin? Bowen bares his bum in backless undies while getting ready for a party with his friends in a hotel room.

DWAYNE JOHNSON

The wrestler-turned-leading man’s dashing looks can be attributed to his unique heritage. Johnson’s father, Rocky Johnson, was Black Nova Scotians and Irish while his mother was Samoan. In 2015, Dwayne closed out season one of his series, Ballers, with a nude scene that proved that he hasn’t missed a glute day at the gym.

DARREN CRISS

It may come as a surprise to some that this Glee alum has Chinese and Filipino ancestry. Criss’ boldest, and barest, performance to date can be found in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, where he plays the notorious Filipino American serial killer Andrew Cunanan. In his most revealing scene, Criss shows his smooth booty, diving into a pool nude.

WILL SHARPE

Half Japanese and all sexy, Will Sharpe wowed fans of The White Lotus with his jaw-dropping shower scene. While strategically positioned camera angles prevented a full-frontal scene, audiences were treated to an unobstructed look at his backside.

BYRON PANG

The Hong Kongese actor has proven time and time again that he is an actor with nothing to hide, going full frontal multiple times in several films! His most daring role was in 2010’s Amphetamine, where Pang played a straight swim instructor who falls in love with another man for the first time.

KEANU REEVES

Before Keanu Reeves, whose paternal grandmother is Chinese Hawaiian, was one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, leading

the Matrix and John Wick franchises, he was a daring indie star, with an early career topped by his role opposite River Phoenix in the homoerotic 1991 movie My Own Private Idaho. When asked about the backlash he faced for playing a queer character in the early 90s, Reeves responded “Get a clue, man.” He has dared to bare in several hit films.

JACKIE CHAN

The charismatic martial artist, who hails from Hong Kong, has shown his backside in five different movies - most recently in 2001’s The Accidental Spy, where he spends the entire duration of a fight scene fighting to keep himself covered.

JASON MOMOA

Standing at an imposing 6’ 4” tall, Momoa frequently pays homage to his Hawaiian heritage, posting photos in traditional Hawaiian malo on Instagram. For as little as his malo leaves to the imagination, Momoa exposed even more of himself in his starmaking turn as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones.

TONY CHIU-WAI LEUNG

These days, the Hong Kongese actor is most famous for portraying Xu Wenwu in the Marvel movie Shang-Chi and the

Legend of the Ten Rings, but Tony Chiu-Wai Leung really gave fans something to marvel at in his notorious 2007 NC-17-rated movie Lust, Caution. Directed by Ang Lee (two years after Lee’s much milder Brokeback Mountain), Chiu-Wai Leung had real sex in the erotic film. He also starred in the 1997 gay romance Happy Together.

JOEL KIM BOOSTER

Openly gay South Korean actor Joel Kim Booster became a bona fide heartthrob following his breakout role in Fire Island. Joel’s enviable physique sexes up the movie, where he leaves very little to the imagination in tiny Calvin Klein underwear.

DARREN BARNET

Finally, what would a celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islanders month be without Darren Barnet? Adorable face? Check. Effortlessly toned body? Check. Nudity? Well, there’s the problem. Barnet, whose unique looks can be attributed to his Japanese, Cherokee, Swedish, and German ancestry, is best known for his role in Netflix comedy, Never Have I Ever, but follow him on his socials for his mouthwatering thirst traps.

All scenes mentioned can be viewed in their entirety at www.MrMan.com

JANELLE MONÁE HERALDS NEW ERA WITH HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SINGLE “FLOAT”

BY MARTHA TANG

According to sources closest to Monáe, “Float” is inspired by Muhammed Ali talking shit in Zaire, 1974, Jane’s evolution, Mary Poppins’ umbrella, Aladdin’s magic carpet, Ja Morant’s flotation to the rim while dunking on his ops, Sara Elise’s ropes, excerpts from Paramahmsa Nithyananda’s talks on levitation, Raul’s toast on Dec 1, and Bruce Lee’s mighty philosophy on being “shapeless, formless,” and becoming one with your surroundings, to be like water…

“Float” – which Monáe recently teased on her hugely popular Instagram – was first heard late last year as the official anthem of ABC/ESPN’s NBA Saturday Primetime campaign, with Janelle contributing voiceover narration to promo spots highlighting the biggest matchups and stars in the league. The track will be used extensively throughout all NBA coverage through mid-March, spanning promos, Primetime matchups, in-game placement, social media, and more. Most recently, “Float” was featured in an animated piece marking Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the # 1 spot on the NBA’s alltime regular season scoring list, shared across ESPN’s socials and James’ Instagram to reach more than 275M combined followers.

Monáe celebrated her partnership with ABC/ESPN and the NBA by, appearing on ESPN’s wildly popular, NBA Today show to discuss the new single and played in 2023 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, competing as part of “Team Dwayne Wade” alongside former MLB and NFL athletes as well as rapper 21 Savage, actor Simu Liu, comedian Hasan Minhaj, Latin global music icon Nicky Jam, and others.

Janelle Monáe is without question one of the most celebrated artists of the modern era, an 8x GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, performer, and fashion icon known worldwide for her inimitable style and visionary sound. Her genre-bending debut album, THE ARCHANDROID, arrived in 2010 and immediately ascended to the top 20 on the Billboard 200 while also earning two GRAMMY® Award nominations including “Best Contemporary R&B Album” and “Best Urban/Alternative Performance” for the RIAA Gold-certified single, “Tightrope (Feat. Big Boi).”

Recently honored with the National Board of Review’s 2022 “Best Supporting Actress” Award for her role in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Monáe has received a long series of accolades and other honors, including three Critics Choice Awards, two Billboard Women In Music Awards, an NAACP Image Award, two Soul Train Awards (out of 13 nominations), an Essence Black Women in Hollywood Award, eight GRAMMY® Award nominations, and multiple nominations for BET Awards, BRIT Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards, along with many more laurels around the world.

Always an eclectic and creative visual presence, Monáe was chosen as the new face of CoverGirl in 2012, later became a spokesperson for the home audio company Sonos, and recently joined forces with Target for its “I Got The Juice” co-branded campaign for Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

KELLY CLARKSON RELEASES 10TH STUDIO ALBUM

BY ILICH MEJÍA

Grammy-winning global superstar Kelly Clarkson has unveiled double singles “mine” / “me” – the first taste of her highly anticipated tenth studio album chemistry, arriving June 23 and available for preorder now via Atlantic Records.

“Having chemistry with someone is an incredible, and overwhelming, feeling. It’s like you have no choice in the matter. You are just drawn to each other. This can be good and bad. This album takes you down every path that chemistry could lead you down.” –

Kelly Clarkson

The pair of songs perfectly compliment and contrast, showcasing the lyrical complexity featured on the project three years in the making. Soaring vocals and a mounting instrumental find Clarkson lyrically honest-as-ever on “mine,” chanting “go ahead and break my heart, that’s fine” before craving karmic retribution. Meanwhile the focus shifts inward on “me,” a triumphant anthem of self-empowerment co-written with GRAMMY-nominated rising star GAYLE. Culminating with the lyric “don’t need to need somebody when I’ve got me,” the song’s message proves equally intimate and universal.

“We decided to release ‘mine’ and ‘me’ at the same time because I didn’t want to release just one song to represent an entire album, or relationship. There are many stages of grief and loss on this album. Each

song is a different stage and emotional state.” – Kelly Clarkson

Chemistry was first announced last month alongside an exclusive Las Vegas engagement, Chemistry…an intimate night with Kelly Clarkson, opening Friday, July 28, 2023, at Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Designed exclusively for the Bakkt Theater stage, Clarkson and her longtime band will immerse fans in an intimate music experience that spans her two-decade long catalog of awardwinning hits. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.ticketmaster.com/KellyVegas

One of the most popular artists of this era, Kelly Clarkson has sold more than 25 million albums and 40 million singles worldwide. The Texas-born singer-songwriter first came to fame in 2002 as the winner of the inaugural season of American Idol and quickly became one of pop’s top singles artists, in addition to the first artist to top each of Billboard’s pop, adult contemporary, country and dance charts. chemistry marks her tenth studio album and third full-length release with Atlantic Records, following 2017’s Meaning of Life and 2021’s When Christmas Comes Around…. Meanwhile on the small screen, her multi-Emmy Award-winning daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, is currently filming its fourth season (while already picked up through 2025), and her tenure as multi-season champion coach on The Voice resumes for the show’s current 23 season.

NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC! PRESENTS NEW RELEASE NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL PROUD

BY RYAN TURRIN

NOW That’s What I Call Proud Track list:

1. Outside - George Michael

2. Don’t Stop Me Now - Queen

3. I’m Still Standing - Elton John

4. That’s What I Want - Lil Nas X

5. Whadaya Want From Me - Adam Lambert

NOW That’s What I Call Music! the world’s bestselling multipleartist album series, will be dropping a new release, NOW That’s What I Call Proud, on May 5. Proud will be released on CD and digitally, as well as on vinyl, exclusively at Target. See full track list for the below.

NOW Proud features 16 fan-favorite anthems from pop icons Sam Smith, FLETCHER, George Michael, Lil Nas X, Elton John, Kim Petras, Adam Lambert, Queen, and many more! NOW That’s What I Call Proud releases ahead of Pride month and follows on the heels of NOW’s successful launch of NOW That’s What I Call Pride in 2022.

NOW That’s What I Call Music! debuted in the U.S. in 1998, following 15 years of multi-platinum international triumph. The series has sold more than 250 million albums worldwide, topping 105 million in the U.S. alone. 68 previous releases in NOW’s numeric U.S. series have reached Billboard’s Top 10, and 19 volumes have reached Number One.

NOW That’s What I Call Music! is a joint venture from Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment. NOW and NOW That’s What I Call Music! are registered trademarks of Universal Music Group and its affiliates.

NOW That’s What I Call Music! is the soundtrack to your life, available everywhere you are.

6. Stay With Me - Sam Smith

7. Heart to Break - Kim Petras

8. Becky’s So Hot - FLETCHER

9. Let’s Have a Kiki - Scissor Sisters

10. Closer - Tegan and Sara

11. My My My! - Troye Sivan

12. Girls Like Girls - Hayley Kiyoko

13. Honey - Kehlani

14. Come to My Window - Melissa Etheridge

15. Closer to Fine - Indigo Girls

16. Constant Craving - k.d. lang

the3D’S DINE | DRINK | DANCE

RESTAURANTS

GRAND CENTRAL

160 La Plaza

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.699.7185

www.grandcentralpalmsprings.com

KOFFI NORTH (3 Additional Locations)

515 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.416.2244

www.kofficoffee.com

BOOZEHOUNDS PALM SPRINGS

2080 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.656.0067

www.boozehoundsps.com

1501 UPTOWN

1501 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.320.1501

www.1501uptown.com

TAC/QUILA

415 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.417.4471

www.tacquila.com

PS AIR BAR

611 S.Palm Canyon Dr. #22

Palm Springs CA 92262

760.327.7701

www.psairbar.com

TOWNIE BAGELS

650 E Sunny Dunes Rd #5

Palm Springs, CA 92264

760.459.4555

www.towniebagels.com

ON THE MARK

111 N Palm Canyon Dr. #155

Palm Springs CA 92262

760.832.8892

www.onthemarkpalmsprings.com

SHERMAN’S DELI & BAKERY

401 E Tahquitz Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.325.1199

www.shermansdeli.com

849

849 N Palm Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.325.8490

www.eight4nine.com

THAI SMILE PALM SPRINGS

100 South Indian Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.320.5503

www.thaismilepalmsprings.com

TRIO RESTAURANT

707 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.864.8746

www.triopalmsprings.com

THE TROPICALE

330 E Amado Road

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.866.1952

www.thetropicale.com

ZIN AMERICAN BISTRO

198 S Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA

760.322.6300

www.pszin.com

LULU CALIFORNIA BISTRO

200 S Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.327.5858

www.lulupalmsprings.com

EL MIRASOL

140 E Palm Canyon Dr.

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.323.0721

www.elmirasolrestaurants.com

RICK’S RESTAURANT

1973 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.416.0090

www.ricksrestaurant.biz

PINOCCHIO IN THE DESERT

134 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.322.3776

www.pinocchiops.com

BLACKBOOK BAR

315 E Arenas Road

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.832.8497

www.blackbookbar.com

BARS AND NIGHT CLUBS

HUNTERS NIGHTCLUB

302 East Arenas Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.323.0700

www.huntersnightclubs.com

TOUCAN’S TIKI LOUNGE

2100 North Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.416.7584

www.toucanstikilounge.com

CHILL BAR

217 E. Arenas Road

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.327.1079

www.chillbarpalmsprings.com

STREETBAR

224 E. Arenas Road

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.320.1266

www.psstreetbar.com

THE TOOL SHED

600 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.320.3299

www.toolshed-ps.com

QUADZ

200 S Indian Canyon

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.778.4326

AMP SPORTS LOUNGE

68-718 E. Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234

760.699.7090

www.ampcatcity.com

ROOST BAR LOUNGE

68718 E Palm Canyon Dr #203

Cathedral City CA 92234

760.507.8495

www.theroostcc.com

ONE ELEVEN BAR

67555 E Palm Canyon Dr A103 Cathedral City, CA 92234

760.537.3111

www.oneelevenbar.com

BARRACKS BAR

67625 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234

760.464.0957

www.barracksps.com

RUNWAY

68300 Gay Resort Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234

760.537.7800

www.runwayccbc.com

REFORMA

333 S. Palm Canyon #2 Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.902.6630

www.reformaps.com

DICK’S

301 E Arenas Road

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.327.0753

www.dicksps.com

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