The Standard Magazine

MUSIC ICON CHAKA KHAN

HEADLINES THE 2016 STEVE CHASE HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

DESERT AIDS PROJECT YEAR IN REVIEW

IBC 2016

THE BEARS HAVE LANDED

JANUARY, 2016 | VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1 | THESTANDARDPS.COM

CONTENTS VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

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Volume 4 Issue 1 NEW*

PINKIE’S CORNER PAGE 23

COVER STEVE CHASE HUMANITARIAN AWARDS 2016 HONOREES COVER SHE’S EVERY WOMAN INTERVIEW WITH CHAKA KHAN FEATURE INTERNATIONAL BEAR CONVERGENCE 2016 BEAR SIGHTINGS IN PALM SPRINGS LIFE’S A DRAG PINKIE’S CORNER

JANUARY 2016 3

COMMENTARY

The Standard Magazine 1111 Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs CA 92262 760-831-4869 Nino Eilets Publisher Luciano McNulty Editor Maya Kalabic Art Director Photographer David A. Lee

IN MEMORIAM George Zander 8/7/1944 - 12/10/2015 In loving memory of our dear friend, passionate political leader, longtime LGBT rights activist and contributor to the Standard Magazine. A tireless field organizer for statewide LGBT rights group Equality California, colleague, past chair of The Desert Stonewall Democrats and King County Democratic Party and so much more. His work to advance social justice will long be remembered. We were all so fortunate to have known this kind and wonderful man. He will be missed and loved forever.

Contributors Chris Astrala, Barry Dayton, Chris Heritage, Keith Hubner, Rich Klefsky, Lee Lynch, Dennis Mason, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Pinkie Merengue Shimmer & Ken Toth www.thestandardps.com Editorial Credits : BrandPoint, Huffington Post, LGBTQ Nation & Project Publicity 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

Staff of The Standard Magazine

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

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COVER

2016 SCHA HONOREES

BY BARRY DAYTON

The Spotlight …

Brightens a stage, a dance, a speech, a song.

It penetrates … pierces the darkness …

Illuminating the moments of our lives.

Almost since the very first AIDS diagnoses in 1981, thousands of people, businesses, organizations, foundations, and other supporters have helped D.A.P. develop from its grassroots beginnings of concerned volunteers to an organization that national leaders are holding up as a replicable model in their plans for an AIDS-free future.

Carolyn Caldwell 100 Women Award for 2016 Sponsored by Annette Bloch Carolyn Caldwell has been showing her commitment to the health and well being of our community since joining Desert Regional Medical Center as CEO in 2012. For her, AIDS is a personal matter and she feels deeply aligned

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with the mission of Desert AIDS Project, where she has been a board member for three years.

Armed with a degree in zoology and chemistry, Caldwell began her career in healthcare as a medical technologist in the early 1980s. Her best friend was a gay co-worker who tested positive in 1984 – still in the days when an AIDS diagnosis was delivered as an almost certain death sentence. Although her dear friend lived longer than many in those earliest days – losing his battle with AIDS in 2000 – Caldwell experienced at least a part of his sorrow each time another of his friends died.

Upon moving to the Coachella Valley, Caldwell quickly saw the side-by-side presence of both great wealth and great need here.

That’s why she does so much more than “just” run a 387-bed hospital with the area’s only Level II trauma center and the region’s only neonatal intensive care unit … and why the City of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission recognized her work with the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center for helping increase literacy and provide recreation opportunities for our community.

As a long-time member of the 100 Women annual giving

COVER program, benefiting the lives of women and children affected by HIV or AIDS, Caldwell is deeply committed to helping bring about an AIDS-free world. When Get Tested Coachella Valley – the nation’s first-ever, region-wide HIV testing and “treatment as prevention” initiative – was launched two years ago, Caldwell was an enthusiastic supporter. But she went a giant step further by “walking the talk” and securing an establishing $1.5 million gift for the campaign from Tenet, Desert Regional’s parent company.

Caldwell said, “All these years after my best friend’s death from AIDS, working with D.A.P. has been rewarding to me on so many levels – both personally and as a healthcare professional. And as a wife and a mother, I have been so gratified to be a part of the work of 100 Women in reaching out to women and children whose lives are affected by HIV or AIDS.” Jim Burba & Bob Hayes Partners For Life Award for 2016 Sponsored by Harbinger Pictures Although Jim Burba and Bob Hayes have been business partners for more than 15 years, they’ve been life partners for even longer. With 26 years on that score, the couple was married in 2014 on the stage of the Nokia Theatre – now Microsoft Theatre – in Los Angeles.

For the past three years, Burba and Hayes have been included on Out Magazine’s list of “20 Power Couples to Know,” which includes such luminaries as clothing designer Tom Ford and his partner, Richard Buckley; singer Sir Elton John and his husband, David Furnish; and talk show host and actor Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia di Rossi. As co-founders of the Burba Hotel Network (BHN), the enterprising couple develops and produces the world’s most prominent annual gatherings of the hotel and tourism investment community in such far-flung locales as Hong Kong, Delhi, Singapore, Los Angeles, and London.

In 2014, the first film production of their entertainment production company Burba Hayes LLC, “Space Station 76,” debuted to rave reviews at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin. Directed by Jack Plotnick, the film stars Matt Bomer, Patrick Wilson, and Liv Tyler.

Burba Hayes’ second film, “Walking Out,” starring Matt Bomer, just wrapped filming in Montana.

The couple has also co-authored a soon-to-be-published book

called Smart Partners, focusing on how to create and maintain successful partnerships—in business and in life. Based on their principles for partnering, the book covers everything from deciding if you really need—and want—a partner, to how to pick a partner whom you trust and who shares your core values. The book is chockfull of colorful anecdotes and wisdom garnered from more than two decades of experience as life and business partners.

When Burba and Hayes aren’t writing books and producing events, films, and Broadway musicals – yes, they do THAT too – they are involved in a number of global initiatives and charitable causes. BHN was founded on the principle of sharing success with the communities it serves, including Desert AIDS Project in Palm Springs where they have a home. Through BHN events and their community involvement, Burba and Hayes have contributed more than US $15 million for scholarships, education and social services organizations.

Daniel Pintauro New Generation Arts and Activism Award for 2016 Sponsored by Helene Galen Former child star Danny Pintauro – today, he prefers Daniel – proved that sometimes it’s the way we handle adversity that defines an activist.

Remaining poised and service-minded when a very private thing is made public makes the very-much-grown-up Pintauro a champion of the AIDS service community.

Although he’d already begun his professional career at age 2 as a model, then an actor in commercials at age 3, Pintauro rose to stardom with an eight-year run playing Jonathan Bower in the hit 1980s sitcom Who’s the Boss? He was a pretty popular kid, even as he went on to appear in his acclaimed film debut as Tad in Stephen King’s Cujo and had a five-year role on CBS-TV’s daytime drama As the World Turns.

While trying simply to live his life as just another college student at Stanford University, The National Enquirer said they’d out Pintauro as gay in a story that would run whether he participated in it or not. His Who’s the Boss? co-star, Judith Light, a 2008 Steve Chase honoree and long-time LGBT rights supporter, advised him to give the tabloid an interview so he would have some control over the conversation.

JANUARY 2016 7

COVER She was right. “Believe it or not, The National Enquirer did a really fantastic, heartwarming article about it,” Pintauro said. “I was shocked.” And People magazine called his confession “a beacon of light for the gay community.”

This Eagle Scout married his partner Wil Tabares in 2014 and in 2015 chose to share his private life with the public as a service to the LGBT community. He revealed on Oprah: Where Are They Now? that he’d abused crystal meth in an effort to explore his sexuality and discussed the disastrous impact the drug is having on the gay world. The kicker in the interview was his announcement that he has been HIV positive for the past 12 years.

Recognizing that crystal meth use is rampant worldwide, including right here in our back yard and among many of its own clients, D.A.P.is forming a Crystal Meth Action Team. Some of their clients have already stepped forward, willing to “stand in the spotlight” and share their stories, in order to help others who might be struggling with meth addiction. D.A.P. applauds Pintauro for his courage in sharing with the world both his HIV status and his former drug use.

Jim Casey Pioneer Arts and Activism Award for 2016 Sponsored by Eisenhower Medical Center Last, but certainly not least, among this year’s honorees is Jim Casey who is no stranger to anyone familiar with the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards in recent years. Casey co-chaired the event for seven consecutive years, from 2009-2015. His company, Integrated Wealth Management (IWM,) was presenting sponsor of the gala over that entire time, to the tune of $1.5 million – helping to raise nearly $10 million over those seven years. A good deal of that total raised was due to Casey’s personal and professional influence with individuals and companies who offered significant sponsorships to D.A.P. for many years.

Because IWM is a financial advisor and wealth manager with deep ties to the worlds of Hollywood and Broadway, Casey had access to a number of celebrities who graced the gala stage over those years, whether as emcees, award presenters, honorees, or entertainers. A particularly noteworthy year was 2012 when Joan Rivers hosted and Queen Latifah, Wynonna Judd, and Megan

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Mullally all performed. That year, in addition to locals Father Andrew Green and Karolee Sowle, and international HIV activist Hydeia Broadbent, actors Peter Gallagher and Matt Bomer were honored. Today, an online search on Bomer’s name will likely reference his coming-out as a gay man, with a long-time partner and three children, from the Steve Chase gala stage.

Two years later, as retiring board chair Curt Ringness was honored along with Terri Ketover, and David Kaplan and Glenn Ostergaard, a special “AIDS in Cinema Award” recognized the collective work of producers and directors who brought us the seminal films And the Band Played On, How to Survive a Plague, Boys on the Side, and Philadelphia.

Today, Casey continues to have feet planted firmly in both the financial and entertainment worlds. He and his partner, Kim Waltrip, have had several successes as film producers through their joint venture, Kim & Jim Productions, including “Hit & Run” starring Bradley Cooper, Dax Shepard, and Kristen Bell, and “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby” starring Jessica Chastain, James MacAvoy, and Viola Davis.

His seven-year, gala co-chair Barbara Keller, remarked “Jim Casey has been, and remains, a remarkable example of how you can combine business savvy, the performing arts, and philanthropy to really make a difference in the world. My years of working closely with him have made him a dear friend who I know can always be counted on.”

Help shine a spotlight on these honorees and others!

Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Saturday, February 6, 2016 Palm Springs Convention Center Tickets at desertAIDSproject.org or 760-992-0440

INTERVIEW

SHE’S EVERY WOMAN

CHAKA KHAN HEADLINES THE STEVE CHASE HUMANITARIAN AWARDS Ten time Grammy Award winner, Chaka Khan is a true Renaissance woman. A singer, songwriter, producer, visual artist, author, actor, philanthropist, entrepreneur, activist and mother, Chaka is an international music icon who has influenced multiple generations of artists and continues to do so. We had the opportunity to speak with Chaka about her start in the industry, some of the journeys she has been on and what she has in store for those attending this years Steve Chase Gala.

THE STANDARD: Hi Chaka, first of all let me thank you for taking time from your crazy schedule to talk to The Standard Magazine readers. So let’s get started shall we. You started your career at a young age with the amazing group Rufus, what do you remember most about that experience?

CHAKA KHAN: I learned a lot but I don’t remember exacts, what I do remember are feelings and thoughts and some of the things that irritated me or made me happy. I was the only girl in a band that professed to be very democratic, in other words we voted on all decisions. This might seem very cool but the guys always voted together and my vote sometimes did not count. It also was a very lonely experience because it was my first time being away from home for long periods of time. Travel, hotel, show, repeat. So it did get a bit tedious because it seemed like a lot of work for a ninetyminute show. But also being on stage was exhilarating and exciting at the same time.

TS: In 1978 you went solo and blew up the charts with the classic hit single “I’m Every Woman”. (The album going gold and selling over a million copies). Years later the late Whitney Houston covered that song, and I know that she sang backup on the original with you. What were your thoughts when she told you she wanted to remake the song?

CK: Yes, well I was honored that she asked. When she originally sang back up I remember her being a young and very talented singer that I had just met and was doing very well; she knocked my socks off, we became fast friends. When she said she would be doing the song as well as a video I said, Wow! It was like a tribute she wanted to pay to me.

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TS: Tell Me Something Good, Ain’t Nobody, My Funny Valentine; I’ll Be Good To you, are just a few of my favorites from you, what is your favorite song you recorded or are there more than just one?

CK: There are several, and in different genres. I have my favorite jazz songs, favorite dance songs and some that people wouldn’t expect. When I’m in the studio some of those become my favorite but

I can’t tell you which ones will become big, I’m always wrong, I’m not a hit picker (Laughs).

do. Those are the performers who day after day, year after year, get up on stage and give you a great show. And who also last in this business.

TS: In 1999 you started the Chaka Khan Foundation; what was the impetus for starting the foundation & can you please tell us a bit about it?

TS: It is evident that you love what you do. You are the recipient of countless achievements, music awards and even have had a street named after you in your native Chicago, which one of these accolades means the most to you and why?

CK: We tackle many causes but the Foundation did come about from a personal experience. When my first nephew, who I am very close with, was about 2 years old and had just begun to speak and was saying some big words for a 2 year old, we were all very excited.

Then shortly after he stopped speaking completely and would not even make eye contact with anyone. It was almost like someone had come along and stolen your child’s personality. At the time Autism was not widely documented and there was constant misdiagnoses. So we started to chronicle our journey. Found out that there was help to be had from the government and research was starting. And so we passed this information on to parents who were in similar situations. I always found myself involved with many other causes. It seemed that anything that got me upset or profoundly touched me, we would take on.

TS: You wrote an autobiography titled “Through the Fire” where you talk about the highs and lows in your life; did you find it very difficult to bear some of your soul or was it cathartic to let it out?

CK: Highs and lows, that’s a cute way of putting it, (Laughs). This was a highly cathartic for me, like a self-therapy session. However, it was not easy bearing your soul and knowing that many people will be reading things about you. It was also not easy remembering things. Something like this changes your life; it was the hardest work I’ve really ever done. There is also a sequel down the road, a lot has happened since the writing of the first one.

TS: Congratulations on celebrating your 40th anniversary in the music business. What are some of your thoughts on reaching such a tremendous milestone?

CK: Thank you. I didn’t even realize or think about it. I was on my way to the next show when someone approached me and said you know you have been doing this for 40 years. I said come on! Where does the time go? I still can’t believe it.

TS: And speaking of longevity, what kind of advice can you give any up and coming performer who is looking to make it in the music industry.

CK: To have staying power in this business you have to really love it first and foremost. It’s almost like a calling and not a job, not a paycheck.

Truly love it so it is clear that everyone knows that’s why you do what you

CK: They all mean a great deal to me. To be appreciated at any level is a beautiful thing. That’s not why I signed on for this. I never get used to this either. I am always surprised when my manager tells me that they want to acknowledge for me this way or that. I say; again!

(Laugh). I do get a little self conscious about it, believe or not I am a bit shy when it comes to these things.

TS: In February you will be performing at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala, the fundraising event of the year for the Desert AIDS Project. What are you looking forward to the most about performing in Palm Springs again?

CK: It’s been quite a while since I was last in Palm Springs. I am always honored when asked to do anything I can do for the LGBT community. I look forward to bringing a great show for this great cause.

Because I am telling you of all my audiences, the LGBT community has been the most loyal to me. They have always been behind me and I so appreciate that. Don’t really know what I have done to deserve the acknowledgement and following but am very grateful, you know.

TS: And finally, what can we expect from Ms. Khan in the next 40 years?

CK: Some Damn Good Music! (Laughs) I feel like this is my third or fourth life that I am embarking on. These last 40 years have really been a learning experience for me and now I finally have the patience to apply some of that knowledge. I think that is how I feel and where I am going. One thing that I do know for the immediate future is that the Steve Chase Gala is going to be a really great event, because every show I do now is more of an event than just a show. I want people to enjoy the gift that I have been given and able to share with them. I am going to Bring It Baby! (Laughs) I am sure you will. Thank you so very much, you have been wonderful and it has been a pleasure talking to you.

IF YOU GO Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala February 6 / 5:30 pm Palm Springs Convention Center Tickets: www.desertaidsproject.org

JANUARY 2016 11

DAP UPDATE 2015: YET ANOTHER BUSY YEAR AT D.A.P.

BY BARRY DAYTON

Desert AIDS Project ended the year by sharing this wise bit of philosophy from Winston Churchill: “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”

CEO David Brinkman elaborated on the famous statesman’s words, saying, “When we change, we change to improve. We change to improve lives, to better lives. That’s the reason we come to work each day. It’s not what we did yesterday, it’s what we can do today, to make tomorrow better for the clients that we serve.”

During 2015, Desert AIDS Project continued evolving, changing, and striving for a more perfect way to deliver care, prevention, and advocacy, not only for its patients and clients, but for the larger community as well. That progress happens each day, with the help of donors, volunteers, and other supporters. They are making it possible for D.A.P. clients to live longer, stronger lives while community partners are doing their part to help bring about that much-hoped-for “AIDSfree future” D.A.P. believes is in sight.

If you haven’t already seen D.A.P.’s 2015 Year In Review, visit www.dapyearinreview.org Further down, Financials At-A-Glance, represented by two pie charts, will show D.A.P.’s diversified revenue streams and how that income was spent.

Tight management of overhead expenses – a reason that D.A.P. regularly exceeds nonprofit industry standards for this fiscal marker of success – has won them recognition as a “Top 20 HIV/ AIDS Charity” for three, consecutive years. In addition, D.A.P. has received the highest ranking of four-star nonprofit status from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent evaluator, for five consecutive years – achieved by only 6% of charities evaluated.

Here’s a look back at just a few of those “todays” that happened at D.A.P. in 2015 …

March 16: The Dock, named because its handicapped-access ramp is near the loading dock area of the Lila & Morris Linsky Food Depot, is opened at D.A.P. as a new sexual health and wellness clinic …

Because sexually transmitted diseases are affecting the Coachella Valley at epidemic rates, D.A.P. felt it essential to establish a full-service clinic offering testing and treatment for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HPV, hepatitis, as well as HIV. Well-woman services are also available.

The Dock accepts all private insurance, as well as Medicare and Medi-Cal. Uninsured income-qualified patients can receive care at reduced costs and are not turned away for inability to pay.

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July 1: Eighteen months after the launch of Get Tested Coachella Valley, as a three-year effort to dramatically reduce the spread of HIV by testing more adolescents and adults, the nation’s first-ever, community-driven regional testing was reporting great success at its Midpoint … More than 35,000 HIV tests were reported by testing partners, in both community and clinical testing sites. Community test sites were increased by 79% overall, reflecting a 92% increase in public sites and 71% in private test sites, such as drug rehab centers.

Get Tested Early Intervention Specialists linked to care 89.9% of those testing positive, exceeding the California average of 54%, the U.S. average of 66%, and the CDC target of 80%.

August 12: In recognition of August 9-15 as National Health Center Week, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced $160 million in Affordable Care Act funding to 266 health center sites for delivery of comprehensive primary health care services in the communities that need them the most.

Desert AIDS Project was one of those sites recognized and funded as a Federally Qualified Health Center.

“This helps us continue to provide primary care, as well as HIVspecialty care, for so many in need of our medical, dental, behavioral health, and social services,” said CEO David Brinkman. “Our patients don’t have to travel from place to place to see their case manager, their doctor, and other people who can help them – it’s all under one roof here at D.A.P. That’s one of the things that really sets us apart from many other health centers.”

November 26: Volunteers and staff served Thanksgiving dinner …

Supplied by Lulu California Bistro, to more than 150 clients.

December 1: To mark World AIDS Day, CEO David Brinkman was invited back to Washington, DC, for a second time in a month, to represent our community coalition of partners regarding the success of Get Tested Coachella Valley.

Meanwhile, D.A.P. observed the day: On-campus – After rededicating its “Ribbon of Hope” that formerly hung on the building’s exterior, a full day of activities were offered, including morning and afternoon showings of the new documentary, “Desert Migration,” featuring long-time survivors of HIV, supported and partly funded by D.A.P. At the Camelot Theatres – The 2nd Annual Everyday Heroes Awards celebrated the contributions of just of few of the volunteers that help D.A.P. throughout the year. This year’s honorees included Bella Da

Ball, Kenny Jervis and Michael Crisp, Margie Lobley, and Nicholas Snow.

December 28: Chill Bar on Arenas continues their great partnership with D.A.P. and Get Tested Coachella Valley …

By hosting our community education presentation on PrEP with prominent spokesperson Damon Jacobs, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and HIV prevention specialist.

Year-Long Career Building Program In recognition that HIV, with proper care and treatment, can be managed as a chronic condition, D.A.P.’s Career Building Program continues to help clients who want to return to gainful employment or just give them a reason to make a contribution as a volunteer for a meaningful cause. As of year-end 2015, 104 program graduates are now employed, including at D.A.P. 30 have found volunteer positions 3 have found internships 3 have gone back to school D.A.P. has formed eight new business partnerships with employers like Ristretto, Progressive Care Partners, Destination PSP,

and ACE Hotel & Swim Club, among others Hosted a Client Art Show in December to showcase talent Medical Research at D.A.P. Under the direction of Dr. Steven Scheibel, D.A.P. has engaged in studies that include: The search for treatment for drug-resistant gonorrhea; A Medical Therapy Management study to determine just how well HIV-Specialized Pharmacies, such as the D.A.P. Walgreens drugstore, are doing in tightening the connections between a patient’s doctor and pharmacist; A study on HIV, aging, and the brain; Finding an antiretroviral that’s easier on the bones and kidneys; A new treatment for anal dysplasia.

If you’d like to be a part of helping Desert AIDS Project provide Care, Prevention, and Advocacy, check out why some of your friends and neighbors have already joined their Partners for Life and 100 Women annual giving programs.

To learn more about Desert AIDS Project, visit their website or find them on social media like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Google+.

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FEATURE IBC

INTERNATIONAL BEAR CONVERGENCE 2016 THE BEARS ARE COMING

International Bear Convergence (IBC) is the premier winter event for Bears & admirers in Palm Springs, California, February 4-8, 2016. This desert oasis opens its arms and welcomes you to the hip Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs to thousands of frisky, furry bears, their friends & their fans.

The four-day event will come to life with DJs, live entertainment and thousands of bears from around the globe. The last two years were hugely successful and we expect more of the same in 2016 with record-breaking attendance.

During the day kick back like a rock star and enjoy themed pool parties with music provided by world renown DJ’s at the fabulous Hard Rock pool. With multiple bars, cabanas and outdoor lounge areas you’re destined to have a fantastic day. After the sun goes down, evenings will heat up with three high-energy dance parties.

Friday night the spotlight will be a highly anticipated performance by DaddyB directly from Spain and performing for the 1st time in the US. Saturday’s main dance event will feature a live performance by the incomparable dance club diva, Kristine W. This years IBC’s pool parties & dance events will highlight several top

DJs from around the globe including: Roke Cabrera from Barcelona, Doug Jackson of Fort Lauderdale, DJ Eric Ornelas Palm Springs, DJ Callahan of Los Angeles, DJ Chub Jim of Palm Springs and Byron Bonsall from San Francisco.

IBC is the first winter weekend event hosting approximately 3,500+ bears, muscle bears, cubs, chasers, chubs and admirers in Palm Springs. This premier gay destination offers travelers top-notch nightlife, casino action, and award-winning restaurants. Known for its crystal blue skies and year-round sunshine, Palm Springs is the perfect holiday weekend destination and one of the only US cities that boasts an average temperature of 70 degrees in February.

Online registration is open now but closes January 20. After that you can purchase passes the day of the event. Proceeds go to benefiting AIDS Assistance Program and The Center Food Bank of Palm Springs.

For more info and complete weekend schedule of events and weekend pass purchase visit www.ibc-ps.com So get ready for an outrageously good time. You won’t want to miss it!

JANUARY 2016 15

Q&A

DADDYB OPENS IBC 2016 WITH A BANG

BY CHRIS ASTRALA

Giving new meaning to over night sensation, DaddyB hit the web not running but flying at super sonic speed with the infectious “I Want a Bear”.

The video went viral and the rest as they say is history.

DaddyB promises to bring fun, dance and furry sexiness to the 2016 International Bear Convergence in February with his first US performance at The Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs. We got an opportunity to talk to the charismatic performer and here is what he had to say.

Did you ever expect that your first hit would become such a huge success in the Bear community?

I know the expected, falsely-humble showbiz answer is, “No, I was completely surprised,” but the truth is, I had a strong feeling (buoyed by the feedback from some people whose professional opinions I respect greatly) that “I Want A Bear” was going to receive a lot of attention when it launched. Some negative and some positive, but attention nonetheless. I also just had this deep sense that its time had come, that the world (and not just the bear community) was ready to embrace yet another flavor of diversity: big, hairy, gay men singing and dancing joyfully, sexually, and not only without shame, but with pride, with a song that spoke to a truth people might not have heard before: that just as many men are attracted to big, hairy, seasoned men as are attracted to, as the song says, “tweezed, plucked, shaved, skinny, wannabe muscle boys,” (And don’t get me wrong, I like ALL kinds of men—it’s a curse *and* a blessing <veg>).

That said, I was still blown away at how quickly the video hit (more than 100,000 views in less than five days), how much attention it received in all the major blogs (in less than 24 hours!)—All of it. It was like being in the eye of a hurricane, and I tried both to manage it as best I could, while at the same time reminding myself to just let go and enjoy the ride, which I’m still enjoying. I knew that, even though I expected (and expect) even bigger things for the future, I would never again get to experience it for the first time.

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What was the impetus for “I Want a Bear”?

I hooked up with my co-writer, Javier León (literally), and afterward, I discovered that he was a successful pop/dance music writer, and he learned I was a professional singer, and we went from recording some English demos of his songs to deciding to write together. We were both interested in writing songs that spoke to and about bears and their admirers. We’ve finished writing 24 songs so far—not all of them are bear-centric; some of them are just sexy and fun and inclusive—and we chose “I Want A Bear” as our first release because it felt like the perfect first step: not only catchy and both seriously sexy and seriously playful, but also a great introduction to bears for people who had never heard of bears.

How did you get your start in music and what or who are some of your inspirations?

I’ve been a musician all my life, starting with piano lessons as a child, singing as a boy soprano, heavy involvement in theatre growing up, singing, dancing and choreographing in my high school

Q&A show choir (the world’s first, founded in 1958), a B.F.A. in Acting, years of professional theatre, hundreds of TV/radio commercials and album projects as a studio singer, Disney’s “Pocahontas” and “Mulan”, two cabaret cds, a stint with the gay a cappella group “The Flirtations” as understudy for the late, great Michael Callen…I’ve been fortunate to work professionally my whole life. And now, I’m an overnight success!!

As for my inspirations, I find myself inspired by artists who didn’t fit the mold, and yet, through their persistence and undeniable talent, made the rest of us expand our vision and eventually embrace and celebrate their uniqueness—some that come to mind who were formative for me are Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, Lily Tomlin— clearly I like and admire strong women!

Being DaddyB has been the first time I’ve been able to combine all of who I am as both a man and as an entertainer, which makes the reception of “I Want A Bear” all the more gratifying.

You will be performing at IBC 2016 next month, what are you looking forward to the most about that performance and what should the attendees expect?

So many things—where to begin? I think it’s my job to help get the party started, to help everyone feel welcomed and included, and to set the tone for the weekend, so I’m gonna be up there having the best time I can, dancing and singing and having fun, inviting everybody to join in. We’re doing a bunch of new songs that I can’t wait to share, and I think we’ve put together a show that is fun and sexy and professional—everything we deserve. Also, I’m based in Madrid, so I’m REALLY looking forward to singing for an audience that understands what I’m saying—LOL. I also love Palm Springs; if I hadn’t moved to Madrid, I’d have moved there, so the idea of doing my first-ever show in the States in Palm Springs, with thousands of friendly bears and their admirers, just couldn’t be more perfect.

2. On my father’s side, I’m related to a American President, and on my mother’s, to the Romanovs. I’m human perestroika.

3. Twice I’ve spoken up on airplanes and alerted the crew to something that would’ve caused a crash, had we taken off.

Apparently saved hundreds of lives, and I’m going to dine out on that karma for as long as it lasts :)

What’s next for DaddyB? I’m going to Disneyland! Seriously. And Magic Mountain!

Soon, we’ll be launching a crowd-funding campaign to finish our first album and all the music videos, and we’re in negotiations with a number of events—pride festivals, gay rodeos, gay cruises, etc.—for more performances. The best way to keep up with all that is via my website, DaddyBmusic.com. There are links to all my social media, and an option to join my newsletter and be one of my Bear Scouts.

Five things that people may not know about DaddyB are: 1.I’m enormously honored to have been the only singer asked to perform at the National Candlelight Memorial for Matthew Shepard on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

4. In 2008, I started working out, changed my eating habits, lost more than 100 lbs., had abdominoplasty, and changed my body. It’s never too late to change your life!

5. When I lived in NYC, I regularly had Thanksgiving dinner with the Rockettes. And I sometimes helped walk the camels from the Radio City Christmas Spectacular around Rockefeller Center. Best/ most surreal cardio ever.

Bonus: I’m a body worker/masseur, trained in therapeutic, sensual and erotic and tantric touch, and have shared more indescribable pleasure and deep connection with more phenomenal men than I can count. One of the many great joys of my life, being a Pleasure Activist. WOOF!

JANUARY 2016 17

KRISTINE W

KRISTINE W FEEDS THE BEARS

BY KEITH HUBNER

Serving delicious hits at the 2016 International Bear Convergence, Kristine W has long been a staple on gay dance floors, first launching into pop music in the nineties with the hit single, “Feel What You Want”.

The song climbed all the way to #1 on the dance charts, sparking a bidding war between all the major labels on who would get to sign her. MCA won and produced her first two albums, Land of the Living in 1996 and Stronger in 2000.

In 2003, with five #1s under her belt, Kristine left MCA and began releasing records on her own label. The hits haven’t stopped coming! She’s had 15 #1s and holds the world’s record for most consecutive top dance singles on Billboard. Advocate Magazine named her one of the premier artists that has helped shape gay nightlife, saying, “(Kristine) has an intensity that plays like she is a woman imitating a man impersonating a woman.”

Kristine W returns to Palm Springs on Saturday, February 6th to perform at the 2016 International Bear Convergence.

Is this your first time performing the International Bear Convergence?

Yes, I am so excited to hang with my bears!

You’ve had experience with the Bear community before, right?

Bears know how to have fun. The atmosphere is always super positive, not to mention, they are pretty gorgeous to look at! My funniest experience with bears was at a show in Florida. It was early in my career, before I knew what bears were. The promoter was screaming something to me over the sound of the DJ, something about how to greet the thousands of guys in the crowd. I couldn’t exactly hear him but I was able to catch some of the words. I proceeded to thank the audience for their support of wildlife, especially the bears.

The crowd looked at each other because no one knew what the hell I was talking about! I immediately went into the next song because their reaction was so strange to me. When I got off stage, my crew and the promoter were in tears, laughing. I was too when I found out what the promoter had been trying to tell me.

That’s hilarious!

I still laugh about it.

What can we expect at this performance?

We are working with the promoter to put together a custom show. They are still deciding what they want but I’m sure it will

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include lots of classics. I can tell already it’s going to be a great party. The producers are working hard to make sure it’s really fun.

Is it true you’re releasing a new album this year?

Yes, that’s true!

It will be your first in four years. Why the long break?

I write a lot of songs – I mean, a lot of them! - Before I choose the final ones I take to production. Oftentimes, after I produce them, I rework them and then rework them again. It’s a long process.

How has your music changed since the New & Number Ones album?

My music is constantly evolving because of so many factors.

New technology is one. The way we create and record has changed so much! The one constant is that I like to make uplifting music because I believe music is the best good medicine.

The biggest hit from your last record was “So Close To Me”.

Did you expect it to be the fan favorite?

I did. The song is about people being together, connecting faceto-face and enjoying the fabulous moments that only happen when we are with each other physically. There is so little human contact these days with all the different gadgets we all use. I knew the song would strike a chord.

Coldplay, Adele… Literally every genre of music is releasing dance mixes to the charts.

It climbed to #2 on the dance chart. What prevented it from hitting the top spot?

Aretha Franklin released her record at the same time. I don’t mind coming in second to her. She’s the queen of soul, for goodness sake.

What’s your advice to new dance artists starting out in 2016?

Fasten your seatbelt, honey; you’re in for a bumpy ride! But, that said, know that anything can happen when you love what you do and you’re doing it for the right reasons.

“Everything that I Got” and “Love Come Home” both made it into the top 5, which is not shabby, but they didn’t achieve the #1 spot like so many of your songs. Has there been a change in the dance floor?

I don’t think there has been a change in the dance floor. There is a change in the volume of club records being released. When I first started, it was mostly dance artists on the dance charts. Today, we are competing against remixes by Taylor Swift, Kanye West,

Looking back now, is there anything you would change in your career?

I never look back. I’m all about moving forward. See you at the show! (Laughing) Can’t wait to hang with the wildlife!

Are you doing anything differently with the new album?

I’m always experimenting with new sounds. I love to mix different types of styles of dance together and add live musicians to the music whenever possible.

Kristine W performs at The International Bear Convergence in Palm Springs on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at The Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs. Visit KristineW.com and ibc-ps.com for info.

February 11-21, 2016 Architectural Bus Tours Modernism Show & Sale Nightly Parties Lectures and Films Home and Garden Tours Tickets and Information

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Sponsors as of December 30, 2015. Photo by Daniel Chavkin.

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JANUARY 2016 19

BOOK REVIEW

ALWAYS OVERBOOKED…

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

As you look back over your year, there are a lot of things you notice.

You had fun – probably more than once. You had some really great meals with really great friends – also probably more than once. And in my case, there were books – definitely more than one. Over three hundred twenty, to be exact, but here are my Top Picks of 2015.

FICTION: I always loved author John Boyne’s books; in fact, “The Absolutist” is one of my Top Five Ever. But “A History of Loneliness” has to be right up there.

In this book, a priest explains his relationship with a colleague who always seems to be moved around from parish to parish. What’s wrong will slowly dawn on you, but our narrator is a little slower on the uptake. What happens will make you want to crawl into bed and cry for an hour.

In “One Night” by Eric Jerome Dickey, a woman who has nothing left to lose meets a man who has everything in life. She needs money. He decides that he needs her and they embark on a one-night stand that’s almost unbearably taught. I loved the mixture of this book: psychological, erotic, and sass.

Also tightly written is “The Magician’s

Lie” by Greer Macallister. It’s the story of a small-town sheriff who finally captures a killer who’s been on the loose for some time.

She’s a slippery one – an illusionist – and he hopes she’ll offer a confession. Instead, she tells him a story…

The sheriff doesn’t know what’s lie and what’s not – and neither will you in this wrap-you-up tale with an ending you totally won’t see coming.

Remember what it was like to be a kid?

You’ll revisit it again in “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry” by Fredrik Backman, the story of a seven-year-old who loses her grandmother. Else is precocious, Granny was her only real friend and she was somewhat of a rascal. And as proof of that, before she dies, Granny leaves Elsa with an assignment.

Part fantasy, part childhood, all charming, this book from the author of “A Man Called Ove” is a wonderful winner.

“The Hired Girl” by Laura Amy Schlitz might be found on the Young Adult section of your bookstore or library, but I definitely thought it was more of an adult novel. It’s the story of a teenager who leaves her family because her father is abusive, and she moves to Baltimore to become a housemaid. It’s 1911, she’s Catholic, but her new employers are Jewish and the learning curve is steep.

There’s adventure, heartbreak, romance, and history here – and yes, you can still share it with your favorite teen…

NON-FICTION You may find “Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania” by Erik Larson on other Best Of lists this year, for a reason. This is a historical account of the sinking of a ship but there’s more: Larson is known to tease a story out, adding small side notes and spinning off in ways that enhance the tale he’s telling. That makes for a fascinating, heart-pounding true account you won’t want to put down.

“Bobby Wonderful: An Imperfect Son Buries His Parents” by Bob Morris made me laugh, and it made me cry a small creek. It’s the story of Morris’ mother, her life and her death, and the relationships she had with her family. It’s also a gay man’s love letter to his very supportive Mom, and it definitely lives up to its name: it’s wonderful.

Though it may sound odd, “Rain: A Natural and Cultural History” by Cynthia Barnett put me in a good mood when I read it – maybe because it was as refreshing as its subject. Here, Barnett writes about all aspects of that stuff that falls from the sky – historically, culturally, and meteorologically speaking – and she sprinkles readers with facts, disasters, and sunshine. This book simply

made me happy, which is why it’s on this list.

As a lover of All Things Scandalous, I found “Good Mourning: A Memoir” by Elizabeth Meyer with Caitlin Moscatello to be absolutely delicious. After Meyer lost her father, a highpowered lawyer, she realized that she was rather fascinated with death, just a little bit. So she marched into one of Manhattan’s premiere funeral homes, asked for a job, and ended up being a funeral planner (think: services that are anything but dead). I loved this book for its behind-the-scenes peeks, and for the tales that only an insider can tell.

There’s a TIE for the last slot on this non-fiction list: I loved “Rosemary” by Kate Clifford Larson for its jaw-dropping look at history, the Kennedys, and power gone wrong. I also couldn’t put down “Lights Out”

by Ted Koppel, a cautionary, scare-thedaylights-out-of-you book on what could happen if terrorists attack our electric grid and Internet infrastructure.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS If you ever had an imaginary friend, then “The Imaginary” by A.F. Harrold, illustrated by Emily Gravett is a book to read – or to give to your 9-to-12-year-old.

It’s the story of a little girl who, of course, has an imaginary friend she loves. But one day, they come to realize that the imaginary

friend isn’t the only imaginary around – and the newcomer could mean danger. This is an adventurous book with a hint of thrill and a sweet ending that adults and kids will love.

I loved, loved, loved “Spelled” by Betsy Schow, a fairy-tale-ish book that’s part Cinderella, part Wizard of Oz. It’s the story of a spoiled princess whose parents have sheltered her, and who’ve also chosen her new husband. Problem is, she doesn’t want a husband and when she throws a Royal Fit, all spell breaks loose. This is a great youngadult book, but it’s one that grown-ups will get a kick out of, too. Pay close attention to the language, and you’ll be captivated.

And finally, “Lillian’s Right to Vote”

by Jonah Winter & Shane W. Evans really captured my attention this year. It’s a picture book that tells the story of an elderly woman and the first time she steps up to cast a vote.

As she travels to the polling place, every step reminds her of the steps taken by others so she can exercise a privilege that others didn’t always have.

And there you are – books for you, books for your family, the best books I’ve read in the past twelve months. Pick them up.

You won’t be sorry.

Happy Reading!

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LIFE IS A DRAG

PINKIE’S CORNER

BY PINKIE MERINGUE SHIMMER

Happy January 2016 all of you Fabulous, Wonderful & Amazing people out there and welcome to the first installment of “Pinkie’s Corner” Let’s get this year started out right. Well if you are in the beautiful city of Palm Springs you are sure to know a drag queen or two or three.

You know you just know when one of us is nearby. Part of the fun of drag is going out and about with your daily routine and that moment when someone spots you as a boy and says “You know what? I think you might just be a drag queen!” It’s a lot of fun when that happens.

Just know that we don’t bite, that is unless you want us too.

We are a friendly bunch. Over the course of my column I hope to educate you a little about the world of drag in Palm Springs. We are all a very integral part of fabric of life that makes Palm Springs the wonderful place that it is. We add a lot of color to the community here in the Desert.

So you ask “Where can I find a drag queen?” Well honey you can find us all over town. I’ll bet one of is walking down Palm Canyon as we speak, BUT we may be moving about Town as our “boyself “ or our alter ego. You just never know. Here in Palm Springs we have the highest per capita population of drag queens in the universe. Yes right here in Palm Springs.

In our beautiful desert oasis there are several different groups of drag queens. We all come from different backgrounds, different ways of doing things, different races, different beliefs. We are each different and we each have something that is unique to make us who we are. Even though we are all different we all have the same vision and same goal. We want to make you smile, to laugh to bring joy. We want to connect with you and to brighten your day even if it is only for a moment. That connection with our audience, weather it is one person or a thousand, if we are able to lift someone’s spirit then we ourselves are happy. That connection with you, our audience, our friends makes everything that it takes to transform into our alter ego worth it.

So as we enter this brand new year. Be kind to one another and celebrate the drag performers in your life. We are more than just boys in a dress. We are your friends, your neighbors, your family and your entertainment. Many of us go beyond the show and we are an integral part of the community as we contribute hundreds of volunteer hours every year. Which is a whole other story for another day.

If you have questions about drag in Palm Springs or if you have comments on this or future columns, please contact me at pinkiemeringue@yahoo.com Love and Light

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JANUARY 2016 25

PSP FOCUS

30TH ANNUAL SOUTHWEST ARTS FESTIVAL

The Southwest Arts Festival, Indio 2016, which takes place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California from Friday, January 29 through Sunday, January 31, 2016, will feature traditional, contemporary, and abstract fine works of art by more than 250 acclaimed artists.

One of the area’s largest and longest running juried art festivals, submissions will be judged in the categories of clay, drawing, glass, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textile, and other arts. Highly accomplished artists from around the country relish this opportunity to showcase their finest work at the spectacular outdoor venue, and their backgrounds and techniques are as varied and interesting as their extraordinary artwork.

Painters comprise a large number of artists exhibiting at the 30th annual Southwest Arts Festival, including two Los Angeles area artists with ties to the City’s ubiquitous film industry. The work of Los Angeles artist Stephen Schubert, a former actor and film lover whose abstracts on birch panels vibrate with great depth of color and surprising imagery, was prominently featured in the Steve Carrell film “Dinner for Schmucks.” David Palmer, a Pasadena-based artist who combines the vocabulary of Pop Art with an Italian Renaissance sensibility to

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create works reminiscent of aging frescoes and peeling billboards, has also created digital effects for more than a dozen feature films, including Spider-Man 3 and the first Harry Potter movie.

East of Los Angeles, Elaine Trei uses watercolors and oils to showcase her love of nature and color, creating intensely colorful, engaging and slightly impressionistic paintings at her studio in Big Bear Lake. The works of plein air artists and La Quinta, CA residents Diane McClary and Silvio Silvestri have been influenced by their studies with other painters. McClary, who trained with the brilliant Russian impressionist Sergei Bongart, focuses on the color of the light that she sees in the scene to create landscapes, still life and figurative studies. Silvestri, the descendant of a long linage of artists, minored in art during college and began winning awards for his paintings in the early 1990s after studying with a number of prominent painters. Terry Sauve of Sebastopol, CA painted “for the joy of it” for most of her life until formal training at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco helped hone her craft of landscape painting by studying with some of the area’s best painters.

“The Southwest Arts Festival continues to attract top artists from

PSP FOCUS around the country,” stated Joshua Bonner, President/CEO of the Indio Chamber Commerce. “Last year it was ranked as one of the top 100 events in North America, thanks in large part to the quality of art we display. Every year hundreds of artists apply for the show, and only the very best are accepted.”

Returning from Utah is artist Sue Kroll, who primarily created acrylic paintings until she discovered her newest passion, Scratch Board Art, which offers a promise of detail that is difficult to achieve with paint. The jewelry art of Palm Desert, CA resident Gunn Trigere has also undergone a transition over the years, from sterling silver and hand-wrought pieces that were made to be worn, to colorful glass “wall jewelry” big enough to hang on a wall or rest on a stand or an easel. California Central Coast artist Georganna Dean, whose stunning photograph “Agave Temple” was selected as the signature poster of the 2016 Festival, converted from a traditional “wet” darkroom to digital photography and printing in 2000.

Artist Richard Curtner of Cathedral City, CA uses an X-Acto knife to cut colors, words and phrases from high quality magazines, which he carefully glues together and varnishes to create detailed collages. Former biologist Mark Doolittle works with hand tools at his studio in Joshua Tree, CA to intricately carve gourds, exotic hardwoods and burls from around the world into unique designs, and life-long woodworker Walter Wogee builds beautiful ergonomic rockers – each a unique piece of functional art – and other furniture at his home in Sky Forest, CA. These artists and many more will be featured at the Southwest Arts Festival, which the American Bus Association named one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2015. New this year is the addition of the popular Objet Trouvé Found Art Festival, representing an artistic style that uses everyday objects and ‘found’ materials to create stimulating visual displays. In addition to the art exhibition and sale, the Festival will also feature a variety of al fresco dining options and entertainment by talented local jazz musicians. The Desert Sun and CBS Local 2 are Title Sponsors of the event.

The three-day family friendly festival will be open from 10 AM – 5 PM daily, and admission is Seniors – $8, General – $10, ThreeDay Pass – $12, and Children 14 & under – Free. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling the Indio Visitors Bureau at 760347-0676.

For more information visit www.southwestartsfest.com

JANUARY 2016 27

FOUR DAYS OF POOL PARTIES, DANCE EVENTS AND WOOFY MEN!

Hosted at the Hard Rock Hotel FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 6

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 6

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5

Weekend Passes & Room Reservations at www.ibc-ps.com

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PSP FOCUS COPA PALM SPRINGS PRESENTS FRENCHIE DAVIS AND MELINDA DOOLITTLE Broadway powerhouse Frenchie Davis and American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle bring their soulful and powerful vocals to Copa Palm Springs for a couple of great evenings of music on Jan 16 & 17 and Jan 22 & 23 respectively.

FRENCHIE DAVIS Songbird Frenchie Davis started her musical journey performing in plays throughout her school years, eventually auditioning for Season 2 of American Idol. She moved on to join the Broadway casts of “Rent” and “Dreamgirls”, leading to four years on Broadway, eventually earning a Grammy-nomination for her involvement in the revival of “Ain’t Misbehavin’”.

Recently, she joined Team Christina on NBC’s “The Voice”, becoming one of the Top Four Finalists.

“I want to live my life to inspire people to be brave and courageous,” says Frenchie, “to believe in themselves and never take no for answer.”

MELINDA DOOLITTLE Melinda Doolittle became a household name on season six of American Idol, and continues to thrill audiences with her powerhouse vocals and charm.

The New York Times hailed Melinda as one of the most “phenomenally gifted” singers in years.

Tone deaf as a child, Melinda’s choir teacher would plead with her not to sing, but just silently move her mouth. Undaunted, her love of singing drove her to enter a talent show in the 7th grade, and after much practice and prayer, she stunned the audience with her miraculously spot-on vocals and beautiful voice. She never looked back!

Frenchie Davis I January 16 at 8PM and January 17 at 7:30PM Melinda Doolittle I January 22 and 23 at 8PM Tickets are available at CopaPalmSprings.com or by calling 760.322.3554 Copa is located at 244 E. Amado Road Palm Springs.

JANUARY 2016 29

LEGALLY SPEAKING

CAN WE LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER?

BY CHRISTOPHER HERITAGE

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling supporting same-sex marriage in June, 2015 marked truly exciting progress toward equality for millions of LGTB residents across the country. Our celebrations were joyful and filled with a vision of many more future successes. Life was looking great.

So where are we now as we move into the New Year? In California, we are light years ahead of where we were 20 years ago, but still running like mad to keep up with our dreams. Our progress toward full legal equality in all the other areas of life takes huge energy, and preserving our gains takes even more. Let’s look at some of the gains we’ve made since the marriage ruling, and take quick stock of what remains to be done.

NEW CALIFORNIA LAWS Collecting LGBT Demographic Data: Four state agencies (Departments of Health Care Services, Public Health, Social Services and Aging) will be required to start collecting demographic data on gender identity and sexual orientation by July 1, 2018.

For the first time, it will be possible to collect data that can identify health care and social disparities experienced by LGBT residents, and work toward systems and programs that better meet their needs.

Cap on Cost of Single 30-Day Prescriptions: Beginning January 1, 2017, Health Plans must cap out-of-pocket costs for such prescriptions at $250, and may not place most or all drugs that treat a specific condition in the highest cost tiers of their Plans. This will be especially important for Californians with HIV/AIDS, cancer, hepatitis, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis or other serious chronic conditions.

Transgender Health Care Coverage: Requires contractors doing business with state agencies to offer the same healthcare coverage as they offer to all other workers.

Hate Crimes Protection: Existing law covers gender violence and permits a victim to bring a civil action for damages against any responsible party. The new law expands the definition of gender

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violence to include violence committed at least in part based on the sexual orientation of the victim, and clarifies that the term “gender” includes a person’s gender identity and gender expression.

Banning Use of “Gay-Panic” Defense in Homicide Cases: Outlaws attempting to reduce homicide charges to manslaughter or lesser charges because the defendant was “panicked” into killing another person upon realizing their sexual orientation, gender identity, or trans status. Makes clear that gender identity and/or sexual orientation are never excuses for murder.

California Energy Commission Grants or Loans: Recipients of such loans are now required to increase procurement from minorityowned business enterprises, including those run by LGBT individuals.

This will create green economy relationships between the energy industry and minority businesses.

Protection for Families Using Assisted Reproduction Methods: Changes current law to provide that unmarried couples using assisted reproduction to become parents are recognized as such on the same terms as married parents from the moment their child is born. It provides clear direction for how egg donors are to be treated under the law, and removes the requirement in the Family Code that couples must involve a doctor when using assisted reproduction in order to ensure that the donor is not a parent.

The Modern Family Act: Establishes a statutory form to clarify and protect the rights of sperm donors and parents who work with them; clearly specifies financial responsibility for the medical costs incurred by surrogate parents and their newborns; and streamlines the adoption process for parents that meet certain criteria, including waiving some fees and making the process easier for families that include same-sex couples and transgender parents.

Teacher Training: Requires creation of a training program to help teachers combat bullying, and identify and support LGBT youth who are coming out, or being targeted by other students. It will help foster a safe and inclusive learning environment for these at-risk students.

School Suspensions and Expulsions: The vague charge of “willful defiance” is prohibited. The charge refers to no particular infraction, and has historically targeted students of color and LGBTQ students. This law will make school discipline processes more transparent and equitable.

Healthcare Workers Training: Requires that sexual orientation and gender identity are incorporated into existing cultural competency training for medical providers. This will reduce misinformation and enhance the quality of care received by the LGBT community.

The California Healthy Youth Act: Sexual health education is now required for students in grades 7 to 12, and must provide medically accurate and age-appropriate instruction on LGBT youth and families, and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, HIV and pregnancy.

Gender Identity in Foster Care: Critical protections are now in place for transgender youth in California’s foster care system.

These youth, and those who identify as transgender, are at risk for homelessness, depression, bullying and suicide, and they face serious challenges when placed in foster care, especially if they are placed in homes that are more hostile than the ones they left. The new law will ensure that transgender youth are given the consideration, care and safety provided by placement in affirming and non-traumatizing homes.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? In California, we have been leading the country in legislation supporting the LGBT community, and we will continue our work to bring full equality to every aspect of our lives. But there is a greater task in front of us. 31 states still do not have non-discrimination laws that prohibit discrimination in employment, housing and the public marketplace. There is no uniform federal law to protect and ensure the equality of LGBT families and individuals in these areas. Millions of people remain at the mercy of those who choose to discriminate against them. It is time to roll up our sleeves and jump in to help. We can join with the many organizations that are devoted to LGBT issues and work toward federal and state legislation for equality across the country. We can help make “happily ever after” really happen.

This article is part of an ongoing series of articles pertaining to legal issues relevant to the LGBT community, and is intended for general information purposes only – not legal advice. Christopher Heritage is an attorney in Palm Springs and San Diego, who focuses on LGBT estate planning, domestic partnerships, same-sex marriage, probate, trust administration, and bankruptcy. He welcomes questions and comments and can be contacted at 760-325-2020 or at chris@heritagelegal.com

JANUARY 2016 31

Great HIV care is just a part of what you’ll find at D.A.P.

Photo by Gregg Felsen

Our passion is Your Wellness We offer a newly remodeled HIV-specialty and primary care clinic, dental clinic, sexual health services at

Desert AIDS Project accepts IEHP, Desert Oasis HMOs and PPOs, various

The Dock, cancer screenings and treatment through our Annette Bloch Cancer Care Center, a full range of mental health and addiction recovery services, and so much more – creating a “medical home” for our patients.

Covered California plans, Medicare, and private pay insurance plans. If you have another PPO or HMO, please check with your plan administrator.

And it all happens under one roof! That’s what makes D.A.P. a national model for holistic-care-done-right.

To schedule an appointment,

D.A.P. has been designated as a Top 20 HIV/AIDS Charity for two consecutive years and received Four Star Status for four consecutive years from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator – a distinction achieved by only 7% of all nonprofits they rank.

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call 760.323.2118

desertAIDSproject.org

FITNESS

NUTRITION IS YOUR HEALTH FOUNDATION

BY DENNIS MASON, BFA, CPT

Of all the elements involved with health and fitness training, nutrition is the most important part. In spite of this fact, many people pay more attention to working out and supplementation than the quality of the food they eat. When designing a total fitness program for my clients, I include progressive positive changes in meal planning as well as the actual exercise routines. Here are a few tips to help you start or restart a fitness and wellness program.

One primary method of implementation is to make changes in various aspects of your daily life slowly. If you try to make all the changes at once, you will certainly fall short of achieving your fitness goals. The reason is that your body doesn’t like to make changes quickly, nor does it like to deal with too many changes all at once.

The best way to make constructive changes is by taking them one at a time over an extended period, so that you can successfully develop new and improved lifestyle habits.

Another helpful tip for my clients is to encourage them into making notes in a training journal as to the different foods they eat on a day-by-day basis. That way they will actually see what has gone into the body; otherwise eating will become just “entertainment for the taste buds” rather than beneficial for health and disease prevention. Proper nutrition represents about 70% of your success while exercise amounts to only about 30%. Therefore, nutrition must become the main focus of your day.

Another good tip in the beginning is to start reducing and eventually eliminating foods that are actually counterproductive to your goals. Chief among those edible treats are French fries, pizza and chips of all kinds. It’s not that you can never have some again, just refrain from eating them for now, while you are setting sail on a new and healthier way of life. Think of it as trying to reconstruct your body.

As you progress, you will be able to drop other toxins to your operating system. They might include, sugars and other foods that break down quickly into sugar. See, the simpler and less complex the carbohydrate is, the quicker it will revert to sugar. And, understand that sugar is a drug…like cocaine. It is extremely addictive and a drug that is very destructive to the body. Complex carbohydrates, like oatmeal or yams, break down slowly in the body and are used for energy. Simple carbs like pizza crust, refined flour and processed pasta, break down to sugar quickly and stimulate a rapid increase in our insulin production. The result is a rapid drop in energy and an

increase in new body fat growth.

Getting yourself into shape is not about working out at the biggest or fanciest gym in town; it’s about developing the level of discipline, determination and dedication that you put into your work that makes the difference. Focus is paramount! That’s why I specialize in working with trainees who seriously want to make a big change in their life for whatever the reason; be it health, athletic performance, post physical therapy and so on. The client/coach relationship is a very close one, beyond that of just a “trainer”. So, if you really want to make a significant change in your appearance, health, and a robust lifestyle, I do have openings at this time. My professional career spans four decades and I can give you the results you want. Got questions or want more information? Contact me from the listings below.

Dennis is a certified Personal Trainer and Master Fitness Coach with over 40 years’ experience. NPC bodybuilding competitor, charity cyclist, health and fitness motivational speaker and author. Body Sculpting - Nutritional Guidance - Aquatics & Post Rehab Conditioning Web: www.dennismasonfitness.com Email: dennis@dennismasonfitness.com Phone: 760-219-5877 Home Base: WORLD GYM PALM SPRINGS. Please join Dennis on his Internet radio program, FITNESS & MORE, on demand at: www.BlogTalkRadio.com/FitnessAndMore Also on Facebook and Twitter as fitnessradio.

JANUARY 2016 33

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WELLNESS

2015 THE END OF STRUGGLE?

BY DR. KENNETH TOTH, BA, MAT, DC, RN

There were many, many…no, countless…sighs of relief and tears of joy shed by the LGBT community following the monumental decision of the US Supreme Court on gay marriage. Overnight, the institution of marriage became a right of all LGBT people in the United States, no matter what state they might reside in. As we all know, this was a landmark decision in basic human and civil rights for all!

However, the struggles of the LGBT community are far from over. As a nation, we have cleared a monumental hurdle, with special thanks and gratitude to Justice Kennedy for standing up for the correct side of history as well as basic human and civil rights.

But, many problems and impediments continue to remain on the landscape of civil and human rights for the community. Personally, the outpouring of public support and recognition of the Court’s decision by a great many people around the country, both straight and gay, have astounded me. But, I have also been disappointed and saddened by the great numbers of people, both ordinary as well as influential, who continue to hold onto their medieval attitudes specifically towards LGBT folks of this great country in spite of the Court’s ruling.

It seems that most of the haters, the bigots, the segregationists, and the religious misfits are still at work proclaiming, and trying to keep, their gay version of a special Jim Crow agenda for the LGBT community: that of constraining, containing, and eliminating civil and human rights for all LGBT folks, using their co-opted version of Christianity to justify their hate and bigotry. They don’t even seem to be able to respect the ultimate decision of the Supreme Court of the United States.

It is doubly disappointing to see so many GOP candidates for the presidency stand up before millions of people and display their continuing ignorance and utter disgust for LGBT folks as they pander for votes by promising to reverse the Supreme Court decision (really?) as well as any other legal protections in place for the LGBT community.

Thankfully, there seems to be some movement toward employment protection from sexual orientation profiling by employers who, in thirty-three states, can still fire an LGBT person for merely suspecting her/him to be LGBT. Thus, the couple that is happily married on Saturday can still be fired on Monday, and the employer can make it stick. On top of that, there still continues to be other profiling such as in health care, which is the last place where this kind of discrimination should be found.

Versions of the recent county clerk scenario are still being played out in many other arenas to a greater or lesser degree,

and many legally married LGBT couples are still finding it necessary when traveling to haul along their medical power of attorney papers, marriage licenses, etc., to back up their legal claims to the medical rights of spouses. And some religious nut job clerics are still claiming their fleeting celebrity status by decrying LGBT folks as unnatural animals that need to be rounded up, incarcerated, and yes, even exterminated, exactly like some of those extremists in other parts of the world who desire to rule by UNdemocratic religious despotism.

The LGBT struggle for across-the-board equality has really just begun.

Dr. Kenneth Toth, BA, MAT, DC, RN, CPT holds multiple degrees and credentials as a Science Educator, Chiropractor, Registered Nurse, and Personal Trainer.

He is currently limiting his professional activities to PERSONAL TRAINING / Nutritional Coaching, and is accepting new clients exclusively at WORLD GYM PALM SPRINGS. You may contact Dr. Ken at 949-235-9408.

For more information on Dr. Ken’s results-producing approach to personal training, please visit his website at KenTothFitness.com.

JANUARY 2016 35

THE AMAZON TRAIL

FESTIVE FLAMINGOS

BY LEE LYNCH

We always have something, perhaps just one thing, in common with others.

That thought struck me as one of our neighbors invited us to stop by and see his Christmas flamingos. Who would have guessed that this perfectly straight guy, married to a woman, always puttering in his workroom, not only collected flamingo paraphernalia, but also had a collection extensive enough to sort seasonally. He’d seen the neon flamingo in our window, though, and our three front yard flamingos (two pink, one brown), and maybe the flamingo crossing sign hanging in our garage. In any case, and unexpectedly, we have the amazing pink birds in common.

These commonalities usually come as a shock. If someone had told me, back in the radical, separatist, feminist, lesbian good old days, that I would be oohing and ahhing every December over a lighted holiday boat parade with a group of dykes that included highlyskilled professionals: wildlife biologist, teachers, lawyer, city planner, published writers, librarian, nurse, and banker—I would have rolled

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my eyes and said, “Oh, sure.” We had our affection preference in common, but we weren’t there to hoist rainbow flags, we wanted to see the pretty boats go around in circles in the rain. Silly saps.

At no time has it been more clear to me than now, with my arm in a sling, how very much humans have in common with one another.

I’m suddenly a magnet. Yesterday a neighbor repeatedly jabbed a finger toward my arm and sputtered until she could get the question out: “What happened?” People who have never before initiated conversations with me inevitably want to talk about their own rotator cuff surgery, or their cousin’s, or their childhood broken arm, or their fear of a long, difficult rehabilitation. Others boast that they prefer living with the pain. The sight of a sling must bring out the kinship of human frailty.

Now and then I have lunch with a group of women. Within that group is a smaller one: the rebels. Somehow we recognized in one another a tendency to stray from the norm. As we get acquainted we confirm this more and more, collectively renouncing organized

religion, traditional women’s roles, retirement hobbies and catch as catch can work. We’re still revealing our herstories: the Utah gay activist, the vegan tai chi instructor, the oboe player, and the animal activist. We love to misbehave, white hair or not, and, always the rule breakers, the progressives, we revel in our various othernesses.

There’s a human need to find bonds no matter how tenuous. I first recognized it in my mother, a Boston expat in New York City. You would have thought she’d moved to Lapland or, at the least, Marfa, Texas. She watched for Massachusetts license plates, was thrilled to meet others with New England accents, and thought anyplace south of Rhode Island was Sin City. Never mind the evils of burlesque-mad Scolley Square in its heyday. Now I, too, am ebullient to find people from my home state who’ve settled out west.

Fox News may be Big Brother’s elevator music, but even the neighbor who sings the abysmal Fox lyrics likes to take his daily walk through the neighborhood during the sun’s brief late afternoon appearance, the same time I prefer to walk. After one of his scrofulous anti-Obama remarks I could only stare at him literally open-mouthed. Now this scruffy little dyke and the towering bigot exchange wary smiles and consistently joke about something we all share: the weather.

The woman who moved in down the way is a housewife and mother from Montana. She’s completely foreign to me in terms of geography, lifestyle, you name it. One day she stopped to see why I was staring at a tree. When I told her I was trying to identify a bird, she joined me and we took turns naming possible species, confirming markings, sharing what we could remember. Next time I see her I’ll let her know it was a Ruby-crowned kinglet. We may have nothing else to tie us together, but we can talk birds.

And lights. She thanked my sweetheart and me for decorating one of our small fir trees with fairy lights. As the holiday decorations spread from the boat parade across town to our hilltop, we residents admire them and reveal how disappointed we are each year when they come down. I was pleased to find I’m not the only one to find comfort in the lights. Apparently, so were the neighbors, because by golly, if this year it didn’t turn out that there are more lights up than ever.

No matter our sometimes-wide differences, the bigots and birders, the flamingo and lighted fleet enthusiasts, the rebels and the relocated, we all enjoy connections. We have a need to touch what binds us through our layers of difference. And what binds us is always there.

JANUARY 2016 37

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EPICUREAN

FLAVOR, FITNESS & FROZEN: CAN THEY WORK TOGETHER? A common complaint among individuals who exercise frequently is the difficulty of balancing good nutrition with delicious flavor. These attributes are too often seen as opposing, with one unfortunately getting sacrificed. But what people may not realize is that there is a valuable resource in your local grocery store that successfully balances these important elements: the frozen food aisle.

A ‘FITTER’ FROZEN FOOD CHECKLIST The frozen food aisle is being reinvented, pushing boundaries to meet health needs without compromising on taste or convenience.

New options incorporating ethnic spices and bold flavors, as well as “modern health” offerings such as gluten-free and high protein products, are changing the dynamic of the grocery store. But how does one incorporate frozen foods and maintain a healthy diet to fuel performance? The key is to look for items that meet your nutritional needs while using culinary cooking techniques and simple ingredients to deliver on great flavor. Below is a checklist of what to look for: 1. Track what counts: Ensure your selections are sufficient in protein and fiber with appropriate levels of other key nutrients.

Extra time spent in the gym means additional opportunities to build lean muscle. * Stouffer’s Fit Kitchen entrees all offer 25 grams of protein or more, balanced with whole grains, and colorful vegetables. The Fit Kitchen Cilantro Lime Chicken has a fresh Southwestern taste combining herbs with the tanginess of lime while delivering 27 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat, and 7 grams of fiber.

2. Keep an eye for simplicity: When seeking out frozen meal options, look for products that are easy to prepare and utilize simple, recognizable ingredients. But don’t be intimidated by every word that’s not part of your daily vocabulary. Ingredients like enzymes (required to make cheese) or citric acid (found in oranges) are safe for consumption and are part of our everyday lives - just not part of your typical water cooler conversation.

3. Pit stop in produce: Frozen foods are versatile, quick to prepare, and can easily be rounded out with fresh fruits and veggies to help you stay fuller, longer. There are many outstanding frozen fruit vegetable options that require one simple step to prep - heat in the microwave or blend with ice. The simpler the prep process, the

more likely you are to partake so do yourself a favor and keep the barriers to healthy eating low.

4. Check for culinary chops: Find meals that are prepared using expert culinary techniques to provide delicious flavor without compromising nutrition. * Preparation techniques such as braising draws out the rich flavor in meats while herbs and seasonings add great taste. Unique flavor accents like brightness from citrus or heat and smokiness from chilies can add much to the taste profile of a dish without substantially impacting the “building block” nutritionals (fat, carbohydrates, and protein). * An example of this is Lean Cuisine’s Ranchero Braised Beef, which offers mouthwatering slow-cooked beef with a spicy red chile sauce and delivers 15 grams of protein. Colorful, mashed sweet potatoes seasoned with smoky chipotle round out the entrée nicely.

By following these suggestions, even the most physically active can find meal solutions through frozen, freeing up more time to focus on that wonderfully active lifestyle that drives yet another personal best.

JANUARY 2016 39

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JANUARY 2016 41

BRAVO TV

BRAVO-TV’S TOP STUD MUSCLES HIS WAY TO STARDOM PHOTO CREDIT: TYLER CHEEVER GOMES, TCGFOTOGRAPHY.COM

BY RICH KLEFSKY

For over a decade, Courtney Paul’s passion in life has been helping people to become healthier, faster and stronger. Through his CPXperience, a specially branded fitness program, Courtney has motivated clients far beyond their physical limits. Now Bravo is doing the same for Courtney, transporting the unapologetically bawdy, rebellious, electrifying and hilarious personality from his Big Apple gym into living rooms across the country.

Courtney Paul is one of the stars of Bravo’s newest reality TV show, Work Out New York, a series that chronicles seven of Manhattan’s elite personal trainers.

“I was made for reality television,” asserts the out trainer whose confidence is as hefty as his brawn. It’s his unique brand of no-nonsense tough talk that has helped propel him into one of Manhattan’s most sought-after trainers. It’s also one of the reasons he was selected to star in the series.

Courtney is a fixture at high-end New York sports clubs like David Barton Gym, and Barry’s Bootcamp, where he is a master instructor. His roster of celebrity clients includes Katie Holmes, Dylan McDermott, Elizabeth Olson, Olympic gold medalist Tara Lipinski and Tony Award winners Alan Cumming and Jane Krakowski.

Courtney was the first trainer booked for the show and he is using the platform to introduce his CPXperience workout to a national audience. A name coined by Paul, CPXperience is a thoughtfully curated mix of strength and cardio-intensive interval training specifically designed to build muscle, lean and tone.

A particular focus is placed on the legs and glutes because Courtney believes a perfect physique starts with a strong foundation.

A fortunate side effect to his program (and likely why it has become so popular) is it builds that perfect POW booty.

Courtney is also using the show to launch his next endeavor: fitness vacations. Clients are offered combination workout-vacationretreats to exotic destinations. Days are started with Courtney’s signature workouts (think bicep curls on the beaches of Turks and Caicos or running the streets of Barcelona) followed by travel adventures and, of course, rest.

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Says Courtney, “When you take a fitness vacation, there’s no need to come home feeling like you need to go on a diet because you ate too much. And why worry about having that extra drink at dinner? You know I’ll make you sweat it out in the morning!”

The vacations also encourage yearlong fitness, a belief Courtney strongly adheres to. One of his favorite things to say is “the body of the summer is made in the winter.”

“People always rush to lose weight three weeks before they have to get into a swimsuit,” he says. “When you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready -- because you never know when you’re going to have to strip down and show it off.”

Work Out New York is airing now on Bravo.

Visit: CPXperience.com

the3D’s RESTAURANTS WANG’S IN THE DESERT 424 S Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 325-WANG (9264) www.wangsinthedesert.com NATURE’S HEALTH FOOD & CAFE 555 S Sunrise Way Suite 301 Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 323-9487 www.natureshealthfoodcafe.com SHERMAN’S DELI & BAKERY 401 E Tahquitz Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 325-1199 www.shermansdeli.com HACIENDA CANTINA & BEACH CLUB 1555 S. Palm Canyon Dr. PS 760-778-8954 www.haciendacantina.com AZUL RESTAURANT 369 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 325-5533 www.azultapaslounge.com TINTO 1800 E. Palm Canyon Dr. PS 760-323-1711 palmsprings.tintorestaurant.com COPLEY’S ON PALM CANYON 621 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 327-9555 www.copleyspalmsprings.com

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DINE | DRINK | DANCE { Coachella Valley } WORKSHOP KITCHEN & BAR 800 N. Palm Canyon Dr. PS 760-459-3451 www.workshoppalmsprings.com LULU CALIFORNIA BISTRO 200 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 327-5858 www.lulupalmsprings.com POMME FRITE 256 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 778-3727 www.pomme-frite.com DISH 1107 N. Palm Canyon Dr. PS 760-322-7171 www.dishcreativecuisine.com THAI SMILE PALM SPRINGS 100 South Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 320-5503 www.thaismilepalmsprings.com TRIO RESTAURANT 707 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 864-8746 www.triopalmsprings.com THE TROPICALE 330 E Amado Road Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 866-1952 www.thetropicale.com

BARS AND NIGHT CLUBS

ZIN AMERICAN BISTRO 198 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 322-6300 www.pszin.com

HUNTERS NIGHTCLUB 302 East Arenas Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-323-0700 www.huntersnightclubs.com

BIRBA 622 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 327-5678 www.birbaps.com

TOUCAN’S TIKI LOUNGE 2100 North Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-416-7584 www.toucanstikilounge.com

CHEEKYS 622 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 327-7595 www.cheekysps.com

PURPLE ROOM 1900 E. Palm Canyon Dr. PS 760-322-4422 www.purpleroompalmsprings.com

EL MIRASOL 140 E Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 323-0721 www.elmirasolrestaurants.com RICK’S RESTAURANT 1973 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (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

CHILL BAR 217 E. Arenas Road PS 760-327-1079 STREETBAR 224 E. Arenas Road PS 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 SPURLINE VIDEO LOUNGE 200 Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs CA 92262 760-778-4326 www.spurline.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY GET HIM ON THE LINE Try For Free

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COMING UP NEXT MONTH

BACK TO THE FUTURE

MODERNISM 2016 JANUARY 2016 45

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EVENTS CALENDAR publications as The New Yorker, The New York Times and The Village Voice. The troupe entrances audiences with its technical mastery, impeccable comic approach, and the astounding fact that men can, indeed, dance en pointe without falling flat on their faces. www.mccallumtheatre.com JAN 9 THE 3RD ANNUAL GALEN NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION 5K COLOR RUN The 3rd Annual Galen New Year’s Resolution 5k Color Run takes place on Saturday, January 9, at 8 a.m. beginning at Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert. Runners, families, and enthusiasts of all ages are invited to participate in the colorful event.

The run takes place on a USA Track and Field certified course through the neighborhood and trails that border Edgehill Drive, neighboring the museum. The public is invited to a free post-event Resolution Celebration taking place in the beautiful Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden, which will feature live entertainment, food, and special activities. www.galenresolution5k.com

JAN 29 - 31 SOUTHWEST ARTS FESTIVAL Named one of the Top 100 Events in North America by the American Bus Association, the 30th annual Southwest Arts Festival will feature traditional, contemporary, and abstract fine works of art by more than 250 acclaimed artists. Includes clay, drawing, glass, jewelry, metal works, painting, photography, sculpture, and textile. www.discoverindio.com

JAN 11 6 PM DBA NETWORKING MIXER STELLAR PALM SPRINGS 1111 E. TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY, PS www.desertbusinessassociation.org

JAN 24 PALM SPRINGS MAYOR’S RACE & WELLNESS FESTIVAL The 5K and 10K route takes you through parts of uptown, downtown and historic highlights including funky modern architecture, historic buildings, parks and the scenic mountain views. There is a race for everyone of every age including a free kids fun run. Also enjoy terrific entertainment! Come join the fun! Every paid registrant receives a hot breakfast, tee shirt and finisher’s medal! www.healthyplanethealthyyoups.com

JAN 27 LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO. MCCALLUM THEATRE PALM DESERT This playful take on classical ballet has garnered rave reviews in such esteemed

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THE SUNDAY BAND W/ SPECIAL GUESTS. PAPPY & HARRIET’S PIONEERTOWN The Sunday Rock + Roll Service is a Pappy and Harriet’s institution celebrating the healing powers of music and community!

Every weekend the club’s favorite singers and players get together and trade songs.

Come join us to see Victoria Williams, Gar Robertson, Carol Ann Crandall, Damian Lester, Bob Furgo, Rachel Dean, Ryan Norman, Caleb Winn, Danny Frankel and other talented locals performing for your drinking and dancing pleasure. With a come-as-you-are vibe, Sundays have seen great special guests like Robert Plant, Lucinda Williams, The Jayhawks, Rickie Lee Jones to name a few. www.pappyandharriets.com

ONGOING >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> CHILL BAR PALM SPRINGS A warm and fabulous twenty first century modern venue located on Arenas, suited with multi faceted rooms for any celebration. The gorgeous island bar is surrounded by hi-definition video entertainment and a comfortable designer lounge. Chill on the patio enjoying music and refreshing beverages with friends after a game of pool, or come by and say hello to our friendly staff. Open for business seven days a week. Get out of the heat, and come join us! Happy Hour (From Open to 7pm) and Late Happy Hour (From Midnight to Last Call) $4 Well Drinks, $2.75 Bud Light & $1.50 Chill Lager. www.chillbarpalmsprings.com

CARNIVAL CABARET. OSCAR’S CAFÉ & BAR. PALM SPRINGS Carnival Cabaret is a high-end female impersonator revue. This production has traveled throughout the country with performances in casinos, theaters and for corporate events.

Carnival Cabaret features the world’s most amazing cast of men who perform as famous women. You will not believe your eyes! Veteran TV and film actor James

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EVENTS CALENDAR

Gypsy Haake, who holds the record for the oldest working female impersonator in the world, hosts the show. Haake is 83 years old and has been seen in films and television since the 1980s. Shows run every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Dinner show seating begins at 6:30pm. Show only seating begins at 7:30pm. Showtime is 8pm. Tickets start at $29.95.

Tickets: carnivalcabaret.ticketleap.com

COPA In a throwback to old Palm Springs’ nightclubs, the Copa is fashioned around an elevated performing stage and a stunning u-shaped bar lined with leather barstools, upholstered booths, and gilded cocktail tables. Sink into the sexy lounge, sip a cocktail, and enjoy the lineup of local and guest entertainers. For weekly schedule visit www.coparoomps.com

THE PURPLE ROOM Supper club, drinks and live music. It’s where Palm Springs plays. Great entertainment nightly and dinner specials. You never know whom you might see at The Purple Room.

For monthly schedule and info visit www.thepurpleroompalmsprings.com

OSCAR’S CAFÉ & BAR Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs on the corner of Tahquitz Canyon Way and Indian Canyon, Oscar’s has a huge outdoor patio with lots of umbrellas for shade and misters to keep you cool, too.

You can beat the heat any time of year and enjoy the views of Palm Springs. On Saturday and Sunday from 8am – 2pm, enjoy a $9 Bottomless Mimosas (juice included), a single $2 mimosa or a $5 Bloody Mary with brunch, during which both our full breakfast and lunch menus are available. Also join us for Sunday Funday Weekly Tea Dance 4pm-Close! Live entertainment weekly visit our website for details. www.oscarspalmsprings.com

LIPSTICK AT COPA Thursday nights at Copa just got a little hotter with a new show at the new showroom inside Copa. The Hot New Lipstick show is a raucous affair where the audience is encouraged to participate in singing, clapping, dancing, partying and celebrating special events. Featuring performances by Charles Herrera, Pinkie Meringue Shimmer, Marina Mac, Sassy Ross, Dion Khan, and Cherilyn, and emceed by the fabulous Bella Da Ball, this show will not disappoint. For ticket info and schedule of performers visit www.coparoomps.com

HUNTERS NIGHTCLUBS® Palm Springs, Palm Springs’ go-to gay bar and dance club, has been leading the way in fullout fun for 16 years now! And we keep it pumping, making it better for you all the time with our unparalleled event line-up.

We enjoy having the desert’s most soughtafter and friendly DJs, full-on themed events, and a staff that has it all without the attitude. And of course, we are proud to hold the longest happy hour in the entire Valley. Remember: Size Matters. Come by for our happy hour from 10am – 7pm.

Yes, that’s right: 9 hours long! For a list of all events and specials visit www.huntersnightclubs.com

SUNDAYS “The Playgirls” at Toucans Tiki Lounge featuring Tommi Rose. Performances at 8 & 10pm.These darling Divas of drag really deliver with their very own brand of entertainment to packed houses. Special guests appear weekly. DJ in the sound booth.

Every Sunday Complete list of events www.toucanstikilounge.com FOR A COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS VISIT OUR MEDIA PARTNER, GAY DESERT GUIDE. CLICK ON LOGO

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EVENTS CALENDAR

JAN 1 - 11

PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PALM SPRINGS, CA Now entering its 27th year, the Palm Springs International Film Festival has a well-established reputation as one of the most prestigious and well-attended film festivals in the country. The Festival has long secured its place on the world stage as the portal for the very best in world cinema, welcoming more than 136,000 enthusiastic filmgoers to Palm Springs every year. www.psfilmfest.org

JAN 7 - 10

GAY CHRISTIAN NETWORK CONFERENCE HOUSTON, TEXAS Discover what makes the Gay Christian Network Conference the world’s largest, most celebrated, and most affordable annual LGBT Christian event at the 12th annual GCN Conference, taking place at the Hilton Americas and the George R. Brown Convention Center. For over ten years, GCN has brought hundreds of Christians together each January for fellowship, worship, support, engagement, and more. Whether you’re LGBT, you love someone who is, or you just want to learn more, this four-day event is designed for you. www.gcnconf.com

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JAN 14 - 18

SIN CITY SHOOT OUT LAS VEGAS, NEVADA In 2007 the event started with the idea of creating the best LGBT softball tournament in the world and over the years has morphed into something much bigger & special as more sports are added yearly to the line up. For 2016 we will have over 8,500 participants & 23 different sports together for competitive fun on and off the field, as our nightly parties are not to miss events. www.sincityshootout.com

JAN 15 - 18

MID ATLANTIC LEATHER WEEKEND WASHINGTON, DC Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend is a threeday long party and event with participants that now number in the thousands. The heart of the weekend is the historic leather formal Saturday evening cocktail social, Leather Cocktails. Leather Cocktails is the weekend lynchpin gathering from which all other weekend events evolved. The Weekend also includes official events organized by weekend hosts, Centaur MC, that include a bustling Leather Exhibit Hall; Sunday brunch; Mr. MAL Contest and the official Sunday night closing party. www.leatherweekend.com

JAN 17 - 24

ASPEN GAY SKI WEEK ASPEN, COLORADO Aspen Gay Ski Week is the premier gay & lesbian winter travel vacation event in Colorado. Not only is it a great vacation destination but also it is a fundraising event for local and national LGBTQ organizations.

Aspen Gay Ski Week has gained the reputation of hosting the most exclusive and explosive winter entertainment. Worldrenowned DJ’s, indoor & outdoor pool parties, debauchery that will take you into the morning hours just in time to hit the slopes. www.gayskiweek.com

JAN 29 - 31

DESPERADO FILM FESTIVAL PHOENIX, ARIZONA The Desperado LGBT Film and Arts Festival is an event hosted by a PVCC student organization. The festival’s mission is to showcase quality films that are related to the experiences of the LGBT community.

Our goal is to create an event that is educational, enlightening, entertaining, and enjoyable. In additional to the screening of films, local artisans are showcased at our outdoor amphitheater and painters and photographers are showcased in the gallery.

Proceeds from the Desperado Film Festival support LGBTQA Scholarships! www.desperadofilmfestival.com

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EVENTS CALENDAR

JAN 17 - FEB 7 JAN 10 - 17

AROSA SKI WEEK AROSA SWITZERLAND The annual Gay Ski Week in Arosa, one of Switzerland’s most enchanting winter resorts, is in its 10th year and constantly growing with people participating from all over the world.

Come experience Swiss hospitality, the charm of a true mountain resort and glamorous parties while you’re enjoying yourself with various activities throughout the week. There is a wide range of accommodations. Don’t forget to order your event pass for the week, or do you want to miss the foam party, a fondue night at the mountain hut, a classical piano concert, the pool party, our cabaretnight or the drag- queen ski race?? www.arosa-gayskiweek.com

JAN 14 - 17

CARTAGENA GAY FEST CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA Great beach parties, sea breeze and bodies with the best and the most exciting experiences that move at the pace you like. A dream, just the desire to enjoy and not have to go looking elsewhere, what have for you ...

So sit back, close your eyes and feel the sound of palm trees with fresh breeze Cartagena, a frozen cocktail your hands, the tide seducing your feet, getting sun and feeling that nothing else matters, just you and the special moment to relax and start a memorable 2016. You’ve never been to a festival like this in Colombia, Cartagena Gay Fest!

MIDSUMMA FESTIVAL MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA Midsumma Festival is Victoria’s premier gay and lesbian arts and culture festival, presenting an annual community celebration and encouraging the development of innovative artistic content and a unique cultural experience. We believe that maintaining a history of Midsumma is just one of the ways that we can recognize the efforts of those people and organizations which have been, and continue to be, an integral part of Midsumma’s history. www.midsumma.org.au

FEB 5 - 13

RIO CARNIVAL RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL The excitement of the Carioca spirit is infectious and there is no better time to experience this than during the miraculous and memorable festival of Rio Carnival.

Get swept up into the electrifying energy of the Sambadrome, the official home of Rio Carnival, as the elite Samba Schools of Rio de Janeiro compete in a spectacular performance of rhythm and dancing, dazzling costumes and colossal floats in the Sambadrome Parades of Rio Carnival 2016. www.rio.com

FEB 2 - 10

SITGES CARNIVAL SITGES, SPAIN Carnival has to be Sitges’ wildest party. Even though it is on in February it is still the hottest party in town! On the most popular days you will find thousands of partygoers dancing on the major streets across the town. Gay boys and girls from the 4 corners of the world descend on our little town and party the week away! Sitges Carnival is one of the world’s top 10 carnivals and attracts more than 250,000 people to Sitges over 7 days with amazing parades, shows and parties. This is one winter festival you don’t want to miss! www.gaysitgesguide.com

Our international media partner, FNQ Magazine, www.fnqmagazine.com Cairns gay lifestyle and travel publication that gives Australia and the world a taste of gay life in the tropics, sponsors the International Calendar. www.go2gaycairns.com

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PHOTO REWIND DAP EVERY DAY HEROES PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A. LEE

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PHOTO REWIND DAP EVERY DAY HEROES PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A. LEE

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PHOTO REWIND HRC FEDERAL CLUB MIXER PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A. LEE

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PHOTO REWIND THE CENTER OCOTILLO CLUB BRUNCH PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A. LEE

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