The Standard Magazine

Viva La Vida!

GR EAT ER PALM SPRI N GS PRI DE EDI TI ON CE N T E R STAG E 2017 | C heyen ne Jac k s on / Mu l ti- Faceted Artis t Ta kes the Stag e

OCTOBER, 2017 | VOLUME 5 ISSUE 10 | THESTANDARDPS.COM

CONTENTS VOLUME 5, ISSUE 10

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THE AAA GIRLS PAGE 43

Volume 5 Issue 10 COVER VIVA LA VIDA 2017 GREATER PALM SPRINGS PRIDE COVER THE CENTER CHEYENNE JACKSON TAKES CENTER STAGE NEWS SF GAY MEN’S CHORUS LAVENDER PEN TOUR PSP FOCUS MODERNISM WEEK 2017 FALL PREVIEW TRAVEL PERU, THE LAND OF PLENTY OCTOBER 2017 3

COMMENTARY WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE GAY?

BY DENNIS MASON

Did you ever wonder what it means to be gay? Do you even think about that? Does it mean anything to you? What about all the Gay Pride festivities this time of year; how do you relate to them? Are you gay and out? Are you gay and not out? Are you afraid to come out? What do you think about gays who are straight acting? Is that like hiding in the closet, playing the hetro-normative lifestyle and trying desperately to deny one’s own feelings?

Does any of this make a difference to you? What’s your take on those who are gay for pay? Do you think that’s wrong? Do you think it’s a personal and/or moral choice? Do you judge those who are out and show it with pride? Do you exhibit disgust at the open show of affection between gay couples? What do you think it means to be gay and proud? Are you aware of all that has gone down over the years to make possible all the things that you take for granted today? Do you even care? How do you feel when you hear or read about a gay bashing somewhere in your city, your state or around the world? Do you brush it off as being none of your business? Do you have issues with others who have different outwardly projected preferences than yours; like female or male impersonators, leather fetish, cross dressers, or even transgenders? Do you even care at all? Do you actively try to help others who are struggling with their sexual preference, attempting to come out, or deal with issues forced upon them by our “still not mature” society? If not, why not? What’s your rationale? Is it too much trouble? Do you not care? What if the situation were reversed? How would you feel? Do you ever think about how you could help our LGBTQ community develop, grow and become more understood and accepted by our whole society?

Over the years, I have witnessed the changes that have occurred within and surrounding our community. I have watched as well as participated in numerous rallies, protests, marches and parades to express my right to free speech and to make my voice heard. Injustices will not change of their own accord; they need to be brought to the surface and made visible, so that they can be dealt with in broad daylight, not under cover of darkness. They are brought about by people who sincerely believe they are right in their conscience as we do in ours.

This year as we celebrate Gay Pride, consider what it all means in the overall big picture, and what is important to our own personal belief system that makes up who we are, what we believe and what we stand for. In fact, we are the last remaining group of individuals seeking human rights equality. That then, is reflected in our outward expression of freedom…and that is definitely something for which we can celebrate with pride…in the right degree…at the right time…for the right reason and…in the right way.

The Standard Magazine PO Box 2074, Palm Springs, CA 92263 760.831.4869 Nino Eilets Publisher Luciano McNulty Editor Maya Kalabic Art Director PHOTOGRAPHER David A. Lee CONTRIBUTORS Chris Astrala, William Cooke, Dominick Demmers, Ron deHarte, Dann Foley, Chris Heritage, Jill Langham, Dennis Mason, James Murphy, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Adam Sinicki & John Stein 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 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

Reach Dennis at www.masonartworks.com

to be original, in good taste and free of libel as well as edited

This commentary is a re-print but it is so pertinent to the times we are going through presently.

for clarity and grammar. Letters are subject to editing by The Standard that also reserves the right to decline print. Please forward your letters to: info@thestandardps.com The views expressed is not necessarily those of The Standard. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. No portion of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed consent of

The views and opinions expressed on this page are solely those of the original authors and other contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of The Standard Magazine staff, and/or any/all contributors to this publication.

the publisher.

COVER

VIVA LA VIDA

BY RON DEHARTE

Welcome to Palm Springs Pride 2017! We kick off this season of Pride under the worldwide theme of Viva la Vida. Live life... and celebrate that you live life as you please. Shout VIVA LA VIDA... yours, mine, ours... And celebrate that we feel alive, alive because we are different, because we are unique, free... happy. Palm Springs is a city where we live life; a life full of the things and people that we love.

It is in the spirit of solidarity that we celebrate what it means to be a member of this beautiful community, to remember those we have lost, affirm our commitment in the fight for equality, and to look towards the future and what it holds for LGBTQ people worldwide.

We invite you to come together in celebration and use the platform that Pride provides to peacefully resist hate, discrimination, intolerance, racism and bigotry. Join us and raise awareness of key issues important to you including immigration reform, access to education in hostile-free environments for LGBT youth, affordable insurance, and access to health care, rights for transgender and gender nonconforming people, rights for incarcerated LGBT individuals and religious discrimination against LGBT individuals.

We stand in solidarity with Pride events around the world; we give a voice to the power of self-expression, inclusiveness, and love.

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The entertainment lineup for Pride 2017 includes a diverse group of artists including, dancers, singers, musicians, activists, and DJs. Iconic ‘80s band Missing Persons will headline Parade Sunday, on the US Bank Stage. Founding member Dale Bozzio will perform the Greatest Hits including: Destination Unknown, Words, Here & Now, Give, Walking In L.A., I Like Boys, Windows and more!

The Free two-day Pride festival features: Seattle-based powerhouse performer Mama Tits who will entertain with comedy, and live singing that will feel a little like Mae West and Divine. British music duo Unsung Lilly brings their epic pop sound to Arenas Rd, and LA’s Iconique, who melds disco rhythms and silky synth highlights, will have the crowds dancing in the streets with their pop music. Winter residents Joan and Gary Gand bring their Chicago sound to the desert each year and the high energy The Gand Band will be featured at the Arenas Rd. Block Party on November 4.

Also appearing will be all-girl Git’erDone band featuring classic rock with a little country rock touch, and San Francisco’s Ethel Merman is a drag queen you don’t want to miss. With her huge hair and wonderfully exaggerated make up, singing live, she’ll belt out classic rock gems, in a performance that is uniquely Ethel Merman’s.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A. LEE

A Palm Springs favorite, GayC/DC the world’s only all-gay tribute to AC/DC returns and Echo V, an out and proud LGBTQI Boy Band, will join the male-fronted Bananarama tribute act, Boynanarama, to perform in Palm Springs for the first time.

The big, bold, and beautiful Sheena Rose, a glamorous deluxe diva from San Francisco, brings her act to the desert. Another diva known for her fabulous drag production numbers, Miss Rusty Waters presents the Risqué Drag Revue.

An assortment of electronic, pop, hip hop, and rock ‘n’ roll artists will perform, including soulful pop singer, from London, Ben Davis, electronic dance duo based in Joshua Tree Easier, and pop singer and dancer Z LaLa, from LA. Jen DM, part of the Hi Fashion Duo, DJ Galazy, and DJ Aaron C, will present DJ sets Festival Emcees include the desert’s hostess, social ambassador and Walk of Stars recipient Bella da Ballsm, on-air personality Alexander Rodriguez, from On the Rocks Radio Show, and making her debut at Palm Springs Pride is performer and host Diva.

With 80+ performances, the diverse lineup of artists will offer something for everyone including special appearances by the Palm

Springs Gay Men’s Chorus, and Modern Men. All performances take place outdoors on the US Bank stage and the Pride Stage sponsored

by Desert AIDS Project. Entertainment will also be featured at the Hyatt Palm Springs stage all weekend. ASL will be provided for the deaf community at the US Bank and Pride stages.

BREAKDOWN BY STAGES: Viva la Vida Street Party on Friday, November 3, 6:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m. is the official Weekend Kick Off! The outdoor street party is a free Pride event. Join us at the US Bank Stage, on Arenas Rd. between Indian Canyon Dr. and S Calle Encilia, to celebrate life and shout VIVA LA VIDA... yours, mine, ours! Celebrate that we feel alive, alive because we are different, because we are unique, free... happy.

Palm Springs is a city where we live life; a life full of the things and people that we love. Our Guest Host, Diva performs and Emcees for the night. San Francisco’s Sheena Rose brings her act to the desert and the night continues with Miss Rusty Waters and the ladies of Risqué.

Then the flamboyant Los Angeles based synth disco trio, Iconique takes the stage with their upbeat, and theatrical 1980s influenced performance. Dancing in the street kicks into full gear with Jen DM (Hi Fashion DJ set) and her soulful, ball, vogue house beat.

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RICHARD MARX

SPIRIT OF THE MISSION HONOREE

SHAY MORAGA

CELEBRATION OF LIFE HONOREE

SEAN & MICHELE KANAN HONORARY CHAIRS

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit desertspirit.net

COVER

ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ, KEISHA D. & UNSUNG LILLY

STEVEN MICHAEL & BELLA DA BALL

The Arenas Rd. Block Party, hosted by Alexander Rodriguez of On The Rocks Radio, on Saturday, Nov 5, 6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. will feature a fun night of Pop, Drag, and Rock ’n’ Roll, performances. The party starts with the Dyke March Rally at 6:00 p.m. and then Drag King Jesse Jones takes the stage and followed by vocalist Keisha D. Continuing with pop artist Z LALA, then The Gand Band performs their Rock ’n’ Soul jukebox full of 60s Psychedelic, Spy, Sci-Fi, and Surf music, 70s Funk, and Chicago Blues. Making a special appearance in Palm Springs is the fun-loving party queen Mama Tits, the star of Seattle’s #1 and longest running weekly drag brunch. Closing the Block Party with their epic pop sound is cutting-edge British music duo Unsung Lilly.

The Pride Stage sponsored by the Desert AIDS Project is located at Arenas and Belardo and will feature up to 150 entertainers over the two-day Pride weekend, November 4-5. The performances will include the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus (up to 100 voices in this group alone!), Steven Michael’s Dance Machine, drag king Jesse Jones,

drag queens Anita Rose, Candace Camera, Roxy Taylor, Sheena Wolfe, Cher-Javier, Sassy Ross, Marina Mac, reigning D.A.P. Queen of the Desert, Vanity Halston, and many more; female vocalists, Shirley Claire, Carol Kamenis, Keisha D, Cat Lyn Day, Francesca Amari; duet Siobhan and Brian Scott; male vocalists Jerome Elliott, Doug Graham, James Tennessen, Allan Jensen, Charles Herrera, Dan Westfall, Terry Larson, Steven Michael, Kevin Miller, Willie Rene Guerrero, Dave Hirsch, Larry Bennett, Jason Hull, Tony Romano and more. Bella da Ball is the emcee and hostess for this stage.

SO ME O F THE SPECIAL HIGHL IGHTS O F THE VARIO US DAYS AND PERFO RMANCES INCLUDE: -Saturday’s pride stage will open with national anthem by Jerome Elliott. He’s a four-time winner of the Desert Theatre League in acting, directing and cabaret performance and has performed in major cabaret venues around the country.

OCTOBER 2017 9

COVER

MISSING PERSONS & ICONIQUE

MISS RUSTY WATERS & GAYC/DC

Earlier this year he made his debut at Michael Holmes’ Purple Room and will return there next April with a new show.

-Douglas Graham has performed in the National Touring and Broadway companies of Bob Fosse’s DANCIN’, A CHORUS LINE, CATS (as the Rum Tum Tugger), Andrew Lloyd Weber’s PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and CHICAGO with Chita Rivera and Ben Vereen. He has shared the stage with the world famous Rockettes and appeared with Sandy Duncan in Radio City’s “5-6-7-8 Dance”. Locally, he has been in the world premiere of “Butterfly Madam” and won a “Desert Star Award” for best choreography in a musical revue for Cabaret Theatre West. He made his solo cabaret debut recently with his show “Perfectly Imperfect” and most recently in “Color Me Douglas” and recently choreographed the “Tribute to the Follies” at the McCallum Theatre. Doug will sing the national anthem on Sunday.

Additional features of the Pride Festival include a Children’s Headquarters (CHQ) space for games and crafts, the Youth Zone

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operated by Safe Schools Desert Cities and sponsored by Grace Helen Spearman Foundation, and HIV/AIDS testing by Get Tested Coachella Valley. Over 150 exhibitors, non-profit organizations, food, and beverage vendors will be on hand along with the Arenas Rd. Beverage Lounge by Trio, featuring the SKYY Vodka Bar, a DeKuyper premium liqueur bar and Sauza Margarita bars.

The Festival is a free community event held on Palm Canyon Dr. between Amado and Baristo Rd. and on Arenas Rd. Donations will be accepted at entry points to keep Pride free. Join us and on Arenas Rd starting at 6:00pm on November 3 and continue celebrating through the weekend with nearly two-dozen official events. Don’t miss the highlight with the Pride Parade on Sunday, November 5 at 10:00am and then Missing Persons on Arenas Rd at 2:30pm.

Happy Pride!

REGISTER TODAY

OUR COMMUNITY

IN ACTION

LEAD THE WAY!

Saturday

October 21

Ruth Hardy Park

Registration begins at 7:30 am Health & Wellness Village opens at 8:00 am Walk steps off at 9:30 am Register at desertAIDSwalk.org or call 760.656.8435

Presented by

COVER

GREATER PALM SPRINGS PRIDE GRAND MARSHALS

KRISTIN BECK, MICHAEL HOLMES, BRANDON LIBERATI & CRAIG RAMSAY

NATIONAL GRAND MARSHAL: KRISTIN BECK Recognized as the National Grand Marshal is retired United States Navy SEAL Kristin Beck. Kristin Beck, born Christopher Beck is known to be the first female Navy SEAL. Beck distinguished herself in 20 years of exceptionally meritorious service with Special Operations Forces (SOF) in the U.S. Navy SEAL teams before retiring in 2011 and after taking part in thirteen deployments, including seven combat deployments. She was a member of the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), a special counter-terrorism unit SEAL Team Six, and received multiple military awards and decorations, including a Bronze Star with a “V” for valor, a Purple Heart and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

“We are proud to work with the Transgender Community Coalition to honor Kristin Beck who is a nationally recognized advocate for equality for all people. Beck’s participation allows us to honor her service and help raise the visibility of transgender and gender non-conforming people, and address the issues the community faces,” said Ron deHarte, President of Greater Palm Springs Pride.

COMMUNITY GRAND MARSHAL: MICHAEL HOLMES Known as owner of Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, the leader of The Michael Holmes Trio, and the creator and star of The Judy Show! Michael is recognized for his generosity in supporting the local community. From entertaining to hosting a wide variety of charity benefits, Michael Holmes makes a positive and lasting impact on Palm Springs.

Not content to just run a successful business, Michael also participates in the local community fulfilling a personal goal to give back. Generous with his time and not shy at the microphone, you can see Michael regularly hosting a wide variety of charity benefits, for diverse charities including the American Cancer Society, the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, The LGBT Center of the Desert, Dezart Productions, the

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Gay Men’s Chorus, David Green’s Musical Theatre University, Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival, and Dine Out For Life. A local businessman and community leader with a big heart.

CELEBRITY GRAND MARSHALS: CRAIG RAMSAY & BRANDON LIBERATI Fitness expert Craig Ramsay and celebrity hairstylist Brandon Liberati who shared their first year of marriage with the world on the Bravo show “Newlyweds: The First Year,” have been named Celebrity Grand Marshals of the 2017 Palm Springs Pride Parade.

Craig and Brandon are no strangers to Palm Springs. They love the city so much they were married at the Riviera Resort on May 11, 2014. When Craig and Brandon decided to tie the knot they also decided to share their love with the world. Their nuptials were filmed for their Bravo show and appeared in the premiere episode.

They were the first federally legal same-sex married couple on national television. As America watched Brandon and Craig’s love story unfold, the couple found themselves at the forefront of marriage equality. They utilized this new platform to change hearts and minds around the globe.

Awards will be presented to the celebrity and community Grand Marshals at OUT PSP: A Kick Off to Pride, on October 25, 2017.

The national grand marshal will be recognized at the VIP Pre-Parade Breakfast, at the Regional Medical Center’s El Mirador Tower Building the morning of the parade. Tickets for the breakfast are available at www.bit.ly/PreParty17. All marshals will ride in the Pride Parade on November 5. The parade steps off at 10am at Palm Canyon Dr. and Tachevah and proceeds downtown on Palm Canyon Dr. to the main entrance of the Pride Festival at W. Amado Rd. Tickets and event details for OUT PSP are available at www.bit.ly/outpsp.

PALM SPRINGS PRIDE EVENT SCHEDULE This is an abbreviated schedule. For complete schedule including event descriptions please pick up the official PS Pride Program OUT PSP: A KICK OFF TO PRIDE WEEKEND Wednesday, October 25 (5:00 – 8:00 p.m.)

OUT PSP: A Kick Off to Pride is Greater Palm Springs Pride and the Gay Desert Guide’s kick off to Pride weekend with tastings from select Coachella Valley restaurants, bars, and beverage purveyors. Drop in and sip on signature cocktails at our open bar while you and your friends watch the sun set behind the San Jacinto Mountains!

HALLOWEEN PALM SPRINGS ON ARENAS RD. Tuesday, October 31 (5:00p.m. - 10:00 p.m.)

Headliner Robin S. and costume contest with over $1,500 in cash and prizes begins at 8:00p.m.

GEORGE ZANDER CANDLELIGHT VIGIL AND MARCH Wednesday, November 1 (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

Free Event. Join us in downtown Palm Springs at 6 p.m. for the 2nd annual event to reflect, remember, and stand up against hate violence around the world.

VIVA LA VIDA STREET PARTY Friday, November 3 (6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.) Weekend Kick Off! The outdoor street party is a free Pride event. Join us at the US Bank Stage, on Arenas Rd. between Indian Canyon Dr. and S Calle Encilia, to celebrate life and shout VIVA LA VIDA... yours, mine, ours!

INTERFAITH SHABBAT SERVICE 2017 Interfaith Welcoming Pride Shabbat Service Friday, November 3 (6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

People of all faith communities and no faith communities are invited to join the Interfaith Welcoming Pride Shabbat service.

PRIDE MEET & GREET PARTY AT CCBC RESORT Friday, November 3 (6:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.)

PALM SPRINGS FRONT RUNNERS & WALKERS 5K RUN AND WALK Saturday, November 4 (6:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Race starts at 8:00 a.m.)

Takes place through Old Las Palmas Neighborhood. Registration Fee: $35 (Until Oct 30), $40 (Oct 31 to Nov 4). Same Day Registration will be available starting at 6:30 a.m. until 7:45 a.m.

TWO-DAY PRIDE FESTIVAL Saturday and Sunday, November 4 and 5 (times vary by stage) Pride Stage presented by Desert AIDS Project, Arenas Rd. and Belardo 10:00

a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Sat & 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Sun Arenas Stage 6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. on Fri, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. on Sat & 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Sun Downtown Palm Springs! Free Admission!

DYKE MARCH & RALLY Saturday, November 4 (4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

3rd Annual Palm Springs Rally and March. A group of lesbian identified women gathering, networking and celebrating Pride.

WOMEN’S PRIDE DANCE PRESENTED BY L-FUND Saturday, November 4 (7:00 p.m. to Midnight) The Hard Rock Hotel PS ARENAS RD. BLOCK PARTY ’17 SPONSORED BY HUNTERS Saturday, November 4 (6:00 - 11:00 p.m.)

Free event, 21+. / A fun night of Pop, Drag, and Rock ’n’ Roll, performances MISS RICHFIELD 1981 “2020 VISION–A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR THE NEW WORLD!” Saturday, November 4, (8:00 p.m.) Camelot Theaters Miss Richfield 1981 returns to Palm Springs with her brand new show, “2020 Vision—A Survival Guide for The New World” AFTER HOURS PARTY Saturday, November 4 (10:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.) CCBC Resort VIP PRE-PARADE BREAKFAST Sunday, November 5 (8:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.)

Join us for a pre-parade breakfast just steps away from the Parade staging area at Desert Regional Medical Center’s El Mirador Tower Building. What a great way to celebrate and start the day!

EIGHT4NINE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH AND PARADE PARTY November 5 (9:00 a.m.)

Grab your family and friends and make plans to join us for Pride Brunch on Sunday, November 5, 2017.

PALM SPRINGS PRIDE PARADE Sunday, November 5 (10:00 a.m.)

Free Event. The colorful parade steps off in the Uptown Design District at Tachevah and Palm Canyon Dr. and travels south through downtown ending at the entrance to the Pride Festival at Amado Rd. www.pspride.org TRANSGENDER PRIDE AND MARCH PRESENTED BY TRANSGENDER Community Coalition / Sunday, November (10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)

During the Palm Springs Pride Parade

OCTOBER 2017 13

FEATURE

THE CENTER WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT

The Center creates a vibrant community by helping LGBTQ people along their way, in Coachella Valley and visitors of all ages, totaling nearly 56,000 client visits annually. A thriving, communitybased organization, The Center provides a safe and supportive environment for members to enjoy wellness, educational, support and social programming through such programs as The Scott Hines Mental Health Clinic @ The Center (over 2,000 clinical appointments annually), transgender therapy groups, a partnership with Palm Springs Unified School District to offer The Center’s Suicide Prevention and Anti-Bullying curriculum to every ninth-grade student in the district (nearly 2,000 students), public school counseling, The Community Food Bank @ The Center (serving annually over 16,000 family members from ages 1 through 55+), extensive social and recreational offerings, the David Bohnett CyberCenter (a free computer and internet center), a growing volunteer program, and special events in the community.

It is the only LGBTQ non-profit community center in Eastern Riverside County. The Center receives broad support from across our desert communities, which includes local municipalities, foundation grants, individual and business memberships, special events, and gifts from its friends in the Coachella Valley who support the LGBTQ community.

Several programs provide critical social interaction opportunities for members of the LGBTQ community who are alone, isolated, and for many, living at or below the poverty level.

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HISTO RY The Prime Timers Foundation was created in 2001 with the purpose of serving the needs of gay seniors, who are often isolated and living at or below the poverty level. Many in this generation lived through rejection, outright discrimination and fear for their safety for just being their authentic selves. They were the trailblazers who, in spite of being ostracized by society, stood up for our rights and created the environment today where we can live openly as LGBTQ people.

Many of the learned fears still exist in this generation and as they age, they become isolated and self-protective. Recognizing this, in 2005 the Foundation created the Golden Rainbow Senior Center, a one-room center that offered a few programs for seniors and a friendly, accepting place to gather.

In October, 2011, the board expanded the scope of The Center’s operation to be all inclusive of LGBTQ people regardless of age and changed its name to reflect that expanded mission. We proudly move forward as a place for our entire community as The Center. Visit www.thecenterps.org for more information.

Q&A CHEYENNE JACKSON TAKES CENTER STAGE

BY CHRIS ASTRALA Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and actor Cheyenne Jackson will headline the 8th annual Center Stage gala, presented by Eisenhower Medical Center on Friday, October 27, 2018 at the Riviera Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, benefitting The LGBT Community Center of the Desert (The Center).

Recently Colton Hayes said that Hollywood treats its openly Gay stars unfairly; do you agree with his comments and what is your take on the subject.

I’m not sure that’s exactly what he said. He is a good friend of mine and I support him and love him dearly. Everybody is on their own journey and has their own experience in this business and I’m proud to do all kinds of roles and continue to challenge myself with every part I take on.

Comedienne Kate Clinton, back by popular demand to host Center Stage for the fourth consecutive year, will join Cheyenne. The evening will feature a silent auction, program, dinner, and after-party, all designed to advance The Center’s mission of creating vibrant community. This year, attendees will be able to take advantage of The Center’s partnership with Lyft, Official Ridesharing Sponsor of Center Stage, and receive a 20% discount for rides to and from the event.

Fresh off his role on FX’s American Horror Story, Cheyenne has had a wealth of roles on and off Broadway, including starring in The Performers, 8, Finian’s Rainbow, Damn Yankees, Xanadu, Aida, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and more. Cheyenne has released several studio albums, his most recent, Renaissance, and has collaborated with the likes of Sia and Charlotte Sometimes.

We recently had the opportunity to speak with Cheyenne. Here’s what he had to say.

Cheyenne thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule. Let’s get right to it.

You’ve had many acting roles, which one has been the most challenging?

Physically and emotionally, I would say Mark Bingham in United 93. Playing a real life hero who died on 9/11 was a daunting but wonderful challenge and one I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to be a part of.

Most fun?

Sonny Malone in XANADU of course.

This month you will be headlining Center Stage, The LGBT Community of the Desert’s main fundraising event. What can the attendees expect?

I haven’t done many shows since becoming a dad so they can expect me to let loose and sing some of my favorite pieces and hopefully just have a great night.

Which do you prefer, singing or acting?

Can’t I do both at the same time so I don’t have to choose?

Since having your twins, Willow & Ethan, how has being a Dad changed your life? I take it you and your husband Jason Landau share the parental duties?

We definitely share the duties! We are 50/50 partners in everything we do. Jason is a wonderful dad and we are the perfect match in our parenting styles. Being a dad is the greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life.

Having been in several seasons of American Horror Story, how was it working with Ryan Murphy?

I love Ryan Murphy. He is a true artist and visionary and he is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever seen, and I’m not just talking about the stories he creates on screen. He can tell a story at a dinner party that will leave the room rapt. He’s loyal and incredibly sharp.

I am sure you have visited Palm Springs before but what are you looking forward to the most on this visit?

I have an aunt there and we are going to visit her as well, so that’s what I’m looking forward to.

Finally, are there any new projects you have coming up that you can share with The Standard Magazine readers?

“American Woman” with Alicia Silverstone and Mena Suvari on Paramount TV coming early 2018!

I F YOU GO Date: Friday, October 27, 2017 Location: The Riviera Resort and Spa Cocktails & Silent Auction: 5:30pm Sit-down Dinner & Performance: 7:00pm Attire: Desert Festive Tickets: $195 per person Table of 10 guests: $1950 Sponsorships beginning at $2500

OCTOBER 2017 15

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OCTOBER 2017 17

INDESIGN LIVING WITH PRIDE… AND STYLE.

BY DANN FOLEY

Happy Pride Month! As we at The Standard join in the festivities of the month, I cannot help but reflect on the many ways that in the LGBT community celebrate. We take pride in our ever-expanding struggle for equality. We take pride in our LGBT families and communities. We take pride in our youth and in our seniors.

In my special brand of pride, I celebrate our homes and lifestyle, which are so unique to the LGBT people. This month will be filled with parades, proclamations and parties. So, I thought It would be quite fitting to offer some ideas and inspiration on how to live a stylish life, filled with meaning and…Pride.

Honesty and authenticity are the keys to a life of pride. In that spirit and in honor of Pride Month, I want to share not only what I do but also, who I am with readers of this beloved magazine. As a man, a professional designer, product designer, sometimes television personality, friend, brother, son and gay person, I try to live my life with integrity and pride. I am not talking about the kind of pride that leads to puffery or pretense. I am talking about the kind of pride that we as a community have not always had the luxury to share publicly. Through these images I want you to know how I am and what I do to make my mark in the world as a man and as an LGBT person with pride.

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We as a community give so much to world around us. Creativity flows from our very core. I extoll the virtues of Living Well to everyone I work with. Be it an interior design, a fashion consultation, a special event or any of the many and varied talks I give regarding the business of design and the art of Living Well. LGBT people have always given much more than we have ever gotten in return. This is part of our charm. We celebrate life every day. In both big and small ways we have always found a way to stand tall and stand together.

Living with pride can be shared and manifested in many ways.

There is the old say, “living well is the best revenge”, and that may be true but, what if, in this time of contentious politics we soften our approach and say, “living well is something to be shared with everyone.”

Because, in the end isn’t the greatest joy of Living Well, where we share our good fortunes with those around us?

As an adult, I have always tried to live my life as an open book, welcoming everyone in, finding common interests to create a bond. I do this every day in my professional life, as well. By helping people of every persuasion live a more beautiful, comfortable life filled with meaning and style, I help them to find their best selves.

As an LGBT man I offer the best of who I am as a designer, as a person of style and as a gay person. It may be clichĂŠ to suggest that all gay men have fabulous taste but, for some of us, it is true (tongue planted firmly in cheek)! The pride I take in my work is the same pride with which I live my life. I take pride in the way I live, the way I work and the way I offer my friendship and expertise to others. A life well lived, is a life of beauty, style, comfort, friendship and love. This is what I wish for each of you in this month of celebration, our Celebration of Pride.

Live Well‌ and share it! www.danninc.com Find us by searching Designer Dann on: Facebook / Twitter / Youtube / Pinterest Houzz

OCTOBER 2017 19

FEATURE

“OUTLANDISH” PERFORMANCE SERIES COMING TO PALM SPRINGS THIS FALL

Outlandish, a new live performance series, is coming to the Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs this fall. The series, produced by Logo TV Founder Matt Farber, will feature performances from four acts iconic in the LGBT community, each of whose appeal has crossed over to a mainstream audience.

Outlandish kicks off on October 28, 2017 with Del Shores “Six Characters In Search Of A Play” an all new show from the Sordid Lives creator; on November 4, it’s an official Palm Springs Pride event, Miss Richfield 1981 “2020 Vision—A Survival Guide For The New World”; next up is acclaimed storyteller/monologist Coco Peru in “Taming of the Tension” on November 11; and the series concludes with social media superstar and satirist Randy Rainbow “Live!” on November 18 and 19.

Sordid Lives creator Del Shores new one-man show, directed by Emerson Collins, proves once again that he is not a writer, he’s a selfproclaimed thief! In “Six Characters In Search Of A Play”, Shores is inspired by Pirandello’s classic play to bring you six characters inspired by his real-life encounters that haven’t quite made it into one of Shores’

20 THESTANDARDPS.COM

plays, films or TV shows. In 90 minutes, the audience will hear the truth behind how he collected these eccentrics, and then he will portray them in classic Shores’ monologue style.

Miss Richfield 1981 returns to Palm Springs with her brand new show, “2020 Vision—A Survival Guide For The New World”, an official Palm Springs Pride event. The show features Miss Richfield 1981’s unique take on audience participation along with new songs, new videos, and most importantly, a new message for our new world! During these strange times, Miss R wants to provide a message of hope—or at least survival!

Each year her schedule of more than 100 shows sell out theaters and nightclubs across the country, including a summer residence at the Crown & Anchor in Provincetown, MA, and frequent tours with Atlantis Events cruise ships and resorts.

Miss Coco Peru has been a little tense lately and one of the things that Coco likes to do when she is tense is invite friends over to her place for tea (and/or cocktails) and a good old-fashioned bullshitting session.

NEED FOOD? In “Taming of the Tension”, Coco is invites you to her “place” for some of her favorite stories, songs, and a good dose of bullshitting with the hope that together the tension will melt away! And for the first time ever Coco will be taking questions from her audience! So, think of good ones to ask!!!

Social media superstar Randy Rainbow makes his first visit to Palm Springs performing “Live!” giving the audience a chance to see inside the process and interact with the satirist who Dan Savage called the “the best thing to come from the GOP” Randy Rainbow (yes, real name) is a comedian, actor, writer, host and Internet sensation best known for his viral comedy videos. His popular series of political spoofs and musical parodies have garnered international acclaim and hundreds of millions of views, and his musical tribute to the first presidential debate of 2016 (“BRAGGADOCIOUS!”) received 28 million views in its first two days

$3 HAPPY HOUR DRINKS $5 BAR BITES 11am-7pm, daily

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Tickets are now on sale for each show at www.OutlandishPS.com.

The Saturday, November 18 Randy Rainbow performance is already sold out, but tickets remain for the Sunday, November 19 performance.

A limited amount of “Series Passes” to see all four shows is available at a discounted price.

Orbitz and VisitPalmSprings.com sponsor the Outlandish series in conjunction with GayDesertGuide. LGBT and V Palm Springs hotel.

5% of proceeds will be donated to SAGE USA and the SAGE of the Desert program at the LGBT Community Center of the Desert.

For tickets and more information, please visit www.OutlandishPS.com

where palm springs Eats 707 N Palm Canyon Dr Ph: 760.864.TRIO (8746) TrioPalmSprings.com OCTOBER 2017 21

22 THESTANDARDPS.COM

BOOK REVIEW

ALWAYS OVERBOOKED

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER You felt surprisingly safe.

There you were, in a place that was certainly iffy, but you were totally comfortable there. No danger, no darkness, no problems – and in the new book “The Gang’s All Queer” by Vanessa R. Panfil, no world you’ve ever seen before, either.

Everybody knows that being a teen isn’t easy. Being a gay teen is even harder which, as a white lesbian woman, Panfil knew: her work in a Columbus, Ohio, LGBTQ center for young adults showed her realities beyond what she’d lived herself, and it sparked an interest in gang membership within the community. She already knew a handful of gay gang members; after she gained their trust, those men introduced her to a web of people who opened their world to her.

When most people think of gangs, the image that comes to mind is one of tattoos and machismo. Panfil found some of the latter, but that was often used as cover for sexual identity; indeed, many (though far from all) of the men she interviewed kept closeted to their fellow gang members. Panfil says there are three distinct kinds of gangs: all-gay gangs, of which there aren’t many; heterosexual gangs, in which being gay could be dangerous; and more tolerant, easy-going “hybrid” gangs in which the mix of gay and straight could be up to half of each.

Panfil points out that most of the men she interviewed were careful to stress that they were very masculine. She also says, despite that more than two out of three gay men fought someone else over homophobic harassment, protection from such was not the main reason for joining a gang; the main reasons were for perceptions of “family,” or because of deep friendship. Furthermore, while there was a certain amount of crime – mostly petty theft, selling drugs and sex, although fierce violence was not unknown – many gay gangs offered encouragement, a more democratic atmosphere, jobseeking help, and educational support, thus acting more as “cliques” than gangs.

Let’s start here: “The Gang’s All Queer” is a bit on the academic side, and probably not on anyone’s relax-in-a-hammock-and-read list. Having said that, it’s a very interesting take on a world that never makes the headlines.

Not only did author Vanessa R. Panfil have access to a group of men who were willing to tell-all, she fully used that access to understand why a gay man would turn to a group that’s stereotypically anti-gay. This leads to a bigger picture, and larger questions of violence and closeting, as well as problems with being

Black, gay, and gangster. Also, because her subjects so casually use a word that’s normally a slur, the comfortableness of such is examined, as are the issues of sex work.

Readers – even those who might struggle with the college-thesis feel of this book – will ultimately come away with a better knowledge of a world they mightn’t have realized existed before. Certainly for scholars, but also for readers interested in LGBT cultures, “The Gang’s All Queer” is a pretty safe bet.

“The Gang’s All Queer: The Lives of Gay Gang Members”

by Vanessa R. Panfil c.2017, New York University Press $28.00 U.S. & Canada 312 pages

OCTOBER 2017 23

STAGE

COYOTE STAGEWORKS

THOUGHT PROVOKING & ENTERTAINING Coyote StageWorks is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 company dedicated to advancing theatre as a vital art form in the desert communities of the Coachella Valley. It is their mission to provide a forum for thought-provoking, entertaining, and culturally significant works in an environment that nurtures the creativity of the individual and the enrichment of the community.

“This year we are offering two outstanding productions that will be sure to resonate with our local audiences,” said Chuck Yates, Founding Artistic Director of Coyote StageWorks. “Both productions are a little cheeky, which our company is known for and does best.

We are delighted to once again offer these productions in the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg Theater and even more delighted that we will once again produce five free Play Dates staged readings at the Camelot Theater.”

Coyote StageWorks will start the 2017-2018 season with a full production of Dirty Blonde by Claudia Shear, featuring an original score by Bob Stillman. The play with music will run for nine performances, February 2 – 11, 2018 and portrays two fans of Mae West who discover their shared passion for her, and for each other. Conceived by Shear and James Lapine and featuring songs from the films “I’m No Angel” and “She Done Him Wrong,” it explores the phenomenon of the legendary Mae West, one of America’s most enduring and controversial pop culture icons.

The play, draws its title from the West film quip “I made myself platinum, but I was born a dirty blonde”. When it debuted in 2000, the play was nominated for the Tony® Award for Best Play and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play. It won the Theatre World Award and was one of the few in Broadway history to have its entire cast nominated for a Tony® Award.

The season concludes with a performance of The Cocktail Hour

by A.R. Gurney. Running March 23 - April 1 for nine performances, this witty and perceptive play blends acerbic humor with moments of emotional poignancy. Winner of the Lucille Lortel Award as Best Off-Broadway Play, this long-running New York success tells the story of a playwright who returns to his family home. He has written a new play about his family, and now seeks their approval to produce it.

His wealthy, very proper parents and sister are concerned by their portrayal, which leads to a comical and intense discussion during the

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ritual of the cocktail hour. As the martinis flow so do the recriminations and revelations, both funny and poignant.

Coyote StageWorks is bringing back its popular Play Dates community and educational outreach program, designed to bring free, compelling staged readings and theatrical events to everyone in the Coachella Valley. Featuring education through entertainment, all Play Dates will be presented at the Camelot Theater. The dates are Sunday, Nov. 19 (Dada Woof Papa Hot by Peter Parnell), Sunday, Dec. 10 (Our Mother’s Brief Affair by Richard Greenberg), Sunday, April 16, Sunday, May 20, and Sunday, June 10 (play titles TBA).

All performances will be at 2 pm.

Tickets for Coyote StageWorks’ staged productions are $45 – $55 for matinees and $50 – $60 for evening performances. A Q&A session with cast members will follow Thursday matinees and after each Play Date. To purchase individual tickets or subscriptions, call 760-325-4490 or visit annenbergtheater.org. For group sales, call 760-318-0024.

StageWorks has won 65 Desert Star Awards from the Desert Theatre League, a theater support group that promotes theater in the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin. It was recently nominated for 13 awards for its performances of Six Dance Lessons In Six Weeks and The Lady With All The Answers in the previous season.

David Lee and Annette Bloch generously sponsor the 20172018 Coyote StageWorks season. Earlier this year, David Lee also issued a $30,000 challenge grant that doubled any donation the company received.

For more information about Coyote StageWorks, please visit coyotestageworks.org.

OCTOBER 2017 25

Join us for an evening celebrating equality.

HONORING

Hon. Ginny Foat

Raymond Cree Middle School

Hon. Maxine Waters

L I F E T I M E AC H I E V E M E N T AWA R D

E Q UA L I T Y F O R A L L AWA R D

G E O F F KO R S L E A D E R S H I P AWA R D

EVENT CO-CHAIRS

Hon. Elizabeth F. Romero

Hon. Geoff Kors

Jacqueline Lopez Hon. James G. Williamson

O C T O B E R 7, 2 0 1 7 5:30 - 11 PM R I V I E R A PA L M S P R I N G S 1 6 0 0 N I N D I A N CA N YO N D R I V E PA L M S P R I N G S , 9 2 2 6 2

P U R C H A S E YO U R T I C K E T S :

secure.eqca.org/PS17c4 S TAT E W I D E S P O N S O R S

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Pal m

S pr i ng s

S P ON S OR E D BY

Official Wine

Official Airline

eqcaawards.org

NEWS

THE LAVENDER PEN TOUR San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Embarks on Lavender Pen Tour.

Funds Raised Will Support Local LGBTQ Non-Profit Organizations.

The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC), whose mission is to create extraordinary musical experiences that inspire community, activism and compassion, will kick off its 40th season by embarking on the Lavender Pen Tour from October 7-15, 2017. The tour will visit various cities and small towns in Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, while raising much-needed funds for local LGBTQ+ nonprofit organizations.

With a divisive political climate in the United States, marked by an increase in dangerous and hostile rhetoric against the LGBTQ and other marginalized communities, SFGMC will take its message and music on the road to promote universal equality and inclusiveness, and the value in treating all individuals – irrespective of differences – with dignity. The Chorus will marshal its mosaic of powerful, positive voices to empower fellow Americans, especially LGBTQ+ youth, to come together, provoke conversations and action around civil liberties for all, while raising funds for local communities.

Joining SFGMC for the Lavender Pen Tour is the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (OIGC), a community of diverse races, cultures and faiths, inspiring joy and unity among all people through black gospel and spiritual music. Together, SFGMC and OIGC will perform five anchor concerts during the tour, with each show raising funds for local LGBTQ+ organizations. All funds raised during the tour will support the vital work these organizations are doing to dismantle bigotry and discrimination locally and nationally.

C O N C E RT I N F O R MATION: Sunday, October 8, 2017 (7:30pm) Jackson, MS / Thalia Mara Hall Tuesday, October 10, 2017 (7:30pm) Birmingham, AL / Alys Stephens Center Wednesday, October 11, 2017 (8:00pm) Knoxville, TN / Knoxville Civic Auditorium

SFGMC and OIGC will also visit schools, churches, government buildings and more to spread the message and share the meaning of The Lavender Pen Tour. The tour’s goal is to open a dialogue between a diverse set of Americans from different backgrounds and empower LGBTQ+ youth struggling with unease and fear of further marginalization. SFGMC hopes to use its voice to affect change in lives of people struggling to live their authentic lives and communities throughout the South.

“As has been evidenced in the recent weeks, we as a country have a long road to travel. After spending a week in the South last month with our beneficiaries and community partners, I learned that hope - the unbreakable and audacious idea that Harvey Milk built his life on and inspired us to do the same - is very much alive,” said Chris Verdugo, SFGMC Executive Director. “We will amplify the work of these organizations across the South, raise tens of thousands in additional funding so they may continue their vital work and empower and inspire them with our music and mission. We believe this tour is another step in the right direction that will build bridges of understanding, compassion and empathy.”

Friday, October 13, 2017 (7:00pm) Greenville, SC / First Baptist Church

In 1977, a year before his death, Supervisor Harvey Milk sponsored a gay civil rights bill. Mayor George Moscone signed that bill into law with a lavender pen given to him by Harvey. The Lavender Pen remains a symbol of the fight for equality for all, and the reason for the tour’s name.

Saturday, October 14, 2017 (7:30pm) Charlotte, NC / Ovens Auditorium

View a video with more information about the Lavender Pen Tour here: http://www.sfgmc.org/

OCTOBER 2017 27

PSP FOCUS

MODERNISM WEEK ANNOUNCES FALL PREVIEW 2017 SCHEDULE Modernism Week’s 2017 Fall Preview has now been expanded to four days and will take place October 19-22 at various locations in the Coachella Valley.

The weekend’s events provide attendees with a sampling of the events and activities that will be offered during the annual 11-day festival in February 2018. Highlights of the October Fall Preview include a wide range of tours in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and Indian Wells (including walking tours, Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus and Charles Phoenix-led bus tours, a new tour showcasing homes across a range of neighborhoods, and a new mix of home tours), educational events, and evening cocktail parties.

“The Fall Preview is a wonderful opportunity for attendees to get a taste of what our 11-day festival in February will offer,” said Lisa Vossler Smith, Executive Director of Modernism Week. “This fun, four-day event offers entertaining tours, lectures, iconic architecture and parties similar to the upcoming 2018 festival.”

On Friday, October 20, Fall Preview attendees are invited to attend the festive Opening Night Party and Early Buying Preview Reception at the Modernism Show & Sale at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The popular Show and Sale, which offers important 20th and 21st century objects, furniture, art and textiles from more than 40 premier national and international decorative and fine arts dealers, continues on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available in advance for $60 at modernismweek.com or at the door for $75 and include daily re-entry to the show. Weekend show hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.

- 4 p.m. Several tours will be offered for the first time during Fall Preview. The “Cul-de-Sac Experience” at Canyon View Estates #4 will take place on Sunday, October 22 at 10 am. This tour combines vintage automobiles artfully displayed on the driveways of six homes designed by William Krisel in a quaint cul-de-sac in South Palm Springs. Participants have access to all of the homes on the tour.

The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation will offer tours of the recently restored Kirk Douglas residence, located in the city’s Old Las Palmas neighborhood, and of the historic Frank Sinatra“Twin Palms” Estate in the Movie Colony.

Details for all events are at www.modernismweek.com.

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Following the Fall Preview, Modernism Week’s signature 11day festival will take place February 15-25, 2018. The schedule and tickets will be available November 1 at 12 p.m. PST. To receive updates, visit modernismweek.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The Hilton Palm Springs Resort, Modernism Week’s official host hotel, is offering a special $169 room rate for a limited time only.

Contact the Hilton directly at 760-320-6868 or go to the Modernism Week website at modernismweek.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

presents

CENTER CENTE CENTER

The Center’s Eighth Annual

Starring

CHEYENNE JACKSON

STAGE BENEFITTING THE LGBT COMMUNITY The CENTER OF THE DESERT CENTER

OCTOBER 27

@The Riviera Resort and Spa

PRESENITNG SPONSOR

RECEPTION/AUCTION 5:30PM DINNER/SHOWTIME 7 PM AFTER PARTY 9PM FOR TICKET INFORMATION: visit www.thecenterps.org or call 760-416-7790

Emcee

KATE CLINTON returns

OCTOBER 2017 29

PSP FOCUS

ABOUT SANCTUARY Sanctuary Palm Springs is a home for LGBT youth in foster care.

The home is a place of safety, support, and self-responsibility where each foster-youth resident can learn the life skills needed to become an independent, self-sufficient adult.

ABOUT MODERN BEAR Palm Springs residents Chris Bale and Travis Smith make up the Modern Bear duo, a multi-media company devoted to sharing their passion for Mid Century Modern design, gay bear culture, architecture, vintage cars, and G-rated Beefcake via books, video, products, and social media.

MODERN BEAR TO HOST PALM SPRINGS PRIDE TEA DANCE BENEFITING SANCTUARY Modern Bears Chris Bale and Travis Smith will host a post-Pride parade tea dance benefiting local LGBT charity Sanctuary. The dance will be held Palm Spring’s hot new venue, The Fan Club at Arrive resort. Four DJs - Baz, Bob Deck, Gant Johnson, and Matt Cornwall will each play their own brand of high-energy retro dance music and a full cash bar will be featured. Modern Bear is proud to be a Guardian Angel supporter of Sanctuary, and proceeds from ticket sales will go to assisting Sanctuary in providing support services to LGBT teens in the greater Palm Springs area. Tickets are limited to 200 and are available for $20 online at Modern Bear Pride Tea Dance Benefit for Sanctuary Palm Springs Fan Club Arrive Resort, 1551 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262.

Sunday, November 5th, 4-9pm. PALM SPRINGS

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ENTERTAINER STEVEN MICHAEL CROWNED MR. GAY WEST COAST USOFA 2017 After 25+ years working in the LGBTQ entertainment industry, gay culture blogger and dance choreographer and Palm Springs’ own, Steven Michael, 49, captured the title Mr. Gay West Coast USofA 2017 in Phoenix on July 30, 2017 at popular gay nightclub The Rock. Steven now heads to Houston for the national finals October 18-20 at Rich’s Nightclub where he will compete alongside 30 other gentlemen for the prestigious title Mr. Gay USofA. Established in 2008, Mr. Gay USofA awards excellence among the nation’s top male lead entertainers through scoring in categories of interview, club wear and talent at state and regional contests.

This will be Steven Michael’s fourth trip to Texas in hopes to fulfill his dream of becoming Mr. Gay USofA.

PSP FOCUS

Steven is a published author and his community involvement includes charity work and activism for the less fortunate and local Southern California LGBTQ charities. Steven says, “I hope that through my journey I may motivate and inspire others to go after what they truly want no matter what their age, image or size. I’m having the time of my life! It’s not a midlife crisis - It’s a midlife moment!”

To contact Steven Michael for interviews or appearances, please email him at steven@iamstevenmichael.com<mailto:steven@ iamstevenmichael.com> or feel free to call +1 (760) 537-0701.

Learn more: Instagram www.instagram.com/iamstevenmichael YouTube, Facebook www.facebook.com/iamstevenmichael @IAMSTEVENMICHAEL or www.iamstevenmichael.com

OCTOBER 2017 31

FITNESS

IT’S A MATTER OF PRIDE

BY JILL LANGHAM

Palm Springs Pride is right around the corner and it made me think about the definition of pride. Here’s one example: pride prīd/ noun

my eating disorder, which further prevented me from achieving the goal I had which was to compete in a body building show.

It was my pride that kept me going and ironically, it was my pride that I had to relinquish in order to ask for help.

This definition worked for me in relation to fitness and exercise. I think you can tell by now that I take great pride in the physique that I have been creating over the last 40 years. At times it’s been a huge struggle that made me feel alone and defeated.

Once I asked for help, I was taught that it was actually nutrition that was keeping me from my goals! That was mind blowing! I wasn’t feeding my body and therefore was not giving it the “fuel” it needed to perform the tasks of lifting weights or doing cardiovascular exercise. Without the proper “fuel” my body was unable to burn off the fat that was making me unhealthy. I was either starving my body or feeding it way too many calories, which subsequently slowed down my metabolism causing me to gain more fat or burn more muscle, neither of which I desired!

I had the discipline to work out but my body wasn’t changing.

What I lacked was the knowledge of how to change me body. I imagined if I could just work out long enough and hard enough that my body would change. But, I was stuck. My emotional insecurities caused

The wake up call began on January 10, 2000. Over the next 6 months, I shopped, prepared and ate 6 times a day every 3 hours until June 10 when I competed in a body building show and won the entire thing!

a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.

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You talk about Pride. I couldn’t believe what was happening to me! It was a week before my 45th Birthday and people were asking to take their picture with me! Wow, what’s going on?

It was a personal high but even more importantly, it’s what encouraged me to become a health advocate and to put my trainers certification to work. I’m proud to be a role model and teacher and am proud to share my information with the hope that it can and will inspire others to be the best version of themselves.

But that Pride is not quite the same as the Pride that I now feel being a part of this magnificent community that began for me right here in Palm Springs with all of you.

Live and let live is the motto of today or at least it should be in my mind. Sadly, there are still fear-based individuals who need to control or judge what they don’t understand or are threatened by.

The shame and secrecy that existed in the community is slowly being broken down and every time an athlete, politician or celebrity comes forward to share their truth it allows the public to re-evaluate their definition of LGBTQIA. Perhaps its time for each member of the community to ask themselves if they feel a “deep pleasure or satisfaction in their own achievements or of those with whom they are closely associated with.” In other words, do you feel proud to be a part of this special and amazing community? Do you appreciate how far you all have come? Do you honor those around you for being able to stand up and fight for the rights to be whom you are?

I hate to bring up a negative while talking about something positive but I often hear LGBTQIA people saying very negative things about other LGBTQIA individuals. And not only has it has never made sense to me but it has actually shocked me. Why would anyone want to subject someone else to the hurt, shame and isolation that they experienced?

Maybe during this upcoming Pride Weekend, we could all commit to personally stopping the “negativity, pettiness, jealousy or bullying” that is now a part of a community that has worked so hard to be loved, respected and honored for its Pride!

Here’s hoping!

XOXO

OCTOBER 2017 33

WELLNESS

LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL ENERGIZED, CONFIDENT AND POSITIVE

BY ADAM SINICKI

GET A HAIRCUT

THROW THINGS OUT

Remember what you feel like on a good day? Now imagine if you felt like that all the time… what could you accomplish?

Sometimes it’s the little things that can really make our day, that can give us a lift in our mood or energy levels and that can help us to move closer toward accomplishing our goals and getting what we want out of life. This principle is called ‘kaizen’ – the idea that small changes can sometimes add up to have the most profound results.

And when it comes to improving our lifestyles, happiness and fitness, this is often a very good tact to take.

With that in mind, this article will list a number of ‘small things’ you can do today or perhaps this week in order to feel more energetic, more optimistic and more confident.

GET A HAIRCUT Getting a haircut can very often put you in a fantastic mood. This is something that many people will attest to but there are actually a lot of logical reasons for it too. For starters, haircuts make us look

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better and that immediately makes us feel better about ourselves. We receive compliments and we enjoy catching our reflection in the mirror.

On top of this, getting a haircut means getting pampered. If you go for a hair wash or massage then even better – but just having your hair stroked along is enough to help you relax and to release positive hormones.

Get a haircut and you will find your day instantly picks up and you feel better about yourself.

TIDY UP This is an obvious one that we all know well – but it’s also something that bears repeating. If your home is untidy, then this will make you feel more stressed and disorganized and is one of the biggest factors that makes us feel life is getting on top of us. When your home is tidy and clean and has order, you can relax better in the evenings and enjoy your space more and you’ll also feel less stressed about the constant pressure to clean.

GO FOR A WALK

HAVE A SMOOTHIE

THROW THINGS OUT The problem with tidying is that it takes a lot of time and that as soon as you’ve done some tidying, you find it starts creeping back. For many of us, our homes will never look completely tidy and organized because we simply have too much stuff to put away properly.

Now think of the last time you went into a hotel. Hotels feel relaxing and are great for de-stressing because they are so tidy.

And what makes them this tidy? Minimalism.

Most of us have boxes of junk we haven’t looked at for months.

And if you haven’t looked at it for months, you probably never will look at it! So instead of letting it take up room and prevent you from keeping your home tidy, throw those things out and hide more away. This is highly liberating and it allows you to keep more of your belongings out of sight. You know what they say: out of sight, out of mind!

HAVE A SMOOTHIE INSTEAD OF A COFFEE You might think that morning Cup A Joe wakes you up and gets you going but in fact what it does is get you wired and increase anxiety and tension. Coffee actually affects the brain in a very similar way to stress, so really you’re drinking a ‘cup a stress’! While smoothies are calorific (vegetable smoothies less so), they also provide you with energy, tons of healthy nutrients and a refreshing

flavor. Just try starting your day with a smoothie and you may well notice a longer lasting and more authentic type of energy.

GO FOR A WALK Exercise is great because it floods you with endorphins and makes you feel proud of yourself for doing something so good for you. If you can’t bring yourself to go for a morning jog or workout though, try fitting a walk in somewhere. Not only are walks perfect for combating stress but they also provide sunlight (great for the mood), light exercise and fresh air.

And if you don’t have time for a walk? Try combining it with your lunch break, going for a walk when you’re speaking on the phone, or just getting off the bus a stop sooner.

GET UP HALF AN HOUR EARLIER When the alarm goes off, this is going to feel like the worst idea in the world. You’ll feel like anything but you on your best day. But if you can overcome this initial shock and start the day half an hour earlier, the result will be that you can take it a little slower. That means breakfast with your partner in front of the TV, it means a longer shower and it means you’re not rushing out the door. This is a much healthier way to start your day and you’ll feel all the better for it.

OCTOBER 2017 35

LEGALLY SPEAKING

IGNORANCE IS NOT BLISS

BY CHRISTOPHER HERITAGE

“You don’t know what you don’t know until someone tells you what you don’t know”.

I was in a café and overheard this statement by a person at the next table. I already knew this, of course. If there is anything an attorney knows, it is that a vast majority of people don’t know or understand what the law says. And they don’t realize it until something happens.

Why do I keep writing article after article about estate planning? Because every day I see the personal devastation and huge costs that happen when people deny reality and think they know what they don’t know. They simply refuse to ask for or take the professional advice that is so easily available.

Many attorneys offer an initial consultation at no charge. A free opportunity for you to learn something you didn’t know before. How

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can you go wrong? But some folks want to hide behind ignorance. Or pretend they know the law because a friend told them what it says.

Some have ulterior motives because of family dysfunction. Or they want to scam the system. Or they googled the subject and grabbed at the first site they saw.

What is the chance that you will run into a major roadblock on your way to the future? Well, it’s a pretty good chance. No one can predict how your life will play out, but careful planning can help smooth out a lot of bumps in the road. You always have choices. If you don’t choose to make a good plan, you have chosen to take your chances with life, and to ignore the knowledge that professionals can provide. Let’s consider some of the results of choosing to ignore learning about and acting on a plan for the future: Don’t leave a Will. If you have a spouse, a partner, children, parents, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews or other relatives, your estate (what you leave behind after you die, no matter how tiny or

large) may be up in the air for a long, long time. Are there some of those people that you would prefer to receive some of your estate?

You need to say so now. Otherwise, the state will decide who gets what, and it can easily be people you would not choose.

Don’t work out an agreement before you marry or enter into a domestic or other couples partnership. If you have any separate property (a house, bank or retirement account, personal property like a car, or other assets) and you want to keep it separate, it needs to be spelled out clearly in an agreement. And you need to decide what assets should be joint or community property, and how new assets that are acquired will be held. Otherwise there will be chaos if something happens to your relationship and you go your separate ways in the future. At least 50% of marriages (and probably domestic partnerships) fail. Why would you want to risk that?

Change the deed to your house from your name into a joint tenancy with your daughter, son or other person. Joint tenancy is one of the most misunderstood actions that people take trying to avoid probate. For a few people, it may make sense, but for most it has some serious risks that can really devastate lives. Let’s say your married daughter is a joint tenant with you. What if she divorces and a marital settlement agreement with her ex-husband says he gets half of all their property? Does that mean he gets half of your daughter’s claim to your house? Or what if your son is a joint tenant, and he is found to be at fault in a serious car accident? Can a court make a claim against his share of your house? Choose less risky ways of avoiding probate.

not be avoided after you pass on because your house was never put into the trust.

You can learn about your options, and then you will know what you didn’t know before. So, it’s your choice – you can choose to learn and to act on your new knowledge so your future will be more predictable.

Or just choose to ignore the whole thing and take your chances.

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

Don’t bother with a power of attorney. What if you must go away unexpectedly, or become very ill and can’t handle your financial affairs for some time? If no one has authority to act for you via a power of attorney, your affairs can be seriously harmed. Who will pay your bills? Who will arrange to cover your creditor and medical expenses? Who will take care of your pets, or your house, or your personal belongings? These things can happen to any of us, at any time. It’s not worth the risk.

Do your estate planning on-line, without an attorney.

Someone told you that a trust was a good way to avoid probate after you die. You found a company on the internet that provides a trust form, and you filled it out. But you didn’t have the advice of an attorney which, among other things, would have explained how to “fund” the trust – most of your property must be transferred into the name of the trust. So your house wasn’t transferred to your trust, and it is still in your name as an individual. Sadly, probate will probably

OCTOBER 2017 37

TRAVEL

FLY THE COOP THIS THANKSGIVING IN PERU, THE LAND OF PLENTY

BY DOMINICK DEMMERS Thanksgiving is the busiest travel weekend of the year. 48 million Americans are expected to hit the road this year and another 27 million are flying. Why not escape the hustle and bustle of planes and automobiles this holiday with an adventure that includes a fabulous train ride through beautiful Peru? Bryan Herb is whisking adventurous gay travelers to the land of plenty this Thanksgiving for an exciting tour excursion like none other before.

When most people think of Peru, they think Machu Picchu. But Bryan’s journey begins in Lima, the cultural heart of the country, where colonial architecture, superb museums and glamorous shops, bars and restaurants are all mere steps away. Then it’s off to the Sacred Valley for a few days of exploring the magical land that combines ancient Inca culture with newer settlement grandeur. From there, the tour leads to Machu Picchu aboard a 5 star luxury dining train, the Belmond Hiram Bingham. A Thanksgiving dinner will be served on board and champaign toasted as the train travels along the gorgeous Urubamba Riverto, with views of ancient Inca ruins in the distance. Once in Machu Picchu, adventurers will experience heaven on earth in a sprawling Andean style village hotel, nestled high in the forest clouds within twelve secluded acres of exquisite beauty. A first-class restaurant boasts stunning views of the rushing Vilcanota River and adventurers will not want to miss the Inkaterra spas that incorporate real natural essences from the mountains into their treatments.

The tour ends in Cusco where travelers will stay in a former monastery and national monument dating from 1592. The delightful retreat combines centuries-old charm with luxury hotel service, making it the perfect home away from home from which to discover the delights of the vibrant city featuring old and modern architecture, markets, and galleries.

Complimenting the spectacular sites throughout the journey is the unforgettable cuisine. Gourmet dinners, lunches with cocktails and scrumptious breakfasts will be served each day, as well as High Tea at the Orient Express Sanctuary Lodge. Optional excursions such as horseback riding, a rare orchid tour, private pre-Columbian art collections and a fourth century archeological site in Lima are also available.

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“I have been going to Machu Picchu for fifteen years and I’m thrilled to be able to take travelers to locations off the beaten tourist path,” says Bryan Herb, Chief Marketing Officer at Zoom Vacations.

“The magic of Peru is quite honestly priceless.”

Bryan and his partner at Zoom, Joel Cabrera, refer to themselves as “experiential travel creators”. They founded Zoom Vacations together fifteen years ago with the idea to tailor each excursion with one-of-a-kind experiences that enhance the minds, hearts, and souls of adventurers. No two trips are the same.

Like any design artist, Bryan and Joel spend long hours crafting and developing their tours. They travel to the destinations themselves, making contacts, visiting sites and venues, and brainstorming new ideas.

“People would be blown away if they actually knew how much time we spend on the details of each vacation experience, “ explains Bryan. A former high school English teacher, Bryan’s appreciation for fabulous hotels and resorts have landed him on every continent but Antarctica. He has toured the ancient catacombs of Rome, swam with horses in Australia’s rainforest, haggled with Hong Kong merchants, danced the Samba in Brazil, and studied ecology in a Scottish commune. “We work closely with people from many different cultures to uncover unique, exciting, and thrilling escapades.”

Joel and Bryan go on every tour to ensure a seamless experience for their guests. They’re there to provide assistance, create surprises and also manage group dynamics, an important part of the group travel experience that is overlooked by all other tour companies.

What also makes Zoom Vacations different is that while most luxury adventure travel companies target Baby Boomer retirees, Zoom Vacations crafts their tours for a Generation X clientele. They keep their itineraries younger, hipper, and livelier, often taking travelers to the location’s trendy restaurants and nightlife destinations.

Their guests play hard and experience rich and exciting, new

things, yet end their day at a beautiful five-star hotel or resort, enjoying a spa treatment, an impeccable dinner, and a perfect night’s sleep.

Additionally, Bryan and Joel work to make the experience expand beyond the vacation. They see Zoom as creating a community, a network, a global movement of camaraderie, friendship, inclusion, and support. In fact, 80% of Zoom adventurers are repeat travelers.

understand the hankering well, and it’s why even while preparing for Peru in Thanksgiving, Bryan is hard at work prepping his March tour to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

“I cannot tell you how many people who met on a Zoom Vacations excursion have become incredibly close friends,” says Joel. “It’s very common for travelers at the end of one trip to book a future tour together.”

“Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos is probably the most quintessential Zoom Vacations experience,” he ruminates. “The tour is active, but not physically exerting. In fact, it is completely pampering, with the most delicious foods from the very best restaurants. The cultural history is unparalleled and the travelers experience so many unique experiences like the offering of alms to monks and the elephant sanctuary in Laos. Our farewell and welcome events are true wonders, embodying modernity as well as a nod to the region’s past.” Visit their website for more information on the March trip.

That’s the thing about adventure traveling. Once hooked, travelers can’t wait for the next exciting getaway. Bryan and Joel

The week-long journey in Peru takes place November 18-25.

Reserve tickets now at http://www.zoomvacations.com/peru.

OCTOBER 2017 39

MUSIC

THE HOUND IS BOUND

BY JOHN STEIN

“Can’t Let You Go,” the first single from The Hounds’ upcoming album, is electronic pop with a passionate, heartfelt message about the dangers of a toxic love.

Cal State campus in East LA. Those years at LACHSA changed his life. He studied opera and classical composition, and perhaps even more importantly, caught the eye of a popular senior.

Written and produced by The Hound, he admits to being in a low place in life when creating the song. “I didn’t know what I wanted anymore,” he explains from his LA home. “I was very depressed and found myself in an incredibly toxic relationship with someone who suffered extreme highs and lows, and I was coming to terms with the fact that just because its love, doesn’t make it right. People also love heroin and meth, and he was definitely like a drug to me. It took everything falling apart for me to finally walk away.”

“It was the second week of freshman year when I found out this very cute and talented senior boy liked me,” he remembers. “I wasn’t out, but that changed very quickly.”

Prior to his boy troubles, life had other complexities for The Hound. He grew up an only child in Santa Clarita, with a single mom. Music was an escape from his parent’s divorce and his dad’s alcoholism. He’d put on shows for his friends and teachers, and as a result, was bullied throughout elementary school and junior high.

At 14, he auditioned for the Los Angeles County High School of the Arts and was accepted into the music department. For four years, he would wake up at 4:30am to board a train from the valley to the

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He’d go on to date other boys, including Lawrence Alarcon, who would become his best friend and eventual band mate. They formed Orchid and Hound in San Francisco and began performing and releasing records. They both adopted the qualities of their band’s name. Lawrence grew his hair out and blurred the lines between masculine and feminine, and The Hound grew his beard, becoming a little more rough around the edges — in his appearance and in his life.

“When I decided to go solo, I kept my part of the band name because I identified with it. I had become The Hound,” he says.

He acknowledges he is no longer some new-to-the-scene, freshfaced 21-year-old. Nor is he a seasoned lifer who has been on the road for twenty years. He’s somewhere in the middle, still in his

prime, and ready to share his story. He brings experience, technique, and a little fur, to the music scene.

“My songs are about my life and the lessons I’ve learned,” he explains. “Being human means making mistakes. There are going to be times we make decisions even though we know they’re wrong.

There are going to be times we hear that voice of reason and consciously choose to ignore it.

“One thing I have learned is that whether it’s with a lover, a friend, or family, relationships define us. Sometimes it’s the people who have been in our lives the longest that we need to walk away from. The change can be difficult, and we struggle with who we are without them. The worst ones can be impossible to let go of.”

It’s a theme he explores in the “Can’t Let You Go” music video, co-directed by The Hound and Adrian Anchondo and starring adult film performer Adam Ramzi.

The video draws inspiration from Alanis Morissette’s “Your House”. “I wanted the viewer to think that they were watching me

moving around my apartment, burdened by memories. Suddenly, they realize that it’s not my place, that I’ve broken into the home of my ex who is now with someone else.”

The music video — banned from Instagram for being “too sexually explicit” — features choreography by Andrew Pearson and some incredible dance moves by Ramzi.

“Adam brings the relationship to life in the video,” says The Hound. “There were a few scenes that we kept doing over and over again and it got so very real. I could tell we were both channeling some true-life experiences. We were both very vulnerable during the shoot, and I think maybe I fell in love just a little bit. I mean, you’ve seen his other work, right?”

Could it be The Hound has found his next big mistake?

The Hounds’ “Can’t Let You Go” is available on iTunes, Spotify and all digital platforms. The music video is available on Youtube.

Visit https://www.thehoundmusic.com

OCTOBER 2017 41

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MUSIC II

ALASKA BREEZES INTO LOS ANGELES

BY WILLIAM COOKE

Alaska Thunderfuck, Courtney Act and Willam Belli first hit the scene as The AAA Girls to support American Apparel’s “Support Artists, Support Ethical Manufacturing” campaign.

documenting the rise and fall of a girl group, the conflicts that often arise, and the imminent demise that is inevitable whenever a group of feisty, opinionated performers get together.

They later released the holiday single, “Dear Santa, Bring Me A Man”. Then this summer, they debuted their album, “Access All Areas.” The album’s first single, “AAA Girls,” received rave reviews and climbed all the way to No. 2 on Billboard’s Comedy Album chart.

What can we expect from you on stage?

I always treat a show like a wedding. I do something old, something new, something stolen, and something blue.The AAA Girls recently released their debut album “Access All Areas”. I’m very proud of it. We each got to bring a little of what we do to the album. Willam brought naughty, irreverent parodies of hit songs.

Courtney brought a fun pop vibe and I brought bizarre original songs that only make sense to a very tiny niche of the world.

This fall, the AAA Girls are hitting the road, performing songs from the album and their fierce comedy in fifteen cites. The tour lands in Los Angeles on October 10.

Alaska Thunderfuck explains more.

“First of all, gotta say Congrats on winning All Stars 2. That had to feel good. It didn’t really feel that different from losing.

Only now at shows people announce me as “the winner of All Stars 2.” I really did it for my mom. She and my family had a huge celebratory night when it happened.

It was a huge accomplishment!

Getting to do what I love-- to perform, and create art, and music-- is really a huge accomplishment. I’m very lucky and I’m very grateful”.

How excited are you to start the The AAA Girls North America Tour?

I’m lactating. Usually when I tour, I’m waking up at 4am, rushing to an airport where I have to take my shoes and belt off. On this tour, I get to wake up at 6am, board a tour bus, take my shoes off and sleep in my coffin bed like Justin Bieber.

And spend time with your favorite girls, Courtney Act and Willam!

Courtney will be steaming her vocal chords, Willam will be sucking dicks, and I’ll be watching The Golden Girls in the tour bus.

What makes this tour different to all the other Drag tours?

Our tour is more than just a concert or a drag show. It will be

Do you have a favorite on the album?

I like “When the Water Runs Clear”. It’s sort of like Cher and Heart had a baby. The first single, “AAA”, climbed to number two on the Billboard Comedy Album Chart! Number 2 seems appropriate.

The music video is super fun!

It was terrifying to shoot! We were riding hoverboards and ribbon dancing with a drone that had 16 propellers on it 3 feet above our heads. I was scared and I’m glad we didn’t die!

What’s next for The AAA Girls after the tour?

We’ll break up, try out our own solo careers, and then eventually be forced to reunite for millions of dollars.

Why should all of Orlando come out to see The AAA Girls North America Tour?

Because it will be very fun and Willam may fellate you.

The AAA Girls “Access All Areas” North American tour takes place at Globe Theatre (740 S Broadway) in Los Angeles on Tuesday, October 10 at midnight. Tickets are available now at https://www. aaagirls.net/aaa-girls-tour-los-angeles-ca.

General admission ticket prices are $39 but fans can also purchase packages that allow them to take photos with The AAA Girls, get autographs, and even join them on-stage!

OCTOBER 2017 43

SOCIAL COMMENTARY

WHAT SHALL I WEAR?

BY DR. STEPHAN M. SCOGGINS

October is a month for Halloween. For many children, the day is filled with excitement as they wear costumes to school and plan on canvassing their neighborhoods to collect as much candy as possible.

For some adults, the entire year is used to prepare for the ONE night that we can command everyone’s attention as we “walk the runway” at our party celebrations and receive the applause and accolades for our….illusion. So, that begs the question, in life, at any time that we mask our authentic selves, who, what or why are we hiding?

It has been my experience that one of the GREATEST discoveries we can ever make is when we capture the strength to be “authentic”.

Now, that in and of itself could be complex. Authenticity starts with us believing and liking ourselves long before it is a requirement for anyone else. Sadly, it is such a consistent fact that people who “SAY” they are being their authentic selves, are filled with rage and anger about OTHER people not accepting them for who they are. News flash! No one, as in no one, owes us a damn thing. It

44 THESTANDARDPS.COM

would nice if we were unconditionally accepted and appreciated for all of our nuances, but the reality is, most people, including our parents, treat us as we treat ourselves. If we are acting like a victim, employing passive-aggressive manipulations to try and elicit our desired responses from others, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see through our weaknesses. The adverse reaction is that people grow tired of needing to placate us to keep from “hurting our feelings”.

Additionally, they lose respect for us because we weren’t respecting ourselves. Imagine, essentially walking with your hat in your hands, bowing your head down ever so slightly, and softly asking others to accept us for who we are? The clear visual inference would be, “You don’t respect your damn self!” Whenever you have to “audition” for someone else’s comfort, it is game over!

It is during that time of Halloween, that some people feel “excused” to color outside of their boxes. That is the day that a truly shy, quiet librarian type person may show up to the party in a full

The

dominatrix outfit. Or the biggest homophobe arrives in full drag, under the auspices that they are just being a hoot for Halloween.

In both cases, it is not unusual that they both experience a rush of unbridled excitement. They enjoy the “role play” as well as the attention. They feel excused to act in ways they would normally never act. The “by-day” librarian now finds himself snapping a whip and telling someone, “I told you to only use your library voice when speaking to me.” And maybe the “by-night” drag queen is so captivated by the number of compliments, by the amount of hugs and the “Girl, you better work” cat calls that, like Cinderella, he doesn’t want the night to end.

CENTER

Here’s a thought, if we can capture a night of joy, laughter, fellowship and absolute happiness, why would we EVER let that feeling go? I’m not suggesting that we are to quit our librarian job the next morning and take out an ad on Craigslist as a Dominatrix, or head to our closest gay bar and try to audition for the weekend drag show line up. My point is, what we SHOULD do, identify the “costumes”, even as a metaphor that we have worn or would like to wear that will provide us with the unspeakable joy that we need. We should NEVER deprive ourselves of opportunities of happiness that could generate, maintain or sustain that feeling of “something on the inside, working on the outside.” I guarantee you that since people treat us like we treat ourselves, they will clearly see that you are not asking for validation or acceptance, you are demonstrating it.

Creating vibrant community by helping LGBTQ people along their way.

Another fantastic consideration is that when your healthy fantasies become your life, you cease from existing and you start living. If we would dare to not feel as if we have to be humble or benevolent for the comfort of others, we could surely find the fire that perhaps we once felt or have longed for. So, what are YOU going to wear?

Mission Vision

Thriving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, living authentically in supportive, inclusive communities.

We would like to ask all of our many readers to email us at info@BlackIsTheColorOfLove.com and tell us, “What would you like to change about your current personality or persona and how do you think the new one will be beneficial? We will post the responses in the next issue, and as always, will maintain your confidentiality.

The

CENTER THE COMMUNITY

Please accept this personal invitation to visit www.BlackIsTheColorOfLove.com and learn about educational and scholarship opportunities for people of all ages, people of all races. As a nation, we MUST change our culture, our learned behavior, so that it can reflect an expression of love in ways that we have only dreamed.

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OCTOBER 2017 45

the3D’s RESTAURANTS VILLAGE PUB 266 S. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 760.323.3265 www.palmspringsvillagepub.com NATURE’S HEALTH FOOD & CAFE 555 S Sunrise Way Suite 301 Palm Springs, CA 760.323.9487 www.natureshealthfoodcafe.com SHERMAN’S DELI & BAKERY 401 E Tahquitz Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 760.325.1199 www.shermansdeli.com RÍO AZUL 350 S. Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 760.992.5641 www.rioazulpalmsprings.com AZUL RESTAURANT 369 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 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 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 760.327.5858 www.lulupalmsprings.com POMME FRITE 256 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 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 760.320.5503 www.thaismilepalmsprings.com TRIO RESTAURANT 707 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 760.864.8746 www.triopalmsprings.com THE TROPICALE 330 E Amado Road Palm Springs, CA 760.866.1952 www.thetropicale.com

BARS AND NIGHT CLUBS

ZIN AMERICAN BISTRO 198 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 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 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 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 760.323.0721 www.elmirasolrestaurants.com RICK’S RESTAURANT 1973 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 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

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COMING UP NEXT MONTH IT’S TIME TO GO SHOPPING!

THE STANDARD MAGAZINE’S ANNUAL GIFT GUIDE

OCTOBER 2017 47

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EVENTS CALENDAR OCT 14 REVIVALS STORE GRAND RE-OPENING. PALM SPRINGS Revivals Stores Palm Springs location at 611 South Palm Canyon Drive will be hosting a Grand Re-Modeling event on October 14 to introduce its store redesign to the community.

All Day – In-Store Specials, music & food.

In addition enter for a chance to win a new Living Room by Scott Living. For more info visit www.revivalsstores.com

Palm Springs Leather Pride Weekend an amazing experience in leather, kink, gear, and fetish is ready to welcome you to an amazing event. This promises to be the hottest one yet. You definitely don’t want to miss it. For complete schedule of events and information go to www.palmspringsleatherpride.org

DBA EVENTS OCT 16 6PM ESCAPE ROOM 2500 STE. B3 N PALM CANYON PALM SPRINGS OCT 30 6PM MARY PICKFORD THEATRE/D’PLACE 36850 PICKFAIR STREET CATHEDRAL CITY WWW.DESERTBUSINESSASSOCIATION.ORG

specific hours. All galleries are open during our monthly First Wednesday Art Walk from 5 to 8 pm. www.backstreetartdistrict.com TG MONDAYS. TRANSGENDER SOCIAL EVENT Every second Monday of the month, Transgender Social Hour discussing advocacy, transitioning & HRT. Allies, respectful admirers, and transgender umbrella all welcome. Portion of proceeds to benefit the Raina Chessman Fund.

For more info www.transcc.org PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM The Palm Springs Art Museum offers free admission every Thursday night from 4-8 p.m., sponsored by the City of Palm Springs. This provides an excellent way to start a trip to the City’s VillageFest, the popular weekly street festival held every Thursday night along Palm Canyon Drive. www.psmuseum.org

ONGOING >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

OCT 20-22 VINTAGE VIBE FESTIVAL. PALM SPRINGS Vintage Vibe Festival is a celebration of American culture in the heyday and twilight of the 20th century, a time period unique for its bold evolutions and modernizations in style, fashion, music and art. The Festival, taking place at the Palm Springs Convention Center, features a marketplace teeming with memorabilia, art, goods, and fashion that are either a direct blast from the past or a nod to it. www.vintagevibefest.com

OCT 26-29 GO COMMANDO! PALM SPRINGS LEATHER PRIDE. PALM SPRINGS Are you ready, sweaty and excited to GO COMMANDO in Palm Springs?

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BACK STREET ART DISTRICT The Backstreet Art District boasts a diverse collection of galleries & businesses where you may meet artists, visit working studios and enjoy fine art all in one location. You can find most galleries open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm, but nothing is set in concrete. We are a collective of boutique galleries and regretfully cannot always be in two places at once as we get called out on a variety of business items.

Please check with any gallery regarding

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) www.chillbarpalmsprings.com

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EVENTS CALENDAR 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

HRH DRAG BRUNCH. HARD ROCK HOTEL PALM SPRINGS The legendary Arial Trampway will present an extravagant performance for patrons every Sunday at the DRG, or Divas of Rock and Glam, BRNCH. Each show will feature Arial and her sister performers singing fan favorites in true Hard Rock spirit. $35 pp including bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys and Bellini’s. To reserve your seat to the hottest show in town, visit OpenTable.com/ The Kitchen Restaurant at Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs.

THE SCORPION ROOM AT CHILL BAR Every Thursday night at 8:00 sharp. Hosted

by Pinkie Meringue Shimmer with a rotating cast of fabulous drag stars from all over Southern California. Wonderful show people, photo ops and audience participation, and wonderful drink specials.

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 full-out 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 sought-after 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

OCT 19 - 22 + OCT 27 - 31 OCT 1 - 15

CELEBRATE ORGULLO MIAMI, FLORIDA The Celebrate ORGULLO Festival Showcases Hispanic LGBT Pride during Hispanic Heritage & LGBT Pride Month.

Celebrate ORGULLO showcases the cultural contributions of the Hispanic LGBT community, and is proudly produced by Unity Coalition, with proceeds benefiting our LGBT Youth Scholarship Fund and year round programming. www.celebrateorgullo.com

OCT 12 - 22

TWIST FILM FESTIVAL SEATTLE, WASHINGTON TWIST has grown into the largest event of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, gaining industry and audience recognition for showcasing the latest and greatest in queer film, from major motion picture premieres to emerging talent. The social event of the season—the festival provides unique opportunities for visiting and local filmmakers to engage and entertain over 10,000 attendees. www.threedollarbillcinema.org

NOV 1 - 5

OCT 7 - 16

SOUTHWEST GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO The Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival returns for its 12th year; programming some of the best in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/ questioning (LGBTQ) films. This year’s film festival offers audiences a wide cinematic range including everything from feature length comedies and dramas to documentaries and short films. Many award-winning international films will be showcased. Tickets and passes can now be purchased online at www.swglff.com

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HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA Halloween Weekend attracts gay and lesbian revelers from around the nation and around the world for the long weekend of events in October of 2017. It all began as a simple gathering of friends in 1984. Now it has evolved into one of the most celebrated gay circuit party weekends of the year. It is so festive that the partying lasts from midday on Thursday until the wee hours of Monday morning. New Orleans’ largest gay nightclub complex, The Bourbon Pub is the very heart of the New Orleans gay community, and will present some of the very best DJ talent and entertainment. www.gayhalloween.com

OCT 15 - 22

FANTASIAFAIR TRANSGENDER EVENT PROVINCETOWN, MA Fantasia Fair is a week long transgender gathering in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

Part conference, part social gathering, the Fair is full immersion experience - attendees can and usually do spend an entire week 24/7 presenting their gender as they wish.

Fantasia Fair continues to be the leading annual program promoting a gender-variant individual’s ability to thrive in real-life situations. For info visit www.fantasiafair.org

WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL MIAMI, FLORIDA The Women’s International Film & Arts Festival (WIFF) is the leading international cultural event featuring films, visual and performance arts produced by and about women. With women representing only 7% of film directors, WIFF seeks to identify and present a wider range of roles for women and to enhance the opportunity for women’s voices to be heard. WIFF seeks to empower women of all ages to see themselves in a broader context through discussions, workshops, and symposia. www.womensfilmfest.com

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EVENTS CALENDAR

OCT 10 - 15

THE IRIS PRIZE FESTIVAL CARDIFF, WALES (UK) The Iris Prize Festival is a six-day celebration of LGBT film in Cardiff, Wales (UK). The program includes screenings of the 35 international short films competing for the Iris Prize and the 15 Best British Short nominees, as well as feature films, parties, talks, the Producers Forum and much more. The festival culminates with the Iris Carnival, where the award winners are crowned. www.irisprize.org

Base Camp on the Khumbu Glacier and the opportunity to climb Kala Patthar (5545m), a viewpoint recognized as the best vantage point to see breathtaking view of the highest peak in the planet. This trek is designed for our LGBT community. www.accorholidays.com

NOV 1 - 6

ASTERISCO, LGBTQ FILM FESTIVAL BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA Asterisco is an international film festival about sexual diversity. It is to celebrate the diverse and many ways of being and loving in the world; forming relationships and families, and living in equality and with respect for differences. Asterisco is a film festival whose natural place is Argentina, where full citizenship includes everyone.

Asterisco is a meeting point for filmmakers, activists and the public where everyone can unfold their questions and concerns. www.festivalasterisco.gob.ar

OCT 15 - 21

PERLEN - QUEER FILM FESTIVAL HANNOVER 2017 HANNOVER, GERMANY The Queer Film Festival Hannover PERLEN (= Pearls), one of the oldest and biggest queer film festivals in Germany.

Presenting 28 screenings of feature films, documentaries and short film programs with LGBT*QI topics. www.presse-hannover.de

OCT 15 - 31

GAY TREK TO EVEREST BASE CAMP 2017 KATHMANDU, NEPAL Gay trek to Everest Base Camp is an unforgettable expedition in the lap of the tallest peak of the world. First conquered

by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, Everest Base Camp has traditionally been the ultimate goal for the high altitude trekkers. Our goal is Everest

OCT 25 - NOV 5

GENDER BENDER BOLOGNA, ITALY Gender Bender is an international Festival introducing the Italian public to the new imagery related to gender identities, sexual orientations and body representations stemming from contemporary culture.

Gender Bender offers a series of events ranging from film showings, to theatrical productions and dance performances, visual arts exhibitions, installation, round tables and conferences, live concerts and performances by musicians and DJs, and clubbing events. It is a real model of how differences can give a contribution to the construction of a more rich and welcoming society from the human, social and cultural point of view. www.genderbender.it

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 CINEMA DIVERSE PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A. LEE

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PHOTO REWIND CINEMA DIVERSE PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A. LEE

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