TheStandard_Vol7_Issue4.pdf

APRIL 2019 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 4 THESTANDARDPS.COM

AAP

FS A O O D M A R I TA N S 26 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY

CONTENTS VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4

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EVENING UNDER THE STARS COVER PAGES 6 - 9

Volume 7 Issue 4 COVER AAP-FOOD SAMARITANS 26 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY Q&A AAP - FOOD SAMARITANS MARK ANTON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHOW BIZ ONE NIGHT ONLY CONVERSATION WITH MICHAEL CHILDERS IN DESIGN ACCESSORIES & ART MAKING MEANINGFUL CHOICES NEWS CHICAGO MAKES HISTORY

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COMMENTARY

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

The “I’ll Just Have One More” Martini 3 oz. gin or vodka 1/2 oz. dry vermouth 3 olives 1 automobile 1 long day 1 diminishing attention span 1 too many Combine ingredients. Drink. Repeat.

Mix with sharp turn, telephone pole.

CONTRIBUTORS

Jeff Dorta, Mona Elyafi, Ian Ewing, Dann Foley, Michael Heinrich, Jeff Hocker, Paul Hutnick, Jill Langham, Christina Vronay Ruggles, Martha Tang & Terri Schlichenmeyer

www.thestandardps.com EDITORIAL CREDITS :

BrandPoint, Huffington Post, LGBTQ Nation & Project Publicity & Reuters 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.

Never underestimate ‘just a few.’

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

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COVER

AAP - FOOD SAMARITANS 26 YEARS OF GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

BY MICHAEL HEINRICH

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In 1991 AAP – Food Samaritans was founded (originally called AIDS Assistance Program) with the goal of helping the most atrisk members of our community – people who are low-income and compromised by health issues – by providing nutritional support to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. In 2015 it expanded its mission to serve others in the greater Palm Springs community who are living with chronic illnesses such as cancer, M.S., and heart or liver diseases. As it expanded its services, it also updated its organization name to AAP – Food Samaritans.

Since its inception, AAP has distributed more than $10 million in direct client service to more than 2,300 clients. Its important to note that these clients get by on an annual income of less than $18,090, and most AAP clients rarely, if ever, make it off of the client list.

“AAP – Food Samaritans could not fulfill our mission without the dedication and support of the incredible people and organizations that support us,” said Mark Anton, CEO/Executive Director of AAP – Food Samaritans. “Without their caring and inspirational leadership, we would not be able to support the nutritional needs of those lowincome individuals living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses in our community. We are so very grateful for their unyielding kindness that they exhibit on a daily basis not only for AAP, but for many other organizations across the entire Coachella Valley.”

Evening Under the Stars is the largest annual fundraiser for AAP – Food Samaritans. Gala festivities will begin with a ‘definitively Palm Springs’ sunset cocktail hour at 5:30 PM on the grounds of the O’Donnell Golf Club against a backdrop of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, widely regarded as one of the most festive cocktail receptions of the season. A short awards program will recognize the inspirational honorees, followed by a delicious dinner, and dancing.

The event will feature a performance by ARRIVAL From Sweden, an ABBA show band that includes some of ABBA’s original musicians. ARRIVAL From Sweden looks and sounds so much like the original ABBA it’s no surprise that they are the only ABBA tribute band officially sanctioned by the four original ABBA band members.

ARRIVAL formed in 1995, and since then the band has toured in 60 countries, and has sold out arenas and venues all over the world.

ABBA, one of the best-selling music artists of all time, is experiencing a renewed surge in popularity due in part to the 2008 film “Mama Mia” and its recent sequel “Mama Mia, Here We Go Again” which features a cameo by Cher. Just recently Cher has released an album of covers of some of ABBA’s greatest hits.

Evening Under the Stars has featured the talents of a wide variety of entertainers. In 2014, an electrifying performance by the First Ladies of Disco – Linda Clifford, France Joli, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Maxine Nightingale, Pamala Stanley, Anita Ward, Martha

Wash, and the ladies formerly of Chic: Alfa Anderson, Luci Martin, and Norma Jean – had everyone on their feet with an amazing night of 70’s dance music. Over the years, headliners Nell Carter, Tyne Daly, Melissa Manchester, Jane Oliver, Lorna Luft, Bea Arthur, Barry Manilow, Nancy Wilson, Lily Tomlin and the entire remaining cast of Laugh In, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Pink Martini, The B-52s, The Go-Go’s, Cyndi Lauper, Darlene Love, Village People, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, and Gladys Knight have all taken the stage in support of this very worthy cause. And this year back by popular demand ARRIVAL from Sweden.

ARRIVAL from Sweden was founded by Vicky Zetterberg in 1995 in Gothenburg, Sweden and very soon became one of the world’s most popular and most selling ABBA show band. Since the start in 1995 the band has toured in 60 countries and has appeared in several TV and radio shows all over the world. Since 2005 ARRIVAL from Sweden has made 56 successful tours in the USA. ARRIVAL from Sweden in the production ”The Music of ABBA” has sold out arenas and venues all over the world since 1995 and is the absolute best and most authentic ABBA show there is. Hits like: Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Does Your Mother Know, Take A Chance, SOS, The Winner Takes It All, Super Trouper, Money Money Money, Waterloo, Honey Honey, Fernando, Chiquitita, Knowing Me Knowing You, Thank You For The Music, Lay All Your Love On Me, Gimme Gimme Gimme and many more are delivered with such accuracy that it’s hard to believe that it’s not the real ABBA on stage.

ARRIVAL From Sweden has also played with more than 60 symphony orchestras throughout the world. Successful shows with some of the finest orchestras in the USA such as Boston Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony Orchestra and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

ARRIVAL from Sweden is the only group that has been given a previously unreleased ABBA song directly from Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson of ABBA. The song “Just A Notion” will be due for a worldwide release.

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COVER This production has all the features a great ABBA show needs: lovely costumes, extremely talented musicians and breathtaking singers. Millions of people all around the world celebrate this show as the best ABBA show in the world; in fact this is the only ABBA show the world needs. This production is the closest you will ever get to see ABBA! In addition to providing a stellar night of entertainment, Evening Under the Stars is an opportunity for AAP to recognize those amazing individuals and organizations that have worked tirelessly on AAP’s behalf throughout the last 25 years.

It is with great pride that each year AAP is able to acknowledge the dedication of these wonderful, caring people who have supported AAP and other Coachella Valley nonprofit organizations.

Without them, AAP would not be where it is today.

Each year, AAP designates several award recipients and acknowledges them on stage at the event. There are several award categories, including the Jeannette Rockefeller Humanitarian Award, the Gloria Greene Inspiration Award, the Herb Lazenby Community Service Award, the Joanna Jakway Community Hero Award, and the Frank Jurczyk Volunteer Award. In 2016, AAP created a new Corporate Angel Award category.

ABOUT THE AWARDS AND THIS YEAR’S HONOREES RUTA LEE Jeannette Rockefeller Humanitarian Award Certainly one of Hollywood’s most glamorous ladies and actresses, Ruta Lee is also one of its most multifaceted and top-notch civic contributors.

Lee is highly acclaimed for her leadership role in The Thalians, a charitable organization that is committed to good mental health from pediatric to geriatric. She has been either chairman or president for more than 45 years. Ruta has been a very staunch supporter of AAP – Food Samaritans for decades. She has served as Commissioner on the Los Angeles Board of Environmental Quality and as a member of the Economic Development Board, acted as a national spokesperson for the American Cancer Society, was honored Woman of the Year by B’nai B’rith, received the Humanitarian Award from the Beverly Hills Business Women’s Association as well as top honors from the City of Hope. She is also the proud recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk

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RUTA LEE

of Fame, which added to her stars on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars and the Celebrity Walk at the Thalians Mental Health Center, CedarsSinai, makes it a Triple Crown for a super gal. More recently, Ruta was honored as a “Woman of Achievement” by Northwood University, joining a roster of some of the most prestigious women in America.

ABOUT THE AWARD: Jeannette Rockefeller was the founding president of AAP – Food Samaritans. Established in 1997 to honor the humanitarian efforts of outstanding community members such as Jeannette, this award recognizes individuals who have contributed their energy, commitment, and influence to raise awareness and funding for important issues including HIV/AIDS.

GLENN JOHNSON AND MICHAEL MELANCON Gloria Greene Inspiration Award Glenn Johnson and Michael Melancon have been long time supporters of AAP - Food Samaritans and Evening Under the Stars.

Glenn has had a long and successful career with Alaska Air Group and has served most recently as President of Horizon Air. Mike has a 30-year background in human resources management and is the Effectiveness Practice Leader for The Washington Firm and is also an ordained Zen Buddhist chaplain.

In addition to AAP - Food Samaritans, Glenn and Mike have been involved with numerous charities and philanthropic organizations including the Swedish Medical Center Foundation, where the couple supports the organization through annual gifts and has included it in their estate planning. Mike is also a member of

GLENN JOHNSON AND MICHAEL MELANCON

RON deHARTE

the Foundation’s board of governors and serves on its community health advisory committee. They also donate their time and financial support to several other community organizations, including the Bailey Boushay House, where Michael volunteers with seriously ill and hospice patients; the Swedish Ballard Teen Center; the Loving Work Foundation in Vietnam; and Central Washington University, where Glenn is a trustee.

Springs Pride, President of Safe Schools of the Desert, Co-President of the United States Association of Pride and is a member of the board of the Consolidated Association of Pride and InterPride, the international association of Pride organizers. Prior to moving to the Coachella Valley, Ron was the Executive Director of San Diego Pride for five years. In 2011 he teamed up with Safe Schools to secure the Palm Springs Art Museum as the venue for the annual LGBT Prom, which now hosts 500 students. As founding chairman of the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, Ron led the way to adopt youth programs as its beneficiary. Over the last seven years, $124,000 has been raised to directly support area GSA and LGBT youth driven activities.

ABOUT THE AWARD: Great movements often begin with one person’s simple inspiration – such as when Gloria Greene began handing out food to those with HIV/AIDS from the back door of one of her restaurants right here in Palm Springs. Since 1999, The Gloria Greene Inspiration Award has celebrated Gloria’s insight, commitment and passion, illustrating the difference that can be made in a community.

RON deHARTE Greater Palm Springs Pride Herb Lazenby Community Service Award Ron deHarte has been the President of Greater Palm Springs Pride since 2012. Under his guidance, Pride has steadily grown, bringing in an estimated 100,000 visitors this year, who contributed $22 million to the local economy.

Ron is a recognized human rights and diversity champion and currently serves as chairman of the City of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission. Ron’s long history of involvement in the LGBT community includes a primary focus on supporting LGBT youth and youth related programs. He serves as President of Greater Palm

ABOUT THE AWARD: The Herb Lazenby Community Service Award was created to recognize an individual’s outstanding commitment to service within their community. The award carries the name of its inaugural recipient, Dr. Herb Lazenby, whose name became synonymous with Community Service here in the Coachella Valley.

Tickets for the benefit, priced at $395 and $500 per person, are available for purchase and individual VIP seats and sponsorships are also available. Congratulatory tribute ads for the honorees in the gala program are available until March 29. To attend or for more information, call 760-325-8481 or visit aapfoodsamaritans.org.

IF YOU GO Date: Saturday, May 4, 2019 Location: O’Donnell Golf Course Arrivals, Cocktails, Silent Auction: 5:30pm Dinner, Awards & Entertainment: 7:00pm Attire: Creative Festive Attire

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Q&A

A CONVERSATION WITH MARK ANTON

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AAP - FOOD SAMARITANS You being part of this organization for so long, first on the board and then serving as Executive Director, how have you seen the fundraising efforts change throughout the years?

I have been involved with AAP for 18 years and have seen fundraising become tougher and tougher. After the terrible economy in 2008-2010 we lost lots of donors who had no choice but to curtail giving. We are seeing some young donors start to take an interest and step up and help.

Evening Under the Stars is the organization’s biggest fundraising event, what can the attendees expect this year?

For those who do not know, what exactly is the mission of AAP - Food Samaritans?

AAP- Food Samaritans provides nutritional support to lowincome residents of the Coachella Valley living with a chronic illness.

How many clients do you currently assist; what is the qualifying criteria and is it just the LGBTQ Community who are eligible?

We are equipped to serve up to 550 clients each month. Each month our numbers fluctuate as we unfortunately lose people to death, and some leave the hot weather to stay with relatives, as they can’t afford air conditioning bills Have you always worked in Non-Profits and if not what was your motivation to start working for one?

I have always volunteered since a kid for non-profits, but my motivating factor was the death of my partner, John, who died in 1991 of HIV complications. I thought to myself from that point on I would never be one to stand on the sidelines and watch this horrible disease ravage a handsome, smart and pre-HIV energized guy.

They can expect another GREAT night full of great food, cocktails, great auction items, and a very short but thoughtful awards presentation honoring several local heroes including the incomparable Ruta Lee. What are some of the other events that create awareness for the organization?

Next up is our July 4th viewing party, our Angel kickoff on October 13, and our very popular Oscar viewing party hosted by Tony Marchese of Trio and Liquid Catering Is there anything you wish to convey to our readers about AAP – Food Samaritans that we haven’t covered?

We have an annual budget of 1.6 million dollars and have only 2 full-time employees and one part-time. We operate out of “no frills” offices and receive no federal or state funding.

Where can our readers go to learn more about AAP – Food Samaritans and also perhaps purchase tickets to Evening Under the Stars or any of the other fund raising events? www.aapfoodsamaritans.org or call me 24/7 @ 760-864-1200

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SHOWBIZ

ONE NIGHT ONLY BROADWAY SHOWSTOPPERS

BY IAN EWING

In this year’s show, One Night Only Broadway Showstoppers, Broadway and Hollywood performers will come together for an evening of all your favorite songs from the greatest musicals. Because of the show’s stellar reputation, many veteran cabaret performers can’t wait to be part of it. All performers donate their time and talent for this one-of-a kind performance. Performer appearance is subject to availability. This year’s performers include: Loni Ackerman, Christine Andreas, Don Amendolia, Lucie Arnaz, Brent Barrett, John Barrowman, Jim Brochu, Ann Hampton Callaway, Liz Callaway, Scott Coulter, Nita Whitaker and Karen Ziemba to name a few.

One Night Only will be directed by famed Broadway choreographer and director Larry Fuller, with music direction by Christopher Marlowe and presented by Michael Childers.

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The legendary and world-renowned photographer, Michael Childers has photographed some of the most iconic stars in Hollywood.

From Natalie Wood and Groucho Marx to John Travolta, Grace Jones and Andy Warhol. Chances are that if the were photographed, Michael was behind the lens. His iconic style is unmistakable. For those who are unaware, Michael is also a philanthropist. He has been on the board of several organizations including the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the Palm Springs Art Museum and Jewish Family Services. But today we are here to talk about one in particular; One Night Only and Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, the organization this event benefits.

Michael, thank you for taking the time to talk to us. I know you must be very busy with the event quickly approaching so let’s get right to it.

1. You are world renowned for your photography; have you retired from that and are you more dedicated to your philanthropic work ?

My life in photography has been in continual renewal with exciting exhibitions around the country. I have 3-4 exhibitions coming up next year and two shows at Yale University this summer in June. It’s nice to live off the archives of 50 years of work. I donate thousands of dollars’ worth of photographs each year to my favorite charities for their auctions. It’s one way of keeping my involvement with much needed philanthropy.

2. What was the impetus for starting One Night Only?

One Night Only actually began in 2002 and it’s our 15th year. It continues to amaze me, excite me, and challenge me to do better and better. I have been so blessed by my golden Rolodex of performers, who continually give their time and their talent to this show, as well as some amazing directors and musical directors 3. Can you tell us a bit about the charity it benefits, the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center?

This year’s show is called Broadway Showstoppers and will benefit the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center. I am so impressed by their much needed and brilliant work serving hundreds of abused children from all over the valley. It’s an amazing place to visit as well as to support.

4. How do you select your performers?

I select the performers by finding the best possible people I can think of to sing the songs that the musical director and I have chosen. We are particularly lucky that all of the New York performers want to leave the cold and snow after a long winter and come out to the desert. This is good bait to get them here. We are so lucky and blessed to have two great sponsors, Aqua Caliente Resort Casino Spa as well as JetBlue, who without them, this show would not be possible.

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SHOWBIZ

5. The show usually last close to 2 hours long without an intermission, why was it produced this way?

For many years this was a two-act show with an intermission, but we tried to keep the pace up and condense the show into 90 minutes of power packed songs that the audience truly loves.

6. This is the 14th year of One Night Only and from day one you’ve always had a completely sold out event, why do think that’s so?

This show is legendary in the desert. I think it sells out every year because we have been able to keep the talent at such a high level.

There are so many loyal fans of this show and devoted press throughout the valley who help us publicize the event. It has a wonderful life of its own. It’s renowned for its quality of A-plus performers who are is seldom seen here. It’s nice that 90% of our performers are then hired by other venues such as The Annenberg Theater.

7. Going back to your photography for a moment, you recently had an Andy Warhol-themed show at the Palm Springs Art Museum, are there any more shows planned in the near future?

I have two shows at Yale University this summer in June as well as shows coming up at SOKA, and the Palos Verdes Art Center. This year is also the 50th anniversary of my partner John Schlesinger’s Oscar winning film, Midnight Cowboy. It is being screened at various film festivals and museums this year. I am traveling around to speak at some of these including one we just did at the Palm Springs Cultural Center that was sold out, and in April, there will be a showing at the San Francisco Film Festival where I will be speaking with my Oscar nominated director friend, Matt Tyrnauer, about the making of Midnight Cowboy. Also coming up will be screenings at the New York Film Festival, The Hamptons International Film Festival, The London Film Festival, and Chicago Film Festival.

8. Finally, what are your plans for April 25th , the day after One Night Only?

The day after the show I am still floating on a cloud of excitement and already beginning to think about what next year’s show will be.

There is no rest for the truly wicked and dedicated.

IF YOU GO Date: Saturday, February 10, 2018 Location: McCallum Theatre Palm Desert Time: 6:30pm Tickets: 760-340-ARTS or www.mccallumtheatre.com

APRIL 2019 15

INDESIGN ACCESSORIES AND ART:

MAKING MEANINGFUL CHOICES

BY DANN FOLEY

There is a timeless observation made by the great fashion designer, Coco Chanel. It illustrates the importance of accessorizing (in fashion, home & life) and it illustrates the importance of accessories. She is said to have observed that when a woman is fully dressed, including accessories, that she should edit out one item before leaving home. How very wise!

Accessories, specifically for the home are a challenge for many.

Coming from a “more is more” aesthetic, I struggle with editing as much as anyone. Proceed with caution, but never with fear.

I have seen too many homes where the accessories are overdone. The truth is, they are too easy. There are too many in quantities so great they are hard to pass up or ignore. On the opposite end of the spectrum too few accessories can underwhelm to the point of distraction. Then, trying to factor in issues of color, scale and proportion and it is easy to throw your hands up and surrender.

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I want to share with you my approach about accessories when I start sourcing for clients that can ensure your own success.

• Start with your own treasures. Gather up all of those things that have meaning. Then go through your closets and cabinets for those treasures that might have been lost or forgotten.

• Layering is both a technique and an approach. Your tabletops and surfaces become more vibrant when layered with beautiful objects and mementos. Every surface becomes a stage to tell a story.

• I love to say, “it’s all in the mix”. Combine the fine with the casual, the high with the low and the soft with hard.

• Allow the eye to move left to right and up and down.

Create space between objects to allow the eye to stop and admire.

• Art can be even more exciting when you mix both traditional and modern art, as well as, traditional and modern framing styles. It is the mix and the contrast that enlivens each in your home.

• Family-photo walls. I have rarely done a home without

one! They work almost anywhere and create an instant sense of home and tradition. Dining rooms and powder rooms, however, I keep free of family photos. Sometimes it’s just as important to know when to say, no.

Accessorizing is a form of storytelling. What you will find is you do not have to yell to get your point across.

• The Investment. When it comes to your accessories and art, price is not the indicator of value. Buy what you love and what you can afford. Some of my favorite pieces to display are kids’ drawings in elaborate frames.

• The Love. Love what you buy, love what you choose to live with.

Art and accessories are like the jewelry of a well-dressed room.

• Framing. It can make the most humble of choices a masterpiece.

Presentation is everything!

• Mix Mediums. When creating your collection or displaying one, mix a variety of mediums. Combined framed pen & ink drawings, sketches, oils, acrylics, photography and sculpture.

Design can be transformative, therapeutic and empowering! It’s not about stuff, it’s about your choices. Who are you? Tell your story.

Be kind to yourself, you cannot get this wrong.

Live Well!

Dann www.foleystinnette.com designer dann on: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest / HOUZZ

APRIL 2019 17

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BOOK REVIEW

ALWAYS OVERBOOKED

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

Back then, you were a chameleon.

Like most teens, you spent time blending in through different personas. One day, you were this kind of kid; another day, you were that kind; next week one, then another, as if you had a rack full of roles to try on and years to do it. In the new memoir “Jimmy Neurosis” by James Oseland, punk rock helped.

Moving again should have been no surprise for young Jim Oseland.

His father had always been somewhat of a nomad; in each new town, just as the family got settled, it seemed as though the first plan was to move again – although this time was different. This move was to California, and Oseland’s dad said he no longer wanted a family.

Dad was staying in Minnesota. Just thirteen, Oseland hoped to fit in with his new ninth-grade California classmates at San Carlos High, but he realized on the first day that it wouldn’t happen. Still, over time, he managed to make friends with a boy who dealt weed; and with a tall Marilyn-Monroe-ish exchange student who invited Oseland to explore the world of punk rock.

The music, the moshing, and the clothing were all things he’d seen on TV in Minnesota, but the culture was attainable in California. In club after club, fifteen-year-old Oseland was welcomed for his uniqueness; not fitting in seemed to be the whole point. He even felt comfortable enough to admit, out loud, that he was gay. It was something Oseland had known since he was very small, but he couldn’t articulate it until he was welcomed into the world of punk rock. And he blossomed. “Gone,” he says, “was the shy, awkward boy, to be replaced by someone with sharper edges.”

He gained a “boyfriend” who was more than twice his age and, after the boyfriend moved to New York, Oseland followed. When that relationship soured, the seventeen-year-old returned to California, with a germ of an idea.

California had changed. Punk rock had changed. And so, again, did Oseland.

Though it may at first seem like just another memoir, “Jimmy Neurosis” has three things that set it apart, the most obvious being that it’s a look at punk rock. That’s a story told not merely from its beginning but also from the perspective of two coasts. Author James Oseland was there to see both.

The second and third things go together: told from the pointof-view of an awkward, desperately-wanna-be-worldly teenager, this memoir is mostly set in a time before the AIDS crisis, but only just.

Oseland was highly promiscuous in those days and he’s very open in his recollections; AIDS is never mentioned but readers still may not be able to avoid feeling an edge-of-your-seat fear, not because of what’s written but because we know too much.

For that, and for readers who like memoirs of the coming-of-age type, this book is an easy choice. It’s also a great memory trip for old punk rockers. For fans of both, “Jimmy Neurosis” is the perfect blend.

“Jimmy Neurosis” by James Oseland c.2019, Ecco $27.99 / $34.99 Canada 305 pages

APRIL 2019 19

AMAZON TRAIL

WHAT IS LESBIAN LITERATURE?

BY LEE LYNCH

It’s nice that some non-gay writers include us in their stories.

I’m thinking of Lawrence Block’s Matt Scudder detective novels in which he has an amusing lesbian friend who is a dog groomer. Very respectful and matter-of-fact that she’s a dyke. But that doesn’t make the novels lesbian any more than the presence of Robert B. Parker’s gay male bartender and strongman in his Spenser series makes the books gay male.

How about Sylvia Plath’s much-revered novel The Bell Jar? The writer implies that a secondary character, who typically for that era

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commits suicide, is gay. Or Mary McCarthy’s The Group, in which one of eight old college friends has a woman lover. Should we consider these lesbian books?

And Mary Oliver, a lesbian, but the reader must hunt for allusions to her affectional orientation, and then be uncertain. Her beloved books are probably included every lesbian library and the poems express the experience of one lesbian. Can they be claimed as our literature? Hardly.

Leonardo Padura Fuentes, novelist, critic and essayist, wrote,

“I bury myself in Cuba deeply so that I can express what Cuba is, and have not left Cuba because I am a Cuban writer and I can’t be anything else.” Padura Fuentes creates Cuban literature. Substitute the word “lesbian” for “Cuba” and his sentence describes an author of lesbian literature. Genre doesn’t matter, nor era, fiction or nonfiction. Truly lesbian writing delves deep into the lesbian psyche, not to the exclusion of the rest of human experience, but through the unique perspective of gay women.

Jeannette Foster’s renowned and lengthy history and analysis of writings which hint of, refer to, or portray lesbians, is titled Sex Variant Women in Literature. Itself decidedly a prime example of what I call lesbian literature, the book does not pretend to examine that subject, but only to identify dykes in writings since the Bible. That is lesbians in literature, not lesbian literature.

Again, when Barbara Grier published her bibliography, she included hundreds of works that may only have brushed against the rare gay female individual. The title she chose was The Lesbian In Literature, not lesbian literature.

Neither author claimed to address actual lesbian literature. There was little of it to examine in any case.

And now the label is being slapped on all sorts of books, and categorized that way by LGBTQ people themselves. This trend is not encouraging queer women to tenaciously explore and document our lesbian experiences. It only encourages the assimilation that manifests in crossover books, books written to appeal to all readers. It only discourages most publishers from accepting submissions whose focus is fully and earnestly lesbian. It only denies lesbian readers works that reflect the reality of our lives.

While it’s true that we can only write that which inspires us, when teachers, editors, agents and awards administrators, among others, hold mainstream writing as the standard, and all but ignore books with an exclusively lesbian focus, they lead us away from serious, in depth examination of our lesbian selves. No matter how popular or literary, including a gay female character or a dalliance between women or a minor character who is questioning—none of those are legitimately part of lesbian literature.

This may smack of separatism and early gay liberation, but we have a right to our own cultures, whatever kind of queer we are. As we focus our words on ourselves, we build a legacy for the future-dykes of two or two hundred years, whether next-door to us or in a place where queericide is the norm.

When I see today’s writers of unabashed lesbian stories who show the same spirit as Jane Rule, Isabel Miller, and Radclyffe Hall not getting their due, I wonder how far have we really come? These are the women who are struggling to communicate the essence of who we are by writing from their very lesbian hearts.

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FEATURE

DUNGEONS AND DRAG QUEENS

Dungeons And Drag Queens Fire Island Through The Eyes Of Its Worst Drag Queen, is the second collection of humorous essays where comedian Greg Scarnici recounts some of his most shocking and scandalous experiences over twenty-five years of summering on New York’s Fire Island. From tea dances in Fire Island Pines to drag competitions in Cherry Grove, Greg Scarnici’s Dungeons And Drag Queens paints a picture of what a typical summer on the island of misfit boys is like. “If I were to explain Fire Island to someone who’s never been there, I would describe it as a bathhouse on the beach,” Greg Scarnici explains. “Or Provincetown with more meth.” Nothing is sugarcoated in Dungeons And Drag Queens. Scarnici spills all the hot tea from riding aboard a ferry in a dress with two hundred other drag queens during the annual Fourth of July Invasion, to getting innocently lured into a sex dungeon that was actually a 3x4 garden shed. He discusses his adventures in the notorious Meat Rack and dancing until the sun comes up at the island’s annual beach celebration, Pines Party.

Every essay exposes a different, accurate and hilarious facet of Scarnici’s Fire Island. From “MuuMuu Land,” which talks about the magic that can happen by throwing on a five-dollar caftan, to “Suffolk Cunty Realness,” which details the creation of his alter ego, Levonia Jenkins. The bearded Levonia (pictured on the cover) has had the honor of being crowned

“the worst drag queen in Cherry Grove” four times, proving that one does not need a perfect beat or wig to be a crown-snatching female impersonator.

Dungeons And Drag Queens simultaneously weaves in some of the island’s extraordinary history and introduces many of its true-life colorful characters. Greg Scarnici is a comedic writer, director, producer, actor, DJ and musician whose comedy videos have been viewed over 10 million times on YouTube. His work has also been featured on MTV, VH1, Fox News and CNN. Acting credits include appearances in 30 Rock, Online Nation, Nick Cannon: Short Circuitz and A Star is Born.

Greg has also written and performed several stage shows including Queens, The Buddy & Barbara Comedy Hour, Sex Tape, Must Be The Music and Gender Fluids. He also produces music under the name Undercover.

Greg currently works as an Associate Producer at Saturday Night Live. Books include his debut collection of humorous essays: I Hope My Mother Doesn’t Read This and Sex In Drag, a parody of Madonna’s infamous SEX book shot entirely on Fire Island. Dungeons And Drag Queens is available on Amazon and at select bookstores.

Visit www.gregscarnici.com

APRIL 2019 23

MUSIC

COMING OUT ON THE EAST SIDE

BY PAUL HUTNICK

Wils Makes History as First Openly Gay Male Chinese Singer.

Wils, a Singapore pop singing sensation whose 2017 Men’s Health Magazine cover showed off his washboard abs is revealing even more this month with the release of his new single.

In “Open Up Babe,” an intensely powerful chill track that he wrote to his younger self, Wils comes out as gay, making history as the first openly gay male Chinese singer ever.

“The song is my way to say bye to that scared kid who hid in his closet,” he explains. “The one who suffered sleepless nights, worrying if his parents would still love him, if his bros would still hang out with him, and if his music label would stand by him, when he revealed his deepest, darkest secret.”

We spoke with Wils from his LA home.

Congratulations on coming out!

Wils: Thanks! I feel incredibly happy and grateful. It nice to finally be comfortable in this tiny vessel of mine!

What led to your decision to come out?

Wils: I couldn’t spend another day creating music and not being truthful to who I am. It was lonely in the closet. I came to the realization that life is so short and while I’m here, I want to live as authentically as I can.

For people outside of the USA, please explain what it’s like to come out as gay in Singapore.

Wils: It’s tough. I mean, gay culture is in Singapore. If you look for it, you can find it. But there’s a law that criminalizes consensual sexual acts between two men. It is not really practiced. It’s more to keep peace with the conservatives, but it does exist.

There is also no anti-LGBTQ discrimination protection in Singapore, so it can be dangerous.

Wils: Yes, especially in the workplace. That’s why most LGBTQ people in Singapore tend to keep their private lives private. But if we hope to gain full acceptance, we need to make ourselves known.

How have your family responded to your news?

Wils: They took it so well. I came out by telling them how much I loved them. I also tried to comfort them by convincing them that

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I am still the very same person they’ve always known and always will be. My dad and mom were mostly concerned that I wouldn’t be accepted by the society. In fact, my mom had me thinking twice about coming out. She asked me if I was really sure about it because of the stigma in Asia. I told her I was sure. My cute little Asian mom has been so loving since the day I was born. I promised her that I will share the love she’s given me by being open about my true self.

How did your friends react?

Wils: They were like, “hey man, we love you, no matter what.”

It’s been a really touching and wonderful journey so far.

Were you disappointed by anyone’s reaction?

Wils: I wasn’t, everyone has been incredibly supportive. The biggest surprise came from my cousin in New York City. When I came out to her, I asked if she had any idea and she told me, “Bish I had no idea! “ Is the man in the “Open Up Babe” video your real-life bf?

Wils: No, Rob is a friend of mine. He is just like he appears in the video: super nice, fun and he loves Britney Spears. It was his first time in a music video! He is such a natural and the real star of it.

How did it feel to be frolicking like young lovebirds amid spring wildflowers in full bloom?

Wils: Super fun and liberating. I think it can be tricky for gay people in public sometimes, especially when it comes to public displays of affection. Sometimes we don’t show our affection because we don’t want to make others uncomfortable, but that’s changing. It was so awesome to be able to enjoy the beauty of nature together. Rob and I poured a glass of red wine and basically just had fun being ourselves.

Did you get to run your hand through his hairy chest?

Wils: (Laughing) There was a scene we shot that didn’t make it in the video. Rob said, “jump on me and I was like “what? Literally jump onto you?” He nodded so I ran towards him, jumped up and thankfully he caught me or I would’ve landed face flat on the ground.

We were trying to film some random moves and the both of us were just laughing at our awkwardness.

What’s the real message in “Open Up Babe”?

Wils: You know that feeling when you have to poop so bad and

someone’s still in the restroom? That’s when you knock hard and yell, “open up, babe!” (Laughing) Kidding! I think it’s really important to love and be truthful to yourself. With that, you can open up to sharing more beautiful things about yourself to those that you love.

What’s next for Wils?

Wils: I’m really excited about the album that I have coming up!

There are so many fun tunes I wrote that I can’t wait to share. I feel I can finally express myself fully in music. Wils “Open Up Babe” is being released independently. It will be available worldwide April 23 on iTunes, Amazon and all other major retailers, as well as for streaming through Pandora and Spotify. Follow Wils on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @heywils.

APRIL 2019 25

PSP FOCUS “GREAT PLACE TO WORK” AWARDED TO DESERT OASIS HEALTHCARE

BY BARRY DAYTON

“Taking everything into account, I would say this is a great place to work.” According to the independent analysts at Great Place to Work® that was the summary of 89% of the extensive ratings provided by Desert Oasis Healthcare (DOHC) employees in anonymous surveys.

Pride and Credibility were just two of the markers of employee happiness that rose to the top as DOHC achieved this distinction for a second year in a row. The more than 1,000 DOHC employees collectively embody the company’s ethos of “Language of Caring” by constantly striving for service excellence. DOHC offers employee classes in yoga, Weight Watchers at Work, stress management, parent support, healthy eating, and much more to provide for self-improvement and life balance. No wonder DOHC has earned regional and national recognition for workplace wellness practices.

“Happy and fulfilled employees deliver better service in the interactions they have with each other and the more than 60,000 patients they serve. That’s why we give as good as we get from our incredible employees,” said Dr. Marc Hoffing, DOHC Medical Director. “Our Employee Success Program is always looking for ways to improve staff health, while offering them education and fun at the same time.”

About Desert Oasis Healthcare (DOHC) Desert Oasis Healthcare was formed in 1981 as one of the first medical groups in the desert communities. Today, DOHC is continually advancing with changes in the healthcare market, providing primary and immediate care, home health, palliative care, and other services to more than 70,000 members/patients living in the greater Coachella Valley and the Morongo Basin of Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

GOLDEN GIRLS LIVE! Golden Girls LIVE returns to Palm Springs at Oscar’s this April, after it’s triumphant 2018 residency! What could be gayer than the Golden Girls television show? Four drag queens reenacting the genius comedic styling of Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Betty White, and Estelle Getty, that’s what.

San Francisco drag legends Heklina, D’Arcy Drollinger, Matthew Martin, and Holotta Tymes have become a Bay Area Christmas tradition, with the Golden Girls LIVE playing to thousands of people at the historic Victoria Theatre, every Holiday season. They have recently started taking the show on the road, and performing it in Palm Springs is a dream come true.

For Golden Girls aficionados and those in the know, the two episodes being performed this year are “Long Days Journey Into Marinara”, and “Big Daddy’s Little Lady”. As an added bonus, Palm

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Springs favorite Ethylina Canne returns as special guest star! Show dates April 24-28. Visit www.thegoldengirlslive.com for tickets and more info.

Thank You For Being A Friend

APRIL 2019 27

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NEWS

CHICAGO ELECTS FIRST BLACK FEMALE AND FIRST OPENLY GAY MAYOR A historic win for Lori Lightfoot as she will soon take office as the first female African-American mayor of Chicago. The win by Lightfoot, who identifies as a lesbian and will be Chicago’s first woman of color to serve as mayor, also means the Windy City is the biggest U.S. city to pick an openly gay mayor.

Lightfoot, 56, a former federal prosecutor who’d never been elected to public office, defeated Cook County Board President and longtime City Council member Toni Preckwinkle on Tuesday with backing from voters across the city. Late results showed Lightfoot winning every one of the city’s 50 wards.

Lightfoot also made history becoming the first openly gay person to be elected Chicago mayor. This is a major milestone for the LGBTQ community, for the black community and for women.

Lightfoot’s win is viewed as a rejection of “business as usual” politics in Chicago, a political landscape that’s often mired in corruption.

Cheers and resounding applause Tuesday night at the downtown Hilton, as Lightfoot took the stage with her daughter and wife.

Lightfoot shook hands with supporters before giving her victory speech.

“Out there tonight a lot of little girls and boys are watching.

They’re watching us, and they’re seeing the beginning of something, well, a little bit different,” Lightfoot told a jubilant crowd. “They’re seeing a city reborn.”

The former federal prosecutor garnered well over 366,000 votes during Tuesday’s run-off election which had low turnout.

Lightfoot said when she launched her campaign 11 months ago, she was considered an underdog— with 14 candidates in the race— including the powerful political figures, the experienced, and the wealthy.

As the former head of the police board, Lightfoot rejected the political establishment during her campaign and is now focused on growing this city, despite a dwindling population, and create a more unified Chicago—breaking down the barriers between police and the communities they serve.

That path will have major challenges. Chicago has been losing population, particularly in predominantly African American neighborhoods hit hardest by violence and a lack of jobs.

The new mayor will take over a city that faces massive financial problems. She will have just a few months to prepare a new budget, which in 2020 is expected to have a roughly $250 million deficit.

Lightfoot also will take over the worst-funded public pensions of any major U.S. city. Chicago’s annual payments to the retirement systems are slated to grow by $1.2 billion by 2023.

She pledged to make Chicago “a place where your zip code doesn’t determine your destiny,” to address the city’s violence and to “break this city’s endless cycle of corruption” that allows politicians to profit from their office.

Lightfoot will be sworn-in as mayor on May 20.

APRIL 2019 29

Right. Here.

The men’s health services you want, where you want them.

When it comes to high quality health care, Eisenhower is here for you — now with five great health centers in the Palm Springs area, and an enhanced focus on services that meet the unique health needs of men.

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APRIL 2019 31

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Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus

APRIL 2019 33

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WELLNESS

MAKING A CHANGE

BY JILL LANGHAM

The month of April is devoted to AAP - Food Samaritans and all the ways in which they support the LGBT community as well as the City of Palm Springs. They now help not only low income persons compromised by HIV/AIDS as well as those individuals suffering from Cancer, MS, heart or liver disease, and it just so happens that one of my clients works for AAP. His name is Craig Magaw and he is the Administrative Cocoordinator at AAP. After trying a number of other treatments, Craig came to me 3 years ago after having surgery on his cervical spine (neck). I was re-introduced to he and his partner, Rick at a Christmas Party, where we discussed my credentials in training to see if we would be a good match for one another. I had been a psychiatric Nurse for almost 20 years but had also worked on Medical floors and had been involved with different types of rehabilitation. I felt qualified to assist Craig in his recovery.

We began working together in February 2015 as Rick called me and bought Craig an introductory package to assess our compatibility. We met 5 times after having an initial consultation where I introduced him to my Eating Plan. I also took his measurements, did a fat analysis and took photos of him. We then met twice a week to determine his strength and limitations due to the surgery and came up with a plan. He readily agreed to go on the Eating Plan as he, like most people who’ve had neck surgery, had put on weight as his movements were limited and he feared re-injury. Both of which are very common responses.

After checking with his surgeon he was given the go ahead and we started our training program. I chose to give him baby weights to assess his range of motion and any limitations due to disuse and/our pain, which in his case was minimal to non-existent. We moved slowly at first always using the motto, Safety First and in a short period of time began seeing the visible changes that the Eating Plan combined with cardio and weigh-lifting were having on his metabolism.

Craig weighed in at 200 pounds at our first meeting and had a 34-inch waist and wore a size large shirt, which he said fit him very tight. He complained of having poor sleep, had heartburn and had an elevated cholesterol levels and was on a medication for it that his doctor had prescribed. He had a limited range of motion in his neck and had an imbalance on his left side causing his neck and trapezius area to be elevated when looking at him from the backside. He also

did not have any visible abdominal muscles so we had our work cut out for us.

I typically work with my clients three days a week but in this case we chose to work out twice a week for 60 minutes each session. We did new measurements and photo’s every few weeks to ascertain how the program was working and made the appropriate adjustments as we went along. Craig was very devoted and his progress was very noticeable. His weigh dropped to 179 pounds while his strength increased ten-fold.

His waist dropped down to 32 inches, and he was now wearing a size Medium Shirt that fit perfectly. His sleep problems had resolved themselves, his heartburn was gone and he was able to stop taking his cholesterol medications as his levels were now within the normal limits.

But, far more exciting was the fact that Craig now had almost full range of motion in his neck, no pain and had a balanced physique.

As it happens he is also one of my strongest clients and continues to gain strength each year. He follows the Eating Plan but also lives his life to the fullest, meaning that like me, he enjoys a cocktail here and there and will indulge in deserts or “cheat meals”. But,he knows that he just has to go back to the 6 meals a day in order to take off a few pounds that he might have gained over a holiday or vacation.

He also will workout on vacation or will engage in calorie burning activities while still enjoying his time away.

It’s been my pleasure to work with Craig and admire his commitment to his training program as well as his commitment to helping his community through his work at AAP – Food Samaritan’s!

Have a wonderful April!

XOXO Jill, Your Dancing Queen!

APRIL 2019 35

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APRIL 2019 37

TRANSCENDENCE

SPRING FLINGS AND THESE THINGS

BY CHRISTINA VRONAY RUGGLES

April, this year in Palm Springs, is gonna be a good month for some.

Coachella, Stage Coach, and the birthdays of some locals and not so locals.

Now, maybe Coachella and festival season in general isn’t your favorite season in the valley. That’s understandable. Liking tourists and liking their money are 2 separate and distinct concepts. I don’t and won’t judge someone for groaning when the youth descend on Palm Springs. I worked in a downtown ice cream store. I understand.

But, those things aren’t what my ranting is about. Oh no, you see, what I’m talking about is Dinah Shore!

A fun in the sun, lesbian/queer (occasionally in a pool) party. I loved seeing the flood of lesbians pouring through my work as they came in to escape the heat and lick away their need for something sweet, that wasn’t a member of their congregation. It really helped enhance my gaydar, which, while no longer a survival skill, still is a useful thing to have. To show that party of two women aligned peoples an extra good time. Really pull out all the jokes, the flavor samples, the most genuine smiles. I wasn’t some grumpy hunk ‘a’ coal with others, for reference, but I melted away any potential exhaustion or possible annoyance if I even suspected the customer of being queer in any fashion. But especially my fellow women loving women(wlw). Gotta rep the family, ya?

But Why Lesbians?

Seeing lesbians, or other flavors of wlw in the wild has always brought me a lot more joy than I can easily explain. Not that seeing men loving men, or people I think are transgender doesn’t bring me a lot of joy, because they do, but lesbianism in the wild brings me a special kind of joy. I don’t know about other transgender lesbians’

38 THESTANDARDPS.COM

experience with the cis lesbian community. Well, I do, but not enough to anything authoritative.

I also don’t think I have a “definitive” take on the state of transgender lesbian to cisgender lesbian relations. I have my take.

But it’s narrow, and limited in scope, and marred by the fact that I “pass” (I.E. don’t look like a transgender person) enough of the time.

One way that my experience is narrow is that I almost exclusively, used dating apps, and was usually very straightforward about my status as a transgender woman. Like, 1st words on my profile straightforward. So any women or queer women-loving individual who DIDN’T want to date a transgender woman could very easily just say NO! to my profile and me. So large amounts of rejection I DID experience were passive, already done and over with before I needed to grapple with it. Out of sight, out of mind.

The few times I did assert myself, publicly as a lesbian it rarely, if ever went well. If I had tinder or okcupid or whatever to assert my femininity, my womanhood, my homosexuality before they saw me

in the flesh, it worked. I COULD get dates. I did! I still had people not read my profile and unmatched me when they realized I was transgender though. I got a few ugly comments about it. I was able to point to the fact that their ignorance was their own damn fault, but I’m still the one who suffered at the end of the day. However, I emphasize their rarity. I know some transgender wlw avoid cis lesbians, often out of some inadequacy based fear. Sometimes they have their own real world experiences that blight the image of cisgender lesbians. I know for some, cis partners can be exhausting.

To be frank, I agree, in a way. Cis partners often need to be taught the intricacies of the transgender body, both romantically and socially. For some trans people, that teaching is tiring, for others it isn’t. I usually don’t mind doing it.

For me, cisgender lesbian attraction has always been a prize, an attainable, realistic goal of my transition, independent of my own bias. If I can date and seduce cis lesbians, I must really, really look like a woman! Right? It eliminates the pesky, disgusting question that lurks in me when I dated or flirted with bi or pansexual women. The question of: am I really a woman, or is that a game they play to have access to their femme-boy? It’s a sick and disgusting question to ask in a relationship, and it’s one that exists only in the dark, insecure recesses of my mind. But, it exists. And lesbians remove that question from me and mine. Without doing soul searching and therapy and trusting my partner and myself more. All that work and effort, unnecessary. Lesbians were/are my easy mode.

If they were attracted to me. Which, I think, some of them, are.

And I’m really quite thankful for that. In general I’m thankful to be a lesbian. Not having to date cisgender heterosexual men. Many men can and do make great partners to transgender women. They treat them as the women they are, and are overall good partners.

But enough men are scary, or just weird about the trans thing. And women CAN be better. On average I would say, for me, cisgender women have been better to me than cisgender men. That’s a fact I live with. And it’s why I look at the institution of lesbianism with such wonder and hope. It’s why I glance, look away, and smile when I see lesbians holding hands, or getting dinner, or *gasp* kiss in public!

Good to see that representation and hope for the future just out there, existing.

One reason I love(d) Dinah shore. And Palm Springs as a whole.

I do miss the queerness of the desert. One reason I love contributing to The Standard. It reminds me of the good and gay times I had here, and the ones I still may have.

WHAT WE DO: • Daily hot nutritious meal to over 135 people a day, 6 days a week.

• Sack lunches daily –over 1200 a week served.

• Phone and mail service.

• Morning coffee, rolls and fruit.

• Showers daily.

• Furniture for people in need.

• Clothing for job interviews and those who need them.

• Assistance with food stamps, MISP, id’s and more.

• Utility assistance.

• Rental assistance.

• Free notary service.

• Resume writing assistance.

• One way tickets home.

• Saturday food distribution of healthy foods to working families, seniors, veterans, the disabled, families with children.

• Emergency food boxes.

• Some transportation to medical and social service appointments.

• Van transportation to hot lunch sites.

• Home deliveries to seniors who are homebound or frail.

• “Well Assist” program to downtown merchants and other business owners.

• Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations for all in need.

Christmas presents for all the children.

• Well houses available for long-term group family living, and emergenies.

• A family-friendly environment where all can feel welcome, cared about, and respected.

APRIL 2019 39

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PRESENTS

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THAI SMILE PALM SPRINGS 100 South Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.5503 www.thaismilepalmsprings.com

RICK’S RESTAURANT 1973 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.416.0090 www.ricksrestaurant.biz

TRIO RESTAURANT 707 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.864.8746 www.triopalmsprings.com

PINOCCHIO IN THE DESERT 134 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.322.3776 www.pinocchiops.com

THE TROPICALE 330 E Amado Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 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 LULU CALIFORNIA BISTRO 200 S Palm Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.327.5858 www.lulupalmsprings.com

HUNTERS NIGHTCLUB 302 East Arenas Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.323.0700 www.huntersnightclubs.com TOUCAN’S TIKI LOUNGE 2100 North Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.416.7584 www.toucanstikilounge.com

STREETBAR 224 E. Arenas Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.1266 www.psstreetbar.com THE TOOL SHED 600 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.3299 www.toolshed-ps.com STACY’S AT PALM SPRINGS 220 E Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.620.5003 BLACKBOOK BAR 315 E Arenas Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.832.8497 www.blackbookbar.com QUADZ 200 S Indian Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.778.4326

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EVENTS CALENDAR ONGOING >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

APR 12 - 14 & APR 19 - 21 COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL Coachella returns to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California from April 12-14 and then for a second weekend from April 19-21. The festival will stream live on YouTube both weekends. It’s the first time both weekends will stream. Lineup includes Childish Gambino, Tame Impala, and Ariana Grande, Solange, Kid Cudi, Aphex Twin, Janelle Monáe, the 1975, Pusha-T, Blood Orange, Diplo. For complete lineup and more info visit www.coachella.com

APR 26 - 29 WHITE PARTY PALM SPRINGS The largest gay dance party in the World marking it’s 30th anniversary DJs, live performances, pool parties and more. Ticket includes priority access to the four main events including Friday party, The White Party, Sunday T Dance and closing party. VIP includes priority access to ALL weekend events, which also include the daytime pool parties, plus access to VIP areas and platforms at the White Party and T Dance. www.jeffreysanker.com

CERTIFIED FARMERS’ MARKET Certified Farmers’ Market Palm Springs Camelot Theatre Parking Lot Saturdays 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m Certified Farmers’ Market Palm Desert Adjacent To The Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce 72559 Highway 111 Wednesdays 8:00 AM TO 12:30 PM For more information, please visit www.certifiedfarmersmarkets.org or call 844-7FARMCV (844–732-7628).

STARTING JAN 11 DEZART PERFORMS Dezart Performs, one of the Coachella Valley’s preeminent theatre companies, recognizes that the performing arts enrich the life and culture of a community, promote greater understanding and provoke insightful discussion. For a complete calendar of events and show times visit www.dezartperforms.org or call 760-322-0179

DBA EVENTS WWW.DESERTBUSINESSASSOCIATION.ORG

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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

THE JUDY SHOW. PURPLE ROOM SUPPER CLUB PALM SPRINGS The spirit of Judy Garland is alive and well and in Palm Springs at the famed Purple Room Supper Club every Sunday at 7:00! This blend of hysterical comedy and outstanding music explode into an evening of nonstop belly laughs, glamour and high camp, as celebrated entertainer Michael Holmes parodies Judy Garland, who in her 1964 television variety show, played host to some of the greatest female icons of the Golden Age of Hollywood. www.purpleroompalmsprings.com

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

BLACKBOOK The sleek industrial styled BlackBook Bar located in the heart of the gay strip on Arenas now has Happy Hour everyday from 4-6pm and NAUGHTY hour from 10:00 PM-midnight.

During these times you cam enjoy specials such as $5 pint glass well drinks, $1 off all bottle and draft beer, and $2 off all wines by the glass! www.blackbookbar.com

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

You can beat the heat any time of year and enjoy the views of Palm Springs. On Saturday and Sunday from 8am – 2pm, enjoy a $9

Bottomless Mimosas (juice included), a single $2 mimosa or a $5 Bloody Mary with brunch, during which both our full breakfast and lunch menus are available. Also join us for Sunday Funday Weekly Tea Dance 4pmClose! 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 20 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 on Sundays 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 community events visit our Media Partner, O’Bayley Communications.

CLICK ON LOGO WWW.OBAYLEY.NET

APRIL 2019 45

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EVENTS CALENDAR resilience of Black and Brown LGBQ & T folks with respect, compassion and integrity.

The citizens of Philadelphia in solidarity with Philadelphia Black Pride will honor the individuality of these communities and the progressive steps in providing safe spaces for future Black and Brown LGBQ & T Philadelphians. www.phillyblackpride.org

APR 11 - 14

BEARS, BIKERS & MAYHEM GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA Bears, Bikers & Mayhem is the first large event in the US to combine the Bear, Leather, Fetish, Motorcycle and Puppy Communities.

Since its inception, BBM has had the singular goal of being an event at which men who, enjoy any or all of these communities will feel welcome, meet other likeminded men and, most importantly, have an incredibly fun time. www.bearsbikersandmayhem.com

AIDS service and prevention. Your support of Cherry contributes to the efforts of passionate health and social advocates at the forefront of the DC LGBT community.

Over the years, CHERRY has collaborated with the biggest, most progressive names in dance music, to host some of the largest parties in the mid-Atlantic. www.cherryfund.org/about

APR 26 - 29 APR 23 - 27 APR 13

TASTE OF HILLCREST SAN DIEGO, CA A Feast For All Your Senses! Step into the colorful and vibrant neighborhood that is Fabulous Hillcrest, as you embark on San Diego’s largest self-guided culinary tour!

Experience the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of the world as you savor small bites from over 35 of Hillcrest’s most recognized and award-winning restaurants. Along the journey, you will also enjoy over a dozen beer samples, as you discover and explore an eclectic mix of shops, boutiques, and gift stores. www.fabuloushillcrest.com

APR 11 - 15

CHERRY 2019 WASHINGTON DC Cherry is a yearly charity dance music event in early April, which has raised more than $1.2 million for Washington, DC, HIV/

46 THESTANDARDPS.COM

IGLTA CONVENTION 2019 The IGLTA Annual Global Convention is the world’s premier educational and networking event for LGBTQ tourism professionals. The 37th edition of the conference will connect gay, lesbian and gay friendly travel and tourism suppliers and buyers through its hosted buyer and scheduled appointment program, numerous educational workshops and networking receptions. www.iglta.org

APR 25 - 28

PHILLY BLACK PRIDE PHILADELPHIA, PA The Philadelphia Black Pride Parade was created to celebrate the rich history and

PHURFEST 2018 PHOENIX, ARIZONA Join the Bears of the West for Phurfest Weekend. Enjoy fun in the sun, a chance to meet new friends, and explore what Phoenix has to offer. Phoenix Phurfest has been around for 13 years. During the past eleven Phurfests, almost 2500 bears and buddies from over 10 countries have enjoyed the warmth and friendliness of our city, thereby, making Phurfest weekend quite popular among the bears. www.phurfest.org/schedule

Our National Media Partner, Queer Forty, is the online magazine for the LGBTQ over40 community. Its mission is to inspire and support older LGBTQ people to keep living amazing lives! www.queerforty.com

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EVENTS CALENDAR for acclimatization. www.trekkingteamgroup.com/nepal-trips/ gay-travel/gay-trek-to-everest-base-camp

MAY 14 - 18

APR 17 - 24

EASTER BERLIN BERLIN, GERMANY The air is heavy and warm. Berlin is hot and greedy welcome to sin city Welcome to the 47th Fetish Meeting Easter Berlin. We look forward to welcoming you together with the Berlin community to one of the largest European fetish meetings. For many of us, Easter in Berlin is an essential part of the fetish year. The colorful mix of thousands of fetish guys from around the world in the party city of Berlin guarantees you a week of great fun with new acquaintances and friends. www.easterberlin.de/en/easter-berlin

APR 13 - 27

GAY TREK TO EVEREST BASE CAMP 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 carefully devised itinerary with a number of rests at Namche Bazaar and Dinboche gives you an opportunity to explore Thamo and Chhukung Ri. This offers you an opportunity

APR 26 - MAY 2

SLEAZY MADRID MADRID, SPAIN With 18 years of experience under its belt the event is prominent in the gay fetish circuit.

Madrid´s gay scene will be inundated with visitors come to take part in the event. The participating bars, clubs, discos, shops, saunas, hostels and hotels will be organizing a wide variety of activities and parties with a fetish theme. Well known DJ´s and producers consolidate the event providing the perfect ambience for each and every session and event. www.sleazymadrid.com

MAY 2 - 12

MASPALOMAS PRIDE MASPALOMAS, GRAND CANARY ISLAND For those who have never experienced the Pride of Maspalomas, a surprise awaits you! The days are filled with various events: festivals, exhibitions, parades, tours, shows, and concerts, along with your favorite restaurants and bars in and around the Yumbo Centre joining in the fun! So make yourself look fabulous and join in the Pride celebrations with us, together with dancers, singers, and drag queens! Are you ready for the craziest and most fun Pride festival in the World? www.maspalomaspride.es

64TH EUROVISION SONG CONTEST TEL AVIV, ISRAEL The most watched, loved, hated, talked about, campiest, overdressed entertainment show in the world: Eurovision. After Netta’s grand victory in Lisbon last year, the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest will travel to Tel Aviv, Israel! The first Semi-Final will be held on Tuesday, 14th of May, the second Semi-Final on Thursday, 16th of May and the Grand Final will take place on Saturday, 18th of May. Thousands of European fans - from Ireland to Germany, from Spain to Moldova - will come to Tel Aviv for a long week full of bad or exciting songs, hotshot parties and Eurovision fun! www.eurovision.tv

MAY 6 - 19

INTERNATIONAL DUBLIN GAY THEATRE FESTIVAL. DUBLIN, IRELAND The Dublin Gay Theatre Festival is an annual event, celebrating contribution of gay people to theatre, past and present. The Festival was founded in 2004 to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Oscar Wilde, in his native city. With an emphasis on new or recent international and Irish works with a broadly gay theme or relevance, the Festival has grown to become the largest event of its type in the world. www.gaytheatre.ie 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

APRIL 2019 47

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APRIL 2019 51

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