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AUGUST 2020 VOLUME 8 ISSUE 8 THESTANDARDPS.COM @THESTANDARDPS

THE FUTURE

OF SPORTS VIRTUAL SPORTS / SPORTS PARTICIPATION, HOME STYLE LGBT ATHLETES / COMING OUT IN 2020

CONTENTS VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8

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Volume 8 Issue 8 COVER THE FUTURE OF SPORTS COVER VIRTUAL SPORTS: SPORTS PARTICIPATION, HOME STYLE COVER LGBT SPORTS FIGURES SPORTS FASHION ELIAD COHEN KEEPS ON GOING DESERT AIDS PROJECT UPDATE STAYING ON TOP OF SEXUAL HEALTH & COVID 19 MUSIC TOM GOSS GOT GAME

AUGUST 2020 3

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COVER

THE FUTURE OF SPORTS

BY JOHN STANFORD

A month or more of staying inside your house with restrictions on your movements, and no live sporting action to follow on the TV or on the Internet. No scores to check, no adrenalin surge in anticipation of a much-awaited match, no spending hours post matches to discuss what went right or wrong in your friends group or listening to experts discussing the game. No expression of joy or agony on social media.

It’s been a world without any sports

When sporting activities do resume—things will be mighty different for sure. First, be ready to see sports events sans spectators—TV broadcast will be the chief source of following it live.

With the world going into lockdown to fight the spread of COVID 19, sports, too, came to a standstill. Not used to being indoors for long, deprived of their normal training facilities and change in training schedules—it has been a challenging time for sports persons, too.

In terms of sports themselves, we are seeing that those sports with a degree of social distancing — auto racing, tennis to a certain extent — will be impacted far less than contact sports that are so popular in the United States, football tops among them.

Dealing with the long-term impact of coronavirus in midst of competitions involving several competitors is yet another challenge.

Experts across sports disciplines believe it is bound to be different for each sport—from individual sports like golf or shooting to team games like basketball, soccer and football to contact sports like wrestling.

In terms of the broader impact, how the coronavirus will affect the fan experience? At what point, if ever, will it be safe or prudent to pack 20,000-seat arenas with screaming fans for college basketball or NBA games? What about football stadiums? The grandstands at Daytona International Speedway? It may be that for a long time, sports become entertainment that’s only offered via TV and not staged for spectators in the stands.

The coronavirus outbreak within the Miami Marlins, which forced the cancellation of a handful of MLB games, served as a sober reminder of the challenges facing every sports organization, and as NFL training camps opened within the last few days, several players have chosen to sit out the season rather than risk contracting the virus while playing.

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It’s so difficult to predict the impact of the coronavirus on the future of sports because the ground beneath every aspect of this question shifts almost daily and in seismic fashion.

According to The Athletic, Major League Baseball distributed a 67page document proposing stipulations for launching its 2020 season.

Among them: No high-fives or fist bumps, no spitting, showering at team facilities “discouraged,” and pitchers using personal baseballs for bullpen

sessions. The NHL and NBA continue to explore resuming truncated 2019’20 seasons in central locations, with no fans. The NFL has scarcely tapped the brakes on its upcoming training camps and regular season, details upcoming. Major college football programs are preparing to bring players back to campus in June, with extensive health protocols in place.

doors if doing so poses a safety or health risk (e.g., risk of falling or triggering asthma symptoms) to players or others using the facility.

Limit the number of players sitting in confined player seating areas (e.g., dugouts) by allowing players to spread out into spectator areas if more space is available (e.g., if spectators are not allowed).

ASSESSING RISK The way sports are played, and the way equipment is shared can influence the spread of COVID-19 among players. This assessment risk should be used not only by Pro teams, but also by all contact sports at any level. When you are assessing the risk of spread in your sport, consider:

THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS Like most businesses, leagues cannot afford to drop all revenue.

To close up operations and shelter in place shows a lack of creativity.

So what are leagues doing and what can they be doing to survive in an attention-based economy?

Physical closeness of players, and the length of time that players are close to each other or to staff. Sports that require frequent closeness between players may make it more difficult to maintain social distancing, compared to sports where players are not close to each other. For close-contact sports (e.g., wrestling, basketball), play may be modified to safely increase distance between players.

Amount of necessary touching of shared equipment and gear (e.g., protective gear, balls, bats, racquets, mats, or water bottles).

It is also possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. Minimize equipment sharing, and clean and disinfect shared equipment between use by different people to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread.

If playing inside, ensure ventilation systems or fans operate properly. Increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible, for example by opening windows and doors. Do not open windows and

When the decisions were made to cancel and suspend league competition, they came fast and furious. It seemed like overnight all the major competitive leagues canceled events for the safety of fans and athletes. Although they were uniform in their decisions to suspend regular operations, the leagues have taken different approaches to their continuing operations under quarantine.

The WWE has continued to broadcast its regularly scheduled action without live crowds. A bold decision, receiving mixed reviews.

Nascar has adopted competitive i-racing. A computer-simulated race with some cars being remotely controlled by actual Nascar drivers.

An interesting attempt at engagement, leaving many drivers frustrated.

TECH TRENDS It’s possible to predict some future changes in organized sport by understanding current technology trends. Technology will alter fans’ experiences, providing both deeper intimacy and completely new experiences.

One example is the rise of Esports. Esports are competitive and internet-enabled video games that allow individuals to compete

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COVER

from different locations. With improved Internet connections and accessible multiplayer games, organized competitions are becoming more commonplace. Organized Esport competitions, like the Fortnite World Cup, are developing massive audiences using streaming services such as Twitch. These new competitions are showing increasing popularity and drive impressive in person sellouts. With the rising popularity and a system that adheres to social distancing measures, this is an opportunity leagues should consider pursuing.

Fans will experience games from the sidelines using VR in their own homes. Sideline experiences will no longer be reserved for VIPs offering the average fan new and intimate levels of engagement.

Athletes that compete at the professional level are at the peak of what human physicality can offer. This is made possible in part due to modern health data tracking. As teams gather deeper data on the player conditioning, diet and competitive impact on overall wellness, they develop new insights into achieving improved physical performance.

The questions will be, what are teams doing to track and monitor athletes’ vitals, identify injuries and illnesses, and improve overall performance? Are these techniques that teams could package and then sell to the public?

Teams can also provide interviews with sports operations staff on equipment fiascos and other elements on how the game functions like clockwork. Conduct interviews with training staff on medical emergencies, common recurring injuries and how players cope with psychological rigors of the game. Fans also enjoy learning about the nuance behind front office drama. Leagues can create new and unique syndicated

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content similar to Hard Knocks and Sunderland Til I Die formats.

Leagues can provide documentaries on common pregame routines and develop branded cooking shows with the chefs that feed the players. What does it take to create a meal for a professional athlete? What are athletes eating during quarantine to stay in peak condition? What are their at-home exercise regimes?

Sports Leagues can also develop unique educational content.

Most leagues have robust data analytics professionals that can provide unique insights into their professions. Leagues can develop courses around stats for sports, coaches breaking down film to provide elite insights and player technique demos. Additional courses from player agents on contract negotiations and trainers on proper warm-up/cool-down techniques to prevent injuries.

Sports aren’t going anywhere. But as has always been the case, the times are changing. Professional leagues need to be willing to adapt to the new normal to stay relevant and engage with their fans in new ways. Current technologies and the quarantine have converged to create an interesting and worthwhile opportunity for leagues to experiment. They should wholeheartedly embrace the opportunity.

Each day for sports is both a hopeful step back toward the known, and a tentative venture into the unknown. Whatever emerges in the coming days, weeks and months will be an experiment, but pieces of it will endure. The longer you practice behavior, the deeper it takes root.

It’s much too soon to know precisely what sports – or society – will look like on the other side. Except that it will look different.

COVER

VIRTUAL SPORTS

BY SUSAN GRANTHAM

The Corona crisis has put some virtual sports into the spotlights as of lately. Formula one drivers racing against each other from the safety of their home or professional cyclists pedaling away in the SIM version of the tour of Flanders. As SIM games are getting better all the time, the future for these games should be bright.

WHY ARE VIRTUAL SIM SPORTS BECOMING MORE POPULAR? The increasing popularity of virtual sports can mainly be explained by the fact that they are increasingly reflecting the real sports. On top of this, there are some real big advantages that really outweigh the disadvantages.

SPORTS SIMULATORS GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME Do you also hate it not watching any sporting events anymore due to the Corona crisis? Whether it is football, Formula 1, professional cycling or golf, the sporting world has come to a standstill. However, this is not the case for all sports. What to think of Olympic gold medalist Jan Frodeno completing a full Ironman triathlon in his home for charity. He took a swim in his swimming pool, cycled 180 kilometers on his roller trailer and ran a full marathon on his treadmill.

You can play these virtual sports at home. No travel time required! You can climb the Alpe d’Huez or race in Monaco; they just are at your fingertips. Pretty good deal if you were to ask me. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about the weather! The sun always shines at home.

No restrictions as far as time and location is concerned. You can play at any time in any place in the world.

You can choose your level and your competition and there is always someone who you can try to beat or race against.

Leaderboards and social platforms should add to the fun!

However, this was not the only way to get active in sports at home. There are some great SIM games going on, which are getting closer and closer to the real thing. What to think of for example all the SIM racing games? Or what to think of the recent held virtual Tour of Flanders? Watch this short video below where you see the highlights of the lockdown edition of one of the greatest classics in the world of cycling.

Below we have listed some good examples of virtual sports. What you will notice is that all of them are individual sports rather than team sports. This is logical! In case of an individual sport only legs, arms, body, feel, sight and hearing of one person have to be mimicked.

Team sports generally require much more space and cannot be done at home. Moreover, it is technologically more advanced, as interaction

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COVER

with other players is needed, requiring a lot more parameters. It does not mean, it is not possible, but it will take time!

CYCLING Cycling is probably the best example of a sport that has been gamified. The current generations of cycling SIMS are getting pretty close to reality. Just put your bicycle on the rollers, connect it with available software and off you go. Platforms like Zwift and Bkool offer a pretty real experience including features such as resistance levels, slopes, weight, wind etc.

CAR RACING Another very good example is the current generation of Sim racing games, which have become a real E-sport. They are incredibly popular and pretty realistic. Lots of famous F1 racers like Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris are regularly participating. Just buy yourself a simulator and start competing.

GOLF There is a whole array of different golf simulation games, which you can play at home. They have been around for some time and are actually pretty good. Similar to cycling, racing and running, you can play it with your buddies online, so fun is again guaranteed.

RUNNING Within this world, you can connect with people all across the globe and run or cycle together in a group, give each other kudos, do your workouts and explore different virtual routes together. How much fun is that!

TENNIS If you thought that tennis isn’t a virtual sports, you are wrong.

There is actually a good one. The only culprit here is that it is a real virtual sports. It means you have to put on your VR headset in order to play it. Nevertheless, it is fun and it does resemble the sports. The Madrid Open recently announced that it will host a virtual edition due to the Corona crisis. Unfortunately, this game is not suitable for 2 persons as of yet but undoubtedly this will change in the future. Should be great in spite of you needing a pretty big room in your house.

Clearly, there are more examples of good virtual sports such as fitness and boxing and maybe I am missing a few more. Anyway, given the advantages and the social engagement opportunities, the opportunities to participate in sports during these trying tomes is limitless it might be a suitable alternative until we are able to actually do the real thing.

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COVER

9 PRO-ATHLETES WHO CAME OUT IN 2020

BY TONY STRICKLAND

2020 has been a hell of a year so far. Seriously. But, a shining point among all the chaos is the fact that we’ve seen a surge of openly gay/bi professional athletes this year. From North America to South America and Europe, here are the pro athletes who came out as gay/bi in 2020 (so far).

DENIS FINNEGAN Irish track champion Denis Finnegan also came out to the public in March. The 10-time national track-and-field winner did so on Outsports’ Five Rings to Rule Them All podcast. In the interview, he shared that growing up in sports was great. It defined a large part of his life and identity. Unfortunately, that also created pressure for him to stay in the closet. Finnegan fought that pressure, however, and now hopes to show younger athletes that they can do the same.

“For younger people, it will hopefully give them more confidence in what they’re doing,” the 33-year-old said. “There are still people who are scared or unsure of what’s happening, so I hope just telling my story might help one person notice there’s more acceptance out there.”

THOMAS BEATTIE The former English soccer star came out as gay through an interview with ESPN. He then wrote about it on Instagram.

“It’s time to share something very personal to me,” he wrote.

“It’s easier to sit in silence but the real challenge is to speak up and for me it’s time live my truth and hopefully affect change in some way. I am a brother, son, friend and I’m gay. It took me a long time to accept who I am and I hope it is a little easier for the next

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generation. Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this process and the journey to come, I appreciate you.”

GUILLAUME CIZERON French Figure Skater Guillaume Cizeron then came out later in May. To do so, the four-time World Champion and silver medalist at the 2018 Olympics shared a picture of himself with his boyfriend.

“I wanted to share this publicly because it was world day against homophobia and transphobia,” Cizeron shared at the time.

“I told myself that by living in Montreal, one of the cities where we feel the most free as a person from the LGBT community, we tend to forget how this is not the case everywhere in Canada and in other countries, even in France. So exposing oneself serves the cause.”

DENNIS DEL VALLE Another Dennis then came out two months later. Dennis Del Valle from Switzerland came out in May. A Swiss pro volleyball player from Puerto Rico, Del Valle, like Orlik, came out in a local newspaper interview.

“Now is the time to speak,” Del Valle said. “There must be lots of young athletes who live in secret, in Switzerland and elsewhere. On my level, I have had a successful career being gay. I hope they will say to themselves: ‘Why not me?’ Maybe I could change someone’s life. My speech could allow some to gain confidence, to feel safer, not to stop [playing a] sport for fear of rejection.”

CURDIN ORLIK In March, Curdin Orlik came out through an interview with a

local news source. The Swiss athlete is a champion within the world of traditional Swiss wrestling. Because of that, he felt it was hard to be his authentic self in public. But eventually, hiding became too much for him.

“For far too long I have pushed out who I really am,” he told The Magazine. “I am not someone who kisses in front of people, but I want to lie down with a man and be able to touch him. … I always knew that I was gay, for sure since I was 12. But I thought: this is wrong, it cannot be. I heard things on the school building square [like] ‘you gay pig,’ ‘you f****t.’ Or in soccer, ‘such a gay pass!’ Even when swinging [wrestling]. Sure, nobody really meant that, but if you’re like that yourself, you think, ‘Shit, that’s not a good thing.’ I thought: I don’t want to be gay. But it’s me. Now it’s out.”

SEBASTIÁN VEGA Also in March, Argentinean basketball player Sebastián Vega made history by coming out. “When I started to feel attracted to a man, I had a very bad time,” he confessed in an interview. “I felt shame, guilt, a lot of rejection, but at the same time the desire to be with someone.”

Despite his fear, Vega decided to come out anyway. And he says he was met with love and support from his teammates. “The most beautiful thing of all is that nothing has changed – on the contrary, it has changed for the better. We formed a stronger bond.” He now hopes to help create a world where being gay is no longer big news.

DANIEL ARCOS Next, Chilean basket baller Daniel Arcos came out through an

Instagram post last week. In the post, Arcos shared his fear of coming out. He especially worried over it after having a one-night stand, but later decided to love himself.

“It was time to move forward. I began to tell my close friends, then my family, always with the fear of being judged. My sister, mother, father and friends all has the same response: ‘You just have to be happy, I am here for you, the rest does not matter.’”

ZACH SULLIVAN Back in January, UK hockey player Zach Sullivan came out after his team, the Manchester Storm, won the first-ever Pride Weekend game within the Elite League. Specifically, Sullivan came out as bisexual through social media.

“I have battled with mental health problems over this issue and with the support, understanding and acceptance from my family, friends and teammates, I finally feel ready to say; I’m bisexual,” he wrote on Instagram.

MARKUS THORMEYER In February, Olympic Canadian swimmer Markus Thormeyer came out as gay. In an open essay, he wrote that he felt ashamed for hiding in the closet when his teammates were so open with “exposing their most raw essence in the pool everyday.” He also wished to come out publicly and act as representation for athletes coming up after him.

“I want to share my story and be able to spread the message that it’s OK to be gay. Life is much better when you fully embrace you for who you are.”

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FEATURE

BACK IN THE GAME FORMER VARSITY BASEBALL PIT HELIX STUDIOS’ EXCLUSIVE DISC AFTER TROY RYAN

BY JOHN STEIN

Kacey Edenfield was a junior in high school and the star pitcher of his varsity baseball team when he boldly came out as gay to his teammates. His peers shunned him. His coach cut him from the starting lineup. Even Kacey’s dad, a former professional baseball player, turned his back on him.

Kacey decided to turn in his uniform and give up his dream of playing college ball. After high school, he left his Tennessee home for Colorado and within the year, he would leave everything else he knew from youth – including his birth name – and find international fame as Troy Ryan, one of Helix

Studio’s most popular gay adult performers.

He starred in 27 films over a multi-year span from 18 to his early 20s.

That was six years ago. He made the decision to walk away from porn in 2017, putting Troy Ryan to bed once and for all and returning to life in Tennessee. He also returned to his first love of baseball and today, he hosts the Balls and Brews sports podcast. We spoke with Kacey Edenfield from his Tennessee home.

What was it like to grow up as the son of major league baseball player?

It was interesting! My friends thought it was really cool, and I was proud of him.

Were pressures put on you to also be a star athlete/baseball player?

He never pressured me. In fact, he didn’t care if I played baseball, basketball… it didn’t matter. He was supportive of what I wanted to do. But, eventually I fell in love with the game and decided to pursue it.

What led to your decision to come out as gay in your junior year of high school?

I partially came out to get a guy’s attention. He said he didn’t talk to closeted guys because of the drama. But I also did it for my own mental health and wellbeing. The first person I told was my mom, and then my best friend, Marissa. They were the first to know.

How did your athlete father react to his son being gay?

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TCHER TURNED CUSSES LIFE At first it was a rocky road, to the point we had to go to counseling. But after the counseling, he was supportive. He even let my high school boyfriend stay over a few times.

apply. I knew I’d need money for Denver, and it seemed like fun so I gave it a shot.

Two weeks later, Helix called me, asked to fly me out to Las Vegas, and the rest is history!

Did any of your teammates offer support?

Most weren’t very supportive. They would still talk to me, but I never got to hang with them outside of baseball and school. They always had excuses as to why they couldn’t. The one teammate I did have that was sort of supportive of it was one of the underclass guys, so, we didn’t hang out a ton. But I still appreciated the support nonetheless.

What were some of your best experiences in adult porn?

The best experiences I had were off camera. Helix really is a family-like atmosphere, and the friendships I made during my time there are friendships I hope to have for the rest of my life. Dinner with everyone, playing the Xbox, hosting club events, and just spending time together. It was great.

What led to your decision to forego college? Was playing college ball the only reason for going?

Baseball was what I wanted, but I couldn’t have. College was still on the plate for me, but one of my best friends asked me to move to my dream city in Denver, and I couldn’t pass the opportunity up. That decision is what led me to my adult film start.

What were some of your worst experiences?

I never really had any bad experiences.

Early on, when I was new to the industry, it was hard to read a bunch of random people on the internet critiquing my body and appearance. That was probably the hardest part. But eventually I learned to pay attention to the compliments and interact with my following, and that was a great experience.

How did you find your way to becoming Helix Studios’ exclusive Troy Ryan?

Right before I moved to Denver, I was flying back from Hawaii with my family and while going through the Seattle airport, a guy hit me up on the gay dating app, Jack’d.

He said he was a recruiter and suggested I

What did you learn about yourself doing adult porn?

I learned to be a little less reserved and to embrace unpredictability. My start into porn was unexpected, but I wouldn’t change it a bit.

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FEATURE Did being an adult film star impact your dating life?

No, it really never affected my relationship life. I dated out of the industry, just because in the industry, everyone knows everyone and I didn’t want that drama. But at the same time, it was hard for people out of the industry to understand that it really is just a job and no feelings are involved. I only had one main relationship during porn.

Is he the reason that you decided to leave porn?

Yes. He never asked me to stop. I had been doing it before I met him, so he knew it was a job. He even travelled to Las Vegas with me to meet everyone. But I could just tell, every time he dropped me off at the airport, how dejected he looked. Eventually it came to a point where he was more important, so when it was time to renew my contract, I took a step back and thought about it. I decided

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my relationship was more important.

Did your father ever become aware of your film work?

A vindictive ex made him aware at the time.

What was his response?

Once he found out, he told my family.

The reaction was about as to be expected.

We didn’t talk for a few months. It took him some time to process. Now he’s my biggest supporter, and hypes me up every chance he gets.

How about your old teammates, are they aware of your film work?

Word spread like a wildfire once someone at my old high school found out.

Teachers, coaches, everyone knew. None of them said anything to me, and I don’t talk to any of my old teammates now. Once we

graduated, I fell out of touch.

Looking back now, would you have done anything differently?

Absolutely not. I have no regrets about anything. I look back with fondness.

What about baseball? Have you picked up a ball and bat lately?

I’ve played a little beer league softball, and helped coach my little brother’s travel ball team, but that’s about it. I’d love to find a men’s wood bat league around here, so I could get up on the pitcher’s mound again and sling it.

Who is your favorite team?

I’m a diehard Atlanta Braves fan, and tend to go to three or four games in Atlanta

every year. I went to NLDS Game 1 with a friend from work last year, my first playoff game. That was a cool experience. Also, the Tennessee Smokies, the Double-A affiliate for the Cubs, are about thirty minutes away from me. Thursday nights they do dollar beer nights, so that’s hard to pass up.

Tell us about Balls and Brews, your new sports podcast with your straight friend.

Balls and Brews is a podcast my best friend Johnse and I do. It’s a good time!

We bring friends on occasionally, drink some beers, debate sports, everything. It’s basically our daily conversations with each other, recorded. We jab at each other a little, and just have a good time with it!

Would you consider doing adult film work again?

If the right opportunity presented itself, absolutely. But I doubt it’ll happen. I’m at a stable point in my life right now with a successful career, surrounded by good people. It’d be hard to add adult work back on top of all that.

What is your current situation?

I’m currently talking to an amazingly sweet guy I met a couple months ago. It’s early, but I’m excited! Haven’t been this excited about anything like this maybe ever, so stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed.

I think I found a winner.

Visit HelixStudios.net. Listen to Balls and Brews: https://anchor.fm/johnse-hatfield.

AUGUST 2020 19

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BOOK REVIEW

ALWAYS OVERBOOKED

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

Have you heard about...?

It’s true. You learned it from your best friend’s husband’s boss’s wife at a neighborhood get-together last month and it was confirmed last weekend. You don’t like to spread stories but, well, actually you do because who doesn’t love a little gossip in their life? Who doesn’t crave knowing the skinny about the fat cats? You, nah, you love it, and in “Gatecrasher” by Ben Widdicombe, you’ll get an eyeful. The very idea of living in New York City was exciting. When Ben Widdicombe and his “handsome and naughty boyfriend Horacio” told friends they were moving from Australia to the Big Apple, most were supportive. One, a conman who insinuated that he was of aristocratic descent, even offered them a flat in The Dakota, which, of course, never materialized.

This perhaps should’ve been a good indication of what was to come for Widdicombe.

A few minor pays-the-bills jobs and several different apartments later, after exploring their new hometown, getting their bearings, and enjoying the thrill of celeb-spotting, Widdicombe and his boyfriend accidentally moved into a building across the street from the founder of Hintmag.com, one of the internet’s first onlineonly fashion mags. “ By watching and listening,” Widdicombe says, “I picked up a few things,” which led him and Horatio to suggest a fashion-industry gossip column for the e-zine. They called it “Chic Happens.”

That was fun while it lasted, and it pointed Widdicombe in the direction of what became a career in society-watching, storytelling, and dirt-dishing. It also gave him a front row seat in an ultimate cultural shift.

Back in the society watchings, many of this country’s celebrities were “’high-net-worth individuals’” in the process of “becoming embraced as a sub-culture,” he says. When the new millennium arrived, wealth began to be perceived not as something one was born into or worked hard to get, but as a “bold lifestyle choice” which could be enhanced by outrageous behavior and plenty of publicity. And ultimately, says Widdicombe, this shift in celebrity attitude got us where we are, politically...

Between deliciously dishy tales and cleverly analogous turns of word, “Gatecrasher” is one hundred percent delightful to read.

Separate from the fun, it’s also informative.

From its first page, there’s very little holding-back in this book, which is gleefully wonderful; even when author and New York Times columnist Ben Widdicombe can’t name names, he offers preciseenough hints that most readers will know to whom he’s referring.

In that, we’re whispered-to here, but not pandered-to; pleasantly scandalized but not insulted.

Even better, unlike so many memoirs of this ilk, the life of a gossip columnist isn’t presented as all diamonds-and-champagne: Widdicombe also writes of the frustrations of the industry, the everything-faux realities, and the let-down of clearly seeing both.

You shake your head at the latest in tabloid TV. You sigh at Washington politics. You scan the tabs at the supermarket checkout line, and so this is a book for you. Indeed, “Gatecrasher” may be the summer’s most fun book you’ve heard about.

“Gatecrasher: How I helped the Rich Become Famous and Ruin the World” By Ben Widdicombe c.2020, Simon & Schuster $27.00 / $36.00 Canada 305 pages

AUGUST 2020 21

FEATURE

ELIAD COHEN KEEPS ON GOIN’ W CAPSULE COLLECTION, MASSBRA

BY BRIAN LAMB

The world-renowned Israeli party producer, actor and model, Eliad Cohen is partnering with MASSBRANDED, the high-end men’s street wear label on a new athleisure capsule collection for the urban man on the go. Massbranded For Eliad Cohen launches this month with seven new styles that can be worn to-and-from the gym, for casual nights out, while traveling, and on the dance floors. Inspiration for the collection was drawn from the military backgrounds of both Cohen, who served three years of army service in the Israel Defense Forces, and MASSBRANDED designer Mass Luciano, who grew up in a military family. “We wanted the styles in the collection to feel like

22 THESTANDARDPS.COM

the uniforms used for physical training during military exercises, drills and off-duty time,” Mass Luciano explains. Eliad Cohen and Mass Luciano met in London to design the collection. “It was important that each piece stood out in a way that appeared effortless, casual, sexy and cool,” Mass Luciano continues.

“And that every piece seamlessly combined my personality, passion for fitness and way of life,” says Cohen, adding that he couldn’t be happier with the final result. “The collection is so comfortable. I’m wearing it everywhere.”

WITH NEW ATHLEISURE ANDED FOR ELIAD COHEN

Items in the Massbranded For Eliad Cohen capsule include the Reach Zip Up Hoodie and Track Pants (notable for their zippered side pockets, rib knit cuffs and mesh drawstring cords); the Renegade Sweatshirt and Shorts (featuring reflective tape at the sides that add a flashy flare to the pieces); the Shuttle Short (crafted from perforated neoprene with piping side details that flash when light hits them); and the Flex T-Shirt and Short (featuring black perforated neoprene panels with grey/tan taping details that reshape a man’s body to its maximum form.)

All Massbranded For Eliad Cohen pieces are designed to be worn as sets, as a player would with a uniform, but they can be worn separately as well.

With over fifteen years of experience in the fashion industry, Puerto-Rico-born Mass Luciano studied at the Fashion Institute of Design in Los Angeles and has worked with international brands including Guess, Rock & Republic by Victoria Beckham and Lee Jeans. His rise to fame began in 2015 when he competed for and

AUGUST 2020 23

FEATURE won the titles of initially, Mr. Gay Hong Kong and ultimately, Mr. Gay World. The accomplishment inspired him to launch his energetic namesake street wear label, Massbranded.

Eliad Cohen is an Israeli producer, actor, model and entrepreneur.

He has appeared on several magazine covers, including G Magazine, Dear Magazine and the Spartacus International Gay Guide. He is also founder of Papa Party, an international brand with a presence in more than thirty countries in Europe, North and South America and Australia.

Massbranded For Eliad Cohen is available now at Massbranded. com. Follow on Instagram @mass_branded

24 THESTANDARDPS.COM

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SHOULDA! COULDA! WOULDA! INSPIRATIONAL MISTAKES THAT MADE ME… ME! Dwight Allen O’Neal, the star of the first black gay web-series Christopher Street: The Series, is out with his first book, a collection of humorous vignettes. Based on his popular podcast show of the same name, SHOULDA! COULDA! WOULDA! recounts some of Dwight’s biggest missteps in life and reflects on how they have affected his personal journey.

In his first collection of humorous vignettes, the star of Christopher Street-The Series recounts some of his life’s biggest missteps, and reflects on how they have affected his personal journey. From learning to break out of his self-imposed shell to giving his heart to the wrong person, to finding the courage to come forward in a very public sex scandal, Dwight Allen O’Neal imparts his own brand of “gay boy next door” wisdom that has been delighting fans on his popular SHOULDA! COULDA! WOULDA! podcast show.

“Sharing your life with the world can be a sensitive and scary task,” Dwight Allen O’Neal reflects. “I hope to use my life, experiences, and words to empower and support others, specifically young people and parents struggling to accept their child’s sexual preferences.”

Nothing is sugarcoated in SHOULDA! COULDA! WOULDA! There are moments readers will root for O’Neal and others where they will want to shout, “Pull it together, child!” There are inspirational lessons.

Among them: when he tells of his close friend losing her battle with cancer. In another story, he examines his tendency to deflate his own power with thoughts like “I am not as masculine as this person”, or “I am not as attractive or as smart as someone else.” He eventually comes to learn that when he embraces himself for who he is, he attracts better opportunities, people, and circumstances into his life.

Dwight Allen O’Neal is a former fashion model and celebrity makeup artist who executive produced and starred in the first black gay web-series Christopher Street-The Series. In addition, he has co-created and produced major projects on Here TV (The Breeding) and Bravo TV (Your Husband is Cheating on Us).

On his popular podcast show, “Shoulda Coulda Woulda,” he shares with listeners his own life lessons he wishes he had known before making various life choices.

“The biggest mistake a young person can make when they set out on their journey in life is living their life for their parents, their friends or for anyone other than themselves,” he says.

He advises listeners and now readers, to jump into the pool and make a huge splash. “Give the girls something to talk about.”

SHOULDA! COULDA! WOULDA! Is available on Amazon.

Visit www.ONealAppeal.com

AUGUST 2020 27

DAPUPDATE

STAYING ON TOP OF SEXUAL HEALTH AND COVID-19

BY JACK BUNTING

There hasn’t been a lot of time to point to many trends during this health crisis, but two that were established before the COVID-19 pandemic haven’t stopped, and they’re threatening to complicate life even more if they continue to be ignored.

All humans are hard-wired to seek comfort in the company of others, especially during times of stress and trauma. We are all fatigued from socially isolating, and this need is enough of a pull for people that many are deciding to take chances by hooking up.

28 THESTANDARDPS.COM

This is causing shame and secrecy in people who are already nervous about coming indoors for testing and medical visits. LGBTQ clients are not keeping up on essential STI and HIV testing and treatment.

This is troubling, because the LGBTQ community suffers more from these health issues than the general population, and accessing services is also tougher for them.

HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia in the Coachella Valley are showing why community health experts have reason to worry.

This protects you.

So does this.

COVID’s not the only virus we’re trying to stop

AUGUST 2020 29

DAPUPDATE DAP Testing data from June shows there were: • Triple the amount of new HIV infections, compared to any

other month in the last year and-a-half, • Double the amount of new syphilis infections compared to May, • Double the chlamydia cases (a six-month trend!).

But how do everyday people navigate between guarding against COVID-19 and staying on top of their sexual health? And is it even OK to admit people are still having sex during this pandemic?

No one is feeling pulled in both directions more than C.J. Tobe, Community Health Director at DAP in Palm Springs. He and his team are major contributors in the agency’s COVID-19 response, but they also are breaking barriers to make sure people don’t forget about the dangerous STI and HIV epidemic.

No matter what, testing for STIs and HIV has to stay in the public dialogue and available unless we want to cause even more problems for communities everywhere, he says.

“If we take our finger off the pulse of the existing HIV and STI epidemic, we will undo the progress we’ve made in preventing new transmissions,” said C.J. Tobe. “The lack of routine testing and treatment is only going to add to the tragedy of COVID-19.”

By using DAP’s new at-home HIV testing resources, clients no longer have to put their health on hold if they are sheltering in place. Anyone interested in using these resources or have questions about accessing sexually health services should email testing@ desertaidsproject.org or contact April Cruz, Community Health Diagnostic Testing & Outreach Manager at 760-656-8425.

ABOUT END THE EPIDEMICS The California HIV/AIDS Policy Research Centers, together with HIV, viral hepatitis, and STD community-based organizations across California, have launched a community-driven effort to inform development of a statewide plan to end the HIV, HCV, and STD epidemics in California. What makes this initiative innovative and unique – in addition to community leadership – is its ambitious goal of addressing these health conditions as a syndemic – a set of linked health problems that interact synergistically and exacerbate poor health outcomes. The syndemic approach differs from the biomedical approach in that it treats diseases concurrently and also addresses the social determinants of health that drive these epidemics. To learn more, visit: www.chprc.org/end-the-epidemics/

WHAT IS A SYNDEMIC? Together, HIV, HCV and STIs create a syndemic—a set of linked health problems that interact synergistically and exacerbate poor health outcomes.

For example, having an STD increases the likelihood of acquiring HIV. Among people who are living with HCV and HIV, HCV progresses faster and more than triples the risk for liver disease, liver failure, and liver related death. These epidemics are also driven by similar social and economic conditions and disproportionately impact many of the same disadvantaged communities.

DAP is part of End The Epidemics, a statewide working group of approximately 160 public health and community organizations urging Governor Newsom and the California Legislature to empower key stakeholders as soon as possible to fund and implement California’s strategy to end the HIV, HCV, and STI epidemics.

ABOUT DESERT AIDS PROJECT Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is a Community Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering DAP Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. DAP’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment for only $25 per visit, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. DAP’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future. DAP has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the sixth consecutive year – landing DAP in the top 6% of nonprofits rated.

The distinction recognizes that we exceed industry standards in terms of our financial health, accountability, and transparency.

30 THESTANDARDPS.COM

DOHCNEWS

DESERT OASIS HEALTHCARE OFFERS ALTURA’S NATIONAL ONLINE STUDY TO HELP STOP COVID-19

BY BARRY DAYTON

As Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to infect people worldwide, the U.S. is being particularly hard-hit, with California being one of the largest centers of infection. “With the Coachella Valley experiencing an extreme surge in new COVID-19 cases, Desert Oasis Healthcare is excited to partner once again with Altura to offer this important study to our members and the larger community,” said Brian Hodgkins, PharmD and Executive Vice President of Clinical Operations at Desert Oasis Healthcare (DOHC.) “The goal of the study is to help all of us to better understand, prevent and treat COVID-19 now and over the long term.”

“We’re delighted to be working with DOHC again on such an important and timely research study,” said Pete Fronte, CEO of Altura. “Our goal is to make it easy for medical practices, healthcare professionals and employers to offer a study that anyone can join so that we can learn about and ultimately stop COVID-19.” After signing up for the study at the link below, participants will be emailed a short survey every two weeks. Since long-term data is critical for understanding the virus, the study will last for two years with participants answering questions about their health, COVID-19 testing status and results, access to healthcare and other necessities – like medications and food – and their use of preventive measures.

Each month that participants have completed a survey, they will have the option to be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate. All responses and data are kept secure and confidential.

DOHC members participating in the study will have the option of sharing certain responses with their healthcare team. All study participants will also have the option of participating in other COVID-19 studies. After registering at the link below – also found on the home page of MyDOHC.com – those interested will receive email instructions about how to get started with the study and begin to help defeating COVID-19.

ABOUT DESERT OASIS HEALTHCARE Formed in 1981 as one of the first medical groups in the desert communities of southern California, Desert Oasis Healthcare (DOHC) continues to advance with changes in the healthcare market. DOHC provides primary and immediate care, home health, palliative care, and other services to more than 60,000 members/patients living in the greater Coachella Valley and the Morongo Basin of Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The multidisciplinary and comprehensive care programs of DOHC are committed to educating individuals on preventive health care in their daily lives, reflected in the DOHC motto, “Your Health. Your Life. Our Passion.” For more information, visit www.mydohc.com.

ABOUT ALTURA For over 20 years Altura has connected people, healthcare providers, health systems, employers and life science companies for clinical studies and health related resources. Altura’s mission is to engage people for better health by enabling local, regional and national ecosystems through its cloud services and mobile technology.

Altura’s HCP Studies™ mobile platform is available in 24 countries.

For more information, visit www.alturastudies.com.

AUGUST 2020 31

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AUGUST 2020 33

PSP FOCUS

>> COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY ANNOUNCES AUGUST 2020 VIRTUAL PROGRAMS August 6, 2020, 6:00 pm – “He Loves & She Loves” This presentation is part of CVRep Presents: Theatre Thursdays.

Join Brent & Erika Schindele for a delightful evening of some of their favorite songs from Broadway’s Golden Era – from “Boy Meets Girl” and “I Do, I Do” to ”And Then There Were Three”. Brent and Erika’s love story began when they met during a production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical Merrily We Roll Along, and their lives have continued to be filled with music. This presentation airs on Zoom on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 6:00 pm. Registration required.

August 12, 2020, 2:00 pm – “Other Desert Storytellers: Wisdom from Coachella Valley Writers & Storytellers”, moderated

by Corey Roskin Join CVRep for a fun, lively and informative panel with some of the best writers and storytellers in the Coachella Valley. Tod Goldberg, Larry Dean Harris and Selene Luna will discuss their personal journeys and share ideas and suggestions for others looking to tell their stories.

Coming from a variety of backgrounds including fiction writing, podcasting, comedy performance, teaching and much more, you won’t want to miss this exciting group. This discussion panel airs on Zoom on Tuesday, August 14, 2020 at 2:00 pm. Registration required.

August 13, 2020, 6:00 pm – Broadway Showtunes Singalong Our popular monthly singalong returns. Host Ron Celona will introduce you to the night’s very talented singers. Janna Cardia, Perry Ojeda and Randy Brenner will sing the songs from some of your favorite Broadway musicals. Lyrics will be available on CVRep’s website for those who want to sing along. Registration required.

August 20, 2020, 6:00 pm – Luminary Match-Up with Donna McKechnie and Teri Ralston Spanning decades on Broadway and starring in some of the most beloved musicals, actresses Donna McKechnie (A Chorus Line) and Teri Ralston (Company) are matched up for this insider’s look.

Hear about the lives, friendship and careers of two of Broadway’s best. Conducted in the style of Actors on Actors, Donna and Teri will interview each other and share the stories that shaped their illustrious careers. Registration required.

34 THESTANDARDPS.COM

August 27, 2020, 6:00 pm – Inside An Actor’s World – Featuring Jim Brochu New York Actor, Playwright Jim Brochu goes one on one with Ron Celona. Fans will recognize Brochu from his multi-award winning play, Zero Hour, where he personifies the great Zero Mostel. Hear how Ethel Merman influenced his life, leading him from a path of the priesthood to the stage. Few actors can boast the awards Brochu has accumulated including: The New York Drama Desk Award; the Washington DC Helen Hayes Award; the Los Angeles Ovation Award; the South Florida Carbonell Award; and, the Palm Springs Desert Star Award – all for Best Actor in a Play. This one-hour docudrama will chronicle Brochu’s career, including video clips of his biggest moments. Registration required.

To continue CVRep’s mission of providing educational, entertaining and thought-provoking presentations, CVRep is offering Theatre Thursdays, a weekly, virtual entertaining and learning opportunity. All presentations are offered via Zoom to observe social distancing guidelines.

The Conservatory at CVRep had to cancel spring classes due to the coronavirus pandemic. Classes will resume in August, providing remote learning via Zoom. The award-winning and highly acclaimed instructors Francesca Amari, Susan Benkin and Jeanette Knight will instruct courses comprised of six sessions.

For photos, bios or to schedule interviews with any of the Conservatory instructors or artists performing in CVRep’s virtual programming, please contact Tracey Essex at (760) 861-1006.

Coachella Valley Repertory (CVRep) is an equity theater company, designated a Small Professional Theatre under the Actors’ Equity Association. CVRep is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide thought provoking theatre of substance.

Information on upcoming presentations can be found on the website, with registration links included. To register for any of these events, please visit www.cvrep.org.

PSP FOCUS

>> MAIN STREET PALM SPRINGS RECEIVES GRANT FROM PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION

BY BOB BOGARD Grant will fund local artists to transform benches into works of art.

Main Street Palm Springs, the city of Palm Springs’ Downtown and Uptown Business Association, announced that it has received a grant from the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission to fund a new program that will call upon local artists to paint selected public benches on Palm Canyon Drive. The artists will be compensated for their work by Public Arts Commission funds, which come from contributions by local developers and are restricted to be used only for public arts projects.

A trial program for beautifying the benches was recently conducted where local artist Tysen Knight painted ten benches. It was so well received that the program has been expanded and Knight will now oversee the transformation of the next ten benches by nine local artists (one artist will paint two benches).

Palm Springs Public Arts Commission worked closely with Main Street Palm Springs on this civic improvement campaign. They issued a call for designs earlier this year and nine artists were selected.

The benches are located at various locations on Palm Canyon Drive, and artists will paint the benches in the next few weeks.

“The existing benches on Palm Canyon Drive are frequently used by residents and visitors, but they are very outdated in appearance,” said Jeffrey Bernstein, Main Street Board Member and owner of Destination PSP, a popular Palm Canyon retail store. “Rather than replacing these expensive benches, Main Street Palm Springs decided to help our local artists by providing Public Arts Commission grants to beautify them. We are so pleased that this project will brighten up Palm Canyon for all who shop and dine here.”

The artists selected to participate are Marconi Calindas, Shanah Chomsinsub, Zach Fleming, Michael Foss, Kylie Knight, Rich Rodriguez, Ernesto Ramirez, Patrick Sheehan, and QWestOwen.

Ramirez will paint two benches.

“We are so pleased that the Public Arts Commission has been able to issue these civic improvement grants to Main Street to employ local artists,” said Ann Sheffer, Public Arts Commissioner. “Arranging these beautification projects during this pandemic is similar to the fantastic Public Works of Art Project that took place during the Great Depression of the 1930s. We are delighted to work with Main Street Palm Springs on this exciting project.”

In addition to the Main Street benches, the Public Arts Commission is launching a Mini-Grant program to match artists with local business owners to create art installations in vacant storefront windows and at sidewalks, crosswalks, and patios. These projects are intended to enliven the streets and draw people to downtown as it reopens.

In keeping with the Commission’s theme of ‘Art Is Everywhere,’ these Mini-Grants will also be available to neighborhood organizations with the goal of bringing public art to all neighborhoods, parks, and communities in the city.

Details of both programs, and a registry of artists, can be found on the Commission’s website at pspublicarts.com.

AUGUST 2020 35

FITNESS

SPORTS TO COME

BY JILL LANGHAM

Good Day, my sheltered Friends.

I’m wondering how you are all fairing during these bleak summer, non-sports filled days? Have you taken up new activities?

Are you spending more time outdoors, walking, hiking, shooting solo hoops, bike riding, playing tennis or shuffleboard to name a few?

were huge Sports fans and were lucky enough to have season tickets for all 3 teams. There were Sundays that they would head to Rich Stadium to watch the Bills and O.J. play and then race out a few minutes early so they could head to downtown Buffalo to watch the Sabres hat-trick their way to another victory.

I am still walking almost everyday (I will confess that some mornings it’s just too hot to go) and occasionally walk the Tram road, here in Palm Springs. Other than that it seems like Sports 2020 is pretty much of a Miss rather than a Hit and for those of you who are big sports fans, it must be really tough.

My early life was all about sports. In the late spring my parents would head to the golf course as often as they could and would be back home by 11a.m. having walked 18 holes, always carrying their own bags. By September, Mom would be in front of the T.V., doing her ironing watching the World Series, cheering for her favorite team. By late, November we would head out at dusk on Friday nights to drive 90 miles south to our ski cabin in Holiday Valley near the Pennsylvania border. We would do night skiing Friday and Saturday nights and of course day skiing all day Saturday and Sunday.

I grew up in Buffalo, New York and for a long time we had many winning Major League Teams. There were the Buffalo Sabres, the Braves, and of course the infamous Buffalo Bills, much like the Chicago Cubs, great teams with great players who could just never catch that final break! (Well, not till 2016 for the Cubs!) My parents

36 THESTANDARDPS.COM

If they could get the rabbit ears to work on the one small T.V.

we had at the cabin, they would tune into a night football or hockey game and as that was all there was to do, we would all sit around the set and watch, or in my case listen. I was not into team sports and could have cared less. I usually had at least one or more books going at the same time and would huddle up in an armchair while the rest of the family yelled, screamed and hollered every time someone scored, fumbled, fouled or missed a shot. I was always grateful when I was given permission to be excused and could go to my shared room to read or draw.

I guess it would come as no surprise that I rarely dated or married a sports freak or an athlete. To this day, my two brothers and sister, who all live near one another in Florida, get together on a regular basis to watch Football or Hockey games. Instead, while they were busy watching sports, I was in the gym training myself to excel in Bodybuilding, which has been a saving grace for me.

But today, during this Pandemic, we are faced with the absence of spectator sports as well as the opportunity to go to the gym to workout. It’s been fascinating for me to see the changes in the bodies of former bodybuilders and gym rats. Personally, I really like what I am seeing. I think the days of the “freaks” (bodybuilders who are larger than life and whose body parts are huge and out of proportion to the size of their heads) are over. Instead, these same guys look more balanced and symmetric and are much more attractive to me. I know they are not happy but I’d like to believe that they are healthier, too. Their joints and organs are getting a much-deserved break and I suspect they do not have to use as many anti-inflammatory drugs as well. But, that’s just my opinion.

As of now most of the bodybuilding shows have been rescheduled or cancelled. It will be interesting to see what will happen to these competitions during this extended off-season. Since most of these athletes are continuing their training using less heavy weights it will be fascinating to see if the judges will be reminded of the aesthetic that used to grace our stages and change their minds as to what constitutes a winning physique. I can only hope.

Take care. Be safe and wear your masks!

XOXO Your ”Less Buff” Dancing Queen

AUGUST 2020 37

MUSIC

TOM’S GOT GAME

BY JACOB GOMEZ

Tom Goss’s sultry new R&B track, “Nerdy Bear,” is an ode to plussized gay men who enjoy super heroes and playing video games. The sexy crooner makes moves on the furred nerd in new summer jam “It would be hard to pinpoint what I love most about nerdy bears,” Tom says from his LA home. “From my experience, they tend to be gentle and warm. They want to have a good time, they’re easy to get to know and of course, they’re cuddly. To me, that’s a winning combination.”

The song is a lighthearted jam with a serious message that is authentic to Tom’s dating experience and relays his unique perspective that beauty doesn’t fit a standard mold. “We’ve all seen the movies where the nerdy girl is hot, but she doesn’t know it,” Tom continues.

“She has to take off her glasses and let down her hair for the world to recognize her beauty. I say hell no to all that. The nerdy bear is already as cute as can be!”

Tom Goss was raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a small city on Lake Michigan, between Chicago and Milwaukee. Much of his youth was spent focused on his studies and on wrestling. He didn’t feel much in the way of sexual and emotional desires growing up. In fact, he didn’t

38 THESTANDARDPS.COM

go on his first date until he was 22, while in seminary, training to be a Catholic priest.

That was when Tom realized he did have an appetite for sex; only it wasn’t towards women or even the men that society deemed as handsome. His attraction was toward large, furry men and nerdy ones to boot.

Tom interviewed a bunch of candidates for the right man to play Nerdy Bear in the music video. He eventually chose Jason Villegas.

“When I saw Jason’s pictures, I knew he was the one. His smile is perfection!”

Tom manages to show off his basketball dribbling skills in the music video and he even pulls off a bit of drag, appearing in several scenes as Princess Peach from the Mario Brothers video game. “I was happy to wear the dress and tiara,” he laughs.

“Nerdy Bear” follows the release of Tom Goss’s full-length album, Territories, that included six music videos and his first Spanish-language single. He promoted the album last winter with a nationwide and European tour.

Since the pandemic, he has spent his time in quarantine working on new material, for him and for other artists. “I’m excited for the opportunity to give back to the community and help other queer artists tell their unique stories,” Tom says, adding optimistically that, “It’s going to be a fun 2020.”

Visit http://tomgossmusic.com Photo Credit to Molly Obrien

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MUSIC

GLOBAL SUPERSTAR TONI BRAXTON RELEASES 10TH STUDIO ALBUM

BY MARTHA TANG Multimillion-selling R&B/pop pioneer and seven-time GRAMMY® Award-winner, Toni Braxton has announced that her 10th studio album, ‘Spell My Name,’ will be released on August 28th and today, she shares her new single, “Dance” from the new album (Island Records).

The up-tempo new single is an energetic and empowering anthem that celebrates being carefree and confident as one moves on and gets over heartbreak. Purchase and stream “Dance” “Dance” is the latest single Braxton has released from her forthcoming album. Earlier this year, Toni released “Dance (Dave Aude Remix),” a remix of the new single, which went #1 on the UK’s Commercial Pop Club Chart. And last month, Braxton teamed up with the legendary Missy Elliot for a remix of her single “Do It.” The original version of “Do It” was the #1 most added song at Adult R&B radio after release and is currently #3 on the Adult R&B chart.

‘Spell My Name’ is Braxton’s follow up to her multi-GRAMMY® nominated album ‘Sex & Cigarettes.’ Released in 2018, the album features hit single “Long As I Live” which shot to #1 on the Billboard Adult R&B chart and top 10 on the R&B charts. Last year, Braxton embarked on her “Long As I Live” tour visiting 21 cities in addition to South Africa and for the first time in 22 years, the United Kingdom. In late 2019, Braxton graced the stage at the American Music Awards for a breathtaking performance of her iconic song, “Un-Break My Heart,” which marked the 25th anniversary of her first appearance on the show, which became one of the most talked about moments from the evening.

Braxton is the legendary, multimillion-selling R&B/pop pioneer and seven-time Grammy Award-winner behind timeless hits such as “Love Shoulda Brought You Home,” “Another Sad Love Song,” “Breathe Again,” “Seven Whole Days,” “Un-Break My Heart” and “He Wasn’t Man Enough.” If that wasn’t enough, the multi-talented singer/songwriter has also expanded her skillset along the way: music producer, Broadway musical star, television actress/producer and best-selling author.

Listeners first became aware of the newcomer’s mesmerizing

sultry voice when she appeared on the soundtrack to the Eddie Murphy box office smash Boomerang. That set the stage for Braxton’s 1993 breakthrough with her self-titled debut LaFace album that’s now 8x platinum. Between 1996 and 2010, she released six more solo albums (Secrets, The Heat, Snowflakes, More Than a Woman, Libra and Pulse) and charted a string of hits (including “You Mean the World to Me,” “You’re Makin’ Me High” and “I Love Me Some Him”/ “I Don’t Want To”) before teaming with Babyface 2014 for the critically acclaimed duets album that won her a seventh Grammy for Best R&B Album Along the way, Braxton reinvented her game as she effortlessly segued into a theatrical acting career in 1998 as Belle in Beauty and the Beast. That barrier-breaking portrayal—the first black woman to play a leading role in a Disney Broadway production—led to a stint in a second Disney Broadway musical, Aida, and later a special guest star engagement with another Broadway musical, After Midnight.

Toni Braxton - Dance (Audio) https://youtu.be/PgA6hdK0gq4

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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

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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

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CANCER HASN’T STOPPED. So neither have we.

Cancer treatments can compromise immune systems, making cancer patients like Victoria even more vulnerable to COVID-19.

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PHOTO REWIND PHOTO REWIND REVISITED PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A. LEE Taking into consideration all that has occurred in the last months and with many of the events being cancelled or postponed, we have decided to bring you Photo Rewind Revisited. Our amazing photographer, David A Lee has compiled photos from his archives of many past events to present them to you. We will be offering this revisit for the next several months. We hope you enjoy this walk down memory lane.

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PHOTO REWIND PHOTO REWIND REVISITED PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A. LEE

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GENERAL WIRELESS: Subj. to Wireless Customer Agmt (att.com/wca). Credit approval req’d. Deposit/Down Payment: may apply. Additional monthly fees & taxes: Apply per line & include Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee (Up to $1.50), Administrative Fee ($1.99) & other fees which are not government-required surcharges as well as taxes.

Additional one-time Fees may apply. See www.att.com/mobilityfees for more details. Usage, speed, coverage & other restr’s apply. International and domestic off-net data may be at 2G speeds. AT&T service is subject to AT&T network management policies, see att.com/broadbandinfo for details. GENIE HD DVR UPGRADE OFFER: Includes instant rebates on one Genie HD DVR and up to three Genie Minis. Req’s SELECT Pkg or above; ÓPTIMO MÁS Pkg or above; or qual. int’l svc bundle with PREFERRED CHOICE. $99 fee applies for Wireless Genie Mini upgrade. Whole-Home HD DVR functionality req’s an HD DVR connected to one television and a Genie Mini, H25 HD Receiver(s) or a DIRECTV Ready TV/Device in each additional room. Limit of three remote viewings per HD DVR at a time. Visit directv.com/genie for complete details. Offers may not be combined with other promotional offers on the same services and may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Other conditions apply to all offers. HBO,® Cinemax and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. STARZ® and related channels and service marks are the property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. Visit starz.com for airdates/times. SHOWTIME is a registered trademark of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS company. ©2019 EPIX Entertainment LLC. All Rights Reserved. EPIX® is a registered trademark of EPIX Entertainment LLC. ©2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. All Rights Reserved. AT&T, Globe logo, DIRECTV, and all other DIRECTV marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

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PHOTO REWIND PHOTO REWIND REVISITED PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A. LEE

AUGUST 2020 49

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PHOTO REWIND PHOTO REWIND REVISITED PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A. LEE

AUGUST 2020 51

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AT&T TV: Subject to AT&T TV terms and conditions. Avail. in the U.S. only (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands). AT&T TV service will continue monthly at the prevailing rate charged to your payment method on file, unless you cancel, subject to any early termination fees. If you cancel in the first 14 days of order, you must return the included AT&T TV device within 14 days of order to avoid $120 non-return fee. Additional devices purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. See cancellation policy at att.com/help/cancellation-policy-att-tv.html for more details. Once you’ve canceled, you can access AT&T TV through the remaining monthly period. No refunds or credits for any partial-month periods or unwatched content. Compatible device req’d. Residential customers only. Pricing, channels, features, and terms subject to change & may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Regional Sports & Local Channels: Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. GENERAL: Limit 3 concurrent streams per account. Programming subject to blackout restrictions. Taxes may apply. See your Order Confirmation email and att.com/legal/att-tv.html for more details. HBO,® Cinemax and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. GENERAL WIRELESS: Subj. to Wireless Customer Agmt (att.com/wca). Credit approval req’d. Deposit/Down Payment: may apply. Charges/restrictions: Taxes, Reg. Cost. Recovery Charge (Up to $1.50), other fees and charges, usage, speed, coverage & other restr’s apply per line. See att.com/mobilityfees for details on fees & charges. International and domestic off-net data may be at 2G speeds. AT&T service is subject to AT&T network management policies, see att.com/broadbandinfo for details.

HBO Max: Access HBO Max through HBO Max app or hbomax.com with your AT&T log-in credentials. Compatible device or browser required. Use of HBO Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see hbomax.com/terms-of-use for details. Programming and content subj. to change. Upon cancellation of your video service you may lose access to HBO Max. Limits: Access to one HBO Max account per AT&T account holder. May not be stackable w/other offers, credits or discounts. To learn more, visit att.com/hbomax. HBO Max is only accessible in the U.S. and certain U.S. territories where a high-speed broadband connection is available. Minimum 3G connection is required for viewing on mobile devices.

HBO MAX is used under license. Offers may not be combined with other promotional offers on the same services and may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Other conditions apply to all off ers. ©2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. AT&T and the Globe logo are registered trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

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