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INSIDE VOL. 31, ISSUE 21 / FEB. 6-19, 2013
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Reality Check by Stephan Horbelt
PHOTO: IDRIS + TONY
Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, the Fabulous Beekman Boys, discuss their winning stint on The Amazing Race and the trouble with love on-camera.
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FEBRUARY 19, 2013
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INSIDE
VOL. 31, ISSUE 21 / FEB. 6-19, 2013
LEADING BY EXAMPLE Jeff Zarrillo & Paul Katami........................18 NEWS News Briefs..................................................20 Noah Michelson on the Importance of Being Earnest ..........................................22 L.A. Primary March Madness Speeds Up ....................................................28 SOCAL GUIDE Calendar ......................................................48 Snapshots ....................................................50 Eating Out ....................................................54 ENTERTAINMENT Film Reviews ................................................56 Music Reviews ............................................57 Theater Reviews ........................................58 Out & About................................................60 Little Miss Know-It-All..............................61 Billy Masters................................................62 Queersay ......................................................63
36 A DOZEN DATES by Mike Ciriaco Here are a few ideas to help you plan the perfect Valentine’s Day.
42 POP GOES
THE WORLD by Stephan Horbelt
World of Wonder’s Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato look back on 20 years of creating pop culture with the release of its new book.
HEALTH HIV Living ....................................................64 Zero to Savvy ..............................................65 X-Meth..........................................................66
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CITY GUIDES West Hollywood ........................................67 Orange County............................................68 Long Beach ..................................................69 Palm Springs................................................70 FRONTIERS MARKETPLACE Listings ..........................................................76 Business Profile ..........................................77 FRONTIERS4MEN Adult Classifieds ........................................78 Sex Ed............................................................84
OUR
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KAUAI: ISLAND OF LOVE
LOVE
IS WORTH PROTECTING by Michelle McCarthy In the Meantime Men continues the battle against racism, homophobia and HIV.
COVER PHOTO OF THE BEEKMAN BOYS BY: Tate Tullier
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by Bradley Jones
Explore the endless possibilities for adventure and romance on a tropical getaway.
Frontiers magazine is published by Frontiers Media, LLC., 5657 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 470, Los Angeles, CA. 90036, and distributed throughout Southern California. Up to the first three copies of any single issue are free; additional copies are $10 each. Violators caught stealing or destroying issues will be prosecuted under California Penal Code 484. For magazine subscriptions, please call (323) 930-3220. The contents of Frontiers may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Letters to the editor, artwork, photography, manuscripts and other correspondence may be submitted to Frontiers at the above address. We cannot acknowledge or return material unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Allow at least three months for processing. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles or advertising in Frontiers is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation or the HIV/AIDS status of such person or organization. Copyright © 2013, Frontiers Media, LLC.
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APRIL 3, 2012
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FrontiersLA.com Volume 31, Issue 21 5657 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 470, Los Angeles, CA 90036 Phone: (323) 930-3220 Sales Fax: (323) 857-0560 Administration Fax: (323) 848-2058 Accounting Fax: (323) 857-0503
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©2013 Thanks to the dawn of the information age, we believe distribution/circulation not only encompasses hard copies printed and the pass-on rate of those hard copies, but web browsing and electronic copies being downloaded by our growing online readership. This has become a substantial boost to the number of readers of our magazine. Currently, an average of 30,000 hard copies are printed biweekly. Studies have shown each hard copy has a probable “pass-on rate” of two to three, meaning each hard copy taken will be seen by two to three additional readers. With the pass-on rate alone, estimated readership can conservatively average 55,000 to 90,000, not encompassing visitors who visit us online at FrontiersLA.com.
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BUILDING COMMUNITY
Leading by Example
Jeff Zarrillo & Paul Katami Fight for the Right to Marry By Karen Ocamb On Feb. 9, the Los Angeles Lesbian & Gay Lawyers Association will honor the two same-sex couples who have been challenging the federal constitutionality of Prop. 8 since the day after the antigay marriage initiative passed in November 2008. Their team of lawyers—sponsored by the American Foundation for Equal Rights and led by famed odd couple Ted Olson and David Boies—have won at the district and appeals court levels, and on March 26, they will argue the case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Much has changed since Kris Perry and Sandy Stier of Alameda County and Jeff Zarrillo and Paul Katami of Los Angeles agreed to become the faces of marriage equality in federal court and stand in for same-sex couples everywhere. Most polls now show that a majority of Americans— including President Obama—favor the right of same-sex couples to marry. Ironically, ProtectMarriage, the main proponents of Prop. 8, recently revealed that the group is almost broke. With the theme “We’re All Family,” the L.A. legal group is clearly underscoring the love at the heart of Hollingsworth v. Perry. But, like all families, Zarrillo and Katami had some difficulties to overcome first since lead attorney Ted Olson is the conservative Republican hero who won the game-changing legal battle (against David Boies) at the Supreme Court in 2000 in Bush v. Gore. “Obviously, Paul and I would have liked [Bush v. Gore] to have turned out differently, but that’s over,” Zarrillo says. “When all is said and done, Ted is a staunch believer in equality. He has done an amazing job of helping further the message that this [fight] is not about politics, this is not red/blue, it’s an American issue.
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Paul (left) and Jeff
He is not just our attorney. He is our friend, and he is absolutely genuine. We adore him.” Katami agrees. “There are things that unite us and things that divide us. Ted is a great example of someone who is a uniter and not a divider,” he says. “We need more of that in our families and in the world as a whole. The example of our case shows that defeating discrimination supersedes any differences and brings us together with a unified goal of defeating Prop. 8 once and for all.” Zarrillo and Katami also note the importance biological families play in the struggle for marriage equality and equal rights. “We could not get through this without the consistent love and support we have received from our families,” Zarrillo says. “My family is on the East Coast and Paul's is on the West, so it is very difficult to get everyone together. We have made it a point over the last few years to really focus on blending our two family units. Paul's sister Maria is our biggest ally. She has never missed a big moment throughout this process. Our nieces and nephews are our biggest cheerleaders. And my parents have kept us positive through
out this process—even from 3,000 miles away—especially with all the delays. My dad continues to say, ‘No matter what has happened, we're gonna win this ... and it's gonna be big!’ What more could Paul and I ask for?” But the one point Zarrillo and Katami have stressed over and over for more than four years is that they are just an ordinary gay couple who love each other and stepped up because it was the right thing to do. “Anyone from anywhere at any time can make a difference in our movement,” says Katami. “The biggest difference we can make is by telling our stories. Over the last few years, we have done that, and it has helped change the hearts and minds of those individuals who were not supporters. Just by doing that, you are making a difference. In the beginning of this case, there was not a consensus in our community about bringing this lawsuit forward. However, sometimes you have to take a chance, even when it's uncomfortable, because it is the right thing to do and because you have a chance to make a difference and really affect change. If you believe it is the right thing to do, even if it scares you, you will always know the answer, and that answer is ‘Yes!’”
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NEWS By Peter DelVecchio & Karen Ocamb
Ex-NFL Player Charged With Assaulting Ex-Boyfriend Former Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Kwame Harris appeared in court Jan. 28 on felony domestic violence charges arising from an altercation at a Menlo Park, Calif., restaurant last August with former boyfriend Dimitri Geier, ABC reports. Harris allegedly punched Geier in the head outside the restaurant, breaking several bones, after the two had quarreled about Harris’s having put soy sauce on rice, and Geier having allegedly stolen underwear from Harris. Harris, who claims he acted in self-defense, pled not guilty. "Severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime was reported by 16.4 percent of gay men and 13.9 percent of heterosexual men," according to a fact sheet accompanying the Jan. 25 release of a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention breaking out data on interpersonal and sexual violence by sexual orientation.
Quick Pic
President Obama appeared with his former rival Hillary Clinton on 60 Minutes thanking Clinton for her work as his Secretary of State. Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin sent a letter thanking Clinton for all she’s done for LGBT equality at home and around the world. tinyurl.com/bguvyzx
Obama Unveils GayFriendly Immigration Reform Plan President Barack Obama unveiled a comprehensive immigration reform package Jan. 29 to deal with the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants residing in the U.S., the New York Times reports. The plan, among other things, would provide a path to citizenship for some and beef up enforcement measures. An accompanying fact sheet says that Obama's proposal "also treats same-sex families as families by giving U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents the ability to seek a visa on the basis of a permanent relationship with a same-sex partner," a benefit unavailable under current law, and seeks to reduce backlogs in the family-sponsored immigration system. On Jan. 28, a bipartisan group of eight U.S. Senators announced their own reform package—but it includes no provision to ease restrictions on binational LGBT families and couples. Republican Sen. John McCain said such inclusion would be a “red flag” for him, the Washington Blade reports.
Boy Scouts Reconsidering Gay Ban The Boy Scouts of America may be reconsidering its across-theboard exclusion of openly gay men and boys from the group, the Wall Street Journal reported Jan. 29. The gay ban, increasingly controversial and anachronistic as public attitudes have evolved towards greater support for LGBT rights, has for years been costing the group support, financial and otherwise. Under a proposal floated Jan. 28, and to be discussed at an upcoming national board meeting, each local scout group would make its own policy according to its own "mission, principles or religious beliefs.” Only last July, after a twoyear review, the scouts reaffirmed the ban, calling it "absolutely the best policy." Organizations opposing the ban had collected over 1 million signatures in 2012 asking that it be lifted, and several major corporations had pulled funding. The group has over 2.6 million youth members, and more than 1 million adult members.
SPEAK OUT “[T]imes and minds have changed. Hagel has taken stock of his own past comments [and] issued an apology.” —Former ambassador to Luxembourg James Hormel, the first openly gay U.S. ambassador, explaining in The Advocate why he supports former Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., for Secretary of Defense despite Hagel’s attack on Hormel as “aggressively gay” at the time of Hormel’s 1999 confirmation.
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“The trans community should be very hopeful that this is the year.” —Dana Beyer, Executive Director of Gender Rights Maryland, regarding a bill introduced into the Maryland legislature Jan. 29 that would ban discrimination against transgenders in the workplace, as reported in the Washington Blade.
“Absolutely.” —Cissy Houston, mother of the late Whitney Houston, responding to a question from Oprah Winfrey in a recent interview as to whether it would have bothered her if her daughter had been a lesbian.
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NEWS
Noah Michelson on the Importance of Being Earnest In 2005, what most LGBT Angelenos knew about Arianna Huffington was that she still had her Greek accent after living in America since 1980, had once been a prominent conservative columnist and that she didn’t out her prominent Republican husband Michael after their divorce. She’s also smart, gay-friendly and fiercely independent. In 2004, she told her friend Jon Stewart she supported Democrat John Kerry because, "When your house is burning down, you don't worry about the remodeling." What media junkies and Westside intellectuals also knew was that Huffington ran a prestigious invitation-only salon—more Dorothy Parker and Algonquin Round Table than Virginia Woolfe and the Bloomsbury Group. So when she announced in May 2005 that she was launching The Huffington Post, some long knives came out, but most were excited about a liberal counterpoint to the right-wing Drudge Report. Indeed, IN Los Angeles magazine (which merged with Frontiers in 2009) published Huffington’s column to inspire LGBT readers. It wasn’t until October 2011, however, that the Huffington Post created a “vertical” space for Gay Voices—edited by Noah Michelson— that quickly became a “must-read” not only for LGBT people but for many others who call Huffington Post “home.” “We make a point of supporting and featuring other LGBT websites, whether by sourcing them in one of our aggregated write-ups, linking directly to their sites and stories or featuring writers and editors from other periodicals as bloggers and talking heads on HuffPost Live, our living streaming network,” Michelson said. “In many ways we're always looking to curate the best of the world—and the internet—and we owe a lot to the incredible work being done by the other journalists and bloggers who are in the trenches alongside us. What's more, by collecting, collating and curating the view points of other sites and journalists, we're able to be more thorough and get a bigger picture of an event or story, and that in turn makes our vertical even stronger and more diverse.”
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PHOTO: DAMON SCHELEUR | HUFFINGTON POST
By Karen Ocamb
Despite working on a year’s worth of blogs, there are some he still finds moving—such as the mother of a 6-year-old who had fallen in love with the character of Blaine on Glee. “[I]t’s been an incredible pleasure (and honor) to watch as her journey with her son (who is now 8 and identifies as gay) continues,” he said. Or the November 2012 blog by Andy Marra entitled "The Beautiful Daughter: How My Korean Mother Gave Me the Courage to Transition." “I've probably read it 16 or 17 times, and I still have a hard time making it to the end without tears in my eyes,” Michelson said, noting that the piece is up for a GLAAD Media Award. But Gay Voices is also powerful. Last April, Editor-at-Large Michelangelo Signorile wrote, "Is James Beard Rolling in His Grave Over Foundation President's Award From Anti-Gay Boy Scouts?" James Beard was gay, Signorile noted. In less than 12 hours, the foundation returned the award. “[O]ne of the most important tools—or weapons—that we have as a movement is our ability to raise awareness whenever possible,” Michelson said. “Seeing stories being tweeted,
shared on Facebook and commented upon thousands of times shows just how important these issues are and how many people are deeply invested in progress. I also think that organizations and politicians are realizing how little they can get away with, now that the whole world is watching—and talking—about what they're doing. In the past, a homophobic or transphobic event or statement could go unexamined. But with so many eyes on all corners of society and culture at all times—and with the help of LGBT media who can provide the rallying call, we're hearing more apologies for inexcusable behavior and seeing tangible changes come from the pressure that we're all putting out there. “But I also believe that changing people's minds or offering them a new way to think about the LGBT community can be as important—if not more important—as having an impact on public policy,” Michelson said. “Being able to help people have those ‘ah-ha’ moments is perhaps the most thrilling and satisfying part of my job.” (Full disclosure: Karen Ocamb blogs on HuffPo. Please read the full interview at LGBTPOV.com.)
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NEWS
L.A. Primary March Madness Speeds Up By Karen Ocamb At a Hollywood Chamber of Commercesponsored debate on Jan. 24 among six of the 12 candidates for the 13th City Council District in the March 5 primary, former Councilmember and Assemblymember Jackie Goldberg called the panel an “embarrassment of riches.” That’s especially true for LGBT voters in that district, with three openly gay candidates—former L.A. Deputy Mayor Matt Szabo; Mitch O’Farrell, former top aide to Councilmember Eric Garcetti;
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and Alex De Ocampo, Director of the Saban Family Foundation. Given their expertise and fundraising abilities, each of the three gay candidates has a good chance of making the top-two run-off on May 21, if no candidate wins more than 50 percent of the vote on March 5. But money and credentials mean nothing if voters don’t vote, and off-year primaries are notorious for incredibly low voter turnout (10 percent is predicted for the 13th C.D. this year). Additionally, the field is puffed with multiple Asian and Latino candidates vying to win their own constituencies, as well as trying to get a larger message out. It’s the March Madness of municipal politics. Vote-by-mail ballots start going out on Feb. 4, and Daily News political observer Rick Orlov predicts that as many as half of all votes cast in the March 5 primary election may come in by mail. The stakes are high, especially in the race to replace L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. With the retirement of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Jan. 29, speculation has heightened that President Obama may ask Villaraigosa to join his cabinet. If Villaraigosa is asked and leaves before the end of his term, City Council President Herb Wesson would become interim mayor while still serving on the City Council. Right now, City Councilmember Eric Garcetti (13th C.D., ericgarcetti.com) and City Controller Wendy Greuel (wendygreuel.org) are considered the top two contenders, followed by Councilmember Jan Perry (9th C.D., janperry.com), former Republican radio talk show host Kevin James (kevinjamesformayor.com) and a late-comer to the race—30-year-old Emanuel Pleitez, a former high tech executive who once worked for Villaraigosa. In their first televised debate on Jan. 28 at UCLA, aired on NBC L.A., much of the focus was on the city budget deficit, city employee pensions and health care costs, a ballot initiative proposing a half-cent sales tax hike, expansion of LAX, improving the economy and
introducing themselves to more potential voters than they could reach through forums. “None of the candidates stood out or stumbled,” said KPCC’s gay Frank Stoltze in his report. “I want more passion,” Lisa Gritzner, president of the longtime L.A. lobbying firm Cerrell Associates, told Stoltze. “It was a little milquetoast. Everybody gave safe answers.” “Boy, these two are boring—and I'm afraid one of them is almost certain to be L.A.'s next mayor,” groused Mark Lacter at LAObserved.com. “[T]he discourse during last night's debate was so lackluster that you have to wonder whether these folks are capable of ideas that go beyond the ones that have been thoroughly tested in focus groups.” NBC4 political expert Sherry Bebitch Jeffe, however, thought “Wendy Greuel won by a nose. She was forceful; she had specifics. Wendy Greuel and Kevin James got the most out of this debate.” Garcetti, she said, “needs a little bit more of the leadership spark.” Her advice to James was “to look beyond the small Republican base and become the alternative.” He’s trying. Throughout the KNBC debate, James emphasized that he’s the “independent” in the race. But the press isn’t buying it. Stoltze reports that James is “drawing significant support from one of the biggest Republican donors in the nation”—Dallas billionaire Harold Simmons—who called President Obama a socialist and spent more than $20 million to defeat Obama’s re-election. Stoltze reports, “James has said he disagrees with Simmons’ characterization of Obama but appreciates his support.” That support includes $600,000 to an independent committee, Better Way L.A., headed by Hollywood GOP consultant and advertising honcho Fred Davis—the man perhaps most famous for his “Demon Sheep” ad for Carly Fiorina against Republican moderate Tom Campbell and his “I Am Not a Witch” ad for Tea Party darling Christine O’Donnell’s unsuccessful Senate campaign. Davis is already out with a hit piece attacking Garcetti, Greuel and Perry about the
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NEWS
L.A. Primary March Madness Speeds Up
foxes guarding the hen house. At four minutes and 31 seconds, the ad (youtu.be/BxoSsxZ7yn0) appears intended for social media. It starts out very Reaganesque with a “Morning in America” reference, and then devolves into weird horror music featuring scary foxes. “Ten years ago, things were sunny in L.A. Businesses flourished. Life was good. Then we elected Wendy Greuel, Eric Garcetti and Jan Perry to the L.A. City Council. Now we face bankruptcy ... and each of those three want to be mayor. Isn’t that like the fox guarding the hen house?” Eric Bauman, the openly gay chair of the L.A. County Democratic Party, was furious. “The L.A.’s Mayoral Candidates (from left): Eric Garcetti, Wendy Greuel, Kevin James, Emanuel Pleitez and Jan Perry Republicans are at it again, trying to buy another public office and dupe voters. This time, Harold Simyear HIV/AIDS rapidly transitioned from a preThais-Williams says that Jan Perry—who mons, a Texas billionaire, is attempting to buy sumed death sentence to a chronic, manageveteran journalist Bill Boyarsky said had a “winthe Los Angeles Mayor’s Office with hundreds able disease with the discovery of the ning night” at the mayoral forum at Sinai Temple of thousands of out-of-state dollars. This is the triple-cocktail medication. But this sentence in Jan. 29—has been to Catch One and In The same Harold Simmons who gave millions to the his second paragraph on APLA is surely quesMeantime Men events when invited. But Perry ‘Swift Boat Veterans for Truth’ campaign that tionable: “Kevin was instrumental in expanding is not widely known among the broader LGBT falsely attacked John Kerry during his presidenAPLA’s services throughout the city of Los Angeles community, and she doesn’t have the same caché tial campaign and also spent millions to attack and into East Los Angeles and South Los Angeles as strong allies such as Reps. Karen Bass, Maxine President Obama,” Bauman said in a statement. in order to meet the ever-growing and demanding Waters (who supports Perry) and retired Rep. “Let me be perfectly clear—Los Angeles is a needs of minority communities throughout the Diane Watson (and her openly gay chief deputy deep blue city and is not for sale. We urge all city and surrounding areas.” Charles Stewart), who showed up and took action Angelenos to reject Republican Kevin James That’s not how LGBT icon (and UCLA alum) for LGBT people and people with HIV/AIDS from and his right-wing friend’s attempt to buy the Jewel Thais-Williams remembers it. The legthe mid-1980s on. Mayor’s Office. The Los Angeles County Demoendary owner of the Catch One Disco co-founded Eric Garcetti and Wendy Greuel, on the cratic Party is committed to work aggressively the Unity Fellowship of Christ Church and its other hand, have only been ubiquitous at LGBT to expose James for the hard-right extremist Minority AIDS Project with the Rev. Carl Bean events and have been extraordinary allies. For that he is.” in 1984 in South L.A. APLA Executive Director instance, Garcetti’s father, former District Attorney The irony is that this Tea Party-ish ad and Stephen Bennett recruited her to the board in Gil Garcetti, made anti-LGBT hate crimes a priGOP backing is on behalf of an openly gay canthe late 1980s with the intention of bringing ority and hired openly lesbian deputy DAs to didate, though the only inkling on his website APLA’s services “to the hood.” In the early 1990s, run the division—which was subsequently disthat James is gay comes from his highlighted Thais-Williams and Bennett’s successor Lenny mantled by his successor Steve Cooley. Eric reference to his time spent on the board of AIDS Bloom opened the Imani Unidos Food Pantry at Garcetti has been close with Marc Solomon— Project Los Angeles—when he was an enterFaith United Methodist Church in South L.A. But the former executive director of MassEquality, tainment attorney and before he became a Repubit wasn’t until 2002, according to APLA’s webformer director of the Marriage Project at Equality lican political shock jock on talk radio. site, that their Necessities of Life Program opened California and current national campaign director In a section called “Tested During Crisis,” sites in Long Beach and South Los Angeles, and for Freedom to Marry—since 1999 when they the website notes, “Kevin spent many years it wasn’t until 2011 that “the agency relocated were named by the Rockefeller Foundation as two donating his time and legal expertise to local its HIV prevention programs to a new site in of the “Next Generation of Leaders.” Solomon charities serving neighborhoods throughout Los Baldwin Hills along a light rail line offering service flew to California to do “whatever it took” to Angeles. Kevin began his volunteer work in Los throughout South L.A.” help Garcetti win his first City Council election Angeles working for AIDS charities at the peak If Kevin James has done anything more for and is helping him now. Working with his deputy of the AIDS crisis. Most notably, after serving LGBT people or people with HIV/AIDS since Mitch O’Farrell (a candidate for the 13th C.D.), years as a staff and fundraising volunteer, Kevin 2000, it is not listed on his website nor recalled Garcetti has also made it a point to preserve joined the all-volunteer board of directors of by LGBT politicos. LGBT history such as the Black Cat and Harry AIDS Project Los Angeles, where he served for However, if elected, James would be L.A.’s Hay’s house in Silver Lake. six years from 1995 through 2000. Kevin was first openly gay mayor. This raises the question Wendy Greuel has been a friend of the LGBT the vice-chair of the board in 1998 and co-chair for all mayoral candidates—why should LGBT community since she worked in Mayor Tom of the board in 1999 and 2000.” people vote for them? Bradley’s office and secured grants for the late Not to quibble too much, but 1995 was the
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NEWS
Matt Szabo, Mitch O'Farrell, Sam Smith
Gabe Kruks at the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Community Services Center on Highland Avenue in the late 1980s. Prior to that, she worked in the office of then-closeted City Councilmember Joel Wachs, who wrote the city’s nondiscrimination law to include sexual orientation. She eventually won Wachs’ 2nd C.D. in 2002 and hired openly gay staffers (such as 13th C.D. candidate Matt Szabo) and regularly attended community breakfast meetings hosted by Access Now for Gay and Lesbian Equality, ANGLE. Other races of import include the race to replace retiring openly gay Councilmember Bill Rosendahl in the 11th C.D. Rosendahl has endorsed his openly gay top deputy Mike Bonin—a longtime LGBT politico who many have assumed would seek elected office. So far, Bonin seems to be holding the lead. For straight allies, having a positive history with the LGBT community matters—which is why endorsements for Mike Feuer for city attorney over Carman Trutanich is a no-brainer, though there is some support for Greg Smith, who recently defended openly gay police Sgt. Ronald Crump in his lawsuit against LAPD and the city. And in the race for city controller, longtime gay political activist Ron Galperin is racking up more endorsements (including from former Controller Ruth Galanter) and money than rivals Cary Brazeman or Dennis Zine (who switched his party registration from Republican to Independent because of current GOP policies). Also of note is the Special Election in the 6th C.D. to replace Tony Cardenas, who was elected to Congress. Candidates are still filing papers in that race. And there will be three medical marijuana initiatives on the May 21 ballot— one, a compromise proposal sponsored by City
ident. Colorge says De Ocampo has helped the LGBT community through “his work through the Saban foundation, [which has] supported organizations like the Trevor Project and Lambda Legal, APLA, Project Angel Food and the Saban Free Clinic that provides counseling and support for homeless youth.” The Chamber’s Sam Smith supports O’Farrell (mitchforcitycouncil.org). “Mitch has a long history on the ground in the 13th, “ Smith said after the debate. “He understands the people, their needs and what will make the future for that district the very best it can possibly be. He knows where every pothole is and every tree that needs to be trimmed. And he’s worked closely with the Neighborhood Council.” O’Farrell also has the support of John Gile, former CEO of Project Angel Food. “Mitch was extremely helpful as District Director of [the 13th C.D.] in helping us through the purchase and renovation of the Project Angel Food building on Vine Councilmember Paul Street,” Gile said. “It is an important Koretz, is expected to public/private partnership, and Mitch maintain access to medhelped make it happen, overseeing ical marijuana and raise the permitting, zoning and neighcity tax revenue. Alex De Ocampo borhood involvement process.” But perhaps the Szabo (voteszabo.com) also has most watched LGBT cona slew of endorsements, including test in Los Angeles is for his former boss, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. the 13th C.D. The district is a historic haven “For six years, Matt Szabo has been on the front for LGBT people, as it includes parts of Downlines taking on the city's toughest challenges. He town L.A., Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, knows how the city works inside and out and Echo Park, Atwater Village and Glassell Park. knows how to get things done,” Villaraigosa said. The councilmembers representing the 13th C.D. “Matt is tenacious and decisive, knows how to have also been gay-positive, starting with Peggy lead in a crisis and is not afraid to take on the Stevenson (1975-1985), who worked with the biggest challenges for the benefit of the comfirst LGBT political action committee, MECLA, munity he serves.” after the group started, according to MECLA But perhaps the most important endorseco-chair Diane Abbitt. Stevenson was followed ment came Jan. 31 from 13th C.D. and LGBT icon by Mike Woo (1985-1993), who worked closely Jackie Goldberg. “There are a number of truly with Torie Osborn at the L.A. Gay & Lesbian extraordinary candidates in this race, but Matt Community Services Center to combat antiSzabo is best prepared for the job, has the most gay attitudes and actions by the LAPD. Proprogressive vision and the kind of commitment gressive LAUSD School Board President Jackie to the community we need on the City Council,” Goldberg came out when she ran in 1994 and Goldberg said. “Matt Szabo has faced and met remains a hero to many, including openly gay some of the toughest challenges in our city, and Hollywood Chamber of Commerce PAC Chair is not afraid to stand up to powerful interests Sam Smith, who asked Goldberg to emcee the to do what is right for the community.” 13th C.D. debate. Garcetti replaced Goldberg The city of West Hollywood is also holding in 2001. elections. While Democratic groups such as The race has many in the LGBT political Stonewall Democratic Club have endorsed openly community torn. The L.A. County Democratic gay incumbents Mayor Jeffrey Prang and CounParty and clubs such as Stonewall Democrats cilmember John Duran, their re-elections are far voted “no consensus.” But individuals are from a shoe-in. (See weho.org for more on the announcing their support. Michael Colorge, Prescandidates.) ident of Stonewall Young Democrats, is supporting his old CSUN friend Alex De Ocampo Frontiers will have more coverage on the races (facebook.com/AlexDforCD13), who was also his before the March 5 elections. predecessor as CSUN Young Democrats’ pres-
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S O C AL ATTORNEY GUIDE
Living Will: Make Your Desires Known Now By Ronald A. Lachman We all have the right to control decisions relating to our own health, including the most important decision—to have life-sustaining treatment withheld or withdrawn, and who can make that decision. However, to exercise these rights, you must pre-plan by making your preferences known in writing. You can do this with the document of a living will, known as an advance health care directive. In this directive, you get to appoint anyone you choose as your agent to make your health care decisions according to your written instruction. Your agent’s authority to act takes effect only in the event you are incapable of communicating your wishes. Your selected agent can be your partner, a dear trusted friend or an understanding relative. Just like your will or living trust, you can change your directive for any reason or change of circumstances. Without your appointment of an agent, the law allows your “next of kin” to act as your agent, even if you are estranged or disassociated from them for years. One benefit for our community, California automatically grants your registered domestic partner the same authority as a married spouse to make your decisions if you are incapacitated (even without a directive); however, outside of California, your domestic partner (or even same-sex married spouse) may not be acknowledged as such, and could have no more rights than a stranger. Therefore, carry your advance health care directive with you when you are traveling so that your agent can legally attend to your medical care and visit you in the hospital wherever you may be. Many important decisions can be written into your directive to empower your agent—first priority for hospital visitation; to insist your personal values and wishes be obeyed; the right to consent to (or refuse) any treatment or procedure; to withhold or withdraw artificial life support; to insist on pain medication and relief, even if it might “hasten” your death; designating cremation, burial location, type of memorial and funeral—or none at all. On the opposite extreme, you can require that your life be “prolonged as long as possible,” regardless of your condition or prognosis. Your directive ensures your right to stop prolonging the process of dying—when continued medical care violates a patient’s dignity and causes unnecessary pain and suffering, while providing nothing medically necessary or beneficial to the person. Your directive can also specifically disqualify any persons (i.e. relatives) from acting as your agent. Many lesbians and gay men will want to shut out that estranged parent or a sibling with an opposing agenda. Be aware that to “disqualify” anyone, the law requires that you must have the advice of a lawyer, and your lawyer must sign a certificate regarding the advice and legalities of the directive. Even if you don’t intend to disqualify someone, having a lawyer draft your directive will insure it is more fully developed and properly executed. Most importantly: Take action now! Make your wishes known, discuss them and please put them in writing! In the tragic situation where an advance health care directive becomes effective, don’t make your loved ones “guess” or, even sadder, suffer terrible guilt for doing exactly what you would have wanted them to do in the first place. Law Offices of Ronald A. Lachman, 468 N. Camden Drive, Ste. 200, Bev. Hills, (323) 655-6020; ronaldlachman.com
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A Dozen Dates By Mike Ciriaco With Obama's historical inclusion of us in this year's State of the Union address, gay couples have yet another reason to celebrate their love this Valentine's Day. Whether you prefer intimate romance or pulse-pounding adventure, here are the best date spots and activities to make your holiday perfect.
1. Dinner for Two
7. Threshold of Pain
Dinner and drinks are always a great way to celebrate the romantic holiday. Laurel Hardware, West Hollywood's newest hot spot, is an ideal restaurant to not only share your special night, but to be seen doing it. 7984 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo, laurelhardware.com
Some couples are less into romance and more into restraints. These folks should check out the My Kinky Valentine Party at Threshold, the Valley's premier BDSM/leather society. This community of kinksters provides a welcoming environment for you and your partner to spice up the holiday. Membership required. threshold.org
2. Heart-Stirring Helicopter Tour Some Angelenos not only have a beloved partner but also money to burn. These lucky lovers should raise the dinner date ante with a champagne helicopter tour. The 55-minute flight covers Long Beach,
8. Heartwalk
4. Art & Amour Fill your day of love with a little beauty and hit up one of L.A.'s myriad museums. A prime destination is Mapplethorpe: XYZ at LACMA. The exhibit showcases the photographer's favorite subjects— floral still lifes, nude African-American men and homosexual sadomasochism. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. lacma.org
5. Laugh at the Lonely the Queen Mary, the port, Palos Verde Peninsula and up the coast over the beach cities to Pacific Palisades, then inland over Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Dodger Stadium and Downtown L.A. alllosangelestours.com
3. Double the Pleasure Kinky couples looking to spend a more intimate evening together should plan a field trip to The Pleasure Chest. With over four decades of experience under its studded belt, the iconic adult merchandise bazaar is sure to provide the perfect item to help make your Valentine's Day memorable. 7733 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. thepleasurechest.com 36
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If you and your lover are up for a laugh, then mosey over to iO West to see Ex(It) Wounds. Phil Lamarr headlines this comedic reinterpretation of actual breakup letters. This Valentine's Day, give the gift of shadenfreude. $5. 7:30 p.m. 6366 Hollywood Blvd., Hlywd. ioimprov.com/west
6. Couple's Club Crawl Nightlife maestro Wayne Castro offers two Thursday parties ideal for flaunting your hot date. TigerHeat, Avalon's weekly twink fest, and the new frat-themed Thirsty Thursdays College Night at Bayou are sure to be packed with boys jealously eyeing that gorgeous man on your arm.
This year, Valentine's Day happens to coincide with DTLA's monthly Art Walk. Take your partner by the hand and soak in the diverse paintings, sculptures, jewelry, live performances and more that L.A.'s Downtown gallery scene has to offer. Noon-10 p.m. DTLA. downtown artwalk.org
10. Do You Believe in Magic? Looking to add a bit of magic to your Valentine's Day? Then be sure to reserve tickets for world-renowned illusionist Ivan Amodei's critically acclaimed Intimate Illusions show at the famed Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The show combines world-class magic, storytelling, audience participation, mind games and dangerous stunts. Perfect for getting your lover's heart racing. 7-8:30 p.m. $65-75. 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Bev. Hills. ivanamodei.com
9. Keep It Sweet Give your sugar some sugar at one of L.A.'s many bakeries and sweet shops. Doughboys is a great place to nab an affordable and generously portioned meal, but be sure to leave room for one of their many mouth-watering desserts. In honor of the holiday, all their signature red velvet cakes are adorably heartshaped. 8136 W. 3rd St., L.A. doughboysbakeryla.com
11. Kingdom of Hearts Where better to spend the most romantic day of the year than the happiest place on Earth? Disneyland is the ideal destination to make your man feel like a prince. Anaheim. disneyland.disney.go.com
12. A Pampered Pair Living in L.A. is stressful enough without the added pressures of a Hallmark holiday. Treat yourself and your partner to a spa day. Le Petite Retreat Day Spa offers indoor and outdoor spaces for two-person therapies, including a couple’s champagne bath, detoxifying foot bath, relaxation room and sauna. 331 N. Larchmont Blvd., L.A. lprdayspa.com
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Reality Check Love on-camera with the Fabulous Beekman Boys
PHOTO: PYONGSON YIM
By Stephan Horbelt
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D
espite the abundance of reality television programming that currently saturates airwaves, instances of healthy, loving same-sex relationships are few and far between. Amidst the drama-fueled flings and catty, half-scripted altercations we’re fed by TV execs, Brent Ridge and Josh KilmerPurcell—the Fabulous Beekman Boys, as they are known—remain a shining example of that tarnished coin’s flipside. Through two seasons of their own reality show and a grand prize-winning stint on The Amazing Race, Brent and Josh have lived and loved in front of the camera, showing America that two gay men are capable of anything they set out to accomplish.
Meet the Beekman Boys Josh and Brent became the Beekman Boys in 2007, when the couple purchased a 19th century farm—Beekman Mansion—they discovered while applepicking in upstate New York. Prior to becoming “accidental goat farmers,” Brent, a physician, worked for Martha Stewart Omnimedia as the company’s Vice President for Healthy Living. Josh is a writer who worked in advertising in Manhattan, where the guys lived full-time before shedding those big city amenities. Today, Brent and Josh run Beekman 1802, a green lifestyle brand that sells products derived from the farm, including goat milk soaps and cheeses. Josh is responsible for two New York Times bestselling novels, I Am Not Myself These Days and The Bucolic Plague, and the couple co-authored The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Cookbook in 2011. Signs of the guys slowing down anytime soon seem nonexistent. Oh, and did I mention that cameras were on this entire time? The Fabulous Beekman Boys aired for two seasons on the Discovery Channel’s Planet Green and is currently in the works for a third season to be aired on the Cooking Channel. Originally touted as the gay version of Green Acres with its ‘city slicker to mud slinger’ storyline, the series quickly overcame the clichés you might expect, documenting the couple’s difficulties with managing the farm, creating a brand and maintaining a loving relationship through it all. When I caught up with Brent and Josh, home on the farm in Sharon Springs, the guys were in the middle of shooting their second cookbook, Heirloom Desserts. On shelves in September, the guys’ latest “focuses on all the dreamy desserts you want your mom to make when you come home to visit,” Brent tells me. “You’re like, ‘Mom, please make me your buttermilk pie.’ They’re all delicious desserts.” Over the next half-hour, the guys regale me with stories about their relationship, running a business together and the exhausting experience of shooting—and winning—The Amazing Race.
Thirteen Years and Counting
PHOTO: BEEKMAN 1802
Like so many couples of the 21st century, the Beekman Boys met online—in an AOL chat room, to be exact. “We chatted for hours and hours, though Brent had never dated a guy before,” Josh tells me. “During the course of our conversation, I was able to figure out which neighborhood he lived in, and before we logged off, I told him I’d be at the fountain near his house that night at 8 o’clock, and he was either going to be there or he wasn’t. And he was.” Sure, it’s something you might expect from a sappy rom-com, but the way Josh tells the story, it’s simply sweet. With nearly 14 years under their collective belt, listening to Brent and Josh speak about each other is heartwarming. It leaves you thinking these two were always meant to find each other—it was merely a matter of when.
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A little more than a year ago, the Beekman Boys went from being longtime boyfriends to fiancés at a surprise engagement fête. Thrown by Real Housewives of New York cast member Sonja Morgan, the event was intended as a preview party for the guys’ new skin product line, but things eventually took a turn when Brent popped the question to a surprised Josh. Before getting down on one knee, Brent presented a ring. “I designed this ring for you,” he said. “It’s imperfect on all sides, like both of us are. It’s hand-forged from steel, like our 13-year relationship. And it’s also lined with silver, because we always find the silver lining.” Naturally, in true Beekman Boys fashion, cameras were there to capture every second of the special moment. I can’t help but think that living life on-camera must take its toll on one’s sanity, let alone on one’s relationship, though Brent and Josh seem to have weathered that storm just fine. “I think at the beginning it was interesting,” Brent confessed. “It’s kinda like going to therapy. You’ve got the whole web world commenting on your relationship in the comment section. It actually kind of helped our relationship in a way. I think anytime you’re in a long-term relationship, you become lax with one another and with your words. If anybody has a mirror or a camera reflecting back everything they said to their significant other in the course of a year, they would probably be surprised at how harmful the things they say can be. It certainly makes you realize, ‘Hey, maybe I should think before I speak.’” Then there’s the fact that, on top of everything else, Brent and Josh work together. What has been the proverbial ‘nail in the coffin’ for so many relationships has not seemed to phase these two. Josh tells me why: “I think we were always meant to be together, and we were meant to work together, too. Just as we complement each other in our personal lives, we really complement each other in our professional lives as well. I think it was meant to be.” Josh adds, “I think the definition of a couple is a partnership. I think any couple should be able to work together, play together, live together. I know a lot of people say never to go into business with your partner, but I think you just need to learn how to go into business with your partner. The reason you work together is because you’re better together than you are apart.” Josh and Brent have made tentative plans to marry on the farm sometime this summer.
The Race to $1 Million The Beekman Boys weren’t the first gay couple to win race-around-the-world competition show The Amazing Race, and Brent tells me that watching thencouple Reichen Lehmkuhl and Chip Arndt win the show’s fourth season in 2003 was inspirational. “To see two gay men in a relationship on national TV—it really spoke to me,” he says. Interestingly, whereas CBS failed to air the celebratory kiss between Reichen and Chip upon winning the competition, the network did in fact air the same-sex kiss that Brent and Josh shared—proof of how far we’ve come, no doubt. As the rest of us can only imagine, shooting The Amazing Race is a draining, exhausting experience. “The whole race is run in about three and a half weeks,” Josh tells me. “So if you can just imagine how tired you are after flying to Europe, then imagine doing that nine times in a row, back-to-back, while running and doing all these obstacles and not eating or drinking or sleeping. It really is a mental and physical endurance race.” 40
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PHOTO: BEEKMAN 1802
Reality Check
No Rest for the Weary
PHOTO: BEEKMAN 1802
Those three and a half weeks on The Amazing Race were anything but ‘in the bag’ for the Beekman Boys, as the guys trailed the other teams for much of the season’s run. “I think our biggest strength was our perspective on things,” says Josh. “We were older than the other teams. We knew we weren’t as strong or as fast as some of the young teams, and we kinda had a string of bad luck right in the middle where we got behind, but we had a perspective about things, which was, ‘We’re going to work as hard as we can.’ That got us through the game.” As with any race, it’s the last leg that counts, and Brent and Josh pleasantly surprised viewers everywhere when they brought home the $1 million grand prize. While it was a classic story of love and teamwork to those watching the race on their televisions, to fans of these fabulous Beekman Boys it was yet another example of the guys’ capabilities for great things. It was also an experience that fortified the guys’ relationship ten-fold. “It definitely made our relationship stronger,” Brent tells me. “I think anytime your relationship is stressed and tested and you come through it on the other side, it makes you stronger. Then your relationship can weather pretty much anything.”
The Beekman Boys have been pretty vocal about plans for their grand prize winnings, the most important of which finally allows the guys to live together full-time on the farm. Paying off the Beekman Farm’s mortgage allowed Josh to leave his job in Manhattan and spend all of his time with Brent, the goats and their llama PolkaSpot. The guys have already purchased a historic building on Main Street in Sharon Springs, which they plan to turn into the world headquarters of Beekman 1802. And last, Brent and Josh are starting a new line of food products whereby 25 percent of the profits will help American farmers pay off their mortgages. As for what comes next for Brent and Josh, the cameras aren’t turning off anytime soon. A third season of The Fabulous Beekman Boys is still in the works, and in the meantime, Brent has been itching for yet another kind of competition-based reality show. “I’ve always wanted to do Dancing with the Stars,” Brent says, “but only because I’ve always wanted to learn how to dance, and there are so few times in your life when you’ll have the opportunity to learn every single dance. That just seems like fun to me.” As for Josh, he’s fine being relegated to the sidelines this time, should the opportunity present itself. “It doesn’t seem like fun to me to learn how to dance in front of that many people,” he quickly interjects into the conversation. One thing is certain—after traversing eight countries and logging 25,000 miles on The Amazing Race, the guys currently have no plans for international travel and jet-setting, even with that cool extra million in the bank. “Yeah, I think we’ll stay put for a while,” Brent says, laughing. And really, who can blame them? Beekman1802.com is the hub of all things Beekman. Go there to find great recipes, gardening articles and décor ideas, and shop for all the Beekman products.
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PHOTO: IDRIS + TONY
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“You do what you love. And then the next thing you know, 20 years have passed.” Thus begins The World According to Wonder, a tome—”coffee table book” seems slighting— that unknowingly chronicles the last two decades of queer pop culture. World of Wonder is a Los Angeles-based production company responsible for some of your favorite film and television programming. With a collective résumé that encompasses everything from gay TV staples (RuPaul’s Drag Race, Million Dollar Listing, Tori and Dean) to feature films with cult status (Party Monster) and riveting documentaries (The Strange History of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ Inside Deep Throat, The Eyes of Tammy Faye), company founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato have bravely taken on the task of keeping entertainment cool. The World According to Wonder, a look back at the company’s first 20 years, is a testament to that very fact. PHOTO: MATHU ANDERSEN
In the Beginning, There Was Public Access
Counterculture Storytellers
The Journey to Drag Dominance
Publishing: The Final Frontier
Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato met at NYU, where they attended film school. “We started working together pretty much right away, because we were in the same film class,” Bailey remembers. “We just partnered up.” After a few less-than-successful attempts at striking entertainment gold, including a short-lived New York public access show and a stint as musical act The Fabulous Pop Tarts, Bailey and Barbato eventually created a product that characterizes everything to have sprung from their heads since. “There were all these fabulous shows [on New York City public access], from Robin Byrd to Voyeur Vision to Mrs. Mouth,” Barbato recalls. “Fenton and I at the time were obsessed with Manhattan cable, and we would watch it all the time in the ‘80s. We’d either be watching Manhattan cable or Dynasty. For a little while, after we finished NYU, we were living in London, and there was never anything to watch on television. We were constantly pining for Manhattan cable, and that actually was the beginning of our first television series, which we just called Manhattan Cable. We spliced in clips from all these fabulous shows, we packaged them in these weekly clipumentaries and sold it to British television.” Manhattan Cable ran in various iterations for four seasons on Channel Four UK, and World of Wonder was born. In 1994, following the Northridge earthquake, Bailey and Barbato moved World of Wonder to Los Angeles. Today the company’s offices sit in the heart of Hollywood, where much of today’s pop culture is meticulously crafted, right at home among the entertainment industry’s culture of celebrity.
In its more than 20 years of creating pop culture sustenance, World of Wonder has remained extremely adept at giving a voice to the voiceless, telling the stories of counterculture movements and those marching to a different drum. “That’s who we are,” says Barbato, referring to himself and his co-founder. “We tell stories about people like us and people we relate to. We’ve always identified with people slightly outside the mainstream—those left of center.” Many would be surprised to learn of the wide range of ‘left of center’ stories World of Wonder has told and continues to tell. They include drag performers, New York club kids, gay and lesbian servicemembers, transgender activists and more—an eclectic mix of heroes and tastemakers, for sure. But as Bailey tells me, the diverse tone of World of Wonder’s productions isn’t so much a conscious business directive but a love of unique storytelling. “I think it’s really just about stories that interest us—stuff that’s interesting. But all of these stories demand their own way of being told. I think that’s why it seems so diverse. The common thread through everything is that we’re really interested in telling stories, and every story suggests a different way of being told.” Barbato adds, “I also think [our output] just reflects who we are. We’re very high/low. We’re a wacky mix of all things. We’re curious, and we’re attracted to lots of different things. Some of them on the surface seem more broad and accessible than others, but we’re not discriminatory toward our attractions.” Whether ‘high’ or ‘low,’ the guys’ ability to tell stories with great affection and a genuine sense of heart is undeniable.
Asked whether any of World of Wonder’s many accomplishments—in its vast roster of passion projects—stand out as personally meaningful, Bailey gave me a surprising answer: “I think I’d say it’s the ones that haven’t been made yet that seem particularly meaningful. We’ve got to tell these stories!” One story still in the process of being told is that ever-elusive search for “America’s Next Drag Superstar,” a journey documented by the cultural phenomenon that RuPaul’s Drag Race—the fifth season of which recently premiered—has become. Many are unaware that the competition-based reality show was in the works for more than a decade before it was first seen on gay cable network Logo. “Drag is an artform, and it’s one that I think for so long has been marginalized or laughed at—and not only by the mainstream but also by the gay community.” Barbato says. “For us, getting to do [Drag Race] and getting to watch these queens grow—it’s not about making stars but about acknowledging them. There’s not one winner of Drag Race—they’re all winners—and that’s incredibly satisfying. We’re introducing artists to people.” Bailey and Barbato have managed RuPaul since the drag diva’s early days, and they have acted as wizards behind the curtain for such highs in RuPaul’s caeer as the dance chart single “Supermodel” and VH1’s The RuPaul Show. “Ru has always been the sort of ringmaster of not just being a fabulous drag queen but understanding the significance and importance of drag in our culture,” Barbato adds.
Having solidified itself in the fields of reality television and film, it was a nobrainer that World of Wonder would venture into the realm of blogs and podcasts, two properties that have since found a large audience among L.A. residents. Until recently, the world of book publishing had been foreign territory, though it’s an area with which Bailey and Barbato seem to have grown comfortable. “The World According to Wonder is the first book we’ve actually self-published, and I think now that books have gone digital, it’s our responsibility to enter into this world—to save books and keep people literate,” Barbato says. Part of the reasoning behind creating a book may have had to do with no one expecting it. “I think the idea of a book was so exciting,” says Bailey. “In the age of the internet, when everything is digital, making a big old book just seemed perversely appealing.” Most amazingly, after compiling 20 years of work that reads like a ‘who’s who’ of queer culture, Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato are merely humble and appreciative of the work they’ve been able to produce and those with whom they’ve conspired. Bailey insists, “The book isn’t really about us at all.” “Yeah, if it was about us,” Barbato laughs, “there would be a lot more airbrushing on our photos.”
The World According to Wonder is available now. For more info, and to access World of Wonder’s blog, The Wow Report, go to worldofwonder.net.
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Our Love is Worth Protecting In the Meantime Battles Racism and HIV African-Americans make up only 14 percent of the United States population but reportedly account for 44 percent of new HIV infections. Each year, almost 20,000 test positive for HIV. “If you multiply that times the last five years alone, that's 100,000 blacks who are now living with HIV or may have died from AIDS-related complications,” says Jeffrey King, founder and executive director of In the Meantime—a nonprofit, stand-alone wellness organization that focuses on the mental, physical, spiritual and emotional wellness of gay and bisexual black men in Los Angeles County. Those at a higher risk for infection within the African-American community are young gay and bisexual men, a fact that is no secret to both mainstream society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Not being discussed are the underlying causes that are leading to high HIV infections for young, black, gay and bisexual men—homophobia, racism and stigma. “Homophobia is an issue that has begun to surface to the table of mainstream conversation,” King says. “The staggering rates of increased teen suicides in the last five years and the uncontrollable incline of teen homelessness in America have awakened our senses to the damaging effects of homophobia in the black community. Every year, thousands of black LGBT people are displaced from their homes, families, churches and communities due to their sexuality, gender, gender identity and gender
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expression. This has resulted in a mass influx of homeless youth on the streets of Los Angeles and other cities throughout the nation.” Feb. 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a national HIV testing and treatment community mobilization initiative targeted at blacks in the U.S. that focuses on education, testing, involvement and treatment. In recognition of this day—and in conjunction with Black History Month—In the Meantime is planning a series of events and activities that will run Feb. 5-10 and include a candlelight vigil, a peaceful protest and press conference and flash mobs that will be handing out condoms and educational information. In the Meantime’s mobile testing unit and staff will also canvas Long Beach, Watts, Compton, Inglewood and the Crenshaw Corridor in an effort to test and provide HIV information specific to the black community.
By Michelle McCarthy
A community forum to address the issue of homophobia in the black community will be held on Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. on Crenshaw Boulevard in Leimert Park directly in front of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation–sponsored In The Meantime billboard that states “Homophobia, Racism and HIV Can’t Stop Me.” The organization’s Condom Nation big rig will be wrapped with a billboard that states “Our Love is Worth Protecting, We Get Tested,” which was picketed by members of the community who found the image of two men embracing offensive. King says, “Since the first posting of this billboard that features a simple message, In the Meantime has received myriad phone calls, emails, calls to our funders and letters from attorneys; we've had phone conferences with the federal government, violent threats from Christian abstinence-based teachers and homo haters, the complete covering of one of our boards and other unfortunate reactions. We have also received countless phone calls and emails from men and women who are ecstatic to see something they feel is long overdue. It is amazing to witness how decades of homo hatred preached from the pulpit has impacted the consciousness of good people who all have at least one relative who is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. “It is in the best interest of our survival, as black people, that we better access the limitless resources of all of our people,” King continues. “Unless we start today to build a society that celebrates diversity, we are doomed, and thousands of human beings will continue to live in fear that breeds contempt and hatred.” For additional information, contact In the Meantime at (323) 733-4868 or inthemeantimemen.org.
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Kauai: By Bradley Jones
Makana Terrace at St. Regis
ISLAND OF LOVE
In the classic 1961 film Blue Hawaii, a young Elvis Presley sang about Kauai, calling her the ‘Island of Love’ and ‘Princess of the Islands.’ Coco Palms, the beloved Polynesian-style hotel made famous by the movie, was destroyed over 20 years ago by Hurricane Iniki, but now more than ever there is a wide variety of places to stay and adventures to be had on a honeymoon or a romantic escape to Kauai. Geologically, Kauai is the oldest island in the Hawaiian chain, and it has aged very well: for over 5 million years the island has been sculpted by wind and rain to become the most ruggedly beautiful of the islands. With its lush peaks, soaring high above the surf, and miles of golden and white sand beaches, by nature Kauai exudes a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Kauai has an incredible range of microclimates: Mt. Waialeale, the mountain sacred to Hawaiians at the center of the island, is the wettest spot on Earth, averaging 450 inches of rain per year. The north shore of Kauai receives more rain than the south, and far more than the west side of the island—which is hot and dry—a desert in the middle of the Pacific. In general, winter is the wet season and summer is the dry season on Kauai. Unlike the densely populated island of Oahu, Kauai doesn’t have much to speak of in the way of nightlife for the gay traveler. But it also doesn’t have freeways or any buildings taller than a coconut tree. If your idea of paradise is a green, mostly rural island with rivers to kayak, coral reefs to dive and snorkel, dozens of hiking trails to trek through rainforests and explore mystical mountains, Kauai is the Hawaiian island for you. Kauai is easily reached from the mainland by nonstop flights from the West Coast or a short flight from Honolulu to Lihue, the county seat of Kauai and the island’s main commercial hub. Although regular bus service is available on Kauai, renting a car is essential to explore all the island has to offer. Kauai’s highways are mostly two lanes, so traffic can back up during “rush hour,” but you’ll happily adjust to the island’s slow pace. Watch Kilauea Point out for chickens on the road; with no natural predators, there are a lot of them.
STAY Poipu Beach features resort hotels and condo complexes on the sunny south shore. Princeville is a planned community with a luxury hotel and plenty of condo options on the verdant north shore. Both of these main resort areas of Kauai offer a multitude of recreational and sports activities including golf and tennis. In between Poipu and Princeville, centrally located near the airport, is the 800-acre oceanfront Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club (tinyurl.com/ bfuo9dd), which recently underwent a $50 million upgrade and features five open-air restaurants, a fitness center, an 46
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18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and one of the largest pools in Hawaii. In Poipu Beach, the new Koloa Landing Wyndham Grand Resort (koloa landingresort.com) offers travelers the feel of a luxury resort with all the comforts of home. Each of the spacious one, two, three or four-bedroom villas are appointed with contemporary designer furnishings, full kitchens with granite countertops and high-end appliances, and all the villas have ocean views. Koloa Landing’s other amenities include two pools, a business and fitness center, restaurant and lounge. Perched above Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s stunning north shore, the
St. Regis Princeville Resort (stregis princeville.com) is the most prestigious hotel on the island. With its sweeping views of the bay and Bali Hai (Makua), the fabled peak immortalized in the hit musical South Pacific, the St. Regis is the most elegant place on Kauai to sip champagne or a tropical cocktail during their nightly sunset ritual. In addition to luxury guestrooms and suites, the hotel boasts a spa, beachfront pool, athletic center, gourmet restaurants and can even arrange a romantic four-course dinner for two with private staff. If you’re seeking an alternative option for accommodations, gay-owned-andoperated Mahina Kai (mahinakai.com)
is a bed and breakfast that has been in operation since 1985 on the east shore of the island overlooking Anahola Bay and its white sand beaches. Mahina Kai features a beautiful tropical pool and friendly atmosphere where you can feel at home with other gay travelers from around the world. Asian-themed rooms are offered in the main house, as well as cute freestanding cottages. One of the most romantic places to stay on Kauai is the Hanalei Colony Resort (hcr.com) near the end of the road on the north shore in Haena. This no-frills condo resort is located right on the beach on the most beautiful part of the island. Each spacious unit has a full kitchen and private lanai. The resort has a swimming pool and barbeque areas, and is adjacent to one of Kauai’s favorite restaurants, the Mediterranean Gourmet, which has a weekly luau, as well as the Hanalei Day Spa, featuring Ayurvedic treatments. Be ready to unplug from it all—there are no phones, televisions or internet.
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Postcards Cafe
EAT Kauai’s hotels and resorts offer a wide range of cuisines, but a fun way to sample local food is to visit one of the island’s farmers markets (realkauai.com/ farmersmarkets) to select organic Kauaigrown produce and homemade treats. Keep a lookout for food trucks in towns around the island to score a delicious tropical fish taco or burrito. If you’re craving a made-to-order burger, stop in at Duane’s Ono Char Burger in Anahola. Pair it with their amazing onion rings. This roadside stand has a few tables where you can eat amongst the chickens, or take it to go for a picnic on the beach. The perfect place for dinner in the beautiful north shore town of Hanalei is Postcards Café (postcardscafe.com), which serves locally sourced seafood, organic vegetarian dishes and fine wines in a replica of an 1860s plantation cottage. No visit to Kauai would be complete without savoring a mai tai at an authentic tiki bar. Tahiti Nui in Hanalei (thenui.com) has been serving up drinks with aloha for over 50 years, and was recently featured in The Descendants starring George Clooney.
EXPLORE An amazing array of outdoor activities and tours are available on Kauai: snorkeling excursions along the magnificent Napali Coast, helicopter tours over majestic mountains, hiking, zip lining, surfing, kayaking—just about any activity you like is easy accessible. The small towns of Hanalei, Hanapepe, Koloa and Kapaa, with their quaint Old West-style buildings and unique markets and stores, offer visitors the chance to shop like a local. If you’re interested in unusual agriculture, why not tour a live chocolate tree orchard? Steelgrass Farms (steel grass.org) grows cacao trees, which produce the fruit directly from the trunk of the tree containing beans that are made into chocolate. The three-hour tour ends in an 11-course dark chocolate tasting. On the north shore, Kilauea Point Lighthouse National Wildlife Refuge (fws.gov/kilaueapoint) offers visitors the chance to observe rare birds, plants and mammals, including humpback whales
Kauai Steel Grass Tour
and the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. The lighthouse was built in 1913 and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The beach at Hanalei Bay is not to be missed. The charming town is reason enough to visit, but the two-mile long crescent-shaped bay is perfect for bodysurfing and sunbathing. Waterfalls tumble down the sheer mountain peaks that frame the bay after a tropical shower— or a downpour. At the end of Highway 56 in Haena, Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park (tinyurl.com/adq5xp4) is the starting point of the Kalalau Trail, the worldfamous trek over rugged cliffs with lush vegetation to Kalalau Valley; it’s a difficult 11-mile hike. For an easier sample of the trail, hike the first two miles to Hanakapiai Valley, where a roaring stream spills into the ocean—but be very careful—swimming is never advised due to extreme currents and rough surf. Back at the trailhead, Ke’e Beach provides the perfect South Seas feel, as well as safe swimming and snorkeling in its crystal clear lagoon. Parking is limited, so arrive early or wait until late afternoon, when you can relax and watch the sunset over the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, the perfect romantic ending to a perfect stay on the island of love. FEBRUARY 19, 2013
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EVENTS
NIGHTLIFE
THEATER
EXHIBITS
go to FrontiersLA.com/Entertainment for more listings Wed. | Feb. 6
Through Feb. 7
OTTER POP
PETER PAN
Micky’s
El Capitan Theatre
Fri. | Feb. 8
BROTHER OUTSIDER Solidarity Hall
Stefano Rosso and Dominick Munafo have created a night for sexy hairy guys and those who love them, and it takes place every first Wednesday of the month. Find 20 flavors of sticky go-go studs, drink specials and a fun soundtrack provided by resident DJ Sean Niles. mickys.com Wed. | Feb. 6
MUSEUM MONTH
In celebration of its 60th anniversary release, Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan is thrilled to present Walt Disney’s animated classic Peter Pan, along with a never-before-seen episode of Disney Junior's Jake and the Never Land Pirates. Peter Pan is now available on Diamond Edition Bluray. elcapitantickets.com Thu. | Feb. 7
Wed. | Feb. 6
THE HOOKIES L.A. REGIONAL CONTEST Here Lounge Weekly party Stripper Circus and Rentboy.com present the Mr. Los Angeles 2013 Escort of the Year regional contest, with host Rhea Litré, DJ Chi Chi LaRue and Mr. International 2012, Jesse Santana. The contest starts at 10 p.m., and you won’t wanna miss it. thehookies.com
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SECRET SERVICE
THE SNAKE CAN Odyssey Theatre
Revolver Thursdays are getting shaken and stirred with Tom Whitman’s latest party. Get your gay weekend started a little early with resident DJs Drew G and Casey Alva. No cover. tomwhitmanpresents.com Thu. | Feb. 7
SHE’S GOT BALLS Renberg Theatre Inspired by her mother Helen’s advice to have the balls to say whatever the hell she wants, Miss Coco Peru reflects on her early childhood dreams of being a stripper, her crush on the Creature from the Black Lagoon, her love-hate relationship with Facebook and her summers spent on a nude beach with her husband, Rafael. (He’s from Spain.) Through Feb. 10. lagay center.org/theatre
Sat. | Feb. 9
LGLA AWARDS DINNER GALA & SILENT AUCTION
DON THOMPSON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL
J.W. Marriott, L.A. Live
Ray Stark Family Theatre
The Lesbian & Gay Lawyers Association of L.A. invite you to this 34th annual event honoring the Prop. 8 plaintiffs, AIDS Service Center and Wells Fargo. Michelangelo Signorile gives the keynote address, and Katrina Parker of The Voice performs. Tickets include cocktail reception and dinner. lgla.net
The sixth annual festival will be presented at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. This remarkable afternoon of cinema showcases short films in all genres by USC student and alumni filmmakers committed to exploring the diversity of LGBT life and culture. alumni.usc.edu/events Sun. | Feb. 10
Sat. | Feb. 9
BRUTUS
VIGNETTE Vignette
Faultline
Through Feb. 24
San Diego Throughout February 2013, San Diego visitors can get more bang for their buck and experience the region's rich cultural offerings at half-price. Participate by picking up a free San Diego Museum Month Pass at participating Macy’s locations. With it, you’ll get half-price admission for four guests at 42 area museums, cultural attractions and historical sites. sandiego museumcouncil.org
The Freedom Socialist Party sponsors a Black History Month screening of this award-winning documentary about the life of openly gay Bayard Rustin, architect of the 1963 March on Washington and often called the “unknown hero” of the black civil rights movement. Savory home-cooked supper served at 6 p.m. for an $8 donation. socialism.com
Sat. | Feb. 9
Harriet is a widow and single mother; Nina has left her actor husband to escape the shadow of his celebrity; and twice-divorced Meg has been navigating the single world for 10 years. These women and the men in their lives take a journey of self-discovery, stopping along the way to examine the gray areas of marriage and divorce, want and need, sexual ambiguity and dating in the age of online matchmaking. odysseytheatre.com
This packed party sails into Faultline every second Saturday of the month, and it’s all hotties on deck. Have a beer and join in on the search for hidden treasure. DJ Chris Bowen provides the soundtrack, Mark Cuadrado mixes live video montages for the crowd and Mario Diaz hosts. faultlinebar.com Sat. | Feb. 9
DIRTY LOOKS Hammer Museum Miss Coco Peru
This NYC queer screening series returns to L.A. to examine the work of filmmaker Tom Rubnitz, who showcases East Village drag and performance scenes, collaborating with RuPaul, Lady Bunny and more. It’s a collection of films rarely seen. outfest.org
WeHo’s latest hot spot has been packing in the gays since its MLK Weekend debut. Presented by Jeffrey Sanker and Paul Nicholls, it’s a ritzy weekly party with spontaneous displays of splendor. 8 p.m. jeffreysanker.com, paulnpresents.com Mon. | Feb. 11
MUSICAL MONDAYS Eleven Nightclub Let out your inner diva every week. From 9 p.m.-midnight, the best of Broadway comes to life with a live show full of musical and comedic fun, complete with singing contests, ticket giveaways and live performances from Tony Award winners. eleven.la
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Thu. | Feb. 14
Sat. | Feb. 16
Sun. | Feb. 17
JEKYLL & HYDE
BAROQUE CONVERSATIONS
MR. NUDE PRESIDENT
Zipper Hall
CCBC
CLASSIC BEER BUST
Three concertos from the musical dynasty of Bach and sons are illuminated when L.A. Chamber Orchestra’s “Baroque Conversations” series continues. The series explores the genesis of orchestral repertoire from early Baroque schools through the pre-classical period. laco.org
This contest, pool party and BBQ will take place poolside at the largest clothing-optional gay men’s resort in SoCal. The event is hosted by Brian Damson, with music by DJ Corey D and special guest appearances and performances. ccbcps.com
Pantages Theatre American Idol star and Tony Award nominee Constantine Maroulis joins with Grammy Award nominee and R&B superstar Deborah Cox to inject new life into this classic tale of good and evil. Through March 3. broadwayla.org Tue. | Feb. 12
DRUNK ON STAGE Akbar Started as a weekly alternative to Hollywood’s straight boys’ club of stand-up comedy, Bruce Daniels and Erin Foley host a night of entertainment by gay and gayfriendly comedians. This week features special guests Jessica and Hunter. $5, 8 p.m. akbarsilverlake.com Tue. | Feb. 12
ART OF MOTION PICTURE COSTUME DESIGN FIDM Museum & Galleries The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising presents this 21st annual exhibit, where costumes from films of 2012 will be on view. A highly anticipated part of the exhibit will be the display of 2012 Academy Award winner for best costume, The Artist. Through April 17. fidmmuseum.org
Faultline
Thu. | Feb. 14
FRONTIERS NIGHT OUT Pantages Theatre Spend your Valentine’s Day with Frontiers at one of our signature events. Purchase tickets to Jekyll & Hyde (using the code ‘Frontiers’ at checkout) and gain access to a VIP after-party in the theatre lobby with complimentary cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and more fun surprises, including a chance to meet members of the cast. ticketmaster.com Thu. | Feb. 14
HAPTIC AND HOLISTIC STRATA REDCAT Theatre Drawing upon butoh, ballet and hip-hop, astonishing Tokyo choreographer, dancer and polymath artist Hiroaki Umeda makes his L.A. debut in a digital storm of video, light and sound. This visceral performance layers beats and sonic textures with entrancing video lighting effects—and was all made on his laptop. Through Feb. 16. redcat.org
Thu. | Feb. 14
DOWNTOWN ART WALK DTLA Head downtown for the city’s monthly Art Walk, which just so happens to fall on Valentine’s Day this month. Peruse the burgeoning area’s gallery spaces, bars and restaurants with that special someone— and maybe pick up a few romantic gifts along the way. downtownartwalk.org
It’s one of the most popular nights in West Hollwood, with some of the city’s hottest man candy as well. The party features world-class DJs, dancers and pop artist performers, which makes for one hell of an entertaining night. eleven.la
PALM SPRINGS FINE ART FAIR Palm Springs
CASSIOPEIA
Through Feb. 24
TRIASSIC PARQ View artistic legend Peter Max’s exquisite paintings and catch the unveiling of his extraordinary new Masters series—interpretive works of Vincent Van Gogh, Monet, Pablo Picasso, Renoir and Edgar Degas, conceived in Max’s signature style and colors—along with his iconic portraiture of celebrities and luminaries. Through Feb. 17. gallery-319.com Sat. | Feb. 16
CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL
Eleven Nightclub
SUCKERPUNCH
Through Feb. 24
Gallery 319
FRESH
Fri. | Feb. 15
It’s the East Side’s most happening happy hour, where you’ll hear the best in music you won’t hear anywhere else, see twisted visuals and—best of all—drink for cheap! $4 well drinks and premium taps. faultlinebar.com
PETER MAX
Chance Theatre Based on the hit film Jurassic Park, here is the West Coast premiere of a new musical told from the perspective of the dinosaurs. An epic tale of love, loss and interspecies fornication, these resurrected reptiles will touch you in ways both moving and inappropriate. chancetheatre.com Sun. | Feb. 17
Fri. | Feb. 15
Wed. | Feb. 13
Faultline
Sat. | Feb. 16
Spend your Sunday afternoon here at the Faultline for the mother of L.A.’s daytime drinking parties. Caution: cheap draft beer may lead you to do things you might not otherwise find socially acceptable—at least, the bar is hoping. faultlinebar.com
An encore to its extremely successful first year event, the fair features more than 50 top international art galleries exhibiting and selling more than 2,000 carefully-culled works of post-war and contemporary art. palmsprings fineartfair.com
Boston Court Performing Arts Center
Fri. | Feb. 15
This rare piece of theater catches the chance meeting on an airplane of a math prodigy and a maid from the rural South. Both social misfits, they discover a common past and a shared profound connection, reunited amid scientific theory, nighttime constellations and a moment of serendipity that electrifies their mutual desire. bostoncourt.org
Grove of Anaheim
LISA LAMPANELLI No other female comedian delivers hard-hitting comedy akin to a punch in the gut like the Queen of Mean. Just remember, she’s an equal opportunity smack-talker. ticketmaster.com
Chinatown The Year of the Snake is a significant year in Asian tradition, marking change and filled with contemplation, preparation and reflection. Nosh on traditional Chinese cuisine at area restaurants and gourmet food trucks, and don’t miss the 114th Annual Golden Dragon Parade. Through Feb. 17. chinatownla.com Sat. | Feb. 16
A FAMILY THING Stage 52 Marriage equality activist Darryl Stephens (Noah’s Arc) joins the cast of Gary Lennon’s comic drama about three estranged brothers living in Hell's Kitchen. A felon, an addict and a writer, they all reunite to settle unfinished business in this darkly funny drama exploring how family can bind us together yet also tear us apart. Through March 17. echotheatrecompany.com
Lisa Lampanelli
DECADE Micky’s End your weekend by dancing up a storm at thisWeHo party, where you’re sure to hear nothing but the classics. Indulge in disco-dancing go-go boys and live drag performances before you head back to work on Monday. mickys.com Mon. | Feb. 18
PLANET QUEER Akbar Ian MacKinnon and Travis Wood present this evening of experimental LGBT performance, taking place every third Monday at this Silver Lake stronghold. You’ll find a handful of hot queers presenting cutting-edge performances from multiple artistic disciplines. DJ Billy Botox will spin spacey vinyl all night. akbarsilverlake.com Through March 10
THE GIFT Geffen Playhouse Two couples meet while vacationing at a ritzy resort, instantly transitioning from strangers to the best of friends. When one seemingly inconsequential event throws their lives into a tailspin, the couples find themselves wrestling with a moral dilemma: while it’s human nature to want what you don’t have, is it unnatural to abandon something that you do? geffenplayhouse.com FEBRUARY 19, 2013
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RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE SEASON 5 PREMIERE PARTY
THE ABBEY |
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BRUTUS | FAULTLINE |
photos by Rolling Blackouts
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SATURDAY NIGHT SLUT | FUBAR |
photos by Rolling Blackouts
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GINGER | EAGLE L.A. |
VIGNETTE | VIGNETTE |
photos by Brenden-John Photography
photos by MattBaume.com
FIND MORE PHOTO ALBUMS — AND ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM THESE EVENTS — AT FRONTIERSLA.COM/ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 19, 2013
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EAT YOUR HEART OUT: ROMANTIC L.A. DINING BY NICK RUFCA
There’s something quintessentially romantic about spontaneity: a bouquet of flowers being delivered to your loved one unexpectedly, hitting the road with your partner for a day trip without an itinerary or cooking up a three-course meal for your boyfriend because he’s had a tough day. If only Valentine’s Day in L.A. could be this easy. In a city where prime dinner times at popular restaurants are booked weeks in advance, the chance of an impromptu table for two on Feb. 14 is a risky one. Don’t fret—what follows is our guide to some of the best options for you and your date for a romantic, stress-free Valentine’s day outing. Just don’t wait too long to make that reservation!
Off Vine
Lexington Social House
Bistro Laurent
Inn of the Seventh Ray
WP24
It may be located in the heart of Hollywood, but once inside this charming bungalow, the hustle and bustle of city life is soon forgotten. The cuisine is classic Californian with comfort food like chicken pot pie served alongside upscale vegan fare such as stuffed peppers. There’s a lovely patio, a crackling fire and a scrumptious chocolate soufflé that is a must-order for first-time visitors. 6263 Leland Way, Hlywd., (323) 962-1900; offvine.com
There are times you want a romantic vibe, and then there are nights when a high-energy, sexy dining experience is in order. For those seeking the latter, Lexington delivers. The Victorianmeets-classic-Hollywood décor certainly helps, as does the electric vibe permeating the atmosphere. Be sure to slide up to the bar with your honey for a presupper handcrafted cocktail, then settle into the nearby dining room for their dinner offerings. Every Wednesday, they feature a special woodfired pizza night, using the finest seasonal ingredients. On V-day, their choices include oysters on the half shell, filet mignon with blueberry sauce and blackberry cheesecake. 1718 Vine St., Hlywd., (323) 461-1700; lexingtonsocialhouse.com
French food is, for many, the quintessential cuisine for a romantic evening out. Culver City’s Bistro Laurent is a casual, intimate eatery known for both its cozy ambiance and the diverse selection of savory, buckwheat crepes. On Valentine’s Day, the bistro is expanding its offerings with such tantalizing items as Tahitian coconut corn chowder, a veal shank ragout over fettuccine noodles and lobster ravioli in a lemon beurre blanc sauce. 3936 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, (310) 3986863; bistrolaurentla.com
One visit to Inn of the Seventh Ray and it’s easy to see why this tranquil spot is considered by many to be one of the most romantic dining destinations in L.A. (as well as a popular spot for weddings). Located in a remote area of Topanga Canyon and almost entirely outdoors, you can’t help but be seduced by the atmosphere. On Valentine’s Day, enjoy a special prixfixe menu that offers as many vegan options as it does meat entrees. 128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd., Topanga, (310) 4551311; innoftheseventhray.com
Wolfgang Puck’s Downtown fine dining spot occupies the top of the swanky Ritz-Carlton Hotel, ensuring that the sweeping view of the city outside the windows is unbeatable. The peking duck is considered one of the best in the country. It almost can’t get more romantic—yet on Valentine’s Day, it does. The more casual WP24 lounge next door will be offering a dessert menu titled “For the Love of Chocolate.” Perfectly conceived for sharing, it includes a hot chocolate shooter, caramel chocolate tart and a chocolate passion macaroon. I can’t think of a more appropriate ending to a dinner with your valentine than this. 900 W. Olympic Blvd., Downtown L.A., (213) 743-8800; tinyurl.com/b2x3ubz
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ENTERTAINMENT
FILM
REVIEWS CLANDESTINE CHILDHOOD Starring Teo Gutierrez Moreno, Violeta Palukas, Cristina Banegas Opens Feb. 8
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Taking the point of view of children of activists in Argentina during the Dirty War era, Clandestine Childhood has Juan (Moreno) trying to find his place in the world under difficult conditions. Renamed Ernesto by his activist parents, Juan enters fifth grade and also learns about the secret hiding place in the house, where money and guns are kept, and what to do when trouble comes knocking (which, of course, it will). Juan tries to find normalcy at school, falling in love with Maria (Palukas), the sister of a classmate. But at home, there is chaos. Blindfolded activists arrive and move in; a visit from his grandmother (Banegas) sets off heated arguments, and his uncle Beto (Ernesto Alterio), although friendly, is a loose cannon. While the film gets bogged down depicting Juan’s relationship with Maria, it does well with the family scenes along with some dream sequences. The film also shifts into nifty, effective animated action scenes to depict shootouts and violence. Based on a true story, Clandestine Childhood pays respect to the disappeared and the various pressures families faced during the military dictatorship. The strong performances and sharp visuals add to the film’s potency, when the story is not undermined by the teenage romance. —Gary M. Kramer
HAPPY PEOPLE: A YEAR IN THE TAIGA Opens Feb. 8
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Werner Herzog, working from a four-hour docunmentary made by Dmitry Vasyukov, continues to chronicle man versus nature in this spectacularly photographed documentary about trappers in remote Siberia. The film shows how these self-reliant men eke out a life in the wilderness with only a few modern conveniences, such as chainsaws and snowmobiles. They have no electricity, and only dogs for companionship. Early episodes, set in the spring, capture them setting traps, carving out skis and a canoe, even making their own insect repellent. Herzog deftly captures how these men work hard under harsh conditions—in the winter, a thermometer shows the temperature is 33 degrees below zero. The men find happiness and freedom living off the land; when one trapper goes off to be alone for the winter, he claims, “I am my own man.” It is hard not to admire their tenacity. The cinematography is magnificent, showcasing the beautiful snowy landscape, aquatic life or the weathered face of an old indigenous woman. Like many of Herzog’s films— from Rescue Dawn to Encounters at the End of the World—Happy People is an inspiring survival story. It is also a fascinating film best suited to viewers who appreciate nature documentaries or travelogues to places they would never go themselves. —Gary M. Kramer
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LIKE SOMEONE IN LOVE Starring Rin Takanashi, Tadashi Okuno, Ryo Kase Opens Feb. 15
Not a film for romantics, but certainly a valentine of sorts for cinephiles, Abbas Kiarostami’s Like Someone in Love is set in Japan, and of course features plenty of driving. The film opens mid-conversation in a café, and it takes a minute to realize that Akiko (Takanashi, excellent) is talking—actually lying—to her possessive boyfriend (Kase). Soon, Akiko, a student who moonlights as an escort, is sent by taxi to the home of Takashi (Okuno, also excellent) for the evening. The film is actually little more than a series of conversations between two strangers. The beauty of Like Someone in Love is how artfully Kiarostami frames each scene—the reflections in glass are extraordinary—and constructs each situation. The audience comes to understand the relationships sometimes more clearly than the characters. While the film is almost all talk and no action, many of the exchanges feature some real dramatic tension. And if the characters (and viewers) wait (patiently) for something to happen, in one specific instance it does, and the effect is shattering. The film’s point is that people often make assumptions they want to be true. Or, more pointedly, it asks, will someone love them if they simply desire them? —Gary M. Kramer
OSCAR-NOMINATED SHORT FILMS 2013 Now showing
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This year’s animated and live action shorts that are part of the Oscar-Nominated Short Films 2013 program are a decidedly mixed bunch, perhaps more inconsistent than past collections, but always worth viewing pre-Academy Awards night. Of the animated short films, four are from the U.S., one from the U.K. The longest, Minkyu Lee’s Adam and Dog, is the most stunningly beautiful to watch, though this story about a canine in Eden who befriends the first man prior to his meeting Eve is too simpleminded for its allegorical weight. The two-minute Fresh Guacamole is nearly perfect in its depiction of the titular food being made from household objects (dice, Monopoly houses, etc.). And Paperman is an evocative, wordless exploration of love and isolation in the big city; it’s a romantic’s delight. Amongst the live-action films there’s a particular dearth of humor this year. Afghanistan’s Buzkashi Boys is most current in its story of brutality in the war-torn country. Canada’s Henry could be a companion piece to Amour, about the savage memories of a man in the last throes of Alzheimer’s. Death of a Shadow, from Belguim/France, is a creepy wartime fable with sci-fi elements. —Dan Loughry
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MUSIC
REVIEWS
Björk Bastards (One Little Indian)
Though available as a download since November, Björk’s latest remix collection, Bastards, is finally being released on CD in the U.S. What’s interesting about these projects is that the DJs involved in their creation seem more in touch with her core audience than she herself has in years. (Blasphemy, I know, but it needed to be said.) Though I respect and admire her for her experiments and eclectic proclivities, I used to love her for much simpler reasons: her beats, her birdlike voice in the midst of cavernous clubs, her emotional outreach. I don’t want to propagate a cliché here—that the gays are merely all about the tribal beat of dance (and, hence, sex)—and would put a word in for my favorite of her records, the decidedly non-danceable Vespertine, yet I miss the earlier simplicity of her muse. The remixers here—Omar Souleyman, These New Puritans, Death Grips—certainly don’t skip on the odd counters of her recent work (although Souleyman’s interpretations of “Crystalline” and “Thunderbolt” turn her music into catnip for belly dancers). But they add a linear drive desperately missing from Biophilia. And for those who take umbrage here, tell me, wouldn’t you rather hear “Human Behavior” or “Army of Me” than “Crystalline?” —Dan Loughry
C2C
Everything Everything
Tetra (Casablanca)
Arc (Sony/RCA)
If you’re pining for some new Ratatat, Daft Punk or Justice, look no further. As this trio is comprised of world-renowned French DJs, you’ll recognize the Parisian electro sound in their DNA. But here’s the major twist—C2C add a bluesy, jazzy R&B swing with various guest vocalists, and by using early 20th century song samples, similar to what Moby did on Play. But the other twist is the scratching and expert use of turntables they add to most songs, showcased best on the dramatic “The Beat” and the swampy stomper “Down the Road.” The scratching is so artfully integrated into their music that it becomes fun and easy to listen to, and the turntable really does become an instrument. But the pièce de résistance is lead single “Happy,” featuring spunky vocalist Derek Martin. This one leaps out of the speakers with a joie de vivre that’s reminiscent in tempo and spirit to Basement Jaxx’s “Do Your Thing,” and if you’re still sitting down even 30 seconds in, your butt must be glued to the chair! Conversely, “Who Are You” is a breezy, Motown-sounding finger-snapper that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Sam Sparro record. Grab this one for your next stylish house party.
Jonathan Higgs, lead vocalist (and keyboardist, and guitarist) for the UK indie rock quartet Everything Everything was recently quoted as saying their debut album, 2010's Man Alive, was "annoying." As a fan of the Mercury Prize-nominated album, I initially disagreed. However, in a side-by-side comparison, Everything Everything's sophomore release, Arc, towers over its predecessor. The band has a reputation for jamming many lyrics, concepts and melodies into a three-minute pop song, and their biggest hit features the always misunderstood lyric, "Who's gonna sit on your face while I'm gone?" It's an easy comparison, but this album’s closest musical cousin would be Radiohead's OK Computer. Swirling sonic landscapes, aching guitars and devastatingly brutal lyrics about isolation and technology overflow on Arc. Lead single "Cough Cough" opens the album and creates a bridge between where we've left off with Everything Everything and what they've become. There are no bad tracks on this LP, but try "Torso of the Week," "Undrowned" and the gorgeous album closer, "Don't Try." And might I suggest springing for the deluxe edition, which contains an entire bonus disc of solid non-album tracks.
—Paul V.
—Dominik Rothbard
Jim James
Ra Ra Riot
Tegan and Sara
Regions of Light and Sound of God (ATO Records / Red)
Beta Love (Barsuk)
(Warner Bros.)
Though he’s released music outside of his band My Morning Jacket as Yim Yames, Regions of Light and Sound of God is the first official solo record by Jim James. For his day job as the singer/guitarist of MMJ, James is an unpredictable quantity. You never quite know what you’re going to get from record to record (or even on the same disc, as the band doesn’t pigeonhole itself). Hardcore fans are crazy about 2001’s At Dawn (it can only be described as “progressive Southern rock”); I love the light funk grooves of the electronic Z from 2006. This solo debut is an impressively solid piece. Without his bandmates— or perhaps it’s a function of encroaching middle-age—James essays a mellow vibe throughout the nine tracks. It’s a genteel, nearly indie-Adult Contemporary work that wouldn’t sound out of place at Starbucks. Since James is exploring ideas of spirituality here—that title is pretty literal—he may be reining in to help the more religious aspects go down easier (it works everywhere except on the last two, most dogmatic tracks). And though I’ve never heard it in his keening voice before (often compared to Neil Young and/or Prince), there’s a great echo of the late John Lennon here.
Sigh. That could be the name of this album. Ra Ra Riot burst onto the chamber pop scene (which I'm pretty sure is now just a myth) in 2008 with the orchestral, poppy The Rhumb Line. This was an album that refused to be hated. Every song was a fun, unique, summery treat. They came readymade with their own sound, and it was something your goth sister and soccer mom could both enjoy. Perhaps that was the problem. Here we are, five years on, and everything has changed. Maybe it's that they don't know who their audience is anymore. Maybe they tried to please all the people all the time. 2010's The Orchard hinted at a lighter, poppier Ra Ra Riot and yielded Billboard Top 40 results. This band is not concerned with being "cool," "edgy" or even heartfelt. To call Ra Ra Riot's third album, Beta Love, a total disappointment would be a hideous understatement. I ache for the Ra Ra Riot of 2008, but Beta Love features 11 interchangeable ditties peppered with synths, strings and syrupy vocals. While this review is particularly vitriolic, I must confess, it's not an awful album—it's just an awful album based on the expectations the band set us up for. Do yourself a favor and don't even bother. It just made me sad.
It’s hard to believe this is Tegan and Sara’s seventh disc. It seems like only yesterday that Canada’s favorite twin lesbian sisters pricked up our ears with their fab debut effort. The good news is that in those years, they have veritably perfected their ‘80s-inspired pop electronica blueprint, and this is their most consistent and infectious effort to date. Much credit for that must be given to producer Greg Kirstin (Lily Allen, Little Boots), who always brings out the very best with his studio wizardry. The girls are both in long-term relationships, and here they excel at disguising some personal and at times darker lyrics with sparkling, up-tempo synthpop embellishments. Even a song titled “How Come You Don’t Want Me?” glides in its slower melancholic verses and is a genuine sing-along in the choruses. As always, their dual-voice harmonies are just lovely, most notably on the courtly “Love They Say” and “I Was a Fool.” But the bigger gems are the more uptempo, percolating ditties like lead single “Closer,” “I’m Not Your Hero” (which reminds me of Fleetwood Mac) and my favorite track, “Goodbye, Goodbye,” which is quintessential T&S. Whether you’re a casual or die-hard fan, these 10 tracks just might convert you from the former to the latter.
—Dan Loughry
—Dominik Rothbard
—Paul V.
Hearthrob
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THEATER REVIEWS BACKBEAT AHMANSON THEATRE | 135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown L.A. Tickets $25-90 | centertheatregroup.org The continuing trend of turning lessthan-successful feature films into splashy musicals is fully evident with Backbeat. Directed by David Leveaux, the show is based on the 1994 biopic about the early years of the Beatles—when Stu Sutcliffe and Pete Best were front and center and Ringo Starr was just a phantom. The play is a straightforward if not lengthy adaptation of the film by Ian Softley that grows more effective as it heads toward its tragic yet positive conclusion. The first half of the show establishes our favorite Beatles—including Paul McCartney (Daniel Healy), George Harrison (Daniel Westwick) and Pete (Oliver Bennett)—and how John Lennon (a dynamic Andrew Knott) convinces Stu (Nick Blood) to join their band.
For most of the show, the five are living in Germany where they are hired to do an extended gig playing six hours a night and living behind the movie screen of the theatre across the street. During their stay, the five guys bond and grow musically while also meeting the locals—specifically artist Klaus (Dominic Rouse) and photographer Astrid (Leanne Best). Astrid and Nick (a painter himself) quickly develop feelings for each other and that connection will eventually be the catalyst that causes Stu to leave the band. The relationship between Stu and Astrid, as well as the bond between John and Stu, is the dramatic core of the show, although it seems to take almost an act to get to this point. While these early
PHOTO: NOBBY CLARK
years of the most famous group in rock ‘n’ roll history is certainly interesting, the show itself could stand a bit of an edit. At almost three hours including a post-curtain call “concert” of five songs, it’s a bit lengthy. Impressive though are the performances by actors that can not only act but can also create fresh characters out of legendary icons. In addition, they are all consummate singers and musicians, performing every song as if at a live concert. Once the first act ends and the boys are back at home in Liverpool, the love story of Stu and Astrid becomes the focus. It is here where the emotional weight of the piece becomes the most powerful. Blood as Stu is a confident and complex character that commands the
stage with an undeniable presence. And it doesn’t hurt that he is incredibly easy on the eyes. Knott’s Lennon is invigorating and offers both a comedic edge and has the biggest emotional payoff of the show. Best’s Astrid takes a while to get used to. The German accent can be a struggle to project, so oftentimes she comes across as yelling. But it’s a small quibble in a fairly effective and enjoyable evening. In fact, it has oddly stuck with me more than I expected. Tech credits are good, with the music amped up to concert levels by sound designer Richard Brooker. Stage design by Andrew D. Edwards, while simple, does an effective job of evoking the grunge of Hamburg’s ghetto. —Kevin P. Taft
THE DEEP THROAT SEX SCANDAL ZEPHYR THEATRE | 7456 Melrose Ave., L.A. Through Feb. 17 | Tickets $34.99 | deepthroattheplay.com
The sexual revolution of the 1970s and the puritanical politics of the conservative Richard Nixon era form the backdrop for David Bertolino’s 2010 offBroadway play in its West Coast premiere. This peculiar but oddly intriguing concoction veers awkwardly in tone among bawdy satire, semi-serious docudrama, sketch comedy lunacy and a proliberal salute to America’s First Amendment rights. The script focuses on the conception and creation of the groundbreaking 1972 porn film Deep Throat and the legal battles this $600million blockbuster instigated, as the creators were prosecuted for distributing obscene material across state lines. This historical legal showdown was pivotal in breaking down barriers for free expression in the arts, striking down Religious Right censorship efforts. The production is entertaining and instructive yet sometimes feels haphazard. Director Jerry Douglas and the design team capture the cheesy ambi58
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ence of porn filmmaking, but the simulated rough-around-the-edge quality sometimes appears to be more accidental than genuine, due to trite or misfired gags and clunky moments of staging. Thankfully, there are also plenty of solid laughs. Douglas lets it all hang out when it comes to nudity and suggestions of sexual activity, so this probably isn’t the ideal show to take grandma to following Sunday brunch. Introducing the story is 60-something Harry Reems (convincingly played by Marc Ginsburg), the struggling actor who found his ticket to fame—or shame, as some might have it—when he was cast in Deep Throat, leading to his fate as a tabloid hero. Though his bid as a legit film actor failed when the producers of Grease had second thoughts about including him in a featured role, he remains a superstar in porn history. Ironically, Reems was the only participant dragged into court in Memphis under the obscenity charge,
PHOTO: ED KRIEGER
rather than the film’s director, writer or producers. As Reems’ narration initially flashes back to the making of the film, we also meet Linda Lovelace (played by the amusing and affecting Natasha Charles Parker), Reems’ celebrated leading lady, who was said to have extraordinary—shall we say—sword-swallowing capabilities. Among other standouts are Herschel Savage (playing Gerry Damiano, the Queens hairdresser who produced the film, and defense attorney Alan Derschowitz) and Alec Tomkiw playing creepy Chuck Traynor, Lovelace’s
husband/manager, and other roles. Other fine turns came from Veronica Hart, Frank Blocker, Michael Rachlis and Bart Tangredi. Two guest stars appear, changing each weekend. On opening night, Oscarnominated veteran Sally Kirkland (Anna) offered a hilarious cameo as a box office attendant in a crazy wig. It was fun to see sublime funnyman Bruce Vilanch in the role of a closed-minded Southern judge, though it’s a shame the tiny role gave him little chance to demonstrate his comedic genius. —Les Spindle
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ALWAYS ADMIRE A TOP. ALL JEALOUSLY DOES IS SUCK. This missive is about the intensity of experience. I have been tossing about lately between jealously and admiration. Do you ever find you are jealous of a soul, saint, genius, prophet or madman only to realize that you really, truly only just admire them? Admiration being the penthouse and jealousy being the floor they offer up the cheap hookers, no ice cocktails and burnt canapés on. I do truly know through so many damn seasons of life I’d rather admire smart cads. Being on the top floor seems safer to me. That is why I called Tom Whitman and asked for an interview a few weeks ago. In the light of a strong feeling, all feeling, that things must take their places in truth of every kind in seeing as such. It seemed like a mission. Tom Whitman is iconic. Perhaps not the dude, but the name. Tom is absolutely a serial entrepreneur. His mark has come to mean quality, professionalism and class in gay entertainment. Sanker had it. White Party still does. Yet now Whitman is the brand to beat. I never ever thought I was jealous of Tom Whitman. I was never in his business. Yet one day a few weeks ago I reconciled I was indeed just that. Jealous. I was once the chair of the board of APLA, and then he was as well. He and I were always pissed at one another about dumb things over time, and I had come to realize I was just stupidly jealous. That is the word. I just needed to resign myself to the influences of each. Not an easy trick. But well worth it. He brought one of the most high-profile AIDS service organizations in America back to its core. And it just simply pissed me off. How sad and dumb was I? And again oddly yanking him mentally to that jealous bad list on my part. Maybe guys like me had more firsthand, sad-passion war stories and angst, but guys like Whitman and Sanker and David Cooley and those Rasputin dudes have tons more savvy. Tom spent almost 10 years at MTV producing in both NYC and Cali. He produced a fun fundraiser at the long gone O-Bar that changed his life. He knew marketing. He knew production. He then scored. Here Lounge events, Elevation events, Gang Of 100, amazing parties that people would pay money for just cause it was his and now elegant luxury gay travel stuff plus huge branding in marketing and advertising. He is perfect for that. Who better to do this pretty cool marketing to our community? “I didn’t invent the wheel,” he tells me. Yet this kid perfected it. Think about it. He did. Don't be jealous. Seems to me in this life there are two kinda simple ways to victory—we can cast bravely or move over to follow. In my mind, Tom Whitman has strived bravely. And as a community, I believe we owe him thanks for that. I am convinced he has pursued it for just the correct purpose. To protect and serve our kind. I am now beyond a fan. I admire him. And lord, I'm likely still a tad jealous! But hell. That is my problem.
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ILLUSTRATION BY
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“Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law—for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.” I cannot even read these words without my eyes filling up with tears. When President Barack Obama courageously said them in his recent inauguration speech, millions of gay Americans like myself finally felt like we truly counted. I make jokes all the time that mainstream acceptance is the worst thing that ever happened to the gay community because it has made us as boring as everyone else, but you know what? I’m ready to be boring. I seriously doubt newly freed slaves thought, “I’m not getting as much exercise now that I am not being forced to do hard physical labor for 18 hours a day.” So if we gays stop spinning straw-like hate into gold, so be it. If being gay somehow becomes a little less cool by becoming more widely accepted, then slap my ass and call me a nelly nerd. Obama’s decision to mention gay men and women—loud and queer with no need for interpretation of some nebulous metaphor or cryptic code—is a testament to his morality and his intelligence. First, it is simply the right thing to do. Second, it is a matter of the most basic intelligence that a grown man in 2013 accepts the biological reality of gay people. I am so tired of hearing the archaic argument that being gay is a choice. In some rare cases, perhaps it is. And, just to play devil’s advocate, let’s say it always is—this is America where people are free to make that choice, no? Thoughtful, intelligent people know in their hearts that being homosexual is no more a choice than being heterosexual. If it were a choice, why would anyone choose it during times when (or within geographical locations where) it was not only socially unacceptable but a death sentence? If it were a choice, why would anyone have chosen it in the
1980s, at the height of the AIDS crisis? Why would anyone in parts of the world where it is not only illegal but also punishable by death ever “choose” it? No one is going to choose to be alienated, terrorized and/or brutalized just to be fashionably rebellious, make waves or shake up the status quo. It makes absolutely no sense, nor does the idea that if same-sex marriage is made legal it will someday lead to people marrying their pets, inanimate objects or children. What part of “consenting adults” do these ignorant people not understand? And for the love of God, what part of “judge not” do most Biblequoting/thumping/perverting religious zealots fail to grasp? And let’s get one thing straight (no pun intended), I do not want to be merely tolerated. By the same token, I don’t need to be approved of or embraced. But I’ll be damned if I’m going to be dismissed as something that doesn’t really exist. I am gay, and I am real. It is not a choice, and I do not want to have sex with an animal, a 1976 Camaro or your child. So wake the fuck up and smell the organic, free-trade coffee that has been brewing since the dawn of time—gay people have always existed, and they always will. Essentially what our president was saying when he included us in his speech was, “They’re here, they’re queer, get used to it!” And while it was amazing and validating and empowering and historical, ultimately it was like (and took no more intelligence or courage to say than) stating, “The sky is blue.” Remember, there was a time when African-Americans probably felt a great swell of gratitude when a white person simply acknowledged that they were indeed “human,” but a truth so basic should be as common as any rock you’d skip across a lake, not as precious and rare as a flawless diamond. So while I applaud the president, and what he said, I also recognize that it is normal, correct, moral and simply a fact. The sky is blue.
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"In truth, no one wants to see my pale little chicken legs sprawled out on some shag carpet." —Anderson Cooper shoots down reports that he was asked to pose nude for Playgirl. The only thing that surprises me about this quote is the thought that Anderson has a shag carpet. (I always pictured it to be more of a snow white Berber—to match the drapes, naturally).
Every once in a while, I like to shake things up and try something new. So, I recently went to one of those autograph shows where you can buy memorabilia and meet celebrities from days gone by— like the second Lurch or the original Chris Partridge. Since this particular show was in Hollywood, it featured more ‘names’ than usual. For those of you who don't know, you can meet the stars for free after paying to get in. But if you want an autograph, it's extra. If you want a photo with them, it's extra. If you want—well, you get the idea. But nobody told me that you can't take a candid photo of someone while you walk by—well, nobody until Lesley Ann Warren! Sorry. I'm sure I'm not the only one who laughs when Barbara Walters mispronounces a name or treats Whoopi like she's really Miss Celie. But I'm gonna miss that crazy 83-year-old lady when she's gone. She recently landed in the hospital
Barbara Walters
after tripping inside the residence of the British Ambassador. I dunno what was worse—falling at a party full of people or missing the inauguration (the first she's missed since Lincoln). Although she didn't break a hip, she did require stitches in her forehead, a stay in a hospital and a week away from The View. Make that two weeks—and counting. The new official word is that Babs has chicken pox. Something tells me we haven't heard the whole truth. Remember when I told you that hunky Scott Evans (the gay brother of the even hunkier Chris Evans) was arrested for attempting to buy a controlled substance from an undercover cop? Turns out that he was trying to buy cocaine and was arrested. Although he originally pled not guilty, a deal was in place by the time he was in front of a judge. In return for pleading no con62
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test, he was sentenced to attend 60 Narcotics Anonymous meetings. And if he completes all of the meetings within six months, the entire case will be thrown out. You might have seen Evans last week when he turned up again on White Collar to tangle with Matthew Bomer— someone who has more jobs than he knows what to do with. Bomer just filmed a sci-fi dramedy called Space Station 76,
Matt Bomer
which was written and directed by our bon ami Jack Plotnick and co-stars Jerry O'Connell and Liv Tyler. And, while Matt didn't get to play Superman on the big screen, he is the voice of the Man of Steel in the animated feature Superman: Unbound. In addition to all that, this summer he'll be filming the HBO film version of The Normal Heart. Coincidentally, he just played Andrew Rannells' ex-boyfriend on Ryan Murphy's sitcom The New Normal. So I guess coming out really didn't hurt his career. Although it could be argued he's mostly playing gay— and for Ryan Murphy! Another gay actor who's mighty busy is Sean Hayes. In addition to being an executive producer of Hot in Cleveland, he'll also turn up on Smash, where he'll star alongside Megan Hilty in Liaisons—a musical version of Les Liaisons Dangereuses. (We have the photos of them in costume on BillyMasters.com.) And it looks like we may see him in a new sitcom next season. NBC just picked up his untitled pilot about a single gay dad trying to raise the 14-year-old daughter he just met. And if that's not enough, he's also starring in a film version of the play Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks opposite Gena Rowlands. In my last column, I didn't get to tell you about the Golden Globes. Since I'm
assuming you all know who won, who lost and who came out (or didn't), we'll skip right to the parties. Actually, I'm only gonna talk about one party—as usual, the HBO soirée was the place to be. This year, they went for old Hollywood elegance, with everything in black and white. And lots of old Hollywood showed up, like Jane Fonda, Sally Field, Helen Mirren, even Zsa Zsa Gabor's hubby Prince Frederic von Anhalt. Others who enjoyed the fabulous food and glorious surroundings (courtesy of expert party planner Billy Butchkavitz) were Julianne Moore, Jon Hamm, Peter Fonda, Loretta Devine, Seth McFarlane, Kathy Griffin, Joe Manganiello, Adam Shankman and too many others to mention. My four favorite new friends that night were all ladies of color. Jill Scott went out of her way to tell me how great I looked—and this is coming from a woman with a bun on her head! I have adored Lorraine Toussaint since Any Day Now, and CCH Pounder since I saw her onstage with my best buddy Jenifer Lewis in The Old Settler at the Pasadena Playhouse. Turns out, Lorraine appeared in the play with CCH before Jenny—in Moscow! But the most gorgeous woman in the room was also one of the most down-to-earth—Vanessa Williams. When I noted that her gown felt really soft (OK, so I felt her up), she said, "That's the key to these things—if you're comfortable, you'll have a great time." One of my favorite people is singer Chadwick Johnson, a local favorite and one of my preferred duet partners from the long-lamented Karaoke with Kenny days at Revolver. He's doing a show every Monday from 7-11 p.m. at Xen Lounge in Studio City, and it's certainly the place to be. It must be—I'm there! Zac Efron has landed in the middle of a sex scandal—kinda. It all started in NYC where he's shooting a new movie called Are We Officially Dating? And if you have to ask, you're not. A scene was being shot at Fantasy World, a sex shop in the Village. A shadowing paparazzo snapped Zac admiring various dildos. When Efron realized what happened, he allegedly yelled “cut” and made a mad dash to beg the pap to delete the photos, claiming it would ruin his image. I think he crossed that line when Nicole Kidman peed on him!
Our "Ask Billy" question comes from Jeremy in Baltimore: "You seem to always know about English hunks. Who is the rugby player who is also an underwear model? I just saw pics of him—he's amazing!"
Thom Evans
I suspect you're talking about the almost unbearably hot Thom Evans, who has had quite a diverse career indeed. In addition to playing rugby (which ended three years ago on my birthday), he also was part of a short-lived British boyband, Twen2y4Se7en (yes, that's how they spelled it—amazing they didn't make it). This underwear campaign has certainly raised the profile of the 27-year-old hunk. It's also raised some eyebrows—well, I think they were eyebrows—when it was revealed that the D. Hedral line includes their special "Leon" briefs. These undies are designed to "boost" men's bottoms with special Anglefit technology—or, as some call it, "bum enhancing technology.” Of course, Thom's bum doesn't need much help, as we saw when he posed au naturel with his equally hunky rugbyplaying brother, Max Evans, for the Dieux du Stade calendar. Happily, we have nude photos of them both—along with video from the shoot—on our very own BillyMasters.com. When Barbara Walters could sue ABC for elder abuse, it's definitely time to end yet another column. Is Barbara losing it? Is it time to retire? Who knows— but every time she pats Whoopi on the head and calls her "My Whoopi,” I wonder if she dozed off during the civil rights movement. You certainly won't miss any big news like that on BillyMasters.com— the site that's not only au naturel but also au courant. If you want us to look into something, send a note to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before Whoopi bakes Babs a chocolate pie! Until next time, remember, one man's filth is another man's Bible.
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Queersay RENTING RACISM? OK, folks. Rarely does Gossip Gay comment on "news," but we find this latebreaking dish too delicious to ignore! Have y'all heard about (what NBC is calling) the "Rent-a-Rican controversy"? Well, if you're like more than 200,000 YouTube users, then you have not only heard about it but you've witnessed it; and if not, here's the story. Three years ago, The Village Idiots, a now-defunct gay sketch comedy group born from the all-queer Village Variety Pack Variety Hour at (duh!) The Village, created a YouTube sketch called "Rent-A-Rican." The premise is quite simple. White people throw a party, and it is so tragically boring they hire a Puerto Rican to spice things up—and hilarity ensues! Let's face it—the group was not high-brow, known best for their sketches "Secret Sauce Shack," about a pizzeria that makes pies without sauce but with man splooge, and "Activia XL," where they show a drag queen Jamie Lee Curtis OD on the cleansing yogurt and pooping out her colon. Classy, huh? Well, Rent-A-Rican went nowhere and was eventually taken down from YouTube because, honestly, who wants a Rican-renting comedy flop on the 'net? But recently the group reposted the 2009 video in hopes of giving it a second life—and not only did the video go viral—but it went international! And the viewing public was divided. Some loved it; others found it so offensive that it became front page news on Huffington Post and NBC Latino. Stills of the video have been featured on the Telemundo morning show and actually printed on the covers of Mexican and Puerto Rican tabloids. The Puerto Rican government has even issued a statement about the video—saying that it destroys the image of Puerto Ricans and does so with ignorance. Yours truly did a little Facebook research and found the co-creator of the video: Sarah Mozal, a Hollywood comedy writer. We asked her how it felt to be called a "puta" more than 20 times in the 1,000+ comments section, and her response came quite Meredith Brooks bitchy: "And? I'm also a lover, I'm a child, I'm a mother. I'm a sinner, I'm a saint. I do not feel ashamed!" Mozal tells us via text that she is not racist, but also that she "will not rest until all Puerto Ricans are put in dishwashers"—as happens at the end of the video. She did not follow this comment with an LOL, ROFL or even a :-) so we can only assume she is 100 percent serious on this one and hopes to cover all island races in Cascade. The rest of the group wishes to remain nameless and creditless. As one so eloquently puts it, "Uh, I'm unemployed and looking for a real job. Please don't mess it up for me. Leave me out of this crap!" So out of this crap Gossip Gay shall leave thee. However, in spending time with this group, we can—without reservation—state that we do not find the group guilty of racism. If anything, they are simply guilty of some low-brow, B (at best) online sketch comedy. Watch the video at tinyurl.com/avdhv49 and tell us what you think at FrontiersLA.com/Queersay.
For more Queersay, go to FrontiersLA.com/Queersay. FEBRUARY 19, 2013
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HEALTH
WITH MICHAEL WEINSTEIN PHOTO: GREG GORMAN
President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) president@aidshealth.org — aidshealth.org
IS IT WORTH IT? Life is an endless series of choices. What we think, do, eat, say, wear, etc., is all a matter of decisions we make. From important things like a job interview where we are choosing our words ever so carefully in order to make the best impression because we want/need the work, to casual things we say in order to make a certain impression, we are doing a split-second cost/benefit analysis. Should I say that I am the best possible person for the job, or will that turn the person off? Should I let this guy I am cruising know that I really like him? We are always deciding in the moment whether the risk is worth the reward. When we are standing at the end of the diving board, we are thinking, is the risk of the belly flop worth the thrill of the dive? Sometimes we have done something often enough and are so secure in our ability to do it safely that we don't consciously think about it. It literally feels like second nature to us. Other times we want something so badly that we talk ourselves into the idea that the risk is worth it. We have different voices in our heads—the sensible one, the frightened one, the reckless one; there is our mother, our best friend and others all giving us advice. The noise gets deafening sometimes. Who are we going to believe? How are we going to decide? Usually two voices come to the fore. One says, take it easy, don't get yourself in trouble—it's not worth it. Your alter ego says, I want what I want. I don't care what you say. I only live once. Who can resist something so tantalizing? I am going for it! We have clinical descriptions of this, like ‘impulse control.’ We have Nike saying ‘Just do it.’ We have our own brains saying ‘the hell with it.’ The serious question of whether it is worth the risk goes out the window. We are left to hope that nothing bad happens or simply dealing with the consequences. My columns must sometimes sound like I am the worst killjoy. Thinking everything out takes the fun out of things. Can you enjoy life weighing every moment and whether we are making the right choices? These are highly personal matters. I hope that it helps, that you are challenged to ask yourself these questions and that you take a longer view. What happens tonight may not be worth it in the long run. What's worth it in the long run may wind up being more important than tonight. Do you remember that popular guy in high school that everyone wanted to be around? He's working at McDonald’s today. Being a geek can pay off big. At least consider that whatever you want right now isn't worth it. It will come along again, only better. In the meantime, I'm safe and sound and have my whole life ahead of me.
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WITH AARON SAVVY, ACSM Certified Trainer
FITNESS Q & A Is there a proper way to breathe when working out? —Allen, L.A. As a fitness trainer, I teach key principles to my clients: proper form, isolation and breathing. Although I see people trying to maintain good form or concentrate on isolation, it amazes me how one forgets to breathe during their training session. Why does it really matter? Proper breathing during exercise helps in a few important ways. It makes cardiovascular training more efficient, helps with power and stability during strength and endurance training and it fosters relaxation during mind/body and flexibility training. Here are the key principles of knowing how and when to breathe during exercising. Cardio Training—When performing cardio training, such as running, cycling or swimming, it is important to remember that breathing and the cadence of the cardio activity may not always be in sync. For example, when running up a hill, you may be running a bit slower, but your breathing rate may be high. The most important thing to remember is to avoid shallow breathing during cardio training. Shallow breathing is an indicator that you are either working too hard or have not established a good breathing pattern for the activity you are doing. Try taking stronger, deeper breaths during cardio training (without any feeling of holding your breath), and establish an inhale/exhale pattern that feels comfortable for you. For example, many runners will inhale once during three foot strikes in a row (right, left, right) and then exhale once during the next two foot strikes (left, right). Strength/endurance training— When doing strength or resistance training, such as weight lifting, you should generally exhale on the exer-
tion (or most difficult part of the exercise) and inhale on the recovery (easiest part of the exercise). For example, when doing a crunch, you should exhale when you lift your shoulders off the ground and inhale when you lower your shoulders to the ground Relaxation—When performing mind/body stress reduction or flexibility training, such as yoga, you should generally focus on deeper, longer diaphragmatic breathing that will not only help you execute the moves more deliberately, but will also help you relax and focus on the exercises while reducing stress. Diaphragmatic breathing is intended to help you strengthen the diaphragm, decrease the work of breathing by slowing your breathing rate, decrease oxygen demand and use less effort and energy to breathe. This type of breathing is marked by expansion of the abdomen rather than the chest when breathing and is done with slow intakes of air, allowing the body to absorb all of the inhaled oxygen. I feel like I am eating and working out properly, but I do not see any results. Suggestions? —Darren, Silver Lake Without knowing exactly what your current game plan is, let’s go through some key focus bullet points. • Eighty percent of you obtaining your fitness goal is how you fuel your body—lean meats, vegetables, fruits, grains, omega fats, water • Eight to 10 hours of sleep a night • Working out five to six days a week • Change up your workouts every three to four weeks. • Supplements: BCAA, Glutamine, EFAs, multivitamin • Be patient. It can take an average of three months to start seeing real results.
For additional questions, feel free to visit me at aaronsavvy.com.
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BY PETER DELVECCHIO
CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD RECOVERY RESOURCES If you’re a little at sea about local recovery options that might be available, check out the city of West Hollywood Social Services Division, which provides a sort of clearinghouse for a range of resources for those in need— and there are a ton of them. The division "provides social services, health education and information to the community to improve the quality of life for those in need," and those services address, among other things, "necessities of life such as food and shelter, AIDS education” and substance abuse, according to the city’s website. (To reach the Social Services Division’s page, go to weho.org, click Departments & Divisions, then Social Services in the City Divisions box.) “West Hollywood sets aside just under $4 million a year for social services,” including substance abuse-related programs, West Hollywood Social Services Supervisor David Giugni told Frontiers in a phone interview. “We don’t provide direct services ourselves,” he explained. “We contract with nonprofit agencies to provide them.” The city’s funding of each service provider is conditioned on that provider not turning anyone away for inability to pay, although if you have the resources, you might be expected to pony up at least something. Giugni’s division publishes a fantastic, comprehensive “Social Services Guide” that lists the programs the city contracts for. It’s available on the website in printable form, or you can pick up a hard copy in the lobby at City Hall, 8300 Santa Monica Blvd., or at other city facilities, such as Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., between Fuller and Vista. The guide’s “Substance Abuse & Addiction Recovery section lists numbers for 12-step groups and contact information for numerous rehab and mental health facilities, along with recovery-oriented groups like the Tweakers Project. Also, the facilities listed are not all in WeHo, so if you live somewhere else, chances are there’s still something for you, for example the Tarzana Treatment Center in Tarzana, or Van Ness Recovery House in Hollywood. And remember, if you can’t pay, it’s all free. The guide also lists resources for the many problems that often accompany substance abuse, including “AIDS/HIV Services,” “HIV Testing,” “Food,” “Homeless/Shelter” and “Mental Health.” West Hollywood Social Services Division information and notices also scroll on Time Warner Cable, Channel 6. Giugni recommends that people seeking help “read through what’s out there and what’s available and then call us if they have additional questions, or call directly to the provider.” But no need to be bashful. “Certainly we’re all happy to talk to community members about programming ... and help them decide which program might fit their needs,” Giugni said. West Hollywood’s Social Services Division can be reached at (323) 848-6510, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., and every other Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Give them a call. Peter DelVecchio is a reporter for Frontiers and an attorney. He is also writing a book about his experiences with meth.
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PHOTO: KEVIN CARROLL
WEST HOLLYWOOD CONDUCTS CUMMUNITY SURVEY
STRIP TO YOUR SKIVVIES FOR CUPID’S UNDIE RUN BY PAULO MURILLO For those of you who love to run around in your underwear, this is your chance to strip down and hit the town for a good cause. On Saturday, Feb. 9, the city of West Hollywood is co-sponsoring Cupid’s Undie Run, a one-mile run to raise money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation, where not only is it legal to run in your unmentionables, but it is highly suggested. The starting point for Cupid’s Undie Run event will be at The Abbey, 692 N. Robertson Blvd. at noon, where the bar will be open to participants 21 years or older. The actual run will start at 2 p.m. at West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd. Half-naked folks will sprint around West Hollywood Park. Awards will be presented to the highest fundraiser. The awards ceremony will take place back at the Abbey at 3 p.m. Fundraising incentives include official Cupid’s Undie Run underwear, bathrobes and an engraved iPod Nano. The run raised more than $400,000
nationwide last year. Organizers are hoping to raise $1 million this year. According to their mission statement, the Children’s Tumor Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) medical foundation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by neurofibromatosis (NF)—a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body, causing blindness, deafness, learning disabilities and chronic pain. The mission is to encourage and support research, the development of treatment centers, expand public awareness and encourage financial and other forms of support from public and private sources. Currently there is no cure for NF. Registration for Cupid’s Undie run is $40. For more information or to register, go to cupidsundierun.com/LA. Find them on Facebook at facebook.com/cupidsundierun, or call (323) 848-6308. So what will it be—boxers or briefs?
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT AN UNDERWEAR RUN IN WEST HOLLYWOOD? “I hope this doesn’t turn into some nudist colony where the wrong people are running around half-naked. Then again, this is West Hollywood, so it can be a perfect opportunity for that actor, model, waiter or bartender to promote himself under the guise that it’s all for a good cause.” —Andrew Beaulieu
“It appears to be more about showing off your body than relating to NF, a serious concern involving gravely ill children, which contrasts sharply with half-naked adults parading around WeHo. On the other hand, sex sells, and this non-governmental charity can always use more research funds.” —Josh Sciortino
In an effort to engage the community and solicit feedback, the city of West Hollywood is inviting WeHo residents to express their opinions on the city’s current social services funding and priorities by conducting a WeHo Cares Community Study. The city is mailing 5,500 surveys to approximately every fourth household in the city. The surveys are being mailed in both English and Russian with a self-addressed stamp envelope (Spanish surveys available by request). The random households selected also have the option to do the survey online. The city of West Hollywood is also conducting several focus groups, as well as a series of popup workshops through the early month of February. “The pop-up workshops are designed to generate even more public feedback in our community study process,” Daphne Dennis, the interim director of the Human Services and Rent Stabilization Department of the city of West Hollywood, stated in a press release. “By going out to highly trafficked areas of the city, we will be able to engage the community in activities that provide them with an opportunity to indicate their preferences and priorities for social services, target populations and funding,” she added. For information about the community study, visit weho.org/comm unitystudy or call (323) 848-6510.
SPEAK OUT “I’m a personal trainer, so anything relating to being active and fit is great. I think anything outside of the norm that will raise money and create awareness for a good cause is a fantastic thing. If a bunch of guys running around in their underwear brings exposure to this cause, then it’s a great idea.” —Luke Milton
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ORANGE COUNTY
CENTER OC DRESSES UP FOR ANNUAL INDIGO BALL BY GREG HERNANDEZ
The Indigo Ball, a major fundraising event for The Center Orange County, doesn't take place until April 20, but its tables are already almost completely sold out. The Center has succeeded in making its annual gala a must-attend event by giving it a hip new name last year and stepping out of the usual staid confines by including such things as fun photo booths for guests during cocktail hour. "We transformed it last year to kind of breathe some new life into it," says Kaeli Benvenuto, the Center's fund development coordinator. “Before, we had it as a gala and we struggled to find a theme and color scheme, so we thought, 'Why don't we just change it up a little bit and kind of rebrand it.’" The rebranding included trying to create an event that was not your typical gala. "We developed a logo for the event itself and tried to make it an event that is recognizable, an event that in Orange County is known and has kind of its own identity and can be attached to the Center itself," Benvenuto adds. This year's ball will be held at Lyon Air Museum located at the John Wayne Airport. "The hangar doors open up onto the tarmac so you can watch planes take off and watch them land," Benvenuto says. "Inside the venue itself,
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there is a collection of WWII planes that have been beautifully restored and some historic cars that guests can look at during the reception." The Indigo Ball is a pivotal event for the Center in terms of fundraising and visibility. Last year's event drew 320 people and raised enough money to account for almost 20 percent of the Center's current operating budget. All proceeds benefit the Center and go into its unrestricted fund to support all programs and services. "For Orange County, the Center is fully dedicated to serving the LGBT population so the people who come to the event will have that common link," Benvenuto says. "It's the place where you will want to be to meet other people." Among the honorees at the ball will be longtime Center supporter and LGBT community advocate Michael Losquadro, who is also the only openly gay man currently serving in the Orange County Sheriff's Reserves. Current sponsors of the event include Casa Laguna Inn, Disneyland Resort PRIDE Diversity Resource Group, OC Frontrunners, Fertility Source, Gay for Good, JP Morgan Private Banking and Wells Fargo. Tables, tickets and sponsorships are still available. Contact Benvenuto at kaeli.benvenuto@the centeroc.org or (714) 953-5428 x109. centeroc.org
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LONG BEACH
CAL STATE LONG BEACH ADOPTS NEW QUEER STUDIES PROGRAM BY GREG HERNANDEZ Long Beach may have a sizable queer population, but its local university was lagging behind fellow state schools in Fullerton and Northridge when it came to queer studies. That is about to change. Beginning with one class this spring and a full roster of classes next fall, California State University, Long Beach, is offering a queer studies minor. "We're a big school and we're located in a very gay-friendly area, so we really should have had this a long time ago," says Jennifer Reed, an associate professor of women's gender sexuality studies who is the queer studies advisor. “We didn't get any resistance from the school at all. Most people recognize that queer studies has developed an important place for itself." While Intro to Queer Studies is available this spring, by fall there will be 10 more courses to choose from, including Gender and Sexuality in Asian America, Lesbian History and Cultures, American Indian Genders and Sexualities, Sexing Chicana Literature, Reproductive Justice and a course called Sex, Sexuality, Crime and Punishment. The initial Intro to Queer Studies course for the spring semester has already filled up and there is a waiting list. Students will need to earn 18 units to complete the minor.
"It's for all students, not just gay and lesbian students," Reed says. "I think it's going to be popular. There's a lot of enthusiasm for it on the campus. A lot of students have wanted it. They are interested in studying sexuality, and this provides another avenue." So why the title queer studies and not LGBT studies? "People outside academics are sometimes offended or startled by the word queer still," Reed admits. "It's definitely been reclaimed by academics in the last 20 years, reclaimed from the degenerating use of it." Reed is well aware that queer topics are regularly covered on television shows and in other media, but an academic look at them will be in-depth and more meaningful. "It is so much in popular culture right now, which is great," she says. "But I think taking an academic look at it is really important. It teaches us to think about it. The context is for the creation of its identity and culture. I think it really is about creating well-rounded citizens. Students graduating from college need to be familiar with what it is, what it means and where it comes from." For more information, contact Dr. Jennifer Reed at jennifer.reed@csulb. csulb.edu
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DESERT
PHOTO: SHERRI BREYER
HOT TOPIC
Bates
GAMMA MU FOUNDATION FIGHTS AIDS IN A MAD MOD WORLD BY JAMES F. MILLS It’s Don Draper-meets-Woodstockmeets-Twiggy as the Gamma Mu Foundation presents 1960s-themed fundraiser “It’s a Mad Mod World.” "The evening is designed to let everyone take a step back in time to the 1960s, when Mad Men met the hippies,” says Gamma Mu Foundation chair Bradford Bates, an Indiana native who moved to Palm Springs two years ago, buying the Henry Kissinger estate in Old Las Palmas. Held on Saturday, Feb. 16 from 7 to 11 p.m., “It’s a Mad Mod World” will feature dinner and dancing. DJ Eric Ornelas will spin records by everyone from Frank
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Sinatra to the Beatles to Crosby, Stills and Nash, while Brian Wanzek, better known as Bella da Ball, serves as the hostess with the mostest. Since it’s a ‘60s-themed party, attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately—anything from tie-dye T-shirts and jeans to Nehru jackets to classic ‘60s suits are acceptable. Guests who don’t come in period attire will be given a wig or love beads by Bella da Ball so they’ll blend in. Adding to the 1960s ambiance, the party is being held in the old Santa Fe Savings and Loan Building at 300 S. Palm Canyon Drive. Designed in 1960
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HOT TOPIC Santa Fe Federal Savings & Loan, 1960, Julius Shulman (1910-2009)
PHOTO COURTESY OF J. PAUL GETTY TRUST
by renowned architect E. Stewart Williams, the iconic mid-century building has been vacant for several years, but will soon be transformed into the new home of the Palm Springs Art Museum's Edward Harris Center for Architecture and Design. “This will be one of the last opportunities to party in this gorgeous building before it undergoes renovations,” says publicist David Gray. “The building has glass walls, so anybody walking or driving by will know there’s a great party going on inside.” Since the party is being held in a bank building, rumor has it a bank robbery might happen during the evening. “I’m not saying whether there’ll be a robbery or not,” says Gray coyly. “But if there is one, obviously the robbers might take hostages and people might
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need to bid to get them out of hock.” Proceeds from “Mad Mod World” go to HIV/AIDS programs in rural areas and to the Gamma Mu scholarship fund for gay men pursuing higher education. The Gamma Mu Foundation was formed in 1989 as an outgrowth of Gamma Mu, a private international fraternal organization of professional gay men founded in 1967. “Help us raise money to assist deserving organizations serving those living with HIV/AIDS in rural America and scholarship funding for gay men seeking a higher education,” says Bates. “Our scholarship recipients have had to overcome impossible circumstances, often of discrimination for being gay in their pursuit of an education." gammamufoundation.org
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MODERNISM WEEK RETURNS THIS FEBRUARY BY JAMES F. MILLS
The always anticipated Palm Springs Modernism Week is here again! A celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture and culture, Modernism Week runs Feb. 14-24. Over 100 different events are planned, including home tours, films, lectures, fashion shows and receptions in locations rarely seen by the public. A chat with film star/singer Doris Day is on tap, as is a concert celebrating Dusty Springfield, a fashion show featuring film costumes and even a vintage car show. Meanwhile, the big Modernism Show will take place Feb. 15-18 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Modernism Week kicks off on Thursday, Feb. 14, with an opening ceremony and reception with a no-host bar and hors d’oeuvres from 4-6 p.m. at Birba, 622 N. Palm Canyon Drive. The event is free to the public, but pre-registration is required (email Illuminated Mod12@aol.com). Many of the mid-century buildings along Palm Canyon Drive, designed by some of the desert’s most prominent architects, will be specially illuminated for each night of the week. “The buildings will have the added effect of using colored LED lights with a script that will describe the year it was
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built and the architect of the building,” explains William Kopelk, associate director of Modernism Week. “We have also added some new modern buildings to the show as well, and for the first time there will be an Illuminated Modern Sunset Bus Tour on Monday, Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m. atop our signature doubledecker bus.” Modernism Week brings together professionals and fans seeking to celebrate everything that accompanied the popular 1950s and ‘60s design aesthetic, typified by clean, simple lines and elegant informality. The event attracts visitors from every state in the U.S. and across the globe. This year’s attendance is expected to soar beyond last year’s estimated 35,000. Launched in 2006, Palm Springs Modernism Week is the only such event in the country and helped fuel a national interest in the preservation and appreciation of modernism. This year, guests can take advantage of a new information/hospitality center located inside the Hilton Hotel. Here they can mix and mingle with other mod guests and get access to last-minute ticket sales. modernismweek.com
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JANUARY 22, 2013
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INCOME TAX (323)-937-5390 Personal or Business income tax preparation.Domestic partners and out of State returns welcome. Clear and reasonable fee structure. IRS problems? Under Audit? Salary/bank accounts garnished? Unfiled income tax returns? Tired of the worry? Will help you answer letters from IRS and the Franchise Tax Board. Free consultation. Call: Dean A. Wong, CPA. [85SC1716]
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PROFILE
WORKOUT WITH FAMILY AT MANSION FITNESS BY JAMES F. MILLS
LA PRIMETIMERS Most private gyms provide sterile, industrial/corporate settings for clients to workout with personal trainers. But Mansion Fitness offers a warm, home-style environment that feels a bit glamorous. Located on the southwest corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, the year-old Mansion Fitness is a 4,500-square-foot private gym with all of the latest fitness equipment—plus luxurious sofas, tables and chairs, custommade mirrors, hardwood floors, high ceilings with chandeliers and exposed beams. “When we were putting it together, we kept saying this was like working out in a mansion,” explains owner Darren Misaresh. “We went through a lot of different names, and Mansion just kind of stuck. We thought, how cool would it be to say, ‘Hey, I’m working out at Mansion.’” In keeping with the mansion theme, there’s plenty of room to workout. No crowds of people flooding the gym before and after work, no waiting for equipment. “We limit the number of people who are in our gym, and we are able to do that because everything is on an appointment basis,” says Misaresh, a South Bay native. “We know who’s in here and when they’re in here. So, it’s always going to be a comfortable feeling. You’re going to feel like you’re at home, not like you’re just surrounded by a mass of people.” Mansion Fitness trainers are all nationally certified, career trainers with
years of experience. No trainers who graduated two months ago at this gym. “You’re going to get the top instruction in the top environment with competitive pricing,” says Misaresh, who handles the business side of Mansion, while his life partner, trainer Derrick Inglut, oversees the training aspects. “The difference here is the overall experience you get.” Beyond personal training sessions, Mansion also offers boot camp, kickboxing and Zumba classes. But all of those sessions are kept small so clients can get individual attention. They also have the increasingly popular TRX suspension training, taught by Brent Richardson, one of the area’s top TRX trainers. “With TRX, straps hang from the ceiling and you use your body weight to target different muscles,” says Misaresh. “We limit the TRX classes to 10 people, so it’s more individualized. We want to make sure everyone’s form is really right.” A lot of people agree with what Mansion Fitness provides. Since opening in January 2012, business has exceeded expectations. “People like what we’re doing,” says Misaresh. “We know everybody that’s in here. We know all our clients. We know the independent trainers and their clients too. We’re very much like family here.”
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SEX ED
CUPID IN A COMPUTER BY JIM LARKINS
So, you’ve discovered the magic of meeting Mr. Wonderful is just a dot-com click away. There’s nothing inherently wrong with using modern means to discover love in these modern times. In fact, it’s nice to know there’s a medium that allows you to sidestep bar scenes, blind dates and other conventional manhunting methods. The problem is there’s often more than meets the eye with these cyber-stud-finder services. Unfortunately, though your only motivation may be to find a love connection, there are some characters lurking at the other end of the cyberspace universe that have less than reputable intentions. For instance, the dating sites are awash with online creepers who have one thing in common with the saturation of other scam artists on the internet— they would love nothing more than to separate you from your hard-earned cash. Another smooth operator to watch out for seeks to steal that which you probably consider far more valuable than your money. Rather than picking your pocket, he aims to steal your heart. Though he appears to give you unconditional, monogamous love, he’s actually a serial dater. By the time he’s sucked you in and you’ve fallen head over heels for his princely charm, you discover you’re just the flavor of the month. There are a few signs to watch out
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for when unmasking such a scoundrel. First, if he wants to have sex right away or he continually talks about sex, he could be looking to just hit it and quit it. With that in mind, it would seem most prudent to use the utmost caution when chatting with anyone online, especially if it is by webcam. Hold back, take things in stride and avoid sharing specific financial or personal information. As a safeguard, you could also open up another email address to receive emails and messages, just in case you choose to cut your ties with any one prospective love quest. Another hazard to consider when surfing for Mr. Right is the criminal element. Sadly, rapists, robbers, murderers and molesters aren’t just subjects of headline news, they’re real people. They’ve learned to use the internet, and they’ve been known to stalk singles sites. There is yet another character to consider when putting your heart on the web line. It’s kind of strange, but some guys are out there getting their jollies simply trying to make a fool of you. They entertain themselves by luring you in and then making fun of you while hanging out with their buddies. So just keep in mind that considering all you have to lose, it would be wise to gird your loins and be wary of deceit before going love-surfing.
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