Issuu

CURRENT LONG BEACH

LONG BEACH STATE’S NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1949

Vol. XCVIII, Issue 6

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Tuesday, October 6, 2026

OUTober STORIES SEE PAGE 4

POWER IN PRIDE

Long1250BBellflower each Current Blvd., LA4-203

Long Beach, CA, 90804 Angela Osorio Editorial Office Editor-in-Chief Phone (562) 985-8000 eic@lbcurrent.com Skylar Stock Multimedia Managing Editor multimedia@lbcurrent.com

Leyla Crail Managing Editor managing@lbcurrent.com

Valentina Villarreal Community Engagement Editor community@lbcurrent.com

Monica Boerger Business Manager business@gobeach.media

Editors News Editor Josephine Robinson news@lbcurrent.com Arts & Life Editor Joseph Lee arts@lbcurrent.com Opinions Editor Christian Robledo opinions@lbcurrent.com Sports Editor Brianna Apodaca sports@lbcurrent.com Design Editor Gabrielle Lashley design@lbcurrent.com Chief Copy Editor Sasha Marantz copy@lbcurrent.com Photo Editor Rehansa Kulatilleke photo@lbcurrent.com Social Media Editor Bella Beltran socials@lbcurrent.com Video Editor Mikaela Perez video@lbcurrent.com Podcast Editor Bryan Viteri podcast@lbcurrent.com Assistants News Reporters Jayden Sandstrom Claire Morris Sol Virgen Alexa Partida Josephine Kim Arts & Life Reporters Ni Baliness Dominic Maddan Mason Mangus Nataly Valencia Lila Mukasa Opinions Writers Tyler Kols Simone Godse Sports Reporters Dupree De La Peña Veronica Minogue John-Wyatt Cristan Ervin Alan Ibarra Gabriel Duarte Design Assistant Ellie Nakamura Copy Assistants Ayah El Reda Annabelle Qi Isaac Cordon Maizi Merklein Staff Photographers Eddy Cermeno Diego Perez Charlotte LoCicero James Tinoco Jamie Garcia Social Media Assistants Eva LeBlanc Alexis Munoz Jana Truong Video Reporters Arianna Jackson Eli Vice Podcast Assistants Monica Garcia Victor Alcocer Alejandra Guerra Business

Advertising Manager Creative Director Web & Technology Director

PR & Marketing Manager Distribution Manager

Jocelyn Piz advertising@gobeach.media Alicia Taylor creative@gobeach.media Melanie Cativo web@gobeach.media Mikayla Hubbard pr@gobeach.media Seiana Spencer-Kendrick distribution@gobeach.media

Advisers Design Adviser Gary Metzker Content Advisers Barbara Kingsley-Wilson Ashley Hopkins Advertising & Business Adviser Jennifer Newton

ON THE COVER

REHANSA KULATILLEKE | Long Beach Current Primetime Emmy Award winner Raven lip syncs to the concluding song of her performance, “Crave You,” by Flight Facilities and Giselle during Hamburger Mary’s Wild Wednesdays on Sept. 30. Raven is known for being a contestant on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on Season 2 and “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” on Season 1.

NEWS

For story concerns, email: news@lbcurrent.com

State legislation doubles down on online child safety BY JOSEPHINE KIM News Reporter

ov. Gavin Newsom recently passed 13 online child safety bills, creating stronger safeguards against social media access and artificial intelligence in California. The package implements some of the strongest regulations on AI chatbots and social media platforms in the United States, barring addictive algorithms, the sale of toys with companion chatbots and more. Newsom’s package follows a recent landmark settlement between 47 states and Meta, which was found liable in August for endangering children with addictive social media platforms. Meta is set to pay $17.1 billion in penalties over 10 years, as well as make major changes to Instagram and Facebook. At Long Beach State, the legislation has drawn differing views – some students advocate for social media restrictions, and others doubt its impact. Brave Bratcher, a third-year studio arts student, said she received her first phone after she started at CSULB. Though she did not have as much internet access as her peers growing up, Bratcher said she liked the limited access and would impose the same restrictions on her children. “The internet is so dangerous and for kids at this age to have access to the things they have access to is really scary,” Bratcher said. “I think [these

JEFF CHIU / Associated Press California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at the Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sept. 10, 2026, in Sausalito, Calif. regulations] are appropriate, and the fact that these questions are being raised right now is totally appropriate.” Some students fear that it’s too late to reverse the damage that has been done, and that the new legislation won’t have a major impact. “I think it’s a little too late to make a change to reduce the kids’ use of screen time on social media,” said Luna Thu, a third-year chemical engineering major. “It will probably have an effect, but I don’t think it would be big enough to make a change.” Click here to read the full story.

Land Acknowledgment Here at the Long Beach Current we acknowledge that the school we report on is located on the sacred site of Puvungna, “the gathering place.” We are on the land of the Tongva/ Gabrieleño and the Acjachemen/Juaneño Nations who have lived and continue to live here. We also acknowledge the Gabrieleño/Tongva (pronounced: GABRIEL-EN-YO/TONG – VAH) and Acjachemen/Juaneño (pronounced: AH-HACH-AH-MEN/JUAN-EN-YO) as the traditional custodians of the Los Angeles region along with the Chumash (pronounced: CHOO-MOSH) to the north and west, and the Tataviam (pronounced: TAH-TAH-VEE-YUM) and Cahuilla (pronounced: KAH-WEE-YAH) Nations to the east. We respect and value the many ways the Tongva/Acjachemen cultural heritage and beliefs continue to have significance to the living people and remind us about the sacred and spiritual relationship that has always existed here at what we now call California State University Long Beach.

Editorials: All opinions expressed in the columns, letters and cartoons in the issue are those of the writers or artists. The opinons of the Long Beach Current are expressed only in unsigned editorials and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the journalism department or the views of all staff members. All such editorials are written by the editorial board of the Long Beach Current.

Letter Policy: All letters and emails

must bear the phone number of the writer and must be no more than 300 words. The Long Beach Current reserves the right to edit letters for publication in regard to space.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

NEWS

Long Beach Peninsula braces for super El Niño impact BY JOSEPHINE ROBINSON News Editor

ong Beach Peninsula residents and city officials are racing against the tide to prepare for approaching super El Niño’s storm surges, including rising sea levels, king tides and torrential rainfall. With storms projected to hit in early October, residents are still recovering from Hurricane Marie’s damages during Labor Day weekend, as high tides continue to crash against uprooted boardwalk and coat boarded-up homes with sand from the eroded coast. The City of Long Beach declared a local state of emergency Sept. 21, following a declaration from Orange County and later Gov. Gavin Newsom’s state of emergency for California to bolster preparations for El Niño. Long Beach is spending an estimated $3 million on emergency preparations and infrastructure reinforcement plans for historic Peninsula homes and the Seaside Walk Boardwalk, which was built in the 1920s and spans 3,600 feet along the coast. Boarded only by bulkhead walls, the city says it’s the last remaining wooden boardwalk in L.A. County. Long Beach Marine Bureau has since pushed sand dunes against bulkhead walls, repaired 200 feet of boardwalk support beams and fortified 1,000 feet of the bulkhead, according to Marine Bureau manager Todd Leland. Marine services also administered more than 3,000 sandbags for residents to stack along the front entrances of their homes and place on critical portions of the boardwalk to block water from flooding through. Leland said at a community meeting that these preventative measures are not long-term solutions for Peninsula infrastructure, and since bulkheads are not seawalls, they cannot act as proper protections against surging tides. “They are not supposed to last; they are supposed to take damage,” Leland said. “We want to protect the body.”

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However, water has already started to erode through piled dunes and crash against patched up dock, spraying residents as they board up beach-facing windows and reinforce property. “I’ve been here a long time, and we’re on our own in this,” said Peninsula resident David Black during the meeting. “We have to look out for our neighbors, because we’re not going to have the help that we need.” After Hurricane Marie swept through the California coast, some Peninsula residents were hit with severe tide surges that flooded their homes, forcing them to evacuate. Black and his wife, Evelina Mardirossian, have lived in their beachfront apartment complex for 21 years. It sits at a dip between 61st and 69th streets, where most of the boardwalk’s damage was sustained, and beach erosion is at its most critical. They lost three of their vehicles during Hurricane Marie after Black said CHARLOTTE LOCICERO / Long Beach Current 18 inches of still water flooded their first Last-minute boards were put up to protect homes’ infrastructure from the waves as floor garages. trucks dropped off large amounts of sand to build walls for extra shielding. High tides “When you walk through water and are expected to continue as Long Beach braces for a strong El Niño. see it rise up your staircase, you’re kind of like, ‘what now?’” Mardirossian said. To prepare for super El Niño storms, yard,” said Kemmer, who reached out WATCH THE VIDEO Black and Mardirossian have stacked to the Marine Bureau to help reinforce By Mikaela Perez,Video Editor sandbags along their garage entrances the 6 feet of vacant space under her and plan to use bicycles as primary home’s foundation. “There were nights modes of transportation until the storms where I couldn’t sleep, spent the whole have passed. time trying to picture myself stuffing However, the couple doesn’t believe sandbags under there.” these emergency measures are enough. The Department of Disaster “We’re going to drown,” Black said. Preparedness and Emergency “Our homes were covered, and all of our Communications has advised residents garages were covered with water. I lost to remain vigilant as storms rapidly everything, and then Long Beach shows approach, connecting with neighbors up and says ‘we’re here.’” and signing up for the city’s emergency Other homes also face severe notification system AlertLong Beach for boardwalk damages. storm and evacuation updates. Sharon Kemmer has lived on the “What many of you that live here Peninsula for over 50 years. Her 100-year- witnessed when you went out into old home now sits on a gaping boardwalk the [Hurricane Marie] aftermath was after water completely eroded the beach neighbors helping neighbors,” said below. Braden Phillips, a director for the “My husband bought it for me in Peninsula Neighborhood Association. 1974, after we were married, it’s one “That’s the true mark of a neighborhood.” of the few on the peninsula that has a

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

NEWS

New LGBTQ+ Cultural District coming to Long Beach BY CLAIRE MORRIS News Reporter

roadway Street Corridor will soon be getting a makeover. The city announced earlier this summer that it was moving forward with its plans to establish Southern California’s first LGBTQ+ district, highlighting the street’s local businesses, community and history. Located four miles from campus, the district would stretch 1.4 miles between Cerritos and Temple Avenues. The city approved the idea in June 2022, moving forward with conceptual designs in June 2026 to mark district lines with color-changing lights, painted murals and a Pride Plaza to highlight the corridor’s history. The location has historically been home to several LGBTQ+ owned businesses, earning the title of “gay mecca” by the Los Angeles Times in 1984. The project would build on the pride flag-colored crosswalks and LGBTQ+ friendly cafes, bars and restaurants that already adorn the corridor. LGBTQ+ businesses are looking forward to the change. “The LGBTQ+ family — we’re across the globe, so I think it’s amazing that we do have this opportunity,” said Wendy Sanchez Gratton, owner of The Wild Chive, a restaurant on West Broadway and Moloni Avenue. Gratton said that being a Long Beach business owner has allowed her to build a community of her own. “This is where different marginalized groups of people feel like this is their safe space. And to me, that means so much,” Gratton said. “Like, I get the chills just even mentioning that, because growing up, even though I did grow up here in Los Angeles, we didn’t have that.” The district is funded by Measure A and federal earmarks, the city’s system to finance public infrastructure projects and community revitalization. The project also secured $850,000 of additional

KARLA VALDEZ / Long Beach Current This pride flag crosswalk at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Fourth Street is among several along the Broadway Corridor, which is set to face major renovations for the upcoming LGBTQ+ Cultural District. federal funding in March, earmarked by then-Mayor Robert Garcia. “The most important aspect is what can benefit all,” said Thomas Hardy, owner of Jug Band Coffee and Tea on the corner of East Broadway and Temple Avenue. “I can celebrate diversity and do everything I want on my corner, and if something else happens that can join us altogether, then that’s even better.” Development will progress in three phases, according to the city’s strategic improvement plan adopted in May 2024.

The city has approved the first and second phases, comprised of short-term public improvement plans that can be implemented within the next two years, including historical plaques, murals and post banners. The third phase is pending approval based on budget and resources, reserved for non-essential recommendations like decorative crosswalks and facade lights. If all phases are implemented, the project’s total budget would amount to $8.82 million; however, the city

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has only allocated $3.3 million to the development so far. “This first phase is an important milestone, and the city remains committed to building on it as additional funding becomes available,” the city said in an official statement to the Long Beach Current. “The project honors the history and cultural legacy of Long Beach’s LGBTQ+ community, welcomes everyone who lives in and visits the district, and supports the local businesses that make it such a vibrant place.”

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ARTS & LIFE

Carmela’s band performs on stage at Fourth Street Vine in Long Beach on Sept. 19. Guitarist and backup vocalist Gabriel Barraza (second to left) met Carmela (left) when the two were each playing in their own bands. After a night out, the pair decided to write songs together. ENRIQUE RIVAS /

Long Beach Current

The ‘Middle Child’ Carmela: Queer identity, indie sounds and personal songwriting BY ENRIQUE RIVAS Contributor

he dissonant sound of tuning strings from a glossy white electric guitar rang throughout the rustic red-brick interior of a crowded dive bar. “Who here is a middle child?” the singer screeched as a shoulderto-shoulder audience whooped and applauded. Wearing a black-and-white striped shirt and a black skirt, with her hair a colorful mix of red and slight green, she came across just as expressive and unbridled as the sounds coming from her guitar. Anna Carmela, known mononymously as Carmela, is a 31-yearold queer musician who grew up in Los Angeles and Orange County during the 2000s and early 2010s. From starring in musical theater when she was 8 years old to playing guitar at 11, the singersongwriter’s obsession with musical performance was apparent from an early age.

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Now, ever the experimentalist, her sound moves freely from indie rock and pop-punk to funk and soul. Her love for rock music began when she saw a video online of Nirvana’s 1992 Live at Reading performance, infamous for Kurt Cobain’s mocking of media rumors about his declining health. The Nirvana frontman wore a hospital gown as he was rolled out on stage in a wheelchair before standing up to deliver a rowdy rendition of “Breed.” “It was theatrical, I was like damn, I really like rock music, and I really liked theater,” Carmela said. “I kind of want[ed] to merge the two worlds.” Carmela draws inspiration from a wide variety of artists besides Cobain, including Prince, St. Vincent, Bill Withers, Kathleen Hanna, the band Bikini Kill and Hayley Williams, who she draws much of her look from. As a high school student, she was still a closeted teenager. Feeling out of place and isolated, she used music as an outlet for her emotions and identity. “I’m grateful to be a songwriter because if I didn’t have an outlet when

I had big feelings come up, I don’t know what to do,” she said. Now identifying as queer, Carmela hopes to be a beacon of hope for others in the community. “In the last six months of our shows, I’ve seen more queer people and younger queer people in the audience and that makes me emotional,” Carmela said. “Like that’s a job well done, if a queer person goes home and is like ‘I’m so proud of who I am,’ then I think I’m doing a great job.” “Things are getting better and changing now, but I just want more queer voices, we need more representation. We can’t let them win, we can’t let fear stop us and that’s on humanity,” Carmela said, referring to homophobic people. Gabriel Barraza, a backup vocalist and guitarist for Carmela’s band, met the singer when she first started playing in a band called Drift and Barraza in a band called Indigo State. They would run into each other while playing multiple shows in Orange County, with Barraza always having admired Carmela as a performer.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

One day, they got beers after a show and decided they wanted to write songs together. “I knew we had chemistry together in the first couple of shows, it just kind of clicked,” Barraza said. “I’ll say I have a lot of space to be myself up there and she encourages that for everyone in the band.” The biggest goal in her music journey is to continue performing more shows. “I really believe in our live show where people get a real taste of what we do and just release more music,” Carmela said. “Last year has been transformative for all of us.” Her message to her fans is to be bold and unapologetic. “If you see yourself out there in the music that we’re putting out, don’t be a stranger, join the community, we’re all over the place.” Carmela will perform at Alex’s Bar in Long Beach on Oct. 15 and at Permanent Records Roadhouse in Los Angeles on Oct. 16.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

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For story concerns, email: arts@lbcurrent.com

ARTS & LIFE

Plan a night OUT at these 4 queer bars in Long Beach BY MONICA GARCIA Podcast Host

estled among rainbow-colored crosswalks, queer-owned retail hubs and diverse eateries, sit an array of LGBTQ+ bars on Broadway. Turn a casual night into an intoxicating, head-spinning, disco-filled experience at these four spots, where generous drinks and community meet.

Sweetwater Saloon

1201 E. Broadway The rustic, Western dive bar meets sapphism at Sweetwater Saloon. Known for its billiard tables and modern, interactive jukebox, patrons make this saloon home by paying to play their favorite songs, snapping photos in the photo booth and taking some heavy pours. “I feel like what makes this special is that the lesbians have made this their home,” bartender Vin Estrada said. From $5 drinks on Well-fare Wednesday to Mascs vs. Femmes arm wrestling events, the saloon promises all kinds of sweets in their water. Guests are encouraged to stop by an ATM before their visit, as this is a cashonly establishment. The saloon also has one in house.

Mine Shaft

1720 E. Broadway Leather and jeans meet craft beers and handyman wall art at Long Beach’s Mine Shaft. Opened in 1977, Mine Shaft is one of the city’s oldest gay bars. Although mainly a men’s bar, bartender Mario

Lara said it is a legendary space where everyone is welcome. A wooden interior and light panels make you feel like you’re entering the heart of a literal mine shaft, only to be welcomed by lively music and eccentric wall art featuring muscular men in flannels, leather and jeans.

The Falcon

1435 E. Broadway Celebrating 30 years, The Falcon sits at the corner of Falcon Avenue and Broadway. Along with its sister location – Falcon North on Artesia Boulevard – this bar sets the tone with neon lights, house music and an event-filled atmosphere. Late-night karaoke Mondays, “Gaymer Tuesdays” and movie night Wednesdays draw the community to Broadway’s nightly buzz.

Men’s Room

1744 E. Broadway The local bar and modern club scene merge into one inside the Men’s Room. If you’re drawn to the club scene – with its no-skip playlists and strong drinks – but hate to lose the intimacy of a local bar, Men’s Room is the place to be. Known for its large bar, intimate lounge couches and dance floor, this is one of the city’s newest gay bars, opening last year. “You recognize people that are involved in local sports and other little scenes of Long Beach,” bartender Alby Morales said. “Gives it the community aspect, but you can also get the aspect that I can come here and I can dance just like it’s West Hollywood.”

From top to bottom: Visitors can pay to use pool tables at Sweetwater Saloon. From Mascs vs. Femmes arm wrestling contests to $5 Well-fare Wednesday drinks, the saloon is known as a home of the lesbians according to bartender Vin Estrada. The Falcon and its sister location, Falcon North, are known for an event-filled atmosphere. Men’s Room brings West Hollywood to Long Beach locals with a music mix of club classic, intimate couch lounge spaces and a dance floor area. Photos by MONICA GARCIA /Long Beach Current

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Tuesday, October 6, 2026

ARTS & LIFE

Just another ‘Wild Wednesday’ at Hamburger Mary’s

BY REHANSA KULATILLEKE Photo Editor

ucked on the corner of Pine Avenue, an unassuming brick building holds a restaurant full of life. Inside, mirrorballs hang from the ceiling, ABBA and Lady Gaga play in the background, and guest chatter fills the restaurant. Then, the lights begin to dim, people start to murmur and –to some– a familiar voice resonates through the speaker. “I have one thing to say, you better work,” RuPaul says in the outro of “Supermodel (You Better Work),” which was immediately followed by Madonna’s “Vogue.” Purple, blue and pink lights travel across the room as a shadow of iconic voluminous hair can be recognized at the top of the stairs, traveling toward the stage.

Located in Downtown Long Beach, Hamburger Mary’s is the longest-running drag-themed restaurant franchise, with 17 locations nationwide. The beloved restaurant and bar hosts nearly 30 drag shows a week and offers guests a lively dining experience, with meal options including a Flamin’ Hot Cheeto burger and a Mac Daddy burger stuffed with mac and cheese – all with a side of live drag performances. Last week, dozens of guests visited the restaurant for its weekly Wild Wednesdays show – this time, with a special twist. Drag queens Raven and Thorgy Thor, stars of the awardwinning show “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” performed at Hamburger Mary’s alongside resident queens Kanvice Kouture, Ornan Del Valle Facadé and Jewels Long Beach, who performed their own sets.

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Jewels Long Beach also serves international executive director of enter hosting drag events every week. “Every Wednesday night, we try to o bring in superstar celebrity guests. It’s from ‘Dragula,’ ‘[RuPaul’s] Drag Rac ‘Legendary,’” Jewels said. Since opening in San Francisco in has evolved into the largest LGBTQ+ fr the largest employer of drag performer franchise has created a community and feel welcome. The franchise has also fought b impacting the LGBTQ+ community. In 2023, Hamburger Mary’s in Orland after it passed a bill prohibiting minors

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ARTS & LIFE

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offer a fabulous show and s a huge variety of folks ce’[and] the HBO show,

1972, Hamburger Mary’s ranchise in the world and rs. For over 50 years, the d safe space for others to

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which Hamburger Mary’s said violated the First Amendment due to its restriction on speech based on the speaker’s identity. “The continued politicalization and criminalization of gender expression in any form is horrendous, and we try to celebrate that on a daily basis,” Jewels said. “I think drag is freedom.” Today, Hamburger Mary’s continues to create a safe space for guests. “It is fabulous to have queer establishments like Hamburger Mary’s, like all other queer, inclusive bars where we can have a space to just go out, have fun, express ourselves and enjoy that expression with one another,” said Mark Generous, an attendee and communications professor at Cal Poly Pomona. “I think that’s the most beautiful thing in the world, and to see everybody having fun, that’s why we come and do this,” he added. Hamburger Mary’s will host a “Hocus Pocus”-themed night on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m., in addition to weekly “Wild Wednesdays.”

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From left to right: Long Beach drag queen Ornan Del Valle performs a mix of Sabrina Carpenter songs such as, “Please, Please, Please,” “Taste” and “Espresso.” Ornan is known for performing at local shows and events in Long Beach. Drag queen Kanvice Kouture lip syncs to Trina and Killer Mike’s song “Look Back At Me” and travels around the room to collect dollar bills. Kouture has competed on Season 9 of “Facade.” After performing her first song of the night, Thorgy Thor speaks to the crowd and notices a guest coming in late, pointing her out before leaving the stage to introduce the next performer, Kouture. Drag queen Jewels Long Beach accepts dollar bills as she lip syncs to “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson. In 2014, Jewels was named a “Community Icon” at the CENTER Long Beach’s Black & White Gala. PHOTOS BY REHANSA KULATILLEKE /Long Beach Current

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

OPINIONS

3 queer podcasts to tune into this OUTober

Photo Illustration by REHANSA KULATILLEKE and ELLIE NAKAMURA/ Long Beach Current

In the digital age, it’s important to find community where you can get it. Sometimes, that takes the form of a podcast. Mics in hand or in a studio, some hosts have the talent to transport us away from the mundane and into a world of wonder through the spoken word.

BY CLAIRE MORRIS News Reporter

n a time when it feels like anyone can have a podcast, I’ve gotten extremely picky about where I put my listening energy. Every time I log onto Instagram, I’m fed a slew of outof-touch influencers, droning on about issues I simply can’t relate to. What I’ve discovered is that the best podcasts aren’t the ones with the most aesthetic backdrop or the craziest guest stars, it’s the ones that make their listeners feel represented and seen. On my darkest days, I remember where home is and return to my four favorites. These podcasts foster an especially safe space for their audience as each host embeds the culture and energy of the LGBTQ+ community into their conversation. “Tangent” with Tanner Devore If relatable was a host, it would be Tanner Devore. Between covering social crazes, niche interests or his latest shower thoughts, the podcast offers

content that speaks to what listeners want to hear. Devore builds connection by taking his audience on a trip through his consciousness. Whether it’s reminding us to slow down and reconnect with nature, or detailing his worst hookup stories, he lets us into little slices of his life. “Tangent” feels like a breath of fresh air when everything on social media attempts to be picture perfect. Between talking about his struggles with anxiety and insecurities or his experience coming out and modern dating, Devore is no stranger to being vulnerable on the internet. For Devore, relatability is more than a brand. He can connect with his young twenty-something year old audience who are trying to figure out their life, because he is one. Episodes often feel more like a phone call with your best friend than it does a podcast. Having discovered it my freshman year of college, I had Devore’s episodes to keep me company on solo trips to the dining hall, laundry runs and cozy nights curled in my twin XL.

This is exactly what good podcasts should do: Bring you comfort and community in the times you need it most. “In Your Dreams” with Owen Thiele On the days I need to shut off my brain and let someone else do the talking, I turn to “In Your Dreams” with Owen Thiele. A podcast that Thiele says stemmed from his undiagnosed insomnia feels like the best fever dream you’ve ever had. For each episode, listeners join Thiele at a shockingly late hour of the night. Whether he’s on his own, with a friend or interviewing a rising star, there are guaranteed to be fun stories and entertaining opinions divulged. What makes “In Your Dreams” great are its compelling format, trending topics and Thiele’s ability to be real with his listeners. Despite gaining more success in his career as an actor and befriending new A-list celebrities each day, Thiele’s down-to-earth cadence stands out in each story he tells. The casual nature of the podcast and comfortable environment Thiele fosters allows his guests to be seen candidly. This

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way, listeners can learn about who their favorite celebrities are when they’re off the red carpet. As a testament to Owen’s star power, “In Your Dreams” makes for the perfect late-night listen, but you can’t go wrong tuning in at any hour. “Upstairs Neighbors” with Dom Roberts and Maya Umemoto Gorman Adhering to the name, Dom Roberts and Maya Umemoto Gorman perfectly fit the mold of your crazy “Upstairs Neighbors.” Each episode, the two discuss their thoughts, pop culture takes and personal advice for listeners. Through their natural humor and infectious energy, Roberts and Gorman spark conversation that will have listeners feeling as though they are in the room laughing along with the pair. Together, the girls create a space where the podcast feels like a lighthearted listen, yet covers topics that speak to all audiences. Each episode includes a diverse range of conversation, touching on everything from whimsy and “everythingmaxxing” to struggling with personal transitions and sisterhood.

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For story concerns, email: opinions@lbcurrent.com

OPINIONS

‘Bye Bye, Bi’: The curious nature of bisexual erasure

It’s not fair to deny bisexuals their right to queerness if an individual is more attracted to some gender expressions than others.

Graphic by GABRIELLE LASHLEY / Long Beach Current BY SASHA MARANTZ Chief Copy Editor

n an ideal world, all humans would be able to accept one another for who they are with no questions asked. Unfortunately, the world is anything but perfect, and people are constantly judged or discriminated against for countless reasons. While transphobia and homophobia are more widely known issues that the LGBTQ+ community faces as a whole, there is also the existence of biphobia that is often overlooked — just like bisexuals themselves. People who identify as bisexual are often brushed off with phrases like, “It’s just a phase,” or “Just pick one,” which does nothing but make them feel invalidated in their identity. Bisexuals are not only advised to choose a single gender, but are also judged based on who they are dating.

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It is so easy for a bisexual individual’s sexuality to be reduced to what gender their partner is. When a bisexual man is dating a woman, he would be seen as straight, but if he were dating another man, he would be seen as gay. Because of this, we often fail to see the existence of bisexual men in the first place, making them blend in with one identity or the other. This scenario is also the case for bisexual women. Nowadays, bisexuality among women is so common that it is merely seen as a “trend,” which reduces the idea of their identities being considered valid. There is also the fact that bisexual women tend to date men, which led to the stereotyping of “bi girls and their boyfriends” that often gets discussed on social media. These criticisms bisexual men and women receive for being in straight-

appearing relationships are often held by the LGBTQ+ community. Ironically enough, this is the equivalent of being shunned by your family members for identifying as queer; however, it’s being shunned for appearing straight in this case. This is the harm of biphobia: Being proclaimed “not queer enough” to fit into the queer community. There are also criticisms about whether or not the existence of bisexuality invalidates trans or nonbinary folk in comparison to pansexual individuals who experience attraction regardless of gender. A main flaw in this argument is the fact that people often fail to understand that gender is a spectrum, so when people hear “bisexual,” they often think of the binaries of the sexes. The gender spectrum is not one that strictly involves genitals, but

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rather identity and expression. These things ultimately determine how a person chooses to appear despite what gender they were born as, whether it be masculine, feminine, or even androgynous. Bisexuality also exists on a spectrum, where individuals might be attracted to one gender appearance more than the other. Because of this, it’s not fair to deny bisexuals their right to queerness if an individual is more attracted to some gender expressions than others. The existence of bisexuality is not meant to exclude any gender, nor is it meant to be compared with pansexuality. At the end of the day, “bisexual” is just a label. Lady Gaga said it best: “No matter gay, straight or bi/lesbian, transgender life / I’m on the right track, baby / I was born to survive.”

OPINIONS

Stolen slang from the queer community

CAROLYN KASTER / Associated Press

Drag queen Harpy Daniel, aka Joshua Kelley, performs at the Rainbow Special Interest Group of NAFSA: Association of International Educators reception at Pitchers and a League of Her Own bar in Washington, Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

BY SIMONE GODSE Opinions Writer

ince the beginning of modern mass pop culture, marginalized communities have been victims of cultural theft. From land to language, different aspects of underrepresented cultures have been pillaged of their essence for the sake of profit, trendiness or aesthetic appeal. Taking a look at three current phrases in rotation of slang words for the past year, it is interesting to note their roots in queer culture and how they came to fruition. The presence of ballroom culture lingo in today’s “internet slang” is undeniable. The ballroom scene is an underground LGBTQ+ subculture, created primarily by Black and Latino queer and transgender individuals in New York City during the 1960s and 1970s. This is the source of many popular

mannerisms, linguistics and aesthetics that Gen Z has adopted in recent years. To put simply, it’s where all the cool stuff comes from. One phrase you probably learned from the internet is the quippy “clock it.” This is used when one catches and figures out a hidden truth of some sort. It can be defined as simply noticing or coming to an understanding. It has also transitioned to mean calling someone out on contradictions or arguments. While the current usage of “clock” can be more widespread and applicable to many different scenarios, the original definition was much more narrow. The underlying meaning of discovering a hidden truth still remains, but as established in ballroom culture, it is rooted in the act of discovering one’s queer, especially transgender, identity.

In a similar manner, “tea” was also used as a phrase relating to the “clocking” of one’s gender and sexual identity. Currently, the “tea” is the gossip just waiting to be spilled. However, just like a “clock,” this other inanimate object reference comes from ballroom and drag culture. When first popularized, it was commonly spelled as either “tea” or the more on-the-nose “T.” The T stood for truth, in this case. If someone clocked your tea, it meant they’ve discovered and understood your business and truth, usually pertaining to transgender identity. By understanding the origins of these words, we can continue to use them and acknowledge what they mean on a deeper level, allowing us to articulate ourselves better, even in casual settings where this type of language is used.

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At last, there is what one may consider the newest addition to this dictionary, “chopped.” Nowadays, it primarily means unattractive or ugly. It originated in ballroom culture competitions, where there were different categories depending on drag attire, performance, etc. If you were “chopped,” you were disqualified from your category and would not progress. Here, we can see the path of translation, as to be chopped from a category is the result of the performance or appearance presented. Now, it’s used casually to diss one’s appearance. With an understanding of where slang origoniates, we can then ensure, as avid users, that we acknowledge the importance of recognizing the contributions of marginalized communities in current pop culture. Without them, our conversations wouldn’t be half as interesting

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SPORTS

All are welcome to play at OutLoud Sports

A tennis player waits for their opponent to serve in an OutLoud Sports tennis doubles league match at the El Dorado Park Tennis and Pickleball Center on Sept. 30. Founded in 2007, OutLoud Sports is a queer+ recreational sports leagues represents over 85,000 LGBTQIA+ and allied athletes across the U.S.

JAMES TINOCO / Long Beach Current BY JOHN-WYATT CRISTAN ERVIN Sports Reporter

With such an inclusive league, sportsmanship and respect are vital. OutLoud prides itself on providing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies to build relationships. Navarro said that for many people, sports seemed like something outside of their reach. “It’s the social aspect of it, making a place to belong,” Navarro said.

utLoud Sports is a Long Beach league built on inclusivity and protection, providing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Founded in 2007, the organization has locations nationwide across 26 cities, with around 85,000 members. Here in Long Beach, the organization currently supports four sports: pickleball, tennis, kickball and beach volleyball. The sports are all-gender leagues, including leagues specifically for individuals who identify as she/they. These leagues are open to all – including those with no prior sports experience. “There’s no skill required … we encourage people who want to learn to play,” said Ray Navarro, city manager of OutLoud Sports in Long Beach. Navarro has been part of of OutLoud for almost a decade, joining after his friends convinced him in 2017. The league holds a deep place in Navarro’s heart, who has climbed up the ladder through the years.

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JAMES TINOCO / Long Beach Current

Tennis teammates share a laugh during an OutLoud Sports tennis doubles league match at the El Dorado Park Tennis and Pickleball Center on Sept. 30. OutLoud Sports is a queer recreational sports league where people can play in programs depending on the city they live in, including tennis, dodgeball, soccer, bowling and more.

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OutLoud plans to start an indoor volleyball league to add to their sports selection, and is currently searching for a venue. The organization has worked to build relationships with local residents and businesses in Long Beach. “The city is pretty welcome to it [OutLoud Sports],” Navarro said. Yet, not everyone has been so welcoming. “There was talk of a bar about to sponsor us… but I got word from someone that the bar [thought it] would be ‘too gay,’” Navarro said. While registration for beach volleyball and tennis is closed, registration for kickball is still open. The season will start on Oct. 18 and games will take place at Pan American Park.

SPORTS

New general manager coming to LBSU basketball BY VERONICA MINOGUE Sports Reporter

en Ammann will serve as general manager for both teams and as associate athletic director of basketball strategy and revenue. Ammann will work alongside new women’s basketball head coach Minyon Moore and men’s basketball head coach Chris Acker, supporting both teams with fundraising, donor relations, name, image, and likeness (NIL) partnerships, revenue sharing, roster planning and student-athlete support. Ammann was the longest-tenured coach at Concordia University Irvine, where he led the men’s basketball program for 25 years. Ammann finished his time at CUI with 546 winning games and two National Association

of Intercollegiate Athletics national championship titles. He also raised over $250,000 annually for the men’s program through alumni support and CUI family and friends. Ammann joins LBSU as the teams are busy preparing for their upcoming season. The women’s basketball team is under new management with the addition of Moore in May and three new assistant coaches. The only returning player this season is sophomore forward Rosie Akot. The men’s basketball team continues under Acker’s leadership, alongside the same assistant coaches. However, the only two returning players are junior guard Christian Jones and junior forward JJ Chaikovsky. Both basketball programs are coming off losing seasons. The men’s team finished the 2025-26 season 10-22

overall and 6-14 in Big West play, while the women finished 5-25 overall and 4-16 in conference play. Both teams finished ninth in the 11-team Big West standings. Ammann’s role will directly impact the players’ NIL partnerships and serve as retaining talent to keep players at The Beach. NIL allows college athletes to earn compensation through activities such as endorsements, appearances and social media promotions.

Ken Ammann joins The Beach ahead of the 2026-27 season, serving as associate athletic director of basketball strategy and revenue and general manager for the men’s and women’s basketball programs.

Photo Courtesy of LBSU Athletics

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SPORTS

No. 7 LBSU returns to win column with landslide victory

VERONICA MINOGUE / Long Beach Current

LBSU redshirt freshman attacker Chase Krupitzer makes a goal off of a power play during the first period of the game against University of Redlands at the Matt M. Axelrood Pool at Claremont Mudd Scripps. This would award LBSU their fourth point of the period and Krupitzer’s last goal of the game on Oct. 3.

BY ALAN IBARRA Sports Reporter

LAREMONT, Calif. — No. 7 Long Beach State men’s water polo (10-4) earned a landslide 20-8 victory over the University of Redlands (4-10) at the Gary Troyer Tournament Saturday morning, Oct. 3, putting LBSU back in the win column. The Beach took control early, finding their rhythm and giving other players opportunities to see playing time. “Changed a couple things mentality wise, that’s the goal for today ‘cause we got a rough next weekend,” head coach Gavin Arroyo said. Later that day, The Beach closed out the Gary Troyer Tournament with a 1612 win over Concordia University Irvine, securing two wins and extending its winning streak to two. The Beach entered Saturday morning’s game at the Matt M. Axelrood Pool in Claremont following two straight losses against nationally ranked opponents. “I think it’s all about us and rebounding from last weekend and

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focusing on our defense books and our connection,” Arroyo said. Junior utility Artur Diaz quickly opened the scoring with the first goal of the game, setting the tone for LBSU’s first of two games at the Gary Troyer Tournament. The Beach played tight defense against the Bulldogs, but a whistle on sophomore defender Zalán Nagy gave the Bulldogs a penalty opportunity, which it converted to tie the game. Diaz answered with another goal to retake the lead as The Beach went on to score four unanswered. During the run, what initially looked like a goal from sophomore attacker Federico Gusilano became a putback goal by junior center Corbin Stanley. The Bulldogs’ offense responded as senior utility Jake Simpson added another goal just before the end of the first period, cutting The Beach’s lead to 6-2. Despite The Beach winning the opening sprint of the second period, the ball was quickly turned over, and the Bulldogs capitalized, cutting the lead to 6-3.

Diaz found the net for the third time to complete his hat trick and extend the lead to 7-3. The Beach went on another threegoal run, with senior utility Marc Frigola finding the back of the net twice in a span of 21 seconds. Frigola also completed a hat trick during the run. With help from junior attacker Harper Stewart, The Beach extended their lead toward the end of the first half, 10-4. Junior attacker Olivér Sudár opened the second-half scoring at even strength, extending the lead to 11-4. The Bulldogs found the net for their fifth goal, but Diaz answered with his fourth of the game. “We trust each other a lot, the same way they pass the ball to me, I would work as hard as I can to get into position,” Diaz said. “It’s a team effort in practice every day, and that’s what really makes a difference.” Another penalty opportunity arose for the Bulldogs, but the five-meter shot could not get past junior goalie Sergi Ramon. Frigola added two more goals, bringing his total to five and surpassing

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Diaz as The Beach extended their lead to 15-6 before the end of the third period. “It always feels good… We focus on what we do, and focus on our game,” Frigola said. “It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, so if I score five goals today, maybe tomorrow’s gonna be another game.” After five unanswered goals by The Beach, junior utility Joseph Madigan secured his second goal, while freshman attacker Samson Casem also found the net, cutting the lead to 18-8. The Beach added two more goals toward the end of the match to seal the 20-8 victory. “Since last weekend, we came out with two losses,” Diaz said. “These games are actually gonna help us to become confident as a team again and work on our chemistry more … This week we’re going to work a lot harder, so we can start the conference, very good.” LBSU will then return home to the Ken Lindgren Aquatics Center to begin conference play against UC San Diego on Friday, Oct. 9, at 6 p.m.

LEISURE

Graphic by GABRIELLE LASHLEY / Long Beach Current

BY CHRISTIAN ROBLEDO Opinions Editor

: “What’s the best way to handle school, work and clubs all at the same time?” Schedule Savvy Student

Comic by EREZ ASKEN / Long Beach Current

Word Search 1. Bisexual 2. Dolly Parton 3. Drag 4. Gay 5. Harvey Milk 6. Lesbian 7. Marsha P Johnson 8. Pride 9. Queer 10. Stonewall 11. Tim Curry 12. Trans

A: Dear Savvy, In a world where every moment is precious, I too find it hard to juggle metime and daily monotonies. My solution? Mastering how to min-max my minutes and become a calendar calculator. My recent lifestyle has allowed me to explore more of the day’s joys without sacrificing necessities. Let me guide you through how I make my days productive. I’m a raging insomniac, so it feels hypocritical to suggest sleep. However, one cannot be productive without proper healthcare. Sleep, hydration, food and other necessities should come first. I also wake up early to give myself two hours to get ready – allowing time for a YouTube video or a dance party while I brush my teeth. It’s the healthy balance between life’s pressures and pleasures that gets me through the day. Even driving can turn into self-care. With a good playlist, podcast or phone call, any drive can be enjoyable. While on campus, I also try to maximize my fun – if time allows, I head

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off campus and explore a new place before my next class. You can also use this time to explore a club. If you’re unable to make meeting times, I suggest popping in when you can to build relationships with others. As Confucius once said: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” If you maximize your fun while completing the routine necessities, your necessities will become more tolerable, allowing you to experience so much more within a day’s measly 24 hours. Note: This advice column draws on our staff’s insights and experiences, offering practical and relatable guidance. If you would like to ask for advice and be featured in this column, email opinions@lbcurrent.com.

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LEISURE

Graphic by GABRIELLE LASHLEY / Long Beach Current

BY CHRISTIAN ROBLEDO Opinions Editor

: “What’s the best way to handle school, work and clubs all at the same time?” Schedule Savvy Student

Comic by EREZ ASKEN / Long Beach Current

Word Search 1. Bisexual 2. Dolly Parton 3. Drag 4. Gay 5. Harvey Milk 6. Lesbian 7. Marsha P Johnson 8. Pride 9. Queer 10. Stonewall 11. Tim Curry 12. Trans

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

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