Frontiers Vol. 34, Issue 01 by Frontiers

APR. 30 Â¬ MAY 13, 2015 | VOL. 34, NO. 01

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Contents

APRIL 30 - MAY 13, 2015

FEATURES

52 SoCal's Best Camping Spots

Summer Film Preview

Gaydar: Camp Value

ON THE COVER Jerdani photographed by John Fallon, @johnfallon

MAY 13, 2015

Contents

APRIL 30 - MAY 13, 2015

DEPARTMENTS NEWSBOX 09

10 12 14

NYC Real Estate Developers Make a 'Terrible Mistake' Flashbulb Watercooler Meet the Families on the Front Lines of Marriage Equality DateBook

09 27

THE GAY AGENDA 17 18 20

L.A.'s New Tailoring Hot Spot Poke Comes to the Mainland Unload Your Tax Refund Here

TRAVEL 23 25

A Gay Guide to Orlando Our 5 Favorite European Festivals

17 31

HEALTH 27 28 29

The Dangers of E-Cigarettes Boxers vs. Briefs? Gay Psychopaths Among Us

CALENDAR 31 34 39 39

Lucha VaVOOM is Back for More Cinespia's Summer Film Calendar West Coast BBQ Classic Eating Out: Baltaire

23 41

ENTERTAINMENT 41

42 43 44 44

Del Marquis Releases the Summer's Supergroup Sequel Film Reviews Music Reviews Coming to TV Theater Reviews

Frontiers magazine is published by New Frontiers Media Holdings, 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 © 2015, New Frontiers Media Holdings, LLC.

COLUMNS 56 57 58

Billy Masters Gossip Gay Palm Springs

PEOPLE INDEX Laverne Cox Andy Dick Jane Fonda Chaka Khan 4

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56 56 44 41

Rex Lee Darlene Love Del Marquis Reba McEntire

49 58 41 10

Dan Savage Sofía Vergara Kristen Wiig Reese Witherspoon

9 48 51 48

MAY 13, 2015

F RO NT I E R S M E DI A .C OM

PUBLISHER

Michael A. Turner Owen Phillips CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ed Baker

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MANAGING DIRECTOR OF INTEGRATED MEDIA

Dustin Tyner Stephan Horbelt NEWS EDITOR Karen Ocamb ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR George Skinner GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michelle Aguirre EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ADVERTISING DIRECTORS

Mat Jongsma, Cristian Valencia, Jacci Ybarra ACCOUNT DIRECTORS Colleen Butler, Shana Wong PALM SPRINGS ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Brad Fuhr NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES CLASSIFIEDS MANAGER ACCOUNTING

EMAIL ADDRESS FORMAT ADVERTISING INQUIRIES EDITORIAL INQUIRIES DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES

Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Frank Perez Merrill Franks, Frank Perez

firstinitial.lastname@frontiersmedia.com sales@frontiersmedia.com editorial@frontiersmedia.com distribution@frontiersmedia.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Drew Droege

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michael Anthony, Aaron Batts, Christopher Cappiello, Dr. Greg Cason, Mike Ciriaco, Peter DelVecchio, Gossip Gay, Nathaniel Grey, Tom Paul Jones, Gary Kramer, Jim Larkins, Dan Loughry, Billy Masters, James Mills, Eric Rosen, Dominik Rothbard, Mikey Rox, Aaron Savvy, Les Spindle CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ILLUSTRATORS

Gabe Ayala, Mike Delgado, Daron Hovanessian, Rolling-Blackouts, Jonathan Sirand

©2015 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 FrontiersMedia.com.

New Frontiers Media Holdings, LLC 5657 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 470, Los Angeles, CA 90036 p: (323) 930-3220 | f: (323) 857-0560 PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

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MAY 13, 2015

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‘A Terrible Mistake’

Two gay NYC real estate developers are now apologizing after hosting a fundraiser for anti-gay Texas Senator Ted Cruz

From left: Ian Reisner and Mati Weiderpass at the 2012 unveiling of The Out NYC, a gay-tailored hotel; Texas Sen. Ted Cruz

By David Badash

REISNER AND WEIDERPASS: RICHARD DREW/AP

$31M The money raised in one week by the super PAC supporting Sen. Cruz, the main donor to which is Robert Mercer, founder of IBM

SPEAK OUT

mid a growing backlash of boycotts and verbal chastising, Ian Reisner and Mati Weiderpass were forced to switch gears and issue apologies for hosting a fundraising dinner for Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, on Monday, April 20. The two real estate developers own gay-focused properties such as The OUT NYC gay hotel and about three-quarters of the real estate in New York’s famed Fire Island Pines. They insist the event was not a “fundraiser,” although the anti-gay Tea Party Republican Senator was in town attending several fundraising events that evening, and reports state dinner with Cruz can cost up to a half-million dollars. Days later, Sen. Cruz filed two bills to halt same-sex marriage, including one that would make banning same-sex marriage constitutional. Cruz used the news of the event to claim that meeting with gay men makes him a “big tent Republican.” On Friday, April 24, Reisner and Weiderpass issued a press release supporting and defending their Ted Cruz meeting. “No topic was left off the table during the meeting with Senator Cruz, including his opinions on gay marriage, protection for the state of Israel and national security,” they stated. But it was soon clear that tactic was not working, and the pair took to Facebook. “I am shaken to my bones by the e-mails, texts, postings and phone calls of the past few days,” Reisner posted to Facebook on April 26. “I made a terrible mistake. I was

ignorant, naïve and much too quick in accepting a request to co-host a dinner with Cruz at my home without taking the time to completely understand all of his positions on gay rights.” Reisner, who also hosted a fundraiser for conservative Republican Sen. Ron Johnson earlier this month, claimed, “I’ve spent the past 24 hours reviewing videos of Cruz’s statements on gay marriage, and I am shocked and angry. I sincerely apologize for hurting the gay community and so many of our friends, family, allies, customers and employees. I will try my best to make up for my poor judgement. Again, I am deeply sorry.” Sen. Johnson—who voted against the repeal of DADT and more recently against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act—until last year was actively opposed to same-sex marriage. He now says he would not oppose it if voters support it.

“They always point to their imaginary hypothetical gay friends who might apparently invite them to a gay wedding.” Columnist and activist Dan Savage during a segment with MSNBC’s Chris Hayes, mocking conservatives’ claims of having “gay friends” when challenged on their anti-gay bigotry

MAY 13, 2015

FLASHBULB continued Sen. Ted Cruz (right) with Weiderpass in the latter’s home

POINT HONORS 2015 GALA, New York Public Library, April 13—More than 400 guests came out to support higher education opportunities for LGBTQ students. From left: T.R. Knight, Brad Goreski, Point Foundation Executive Director and CEO Jorge Valencia, David Mixner, Looking stars Frankie J. Alvarez and Murray Bartlett, Transparent’s Jeffrey Tambor with Rhys Ernst and Judith Light, Jason Collins, Jonathan Groff

LATIN@ QUEER ARTS & FILM FESTIVAL, L.A. LGBT Center, April 16-19—The second annual festival showcased art, music and film dedicated to the stories of queer, trans and two-spirited Latinos with screenings, exhibits, performances and panels. From left: Magaly “La Voz de Oro,” the Center’s Jon Imparato with Wilson Cruz, A Girl I Know, Councilman Mitch O’Farrell with Gabriel Santoyo, Alejandro Belmonte and Fernando Licon

SPEAK OUT “You gotta love people for who they are. Accept them, and then go on with life.” Country star Reba McEntire voices her support for the LGBT community to Pride Source, calling same-sex marriage rights “very important” to her

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RAISE A CHILD HONORS GALA, W Hotel Hollywood, April 26—In preparation for National Foster Month, Raise a Child hosted its third gala to honor individuals and families for their advocacy in encouraging fostering and adoption. From left: Lisa Joyner and Jon Cryer, Rhea Perlman, The Case Against 8 director Ben Cotner, Raise a Child Founder and CEO Rich Valenza, Alex Kingston

POINT FOUNDATION: D DIPASUPIL FOR GETTY IMAGES; LQAFF: ALEX SCHMIDER; RAISE A CHILD: ERIC CHARLES

Weiderpass, Reisner’s business partner and fellow cofounder of Parkview Developers, also issued an apology on April 26. “I share in Ian’s remorse. I, too, lay humbled with what has happened in the last week,” he wrote on Facebook. “I made a terrible mistake. Unfortunately, I cannot undo this. You taught me a painful but important lesson. The people that know me know the work that I have done over the last 20 years for the advancement of gay rights. Today, I came to realize that I might have nullified my past efforts and accomplishments in just one week. On the eve of this momentous legal occasion at the Supreme Court, I dedicate myself to work even harder to advance our cause that I share with the LGBT community; our community. Again, to all that I have hurt, please accept my sincerest apologies.” Following an inquiry by Huffington Post, Reisner now says, “My tireless support of the gay community and its causes worldwide has not changed and will not change.” Weiderpass also insisted to HuffPo that he is fully behind the issue of gay marriage. “The fact that Senator Cruz accepted the invitation to my home was a step in the right direction towards him having a better understanding of who I am and what I believe in,” he said. “We spent most of the time talking about national security issues and in particular the challenges from ISIS, Iran and the defense of Israel—these are issues for which we did find common ground. However, I did not shy away from the opportunity to ask the Senator about social issues, in particular marriage equality and made it clear that I completely disagree with him on that issue.” Meanwhile, several events scheduled for Weiderpass and Reisner’s properties have been canceled in a growing boycott of men’s businesses. The decades-old Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS nonprofit, which annually raises million of dollars, was the first to cancel an event. Second was the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus. There is also a “Boycott Fire Island Pines Establishments & Out NYC Hotel” group on Facebook.

MAY 13, 2015

WATERCOOLER

Your cheat sheet for intelligent conversation — By Peter DelVecchio

WeHo Becomes First to Recognize Harvey Milk Holiday

In a national LGBT first, West Hollywood will henceforth recognize May 22, birthday of slain gay civil rights pioneer and San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, as a municipal holiday. The city has celebrated the day unofficially for several years, and Gov. Arnold Scwarzenegger signed legislation recognizing the date statewide in 2009. Parking meter rules and time limits will be suspended in WeHo during the holiday. “To many LGBT people, West Hollywood is a beacon of hope, not unlike Harvey Milk’s San Francisco,” said Mayor Pro Tempore Lauren Meister, who first proposed the holiday. “As the first city in the nation to officially observe Harvey Milk Day, West Hollywood is continuing its record as a leader in advancing freedom and fairness for all.”

Guam Governor Blocks Marriage Equality

The tiny U.S. territory of Guam falls within the jurisdiction of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, which has held same-sex marriage bans unconstitutional, and the island’s Attorney General Elizabeth Barrett-Anderson has ordered that marriage licenses be issued to gay couples. Still, Gov. Eddie Calvo says no. Calvo argues that, despite the 9th Circuit’s marriage rulings, Barrett-Anderson’s order is not binding because the Supreme Court has not yet ruled on marriage equality, which it is expected to do by the end of June. But pressure is mounting on Calvo, with HRC’s James Servino comparing discrimination against gays to Guam’s own arguably “less-than” position within the U.S. federal system.

Lynch Finally Confirmed as U.S. Attorney General

After a record-setting nearly six-month purgatory in the Republican-controlled Senate, U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch became the nation’s first black female Attorney General on April 23. All Senate Democrats and 10 Republicans voted aye. Republicans generally conceded Lynch’s qualifications but nonetheless stalled her nomination, apparently out of anger at President Obama’s executive actions on immigration, which would protect millions from deportation and which Lynch will now be defending in the courts. The GOP also used Lynch’s nomination as leverage in connection with a human trafficking bill that included abortion restrictions Democrats disfavored. During her nomination hearings, Sen. Lyndsey Graham, R-S.C., asked Lynch how marriage equality would not lead to polygamy. Lynch dodged the question, citing inexperience in that area of the law.

Harvey Milk

Gov. Eddie Calvo of Guam

4 5

Andreja Pejic

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Vogue Showcases Trans Model in May Issue

For the first time in its history, iconic fashion magazine Vogue will profile a transgender model in its May issue. Andreja Pejic, born in BosniaHerzogovina, “had an extraordinary career as a male model, often modeling female clothes,” before coming out as transgender in 2014, according to Gene Kogan of Pejic’s former agency, DNA Model Management. Pejic, 23, says she faced discrimination when she came out, with one agent telling her, “It’s better to be androgynous than a tranny.” But the model persisted, achieving global fame when Paris Vogue featured her in 2010. Pejic sees things changing for the better, with awareness and acceptance of transgender individuals growing. “There are just more categories now,” she says. “It’s good. We’re finally figuring out that gender and sexuality are more complicated.”

Bruce Jenner

With the Supreme Court widely expected to usher in nationwide marriage equality, public support for gay marriage has hit its highest point ever, with 61% of Americans—and even 45% of Republicans—rejecting state marriage bans, a new Washington Post/ABC poll reveals (62% also said states should have to recognize other states’ legal marriages). Nonetheless, the picture is not entirely clear on the legal issues. For example, 60% of respondents to a recent CBS News poll said they favored same-sex marriage, but 56% also said individual states should decide the issue. In a hopeful sign, however, 40% of the Washington Post/ABC respondents said they strongly support marriage equality, with only roughly 25% strongly opposed.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch

Marriage Support Spikes on Eve of SCOTUS Hearing

Bruce Jenner Comes Out as Transgender

Months of speculation came to a head when former Olympian Bruce Jenner revealed to ABC’s Diane Sawyer and the world that he is a transgender woman. The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star said, “I’m me. I’m a person. This is who I am. I’m not stuck in anybody’s body. My brain is much more female than male. For all [intents and] purposes, I am a woman. People look at me differently. They see you as this macho male, but my heart and my soul and everything that I do in life it is part of me, that female side is part of me. That’s who I am.” An eight-part docuseries will premiere on the E! network on July 26 detailing Jenner’s transition from male to female.

MAY 13, 2015

POISED ON THE FRONT LINES

Meet the brave plaintiffs who have opened their lives to the world in the battle for same-sex marriage equality By Jean Ann Esselink

Valerie and Sophy Jesty are both professors of veterinary medicine at the University of Tennessee. Their daughter, Emilia, was the first baby born in Tennessee to have a woman listed as her “father” on her birth certificate. The couple married in New York, but their home state of Tennessee does not recognize their marriage. The couple filed a lawsuit in 2013 to ask that the state recognize their marriage. Sophy told reporters, “It affects my rights because I actually don’t have any legal rights as her parent at this time, and that’s why we’ve been fighting so hard—so many families, like ours, can have the legal acknowledgement of their real relationships.” 2. Thomas Kostura and Ijpe DeKoe Thomas Kostura is an environmental artist, and his husband, Ijpe DeKoe, has been full-time a U.S. Army reservist since 2000. The couple met when they were both teenagers working at a Boy Scout camp. They married in New York just days after same-sex marriage was legalized in that state, and a few weeks before Ijpe deployed to Afghanistan. Ipje noted that he didn’t receive the same benefits other married soldiers did, and he worried that, if something happened to Thomas, he wouldn’t be allowed to take emergency leave from the military.

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When the U.S. government recognized the same-sex marriages of its military members, he saw what a difference it made in his life. So when the opportunity arose, he and Thomas agreed to be the plaintiffs in a case asking Tennessee to recognize their marriage. 3. Brittani Henry and Brittni Rogers Brittani Henry and Brittni Rogers have been a couple since 2008. Brittani was pregnant in January of 2013, when they traveled from their Cincinatti, Ohio, home to marry in New York. Their son Jayseon was born that June, but since their home state of Ohio did not recognize their marriage, that meant their names could not both be listed on the baby’s birth certificate. So they sued Ohio, and District Court Judge Timothy Black ruled in their favor in April. But the 6th Circuit reversed that decision, so they now stand before the Supreme Court, fighting for their right to be legal parents to their son. 4. Paul Campion and Randy Johnson Paul Campion, a school counselor from New York, and Randy Johnson from Kentucky, met in 1991 when Paul was visiting family in Louisville. In 1992 they had a commitment ceremony. They married in California in 2008, but by that time they had already adopted four beautiful children. As fathers, Randy and Paul say they encourage their kids to speak up for themselves and work toward a better world, and that’s why they joined a federal lawsuit asking Kentucky to recognize marriages performed in equality states. They are teaching by example. 5. Johno Espejo and Matthew Mansell Johno Espejo and Matthew Mansell are the third couple from Tennessee asking that their out-of-state marriage be recognized. Matthew is a conflicts analyst for an international law firm. Johno is a stay-at-home dad, raising the couple’s two adopted children. They met at San Francisco’s Embarcadero YMCA in 1995 and married in 2008 at San Francisco City Hall while Matthew was on a lunch break. The family has since moved back to California, but remain part of the lawsuit. “It’s kind of odd to think this ended up being in a case that our children may learn about in seventh and eighth grade,” Johno muses. “It’s weird to think we’ll have our name associated with this when we’re just a married couple, going about our lives.” 6. Timothy Love and Larry Ysunza Timothy Love and Larry Ysunza have been together for 35 years. They entered into a civil union in Vermont in 2000, but they have not married. Timothy says their home is in Kentucky, and when they marry, that’s where the wedding will be. But in 2013 Timothy suffered a heart problem and Larry was unable to make medical decisions for him. That episode made the

PHOTO CREDIT

1. Valeria Tanco and Sophy Jesty

PHOTO CREDIT

uesday, April 28, was high noon, the final showdown at the Supreme Court. Defendants include the states of Ohio, Michigan Kentucky, and Tennessee, who successfully argued to the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati that states have the right to regulate marriage. Plaintiffs are six married couples and one widower who want their marriages recognized, and two unmarried couples who want to wed, all of whom contend their cases were wrongly decided, because marriage is a civil right. The arguments have been filed, and hundreds of amicus briefs have been submitted. The line for seats inside the courtroom formed days in advance. Protesters on both sides painted their signs, and the religious-right has their prayers and Bible verses chosen. Press coverage is wall-to-wall. The principals—the men and women who brought the lawsuits that have led to this extraordinary moment in time— are gathered in Washington with their attorneys, sleepdeprived but ready. Everyone is optimistic one moment and worried the next, but by now—after all the battles they have already survived—they are used to the roller coaster. All have been waiting for this moment. Meet the new heroes of the marriage equality movement.

DATEBOOK

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SUN. | MAY 3

GMCLA VOICE AWARDS

The Gay Men’s Chorus of L.A.’s fourth annual celebration will include performances by Ty Herndon, Billy Gilman and Chely Wright, the very first time these three gay country artists have taken the stage together. Honorees include Amazon’s Transparent and the family of Tyler Clementi. gmcla.org

8 couple acutely aware of the barriers still standing against them in Kentucky, so they sued the state to allow them to marry. If the Supreme Court rules in their favor, they plan on an October wedding. 7. Greg Bourke and Michael DeLeon Kentucky plaintiffs Greg Bourke and Michael DeLeon have been together for more than 30 years and have raised two adopted teenagers together. They married in Canada in 2004, but Kentucky doesn’t recognize that marriage, which means that only one of them can be the legal parent of their children. Greg and Michael filed their lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of Kentucky’s gay marriage ban in 2013. “There’s no reason why we should be second-class citizens,” says Michael. “We should be at the table with everybody else.” 8. James Obergefell James Obergefell from Ohio is unique among the other plaintiffs. He is a widower. When the Supreme Court overturned DOMA, he and John Arthur, his partner of more than 20 years who was dying of ALS, chartered a private plane in order to marry in Maryland. When they returned to Ohio, they filed a lawsuit to have their marriage recognized so that the couple could be buried together in a family plot of a cemetery that allows only spouses and relatives. A District Court ruled that John, who died in Oct. 2013, could be listed as “married” on his death certificate, but Ohio appealed that ruling to the Sixth Circuit and won. If the Supreme Court upholds that appeal, Arthur’s death certificate will be amended to remove his marriage to Obergefell. 9. April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse

PHOTO CREDIT

The battle is now on, with these intrepid crusaders coming face to face with the nine Supreme Court justices who will decide their lives—and the lives of hundreds of thousands of others. We owe them our thanks for their sacrifice, and our admiration for their courage. This story initially ran on TheNewCivilRightsMovement.com

SAT. | MAY 16

AN EVENING WITH WOMEN

No Doubt and Sia will perform intimate acoustic sets—with Sarah Silverman performing standup—at this year’s event benefitting the L.A. LGBT Center, taking place at the Hollywood Palladium. Linda Perry and Brent Bolthouse are among the event’s co-chairs. aneveningwithwomen.org

TUE. | MAY 16

CALIFORNIA ROAST OF TONI ATKINS

California Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins will be the guest of honor at the 31st annual California Roast in Sacramento. The event will be emceed by Assembly Member Susan Talamantes Eggman, and roasters will include Congressman Scott Peters, former Speaker John A. Pérez and others. californiacenter.org

FRI. | MAY 22

ONE CITY ONE PRIDE ARTS FESTIVAL

Each year the city of West Hollywood celebrates Pride month through the artistic contributions of the community. This year’s festival—which runs from Harvey Milk Day through the end of June—celebrates WeHo’s 30th anniversary of cityhood with the theme “WeHo@30, Life@30.” weho.org/pride

Do Amen a Sta marr two s

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THU. | JUNE 11

WEST COAST LIBERTY AWARDS

Do Amen a Sta a mar two sam their law and ou

LGBT ally Wendi McLendon-Covey will host the annual Lambda Legal event at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel. The awards are an annual celebration of those who have made an impact on the lives of LGBTs, and this year Transparent creator and director Jill Soloway will be honored with a Liberty Award. lambdalegal.

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PHOTO CREDIT

April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse—from suburban Detroit, Michigan—are both nurses; Jayne works in the ER and April is a neonatal nurse. They have built their family by rescuing the children no one else wanted. Like Brittani and Brittni from Ohio, April and Jayne sued the state of Michigan to allow them to both adopt their three children (they’ve added a daughter since the lawsuit began) whom they are raising together. But unlike the Ohio couple, April and Jayne are not married. Their lawsuit originally was only a request to both be recognized as their children’s legal parents, but the suit was later expanded on the suggestion of Federal District Court Judge Bernard Friedman, who heard the case, to directly challenge Michigan’s marriage ban.

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MAY 13, 2015

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A Stitch Above the Rest One local shop is altering not just your slacks but your perceptions of what a tailor should be By Tom Paul Jones

ith all the emphasis that Los Angeles loves to place on style and savoir-faire, it sure is difficult to find a tailor in this town. Sure, when purchasing a new suit or blazer at Bloomies, you can almost always have it tailored there on-site, but what about in January after that Huge Boss getup you’ve had for years is now feeling a little snug in the waist and chest? That’s where STITCH—a super-modern tailoring shop recently opened here in L.A.—should come to mind. The owner of STITCH, Alexander Harden, intends for the shop to be exactly the opposite of what enters your head when you think “tailor.” The shop actually feels more like a luxe boutique than what you’ve used in the past, yet the prices remain competitive with other local options. The walls are lined with works by local artists, and a rotating pop-up boutique has clothing for sale. Harden says the idea for the shop came was born out of dissatisfaction with what MAY 13, 2015

Previous page: M16 Eagle Nebula; Clockwise from top left: M83 Southern Pinwheel Galaxy; M16 Eagle Nebula; Hubble Repairmen, STS-103, Dec. 27, 1999

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Alexander Harden was out there. “Having worked in private equity the last four years, wearing suits to work every day, I found that having them tailored at local alteration shops was unpleasant. We wanted to create a store where the physical environment was welcoming, private and modern with great customer service.“ But how does it work? Harden gives us the rundown. “No appointment is needed,” he says. “Just stop by our store, we’ll fit your items in our private dressing area, ensure you’re happy with the fitting, provide you a quote and you’ll be alerted by phone and email once the items are ready.” It couldn’t be easier than that. A master seamstress will always be on-site, ensuring STITCH has you covered, even in times of emergency. But let’s say you’re a busy guy with a little more cash to lay down. “We also offer in-home services where a tailor or seamstress will come into your home and revamp your closet,” he says. “Appointments are required for this, and we have a two-item minimum.” STITCH’s very first brick-and-mortar flagship is right in our backyard of West Hollywood. Having found such an upscale home, Harden knows he has a lot to live up to. “We recognize that our local clientele appreciate a high-quality aesthetic,” he says, perfectly pegging the fastidious nature of the throngs of gay men who will no doubt rely heavily on his company’s services. “Also, no one’s body is the same, so no off-the-rack item of clothing realistically fits perfectly.” (Did you hear that, WeHo gym bunnies? No one can simply shop off-the-rack.) “But with minor adjustments, we can transform an outfit and tailor it to your body, ensuring you look and feel your best.” Harden has grand plans for STITCH, which include bringing luxe tailoring shops to cities around the country. “Alteration shops are a neighborhood business, and few people are willing to travel far to have their pants hemmed,” he says. “STITCH is establishing itself as the go-to brand within the industry, and we’ll look to expand across Los Angeles and eventually the whole U.S. It’s time the alteration and design industry caught up with the modern world.”

Sometimes the coolest-looking watches—the kind of sharply designed pieces you might find in a museum shop, for instance— turn out to be quartz-driven throwaways. Since there’s no urgent utilitarian reason to wear a wristwatch in the age of the smartphone, the feats of engineering that are packed inside a real mechanical watch become much more meaningful. Enter Nomos, an independent watchmaker from the tiny town of Glasshutte in Germany, where watches have been made for 150 years. The company has been quietly winning hearts among serious watch aficionados since it was founded in 1990, and is known for incredible craftsmanship at reasonable prices. Their newest model, the Metro, was designed by industrial designer Marc Braun, and it manages to look at once classical and edgy. (Sea foam green dots on a silver face, and a fascinating little circular cutout that houses the colorful powergauge.) The case back is clear, so you can see the mechanics at work—the swing system and crown wheels amid rhodium p l a ti n g a n d b l u e d s c r ew s . There’s no question it’s the real deal. $3,780 at Tourneau inside South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa. —T.P.J.

Visit STITCH at 7306 Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood and online at stitchnational.com.

MAUI MEETS L.A. TRAVEL ACROSS THE PACIFIC by simply traversing West 3rd Street thanks to the recent unveiling of Mainland Poke Shop, incorporating the attitude of a Hawaiian poke stand with a modern SoCal eatery. Industry vet Ari Kahan has tapped Chef Kayson Chong (BOA, Rockenwagner) to lead the kitchen, which elevates the healthy dish to our city’s sometimes high-maintenance standards. Offering customizable bowls built on fresh, high-quality ingredients, daily fish selections will include ahi, salmon, albacore, tofu and a rotating option, with toppings ranging from avocado and maui onions to masago and green onion. “Whenever I would travel to Hawaii, I would eat poke made from fish just caught that day, cut from the best pieces of the tuna. It was perfect,” says Kahan. “At Mainland Poke Shop, We’ve created a product on par with some of the city’s top sushi restaurants.” 18

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MAY 13, 2015

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Nectar of the Gods Famed L.A. eatery Eveleigh unveils a brand-new bar book offering up 50 specially crafted cocktails By Stephan Horbelt

or over four years, Eveleigh has been a place for Angelenos to shirk the confines of the city and indulge in farm-fresh, delicious eats and amazing aperitifs. Long known for having one of L.A.’s best outdoor patios, the restaurant is soon to be known for something else entirely—a brand-new cocktail book that collects over 50 specialized drinks, showcasing Eveleigh’s favorites from past and present, along with recipes from bartenders city-wide. It’s a veritable treasure trove for the local imbibing enthusiast, and new head barman Garrett Mikell is ready to sate your tastebuds when you’re in need of a cocktail. As a local eatery, Eveleigh is uniquely L.A. “You can sit 100 feet away from Sunset Boulevard in a restored farmhouse from 1928 and be transported,” says Jeremy Adler, the restaurant’s General Manager. “We want you to walk in, knowing you are in West Hollywood, and within a few minutes have that all fade away.” As far as what inspired the creation of such a robust new cocktail book, Adler says, “We just wanted to shine a light on our friends who are bartenders that inspire us, classic texts that we use for inspiration and drinks that we’ve come up with ourselves. The experience you have at our bar often times is that of a conversation—what is your spirit of choice, light and refreshing or alcohol-forward—and we just wanted to bring a piece of that to the dining room.”

Lavender Spritz By Kiowa Bryan of Eveleigh 1 oz Aviation Gin 1 oz Cocchi Americano 1/2 oz lemon juice 1/2 oz simple syrup 1 dash lavender bitters Barspoon yellow chartreuse 20

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DRINKS ON UNCLE SAM 3 new local bars perfect for unloading your tax return WE KNOW IT’S BURNING A HOLE IN YOUR POCKET. Where are you going to spend that chunk of change that Uncle Sam gave back to you as this year’s tax refund? Someone wise once said, Don’t spend money on things; spend it on experiences. What better experience could there be than a fun night out (or three, depending on the size of that check) at one of these local bars? So go on—get gussied up and help stimulate the economy, one fruity cocktail at a time. —S.H. BREAK ROOM ‘86 We’re pretty sure that nowhere else in Los Angeles will you enter a bar through an old-school vending machine, which is only one of the reasons why this new hotspot— opened a month ago inside Koreatown’s still-super-hip Line Hotel—is perfect for your hard-earned coins. Also of note: stacked vintage TVs, framed vinyl, neon signage, retro arcade games, four karaoke rooms and—perhaps the bar’s biggest draw—wine coolers. 630 S. Ardmore Ave., Koreatown, breakroom86.com PRECINCT It’s been nearly a year in the making, but Precinct—DTLA’s first large-scale gay bar—is finally ready to open its doors and launch a new era of LGBT nightlife. On Saturday, May 2, gays the city over will be barrelling Downtown for opening night, already planned to include DJ sets by Chris Bowen and Victor Rodriguez and hosted by the likes of the Boulet Brothers and San Francisco’s own Lady Bear. You can also expect the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, who will reportedly be in full force to bless the bar. 357 S. Broadway, DTLA. precinctdtla.com TOCA MADERA As if we needed more proof that West 3rd Street is where it’s at, April saw the opening of this Mexican cantina offering up flaming cocktails that are sure to be a hit among the city’s flaming gays. In addition to the 151-soaked sugar skull that’ll be ablaze in your drink, there’s also a wall that shoots fire, so watch your back. When you get the munchies, keep with the fire theme and try the Wagyu steak—seared tableside with habañero salt and veggies—which is nicely paired with one of over 100 tequilas. 8450 W. 3rd St., L.A., tocamadera.com

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TRAVEL

Gay Disney Smack Down CASE

SOLVED

This just-released sleek Matte Leather Travel Case from Jack Spade is the perfect size for two days away. It’s got pockets, and even a shoe pouch, in a shape that says high-profile business trip rather than sloppy road trip. The leather is meant to scuff, becoming a document of miles traveled and experience earned. $598, 1132 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice. jackspade.com

Orlando’s Gay Days vs. One Magical Weekend: The Mouse Eared circuit parties face off By Rufus Ashmount As if Tinker Bell and Pixie Dust weren’t gay enough (we’re referring to Disney stuff not any drag queens), Orlando hosts two annual events that together welcome over 150,000 LGBT visitors the first week of June. Gay Days Orlando came first—25 years ago—and has swollen to take up thewhole week. The challenger is One Magical Weekend—at fifteen years old it’s another heavyweight among massive gay get-togethers. Gay Days starts June 2 with the official Kick Off Party at the Artegon Marketplace and carries on throughout various theme parks, where you’re encouraged to wear their signature red t-shirt. But more to the point for those less obsessed with showing off their Minnie Mouse pin collection, the event sports 30 DJ’s at numerous pool parties over 5-days (including two of our local favorites, DJ ChiChi Larue and Dj Derek Monterio), one of the largest gay expos anywhere (complete with a Submissive Leather Dungeon & Demo Center), comedy shows, and drag shows. There’s even the

Miss Gay Days Pageant where contestants will be vying for the crown on the Friday night. Pool parties at the official host hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, run every day from noon to 3 a.m. The place is set among 28 lush acres and offers three different pools. The Main Lagoon Pool, the center of all things gay, opens first on Wednesday. Come Thursday, you also have the choice of the Latin themed Carnivale Pool, or the Lakes Pool where you will find the Bears playing, starting with “Hunny Pot Thursday” at noon. Think of it as a Winnie The Pooh meets Critter Country. Pool parties are free to hotel guests who booked through GayDays.com, but tickets to each party can be bought separately if not staying at the hotel. The girls have their own Girls in Wonderland Pool Party on Friday and Saturday at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort Other highlights include the Taste of Gay Days on Thursday night, the Friday night Mighty Mouse MAY 13, 2015

TRAVEL

IN SEARCH OF THE

WORLD’S

BEST

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ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA

(Above) Moving the crowd at One Magical Moment at the B Resort and Spa (Below) Orlando Pride

RAIN CHECK If you can’t make it in June, Orlando Pride is a week long festival kicking off October 1

HOMO HANGOUTS Trust us you won’t have the time, or the need, but just so you know Orlando’s most popular gay bars are Parliament House, Pulse, Savoy and Revolution Nightclub.

Porn Party hosted by Rocco Steele and Trenton, and the Girls in Wonderland at the House of Blues on Saturday. There’s also Transpire, a series of forums for trans men, trans women, non-binary individuals, friends and families. Week long Platinum Passes and individual event tickets are available online. Some compare One Magical Weekend with a cruise vacation, since you stay at a host hotel and then make very specific trips outside. The three days of fun start Friday June 5 at the B Resort & Spa with 9 events, 16 DJs and its own Gay Expo. Its Therapy Pool Parties run everday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Their signature event is Friday night’s Riptide, at the Disney Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, which is closed to the public. There are waterslides, a wave pool, 42 bars and 6,000 boys in Speedos with music wby DJs PhilB and Joe Gauthreaux. After Riptide, head back to B Resort for the Cadabra Afterhours Party starting at 2a.m., the only afterhours to be held on any property at Walt Disney World. Saturday night it’s RED Version 1: Unmasked at Epcot with superstar DJ Paulo. We’re hoping this will mark a whole new level of the Circuit world that will forever be remembered as the event

that changed it all. RED will feature anything but the ordinary visuals to toy with all of your senses throughout the night including mind blowing light shows, video walls, lasers, go-go boys and production numbers. Red is the theme, but don’t wear a costume, as they are not allowed in any Disney park or resort. Back for its 4th year, Drink Around the World and E-Tea at Epcot begin sat 2 p.m. on Sunday. After a weekend packed full of dance parties, this is your chance to kick-back with friends and do some globally themed day drinking at a dozen locations in Epcot’s World Showcase. One Magical Weekend hosts and hostesses will be in France, Italy, United Kingdom and Mexico to greet you and your friends. At 5 p.m., it’s a Tea Dance and then back to to another Cadabra Afterhours Party Which to choose? Maybe to be a superhuman Circuit-beast and do both? Gay Days Orlando 25th anniversary. June 2-8. Host hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld. www.gaydays.com One Magical Weekend 15th anniversary. June 5-8. Host hotel B Resort & Spa. www.onemagicalweekend.com

IS BIGGER BETTER? SOUTHWEST AIRLINES MADE REGULAR FLYERS VERY HAPPY with the recent announcement that its new 737 airplanes would boast a little extra room for your butt. Come mid-2016, bottom seat cushions would stretch from 17.3 to 17.8 inches—a half-inch wider than before. But will Southwest’s new seats transform the flying experience for passengers? All signs point to no. Sure, an extra half-inch of space for your well-worked-out backside is appreciated, but we wouldn’t exactly call that a game-changer. And as some travel bloggers have discovered since the airline’s big announcement, they’re actually making up for that extra butt-room in another (kinda important) way—thinner armrests. Which means while you may have more room down below, you can plan on getting super-friendly with your airplane neighbors. —Stephan Horbelt

AUSTIN Recently expanded into several cities throughout Texas, the Alamo is of course great for its indie film selection and stateof-the-art surround sound, but it’s even better thanks to the microbrews and Tex-Mex eats delivered right to your seat. drafthouse.com

CINE THISIO

ATHENS Sure, L.A. does outdoor film screenings well, but this open-air theater comes with striking nighttime views of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. It’s open from April to October, prime months for visiting the Mediterranean. cine-thisio.gr

NOKIA ULTRA SCREEN

BANGKOK The seats in this technologically advanced cinema are motorized to recline, but that’s just an added perk to the free snacks and complimentary foot massage you’ll find in the VIP lounge. bangkok.com —S.H.

Koh Samui

Vive la Fête 5 European festivals and celebrations worth traveling over the Atlantic to attend By Mikey Rox

kip any stale stateside festivals in pursuit of a more continental joie de vivre this spring and summer as you take festival-going international with these mostly under-the-radar European celebrations.

FIERTÉ OURS BEAR PRIDE May 13-17 Bears jump out of hibernation for this stocky festival in the City of Lights. Events include parties, dinners, brunches and drinks at establishments throughout Paris, culminating in the pièce de résistance—the crowing of Monsieur Ours, also known as “Mr. Bear.” Cubs and their admirers are welcome and invited. Take Our Advice: Book your hotel room near Le Bear’s Den, the low-key Parisian bear bar where many of the festival’s events take place.

PINKPOP June 12-14 Held in Landgraff, Netherlands, it’s the largest and longest-running international pop and rock music festival—three days of memorable performances by some of the world’s most talented artists. This year’s lineup, split between three stages, includes renowned musicians Robbie Williams, Muse, Foo Fighters, Avicii, Sam Smith, Pharrell Williams and OneRepublic, among more than 40 other acts. Take Our Advice: The weather in the Netherlands hovers around the 60s (F) in June, so prepare accordingly. Best opt for layers, since you’ll be crammed together with more than 60,000 people.

IL PALIO July 2 & Aug. 16 Two Italian horse races that are deeply religious in their roots, Palio di Siena draws throngs to honor Madonna of Provenzano and the Assumption of Mardy—and to watch jockeys get thrown from their steeds. The main event, which circles the Piazza del Campo and lasts no more than 90 seconds,

often ends in unmounted horses crossing the finishing line due to treacherous turns on the track. Even non-Catholics can appreciate the humor in that. Take Our Advice: You can watch the race from il palco dei cani (the center of the piazza, called “the dogs’ stand”) for free, or you can book a seat ahead of time in the stands. Those closest to the starting and finish line cost the most.

FIESTA DE LA VIRGEN BLANCA Aug. 4-10 Celebrated for more than 130 years in Northern Spain, the event honors the patron saint of Vitoria-Gasteiz. Festivities kick off Aug. 4, but the fun officially begins at 6 p.m. on Aug. 5 with the Celedon’s descent (a doll with an umbrella) from the San Miguel Church tower. On the ground, revelers pop approximately 30,000 bottles of cava and light more than 20,000 cigars while a human Celedon delivers a speech ushering in five more days of celebration—fireworks competitions, Basque region rural sports, traditional music, dancing, bullfighting and more. Bring a raincoat and your drinkin’ pants; it’s time to get wet and wasted. Take Our Advice: If you find yourself in town early on an extended stay, don’t miss the July 25 donkey race held in anticipation of the festivities.

CARDIFF MARDI GRAS

WHAT’S BETTER THAN A CHEAP FLIGHT TO EUROPE? A Euro that’s almostequal to the dollar once you get there. Down almost 20% from one year ago, Europe’s struggling economies means more bargains and discounts for Yankees.

(Clockwise from top left) Il Palio di Siena; Pinkpop in Landgraff; Cardiff Mardis Gras; Fiesta de la Virgen Blanca

DEALS

Northern Ireland has partnered with HBO for a new Game of Thrones tourism campaign, complete with threeeyed ravens on old-fashioned wooden signs throughout the country and replica dragon eggs in fruit and veg stalls at St. George’s Market in Belfast. Check out Ireland.com for special offers on tours and chauffeur vacations. Mandarin Oriental Tokyo has announced the launch of a lavish Helicopter Flycation package, which includes a private helicopter tour of Mount Fuji aboard a Eurocopter Hermès Edition (starting at $6,450). More info at MandarinOriental.com. The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board has teamed up with Human Rights Campaign as its very first national travel partner. At 20 HRC events around the country (including a San Diego event on May 9), guests can win stays in the Mexico hot spot, including the city’s popular Vallarta Gay Bar Hopping Tour. More info at HRC.com. —S.H.

ROOM WITH A VIEW There’s no better view of the Sydney Opera House and worldfamous harbour than from suite 356 at the Park Hyatt Sydney. Right on the water at the base of Harbour Bridge (fondly referred to as The Coathanger), the hotel is known for its open floor plans, amazing views and private balconies. —T.P.J.

Aug. 15 If EuroPride (June 15-21) is too over-the-top for your taste, consider the more conservatively sized Cardiff Mardi Gras (Aug. 15). The Welsh Pride Parade, featuring an zany cast of colorful characters, sets the series of events in motion, which include musical performances on a mainstage, a cabaret garden with a Gaydar Silent Disco, funfair rides, a cultural market with arts and crafts and lots of food, boys and drinking. Take Our Advice: Can’t make it out to Wales for Cardiff Mardi Gras this year? The city is hoping to snag the honor of hosting World Pride in 2018. MAY 13, 2015

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health FOR YOUR

Think Before You Vape Going smokeless may be trendy, but as these 5 dangers of e-cigarettes show, that doesn’t make it healthy By Mikey Rox

ccording to a recent study by the American Cancer Society, the LGBT community smokes at a rate 50-200% higher than the general public. That’s a whole lotta butts. Thanks to the growing popularity of electronic cigarettes, though, more and more LGBTs are kicking the habit in favor of vaping. While this new trend may seem like the perfect alternative to inhaling red-hot carcinogens, vaping has a dark side all its own. To make a more informed decision about your health, consider the dangers of e-cigarettes and kick the stick altogether. 1. There’s no regulating body that creates standards for e-cigarettes. The FDA regulates tobacco products in the United States, but unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes aren’t yet federally regulated. “There are about 250 brands of e-cigarettes with no control over quality,” says Dr. Wael Al-Delaimy, professor and chief of the Division of Global Health in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at UC San Diego. While a rule proposed last year by the FDA is under consideration, reformed smokers are vaping at their own risk—and the sordid history of smoking has already proved that nothing is what it seems on the surface.

2. You’re still a slave to nicotine. Most converts want to quit smoking—or at least stop pumping their bodies full of harmful chemicals—and vaping seems like the perfect solution. There’s no tobacco in an e-cigarette, which means no smoke, but nicotine—the stuff that keeps you hooked—is a common additive in liquid form. Some e-cigarettes

contain levels comparable to tobacco products. So if you’re trying to ween yourself off nicotine altogether, your efforts are futile. 3. There are still no restrictions on e-cigarette advertising. Non-existent advertising restrictions on e-cigarettes means producers can say just about anything they want about their products—and you can bet they’re not blabbing about the bad stuff. 4. E-cigarettes still contain cancercausing ingredients. You might assume that because e-cigarettes don’t produce a heat-induced smoke but rather a vapor— hence the term “vaping”—there are no carcinogens in the mist. But according to The New York Times, some “get so hot that they, too, can produce a

handful of the carcinogens found in cigarettes and at similar levels.” The number of carcinogens in e-cigarettes pale in comparison to the 60 or so associated with traditional cigarettes, but all that means is that you’ve chosen the lesser of two evils. “We still don’t know enough about their long-term risks or the effects of secondhand exposure,” says Dr. M. Brad Drummond, assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 5. You looked stupid smoking cigarettes, and you still look stupid vaping. If the health dangers of e-cigarettes don’t faze you, perhaps the fear of looking silly will. Let’s be honest—at least smoking an actual cigarette looked cool at one point in time. Smoking a fake cigarette? Nobody’s fawning over that. MAY 13, 2015

FOR YOUR

health SEX ED

By Jim Larkins

Boxers or Briefs?

It turns out underwear isn’t just a fashion choice, with the safety of your family jewels on the line

THE DANGER OF TOO MUCH SUPPORT Although chronic testicular pain or “achy ball syndrome” can be the result of a number of medical maladies, more often than not it’s simply due to squeezing too much manhood into too little fabric. Simply put, donning a pair of tight underwear can leave you with a pair of seriously pain-stricken nads. Yet another great reason not to pack your boys too tight is possibly restricting the flow

FITNESS

85% of men say underwear fit is more important than style

65% of men wear different underwear for sports activities than for day wear

53%

of men say they’ve gone commando because underwear is too uncomfortable

of lymphatic tissue in the testicles, which in turn can impede the area’s removal of wastes and toxins. The effect could lead to a higher chance of acquiring testicular cancer as well. While you don’t have to give up on tighty whities altogether, not everyone has the physiology of brief-endorsing Adonises like David Beckham. If your own girth begins to stretch the elastic band so that it distorts that Fruit of the Loom moniker to an illegible blur, it might be a good idea to either move up a size or two or go the route of boxer shorts. BRIEFS AREN’T ALL BAD There are certain activities that warrant particular choices in undergarments. When pumping iron at the gym, it’s a good idea to leave your boxers at home and don a pair of reasonably fitting—but, again, not too tight—underwear. Likewise, marathon runners sometimes wear briefs to avoid longterm jostling of the family jewels. Perhaps a man’s best advice is to keep a supply of various underwear selections and wear them according to specific needs. When it comes to briefs, there probably isn’t a great deal of risk as long as you’re in tune with reality. In other words, if you start to resemble a wooly mammoth in a rubber band, it’s safe to assume you’ve jammed your genitalia into a space that is, quite literally, not fitting.

What’s the difference between lifting cables and free weights?

I keep hearing about glutamine. Why is it so important?

Weight is weight, but the resistance with lifting cables is different. Cables will create an elongating pull and tension, while free weights will give that dead lift feel. While free weights are great for putting on size, cables will assist in muscle separation and definition.

Glutamine is crucial for muscle repair. As I always say, when we workout we tear down muscle fibers, and it’s only when we rest that our body repairs itself. Glutamine expedites rapid muscle repair safely and efficiently. I suggest taking it post-workout.

—Jon, Beverly Hills

WITH AARON SAVVY

➸ Send your questions to aaronsavvy@ gmail.com

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—Dan, Long Beach

BOXERS OR BRIEFS: ELDADCARIN | DREAMSTIME.COM

f you regularly insist on enveloping your crotch in a nut-hugging pair of briefs— you know, to keep everything “tight and right”—consider yourself duped by a myth of the male species. Most of us have taken a peek at the lowhanging testicles of geriatrics in the fitness center shower room (and then shuddered). Though you may think of it as a ghastly glimpse into your own scrotal future, there actually isn’t any evidence to back up your fears. Despite the urban legend of the aging man’s junk eventually extending to the knees, the truth is that gramps has probably been dragging his southbound juevos around since puberty. It’s just genetics. But while there may be little danger of your ballsack stretching gradually over time from a lack of undergarment support, there could be a few risks associated with packing it in too tightly.

From top: Glenn Close as bunny-boiler Alex Forrest in 1987’s Fatal Attraction, Andrew Cunanan, John Wayne Gacy, Aileen Wuornos

Off the Couch

By Dr. Greg Cason

Killer Queens

Gay psychopaths are on the loose, and it turns out they’re everywhere. Here’s a primer on how to spot them and how to escape from their clutches unscathed

BOXERS OR BRIEFS: ELDADCARIN | DREAMSTIME.COM

sychopaths walk among us. At bars, on Scruff, in AA meetings, lounging by your pool. Invisible monsters hidden in plain sight. You already know them—they have good looks, magnetic personalities, charming demeanors and sexual chemistry—and they are everywhere. But if you get too close, you may also know the pain of callous heartbreak, empty bank accounts, bruises covering your body and personal shame. Some famous gay psychopaths include Gianni Versace assassin Andrew Cunanan, killer clown John Wayne Gacy and Milwaukee cannibal Jeffrey Dahmer, but most aren’t killers in the literal sense, though they are destructive. The newest such candidate may be porn actor Jarec Wentworth, who is currently facing prison time for allegedly extorting $500,000 and a car from a “client.” Not to be mixed up with “psychotic,” meaning

someone who is out of touch with reality, psychopaths are a distinct breed of human who are in touch with reality and know right from wrong but choose to do bad things anyway. They just don’t care. DIAGNOSING PSYCHOPATHY Little is written about the world of gay psychopaths, but world-renowned expert Robert D. Hare, Ph.D., who wrote Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of Psychopaths Among Us, can give us a few clues on what to look for. Sometimes called a sociopath or someone with antisocial personality disorder, a psychopath is known for his striking lack of conscience, and his game is self-gratification at your expense. Dr. Hare divides symptoms of psychopathy into two major areas. First are emotional and interpersonal symptoms. Maybe he’s glib and superficial, egocentric

and grandiose, has a lack of remorse or guilt, a lack of empathy or is deceitful and manipulative. The second is social deviance. Is he impulsive or reactive to personal insults? Does he refuse to take responsibility for his actions or display antisocial behavior (stealing, destroying property, hurting and controlling people)? Now, before you go diagnosing your frenemies, realize that a pure psychopath is like a magician who can cloak his evil intentions to admirers so he can rob them blind. Victims will only realize what hit them after the fact. Besides, you need to be a qualified expert to make a diagnosis, and even they are sometimes fooled. PSYCHOPATHIC SHADES OF GREY Most people have maybe one or two of those above traits, but what if someone you know appears to have more but not all of them? Ronald Schouten and James Silver refer to those men as “almost psychopaths.” Though 1% of the population qualifies as a psychopath, these scientists estimate 15% are “almost psychopaths.” These people aren’t quite as rotten, nor are they as well-behaved and emotionally grounded as everyone else. Still, they will leave a bad taste in your mouth. The “almost psychopath” may not end up in prison, but he can manipulate you to pay his rent, take him out to lavish dinners and buy him expensive gifts. Don’t worry, though—he’ll repay all loans (no he won’t) and pick up dinner next time (dream on). Unfortunately, he’s often good in bed. Psychopaths (and most “almost psychopaths”) have an uncanny ability to find out what you need emotionally and give it to you. They will recognize your hangups and self-doubts and turn them to their advantage. Victims end up abused before they are left emotionally, physically and financially drained. How do you spot one? You probably can’t. Sure, certain professions—the drug trade, sex industry and nightclub scene—might have a higher number of psychopaths, but don’t fool yourself, they’re everywhere. When the symptoms of psychopathy are finally recognized, many love-hungry guys disregard or even admire them. The psychopath’s lack of fear, extreme self-centeredness and refusal to follow rules is sometimes seen as an expression of manliness and virility. YOU LOVE A PSYCHOPATH, NOW WHAT? If you confront a psychopath about his behavior, you’re going to be met with denial and defensiveness, and he’ll probably turn the blame on you. If he’s an “almost psychopath,” there may be some hope of salvaging things, providing he’s willing to accept responsibility and show real change. If there is abuse of any kind (physical, emotional or financial), you need to get out immediately or it will only get worse. But be prepared—a psychopath can even convince everyone around you that he was the real victim and that you abused him. Most importantly, don’t blame yourself. Just get out while you can, and seek professional help—not because there’s something wrong with you but because you’ll need a voice of sanity to support and guide you through. There is no satisfying way out, and the longer you wait, the more he will take until there’s nothing left but your trampled heart and wallet. Contact Dr. Greg Cason by going to DrGreg.com, or interact with him on Twitter @DrGregCason MAY 13, 2015

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events

nightlife

theater

exhibits

■ Fri. | May 1 CUB SCOUT Eagle L.A.

■ Thu. | Apr. 30 BEERS & QUEERS Angel City Brewery

The Outfest Emerging Leaders Council presents a free screening of Heathers with special guest Daniel Waters, the film’s screenwriter. There will be a Q&A after the screening, as well as door prizes, beer and food trucks. RSVP at bit.ly/ BeersAndQueers2015

The packed East Side party heads back to the supercontinent for a triassic throwdown, where revelers are invited to experience the darker side of paradise. DJs Chris Bowen and Victor Rodriguez provide the soundtrack, while San Francisco den mother Lady Bear hosts. eaglela.org ■ Fri. | May 1 SEE JANE SING! Wallis Annenberg Center

Singer, actress and comedian Jane Lynch brings her comic skills and musical prowess to the stage for a sidesplitting evening of musical comedy and more than a dash of wit as she explores her love of the American showtune. Through May 2. thewallis.org

■ Thu. | Apr. 30 DANCE CAMERA WEST Throughout L.A.

Celebrating dance through film and live performance with more than 35 film screenings, this 14th annual festival showcases modern, post-modern, tap, ballet and more. Through May 5. dancecamerawest.org ■ Thu. | Apr. 30 LIGHT SENSITIVE Moth Theatre Company

■ Fri. | May 1 NHM FIRST FRIDAYS Natural History Museum

The most dangerous cab driver in New York City is reclusive and embittered after an accident left him blinded. When a volunteer arrives to take care of him, an epic battle of wills and wits ensues. Through May 31. moththeatre.com

The local scientific community shares its passion for adventure and inquiry at the Natural History Museum. This month’s installment features Sandra Tsing Loh, host of The Loh Down on Science; Mexican rock band Kinky; and KCRW resident DJ Raul Campos. nhm.org

■ Thu. | Apr. 30 VERTIGO LIVE Segerstrom Concert Hall

Pacific Symphony Pops will reinvigorate the memorable score of Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece by performing the soundtrack live while the colorfully enhanced 1958 film plays on the big screen. The orchestra will be led by conductor Richard Kaufman. Through May 2. pacificsymphony.org

■ Sat. | May 2 PERICLES, PRINCE OF TYRE Independent Studio

This Shakespeare adaptation includes shipwrecks, pirates, a king who uses the skulls of his victims as interior design, an abandoned baby and a knight in rusted armor fighting for love—one of the Bard’s strangest plays. Through May 24. iscla.org

Fight Club

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year with the masked wrestlers and sexy burlesque of Lucha VaVOOM By Mike Ciriaco

We do fewer matches in order to accomere in the States, Cinco de Mayo is modate the awe-inspiring Aztec dancers, often mistaken for Mexico’s version folkloricos, mariachis and whatever culturof July 4th, but the holiday actually ally significant or crazy thing we can add to commemorates the Battle of Puebla, where the joyous mayhem. We’ll still feature tons 4,000 Mexican soldiers successfully fended of beefcake luchadors, everyone’s favorite off twice as many French invaders in 1862. It hula hooper Karis Wilde and, sadly, it will be was the last attempt of any European military Cassandro’s last appearance of 2015 before force to attack the Western Hemisphere. This he takes time off for surgery.” May, Lucha VaVOOM honors the occasion For those uninitiated into the luchador with a different type of battle—Psychedelic scene, Cassandro has been described as the Cinco at the Mayan Theater. Taking place “Daredevil Liberace of Lucha Libre,” and the May 4 and 5, the variety show will not only flamboyant 45-year-old Lightweight World feature a signature fusion of masked wresChampion is the very first exótico—or drag tling and burlesque but will also incorporate a luchador—in history to hold that title. Over slew of additional Mexican cultural elements. the years, his costumes have included a pas“We’re very proud to present a sampling tiche of Playboy Bunny attire, a sultry black of some of the wonderful things Mexico has widow spider and a towering feathered headbrought to the world,” says Rita D’Albert, dress that would make Lady Gaga gag in envy. co-founder and producer of Lucha VaVOOM. “If you haven’t seen Cassandro in action, “Lucha Libre, Aztec dancers, tequila, this is your last chance for quite a while,” folkloricos, mariachis, Cumbia, low riders, says D’Albert. tamales. It’s mayhem, it’s noisy, raucous, C a s s a n d r o’s v i b r a n t p e r s o n a li t y crazy, sexy and brilliant—all of our favorite meshes well with May’s psychedelic things about Mexico.” theme. According to D’Albert, the Lucha VaVOOM centers around show’s trippy aesthetic is as much the Mexican sport of Lucha Libre, LUCHA a nod to the event’s Mexican where masked professional wresVAVOOM patriotism as the luchadors and tlers compete using a combinaMayan Theater tequila. “Mexican pop culture tion of holds, maneuvers, aerial May 4 & 5 really embraced the psychedelic feats and a heavy dose of comluchavavoom.com movement of the ‘60s,” she says. edy. But only at these events is “We’re very inspired by films like their eye-widening athletic combat Los Sicodelicas—a cool ‘60s movie juxtaposed with a series of burlesque about four gorgeous go-go gals that acts incorporating the art of striptease, play in bands and pull heists—and the crazy, as well as the occasional hula hoop and hallucinogenic Lucha Libre movies of the pogo stick. same era.” “Our Cinco Spectaculars are a differWhile Cinco de Mayo may not be the ent setup [than Lucha VaVOOM’s other L.A. Mexican day of independence many think it dates]—no seats, just a big ol’ celebration,” to be, consider Lucha VaVOOM’s Psychedelic says D’Albert. “Everyone is free to watch from Cinco as the perfect way to free your mind. any section of the glorious Mayan Theatre. MAY 13, 2015

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MAY 13, 2015

■ ■ ■ ■

continued ■ Sat. | May 2 INCOGNITO Santa Monica Museum of Art

This event, dubbed “The Art World Up for Grabs,” is a one-night-only opportunity to choose from more than 700 works of art by emerging and renowned contemporary artists—each up for grabs at only $375 each. smmoa.org ■ Sat. | May 2 BACKYARD BOOM BOOM The Legendary Park Plaza

Break in your L.A. summer with a day of dancing from sunlight to moonlight as Goldenvoice, A Club Called Rhonda and Crew Love team up for this backyard explosion. DJ sets by Soul Clap, Wolf + Lamb, Nick Monaco and more. ticketfly.org

the newly restored Hollyhock House. Open to all, no experience or formal dress is required. There will be food trucks on-site, or guests can bring their own picnic. barnsdall.org ■ Tue. | May 5 LE POT DE CONFITURE Théâtre Raymond Kabba

Le Collectif Zonzons perform this contemporary interpretation of the classic puppet play, which features the mischievous French character of Guignol de Lyon, who devours his master’s jam supply whenever he can. theatreraymondkabbaz.com

Animal House, May 9 John Landis’ frat comedy features the late, great John Belushi, as well as Kevin Bacon in tighty-whities receiving six degrees of paddling. Thank you, sir, may we have another? Mulholland Drive, May 16 The film that made Naomi Watts a household name showcases Hollywood through the twisted lens of David Lynch.

CINESPIA SCREENINGS Hollywood Forever Cemetery Throughout May cinespia.org

Vertigo, May 30 End the season with Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece, in which Jimmy Stewart plays an acrophobic cop who becomes obsessed with a possessed woman.

SNAP SHOTS

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CINESPIA COMBINES L.A.’S BEST two attributes—its respect for film, and pleasant weather. This summer, Cinespia, the city’s premier movie screening organization, returns to Hollywood Forever Cemetery for a new season of cinematic gems, watched by groups of friends lounging under the stars. If there’s a better way to enjoy a flick, we don’t know it. —M.C.

Dazed and Confused, May 24 Spend Memorial Day weekend watching a slew of Hollywood favorites—Parker Posey, Milla Jovovich, Matthew McCounaughey, Ben Affleck—before they’d made it big. Alright, alright, alright.

This spring fundraiser is an afternoon of competitive games on the lush lawn of

We preview Cinespia’s 14th summer of outdoor movies in L.A

Close Encounters of the Third Kind, May 23 This Oscar-winning sci-fi classic by Steven Speilberg posits what would happen if aliens made contact with ordinary people.

■ Sun. | May 3 CHAMPAGNE & CROQUET Hollyhock House

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A Summer of Film Love

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CONFESSION SATURDAYS | THE ABBEY | Photos by Rolling-Blackouts

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CUB SCOUT | EAGLE L.A. | Photos by Rolling-Blackouts

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From top: Jake Simpson, Loretta Devine, Florence Henderson

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

APLA’s star-studded annual event S.T.A.G.E. packs in the talent while raising money for HIV/AIDS

whom worked in the entermerica’s performance tainment industry. community has long “They called upon been polarized, pritheir many friends and marily because of geograacquaintances from musiphy. In New York, Broadway cal theater and, in the true babies belt out live show stoHollywood tradition, ‘put on pers eight performances per a show,’” says Scott Barton, week, while here on the other longtime collaborator with side of the country, screen S.T.A.G.E. “Admission was actors flex their craft in $10 or whatever anyone front of the camera, take could afford, along after take. On May with canned food 9, both worlds will items. Thirtyband together one years later, to f i g h t H I V S.T.A.G.E. we’re still at Saban Theater with the return May 9 it, and David of AIDS Project stagela.com Galligan has Lo s A n ge le s’ directed each annual Southand every one.” land Theatre ArtOver the last ists Goodwill Event. 31 years, Galligan has P r e s e n te d i n s i d e worked with over 300 proBeverly Hills’ Saban Theater, fessional actors and has this year’s event, dubbed “To raised a whopping $5 million Broadway, from Hollywood… for APLA. This year’s prowith Love,” features a series duction is expected to once of Broadway numbers that again fill the house, this time originated in Hollywood with musical numbers rangfilm, sung by a troupe of ing from classics like “Singin’ stage and screen stars that in the Rain” to a medley of will include Loretta Devine, James Bond theme songs. Jake Simpson, Lisa Vroman Barton is most excited to and Sally Struthers. hear a certain TV mom, who S.T.A .G.E. originated is set to honor a fallen comin 1984, when the AIDS rade. “I’m especially excited epidemic was still an to see Florence Henderson unnamed, enigmatic death return with a number she did sentence ravaging the LGBT a few years ago that was chocommunity. SoCal activists reographed by Dan Mojica, Michael Kearns and James who passed away earlier this Carroll Pickett teamed up year,” he says. “It’s going to with director David Galligan be a wonderful tribute to and producer Susan Obrow Dan and his lasting memory to create a fundraiser benamong all of us.” —M.C. efiting those dying, many of MAY 13, 2015

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FULL FRONTAL DISCO | AKBAR | Photos by Rolling-Blackouts

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■ Thu. | May 7 BILL GRAHAM AND THE ROCK & ROLL REVOLUTION Skirball Cultural Center

In this first comprehensive retrospective about the life and career of legendary rock impresario Bill Graham, the audience learns about one of rock’s most historic concert promoters and managers, having worked with Led Zeppelin, the Stones and more. Through Oct. 11. skirball.org

■ Fri. | May 8 FRESH FRIDAYS Greystone Manor

Jeffrey Sanker’s weekly party offers up a packed crowd, killer music and a fresh vibe to the L.A. nightlife scene. Expect world-famous DJs and a sexy group of gays dancing the night away. Free until 10:30 p.m., or until 11 with a Fresh Card. jeffreysanker.com ■ Sat. | May 9 ECHO PARK CRAFT FAIR Mack Sennett Studios

With 70 artists selling everything— jewelry, clothing, ceramics, fresh flowers and even cold-pressed organic juices—this popular biannual event showcases and nurtures the artists on L.A.’s East Side. Through May 10. echoparkcraftfair.com ■ Sat. | May 9 THE ELLIOTS Fremont Centre Theatre

■ Thu. | May 7 SCI-FEST LA Acme Theatre

This science fiction one-act play festival—the first of its kind worldwide—returns for a second year with works by Neil Gaiman and Clive Barker. The festival offers two rotating evenings of new, visually compelling 15-minute plays, with an extensive list of screenings. Through May 31. sci-fest.com ■ Thu. | May 7 THE SINGING POSTERS Skirball Cultural Center

This installation, referred to as a “poetry sound collage sculpture book,” is artist Allen Ruppersberg’s homage to poet Allen Ginsberg’s famous poem Howl, which turns 60 this month. By examining the seminal work, Ruppersberg revives the spirit of the era. Through August 23. skirball.org ■ Fri. | May 8 AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS Actors Co-op Theatre

Join fearless adventurer Phileas Fogg and his faithful manservant as they set out to win an outrageous wager by circling the globe in an unheard-of 80 days. Danger, romance, and comic surprises abound, as five actors portray 39 characters. Through June 14. actorsco-op.org 36

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Jane Austen’s final novel, published a year after her untimely death in 1817, was given the title Persuasion by her brother, but evidence indicates she intended to call it The Elliots. True love, heartbreak, forgiveness and a reunion with destiny comprise its captivating narrative arc. Through June 7. fremontcentretheatre.com ■ Sun. | May 10 SIZE Here Lounge

This Tom Whitman weekly party celebrates more than a decade of great Sunday afternoons. Expect to find a gorgeous group of guys imbibing and dancing before starting up the work week. tomwhitmanpresents.com ■ Mon. | May 11 FREE CHAMBER MUSIC St. Thomas the Apostle

Featuring L.A. Phil members alongside students from Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, the program begins with performances of El Choclo and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Mvt. 4, concluding with Mozart’s String Quintet in C Minor. laphil.com

MAY 13, 2015

PROMOTION

Lights! Cameras! Action! Upon closer REVUE, it looks like drag, comedy and cabaret is what’s hot in Sonoma County

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PHOTO CREDIT TK

Casino’s Sky Bar lounge, hosted by YouTube sensation he dancers. The music. The drag. The laughs. Davey Wavey and Heatherette co-founders Richie Rich With the debut of REVUE, when people say weekend and Travis Rains, with a DJ set by Lady Bunny on Sunday night nights in Sonoma are a drag, that will be a very good thing. and a special surprise DJ on Saturday. That is, at least for this upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, For those audience members traveling up to Sonoma from when the new two-night event takes over Graton Resort & the Bay Area, specially arranged complimentary roundtrip bus Casino Events Center and converts it into the sexiest cabaret transportation will be provided from San Francisco to the club night in Northern California. casino, which is conveniently located off the 101 freeway What’s so special about REVUE, you say? Well, for in Sonoma County. starters, imagine all the glitz of Wigstock and the Tickets are available through Ticketmaster glamour of Broadway joining together on one stage, REVUE at a cost of $55 for general admission, $75 for combining music, comedy and a healthy dose of Graton Resort premier tickets and $100 for special VIP passes, drag into an evening that will redefine the meaning & Casino which include premium seating and access of a Sonoma gaycation. May 23 & 24 gratonresort to the pre- and post-event receptions. And if The talent will be a superlative mix of everything casino.com/revue that’s not enough to please your palette, then from the outrageous to the sublime, the erotic to the stay a while longer. Graton Resort & Casino exceedingly elegant. Augmenting the drag personalioffers a complete entertainment experience, featies and some familiar faces from television will be a turing table games, the latest slot machines, upscale range of talents including musicians, comedians, vocalists, and casual dining, plus a variety of other entertainment Broadway performers and surprise Grammy and Tony-winning options for visitors and locals alike. special guests. Notable performers on the bill who are sure to add special allure to this wine country weekend include drag superstars Lady Bunny and Jackie Beat, the drop-dead gorgeous Clockwise from top left: The Candis Cayne, Tony-winning actor and performing artist Levi Graton Resort & Casino, Sky Bar Lounge, Candis Cayne, Kreis, American Idol finalist Jacob Lusk, New York’s one-man Levi Kreis, Jackie Beat musical juggernaut Ryan Raftery and cabaret legend Joey Arias. More than just a gay cabaret, REVUE is a night of music, talent and occasional outrageousness, the likes of which can’t be found elsewhere in Northern California. Never before has this caliber of performers been gathered in one space in this part of the country with such high production value and in such an elegant setting. In fact, REVUE’s executive director, Duane Wells of LivingWells Lifestyle Events, has gone on record to say, “the audience can only expect only thing, and that is to expect the unexpected.” Throughout the holiday weekend, the fun doesn’t end when the curtain drops. Prior to and following the Saturday and Sunday performances, guests can take part in a pre-show VIP reception and a post-party meet-and-greet in the Graton Resort &

WEST COAST BBQ CLASSIC Queen Mary May 9 queenmary.com

EATINGOUT

The Westside Does Wagyu Right GRILL, PLEASE The West Coast BBQ Classic returns to the Queen Mary of Long Beach with finger-lickin’ eats and more

BALTAIRE: KRISTIN TEIG

ankering for ribs and pulled pork? Mosey on down to Long Beach for the city’s fourth annual West Coast BBQ Classic, hosted at the iconic Queen Mary. Grill masters from around the country will once again square off— Texas-style versus Memphis-calibre barbecue, sweet versus savory—in the hopes of lassoing that $10,000 cash prize and the title of West Coast BBQ Pitmaster Champion. Think of it as the Thunderdome of messy eats. While the event always attracts the crème de la crème of charbroiled cuisine, propane jockeys of all levels are encouraged to attend, and $2 BBQ tastings let neophytes sink their teeth into championship chicken and burgers. In addition to the BBQ, guests can chill out to live music, browse the merchant market or participate in down-home backyard games. The whole affair is very family-friendly, so keep the assless chaps at home and instead bring along your gaybies. There will be plenty for them to do at Kids Country, which features tons of G-rated fun. If all the country-fried festivities overload your city boy circuits, don’t sweat it—you’re on the Queen Mary. This maritime maiden flaunts 80,000 square feet of art deco-laden diversion. Cleanse your palate with a quick tipple at one of the ship’s signature restaurants and bars, like Sir Winston’s or Chelsea Chowder House. Catch a glimpse into Mary’s heyday on the Glory Days Tour, or give yourself a fright at the Ghosts and Legends Show. If you’re really looking to embrace your inner queen, pop into the Diana: Legacy of a Princess exhibit and tearoom. Eventually, though, you’ll want to pop off your tiara and sidle back to the main attraction to catch a performance by the kings—the Pawnshops Kings, named one of the top 10 artists you need to know by Rolling Stone. The duo boasts a soulful Americana sound sure to soothe your spirits, and will be performing alongside Riverroad, a foursome that blends country, rock, pop, R&B and jazz for a show sure to please fans of of any musical taste. And when it comes to BBQ, taste is always what matters most. —M.C.

blinis with chive crème fraîche and Ossetra alifornia cuisine might be all about the caviar, or lamb chop lollipops with romesco seasonal and farm-fresh, but someand shishito peppers. Come with a group so times you just want a big, juicy steak. you can partake of the multi-level shellfish The latest restaurant to satisfy that manly plateau, brimming with the bounty of the urge, Baltaire, has taken up residence in a sea, including chilled Maine lobster, king prime (pardon the pun) spot on San Vicente crab, shrimp and oysters all laid on beds Boulevard in Brentwood. of crushed ice. The site was a former Cheesecake Next up is the main attraction—the Factory that has since been transformed beef. Executive chef Travis Strickland is into an expansive indoor-outdoor restaunew here from Chicago Cut Steakhouse in rant and lounge. Up front is the bar, comthe heartland, so he knows his meat. Cuts plete with long countertop and leather are served tableside by an attractive armada barstools, leather club chairs arranged into of white-jacketed waitstaff. You’re crazy seating areas and even a baby grand piano not to opt for the delicate and unbelievably for live music. juicy 10-ounce A5 Japanese Wagyu—the Imbibers can partake of the rare sinhighest designation of quality gle-malt whisky collection, conferred on the breed. The as well as specialty cocktails enormous 40-ounce portercourtesy of beverage direchouse is of course another tor and sommelier David showstopper. Served boneVaughn (formerly of Osteria in and sliced for you at the Mozza). The Vieux Carré table, it could feed a platoon, is strong but smooth, with so bring reinforcements. cognac, Rittenhouse rye, N o n - c a r nivo re s a re Carpano Antica vermouth and treated to plenty of options Benedictine, while the April in as well , including wild Paris with Tito’s Vodka, strawBaltaire Alaskan halibut with shaved berry, mint, chartreuse and 11647 San Vicente Blvd., L.A. asparagus, jumbo crab and St. Germain is spring-fresh. (424) 273-1660 confit tomato; and an organic As there’s still a little chill in baltaire.com Scottish salmon in citrus the evening air, try to snag one $$$$$ beurre blanc over English of the tables by the fireplace. pea risotto. But no matter The indoor dining room what your dietary predilecis your usual combination of Atmosphere tions, you simply must save generous booths and twoClassic steakhouse meets room for sides like the decaand four-tops, while on the California casual dent mac & cheese and the outdoor terrace, tables are Standout Dishes fluffy olive oil-whipped interspersed with potted Wagyu, mac & cheese potatoes, as well as dessert. plants and trees, and there’s Drinks The signature at Baltaire another cozy lounge area Vieux Carré is a gooey bourbon croisaround a second fireplace. Hours sant bread pudding, while There’s a lot of meat to 11-11 Sun–Thu, 11– the powdered beignets are come, so it’s best to start the midnight Fri-Sat served piping hot with a trio evening on a refined note with Reservations of dipping sauces. —Eric Rosen canapés like smoked salmon Recommended

★★★★★

MAY 13, 2015

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The best in TV, film, music and more

A Supergroup Sequel With Slow Knights’ sophomore release, Del Marquis stays behind the scenes but puts his musical mastery front and center By Stephan Horbelt ou won’t find him onstage sporting those signature sideburns, highwaisted slacks and an electric guitar any longer, but Derek Gruen— who used the moniker Del Marquis for more than a decade with glam rock outfit Scissor Sisters—hasn’t exactly shrugged off the music machine. In fact, he’s become more prolific than ever. Following the indefinite hiatus announced after the Sisters’ 2012 release Magic Hour, Gruen formed a supergroup of sorts, and in 2013 Slow Knights released a debut album, Cosmos, acclaimed for its motley crew of pop vocalists and skillfull melding of pop, dance and funk genres. This month, Slow Knights is back with a follow-up, Life in a Dark World, featuring some of the same powerhouse players but with an edgier, even sexier sound. Frontiers caught up with Gruen a few days after the album’s release to chat about the slings and arrows of working with a band, the making of his fabulous new record and whether it may just be his last musical foray.

FRONTIERS: Your new album just dropped two days ago, so what have you been up to? Has it been a crazy week or just a sigh of relief? DG: I’m just doing some radio, some interviews. It’s kind of like a small pop machine. I have no plans to go on tour, so it’s really just work leading up to the release, whereas a normal band would go on tour. I steadfastly do not want to tour, so really everything is leading up to putting the record out. Beyond that, I’m just seeing what kind of life the record has. F: How do you describe the makeup of Slow Knights? I’ve seen it referred to as a band, and today I saw it referred to as a collective, which I liked. DG: I think this time around I wanted it to be a band—like, in my heart of hearts. I think of the singers as instruments. Nobody plays an instrument, but their voices really dictate where the song goes. I wanted each person to write with me as far as the lyrics go, mostly because their lives are more volatile, more interesting

A SLOW & STEADY SUMMER

Working on compiling that poolside playlist? Here are a few songs that say ‘summer’ to Del Marquis “Tribe” Theophilus London “This is such a hot track. When I heard it I thought it would do really well, but even with the major label behind it and Kanye West ’s association , it didn’t, to my shock.”

“Break Free” Ariana Grande “It’s yesterday’s gay anthem, but I’m always late because I deny them and then they find their way into my world. You need one flaming anthem in your life, and you could do a lot worse than this one.”

“I Know You, I Live You” Chaka Khan “Anytime the song comes on, I go bananas trying to lipsynch it. I just wanna be there, I just wanna have that voice. If I had to lipsynch for my life, it would be to this song.”

“On the Regular” Shamir “He’s on XL Records out of the UK, but he’s a U.S.based kid. If I could be reborn as an artist and have fun just being cool and young and fun and not giving a shit, I’d be Shamir.”

From left: Khan, Grande, London

film EASTERN BOYS Opens May 1

*****

Opening May 1

*****

The gays will always revere David and Albert Maysles for introducing us to Edith Bouvier Beale and Little Edie in the cult classic documentary Grey Gardens. Nothing will ever match the camp squalor of those eccentrics, but Albert—who passed away last month—has left us with another individualistic portrait of a trailblazing original: the title character of Iris, the style icon Iris Apfel. And what a character she is, still going strong in her 90s and rocking a crazy quilt fashion sense that’s kept her in the ongoing conversation of the New York fashion scene. Apfel’s not as outrageous as the Beales (no one is), yet her story and colorful approach to style resonates; she’s the coolest 90-something iconoclast you’ll never be. —Dan Loughry

SAINT LAURENT Opens May 8

*****

Not a hagiography, Saint Laurent focuses mainly on the period of the late ‘60s/early ‘70s, when the world-famous designer (Gaspard Ulliel) was at the height of his fame. Director and co-writer Betrand Bonello’s biopic emphasizes mood over plot, and the film offers a lush, velvety feel rather than real emotion. There are plenty of scenes of fabulous clothes and considerable erotic frisson between Laurent and the dangerously sexy Jacques de Bascher (Louis Garrel, terrific), but too much of the film is all style and no substance. Ulliel is fantastic, but this glossy, erratic film eclipses its subject, capturing Laurent’s spirit but not his soul. —G.M.K. 42

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>> theatres

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Adult Beginners

Avengers: Age of Ultron

The Age of Adaline

Welcome to Me

It Follows

May 8

The Longest Ride

5 Flights Up

Unfriended

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PHOTO CREDIT TK

IRIS

than mine. They’re a little younger, they’re trying to prove themselves. There’s a certain chaos. So it’s like I’m mining them and their emotional drama every time they come in the studio. Really I’m behind the scenes, almost art directing the album. It’s kinda like creating my own playlist, modeled on The Gorillaz and Basement Jaxx and these albums that really go all over the place in terms of vocal characterizations and tones. F: For those who aren’t familiar, give me a rundown of the Slow Knights players. DG: Right now I have four main singers. Bridget Barkan—she’s like the Teena Marie, the female vocal, and I can get out of her faux opera, straightforward pop, R&B. There’s Mykal Kilgore, who is a god; he’s on Broadway, and he’s been touring with Postmodern Jukebox. I mean, he has a voice like Stevie Wonder; a tenor that’s super pure and super amazing. You can give him lyrics off a menu and he’ll make them sound amazing. Then I have Rod Thomas of Bright Light Bright Light. Every time I write with him or do something with him, I always want to use him in a way he would never think to use his voice—usually something dark, a little more brooding. And then Xavier Smith, who has a kind of Michael Jackson-style pop and R&B voice that fits really well with modern production. It’s a very pure voice. F: You’ve been part of two bands comprised of really talented people. What is it about the dynamic of a band that appeals to you? DG: Working in the studio a lot, you’re isolated and alone, which is great, but it’s so boring. With this project, I really wanted these people to come in and be around me so I’d bounce ideas off other people. But the chemistry between a band when they’re on tour and in a studio is different. I read so many autobiographies and biographies of bands when I was on tour [with Scissor Sisters], just because I wanted to know what was normal, because it’s completely insane and you can never be prepared for it, and every band is unique. I know that I actually was really lucky to tour with the people I did in Scissor Sisters, just by virtue of the fact that it’s a queer-friendly band. Slow Knights is really a studio band for me. You could put the most perfect person on a tour bus with me and I’d hate them. I don’t care who they are. [Laughs] These are great guys, and they’re the greatest people to get in to record, but I could not be on tour with four singers. It would absolutely do me in. It’s like, why would you ever want to be in close proximity to people day in and day out, ever, unless you’re married to them?

PHOTO CREDIT TK

This outstanding French drama sounds like the setup for a prurient sex film about male prostitution and exploited illegal immigrant hustlers, but shrewdly, writer/director Robin Campillo takes this familiar storyline and turns it into an absorbing and powerful drama. Handsome Ukrainian Marek (Kirill Emelyanov) makes an arrangement to bed French businessman Daniel (Olivier Rabourdin). Daniel gets more than he bargained for, though, and in a riveting sequence, his posh home is taken over by Marek’s gang. The film then goes off in another fascinating direction. Campillo’s voyeuristic shooting style pulls viewers in right up to Eastern Boys’ intense climactic sequence. —Gary M. Kramer

Slow Knights, from left: Xavier Smith, Bridget Barkan, Rod Thomas, Del Marquis, Mykal Kilgore

music ALABAMA SHAKES Sound & Color (ATO Records)

F: Tell me about how creating the new album compares to the first. DG: Before I even wrote Cosmos I kind of knew exactly what record I wanted to make and how I wanted it to sound. That record was really about creating a world, and with this one I just wanted to see how much better a producer I could be, sampling different genres and really veering into wherever I wanted to go. In my perfect universe, this is what I would be listening to. This time, depending on who came in, sometimes there would be no lyrics written but I’d have a song title. With one of the last tracks on the record, “Astral Bodies,” I said to Bridget, this is the title of the song, and this is what I think it’s about. I just had the backing track. So she improvised a few times, and that’s like 75% of the lyrics put together. Those are the really fun moments, and that’s why I’m in the studio with someone else. I would make sure to have moments like that where I didn’t have anything scripted and I could use the singers and push them in a direction, and once I got a toehold, I knew exactly where I wanted to go with that song. At the end of all the writing sessions, it was, how can I turn all these types of music into something that feels like a record? F: The album meshes together several different genres. How conscious of a decision is that, or is it an organic thing that just happens? DG: It was organic in that sometimes I would say, OK, I want to write a song that might sound like a song from the radio. Like, what would be a slow jam with that kind of trilling high hat sound, and how can I make it classic? But some others were really unscripted. It went in every direction, and I just allowed myself that freedom. I’m not writing a big follow-up record, and I don’t think I’m creating music that’s beholden to any style. It’s really my personal project. I just want to do what feels fun and what feels exploratory and creative. Being in [Scissor Sisters] pays that forward. I got to be in a successful band, and then this is me being an artist or an art director and making these records. F: I know you’re only two days away from the album having dropped, but what’s on the horizon? Have you even had a second to think about that yet? DG: I’ll probably just start working on something. I think I squeezed almost all my love for making music out onto this, in that music wasn’t what I originally set out to do. I originally did design, and I ended up in [Scissor Sisters], and then I said, well, if I’m in music I need to know that I’m worth more than just playing guitar and wearing tight clothes. These two records were kind of me figuring out what I can offer that’s beyond the façade of just looking good or moving. I created these two records as kind of a legacy for myself to just do something I thought was a well-thought-out, good album. Next, I have no fucking idea. I might end up going back to design. I don’t think I would do another pop album. I think that whatever I needed to say with this band—Slow Knights as a project—I’ve said it in these two records.

PHOTO CREDIT TK

>> NEW RELEASES

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What was most surprising about the blues-based rock combo Alabama PRIME CUTS: Shakes on the debut Boys & Girls—other than the force of nature that is Brittany “Don’t Wanna Howard—was how much the band made Fight” its retro signify, both emotionally and to “Future People” an ever-expanding audience. This soph“Gemini” omore effort is even more startling. Having conquered a post-rockist world with the verities—drums, guitars, bass, soul—they broaden their sound, with the help of producer Blake Mills, and set off to conquer the nonbelievers. Howard’s vocals, especially, are galvanizing here. Where she was a belting blues mama last time out, here she’s the epicenter of a cool, contemporary soul that incorporates elements of nearly everything—Otis Redding, Funkadelic, indie pop and the unbridled emotionalism of Janis Joplin, a rare commodity in a prefab pop landscape. —D.L.

BLUR

The Magic Whip (Parlophone)

*****

In some corners, Blur and Oasis were the second coming of The Beatles and the Stones. While Blur frittered away into several side projects, Oasis remained, PRIME CUTS: toiling in self-parody. But now the tables have significantly turned, and Blur have “Lonesome Street” reformed, armed with the knowledge “Ong Ong” they gained on their journeys to deliver a smart, “There Are Too sophisticated post-Britpop album. While the casual Many of Us” Blur fan might recognize snatches of “Song 2,” the cheery pop escapism of the Great Escape era is nowhere to be found. That’s not to say that The Magic Whip isn’t a whimsical ride, though—it is. Eclectic arrangements and excellent musicianship house barely there songs that eventually sink under your skin. It may not be enough to bring Blur back to the band’s dizzy chart heights, but it’s certainly miles better than anything the Gallagher brothers have done recently. —Dominik Rothbard

MY MORNING JACKET The Waterfall (Capitol Records)

*****

Life in a Dark World is available everywhere now.

music

*****

As much as I’ve enjoyed the jam rock of Kentucky’s My Morning Jacket, I’ve always found their music unformed. PRIME CUTS: That’s the problem with jams—they go on, losing power in the process. “Thin Line” Additionally, there’s an amorphous “Compound Fracture” underlying spirituality to their work “In Its Infancy (which was addressed more explicitly on frontman (The Waterfall) Jim James’ lovely Regions of Light and Sound of God)—a hippie-dippy throwback to the ‘60s that felt at odds with their songs. None of that has changed, though album seven is more focused than 2011’s Circuital. The tunes that stretch out—the title tune, “Spring (Among the Living)”—do so succinctly. And James’ soulful tenor/falsetto is gaining emotional shading as the years go by. —D.L.

MAY 13, 2015

By Nathaniel Grey

GRACE AND FRANKIE Premieres May 8 on Netflix

Best Frenemies For Life

stage

THE POWER OF DUFF

WORDS BY IRA GERSHWIN

*****

Geffen Playhouse Through May 17

In spite of pulling in a host of hot-button issues (depression, autism, contemporary parenting, the corruption of our prison system), playwright S t e p h e n B e l b e r ’s busy, preachy play about the proper place of religion in public life never takes flight in this West Coast premiere. Following his father’s funeral, newscaster and regular guy Charlie Duff (a well-cast Josh Stamberg) starts to sign off his nightly newscasts with a prayer. When some of his more daring prayers come true, he becomes a pop culture sensation. While the play ostensibly explores the power of prayer, it also chuckles at it, eliminating the possibility of an honest, challenging exploration. Director Peter DuBois keeps it all moving briskly, and Brendan Griffin stands out in a strong cast as the smiling sportscaster with a secret. But Clint Ramos’ mostly empty sets—a necessity given the jagged structure of quick scenes—unfortunately become a metaphor for the play as a whole. —Christopher Cappiello 44

FRONTIERSMEDIA.COM

he is gay in the groundbreaking telefilm That Certain Summer.) Grace and Frankie comes from Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman and former Home Improvement producer Howard J. Morris, and unlike the bulk of new projects coming to the screen these days, it’s not a sequel or adaptation but an original story. As is the Netflix tradition, the first season of 13 episodes will be available all at once, perfect for binge-watching. Guest stars appearing in upcoming episodes include The League’s Brooklyn Decker, Big Love’s Mary Kay Place, Scandal’s Joe Morton and Hawaii Five-0 and Chicago Hope vet Christine Lahti. No word yet on whether the ladies’ 9 to 5 costar Dolly Parton will be added to that list, but here’s hoping.

Colony Theatre Through May 17

A popular film genre of the 1940s/50s was referred to as “and then I wrote” musicals, in which a thinly plotted screenplay about the life of a famous songwriter provided an excuse for an ongoing cavalcade of the tunesmith’s oeuvre. Playwright Joseph Vass’ salute to Ira Gershwin (1898-1937), lyricist partner to his celebrated composer sibling George Gershwin, is closer to a revue than a narrative musical. In fact, one keeps wishing the uninspired framework would be tossed, simply allowing the talented duo Elijah Rock and Angela Teck to perform the glorious cavalcade of Gershwin songs. Relating Ira’s life story in the first person, similar to what Hershey Felder does in his composer-salute shows, Jake Broder occasionally joins in on the songs. Highlights include Teck’s smashing delivery of Judy Garland’s “The Man That Got Away” (from A Star is Born) and Rock’s numerous tour-de-force song-and-dance routines. A superb four-member band is a big plus. —Les Spindle

PHOTO CREDIT TK STAGE: MICHAEL LAMONT

t’s rare to find longtime friends in Hollywood, let alone a pair that works together decades after their first meeting. Pals since they costarred in the 1980 comedy 9 to 5, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda will play frenemies in Grace and Frankie, an eagerly anticipated series coming to Netflix on May 8. The two famed actresses play the series’ title characters—former nemeses who find they have something in common when their husbands announce one night that they are in love with each other and plan to marry as a gay couple. The Newsroom vet Sam Waterston plays Tomlin’s former husband, and Martin Sheen plays Fonda’s. (Coincidentally, this is not the first time Sheen has played a gay character, as back in 1972 he played a divorced father whose son learns

Sing It On May 13, Pop

Terence Howard (left) and Matt Dillon

Fans of the film Pitch Perfect will enjoy this new talent show competition, airing on the former TV Guide Channel. Much like that film, this show features five collegiate a cappella singing teams competing against each other for the win. It comes with an impressive pedigree from Core Media Group, the people behind American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, plus John Legend is on board as a producer.

WAYWARD PINES April 22, Oxygen

This long-delayed 10-episode series comes from director M. Night Shyamalan and sounds a bit like Twin Peaks. Based on Blake Crouch’s novel Pines, the thriller is set in a seemingly idyllic small town in the Pacific Northwest, where a Secret Service agent (Matt Dillon) begins a missing persons investigation that quickly reveals the town’s more sinister and creepy side. Playboy Club’s Chad Hodge wrote the series, which comes with an impressive cast, including Melissa Leo, Juliette Lewis, Terrence Howard, Carla Gugino and Shannyn Sossamon. The Nor’easters, one of five a cappella groups TELEVISION LONG DIVISION

Twin Peaks

Agent Cooper

M. Night Shyamalan

Wayward Pines

Friday, May 1 ABC debuts new Shark Tank companion series Beyond the Tank. The ‘what happens after’ series looks at the next steps to business success or failure after their creators make an investment deal with one of the sharks. (9 p.m. on ABC)

SET YOUR

Sunday, May 3 Last year’s hit Victorian horror series Penny Dreadful returns for Season 2. American Horror Story: Coven’s Patti LuPone joins the cast, while Josh Hartnett’s character copes with being a werewolf and will hopefully address his sexual encounter with Dorian Gray. (10 p.m. on Showtime)

KURT COBAIN: MONTAGE OF HECK PHOTO CREDIT TK STAGE: MICHAEL LAMONT

May 4, HBO Following its premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and subsequent theatrical run, this critically acclaimed documentary about the late Nirvana frontman will have its TV debut. This first authorized look at Kurt Cobain comes some 20 years following his death, stepping through his life and career using home movies, recordings, artwork, photos and journals. The film comes from first-time feature director Brett Morgen, who has worked on this since 2007 after Courtney Love came to him with the concept. Fans are treated to footage from assorted Nirvana concerts as well as previously unreleased songs.

Tuesday, May 5 Season 4 of Inside Comedy with host David Steinberg begins. Upcoming half-hour eps will feature Stephen Colbert, Michael Keaton, Bryan Cranston, Dan Aykroyd, Wanda Sykes and Ted Danson. (11 p.m. on Showtime) Thursday, May 14 Dancing with the Stars’ 10th Anniversary Special will bring back celebrity favorites from seasons past with their professional dance partners. (8 p.m. on ABC)

Penny Dreadful’s Josh Hartnett

MAY 13, 2015

FRONTIERSMEDIA.COM

SUMMER

FILM PREVIEW

It’s going to be a great season for movies, with a roster of laugh-out-loud comedies, comic book adaptations, action-packed thrillers and serious fare all premiering on the big screen. For those filmheads who map out their summers based on what’s showing at the cineplex, we’ve got you covered. BY MIKE CIRIACO

MAY 13, 2015

FOR THE NERDS ACTION-PACKED BONE-CHILLING

HILARITY & HIJINKS OF LGBT INTEREST

Avengers: Age of Ultron

SMOKIN’ HOT

RELEASE DATE

Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo

COMING IN HOT

ith Hot Pursuit, two of Hollywood's female heavyweights—Reese Witherspoon and Sofía Vergara—have teamed up for a buddy flick that'll have you rolling with laughter. The two women chat with us about making the film, working together for the very first time and 'getting intimate' on-camera. —Stephan Horbelt

On how Reese decided to work with Sofia

The latest installment in the money-making Disney-Marvel team-up pits Earth’s Mightiest Heroes against the maniacal mechanical menace of Ultron (James Spader). This sure-to-be-blockbuster is notable for featuring twin anti-heroes Scarlet Witch (Eliazbeth Olsen) and Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), who happen to be the children of a certain metal-controlling baddie over in the X-Men franchise (though don’t count on a mention of Magneto). The film, helmed by Joss Whedon, is estimated to rake in around $2 billion this summer—a superhuman feat, indeed. RELEASE DATE

Hot Pursuit Reese Witherspoon, Sofía Vergara

Academy Award-winner Reese Witherspoon and Modern Family breakout Sofía Vergara team up for this female take on the cop/criminal buddy film. Following the path paved by Bridesmaids, Pitch Perfect and thematically similar The Heat, Hot Pursuit endeavors to prove that women can be just as absurd as their male counterparts.

Reese Witherspoon: I was such a huge fan of Sofia's on Modern Family. My family watches it every Wednesday night. I thought it would be really fun to do a buddy movie with her, so I set up a meeting. She walked in and every man stopped what he was doing and stared at her. It was like being in a hair care commercial. She was just lovely and charming, and we just started talking about movies, and Hot Pursuit was the one we decided would be the most fun idea.

Mad Max: Fury Road Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron

Continuing the dystopian Mad Max franchise that began over 35 years ago, the raggedy road warrior returns to protect innocents of the post-apocalyptic Australian outback. Fury Road is the first film not to feature Mel Gibson as the eponymous protagonist, who this time around is portrayed by a much younger and sexier Tom Hardy. Now if only Tina Turner reprised her role as Auntie Entity this would be a perfect gay sequel.

On the women being comfortable on set Sofía Vergara: I was miserable the whole time, compressed like a sausage in that white dress, sweating, and then the high heels, blisters ... while she was all carefree, sitting on the floor—and she wouldn't even change for lunch!

On Reese's struggles with speaking Spanish in the film

RELEASE DATE

Pitch Perfect 2

RELEASE DATE

SV: It was not very good. It's obviously not her best work. That was actually one of my favorite scenes, because she had to struggle a lot. I could see fear in her eyes, anxiety, confusion. It was great, because that's how I feel every scene of my life! I tried not to help her that much, because it was a personal thing for me, and I really liked it. When I saw the movie, I also understood why people laugh so much at me. It's hysterical to see somebody try to talk in a language and look confused!

Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Elizabeth Banks

On how the two actresses got along on set

George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Hugh Laurie

SV: Reese has a hot Latin guy inside of her. RW: That doesn't sound good! SV: I thought we would be so different, but we sat down and we like the same food, we like makeup, we like having family around, we like the same places to travel, we had kids young. We have a lot of similarities.

This Disney sci-fi mystery adventure pairs a grizzled, former boy genius inventor with a scientifically curious teen girl as they search for an enigmatic locale existing only in their collective memory. “Tomorrowland is designed in such a way that it cannot be discovered by people who are not in possession of an invite,” says Damon Lindelof (Lost), who penned the script.

On Reese playing Type-A characters in films

Poltergeist

RW: I guess I just have it in me. People like it, and they think it's funny. People just seem to really enjoy laughing at me. SV: I did!

On the duo's on-screen same-sex kiss SV: It was delicious. She smells like strawberries. 48

FRONTIERSMEDIA.COM

The Barden Bellas are back, this time tackling competitive a cappella on an international scale. Apparently they wanted to do a P!nk-inspired aerial performance with Fat Amy but couldn’t find a stunt double with her body type. Instead of scrapping the concept, they just made Rebel Wilson train with a Cirque du Soleil acrobat and tossed her big bones up high for a silks routine.

Tomorrowland

RELEASE DATE

Sam Rockwell, Rosemarie DeWitt They’re here. Again. This reboot of the 1982 horror classic contemporizes the haunting of a suburban home by malevolent ghosts. While the film is sure to spook, its missing one of the best elements of the original film—Zelda Rubenstein yelling, “Go to the light, Carol Anne!”

SUMMER

FILM PREVIEW San Andreas

RELEASE DATE

Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario

RELEASE DATE

Adrian Grenier, Jeremy Piven, Kevin Connolly Movie star Vincent Chase and his circle of über-hetero sycophants continue on adventures begun in the popular HBO series. Gay audiences will be more interested in the wedding of mega-agent Ari Gold’s long-suffering gaysian whipping boy Lloyd (Rex Lee). He'll be tying the knot with a real-life gay celeb, courtesy of officiant George Takei!

Insidious: Chapter 3

Spy Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham

This earth-rattling summer blockbuster literally hits close to home. After a devastating seismic event ravages California, Dwayne Johnson (the artist formerly known as The Rock) scours the remnants of the Golden State in search of his estranged daughter. Johnson is that rare breed of action hero who somehow gets sexier as he ages, which is sure to cause a few tremors below your belt.

Entourage

RELEASE DATE

Dermot Mulroney, Stefanie Scott, Lin Shaye The third installment of the Insidious franchise acts as a prequel to the established series. Set prior to the haunting of the Lambert family, this one shows how gifted psychic Elise uses her abilities to help a young girl tormented by supernatural entity The Man Who Can’t Breathe, reportedly based on Kevin Spacey’s serial killer character in Seven.

Beloved former Groundling Melissa McCarthy portrays a CIA desk jockey who volunteers to go undercover to infiltrate an international arms dealer and prevent a global disaster (natch). McCarthy is joined by several recurring collaborators, like Bridesmaids co-stars Rose Byrne and husband Paul Feig, the latter also having helmed the espionage-spoof comedy.

Jurassic World

he quintessential boys of L.A. have returned, this time to the big screen. As Entourage debuts in theaters this summer, we sat down with Rex Lee—who portrays Lloyd, the lovable gay sidekick to Hollywood’s most unscrupulous agent, Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven)—about his secretive on-screen wedding and working with fellow out actor George Takei.

RELEASE DATE

Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard On the heels of his breakthrough lead performance in last year’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Chris Pratt is back on earth but in trouble with yet another species of little green menaces. Set 23 years after the events of the original Jurassic Park, Isla Nubar has actually succeeded in creating a functional Dino-filled theme park. After attendance begins to decline, though, a new attraction is genetically created to boost ticket sales—shocker, it goes horribly, horribly wrong (at least, we’re counting on it). RELEASE DATE

Ted 2 Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg

Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane journeys back into the world of live action for this comedy sequel. Ted, the living teddy bear, is newly married and looking to adopt, which means the foulmouthed furry has to prove he’s a capable parent. Hopefully Ted 2 fares better than MacFarlane’s last live-action flop, A Million Ways to Die in the West.

FRONTIERS: What can you share with us about your on-screen wedding? REX LEE: For the first time, they delivered an edict, which is, “You may talk about anything that is in the trailer.” So all I can reveal is, yes, there is a wedding, but I can’t really say anything other than that.

THE BOYS ARE BACK

RELEASE DATE

We saw fellow out actor George Takei in one of the trailers. What was it like working with him? RL: It’s great. I’ve known George a long time, and he’s amazing. He just has the most amazing energy and spirit. I love being around him. And he is funny as shit. It was awesome. He had a lot of stories about his Star Trek days. It’s just fun to hang out with him and listen to what he has to say about his history and this town and this business. The relationship arc between Lloyd and Ari is so interesting, and it kinda parallelled society’s growing acceptance of the LGBT community. Is that something you noticed? RL: I hope it’s true. Like any gay person in America,

I long for the day when no one goes through their life with hardship. For anybody in this country to be against me because of who I am, that sucks. So, obviously I want equality and liberation and good vibes. The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt recently described the Entourage cast as “So straight. Almost too straight, like they’re compensating or something.” RL: Well, the same way my character doesn’t represent every gay person in the U.S., I wouldn’t say the show’s characters represent all straight people, either. If they are excessively masculine or straightacting, I don’t think it’s on purpose. I think each of those actors is creating a specific human being. How did it feel returning to a character that you’d taken a break from playing for a while? RL: It was a lot of fun. Playing Lloyd for seven straight years, it was the longest I’ve ever played a character. When the show ended in 2011, I was very sad. So being Lloyd again was a great joy. MAY 13, 2015

The Little Death

RELEASE DATE

Josh Lawson, Bojana Novakovic This SxSW award-winning Australian sex comedy by Josh Lawson finally releases in the States this summer, following a loosely connected web of people indulging in sexual fantasies and fetishes, looking at how those kinks affects their lives. Those charming Aussie accents only add to the sexiness.

Magic Mike XXL

RELEASE DATE

Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello

FRIGHT FROM THE START

Finally, the next chapter in the lives of our favorite dick dancers. The original was just a thinly veiled gay love story between Channing Tatum and Alex Pettyfer with some girl shoehorned in to create the veneer of heterosexuality. It may be an excuse to show scantily clad, sweat-drenched, chiseled male physiques, but we’re all in. Come on MMXXL, stick to your strengths and we’ll be back for MMXXXL!

Terminator Genisys Arnold Schwarzenegger, Emilia Clarke

hat do you do when you’ve killed off the face of your film franchise but audiences are clamoring for another round? If you’re the guys behind Insidious: Chapter 3, you go with a prequel. Lin Shaye—who plays Elise, the franchise’s resident ghost communicator—opens up about the new film and her horror genre beginnings. —S.H.

FRONTIERS: What’s it like returning to the character of Elise? LIN SHAYE: Well, I know [director] Leigh Whannell and [producer] James Wan both felt they somewhat backed themselves into a corner by killing me [in the first film]. So what they’ve done is construct an origin story, and it’s basically who I am even before the first film. What would you say is different about this third chapter? LS: It’s scary in a different way than the first two, and it deals with loss, which is something that every single person has experienced on some level. The film has—forgive me for using the word—it has a very insidious way of frightening you, because it’s about something real in your life. It will have the traditional scares where you hope you’re with your boyfriend so you can squeeze his hand or whatever, but there’s something you’ll walk out with that’s even more chilling. Do we know whether Insidious 3 is the final film in a trilogy? LS: I don’t think it’s concluding the series. Not if this third one does as well as we’re hoping it does. I think if the fans are still interested in the ideas, they’ll keep going. I’m reasonably certain they will. You of course appeared in A Nightmare on Elm Street, one of the genre’s preeminent films. LS: It’s no secret, but Bob Shaye is my big brother. He created New Line Cinema. But they were a struggling young company; it was big struggles. Then Wes Craven came to him with this project, and Bob said, Is there a part for my sister? So they gave me the part of the teacher. No one had any idea the film was gonna be that kind of success. Nobody. I was just delighted to be asked into it, and I tried to do my best work, as always. I’ve heard you’re a fan of American Horror Story. How do we get you onto that series? LS: I actually auditioned for the very first episode, for the part that Francis Conroy got. I of course would love to be invited into the club someday or somehow. I’m ready! If they ever want me, I’m in. They know how to get me. 50

FRONTIERSMEDIA.COM

RELEASE DATE

Hey, he told us he’d be back. The Governator returns to his most iconic role for this sequel/reboot of the Terminator franchise. This fifth chapter finds Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) in a new timeline, where he teams up with Sarah Connor (Clarke) and a much older version of Arnold’s famed robot. We’re most interested in a supposed recreation of Schwarzenegger’s nude arrival scene.

Outfest

RELEASE DATE

Throughout Los Angeles The world’s premier LGBT film festival returns to Los Angeles, so mark your calendars. Founded with the goal of creating, promoting and protecting LGBT stories on the big screen, this celebration of queer cinema has gifted the the world with a cornucopia of smart, powerful and moving tales. Films are screened at venues throughout Los Angeles, from WeHo to DTLA, and it’s always the social event of the summer. Recent films to have come out of Outfest include Space Station 76, Bridegroom, G.B.F., I Am Divine, Weekend and Keep the Lights On.

Do I Sound Gay?

RELEASE DATE

Margaret Cho, Tim Gunn, Dan Savage David Thorpe’s documentary examines the existence and accuracy of stereotypes pertaining to the speech patterns of gay men, and how conforming to the stereotype can contribute to internalized homophobia. Funded via a successful Kickstarter campaign, the film was first unveiled during last year’s Toronto Film Fest before receiving this wider release through IFC.

Trainwreck

RELEASE DATE

Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Tilda Swinton Amy Schumer has come a long way since those Comedy Central celebrity roasts. Her sketch comedy series Inside Amy Schumer has entered its third season, her skit “Last Fuckable Day” practically broke the internet and now she’s starring in one of the summer’s most highly anticipated comedies. Directed by Judd Apatow, Schumer is bolstered by a dynamic ensemble including Hader, Tilda Swinton, and Colin Quinn.

Ant-Man

RELEASE DATE

Paul Rudd, Corey Stoll, Evangeline Lilly The tiniest superhero finally gets his moment in the spotlight (just look out for magnifying glasses). The ever-charming Paul Rudd plays the titular thief-turned-hero in Marvel’s latest entry in the steadily expanding cinematic universe. Gay geeks should note that Rudd will actually be depicting Scott Lang (the second man to don the Ant-Man mantle), after being recruited by the original, Hank Pym, portrayed here by Michael Douglas.

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SUMMER

FILM PREVIEW RELEASE DATE

Mr. Holmes

RELEASE DATE

Fantastic Four

Ian McKellen, Laura Linney

Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Bell

The master thespian who adroitly tackled such larger-than-life characters as Magneto in the X-Men franchise and Gandalf the Grey in Lord of the Rings now adds a new legend to his résumé—the most portrayed character in film. McKellen stars as super-sleuth Sherlock Holmes in Bill Condon’s adaptation of A Slight Trick of the Mind, and like the novel, the movie joins a now 93-year-old Holmes, his once razor-sharp mind atrophying, as he recounts his heyday through a series of flashbacks.

This reboot was initially panned when, during an interview, Mara claimed it wouldn’t be based on the source comics. It was later clarified that the film was not based on a single comic, instead drawing inspiration from several runs and continuities. It’s also worth noting that Marvel doesn’t own the rights to this particular film franchise, and has recently cancelled the Fantastic Four comic book series, which some believe is an attempt to tank the flick and reclaim the foursome for its own cinematic universe.

RELEASE DATE

Pixels

The New Girlfriend

Adam Sandler, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad, Pac-Man

Romain Duris, Anaïs Demoustier

This retro action comedy shows a world where space aliens misinterpret 8-bit video games as declarations of war, attacking the Earth in the form of iconic ‘80s arcade characters. With Chris Columbus at the helm, you can assume the fare will be family-friendly, and with stars like Sandler and Kevin James, you know the whole affair will be loud, mindless and most likely flatulent.

Based on a short story, a young woman makes a startling discovery about the husband of her deceased best friend. Directed by François Ozon (Swimming Pool), the film first premiered at last September’s Toronto Film Fest, where it was praised for examining “the labels and roles of masculinity and femininity.”

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

RELEASE DATE

Vacation

RELEASE DATE

Ed Helms, Christina Applegate The Vacation mantle passes unto the next generation here, when the now-adult Rusty Griswold (Helms)— the fifth actor to play the character in as many movies—embarks with his family on a cross-country road trip back to Walley World. Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo reprise their roles as the elder Griswolds, joined by Leslie Mann, Charlie Day and Chris Hemsworth, who at one reportedly point bares his ginormous (prosthetic) wang to the audience. Seriously.

RELEASE DATE

Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Hugh Grant Former Madonna consort Guy Ritchie adapts the 1960s spy series for modern audiences. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, a CIA agent, Henry Cavill, teams up with KGB operative, Armie Hammer, to prevent a criminal organization from obtaining nuclear weapons. No matter how many decades pass, it’s comforting to know the theme of imminent nuclear holocaust is still as relevant as ever.

FUNNY GIRL One of our favorite comediennes, Kristin Wiig, is back in a big way WELCOME TO ME

May 1 In this quirky drama, Wiig plays a woman suffering from borderline personality disorder who wins the lottery and buys herself a talk show.

LIVE FROM NEW YORK

June 12 Four decades of Saturday Night Live’s comedy genius were whittled down into an 82-minute documentary. But which Wiig characters will be front and center?

MASTERMINDS

June 1 Wiig and Zach Galifianakis recreate the true story of hillbillies who in 1997 robbed an armored vehicle, bought a bunch of tacky shit and eventually got caught.

THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL

Aug 7 In ‘70s San Francisco, Wiig’s teen daughter (Bel Powley) loses her virginity to mom’s boyfriend (Alexander Skarsgard). This one was raved about at Sundance. MAY 13, 2015

Top and below: El Capitan Canyon is one of SoCal's most luxe camping options

INTO WOODS 10 of our favorite SoCal campgrounds, from the beach to the brush, plus must-have items perfect for your trek By Mike Ciriaco

os Angeles is arguably one of the greatest cities on the planet, but even this amazing megalopolis can feel like a cyberpunk prison if you live here too long. It’s not a bad idea to escape the concrete jungle and take refuge in the real jungle—or, for something a bit closer, the forests, beaches and deserts of SoCal. Exploring nature is beneficial to both your physical and mental well-being, and our neck of the woods is teeming with campgrounds ideal for hiking, fishing, biking or simply lounging around and soaking in the sun. Whether you prefer the mountains or the deep brush, white sand or the desert, Southern California has a camping destination perfect for you and your nature-loving friends. And in an attempt to prevent any ‘what to bring?’ panic attacks, we’ve also selected a few of the hottest new gizmos and gadgets perfect for your campground getaway. THE LUXE LIFE

GOTTA HAVE IT: At a luxe camping spot like this, the only thing you need to worry about? Cocktails! The YETI Hopper is a carryable cooler whose “superior ice retention” will keep ice frozen for days. $300 at REI, 402 Santa Monica Blvd., SaMo, rei.com 52

FRONTIERSMEDIA.COM

PARSONS LANDING: MARIA BROPHY

If you're looking to commune with the great outdoors without sacrificing an ounce of comfort, head up the PCH to this luxurious campground just 20 miles from Santa Barbara. Sure you’ll find classic camping elements like hiking trails and campfire pits, but they are punctuated by resort-like perks—luxurious massages, an award-winning wine selection at the on-site restaurant and the Canyon Market, which sells all the S’mores ingredients you crave. If you’re going to hit up El Capitan, do it right—opt for one of the spacious canvas tents or wood cabins, complete with willow beds, warm comforters and room service. GREAT FOR: Elaborate fireside meals, biking ‘ROUGHING IT’ SCALE:

COURTESY EL CAPITAN CANYON

El Capitan Canyon

HARD ROCK, NO CAFE

WILD ON THE ISLAND

Red Rock Canyon State Park

Parsons Landing, Catalina Island

Nestled at the point where the Sierra Nevada and El Paso mountain ranges converge—a little over two hours from L.A.— this rugged, arid park rewards campers of hardier fortitudes with awe-inspiring views of vivid, colorful rock formations and ancient petrography carved into the mountains by the Kawaiisu Indians. The majority of Red Rock’s campsites are nestled against these cliffs, providing some protection from the elements, while the towering crags and surrounding caves become a natural playground. Red Rock contains 50 campsites, best described as primitive, with potable water, pit toilets and little else. Like its Mojave brother Joshua Tree, Red Rock has no RV hookups or showers, making this a prime spot for intermediate to experienced campers. GREAT FOR: Stargazing, rock climbing ‘ROUGHING IT’ SCALE:

Although the island offers a number of cushier camping options, many with full cabins, this site is considerably rougher around the edges. Only accessible via a moderately difficult hike or kayak trip, your journey is rewarded with a picturesque, secluded beachside campground and the unique animals of Catalina, like bison and the rare bald eagle. Running water isn’t provided on-site, so you’ll need to pack accordingly, though a locker with a bundle of firewood and 2.5 gallons of water is included in your reservation. Many campers like to split up their time on Catalina between tent-living and a more glamorous hotel stay, which allows you to take in the full Catalina Island experience. GREAT FOR: Dolphin spotting, beachfront sunrises ‘ROUGHING IT’ SCALE:

GOTTA HAVE IT: Put that flaming ball of fire to good use with the GoSun, a compact, portable stove that uses solar power (even through heavy clouds) to cook everything from hot dogs to fresh biscuits. $269, gosunstove.com BEACH CAMPING IN THE ‘BU

Leo Carillo State Park, Malibu Lovers of the ocean will adore this low-maintenance spot. Regulars love to swim, surf and explore the sea caves and tidepools of the walkable beach, though for those not aquatically inclined, there’s also plenty of backcountry hiking to keep you occupied. You’ll stay surprisingly cool while camping, thanks to the shade provided by sycamore trees throughout the campground, though campers seeking a bit of privacy while visiting should opt for sites on the park’s outer loop. Tents, trailers and RVs are welcome here (with showers, bathrooms and a camp store for firewood and necessities on site), though spots are reserved fast in the summer months, so it’s best to plan ahead. GREAT FOR: Coastal views, hiking ‘ROUGHING IT’ SCALE:

GOTTA HAVE IT: Made by camping experts, the Cinch Pop-Up Tent is adapted for solar power packs that provide LED lighting inside and out. Opt for the two-, three- or four-man sleeper. $225-285, cinchpopuptents.co.uk

WHERE THE LIVIN’ IS EASY

Live Oak Grove, Caspers Wilderness Park Think of Live Oak as the training wheels of SoCal camping. The family-friendly site—part of Orange County’s largest park at over 8,000 acres—is a great place to camp out under the stars and snap selfies in the seasonal wildflowers and babbling brooks, but conveniences like running water, flushable toilets and free hot showers mean you don’t have to sacrifice basic creature comforts. Campsites here are shaded by Live Oak’s eponymous towering trees, so you’ll also avoid the scorching heat assaulting several of the other locales on our list. The campground has a no-pets policy, so you’ll need to leave Fido at home, but horseback riding is popular among regulars. GREAT FOR: Horseback riding, hiking ‘ROUGHING IT’ SCALE: GOTTA HAVE IT: You'll make good use of your surroundings with the Bison Bag, which Boisemade describes as “if a sleeping bag had a baby with a hammock.” We’re pretty sure you’ll never want to take a nap elsewhere. $130, boisemade.com

PARSONS LANDING: MARIA BROPHY

COURTESY EL CAPITAN CANYON

GOTTA HAVE IT: In only five minutes flat, the Oru Bay+ Folding Kayak goes from an easy-travel three-foot box into a 12-foot mode of transporation. Straps and seat are fully adjustable. $1,500, orukayak.com

Clockwise from top left: The colorful crags of Red Rock Canyon State Park; Parsons Landing, perfect for Catalina camping; the namesake trees of Live Oak Grove; sunset at Malibu's Leo Carillo State Park

MAY 13, 2015

LIVE LIKE A QUEEN

CaptionQuatas eum doloreptatur sit lam

Cuatrocuatros, Baja California

If you're looking to leave California altogether—but still have somewhere nearby in mind—head down to Baja. Located in Ensenada, Mexico, about a two-hour drive from San Diego, Cuatrocuatros is a settlement of 14 cabanas nestled within the area’s vineyards and several majestic mountains standing like sentinels over the Pacific Ocean. These cabanas are like the Rolls Royce of tents; constructed with steel, cotton and wood, they house the same amenities you’d find in most hotels on the Sunset Strip—air conditioning, fireplaces, minibars and king-sized beds—though nothing compares to their remarkable views. The hardest part of this outdoor adventure will be waiting for those grapes to be pressed into wine. GREAT FOR: Wine-drinking, holistic relaxation ‘ROUGHING IT’ SCALE: GOTTA HAVE IT: You may not be heading into a war zone, but you can look like you’re ready for anything with Herschel’s Woodland Camo Novel Duffle, which comes with the brand’s signature shoe compartment.$80, Madewell at The Americana at Brand, 889 Americana Way, Glendale, or herschelsupply.com LAKESIDE RETREAT

San Bernardino National Forest

From top: Baja's luxe camping locale The Cabañas at Cuatrocuatros; the shaded respite of San Bernardino National Forest; Refugio State Beach, a great spot for sea-kayaking

Set Against the north shore of Big Bear Lake and shaded by pine trees, Serrano Campground combines the best elements of mountain and aquatic activities—hiking, biking, canoeing, swimming, fishing and more. Hike the Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak (only a two-mile trek) or break out your bike for the nearly four-mile paved path along the lake. This traditional camping experience isn’t completely without frills, providing toilets, showers and drinking water—and a grocery store in Big Bear Village only five minutes away by car—making it ideal for the intermediate camper who’s savvy enough to pitch his own tent but too squeamish to dig his own bathroom. GREAT FOR: Biking, swimming ‘ROUGHING IT’ SCALE: GOTTA HAVE IT: Folding bikes have been all the rage for years now, but their high price points made them a luxury. Now Target has joined the game, selling Durban Bikes, ranging from $250-1,500. 7100 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo, target.com TAKE REFUGE ON THE BEACH Located 20 miles west of Santa Barbara, Refugio Beach’s palm tree-lined vista creates a distinctively Californian landscape. The crescent-shaped coastline offers excellent fishing and kayaking, with rowing enthusiasts—and amateurs alike—happy to take advantage of the state park lifeguards’ Friday morning sea-kayaking tours during the summer.While group campsites, bathrooms and showers are all available here, many visitors tend to go the RV route (renting them by the day or week), which makes Refugio a great local spot for the camping novice who isn’t yet ready to sleep on the ground or find themselves far from running water. GREAT FOR: Snorkeling, kayaking ‘ROUGHING IT’ SCALE: GOTTA HAVE IT: Beachside camping means bugs—there’s no way around it—but the Wrist Mosquito Repeller keeps the most annoying of the bunch away using ultrasoun technology instead of smelly oils or chemicals. $8.50, dinosaurlifestyle.come

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REFUGIO: COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS, 2015

Refugio State Beach

Clockwise from top: Camping at Joshua Tree National Park is a nearreligious experience for some; the coniferous forests of Palomar Mountain State Park

MOUNTAINTOP MAJESTY

JOSHIN’ AROUND

Palomar Mountain State Park

Joshua Tree National Park

For a pure wilderness experience, cruise down towards San Diego to explore the coniferous forests (pine, fir and cedar) on the west side of Palomar Mountain. The more than 30 campsites scattered throughout this wooded area allow for a traditional camping experience accentuated with simple luxuries like flushable toilets and warm showers. While some camps accommodate trailers and RVs, most campers prefer hauling in tents, sleeping bags and backpacks. Palomar’s biggest draw for hikers is the range of panoramic vistas stretching to both the ocean and desert, while astronomy buffs can investigate the cosmos by visiting the famous Hale telescope at Palomar Observatory. GREAT FOR: Fishing, stargazing, back-packing ‘ROUGHING IT’ SCALE:

Located in California’s Mojave Desert, experienced campers love this stretch of rugged wilderness. In lieu of cabins, showers or RV hookups, you can expect breathtaking landscapes ranging from gigantic quartz boulders and prickly plants to sparse flatlands—not to mention an assortment of wild, untamed desert fauna. Only the Black Rock and Cottonwood campgrounds (of the national park’s nine total) offer toilets and running water, making them the obvious choices for novice campers. An important thing to note: since all park vegetation—living or dead—is protected here, you’ll have to bring your own firewood with you. GREAT FOR: Desert hikes, rock climbing, stargazing ‘ROUGHING IT’ SCALE: Caption-

REFUGIO: COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS, 2015

GOTTA HAVE IT: A great companion out in the wild, the Zippo Rugged Lantern has various brightness settings, lasts up to 12 hours, can take a five-foot drop and floats. $70, amazon.com

Quatas eum

GOTTA HAVE IT: Bringdoloreptatur a sense of playfulness to your sit lam time in Joshua Tree with the Mikasi Tipi by designers Sascha Akkermann and Flo Florian. Its accordian design is easily adjustable to various heights and sizes. $2,000, muellermoebel.de

MAY 13, 2015

THE WORLD OF BILLY MASTERS

From left: Andy Dick, Nicole Kidman, Laverne Cox, Ireland Baldwin

BOTTOMS UP FOR HILLARY, BLAZING THE TRANS TRAIL & A CELEBRITY REHAB ROUNDUP yogurt.” I look forward to her stint on Dancing with the Stars in a few years. As luck would have it, one of Ireland’s rehab pals is none other than Andy Dick, who voluntarily admitted himself to the same facility (the SOBA Recovery Center in Malibu, because I guess Promises was full). Andy has spent lots of time in rehabs, but I didn’t realize this was his 13th stay. If visits were Subway sandwiches, this one would be free! We hear that Liza Minnelli has concluded her most recent stay in rehab. Her spokesperson says, “Liza is home and doing great. She is very excited to get back onstage and to see her fans again.” Her first scheduled gig is at the IP Casino Resort Spa in Biloxi on July 24. One of Liza’s first meals out since being home from rehab was in West Hollywood, where she was spied eating at Pump just hours before I filed this.

Bottoms Up! Moments after Hillary Clinton officially announced her candidacy for president, a small group of gay San Franciscans started a campaign cheekily called “I’d Bottom for Hillary.” I’m not exactly sure how bottoming would help her, but I suspect a strap-on might be involved. Find the campaign on Instagram (@bottomforhillary) and purchase a tank top voicing your support. In a related story, these same guys would also bottom for a sunny day.

Cruise Clan Update Surely HBO’s Scientology documentary Going Clear presented some of Tom Cruise’s best acting work. Alas, the same cannot be said of the Grace Kelly biopic starring Nicole Kidman. Rumors of a film in trouble seem to have been confirmed, as the studio has pulled the flick from theatrical release and, instead, will send it directly to television. Adding insult to injury, it won’t air on HBO or Showtime. Nope, Grace of Monaco will have its world premiere on May 25 on Lifetime—known for its “television for women” (and gay men). By the by, it’s also recently been reported that Suri Cruise hasn’t seen her father in well over a year.

A Rehab Roundup Last week, Ireland Baldwin entered rehab. You remember Ireland, otherwise known as a “rude, thoughtless little pig.” Reportedly, the 19-year-old spawn of Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger has been “partying non-stop” and had to be forced into the facility. When she heard these stories, Ireland tweeted a response—because, naturally, it’s a facility that has WiFi. “Apparently I’m in rehab for intensive partying soooo I’m just going to lay pretty low for a bit and maybe get some frozen 56

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Ask Billy: Oh, Alexis This leads beautifully into our “Ask Billy” question, which believe it or not comes from Alexis Arquette in Delusionville (and I am bringing it to you exactly as written): “Did you not print a story about me and Jared Leto are you not a journalist maybe I have the wrong person but I believe it’s you if it is you

you said I was untrustworthy source are you out of your mind I’m the first openly gay actor ever ever I built everything for ever young gay actor in this town. Are you not the gutter press writer for the frontiers crap rag?” Where to begin? The story about Arquette and Jared Leto—in which the former claims to have slept with the latter—was recounted by Arquette in an interview by Jackie Beat published here in Frontiers. What I find most disturbing is that Arquette has such a low opinion of gay publications, especially since they have provided roughly 80% of the press Arquette has ever received. I’m sure that openly gay actors from Billy Haines in 1933 to Tommy Kirk in 1973 pale in comparison to someone who once appeared on an episode of Friends as Drag Waiter #2. That said, my personal experience with Arquette over the past decade or two makes me more than qualified to have an opinion about his grasp on reality. Let this be a cautionary tale to you all—never believe your own press releases. Only the Naked Truth Laverne Cox continues to be a trans trailblazer. She’s the first transgender person to be shot for Allure magazine’s annual “Naked Truth” issue and is featured alongside Jordana Brewster, Katheryn Winnick, Nicole Beharie and Sandrine Holt. So not only is she the only trans person in the group, but she’s also the best known of the bunch. When most of you are asking, “Who is Alexis Arquette?” it’s definitely time to end yet another column. I’ll say one thing for dear Alexis—at least she’s keeping up with BillyMasters.com, the site that’s always reliable! Should you have a question for me (and please do use correct grammar and punctuation), send it along to Billy@BillyMasters. com, and I promise to get back to you before Hillary sets up a campaign booth at the Folsom Street Fair. Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

PHOTO CREDIT TK

Flying the Friendly Skies This column is being filed from the sky, but alas, I’m not flying out of Denver, where they get very friendly as you go through security. Last week, two Denverbased TSA agents were fired after it was discovered that hot male passengers were being falsely patted down. The male TSA agent would let his female coworker know when he found someone attractive. She would then flag him and request a pat down, which would be done by the male agent. In these cases, he would pat both the groin and buttocks area, which I believe is how they pat people down in prison! The TSA was alerted to the situation by an anonymous tip—likely from a heterosexual male. It turns out other agents knew of these shenanigans, with one saying, “There were more people that knew it was going on. They made it seem like a game.” So remember, if you aren’t patted down going through security, you may not be as hot as you think.

QUEERSAY

BY GOSSIP GAY

CONSIDER MY CHERRY POPPED

here’s perhaps nothing more jumpstarting than seeing a beautiful man at 7-11 when I stumble in sleepy-eyed for my morning joe. That’s exactly what happened last Monday morning as I sauntered into the NoHo quick stop for my 9 a.m. Stevia-enthused, extra large cup. Standing before me at the coffee dispenser was a tall, blond Adonis of a man, impeccably dressed and sporting a million-dollar smile. Of course I gave him a onceover, and of course I was greeted with little more than apathy. I watched on as said Adonis made his way to the checkout counter and greeted his equally well-dressed partner in crime—an older gentleman with the most adorable eyes. At first, my sugar daddy alarm went off, but upon closer inspection I realized it was none other than the sitcom-writing and television-producing genius Marc Cherry himself, the creator of Desperate Housewives. The gossip columnist in me jumped directly in line behind them, elbowing as close as possible in order to eavesdrop on their conversation. I had to know what was going on—were Cherry and Adonis business partners ... or ‘partner partners’? And most importantly, what were they eating? I’m sad to say, I got none of this info—just that coffee and two breakfast muffins were purchased—a total gossip columnist fail, if I do say so myself. The two drove away in an aptly ironic cherry-red vehicle—the Adonis driving and Cherry in the passenger seat—surely off to a Hollywood mansion in the sky to write yet another sitcom that will forever fill our queer need for guilty pleasure entertainment!

FUTURE OF THE FRENCH MARKET

n what was supposedly the last day that West Hollywood’s French Market was open before its “remodel,” I sauntered into the eatery for my usual—the Cobb salad with extra blue cheese crumbles and extra, extra bacon. Rumors have been swirling that this homo haunt may be revamping itself into a modern-day French boutique; others clandestinely rumble that it’s being bulldozed in order to make way for apartment condos. I did some sleuthing of my own—cornering the waiters and in-the-know busboys whom I have long over-tipped. I asked them for the skinny on this guilty pleasure eatery, and I’m sad to report I have no definitive announcement. One confirmed that it’s “over” for the Market, because something “totally tragic” is coming its way; another stated that French Market will “be back and better than ever!” That said, only time will tell whether WeHo is about to lose yet another kitschy yesteryear staple ... or whether the city will be treated to a fabulous makeover. When I hear more, I’ll keep you updated.

For more Gossip Gay, go to FrontiersMedia.com. Drop me your dirty little secrets at QueerSay@hotmail.com, and don’t worry, I never give up my deep throat! MAY 13, 2015

PALM SPRINGS

Darlene Love (left); setting up last year’s Evening Under the Stars event

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE The crown jewel of Palm Springs’ social season, Evening Under the Stars, returns to the desert with a very special guest By James F. Mills

he Palm Springs social season may be winding down with the summer approaching, but it’s never officially over until Evening Under the Stars has come and gone. One of the most anticipated parties of the year, this is the party people talk about for weeks afterwards. And there will be plenty to talk about this year, as chanteuse Darlene Love is the headliner at the May 9 benefit. “We’re so excited,” says Mark Anton, Executive Director of AIDS Assistance Program, which puts on the event. “Darlene’s going to be great. It’s going to be a fantastic evening.” Love, 73, is someone whom everyone knows, even if they don’t immediately recognize the name. Music lovers know her from a string of early 1960s hits with The Crystals and as a solo artist—songs including “He’s a Rebel” and “He’s Sure the Boy I Love”—and for singing backup for Dionne Warwick, Marvin Gaye, Elvis Presley and more. Theater lovers know her from Broadway performances in Grease and Hairspray, and moviegoers may remember her as Danny Glover’s wife in the Lethal Weapon movies. Palm Springs residents will recall Love as the lady who closed out the very final season of the Palm Springs Follies last spring. The Follies shows brought about Love’s Evening Under the Stars appearance, as Anton and his partner were amazed at her performance. “After the show, we stayed back and talked to her, and I found myself thinking she’d be great for Evening Under the Stars,” says Anton. “We approached her then and there and asked if she would be interested. We couldn’t wait to have her.” More than 1,200 people will fill the O’Donnell Golf Course for the soirée, which includes cocktails, live and silent auctions and a gourmet dinner. After Love’s show, the high-energy dance band Nightshift will

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have people dancing through the evening. Pulling the event off is a feat, as organizers—plus a few hundred volunteers—have a mere 40 hours to set everything up and take it down again. “We start setting everything up about 1 p.m. on Friday. The golf course closes early that day so we can build the stage,” says Anton. “When the party is over Saturday night at 11 p.m., we only have eight hours to totally take it apart, haul everything away, clean the golf course and have no evidence that anything was there the next morning when the course opens at 7 a.m. And this is all done in the middle of the night with no street lights.” Founded in 1991, AAP’s mission is to feed HIV-positive people living at poverty level in the Coachella Valley. But the organization doesn’t run a food-bank operation, instead giving out $50 food voucher cards twice per month. AAP is equipped to handle 550 people monthly but still has a waiting list. “All the HIV medicines affect people differently. What’s good for one person might not settle with another, so using the cards gives them the ability to determine what works best for them,” says Anton. “It also gives them some dignity, too. They can pay for it with the cards, and no one knows who they are or what they’re suffering with.” First held in 1994, Evening Under the Stars began as a backyard party with about 30 people and just kept growing and evolving. Now the event is so popular that it’s considered a jewel of the desert’s social season, and is always one of Palm Springs’ biggest fundraisers, generally netting one-third of AIDS Assistance Program’s annual budget. Evening Under the Stars takes place May 9 at O’Donnell Golf Course. Tickets and more info at aidsassistance.org.

Fri. | May 1 BLATINO OASIS Throughout Palm Springs

This ninth annual weekend party celebrating gay and bi men of color has multiple events through May 3. blatinooasis.com Fri. | May 1 FIDDLER ON THE ROOF McCallum Theatre

Tev ye, Golde and their daughters are back in this College of the Desert production of the Broadway musical, playing through May 3. mccallumtheatre.com Sat. | May 2 DUELING PIANOS Purple Room

Two pianists sitting behind baby grands take audience requests and add their own hilarious takes to the songs, starting at 7 p.m. purpleroompalmsprings.com Sun. | May 10 TOMMI ROSE AND THE PLAYGIRLS Toucan’s Tiki Lounge

The Coachella Valley’s longest-running drag show has performances at 8 and 10 p.m. every Sunday night. toucanstikilounge.com

Thu. | May 14 FILM NOIR FESTIVAL Camelot Theaters

A dozen dark and stylish crime dramas from the 1940s and ‘50s screen in glorious black and white during this four-day festival. arthurlyonsfilmnoir. ning.com Thu. | May 14 JOSHUA TREE MUSIC FESTIVAL Joshua Tree Lake Campground

Three dozen bands perform during the four-day, family-friendly festival. joshuatreemusicfestival.com

GIDDY UP, COWBOY!

ot Rodeo 2015 and Country Fair is underway, running May 1-3 at the AC Dysart Equestrian Park in Banning, about 20 miles west of Palm Springs. Presented by the Greater Palm Springs Chapter of the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association, the annual rodeo offers a weekend of gays and lesbians competing in rodeo events like bull-riding, bareback bronco-riding and wrestling steers to the ground, as well as calf-roping and barrel-racing. Adding a gay spin to the proceedings, several campy events are also planned—things like steer-riding in drag and a competition to see who can put underwear on a goat in the fastest time. Many related parties take place in Palm Springs throughout the weekend, including a Friday pool party at Caliente Tropics, Country Western dances at Spurline and The Barracks and a poker-themed pub crawl. For tickets and complete event information, visit hotrodeo.org.

MAY 15, 2015

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MAY 13, 2015

PRESENTS

Pride Season Preview ADVERTISING DEADLINE: MAY 8, 2015

Pride Season Preview, Summer Cocktail Guide, Cruise Getaways

30,000 copies 25 times per year Reach: 180,000 (RPC 4.5)

Advertising Deadline

Print and Online Release Date

Dedicated eBlast to Opt-In Subscribers

May 8, 2015

May 14, 2015

May 19, 2015

L.A. Pride

Swimsuit Issue

The Frontiers Hot List

Ad Deadline 5/22/15 Release Date 5/28/15

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MAY 13, 2015

GAYDAR

CAMP VALUE Summer’s just around the river bend, so let’s rediscover the great outdoors ROUGHING IT

Fishing— extremely timeconsuming and even less rewarding

GET ME OUT OF HERE

Some people live their entire lives without experiencing the girth of a redwood

MAN VS. WILD

GETTING BACK TO NATURE

When canoeing, always channel your inner Native American Disney princess

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

BOYZ IN DA WOODS

At what point did trailer living become a vacation?

Bear Grylls is one animal we’d love to find in our sleeping bag Without a doubt the best camp movie ever, featuring gay sex with Bradley Cooper!

Fun Fact: They will always attack the booze first

The directions say to apply liberally to all affected areas, so drop ‘em

Forcing pubescent boys into tents together since 1910

Sign that a truly terrible camping experience is about to commence

You pitching a tent, bro? Mmmmm, gooey carbs on a stick

Get outside the city for some real night sky action Cocktails?

Regardless of what you’ve learned from Yogi Bear and porn, park rangers are not there for your amusement

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Hiking boots are proof that gays are meant to stay indoors

JULY 23, 2014

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