GED Magazine - October 2022

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Michael Westman

DIRECTION Coachella Valley Design

In

Christopher Jackson

ADVERTISING SALES

Eric Davis

Southern CA Account Manager eric@gedmag.com

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From The Editor

Fall is here and the temperature has dropped. We can now look forward to all the events that the last quarter of the year is bringing us. Be sure to join GED Magazine and LE Parties for the return of our MEGA Pride Pool Party on Sat urday, November 5th from 12-7pm. Our DJ lineup is bigger than ever with four of the hottest DJs around, headlined by superstar Grammy nominated DJ Chris Cox. You will not want to miss this signature event - with extended hours, VIP Cabanas and bottle service, live performances by sing er-songwriter Nick Osin and international pole dancer Miles Yung, taco station, multiple full bars, and some other surprises - all at the ultimate Palm Springs pool oasis Mar garitaville Resort. Look for the ad in this issue and scan the QR code for tickets or visit GEDmag.com. This event will sell out, so get your tickets early!

After Pride, our thoughts turn toward the holidays. We at GED Magazine are very thank ful to our readers, advertisers, and partners for being part of the GED Family! Upcoming issues include our annual December Holiday Guide and Health and Fitness issue in Janu ary. Email sales@gedmag.com to reserve your ad space now and get into these exciting upcoming issues.

Visit us on the web at GEDmag.com and sign up for our monthly insider newsletter. Insid ers will be entered into drawings for trips, event tickets, dinners and more. And for all the updates on social media, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @GEDmagazine and tag us in your photos to be featured… #GEDmag #GrabItLikeIt.

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Alexander Rodriguez

Contributing

Rodriguez

Ethylina Canne

Josh Jaquez

Kevin Perry

Paco Ojeda

Steven H. Garcia

Model: Greg Mathis

Mathis

Photos Courtesy of Acrisure Arena

Acrisure Arena Will Be the Coolest Hotspot in Coachella Valley

By Kevin Perry

Humanity is a team sport, and a challenging one at that. It’s easy to go through life being selfish, but it’s much more difficult to constantly consider and collaborate. We can accomplish great tasks when we work together, and the ultimate example of this truth is the forthcoming Ac risure Arena.

“It’s a $300 million privately funded world-class new are na,” narrates John Bolton, the General Manager of the venue. Acrisure will be the home of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the official farm team for the Seattle Kraken.

And if you think hockey in the desert is aspirational, you’ve just discovered the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to Bolton’s commitment to ingenuity and inclusion.

“Sports really unites people from all walks of life under a common bond of support, pride, loyalty. Sports, like the arts, gives kids the opportunity to live beyond their wildest imagination of what they can achieve in life. They create pathways for young people to find ways to be suc cessful.”

Like a Zamboni smoothing the surface for those who fol low, Bolton prioritizes diversity. “It’s a foundational piece of our culture. Hiring staff across all levels of our organi zation that highlight women, minorities, members of the LGBTQ community.”

In fact, rainbow realness is woven into the fabric of the Firebirds’ very aesthetic.

“When we launched the brand, so to speak, for the team, it included the different Pride logos as well. We announced Pride weekend in Palm Springs and were immediately part of the parade there. We continue to want to certainly celebrate that as we go forward.”

But as he peers ever forward, Bolton also glances back at his early days in entertainment.

“I got involved in doing events totally by accident in col lege. I went to school to be a hospital administrator,” he recounts. “I just fell in love with it and had immediate success with it. So, since really the age of 19, I’ve been involved in promoting events, doing events, so it’s just been a part of my life and culture. It’s what I love to do.”

Bolton is as comfortable ushering in a new era of high-oc tane hockey action as he is booking A-list musical acts.

“For me, it doesn’t really matter what type of event it is. Just standing at the back of the arena and seeing every one have a wonderful experience and a fun time really provides a lot of self-satisfaction for me, to know that I was part of the team that made that happen. That’s al ways been very meaningful to me … I love being a be hind the scenes guy. I take pleasure in seeing other peo ple enjoy their experience, to have a good time, to be on the front row watching their favorite artists. Those are the kind of things that really make me excited.”

But the scope of Acrisure is gloriously grand, even for a dreamer like John Bolton.

“It’s hard for me to get my hands around having another 120 event nights. Another 120 options of things to do, I think will be tremendously meaningful to the valley on a year-round basis. It gives 120 more excuses to go out, to do something, to remain active, reasons to invite your friends to visit, to see a show, really creating those lifelong memories from events that will take place at the are na over the next 30 years.”

Bolton can balance the immensity of decades with the gravity of the here and now.

“We are beginning to approach what I call the fun part of this project, and that is when we really start announcing shows. People really begin to understand the impact this venue’s going to have on the valley, Riverside County, and the greater Southern California area.”

Photos Courtesy of Acrisure Arena

Punctuating his passion, Bolton continues, “So many exciting things are going to be starting. Every week, there’s going to be a new show announced. It’s to me like the reward for all the chal lenging work behind the scenes that we have been doing for the past couple of years to get this project off the ground. Everyone around us that has been involved in the project, it will begin to pay off in dividends of people understanding how cool this ven ue is going to be and amazing artists and events that will play here on a regular and routine basis.”

So, don’t just sit on the sidelines; get in the game!

“I would just encourage people to become engaged with the venue and that might be through social media, it might be other ways, but I would say for sure, just sign up for the email newslet ters to make sure that they get pre-sale opportunities, to find out what shows are coming, when they’re going on sale.”

Amidst the impressive portfolio of performers and players that Bolton has overseen in the past, he considers the greatest attrac tion to be you.

“They key to success for our venue is for people to support the venue and to buy tickets because as people buy tickets and events are successful, more events will continue to come to the valley. We’re interested in really creating that market. Palm Springs and Coachella Valley has never really been a tour stop on any major tour. Granted, we have one-off events like Coachella and Stage coach and things like that, but for X artist to have us as the 32nd stop on a 40-city tour, that’s never really happened before. Those things are going to start happening and it’s going to be exciting and it’s going to be fun.”

But there’s one concept that Bolton holds in higher esteem than tickets or publicity or any of the other trappings of stadium life: togetherness.

“Community really is a place where people share common inter ests, at the same time celebrating the diversity and differences among us. A place where we support each other. From a venue perspective, for me it’s a safe place where people come to cele brate a social connection through music, sports, or arts. Enjoying a live experience with your favorite band and thousands of your closest friends. I hope Acrisure Arena will serve as a place like that, where we can come together as one Coachella Valley uniting all the residents of the nine different cities. Because if you think about it, there’s not really a gathering place in the valley where everyone comes together on a regular and routine basis. Acrisure Arena can provide that opportunity that we’ve never really had in the valley.”

So, lace up your love for life, because John Bolton is breaking ground on a new era of so-cool SoCal happenings. Good show, good game, and good times ahoy!

Welcome to Wrightwood, CA!!!

Now I hope you are sitting down while reading this, cause honey, she went CAMPING!!! I’m sure you are in as much shock as I was landing at the campsite, but I did it. I’m all about doing something out of my comfort zone at least once, and I’m quite thrilled that I did. I landed at the “Lion’s Camps” at Teresita Pines with my sleep ing bag in hand, smore’s fixings, and two cans of bug spray. I will let you know that this was a cabin camping moment and not in a tent. I tried the tent ordeal about three years ago and will never do that again. She needs her creature comforts if you know what I mean. The campsite was cute, and I pretended to be a damsel in distress at times, thinking that Jason Voorhees was out to get me when the sun set. The campsite is located spitting distance from Wrightwood and that’s where the magic is. I simply love a smalltown vibe and this one DID NOT DISSAPOINT!

The town is about 4 blocks wide, but it was enough for me to leave the campsite 3 days in a row to explore. These are the stops you must make when you head to the forest for a visit:

The Grizzly Café has the best breakfast in town. You can eat inside or out and on weekends there is a wait. I dined with a group of 6 friends and every dish looked DELICIOUS! I of course had the French toast, and I could not believe it when they brought out the plate: FRENCH BREAD was used for the toast! EPIC doesn’t even describe it. When you go, you must request to sit in Roxy’s section. She is the most fabulous server and will treat you just right. While you are there, be

sure to put a quarter in the machine to hear “Mortimer the Moose” tell jokes from his mounted wall position over by the counter. www.grizzlycafe.com

When you are finished with your meal, simply stay in the same building and shop till you drop at Golden Acorn Gifts! I know, it just keeps getting better! In this store you will find everything your heart desires from salt & pepper shakers held by a grizzly bear, scented candles, yard gnomes, and cute camping items for your trailer!!! The focal point is an upside-down Christmas tree with… you guessed it: Huge Golden Acorn ornaments. I bought myself the most adorable sweater onesie with Bigfoot on the front, in the most complimenting color of teal. It’s sure to keep me coxy on those chilly winter nights we have coming up. I walked out of that store a trend setter and was the bell of the ball at the campsite!

Next stop was Applewood Court. This quaint little grouping of stores includes a gift shop with a wide selection of Yankee Can dle’s, an adorable ice cream shop with vintage candies and the BEST fudge this side of the Mississippi! I became fast friends with the store associate Paris, and she serves up a double scoop like no other. The hidden GEM of this court is the Christmas Shop. You must ask an employee to open it for you and it is located on the lower level of the complex. Inside, you will behold every little thing that good Ol’ Saint Nick has in his big red bag! You can follow Ap plewood Court on Facebook for all the latest!

The GA Mercantile store is worth the trip alone!!!! The most FABU LOUS selection I have ever seen. This is your one stop shop for sea sonal décor, inspirational plaques, garden accessories, paper dolls, and the list goes on and on. By this point you can tell that this gal likes to shop! It’s a trait that was passed down through my family for generations. I found the cutest Halloween Décor and couldn’t resist adding a couple of other things to the cart. The store does close for five days to prepare for the Christmas Holiday, and from what I have been told, it’s a big event in town! www.gamercantile. com

If you enjoy an arcade game and cats … yes, I said cats … then head over to the PURR Ground. This special experience allows you play your favorite arcade games with some furry felines! The cost is $10.00 per hour, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it in my life! It’s the 80’s vibe we all need in the forest! The best part is that if you see a pussy that you fall in love with…. you can adopt and give them the forever home they all need. Learn more about them on Facebook at their page The PurrGround. #OBSESSED

My favorite adventure though, would have to be the Ziplines at Pacific Crest! I have ziplined a couple of time before, but this was

next level zipping. We chose to do the Mountain View Tour, which included six different zip lines with lines as long as 1,000 feet and getting up to 55 mph. I was grateful that I packed a “shake and go” wig in my knapsack and had sensible sneakers, otherwise, it would have been a no go for this lady. The experience was AMAZING and the vistas from the mountain tops were simply breathtaking. The best part were our guides that took us out on the mountain. If you book a tour, ask for Casey as he made it the BEST EVER. www. ziplinespc.com

There is way more to tell you about that I can’t put in this article, but I want you to have your own experiences when you visit. We dined at other places, saw more sights, and did more shopping and it was all just good clean fun. The town is also known for it’s ski lodge during wintertime, and I plan to head back there and live my best ski bunny fantasy. I hope you enjoy this town as much as I did when you head to the forest!

Here’s to fun and joyful journeys! XO Ethyl

Photo Courtesy of Greg Mathis

The Many Layers of GREGORY MATHIS JR

By Alexander Rodriguez

Reality TV has often become a hotbed of drama, salacious displays of sex, catfights, and catty one-liners. Emerging from the typical noise of reality TV, E! Entertainment’s Mathis Family Matters is a breath of fresh air. The show details the life of pop ular TV personality Judge Mathis, his wife, and his four adult children, as everyone congregates in Los Angeles, all together again after pursuing their separate lives. Judge Mathis’ older son, Gregory Mathis Jr, has become a major focus of the show as his personal life turned public in the blink of an eye. His pub lic coming out, his long-term relationship with his partner El liot, and his involvement with both political and social causes has placed him among this year’s LGBTQ stand-out activist.

A major storyline for the show’s debut season is Greg Jr’s re luctance to make his sexuality a public thing. Though well supported by his family, his experience in politics as well as the neighborhoods he grew up created an atmosphere of wari ness. What would his dad’s fans say? What would the nation say? What would his political peers say? Once he publicly came out, there would be no going back. Since the show premiered, it has been nothing but a media frenzy from major network talk shows to podcasts across the nation, to print coverage in all types of mediums. Though he never wanted the spotlight, it gravitated towards him, and it has been a blessing, certain challenges notwithstanding.

What I have enjoyed the most are people who’ve genuine ly been touched or inspired by just seeing me live my life, and it surprises me every single time. I get messages in my inbox on Instagram, people who are saying that I helped them in their journey by being public with Elliot on the show and our coming out journey. I was actually just at din ner with a buddy of mine who went to Michigan undergrad with me and he was telling me that his younger brother just came out and he said, “Our entire family started watching the show because we were just trying to figure out how to deal with this and your show has helped us in that way.” And so that’s been the best part, just knowing that it is making an actual difference. The hardest part has been having the spotlight on me because, I mean, look, none of us are perfect. And so, it’s a little scary when you say something or tweet something, you do have all these people looking up to you and looking at what you do as an example. Pressure to not say the wrong thing or not want to let folks down who may be looking to you for some sort of guidance or as a role model, quite frankly.

One of the reasons I did want to do this show is because I know that putting myself out there in that way will help people and save a lot of lives. I mean, representation’s important and I know how valuable it would’ve been to me growing up and on my journey to see someone like me on television, someone that was living their life authentically, someone that was open about their struggles with their sexuality and how difficult it was to get to this point and how I’m still a work in progress.

Mathis’ journey to reality TV comes by way of politics, a career that runs in the family. Mathis Sr, after serving time in jail, be came heavily involved as a campus activist at Eastern Michigan University and worked for the Democratic Party, organizing demonstrations against South African Apartheid policies and went from unpaid political intern to serving as the appointed head of Jesse Jackson’s Presidential campaign in Michigan. Mathis Jr. followed suit and served over a decade in political offices, starting off as an intern as well, filling many positions, including staff assistant for Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.

It was a product of the way I grew up. I mean, my dad was in politics from an early age, he ran a lot of political cam paigns when I was growing up and so I was around it. But also, when I was young, I went to Detroit public schools up until sixth grade, and then we moved out and went to suburban schools. I could remember even at that age; I saw the difference in the school districts. I saw the resources that were so disparate between the suburban well-fund ed schools and the inner-city schools and it didn’t make sense to me then. I knew what the people who looked like that went to those different school districts as well and so I always kind of had an eye for wanting to figure out how I could help other people. That was my first example. I’m like, wait a minute, what can I do when I stopped going to inner city schools and went to suburban schools to help the kids that are still going to these inner-city schools? And so, I always had a little bit of a passion to just want to help peo ple and that really is the reason I started in politics. It was a passion deep within, I would say.

Though he enjoyed a successful career in politics, his career as a fashionista in politics was short-lived.

I remember I was an intern in Jesse Jackson Jr’s office and on my first day I was so excited. If you all have ever been to

Photo Courtesy of Greg Mathis

DC in the middle of the summer, it is piping hot and that’s when all the interns come to DC. I’m thinking, I’m going to put on this great outfit and look great. It just shows how na ive I was at that time. I should have known better, but I put on some nice shoes, and a pair of what I thought were nice khaki shorts with a polo, because they said we didn’t have to wear a suit that day, wear casual. I walk into the office and the first thing they say is, “Why are you wearing shorts in the office?” And my face just dropped, and I was so em barrassed. It ended up being a great intern experience, but that always stands out to me because here I am walking in bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on my first day as an intern, and that’s literally the first story I have. They said, “You’re lucky the Chief of Staff’s not here because he would’ve sent you right home, but I’m going to let you stay for the day, but don’t ever wear shorts in the office again.”

All jokes aside, his political work would constitute some of his proudest moments to date.

My favorite moment was when I was on the Senate floor the night that John McCain voted no on repealing the Af fordable Care Act. We thought the law was gone for sure and John McCain came in there and, rest his soul, saved the day. We partied like it was 1999 at night. I did a lot of domestic policy issues and healthcare fell in my portfolio when I was working in the United States Senate and that was a really special moment because we fought so hard for that. I worked on President Obama’s reelection campaign in Ohio, which was probably one of my other best moments the night that we won Ohio. That was the last time the Dem

ocratic party won Ohio, unfortunately, but that was a special moment.

Would Greg Jr ever run for office himself?

I would never say never no to anything, and I wouldn’t nec essarily say I’ve left politics completely. I still take my advocacy very seriously. But I think everything has a season and I’m excited for what is going to be next for me, I’m going to be able to really have an impact in a different way both in my advocacy from the LGBTQ perspective, but also in work with my family on some projects. My dad has a production company and I’m working with him on some projects that I’ll bring a unique perspective to it with my background, both in the LGBTQ space, but also my background in poli tics.

His family is having an impact. Without table flipping, catfights, or backstabbing, Mathis Family Matters has become a hit. Prov ing that reality TV can be wholesome and popular at the same time, the nation gets a glimpse of what a successful, Black, American family looks like, with each family member proud of the other for their individual successes. The show came to fruition because of his younger brother, Amir, a television pro ducer.

Amir came to our family with this concept a few years ago, and at first, we were super reluctant to do it. Everybody was like, no, we’re not putting our lives out there like that. But he came with a unique perspective of like, look, we have a super close-knit family, we have a lot of fun together, we

love each other, and he ultimately convinced us that we had some thing to offer the world that was different than what we do see on TV, and he sold us on that quite frankly. My dad eventually said yes because everybody else got on board. Amir went out and sold the show and made it happen all on his own and that is the genuine way in which this came together. It was partially Amir being able to convince us that this was something that would be posi tive. It really gives us an opportunity to showcase a positive family. I’m not going to say we’re perfect because we’re not. We have our issues that we work through, but that’s healthy for the world to see also … something slightly different to offer than what you see on a lot of reality TV shows.

Showcasing Greg Jr’s coming out story is so important not only for mainstream audiences to see but for other groups such as the Black and religious community. Part of Greg’s reluctance to come out was directly because of the environment he was brought up in, although his sexuality was part of who he is from early on.

I can’t put an exact age on it, but I just remember being young being attracted to a guy and thinking at that age, oh no, this is wrong. I can’t tell anybody about this. I’m not supposed to be doing this. Cause at that point, I would’ve been teased and bul lied like crazy if I had ever expressed those feelings at that age. I talk about this on the show a little bit, but I actually went to the church at the time and the pastor would speak frequently about how people who were homosexual were against what the Bible taught and that we were going to hell and it was an abomination and I actually would go home after church frequently and would try and pray not to be gay.

I can’t paint a broad brush for how our entire community feels, but I can speak from personal experience, which is that to me, the way I was raised, the Black church was very important to me. It was the anchor of our family, and many of our community. Being raised in the south, it was even amplified - once you leave high school, you’re expected to be bringing home a wife and have a family. In my experience, it’s been that mixture of Black families wanting their relatives to have a family, to have a strong Black family, and then the fact that we are so rooted in the church, which I contin ue to be. I go to church every Sunday. I’m very strong in my faith, but I just have a different interpretation than I think a lot of other people might.

Looking towards the future, now with reality TV star added to his resume, he is eager to show the world what else makes up Gregory Mathis Jr.

Now that (the coming out) is done, I’m excited to just get to living my life and not having to revisit that constantly. It’s like, okay, I’ve come out of the closet. You know who I am now. In future seasons of Mathis Family Matters, I’m excited for the world to see that yeah, I’m gay, but there’s so much more to me than that. I am really looking forward to people getting to see those different layers and getting to know me in a different way, rather than just the gay son of Judge Greg Mathis.

You can stream the full season of Mathis Family Matters on E!

Follow Greg Jr on IG: @GregMathisJr

with STAN JENSON

Photo courtesy of Glen Alen

Glen Alen

This Emmy Winner is Turning Drag into Art

By Alexander Rodriguez

In a time where social media and reality TV shows are making stars of drag queens, there is a faction of trail blazers that have taken the idea of drag and turned it into an art. Three-time Emmy Award winner Glen Alen is one of those queens. Hard to succinctly describe his style, his drag creations and celebrity impersonations are works of art unto themselves. The man behind the makeup is equally as magical with a glowing personal ity and a resume as colorful as his makeup.

He was destined to be an artist from a young age, learning the basics of color and form from delving into oil painting. After high school, he would embark on a 17-year career with the Regis Corporation becoming a National Educator, award-winning hair artist, and award-winning salon manager. During that time, he would also work with major brands like Smashbox, Lancome, Estée Lauder, Make Up For Ever, and Urban Decay and have his work seen in print, film, music vid eos, and commercials. Letting a woman’s natural beau ty shine through, he would present it together with his flawless technique.

After leaving Regis, he would become one of the most sought-after film and television makeup artists with his work seen on Drag Race, Legendary, A Star Is Born, The Greatest Showman, Penny Dreadful, The Masked Singer, Dancing With the Stars U.S.Tour, America’s Next Top Mod el, Days Of Our Lives, America’s Got Talent, Key & Peele, and the list goes on and on, with celebrity standouts that include Loni Love, Rita Moreno, Rosie O’Donnell, Tamar Braxton, Mel B, Leeza Gibbons, Raquel Welch, Pat Benatar, Kathy Griffin, Lisa Rinna, Betty White, Carol Channing, Bea Arthur, Debbie Gibson, and more.

Evolving his own drag style, he created the Drag Make up Academy, where he teaches his unique techniques and looks around the nation. His transformative art is astounding. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to see Glen perform live, you know it is not just a lip-synch and glued eyelash. It is art.

Glen Alen is our GED Drag Centerfold of the Month!

How did you go from oil painting to makeup?

As soon as I saw pop stars on TV like Boy George, Pete Burns, Cyndi Lauper, and Steve Strange, I knew my face had to be my new canvas.

What did you learn most about makeup from being at the Regis Corp?

Being an educator, I learned that when it comes to art there are principles, guidelines, and rules. Yes, rules were meant to be broken. But you must know them first.

How has the makeup industry changed the most since you first started?

Because of social media, the makeup Industry has gained massive appreciation and respect for its intricacies and for the discipline it takes to be successful.

How has your makeup technique changed the most since you first started?

I think it’s grown in two ways: The word ‘subtlety’ comes to mind. The high definition for TV, film, and print has taught me to blend even beyond what is seen by the naked eye. And the word ‘intensity.’ As a drag queen and club kid, a rule of thumb is that “more is just a place to start.”

What was your first experience with drag makeup?

I came across a drag show in the 80s called The Cosmetixs which performed at the club called Peanuts West Hollywood. It was filled with celebrity imper sonators who performed as Madonna, Tina Turner, Grace Jones, Cher, and many others, with the lead performer, Michael Angelo, serving outrageous club kid fantasy looks.

What is your take on influencers on social media be coming stars from doing makeup techniques - are they getting it right?

They are talented and inspiring. They are getting it right when doing makeup on themselves, and it’s a beautiful thing to see. Now, having said that, they get it right because most of them have a com mercially beautiful face, meaning their face fits the golden ratio. The golden ratio is the mathematical face proportion that models are chosen for … it’s what plastic surgeons use for restructuring a face. The challenge is doing makeup on all other face shapes and skin tones.

What does being a multiple Emmy award winner mean the most to you?

It means I’ve grown into a disciplined and responsible artist. I’ve learned the importance of working as a team and not needing the spotlight on me or my work. And it’s also a symbol of decades of mental and spiritual growth and perseverance.

What celebrity project has been your favorite, and why? It’s not the projects, it’s the legends. It’s the women who have been in the business for 40, 50, or 60

years. To get their approval means the world to me.

How would you categorize your personal drag perso na?

The category is ‘Shapeshifting.’

What do you love most about performing in drag?

I love suspending reality and transporting the audience and myself to another place in time where there is no stress, no worries, and no pressures that we encounter in our day-to-day life.

Hometown: Lakewood California.

Guilty pleasure?

A row of Chips Ahoy cookies.

Favorite part about doing drag?

The creative process of creating different looks and not getting stuck in a rut.

Least favorite part about doing drag?

Photo courtesy of Glen Alen

#Corset

Craziest drag story?

I was impersonating Kathy Griffin for a red carpet event and then had the real Kathy Griffin surprise me and walk up the carpet. She approved and we took many photos together.

Most undrag thing you do?

Camping.

What celebrity most needs a drag makeover?

Gordon Ramsay.

Favorite nightlife hotspot?

Heart WeHo.

Favorite non-profit?

APLA Health.

Favorite binge food?

Mexican.

What is the most overrated pop song?

“Baby Shark.”

Go-to cocktail?

A giant coffee.

What would the name of your biography be?

From Bullied to Brilliant.

Favorite song to perform?

“Otto Titsling.”

What is your after-drag ritual?

To release the Kraken. [Laughs]

What’s your favorite pickup line?

It’s a dick pic.

You can follow Glen on IG: @GlenAlen

Photo courtesy of Glen Alen

OPENING OCTOBER 2022

Eco Terreno Urban Tasting Room Lyon & Swan Supper Club

In the historic Jackson Square, San Francisco. The place for great wine, memorable foo d, engaging entertainment, and hospitable service.

Tommy Boi

This Golden Ticket is OUT and PROUD

By Alexander Rodriguez

Photo by Steven James - IG @stevenjamesphotos

At the age of 19, singer/songwriter Tommy Boi was granted the golden ticket to go on to Hollywood on American Idol’s Season 12. Though his path on the competition show was short-lived, he walked away with advice from season judge Nicki Minaj - to never give up and keep working at it. Heed ing her advice, he has done just that and has become one of the bright stars in the LGBTQ independent musician circuit. Overcoming some major obstacles in his life, he has been heating up the scene garnering millions upon millions of streams across all the major platforms and hitting the stage with powerhouse performances.

Music started early for Tommy, with piano lessons and sing ing starting at age 7 in Sacramento, California.

I had so many close friends that were like family to me, and I made so many beautiful memories growing up there. And while I was able to make a lot of amazing music with my friends, I always felt like I needed to get to LA to take my career to the next phase. Music became a huge part of my identity from so early on. It gave me the ability to process my emotions. I keep that with me in my songwriting. It was always the place I could turn to when I felt discouraged or lost. As I was finding myself growing up, music was my safe place.

Having a safe space was very important for Tommy as his sexuality started to develop. His early singing started in the church, and he would go on to attend a Christian university. It was at school that Tommy fell in love for the first time. The struggle between personal identity and a conservative up bringing would soon start to clash to form the foundation for today’s openly proud, gay musician.

I think deep down I always knew I was different, but I wasn’t sure why. Then during middle school, people would start to ask me if I was gay but, growing up in such a conservative world, that never felt like an option for me. I started to get bullied in high school about it, but I hadn’t fully accepted it for myself. I kind of just focused on music during high school and making lots of friends. It wasn’t until I fell in love for the first time with a boy when I was 21 that I knew I had to come out. I was scared of getting rejected by everyone in my life, but I had to make that choice to live my truth. I wanted to be happy and be free no matter the cost. Some people faded away when I came out, but the real ones in my life accepted me with open arms.

And his relationship with religion today?

I don’t really associate with any one religion today but growing up in a religious household definitely made me a spiritual person. I believe in the power of the universe and that all things do work together in such a beautiful way. It’s really all about your mindset and perspective when dealing with life every day.

In 2018, he released “Glue,” his professional coming out.

Once I wrote that song, I knew I didn’t want to live my life in hiding. I finally felt that feeling that everyone else always talked about and I just wanted to let it all out. I knew the people in my personal life would hear my heart in the song and how genuine that love was. It gave me the strength to finally take that step forward.

“Holiday” (the companion song to “Glue”) would detail Tom my’s journey to Los Angeles and the hardships that came with it, including couch surfing just to survive.

Living on my own for the first time and experiencing true independence can also feel like loneliness at times. We all have to find our path in this life and only you can go on that journey but I’m really grateful to have made some really close friends that lift me up and remind me of who I am when I’m struggling.

After his original move to Los Angeles, he was in a horrible car accident that forced Tommy to move back home for months to recover. But still, he wasn’t throwing in the towel.

That was the darkest time of my life. I was living in LA, recording music, and felt on top of the world but then, overnight, my life changed and just like that I was back home with a broken leg and no car. I was in recovery for six months, but the one thing I did have was all of the masters of my songs. So, it actually gave me time to process the coming out situation with my family and brought us all a lot closer again. I also released “You Nev er Called Back” while I was living back at home, and it started to take on a life of its own. It was a sign from the universe to not give up.

Despite Tommy’s hardships, his fan base in the music in dustry and on social media continued to climb. Each new single met with even more attention. As life continued to challenge Tommy on a personal level, the experiences gave him a new edge.

I think my perspective has matured a bit. I’ve learned a lot about love and relationships over the years and I hope that comes through in my songs. It’s less of a victim mentality like “You hurt me, how could you” and more of being grateful for the memories that I made with those people. I think you can see that new perspective in my song “California” - it’s about a past love but it’s not in a hurtful way, but more of a nostalgic and beautiful way. The song is just me processing those feelings of genu inely being happy for someone else while still feeling like I was sacrificing fun to pursue my dreams and build my own life. It’s not really a sad song, but more so about me stepping back and looking at my life, feeling nostal gic about the past, but also knowing that I was in the right place doing what I needed to do for myself to move

Photo by Steven James - IG @stevenjamesphotos

my life forward. I wanted the song to make people feel good and understood. There is so much beauty in that struggle of growing and forging your own path.

Above all, he remains unabashedly out and proud. Does he think being an openly gay musician is limiting at all?

I don’t like to think about it as a limitation because it’s my story and my reality. All I can do is live transparently and people can take that however they want. Making music is just something I must do to express myself and will always do regardless of what people think about me or my personal life.

While fans can recite Tommy’s lyrics along with him, they also have an equal fervor for Tommy’s shirtless, or pant less

pics on social media. Do the underwear and muscle pics overshadow his skills as a musician?

I do think it may confuse people a bit but I can’t help it. I’m just trying to live my authentic life and I also make music from my heart. Being a sexual human being is just part of being a human and I’m not ashamed of that.

I am just trying to live openly and transparently, and I hope that inspires everyone else to do the same no matter what their sexuality is.

Even choosing the stage name “Boi” is without apology.

Someone once told me that my stage name was too gay, so I felt like I just had to do it. It’s not so much about being a boy as it is about being forever young and not

Photo by Steven James - IG @stevenjamesphotos

taking anything too seriously. I think that’s why I felt good to commit to it.

It’s this mix of confidence, sexuality, and truly well-crafted music that has set Tommy apart from his peers. His voice is plaintive and powerful at the same time, commanding and pleading at others. For Tommy, he is simply telling his story his way.

Fans appreciate the vulnerability and honesty in my lyrics. They can hopefully hear the ten derness in my voice when I sing and that’s it all just coming from my heart and my real-life ex periences. It’s scary to put my stories out there sometimes but it is so worth it when I know it’s helping somebody else in their journey feel un derstood. I just want people to know that they aren’t alone in the struggle of growing up and healing from a broken heart because we all have been there.

With skilled instruction in his arsenal as well as life lessons, his creative process is precise.

I’m always writing down titles in my phone of stories I want to tell or phrases that resonate with me. Then from there, when I’m ready to write, I’ll sit down with my laptop and a guitar or piano and start to write out the hook. I typi cally build out the song from that point. I write the melodies and the lyrics hand in hand as I go. I’ve written to tracks before, and I enjoy that a lot, but my favorite is writing with an instru ment in my hand because it feels like the song is just fully coming from my mind and body.

Tommy’s biggest priorities right now are to release his next EP and continue his live bookings across the U.S. Not only does he want to be an inspiration to other LGBTQ people in coming out, but he also wants to be a point of light for other musicians. His best advice?

Just remember that your story is worth being told. Keep going because you love making art. Make the best music you can and remember why you started in the first place. Enjoy the journey and just focus on growing every single day. It’s all about baby steps! Celebrate every win and learn from every loss. Every day that you are alive is a blessing and a chance to be gin again. Find that dream life for yourself and remember it is all about baby steps. I love you all so much!

You can listen to Tommy’s music across all major platforms, and follow him on IG: @TommyBoi.

Photo by Steven James - IG @stevenjamesphotos

LOS ANGELES DIRECTORY

BARS & CLUBS

AKBAR

4356 W. Sunset Blvd Silverlake, CA 90029 323.665.6810 akbarsilverlake.com

BEACHES WEHO

8928 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.360.0395 beachesweho.com

FIESTA CANTINA

88565 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.652.8865 fiestacantina.net

FUBAR

7994 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046 323.654.0396 fubarla.com

GYM Sportsbar

8919 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 424.313.8202 gymsportsbar.com

HAMBURGER MARY’S

8288 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 323.654.3800 hamburgermarys.com

Heart Weho

8911 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 heartweho.com

HI TOPS

8933 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 hitopsbar.com

MICKYS

8857 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.657.1176 mickys.com

ROCCO’S

8900 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 424.343.0123 roccosweho.com

SAINT FELIX

8945 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.275.4428 saintfelix.net

THE ABBEY 692 N Robertson Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.289.8410 theabbeyweho.com

THE CHAPEL 692 N Robertson Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.289.8410 theabbeyweho.com

THE EAGLE

4219 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029 323.669.9472 eaglela.com

REVOLVER VIDEO BAR

8851 SANTA MONICA BLVD. WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069 424.382.1108 REVOLVERWEHO.COM

STACHE

8941 SANTA MONICA BLVD WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069 310.402.0770 STACHEWEHO.COM

THE BAYOU 8939 SANTA MONICA BLVD WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069 310.273.3303 THEBAYOUWEHO.COM

TRUNKS

8809 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.652.1015 west.hollywood.trunksbar.com

CLOTHING & LEATHER 665 Leather & Fetish 20810 Lassen St Chatsworth, CA 91311 818.678.9193 665leather.com

BRICK & MORTAR

8713 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.652.6605 shopatbrick.com

CHI CHI LARUE’S 8861 Santa Monica Blvd and 8230 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 323.337.9555 circusofbooks.com

ROUNDERBUM

802 N San Vicente Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 844.284.2968 rounderbum.com

ROUGH TRADE LEATHER 3915 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029 323.660.7956 roughtradegear.com

THE PLEASURE CHEST 7733 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046 323.650.1022 thepleasurechest.com

HAIR SALONS

BLADES

801 N. Larrabee St, Ste #1 West Hollywood 310 659-6693

LOS ANGELES DIRECTORY

SHORTY’S BARBER SHOP

755 N Fairfax Ave West Hollywood 323 297-0554 shortysbarbershop.com

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

HEALTH/COUNSELING

AID FOR AIDS AFA 8235 Santa Monica Blvd #200 West Hollywood, CA 90046 323 656-1107 aidforaids.net

AIDS HEALTHCARE

FOUNDATION/MENS

WELLNESS CENTER

• 6255 W Sunset Blvd, 21st Fl Los Angeles, CA 90028

888 AIDS CARE

• 1300 N Vermont Ave, Ste 407 Los Angeles, CA 90027 866 339-2525 800 367-2437 inspotla.org

AIDS HEALTHCARE

FOUNDATION PHARMACY

8212 Santa Monica Blvd The David Geffen Center West Hollywood, CA 90046 323 654-0907 ahfpharmacy.org

APLA HEALTH

CLIENT & COMMUNITY SERVICES

The David Geffen Center

• 611 South Kingsley Drive Los Angeles, CA 90005 213.201.1600 213 201-WALK (9255)

• 3743 S. La Brea Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90016 323.329.9900

• 5901 W. Olympic Blcd. #310 Los Angeles, CA 90036

• 1043 Elm Avenue #302 Long Beach, CA 90813 562.247.7740 apla.org aidswalk.net

AIDS RESEARCH ALLIANCE 1400 S Grand Ave Ste 701 Los Angeles, CA 90015 310 358-2429 www.hopetakesaction.org aidsresearch.org

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 3333 Wilshire Blvd #900 Los Angeles, CA 90010 800 227-2345 cancer.org

BEING ALIVE PEOPLE WITH HIV/AIDS ACTION COALITION

621 N San Vincente Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310 289-2551 beingalivela.org

GAY & LESBIAN CENTER Orange County 1605 N Spurgeon St Santa Ana, CA 92701 714 953-5428 thecenteroc.org

HOLY FAMILY SERVICES, ADOPTION & FOSTER CARE 840 Echo Park Ave Los Angeles, CA 90026 213 202-3900 hfs.org

LA FREE CLINIC

• 5205 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90038 323 653-1990 – appts 323 653-8622 – admin lafreeclinic.org

• 6043 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028

• 8405 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90048

LA Public Health reallycheckyourself.org

OUT OF THE CLOSET THRIFT SHOPS

• 8224 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046 323 848-9760

• 3500 East Pacific Coast Hwy Long Beach, CA 90804 562 494-0340

• 1726 East Colorado Blvd Pasadena, CA 91106 626 440-1719

• 360 North Fairfax Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036 323 934-1956

PROJECT ANGEL FOOD

922 Vine St Los Angeles, CA 90038 323 845-1800 angelfood.org

THE TREVOR PROJECT 9056 Santa Monica Blvd #100 West Hollywood, CA 90069 310 271-8845 thetrevorproject.org

VALLEY COMMUNITY

HEALTHCARE

6801 Coldwater Canyon Ave North Hollywood, CA 91605 818 301-6314 - HIV testing 818 301-6390 - Medical Services smarthealthla.com

LEGAL

LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE & EDUCATION FUND INC.

Western Regional Office

3325 Wilshire Blvd #1300 Los Angeles, CA 90010 213 382-7600

lambdalegal.org

NATIONAL G & L TASK FORCE

5455 Wilshire Blvd #1505 Los Angeles, CA 90036 323 954-9597 thetaskforce.org

PALM SPRINGS DIRECTORY

ATTRACTIONS

THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS

47900 Portola Ave Palm Desert, CA 92260 760 346-5694 livingdesert.org

PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM 745 N Gene Autry Trail Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 778-6262 palmspringsairmuseum.org

PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM 101 Museum Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 322-4800 psmuseum.org

PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY

1 Tram Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 888 515-8726 pstramway.com

BARS & CLUBS

BLACKBOOK

315 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.832.8497 blackbookbar.com

CHILL BAR

217 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.327.1079 chillbarpalmsprings.com

EAGLE 501

301 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.327.0753 eagle501bar.com

HUNTERS

302 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.323.0700 hunterspalmsprings.com

ONE ELEVEN BAR

67555 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.537.3111 oneelevenbar.com

OSCAR’S

125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 108 Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.1188 oscarspalmsprings.com

PS AIR BAR (Speakeasy inside Bouschet)

611 S. Palm Canyon Dr, Suite 22 Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.327.7701 psairbar.com

QUADZ

200 S. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.778.4326 Spurline.com

STREET BAR

224 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.1266 psstreetbar.com

THE BARRACKS

67-625 E. Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.321.9688

THE ROOST LOUNGE

68718 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.507.8495 theroostcc.com

TOOL SHED

600 E. Sunny Dunes Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.320.3299 pstoolshed.com

TOUCANS TIKI LOUNGE 2100 N. Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.416.7584 toucanstikilounge.com

TRUNKS

36737 Cathedral Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.321.0031 trunkscatcity.com

CLOTHING OPTIONAL RESORTS BEARFOOT INN 888 N. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA. 92262 760.699.7641 bearfootinn.com

DESCANSO

288 E. Camino Monte Vista Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.1928 descansoresort.com

DESERT PARADISE 615 S. Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.320.5650 desertparadise.com

EL MIRASOL VILLAS 525 Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.327.5913 elmirasol.com

INNDULGE PALM SPRINGS 601 Grenfall Rd Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.327.1408 inndulge.com

SANTIAGO RESORT 650 San Lorenzo Road Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.322.1300 santiagoresort.com

THE HACIENDA 586 S. Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.327.8111 thehacienda.com

TRIANGLE INN PALM SPRINGS 555 San Lorenzo Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.322.7993 triangle-inn.com

TWIN PALMS 1930 S. Camino Real Palm Springs, CA 760-841-1455 twinpalmsresort.com

VISTA GRANDE RESORT 574 S. Warm Sands Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.322.2404 vistagranderesort.com

CLOTHING & LEATHER GAYMART 305 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.416.6436

GEAR LEATHER & FETISH 650 E Sunny Dunes Rd #1 Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.322.3363 gearleather.com

ROUGH TRADE LEATHER 321 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.699.7524 roughtradegear.com

GIFTS

DESTINATION PSP 170 North Palm Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 354-9154 destinationpsp.com

GREETINGS PALM SPRINGS 301 N Palm Canyon Dr # 102 Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 322-5049 greetingspalmsprings.com

PALM SPRINGS DIRECTORY

JUST FABULOUS

515 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 864-1300 bjustfabulous.com

MISCHIEF CARDS & GIFTS

226 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 322-8555 mischiefcardsandgifts.com

PEEPA’S

120 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 318-3553 peepasps.com

PS HOMEBOYS

108 S. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.318.7388 pshomeboys.com

Q TRADING COMPANY

606 E Sunny Dunes Rd Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-416-7150

HAIR SALONS

CUT BARBER

1109 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 322-2999 cutbarber.com

DADDY’S BARBERSHOP

192 S Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264 760 537-1311 daddysbarbershop.com

MEN’S GROOMING SPOT

68487 E Palm Canyon Dr Suite 43 Cathedral City, CA 92234 760 992-0028 mensgroomingspot.com

PALM SPRINGS FINE MEN’S SALON

750 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 3 Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.904.0434 psfinemenssalon.com

REALTORS

HK LANE REAL ESTATE

Ken Townsend (DRE #01984579) 760.422.4770 Hklane.com

PALM SPRINGS HOME TEAM

Conrad Miller (DRE #01973983)

760.464.9559

Brandon Holland (DRE # 01986968) 760.413.1220

Palmspringshometeam.com

RESTAURANTS

1501 UPTOWN GASTROPUB 1501 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, 92262 760-507-1644 1501uptown.com

BLACKBOOK

315 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.832.8497 blackbookbar.com

BOOZEHOUNDS PALM SPRINGS 2080 North Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.656-0067 boozehoundsps.com

EIGHT4NINE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

849 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.8490 eight4nine.com

FARM

6 La Plaza Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.322.2724 farmspalmsprings.com

JOHANNES

196 S. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.778.0017 johannespalmsprings.com

PS AIR BAR (Speakeasy inside Bouschet)

611 S. Palm Canyon Dr, Suite 22 Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.327.7701 psairbar.com

RICK’S DESERT GRILL

1596 North Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.2127 ricksdesertgrill.com

ROLY CHINA FUSION

1107 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.548.0041 rolychinafusion.com

SAMMY’S PLACE

69034 E Palm Canyon Drive Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.770.4030 originalsammysplace.com

SHAME ON THE MOON

69950 Frank Sinatra Dr Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760.324.5515 shameonthemoon.com

SHERMAN’S DELI

401 E Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.325.1199 shermansdeli.com

TRILUSSA 68-718 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.328.2300 trilussarestaurant.com

TRIO RESTAURANT 707 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA. 92262 760.854.8746 triopalmsprings.com

WILMA & FRIEDA’S

155 S Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.992.5080 wilmafrieda.com

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

DAP HEALTH 1695 N. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 323-2118 daphealth.org

DESERT CARE NETWORK 760 561-7373 desertcarenetwork.com

DESERT OASIS HEALTHCARE 275 North El Cielo Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 325-DOHC (3642) mydohc.com

EISENHOWER HEALTH 39000 Bob Hope Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760 340-3911 eisenhowerhealth.org

MICHAEL’S HOUSE

1910 S Camino Real Palm Springs, CA 92262 844 768-0633 michaelshouse.com

PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264 760 416-5718 psanimalshelter.org

PALM SPRINGS FRONT RUNNERS & WALKERS frontrunners.clubexpress.com

STONEWALL GARDENS

2150 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 548-0970 stonewallgardens.com

LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE DESERT 1301 North Palm Canyon Dr, 3rd Floor Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 416-7790 thecentercv.org

Beyond Puerto Vallarta’s Gay Beach

By Paco Ojeda

What is there not to like about Puerto Vallarta’s gay beach? Day in and day out, the southernmost section of Los Muertos, the city’s most popular beach, becomes the centerpiece, meeting point and playground for gay men from all walks of life who choose Puer to Vallarta over other gay destinations, worldwide. For some, it’s the simple fact of being served food or beverages right on the beach—something us locals take for granted. For others, it’s the endless parade of hot guys and the possibility of making new friends or playmates. But when it comes to beachgoing, there is more to Puerto Vallarta than Los Muertos Beach.

Why would you want to go elsewhere when Los Muertos is so con veniently located in the heart of Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallar ta’s gayborhood? For starters, why not? If you are a repeat visitor, a change of scenery is probably due. Then there’s the matter of choice. For some, a perfect beach day may simply require a beach towel, water bottle and a Kindle. And admittedly, during high tour ism periods, spending any time at the gay beach may very well be too crowded for comfort.

Fortunately, Puerto Vallarta is located smack in the middle of Ban deras Bay, one of the largest bays in the world, and there are plen ty of laidback beach destinations to consider beyond Los Muertos Beach, particularly as you head south.

For a quick change of pace or the minimalist in you, consider the beaches along Conchas Chinas, just south of Los Muertos Beach. Conchas Chinas is one of the first residential neighborhoods made popular by folks north of the border and it features mountainside condominiums and villas with spectacular views, as well as beach front properties. Getting there is as easy as walking to the end of Los Muertos Beach and following the walking path along the rocks. For those with vehicles, there is access from the main high way (Carr. 200 Sur) and limited parking along Amapas, Sagitario and Easy Streets.

There are other public beaches located along the highway head ing south that are accessible by car or public transportation, but it is at Boca de Tomatlan, a small beachfront fishing village 30 min utes from Puerto Vallarta, that things get genuinely interesting. At this point, the highway heads to the mountains and the only way to reach beaches south of Boca is by taking a water taxi to one of several tiny towns popular for day trips or overnight adventures. Water taxis can also be boarded right at Los Muertos Pier, by the way.

Day Trip: Las Ánimas Beach

Located just south of Boca de Tomatlán, Las Ánimas can also be reached via a mildly challenging, 1.5 hr mountain hike. Once there, expect to find a number of palapa style restaurants serving basic Mexican cuisine along with soft drinks, cold beer, or the cocktail of your choice. The easiest way to experience Las Ánimas Beach is by taking a water taxi round trip from Los Muertos Beach. Heading south to Boca via the highway to catch the water taxi there adds an added layer of scenic oceanfront driving. For fitness/nature-buffs, consider hiking from Boca to Las Ánimas and then taking the wa ter taxi back!

Overnight Trip: Yelapa

For a great romantic getaway or fun trip with friends, Yelapa, near the southern edge of Banderas Bay, has been drawing those look ing for a more rustic, Robinson Crusoe-type of experience for de cades. Many discover Yelapa as a day trip and are enticed to return overnight after discovering the broad variety of accommodations available, from basic, palapa-roofed casitas to swanky boutique hotels. No brands you’d recognize, fear not, as most types of ur ban development are forbidden here. The water taxi ride to Yelapa (whether you take it from Los Muertos or Boca, is usually a colorful experience. The town only accessible by boat, expect everything from a bunch of tourists to a full-size stove to be loaded onto the boats!