GED MAGAZINE - DECEMBER 2023

WINNER OUTstanding Realtors 2022

CONTENTS

Darryl Stephens – 20

Amsterdam – 40 12 – Advice 30 – On Stage 32 – Ethyl’s Place

Vanity Halston – 27 36 – Movie Review 44 – Puerto Vallarta 46 – LA & PS Directory

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PUBLISHER

From The Editor As the year comes to a close, we reflect with gratitude on the wonderful journey we’ve shared with you, our readers. Your unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our success, and we extend our heartfelt thanks.

800.818.0480 info@gedmag.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael Westman CREATIVE DIRECTION Coachella Valley Design DISTRIBUTION Pride In Media MARKETING Christopher Jackson ADVERTISING SALES Eric Davis Southern CA Account Manager eric@gedmag.com Jim Delyea Northern CA Account Manager jim@gedmag.com

GED Magazine is more than just pages; it’s a community brought to life by readers like you. Each story, article, and image is a testament to the shared passion for knowledge, creativity, and exploration. As we welcome the new year, let’s continue this journey together, uncovering new narratives and celebrating the diversity that makes our community vibrant.

All of us at GED Magazine wish you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with peace, prosperity, and the simple joys that make life beautiful. Here’s to a bright and promising new year ahead. Thank you for being an integral part of our magazine family.

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. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

NATIONAL ADVERTISING SALES Rivendell Media 212.242.6863 info@rivendellmedia.com EDITORIAL INQUIRIES info@gedmag.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alexander Rodriguez Billy Francesca Ethylina Canne Kevin Perry Mark Thompson Paco Ojeda Stan Jenson

COVER: Model: Darryl Stephens Photo by: Rebecca Sanabria

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ADVICE FROM AN IDIOT with BILLY FRANCESCA

Hello My Darling Ducks! I can’t believe it’s been three months already and the last ‘Advice from an Idiot” of 2023! But don’t fret, we have more for you in 2024! This month we have some great questions, so keep ‘em coming in email us at theadviceidiot@gmail.com.

Love to you All! Happiest of Holidays, stay safe and share the love!

XO BF

Dear Advice from an Idiot, So my girlfriend (I’m a lesbian) always wants to hang out with her gay male friends. I wasn’t even sure I was going to send this email, because I didn’t want to sound like “that lesbian” complaining about gay men. It just seems anytime we go out, it is with a gaggle of gay guys and we go bar hoping with them. Don’t get me wrong they are a super fun group of guys but sometimes I want to be around a ‘girl group,” you know? Any suggestions on how to make this work better?

Thank you.

Not that Lesbian, I Swear Hi, “Not that Lesbian, I Swear”, God that is funny to write, You don’t sound “that way” at all. Who doesn’t want to be around “their group” or different vibes all together. I guess my first question is, who orchestrates going out more? You? Or you girlfriend?

You can take the initiative to say, “hey let’s do this”, and head to a “girls event”. I realize this gets more difficult since there are so few “Lesbian Bars” and spaces for ya’ll and I think that sucks! I try to create a safe, fun crazy space at my events, but I get it! Gay guys are exhausting! I speak from experience as one myself. Create the vibe and night out with a group of gals, and map that out yourself. I’m certain your girlfriend would love the planning, and that way you can level the playing field (I used a lesbian sports term, you’re welcome) for nights out with friends! Come to one of my Bingos - I get lots of gals (and event straight folk) and it’s a fun alternative to clubs and you can talk and connect more. But most definately, set up some Girl Power time and have fun!

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Hey Idiot, Why do tops only want to top? I’m a gay dude who prefers to top, but I don’t want that to be the only sexual interaction I have. I must sound like I’m complaining, but it seems to me, that when I meet a dude I like, and if they happen to top as well, that is all they want to do. I mean, there is a lot more sex stuff to do, than just TOP. When did sex become just this or that? Am I the only one who feels this way? Sometimes I just want to make out, is that weird? Just wondering what advice or insight you may have, as to why I keep running into this problem.

Thanks.

It’s lonely at the Top My Darling, “It’s Lonely at the Top”, Another hysterical thing to write. I get what you are saying, and it is a bit of a weird situation. In my opinion, it has to do with the action of “topping” and how for some guys, it is more automatic and mechanical, not all of course, but “let me just do this, because that is what is expected of me.” I think it has to deal a lot to do with what I call, “immediate intimacy” where you go “all the way” right out of the gate. The gay art of cruising, flirting, and dating seem to me a thing of the past and that is super unfortunate. My advice… well, it having and knowing your own personal boundaries that you feel comfortable with. I truly believe by sticking to what fills your spirit, will attract that kind of encounter, either for a fun night with someone or for more of a long-time situation. The nonstop sex parade buffet that is laid out before us as gay men, is something that needs to be personally navigated and really looked at closely from time to time. Just because it’s there, doesn’t mean I have to go to it all the time. And what works for you and being a top, will possibly feel like less of a burden. But yes, these bottoms are everywhere!

Wearing Love on Their Sleeves Empowerment Springs Eternal at El Tuggle

By Kevin Perry

Photo courtesy of El Tuggle

If you want something to grow, you must give it light and love.

Nourishing rays and nurturing affection combine to form a potent concoction that invigorates us from our roots all the way up to our limbs. This strategy works on both a micro and macro level, so whether you’re striving for personal growth or business expansion, just follow a simple mantra…

“Our motto is let the sun shine in. We’re El Tuggle.”

Rodrigo Tuggle beams with warmth as he conveys his fierce philosophy before passing the baton to his husband and partner, Robert Tuggle.

“Every time Rodrigo and I would go off on vacations, it was always somewhere, quote unquote, ‘resort,’ by the beach, in the sun. Just something that had that vibe of what would one pack

for a resort. It’s just comfortable clothing. Lightweight, we always gravitate towards lightweight because we always seem to want to go to the beach... It launched our thought process of what we would do if it was our own line.”

Putting passion into practice, Rodrigo punctuates the central motif of El Tuggle. “Resort goes hand in hand with the feeling of happiness when you’re on vacation. It’s one of the times that people remember the most, when you’re at ease, when you are completely thinking of enjoying yourself from dusk to dawn.”

The Tuggles’ R&R is well earned and wonderfully deserved.

Their journey from dreamers to doers is an inspiring one, and it began in Robert’s romper room days. “I’ve been constructing and sewing for as long as I can remember. I know a lot of designers say that, but I think I started with my grandmother at GEDMAG.com | 15

Photo courtesy of El Tuggle

age four and knew what I wanted to do through junior high, high school, probably before I knew what a designer was.”

When Robert applied his instincts to higher education, the results were next level.

“I ended up going out to Los Angeles at Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design and got my degree, BFA in design, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I wouldn’t know anything else to do… I thought, ‘What would I want to do every single day of the rest of my life?’ And that’s how it happened. That’s clothing.”

Rodrigo’s path was similarly focused and fabulous.

“I went to school for an MBA, and so I’m business oriented. But I’m a very creative person. I really love fashion, I’m Latino and, you know, I dress well, live well.”

For the Tuggles, the end of school marked the beginning of their soul search. “When I graduated,” recounts Robert, “how many companies did I reach out to after graduation? And that’s always in the graduates’ back of their head. ‘When am I going to get it? How am I going to get a job? Am I going to get a job?’

I’ve always had a connection - even after graduation - with the school I went to. And I will help them out as much as I can.”

In addition to mentoring his Parsons pupils, Robert was build16 | GEDMAG.com

ing a network of potential collaborators. “We’re always thinking of how we can promote a younger designer as well as someone in their 80s who might think, ‘you know, what am I going to do?

I don’t want to be retired. I’m too active.’”

At this point, the couple’s biography becomes a love story.

“I’m from Mexico City,” Rodrigo narrates, “but I ended up in Seattle some years ago, and that’s where we met nine, almost ten years ago. We clicked and the rest is history.” It is a history full of exploration and innovation. “We were bringing pop ups around the country, our resort collections. And that’s how we got to establish a lot of exceptional relationships with future customers.

And one of those times we ended up in Palm Springs. We got married here in Palm Springs, so, we have a lot of history here.

And we have a connection. I think it’s a perfect fit.”

The Tuggles’ wanderlust galvanized their whimsical yet worldly aesthetic.

“We love the experience of finding local design and authentic things that I’m not going to find back home that are going to remind me of that moment of happiness and vacation where I purchased the item.”

But no matter how far they roamed, Palm Springs always felt like home.

Photos courtesy of El Tuggle

“The goal,” declares Rodrigo, “was to find a space for our first brick and mortar.” El Tuggle became more than just a storefront; it became a beacon. “It’s about bringing them to our happy place in the desert. Because that’s the way we feel here.”

Immediately, their brand bloomed in the Coachella Valley heat.

“We are El Tuggle, we’re two gay men. Our clothing is for all men, not only for gay men. We have a big line for straight guys that love design and color.”

“We definitely have our own language,” Robert interjects. “It’s about fun details, colorful details, colors, color themes, color combinations, stories that you aren’t going to find in other brands.”

Despite their firmly unique vision, the Tuggles stress the value of broad perspectives. “We still have our finger on the pulse of what the industry is and the direction the industry is going in general. But we do not let that dictate what the collection is going to look like.”

Men’s wear became synonymous with El Tuggle, but their style has always defied rigid roles. “Women have connected to the way we do things,” explains Rodrigo, “from our flowy and light fabrics to our designs and colors. And for a while they were asking us to do things for them. And finally, this last collection, we introduced a small batch of items for the women in our store.

We introduced it to give a little space to them, to make them feel included.”

With a friendly flourish, Rodrigo announces, “We opened the women’s side of the business, which we call La Tuggle... It’s our sister brand.”

Clarifying their mission statement, Robert adds, “We didn’t want to view it as a second thought like, ‘oh, we’ll just give the women a little group here.’ So, in order to really focus on women’s clothing and women’s designers, we wanted a separate space. So, it’s not an afterthought. No.”

“It’s one brand,” notes Rodrigo. “Even though La Tuggle just refers to the female side of it, it’s one brand. And we want them to connect with each other. That’s the way we design, there’s a story behind every collection that is reflected in the way we display the color story, the theme. And people get that.”

To tell that story as authentically as possible, the entrepreneurs enlisted female friends to step into the stylish spotlight.

“We call it a platform,” Rodrigo continues, “for women, art and design. When you have a product that you want to get out there, you get 99 rejections out of 100. It’s not easy for people to give you an opportunity. We wanted to utilize that platform to give women and women-owned brands the space needed to put their art out there.”

Honing in further, Rodrigo specifies, “The idea is to continue having collaborations with designers, women designers GEDMAG.com | 17

with the focus of LGBT, Latinx, Black-owned and anyone that needs an opportunity… that would be a good fit for us.”

Robert zooms out to paint the bigger picture of El Tuggle’s wondrous worldview. “We want to make sure that the brand is inclusive. You know, there’s so much ageism. I’m sorry to say, I see it in my industry, I see it in the business industry. And that’s really what we like about our jewelry designer in Riverside. I mean, she’s 80, 81 years old and she’s active, active, active, active… She just walked into our store and asked about our jewelry. And the conversation led to the fact that she’s a jewelry designer… and we connected.”

Finishing his hubby’s sentence, Rodrigo chirps, “With her story.”

El Tuggle embraces the narrative of our shared humanity - a tale that becomes more enriching when it includes a diversity of race, orientation, and gender.

“The women’s line is the best way to balance our art and our design,” surmises Rodrigo.

“Bringing them into the equation. Equality.

Mainly because it’s needed nowadays. And I think it’s healthy for everybody and everyone needs to be represented. And it’s fun! And when the formula works better, when you have your creations along with someone’s story of their creations and they complement each other, that’s what we want to portray in the way we curate and the way we utilize this space for everybody.”

The Palm Springs shop is a gallery of gregariousness, a cacophony of caring, and an enclave of innovation. The Tuggles open their hearts, minds, and doors to anyone ready to wear joy on their sleeves. “They have to come in for the experience,” invites Rodrigo. “It’s just all we hear, over and over and over. ‘Your clothing makes me so happy’ and we get so many compliments. It’s one of a kind. It is true design, and it’s something that you will not find anywhere else… It brings the best out of you when you wear our clothing.”

Expression and inclusion. El Tuggle and La Tuggle. Light and love. These are the threads that weave our community together. May they never part.

Visit them at 388 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, and online at eltuggle.com.

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Photo courtesy of El Tuggle

Photo by Matthew Rettenmund

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Darryl Stephens Boy Culture: Generation X

By Alexander Rodriguez In 2006, the gay independent film Boy Culture hit the scene, part of the trailblazing content of that time that has led to our current boom in LGBTQ content and storytelling in mainstream culture. Starring Derek Magyar as “X” and Darryl Stephens as Andrew, the film centered around themes of love and sex, as X and Andrew find their love despite X’s work as an escort, bringing the complexities of gay dating culture to the screen. During a time when quality LGBTQ content was scarce, it made a mark in LGBTQ cinematic history, welcomed by critics and audiences alike.

Boy Culture is back, with the original leads and creative team, with Boy Culture: Generation X. We find our two leads, now broken up, dealing with themes of aging, finding their place in life, the power of love, and the gratification of instant hookups. Told in episodic scenes, X is still escorting, though the entire culture has changed. Both X and Andrew are trying to manage living together while broken up, trying to find their place as older gay men in the modern dating world. Rewatching the original film prior to watching Generation X, the film is a welcome return to characters audiences fell in love with more sex, more comedy, and more guest stars. With the time between the two films, we see how much our culture has evolved, despite social and political obstacles. Same-sex marriage and PrEP were not on the horizon during the first film. This film questions what love has become with the dawn of hookup apps and escort online services. Yes, we are in a sexual revolution where we are out and proud and gratification can be instant, but has that come at the sacrifice of romance and real love?

Darryl Stephens, returning to a role he created almost 17 years ago, was front and center during those early years of independent gay filmmaking. Not only was he in Boy Culture, but he also starred in the popular series Noah’s Arc, celebrating the gay black community. The show became Logo’s highest-rated show during its run. Darryl reflects on how it feels to have been part of those pioneer projects and his current take on LGBTQ representation.

I love that this generation gets to experience all this queer representation. I think one of the reasons young people are so fierce and fearless is because they grew up with unapologetic queer folks on television. LGBTQ characters who weren’t presented as tragic or “illicit.” It’s remarkable how profoundly the culture has shifted, not just in my lifetime, but in my career. And to consider that some of my work made space for this era when so many queer people finally get to see themselves reflected back on screen will forever be wildly gratifying. Kinda surreal, if I›m honest.

You know, I give Shonda Rhimes a lot of credit for the mainstreaming of LGBTQ characters. Right around the time when all the gay-centered cable shows were going off the air, LGBTQ characters were popping up on her shows. I mean, by then lots of network shows had “very special episodes” when a straight series regular would realize her high school friend was a lesbian, insert stunt cast guest star, or whatever. But a sexy primetime soap with queer series regulars?

Seems like seeing us integrated into those kinds of stories helped to normalize us to TV audiences in a whole new way.

Suddenly people didn’t need to be watching “a gay show” to have gay people visiting their living rooms every Thursday night. Which helped expose our humanity to people who weren’t necessarily looking to see it. Since the advent of streaming, queer characters can be found populating all kinds of shows. We’re everywhere. And sure, every now and then it feels like we’re shoved into stories that have nothing to do with us just to fill a diversity quota... but I’m excited to see more queer folks of the global majority representing complicated and fully developed characters.

Darryl has enjoyed an extensive career with roles in both independent and network projects. His range has taken him from projects like Another Gay Movie to Pee Wee’s Big Holiday to Saved by the Bell to a long-running stint on Chuck Lorre’s B Positive. Yes, he’s played gay characters but has avoided playing the same stereotype often given to openly gay actors starting their careers when Darryl did.

Did I avoid the stereotypes and limitations placed on openly gay actors? There was actually a point when I felt like I rarely got to play anything that wasn’t a «sassy» stereotype.

But I guess you›re right. The year Noah’s Arc premiered, I also played “Boy Next Door” Andrew in Boy Culture and Angel the go-go dancer in Another Gay Movie. All gay men, but totally different types. Then a few years later, I did a show called DTLA where I played a lawyer named Lenny, who was kind of a prick and a hot mess. Noah was the only femme in the bunch, but he was sweet, not sassy. I tried to be intentional about choosing work that allowed audiences to see different types of Black gay men in my work. But I eventually learned that if I was going to make a living, I would have to learn to serve that “sassy” stereotype. For whatever reason, that was what audiences seemed to respond to.

Mainstream audiences, especially. I probably could have gotten in my feelings about that, but I know how hard it is and how rare it is to be a working actor. I’ve been extremely fortunate. I’m just as grateful for those “sassy” TV gigs as I GEDMAG.com | 21

Photos by Matthew Rettenmund

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Photos by Matthew Rettenmund

am for those indie projects that have allowed me to explore other colors and touch people in different ways.

Boy Culture and Boy Culture Generation X are directed by Q. Allan Brocka, who has created an extensive library of LGBTQ content with projects like the Eating Out series, The Big Gay Sketch Show, and the animated series Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All the World. His return to the Boy Culture franchise is why Darryl signed up for the sequel.

I’m a Allan Brocka fan, so I’m always excited when he calls.

I’m pretty sure I said yes to this before I even read the script. I really loved the first movie, and I thought if there was any chance of capturing some of the magic we had back then again, it was too good an opportunity to pass up.

What was it like returning to the character of Andrew after such a long break?

Andrew is a character I always wanted to see more of. I really appreciated where we got to see his character go in the first movie. He was the only character whose family we got to meet, which is pretty special in gay movies. It’s like when you’re dating a guy, and he suggests meeting his parents.

You suddenly realize he thinks the relationship is really going somewhere so you start to take him more seriously.

The way the first film honored the character Andrew made it important to me to tell more of his story. So, I really saw this as an incredible gift... to be able to explore his emo-

tional life. Who would that guy be ten years later? After the dissolution of the relationship that he’d allowed to define him?

For Darryl, his personal time between the original and sequel was also a journey.

Many moons ago, I had my heart broken the way Andrew has. Heartbreak brings you closer to your emotional center.

It demands that you sit with yourself and live through all of those feelings, whether you want to or you’re ready to or not. Pulling yourself out of that can’t help but expand your sense memory. Deepens your well.

In Generation X, we see Andrew all grown up, yet still finding his way. What advice would Darryl give to Andrew?

It’s the forty-year-old existential crisis when you realize you’ve been so focused on your career or your relationship, that you haven’t bothered to figure out who you are or what you actually want. I think that’s very real. I had a slight meltdown around forty and I think it was because I suddenly felt like I was supposed to have stuff figured out that I did not. The reality is, you’ll figure it out when you figure it out. Or maybe you won’t. But rushing or resenting that process because of an external factor like age or societal expectation is a waste of time and energy. Give yourself some grace and trust that you will find what works for you.

Because only you can.

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Photos by Matthew Rettenmund

And what is Darryl’s take on X and Andrew? Will they find love with each other? Should they find love with each other?

I want to see Andrew and X join forces in a third movie, but just as friends. They drive up to Seattle to rescue Joey from the sex cult he’s fallen into, only to learn that Joey is actually the cult leader! By the end, Andrew and Alex have gotten married and adopted a kid. Or they stay single, move Joey and Chayce into a bigger house, and they all grow old together like the Golden Girls. However it works out, they’re family. They’ll stay in each other’s lives.

With all the modern elements of dating featured in Generation X, this film has a different energy than the first. It is frenetic, it dives into issues without trying to solve them. It’s a snapshot of our current culture, with all the bumps and bruises. What is the message of the film?

The digital age has brought us all closer in some ways and in other ways it’s made us lonelier and incapable of maintaining lasting intimacy. No, I’m kidding. You know, the first film was about X and his one trick, Gregory, teaching him not to waste his life being afraid to seize love. This version has X learning lessons from six different tricks, and they’re all ultimately teaching him that it’s okay to love himself. But if you mean the Boy Culture universe has gotten more diverse, I agree that this structure does allow for more voices to be included. And Allan and writer Matthew Rettenmund both understand the importance of representation.

Both X and Andrew deal with aging in the gay community.

While they were the hot young boys in the first film, they have 24 | GEDMAG.com

matured. Is maturity a good thing when going back to the dating world, or is that an impediment when dealing with the twinks and Grindr? What has it been like for Darryl, with audiences literally seeing him grow up on screen?

I think my transition from “young hot thing” to “middle-aged man still holding it together okay” is going splendidly, thank you for asking. But seriously, it was actually around that transition for me that I started feeling like I was only getting called to read for “sassy” gay dudes. I guess once you’ve reached a certain age, you’re expected to have some skills and sensibilities beyond being sexually attractive. And thank goodness I’ve managed to develop a real perspective and some comic timing. Because you know, youth is sexy. Especially in Hollywood. I just don’t feel particularly driven to pursue sexiness at this stage in my life. That doesn’t mean I won’t be involved in projects that require sexiness. But I’ve been doing this long enough now to know there needs to be a lot more to it than that to be worth my time. With age hopefully comes discernment.

You know, I’m also a dad now. I can’t just be flashing ass all over the place. So yeah, maybe “sassy” gay dude is kinda my lane after all.

Yes, our hot twink is now officially a daddy in real life. It’s exciting to see where Darryl’s career has taken him and what lies ahead. Actors like Darryl have paved the way for actors from our younger generation to take the spotlight as openly LGBTQ. Boy Culture: Generation X is now streaming wherever you watch movies.

Vanity Halston

Drag’s Shining Light

By Alexander Rodriguez You can’t talk about drag in the Coachella Valley without mentioning the name Vanity Halston. Taking the stage with equal parts grace and sass, she has been a fixture in the Palm Springs area for over two decades. To see her perform is to see a master at work. Popping up at venues all over the place, One Eleven in Cathedral City is her main stage. With events like Vanity Haltson’s Doll Haus and her Drag Star Challenge, she welcomes queens who have been in the biz for years as well as new drag queens who have just hit the scene. To know her personally is to know her kindness and willingness to help other queens achieve their dreams. No ego here, she is a bright light in the industry.

We got to know more about her and are thrilled to feature her as GED’s December Queen of the Month.

What is your hometown?

B:11.5"

S:9.5"

T:10.5"

Riverside, California.

How did you come up with your drag name?

One of the first songs I performed was “Nasty Girl” by Vanity 6.

Favorite part about doing drag?

Making people laugh and smile.

Least favorite part about doing drag?

My back always hurts after a show.

What was your first exposure to drag?

Shortly after turning 18, I went to the VIP Nightclub in Riverside where I would watch the drag shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This was the first time I remember being exposed to drag outside of daytime talk shows.

What was your first professional drag gig? How did it go?

Photo courtesy of Vanity Halston

My first time in a drag show was actually also my first time ever in drag. I was dating the publicist for the Friday night drag show at VIP and he knew that I was a dancer and singer, so he dared me to do the show. My friends also encouraged me to do it, so the host of the show Tiffany Diamond offered me a spot in one of her Friday night shows. My friend who was a make-up artist helped with my make-up and I got on stage and performed “It’s Raining Men” by the GEDMAG.com | 27

Photos courtesy of Vanity Halston

Weather Girls. It was my very first drag performance as Vanity, and that was in January of 1998.

How did you come to live in the Palm Springs area?

I have worked in Palm Springs for over 21 years, first being introduced to Palm Springs as one of the founding showgirls for Tommi Rose and the Playgirls at Toucan’s Tiki Lounge. I have worked in Palm Springs in many different venues and events over the years. After hosting one of the first and longest-running drag brunches in Palm Springs, I was asked to bring a show to the One Eleven Bar in Cathedral City and help build the business for the new owners.

What was supposed to be just a six-week run ended up being my permanent home bar, where I am now the Entertainment Director. It seemed only appropriate to finally, after 21 years, make the move to be closer to One Eleven Bar and all the new friends, family, and fans I have made.

What sets your drag apart from other queens in the business?

Well as much as I do not like talking down about any other entertainer, I do know that I am one of a kind. I can take you on a journey through my performances, but I also can offer things that some girls either can’t or just don’t. There has never been a time when someone has called and said I need this particular act for a show, and I have said “I don’t do that.” I can do illusions, comedy, ballads, glamour, high energy dance, fire batons, and aerial silks, not to mention that when I am hosting, I can give any comedian a run for their money.

Craziest drag story: We can’t print it.

Your strangest hobby or talent:

What do you love most about living in Palm Springs?

I spin fire batons.

I would absolutely have to say it’s the community. I have met some incredible people here, some truly amazing friends that I call family now.

What celebrity most needs a drag makeover: Ryan Reynolds.

Favorite hotspot:

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Las Vegas.

Favorite non-profit: Animal Rescues.

What have you learned the most from the drag community in Palm Springs?

What I have learned the most is to stay on my toes with these girls. Every single queen out here offers something so different than the others and there is so much talent out here. I am no spring chicken anymore, so, I need to stay on top of my stuff and make sure I am one step ahead. I think the most important thing is to support one another and make sure we all have each other’s backs at the end of the day.

You host a competition show highlighting newer queens in the industry. Why is it so important to support new drag personalities?

They truly are the future, and I think it’s important to let entertainers know that what they bring to the stage is valid. It’s not my job to tell them what they are bringing isn’t good, but instead help them figure out a way to make it more readable. I also hope that by showing them that someone genuinely cares about their art, they will in turn not get jaded and will pay it forward in the future. We are all in this together and there is no reason for cattiness or negativity, no one brings to the stage what I do, and I don’t bring what they do, we’re all different and that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

You recently lost your drag daughter, Syren. What did you love most about being her drag mother?

Syren was one of my first daughters and the honor I have being able to have been there for her from start to finish is what motivates me every day. Before drag, she was just a skinny boy who loved to dance, and she was so good at it, so I hired her to back up dance for me. After a while she showed interest in drag, so I got her a spot in a stage production called Fant-A-She’s, an illusion show that happened once a year in Riverside, CA. I did her make-up as Celine Dion for that production and Syren was born. I think what I loved the most about her was that she looked at me as if I was her mother, we treated each other as if we were blood relatives and no matter what we went through in life, nothing was going to come between our love for each other.

How have you been able to work through the grief of losing her, and what did her passing teach you?

When I got the call that Syren was in hospice and that she wanted me to be there, I went first thing. I was able to be by her side every day and at night would come home to do my shows and then back out in the morning. I made a promise to Syren when she became my daughter that I was by

her side through thick and thin and I intended to keep that promise. I was asked to do her boy make-up for her viewing at the mortuary, which I did, so, I was the first one to put make-up on her, and I was the last one to put make-up on her. I also learned that I am a stronger person because of her and that her unapologetic way of living life was what made her so amazing to everyone she met.

What is on your horizon? Would you ever leave the Palm Springs area and expand your reach?

I am working on a comedy special as well as a one-woman show, which hopefully will showcase in Palm Springs, and maybe take to Ptown or PV one day. Even if I left Palm Springs to do these things, Palm Springs will always be my home base and a place where I feel grounded.

What would the name of your biography be?

Vanity Halston: Like the Sin and the Designer.

Favorite song to perform?

“End Of The Road.”

What is your after-drag ritual?

Eating.

What’s your favorite pickup line?

I have pizza in the hotel room.

What is the best way we can support the drag community?

Show up! The best way anyone can support the drag community is to show up. It not only is good for the show, but it’s good for the bar business as well. If no one comes to the shows then the bars can’t continue to sustain keeping the show. AND STOP ASKING FOR COMPS - sometimes the bar looks at the door sales and determines whether the shows are bringing in a crowd and comps don’t count. So, when you say, “Can you get me a table or a ticket, I’ll tip you really good” the bar doesn’t care what we are making in tips, the bars only care about what they are making in sales, and that warrants keeping the shows. So, if you want to support then come and support and show the bars that that show is worth it!

What is your message to the drag community?

Stop with the BS and start loving and supporting one another. With everything going on in the world today we need to know that everyone has each other’s backs without the fear of someone putting a knife in it. Be kind to each other!

Where can we find and follow you?

Just look for VanityHalston on any social media platform and I’m there!

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ON STAGE with STAN JENSON

GAY CHORUSES: Every December I usually list all the gay choruses in California with their Christmas Concert dates, but I’ve got so much to talk about this month that I’ll only mention a couple in the southland. Los Angeles Gay Men’s Chorus is doing two performances of “Hooray for the Holidays” 12/15 and 12/16 at The Saban Theatre. Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus will present “Ring! Swing! Sing!” at the Annenberg Theatre 12/1517. Also in Palm Springs, don’t miss Modern Men as they bring us “Comfort and Joy” on 12/2 and 12/3.

A CHRISTMAS STORY: That movie that we were raised on with Ralphy in pink bunny pajamas, dad winning a lady’s leg lamp and the killer BB gun has been made into a musical which will play Los Angeles’s Ahmanson Theatre 12/5-31. It’s quite a good musical but it only gets presented at Christmas time, so it isn’t that well known. There is also a non-musical version of the story which will be presented by Indio’s always-wonderful Desert Theatreworks 12/1 – 31 at Indio Performing Arts Center.

I have never seen this version, but this Coachella Valley company does consistently great work.

MJ THE MUSICAL starts its California tour this month. Centered around the making of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Jackson into legendary status. It plays the Hollywood Pantages 12/20 - 1/28; San Francisco Orpheum 1/30 - 2/25; The San Diego Civic 3/5 - 10; and the Costa Mesa Segerstrom 3/19 – 31.

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SUMMER SESSION WITH THE BONES BRIGADE: I was delighted with last month’s production of The Fantasticks at Coachella Valley Repertory (the old Cathedral City Imax). The straight couple was reimagined as a gay couple and they had to add additional performances because the Palm Springs boys filled the theatre night after night. This month the company presents Summer Session with the Bones Brigade which is set in the American Middle West in the summer of 1988, when Metallica still kicked ass. The play tells the story of four teenage skateboarders and their two female friends: When one of them mysteriously disappears after a memorable skate session on the 4th of July, the gang fears the worst and directs their guilt and shame about their disappearance against one another. Sounds interesting. Coachella Valley Repertory 12/6-17.

RUTHLESS! THE MUSICAL! This send-up of musicals like Mame and Gypsy, 8-year-old Tina is a prodigy – at least in her stage mother’s eyes. When the girl is cast as an understudy in her school play, the leading girl is found hanging from the theatre’s grid. Once Tina’s crime is discovered, she is sent away to the Daisy Clover School for Psychopathic Ingenues. This campy musical was originally presented off Broadway with seven females (the central role of Tina was played by Laura Bell Bundy, with Natalie Portman and Britney Spears as understudies.)

San Francisco’s New Conservatory Theatre presents it this month 12/1 – 1/7 with men in all the ladies’ roles. What could be more fun?

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The Man, The Myth, The Legend:

Drew Sebastian

By Ethylina Canne

Drew Sebastian is pretty much a household name in Gayland!

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Drew for the past five years, and this man exudes sex appeal, charisma, and a likability that makes even women swoon. Over the years I’ve been able to spend quality time and get to know the man outside of his role in the adult industry, and that man is Andrew Clements.

We are teaming up for the first time this holiday season with our show “Cozy Little Christmas” at Reforma in Palm Springs.

I thought it was a great idea to let everyone in on what I’ve found to be a complex and fascinating person who I hold very dear to my heart.

We became friends through a dear mutual friend of ours, Michael Youens. We met for the first time at Disney’s California Adventure theme park. Some may not know this, but you are a HUGE fan of Disney, and we recently returned from a Disney Cruise on the high seas. What draws you to that wonderful Disney Magic?

Sharing that experience on the Disney Wish with you and Michael was more than I could have ever dreamed! Followed by a few days at the kingdoms of magic AND animal brought me right back to my favorite days growing up. Disney has always been a part of my life. I grew up going to Disney World several times a year. I watched EPCOT being built. (I miss the original EPCOT so much!) I saw my mom laugh and giggle on so many of the rides. Her favorite ride was Space Mountain. So, there are many happy memories for me involving Disney. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I finally went to Disneyland in California. It’s the OG Disney experience! Sure, it’s smaller but you can really feel the energy created by Walt. And it’s where I met you, Ethlyina! I didn’t know that I would love Disneyland (or you) so much, but it’s actually super special in its own way 32 | GEDMAG.com

Photo courtesy of Drew Sebastian

(and so are you!) You, me, and Michael were all big kids on that trip and I’ll never forget his excitement for life and I’ll especially remember his laugh. And Rocky.

When you were just a young buck you had the amazing experience to work at Dollywood! Have you ever met Dolly? What was it like working at the park and what roles did you perform while there.

I’m still a young buck! But yes…. I was a dancer and singer in the shows at Dollywood. After college, I was teaching dance and voice at a performing arts studio. One of the young girls that I was working with was a feature in a special Christmas show at Dollywood. Her mother encouraged me to go audition and I was fortunate enough to be cast as lead dancer. The first show I did was called “Fire on the Mountain”. It was a historical journey of the music of East Tennessee. From the music of the Native Americans to the gospel roots of country all the way up to modern country music. I had seven costume changes in 55 minutes! It was a high energy show and, of course, I really enjoyed the big dance number that we called the “hoedown.” The next show I did was called Hometown Holidays. It was a 50’s themed show with lots of dancing and holiday classics. Yes, I’ve met Dolly quite a few times. She sang with us on stage a couple times during the time I was at Dollywood. I’ve actually cooked for her. Just a cheesecake that her creative director asked me to make, but she reportedly loved it. And I have a tattoo of her signature where she signed my arm backstage at a taping of the Voice. When I told her that I was heading straight to the tattoo shop, she said, “You’re gonna be buried with me.”

You were kind enough to head back to Dollywood with me and took us on a tour of Pigeon Forge where Dollywood is located. We had the wonderful experience of seeing

I’ve worked in restaurants over the years and found a passion for excellent cuisine. Eventually, I decided to go to culinary school. I graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in 2011. Since then, I’ve cooked for many celebrities and non-celebrities. But no matter what, I’ll make you feel like a celebrity.

You have recently started a run of shows in Palm Springs, where you sing, dance, and exude sex appeal. This show was booked over the summer in Provincetown which was a huge break in the gay showbiz circuit. What was that experience like for you and do you have plans to return to Ptown.

“Country Tonite!” Tell us about that show and that funny clown that ties the whole show together.

“Country Tonite” is a long running show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee that is two hours of Vegas style entertainment. As a matter of fact, the show originated in 1992 in Las Vegas at the original Aladdin hotel. They’ve also had a show in Branson, Missouri. This show features amazing singers, dancers and a very funny comedian called Bubba, The Redneck Ranger. When I was in the show, we did a lot of clogging! There were 16 of us dancers, and we would fill the entire stage clogging and hoofing to songs like “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and “Play Me Some Mountain Music.” Good Ole Bubba has been in the show since the beginning. Telling jokes, picking out fun people in the audience and he even does a little cross-dressing! (His wife Lori is an amazing singer in the show… and I know that she approves!) It was awesome that he remembered me when we went to see the show. But he’s good people. And I know he enjoyed meeting you, Roma and Michael!

Let’s talk food! You are a FABULOUS Chef and everything I’ve ever tried from your kitchen is simply Deeeeeelish!

How did you get started in the kitchen and where did you learn all your culinary skills?

I started cooking as a kid with my mom. I was the kid on his knees on the stool, watching her making cakes, casseroles, and I started helping make meals. My mom had some health issues when I was 15. With the help of a nutritionist, we learned how to eat a little healthier. That did something for me. Because, since then, I’ve enjoyed making food and meals that are healthy and nutritious. I like to call my food, “Healthyish,” but I can throw down some not so healthy dishes, too.

Picture this… Palm Springs… 2022. I wanted to put together a little trial run of a few songs that I love for a few friends around a friend’s pool. That friend encouraged me to find a venue where I could perform an actual show. I fell in love with the food at Reforma, so I asked if I could schedule a couple shows and voila! Drew Sebastian’s Dad’s Cabaret was born!

In my head, I’ve always been dancing, singing and performing sexy numbers that make me smile. Now, I get the chance to make you smile and turn you on in a different way than I have for the last 15 years! It’s not all that different, though. I’m combining my earlier career as a singer and dancer with my more recent success in the adult film industry. In my shows, you’ll hear me sing about porn, sex, and how I can cook too.

You’ll be happy to know that I still like to show off my talents. I got started doing my show with jazzy favorites and dad jokes.

When the event coordinators from the Pilgrim House saw my show in Palm Springs, they asked me to come do a run in Provincetown. Of course, I said yes. And It turned out to be an amazing experience! I learned so much about the gay showbiz circuit. Throughout my run, the audiences grew bigger each show and the other performers at The Pilgrim House, Miss Richfield 1981 and Miss Conception, were gracious enough to offer advice and encouragement. The entertainment directors have already booked me back at the Pilgrim House next summer for Bear Week and Carnival Week. They’ve even asked me to come this year for Holly Follies. So, I’ll be at The Pilgrim House Dec 1st and 2nd at 7pm and brunch on Dec 3rd at 11am! Then, I’m back in Palm Springs to do three Christmas shows with the fabulous Ethylina Canne. Dec 6th, 13th and 20th at 7pm at Reforma in downtown Palm Springs.

You can sing, dance, cook, sew, and from what everyone has seen on film, you’re pretty talented in the bedroom. Is there anything that you haven’t done yet that you want to try in life?

There’s always more to do. I’ve done so many things that I dreamed of as a little gay kid doing spins in the driveway thinking I was dancing and fantasizing about boys. I guess I’ll see what else the universe has in store and do my best to enjoy each and every moment.

Tickets for a “Cozy Little Christmas” are available on Eventbrite.

Happy Holidays, Ethyl

GEDMAG.com | 33

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Fellow Travelers SMASH OR PASS?

By Alexander Rodriguez

Photo courtesy of Showtime

Usually, I’ll watch one or two episodes of a new show via screeners to get a feel of the show and then write a review.

Well, I watched all eight episodes of Fellow Travelers in only two sittings. The show, not without me being nitpicky, is beautifully and affectionately crafted by the team behind and in front of the camera. The result is an intoxicating story that truly covers all stages and emotions of life that one could, and most often, go through. And though the story focuses on the LGBTQ community, it reaches beyond and is exhilarating to see our story told as a fully-fledged, high-budget endeavor that tells a story of family, friendship, loss, sex, joy, and at the heart of all the characters, love. Fellow Travelers is reminiscent of the mini-series that used to be produced for the major networks when I was a kid (did I just age myself?) between the ‘70s and ‘80s, where high-drama and time-span storytelling were just the usual additives that didn’t quite reach soap opera level, but had some of those qualities that are addicting in its watching and make the viewer feel an intimate relationship with the characters. With modern acting styles and clear honesty regarding our community, the result is a kind of Queer as Folk meets The Thorn Birds (if you don’t know The Thorn Birds, watch it). This just may be Showtime’s chance to reclaim its presence during award season.

Based on the novel by Thomas Mallon, the show was created for television by Academy and Emmy Award nominee Ron Nyswaner. Nyswaner is no stranger to telling our stories, even during a time when LGBTQ stories weren’t meant for the mainstream. His first major hit was his screenplay for the 1993 Academy Award-winning movie Philadelphia, starring Tom Hanks as a man with AIDS suing his employers for firing him for his illness. As a voice for our community, he would go on to write Soldier’s Girl (also for Showtime) and My Policeman (starring Harry Styles). The show’s leads are Matt Bomer (who also executive produces with Nyswaner) and Jonathan Bailey whose love (or is it love?) story spans decades.

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In a Forrest Gump-reminiscent format, the story’s five main characters have an intimate interaction with the McCarthy era, the Vietnam War protests of the ‘60s, the sex-driven and Harvey Milk era of the 70s, to the AIDS epidemic through the 80s.

Bomer is the dashing, politically involved Hawkins Fuller who leads a double life where his homosexuality is limited to illicit bathroom interactions and one-night stands. In a chance encounter, he meets his complete opposite. Bailey plays nerdy, milk-drinking, confession-going Tim Laughlin who comes to work for Senator Joseph McCarthy and the infamous Roy Cohn during the Red Scare when Communists and homosexuals were outed with the ferocity and legitimacy of a witch hunt.

What begins is a romance of sorts, with Hawkins playing the upper hand, being in total control of Tim in all ways – career, sex, and romance. Their story intertwines and affects all those around them – from the closeted LGBQ community of the time to the conservative upper-class politicians – no one in Hawkins and Tim’s circle is left untouched by their affair. As the story continues, the question remains – is Hawkins capable of love, and does that love bend toward Tim? Having seen the entire series, I will leave that question open without my opinion.

With our constant debate on gay playing gay, we see two gay actors, leading men in their own right, play the two titular characters. There is an undeniable chemistry and connection between these two that is so potent, so visceral, you instantly feel their energies – through the sex, through the romance, through the grief, through it all. Is that because they are two great actors (which they are)? Or is it because these are two gay men who have lived the reality of these lives? Whatever the cause may be (yes, I know it’s both), the result is exhilarating and tragically sad at the same time. Bailey’s acting is just exquisite here as his character pines for someone who may be unable to respond to that love. He is given the most to work with here as his character struggles through self-identity, his loneliness, and his relationship with God. We see a full arc over the 8 episodes and he, without a doubt, should be a major contend-

er for acting awards this year. Bomer’s character is a quandary.

First presented as pretty much a predator, Hawkins continues to lead a life full of lies, continuously playing with Tim’s love to levels of tragedy. Hawkins, as first presented, is almost impossible to forgive from a viewer’s standpoint. As the story develops, we see Hawkin’s façade start to crack and Bomer, as an actor, is given more to work with. The series does not shy away from the sex, regardless of what decade it happens to take place in. The sex scenes between Bomer and Bailey are, I’ll just basically put it, hot and graphic. Seeing 50s-era characters, and gay men at that, in graphic sex hasn’t really been seen and Fellow Travelers does not apologize for it… and thank goodness. The shock of the sexual activity and skin on display dissipates as it is clear that sex is a part of the foundation for this relationship. When you realize these two men, and other gay men in the closet, at that time, would probably only be able to encounter other gay men in such illicit ways, the sex does become a symbol of actual love, where domination in the bedroom reflects the power play these two lovers are dealing with in their outward lives and with each other.

Maybe because these two actors turn in such a tour de force, the rest of the ensemble is a bit uneven. While there are some other, great performances here, some of the smaller bit parts and some of the co-stars have a delivery that rings false and too presentational, and pales in comparison to the artistry at work with the two leads. There are minor issues that every decade-spanning production has – some of the wigs, makeup, and costuming work better in some eras than in others and sometimes are a bit distracting. Wishing that Nyswaner had written the series in its entirety, some of the script seems to be forced and served with a helping of melodrama. Showtime released the first episode on October 29th, with subsequent episodes coming out each week. These small cracks in the show could probably benefit from a full series release, where we can binge it all at once and be totally immersed in the overall picture, not focusing episode by episode on each minute detail.

Thankfully, the series assumes that we can keep up and doesn’t find the need to bombard us with date title cards. We get to put the pieces together, figuring out where the characters are in a certain part of time and how they got there. There is certainly a ride here where all bets are off, each decade comes with its surprises culminating in a bittersweet final scene. There is a deep melancholy when I finished the series and said goodbye to these characters, and thankfully, the show does a great job by not capitalizing on what could have been a very Hallmark movie-style ending.

Dealing with the decades that the show covers, it is required to include themes of coming out, family ostracization, LGBTQ activism, lives lost to the AIDS crisis, sex, and other themes that we have seen done heavy-handedly in previous LGBTQ content. This show is no different in that these issues are presented with a heavy hand, yet there is a sense of gentility and sincere pathos. There is joy here, and while our community is often the victim, victory still remains.

This show is extremely important for our younger audiences, and not just the LGBTQ audiences. With current political rights

being stripped from minority groups, the horror that existed during the McCarthy era must not be forgotten. The McCarthy era was dealt with in such detail that it is both a history lesson and a warning, especially when we look at the control our government still has over our community. Fellow Travelers also tells the stories of activists, normal people who decided to fight against the system, at all costs. Is this energy and capability in our younger generation? Do they know where we came from?

And in the age of PreP and condomless sex, does our younger generation understand we were almost wiped out at the hands of the medical or political system? This series, set in history, is for today’s community. At the same time, it says two things: Look, how far we’ve come! How far have we really come? This show should spark conversation as both a beautifully done love story as well as a political horror story. In the end, as shown in this series, it really is about who we love, who we make our family, and what we do to make the world a better place.

The verdict - this show is a definite SMASH. As far as modern storytelling, it has sex and romance. As far as important storytelling, it has it all. What I love most about this piece is that a reviewer, I don’t have to be forgiving and ignore certain faults because it is an LGBTQ series. We have come a long way since the early independent films and series from our community. No shade to those pioneers, but we know the quality has come a long way. Fellow Travelers is more than an LGBTQ series, it is a major series that has the LGBTQ community as its leading characters. Does that make sense?

Fellow Travelers is now streaming on Showtime.

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Champagne & Diamonds for Christmas in Amsterdam

By Mark A. Thompson

Photo credit Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam

In a city notable for its nightlife, there’s something magical about morning in Amsterdam with the canal waters still and the sidewalks empty. Hardly anyone wandering about as we approached the pier on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal where our private saloon boat awaited, our captain in full dress uniform, navy blazer and brass buttons.

It was early on an autumn Saturday, the denizens of nocturnal Amsterdam still clubbing or sleeping soundly as we boarded De Lieve, a luxury saloon boat built in 1935. Saloon boats are to Amsterdam what gondolas are to Venice: lacquered and elegant, and one of the more luxurious modes of traversing the city’s waters. Some people booze through the night while others embark upon a champagne breakfast cruise. As the captain steered us into the canals, we raised a toast with a flute of Moët & Chandon, the house champagne of our host Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam.

In recent years, Amsterdam has become a destination as visited as Venice, with annual visitors numbering nearly 20 million.

While gliding through the canals, it’s very easy to understand why so many people flock to Amsterdam—and champagne is even more delicious when served on a saloon boat at ten in the morning. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, the canals of Amsterdam are the lifeblood of the city. There are more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) of canals, nearly all of which are navigable by boat, although on that splendid autumn morning, we had them nearly to ourselves.

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Water has always been a conduit for Amsterdam’s phenomenal wealth, particularly during the city’s 17th-century “Golden Age” when Dutch maritime and economic power ruled the world. Back in the Middle Ages, the city had a protective moat to safeguard the city; today, there are more than 1,500 bridges fostering connection between the city’s ninety islands. The port of Amsterdam is the fourth largest in Europe—and the Amsterdam Stock Exchange is the world’s oldest and the largest bourse in Europe. Trading and finance have been integral to Amsterdam’s history—and where there is lots of money, there are lots of diamonds.

For more than 400 years, Amsterdam has been the center of the diamond industry—and home to the 57-facet brilliant cut, as well as the Gassan 121, the 121-facet cut which originated at Gassan Diamonds. Champagne and diamonds are an addictive combination, particularly when wandering through Gassan Diamonds where a glass of Taittinger champagne is served with a diamond at the bottom of the flute. Or is it zirconia? Only the Gassan jeweler knows for certain—and only one guest in our party of six goes home with the real diamond which is made into a necklace as we tour the premises and witness the transformation of a rough diamond into a dazzling 121-facet diamond.

Bewitched and bedazzled, we wandered into De Bijenkorf for another glass of bubbly atop Amsterdam’s counterpart to New York’s Bergdorf Goodman. Founded in 1870, De Bijenkorf (or

Photos courtesy of Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam

the beehive in English) anchors one corner of Dam Square alongside its notable neighbors the National Royal Palace to the west, and Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky to the east.

Known as the Dam by locals, Dam Square is named for its original function as a dam on the Amstel River, hence the name Amsterdam and Dam Square’s centrality to the city.

Nearly half of the hotels in Amsterdam are four- and five-star properties, which account for nearly half of the overnight stays in the city. Created from more than 50 canal houses, the fivestar Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam bears the name of Adolph Krasnapolsky, the Polish tailor who opened a coffee house in 1856 that became so popular that Krasnapolsky rebuilt the property into a grand hotel. The 402-room property includes a grand café and a restaurant helmed by a Michelin-starred chef, as well as an award-winning cocktail bar, and a champagne lounge.

Champagne is always welcome in the White Room where Michelin-starred chef Jacob Jan Boerma oversees a tasting menu that complements the white and gold décor of the historic dining room which dates to 1885. Known for his integration of sour and spice, Chef Boerma teases the palate with combinations like red shrimp and coffee, razor clams drizzled with egg yolk and lemon balm, smoked eel and kimchi, and of course, a champagne intermezzo with kaffir, almond, and yuzu.

ink, one of Amsterdam’s most historic distilleries, located next door—and one good reason why The Tailor was the winner of the National Cocktail Competition in 2021.

With more than four hundred rooms and suites, Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam offers multiple perspectives on the city of Amsterdam. Rooms that face onto the Dam are lively with nightlife and a treetop perspective of the National Monument; guests seeking a quiet night’s sleep are granted a rooftop vista of Amsterdam’s skyline. All rooms feature Nespresso machines, pillow menus, bathrobes, Amouage toiletries, and best of all, especially on those post-buzz mornings, push-button rainforest showers. No hassle with the hotel shower: one button and you’re good to go, refreshed and ready for breakfast in the hotel’s iconic Wintergarden.

One of Amsterdam’s most beautiful rooms, the 19th-century belle-époque conservatory has been the site of numerous celebrations, including royal weddings and state functions.

With seating for 600 guests, the Wintergarden features a glass ceiling, wall frescoes and mirrors, and a tessellated black-andwhite tile floor that should have been featured in a Hollywood musical from the 1930s starring Fred and Ginger. The breakfast buffet is as sumptuous as the room, complete with chocolate fountain, juice bar, and, of course, champagne.

The core philosophy of Anantara is rooted in the Sanskrit word meaning “without end,” with the understanding that life is a journey. At Anantara Spa, the concept is put into practice with stress release treatments that utilize the benefits of magnesium for a healthy immune system. After which the choice is either a good night’s sleep—or a nightcap at The Tailor.

Springtime in the Netherlands has always been associated with tulips, and from March to May, Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam partners with floral experts for its Tulip Experience which includes a private tour via luxury limousine to the tulip fields outside the city. Surrounded by one million plants, guests enjoy a private champagne lunch served by an Anantara butler in the tulip fields.

For those who seek cocktails as customized as a bespoke suit, The Tailor is tailor-made for discerning drinkers. Designed in honor of the Polish tailor who created the hotel, the award-winning bar is furnished with haberdasher references and bartenders who are known as tailors. Each evening at the Tailor commences with a lobby ritual during which two pyromaniac mixologists create a flaming cocktail which is then shared with guests. Liqueurs at the Tailor are sourced from Wynand Fock-

For another angle on Amsterdam, the five-star Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel rises above the Amstel River like a five-layer wedding confection of cream, gold, and red. One of the most historic hotels in Amsterdam, the 81-room property has hosted numerous illustrious guests such as the Beatles on their first European tour, and Empress Sissi of Austria whose favorite bonbons await guests upon arrival. A listed building and a registered landmark, the Tivoli Doelen is equally notable as the GEDMAG.com | 41

Photos courtesy of Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam

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building in which Rembrandt’s 17th-century masterpiece The Night Watch first hung—and the hotel honors the artist with a suite named in his honor.

Rembrandt also haunts the hotel’s restaurant Omber, named for the artist’s favored color and designed with Rembrandt’s palette in mind. At the bar, “jenever” from Wynand Fockink is served with herring in honor of the artist’s favorite snack. High atop the Klovenierscanal, the suites at Tivoli Doelen offer a bird’s-eye view of Amsterdam’s medieval center and a splendid perspective on Amsterdam Pride’s Canal Parade annually celebrated on the first Saturday in August.

For a truly magical winter in Amsterdam, few events are more mesmerizing than Amsterdam Light Festival which originated from the Christmas Canal Parade in 2009. Since then, Amsterdam Light Festival has illuminated the city’s canals with brilliant site-specific artworks by international light artists from around the world. Each edition of Amsterdam Light Festival runs for seven weeks from the end of November through January, attracting millions of visitors to Amsterdam for the holiday season.

At Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam, the festive season celebrations include champagne and caviar in the Champagne Room along with Afternoon Tea at Grand Café Krasnapolsky and advent calendars filled with 24 handmade bonbons. Gala dinners and Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations transform the White Room and Wintergarden into holiday wonderlands. Who knows, if you’re nice and naughty, you just might find a diamond twinkling at the bottom of your flute.

Photo credit Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam

Photo credit Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam

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December in Puerto Vallarta

By Paco Ojeda

By the time this publication reaches your hands it will be December and if you did your homework, you’ve planned your vacation in Puerto Vallarta ahead of time and have taken care of your basics—flights and accommodation—ahead of time. Why is that? Because December has to be the most popular month for LGBTQ+ visitors, along with the end of May when our city celebrates Gay Pride. So, it truly pays off to plan travel and lodging way ahead of time to enjoy this very popular month. Here are some things you can expect: For starters, Puerto Vallarta celebrates the Virgin of Guadalupe processions from December 1 to 12. During these 12 days, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Downtown Puerto Vallarta welcomes groups of faithful Catholics gather at strategic points around the city to walk together to the church to pay tribute to the virgin of Guadalupe. And while this makes driving through the city a bit of a challenge, it is a great opportunity to see the processions walking and singing, some of them building elaborate floats. Expect great people watching, tasty street food and boundless photo ops. The celebration concludes on December 12, a date in which all of Mexico celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe Day. Then, from December 16 to the 24, Mexico celebrates Las Posadas, a pre-Christmas tradition throughout Latin America. The word posada means ‘lodging’ and refers to the inn from the Nativity story. Posadas go on for nine days, representing Mary’s nine months of pregnancy. Many businesses hold a posada for their employees and favorite customers, providing the opportunity to celebrate together. But if you are lucky enough to be invited to a traditional posada in a Mexican home, you are in for a treat. Many traditional families perform a dramatization of Joseph and Mary’s search for a place to sleep and for her to give birth to Jesus; there are piñatas for children to break and homestyle cooking for all.

The week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is without a doubt the busiest week in Puerto Vallarta. If you’ve come to expect and enjoy our city’s very diverse culinary scene and nightlife, you can expect a number of opportunity to enjoy special events organized by restaurants and venues that welcome to influx of tourists during this particular week, giving you the op44 | GEDMAG.com

portunity to return to your favorite places, or to check out some of the new ones, many of which you’ll find advertised on the readily available Gay Guide Vallarta print publication.

Other perks during the month include the weather. For many of us locals, it is the time in which the weather finally cools down and the Summer humidity subsides, making it quite comfortable to walk around town at any time of day or night without discomfort. And for anyone escaping snow and Winter weather, Puerto Vallarta’s milder climate is a welcome change of pace.

Also, while some art and culture-related venues slow down their pace during the Summer months, they are back in full swing by November, providing visitors a great opportunity to enjoy art galleries, home decor shops and evening performances at some of the venues located in Colonia Emiliano Zapata.

Oh, and there are two Saturday Farmers’ Market to enjoy in the ‘hood: The Olas Altas Farmers’ Market on Parque Lázaro Cárdenas, and the Three Hens and a Rooster Market on the Isla Río Cuale. And while sauntering along the city’s Malecón is always fun, it’s particularly festive during December, thanks to all the seasonal decorations installed by the city.

In other words, for those of you looking for a relaxing vacation where your comfort level is not particularly challenged, Puerto Vallarta in general, and Colonia Emiliano Zapata in particular, have provided an anglo-friendly playground for visitors for decades, and this year should not disappoint. If, on the other hand, you are looking to enjoy your well-deserved vacation but are looking to expand your comfort level, there will be plenty of opportunities to experience life like a local if so desired. Trust your local friends to make suggestions. And if you don’t know any local friends, it’s time for you to schedule some Duolingo time!

Catch up with Paco Ojeda live Monday - Saturday at 10:30 am local time on his talk show, “Coffee & Headlines,” where he shares headlines and stories for Puerto Vallarta’s local English-speaking community. facebook.com/pacoojedalive

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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 46 | GEDMAG.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 DICK’S ON ARENAS 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 QUADZ 200 S. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.778.4326 Spurline.com

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

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

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

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

REFORMA 333 S Palm Canyon Dr Unit 2, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-902-6630 reformaps.com 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 CLOTHING OPTIONAL RESORTS BEARFOOT INN 888 N. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA. 92262 760.699.7641 bearfootinn.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 EL TUGGLE 388 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-880-4338 eltuggle.com GAYMART 305 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.416.6436

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PALM SPRINGS DIRECTORY

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 3 BEARS REALTY 2905 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-699-6175 3bearsrealty.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 RICK’S DESERT GRILL 1596 North Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.2127 ricksdesertgrill.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

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