GED Magazine April 2024

EAT. DRINK. GIVE.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

FROM THE EDITOR

SPRING IS IN FULL SWING

the days getting longer and temperatures getting warmer. This issue includes travel highlights on the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta, and the new luxury stay in Palm Springs. With movie and restaurant reviews, health, and entertainment articles, this month is packed with ideas for you this spring. Now let’s plan some seasonal events! On May 16th, GED will be bringing you the one-year anniversary of DRAG BINGO at Margaritaville Resort. Also coming in May will be the 2nd Annual Sun Vibes Pool Party on May 25th for Memorial Day Weekend (produced by GED Magazine and LE Parties) with DJs, entertainment, and fun in the sun. Visit GEDmag.com for more events, tickets, and information.

As always, the GED Magazine Team is committed to bringing you the best in LGBTQ entertainment, travel, and lifestyles. Stay tuned for new columns from San Francisco to San Diego, and of course, tune in to NBC Palm Springs for the GED Edition of Palm Springs Unwrapped. Visit us on the web at GEDmag.com and sign up for our monthly insider newsletter. Insiders will also be entered into future 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 … #GEDmag. GED MAGAZINE is here for YOUR entertainment!

— MICHAEL WESTMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The

Alice

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Dune:

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FROM AN IDIOT

Dear Idiot,

My question may sound a bit dumb, and I’m not one of those people who normally reach out to stuff like this but thought you may be able to help. I work in a bit of a relaxed office setting, everyone is very chill, and gets along, and it’s a great atmosphere to work in. The issue I am facing is so many of my co-workers also spend a lot of time on the weekends, and after work together. They invite me weekly, more often than not, from everything to their kids birthday parties, to sporting events, concerts, and so on. I appreciate the feeling of inclusiveness, and again love the work environment, but I don’t want to spend all of my time with co-workers in a non-work setting. I have plenty of outside friends that I don’t work with, as well as family and events that do take up a lot of my “down time,” but I am starting to feel pressured to take part in outside activities with co-workers. I don’t want to come across as stand-off-ish, but I also don’t want to start a precedence of going out and having that become part of my world. I hope this doesn’t sound ungrateful or mean, I just want a little separation between work and my life.

Thank You

Come Sit With Us

Dear Come Sit With Us, Hilarious! I don’t want to sit with you! [Laughs] I get it, well kinda, I don’t work in an office and I find the office decorum and culture super confusing. You do sound honest and sharing some well-founded boundaries that suit your life and the needs and wants for you. I think that is commendable! So often people “DO” what others expect of them and leave their own wants and needs in the dust to appease others. I am happy to hear you have healthy boundaries!

Per my last email (I think that’s something that office people say), if you are trying to maintain some distance, but don’t want to tip the apple cart, (yes I am old and use sayings like that) I would try and find a bit of a compromise. If the “Gang from Work”, meets somewhere for a drink or something quick, you could try and stop by. Avoid deeper social commitments, like kids birthdays and concerts and events of that nature, however something easy and fast sound like it might pacify the “work family/friend” vibe. Another way might be to do something on your own, bring donuts on a Friday, something that says, “hey, I like all of you, but no way I’m going line dancing Sharon…That’s not my vibe.”

I think having boundaries and putting yourself first is so important, as well as maintaining a happy and healthy work environment. Look for a compromise, somewhere in these monthly events, and go from there. SIDEBAR: You may have a great time and it may turn into an outlet you enjoy. Compromise and boundaries are my suggestion. Good Luck!

Hello, my tap dancing loves! Advice from an Idiot is here! Thank the Goddess of the Sun, summer is right around the corner, if I can keep up this not drinking and Ozempic… I’m gonna look snatched and ready for summer. Let’s be honest, as soon as I find a half-eaten Reese’s Peanut Butter cup on the ground, this whole thing is off! I hope you are all doing well and thanks for the messages; keep ‘em coming. Email to Theadviceidiot@gmail.com

Let’s get into it, we got some really great questions this month. XO

BY BILLY FRANCESCA

Hey Idiot,

My 20-year high school reunion is coming up…I don’t want to go but keep getting messages from old friends (that I haven’t seen in years) and a few “old friends” that I keep in contact with, asking if I’m going, saying I should go, blah blah blah. To be completely honest, I don’t want to go. I’m not in that kind of place right now, and if I’m being super honest, life hasn’t turned out so great atm, my marriage is really nearing its end, work has been extremely stressful, and the idea of having to pretend everything is fine and I’m happy to see everyone is super taxing. Any suggestions on how to say no, and to alleviate this pressure of feeling obligated?

Thanks Rochelle

Rochelle My Darlin!

Take a deep breath right now love! First off, sorry life seems like a downer for you. I can say things will get better, but it takes work and time. Screw that reunion, if you don’t want to do something don’t! I get feeling obligated, I had to get over that years and years ago. Some people will understand, others won’t, that’s their issue, not yours. I love the saying that “the only thing constant, is change,” and it sounds like you are in a transition period in your world. Take the time to get you feeling good about you, and what you want, and how you can get there. Now you said, “having to pretend everything is fine…” Helloooo Red Flag! No one has to pretend anything is fine, if you’re sad, be sad, if you’re happy be happy, and everything in between, you need to search and work out, either on your own, with friends or therapy, (which I love!)

Taking care of our own mental health is job one in my world. Life does get exhausting sometimes, especially when things aren’t going “as planned,” I would find your JOY, and work on that. It sounds like the reunion is going to be taxing on your heart, and that isn’t what you need right now. If you do decide to go, be honest with yourself and the people around you, shaking up the narrative also can really help. Remember, you don’t have to pretend for anyone. Live in the truth, and love, and burn some sage. I do it all the time!

XO

My darlings, Thanks for reading, thanks for writing in, and please be safe and love as many people as you can, without penicillin! XOXO BF

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PEACHES CHRIST THE CAMP QUEEN OF SAN FRANCISCO

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

The legendary drag icon and self-proclaimed cult leader Peaches Christ, powered by all-encompassing entertainer Joshua Grannell, is a magically impossible blend of oldschool camp, modern-day gay, and envelope-pushing art. If you aren’t familiar with the stories and work from Peaches’ career, you need to do some research on trailblazing history makers from drag culture.

The Peaches Christ persona was born during her time studying film at Penn State University when her senior film Jizzmopper: A Love Story became a Student Film Festival audience favorite. Encouraged by filmmaker John Waters, she moved to San Francisco and began a phenomenon that would rock the filmgoing and queer experience on its ass. Called Midnight Mass, the event would last years and would celebrate cult, camp, and classic films with drag performances, shocking audience interactions, and pop-up appearances from the films’ stars themselves. Peaches has continued that energy that is part John Waters, part Ed Wood, and part Elvira in everything she has done. Classic film parodies brought to life on stage, a podcast, the feature film All About Evil, and a variety of show performances around the world, she has spread her art in many different genres. Currently, she is celebrating her close friendship with the equally camp and fabulous Mink Stole, an icon herself in the John Waters world, with their show Idol Worship

An evening of film clips, stories, and performances, it is the perfect companion to the lives that these two led thus far. Even with the evolution of the Drag Race style of drag, the artistry of Peaches Christ is just as relevant as it always has been and challenges what we consider activism and celebration of the drag and queer communities. Not only a community legend in San Francisco, but she also serves as inspiration worldwide. We are honored to have Peaches serve as our Drag Queen Spotlight for this month.

“I’d like them to know that we did drag despite a lot of obstacles. It was a real calling. When I started, it wasn’t popular or mainstream. In fact, gays didn’t even like drag back then. ”

What was your first exposure to drag?

If you don’t count watching Elvira as a kid on television, it would have to be the discovery of Divine. I grew up in Maryland and when John Waters was making Hairspray in 1987 the local news channels were covering the production. Once I learned about all of this, I had to know more, and this led me to find Pink Flamingos and Female Trouble. My mind was blown. Shortly after this, I began attending Rocky Horror midnight screenings. I think of Elvira, Divine, and Frankenfurter as the holy triumvirate of drag that inspired me to become Peaches.

What brought you to San Francisco?

I actually brought John Waters to Penn State when I was a student there and he told me about the Cockettes and the Kuchar Brothers and told stories of his time living in San Francisco. It sounded amazing. Also, I had just seen the PBS series Tales of the City with Laura Linney and it made the city feel like Oz. I knew I had to get there.

What do you love most about the drag culture in San Francisco?

I love that the drag scene in San Francisco is so incredibly diverse and that it’s the birthplace of so many groundbreaking drag scenes, events, styles, types of shows, etc. I think a lot of people who enjoy modern drag don’t realize that much of its origins can be traced back to early SF drag performers.

How would you describe the type of drag you do?

Hmmm, I don’t often try to describe it. I mean, I’m not in the habit of referring to myself as an artist but I do see drag as a way for me to express myself creatively. If I must describe it, I’d say it’s part comedy drag, part horror drag, and part booger drag. [Laughs]

Your name has caused controversy at times, what does your drag name mean to you?

I grew up Catholic and was an ardent believer as a kid so when I realized that the church wanted me to believe I was going to hell for being

gay or acting upon being gay, I was really confused and hurt and fairly traumatized. That’s a serious level of rejection from a community. I think by taking on the name Christ as a drag character, it was a form of reclamation and a way to take the pain out of that experience.

What is your hometown?

Annapolis, Maryland.

Favorite part about doing drag?

Making people laugh or scream.

Least favorite part about doing drag?

Corsets and heels.

Craziest drag story?

I once did a show in Texas where I thought the audience was gagging for me because they were screaming so much but found out later that a roach had landed in my blonde wig and was crawling all around it while I was emceeing.

Your strangest hobby or talent outside of drag?

Pie making.

What do you want the new generations of drag queens to know most about drag culture during your early days?

I’d like them to know that we did drag despite a lot of obstacles. It was a real calling. When I started, it wasn’t popular or mainstream. In fact, gays didn’t even like drag back then. The larger gay community was interested in fighting for marriage equality and often felt like drag performers hurt the cause, so we were asked not to attend events or march in parades. Drag didn’t make us money, it cost us money. But we still had to do it.

Why don’t we see more of the legends (you, Coco Peru, Varla, etc) represented on Drag Race?

I think you’d have to ask the Drag Race producers. I mean, it seems really obvious to me that there’s a whole generation of brilliant drag performers aka ‘legends’ that would make great judges on that show but even after all of these seasons we haven’t seen it happen.

You and Mink Stole have been friends for years and have the show Idol Worship. First, what do you love most about the John Waters culture?

I love the clever and biting sense of humor that the John Waters universe embraces. I think his scripts and the

performers he works with are so hilarious and wholly unique.

What have you learned the most from Mink Stole?

I feel like she’s really taught me how to enjoy life through gratitude and not get too caught up in the day-to-day stressors of the world.

What is your take on the current drag culture, and how has it changed the most from when you started?

I would say that the biggest change is that it’s hugely popular and big business nowadays. I could never have dreamed that there would someday be something called DragCon and that drag would become franchised around the world. I also think that the fan base has completely changed. When I started, the fans were as special, queer, interesting, and strange as the performers themselves. Nowadays, not so much.

What celebrity most needs a drag makeover?

Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Favorite hotspot?

Ciahngir, Istanbul.

Favorite non-profit?

The LGBT Asylum Project.

Favorite cocktail?

Sex on the Peach.

How is Joshua most different than Peaches Christ, and do you ever feel overshadowed by your drag persona?

I would say that for me, the two personas have become more and more closely connected over the years. In many ways, Peaches is a channel that has unlocked another part of Joshua - a more exaggerated and expressive version. I used to think of the two personas as being very different, but over the years they’ve really morphed into each other.

What is a personal top achievement in your career? Not because it was a critical success or made money, but because you overcame a major challenge?

Making my feature film, All About Evil. There was a point when I thought I’d never be able to do something like that because of how crazy I was as Peaches. I didn’t think anyone would take me seriously enough to invest that kind of money into a movie. I think making that film really shifted my

DAVID AYLLON

perspective and now I find myself doing shows at places like the Royal Albert Hall. There was a time when I couldn’t have imagined any of that was possible.

What would the name of your biography be?

Confessions of a Cult Leader.

Favorite celebrity/character you’ve played?

Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale

What is your after-drag ritual?

Must have food!

What’s your favorite pickup line?

Sup?

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

I’d say that if you enjoy watching queens on television, be sure to go out and see the in-person events that your local performers are producing. This directly supports them continuing to create drag entertainment for your community.

What is your message to the drag community?

Remember to have fun! Don’t take drag too seriously. I don’t get humorless drag. You can follow everything Peaches Christ at PeachesChrist.com

Peaches and Mink Stole

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DANNY PINTAURO

HE’S BACK AND HE’S THE BOSS

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

AActor Danny Pintauro first hit the big screen over four decades ago in the disturbing film Cujo, when even at a very young age, having just come off a run of a soap opera, was holding his own opposite the consummate actor Dee Wallace, a rabid dog, and a particular grueling filming day.

I was six. (Dee) loves to tell the story. It’s the scene where I go into convulsions, and the producers and director were trying to explain to me what they wanted me to do. And I tried it a bit, and it wasn’t working. My mom pulled me aside and said, “Hey, when you were in the hospital, when you were a baby, you had some convulsions, and this is what you did.” And I said, “Okay!”

The producers were like, “Hey, do you wanna try it again?” I was like, “Yeah, when I was younger, I had convulsions and this is what I did,” and I did it. And they were like, “That’s perfect.” And Dee loves to say, “That’s when I knew I wouldn’t have a problem working with this kid.” But how do you teach a six-year-old to scream like that and just be so convincing that people believe I’m traumatized? And Dee every take, would say, “You know it’s not real, but I just want to check in on you.” And I’d say, “I’m cool.”

He was natural. And from then, his career just fell into place. Danny’s mom was a hairdresser in New Jersey who kept Polaroids of him at her workstation. After being bugged by all her clients to send them to an agent, she sent off three photos to one modeling agency, and they called three days later. He got his first booking.

It just went from there, it never stopped. I would audition for it, and I would get it. It was a thing. I don’t know how to explain it, each thing that I got led to the next. The modeling and the commercials led to As the World Turns. I did that for four years, and the producers of Cujo saw me in As the World Turns and invited me to audition for Cujo, and the producers of Who’s the Boss saw me in Cujo and invited me to audition. Each one has a great story about how I got the job. I truly believe

that it was the universe.

Audiences literally watched Danny grow up on camera as the extremely successful sitcom, Who’s the Boss, ran for 8 seasons and 196 episodes.

These younger generations don’t understand when you say that you grew up watching me. They don’t understand because it doesn’t happen anymore. Back in the day, a sitcom series had 23, 24, or 25 episodes, depending on the show. And each of those comes out once a week. And so I’m in your living room once a week for 24 weeks of the year. You grew up watching me, and we

grew up together. Now with everything coming out on streaming, and all the episodes getting released at once, and people binge-watch, the concept of progressing in life along with someone else or with a show, just doesn’t exist anymore.

To avoid the isolation and trauma that can come from being a child actor, his parents had the foresight to demand that the producers let Danny attend school a few seasons into the run, which they obliged. He was able to somewhat live the life of a normal kid and then report to work. He was starring on one of

Wardrobe: Tank by St3l; Shorts by Hammies

Provided by Peppas

Palm Springs

the most popular shows on TV while excelling in his AP classes. But even though he was going through puberty and all the pressures of being a young teen, his character on screen was at a standstill. While he, as Jonathan Bower, wasn’t fitting in on screen, he, as Danny, wasn’t faring well at school either.

I think that the biggest factor was sort of self-esteem stuff more than anything. But some of that was self-imposed when I was in high school. When I first got to the school, everybody wanted to be my friend. Of course, you know, there’s a celebrity at the school. All I wanted to do was be a regular kid, it was my chance to just be normal. And I tried so hard, and I worked so hard to be normal that I ended up losing all of those people as friends because they were expecting this celebrity vibe. They were expecting me to sort of live up to the hype. When they realized I wasn’t going to, I suddenly didn’t have any friends for two years before I finally found a group of people who I could sort of gel with.

I’ve actually talked to some of those people since then from my high school and told them how much that affected me. They apologized because they were directly a part of it. They reached out to me to apologize because they knew that that was a thing. They said that it was also that they just didn’t understand me because, from the age of seven, everyone knew that there was just something about my essence that was not straight. So, for me, being a child actor is much less about robbing my childhood because I was an actor and more about having a messy childhood because I couldn’t figure out who I was or what I wanted.

After his long last stay on TV, he went on to Stanford. Still finding out about his sexuality, he dated girls and even got engaged. After coming into contact with members of the LGBTQ community, having left the spotlight of screen work, and being free of family pressures, he began to explore his sexuality.

While in the process of coming out and dealing with mixed reactions from his family, Danny did an interview with a local radio station about his time on Who’s the Boss. Something about the way he answered dating questions tipped them off. A few days later, the National Enquirer came calling.

That just magnified everything and really threw a big wrench into the story. In hindsight, it’s an important wrench, you know? I

feel like to be one of the first people to really be publicly talking about it at that time, I always get to have that. But, at the time, it was horrifying to go through. In retrospect, I go through the mail from people saying, I’m so glad to have heard about you. The sort of impact I get to have had on people is hard to keep in perspective.

The Enquirer called and said, ‘we’ve done our homework and we’re going to write a story about it, whether you like it or notwhat do you want to do?’ I was so thankful that they at least asked me what I wanted to do about it. I called Judith Light because I didn’t know who else to turn to, and I said, what do I do? She said, look, there’s one thing they can’t do and that’s misquote you. So, if you do an interview with them and you say the right things, and you’re honest and you’re truthful and make valid statements and points, it would be nearly impossible for them to turn it into a salacious article. And she was a hundred percent right. If you go back and read that article for the Enquirer at the time, you would not think that it was from the Enquirer. It’s almost heartfelt. It’s definitely sympathetic and fairly matter of fact. I was certainly surprised.

Years after coming out, he would have another coming out of sorts. In 2015, the producers of Oprah Winfrey reached out to Danny to appear on her Where Are They Now? show. Danny used the opportunity to share his HIV status to spread awareness.

We’ve lost a large number of people who understood what that felt like. We’ve come so far and I’m so grateful that we have, but because we’ve come so far, we’ve lost the sort of insight into what it feels like to face your mortality suddenly, out of absolutely nowhere, after a doctor’s appointment. There’s nothing like that feeling. And thankfully, great medications had already been created by the time I found out. So, I didn’t have the utter feeling of loss that a lot of generations before me did. The option was still scary in the sense that we weren’t a hundred percent sure what else that medication would cause. This medication that I take once a day, I will have to take until I die, unless we create a cure. Am I living happily? Yes. Am I the healthiest I’ve been in my entire life? Yes. Am I the fittest I’ve been in my entire life? Absolutely. But if I stop taking that medication, I will die. I would love to see more representation in film and television of HIV-

“My goal in coming back to the business is to get back to a place where I can show people my skill as an actor and gain respect as a professional actor, a dramatic actor.”

positive, healthy, thriving characters.

With today’s political plight of the LGBTQ community and with our current boom in openly queer actors, does Danny think in today’s time there is a responsibility to come out?

It has to be right, and it has to be when you’re ready. If it’s forced upon you, then that’s just creating fear. Nobody wants that to happen. It’s a fine line because I’m kind of going through it now, in the sense that, as an actor, I want to be neutral. I want to be able to play whatever part comes my way. That, for me, is virtually impossible at this point. I have so many boxes that are attached to me that will always be attached to me. I have Jonathan Bower; I’m never going to get rid of that. I’m going to try hard to make that a smaller box, but it’s always going to be there. I have out actor celebrity, that’s a big box. I have HIV positive celebrity, that’s a big box. So, the more I continue to talk about those issues, the bigger those boxes get, when in reality, an actor really wants to have as few boxes around them as possible. At this point, is anyone truly going to believe me playing a straight married man with two kids? I could try. I could certainly try, but is a casting director going to call me once a role like that comes up?

After finishing Stanford, Danny tried to come back to LA to start acting again. He said it was a horrifying experience because there were zero roles for someone who had just been outed by the Enquirer. We were barely in the Will & Grace age.

It didn’t work. So, I left. All my life, I really felt like I wanted to figure out who I was as a normal human being outside of celebrity. That was something even as a young kid. My life goal was to be a veterinarian. So, I said, look, the universe is telling me this is a bad time to try and be an actor. Let’s go be all the other things and figure that out. Almost 20 years later, I came back to it because I saw Wilson Cruz and Anthony Rap kissing on Star Trek: Discovery. How crazy was that moment? So impactful and so important. It clicked and I

said, that could be me, that should be me! I should be playing that part. And suddenly this jealousy bubbled up in me. I’m jealous of them getting to show the world this side of us. And so that really lit the fire.

And Danny is back. He moved with his husband from Austin and is hitting the audition scene hard. He’s also growing another tool in his arsenal, which is almost required in Hollywood – mastering social media. He’s on all the platforms talking to his fans, sharing his life stories, and sharing his journey back to acting. And, at the age of 48, he is focusing on his physical health and getting into the best shape of his life. Sticking to his workout routine was something that he never thought he could commit to. Now, after a year, he’s found his fitness groove and goes to the gym at least four times a week.

I’ve never had body ody ody. I didn’t think I was even capable of it for most of my life. And if you go back and look at pictures of me, I’m skinny as a rail. I was barely 130 pounds wet for most of my twenties and thirties. So getting back into the business as an actor, there are only a few things that you are in control of - your skill as an actor and your abilities. Outside of that, you can control your social media, which is a new thing that I had to learn how to do, and your body. For me, it came down to me saying ‘I refuse to lose a role to someone who has a bigger social media following or a better body.’ If I can say at the end of an audition process, that I don’t think I lost a role because of those things, then I’ve done my job. So, the motivation was that simple.

Now with the SAG-AFTRA strike over, Danny can focus on getting back to his acting roots. With newfound confidence and a reenergized look at Hollywood, he wants to bring representation to the forefront.

My goal in coming back to the business is to get back to a place where I can show people my skill as an actor and gain respect as a professional actor, a dramatic actor, outside of Who’s the Boss. The entirety of my resume is dramatic work, but most people know me for my sitcom work. My goal is to get

back to that and to really explore all of the possibilities when it comes to that. And his message to his fans?

You only live once. If you feel like you’re going to look back on your life 10 years from now and regret all of the time you spent wallowing in something, or not being able to get over

someone, or just not dealing with the trauma… if you feel like you’re going to look back on this time and regret that, fix it, change it.

You can follow Danny on IG: @DannyPintauro

Pages 23-24 Wardrobe and Styling: Matthew Mitchell

Wardrobe: Swimsuit by Parke and Ronen

Provided by Peppas Palm Springs

When a handful of members of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus traveled to Palm Springs on the evening of February 29 to begin a tour of area health care and social services organizations, their first stop was DAP Health, where CEO David Brinkman led them through the nonprofit’s Sunrise campus.

According to its website, “[The LGBTQ Caucus] was formed in 2002 to create a forum for California legislators to discuss issues that affect LGBTQ Californians and to further the goal of equality and justice for all Californians. California became the first state in the United States to officially form a caucus of openly-LBGTQ state legislators and continues to be a leader of progress for all Americans … Despite tremendous progress and an unprecedented swell of support for the LGBTQ community worldwide, there is still work to do to protect and uplift the most vulnerable in our community. The LGBTQ Caucus strives to advocate for diversity and inclusion of all people, including differently abled bodies. Our Caucus is working diligently to support LGBTQ leaders that represent our community at the local, state, and federal levels.”

As the sun was setting behind the San Jacinto Mountains, Brinkman greeted California State Senators Susan Talamantes Eggman (LGBTQ Caucus chair) and Steve Padilla; California State Assemblymembers Christopher Ward (LGBTQ Caucus vice chair), Corey Jackson, and Alex Lee; Legislative Advisor Oracio Gonzalez; LGBTQ Caucus Consultants Natalia Garcia and Jacob Fraker; and DAP Health Board Member Dr. Frank Figueroa at the nonprofit’s Vista Sunrise I, an 81-unit affordable housing complex dedicated to people living with HIV.

Brinkman began by explaining that when DAP Health was founded in 1984 as Desert AIDS Project at the dawn of the epidemic, HIV medications were a dozen years from being developed. DAP therefore supported people then dying of complications from the virus with a host of alternative therapies — acupuncture, massage, reiki, yoga, meditation, and counseling — meant to boost the immune system. It’s this array of wraparound services that DAP Health uses to this day in its unique, whole-person model of care for patients.

Physically pointing to both Vista Sunrise I and to the nearly completed Vista Sunrise II — which will bring 60 more units of affordable housing to DAP Health’s Sunrise campus — Brinkman stated that these

CALIFORNIA’S LEGISLATIVE LGBTQ CAUCUS COMES TO DAP HEALTH

BY DANIEL VAILLANCOURT

two complexes seek to lessen the impact of two major social drivers of health that result in poorer health outcomes: lack of housing and transportation. At DAP Health, patients can simply walk to their medical, dental, and behavioral health appointments.

The next stop was the Barbara Keller LOVE Building, where Brinkman showed his guests the Client Wellness and Social Services departments, careful to focus on the gargantuan mural dedicated to Les Dames du Soleil Dottie & Maude (AKA Douglas Woodmansee and Marshall Pearcy). The tribute is designed to honor the longtime married couple of drag entertainers who raised more than $1.2 million on behalf of DAP during the early years, often by gathering single and five-dollar bills at their performances.

From there it was onto the Annette Bloch CARE Building, with its Orange, Blue, Green, and Yellow clinics. They are named as such not only to honor the colors of the chakra, but to lessen the stigma of seeking care related to their disciplines: sexual wellness, HIV, cancer, etc.

The organization’s three sexual wellness clinics — in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Indio — are often a patient’s initiation to the wealth of programs and services available at DAP Health. “Impressed by our stigma- and shame-free attitude when visiting for free STI testing and treatment,

many decide to make us their home for primary care as well.” It was at this point that Brinkman stressed that primary care visits on the Sunrise campus now include the routine questions, “Have you eaten today?” and “Do you have enough food for the next two days?” If the answer to either is “No,” the patient is given a bag of nonperishable groceries and enrolled as clients of the organization’s Social Services department.

Brinkman concluded the tour by making it abundantly clear that this revolutionary brand of holistic patient care and wraparound social services devised at DAP Health’s Sunrise campus over the last four decades is the everlasting legacy of DAP’s founders and of all the community supporters and staff members who followed them. It is also one that will be adapted and applied to the 24 other clinical sites that now comprise DAP Health.

As DAP Health looks forward to its next 40 years, and to making a lasting impact as it takes its place on the Southern California health care landscape, it can take great pride in the strong, shining foundation of wraparound services and culturally competent care laid by members of the LGBTQ community and their allies — those courageous, compassionate souls who were the first in the desert to care for the gay men whose lives were cut far too short by HIV and AIDS.

Senator Steve Padilla, Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman (chair), Caucus Consultant Jacob Fraker, DAP Health CEO David Brinkman, Legislative Advisor Oracio Gonzalez, Assemblymember Corey Jackson, Assemblymember Christopher Ward (vice chair), Assemblymember Alex Lee, DAP Health Board Member Dr. Frank Figueroa, and Caucus Consultant Natalia Garcia.

DAP HEALTH CEO DAVID BRINKMAN TAKES FIVE OF ITS 13 MEMBERS ON A TOUR OF THE NONPROFIT’S SUNRISE CAMPUS IN PALM SPRINGS

HEALTH

Members of DAP Health’s Partners For Life major donor program recently toured the nonprofit’s soonto-be-opened, on-campus affordable housing complex, known as Vista Sunrise II, in Palm Springs. Director of Specialty Programs Dr. Jason Halperin — an ally whose professional expertise and focus for the last two decades have lied in HIV care, and in gender health and wellness — addressed the group, delivering a stirring testament to DAP Health’s unwavering dedication to the LGBTQ+ community that echoed its deep-rooted commitment to transformative health care initiatives.

Reflecting on his own journey, Halperin shared, “Before joining DAP Health, I worked, collaborated, and had been inspired by DAP Health for the past decade.” He recounted his role as a technical advisor for the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Special Projects of National Significance Program, where he witnessed firsthand the innovative strides made by DAP Health in sexual wellness and HIV care.

Drawing from personal experience, Halperin revealed the driving force behind his career path. “I entered medicine because I wanted to work in the field of HIV,” he disclosed, citing the profound impact of the epidemic on his upbringing in South Florida. From activism with ACT UP to humanitarian efforts with Doctors Without Borders, his trajectory was guided by a singular purpose: to ensure universal access to HIV treatment.

Transitioning into his own medical practice, Halperin’s tenure at prominent institutions further solidified his commitment to HIV programming. “After an infectious disease fellowship at New York University, working at one of the largest HIV clinics in the country, I decided to oversee HIV programming at CrescentCare in New Orleans,” he

DAP HEALTH DIRECTOR OF SPECIALTY PROGRAMS CHAMPIONS

LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY IN MOVING SPEECH

DR. JASON HALPERIN BECAME AN ALLY EARLY ON IN HIS CAREER AND HAS NEVER LOOKED BACK

BY DANIEL VAILLANCOURT

recounted, underscoring his alignment with the mission of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs).

The acquisition of the Borrego Health system marked a pivotal moment for DAP Health, amplifying its reach and impact. Halperin articulated a bold vision for the organization’s future, envisioning the expansion of HIV testing, prevention services, and sexual wellness initiatives across all clinical sites.

“We have all the tools to end the HIV epidemic, and DAP Health must be the model of how to implement it,” he asserted with conviction, emphasizing the imperative of supporting individuals living with HIV to thrive.

Illustrating the work that lies ahead, Halperin explained that “recognizing

social drivers of health and providing human rights-based solutions, such as developing affordable housing, are integral to our mission.”

Halperin’s speech epitomized the spirit of resilience and compassion driving DAP Health’s mission to care for the LGBTQ+ community, and reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to the cause, pledging to uphold the legacy of those who paved the way before him. “DAP Health will continue … I will continue … to make you proud of the work we are all doing together!”

For more information about DAP Health’s LGBTQ+ programs and services, visit daphealth.org/lgbtq-care

Dr. Jason Halperin

6 30pm

Highlighting the LGBTQ community!

Highlighting the LGBTQ community!

Chloe Carlson

Alexander Rodriguez

BY STAN JENSON

ON STAGE

FUNNY GIRL: Funny Girl first opened on Broadway in 1964 with Barbara Streisand leading the vaguely biographical story of Fanny Bryce. It ran for 1,348 performances, making it an undeniable hit, but it was not revived until 2022, some 58 years after its debut. By comparison, Hello, Dolly! which also opened in 1964 has had four Broadway revivals, the fourth being in 2017 with Bette Midler. Anyone who has watched Glee knows that Lea Michele felt that it was her destiny to play Fanny Bryce but when the revival opened in 2022, it starred Beanie Feldstein instead. Michele’s press agent claims that she felt she had already gone as far as she could with the character in Glee, but I’ve got to believe it was a money issue. At any rate, Michele came in to save the show when Feldstein met with weak reviews, and we now have the show touring California with Katerina McCrimmon playing Bryce. No, I have never heard of her either, but I’m madly excited to see the production. They have stuck with the original songs rather than some that were added for the movie, and it promises to be a lush spectacle so count me in. Playing at the Los Angeles Ahmanson 4/2-28; The San Francisco Orpheum 4/30 - 5/5; and Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Center 5/28-6/9.

SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD: This show is a collection of songs which Broadway’s Jason Robert Brown first wrote for other events or venues. Shows for which he has written both music and lyrics include The Bridges of Madison County, Parade, The Last Five Years, Urban Cowboy, 13, Honeymoon in Vegas and others. The most exciting news for me is that it is being produced this time by Celebration Theatre, Los Angeles’s on-again-off-again LGBTQ theatre company which is one of the oldest in the country. Artistic Director Brittney S. Wheeler adds “What happens when you give in to society’s construct of what it means to be radically you? The queer community longs for and continues to fight for radical acceptance and a deeper connection between generations. How we discover and hold on to the joy, the light within our collective strength lies in loving one another despite our differences and that is what I hope audiences take away from this production.” Plays at CelebrationTheatre 4/18–5/25.

A STRANGE LOOP: Tony Award winner for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical, A Strange Loop, a queer-centric musical, is coming to California and it deserves to be seen. The story revolves around an overweight black queer man who works as an usher at Lion King. The character is simply called Usher. He is writing a story about an overweight black queer man who is an usher (and hence the loop). Usher wishes he could act more like his “inner white girl” but is held back by expectations put on Black boys. During the show he encounters his mom, his dad, his doctor, an audience member and others (the actors are simply listed as Thoughts 1 – 6). They all share their expectations of him but these only add to his self-view of being a failure on all fronts. By the end, he resolves the question of how he should change – or whether he needs to change at all. Plays San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theatre 4/18–5/12 and Los Angeles’s Ahmanson Theatre 6/8–30.

FOLLIES: Stephen Sondheim’s Follies and a Las Vegas Casino would, at first glance, seem to be at opposite ends of the taste scale, but somehow they are colliding this month when Aliante Casino and Hotel presents the 1971 musical about a crumbling Broadway theatre which is scheduled for demolition. On the eve of its destruction, several former showgirls gather to celebrate the venue, often invoking ghosts of their younger selves. The production promises a 26-piece orchestra and a cast of over 40 dazzling performers. And the more I think about it, Vegas used to be filled with girlie revues –the “Tits and Feathers” shows -- and most of the hotels that hosted these productions have been torn down, so maybe Vegas isn’t the least likely city in the world for a new production of this Sondheim classic. Plays at the Aliante Hotel + Casino + Spa 4/1–14.

And Always, Always make sure you are buying your tickets directly from the theatre or their assigned agency. Scalpers create sites that sound like the real thing but charge double or triple the actual rates. Re-sellers have usually paid for the first five or six listings that come up when you are seeking tickets. Be careful!

ALICE B

ELEVATES THE FOODIE SCENE IN PALM SPRINGS

SUSAN

FENIGER AND MARY SUE MILLIKEN BRING THEIR PASSION FOR FOOD TO THE DESERT

BY MICHAEL WESTMAN

TTo know the awardwinning culinary duo of Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger is to love them. To have been to any of their award-winning eateries in Southern California like Border Grill, CITY, or Socalo, is to love their food.

Feniger and Milliken teamed up over 40 years ago, and their most recent creation, Alice B, proves that these two tamales are still red hot.

“Over the years, we’ve allowed each other to embrace what we were passionate about. And we trusted each other enough to give each other that space. That really allowed our partnership to get stronger and stronger over the years,” says Feniger.

Alice B is Palm Springs’ newest upscale restaurant and offers a California twist on Mediterranean cuisine that combines innovation with timeless flavors. Inside the doors of Living Out, Southern California’s first and only luxury, active adult LGBTQ community, Alice B is one of the first sights you’ll see when you enter the main doors. The restaurant has a warm inviting ambiance of mid-century modern design and desert colors and has a chic vibe and buzz about it. Our team visited on a Wednesday night, and there was nearly a seat available in the main dining room, on the heated outside patio, or in the bar area.

Invoking its name, the restaurant’s central art pieces are paintings of Alice B. Toklas and her life partner Gertrude

Stein. Other exceptional artwork adorns the walls, with pieces created by local female and LGBTQ+ artists, enhancing the dining atmosphere.

The menu is a collaborative effort between Feniger, Milliken, and Executive Chef Lance Velasquez, showcasing their passion for bold flavors and global influences, using seasonal inspiration that Southern California provides. Each dish is crafted to tantalize the taste buds and ignite the senses. Whether you’re craving comfort food with a modern twist or adventurous creations that push the boundaries of culinary exploration, Alice B delivers on every front. “The way we operate is to constantly refresh. We’re never sitting still. We’re always evolving menus,” says Milliken.

A start to any meal at Alice B (after ordering a signature cocktail) must begin with Chef Velasquez’ signature Cornmeal Cheddar Drop Biscuits with cardamom honey. (Chef Velasquez was named a “Rising Star Chef” by Esquire and “Best New American Chef” by Food & Wine

Magazine.) Crunchy on the outside and deliciously flavorful and moist on the inside, give me a plate of these biscuits and a glass of wine and I’m set for the evening.

Continue your culinary journey with small plates, such as the Spring Carrot

and Ginger Soup – a refreshing soup with turmeric cashew crunch and crème fraiche. The lingering note of ginger on the palate was a pleasant finish. The Crispy Yukon Gold Potato Croquettes are a unique mix of potato, smoked ham, Emmental cheese, poblano chile, topped with an espelette pepper aioli. The Kenter Farms Chicory Salad with garlic balsamic vinaigrette, fried bread, and parmigiano reggiano, is large enough for two.

Our main course standouts included the Branzino and Grilled Prime Ribeye. The perfectly crispy skinned Branzino was garnished with celery root remoulade, potato puree, and a uniquely delicate and savory arbequina olive almond relish that was a perfect complement to the fish and the accompanying micro-greens. The medium rare Ribeye was accompanied by fingerling potatoes, parsley butter, worcestershire vinaigrette, and black pepper crema. We added a side of charred Broccolini with pomegranate seeds to round out the plate.

No meal at Alice B is complete without sampling their decadent desserts. The Butterscotch Budino, basically an Italian pudding, was decadently rich and creamy with a hint of salt. The Tahini Ice Cream was also an unexpected treat, topped with chocolate sauce and crispy sesame seed clusters. Both offered a refreshing conclusion to the dining experience.

The service at Alice B is impeccable, with attentive, but not oppressive, staff who are there to ensure every guest has a memorable experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an unforgettable dining experience, Alice B by Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken exceeds expectations at every turn and is a much welcomed addition to the Palm Springs dining scene.

For more information visit aliceb.com or call 760-537-4311 to make a reservation. Dinner is served Wednesday through Sunday starting at 5:00 pm, and brunch is now available on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken

SETTING BOX OFFICE RECORDS DUNE: PART TWO

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

Setting box office records for movies post-pandemic, Dune: Part Two has already surpassed $500 million from theatergoers worldwide. Just after ten days in the theaters, the film surpassed the entire box office run of the first Dune. Critics agree, the film, from many distinct aspects, is a stellar success for writer/director/producer Denis Villeneuve. Though the plan was a two-part adaptation of the book by Frank Herbert, production contracts for the sequel were dependent on the success of the first and was greenlit shortly after it was clear that the remake of the 1984 film was a hit. Concurrently, Dune: Part One broke records for being the top-streamed film across all platforms. Everyone was Dune crazy. Part Two was originally intended to premiere in November but was de-

layed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Three years have passed since Part One, so rewatching Dune is highly recommended as the sequel picks up immediately after the end of the first. That is a lot of Dune. Both are very long films. Part Two is ten minutes longer than the first, clocking in at 2 hours 46 minutes. Maybe don’t order the large Coke. Even though the film is long, the sequel has more action than the first and introduces a bevy of new characters to keep your interest. There is a lot going on here. Plot-wise, we see Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) joining forces in the desert with the Fremen to usurp the political regime that has taken over the planet. Throw in some amazing fight sequences, a bit of religious fare to explain Paul’s rise to power and a brewing love story between Paul and Chani (Zendaya) and you have Dune: Part Two.

Even if sci-fi isn’t really your thing, the film captivates with artful cinematography, a lush score, top-notch special effects, and intense performances. The actors are working overtime to deliver the sweeping story with pathos and strength. Not just a pretty boy, Timothée titillates with his portrayal of Paul and presents his character’s arc extremely well. Not being given too much to work with, his love counterpart, played by Zendaya, pouts and broods throughout the film. Rebecca Ferguson as Paul’s mother almost steals the film. She is great at anything she does, but here she shines and makes sense of the mysticism that takes center stage in the story. New to the cast, Austin Butler is still beautiful to look at, even with all the makeup and grotesque characterization. He tears up the scenery and makes a delicious villain. Plus, he’s shirtless for the basically the entire film.

Anya Taylor-Joy shows up out of nowhere for a cameo that doesn’t even last for a minute, perhaps hinting at a bigger role for Part Three? A major misstep is the casting of Christopher Walken as the Emperor. We love Christopher Walken for being Christopher Walken, his brand of acting does not vary and though it usually works, his style here sticks out like a sore thumb. The heightened script sounds like an SNL skit when Walken appears on screen, he sounds like a deli owner from Queens in a galactic universe where everyone else is doing their finest Shakespeare. His miscasting kind of deflates the denouement that we’ve waited over two and a half hours for.

A bit tiresome is the not-so-subtle religious overtone. We have the mother of the messiah figure, we have the resurrection of a prophet, we have a group of disciples, we have the revelation in the desert, we have the deity’s fan base, - it’s the New Testament in space. It is a bit much and takes a bigger presence than good old-fashioned sci-fi storytelling. I prefer my sci-fi to be rooted in science and laser guns, not a Jesus reboot.

There is a lot of CGI in the film, but most of the time it makes sense and looks believable. Director Villeneuve has a very artistic eye in terms of colors and textures, the film just looks lush and from just an artistic standpoint, is so much more than a sci-fi flick. The film should be seen in IMAX to fully appreciate the scope of it all. I can imagine watching it on a small screen would lose the energy that jumps off a big screen.

Even though the film is long, there aren’t many check-your-watch moments. Sometimes the script is a bit verbose, some of the storyline plods along at a slow pace, but the action sequences peppered in throughout keep your attention. The sandworms also can get a little tiresome, but necessary.

Denis Villeneuve is already working on Part Three, titled Dune Messiah. He says that he is going to take his time with it and that it will be the perfect bookend to finish the story. However, given the immense success of the sequel, Warner Bros. may fast-track the final film to keep audiences interested.

Dune Two is definitely a must-see. It is the finest sci-fi has seen in the theaters in a while. Just make sure you rewatch the original and make sure you go pee first. For fun, go back and rewatch the original 1984 film version to see how Denis blew it out of the water.

G L A M O U R O U S

LIVIN’ THE LIFE IN PALM SPRINGS AT THE VELVET ROPE

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

There is a new oasis pocketed in the heart of Palm Springs that is bringing back vintage-style glamour and sensuality and adding a dash of modern living to provide a hotel stay to remember. Not even a year old, The Velvet Rope, making its home in the Old Las Palmas area, is a luxury, private experience that is to be seen to be believed. Originally designed in the 1950s by Herbert W. Burns, the location was always intended to be a first-class experience, catering to the celebrity and elite vacation goers. Limited to only nine themed suites that range from Liberace to Lucille Ball, the Rat Pack to Playboy, and more, the property is a stand-out in a city full of novelty hotels. This is no novelty; this is the real thing.

The hotel had fallen into disarray but was brought back to life by entrepreneur

and property magician, David Rios. After two years and a few million dollars, his mission is to bring old-school charm with modern-day luxury back to the historical property. David has over 25 years of real estate experience in Southern California. He is a magician who can flip, renovate, and create spaces, all with his signature style.

As if the luxury suites were not enough, the property boasts a large pool and jacuzzi area with cabanas, artwork, and an unrivaled view of the Palm Springs mountain range. The pool area is completely secluded, and it is easy to forget you are footsteps away from the city’s hustle and bustle. And yes, there is even some of Lucy and Desi’s original patio furniture from their Palm Springs home. The space is perfect for rest or partying with your bestie, your partner, or your side piece. The fantasy is yours for the taking to make what you want of it. The outside bar area

opens up into Bar Valerie, a VIP-themed speakeasy of sorts, with elegant seating, gold-laden fixtures, a grand piano, and an intimate stage. It is like walking back in time. There is no need to go anywhere else, this is your private world.

Your experience starts at the small, gated entrance to the property. Like a box office from movie palaces of the past, the check-in area sets the tone for your stay, dripping with luxury. There’s even a dish of high-end chocolates to get your taste buds going. Once you are checked in with your old-fashioned, actual turning key, you walk into the pool area and take a breath as all of your senses are aroused as you see the scope of the property. Even the amazing photography work they’ve done for the hotel doesn’t do it justice. Depending on when you check-in, you may be even greeted by a local drag celebrity, in vintage clothing and old-fashioned sass. There is focus

even on the tiniest detail. There are vintage bicycles to borrow to galivant around town, if you can even tear yourself away from the property. The staff is friendly but never intrusive. They will be as attentive as you want or leave you to your privacy. The property is meticulously manicured, from the landscape to the suites, it is clean, sleek, and fresh. Day passes, starting at $25, are available for pool visits with food and beverage services available. Seating starts with individual seating, to king size day beds, to private cabanas with curtains.

My particular stay took place in the I Love Lucy suite, named the Ricardo on the website. The colors, the textures, and the period of the furniture instantly transported us into what being a guest at Lucy’s Hollywood mansion must have been like. The furniture, despite being completely useable and comfortable, is a class act all on its own. This is not your typical hotel-grade fare. The kitchenette had appliances, fixtures, and mealware that stepped right out of the 50s, but, again, completely functional for today’s modern needs. We have even used the original, old-fashioned mini-ironing board that popped out of its wall cabinet. The bathroom is totally modern, with colorful tiles and fixtures that make going to the restroom an Instagrammer’s delight. Make sure your selfie game is on point. Throughout the suite, there are high-glamour portraits of Lucille Ball on her own, and her with Desi. She is quite at home here, displayed as a high-end model that we rarely saw on her show. Before she and Desi started the TV show, she was a model first. Fun touches like a his and her robe set in the closet add little surprises to your stay, that reveal themselves little by little as you go exploring. The room features a modern, large, flat-screen TV with every kind of input you might need. We were so taken with the relaxing nature of the property, that we didn’t even turn the TV on once.

OK, we need to talk about the bed. Covered in satin and decorative pillows, the bed is almost too pretty to sleep in. Almost. Once you get comfy and surround yourself with the gossamer of bedding opulence, you realize how amazing the mattress is. It is like sleeping on

a cloud. Even with the proximity of the other suites, the entire experience was private, you are given the solitude you desire. There is a light breakfast that is served in the mornings, knowing the guests want to sleep in those beds, they keep it going till 11:30 am. There is no better way to wake up and enjoy your coffee than lounging by the pool watching the sun heat up the mountains. Again, Instagram heaven. The hotel is surrounded by shops and restaurants, so there is no need to travel far to enjoy the city.

As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. The rooms are not cheap. But, given the experience The Velvet Rope provides, it is worth every penny. For a vacation, a staycation, or a personal sabbatical, this is the way to do it. Palm Springs’ history is full of glamour, Hollywood, art, and luxury experiences, The Velvet Rope puts it all together in one place while avoiding being kitschy or second-rate. We can’t wait to go back.

THE BEST BEACHES IN PUERTO VALLARTA AND BEYOND

BY PACO OJEDA

FFor many tourists, enjoying the beach here in Puerto Vallarta is a top priority, particularly for those visiting from cooler places, or places where going to the beach is simply not as colorful as it is here.

Going to the beach in Puerto Vallarta includes a medley of amenities that range from waiter service while you enjoy your deckchair under a shady palapa, to a gentle foot massage while you nurture your senses.

There is a lot to take in, from the possibility of making new friends to the

cacophony of musicians and vendors struggling to get your attention and earn a few pesos. From spectacular sunsets to the natural wonder of witnessing sea turtles journeying to our beaches from cooler waters to bury their eggs in the sand, late summer to early fall. When birds of a feather want to flock together, Los Muertos Beach is king (or queen!) with private beach clubs (Mantamar, Sapphire Ocean Club) and other venues such as The Blue Chairs or Ritmos Beach Cafe (also known as the Green Chairs). These spots, located on the southernmost stretch of Los Muertos Beach, have been

a magnet for the LGBTQ+ community for decades, and while this is the ideal experience for many, there are other options to consider beyond what we commonly refer to as ‘the gay beach.’

WITHIN PUERTO VALLARTA

If you are staying at a beachfront hotel in town, definitely explore what your hotel has to offer. Beyond that, you may want to consider:

Conchas Chinas. Just south of Los Muertos, a short walk will take you to the more relaxed Conchas Chinas beach, a collection of tiny coves and inlets where peace and tranquility

makes up for the lack of amenities. It is mostly frequented by home or condo owners in the area. Bring a picnic and your own umbrella.

Holi Beach. Sandwiched between two shopping centers (La Isla and Plaza Península) and adjacent to the Pitillal River, this beach offers an unexpected view of the southern side of the city. And while you can enjoy it without amenities, El Oasis del Holi, a traditional beachfront restaurant, will keep you well fed.

Marina Vallarta. Here you can enjoy all the amenities offered by hotels as an overnight guest or by way of a day-pass. A short hike north along the beach and

Boca de Tomatlán. Located half an hour south, the beachgoing experience is completely ordinary, and that is what makes it special. Situated in a small cove, it’s an ideal place for locals to drive or take the city bus to and spend the day enjoying basic amenities. Boca is also the point of departure for water taxis (small motorboats called pangas) to take you to more remote beaches further sound within the Bay.

Las Ánimas. This idyllic beach—and my personal favorite favorite—can only be reached by boat (from Los Muertos Pier or Boca de Tomatlán) or by hiking from Boca (approximately 1.5 hours). Once there, you can unleash your inner Robinson Crusoe while still enjoying the amenities offered by a row of palapa restaurants that feature staple Mexican food essentials. The surf is gentle, perfect for a comfortable splash.

past the airport will lead you to a local turtle camp, and a little further, you can be rewarded with a cold beverage and sarandeado-style fresh catch at a variety of beachfront rustic restaurants.

BEYOND PUERTO VALLARTA

Sayulita. Located slightly over an hour north, the boho-chic town of Sayulita is more of a daytrip experience that also features an impressive beach experience including the option to learn surfing and paddle-boarding. There is the beach in town with restaurants and amenities and the peaceful and secluded Los Muertos Beach (a coincidence) just a short hike south.

KEEP IN MIND

While Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant and gay-friendly town, remember it’s still part of a conservative country. So, while soaking up the sun on the beach, keep an eye on the locals’ vibe to avoid becoming the unexpected star of a drama for which you didn’t audition!

Catch up with Paco Ojeda live MondaySaturday 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

Cochas Chinas Beach

Los Muertos Beach

Holi Beach

BARS & CLUBS

AKBAR

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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

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FUBAR

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GYM SPORTSBAR

8919 Santa Monica Blvd

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HAMBURGER MARY’S

8288 Santa Monica Blvd

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HEART WEHO

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HI TOPS

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MICKYS

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

ROCCO’S

8900 Santa Monica Blvd

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LOS ANGELES DIRECTORY

SAINT FELIX

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THE ABBEY

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THE CHAPEL

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THE EAGLE

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REVOLVER VIDEO BAR

8851 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 424.382.1108 Revolverweho.Com

STACHE

8941 Santa Monica Blvd

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THE BAYOU

8939 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.273.3303

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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

BLOCK PARTY

8853 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 blockpartyweho.com

BRICK & MORTAR

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

CIRCUS OF BOOKS

8861 Santa Monica Blvd and West Hollywood, CA 90069 323.337.9555 circusofbooks.com

LOVE CONNECTION

8244 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046

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

YMLA

8594 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 ymla.com

HAIR SALONS

BLADE

801 N. Larrabee St, Ste #1 West Hollywood 310.659.6693

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

BEING ALIVE PEOPLE WITH HIV/AIDS ACTION COALITION

621 N San Vincente Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.289.2551

beingalivela.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

PALM SPRINGS DIRECTORY

• 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

REACH THE LA LGBTQ COMMUNITY AND ADVERTISE WITH GED MAGAZINE

COMPETITIVE RATES

STATEWIDE PRINT DISTRIBUTION

sales@gedmag.com

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

PS 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

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

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

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

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

GEAR LEATHER & FETISH

650 E Sunny Dunes Rd #1 Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.322.3363

gearleather.com

PALM SPRINGS DIRECTORY

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

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

PS 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 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 PS

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

sales@gedmag.com

SAN FRANCISCO DIRECTORY

BARS & CLUBS

440 CASTRO

440 Castro, San Francisco, CA the440.com

BEAUX

2344 Market St., San Franciso, CA beauxsf.com

HI TOPS

2247 Market St, San Francisco, CA 415.551.2500 hitopsbar.com

LOBBY BAR

4230 18th St. Unit A, San Francisco, CA lobbybarsf.com

LOOKOUT

3600 16th St., San Francisco, CA 415.431.0306 lookoutsf.com

MAC’S CLUB

39 Post St., San Jose, CA 408.288.8221

MIDNIGHT SUN

4067 18th St., San Francisco, CA 415.861.4186 midnightsunsf.com

MOBY DICK

4049 18th St., San Francisco, CA 415.294.0731

OASIS

298 11th St., San Francisco, CA 415.795.3180 sfoasis.com

RENEGADES

501 W Taylor St., San Jose, CA 408.275.9902 renegadesbar.carrd.co

SF EAGLE

398 12th St., San Francisco, CA 415.200.2002 sf-eagle.com

SPLASH

65 Post St., San Jose, CA 408.292.2222 splashsj.com

THE CINCH SALOON

1723 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 415.776.4162

THE MIX

4086 18th St., San Francisco, CA 415.431.8616 thesfmix.com

WHITE HORSE BAR

6551 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 510.652.3820

HAIR SALONS

HEALING CUTS

2350 Market St., San Francisco, CA 415.286.2970 healingcutssf.com

SPUNK SALON

4147 19th St., San Francisco, CA 415.701.7865 spunksalon.com

THE CASTRO BARBER LOUNGE

2265 Market St., San Francisco, CA 415.678.5942 thecastrobarberlounge.com

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

HEALTH/COUNSELING/SUPPORT

API WELLNESS CLINIC 726 Polk St. SF LGBT Center 1800 Market Street San Francisco, CA apiwellness.org

BILLY DEFRANK

LGBTQ CENTER

938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 408.293.3040 defrankcenter.org

LYRIC CENTER FOR LGBTQQ YOUTH

127 Collingwood St (@ 18th St), San Francisco, CA 415.703.6150 lyric.org

OAKLAND LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTER 3207 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland, CA 510.882.2286 oaklandlgbtqcenter.org

PACIFIC CENTER FOR HUMAN GROWTH

2712 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, CA 510.548.8283 pacificcenter.org

QUEER LIFESPACE

2275 Market St, San Francisco, CA 415.358.2000 queerlifespace.org

RAINBOW COMMUNITY CENTER

2380 Salvio St., Concord, CA 925.692.0090 rainbowcc.org

SF AIDS FOUNDATION

470 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 415.437.3400 strutsf.org

SF LGBT CENTER

1800 Market St, San Francisco, 415.865.5555 sfcenter.org

STONEWALL PROJECT

1035 Market St, #400, San Francisco, CA 415.487.3000 stonewallsf.org

THE TREVOR PROJECT 866.488.7386 Text: 678.678 thetrevorproject.org

UCSF ALLIANCE HEALTH PROJECT

1930 Market St, San Francisco, CA 415.476.3902 ucsf-ahp.org

LEGAL

AIDS LEGAL REFERRAL PANEL

1663 Mission St, #500, San Francisco, CA 415.701.1100 alrp.org

OASIS LEGAL SERVICES

1900 Addison St, #100, Berkeley, CA 510.666.6687 oasislegalservices.org

TRANSGENDER LAW CENTER

510.587.9696 transgenderlawcenter.org

HOTLINES

THE GLBT HOTLINE OF SAN FRANCISCO: 415.355.0999

GLBT NATIONAL HOTLINE: 1.888.843.4564

GLBT NATIONAL YOUTH TALKLINE: 1.800.246.7743

TREVOR PROJECT HOTLINE (Queer Youth Suicide Prevention): 866.488.7386

CALIFORNIA AIDS, STD, & HEPATITIS HOTLINE: 1.800.367.2437

SEXUAL ASSAULT - COMMUNITY VIOLENCE SOLUTIONS: 800.670.7273

CONTRA COSTA CRISIS CENTER for Suicide & Crisis Intervention: 800.273.8255

Sonoma

"Bringing together wine lovers and LGBTQ+ friendly wineries, restaurants, hotels and others for a community experience."