Los Angeles Blade, Volume 06, Issue 10, March 11, 2022

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MARCH 11, 2022 • VOLUME 06 • ISSUE 10 • AMERICA’S LGBTQ NEWS SOURCE • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM

LOCAL

Attorney General Bonta announces investigation into TikTok California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a nationwide investigation last week into TikTok for promoting its social media platform to children and young adults while its use is associated with physical and mental health harms to youth.

Attorneys general nationwide are examining whether the company is violating state consumer protection laws and putting children at risk.

“Our children are growing up in the age of social media – and many feel like they need WR PHDVXUH XS WR WKH ȴ OWHUHG YHUVLRQV RI UHDOLW\ WKDW WKH\ VHH RQ WKHLU VFUHHQV ȋ VDLG %RQWD “We know this takes a devastating toll on children’s mental health and well-being. But we don’t know what social media companies knew about these harms and when. Our nationwide investigation will allow us to get much-needed answers and determine if TikTok is

Attorney General ROB BONTA visits a classroom

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YLRODWLQJ WKH ODZ LQ SURPRWLQJ LWV SODWIRUP WR \RXQJ &DOLIRUQLDQV ȋ The investigation will look into the harms using TikTok can cause to young users and ZKDW 7LN7RN NQHZ DERXW WKRVH KDUPV 7KH LQYHVWLJDWLRQ IRFXVHV DPRQJ RWKHU WKLQJV RQ WKH WHFKQLTXHV XWLOL]HG E\ 7LN7RN WR ERRVW \RXQJ XVHU HQJDJHPHQW LQFOXGLQJ VWUDWHJLHV RU H΍ RUWV WR LQFUHDVH WKH GXUDWLRQ RI WLPH VSHQW RQ WKH SODWIRUP DQG IUHTXHQF\ RI HQJDJH ment with the platform.

TikTok’s computer algorithms pushing video content to users can promote eating disorders and even self-harm and suicide to young viewers. Texas opened an investigation LQWR 7LN7RNȇV DOOHJHG YLRODWLRQV RI FKLOGUHQȇV SULYDF\ DQG IDFLOLWDWLRQ RI KXPDQ WUDɝ FNLQJ last month.

7LN7RN KDV VDLG LW IRFXVHV RQ DJH DSSURSULDWH H[SHULHQFHV QRWLQJ WKDW VRPH IHDWXUHV VXFK DV GLUHFW PHVVDJLQJ DUH QRW DYDLODEOH WR \RXQJHU XVHUV 7KH FRPSDQ\ VD\V LW KDV WRROV LQ SODFH VXFK DV VFUHHQ WLPH PDQDJHPHQW WR KHOS \RXQJ SHRSOH DQG SDUHQWV PRGHUDWH KRZ ORQJ FKLOGUHQ VSHQG RQ WKH DSS DQG ZKDW WKH\ VHH WKH $VVRFLDWHG 3UHVV UHSRUWHG “We care deeply about building an experience that helps to protect and support the ZHOO EHLQJ RI RXU FRPPXQLW\ DQG DSSUHFLDWH WKDW WKH VWDWH DWWRUQH\V JHQHUDO DUH IRFXVLQJ RQ WKH VDIHW\ RI \RXQJHU XVHUV ȋ WKH FRPSDQ\ VDLG :HGQHVGD\ “We look forward to providLQJ LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ WKH PDQ\ VDIHW\ DQG SULYDF\ SURWHFWLRQV ZH KDYH IRU WHHQV ȋ $WWRUQH\ *HQHUDO %RQWD LV FRPPLWWHG WR KROGLQJ VRFLDO PHGLD FRPSDQLHV DFFRXQWDEOH particularly when their actions may cause harm to California’s youngest residents. In NoYHPEHU %RQWD DQQRXQFHG D QDWLRQZLGH LQYHVWLJDWLRQ LQWR 0HWD IRU SURYLGLQJ DQG SURPRW ing its social media platform — Instagram — to children and young adults despite knowing that such use is associated with physical and mental health harms.

Bonta also co-led a bipartisan coalition in expressing support for hearings in the U.S. Senate on “3URWHFWLQJ .LGV 2QOLQH )DFHERRN ΖQVWDJUDP DQG 0HQWDO +HDOWK +DUPV ȋ (DUOLHU WKDW \HDU $WWRUQH\ *HQHUDO %RQWD MRLQHG DWWRUQH\V JHQHUDO LQ XUJLQJ 0HWD WR DEDQGRQ SODQV WR ODXQFK D YHUVLRQ RI ΖQVWDJUDP IRU FKLOGUHQ XQGHU WKH DJH RI )ROORZLQJ KHDY\ FULWLFLVP DQG VKRFNLQJ QHZ UHSRUWV IURP :DOO 6WUHHW -RXUQDO DQG RWKHU SXEOLFDWLRQV 0HWD announced in September that it would pause development of the new platform. /HDGLQJ WKH LQYHVWLJDWLRQ LV D ELSDUWLVDQ FRDOLWLRQ RI DWWRUQH\V JHQHUDO IURP &DOLIRUQLD )ORULGD .HQWXFN\ 0DVVDFKXVHWWV 1HEUDVND 1HZ -HUVH\ 7HQQHVVHH DQG 9HUPRQW 7KH\ DUH MRLQHG E\ D EURDG JURXS RI DWWRUQH\V JHQHUDO IURP DFURVV WKH FRXQWU\ FROM STAFF REPORTS

WeHo encouraging donations to support Ukraine 7KH &LW\ RI :HVW +ROO\ZRRG LV HQFRXUDJLQJ FRPPXQLW\ PHPEHUV WR WDNH SDUW LQ GRQDWLQJ WR RUJDQL]DWLRQV WKDW DUH LQ XUJHQW QHHG RI FRQWULEXWLRQV WR SURYLGH VXSSRUW LQ 8NUDLQH VXFK DV HPHUJHQF\ DLG PHGLFDO FDUH KXPDQLWDULDQ VXSSRUW DQG PRUH 7KH &LW\ RI :HVW +ROO\ZRRG LV DFWLYDWLQJ LWV :HVW +ROO\ZRRG 5HVSRQGV SURJUDP WR KHOS encourage contributions to agencies and organizations that are working to help people in Ukraine as well as those seeking refuge.

The City has assembled a list of organizations on its website at www.weho.org/wehoresponds. ȊΖQ 8NUDLQH WKH XQSURYRNHG DWWDFN RI 5XVVLDQ PLOLWDU\ IRUFHV KDV FDXVHG DQ LPPHGLDWH FULVLV RI KXPDQ VX΍ HULQJ DQG QHHG ȋ VDLG &LW\ RI :HVW +ROO\ZRRG 0D\RU /DXUHQ 0HLVWHU Ȋ0DQ\ :HVW +ROO\ZRRG FRPPXQLW\ PHPEHUV DUH UHDFKLQJ RXW DQG DVNLQJ ZKDW WKH\ FDQ do to help. There are lots of organizations that are focused on immediate assistance to SHRSOH LQ 8NUDLQH DQG Ζ NQRZ :HVW +ROO\ZRRGȇV UHVLGHQWV DQG EXVLQHVV ZLOO JHQHURXVO\ DLP WR KHOS SHRSOH LQ 8NUDLQH ZKR KDYH EHHQ IRUFHG WR ȵ HH IURP WKHLU KRPHV DQG FRPPXQLWLHV DV YLROHQFH HVFDODWHV WKHUH :H PXVW GR ZKDW ZH FDQ WR KHOS ȋ :HVW +ROO\ZRRGȇV FRUH YDOXHV LQFOXGH 5HVSRQVLYHQHVV WR WKH 3XEOLF DQG WKH &LW\ RI :HVW +ROO\ZRRG KDV D GHHSO\ KHOG FRPPLWPHQW WR UHVSRQGLQJ WR KXPDQLWDULDQ HPHUJHQFLHV ZKHQHYHU DQG ZKHUHYHU WKH\ PD\ GHYHORS $V VXFK WKH &LW\ LV PLQGIXO DERXW WKH LPSRUW ant role that local governments and organizations play in mobilizing assistance for communities when there is need. ΖQ WKH :HVW +ROO\ZRRG &LW\ &RXQFLO ȴ UVW HVWDEOLVKHG :HVW +ROO\ZRRG 5HVSRQGV DV

a local disaster relief program developed to provide assistance to the Gulf Coast region IROORZLQJ +XUULFDQH .DWULQD ΖW KDV EHHQ UHDFWLYDWHG PXOWLSOH WLPHV GXULQJ WKH SDVW VHYHUDO years.

2Q )ULGD\ )HEUXDU\ WKH &LW\ RI :HVW +ROO\ZRRG LVVXHG DQ Rɝ FLDO VWDWHPHQW DV 5XVVLDQ PLOLWDU\ IRUFHV EHJDQ DWWDFNV LQ 8NUDLQH ȊΖQ WKH &LW\ RI :HVW +ROO\ZRRG RXU thoughts today turn to the people of Ukraine and to our community members of Ukrainian GHVFHQW DQG IURP IRUPHU 6RYLHW UHSXEOLFV PDQ\ RI ZKRP DUH GHHSO\ FRQFHUQHG DERXW IDPLO\ DQG IULHQGV LQ WKH UHJLRQ :HVW +ROO\ZRRG KDV D FRUH YDOXH RI UHVSHFW DQG VXSSRUW for people and our city has a thriving community of residents with roots in countries that ZHUH IRUPHU 6RYLHW UHSXEOLFV :H MRLQ ZLWK SHRSOH DQG FRPPXQLWLHV DFURVV WKH JOREH LQ FDOOLQJ IRU DQ LPPHGLDWH HQG WR WKLV DJJUHVVLRQ 7KHUH FDQ EH QR MXVWLȴ FDWLRQ IRU WKH KX PDQ VX΍ HULQJ WKDW ZLOO UHVXOW IURP WKH XQSURYRNHG DWWDFN RI 5XVVLDQ PLOLWDU\ IRUFHV :DU LV QHYHU WKH DQVZHU :H VWDQG IRU SHDFH DQG ZH VWDQG ZLWK 8NUDLQH ȋ ΖQ WKH GD\V WKDW IROORZHG WKH LQLWLDO PLOLWDU\ HVFDODWLRQ LQ 8NUDLQH WKH &LW\ RI :HVW +ROO\ ZRRG OLW LWV &LW\ +DOO EXLOGLQJ DQG JOREH ODQWHUQV RQ 6DQWD 0RQLFD %RXOHYDUG LQ \HOORZ DQG EOXH WKH FRORUV RI WKH 8NUDLQLDQ ȵ DJ LQ D VKRZ RI VROLGDULW\ DQG VXSSRUW IRU 8NUDLQH )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW WKH &LW\ȇV :HVW +ROO\ZRRG 5HVSRQGV SURJUDP SOHDVH FRQ WDFW WKH &LW\ RI :HVW +ROO\ZRRGȇV &RPPXQLW\ /HJLVODWLYH $΍ DLUV 'LYLVLRQ DW

)RU SHRSOH ZKR DUH 'HDI RU KDUG RI KHDULQJ SOHDVH FDOO 77< FROM STAFF REPORTS LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • MARCH 11, 2022 • 03

LOCAL

Newsom orders state agencies to comply with sanctions on Russia

Governor Gavin Newsom last week signed an executive order directing state agencies and departments to ensure their contractors are complying with economic sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s attacks on Ukraine.

The action follows the Governor’s letter this week calling for state pension funds to halt the ȵ RZ RI PRQH\ IURP WKH VWDWH WR Russia and to ban the purchase of Russian debt.

Newsom today met with Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco Dmytro Kushneruk to express California’s solidarity with the Ukrainian community and discuss the state’s current H΍ RUWV WR VXSSRUW WKH SHRSOH DQG government of Ukraine, as well as California’s long-standing relationship with Ukraine.

“California stands with Ukraine and the Ukrainian community in (Photo by Tatiana Sandler) California – one of the largest in the country,” said Newsom. “Our VWDWH VKDUHV PDQ\ FORVH WLHV ZLWK 8NUDLQH DQG ZLOO FRQWLQXH RXU H΍ RUWV WR VXSSRUW WKH QD WLRQȇV EUDYH ȴ JKW IRU WKH IXQGDPHQWDO ULJKWV DQG IUHHGRPV RI LWV SHRSOH ȋ The executive order requires state agencies and departments within the Governor’s Administration to review their contracts for commodities, services and technology and to terminate any contracts with entities that are subject to economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as any sanctions

imposed under state law.

The order further requires state agencies and departments to direct all grantees, and contractors with agreements valued at $5 million or more, to report their compliance with economic sanctions and on the steps they are taking in response to Russia’s aggression in 8NUDLQH VXFK DV KDOWLQJ ȴ QDQFLDO WUDQVDFWLRQV ZLWK 5XVVLDQ HQWLWLHV QRW WUDQVIHUULQJ WHFK nology to Russian entities, and supporting the Ukrainian government and people.

The governor is also urging businesses, non-governmental organizations and public entities in the state to similarly review their investments and contracts to ensure compliance with economic sanctions on Russia and to take actions in support of the Ukrainian government and people. &DOLIRUQLD LV WKH ȴ IWK ODUJHVW HFRQRP\ LQ WKH ZRUOG DQG KRPH WR PDMRU WHFKQRORJ\ PDQ ufacturing and trade hubs. Many companies in California have already taken steps to limit economic transactions with Russian entities, combat Russian misinformation and support Ukraine.

Newsom last week sent a letter to the leaders of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System, California State Teachers’ Retirement System and the University of California retirement system calling for the funds to immediately restrict Russia’s access to any new capital and investments by the state, among other actions to support the people of Ukraine and protect the interests of Californians.

California and Ukraine share close ties and the state is home to one of the largest Ukrainian populations in the country. California has a long history of welcoming Ukrainian and other refugees. As a state of inclusion and a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge, California will continue to be a welcoming place for refugees and stands ready to continue our partnership with the federal government as needed to support the resettlement of UHIXJHHV ȵ HHLQJ 5XVVLDȇs aggression in Ukraine.

California’s National Guard and the U.S. government have had a nearly three-decade relationship with Ukraine working to support its Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior and Armed Forces by providing military equipment and training as well as humanitarian assistance.

2YHU WKH ODVW \HDUV WKH *RYHUQRUȇV 2ɝ FH RI (PHUJHQF\ 6HUYLFHV DORQJ ZLWK WKH &DO ifornia National Guard and the California Emergency Medical Services Authority, has provided training and conducted exercises with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces on utilizing the Emergency Management and Incident Command System.

BRODY LEVESQUE

LA gas prices skyrocket past $5 a gallon

Jittery oil markets caused a one-day gas price spike across the country today that pushed the average Los Angeles gas price up eight cents to over $5 a gallon, and many other local areas are close to that level, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch.

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.94, which is a new record for the state and 17 cents higher than last week. The average national price is $3.73, which is 21 cents higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.01 per gallon, which is 19 cents higher than last week, 29 cents higher than last month, and $1.25 higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.98, which is 20 cents higher than last week, 32 cents higher than last month, and $1.24 higher than last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.94, which is 20 cents higher than last week, 30 cents higher than last month and $1.23 higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.91, which is 18 cents higher than last week, 28 cents higher than last PRQWK DQG KLJKHU WKDQ ODVW \HDU ΖQ %DNHUVȴ HOG WKH DYHUDJH SULFH LV FHQWV more than last Thursday, 24 cents higher than last month and $1.23 higher than a year ago today.

“In addition to oil prices spiking due to concerns about Russian oil supply being removed from Western markets, Southern California is experiencing some supply issues that tend WR KDSSHQ GXULQJ WKH VSULQJ ZKHQ UHȴ QHULHV W\SLFDOO\ XQGHUJR PDLQWHQDQFH ȋ VDLG $XWR Club spokesman Doug Shupe. “The California Energy Commission reported that the state’s gasoline stocks are down by about six percent from last week, which also puts upward pressure on gas prices.”

04 • MARCH 11, 2022 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM

The Auto Club reminds drivers of the following tips to save money on gas:

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LOCAL

WeHo opens nominations for 2022 Rainbow Key Awards The City of West Hollywood is gathering nominations for its 2022 Rainbow Key Awards. The City’s Rainbow Key Awards recognize people who have made outstanding contributions to the lesbian and gay community.

Nominations may be submitted electronically through the City’s website at weho.org/rainbowkey.

Nomination forms are due by Monday, March 28, 2022. The awards presentations are scheduled to take place virtually in June 2022, which is Pride Month.

Since 1993, the City of West Hollywood has presented Rainbow Key Awards to individuals and groups that have gone above and beyond in their service to the LGBTQ community. Contributions have come in many forms, including the arts, community service,

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humanitarian action, sports, medicine, armed services, leaderVKLS SRWHQWLDO EHQHȴ W WR WKH JOREDO JD\ DQG OHVELDQ FRPPXQL ty, and more. Past honorees have included activists, artists, civic leaders, educators, community organizations, and many others.

Nominations will be reviewed by the City of West Hollywood’s Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board and recommendations for honRUHHV ZLOO EH UHIHUUHG WR WKH :HVW +ROO\ZRRG &LW\ &RXQFLO IRU ȴ QDO approval.

For more information, please contact Moya Márquez, City of West Hollywood Community Programs Coordinator, at (323) 8486574 or at mmarquez@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please call TTY (323) 848-6496.

FROM STAFF REPORTS

New policy framework for mental health, substance challenges At a mental health treatment center in San Jose, Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday unveiled CARE Court, a new framework to provide individuals with mental health and substance use disorders the care and services they need to get healthy.

The proposal, which must be approved by the Legislature, would require counties to provide comprehensive treatment to the most severely impaired and untreated Californians and hold patients accountable to their treatment plan.

“CARE Court is about meeting people where they are and acting with compassion to support the thousands of Californians living on our streets with severe mental health and substance use disorders,” said Governor Newsom. “We are taking action to break the pattern that leaves people without hope and cycling repeatedly through homelessness and incarceration. This is a new approach to stabilize people with the hardestto-treat behavioral health conditions.”

CARE Court does not wait until someone is hospitalized or arrested before providing treatment. CARE Court will provide an opportunity IRU D UDQJH RI SHRSOH LQFOXGLQJ IDPLO\ PHPEHUV ȴ UVW UHVSRQGHUV LQ tervention teams, and mental health service providers, among others, WR UHIHU LQGLYLGXDOV VX΍ HULQJ IURP D OLVW RI VSHFLȴ F DLOPHQWV PDQ\ RI them unhoused, and get them into community-based services.

“It’s time we face the painful, but obvious truth: our behavioral health system in California is broken. All of us see it every day on RXU VWUHHWV Ȃ DQG LWȇV ORQJ SDVW WLPH ZH ȴ [ LW ȋ VDLG 6DQ 'LHJR 0D\RU Todd Gloria. “Governor Newsom’s CARE Court proposal is a major step forward. It will provide individuals who are struggling with behavioral health issues a pathway to the housing and health services they need and give those who encounter these individuals a real way to get them the help they need. I look forward to working with the Governor and my municipal colleagues to implement a working program at the local level.”

“Governor Newsom’s groundbreaking CARE Court proposal breaks through on a key missing piece of the homeless challenge,” said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “For people who are the sickest and most vulnerable on our streets, the governments responsible for helping them must be legally obligated to act.” &$5( &RXUW R΍ HUV FRXUW RUGHUHG LQGLYLGXDOL]HG LQWHUYHQWLRQV DQG VHUYLFHV VWDELOL]DWLRQ medication, advanced mental health directives, and housing assistance – all while remaining community-based. Plans can be up to 12-24 months. In addition to their full clinical team, the client-centered approach also includes a public defender and a supporter to help individuals make self-directed care decisions. Ȋ:H QHHG WR VWRS WU\LQJ WR ȴ [ D IDLOHG V\VWHP ȋ VDLG 6DQWD &ODUD &RXQW\ 6XSHULRU &RXUW Judge Stephen V. Manley. “We are rapidly moving back to where we were 100 years ago in using incarceration as the only alternative for those persons who are severely mentally LOO :H QHHG QHZ LGHDV DQG D IUHVK DSSURDFK DQG *RYHUQRU 1HZVRP LV R΍ HULQJ XV RQH ȋ “NAMI-Santa Clara County appreciates Governor Newsom’s initiative through the CARE &RXUW SURJUDP ȋ VDLG 5RYLQD 1LPEDONDU ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU RI 1$0Ζ 6DQWD &ODUD &RXQW\ 06 • MARCH 11, 2022 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM

“With CARE Court in place, we’ll have a better opportunity to help struggling individuals VWDUW WKH URDG WR UHFRYHU\ WR D PRUH IXOȴ OOLQJ OLIH ȋ The CARE Court framework was created using the evidence that many people can staELOL]H EHJLQ KHDOLQJ DQG H[LW KRPHOHVVQHVV LQ OHVV UHVWULFWLYH FRPPXQLW\ EDVHG FDUH VHW tings. The plan focuses on people with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, who may also have substance use challenges, and who lack medical decision-making capacity, and advances an upstream diversion from more restrictive conservatorships or incarceration.

The framework provides individuals with a clinically appropriate, community-based and court-ordered Care Plan consisting of culturally and linguistically competent county mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. These include short-term stabilization medications, wellness and recovery supports, and connection to social services, including a housing plan.

Services are provided to the individual through an outpatient model while they live in the community.

“Governor Newsom’s CARE Court Plan is a welcomed program for LA County,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Holly J. Mitchell. “The City of Redondo Beach within my district has successfully implemented a similar program with their Homelessness Court. Under WKH *RYHUQRUȇV &$5( &RXUW SURJUDP /$ &RXQW\ FDQ H[SDQG WKLV SHRSOH centered model of prevention and support for our most vulnerable unhoused neighbors. This is a community approach to preventing justice involvement by connecting people to services over up to a 24-month period.” Ȋ$IWHU \HDUV LQ WKH ȴ HOG VHUYLQJ YXOQHUDEOH LQGLYLGXDOV DQG H[SHUL HQFLQJ GLɝ FXOW\ LQ JHWWLQJ WKHVH LQGLYLGXDOV WKH DSSURSULDWH OHYHO RI FDUH Ζ ZHOFRPH WKH GLVFXVVLRQ DURXQG D GHȴ QLWLYH HYDOXDWLRQ SURFHVV DQG ORRN IRUZDUG WR SDUWLFLSDWLQJ LQ GLVFXVVLRQV WR ȴ QG VROXWLRQV WKDW EHWWHU VHUYH WKLV SRSXODWLRQ ȋ VDLG &DOLIRUQLD 3URIHVVLRQDO )LUHȴ JKWHUV 3UHVLGHQW %ULDQ . 5LFH In the event that a participant cannot successfully complete a Care Plan, the individual may be referred for a conservatorship, consistent with current law, with a presumption that no suitable alternatives to conservatorship are available.

All counties across the state will participate in CARE Court under the proposal. If local JRYHUQPHQWV GR QRW PHHW WKHLU VSHFLȴ HG GXWLHV XQGHU FRXUW RUGHUHG &DUH 3ODQV WKH FRXUW ZLOO KDYH WKH DELOLW\ WR RUGHU VDQFWLRQV DQG LQ H[WUHPH FDVHV DSSRLQW DQ DJHQW WR HQVXUH services are provided.

CARE Court builds on Governor Newsom’s $14 billion multi-year investment to provide 55,000 new housing units and treatment slots and nearly $10 billion annually in community behavioral health services. The Governor’s approach focuses on quickly rehousing unsheltered individuals with behavioral health issues, all while new units come online, while also transforming Medi-Cal to provide more behavioral health services to people struggling the most.

FROM STAFF REPORTS

ANTHONY DE MARE

Liaisons: Re-Imagining Sondheim from the Piano Sun, Apr 10 at 7 PM | Royce Hall

Celebrated pianist and genre-busting new music champion Anthony de Mare pays tribute to the musical genius of Stephen Sondheim with 14 new commissions of Sondheim songs re-imagined by the likes of Steve Reich, Timo Andres, Jon Batiste, Ted Hearne, Meredith Monk, Nico Muhly and many more.

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FROM STAFF REPORTS U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced Friday comprehensive legislation to address the D΍ RUGDEOH KRXVLQJ DQG KRPHOHVVQHVV FULVHV LQ &DOLIRUQLD DQG DFURVV WKH FRXQWU\ 7KH +RXVLQJ IRU $OO $FW RI ZRXOG LQYHVW LQ SURYHQ VROXWLRQV WR DGGUHVV FULWLFDO D΍ RUGDEOH housing shortages and provide a surge of funding for strategic, existing programs to reduce homelessness as well as for innovative, locally-developed solutions to help those experiencing homelessness.

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“Every person has a right to the dignity and security of housing,” said Senator Padilla. “As we FRQWLQXH WR IDFH KLVWRULF D΍ RUGDEOH KRXVLQJ DQG KRPHOHVVQHVV FULVHV ZKLFK KDYH EHHQ H[DF HUEDWHG E\ WKH &29Ζ' SDQGHPLF LWȇV JRLQJ WR WDNH DOO OHYHOV RI JRYHUQPHQW ZRUNLQJ WRJHWKHU WR UHEXLOG D PRUH LQFOXVLYH DQG HTXLWDEOH VRFLHW\ IRU DOO 7KLV OHJLVODWLRQ LV DQ RSSRUWXQLW\ WR LQYHVW DQG DOLJQ UHVRXUFHV LQ H[SDQGLQJ D΍ RUGDEOH KRXVLQJ DQG VWUHQJWKHQLQJ SURYHQ VROX WLRQV $΍ RUGDEOH KRXVLQJ LV HVVHQWLDO LQIUDVWUXFWXUH DQG WKDWȇV ZK\ Ζ DP SURXG WR LQWURGXFH WKH Housing for All Act of 2022 to ensure that every person has a place to call home.” “+RPHOHVVQHVV UHPDLQV D SHUVLVWHQW DQG GLɝ FXOW SUREOHP LQ /RV $QJHOHV DQG LQ FRPPXQL ties around the country,” said Congressman Lieu. “The pandemic only worsened the economLF DQG VRFLHWDO IDFWRUV WKDW FRQWULEXWH WR KRPHOHVVQHVV ZKLFK LV ZK\ LW LV VR LPSRUWDQW WKDW ZH DGGUHVV WKLV LVVXH KHDG RQ QRZ +RPHOHVVQHVV LV D FRPSOLFDWHG FKDOOHQJH WKDW UHTXLUHV D PXOWL IDFHWHG DSSURDFK ΖȇP SOHDVHG WR EH 6HQDWRU 3DGLOODȇV SDUWQHU RQ WKLV FRPSUHKHQVLYH OHJLVODWLRQ WR DGGUHVV WKH D΍ RUGDEOH KRXVLQJ VKRUWDJH DQG VXSSRUW SURYHQ FRPPXQLW\ GULYHQ solutions to homelessness.” “ΖȇP JUDWHIXO WR 6HQDWRU 3DGLOOD IRU KLV OHDGHUVKLS DQG DWWHQWLRQ WR &DOLIRUQLDȇV Ȃ DQG WKH QD WLRQȇV Ȃ D΍ RUGDELOLW\ FULVLV ȋ VDLG &DOLIRUQLD *RYHUQRU *DYLQ 1HZVRP “California has stepped XS ELJ ZLWK ELOOLRQ IRU KRXVLQJ DQG KRPHOHVVQHVV EXW QR VWDWH FDQ GR LW DORQH :H QHHG :DVKLQJWRQ '& WR PDWFK RXU XUJHQF\ DQG LQFUHDVH WKHLU ȴ QDQFLDO FRPPLWPHQW WR VROYLQJ WKLV existential crisis.”

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toward our goal of ensuring every American has a roof over their head.” “$V WKH PD\RUV RI VRPH RI &DOLIRUQLDȇV ODUJ est and most populated cities, we are all grappling with the housing and homelessness crisis and are excited to see such strong leadership on this issue from our Senator. The “Housing for All Act of 2022” would invest in proven solutions to housing shortages, fund programs that KDYH EHHQ SURYHQ WR UHGXFH KRPHOHVVQHVV DQG strengthen innovative, locally-developed programs to appropriately engage with those expeU.S. Sen. ALEX PADILLA (D-Calif.) riencing homelessness.”

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SHE MUST CHOOSE BETWEEN

HER HEART and HER HOMELAND VERDI’S EPIC LOVE STORY

CONDUCTED BY JAMES CONLON A lavish new production of Verdi’s Aida comes to the L A Opera stage, featuring gorgeous hieroglyphics by the iconic graffiti artist RETNA. Latonia Moore stars as Aida, an Ethiopian princess torn between her people and her love for the enemy general. Jealousy, betrayal, and two warring kingdoms clash in one of the world’s most beloved operas.

Photos: Cory Weaver/SFO

MAY 21– JUNE 12 FEATURING PROJECTED ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS

Tickets for AL Budgets: LAOPERA.ORG • 213.972.8001

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10 • MARCH 11, 2022 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM

Terry M. Helvey pleaded guilty to the 1992 murder of gay Navy sailor ALLEN SCHINDLER.

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Fla. Senate approves ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, sends to DeSantis

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rest. relax. unwind.

Welcome to Descanso, Palm Spring’s newest and most exclusive men’s resort.

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

LOSANGELESBLADE.CO • MAY 28, 2021 • 13

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Chaos, daily bombings: Gay man on plight of family trapped in Kyiv 6HUJH 'XND ȵ HG 8NUDLQH ZLWK QRZ KXVEDQG LQ

By MICHAEL K. LAVERS | mlavers@washblade.com

A gay man from Ukraine who lives in D.C. with his husband says his mother-in-law remains hunkered down in her apartment in the country’s capital. Ȋ6KH WHOOV KHUVHOI WKDW HYHU\WKLQJȇV ȴ QH ȋ 6HUJH 'XND WROG WKH :DVKLQJWRQ %ODGH RQ 0DUFK GXULQJ D WHOHSKRQH LQWHUYLHZ Ȋ7KDWȇV KHU ZD\ RI FRSLQJ ZLWK WKH ZKROH VLWXDWLRQ ȋ 'XND ZKR OLYHV LQ &KHY\ &KDVH ȴ UVW VSRNH ZLWK WKH %ODGH D ZHHN DIWHU 5XVVLD EHJDQ LWV invasion of Ukraine. +H VDLG KH DQG KLV KXVEDQG ZDQWHG KLV PRWKHU LQ ODZ WR OHDYH .\LY EHIRUH WKH ZDU EXW ȊD IULHQG RI D IULHQGȋ FRQYLQFHG KHU WR VWD\ 'XND UHSHDWHGO\ VWUHVVHG KH GLGQȇW WKLQN 5XVVLDQ 3UHVLGHQW 9ODGLPLU 3XWLQ ZRXOG IROORZ WKURXJK ZLWK KLV WKUHDW WR LQYDGH 8NUDLQH Ȋ6KH LV QRW LQ SDUWLFXODUO\ JRRG KHDOWK ȋ VDLG 'XND RQ 0DUFK DJDLQ UHIHUULQJ WR KLV PRWKHU LQ ODZ Ȋ6KHȇV DOPRVW \HDUV ROG DQG ZH GRQȇW ZDQW KHU RXW WKHUH :H GRQȇW ZDQW KHU WR OHDYH KHU DSDUWPHQW ȋ 'XND RQ :HGQHVGD\ WROG WKH %ODGH LQ D VHFRQG WHOHSKRQH LQWHUYLHZ WKDW KLV PRWKHU LQ law with whom he and his husband speak every day remains in her Kyiv apartment.

'XND VDLG WKHUH DUH ȊEXLOGLQJV WKDW DUH GHVWUR\HGȋ LQ WKH DUHD RI .\LY ZKHUH KLV PRWKHU LQ ODZ OLYHV EXW KHU EXLOGLQJ ȊVWLOO VWDQGV ȋ 'XND DOVR WROG WKH %ODGH WKDW LW ZRXOG SURYH GLI ȴ FXOW IRU KLV PRWKHU LQ ODZ WR HYDFXDWH .\LY EHFDXVH WKH VLWXDWLRQ DW WKH FLW\ȇV WUDLQ VWDWLRQ is chaotic. Ȋ6KH ZRQȇW EH DEOH WR ZUHVWOH KHU ZD\ LQ ȋ VDLG 'XND Duka lived in Kyiv for seven years before he and his husband moved to the U.S. at the HQG RI DQG DVNHG IRU DV\OXP EHFDXVH RI WKH DQWL JD\ SHUVHFXWLRQ WKH\ VX΍ HUHG LQ 8NUDLQH 'XND LV IURP 5LYQH D FLW\ LQ ZHVWHUQ 8NUDLQH WKDW LV QHDU WKH FRXQWU\ȇV ERUGHUV ZLWK %HODUXV DQG 3RODQG 'XND RQ 0DUFK VDLG KLV SDUHQWV JR WR D PDNHVKLIW ERPE VKHOWHU WKDW ȊWKH\ EDVLFDOO\ FUH DWHG OHVV WKDQ D ZHHN DJR LQ WKH EDVHPHQW RI WKHLU DSDUWPHQW EXLOGLQJȋ VHYHUDO WLPHV D GD\ Ȋ1R RQH H[SHFWHG WKDW ȋ KH VDLG Ȋ7KH H[SHFWDWLRQ ZDV WKH ZDU ZRXOG EH LQ WKH HQWLUH east side (of Ukraine) and not the west side. They go there at least three to four times a day RQ D GDLO\ EDVLV EHFDXVH RI WKH DLU UDLGV IURP %HODUXV ȋ 'XND RQ :HGQHVGD\ WROG WKH %ODGH KLV SDUHQWVȇ VLWXDWLRQ KDV QRW FKDQJHG Ȋ0\ SDUHQWV DUH UHODWLYHO\ VDIH ȋ KH VDLG Ȋ7KH\ UXQ WR WKH VKHOWHU GRZQ WKH VWUHHW IRXU WLPHV D GD\ ȋ DGGHG 'XND ȊΖWȇV QRW JHWWLQJ DQ\ ZRUVH ΖWȇV QRW JHWWLQJ DQ\ EHWWHU 7KH\ȇUH WLUHG DQJU\ ȋ The invasion continues to spark worldwide condemnation and sweeping sanctions DJDLQVW 5XVVLD 3XWLQ DQG PHPEHUV RI KLV LQQHU FLUFOH b 0DJRPHG 7XVKD\HY D &KHFKHQ ZDUORUG ZKR SOD\HG D UROH LQ WKH DQWL /*%74 FUDFNGRZQ LQ KLV KRPHODQG GLHG GXULQJ D VNLUPLVK ZLWK WKH 8NUDLQLDQ PLOLWDU\ȇV HOLWH $OSKD *URXS outside of Kyiv.

0HGLD UHSRUWV indicate 5XVVLDQ 2UWKRGR[ 3DWULDUFK .LULOO RQ 6XQGD\ FDWHJRUL]HG 5XVVLDȇV invasion of Ukraine as a struggle to protect two separatist regions in the eastern part of the FRXQWU\ IURP ȊJD\ SDUDGHV ȋ 5XVVLDQ DXWKRULWLHV RQ 0DUFK DQQRXQFHG WKH\ KDG GHWDLQHG %ULWWQH\ *ULQHU D PHPEHU RI WKH :1%$ȇV 3KRHQL[ 0HUFXU\ DW 0RVFRZȇV 6KHUHPHW\HYR Airport after she allegedly had hashish oil in her luggage. $ :KLWH +RXVH Rɝ FLDO SUHYLRXVO\ WROG WKH %ODGH WKH %LGHQ DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ KDVbȊHQJDJHG GLUHFWO\ȋbZLWK /*%74 8NUDLQLDQV DQG RWKHU JURXSV WKDW 5XVVLD PD\ WDUJHW LI LW JDLQV FRQWURO RI WKHLU FRXQWU\ ΖQVLJKW DQG RWKHU RUJDQL]DWLRQV LQVLGH 8NUDLQH FRQWLQXH WR UDLVH PRQH\ WR VXSSRUW /*%74 8NUDLQLDQV LQ .\LY .KDUNLY DQG RWKHU FLWLHV XQGHU 5XVVLDQ DWWDFN /*%74 advocacy groups in neighboring countries and around the world have also backed these H΍ RUWV )RUPHU 8NUDLQLDQ 3UHVLGHQW 9LNWRU <DQXNRY\FKȇV GHFLVLRQ LQ WR UHMHFW DQ DJUHH ment that would have brought his country closer to the European Union sparked a protest

14 • MARCH 11, 2022 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM

SERGE DUKA’s mother-in-law is trapped in her Kyiv apartment.

(Photo courtesy of Serge Duka)

PRYHPHQW WKDW FXOPLQDWHG ZLWK YLROHQW FODVKHV LQ .\LYȇV 0DLGDQ VTXDUH <DQXNRY\FK ZKR ZDV DOOLHG ZLWK 3XWLQ UHVLJQHG DQG ȵ HG WR 5XVVLD Ȋ%DFN WKHQ 5XVVLD FUHDWHG D KXJH FDPSDLJQ DJDLQVW WKH (XURSHDQ 8QLRQ DQG RQH RI WKH PDLQ WDONLQJ SRLQWV ZDV WKH SRLQW WKDW WKH\ FDOOHG (XURSH 6RGRP ȋ 'XND WROG WKH %ODGH RQ 0DUFK Ȋ7KH 8NUDLQLDQ SHRSOH ZHUH WDUJHWHG ZLWK DOO WKHVH VWRULHV DERXW KRZ WKHUH ZDV JHQGHUV LQ (XURSH DQG FKLOGUHQ ZLOO EH IRUFHG WR FKDQJH JHQGHUV WKH\ ZLOO JLYH \RXU FKLOGUHQ WR JD\ SHRSOH DQG DOO VRUWV RI FUDS ȋ 'XND DOVR VDLG KH WKLQNV 5XVVLD IXQGHG QHR 1D]L JURXSV LQ 8NUDLQH WKDW WDUJHWHG JD\ SHRSOH +H QRWHG WR WKH %ODGH WKDW KLV QRZ KXVEDQG ZDV DQ /*%74 DFWLYLVW DQG ȊZDV WDU JHWHG KHDYLO\ RQ WKH LQWHUQHW ȋ Ȋ7KDWȇV RQH RI WKH UHDVRQV ZK\ ZH OHIW ȋ VDLG 'XND Duka said he and his husband continue to watch the news for updates on the war. Ȋ:KHQ Ζ VOHHS KH ZDWFKHV WKH QHZV ȋ KH VDLG Ȋ:KHQ KH VOHHSV Ζ ZDWFK WKH QHZV DQG ZH DUH WDONLQJ WR RXU SDUHQWV DQG UHODWLYHV ȋ Duka said he and his husband also feel helpless. Ȋ7KHUHȇV EDVLFDOO\ QRWKLQJ PXFK Ζ FDQ GR ȋ KH VDLG 'XND VDLG WKH 8 6 JRYHUQPHQW KDV GRQH ȊHYHU\WKLQJȋ LW FDQ GR RXWVLGH RI VHQGLQJ WURRSV WR 8NUDLQH ZKLFK KH GRHV QRW VXSSRUW ȊΖI WKH\ DFWXDOO\ VWDUW WKH 7KLUG :RUOG :DU LW ZLOO EH LQ 8NUDLQH ȋ KH VDLG ȊΖI 5XVVLD VWDUWHG WR ȴ UH QXFOHDU ZHDSRQV WKH\ȇOO EH GHDG ȋ DGGHG 'XND UHIHUULQJ WR KLV family.

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is director of Media Relations for Public Justice and former news editor of the Los Angeles Blade.

Biden checks the trans box but hidden allies do the work

Ȇ:H XQGHUVWDQG WKH SUREOHP DQG WKDW ZLOO PDNH XV PRUH H΍ HFWLYH DGYRFDWHVȇ Three decades ago, on July 16, 1992, David Mixner sat anxiously as pulsating enthusiasm waited to explode in Madison Square Garden when Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton accepted the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

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someone who will stand up to the bullies, be they individuals, politicians, corporate leaders, RU DQ\RQH HOVH ZKR VWDQGV LQ WKH ZD\ RI HTXDOLW\ DQG MXVWLFH IRU HYHU\RQH ȋ 0LGGOHWRQ WROG WKH FURZG 6KH VKDUHG WKH VWRU\ RI D ȴ YH \HDU ROG WUDQV JLUO ZKRVH IDPLO\ KDG WR PRYH VR VKH ȊZRXOG KDYH DQ RSSRUWXQLW\ WR JR WR VFKRRO LQ D VWDWH ZKHUH KHU ULJKWV ZRXOG EH SURWHFWHG 7KDWȇV WKH NLQG RI GHFLVLRQV WKDW IDPLOLHV DUH KDYLQJ WR PDNH DOO RYHU WKLV FRXQWU\ in states where politicians — showing all of the strength and bravery that they have — take DQG GHFLGH WKDW ȴ YH \HDU ROG OLWWOH JLUOV DUH ZKR WKH\ QHHG WR DWWDFN ȋ Earlier Middleton chatted with Public Justice President Dan Bryson and Amy Heins, &KDLU RI $$-ȇV /*%7 &DXFXV DQG VKDUHG ZKDW VKH KDV EHHQ GRLQJ ORFDOO\ DQG VWDWHZLGH WR DGYDQFH /*%74 ULJKWV LQFOXGLQJ VLWWLQJ RQ WKH SRZHUIXO ERDUG RI &DO3(56 &DOLIRUQLD 3XEOLF (PSOR\HHV 5HWLUHPHQW 6\VWHP ZKHUH WKH\ EHFDPH ȊRQH RI WKH ȴ UVW RUJDQL]DWLRQV in the country to extend to members of the LGBTQ community full equal protection and in FRYHUDJH ZKHQ LW FRPHV WR LQIHUWLOLW\ȋ ZLWKLQ WKH ODVW \HDU Ȋ:H DUH WDNLQJ WKH YDOXHV DQG WKH V\VWHPV WKDW ZH KDYH KHUH DQG ȴ QGLQJ DOOLHV DFURVV WKH FRXQWU\ DQG ZH DUH JRLQJ WR ZLQ ȋ 0LGGOHWRQ VDLG %XW VKH DGGHG ȊLQ VR PDQ\ VWDWHV those of us who are members of the transgender community are facing discriminatory ODZV :H DUH IDFLQJ DQ LQDELOLW\ WR DFFHVV KHDOWKFDUH LQ D ZD\ WKDW LV FRQVLVWHQW ZLWK ZKDW ZH need and what any other individual who is attempting to access healthcare would receive. :H NQRZ RI WKH QXPEHU RI LQGLYLGXDOV LQ RXU FRPPXQLW\ ZKR KDYH VX΍ HUHG IURP YLROHQFH But it is not simply just the transgender community. Throughout the LGBTQ community, ZH DUH ȴ QGLQJ LQVWDQFHV RI GLVFULPLQDWLRQ RI YLROHQFH SHRSOH ZKR KDYH ORVW OLYHV ORVW KRSH <HW DW WKH VDPH WLPH ZKLOH WKHUH DUH UHDVRQV WR ZRUU\ WKHUH DUH DOVR JRRG UHDVRQV to hope in the attorneys who are standing up for individuals are one of those good reasons IRU KRSH ȋ Ȋ+DYLQJ DWWRUQH\V OLNH 'DQ ZKR GR WKH ZRUN LQ WKH WULDOV LQ WKH FRXUWURRP LV DPD]LQJ ȋ VDLG +HLQV ȊΖ KDYH EHHQ DPD]HG RYHU DQG RYHU DQG RYHU DJDLQȐWKDW SHRSOH IURP DOO WKH GL΍ HUHQW DUHDVȐMXVW ZDQW WR FRPH DQG KHOS :H JHW VR PXFK VXSSRUW IURP WKH HQWLUH $$- OHJDO FRPPXQLW\ 7KDWȇV ZKDW LWȇV JRLQJ WR WDNH WR WXUQ WKH WLGH :H FDQ GR HYHU\WKLQJ ZH FDQ GR LQ WKH WULDOV DQG WKHUHȇV DPD]LQJ WKLQJV WKDW KDSSHQ :H FDQ GR HYHU\WKLQJ ZH FDQ do with fundraising, but we need people who are not of our community helping us defend RXU FRPPXQLW\ ȋ $V D VWUDLJKW DOO\ IURP 1RUWK &DUROLQD ZKR ZDV ȊDEVROXWHO\ UHSXOVHG DQG UHSHOOHGȋ +RXVH Bill 2 against the transgender community, Bryson leads a progressive Public Justice team of DOPRVW DWWRUQH\V DQG ODZ ȴ UP PHPEHUV WKDW LV LQWHQW RQ FKDQJLQJ WKHPVHOYHV DQG the world in the public interest. That team includes Title IX experts who take on trans and QRQ ELQDU\ LVVXHV WKURXJK WKH 6WXGHQWV &LYLO 5LJKWV 3URMHFW Ȋ<RX KDYH WR EH FRQVWDQWO\ YLJLODQW LI \RX ZDQW GLYHUVLW\ HTXLW\ LQFOXVLRQ ȋ %U\VRQ VDLG ȊΖI \RXȇUH QRW FRQVWDQWO\ ZRUNLQJ DW LW \RXȇUH QRW JRLQJ WR PDNH SURJUHVV $QG VR ZH DUH YHU\ IRFXVHG RQ WKH LVVXHV >RI V\VWHPLF RSSUHVVLRQ@ DQG Ζ WKLQN ZHȇUH PDNLQJ VWULGHV %XW HYHU\RQH KDV LPSOLFLW ELDVHV ΖWȇV KDUG WR ZRUN WKURXJK WKRVH LPSOLFLW ELDVHV ȃ EXW ZHȇUH GRLQJ RXU EHVW :HȇUH QRW SHUIHFW DW 3XEOLF -XVWLFH EXW ZH WKLQN WKDW ZH XQGHUVWDQG WKH SUREOHP DQG ZH WKLQN WKDW ZLOO PDNH XV PXFK PRUH H΍ HFWLYH DGYRFDWHV DV ZH DGYRFDWH IRU WKHVH LVVXHV DFURVV WKH FRXQWU\ ȋ

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Time is ticking on Equality Act for LGBTQ elders Biden addresses importance of measure in State of the Union

In 1974, the original version of the Equality Act was introduced in Congress. At the same time, I was struggling with my own sexuality.

As a man raised in a working-class family in a blue-collar mill town, I didn’t know any out LGBTQ+ people. There were no gay-straight alliances in the Catholic schools I attended.

There were no legal protections for LGBTQ+ people in my home state of Massachusetts. And I would soon learn what the lack of protections would mean for someone like me who desired to live openly as my authentic self. :KHQ Ζ ZHQW R΍ WR FROOHJH LQ WKH HDUO\ V Ζ QHUYRXVO\ shared that I was gay with an adviser. She suggested that I consider keeping it to myself to not hurt my career.

Knowing that I could not live a life free from discrimination ZDV IULJKWHQLQJ %XW Ζ ZRXOG VRRQ ȴ QG WKH VSDFH DQG FRXUDJH to come out as my authentic self after a trip to Peru during WLPH R΍ IURP FROOHJH When I returned from Peru, living openly brought the potential of being negatively impacted by discrimination DQG VWLJPD HYHU\ GD\ $ORQJ WKH ZD\ Ζ EHQHȴ WWHG IURP WKH wisdom and experience of local older LGBTQ+ people who showed me how to navigate the frequent dangers of being an out gay man in a society where discrimination was visibly tolerated.

This struggle for LGBTQ+ elders has happened so long that many are surprised to learn there is no federal law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

As a result, we can be discriminated against regarding employment, housing, places of public accommodation, and other critical areas of life.

Time is ticking on the Equality Act. Today, I share my personal story shortly after the oneyear anniversary since the House passed the Equality Act, culminating decades of work from numerous LGBTQ+ activists.

I am one of the millions of LGBTQ+ people who have spent years pushing for federal protection from discrimination. %XW WKH SHRSOH ZKR KDYH EHHQ ȴ JKWLQJ WKLV EDWWOH IURP WKH beginning–decades before I came onto the scene–are now

elders. And they can’t wait any longer.

President Biden expressed the importance of passing the Equality Act in his State of the Union address, which comes at a critical time as numerous states work to pass anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ laws that invalidate our community’s existence.

Without the Equality Act, LGBTQ+ communities must rely on a spotty patchwork of local and state protections, SURJUDP VSHFLȴ F ODZV DQG FRXUW GHFLVLRQV VXEMHFW WR UHYHUVDO DV RXU MXGLFLDU\ VKLIWV WR WKH ULJKW Twenty-eight states in the U.S. have no statewide antidiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people. This is particularly problematic for people of color, immigrants, WUDQVJHQGHU SHRSOH DQG ZRPHQ VXEMHFWHG WR GLVFULPLQDWLRQ more frequently and on multiple fronts.

The lack of legal protection from discrimination is a particular problem for nearly one-quarter of the nation’s older LGBTQ+ population.

This demographic is likely to age single and alone because of historical stigma and discrimination. Many struggle ȴ QDQFLDOO\ ZRUN ZHOO LQWR ROG DJH IDFH KRXVLQJ LQVHFXULW\ and resort to institutional eldercare–all experiences that place them at higher risk for discrimination.

Among LGBTQ+ elders, the need to move out of our KRPHV DQG FRPPXQLWLHV WR ȴ QG WKH VXSSRUW DQG FDUH we need is among our top fears. Nearly half of LGBTQ+ SHRSOH ZKR DSSO\ IRU VHQLRU UHQWDO KRXVLQJ DUH VXEMHFWHG WR discrimination.

Similarly, nearly half of LGBTQ+ people who enter longterm residential care either experience mistreatment themselves or have a loved one treated poorly because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

It’s simple. As LGBTQ+ elders, we want to be treated with the same dignity and respect as everyone else. And after facing lifetimes of discrimination and the long-term lack of legal and social recognition, we have waited long enough for comprehensive protection under federal law.

It’s time to pass the Equality Act to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals can live openly without fear, and to ensure our community’s elders can age with the health, dignity, and respect everyone deserves.

LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • MARCH 11, 2022 • 17

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25TH

ANNIVERSARY

SEASON

WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? 04.19–05.22.2022

EDWARD ALBEE DIRECTED BY GORDON GREENBERG WRITTEN BY

FEATURING

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ZACHARY QUINTO

ADDITIONAL CASTING TO BE ANNOUNCED

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310.2 0 8.2 0 2 8

MUSIC

Brian Justin Crum brings Freddie Mercury roaring back to life

‘America’s Got Talent’ star joins Gay Men’s Chorus for ultimate rock show

By ROB WATSON

Crum was one of those voices. Crum came out in elementary school and was bullied They will be nights to remember. The regal Royce Hall of UCLA will be transformed as for it. He shared the experience from the “America’s Got Talent” stage, which further enthe extravaganza venue spotlighting QUEEN of the Night. QUEEN will literally “rock you” on deared him to audiences, but also furthered the awareness of pain that LGBTQ youth face.

April 2 and 3 by weaving together an incredible meld of talent.

“His speaking his truth on one of the biggest shows on television seen around the world The production features the bright new talents of Brian Justin Crum, the breakout star was huge for the LGBTQ+ community, and that from “America’s Got Talent” and LA Opera’s rismakes his appearance with GMCLA even more ing star, the stunning Alaysha Fox. They will be VLJQLȴ FDQW ȋ VWDWHV 6SLVWR entwined with the classic magic of the iconic Crum is not stuck in his past however. “I don’t powerhouse, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Anlive in a place of victimhood,” he has said. Of his geles, and united in spectacle, they will channel animal magnetism and how he has expressed it forth the spirit of Freddie Mercury and Queen in his music, he has stated “Something that was with a dozen sense erupting anthems. super important to me was for people to see me Brian Justin Crum ascends into the production take my power. A lot of my power comes from he seems destined to embody. He has reincarsex. I’m very sexual. Why wouldn’t I be proud of nated Freddie before. He is a Broadway veteran that?” of the theatrical production “We Will Rock You,” Crum is not alone on the QUEEN stage as one and in it, sang alongside Queen members Brian of the great Los Angeles talent breakouts. LendMay and Roger Taylor. ing her own brand of artistry to the extravaganza With piercing aqua eyes against a beastly furry is award-winning soprano Alaysha Fox. FKHVW &UXP LV GHȴ QLWHO\ D ȊWKLUVWȋ LQGXFHU 0DWFK Fox is a stand-out member of LA Opera’s that with a powerhouse voice that rivals Whitney Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program Houston and Celine Dion, it is easy to see how where she performed recently as Dorothee in he achieved a viral sensation with his cover of The Anonymous Lover. Having also recently Radiohead’s “Creep.” That performance resulted been featured with the LA Philharmonic, this fall in 100 million views while his versions of “Someshe makes her LA Opera mainstage debut in Verbody to Love” and “Never Enough” soared on di’s Aida as the Priestess. She has fond memories iTunes. of the Santa Fe Opera’s Apprentice Program for Crum exercises his singer-songwriter talents Singers, where she sang the role of Bridesmaid currently in Los Angeles. With soaring vocals and in Le Nozze di Figaro.

HPRWLRQDO VWRU\WHOOLQJ KLV ȴ UVW VLQJOH Ȋ6KRZ 0H Fox has been honored with several awards inLove” reached #2 on the Billboard Dance charts. cluding: Winner of the Palm Springs Opera Guild His career did not start by working its way to Vocal Competition, Loren L. Zachary Finalist, Broadway and the show “We Will Rock You.” By +*2 &RQFHUW RI $ULDV )LQDOLVW *UDQG ȴ QDOLVW LQ the time that show came around, he was already the Metropolitan Opera National Council Audi%URDGZD\ HQVFRQFHG KDYLQJ ZDONHG RQ KLV ȴ UVW tions, winner of the Joan Taub Ades Vocal comstage at the age of 17. His theatrical successes SHWLWLRQ VHPL ȴ QDOLVW LQ WKH (OL]DEHWK &RQQHOO have led to sold out worldwide concert tours and dramatic soprano competition, and the Lotte to his ongoing studio work.

Lenya emerging artist award.

It is small wonder that the Gay Men’s Chorus Her contribution to QUEEN of the Night will has been pleading with him for years to come do be encircling the mash-up productions with gorD 4XHHQ LQIXVHG SURGXFWLRQ ȊΖW KDV ȴ QDOO\ KDS geous arias. pened!” declared GMCLA executive director and QUEEN of the Night will be presented Saturproducer Lou Spisto. “He has a monster voice ‘Queen of the Night’ is set for April 2 and 3. day, April 2 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 3 at 2 and in the Queen canon, he has few equals.” p.m. at UCLA’s Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Los Besides his stunning talent, Crum’s life expeAngeles. Tickets are available at GMCLA.org starting at $30. Intermission refreshments will rience as a gay man made him an inspiring extension to the Gay Men’s Chorus activist be on sale at Royce Hall’s beautiful West Terrace. For detailed venue information go to artistry.

RoyceHall.org/visit.

The GMCLA is renowned for artistic excellence while remaining deeply rooted in service It will be a night where Freddie Mercury rises through the voices and energies of Los to the Los Angeles community and beyond by promoting civil rights, tolerance, and accepAngeles’s newest and brightest. It is a night where an artistic and activist choral institution tance through music. Founded in 1979 during the emergence of the gay rights movement, explodes into jaw dropping fabulousness. It is not a night for mere mortals, it is a night for GMCLA has spread its message of love and acceptance with concerts across the globe and KDV UDLVHG LWV FROOHFWLYH YRLFH LQ WKH VWUXJJOH IRU HTXDOLW\ VRFLDO MXVWLFH WKH ȴ JKW DJDLQVW WKH queens.

Be a queen. $Ζ'6 FULVLV WKH ȴ JKW IRU PDUULDJH HTXDOLW\ DQG DOO WKRVH VHHNLQJ WR ȴ QG WKHLU RZQ YRLFH

20 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • MARCH 11, 2022

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2/17/22 2:36 PM

BOOKS

Best books for your summer beach read &KHFN RXW WKHVH SURPLVLQJ ȴ FWLRQ QRQ ȴ FWLRQ VHOHFWLRQV

By TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

Imagine yourself on the beach.

The sun’s at a just-right angle, so you’re not frying. The water, when you want to wade in it, is warm and refreshing. There’s a Cold One nestled in the sand by your side, and a great book next to it. Why not make it one of these books?

If it’s a novel you want for your summer reading, “Jobs for Girls With Artistic Flair: A Novel” by June Gervais (Pamela Dorman Books, June 21) might work. It’s the story of a young woman who passionately hopes to become a tattoo artist but it’s not going to be easy. That’s especially true when she falls in love with the assistant of a psychic who’s just moved into town.

When you fall in love with the person you’re destined to spend your life with, you want the whole world to celebrate with you. In “This Way Out” by Tufayel Ahmed (Lake Union Publishing, July 1), Amar is overjoyed to announce the news. Problem is, his beloved is a man. A white man, and his Muslim-Bangladeshi family isn’t going to be happy. Neither are the people in his neighborhood, and it shakes Amar to his core. Will true love prevail?

If you’re in the mood for something deep, try “Hawk Mountain” by Connor Habib (W.W. Norton, July 5), the a tight tale of bullying and deception. For something lighter, you won’t believe the array of manga being released this summer, and there are tons of Young Adult URPDQFHV WKDW PLJKW ȴ W \RXU EHDFK UHDGLQJ PRRG SHUIHFWO\ )RU QRQ ȴ FWLRQ IDQV “Gender Pioneers: A Celebration of Transgender, Non-Ninary and Intersex Icons” by Philippa Punchard (Jessica Kingsley, Aug. 18) could be a great EHDFK WRZHO FRPSDQLRQ 7KLV ERRN WDNHV D GLYH EDFN LQ KLVWRU\ ZLWK SURȴ OHV RI LQȵ XHQWLDO people who forged trails and followed their own hearts. You’ll be pleased and surprised at who’s inside this book.

Lovers of intrigue, biographies, and history will devour “Agent Josephine: American Beauty, French Hero, British Spy” E\ 'DPLHQ /HZLV 3XEOLF$΍ DLUV -XO\ WKH WUXH VWR ry of the life of Josephine Baker and her actions against the Nazis during World War II.

22 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • MARCH 11, 2022

In her lifetime, her beauty was renowned, but she was controversial. Her bisexuality was scandalous then, as was her supposed promiscuity. Few, however, knew of her incredible bravery.

Science-minded readers will want to dive into “Bi: The Hidden Culture, History, and Science of Bisexuality” by Julia Shaw (Abrams Press, June 28). Find out what science knows about bisexuality, how bisexuals made and changed history, what the law has said about it through the years, and what else is being studied. This is a wide take on a little-explored subject, and is perfect for curious readers.

If you’re taking the kids to the beach WKLV VXPPHU \RXȇOO ȴ QG ORWV RI JUHDW ERRNV for toddlers, grade-schoolers, and Young Adults – some of which you’ll enjoy, too.

Ask your local librarian for great recommendations (and ways to keep sand out of your books). Throw yourself at the mercy of your favorite bookseller; seriously, they NQRZ ERRNV DQG WKH\ȇOO KHOS \RX ȴ QG ZKDW you need for that beach.

Seasons readings!

(Image courtesy WW Norton)

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LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • MARCH 11, 2022 • 23

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‘As One’ breaks new ground with Opera Santa Barbara Finding strength while discovering trans identity

By BEKAH WRIGHT Two voices come together in the opera “As One.” Their purpose: to portray the strength of its main character, Hannah, as she discovers her transgender identity. This contemporary opera celebrates its 50th production at Opera Santa Barbara’s Lobero Theatre on March 25 and 27.

“Opera Santa Barbara is excited to bring this uniquely American piece to Santa Barbara for WKH ȴ UVW WLPH ȋ 2SHUD 6DQWD %DUEDUDȇV 'LUHFWRU RI 2SHUDWLRQV =DFK 0HQGH] VD\V Ȋ$V 2QH LV D UHȵ HFWLRQ RI KXPDQLW\ RYHUFRPLQJ DGYHUVLW\ DQG D UHSUHVHQWDWLRQ RI D WUDQVJHQGHU H[SHULHQFH – subject matters that are extremely important and timely.”

As One follows Hannah, a transgender woman, as she embraces her gender identity and, in a ZRUOG WKDW GRHVQȇW DFFHSW KHU ȴ QGV SHDFH DQG VHOI ORYH 3DUWLFXODUO\ SRLJQDQW LV WKH WLPLQJ RI WKH 2SHUD 6DQWD %DUEDUD SURGXFWLRQ ZKLFK OHDGV XS WR WKH 0DUFK FHOHEUDWLRQ RI 7UDQVJHQGHU 'D\ RI 9LVLELOLW\ $QRWKHU PLOHVWRQH WR EH UHFRJQL]HG GXULQJ WKH RSHUDȇV 6DQWD %DUEDUD UXQ LV WKH DQ nouncement of the True Voice Award, a new initiative from As One’s creators and the Washington National Opera to create opportunities and training for trans opera singers. Ȋ$V 2QH LV RQH RI WKH PRVW VLJQLȴ FDQW $PHULFDQ RSHUDV WKDW H[LVWV LQ WKLV PRPHQW ȋ $OH[DQGUD Enyart, the transgender opera conductor of As One says. To Enyart, it’s a powerful coming of age VWRU\ DERXW ZKDW LW PHDQV WR EH D ZRPDQ ȊΖWȇV DERXW ȴ QGLQJ \RXUVHOI DQG ȴ JXULQJ RXW ZKR WKDW LV in a world,” she says. “So often, society puts people in boxes and creates expectations that aren’t based in reality. For Hannah, it’s everyone telling her she’s a boy when she knows that’s wrong.”

Hannah’s journey from “the perfect boy” to discovering the power of being her true self is told LQ D WKUHH SDUW QDUUDWLYH WKURXJK VRQJV %ULQJLQJ KHU YRLFH WR WKH VWDJH DUH WZR 2SHUD 6DQWD %DUEDUD &KULVPDQ 6WXGLR 3URJUDP DOXPQL EDULWRQH (YDQ %UDYRV 0XVLF $FDGHP\ RI WKH :HVWȇV &ROG 0RXQWDLQ DQG PH]]R VRSUDQR $VKOH\ .D\ $UPVWURQJ WDNLQJ RQ WKH UROH RI +DQ QDK ZKR SRUWUD\V +DQQDK %HIRUH 2SHUD 6DQWD %DUEDUDȇV (XJHQH 2QHJLQ 7KH PLQXWH chamber opera is accompanied by string quartet. $V 2QH LV D FROODERUDWLYH ZRUN IURP FRPSRVHU /DXUD .DPLQVN\ DQG FR OLEUHWWLVWV 0DUN &DPS EHOO DQG .LPEHUO\ 5HHG &RPPLVVLRQHG E\ 7KH $PHULFDQ 2SHUD 3URMHFW $23 $V 2QH KDG LWV world premiere in 2014 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Since then, it’s traveled the globe and KDG 2SHUD $PHULFD PDJD]LQH SURFODLP LW WKH PRVW SURGXFHG QHZ RSHUD LQ 1RUWK $PHULFD Enyart, who’s conducted six As One performances, including one in Australia, As One provides DXGLHQFHV D XQLTXH H[SHULHQFH ȊΖWȇV D FKDQFH WR VLW GRZQ ZLWK D SHUVRQ DQG KHDU WKHLU VWRU\ YHU sus serving as a talking point on transgender. Being presented in this way makes it very powerful.”

To open up dialogues, Opera Santa Barbara has scheduled a series of special events to raise DZDUHQHVV DQG FHOHEUDWH WKH WUDQVJHQGHU H[SHULHQFH &UHDWLYH &RQVXOWDQW -RQDWKDQ 0X³R] 3URX O[ WKH 'LUHFWRU RI &XOWXUDO 3URJUDPPLQJ IRU 3DVDGHQDȇV $ 1RLVH :LWKLQ 7KHDWUH LV RYHUVHHLQJ these programs. Leading up to As One’s debut will be a March 24 panel discussion featuring .DPLQVN\ &DPSEHOO DQG (Q\DUW DW WKH 0XVHXP RI &RQWHPSRUDU\ $UW 6DQWD %DUEDUD 7KH RSHQ HYHQW ZLOO EH ERWK OLYH VWUHDPHG DQG KDYH OLPLWHG VHDWLQJ $OVR SR tentially in the works is a special choral piece that would feature all those who’ve portrayed Hannah in As One productions during 7UDQVJHQGHU 'D\ RI 9LVLELOLW\ Opera Santa Barbara’s Lobero :KDW (Q\DUW KRSHV DXGLHQFHV WDNH DZD\ IURP $V 2QH Ȋ3HRSOH Theatre features ‘As One’ on March 25 and 27. who are transgender are the same as everyone else – we’re more VLPLODU WKDQ GL΍ HUHQW 8OWLPDWHO\ KXPDQV DUH MXVW KXPDQV ȋ 6KH adds, “I hope this piece encourages everyone to experience the joys of saying yes to yourself.”

5HVHUYHG WLFNHWV FDQ EH SXUFKDVHG DW OREHUR RUJ DQG DUH FXUUHQW O\ SULFHG DW DQG $ OLPLWHG QXPEHU RI <RX 'HFLGH 7LFNHWV SD\ ZKDW \RX FKRRVH DUH DOVR DYDLODEOH E\ SKRQH RQO\ WKURXJK WKH /REHUR %R[ 2ɝ FH DW WKDQNV WR D JHQHURXV grant from the Holly and Walter Thompson Foundation, Bank of $PHULFD 1 $ &R WUXVWHH $OO SDWURQV PXVW SURYLGH SURRI RI YDFFLQDWLRQ DJDLQVW &29Ζ' RU QHJDWLYH WHVW ZLWKLQ WKH ODVW KRXUV DFFRPSDQLHG E\ SLFWXUH Ζ' In accordance with the latest State and County guidance, patrons ZLOO 127 EH UHTXLUHG WR ZHDU D IDFH FRYHULQJ 'HWDLOHG KHDOWK SURWR cols can be found on the Lobero website.

24 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • MARCH 11, 2022

Written by and Starring

HOLLAND TAYLOR Directed by BENJAMIN ENDSLEY KLEIN

Tough as nails.

Funny as hell.

“Holland Taylor is frank and funny, earthy and warm - a fiery dynamo.”

—THE NEW YORK TIMES

Mar 22 - apr 24 PERFORMANCES BEGIN MARCH 22!

THE HOLLYWOOD LEGEND BRINGS THE TEXAS STAR TO STAGE ONE LAST TIME.

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From lesbian superheroes to Downton Abbey, something for everyone

By JOHN PAUL KING

Spring is always a welcome season when it comes to the weather, but for movie lovers it can be a very mixed bag. With the big releases waiting for summer and the “prestige movies” being held until the end of the year to ensure their freshness in the minds of awards voters, the months between February and June are often loaded with what some might FDOO Ȋȴ OOHU ȋ )RUWXQDWHO\ WKHUH DUH DOZD\V D IHZ JHPV DPRQJ WKHP DQG DOWKRXJK ZH R΍ HU no guarantees, here’s the Blade’s list of promising spring releases that might be of interest to LGBTQ audiences.

GREAT FREEDOM 0DUFK 0D\ $XVWULDȇV Rɝ FLDO HQWU\ LQWR WKH 2VFDU UDFH IRU %HVW International Feature didn’t snag a nomination, but that doesn’t mean it’s not essential viewing for fans of LGBTQ cinema. Franz Rogowski (touted as the German Joaquin Phoenix) stars as Hans, a West German gay man who, after being liberated by the Allies from a Nazi concentration camp, is repeatedly imprisoned for homosexuality under Paragraph DQ DQWL /*%74 FULPLQDO FRGH HVWDEOLVKHG LQ WKDW UHPDLQHG LQ H΍ HFW XQWLO 6SUHDG DFURVV WKUHH HUDV WKH ȴ OP FKURQLFOHV KLV LQFUHDVLQJO\ FRPSOLFDW ed relationship with his cellmate, a convicted murderer named Viktor (Georg Friedrich).

Described by director Sebastian Meise as “a prison drama and a love story,” it’s already in limited theatrical release but becomes available to stream (via MUBI) on May 6.

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE (March 25) The lead character here has a rocky relationship with her queer daughter, but that’s not the main attraction in this wild ULGH RI D VFLHQFH ȴ FWLRQ FRPHG\ IURP GLUHFWRUV 'DQLHO .ZDQ DQG 'DQLHO 6FKHLQHUW FROOHF WLYHO\ NQRZQ DVb'DQLHOV ZKR SUHYLRXVO\ JDYH XV WKH H[WUHPHO\ RGG Ȋ6ZLVV $UP\ 0DQ ȋ 0L chelle Yeoh stars as Evelyn, a middle-aged Chinese woman with a life full of problems who is suddenly thrown into the multiverse, jumping through alternate versions of her own life to do battle with an evil power that only she may be able to defeat – even though she can’t HYHQ ȴ JXUH RXW KRZ WR GR KHU RZQ WD[HV &RQFRFWHG E\ WKH GLUHFWRUV IURP WKH SUHPLVH RI EHLQJ DEOH WR VDYH WKH XQLYHUVH RQO\ E\ ȊGRLQJ VWXSLG VWX΍ ȋ WKH WUDLOHU DORQH LV HQRXJK WR JHW XV H[FLWHG IRU WKLV RQH LQ ZKLFK <HRK JHWV DPSOH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR VKRZ R΍ KHU OHJHQG ary martial arts skills, share the screen with Jamie Lee Curtis, and generally be the bad-ass heroine we all not-so-secretly wish to be. Also starring Stephanie Hsu, Jenny Slate, James +RQJ DQG .H +X\ 4XDQ WKH IRUPHU FKLOG DFWRU NQRZQ IRU SOD\LQJ ΖQGLDQD -RQHVȇ VLGHNLFN “Short Round” in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.” In theaters March 25.

JUMP, DARLING 0DUFK 7KHUH DUH ORWV RI UHDVRQV WR DGG WKLV /*%74 IDPLO\ GUDPD to your shortlist for spring viewing, but perhaps the biggest one has nothing to do with the TXHHUQHVV RI LWV VWRU\OLQH Ȃ LWȇV WKH ȴ QDO OHDGLQJ ȴ OP UROH RI &ORULV /HDFKPDQ WKH EHORYHG screen icon who passed away in January 2021. An audience favorite from 2021’s LGBTQ festival circuit (where it won multiple awards, including a Jury Special Mention Award for Leachman’s performance), it tells the story of an aspiring young actor and drag performer (Thomas Duplessie) who leaves his boyfriend after a disastrous non-debut at a Toronto GUDJ FOXE DQG PRYHV LQ ZLWK KLV JUDQGPRWKHU /HDFKPDQ Ȃ D ȴ HUFHO\ LQGHSHQGHQW ZRPDQ coming to terms with her own mortality. Written and directed by Phil Connell, who calls his late star “an icon and an ally,” and says, “To work with her, to know her, and now to share KHU ȴ QDO OHDGLQJ SHUIRUPDQFH ZLWK WKH ZRUOG LV D WUXH KRQRU ȋ 7KH ȴ OP Ȃ ZKLFK DOVR IHD WXUHV /LQGD .DVK -D\QH (DVWZRRG DQG FDPHRV IURP GUDJ TXHHQV 7\QRPL %DQNV )D\ 6OLIW and Miss Fiercalicious – includes six on-screen drag performances against a soundtrack RI SRS PXVLF E\ 5RE\Q $OOLH ; 5RXJK 7UDGH <HDUV <HDUV DQG PRUH 2SHQV LQ WKHDWHUV March 18, and drops 0DUFK RQ '9' DQG WKH XVXDO 92' SODWIRUPV DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS (May 6) We’re including this Marvel blockbuster, the sequel to 2016’s “Doctor Strange” (in case you didn’t know), because it features the introduction of Xochitl Gomez as lesbian superhero America Chavez. Marvel already made the move toward a more inclusive queer presence in its Cinematic Universe by including the gay-and-married Phastos in last year’s “Eternals” (even featuring an onscreen kiss between the two husbands, as played by Brian Tyree Henry and Haaz Sleiman), but we’re still interested in seeing how they handle this one. We’re also excited for director Sam Raimi’s return to the genre; his deliciously madcap style seems a perfect match for what will likely be one of the more surreal entries in the juggernaut franchise’s ever-ex26 ȏ /26$1*(/(6%/$'( &20 ȏ 0$5&+ , 2022

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SDQGLQJ ȴ OP FDQRQ %HQHGLFW &XPEHUEDWFK UHWXUQV DV WKH WLWOH FKDUDFWHU ZLWK (OL]DEHWK 2OVHQȇV :DQGD 0D[LPR΍ DND WKH 6FDUOHW :LWFK RQ KDQG DV HLWKHU IULHQG IRH RU VRPHWKLQJ in between. Also starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Rachel McAdams, with former “X-Men” star Patrick Stewart coming onboard for an “undisclosed role” that has Marvel fans salivating for a long-hoped-for crossover.

BENEDICTION (May 13) Siegfried Sassoon may not be a household name nowadays, but the queer English wordsmith-turned-soldier became one of the leading poets of the World :DU Ζ HUD ZLWK ZRUNV WKDW FDSWXUHG WKH KRUURUV RI WKH EDWWOHȴ HOG DQG VDWLUL]HG WKH IDOVH SD WULRWLVP EHKLQG WKH FRQȵ LFW 7KLV %ULWLVK LQGLH ZULWWHQ DQG GLUHFWHG E\ PDVWHU FLQHPD DUWLVW Terence Davies, follows the young poet (Jack Lowden) through this period of his life, covering his controversial open criticism of the war, his “marriage-of-convenience” to a woman .DWH 3KLOOLSV DQG KLV RQ DJDLQ R΍ DJDLQ D΍ DLU ZLWK UHQRZQHG FRPSRVHU DFWRU DQG PDWL QHH LGRO ΖYRU 1RYHOOR -HUHP\ ΖUYLQH b+HDY\ KLWWHUV 6LPRQ 5XVVHOO %HDOH 3HWHU &DSDOGL DQG *HPPD -RQHV DOVR VWDU $OUHDG\ D PXOWL DZDUG ZLQQHU DIWHU VFUHHQLQJV DW KLJK SURȴ OH ȴ OP festivals like TIFF and San Sebastián, this one has racked up some impressive reviews from international critics so far – but be warned, it’s not a happy story. Details of the upcoming U.S. release are unclear, but it’s apparently slated for May 13, so keep your eyes open.

DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA (May 20) No explanation is needed here. Julian Fellowes’ addictively popular highbrow soap opera returns for a second big-screen follow-up with most of its beloved cast intact – and, yes that includes the indomitable Dame Maggie Smith as sharp-tongued-mistress-of-shade and Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, who in this installment has inherited a French villa. There’s a mystery involved, however, so naturally the whole Downton household (from both upstairs and down) picks up and goes on a grand journey to get to the bottom of things. Sure to be a shameless crowd-pleaser, it’s once again helmed by director Simon Curtis (from Fellowe’s screenplay), and also stars returning cast members Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, 0LFKHOOH 'RFNHU\ .HYLQ 'R\OH -RDQQH )URJJDWW +DUU\ +DGGHQ 3DWRQ 5REHUW -DPHV &RO lier, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Tuppence Middleton, Lesley Nicol, Imelda Staunton, and Penelope Wilton, with new additions Hugh Dancy, Laura +DGGRFN 1DWKDOLH %D\H 'RPLQLF :HVW DQGb -RQDWKDQ =DFFD± MRLQLQJ IRU WKH fun. It’s in theaters on May 20.

New TV season promises abundant queer content

79

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By JOHN PAUL KING ZKLFK LV ELVH[XDO 7KH FDVW DOVR LQFOXGHV -XVWLQ /LQYLOOH 7D\ORU As with the movies, spring television can be a hit-or-miss D΍ DLU 7KH %ODGH KDV SXW WRJHWKHU D OLVW RI R΍ HULQJV WKDW 2UWHJD .U\VWDO 6PLWK DQG 6HDQQ :LOOLDP 6FRWW DV WKH WRZQ DUH OLNHO\ WR VWDQG RXW LQ WKH VHD RI FKRLFHV :LWK FRPHG\ SUHDFKHU KATE MCKINNON as Carole Baskin in ‘Joe vs Carole.’

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