Los Angeles Blade, Volume 06, Issue 48, December 02, 2022

Compassion amid mourning (Photo courtesy of GLAAD)

Thousands show support for Club Q family after tragedy, PAGE 05

DECEMBER 02, 2022 • VOLUME 06 • ISSUE 48 • AMERICA’S LGBTQ NEWS SOURCE • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM

LOCAL

Marjorie Taylor Greene tweets homophobic attack on Sen. Wiener

Far-right Republican U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene attacked Calif. State Sen. Scott Wiener, (D-San Francisco) on Tuesday after Wiener made a point of calling out use of the word “groomer,” as the abusive reaction and fallout from right-wing sources regarding the mass-shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs, continues to ratchet up against the LGBTQ+ community.

“The word “groomer” is categorically an anti-LGBTQ hate word. It’s super homophobic/transphobic. It plays into the slander that LGBTQ people are pedophiles. It’s no different than calling someone a fagg*t. If you call someone groomer, you’re inciting violence against LGBTQ people,” Wiener stated in his tweet.

Quoting Wiener’s tweet the far-right MAGA Georgia congresswoman called the Senator a “communist” questioning Wiener’s loyalty and service to both the State of California and the U.S. she then went on to accuse Wiener of being a “groomer” implying that the Senator was a predator of minors for sexual purposes: “Pass my Protect Children’s Innocence Act to stop communist groomers like this from using state government power to take children away from their parents to allow a for-profit medical industry to chop off these confused children’s genitals before they are even old enough to vote.”

In an emailed statement, Senator Wiener responded to the homophobic attack by the Georgia Republican:

California state Sen. SCOTT WIENER (D-San Francisco) (Photo courtesy California LGBTQ Legislative Caucus)

“The same day Elon Musk reinstated QAnon extremist Marjorie Taylor Greene, she launched a vile homophobic attack on me because of my vocal advocacy in response to the Club Q slaughter. When Greene has attacked me in the past, threats against me have typically increased. She is a toxic person and embodies why the MAGA movement is so dangerous. Green is a threat to our democracy and to the personal safety of LGBTQ people.”

The term ‘groomer’ is considered highly offensive as it broadly brushstroke paints LGBTQ+ people as child molesters.

National Public Radio, (NPR) reported this past May the Movement Advancement Project’s executive director, Ineke Mushovic, pointed out: “What the far right often does is they engage people’s reptilian brains, the fight-or-flight instinct,” says Mushovic.

“And so it behooves far-right conservatives to put people in a state of fear, because then they’re reactive. They don’t support change.”

The “grooming” narrative, Mushovic added, “taps into this primal sense of fear and this kind of parental protective instinct. But we know it’s a completely false narrative.”

The “grooming” narrative has been actively promoted by conservative activist Christopher Rufo, and Daily Wire pundit and transphobe Matt Walsh who have both attacked gender affirming care in their assaults on the LGBTQ+ community.

Green’s H.R.8731 – Protect Children’s Innocence Act, was introduced this past August 19 and has forty-nine Republican members listed as co-sponsors. The language as introduced stated targets primarily Trans youth healthcare and targets colleges and universities from “offering instruction in gender affirming care:” BRODY LEVESQUE

LA County Parks Winter Wonderland returns

It’s Park Time L.A. County. Parks After Dark returns with an enchanting Winter Wonderland experience that will bring holiday cheer and 40 to 80 tons of snow to 34 L.A. County Parks in the month of December.

Los Angeles County District 5 Supervisor KATHRYN BARGER at Winter Wonderland. (Photo courtesy County of Los Angeles)

This holiday action packed celebration is for the entire family and is bigger and better than ever before, with more snow, more toys, more craft activities and more fun! All for free!

Parks After Dark Snow Patrol teams, staffed by passionate and dedicated Parks & Recreation personnel, are ready to transform local parks into wintry paradises complete with sled runs, photo opportunities, snack stations, holiday treats and a craft village where children can decorate their own holiday stocking! Families should plan to arrive early at their local park for a toy giveaway for ages 0-17, while supplies last.

New this year to the Winter Wonderland experience is a Teen Zone where young adults can enjoy their own space to hang out with their friends, create and design art, listen to music, silkscreen holiday shirts and make their own personalized Santa hat!

Also beginning this year, selected parks will double their fun with Mega Snow days, which will bring up to 80 tons of snow to Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park, Val Verde Park, Belvedere Park, El Cariso Park, Loma Alta Park, Ted Watkins Park, Roosevelt Park and Valleydale Park.

The L.A. County Parks Winter Wonderland is possible

02 • DECEMBER 02, 2022 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM

thanks to the generosity of Los Angeles Department of Social Services, Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, and the L.A. County Probation Department.

“Parks After Dark brings family, friends, neighbors and community together in their local park,” County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Director Norma Edith García-González said. “The Winter Wonderland experience will provide youth and families a memorable snow day experience and much more to celebrate the joy of the holiday season. I am grateful to DPR Staff for all their work to bring 40 to 80 tons of snow to 34 parks this holiday season!”

Parks After Dark, launched in 2010, has proven to be a successful prevention and intervention program that provides multiple benefits to vulnerable communities, decreasing violence and crime, and increasing social cohesion and community well-being. In 2018, Parks After Dark was recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association, which presented L.A. County Parks and Recreation with is Best in Innovation award.

For more information on Parks After Dark Winter Wonderland, visit https://parks.lacounty.gov/winterpad FROM STAFF REPORTS

LOCAL

Garcetti volunteers at Project Angel Food Thanksgiving event

In the early morning hours of Thanksgiving Day, Mayor ric Garcetti joined Project Angel ood C Richard Ayoub, celebrity supporters and 22 volunteers and staff to prepare and deliver 7,400 meals on Thanksgiving Day to seriously ill and housing insecure people throughout 4,700 square miles of L.A. County.

(L-R) AVA MAYBEE, TRISHA CARDOSO and Mayor ERIC GARCETTI attend Project Angel Food Kitchen event on Thanksgiving. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Project Angel Food)

“Mayor ric Garcetti epitomi es what it is to be part of a community and lift one another through compassion and service. As he rolled up his sleeves and helped plate meals, he brought attention that while this is a day most of us are surrounded by people we love, we need to remember that some people don’t have that,” Project Angel ood C Richard Ayoub said. “He reminded us that no

Angeleno should be alone and with a warm smile, a conversation and a meal, our volunteers can change the entire day for our clients, become angels in the City of Angels,” Ayoub added. or many of the celebrities joining Project Angel ood’s Thanksgiving Day volunteer pool, the day was about sharing the e perience with family. olunteers included Lisa Rinna and husband Harry Hamlin “Weird Al” ankovic with his wife Su anne and daughter Nina.

Also volunteering was ut actor and singer Cheyenne ackson and husband ason Landau with their twins Willow and than. ackson said the couple brought the children because, “I want to teach my kids to be grateful and thankful for everything that we have, and when you have the capability to give to other people, do it.”

He also talked about the death of friend Leslie ordan, a Project Angel ood supporter who died e actly one month earlier. “He was one of my best friends and it hit me really, really hard like so many people,” he said.

American Idol favorite Ava Maybee with her mother, and Melissa Rivers with son Cooper ndicott, continuing her mother oan Rivers’ legacy of volunteering on Thanksgiving.

Avatar: The Way of Water star Trinity Bliss brought her parents just weeks before the December 1 release of the highly anticipated film. “I’m so honored to work alongside so many people to bring a warm, delicious, tasty meal to people in need.” f her much-anticipated film, Avatar: Way of Water, Trinity added, “Avatar was ama ing, but I think Avatar: The Way of Water is going to be just so much more dramatic and be an e perience people are going to need to e perience in theaters.”

Lisa Rinna reflected on the fact that Project Angel ood is the primary source of food for most of its clients. “It’s so important because that is going to be their only meal of

the day.” her husband Hamlin added, “to have the opportunity to give back is ama ing.” ther celebrities included ileen Davidson (RH BH, Days of ur Lives), Peter Porte (Days of ur Lives), uan Pablo Di Pace (DWTS, uller House), lympian Tai Babilonia, Tim Bagley (Gracie rankie, Will Grace), Michael Hitchcock (The Resort, Cra y -Girlfriend), Lawrence arian (The elly Clarkson Show), Marc Malkin ( ariety), ames Wallington and Will ardell (Ama ing Race Season 32 winners), Romeo scobar (Survivor 42 runner-up), and parenting author Donna Tetreault.

The 7,400 meals being delivered on Thanksgiving included 1, 00 traditional turkey dinners to critically ill men, women, children and their caregivers, , 00 Medically Tailored Meals and breakfasts regularly scheduled for Thursday delivery, and another 200 meals were provided to Project Angel ood community partner PATH for residents for two of PATH’s Interim Housing and Permanent Supportive Housing sites. olunteers provided contactless “drive-by” pick-up of the meals which were then delivered to Project Angel ood clients. Traditional Thanksgiving dinners consisted of roasted turkey, root vegetables, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and a slice of pumpkin cheesecake. egetarian meals were also provided.

The meal was sponsored by the Stanley and oyce Black amily foundation with Glama on (Ama on’s affinity group for the LGBT+ community) sponsoring the volunteer event.

Project Angel ood C Richard Ayoub noted that Project Angel ood strives to end food insecurity and improve health outcomes of critically ill men, women and children in Los Angeles with Medically Tailored Meals, delivered with care and compassion. ver 2, 00 clients are fed daily. Project Angel ood delivers 1.3 million meals each year.

FROM STAFF REPORTS

LAPD execute search warrants in racist audio probe: LA Times

Several law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times Tuesday that Los Angeles Police Department detectives have served several search warrants as they attempt to find out who recorded a meeting filled with racist and offensive comments among three L.A. City Council members and a powerful labor leader.

The Times reported that the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the probe is ongoing, did not identify the specific targets. But they said the department obtained warrants for several social media accounts, including the Reddit account that first posted the audio leak.

This past ctober, LAPD Chief Michel Moore announced in a press briefing that detectives were investigating the source of the leaked racist recordings that thrust City Hall into a harsh national spotlight.

“The department has initiated a criminal investigation into the allegation of eavesdropping into the L.A. ed meeting involving then-Councilperson Nury Martine , Councilmember Gil Cedillo and Councilmember evin de Le n and the ed president Mr. Ron Herrera,” Moore said, referring to the Los Angeles County ederation of Labor.

04 • DECEMBER 02, 2022 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM

The recordings took place at the offices of the Los Angeles County ederation of Labor, which has called the leak “illegal” and vowed to have those involved prosecuted. The union attempted to block the Los Angeles Times from publishing details of the recordings, saying they were obtained illegally. The Times refused to halt publication.

It is unclear how the recordings were made. Recording conversations without a person’s consent is illegal in California, with rare e ceptions.

BRODY LEVESQUE

NATIONAL

Club Q ‘family’ gathers at city hall in Colorado Springs ‘Honored to share symbol of hope, love, and unity’

By BRODY LEVESQUE week in which defense lawyers alleged that the suspect is “In hearing the story of the journey of this sacred In a show of solidarity, support, and love for its LGBTQ non-binary, GLAAD responded in an emailed statement: cloth from its custodian Mark benhoch, we learned community devastated by the mass shooting at Club Q, “GLAAD stands in full solidarity with the Club Q family of its incredible healing power. lags are important symseveral thousand people gathered in front of city hall in devastated by the heinous and horrific acts of a mass murbols that e press identity, community, and solidaridowntown Colorado Springs on Nov. 23. derer. As our community has said from the beginning, rety. S N W – Let’s call this flag down from the top of our The rally of support featured the unfurling of a 25-foot gardless of the motive, the LGBTQ community has been, City Hall. All together let’s say: L B ATS HAT L segment of the larger LGBTQ Pride flag that was created and continues to be, under attack. As we wait for evidence WINS ” and displayed to mark the 2 th anniversary of the first and information to emerge, what we do know is Pride flag created by Gilbert Baker, which was that this violent and unspeakable crime, which also displayed in Orlando after the Pulse mass clearly targeted LGBTQ people, illustrates two shooting. facts: Addressing the massive gathering, City Coun“One, the epidemic of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, cil Representative Nancy Henjum whose district especially anti-transgender rhetoric, is infecting includes Club Q, said: every part of America, created by politicians in “This morning I am honored to serve as their crass drive for power, parroted by rightmanager this ceremony and to represent our wing media outlets, and amplified by social meCity Council, our Mayor, and other City Leaddia platforms who prioriti e profits over public ers. Standing with us today are(Mayor ohn safety. And two: assault weapons continue to Suthers, Police Chief Adrian as ue , ire Chief senselessly end American lives and we need Randy Royal, District Attorney Michael Allen common-sense gun safety reform now.” and essie Pocock, the ecutive Director of InIn fact, newly released GLAAD polling now side Out and the many folks she has gathered to shows a worsening climate for LGBTQ people: help make today happen.

72 of transgender people and 48 of the “This flag which we are about to unfurl was LGBTQ community overall say that the current designed and created by Gilbert Baker. He was political environment makes them fear for their the designer of the original rainbow flag. 2 personal safety.” years later to commemorate its anniversary Mr. President oe Biden, spending the ThanksgivBaker then worked with over 2000 volunteers ing holiday with the first lady and family memto create a 1.2 -mile-long rainbow flag. The flag bers in Nantucket, Mass., called Club Q co-ownwas later cut into 2 - foot sections for display ers Nic Gr ecka and Matthew Haynes. and use around the world. The section we will The president and the first lady offered condounfurl today – section 93 has been in do ens Club Q ‘family’ gathers on the steps of City Hall in Colorado Springs on Nov. 23. lences and reiterated their support for the comof ceremonies across the world. To name just a (Photo courtesy of GLAAD) munity as well as their commitment to fighting few: It appeared at The Supreme Court for the back against hate and gun violence. They also thanked the essie Pocock, the e ecutive director and C of Inside announcement of the 201 decision for marriage e ualitwo men for the ‘incredible contributions they have made Out Youth Services LGBTQ noted, “As Colorado Springs ty. And as it was leaving the White House from an LGBT and will continue to make to Colorado Springs.’ mourns, we are heartened that this historic flag has been Presidential Reception on une 9, 201 , it was diverted The president told reporters en route to Nantucket, reoffered for display. We are grateful for this incredible from a preplanned display in New rleans to arrive in rflecting on the mass shooting at the LGBTQ club and then demonstration of compassion.” lando, lorida where it was offered as a gesture of love supanother mass shooting Tuesday, at a Walmart store when The flag, measuring 14 by 2 feet, is one section of the port and healing in response to the Pulse nightclub massaa night manager opened fire in Chesapeake, a., killing si , historic Rainbow2 flag sewn together by Gilbert Baker cre. It hung in downtown rlando and graced a memorial and wounding at least half a do en more, said he has plans in ey West, la., in 2003 to create a 1.2 -mile long flag in ceremony for those 49 lives lost. It returns each une on the to support a bill banning assault rifles during the lamethe original eight colors (versus the si colors that became anniversary of that massacre. We receive this flag with the duck session before the ne t Congress is seated in anuary. more common). That flag marked the 2 th anniversary of same gratitude that the City of rlando did those years “I’m going to do it whenever I got to make that assessthe 1978 flag originally created by Baker. The Sea to Sea ago. ment as I get in and start counting the votes,” Biden said lag was later cut into sections, and Section 93 is preserved “What does the future look like for Colorado Springs and As the memorial outside Club Q grows, more attention is as the Sacred Cloth. It has traveled the globe to be disespecially for the LGBTQ+ community There is so much now being focused on the needs of the survivors and othplayed at celebrations, occasions of mourning, and historic love and support for you here today. We M ST continue ers in the LGBTQ community in Colorado Springs affected moments. that for the days, weeks, years, and lifetimes to come – esby the mass shooting.

“We are honored to share this symbol of hope, love and pecially for ueer people of color and for transgender peoAn annual ‘ riendsgiving’ feast for the members of the unity with the people of Colorado Springs in their time of ple. We heard from many of you yesterday in this very LGBTQ community unable to spend time with relatives besorrow,” said Mark benhoch, Sacred Cloth Project direcbuilding that you don’t feel safe, you don’t feel respected – cause of their being LGBTQ and which was normally held tor. that we must do better. es – we M ST do better. We WILL by the owners and staff of Club Q was shifted to a commuThe alleged shooter had a video “Advisement Hearing” do better. And we will start with our display of support by nity dinner at the Colorado Springs MCC Church. last week. In response to the court documents filed last unfurling this flag on our historic 1904 building.

LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • DECEMBER 02, 2022 • 05

NATIONAL

HISTORIC: Senate approves Respect for Marriage Act Bill enhances protections for same-se nuptials

By CHRISTOPHER KANE religious nonprofit organi ations to refuse The U.S. Senate voted 61-36 on Tuesday “any services, facilities, or goods for the solto officially pass the Respect for Marriage emni ation or celebration of a marriage.”

Act, a historic piece of legislation that is Writing the amendment were Sens. e pected to soon become law after memSusan Collins (R-Maine), Rob Portman bers in the .S. House of Representatives (R- hio), yrsten Sinema (D-Ari .), Thom sign off on a bipartisan amendment added Tillis (R-N.C.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), by their Senate colleagues. who was considered the driving force beDesigned as a vehicle to mitigate the fallhind the bill’s passage through the Senate. out if the .S. Supreme Court’s conservaSeveral Republican senators proposed tive supermajority guts the constitutional additional amendments that per a narprotections for marriage e uality, the bill row procedural vote before and another was narrowly construed in part to help shortly after the Thanksgiving break guarantee that it withstands potential chalwere not put up for debate, thereby allowlenges from conservative legal actors. ing the Respect for Marriage Act to clear Nevertheless, the Respect for Marriage the Senate with Tuesday’s vote.

Act is a landmark bill that has been backed Sen. TAMMY BALDWIN is credited th shepherd ng the espect for Barely surpassing the 0-vote filibusby virtually every LGBTQ advocacy orgaarr age Act thro gh the enate ter-proof majority with one e tra “yea,” the ni ation in the country. The legislation reSenate’s passage of the bill came despite peals the Clinton-era Defense of Marriage the best efforts of conservative opponents who had run coorAct while enshrining into law substantive protections for samedinated campaigns to erode support among G P members. se couples.

President oe Biden and ice President amala Harris each Regardless of whether or how the high court might decide issued statements shortly after Tuesday’s vote. to revisit the marriage uestion, the Respect for Marriage Act The president celebrated the “bipartisan achievement” by will protect the federally ordained rights and benefits that have Congress, writing: “ or millions of Americans, this legislation been enjoyed by married gay and lesbian couples. And should will safeguard the rights and protections to which LGBTQI+ and the court pave the way for conservative states like Te as to reinterracial couples and their children are entitled. It will also ennew their bans on same-se marriage, the law will re uire them sure that, for generations to follow, LGBTQI+ youth will grow to officially recogni e and honor those that are performed in up knowing that they, too, can lead full, happy lives and build jurisdictions where they remain legal. families of their own.”

Despite earning broad bipartisan support from lawmakers Harris wrote, “The Respect for Marriage Act ultimately stands in the House, which passed its version of the bill this summer for a simple principle: all Americans are e ual and their govwith an overwhelming majority including votes from 47 Reernment should treat them that way. Today, we are one step publican members the Respect for Marriage Act faced an closer to achieving that ideal with pride.” uncertain future in the Senate.

The Congressional LGBTQ+ uality Caucus also praised the Conservative members in the chamber’s Republican caucus victory. argued the bill would jeopardi e religious freedoms, concerns “Today, a bipartisan group of 1 Senators made clear that that a group of five bipartisan senators sought to allay with an this country will not roll back the clock on marriage e uality,” amendment that, among other provisions, clarifies the right of

said Congressman David Cicilline (D-R.I.), chair of the uality Caucus. “The Respect for Marriage Act is a crucial safeguard for LGBTQ+ people whose lives have been forever changed by bergefell v. Hodges and Americans who are in interracial marriages thanks to Loving v. irginia. n une 2 , 201 , the Supreme Court declared marriage e uality as the law of the land. Today, the Senate ensured those marriages will continue to be protected.”

“Diverse faith traditions across the nation came together to demand respect for LGBTQ+ Americans – we staked our ground and refused to let this opportunity slip away, ” said Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president of the Interfaith Alliance, in a statement Tuesday.

“The LGBTQ+ community has faced ongoing deadly violence, legislative assaults and constant threats including the deadly shooting in Colorado Springs barely one week ago,” said elley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, in a statement from the organi ation.

“Today, with the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act in the Senate a historic moment that marks the first federal legislative win for LGBTQ+ e uality in over 10 years, since the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell the 8,000 same-se married couples in this country can breathe a sigh of relief that their marriages will be protected from future attacks,” said Robinson, who yesterday began her tenure as the first Black ueer woman to lead America’s largest LGBTQ organi ation.

GLAAD President Sarah ate llis responded on Twitter and in a statement, writing: “As so many LGBTQ people face uncertainty and harm on the state level and e tremists on the Supreme Court vow to reconsider the landmark bergefell decision, this victory will provide comfort and security to millions of people and their families.”

“Today’s bipartisan vote in the Senate to pass the Respect for Marriage Act is a proud moment for our country and an affirmation that, notwithstanding our differences, we share a profound commitment to the principle of e uality and justice for all,” reads a statement from National Center for Lesbian Rights ecutive Director Imani Rupert-Gordon.

onb nary ept of nergy o c al faces theft charge

The Department of nergy replaced a nonbinary senior official who had served as the agency’s deputy assistant secretary for spent fuel and waste disposition after they were charged with a felony over an incident at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Sept. 1 .

Sam Brinton, whose departure from the nergy Department was confirmed by a spokesperson to the New ork Post, did not immediately respond to the Washington Blade’s re uest for comment via acebook Messenger.

Brinton, who has dual degrees from MIT and years of e perience in nuclear waste management and climate change work, is also an LGBTQ activist who made history this year with their appointment as the first openly gender-fluid person to serve in a senior government post.

A 2018 column in the Los Angeles Times argued there was a cultural shift afoot towards greater acceptance of transgender and gender fluid people using, as an introductory anecdote, Brinton’s appearance at the Academy Awards. According to the

SAM BRINTON faces a felony charge after an alleged theft at an airport.

08 • DECEMBER 02, 2022 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM

author, Brinton spoke passionately about their suicide prevention work for the Trevor Project and was embraced by Hollywood icons like ane onda.

They also encountered some hateful backlash from anti-LGBTQ figures on the right, which was renewed on Monday with the news about Brinton’s dismissal pursuant to the felony charges filed against them, which conservative-leaning outlets were among the first to report.

According to reporting in the New ork Post, during an initial conversation with police, Brinton allegedly denied that they had stolen another passenger’s suitcase. Subse uently, Brinton told investigators they accidentally grabbed the wrong bag at the luggage carousel by mistake out of e haustion.

Court filings indicate that Brinton, upon reali ing they had mistakenly taken someone else’s bag, emptied its contents into dresser drawers in their hotel room, an ious about the prospect of facing accusations of property theft.

CHRISTOPHER KANE

NATIONAL

The powerful gay man behind Tucker Carlson’s show

N W R – n his first o News broadcast following the November 19th mass shooting at Club Q, the LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs in which five people were murdered and at least 17 were injured, Tucker Carlson was undaunted, continuing his relentless smearing of LGBTQ people as “groomers” who are dangerous to children.

After a perfunctory condemnation of the violence, Carlson pivoted back to railing against “drag time story hour for fifth graders” and “genital mutilation of minors” while a graphic image behind him blared, “ST P S ALI ING IDS.” The following night, Carlson promoted the grotes ue view that the staff and patrons of Club Q where a drag performance was scheduled on that Saturday night of the attack had it all coming to them. He brought on a guest who said the shooting was “e pected and predictable,” and that “it won’t stop until we end this evil agenda that is attacking children.”

Twisted enough. But even more shocking is the little-known fact that a gay man helped craft, mold and disseminate these bloodcurdling distortions and the horrendous demoni ation against his own community.

A gay man supercharges Carlson’s promotion of lorida’s odious “don’t say gay” law, which stigmati es ueer kids, teachers and parents a brutal campaign in which Carlson at one point said teachers who don’t comply “should get beaten up.”

And a gay man empowers Carlson’s crusade against trans teens and and their parents, a crusade in which Carlson stated that hospitals should e pect violent threats for providing gender-affirming care.

That gay man, ustin Wells, helped promulgate the kind of hate that leads to violence. A mass shooting that happened in the same kind of nightclub at which Wells, in years past, danced the night away in Miami Beach and elsewhere, liberating himself from the world outside and surely never imagining he’d be shot dead.

Now he’s aided the e tremists who deny that sense of safety and liberation to every future generation of ueer people.

Wells runs the entire Tucker Carlson operation, and is responsible for imprinting the Tucker Carlson brand, which is all

about emboldening white heterose ual male grievance, furthering the racist conspiracy of “replacement theory” and pushing an increasingly virulent anti-LGBTQ agenda. Wells is Senior ecutive Producer of “Tucker Carlson Tonight” and also holds the title of ice President of Tucker Carlson Digital Products.

“He’s been promoted to a level that no other producer has been since, maybe, David Tabocoff at ’Reilly,” a former o employee told me, describing how Tabocoff, who was at o with Bill ’Reilly for 1 years, produced ’Reilly’s shows, all of his various specials and interviews, and oversaw his entire brand, including his merchandising.

“I think that ustin has more power than Tabby Tabacoff ever had,” another o employee, a former producer, countered. “And there’s not another show that out-rates it. Influence-wise, everyone who’s conservative wants to be on Tucker.” Indeed, Wells has his own website, independent of o News’s site, ustinWells.com, something that surprised the former o News producer. n the site, Wells touts his accomplishments: “Television Creator ournalist. Senior ecutive Producer ice President at o News Media.” It brims with photos meant to convey his power and importance: Wells, out on remotes with Carlson, helping to craft the story Wells, shoulder-to-shoulder with military Special orces in front of their Airbus chopper and Wells, meeting with former President Donald Trump. The site describes Wells as “leading the Tucker Carlson Team across multiple platforms at o News Media,” and lays out the Carlson o empire he oversees.

Angelo Carusone, President and C of Media Matters, the media watchdog group that is laser-focused on o News and Carlson, observed, “It’s unlikely that any narrative would get broadcast by Tucker without significant buy-in from ustin.” In a clip highlighted by Media Matters in which Wells was interviewed by Carlson on Carlson’s show last year as Carlson’s o Nation documentaries began launching, Wells brags about the latitude o News e ecutives give him: “They believe in what we’re doing and have since we launched ‘Tucker Carlson To-

JUSTIN WELLS is a senior executive at Fox News.

night.’”

It’s beyond horrific to think a gay man has helped to shape and widely disseminate a message of hate against LGBTQ people. This story is not, however, about a warped closet case, tormented by self-loathing, hiding his true self while bashing those like him. And thus, this story is not an outing, which involves e posing someone who covers up their se ual orientation while publicly presenting as heterose ual though it certainly may be a startling revelation to a great many. It is, rather, about connecting the dots regarding a reality that seems to have been hiding in plain sight.

Wells has been married to another man for almost 10 years, and they openly celebrated their wedding among family and friends. They live together in a residence they purchased in New ork shortly after they married. And they also own a country home together, with both names on the deed.

I have reviewed the relevant marriage and property data, and have viewed evidence of their publicly sharing their wedding day with friends. (I’m not referencing this information, nor reporting Wells’ spouse’s name, to protect the spouse’s privacy.)

MICHELANGELO SIGNORILE

U.S. diplomat says negotiations to release Griner stalled

difficult circumstances.”

In remarks published Monday, RIA then focused on the negotiali abeth Rood, the .S. charg e tions asking for some of the details d’affaires in Moscow, told Rusincluding the possibility of convictsia’s state-owned RIA news agened arms dealer iktor Bout being cy that talks to free jailed Amerincluded in the “e change list” in icans Brittney Griner and Paul the potential prisoner swap deal Whelan were continuing through between the Russian and Amerithe “designated channel.” can authorities.

During the long ranging in“I can say that the nited States terview covering a variety of continues to discuss with the Russubjects, Rood was asked if she sian authorities through special intended to visit the imprisoned (Blade photo by Michael Key) channels the issue of the release of WNBA star who is serving time in Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan. As we have already said, the a Mordovian prison. nited States has submitted a serious proposal for consider“ f course, we are going to do this as soon as the Russian ation. We finali ed this proposal and offered alternatives. nauthorities give us permission to visit Brittney Griner in the fortunately, the Russian ederation has so far received no senew colony where she was recently transferred,” the American rious response to these proposals, ” the .S. charg e d’affaires diplomat responded and in answer to a follow-up uestion reanswered. garding Griner’s status, “As far as we understood from talking to “However, I would like to emphasi e that the main concern her, she is healthy and doing as well as can be e pected in her

and the first priority of the .S. mbassy is to ensure the well-being of the American citi ens who are here. And the situation is not limited to the names of those who are mentioned in the media headlines a number of American citi ens are kept in Russian prisons. We are e tremely concerned about the condition of each of them, and we continue to follow their affairs very closely and support them in every possible way,” she added.

RIA then asked: “What did you mean by ‘serious response’ from Russia Moscow has repeatedly stressed that the negotiations are being conducted through professional channels What does the American side mean by “serious response” Rood answered telling RIA “I mean, we have made a serious proposal that reflects our intention to take action to free American prisoners. We did not see a serious response from the Russian side to our proposal.”

“By ‘serious answer’ do you mean consent ” RIA asked in a follow-up uestion.

“I mean an answer that would help us come to an agreement,” she answered.

BRODY LEVESQUE

LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • DECEMBER 02, 2022 • 09

INTERNATIONAL

LGBTQ rights overshadow World Cup

Same-se se ual relations remain punishable by death in Qatar

By MICHAEL K. LAVERS Qatar’s LGBTQI rights record continues to overshadow the 2022 World Cup that is taking place in the country.

Qatar is one of the handful of countries in the world in which consensual same-sex sexual relations remain punishable by death.

A report that Human Rights Watch released in October notes Qatari officials between 2019 and September 2022 “arbitrarily arrested lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and subjected them to ill-treatment in detention.” The Human Rights Watch report also documents si cases of “severe and repeated beatings” and five cases of “sexual harassment in police custody” during the same period.

“Security forces arrested people in public places based solely on their gender expression and unlawfully searched their phones,” said Human Rights Watch in a press release that announced the report. “As a requirement for their release, security forces mandated that transgender women detainees attend conversion therapy sessions at a government-sponsored ‘behavioral support center.’”

The State Department’s 2021 human rights report notes LGBTQ and intersex people in Qatar “faced discrimination under the law and in practice.” People with HI /AIDS in the country also face discrimination.

“Authorities deported foreigners found to be HIV-positive upon arrival. Mandatory medical examinations were re uired for residents,” notes the State Department report.

“Since health screenings are re uired for nonresidents to obtain work visas, some HIV-positive persons were denied work permits prior to arrival. The government quarantined HIV-positive citizens and provided treatment for them.”

I A in 2010 named Qatar the host of the 2022 World Cup. The tournament began on Nov. 20. Activists ahead of the World Cup publicly challenged Qatar’s LGBTQ and intersex rights record.

Dario Minden on Sept. 19 during a human rights conference the German Football Association hosted in Frankfurt told Qatari Ambassador to Germany Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani to “abolish the death penalty” for homosexuality.

“I’m a man and I love men. I do — please don’t be shocked — have sex with other men. This is normal,” Minden told Al Thani. “So, please get used to it, or stay out of football. Because the most important rule in football is, football is for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re lesbian, if you’re gay.

It’s for everyone. For the boys. For the girls. And for everyone in between. So, abolish the death penalty. Abolish all of the penalties regarding sexual and gender identity.”

Peter Tatchell, a British activist, on Oct. 25 protested the country’s LGBTQ and intersex rights record while standing outside the National Museum of Qatar in Doha, the country’s capital. British comedian Joe Harry Lycett has challenged David Beckham to walk away from a 10 million ( 11.84 million) deal to be a World Cup ambassador.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Nov. 21 attended the .S. men’s soccer team’s match against Wales. Deputy

Assistant Secretary of State for Near astern Affairs Daniel Benaim told the Washington Blade the .S. raised LGBTQ and intersex rights with the Qatari government “at depth” before the World Cup. (President oe Biden in 2021 signed a memo that committed the .S. to promoting LGBTQ and intersex rights abroad as part of his administration’s overall foreign policy.)

Blinken during a Nov. 22 press conference in Doha with Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani noted his statement that “all are welcome here for the World Cup is an important message for an event that brings together people from all walks of life, nations, faiths, sexual orientations, races, and other forms of diversity.”

A lone protester a ng a Pr de ag d sr pts a match at the World Cup earlier this week. ( creenshot a Al Ja eera)

World Cup Ambassador halid Salman earlier in the month during an interview with a German television station described homosexuality as “damage in the mind.” The former Qatari soccer player also noted homosexuality is “haram” or “forbidden” under Sharia law. A member of the World Cup organizing committee abruptly stopped the interview after Salman made his comments.

“Every World Cup brings with it a tremendous opportunity for a positive legacy, and with that legacy comes a responsibility,” said Athlete Ally ecutive Director Hudson Taylor in a press release his organization issued on Nov. 18. “The failure to address and uphold critical standards of safety and nondiscrimination for people traveling to participate in and attend the World Cup, and for those who live in the host country, sets a dangerous precedent for future events.”

“FIFA has a responsibility to do their due diligence around LGBTIQ+ and other human rights protections or lack thereof, and to consistently monitor and respond to violations as they happen in real time during the Men’s World Cup,”

10 • DECEMBER 02, 2022 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM

he added in his statement. “We know that protecting, respecting and upholding human rights in and around mega-sporting events is not an aspiration but a destination.

We hope to see the 202 Men’s World Cup finally reali ing that promise.”

The press release notes Athlete Ally is one of 1 LGBTQ and intersex rights organization that is a member of the LGBTIQ Human Rights Sports Coalition, which seeks “to address the human rights violations and lack of protections for LGBTIQ+ people by I A and the Supreme Committee ahead of the event.” Pride House International, ILGA Asia, the Federation of Gay Games and Hidayah are among the group’s other members.

Players announced they would publicly support LGBTQ and intersex rights during the World Cup. The .S. men’s soccer team redesigned its team logo with a Pride flag in its badge that will be visible at the team’s hotel, media areas and events during the World Cup. (The .S. on Tuesday defeated Iran, another country in which homosexuality remains punishable by death, 1-0.)

Belgium, Denmark, ngland, Germany, the Netherlands, Swit erland and Wales on Nov. 21 announced their team captains will not wear “one love” armbands during the World Cup after FIFA threatened to sanction them.

German players on Nov. 23 covered their mouths during a team photo to protest FIFA before they played Japan.

“It was a sign from the team, from us, that FIFA is muzzling us,” Germany coach Hansi Flick told reporters after the match.

Blinken during the Nov. 21 press conference in Doha also criticized FIFA. “It’s always concerning from my perspective when we see any restrictions on freedom of e pression. It’s especially so when the expression is for diversity and for inclusion,” he said. “And in my judgment, at least, no one on a football pitch should be forced to choose between supporting these values and playing for their team.”

A man who identified himself as Mario erri on Monday ran onto the field with a Pride flag during the match between Portugal and Uruguay. Ferri was wearing a T-shirt with a Superman logo with “Save kraine” on the front and “Respect for Iranian Woman” on the back.

The Qatari government’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, which oversees World Cup planning, in a statement to CNN said authorities released Ferri, who is Italian, “shortly after being removed from the pitch.”

“As a consequence of his actions, and as is standard practice, his Hayya Card has been cancelled and he has been banned from attending future matches at this tournament,” said the committee.

Reports that indicate security personnel have asked fans, American journalist Grant Wahl and others to remove rainbow-colored clothing and other items in order to attend matches have also emerged.

Brody Levesque and Dawn Ennis contributed to this story.

BRODY LEVESQUE

is editor of the Los Angeles Blade.

The political smear campaign to stop marriage bill Liberty Counsel’s C amplifies lie that measure would lead to ‘grooming’

A procedural vote on the Respect for Marriage Act legislation (H.R. 8404/S. 4556) in the Senate, which requires 60 votes to succeed, is scheduled for :30 p.m. astern on Nov. 28. Ahead of the Monday vote the major anti-LGBTQ+ hate organizations are executing a full court press to get Republicans Senators to derail the bill.

Listed by the Southern Poverty Law Center’s ‘Hatewatch‘ for lies, propaganda, and smearing of LGBTQ+ people, the amily Research Council, ( RC) based in Washington D.C., Liberty Counsel based in rlando, lorida, The Alliance Defending reedom, (AD ) based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the National Organization for Marriage, (NOM) also based in Washington D.C., have escalated a publicity campaign smearing the intent of the law and labeling it ‘perversion and child se ual abuse.’

The president and C of Liberty Counsel, Mat Staver, sent out several email blasts to supporters urging them to contact G P Senators to stop the bill. In a tweet Stavers said “It doesn’t matter what courts, legislatures or voters say. They do not define marriage, God does.”

In one email Stavers wrote: “ n M NDA , senators are scheduled to vote on a sickening bill that will normalize child-bride, same-sex and pedophiliac “marriages” in every state. Several amendments will be debated, and then the Senate will need another 60 votes to proceed. We can stop HR 8404 if we let the Senate hear from us N W ” Stavers then amplified the lie that same-se marriage would lead to “grooming” and child se ual e ploitation: “Children have always been under demonic attack because they represent a new generation. But this evil attack is being unmasked now under the “Respect for Marriage” bill like never before. It will put a target on children in at-risk families to be groomed for abuse and makes this molestation legal if done within the confines of “marriage.”

“This level of debauchery has always been the goal. ur nation is on the cusp of making sexual abuse against children legal,” Stavers said.

The AD and RC are raising alarm over the bill saying that the legislation poses a threat to religious liberty. A conservative right-wing religious journal, the official news media of the Missouri Baptist Convention, cautioned that both AD and RC, labeling those groups as faith-based policy e perts, stated the bill “shows great disrespect for marriage, and intolerance for those who hold a traditional or biblical worldview.” The bill “is an intentional attack on the religious freedom of millions of Americans with sincerely held beliefs about marriage, based on dictates of faith in God and His revealed Truth.” amily Research Council president Tony Perkins released the following statement after the “Respect for Marriage” Act passed the first step in a full Senate vote for passage or defeat: “The .S. Senate is making a mockery of marriage as it tramples on

a foundational right religious freedom of the individual. Whether by the Court or by the Congress, truth cannot be altered. Regardless of the action of Congress, there are millions of Americans who will remain steadfast in their love for their fellow human being, by remaining committed to these truths: that marriage is ordained by God and men and women are created in His image.”

Stavers in his email and public statements noted: “Alfred insey’s See note below work is being used to destroy marriage, replacing that honorable estate with perversion and child sexual abuse … just as insey intended. This is their end goal to legali e this perversion and to silence the opposition.

HR 8404 is built on the foundation of insey. This bill that will e pand child-bride, same-se and pedophiliac “marriages” in every state is scheduled for debate and more votes on M NDA ” The amplification of the hate-filled rhetoric comes as the LGBTQ+ community is coming to terms with another horrific act of violence, this time in Colorado Springs, resulting in the death of five people at the LGBTQ+ nightclub Club Q. Incoming HRC President elley Robinson, in an interview with the Blade’s White House correspondent Chris ane, cautioned: “What we saw this past year is that our opposition gets intersectionality,” Robinson said. “They are coming for us, for all of us,” she said, citing as e amples the Supreme Court’s decision revoking Americans’ constitutional right to abortion, the hateful rhetoric of Fox News host Tucker Carlson, and recent spate of statewide anti-LGBTQ bills.

“They are launching an intersectional attack against us and trying to divide our power,” she said. “And we are going to fight back together, because ultimately we are stronger together.”

One organization that had long opposed same-sex marriage had an abrupt reversal of its decades long held views. The Salt Lake Tribune reported that The Church of esus Christ of Latter-day Saints battled any effort to legali e same-se marriage as a threat to society, one that ultimately could destroy families.

This week, however, the Utah-based faith issued a stunning statement, supporting a proposed federal law that would codify same-se marriage, the Tribune reported.

In its news release, the church reiterated its doctrine that marriage is between a man and a woman but embraced the Respect for Marriage Act, which includes “appropriate religious freedom protections while respecting the law and preserving the rights of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters.” ditor’s Note: Alfred Charles insey was an American se ologist, biologist, and professor of entomology and oology who, in 1947, founded the Institute for Se Research at Indiana niversity, now known as the insey Institute for Research in Se , Gender, and Reproduction.

12 • DECEMBER 02, 2022 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM

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KAREN OCAMB

is the former news editor of the Los Angeles Blade.

When will LGBTQ people be safe in America?

We must embrace inspiration where we can find it

Pulse. Club Q. Everyday life for drag queens, trans and non-binary folk. When, oh, when will LGBTQ people be safe in America? When will we get to be full human beings free to create, develop and explore our authentic selves without always having to worry about making some straight person uncomfortable?

I am tired of having my life defined by other people’s prejudices. But I’m mindful, too, that I must always be on guard since — as we learned again with the mass shooting at Club Q last weekend in Colorado Springs — straight fear is fatal.

Why are straight people either unable or blindly refuse to see LGBTQs as real people. We are, collectively, like the Black people Ralph Ellison wrote about in The Invisible Man: “I am an invisible man. No, I am not a spook like those who haunted Edgar Allan Poe; nor am I one of your Hollywood-movie ectoplasms. I am a man of substance, of flesh and bone, fiber and liquids — and I might even be said to possess a mind.

I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me.”

But they do see us when we celebrate, protest or die en masse. And then we are dubbed a “community,” as if we all know each other and think alike. The late singer, writer and AIDS activist Michael Callen used to say: “the gay community is a useful fiction,” because it enabled us to organize and try to get resources we needed.

That local organizing for civil rights and later to combat AIDS gave rise to the political Religious Right through Rev. Jerry Falwell and Anita Bryant and the right-wing “think tanks” that considered us a convenient scapegoat and fundraising convenience, leading to the cruelty of the Reagan years and anti-gay Republican populist Patrick Buchanan — who paved the way for Donald Trump.

Buchanan’s dark, divisive “culture war” speech at the 1992 convention gave permission to the nation’s bigots to disregard the traditional boundaries of good taste and civility and take off and discard the old KKK sheets and hoods in the name of “free speech” and saving America for straight white men.

“The agenda that Clinton & Clinton would impose on America – abortion on demand, a litmus test for the Supreme Court, homosexual rights, discrimination against religious schools, women in combat units – that’s change, all right. But it is not the kind of change America needs. It is not the kind of change America wants. And it is not the kind of change we can abide in a nation that we still call God’s country,” Buchanan said. “My friends, this election is about more than who gets what. It is about who we are. It is about what we believe, and what we stand for as Americans. There is a religious war going on in this country. It is a cultural war, as critical to the kind of nation we shall be as was the Cold War itself, for this war is for the soul of America.

And in that struggle for the soul of America, Clinton & Clinton are on

the other side, and George Bush is on our side.”

Yes, in 1991/92, Bill and Hillary Clinton were on our side: they promised to stop the massive dying and end the AIDS crisis. So yes, the “gay community” raised more than $2 million of identifiable “gay money” and created the first gay voting bloc for dark horse presidential candidate Bill Clinton. But behind the scenes, our gays at the Democratic convention had to threaten a walkout on live TV if Clinton didn’t deign to utter the words “gay and lesbian” in his acceptance speech.

I thought about this a lot as this year’s midterms approached.

Since 1992, the Democratic Party has done specific outreach to the LGBTQ “community” for fundraising, engagement and get out the vote efforts. But with so much on the line – with democracy on the line – the Democrats were nowhere to be seen this year – ironically, even though the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was headed by a gay guy who wound up losing his own seat.

No one was stepping up to educate our people about the issues, the candidates and why this election was so important.

So my Millennial ally friend Max Huskins and I used our own money and time to produce the YouTube Race to the Midterms series, in conjunction with the Los Angeles Blade.

When I approached my potential guests, I noted how afraid so many of us were of going to a voting site and being humiliated or beaten up for being or being perceived as LGBTQ. I don’t know if my guests really understood the fear we face walking out the door each day. Perhaps that’s a lot clearer today.

And with proudly gay Jared Polis serving as Colorado governor since 2019 — it is easy to forget that Colorado Springs has been a Mecca, a haven for anti-LGBTQ Evangelical Christians since the late 1980s, with more than 100 evangelical groups headquartered there.

Focus on the Family is so large, sending out 4 million pieces of mail every month, it has its own zip code, according to a 2013 NPR report.

Last Sunday, Polis called the attack on Club Q an “act of evil.”

“This was just a place of safety for people,” Polis told CNN. “It was a place where people could, in a conservative community, often get the acceptance that too many of them might not have had it at home or in their other circles and to see this occur is really just put us all in a state of shock here in Colorado and across the country.”

Across the country, indeed. And in every drag bar or club, LGBTQ people and allies are bravely refusing to back down, despite knowing there are lone gun domestic terrorists out to kill us in the name of Trump or God. We endure. We must. Yes, we are still afraid. But we reach for each other and embrace inspiration where we can find it – such as in Jennifer Hudson’s version of Sam Cooke’s amazing 1963 song “A Change is Gonna Come.”

LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • DECEMBER 02, 2022 • 13

The ultimate guide to queer holiday gift giving Something for everyone, from charcuterie to an e-moped

By MIKEY ROX Drawing a blank on what to gift the queer loved ones on your holiday shopping list?

Consider these thoughtful presents picked exclusively for your LGBTQ friends and family.

Yves Durif Grooming Set

Mr. & Mr. Claus Mugs

Yves Durif didn’t reinvent the Italian-made, natural rubber resin petite brush and comb that bears his synonymous-with-style name, but he did make these luxury tools sexy AF so you can feel like a million bucks. YvesDurif.com, $105

Two glazed-ceramic Santas are better than one when you cop Sunny & Ted’s hand-painted Mr. and/or Mrs. cocoa mugs available in three blush-faced skin tones and two genders to accurately rep your festive-queer holiday cheer. SunnyAndTed.com, $27.50 each

Boarderie Charcuterie

A far cry from the shelf-stable meatand-cheese gifts mom loaded up on at your local mall’s pop-up shop, Oprah-approved Boarderie charcuterie boards are chef-made daily and feature hand-selected artisan cheeses, meats, dried fruits, nuts and chocolates on keepsake Acacia platters.

Hickory arms could never. Boarderie. com, $129-$239

Whiskey a Go Go

Lift holiday spirits (in handsome drinkware, like Baccarat’s Harmonie Double Old-Fashioned Tumblers) by offering party guests a sampling of your home bar’s top-shelf reserves, like Blade & Bow’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Glendalough Pot Still Irish Whiskey, and Westward American Single Malt Stout Cask – a holy trinity all its own. ReserveBar.com, $48, $57, $91

Happy Hanukkah Tea Gift Set + Subarzsweets

VAHDAM India’s Hannukah-special assortment of luscious herbal, chai and black teas – paired with Subarzsweets’ handmade, small-batch biscotti-cookie hybrids (the lemon-thyme flavor is what the chef’s kiss emoji was meant for) – is the treat-yourself pick-meup you’ll crave after eight cra y nights. Vahdam.com, $24; Subarzsweets.com, $45

Wagged Tails Custom ‘A-paw-rel’

Memorialize your loved ones’ recently passed pets with Wagged Tails’ custom-printed apparel and accessories, including T-shirts, tumblers, totes and mugs, emblazoned with their favorite heaven-sent smush-faces. Keep the leene close. WaggedTails.com, $18-$67

Dough Bowl Candles

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

One of your nice-listers resolving to travel more in the new year? Set them up for success with the National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands’ America the Beautiful annual pass, providing access for the holder (plus guests) to more than 2,000 federal sites in the United States, including parks, monuments, battlefields, protected wildlife refuges, stunning seashores, and more. Recreation.gov, $80

14 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • DECEMBER 02, 2022

Drop a needle on Aunt Dolly’s holiday vinyl before lighting the wicks on Stroud’s Simply Southern dough bowl candles and you’ve got yourself an instant country Christmas. StroudSimplySouthernCo.com, $24-$79

Cantilever Toolbox

Utilitarianism is a hallmark of Japanese design, and Toyo’s handcrafted cantilever steel storage and tool boxes are no exception with two handy adjustable upper trays and eight removable dividers housed in a handsome, spacious shell deserving of double-takes. Placewares. com, $129

Habibi Santal Journey

Can’t go wrong with a fresh scent tucked under the tree or inside a stocking, and it doesn’t get any fresher (or spicier) than Habibi’s Santal Journey with notes of dry cedar wood, oud and sandalwood overtop wisps of crisp pear and precious orris. ForHabibi.com, $119

NQi GTS E-Moped

iconic dancing figures in black and white – will look just as good on your dinner party tablescape as it will on display. Coravin.com, $350

In sport mode, the NQi GTS e-moped’s top speed is a hair-straightening 50 mph thanks to a 60V26Ah Bosch motor, 4th-gen lithium battery tech, and a few body-shop elves who’ve watched “2 Fast 2 Furious” 2 many times. Niu.com, $TBD

Limited Edition Don Q Rum X Coquito NYC Drink Kit

Add a little Latin flavor to your living room Christmas film fest with a screening of Alfredo De illa’s “Nothing Like the Holidays” and a traditional co uito with a Don Q kick in hand. The limited-edition collaboration kit between the rum maker and Latina-owned Coquito NYC comes with everything you need to mix it up, including coconut milk, spices, and a bottle of Reserva 7. DonQ.com, $75

Rotate Watchmaking Kit

Challenge your better-half gadget geek over holiday break with customizable Rotate watchmaking kits – available in easy, medium, and hard configurations – that come complete with parts, tools, and a user-friendly guide to keep the cursing at a Christian minimum. RotateWatches. com, $195-$225

Coravin x Keith Haring Wine Opener

Art and wine go to together like Saint Nick and snickerdoodles, which is why the Coravin x Keith Haring Timeless Six+ Artist Edition bottle opener – featuring the late artist’s

Nuzzie Weighted Blanket

Dasher and Dancer will have to pull double duty delivering hefty, chunky Nuzzies, one-of-a-kind breathable, thermo regulating and sustainable weighted blankets (in holiday hues like rich rose and emerald green) for all your snowy-season snuggles. ShopNuzzie.com, $169$329

(Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBTQ lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. Connect on Instagram @mikeyroxtravels.)

LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • DECEMBER 02, 2022 • 15

B

S

New book reveals that some secrets last a lifetime ‘All the Broken Places’ should be on your must-read list

By TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

‘All the Broken Places’

By John Boyne

c.2022, Pamela Dorman Books $28 | 400 pages

It shall not pass your lips.

No, That Thing ou Do Not Talk About is off-limits in all conversation, a non-topic when the subject surfaces. Truly, there are just certain things that are nobody’s business and in the new novel, “All the Broken Places” by ohn Boyne, some secrets must last a lifetime.

She hated the idea that she would have to adjust to new neighbors.

Ninety-one-year-old Gretel ernsby wasn’t so much bothered by new people, as she was by new noise. She hated the thought of inuring herself to new sounds, and what if the new tenants had children That was the worst of all. Gretel never was much for children, not her own and certainly not any living below her. nce, there was a time when Gretel could imagine herself with many children. That was nearly 80 years ago, when she was in love with her father’s driver, urt. She thought about urt through the years – he had fallen out of favor with her father, and was sent elsewhere – and she wondered if he survived the war.

Her father didn’t, nor did her younger brother but Gretel didn’t think about those things. What happened at the “other place” was not her fault.

She hadn’t known. She was inno-

cent.

That was what she told herself as she and her mother fled to Paris. Gretel was 1 then, and she worked hard to get rid of her German accent but not everyone was fooled by her bad rench or her story. She was accosted, hated. As soon as her mother died, she sailed to Australia, where she lived with a woman who loved other women, until it became dangerous there, too. She practiced her nglish and moved to London where she was married, widowed, and now she had to get used to new neighbors and new sounds and new ways for old secrets to sneak into a conversation. , clear your calendar. Get “All the Broken Places” and just don’t make any plans, other than to read and read and read.

The very first impression you get of author ohn Boyne’s main character, Gretel, is that she’s grumpy, awful, and nasty. With the many bon mots she drops, however, the feeling passes and it’s sometimes easy to almost like her – although it’s clear that she’s done some vile things in her lifetime, things that emerge slowly as the horror of her story dawns. Then again, she professes to dislike children, but (no spoilers here ) she doesn’t, not really, and that makes her seem like someone’s sweet old grandmother. ‘Tis a conundrum.

Don’t let that fool you, though. Boyne has a number of Gretel-si ed roadside bombs planted along the journey that is this book. ach ka-boom will hit your heart a little harder.

This is a somewhat-se uel to “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas,” but you can read it alone.

Do, and when you finish, you’ll want to immediately read it again, to savor anew.

16 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • DECEMBER 02, 2022

FILM

The ‘Spoiler’ is you’re going to cry

Love is worth it even when you know it’s going to end badly

By JOHN PAUL KING It’s been a refreshing year for LGBTQ love stories on the screen. From “Fire Island” to “Bros,” from “Crush” to “Anything’s Possible,” we’ve seen narratives that offer up hopeful and endearing alternatives to those presented on our screens in the past. Instead of stories that reinforce the tired trope of doomed ueer romance, we’re finally seeing ourselves get the same chance at a happily-ever-after ending as everybody else.

It’s been a nice change to be told that our relationships don’t always have to end in tragedy – but now, “Spoiler Alert” is here to remind us that sometimes they still do.

Based on the best-selling memoir by Michael Ausiello (“Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies”) and directed by Michael Showalter from a screenplay by David Marshall Grant and gay blogger/author/pundit Dan Savage, it’s the true story of a couple (Ausiello and his eventual husband, photographer it Cowan) who find love and build a relationship over the course of more than a decade, only to face the heartbreak of it’s diagnosis of – and his (SP IL R AL RT, hence the title) premature passing from – a rare form of terminal cancer. Though It’s not e actly a rom-com, it tries to keep things light-hearted foregone tragic conclusion aside, it aims to be uplifting and joyful anyway.

That’s a tough tightrope to walk. The book, penned by veteran television and entertainment journalist Ausiello, succeeded in pulling it off it became a bestseller – and not just among ueer readers – with its warts-and-all celebration of what it truly means to commit to love. ven in a best-case scenario, which only some of us get the privilege of e periencing, a bittersweet ending is the best one can hope to achieve Ausiello’s first-person e perience, however, gets the point across that it’s all worth it, in the end.

Sometimes, though, a literary device that works on the page doesn’t translate easily to the screen, and on film, Ausiello’s “we-already-know-the-outcome” premise faces a more resistant challenge.

In the first act of the film, which details the meeting and early romance of its two lead characters ( im Parsons and Ben Aldridge as Michael and it, respectively), our knowledge of the ending becomes an obstacle. This may be particularly true for more jaded viewers, who are apt to be keenly aware of the emotional payoffs being set up in advance.

“Precious” moments feel a little too self-consciously precious, and all the standard tropes about new gay relationships – even the ones that were tired before gay relationships were openly portrayed on the screen – are deployed, often coming across as obvious bids to elicit our identification with the characters. In reading, it’s easy to personali e such universal moments through our own imagination, which is allowed to fill in the spaces (and the faces) in a way that rings true for us. n film (this film, at least), such communally identifiable e periences feel a bit manipulative: a little too perfect, a little too pat, a little too “meet cute“, and a little too well, precious.

The dissonance between formulaic fantasy and genuine lived e perience is sometimes made even more obtrusive by occasional flashbacks to Michael’s childhood, framed as e cerpts from an imagined ‘90s sitcom, which distance us further from the story – a stylistic ploy that seems intended to keep the tone of the narrative as far from tragic as possible.

When it’s time to get real, however, things land on more solid ground. nce the blissful “happy-ever-after” couplehood of the two men is established, the movie takes us into deeper, more mature – and therefore, less predictable – territory. Things don’t end up being perfect in Michael and it’s ostensible lover’s paradise: jealousies, self-esteem issues, and the inevitable individual growth that sometimes drives wedges between us in our coupling take their toll. As most successful long-term couples have discovered, ueer and otherwise, relationships take a lot of work, and seeing the two protagonists confront that seldom-told part of the story goes a long way toward making their relationship more relatable for those who are looking for more than mere aspirational fantasy.

18 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • DECEMBER 02, 2022

JIM PARSONS and BEN ALDRIDGE star in ‘Spoiler Alert.’

So, too, does the acting from the two leads. Parsons, who struggles against the obvious artificiality of playing against being two-decades-too-old in the film’s earlier scenes, blossoms once the story moves ahead in time to deliver an emotionally brave and affectingly authentic portrait of a man who has overcome the baggage of a decidedly non-conforming youth – even by ueer standards (there’s a Smurf addiction involved, need we say more ) – to find the necessary resilience to weather a battle for his lover’s life Aldridge, a Brit flawlessly playing American, is perhaps even better – not that it needs to be a competition – as it, whose easy-going self-esteem masks a world of unresolved insecurities, making an almost-too-good-to-be-true character endearingly real perhaps more importantly, the emotional journey he’s tasked with portraying re uires an absolute dedication to unornamented truth, and he delivers it impeccably.

It helps that the two actors, who carry most of the movie’s running time, have a convincingly natural chemistry together that gradually persuades us to invest in these characters even if we had resisted becoming invested in them before. Bolstering the emotional solidity even further is the presence of seasoned pros Sally ield and Bill Irwin as it’s parents, who deepen this not-as-clueless-as-they-seem pair beyond the familiar stereotype they represent and raise them above the easy sentimentality they might otherwise have carried into the story’s already-poignant mi .

These considerable advantages are enough to help us forgive the movie’s contrived e pository beginnings, though its ongoing sitcom conceit for childhood flashbacks – as well as its occasional fourth-wall-breaking interruptions from Michael’s T obsessed imagination – continue to feel a little gimmicky, especially after the plot has passed the point where such amusements are welcome or even necessary.

Still, the movie’s fortunate choice to play against its tearjerker underpinnings – such as when it undercuts a particularly histrionic scene of hospital drama by calling itself out on a shameless reference to an iconic moment from a cinema classic, a nod any gay movie buff will have surely already recogni ed – keeps the tears that finally come from feeling as though they’ve been shamelessly manipulated out of us. It’s this uality that marks the best entries in the tearjerker genre the thing that movies like “Terms of ndearment” and “Steel Magnolias” have in common (besides Shirley MacLaine) is their ability to lean fully into the artifice of their own weepy, sentimental style without sacrificing the sincerity of their emotional payoffs. ilms like these don’t play their big moments for drama, or even for laughs, to keep us involved – they play for truth. “Spoiler Alert” clearly aspires to the same standard.

It mostly succeeds, after an awkward start and though some viewers might find its uirkier narrative conceits to be an overcompensation, its characters are real enough to get past all that and win us over. And though it’s hard to deny that it’s ultimately another tragic gay love story, it manages to remind us that love is worth it even when you know it’s going to end badly.

After all, just because a romance is doomed doesn’t mean it has to be a downer.

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