Vanguard Quarterly Summer 2016

McDonald/Wright Building 1625 N. Schrader Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90028

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Marketing & Communications Staff Ari DeSano Website Manager

Gil Diaz Communications Manager

Kelly Freter Associate Director

Melantha Hodge Project Manager

Joe Hui Digital Communications Manager

Jim Key Chief Marketing Officer

Josiah Pak Creative Services Coordinator

Christopher Price Creative Services Coordinator

Sophia Puglisi Digital Communications Coordinator

Callie Rodgers Creative Services Coordinator

Alex Schmider Communications Coordinator

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Kurt Thomas Creative Services Manager

Contributors Lisa Allen

Tracey Payne

Photographer

Photographer

Paige Golestan

Pauley Perrette

Photographer

Actress & Activist

Lorri L. Jean

Sinedrifter

CEO, Los Angeles LGBT Center

Photographer

Betsy Martinez

Christopher Stewart

Photographer

Photographer

SUMMER 2016 EIGHTH » PG. 18 HARMONY

LGBT MARIACHI BAND IS FRONT AND CENTER AT LA PRIDE

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David J. Bailey

Mercedes Marquez

Board Co-Chair

Merryll McElwain

LuAnn Boylan

Carlos Medina

Tad Brown

Mike Mueller

Tyler Cassity

Brad Ong

Kin Cheng

Loren S. Ostrow

Carolyn A. Dye

Peter Paige

Susan Feniger

Jayzen Patria

Annie Goto

Scott Poland

Board Secretary

Board Treasurer

Dean Hansell

Frank Pond

Marki J. Knox, M.D.

Board Co-Chair

Eric M. Shore Bruce Vilanch

The Buzz

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JOIN OUR CONVERSATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Board of Directors Michael Lombardo

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END OF AIDS EPIDEMIC IS IN SIGHT, BUT IS IT IN REACH?

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Tess Ayers

CEO Letter

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ENDING LGBT PREJUDICE STARTS WITH A DOOR KNOCK

Silver Spooning

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Center Notes

WE’RE HELPING WOMEN 50+ REKINDLE THE JOY OF SEX

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Center Voices

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Photo Finish

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Why I Give

That’s What Friends Are For A MAN’S LAST WISH BECOMES A GIFT TO LGBT YOUTH

Yes, We Can! 24

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BY PAULEY PERRETTE

Take Five WITH AIDS/LIFECYCLE STAFFER AND SPECIAL EVENTS VOLUNTEER

Subscriptions Vanguard is published quarterly by the Los Angeles LGBT Center, a nonprofit corporation. 1625 N. Schrader Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028, Voice 323-993-7400 • TDD 323-993-7698. Copyright 2016, Vanguard. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Publication of the name, quotation or photograph of a person in articles or advertising is not an indication of the sexual orientation or the HIV status of such person.

Moving, getting duplicate mailings or wish to be removed from the Vanguard mailing list? Please email mediarelations@lalgbtcenter.org.

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ceo letter

ENDING THE AIDS EPIDEMIC

We’ve Finally Got the Tools, Now We Need the Political Will

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CEO Lorri L. Jean

@LorriLJean

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hese days it can be hard to keep up with all the developments related to the treatment and prevention of HIV. While gay and bisexual men, especially men of color, continue to be the only U.S. risk group experiencing an increase in the incidence of HIV, we’re also making enormous progress.

In the last few years we have learned that if someone’s viral load is undetectable—thanks to antiretroviral medications (ARVs)—his risk of transmitting the virus is reduced by 96%, if not more. And if someone without HIV takes Truvada daily, it reduces his chances of contracting HIV by 99%. (Of course, neither Truvada nor other ARVs are 100% effective—for example, some people are resistant to the drugs. And neither prevent the spread of other sexually transmitted infections, like syphilis, which is why it’s still important to use condoms.)

Another possible bit of good news is a recent study in the April Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes that estimates we have 32% fewer people living with HIV than the Centers for Disease Control has estimated—819,200 people rather than 1.2 million (this is based on 2011 statistics). Moreover, this study estimates that a much greater percentage of these people are in care and on ARVs, and that 55% are virally suppressed vs. the 30% estimated by the CDC (35% in 2013).

Today’s standard of care is to treat people who test positive for HIV with ARVs immediately. This has a dual benefit: it better protects the health of the patient and, once the viral load is undetectable, virtually eliminates the likelihood of transmission.

What these developments of the last few years mean is that we have something within our grasp that I feared I might never witness. Since the first reported cases of HIV three and a half decades ago, we have the potential to finally end the epidemic.

I’m not talking about a cure. I’m talking about so significantly reducing the incidence of new infections that HIV ceases to be an epidemic in this country.

Of course, knowing how to end the epidemic isn’t enough. It takes a lot of effort and money to get people tested, in medical care and adherent to the ARV treatment that can render their viral load undetectable. But what’s even more expensive, long-term, is simply responding to the ever-growing epidemic.

Unfortunately, our government typically doesn’t focus on long-term solutions and has been unwilling to spend the money that would significantly reduce new infections. And those currently in control of Congress aren’t exactly known for being friendly to gay and bisexual men (who constitute 87% or more of the epidemic in Los Angeles County) or to the concept of ensuring that everyone has the medical

care they need. But the Los Angeles LGBT people living with HIV shows that nationCenter is doing its part. wide, 35% are virally suppressed. In L.A. Approximately four years ago, with County, the percentage jumps to 45%. But financial help from L.A. County, we be- here at the Center, 75% of our patients gan a pilot project to immediately connect were virally suppressed! That is very people who test positive for HIV with close to the roughly 80% number that providers at our Jeffrey Goodman Special scientists believe is necessary to end the Care Clinic who treat them, help keep epidemic and our Goodman Clinic team them in care and help them adhere to the is determined to reach that number!

ARV treatment that will suppress the virus.

I’m enormously proud of the initiative Our initial results, the Center has shown after less than two in this arena and of years, were incredi- With a relatively our outstanding rebly impressive. Com- small investment by sults. It couldn’t have pared to the average happened without a government, we can end remarkably dedicatresults of other clinics/medical centers the HIV epidemic in this ed team of people in L.A. County and working to really country. All we need is around the country, make a difference we were significantly the political will to fund it. in the fight against more successful in HIV/AIDS. Best of getting newly positive patients into treat- all, if the Center can do it consistently ment, retained in care, started on ARVs over a number of years, so can others. and ultimately achieving viral suppression. With a relatively small investment by govResults of a more recent analysis of the ernment, we can end the HIV epidemic in pilot project, reflecting an additional year this country. All we need is the political of data from 2014, continue to show that will to fund it. our Goodman Clinic is outperforming the average results of clinics that treat people for HIV, nationally and locally. Most importantly, we’re incredibly successful at reducing the viral load of our patients to undetectable levels.

The CDC’s most recent data regarding

Summer 2016

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Buzz Worthy

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Get Social

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LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER’S

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SOCIAL MEDIA

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OREGON TRAILBLAZER

GAYCATION GETS CENTERED

A FRANTASTIC FOODIE

HAKUNA TRUVADA

Oregon Governor Kate Brown, the nation’s first openly bisexual governor, toured the Center with Center CEO Lorri L. Jean.

Ian Daniel, co-star of Viceland’s Gaycation with actress Ellen Page, gave us a shout out for helping shine a light on LGBT youth homelessness.

YouTube star Connor Franta joined us for the 11th annual Simply diVine, our annual celebration of food, wine, and spirits.

Center-WeHo was featured in choreographer Todrick Hall’s music video “Hakuna Truvada” to raise PrEP awareness.

Thanks @OregonGovBrown, the nation’s 1st openly bisexual officeholder, for your recent visit & #LGBT advocacy!

Love and thanks to @LALGBTCenter for showing us around and teaching us about LGBTQ+ homeless youth in USA and LA #gaycation

thank u so so much to the @lalgbtcenter for having me tonight at their #simplydivine event!! food, friends, and um more food? pure magic

50% of youth w/HIV don’t know it. WATCH #HakunaTruvada http://bit.ly/1QnL0CA Get tested! @WehoCity @ET_AIDS_FDN

CELEBRATING OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

 @ianjdaniel

 @ConnorFranta

CA State Senator Ben Allen and LA County’s 3rd District Supervisor Sheila Kuehl recognized our LGBT seniors-in-residence, the Triangle Square Trailblazers, in honor of Older Americans Month.

PREP-ED

 @LALGBTCenter 2

Thank you @BenAllenCA & @SheilaKuehl for honoring our trailblazing #LGBT seniors-in-residence! #OlderAmericansMonth  @LALGBTCenter

 @todrick

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Social justice attorney and women’s rights activist Sandra Fluke celebrated the advancement of AB 2640, a bill cosponsored by the Center to increase awareness of PEP and PrEP.

Grt news! #CALeg advances bill to increase #PrEP & #PEP awareness @LALGBTCenter @aplatweets

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JOIN the CONVO

For even more Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram interactions like these, plus all the latest LGBT community news, local highlights, and original content, find us on social media at:  @LALGBTCENTER

We’d love to hear from you.

 @SandraFluke

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“It Turns Out a Brief Conversation Really Can Change Minds on LGBT Issues”

“Doorstep Canvassing Can Shift Views on Transgender Rights, Study Finds”

REDUCING LGBT PREJUDICE: “Ending the Hate—Deep Canvassing as the Solution to Persistent Transphobia”

“Face-to-face Conversation Can Change Attitudes Toward Transgender People, Study Finds” “No, Wait, Short Conversations Really Can Reduce Prejudice” 8

Summer 2016

“Ten-Minute, Faceto-face Conversation May Help Reduce Prejudice, Study Finds”

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S A NATIONAL FIELD ORGANIZER WITH THE LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER’S LEADERSHIP LAB, Laura Gardiner has had to master control of her emotions—at least while she’s working. When you’re knocking on the doors of strangers in conservative neighborhoods to promote support for LGBT-related issues, you’re forced to develop a thick skin.

WE’VE PROVEN HOW! SCIENCE VALIDATES EFFECTIVENESS OF CENTER’S VOTER CANVASSING —FOR REAL THIS TIME

“Yes, Talking to Voters About LGBT Issues Really Does Fight Bias”

“How Do You Change Voters’ Minds? Have a Conversation”

Gardiner, her Center colleagues, and hundreds of volunteers have spent many thousands of hours working to develop and ref ine a voter persuasion method they call “deep canvassing.” It involves 10- to 20-minute conversations in which the canvasser and voter share personal stories about times that each felt attacked or discriminated against, as well as personal experiences the voter may have had with someone who is LGBT. Unlike traditional canvasses, it’s not a one-sided conversation that follows a f ixed script.

In her eight years doing this work, Gardiner has had to politely listen to people say some of the crudest, nastiest, and most offensive things about LGBT people. Not only has she learned to face those comments with steely resolve, she’s successfully turned outspoken bigots into LGBT supporters. But emotionally, she was completely unprepared for what she heard one afternoon last May.

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“It was the closest thing I can imagine to getting punched in the stomach,” said Gardiner. “It was devastating.”

She and her colleagues had learned that research proving the effectiveness of their deep canvassing to promote support for marriage equality—published in the prestigious journal Science and reported by media worldwide—had evidently been faked. Gross irregularities in data supposedly collected by UCLA grad student Michael LaCour were discovered by two researchers who were trying to replicate LaCour’s methods in a new study of the Center’s work. As a result, Science retracted LaCour’s article.

“It was a complete shock,” said Leadership LAB Director Dave Fleischer. “I don’t know if you’ve ever had the experience of working with someone for a couple of years and discovering everything they told you is a lie, but I had not (until then). And it was dreadful. But once we recovered from the anger and disappointment, we were even more determined to have our work studied for real.”

Fortunately, researchers David Broockman and Joshua Kalla— who were honored with an award for their leadership promoting transparency in social sciences after exposing LaCour’s fraud—had already signed on for a real study of the Center’s deep canvassing in Florida during the first six months of 2015.

SAVE, a Miami-based LGBT organization, had asked for the Center’s help preparing to defeat a ballot measure that would have repealed a non-discrimination ordinance that included protections for transgender people. The ordinance never made it to the ballot, but Broockman and Kalla’s startling research f indings based on the Center’s canvassing model made it into Science the f irst week of April 2016.

“We found that a single, approximately 10-minute conversation with a stranger produced large reductions in prejudice that persisted for at least the three months studied to date,” said

Broockman, an assistant professor of political economy at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.

Even more startling, the reduction in prejudice was equivalent to the shift in public opinion regarding gay and lesbian people that took more than a decade to achieve, from 1998 to 2012. In other words, said Broockman, “We’ve experienced about 15 years of progress through 10 minutes at the door.”

As in a clinical drug trial, the researchers calculated the reduction in prejudice by comparing those canvassed to a randomly assigned control group of voters who opened their doors but were assigned to receive a conversation about recycling. None knew they were participating in a study about prejudice reduction and all completed an online survey about their views, in which questions about transgender people were included among questions about a variety of issues.

Their paper in Science, reported by major media around the world, was a source of jubilation and vindication for folks at the Center, especially since the f indings were even more impressive than what LaCour had claimed.

Broockman and Kalla found that the impact of the canvassing was broadly effective, regardless of the voters’ demographic differences: Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, men and women, and voters who were Caucasian, Latino, and African American all exhibited a profound shift. They also discovered that LGBT canvassers were just as effective as canvassers who are LGBT allies.

There isn’t much research regarding the long-term impact of voter persuasion methods, but what research there is has found that conventional tactics (commercials, mailers, traditional canvassing, etc.) have little or no impact.

And whatever impact they may have typically dissipates within days as voters return to their old points of view.

“Knowing the literature on political persuasion, I would have bet against

The reduction in prejudice was equivalent to the shift in public opinion regarding gay and lesbian people that took more than a decade to achieve.

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them f inding what they’re reporting now,” said Arthur Lupia, a professor of political science at the University of Michigan, in an interview with The New York Times. “The idea that doorstep canvassing can change minds at all is a big deal; the fact that it’s a transgender issue just ups the ante.”

Broockman speculates that empathy may be one of the reasons the Center’s deep canvassing method is so effective.

“Canvassers asked people to talk about a time they were treated differently,” he said. “Most people have been judged because of gender, race, or some other issue. For many voters, they ref lect on it and they realize that’s a terrible feeling they don’t want anyone to have.”

Considering the rash of new anti-LGBT laws in North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, and other states—and the threat of many more—the research f indings have signif icant practical importance.

“It has become abundantly clear that we need more than 30-second ad spots to win the support of voters,” said Center CEO Lorri L. Jean. “We’ve long believed that if LGBT people and our allies could meet and engage voters in heartfelt conversations, we could reduce their prejudice. Now that we have proof deep canvassing works, we’ll continue to share our methods with LGBT leaders and progressive allies throughout the country.”

“These conversations are a real game-changer for us here in Florida,” said Tony Lima, executive director of SAVE. “Because of these conversations and their impact, we’re getting closer to being the first state in the South to pass statewide protections for LGBT people.”

Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, men and women, and voters who were Caucasian, Latino, and African American all exhibited a profound shift.

Read more and watch canvassers in action at lalgbtcenter.org/change • T OP: A canvassing conversation in action; LEFT: Researchers Joshua Kalla (l) and David Broockman (r); and RIGHT: Volunteer canvassers at a Leadership LAB training

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SEX Let’s talk about

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Summer 2016

Silver Sensuality is the Center’s provocative yet intimate workshop that’s helping to rejuvenate the sex lives of women over the age of 50.

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Phyllis Rose-Child can’t wait to have sex.

After talking about sex for nearly two hours during the Center’s Silver Sensuality workshop, the 72-year-old joked with her partner of 22 years that having sex is her homework.

“People think that getting older means you’re no longer sexual,” said Rose-Child. “In class, I realized that there are other women who are thinking the same way I am. Sex is important because it’s a real connection. There’s so much more to it than just an orgasm.”

Offered through the Center’s Senior Services department, Silver Sensuality is a free, weekly, sex-positive workshop series for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women.

“This class is for women who want to be in touch with their sensuality and We still have sexuality,” said SheAh Prince-Eternal, 62, a life coach and Silver Sensuality instructor. “It’s important for those of us who are ‘moving through time’ because there are so many untruths told to us, like we’re too old for sex. This class encourages older women to keep having fun sexually.”

The Center’s wide array of life- and health-enriching programs and activities, like Silver Sensuality, help end the isolation many LGBT seniors experience. Of the es-

versation, Prince-Eternal uses coloring books: one has illustrations exclusively of breasts and the other only of vaginas, both in all shapes and sizes.

“I use a lot of humor to help students open up. My most important message to them is ‘yes, you can!’ Just because they’ve matured and have experienced menopause or a hormonal change in their bodies, doesn’t mean they can’t still experience the art of lovemaking,” said Prince-Eternal.

“What I love the most is knowing that the students are leaving with new inspiration to enjoy their lives and sexuality.”

According to the National Institute on Aging, growing older results in physical changes that may affect the ability

sexual urges and our desires are not gone.

to have and enjoy sex, including changes in the vagina. As women age, vaginas shorten and narrow, vaginal walls thin and stiffen, and most women have less vaginal lubrication.

“The best way to keep your vulva and vagina healthy is to have regular sexual activity,” said Center Nurse Practitioner Angie Magaña, who focuses on women’s healthcare. “Either with a partner or with yourself, sex play facilitates healthy blood supply to this area and keeps your tissues pliable. The old adage ‘use it or lose The class helps us be comfortable with our bodies and it’ definitely applies!”

Another challenge for older women, in teaches us that it’s okay to take care of ourselves. addition to experiencing homophobia and heterosexism, is ageism within the LGBT community. timated 65,000 LGBT seniors in Los Angeles, 68 percent “It’s as if they’re fighting to stay in the game. What live alone. maturing women don’t realize is that we are more radiant “The Center has given me a totally new life,” said than ever,” said Prince-Eternal. “We have already ‘paid Rose-Child. “I felt so much love and support from the our dues’ in time and now have the wisdom to back us moment I walked into the Silver Sensuality group.” up.

I teach my students to realize that—no matter what Like many others, Beverly Winters thought that when age—don’t get caught up in this ‘comparison game’ with women reach a certain age they became prudes about other women.” sex—until she participated in Silver Sensuality. At 68, the Silver Sensuality gives single Texas native is proud LBT women the opportunity to say she still has sex on her What maturing women don’t realize is to explore new ideas related mind—and in her life. that we are more radiant than ever. to sex, a welcome transition “It’s a vibrant part of me for women who most likely lived all or part of their lives now. The class helps us be comfortable with our bodies in the closet.

In a study published in the Journal of Sex Reand teaches us that it’s okay to take care of ourselves,” said search, more than half of the senior lesbians surveyed were Winters with a wink. married to men before coming out as gay, even though the The workshop, which began a new 12-week series in average age when they realized their attractions to women May, includes discussions and activities to explore a wide was 18. variety of sex-related topics, including techniques, toys, “Gosh, I used to be terrible,” said Rose-Child, when and foreplay. describing her connection to sex as a younger lesbian.

“We still have sexual urges and our desires are not “People think as you grow older you become invisible. I gone. I even tested the waters in online dating…which wake up every morning and ask myself, ‘How am I going is an interesting experience,” Winters said with a laugh. to stand out today?’”

One of the workshop’s main goals is to remove any hurdles or hesitations to discussing sex. To start the con-

To see more Silver Sensuality photos and exclusive interviews with some of the women, visit vanguardnow.org/silver.

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• CLOCKWISE: Silver Sensuality instructor SheAh Prince-Eternal; students Pam Jones and Belita Edwards; student Francia McNally

• ( L-R): SheAh Prince-Eternal, Belita Edwards, Pam Jones, Phyllis Rose-Child, and Francia McNally

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Get the myth out of here!

Vanguard asked Silver Sensuality instructor SheAh Prince-Eternal to deconstruct some of the myths about LBT senior women and sex.

MYTH: Orgasms are impossible.

TRUTH: “Orgasms can now be greater than ever because a mature woman, with the help of a skilled lover, can realize the possibilities are endless. Teach your lover how to please you. Your lover shouldn’t have to guess what turns you on; you need to tell her exactly how to proceed. And, yes, it’s still possible to have multiple orgasms, but it takes skill and patience.”

MYTH: I’m not sexy anymore.

TRUTH: “Older women must learn how to feel their own sexuality and not focus only on how their bodies are changing. Ignore the media that gives false impressions about body image. The secret is keeping yourself happy and stress-free—and that includes having sex and orgasms. Just like laughter, orgasms are healthy. Smile often because you don’t look your age when you smile.”

MYTH: My sexual desire is gone after menopause.

TRUTH: “Many women’s sexual desires decrease after menopause, but some women experience just the exact opposite. Many of the hormonal therapies don’t work, so instead, eat a healthy diet filled with fresh fruit and vegetables. Also, don’t forget to exercise because if your body feels good, you feel good. But don’t exercise to exhaustion. Do something fun!”

MYTH: My sex life will always be boring.

TRUTH: “It’s time for you and your lover to get creative: visit an adult store, read erotic novels, rent pornographic movies, buy some lingerie. Don’t be afraid to visit specialty lingerie stores—they’re not just for young women!

Go to the drive-in theater—there are two still in Los Angeles!—and make out in the back seat of your car. If you’re contemplating bringing in a third person into the bedroom, make sure to discuss it with your lover and agree to set rules.

Let the third person know the rules as well— and go for it!”

Photos taken at Next Door Lounge 1154 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA nextdoorhollywood.com

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• OPP: Members of Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles

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Summer 2016

“I

F I’M SUPPOSED TO BE A MAN, LET ME BE A MAN AND MAKE ME LOVABLE. If not, make me what I feel inside: a woman. Let me know that it’s going to be ok.”

That was Natalia Melendez’s silent prayer eight years ago when she was alone, addicted to drugs, and disconnected from her family, community, and the music she loved.

“I was lost for many years and I feared people would tear me apart all my life,” said Melendez, who now works as a phlebotomist at the Center. “I never thought I’d be able to stand tall and proud as a transgender woman.”

Melendez’s prayer could easily be lyrics from the mariachi music she loves and that she now performs as a pioneer in the field: she’s the world’s first transgender woman working as a musician in the history of mariachi.

“If you asked me when I was that lost girl—on drugs, in a boy’s body—if I had any clue I would be doing something like this, I would never have believed it. But here I am,” said the Los Angeles native.

Melendez started playing the violin at age 8; at 10 she saw her uncle Lorenzo Martinez, a Grammy award-winning artist, in concert and was mesmerized by the emotional rawness of mariachi.

“Mariachi is a music of emotion. Classical music is very strict to the timing–it’s precise, clean. Mariachi is raw, deep, and uninhibited,” said Melendez. “Music has always been an outlet for me, a way to get out all of these emotions that partly come from everything trans people go through.”

Today Melendez performs as part of Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles (Rainbow Mariachi of Los Angeles), the world’s only open LGBTQ mariachi band.

The group provides a safe and creative haven for musicians who identify as LGBTQ, giving them an opportunity to make traditional Mexican music in an otherwise “machista,” or macho, subculture that is often discriminatory.

When they met as teenagers, band director Carlos Samaniego had not yet come to terms with his own sexual orientation and Melendez was still male-identified. Their firsthand experiences being discriminated against as LGBTQ musicians within the industry led them to form Mariachi Arcoiris in the early 2000s, playing gay nightclubs in Hollywood and altering lyrics so that the men could sing to male audience members and the women to other females.

But the gay nightclub gigs weren’t enough to sustain the group.

Unable to get mainstream bookings, they disbanded.

That’s when Melendez began abusing drugs and leading a double life as she started to negotiate the idea of transitioning.

Armed with only her prayer, she left Los Angeles and headed to a treatment facility to get sober. When she returned, she began

to physically transition to a woman—initially by buying black market hormones on the streets of Hollywood.

“There was a time during my early years of transitioning when I just didn’t think I could get through it. I would stay awake so many nights crying and worrying about people seeing me for the first time,” said the singer.

Fortunately, Melendez found the Center and began receiving care through its Transgender Health Program not long after beginning to administer hormones acquired on the street.

Inspired by one of the Center phlebotomists who treated her, Melendez went to school to learn the skill and was hired by the Center a year ago.

“I knew it would be such an influential thing to see another transgender person doing something positive in the medical field and for our community,” said Melendez.

Part of her transition included finding her voice again.

“It was extremely difficult to relearn my voice,” said Melendez. “I was trained to belt out and sing as a man.

As a transgender woman, my voice will not become higher. I had to figure out how to sound more like myself.”

Two years ago, though performing and transitioning in front of the world with another mariachi group, Samaniego called and asked Melendez to join a reborn Mariachi Arcoiris.

“She’s such an inspiring role model,” says Samaniego. “Her courage and determination are an example to everyone.”

All eight of today’s Mariachi Arcoiris members are LGBTQ, playing music while being ambassadors to the LGBTQ community on behalf of the mariachi world and, equally important, ambassadors to the mariachi world on behalf of the LGBTQ community.

“There have been LGBTQ mariachi musicians both in the U.S. and Mexico who have reached out to thank us for existing and telling us how we’ve impacted their lives,” said Samaniego. “A few people have since gained the courage to come out to their families and friends, which in our very machista Latino culture, especially in the music world, is particularly difficult to do.”

Mariachi Arcoiris has performed at a number of high-profile events over the last two years, including the opening of Mi Centro, the Center’s Boyle Heights facility, and as part of the Center’s L.A. Pride parade contingent this year.

“Words cannot express what it meant to perform at Pride for the Center,” said Melendez. “Just to know where I came from and how far I’ve come in my own life, I have no words. When I can be in my community and share what I do with them… it’s amazing.”

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thank you

The Los Angeles LGBT Center is extremely grateful for the support of the following new Sustaining Donors and Circle of Life members.

GOLD CIRCLE

SILVER CIRCLE

$6,000–$11,999

$1,500–$1,799

Merryll D. McElwain & Lisa A. Marquis Axel Shalson^

William D. Adams Sara Bergamo^ Alexander Cox^ Wilson Cruz^ Ariane David Amber Eyerly Jason Frazier Jeffrey M. Janis & Mr. Richard O’Connell Thomas Johnson & Timothy Loo^ Alan Jon & Norman M. Tse^ James S. Keagy Gregory Mueller, M.D. & Greg Turnbull^ Michelle Nguyen John Oleary Micah Pittard^ Cheryl Rivin David Rose David Spare David J. Tolbert^ Jody Vaclav^

STERLING CIRCLE $3,600–$5,999 Barry & Martin Lissa Buzzelli & Martha Jimenez* Daphne Dennis & John Given* Tho Ngo & Kathy Chantraprabhavej^

SILVER CIRCLE $2,400–$3,599 Scott Dressler* Zachary Smith & Virginia Thorson Richard A. West & Eric J. Fischer*

SILVER CIRCLE $1,800–$2,399

For information about Planned Giving or becoming a Sustaining Donor, please contact: Jennifer Dawson Director of Major Gifts jdawson@lalgbtcenter.org 323-993-8932

Andrew Dorado* Gerhardt Felgemaker & Jim Hill Karen Griffith & Debra Peters Heinz L. Jacobson* Nicolas Jequier-Ashcraft Todd Osborne Benson Russell & Megan Korns* Paul D. Steinke & Jordan Von Netzer*

CIRCLE OF LIFE Max Bekert & Robert Amarante Paul Drooks Julian Farrar Paul Lerner & Stephen Reis Don Williams Donor list as of May 1, 2016 * Indicates an increase in membership level. ^ Indicates a multi-year pledge.

Dave Dell Major Gifts Associate ddell@lalgbtcenter.org 323-993-8903

Tim Lee Major Gifts Officer tlee@lalgbtcenter.org 323-993-8945

Allan Carp Director of Planned Giving acarp@lalgbtcenter.org 323-993-8963

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REALIZE THE POWER OF A GIFT. Making the Center part of your legacy in your will is the most important contribution you can make to the organization. Ways to give include wills and living trusts; beneficiary designations; charitable gift annuities, remainder trusts, and lead trusts; memorials and tribute gifts; and real estate.

By including the Center in your estate plan or making another type of planned gift, you help ensure a strong and vibrant future for the Center as we build a world where LGBT people thrive as healthy, equal, and complete members of society.

LEARN MORE AT LALGBTCENTER.ORG/LEGACY.

Donor profile

A Man for All Reasons

FRED WIETERSEN HAD A LIFELONG GOAL: MAKE ENOUGH MONEY TO CHANGE THE LIVES OF LGBT YOUTH.

“Before he had a nickel, he’d already decided he needed to make money because he wanted to help people,” said Croft Wellwood, Wietersen’s friend for more than 20 years.

The two friends first met in 1968 in Los Angeles, while working the graveyard shift as operators on two giant computer mainframes, each of which took up an entire room. Both moved on to build their own successful businesses, keeping in touch throughout the years.

In the mid 1980s, Wietersen invited Wellwood to serve on the board of directors of his computerized subscription fulfillment service company. Shortly after extending that invitation, Wietersen decided it was also time to share some important news with his longtime friend.

“I got a letter from him one day that said something like ‘this is to advise you that I’m gay in case that impacts your decision about the board,’” Wellwood said.

“I was stunned that he thought that would make a difference to me.”

While the 1970s are known as the decade that gave birth to a burgeoning LGBT liberation movement in America, the 1980s are characterized by the onset of HIV/AIDS and coming out was still a difficult decision for many. Still, helping LGBT youth continued to motivate Wietersen’s business plans.

“He told me about the anguish, fear, self-doubt, and confusion he experienced growing up. He was determined to help youth get through this period of life with fewer scars than he had,” said

Wellwood. “He told me that to really help, he had to focus on making money. He even joked that he might have to start voting Republican.”

By the late 1980s, Wietersen had been diagnosed with AIDS. “It was literally another world then. This was before AZT; nobody knew how to treat it,” said Wellwood. “Going through that rattled me. It changes your perspective on a lot of things.”

Wellwood visited often, helping to take care of his friend who was in and out of the hospital as his health deteriorated. In 1991, at the age of just 46, Wietersen died of AIDS-related complications.

“When it became obvious he wouldn’t make it, Fred was brutally frank about things, including what to do with the money in his estate,” said Wellwood. “Fred said he wanted it to fulfill his lifelong goal of helping LGBT youth.”

Today Wellwood is the proud trustee of the Fred Wietersen Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives, happiness, and sense of well-being of LGBT youth.

“He didn’t spend money on himself, he invested it to eventually help LGBT youth. And

it’s because the Los Angeles LGBT Center is doing such important work to save and improve the lives LGBT young people that the Wietersen Foundation is so supportive of the Center,” said Wellwood.

Last December, the foundation helped raise more than $100,000 for Center programs and services for youth by offering a $50,000 matching gift.

“The Center is very fortunate and grateful to be one of the foundation’s beneficiaries. We are even more fortunate that Croft Wellwood used funding from the foundation to launch a matching gift challenge that helped us raise the $50,000 goal and much more! A matching gift challenge is the perfect way to double the impact of a generous gift and inspire others to give,” said Center Chief Development Officer Bill McDermott.

“As humble as he was, Fred would be very proud to be a part of the Center’s success and to know that he achieved his life’s ambition by helping to change the lives of so many kids,” said Wellwood. “He planned this. What makes him great is that he was not satisfied just being a good person. He had to go much further and make things right for others. He is an inspiration.”

Summer 2016

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Take Five Volunteer ››

Kyle Le WHY DID YOU BECOME A CENTER VOLUNTEER?

PRONOUNS:

VOLUNTEER POSITION:

He/Him/His

Special Events

HOMETOWN:

Fountain Valley, CA

Take 5 Minutes GET TO KNOW CENTER STAFF MEMBERS & VOLUNTEERS

Before coming to the Center, I wasn’t very involved with the community because I wasn’t as comfortable with myself.

I was scared of what might happen when I decided to come out to my parents. I wanted to be more open about myself with them. I told my mom first and she told me, “Don’t worry, I’ll love you no matter what.” She was very supportive and so was my dad. He said he was sad, not because I came out as gay, but because I didn’t feel like I could be myself around him. I’m very lucky and have amazing parents who are so supportive.

Volunteering at the Center has really helped me on my personal journey. After I came out to my family, I really wanted to meet other LGBT people. I’ve become more open and confident by surrounding myself with others who are so comfortable with themselves. Being around people who are advocating for LGBT rights makes you want to be an activist too.

I really love volunteering for the Senior Services events, like the Sock Hop, Holiday Party, and Senior Prom. I have so much respect for our LGBT seniors who have been through so much. I just can’t imagine how hard it must have been 50 years ago, when I thought it was hard five years ago. I love being able to give back to this community.

WHAT’S YOUR LIFE LIKE OUTSIDE THE CENTER? I’m currently a fourth year student at UCLA, studying biology. I’ve been doing research in a neurosurgery lab and I’m also involved in a bunch of other activities, including singing in an a capella group called Resonance A Capella. I also recently got accepted to medical school so I’ll be heading off to get my M.D. in the fall.

Staff ››

Cailin Lafontaine HOW DID YOU FIRST HEAR ABOUT AIDS/LIFECYCLE? My ex-boyfriend’s sister told me about it because she knew I ran marathons and was training for triathlons. When I got back to my job as a financial services manager, after traveling from the East Coast to complete my first AIDS/LifeCycle in 2011, I asked myself whether I’d be proud of what I was doing when retelling my life story at the age of 80.

I found such a warm and welcoming community on the ride, that I decided this is what I have to do with my life. I sold basically everything I owned, packed one suitcase, and drove cross-country to California without any job lined up, knowing that someday I would work for AIDS/LifeCycle.

As a cyclist rep, I coach people through their journeys. From the moment they register, I am there to help them with their training, fundraising, logistics, and to cheerlead them through every step and pedal of the process.

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During the ride, I am typically stationed in camp each day, helping to set up the infrastructure of the site. After the ride, the cyclist reps jump right back into our yearlong roles, helping to recruit new participants and onboard them into the “love bubble” community.

WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM AIDS/LIFECYCLE? It’s something done each year by Chicken Lady, who is an AIDS/LifeCycle institution in her own right. This was her 22nd ride!

Dressed in a pink jacket, colorful skirt, silver stockings, and wearing a purse shaped like a chicken, she is a constant motivator on the route for those struggling to persevere. On the

PRONOUNS:

STAFF POSITION:

She/Her/Hers

AIDS/LifeCycle Cyclist Representative

HOMETOWN:

Naugatuck, CT

final morning of the ride—after a week of emotional peaks and valleys and physical highs and lows—each rider finds a little plastic egg attached to their seats by the Chicken Lady; inside is a message that’s equal parts motivational and corny.

AIDS/LifeCycle will change your life and challenge you in ways you would never expect. It’s life-changing and life-saving.

Center Classes

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mi centro Classes

FREE COMING OUT WORKSHOPS AND SOCIAL GROUPS designed for Southern California’s Spanish-speaking LGBT community are held at Mi Centro, the Center’s location in Boyle Heights.

COMING OUT WORKSHOP EN ESPAÑOL Designed to make coming out as gay, lesbian, or bisexual a positive and empowering experience for you.

Topics include understanding and accepting your unique sexual identity (i.e. coming out to yourself,) coming out to family and friends, coming out at work, dating and intimacy, and facing your internalized homophobia.

If you think you might be gay, lesbian, or bisexual, or if you are newly out to yourself and/or in the process of coming out to the people in your life, this workshop is a safe and confidential place.

For more information and to learn how to enroll, call our recorded information line at 877-688-4543.

LATINA WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT SOCIAL GROUP Latina women are a powerful and passionate part of today’s LGBTQ community. This group will foster the growth and discovery of today’s LGBTQ Latina voices.

We are currently gathering names of Latina women interested in taking part and then will begin as a social group designed to inspire dialogue and spark ideas for the group’s potential. Once a solid core has been formed, participants will design and chart the group’s future.

Register your interest in participating at lalgbtcenter.org/micentro.

LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER, MI CENTRO 553 S. Clarence St. Los Angeles, CA 90033

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MI CENTRO, LOCALIZADO EN BOYLE HEIGHTS OFRECE TALLERES GRATUITOS para salir del clóset y grupos sociales diseñados para la comunidad LGBT de habla hispana en el sur de California

TALLER EN ESPAÑOL PARA SALIR DEL CLÓSET Diseñado para que el proceso que conlleva salir del clóset como gay, lesbiana o bisexual sea una experiencia positiva y de empoderamiento para usted.

Los temas incluyen: entender y aceptar su identidad sexual única (p.ej. salir del clóset con uno mismo), con su familia y amigos, en el trabajo, al salir con alguien y en la intimidad, y cómo enfrentar su fobia interiorizada.

Si cree que usted puede ser gay, lesbiana o bisexual, o si acaba de salir del clóset consigo mismo y/o se encuentra en el proceso de compartirlo con sus seres queridos, este taller es un lugar seguro y confidencial.

Para más información y para aprender acerca de cómo inscribirse llame a nuestra línea telefónica al 877-6884543, donde le brindamos información pregrabada.

GRUPO SOCIAL DE EMPODERAMIENTO DE MUJERES LATINAS Las mujeres latinas forman parte de la poderosa y apasionada comunidad LGBTQ. Este grupo fomentará el crecimiento y descubrimiento de las voces latinas LGBTQ de hoy en día. Estamos recolectando nombres de mujeres latinas que estén interesadas en participar y posteriormente comenzar un grupo social diseñado para estimular el diálogo e impulsar ideas para el potencial del grupo. Una vez que se haya formado una base sólida, las participantes diseñarán y trazarán el futuro del grupo.

Si está interesado en participar regístrese en lalgbtcenter.org/micentro.

Peer-Led Groups

v AA Happy Hour Tues.–Fri., 6:15–7:15 p.m.

v Village Readers An LGBT reading and discussion group Every 1st Wed., 7:30–9 p.m.

v Al-Anon Gay Focus Thurs., 7–8 p.m.

Alcoholics Anonymous: It’s Come to This Mon., 6:15–7:15 p.m.

Canceled July 4 and Sept. 5 v

v Crystal Meth Anonymous Sat., 9:10–10:10 a.m. v Debtors Anonymous Tues., 8–9 p.m.

July 6: I Am Not Myself These Days

by Josh Kilmer-Purcell Aug. 3: On the Move– A Life by Oliver Sacks Sept. 7: The Eye in the Door by Pat Barker Oct. 5: The Gay Metropolis: The Landmark History of Gay Life in America

by Charles Kaiser 30+ Lesbian Chat Meet women outside of the bars Every 1st & 3rd Fri., 7:30–9 p.m. v

v Gay & Lesbian CODA Tues., 8–9 p.m. v Marijuana Anonymous Wed., 8:15–9:15 p.m.

Community Groups

v NA: Heartbeat of Recovery Mon., 7–8 p.m.

Canceled July 4 and Sept. 5

v Bears L.A. Every 3rd Wed., 7–10 p.m. v L.A. Leather Coalition Every 1st Thurs., 7–9 p.m.

OA Thurs., 7–8 p.m. v

Positive Images HIV+ Men’s Forum v Every Wed., 7–9 p.m. v Every Thurs., 6–8 p.m.

Canceled March 31 & May 30 Call 323-860-7321 to RSVP

One Page at a Time Thurs., 8:10 – 9:10 p.m. v

Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous Thurs., 6:30–7:30 p.m. v

v Gay Men’s Prostate Cancer Support Group Every 1st & 3rd Tues., 7–9 p.m.

Sponsored by Cancer Support Community Benjamin Center.

Call 310-314-2555 or visit CancerSupportCommunityBenjaminCenter.org

v Sexual Compulsives Anonymous Mon., Wed., Thurs., 8–9 p.m.

Sat., Noon–1:15 p.m.

Canceled July 5 and Sept. 5 v UA: Artist in Prosperity Tues., 7–8 p.m.

v Rated M Last Tues., 6 p.m.

Meet other young guys (18-24) to talk about dating, relationships, and healthy, erotic sex.

To RSVP or for more information, contact 323-860-7353 or colorincommon@lalgbtcenter.org

Women’s AA Wed., 8–9 p.m. v

Coming Out Coming Out Workshops for Women Coming Out Workshops for Men Safe, nurturing workshops for anyone who is facing their own coming out process.

Call 877-OUT-4-LIFE for recorded information and instructions for enrollment.

More information at comingoutla.org.

The Village 1125 N. McCadden Place

M

McDonald/Wright 1625 N. Schrader Blvd.

v Bi-osphere* Explore and discuss the many shades of today’s diverse bisexual community Every 2nd & 4th Mon., 8–9:30 p.m. v HERstories* A gathering place for all LGBT women who want strong community and great conversation Every Mon., 8–9:30 p.m.

Canceled July 4 and Sept. 5 v Men’s Speakeasy* Great conversation for gay and bisexual men Every Tues., 8–9:30 p.m. v Transgender Perceptions* Conversation & community-building for transgender people Every Fri., 8–9:30 p.m.

Canceled June 17 and Sept. 2

* Groups may not welcome late arrivals.

Senior Groups For more information about Senior Services classes, please call 323-860-7322 or visit facebook.com/50pluslgbt.

To RSVP, email seniors@lalgbtcenter.org or call 323-860-5830 v Art Lab Call 323-860-5830 for date and time v Chair Yoga with Master Lakshmi Call 323-860-5830 for date and time v HIV+ 50+ Men’s drop-in support group Thurs., 1–3 p.m. v Larry’s Computer Club Call 323-860-5830 for date and time v Lunch for Everyone Call 323-860-5830 for date and time v Men’s Drop-In Support Group Wed., 10 a.m.–Noon v Movies for Everyone Call 323-860-5830 for date and time

Trans* Coming Out Labs Whether you need to embrace your true gender identity or share it with loved ones, these labs can help. Trans* Lounge free membership required.

More info at TransLounge.org

V

Social Networking Groups

Group Meetings

12-Step Groups

Valley Social and Networking Group Thurs., Noon–1:30 p.m.

Metropolitan Community Church 5730 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood Call 323-860-5830

H

Highland 1220 N. Highland Ave.

Empty= Offsite

Summer 2016

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notes

News and notes from the Center’s life-changing and life-saving programs and services A BERRY SPECIAL VISIT

To learn about and discuss the Center’s global advocacy work, U.S. State Department Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons Randy W. Berry met with Center staff in April and toured the McDonald/Wright building, then spoke at a community reception at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza.

Berry, who previously served as consul general at the U.S. Consulate in Amsterdam, was appointed by Secretary of State John Kerry in 2015 to be the country’s first international envoy for LGBT rights.

PrEPARATION IS KEY

LOVING OUR FELLOW MAN

In partnership with AIDS Project Los Angeles, the Center is co-sponsoring a landmark California bill (AB 2640) that would ensure people who test negative for HIV receive information about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).

Center Health Education Specialist Thomas Davis was selected by the Human Rights Campaign as one of ten nationwide recipients of the inaugural HIV 360° Fellowship funded by the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Thomas will receive nine months of training to enhance his ongoing HIV and sexual health education work at the Center.

At press time, the bill passed the California State Assembly and is going to the California State Senate.

Sign the Center’s online petition urging the state legislature & Gov. Jerry Brown to support AB 2640 at lalgbtcenter.org/AB2640.

“I’m glad to work in a place that focuses on empowering and educating the individual to make informed decisions about sexual health and to seek support or treatment when anything happens,” said Thomas, whose personal journey of living with HIV inspires his work. “I’m excited about this opportunity to advance my skills and experience.”

LIFEWORKS HONORS SCHOLARS

ONE JOURNEY’S END IS ANOTHER’S BEGINNING Nearly 2,400 cyclists and 605 volunteer roadies participated in AIDS/LifeCycle, a life-changing 545-mile, seven-day bicycle journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles that began on June 5. The participants raised more than $16.1 million for the HIV/ AIDS-related services of the Center and San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

Register now for next year’s AIDS/LifeCycle, June 4-10, 2017, at aidslifeycle.org.

Use code VANGUARD to save $25 on the registration fee.

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More than $35,000 in scholarships were awarded to deserving LGBT youth as part of the Center’s LifeWorks scholarship program.

This year’s scholarships were funded by Edison International, Comcast NBCUniversal, and the Felice Samuel Greene Memorial Fund.

Recipients will study a variety of fields, from environmental engineering to journalism, at various colleges and univer sities. These scholarships are in addition to the Center’s support for clients in professional trade schools. Education along with our job placement program are the two most important initiatives for LGBT youth at the Center.

To learn more about LifeWorks scholarships, visit lalgbtcenter.org/ scholarships.

voices

Analysis and insight from the Center’s staff on current issues and events facing our community

DR. ROBERT BOLAN

JON IMPARATO

Medical Director

Director, Cultural Arts and Education

The Center, with AIDS Project Los Angeles, is co-sponsoring a California bill (AB 2640) that would ensure people who test negative for HIV receive information about methods that reduce the risk of contracting HIV, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Bolan explained why the legislation is needed as published on Advocate.com Excerpt: “Alarmingly, there are still many medical providers who aren’t familiar with two very effective methods to protect against HIV infection: PrEP and PEP. There are also those who refuse to discuss or recommend PrEP for moralistic reasons, just as some doctors refused to prescribe the birth control pill in the 1960s.

“Frankly, a law like this shouldn’t be necessary, but unfortunately it is—especially when the world’s largest AIDS service organization, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, actively campaigns against the use of a pill for PrEP that, when taken daily, has proven to be 99 percent effective at preventing HIV infection.”

Read the entire article at: bit.ly/LGBTprep

Imparato spoke to Frontiers about the third year of CineArte, a showcase of LGBTQ, two-spirited, Latin@, Chican@, and indigenous identities through film and visual art held at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza.

Excerpt: “There are many film festivals in Los Angeles, but only a fraction of them are specifically for people of color. CineArte showcases the vision and voices of artists who don’t receive the recognition they deserve.

Considering the large Latina/o population and influence in L.A., the creation of CineArte was inevitable.

“The flip side of that conversation is the lack of LGBTQ filmmakers of color. There are very few people who are out filmmakers in Hollywood, and considering the rich stories we have to tell about the LGBTQ communities of color, it’s criminal that queer filmmakers of color are left in the dark.”

Read the entire article at: bit.ly/LGBTarte

DRIAN JUAREZ

AMANDA WALLNER

Program Manager, Transgender Economic Empowerment Project

Policy & Operations Manager, Public Policy

Juarez discusses the misunderstood aspects of gender identity with high school students at Harvard-Westlake School, Los Angeles, as reported in the school’s online newspaper The Chronicle:

Wallner discusses the Center’s 360 health and wellness conference for LBTQ women on The Out Agenda, highlighting the need for community-specific access to health care.

Excerpt: “We grow up believing ‘male’ and ‘female’ are the only normal relationships and that ‘feminine’ and ‘masculine’ are the only normal identities. So once we see things that don’t align with those concepts, we perceive them as abnormal and different. It really sets up the idea that heterosexism is normal and everything else isn’t.

“I believe the future is fluid. I believe it will be about doing away with pronouns and gender cues like guys wearing flats and girls wearing heels.

I think that is going to be blown out of the water and instead be about accepting each other for who we are— regardless of the language we use to describe ourselves.”

Read the entire article at: bit.ly/LGBTgender

Excerpt: “LBTQ women face a lot of health disparities compared to heterosexual populations. They are more likely to use substances, such as drugs and alcohol. And they’re more likely to smoke, which puts them at a high risk for certain things such as heart disease and different types of cancer. They’re less likely to have a regular doctor, which is one of the reasons we make sure we have people at 360 who can connect women to care.

“The conference is an opportunity for LBTQ women to put themselves first and focus on some of the things that may put them at a higher risk.

It’s a really big issue for our community. Many times LBTQ women do not seek out health care because they are worried about facing discrimination.”

Hear the full interview at: bit.ly/LGBT360

Summer 2016

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Photo Finish

Simply diVine Held at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza and along McCadden Place, guests enjoyed unlimited tastings at the annual event, among them (1, l-r) Brett McLaughlin, Center Board Member and event co-chair Susan Feniger, and YouTube personality Connor Franta; (2, l-r) American Airlines’ Michael Williams, Billy Roth, The Office’s Leslie David Baker, and American Airlines’ Nashir Hirjee; and (3, l-r) Lisa Marquis, Center Board Member Merryll McElwain, Center Board Member Tess Ayers, Center Board Co-Chair Marki J. Knox, M.D., and Jane Anderson. Entertainment, including (4) contortionist Tyler Jacobson, provided by Eye of Newt Circus.

1

Faking It MTV hosted an advance screening of the hit show at the Center’s Renberg Theatre, which included a Q&A session with (5, second from left) cast member Michael J. Willett, producer Carter Covington, cast members Elliott Fletcher and Rita Volk, and director Silas Howard. GLAAD’s Nick Adams, far left, moderated the conversation.

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CineArte (6) Kay Sedia delighted guests, among them (7) actor Roland Ruiz, at the third annual queer Latin@ festival with a special performance at Renberg Theatre. (8, left) Los Angeles Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell presented certificates of appreciation to artistic luminaries, among them Martin Matamoros, right.

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WxW Film Festival

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(9) The Los Angeles Women’s Network hosted its inaugural short film screening at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, with (10, l-r) filmmakers Sara Fletcher and Leah McKendrick, and LAWN Board Member Lynne Witmer, among the guests. For more information about LAWN, visit lalgbtcenter.org/lawn.

An Evening with Women

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(11, l-r) NCIS cast member Pauley Perrette, event co-chair Linda Perry, Center CEO Lorri L. Jean, event co-chair and Center Board Secretary Annie Goto, and event co-chairs Brent Bolthouse and Kelly Lynch on the red carpet at the annual event which raised money for the Center’s services for women and girls. (12) Comedian Fortune Feimster and (13) and headliner Macy Gray rocked the house with (14, l-r) Kausar Mohammed and Krishna Kumar and (15, l-r) Daniel Franzese, Caroline Vreeland, Jess Mair, and Breeda Wool among the guests at the Hollywood Palladium.

Celebrating the Life of Beloved Activist, Client

Alice Herman, 80, a beloved client of the Center’s Senior Services program and a resident of Triangle Square, the Center’s affordable housing complex for LGBT seniors, passed away in March after a long battle with lung cancer.

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Get Centered Luncheon (16) Actor Wilson Cruz gave a riveting speech on how the Center helped him during his time of need to guests, among them (17, l-r) Matt Meadors, Ashlee Marie Preston, Meyling Eliash-Daneshear, and Rose Gaspar, who gathered at the W Hollywood to learn more about the Center’s programs and services.

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YPC Groundbreakers

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The Center’s Young Professionals Council hosted a thoughtful discussion, with panelists (18, second from left) RadPad’s Jonathan Eppers, Varsity Gay League’s Will Hackner, footwear designer Nik Kacy, and photographer/writer/artist Jeff Sheng, about living and working in Los Angeles as a young professional. Pride.com’s Tracy Gilchrist, far left, moderated the discussion. For more information about YPC, visit lalgbtcenter.org/ypc.

Herman turned to the Center when she was on the verge of homelessness after the death of her wife, Sylvia Purdue. Together 45 years, the couple was legally married in California, but Herman was denied her wife’s Social Security payment under the Federal Defense of Marriage Act. She was forced out of the apartment the couple had shared for many years.

“The gift I got at Triangle Square is I could talk about Sylvia all I want,” Herman told the Pasadena StarNews in 2014. “I could cry. I could grieve. I could openly share my history. I am somebody. I have loved somebody. I am real. We have touched people’s lives. She mattered.”

Not long after the Center helped her make a home at Triangle Square, Herman became a fierce advocate to end the Social Security Administration’s discriminatory policies against samesex couples. She put a human face to the issue by speaking out at a Center news conference and continued to speak about the impact of the discrimination to media around the country. In 2012 she joined Center CEO Lorri L. Jean on Capitol Hill to lobby legislators and to promote the introduction of the Centersponsored Social Security Equality Act.

Summer 2016

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Photo Finish

AIDS/LifeCycle (19) 2,400 cyclists pedaled out of Cow Palace in San Francisco to begin their seven-day, 545-mile journey to Los Angeles, which included (20, 21) Red Dress Day on Day Five. (22) Coney the Safety Mascot traveled with the cyclists, who took advantage of rest stops in the town of Bradley, where (23) students raised money for their school’s arts program by serving food to the cyclists, and at (24) Mission Soledad, where the highly-anticipated Otter Pop Stop is held. (25, 26) The halfway-point to Los Angeles occurred on Day Four, when cyclists biked from Paso Robles to Santa Maria. (27) They crossed the finish line three days later at Fairfax High School.

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360 Conference 28

More than 150 guests gathered at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza for the annual health and wellness fair for LBTQ women, among them (28, l-r) Dawn Bridgewater and Sarah Baker, and (29, l-r) Lee Marquardt and Carmen Graham. (30, l-r) Planned Parenthood’s Ying Wu and Lavender Labor’s Samantha Hillstrom represented some of the women’s services in the community.

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Los Angeles Pride Held in West Hollywood, (31) the Center paid tribute to the Orlando shooting victims during the Pride Parade, followed by (32) LGBT mariachi band, Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles, and (33-35) hundreds of supporters who marched with the Center along Santa Monica Boulevard.

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The Center’s evolution is clearly depicted in two contrasting photos taken during LA Pride. In the 1970s, (left) the Center was known as the Gay Community Services Center.

In the 1980s, (above), the word “lesbian” was added to form the Gay & Lesbian Community Services Center.

Images courtesy of ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives Summer 2016

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give

Why I Give

Pauley Perrette I

was first introduced to the Los Angeles LGBT Center years ago when my friend who is HIV-positive was also diagnosed with lymphoma.

I was getting his HIV meds for him and was told to go to the Center’s pharmacy.

I was so impressed with this place, which I had seen many times in my neighborhood, yet had no idea just what it was.

Later, as I learned about the Center and became friends with many who worked there, I became fully aware of just how incredible this place is. I took several tours of every facility and learned as much as I could about all of the programs. I was so proud of this place our entire community is so blessed with.

As a life-long civil rights and LGBT activist—as well as an advocate for the homeless—I saw solutions. The Center provides care and aid for our LGBT youth, seniors, and everyone in between. I was well aware of our homeless statistics in Hollywood, including the staggering percentage of youth who are homeless simply because they identify as LGBT. It is heartbreaking that these kids have been cast out of their homes just because of who they are.

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The Center provides a safe place for our homeless LGBT youth to come, learn, advance, and mostly just be who they are, while getting the support they need to make it on their own. A special place to me at the Youth Center on Highland is the clothing closet. Kids can get clean clothes, or perhaps safely choose and wear—for the first time—garments that match their gender identity. Some-

I was so proud of this place our entire community is so blessed with. thing as basic as this can truly be life changing for a struggling young person.

The facilities for our senior LGBT friends provide a place to go to socialize and learn as well. This is an often forgotten part of the LGBT community. These programs and services improve their quality of life immensely.

The Center’s top-notch medical facility at the McDonald/Wright Building provides excellent health care for LGBT people in a welcoming environment for

all who need it. Whether treating routine health issues, providing specialty care for transgender people and those living with HIV, or addressing the tragic epidemic of methamphetamine use in the LGBT community, the Center’s resources are available to all.

As a person of strong faith, it has always broken my heart that our LGBT friends, family, neighbors, and humans have been denied so much, often under the umbrella of misguided religiosity. I attend Hollywood United Methodist Church, which is a beacon for the belief that everyone is absolutely equal and a beloved child of God. I felt God’s love for everyone in every inch of the Center as well.

Knowing everything the Center does for our community, the health, welfare, and general wellbeing of all who enter— without judgment—is something we all should be proud of and support. I am so proud of our Center and to be a part of the Center family.

Pauley Perrette, star of NCIS, hosted the Center’s An Evening with Women in 2015 and became a table host for the same event in 2016.