Metrosource National - DEC 2020/JAN 2021

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you

have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.

 Have or have had any kidney or liver problems,

including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby.

Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed.

Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:  Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-

counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

 BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other.

Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at

MyDailyCharge.com

GET MORE INFORMATION  This is only a brief summary of important information

about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5  If you need help paying for your medicine,

visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP ASPIRING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2020 © 2020 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved.

BVYC0197 03/20

DIMITRI LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

KEEP ASPIRING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

See Dimitri’s story at BIKTARVY.com.

Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

THE GOOD THINGS IN 2020

VIEWS

EDITOR’S LETTER

SUFFICE IT TO SAY THAT 2020 WAS NOT THE YEAR ANYONE ANTICIPATED WHEN THE CONFETTI ERUPTED ON NEW YEAR’S EVE USHERING IN THE NEW DECADE. To put it mildly, 2020 was one brutal year on many fronts, and while I do not want to brush aside the reality we all find ourselves in, I do think it is important to find some light in the darkness. So, here are some good things to come out of 2020 (yes, there were some):

• Telemedicine. While not a new concept, is now accepted as providing real value to many who might not be able to see a doctor or mental health expert in the person. Which is critical for those disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, including communities of color and people living with HIV. This is also helpful if living in a community where it is not safe to be out as LGBTQ, or where access to LGBTQ-affirming health care is limited. Telemedicine allows LGBTQ people access to experts who are affirming and welcoming.

• Greater appreciation for real heroes in everyday life – doctors, emergency responders, frontline workers, teachers, and others, are getting the respect they deserve for the difficult jobs they do day in and day out.

• Pet adoptions are at an all-time high. Which brings about the old saying, “Who is saving who?”

• Lady Gaga gave us a new album for sweaty living room dance parties.

• We’ve proven working from home works.

• The environment gets a break and air quality improves due to reduced commuting hours and increased work from home hours. Global emissions are down by 17 percent and the UN Environment Program claimed 2020 to be a super year for nature and biodiversity. While it may be a short-term gain, imagine if a majority of the population drove electric cars.

• Drive-in Drag is now a thing.

• John Krasinski made good news go viral with the YouTube series “Some Good News.”

• Facts triumphed over fiction.

• The Chicks returned after 14 years with “Gaslighter” and reignited our love of twangy empowerment songs.

• Puzzles and board games provided a break from our TV/computer screens.

• The rediscovery of baking (we might have gained a little weight with all that banana bread), and gardening.

• Crayola launched a box of crayons with diverse skin colors for children to “accurately color themselves into the world.”

•Saturday Night Live.

•Movies going straight to streaming to view in our living rooms.

•Wearing sweatpants and tees became acceptable fashion choices all day, every day.

•Birdwatching became a fun pastime.

•Realizing that we must do our part to support our LGBTQ community restaurants, bars, cabarets, boutiques, drag queens, and others (from the comfort of home), to keep our community institutions alive.

On behalf of the entire Metrosource team, I wish you a very safe and happy holiday season and new year.

PUBLISHER Bent Share Entertainment, LLC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael Westman COPY EDITOR James Delyea CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cesar A Reyes MARKETING DIRECTOR Christopher Jackson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Steven Garcia FEATURE WRITER Alexander Rodriguez CONTRIBUTING WRITERS James Patrick

Jeffrey James Keyes Megan Venzin Michael Westman Steve Gottfried

NATIONAL DISPLAY ADVERTISING

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Bent Share Entertainment, LLC 6475 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., #438 Long Beach, CA 90803 800-818-0480 Subscriptions: One year (6 issues): $19.95; 12 issues: $34.95.

Reproduction of any article, listing or advertisement without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. The people, businesses and organizations appearing in Metrosource are supportive of the gay community. Mention of any person, business or organization is not a reflection of their sexual orientation. ©2020 Bent Share Entertainment, LLC. Advertisers in Metrosource acknowledge that they do business in the spirit of cooperation, fairness and service, maintaining a high level of integrity and responsibility. Providers of products or services are fully and solely responsible for same as advertised. Metrosource assumes no responsibility or liability for improper or negligent business practices by advertisers. The appearance of any person, model, business or organization in this publication, by name, advertisement or photograph is not an indication of sexual orientation.

Advertisers and their agencies assume all responsibility and legal liability for the content of their advertisements in Metrosource. Publisher assumes no liability for safe-keeping or return of unsolicited art, manuscripts or other materials.

Metrosource reserves the right to edit all material for clarity, length and content.

All contents are copyright Bent Share Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved.

Content may only be reproduced with written permission from Bent Share Entertainment, LLC. Metrosource assumes no liability for any claims or representations contained anywhere in this magazine and reserve the right to cancel or refuse advertising at publisher’s discretion.

@metrosource @metrosource @metrosourcemag

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THIS PAGE: TITUSS BURGESS PHOTO BY JEFF MILLS | IG: @JEFFMILLSPHOTOGRAPHY | WWW.JEFFMILLSPHOTO.COM • JONATHAN BENNETT PHOTO BY COLLIN STARK • PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTHEW RICHARDSON • PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENNAN CLOST • SCOTT SCHOFIELD PHOTO BY OLIVIA HEMARATANATORN

December 2020/January 2021 | VOLUME 31, NO. 6

CONTENTS

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22

16 JONATHAN BENNETT MAKING ROOM AT THE HALLMARK HOLIDAY TABLE

22 TITUSS BURGESS LIVING HIS PASSION

36 MATTHEW RICHARDSON

36

SPINNING A MESSAGE OF TOLERANCE

38 BRENNAN CLOST DANCES ONTO THE SCREEN IN ‘TINY PRETTY THINGS’

46 SCOTT SCHOFIELD EXPANDING VISIBILITY OF TRANS CHARACTERS IN ENTERTAINMENT

38

46

ON THE COVER: Photo by Jeff Mills | IG: @jeffmillsphotography | www.jeffmillsphoto.com METROSOURCE.COM

DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

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DEPARTMENTS

December 2020/January 2021 | VOLUME 31, NO. 6

28 7 THE SCOPE Kylie Minogue Wants to take you to the Disco

12 HOLIDAY

12

Paul Zahn The King of Cocktail Chat Festive Cocktails for the Holiday Season

21 FINANCE Personal Finance Resolve to be Money Wise in 2021: Set a Budget

37 HOLIDAY

37

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DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

Gift Guide Something for Everyone in Your List

METROSOURCE.COM

BODY 28 HEALTH APPly Yourself in 2021

VIEWS 4 EDITOR’S LETTER The Good Things in 2020

THIS PAGE: PAUL ZAHN PHOTO BY SETH HANCOCK PHOTOGRAPHY • APPS AND GIFTS PHOTOS BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

CULTURE

THESCOPE

CULTURE

THESCOPE

CURATED BY MICHAEL WESTMAN

THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT

LISTEN

KYLIE MINOGUE - DISCO

SHE IS A DISCO ICON AND POP PRINCESS WITH A CAREER SPANNING 30+ YEARS.

Kylie Minogue has achieved seven UK #1 singles plus a further twenty-four Top 10 hits. Seven of her albums have also topped the charts, including her most recent studio album, 2018’s ‘Golden’, and last year’s ‘Step Back In Time: The Definitive Collection’. She has sold 80 million albums worldwide but has also been sufficiently embraced by the streaming generation to command over 6 million monthly listeners at Spotify. And that’s before you consider the impact of three BRIT Awards, a Grammy and two MTV Europe Awards.

Kylie has continued to command the spotlight. In her 2019 appearance at Glastonbury, she pulled out all the stops: a set of some of pop’s most enduring classics, striking costume changes, a cannon of confetti, and special guest appearances by Chris Martin and Nick Cave. There were also

tears, as Kylie finally returned to the stage that she was due to headline back in 2005 before she was diagnosed with breast cancer. And the reaction was something else. It became the BBC’s most watched set in the festival’s history, with the NME describing it as “a surreal pop spectacle” and an “all-out celebration”.

Now Kylie continues to deliver the feel-good hits with her fifteenth studio album ‘DISCO’, transports us away from the mundanity of daily life to somewhere altogether more thrilling.‘DISCO’ features the recent singles ‘Say Something’ and ‘Magic’, and was largely recorded in lockdown with each team member recording and working from a separate location, leading to Kylie having a vocal engineering credit on all but two of the sixteen tracks on the record. Stream the album at https://kylie.lnk.to/DISCOPR. METROSOURCE.COM

DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

7

THESCOPE CULTURE

MODERNISM WEEK 2021

PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA WILL BE AGAIN BE HOSTING MODERNISM WEEK, a celebration of midcentury modern

architecture and design. While this year’s events will be different, Modernism Week is planning a variety of new and favorite events as both in-person and online programs for 2021, including architectural walking tours, home tours, garden and driving tours, and more. All ‘live’ events will follow established public health protocols and observe social distancing. Online events will include specially created video programs and provide free and low-cost streaming educational and entertainment experiences by noted architects, designers and historians who are experts in their fields. The educational and entertaining programs will cover topics ranging

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from historic building restoration and preservation to adaptive reuse and the development of affordable housing. These online programs will allow viewers to participate remotely from home and to safely share the online experiences with their families. Modernism Week celebrates and fosters appreciation of midcentury architecture and design and shares free and lowcost educational opportunities with the public. These programs help preserve and beautify neighborhoods and communities throughout the Coachella Valley and provide education worldwide. Tickets for in-person events will be available at https://modernismweek.com beginning January 1, 2021, with on-line programs going on sale February 1, 2021.

THIS PAGE: IMAGE BY ADOBESTOCK.COM

TOUR

WATCH

DASHING IN DECEMBER

PREMIERING SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13TH AT 7PM ET/PT ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK with simulcasts on Logo, Pop, and TV Land, Dashing in

December is an LGBTQ holiday film starring Juan Pablo Di Pace, Peter Porte and Golden Globe® nominee Andie MacDowell. Featuring a diverse cast and crew, Dashing in December follows Wyatt (Porte, Baby Daddy), a sophisticated, New York City financier who returns home for the holidays in an effort to convince his mother, Deb (MacDowell, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Groundhog Day) to sell the family’s ranch and beloved magical Winter Wonderland attraction. During his mission, an unexpected romance ignites with the new ranch hand Heath (Di Pace, Fuller House) reawakening the spirit of Christmas. The film also stars Caroline Harris (Westworld) and Carlos Sanz (Stronger, Crank). “This feel good project captures the importance of inclusive storytelling, the power of love and the spirit of the holidays all rolled into one,” said Meghan Hooper, EVP, Head of Original Movies and Limited Series for Paramount Network. The film also includes new original songs from Cody Belew (Hang Your Hat On My Christmas Tree), Fancy Hagood (Christmas Kiss) and Styles Haury (Christmas All Alone).

DRINK

FIVE HUSBANDS VODKA

THIS PAGE: DASHING IN DECEMBER CAST PHOTO COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT NETWORK • PRODUCT PHOTO COURTESY OF OGDEN’S OWN FIVE HUSBANDS VODKA

SHIRTS OFF, MASKS ON, OGDEN’S OWN FIVE HUSBANDS VODKA IS THE IDEAL DATE FOR A STAYAT-HOME PRIDE celebration all year long. Or

rather, the ideal dates – the more the merrier, right? Ogden’s Own released a new version of their label for PRIDE with team members adorning colorful face masks as they continue to support the LGBTQ+ community. We know you would rather be bar crawling than Zooming with your cocktails from home, but put on your favorite playlist, throw on that boa, and pour a Five Husbands DIY cocktail. Ogden’s Own Five Husbands Vodka is available at select retailers across Utah and conveniently online at https:// tinyurl.com/y5df9w59.

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READ

PROMISED LAND

BY BARACK OBAMA

VISIT

DAVID PARK - A RETROSPECTIVE

SFMOMA THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2021 AT THE AGE OF THIRTY-EIGHT, DAVID PARK (1911–1960) ABANDONED A CARLOAD OF HIS ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONIST CANVASES at the city

dump and started painting “pictures” — a radical decision that led to the development of Bay Area Figurative Art. Organized

by SFMOMA, this exhibition comprises 127 paintings and works on paper. It is the first major museum exhibition of Park’s work in three decades and the first to examine the full arc of his career, from his tightly controlled paintings from the 1930s to his

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final works on paper from 1960. The heart of the show is a rich selection of the 1950s Bay Area Figurative canvases for which he is best known — boldly executed compositions featuring musicians, domestic and vernacular scenes, portraits, boaters, and bathers. The works reveal an artist deeply connected to human experience and at the peak of his powers, reveling in the expressive and sensuous qualities of pure paint. https://www. sfmoma.org/exhibition/david-park-a-retrospective.

THIS PAGE: PROMISE LAND COVER IMAGE COURTESY OF RIZZOLI BOOKSTORE • FOUR MEN BY DAVID PARK IMAGE COURTESY OF SFMOMA

CULTURE

THESCOPE

A RIVETING, DEEPLY PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF HISTORY IN THE MAKING-from the president who inspired us to believe in the power of democracy In the stirring, highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency--a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil. Obama takes readers on a compelling journey from his earliest political aspirations to the pivotal Iowa caucus victory that demonstrated the power of grassroots activism to the watershed night of November 4, 2008, when he was elected 44th president of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the nation’s highest office. Reflecting on the presidency, he offers a unique and thoughtful exploration of both the awesome reach and the limits of presidential power, as well as singular insights into the dynamics of U.S. partisan politics and international diplomacy. This beautifully written and powerful book captures Barack Obama’s conviction that democracy is not a gift from on high, but something founded on empathy and common understanding ad built together, day by day. Available for purchase at https://www.rizzolibookstore.com.

PAUL ZAHN

THE KING OF COCKTAIL CHAT COCKTAILS

FESTIVE COCKTAILS

FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

IF THERE WAS THE SIMS: GAY BRUNCH, THE MOST SUCCESSFUL CHARACTER WOULD BE BASED ON ENTERTAINMENT GURU PAUL ZAHN

(IG: @PaulZahn) – a snappy dresser with the perfect daytime scruff, and master of the sassy chat with the ability to make a mean cocktail.

He could easily play the perfect boyfriend or that bestie who makes getting into trouble look fancy. And the killer? He gets paid for it.

Paul’s personality is in high demand as a beverage brand ambassador, BravoTV.com reporter, and on-air lifestyle expert. His quick wit and love of all things entertainment have put him on televisions across the nation, on red carpets in front of every kind of celebrity you can imagine.

We chatted about red carpets, television, and, of course, cocktails.

Most of us extroverted gays are blessed with the gift of gab, from brunch gossip or reality TV show recaps to political repartee. We can certainly talk.

I was always a Chatty Cathy. Growing up, my father used to ask me, “Do you just talk to hear yourself talk?” And I always replied, “YES!” Now, I explain to my father that I get PAID to talk so it all worked out. I have always enjoyed being around people and socializing!

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We will literally talk to everyone while avoiding working a normal job at all costs, even in our youth.

One of my first paying jobs was standing outside of a costume store, dressed as Captain Hook (wig and all!) trying to get people to go inside. I was probably 11 years old. The outfit was cute, the check was nice, and I was available.

Booked and blessed, henny!

Paul’s love of the gab and being front and center as a precocious youth saw him in school plays and musicals and then off to New York to work the East Coast stage, showing a little skin on the way.

I performed Off-Broadway in NYC and always say Broadway performers are the MOST talented in the world. While working Off-Broadway, I performed in Broadway Bares for six years. Volunteering with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS was one of the most artistically and personally rewarding experiences of my life. I even shared a stage with icons like Cyndi Lauper and Fran Drescher - so you can imagine how fun that was!

His career path and natural celebrity curiosity would take him to his first professional gig, hosting and producing for Time Warner Cable. He was also a contributor to OK! TV/Celebrity Page TV as a

THIS PAGE: PAUL ZAHN PHOTO BY ERIC SCHWABEL

HOLIDAY

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

THIS PAGE: COURTESY IMAGE FOR THE VELVET COFFEE KISS

part of their Entertainment Team. He also took part in the Yahoo/Coca-Cola PreShow at The American Music Awards, co-hosting the live show with celebrities like Lance Bass, Kandi Burruss, and Jordin Sparks, as produced by Dick Clark Productions. Those of us in the biz know that hosting gigs don’t usually come with a handbook and most times you are given a microphone and maybe a tip sheet with poorly xeroxed copies of celeb headshots and, if you are lucky, the title of their latest project.

I covered movie premieres, press junkets, and even co-hosted the official American Music Awards Pre-Show. I was thrust into the gig with little preparation but was lucky enough to interview everyone from George Clooney and Jennifer Garner to Sir Ben Kinglsey. And yes - you address him as SIR. It went well if you don’t count my interview with Jeremy Piven, who walked away midinterview because I said his movie would be available On Demand. I was wrong and he did NOT like that! I just laughed and kept rolling with the punches that’s what you need to do!

Approaching a celebrity can be like approaching a sleeping tiger. You never know what you are going to get when they focus in on you. Will they be the affable guest? Or the challenging opponent?

My approach when interacting with celebrities - whether it is creating an event for them or interviewing them - is speaking to them like they are human.

I have experienced so many cringe-worthy interactions where people approach celebrities and speak to them like they are aliens or superhuman. I always ask how their day is going, how the kids are, compliment something they are wearing - much like you would to a friend.

It sets the tone of familiarity and levels the playing field. The celebrities typically enjoy the day to day banter. And if you do need to ask them something personal or pressing (because your producer or editor requires this at times) - I wait until the end.

Red carpets and phone interviews can be super tricky. Some celebrities just do not like to talk without a script. Incredibly, standup comedians and comedic actors can sometimes be the most challenging. They either feel lost without their routine or like to match wits with

BRUNCH/NEW YEAR’S S HANGOVER THE VELVET COFFEE KISS 1 o z. Vodka 3/4 oz. Disaronno Velvet 1/2 oz. Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur 1 shot of espresso Build all ingredients in iced mixing tin. Shake and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with an espresso bean.

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DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

which is frustrating. I have had deals go south right before production started with the major production companies. I have also had managers that have asked me to change who I am when going into meetings - and that is not going to happen!

From the start of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy on Bravo TV almost twenty years ago, the idea of what an oncamera gay host should look like has continually shifted. There is still the stereotype of how a host should appear and act – the gay host robot.

I have had talent managers in the past ask me to “butch it up” or tell me “I’m not gay enough.” I was not aware there a “gay barometer” - do they sell it at GAY-MART? Unfortunately - that sort of conversation does not go well with me. So, I parted ways with that manager. I have had major entertainment shows say they like me “but they are looking for more diverse hosts.” The challenge of being a host is that you are not playing a role like an actor- you are being yourself. The critiques are quite literally about you, as a being. I do not take things personally and know I am not for

METROSOURCE.COM

HANUKKAH DRINK MANHATTAN 2 oz. THE BUSKER Irish Whiskey 1 oz. sweet vermouth 2 dashes Angostura bitters, 1 dash orange bitters Build all ingredients in mixing glass with ice. Stir.

Strain into coupe glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

everyone or for every outlet, but it can be a lot to take in.

Body image in the industry is slowly evolving. Though most gay hosts you see on-air will only fit in an extreme slim fit pant, times are changing. For those of us old enough to remember, Entertainment Tonight changed their news desk to a glass, no-front version so viewers could see Mary Hart’s legs. Now, the shift is towards personality rather than looks and that kind of thinking (along with Mary Hart’s career) is a thing of the past.You can thank social media for that.

The way people consume content has completely changed over the past 10-20 years.

Talent has direct access to an audience via social media and the internet. In the ‘80s you needed a major studio or record label to “approve” you to get your content to the masses. Now, people

THIS PAGE: PAUL ZAHN PHOTO COURTESY OF IG@PAULZAHN • MANHATTAN/WHISKEY PHOTO BY CHRISTINA RUSSO/FRESH PRINT MEDIA

COCKTAILS HOLIDAY

14

the interviewer. And then there is the off chance that the celeb does not like to get personal – like at ALL. One celebrity I was interviewing literally would not give a specific answer, so I just tried and asked even more specific questions. At the end of the day, I am a freelance writer - so without any “meat,” my story will not get greenlit by my editor. If things are not going anywhere when interviewing on camera, I just shift into timely topics - what is your favorite Christmas song? What is your favorite vacation getaway spot for the holidays? This way, you have some content to be used by producers.

Breaking into the hosting arena isn’t just showing up and looking pretty in front of the camera. There are the business development and marketing you must do for yourself. How you conduct the business side of your hosting persona is just as important as what you do in front of the camera. The time you see on camera is usually paved with a road of obstacles.

I have had development deals to produce and host my own projects with major television production companies get shelved,

THIS PAGE: COURTESY IMAGE FOR THE SPIKED ITALIAN APPLE CIDER

control their own content so the Issa Rae’s of the world can create, put out their work, and then get the major players on board. The approval process has shifted and changed - and I think it is great, because body image/appearance is not the driving force anymore. It is the talent. Look at shows like The Voice - perfect example.

Getting older in the industry also helps with ideas of body image. Having a consummate resume speaks for itself as does the idea of not having to compete with up-and-comers.

Being a host and entertaining expert is a lot less pressure than when I was an actor or model in my 20’s. People book me for my personality and expertise and not my looks, so I do not get those requests from photographers to pose nude or in provocative manners anymore.

However, I do try and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I go to the gym, drink lots of water, eat a healthy diet, and always wear sunscreen. After a few bouts with skin cancer - that is mandatory. And I have a great dermatologist who helps with “little arrangements,” to quote Walter Mercado.

In addition to his entertainment work, Paul has developed and marketed beverage brands with everyone from Fergie to 50 Cent to Pitbull. He has also worked on iconic spirit brands like Absolut Vodka, Malibu Rum, Disaronno, and Midori. During COVID, he has hosted a myriad of live tastings for his clients digitally. But perhaps one of his best stories deals with one of our gay Divas pre-fame.

Years ago, I worked for Absolut Vodka

in New York City. Absolut had a big focus on LGBT causes, and we sponsored a big event every year for an LGBT magazine, and a little know pop star attended. She had one single barely below the Top 100, but she had a voice that I loved. I oversaw the VIP room and all she wanted was vodka drinks, so we made sure she had them. Plenty of them. As the night was winding down, the Absolut team came to the VIP lounge and we all got our spirited sipping on. Fast forward to the end of the eve and this pop star was quite tipsy and fun. The issue, that I found out much, much later was her age - 19. It was Adele! She was a lot of fun!

As the go-to party guy with the booze, especially as a gay socialite, how does being the cocktail man work with being successful in a career?

Hosting events and working for spirits companies can be overwhelming at times. I work hard and play hard but try to keep a balance in life. Pre-COVID, I would rarely be out on a weekend because so much of my week is absorbed either hosting events for a spirits company or attending events as press. As I have gotten older, I really pick my battles when it comes to what and how I spend my free time. And water…lots of water!

Who knows when we will be hosting parties again? But when that time comes, Paul will be taking notes. The biggest faux pas?

Running out of ice, not having enough passed food and drinks, and long lines at bars at special events, are things that irk me. It is not brain surgery, people.

COVID has certainly changed the way we view get-togethers, social events, and even what we want to talk about. Paul has kept the party going with the addition of tech skills into his arsenal. Zoom happy hours have been a thing, why not make them a quality experience? Alcohol consumption has increased during COVID by 14%, not bad considering the bars are all closed.

I have learned how much of an extrovert I am during COVID. I have always enjoyed being around people so isolating has been tough. I have also learned that I am nimble. I am beyond grateful that we have these phones that we can broadcast from and so thankful for all the television hosts and producers who have allowed me to join their show from the comfort of my living room.

Hopefully, 2021 will be kinder than 2020.

How should we party on New Year’s Eve? New Year’s Eve will look quite different his year but that does not mean you cannot have some fun. This year, I am all about gratitude - so why not take some time during your in-person or Zoom soiree to share some things you are grateful for this NYE. I also recommend some fun signature cocktails.

The party scene may look very different for the next year or so, but Paul is focused on delivering his content any way he can. During COVID he has Zoomed in on numerous talk shows throughout the nation to share his lifestyle tips and cocktail goodness. On the personal front, he is working on a book and still dreams of that white, picket fence fairy tale. So, any single Prince Charmings out there – do not forget the ice.

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CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY DRINK SPIKED ITALIAN APPLE CIDER 1.5 oz. Appleton Estate Rum 1/2 oz. Disaronno Originale 1/4 oz. fresh lemon juice 1/2 oz. ginger syrup 3 oz. apple cider Build all ingredients in iced mixing tin and shake.

Strain over fresh ice. Garnish with dehydrated lemon.

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THIS PAGE: JONATHAN BENNETT PHOTO BY COLLIN STARK

JONATHAN BENNETT MAKING ROOM AT THE HALLMARK HOLIDAY TABLE

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ IN THE GAY BIBLE, THERE’S ONLY ONE ACCEPTABLE THING THAT CAN PREEMPT THE NIGHTLY SCHEDULE OF GOLDEN GIRLS RERUNS ON THE

THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF HALLMARK CHANNEL

HALLMARK CHANNEL – the Hallmark holiday movie schedule…

and this year, there’s more room at the holiday table. In the turmoil that has been the social and political atmosphere for the LGBTQ community this last year, one of the most previously conservative channels announced the inclusion of openly gay characters in this year’s line-up of holiday films with the casting of Jonathan Bennett and Brad Harder as a married couple in the ensemble comedy, The Christmas House. One out of 40 new holiday films to be produced

by Hallmark this year will feature diversity and inclusion, which the network stated was at the top of their priority list.

Jonathan Bennett’s relationship with Hallmark started ten years ago with the film, Elevator Girl. Since then a lot has changed for the Mean Girls star, including stints on Dancing with the Stars, Celebrity Big Brother, hosting Cake Wars and Halloween Wars for The Food Network, co-authoring The Burn Cookbook, and personally, coming out.

The call for The Christmas House was to be way out of the ordinary for Bennett.

My agent called me to say I have an offer for another Hallmark movie. I said, “Oh great. Who is my girl? And the

response was, ‘Jake’, and my jaw hit the ground. And I think I started crying.”

To be clear, this film is not the “big gay Hallmark film”, Jonathan’s storyline is one of the many stories being told in this family piece that also star Robert Buckley, Treat Williams, and Sharon Lawrence. Jonathan’s character, Brandon, and his brother are called home by his father to share a family Christmas. During their trip, Brandon and his husband await the news of their adoption attempt.

The story is told matter-of-factly, not as a spectacle.

The script is an ensemble movie about family and unconditional love. And it is a real family in 2020. That is what made me want to play this part so badly - because it is just a real family that loves each other. I think every movie has pressure to tell a good story. I just want people to see a beautiful story of what it means to be a family and see firsthand what unconditional love is. I want people to watch this and see it for what it is – a movie about love and family. That’s it.

This film came with a lot of pressure, both from the network and the LGBTQ community. How was this going to come across?

How was it going to be accepted? Despite the pressures involved, there was a very real moment on the set when the importance of this film came together.

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Harder, opposite Jonathan. Would it have made a difference to Jonathan if they would have cast a straight actor in the role?

It is awesome that the actor that Hallmark chose to play my husband just happened to be a gay dad who had a kid, because our storyline in the movie is about two husbands who are waiting to find out if their adoption papers are going to go through so they can start their own family. I don’t necessarily know if it would have mattered if it was a gay or straight actor, but I am glad that it was Brad playing himself. He knows what it feels like to be a gay dad and get the call that they are going to be a family. I talked to him in the scenes. There’s a line when I turn and say, “We’re adopting a baby,” and I asked him how to say it. He said, “It just comes out of your mouth when that moment happens.” So, I literally took a lot of direction from him.

Over his 10-year relationship with Hallmark, Bennett has filmed a handful of projects with the network, co-starring alongside other staple Hallmark actors. From starting his relationship with Hallmark as a closeted actor to being an easily recognizable face of the LGBTQ community with a public, long-term relationship, making Hallmark holiday film history is life full circle for Jonathan.

I absolutely love the Hallmark Channel and their movies. I love what Hallmark makes movies about, which is family and love.

Half of the actors on the network are my best friends - Rachel

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THIS PAGE: JONATHAN BENNETT PHOTO BY COLLIN STARK

When we filmed our big scene of the movie between my character, Brandon, and his husband, Jake, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. I am pretty sure I blacked out during the filming because I don’t remember filming it. I just remember everyone clapping and cheering and the scene being over. I think I was so nervous and there was so much pressure on me that it just kind of happened, but the coolest part of that was we had a director who was gay and a huge number of our crew members were LGBTQ. When the scene was over, a group of the crew members that were LGBTQ came up to me and Brad (who plays Jake) and had tears in their eyes. They said, “Thank you for representing us and thank you for doing this part because you’re exactly what we want this moment to be, you guys portrayed it perfectly.” So, we were proud to play that scene and do well. There were a lot of tears that day. Happy tears.

Not even the backlash from social media and conservative organizations could take away from the experience of making this film for Bennett.

Whatever they want to say or do is up to them. My job is to tell this story for the little Jonathan that’s 12 years old in Ohio and is watching this Christmas movie with his family and, for the first time, he might feel a little less scared this Christmas. That is what I am focused on.

Hallmark chose to cast an openly gay, real-life dad, Brad

Boston, Lacey Chabert, Danica McKellar, and Sam Page. I grew up in the industry with all these amazingly talented actors and we are family. I think the difference from the first Hallmark movie I did to this movie is that I just am now playing something more authentic to me, individually. We are making the Hallmark holiday table that much bigger this Christmas - all that’s happening is that the table is expanding.

Danica, Rachel, and Lacey have always been my guardian angels on Earth, I feel.

They have been there any time something major or dramatic has happened in my life.

So, when the holidays come and we are all promoting our movies together, it just really does feel like a big family. Again, for me, the whole reason I did this movie is for the 12-year-old me, that is watching at home, scared out of his mind of not knowing what the future is going to hold. When I was 12, I never saw anyone that looked like me on television. I didn’t see a gay couple in a Christmas movie. But when I was a kid, I wanted to start my own family, I wanted to get married, I wanted to have kids, but I never had that representation on television.

I never saw that. To get to be that person and do it on a channel that is absolutely based on family and love, is just a win-win for me.

Jonathan’s own, real-life Christmas stories are as colorful as any script.

My late father, who was an ER doctor, was good with patients and bad at home renovation. He decided one Christmas that he wanted to trim the tree, already placed in the living room, because it was misshapen.

Instead of taking the tree out to the garage, he brought the chainsaw into the living room and proceeded to trim the side of the tree.

Well, the chainsaw went through the wall, hit a water line, and water started squirting out of the walls two weeks before Christmas. One Christmas Eve, he tried to thaw a

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then comes Jaymes and the baby carriage. So, we are working on those steps.

What was so incredible was to see the journey that Brad Harder went through while we were shooting because he had just adopted a baby and his family had grown. To see that happen firsthand, and then to shoot this movie, lit the fire to want to start my own family with Jaymes.

After playing the role for weeks, you start to believe it and feel what it feels like to be that person. And I love what that felt like, it felt so great.

With Jonathan’s involvement in the LGBTQ community and his activism for equality, it is hard to remember when he was not out. During filming Mean Girls, Jonathan and his co-star, Daniel Franzese, did share private conversations about staying in the closet. Franzese came out in 2014, Bennett came out in 2017.

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THIS PAGE: JONATHAN BENNETT PHOTO BY COLLIN STARK

frozen water pipe with a blowtorch, hit a gas line, and burnt down our farmhouse.

He is the real-life Clark Griswold from Christmas Vacation.

That is what I love about the Mitchell family in this movie. This is one of the first ensemble, funny families on Hallmark. They remind me of the Griswolds - tons of love, but lots of things go wrong and it is fun to watch.

Jonathan’s real-life partner is Amazing Race contestant and current Celebrity Page host Jaymes Vaughan. They are very public with their relationship on social media and public appearances, and even worked together charming cruise-goers on gay cruise line Vacaya’s maiden voyage. Has this movie inspired them to have the“should we have kids” talk?

We have. There are some steps to that.

First comes love, then comes marriage,

I don’t think there’s a rule for anyone to come out or not to come out. If you don’t feel safe to come out and it’s not the right time for you, that’s okay. It was not safe or the right time for me for a long time. If something inside of you says, this is what you want to do, then go for it and know that when you do you’re going to be supported and loved by an entire community. But, even if you are not out, you are still supported and loved by an entire community. We are here waiting for you, whether you just came out, or you are not yet ready.

When I was in Mean Girls, I was not ready to come out. Every single person back in 2004 would tell you not to come out – that is just how it was.

It was a different time. I think it is great that there is a new generation that is completely woke and doing their thing and living out loud and proud.

There is also a generation that came before them, that was a different time. I think the hardest thing for people my age is that we did not have the level of social media and positivity that is happening in the world right now. The kids nowadays are like, “I’m gay!” and I’m like, “You’re in eighth grade!” I couldn’t imagine what it would be like in eighth grade to come out, I would have been beat up so hard. But now these kids are taking care of each other.

Boys and girls have been swooning over Bennett as Aaron Samuels for over 15 years. The role and the Mean Girls phenomenon are not something that Jonathan has tried to forget or remove himself from. He posts Mean Girls memes on his social media, takes part in reunions, and even co-wrote The Burn Cookbook based on the film.

It makes people happy. Try to shy away from Mean Girls. It’s impossible! You can’t do it.

Did you know that before he was a heartthrob in Mean Girls that he was heartthrob on All My Children? His biggest takeaways from being on a soap opera?

Learn your lines! Learn your lines so when you get to set you have the freedom to play. I also learned to not be afraid to try new things because, if it was bad, it didn’t matter. It would just be a new episode the next day. Don’t be afraid to take risks.

Jonathan’s 2021 New Year’s resolution?

To be nice to myself. There are plenty of people out there that are going to tell you that you are not good enough and that you’re not strong enough and you’re not hot enough and you’re not successful enough. Do not be one of those people.

Talk kindly to yourself.

The Christmas House premiered on Hallmark on Nov 22nd.

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PERSONAL FINANCE RESOLVE TO BE MONEY WISE IN 2021: SET A BUDGET

MINT

BY JAMES PATRICK

THIS PAGE: PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

us have had plenty of reflection time to think about our finances since the coronavirus shutdown in March and subsequent slowdown we’re still living under. But have you done anything about it yet?

If not, read on.

Surprisingly, since the shutdown Americans have seen their savings accounts rise by 10% according to Northwestern Mutual’s 2020 Planning & Progress Study. This is likely attributed to the fact that many are working remotely and do not have the commuting expenses, bills for a deli lunch, and the daily $6 skinny latte while you’re on the go. Not to mention the savings on entertainment and vacation. What vacation, right? But if you’re in this boat, financially speaking, that’s good for you! You’re off to a nice start for 2021 planning.

OK, let’s talk New Year’s resolutions. According to an Experian study in 2020, the top three resolutions with a financial element were: 1. Save more 2. Improve my credit score 3. Create a personal budget Interestingly, to get to the top two, you’re much more likely to succeed when you start with number three. That’s why we’re leading with this topic in our 2021 Money Wise series.

With the help of modern technology, creating and tracking a household budget is not as daunting as it once was. In recent years, banks and Fintech companies that have created some effective and user-friendly systems. So even if math wasn’t your best subject, you’ll be just fine.

We’re going to provide you with a few tried and true sources to set up an online budgeting tool. Setting up a realistic budget starts with tracking and categorizing your actual expenses.

That’s your assignment for two months - track and categorize. The first budget you put in to the system may be off. Just plug in your guesstimate and let’s track for two months and make an adjustment in March. Then you’ll know how much you actually spend on: household, dining out, transportation, travel, entertainment, shopping, etc. and can make budget adjustments based on reality.

Most of us have set up online banking and bill payer, which work with these budgeting tools. HOT TIP: To best automate your spending tracking and make your life easier, all expenses, purchases, and bills should be made through you online bill payer, credit card, debit card. Then the systems will categorize for you – it’s a cinch! Try to avoid cash except for very small purchases.

And if you’re still one of those writing paper checks, please, let’s toss your checkbook into the fire with the Yule log before New Year’s.

YOUR CURRENT BANK OR CREDIT UNION Start by checking out the online budgeting tools at your bank or credit union. Many larger institutions offer this for free. You want something online that will allow you to: set a budget based on category, track progress in real time, see and pay bills, integrate with your savings, checking, loan and credit card accounts so you can see your entire financial picture at a glance. Some even let you see and monitor your credit score.

SIMPLIFI BY QUICKEN You can see where your money goes with spending trend reports. This web and app-based option lets you create spending watchlists based on payee, categories, or tags. Monitor only what’s important to you. Create comprehensive, category-level, 12-month budgets with customizable budget reporting. Auto-generated spending plans are based on your actual bills and income. Automatically know what’s coming up and how much you have left to spend each month. You can track your savings account balances and set up savings goals for short-term or long-term planning and easily track your progress. Use your existing savings account—there’s no new account setup and you move funds when you want to. ($2.99 per month. https://get.simplifimoney.com/) No matter the online budgeting tool you choose, we salute you for starting out 2021 by creating a personal budget. It’s the foundation of your financial success.

In our 2021 Money Wise Personal Finance series of feature articles, we will be covering important topics with actionable steps you can take to improve your financial well-being. Some upcoming planned features include: Improving Credit Scores, Savings Strategies, Living Debt Free, Smart Spending, and other timely personal finance topics as 2021 unfolds.

This information is intended to provide general guidance. We encourage you to consult your financial advisor and tax planner to review your individual situation before making any significant financial decisions.

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FINANCE

SAY. YOU’RE NOT ALONE. If nothing else, most of

CULTURE

TIME TO RING IN 2021. NOT FAST ENOUGH, YOU

This web and app-based solution allows you to see everything in one place. They bring together everything from balances and bills to your credit score and more. It’s your financial life, in one place that’s easy to understand. It’s fairly simple and free to set up. They connect to almost every US financial institution. In just minutes, you’ll see where your money is going and get ideas on how to stretch it farther. Mint automatically updates and categorizes your information from your bank accounts and credit cards to retirement accounts and investments. Note: It’s free because you’ll get offers from their sponsors. But some can get you a lower rate on a credit card or higher rate on savings - so not completely unwelcome ads. (Free. https://www. mint.com/)

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LIVING HIS PASSION

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

THERE IS NO MISTAKING THAT VOICE, THAT SMILE, OR THE WAY HE MOVES. Five-time Emmy nominee Tituss Burgess has charmed audiences from his childhood days in Athens, Georgia, in front of a church crowd, to the stages of Broadway, to network television. Next summer, he will take part in the film Respect, the Jennifer Hudson led biopic of Aretha Franklin. He is a fierce lion - gentle enough to lure with his purring voice, and capable of lashing out to protect his home. (He took down a moving company for using a gay slur against him with the power of his social media.) He has lent his voice to LGBTQ organizations of all kinds as an activist and to raise awareness for equality, his Stonewall Inn performance of West Side Story’s “Somewhere” in honor of the Pulse Nightclub victims was lauded by Time Magazine. He is confident, can be outspoken, does not care what others think, and above all, is living his passion. At the core of everything he has become, has been music.

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PAGES 23,24,25: TITUSS BURGESS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF MILLS | IG: @JEFFMILLSPHOTOGRAPHY | JEFFMILLSPHOTO.COM

His vocal range is close to four octaves and no song seems beyond his reach whether it’s a Disney showstopper, a classic pop song, or a female Stephen Sondheim ballad – his tear-jerking performance as the Witch in Into the Woods was met with a multitude of standing ovations.

As an only child, raised by his mother and grandparents, music was his early companion, teaching himself to play the piano and realizing his voice was something unique.

The first piece of music I remember affecting me was something I think my grandmother sang. But I think it is the memory of my grandmother that makes the song special. It was a song called The Storm is Passing Over, sort of like a gospel hymn. I was five or six. When I began singing with my mom, watching the people react, I sort of realized this was something that everyone couldn’t do, that it was special.

At 11 years old, he was directing the choir at his family’s Baptist Church. As a reflection of his early church life, he founded the Art & Soul Chorus at Middle Church, a chorus of professional singers and actors across a variety of genres and backgrounds who gather to sing gospel music, right after his stint in The Little Mermaid. Many gay men who grew up in a church environment in the South have had a tumultuous relationship with religion and their sexuality. Not so with Tituss.

He always had confidence in his place in God’s vision.

I never really had to reconcile the narrative that often goes on in churches where gay people are condemned. No one sin is bigger than the other. We all come to earth flawed. God has always been in me, around me. God for me takes on many forms, and sexuality is one of them. Sexuality is about exploration, it is about creation, not necessarily procreation. God’s own self has a strong sense of sexuality because he made so many beautiful people. He created a shit storm or, rather, we created a shit storm out of God’s creation.

We continue to fight with one another on what is what, or who is right and who is wrong. I think I have always found a God and what God stands for in the many forms that God comes in. I grew up culturally Christian, I identify with Jesus Christ, but I do not believe that our practice is the only way to a peaceful eternity.

Maybe when I was younger, I was a little trepidatious about what the difference in me meant, but I never felt the absence of God and I hope I never do.

Mirroring his confident relationship with his faith, was his confidence in his self, though different than those around him growing up.

I have a bunch of cousins, they are all manly men, they drive tractors and play sports. I was with my girl cousins, playing dolls

and helping my grandma cook. And I want to be clear - gay people drive tractors and play sports too. But back then, they were attributes that were associated with heterosexuality and machismo, and I was playing with dolls. I knew that something was different and struggled to make peace with it. Then once I got to high school, I had a strong sense of who I was. I mean, I didn’t give a damn what the rest of the world thought, not even my parents.

Tituss found his voice, so to speak, in Church and in performing in his high school theatre program and earning a BA in Music from Georgia University. He knew who he was and what he wanted to be, staying at home just wasn’t it.

When I became a young adult, I very quickly realized that what I wanted to do existed somewhere else. So, I started to feel not quite at home in my home, and that what I wanted was in a completely different city. This made me begin to identify less with where I was.

The biggest takeaway from his youth is simple.

I am my last line of defense, so when everything is crumbling around me, I will make sure that I am fine.

Tituss has become one of the most recognizable members from the LGBTQ community on Broadway, with roles in The Little Mermaid, Jersey Boys, and Guys and Dolls, and numerous musical appearances on televised events and benefits. But the road to Broadway success was not overnight.

Before I moved to New York, I would fly back and forth to audition for shows like The Lion King, Rent, and Hairspray. Things I was completely wrong for, but, you know, I wanted to be on Broadway and learned very quickly about how to master making it your own. Ignorance is bliss and I just went in balls to the wall and did what I do best, which is to be me.

Tituss made his Broadway debut 16 years ago in the Beach Boys jukebox musical, Good Vibrations.

We had a very interesting rehearsal and preview process and while I was ecstatic to be on Broadway, that experience was anything but amazing. It was bumpy at best. But I learned the most about theater doing Good Vibrations.

His best advice for new Broadway actors?

The best advice I can give is to make the commitment, follow through, and show up to work.

His first high profile Broadway role was in the original production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid as the beloved crustacean, Sebastian. How does an actor approach such a beloved character, a role that everyone knew from the films line by line?

I NEVER REALLY HAD TO RECONCILE THE NARRATIVE THAT OFTEN GOES ON IN CHURCHES WHERE GAY PEOPLE ARE CONDEMNED. NO ONE SIN IS BIGGER THAN THE OTHER. WE ALL COME TO EARTH FLAWED.

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Sebastian is a water creature. I’m a water sign. Sebastian does not necessarily like chasing after children, even the ones he loves. I have no desire to babysit or teach kids. My patience is short. His is short.

He is a composer. I am a composer. He is a conductor. I am a conductor.

So, it was easy to identify with him. And in the end, his deep affection for the young child, who was becoming a woman, won over his heart and he went against his better judgment to assist her in her own exploration. Just when I feel like I don’t want to be someone’s mentor or I don’t want to do a class or, you know, help younger people, I have to think about The Little Mermaid and what it means to sacrifice. And to you put yourself in harm’s way to help assist another - that is what was going through my head when I was performing that role every night. It was one of the greatest joys of my entire life.

Almost ten years later, he would revisit the role of Sebastian for the Hollywood Bowl concert version of The Little Mermaid with Darren Criss, Rebel Wilson, and original castmate, Norm Lewis.

Playing the Hollywood Bowl - oh, dear Lord. That was exhilarating, and I hope to do it again. It was thrilling hearing all those people erupt in applause because of their affection for the score.

And, of course, we know the best part about doing theatre.

Gay people run theater.

The move from Broadway to TV was in his first role, a one-liner that turned into a recurring guest spot on NBC’s 30 Rock. He remembers seeing himself on TV for the first time.

I couldn’t believe it. I mean, I still can’t believe it. I can’t believe where I am today and all the wonderful things I get to do, but I remember being terrified. I knew very little about TV or acting for television.

I think my takeaway from that experience is that sometimes the only way to learn, truly learn, is to be thrown deep into the ocean so that you have no other choice but to at least attempt to learn how to swim.

And if you don’t make it, you’re bound to pick up a few things along the way that you can add to your next attempt.

The role that would spiral his career into national fame and Emmy recognition was playing Titus Andromedon, the flamboyantly gay, self-absorbed, aspiring actor. The role would make Tituss a mainstream, household personality with commercials, talk shows, and more musical appearances. The role fit like a glove and his real-life friendship with co-star Ellie Kemper (she peed on his leg from laughing during the first day of taping) displayed sincere chemistry. Both Tituss the actor and Titus the character became a fan favorite. Was the role made for him?

I mean, I just sort of showed up to work and read with Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. I did not have a great deal of input at all. The

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I DON’T KNOW WHAT PEOPLE WANT FROM TITUSS BURGESS VERSUS WHAT THEY SAW IN TITUS ANDROMEDON, BUT TITUSS BURGESS IS VERY GROUNDED, VERY GENEROUS, MISCHIEVOUS, AND CHEEKY.

interpretation of the line and his overall characterization I came up with, but that was all influenced by what they wrote. And, by the costume designer, Tina Nigro. Once she put me in those ridiculous outfits, I knew exactly who Titus was. I know a few people in life who behaved the way he behaved, and it was easy to find. Was it made for me? I don’t know, I’ve heard many different answers.

I also don’t care. I got to do it, so I am forever grateful.

From small-town boy singing at church to national media attention, was it a bit overwhelming?

Well, I am still handling it honestly, any attention on some level. On a personal level, it makes me very uncomfortable. I’ve never had a strong need to be the center of attention, but I am an only child. And so, I received a lot of attention. Conversely, it did not entirely feel altogether different. It does not get lost on me, the good fortune I have found.

The role of Titus Andromedon earned him five Primetime Emmy nominations. He was an agent’s dream and an out and proud representation of our community. An Emmy nomination, however, does have its pros and cons.

Being nominated is my favorite thing and going is my least favorite thing because you’re hungry and it’s always so hot. [Laughs] Also, I do not like to travel. I live on the East Coast and the Emmys are in Los Angeles; the traveling makes me very uncomfortable. I just live a life a discomfort, I guess. [Laughs] But meeting all those people that you idolized for so long, that is really something.

Although perfect for the role, and with the same first name, Tituss B is not Titus A. I don’t know what people want from Tituss Burgess versus what they saw in Titus Andromedon, but Tituss Burgess is very grounded, very generous, mischievous, and cheeky. He cares about people, so you do the math and the inductive reasoning as to what the differences are.

Using his vocal skills once again, his latest project has been as a cast member on the animated series Central Park, also starring Leslie Odom Jr., Kristen Bell, Daveed Diggs, Josh Gad, Kathryn Hahn, and Stanley Tucci. He is a busy man, but his voice doesn’t get tired. Does he get tired?

I would love to live on a farm with a bunch of dogs.

I have two lovely dogs now, but I do not get to spend a lot of time with them. I am fortunate in the way that I am getting to do all the things that are passions of mine - and I make time for them. Most of them turn into what I have been doing for a living. You know, some people find their passion very early on. My passion also happens to be my hobby.

His message to his fans for the New Year?

Let’s continue to make every attempt at communicating. Thank you for assisting me in achieving my dreams and I hope to continue to give them things, to satiate their appetite for good entertainment.

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HEALTH BODY

APPly YOURSELF IN 2021

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These mobile apps may help keep your life organized and your New Year’s resolutions on track

BY MEGAN VENZIN YOU MADE IT! SO, IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT 2020 HAS BEEN *A TOUCH*

THIS PAGE: PHOTO BY JAKOB OWENS/UNSPLASH.COM

CRAZY. Some of us had to convert our

kitchens and bedrooms into home offices. Others became teachers as we learned to navigate homeschooling techniques and the “new normal” of remote learning.

It is no surprise that our exercise routines went out the window when gyms closed their doors. And can you really blame us for finding comfort in the frozen treats that filled our baskets during frenzied bouts of panic shopping? Look, if you feel a touch frazzled (see also “overwhelmed AF”) heading into 2021, that’s totally okay. You are not alone.

Even though the future is shrouded in unknowns, New Year’s resolutions should remain a part of your holiday tradition. They create a sense of accountability and provide an annual opportunity for people to better themselves. Making good on those promises contributes to serotonin-infused boosts of self-confidence, and those endorphins sure carry a lot of value during tough times like these. What’s not to like about that?

To those out there already crushing your goals… we say, kudos! But for the many who need a helping hand, there are ample productivity and wellness apps available to guide us in creating better habits. Here are five of our favorites to keep you focused and committed through 2021 and beyond!

PEAR - PERSONAL FITNESS COACH PEAR is equipped with a wide range of handsfree workouts to match any fitness level. No boredom here -- these routines will intensify over time to ensure you are building strength and stamina, and never slowing down. Compatible with other health tracking apps, PEAR Personal Fitness Coach offers a fun avenue for exploring new routines and healthy practices. A free version offers access to a limited library of audio-guided practices to get the blood pumping, but for a small monthly fee users can tap into its full range of functions and features, as well as a more robust catalog of indoor and outdoor exercise options. ($5.99/month, available on Google Play and Apple Store.)

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GRATITUDE

BODY

HEALTH

What are you thankful for? Gratitude app invites you to answer that question in writing every day. Attach memorable photos or inspiring images to your entries to amplify feelings of thankfulness, send thank you notes to others who have made an important mark on your life and much more. If you have been struggling with negative thoughts, incorporating a daily gratitude practice will help you shift your perspective in a fresh direction. And if you are already feeling blessed, writing in this journal is a powerful way to set positive affirmations and keep those happy feelings flowing. Deepen your appreciation for life and those around you with the 7-Day Gratitude Challenge. (Learn more and try it free at https://gratefulness.me/.)

EASY QUIT - STOP SMOKING Is 2021 the year you finally kick cigarettes to the curb? EasyQuit makes this choice a no-brainer by spotlighting the benefits you will experience by eliminating smoking from your lifestyle.

Watch your wallet get fatter and blood oxygen levels soar right before your very eyes! If cold turkey is not your thing, don’t worry - “Slow Mode” allows you to control and reduce the habit before eliminating it completely. There are even games to keep cravings at bay. There is also a sister sobriety tracking app if alcohol is next on your “curb-it list.”As our mama always said,“Quitters are sexy.” She never actually said that, but you get the point. (Available for free on iOS, download from the App Store.)

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PRODUCTIVE PRODUCTIVE gives users the ability to set daily, weekly, or monthly goals and keep them.

The app’s flexible and easy-to-use interface will help you examine your morning, afternoon, and evening routines, and detect new ways to get the most out of every day. Need to drink more water? There is a habit for that! Looking to strengthen your yoga practice, or dive into a daily writing groove? PRODUCTIVE will check-in with reminders to let you know when to consider investing more time into those habits. Feel awesome when you receive congratulatory messages for hitting streaks or completing challenges, review progress on your “Life Log” and much more. Regardless of what you hope to achieve, PRODUCTIVE will keep you healthy, focused and connected by enabling you to build life-changing habits, one day at a time. ($14.99/year PRODUCTIVE - Premium, https://productiveapp.io/.)

WAY OF LIFE Think of Way of Life as your personal assistant whose sole purpose is to reinforce good habits and break bad ones. Offering a highly visual version of goal-tracking that statistics fans will totally geek over, Way of Life invites users to pick a certain action and designate whether it’s good or bad for them. Incoming reminders will prompt the user to take note of what did (or did not) work in helping them complete or avoid the action. Whether you are hoping to maintain a weight loss regimen or stop biting your nails, this app is here to add accountability and inspiration along the way. (Learn more and try it free at https://wayoflifeapp.com.)

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MATTHEW

RICHARDSON

SPINNING A MESSAGE OF TOLERANCE

BY STEVE GOTTFRIED MATTHEW RICHARDSON’S JOURNEY HAS FOLLOWED A CIRCUITOUS PATH. For the former Cirque du Soleil performer, you might even say literally, having mastered the art of spinning on the Cyr wheel in everything from a voluminous red dress and heels to nothing but a pair of form fitting oh-so-short shorts and a lot of body glitter during his final performance on the 14th season of America’s Got Talent. Beyond his work with Cirque du Soleil and AGT, Richardson has been creating video projects under his X Circus Series banner which have gone viral in the best possible sense.

So, what is a Cyr wheel, you ask. First, it is pronounced “sear” as in searing a steak. Its shape is like a hula-hoop, but it is big enough for an adult to grasp with two hands while counterbalancing with one’s legs fully extended to spin in a dizzying display of acrobatic prowess. This is not something the average person should attempt without proper supervision. It requires tremendous core strength, balance, agility, and years of training, preferably at an accredited circus school. This is the course Richardson followed when he walked away from his conventional job as a graphic designer at an advertising agency in his native Savannah, Georgia to follow his dream.

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What was it that prompted you to leave the routine and security of a conventional job for a career as a circus performer? Was that a difficult decision at the time?

Yeah, it was probably the scariest thing I’d ever done because you have this path that you think you’re supposed to be on and the safe thing to do. And at that point also, my mom was serious about my needing a job and health insurance... So, quitting your job to go be a circus artist was a big leap (no pun intended).

But for me, I just got really bored with the routine and at 26 I knew that if I wanted to try it, my time was running out.

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THIS PAGE: COURTESY PHOTO FROM “THE ARROW” VIDEO

After five years of training at the Circus Center in San Francisco, Richardson found himself at the age of 31 performing in the very show that inspired him as a 17-yearold. “It was an amazing full circle moment.”

The Cirque du Soleil show titled Varekai was based on the Icarus myth about a boy whose ambition gets the best of him when he flies too close to the sun. Which could have served as a cautionary tale for Richardson had it not been for his talent, hard work and determination. But after three years as a contract player for Cirque du Soleil and a splashy stint on America’s Got Talent, Richardson was inspired to take another leap of faith to go solo, conceiving and producing projects which channeled his skills to spread a wider message of tolerance, diversity and social justice.

The first of these was a video called “The Arrow” which he filmed with his thenboyfriend Francis, a native of Quebec who also happened to be an extremely fit, goodlooking gay man who knew his way around a Cyr wheel. “The Arrow” features the two shirtless acrobats and the progression of their relationship as they take turns on the Cyr wheel and then perform as one. The result is

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an unapologetic intimate expression of love between two men, a mesmerizing display of physicality and sensuous passion.

The video projects started as sort of a side hobby. The first one I did because my boyfriend at the time did the same apparatus as me, so we were trying to make an act together. The whole time we were training, we were censoring ourselves to not look too gay. And after a while, it started to just feel very frustrating. So, we figured, okay, let’s just do the opposite.

Let’s do exactly what we want and tell our own story.

Filming “The Arrow” was delayed several times due to injuries and scheduling conflicts.

But as fate would have it, filming coincided with the Pulse Nightclub shooting in 2016.

Richardson recalls being devastated by the news and how that infused their performance with a whole new level of relevance.

He dedicated the video to the victims of the shooting. Richardson had high hopes but was stunned by the response which has by now garnered 1.8 million views.

I was having news outlets from all over the world writing me to ask permission to use it. I didn’t realize how much you can

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inspire people from something like this and how much it can give. The number of messages after “The Arrow” was so overwhelming that I knew I should really do more of that any way I can.

“HALLELUJAH” TOOK ON ORGANIZED RELIGION AND LGBTQ RIGHTS. Richardson is probably best known for his 2nd video which featured two scantily clad, attractive male dancer/acrobats (who also happen to be boyfriends) in Montreal’s historic Church of St. Pierre Apôtre. The fiveand-a-half-minute video titled “Hallelujah” set to the song by the same name by Jeff Buckley premiered in May 2019. Matthew met the two dancers, Guillaume and Arthur, through the circus community. While the dance itself was exquisitely choreographed and performed, it was the setting in a historic Montreal church in the heart of Montreal’s gay village which amplified its message of tolerance as a way of disarming those who would use religion as a weapon against the LGBTQ community. The striking juxtaposition of this intimate expression of love between two men against a backdrop of the

THIS PAGE: “HALLELUJAH” VIDEO POSTER • L’AMOR FROM CIRUE DU SOLEIL COURTESY IMAGES

grandeur and beauty of the church had a profound impact.“Hallelujah” evoked extreme reactions from those lavishing overwhelming praise to religious zealots who sought to brand it sacrilege while ironically continuing to share it to show their brethren just how dangerous this provocative work of art was.

Our interview coming so closely on the heels of the news of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death, I was reminded of a clip played on the news of RBG addressing Stanford law school graduates, explaining the difference between a successful career and a meaningful life. RBG told them that to have a meaningful life, you must go outside yourself and find a way to contribute to your community. Does that resonate for you?

Yeah, for sure. I still work as a graphic designer. And I would say that is my ‘job’ job. And while designing web site stuff is fine in that I have income, it doesn’t have meaning beyond that at the end of the day. It does not give anything back. But doing these video projects does. The reason I like doing them is because I think they are meaningful, and they have purpose. When I released that video [Hallelujah], I was nervous to share it. I put about a year of work into it and I was self-conscious. I did not know if people were going to find it as interesting [as the first one]. As it turned out, I found that it had an even deeper meaning because it touched on a lot of pain that the gay community feels based on religion and one’s upbringing and how that can affect our self-image.

Richardson’s videos are also memorable for his use of colored pigment to lend his pieces a touch of magic, or fairy dust if you will.

From a practical standpoint, it also allows him to convey a message to underscore the message he is trying to convey visually.

It’s just cornstarch, but it’s colored. It is made for events, like powdered fun runs and stuff like that. But I also knew I wanted to paint a message. I had been using pigment a lot in my own personal acts, in my own solo creations for my own inspiration.

I heard you mention that despite his own religious beliefs, your father was completely accepting of you and really gave you that affirmation. What time in your life did you come out to him? How old were you at the time?

I was 17 when I had the conversation with my dad. But I had talked to my mom a bit about it when I was 14 or 15. So he had some time to sort of digest the situation.

By the time I spoke to him about it, he was really ready and really wonderful about how accepted he made me feel.

What was it like growing up gay in Savannah? Did you experience any harassment?

Yeah, I was definitely harassed quite a bit. South Georgia is not a very gayfriendly place. I do not know what the normal amount of harassment is for a gay kid growing up, but yeah, I was teased, and I was picked on. But luckily in high school, we moved north, closer to Atlanta, and that school was a lot more into the arts and more of a friendly environment.

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY Tell us about your experience on America’s Got Talent.

Overall, it was very bittersweet. I had a great time, but at some point, you get eliminated and it can be harsh and a bit cruel. So, I would tell anyone that’s going for it, just go for the adventure, go have fun, but know that you will get eliminated at some point and that part won’t be great.

These reality competition shows are known for having segments where the contestants talk about their personal lives. Did you talk about your journey as a gay man?

I don’t think I ever mentioned on the show that I was gay, although I really wanted to. I wanted to share my duo act with my partner Francis. That was my main goal for going on the show. But they never let me. So, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to talk about that stuff really at all.

I had to ask Matthew about his final AGT performance, the one with him wearing nothing but a pair of black micro shorts with water

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said, “Hey, would you want to be considered for this drag role?”

And I was like, “Holy… oh my god, of course!” My actual act was not so tough, skill-wise. But doing it with heels and a dress made it hard. I had this huge dress that is like a train. It’s like this huge fabric and I would get my heels stuck in it all the time.

COMING ATTRACTIONS… Matthew spoke a bit about several new projects he has in the works.

One is about addressing gender identity and what we say is alright for boys versus girls. And the next one I am filming is about racism and the current situation with police brutality and all the protests for George Floyd. It is really to address the hurt within the black community and to express the opinions and feelings of four black artists I have contracted with, one of whom happens to be gay. We will do an interview for each dancer to talk about what they are saying in their piece. It will live as a visual piece by itself with movement and dance and then as a separate video like I have done before where we will do interviews and talk with each artist about the issues. One of them will talk about his experience being a gay black male and how hard that has been because that alone comes with a lot of other challenges besides the obvious.

Armed with plenty of ideas, Richardson explains that the biggest challenge from a practical standpoint is financing these projects.

It’s challenging because these projects are super expensive.

And I realize more and more that I cannot continue doing these larger budget productions without making it generate some revenue. So at the moment, I’m trying to find a way to create them in a cheaper way that’s still interesting but can also bring in some kind of revenue or donation, because otherwise I can’t keep doing it.

■ For more information on Matthew Richardson’s upcoming video projects, you can go to his website http://thexcircus.com.

THIS PAGE: MATTHEW RICHARDSON’S FINAL PERFORMANCE IN AMERICA’S GOT TALENT COURTESY IMAGE

cascading down his body as he performed on the Cyr Wheel. It was a spectacular performance, which made it more of a head-scratcher when Simon Cowell had the audacity to give his masterful performance the dreaded buzzer. Julianne Hough’s reaction spoke for the rest of America who were mesmerized and riveted. I couldn’t help wondering if Simon giving you the buzzer said more about him and his knee-jerk homophobia to seeing an incredibly fit, good-looking guy performing incredible feats wearing nothing but some body paint, glitter and a tiny pair of short shorts. In fact, the two straight men (Howie and Simon) were both in agreement.

Yes, yes… for sure. One hundred percent yes. Of course, they are not going to love it. I wish the producers had let me wear pants. They did not want me in pants. They wanted me to be in the shorts. My last performance was probably the hardest thing I’d ever done. But you can’t see that. You can’t see how hard it is to hold onto, how much my feet are slipping. Everything is slipping in water, so yeah, I think it is probably my hardest achievement as a performer. I had less than a week to prepare the act just to the point where I could figure out what I was doing.

So how does it work? I know it is filmed in front of a live audience. But if you had slipped or fallen, do they reshoot it or is that it?

AGT would not have let me redo it if I messed up. In some cases, they really like it when mistakes are made because it gives the judges a chance to talk about it and see the reaction from the contestant. So, it was definitely a one-shot-only type of experience.

I also notice that you did a drag character for Cirque du Soleil. The character’s name was L’Amour. How did that come about?

That was another crazy story. While I was touring with Cirque during my first job, I did drag a couple times just for fun, like on the plane, at a Christmas party. It was just a fun thing to do, so I did a little flight attendant number just to be silly. When this director at Cirque was looking for a drag queen, she was asking people, “Hey, do you know any circus artists who do drag?” And somebody mentioned my name and they reached out to me and

2020

GIFT GUIDE

CURATED BY MICHAEL WESTMAN

EVERYONE NEEDS A LITTLE RELAXATION AND ENJOYMENT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. So, here are some items to help make your

holidays festive. Whether for yourself or a loved-one on your gift-giving list, each of these items will bring a smile.

VELLABOX Candle Gift Subscriptions $10-$30 per month, available at https://www.vellabox.com Vellabox is the thoughtful, and easy gift to give this holiday season.

Vellabox partners with different small-batch American candle makers to feature seasonally relevant scents from their line. All candles are 100% natural wax with cotton wicks, Phthalate free, Paraben free, cruelty free, and have no artificial dyes. Gift subscriptions can be personalized with a note written by you and arranged to arrive in time for that special occasion, with a bonus gift included in every Vellabox. Each bonus gift varies, but most often falls into one of the following categories: self-care, home accessories, food, and sustainable alternatives.

Ordering is easy - simply choose your box size, duration, and ship date - then Vellabox takes care of the rest. It is the gift that keeps on giving and smells good too! Box options include: The Lucerna ($10/month + $3 shipping): includes a 4oz candle + bonus gift; The Ignis ($20/month + $3 shipping): includes an 8oz candle + bonus gift; The Vivere ($30/ month + free shipping): includes a 4oz and 8oz candle + bonus gift.

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SLEEPPHONES ®

GIFT-GUIDE

Headphones Designed Specifically for Sleeping $99.95 available at https://www.sleepphones.com SleepPhones® Wireless are traditional headphones made bedfriendly and cord-free! You can unplug and unwind with these ultraslim, soft, and comfortable “headphones in a headband” that make listening to audio in bed a dream. Surround yourself in an ultimate sound experience – without disturbing, or being disturbed by, the person next to you. This model utilizes Bluetooth® technology to wirelessly connect with compatible devices so you never have to worry about getting tangled up in cords. SleepPhones® were designed by a family doctor and provide wearable comfort that’s literally music to your ears. Ideal for sleep, travel, yoga, and leisure time. SleepPhones® easily sync with smartphones, computers, and most other Bluetooth®-compatible devices, and have a rechargeable battery life of up to 10 hours. The fleece headband option is super soft, luxurious, and warm. Ideal for sleeping, relaxing, meditating, and everyday use (95% polyester, 5% spandex). The breeze headband option is breathable and moisture-wicking. Ideal for running and exercising (95% polyester, 5% spandex). Gift packaging is available.

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PIPAMOKA

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The First Nomadic Coffee Maker that Uses Vacuum Pressure to Brew Coffee $46.90 available at https://www.wacaco.com Pipamoka is designed to give coffee lovers an all-in-one coffee travel experience. Pipamoka uses a first-of-its-kind twisting mechanism to create vacuum pressure that enables users to make a full cup of balanced coffee in two minutes. The Pipamoka brewing process is unique. Users insert their ground coffee into a dedicated filter basket, add hot water, and drop the filter basket to the bottom of the Pipamoka. Using the innovative twisting mechanism, vacuum pressure is created inside the travel mug. This generates a suction force that draws hot water downwards through the coffee grounds. The coffee is then brewed directly into the insulated thermal cup where it will stay hot for hours.“We’ve spent over two years developing this patented coffee maker, and we’re thrilled to finally share it with our fans all over the world who have asked us for a travel-friendly way to make filter-style coffee on their adventures,” said Hugo Cailleton, Co-Founder of Wacaco. The eco-friendly, re-useable, long lasting all-in-one design is designed to give everyday coffee lovers the minimal tools and energizing caffeine they need to go wherever their wanderlust takes them.

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LOVING: A PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY OF MEN IN LOVE 1850S-1950S

By Hugh Nini $65 available at http://rizzolibookstore.com Loving: A Photographic History of Men in Love, 1850s-1950s portrays the history of romantic love between men in hundreds of moving and tender vernacular photographs taken between the years 1850 and 1950. This visual narrative of astonishing sensitivity brings to light an until-now-unpublished collection of hundreds of snapshots, portraits, and group photos taken in the most varied of contexts, both private and public. Taken when male partnerships were often illegal, the photos here were found at flea markets, in shoe boxes, family archives, old suitcases, and later online and at auctions. The collection now includes photos from all over the world, with subjects that were identified as couples by that unmistakable look in the eyes of two people in love - impossible to manufacture or hide. The photographs - many fragile from age or handling - have been digitized using a technology derived from that used on surveillance satellites and available in only five places around the world. In these delight-filled pages, couples in love tell their own story for the first time at a time when joy and hope - indeed human connectivity - are crucial lifelines to our better selves. Universal in reach and overwhelming in impact, Loving speaks to our spirit and resilience, our capacity for bliss, and our longing for the shared truths of love.

ALL THE BASICS The Barr Hill Cocktail and Barware Kit $95 available at https://caledoniaspirits.com Caledonia Spirits, the Vermont-based distiller of America’s most awarded gin - Barr Hill Gin, has launched its “All The Basics” Cocktail Kit, wonderful for the home bartender. With people spending a lot more time at home this year, the home bar has made a comeback in a big way. This cocktail kit goes right along with that theme, combining high-quality barware with a fun experiential element that can be enjoyed from home.

Equipped with a beautiful, stainless steel array of bar items - including two shaker tins, a four-prong Hawthorne strainer, a two-sided jigger, and a bar spoon - this classic kit is perfect for any cocktail enthusiast. As part of the kit, Barr Hill Beverage Director Sam Nelis has included a curated cocktail recipe book and digital access to his“Intro to Cocktails”class, which breaks down the cocktail kit, demonstrates how to use each item, and walks the user through creating the perfect Bee’s Knees and Old Fashioned cocktails at home. Caledonia Spirits has a strong passion for mixology, and with this special cocktail kit, the distillery has taken its love for craft cocktails and channeled it towards the in-home bar experience. The Barr Hill “All The Basics” Cocktail Kit is available for free shipping this holiday season.

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MOMA Design Store Holidays Available at https://store.moma.org The MoMA Design Store has many cheery gifts this holiday season. From a revolutionary coffee maker to artist puzzles, there is something for all at every price point. Plus, proceeds from the curator-approved holiday gift and décor ideas support MoMA’s exhibitions and educational programs. Here is a small sampling of the gift-giving ideas.

Frank Stella Jigsaw Puzzle - 750 Pieces $20 Featuring the artist’s colorful geometric painting Firuzabad, a work in MoMA’s collection, this 750-piece jigsaw puzzle is uniquely die-cut and contoured to the edges of this extraordinary abstract work of art. In the completed Frank Stella Puzzle, two overlapping circles are filled with both concentric and diagonal stripes of brilliant color. Made of 90% recycled paper and printed with non-toxic inks, the Frank Stella Jigsaw Puzzle is packaged in a sturdy, matte-finish box, and measures 24.5” x 16.25” when assembled.

HOLIDAY

GIFT-GUIDE

Happy Socks Holiday Set $26 The Happy Socks Holiday Set features high-quality combed cotton and elastane socks in the brand’s signature upbeat patterns. Packaged in a signature holiday cracker, this Happy Socks Holiday Set is gifting-ready. Two pairs (86% Cotton, 12% Nylon, 2% Spandex), one polka dot, one striped. Available in sizes S/M (9-11) and M/L (10-13). Machine-washable.

Maki Sushi Sauce Bowl & Chopstick Rest $16 MoMA Exclusive: Featuring whimsical graphic abstractions of classic maki sushi varieties, this porcelain Maki Sushi Sauce Bowl is perfectly sized (1.5h x 2.5”diam.) for soy sauce, ponzu or your favorite condiment. The lid doubles as a chopstick rest in between bites. The dish can also be used as a pill case, jewelry storage or for storing herbs. Holds 2oz. Microwave and dishwasher safe.

GREENDIGS Oasis Watering Can in Gold $29.99 available at https://shopgreendigs.com Adding some life to your indoor is more important than ever. For your indoor wa watering needs, this gleaming, sand-finished metal watering can adds an understated elegance to your home gardening experience. A slim, perfectly balanced handle and slender spout make it easy to distribute water exactly where it needs to go to keep your plants healthy and growing. (10.4”long, 6”tall with a 7”spout. Holds 27 ounces.)

Greendigs is the online way to bring nature home. They offer functional, hand-selected, plants and gifts, making cultivating plants in your space as simple as it has ever been. Forget about carting home supplies, stopping at multiple stores, and guessing at which kind of plant would best fit your space. Greendigs does the work for you.

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SUBU Japanese Slippers $55 available at https://ameico.com/collections/subu Sweater weather also means slipper weather. When colder weather starts to arrive, there is nothing better than a good pair of slippers to help stay cozy. SUBU Japanese Slippers are as useful as they are stylish - the ideal gift for the person who loves to lounge. Equipped with a durable sole and Teflon outer coating, the SUBU slippers are perfect for that trip to the mailbox or any quick outdoor excursion, while also being the perfect work-from-home comfy shoe choice. Polyester down fill with a soft cushioned insole will make your feet feel like they are wrapped up in a warm down jacket.

VESTA CHOCOLATE Holiday Chocolate Gift Set $185 available at https://vestachocolate.com Brought to you by a husband and wife team Roger & Julia, Vesta is a bean-to-bonbon craft chocolate factory and café where the chocolate is first made from organic cacao beans from various origins with unrefined and organic Panela sugar, then it is used to make bonbons, baked goods, spreads, bars, and more. The duo has created a unique artisanal chocolate-making house where French techniques meet the true definition of chocolate in Latin America, where cacao originates, because they truly believe that craft chocolate should be applicable to our daily lives. They are firm believers that when you do what you love, with the people you love, magic happens.

Celebrate the season with this ultimate Holiday chocolate gift set for the chocolate lover in your life. The set comes with: • Twelve (12) Holiday Jewel Bean-to-Bonbons (Candy Cane, Gingerbread, Winter Herbs, Orange, Passion Fruit, Salted Caramel) • Large Classic Vanilla Bean-to-Bar Hot Chocolate powder • Two (2) Signature Cacao Sea Salt Brownies • Four (4) Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Chip Cookies • Peppermint 66% Dark Chocolate Bark • Out-of-this-world Cacao Hazelnut Spread (think clean, organic, and artisanal Nutella) • 72% Single Origin Dominican Republic Dark Chocolate Bar • 60% Single Origin Belize Vegan Non-Dairy Milk Chocolate Bar • 49% Single Origin Belize Milk Chocolate Bar • Bag of freshly roasted Single Origin Cacao nibs (most fruity cacao nibs you will ever meet) METROSOURCE.COM

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A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Brennan Clost DANCES ONTO THE SCREEN IN TINY PRETTY THINGS

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ AFTER THE YEAR WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH, WE COULD USE A LITTLE DELICIOUS DISTRACTION TO GET US THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS. This December, Netflix gives us the gift that keeps on giving with a ten-episode run of Tiny Pretty Things, based on the popular young adult book by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton. The series showcases the lives of young performers, following their dreams far from home, at the crossroads of their career – will they sink or swim in these shark-infested waters? The show takes place in Chicago’s only elite dance school, the Archer School of Ballet that serves as the city’s renowned professional company, City Works Ballet. The students are comprised of young adults from all different walks of life with one goal – to succeed at all costs. It is“Black Swan and Pretty Little Liars”with even more drama and even more hot actors in tights – we’re in.

Rounding at the cast is openly gay, real-life dancer Brennan Cost. Brennan is no stranger to the competitive dance world, having competed from the age of seven, earning a series of accolades including the World Silver Medal in the International Dance Organization for junior soloist in Germany and being named as one of the Top Senior Male Dancers at The Dance Awards in New York City.

I don’t remember much from my early days of dance competitions, partly I think I blacked them out; my first dance teacher was a major bully. One memory I have from my first-year competing was getting offstage after performing and my dance teacher grabbing my arm so hard, she injured my wrist. Fun times.

Choosing a life in competitive dancing at such an early age is kiss goodbye to any attempt at leading a normal life.

In addition to the physical demands of dance, the idea of any free time spent outside of dance is non-existent.

I really did not have a social life through any of high school. I would wake up at 6am to do homework, go to school from 9am to 3pm, get home and scarf down dinner, then be at dance from 4pm till 11pm, do homework until 1am or 2am, and then get up to do it all over. At one of my dance studios, even on weekends, I was training from 9am till 6pm both Saturday and Sunday. I would go home after that and sit in my bedroom to study.

In Tiny Pretty Things, Brennan plays Shane, the show’s hothead, who grew up in a small town and dealt with aggression for his love of dance. Besides the isolation of

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pursuing a dance career, the ideas of dancing and masculinity make a boy (gay or straight) an easy target for ridicule from peers. As if the competition world on someone’s psyche was not damaging enough.

I was bullied all through elementary and high school by the boys in my grade for being a male dancer. It got so bad at my first school that I convinced my parents to let me start French Immersion in Grade Seven and move to a new school. However, when I reunited with those boys in high school, the bullying started again.

Brennan is an anti-bullying advocate as well as an activist for LGBTQIA+ rights and representation. He regularly gives talks at local schools to encourage and support, using his own life story as inspiration.

Speaking to youth has reinforced to me how much I needed a role model to look up to when I was growing up. When I speak to youth and reflect on my years growing up as a young, impressionable male dancer, I try to convey my message of following one’s dreams and pursuing happiness. I feel that sharing my story might help someone who may be looking for that same reassurance and guidance.

His message to LGBTQ youth is the same everywhere he speaks: Follow your passion and your dreams, support and celebrate each other, and never give up.

Brennan’s initial self-tape audition for the show consisted of an extensive ballet sequence and scenes from the show, with a call back lasting almost an hour and a

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half. He was slightly familiar with the book with a crash course from friends and even his grandma. But his biggest YA book infatuation?

I was obsessed with the Twilight series all through middle school, so I guess I would thank Twilight for my attraction to toxic men.

It is still unclear whether he is Team Edward or Team Jacob. Since filming, he has become ingratiated with the book version of the show, preparing for the throngs of uber-fans that will be grilling him on his character. Given the chance, Brennan would pen his own YA series.

I would write an LGBTQ Superhero YA novel, with the intent to produce it into an epic trilogy of films!

In real life, Clost has lived in the world of dance school as one of only 12 male dancers accepted into Juilliard, the world’s leader in performing arts education. His top and bottom class?

One of my favorite classes at Juilliard was Anatomy. Irene Dowd (our professor) is hilarious, kind, and a GENIUS. How she connected it to dance was so beneficial to us. I have become the unofficial physiotherapist for my family and friends thanks to her class. The worst class in my opinion was music theory in my first year, not because I didn’t think it was valuable, but because the teacher treated us like absolute idiots.

Not only did attending Juilliard shape his education and skill as a dancer, but it was also a turning point in his personal life.

I came out to my friends and classmates at University before my family. Not because I wanted to, but because they caught me

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sneaking out of the dorms to my secret boyfriend’s apartment.

When I went home for Spring Break during my sophomore year of Juilliard, I borrowed a beautiful blazer from my boyfriend to wear to a red-carpet event. My parents asked where I had gotten this expensive jacket and I told them I borrowed it from my boyfriend. My dad’s reaction was the best. All he asked was, “How old is he? Where is he from? Is he a nice person?” All my family wants for me is to be happy. I don’t know why I waited so long to come out. Well, I have some theories, but they are too long to divulge here. My family and friends constantly impress me with how open-minded and loving they are, which I know is not the norm and I feel extremely grateful.

The biggest thing he learned about dancing from Juilliard?

Dancers with good technique can let it go on stage and truly just be in the moment performing. If you must think about your technique, you do not have it.

We cannot wait for the juicy love stories in Tiny Pretty Things. Is there time for love and dating in the dance world?

I always dated people at school or at dance, and we rarely went on “dates” because I did not have time. I am extremely picky, and I prioritize my career over dating. My philosophy is that if someone is special and they are worth it, then I will make the time for them.

Is Brennan a real-life dancing diva?

Well if you ask my mom, the biggest backstage diva is

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probably me. Back when I was competing, my mom, bless her, would run backstage between dances, and stitch my shirts to my dance belt so they would not come untucked on stage. I would scream at her to be faster. Though in my defense, my dance teachers would have had my head if I were late.

Besides dancing, Brennan has been consumed with writing and producing. He started a YouTube channel with his best friend Brittany Raymond for the debut of their web series AUSTRALIANAIRE$. The mockumentary follows the aftermath of two siblings (both portrayed by the creators) after their parent’s tragic demise.

AUSTRALIANAIRE$ was largely inspired by Summer Heights High, all of Chris Lilley’s work Britt and I find hilarious. I love watching and performing comedy that gets physical, is smart and satirical, and sometimes is a little morbid or absurd.

Is working with a best friend wise?

I had worked with one of my best friends in the past and it went up in flames because we did not communicate. I ended up taking on 99% of the workload and she reaped 100% of the benefits. My current producing partner and one of my best friends, Brittany Raymond, has also had experiences like that in the past with former business partners. When we decided to start producing content and developing projects together, we made a pact to be SO OVERLY communicative with one another, even if it is something silly. I think it works so well because we’re really good at showing up for each other, we don’t judge each

other, and we have similar work ethics in that we can trust that the other person will get their work done and to the standard that we would do it ourself.

With the premiere of Tiny Pretty Things, life will no doubt change for Brennan. The guilty pleasure drama of the show with the aesthetically attractive cast is a formula for success. With so much content being watched during COVID, this is a fun breath of fresh air. Is Brennan ready for life to change?

I’m excited of course for us to share Tiny Pretty Things with the world, it’s been our little secret for so long. I’m also excited that if it does well, we would get to be back together to film more. Or that if people love it, I could acquire more acting work from it. On the flip side, I started seeing a therapist through quarantine because I am really overwhelmed by how much public exposure, and potential criticism, might come from it.

The internet can be a scary place.

What is Brennan’s most treasured“tiny pretty things”in real life?

My entire apartment is filled with inherited furniture from my grandparents. They had this glass shelf in their old home (they are not dead, they just downsized) with trinkets and tiny sculptures. A lot of those have ended up in my place, most recently my grandparents gifted me a tiny white porcelain duck from their old house, for my birthday.

■ You can follow Brennan on Instagram: @BrennanClost.

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TRANSPARENT EQUALITY

SCOTT SCHOFIELD EXPANDING VISIBILITY OF TRANS CHARACTERS IN ENTERTAINMENT

MY FRIENDSHIP WITH ACTOR AND ACTIVIST SCOTT SCHOFIELD HAS BEEN AN INTERESTING ONE. Everyone claims they want total honesty

in a friendship, but it is brutal when it happens.

There is no guessing game when it comes to Scott, he lays it out all out there regardless of what the consequences are. Truth is truth and he is not going to dance around it. That being said, no question is off topic. I learned more about the trans community from Scott in one long happy hour than I ever did in my years of sexuality studies or marching next to a trans person during Pride. There is no dumb question for Scott where the trans community is concerned: How do trans men have sex? Is “transgendered” a word? Why should the gay community include the T in LGBT? Go ahead, ask – you will get the answer from Scott’s point of view. What you find out is that being trans ultimately has nothing to do with sex, or pronouns, or surgeries – it is about being who you are.

Scott has made television history, not once, but twice. Five years ago, he became the first openly trans actor to play a major role in a soap opera, recurring in the role of Nick on The Bold and the Beautiful. This past season, Scott became the first transgender man nominated for any acting Emmy for his role on STUDIO

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CITY (Amazon Prime). You would think that making television history twice would secure high profile stardom, right? Not so.

It is not so much that I have to work hard for my roles—my ratio of auditions to roles is pretty high by any standard. When they see me, they like me. It is more about high-up decision-makers being willing to see me for more roles. If I only go out for trans masculine roles, that’s maybe three a year, max. That is the problem, right now.

So, first, I’m still waiting for Hollywood to see me as any character whose gender isn’t important to the role: an incisive therapist, an inspiring teacher, a trustworthy doctor or lawyer, and not just saint roles— I could be an asshole rich kid, a corrupt corporate businessman, a cop turned bad.

After they see me for those roles, I will be waiting to be seen as the man I am—a funny, bright, handsome guy who could be a sweet boyfriend to an actor or actress.

But before any of that can happen, people who make decisions must not get so confused by the label put on me that they can’t even imagine how I’d play. I can wait. The good thing about becoming a man is people think you get better looking as you age.

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BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

Most actors, when asked about being nominated for a major acting award, will say it was an honor just to be nominated.

This is true for Scott. This year’s awards season was dampened by COVID, so the networking opportunities at the awards parties, star and agent meetings, and redcarpet interviews just did not happen. But Scott used the whirlwind of the digital press to get his message out.

The goal was not to win, it was to learn everything I could to “Robin Hood” the experience, so I can help future actors win.

I got a very clear message that it is not about me. Achieving another historical breakthrough—becoming the first trans man nominated for any acting Emmy, Daytime or Primetime— is about where the world is right now, and it is about spotlighting my community. So, I spent most of that time interviewing other trans guys in entertainment for my IGTV, and doing as much press as possible, talking about trans masculine folks, to make guys like me more visible.

During one of our very candid conversations, we chatted about the trans male versus female celebrity popularity in the media. We love to see Laverne Cox work the red carpet in her gowns, we love Alexandra Billing’s strong performances in her television appearances, Pose’s Dominque Jackson’s one-liners are oft-repeated and her Pose co-star Indya Moore is making a splash as a model as well as an actress – I, in my naivete, have not been able to ramble off names of male trans actors.

There’s obviously more trans women who are visible than trans men—I think GLAAD counted it at like three trans women for every trans man on screens. The question of “why?” is less interesting to me than “how do we even it out?”

Two to three trans women are murdered every single month in the US because the people who murder them do not consider them even human, and even more people consider them somehow dangerous. Trans women need authentic visibility to show their humanity, to raise awareness of the epidemic of violence against them. And 50% of trans guys attempt suicide—it METROSOURCE.COM

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is a self-directed violence that comes from having nothing positive to see about ourselves in the world. We need both kinds of stories, and we need a lot more stories about trans men, stat.

There has been a marked increase in the visibility of trans characters in entertainment. Well, to be clear, an increase in trans roles that are a regular part of the storyline, not some tragic murder victim on Law and Order: SVU. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Supergirl, The Good Doctor, Good Girls, Grey’s Anatomy are just a few titles with recurring characters that are included in seamless storylines as part of the full narrative, not a highlight for spectacle. The roles being offered though, from Scott’s personal experience, are still lagging.

To be honest, things have not really changed, yet. Storytelling about trans men just has not progressed much in five years.

And there are so many trans men with pilots and series that are good! Hollywood is missing out.

Getting work as a trans actor is not just dependent on a better understanding by Hollywood producers, it is also dependent on a clear understanding by agents and managers as to what the goal of a trans actor is.

I have been recently blessed with representation whose goal is to get me roles with zero fanfare. It’s funny how that’s the goal: for me to get roles, and for that to be unremarkable. They see how the trans label is not actually affixed to my talent or my potential.

And they are doing a lot of educating out in casting land, so that decision-makers will see that, too.

I have been present for Scott’s ups and downs, both personally and in the entertainment biz. I was there when he met his wife for the first time, I have swapped stories with his parents, I have heard about the auditions that went well, I have heard about the auditions that did not go well, I have heard about the successful workshops, the canceled productions, and the uphill battle to produce his own film, Becoming A Man in 127 Easy Steps.

The original, live version of Becoming A Man in 127 Easy Steps is one of the three one-man shows that have toured major venues in the US and Europe, with the support of the National Performance Network and the Princess Grace Foundation-USA. Becoming a Man in 127 EASY Steps was 20 years in the making generating 127 pieces of short content that deeply explore the gender-universal and particularly-trans themes

with Laverne Cox Karla Mosely courtesy of Scott Schofield

of childhood, parenthood, love, sex, death, survival, and authenticity. With over $125,000 raised from past audiences, the film finally came to be and was released as a festival hit this last summer. Scott’s dream of seeing his film on the big screen was still not to be, COVID stopped the festivals from premiering the film in theaters in front of an audience and had to opt for the quarantine-friendly online route.

We had excellent successes at Tribeca and Outfest, in different ways. We got great reviews; we made a strong relationship with a distributor and some other excellent Industry folks who want to take us to new and exciting places. The next step is getting it out into the world, which is its own journey! The festivals were just the beginning.

And just what were Scott’s easiest and hardest steps in becoming a man?

The hardest step, for me, was just beginning. I was so conditioned by culture to believe that there was something wrong with me—when it’s so much more logical and life-affirming to just accept that diversity is a part of gender, the way it’s a part of everything else. After accepting myself as the man I know I am, every other step in life has been much easier. I can meet even the most difficult situations with so much more ease because I know who I am.

Scott has literally traveled the world

performing. He has lived in Alaska, France, Georgia, and more to create and curate art.

Living within a variety of regions has given him perspective as to how trans culture is received on an international level as compared to the US. Every culture has its own idea of what gender is, and how people should do it. So, when I show up, I bring something uniquely my own—but also an outlook that is very American. For example, in France, my show was a runaway hit—we extended 9 shows. I learned that they loved the honesty and openness I delivered because people aspire to that sort of authenticity there, but tradition is so intense that it is still rare. I loved performing in Ireland because it is a nation of storytellers from way back—I could tell that they appreciated how I told each step.

But really, every city in the US is foreign to any other. I performed for 800 people in Miami like it was just any other show in all the live performance that Miami supports; I got censored in Tampa as if I was committing a crime against humanity just for having a body.

Most recently, Scott can be seen in HBO Max’s docuseries, Equal, alongside a who’s who of LGBTQ actors telling the stories of forgotten LGBTQ heroes from the past. Scott plays Craig Rodwell, one of the leading gay rights activists for the gay movement in the ‘60s.

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called “TV’s most interesting trans character” and“the future of TV.”The fact that productions are now calling in LGBTQ consultants to“get it right” must mean we are heading in the right direction, right?

Finally, Hollywood is listening to people in the communities it is representing. It is hiring not only actors but also writers, directors, and producers who live lives like the stories being told. It is the only way to get real authenticity, and it has made for much better work. Now I just want them to get past the labels—don’t stop doing authenticity, but let us really play, not just play ourselves. When we get to that point— where actors who have been marginalized can play anything, to me, that will be a sign of real equality, and after that, maybe we really could all just be actors.

I always look to Scott for a logical response to social and political situations and will often send him a frantic text when I’m in a situation that needs an educated insight. The biggest difference in our personalities (besides my love of vodka) is that I fly off the handle and will stick to my grudges and instinctive responses. Scott will step back, look at the facts, take a breath, and approach the situation. This last year has been

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Writer’s Note: In reference to my first paragraph, Scott gently informed me that “transgendered” is not a word, although it has been used in regular conversation.

You never say “gayed”, and so you shouldn’t say “transgendered” – you don’t stop being gay, you don’t stop being trans; as Scott puts it, we are always in the present…then he told me to knock that shit off and stop saying it.

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I was directly impacted by Craig Rodwell’s life. He started the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop in New York City—as well as being one of the founders of the Pride Parade as a tradition after Stonewall.

I went to New York for an internship, and my first stop was to that bookshop, looking for a part-time job. They weren’t hiring, but the bisexual behind the counter organized lesbian parties at Meow Mix, and she hired me to pass out postcards for the events.

Consequently, I got into those events, even though I was underage and that’s where I met the first guy I knew to be trans. That interaction was my light-bulb moment and gave me the one example I needed to become who I really am. All thanks to Craig Rodwell and the center he made for our community with the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop.

A trans man playing a gay man for HBO, we have come a long way.

I was finally acting at the level my experience has prepared me for, having been cast for my skill, and how my look fit the role.

You know, like actors who are not trans get to do all the time.

Behind the camera, Scott consults for HBO’s Euphoria; the role he helped create has been

full of unrest and our friends, our neighbors, and our families have shown their true colors when it comes to politics and the LGBTQ community. Is cancel culture ok?

The problem I have with cancel culture is that it leaves no room for change, for redemption. Without change and redemption, there are no good stories in Hollywood.

But then you have people who refuse to change, who hold back the work of change— what do you do with those folks?

I got into this recently with that Harry Potter author. She is doing real harm to the trans community, and I channeled my rage into speaking out about it. I am an expert, and I can stand my own ground in that fight. I educated, I wrote viral tweets, I got quoted about it in People. It did not make any difference, and all I ended up doing was amplifying her name (which, BTW, is pronounced JoKaren), and feeling all that anger.

That will give you cancer.

Laverne Cox helped me see the forest for the trees. She encouraged me to focus on the issues over the people, to choose having class over engaging in feuds. Our conversation helped me remember where I come from—I grew up in the South, and if I had tried to cancel everybody who deserved it, I would have gotten nowhere. So, I went back to doing what I did to survive in the South.

Now I look for the helpers, I dive in with the change-makers, I do not waste energy on people caught up in retrograde ideologies. I don’t even think about them, much less take time to cancel them, and if I do find them on my mind, I focus it on hope—that they experience a transgender level of change.

Whenever I get to see Scott speak or perform, I am always taken aback by the pensive silence from his audiences. They are captivated.

Whether they are gay, straight, trans, or something in between, he is speaking about being our authentic self, something we all live our lives trying to figure it out. Scott has a few easy steps ahead of us.

■

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