Metrosource - December 2018/January 2019

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 METROSOURCE

METROSOURCE

JOLLY HOLIDAY

BRIT WINTERING

FUR ALL WE KNOW

PAMPER YOUR PET

PEOPLE LOVE

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

DON LEMON THE CREATORS OF POSE JANELLE MONÁE JOHN WATERS RANDY RAINBOW AND MORE

PEOPLE WE LOVE

WRAPPER’S DELIGHT OUR CAN’T-MISS GIFT GUIDE

December 2018 / January 2019 | VOLUME 29, NO. 6

CONTENTS

29 26

26 PETROSOURCE FROM GOURMET TREATS TO THE LATEST TECH, we’ve got over a dozen ways to pamper the pet (or pet-lover) in your life.

THIS PAGE: DON LEMON COURTESY OF CNN • ALL OTHER IMAGES COURTESY OF THEIR MANUFACTURERS

29 PEOPLE WE LOVE STARTING WITH OUR CHAT WITH NEWSMAN DON LEMON, we look at 20 of the year’s most noteworthy people and organizations.

38 GIFT GUIDE OVER 15 FABULOUS FINDS FOR THE LUCKY FOLKS ON YOUR LIST, whether they dream of culinary delights or flip for fun accessories.

52 HOLIDAY IN BRITAIN IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE IMAGINES LIVING LIKE NOBILITY, we’ve got

the itinerary to make you feel like lofty lords and ladies.

38 ON THE COVER PHOTO BY JOHN NOWAK

YOU SAY GOODBYE AND I SAY HELLO

VIEWS

EDITOR’S LETTER

A FEW MONTHS AGO, I WAS ANXIOUSLY AWAITING THE BIRTH

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of my sister Beth’s first child. I had some experience being a gay uncle because my partner Justin’s sister had welcomed two precious bundles into the world during our years together; but I was having more trouble wrapping my head around Beth becoming a mom.

First, there was the seeming physical impossibility of the tiny little girl with whom I’d shared a bathtub as a kid now being grown-up enough to produce a child of her own. And then there was the fact that this offspring would share my DNA. I worried what qualities of my family members could end up being baked into this bun in the oven. Would this new person look or think or act like me in some way? And would that be a good thing?

I decided that during the time leading up to Beth’s due date, I would try to send her as much positivity as possible. We ended up sharing expansive conversations during which she shared her feelings and frustrations, and I gave the best advice I could muster (drawing heavily from the TV program Call the Midwife). This back-and-forth stopped abruptly when Beth finally checked in for her marathon delivery. Little bits of news and pictures made their way to us from the proud parents and grandparents, but we were in a holding pattern — eager to meet our new niece but wanting to give Beth time to recover and get used to the round-theclock rhythms of caring for a newborn. A week went by before my sister gave us the go-ahead to come and meet the little one, whom I had begun to refer to as Lady J. Mere hours after we made these arrangements, my dear pal Tatiana reached out with news: Shea, a member of our “piano family” that primarily gathers in the gay piano bars clustered around Stonewall National Monument, had suddenly passed. His death seemed surreal, as so many in our circle had been singing and taking pictures with him on his last night out just days before. There would be an impromptu memorial for him the following day — right around the time I was to be meet my baby niece. I fretted. I didn’t want to rush through the special moment in New Jersey, but I was also concerned about the friends gathering back in Manhattan to honor Shea, people who would need hugs and shoulders to cry on.

Meeting Lady J was as beautiful as I could have hoped. She was wide-eyed and happy as I held her for the first time, and she drifted off to sleep in my arms. She and I were inadvertently dressed in matching shades of red, which felt like a good gay uncle omen. Justin held her, too, and although he and I have never planned on having kids, there’s something about seeing the man you’re about to marry holding a newborn. Beth was glowing. Her husband Jacquan and his son, now-big-brother Xavior, beamed with pride. My mom was in her glory, a newlyminted grandmother. My Dad seemed perpetually concerned he was holding the baby incorrectly and would break her. It was an afternoon suffused with a peaceful sense of purpose: we were all there to look out for each other and our brand new family member.

The sun set, and we said our farewells to the happy little family. Justin and I rushed back to make the last hour of the memorial, where I wandered through the crowd, seeing familiar faces tear-stained or bewildered by loss. Maybe it was the natural high of meeting Lady J, but all I could recall were good things about Shea. He had a huge personality, unfailingly warm and enthusiastic, always greeting me with a big, “Hey, Paulie!” When I remembered him, I pictured him singing his favorite songs: “That’s Life” and “What a Wonderful World” and his uniquely raucous rendition of“I’ve Written a Letter to Daddy”from Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? I knew there would be times ahead of missing him, but in that moment I was so glad for my wonderful memories of how he had lived: surrounded by people who adored him, a smile on his face, singing with gusto and glee. I can think of little more any of us can hope to end up with in this life. It’s what I hope for, and it’s what I want for my beautiful new niece.

So welcome to the world, Lady J; Shea, we’ll miss you; and happy holidays to us all.

■ DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

METROSOURCE.COM

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DEPARTMENTS PEOPLE WE LOVE

this page: Boy george - courtesy of the artist • anna and the apocalypse courtesy orion • NEW YORK SPLENDOR courtesy rizzoli • food By gayle van wely

December 2018 / January 2019 | VOLUME 29, NO. 6

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20 CULTURE 4 METROSCOPE Cher heads to the Kennedy Center, Jessie J gets in the holiday spirit, Kesha hosts a Rainbow Ride, and we round up great New Year’s parties and ski weeks. All that and more... in scope!

12 BOOKS Splendid spaces, revealing self-portraits, and people Pharrell loves.

14 MUSIC

50

Holiday surprises from Dita von Teese and John Grant. Plus, party with Boy George & Culture Club.

20 SCREEN Conversion therapy, sexy criminals, palace intrigue, musical zombies and more.

BODY 45 METROHIV When it comes to trans people, is HIV prevention falling short?

46 HEALTH How can skiers take care before, after and while hitting the slopes?

VIEWS 11 DIARY Wade thinks he’s bad at gift-giving - until he tries to change his style.

19 FINANCE How can you pay now for your long-term care later?

56 LAST CALL Joel Edgerton explores the fears that fuel Boy Erased.

CURATED BY PAUL HAGEN

METROSCOPE

METROSCOPE CULTURE

THE HONOR ROLL THOUGH WE SPENT MUCH OF 2018 WITH LITTLE GOOD NEWS

to report from Washington, D.C., one bright spot was the announcement of this year’s Kennedy Center honorees. The big four are Cher (pictured), composer and pianist Philip Glass, country music entertainer Reba McEntire, and jazz saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter. In addition, Hamilton co-creators Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, Andy Blankenbuehler and Alex Lacamoire will receive a Special honor for their ground-breaking work. Interestingly, in the announcement of the honorees, Cher was referred to as

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DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

METROSOURCE.COM

“actress Cher” — leading some to assume the honor is meant to recognize her work on the silver screen, but Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein was more expansive, saying,“Cher is the consummate star, wowing generations of fans with her distinctive voice, blockbuster albums and glittering onscreen presence.”Conversely, Rubenstein made no mention of McEntire’s work as an actress. Whatever aspects of the honorees’ careers they salute, the Honors will be conferred December 2 at the Kennedy Center and broadcast December 26 on CBS. cbs.com

THIS PAGE: COURTESY OF CHERASH

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THE TV SET

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From Left: Broad Collar; Large Brooch with Spirals; Jeweled Bracelets

ART BEAT

ALL THAT GLITTERS

BEADS AND BAUBLES, TALISMANS AND TRINKETS, SHIMMER AND SHINE:

since the dawn of man, we’ve been finding inventive ways to adorn ourselves. Now with Jewelry: The Body Transformed, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is inviting us to journey through time and space to ask why we wear it, what meanings it imparts, and how it activates the bodies that it’s on. The exhibition draws together 230 objects, including headdresses and ear ornaments, brooches and belts, necklaces, rings and more. They’ll be displayed along with sculptures, paintings, prints and photographs

THIS PAGE: COURTESY THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART • COURTESY LAVA/REPUBLIC RECORDS

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meant to amplify the transformational power of such accessories. The exhibition’s catalogue sorts its contents into categories including deconstructed, divine, regal, idealized, alluring and resplendent. It highlights how jewelry has signified identity — from the earflares of warrior heroes in Pre-Colombian Peru to bowknot earrings designed by Yves Saint-Laurent — spanning 5000 years of human history. Jewelry: The Body Transformed is slated to be on display through February; but go early, and it may just inspire some ideas for your gift wish list. metmuseum.org

LISTEN UP

WRAP MUSIC A HEARTWARMING HOLIDAY ALBUM MIGHT NOT NECESSARILY

be the next project you expected from Jessie J, the perpetually procatively-accoutered British chanteuse you know from such hit tracks as “Bang Bang”, “Price Tag” and “Flashlight.” However, like other pop stars who have successfully contributed to the holiday oeuvre, Jessie has wisely brought along a collection of classics, some talented collaborators and big, brassy arrangements that let her bring all her vocal gymnastics to the table. Legendary producer David Foster joins Jessie for takes on“Santa Claus is Coming to Town”and“Silent Night;”Babyface brings some extra chestnuts to the open fire for “The Christmas Song.”

Boyz II Men — are you listening? — offer some company as they go walking through a“Winter Wonderland.”While we can’t guarantee that This Christmas Day will add an“All I Want for Christmas Is You” type contemporary classic to the holiday cannon, you can be sure it will be available from stores and digital retailers by the time you read this.

Keep your eyes peeled for Jessie on late night talk shows and the season’s small screen concert specials. After all, nothing gets a girl in the holiday spirit like an album to promote. jessiejofficial.com METROSOURCE.COM DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

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What is BIKTARVY®?

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. 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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about BIKTARVY? BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects: } Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection.

If you have both HIV-1 and HBV and stop taking BIKTARVY, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

Who should not take BIKTARVY? Do not take BIKTARVY if you take: } dofetilide } rifampin } any other medicines to treat HIV-1

What are the other possible side effects of BIKTARVY? Serious side effects of BIKTARVY may also include: } 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 (5%), and headache (5%). Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking BIKTARVY? } All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection. } All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements. BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all of your other medicines. } If you 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. } If you 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.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the following page.

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at MyDailyCharge.com

KEEP CREATING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY is a 1-pill, once-a-day complete HIV-1 treatment for adults who are either new to treatment or whose healthcare provider determines they can replace their current HIV-1 medicines with BIKTARVY.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. BIKTARVY.COM

IMPORTANT FACTS

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 BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: • 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.

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 all your medical conditions, including if you: • Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-thecounter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

• Changes in your immune system.

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.

• 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 (5%), and headache (5%).

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. 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.

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, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.

Version date: February 2018 © 2018 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0047 06/18

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GOOD THING

tens across the board we’re always on the lookout for something new in

this page: courtesy 5 equals 10 • courtesy tame the beast.

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GROOM SERVICE

tame the beast

CULTURE

METROSCOPE

men’s underwear, and increasingly (at least with brands popular among gay men) that means something in the neighborhood of less material equals more fun. So we were pleasantly surprised when we learned that — starting November 15 — there would be a new brand on the scene designed with a very different kind of equation.

The brand, 5=10, was founded by five guys with different body types in search of a line of underwear with superior quality, fit, form, fabric and function — that would work for all of them. The result is a line of comfortable, functional underwear — from briefs in basic black to long underwear in shades-of-gray camouflage — all designed to sit snugly on hips from the waifish to the wideset.

But these five guys aren’t just looking to make a difference in the underwear industry; they’re also looking to make a difference in the world at large, by partnering with charities to give away ten percent of their profits.

The holidays are a time of year when we often think about doing something good for humanity and (from years of moms’ practical stocking stuffers) refreshing the underwear stashes of those we love. This year, you can accomplish both good deeds with a purchase from 5=10.

Learn more by scoping out @5equals10 on Instagram or by visiting fiveequalsten.com.

WITH HARSH WEATHER OUTDOORS AND HEAT INDOORS, WINTER

is almost certainly the most difficult season to keep your skin feeling fresh and dewy. (See more of our favorite lotions and potions to help get the job done starting on page 48 of this issue.) For those possessed of both a sense of humor and a need for hydration, we couldn’t resist getting showcasing naughtilynamed Nutt Butter Edibles from Tame the Beast. “Satire is our brand,” explains founder John Cascarano about their products titillating titles. “We incorporate humor into our campaigns to spark attention; it’s entertainment.” For example, Tame the Beast’s Nutt Butter Edibles moisturizers are so named because they are crafted with food grade ingredients such as organic aloe, vitamin E, and mouth-watering flavors that are vegan and wholly edible. The Peppermintini flavor lets users experience delicious peppermint oil and vanilla extract (meant to leave you tingling), while the Bourbon Manuka Honey flavor blends the natural aphrodisiac quality of Manuka Honey with vanilla and vitamin E. And while we probably wouldn’t recommend chowing down on a full tube of it as a snack, when you’re sharing an intimate moisturizing moment with a friend, that anything left on this skin will still be a taste sensation. getbeast.com METROSOURCE.COM DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

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CIRCUIT SHAKERS

WHITE PARTY BANGKOK DECEMBER 28-31 POISED TO BE ASIA’S LARGEST GAY MUSIC

festival this year, White Party Bangkok will feature a new opening party called AGM, a Military Ball, rooftop party Jock Ball, main event Dream World, and Mega Bash 2019. whitepartybangkok.com

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PACK UP

CULTURE

METROSCOPE

WEIRD AND WONDERFUL

WE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL DECEMBER 28-JANUARY 1

OVER THE COURSE OF HER CAREER THUS FAR, WE’VE SEEN KESHA EVOLVE FROM THE PARTY

THIS INTERNATIONAL GAY WINTER FEST

girl of“Tik Tokâ€?to the powerful chanteuse of“Praying.â€?Now, she’ll bring all that fun and ďŹ re to a very special vacation adventure designed for her LGBTQ fans: Kesha’s Weird &

has ďŹ ve days of Madrid’s hottest parties, including Macho, WE Party Frozen, MatinĂŠe Champions Team, Forever Under the Sea and closing party WE Into the Woods. wenewyearfestival.com

Wonderful Rainbow Ride. “We are going to be living our best lives on a motherf**king boat!� the star said of the upcoming cruise. “Imagine if Woodstock was gay as f**k, happy and free and the funnest sleepover ever and then I kidnapped you all and we took it to the Caribbean. I’m especially excited to have so many of my LGBTQ friends and supporters with us, so you know this shit is gonna be fun!� As they make their way from Tampa to the Bahamas on the Norwegian Pearl, fans will be treated to two unique sets with Kesha — along with performances for LGBTQ-beloved artists such as Big Freedia, Girl Talk, Matt and Kim, Betty Who, Superfruit, Jonathan Van Ness and Wrabel. They’ll also be joined by RuPaul’s Drag Race alums, including Bob the Drag Queen, Detox and Thorgy Thor.“This wild cruise, this oceanic magical experience that I have concocted, will be like no other in history, that I can assure you!� Book now; Kesha and company set sail February 17–21. kesharainbowcruise.com

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DRINK UP

THE SON OF NOG

MASTERBEAT 2018 DECEMBER 30–JANUARY 1 THIS HUGE NEW YEAR’S FESTIVAL WILL

transform club Avalon into a Frat House, ring in 2019 at the Mayan, head to Stock Exchange for Afterhours, and wrap up at Academy. masterbeat.com MID ATLANTIC LEATHER WEEKEND JANUARY 18-20 PACK YOUR GEAR AND HEAD TO D.C. FOR

a weekend of cocktails, parties and the crowning of Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather. leatherweekend.com

mixed drink without all the extra ingredients and calories. While we’ve heard of some pretty decadent avors (think whipped cream, cookie dough, cake, etc.), we have now learned that this year Three Olives is giving the treatment to a rich, holiday classic: eggnog. So now, you can have that tree-trimming, carol-crooning avor with ice and a spritz of soda water or experiment by adding to your favorite vodka-based martinis. However, if your jones for the festive fave won’t be satisďŹ ed without an added hit of nog’s signature creaminess, they’ve concocted a cocktail that delivers. To make the appropriately titled “Sleigh Ride,â€?combine two parts eggnog vodka, 1½ parts half & half, and Âź part honey syrup (equal parts honey and water) in a rocks glass over ice. Stir gently and garnish with grated nutmeg. For extra visual air and seasonal avor, you can also add a cinnamon stick as pictured. The result may not be quite as thick as nog, but, hey, that just leaves room for more. threeolives.com

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DECEMBER 2018 /JANUARY 2019

METROSOURCE.COM

ASPEN GAY SKI WEEK JANUARY 13-20 IF SKIING WITH THOUSANDS OF GAY FOLKS

isn’t temptation enough, you can look forward to lunches on the mountain, friendship dinners, après ski hot tubbing, great parties and a downhill costume competition. gayskiweek.com WHISTLER PRIDE AND SKI WEEK JANUARY 23-27 CELEBRATING PRIDE ON AND OFF THE

slopes, where events include a variety of parties, plus inner tubing, dog sledding, snowmobile tours, bungee jumping, ziplining, spa treatments, culinary experiences, arts and culture events and, of course, skiing. gaywhistler.com

4()3 0!'% +%3(! #/524%39 +%-/3!"% 2#! s #/#+4!), #/524%39 4(2%% /,)6%3

FLAVORED VODKA CAN OFFER THE TANTALIZING TASTE OF A LIP-SMACKING

A DIFFERENT KIND OF GIVING the best Christmas gift giver since Santa Claus, and it’s quite possible he genetically inherited this quality from his mother, who is a virtual Mrs. Claus.

One of Gary’s greatest gifts (pardon the pun) is his ability to buy people — be they friends, family members or merely acquaintances — the kind of gift that they not only desire, but that also seems to capture the recipients’ very essence in a deeply personal way. For example, on a recent birthday he gave me a book by Anne Lamott, who is one of my favorite writers; it had been personalized and autographed by the author herself.

“How did you make this happen?” I asked, and I really wanted to know! I’ve met my fair share of authors in my day, but I had no idea how he could have pulled this off.

In response he simply said: “Love.”

It’s this type of extraordinary giving that shines a light on my own gifting abilities, or rather, inabilities. In this department, I am more like my late mother, whose gift-giving habits were a bit more, shall we say, eccentric. This is a woman who would buy me a mullet wig or one of those faux mounted bass that sings — just because “the mood struck her” or because she thought it “would make me laugh.”Inside the mouth of the fish would be a supplemental gift — some money or a gift card. But what is one supposed to do with a fish that sings“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”?

While I try to always buy Gary the things I know he wants, I also usually attempt to add in a few surprises: a T-shirt that blares “I’M SO GAY I CAN’T EVEN THINK STRAIGHT!”, a packet of Just for Men products, or a handmade gift card that reads, “Good for A Romantic Dinner with the Man of Your Dreams!”

Furthermore, when it comes to gifting, I also seem to have inherited recessive from my father the gene that makes certain men not only want to finish shopping as quickly as possible but also buy gifts that are much too literal. For example, I once proposed buying a hair-challenged friend some Propecia for Christmas.

“Are you for real?” Gary asked, his face scrunched in horror.

“What?” I asked.“He said he needs it.”

So it should come as no shock that our friends and family are relieved that Gary tends to be the main gift buyer in our household.

Last Christmas was our first official one in Palm Springs.

On the one hand, Gary and I were celebrating the holidays in our new home, which felt sophisticated and adult. On the other hand, I was stuck with the realization that both my parents were gone, which made me feel like an orphan. I felt both called for a fresh new start.

So I decided to go All Out. I bought Gary Burberry and Coach and all the things he desired. He shrieked in glee, but as he unwrapped each and every gift, he shook boxes and upended bags. He searched the tree for hidden envelopes.

“No surprises?” he asked in a heartbroken tone, a look of disappointment on his face.

“Not this year,” I said.“I got you everything you wanted.”

“No stupid T-shirt even? No handmade gift certificate?”

“Nope,” I said.

“You know I love all that stuff, don’t you?” he said.

I was shocked.

“What? Really?”

“Yeah. Those goofy gifts not only make you you but they also show me how much you love me.”

“How?” I asked.

“Because they prove that — in this whole world — you’re the only one who truly gets who I am.”

I blinked back tears as I thought of my Mom and her parade of wacky gifts, and then I smiled.

So this Christmas, Gary will, quite literally, get a mixed bag.

There will be some things he really wants, and there will once again be some goofy ones there because that’s how I do it.

The whole experience has been a lesson in why the phrase, “It’s not the gift, but the thought that counts,” is part of our collective vernacular.

It may also explain why I still have that bass my Mom giave me, why I make it sing to me when I miss her most, and why that stupid fish is sporting a mullet.

■

VIEWS

MY HUSBAND, GARY, MAY BE

DIARY

Wade felt like his gift-giving instincts paled in comparison to those of his husband — until he tried to give them an upgrade. BY WADE ROUSE

Check out Wade’s memoirs, including It’s All Relative and At Least in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream, and his novels under the pen name Viola Shipman, such as The Recipe Box and The Hope Chest. To learn about them all, visit waderouse.com.

HAVE YOU GIVEN SOMEONE A MEMORABLE GIFT? SHARE YOUR STORY IN “GAY VOICES” AT METROSOURCE.COM. METROSOURCE.COM DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

11

Pharrell crafts a volume about people and things he loves, a photographer dares his friends, to bare all, and a writer collects some of NYC’s most splendid spaces. BY PAUL HAGEN

NEW YORK SPLENDOR

By Wendy Moonan; Rizzoli New York; $85 “I OFTEN THINK OF MANHATTAN APARTMENTS AND TOWN HOUSES AS SECRET GARDENS, HIDDEN from view by building facades behind which flower personal expressions of great taste and sophistication,” explains architect Robert A.M. Stern in his introduction to New York Splendor: The City’s Most Memorable Rooms. And it’s true that the more time you spend in NYC, the more surprises you’ll uncover in peoples’ private spaces: those some greet you with refreshing space and modernity, while others transport you trough time with vintage pieces and memorabilia, and those that surprise you with breathtaking views. All of that (and much more) is on display in these vibrant pages. “My main criterion was simply that each project have the “wow” factor,” explains author Wendy Moonan, “rooms that elicited, from me, gasps of pleasure and admiration.” Among the dramatic selections you’ll find Brooke Astor’s elegant library by Albert Hadley; Gloria Vanderbilt’s sublime patchwork bedroom; Donald Judd’s dramatically spare, art-filled loft; fashion designer Adolfo’s opulent uptown rooms, and a Peter Marino–designed penthouse atop the Four Seasons hotel. Moonan has an eye for exceptional design and abundant experience to back it up — having spent some three decades writing about architecture, design and antiques for such august publications as the New York Times and Architectural Digest. But you don’t have to take her word for it; put it on your coffee table — and watch guests swoon over every room.

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THIS PAGE: ALBERTO PINTO DINING FOYER, PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACQUES PÉTION, BUNNY WILLIAMS DINING ROOM, PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRITZ VON DER SCHULENBURG, BRIAN J. MCCARTHY PROJECTS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHEL ARNAUD, © 2018 NEW YORK SPLENDOR: THE CITY’S MOST MEMORABLE ROOMS BY WENDY MOONAN, RIZZOLI NEW YORK.

BOOKS CULTURE

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE?

A FISH DOESN’T KNOW WHEN IT’S WET

By Pharrell Williams; Rizzoli New York; $55

this page: a Fish Doesn’t Know, From leFt: © Karl lagerFelD 02, © Driely Vieira Carter 01, © phi hollinger • ©ryan mCginley: mirror mirrorby ryan mCginley, rizzoli eleCta, 2018

it’s liKely you Know pharrell best From his musiCal suCCesses, inCluDing

co-producing songs for others (Britney Spears’“I’m a Slave 4 U,” Nelly’s “Hot in Here”) or writing and performing them himself (the megahit “Happy”). But the star is also an author, now following up his bestselling book Places and Spaces I’ve Seen with A Fish Doesn’t Know When It’s Wet, which continues to chronicle his adventures in art and design, celebrity and fashion. Pharrell is evidently obsessed with the last of these — as evidenced by page after page of photography capturing pieces, from those he helped to design to others that simply intrigued him, not to mention an interview between Pharrell and fashion luminary Karl Lagerfeld.

Lagerfeld is hardly alone in bringing boldface name value to the book, which also includes conversations with Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae, Octavia Spencer and Oprah Winfrey. Ultimately, the book presents itself as a series of deep dives into a fairly disparate buffet of topics. Whether you’ll appreciate it probably has less to do with whether you like Pharrell as an artist and more to do with whether you happen to be fascinated by the same topics that captivate him. In his interview with Lagerfeld, Pharrell posits that “good taste [is something] you’ll never be able to explain. You could attempt to explain it but I believe it is a mystery.”You’ll almost definitely walk away from this book with a sense of Pharrell’s taste, but will you think it’s good? I believe that is a mystery.

RYAN MCGINLEY: MIRROR MIRROR

By Ryan McGinley; Rizzoli Electa; $39.95 a Few years ago, noteD photographer ryan mCginley was in searCh oF a CollaboratiVe

challenge, so he asked more than a hundred of his friends to take self portraits — naked. Each subject was given detailed instructions and a camera with the goal of producing images that would be, in some ways, cousins of the now-ubiquitous selfie with a key difference: those pictured would not get to see their photos before they clicked the shutter. The experiment yields intimate and psychologically-revealing pieces; some hilariously witty, some quietly introspective, some ferociously confrontational, some even presenting a sense of despair. Many of these nudes are bold and straightforward — presenting every wrinkle and fold, displaying the dimensions of each private part, representing an exceptional variety of body types. Others seem carefully constructed to play tricks on the eyes using combinations of mirrors or props to mask portions of the anatomy as aggressively as a bit from an Austin Powers film. Though McGinley did not click the shutters that took these photos, the fact that he invited the subjects, crafted the instructions and made the final selections from among the submitted images may account for their emotional depth and resonance, they feel like his work.“I began this project with an eye toward exploring new ways of seeing the human body,”McGinley explains.“I wanted something that included playfulness and creative problem solving with an emphasis on photographic exploration.”And, in that, he most certainly succeeds.

METROSOURCE.COM DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

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OUT OF THEIR ZONES

CULTURE

MUSIC

John Grant goes electric, Boy George leaves the troubles of the world behind, and Dita Von Teese trades burlesque for Brigitte Bardot. BY MATT GROSS

DITA VON TEESE

JOHN GRANT

THE BURLESQUE STAR’S SELF-TITLED DEBUT IS LUSH, ROMANTIC AND serene. As she explains, “I’m not a professional singer. In fact, I’m quite uneasy about recording my voice, but I do enjoy the thrill of doing things that are outside of my comfort zone. I’ve collaborated with artists I admire that have invited me ... but nothing compares to this project with Sebastien Tellier.” Sebastien, a French music star in his own right, regularly combines elements of classic cabaret with lo-fi electronica and his own oftentimes unusual twists. Von Teese elaborates: “When we began recording, he offered to let me write some lyrics, but I preferred the feeling of letting go. ... I had a fantasy about having a modern Brigitte Bardot and Serge Gainsbourg moment. To describe the album is difficult. Perhaps it’s me with less makeup. At times, there’s a certain vulnerability which stands in contrast to my stage image of a confident and glamorous woman.”Though it may come out of left field, the sultry record is easily one of the strongest of the year, the epitome of a “mood album.” An accompanying remix album has also just been released and it’s equally memorable.

“LOVE’S A S***SHOW THAT REQUIRES WORK. IT’S NOT ALL LOLLIPOPS

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Love is Magic (Partisan Records / Bella Union)

and rainbows ... and macaroni and cheese and John Carpenter.

But nothing can distract from the fact that in spite of it all, love is still magic,”says queer and openly HIV-positive singer/songwriter John Grant regarding the title of his sensational new release.

While his previous albums tended to lean on simple pairings of heartfelt vocals and acoustic guitar, with Love is Magic, Grant completes a kind of transition — fully embracing electronic music in its many forms. The result is equal parts Pet Shop Boys and Bob Dylan — an unlikely combination that somehow manages to work. Lyrically, the collection mixes black humor, fear, anxiety and anger into a turbulent but ultimately riveting experience. On this front, Grant explains that “the lyrics aren’t just the doom and gloom of the past. They’re a snapshot of everyday life: the ridiculous, the pain, the deep longing.” Highlights include the ‘80s-inspired glitter/pop gem,“He’s Got His Mother’s Hips”and the tantalizing title track. If you’ve never seen John Grant live, book a ticket to a show on his extensive winter tour.

this page: Dita creDit camille ViVier • John grant creDit shawn BrackBill

Dita Von Teese (Record Makers)

BOY GEORGE & CULTURE CLUB THIS PAGE: BOY GEORGE - COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

Life (BMG)

ON THEIR FIRST NEW ALBUM IN TWENTY YEARS, BOY GEORGE & CULTURE CLUB TRANSCEND GENRE TO DELIVER A TRULY CELEBRATORY PARTY album. As the first multi-racial band with an openly gay front man, Culture Club pushed the envelope when they hit MTV in the early 1980s. Such subsequent blue-eyed soul charttoppers as “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?”, “I’ll Tumble 4 Ya” and “Karma Chameleon” (to name but a few) were met with international acclaim and sales that would further secure their legendary status. The group disbanded for decades but reunited in 2014 and have since been on multiple sold-out tours around the globe. On Life, the band picks up right where they left off — ready to let loose and enjoy life’s daily treasures, rather than worry about the troubling state of the world. You’ll find no “War is stupid” here. Lead single “Let Somebody Love You” is a reggae-tinged treat simply claiming with conviction that “love is revolution.” The accompanying video features people of all sizes, shapes, ages, races and religions — serving up a not-so-subtle response to the widespread xenophobia currently on display in many corners of the world. Elsewhere, “God & Love”, “Human Zoo” and “More Than Silence” prove that Boy George & Culture Club remain at the top of their game.

METROSOURCE.COM DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Responding

TO AIDS

How a celebration of dance helped to raise funds and awareness in the face of an epidemic. BY JEFF SIMMONS

BODY

METROHIV

DANCERS

MOVETHECOMPANY New York Theatre Ballet

to AIDS has a particular resonance for choreographer and dancer Caleb Teicher.

Not only does his involvement support a worthy cause, the event takes place not far from where the 25-year-old took his first dance steps.

“I grew up in Mahopac in Putnam County, and part of the fun for me was that it’s pretty close to home,” said Teicher, who is inspired by both the setting and the impact of the show. “You know what you’re doing makes a difference. You know what you do has a direct impact on a group of people who need help and support. ... The beautiful thing is that dance never fails to stimulate conversations.”

The conversation spurred by the festival is that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is far from over, and the performing arts community can step forward to fund a safety net of social services for those in need. “The arts as a presenting force and the arts as a community is a place to raise awareness, a place for us to heal, a place for us recognize the value of community,” Teicher said. “The arts are a way to say: we’re here, we’re alive and we’re continuing to try to make the world a better place.”

Founded in 1991 by former Paul Taylor Dance Company members Denise Roberts Hurlin and Hernando Cortez, Dancers Responding to AIDS is a program of the nonprofit organization Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The nonprofit was founded out of an urgent and vital need to use art as an outlet and conduit to create change. Several years after its inception, it became a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. “Our artistic community in New York City was being absolutely ravaged by HIV/AIDS in the 1980s and ’90s,” Denise Roberts Hurlin said, “and so many dancers were looking for a way to help, fight back and make a difference. We had to do something.”

Each year, Dancers Responding to AIDS holds the Fire Island Dance Festival overlooking the Great South Bay in July. In October, they present the Hudson Valley Dance Festival, set in a 125-year-old warehouse on the banks of the Hudson River, in Catskill, New York. To date, the events have raised more than $6.7 million collectively.

In addition to Caleb Teicher & Company, the festival has seen presentations from a diverse range of companies, such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Martha Graham Dance Company, New York City Ballet and Paul Taylor Dance Company. High-caliber choreographers including Rob Ashford, Al Blackstone, Chase Brock, Joshua Bergasse, Merce Cunningham, Josh Prince, Dwight Rhoden, Troy Schumacher and Christopher Wheeldon have also lent their talents.

This October’s Hudson Valley Dance Festival featured performances by (among others) Bryn Cohn + Artists, Doug Varone and Dancers, Paul Taylor Dance Company and Pilobolus with additional choreography by Marcus McGregor, Ray Mercer and Troy Schumacher.

“We’ve discovered here in the Hudson Valley an authentic sense of caring and compassion. This community has graciously opened their hearts to us and we’re overjoyed to have such deep roots here now,” said Tom Viola, executive director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The funds raised also support The Actors Fund, which serves the performing arts community. They provide grants to more than 450 HIV/AIDS and family service organizations nationwide, which in turn provides access to medication, healthcare, counseling, nutritious meals and emergency financial assistance.

Teicher emphasizes that the events also raise awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS through artistic expression. “Dance does good things for the world, when it’s for profit or nonprofit, but particularly when it’s for a charitable cause,” Teicher says. “What we do together really makes a difference.”

■

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HUDSON VALLEY DANCE FESTIVAL 2017, PHOTO BY FRANCISCO GRACIANO

PERFORMING AT THE HUDSON VALLEY DANCE FESTIVAL TO BENEFIT DANCERS RESPONDING

TAKING CARE OF FUTURE YOU

STOCK PHOTO COPYRIGHT : MARIA STARUS

discussing. Who wants to dwell on getting older or not being able to take care of ourselves and a partner? Many choose to ignore the situation until it’s too late, leaving their children to make related decisions. But for the majority of LGBTQ people who do not have kids, this is simply not an option.

Nevertheless, 52 percent of people turning age 65 will need some type of long term care services in their lifetimes.

On average, women need twoand-a-half years of long-term care, while men average about a year less thank that. Some 14 percent of people will need care for more than five years. Options include nursing homes, assisted living, part-time in home care, or full-time in home care. The costs associated with these various options range from $18,000 to $215,000 annually — and they’re on the rise.

In the year 2000, people in the U.S. spent approximately $30 billion on long-term care expenditures; by 2015 that number ballooned to $225 billion. In 2017, five days a week of adult day care costs over $18,000 a year, and an assisted living facility will set you back about $45,000 a year. When it comes to nursing homes, the median cost of a semi-private room is nearly $86,000 a year. For a private room, that number climbs to about $97,500. And if that private room is in Manhattan, you’re looking at an average cost of $215,770 a year. So how are you going to pay for that?

Long term care insurance (LTCI) covers many of the costs of a nursing home, assisted living, or in home care — expenses that aren’t covered by Medicare. You may also choose to look at LTCI as a way to ensure that you can afford the necessary care to stay in your home as long as possible. However, some LTCI Insurers have made policies harder to qualify for, while many companies no longer sell those types of policies at all, and — in all honesty — those that still provide LTCI are gambling the insured will let their policies lapse before they end up actually needing expensive care.

Make no mistake, this is big business: In the year 2014 alone, 129,000 long-term policies were sold, bringing the number of indi-

viduals with long term care insurance coverage to 7.25 million. And if you tallied up the total cost of the maximum potential benefits of all the long term care policies in force today, it would add up to $1.98 trillion dollars.

To add to the complication, most LTCI policies are “use it or lose it,” and while ending up in a long term care facility may not be something you look forward to, you probably also don’t want to pay for insurance that will never be used (for example, if you should pass on before needing care). However, there is an alternative that avoids some of this risk: life insurance with an LTC benefit. These types of plans tend to be more flexible and can have lower premiums. Some also offer coverage for care after a critical illness (like a heart attack or a stroke or during a terminal illness. And if you don’t end up needing care, you may be able to receive (or pass on) some of what you invested.

How do you decide if this kind of combination policy is right for you? First, consider whether you need life insurance: Do people depend on your earning capacity? If your loved ones can be self-sufficient without you, it may not be a necessity; however some people still invest in life insurance as a way of making sure that those left behind are not burdened with cost-related “final expenses” like funerals or burials. If you’re not sure about life insurance, you may want to consider separate policies so you won’t lose long term care benefits if you decide you no longer need life insurance.

If you’re wondering if a particular combination policy is right for you, consider whether the long term care component provides adequate funds to cover the costs above. If assisted living or home health care are part of your plans, make sure those are covered, and ask whether benefits will be adjusted for inflation. Make sure you can apply the tax benefits of paying for long term care to the expenses related to that part of the policy. And — as with any investment — check the company’s financial strength rating and speak with an advisor who has experience with these kinds of policies before making your purchase. In the future, you will be glad you did.

■ METROSOURCE.COM DECEMBER 2018 /JANUARY 2019

CULTURE

LONG TERM CARE IS NOT A SUBJECT MOST OF US LOOK FORWARD TO

FINANCE

Anticipating the kind of care you will need in your twilight years can help you prepare to make them sunnier. BY JENNIFER DAY

19

DIFFICULT PEOPLE

CULTURE

SCREEN

Meet the gay son of a Christian minister, a black student who witnesses an act of police violence; a real-life killer with the face of an angel and a group of singing, zombie-slaying teens — all heading toward a cinema near you. BY JONATHAN ROCHE

AUSTRALIAN ACTOR TURNED DIRECTOR JOEL EDGERTON

follows up his creepy first feature The Gift with a film about a subject even more sinister: conversion therapy. Aimed at reversing or suppressing homosexuality, this widely debunked “therapy” is still legally practiced on children in 31 states, and has victimized approximately 700,000 individuals so far. Based on Garrard Conley’s memoir of the same name, Boy Erased follows Jared (Lucas Hedges) after rumors of his sexuality compel his Christian minister father (Russell Crowe) to pressure his son into one such program. Edgerton (interviewed on the last page of this issue) does double duty as the misguided head converter, and his performance fronts an avalanche of terrific acting. Hedges is excellent as the audience’s avatar, bringing intelligence and pathos to every scene. Flea (of Red Hot Chili Peppers fame) is eerily believable as a homophobic instructor. Gay

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DECEMBER 2018 /JANUARY 2019 METROSOURCE.COM

Canadian director Xavier Dolan (Heartbeats) displays his considerable acting ability as a boy in denial about the abuse he’s receiving, and Britton Sear (Revolution) offers up the film’s most strikingly authentic performance as a sensitive young man tortured by the threat of Hell. Pop star Troye Sivan appears to be just a background character at first, but then offers one crackling, intense scene in which he delivers a speech subtly directed towards real youths stuck in this dire situation. But if this film were a cage match, then Nicole Kidman, as a mother too full of love to be fooled, wins hands down. Fortunately, both parents are painted as relatable, not the enemy.

And tactfully, there is no sex in the film, which allows a simple, compassionate touch on the shoulder to resonate louder than church bells. THE WORD: This is wonderful, important filmmaking. COMING TO: Theaters

THIS PAGE: BOY ERASED IMAGES COURTESY FOCUS FEATURES

BOY ERASED

THE HATE U GIVE FOR SUCH AN UNSUBTLE AND HOMOGENIZED FILM, THE HATE

U Give is surprisingly strong, and its message is all too timely. However if its structure is a bit simple and certain characters are downright basic, it’s a worthy compromise so that a greater audience will be exposed to the ďŹ lm’s discussion of unjust police brutality and the racial divide that continues to cripple our society. Meet Starr: a gifted young black woman with a bright future. Though her family lives in ‘the hood’ (although one that looks conspicuously upscale), she attends a mostly white private school where she likes Harry Potter, Air Jordan sneakers and her white boyfriend. But she also has an eye for her old friend Malik, who’s all grown up and quite dreamy.

He sells drugs, but we never see him up to anything else that could be described as unsavory. But we (along with

Starr) do witness Malik being gunned down by a jumpy lone police ofďŹ cer who mistakes a hairbrush for a weapon during a routine trafďŹ c stop. Everything changes for Starr, as she ďŹ nds herself caught between police and people, between blue lives and black lives, between truth and the threat of retaliation by a local crime lord (Anthony Mackey). While whitewashed in several ways, The Hate U Give hangs on to credibility through its earnestness and the appeal of a strong cast, which includes Regina Hall, Russell Hornsby, Common, Issa Rae and lead Amandla Stenberg - who played Rue in The Hunger Games). THE WORD: At 133 minutes, it could be shorter, but isn’t hard to sit through this ďŹ lm, which takes its title from the words of Tupac — reminding us all that the hate we put out will ďŹ nd its way back to us. COMING TO: Video on Demand

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EL ANGEL ONE OF THE MORE ORIGINAL AND ETHERIAL CHARACTER

portraits you’re likely to see this year, El Angel tells the short, violent and liberating story of Carlitos, a 17-yearold in 1970s Buenos Aires who wonders why people don’t choose to live as freely as he does. He goes where he wants when he wants and takes what he wants: a natural born thief, yet a beautiful soul. He is kind and generous and although he steals, he doesn’t come off as materialistic. He’ll sneak into a fancy house or secured shop, but once inside, he’ll play a record and dance. In keeping with his full lips, curly blond locks and overall angelic appearance, Carlitos moves through his life of crime as if charmed - he’ll stare at a sleeping security guard with kindness, then just as serenely shoot him in the head. But the blood doesn’t stick to Carlitos; he oats above it. His fearlessness draws him towards his school’s resident bad boy RamĂłn, and his criminal father, who team up with Carlitos for proďŹ t. But what truly draws Carlitos to the handsome RamĂłn is something far more potent than money. The sexual undertow between the two is palpable, and there are a few scenes of a highly explicit homosexual nature — the kind you just don’t get in American ďŹ lms (though you might expect them from a ďŹ lm produced by

Pedro Almodovar). Unpredictable and magical, this angel is falling and free - an impossible kind of person, and yet also snatched from newspaper headlines of the time: this baby-faced “Angel of Death� is, after 45 years, Argentina’s longest-serving inmate . THE WORD: Why would an angel obey the laws of men? COMING TO: Theaters METROSOURCE.COM DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

21

THE FAVOURITE should it? In The Favourite, two cousins (Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone) play a dangerous game of love and power with an 18th-century English queen (The Crown’s Olivia Colman). The first cousin, and original favorite of the monarch, is a shrewd and lordly lady (Weisz), a very practiced player of the game. However, when a new player steps onto the board in the form of her once aristocratic-now-impoverished cousin (Stone) the game becomes more complicated. Weisz plays for control of the country, Stone for her own survival and comfort, while the queen - less aware of their schemes or the stakes - gropes to fill the void inside her heart and womb. Meanwhile, a young Lord and head of the opposition party (Nicolas Hoult) is playing his game too, in which the stakes are peace or war (though war might secure peace, and peace might invite war). This plot may make it sound like a political thriller — and it is thrilling, although not so easily

categorized. More important than the its gripping, psychologically complex plot and razor-sharp writing, is the presence of the beguilingly surreal air that greek director Yorgos Lanthimos weaves into his films (The Lobster, The Killing of A Sacred Deer). The Favourite might actually be his most accessible film to date. It’s less hamstrung by flatly affected speech and bizarre societal conventions, although such signatures are harder to notice in a period piece. But most definitely, like Lanthimos’s other films, The Favourite will stagger and engage continuously, offering viewers something to chew on for days at a time. THE WORD: An all-around excellent film, featuring four stellar performances. It’s challenging and yet effortlessly pleasurable. COMING TO: Theaters

#/,$ 7!2 IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD, BUT IT CAN ALSO BE A

very long and quiet war. And so it is in director Pawel Pawlikowski’s most recent film, Cold War, which follows his Oscar and BAFTA winning Ida (2013). Set in Poland shortly after the close of WW II, Wiktor (Tomasz Not) is a musician who is working to transform a group of young men and women into a traveling exhibition of Polish folk danc-

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DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019 METROSOURCE.COM

ing and singing. Amongst them he singles out Zula (Joanna Kulig), a lass of limited ability but also possessed of a definite “It “factor, which clearly speaks to him as a man as much as it does to him as a teacher.

Thus begins their long lovers’ war: through encounters over the ensuing decades, the pair are drawn to each other with nearly gravitational force even as they continually allow impediments from practical circumstances to temperamental whims to keep them apart.

Love may be lovely, but after the damage wrought by a world war, there often seem to be more pressing realities that must be served first, including the fact that Wiktor can no longer return to Poland without risking arrest. With his camera traveling from Paris to Krakow, Pawlikowski shoots an undeniably beautiful film that also serves as a reminder of how exquisite black-and-white cinematography can be. Add to that a creative score that mixes folk music with blues and classical styles in addition to smoldering lead performances by two starkly attractive actors, and you have another triumph of subtle, cinematic storytelling. THE WORD: From the documentaries of his early career onward, Pawlikoski has repeatedly distinguished himself as one of the best art house directors working today; I highly recommend checking out his 2000 film Last Resort. COMING TO: Theaters

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CULTURE

SCREEN

DOES LOVE HAVE ITS LIMITS? AND

ANNA AND THE APOCALYPSE

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hold a special place in our collective imagination, as do thoughts of ruin, death and the end times. These thoughts and the zombie tales that represent them so well are more popular than ever, whether we like them or not - so we might as well learn to have fun with them. Following in the darkly playful spirit of Shaun of the Dead, but with a musical element reminiscent of TV’s Glee comes Anna and the Apocalypse, the story of Anna, a 17-year-old ready to escape the conďŹ nes of high school and small town Scottish life to explore the great big world — which is unfortunately, suddenly, and rapidly turning into an unearthly bloodbath. Anna (Ella Hunt) and her best friend John (Malcolm Cumming) are soon reluctantly bashing their way through quaint streets, childhood playgrounds, friends and neighbors with an oversized novelty candy cane — because in addition to being a zombie teen musical, this is also a Christmas movie. Instead of carols, clever original songs that address both the

zombie problem and teen angst periodically burst forth to lighten an already comically self-aware atmosphere. Still, the danger and gore appear very real, as Anna and John join spunky social justice warrior Steph (Sarah Swire) and handsome local bully Nick (Ben Wiggins) to battle both the undead and a psycho Vice Principal (Paul Kaye - Game of Thrones) who’s seen his students as zombies for years. The musical numbers are cute and often apt, and John McPhail’s direction is capable and cheeky. However, audiences who don’t care for musical fare or prefer their zombie action with more brutal realism may be left hungry. THE WORD: Could even the end of the world be better than high school? COMING TO: Theaters

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because suddenly this actor seems to be everywhere; fortunately it’s not hard to see why. From the moment Ben’s mother (Julia Roberts) pulls up to her house to ďŹ nd her son lurking outside, the simmering tensions between the two are obvious and unrelenting. It’s Christmas Eve and Ben (Hedges) tells his mom that he’s been given a day pass from rehab to visit his family because he’s been doing so well with his recovery. Roberts is immediately believable as a mother who ďŹ ercely loves her child, even though her immediate response (along with those of the rest of the family) indicates just how very bad things must have gotten with Ben in the past. First thing after a urry of hugs she clears out the medicine cabinet while Ben’s sister (Kathryn Newton - Big Little Lies) urgently texts her stepdad (Courtney B. Vance)

to hurry home. Everyone is suspicious of Ben, but his mother won’t let it interfere with her hopes for his recovery. She allows him to stay as long as he doesn’t leave her sight. What follows is a mother’s odyssey through her son’s unsavory past, with her mind ever on his unstable future. Writer/director Peter Hedges, who excels at heartfelt family drama (What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, About a Boy, Pieces of April), artfully keeps the audience guessing about whether Ben is actually back or still someplace far from his mother’s desperate reach. “We can’t save them,â€? another mother tells her, “But you’ll hate yourself if you don’t try.â€? THE WORD: It’ll be interesting to see how this ďŹ lm compares to its thematic twin, Beautiful Boy, which features heavyweight acting from TimothĂŠe Chalamet (Call Me by Your Name) in the role of a young addict. COMING TO: Theaters METROSOURCE.COM $%#%-"%2 *!.5!29

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FIGURING OUT An awe-inspiring memoir chronicles one individual’s transition from identifying as male to identifying as female — and then male again. BY JEFF SIMMONS BRIAN BELOVITCH HAS SPENT

much of his life with an identity in a state of flux — coming out when a youngster as queer, later as a transgender woman, and eventually as an HIV-positive gay man. The more than six-decade journey as chronicled in his memoir, Trans Figured (Skyhorse Publishing) has been one of hilarity and heartbreak.

“The definition of ‘transfigure’ means someone having a spiritual experience that has affected them deeply. If I had to sum up my story, it is that I am someone who has undergone deep psychic and spiritual change,” Belovitch says. “I am not a religious person, but I am spiritual and have had incredible moments in my life.”

His life and career unfold with unexpected turns, as he struggles to find his place — first as a young person questioning his identity while growing up in a working class immigrant family in Fall River, Massachusetts. Belovitch, often mistaken for a girl, faced ridicule and abuse, which depleted his confidence.

“Growing up, I never had a really good friend,” Belovitch writes, “Basically, friends I did have put up with me because on some level I think they felt sorry for me.” His family was less than accepting as well. “When I needed them the most, even my own

DECEMBER 2018 /JANUARY 2019

METROSOURCE.COM

family rejected me in the most cruel, unimaginable way.” Later, as he moved around, Belovitch transitioned — first going by “Tish,” and then “Natalia Gervais,” entering a more glamorous world during the disco era (and crossing paths with a number of boldface celebrities), consuming copious amounts of alcohol and drugs, and engaging in prostitution and unhealthy relationships. He then wed an oppressive military man and moved to Germany, furtively shielding his identity from others.

“My whole life, people have been telling me, ‘You have to write a book!’” Belovitch laughs. Putting pen to paper was psychologically exhausting, he says, as he relived the difficult periods, particularly the moment he learned he was HIV positive. He recounts every detail about his visit with a judgmental physician at a Manhattan clinic during a period when he was sober. “It was all in slow motion, and he said to me, verbatim, ‘Well, what did you expect? You’re a prostitute and an IV drug user.’”

While the situation first pushed him into depression, Belovitch was also beginning to reimagine his future. He transitioned to being Brian again, renewed a closer connection with some family members, and began a relationship that blossomed into a now-16-year marriage. “I now have a huge support system and amazing friends,” he says.

“I think of where I was and where I am now,” Belovitch says, noting how cathartic the experience of documenting his life has been. “You always come out a winner. By looking back and seeing where I was, and how it ended up, I am surprised how I managed to land on my feet. I am someone who has had quite an unusual take on gender!”

■

This Page: BeloviTch archive • PhoTo ron gallella • PhoTo James mulqueen

BODY

METROHIV

Scenes from a Life in Transition

DEAR HIV, ’ WE DIDN T GIVE UP. XOXO, SCIENCE There is no cure, but science is still in the battle against HIV. Today’s HIV treatments may help you get to undetectable. That means the amount of virus is so low it can’t be measured in lab tests. Ask your healthcare provider about HIV and treatment options.

Learn about an HIV-1 treatment option at

XOXOSCIENCE.COM

TM

XOXOSCIENCE.COM, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. © 2018 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC5531 05/18

PETROSOURCE 2018 IT’S THE PERFECT TIME OF YEAR TO FIND A GREAT NEW WAY PAMPER YOUR FURRIEST FRIENDS. BY JENNIFER SCHIAVONE

IT’S OUR ANNUAL ROUNDUP OF EVERYTHING FOR PET LOVERS,

and this year we’re asking: What kind of pet person are you? Whether you live for social media, pride yourself on displaying discerning taste, like to stick to the practical or love to have the latest tech, we’ve got just what you need.

Above: Skouts Honor; below left: Furzapper, right: Pillstashios

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Having pets isn’t always glamorous. Fashion certainly suffers: pet hair seems designed to stick to your clothes, and even washing machines can’t beat the fuzz. Enter the Furzapper ($23.99 for two, furzapper.com), a set of cute, floppy paw prints to toss in your washer and dryer with your fur-besmirched laundry. Thanks to its tacky surface, the Furzapper captures fur, dander, lint and debris so your washables emerge clean.

Two Furzappers are enough to handle households with two medium-size pets, and — since the devices are self-washable and reusable — you can take them out of the dryer, then toss them into your washer for the next load.

Every pet parent needs an arsenal of powerful cleaners to keep their home fresh. Environmentally and socially conscious pet products from Skout’s Honor (skoutshonor.com) are safe for pets, humans and the environment. Plus each purchase sends three meals to an animal in need through Rescue Bank. Their Dog Essentials Kit ($39.97) is great for a new pet parent, with a stain and odor remover, urine destroyer, toy and bowl cleaner and a mini odor eliminator to stock the cupboard. To keep pets looking great, try the Probiotic Skin Grooming Essentials Kit ($51.97), including shampoo, conditioner and deodorizer with probiotics to enhance your pet’s natural defenses against the bad skin flora that may cause shedding, itching, dryness and odor.

When your sick pups won’t take their medicine, turn that next dose into a treat, courtesy of PillStashios ($12.99, pillstashios.com), an easy way to hide pills inside an edible, flavored casing that disguises medicinal tastes and smells so even the most discerning of pups won’t suspect a thing. PillStashios fit most medicines and supplements, which are placed inside the casing and snap closed before feeding to your pets, who will enjoy only the taste of apple bacon, blueberry chicken or cranberry turkey.

ALL IMAGES IN PETROSOURCE COURTESY THEIR RESPECTIVE COMPANIES

FOR PRACTICAL PET PEOPLE:

FOR SOCIAL MEDIA STARS: If you want to keep your pet’s social media game at the Kardashian level, it is all about taking the best selfies. So to make sure your pup will smile at the camera every time, grab the Pooch Selfie smartphone accessory ($12.99, poochselfie.com). Slip the clip on top of your phone, insert the colorful, squeaky ball, and watch your phone (and its camera) instantly become the center of doggie attention. It’s great for taking photos with or of your pet, and don’t forget to send some snaps of your furry friend sporting the company’s “Selfie Queen” doggie hoodie ($25.99) for max slayage.

Love sharing a brunch snap with your tipple of choice? Now your pet can too. Apollo Peak’s line of pet beverages encompasses an array of puntastic potions made from organic, nontoxic ingredients so you can both sip an after-selfie cocktail. Pick up a Cat Wine Pawty Pack ($19.95, apollopeak.com), which includes Pinot Meow, MosCATo, White Kittendel and Catbernet, all featuring organic

From left: Pooch Selfie Stick, Apollo Peak cat and dog wine; NomNomNow meal delivery

liquid catnip to bring out the playful side of your feline friend; or a Dog Wine Pawty Pack ($24.95), including ZinfanTail, CharDOGnay and Malbark, each containing herbs designed to perk up your pup’s health — and breath! #WinningWinesDay Spend less more time posting and less time cooking with NomNomNow, a fresh-meal delivery service for dogs and cats (prices vary by pet; nomnomnow.com). Create a profile for your dog or cat and choose from a selection of natural, recognizable, human-grade food recipes, each delivered fresh and ready to serve, perfectly portioned specifically for your pet. Choose deliveries weekly, biweekly or monthly; pause, update and edit your choices at any time. Convenience is key for the busy life of an online pet star, but the benefits of the NomNomNow diet also include a healthy weight, shinier and softer coat, and more energy. Heart that!

FOR CONNOISSEURS: You have good taste and everyone knows it — because you have it displayed in your tastefully decorated home. Where do pets fit into a carefully curated collection? Start with a Kish Original Pet Portrait ($2,000 and up; kishoriginal.com). After a consultation with Floridabased artist Gretchen Kish Serrano, she’ll create a masterpiece in one of three styles: Brush, inspired by the thick strokes and bold palette of Vincent van Gogh; Gild, an allusion to Gustav Klimt’s famous works; and Drip, which borrows from the wild splatters and drips that made Jackson Pollock a household name. The artist even includes a personal message from master to pet painted on the back of the canvas for a one-of-a-kind display of devotion.

For the collector who has everything, why not try your hand at creating art in a mindful, relaxing (and mess-free) way? Paint by Sticker: Cats ($14.95, Workman) has 12 portraits of adorable cats that can be “painted” by placing numbered stickers in the correct location.

Perfect for holiday family fun with little ones and pets running about, because there’s no paint to spill or accidental oopsies to be made.

Each page is also perforated for easy display once complete.

To keep your sharp little kitty from displaying her claws on your carefully-chosen settee, try the Jackson Galaxy Constellation Con-

Kish Pet Portraits; Paint by Sticker Cats

Galaxy Scratchers

vertible Scratcher ($59.99, jacksongalaxy.com), which looks more like an otherworld-inspired modern sculpture than a traditional cat scratcher. Corrugation on all sides means this scratcher will last, and its two-piece interlocking system allows multiple arrangements to suit your mood — or your feline’s. It also comes with a sachet of organic catnip to encourage curiosity and scratching in the proper places (read: not your mid-century antiques.)

Clockwise from left: PetChatz; Rowdy Rustler; RoboBone; Dott Smart Dog Tag

FOR TECHIES: You’re first in line for the newest update to your phone and computer; why not do the same for the latest in futuristic pet gear? Upgrade your pooch from rawhide to the JW RoboBone Electronic Treat Dispenser ($29.99, petmate.com): it’s a motorized, interactive, treat-distributing toy for dogs. The RoboBone zips around the room, encouraging your pup to chase by dropping treats along the way.

Or get your cat in the game with Petlinks’ Rowdy Rustler ($24.99, petlinkssystem.com), an electronic-motion cat toy that mimics prey hiding in the bushes. Faced with a spinning ball and trailing ribbons peeking out from beneath a fabric tent, your cat won’t be able to resist the urge to investigate and playfully pounce.

Have a virtual visit with your pets no matter where you roam with the PetChatz HD Digital Daycare System ($379.99, petchatz.com).

This is more than a camera: PetChatz is an interactive experience,

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with two-way audio and video, creative sensory additions like calming scents, and a treat dispensing option to let you play with and reward your pet even while you’re away. Accessories include the PawCall ($99.99), a foot pedal for pets that allows your pet to initiate a call with you, or play along with games in game mode.

Turn walks into data with the DOTT Smart Dog Tag ($39.99, dottpet.com). The device tracks distance and duration of walks so you can keep up Fido’s exercise regimen. Mark hazards on your route with the DOTTwalk app, and keep track of your pet’s food intake, potty breaks and more. You can even invite caretakers to add info about your dog when you can’t be there yourself. But the DOTT’s best feature may be its virtual leash: set a distance from your phone, and if your pet exits the safe zone, you can report your dog lost with the click of a button. Other DOTT users in the area are immediately notified, increasing the chance of a quick reunion. ■

PEOPLE LOVE

IMAGES COURTESY CNN AND DON LEMON

DON LEMON

WE KICK OFF OUR 2018 LIST OF “PEOPLE WE LOVE” WITH A NEWSMAN WHO’S NOT AFRAID TO SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER DURING DANGEROUS DAYS. BY KEVIN PHINNEY NOT EVERYONE IS A FAN OF OUR PEOPLE WE LOVE COVER MAN. LESS

than two weeks before the midterm elections, CNN anchor Don Lemon was one of many singled out by a bomber intent on silencing his targets. That night, Lemon responded — not only to the bomber but also to Donald Trump, who blamed the media for the uptick in violence. “I’m pissed,” Lemon told colleague Chris Cuomo on live television. “I could have been mourning

you. You could have been mourning me. God forbid, we could have lost our colleagues, and this person who calls himself the President of the United States does not have the testicular fortitude to own his part in all of this.”

The 52-year old host of CNN Tonight with Don Lemon had just ended the previous week on a conference call with the NYPD about only one of the open credible threats against him. “And METROSOURCE.COM DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

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now, the middle of this week, my first phone call was to CNN security, because the super in my building said, ‘How do we handle your mail today and going forward, Mr. Lemon?’”

Huddled in overcoats outside an evacuated CNN Headquarters, Lemon and Cuomo stood in defiance of a terrorist’s attempt to muzzle them.“I have been in this business for 27 years,” he fumed to Cuomo, “and I’ve had credible threats against me for first time in the past couple of years. I have security now — for the first time in 27 years. You know the only difference now, versus the other 25 years or so ... is Donald Trump.”

Over the past decade, Lemon has built a reputation at CNN as an unflappable interrogator, a TV host given to on-air flashes of humor and passion, but a man always and relentlessly himself — which includes being gay. His humanity and the casual way he wears his fame have won him legions of fans. Conversely, no less than the President of the United States has attacked him in a tweet as “the dumbest man on television.”

Lemon devotees consider such insults a badge of honor — earned in part by calling Donald Trump out as a racist to a global audience.

“Look,”said Lemon, tucking into his lunch at a Harlem eatery in early October, “my job is to suss out facts. And so if you look at the facts, the only conclusion that you can come to, unless you’re a really partisan animal or you’re just completely ignoring reality, is what I said about the President.

I’m not worried about defending the story, because the story is about his actions and not about me.

And I’m simply stating the facts.”

Nor is he afraid to push back. “Let me ask you a question,” Lemon says, leaning in. “Why is it so shocking to say, the President of the United States is racist? ... Would it be shocking to say the President of the United States is pro-life or anti-abortion? That’s the fact. Now why is it so offensive to be called a racist? That’s my point.

‘Cause people call me that. People call me racist all the time. But I’m not offended by it, because I know what I am.”

“A lot of people — especially people of color — were like: duh. And someone said, I forget who it was, but I thought they were exactly right: They were like, ‘Congratulations to Don Lemon for giving us breaking news from 2015,’ when I said it in 2018.”

Lemon, like colleagues ranging from Anderson Cooper to Sean Hannity and Rachel Maddow, have remade broadcast news from what it was

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PEOPLE LOVE

only a few short years ago. Gone are the days of Peter Jennings and his forebears who fastidiously avoided opinions. Today’s journalists are in dogged pursuit of truth, which can often depend on how facts are assembled, interpreted — or ignored.

“I don’t know if it was necessarily good to have one person who’s the voice of God,” Lemon muses. “We’re creatures of habit.

We want our own beliefs reinforced, and if you don’t seek out those other places or agencies to get your news or your information, you become complacent and stuck and limited. So I think in order for all of us to broaden our view of the world and to figure out what the facts are, we need to look at different places to get our news and be open to it. People watching the news today want authenticity.

They don’t just want the news; they want to know how to feel about the news. So I do feel like I’m creating a community; and that one is being created around me. The same is true of anyone who sits where I do.”

In the course of growing up in a family that “worked hard for everything we had” and surviving sexual abuse at the hands of a teenager, Lemon learned to use other people’s stories to broaden his own experience and then retell their tales. “I grew up in Louisiana; Baton Rouge,” says Lemon, “and New Orleans is included as a part of that. And wherever we went, I would just go to different peoples’ tables and talk to them. I don’t know why.

I just always asked questions. I don’t know what awakened that interest. The first big story that I can remember — and barely — is Watergate. I remember my grandmother having the television Watergate hearings on, and I remember the President leaving the White House for the last time. I had no idea it was such a big thing; I was a kid. I think as I got older those stories interested me and inspired me to do what I do.”

He has much to show for his effort. Lemon has an Edward R. Murrow Award (for coverage of the D.C. sniper’s capture), an Emmy, and accolades aplenty for his work on the AIDS epidemic in Africa and Hurricane Katrina. Ebony magazine considers him one of the nation’s most influential African-Americans.

Still, his chosen path hasn’t exactly been smooth. He’s come under fire most recently for summing up Kanye West’s visit to the White House as “embarrassing” and a “minstrel show.”Critique comes with the territory, he says: “If you’re critical of others, you should expect the same. But I do have to say that as much discrimination as there is towards gay people — and it’s awful — I have received far more for being a person of color than for being a gay man.”

“I’m sure some of the criticism of me I read and I see is rooted in homophobia,” he reasons. “People will be upset about something I say on television, and they’ll write something homophobic on a social media site. And so I’m sure there are many people thinking that, but they don’t come on my show and say that, right?”

Lemon lives his life as openly and casually as circumstances will allow. He’s been partnered for two years this month to real estate agent Tim Malone, whom he met at a restaurant in the Hamptons a few years back.“He was seeing someone, and I was playing the field,” he laughs. “They broke up, and we got together, but we knew each other as friends for a year and a half.”

“I’m never sure why people are interested in me,” Lemon muses.

“Is it because of me? Is it because of what I do? Is it because they think they’re gonna get some sort of fame, or… I have no idea. So in that sense, dating was a bit difficult. And it’s probably why I was single for so long, ‘cause I was just so focused on my career and probably not so trusting of people wanting to get into a relationship with me.”

Still, at the moment life is good for Don Lemon. “I’ve been poor,” he says. ”I’ve had to deal with abuse. I’ve had to deal with death of my real father and my stepdad and my grandmother and my sister recently. I’ve had to deal with loss. I’ve had to deal with discrimination and racism. I’ve had to deal with homophobia. But I think that makes me a pretty good person to deliver the news to the American people, because most of the people in my audience have had to deal with those things.”

If tonight is one of the five nights a week Don Lemon is at work, he’ll go in, sit at the anchor’s chair and try to explain the world and why it is the way it is. “People probably think that I become a different person on the air and off the air; that I’m putting on airs.

My producers will tell you: I am the same off air as I am on air.”

Lemon may wear the mantle of his responsibility lightly, but like a champion bodybuilder, he isn’t afraid to flex some muscle when it’s called for: “What people always have to remember is: I have the last word, right? I’m dealing in fact and reality,” he concludes, “and so everyone who’s on, or many of the people who are on, may have opinions and biases and want you to believe certain things. But I’m going to make sure that you get the truth and the information. You may not like it. It may not reinforce your beliefs. I’ll let you have your piece, but let me tell you: here’s the truth.”

What of the talking heads who cry alternative facts and fake news?

“Very simply, you don’t have to give everyone a platform. And I don’t.

I would allow anybody on if they are dealing in truth. Otherwise, why bother? It is a privilege to appear on CNN, it’s not a right,” he says.

Some might feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. Not Lemon, who rises to shake hands. “I have a new dog, a mini-poodle mix, I have to walk,” he says, headed for the door. “He is on his own schedule, and I don’t want to come home to a bunch of surprises.” ■ METROSOURCE.COM DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

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PEOPLE LOVE

Adam Rippon [ STAR ATHLETE ] It’s been quite a year for Adam Rippon, who can no longer be described with a single superlative. He’s spent nearly all of 2018 crushing it: overcoming obstacles, breaking barriers and setting new standards of possibility for gay men around the world. In sports news, Rippon thrilled audiences (and dared the haters to hate) by winning the bronze to become the first openly gay medalist at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. In fashion, he sported a mashup of leather fetish and formal wear to model a Moschino harness on the red

carpet at the Oscars. Next, he vaulted back into competition on Dancing With the Stars — which he won — becoming the first out gay man to do so. In his spare time, Rippon publicly jousted with the Vice President of the United States over LGBTQ issues, gracefully fielded advances from an endless parade of male suitors (including an attempt from actress Sally Field to play matchmaker between the skater and her son), and he ventured into acting with an appearance in The Laramie Project alongside Emmy winners Samira Wiley and Mary-Louise Parker.

As the visionary behind Voss Events, Brandon Voss has a keen instinct for what will rock a Manhattan crowd — and LGBTQ revelers in particular. Some of that ability is a learned skill, he’ll allow, but there’s also a little alchemy to his art. He believes that what some attribute to show biz savvy is really a talent that’s “expanded organically, which then helped me learn I had a bit of a niche for it. If you were to ask me 10 years ago if this would be my life now,” he muses,“I would more than likely say no.”

Voss is also quick to add that his production team works hard to take every event to the next level. “One thing I enjoy doing is col-

laborating,”the impresario says,“so the creative process has many unique talented minds all coming together to put on a great show,” and that includes “everyone from the queens to the choreographer, the lighting designers and me.”

With New York and the five boroughs well in hand, Voss Events is going global in 2019: “We are going to Asia and Australia for the first time with RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World,” he enthuses,“so that should be exciting! I can’t give away too much info on World Pride,” he says with a wink and a wry smile.” But we do a massive New York City Pride show with all the queens every year, so...”

Cameron Esposito [ QUEER QUESTIONER ] In recent years, this out comedian’s output seems to have exploded. First came her series Take My Wife with spouse Rhea Butcher, which explored the realities of life and relationships — especially those challenges met by women and queer people. And then there’s her spectacular podcast Queery, on which she shares in-depth conversations about the LGBTQ experience with members of the community, from tackling the politics of gendered pronouns with Jill Soloway to hashing out the insecurities of Nancy cohost Kathy Tu to a raucous conversation with Lea Delaria about developing an ... ahem... attachment to one’s favorite sex toys, Queery

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is by turns hilarious and heartbreaking, concerned and celebratory. To top it all off, her 2018 stand-up special Rape Jokes saw Esposito pushing the envelope — daring to mix her signature wit with decidedly non-comedic confessions about surviving sexual assault, with proceeds benefitting RAINN, the largest US anti-sexual violence organization. “I think of every member of the LGBTQ+ community as family,” she told Metrosource. And she hopes to continue to work “to advance safety, equality and access to opportunity for all queer folks. Oh and I’ll continue to tell solid jokes and make you all laugh.”

Visit her at cameronesposito.com.

THIS PAGE: ADAM RIPPON BY ABC-ED HERRERA • CAMERON ESPOSITO CREDIT ROBYN VON SWANK

Brandon Voss [ HOST WITH THE MOST ]

Evan Goldstein [ TAIL TALKER ] Dr. Evan Goldstein intended to become a cardiac surgeon, do well by doing good and call his career a done deal. Lucky for the gay population that he turned his attention instead to gay men’s sexual health and to shattering the silence and stigma that goes along with bottoming.

Goldstein now spearheads Bespoke Surgical with clinics in New York and Los Angeles, where he’s a proctologist serving the gay community while helping to educate them about best practices in sex. As such, he decided a few months back to launch a quarterly video roundtable called Tail Talks, where medical professionals gather with influencers and experts to discuss the previously taboo topic of bottoming and doing so safely.

“I decided to hone in on the science of sex,”the physician says,“because I believe it’s paramount for

our community to understand the risks and how to be safe when we engage with each other.”

Goldstein, who had been married to a woman before meeting his partner of 12 years, says it’s time to expand minds past the crisis of HIV/AIDS and to consider how men can be more considerate tops and their counterparts can be more aware and vocal about their needs in order to stay healthy and get the most out of their coupling together.“Before now, most medical care having to do with young gay men focused on HIV care,” Goldstein opines.

“And we’re now the first generation living our lives out since the crisis began. But we’ve never really had the help we need in a non-demeaning way, with someone explaining that these are the things you can do to protect not only yourself and your partner, but the community at large.”

Fred Dixon [ WELCOME WAGON MASTER ]

THIS PAGE: IMAGES COURTESY EVAN GOLDSTEIN, FRED DIXON AND NETFLIX.

Only a few people in the world understand the public pressures of Fred Dixon’s job: Super Bowl Halftime performers, astronauts, and maybe Hillary Clinton. There are a lot of people counting on him. Dixon is the man whose job description includes “overall responsibility for developing and implementing New York City’s tourism marketing and convention development strategy internationally as well as in domestic leisure and business markets.” With two dozen years’ experience in the travel and tourism industry, Dixon somehow makes it look easy. “No question,” he says, “promoting the greatest city in the world is the honor of a lifetime; but people do ask all the time,

doesn’t the city sell itself? In many ways, it sets the bar for destinations near and far, but there’s no shortage of competitors eager and ready to eat our lunch. Travelers and event planners have more options today than ever, and no destination evolves and reinvents itself like New York, so it’s important to keep our image updated, fresh and inviting.”Since no one throws a party like gay folk do, Dixon can’t wait until NYC hosts WorldPride in 2019. For the occasion, which will mark the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall riots and the first U.S. WorldPride, Dixon vows to “make sure NYC is top of its game as the most welcoming and inclusive destination anywhere.”

Hannah Gadsby [ #METOO MOUTHPIECE ] Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby’s radical Netflix special Nanette is a perfect, if perhaps unintended, corollary to the #MeToo movement and its attempt to make a clean sweep of sexual abuse in contemporary society. Nanette is both an exploration of Gadsby’s own experience with assault and a call to dismantle the culture of oppression and abuse that harms members of marginalized groups. In the show, Gadsby claims she is going to quit stand-up because the form causes those outside of “normal” to exist in a perpetual state of tension — hearing stories manipulated to

mollycoddle audience sensitivities. Gadsby takes audiences to precisely that intersection when she deftly recounts a gruesome incident she suffered at the hands of a drunken stranger in her deeply homophobic hometown.“You need to learn what this feels like, because this tension is what notnormals carry inside of them all of the time,” she says to the silent and stunned crowd. Gadsby is shedding light on a reality faced by many in the LGBTQ community — and is demanding those who participate in systemic misogyny and homophobia reckon with their own culpability.

METROSOURCE.COM DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

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PEOPLE LOVE

Janelle Monae [ BRIGHT LIGHT ] Extraordinary, provocative and impossible to copy, model/actress/singer/songwriter Janelle Monáe first entered the public arena with catchy romps like“Tightrope”and an aesthetic that evokes a Josephine Baker-meets-Grace Jones vibe. Then she flaunted her acting chops on the silver screen in Moonlight and Hidden Figures. And after dropping her Dirty Computer album earlier this year, she made headlines by publicly discussing her sexuality. “Being a queer black woman in America,”

she told Rolling Stone, “someone who has been in relationships with both men and women — I consider myself to be a free-ass motherf**ker.”

She’s down with bisexuality, interested in pansexuality, and has once again moved the marker of what’s considered taboo. How could we not love an artist who uses the heat of her talent and the light of her celebrity to shine while embodying an identity that could have once only been whispered about?

John Waters [ 2018 LEGACY PERSON WE LOVE ] When we caught up with the man who brought us Hairspray, Serial Mom and Cry-Baby, he was providing a rare personal tour of his lifetime in multimedia satire currently on exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Don’t forget: It’s Waters movies like Pink Flamingos and Polyester that brought us Glenn Milstead, aka Divine. Is it possible that there’d be no Drag Race today without Waters’ edgy and pioneering work? “Who knows?” is Waters’ reply. “I knew Ru from the

beginning when he started. But I certainly think Divine made drag queens hip. They weren’t cool when I was young; they were pretty square, you know — wanting to be Miss America. Now most drag queens have an edge.”Waters plan is to continue expressing himself:“I haven’t made a movie in 15 years,” he laughs. “So I continue to write books, I have art shows, which has been going on for a long time. It’s all the same to me. It’s a way to tell a story; it’s just been in different worlds.”

How does a man become a media one-stop shop while reinventing NYC chic? Kenneth Walsh, better known to his audience as Kenneth in the 212, says he picked his nom de plume as a nod to Dennis Hensley’s Misadventures in the (213), because the area code was so long synonymous with the island of Manhattan. “When I moved here in the 1990s, Brooklyn was a punchline, a place you avoided it at all costs,” he says. “Obviously a lot has changed since then, but I do think the focus of my site remains on life in ‘the city’ proper: a place where so many oddballs and

misfits dreamed of moving when they were kids in the 1970s and ‘80s.”Walsh says he’s developed a niche but loyal audience who can relate to his memories of life in the closet before the internet.

“I’m a part of Generation X that almost uniformly grew up deeply ashamed and afraid of being gay,” he explains,“having to use the Sears catalog men’s underwear section as ‘porn,’ sneaking out to the living room to watch Making Love at 3am on HBO, terrified you’d be caught by your parents; all of those unique sensibilities that come with growing up gay in an entirely different era.”

Lambda Legal [ FREEDOM FIGHTERS ] Founded in 1973, Lambda Legal is a national advocate for the LGBT community. “We are your lawyers,” they like to say, “devoted to ensuring LGBT people and everyone living with HIV are protected and safe.” Lambda Legal has been at the forefront of numerous court battles attempting to ensure greater equality for LGBT Americans. The organization is “fighting back,” they say, “by continuing our 45 years of work protecting marriage equality and the equal dignity of all

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LGBT and people living with HIV and expanding the quilt of protection for queer and trans workers, as well as students, through impact litigation and public policy strategies nationwide.” They have their hands full as the Trump/Pence agenda seeks to roll back hard-won legal victories. “Until every person is afforded full civil rights, no one can fully experience the freedom to be proud of who we are as a society, no matter where we come from, who we love, or what we believe.”

THIS PAGE: JANELLE MONAE PHOTO BY NATHAN CONGLETON-NBC • JOHN WATERS PHOTO BY KEVIN PHINNEY • KENNETH WALSH COURTESY KENNETH WALSH • LAMBDA LEGAL COURTESY LAMBDA LEGAL

Kenneth in the 212 [ MANHATTAN MAN ]

Leo Preziosi, Jr. [ HOMECOMING KING ] “The LGBTQ+ Community has consistently been by our side as we continue to evolve and develop our student programming for LGBTQ+ youth in our schools,” Preziosi told Metrosource. We’re a family here, our staff and board of directors, committee members, role model speakers, volunteers, donors and sponsors. They are with us 100 percent. Imagine visiting local schools or your own hometown high school and sharing your coming out story and personal journey, challenges and

successes with a classroom and sometimes an assembly filled with students from every background. That’s what our Role Model Speakers do every week for us with their heart on their sleeves.

So very generous, every single one of them. They help us fulfill Live Out Loud’s mission by educating and nurturing these amazing young students, giving them the courage and freedom to find their own unique voice and in turn become the agents of change in their communities.”

Michael Musto [ PROUD PROVOCATEUR ] “When I started my Village Voice column in 1984, I assumed I’d be heartily greeted by my peers.

Wrong. ... But through the years, I feel I earned the respect of the community, and they appreciated the fact that I celebrate them, champion their causes, fiercely defend them and criticize whatever occasional steps backwards we’ve taken. I’m proud to be an out member of the community and one who has been recognized for being very much myself,” Michael Musto told Metrosource.

“Many people have come to me and said they moved to New York because of me, they came out because of me, and I gave them hope because, back when there was hardly a plethora of gay coverage, I provided that and let them know that there was a place for them in the world. I grew up without any positive LGBTQ visibility, and I was determined to provide that for others. ... And the whole time, I was out and proud, and firmly called upon celebrities to do the same.”

Point Foundation [ SCHOLAR SUPPORTERS ]

THIS PAGE: MICHAEL MUSTO PHOTO BY ANDREW WERNER • POSE BY JOJO WHILDEN-FX

Point Foundation made our list of People We Love this year due to its ongoing efforts to help promising LGBTQ students realize their full academic and leadership potential — despite the obstacles often put before them — so that they can make a significant impact on society.“Point,” says a foundation spokesperson, “promotes change through education, mentorship, leadership development and community service training, and provides its scholars with the financial ability to attend the nation’s foremost higher educational institu-

tions.” One of the key ingredients in lifting up a group is making sure that they have the knowledge and experience to better themselves. Toward that end, Point Foundation supports equal access to higher education for all students of all identities and backgrounds, including undocumented students. Their mission: “to foster a greater level of acceptance, respect and tolerance for all persons in society, and to build a community of socially active LGBTQ leaders.” Make way for the next generation of People We Love.

Pose [ A SENSATIONAL SANCTUARY ] The category is ‘80s Ballroom Realness! Metrosource spoke to Pose producer/director Janet Mock and co-executive producer/writer Steven Canals.

“Pose is a love letter and memorial to all those who’ve survived and paved a way for us today.

Our show is a period piece and portrait of many LGBTQ people, particularly of color, who struggled and strived through the 1980s, a time when folk were navigating poverty, rejection, HIV/AIDS and of course bias ,”said Mock.

“Pose has become a sanctuary for Queer & Trans People of Color (QTPOC) who have never seen themselves represented in mainstream media. After decades of marginalization in film and television, QTPOC are finally at the center of their own story. For eight weeks this summer we laughed and cried together, and shaded one another! ... We are forever grateful for [the fans’] commitment to us and promise to continue telling their stories in a nuanced way,” said Canals.

METROSOURCE.COM DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

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PEOPLE LOVE

Randy Rainbow [ TIRELESS SATIRIST ] There have been gay comedians and there have been internet sensations, but no one has put the two together in quite the sweet/tart way that’s made Randy Rainbow a national treasure to the LGBTQ community. Rainbow is most famous for the mock interviews and showtune parodies that appear to address the news almost as it happens, repurposing video of famous folk to highlight their hypocrisy, duplicity, dissembling, spin and downright stupidity. And, while he has helping

hands, he’s largely a one-man show. This year, he’s also taken his act on the road — while still managing to stay as au courant as a 3am tweet from @realdonaldtrump. And if the administration is no friend to LGBTQ Americans around the country, its partisans — Sarah Sanders, Mike Pence, Kelleyanne Conway, Brett Kavanaugh and the rest — have provided enough material to keep our favorite satirist busy well past 2020. No one will be over this Rainbow anytime soon.

“I’ve always been openly gay. I’ve always been out and about in clubs. I’ve always been very interested in stories featuring gay characters for myself to play, and I’ve always been very interested and concerned when I see phobia and unfairness,” Rupert Everett tells Metrosource. But what drew the film star to write, direct and star in The Happy Prince, this year’s stirring movie about the last days of Oscar Wilde? “His life in Paris, his life in exile, is the portrait of the first out gay man in

modern history in that — until Oscar Wilde — homosexuality wasn’t actually a word even,” the Everett explains. “Oscar Wilde, after he came out of prison — being famous ... they could see him across the boulevard walking along and know that was a homosexual man. This was the first time that had ever happened. And, as they say in Latin: nomen est numen — to name is to know.

And once it was named, that was really the beginning of the gay liberation movement.”

SAGE [ SENIOR PRIVELEGERS ] “At a very basic level,” explains SAGE CEO Michael Adams,“our mission is to improve the lives of LGBT older people. We’re a national advocacy and services organization that’s been looking out for LGBT elders since 1978, and we’re celebrating our 40th anniversary.” SAGE fosters welcoming communities for LGBTQ seniors and keeps issues facing them part of the national conversation. “People think that gay culture is entirely youth-centric,” Adams says, “but the reality is

that our entire society is youth-centric and ageist.

History, experience, and wisdom – all things that correspond with aging – seem to be consistently regarded as having little value; but we know differently.”SAGE attempts to counter those notions by facilitating conversations that cross the generational divide.“We do this with intergenerational programs and by promoting vibrant, interesting and awe-inspiring LGBT elders in the media, and sharing their stories whenever we can.“

Samira Wiley [ ROLES WITH EVERYTHING ] Not long ago, it would have been unthinkable for an actor to find two roles playing queer women of color in popular critically-acclaimed television series. Yet that’s been the career trajectory of Samira Wiley, whose breakout role as Poussey in Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black became an instant fan favorite. Her next choice placed her in a very different kind of prison — the totalitarian Gilead of Hulu’s massive hit, The Handmaid’s Tale, playing “gender traitor” Moira — best friend to Eliza-

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beth Moss’ June. Wiley’s performance in the series has taken her from forced servitude in a brothel through a quest for freedom. Now she’s won an Emmy for an episode that saw her character navigate a surrogate pregnancy, fall in love with her OB/GYN Odette, then discover that Odette had been murdered. “Honestly, we never knew that our show was going to be having the impact it would be having,”Wiley told IMDB after winning her Emmy.“It’s been an amazing journey.”

THIS PAGE: SAGE PHOTO BY WIEBRIG KRAKAU • SAMIRA WILEY PHOTO BY JILL GREENBERG • “PEOPLE WE LOVE TEXT BY KEVIN PHINNEY., PAUL HAGEN, AND ERIN JORDAN

Rupert Everett [ WILDE MAN ]

Pick a Winner, Baby!

We know you love the parade of aspiring “next drag superstars” that slay RuPaul’s runway, but we’ve been loving queens since long before the Race began. So this year, we want you to add one more name to our list of People We Love. These divine performers are all winners who serve sensational lewks and talent for days, but only one can be officially added to the 2018 list.

Vote for your favorite at Metrosource.com/LegendaryQueens – and may the best woman win!

A B C D

D

Joey Arias Lady Bunny Sherry Vine Hedda Lettuce

E F G

Lypsinka Shequida Tina Burner

F

A B

THIS PAGE: LADY BUNNY SILVER CAFTAN PRESS PIC • HEDDA LETTUCE PHOTO COURTESY @MANUFOTOMANU

E C

G

The best holidays are a feast for the senses, and Gibson & Dehn’s Room Fragrances in scents such as Pumpkin Brûlée and Norway Spruce add the perfect fragrance notes. Reed Diffuser $42, gibsonanddehn.com

❄ The sophisticated but rugged Alastair Vertical Briefcase comes in solid gray or a muted plaid, and features a waxed canvas body, a padded laptop pocket and an external tablet pocket, plus lots of zippered sections and hideaway shoulder straps. $165, solo-ny.com

For lovers of dogs and eye-catching accessories, these French Bulldog Cufflinks from are eye candy for the cuffs. $178, saksfifthavenue.com

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Comfortably chic Allbirds Shoes are made from sustainable materials like tree fibers, sugarcane and wool, and come in a variety of neutrals and seasonal colors in either a lounger or a lace-up runner style. $95, allbirds.com

Runamok Maple’s Tasting Collections offer unexpected and delicious variations on this sweet treat. The cheese pairing set includes Bourbon Barrel-Aged and Pecan Wood-Smoked, while the tea pairing collection offers cardamom-infused and cinnamon and vanilla infused syrups. Pairing collections start at $19.95 at shop.runamokmaple.com

❆

THE Giving SEASON

❄

IT’S THE MOST GIFTABULOUS TIME OF YEAR. BE PREPARED TO PLEASE THE LUCKY FOLKS ON YOUR LIST WITH CULINARY DELIGHTS, STATEMENT ACCESSORIES, HOME ACCOUTREMENT AND MORE. BY DEBORAH L. MARTIN

Feathers add a festive touch, especially when worn in this elegant Bowtie from Brackish, exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue. $195, saksfifthavenue.com

ALL PRODUCT PHOTOS COURTESY THEIR RESPECTIVE BRANDS

The holidays are the ideal time for an accessories upgrade, and a Fendi Wallet or Card Case will certainly fit the bill(s).

Prices vary, saksfifthavenue.com

Cider in Love curates artisanal heritage ciders from small makers, then sends the best of the bunch. Shop by taste profile or by location, and Cider in Love will suggest pairings you’ll love to give. $16-28 per bottle, ciderinlove.com

Perfect for the bar or dinner table, the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Hammered Metal Pitcher with walnut handle is elegant and sleek. mgbwhome.com

Holiday selections from La Maison du Chocolat include the Tree of Reveries, made entirely by hand and decorated with scenes carved in layers of dark, milk, or ivory chocolate with gold leaf scattered among 78 dark chocolate shiny or matte bubbles.

Prices vary, lamaisonduchocolate.us

METROSOURCE.COM DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

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Don’t scour vintage stores searching for the perfect moto jacket when DSLTD’s update features every design bell and whistle of the classic. Slim and made for selfies, it’ll become your favorite go-to garment. $400, dstld.com The Brooklinen Super Plush Complete Towel Set includes bath sheets, bath towels, hand towels, wash cloths and a bath mat — all ultra-absorbent and luxuriously touchable. Model not included. $189, brooklinen.com

Winter doesn’t have to be dreary with the Glamourpuss Knit Hat and Fingerless Gloves. The multi-colored accents are guaranteed to brighten any snow day. $175, saksfifthavenue.com

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For a unique and personalized present, The Mysterious Package Company offers an “experience-by-mail,”revealed over the course of several weeks. Some of the packages include The Lost Treasure of John Auger or the Tempus Fugit experiences, in which “the very fabric of time and space must be altered in order to bring a loved one home.”Experiences start at $100, mysteriouspackage.com

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The HD1 portable noise-cancelling Headphones from Sennheiser are terrific at blocking out the high-pitched excitement of unwrapping presents on Christmas morning. $345, en-us.sennheiser.com Hydration is key, and it can be sustainable, too, with Boxed Water — pure water in recyclable cartons. Save when you send via a variety of subscription options. 12 liters for $35, boxedwaterisbetter.com

Give the perfect shave with Olivina Men’s Premium Shave Grooming Essentials. The kit includes classic shave soap, a chrome deluxe razor with blades, beard oil, conditioning crème,and bourbon cedar cologne. Canvas travel bag included. $100, olivinamen.com

Bestow a title on your favorite Lord- or Lady-In-Waiting with a gift from Highland Titles.

The company’s mission is woodland conservation, so (to that end) they are selling small parcels of land to fund conservation. Bonus: bestowing this gift gives you an opportunity to live your best Downton Abbey life. Tea, your grace? Starting at $46, highlandtitles.com

For the carb-lover on your list, Semolina Artisanal Pasta is offering a special holiday gift bag filled with their hand-crafted, slowdried durum semolina pastas, imported Bianco diNapoli tomatoes, and Jacobsen salt, all packed in a durable and reusable jute tote. $50, semolinapasta.com

METROSOURCE.COM DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

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YOU MATTER AND SO DOES YOUR HEALTH

That’s why starting and staying on HIV-1 treatment is so important.

WHAT IS DESCOVY®?

DESCOVY is a prescription medicine that is used together with other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people who weigh at least 77 lbs (35kg). DESCOVY is not for use to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. DESCOVY combines 2 medicines into 1 pill taken once a day. Because DESCOVY by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1, it must be used together with other HIV-1 medicines.

DESCOVY does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses, you must keep taking DESCOVY. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to reduce the risk of passing HIV-1 to others. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about DESCOVY? DESCOVY may cause serious side effects: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. DESCOVY is not approved to treat HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV and stop taking DESCOVY, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking DESCOVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

What are the other possible side effects of DESCOVY? Serious side effects of DESCOVY may also include: • 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 DESCOVY. • Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking DESCOVY if you develop new or worse kidney problems.

• 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 effect of DESCOVY is nausea.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking DESCOVY? • All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection.

• All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Other medicines may affect how DESCOVY works. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe to take DESCOVY with all of your other medicines.

• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known if DESCOVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking DESCOVY. • If you 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.

Please see Important Facts about DESCOVY, including important warnings, on the following page.

Ask your healthcare provider if an HIV-1 treatment that contains DESCOVY® is right for you.

IMPORTANT FACTS

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

(des-KOH-vee) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT DESCOVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF DESCOVY

DESCOVY may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. DESCOVY is not approved to treat HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking DESCOVY. Do not stop taking DESCOVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

DESCOVY can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About DESCOVY” section.

• Changes in your immune system.

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.

• 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 effect of DESCOVY is nausea.

These are not all the possible side effects of DESCOVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking DESCOVY. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with DESCOVY.

ABOUT DESCOVY • DESCOVY is a prescription medicine that is used together with other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people who weigh at least 77 lbs (35kg). DESCOVY is not for use to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection.

• DESCOVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to others.

BEFORE TAKING DESCOVY Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

• Have any other medical condition.

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed.

Do not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with DESCOVY.

GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about DESCOVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

• Go to DESCOVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit DESCOVY.com for program information.

HOW TO TAKE DESCOVY • DESCOVY is a one pill, once a day HIV-1 medicine that is taken with other HIV-1 medicines.

• Take DESCOVY with or without food.

DESCOVY, the DESCOVY Logo, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Version date: September 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. DVYC0085 11/17

ARE HIV PREVENTION MEASURES FAILING TRANS PEOPLE?

STOCK PHOTO COPYRIGHT : ALEXANDER RATHS • DOCTOR FISHER COURTESY

quiet reflection. But at least one researcher will be observing it by asking: how important is it that doctors speak with patients about their gender identity?

It turns out that conversation can be life-saving, according to a groundbreaking study about how transgender young adults and teenagers perceive communication about identity, orientation, sexual activity and health information with their primary care physician.

By establishing a non-judgmental demeanor early on, health care providers can become more thoughtful in their interactions. They can avoid stigmatizing behavior, and become more alert and aware of a patient’s medical needs. And they can set a tone early on that can encourage patients to seek — rather than spurn — medical help.

The study by Celia B. Fisher, PhD (pictured, at right), founding Director of the Fordham University’s Center for Ethics Education, explored 288 responses from transgender young adults from 14 to 21 years of age. Sadly, the results do not sound like good news.

Nearly half had not disclosed their identity as a gender and sexual minority (GSM) to their physicians, out of concerns about a medical providers’ potential negative response. A quarter of those studied were less inclined to discuss their identity and sexual health, fearing the information could be shared with parents. Only a quarter felt their physician was helpful about identity-specific sexual issues.

Transgender adults and youth, particularly those who have sex with cisgender men, have been identified as a key population at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. One recent analysis found that almost a quarter of trans-feminine people in the United States are living with HIV. And, of the 3.3 million HIV-tested reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2013, the percentage of transgender persons newly diagnosed with HIV was nearly three times the national average, the data shows.

BODY

WORLD AIDS DAY IS DECEMBER 1. SOME WILL HONOR IT WITH VIGILS OR

“If they are not getting the sexual health information that they need, they are being placed at a higher risk of infection,” Fisher says.

“If primary care physicians exhibit bias and are not affirming or open to discussing sexual health issues of any kid, this sets up a psychological barrier.” Access to gender-affirming sexual healthcare is critical to preventing HIV and STIs among young adults and youth, as those dissuaded from seeking contact with a physician may instead seek online information, which may be inaccurate.

In fact, the breakdown in communication might also be related to physicians’ misperceptions: A 2017 study found that some 80 percent of providers surveyed thought patients wouldn’t disclose their sexual orientation — while only 10 percent of patients from a randomized sample indicated they would refuse to do so. And in that study, nearly 90 percent of transgender patients thought their primary care providers should know their gender identity.

“Transgender youths who have supportive families have much greater access to gender-affirming care,” Fisher says, as opposed to the access of “those young adults and youths who do not have the economic and emotional family support.”These youth now also face reduced options through federal changes to affordable healthcare.

Fisher hopes to use those findings as a springboard to create educational programs that could help primary care physicians understand how to speak with transgender persons about identity and sexual issues. “Some studies have indicated that physicians are even afraid to bring the topic up,” she says. “The solution is in training physicians how to approach the issue, and provide them with the knowledge about gender identity, sexual health and practices that transgender youth need to know.”

■

METROHIV

In recognition of World AIDS Day, we look at a recent study that shows when trans people aren’t comfortable with physicians, the results can be dire. BY JEFF SIMMONS

Celia B. Fisher, PhD

METROSOURCE.COM DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

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Safety and #SelfCare for Skiers

46

SINCE THE ADVENT OF MODERN DOWNHILL SKIING IN THE 1850S, THE

sport has gone on to enjoy tremendous popularity. The Kotte National End of Season Survey estimates that in the U.S. alone there were over 53 million snow-sports visits over the course of 2017-2018 season. But that doesn’t mean we’re all doing it right.

With winter weather arriving, it’s important to plan ahead and strategize about how to not only get the most out of every snow day, but also how to stay safe before, during and after hitting the slopes.

To do that, we consulted with experts from Colorado Ski Country, Stowe Mountain Resort and Telluride Ski Resort for safety and selfcare tips to make sure LGBTQ skiers can fully enjoy the upcoming season.

One of the best ways to avoid injury is to properly train and condition your body as you lead up to the season. Colorado Ski Country (coloradoski.com) recommends training well in advance, stating: “You don’t hear of people running a marathon without training, and skiing should be no different. Use the summer and fall months to get yourself in ski season shape. Cardio workouts will build endurance against higher elevations, and strengthening workouts will keep you going on the long runs.” Some great exercises Colorado Ski Country recommends are: alternate lunge, one-legged balance, frog jumps, standing lunge and bicycle crunches.

Telluride Ski Resort (tellurideskiresort.com), considered one of the World’s Best Ski Resorts, is nestled into Colorado’s San Juan Mountains and boasts the highest concentration of 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks in North America. Scott Pittenger, Director of Mountain Operations at Telluride had some additional gettingready recommendations, “Get those legs and core strong. Like many seasonal sports, skiing will utilize muscles that you don’t normally fire when working out at the gym or shooting hoops, so get a good foundation of strength and you are off to a great start. Hiking, running, and biking are great preparation. Biking has the added advantage of getting you ready for increased speed and getting you in the habit of looking ahead (the farther you look ahead, the more prepared you are for what’s coming; whether it’s a group of other skiers DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

METROSOURCE.COM

or a powder stash with deep turns waiting for you).” And Pittenger ought to know a thing or two about looking ahead: Telluride, with a base elevation of 8,725 feet, offers 2,000 acres of skiable terrain including their longest run, “Galloping Goose”, at 4.6 miles. Their lift-served vertical drop is 3,790 feet.

Once you’re at your ski resort of choice, it’s important to do some immediate things to get ready for a fun (yet intense) adventure.

Stowe Mountain Resort (stowe.com) is Vermont’s internationally renowned four-season destination surrounded by Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Jeff Wise from the Snow Mountain Resort Communications Office points out that “stretching is always a good practice before skiing and riding to avoid getting hurt or minimize any potential injury. It’s also a good idea to make sure your equipment is tuned and fully functional before you hit the slopes. If renting gear, make sure the shop you choose has the appropriate sizes and settings for your skill level. I always recommend renting gear at the mountain. This way, in case there is a problem, replacement gear is conveniently located where you are skiing.” Stowe offers 485 skiable acres with roughly forty miles of terrain for skiing, snowboarding and living your best winter life. Mount Mansfield at Stowe has a summit elevation of 4,395 feet with a vertical drop of 2,360 feet.

Pittenger also adds that, as you approach your ski week, it’s important to “drink lots of water and be sure your ski vacation isn’t the first time all winter you have worked up a sweat. Heading from sealevel to the elevation of the Rocky Mountains can leave you short of breath, so get your lungs working and let the amazing beauty of the San Juans take your breath away — not the walk to your ski locker.”

When it comes to choosing whether to explore more difficult terrain or stick with what you know, self care tips might seen a dime a dozen, but Wise shared his motto, “Use familiar skills on unfamiliar terrain and when trying new skills, choose familiar terrain.”

SAFE AND SOUND There’s been an increasing emphasis on safety when it comes to skiing and snow-sports, explains Chris Linsmayer, Public Affairs

THIS PAGE: CREDIT TELLURIDE SKI RESORT-BRAD FOLEY

BODY

HEALTH

Are you taking care so that you can hit the slopes without the slopes hitting you back?

We asked the experts to weigh in. BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES

Director of Colorado Ski Country. “One area where we have seen a real increase is with helmet use — with more and more guests wearing helmets, especially those under 18 years old. I’d attribute this to a real and on-going effort by our resorts to educate guests about the benefits of helmet safety and also leading the way, by example — like ski instructors, ski patrollers and other resort employees wearing helmets while they are on the mountain,” Pittenger said. “Safety is a team sport and it doesn’t work if everyone isn’t on board. One reckless move can ruin your (or someone else’s) life.”

January is National Safety Month at ski resorts all over the United States; every year resorts hold a variety of safety demonstrations and programming to educate skiers about safety practices and the importance of helmet use. Colorado ski resort Copper Mountain (coppercolorado.com) has a new Slide in Control Program, which recommends individuals wear a helmet, plan ahead and be knowledgeable about snow conditions and trail closings before hitching a ride to the top of the mountain. They also recommend reading all signage, knowing your limits and keeping your head on a swivel to be on alert for objects and other skiers and riders around you.

The National Ski Areas Association assembled an important Responsibility Code to minimize the elements of risk in snow sports: 1. Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.

2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.

3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.

4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.

5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.

6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.

7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

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Steamboat Resort (steamboat.com), in Steamboat Springs, CO, is famous for their “Champagne Powder” snow covering just less than 3,000 acres. With six peaks and an elevation of 10,568 feet, the resort is especially committed to mountain safety and has a detailed Slopewise Code of Conduct, which incorporates aspects of the Responsibility Code, the Colorado Ski Safety Act and stresses the value of cooperation through their #buddyup program.

Telluride also gets into National Safety Month; Pittenger shared that “for the month, we set up a Safety Tent. The tent is constantly staffed and our guests are encouraged to check out the daily safety topics. A scavenger hunt around the mountain is led out of the tent, which highlights different aspects of trail safety, safe skiing techniques, the skier responsibility code and the Skier Safety Act.” As important as it is to prepare (you may want to think of your full first day on the slopes as a warm-up), it’s important to call it a day when you start to feel fatigued. Fortunately, taking care of yourself after the slopes can be just as fun. Mountain resorts and towns are infamous for nightlife and spa culture. Linsmayer offered a few tips for relaxing after long day of skiing: “I would certainly recommend the Après scene at any of our resorts. It’s very easy to find an outdoor patio with a chair to sit back and relax. One other exciting option is hot springs, many of our resorts either partner with or are near a hot springs, which is the ultimate way to relax after a day of skiing.”

Wise added three important tips: “Rehydrate, re-energize and refuel.” He added, “Stowe has an amazing variety of restaurants and pubs to satisfy the cravings of the most discerning après skier. You could even take advantage of a day/evening visit to a spa like Topnotch, where you can book a treatment, gain access to the pools and hot tubs, and then dine at one of their restaurants on-site.”

Both Stowe Mountain Resort and Telluride Ski Resort offer Gay Ski Weeks. Stowe’s Winter Rendezvous Gay Ski Week 2019 (winterrendezvous.com) is the longest-running gay ski week in the Northeast and takes place from January 24-27, 2019. Telluride Gay Ski Week (telluridegayski.com) occurs slightly later in the season, from February 23-March 2, 2019. We’ll see you on the slopes!

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HEALTH BODY

Baby, It’s Cold Outside...

Are You Moisturized?

When winter dry skin strikes, do you exfoliate it away? Penetrate it with a mask? Hope lotion gets through? We guide you through your options. BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES JUST BECAUSE WINTER IS HERE DOESN’T MEAN YOU NEED TO SUFFER

from dry skin. People have been finding ways around it for centuries: Ancient Roman physician Galen is credited for developing the first cold cream by melting beeswax into rose oil and adding water, and Sister Hildegard, who launched a holistic healing movement in the 1100s, came up with an early recipe for facial moisturizer with barley water. The study of anthropology has recorded humanity using a wide range of ingredients to create creams, oils and other moisturizers including avocado, aloe, animal fats, honey, milk, moringa oil, palm oil and sea salt.

A trip to any drugstore today will reinforce the broad array of products available, each seeming to offer special ingredients and unique benefits. So how do you decide which to go with? It’s difficult to single out a product or brand as the right choice, because winter weather affects each of us differently. So it’s important to experiment and try new products to see what will help protect your skin best during winter. That said, we’ve assembled a roundup of some new and trusted products currently on the market, so that you can start sampling and figuring out what works for you.

While scraping might not be the first activity one thinks of when dealing with dryness, it turns out that lightly scrubbing the face gently with a polish like NATUROPATHICA’s Oat Cleansing Facial Polish ($56) can hydrate and protect. This 3-in-1 works as a cleanser, scrub and mask contains soothing oats and exfoliating jojoba beads to sweep away dry skin and impurities, making way for healthy additional products you can apply to protect your skin. Why oats? They help repair Langerhans cells, which are the

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skin’s immune response to UV rays. Oat Beta Glucans are known as an anti-irritant and can help stimulate collagen synthesis and promote sustained moisture. Oat protein soothes, calms and hydrates. And jojoba wax beads exfoliate to polish away dead surface cells and clean the skin without extracting existing moisture.

Looking for a little more total body coverage? Gabriel Organics Sea Fennel Moisturizing Cleanser ($22.50) is a rich hydrating cleanser that removes skin cell debris and surface impurities using kelp, sea fennel, cucumber, green tea, aloe vera juice, ginger extract, rosemary and chamomile to leave skin feeling fresh and rehydrated. For another option, Golden Door, which bills itself as the “Number One Spa Destination in the World” offers a Bamboo Body Scrub ($58) with a lavish blend of rich butters and oils, which have been infused with crushed hibiscus flowers, bamboo and natural sugar crystals. While its bamboo stem powder improves the appearance of the skin, blueberry fruit extract works to relieve inflammation and irritation, and mango seed butter — cold pressed from the seeds — moisturizes without leaving you feeling greasy.

Bar soaps might seem less in vogue since liquid soap and foam cleansers exploded in popularity, but we can think of at least one bar your thirsty body will want in the bath. Molton Brown’s Moisture-rich Aloe & Karité Ultrabar ($22) moisturizes with the blend of shea butter, aloe vera, karité (the West African nuts used to make shea butter) and sandalwood (for a wonderfully masculine scent). The ultrabar does double duty as a delightful shaving foam to whisk stubble away, in addition to cleansing.

ALL IMAGES THIS SPREAD COURTESY THEIR RESPECTIVE BRANDS

In order to prime your face for your moisturizing creams and lotions it’s essential to use a good serum. Joyõme Illuminating Day Serum ($80) uses six clinically demonstrated anti-aging actives to rewind the visible signs of aging. In addition to argireline peptide, Niacinamide and wrinkle reducing Ceramides, the serum contains hyaluronic acid — considered nature’s moisture magnet — that quenches skin with moisture by absorbing 1,000 times its weight in water.

Be sure take extra measures to replenish and revive your skin with weekly masks. Blue Lagoon Iceland, one of the true wonders of the modern world, offers the perfect winter duo: their Algae and Silica Mask Duo ($199 together) will make your skin feel as glowing and healthy as if you’d been soaking in a hot springs all day. The Silica Mud Mask features the Blue Lagoon’s signature silica to deep-cleanse and strengthen your skin, while the Algae Mask is composed with their special algae to provide an immediate lift and youthful glow. The Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask ($45), still fairly new on the market, is a soothing face mask that provides a cool burst of hydration with Calendula (which is native to the Mediterranean and popular in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine) and aloe vera sourced from the Dominican Republic. Gabriel Organics offers a Seaweed Hydrating Mask ($24.95) containing an active formula of blue green algae, sea fennel, amino acids and plant extracts (such as white willow bark, rosemary and chamomile) blended with Vitamin E and aloe vera to calm any excessive sun exposure from playing in the snow. For a even more post-exposure relief, check out Talika’s Bio Enzymes Mask After-Sun ($12). Its convenient packaging makes it easy to toss in your bag before heading off for a ski weekend or holiday. The mask’s biocellulose delivers a high dose of key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, hydrophilic sugars (to moisturize), chamomile and arnica for a total soothing effect. Or look down and give your feet a treat with Earth Therapeutics Aloe Moisture Socks ($7.99); infused with natural aloe vera, these extra soft socks will continuously moisturize while surrounding feet in comfort.

It’s essential to bring out the big guns when body moisturizing, and Jack Black’s Cool Moisture Body Lotion ($29) is fully loaded.

This lightweight, quick-penetrating lotion nourishes skin while it cools, soothes and hydrates. The blend of macadamia nut oil, Vitamin E, jojoba oil, soy protein, glycerin and menthyl lactate work together in healing harmony. The jojoba lubricates, protects and moisturizes, while the macadamia nut oil penetrates and works quickly to hydrate and soften below the surface of the skin. Don’t forget your elbows, knees and toes!

Whenever your skin feels dry, turn things up a notch with Paula’s Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer ($33). This skinrenewing and anti-aging moisturizer quickly nourishes tired skin to create a firm, radiant complexion. RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer uses Retinol, Green Tea extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract (“German chamomile”) and more ingredients to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and to reduce the environmental assaults related to dryness.

Their nighttime moisturizer, DEFENSE Nightly Reconditioning Moisturizer ($29) has flaxseed, wild cherry, arugula and superfoods to strengthen skin defense, protecting the dermis from environmental factors —including HEV/blue light emitted from smartphones.

If you’re planning on walking in a winter wonderland, it’s wise to consider something with SPF. Jack Black’s Double-Day Face Moisturizer ($28) can provide lasting hydration with SPF 20 protection to shield the skin from premature aging from exposure to the sun while hitting the slopes or just heading out to run afternoon errands. The combination of blue algae extract (full of Vitamin E), sea parsley, Vitamins A and phospholipids will not only moisturize, but also protect your face, neck and wherever else you apply. Another great moisturizer, Trilogy Very Gentle Moisturizing Cream ($50) features maqui berries, Syricalm, sweet almond oil, marshmallow root extract, evening primrose oil and calendula to deeply hydrate while helping fine lines and wrinkles appear smoother and comfort for overstressed skin. Now take a moment to let that all sink in.

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HEALTH BODY

Honey Glazed Duck Breast and Candied Beets with Cherry Balsamic Sauce

BY GAYLE VAN WELY SEARCHING FOR A NEW DINNER PARTY FAVORITE FOR FANS OF WATERFOWL? TRY THIS HONEY GLAZED DUCK BREAST. MANY FOODIES ARE

intimidated by the idea of cooking duck meat at home, but it can be a delicious treat and surprisingly simple to cook. Duck meat is a very flavorful type of poultry, while also being a good source of protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B-6 and thiamine. Eaten without the skin, duck breasts are as lean as white meat chicken or turkey. They also contain more iron per serving than most other poultry, and even some cuts of beef. However, this deliciously thin and crispy layer of succulent honey glazed skin is worth the calories!

2 6-ounce duck breasts crushed coriander seed honey

SAUCE INGREDIENTS 1 Tbsp orange blossom honey 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup red wine 3/4 cup low-salt chicken broth 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger (optional) 2 small shallots, finely chopped 1 Tbsp butter 10 sweet cherries, halved and pitted

SERVE WITH Sea beans poached or roasted candied beets sliced roasted shallots

METHOD 1 Trim excess fat from duck breasts, leaving a 1/4-inch layer covering the breast.

Using a sharp knife, score the skin in a 3/4-inch diamond pattern (but do not cut into flesh). Season with sea salt and crushed coriander seed 2 Place a carbon steel or cast-iron pan on burner cold. Place the duck in, skin side down. Turn burner to medium, and sizzle gently for about seven minutes, until skin is crisp and golden, reducing heat as necessary to keep from getting too dark. Remove excess duck fat in pan as it melts and reserve for use later in the preparation. Turn breasts over and cook two more minutes. Drizzle skin with honey and finish cooking breasts three minutes in a 400-degree oven.

Duck internal temperature should be 120-125 degrees. Remove breasts and let rest ten minutes.

3 Add two tablespoons of drippings from the duck skillet. Add shallots and stir for 30 seconds on medium heat. De glaze pan with red wine. Add balsamic, cherries, and orange blossom honey. Increase heat to high and boil until sauce is reduced to a glaze, stirring often for about three minutes. Whisk in one tablespoon cold butter. Season to taste. Strain if desired.

4 Thinly slice duck breasts at an angle and arrange slices on a platter. Spoon some of the sauce and cherries next to meat and reserve remaining sauce to pass at the table. Plate with accoutrements as above.

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PHOTO BY GAYLE VAN WELY

DUCK INGREDIENTS

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Visit HelpStopTheVirus.com © 2016 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC3150 06/16

Cliveden House Christmas

A Glorious & Great British Holiday

WANT TO SPEND A JOLLY HOLIDAY LIVING LIKE ROYALTY? WE HEAD TO BRITAIN TO UNWRAP AN ITINERARY FIT FOR A QUEEN. BY MARK A. THOMPSON

SOME YEARS AGO, WHILE FLIPPING THROUGH A MAGAZINE

during a flight to Great Britain with my Godfather, I glimpsed a purple lacquer Asprey cigarette lighter, which, at the time, seemed to me the very height of indulgent luxury. Therefore, once in London, I headed to the flagship Asprey on New Bond Street and purchased the purple lighter for my then-boyfriend (a magnanimous gesture that might well have secured him as my decades-later husband).

The memory of that purple lighter returned to me

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powerfully as I followed the valet into the commodious marble bathroom in Blakeney, our suite at Cliveden, where an Asprey-purple soaking tub stood in front of a massive window overlooking the formal Parterre (formal garden) of the fabled country estate.

For more than 350 years, CLIVEDEN has hovered on the cusp of history and imagination: a British great house of royal pedigree enlivened by glamorous guests and political intrigue.

Constructed on an expansive chalk cliff plateau overlooking

Cliveden

THIS SPREAD: PHOTOS COURTESY CLIVEDEN.

Cliveden holiday

the Thames, the 376-acre estate is located at the heart of the Berkshire countryside less than an hour’s drive from central London. Guests who drive through the gates and down an entrance avenue lined with lime trees pass a 19th-century Carrara marble shell fountain known as the Fountain of Love — which might be one reason why the American duchess Meghan Markle chose Cliveden as her sanctuary for the night before her now-storied nuptials.

Originally built in 1666 for the mistress of the Duke of Buckingham (who later killed the mistress’ husband in a duel), Cliveden suffered two calamitous fires which resulted in its current incarnation as a majestic three-story Italianate mansion designed by the same architect behind the Houses of Parliament and Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey). In the Great Hall, guests are received with as much obeisance as the royals and luminaries who have populated the history of this house. “A Champagne cocktail in the Library, sir? Or would you prefer the Taittinger on ice in your rooms?”

Throughout the 1920s and ‘30s, when Cliveden was the home of Lord and Lady Nancy Astor, the “Cliveden Set” included Chaplin and Churchill, F.D.R. and Gandhi, Rudyard Kipling and George Bernard

Shaw, many of whom congregated at Cliveden for weekend house parties. In 1965, the Beatles spent two days filming Help! around the estate. So meander into The Library Bar and make a toast to Cliveden’s illustrious guest list with a Cliveden ’66, a potent libation of Taittinger Brut, Chase vodka and Grand Marnier — dusted with just a sprinkle of 24-karat gold.

Cliveden’s cedar-paneled library also overlooks the Parterre, an elegant six-acre expanse of lawn and interlocking flower beds. A yew-tree lined walk of 172 steps leads to the banks of the Thames and on to Spring Cottage, where Queen Victoria arrived by boat from Windsor Castle to take tea with the Duchess of Sutherland (perhaps another reason why the now-Duchess of Sussex chose the threebedroom Gothic summerhouse as her pre-wedding refuge).

Students of British history may recall that the Profumo Affair, the scandal which ultimately brought down Prime Minister Macmillan’s government, commenced with a chance encounter between a cabinet minister and a London call girl at Cliveden’s swimming pool. Today, that infamous swimming pool is the centerpiece of a brand-new spa that incorporates an indoor pool and wellness lounge surrounded by the historic walled lavender and rose garden.

Deeded to the National Trust by the Astors, Cliveden opened as a five-star luxury hotel in 1984, furnished in the manner of Lady Astor, whose portrait by John Singer Sargent hangs in the Great Hall. A member of Relais & Châteaux, Cliveden perpetuates a legacy of British luxury that has been a hallmark of Great Britain since the establishment of Royal Warrants in the 15th century. My aforementioned Godfather was the gentleman who first introduced me to the concept of the Royal Warrant: a coat of arms or heraldic badge on a product that essentially conveys that it’s good enough for royalty. To my Godfather’s mind, this was the requisite seal of approval that rendered an object worthy of one’s consideration. Currently, there are approximately 800 Royal Warrant holders who represent a broad cross-section of the British luxury trade and industry.

METROSOURCE.COM DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019

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The Long Walk: Windsor Great Park on a Misty Day with Windsor Castle in the Distance Lygon Bar & Grill at The Lygon Arms

Arriving at The Lygon Arms

a four-day equestrian and millinery extravaganza that culminates in the Gold Cup. While Royals sometimes arrive via private road from the adjacent estate Ellenborough Park, those without a title can utilize the race course’s steam railway station to ride the volunteer-operated heritage GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE RAILWAY, which becomes a riotous Champagne train on race days.

An assiduous Anglophile who never tired of quoting Samuel Johnson’s aphorism, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life,” my Godfather held firm to the idea that proper British cuisine (served at his gentleman’s clubs along Pall Mall) was that post-war British gastronomic gobbledygook of bubble and squeak, kippers and bangers and mash, followed by Eton mess (a dessert mixture of strawberries, meringue, and whipped cream). Were he still with us, it’s likely that he would be enchanted by the Dover sole served by Cliveden chef André Garrett in the palatial splendor of what was once Cliveden’s drawing room and is now the chef’s namesake restaurant.

The sole is delicious enough to merit its own Royal Warrant.

Garrett’s deft handling of the classic dish is a reminder that British cuisine has undergone a remarkable renaissance in recent years, perhaps nowhere better exemplified than in the charming village of Bray where acclaimed chef Heston Blumenthal’s two restaurants have earned a total of four Michelin stars. At THE HIND’S HEAD, located in a cozy 15th-century hunting lodge where Princess Diana often dined with her two sons while they were at Eton, Blumenthal imaginatively reinterprets famous and forgotten British standards, which results in his signature triple cooked chips — and a deliciously wobbly“Quaking Pudding” from the Tudor era.

While it’s not possible for most people to join the Queen for cocktails and a cigarette during her private weekends at nearby WINDSOR CASTLE, tours are nonetheless available at the largest occupied castle in the world — including St. George’s Chapel, the locale of the two most recent Royal weddings. Equally alluring for its Royal connections, the Cotswolds encompasses nearly 800 square miles and includes CHELTENHAM, the fabled steeplechase race course and host to The Festival,

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Given the rolling hills and narrow roads of the five-county expanse of the Cotswolds, one of the best means of enjoying the region is from the comfort of a luxury Mercedes Viano with a private driver and guide from BEST COTSWOLD TOURS. Without the anxiety of driving on the wrong side of the road, clients are free to enjoy a picnic hamper and Champagne. Each bespoke tour is personally tailored to a client’s requests, which might include an afternoon amidst the lush flora of PAINSWICK ROCOCO GARDEN or a wander through the grounds of SUDELEY CASTLE, the erstwhile home of Henry VIII’s sixth wife, which is now the private residence of the American-born Lady Ashcombe.

Beloved for its honey-colored stone villages set amidst an undulating verdant landscape, the Cotswolds is home to numerous stately homes and historic gardens, including the country house hotel THE LYGON ARMS. With antecedents to the 14th-century, Lygon Arms has been a High Street landmark in the charming village of Broadway since its days as a coaching inn during the English Civil War when Oliver Cromwell spent the night. During the 1950s and 1960s, the Tudorstyle hotel became Hollywood-in-the-Cotswolds, hosting numerous film stars including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton at the height of their headline-making love affair.

Few hotels embody the comfort of the Cotswolds better than the Lygon Arms. With its mullioned windows and numerous stone fireplaces set amidst a warren of cozy lounges, the hotel is an invitation to relaxation — and not merely at the spa boasting a 42-foot indoor pool and retractable roof. In the Great Hall with its 17th-century barrelvaulted ceiling, LYGON BAR & GRILL serves seasonal British produce and a seriously addictive sticky toffee pudding. Equally pleasing is a post-prandial stroll through the three-acre secret garden, particularly with the hotel’s signature absinthe Negroni in hand. Spacious new courtyard suites overlook a massive chestnut tree twinkling with lights. At this point, you’d best surrender to the romance.

THIS PAGE: PHOTOS COURTESY OF WINDSOR CASTLE AND LYGON ARMS

CODDLED IN THE COTSWOLDS

Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, the Thames, and the London Eye

THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESYVISIT BRITAIN/ANDREW PICKETT

LONDON LUXURY Nothing rejuvenates quite like a weekend in the country, making it that much sweeter to return to London and rekindle your love affair with a city where no one has the time to be tired. Perhaps this is connected to the British habit of tea, where one fuels up on sandwiches laden with butter and scones slathered with clotted cream.

Afternoon Tea at 11 CADOGAN GARDENS includes bourbon vanilla choux and mango soup — after which it might be wise to take a constitutional. Fortunately, the Victorian-era hotel, which is part of Iconic Luxury Hotels, is directly across the street from a vest-pocket park in the heart of Chelsea and a short stroll from Sloane Square. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the 56-key luxury hotel was formed from four red-brick Victorian townhouses, one of which was recently a private members club. In keeping with the formerly bohemian neighborhood (now home to the Saatchi Gallery), the hotel’s sumptuous suites are contemporary and quirky with vibrant modern art, gilt-edged mirrors, and Murano chandeliers.

For another take on the conjoined British passion for gardens and art, an evening at the restaurant AMETSA WITH ARZAK INSTRUCTION becomes an exhibition of the brilliance of Basque gastronomy.

Housed at the contemporary boutique hotel COMO THE HALKIN in the leafy enclave of Belgravia, the Michelin-starred restaurant is a collaboration between Veuve Clicquot’s “Best Female Chef” Elena Arzak

and her father Juan Mari. A seven-course tasting menu bursts into bloom on the plate like a Basque garden painting: It’s immediately Instagrammable and equally delicious — particularly a dessert known as “intxaursaltsa cube with mutant sauce,” which mutates from cornflower blue to fuchsia with the addition of a citrus sauce.

A signature suite at COMO The Halkin is a serene oasis of sleek modernity, complete with call button for butler service, should the Champagne bucket need a refill. Furnished in white leather with corrugated-wood paneling and marble spa bathrooms, the top floor aeries feature conservatory-style windows for a bird’s-eye view over the toney neighborhood. Befitting its Belgravia address, the entire 41-room boutique hotel is as serene as an ambassadorial residence, further fueling the fantasy of a London home away from home.

To make your way across the pond to Great Britain, Norwegian Air offers three flights daily from New York to London — and 50 nonstop routes from the States to Europe and the Caribbean. For a luxury flight at a reasonable price, Norwegian Premium includes lounge access as a complement to its Premium in-flight experience on the 787 Dreamliner. Once on the ground in London, CHIRTON GRANGE provides private car transfers and luxury service with its fleet of Mercedes Benz E-class vehicles. And since, as we all now know, even an American can end up living like a Royal, why not give that experience to someone you love this holiday season?

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THE MAN WITH MANY HATS

JOEL EDGERTON HAS BEEN SEEN IN ROLES RANGING FROM STAR WARS

to A Streetcar Named Desire. He’s now the writer, director and one of the stars of Boy Erased, the buzzworthy new film that follows evangelical parents who place their son in conversion therapy. He spoke at length about why its story captured him — and why his cast is full of fellow Australians.

METROSOURCE: What was it about the source material, Garrard Conley’s book, Boy Erased, that drew you?

Joel Edgerton: I’m still trying to work that out. Sometimes we all try to work ourselves out through our art. I’ll think, “Oh, there’s a common theme here. I do know that I was fascinated by institutions as a kid — like deeply fearful that I was going to be taken away from my parents. Ironically, Garrard Conley’s story describes an institution where he wasn’t taken away from his parents; his parents allowed him to be taken away. I felt so obsessed with it from the moment I read the book, about this family story, in a way where I got kind of dragged along by it. Every day I was thinking about it, that I could do something about it, that it was worth making a movie about. The thing that I really love exploring in my work — in the hindsight point of view I have on it — is to keep writing about humans who make mistakes, and the interesting things I find in the choices they make in the aftermath of those mistakes. It’s almost like it’s not what you do that matters, it’s what you do next that counts.

The best stories are always about its characters. But you went into Boy Erased to make a movie about conversion therapy, right?

I went into it thinking that’s what I was doing. I went into the book thinking that this is me, peeking through the window of a crazy institution, because of my hardwired fear as a child. That’s what made me pick up the book. And then, as I was making the film — as I was writing it, as I was shooting it and particularly as I was editing it, it was very clear that the most interesting aspect of it was the family story. It’s no doubt what all of us can all relate to: we’ve all had a family, we all either love or hate our family or some combination of all those elements; we miss our family because we don’t have them anymore. Whatever. Here, conversion therapy is the obstacle to the rebuilding or the education of two parents and the solidifying of agency of a young man.

Is there something about your own upbringing you’re trying to resolve by immersing yourself so deeply in this story?

In some ways it is. My family dynamic I couldn’t speak highly enough about. But my Mom and my Dad actually have a very similar family dynamic to Garrard’s parents, Hershel and Martha. My father is the leader of the family and the loudest voice, and my mother, in her own way, is really the carer, the one who does the nurturing. So my mantra with Russell [Crowe] and Nicole [Kidman] was always like, “Let’s view your opinion and the therapists’ opinions of people like Garrard like they have a drug addiction — that it’s something they’ve chosen, and it’s something that can be corrected, that they can be rehabilitated.” Because the subtlety of the rendering of all those people in the film is that I didn’t want to twirl mustaches. I didn’t want to paint people as villains. Because they truly held beliefs that allowed them to think they were there to help somebody who needed fixing. The perfect irony for the drama being that he didn’t need help. He didn’t need fixing — and that’s when the collision of the ideas comes in. In my own life I’ve been in that place where I did need help, and the people who didn’t judge me in that moment and offered their help to me were my parents. And they became my heroes. I got the feeling they were willing to completely drop everything in their life in order to make sure I steered the right course. So yeah, I can relate.

For such a uniquely American, and specifically Southern story, there sure are a lot of Aussies on the screen. You couldn’t turn sideways on that set without bumping into one.

Ha! The Australian-ness of the film was an accident that I was sort of concerned about myself. I wasn’t casting Nicole and Russell because they were buddies. The reason I wanted them — and they were my first choices — was because when I met Garrard, I asked to see his family photos.

And when you see those pictures at the end of the film, you’ll see it. It’s like,“Oh, my God. This needs to be Russell.” Sturdy guy, ran a cotton gin for 30 years, he’s built cars from the ground up. He’s no bookish preacher, Hershel; he’s a tough guy, And he used to be a brawler. He told me about the day he had to acknowledge he had to give up the punching and give his love to God. And the sort of fragility that I saw in Martha and her translucent pale skin led me to casting Nicole too, and I thought,“Damn, now it’s gonna feel like an Aussie movie.” And then Troye Sivan got put in front of me by Carmen Cuba, my wonderful casting director. Oh, my God. But I wouldn’t have put any of them in the movie if they weren’t great and great for their roles. With Troye, I needed an angel in that role, and he was that guy.

You wear a lot of hats in Boy Erased. Was there a moment when you thought, “I’d rather just direct and act” or vice versa?

Both times I’ve made movies, I’ve had that feeling,“Maybe I could get that guy; see if he’d do the movie.”But both times, I let that thought oscillate in my head too long, and we got close to shooting the movie, and I thought, “It’s too late now to draw up somebody else’s contract or negotiate an■ other minute. And I think secretly? I wanted to do both.

THIS PAGE: BOY ERASED IMAGES COURTESY FOCUS FEATURES

VIEWS

LAST CALL

For Boy Erased, Joel Edgerton played roles both behind and in front of the camera to tell a harrowing story that reflects some of his own childhood fears. BY KEVIN PHINNEY

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