Issuu

the pride

ISSUE NUMBER 78, VOLUME 49 | MAY 6 – JUNE 2, 2022 05.06.2022 – 06.02.2022

WWW.THEPRIDELA.COM

LOS ANGELES

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THE LOS ANGELES LGBT NEWSPAPER

L.A. County Business to Florida, Texas Banned Amid LGBTQ Policies Ofﬁcials say they were driven by “transphobia and homophobia.” By SuSan Payne The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors has voted to ban all county travel to Florida and Texas due to policies and legislation that officials said were driven by “transphobia and homophobia.” A February order issued by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) directing the state to investigate reports of gender-affirming treatments as potential child abuse ignited the travel suspension, according to an article written by The Washington Post. “To be clear, the directive is not about protecting trans kids,” the board’s motion stated. “It is about denying their existence and cutting off access to life-saving treatment.” In addition to Texas, the board’s suspended travel to Florida because of its Rights in Education legislation, known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill that was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) in March, according to The Washington Post. The law restricts classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity between kindergarten and third grade. During the Board of Supervisors meeting in April, the agenda stated the law would “perpetuate a culture of bullying, secrecy,

shame and fear.” “The kind of school environment imagined in this legislation is one that is uncomfortable, unsafe, unwelcoming, and toxic for all students and staff alike, particularly those who identify as LGBTQ+,” the motion stated. Texas officials did not immediately respond to The Washington Post’s request for comment. In an email, DeSantis’ press secretary Christina Pushaw called the L.A.

decision “political” and said the governor’s office isn’t worried about economic impact from the suspension. Pushaw said Florida saw more visitors in the second half of 2021 than the same time 2019. “The woke bureaucrats running LA County are shooting themselves in the foot with their political grandstanding,” she wrote. “This misguided policy is a punishment for LA County employees –

not for Florida.” “The woke bureaucrats running LA County are shooting themselves in the foot with their political grandstanding,” she wrote. “This misguided policy is a punishment for LA County employees – not for Florida.” If Florida law or or the Texas order are lifted, the county agenda said it would lift the travel ban.

Mars Wright, ProjectQ Mural in Hollywood Illuminates “Trans Joy” Piece part of a larger series called “Trans Joy” at Vermont and Fountain Avenue By SuSan Payne A two-building mural in East Hollywood commissioned by nonprofit ProjectQ represents Trans joy designed and painted by artist Mars Wright. The permanent mural “Trans Joy is Resistance” was released in March on the cross street of Vermont and Fountain Avenue as part of a larger series called

“Trans Joy,” according to The Los Angeles Blade. The white-on-black building, next to a black-on-black building at 4709 Fountain Ave portray a smattering of smiling mouths in motion in Mars Wright’s iconic illustrative style, the Blade reported. “I draw tons of inspiration from the works of Keith Harring, specifically his subway drawings. How do we make Trans Joy tangible, a lived reality? We put it everywhere, we remind everyone passing by that we are not going anywhere, and our joy is actively resisting the Transphobia we experience, the Transphobia that tells us we do not belong and we should not have joyous lives as out Trans people. I am so honored to have my mural at ProjectQ, an important and necessary resource for

LGBTQ+ folks.” said Mars Wright. ProjectQ is a nonprofit community center that provides safe space for LGBTQIA+ youth. Folx with housing insecurities can receive free mentorship classes and workshops along with free gender-affirming haircuts, the Blade said. The center prides themselves in being a safe space where everyone is welcome regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, size, ability and income. Mars is a Trans artist and activist that specialized in mixed media, interested in the beauty of imperfection and the strength of radical honesty, the Blade stated. Through sharing his life, Mars hopes to help people feel less alone. “We are all trying our best and he wants to honor that,” the Blade stated.

Photo: Facebook (artsyyrose/projectq.info)

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05.06.2022 – 06.02.2022

LOS ANGELES

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

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

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

� Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare

� Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY”

provider will test you for HBV. 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, and may give you HBV medicine.

section.

� Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get

stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.

� Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: � dofetilide � rifampin � any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you: � Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis

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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, lightcolored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

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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.

� Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if

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.

BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.

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

� Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not

breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

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GET MORE INFORMATION

medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. � BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your

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

� 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, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, and KEEP BEING YOU are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2022 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0085 02/22

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4/25/22 10:24 AM

05.06.2022 – 06.02.2022

LOS ANGELES

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#1 PRESCRIBED

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KEEP BEING YOU. Because HIV doesn’t change who you are. BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. ONE SMALL PILL, ONCE A DAY Pill shown not actual size (15 mm x 8 mm) | Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

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4/25/22 10:24 AM

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05.06.2022 – 06.02.2022

LOS ANGELES

Compton Man Arrested for Allegedly Targeting, Robbing 20+ Gay Men He Met on Grindr Derrick Patterson arrested by FBI in connection to series of robberies By Susan Payne Authorities have announced the arrest of a Compton man who allegedly targeted and robbed more than 20 gay men he met on a dating app. Derrick Patterson, 22, was taken into custody by the FBI and is charged in a federal criminal complaint with one count of robbery, according to KTLA. The robberies occurred between November 2019 and March 2022 after Patterson allegedly contacted people using Grindr and arranged to meet at their homes or hotel rooms, purportedly for sex,

according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and KTLA. Officials said he would then draw different weapons, such as knives or a taser gun, and demand their wallets and cell phones. “On other occasions, Patterson physically assaulted his victims,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. After the robberies, Patterson reportedly withdrew money from bank accounts or used their credit cards. Officials said. “Mr. Patterson will attack them,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremiah Levine told KTLA. “He even stabbed one victim in the chest. He often threatens them with a taser; he’ll use pepper spray on victims. Sometimes he just beats his victim with his fists then makes off with the phone and transfers as much money as he can to the bank before that person can shut their accounts down.” In September 2020, Patterson allegedly met a victim at a hotel on Century

Boulevard in Los Angeles and “while engaging in consensual sexual activity, took the victim’s phone,” officials said. He then asked the victim for his phone password to access Apple Pay, but when the victim refused, Patterson pulled out a taser and threatened him, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and KTLA. Patterson allegedly activated the taser when the victim ran away. The victim later returned to the room to find Patterson gone, officials said. On March 26, an incident in Beverly Hills appeared to be in connection to Patterson’s previous incidents and the latest in his robbery spree, KTLA stated. With help from the Los Angeles Police Department, the L.A> County Sheriff’s Department and the Beverly Hills Police Department, the FBI investigated the case. If anyone believes they may have been a victim or targeted by the defendant, should immediately contact FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office at 310-477-6565.

Derrick Patterson.

Photo: FBI

Anti-LGBTQ+ Attack in Pasadena Sparks Active Hate Crime Investigation March incident under investigation By Susan Payne The Pasadena Police Department needs public assistance in finding the individuals responsible for attacking three Ixtapa Cantina Bar patrons in March. A police department spokesperson posted a statement on social media: “We are aware of and are actively investigating an incident that occurred last week as patrons were leaving the Ixtapa Cantina Bar. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime and we are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to provide any information that can help in the identification and apprehension of a suspect or suspects.” We thank those community members who have already come forward to provide some information and we encourage others to do the same by calling the police department or by contacting Los Angeles Crime Stoppers. KABC 7 Los Angeles reported that Diamond Gonzalez told reporters his group of three were leaving the bar when they were attacked in the parking lot of the bar. “A group of guys came up and attacked us,” he said. “My back was faced toward them and they hit me from the back and just

Photo: Facebook (@ixtapalounge)

knocked me out cold.” Gonzales was taken to a local hospital. He and his friends suffered multiple cuts and bruises. “Everyone looked like bowling pins,

getting knocked out,” said Noah Offield, one of three who were attacked. The other victim, Ray Carabantes tried to take pictures of the assailant’s license plate number but was unsuccessful.

“He turned around with a weapon and said, ‘Do you want to take a picture of my license plate now?’” recalled Carabantes. “So immediately, I thought to myself, ‘I’m just going to run away.’”

05.06.2022 – 06.02.2022

LOS ANGELES

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05.06.2022 – 06.02.2022

LOS ANGELES

Palm Springs Approves Universal Alcohol a Factor in Griffith Park Fatal Income Pilot Program for Hit and Run of Senior Gay Cyclist Transgender, Nonbinary Residents 77-year-old Andrew Jelmert killed in April 23 hit and run training for AIDS/ Lifecycle

Payments to start in 2023 By Susan Payne

A guaranteed income pilot program that would provide transgender and nonbinary residents a monthly payment has been approved by the Palm Spring City Council. During a meeting on March 24, the council approved the plan and allotted $200,000 to fund initial research and development, according to NBC Los Angeles. With no stipulations on how the money can be spent, the pilot program would provide monthly payments to a number of transgender and nonbinary residents in Palm Springs starting sometime over the next year, NBC LA stated. A city council report highlights the need for such program due to a disproportionate transgender and nonbinary resident vulnerability to unemployment, homelessness, assault and discrimination. The council wants to fund this program using the $35 million fund allocated for guaranteed income programs across California. The new program, in partnership with DAP Health and Queer Works will launch

By Susan Payne

between October of this year and February of 2023 in three phases, according to the Palm Springs’ phase summary. Residents will be invited to apply in March, the document stated. Only 1,000 county residents will be given $1,000 per month money for three years. LA applicants are required to meet income and residency requirements and be negatively affected by COVID-19. For more information on the Palm Springs’ pilot program and for a tentative timeline of the program’s rollout, view the document linked here https://tinyurl. com/2s3avnxv.

The Los Angeles Police Department said alcohol was a factor in the hit and run death of a gay cyclist during the AIDS/Lifecycle training ride in Griffith Park on April 23. The victim, Andrew Jelmert, 77, was a real estate agent training for the annual AIDS/Lifecycle event headed northbound in the 4400 block of Crystal Springs Drive. He was struck by a late model 4-door BWW sedan driven by 37-year-old Jairo Martinez, according to an article published by The Los Angeles Blade. Jelmert fell onto the roadway and suffered blunt force trauma. He was pronounced dead at the scene, the LA Blade reported. Martinez allegedly fled the scene on foot. After multiple witness at the scene helped LAPD officers find the driven, he was arrested by Los Angeles County Park Rangers. Martinez remains in custody on

$617,500 bail, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department booking records. The AIDS/Lifecycle Day on the Ride precedes the AIDS/LifeCycle event, beginning in Griffith Park for 67 miles returning to the park. Since his death, more than $42,000 of Jelmert’s fundraising goal has been raised as of May 4.

05.06.2022 – 06.02.2022

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LOS ANGELES

05.06.2022 – 06.02.2022

DeCarrera Fine Art Can Help You Navigate The Art World

Have you ever wanted to collect art, but you didn’t feel knowledgeable enough about art to start? Robert Zymet, the founder of DeCarrera Fine Art or DCF Art Advisory as the company is known on Instagram, has a “mission of providing bespoke services ranging from buying and selling individual works and collections” and “providing Auction Liaison services”. Zymet will even work with financial advisors if needed. DeCarrera Fine Art can help those who are attempting to consign artworks, whether they are artists or collectors. Zymet will personally be responsible for handling all the logistics, placing the art in the auction that would bring the most benefit to the seller, getting the most desirable lot placements and geographic locations. His record-achieving services use seasonal timing and special promotions to afford the most advantageous sale for the sellers. If you are ready to enter the exciting world of art collecting, Robert Zymet has the connections that you want with cutting edge contemporary art galleries that could result in you having the best access to the hottest new artists in the game today before the general public even sees their work.

Zymet’s connections with collectors and investors worldwide can enhance your sale should you decide to go on the more traditional sales route to sell your fine art. His extensive experience with working with financial advisories throughout his career will benefit your desired sales. You might believe that anyone can have access to all the knowledge in the world through the Internet. Zymet knows that not everything is on the Internet and his decades of experience in the art world can show you that the world of art is in so many places that are offline. Art is his passion, so he will do the best that he can for his clients and always go the extra mile. From Impressionism to Comic Art to Expressionism to Abstract Art to Pop Art and all of the contemporary art movements of the 20th and 21st centuries, Robert is an expert who has his finger on the pulse of the art world. Zymet’s strong presence on social media via his Instagram account @dcfadvisory and his keen eye for quality work continues to grow and evolve with the times. You can contact him at www.decarrerafineart.com or DM him on Instagram.

05.06.2022 – 06.02.2022

LOS ANGELES

Orange County Man Faces Federal Charge on Suspicion of Making AntiLGBT Threats Against Merriam-Webster Jeremy Hanson charged in connection to October threats By Susan Payne An Orange County man faces a federal charge in Massachusetts on suspicion of making anti-LGBT threats against MerriamWebster Inc, authorities confirmed to the Los Angeles Times. Jeremy David Hanson, 34, of Rossmoor was charged with one count of interstate communication of threats to commit violence, according to the U.S. attorney’s office for the District of Massachusetts. Merriam-Webster, based in Massachusetts, received a number of threats through its “Contact Us” page and comment section that corresponded to the word entries for “girl” and “woman” between Oct. 2 and 8 “demonstrating bias against specific gender identities,” according to the criminal complaint. Prosecutors said authorities identified Hanson as the person behind the screen, according to the LA Times. Hanson’s “Contact Us” submission states that the company headquarters should be “shot up and bombed,” according to prosecutors. Additionally, Hanson said the company “caved to the cultural Marxist” agenda by altering the “definition of a female as part of the Left’s effort to corrupt and degrade the English language and deny reality.” His comment read: “It is absolutely sickening that Merriam-Webster now tells blatant lies and promotes anti-science propaganda. There is no such thing as ‘gender

identity.’ The imbecile who wrote this entry should be hunted down and shot,” prosecutors said. In addition to suggesting the staff be killed, Hanson is accused of posting another message in which he threated to bomb the MeriamWebster’s offices. Prosecutors said the company closed its Springfield and New York City offices for about five days after the threats. Since posting bail, Hanson has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court this week. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine, prosecutors said, according to the LA Times. Investigators believe additional threats made against the American Civil Liberties Union, Amnesty International, Land O’ Lakes, Hasbro Inc., IGN Entertainment, the president of the University of North Texas, two professors at Loyola Marymount University and a New York City rabbi are related, the LA Times reported. “Individuals or entities who believe they may be victims of this crime should contact the U.S. attorney’s office at (888) 221-6023,” prosecutors said.

Los Angeles County DA Introduces LGBTQ+ Advisory Board

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced last month the creation of the office’s first-ever LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. “The contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people have made to society make up a rich part of U.S. history. Sadly, LGBTQ+ people have long been subjected to public hostility, discrimination, and violence,” District Attorney Gascón said. “This new Advisory Board creates a precedent for this office to truly listen and learn from the LGBTQ+ community and inform my policies.” The Board will advise the District Attorney’s Office regarding policies, priority issues, and best practices related to LGBTQ+ Angelenos and the criminal justice system. The Advisory Board will meet regularly, seek input from the greater community, and provide regular feedback on improvements to better serve

Advisory Board, see page 11

Photo: UCLA Brad Sears, founding executive director of the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, the first think tank in the United States dedicated to LGBTQ law and policy and now a member of the Los Angeles County DA’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board.

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See General Disclaimer for additional information regarding air. 1The value listed is per booking and equals the total of the Dream Vacations offer2 plus the AAA Member Benefit3. 2Dream Vacations Offer: Valid on new Hawai‘i bookings made March 23, 2022 – May 22, 2022 for travel March 23, 2022 – December 14, 2022 and Mexico and Caribbean bookings made March 23, 2022 – May 22, 2022 for travel March 23, 2022 – October 31, 2022. Minimum five nights’ accommodations at a participating resort or hotel and round trip airfare required (excludes Hawai‘i inter-island flights). Savings of $200 is not reflected in rates shown and applies to Hawai‘i destinations with participating resorts. Savings of $100 is not reflected in rates shown and applies to Mexico and Caribbean destinations with participating resorts. 3AAA Member Benefit: Valid on new bookings made between March 23, 2022 – May 22, 2022 for travel March 23, 2022 – December 14, 2022. Minimum five nights’ accommodations at participating AAA Vacations® properties required. $50 activity voucher is nonrefundable, nontransferable, has no cash value and applies to the following destinations: Mexico, Hawai‘i, Central & South America and select Caribbean destinations. Savings not reflected in rates shown and applies to the following destinations: USA (excluding Hawai‘i), Canada – $25 savings; Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, select Caribbean destinations (Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Grand Cayman, Grenada, Martinique, St. Barts, St. Croix, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Martin and St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Turks & Caicos), Tahiti (French Polynesia), Fiji and Cook Islands – $50 savings. 4Rate is for check-in on September 19, 2022 in city view king room accommodations at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa on O’ahu. 5Rate is for check-in on August 29, 2022 in junior suite room accommodations at Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas All-Inclusive in Cabo San Lucas. 6Rate is for check-in on September 7, 2022 in junior suite deluxe room accommodations at Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda All-Inclusive in Punta Cana. 7Kids stay free in same room as adults using existing bedding at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. 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Unused daily breakfasts are nonrefundable and have no cash value. 9Resort coupons for Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas All-Inclusive restrictions apply as follows: Resort coupons are per room, per stay for guests 21 and older to be used towards Renova Spa (2 coupons of $25 for Ocean Harmony “Special for Couples”, 2 coupons of $15 for Pacific Breeze Ritual or Flower of the Desert, 2 coupons of $15 for Luminous Skin Facial or Relaxing Massage, 2 coupons of $15 for Renova Combination Massage, 2 coupons of $10 for Stress Cure Massage, 2 coupons of $10 for Spa Manicure + Pedicure, 2 coupons of $10 to Wash or Dry Hair; limit 1 coupon per service per person), Scuba Caribe (2 coupons of $20 for PADI Open Water Diver Course; 1 coupon per service per person), Weddings by RIU (applies towards Royal & Caprice Wedding Packages; limited to 1 coupon, $100 value, per wedding), Alamo Rent a Car (1 coupon of $10 for 24 hour rental of compact car; driver must be older than 25 years old), Diamonds International (certificate of $150 + gift, per stay with minimum $250 jewelry purchase). Four-night minimum stay required. Guests will receive coupons at check-in. Resort coupons are nontransferable, non-cumulative, nonrefundable, non-combinable and cannot be used for future stays. Subject to change or may be discontinued without prior notice. Certain restrictions may apply. Based on double occupancy. AAA Travel Alert: Many travel destinations have implemented COVID-19-related restrictions. Before making travel plans, check to see if hotels, attractions, cruise lines, tour operators, restaurants and local authorities have issued health and safety-related restrictions or entry requirements. The local tourism board is a good resource for updated information. For all offers, unless otherwise indicated: Rates quoted are accurate at time of publication & are per person, based on double occupancy. Gratuities, transfers, excursions and, for non-air-inclusive offers, airfare, taxes, fees & surcharges, are additional. 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As to Air-Inclusive Offers Only: Other restrictions may apply, including, but not limited to, baggage limitations & charges for first & second checked bag, standby policies & fees, nonrefundable airfare/airline tickets, advance purchase requirements & supplier & airline-imposed change/cancellation fees up to & including the price of the fare plus any applicable fare differential (which may involve pre-notification deadlines). Air component of packaged offers may be nonrefundable; refunds are subject to supplier & airline terms & conditions. Supplier & airline fees & policies may vary. Contact your supplier & ticketing airline for more information; for baggage fees & other details, see iflybags.com. Rates involving round trip air transportation for travel dates or from gateways other than those advertised may differ. Not responsible for errors or omissions. The Automobile Club of Southern California acts as an agent for Pleasant Holidays®. CST 1016202-80. 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05.06.2022 – 06.02.2022

LOS ANGELES

Models of Pride Festival Returns in Person, Online Nearly 400 LGBTQ+ youth, allies and parents attended the live entertainment portion of the festival By Susan Payne

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Mayhem Miller glanced at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Models of Pride Festival crowd, ready to speak from the heart. “You are all being your authentic selves and that is something that is beautiful,” Miller said at the festival. “When I was young, we didn’t have anything like this. You are going to change our future and I love every single one of you.” Nearly 400 LGBTQ+ youth, allies and parents attended the live entertainment portion of the festival hosted by Miller, according to LGBT News Now. Presented by Toyota, the event featured workshops, food, carnival games and booths. Since 2019, this is the first year Models of Pride has returned live. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center held a virtual conference in 2020 and canceled the event in 2021. “People have been asking for us for two

years ‘When is Models of Pride coming back?’” said Kevin McCloskey, the Center’s director of community-based programs. “I think the community really wanted to come back together and is ready to have events like this to be back together in person and to reconnect with one another.” The event was held in conjunction with the current spread of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric nationwide. Lawmakers have proposed more than 200 bills limiting the rights of LGBTQ Americans, according to LGBT News New. Measures such as restricting LGBTQ issues in school curriculums, permitting religious exemptions to discriminate against LGBTQ people and limiting trans ability to play sports, use bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity and receive gender-affirming care, LGBT News Now stated. In support of their queer middle schoolaged teen, parents Rachel and Dan attended the festival. “It’s so positive and everyone’s friendly,” said Rachel. “It’s such a nice way to bring people together. It’s super scary everything that’s going on with these (anti-LGBT) laws. It’s a really important time for people to speak out and to be supportive.” “We need to be as vocal as the other side,” Dan said. Planning for the Models of Pride festivals began as COVID-19 numbers dropped,

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but the certainty remained, according to McCloskey. “Because of what is going on politically, it really kind of put a fire under us to make sure this event and events like this happen,” McCloskey said. “I said, ‘We don’t have the green light but start planning it because this needs to happen. We have got to bring queer youth together, celebrate them and honor them, regardless of what they are hearing in the political sphere. We want them to know that they are valued, they are perfect, and we celebrate them.” Workshops included a variety of topics such as taking charge of your Coming Out story, exploring the LGBTQ+ community’s subculture to find your chosen community, and learning the history of drag and taking first steps of becoming a fabulous drag performer, LGBT News Now reported. Mayhem included, Models of Pride brought singers Jim and Sasha Allen from The Voice Season 21; musician and content creator Sam Tsui and husband Casey Breves; actor, singer and dancer Keiynan Lonsdale; recording artist and songwriter B.K. Habermehl; aerialist Amanda Ritchie from Grounded in Flight; and drag performer Drew Mi Moore to the live event. “Believe in yourself every step of the way,” Lonsdale said during his set. “I know it’s not easy. We’re all in this together. Let your colors shine!”

Classmates Valeria and Sam said they enjoyed being on a college campus for Models of Pride which will mark its 30th anniversary with a full conference in November, according to LGBT News Now. “It is so cool to be here,” said Sam. “I feel so comfortable here and being around everyone. I was really nervous coming in. It feels comforting to know there’s other people like me here and such a large crowd of them too.” Valeria said she was still processing that she didn’t have to pay anything for the Fix Burger meal and food from a food truck. “I brought money expecting only a few things to be free but even the food is free,” she said. “It is amazing.”

05.06.2022 – 06.02.2022

LOS ANGELES

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Superior Court Rules Diverse Company Board Laws Unconstitutional Judge Terry Green granted summary judgement to Judicial Watch, a Washington D.C. based conservative legal nonproﬁt By SuSan Payne

On the first of April, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ruled the law which requires California-based or headquartered corporations to have a minimum of one director from an underrepresented community is unconstitutional. The Los Angeles Blade reported that Judge Terry Green granted summary judgement

Advisory Board, from page 9

LGBTQ+ residents and all those who come into contact with the office, as well as improve diversity and inclusion within the office itself. The LGBTQ+ Advisory Board members include: • Bamby Salcedo, Chair (she/her/ella) is the President and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition, a nationally recognized organization that advocates for and addresses the issues of transgender Latinas throughout the United States. Salcedo is a passionate and celebrated transgender Latina activist and has collaborated with local and national organizations to establish services and visibility for numerous LGBTQ+ issues and topics. • Vincent Jones, Vice-Chair (he/him) is the CEO of the The Citizen Jones Companies, a collection of socially minded businesses created with the spirit of doing good, having fun and helping others do the same. He is a recognized leader in the LGBTQ+ community

to Judicial Watch, a Washington D.C. based conservative legal nonprofit founded by attorney Larry Klayman, led by Tom Fitton since 2003. On behalf of three residents, Judicial Watch sued the state and alleged that the state expenditure of taxpayer funds to enforce the law was unconstitutional, according to the court filings. “This historic California court decision declared unconstitutional one of the most blatant and significant attacks in the modern era on constitutional prohibitions against discrimination,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement. “In its ruling today, the court upheld the core American value of equal protection under the law. Judicial Watch’s taxpayer clients are heroes for standing up for civil rights against the Left’s pernicious efforts to undo anti-discrimination protections.”

Assembly Bill no. 979 mandates corporations to have at least one member who identifies as Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native on its board by the close of the 2022 calendar year. Andres Picon, a reporter with the San Francisco Chronicle noted that before the law passed, more than one-third of California boardrooms were all white, according to the Latino Corporate Directors Association. Proponents of AB979 hoped it would push companies to hire more diverse directors, increasing equity in hiring and encouraging companies to be mindful of underrepresented communities, especially during decision making. Critics of the bill argued the law is a violation of the equal protection clause in the California Constitution, that forcing diversity

quotas would not lead to changes, according to the Blade. “Corporate boards should not just be made up of white, straight men. AB 979 is a critical law that promotes diversity and inclusion, and ensures people from marginalized communities have a seat at the table. This is a terrible ruling and I hope it will be overturned in higher court,” Out State Senator Scott Wiener, (D-SF) told the Blade.

for his work in philanthropy, non-profits, politics, government, communications, travel and social entrepreneurship. • Allison Blaylock (she/her) is the President of the OUTreach Center in Lancaster. She also advocates for the awareness and ending of domestic violence within the LGBTQ+ community through the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s STOP program. • Chela Demuir (she/her) is the Founder of the “TransGiving Dinner,” a dinner with all the traditional trimmings of a holiday meal that is now celebrated in various states across the country. Demuir is also a founding member of Trans Pride LA and Unique Woman’s Coalition. • Ari Gutiérrez Arámbula, MBA (she/her/ ella) is an Advocate for the Latinx LGBTQ+ community. Through her career in marketing and advertising, Gutiérrez Arámbula has been able to inﬂuence her business, communications and political networks to empower Latinx LGBTQ+ people and their families, as well as producing the Latino LGBTQ+ Pride Festival

and co-founding the HONOR Political Action Committee and the Latino Equality Alliance. • Joey Hernández (they/them) is Director of Policy and Community Building Department at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Hernández has engaged in LGBTQ+ rights advocacy for over 15 years and they currently direct the Center’s policy advocacy, grassroots community organizing, and international programs to protect and expand the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. • Skylar Myers (they/them) is a Victims Rights Advocate for the Anti-Violence Project at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Myers’ work with the LGBTQ+ community has involved serving as a homeless youth advisor and mentor and empowering marginalized and often victimized communities for more than a decade. • Brad Sears, J.D. (he/him) is the Founding Executive Director and David Sanders Distinguished Scholar of Law & Policy at the Williams Institute and is the Associate Dean of Public Interest Law at UCLA Law. Sears

has published a number of research studies, primarily on discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV; taught courses on LGBTQ+ and disability law at various law schools; and has testified before Congress and state legislatures, authored amicus briefs in key court cases, helped to draft state and federal legislation and has been frequently cited by national media. • Stella Ursua (she/her/hers) is the Board President/Chair at the LGBTQ+ Center Long Beach and Programs & Partnerships Manager of GRID Alternatives-Greater Los Angeles. Ursua can be found in equity-challenged and/or environmentally disadvantaged communities, working to build more awareness for social issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, environmental health, green neighborhoods and careers, and ensuring that all community members have access to the programs, services, education, knowledge and skills that will help them thrive.

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