The Pride LA 9/4/2020

the pride

ISSUE NUMBER 40, VOLUME 11 | SEPTEMBER 4 – SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 09.04.2020 – 09.17.2020

WWW.THEPRIDELA.COM

LOS ANGELES

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THE LOS ANGELES LGBT NEWSPAPER

Two Men Charged After Three Transgendered Women Are Attacked in Hollywood

Carlton Callaway and Davion Williams charged by DA

By TimoThy michael

Two men have been charged with robbery against three transgender women on the evening of Aug.17 in Hollywood.

Carlton Callaway, 29, and Davion Williams, 22, will face charges including robbery and assault in connection with the attack on Hollywood Blvd according to a news release issued by the L.A. County district attorney’s office.

Transgender Instagram influencer Eden the Doll, Jaslene Whiterose and Joslyn Flawless were attacked while on the Walk of Fame around 2 a.m. The women were verbally and then physically assaulted which

Photo: LAPD

Carlton Callaway (left) and Davion Williams.

Eden the Doll

Photo: Facebook

was captured on video and streamed live as it was happening.

Callaway allegedly befriended the three victims and later assaulted them while Williams allegedly joined the attack and stole from one of the women.

Carlton Alexander Callaway of Compton faces one felony count each of grand theft from the person of another, second-degree robbery, criminal threats, attempted seconddegree robbery, assault by means of force

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likely to produce great bodily injury and battery with serious bodily injury. Callaway also used a steel rod as a weapon during the attack.

Davion Anthony Williams of Compton faces one felony count each of grand theft and assault with a deadly weapon, which was a rideshare scooter used during the attack.

The case includes allegations that the crimes committed were hate crimes after

TAX

police alleged they made derogatory comments about the victims’ gender identities during the alleged attack.

Deputy District Attorney Richard Ceballos of the Hate Crimes Unit is the assigned prosecutor.

The district attorney’s office rejected charges against a third suspect arrested in the case, according to a law enforcement

Transgender Attack, see page 5

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Biden Picks LGBTQ+ Ally Kamala Harris as VP

By Timothy Michael

Joe Biden has selected Kamala Harris to be his running mate, elevating a charismatic bluestate senator, former prosecutor, LGBTQ+ ally and one time 2020 primary rival who has built a reputation as an unyielding antagonist of the Trump administration.

Harris, the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, has been known to be on the “shortlist” for quite some time and was made official as the vice presidential pick on Tuesday August 11th.

Her experience as a battle-tested presidential candidate, her efforts leading major law enforcement offices and her political track record of three election wins in California helped her overcome a crowded list of contenders.

“I have the great honor to announce that I’ve picked @KamalaHarris — a fearless fighter for the little guy, and one of the country’s finest public servants — as my running mate,” Biden wrote in a tweet Tuesday.

Harris is not only qualified but has also been a major ally to the LGBTQ+ community and her record speaks for itself. As California’s attorney general, it would have been down to Harris to defend Proposition 8, the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, in court. She declined, and later officiated the first same-sex wedding after the Supreme Court ruling which struck it down.

Also while in the role she blocked a “kill the gays” initiative that called for the legal execution of queer people, and helped eliminate the gay/trans panic defense.

Harris continued her advocacy as a US senator, signing friend-of-the-court briefs arguing that trans people should be allowed to use their bathroom of choice and co-

Photo: Courtesy of pinknews.com

sponsoring the Equality Act. During her bid for the presidential nomination, Harris said that she would pass the Equality Act on her first day in the White House.

She also vowed to end the epidemic of violence against trans women of color, saying there must be “serious consequence and accountability”.

However there is a slight taint on her record regarding LGBTQ+ individuals. In 2015 Harris made the decision to argue that two prisoners should not receive state-funded gender confirmation surgery.

In September 2019 she argued that she was merely carrying out her job at the time, acting on behalf of her client the California Department of Corrections. Behind the scenes,

she said, she worked with the Department to change its policy regarding trans inmates’ surgeries.

The Human Rights Campaign praised the selection of U.S. Senator Kamala Harris. The Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso Davis said, “Senator Kamala Harris is nothing short of an exceptional choice for Vice President.”

Award-Winning Gay Producer Drag Queen Chi Chi DeVayne Ash Christian Dead at 35 RuPaul’s Drag Race Star Dies

Lauded producer, actor, director, and writer Ash Christian died in his sleep while vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on Thursday August 13th, 2020. He was 35 years old.

Born on Jan. 16, 1985, in Paris, Texas, Christian began writing and directing short films at the age of 14 before moving to Los Angeles to pursue his acting dreams just two years later.

Christian also operated his own successful New York-based film production company, Cranium Entertainment. Cranium and Christian recently released the acclaimed AIDS drama 1985, directed by Yen Tan and starring Cory Michael Smith and Virginia Madsen.

I’m 2006 Christian caught Hollywood’s attention with his independent film, Fat Girls, which he also wrote and co-starred in. The movie, co-starring Ashley Fink and Boys in the Band’s Robin De Jesus, was a hit at

Outfest, Los Angeles’s LGBTQ+ film festival; Christian won the Outfest award for emerging talent.

Photo: Getty Images

On Thursday Aug. 20th, Zavion Michael Davenport, better known by the stage name Chi Chi DeVayne, an American drag queen and reality television personality who came to international attention on the eighth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars died at the age of 34.

DeVayne was hospitalized in July with high blood pressure and suspected kidney failure, telling fans she had catheters to her heart and kidneys surgically installed before undergoing dialysis treatment. She was eventually discharged later that month.

DeVayne passed away just a month later after being hospitalized once again, this time battling pneumonia; the exact cause of death has not been revealed.

It is known that Ch Chi lived with a rare condition called Scleroderma. The condition sees the immune system attack the tissue under the skin as well as around internal organs and

blood vessels.

Chi Chi, see page 6

Photo: Courtesy of Twitter

09.04.2020 – 09.17.2020

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AIDS Walk Los Angeles (AWLA) is the world’s first walk to fight HIV and AIDS. 35 years ago, a group of activists, patients, advocates, and friends put their soles on the line to shake the government into action during the AIDS crisis.

Since 1985, hundreds of thousands of walkers and their supporters have raised nearly $90 million to combat HIV and AIDS. These funds are a vital lifeline that sustains APLA Health’s prevention, care, and advocacy programs for more than 18,000 individuals living in Los Angeles County.

Due to the Coronavirus and strict city and state orders, this year the AWLA will be held virtually. A historic digital walk experience brings communities together across online platforms to educate and bring awareness to the incredible services APLA Health provides. Through this year’s event, AWLA is

continuing a legacy of reducing stigma, giving voice to the voiceless and ending HIV/AIDS once and for all.

“AIDS Walk Los Angeles is the premiere HIV/AIDS event to organize community, educate, bring awareness and work to end an epidemic,” said Craig Thompson, CEO, APLA Health. “We’ve made major strides in improving the health and quality of life for people living with HIV, but the disease has yet to be eradicated and our work continues.”

The AWLA was Saturday Aug. 29th on ABC7 at 6:30pm PST. This year’s fundraising deadline is Sunday, September 13th.

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Transgender Attack, from page 1

arraignment would take place at a later date.

If convicted as charged, Callaway faces up to 13 years and four months in prison, and Williams faces up to eight years and four months in prison, according to the district attorney’s office.

Commenting on the incident, L.A. City Council member Mitch O’Farrell said his district does not welcome such conduct. He also asked the onlookers to contact him so they could apologize to the victims.

There have been at least 26 transgender or gender non-conforming people killed by acts of violence in the United States in 2020, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

Last year, advocates tracked 27 killings, the majority of whom were Black transgender women, the HRC says.

official with knowledge of the situation.

Callaway was arrested in mid-August by police in Bakersfield, but was released a few days later when prosecutors referred the case back for further investigation under the pressure of the LGBTQ+ community and activists. Callaway’s release from jail drew outrage among the LGBTQ community forcing action to be taken.

Callaway and Williams deny knowing each other despite being from the same neighborhood.

It was not immediately clear if Callaway or Williams had attorneys who could speak on their behalf Tuesday evening.

The district attorney’s office said

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6 in 10 Queer Men With COVID Symptoms Hide Them From Partners COVID 19 is affecting everything from businesses to government and now it is taking a toll on people’s sex lives. Gay and bi men are reporting “significant changes” in their sex lives during the health crisis. In fact, nine out of 10 had no sex or sex with only one other partner in the past month.

The survey collected responses from 1,968 LGBTQ+ Americans over 18 from April 10 to May 10. Gay and bi men made up 750 of the respondents and were recruited via Facebook, Twitter, and Grindr.

The survey concluded that in the first month of the pandemic, more than half of queer male respondents (59 percent) had no sex at all. Of those who were sexually active, 78 percent limited their number of partners to one. To put this in context, one in five men reported usually having more than one sexual partner in a month.

Additionally, while about 35 percent engaged in masturbation, 12 percent

abstained from solo sex, citing stress as inhibiting their sex drive.

The study noted that there are many reasons LGBTQ+ people may be at “greater risk of severe disease if they are infected with COVID-19,” despite the fact that “little attention has been paid to disparities by sexual orientation and gender identity” in the crisis. Factors include disparities in income, access to health care, HIV, and “different social norms around relationships and sexual contact patterns that may increase their risk of exposure.”

Nondisclosure of COVID-19 symptoms was a major concern among gay and bi respondents, the study stressed. These fears are warranted. While 11 percent reported having a flu-like illness in the prior month, only 39 percent of those with symptoms disclosed this information or a positive diagnosis to partners.

To address these concerns, the study

recommended more “targeted messaging” around how to have conversations about COVID-19 symptoms and safer sex

strategies. It also called for more research into the impact of the novel coronavirus on those living with HIV.

Chi Chi, from page 4

the post read. The family said plans for final arrangements were still forthcoming and shared “his final words to his family and fans, ‘Never give up!’”

Celebrity and drag superstar RuPaul wrote on Twitter, “I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.”

DeVayne was a popular figure on RuPaul’s Drag Race due to her humble nature, which she tied to growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, and impressive dance and lip-syncing skills.

In addition to her appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race, and her various performing gigs

and tours as a drag artist. DeVayne had a small part on season 1 of the Apple TV+ anthology dramedy Little America, appeared on fellow Drag Race alum Yuhua Hamasaki’s Bootleg Opinions YouTube series, and guested on an episode of the popular queer talk show Hey Qween who’s co-host, drag queen Lady Red Couture, died late last month.

Immediately after her passing DeVayne’s family shared a post on the star’s Instagram account. “It is with tremendous sorrow that my family and I announce the passing of my beloved son, Zavion Michael Davenport, the world renowned ‘Chi Chi DeVayne,’”

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WeHo Bar Flaming Saddles Closes Permanently

Flaming Saddles, the West Hollywood gay country western bar, has closed permanently.

Owners Jacqui Squatriglia and Chris Barnes, who also own and operate a Flaming Saddles bar in New York City, went on social media Sunday — The West Hollywood location will not re-open. COVID-19 wreaked financial havoc on the business, and they couldn’t re-negotiate their lease with their landlord, Monte Overstreet, who also owns the building that houses Rage nightclub, among other West Hollywood properties.

Flaming Saddles had been a staple to West Hollywood at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Larrabee Street since January 2015.

Owners Jacqui Squatriglia and Chris Barnes, who also own and operate a Flaming Saddles bar in New York City, went on social media Sunday to announce the West

Hollywood location will not reopen and didn’t say if Flaming Saddles would open at a different location, but seemed to leave the door open.

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on gay businesses throughout Los Angeles and has shuttered many businesses permanently. In this situation regarding Flaming Saddles, the owners couldn’t re-negotiate their lease with their landlord, Monte Overstreet, who also owns the building that houses Rage nightclub, among other West Hollywood properties.

Landlords and lease negotiations have been an ongoing hurdle for many small businesses struggling to reopen (or remain open) during the current COVID-19 crisis.

The city of West Hollywood has struggled to keep many of its legacy bars and restaurants alive during such an uncertain moment. The city recently lost the influential Pride Festival

Photo: Courtesy dgala.org

too, meaning a further loss of revenue for

restaurants and bars in the years to come.

Queer Owned Cuties Coffee Shop Closes

Cuties, Los Angeles’ only queer-focused coffee shop, has closed permanently due to the stresses of COVID-19.

The East Hollywood coffee and espresso bar, which opened in July 2017, had been closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but still hosted virtual events for the community, particularly for queer and transgender people of color: a meditation group, a book club, and relaxing techniques.

Cuties also was a safe space for people who are gender nonconforming.

Former owner and CEO Virginia Bauman said on social media Friday that Cuties’ will not re-open. All events and activities will remain online.

Bauman, who identifies as a transgender woman, also said that general manager

Sasha Jones is the organization’s new CEO. Bauman has no ownership or equity in Cuties.

Bauman said that Cuties’ mission as an organization is to “center belonging. We have always attempted to create an infrastructure that supports acceptance for folks in this community, as best we can through many imperfect vehicles. A break-even coffee shop used to be our main vehicle.”

Cuties didn’t generate enough revenue to pay for their Heliotrope Drive location, just off Melrose Avenue near Los Angeles City College. They’ve been accumulating debt to their landlord, hoping that they would reopen later and pay the debt down over time.

According to Bauman the keys were returned to the landlord on August 1st.

Photo: Courtesy of taggmagazine.com

Liberation Coffee Shop Opens

Located at the Los Angeles LGBTQ Center’s flagship Anita May Rosenstein Campus, the 1,600-square-foot café and community space is operated and staffed by graduates from the Center’s intergenerational Culinary Arts program, a threemonth training program launched in 2019 to prepare LGBTQ youth and seniors from the Center for employment in the restaurant and hospitality industries.

Bakers knead croissants, cookies, gourmet pop tarts and more to fill the pastry case, while other items like the breakfast pizza, Thai chicken salad, breakfast burritos and daily parfaits are prepared daily.

“It’s all been very intentional—from our partners and the products we’re serving to the design of the space and staff that we’re hiring—to foster pride, passion, and warmth in this community-driven space,” says Erin

Muscatelli, the manager of the LGBTQ Center’s café and catering program. “It’s a really good way to introduce the Center to the outside community who might not know a lot about us.”

Unfortunately due to state and city COVID-19 regulations indoor dine-in service and indoor gatherings are not permitted at this time but, once lifted, Liberation Coffee House plans to use its space for gallery showings, lectures, celebrations, networking mixers and other LGBTQ+ community events.

In the meantime, take a peek inside the new coffee shop, below, then stop by any day of the week for to-go foods and a full espresso bar.

Revenue from this unique social enterprise will be reinvested into the Center’s lifechanging and life-saving programs and services.

Photo: Courtesy dailycoffeenews.com

09.04.2020 – 09.17.2020

LOS ANGELES

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WeHo Reopens West Hollywood Park and Plummer Park The City of West Hollywood is making every effort to respond to community needs during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency and keeping the health and safety of people in West Hollywood as its first priority. Paul Arevalo, the City of West Hollywood City Manager and Director of Emergency Services, issued a tenth Emergency Executive Order (2020-10) on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 implementing emergency measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Emergency Executive Order 2020-10 establishes the limited reopening of West Hollywood Park and Plummer Park via an online park space reservation system only.

Reservations are available at Plummer Park in the Vista Lawn and Fuller Lawn areas and at West Hollywood Park in the Great Lawn area. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Numbered spaces will be outlined in the grass and City staff will be available to assist users’ with finding their spaces. Individuals can book a space for a two-hour block between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

There is no cost to reserve a park space. Park visitors at all City of West Hollywood parks are subject to the following guidelines, based on Emergency Executive Order 2020-07 and updated accordingly, and any other applicable city, county or state requirements: a. Visitors at Plummer Park and West Hollywood Park shall use the park in the reserved space. At all other parks, physical

distancing of 6 feet between groups that are not part of the same household is required.

Avoid crowded areas. b. Organized activities and group fitness classes, yoga instruction, dog training and personal training sessions are not permitted in any city park, including neighborhood parks. c. Face coverings are required under Executive Order 2020-03. d. Water fountains shall remain closed.

Members of the public are encouraged to bring water from home. e. Bathrooms remain closed. f. Visitors shall leave the area clean and remove all personal items and trash before leaving the park. g. Playground and exercise equipment remain closed.

The limited reopening Order is aimed at safeguarding the health and safety of community members. The parks were previously closed on July 23, 2020 following numerous reports by City staff and the West Hollywood Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department that visitors to these City parks were observed not complying with park rules adopted to curb the spread of COVID-19.

At the time of the park closures, approximately 50 percent of park users failed to comply with the City’s face covering requirements and social (physical) distancing protocols and altered and/or destroyed

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Visit LADWP.com/financialassistance or call 1-800-DIAL-DWP.

Photo: Courtesy of weho.org

protective barriers intended to keep playgrounds and basketball courts closed.

At this time, neighborhood parks and dog parks at West Hollywood Park and William S. Hart Dog Park remain open, subject to park users’ compliance with face covering and social distancing requirements. Park patrons are subject to Administrative Citation for not voluntarily using face coverings.

Additionally, tennis courts at West Hollywood

Park and Plummer Park will remain open at this time.

Parks, dog parks, and tennis courts are subject to closure should users continue to disregard health and safety protocols, despite signage, education, and enforcement efforts.

The City of West Hollywood has had a mandatory face covering requirement in effect since Saturday, May 23, 2020.

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IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

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

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

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

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

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

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

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

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:  Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.  BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other.

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

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at

MyDailyCharge.com

BVYC0218_BIKTARVY_B_10X11-7_ThePrideLA_Hugo_r1v1jl.indd All Pages

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 2020 © 2020 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0218 04/20

09.04.2020 – 09.17.2020

LOS ANGELES

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es

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HUGO LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 1995 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

KEEP CONNECTING. Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

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

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

See Hugo’s story at BIKTARVY.com.

Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

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

5/21/20 3:33 PM

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LOS ANGELES

Equality California Announces “GOLDEN STATE EQUALITY AWARDS”

Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, announced on Wednesday, August 12th that it will host its first-ever statewide “Golden State Equality Awards” virtual celebration on Sunday, September 13.

The historic event, which will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community achievements, and will be hosted by “Pose” star, actress and advocate, Angelica Ross and honor Netflix’s groundbreaking documentary, “Disclosure.”

Equality California will also honor Pete & Chasten Buttigieg with the Equality Trailblazer Award, following Pete’s groundbreaking run for president. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will honor the late U.S. Representative John Lewis, a civil rights legend and longtime ally to the LGBTQ+ community, with a moving tribute to his life and career.

Those tuning in to the broadcast will be treated to musical performances from the legendary Melissa Etheridge, Betty Who, Alex Newell, Shea Diamond and Robin S, as well. Additional honorees and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. The event will stream live at 6pm PT on a private website for ticketed attendees and sponsors.

The “Golden State Equality Awards” will start with regional pre-show cocktail hours celebrating the LGBTQ+ and allied communities in Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and Palm Springs.

During this time, the organization will recognize additional honorees including California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, California Legislative Black Caucus Chair Assembly member Shirley N. Weber, former California Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus Chair Assembly member Evan Low and

Photo: Courtesy of eqca.com

more.

“2020 has challenged the LGBTQ+ community in ways we could never have imagined, but challenging times create heroes, and we cannot wait to come together virtually and celebrate some of this year’s

heroes,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Chavez Zbur.

To purchase tickets to the Golden State

Equality Awards, visit eqca.org/equalityawards.

Starbucks Adjusting To Changes Caused By COVID-19

Due to the Coronavirus and people working remotely, Starbucks, the popular Seattlebased coffee giant, is starting to see a change in their peak times. In a report published by Business Insider, the coffee chain says it has seen a major shift in peak times now that more people are working remotely.

This means, to get that venti iced coffee, that you may have to adjust your “coffee time” to avoid the long lines you typically see in the early morning or in the late afternoons.

Those who typically go for an early morning coffee run before work are now going later in the morning, after 9:00 a.m.

There’s also another peak around 2:00 p.m.

Last month, Starbucks announced its restructuring plans as it responds to changing customer demands during the pandemic.

Unfortunately more than 400 locations will close over the next 18 months, but more locations will have curbside pick-up, drivethru, and mobile-only pick-up locations.

While the company will close up to 400 locations, it still plans to open approximately 300 new stores in its current fiscal year, down from its original goal of 600.

Starbucks leaders have also said its popular Pumpkin Spice Latte is coming back, but an official release date has not been announced.

For more than three decades, Starbucks has been committed to building a culture where all are welcome, standing as an ally to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community.

In 2020 Starbucks has donated a combined $100,000 to the Human Rights Campaign and the National Center for Transgender Equality in honor of Pride Month to aid in their support for vulnerable members of the LGTBQ+ community due to the impacts of COVID-19. The Starbucks Foundation also announced it has awarded 100 grants to nonprofit organizations supporting LGBTQ+ communities, totaling more than $300,000.

Lady Gaga Launches “Gaga Radio”

Lady Gaga has added talk show host to her resume by becoming a host on her very own “Gaga Radio” for Apple Music which aired on Friday, August 7th.

In the first episode, Gaga caught up with friend and Chromatica executive producer, BloodPop. The two talked about the making of the album and the challenges that came along with it including depression and self doubt.

Through it all, gratitude and friendship are what made Chromatica possible.

Every Friday on her brand new “Gaga Radio” show on Apple Music, she honors the larger-than-life genre of dance music by speaking with the DJs, divas, and producers who inspired her and who helped bring the album to life.

The announcement of the partnership with Apple came on Wednesday and the premise of the endeavor doesn’t seem to be strictly

a promotion for her new, sixteen-track, return-to-dance-pop, chart-smashing album, “Chromatica”, released on May 29.

Gaga says the purpose of the talk show is to delve into the creative process and the origins behind the work. For that, she will have guests of the likes of BURNS, Vitaclub, and Tchami, all of whom helped with production; they, at their turn on her show, will also present their own DJ mixes.

The “Chromatica” album has been a therapeutic venture for Gaga. She described her creative journey as dancing through her pain, as she has also been open about her PTSD and fibromyalgia diagnosis and her longing to finally ground herself in a reliable, fulfilling relationship.

However, Chromatica, she has said, is also about metaphorical colors — inclusivity, identity-building, kindness, acceptance, and

Photo: Courtesy

belonging.

“Gaga Radio” promises to be just that, too.

Conversational, deep, and as she has always been with her fans, vulnerable.

09.04.2020 – 09.17.2020

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Longest Running Escape Room In LA Goes Virtual Escape Room LA, in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, is the longest running escape room in Los Angeles going on it’s sixth year.

Owner and developer John Hennessy, who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, has found a way to keep Escape Room LA operating despite COVID-19 shutting down thousands of businesses across the United States and putting millions out of work.

Hennessy had been doing outdoor events for several years and the first time he heard of Escape Rooms was in 2014 after reading about an escape room in Eastern Europe, coincidentally a few months later he saw another news story about escape rooms.

Having worked on outdoor events where participants are required to solve clues and puzzles, fascinated by the idea, Hennessy thought it was something that would be very popular in LA. Risking all he had, John started looking for space and working on game ideas which is how Escape Room LA came to fruition in November 2014.

Escape Room LA started with one room called “The Detective”, where participants step back in time into the world of a 1940s private detective. Inside the detective’s office, you’ll find yourself trapped in a film-noir style Hollywood mystery. It has since expanded into five different experiences which are all highquality rooms that are physically beautiful while also being challenging, immersive and completely original since they do not purchase pre-built games from overseas chains like many other LA-based escape companies tend to do. Escape Room LA has been visited by people around the world and celebrities such as Conan O’Brien, Halle Berry, Pete Davidson and more.

When the pandemic began, Escape Room LA was hit hard as were many other small businesses. In mid-March Escape Room LA was forced to close due to the City and State regulations, but Hennessy has shifted focus

from live in person events to offering online live streaming games instead.

When asked about how difficult that decision was Hennessy stated, “When we had to close, I felt like my back was up against the wall and I think the first game came out quickly, just out of desperation. I felt sort of panicked, that I had to find a way to keep our name out there, get at least a little income coming in, and find a way for at least a few of our staff to continue working. At the time I never imagined the closure would go on for so long, so now we are working on more advanced online games.”

While no one knows how long the mandated closures across Los Angeles will be, John is making the best of this pandemic by designing games that participants can play online from their own homes. Escape Room LA is now able to reach people across the country and from other countries.

Escape Room LA Live offers three different online games “The Lost Pyramid”, “Escape From Planet X” and “The Curse of the Dark Raven”. These live-hosted games feature both audio and visual clues. An experienced escape room host leads the participants through the game, verbally describing the surroundings while showing a series of images and puzzles, and letting them know how they can interact with everything they see.

Hennessy hopes to open Escape Room LA when City and State regulations are lifted but will continue to hold their outdoor events, which he’s been organizing for over 15 years.

Race LA is a day-long “Amazing Race” style adventure race around the LA area and is held yearly. This year’s race which was scheduled in May was cancelled but John plans on coming back with a new event in 2021.

For more information on Escape Room LA Live or to test your skills and try one of their escape rooms visit https://www.escaperoomla.com/livestream.

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Date Night In Times Of COVID

As things to do in times of COVID-19 dwindle down to staying in your home and watching a specific streaming app. One local small business has shifted their company to provide a unique dining/party experience, all hand-delivered to your door.

“Of The Night” was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the city’s response to public gatherings, a center point for the Disco Dining Club concept.

By the creators of the eccentric LA dining experience Disco Dining Club, the new concept “Of the Night” is an experience in a box, designed with a unique, theatrical theme and includes local snacks, themed adult beverages, eclectic decor, playful accessories and activities, and more – making an at-home date night extra unique. You can even addon a themed theatrical performance by local performers right at your doorstep.

“Of the Night” was founded by Courtney Nichols, a nightlife impresario who carved an eccentric niche with her theatrical and thematic dinner parties and Blakeshine, a comedian who has made her rounds about LA. Blakeshine has designed immersive stages for music festivals across the U.S and is a “demonstrated expert in the comic realm” according to Dancing Astronaut.

When talking about “Of the Night” Nichols states, “‘At Of the Night’ we believe that a fabulous night-in should make you look and feel amazing. With 10% of our proceeds benefitting Gays & Lesbians Living In a

Transgender Society (G.L.I.T.S.), The Center For Reproductive Rights, and The Actor’s Fund, we are on a mission to do good while having all the fun.

Of the Night is here to reinvigorate your Friday night with theatrical and thematic experiences dropped directly at your front door. Emulating those blissful evenings out on the town when color and jubilance took center stage, Of the Night is here to once again make your weekend iconic.”

Each Of the Night package satiates 2 eager partiers and comes with at least: one bottle of liquor, something edible, various activities, a costume accessory, an element of decor and a link to a curated playlist. The exciting details of each item is kept a secret until it’s delivered to your doorstep. Prices start at $120 per package. Add-ons available including a theatrical performance by a local troupe, a photography kit (themed backdrop and disposable camera) and more.

You can choose different themes from Gnomes of the Night, Psychedelia of the Night, 90’s Slumber Party of the Night, and more.

At checkout, you will be asked which of the following 3 non-profits you would like to support with your purchase. GAYS & LESBIANS LIVING IN A TRANSGENDER SOCIETY (G.L.I.T.S.), THE CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS and THE ACTOR’S FUND. If you’re looking to bring the party to

Photo: Courtesy Of The Night

your home you need to book in advance.

For mornings such as the release schedule,

the

different

themes

www.ofthenight.club.

and

prices

visit

09.04.2020 – 09.17.2020

LOS ANGELES

⚫

Anthony Quintal From Gay Youtuber to Christian Celibate Serving Area since 1996 Locally Owned Business

Photo: Courtesy of Twitter

Anthony Quintal, a 21-year-old YouTuber best known for his teenage antics under the name “Lohanthony,” has returned to his channel with a shocking update.

Quintal, once an advocate for LGBTQ rights and a role model for gay children and teens around the world, has renounced his own sexuality, saying in a recent YouTube video that he has chosen a life of “Christian celibacy” and moved on from the “sexual immorality” of his past gay relationships. Although he never stated he had thought he was no longer gay, Quintal said he is choosing not to partake in same-sex relationships.

Quintal compared his sexual and romantic relationships with men to drug and alcohol use, saying that he was “trying to find God’s love” through those paths.

He also said that he was molested by a man as a child, and he believed it led him to “sin against other people” by engaging in consensual sex with other men throughout his teenage years.

LGBTQ and Christian conversion therapy experts have voiced their opinions and agree that Quintal’s new rhetoric is harmful to his audience, and his reasoning echoes language used in conversion therapy, a dangerous and ineffective practice that is prohibited in 20 US states.

Matthew Vines, executive director of the pro-LGBTQ Christian organization The Reformation Project and author of “God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-sex Relationships,” says

Quintal’s video reflected a modern movement within Christianity that replaces common conversion therapy language with a new way of grappling with sexuality.

Vines said that the idea of conversion therapy being a forced “brainwashing” practice doesn’t typically reflect what real ‘exgay’ experiences look like for Christians.

Mathew Shurka, the co-founder of the anticonversion therapy advocacy organization Born Perfect and a survivor of a conversion therapy program himself, stated that Quintal’s rhetoric echoes lessons taught in conversion programs and that conflating addiction issues with same-sex attraction is common in such programs.

The American Psychiatric Association has said that conversion therapy can lead to depression, anxiety, and increased suicidal ideation and is “unlikely” to be effective in changing same-sex attraction.

Nearly every major health association, including the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Medical Association opposes conversion therapy, along with “ex-gay therapy,” “reparative therapy,” and any type of therapy that seeks to repress, reverse, or eradicate same-sex attraction.

The response to Quintal’s announcement has been largely negative, with former fans who saw him as inspirational at the height of his YouTube fame responding with a mix of shock and sadness.

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CancerCare Offers Online Support to LGBTQ+ Community

CancerCare helps individuals, families, caregivers and the bereaved cope with the emotional and practical challenges of cancer. Its free services include counseling, educational work- shops, publications and financial assistance.

LGBTQ+ people can face a multitude of complex issues when it comes to coping with cancer, so the non-profit organization CancerCare is offering free online support groups for patients and caregivers in the community.

In an announcement about the program CancerCare stated, “As an LGBTQ+ person, being affected by cancer may be more complicated because of who you are and who you love. CancerCare’s Online Support Group Program is here to help and provide connections, community, support and education.”

Throughout the year, CancerCare offers free online support groups to connect

those affected by cancer with peers from across the country. Two groups are now open to the following individuals within the LGBTQ+ community: Members of the gay male community who have any type of cancer and are in treatment or have completed treatment within the past 18 months.

Caregivers who self-identify as both female and LGBTQ+ and are caring for an LGBTQ+ loved one living with cancer.

The groups are in the midst of 15week sessions that began June 1, but new members can join anytime through the second week of August. New sessions will start Oct. 1. The forums use a passwordprotected message-board for- mat and are led by master’s-prepared oncology social work- ers who offer support and guidance.

“The groups are needed because LGBTQ+ people face a higher risk of cancer and a lower likelihood of

having health insurance”, said William Goeren, a licensed clinical social worker and director of clinical programs for CancerCare. “Discrimination from health care providers, or the fear of it, may lead

patients to delay or avoid medical care,” he added.

To learn more about the services CancerCare offers to the LGBTQ+ community, visit cancercarelgbt.org.

Ricky Martin Feared He Couldn’t Become A Father Because Of His Sexuality Ricky Martin, the Los Angeles based singer and his husband, Jwan Yosef, are happily married and have four kids but that was something Martin feared would never happen because of his sexuality. He opened up about the personal struggle he endured coming to terms with his sexuality while also wanting to become a father.

The 48-year-old singer said that he had difficulty accepting that a gay man can also be a dad.

“Many years I dreamt of being a father, and many, many, many times I went through this grieving process of I am gay, I am a closeted gay man, and I’m not going to be able to be a daddy,” he said of his experience.

After years of speculation Martin, publicly came out as gay on March 29th, 2010 in a post on his official website,

stating: “I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man.”

After coming to terms with his sexuality and making it public, he confirmed his marriage to Jwan Yosef in 2018, and became a father to four kids: twins Valentino and Matteo, born in 2008, daughter Lucia, 1, and newborn son Renn, 9 months all born through surrogacy.

Since coming out Martin has spoken out forcefully and successfully against antiLGBTQ legislation, including one bill in Puerto Rico that was shelved after Martin wrote an open letter.

The Grammy winner has also weighed in on the intersection of the LGBTQ community and Black Lives Matter. “I think we have to join forces,” Martin said. “At this point it’s all about listening. It’s about learning, it’s about being respectful, and it’s

Photo: Courtesy

about understanding that at this point it’s not about us. At this point it’s about giving the platform to those incredible voices that

has helped us and has taught us about the injustices that, in this case the LGBTQ+ community goes through.”

Queerantine Kicks Off Season Two

Queerantine, a one-of-a-kind, weekly music video showcase highlighting artists across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, created and hosted by musical artist Kisos, will make its triumphant return to the streaming platform Twitch on Sunday, August 9, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. EST. Queerantine’s first season premiered on March 22, 2020 with host Kisos and week one co-host, emerging artist Zach Benson, to support and elevate queer musicians during the pandemic crisis. Over the course of 15 weeks, Queerantine developed a strong, dedicated following among musicians and fans alike, each week celebrating up to 12 independent artist music videos from around the world. With a rotating all-star cast of co-hosts including the likes of Michael Medrano, Raquel Lily, Elliot Jones, NYC

DJ Jon Ali and more, Queerantine quickly became the Sunday afternoon event for the world-wide LGBTQIA+ community.

Throughout the first season, Queerantine also acted as a fundraising platform, raising over $4500 for Black Lives Matter and $2000 for NYC-based charity G.L.I.T.S. (Gays and Lesbians Living In a Transgender Society).

Season two of Queerantine promises to bring fans a whole new line-up of exciting, emerging indie LGBTQIA+ music videos and co-hosts, including Miss Eaves, Megan Lenius, Matkai Burmaster among many others. It will also see the debut of The Official Queerantine Aftershow (airing directly after Queerantine) hosted by Toronto-based pop artist Cory Stewart.

Queerantine can be streamed weekly on

Photo: Courtesy dailycoffeenews.com

Sundays at 3:00 p.m. EST starting August 9, 2020 at https://www.twitch.tv/itskisos.

The Official Queerantine Aftershow

will air directly following the Queerantine broadcast at https://www.twitch.tv/ coryjstewart.

09.04.2020 – 09.17.2020

LOS ANGELES SA N T A MO N I C A C O LLEG E

Exciting events happening this fall!

Santa Monica College is offering a variety of events online. Most events are free. Come join us for: • Dance Performances & Master Classes • Theatre Arts Performances • Music Concerts • Business & Entrepreneurship Series • Santa Monica Review Issue Launch Party

• Planetarium Shows • Sustainability Week • Art Exhibition Receptions • Green Screen Series • and much more!

Visit smc.edu/calendar for more information.

SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. Nancy Greenstein, Chair; Dr. Susan Aminoff, Vice Chair; Dr. Louise Jaffe; Dr. Margaret Quiñones-Perez; Rob Rader; Dr. Sion Roy; Barry A. Snell; Joshua Elizondo, Student Trustee; Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D., Superintendent/President Santa Monica College | 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 | smc.edu

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Long Beach QFilm Festival

The 2020 Long Beach QFilm Festival, is a celebration of the rich diversity and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities, is going worldwide for the first time. Queer films are in the spotlight from Long Beach to living rooms around the world.

The 27th annual Long Beach QFilm Festival returns this year as a streaming festival instead of an in-person event. More than 40 LGBTQ films can be streamed anytime from September 10-13 through the festival.

Highlights include Gossamer Folds, produced by and featuring actress Yardley Smith of The Simpsons, a tender tale of friendship between a lonely boy and his grown-up transgender neighbor, Gossamer; Breaking Fast, a love story develops over the holy month of Ramadan between a practicing West Hollywood Muslim and an All-American guy; Tahara which explores two best girlfriends who find themselves distracted by the teenage complications of lust, social status, and wavering faith; and Welcome to Chechnya from the director of the Academy Award nominated, How to Survive A Plague.

This searing documentary shadows a group of activists who risk unimaginable peril to confront the ongoing anti-LGBTQ pogrom raging in the repressive and closed Russian republic.

“We made lemonade out of lemons this year,” said Andrew Dorado, interim executive director of The LGBTQ Center Long Beach.

“COVID-19 was not going to stop The Center from presenting unique queer stories and storytellers while raising funds to serve the community.”

The LGBTQ Center Long Beach (The Center) supports more than 25,000 people a year through programs including youth services, senior services, counseling, legal services, domestic violence support, trans health programs, HIV and STI testing, and more than 20 weekly support groups.

Currently many of these services are offered online during the pandemic.

“We are excited that this year, QFilms has the potential to not only reach our local community but also reach the LGBTQ community and our allies all around the world,” said Robert Cano, the founder of the

Grisha (right) and Bogdan (left) on the run in the movie “Welcome To Chechnya.” (Courtesy QFilm Festival)

festival.

Two new short film categories are being introduced this year. Queer Activist shorts will inspire the LGBTQ community and its allies in the ongoing fight for rights to live your truth, love whom you want, or serve in the military. Dance like Everyone is Watching channels one’s inner Beyoncé. This collection of narrative and documentary style shorts

celebrates the beauty and many movements of dance.

Films will be available to view from 12:01

a.m. on Thursday, September 10 through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, September 13. Each film is $10 and an All-Access Pass is $50.

For a complete list of films, visit

www.QFilmsLongBeach.com.

August Celebrated As Anal Pleasure Month In 2012 August was declared to be anal pleasure month which is unbeknownst to many people. Good Vibrations, an adult toy retailer, made this declaration to inform people about anal pleasure so that they will be less scared about exploring it.

Anal sex has been around since the start of civilization. We know that, for example, manon-man sex certainly existed in ancient Rome, and there is also evidence of same-sex acts being discussed in ancient Greek plays.

However enjoying anal pleasure was once considered punishable by law around the world. For example sodomy laws in the United States, which outlawed a variety of sexual acts, were inherited from colonial laws in the 1600s. While they often targeted sexual acts between persons of the same sex, many statutes employed definitions broad enough to outlaw certain sexual acts between persons of different sexes, in some cases even including acts between married persons.

Through the 20th century, the gradual liberalization of American sexuality led to the elimination of sodomy laws in most states. During this time, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of sodomy laws in Bowers v. Hardwick in 1986. However, in 2003, the Supreme Court reversed the decision with Lawrence v. Texas, invalidating sodomy laws in the remaining states that upheld that law.

Although some still consider anal

pleasure taboo especially in the heterosexual community. A study done in the 1990s showed that only one-quarter to one-third of young women and men in the U.S. had experimented with anal sex. Just a decade later, a study done

by Dr. Debby Herbenick, co-director of The Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University’s School of Public Health, showed up to 45% of young people have experimented with anal sex.

The stigmas behind anal pleasure are reasons why it is considered taboo. For example, some people believe the primary purpose for having sex is to procreate. Other people fear it will be messy. Some men fear that if they enjoy anal sex, it might mean they are homosexual however enjoying anal sex will not make you gay and has nothing to do with sexual orientation. Still other people believe it will be painful.

While anal sex is commonly associated with male homosexuality, research shows that not all gay males engage in anal sex and that it is not uncommon in heterosexual relationships.

In cisgender men and people assigned male at birth, anal sex can stimulate the prostate and lead to an orgasm.

For cisgender women and people assigned female at birth, anal sex can hit two hot spots: the G-spot and A-spot. Both are located along the vaginal wall but can be indirectly stimulated during anal.

Sexual activity has been linked to:

•lower risk of heart disease, hypertension, and •stroke •better sleep, which has its own awesome •benefits •a stronger immune system •headache relief •boosted libido •menstrual cramp relief •happier mood More specifically prostate stimulation may help prevent and treat erectile dysfunction (ED), prostatitis, and painful ejaculation.

If you happen to have an orgasm during anal sex or any type of orgasm there are other benefits, including: •stress relief •reduced inflammation •pain reduction

•improved circulation •better skin If anal pleasure is something you want to experience talk about it before you try it. Begin by having a conversation with your partner and asking some questions about their thoughts on the matter. Do some research before trying it and understand that anal sex done right should not hurt. It all depends on your anatomy, your ability to relax, the amount of lube and other factors.

Anal sex is also a high risk sexual activity.

Data from the CDC shows that receptive anal sex is the most high risk sexual behavior with regard to HIV transmission. To minimize the risk of STI transmission, a person should wear a condom during anal sex.

09.04.2020 – 09.17.2020

LOS ANGELES

NOTHING LIKE A CUP OF ILLY CAFFÉ Offer good August 25, 2020 - September 25, 2020

⚫ 19

⚫

09.04.2020 – 09.17.2020

LOS ANGELES

20

CONDOVALUE CALCULATOR YOURAREA

YOURCONDO X

SQ. FT.

YOURVALUE

AVG LAST 60 DAYS

OR TOWNHOUSE SIZE

OCEAN AVE. OCEAN PARK MDR (PENINSULA) WILSHIRE/MONTANA VENICE NORTH OF MONTANA WILSHIRE/OLYMPIC

=

$ 1,675 $ 1,100 $ 1,000 $ 975 $ 950 $ 900 $ 850

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

800 750 725 700 675 675 625

$

SUNSET PARK MDR (LOFT DISTRICT) MDR (WEST OF LINCOLN) BRENTWOOD WEST LA MDR (EAST LINCOLN) PLAYA DEL REY

YOUR SOLD BEGINS WITH OUR MASERPLANTM VALUATION STRATEGY

PREP SALE STAGING

$8K OF OUR MARKETING

OFF-MARKET TEASE

ON-MARKET LAUNCH

THE ONLY BROKER ADVISORY WITH A PLAN!

BROKER CARAVAN

OPEN HOUSE

IDENTIFY BUYERS

ASSESS OFFERS

NEGOTIATE ACCEPT

ESCROW PROCESS

CLOSE SOLD

Brian Maser pioneered the town and condo focused agency while mentoring his coveted agents into lifelong real estate advisors for their clients. Transforming a normally chaotic and emotional process into a step by step custom plan that maps out every detail from start to sold. Our MASERPLANTM removes the triggers that make selling or buying a home frustrating and frankly maddening at times. All decisions are made in your best interest and we leave no stone unturned. We do the work to put your needs first and get you the optimal return faster than average. It works every time, because we have a plan.

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