The Pride LA 10.7.22

the pride

Trans Chorus of LA Lifts Voices High in Three-Act Show

First event of the fall for Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center

By Susan Payne

The Trans Chorus of Los Angeles lifted its voice to distill the journey of trans and nonbinary people into a recent single three-act show on September 17.

VOICES: The Trans Journey in III Acts was the first event of the fall season, produced by the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Lily Tomlin/ Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center.

The shows comprised a mix of songs, poetry and spoken war, giving the audience an experience to see the full emotional life of a trans person as they become their authentic self, an extension of the Trans Chorus’ broader mission, said Abdullah Rasheen Hall, the artistic director.

“All of the societal pressures outwardly, we’re showing that reflection in Act I,” Hall told LGBT News Now. “Act II is becoming you, when you start to really self-actualize and affirm where you are. And then Act III is living victoriously.”

Although the subtitle present singularly, VOICES in plural capital letters is the real heart of the show.

The breadth and diversity of the show’s

disparate performances — which draw from the experiences of the chorus members themselves — are the key to unlocking the truth of the transgender community and presenting a new narrative to the world, Hall said.

“It started off with me wanting to create a space to really showcase our vocal abilities, but as we developed the show over these last few months, it truly became Voices,” Hall told LGBT News Now, carefully emphasizing the plural. “Stories, pictures, songs — some original written songs, some songs that take on a whole new life in the context of our show. It’s stories from our oldest members who are in their 70s to our youngest members in their early 20s.”

“I started out with this show being one thing, and it has transformed into something better than I could have fathomed,” Hall said.

During one of the sections, featuring images of the chorus members from childhood were be shown.

“They’re opening up their hearts and sharing their vulnerability,” Hall said. “It’s hard to show pictures like that to a lot of people. A lot of trans and non-binary people choose to get rid of anything that reminded them of that binary existence. But we teach each other to celebrate that part of you. That was a part of you. It was the part of you that got you here. Don’t just throw away that part of your existence in becoming who you are now.”

Another section is a monologue about

growing up non-binary and Asian in a predominantly white community that was also conservative.

“You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you will be triggered. You will be triggered with this,” Hall warned. “But they’re speaking their truth.”

The Trans Chorus leans into the discomfort by embracing traditional vocal classifications—soprano, tenor, baritone, etc.—while staunchly rejecting the notion that the categories should be decided by gender, LGBT News Now wrote.

“Every voice is a voice,” Hall said. “We have some wonderful women that are bassbaritones. We have some wonderful women

that are sopranos, even though I was told a trans woman physiologically could not be a soprano. I was like, that’s stupid … We teach our choristers to appreciate their voice where it is.”

In every performance of the Trans Chorus, the singers share their trans journey.

“We’ve done so many amazing things as a group, and that’s because we just keep putting ourselves out there,” Hall said, listing off appearances from music videos and a Pantene holiday commercial to CNN and the BidenHarris inauguration.

“So, you better see us while we’re cheap. Before you can’t afford a ticket.”

Long Beach Police Arrest Possible Suspect in

Stabbing Death Outside of a Popular Gay Bar

Arrest made in connection to stabbing outside Mineshaft

By Susan Payne

Long Beach Police have arrested a man in connection to a murder outside of Mineshaft gay bar in the 1700 block of East Broadway. With assistance from patrol officers, the

LBPD Special Investigations Detectives identified 56-year-old Michael Smalls as a suspect in the stabbing death of 28-year-old Christopher Finley of Long Beach, according to the Los Angeles Blade.

Detectives believe the murder stemmed from two altercations. During the first altercation, LBPD said the victim(s) were involved in a fight with a man who was armed with a taser in front of a business. The second, LBPD said, happened moments later when

Smalls got into a physical fight with the two victims, escalating to Smalls alleged stabbing of both victims.

The man with the taser was arrested on an unrelated charge, according to the police.

Smalls was booked into the Long Beach County Jail on Sept. 12 and is held on a $2,000,000 bail. The motive is under investigation, and according to police, there is no evidence of a hate or bias motivated incident.

This

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Long Beach Police Arrest Possible Suspect in Stabbing Death Outside of a Popular Gay Bar

Coffee shop open again after two year closure

By Susan Payne

Two years after opening, the plastic partitions that separated employees and customers inside of Liberation Coffee House have come down.

For its second anniversary, the coffee house – located at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Anita May Rosenstein Campus –is finally allowing customers to experience the café’s community-focused offerings.

“It’s been a long two years with the pandemic,” said Nick Panepinto, the Center’s director of culinary training and operations. “So, we’re excited now that we can finally host community events and welcome everyone in the space.”

Students of the Center’s Culinary Arts Program are employed within the café to prepare for employment in the restaurant and hospitality industries, according to LGBT News Now.

Café visitors were offered free food

surrounded by celebratory decorations on its anniversary and live music played throughout the afternoon.

“The space is really designed to be functional for different types of things, not just the coffee shop, but we haven’t had that experience yet in here,” Panepinto said.

“I love the community that we’ve built throughout the pandemic,” said café manager Erin Muscatelli. “I’m glad that we were able to stay open with the backing of the Center, and thanks to the local community that keeps coming back.”

One customer, Samantha Stephans, told LGBT News Now that they keep coming back because of the connections she formed with the staff and community.

“Honestly, it really is the people,” Stephans said. “But also the coffee. They really do make amazing coffee.”

“That’s really what we set out to do,” said Panepinto. “We have a lot of regular community members from local businesses and from the apartments [in the area]. They come every day and really have made it feel like their home.”

Panepinto said a resident of the Center’s nearby housing facilities expressed gratitude for the café during a difficult

time.

“He wrote us a note that said, ‘This cafe helped me get through the pandemic because it was the one place where I felt like a social connection.’ That’s what we’re

most proud of.”

Liberation Coffee House, 6725 Santa Monica Blvd., is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Anti-LGBTQ Temecula Councilmember Proposes Abortion Ban

During a September City Council meeting, a known anti-LGBT councilmember proposed a resolution to attempt to ban abortion in Temecula.

By Susan Payne

“I know there are some who would question whether protecting our unborn is a state matter or a city issue,” said city councilperson Jessica Alexander. “This is our city, and what happens in our city is our responsibility.”

Alexander is sponsoring a resolution that would make Temecula a “sanctuary for the

unborn,” according to the Los Angeles Blade.

“Are we willing to stand up and fight for every resident including the unborn babies who are voiceless? Let us be the first city in California to make a stand. Let’s mark our city as a sanctuary city for Temecula’s unborn,” she said.

“I implore you to vote to advance this discussion in order to create a resolution to be a sanctuary city for protecting Temecula’s unborn,” Alexander told council members. “Let Temecula be known as a safe haven, not as an abortion sanctuary. Let the world know that Temecula stands for life from womb to tomb.”

In her remarks, The Press-Enterprise reported that Alexander opposed Assembly Bill 1666 which protects out-of-state abortion seekers from laws in other states that punish them for seeking care beyond state lines. That bill was signed into law in June by Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has vowed to protect abortion rights in California.

Alexander also opposed Assembly Bill 2223 that would prevent investigations into causes

of death for lost pregnancies and newborns within the state.

“Just because something is a law, does not make it right,” Alexander told the council. “I know there are some who would question whether protecting our unborn is a state matter, or a city issue. This is our city, and what happens in our city is our responsibility. A precedent has already been set here on our dais to take back local control.”

During the meeting, the Press-Enterprise reported many pro-lifers voiced concerns, including volunteers at Temecula’s Birth Choice Center, an organization that serves pregnant women and urges mothers to avoid abortions.

Historically, Alexander has railed against LGBTQ+ rights and abortion choice, and labeled the coronavirus the “China Virus,” coined by former President Donald Trump while defying pandemic restrictions and refusing to wear a mask, the Blade reported.

Photo:

Alexander.

Santa Monica Hotel Hosting Monthly Drag Brunch WeHo Gay Bar ‘The Or’ is Opening Soon, Accepting Applications

Bar owner foresees ‘cool, 1970s, ‘80s trashy cocaine chic’ vibes

By Susan Payne

Set for a September opening in the former Gold Coast Bar Space, West Hollywood’s newest gay bar The Or is looking for applicants.

Drag Me to Brunch at Lowes Santa Monica Beach Hotel on the third Sunday of every month

By Dolores Quintana

Blue Streak Restaurant at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel will be hosting a monthly drag bunch show every third Sunday of the month.

The show, Drag Me To Brunch will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Naysha

Lopez, a drag performer who is probably best known for competing in RuPaul’s Drag Race Season Eight, will host the show. Anyone who attends brunch on the third Sunday between those hours will be able to watch the show because there is no separate fees to attend the show, however those who secure reservations in advance will have access to priority seating.

Reservations can be made here. $16 Valet Parking available with validation from Blue Streak restaurant.

A portion of the profits from the Drag Me To Brunch show will benefit The Los Angeles LGBT Center.

After receiving city approval, Rob Novinger, Or’s owner, said he is waiting on bar equipment, which has been on hold due to supply chain issues.

“In West Hollywood, they’ve been really good with working with us. They want new business. They welcome new business,” Novinger told the WeHo Times. “The biggest thing we’re waiting on is our bar equipment. And it’s all from the United States, we ordered it in January.”

Novinger told the WeHo Times once the equipment is set up, officials from ABC and the health department will have to do a final walk-through.

“It takes a long time to line those things up,

so we’re looking at opening in September,” he said.

After more than a year of planning from the initial announcement of the new bar one year ago, Novinger said The Or is going to be really fun.

“It’s going to be cool 70s, 80s, trashy, cocaine chic,” he said.

The word Or, French for gold, is a nod to the former beloved space, The Gold Bar, which closed in September of 2020, along with three other gay bars that closed in West Hollywood during the pandemic.

Applications are being accepted at jobs@theorbar.com.

THINGS STRUCTURAL

Historic Gay Sex Bathhouse Building in Downtown LA Rumored to Close Soon

Manor is an eclectic, friendly senior living community filled with joy, diversity and acceptance. It was exactly the welcoming home I was looking for. As a social kind of guy, the residents here are some of the most interesting I have ever met. People representing so many cultures and lifestyles make Kingsley their home and I

Spa could be closing as early as this month

By Susan Payne

A historic sex bathhouse catering to gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men, currently housing the Midtowne Spa Los Angeles, is up for sale.

The spa could be closing as early as October, according to sources curated by the WeHo Times. Spa vendors such as towel, linen and cleaning crew allege their services will not be needed past October as told by the spa.

An employee who has requested anonymity said they are aware of the sale and that workers sense the end is near although management isn’t disclosing information to them, and they may be out of a job, WeHo Times reported.

Two of the three spas in Southern California opened by Midtowne Spa have closed in May

2017 and the other in April of this year.

A recent guest of the spa told WeHo times the rooms were sold out by 7 p.m., and prices have increased, but the spa has plenty of customers.

Crediting Midtowne for its cleanliness, the guest said the areas are as clean as possible, and that the clinic also provides STD testing and counseling.

“It’s not just about STD/AIDS, but the counselors also will talk to people, like gay people just coming out, which is so important for some people who may be reluctant to go to other places,” the guest said. “This is a safe place for queer expression that will be a loss to the community and also has historic value. The original owner, Marty, really wanted Midtowne to stay open long after his demise as an outlet for the queer community.”

Built in 1914, the 22,419 square foot property is located downtown on top of 30,160 square foot land size. The current asking price is $6,500,000.

Santa Monica Pride History: Public Panics Over Perceived Homosexuality at Muscle Beach

Historian Elsa Devienne studies

Santa Monica’s Muscle Beach and the aggravated American fears of gender transgressions

By Susan Payne

In a scholarly article called “Muscle Beach prompted both fascination and anxiety,” Historian Elsa Devienne studies Santa

Monica’s Muscle Beach and the aggravated American fears of gender transgressions and homosexuality.

The report, published by JSTOR, states that Muscle Beach began as a children’s playground in Santa Monica. In the 1930s, acrobatic performers and other athletes began using the beach as a training site. By the 1940s, local visitors caught on and started watching the live training: human pyramids, gymnastic feats on bars and flying rings and bodybuilding.

Devienne writes that in 1951, Life Magazine published a photo of five male body builders in briefs as an example of how the development of musculature could go “from the sublime to the absurd.”

Comedians turned Muscle Beach into a punchline, Devienne stated, and the cartoon “Tom & Jerry” set an episode on the beach. Beyond the jokes and fascination, the undercurrent of anxiety about gender and sexuality was strong. Stories published during that time questioned how bodybuilders could perform the crucial male role of breadwinner

while spending so much time working out.

“Caring excessively for one’s appearance — as bodybuilders seemed to do — was perceived as an act of vanity or, worse, as a telltale sign of homosexuality,” Devienne wrote.

Female athletes on Muscle Beach caused a stir, as well, from public worry. A profile of 16-year-old beach regular Beverly Jocher asked, “the young athlete could skate, run, dance and lift weights – but can she sew?”

Devienne wrote that the beach suddenly closed in 1958 and the precipitating event was the arrest of several athletes on charges of sexual misconduct with minors.

A local newspaper editor, the city’s police chief and its recreation director launched a campaign accusing the beach of harboring perverts and sex deviates, Devienne wrote. She believes this was a pretext for a municipal beach “clean-up” designed to make the area more economically desirable.

A new Muscle Beach appeared in the 1970s in Venice, down the coast from the original Santa Monica beach, which attracted athletes including young Arnold Scwarzenegger –

(Facebook (@themfgallery)

Four acrobats, Muscle Beach, Santa Monica, California. Photo: Gift of Gloria Silver, 1984.

but the new location reflected the shift in bodybuilding culture, Devienne wrote. Women were no longer welcome in that community, instead, they were limited to acrobatics.

JSTOR is a digital library for scholars, researchers, and students. JSTOR Daily readers can access the original research behind its articles for free.

THE ORIGINAL BIKE SHOPS IN LA

LAUSD Releases Pride Calendar That Helps Educators Support LGBTQ+ Students

Standing with LGBTQ+

The Los Angeles Unified School District is giving schools and teachers a monthly calendar that promotes and supports resources for queer students and celebrates pride year round.

Called the Queer and Trans-Affirming School Calendar, the two-page document was published by the Human Relations, Diversity, and Equity office.

Sexualities Alliance (GSA) or Rainbow Club.

This month, educators should prep for next month’s Solidarity Week and teach LGBTinclusive curriculum all year. In October, which is LGBT History Month, the calendar reminds educators to attend the district’s Standing with LGBTQ+ Students Conference from Oct. 11-15.

By Susan Payne

In August, the office called on educators to support students in starting a Gender and

Visit this page to download the calendar.

Respect Los Angeles Hails JoJo Siwa as ‘Gamechanger for LGBTQ Advocacy’

Siwa will be honored as a gamechanger at the upcoming GLSEN Respect Log Angeles Gala

By Susan Payne

Come October, JoJo Siwa will be honored as a gamechanger at the upcoming GLSEN Respect Log Angeles Gala.

Siwa came out in January 2021 and is being awarded “for her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and focus on antibullying and kindness” according to the nonprofit.

“She’s a fierce advocate for kindness, self-acceptance and for the LGBTQ+ community,” said GLSEN executive director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, to the Hollywood Reporter. “She handled her coming out with such grace and continues to tell her story in ways that lift up and inspire LGBTQ+ youth around the world.”

The award ceremony will be held at the Beverly Wilshire hotel in Beverly Hills on

Oct. 14.

“I’ve always tried to make spreading positivity, self-love, inclusivity and acceptance central to everything I do, and I am so excited to support GLSEN’s incredible mission to ensure safe and inclusive school experiences for LGBTQ+ youth.”

Siwa recently made history on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” being the first contestant to dance with a same-sex partner.

Since 2004, the GLSEN Respect Awards showcase the work of students, educators, community leaders and corporations “who serve as exemplary role models and have made a significant impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ youth,” according to the Hollywood Reporter.

on-campus