Pride LA - April 2024

Burbank Mayor Faces Backlash Over Playful

Video, Cites Critics Anti-LGBTQ+ Bias

The People’s Joker Unleashes Fair Use Trailer and North American Premiere Dates

Mayor Konstantine Anthony Defends Actions Amid Controversy Over Video

By Dolores Quintana

Vera Drew’s Trans Coming-of-Age Film Challenges Norms in a World of Anti-Comedy

Burbank Mayor Konstantine Anthony is facing criticism from conservatives following the circulation of a video showing him being spanked by a drag queen during an event on the weekend of September 10. Anthony has responded that some of his critics are motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias and that the incident was harmless.

all in good fun. He went on to reveal that a secretly recorded video was made during the event and subsequently shared with a prominent hate group.

In a post on his Instagram account, Anthony stated, “For several days, extremist right-wing organizations, including Fox News, have spread misleading information to fuel fear, discrimination, and hate. I will always be a proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers.”

Directed, edited, co-written, and starring Vera Drew, “The People’s Joker” is a genre-defying queer coming-of-age fairuse superhero world parody that challenges conventional narratives. The film is set to open at IFC Center in NYC on April 5th, with Drew present for the opening weekend. It will subsequently expand to over twenty cities in the weeks to follow.

on a collision course with the devious caped crusader controlling the city.

Altered Innocence, the Los Angelesbased distributor, has dropped the highly anticipated theatrical trailer for Vera Drew’s groundbreaking feature debut, “The People’s Joker,” along with the

In the video, posted by the Wisenuts podcast, Mayor Anthony is seen being spanked by a drag artist, backed by the Village People’s “Macho Man.” Anthony described the events as “shenanigans” and emphasized that it was

He added, “On a busy Saturday filled with various independent gatherings, I attended the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats’ private fundraiser for their organization. Notably, there were no officially endorsed candidates or state and federal political figures present. The event was open to young adults ages 15 and above. However, there were no attendees below 18. Additionally, no children were present.”

While the account correctly pointed out that individuals aged 15 and older were permitted to attend, the event’s organizer, the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats, released a statement clarifying that no individuals under the age of 18 were in attendance.

The star-studded cast features Tim Heidecker, Bob Odenkirk, Maria Bamford, Scott Aukerman, Lynn Downey, Nathan Faustyn, and Kane Distler. Co-written by Drew and Bri LeRose, the film explores themes close to Drew’s heart, drawing from her life as a trans woman and artist.

Mayor Anthony reiterated this point during a City Council meeting and expressed his concern that the video’s circulation had led to city officials receiving “some of the most vile hate speech that I have ever seen.”

contributed to projects like “I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson” and “Tim and Eric’s Beef House.”

you about it. There is no reason to involve all of the other people who were not at a public event, not at a government-sponsored event. It wasn’t even in the city of Burbank.”

The theatrical expansion includes support from Alamo Drafthouses across the nation, with openings in prominent cities like Los Angeles, Austin, Denver, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, Chicago, and more. Full details on theatrical listings for the

While not specifying the particular hate group in question, it is possible that Anthony was referring to the Twitter account, now known as X, called “Libs of TikTok,” which

Anthony encouraged those with concerns about his actions to communicate with him directly via email at kanthony@burbankca. gov. He stated, “If you want to talk to me about what happened over the weekend, send me an email. Send me an email. I will talk to

After its world premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, “The People’s Joker” garnered attention at festivals like Outfest LA Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, Denver International Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival, Seattle Queer Film Festival, and many others. At the Seattle Queer Film Festival and Oslo/Fusion International Film Festival, the film earned top honors in the narrative feature competitions.

Produced by Joey Lyons and executive produced by Richie Doyle, Conor Hannon, and Riccardo Maddalosso, “The People’s Joker” features cinematography by Nate Cornett and a diverse range of aesthetics brought to life by multiple production designers. The original score is crafted by Justin Krol & Quinn Scharber, Ember Knight, Danni Rowan, and electronic composer Elias and the Error.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats voiced their support for Mayor Anthony and strongly denounced the sensationalized and inaccurate portrayal of their event for political purposes that promoted fear, homophobia, transphobia, and bigotry. The Democrats reaffirmed their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers, refusing to engage with what they referred to as “fake outrage.”

Bomb Threat Temporarily Halts “Lil Nas

X: Long Live Montero” Premiere at TIFF

World Premiere of Documentary Was Screened After 20-Minute Delay

By Dolores Quintana

Thomson Hall, where the documentary was set Lung stated, “Our standard security measures remained in place during this time, and the screening commenced with a slight delay. To our knowledge, this was a general threat and not directed at the film or the artist.”

Shot entirely on a green screen, the film involved over 200 independent, predominantly queer creators, resulting in a visually rich experience across 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and various animation forms. Vera Drew, known for collaborations with Tim Heidecker’s Abso Lutely Productions, boasts a prolific career in alt-comedy.

Prior to “The People’s Joker,” Drew earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Showtime’s “Who Is America?” and

Noteworthy contributors to the film include David Liebe Hart, Griffin Kramer, Christian Calloway, Ember Knight, Dan Curry, Cricket Arrison, Eliot Glazer, Sandy Honig, Alec Robbins, Mia Moore Marchant, Phil Braun, Trevor Drinkwater, Daniella Baker, Bambi Bell, Denali Winter, Ruin Carroll, and Arden Hughes.

A spokesperson for the Toronto police informed CTV News Toronto that the threat had been conveyed to the festival’s private security by a passerby. “Out of an abundance of caution, the Toronto police and the private security swept the scene and cleared it within 20 minutes,” noted Constable Victor Kwong. Toronto police also clarified that the threat had a general nature and did not specifically target any individual or entity.

It’s essential to note that “The People’s Joker” is an independent creation and is not affiliated with DC Comics or any related companies.

announcement of its first round of North American theatrical dates. We reviewed the film at its United States premiere at Outfest. Drew has said on social media that the film’s theatrical version is a “whole new movie...if you saw it during our festival run, I really must insist you come to see it again when we come to a theater near you. it’ll be a new experience.”

US and Canada are available at www. alteredinnocence.net/thepeoplesjoker.

The premiere of “Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) faced a momentary setback on Saturday night due to a bomb threat.

Watch the Trailer Here:

https://youtu.be/ W9KlASSUq4M?si=KQyPshlsEa1k5b7V

Judy Lung, TIFF’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications, confirmed to CTV News Toronto via a written statement that the festival was alerted to an investigation “in the vicinity of the red carpet” at Roy

In this absurdist, autobiographicallyinspired dark comedy, Drew reimagines the Joker’s origin as a painfully unfunny aspiring clown (Vera Drew as Joker the Harlequin). The protagonist grapples with gender identity while trying to join Gotham City’s comedy program in a world where comedy is outlawed. Teaming up with a group of rejects, Joker the Harlequin forms an illegal anti-comedy troupe, putting her

SAMUEL B.

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.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

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

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 a ect 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.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

 Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

 Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fi ght 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 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 e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

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

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

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

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

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.

(bik-TAR-vee)

No matter where life takes 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.

THE MUSIC MINUTE

Oklahoma District Attorney Declines Charges in Nex Benedict Case Amid Controversy

Tulsa County DA’s Decision Comes Amid Calls for Independent Investigation

A little over a week after the Oklahoma Medical Examiner released a cause of death for Nex Benedict, the Tulsa County District Attorney released a statement on Thursday, March 21, that says he will not file charges in the case. The full autopsy report is due to be released on March 27. According to local news reports, Benedict’s family lawyer declined to comment.

Tulsa County District Attorney Stephen Kunzweiler wrote, in a three-page press release, that deadnames Nex Benedict in its first sentence, calls their death a “tragedy,” and states that “Suicide is sad.”

Kunzweiler goes on to state that the Medical Examiner’s report that the cause of death was a combination of “Benedryl and Prozac” goes on to state that Nex’s injuries were “superficial” and that there was no internal injury caused by blunt force trauma.

Sarah Kate Ellis, President & CEO of GLAAD, released a statement today that said, “Time and time again, leaders in Oklahoma have showed that they don’t value Nex’s life, or the lives of other Indigenous and 2STGNC+ (Two Spirit, transgender, gender-noncoforming+) students. Everyone from Superintendent Walters and Owasso High School to the unaccredited since 2009 state Medical Examiner’s Office, the District Attorney, and Owasso Police Department

have failed Nex Benedict and failed us all. It is critical that an independent investigation is completed and the truth about what happened to Nex and what all marginalized youth in Oklahoma schools endure is brought to light. We will never stop seeking justice for Nex, and we will never stop holding leaders accountable for serving their communities fairly and with compassion.”

The US Department of Education announced that they will be investigating the Owasso School District on March 1, and the results of that investigation are still to come.

According to KOCO, Kunzweiler also wrote, “From all the evidence gathered, this fight was an instance of mutual combat. I do not have a reasonable belief that the State of Oklahoma could sustain its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt if charges were presented for prosecution.”

The press release states that the Owasso Police report allegedly found notes that “appeared to be related to the suicide.” yet didn’t reference the fight. He also notes that the “precise contents of the suicide note are a personal matter in which the family will have to address within the privacy of their own lives.”

Finally, he writes that he agrees with the Owasso Police Department “that filing juvenile charges is not warranted.” and that “whether or not individuals may choose to seek legal counsel in the civil realm of the court system is a decision best left to them.”

Director Rose Glass Dives Deep into “Love Lies Bleeding” - A Queer Crime Thriller with Heart

Discover the Secrets Behind

the Making of This Magical and Intense Lesbian Romance

“For the release of LOVE LIES BLEEDING, the queer crime thriller from director Rose Glass, I spoke with the director and co-screenwriter about the film, how it differs from her first feature film, Saint Maud, and all about making one of the most heartfelt lesbian romances with equal doses of magic and violence.

During the conversation, the topic of the film’s title came up and Glass said that there was a plant, an Amaranth, that is called Love Lies Bleeding. The reason that the Amaranth caudatus

has that name is because “During the Victorian era, specific flowers had different meanings. Love-lies-bleeding stood for hopeless love or hopelessness in the Victorian language of flowers.”

The film stars Kristen Stewart,

Katy O’Brian, Jena Malone, and Anna Baryshnikov and opens in limited release today in theaters in Los Angeles and New York. Later, on Friday, March 15, it will be screened nationwide.

Dolores Quintana: Saint Maud is an internal horror story with strong religious aspects, while Love Lies Bleeding is much more external and open. It has a sun-blasted aura that is different from the interior darkness of Maud. Did you feel that there was a difference? That one film was much more internal than external.

Rose Glass: I feel that there’s definitely quite a lot of connective tissue between the two films, I think of Maud, Jackie, and Lou as sort of spiritual sisters in some way. They will try to transform themselves in some way. You don’t really think of it so consciously when you’re making it, but certainly, now I’m on the other side of it and talking to people about the film a lot, I feel like, yeah, the energy of this one was a lot more outward. Like you said.

I think I was riding a new wave of confidence and sort of fearlessness that I’d never really felt before after making St. Maud, which was a joyful and wonderful thing to make. The reaction I got was very strange and exciting. My whole life up until that point, it felt like this very scary,

uncertain thing when you want to make a film. So few people actually get to make a feature film. It was always such an uncertain thing. I think I was writing Saint Maud for a prolonged period where I was probably feeling a lot more insecure, maybe insular and low, I guess.

Whereas this one, writing it and cowriting as well. Suddenly, I’ve got people saying, What do you want to make, instead of me saying, please let me make a film. So I wanted to try and ride that momentum and make the most of the opportunity of getting to do it again, on a grander scale. Try and take some big swings and see what I could get away with. I just enjoy it. I loved writing this one particularly; it was a very, it was a really joyful, exciting process. Hopefully, that translates into the screen.

Dolores Quintana: Actually, I interviewed Katy O’Brian about an hour and a half ago. One of the things that I said to her is that there’s just such a joy within the film. It’s two very flawed people, but to me, they seem flawed in a way that is complementary to each other.

Rose Glass: They’re sort of complementary to each other in probably all the most irresponsible and ill-advised but the most wonderful feeling ways.

Dolores Quintana: That’s the thing about love, and I noticed it with Anna Baryshnikov. Her character loves Lou. It’s that mystery of love, which is partially chemical in our brains and bodies, but either you love someone or you don’t.

Rose Glass: You sort of decide to as well. I think that love gets oversimplified in films

particularly. Just the idea of romantic love being like the ultimate aspiration and thing that’s going to make you whole and make everything good and wonderful, and it is as simple as that. On some levels, I agree with that. Obviously, it’s a great force for good primarily, but equally, I also think it can be used as the fuel or the engine to get you wherever you want to go anyway.

Whatever’s going on in you, whether that be good or bad, probably is going to be made more concentrated throughout. I think it’s an engine that won’t necessarily bring out the most wonderful, selfless version of you. In fact, it can sometimes be a good way or a good ingredient for telling yourself whatever story you want to about yourself or the other person.

Dolores Quintana: It’s really got such a fearlessness about it. Aside from the joy of telling a queer love story, it doesn’t justify anything; it just is. It’s got a wonderfully grim sense of humor sometimes about what’s going on. I was wondering how you decided that this was the story you wanted to tell.

Rose Glass: I don’t know. It’s just such a sort of gradually shifting, unfolding thing. So much of it’s just me and Weronika Tofilska, my co-writer, literally just sitting there and saying, “Well, what about if this happened?” and then we map it out over many months. I guess we constantly kept coming back to the question: is this interesting? Does this excite me? Then we try to make it the most entertaining thing that we can think of for each other. I don’t know.

Dolores Quintana: Then you made it for yourselves.

Rose Glass: Yeah. Selfishly, it’s kind of a love letter to humanity’s weaker, baser instincts. Maybe. But hopefully. It’s kind of like we think humans are terrible. All humans have the credentials to be terrible, but we’re also wonderful. We embrace the terribleness—some sort of love letter to it, I guess.

Dolores Quintana: There’s always going to be things about ourselves that are not perfect and with some people, there’s going to be

that they really have in common. They are one of those things that are not really under your control. It’s not something that you’re doing to be a bad person. But you have to find a way to live anyway.

Rose Glass: I doubt many people ever think that the bad guy is doing something terrible, and everyone has their own vague, good, probably deep, profound reasons for doing something.

Dolores Quintana: I don’t think people

things that are just downright bad. I think, in a lot of ways, in particular with Jackie is probably not something that she asked for.

Rose Glass: The murder?

Dolores Quintana: Her rage.

Rose Glass: Yeah. Yeah.

Dolores Quintana: I don’t know for sure, but it just seems something she didn’t bring on herself and the anger within Lou, from how she was brought up. But it is something

really think about it. A lot of times, they just react and you know, it’s very true. No one likes to think that they’re that bad person.

Rose Glass: Yeah.

Dolores Quintana: The film is very profound because it takes such a loving look at flawed people.

Rose Glass: Thank you.

Dolores Quintana: It was really meaningful to me. Because…sorry.

Rose Glass: Thank you.

Dolores Quintana: There is all that joy. But there’s also room for people who are not perfect, and I think that it’s beautiful. It’s also incredibly funny. I have to say there is a revenge aspect to it, no spoilers, but that one particular death. I think you know which one I’m talking about: the one that involves the furniture?

Rose Glass: Yes. (chuckles)

Dolores Quintana: You looked at it with the camera and then brought the camera back, and there was the revenge aspect of seeing somebody who is truly an evil person finally get what they deserve.

Rose Glass: Yeah, and you want to share in a moment of righteous rage. Yes, those kinds of feelings are valid and human. Ultimately, once you get perspective, of course, it’s terrible that she did that as well. But you know, all these things can be true.

Dolores Quintana: I wanted to ask you because it occurred to me while watching the film the second time that the title might not be a phrase but three separate words. Love. Lies. Bleeding.

Rose Glass: Yeah, absolutely. That was what I kind of liked about it. I think now we’ve actually started getting through the titles that the movie will get in every country; sometimes, they change the title a little bit. There are definitely a couple of countries that are just calling it Love Lies Blood. But it’s also the name of a plant. It’s an amaranth that has these big red seed cases, which are kind of beautiful, kind of ugly, and melodramatic.

GLAAD Announces Recipients for 35th Annual Media Awards at Gala Ceremony in Beverly Hills

Oprah Winfrey, Niecy Nash-Betts Among Honorees; Ceremony to Stream on Hulu

GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, has revealed the recipients for 16 of this year’s 33 categories for the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. Among the honorees, Oprah Winfrey was presented with the Vanguard Award, with the introduction

from AIDS. Growing up at the time, we, in the community we did, we didn’t have the language to understand or speak about sexuality and gender in the way we do now. At the time, I didn’t know how deeply my brother internalized the shame that he felt about being gay. I wish he could have lived to witness these liberated times and to be here with me tonight.”

“What I know for sure is that when we can see one another, we are open to supporting the truth of a fellow human.”

“It makes for a full, rich, vibrant life for us all. And that’s what I wish my brother Jeffrey could have experienced a world that could see him for who he was and

appreciate him for what he brought to this world. I am proud to receive this honor. Thank you, GLAAD.”

Niecy Nash-Betts received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, presented by Sharon Stone. The ceremony, hosted by Wayne Brady, saw casts of Ted Lasso, Yellowjackets, Fellow Travelers, and RuPaul’s Drag Race accept awards in their respective categories. Trace Lysette accepted a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film—Limited Release for “Monica,” while Renee Rapp received the award for Outstanding LGBTQ Music Artist.

The 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards will stream on Hulu beginning Friday, March 29.

To kick off the show, actress and singersongwriter Kate Hudson delivered a special live performance of her new single, “Talk About Love.” Additionally, five-time Grammy-nominated recording artist Chlöe performed “FYS,” her first music release of 2024, and the first live rendition of the song.

GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis, introduced by Renee Rapp, said, “Over 500 anti-trans bills have been proposed nationwide this year, and it’s only March. It’s time to get the bullies out. We cannot let up the pressure. We must keep our community moving forward.” and “This is not a fire drill; this is the actual fire.”

You can watch her full speech here: https://youtube/ IEIKHKNv8SE?si=gR87jLz6AlP5z7La

(Fellow Travelers), Outstanding Comedy Series (Ted Lasso), Outstanding Film –Limited Theatrical Release (Monica), Outstanding Reality Competition Program (RuPaul’s Drag Race), and Outstanding Drama Series (Yellowjackets). Reneé Rapp was honored with the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Artist.

Offstage, GLAAD announced additional winners through a video reel, recognizing

Winfrey said while accepting her award, “35 years ago, my brother, Jeffrey Lee, passed away when he was just 29 years old

You can watch her full speech here:

https://youtu.be/ t6fMkoPsrAk?si=9O14tezqqutyDwdO

GLAAD presented several awards from six categories onstage, including those for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series

given by long-time friends, iconic Chicago performer Chilli Pepper, and celebrity host Paolo Presta.

achievements in various fields such as music, film, television, and journalism. Notable winners include David Archuleta for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist, “Bottoms” for Outstanding Film –Wide Theatrical Release, and “Ada Twist: Scientist” for Outstanding Children’s Programming.

The GLAAD Media Awards also acknowledged excellence in Spanish language media, honoring productions like “La Noches De Tefia” for Outstanding Scripted Television Series and “Adolescentes trans relatan su experiencia” from Noticiero Telemundo for Outstanding TV Journalism.

In addition to the announced winners, GLAAD previously recognized Special Recognition awardees, including The Dads

(Netflix), Renaissance: A Film by Beyonce (AMC Theatres), and Yes I Am: The Ric Weiland Story. The Barbara Gittings Award for Excellence in LGBTQ Media was presented to +Life Media.

The remaining winners for select categories will be announced at GLAAD’s New York Ceremony on Saturday, May 11.

GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis serves as Executive Producer of the 35th GLAAD Media Awards alongside GLAAD’s Rich Ferraro and Anthony Allen Ramos. GLAAD’s Tony Morrison serves as Supervising Producer, and Jose Useche serves as Producer. The ceremonies are produced in partnership with STAMP Event Co., and Wendy Shanker serves as Headwriter.

West Hollywood Barista and Founder Claims Top Honor at US Barista Championship

Be Bright Coffee Takes Top Honors at Prestigious Competition

The founder of Be Bright Coffee in West Hollywood has won the United States Barista Championship. Congratulations to Frank La of Be Bright Coffee, located at 7311 Melrose Avenue. The coffee shop and coffee roaster/wholesaler are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.daily.

The ranking of the final six baristas is:

1st: Frank La, Be Bright Coffee

2nd: Morgan Eckroth, Onyx Coffee Lab

3rd: Jason Yeo, Saint Frank Coffee

4th: Kay Cheon, Dune Coffee

5th: Rafael Levy Diner, Onyx Coffee Lab

6th: Meg Skop, The Coffee Movement

This yearly challenge crowns the best barista in the United States during a

tough test of coffee-making skills in the competitive arena. Being a barista isn’t as easy as people think it is, and it’s more than just making the coffee; it’s about making the best-tasting coffee possible.

La received well wishes in the comments of the Instagram posts from Chef Wes Avila of Kateen LA, the late Angry Egrette Dinette, and Mixto Steakhouse, Endorffeine, one of the finest coffee shops in Los Angeles and the world, and Saucy Chick and Goat Mafia Restaurants.

OUTLOUD Music Festival Returns for WeHo Pride, Releases Stunning Weekend Lineup

West Hollywood’s Celebration to Feature Headliners

Kylie Minogue and Janelle Monáe

The OUTLOUD Music Festival is set to make its triumphant return to the City of West Hollywood, headlining the entertainment lineup for WeHo Pride’s weekend festivities. The vibrant three-day outdoor music extravaganza is scheduled to take place from Friday, May 31, through Sunday, June 2, 2024, at West Hollywood Park. This year’s star-studded event will feature headliners including Kylie Minogue, Janelle Monáe, and Diplo. To secure passes for the OUTLOUD Weekend or VIP experience, individuals can visit www.weareoutloud.com. Passes will be available for purchase starting Friday, March 15, 2024, at 10 a.m. PDT. Weekend General Admission passes are priced at $139 + fees, and VIP passes are priced at $249 + fees. Detailed schedules for individual days and daily tickets will be announced in the forthcoming weeks. For additional information about WeHo Pride, interested parties can visit

www.wehopride.com.

Produced by the esteemed events and entertainment agency JJLA, this year’s OUTLOUD Music Festival boasts a remarkable lineup of queer entertainers and artists. The weekend’s roster includes performances by Doechii, Ashnikko, Noah Cyrus, Trixie Mattel (DJ Set), Keke Palmer, Channel Tres, Yaeji, Big Freedia, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, VINCINT, alongside exciting sets from emerging talents such as Snow Wife, Destiny Rogers, Black Polish, Salina EsTitties, Doug Locke, Jimi The Kween, and Zee Machine. Hosting duties for OUTLOUD will be undertaken by personalities Ryan Mitchell, Hannah Rad, Arisce Wanzer, Neverending Nina, and Billy Francesca. Furthermore, the festival will feature a secondary dance music stage in collaboration with SUMMERTRAMP, with additional performances to be disclosed.

Among the previous main stage performers at OUTLOUD are acclaimed

artists like Grace Jones, Adam Lambert, Carly Rae Jepsen, Years & Years, Jessie J, Lil’ Kim, Idina Menzel, Jessie Ware, Hayley Kiyoko, and many more.

“The City of West Hollywood is the epicenter of queer culture and entertainment, where acceptance is embraced, and diversity thrives,” remarked City of West Hollywood Mayor John M. Erickson. “We take immense pride in fostering LGBTQ+ community and joy, and we’re thrilled to bring people together to celebrate at OUTLOUD and WeHo Pride. Through showcasing incredible queer talent, we aim to embody the spirit of inclusivity and unity, which is the essence of our city.”

The WeHo Pride Weekend will host many fantastic events, including the free WeHo Pride Street Fair, WeHo Pride Presents Friday Night at OUTLOUD, the OUTLOUD Music Festival, the Women’s Freedom Festival, the Dyke March, and the WeHo Pride Parade.

Further details regarding performers

at WeHo Pride Presents Friday Night at OUTLOUD will be revealed in the approaching weeks.

WeHo Pride festivities will commence on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, with the José Sarria Drag Pageant in honor of Harvey Milk Day. Additionally, the WeHo Pride Arts Festival is scheduled to unfold from Friday, June 14, 2024, to Sunday, June 16, 2024.

Rainbow Book Bus Launches Nationwide Tour to Combat LGBTQ+ Book Bans

Initiative

Created

by Eric Cervini and Adam Powell Hits

the Road

The Rainbow Book Bus, a pioneering initiative co-founded by New York Times bestselling authors Eric Cervini and Adam Powell, has embarked on its inaugural crosscountry tour from Los Angeles to Atlanta, starting on March 4. This bookmobile aims to make strategic stops in Southern communities most affected by queer book censorship, addressing the alarming surge in book bans across America targeting LGBTQ+ artists and storytellers.

Established amidst the growing concerns of book censorship, the Rainbow Book Bus is on a mission to combat these bans by distributing diverse titles to communities facing limited access to such literature. The

project made its debut at LA Pride in 2023, garnering attention for its commitment to fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers to LGBTQ+ literature.

Prior to hitting the road, Adam Powell, Co-Founder of the Rainbow Book Bus, and Chris Kappel, Director of Operations, hosted a celebratory event in Los Angeles on Friday, March 1. This kick-off event, conducted in collaboration with the LA LGBT Center, took place at the Youth and Queer Elders Center, located at 6725 Santa Monica Blvd. The event marks the formal launch of the cross-country tour, symbolizing the beginning of a journey to deliver more than 10,000 books to communities along the route.

Adam and Chris will both be actively participating in the tour, reinforcing their commitment to fostering inclusivity and promoting access to LGBTQ+ literature in regions affected by book bans.

This is what it takes to take on Alzheimer’s.

It’s not easy to accept that nearly two-thirds of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are women. Or that some cases may be diagnosed as early as age 55.

But we can learn about signs and reduce our risk by staying active and lowering blood pressure.

Because we have what it takes to take on Alzheimer’s. Learn about signs and screening at TakeOnALZ.com

Photo by Ed Gandara