LGBTQ San Diego County News, Volume 1, Issue 5, Dec. 6-19, 2019

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to honor Police Chief Nisleit

147 years to life

for man who kidnapped teenager with alleged AIDS-infected needles

By Neal Putman

By LGBTQ San Diego County News ubbed the “Gay Academy Awards,” on Sunday, Dec. 8, the 44th annual Nicky Awards will honor San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit with the Mayor George Moscone Humanitarian Award. Chief Nisleit has been a strong and visible supporter of the LGBTQ community and his LGBTQ police officers.

A San Diego native, Nisleit began his career with the San Diego Police Department in 1988, following his father’s footsteps, retired Captain Randy Nisleit. David Nisleit was promoted at the city’s 35th chief of police on March 2, 2018. Nisleit is also a professor of criminal justice at the University of San Diego and Alliant University.

The Nicky Awards board of governors also announced the establishment of the Congresswoman Susan Davis Equality Award and the first recipient will be longtime transgender activist Connor Maddocks. Along with a 12-year legacy of advocating for civil rights, Maddocks also does training for the San Diego Sheriff’s

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ENTERTAINMENT ENT ENT

44th Nicky Awards

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Department and the San Diego Police Department and has provided the first trainings on transgender issues for the department and police officers in every division of the city. The retiring popular Congresswoman Davis will be in attendance at this Sunday’s awards ceremony.

There are still plenty of tickets available for the night’s festivities when the community comes out and recognizes its own. Red carpet kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with the ceremony starting at 7 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott Liberty Station. VIP tickets are $90 and general admission is $70. For tickets or more information, log on to nickawards.org.

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or 32 years, the ImpeGomez attended the event as rial Court de San Diego has well, serving a Thanksgiving provided a safe place for those in feast to the guests. need on Thanksgiving Day. With This is the first year that Dan hundreds of volunteers working to Ferbal, a well-known community gather food, cook turkeys and serve activist who died in August of a Thanksgiving dinner to more this year, was honored in name than 600 people in the community, as part of this annual event. Ferthis year’s annual Scott Carlson & bal was the founding director of Dan Ferbal Community Thanksthe Rob Benzon Foundation and giving Dinner provided just that to served on the board for 20 years, men, women, children and families and the organization’s Pride who may not have had the means Launch Party started in his own or a family to share the holiday home and has since grown into The 32nd Annual Scott Carlson & Dan Ferbal Community Thanksgiving dinner served more than 600 with. Held at the San Diego LGBT the foundation’s major fundraispeople at the San Diego LGBT Community Center on Nov. 28. (Photo by Big Mike Phillips) Community Center on Nov. 28, er held at the historic Burnham volunteers took time off from their House. The son of immigrants, own Thanksgiving to help others. he was also a strong advocate for Along with many volunteers from Dreamers. His involvement both the community, elected officials personally and philanthropically joined in the festivities. State Sen. Toni supported the LGBTQ community in Community gathers for annual G. Atkins, Assemblyman Todd Gloria, San Diego and New York.

Scott Carlson & Dan Ferbal dinner Mayor Kevin Faulconer and San Diego’s A home for the holidays first lady Katherine Stuart Faulconer,

By Albert Fulcher continues on C2 and City Council President Georgette

A home for the holidays

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man who kidnapped and carjacked a La Mesa teenager with hypodermic needles held to his neck, which he said contained the AIDS virus, was sentenced Nov. 22 to 147 years to life in prison.

“It was the maximum sentence,” said Deputy District Attorney Matthew Carberry.

The complicated sentencing of Thomas Johnson, 40, was imposed by El Cajon Superior Court Judge Evan Kirvin, which added staggering terms because of Johnson’s criminal history as a “third strike” defendant.

Johnson does have AIDS, according to his former attorney who informed the court early in his case after charges were filed involving the March 28, 2016 incident and a 17-year-old student from Grossmont High School.

“I will stab you with these needles that have AIDS,” the junior testified that Johnson told him.

A jury convicted Johnson of kidnapping, carjacking, making a criminal threat and car theft involving the teen.

They also convicted him of robbery of an elder, attempted robbery, and reckless evasion of police after the victim escaped.

Branik Brown, now 21, testified in the March trial he was forced to drive Johnson around for 40 minutes until he punched Johnson in the jaw and escaped from his 2000 Ford Ranger truck.

Court report continues on C2

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A home for the holidays continues from Page 1

HEAR YE HEAR YE...

We need your help to o e t toys for our annua oy rive this year. reate an event e it at your offi e ho e or ust for fun. You’re the host and you invite your friends fa i y and o or ers. he eria ourt i or ith you to i u your donation of un ra ed Toys.

LETS COME TOGETHER AND HELP PUT SMILES ON THESE YOUNG FACES!

Behind the scenes, many volunteers made Thanksgiving a special day for those without a place to go for Thanksgiving.

City Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez said he is thankful for all who participated to make this event a success for another year, serving those in need.

“Because of the generosity of so many caring people, businesses and organizations, we were able to feed over 600 families, seniors, homeless and more,” Ramirez said.

“The Imperial Court, The Center are extremely grateful for all who gave and volunteered for the event.”

Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer said, “This Thanksgiving we came together in both celebration and remembrance of two LGBTQ community members that embodied San Diego’s compassionate spirit, Scott Carlson and Dan Ferbal.

My wife and I look forward to the Imperial Court’s Thanksgiving dinner each year because it provides a place at the table for everyone — regard-

“We were especially glad to welcome hundreds of community members out of the rain for a festive event filled with gratitude and joy.”

— Cara Dessert

less of where they come from, who they love or how they choose to identify.”

Caroline “Cara” Dessert, CEO of The San Diego LGBT Community Center, said that The Center was proud, once

again to open its doors for the 32nd annual Scott Carlson & Dan Ferbal Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

“We thank the event organizer and main sponsor, the Imperial Court de San Diego, who, along with donors and dozens of amazing volunteers, provided a turkey Thanksgiving feast with all of the trimmings, to those who otherwise might not have had a holiday meal to celebrate,” Dessert said. “We were especially glad to welcome hundreds of community members out of the rain for a festive event filled with gratitude and joy. We are honored to participate in this meaningful community tradition and look forward to many more Thanksgivings together.”

DO IT FOR THE KIDS onta t

i ie i ie o hner

(l to r) Jennifer LaSar, Toni Duran, Sen. Toni Atkins, Assemblyman Todd Gloria, Councilmember Georgette Gomez and Rev. Shane Harris. (Photos by Big Mike Phillips)

Court report continues from Page 1

Johnson drove off in his truck and committed other crimes before he crashed into a freeway construction site near University Avenue. The truck caught fire and it was totaled. John-

son was then arrested. Kirvin ordered Johnson to pay $4,000 in restitution to the victim, who had purchased the vehicle for $3,000, and lost possessions including a laptop. “He [Branik] is relieved now that this has concluded,” said Carberry.

Johnson has prior convictions for aggravated robbery in 2011, carjacking in 2009, aggravated carjacking in 2006, and attempted robbery in 2004, all in Illinois, said Carberry.

Johnson, whose attorney asked unsuccessfully for a new trial, was given jail credits of 1,530 days.

The trial had been delayed because of concerns over Johnson’s mental competency and he spent some time at a state psychiatric facility until he regained his mental fitness to stand trial.

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DECEMBER 6 -19, 2019 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

FEATURE

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hroughout 2019, St. Paul’s Cathedral has celebrated 150 years in San Diego with several events including musicals, worship services, visits to historic sites and special guests. Those celebrations culminate with its final event for the year, Gala 150, which will be held at the cathedral on Dec. 13.

The Very Reverend Penny Bridges said that St. Paul’s has grown significantly and is now known as a place that is welcoming and inclusive to everybody, without exception.

“The job of a cathedral is to be available for the bordering community and to be there for the city,” Bridges said. “We think of ourselves as the cathedral for the city. When we started planning our 150th celebration, one of the things we wanted to do was to have some aspect of it involve people from around the city.”

Mayor Kevin Faulconer will be there, and the first lady of San Diego, Katherine Faulconer, is the honorary co-chair of the event. Bridges said that it has many representatives from various city organizations and nonprofits supporting the gala including The Society of St. Paul, The Reverend Canon Michael Kaehr, the Imperial Court de San Diego, Marie Tuthill, Jen Jow, Greystar and insideOUT, and many other local organizations.

“There will be 300 seats and it is sold out,” Bridges said.

“Not only is it a spectacular celebration in itself, but it is a fundraiser to raise seed money for us to convert part of our property to a drop-in center where we can serve our neighbors that live outside and are unsheltered. We are right next to Balboa Park and there are hundreds of people who call Balboa Park home.”

Bridges explained that over the last five years, St. Paul’s started offering showers twice a month, a hot breakfast and it has now become a community event and gathering time.

Bridges said outreaching to the homeless is the outward-looking cause that St. Paul’s hopes will benefit from the gala.

“We’ve been borrowing shower units to do that, but our plan is to create a center underneath our chapel with permanent showers,” Bridges said. “When our turn comes around with the Interfaith Shelter Network, once a year each church takes two weeks and offers overnight shelter and meals for 12 people who are homeless and in transition.

We’ll have a designated space where those people can sleep when it is our turn. If there is really terrible weather, we can open it up for those who are outside.

“The gala is kind of historic because we are removing all the pews from the church.

That’s a big deal,” Bridges continued. “We are having a black-tie dinner event in the cathedral itself. There will be round tables, gold chairs, purple and gold light show, musical entertainment and the keynote speaker is a woman who was the first female presiding bishop of the entire Episcopal Church, The Right Reverend Katharine Jefferts

150 years of service

St. Paul’s Cathedral closes a year of celebration with Gala 150

By Albert Fulcher

The Very Reverend Penny Bridges, dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral The Right Reverend Susan Brown Snook, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego St. Paul’s Cathedral celebrates 150 years of service in San Diego (Photos courtesy of St. Paul’s Cathedral)

Shori. Katherine is a historic Bay, up to Hemet, Temecula, compassion for all people. figure in her own right, elected east to Palm Springs and the The cathedral has also been in 2006. The Episcopal Church Palm Desert and southeast a leader in its wider church is not only in the United all the way to Yuma, Arizona. in this region in supporting States, we have a presence in Snook was ordained this year LGBTQ equality and it is more than 19 countries. Bishin June at the cathedral. widely known in this city for op Katherine is an extraordi“The cathedral is a leader its commitment to justice for nary, unique figure. She was for us in the sense not only all people. a marine biologist before she liturgically in its worship “A 150th anniversary is was a priest. That’s two very life, but it is also a leader in a momentous event in the distinguishing careers.” the wider community in San history of the church and the Not only is St. Paul’s hosting Diego,” Snook said. “Because history of San Diego,” Snook this black-tie dinner in the it is passionately committed to said. “It is a great time for us cathedral, but it is also to step back, see where throwing an after-party we’ve been and how the “The gala will be a for those who could not cathedral has been a manage to get tickets for leader in this community, wonderful event because it will the dinner. People are and how it has led our benefit people in need and it will welcome to come and wider church in ministry also truly allow us to celebrate dance to disco music in not only with Episcopawhat the cathedral is and what we The Great Hall after lians but people in the dinner and have descity.” believe our church is called to be serts and wine. The “The gala will be a in our ministry, which is a beacon after-party, Club 150, is wonderful event because of light for those who need light.” from 9-11:30 p.m. and is it will benefit people in $95/person or $150 for need and it will also truly — The Right Reverend Susan Brown Snook couples. allow us to celebrate “We are opening this what the cathedral is and up to more people this way,” the diversity and inclusion of what we believe our church is Bridges said. “Tickets will be all people, it has been a leader called to be in our ministry, available at the door for that. in supporting women leaderwhich is a beacon of light for We’re trying to do a little bit ship in the church. Penny is those who need light,” Snook of everything. Mariachi Mi the first female dean of the continued.

San Diego, Grupo Folklórico cathedral and I am the first Bridges said for San Diego, Herencia Mexicana, Roman female bishop of this diocese.

St. Paul’s is pretty old, but by Palacios, classical guitarist It is also a leader in the wider European cathedral standards, Anthony Cutietta and disco.” community in interface and it is just a newborn. St. Paul’s The Right Reverend Susan ecumenical relationships.” was founded before San Diego Brown Snook, bishop of the Snook said that cathedral was San Diego.

Episcopal Diocese of San Diego folks work closely with other The very first Episcopal (whose home is St. Paul’s Careligious leaders in this area service was held in 1853, at thedral), said that the reach of to promote shared religious the Court House. In the 1850s the diocese covers from South values of justice, care and and 1860s, there was an Epis-

copal diocese looked after by a bishop that covered the entire state of California.

“The bishop at that time sent a priest [Reverend Sidney Wilbur] to San Diego who held a service in Old Town in 1869 and they started using an old barrack that had been abandoned,” Bridges said. “So, a little congregation started up on Dec. 18, 1869, for its first service. It was the beginning of any Episcopal presence in San Diego and the first Protestant churches in the area.”

St. Paul’s is now the fourtholdest incorporated Episcopal congregation in the state. The parish started to grow from its beginnings in Old Town and when originally founded, it was called Holy Trinity Parish — and then changed its name to St. Paul’s in 1887. The first church building on the corner of Sixth Avenue and C Street was given to St. Paul’s by Alonzo Horton, the father of the city.

“In 1919, the congregation bought the five-lot site where we stand now,” Bridges said.

“The first thing they built on this site is what we now call The Great Hall, dedicated in 1928. In the dedication speech it says, ‘These structures were intended to be monumental in their character, of the sort indeed to exemplify an enduring form, the aspirations of the faith of our people.’” People worshiped in The Great Hall for several years and in 1951, they started building the church. It took the entire year to build with its first service in December 1951.

“There’s a pretty strong tradition that cathedrals are never finished,” said Bridges.

“St. Paul’s was not a cathedral when it was built, but indeed, it has never been finished. It was finished as much as it ever has been in 1967. There was a plan to put on a tower and also a transept where you bump out the sides to make a cross-shaped church. St. Paul’s has one side bumped out on the south but never got the north transept built. So, we are a little bit asymmetrical.”

The church was designed by the same architect who designed the Washington National Cathedral in Washington D.C., American architect Philip Hubert Frohman.

Over the intervening years, the Diocese of California began to split up, and in 1974, the Diocese of Los Angeles created the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. In 1985, St. Paul’s Church was designated as the new cathedral for the diocese.

“Cathedral” is a Greek word that means “seat.” The cathedral has a place where the bishop has his or her seat.

“A cathedral is sort of a mother church for the diocese and where a bishop has a home. Though, the nature of a bishop’s job is that they are very rarely at home,” Bridges said. “Since it became a cathedral, there have been four deans. A dean is just an Episcopal word for a senior pastor. I am the fourth. Our first dean is still around [The Very Reverend James Earle Carroll]; he’s 90 years old and very much beloved, and until very recently, very active.”

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DECEMBER ECEMBER 6 -19, 2019 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

PUBLIC SERVICE / OPINION

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LGBTQ San Diego County News PO Box 34664 San Diego, CA 92163 PUBLISHER Terry Sidie

A NOTE FROM TONI Toni G. Atkins —Toni G. Atkins represents the 39th District in the California Senate. Follow her on Twitter @SenToniAtkins.

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everal years ago, while I was speaker of the state Assembly, my staff and my colleagues, working with advocates throughout the state, came up with an array of ideas to crack down on sex traffickers and to support survivors.

Many of those ideas became law — by the end of the 2015-2016 legislative session, Governor Jerry Brown had signed more than a dozen human-trafficking bills, including a major bill, SB 1322 by Senator Holly Mitchell, that requires the state to treat children caught up in the commercial sex trade as victims, not criminal prostitutes.

That momentum has continued, and I’m pleased that two of my own sex-trafficking bills have become law — including one requiring all hotels and motels to provide their employees with training on how to recognize the signs of human trafficking and report what they see to law enforcement, and another that allows district attorneys to introduce evidence of past crimes when they’re prosecuting a trafficker, to show a pattern of preying on victims for their own profit.

California has the strongest sex-trafficking laws in the country. But our work is far from done. For example, we need more temporary housing for survivors, and expanded specialized services to help them recover from the unique type of trauma they’ve experienced.

We must also turn our attention to another form of human trafficking — labor trafficking. Labor trafficking is forcing

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Nicole Murray Ramirez nicolemrsd1@gmail.com 619-241-5672

Tackling sex trafficking head on

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cesar A. Reyes creativedirector@lgbtqsd.news EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Albert H. Fulcher editor@lgbtqsd.news 619-315-8194 SALES sales@lgbtqsd.news STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Big Mike Phillips Bmsd1957@gmail.com 619-807-7324 COPY EDITOR Dustin Lothspeich

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people to work through coercion or deception, often without pay or connection to the outside world.

It’s a form of modern-day slavery, particularly problematic in industries such as construction, janitorial and cleaning services, food production, agriculture, and home care. They’re painters, carpenters, plumbers, and people who take care of our children and our seniors.

We don’t know much about how pervasive the problem is because its victims are typically reluctant to come forward, and some don’t even realize that they’re being victimized. Much more investigation needs to be done, and that’s why I was glad to help kick off the first of a series of hearings on labor trafficking in November in San Diego.

The hearings are being held by the Little Hoover Commission, an independent agency that studies state policy issues and makes recommendations to the governor and the legislature.

It’s entirely appropriate that the first

hearing was held in San Diego. While this isn’t a problem exclusive to immigrants, our proximity to the international border and the presence of immigrants and asylum-seekers makes our region a prime target for predators looking to exploit those who are vulnerable.

Among our migrant laborer population in San Diego, researchers estimate that 30% are victims of labor trafficking, and 55% are victims of abusive labor practices or gross exploitation. There are an estimated 38,000 victims in San Diego, and nearly half a million in California.

We need to better understand the scope of the problem. At the hearing, we heard from survivors of trafficking who told heart-rending stories, as well as advocates, experts, and prosecutors, who framed the issue from several angles for members of the Little Hoover Commission. It was a great first step toward collecting the information we need to address labor trafficking immediately and appropriately.

WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA info@lgbtq.news CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Toni G Atkins Wendy Sue Biegeleisen Frank Guillén Korie Houston Michael Kimmel Ian Morton MG Perez Neal Putman Tootie DISTRIBUTION LGBTQ San Diego County News is distributed free every other Friday of the month. © 2019. All rights reserved.

OPINION/LETTERS LGBTQ San Diego County News encourages letters to the editor and guest editorials. Please email them directly to editor@lgbtqsd.news and include your name, phone number and address for verification. We reserve the right to edit letters for brevity and accuracy. Letters and guest editorials do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or staff.

SUBMISSION/NEWS TIPS Press releases and story ideas are welcomed. Send press releases, tips, photos or story ideas to editor@lgbtqsd.news. For breaking news and Investigative story ideas, contact the editor by phone or email.

Copyright © 2019 LGBTQ San Diego County News Editor’s Note: The opinions written in this publication’s editorial and opinion pages are the author’s own and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the staff and/or publisher of LGBTQ San Diego County News. The newspaper and its staff should be held harmless of liability or damages.

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Conversations with Nicole

Nicole Murray Ramirez —Nicole Murray Ramirez has been writing a column since 1973. He has been a Latino/gay activist for almost half a century and has advised and served the last seven mayors of San Diego. Named the ‘Honorary Mayor of Hillcrest’ by a city proclamation, he has received many media awards including from the prestigious San Diego Press Club. Reach Nicole at Nicolemrsd1@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Nmrsd2.

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quality California was founded to be the voice of California’s LGBTQ people in our state capitol. Its purpose, to lobby Democratic and Republican lawmakers to support and vote for LGBTQ civil rights legislation and to get LGBTQ citizens to run for public office and support their campaigns. Equality California has always been mostly led by activists/leaders from San Francisco and Los Angeles but in the last decade San Diego representation and leadership has grown as now San Diego has more elected LGBTQ officials than San Francisco. Equality California has raised millions of dollars and has contributed to many campaigns throughout the state and in just one state senate race in San Francisco contributed $1 million dollars in electing a gay senator over a straight candidate. As I have stated many times “the golden state is turning brown” and indeed even more LGBTQ Latinos are getting elected to office including the first statewide office holder from the LGBTQ community.

Equality California also endorses U.S. Senate and Congressional candidates.

One of its top priorities is to get qualified LGBTQ candidates elected to congress as there aren’t even a handful. San Diego City Council President Georgette Gomez’s candidacy for congress has not only receive the overwhelming endorsement of the California Democratic party and Victory Fund but also the San Diego County Democratic party and every LGBTQ leader and elected official including the only LGBTQ Democratic Club. Equality San Diego also supported the first gay elected San Diego office holder, Chris Kehoe as well as State Sen. Toni Atkins and State Assembly Majority Whip Todd Gloria as well as GLBT 2020. Latino leaders like congressman Juan Vargas and state Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez also endorsed Georgette Gomez. Georgette’s election won’t make California history as the first LGBT Latino elected to congress. But, Gomez’ has a huge, volunteer base and not only has the San Diego LGBTQ community excited but also the Latino community, as she is the proud daughter of hard-working American Immigrants.

(Courtesy photos)

Equality California out of touch with San Diego Among the candidates running against front-runner Gomez is millionaire Sara Jacobs who has never been elected to public office and spent more than $2 million in a losing race in another congressional district and now is going to spend more millions to try and buy this congressional seat. Sara is a white heterosexual woman who is a strong ally of the LGBTQ community, but we already have enough white millionaires in congress. But what we are greatly lacking is congresswomen of color and LGBTQ. Sara has been searching for a congressional seat for some years now and planning ahead smartly join the state board of directors of Equality California.

No thank you, Scott Sherman The days of conservative republican mayors ended with Dick Murphy as San Diego is now a democratic majority city. San Diego is also a growing people of color city and now was a powerful LGBTQ community. So when the most conservative republican on the City Council Scott Sherman filed to run for mayor it came to a surprise to many political leaders. Sherman has the most conservative voting record and no strong ties to all the people of color communities or the LGBTQ community. He has been almost invisible in all these communities and events. Don’t get me wrong, Scott Sherman is a nice decent guy with a wonderful wife, but he is out of touch with all the communities of San Diego. Front runner Todd Gloria will be a mayor for all San Diego.

I have always been proud to have been the only San Diegan and the first person of color be elected as a state president of Equality California … but not now, as this past week Equality California endorsed both Sara and Georgette Gomez for congress, yes, a duo endorsement and it’s executive director has told some San Diego leaders it had to endorse Sara because she is on the board.

Equality California’s duo endorsement is a slap in the face to San Diego’s LGBTQ leaders and activists including Kehoe, Atkins, Gloria, etc. and is only about making a millionaire board member happy. There duo endorsements is a disgrace to the entire LGBTQ and Latino communities. What happened to electing LGBTQ office holders because. “If we are not at the table we are on the menu.”

The good news is that though Sara is already spending millions on TV ads, Georgette Gomez is still the clear front runner as this congressional seat is not for sale like Equality California was. Now more than ever — Georgette Gomez for Congress!

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Are you a ‘Happy holidays!’ or ‘Bah, humbug!’ person?

LIFE BEYOND THERAPY Michael Kimmel —Michael Kimmel is a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in helping LGBT clients achieve their goals and deal with anxiety, depression, grief, sexually addictive behavior, coming out, relationship challenges and homophobia.

Contact him at 619-955-3311 or visit lifebeyondtherapy.com.

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or many of us, the holidays bring crazy expectations. We’re bombarded with media images encouraging us to buy stuff (with our credit cards, of course), go to parties and events (or be alone, which may feel even worse) and — above all — to put on a happy face and smile all through it. This is a sure setup for depression, shattered expectations and disappointment.

Whether you are an atheist, or you celebrate Christian, pagan, Jewish, Islamic, African American or other holidays at this time of year, this year, you can do it differently, and here’s how.

BE GOOD WITH YOUR BOUNDARIES This is not a time to be around homophobic family members (especially if you’ve just come out). If you can, explain to them that you need to take really good care of yourself, so you won’t be traveling this year. Don’t feel guilty (especially all you codependent folks). No one will take care of you unless you do. If your family is too dysfunctional to even care about your boundaries, make up a good excuse not to spend the holidays with them and simply repeat it over and over until they stop pressuring you.

“You have no idea how happy or miserable anyone else is. Stop trying to keep up with (or surpass) other people: by doing so, you’ll miss what could actually make you happy.”

— Michael Kimmel

HOLIDAY DRINKING AND DRUGGING Some people try to avoid feeling bad by getting so wasted they don’t feel any-

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thing. Obviously, this doesn’t work. Don’t drink or drug yourself into oblivion. It only gives you a temporary escape anyway. You want a nice, healthy escape? Go out dancing at one of the great clubs in Hillcrest. Work your body hard and come home covered with sweat, wearing a smile.

KEEP YOUR BODY HAPPY This year don’t worry about holiday calories. Burn them off with movement and exercise, like free weights and aerobics. When shopping, park your car somewhere central and walk to stores and restaurants. Go for hikes. Dive in a pool and swim. Hop on your bicycle and go for a ride. Take a yoga or Pilates class. Say no to stressed-out shopping malls.

Instead, spend an afternoon hiking through calm, beautiful scenery.

MAYBE JESUS AND HIS FRIENDS AREN’T YOUR CUP OF TEA Does organized religion turn you off? Are you tempted to kick over every Nativity scene you see? This year, do it differently: find a spiritual

component of the season that means something to you. For example, I’m not much into churchgoing, but I feel close to God when I go hiking in the woods. Find something that makes you feel peaceful.

MENTAL HEALTH, NOT MARTHA STEWART Do you aspire to have a Martha Stewart holiday?

Every gift perfectly chosen, wrapped and paired with the only card in the county (handmade and overpriced) that’s perfect for that special someone. This year do less.

Doing too much makes it hard to enjoy anything. Give yourself some alone time to unwind. If you’re partnered, schedule more “us time” than usual. If you have a beloved pet, definitely spend more time with them (for your well-being and theirs).

PAINFUL MEMORIES? If your partner/friend/parent died at this time of year, this may be your first holiday without them. This year, get support from those who love you. Be real and don’t fake it. Faking it is crazy making.

You may want to tell people that this is a hard time for

you. Let them know, so they can understand and respect your emotions. I struggle with this one myself: this is my first holiday season without my little sister, who recently died after two years of being on hospice care.

STOP COMPARING A guaranteed way to feel bad is to compare yourself, your gifts and your family with what other people do, have and give. Many of us imagine everyone else is having more fun than we are. You have no idea how happy or miserable anyone else is. Stop trying to keep up with (or surpass) other people: by doing so, you’ll miss what could actually make you happy. Who cares what other people do? Instead, make a list of things you’d like to do — alone or with friends — and do them. In essence, be your own Santa Claus.

This is a challenging time of year for everyone. This year, do it differently. Take good care of yourself and those you love.

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DECEMBER 6 - 19, 2019 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

9

BIG MIKE AND FRIENDS Big Mike Phillips —Big Mike Phillips is an activist, fundraiser, bartender and photographer who has lived in San Diego for 30 years. He has helped create two nonprofits and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity. He has been a photographer for more than 25 years and has recorded our LGBTQ history not only in San Diego but around the country, including three LGBTQ marches on Washington D.C. Contact Big Mike at 619-8077324, or bmsd1957@gmail.com.

I

am having a great time and feel so honored to introduce you to so many of my friends I encounter while on this amazing journey I call life. It’s these people I feel that help me be a better person. This week, I’m excited to introduce you to a man who is a big teddy bear, he loves to help people and enjoys giving back in so many special ways.

Sean Redmond is not from San Diego. He was born and raised in the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains in Washington state, in the very small and rural town of Omak.

After retiring from the U.S. Air Force in 2009 (thank you for your service Sean), he went on a road trip through the Rocky Mountains of the western U.S. and Canada, spent a summer (in a tent) in Alaska and was on his way to Central and South America when he stopped in San Diego in 2010. He has always been in love with San Diego, so he stayed. I asked him how he remembered us meeting and his answer was so sweet, I have to share it.

“I met Big Mike by seeing him around the neighborhood smiling and hugging everyone!” he recalled. “Then as time goes, our paths crossed at many community events and we had great short conversations. I must admit, it took almost nine years to finally sit down and have coffee and just actually chat with Big Mike. It was the best coffee time so far in San Diego!”

Sean grew up in a very small town — a timber, agriculture (apples), ranching community.

Outdoor activities were a big part of Sean’s youth, which involved being in the Boy Scouts. Between family and Boy Scouts, he was raised with a sense of service to community and helping others. He joined the USAF in 1989 and served 20 years in law enforcement and human resource development.

He never stopped his service to community, whether it was in the community outside his home station, or outside his deployment location. One thing I love about Sean is that he is always excited to learn about communities and the people and traditions that support them.

Sean was raised in a very loving family. His parents were very fair, honest, and supportive of both Sean and his younger brother. They were taught to be true and honest, respectful of others, and be the best in what they do.

“It has been very easy to pass these traits on to my beautiful daughter,” he told me. “I am very fortunate to always have that proud dad position. She is

Sean Redmond of Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol (l to r) Big Mike Phillips and Sean Redmond

Archives, San Diego Unified School District GSA, California Association of School Transportation Officials and San Diego Fire Department/Community Emergency Response Team.

We, as a community, are fortunate to have individuals like Sean who are great leaders, volunteers and just love getting involved and giving back to the

community they love. Not only does he protect our community with the Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol, but he protects it with his big heart. .

If you would like to contact Sean: Facebook: Sean Redmond Instagram: SCPSDED Email: sredmond@stonewallcitizens.org

All are

(l to r) Sean Redmond with his husband Jackson. (Photos by Big Mike Phillips)

pursuing a career in service as a graduate student in Forensic Science at the University of Nebraska.”

Sean is a very busy man.

He currently works for the San Diego Unified School District’s Transportation Department as a special needs school bus driver. This job has been what some say a calling. It goes well with what he does with community engagement and organizing, which is assisting in building relationships and bridging communities.

For those of you who might know Sean personally, you also know how involved he is on so many levels in our community. One of his many goals is to have a community that all who wish to live, or visit can do so in a safe and enjoyable environment. One of his greatest satisfactions is to be able to recognize those who contribute to a better community. There are so many volunteers involved with our community that have the capability to lead and better today for tomorrow. Sean has brought these ideals forward with his transition from military to civilian life. He said to me that he was trained from day one to learn and understand what those above him did so that one day, he’d be the one to train the younger generation.

One of my favorite things about Sean is the love he and his life partner Jackson have

for each other. They are both two of the kindest, loyal and supportive couples I’ve seen in a long time. Believe it or not, Sean met his husband while volunteering! He was working a shift at the San Diego Gay Rodeo beverage booth. They were wearing the same fashion, plaid and flannel! As Sean said, “On a serious note, this is all a journey and we can make it happen by pushing ourselves to certain limits. There are times when someone by your side, being that extra push of encouragement, is an advantage. I am truly thankful for Jackson’s support and love.

“By working together and looking out for each other, we can address and resolve problems which will affect lasting change in our community for all to enjoy,” he continued.

“This is my quote for Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol, but it plays into everything we do as a community: Together we are strong, #communitystrong.”

I personally want to say thank you to Sean for the time, love and sacrifices he gives to so many wonderful organizations. Sean gives his time for involvement with the Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol, San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, San Diego Pride, Gay For Good-San Diego, LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor Advisory Council, Imperial Court de San Diego Advisory Council, Mama’s Kitchen, Lambda

welcome Monte Vista Village is a vibrant, energetic senior living community dedicated to helping you live a life enriched wonderful experiences in a beautiful environment.

We’d love to hear from you! 619-465-1331 INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | LONG-TERM SKILLED NURSING

2211 Massachusetts Avenue | Lemon Grove, California 91945 montevistavillage.com

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DECEMBER 6 -19, 2019 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

COMMUNITY VOICES

LGBTQSD.NEWS

Ask anything, tell me what you think

MY GOOD TOOTIE Tootie —Tootie is the Mistress on the Mic at Lips Thursday thru Saturday nights at Lips and Sundays for Gospel Brunch as Sister Nun of the Above. She is single and slightly engaged. Mother of two dogs and wears many wigs throughout a day. She is a volunteer, a boss, a change maker, and an activist. Add to that she knows all the best vegan and vegetarian places in San Diego.

Email questions to nefertootie@gmail.com

M

y Good Tootie listens to your deepest secrets about sex and love, relationships and sex, sex and friendships … and did I mention sex? Anonymously. Get off and get it off your chest.

I pinky-promise to be honest and candid and keep it fun, and I expect the same from you.

Also fun. Listen to my “Campfire Shitshow” podcast interview, where I mention this article. (http://bit.ly/2Ybegda) Pass it on.

So I have secretly been a bull for cuckold couples for over five years. My wife has no idea, and that is not a problem. It’s my thing.

It started first like normal with a couple. I am African American with a thick dick and just took care of the woman while her husband watched. It’s usually men with small cocks who have hot wives that need a big cock. No problem. Easy. About two years in, I had been seeing this one couple regularly when they asked me to change things and let the husband suck me off while she watched.

The next time, they made a video.

Things changed back and forth but I’ve found myself doing the same thing over the next two years with other cuckold couples. I have enjoy dominating both but have really enjoyed the men. This is new and I’m not sure what to do with it.

Never thought I’d enjoy men.

Good Lord, I know how you feel! Enjoying men for me is shocking. I think I’ll try it again and see if I like it… for two years. Sounds like you’ve managed to eat your cake and have it, too.

I love that. Sexual fulfillment is super important, and most people don’t get there. You mentioned a wife. No mention what the relationship with her is like. Are you still putting into your relationship with her what you are putting into other couples relationships? I get the “It’s my thing” thang.

We think nothing about forming

partnerships in work and recreation with others outside our marriage, making sure that it doesn’t take away from bank accounts or time, that those partnerships don’t put our spouses in jeopardy or danger. For my friends, this would be acceptable, but your “cuckold” relations wouldn’t. I think it gives you the opportunity to be even

I’ve only been with one other guy a few times and he lets me suck his cock until he’s about to come and then he shoots all over my face. I’ve always been fantasizing about going further and he doesn’t seem to want to. I want to feel a man orgasm inside of me. I was on a chat line, he lives 20 minutes from me and he is much older than me in his 60s. He’s very

more of a ridiculously great husband with your wife. No bull here, cater to her every whim, put her on a pedestal, and second guess and fulfill her every wish. The cost for selfish sexuality, finding this new desire and indulging yourself is indulging her. Lavish your wife and home life. Get your side of small dick.

Graphics by rawpixel.com

dominant and strict. He likes when I wear panties. I’m straight, I’m kind of shy and even though I’m masculine and muscular, I enjoy being a pussy boy. I find myself looking at men more often now. I’ve never messed around with anyone else before. But I’m thinking about my fantasy. What do you think?

Well, excuse me while I wrap my head around all of this. I love a shy guy who’s muscular and in panties. Oh wait.

That’s not the part you’re asking about.

But just let me stay there for one more minute as a favor (6 minutes later) — describe the panties.

What you’re having is a normal gay love life. Stop with the straight label.

It makes no difference to me what my lovers consider themselves. I would just tell you what I tell them, “It doesn’t matter baby, just don’t be rude and talk with your mouth full.” May-December romances and ones where there is a mentoring, or as you put it “dominance,” are natural and have been with us through the ages. A relationship with

an older man teaches and allows for a rich partnership in panties and without.

Your lover’s worth in your life is way more than you even know, today. I want you to preserve that and not jeopardize what you have. It’s hard to say, “I want to feel you inside me, and I want to feel the warmth as you explode,” it’s a lot!

The discussion also has to be about the safety of this act. Between truly committed couples, who are both HIV-negative, unsafe sexual practices have no consequence and I take it you both have other sexual partners, you with girls, him with other people in panties. This could be why he’s decided to sidestep your fantasy. He may be protecting you both and trying to keep golden what you have. Maybe you’re really just craving to be closer to him wrapped in a heteronormative fantasy. To have him be deep inside you, to seed you, the warmth, the exchange of intimacy that you’ve never shared with anyone else says so much about your relationship. Explore intimacy with him in other ways and ditch the label. You’re in deep and there’s room to grow … in them panties.

LGBTQSD.NEWS

COMMUNITY VOICES

DECEMBER 6 - 19, 2019 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

11

Know your history and celebrate the present CONOCE TU HISTORIA Y CELEBRA TU PRESENTE

FRANKLY SPEAKING Franko Guillén (Franceska) — Franko Guillén (Franceska)) is an activist and works in the delicate field of HIV with a guarantee to be 100% confidential!

Casa de México benefit (Photos by Franko Gullén)

— Franko Guillén (Franceska) es activista y trabaja en el delicado ramo del VIH 100% Confidencial!

25th Annual Latino Film Festival (Photos by Franko Gullén)

A

warm “hello” for those of you reading my very honest-from-the-heart column!

I want to open my conversation speaking on why it’s important for many of us homosexuals to add the “H” into the long list of descriptions (letters) that people have created to identify the sexually diverse community HLGBTQ+. Homosexual, men, and women, along with some transgenders and bisexuals fought the real fight to create a safety net for all of us. They were not thinking that someday a new wave of so-called activists or employees of the system working for the homosexual, lesbian, bisexual and transgender population would come and open up a door for anyone who does not conform to the biological term, create their own terms and confuse society — including some of us not so young but highly educated in LGBTQ history. A history some of us created. Back in the ’60s, when I started marching the streets of the United States for equality and respect for our beautiful lives that were being taken away for the simple reason of being open and out. Many of the friends I had died fighting for the rights that now exist for you, the new generations, to be open and embrace a life with husbands or wives if you choose to marry the one you love. But if you don’t know the history of where you come from, you’ll never get to where you want to go. You must respect the fact that we never called ourselves “queer.” It was the most aberrant/insulting term used to describe my community and it was also the last word many people heard when they were being massacred by hate-mongers. I demand that if you don’t know the history of hate against us and the term “queer,” please look it up and see the definition and do not call minors by that term. Let them become adults to decide for themselves if been weird is what they want to be known as. I do not identify myself as gay (happy), because I don’t lie to myself or anyone else.

Sometimes I don’t have the best days and I enjoy not being happy all the time because I learn so much about my limitations when I am not so happy. Queer is out of my vocabulary to describe anyone or anything so please do not refer me as queer; I am a very proud homosexual!

A little bit of history on why it is so important to accept your reality, living it with Pride, and embracing life with intelligence so you don’t give yourself to the first individual entering your life (choose wisely)!

I like to advise employees in the field of our diverse community to please watch very closely when giving advice to your clients. They’re not there for your own interests, they’re there for their interests and to pay for your professional/educated advice.

Recently, I had a chance to go to Grupo Transgenero 2000 — produced and directed

by Sandra Ramirez and assisted by Lizbeth Pineda; they’re in their 19th year and will celebrate 20 years in March of 2020. This

(l to r) Border Angels founder Enrique Morones and Franko Gullén (Photos by Franko Gullén)

has been a very solid professional support group in San Diego, and the first and longest-running transgender/transsexual group helping many in so many ways. Everyone is invited to attend and learn about the wonderful male and female transgender community. Meetings are every first and last Friday of each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the San Diego LGBT Community Center.

On Nov. 30, I had the privilege and honor of attending a benefit to raise funds to open our own Casa de México at the Relations International Cottages at Balboa Park. The benefit was put together by a great Mexican American activist who works tiredly on behalf of all Latinos, especially the undocumented and most vulnerable human beings of our society. The great lineup of guests impressed me, and also all the attendees who bared their joy and tears I saw falling down from some people’s faces. We showed our emotions and happiness through tears of identifying ourselves with their personal stories. Carlos González-Gutiérrez, general consul of México San Diego; Mariana Villegas, representative of the government of México; and the event’s keynote speaker Erica Alfaro, M.Ed., a young lady who’s struggled like most of us Mexicanos — especially if you arrived as a teen going through the nature of body/mind changes. Erica started her journey in the land of dreams working the fields with her mom and dad, picking tomatoes. For those of you who know my story, I was bawling remembering my own history of struggles and triumphs, always being the proudest Mexican American homosexual that I am. I looked around and there I saw so many people crying. The young lady I am speaking about graduated with a master’s and is a Latina education advocate. Thank you, Erica Alfaro (sí se puede!). Erica became a world sensation and respect for her story when her and her proud parents decided to take her graduation photos at a tomato field. When she posted the photos on her social media, they went viral and her phone did not stop ringing. Every big international media source wanted to interview her. She is the most realistic, down-to-earth, honest, and straight-forward young lady that I have known in my life.

Frankly Speaking continues on Page 17

Un caluroso saludo para quién lea esta columna, que hago con mucho respeto y amor por mi gente y nuestras hermosas tradiciones latinas Quiero abrir esta columna hablando de la importancia que tiene la letra H en las insignias que describen a la comunidad HLGBT, es importante porque en mi época eíramos en su gran mayoria mujeres lesbianas también llamadas mujeres homosexuales y hombres homosexuales muy rara era la mujer o el hombre transgénero que se unía a las causas y marchas de protesta, siempre organizadas por la comunidad homosexual mujer/hombre y algunos de nosotros eáramos transformistas y recaudadores de fondos, pero terminada la variedad, nos quitábamos el atuendo de trabajo para usarlo en la próxima actuación escénica y seguíamos siendo simplemente orgullosos homosexuales luchando porque la sociedad nos reconociera como lo que siempre hemos sido gente capaz e inteligente y en esa lucha constante quedaron muchos en el camino, asesinados por la intolerancia e inconsciencia de gobierno y sociedad siendo Queer, ( cuando nos gritaban queer teníamos que echar carrera a buscar resguardo ya que era el grito de reunión para golpearnos o para asesinarnos) el último insulto escuchado antes de ser masacrados sin compasión!

Yo nunca me he identificado como Gay, porque tengo mis momentos en los cuales no me siento del todo feliz y como nunca me he querido

engañar no me puedo denominar gay (feliz) porque tendría que fingir y no podría vivir una mentira!

Queer Jamas, nunca (raro) yo no soy raro soy tan normal como el más normal de los mortales orgullosamente homosexual!

Este comentario va para las organizaciones o individuos que trabajan con la comunidad o para la comunidad de la diversidad, les suplico no llamarnos a todos Queer, porque es muy ofensivo, que a un niño o adolescente le pongan el título de Queer, y se los impongan sin explicarles el significado y ahora yo, hablo de mí en primera persona me parece un desatino que no nos respeten a los homosexuales y nos llamen queer = raro. Si quieren respeto empiecen por respetarnos a quienes supuestamente nos ayudan y sirven!

Un poco de historia y del porqué es muy importante aceptar nuestra realidad, vivirla sin miedos y con muchísima inteligencia, para no entregársela al primer hijo de vecina que se nos cruce en e l camino!

El viernes de la semana pasada tuve la oportunidad de acudir al llamado de la señora Sandra Ventura Ramírez Directora y Productora de Grupo Transgénero 2000, que está por cumplir 20 años en Marzo del 2020, desde sus inicios el grupo se hizo cada viernes hasta hace aproximadamente 2 años cuando se decidió hacer solamente dos grupos por mes el primer y último viernes de cada mes en el Centro de la Comunidad HLGBTQ+ de 6:30 a 8:30 pm Dirección:

Hablando Franco continua en Pagina 17

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DECEMBER 6 -19, 2019 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

ENTERTAINMENT

Mayhem and joys of Christmas Diversionary’s ‘The Santaland Diaries,’ a perfect fit for the holigays!

By Albert Fulcher

I

t’s the early 1990s and queer humorist/writer David Sedaris tells all about his stint working as an elf at Macy’s in New York City in “The Santaland Diaries.” This one-man show is a nonstop inside look at the joys and insanity of Christmas, at a time when people went to department stores for photos with Santa and up-tothe-last-minute holiday shopping.

Sedaris, or Crumpet the Elf, played brilliantly by Wil Bethmann, is full of holiday satire, joy, and an amusing look at the Christmas holiday time. The play moves along as quickly as the queer quips, bringing a lot of laughter, especially to those old enough to remember the times before online shopping and the hectic atmosphere of malls across the country during the holiday season.

Sedaris moves to New York with a dream of being a star on his favorite soap opera, “One Life to Live,” but quickly finds out that fame is not coming as quickly as his goals. This leads him to answering a call to work at Macy’s, where he is assigned the position of an elf in many capacities of Macy’s Santaland.

A bitter elf, Crumpet talks about the entire process from hiring interviews to the last-minute shoppers at Macy’s from his own experiences there. Most of the dialogue is a remarkable look at the worst things that the holidays bring out in people but scattered throughout the play are some touching moments that remind you of what the “Christmas Spirit” is all about. He hates the “super elves” that take their role as a reality, the absurdity of the rules of Santaland, drunken Santas, and most of all, his costume and the joyous persona he has to portray.

Bethmann was superb from his first line to his last. One hour is short for a play, but one hour of constant conversation can be an eternity if not done well. This is no small feat. Bethmann delivered every line, part and physicality without a hitch. He rolled through the entire production, leading the audience into laughter with every line. The hour went quickly, so much that it was disappointing when it was over with.

There are some remarkable moments in this play: Crumpet’s dealings with children and parents, working with several different Santa’s, the joys and horrors of taking pictures with very young children, and the very high standards of being an elf in Santaland.

This is a perfect holiday event for our community and director Anthony Methvin did a phenomenal job of helping this play come to life with a limited set and a one-man band, so to speak. This is not just a play, it is a Santaland experience. As you travel up to the theater, you have a chance to get your photo taken with Santa before the show begins — a fun beginning. And after the show, you can also buy tickets to Linda Libby’s HoliGay Storytime, giving you a full-on holiday experience.

David Sedaris (Wil Bethmann) brings humor into an actor who has to take a job as an elf at Macy’s Santaland. (Photo courtesy Diversionary Theatre)

‘The Santaland Diaries’

Runs through Dec. 22 Diversionary Theatre 4545 Park Blvd. #101 Diversionary.org

LGBTQSD.NEWS

CALENDAR

LGBTQSD.NEWS

DECEMBER 6 - 19, 2019 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

Dec DEC 7

DEC 6

TIN ROOM SAN DIEGO The world-famous Tin Room finally makes its grand debut in San Diego! Join us on our very first day as bring a new flavor of fun, entertainment and debauchery to the heart of Hillcrest. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. 3682 Fifth Ave. bit.ly/37PSuQi

BLACK BOX THEATRE Tickets are now on sale for “Wally & His Lover Boys,” a comedy about growing older, dating younger and surviving both. Runs Dec. 7-15. Performance times vary. $25. Black Box Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. bit.ly/2OhFUR4

DEC 6

BLVD COURT BLVD Court is a community event space which will host events thrown by the BLVD and also members of the community. Experience the energy of finely curated music, the connection of gathering with friends, and exploration of local vendors and tasty food. First Friday is the first of its kind on El Cajon BoulevardA few details: Fully immersive pop up event, food trucks, local vendor marketplace, talented DJ’s spinning high vibrational beats and socialize with likeminded people. 2104 El Cajon Blvd. bit.ly/2LlHnVV

Send calendar events to editor@lgbtqsd.news

DEC 11

FILMOUT SAN DIEGO The first Razzie winner finally makes its FilmOut debut! This infamous film from 1980 follows the loose true story of how 70’s icons The Village People came to be! New York City DJ/songwriter Jack Morell (Steve Guttenberg) needs just one big break to get his music heard and land a record deal.

But with the help of his retired supermodel roommate (Valerie Perrine) and an uptight tax attorney (Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce, in her film debut), they bring together six singing macho men from the Greenwich Village scene for an outrageously ’80s adventure of fun, fantasy and disco fever. Welcome to the not-quite-straight story of the creation of the Village People in their one and only musical extravaganza. Landmark’s Hillcrest Cinemas, 3965 Fifth Ave. 7 p.m. $12.50. filmoutsandiego.com

DEC 10

ARTS AND THE TRANSGENDER DIVERSE COMMUNITY Join Diversionary Theatre in a forum to discuss transgender, non-conforming representation in the theater. There is no cost for this discussion, which is a follow up to our September 2019 meeting. 6 p.m.: welcome reception with hosted refreshments, 6:30 p.m.: panel discussion. Reserve for the panel online, call 619220-6830 ext. 104 or email boxoffice@diversionary.org. bit.ly/34z9TuI

DEC 12

HILLCREST TASTE ‘N’ TINIS Join Fabulous Hillcrest as it serves up this festive sip-andshop event for the holidays.

A part of the neighborhood’s Shop Hillcrest for the Holidays campaign, you can take in Hillcrest’s festive holiday decorations while embarking on a self-guided tour filled with delicious drinks, captivating eats, and fabulous local shopping. $25-$30. 4-9 p.m.

Hillcrest. bit.ly/2ryULyN

DEC 12

WILD NIGHT OUT After the San Diego Zoo closes its gates for the evening on Dec.12, a one-of-a-kind event, Wild Night Out—21 and Up, will begin. This exclusive adults-only affair will allow grown-up guests to preview the Zoo’s holiday-themed Jungle Bells presented by California Coast Credit Union celebration and enjoy an evening at the world-famous San Diego Zoo, without the kids and the crowds. Added perks include unique talks with keepers, up-close animal ambassador presentations, a complimentary beverage (choice of beer, wine, soda, or water) and more!

Sandiegozoo.org

DEC 13

FREAKY FRIDAY THE 13TH Please join The Center and #BeTheGeneration for an evening of support and education! This event will cover a broad range of topics related to sexual health. HIV/AIDS, STIs, undetectable status, and PrEP will be some of the topics discussed. The event will also explore the social, cultural, and institutional factors that influence sexual health for both individuals and communities, such as HIV stigma, sex negativity, and racial and genderbased biases amongst health care providers. Attendees can expect a down-to-earth, informative discussion where participation and interaction are encouraged. 6-7:30 p.m.

3090 Centre St. bit.ly/37Q12a1

6

13

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DEC 14

BABYCAKES GRAND OPENING Babycakes is returning to Hillcrest and its official grand opening will be held at its new location from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

3795 Fourth Ave. bit.ly/2L7mnSs

DEC 14

GMSR SPAGHETTI DINNER Gay Men’s Spiritual Retreat is holding its Coming Out for the Holidays Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at the San Diego LGBT Community Center. This event is a family-style buffet, with entertainment, live and silent auctions and more. $20 dinner tickets. VIP table $300.

6-9 p.m. 3909 Centre St. bit.ly/35LyWL9

DEC 17

THE SISTERS’ SATURNALIA Join The San Diego Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at their annual public meeting and winter party. The Sisters will present a wrap-up of 2019 events and distribute monies raised and donated throughout the year to local nonprofits. 6-9 p.m. The Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave. bit.ly/2OzVtF3

Q Puzzle QSyndicate.com

ORIGINAL CYNDI ACROSS 1 Bushy do 5 Just right 9 “Desperate Housewives,” and others 14 Navratilova, for one 15 “That smarts!”

16 Belief statement at Metropolitan Community Church 17 Menu option 18 Load of money 19 Ban targets 20 Start of a song title of 44-Across 23 Future queen of “Star Wars” 24 Type of sci, in college 25 Penetrating path 28 Type of top 29 Trojans’ org.

33 More of the title 34 Unit of flagellation 36 Lubricant 37 Start of a Sappho title, perhaps 38 End of the title 39 ___ Cologne 41 Airport in Israel 42 Abercrombie & Fitch event 44 Cyndi, who was awarded the first Human Rights Prize for work with LGBTQ youth

Solutions on page 17 45 Anthem starter 47 California’s Big ___ 48 Wilde man 49 “Yeah, right!”

51 Bottomless 52 Another song by 44-Across 57 “Don’t Cry ___ Argentina” 58 Make money 59 Features of Disney’s Dumbo 61 Ready to shoot off 62 Lacking manners 63 Do a nocturnal activity 64 Wet-eyed 65 Direction from Susan Feniger 66 William of “Edmond” DOWN 1 Symbol of Tammy Baldwin’s party 2 Rainbow banner, e.g.

3 Singer Norah’s father 4 Excessive ejaculation?

5 On deck, on a pirate ship 6 Board type 7 Sometime defender of gay rts.

8 Woman or man of parts 9 Grinch’s look 10 Raise to the status of Carter Heywood

11 Long, long time 12 Like boobs that don’t sag 13 ’60s radical org.

21 “___ of Grass” 22 Todd Oldham designs 25 Prefix for Da Vinci’s land 26 Failure to accept others, and others 27 Mary’s “MTM” girlfriend 28 More sad about having no porn movies?

30 Sedan alternative 31 Senatorial staffers 32 Ready for anything 35 “Citizen Kane” model 38 They help porn stars stand erect 40 Dorothy Gale lived with her 43 Bangkok continent 44 Pupil of composer Loewe?

46 Talk too much 50 Like a nocturnal emission?

51 “Aida” composer 52 Went lickety-split 53 Shirley’s la Douce role 54 Having no play 55 One of the Three Bears 56 Actor McCormack 57 Target for Richard Simmons 60 Oink pen

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ARTS

DECEMBER 6 -19, 2019 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

LGBTQSD.NEWS

A queer American performance artist, Athey has engaged with religious visual and aural forms throughout his career. The American Academy of Religion recognized his consistently provocative body of work at the intersection of autobiography, creative expression, and critique at the San Diego Convention Center on Nov. 24.

(Courtesy photos)

W

hat a difference 25 years makes. On July 25, 1994, North Carolina U.S. Senator Jesse Helms stood on the Senate floor, and used a performance photo of Ron Athey to attack funding through the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA). Although Athey had never actually received a grant or funding from the NEA, this contributed to Athey being blacklisted in the United States arts community for his controversial elements of BDSM, profuse bleedings and religion iconographies. On Nov. 24, fresh off a residency in Ireland, Athey was presented with the American Academy of Religion 2019 “Religion in the Art” award at the San Diego Convention Center. This annual award is presented to an artist, selected by a jury, “who has made a recent significant contribution to the understanding of the relations among the arts and religions.” I was fortunate enough to both sit down for a lunch interview with Athey, and to attend the Q&A session at which he was recognized for his work.

Before reading another word of this column, I strongly encourage you to do a little research into Athey’s vast catalogue of performance art. There simply is no way for me to do even minimal justice to his aesthetic with writing, and simply typing “Ron Athey” into your YouTube search engine will bring up several options. Even this cannot offer the experience of live performance art, but it can provide some context for our conversations.

We started our lunch conversation talking about his 1981 foray into performance art, and what he wanted to communicate as an artist.

“Something louder than a scream,” Athey replied, “With layers that can take [the audience] into a state.”

Ron Athey: His body (of work)

By Ian Morton One of his earliest attempts was a collaboration with Rozz William, together performing as the experimental duo Premature Ejaculation. In the performance art world, Athey found a way to utilize the elements of his own Pentecostal upbringing to create his own lane in the Los Angeles punk world.

Athey’s youth was spent in a religious community that

performed religion as extreme pageantry — think tent meeting evangelism, Aimee Semple McPherson — and was “anointed as a prophet” at the age of 9. He experienced being rubbed with oil by the congregation, an aspect he later pulled into his own performance, to promote his gift of prophecy.

At 15, in the LA punkrock scene, Athey found an

events @THECENTER Saturday, December 7

Come Home for the Holidays 5-7:30 pm, The Center Join us as we gather to celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions within the San Diego LGBT Community!

Family-Friendly and free to all. Come dance with our DJ’s tunes, learn something new, and meet your “neighbors”!

Holiday refreshments will be provided by community host organizations. For more information, contact Sarah at smerkbenitez@ thecentersd.org or 619.692.2077 x214.

Calling Young Leaders!

Looking to expand and enhance your leadership? The Young Professionals Council (YPC) Academy helps to expand the ranks of young LGBTQ leaders that are ready to expand their leadership in the LGBTQ justice movement by enhancing their skillset and network, with the goal of activating them to grow in positions of influence through movement building, board service, and elected office. Applications for the 2020 YPC Academy class are now open with a deadline of 8 pm on December 31, 2019. For more information about the YPC Academy, please contact the YPC Staff Liaisons at ypc@thecentersd.org.

www.thecentersd.org The San Diego LGBT Community Center 3909 Centre Street • 619-692-2077

Twitter: @LGBTCenter

facebook.com/At.The.Center

Please join The Center and #BeTheGeneration for an evening of support and education! This event will cover a broad range of topics related to sexual health including HIV/AIDS, STIs, undetectable status, and PrEP. The event will also explore the social, cultural, and institutional factors that influence sexual health for both individuals and communities, such as HIV stigma, sex negativity, and racial and gender-based biases amongst health care providers. Attendees can expect a down-to-earth, informative discussion where participation and interaction are encouraged.

The Center is wheelchair accessible. A 72 hour advance notice for ASL interpreters is greatly appreciated. For other accessibility requests or information, please contact dcabrera@ thecentersd.org or 619.692.2077 x109.

artistic community that may not have been able to exist anywhere else, geographically. As he described it, “It’s ‘underground’ in the shadow of something as ‘mainstream’ as mainstream can get. You can meet all these beauties who came to be an actor or actress, but they didn’t make it, and their ‘second best’ turns into something weird and twisted.”

In this world, he found influences by artists like Johanna Went, Annie Sprinkle and authors like Jean Genet. Simultaneously, Athey was exposed to “body modification” in what were called “tabloid magazines,” which were centered in music, but also featured literature around extasis, BDSM and disassociation.

These themes intersected with Athey’s own religious performative experiences and spoke to his fascination with the pageantry of religious iconography. Much inspiration has been pulled from stories and images of martyrs and saints, including the mortification of the body. St. Sebastian, traditionally depicted as being pierced with arrows, has been a recurring self-performed image in Athey’s work. This idea of being pierced and bleeding also connected with his performances centered around the HIV/AIDS epidemic, his own positive status, and the stigma that accompanied the disease. In his Q&A session, Athey expressed that he found himself asking questions, like, “What does healing look like?” as he witnessed the same sort of “snake-oil salesmanship” of “AIDS cures” being peddled that religious communities offered.

Athey’s work has ranged from solo shows, having his own small company, collaborating with other artists, to performances that are staged as full-scale operas.

During the 10 years Athey was blacklisted, he lived and performed abroad, and the range of influences in his body of work is evident. Themes from classical European

iconography, Greek mythology and Egyptian garb are among the many aesthetics that Athey has reframed to illuminate contemporary issues.

As well as pulling from artistic influences, Athey referenced his “biochemistry brain” (he worked at the Salk Institute for a time) and his study of Kabbalah and sex magick.

His most recent work, “Acephalous Monster,” is steeped in Nietzche’s prophecy of “1,000 years of chaos” after the fall of Western Religion, and incorporates text from Genesis P-Orridge’s collection, “Esoterrorist: Selected Essays 1980-1988,” in “cut-up” form.

This multilayered performance positions Athey as “monsters,” mythological and historical, across centuries, and illuminates the threat of fascism in our current climate. About this piece, Athey asserts, “The myths and symbols of the past were attempts to articulate intimation of what is possible.

The themes of mythology are not just archaic knowledge — they are living actualities of human beings.”

Having now leveraged his physical body toward the construction of performance art, Athey recognizes “it’s unnatural to turn yourself into an artistic object,” yet his nearly 40-year tenure speaks to a continued inspiration.

Senator Helms has not been, and will not be, the only critic of the “appropriateness” of Ron Athey’s art, but the artist knows who his work is for. He never set out to create performances to please the masses; as Athey contends, “The people I care about can respond to this work, because they are living it!”

Images and information can be found at ronathey.org and LTD Gallery in Los Angeles will host “Witness,” a retrospective reading of Athey’s texts from 1981- 2019 on Dec. 13. “Pleading In the Blood: The Art and Performances of Ron Athey” is a great text to explore, and there are many videos of performances and interviews to be found online.

ENTERTAINMENT

LGBTQSD.NEWS

DECEMBER 6 - 19, 2019 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

Holiday movies

to cheer with a twist of queer!

By Cesar A Reyes This time of year is never complete without some good ol’ holiday movies! Here are a few of our favorite holiday flicks that should make your season campy, merry and gay.

‘Pee-Wee’s Playhouse: Christmas Special’

Babycakes

You can’t ask Santa for much more than this group of guest appearances; Grace Jones in an over-the-top rendition of “Little Drummer Boy.” Members of any queer kid’s list of gay icons including Charo, Joan Rivers, Little Richard, K.D. Lang and the mother of them all, Cher! It’s like a cup of warm holiday kitsch overloaded!

is back, baby!

By Cesar A Reyes

A

fter a small hiatus from Hillcrest, the ever-sodelicious Babycakes is back and ready to continue serving sweets and more! The last time the folks from Babycakes were in the neighborhood, they had an inspiring business for 11 years full of fabulous cupcakes, pastries, and other baked goods as well as a plethora of beverages.

After 11 years on Fifth Avenue, owners Christopher Stavros and Rafael del Rio decided to look for a larger and fresh space to expand the bakery side of the business.

But now a combination of fate and timing led to the chosen new spot: 3795 Fourth Ave., on the corner of Fourth and Rob-

inson avenues at the charming building formerly occupied by Pinkberry. The Babycakes ambience has been implemented into this new space, with their iconic turquoise walls, vintage gold mirrors and crystal chandeliers that really pull it all together.

Babycakes’ tasty menu has drawn in clientele from all over San Diego County. They take their quality treats very serious. Their bakeshop and coffeehouse, located at 874 Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach, has been a popular hot spot for the past five years. They also continue to utilize their large main bakery in the South Bay for those gorgeous and delicious customized cakes made

by Rafael and his team.

The evolution of Babycakes will now focus more on desserts and fun beverages that pair well together including sparkly wines, Champagne, prosecco and beer.

The fresh new spot is already open for business so you can stop by and grab your favorite black bottom or tres leches cupcake!

And mark your calendars for the Babycakes Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join in on the festivities; red-ribbon cutting, plenty of giveaways and cupcakes with bubbly.

Welcome the boys back to the neighborhood!

‘Holiday Heart’

This one will melt any cold-hearted witch during the season. Ving Rhames (from “Pulp Fiction,”“Mission Impossible” movies, etc.) plays a tough and talented drag performer, Holiday Heart, who, through his compassionate nature takes in a crack-addicted woman and her daughter in an attempt to help them get back on their feet. It’s a story that is full of heart and soul and teaches us that kind humans come in many different forms and gowns for that matter!

Directed and produced by Jodie Foster, this film (an adapted story from Chris Radant) follows a Larson family Thanksgiving, perfectly casted. Eldest and artistic sister Claudia, played by Holly Hunter, middle child and miserably uptight perfectionist Joanne (Cynthia Stevenson), and youngest and gay man-child Tommy (Robert Downey, Jr.) all end up at their parents’ (Anne Bancroft and Charles Durning) house. This makes for an unforgettable Thanksgiving dinner that includes spilled secrets and wine, moist turkeys and bombshells being dumped on laps and much more shenanigans that involve holiday travel, watching a dysfunctional family, and returning to your hometown and seeing the people you left behind. This movie has never gotten enough credit or attention for its comedic worth.

‘Too Cool for Christmas’

‘Meet Me in St. Louis’

It’s more than just a reference in the first “Sex and the City” movie. This 1944 classic film stars gay icon Judy Garland in an unforgettable romantic musical comedy.

Four sisters learn about life, love and the ways of the world in the midst of the 1940 St. Louis World’s Fair. The film is also credited for birthing one of our favorite holiday tunes, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

Babycakes is making a comeback to Hillcrest with all of its specialty cupcakes and baby cakes.

(Photos courtesy of Babycakes)

‘Home for the Holidays’

We’re talking about the 2006 version starring George Hamilton.

This made-for-TV movie follows teenager Lindsay, who is “too cool” to spend Christmas with her family, including her two dads. It takes delivering presents with the real Santa Claus for her to learn the true meaning of family and Christmas. It is one of the few made-for-TV movies featuring a lead with two gay dads. It has just enough campiness and some funny, familiar soap opera staples.

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COMMUNITY VOICES

LGBTQSD.NEWS

Finding memories in old photos

I

OUT UT O OF THE ARCHIVES

By Wendy Sue Biegeleisen Lambda Archives volunteer —Lambda Archives, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to collecting, preserving and teaching the history of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in San Diego and the Northern Baja California region, is located at 4545 Park Blvd., in University Heights. To learn more, stop in or visit their website at lambdaarchives.org.

began volunteering at San Diego Lambda Archives about five years ago, assertively persuaded by then-board president Maureen Steiner.

At the time, I was the primary caregiver for my elderly father, which took up most of my time.

I needed a diversion a few hours a week away from our home that was a positive, fulfilling experience and brought me joy. Sadly, the last two years of his life, Pop needed a lot more care and I had to stop volunteering. This was my life at the time, until Pop passed away in December 2018 at 91 years of age. He lived a good, long life and truly enjoyed the love and attention from my lesbian and gay friends, especially when we attended eight of the San Diego LGBT Community Center’s Winter Holiday celebrations, though he said he only went with me for all the delicious chocolate desserts.

One of the first things I started doing to rejoin the world, a few months after my Pop’s passing, was to start volunteering again at Lambda Archives. What I do is a lot of fun and brings back many memories as I “came out” in San Diego as a baby dyke of 16, back in 1976. The task I have been gifted with is to identify old photographs, when and where they were taken, people in them, what events, along with other significant historical information about a photo. The photos are then digitized along with the photo’s history by Ken Selnick, Lambda’s archivist.

The work is like putting together a history puzzle and the prize is discovering the hidden secrets about our San Diego LGBTQ past.

One of my favorite photos from Rick Duffer’s collection, a photographer for Update Gay newspaper, is of a very young Christine Kehoe and Pat Burke in the early 1980s, having a beer together. At the time, they were the editors of rival San Diego gay papers, Chris at The Gayzette and Pat from Update.

In part of the collection of photos Chris Kehoe and Julie Warren have donated to Lambda Archives is a photo of Chris and former President Bill Clinton.

The importance of this photo is that at this American historical period, a formal public photo of an open lesbian politician with the governing president of the United States was extremely rare occurrence.

While volunteering, I also enjoy seeing memorabilia of our LGBTQ past. One item in particular is a familiar wooden sign, reminding me of the fun times I had at the Wing Cafe, which was a feminist coffeehouse/performance space in Golden Hill during the 1980s.

On occasion, I ran lighting and follow-spotlight for women’s music concerts and events that happened at the Wing Cafe.

There are very few photos of these performances and the Archives is in need of much more photos and memorabilia from our San Diego lesbian feminist groups, bars and experiences.

One feminist comedy per-

formance group that had a start at Wing Cafe, SDSU Women’s Studies events and The Flame lesbian dance club, was the “Kathy and Mo Show” featuring Kathy Najimy, best known for her performance in the movie “Hocus Pocus” and Maureen Gaffney, from the TV comedy “Absolutely Fabulous.”

A little personal herstory: Mo and I went to Clairemont High School in San Diego, we were in the drama club, graduated Class of ‘76 and worked at The Old Globe Theatre together in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Paradigm Feminist Bookstore and Café, owned by Karen Merry, was another gathering place located on Adams Avenue — a gathering place outside of the bars, for lesbians/women in the 1980s and 90s during the second wave of feminism.

We could count on something wonderful happening there at least once a week. Many different types of music, comedy, and poetry slam performances happened there, such as the Kathy and Mo Show, Alix Dobkin, Robin Tyler, Mary Dolan, Judy Fjell, Romanovsky and Phillips, Sue Palmer and her jazz band.

Paradigm also hosted book author readings and signings by Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, Lillian Faderman, Sally Miller Gearhart, Barbara Ruth, and Gloria Steinem just to name drop a few amazing feminists of our time.

I’m sure I’ve gone through and identified thousands of photos by now and there are still many more to go through — thankfully, I’ll be volunteering for a very long time.

There are so many photos of San Diego LGBTQ sports and recreation groups, the Imperial Court de San Diego events throughout the years, the early AIDS years, ACT-UP protest actions and the start of AIDS/HIV organizations, our choruses, the Metropolitan Community Church Follies and other spiritual organization celebrations, the many fundraisers that have happened in our bars, LGBTQ political organizations, protests for equal rights and, of course, LGBT Pride parades, rallies and festivals.

I’d encourage San Diego LGBTQ folk who have been active in the many varied factions of our San Diego community to visit our Lambda Archives, donate your photos and memorabilia, and please come join me in volunteering to identify our LGBTQ history within the photos. Volunteering is also a wonderful intergenerational experience sharing time and stories with the interns from SDSU who work on a variety of projects for Lambda Archives.

Volunteering is a lot of fun and we also share a lot of laughs, memories and personal stories when we’re together!

Christine Kehoe with President Bill Clinton.

Paradigm Feminist Bookstore and Café on Adams Avenue, owned by Karen Merry, was another gathering place for lesbians and women outside of the bars.

(Photos by Lambda Archives)

COMMUNITY VOICES / BUSINESS & SERVICES

LGBTQSD.NEWS

DECEMBER 6 - 19, 2019 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

Frankly Speaking continues from Page 11 BUSINESS & SERVICES

Grupo Herencia Mexicana.

I promised Enrique Morones to come out of retirement by February 2020 to celebrate my 66th birthday, and along with my sister Blood Nicole and the Imperial Court de San Diego, we will raise funds for our own Casa de México. Please save the date in mid-February, I am looking at The Center for the benefit.

I am cordially inviting the community at large to come and check out the great movies constantly (all year long) showing at our Digital Gym Cinema in North Park and also for information on programming for the San Diego Latino Film Festival coming soon in March of 2020 We have added a wonderful lineup of SOMOS

HLGBTQ+ CINE movies with an LGBT theme.

Thank you so very much, Ethan Van Thillo, founder and producer of the festival, and Moises Esparza, director of programming and, of course, the rest of the staff and volunteers. Thank you for a great job every year.

It is very important that we as Latinos support and be a part of our own events. Please check The Merrow and The Rail for their lineup as they have great Latino nights. If you’re planning a party and want the best professional folklorico dancers, I recommend you call Federico Guerrero, founder and producer of Grupo Herencia Mexicana.

I’ve had, and will continue, to work with this great family-oriented group of professional, openminded human beings.

To get in touch with the director, please go to their site: Federico’s Academy of Performing Arts.

Please let me know if you like this column or if you don’t like it. Don’t worry about hurting my feelings.

I have a very thick skin and know the difference between constructive criticism and just wanting to hurt people.

See you next time. Sincerely, Franko Guillen = Franceska.

Please send your comments to frankoguillen@aol.com.

ATTORNEY

COMPUTER/IT SUPPORT

Hablando Franco continua de Pagina 11

Ethan Van Thillo Founder/Producer, Mises Orozco Production Manager Franceska Co-Founder SOMOS HLGBTQ+ CINE (Photos by Franko Gullén)

3909 Centre Ave San Diego Ca. 92103 Teléfono del Centro Comunitario 619692-2077 departamento de servicios Latinos entrada por el estacionamiento planta baja los esperan la señora Sandra Ventura y la Señora Lizbeth Pineda facilitadoras del grupo.

El sábado pasado tuve el honor y la dicha de acudir a una recaudación de fondos para construir nuestra propia casa de México, en el Parque Balboa que será parte de pueblos y relaciones internacionales, el señor Henrique Morones, gran activista Orgullosamente Mexicano, Productor y Conductor del magno evento, tuvo como invitado al Sr. Carlos González-Gutiérrez Cónsul General de México, Director en San Diego, a la Señora Mariana Villegas, del Gobierno de México y como oradora principal a Erica Alfaro, M.Ed.una hermosa mujer con quien me identifique por su historia de lucha constante y por conseguir sus metas en el país de los sueños. Erica, fué traída muy chica y trabajó en los campos de tomate al lado de sus padres, a muy temprana edad sale embarazada y se casa dejando los estudios pero después

de fallido matrimonio y con un hijo por crear se puso una meta y logró sacar su maestría universitaria bravo por nuestra gente del campo, sí se puede! Lo que la hizo famosa alrededor del mundo es que sus fotos de graduación no fueron las fotos comunes, ella por respeto y por honrar a sus padres, se tomó las fotos de graduación con su papá y mamá en el campo de tomate donde sus padres y ella trabajaron, las fotos subidas al internet con su historia se hicieron virales y fue entrevistada por cadenas muy importantes de Estados Unidos y del mundo.

Felicidades Erica Alfaro! Eres un verdadero ejemplo a seguir!

También en el evento estaba nuestro gran aliado y amigo Todd Gloria, siempre atento y educado con la gran humildad que lo caracteriza y lo dice alguien que lo conoce desde que era un joven, lleno de ilusiones y metas, todas las ha logrado y trabajado y trabaja para todos con honestidad y sabiduría, los invito a votar por nuestro próximo alcalde de la Ciudad de San Diego.

Les hago una cordial invitación a nuestro Digital Gym Cinema en North

Park 2921 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, Ca. 92104 Teléfono 619-230-1938 para información de cartelera y cualquier pregunta que tengan acerca de la organización favor de hablar con el señor Ethan Van Thillo fundador y productor o con el señor Moisés Esparza Gerente de Producción. El cine es parte de San Diego Latino Film Festival una organización no lucrativa para ayudar a nuestros/as niños/as y jóvenes adolescentes a mantenerse alejados de las pandillas y de las adicciones a las drogas.

Es muy importante que apoyemos nuestra cultura, y si se trata de cultura y profesionalismo pasión y entrega total en el escenario no se diga más Grupo Folklórico Herencia Mexicana: Fundado y dirigido por el señor Federico Guerrero a quien tengo el placer de conocer y saber de su dedicación y entrega me ayudó a conducir El Festival de Orgullo Latino San Diego cuando lo llevamos a cabo en San Diego tambien me ayudó a conducir Miss Gay Internacional y con el ballet me han acompañado en mis presentaciones y han logrado grandes triunfos para ellos y grandes reconocimientos para mi persona con entrega y profesionalismo! Su pasión y el amor por la cultura el folklore y la danza de México lo llevaron a perfeccionar la danza y a crear el Grupo Folcklórico Herencia Mexicana logrando grandes triunfos para más información favor de entrar a su página: Federico’s Academy of Performing Arts para información y contrataciones.

Favor de comentar si les gusta o si no les gusta también, no se preocupen tengo la piel muy gruesa y no tomo nada a nivel personal me considero lo suficientemente inteligente como para distinguir entre el consejo constructivo y el que se hace con la intención de hacer daño!

Se despide por ahora Franko Guillén = Franceska.

comentarios a frankoguillen@aol.com

PUZZLE SOLUTION

LGBT SLOGANS from page 13

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NIGHT LIFE: THE BAR SOCIAL SCENE

LGBTQSD.NEWS

Homo for the holidays

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM Korie Houston

“My homo away from home (of course I had to slip that joke in here), is Redwing Bar & Grill. For those of you who don’t know, it is a karaoke spot and one of the only gay bars in the heart of North Park” — Korie Houston

—Korie has worked within the LGBTQIA+ community since coming out in college in 2014. With five-plus years of experience working with marginalized communities in various positions such as a peer educator at California State University San Marcos’ Gender Equity Center, a writer at the RAGE Monthly Magazine and as a host at Baja Betty’s. He currently works at University of California San Diego providing support to students. His journey as an undergraduate student at CSUSM provided him the skillset and depth he has in his current role.

MY TOP 5 TIPS FOR KARAOKE

1. Never sign up to sing “American Pie”.

It’s over 8 minutes long and its sure to either clear the bar or annoy everyone after they’ve sung along for the first 3 minutes.

I

t is officially the most wonderful time of year. Well, for some of us, anyway.

2. Liquid courage might get you to the The holidays can be a stressful time for the stage l, but too much of that liquid will LGBTQ community. Gathering with family that sometimes don’t support your political have you falling off it. views, the risk of outing yourself and the pressure to find that absolute perfect gift 3. Tip your Karaoke host, they are there for someone are just a few of the stressors to keep the good times rolling and that come with the holiday season. A lot will usually assist in a duet; whether of the holiday stressors have one theme in you ask for help, or they decide you common — family. need it!!

Chosen families have long played a central role in our community. They come Regina Styles karaoke host at Redwing. (Courtesy photo) in the form of mentors, friends, partners 4. Don’t get on stage when others are and sometimes even your actual blood they affirmed for me that I singing unless they invite you, their relatives. For those of us who have the was home. Each time I came song their time, wait for your turn privilege of having people in our lives that back, I slowly got to know the stage hog! accept us no matter who we love or what staff that works there, and we look like (myself included), we should they’ve all come to accept that 5. Karaoke is all about having FUN! remember that not everyone when they see me has the same opportunities.

Its not the American Idol finals l, so walk through those For a lot of queer people, they doors. I’m going to sing don’t judge; cheer anyone on who first find that loving family in the greatest song of our has the courage to get on stage. a gay bar. Even those who do generation, “Never Gonna Vulnerability is sexy, even if it’s rough have an accepting family home Give You Up” by Rick on the ear drums. (these being the ones I share Astley. a story with) may feel that, One of my absolute while the world has moved favorite bartenders in forward and the gayborhood all of San Diego happens may no longer the only place to work at this bar, Tim you can find acceptance, they Kelly. Tim is undoubtedly still feel alienated until they one of the most sarcastic find that same chosen family. people I have ever met in After all, few outside of the that work at Redwing are so much like home. my life, but that’s what community can prepare you on more than just listeners.

They engage When you are questioning your whole makes him so endearing.

Tim Kelly is a bartender at Redwing. how to navigate what it means (Courtesy photo) you and push you to be authentic sense of self, a room full of people just A lot of people say that to be queer, or how to find that when you’re there. People like Tim and existing can help you realize that you betheir bartenders are like sense of community with people like you.

Regina are able to draw you in and long. This is just one way that I can sum their therapists. Someone that will My homo away from home (of course I make you feel that you have a sense of up how a place that was once strange to listen to their problems and treat them had to slip that joke in here), is Redwing belonging when you’re sharing space me nonetheless helped me accept a part like they matter (if you pay them, Bar & Grill. For those of you who don’t with them. That’s what makes it feel of myself that I didn’t understand. naturally). I can say that the people know, it is a karaoke spot and one of the only gay bars in the heart of North Park.

While I never had a formal coming out experience (wearing my rainbow flag high whether I wanted to or not may have been part of it), I still struggled with my identity. Despite this struggle, I knew one thing for sure when I walked through that door only a few months after I turned 21 and heard someone singing “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston — I was home. Though it may make me a cliché, I must admit that Whitney shaped my acceptance of myself.

After a shot of liquid courage (that may or may not have been Fireball), I sang “No Scrubs” by TLC (I’m making myself sick just typing this sentence out). Needless to say, I butchered the song and TLC probably TIN ROOM SAN DIEGO MO’S HILLCREST PECS BAR THE MERROW would sue me if they heard me. Regina/ Grand Opening Dreamgirls Revue Taste ‘N’ Tinis REUNION Bear Club Sabbat Ricky Styles, one of the karaoke hosts read me for filth, of course. It’s not because I The World Famous Tin Room -FUNdraiser Join Fabulous Hillcrest Happy Hour San Diego’s Premier Gothic sang horribly, but because the microphone finally makes its Grand deJoin the Dreamgirls for asthey serve up this festive West and Brian, the men Industrial event with DJs was too close to my mouth and he said but in San Diego!! Join us on the annual drag show sip and shop event for behind WesternXposure and Vaughn Avakian and Lance something along the lines of, “It’s not a our very first day as bring a fundraiser. Enjoy an evening the holidays! Embark on a Bears on the Prowl in Palm aka Liquid Grey, hosted dick, don’t put it too close to your face.” It new flavor of fun, entertainof great entertainment self-guided tour filled with Springs, are back with their

by Robin Roth and your was then that I knew that I had to come ment and debauchery to the while supporting the work delicious drinks, captivatlocal SD gathering here at Sabbat Go-Go Ghouls. back. They didn’t judge me for being myHeart Of Hillcrest. 6 p.m. of TransFamilySOS. ing eats, and fabulous local PECS. Enjoy Cocktail and 9 p.m.-2 a.m. self, and even as I got read for the shame that I brought to TLC’s magnum opus, 7-10 p.m. shopping! 4 p.m.-9 p.m.

Beer Specials! 5 -10 p.m.

Your guide to night life adventures

DEC 6

DEC 11

DEC 12

DEC 13

DEC 14

HOLIDAYS

LGBTQSD.NEWS

DEC 6

GRINCH Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” is a wonderful, whimsical musical. Back for its 22nd incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “This Time of Year,”“Santa for a Day,”“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Fah Who Doraze,” the delightful carol from the popular animated version. Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Whohash. Runs through Dec. 29. $19-$84. Visit theoldglobe.org for dates and show times.

DEC 7

DEC 6

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ “A Christmas Carol” returns to Cygnet Theatre for its sixth season of cheer. It has become a true holiday favorite, with San Diegans making Scrooge, the spirits, and the Cratchit family part of their holiday tradition.

And for the first time, Cygnet Theatre is pleased to add a sensory friendly performance to the schedule. The familyfriendly musical runs through Dec. 29 at Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St. $40. cygnettheatre.com

DEC 6

DEC 6

‘THE SANTALAND DIARIES’ From the brilliantly twisted mind of David Sedaris comes a classic tonic for the “holidaze.”

Out of work and options, “The Santaland Diaries” finds David as he begins his career as an elf in Macy’s Santaland during the holiday crunch. Battling throngs of rabid families clamoring towards a drunken Santa to satiate their Christmas fix, David makes do with some hilarious observations on human nature, and an unexpected connection to the holiday spirit. Runs through Dec. 22. $22.50-$25. Dates and times vary. Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. Ste. 101. bit.ly/2PF6t54

DECEMBER NIGHTS The city of San Diego’s 42nd annual free holiday festival in Balboa Park. December Nights will kick off the holiday season this Dec. 6 and 7, and feature light displays, inspirational choirs, bands and dancers, amazing food and fun-filled attractions. bit.ly/2Oxx5Un

VILLAGE PEOPLE December Nights is thrilled to welcome the world-famous musical group Village People to perform at 6:30 p.m. at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion stage. This is a holiday gift to the people of San Diego and December Nights is the perfect setting for the Village People to introduce their new Christmas album “Magical Christmas.”

Free event. Balboa Park. bit.ly/2P0mgcH

DEC 8

PRIDE IN TOYLAND Celebrate the holiday season with San Diego Pride. Grab the kids, the neighbors, friends, and the whole family, and come down to beautiful North Park for our tradition of ensuring LGBTQ families are represented in the North Park Toyland Parade. Pride is staging in Division 4. Division 4 staging area: Lincoln Avenue west of Utah Street. The North Park Toyland Parade has been revitalized by the North Park Main Street Business Improvement District with the help of the North Park Lions Club and local business owners. The parade is held along University Avenue between Utah and Iowa streets, rain or shine. The event is free and appropriate for all ages. bit.ly/33yrEce

COME HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Join the San Diego LBTT Community Center as people gather to celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions within the San Diego LGBT community. Family-friendly and free to all. Come dance with DJ’s tunes, learn something new, and meet your neighbors.

Holiday refreshments will be provided by community host organizations. 5-7:30 p.m.

3909 Centre St. bit.ly/37Q0iBF

‘A WINTER’S NIGHT’ A cozy cup of hot chocolate by a roaring fireplace, while snow falls softly outside the window… not exactly your typical San Diego winter story.

But for one Sunday evening in December, let the San Diego Women’s Chorus transport you right into that wintery holiday mood! Join for “A Winter’s Night,” a cabaret-style evening of music and holiday merriment, featuring more than 30 of the talented women of San Diego Women’s Chorus. You’ll enjoy traditional songs and modern favorites, from “O Holy Night” to “The Christians and the Pagans,” as well as dance and comedy. sdwc.org

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Local Finds to get you in the

holiday spirit

By Cesar A Reyes eyes

FESTIVE HOME FE Cody’s Home + Gift 1029 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

FESTIVE FASHION HION Luigi Vera One of a Kind Boutique

3823 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103 619.291.5988

DEC 8

DEC 7

DECEMBER 6 - 19, 2019 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

619.269.7264

FESTIVE TREE Hillcrest Ace Hardware

1003 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 619.291.5988

FESTIVE TREATS FEST Babycakes 3795 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103 619.90.2282

FESTIVE CARDS Calypso Collective 502 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103 619.228.9459

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DECEMBER 6 -19, 2019 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5

OUT & ABOUT

The 32nd Annual Scott Carlson & Dan Ferbal

Thanksgiving Community Dinner

On Nov. 28, the Imperial Court de San Diego held its 32nd Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the San Diego LGBT Community Center, serving more than 600 meals to women, men, children, and families to provide a safe place to celebrate the holiday. (Photos by Big Mike Phillips)

LGBTQSD.NEWS

Tree of Life Ceremony For almost three decades, Mama’s Kitchen commemorated World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 at the Village Hillcrest Retail Center with its Tree of Life Tree Lighting Ceremony. It provided the opportunity for the local community to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illness.

(Photos courtesy F&L Digital Media Solutions)