LGBTQ San Diego County News May 2022 Volume 3 Issue 15

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MAY 2022 voluMe 3 issue 15

May 6, 2022 voLuME 3 iSSuE 15

LGBTQSD.NEWS

COMMUNITY vOICes

TheaTer

In The Heights presented by San Diego Musical Theatre p16

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Conversations with niCole Police and Sheriff to March in their Uniforms p7

Big Mike & Friends Featuring Lillian Faderman p8

trans talk with Connor Celebrating Mothers: Pioneers of Unconditional Love p10

Travel

liFe Beyond therapy It’s Time for a Retreat p9

Becoming a Sailor, The Virgin Way p12

out at the arChives 200 Years of Freedom for Whom? p11

From Fat to Fit – The (Mostly) Easy Way p14

PrIde

bY The beaCh PrevIew ew

healTh

PUblIC servICe

City attorney news Keeping Public Meetings Safe and Civil p6 COUrT News

Anti-Gay Man Targeted Hillcrest Man on Dating App Gets 76 Years p19

Pride by the Be ac Planning Com h m (courtesy imag ity es)

baCk to in-person priDE DE Celebration ThiS yEar’S ThEME iS “ToGEThEr”

Ana C. Reyes (courtesy image)

bIdeN NOMINaTes bI “OUT” laTINa TO d.C. COUrT

Celebrate when voi voiCes are elevated to the ben benCh who have not previously been heard from that high up.

By allan acevedo & Lisa Nava

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fter a two-year hiatus, the North County LGBTQ Resource Center’s staff, board, and volunteers are excited to return to in-person celebrations for this year’s 2022 Pride by the Beach celebration, hosted on Saturday, June 11, 2022, from noon – 6 P.M. This year is especially momentous because Pride by the Beach turns 15 years old!

The festival is free, family-friendly, and alcohol and tobacco-free with more food and retail vendors than ever before –including vegetarian and vegan options.

By allan acevedo

B

he fight for equality, privacy, and autonomy for the LGBTQIA+ community is far from over. The work towards a more perfect union which celebrates our diversity as an asset is never ending but will seem Sisyphean if the work of the last half century is dismantled before our eyes with the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

iden’s historic nominating of Ana C. Reyes for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia continues efforts to ameliorate Trump’s court packing.

Reyes could make history as the first Hispanic woman, and the first out LGBTQ+ individual, to serve on the United State District Court for the District of Columbia. Haters are going to say her identity doesn’t matter and we should look at her qualifications – oh just you wait – but it’s important to take inventory and reflect on the makeup of our court systems and celebrate when voices are elevated to the bench who have not previously been heard from that high up.

Reyes is an advocate for women and asylum seekers and brings an impressive resume of lived experiences, scholastic achievement, judicial clerkship experience, and pro bono advocacy that more than qualify her for this nomination.

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wIll The leaked alITO drafT set new preCedent to dismantle hard fought Civil liberties?

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By allan acevedo & Brittany Berger

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pride by the Beach preview continued from page 1 Two stages for live entertainment and community will feature live music, spoken word, elected official and keynote addresses, and an inaugural pet contest.

The festival attracts up to 10,000 visitors to downtown Oceanside, just blocks away from the actual beach—and the Top Gun house.

Gay Queer Prom, as well as the local Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and Oceansidebased Asteria’ Le Fierce (Lee Amethyst).

About Pride by the Beach The annual Oceanside celebration is the largest familyfriendly and sober-promoting event (non-alcohol and tobacco sponsored product or corporations), in the region.

Theme and Resources: This year’s theme is “Together” which recognizes the excitement and need for our community to come together in celebration, protest, and mutual aid.

Resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals and a youth zone will center mental health services; recovery and harm reduction resources; HIV/AIDS testing; youth and leadership development; and The North County LGBTQ Resource Center’s Unicorn Homes program, a project which finds and trains local host homes to support youth at risk of homelessness.

Dr. Julie Vitale, superintended for Oceanside Unified School District was selected as this year’s keynote address.

Her advocacy work includes implementing a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Department, raising the Pride flag at district offices. And was instrumental in the creating the inaugural Lead with Pride Summit, sponsored by Association of California School

North Coun ty LGBTQ Cent er Staff (courtesy im ages)

Administrators (ACSA) and is serving as the conference chair.

Entertainment: The Los Angeles-based BOI BAND will perform on the main stage, just one day after their official EP release and as part of their EP release weekend. You can check out their music video, Ferris Wheel, on YouTube, where it has been viewed over 33,000 times.

BOI BAND an all-Queer pop vocal band comprised of singers of various sexual orienta-

tions and gender identities, “representing the beauty and diversity of the Queer community,” according to their website.

Hosting the event is popular nightclub owner and Drag entertainer Paris Sukomi Max and community activist Butterfly Luv Hugz.

Other performances include Las Sabrosas, a Latin orchestra, back by popular demand after closing out last year’s North County LGBTQ Resource Center ten-year anniversary gala.

DJs include DJ Ciara Beats and DJ Topeka Clementine “Kai.” Local performances include theholyrainbowclub, aka Lana, an Oceanside-based artist who is passionate about music and helping others see the divinity within themselves.

Tony Ocean, rap and R&B artist, will also perform, known for his Oceanside-tribute song, Endless Summer.

Local drag performers will include Escondido rising legend, Miss Keri Oki, who just performed at the 2022 Say

About The Center The North County LGBTQ Resource Center’s mission is to serve, empower and advocate for San Diego North County’s diverse LGBTQI+ community.

The lifesaving services and programs The Center has created have helped thousands of LGBTQIA+ people. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 global pandemic, The Center has never closed its doors, and has in fact, increased its services to the community.

The Center’s reach extends to over 13 cities in the North San Diego region, as well as Camp Pendleton. Programs include mental health resources, support groups for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals, middle school and high school support groups, HIV testing, PReP and STI screening navigation, and transitional housing navigation for youth at risk for homelessness.

As stated by Max Disposti, Executive Director and Founder, “We know that every person is worthy of dignity and respect.” The Center envisions a community where everyone lives in equality, feels accepted, valued, safe and free from social stigma. Everything we do is heart-centered and stems from love.

Join in the celebration and learn more about Pride at www.PrideByTheBeach.org and about the North County LGBTQ Resource Center at www.ncresourcecenter.org.

Make a dIffereNCe dUrINg “be kINd TO aNIMals” MONTh small steps Can make a big impaCt.

By Brian Daugherty, SDhS Svp & Chief of philanthropy & Communications

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ay is national “Be Kind to Animals” month, and San Diego Humane Society is inviting the community to join the movement to make a lifesaving difference for pets and wildlife in need.

Those driving on the 805 freeway may notice a new billboard catching their eye on their commute. San Diego Humane Society’s colorful advertisement is just one piece of a campaign inviting the public to help Create a More Humane San Diego.

It’s part of the organization’s campaign to build a movement of support for animals and the people who love them.

A key message of the campaign?

Small steps can make a big impact.

Each year, the organization cares for more than 40,000 animals in need, an achievement that is only possible with the support of dedicated San Diegans — from donors, to volunteers and fosters, to social media advocates. During the Spring months, the shelter is especially busy with orphaned babies — from kittens to rabbits and songbirds — in need of care,

making it an especially important time to get involved.

There are so many ways to get involved in San Diego Humane Society’s work and help save lives.

And during the month of May, one of the simplest things you can do to be kind to animals is to commit to taking a small step to benefit pets or wildlife in need.

You can help Create a More Humane San Diego by: • Being kind to all living creatures. From adopting a pet in need to learning how to compassionately coexist with our local wildlife, there are countless ways to be kind to animals in our community.

• Speaking up. Report suspected animal cruelty and neglect to our Humane Law Enforcement team.

Humane Officers are available 24/7 to help animals in need.

• Using your time, talents or resources to help animals. In addition to on-site volunteer opportunities at their multiple shelter locations, San Diego Humane Society needs foster

volunteers who are willing to temporarily open their homes to animals in need — from litters of orphaned kittens to adult dogs with special medical requirements.

• Joining the conversation. Follow San Diego Humane Society on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok to stay up to date on the organization’s lifesaving work, and enjoy plenty of adorable animal content.

To learn more about how to get involved with San Diego Humane Society’s lifesaving work, visit sdhumane.org.

As Senior Vice President and Chief of Philanthropy & Communications, Brian oversees fundraising, marketing and communications for San Diego Humane Society. His team is tasked with raising the vital donations that enable San Diego Humane Society to fulfill its mission. With more than 25 years of experience in philanthropy and an unwavering passion for animal welfare, Brian’s guidance plays a critical role in our ability to “Inspire Compassion” in San Diego, and beyond.

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Biden Nominates “out” Latina to D.C. Court continued from page 3 Ana C. Reyes (courtesy image)

“reYes’ dIversITY Of lIved exPerIeNCes as aN IMMIgraNT aNd POwer lesbIaN are asseTs whICh wIll helP add TO The rIChNess aNd dePTh Of OUr COUrT’s abIlITY TO refleCT, aNd bY exTeNsION, server OUr PlUralIsTIC sOCIeTY.”

Reyes is a partner and co-chair of Williams and Connolly’s International Litigation Practice Group. Prior to her elevation to partner in 2009, Reyes was an associate since 2001. Reyes served as a law clerk for Judge Amalya Kearse on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 2000 to 2001.

She received her J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 2000 and a Masters in International Public Policy from the Johns Hopkins School of International Studies.

Reyes was a born in Uruguay. At the age of five she emigrated from Spain to the United States.

She grew up in Kentucky and stayed there for college because she got a full scholarship, and she couldn’t afford to go anywhere else. She graduated summa cum laude from Transylvania University. She deferred enrolling at Harvard Law School for a year to work for The Feminist Majority Foundation, where she continues to serve on its board of directors to this day.

Reyes is a “recognized leader in this generation of rising legal talent,” especially in cross-border litigation and international arbitration, according to her biography online with Williams & Connolly, LLP. Her practice areas range to include, among others, “foreign sovereign immunity to international contract disputes to patent enforcement.”

Reyes also serves on the firm’s pro bono committee representing asylum applicants in Immigration Court. The National Law Journal listed Reyes as one of the top 40 minority lawyers under 40.

She has served as a Clinical Visiting Lecturer at Yale Law School teaching Advocacy in International Arbitration as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown Law School teaching a course on the use of experts in federal courts.

President Biden (courtesy image)

Reyes has earned many other accolades including: The Legal 500 as a “Next Generation Lawyer” (20202021) as a “Local Litigation Star” (2019-2022) from Benchmark Litigation. The National Law Journal has recognized her multiple times, including on its Outstanding Women Lawyers list in 2015.

In 2017, the Women’s Bar Association of D.C. named her as its “Woman Lawyer of the Year.” In naming her for this award, the Women’s Bar Association emphasized, Reyes leads “by example, advocating for justice, and promoting the advancement of women in the profession.”

In accepting that award, Reyes noted advice from her mother: “Know that if you do not use your law degree in some way to help disadvantaged people, I am going to be incredibly disappointed in you.” Reyes thanked the Women’s Bar Association for giving proof to her mother that she does “in fact listen to her.”

In listening to her mother’s advice, for more than a decade Reyes has devoted significant time to pro bono representations of asylum seekers and refugee organizations, including numerous appellate matters for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and

impact litigation for Human Rights First.

In 2016, she received the Legacy Award by Unlikely Heroes for her successful representation of young women escaping persecution by a regional terrorist organization.

Last October, Reyes was appointed by Chief Judge Beryl Howell and the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia as Chair of the Next Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel for the Court.

The panel is entrusted to “recommend to the court for consideration individuals whose character, experience, ability and commitment to equal justice under the law fully qualify them to serve as U.S. Magistrate Judge.”

In announcing this and four other federal judicial nominees, the Biden White House emphasized this action as a continuation of his “promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country.”

Reyes has the qualifications, experience, and legal temperament to have earned this nomination. Reyes’ diversity of lived experiences as an immigrant and power lesbian are assets which will help add to the richness and depth of our court’s ability to reflect, and by extension, serve our pluralistic society.

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Will The Leaked alito Draft Set New precedent continued from page 1 The intersectionality of civil rights’ protections for safe abortion access, same-sex marriage, and anti-racism is in stark display before the mainstream media. Politico released a leaked draft opinion, ostensibly written by Associate Justice Samuel Alito for the majority of the United States Supreme Court in Dobbs v.

Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

A person familiar with the process said four other Republican-appointed justices — Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett —voted with Alito in the conference held among the justices after hearing oral arguments in December.

Importantly, two of those justices, Kavanaugh and Coney Barrett would not have been part of this court but for the Republican’s court packing scheme which gave them the conservative majority they needed to begin dismantling Constitutional protections.

If this opinion stands, young women and those capable of reproduction will grow up in a world with limited control over the choice of whether, when, and where they give birth.

Our community knows this is not just a women’s rights issue, it is a bellwether issue that portends further erosion of civil protections.

Same sex couples may face more scrutiny for marriage and family planning. Transgender people are still fighting for protections and access to gender affirming care. This unprecedented reversal will set back so much progress, all depending on what state you happen to live in.

The Case Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992) are cases which have, for 50 years, defined the legal floor for protections for accessing safe, legal abortions.

At the time of Roe, 30 states prohibited abortion at all stages except to save the life of

IF ROE FALLS...

ALL 14TH AMEnDMEnT RIgHTS ARE On THE TABLE! the mother.

At issue is that Mississippi passed the Gestational Age Act which prohibits someone from inducing an abortion if the probable gestation age of fetus is greater than 15 weeks.

In the leaked opinion, Alito, a George W. Bush appointee, declares a necessity to overturn precedent because “the Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision.”

In developing this opinion, Alito takes issue with rights that are not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, not “deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition” and not implicit “in the concept of ordered liberty” (citing to Washington v.

Glucksberg, dealing with a ban on assisted suicide).

By that same logic, neither same-sex marriage (Obergefell) nor the right to anal sex free from government overreach (Lawrence) are rights explicit in the Constitution,

nor rooted in history, nor implicit in the concept of ordered liberty.

Without a hint of irony, Alito warns of the need to exercise “utmost care” lest the “liberty protected by the Due Process Clause be subtly transformed into the policy preferences of the Members of this Court.”

Alito then begins a one-sided “historical” analysis of common law abortion, concluding that abortions have often been made illegal after the archaic concept of “quickening.” Paired with this analysis, is a recognition that in 1868 (when the 14th Amendment was passed), 28 of the 37 states made abortion after this “quickening” a crime – though what that has to do with a pre-viable fetus even Alito does not attempt to explain.

Alito also likes to emphasize at the time of Roe’s passage, 30 states prohibited abortion except to save the life of the mother. Alito underscores that there was “no support” for the

right to an abortion, not even “learned treatise” but then immediately contradicts himself by mentioned law review articles of the same period which did support such a right.

Alito later goes on to try to differentiate between “liberty” and “ordered liberty” without providing any legal citation. In law, we call this dictum, and it’s nothing more than a justice’s own personal opinions.

The types of personal opinions Alito goes to great lengths to complain about “other” judges incorporating into their legal opinions.

In dismissing arguments that rely on Lawrence and Obergefell, Alito next complains “attempts to justify abortion through appeals to a broader right to autonomy and to define one’s ‘concept of existence’ prove too much.”

Too much for whom? Under what authority? Again, Alito provides no legal citation for his personal belief.

Next, Alito declares that to

support such principles would necessarily license “rights to illicit drug use, prostitution, and the like.” Implicitly, what Alito is doing is what he accuses liberals of doing.

He is substituting his own judgment for that of the court and of legal precedent because he doesn’t like the outcome of the application of such liberty principles. Side note, sex work is real work. Legalize it.

In speaking about the need to contribute to “the actual or perceived integrity of the judicial process,” Alito somehow finds the hubris to caution against “judicial hubris” then attempts to define “precedent” by citing a personal essay included in a for-profit book published by Gorsuch. Like really?

In overruling Roe and Casey, Alito claims that those opinions didn’t ground their decisions in “text, history, or precedent.” The issue is that they did, Alito just didn’t agree with its sufficiency.

Weirdly, one of Alito’s weakest lines of reasoning to overturn Roe is that it “looked” like legislation – as if court’s have not issued bright line and factors tests for any number of opinions in various settings.

Later, Alito asks, again without a hint of irony, “On what ground could the constitutional status of a fetus depend on the pregnant woman’s location” Even though the crux of Alito’s argument is that the states should be able to decide the constitutional status of a woman based on her location.

In concluding his need to overturn court precedent, Alito declares that his decision would somehow advance the “even-handed, predictable, and consistent development of legal principles.”

All in all, zero out of 10, would not recommend packing the court with a conservative majority and then claiming the legally superior position of “states’ rights.” As when we discuss the Civil War, the operative question is: A states’ right to do what?

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CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR SMALL BUSINESS! INCLUDING MINORITY, WOMEN, AND DISABLED VETERANS

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Visit us at https://dot.ca.gov/ or email smallbusinessadvocate@dot.ca.gov for more information

Alex Maravilla September 22, 1969 - April 17, 2022

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lex Maravilla was born September 22, 1969 in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico. He was the third eldest of nine siblings. He moved to Madera California in his early teens where he worked the fields for many years. When he reached adulthood, Alex developed a fascination for the art of female impersonation and would perform for the many field workers who attended the local bar.

His determination to make something of himself led him to attend cosmetology school and became a licensed hair and make-up artist. Ready to expand his surroundings, Alex moved to San Diego in 1999 where he worked in various salons and eventually opened his own hair studio in 2004. Alex not only became a recognized face in the LGBTQ+ community, but also in the night life under his alter ego; Alexa Xochitl Pussycat as he seduced audiences with his Latin infused drag shows.

Alex was also known for his charitable work, especially when it came to the Tijuana Orphanage Eunime which he fundraised for and personally gave gifts and supplies to the kids, making it his mission for them feel loved and cared for.

Always happy and willing to help, Alex became a friend to everyone that came in contact with him. He made people feel accepted, heard and loved. Alex passed away on April 17, 2022. He was 53 years old. He leaves behind a large family, his partner Jovan, countless friends and fans, and a drag family who will all miss him dearly.

THE CENTER’S OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2022 • 11 am - 2 pm The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre Street www.thecentersd.org

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keePINg PUblIC MeeTINgs safe and Civil

CITY aTTOrNeY News

Mara w. elliott —Mara W. Elliott was elected City Attorney of San Diego in 2016 after serving as the chief deputy attorney for the Office’s Public Services Section and legal adviser to the city’s Independent Audit Committee and Environment Committee. Elliott and the lawyers in her section held polluters accountable, reformed city contracting, cut administrative red tape, and strengthened the city’s living wage and non-discrimination in contracting ordinances.

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very citizen has a right to be heard at public meetings when decisions are being made that affect our lives, our families, and our community.

Lately, however, this hallmark of American democracy is being tested. Throughout our country, public meetings are being disrupted by people who make the orderly conduct of business difficult. Some disruptors want to prevent contrary voices from being heard. Others hope to stop government in its tracks. Still others are merely seeking an audience.

These situations can be challenging. Elected officials have an obligation to protect the First Amendment rights of their constituents. But they also have a duty to conduct the people’s business in an orderly manner and in a safe environment. When these principles conflict, the public is best served when conflict

(image by shutterstock.com)

resolution tactics are deployed.

Recently my Office held a training on de-escalating conflicts at public meetings in partnership with the California School Boards Association, the County Office of Education, and the National Conflict Resolution Center.

The training was attended by school board members from around the county, many of whom have been on the front lines of our society’s culture wars. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland noted last year the “disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff who participate in the vital work of running our nation’s public schools.”

School board members are generally hard-working volunteers whose community service goes unrewarded and unrecognized, and as a former attorney to school districts, I was pleased to be able to help them.

Here is a synopsis of what we discussed: • Tensions can often be deescalated before they become disruptions. The key is for elected officials to set a tone of mutual respect for people’s ideas and viewpoints, even when we disagree, and to encourage people to explain themselves without engaging in personal attacks or other tactics that distract from the issues at hand.

• Many agencies post Codes of Conduct at their meetings or read them aloud when a meeting begins. The elected officials then remind audience members of these principles when discourse veers toward being uncivil. Most people will adjust their behavior in response to clear and appropriate actions.

• Federal, state, and local laws protect public meetings from disruptive conduct that goes beyond First Amendmentprotected speech. These laws are intended to guarantee

the safety of all participants and the orderly conduct of public business. In response to disruptions and protests, agencies can adjourn a meeting, clear a room, and remove people to a safe location.

• Disruptive behavior can include speaking out of turn, refusing to leave the lectern, hateful gestures, and threats of harm. No one has a right to interrupt a meeting to speak on whatever topic they wish, or to interrupt or talk over others.

• Disruptive behavior does not include criticizing an agency or legislative body, harsh questioning, or booing, all of which were found lawful by the California Supreme Court.

• Elected officials need to have thick skin, and to remain calm even if a speaker says untruthful or personally hurtful things – even mean-spirited speech is protected by the First Amendment. Sometimes all an angry person wants is to have his or her grievances heard.

• Calling in law enforcement is a last resort. It should reflect legitimate concerns about public safety, and not a belief that the threat of arrest will lead to compliance.

Threats of arrest will often lead to arrest -- and such incidents can live on long after the initial issue has been forgotten.

We are fortunate to live in a region where political differences are generally aired and resolved with respect.

Maintaining that social code is important to everyone, no matter what your political views are, and is vital to a full and meaningful participation in our democracy.

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LGBTQ San Diego County News PO Box 34664 San Diego, CA 92163 858.886.9458 PUBLISHER Terry Sidie ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Nicole Murray Ramirez nicolemrsd1@gmail.com 619.241.5672 CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cesar A. Reyes creativedirector@lgbtqsd.news EDITOR JP Emerson editor@lgbtqsd.news COPY EDITOR Brittany Berger iceberger@gmail.com SALES sales@lgbtqsd.news 858.886.9458 STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Big Mike Phillips Bmsd1957@gmail.com 619.807.7324 WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA info@lgbtq.news CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Adam Martindale Allan Acevedo Berto Fernández Big Mike Phillips Brian Daugherty Connor Maddocks Gabrielle Garcia Lisa Nava Mara W. Elliott Michael Kimmel Neal Putnam Randall Blaum DISTRIBUTION LGBTQ San Diego County News is distributed free every first Friday of the month. © 2021. 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 © 2022 LGBTQ San Diego County News Editor’s Note: The opinions written in this publication’s advertorial, 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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COMversaTIONs 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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his may be the last year that San Diego Police Officers and Sheriff Deputies will be marching in their full uniforms at San Diego’s annual LGBTQ Pride parade.

After almost two years of countless meetings, proposals, and discussions officers will be allowed to march this year in their uniforms but next year they might be wearing polo shirts and have their weapons concealed.

Since the start of the “Black Lives Matter” movement and the nationwide focus on incidents concerning law enforcement brutality and discrimination, LGBTQ+ people of color and transgender activists in San Diego have become more vocal and spoken out. The recent studies and reports of racial profiling by the San Diego Police Department has made nationwide headlines as well as the number of fatalities of people of color while in San Diego County Jails. These matters have also received

POlICe aNd sherIff TO MarCh IN TheIr UNIfOrMs “poliCe Chief nisleit will be retiring next year”

countywide attention from leaders and activists throughout San Diego. San Diego Pride Executive Director, Fernando Lopez has been on the forefront of the LGBTQ+ activism calling for major change in local law enforcement agencies and has become the major voice for LGBTQ+ communities of color and trans activists.

Two years ago, San Diego Pride decided not to allow “uniformed” law enforcement to march in the annual pride parade but would welcome them “out of uniform”. This year’s parade will be back in-person since the 2020 and

2021 Pride events were held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Word soon got out that Mayor Todd Gloria and other LGBTQ+ elected officials, along with highly respected businessman Chris Shaw and other bar and business owners would not participate in this year‘s parade if the police and sheriff we’re not allowed back in the parade in full uniform.

As the founder of both the Police Chiefs and County Sheriffs LGBTQ Advisory Boards, I came forward with a proposal that would allow both departments to march in their uniforms if they carried

pro-LGBTQ+ civil rights signs.

Both Mayor Gloria and Police Chief David Nisleit supported my proposal.

Further meetings with San Diego Pride, LGBTQ+ law enforcement, people of color and trans activists continue to be held with Fernando Lopez and San Diego Pride getting more commitments of change and future dialogue with law enforcement agencies countywide. Police Chief Nisleit will be retiring next year and LGBTQ+ citizens are expected to be appointed to the official search committee to nominate Nisleit’s replacement. Many San Diego community leaders

are hoping that the next police chief will be a well-qualified person of color. San Diego has had only one police chief “of color” and one female in its long history.

This week the new acting Sheriff Anthony Ray met with the newly re-organized LGBTQ+ Advisory Council to the Sheriff. Max Disposti, Executive Director of the North County LGBTQ Resource Center and City Commissioner Susan Jester were elected the new cochairs of the LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. Sheriff Deputy Kelly Martinez, who is the leading candidate to be elected sheriff, was also in attendance.

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Photo by Rikke Photography

Lillian Faderman (courtesy images)

bIg MIke & 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 619-807-7324, or bmsd1957@gmail.com.

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am excited to introduce our readers to amazing and caring people who live, work, play, and do business in our community and city.

Learning about people of all lifestyles, talents, and personalities who I think would be interesting for our readers to enjoy. San Diego has a wonderful diversity of individuals who make our slice of paradise the greatest place to live and en joy ea ch ot her ’s uniquen es s.

How did you end up in San Diego and what do you love about it?

With my partner of…fifty years now, Phyllis Irwin, I’d been coming to San Diego since the 1970s, to visit her parents. We loved everything about this town--the abundance of little theater, like the Diversionary (one of the first Gay theaters in the country); the ocean and the weather and the many good friends we made here over the years.

So, when I finally retired as a professor at California State University, Fresno, we knew exactly where we wanted to settle for the rest of our lives.

It took a while to find the perfect house—but we found it in 2016. Hardly a day goes by when we don’t tell each other how lucky we are to have ended up here, and together.

What gets you most excited about life?

I love my work. I began researching and writing lesbian, LGBTQ, and women’s history in the 1970s and I just published my sixteenth book, WOMAN: THE AMERICAN HISTORY OF AN IDEA (Yale University Press, 2022). I still get excited about doing research, discovering stories that have been overlooked, and making meaning out of them in ways that will have impact on my readers, particularly on readers in my community. It’s meant a lot to me that I’ve been called “the mother of lesbian history” and “the mother of LGBTQ history”.

What small act of kindness were you once shown that you’ll never forget?

I think we’re most vulnerable in life when we’re kids.

I was pretty lost – suffering

that were closed to my mother, who was almost illiterate in English. If I had a million dollars to spend, I would spend it to improve the education of poor immigrant children—not only to teach them the basics but also to encourage them to dream big and to help them find paths to make their dreams come true.

lIllIaN faderMaN

“I’ve beeN Called “The MOTher Of lesbIaN hIsTOrY” aNd “The MOTher Of lgbTQ hIsTOrY”

along with my single mother, an immigrant from Latvia who was deeply impacted by the tragedies of World War II. I had a fourth-grade teacher, Miss Oshtosh, who really saw me. One day she said, “You’re nervous now, but someday you’ll be wonderful.” That reassurance stayed with me all my growing-up years and even saw me through my Ph.D. program at UCLA. I think her kindness saved my young life.

another—from petty cruelties such as meanness to social cruelties such as homophobia to major cruelties such as war.

The horror and devastation of the war in Ukraine is being brought home to us painfully these days through the media; and I keep thinking with despair that it was ever thus. If only there were some force in the universe that would put an end to these destructive drives in humanity.

If the universe could grant you one wish, what would you wish for, and why?

I would wish that human beings stop their cruelty to one

If you were given the opportunity to travel anywhere in the world, and were able to take one person with you, where

would you go, who would you take and why?

Over the course of our fifty years together, Phyllis and I have travelled to many continents—Europe, Africa, Asia, all over North and South America. We’ve felt so blessed to be able to do that. Now what we love most is our daily life right here in San Diego.

If you had a chance to spend one million dollars on someone, or any group of people, who would it be and how would you spend that money to better them?

In my own life education has opened so many doors

If you could give someone advice about your profession, what would you tell them?

As a writer, I would advise those who want to write to DO IT. I say that from personal experience. For years I had told myself that I really wanted to be a writer…but I didn’t write. I had to discover how to discipline myself—how to make myself sit down and write every day. What I wrote wasn’t always good, but that didn’t matter because, as I also discovered, revising is very much a part of the art of writing. “You can’t be a writer unless you write,” would be my advice to aspiring writers.

Loving yourself is so important to becoming the best of who you are. Please write a couple sentences to describe your loving self and how you want to live your best life?

I’ve been lucky never to feel burned out—not as a professor, not as a writer, not as a gay person, not as a citizen. I feel as engaged today, at 81, as I was at 21. (Maybe even more so.) I want to feel this way to the end—never blasé, never uninterested, always intense in my feelings about friends and work and causes and what’s going on in the world. gratitude is so important in each of our lives, what are you most grateful for, and how do you pay it forward?

When I was a young person all of us who were gay were presumptive outlaws, social pariahs. If anyone had told me then that someday we would be able to marry, that we could be out without worrying we’d be fired from our jobs or kicked out of our homes, that we could see ourselves as an integral part of the patchwork that is America, that we could even run for president—well, I’d have thought that that dreamer was smoking too much pot. I’m grateful for the incredible advances I’ve seen in our rights and our status.

And I hope that in some small ways my work as a writer and an activist has contributed and will continue to contribute to those advances.

LillianFaderman.net

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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.

I

t’s a tough time to be alive.

There’s so much crap in the world swirling around us that even the most grounded and together people I know are struggling. We can’t run away from problems, but we can take a break - giving ourselves a respite where we can recharge and renew. It’s time for a Retreat, where we (temporarily) withdraw from the world, take good care of ourselves and find more peace and satisfaction in our lives.

I have been on many retreats in my 68 years; today I’d like to tell you about three kinds of retreats. I start with the easiest to experience (because it’s free and you do it at home), then I’ll say a bit about meditative retreats, and end with the most luxurious kind of retreats.

The At-Home Retreat. It’s free, easy and you only need some uninterrupted time to be alone (or to share it with a special someone). It can be a morning or a weekend, but let it be – at minimum – at least half a day. You’ll need that long to begin to detach from the demands of the outside world.

Set up your retreat however you like, but give it some kind of structure. Otherwise, it’s too easy to just give up when you get distracted. Create a schedule and write it down.

Then, follow it! Don’t be too ambitious, that’s a set-up for failure. Start modest: you can always have another, more challenging retreat next time.

Set an intention: you want to have a purpose for your retreat, for example, “I want to heal from my bad breakup” or “I want to feel calmer”. Eliminate distractions: turn your phone off and stay away from any electronic devices. Here are some other ideas on creating an at-home retreat: https:// www.calmmoment.com/wellbeing/how-to-have-your-own-diywellness-retreat-at-home/ The Meditative Retreat: You might want to spend a day or two away from home, maybe at the beach, woods, desert or mountains. You could spend the day in some beautiful outdoor place, walking for most of the day (hopefully away from people) and drive home at dusk. Or, you could rent a cabin somewhere nearby (Idyllwild is great for this) or even go for a 3, 5, 7 or even 10-day retreat to a retreat center like Spirit Rock, in Northern California.

(image by shutterstock.com)

IT’s TIMe fOr a reTreaT

when you need to reCharge and renew I have been on several week-long silent meditation retreats: not talking brings up a lot of mental and emotional stuff that we are normally too distracted to notice. It’s not so easy to “be in the present”: it sounds so simple, but I’ve noticed how much I tend to plan the future or worry about the past when I go on a silent retreat.

A retreat center like Spirit Rock offers you support and structure to handle the challenges of silence and meditation, and Spirit Rock offers retreats specifically for the LGBTQ community: https://www. spiritrock.org The Luxury Retreat: When you want to be really good to yourself, it’s great to go to a place where you are pampered and taken care of, can eat wonderful food, explore beautiful places (mountains, forests, hiking paths) and have kind people encourage you to develop your mind/body/spirit. I have had wonderful experiences at Rancho La Puerta, a luxury retreat center and fitness spa just across the border in Tecate, Mexico.

At “The Ranch”, your mind can be stimulated by lectures and workshops given by famous authors, your body can be happy with every sort of exercise imaginable, from Feldenkrais to Aerial Yoga, and your spirit nurtured with many varieties of chanting, sound healing and meditation (sitting and hiking).

Everything here is optional: you choose the kind of retreat you want and there are plenty of knowledgeable staff to help you create it.

Rancho La Puerta is very LGBTQfriendly: I’ve met lots of LGBTQ guests and staff on my visits here.

If you’ve never given yourself a gift like this, there’s no time like the present: https://rancholapuerta.com.

Regardless of the type of retreat you choose, turn off the outside world for a while and find some peace and quiet in these difficult times.

You deserve it.

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lgbtqsd.news

(image by shutterstock.com)

TraNs Talk wITh CONNOr

Connor Maddocks —Connor Maddocks has been a civil rights advocate in the San Diego transgender community for years. He does trainings on legal and personal transition information.

He continues his work, even though he is now retired. Contact Conner at Neon411@gmail.com.

M

other’s Day lands on the second Sunday in May. It is a time to recognize and celebrate Mothers who have been the foundation of our lives. Mothers teach us how to navigate the world, build our self-esteem, and to love unconditionally. For this Mother’s Day edition I will tell the story of a determined and compassionate Mother who, like many others, had to lay a foundation to support her child through his struggle and transformation.

Mary is the Mom of an amazing Transgender man I know. I first met her when her son was only 12 years old. He was assigned female at birth, which made him extremely unhappy. She came to me for help because she knew her child was not fitting in as female and after a lot of research, she was convinced he was Transgender.

She sat down with me and told me all about her child.

She was extremely concerned about him because he cried a lot, was performing poorly in school, had few friends, and seemed depressed. She tried to talk to him about what she had found in her research, and she made it clear that no matter who he was, she would love him. She loved him so much she would move mountains to make him happy. I listened to her story, and it filled me with memories of my own childhood. I knew that pain, I knew that uncertainty he must be going through. I asked her if she could bring him to see me and I would do whatever I could to help.

Mary brought her child in, and he and I had a private session to talk. He remained silent the entire visit and I could sense his fear and distrust. I wasn’t a therapist and I made sure he knew that I was a safe person to talk to.

Finally, after letting him know that I was just a Transgender man trying to help him, I felt a small amount of tension slip away. I wasn’t sure what to do next, so I just told him my story of how I was forced to live my life as a girl and how it made me feel. Ultimately my anguish led to me finding others who were like me, and it was an amazing gift to know I was not alone, that there were many others just like me; maybe, just maybe, he was one

CelebraTINg MOThers: pioneers of unConditional

lOve

“all Of ThIs was dONe fOr hIM beCaUse hIs MOM wOUld NOT resT UNTIl her ChIld was haPPY aNd whOle”

of us too.

A few weeks later he asked to see me again and was ready to talk. He thought he too was Transgender but was afraid to say it to his mom. Even when Moms are the most supportive, it doesn’t make it easier to tell them. Together we decided I would talk to Mary and ask her to allow him time to make this decision when he was ready.

It was 2007 and there were not many resources for Trans folks, especially not for Trans kids. In San Diego there was absolutely no help at that time, not even a qualified therapist for Trans kids. A few weeks later he was ready to tell his mom and family. Yes, he was a boy and he needed help. So, with no resources locally, what now?

With the help of a co-worker we found our angels in Los Angeles, at the Children’s Hospital LA. Dr. Jo was the life saver for so many Trans

kids in Southern California.

She arranged for a qualified therapist and hormone blockers. Later she would prescribe testosterone for him. The incredible effects of testosterone for Trans masculine folks are remarkable as the body transforms into a masculine being but the psychological effects of the hormone are the most magical part. When the brain sees you as male, but your body betrays you, it’s a difficult often traumatic awareness. Having the correct hormone treatments causes massive shifts physically and psychologically to become whole. The same is true for our Trans feminine youth.

As time went on and treatments were started, I could see the change in this young man. He was happier, more outgoing, his grades came up, and he was much more social.

The one big barrier remained though; his breasts still betrayed him. Again Dr. Jo

came to the rescue and recommended a surgeon in L.A. who would remove the breasts and create a masculine chest. Once this was done this boy truly started to shine. All of this was done for him because his Mom would not rest until her child was happy and whole.

She fought insurance companies and naysayers. She spent endless nights researching to make sure all the recommendations were truly the best options. She fought with teachers and school administrators to have her son recognized as his true self.

This work would become the cornerstone of what was to follow here in San Diego.

Groups were started for parents of Trans kids and those parents would benefit from the amazing courage and passion a mom had for her child. This story really is not about just one particular Mother, but a myriad of Moms who sacrificed so much of their own lives to

make sure their kids were treated with the care they deserved, the respect and dignity that all humans should always get. Because ladies like Mary in our community future generations of Trans kids will continue to benefit greatly from their work. They inspired a whole new generation of therapists who specialize in care of Trans youth. Rady Children’s Hospital now has a gender clinic and therapists. Pediatricians around the county have now been educated in the care of our youth. School administrators, from superintendents on down, have more knowledge and empathy for all our LGBTQ+ youth. It’s not perfect, there is still work to do, but thanks to these Mothers from the last two decades, it is a world filled with concrete services for Trans youth, not just possibilities.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there. Thank you for your work.

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OUT Of The arChIves

gabrielle garcia —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.

W

hile scanning objects from an unnamed flat file drawer of miscellaneous materials from San Diego Pride events, Diversionary Theatre, and a private artist, I came across a small doublesided flyer from 1976 that immediately caught my eye.

The words “200 Years of Freedom for Whom?” across the top of the first page are bold and unrelenting. As of 1976, the United States celebrated its 200th anniversary of existence, a country built and maintained by the systemic exploitation and disenfranchisement of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, women, LGBTQ folks, disabled people, immigrants, and poor and working-class people.

1976 was also the year of the second permitted San Diego Pride Parade, entitled “Gay Spirit”, six years after the events at the Stonewall Inn in New York. LGBTQ pride marches and events across the United States were born out of the Stonewall Uprising, led by Black and brown queer and trans folks in response to homophobic, transphobic, racist, and classist police violence in 1969. It is necessary to say that LGBTQ pride owes its very existence to the most marginalized community members who frequented the Stonewall Inn, including butch lesbians, trans folks, houseless folks, sex workers, drag queens, people of color, and those at the overlaps of these identities.

Upon a closer look, this flyer reveals that in the lead up to the 1976 Gay Pride Parade, the San Diego pride committee made decisions to prohibit any “political” signage to be used in the march, shortly thereafter prohibiting any signage pertaining to a group or organization. Such decisions were reached due to pressure by the Imperial Court de San Diego and the San Diego Tavern Guild to shut out the Socialist Workers’ Party (SWP), who were accused of being too “dominating” at the 1975 pride with their signage. These decisions were intended to force SWP members as well as people of other groups, political or not, to be “just a mass of undefined people except for ‘gay pride’ at the beginning and end of the parade,” a flattening of differ-

“Gay Spirit” button, 1976. Button and Pin Collection, Lambda Archives of San Diego.

Marchers behind a banner challenging the Bicentennial, 1976. Gary Gulley Collection (P109.007), Lambda Archives of San Diego.

200 Years Of freedOM fOr whOM?

red sCare and the depolitiCization of san diego Gay priDE 1976 ence and the multi-facedness of the community for a false unity. “The Center, MCC-San Diego, MCC-Oceanside, Military Off-Limits Defense Fund, The Imperial Court of San Diego, Dignity of San Diego, and the San Diego Tavern Guild all withdrew [their participation] at the time” leading up to the march, in response to this flyer that was being circulated by SWP to bring attention to the hypocrisy and injustice of such behavior. Jeri Dilno, one of the pride organizers at the time, even with her own reservations about SWP’s “dominant” presence had said that SWP “was one of the only political groups that identified LGBTQ rights as a part of their platform”.

Such censoring, blatant targeting against SWP (despite their pro-LGBTQ platform), and coordinated attempts to depoliticize pride and LGBTQ identity are contrary to pride’s very origins and insulting to the lived realities of its most disenfranchised community members. This behavior also embodies the same conservative Cold War anti-communism that actively targeted LGBTQ folks, quashed labor unions and struggles, and destroyed millions of lives abroad through war, occupation, coups, assassinations, and sanctions.

Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, two foremothers of the Stonewall Uprising, did

not commit to their activism with Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR)— a radical political collective that conducted political protest and demonstrations, held meetings, and provided housing and support to homeless LGBT youth and sex workers—to have their legacies depoliticized. The patrons of the Stonewall Inn and community members did not fight back against the police for their efforts to be depoliticized.

The Stonewall Uprising was political. LGBTQ Pride is political. The issues, oppression, and violence that the most marginalized in our community face, including homelessness, poverty, police violence, immigration violence, and military violence worldwide, are perpetuated and maintained by capitalism, colonialism, and white supremacy.

The justice, life, and freedom of LGBTQ people are entwined with the justice, life, and freedom of other folks of marginalized backgrounds who are also LGBTQ. I’m reminded of a quote that encompasses this understanding: “There is no thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.” — Audre Lorde LGBTQ Pride must be as multi-faceted in its protest, organizing, and celebration as its community members are.

We as a community cannot be free until the most marginal-

ized of us are free. We cannot allow such harmful divisiveness to repeat AND we must examine the ways in which privileged LGBTQ folks can actively harm other LGBTQ community members of other oppressed backgrounds. We must examine the roles that law enforcement, the military, and the Republican and Democratic parties have played historically and actively continue to play in exploiting and harming LGBTQ folks, especially BIPOC, disabled, immigrant, poor and working class, and houseless folks.

Addressing the uncomfortable subject of assimilation into violent institutions, such as with the recent repeal of the military trans ban or the inclusion of LGBTQ people in American police forces, are vital to challenging the goals and direction of the broader LGBTQ community. What does it mean to gain access to inherently violent occupations and institutions that actively oppresses and disenfranchises marginalized people domestically and abroad as a member of a marginalized community? What lines do we draw?

What compromises do we make? Which hypocrisies and contradictions are tolerable and which aren’t? There are no clear-cut answers to these questions, but they must be reckoned with if we as a community continue to espouse goals of equity and justice.

gABRIELLE’S nOTES ABOuT POTEnTIAL RESOuRCES: https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/LIJSUG966333783/AHSI?u=lambda &sid=AHSI&xid=a32531f7 (Nicole Murray Ramirez’s involvement in 1976 Pride) In 1975 SWP brought a large banner to pride “which had nothing to do with lesbian/gay rights” that folks thought was too dominating; when the parade committee permitted SWP to participate in 1976 pride Murray and Rev. David Farrell of MCC San Diego organized a boycott and distributed leaflets “through bars that announced–falsely–that pride was cancelled Murray: “I never distributed leaflets. It was a community effort that included Rev. David – who went on TV against the parade – and practically every bar owner and every organization leader in the community. I didn’t support the SWP or the Nazis – and I do know the difference – being in the parade then, and I would not support them now.” https://sdpride.org/year1976/ According to this source, The Center, MCC San Diego, MCC Oceanside, Military Off-Limits Defense Fund, The Imperial Court of San Diego, Dignity of San Diego, and the San Diego Tavern Guild all withdrew from pride because SWP was committed to participating with whatever signs they chose https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=-yqStB5wNgM (Jeri Dilno interview excerpt about 1976 pride) notable people to look into > Gary Rees (a director at the center); Gary Gully (SWP member from SDSU; part of 1975 pride planning group); SWP was one of the only political groups that identified LGBT rights as a part of their platform; showed up with large signs in 1975 which folks (like Dilno) had complaints about > they felt like their large signage was “dominating” the event > in 1976 when they came back Dilno told Reese to tell SWP to roll up their signs or she’d cancel things right then and there > they did and were able to march The above resources fail to address the Gay Pride Committee ‘76’s May 27 resolution to exclude all political groups and ideology because “gay pride isn’t political” > then on June 3 the committee ruled that no groups can be in the parade just undefined people with the exception of gay pride banners addressed in the flyer above https://lambdaarchives.org/garygulley-photos/ (includes pics from 1976 pride march) https://sdpride.sdsu.edu/gay-spirit/ https://youtu.be/yD_ IaIT5kjc?t=287 (Doug Moore talking about SWP; 4:47-8:15)

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Travel

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lgbtqsd.news

a reTUrN TO CrUIsINg

adam Martindale —Adam Martindale is a luxury cruise travel agent and specializes in Wine, Food & LGBTQ group cruises & tours. Adam has over 30 years of experience, working for 4 major cruise lines, luxury hotels and resorts as Food and Beverage Director. Adam is a board member with San Diego ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors). Adam specializes in Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises and has been recognized as a “Cruise Connoisseur” Agent for his volume of business with Oceania Cruises. Contact him at 206-399-2138 and amartindale@ cruiseplanners.com

W

aking up in beautiful Miami at an amazing LGBT Hotel Axel South Beach we called our Uber and we were on our way. In under fifteen minutes we enjoyed a beautiful, breezy drive to the port. This time flew by as we passed each cruise ship terminal and got excited seeing all the ships lined up.

Pulling into the Port of Miami the ships grew closer and larger. So, our excitement grew. Arriving at the drop off zone, we slowed down in time to take a picture of Virgin Voyages “AHOY” sign welcoming us.

Passing off our luggage to their polite courier it was now time to check-in. The folks at Virgin made the experience even more streamlined providing five separate entry lines for five time slots. While most cruise lines have a strict, 8:00 am cabin check-out Virgin Voyages does this differently.

Virgin guests have an extended check-out until 11:00 am! We’re not virgin cruisers, of course, but not knowing this before boarding, we chose the 12:50 pm time slot to allow us more time onboard to explore.

Now we were right on time for our group to be escorted for Covid testing. After a very quick 10 minutes for everyone to be tested, we entered the main terminal to begin check-in while we waited for our results. The Virgin way of checking in gave us twenty massive, stunning stations. inside of the terminal. After checking all our information, we were each given a Virgin Voyage’s bracelet made from recycled ocean plastic. “The Band” would act as your room key and your way to pay for anything around the ship. We quickly finished the check-in process and were cleared to move on to the next step.

After waiting on their fabulous scarlet covered beds and couches, we were finally invited onboard. While walking the gangway we were greeted by an energy that confirmed that we were in for a very fun time!

beCOMINg a saIlOr,

the virgin way “save waTer, drINk ChaMPagNe”

Music on. People dancing.

Beer in hand—it was time to explore the ship.

This ship is so beautiful and very sleek. As we explored closer, we noticed all the fun finishes they had added. This is an Adult only ship, but seeing a seesaw and swings, and monkey bars and an entire outdoor gym we knew we were in for a good time! After playing and exploring it was time to eat. Duh. So, we went to the back of the ship to The Wake steak and seafood restaurant. They not only had a full bar and plenty of staff to attend to you but, they had delicious food on offering: made-to-order skewers, shrimp, crispy polenta, filet mignon. I tell you; they were delicious and fresh!!! We were ready for this culinary experience.

We found our stateroom and used our cool wristbands to unlock our door. The lights started to glow a beautiful scarlet color as the blinds automatically draped open revealing our beautiful balcony. That little touch made us excited to explore the rest of our cabin.

The bathroom was a good size and had a beautiful rain shower. Plenty of closet space

and a desk to work at. The balcony has two chairs and the most comfortable hammock I’ve ever been in. The entire room is controlled by a tablet that lets you control the lights, tv, curtains, even the climate. My personal favorite feature is the “Mood” setting. Each “Mood” has a fun sound and lighting sequence.

The first night we ate at the Italian restaurant, Extra Virgin. Fresh, authentic, and vibrant are the words that come to mind as I remember that meal. With the server’s suggested wine pairing the dinner was perfect.

At night you can join “The Pajama Party” wearing your favorite onesie. You get to dance till you drop on the sports deck amidst jacuzzies, ping pong tables, foosball tables all surrounding a stunning half-moon shaped bar.

Our first port was Nassau.

Both of us had been there many times so we decided to explore the ship more. Our first find was the Private Karaoke rooms that you can rent out.

We found the stunning spa offering to be a very relaxing activity you may need while onboard. Next to the massive, two-part gym where they have

everything from complimentary spin, to yoga and many more classes. They also have a cardio room with a lot of machines to use at your leisure.

We then found the Galley. This is where you would normally find a buffet onboard other cruise lines, but as we now know the Virgin way is a little different. The Galley has different varieties of cuisine; simply order with your server who brings it to you at your table. They also have Graband-Go meals for you to enjoy anywhere. They have salads, sandwiches, cheese plates, sushi and bento boxes, plus they change daily. They make it very easy for you to have fresh food available without having to be in a buffet line.

Night two we went to the famous Test Kitchen. This unique experience started right as you walk in as you are greeted with a complementary shot prepared by their mixologist as a palate-cleanser.

While escorting us to our table the restaurant Manager explained how it all works in the Test Kitchen. Our high bar-top table was positioned perfectly to watch the chef preparing what we later found out to be first course. We also had our

choice of either a cocktail or wine pairing with the 6-course tasting. I chose the cocktail while Adam chose wine. The drinks did not disappoint and neither did the unique food—we were amazed! From smokey peas and egg yolk to a beautiful cut of venison, the food was not only delicious, but a show of its own.

After that it was “Scarlet Night”. We grabbed a drink in the casino and then headed into a show in the Red Room with an entrance separated into two sides. Without giving anything away, let’s just say that the show was interactive, exciting, shocking, and an absolute blast! Inside the close quarters it feels like you are a part of the performance.

Now it was time for the “Scarlet Pool Party”. With everyone dressed in their favorite red outfit, it was time to party. As we walked out on to the pool deck, we were greeted by, what I would have to guess is, a 100-foot inflatable octopus with her tentacles waiving around. Inflatable fish everywhere. What caught my eye? The amazing dancers performing full-out in the pool as the DJ spins amazing music in front of the grow wall

eveNTs/ PUzzle

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Q Puzzle

poLiTiCS iS iN My BoNES

that says in bright neon lights, “Save Water and Drink Champagne”. Was I dreaming, or was this cruise ship made for me? As I am taking it all in, our leader of fun invited everyone that was dancing to jump into the pool—fully clothed or not! As I sit and breathe, I thought there is no way. I lost that bet to myself because more than half of the sailors jump in; men in suites, ladies in dresses, costumed people dancing and having the time of their lives. It was at that moment I knew that Virgin has changed what cruising is.

After a wonderful night dancing the night away under the stars, we woke up in the beautiful island of Bimini.

Now Virgin owns a private beach club on Bimini, and we were extremely excited to explore this beautiful island as neither of us had ever been here. We take a very short golf cart ride to the beach club, and as you walk in it takes your breath away. With the turquoise water as the backdrop, you are greeted by a stunning resort-like property. There are forests of hammocks; more day beds on white sand than I have ever seen. Two huge pools with a DJ spinning all

day for you. Underneath the DJ there is a dance floor over the pool. You know the Virgin dance crew is going to get us up there. We ate delicious BBQ food made-to-order. And there are plenty of bars to get drinks that you can just charge to your cabin as if you are onboard the ship. It was seamless. As the sun was setting, they did a bonfire and a show as we all danced the sun below the horizon.

That night before dinner we went to see a Drag show...

Yes! A Drag show on the open seas!!! When I tell you that this Queen was living—well, she was!!! This amazing onewoman Drag show with live vocals was perfect. I may have gone up there and won some champagne. Such a fun night.

We then went to Gunbae for some Korean BBQ. We were sat with three lovely people who we quickly became friends with. They start everyone off by doing a drinking game. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s math, so...I lost. But it made us all laugh together and enjoy the best Korean BBQ I’ve ever had.

Afterwards, we decided it was time to dance. Going in you must enter through a hallway of lights. As you

first step up to this hallway it looks like there is no ground beneath you, and you’ll simply fall forever. For me, I saw a runway. I strutted my way down that hallway like I was RuPaul herself. It leads you into the same dance club we saw the drag show in, only this time it’s dark and there are dancers and sailors having a blast together. There was so much energy—between the guests and the crew—it was contagious. We danced until the place closed.

There were so many more memories made that I couldn’t get to like the “Live Sex Ed” class (you wear a mask, and really get out of your comfort zone or watch others), or how you can shake your phone while on the Virgin Voyages app and a bottle of Champagne and sparklers are delivered to wherever you are on the ship!

My takeaway from becoming a sailor on The Scarlet Lady is that you must be open-minded to sail the Virgin Way. I am very happy with this new way of cruising and the direction they are heading. I feel as if more and more exciting things will come from Virgin.

Now who wants to join us on our next adventure?

aCroSS 1 Queen, for example 8 get it up 15 title girl in a 1968 turtles hit 16 went around 17 start of why politics is in his bones, per pete buttigieg 18 more of the quote 19 way cool 20 singer marilyn 22 went down on 23 more of the quote 27 geometry calculations 30 hard top 31 tuesday to 50 million frenchmen 35 tiny balls 37 patrick of the “moby dick” miniseries 39 african desert 40 looking for gay porn, maybe 41 larger-than-life 42 fruit in a slot machine 46 locker room emanation 47 more of the quote 50 refusal to a butch 53 “___ be my pleasure!”

54 port in the land of samurai 58 “Cat ___ hot tin roof” 59 end of the quote 62 like a one-incher, in dogpatch 63 big name in electronics 65 getting up 67 phallic winter formations 68 secrete white stuff 69 like variety stores of old 70 soldier for former senator allan?

Solutions on page 19

DoWN 1 golda of israel 2 poet broumas 3 sal mineo, in “rebel without a Cause” 4 request to sajak 5 straight line 6 mayberry teacher helen 7 swingers of old 8 they rubber stamp 9 rest atop 10 pitching stat 11 remote target 12 Caesar’s others 13 big top, e.g.

14 beat, but barely 21 early man’s opening 23 old testament prophet 24 river of the country of the singing nun 25 Counterfeiters’ nemeses 26 make noise in bed 27 vaulted area at the Cathedral of hope 28 Cut the crop 29 for most students 32 police incursion at stonewall 33 bond foe 34 body passageway 36 like albee’s three women 38 actress Collette 43 flake of the upper crust 44 the m in smu (abbr.)

45 times when it’s hard 48 ancient greek seer 49 “sister act” extra 50 like a superbly pitched game 51 not straight up 52 negligee material 55 “are you calling me ___?”

56 “roots” family head 57 “ragged dick” writer horatio 60 not now 61 Cop flirting in a tearoom 64 nCaa jock org.

66 Castro street, on bart

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Randall before and currently (courtesy image)

frOM faT TO fIT the (mostly) easy way By randall Blaum

John Rodriguez before and after (courtesy image)

M

y health journey started 12 months ago this month and things could not be more different or better. On the way to great health, and an upcoming bodybuilding competition, at age 61, I was asked many times, “How did you do this?” The answer is multi-faceted but can generally be placed in three categories: What I ate, what I did for exercise, and who was on my support team.

My support team consists of friends, relatives, my husband, and co-workers, but my number one teammate is John Rodriguez, Owner of Fit Life Nutrition in Point Loma.

He took me in as an old and broken-spirited person and from day one said, “We will find a way.” He did that and more. You see, John has his own fat to fit story, so he knows the issues. More than that, he listened to me and what issues I had of the body, the mind, and the spirit.

I was fortunate to find John, but you do not need a trainer.

You do, however, need to find a person who will help guide you along the right direction. I am not a trained professional at this, but people now come

to me to hear my story and I am helping when I can. All you need to do is ask for help and usually someone will appear and be able to help. By the way, John offers everyone a free coaching session, so you don’t have a place to start your journey with someone who knows how it feels to not be in good health, then get there.

EAT AS MuCH AS YOu CAn WITHOuT BEIng HungRY AnD STAY On THE PLAn That headline really sums up how I eat now. You see, losing weight can take a lot of paths, but it comes down to eating less calories than you burn. That does not mean you starve. In fact, most days I have to eat more than I want – really.

John made a food plan for me to use, which included some of my favorite things, like the Starbucks Spinach Feta Wrap for breakfast. He helped me to understand how foods combine with each other to burn more calories and how to eat a lot, not be hungry, and to still have fun. And… STAY ON THE PLAN. That may seem like a tall order, and it

does take some getting used to. I was on a 2000-caloriesa-day plan for almost a year and lost over 50 pounds. It was a bit hard at the beginning because I liked to eat what I liked to eat and some of it had to go away, at least for a while.

It paid off.

I was on 2000 calories a day and the macros (carbs, fats, proteins) were also being calculated. I used the free app on my iPhone “My Fitness Pal” and now for over 325 days I have tracked what I ate. If it went in my mouth, it went on the chart. It was the only way I knew I could chart my progress and it became a habit pretty quickly. A year later I am now in contest prep, we increased my calories to 2300 for two weeks (talk about a lot of food) and then we paired it down to 1900 right now. This was done to ramp up my metabolism and then to have me continue to burn calories. In the last 30 days I have lost 6.5 pounds and in the last 7 I lost 3.5 of those pounds. I have to say, this was about as easy as it gets because my mind had been trained on how much I need to eat and my body had become used to the amount I

needed to eat.

Lots of people ask what my daily food intake looks like.

Here is a sample of what I eat: BREAkFAST: Option 1: Starbuck’s Spinach Feta Wrap (290 calories) Option 2: 2 Fried eggs with 4 more egg whites (make a delicious omelet). I add some mushrooms or other veggies and I get very full. (fried eggs = 166 calories / egg whites = 50 calories) SnACk #1: Protein shake with banana (shake = 280 calories / medium banana 105 calories) LunCH: 6 oz chicken and 1 cup of brown rice (chicken – no skin = 200 calories / rice = 150 calories). I put hot sauce like Tapitio, or some no sugar added marinara on it and I have a tasty meal.

SnACk #2: Salad (salad example: pear gorgonzola pre-made from Vons = 250 calories) I do mostly the premade kind as I can make them single serve and they are all 300 calories or

less of the varieties I buy.

DInnER: This can go many ways depending on the day. I happen to like chicken, so I do a lot of that. But I also like vegetarian brats and burgers, and such so I have those too. I have some potato or rice or other carb along with this. Dinner, I keep to about 400 calories SnACk #3 (or dessert as I call it): I have fruit or a 6-8 oz of Greek yogurt with ½ scoop of protein powder and then I have the best chocolate pudding you can imagine, that is actually good for you! The Greek yogurt (Chobani plain) = 80 calories and the protein powder is 70 calories so a total of 150 calories.

All of this equals between 1825 calories and about 1940. I also make sure to have at least 80oz of water or tea every day.

There you have it… Part of how I went from fat to fit. Next time we’ll look at the exact exercise plan we used to get me from broken to competition ready.

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authenticity to the show. “I have a feeling this is gonna be a good one.”

PlaCes, PeOPle. PlaCes!

berto fernández — Berto Fernandez is a Puerto Rican actor, singer, and artist currently performing in Theatre productions all over Southern California. He holds a BA in Communications, and is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

P

icture the last time you attended a live Theatre performance. You walk into the room after your tickets (and nowadays, your Covid-19 vaccination card) are scanned, and are handed a program.

You locate your seats and study the room, the people around you, whatever set piece is on stage. That incomparable anticipation of what we’re about to experience, is unlike anything else in the World.

How is this all so seamlessly put together? Well, the truth is that it’s all far from seamless. In fact, the journey can be quite bumpy, but we adapt and plod on, because we absolutely love what we do.

The rehearsal and production process to produce a full-scale musical is one filled with excitement, uncertainty, and magic.

This is my experience as I mold and create the character of Kevin Rosario in San Diego Musical Theatre’s production of In The Heights.

(courtesy image)

¡NO Pares, sIgUe sIgUe! don’t stop, keep going!

In The heIghTs presented by san diego musiCal theatre

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Are these people going to like me? Am I going to like them? What should I wear?

All these questions zoom by my head, as I get ready to drive to my first rehearsal. I saw the original Off-Broadway production with Lin Manuel Miranda himself in the main role, so I already know what I’m walking into, but every group of actors will bring a completely different dynamic to the story, and that’s the exciting part. Our In The Heights is totally unique, and I get to be a part of it.

After a few protocol speeches, introductions, and facility tours, we start the rehearsal process.

FALLIng In LOvE WITH THE MuSIC When rehearsing a musical, especially one that is so song heavy as this one, the norm is to start with the Musical Director (MD) teaching the big group numbers first. These tend to be the most complicated, so the earlier they become second nature, the better.

After that, throughout the first week, time is scheduled for duets, group numbers, and solos.

There is definitely something extremely special about the music of In The Heights.

As a Puerto Rican actor born and raised on the island, my

heart flutters when I hear the sounds of Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata featured in the score. They take me straight back home to Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. The interesting aspect of this show is the blend of Urban Hip Hop, R&B, and Rap with the traditional Latin sounds, adding to the unique flair of the show.

As we learn the opening number, heads bop, feet tap, and fingers snap. We are jamming together, and it feels right. “Damn! We sound good!” is the general vibe in the room.

The MD continues to plunk out parts, while most of us are recording them as audio files to study later on. This will always remind me of my choir days, going over a tough harmony part until it’s embedded in my brain forever. Thankfully, it was those days that helped me develop an ear for tight harmonies and dynamic ensemble singing.

LA CuLTuRA In The Heights is a show about family, immigration, and culture. It is exciting for

a LatinX cast to tell the story because it hits close to home for most of us.

As I study the script, I continue to find typical Spanish phrases that give particular identity to the text. “¡Fó!” which is our version of “Ew!”or “Barrio”, another word for “Neighborhood”.

Once we start getting to know each other as cast members, we build a bond, a familia. We are united by our cultura, our culture. Most of the actors are native Spanish speakers, adding value and

MY kEvIn Kevin Rosario, from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, is the owner of a taxi and car service struggling to survive in Washington Heights, New York. He is a husband and father, the provider of the family.

How do I relate to this character? Simple. My own father is to this day, at 66, works 10-hour days to make sure every member of our family has everything we might need.

This story is repeated throughout Latin culture all over the World, and I have the chance to represent these heroes.

The process of finding characters’ back stories is one of my favorite parts, because it adds depth and layers that help the audience understand who we are, and why we carry out certain actions within the plot.

Alongside Colombian actor Daisy Martínez, playing my wife Camila, we sit down and answer questions about these characters. Where did we meet? How long have we been together? What’s our favorite dish? Any specific traditions we follow?

All these mold the palpable chemistry on stage, not only of how we communicate with each other, but how we relate to other characters in the show.

ROMPECABEzAS (PuzzLE) Carlos Mendoza, Director of the show, starts putting all the puzzle pieces together after we’ve learned all the music.

Luckily, this is the sixth time he has directed this particular show, so we benefit from being led by someone who understands how the audience will react to the text, and what acting choices work.

The next few weeks, we block the entire show in the rehearsal studio, get fitted for costumes, then move to the Theater after most of the set pieces have been built to piece it all together. We have a show!

BuMP In THE ROAD During Tech (the week that we add technical elements to the show), 4 cast members tested positive for Covid-19 so they were out for a week. Unfortunately, I tested positive as well a few days ago, which means I will miss our first three shows, but I will be back stronger than ever as soon as possible.

SHOW MuST gO On Despite all the roadblocks we’ve encountered during the rehearsals of this production, the resilience of this talented company, much like the LatinX community, will prevail. Our story will be told.

No pares, sigue sigue. Paciencia y Fé.

“In The Heights” is presented

by San Diego Musical Theatre with performances May 6 through June 5, 2022. Tickets and info: sdmt.org

ON sTage

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EIGHTY-SIXED

World Premiere Musical Book by Jeremy J. king Music and Lyrics by Sam Salmond Based on the novel by David B. Feinberg Directed by kevin newbury Choreographed by Raja Feather kelly Diversionary Theatre May 12 - June 12, 2022 www.diversionary.org/eighty-sixed New York City used to be a party town, but 1986 finds everyone paralyzed with fear of AIDS. Everyone, that is, except BJ Rosenthal, who’s determined to keep the party going. When an exlover becomes ill, BJ is forced to face the nightmare enveloping him and redefine his life. Based on the celebrated novel of its time and set to a soaring pop score pulsating with joy and heart wrenching melodies, Eighty-Sixed unearths an epidemic that shook the world to reveal a community’s ferocious fight to reclaim its future.

MAY 2022 voluMe 3 issue 15

MUD ROW

Southern California Premiere Cygnet Theatre May 18 - June 19, 2022 www.cygnettheatre.com/season /2021-2022-season/mud-row/

By Dominique Morisseau Directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg Two generations of sisters navigate class, race, love and family on “Mud Row,” an area in the East End of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Elsie hopes to move up in the world by marrying into “the talented tenth,” while her sister Frances joins the fight for Civil Rights. Decades later, estranged sisters Regine and Toshi are forced to reckon with their shared heritage and each other, when Regine inherits granny Elsie’s house. Tony Award nominee Dominique Morisseau deftly shifts between past and present to paint a living portrait of family legacy.

BOB FOSSE’S DANCIN’

(Original Broadway production created, directed, and choreographed by Bob Fosse) Choreography by Bob Fosse Direction and musical staging by Wayne Cilento The Old globe Theatre April 19– May 29, 2022 www.theoldglobe.org Bob Fosse’s Dancin’ is Fosse’s full-throated, full-bodied celebration of the art form he loved, practiced, and changed forever. Dancin’ brims with Fosse’s warmth, emotion, color, and endlessly influential style rarely seen in modern interpretations of his work. Featuring an eclectic score that spans a multitude of musical genres and an extraordinary cast of Broadway’s most accomplished dancers, Dancin’ delivers the quintessential Broadway experience for Fosse fans and firsttimers alike.

MEMPHIS: THE MUSICAL

Book and Lyrics by Joe Dipietro & David Bryan Based on a concept by george W. george Director & Choreographer Jeffrey Polk Moonlight Amphitheater May 11 - 28, 2022 www.moonlightstage.com/shows-tickets/memphis From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs, and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Originally premiered at the La Jolla Playhouse, this new Broadway musical is inspired by actual events. MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves – filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical and two 2015 Olivier Awards, MEMPHIS features a Tony-winning book by Joe DiPietro and a Tony-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan.

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now open BOOK NOW AT SYCUAN.COM GUESTS MUST BE 21+ TO ENTER THE CASINO.

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COUrT News

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A

career criminal who targeted and killed a gay man in Hillcrest whom he met on a dating site has been sentenced to 76 years to life in state prison.

Randolph Winston Henderson, 52, made a horrifying confession to police after admitting he killed Steven Tucker, 60, a retired health care executive, after Tucker contacted him using a dating service.

Henderson, who has been to prison before for bank robbery, falsely believed that Tucker was a sex offender and mixed him up with someone else before he killed him on Oct. 25, 2021.

“He traveled the country targeting gay men with his online ads because he believed 99% of sex offenders were gay,” wrote Deputy District Attorney Kristie Nikoletich to the judge.

“He selected Steven Tucker as his target, and he viciously and violently murdered him for no justifiable reason,” wrote Nikoletich.

“When Steven answered the door that afternoon and let the defendant into his home, he had no idea he was letting in a man who intended to kill him,” wrote the prosecutor.

Tucker had talked to Henderson earlier and set up a fantasy hook-up in which Henderson arrived in an electrician’s outfit with a tool belt around his waist. Unknown to Tucker, Henderson had a taser and knife.

Tucker disrobed in his bedroom in his home on Eighth Avenue near Robinson and started to unzip Henderson’s pants when he told Tucker to turn around. Henderson suddenly tased him in the lower back. Henderson hit him with a mallet and then stabbed him 13 times, according to court records.

“Murder!” Tucker yelled out at one point, according to Henderson’s confession, but no one could hear him.

An autopsy determined Tucker died from stab wounds to his heart and torso, according to Henderson’s probation report released in April. Two taser barbs with attached wires were embedded in his back that were found by police.

Henderson pleaded guilty to first-degree murder over the objection of his attorney, Joscelyn Campbell II. However, Campbell told Groch that “Mr. Henderson hasn’t made any excuses or minimizing what he has done.”

Henderson claimed he suffered from congestive heart failure and was on oxygen when sentenced March 27th

by San Diego Superior Court Judge Michael Groch.

Because Henderson was a 3rd strike defendant after being convicted of four counts of bank robbery in 1991 and 1992, Groch tripled the 25 years to life sentence for murder to 75 years. He then added one year for the use of the knife.

Henderson is counting on being placed in a medical center due to his medical

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Randolph Winston Henderson (courtesy image)

aNTI-gaY MaN TargeTed hIllCresT MaN ON daTINg aPP gets 76 years

By Neal putnam

“he Traveled The COUNTrY TargeTINg gaY MeN wITh hIs ONlINe ads beCaUse he belIeved 99% Of sex OffeNders were gaY” condition and early release, according to his recorded jail conversation with his ex-wife that was provided in court records by the office of District Attorney Summer Stephan.

“I’m gonna write a book...I’m gonna try to learn how to set up a ministry inside...buy people some Bibles and so forth,” said Henderson from jail.

“Six, seven, eight years from now, we can address the idea of a commutation of sentence with the governor and whatnot. But they also have what’s called compassionate releases,” said Henderson.

“So, when you’re really sick, they can cut you loose early with compassionate release,” said Henderson from jail. “I do not plan on doing like, a life sentence.”

Nikoletich said Henderson should never be granted compassionate release or commutation by the governor. She wrote that he should serve “every day of the 76 years he is sentenced to.”

Henderson told authorities he used the dating website “Doublelist”, and a friend of Tucker said he used the Scruff dating app, according to the probation report.

Henderson was arrested in Montague, Texas, on Nov. 9, 2021, and he was extradited to San Diego. His van was filled with objects such as a knife with dried blood, a Saw-

zall, a mallet, zip ties, handcuffs, fake ID badges, fake FBI badge, a full ghillie suit in which to hide, faraday bags to hide cellphones, pepper spray, and nine cellphones, records say.

Henderson told officers he was traveling to Florida with plans to kill a doctor who performs abortions there.

The prosecutor wrote that Henderson also admitted to killing two people in Illinois and Minnesota, but gave no details to authorities.

Nikoletich read a letter from Tucker’s son, Zachary, who described his father as a great man. As for Henderson, Zachary wrote that he “thrives on attention,” and wanted to give him none.

Tucker’s daughter, Laura, listened to the sentencing online and Nikoletich read her letter out loud.

Laura Tucker told Henderson “I don’t hate you” and “there is nothing worth resentment,” adding, “this is the first time and last time I will think of you.”

“I will think of my dad every day – not of his death but of his life. I will look for my dad in everything beautiful...and I will find him,” said Laura Tucker.

Groch gave Henderson credit for 147 days in jail.

Henderson will be transferred to Colorado where he has a fraud warrant for his arrest.

PUzzle sOlUTION

poLiTiCS iS iN My BoNES froM paGE 13

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