SAN Pride Center: A Legacy of Care That Continues to Feed Spokane
On East Sprague Avenue, the SAN Pride Center Food Pantry carries forward a four-decade legacy of compassion, community, and care. Operated by the Spokane AIDS Network (SAN), the pantry provides groceries, hygiene items, and connection to anyone in need — continuing the organization’s mission to empower people affected by HIV and AIDS through education, outreach, and advocacy.
Founded in 1985, SAN began as an informal network of friends, medical caregivers, and community advocates supporting people living with HIV and AIDS. Over the years, SAN has changed locations and services but never its commitment to meeting basic needs and reducing stigma.
After major funding changes in 2017, SAN closed its direct prevention and care services, transferring clients to the Spokane Regional Health District. Under the leadership of Executive Director Grant Ogren and Board President Dale Briese, the board voted to preserve SAN’s nonprofit status and continue its community work.
Today, SAN shares space on Sprague with Spokane Pride, led
With the combined efforts of Grant Ogren, Dale Briese, Matthew Danielson, and a dedicated volunteer team, the SAN Pride Center remains a cornerstone of Spokane’s LGBTQ+ and public-health community — feeding bodies, uplifting spirits, and honoring a 40-year legacy of care.
by Director Matthew Danielson. Together, the organizations maintain a welcoming community hub that includes offices, a meeting space, and the SAN Market Pantry — open to the public every Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community members living with HIV can also shop Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., supported by Ryan White funding.
The pantry operates with four staff members and more than 20 regular volunteers, some of whom are also clients living with or at risk of HIV. In 2025 alone, the program has served over 4,500 individuals in 2,500 households. Of those, 1,170 households include a person living with HIV, and 370 identify as LGBTQ+. On a typical Friday, between 30 and 60 people visit the pantry.
Food arrives through a network of local partners — Feed Spokane, Northwest Harvest, 2nd Harvest Zilch Program, Catholic Charities Food for All, Great Harvest Bread Co., and Our Place Community Outreach. When donations run short, SAN supplements its inventory with purchased items funded by grants and public donations, especially dairy and
SAN PRIDE - To Page 16
by Percy Laird
The entrance to the pantry on the west side of Sprague Ave
SAN volunteer at the check in counter for the pantry
Spokane-Area Transgender Catholic Finds Acceptance in Faith After 50 years in the Closet
“I’m really disappointed in the fact that most queer people hate religion and they won’t go into a church. The church has poisoned so many people against religion because of the way they treat people. It’s really a shame. Christ was very accepting of diversity, but a lot of times the church isn’t.”
--Christine Lette
This article first published on FaVS News, https://favs.news. We appreciate their invitation to republish this piece in Stonewall News Northwest.
by Emma Maple | FaVS News Reporter
To outside observers, 79year-old Christine Lette’s life might seem like a paradox: she’s transgender, Catholic, United Methodist and Buddhist.
Often, the intersection of these identities have caused Lette turmoil as she navigates belonging in worlds that don’t easily accept the identities and values she holds.
But rather than distancing herself from these contradictions and deciding she doesn’t belong to one group or another, Lette leans into them.
“I think I fit in everywhere,” Lette said.
Fully coming out, and fully becoming Catholic, are both steps Lette took later in life. She was baptized into the Catholic church in her mid 40’s, and she said started dressing female full-time about 10 years after that.
‘I hid in the closet for like 50 something years’
Despite the difficulty of some of her fellow Catholics struggling to accept her for who she is, and some of her LGBTQ+ friends struggling to understand why she interacts in those worlds, Lette gave no indication she’s ever considered abandoning either identity.
Although the Catholic Church as a whole is historically against gender changes, Lette said it was actually her involvement with the Catholic Church that gave her the strength to fully transition.
Lette said her desire to present as female started around 10-yearsold.
“I liked girly things, and I liked dressing up in girl clothes,” Lette remembered. “That continued throughout my whole life.”
Even though Lette knew she wasn’t comfortable with the gender she had been born into, she said she was too afraid of being ostracized to explore the idea of being transgender.
“I hid in the closet for like 50 something years,” Lette said. During that time, she got married and had children. “So I couldn’t transition because I had to support my children and my wife.”
But, slowly, Lette started coming to terms with who she felt she was.
Psalm 27, which discusses trust and faith in God’s goodness, was instrumental in that journey, Lette said.
“When I read those passages, it gave me the courage to transition,” Lette said.
Despite her fear of discrimination and violence, “when I read the
Bible, I knew that Jesus was with me, and Jesus gave me the strength to begin my transition because I didn’t have the courage to do it on my own.”
She began transitioning in “baby steps,” she said. She dressed as a woman at home, and began making small outings in outfits that were traditionally feminine.
By the time she retired at age 66, Lette said she had begun dressing as a woman full-time.
‘I don’t want to die with a male body’
“I was happy because everyone was calling me Mrs. Lette, and I gave away all my men’s clothes, and everything was great,” she remembered.
At that point, she hadn’t undergone any gender-affirming surgery. But when she turned 70, she discovered she had heart failure.
“I thought, ‘my death is coming,’” Lette said. “The first thing in my mind was, ‘I don’t want to die with a male body.’”
Five years later, after struggling to find a gender-affirming doctor
and being put on a waitlist, Lette was able to surgically transition at age 75.
“I was one of the oldest patients,” Lette remembered.
“I feel very happy because I’m the person I was meant to be,” Lette said now.
Even though Lette finally felt herself, things weren’t just rainbows and roses.
She attended a Catholic parish and was a baptized Catholic. St. Thomas More, Lette’s Catholic Cchurch, did not respond to a request for comment regarding its stance on LGBTQ+ identities, but Catholic churches typically are religiously against any sort of gender transition.
Lette was also married to a Catholic woman who was opposed to homosexual relationships and transgenderism, Lette said.
“One of her main objections was that she thought, since God made me a man when I was born, that I was going against God’s will in becoming female,” Lette said of
- To Page 44
Photo courtesy of Christine Lette and FaVS News
Three Supreme Court Cases Targeting LGBTQ+ People See Movement
Photo by Ian Hutchinson on Unsplash
From sports to passports, these cases may determine the vitality of trans rights in the U.S. for generations to come.
The kick off of the Supreme Court 2025-2026 term could be among the most consequential for transgender Americans yet.
Several cases in early October progressed before the court, ones that cumulatively touch upon every aspect of the rights and lives of trans Americans. Here’s a breakdown of what those cases really mean.
Chiles v. Salazar
In this case, the Supreme Court will determine whether conversion therapy bans violate the free speech rights of therapists. This practice has been debunked by every single reputable, relevant medical organization; there is no evidence that it is effective, and even more, it often leads to lifelong
psychological harm, such as increased risk of self-harm and suicide.
Conversion therapy is banned in over 20 states. But Chiles, the face of a years-long legal campaign by hate groups like the Alliance Defending Freedom, argues that Colorado’s anticonversion therapy laws violate her First Amendment rights as a Christian. On that front, Chiles filed a complaint against the state and Patty Salazar, executive director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.
Lower courts previously denied Chiles a preliminary injunction to block the state’s anti-conversion therapy law. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit ruled it regulates professional conduct that only incidentally
involves speech—meaning the state is well within its right to constrain it. But Chiles successfully petitioned SCOTUS to review the case.
CNN’s Supreme Court correspondent John Fritze wrote:
During a surprisingly low-key and short 90-minute session, several justices appeared to reject the idea the state can regulate “talk therapy” the same way it may regulate medical conduct. Much of the debate seemed to focus on how Colorado would lose, rather than whether it would do so.
Chief Justice John Roberts pointed to prior Supreme Court decisions in which the court declined to carve out a different First Amendment approach to professional speech. It was a theme several of the court’s conservatives returned to repeatedly.
“Just because they’re engaged in conduct doesn’t mean that their words aren’t protected,” Roberts said.
But the liberal bloc of the court seemed skeptical about plaintiff Kaley Chiles’ standing on
the matter anyway, given that Colorado did not take action against her practice, nor did they say they were they going to—her practice does not reportedly engage in the aversion-based, non-consensual conversion practices that are outlawed. And so, similar to 303 Creative v. Elenis, in which conservative legal activists supposedly faked a story about a vendor being forced into serving same-sex couples, it seems Chiles poses yet another manufactured and perhaps nonexistent claim to harm.
This comes at the heels of the devastating Skrmetti decision from June, which ruled in favor of a Tennessee’s law that barred trans minors from equal access to health care as their cisgender peers.
The impact of all this? A ruling in favor of Chiles could enable more providers to make a profit off of dangerous and unscientific anti-LGBT medical practices, expand religious exemptions to cover dangerous psychological practices, and subject impressionable, vulnerable youth to “treatments” that can cause irreversible damage. It would also likely open
SUPREME COURT - To Page 20
This article first published by Erin in In The Morning. Please consider becoming a subscriber of her important work at https://www.erininthemorning.com.
“Every time we sit shoulder to shoulder with others—on a porch, a trail, or a dodgeball court—we quietly rebuild something powerful: connection, belonging, and hope.”
by Ryan Oelrich
We’re lonelier than ever, and it’s killing us.
We’re forgetting what community looks like—just when it’s what will save us. But community isn’t found in another app- it’s found on the front porch, at a coffee shop, or out on the kickball field.
After a recent talk I gave, I closed by encouraging the audience to find or build their community. I defined community as chosen connection—a space that doesn’t
erase differences but weaves them together into something stronger. A place where we give, receive, and grow.
Afterward, a woman approached me to say she was required to go into her office twice a week, so she saw people there—“That’s my community,” she said.
I asked, “Are they people you feel connected to? People you grow with?”
She paused, smiled sadly, and said, “No, but that’s what we have to settle for these days, right?”
boys to rural ranchers, turning their yurt camping experience into a business plan to reinvent the family farm and bring “glamping” to the public. This column shares their ongoing experience in working and living as out and proud members of their community in their guest ranch setting.
I spoke to a group of college students and asked what their communities looked like. Over 60% mentioned some form of online or virtual group. These spaces have value, but they’re not replacements for face-to-face
connection—the kind that feeds our nervous systems, grounds our hearts, and reminds us we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.
HOBBIT HOUSE - To Page 22
Out on the Ranch
Find Balance with an Alpaca, Find Balance in Life
“Alpacas and llamas have many lessons in humanity to share. Out on the ranch, we are blessed with the opportunity for them to teach the public a class in grace and social awareness. Each visit with an alpaca holds the opportunity to learn how to become more humane.”
by David Capocci
We tease here at the ranch that we have animal pastures and people pastures, and both require husbandry. There is much to be learned about humanity by caring for animals. Particularly, camelids, which include alpacas and llamas, bring a very unique set of lessons to the human than that of other livestock.
As “high protocol” animals, alpacas are very different than
their more traditional farmyard compatriots, goats. If one has had experience interacting with goats, they learn just how forward these hoofed creatures can be with humans. Goats will come right up to you, demand scratches and pets, eagerly search your pockets for those hidden treats, sampling the taste of your clothes, all while also pooping around you. It’s what goats do.
OUT ON THE RANCH - To Page 23
David Capocci is one of the owners of the homestead campground, Paca Pride Guest Ranch, along with his husband, Glenn Budlow, and business partner, Tim Leingang. Having purchased land to build a legacy project in the mountains, they went from city
Ryan and his husband built a Hobbit House that’s become a regional attraction.
Photo courtesy of David Capocci
by Dana Clark
Entrepreneurship and small business culture love to glorify hustle. We’re told that success means scaling fast, posting constantly, and staying “on” at all times. The algorithm rewards urgency, and often our
peers echo it back: move faster, do more, never stop.
But for those of us building purpose-driven businesses— especially queer and valuesaligned ones—this tempo can feel off. We often crave something
“Real success isn’t about constant expansion. It’s about building something that supports your life, not consumes it. It’s the freedom to choose your pace, to define your version of “enough,” and to move through your work with integrity and ease.”
steadier. Something human. Something sustainable.
If you’ve ever worried that you’re growing too slowly, here’s a reframe:
Slow growth isn’t failure. It’s proof you’re building with integrity, not urgency.
The Rhythm of a Sustainable Business
A sustainable business moves in rhythm with itself, not with
the noise around it. It honors the seasons of work, creativity, and quiet. There’s as much wisdom in pausing as there is in growing.
In nature, there’s no endless harvest. Trees rest in winter to prepare for spring. Our work deserves the same cycle. Sustainability isn’t about perpetual motion—it’s about protecting
“The history of LGBTQ+ people can be hard to find, usually never taught or even mentioned in schools. Even with the increase of queer characters on TV shows and movies in the last decade, our representation isn’t equal to our actual population. Many kids growing up don’t even know of the wide variety and rich history of the LGBTQ+ community. I certainly didn’t while growing up!
“We are award-winning actors and actresses, athletes in every sport imaginable, politicians, business leaders, news and media journalists and personalities, musicians and authors of every genre, scientists, astronauts, and more. I decided I wanted to make a puzzle book about them and therefore about all of us.
“So when you’re solving these puzzles, feel free to hop on the internet, look up and discover these amazing LGBTQ+ people that you may not have heard of before! Have fun and a sense of humor when going through these pages. And especially have a sense of pride: in yourself along with all the people mentioned in this book..”
- Kerry Shatzer,
creator of Queer Pride Puzzle
LGBTQ+ Equality
Weekly National Headlines
by Fabrice Houdart
US News
Debating the Alleged Trans Identity “Decline”
Recent headlines from Fox News to Catholic News Agency claiming a sharp drop in transgender and nonbinary identification among young people are built on shaky ground. The most viral claim, from professor Eric Kaufmann, relied on a flawed reading of campus survey data—ignoring the statistical weighting needed to make the data nationally representative. As Erin in the Morning notes, Kaufmann also equated “nonbinary” with “trans,” a choice that erases both categories. While psychologist Jean Twenge points to more subtle shifts by age group in other surveys, experts agree these changes are not proof of a cultural collapse in queer identity. Instead, they reflect how visibility, stigma, and survey design all shape selfidentification. As data scientist Jacob Eliason put it: “The trend flips entirely when weights are correctly applied”.
Supreme Court to Consider Marriage Equality Challenge
The U.S. Supreme Court will privately discuss on November 7 whether to hear Kim Davis’s challenge to same-sex marriage, potentially reopening the question of marriage equality established by Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015. Maybe that will motivate the A-Gays, the topic of my Sunday musings. See in The Advocate.
USDA Website Blames SNAP Benefits Expiring on Trans People
The Trump administration posted a message on the USDA website blaming Democrats for SNAP benefits expiring, accusing them of holding out for “healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures.” Over 42 million Americans could lose food assistance. Details in The Advocate.
VA Hospital Threatens Firing for Rainbow Displays
Employees at Hampton VA
October 29, 2025
Medical Center report being warned they could be fired for wearing rainbow lanyards or displaying rainbow items, citing an executive order. The directive has created confusion and fear among staff. From The Advocate too.
HRC Launches Southern Grassroots Offensive
Human Rights Campaign
President Kelley Robinson acknowledged that “courts alone will not save us” this week while outlining a three-pronged approach: protecting existing workplace and school protections, closing the 70-million-person media reach gap between conservative and progressive outlets, and mobilizing HRC’s 3.6 million supporters as daily storytellers. The strategy shift, following February’s 20% staff reduction and restructuring, emphasizes Southern Black church partnerships and grassroots presence over traditional litigation as 616 anti-LGBTQ+ bills advance nationwide. Read in The Advocate.
Queering the Boardroom
LGBTQ+ Directors Summit: The New Rules of Board Leadership
Our third Corporate Directors’ Summit brought together CEOs, board directors, and governance experts at Edelman to explore what leadership looks like in a world defined by disruption (see here). With sessions on geopolitical risk, Gen Z influence, CEO-board dynamics, and the transformation of recruitment, it was a reminder that LGBTQ+ Board members are also thought leaders. The CEO interviewees, Oscar Muñoz and Ken Ohashi,
were hits. See Pictures here. Michael Camuñez, in a vibrant speech (here), reminded us that:
LGBTQ leaders bring distinctive capacities: judgment and risk calibration, moral courage, empathy, coalition-building, and adaptive intelligence. Living between worlds—professional and personal, cultural and social— creates a fluency in bridging perspectives.
What happened to Fortune’s LGBTQ+ Leaders list?
Last year, Fortune made a splash with its inaugural LGBTQ+ Leaders list (see ��), celebrating 25 powerhouses like Coty CEO Sue Nabi, Land O’Lakes’ Beth Ford, and Brooks Brothers ’ Ken Ohashi. Alongside them, a companion “Leaders to Watch” list highlighted rising stars such as Peter Arvai (Prezi), Megan J. Smith (now CEO of shift7), and Lousi Vega (Dow). It was a rare moment of corporate visibility for LGBTQ+ professionals. Since then, Armani unfortunately passed away, and Pirri and McCarthy left their roles. Tellingly, there’s been no 2025 edition—neither for the main list nor the rising talent. Any news outlet here want to partmer with the Association to launch our list?
Key
Movements in the C-Suite and Boardroom
James Brady departed the board of Verona Pharma earlier this month, following its $10 billion acquisition by Merck. Alex Bernal shared that he joined CVS Health as CFO, Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness. Check out this interview with Vanna Krantz, who stepped down as Grindr CFO after successfully taking the LGBTQ+ platform public in
2022, delivering 11 consecutive quarters of 25%+ revenue growth while maintaining 40%+ EBITDA margins.
The Gay Business
Manchester Pride Enters Voluntary Liquidation After 40 Years
Manchester Pride began voluntary liquidation due to financial strain, leaving unpaid invoices to performers, including over £3,000 owed to RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Banksie. From Attitude.
Melinda French Gates Launches $60M Competition
Billionaire philanthropist Melinda French Gates partnered with the Aspen Institute to launch a $60 million grant competition to address barriers women face in the workplace, noting that 500,000 women left the workforce this year while male participation increased. Details in Fortune.
Chappell Roan Raises $400K for Trans Youth
Pop star Chappell Roan founded The Midwest Princess Project, raising over $400,000 for transgender youth and LGBTQ+ organizations through her recent mini tour, with funds distributed to organizations including The Ali Forney Center and Trans Wellness Center. See in The Pink News.
Semi-Cultural Desk
What To Watch This Week
Despite fall being a typically hectic season, I still managed to catch a few films. My friend David took me to a pre-screening of Bugonia, which—much like One Battle After Another—feels like a reflection of American elites’ anxieties over a looming “have-nots” revolution. That wasn’t the only film tapping into national fears; I also watched House of Dynamite with my son Eitan on Sunday. On a lighter note, The Roses offered a bittersweet reminder of how hard it is to keep a relationship going in the long term. (Tell me about it—my record over the past ten years must be six months, and honestly, the pandemic did me a favor.) Bonus points: the film features a fabulously promiscuous gay character, so really, what’s not
NATIONAL - To Page 21
This article first published on Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality. Please consider becoming a subscriber of his work at https://fabricehoudart.substack.com
Photo courtesy of Fabrice Houdart
Radical Family: Trailblazing Lesbian Moms Tell Their
Stories
If you’re in search of positive stories from lesbian mothers and the wall-busting they did, or if you’ve lived the same tales, this slim book is a joy to read. For you, “Radical Family” may open some gates.
by Terri Schlichenmeyer
You don’t have a white picket fence with an adorable gate.
The other parts of the American Dream – the house in the suburbs, a minivan, and a big back yard – may also be beyond your reach. You’ve never wanted the joyous husband-wife union, but the two-point-five kids? Yeah, maybe that’s possible. As in the new book “Radical Family,” edited by Margaret Mooney, it’s surely more so than it was in the past.
Once upon a time, if a lesbian wanted to raise a family, she had two basic options: pregnancy or adoption. That is, says Mooney, if she was willing to buck a hetero-centric society that said the former was “selfish, unnatural and radical” and the latter was often just simply not possible or even legal.
Undaunted, and very much wanting kids, many lesbians ignored the rules. They built “chains” of women who handed off sperm from donor to doctor to potential mother. They demanded that fertility clinics allow single women as customers. They wrote pamphlets and publications aimed
to help others become pregnant by themselves or with partners. They carefully sought lesbian-friendly obstetricians and nurses.
Over time, lesbians who wanted kids were “emboldened by the feminist movement and the gay and lesbian rights movement” and did what they had to do, omitted facts when needed, traveled abroad when they could, and found workarounds to build a family.
This book tells nine stories of everyday lesbians who succeeded. Denise Matyka and Margaret McMurray went to Russia to adopt. Martha Dixon Popp and Alix Olson raised their family, in part and for awhile in conjunction with Popp’s husband. Gail Hirn learned from an agriculture publication how to inseminate herself. MC Reisdorf literally stood on her head to get pregnant. Mooney says that, like most lesbian parents then, she became a mother “without any safety nets...”
Such “struggles likely will feel familiar as you read about [the] desire to become parents…” says Mooney. “In short, these families are ordinary and extraordinary all at once.”
In her introduction, editor Margaret Mooney points out that the stories in this book generally take place in the latter part of the last century, but that their relevance is in the struggles that could happen tomorrow. There’s urgency in those words, absolutely, and they’re tinged with fear, but don’t let them keep you from “Radical Family.”
What you’ll see inside these nine tales is mostly happy, mostly triumphant – and mostly Wisconsin-centric, though the variety in dream-fulfillment is wide enough that the book is appropriate anywhere. The
determination leaps out of the pages here, and the storytellers don’t hide their struggles, not with former partners, bureaucracy, or with roadblocks. Reading this book is like attending a conference and hearing attendees tell their tales. Bonus: photos and advice for any lesbian thinking of parenthood, single or partnered.
If you’re in search of positive stories from lesbian mothers and the wall-busting they did, or if you’ve lived the same tales, this slim book is a joy to read. For you, “Radical Family” may open some gates.
“Radical Family: Trailblazing Lesbian Moms Tell Their Stories,” edited by Margaret Mooney c.2025, Wisconson Historical Society Press | $20.00 | 150 pages
On August 25, 1939, a remarkable film transported audiences from their ordinary lives into a world filled with color, imagination, and magic. The Wizard of Oz, adapted from L. Frank Baum’s novel, remains one of the most celebrated movies in cinematic history. At its heart, it is a vibrant tale of friendship, self-discovery, and resilience. However, for many, particularly within the Queer community, it represents more than its dazzling visuals and timeless songs. It’s not just a story about Dorothy finding her way back to Kansas. It is about finding a place to call home in a world that does not understand or accept everyone.
Judy Garland, already a star of her time, became an icon through her portrayal of Dorothy. Her performance resonates with anyone who has ever felt out of place, longing for a space where they can truly belong. When she sings Over the Rainbow, it is more than just a song. It’s a dream set to music. Garland’s heartfelt delivery gave voice to a generation navigating unimaginable challenges. For queer audiences, in particular, that yearning for a magical, accepting world struck a profound chord. This connection elevated Over the Rainbow to an anthem of hope, not only within the LGBTQ+ community but for anyone who dreams of a better, more inclusive world.
Over the Rainbow: The Wizard of Oz and Its Gay Legacy
Decades later, The Wizard of Oz remains a cultural touchstone. Its magic endures and continues to inspire viewers of all ages to dream big, believe in themselves, and understand that home is not always a physical place. For many, it is about finding people who love and accept them for who they truly are.
Dorothy’s companions on the yellow brick road offer more than just colorful entertainment. They embody deeply relatable insecurities. The Scarecrow, convinced he lacks intelligence, proves himself to be resourceful and clever. The Tin Man, lamenting his lack of a heart, feels emotions so deeply that his compassion is undeniable. The Cowardly Lion, with his campy intensity and flair, discovers the courage that was within him all along. Together, they form a “chosen” family, highlighting the importance of love and support that transcend blood ties.
Margaret Hamilton’s portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West became legendary in its own right. With her green skin, piercing cackles, and commanding presence, she struck a perfect balance between fear and flair. Originally conceived as a straightforward villain, her bold and theatrical performance gave the character a campy charm that continues to resonate with audiences who admire her unapologetic confidence. When the film was first released, its box-office performance was solid but not groundbreaking, earning $3 million during its initial run. However, as audiences rediscovered it through television broadcasts and subsequent rereleases, The Wizard of Oz took on a life of its own, becoming
one of the most beloved films in history. Among its many accolades are two Academy Awards, but its true legacy lies in the hearts of those who continue to cherish it.
For the LGBTQ+ community, The Wizard of Oz is more than just a cinematic masterpiece. It is a symbol of hope and resilience. In an era when being openly queer could lead to rejection or worse, Dorothy’s kindness and determination became powerful metaphors for strength in the face of adversity. Phrases like “Friend of Dorothy” emerged as a discreet way for individuals to identify with the community. Judy Garland herself became a gay icon, her perseverance through personal struggles reflecting the challenges faced by many in the community. And, of course, there is the rainbow. That this enduring symbol of Pride gained prominence through a film so deeply loved by queer audiences feels beautifully fitting.
Decades later, The Wizard of Oz remains a cultural touchstone. Its magic endures and continues to inspire viewers of all ages to dream big, believe in themselves, and understand that home is not always a physical place. For many, it is about finding people who love and accept them for who they truly are.
by Frank Gaimari
Jack Haley, Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, and Bert Lahr
Jud yGarland
Sex, Sequins, and Stardom: Inside the World of Chi-Chi LaRue
Chi-Chi LaRue’s journey embodies the spirit of reinvention and the importance of staying true to oneself. Whether behind the camera or in front of an audience, LaRue continues to inspire and entertain, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment and film industries.
by Frank Gaimari
Chi-Chi LaRue, born Larry David Paciotti on November 8, 1959, in Hibbing, Minnesota, is a name synonymous with boldness, creativity, and unapologetic authenticity, a trailblazer in the drag and adult entertainment industries. LaRue’s journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a celebrated icon is nothing short of extraordinary.
Although I had heard the name Chi-Chi LaRue, I knew little about the person behind it. Intrigued, I decided to reach out, and to my surprise and delight, LaRue responded. What followed was a warm and candid conversation that left me feeling like I had just spoken to an old friend. LaRue’s charm, humor, and openness put me entirely at ease.
In the early 1980s, Larry Paciotti moved to Minneapolis, where he began performing in drag as Chi-Chi LaRue (pronounced “SheShe Lah Roo”). The persona was larger-than-life — flamboyant, brash, and unapologetically fabulous. LaRue quickly became a local sensation, captivating audiences with a mix of humor, charisma, and undeniable talent. This stark contrast to the quieter Larry Paciotti marked the beginning of a lifelong reinvention.
In 1986, LaRue relocated to Los Angeles, a city brimming with opportunities for someone with ambition and flair. Initially hired by Catalina Video as a publicist and sales representative, he demonstrated a deep understanding of the adult film industry that soon set him apart. By 1989, he made his directorial debut under the pseudonym Taylor Hudson, as his drag name was considered too feminine for the industry at the time.
LaRue’s career as a director flourished, with hundreds of films to his name, primarily for Falcon Studios. He later expanded his work to include collaborations with Vivid Video and his own label, Rascal Video. LaRue’s films were known for pushing boundaries, blending storytelling with eroticism in a way that challenged norms. Titles like Lost in Vegas and Heaven2Hell, Part 1 & 2, showcased his ability to create compelling narratives within the adult genre.
Beyond his creative vision, LaRue became a vocal advocate for safer sex practices in the adult film industry. In 2006, he famously refused to work with studios that did not require condom use, setting a standard for responsibility and care in a field often criticized for its lack of regulation.
LaRue’s influence extended far beyond the adult film world. He directed music videos, including one for RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Willam Belli, and even performed in a glam-rock band called the Johnny Depp Clones. His drag persona allowed him to connect with audiences in ways that transcended the adult industry, making him a beloved figure in the Queer community.
In addition to his many accomplishments, LaRue made a guest appearance in Madonna’s 1992 music video for Deeper and Deeper, further cementing his status as a pop culture icon.
To gain a deeper understanding of LaRue’s experiences and insights, I took the opportunity to ask him several questions. He graciously shared his thoughts, providing a more personal glimpse into his journey.
Frank Gaimari: What inspired you to create the drag persona
Chi-Chi LaRue, and how has it evolved over the years?
Chi-Chi LaRue: When I first started doing drag with three friends, we called ourselves the Weather Gals. Our style was more of a “hag drag.” We didn’t take it too seriously, but the crowds absolutely loved us. We ended up winning several drag contests at First Avenue, the iconic venue where “Purple Rain “ was filmed. In fact, I had the incredible experience of being in Purple Rain myself, which was truly unforgettable.
FG: What role do you think drag plays in shaping Queer culture and visibility today?
CL: I believe drag is a powerful expression of queer culture, and I absolutely love it. Drag is not only fun but also incredibly informative. Icons like Sister Roma and many others use drag as a platform to educate and fight against oppression. Drag queens are often the first to step up and help in any situation that threatens gay or queer existence.
While I have a deep appreciation for old-school drag, I also enjoy shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race.
However, I think the show has given some people the impression that if you’re not doing a death drop, flying from the ceiling, or performing cartwheels, then you’re not doing drag, which couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m good friends with RuPaul and many of the queens who have competed on the show. That said, I’ve also encountered some queens from the show who aren’t very friendly and have let the fame go straight to their heads — just being honest, lol!
FG: What was it like directing your first adult film?
CL: I was both terrified and incredibly eager. My head was swirling with ideas, but I had no idea what I was doing — truly flying by the seat of my pants. The first movie I directed was called Flexxx for “In Hand Video,” marking my debut feature film. Before that, I directed a segment for William Higgins in the movie Hardman, which featured men dancing, stripping, and performing solo scenes. I must admit, my segment was the standout of the series, at least in my opinion!
CHI-CHI LARUE - To Page 19
Chi-Chi LaRue
by Frank Gaimari
In New York City’s vibrant culture, only a handful of names become truly synonymous with the city itself. For decades, Michael Musto has been one of them. He’s the decoder of its glitz, the interpreter of its grit, and the keeper of its gossip. You might recognize him as the sharp-tongued commentator from TV, but for New Yorkers, he’s something more fundamental — the ultimate insider that matters.
That indispensable voice now has a new home. Musto’s monthly column for Rag Magazine carries on his tradition of chronicling the city’s pulse, weaving together the worlds of nightlife, Broadway, and downtown attitude with the same mischievous style that made him a legend.
For nearly thirty years, his iconic “La Dolce Musto” column in The Village Voice was the city’s unofficial diary. If you wanted to know who was trading secrets in a shadowy club or which Broadway show was about to unravel, you
Michael Musto: The heart of New York gossip
Michael Musto isn’t just New York’s king of gossip — he’s its unofficial historian, capturing the city’s fleeting moments and unforgettable personalities. His work is a living archive, a guidebook for anyone who wants to experience the city’s pulse beneath the surface. If you want to know the real New York — the one that starts when the sun goes down — start with Musto.
moving easily between the city’s different worlds. One night, he’s at an uptown gala; the next, it’s an underground drag show in Brooklyn. He doesn’t just report events, he deciphers the power plays, showing how these separate scenes connect and influence each other. He follows who’s rising, who’s reinventing, and why a fleeting moment can matter.
read Musto. He revealed a hidden New York, the one that really came alive after the tourists went home.
What makes Musto’s writing stand out is a unique mix of qualities. His razor-sharp wit and vast knowledge of pop culture are matched by genuine empathy. He never hesitates to poke fun at the powerful, yet he sticks up for artists and outsiders. Underneath it all is a strong ethical code that means no punching down and a clear respect for what should and shouldn’t be shared.
His reporting is shaped by experience, not distance. He didn’t watch nightlife from afar — he dove right in, notebook in hand, from the wild club scene of the ‘80s to today’s social mediadriven parties. He understood early that New York’s real conversations play out on dance floors and in green rooms. That closeness gives his work rare authenticity. He doesn’t chase culture — he’s there when it sparks.
Musto is also a natural bridge,
His work also includes books. His memoir Fork on the Left, Knife in the Back and the collection of columns La Dolce Musto are widely available, while earlier works like Downtown and Manhattan on the Rocks are now limited-edition publications. But his presence goes beyond print. On TV, radio, and social media, Musto is always active with sharp takes and sly observations, often spotting the next big thing before everyone else.
I reached out to Michael Musto for an interview, unsure he’d have the time. He replied with the generosity that has long defined his career — a career built on showing up, paying attention, and telling the truth with serious style. I also discovered he’s a genuinely kind person. Here are the questions I asked him.
Frank Gaimari: Reflecting on your early days at The Village Voice, was there a defining moment in a nightclub that made you realize nightlife was more than just fun — it was serious cultural territory?
Michael Musto: It was even before I collaborated with The Village Voice. On New Year’s Eve of 1977, heading into 1978, I was at the world’s ultimate disco — the glittering Studio 54 — for an explosive extravaganza starring disco goddess Grace Jones. The
place was packed like sardines. Jones performed her Euro dance hits in a skimpy outfit as barely dressed, slender young men cavorted around her. After the show, workers pushed a pancakemaking machine down the aisles, stopping to crank out one pancake at a time while thousands watched eagerly — the invite had promised breakfast, after all. Watching this desperate, absurd event unfold, it became clear that not only was 1977 over, but that logic and reason were gone too — paving the way for the future to crash in and eventually wipe everything out. The owners went to jail for tax evasion in 1980, and the club eventually changed hands and met a painful death. In the 1990s, seeing the club kids stage weekly debauches at the churchturned-disco, The Limelight, had a similarly sobering effect on me. This was about much more than just “nightlife.”
FG: Your reporting is famously firsthand. How do you verify a rumor picked up at a party? What ethical lines do you refuse to cross, even when the night gets wild?
MM: Through experience, I learned which sources to trust and, conversely, which ones have an agenda — such as self-promotion or delusions of grandeur — and should be avoided like the plague. Then, I check with the other side for balance. If something is too outrageous — but all too true — I generally can’t wait to run it, especially when it concerns homophobes and other haters who have lived their lives in vicious and hypocritical ways. Of course, I was never going to run anything too nasty about, say, Angela Lansbury — and there never was MUSTO - To Page 18
Michael Musto / Photo by Andrew Werner
Edward Juvier: A life in theater, laughter, and connection
“Talent matters, but curiosity and kindness will take you even further. Keep learning, stay open, and surround yourself with people who make you better. “
-- Edward Juvier
by Frank Gaimari
Edward Juvier, a Texasborn Cuban American, has spent nearly two decades captivating audiences nationwide with his versatility, charisma, and dedication to acting. From his early days in Les Misérables to his current role as Osgood in the national tour of Some Like It Hot, Juvier’s journey is a testament to his passion for storytelling and his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.
Edward’s love for the arts began in his childhood, growing up in a family that valued music and creativity. “Singing was part of my family,” he recalls. “My sister played piano, and our parents would make us perform family shows — her playing, me singing.” His mother’s love for musicals like The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins further fueled his passion. “We watched them almost as if they were required reading,” he says with a laugh.
His first foray into theater came in junior high school with a production of Oklahoma. Still, it wasn’t until he performed with a professional company in Galveston at the age of 18 that he realized acting could be a career. “I looked at those actors and thought, this is something people can do for a living. This is a job!” he says. Inspired by the character actors he worked with, Juvier decided to pursue a Life in theater.
Edward’s journey took him to the Boston Conservatory, where he honed his craft and graduated in 2000. Even before completing his studies, he was cast on the national tour of Les Misérables, a role that would define the early years of his career. Alternating between the road company and the Broadway production, Juvier describes the experience as “a beautiful start to my career” and a major milestone that allowed him
to focus on building meaningful connections in the industry.
Juvier’s career is a tapestry of diverse roles and experiences. He has performed in iconic productions like The Phantom of the Opera, where he covered 11 different roles, as well as regional productions of Kinky Boots, Gypsy, and The Drowsy Chaperone. His portrayal of Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone earned him a Kevin Kline Award nomination, and he has also brought characters like Sancho Panza (Man of La Mancha) and Nicely-Nicely (Guys and Dolls) to life. His voice has even been featured in the animated series Pokémon and Fighting Foodons, showcasing his range as a performer.
Juvier is currently touring as Osgood Fielding III in Some Like It Hot, a queer-forward musical about two men who disguise themselves as women to escape a notorious mobster. As the story unfolds, one of them awakens to his true self. The show reminds us that musicals can be both entertaining and culturally significant, celebrating identity, authenticity, and diversity. Juvier’s character Osgood embodies these themes beautifully, as he is a kind man who leads with love, models acceptance, and proves that goodness can be genuinely captivating.
I know the above to be true because I caught his performance at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle. Edward’s comedic timing and charm made the show so much fun, and his portrayal of Osgood was a highlight of the evening. He brought warmth and sincerity to the character, making him not only lovable but also deeply memorable.
While Edward aspires to write and direct, his true passion remains in theater. “I’m a creature of the
theater,” he says. “I love the ritual of it. I love doing the same thing repeatedly, sharing inside jokes, and the moments with stagehands and performers. It’s truly like going to church for me.”
Frank Gaimari: What does the term “character actor” mean to you, and how has it influenced your career?
Edward Juvier: To me, being a character actor means finding truth in the details. I’ve always been drawn to roles that are a little off-center because they often reveal the heart of the story in unexpected ways. Playing characters like Sancho Panza or Osgood has reminded me that comedy and sincerity can coexist. I love exploring that mix of humor and humanity — that’s where I feel most at home.
FG: You’ve been part of iconic productions like Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera. What lessons did you take away from those experiences?
EJ: Both Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera taught me discipline and consistency.
Those shows run like beautiful machines, and being part of them showed me the value of maintaining excellence night after night. They also taught me humility. When you step into something that has been running for decades, you realize you’re a small part of a much larger legacy. You learn to honor the work that came before you while finding your own way to keep it alive. Most of all, they taught me how powerful theater can be when everyone is moving toward the same purpose. That sense of unity has stayed with me ever since.
FG: Your role as Osgood in Some Like It Hot has been widely praised. What drew you to this character, and how do you make it your own?
EJ: Osgood is such a joyful character. What drew me to him is his openness and goodness. He leads with his heart, and that kind of sincerity can be surprisingly hard to play. I try to approach him with honesty rather than caricature. It’s easy to lean into the comedy, but what makes him
JUVIER - To Page 15
Edward Juvier
REGIONAL - Continued
TRANSGENDER - From Page 4
her wife, Veronica.
Lette didn’t turn away from the tension.
“That was a point we had to talk about,” Lette said. “I told her that God gave me free will, and God wanted me to be happy.”
Lette and her wife talked about what the transition would mean for their relationship, and Lette assured her wife that she was the same person she had married 55 years ago.
“I told her I really was the same person, and the only thing that changed was a little bit of my outward appearance,” Lette said. “After a while, she realized that was true.”
Lette and her wife, Veronica, are still married.
“When I look at how she dealt with it, I thought I wouldn’t have done it nearly as well as she had,” Lette said, remembering how they worked through the tension.
‘I think she is a good Catholic because she has accepted me for who I am,” Lette said. But, “she’s still against gay marriage.”
Veronica turned down a request for an interview.
Beyond just coming out to her Catholic wife, Lette also came out to her entire parish.
“When I first started going to church dressed as a female, it was scandalous,” Lette said. “They knew me as a man, and all of a sudden here I was being female. I felt like I was treated as a leper. No one would come near me.”
Lette made sure her first day dressing as a woman to church started with a bang, too.
“I wore stockings, and a short skirt, and high heels,” she said. “I was all out fem.”
Although she was anxious, Lette said she wanted people to be upset so they would have to confront their lack of compassion, which she viewed as directly opposed to the character of Jesus.
People shared their opinions of Lette to her face.
“People would come up and
“I think we all have this idea, kind of generally as people in our society, that minds are changed through facts and figures, and that just isn’t the case. What we really know to be true is that people’s ideas and minds are changed through relationships with others.”
--Rev Megam Madsen, Covenant United Methodist Church
tell me I was disgusting. People would say I don’t belong in church because I’m such a bad person,” Lette said.
One day, Lette said the priest called her into his office and told her people were leaving the church because of her, and that he was concerned she would destroy the parish.
Lette remembered telling him that she wasn’t responsible for that.
‘I’m not some kind of monster’
“If these people want to leave the church, that’s their decision,” Lette said. “I’m going to keep coming to church, and the people are going to realize after a time that I’m not some kind of monster.”
Lette said she didn’t grow up religious, but she started going to Catholic church after she married Veronica, who was a staunch Catholic. At first, it didn’t really mean anything to her. But a few years in, she remembered when she decided it was something she wanted, too.
“When I was in my mid 40’s, I was in church one day and I just felt God saying that I should practice my faith. I should put my belief into practice because I really wasn’t,” Lette said. “I was just going to church and not really believing in the words of Jesus.”
After a profound moment where Lette said she felt the presence of God, just like how Moses felt when he saw the burning bush, she decided to officially become Catholic.
After that, Lette said she pored through the Bible and began to see it as affirming of her identity, rather than opposed.
“Jesus never said anything bad about gay people,” Lette said. “He never condemned homosexuals
and prostitutes. He was always able to give them a break.”
Beyond that, Lette said there were passages in the Bible — like the description of Jesus’ suffering in Isaiah 50:6-9 — that spoke directly to her experience as a transgender woman.
“I experienced physical harassment, similar experiences to these,” Lette said of the experiences described in Isaiah. “When I read that, I said, ‘Jesus knows what it’s like to be trans.’”
Despite her initial experience in the Catholic Church, Lette stuck by her belief that people in her parish would realize “I’m just a regular person, just like everyone else.”
After about six months of pushing through, she said, that’s exactly what happened.
One day at church she walked in for a social hour of coffee and donuts. One of the elderly women sitting at a table yelled across the room at Lette, inviting her to come sit with the six or seven people at the table.
“We became friends,” Lette said. “They all thought I was OK.”
After that, Lette said she was accepted at St. Thomas More.
“I was accepted because those ladies accepted me,” she said. “I found there are some really great people in the Catholic Church, and they are open-minded.”
Although Lette said she knows the beliefs of the Catholic Church haven’t changed, and neither have the beliefs of the parish, she thinks some individuals have changed because of her presence, and people respect her pronouns.
Even though she is Catholic, she doesn’t agree with the traditional stances on every issue — in
addition to differences regarding LGBTQ+ issues, she said she doesn’t agree with the exclusion of women from priesthood and the lack of discussion about racism, discrimination and global warming.
Finding affirmation at United Methodist Church
“The church, I think, was wrong in the way they interpreted a lot of Jesus’ messages,” Lette said. “I believe in the words of Jesus, and when I go to church I hear the words of Jesus, even though the church doesn’t put them into practice the way I think they should.”
She sticks with it for that reason, she said.
“I believe in the words of Jesus,” she said.
Lette has explored other flavors of Christianity, or entirely new religions, as well.
Lette’s best friend is Mary Jo Woods. They met in an exercise class and, over time, got coffee and shared their lives, Woods said.
Woods described herself as a “recovering Catholic” who has been attending Covenant United Methodist, a church that is explicitly affirming. She knew Lette had been attending a Catholic church, and although she said she didn’t know the troubles Lette was going through, she invited her to come to church with her.
Covenant United Methodist is an “open and inclusive congregation,” The Rev. Megan Madsen said, meaning that the church honors and celebrates the identity of God in everyone, including in LGBTQ+ people.
Madsen spoke on behalf of the local congregation, not the overall United Methodist Church, she said.
After a few years after attending Covenant United Methodist, Lette decided to officially join.
Now, Madsen said she is on the rotation of Scripture readers, participates in an adult education group and serves in other capacities.
TRANSGENDER - To Page 15
‘Relationships are the way real change happens’
“I really love the United Methodist Church because they’re so affirming,” Lette said.
Lette has also found support with other LGBTQ+ people through organizations like the LGBTQ+ Seniors of the Inland Northwest — but she knows members of that group that won’t even go to gatherings if they’re held in a church.
“I’m really disappointed in the fact that most queer people hate religion and they won’t go into a church,” Lette said. “The church has poisoned so many people against religion because of the way they treat people.”
“It’s really a shame,” she added. “Christ was very accepting of diversity, but a lot of times the church isn’t.”
Religion is something Lette runs toward, not away from. In addition to Catholicism and United Methodist practices, Lette has also explored Buddhism, believing that many of the morals that Buddhism practices are directly in line with what the Bible preaches.
“I think there’s truth that all religions share,” Lette said. “I
JUVIER - From Page 13
special is that he genuinely means every word he says. When you play him from that place of truth, the humor takes care of itself. I also love that I continue to learn from him every day. The way he lets things roll off his back and moves through the world with optimism is something to admire. Getting to share that energy every night is a real gift.
FG: As a Cuban American, how has your heritage influenced your perspective and approach to storytelling?
EJ: My heritage has shaped how I view the world and connect with others. Cuban culture is rich with music, humor, resilience, and a strong sense of community, all of which influence how I tell stories. I am always aware that I can do this because of the sacrifices made by previous generations. The fact that I am a musical theater
found that, when I went out to Methodism and Buddhism, I see so many similarities with Catholicism that I don’t see any conflicts.”
Despite finding religious circles that are more affirming, Lette said she still sticks with St. Thomas More.
“I think the established Catholic Church doesn’t quite have it right when it comes to putting Jesus’ words into practice, but I still go because it’s important, and I might learn something new, and I appreciate getting the blessings,” Lette said.
Plus, if Lette left the Catholic Church, she said she wouldn’t have an opportunity to change people’s minds about LGBTQ+ individuals.
“I think that’s what I appreciate and love about Christine so much is that she is so confident and integrated in who she is as a person, that that isn’t something that is threatening and harmful to her,” Madsen said. “I think that’s an incredibly brave thing that she does.”
Lette said she wants to be a role model for people to interact with, to “present a good image of queer people to the other people in the Catholic Church.”
Often, Madsen said relationships
performer touring the country is only possible because of my parents, grandparents, and greatgrandparents. I carry their strength and gratitude with me every day.
FG: What advice would you give to aspiring actors who want to pursue a career in musical theater?
EJ: Be curious and stay kind. Talent matters, but curiosity and kindness will take you even further. Keep learning, stay open, and surround yourself with people who make you better. Also, remember that no one’s path looks the same — there’s no single “right” way to build a career in theater. Stay patient with yourself and trust that your timing is your own. And finally, never forget why you started. The joy that got you here is what will keep you going.
FG: You’ve worked in both regional and national productions. How do these
are the way real change happens.
“I think we all have this idea, kind of generally as people in our society, that minds are changed through facts and figures, and that just isn’t the case,” Madsen said. “What we really know to be true is that people’s ideas and minds are changed through relationships with others.”
Lette’s best friend is an example of that idea playing out in real life. Although Woods wasn’t ever against LGBTQ+ issues, she said it “was not an issue that I concerned myself with.”
As Woods began interacting with LGBTQ+ individuals, first through her gay hairdresser and then by watching someone at church transition, it began to matter to her more.
“I was like, ‘this person is a nice person,’” Woods remembered. “‘There’s nothing wrong with this person, and they’re not comfortable being female and want to be a male, why should I have any problem with that?’”
Over time, Woods said she realized the LGBTQ+ population was bigger than she’d known, and very diverse.
‘I stumbled my way through learning the vocabularies’
“I stumbled my way through
experiences differ, and what do you enjoy about each?
EJ: Regional theater often feels like a creative laboratory. You’re building something from the ground up, and there’s a real sense of discovery in the process. Every production has its own personality, and the relationships formed in those rooms are incredibly special.
Touring, on the other hand, gives you the thrill of sharing that work with audiences all over the country. You get to see how different communities respond to the same story, which keeps it fresh and exciting.
Both experiences feed each other. The creative spirit of regional work and the discipline of touring balance me out as an artist.
FG: What’s next for you? Are there any dream roles or projects you hope to tackle in the future?
learning the vocabularies and the vernacular, and still totally make mistakes and have so many questions I want to ask,” Woods said. “Christine has been a very big help explaining that.”
Lette now attends St. Thomas More before heading to Covenant United Methodist right after, she said.
“I get a double dose of church on Sunday,” Lette said.
Even though Lette said she’s certain of the love God has for her and her gender identity, she still has questions.
“I know that, when I die, God is going to give me a female body, and that will make me really happy,” Lette said, but she’s not sure why she didn’t get one in this life. “I’m going to ask God about that when I die.”
She has her theories, however.
“I think that God made me a woman in a man’s body because he loves diversity,” Lette said. “It’s been a way that has really enriched my life and made me much more tolerant of other people’s differences because I’m different, and I want people to be tolerant of me, so I’m tolerant of them.”
EJ: Right now, I’m enjoying being fully present in Some Like It Hot. It’s such a rare gift to be part of a show that celebrates joy and acceptance, and I’m savoring every moment of it. Of course, my goal is to continue building my theatrical career with roles that challenge me and allow me to grow. I’d love the chance to return to Broadway and keep telling stories that make people laugh, think, and feel connected.
Edward Juvier’s career exemplifies versatility and dedication. Whether he’s in a comedic or dramatic role, his performances feel authentic and heartfelt. As he continues to bring stories to life, audiences can expect more unforgettable moments from this talented actor.
Edward’s website: https://www.edwardjuvier.com/
REGIONAL - Continued
SAN PRIDE - From Page 3 protein products that are harder to source.
Among the volunteers is Tamara, who first came to the pantry as a client living with HIV and later joined the team as a regular volunteer. Her story reflects the pantry’s inclusive approach — many who once received assistance now help others, creating a cycle of support that keeps the program strong.
In December, SAN will distribute 300 holiday meal boxes, an
increase from 196 last year. Each box contains a complete holiday meal — from breakfast to dessert — scaled for households of one to six and including a protein of choice.
With the combined efforts of Grant Ogren, Dale Briese, Matthew Danielson, and a dedicated volunteer team, the SAN Pride Center remains a cornerstone of Spokane’s LGBTQ+ and publichealth community — feeding bodies, uplifting spirits, and honoring a 40-year legacy of care.
The pantry includes pet food.
PROFILES - Continued
MUSTO - From Page 12
anything on her anyway, except that she cursed like a truck driver.
FG: You’ve witnessed NYC nightlife transform from the wild club days of the ’80s to today’s social-media-savvy scene. What’s changed most, and what has stayed the same at its core?
MM: What has changed the most is the sense of urgency. The main reason for going to clubs used to be the need to connect with people, enjoy new music, and catch drag queens who weren’t yet TV stars. The sexual landscape has also shifted dramatically — back then, you went to clubs to size up potential flings or even future husbands. All of that eventually moved online to apps. Now, when I see guys in gay bars glued to their phones looking for hookups, I want to yell, “Look up!” Still, the heart of nightlife remains the same: there’s something about being swept up in a diverse crowd on a dance floor that’s always worth leaving the house for.
FG: With platforms like Instagram and TikTok broadcasting nightlife in real time, has this democratized or watered down the art of nightlife reporting?
MM: Every type of gossip reporting — including nightlife reporting — has been democratized by social networks. I used to compete with a handful of columnists who were trained reporters who covered the scene. But nowadays, anyone on earth can leave the house, run into a celebrity, lift their phone, and become a reporting star. Even the celebrities themselves are in on the game, posting about themselves all day. And it’s all fine! Ease and accessibility are good things when it comes to information dissemination. And it only makes me work harder to push, define, and polish my personal take on things, which can never be replicated. There were times when I was the only openly gay gossip columnist in NYC, and I must say I’m thrilled that that could never be the case again. Everyone’s out of the closet, for fear of dishing other people’s tea and not their own! But I can still be the best openly queer columnist in town!
FG: Your books take your experiences from the page to a different format. What inspired your move from columns to writing books?
MM: The columns were always my home base for sharing my takes on everything, but it was also exciting to branch out into books that let me riff on a single topic. Downtown and Manhattan on the Rocks were my wildly over-the-top explorations of the downtown scene — the latter being a roman-à-clef novel. The books also served as convenient collections where people could sample my work in one place. Even though some of my columns and articles were available online, readers were still eager to buy compilations, appreciating the orderly presentation and the addition of new material.
FG: You’re a familiar face on TV and radio. How do you shift your approach or persona when you move from writing to live broadcasting?
MM: Either way, I am the same person — I move from one venue to another. The talking version of me is more fun than the writing me, which takes a lot of effort and editing. By talking to a camera, I can use my past training and turn my shtick into gab. I become the Michael who breathlessly shares what he just learned with his
what it is you’ve accomplished, lol.
FG: Has anyone ever threatened you because of what you’ve written about them?
MM: Someday, let’s have a chat. Your hair will stand on end.
FG: What’s your number one piece of advice for young journalists who want to cover the culture and nightlife of New York with the same depth as you?
MM: Don’t assume you can indulge in the glitziest, most hedonistic temptations you’ll be covering — like drugs and allnighters — without self-control and expect everything to turn out fine. To this day, I don’t do drugs — except for the occasional Advil — and that’s what keeps my mind fresh and reliable.
friends, rather than the literary guy crafting elaborate double entendres out of every word.
FG: Of all the celebrities you’ve interviewed, is there one you wish you’d pressed further? What would you ask them now, given the chance?
MM: One of the few celebrities I’ve never had the nerve to approach is Meryl Streep. We’ve been in the same room — I’ve spotted her — and the proverbial door was wide open for me to go over and gush something appreciative, but I freeze every time. I think the main reason is: What can you possibly say to Meryl Streep? I’m sure she’s never heard “I love your work” before. Bwahaha. Maybe now I’d prod her with, “Did you realize, at the time, just how truly awful The House of the Spirits would be?”
FG: How do you handle criticism of your work?
MM: Very poorly. For someone who can exhibit such an acid tongue, I have very thin skin when it comes to my own work. I don’t like being attacked out of jealousy, rivalry, or misinformation. That said, I’ve gotten much better about handling criticism, because as time goes on, more people seem to think you’re some darling old “icon” who is above reproach — though they’re not exactly sure
FG: You’ve adapted your voice across columns, books, and TV. What’s next for Michael Musto? Any new projects or books on the horizon?
MM: When I was in my 30s, I used to joke that people might have to hand-lift me into clubs when I turned 40, but I wanted to keep going no matter what. Well, I’m turning 70 now!!! And I’m still making the same joke. I have the ideal job, where I get to experience incredible culture — not just clubs, but also theater, movies, and queer culture — and write whatever I want about all of it. I’m also very immersive: I perform in various shows around town, and I get to appear on TV channels as a commentator. So, I’ll keep doing all the same things as before, thank you! That is my life’s project.
Michael Musto isn’t just New York’s king of gossip — he’s its unofficial historian, capturing the city’s fleeting moments and unforgettable personalities. His work is a living archive, a guidebook for anyone who wants to experience the city’s pulse beneath the surface. If you want to know the real New York — the one that starts when the sun goes down — start with Musto. His stories are where the city’s best secrets live.
Musto with Cyndi Lauper / Michael Musto collection
CHI-CHI LARUE - From Page 11
After directing my first movie, I was utterly hooked. That first experience sparked a passion that led to a directing career spanning over 40 years. Over the decades, I’ve had the privilege of creating some truly exciting and memorable films... and, admittedly, a fair share of not-sogreat ones. Let’s say it’s been a wild ride!
FG: You’ve worked with some iconic performers — what do you look for when casting talent for your movies?
CL: I was always taught that if a guy had two out of three key qualities, he was a contender for a movie. Those three qualities were: face, body, and dick! These days, it feels like porn stars are falling out of the sky, and the content creators on platforms like Just for Fans are stunning. It’s incredibly exciting to see how the industry has evolved!
FG: How do you approach storytelling in adult films, and what sets your work apart from others in the industry?
CL: I’ve always had a knack for coming up with concepts. Honestly, you can turn just about anything into a porn movie — two guys walking down the street, someone painting a house — the possibilities are endless. You can also dive into more fantastical themes, as I did with my movies Heaven2Hell, Night Riders, and my Link series.
To this day, I think my favorite movie I ever directed was a story-driven film called Wrong Side of the Track, starring Johnny Hazzard. The concept for that movie came from a simple video clip Steven Walker shot in Palm Springs. It showed Johnny walking down the railroad tracks, and after watching it, I was inspired to create an entire movie around that moment.
FG: You’ve been a vocal advocate for safer sex practices in the adult industry. What motivated you to take that stand?
CL: It was alarming to see that people were still making movies without practicing safer sex. When I started, I knew I couldn’t take part in those practices. At the time, some were resorting to unorthodox
and misguided methods, like squirting nonoxynol-9 into people’s bodies, thinking it would offer protection. I took a strong and vocal stand against it, and I’m proud to say I helped change the minds of prominent industry leaders, including Chuck Holmes from Falcon, who eventually adopted condom use in productions.
My commitment to safer practices wasn’t limited to gay productions — I also refused to make straight films without using condoms, including the movies I directed for Vivid. I believe the women I worked with truly appreciated that stance, and it reinforced the importance of prioritizing health and safety in the industry.
FG: What are some misconceptions people have about the adult film industry, and how would you address them?
CL: I think many people assume that an adult film set is filled with drugs and sex even before the cameras start rolling, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, I once kicked down a bathroom door because some of my actors were doing crystal meth in the bathroom of the location. I had to pay for the door, but it was worth it.
As someone who has struggled with alcoholism and addiction myself, I was determined not to let that kind of behavior be a part of my productions. It was important to me to maintain a professional and respectful environment on set.
FG: How did your struggles with addiction impact your life and career, and what led you to seek help?
CL: I made a lot of mistakes during my drinking days, and I even lost a couple of drag and DJ gigs because of it. Thankfully, I have some of the most incredible friends who stood by me and supported me during my times of need, even when I slipped up. I’m endlessly grateful to them and always will be.
FG: What advice would you give to others in the LGBTQ+ community who may be struggling with addiction?
CL: As a chronic relapser myself (though I truly hope those days
are behind me), I’ve learned that people won’t seek help until they’re ready or have hit their rock bottom. I’ve witnessed the devastating effects of substance abuse, particularly with drugs like crystal meth. I’ve seen people lose themselves, fade away, or even lose their lives unnecessarily. It’s heartbreaking every time.
FG: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future, both personally and professionally?
CL: I’m going to keep doing the things I love, like DJing and drag, until the wheels fall off — why stop now? Currently, I’ve faced resistance from specific individuals who are trying to prevent me from continuing to direct. It’s more challenging these days, with so many content creators doing their own thing, which I think is fantastic. However, I believe the era of making full-length movies is slowly becoming a thing of the past.
One thing I still thoroughly enjoy is being part of the Chicago Grabby Awards, which I’ve had the honor of hosting for the past 26 years. I’m excited to say I’ll be hosting again in 2026 — it’s always such a highlight for me!
FG: If you could design a museum exhibit about your life
and career, what would be the centerpiece, and why?
CL: That’s a tough question to answer because I’ve had so many exciting moments in my life. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some of my idols, many of whom I’m still friends with today — icons like Elton John, Boy George, Andy Bell of Erasure, RuPaul, and Rob Halford of Judas Priest. I even had the incredible experience of being in Purple Rain with my idol, Prince, and appearing in a Madonna video — two artists I absolutely adore.
I’ve been truly blessed and fortunate to do so many things I once could only dream about. And the best part? I feel like there’s still so much more to come!
Chi-Chi LaRue’s journey embodies the spirit of reinvention and the importance of staying true to oneself. Whether behind the camera or in front of an audience, LaRue continues to inspire and entertain, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment and film industries. It’s clear that Chi-Chi LaRue is not just a name — it’s a legacy.
the floodgates for even more medical discrimination, allowing providers to operate on religious grounds as opposed to scientific or professional principles.
Trump v. Orr
This so-called shadow docket case is a last ditch attempt by the White House to impose Trump’s anti-trans passport policies onto the masses after a lower court halted the practice in Orr v. Trump.
“The lawsuit argues the policy is arbitrary and capricious, violates the right to travel and right to privacy under the Due Process Clause of the U.S. Constitution, violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and compels speech from transgender, nonbinary, and intersex passport holders in violation of their First Amendment rights,” a statement by the ACLU reads.
Now, Trump wants the Justices to grant an emergency stay, which would block the lower court’s preliminary injunction.
On Tuesday, attorneys for a cohort of trans, non-binary and intersex Americans at the center of the case fired back at the Trump Administration, who is asking the Supreme Court to lift the court order against the passport policy enforcement. The federal government denied the claims that Executive Order No. 14168, dubbed “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” is motivated by animus, or that it is discriminatory based on sex or “trans-identifying status.” But in court filings,
human rights lawyers argued the policy was “likely motivated by impermissible animus against transgender people” and that “the government admitted [...] a ‘core’ purpose of the Passport Policy is ‘outing’ transgender people.”
The order instructed federal agencies to require that government-issued identification documents, including passports, reflect an individual’s sex assigned at birth.
“The Passport Policy is unlawful and unconstitutional,” the original Feb. 2025 complaint reads. “It cannot be justified under any level of judicial scrutiny, and it wrongly seeks to erase the reality that transgender, intersex, and nonbinary people exist today as they always have.”
Since then, many trans and intersex people have felt the whiplash of their identities being recognized then not; their documents changed and then reverted as the case escalated through the judicial system. Many faced difficulty obtaining passports or were sent passports with the incorrect gender marker. And a federal court issued temporary relief to passport holders who wish to change their gender marker back in June.
Trump officials have indicated their intent to revert passports that were corrected under the ruling. This leaves the very legal status of trans Americans in the balance—their ability to travel, not only abroad but domestically; their ability to verify their identity for government purposes; and even their ability to vote as per “REAL ID” policies, which loom large ahead of the upcoming election.
Little v. Hecox + West Virginia v.
BPJ
The newly kicked-off Supreme Court term has also ushered in questions about two cases, Hecox and BPJ. They stem from Idaho and West Virginia, respectively, and surround transgender girls who wanted to play on school sports teams. Together, they challenge state-mandated antitrans sports bans on the grounds that they violate Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment; their subsequent rulings may determine the gender-based protections that trans people do (or don’t) receive going ahead, and their eventual ruling could impact issues far beyond sports.
Lindsay Hecox is a student at Boise State University in Idaho. Despite taking hormones to comply with athletic policies to compete in women’s events, she faced removal because of her state’s virulently anti-trans sports policy, the first of its kind when it was passed in 2020.
She filed suit alongside her coplaintiff, Jane Doe, an anonymous student athlete who is not trans, but says that, due to her “masculine” presentation—an athletic build, a social group of mostly guys, a wardrobe devoid of many skirts or dresses—she faces imminent risk of invasive exams to legitimize her sex in the eyes of the law.
“Jane does not want to have to go through an invasive or uncomfortable test just to prove that she meets the state’s new criteria for being deemed a
Answer Key to puzzle on on page 7.
girl,” the initial complaint reads. She finds it horrifying that a doctor might have to examine her genitals just so she can play sports.”
Similarly, BPJ—also known as Becky Pepper-Jackson—is a teenage runner in West Virginia. Her own state passed an antitrans sports ban in 2021. Lower courts found the law violated her rights, but the state challenged these findings, until it, too, landed on the docket of SCOTUS.
Monday marked the start of the court’s 2025-2026 term, solidifying these legal battlegrounds even as Hecox files to render her case as moot. Among other factors, she said public backlash has been too intense, and she no longer desires to play sports at her school.
“From the beginning of this case, I have come under negative public scrutiny from certain quarters,” she said in a declaration submitted to the court. “I am afraid that if I continue my lawsuit, I will personally be subjected to harassment that will negatively impact my mental health, my safety, and my ability to graduate as soon as possible.”
It remains to be seen whether the court will grant her request. The sports issue will be heard regardless, through Doe or Pepper-Jackson’s legal fights, and its impact will be felt by trans people across America. Its scope has the potential to reach beyond mere fields and courts, but also to trans people’s claims to equal protections across the board.
QUEERDOKU ANSWER - Radical Faeries
The Radical Faeries are a network and movement of queer consciousness and secular spirituality that began in the 1970’s sexual revolution among gay men. Activists Harry Hay and others held the irst “Spirit ual Conference of Radical Fa
Last Wednesday, I had the pleasure of attending David Hochberg’s birthday bash in midtown—a who’s who of LGBTQ+ advocacy across generations. His brother, the ever-iconic Fred Hochberg, was hosting, and Fred Karger was in attendance to confuse everybody. I learnt that I’ve apparently been mispronouncing Sean Strub’s name for ten years—but he was gracious about it. He was there along with his sister, the glamorous Megan Strub, and his husband, Xavier Morales, who is working on a fascinating documentary. James Dale made an appearance, too. Also, the cake was excellent.
Coming and Going
Netherlands: D66’s Rob Jetten Could Be the Next PM
The Netherlands is at the polls as I write this, with centrist-liberal party D66 in a tight race with the far-right Freedom Party (PVV) of Geert Wilders. D66’s openly gay leader, Rob Jetten, has surged in recent polls and is now seen as a serious contender for the role of Prime Minister—a historic first if he succeeds. See the preliminary results here.
Lynn Faria Debuts at SAGE Gala
The SAGE Gala, held on Monday night, celebrated pioneers who endured discrimination, isolation, and health crises so that future generations could live more freely. I ran into numerous friends, including filmmaker Damon Cardasis, Board member Liz Schwartz, the ever-handsome Chris Rovzar, activist Cindi Rizzo, and the omnipresent Craig Konnoth. Michael Adams was honored with the Ken Dawson
Advocacy Award for two decades of leadership at SAGE, while Lynn Faria was welcomed as the organization’s new CEO. My friend ALOK Vaid-Menon moved the room with their signature blend of truth and beauty. I took this fantastic picture of Anthony Romero (ACLU) with Kevin Jennings (Lambda).
LGBTQ+ Rights Pioneer
Kathryn Bell Dies at 91
Kathryn Bell, founder of support network Gemma for lesbians with disabilities and co-founder of Paradise Press for LGBTQ+ literature, passed away after decades of activism, including receiving Argentina’s first trans reparations. Read more in The Guardian.
The Gay Agenda
October 30th: Task Force Organizing Meeting
The National LGBTQ Task Force is holding its monthly organizing
committee meeting this Thursday at 7 PM ET, tackling urgent threats to civil liberties—from federal troop deployments to attacks on gender-affirming care. The session will also spotlight grassroots wins from recent organizing bootcamps and mobilization efforts in key school board elections. Register here.
November 7th: OutSummit 2025
Outright International’s annual flagship conference, OutSummit 2025, takes place virtually on November 7 and marks the organization’s 35th anniversary. With sessions on legal reform, humanitarian inclusion, economic justice, and anti-trans legislation, the summit brings together global activists, policymakers, and changemakers. Register now to attend.
December 1: World AIDS Day
Global observance with events worldwide focusing on ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.
Illustration by Ken Min
COLUMNISTS - Continued
HOBBIT HOUSE - From Page 6
People are sometimes surprised to learn that I lean more toward being an introvert. Socializing has never come as naturally to me as it seems to for others. One of my best friends moves effortlessly between the most diverse social circles—remembering everyone’s name, their kids, their heartbreaks, their last adventure, even their favorite food—and connecting with each person as if they’re the only one in the room.
I’ve always admired that, but years ago I realized something that changed how I see connection: every human carries a piece of life’s giant jigsaw puzzle. Each time I have the privilege of meaningfully connecting with someone, I get to glimpse their piece and share mine—and together, the bigger picture becomes just a little clearer.
That realization has shaped the way I build community. None of us hold the full image, but together we can build out an entire corner of it—maybe a horse, a tree, or a waterfall—and begin to see more of what life truly looks like. Community gives us that chance. It’s how we begin to understand the picture we’re all a part of.
For my husband, Rob, and me, building community used to be
something we chose to do. Now, it feels like an act of survival. The world can feel heavy and isolating, but gathering with others—laughing, playing, connecting—has become our antidote.
Rob, affectionately known as “Coach Rob,” leads the Short Shorts Kickball and Dodgeball Leagues. Twice a month, we throw on our shortest shorts and join others to kick or toss balls around a Spokane park or gym. We don’t keep score. We mix up teams. We high-five, heckle, and laugh until our sides hurt.
There’s the emergency room doctor—competitive, hilarious, and sharp as a tack. The mail carrier who never misses a game and always shows up smiling. The investment banker who seems determined to break the world record for shortest shorts—and his pharmacist boyfriend who’s there to call him out. The professor who knows every rule we happily ignore. The policy analyst whose quiet wisdom grounds every conversation. And the potter’s assistant—a friendly force of nature who gives some of the best hugs you’ll ever receive.
And so many more.
For a few hours, we forget our titles, politics, and worries. We’re just humans—playing, sweating,
connecting.
Every Saturday, Rob and I colead a Front Runners & Walkers group that ends with coffee and camaraderie after shared miles on Spokane’s trails. On our back patio, we host gay movie nights, where laughter and popcorn spill into the cool evening air.
And this time of year, we bring Middle Earth to life. “Hobbit Halloween” has become a neighborhood tradition at our little Hobbit House—a home built into the hillside, complete with a round red door and a “dragon chute” for candy. Kids and adults alike come to trick-or-treat and “adopt” a dragon egg—each one hiding a tiny baby dragon inside. Friends and colleagues join us on the porch, mugs of cider in hand, as we drop dragon eggs to wide-eyed little ones below.
During one particularly busy evening, an elderly man approached me, clasped my hand, and said, “This little thing brings such big joy every year. Thank you for a wonderful excuse to come together.”
A wonderful excuse.
Community doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, all we have to do is provide a wonderful excuse to connect.
It can be a lot of work. But it’s the kind that feeds and heals the soul.
Because these gatherings remind us of something essential: none of us are meant to do this life alone. In a world that feels fractured and fatigued, community remains our secret weapon.
Every time we sit shoulder to shoulder with others—on a porch, a trail, or a dodgeball court—we quietly rebuild something powerful: connection, belonging, and hope.
Because in the end, community isn’t just our secret weapon- it’s our shared heartbeat. And maybe, just maybe, that’s how we’ll save each other.
Oelrich is a highly regarded mental health trainer and facilitator, having trained thousands of professionals since 2008. He’s developed mental health curriculum used by Washington State. He is a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Fellow and has an MBA and an MA in Leadership. Oelrich was awarded the Peirone Prize for service in 2016 and has received congressional recognition for his work on poverty and homelessness issues. Oelrich has founded 3 nonprofits focused on youth issues, and he’s an advocate for increased collaboration and coordination.
OUT & IN BUSUSINESS - From Page 7
the energy that allows us to keep creating, serving, and thriving over time.
For queer and communitycentered entrepreneurs, that rhythm matters. We often build our work around values like care, integrity, and connection. Those things can’t exist in a constant rush.
Slow Doesn’t Mean Small We’ve been taught to equate speed with success, but slow growth is not small growth—it’s deep growth. When you move at a sustainable pace, you make decisions from clarity rather than fear. You build relationships that last. You create offerings that feel aligned rather than reactive.
Fast growth can be fragile. Slow growth builds roots.
The quiet seasons in business aren’t wasted time; they’re integration time. They’re when new ideas form, when systems get refined, when you find your next right step instead of your next quick win.
Boundaries as Care
Sustainable business also means knowing when to stop. Boundaries aren’t barriers between you and success—they’re the structure that keeps your work healthy.
Setting limits on your availability, taking time offline, or saying no to misaligned opportunities are not acts of avoidance. They’re acts of devotion—to your well-being, your creativity, and your longterm impact.
Rest is not rebellion. It’s maintenance. It’s what allows you to stay present and purposeful for the long haul.
Redefining Success
Many of us started our businesses to live in alignment—to make a living without losing ourselves. But the pressure to “keep up” can slowly pull us away from that original vision.
Real success isn’t about constant expansion. It’s about building something that supports your life, not consumes it. It’s the freedom to choose your pace, to define your version of “enough,” and to move through your work with integrity and ease.
Slowing down isn’t stepping back It’s stepping into wholeness.
Queer and deeply relational, Dana creates coaching spaces rooted in clarity, care, and quiet resistance. She’s been coaching since 2008 and is especially drawn to those navigating shifts in personal direction, business, or both. Learn more at loveyourlife.co.
Ryan
Dana Clark (she/her) is a certified life coach who works with purpose-driven, self-employed humans to realign their work with their values—especially under capitalism.
OUT ON THE RANCH - From Page 6
Camelids are very different. They are naturally averse to being touched. In the early marketing of alpacas to the North American public, they were billed as the ‘huggable investment’, a moniker that had alpaca breeders chuckling. While alpacas can be desensitized to touch, it is not in their nature to want a hug. Such fawning action from the human will repel that animal away from you.
To wit, alpacas present our tourists with the object lesson of consent and permission. We learn not to anthropomorphize our human sensibilities on to the alpaca, but rather attenuate our human behavior to that of the camelid. These high attraction value animals certainly are a magnet for the public, a veritable living unicorn of sorts. Tourists want to have a meaningful interaction with them when they visit us.
So, as a good shepherd to both the herd of alpacas, and the horde of tourists, I find myself stepping in as if an ambassador to the meeting between two different cultures. When children visit us, we ask them if they’d like to learn the secrets of alpaca speak. Wide eyed, they lean in when I tell them that it’s their posture and how they behave, rather than any sounds or vocalizing, which are key to attracting the attention of an alpaca.
“Can I pet the alpaca?” The most commonly asked question, is met with the answer of, “Sure, but you must pet them with your nose and not your hands.” You can see the wheels turning as both child and adult try to grasp the disjointed concept of using one’s nose for touch rather than smell. But, a nose-to-nose boop with an alpaca is actually a very respectful and trust building “Hello.”
Along with that retooling of human understanding, they will learn that their arms might as well be two mutant llama necks swinging around. Reaching out yours to an alpaca literally translates into, “move away! You are in my space!” The camelid will happily oblige and put distance between the outstretched arm, a disappointment for those thinking they will give some free pets.
To an alpaca, any interaction is about seeking consent and
permission. So, every visit a tourist has with the herd is an opportunity to present a very human object lesson. One must first build trust in order to make contact with any camelid. We talk about the concept of coming into balance with the animal before ever considering making contact.
For the human, coming into balance in any social situation demands not only an understanding of oneself, but also the audience or group being engaged. We often see imbalance in many social situations, one human dominating a conversation while the rest of the group slowly loses interest for not being included. With camelids, that interaction is quick and decisive. If a person pays no heed to the space in which the alpaca resides, the alpaca will quickly absolve them of any interaction, being driven away by such independent behavior rather than interdependent behaviors which consider the group.
To come into balance with alpacas means understanding how we present ourselves. Our posture drives the bulk of that conversation. Children are much more adaptable to this than adults seem to be. They quickly learn that when an alpaca is facing you directly, they are presenting their narrow profile. An alpaca facing a person is assessing trust. However, a person facing an alpaca does so with their broad front profile, that puts them in opposition to the alpaca. The animal thinks the human is demanding engagement and becomes wary of any movement.
The better way to understand such a concept is the example of standing together on an elevator. Humans don’t stand face-to-face in such a small space, they stand shoulder-to-shoulder, or, narrow profile to narrow profile. When standing with an alpaca, the human learns not to face them, but to turn sideways, presenting their narrow profile to the alpaca. Suddenly, posture shifts everything. Instead of standing in opposition to the animal, standing sideways finds the human joining their herd. Trust is being built, and camelids are all about building trust first.
Humans interacting with camelids, learning about trust building through posture and positioning,
understanding the concept of finding balance within a group, begin to develop a deeper sense of what connecting with another is all about. Alpacas as teacher and coach have seen numerous highenergy kids, especially the ones that run around feral while parents try to rein them in, suddenly connecting their behavior to the camelid consequence of moving away from them. No matter the pouting or protestations, if they aren’t in balance with the alpaca, they aren’t going to get any interaction. Once that clicks, a child’s behavior adapts, many times to the surprise of the parent.
These animal interactions become humbling lessons in regulating our own behaviors, tempering our emotional responses, and learning adaptability within a new situation. Alpacas and llamas have many lessons in humanity to share. Out on the ranch, we are blessed with the opportunity for them to teach the public a class in grace and social awareness. Engaging with a camelid, is a formative childhood experience. Each visit with an alpaca holds the opportunity to learn how to become more humane.
Paca Pride Guest Ranch is nestled on 17 acres in the rural mountains outside Granite Falls, Washington.
David Capocci, Glenn Budlow and Tim Leingang founded Paca Pride Guest Ranch in 2004.
