FEB R UAR Y 2016 | T H E F I GH T 1
W O G N IRIN H
We Support And Welcome the LGBTQ Community.
INFINITI of Van Nuys Is World-Renowned For Top Notch Customer Service All Major Tire Brands • Buy 3 Tires Get The 4th For $1 Lifetime Brake Replacement Courtesy Loaners • Complimentary Starbucks Coffee • Free Wifi We Honor All Extended Warranties Free Shuttle Service • Complimentary Check Engine Light Inspection Complimentary Multi Point Inspection
(866) 535-6092 INFINITI of Van Nuys 5455 Van Nuys Boulevard, Van Nuys, CA 91401 www.infinitiofvannuys.com 2 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com
NEW LA LA West Holly wood. Beverly Hills. Downtown. Silicon Beach. Wants. Needs. Luxury. Every thing else. In the heart of Los Angeles, The Faircrest is home with no limits.
BROKERS WELCOME* Pico Blvd.
New Single-Family Residences In the Heart of Los Angeles From the High $1.3 Millions Up to 2,894 Square Feet Up to 5 Bedrooms & 3 Bathrooms
Sawyer St.
N
Santa Monica
d. Blv
La Cie nega
Blvd .
MAP NOT TO SCALE
Downtown LA
Fairfax Ave.
Sales Office Open 10am to 5pm 5930 Sawyer Street, Los Angeles, CA 90035 310.362.6991 www.EmeraldHomes.com/TheFaircrest
ice
Ven
* To receive 2.5% co-op, broker’s buyer must execute D.R. Horton’s Purchase Agreement on a home at The Faircrest and close per the purchase agreement. Co-op calculated on the base purchase price of the home. Broker co-op subject to change or cancellation without notice. D.R. Horton Broker Policy is in full effect and broker’s buyer cannot have previously registered with D.R. Horton either in person or on D.R. Horton’s website, interest list or pre-qualification list. Broker must hold a valid CA real estate license as of the date of registration and buyer’s close of escrow. If broker and buyer visit more than one D.R. Horton community, all conditions must be satisfied in each community, including registration. Drawings/photos are representational only. All square footage is approximate. Prices subject to change without notice or obligation. D.R. Horton VEN, Inc. dba Emerald Homes – CalBRE license #1253251; Contractors license #765023. © D.R. Horton 2016.
FEB R UAR Y 2016 | T H E F I GH T 3
N MAP NOT TO SCALE
THECONTENTS >> MORE TO COME <<
C O V E R S T O R I E S A N D F E AT U R E S
FOR SUCCESS 18 BOUND Los Angeles Leather Pride ELLIOT 19 REMEMBERING AIDS Activist Elliot Johnson
18 19
22
32
FOR 22 MANSLAUGHTER A MAN’S SLAUGHTER Justice For Kurtland Ma
30
PATH TO HAPPINESS 30 THE Renaissance Man Scott Cullen BE FRANK 32 TO Mr. L.A. Leather Bear 2015 RISING MOON 34 THE Ms. Los Angeles Leather 2016 YOUR LOINS 40 GIRD The Devil At Rockwell MY DADDY 42 BE DaddyB In Palm Springs PARTY BOYS 45 WEHO All-Male Revue Sizzles
ON THE COVER SCOTT CULLENS COVER PHOTO, TOC PHOTO AND FEATURE PHOTO BY SIMON BARNES
DEPARTMENTS
34
40 4 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com
42
45
12 14 16 20 24 26 28 36 38 43 46 48 50
THE TALK ALEXIS ARQUETTE THE STATE EQUALITY CALIFORNIA THE CITY ROOSTERFISH CLOSING THE WORLD PROTECT REFUGEES THE ROSTOW REPORT THE GOAT THE SPREAD GIO & KEVIN THE TRANSACTION THE CENTER THE JOYSTICK GAMING THE SHARE LOCAL SOBRIETY THE EPIDEMIC BONO THE EVENT MR. SOCAL LEATHER THE CALENDAR THINGS TO DO THE FINAL FIGHT LAST WORD
Why Wait In Line At Your Pharmacy? There Is No Waiting In Line Ever! We offer free confidential delivery worldwide! Refill Reminder Services Avoid running out of medication, our specialist will call you routinely or ship your medications automatically (informed prior consent) Medication Synchronization Avoid multiple trips to the pharmacy or deliveries throughout the month. We will tailor your prescriptions to be refilled at the same time each month. Most Insurance Plans Accepted No insurance? No problem. We offer the lowest prices on brands and generics. guranteed! Co-Pay Assistance Programs Available For Those Who Qualify Contracted Network Provider For Serostim
We’re PrEPard, are you? Contact us @ (310)360-9969 7360 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 101, West Hollywood, CA 90046 Open Monday–Friday from 9am-6pm 24-Hour Emergency Paging Service is Available FEB R UAR Y 2016 | T H E F I GH T 5
THEEDITOR
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stanford Altamirano MANAGING EDITOR Mark Ariel ART DIRECTOR Nadeen Torio MARKETING CONSULTANTS Tom Pardoe Eric Slayton Joe Faragher SOCIAL MEDIA Paulo Murillo Eric Slayton WEBMASTER Nadeen Torio >> IN THIS ISSUE <<
This issue of THE FIGHT marks our 5th year anniversary. Inspired and humbled by my friends and acquaintances dealing with addiction at the time - the first issue of THE FIGHT focused on recovery. Whether it is drug or alcohol addiction, a bad break-up or getting used to a new job - we all have to be ready - at one time or another - to adjust to new realities. As unsettling as it may seem at first, these new circumstances may offer the opportunity to create a better path, perhaps a better foundation to figure out our strengths and our weaknesses. Throughout the past five years several sober men have graced the cover of THE FIGHT. Paulo Murillo went back to ask some of our sober cover models what it was like to share their experience in recovery, and what their sober lives are like today (“The Share,” page 38). “To me, it was a great experience, because I was able to share my story with a large audience and I was able
to explain a little bit about my Kill Meth organization, which was in its early stages,” says Trenton Ducati (THE FIGHT, Issue #32). “The killmeth.org website is up and running, where we provide education, resource assistance and encouragement for those suffering from methamphetamine addiction,” reveals Ducati. “Being on the cover of THE FIGHT magazine was definitely lifechanging,” says personal trainer Seth Browning (THE FIGHT, Issue #44). “I really put it all out there for the first time in the media. The feedback that I got was that it helped a number of people, which was the goal of my being vulnerable like that. It was definitely a highlight of the year. I’m sober six years now,” states Browning. Recovery is about change. Sometimes it’s painful, sometimes it’s beautiful, most of the time it’s what is needed to move ahead. In our private lives, in our relationships, within our community.
GET THE FIGHT AT HOME Sent Via First Class Mail 12 Issues: $36 6 Issues: $24 Mail check or money order to: Third Step, LLC 611 S. Catalina St. Suite 307 Los Angeles, CA 90005 PUBLISHER Third Step, LLC DISTRIBUTION Pride In Media The Fight Magazine is published monthly by Third Step, LLC. 611 South Catalina Street, Suite 307 Los Angeles, CA 90005 Telephone (323) 297-4001 Fax (213) 281-9648 Email info@TheFightMag.com THE FIGHT MAGAZINE LEGAL CAVEATS By listing in The Fight Magazine, advertisers acknowledge that they do business in the spirit of cooperation, fairness and service, maintaining a high level of integrity and responsibility. Providers of products or services are fully and solely responsible for providing same as advertised. The Fight Magazine assumes no liability for improper or negligent business practices by advertisers. Advertisers and their agencies assume responsibility and liability for the content of their advertisements in The Fight Magazine. Publisher assumes no liability for safe-keeping or return of unsolicited art, manuscripts or other materials. The Fight Magazine reserves the right to edit all material for clarity, length and content. All contents © 2016 Third Step LLC. All rights reserved. Content may be reproduced with permission.
STANFORD ALTAMIRANO Editor-In-Chief
The Fight Magazine assumes no liability for any claims or representations contained anywhere in this magazine and reserves the right to cancel or refuse advertising at publisher’s discretion.
TheFightMag.com For Display Advertising, please call (323) 297-4001
6 6 TTH HEE FFIIGH GHTT || www.thefightmag.com www.thefightmag.com
FEB R UAR Y 2016 | T H E F I GH T 7
THECONTRIBUTORS >> WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS <<
PAULO MURILLO West Hollywood resident Paulo Murillo has been writing for gay media for over twelve years. He got his start writing a bi-weekly column called “Luv Ya, Mean It” for FAB! Newspaper. Visit his website at thehissfit.com, or friend him on Facebook. ANN ROSTOW Ann Rostow writes news analysis columns for THE FIGHT and other gay publications across the country. For weekly LGBT News updates, visit her blog at: annrostow.blogspot.com. Ann can be reached at: arostow@aol.com. DUSTI CUNNINGHAM Los Angeles based photographer Dusti Cunningham grew up in a very clean single-wide trailer home in rural Kansas. His family didn’t own television so they watched tornadoes. None of his dogs were named Toto. Dolly
Murillo
Rostow
Shucart
Hakimfar
Cunningham
Arellano
Parton and his mother were his heroes, both wore wigs. His inspirations are gypsies, pirates, circuses, 1970s glamour, and the National Enquirer. www.dusticunningham.com. JOSEPH ARELLANO A stage and film actor from Bedford, Indiana, Joe has been involved in community events such as The Friendly
House Luncheon, PATH, and LA PRIDE. Joe has appeared in Titus Andronicus, Dark Side of the Moon, and Take Me Out. He also co-starred in the music video Hopeful Romantic, Hallmarks’ Holly’s Holiday, and other various short films. BRENDEN SHUCART Brenden Shucart is an HIV AIDSLGBT rights advocate, actor,
and writer whose work has been featured in Out There,The Advocate and HIV Plus magazine among others. His essays around HIV-related health issues and stigma have been described as “humanizing and heartbreaking” and “beautiful, honest, and important.” As an actor Shucart has appeared in the short film “Bug Chaser,” James Franco and Travis Mathews’ “Interior. Leather Bar.,” and Mathews’ 2010 short film “I Want Your Love.” DAVID HAKIMFAR Los Angeles based Attorney David Hakimfar received his law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego. While there, he made the Honor Roll and National Dean’s List. Currently David Hakimfar is a Trial Attorney and Senior Partner of Hakimfar Law, PLC. He can be reached at: 1-888-789-PRIDE (7743).
Midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco Situated on 25 acres of Monterey Pines and themed gardens 152 rooms and suites for any occasion • Fireside Lounge with nightly entertainment Flexible indoor and outdoor event space • Restaurant and on-site catering • Heated pool & spa
cambriapineslodge.com 8 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com
••••
805-924-3353
BEVERLY HILLS SMILES DENTAL GROUP
GET YOUR SMILE BACK GO TO THE DENTAL IMPLANT SPECIALIST OTHER DOCTORS GO TO! Periodontics and Dental Implant Specialist Dr. Mahnaz Rashti obtained her D.D.S. degree from New York College of Dentistry in 1994. Additionally Dr. Rashti completed a two-year General Practice Residency as well as a three year Periodontics and Dental Implantology Residency at West Los Angeles Veteran Administration Hospital. She served as the clinical instructor at UCLA Department of Oral Diagnosis and Oral Medicine and Clinical Assistant Professor at the Veteran Hospital. TESTIMONIAL
ASK ABOUT OUR llSMEouRthVReICconsEStruc! tion
Cosmetic Fu One Day All-On-4 Implants In Dental Implants y Antiaging Dentistr TMJ Treatment
“I went to Dr. Rashti because of her kind face. I saw her in an ad in THE FIGHT magazine. I stayed with Dr. Rashti because of her kindness and she gave me my SMILE back! Thank you Dr. Rashti, you changed my life by giving me one!“ —Ron M. Lyerly, West Hollywood, 2015
BEVERLY HILLS SMILES DENTAL GROUP Call Us Directly: (310) 623-3330 9735 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 307, Beverly Hills, CA www.dentalimplant90210.com
W E D O N AT E A P O RT I O N O F O U R P R O C E E D S T O T H E L A L G B T C E N T E R
FEB R UAR Y 2016 | T H E F I GH T 9
1 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
THELETTERS >> FROM OUR READERS <<
A&M
AUTO REPAIR & SERVICE Want To Protect Your Car and Your Wallet? A&M Auto Repair Can Help. We are a full service auto repair shop where all jobs are guaranteed. Serving the community proudly for 25 years!
FULL AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR AND SERVICES INCLUDING
WITH A BODY Dear Editor, Amusing piece on cover model Brad Jan (“The World According to Brad Jan,” THE FIGHT Issue #60). I could’t figure out if he was being ironic with his flippant answers to your interviewer’s questions but honestly, with a body like his - who cares? —Bernard Salido, via the internet
POWERFUL WORDS Dear Editor, Wow—powerful words by Brenden Schucart on AHF’s anti-PrEP campaign (“Look Back In Shame,” THE FIGHT Issue #60). “If you aren’t serious about PrEP you aren’t serious about ending the HIV epidemic.” YES! —David Wright, via the internet
• BRAKE JOBS • RADIATORS • STARTERS & ALTERNATORS • FRONT & REAR SUSPENTION • AXEL & AXEL BOOTS ( CV-JOINTS) • SHOCKS & STRUTS
ALL JOBS GUARANTEED! (323) 462-5533 FREE WI-FI
TION MENS D THI AREE F R O F GIFT!
Dear Editor, Thank you for your continued coverage of PrEP in your magazine. And especially for the article “Look Back In Shame” (THE FIGHT Issue #60). Gay publications need to be vigilant in combatting misinformation spread out there by AHF. Hopefully they will come around and realize that demonizing PrEP is a huge disservice to the LGBT community. —Justin Milano, Long Beach, CA
Dear Editor, AIDS Healthcare Foundation may not be entirely wrong in their fight against PrEP. A recently published study showed it is possible to develop a medication-resistant strain of HIV while on PrEP. Granted - it is unlikely, and the benefits of PrEP drastically outweigh the risks of drug resistance, but, I, for one, will continue with condoms alone, until a vaccination is found. —R. Gelman, Los Angeles, CA
> WRITE TO THE EDITOR
Email: editor@thefightmag.com Fax: (213) 281-9648. Letters may be shortened due to space requirements.
A&M Auto Repair 1111 Cole Ave Los Angeles, CA 90038
Medical Marijuana Evaluations www.nirvana-clinic.com nirvanamedical@yahoo.com
BE VIGILANT
I, FOR ONE
• OIL CHANGES & TIRE ROTATIONS • CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TROUBLESHUTING • TIMMING BELTS • HOSES & BELTS • HEAD LAMPS AJUSTMENTS • OFFICIAL BRAKE & LIGHT INSPECTION STATION
Tel 323-663-4444
4511 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90027
Walk-In Welcome 24 Hour Verification • Open 7 Days A Week Picture ID Cards • Cultivation Licenses
$30
Renewal
$40
New Patient
12 MONTH RECOMMENDATIONS FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 11
THETALK >> W H AT T H E Y ’ R E S AY I N G <<
VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
BILLY CRYSTAL BRANDON DAVIS
I WAS REBORN
“I was no longer living a lie and I will never go back in the closet for anyone… Being out is literally the best feeling in the world. There is no better feeling than knowing who you are and accepting it. It’s like I was reborn, and since that day my life has drastically changed for the better.” —College rugby star and former football player Brandon Davis last month in an open letter published on OutSports.
PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE
“The parents of Drake are pleased to announce that their son has come out. Drake is currently a senior in high school where he is captain of the tennis team, ASB Vice President, and NHS member. He is a church DRAKE deacon and enjoys film making and baking… WILSON And yes, he adores Barbra Streisand.” —Joan and Craig Wilson, parents of Drake, 17, in an ad they placed in the Houston Chronicle last month, congratulating their gay son on coming out. The Wilsons said they placed the ad in response to the defeat of Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance this past November. HERO would have prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity but was rejected by voters. Drake first came out in a YouTube video when he was 16.
DEVOUR THIS NATION REV. We have allowed the enemy to FRANKLIN come into our churches… We have GRAHAM to understand who the enemy is and what he wants—he wants to devour our homes. He wants to devour this nation.” —Rev. Franklin Graham on Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk radio show last month on gay Christians.
1 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
CULTURE NEVER JUSTIFIES
“LGBT people face violence, harassment, unequal treatment, mistreatment by cops, denial of health care, isolation—always in the name of culture… I’ve had it up to here with culture… Culture never justifies rank, raw, discrimination or violation of human rights.” —Vice President Joe Biden talking at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month.
GILDED CLOSETS
“When Jada comes out as gay and her beard husband admits his first marriage ended when she walked in to him … servicing his Sugar ALEXIS Daddy Benny Medina … then I will listen to ARQUETTE them… Gays have enemies. They lurk in gilded closets. Outing is healthy. You are either with or against us. You decide. Today.” —Alexis Arquette, in a since-deleted Facebook post last month, on Will Smith and wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith. Arquette’s comments come after Jada announced she was boycotting the Oscars over the lack of diversity among the nominees. (Will, 47, was not nominated for his role in “Concussion.”)
SHAME CAST UPON
“As a young boy, I knew I wanted to be an actor… I also knew, however abstractly, that I was different from some of the other boys in my grade. Over time, this abstract ‘knowing’ grew and articulated itself through a painful gestation marked by feelings of despair and alienation, ending in a climax of saying three words out loud: ‘I am gay.’ … I now believe CHARLIE that by omitting this part of myself from the CARVER record, I am complicit in perpetuating the suffering, fear, and shame cast upon so many in the world.” —Actor Charlie Carver, (Teen Wolf, The Leftovers) in an Instagram post last month.
MANY YOUNG KIDS
“I’m gay myself and I haven’t gone through a lot of the things that Kenny goes through in the series… [but] I would hope that this would open the eyes of NOAH many young kids who are watching this.” GALVIN —Actor Noah Galvin, 21, on his role as teenager who comes out to his shocked Catholic family, in ABC’s new sitcom “The Real O’Neals.” The story is loosely based on the upbringing of Dan Savage, author of the “Savage Love” sex advice column.
@ the 134 Fwy & Lankershim Blvd. 4606 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91602
NorthHollywoodToyota.com/PRIDE
We are Proud to support our community
Be Proud of Yourself and the Vehicle you Drive!
Kyle M. Blumberg Vehicle Consultant Bus: (818)508-2900x315 Cell: (818)730-2550 Fax: (818)308-8158 Email: Kblumberg@nohotoyota.com
FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 13
THESTATE >> P H I L T I N G <<
PHIL TING (D-SAN FRANCISCO)
ENHANCING DIGNITY AND SAFETY Equality California sponsors new legislation to expand equal restroom access in California. BY ORLY LYONNE
E ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS! • Home, Auto & Life • Commercial • Workers Comp • Income Property • TAX FREE Retirement Income • Employee Practice • Directors & Officers • Professional Liability
Call Now! (213) 743-9191
email: info@kamkarinsurance.com www.kamkarinsurance.com Lic # 0744100
1 4 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
quality California announced last month that it is sponsoring legislation, authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), that would establish the nation’s most progressive restroom access law. AB 1732, the Equal Restroom Access Act, would require single-occupancy restrooms in California businesses, government buildings, and public spaces to be identified as “all gender.” “Restrooms are a necessity of life. Access to them influences our ability to participate in public life,” said Ting. “Signs restricting single-use restroom access by gender create problems of convenience, fairness, and safety. They defy common sense, which is why many of us ignore them. ‘All gender’ signs will end these problems and ensure everyone’s rights are protected.” “Having access to a restroom without restrictions based on one’s gender identity simply makes sense,” said Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco), a principal co-author of the bill. “All gender restrooms will enhance dignity and safety for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals in their daily lives.” Sponsored by Equality California and supported by the Transgender Law Center, California NOW and the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, AB 1732 would align state law with similar restroom access laws emerging in the cities of Oakland, Denver, Boston, and Philadelphia. “This bill will greatly enhance the safety of and increase options for transgender people, who are often harassed or threatened in public, multi-stall restrooms, but the benefits would truly extend to virtually everyone,” said Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California. “Everyone at one point or another will benefit from this bill—including nursing mothers, parents with an opposite-sex child, the elderly and people with medical conditions with an opposite-sex caregiver. And this bill will not impose any real costs on businesses or governments—it merely requires that single use restrooms be made available to everyone. The cost quite literally is no more than a new plastic sign.” n
DR. BOBBY BHASKER-RAO
A NEW DAY... A NEW YOU! WEIGHT LOSS SOLUTIONS
COURTNEY MARKEY MS, REGISTERED DIETITIAN
• In over 3,000 surgeries, Lite Life Surgery’s Dr. Bobby’s
outcomes surpass national success rates, thanks to a program of care that begins with your first visit.
• Dr. Bobby is the only bariatric surgeon in Southern California using a state-of-the-art robotic surgical system; resulting in faster recovery and fewer complications.
• As part of a comprehensive care program, you’ll meet with
a registered dietitian to discuss your dietary habits, improve nutrition and help maintain your weight-loss long term.
LITE LIFE SURGERY PHONE: (760) 778-5220 1-866-DRBOBBY
35900 BOB HOPE DRIVE, SUITE 205 RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIFORNIA 92270 LITELIFESURGERY.COM Call today to learn about other locations throughout Southern California
• Procedures include Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Lap-Band Revision Procedures and the new modified Duodenal Switch.
IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND APPEARANCE FOR A BRAND NEW YOU TODAY! FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 15
THECITY >> BY PAULO MURILLO <<
ANTHONY VILLEGAS
GAY MAN ATTACKED IN WEHO
23-year old Anthony Villegas, a fashion consultant and blogger (ofMiceAndMensWear.com) was found bloodied near the Gelson’s Market parking lot on Sunday, January 9, after being viciously assaulted in what appears to be a homophobic hate crime. “I was walking back to my friend’s apartment in West Hollywood… when I was assaulted by an individual I could not identify,” reads a statement in Villegas’s gofundme page. “The individual(s) that assaulted me punched, kicked, and beat me while I was down. According to the trauma team at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, my wounds are also consistent with being hit by or thrown out of a moving vehicle.” West Hollywood Sheriffs are seeking any information leading to the arrests of Villegas’s attackers. To help with Villegas’s hospital bills, visit gofundme.com/avillegas.
CENTER MOURNS THE LOSS OF JEANNE CORDOVA LGBT activist Jeanne Cordova passed away on January 10. A lesbian-feminist activist and author, Cordova founded four lesbian conferences JEANNE and for decades stood at the forefront of CORDOVA the LGBT movement on the West Coast. Los Angeles LGBT Center CEO Lorri L. Jean noted in a statement on her passing last month that “Jeanne’s leadership has made the journey better and more joyful for all of us. I won’t say rest in peace, because if there is an afterlife, Jeanne is raising a ruckus and making change. She was one tough dyke whose legacy warrants our admiration and respect.” Learn more about the LA LGBT Center at lalgbtcenter.org CAITLYN JENNER
CAITLYN JOINS GAY PILOTS IN PALM SPRINGS
Caitlyn Jenner recently attended the National Gay Pilots Association in Palm Springs held at the Renaissance Palm Springs. Jenner’s visit to the desert prompted several tweets after sightings of the famous Olympian turned reality star. “Our team was thrilled to meet @Caitlyn_Jenner at the @ NGPA2,” tweeted PSA Airlines on Monday, January 25, confirming Jenner at the event. The last time Jenner was spotted in the Palm Springs area was when she and daughter Kylie were in the Coachella Valley last September at Las Casualas Nuevas Mexican restaurant in Rancho Mirage with a camera crew in tow. 1 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
CHRISTIAN BILLBOARD OVER GAY HILLCREST
An anti-gay Christian ministry has erected a billboard at one of the entrances to San Diego’s heavily LGBT Hillcrest neighborhood. The billboard from Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) reads, “In the beginning God created …,” alongside a crossed-out image associated with the theory of evolution, SDGLN.com reports. The ministry’s website states that “homosexuality was not a part of God’s design.”
ROOSTERFISH TO CLOSE IN MAY
Los Angeles is losing one of its oldest and most dearly beloved gay bars: Roosterfish in Venice is set to close after 37 years after a rent hike has made its lease unaffordable, reports towleroad.com Roosterfish bartender Gaetano Jones wrote on Facebook last month that “the rumors are true… After 37 years of business, The Roosterfish is closing for good in May… I have been lucky to work there since I have arrived in LA, but all things come to an end…” “The landlord raised the rent,” Jones added in a reply to his original post.
ANTI-GAY CHURCH PROTEST IN REDONDO BEACH The anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church was met by hundreds of counter-protesters last month at Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach where they had planned a picketing event “to warn the living.” The school’s administration told parents the school’s Gay Straight Alliance club is likely the reason the group targeted the school. Redondo police said the event went smoothly and no arrests were made, the Daily Breeze reported. One church picketer says in a video by the Daily Breeze, “It’s another filthy high school, bunch of filthy kids as well, so why not.” Members of the counter-protest held a large rainbow flag in front of the Westboro Baptist picketers. n
FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 17
> > L A L E AT H E R P R I D E < <
BOUND FOR SUCCESS
Los Angeles Leather Pride week takes place this year at various venues throughout SoCal March 27 – April 3. BY VICTO R MELA MED
L
os Angeles Leather Pride, an annual event operated by The Los Angeles Leather Coalition (LALC)—a 501(c)4 organization, facilitates communication and mutual understanding among different segments of the leather-affiliated community. “This year our theme is ‘BOUND’— celebrating the kinky ties that bind the diverse members of our L.A. Leather Community,” states LALC’s Marlon Morales. “We celebrate the multiple ages, genders and ethnicities that make possible our world-renown dynamic leather/fetish scene, woven together by
1 8 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
the Los Angeles Leather Coalition since 1999. Our celebration reflects the strength and diversity of our community.” “We have witnessed and celebrated the victories of Patrick Smith, LAL 2015 and now International Mr. Leather (IML) 2015. Patrick is a shining example of the possibilities for personal growth and community service available to titleholders at any level,” says Morales. “While we readily acknowledge that any person can do great things in service to his community (no title necessary); we believe having the recognition of being a
Los Angeles titleholder provides a platform from which to achieve greatness.” “When you purchase a ticket or package to L.A. Leather Pride week, you become part of the long tapestry of leather history in Los Angeles.” “Our celebration seeks to maintain and enhance the cooperative efforts of our clubs, bars, and businesses,” states Morales. “To that end, we will present an unforgettable experience for all—from far and near– who will participate in L.A. Leather Pride on March 27-April 2, 2016. We have planned a full calendar of activities celebrating the kinky ties that bind us together. We are here to celebrate each other!” For more information on L.A. Leather Pride week visit: losangelesleatherpride.com.
• Residential and Commercial • Full Residential Moves • One-Room Moves • State Moves & Interstate Moves • Storage Moves
REMEMBERING
ELLIOT
AIDS activist Elliot Johnson: “a man of depth and substance.” BY VICTO R MELA MED
E
lliot Johnson, Chief Administrator of the Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center Rand Schrader HIV Clinic (5P-21) for over a decade, passed away last month of lung cancer at the age of 71. “Elliot Johnson was a man of depth and substance,” says his close friend David Crittendon in an interview with THE FIGHT. “He was very still, by that I mean composed in space and time. A dark handsome man, proud but not supercilious, firm with a controlling streak, yet modest and empathic.” “Elliot’s most well known accomplishment was his stewardship of 5P21, The Rand Schrader Clinic at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center,” reveals Crittendon. “As the AIDS crisis worsened, the 5P21 clinic, a ten room outpatient wing housed in the Medical Center became inadequate. In 1991, 5P21 moved into its own dedicated three story building handling 3500 AIDS patient visits a month, a case load higher than any other clinic in California. A majority of patients were Hispanic as well as a large African-American population that included women and children, many arriving for first treatment when the disease was already at full blown Stage 3. Elliot Johnson is credited with being a tireless advocate for the ill and dying, lobbying for the best medicines and protocols against indifference and hostility from political interests locally and nationally. Eventually, he and his medical staff prevailed, instituting interventions and treatment models that became templates for the nation and internationally.” “Elliot lived with pain. He survived cancer over two decades ago. A reckless driver re-injured his damaged leg during his tenure at County-USC. Major heart surgery in 2015, followed by the cancer diagnosis that finally ended his life.” “At his bedside I was often frustrated at his refusal of a kinder gentler option for his medical situation. He would rather endure pain than be fuzzy and unclear on pain meds! Elliot was not about relief. He was about standing for what he thought was his true path toward wholeness and completion.” n
• Pianos & Safes
• Long Beach and Los Angeles (35 mile radius)
• Local & Long Distance • Expert Packers (minimal, intermediate, full)
• Licensed & Insured 818 VIKINGS (818 845 4647) viking@vikingmovingandrelocation.com moveviking.com
See our reviews on Yelp
Jeffrey Erdman Experienced Litigator for Business, Real Estate and Domestic Partnership Matters
&
Bennett & Erdman has an experienced team of attorneys to handle all of your legal needs for every stage of your life.
BE
Bennett & Erdman
5670 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1400 | Los Angeles, CA 90036 323.935.0041 | 310.824.0471 | www.bennetterdman.com
FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 19
THEWORLD >> G E R M A N Y P L A N S S H E LT E R S F O R G AY R E F U G E E S <<
PROTECTING REFUGEES
Germany plans shelters for gay refugees amid attacks; The Netherlands, Austria teach asylum seekers about LGBT rights. BY VICTO R MELA MED
S
upport groups in Germany are planning special shelters for gay refugees and migrants after incidents of abuse and violence amid the country’s record-setting immigration, reports NBC News. The Lesbian and Gay Federation in Germany (LSVD) says several incidents of discrimination and physical assaults against gay refugees have been reported in the past year. “Berlin officials identified 95 cases in the German capital alone between August and December 2015, mainly in refugee homes,” Markus Ulrich from the LSVD told NBC News. It comes as Germany grapples with an unabated refugee influx, with several thousand migrants arriving every day. Many have fled countries such as Iraq and Syria where ISIS militants are targeting or killing gays. “We have been alerted to a growing number of insults and violent acts against queer refugees, including cases of rape,” Marcel de Groot, manager of Berlin’s gay counseling center, Schwulenberatung, told NBC News.
2 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
The support organization estimates that “between 5 and 10 percent of the 70,000 refugees that arrived in Berlin last year were gay, lesbian or transsexual,” he added. Schwulenberatung has had to find emergency accommodation for up to 70 people, mostly gay men, in private Berlin homes because “they had strong fears in the refugee shelters or became victims of attacks,” de Groot said. In related news—people living in asylum centers in The Netherlands are to be given lessons about the Dutch LGBT community, the country’s education minister announced, reports Newsweek. In an interview with daily newspaper Trouw, Jet Bussemaker pledged to introduce educational measures to make it clear that anti-gay discrimination will not be tolerated in the country. The ministry plans to supply asylum centers with LGBT teaching materials—currently
provided to Dutch secondary schools—within the next few weeks and it will be up to each individual center to provide lessons and discussion groups. “We should not be naive,” Bussemaker told the newspaper. “Refugees come from countries where gay rights are not a matter of course and where women’s rights are not always accepted.” In late 2015, Dutch authorities decided to relocate five LGBT refugees—three Syrians, one Iraqi and one Iranian—out of an asylum center after they were spat on and attacked by other refugees, Amsterdam-based daily newspaper Het Parool reported on December 4. The attacks compromised their safety, forcing them to stay in their rooms. The ministry plans to involve Dutch LGBT organization COC Nederland in the project. The group welcomes Bussemaker’s decision, but feels that more could be done by the government. “While we are very happy about the initiative, more needs to be done to introduce harsh and accurate punishments when LGBT asylum seekers are abused,” COC spokesman Philip Tijsma tells Newsweek. “The government needs to take responsibility for the vast numbers of people being singled out for being LGBT,” he added. Meanwhile, the Austrian Interior Ministry produced a “refugee guide” aimed at providing some basic guidelines and regulations for arriving refugees, including a cartoon explaining that “same-sex partnerships are allowed in Austria. Women may live together with women and men with men.” n
L O C ATE D I N THE BEAU TIFUL PALM SP RI N G S CO MMU N I TY
• Non-12 Step Approach. • Revolutionizing the Treatment of Addiction, Anxiety and Depression through Mindfulness and Presence work.
• Gay owned and operated. We welcome everyone.
who have issues surrounding PTSD, co-dependency, OCD and general unhappiness with life.
• Insurance and private pay accepted. Competitive financing available.
• Yoga and meditation offered
• The First U.S. Treatment Center to Focus Primarily on Mindfulness.
• More individual and groups sessions than many other treatment centers.
• Skills training to take with you along with an aftercare program.
• Based on the work of noted author and Kiloby Center founder Scott Kiloby.
• Along with addiction, anxiety and depression, we also work with clients
Website: www.kilobycenter.com | Phone: 1-866-K-I-L-O-B-Y-5 Kiloby Center for Recovery 71-777 San Jacinto Drive, Suite 102, Rancho Mirage, California 92270 www.facebook.com/kilobycenter | www.twitter.com/kilobycenter | instagram: @kilobycenter FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 21
>> BDSM <<
ANDRE DAVIDS KURTLAND MA (L),
MANSLAUGHTER FOR
Andre Davids was sentenced to just 12 years of state prison after stabbing, disemboweling, mutilating and stuffing his boyfriend Kurtland Ma in West Hollywood on March 29, 2014.
O
f all of the crimes out there, homicide is perhaps the most serious. It is the only criminal act where the consequences to the guilty person may be equally as severe as his actions to the victim. But in the case of convicted killer Andre Davids, many are asking why Davids was convicted of the lesser crime of manslaughter instead of murder, and why, after a long, gut-wrenching trial, he was sentenced to just 12 years by a jury of his peers.
THE CRIMINAL ACT It is undisputed that just before Ma’s killing, Davids ingested prescription drugs and was told by Ma the relationship was over. According to Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, 2 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
BY D AVI D HAKI MFAR, ATTORNEY AT LAW
it appeared to be “a crime of passion where ... one boyfriend wasn’t as faithful to the other. The other one got upset.” Upset is an understatement. Ma’s body was stabbed about 40 times and was “disemboweled,” with his own organs stuffed into his mouth, along with pills and pill bottles shoved into his body cavity. Davids claimed that he killed Ma in a sudden decision after Ma wanted to end the relationship.
THE CRIMINAL CHARGES At trial, the prosecution charged Davids with homicide charges of (1) murder and (2) manslaughter. Murder in California may be prosecuted in the first degree or second degree. First degree murder is the more serious of the two charges and California law defines second degree
murder as all murders that do not qualify as first degree murder. The common thread of first and second degree murder is that California law requires the prosecution to prove that Davids exhibited express (deliberate) or implied (abandoned and malignant heart) malice. A killing that would otherwise be murder is reduced to voluntary manslaughter if the defendant killed someone because of a sudden quarrel or in the heat of passion. California’s voluntary manslaughter jury instructions are exceedingly clear: 570. Voluntary Manslaughter: Heat of Passion—Lesser Included Offense. A killing that would otherwise be murder is reduced to voluntary manslaughter if the defendant killed someone because of a sudden quarrel or in the heat of passion.
>> GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER <<
DAVIDS’ ATTORNEYS ARGUED THAT THE CRIME WAS ONE OF PASSION, AND THAT THE JURY SHOULD DECIDE ON A MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE INSTEAD OF MURDER. THEY ALSO SAID HIS JUDGMENT WAS IMPAIRED BECAUSE HE INGESTED DRUGS. FOR MANY, IT HAS BEEN VERY HARD TO ACCEPT THAT DAVIDS WASN’T CONVICTED OF MURDER. The defendant killed someone because of a sudden quarrel or in the heat of passion if: 1. The defendant was provoked; 2. As a result of the provocation, the defendant acted rashly and under the influence of intense emotion that obscured (his/her) reasoning or judgment; and 3. The provocation would have caused a person of average disposition to act rashly and without due deliberation, that is, from passion rather than from judgment.
was one of passion, and that the jury should decide on a manslaughter charge instead of murder. They also said his judgment was impaired because he ingested drugs. For many, it has been very hard to accept that Davids wasn’t convicted of murder. However, for Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Negin Yamini, the outcome in Davids case was not unpredictable. “Since Davids was on prescription drugs, it may have affected his ability to make logical decisions. The drugs compounded with Ma’s
he was accused of. California law could have found Davids guilty of first degree murder if the People proved that Ma was murdered by torture. California law finds torture if there is (1) premeditation to inflict pain on the victim, (2) a sadistic intention, and (3) the intent for the torture to be the cause death.
ANOTHER MURDER TRIAL? Understandably many in the community are outraged at what is perceived
A MAN’S SLAUGHTER AVERAGE DISPOSITION
Heat of passion does not require anger, rage, or any specific emotion. It can be any violent or intense emotion that causes a person to act without due deliberation and reflection. In order for heat of passion to reduce a murder to voluntary manslaughter, the defendant must have acted under the direct and immediate influence of provocation as I have defined it. While no specific type of provocation is required, slight or remote provocation is not sufficient. Sufficient provocation may occur over a short or long period of time. It is not enough that the defendant simply was provoked. The defendant is not allowed to set up (his/her) own standard of conduct. You must decide whether the defendant was provoked and whether the provocation was sufficient. In deciding whether the provocation was sufficient, consider whether a person of average disposition would have been provoked and how such a person would react in the same situation knowing the same facts...”
HARD TO ACCEPT Davids’ attorneys argued that the crime
news of his desire to end the relationship could stir up quite a bit of emotion. Therefore, a jury could reasonably see this as unplanned, and as a crime of passion. The jury believed Davids acted in the heat of the moment. It was not a murder, it was manslaughter. Like it or not, I believe the jury got it right with respect to applying the facts to the law.”
THE CRIMINAL SENTENCE It’s important to understand that prosecutors rarely file voluntary manslaughter as a separate charge from murder. Manslaughter is a charge that commonly comes up in murder cases, where the accused person has admitted to killing the victim, but seeks avoid a murder conviction. If the accused is convicted of voluntary manslaughter, he or she faces a maximum of 11 years in prison. With murder, by contrast, the person faces a potential life sentence... or sometimes execution. California Penal Code Section 193(a) provides as follows: “Voluntary manslaughter is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 3, 6 or 11 years.” The Court sentenced Davids to the longest possible sentence for the crime
as an extremely light sentence such an horrific act—and there are those who are calling for another murder trail. This is not possible. The Founding Fathers of our country inscribed the Double Jeopardy Clause within the Fifth Amendment of the United State Constitution. This Clause provides that no person shall “be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb.” Two essential protections of the Double Jeopardy Clause are retrials after certain mistrials, and multiple punishment.
CIVIL ACTION The estate of Kurtland Ma have the ability to pursue damages for his intentional and/or wrongful death. Davids’ liability is virtually without doubt and the monetary value for the loss of Ma could go into multiple millions of dollars. However, without any knowledge of what Andre Davids’ has or doesn’t have, it will be their call in deciding if it will be worth the time, energy, and resources in obtaining a paper judgment that will always remain unpayable by Davids. FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 23
THEROSTOWREPORT >> BY ANN ROSTOW <<
DON’T EAT THE GOAT
Before we delve into serious news, have you heard the heartwarming story of the Safari park tiger in eastern Russia? The tiger, Amur, is fed live animals on a daily basis. A little while ago, however, the tiger refused to eat a proffered goat, and instead the two animals became best friends. They walked around together in the enclosure, and Timur the goat even took over Amur’s protected sleeping hut, leaving the tiger to sleep on the roof. When the two were briefly separated, Amur reportedly roared with sadness. And, as a result of the odd friendship, the keepers started feeding Amur with rabbits instead of goats, presumably to avoid confusion between the pair. Not only does this story provide us with yet another glimpse into our impoverished understanding of animal emotions, but it has a gay angle. No, the creatures are not gay, but a Russian lawyer has asked authorities to ban media coverage of the charming phenomenon based on the idea that the attention represents “covert gay propaganda” given the nontraditional nature of the relationship. Seriously, my friends! For the moment, Timur has been removed for a medical checkup. The safari park staff also worries that Amur might reconsider his taste for Timur once he enters mating season. Let me just add that if they put Timur back in the enclosure only to be eaten by Amur, and then write about it, I will cancel my subscription to the Moscow Times.
LET‘S CHANGE CREATING CHANGE
And now some serious news indeed, namely the hateful and near violent protest against two LGBT Jewish organizations
DONALD TRUMP
ONLY A VETERAN LGBT WRITER CAN GET AWAY WITH SAYING THIS, BUT HAVE ANY OF YOU NOTICED THAT DONALD TRUMP IS LIMP-WRISTED? I’M NOT USING THAT AS GAY SLUR. I MEAN IT LITERALLY. HE FLAPS HIS WRISTS LOOSELY AND BENDS THEM BACKWARDS IN A MANNER THAT PERFECTLY FITS THE OLD STEREOTYPE. DOES THIS QUIRK HAVE ANY SIGNIFICANCE? WHAT IF YOU CONSIDER THE LIBERACE HAIR STYLE? trying to hold a reception at the Task Force‘s Creating Change conference in Chicago. Based in the Bay Area, A Wider Bridge seeks to encourage ties between gay communities in the U.S. and Israel. Jerusalem Open House, in turn, is one of Israel‘s main LGBT rights groups, and for the record, a strong supporter of Palestinian gays as well. The reception, held in the context of arguably our country‘s most politically correct left leaning activist group, drew some two hundred angry young protestors claiming that Israel‘s good record on gay rights is little more than a
2 4 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
smokescreen to hide their oppression of Palestinians. The demonstrators blocked access to the reception, some chanting the slogan that calls for the destruction of Israel: “Palestine will be free from the river to the sea.“ One of the leaders is heard of video calling out: “We‘re going to challenge these Zionist racist motherfuckers!“ Some participants trying to access the reception were crowded and pushed. Eventually, the Jewish groups had to abandon the event. As I wrote elsewhere this week, I don‘t believe the under-thirty screamers in the nasty crowd were anti-Semitic.
I think they were oblivious and restless, happy to be part of a protest and easily swayed by its righteous veneer. Who doesn‘t share concerns for the Palestinians in this decadeslong conflict? We all do! But most of us do so in the context of Israel‘s fight for existence and survival in a world infused with hatred for Jews. Indeed, in a world where not so long ago six million Jews were murdered and many more saw their lives shattered and homes destroyed. The 20-something LGBT activist has come of age at a time when injustice is in the air but when it seems they‘ve missed all the action. Stonewall was nearly half a century ago. The AIDS crisis and ACT UP peaked before they were born. Sodomy laws were revoked when they were children. Marches on Washington are a thing of the past. Dozens of antigay referendums were fought as they struggled through middle school. Marriage equality was debated for decades without their voices and achieved before they had a chance to weigh in. For them, the Holocaust might as well be the Civil War. In other words, they are young. But they are also politically immature, deaf to history and seemingly lack the ability to make individual judgments. Pack mentality has always worked for our community because after all, we were all fighting for equal rights and we were all united by our refusal to follow gender norms. But what are we fighting for now? If the next generation doesn‘t have a clue, perhaps everything, perhaps nothing, perhaps both.
NO FAIRY FERRY
Well that was uplifting n‘estce pas? In fact, we still have a LGBT agenda, even if it lacks the focus and excitement of marriage equality. For one thing, we have
> > A M U R T H E T I G E R , C R E AT I N G C H A N G E , N O F A I R Y F E R R Y, S O G A Y < <
dozens of antigay legislative proposals, ranging from a bill to ban marriage licenses to people with HIV in Oklahoma to a law that would prohibit ferries in Washington from flying the rainbow flag. Oh, and then there are quite a few versions of the religious freedom bills that would allow private businesses to discriminate against gays and lesbians, including a new one in Indiana, which will probably come to naught. In fact, I‘m not even really covering these antigay efforts because most if not all of them are being greeted with strong opposition from corporations and pragmatists. I‘ve seen bunches of alarmed emails about the Indiana bill which recently passed muster in a senate committee, but it looks as if the Speaker of the House will kill it if it reaches his chamber.
My policy is to ignore these developments unless and until they actually come close to passage because keeping up with them as they rattle around the various statehouses is tedious. That said, there are several bills calling for school kids to use the bathroom that matches their gender at birth, a mandate that would actually force masculine FTM teens and feminine MTF students to share the facilities with girls and boys respectively. By law! Do any of these lawmakers actually think about the repercussions of their proposals? I don‘t care that much but if pressed, I actually prefer to limit the ladies room to ladies, and don‘t particularly want transmen lumbering around the sinks. Transwomen would be most welcome of course. I think most people of both sexes agree, and I would love
to see some of these rightwing legislators try to pee while a trans babe fixes her makeup two feet away. I know I‘ve said this before.
HE’S SO GAY
So, I’m jealous of you readers, because unlike me, you know a) who won the Iowa caucuses, and probably b) who won New Hampshire. I’m still in the dark, and I also can’t decide who I want to win the early Republican contests. My main desire is for the party to wind up in Cleveland without a nominee, and subsequently engineer a divisive, controversial and chaotic procedural mess that results in Trump winning. I then want them to endure a crushing defeat, lose the Senate and degrade and/or sacrifice their House majority. Is that so much to ask?
By the way, only a veteran LGBT writer can get away with saying this, but have any of you noticed that Donald Trump is limp-wristed? I’m not using that as gay slur. I mean it literally. He flaps his wrists loosely and bends them backwards in a manner that perfectly fits the old stereotype. Does this quirk have any significance? What if you consider the Liberace hair style? Look, if he were secretly gay we’d know about by now, so I’m not suggesting that. I’m just making an observation. He’s a straight guy but there’s a touch of swish. Finally, on a personal note, I want all of you to tune in to House Hunters International on HGTV on February 11. My step children, Sarah Zipp and Aaron Zipp moved to Amsterdam with our two granddaughters and they’re on the show! n
If someone you love is struggling with addiction and mental health conditions, contact us at Michael’s House to find out more about our compassionate, evidence-based treatment. MichaelsHouse.com | (866) 494.7787 FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 25
THESPREAD
KEVIN CHAU GIOVANNI PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM
2 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
PET PEEVE KEVIN: PUNCTUAL PEOPLE. GIO: BREATHING REPUBLICANS.
HOBBIES KEVIN: NAMING CELLS AND PUDDLE SKIPPING. GIO: EAR WAXING AND BAKING (IDEALLY AT THE SAME TIME).
OCCUPATION KEVIN: SCIENTIST. GIO: ENGLISH TEACHER IMPERSONATOR.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MARRIED? KEVIN: 2 YEARS. GIO: NOT LONG ENOUGH.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU KNOWN EACH OTHER? KEVIN: 5 YEARS. GIO: 247 WEEKS.
HOMETOWN KEVIN: SAIGON, VIETNAM. GIO: SANTA MARIA, BRAZIL.
AGE KEVIN: (R) 30 GIO: 40
SOMETHING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU KEVIN: I HAVE A WHITE HAIR THAT GROWS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF MY FOREHEAD. GIO: I WISH I HAD A TAIL.
WHAT IS YOUR HUSBAND’S BEST QUALITY? KEVIN: HEART AND BUTT, NO NECESSARILY IN THAT ORDER. GIO: PUNCTUALITY.
CECCHIN
FEB R UAR Y 2016 | TH THE JANUAR E F I GH T 27
THETRANSACTION >> HOLLY WOODLAWN <<
HOLLY’s LEGACY
Holly Woodlawn Estate partners with Los Angeles LGBT Center to create memorial fund for transgender youth. BY O RLY LYO N N E
B
efore she died internationally-acclaimed cabaret performer and Andy Warhol muse Holly Woodlawn had decided to leave a legacy of support for at-risk LGBT young people. Shortly after her death on December 6, her estate reached out to the Los Angeles LGBT Center—the nation’s largest provider of services for LGBT youth—to jointly establish the Holly Woodlawn Memorial Fund for Transgender Youth with seed money of $25,000. “Holly Woodlawn’s last
wish was to establish a legacy in her name for youth at risk,” said the Center’s Chief Development Officer Bill McDermott. “The Holly Woodlawn Memorial Fund for Transgender Youth will benefit the trans youth that the Los Angeles LGBT Center serves throughout our various programs, which includes Trans Pride L.A., Trans* Lounge, Transgender Economic Empowerment Project, and our trans health care services. At a time when trans people globally are victimized or killed for simply being their true
selves, this fund will help to empower and inspire trans youth to be relentless, courageous, and strong.” Throughout her life, Woodlawn—who appeared in Warhol’s underground films Trash and Women in Revolt in the 1970s—was a major force and advocate for transgender rights. She was born in 1946 and, as a teenager, hitchhiked from her family’s home in Miami Beach, Florida, to New York where she briefly experienced homelessness, according to her 1991 memoir A Low Life in High Heels: The Holly Woodlawn Story. In 1969, Woodlawn, who was at the Stonewall Inn when New York City police officers raided the bar, participated in the momentous riots that ensued. It was Woodlawn who inspired Lou Reed’s famous 1972 song Walk on the Wild Side. Reed’s opening lyrics read: “Holly came from Miami, F-L-A / Hitchhiked her way across the USA / Plucked her eyebrows on the way / Shaved her legs, and then he was a she.” In an interview with The Guardian in 2007 Woodlawn confirmed Reed’s account of events. “I was 15 years old and failing at high school in Miami Beach because I was too busy partying. I was supposed to go to summer school to catch up and really didn’t want to, so I joined some of these Cuban queens to go to New York. I hocked some jewel-
lery and we made it all the way to Georgia, where the money ran out and we had to hitchhike the rest of the way,” Woodlawn revealed. “Atlanta, Georgia, of all places—you could expect to be tarred and feathered and murdered in those days! But we survived and I remember the first time I saw New York: the Emerald City. I thought the sidewalks were made of diamonds because of the specks of mica in the asphalt. It was 1962. Marilyn had just died. I lived on the streets like everyone does when they run away. I met some girlfriends who took me in and we found a place in Queens. I was really lucky. I met this guy who fell in love with me and asked me to be his girlfriend. I started taking hormones for a sex-change and lived as his wife, working in the days as a clothing model at Saks Fifth Avenue. Oh, the things I did! And for six or seven years they never knew I was a boy. Not a clue!” From her famous rebellion at Stonewall to her bold career which spanned four decades, she showed by example the determination against unimaginable odds to believe in herself. n Donations to the fund may be made online at lalgbtcenter.org/holly or by calling 323-993-8931. For more information about Trans Pride L.A., visit facebook.com/TransPrideLA. For more information about the Center’s Transgender Economic Empowerment Project, visit lalgbtcenter.org/teep.
From her famous rebellion at Stonewall to her bold career which spanned four decades, she showed by example the determination against unimaginable odds to believe in herself. 2 8 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
COMING OUT TO MY WIFE
DATING IN LA OFFICIAL SELECTION HOLLYWOOD SHORT FILM FESTIVAL AND BEST ACTOR NOMINEE.
FIND OUT WHAT ELSE RALPH HAS BEEN UP TO AT:
FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 29
> > C O V E R F E AT U R E < <
The Path To Happiness
Renaissance man Scott Cullens on recovery, gratitude and moments of clarity.
W
hoever said you can’t have it all and still look amazing at the age of 50 (!) apparently hasn’t met Scott Cullens. Fitness model, general contractor, designer and all around business mogul (Palm Pacific Construction, LÜB Premium Lubricant, and CUT Barber) Palm Springs based Cullens defies stereotypes. In an interview with THE FIGHT Cullens talks about his childhood, staying sober and how gratitude is the number one character strength of the happiest people in the world. Where did you grow up? How would you describe your childhood? I was born in Kansas and raised in the Ozarks of Missouri. My parents were in high school when I was conceived so we kind of grew up together. Obviously, not an ideal situation, money was tight and it was rough but that’s not what I choose to remember. As an adult, all I remember now and focus on is that my parents really loved me and I think that is the only thing that’s important. Because of that love, I’m going to say it was a happy childhood. Before your addiction was in full swing, what were your dreams or goals in life? Before my addiction, I had already found success in business. In my early 30s, I owned several private fitness gyms which boasted mostly of a celebrity clientele like Brad Pitt, Herb Ritts, Monica Lewinsky, Ryan Seacrest, on and on. It was a great time. I was this kid in a Mercedes sedan running with a fast crowd in L.A. and thinking I was invincible. I was always a big drinker but when the drugs took hold, the spiral down was fast. I’d love to say that the bottom of the barrel came as quickly as 3 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
BY TO M PARDOE | PHOTO BY SI MON BARNES
the spiral down, but I was clever enough to figure out how to survive in a disgusting world of drugs and poverty for several more years. All of my dreams were gone.
“IF A NEW CLIENT DOESN’T HIRE ME BECAUSE THEY SAW A PICTURE OF MY DICK ON THE INTERNET, THEN WHATEVER. I CAN POSE NUDE OR MODEL UNDERWEAR AND STILL BE GOOD AT MY JOB.” When did you know the jig was up and how did you find recovery? When the jig was up! On the last day of my addiction, I went to the casino to see if I could turn my last few dollars into more cash. I lost all of my money and had to walk home (or the home where I was crashing), out of money, out of booze and out drugs, but worse, out of hope. I went to the bathroom and was startled by my reflection. I went from a successful, young, buff, strong, determined man to a pathetic, drugaddicted disappointment. I started to brush my teeth and they started to crumble in my mouth. As I spit out the pieces of broken teeth due to my constant drug abuse, I began to sob. I suddenly had a brief moment of clarity, I didn’t feel high or drunk and I can’t
remember if I actually heard a voice or it was merely a thought but it was clear “What do you want to do now?” I replied “I want to be happy.” I went to the computer and looked up rehab centers near me and called immediately for an intake appointment. In early recovery, what factors were key in maintaining your sobriety? In early recovery, the keys for me to stay sober were to lose my ego completely, surrender to everyone who was trying to help me, do as I was told, start to eat healthy, start to exercise daily, attend daily meetings with others that had similar experiences, meet or call my sponsor every day and volunteer to speak and share at meetings. I threw out my phone directory and built new relationships with my family and sober friends.. But number one was the commitment to not use alcohol or drugs for the rest of my life, one day at a time. One of the most divine interventions was when I met my sponsor. He had the biggest smile on his face when I would see him at meetings and it seemed evident that he knew something I also needed to know. He taught me to begin looking at my character strengths instead of defects of character. He started teaching me about positive psychology and reminding me that I’m the one who said I wanted to be happy. I never said I wanted to be sober, I told God I wanted to be happy. For me, the path to happiness is through sobriety but anyone is entitled to the benefits of happiness whether sober or not. For anyone seeking sobriety, a sponsor is very important, a navigator to a destination. I wake each morning and recite everything I am grateful for and make a contract with The Universe that I will show up and be present if it brings me all of the resources to accomplish my dreams. Before I shut
>> SCOTT CULLENS <<
but I knew that everyone has the capacity to have a good body and possibly be a fitness model with bold intense commitment and grueling training. I hired a trainer and nutrition coach and followed their advice as rigorously as I did my sober program. In sobriety at age 50, I have a better physique today than I did at 20, 30 or 40. You have a very public persona. How do you maintain the “real” you? I maintain the “real” me by not segregating a social media persona from who I really am. My social media is a celebration of my construction business, designs, fitness modeling, lube company, barber shop, family, friends, rainbows, ice cream and puppies! I don’t put the sexy side separate from my businesses. It’s all Scott Cullens and if a new client doesn’t hire me because they saw a picture of my dick on the internet, then whatever. I can pose nude or model underwear and still be good at my job, I promise. How do you manage to handle all of your businesses at the same time? When I wake up and feel the pressure of running Palm Pacific Construction, LÜB Premium Lubricant, and CUT Barber simultaneously, I remember that I asked for this and I’m never overwhelmed, just staying in sync with what I contracted with the Universe. I swear, if I got two extra minutes back to back, I’d probably start another company. Well, that’s already underway! What would you imagine your life to look like without being in recovery? I would be dead without recovery. There would have been no way to continue down the path of destruction I was on without it ending in death. In rehab, they had me write a list of everything I wanted from sobriety. I wrote that I wanted a relationship with my family, real friends, financial security, to be able to take care of my family, be respected, be good at a career, fall in love, get a dog, and have a good body. Because I stayed sober and grateful, I am enjoying all of the things on my list today. my eyes at night, I end each day with a complete list of everything for which I am grateful. Gratitude has been scientifically proven to be the number one character strength of the happiest people in the world. Clearly, to get your body into this kind of shape takes a rigorous, physical discipline. Describe your routine. I was in the fitness business before my
addiction so I knew what to do to get into shape, however, this new found drive and zest made me want to see where I could go physically, spiritually and mentally. As a kid, my only “gay” outlet was to buy GQ magazine at the convenience store each month. I lived in this fantasy world where I could one day be a model like those guys in GQ. Truth is, that I always knew I did not have the face or looks to be a model
What makes you smile more than anything else? The thing that makes me smile the most is when my parents say that they are proud of me. For all things Scott Cullens, visit palmpacificconstruction.com, LubLube.com and CUTBarber.com. FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 31
FRANK CAVALLO (L), MR. L.A. LEATHER BEAR 2016 DAVID COSIO
>> SIR FRANK CAVALLO <<
We had it hard because people didn’t want us 30 years ago. People were down on the leather and bear communities and I wanted their journey to be easier than mine was. What do you think a young person’s experience is like now in the leather community versus your own? I think today we are free to do what we want. We have puppies, we have the neons, we have ponies—you name it, we have a chance to be whatever we want. Back then being a man of my size—I was over 350 at the time. People would look down at me and say you’re fat. You have hair, but you’re fat. We don’t need this group. We don’t want this group. It was hard.
To Be FRANK Mr. L.A. Leather Bear 2015, Sir Frank Cavallo, on building bridges between the young and old in the leather community. B Y PAU L O M U R I L L O | P H O TO BY RO BERT G REEN , MO TO RBO O T PH OTOGRAPHY
H
e may be a big man in his late 50s, but Mr. L.A. Leather Bear 2015, Sir Frank Cavallo, puts young’uns half his age to shame as an active member of the leather community. In an interview with THE FIGHT, Sir Frank spoke about doing 65 events in 52 weeks, his relentless work as host for several kink related fundraisers, and how he used his title to pave the way and build bridges between the young and old in the leather community.
Your Mr. L.A. Leather Bear 2015 title led to competing for L.A. Mr. Leather, what was that like? It was exciting. It was scary. I would say being a large man and having my knee replaced was hard for me going up and down stairs, but they were accommodating. I got closer to my brothers. It was fun. In a sense I’m glad I did not win, because it gave me the opportunity to do my fundraisers. I think Patrick [Smith] did a great job. What type of events did you attend as Mr. L.A. Leather Bear 2015? Well, I did 65 events in 52 weeks. I hosted three events for Wounded Warrior. I did events for the American Cancer Society. I did Project Angel Food. My events were Bears, Boots and Boxers, Bear Bar-b-Q, and Pleasure & Pain. I raised $11,008 in fundraising. My goal was for $10,000 and then when 10 happened I decided to try to do $11,000, so we did that.
“DON’T RUN FOR A TITLE BECAUSE YOU FEEL YOU NEED TO WIN TO BE ACCEPTED IN THE COMMUNITY. RUN FOR A TITLE BECAUSE YOU WANT TO HELP THE COMMUNITY. BE WHO YOU ARE.”
What was it like winning the Mr. L.A. Leather Bear 2015 title? I was in a state of shock. I didn’t think I was going to win because of my age and my size. I’ve been very active in the community for over 30 years, so I was known, but I thought a younger person was going to get it.
What was it like seeing David Cosio win the Mr. L.A. Leather Bear 2016 title last month? We had three men who all had their own style. I was very happy for David. He’s four months older than I am. His win makes me a dad. I’ll be there to mentor him and get him ready for LAL. I was very lucky, Gabriel [Green—Mr. L.A. Leather Bear 2014] was an excellent dad to me. I didn’t know him very well, but now I hold him very dear to my heart.
What prompted you to compete? I lost my job three years ago. I was a Catholic school principal in the Silverlake area, and I decided it was time to live my life the way I wanted to live—and I wanted to do something for the community. My goal was to merge the younger generation to the older generation and give them a leeway to make it easier.
Is there anything you want to tell anyone who is thinking of competing next year? What I would say to anyone—not only a Leather Bear, but any other leather contest—don’t run for a title because you feel you need to win to be accepted in the community. Run for a title because you want to help the community. Be who you are.
3 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 33
>> GODDESS MOON <<
MOONRISE KINGDOM
Goddess Moon, winner of the Ms. Los Angeles Leather 2016 Contest, on human sexuality and representing women and people of color. BY BREN D EN SH U CA RT
First of all—congratulations on your victory. You are the inaugural holder of the newly reborn Ms. Los Angeles Leather title—how does it feel? It feels amazing! I’m still a little bit in shock, but I’m really excited for what this year will bring and the opportunity to represent Los Angeles. You are the first person in 17 years to hold this title, I’m curious about two things; What does this victory mean for you personally, and what does this title mean for your community? For me personally, it’s a great opportunity to represent not only the BDSM community of Los Angeles, but also women and people of color. We definitely are making strides toward making our own space and having a voice within the BDSM community—both women and people of color—and I think by having a title-holder who represents this large portion of our community ... gives others the ability to dream, to say “yes. This community is for me and represents me.” That’s a wonderful opportunity. When you were coming into the BDSM community were there people who looked like you? Who represented you? Did you have leaders and mentors that you recognized? When I first came into the community there were very few people of color out and about. Over the years it has grown immensely, to where we are holding our own space. Are there people who feel like they don’t have a space within the L.A. BDSM/ 34 4 TTH HEE FFIGH IGHTT || www.thefightmag.com www.thefightmag.com 3
|
PHOTO BY ROBERT GREEN, MOTORBOOT PHOTOGRAPHY
Leather community? Yes. And that is what I, and groups like Onyx that was started out here last year, and others, are trying to let people know “There is a space for you. You are welcome within the broader community.”
A LEATHER HEART IS ABOUT GIVING. IT’S THE ABSOLUTE ABILITY TO GIVE AND SUPPORT AND TO LOVE YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS WITHOUT EXPECTING ANYTHING IN RETURN. I have had friends, persons of color who are active within the Leathermen community, who have experienced a lot of racial tension, and a sense of not always feeling entirely welcome. Have you experienced a similar tension within the Women’s community? I have not felt that. I’ve been very fortunate in who I’ve been able to connect with in both communities. The women that I’ve met, the women that I’ve connected with, the women that I consider family have always been very welcoming. Can there be tension? Yes. I
fortunately haven’t felt it. Even the men have been very welcoming for the most part. And I think with the start of Onyx, those tensions which have been felt are definitely decreasing because we are holding our own space and saying “We’re here,” because like it or not, we are here. So get used to it, we aren’t going anywhere...” [laughs] Let’s shift gears a little bit. I want to talk about how you came to identify as part of the leather community. First of all, I don’t think I’ve ever explicitly asked you; how do you identify sexually? [Laughs]... I’m a black-bisexual-Wiccandominate-switch. That’s all of my labels wrapped into one. Where did you grow up? What’s your origin story? I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland—in the summer of ‘79—to a very uber-catholic West Indian family. My mom’s side of the family is from Trinidad and Tobago. I am part of the first generation of Trinidadian Americans in my family. My dad is Southern, he was born in North Carolina. When I was 10 my mom got sick and tired of what was going on in her life and moved she and I to California. First to Fullerton, then to the beautiful city of Irvine. That’s where I live today. So how did you come to be a part of the leather community? I took a Human Sexuality course in college. The professor was awesome in
>> GODDESS MOON <<
pair of boots and sent me on my way. She said “I’ve gotten you where I can get you, it’s time to spread your wings and fly.” So I started with Leather, but later I moved more into the Kink community ... but there was this gradual progression back into the Leather scene, realizing that the people i was hanging out with, the events I was supporting, the place I was going—they were all Leather. About six years ago I was having a conversation with someone and they asked me, “What do you think of the women’s Leather community?” And I said “I guess it’s okay. I don’t know, I’m not really Leather.” And they said “Yes you are. You have a leather heart.” What is a leather heart? A leather heart is about giving. It’s the absolute ability to give and support and to love your brothers and sisters without expecting anything in return. And it took me couple of years to see that that was me. And still sometimes I struggle with this, because I don’t see anything I do for my community as anything of grandeur or greatness. What do you do? I talk to the wallflower who is just sitting back and observing, I try to get to know them and make them feel included, because I don’t want anyone to feel like they don’t have a space or don’t belong. I go to bars and I try to talk to everyone there. If someone needs help I try and help them. I’m a service person, I don’t see it as anything to write home to mom about.
that she would have panels come in for whatever topic we were talking about. So if we were talking about porn she had porn stars come in and we’d be able to ask them questions, for the gay community we had PFLAG and members of the campus gay-straight alliance come in and speak, for BDSM she had members of the Leather community come in and talk about how they got their start, and how long they’ve been a part of the community, and what their favorite fetishes were. And they had a show and tell of their favorite toys. When I took the class one of the gentlemen brought in what looked like a metal tennis racket—actually an electric flyswatter
which, in the community, we use for electricity play—and he went around the room asking if anyone wanted to try it. Of course I did, and I said “Oooh! That was fun! Do it again!” After the class the professor told me that there were some people I should meet. People I aught to talk to. The people she was talking about were an organization called the Orange County Leather Assembly. They did workshops and presentations, and some of the members held private play parties. That’s where I started back in 1999. I met a wonderful woman, and I was of service to her—a collared submissive—for two and a half years. When I had learned all I could learn from her she gifted me a
I want to talk about your plans for the future. Shae Flanigan—who held the Ms. Sanctuary Leather title before you, and who resurrected the Ms. Los Angeles Leather title—has done so much for your community. You must feel inspired to do the same. One of the great things about having Shae as my sash-mommy before stepping into this role, when I won my title I looked at her and said “I’m just letting you know, I’m not doing half of what you did. It’s not possible.” And she said “You do you, don’t worry about trying to be me.” That’s what I did as Ms. Sanctuary and that’s what I will continue to do as Ms. L.A. One thing I feel very passionate about: I want to become a voice for women in PrEP. I feel that the women’s community as a whole—whether gay or straight—is not really being represented in conversations about PrEP, especially women of color. FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 35
THEJOYSTICK
THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY
>> VIDEO GAMES <<
AARON JONES
FIGHTING FORWARD
Aaron Jones discusses acceptance and inclusiveness within the gaming community. BY JO SEPH A RELLA N O
I
have been writing about video games for a solid 6 months in THE FIGHT, showcasing my opinions and favorite selections of video-games, characters, and developers. Not to mention the top reasons for the LGBT community to pay attention to this entertainment universe. So as a treat, I wanted to continue using a different voice from the community to discuss the characters and LGBT prowess that is gripping developers by storm. And to hear what is happening, I am showcasing this mountain of muscle Aaron Jones and his perception on the video game community. He paints a very good picture on why relating to the new characters is important for LGBT players and why it boosts confidence while breaking down walls. What do you think about about players relating to video-game characters? “I am aware that the following examples are focused on fictional characters; however it is nice to be connected to a franchise that recognizes that you are more than just ‘Player 1.’ Acceptance and inclusiveness seems to be the theme for game developers at present. The gaming industry is making advancements in being more inclusive. There are more LGBT characters being featured in games. The first credible instance of a gay character was in 1986. The video game was called Moonmist. The game features a female character who was upset with her girlfriend for marrying a man.” What recent smash hits can you show us that embrace some LGBT characters? The video game publisher BioWare is known for its titles Mass Effect and Dragon Age. Both of these franchises allow the user to choose Race, Sex and Orientation. Love inter3 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
ests in the games are expressed through same-sex interactions. In the fighting game genre there are several examples of how gay culture is represented. Arc System Works is known for its very outlandish characters. In the Guilty Gear series they do not disappoint with Brigid. You have a boy who was raised as a girl who dresses as a nun…on roller-skates…and has yo-yos for weapons. The character Zangief has been rumored as being gay in the Street Fighter universe for some time. This comes from the mention of “Dislikes: Women” in his bio. It is great that the FGC and Street Fighter fans openly accept this as canon to the story. Other rumored gay characters in Street Fighter are Eagle (SF / Capcom vs SNK 2) and Abel (SF IV Series). The Thunder God Raiden has a conversation with Kung Jin in the Mortal Kombat X storyline. This exchange reveals Kung Jin’s orientation to be gay. Kung Jin is concerned that the Shaolin will not accept him into the fold. Raiden reassures Kung that it only matters what is on the inside. In the interactive thriller Life is Strange; two young women are on a mission to discover the whereabouts of a missing girlfriend and to apprehend a killer. The protagonist Chloe and her friend Max are revealed to be bisexual by the end of your adventure—Spoiler Alert!! So, it seems that the developers are taking note and changing with the world in having concrete LGBT characters…What advice would you give to newcomers from across the spectrum? “What I can say to other LGBT players is to play many games and enjoy yourself. In fighting games, no character’s look or profile makes them the best in the game. Only the player can do that. In choosing a video game you should look for quality, value and playability. A character in any game should speak to you and you should be able to connect to them.” It seems that time is making things easier for developers to incorporate such enthralling characters as well as showcasing the change of culture and acceptance. Just remember that THE FIGHT continues. And for the right gear and games…be sure to hit WORLD 8 hard for all your upcoming video games and gear… because these characters are just getting started. n
FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 37
THESHARE
THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY
>> BY PAULO MURILLO <<
COVERING RECOVERY
THE FIGHT magazine debuted five years ago this month with a focus on sobriety on the first cover. Several sober men have graced the cover since that first issue. We went back to ask some of our sober cover models what it was like to share their experience in recovery, and what their sober lives are like today. DEEPLY GRATEFUL I wrote extensively about being a bat shit crazy bitch on a nasty run when I was out there partying it up, puking and falling into k-holes, so it only made sense to me that I would write with the same gusto about what it’s like from the sober side of the party scene for those of us who are lucky to make it out of the afterhours alive. Being on the cover of THE FIGHT magazine and sharing my sober story helped me hold myself accountable. I’ve had some growing pains since that cover came out, but I managed to maintain continuous sobriety through it all with a recent 9-year sober celebration, which really blows my mind. It’s been fascinating watching this magazine flourish these past five years. And although I lacked gratitude when this publication first came out, today I’m honored and deeply grateful that I graced the very first cover of THE FIGHT as a clean and sober man. —Paulo Murillo, Issue #01
MY MOMENTS It was pretty exciting being on the cover. There have definitely been other adventures and successes. I had a radio show. I started my own media company, which was hugely successful the first couple of years and a bit
3 8 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
overwhelming. I took a little time off and now I’m back at it, bringing it all back to life. That cover was the first time I spoke about being sober publicly. It was a double-edged sword. There were people who were inspired by it, but then it got to a point where I realized there are some things that are better left personal. [Sobriety] became part of my identity publicly and then I realized I needed to keep that separate. I still work a good sober program. I still have my moments. I left L.A. I did a little rehab in Orange County. I moved up to the valley. I’m a teacher now and I’m still training. It’s been a struggle, but it’s been good. —Jeremy Manning, Issue #09
SENSE OF PURPOSE Being on the cover of the magazine offered me a platform to sort of come out and come clean with my struggle. It was really cool to get real with myself and with the public. It was a great experience and helped me clarify my own feelings about being sober from the drugs that were causing me problems and rebooting my own professional life. I’m still sober from the things I should be sober from. I had one major problem and that was with crystal. Do I drink? Yes. That was never my issue. Today, I’m operating at my absolute best. I’m busier than I’ve ever been and I’ve managed to maintain clarity and a sense of purpose. —Dan De Leon, Issue #20
GOOD THINGS To me, it was a great experience, because I was able to share my story with a large audience and I was able to explain a little bit about my Kill Meth organization, which was in its early stages. Kill Meth has grown and it is now a full 501c3. That took a long time to get with the help of my mom who is the president of the organization. The killmeth.org website is up and running, where we provide education, resource assistance and encouragement for those suffering from methamphetamine addiction. I just turned eight years clean and sober—thank God. Currently I’m also going through it with some friends who are struggling and can’t stay sober. That hurts me. Other than that, a lot of good things have happened. Today, I own my own studio and I’m looking to buy a house in Las Vegas while I live in Los Angeles. I’ve been happily married for two years. The promises of sobriety have happened for me. Sobriety is great. —Trenton Ducati, Issue #32
GROWING UP Being on the cover of THE FIGHT magazine was definitely life-changing. I really put it all out there for the first time in the media. The feedback that I got was that it helped a number of people, which was the goal of my being vulnerable like that. It was definitely a highlight of the year. I’m sober six years now. My sobriety has been a journey. I’m in a phase of my sobriety now where I’m growing up and becoming more of an adult. Professionally, my career has really taken off. I’m still coaching at the Phoenix Effect. My private training is bigger than ever. I’ve expanded online and coaching people around the world. I’m a regular contributor for magazines. I’m an ambassador for Reebok, which is one of the bigger highlights. I’m training celebrities and I finally got my own place, which is kind of nice. Like I said, it’s been about growing up and really going after my dreams and my goals. It was an honor to be on the cover of THE FIGHT. —Seth Browning, Issue #44
FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 39
MERYL STREEP AS MIRANDA PRIESTLY
>> THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA <<
Gird Your Loins “The Unauthorized Musical Parody of The Devil Wears Prada” at Rockwell: Table & Stage. BY O RLY LYN N E
T
he boss from hell is back as Rockwell Table & Stage presents The Unauthorized Musical Parody of The Devil Wears Prada, running through the end of April. While you’re out getting the boss’s coffee and dry cleaning—get your tickets on sale now at www.rockwell-la.com. Kelley Jakle and Lana McKissack alternately portray Andy, the fresh-faced assistant who must endure her employer’s wrath in the fast paced world of high fashion. This all-new, live parody production was co-adapted by Ray Wetmore and
directed by Tye Blue. In addition to its seam-splitting hijinks and hilarious musical score, Rockwell pushes things over the top once again. Actors Drew Droege (Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse) and John Flynn (Upright Citizen’s Brigade) alternately play the maniacal role of Miranda Priestly, the devilishly demanding and narcissistic editorin-chief of fashion bible Runway Magazine. “Everyone can relate to how crazy it can be to work for the boss from hell,” said Executive Producer and Co-Adapter
Kate Pazakis. “Our Unauthorized Musical Parody of The Devil Wears Prada dials the craziness up a notch, leaving you laughing down the catwalk. In fact, Rockwell’s wardrobe department has been working overtime to create amazingly clever wardrobe and costumes for Miranda that will keep you in stitches.” Tickets are on sale now for ThursdaySaturday night shows and Sunday brunch matinees through late April. Rockwell: Table & Stage is located in Los Feliz at 1714 N. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.rockwell-la.com.
It’s Time To Join
Are You Passionate About The LGBTQ Community? Become An Advertising Sales Executive for THE FIGHT! If you have outside sales experience and would like to join our team 4 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 41
>> DADDYB <<
BE MY DADDY DaddyB makes his live U.S. debut at IBC this month in Palm Springs. BY VICTO R MELA MED
D
addyB (a.k.a. Bill McKinley), appearing this month at the International Bear Convergence (IBC) in Palm Springs, is a multi-talented singer, dancer, choreographer, songwriter, actor, recording artist and entertainer. Originally from Indiana, DaddyB lived and worked as a professional entertainer in New York City for 16 years before relocating to Madrid. As a recording artist, he has two criticallyacclaimed albums to his credit (“Everything Possible” and “The Closing of The Year”), and has sung in hundreds of commercials for radio and television, as well as in the Disney films POCAHONTAS and MULAN. As a professional actor, he has nu-
merous credits in television, film, OffBroadway and regional theatre, and he has been dancing and choreographing professionally since he was a teenager. Together with noted composer Javier Leon, DaddyB has written over 20 new pop and dance songs. Their first single, I WANT A BEAR, was produced by William Luque and had its worldwide debut on the main stage of Madrid Pride on July 4, 2015, followed by the online debut July 7th of the music video, directed by renowned Spanish director Alvaro Pastor, along with Director of Photography David Acereto. The video became an overnight viral sensation, garnering over 100,00 views (currently over 200,000, climbing daily) on
SANTIAGO A Men’s Resort
santiagoresort.com 760-322-1300 650 E.San Lorenzo Blvd. Palm Springs, Ca 92264
10% off with Code : Fight
4 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
Youtube in less than five days. DaddyB will be making his live U.S. debut headlining in front of more than 5,000 attendees at the International Bear Convergence in Palm Springs this month. He will be debuting eight more of the songs from his new album, and may also be filming one of his new music videos. The themes of his new songs range from Bear-centric to those celebrating inclusivity and pride, to sexy and naughty, to just pure dancing fun. To book DaddyB through February call: (347) 901-0882. For more info visit: www.facebook.com/bearsdancemusicfun or DaddyBmusic.com.
THEEPIDEMIC >> AIDS <<
ENDING AIDS
We could we eliminate AIDS by 2030, says charity founded by U2 frontman Bono. BY VICTO R MELA MED
H
IV/AIDS could completely eliminated if “we did the right thing”, according to the chief executive of RED, the charity founded by U2 frontman Bono. RED celebrated its tenth anniversary at Davos last month where it was founded with the purpose of ending HIV/AIDS transmissions. The fight is going well, according to the charity’s boss. “We’re at a very pivotal point in the fight against AIDS… I think in 2002 it was 700,000 that were under lifesaving ARV (antiretroviral medication) medications, now it’s 15 million that are alive. In 2002, it was 1,500 mothers a day that passed on HIV to their babies…now it’s 600 a day,” Deborah Dugan, CEO of RED, said at a CNBC event in Davos last month “So it’s been more than cut in half and if we if do the right thing by 2020, we can virtually eliminate mother-child transmission of HIV and…if by 2030 we did the right thing, could we take AIDS off the planet?” RED was founded in 2006 by Bono and Bobby Shriver and has so far raised $350 million. The charity raises money in different ways. At the start, it partnered with companies including Apple and Nike to release RED-branded products with the money going to fight against AIDS in Africa. Money raised by RED goes straight into The Global Fund, a partnership between governments, civil society and the private sector to try and end AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. It invests nearly $4 billion a year. n FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 43
4 4 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
>> BURLESQUE <<
WEHO PARTY BOYS All-Male revue brings sexy sizzle to Santa Monica Boulevard in new burlesque show. BY VICTO R MELA MED
L
ive and direct from the city synonymous with sexy, The WeHo parTy boys all-male revue brings West Hollywood’s unique brand of sexy sizzle to life with an all new burlesque show filled with the smoothest moves and hottest grooves! The boys are ready to take your breath away with two hours of teasing and pleasing, featuring fully choreographed dance routines, revealing costumes and provocative storylines that leave little to the imagination.
“The WeHo parTy boys represent the best of our fabulous city and the party boys who patronize our local clubs,” explains choreographer Michael Silas, whose mission has been to create the most captivating theatricalbased male revue ever to come out of Santa Monica Boulevard. “These men were chosen not only for their talent and performance skills, but also for their personalities and magnetic presence. We can’t take our eyes off of them, and neither will you!”
Although there’s no doubt WeHo parTy boys’ performance style of gay ‘”Dirty Dancing” is definitely “in your face,” one member of the troupe remains a tad shy about showing his. Each show features a performance from “The Unknown Stripper.” While his identity (and sexual orientation) remains a mystery, the red-hot moves he displays and the freedom he has to “just be himself” are truly unforgettable. To keep the energy high and the mood sexy between each set, WeHo’s first-ever duo of twink break-dancers will flip & flop and astound the crowd. Join them for a special Valentine’s Day performance at Sunday, Feb. 14 at RAGE NIGHTCLUB, 8911 Santa Monica Blvd. in WeHo. Tickets and info visit: www.wehopartyboys.com.
1 Month FREE
with promo code:
THEFIGHT
Real Men Real Hookups *Offer expires 30th June 2016.
FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 45
THEEVENT >> PHOTOS BY ROBERT GREEN, MOTORBOOT PHOTOGRAPHY <<
MR. SOCAL LEATHER CONTEST The Mr. SoCal Leather contest took place last month at The Eagle (www.eaglela.com). This year’s winner, Eric Slayton, received a one-year term as Mr. SoCal Leather, a title patch, a vest, and a medallion. The Mr. SoCal Leather contest is not strictly a feeder contest for Mr. L.A. Leather, but the winner will have the option of competing at LAL, if he chooses. Judges for the contest were: Xavier Espejo (Head Judge, Mr. SoCal Leather 2014), Chris Jones (Mr. SoCal Leather 2015), Shad Cruz (Mr. SoCal Leather 2012-2013), Thomas Traflet (Mr. Sister Leather 2012) and Sir Ian (Member of Avatar LA & Founder of SoCal Bondage Club). For more info visit: www.mrsocalleather.com.
4 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE F I GH T 47
THECALENDAR >> THINGS TO DO << SEE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18
GROUPS ASIAN/PACIFIC GAYS AND FRIENDS www.apgf.org GAY ASIAN PACIFIC SUPPORT NETWORK www.gapsn.org LOS ANGELES GAY AVIATION CLUB Pilots, Flights Attendants, Mechanics. www.unusualattitudes.info CLUB NUR Gay Middle Eastern. www.clubnur.com GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF LOS ANGELES www.gmcla.org GAY & LESBIAN SALSA Every Monday, 8 p.m. Little Temple Bar, 4519 Santa Monica Blvd., Silverlake, 90029. gaysalsanight@yahoo. com or www.facebook.com/gaysalsanight
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9
MARDI GRAS WITH THE SISTERS
Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd., 8pm. Visit eaglela.com for more information. Before you give it all up for Lent, come have some fun with The Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Earn some beads and get creative. There will be raffles, drink specials and games. All proceeds benefit the Hill Country Ride for AIDS. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11
VINYL W/ DJ CHRIS BOWEN
Redline DTLA, 131 E 6th St., 9pm-2am. Jeremy Lucido presents. Enjoy good booze, better music with no cover. Then hit the dance floor to the sounds of Chris Bowen. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12
KNIGHTS OF BLACK LEATHER DANCE MR. PISTONS LEATHER
Pistons Bar, 2020 E Artesia Blvd. Long Beach, 9pm. More info: www.pistonsbar.com Mr. Pistons Leather 2016 contest will kick off with a new dance party. IGNITE ‘LET’S DANCE!’ PRESIDENTS DAY FRIDAY AFTERHOURS
Bardot Nightclub, 1735 Vine St., 11:59pm. Visit facebook.com/events/1261721030510547 for more info. In Association with PUMP Records and DJ/Producer Dan De Leon; celebrating the life and times of David Bowie on this Special Party Weekend! SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13
FATHER FIGURE
The Faultline, 4216 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, 9:00pm-2:00am. With Resident DJs: Chris Bowen, Victor Rodriguez and James Cerne. Hosts Max Bruce and Shawn Morales. MR. PISTONS LEATHER CONTEST
Pistons Bar, 2020 E Artesia Blvd. Long Beach, 9pm. More info: www.pistonsbar.com. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14
ONYX BOUND TOGETHER
Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd., 4pm-8pm. Visit eaglela.com for more info. Join the Men of ONYX SoCal-Southwest for their “Bound Together” beer bust! Raffles, Prizes, Kinky Go-Go Studs, and more! WEHO PARTY BOYS
Rage Nightclub, 8911 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, 6pm. Tickets and info visit: www.wehopartyboys.com. All-male new burlesque show filled with the smoothest moves and hottest grooves! 4 8 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
LIFE DRAWING WORKSHOP
GAY TRAFFIC SCHOOL Third Tuesday and Wednesday of every month, 6-10 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles 90038. 1-800-Gay-4-You or www.laglc.org
HUGE GAY “DARK HEARTS” BRUNCH
HIV MEDICAL & CASE MANAGEMENT “Smart Health LA” At Valley Community Healthcare In North Hollywood Offers HIV Testing And Medical Services Including Counseling And Medical Treatment. For Testing Call Brian at 818-301-6314; For Medical Services Call Gilbert at 818-301-6390. www.SmartHealthLA.com
FOREVER TEL AVIV: KISS
POP LUCK CLUB Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m. Locations vary. Los Angeles based organization for Gay Dads, Prospective Dads, and their families. www.popluckclub.org
Tom of Finland Foundation, 1421 Laveta Terrace, Los Angeles. Reservations are required. More info: www.tomoffinlandfoundation.org Nude figure drawing & painting (no photography). Estérel, 8555 Beverly Blvd., 12pm-4:30pm. Visit hugegaybrunch.com for details. Valentine’s Day at the beautiful Estérel restaurant at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Avalon Hollywood, 1735 Vine St., 9pm-6am. Direct from Tel Aviv, experience the party that is blowing up around the world, from Tel Aviv to Madrid, London to Paris, Miami to Cancun. You might just find the KISS you’re waiting for on Valentine’s Night. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15
PLANET QUEER: LOVE HANGOVER
Akbar, 4356 W Sunset Blvd., 8pm-11pm. Visit facebook.com/events/570530579764520 for updates. It’s the 1st PLANET QUEER of 2016 and it’s going to be a hot night of Queer Art, Performance, Music and more. Get inspired! Create Art! Feel the LOVE HANGOVER! THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18
20 YEARS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE: OPENING RECEPTION
The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, Los Angeles LGBT Center, 1125 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, 7pm-9pm. Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have been in LA for 20 years & we’re celebrating all year long! Come see a display of historical photos, art, & relics from the past 20 years at the Advocate & Gochis Galleries presented by the Los Angeles LGBT Center & co-presented by the California LGBT Arts Alliance. It’s opening night, so there will be Sisters, a DJ and a lot of fun! SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27
SQURRRLS ON FILM
Akbar, 4356 W Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, 9pm2am. More info: www.akbarsilverlake.com SF’s own critters bringing their party to LA’s nest again for a night of Hollywood Glamour. Dj’s Tiffany Roth, Suppoitori Spelling, Ryan Jones and Matteo Segade. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28
APLA OSCARS® VIEWING PARTY
The Abbey Food & Bar in West Hollywood, 4pm. For more info: apla.org/oscars. Pauley Perrette hosts black-tie affair which includes cocktails and seated dinner, with funds raised benefitting APLA’s programs and services.
PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, at the Gay & Lesbian Center. RSVP to Dennis@malecare.org or call (323) 860-7340. GREAT AUTOS OF YESTERYEAR The largest LGBT classic car club on the West Coast. www.greatautos.org LOS ANGELES PRIME TIMERS Social group for older mature gay men and admirers. www.laprimetimers.org LOS ANGELES GAY BRIDGE CLUB www.communityvisions.org/IAGLBC LOS ANGELES GAY/LESBIAN SCIENTISTS www.lagls.org LOS ANGELES GAY FOR GOOD Gays making a commitment to volunteer for social welfare and environmental service projects. www.gayforgood.org LOS ANGELES GAY NATURISM California Men Enjoying Naturism. cmen.info BI-OSPHERE P.O.V. Every 2nd Wednesday, 8-9:30 p.m., The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302. M-F between 6-9 p.m. Topic-driven discussion for women and men who identify as, or are exploring bisexuality. MEN’S SPEAKEASY Every Tuesday at 8 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302. Fun, alternative space for gay and bisexual men to meet and make new friends. LGBT BOOK CLUB First Wednesday of each month, 7:30-9:30 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302, M-F between 6-9 p.m. USC LAMBDA LGBT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION alumnigroups.usc.edu/lambda/ LOS ANGELES BLACK PRIDE www.myblackpridela.com
> EMAIL YOUR EVENT OR GROUP TO editor@thefightmag.com POSITIVE IMAGES WORKSHOP Every Monday, from 7-9 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. If you’re looking for ways to deal with HIV, the Live Life Better Workshop can help you learn coping skills, build a support system, and work toward your health goals. An RSVP is required. For more information or to reserve your place, call (323) 860-7321. The e-mail contact is positiveimages@lagaycenter.org. TRANSGENDER PERCEPTIONS Every Friday, 8 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302. M-F between 6-9 p.m. Social networking group offers a safe and welcoming opportunity for people of any age and gender identity to learn from others and to share experiences. GET CENTERED Meditation Class. Every Saturday, 10-11 a.m., $10. Gay & Lesbian Center, 1625 N Schrader Blvd. Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7300. SENIORS SERVICES Ongoing, The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7359. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT Ongoing, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, 1625 N Schrader Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-5806. MPOWERMENT WEEKLY WORKSHOPS Tuesdays and fridays, 6 p.m. APLA, 3550 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300, Los Angeles. More info: Donta Morrison, tel: (213) 201-1561. For young gay men of color—ages 18 thru 24—looking for a safe place to hang out. TRAVEL
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Mondays, 6:10-7:10 p.m. CRYSTAL METH ANONYMOUS Saturdays, 9:10-10:10 a.m. DEBTORS ANONYMOUS Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m. MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS Wednesdays, 8:15-9:45 p.m. Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. SEXUAL COMPULSIVES ANONYMOUS Mondays, 8-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m. Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m. Thursdays, 8:15-9:15 p.m. Saturdays, 12:15-1:45 p.m. WOMEN’S NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Saturdays, Noon-1 p.m. SPORTS
LOS ANGELES LESBIAN SOFTBALL www.lagaysoftball.com LOS ANGELES LESBIAN TACKLE FOOTBALL www.californiaquakefootball.com LOS ANGELES LESBIAN RUGBY www.eaglerockrugby.com WOMEN’S SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GOLF www.womensgolf.org/wscga LOS ANGELES LESBIAN POKER www.lalpg.com LOS ANGELES WOMEN ON A ROLL Luncheons, Comedy Nights, and Conversation Groups. www.womenonaroll.com LOS ANGELES GAY RODEO CLUB www.gsgra.org
FRIENDS TRAVEL www.FriendsTravel.com Gay Owned & Operated, Since 1985.
LOS ANGELES GAY FLAG FOOTBALL www.laflagfootball.com There’s also lesbian tackle football.
12 STEP GROUPS
WEST HOLLYWOOD GAY RUGBY www.larebellion.org
All groups meet at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302 M-F between 6-9 p.m.
LOS ANGELES POOL LEAGUE Friendly Billiard teams. www.lapl8ball.com
GAY & LESBIAN BOWLING LEAGUE www.tavernguildleague.com
KOL AMI REFORM SYNAGOGUE kol-ami.org, 1200 North La Brea Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90038
SAGA LA Gay Ski & Snowboard Club. www.sagala.org
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF LOS ANGELES fccla.org 540, South Commonwealth Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020
V.O.I.L.A. Volleyball. www.lagayvolleyball.com
HOLLYWOOD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH hollywoodumc.org, 6817 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028
GREAT OUTDOORS The largest gay outdoor recreational organization in Southern California. www.greatoutdoorsla.org
HOLY SPIRIT holyspirit-la.org, 4201 West Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029
GAY AND LESBIAN SIERRANS Camping, Outdoors, Hiking Angeles. www.sierraclub.org
UNITED UNIVERSITY CHURCH uniteduniversitychurch.org, 817 West 34th St., Los Angeles, CA 90089
CHEER LA Cheerleading. www.cheerla.org
DIGNITY CENTER dignitylosangeles.org, 126 South Avenue 64, Los Angeles, CA 90042
LA ROWING www.larowing.org DIFFERENT SPOKES Cycling www.differentspokes.com Rides start in various locations in the greater Los Angeles area.
HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH-HLYWD hopelutheranchurch.net, 6720 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BLADES Ice Hockey. www.bladeshockey.com LOS ANGELES FRONTRUNNERS Running and walking club. www.lafrontrunners.com WEST HOLLYWOOD SOCCER CLUB Comfortable, supportive environment for learning and playing the world’s most popular game. www.gaysoccer.com LOS ANGELES GAY SCUBA CLUB www.barnaclebusters.org LOS ANGELES GAY ROCK CLIMBING www.lalgbtclimbing.com WEST HOLLYWOOD AQUATICS Swim and Water Polo Teams. www.wh2o.org WORSHIP
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH mccla.org, 4953 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 BETH CHAYIM CHADASHIM SYNAGOGUE bcc-la.org, 6090 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035
WEST HOLLYWOOD PRESBYTERIAN wehopres.org, 7350 W Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046 MOUNT HOLLYWOOD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH mthollywood.org, 4607 Prospect Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 IMMANUEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH immanuelpres.org, 3300 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010 ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH stmatthewsnoho.org, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood, CA 91602 CHRIST CHAPEL OF THE VALLEY christchapel.com, 11050 Hartsook St., North Hollywood, CA 91601 ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH stpaulssm.org, 958 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403 ST. MONICA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY stmonica.net, 725 California Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403 WEHO CHURCH wehochurch.com, 916 N. Formosa Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90046 ST. VICTOR’S CATHOLIC CHURCH saintvictor.org, 8634 Holloway Dr. West Hollywood, CA 90069 ST. LUKE LUTHERAN stlukelutheran.com, 5312 Comercio Way, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
For Breaking Daily LGBT News Visit
www.thefightmag.com
FEB R UAR Y 2016 | THE T T4949 FEB R UAR Y 2016 | T HF EI GH F I GH
THEFINALFIGHT >> HOMOPHOBIA IN HOLLYWOOD <<
IAN MCKELLEN
OUT AT THE OSCARS
Actor Ian McKellen joins diversity debate saying homophobia is as much a problem as racism in Hollywood. BY O RLY LYO N N E
I
an McKellen, the veteran British actor who found global fame through the Lord of the Rings movies, has cautioned that homophobia is as much of an issue among Academy voters as racism, reported The Guardian last month. Commenting on the current controversy over the lack of diversity TOM among both Oscar voters and this HANKS year’s nominees, McKellen suggested prejudice was the reason no publicly out man had ever received an Academy award for best actor. He expressed sympathy with black actors angry that they were “being ill-treated and underestimated,” but said the issue was a wider one, reports The Guardian. “No openly gay man has ever won the Oscar; I wonder if that is prejudice or chance,” he said, with the implication that he felt it tended towards the former. Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Sean Penn have all won best actor Oscars for playing gay men. “How clever, how clever,” said McKellen. “What about giving me one for playing a straight man?
5 0 T H E F IIGH GH T | www.thefightmag.com
PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN
“WHY HAS NO OPENLY GAY MAN EVER WON THE BEST ACTOR OSCAR?” “My speech has been in two jackets … ‘I’m proud to be the first openly gay man to win the Oscar.’ I’ve had to put it back in my pocket twice.” McKellen was first nominated for the best actor award in 1998, missing out to
Roberto Benigni for Life is Beautiful; and for best supporting actor as Gandalf in the first Lord of the Rings film (Jim Broadbent won for Iris). He had been felt by many to be a potential contender this year for his acclaimed role as an aging Sherlock Holmes in Bill Condon’s Mr Holmes; but he missed nominations from most major awards bodies. As it stood, said McKellen, the Oscars voting system was not fit for purpose. “If you are trying to have a career, as a black or Hispanic actor in a state—California—where white people are now the minority, and you are being judged by an Academy where the vast majority are white, male, middle-aged and old … well, perhaps that is the wrong yardstick.” This year is the second in succession that the Oscars have produced all-white acting shortlist. The growing controversy prompted the Academy to announce last month a “sweeping series of substantive change” with the number of “women
SEAN PENN
and diverse members” of the Academy doubled by 2020. McKellen was speaking at the London launch of a The British Film Institute (BFI) Shakespeare season which will include his 1995 film of Richard III, in which he starred and adapted the text. n
Surrounded by Faircrest Heights, a historic Carthay Circle-era community, this new neighborhood is a memorable enclave with a new agenda – to give you an exceptionally rare opportunity to fit in and stand out at the same time. The Faircrest is that sought-af ter gem where luxury and legend combine.
2.5 % BROK ER CO- OP* NEW SINGLE-FA MILY R ESIDENCES Centrally Located in the Heart of LA
Pico Blvd.
Sawyer St.
From the Mid $1.3 Millions Up to 2,894 Sq. Ft. Up to 5 Bedrooms & 3 Bathrooms www.EmeraldHomes.com/TheFaircrest
ice
Ven
La Ci e
d. Blv
nega
Blvd .
Downtown LA
Fairfax Ave.
5930 Sawyer Street | Los Angeles, CA | 90035 | 310.362.6991
Santa Monica
N
MAP NOT TO SCALE
N
* To receive 2.5% co-op, broker’s buyer must execute D.R. Horton’s Purchase Agreement on a home at The Faircrest and close per the purchase agreement. Co-op calculated on the base purchase price of the home. Broker co-op subject to change or MAP NOT TO SCALE cancellation without notice. D.R. Horton Broker Policy is in full effect and broker’s buyer cannot have previously registered with D.R. Horton either in person or on D.R. Horton’s website, interest list or pre-qualification list. Broker must hold a valid CA real estate license as of the date of registration and buyer’s close of escrow. If broker and buyer visit more than one D.R. Horton community, all conditions must be satisfied in each community, including registration.| Photos FEB R UAR Y 2016 THEareF Irepresentational GH T 51 only. All square footage is approximate. Prices subject to change without notice or obligation. D.R. Horton VEN, Inc. dba Emerald Homes – CalBRE license #1253251; Contractor’s license #765023. © D.R. Horton 2015.
When You Need A Lawyer Have You Been Hurt? Discriminated Against? Arrested? David Hakimfar is a Partner at Hakimfar Law in West Hollywood and a member of Pride Legal
Personal Injury Criminal Defense Estate Planning Divorce Business Bankruptcy
When you are dealing with a legal matter, you need an attorney in Los Angeles who you can trust and who you know is watching out for your best interests. At Pride Legal, we have the network of lawyers you need to handle any legal situation. CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
TEL: 1-888-789-PRID E (1-888-789-7743) www.pridelegal.com
We Reserve The Right To Provide Friendly Service To EVERYONE 5 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com