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JULY 2015 | T H E F I GH T 1

2 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com

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JULY 2015 | T H E F I GH T 3

WHAT IS PREZCOBIX™ ?

• It is not known if PREZCOBIX™ is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. • When used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection, PREZCOBIX™ may help:

Medihaler,® Migergot,® Wigraine®, Wigrettes®), methylergonovine (Methergine®), lovastatin or a product that contains lovastatin (Altoprev,® Advicor,® Mevacor ®), lurasidone (Latuda®), oral midazolam (Versed®), pimozide (Orap®), ranolazine (Ranexa®), rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifater®, Rifamate,® Rimactane®), sildenafil (Revatio®) when used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), simvastatin or a product that contains simvastatin (Simcor,® Vytorin®, Zocor ®), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) or a product that contains St. John’s Wort, or triazolam (Halcion®).

○ reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load.”

• Serious problems can happen if you take any of these medicines with PREZCOBIX.™

○ increase the number of CD4+ (T) cells in your blood that help fight off other infections.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking PREZCOBIX™ ?

• PREZCOBIX™ is always taken in combination with other HIV medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults. PREZCOBIX™ should be taken once daily with food. • PREZCOBIX™ does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS, and you may still experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection. You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. • Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions on how to prevent passing HIV to other people. • Please read the Important Safety Information below and talk to your healthcare provider to learn if PREZCOBIX™ is right for you.

• About all health problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver problems, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C, have kidney problems, are allergic to sulfa (sulfonamide), have diabetes, have hemophilia, or have any other medical condition, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking PREZCOBIX.™ • About all medicines you take. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines interact with PREZCOBIX.™ Keep a list of your medicines to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take PREZCOBIX™ with other medicines.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What are the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX™ ?

What is the most important information I should know about PREZCOBIX™ ?

• The most common side effects of darunavir, one of the medicines in PREZCOBIX,™ include diarrhea, nausea, rash, headache, stomach area (abdominal) pain, and vomiting.

• PREZCOBIX™ may cause liver problems. Some people taking PREZCOBIX™ may develop liver problems which may be life-threatening. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before and during your treatment with PREZCOBIX.™ ○ Chronic hepatitis B or C infection may increase your chance of developing liver problems. Your healthcare provider should check your blood tests more often. ○ Signs and symptoms of liver problems include dark (tea-colored) urine, yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, pale-colored stools (bowel movements), nausea, vomiting, pain or tenderness on your right side below your ribs, or loss of appetite. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any of these symptoms. • PREZCOBIX™ may cause severe or life-threatening skin reactions or rash. Sometimes these skin reactions and skin rashes can become severe and require treatment in a hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash. ○ Stop taking PREZCOBIX™ and call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any skin changes with symptoms such as fever, tiredness, muscle or joint pain, blisters or skin lesions, mouth sores or ulcers, red or inflamed eyes like “pink eye” (conjunctivitis). • PREZCOBIX,™ when taken with certain other medicines, can cause new or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking PREZCOBIX.™ Who should not take PREZCOBIX™ ? • Do not take PREZCOBIX™ with any of the following medicines: alfuzosin (Uroxatral®), cisapride (Propulsid®, Propulsid® Quicksolv), colchicine (Colcrys®, Mitigare,® if you have liver or kidney problems), dronedarone (Multaq®), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E.45®, Embolex ®, Migranal®), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot ,® Ergomar ,® Ergostat ,® 4 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com

• Other possible side effects include: ○ High blood sugar, diabetes or worsening diabetes, and increased bleeding in people with hemophilia have been reported in patients taking protease inhibitor medicines, including PREZCOBIX.™ ○ Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicines. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these changes are not known. ○ Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. These are not all of the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX.™ For more information, ask your healthcare provider. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see accompanying full Product Information for more details. Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP © Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP 2015 05/15 034168-150507

027409-150108

• PREZCOBIX™ is a prescription HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1) medicine used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). PREZCOBIX™ contains the prescription medicines PREZISTA® (darunavir) and TYBOST® (cobicistat).

{

Wisdom inspired by real people

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Visit WisdomLosAngeles.com to hear wisdom inspired by experts and people like you living with HIV. Ask your provider if Once-Daily* PREZCOBIX™ is right for you.

WisdomLosAngeles.com *PREZCOBIX™ is taken in combination with other HIV medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults. JULY 2015 | T H E F I GH T 5

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION PATIENT INFORMATION PREZCOBIX (prez-koe-bix) (darunavir and cobicistat) tablets Please read this information before you start taking PREZCOBIX and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. What is the most important information I should know about PREZCOBIX? • PREZCOBIX may cause liver problems. Some people taking PREZCOBIX may develop liver problems which may be lifethreatening. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before and during your treatment with PREZCOBIX. If you have chronic hepatitis B or C infection, your healthcare provider should check your blood tests more often because you have an increased chance of developing liver problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the below signs and symptoms of liver problems. • dark (tea colored) urine • yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes • pale colored stools (bowel movements) • nausea • vomiting • pain or tenderness on your right side below your ribs • loss of appetite • PREZCOBIX may cause severe or life-threatening skin reactions or rash. Sometimes these skin reactions and skin rashes can become severe and require treatment in a hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash. Stop taking PREZCOBIX and call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any skin changes with symptoms below: • fever • tiredness • muscle or joint pain • blisters or skin lesions • mouth sores or ulcers • red or inflamed eyes, like “pink eye” (conjunctivitis) • PREZCOBIX when taken with certain other medicines can cause new or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking PREZCOBIX. See “What are the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX?” for more information about side effects. What is PREZCOBIX? PREZCOBIX is a prescription HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1) medicine used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). PREZCOBIX contains the prescription medicines PREZISTA (darunavir) and TYBOST (cobicistat). It is not known if PREZCOBIX is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. When used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection, PREZCOBIX may help: • reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load”. 6 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com

• i ncrease the number of CD4+ (T) cells in your blood that help fight off other infections. Reducing the amount of HIV-1 and increasing the CD4+ (T) cells in your blood may help improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or getting infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). PREZCOBIX does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others. • Do not share or re-use needles or other injection equipment. • Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades. • Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions on how to prevent passing HIV to other people. Who should not take PREZCOBIX? Do not take PREZCOBIX with any of the following medicines: • alfuzosin (Uroxatral®) • cisapride (Propulside®, Propulsid® Quicksolv) • colchicine (Colcrys®, Mitigare®), if you have liver or kidney problems • dronedarone (Multaq®) • ergot-containing medicines: • dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45®, Embolex®, Migranal®) • ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Ergomar®, Ergostat®, Medihaler®, Migergot®, Wigraine®, Wigrettes®) • methylergonovine (Methergine®) • lovastatin or a product that contains lovastatin (Altoprev®, Advicor®, Mevacor®) • lurasidone (Latuda®) • midazolam (Versed®), when taken by mouth • pimozide (Orap®) • ranolazine (Ranexa®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifater®, Rifamate®, Rimactane®) • sildenafil (Revatio®), when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) • simvastatin or a product that contains simvastatin (Simcor®, Vytorin®, Zocor®) • St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), or a product that contains St. John’s Wort • triazolam (Halcion®) Serious problems can happen if you take any of these medicines with PREZCOBIX. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking PREZCOBIX? Before taking PREZCOBIX, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have liver problems, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C • have kidney problems • are allergic to sulfa (sulfonamide) • have diabetes • have hemophilia • have any other medical condition

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION • a re pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if PREZCOBIX will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking PREZCOBIX. • Pregnancy Registry: There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiretroviral medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take PREZCOBIX. • You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV to your baby. • It is not known if PREZCOBIX can pass into your breast milk. • Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines interact with PREZCOBIX. Keep a list of your medicines to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with PREZCOBIX. • Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take PREZCOBIX with other medicines. How should I take PREZCOBIX? • Take PREZCOBIX exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. • Do not change your dose or stop taking PREZCOBIX without talking to your healthcare provider. • Take PREZCOBIX 1 time a day with food. • If you miss a dose of PREZCOBIX by less than 12 hours, take your missed dose of PREZCOBIX right away. Then take your next dose of PREZCOBIX at your regularly scheduled time. • If you miss a dose of PREZCOBIX by more than 12 hours, wait and then take the next dose of PREZCOBIX at your regularly scheduled time. • If a dose of PREZCOBIX is skipped, do not double the next dose. Do not take more or less than your prescribed dose of PREZCOBIX at any one time. • If you take too much PREZCOBIX, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. What are the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX? PREZCOBIX may cause serious side effects including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about PREZCOBIX?” • Diabetes and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Some people who take protease inhibitors including PREZCOBIX can get high blood sugar, develop diabetes, or your diabetes can get worse. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice an increase in thirst or urinate often while taking PREZCOBIX. • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medications. The changes may include an increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen.

The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine. • Increased bleeding for hemophiliacs. Some people with hemophilia have increased bleeding with protease inhibitors including PREZCOBIX. The most common side effects of darunavir, one of the medicines in PREZCOBIX, include: • diarrhea • nausea • rash • headache • stomach area (abdominal) pain • vomiting Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX. For more information, ask your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. How should I store PREZCOBIX? • Store PREZCOBIX tablets at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep PREZCOBIX and all medicines out of reach of children. General information about PREZCOBIX Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use PREZCOBIX for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give PREZCOBIX to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about PREZCOBIX that is written for health professionals. For more information call 1-800-526-7736. What are the ingredients in PREZCOBIX? Active ingredients: darunavir and cobicistat Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, and silicified microcrystalline cellulose. The tablets are film-coated with a coating material containing iron oxide black, iron oxide red, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol (partially hydrolyzed), talc, and titanium dioxide. Manufactured by: Janssen Ortho LLC, Gurabo, PR 00778 Manufactured for: Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP, Titusville NJ 08560 Issued: January 2015 © Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2015 027415-150108 JULY 2015 | T H E F I GH T 7

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

OC PRIDE

21 FESTIVAL IN DOWNTOWN SANTA ANA 21

DAY AFTER 22 THE KIT WILLIAMSON & JOHN HALBACH

FEVER 26 GINGER DANCER, MODEL EDDIE EDUARDO STIGMA 30 TACKLING MR. CSW LEATHER 2016 BACK 34 GIVING AIDEN LESLIE ON EMPOWERMENT CLARITY 36 FINDING DAN DE LEON ON SUCCESS & LUIS 42 MADONNA “TRUTH OR DARE” SCREENING ORANGE 43 TIGER FRANKIE VALENTI ON DVD 2015 46 OUTFEST LOS ANGELES LGBT FILM FESTIVAL

ON THE COVER COVER MODEL: EDDIE EDUARDO COVER PHOTO, MAIN TOC PHOTO AND FEATURE PHOTO BY: DUSTI CUNNINGHAM

DEPARTMENTS

16 THE TALK LOVE WINS 19 THE STATE CARL DEMAIO 20 THE CITY RALLY IN WEHO 28 THE ROSTOW REPORT TRUE EQUALITY 32 THE TRANSACTION TRANS PRIDE 38 THE JOYSTICK GAMING 40 THE SHARE LOCAL SOBRIETY 44 THE MONEY INSURANCE 45 THE EPIDEMIC YOUR STATUS

42 8 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com 6

48 THE CALENDAR EVENTS 50 THE FINAL FIGHT RICH HAWKINS

Together is a beautiful thing. This is a moment to celebrate. You’ve worked hard to get this far, and look at what you’ve accomplished. At Wells Fargo, we recognize your successes, and are committed to supporting the financial needs of our LGBT community, customers, and team members. Because when we work together to realize our dreams — it’s nothing short of a beautiful thing. wellsfargo.com/lgbt

THEEDITOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stanford Altamirano MANAGING EDITOR Mark Ariel ART DIRECTOR Nadeen Torio MARKETING CONSULTANTS Michael Bishop Tom Pardoe Eric Slayton >> IN THIS ISSUE <<

IT’S NOT OVER to see that as we were celebratLast month the Supreme Court ing these victories, there was an struck down bans on marriage equality in all 50 states, granting same-sex increasing disconnect between them and the facts on the ground, the couples the same rights as all other discrimination that people were still married, committed couples. experiencing.” As historic and monumental that Experiences such as being thrown victory is for the community at out of public spaces, employment large—the vast majority of LGBTQ discrimination and the continued equality issues, such as prohibitepidemic of suicides by young ing discrimination in housing and LGBT—and mostly employment, remain transgender—teens unfilled. As exhilarating in the U.S., he said. In his new book as our Supreme “We tend to focus “It’s Not Over,” on the victory almost author and activist Court marriage as a salve, to blunt Michelangelo Signorile equality victory the bad news in a writes about “victory is—we shouldn’t way,” Signorile tells blindness.” lose sight of the Pride Source. “We “It’s really a term I are a people who found myself using afentrenched ter seeing how for the homophobia that’s have been demonized, vilified, invisible past few years, we still out there. for so long, only to would see these great find our voice and victories—and we’ve then be decimated by an epidemic.” had enormous strides, there’s no “I think the victories started to question about it...” Signorile said in be spellbinding and exhilarating—as a recent interview with Pride Source they should be. But they shouldn’t (www.pridesource.com). have us lose sight of the entrenched “We’ve made history in such a homophobia that’s still out there.” short period of time. But I started

SOCIAL MEDIA Paulo Murillo Michael Bishop WEBMASTER Nadeen Torio 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 © 2015 Third Step LLC. All rights reserved. Content may be reproduced with permission. 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.

STANFORD ALTAMIRANO Editor-In-Chief

161 0T HTEH EF IGH T T| |A UGU ST 2014 F IGH www.thefightmag.com

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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. DR. STEVE GANZELL Dr. Steve Ganzell is Co-President of Christopher Street West (CSW), the organization that produces LA Pride. Additionally, he “works in a large federal healthcare system providing mental health services and training other providers. It has been my dream job because I have been allowed to do new and creative things and to work with fascinating people. I have often described my job is sitting on sacred ground and hearing things that no one else will ever hear.” 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 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.

Me Out. He also co-starred in the music video Hopeful Romantic, Hallmarks’ Holly’s Holiday, and other various short films.

Rostow

Hawkins

Ganzell

Murillo

Cunningham

Arellano

De Leon

Williamson

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. RICH HAWKINS A boy from the South of England living in London, Rich Hawkins works in communications and spends most of his time eating in new restaurants and sampling

Halbach

various ales and fine (and actually often not fine) wines. He is “interested in issues around equality as well as pop culture and how it impacts society.” Follow him on twitter: @RichHawkins. 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

DAN DE LEON Dan De Leon is a circuit DJ, top Billboard remixer, music producer, label owner, event promoter and filmmaker. He is a creative force that immigrated to the United States by way of Argentina in 1979 at the age of 2. His DJ sets are famous for making the boys sweat like crazy on the dance floor and he is known for his many productions and collaborations with dance music legends such as Chus & Ceballos and Victor Calderone. KIT WILLIAMSON Kit Williamson is an actor and filmmaker, best known for playing Ed Gifford on the final two seasons of Mad Men and creating the critically-acclaimed Logo web series EastSiders, which is now available on iTunes, Hulu and Amazon Prime. JOHN HALBACH John Halbach is an actor and executive producer on the Logo web series EastSiders, and also works as a social media strategist creating digital campaigns for Broadway shows. He has been in a relationship for the past eight years with actor and filmmaker Kit Williamson.

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 email your resume and cover letter to: mark@thefightmag.com 1 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

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JULY 2015 | TH E F I GH T 13

THELETTERS

DDF?

>> FROM OUR READERS <<

KNOW YOUR STATUS!

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PREFERRED METHOD Dear Editor, While I found Eric Paul Leue’s interview on PrEP an interesting read (THE FIGHT, “PrEP & Prejudice,” Issue #53) I think it was a little one-sided. How can you write about the pros and the cons of this medication without bringing up the fact that this HIV med—as others—can be extremely toxic to one’s body? We do not know as of yet the full effects of Truvada... I have no problem at all with those who want to go on PrEP—I would never attach a “party drug” tag to Truvada—however—for me—at the moment—condoms are my preferred method of safer sex. —Yaron Levy, via the internet

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Dear Editor, Thank you for continuing to report on the leather community. I especially enjoyed the interview with Patrick Smith, Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2015, who won the title of International Mr. Leather 2015 (THE FIGHT, “Bringing Home The Title,” Issue #53). I think you guys were the only local publication to report on this. Just wanted to let you know it is appreciated. —George White, Los Angeles, CA

NOT SHY Dear Editor, Kudos to CSW and THE FIGHT for creating such an awesome Erotic City this year at L.A. Pride. At a time when it seems as though hetero-normative behavior is becoming the aspiration of many in the LGBTQ community—it is refreshing to see your publication not shy away from celebrating our sexuality. Being proud of our sexuality is very much still—if not more so today—part of The Fight. —Ray Garcia, via the internet

> WRITE TO THE EDITOR

Email: editor@thefightmag.com Fax: (213) 281-9648. Letters may be shortened due to space requirements. 1 4 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

JULY 2015 | TH E F I GH T 15

THETALK >> W H AT T H E Y ’ R E S AY I N G <<

LOVE WINS

Reactions to the Supreme Court’s historic ruling last month legalizing marriage equality across the nation.

MICHAEL MOORE

NEIL PATRICK HARRIS

“NEVER AGAIN will it be referred to as ‘gay marriage.’ It’s now called ‘marriage.’”

“It’s a new day. Thank you Supreme Court. Thank you Justice Kennedy. Your opinion is profound, in more ways than you may know.”

GABOUREY SIDIBE CYNDI LAUPER

“And yes! Love wins! Thank you!”

“Hooray for Marriage Equality!!!”

SETH MACFARLANE

OLIVIA WILDE JOSH GROBAN J.K. ROWLING

“PROUD to be American today.”

“What a beautiful day.“ “Wow. Another historic day for #MarriageEquality!”

RICHARD BRANSON

LISA LAMPANELLI

“The Supreme Court got it right!!! Congratulations to all of America & to everyone who loves in the gay community!!! So proud of my country!”

MATT BOMER

“Today is a huge step forward for our country, and my family. I’m so grateful and happy!”

1 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

“An epic day for gay rights in US. A much-needed recognition for millions who have been discriminated against on the basis of who they love.”

“The Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states today. IT’S ABOUT. FUCKING. TIME.”

DAX SHEPARD

“Sometimes the good guys win. We will inch closer and closer to the best version of ourselves.”

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THESTATE >> C A R L D E M A I O <<

CARL DEMAIO

DEMAIO CLEARED OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT CLAIM

even months ago former Republican candidate Carl DeMaio conceded to Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), ending a nasty campaign for California's 52nd congressional district representing San Diego. It was a campaign filled with accusations from a former aide of alleged sexual misconduct-charges. Last week, Todd Bosnich, the former aide, admitted to manufacturing emails he used to support his claim that DeMaio sexually harassed him, and plead guilty to obstruction of justice, reports The Daily Beast. "The impact this has had on my family, it was very rough," DeMaio told The Daily Beast in an interview. "But I'm very pleased to see at least some level of justice delivered with these charges."

SHOOTING AT SF PRIDE Police say a bystander was shot at an LGBT pride event in San Francisco's Civic Center last month when an argument between several men turned violent, but the argument was not tied to the event, reports LGBTQ Nation. Several people were detained for questioning after the shooting occurred. A concert that was part of the weekend-long gay pride celebration across the city was ending around the time of the shooting. The bystander was hospitalized and is in stable condition.

SACRAMENTO HATE CRIME Police are investigating the stabbing of three Sacramento musicians as a hate crime, reports The Associated Press. Timothy Brownell, 25, is accused of attacking the three men last month as they left a downtown bar. The musicians say Brownell used gay slurs during the attack. Police issued an arrest warrant after two of the musicians posted accounts of the incident on social media that included allegations about the gay slurs. Brownell turned himself in to police shortly afterwards. n JULY 2015 | TH E F I GH T 19 THE

THECITY >> BY PAULO MURILLO <<

DECISION DAY RALLY IN WEST HOLLYWOOD

Over a thousand LGBT people and their allies joined the Los Angeles LGBT Center and dozens of other human rights organizations for a Decision Day Rally at West Hollywood Park, June 26, to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s historical ruling on same-sex marriage.

eople waved rainbow flags and held up signage that read “Love Wins,” “Love Conquers Hate” and “A Supreme Day to Be Gay in the USA.” L.A. LGBT Center CEO Lorri L. Jean rejoiced at how the U.S. Constitution finally includes LGBTQ people. “As the confederate flag is falling, the rainbow flag is raising,” she said. “If God is with someone, she is with us.” Tamika Butler, of the National Center for Lesbian Rights told the crowd that the fight continues for civil rights. West Hollywood council member John D’Amico locked lips with his husband of 23 years Keith Rand—and West Hollywood council member John Duran spoke of the AIDS crisis and how the price paid for this victory was high, but the victory is “so sweet.” Text and photos by Paulo Murillo.

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he OC Pride Festival will take place on August 1, 2015 from 12pm to 10pm for its 4th year in the Arts District of Downtown Santa Ana. The festival site has grown to include many existing LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses including The LGBT Center OC and The Frida Cinema. These sites will feature all-day activities in addition to familiar venues including the dance floor at Velvet Lounge and guest speakers at Theatre Out. For the little ones, this year the Kids’ Club will be located at Birch Park and include a Treasure Hunt, Water Balloon Games and a Piñata. The Main Stage will be headlined by former American Idol finalists Frenchie Davis and David Hernandez as well as 90s hit maker Thea Austin and will be located on the beautiful stage inside The Yost Theater. While streets will not be closed as in previous years, the city will still be a bustle with many vendors coming in for this one-day event and will setup in promenades outside The Yost and other venues. The Downtown Santa Ana Arts District is home to many restaurants that offer great food and drinks including Chapter One, The Good Beer Company and the new 4th Street Market. OC Pride is partnering with many of these restaurants to offer great food and drink options during the festival. n This year OC Pride Week is featuring nightly events all over Orange County from July 27 to August 2. A list of all the events can be found at: www.prideoc.com.

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>> LEATHERMEN <<

Kit Williamson is an actor and filmmaker, best known for playing Ed Gifford on the final two seasons of Mad Men and creating the critically-acclaimed Logo web series EastSiders, which is now available on iTunes, Hulu and Amazon Prime. John Halbach is an actor and executive producer on the series, and also works as a social media strategist creating digital campaigns for Broadway shows. They have been in a relationship for the past eight years and announced their engagement shortly before the Supreme Court began hearing the case for marriage equality. They interviewed each other for THE FIGHT about what the ruling means for their relationship, the gay community and the country. John: Alright, it’s a little unusual sitting here in our living room interviewing each other on the couch, with the cat.

y a D e h T After

Kit: Yes it is. John: But this is an unusual situation! The Supreme Court has just made history. Gay marriage is now legal everywhere in the United States. A lot of people never thought we’d see this day. Kit: I can remember so many conversations, growing up in Mississippi, about

Life after marriage equality. Kit Williamson and John Halbach on outsider culture, gender norms and “straight washing.” BY KIT W ILLIA MSO N & JOHN HALBACH | PHOTO BY ERI C TRONOLONE

22 2 TTH HEE FFIGH IGHTT || www.thefightmag.com www.thefightmag.com 2

>> KIT WILLIAMSON & JOHN HALBACH <<

how this would never happen. I thought that maybe someday we’d see marriage equality in the more liberal blue states, but as a kid I never imagined we’d see marriage equality in the south. It seemed like a foregone conclusion. John: A lot of the southern states had passed laws against gay marriage. Kit: Right. 13 states had laws on the books. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that a lot of those same states also had anti-miscegenation laws on the books when Loving Vs. Virginia made interracial marriage legal.

John: Right, it doesn’t feel like it’s over. People have been trying to overthrow Roe vs. Wade my whole life. We need to constantly be on the look out for the gay equivalent of trans-vaginal ultrasounds. Kit: And we need to find solidarity with other causes, like the fight for equal pay for women, or trans rights, or the black lives matter movement. We can’t let this victory make us complacent or divided.

John: I remember being so elated when my home state of Minnesota passed marriage equality in 2013. My parents lived in the city and I remember visiting and seeing all the orange Pro 99 signs EVERYWHERE so I wanted to be confident it was going to go our way, but after the heart break of Prop8 you just couldn’t tell. Thanks goodness it did go well, for my mom’s sake if nothing else, she would’ve been so mad! How does it feel for you, knowing that our marriage will be recognized in Mississippi?

then you made us move to New York City. John: Let’s talk about something else. Jodi Kantor had an interesting piece in The New York Times about feeling a twinge of loss for our outsider culture. Do you feel like this makes us a little less cool? Kit: I definitely feel the pressure to have a traditional wedding coming at us from all angles. Most people assume that’s what we’re doing because that’s what they did. I don’t think it’s intentional; people just want to relate their own experiences to ours. That’s the way norms are reinforced, right? You give a little girl pink princesses her whole childhood and she grows up thinking all boys are made of puppy dog tales or something.

Kit Williamson: “Even though we’re engaged, it bothers me when people act like John: For all our subvermarried couples are somehow better siveness, some gay men than partnered couples or people who are pretty guilty of reinforcing gender norms. have chosen to be single. I hope that Kit: You masc, bro? all people, gay and straight, feel the freedom to forge their own paths in life John: Totes masc, brah. and in their relationships. Marriage Kit: I don’t want to see our community straight washed. I isn’t some magic bullet that love how diverse LGBT people Kit: I’m surprised by how much are. So many of us grew up being it means to me. And my mom, completes a relationship, told that the way we were was Jonell is pretty psyched too! It’s or a person.” wrong, that our mannerisms were affirming to see how quickly the gay rights movement has progressed and it makes me really of emotional to think about how certain I was as a kid that I would never meet anyone, much less get married to an amazing guy like you.

John: Equal rights means equality for everyone.

John: Aw shucks.

wrong, that we couldn’t pass. Then we grow up and find out that we’re actually just special and awesome and the things that made us different are our favorite parts of ourselves. That said, I’d be lying if I said I don’t sometimes struggle with insecurity about being “too gay.”

Kit: Exactly. We agree on a lot of things! Kit: It also makes me more passionate than ever about fighting for equal rights, knowing that we now have a target on our backs in a lot of ways. We cannot allow this decision to get picked apart and legislated into oblivion the way Roe vs. Wade has been. The right to choose has been eroded in this country and is almost nonexistent in Mississippi; there is only one abortion clinic in the state and it is regularly under siege by protestors and politicians introducing measures that would cripple their operation, such as forcing doctors to have hospital admittance rights.

John: Especially as an actor. John: Let’s get married. Kit: Because we can now. Anywhere! John: Let’s do it in North Dakota.

Kit: I’ve definitely had people tell me I was too gay, and that I would need to “work on that.” Not referring to my work, by the way, referring to me, to my face, in a meeting.

John: Washington State?

John: Do you think marriage equality is going to reinforce this idea that gay people need to behave exactly like straight people?

Kit: It’s supposed to be lovely. I’ve always wanted to go to Portland. We were supposed to go on a road trip to Portland but

Kit: I do. I think it’s all jumbled together in the same part of our brains. Norms serve a function; they help people understand

Kit: No thank you.

JULY 2015 | TH E F I GH T 23

>> KIT WILLIAMSON & JOHN HALBACH <<

rights, protecting your spouse if you die.

John: But you do get a registry.

John: Speaking of kids, what do you think this means for gay families?

Kit: That’s true. You could register for a magic bullet.

Kit: I can only imagine how affirming it must be.

John: What does marriage mean to you?

Kit: Well we’ve talked about how we don’t necessarily want kids, at least not now. And a lot of things like that aren’t really as pressing a concern for us because we don’t have a deadline on that, biologically.

John: Not that everyone has to get married to have kids.

Kit: Marriage means spending the rest of your life with the person you love. It means I cannot imagine being happy without you. It means the cat is officially our human baby. What does marriage mean to you?

John: There’s a lot of pressure on married couples to have kids, as though their relationship is somehow less valid if they don’t procreate.

John: I think there’s definitely more of an expectation, but certainly no more than is placed on straight couples.

society. But a lot of people don’t take the time to analyze WHY they think little girls should have pink princess dolls. I don’t necessarily want the same things for our marriage as a newlywed straight couple. John: What do you mean?

Kit: Which is ridiculous. Babies are great but there are a lot of other reasons to get married. John: Like love and stuff? Commitment? Insurance? Kit: Cohabitation, hospital visitation

Kit: Do you think there’s more pressure on gay couples to get married now?

Kit: Even though we’re engaged, it bothers me when people act like married couples are somehow better than partnered couples or people who have chosen to be single. I hope that all people, gay and straight, feel the freedom to forge their own paths in life and in their relationships. Marriage isn’t some magic bullet that completes a relationship, or a person.

John: It means you’re my guy and I’m you’re guy, the two of us are a family, and we’re in this crazy life together. Kit and John are engaged to be married in March, 2016. Probably in March. They don’t know where, so stop asking, they still have a lot of time left to decide. You can follow them on twitter at @KitWilliamson and @JohnHalbach and you can find out more about their show at www.EastSidersTheSeries.com.

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Ginger FEVER

Dancer and muscle jock underwear model Eddie Eduardo talks to DJ Dean DeLeon about his love for LA, upcoming dance events and how being ginger has its advantages. BY D J D A N D ELEON | PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNI NGHAM

f there was an award for rebranding the ginger male stereotype—Eddie Eduardo would definitely be a top contender. The Brazilian born LA-based dancer and muscle jock underwear model has quickly become a fan favorite at dance parties and events in and out of California; he most recently performed at NYC Pride last month. In an interview with THE FIGHT Eduardo talks to world renowned DJ, event promoter and filmmaker Dan DeLeon about his love for Los Angeles, upcoming dance events and how being ginger has its advantages. Eddie Eduardo you are on fire these days! It’s so exciting to see you doing so well—and what’s more—to see you doing what you love! I’m curious about your beginnings in dance. I remember at the age of 5 getting on my parents’ coffee table—listening to Madonna—and doing choreography for it. I started taking dance lessons when I was 11 years old. When I was older I would go to gyms because the dance instructors would invite me to dance with them and after a while I starting performing in clubs that played that kind of music. Where does dancing take you? Does it feel like work or does it feel like fun? When I dance I feel this intense energy and I can’t stop moving. Feels like every part of my body reacts to the beats. Having said that, I always keep in mind that is work, I try 2 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

to show technique and variety, I need to be on point and make people wanna jump up. When I’m not working I couldn’t care less how I look and I can be pretty silly.

“[Growing up in Brazil] was rough, I would be called all kinds of names even before I understood what being gay meant. I was a very late bloomer, I was still playing with toys while my classmates were losing their virginity...”

How would you describe your childhood, growing up in Brazil? It was rough, I would be called all kinds of names even before I understood what being gay meant. I was a very late bloomer, I was still playing with toys while my classmates were losing their virginity... I only started dating a boy after I was done with high school... When your sex life isn’t up for discussion, it makes you very sad and guarded. Thankfully that time in my life is over with.

You moved to Los Angeles in 2013. How did you break into dance here? It was never something I thought I would do professionally in the states, but it came down to “I need money and I can dance.” So I started talking to other dancers like Jacob Hoxsey and Brandon Grimm, they gave me advice and when I decided to do it, I decided to REALLY do it. The first place that hired me—fired me—saying I wasn’t what they were looking for... Paul Nicholls was the first one to really give me a chance and book me for all his events, and then people started to notice me and tell me I was really good and they wanted me to work at their parties and since then it’s been non stop. I’m very grateful for every opportunity I had. I’ve seen you more and more at different events locally and around the country, on stage and in countless photos. So I have to ask you this—how does it feel to be the hot new ginger on the block? You know we all love sexy gingers like you! [Laughs] ... I’ve been very blessed and I have been working a lot. Being a ginger sets me apart from everyone else in the looks department, I’m usually the only one when I’m dancing at a party... And it’s definitely what people know me for. In Brazil it was never a good thing being a redhead, but in America, people like it. I just feel very grateful that so many people appreciate it.

>> EDDIE EDUARDO <<

Are there any events you aspire to possibly dance for in the future? I want to dance in Spain. The parties there are the wildest and the music out of control, I’d love to work at Circuit Barcelona. In America, I would love to do WE Party—they bring dancers from Europe and it’s a different style. It’s slower and more posy. When I’m at a WE party, I always stop for a second to watch the dancers. Are there any other nightlife events or nightclubs that inspire you—that have nothing to do with work? There is a place in Los Angeles that I have never worked in but it’s one of my favorite places to go to: Reload After Hours. The music is flawless. When I go there, I know I’m gonna have an amazing time and it’s such a joy to be with my closest friends turning it out behind the Dj, I have so many happy memories there.

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I moved to LA as a child and it’s left an indelible mark on me. I absolutely love LA! How do you like living and working in Los Angeles? What are some of your favorite things about the city? What makes Los Angeles special for you? Los Angeles is my town, I love being here, by the ocean... I grew up going to the beach, I’m a swimmer and I need the water in my life. I have all my friends here—and my friends are my family... And we kiki, we throw amazing parties all the time and because it’s LA—we always have great spaces to do it. So where can we find you next? Where can all of us ginger loving dance addicts get to see more of your moves? Is there anything else you’re working on or planning on that you want to share with our readers? I’m very superstitious about work so I don’t like to say anything until it’s official, but I have been booked for some great events. In July, LA people should get ready for a great party happening toward the end of the month. In August I’m flying to the east of America to work at a party I have always wanted to work in. In September you better trust and believe I’ll be bringing it during Labor Day. I’m definitely looking forward to these events. For more about Eddie Eduardo visit: instagram.com/gingereddie. JULY 2015 | TH E F I GH T 27

THEROSTOWREPORT >> BY ANN ROSTOW <<

TRUE EQUALITY, DEADBEAT DADS & INCARCERATED FELONS

ello dear FIGHT readers! We won marriage equality, Yay! But we have not yet won "equality" unmodified: full equality under constitutional law, just like racial minorities, people of a particular faith, and women. Yet we have come close. There are clear indications in Justice Kennedy's opinion that in addition to deserving marriage rights, our community should be treated like the other groups in our society who battle unwarranted prejudice. I would have been happier if he had spelled it out in no uncertain terms, but I'm still happy. Forgive me if I've said this before, but the Supreme Court has previously ruled that the fundamental right to marry under the Due Process Clause covers deadbeat dads and incarcerated felons. Now, it covers us as well, which is great. Still, this rationale says nothing good about us per se. We're right up there with Billy Bob and Charles Manson. The good news is that Kennedy's opinion went further than the Due Process Clause, touching as well on the Equal Protection Clause which is what we're hankering for. I say "touching as well" because in typical Kennedy fashion, he wrote vaguely about a nexus between the two constitutional platforms, deliberately neglecting to employ the standard Equal Protection analysis expected under the circumstances. Indeed, he was roundly ridiculed by the Justice Scalia for sounding more like a fortune cookie than an appellate court. Still, Kennedy makes clear that sexual orientation is "immutable," and he makes clear reference to the decades of irrational discrimination we have endured as a community.

JUSTICE KENNEDY

Justice Kennedy makes clear that sexual orientation is “immutable,” and he makes clear reference to the decades of irrational discrimination we have endured as a community. These are the main pillars of the analysis that would lead a court to call sexual orientation a protected class and to subject antigay laws to additional scrutiny. These are the main pillars of the analysis that would lead a court to call sexual orientation a protected class and to subject antigay laws to additional scrutiny as is done with race, etc. True, Kennedy chose not to articulate our status further, but he put the pillars in place. Also, without wading too deep in the weeds, I'd argue that the fact that Kennedy chose not to devote pages to our community's standard of review under the Equal Protection Clause is a good thing. Often, courts like to finesse the issue of how to evaluate sexual orientation discrimination by ruling that a law is so bad that it's actually unconstitutional under any legal test. Ergo, our hypothetical court continues, there's no

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need to discuss the subject any further. The problem with this is that conservative courts simply note that the easiest legal test was used, and conclude that sexual orientation bias does not merit any heightened review. So it backfires. Far better, if you're not going to give us heightened review, to leave it all grey without making any reference to the easy test. Does that make sense?

THE DISSENTERS & THE CORE DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE

s you probably know—all four dissenting justices wrote their own personal

screeds decrying various aspects of the majority opinion. What struck me most, and what has also struck me in the reactions of the conservative right, is that these essays read as if the Court had abolished heterosexual marriage and replaced it with same-sex marriage. Hey, I agree! That would have been something of an unwelcome shock, upending tradition and stomping on the rights of everyone else on our behalf. But that's not what happened! The Chief, reflecting a bias so entrenched that he seems unaware of the pure prejudice that forms his view, kept harping on the notion that the majority "redefined" marriage. Sure, he agreed, marriage has changed over the decades to reflect women's rights, recognize interracial unions, and so forth. But these modifications merely elaborated on the "core" definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Hey Chief! What if the "core" definition of marriage is a loving commitment between two people? That's certainly our core definition, indeed that's our whole case. This premise led dissenters to insist as well that if we "give up" the man-woman nature of marriage, there's no reason whatsoever to limit marriage to two people! No reason except that the logistics of state-sanctioned marriage are built around two people. Fifty-fifty divorces, automatic inheritance rights, freedom from inheritance taxes, assumed parental rights, joint income taxes—how do you relegislate the benefits of marriage for groups of three or more? You can't. You'd have to devise an entirely new system, which is not to say it can't be done. But is simply to say that the "slippery slope" has a lot of traction. Add to that the main reason that marriage equality won't lead to polygamy or worse: Do you see hundreds of thousands of polygamous families or hun-

> > T R U E E Q U A L I T Y, D E F I N I T I O N O F M A R R I A G E , S O D O M S U P P R E S S I O N < <

dreds of thousands of incestuous relationships? All begging for recognition? No. It's just us for now, and if and when large chunks of the world embrace stable polygamy or incest and spend a quarter of a century crying out for recognition, we can discuss it further. I'm writing just a few days after the June 26 opinion, so it's too soon to say whether or not we will see anything more than token resistance to marriage rights. Of course we'll see a sustained focus on "freedom of religion" from our adversaries on the fringe, so what else is new? As for the GOP candidates who are planning to ignore the ruling or "fight back" in some way, do they not know that the presidential oath of office contains only one sentence, worth repeating here? "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute

the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

CALIFORNIA'S SODOMY SUPPRESSION SUPPRESSED

hat else is new? Oh, you know we don't have the heart to meander through trivialities when we stand here on the penultimate peak of our relentless climb towards civil rights! I hope you noticed, however, that California Attorney General Kamala Harris managed to get a Sacramento judge to toss out the "Sodomy Suppression Act." That was the ballot measure that called for putting gays and lesbians

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to death, a proposal that Harris would have been obliged to rubber stamp and formally name if the court had not come to her rescue. All you need is $200 to put something forward for the ballot, and even though this moron would not have gathered the required 366,000 signatures for approval, it was still galling to have him and his perverse ballot measure around. I am writing to you from Amsterdam, where Mel and I were attending a kid's birthday party in a park when we read the news (10am Eastern was 4pm Netherlands). We ran over to the nearest wine shop and bought a bottle of Bollinger, which we drank on the streets out of plastic cups. We are one of the 60,000 couples who married in the California window of 2008, but since we live in Texas we've

been sadly unrecognized. Take that Lone Star State! Oh, and speaking of my state, pastor Rick Scarborough, who told an interviewer he would "burn" if the High Court legalized marriage, now says he meant it metaphorically, which, frankly, was pretty clear to begin with even as the media made a big deal out of the threat. Scarborough later told the press: "We will 'burn' means that we will accept any sanction from the government for resisting today's Supreme Court decision." What on Earth is he talking about? Since he is not a government agent of any sort, there's no effective way for him to "resist" the decision, other than to oppose it, which is not illegal and which would not result in any "sanction." Blowhards all. n

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JULY 2015 | TH E F I GH T 29

>> JEFFREY ERDMAN <<

Tackling Stigma

Attorney Jeffrey Erdman, Mr. CSW Leather 2016, on community outreach. B Y D R. STEVE G A N ZELL | PH O TO BY MO TORBOOT ROBERT

ast month attorney Jeffrey Erdman won the title of Mr. Christopher Street West (CSW) Leather 2016. The contest took place at the Bullet Bar in North Hollywood. “It’s a real honor to be the leather community representative for CSW (LA Pride). I am looking forward to a fun, exciting and challenging year,” says Erdman in an interview with THE FIGHT. When asked about his experience as a participant in the contest Erdman reveals that “it was challenging because it was

very different from my usual experience speaking in front of the public. As an attorney, and a community activist, I am more comfortable talking about other causes and people that I am talking about my own causes or myself... But the guys participating were great and the judges were terrific. And in the end, it was a good fun time.” “I definitely want to participate in some fundraising events during my title year for causes that are important to me and important to the community,” says Erdman regarding plans for his title year.

In the coming months, reveals Erdman, he will be holding “conversations with CSW’s board and other community leaders to help me narrow and focus my fundraising efforts. But in the meantime, I will be undertaking two important educational outreach programs. One regarding crystal meth addiction among the aging members of the LGBT community and one regarding HIV stigma and phobia. I feel these two causes need much more attention and discussion.”

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JULY 2015 | TH E F I GH T 31

THETRANSACTION >> TRANS PRIDE L.A. <<

TRANS PRIDE

CELEBRATION AT THE VILLAGE Trans Pride L.A.—celebrating the vibrancy and uniqueness of Los Angeles’ trans and genderqueer community—took place last month at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza.

he Trans Pride L.A. festival celebrated the strength of the trans community with a day of outreach, music, food and beverages and dance. Over 30 organizations and vendors were on hand with community outreach and arts and crafts. The Advocate/Gochis Galleries hosted a community art exhibit entitled “We Can Be Heroes”, featuring work from acclaimed trans artist Sandy Stone and a special interactive mural project by young, up and coming trans artists from Trans Youth Speak, Lifeworks and the Center’s Homeless Youth program. Trans Pride L.A. kindly thanks Amazon’s original series Transparent for their generous support of the event.

LGBT CENTER LAUNCHES TRANS LOUNGE The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Learning Curve program has unveiled a unique and groundbreaking new program— Trans Lounge—dedicated solely to the empowerment and health of the trans community in SoCal. Classes, workshops, social networking groups and mixers are all available and programmed by the members of the lounge. The Trans Lounge is free of charge. To register: translounge.org.

AMAZON’S “TRANSPARENT”

TRANS PRISONER’S GENDER-AFFIRMING SURGERY California has taken a definitive lead in transgender prisoners’ surgical rights following an appeals court ruling last month that trans inmate Mia Rosati’s rights may have been violated when she was denied access to genderaffirming surgery in prison, reports the Associated Press. The news comes after Michelle-Lael Norsworthy, a 51-year-old Ione, CA inmate, became the only prisoner nationwide granted access to gender-affirming surgery following an April order from a federal judge to California’s Department of Corrections. Norsworthy’s surgery, however, has been postponed since late May after she was granted the possibility of parole.

3 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

Though the decision the ruling in Rosati’s case does not guarantee the 58-year-old trans woman access to surgery, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals found that her allegations of cruel and unusual punishment and denial of equal protection were “plausible and sufficient” to warrant further review by a court, according ot the AP. A lower court had previously thrown out Rosati’s case.

TRANS TEEN MOM URGES MORE SUPPORT Katherine Prescott’s transgender son, Kyler, took his own life in May this year after being bullied online. Still in mourning, Prescott is urging people to get behind a family friend’s effort to bring more resources and support services to trans teens and their fami-

lies, reports The Advocate’s Thom Senzee. Kathie Moehlig is a local advocate for transgender rights and mother of a 13-year-old son named Sam, who is also transgender. “Since Kyler passed, I have a far deeper sense of urgency to get this out there; this void I think we can fill,” Moehlig tells The Advocate during an interview at her home in San Diego’s Rancho Bernardo neighborhood. In the wake of Kyler’s death, Moehlig has launched Trans Family Support Services— www.transfamilysos.org—and she is currently in the process of securing nonprofit status.

SCOUTS RETURN TRANSPHOBIC DONATION The Girl Scouts of Western Washington were thrilled to receive a $100K donation last month until they read the request that came with it. It read...”Please guarantee that our gift will not be used to support transgender girls. If you can’t, please return the money.” The Girl Scouts returned the money stating “Girl Scouts is for every girl. And every girl should have the opportunity to be a Girl Scout if she wants to.” Since returning the money, others have stepped up to replace the $100K donation lost to bigotry. n

JULY 2015 | TH E F I GH T 33

>> MASCULINITY AND BROTHERHOOD <<

Giving Back Aiden Leslie on love lost, Pride and empowering LGBTQ youth.

BY ORLY LYONNE

s a pop singer-songwriter, Aiden Leslie has become known for creating songs of a very personal nature. His latest single “I Just Go” continues down that very intimate, almost painfully revealing path. “I wrote the song at really dark time in my life,” reveals Leslie. “If you look at the lyrics, they are on the dark side: I could care / should care / but I just go.” “It’s that universal thing of doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. I was lost. I was doing things that were not good for me, hanging out with the wrong crowd. The relationship part was only one element of it.” Leslie, who recently charted on Billboard, performed at NYC Pride last month. “Being able to perform there after the Supreme Court decision was amazing,” he says. “Everybody had this energy and joy that was almost indescribable... It is something that I will never forget.” Recently Leslie has become involved with “Live Out Loud,”— www.liveoutloud.info—nonprofit organization dedicated to 3 4 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

inspiring and empowering LGBTQ youth by connecting them with successful LGBTQ professionals in their community. “I am really excited about this organization,” says Leslie. “What they are doing is really important for LGBTQ teens, helping them to live their most authentic life. The work that they are doing is so important and vital. They have been around for about 14 years, and their programs offer teens a lot of encouragement. It’s an incredible time now in the LGBTQ community. It’s almost unbelievable to see the change in just a few years.” “I’ve been involved with other organizations before, but I have to tell you that with “Live Out Loud” I really feel connected,” reveals Leslie. “I think back to what it was like when I was a kid and how different of a world it was. Having an LGBT role model can really change the trajectory of a young life... It’s thrilling to talk about that, to get involved with these kids’ lives.” For more on Aiden Leslie—and to view his new video “I Just Go”—visit aidenleslie.com. For more info about “Live Out Loud” visit www.liveoutloud.info.

JULY 2015 | TH E F I GH T 35

>> DAN DE LEON <<

FINDING CLARITY Dan De Leon on regaining control of your mind, body and soul, and living the life of your dreams. B Y VICTO R MELA MED

an De Leon is a circuit DJ, top Billboard remixer, music producer, label owner, event promoter and filmmaker. He is a creative force that immigrated to the United States by way of Argentina in 1979 at the age of 2. His DJ sets are famous for making the boys sweat like crazy on the dance floor and he is known for his many productions and collaborations with dance music legends such as Chus & Ceballos and Victor Calderone. De Leon has performed at the largest circuit parties and music festivals all over the world from the White Party in Palm Springs to NYC PRIDE, Winter Party Miami, Heaven in Shanghai and Circuit Week in Barcelona. This month, on Saturday July 18—during San Diego Pride—De Leon is celebrating his 2nd year debut of his FLAUNT pool parties. The follow up to his first ever DJ compilation album FLAUNT from last summer, FLAUNT 2015, comes out this September. In a conversation with THE FIGHT De Leon talks about his various creative endeavors, regaining control of his mind, body and soul, and living the life of your dreams.

SCORSESE-LIKE UNIVERSE

3 36 6 TTH HEE FFIGH IGHTT || www.thefightmag.com www.thefightmag.com

finish my script I would have to actually DJ in a club and experience what it was like to actually be a DJ. I didn’t know it at the time but that decision would lead me to my next

PHOTO BY: MATTHEWMITCHELLPHOTO.COM

I was 17 when I produced my first feature film, actually the world’s first all teen-made feature. We premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 1997 and went on to sell the film to the Encore channel. I then wrote, directed and produced my own short film called “Anything Once” that went on to premiere at OUTFEST 1998, the Los Angeles gay and lesbian film festival. My short went on to screen at film festivals all over the world between 1998 and 2003. I was touring with my short film for 5 years. It was during this time I began looking for a feature project to direct. I was in my early 20s and had just started going out to clubs and raves in the California desert. I realized that even though there were films like “Groove” and “Go” being made and getting a lot of attention, no one had really zeroed in on the club, DJ, dance and drug worlds the way I understood it. I see the dance music industry as more of a Scorsese-like universe that intrinsically intertwines between these worlds. I set out to write that film and in the process began taking DJ lessons from my best friend Ben Berger, a DJ and immigrant from Israel. After about a year of research my friend Ben was brutally murdered by another group of people I knew who managed DJs on the side as a cover for their drug business. It was not long after that I decided that in order to

>> MIND, BODY & SOUL <<

passion and into the next decade of my life as a global touring club DJ.

PERSONAL DEMONS

demons, their history, and forge a future of their own design as bright and as spectacular as anything they can imagine.

Over the last 12 years of MAKING “I’ve DJing in clubs and festivals AN IMPACT struggled with all over the world I’ve Since regaining learned so much about control of my drug addiction, life, and most of that mind, body and divorce, HIV and ADD. I I’ve learned the hard soul in 2011, way. I meditate and my love and think the most powerful have been a practicpassion for my thing I can say about ing Buddhist since music has led 1998 but that doesn’t me in the last these experiences is that mean I haven’t had my few years to beeverything—no that trials and tribulations. come a Billboard anything—can be Besides testifying in 3 Reporting DJ, crecapitol murder trials due to ate my record label overcome.” the murder of my friend and DJ PUMP Records, reinmentor I’ve also struggled with drug vigorate my DJ career on a addiction, divorce, HIV and ADD. I think global scale, produce a vast array the most powerful thing I can say about of remixes and original music productions, these experiences is that everything, no that release my first DJ compilation album, anything, can be overcome. What we need launch several new parties and nightlife as humans is love, support, stability and clarbrands including FLAUNT and IGNITE, and ity. With these basic building blocks anyone to give back to my community by investing can learn how to overcome their personal my time, knowledge and expertise into the

careers of new producers and DJs like that of Josh Whitaker of ACTION! and Matinée USA fame. The single most important piece of advice I could give a fellow artist is to stay clean, stay focused, think positive and accept total responsibility for their life. I’ve read two books recently that have revolutionized my world that I would highly recommend to anyone. The first is “The Maverick Mindset” by John Elliott which focuses on the mindset of success. The second is “Mastery” by Robert Greene which is an essential guide to becoming a professional in any creative profession. It takes years and years of positive energy, hard work and keen observations to become successful and achieve a lasting career that can make an impact in your life and others. If you’re in it for the long haul and you’re serious about what you want, you can do and be anything you desire and have the life of your dreams. For more about Dan De Leon and his upcoming events visit DJDANDELEON.com. Follow Dan on Twitter @djdeleon, at Facebook.com/djdandeleon.

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>> VIDEO GAMES <<

GAMING HEAVEN

A peek at some of the heavy hitters that have us excited. BY JO SEPH A RELLA N O

ideogames have been a part of culture since electronics saw the sheer accelerated rate of improvement for better entertainment. Luckily, gaming boutique WORLD-8 sees that the gaming community along with the rest of the country is changing and they want to let the LGBT community know that they are proud and welcoming. Ladies and gentlemen, their swanky, Koopa-tastic store is only a teleport away. From retro classics to modern gaming, they have the ability points and warriors to help you reach maximum Mario balla status. Also, from this point forward, World-8 will be delivering a dose of gaming heaven in each issue of THE FIGHT with content ranging from previews, reviews, touching stories and updates in the gaming world. With E3 officially over, let us take a peek at some of the heavy hitters that have us excited. to excitement and speculation among the Xbox community, as Recore looks to be the Human/ Robot companion game that many have been aching for (the mechanical cores act as “souls” for the robots, so you can bet on making a friend along the way).

UNCHARTED 4: A THIEF’S END (PS4) From the original Uncharted to the recent The Last of Us, Naughty Dog has been pushing tech to tell its adventures, and the latest entry in the Uncharted series once again features our lovable hero Nathan Drake. Being the first next-gen Uncharted game, expect some great voice acting, an enthralling story, and gameplay and visuals that will set the bar for games to come and will be well worth the price of admission.

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE (PS4)

RECORE (XBOX ONE) Microsoft had a slew of major announcements at E3 (backwards compatibility, anyone?), including a new IP with only the Xbox One to call home. While the details are shrouded in mystery, the reveal has led 3 8 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC AND BATTLEFRONT (MULTI-PLATFORM) When Battlefront was revealed this past E3, it looked and sounded stunning. Tie Fighters zipping overhead, lasers barely missing you, and Luke Skywalker walking toward a 100-person army and opening a can of whoop ass?! Yeah, all that was in the gameplay session at E3. All of those nerdy childhood (and adult!) dreams of piloting an X-wing or having lightsaber duels with your little Darth Teddy are going to become realized. What is the word I am looking for? Oh. Fierce.

SUPER MARIO MAKER (NINTENDO) With Mario Galaxy being awesome sauce on the Wii and his new RPGs knocking out hits on the 3DS, it seems that Mario keeps getting better and better. But as good as the Mario formula is, Nintendo is taking a new direction with the man in red by giving total creative control to the fans in its upcoming entry, Super Mario Maker. Yup, with this title you can create some sick platforming levels from scratch and play till your heart’s content on Nintendo’s pre-made levels as well as content created by players from around the globe.

science fic on genre and has amassed fans from all walks of life. Thanks to its enthralling storyline, groundbreaking relationship possibilities including same sex love interests, an awesome battle system, and graphical prowess, Mass Effect and its sequels went out with a bang...and now Mass Effect: Andromeda is setting out to do the same with guns blazing. In one word - badass.

MASS EFFECT: ANDROMEDA (MUL-PLATFORM) Mass Effect was a great entry into the space

Released on the original Sony PlayStation on a cold but unforgettable January day in 1997, Final Fantasy VII changed the role playing genre as we knew it and became an instant classic. Many fans like us hold it most dear, and there is much debate over the potential changes from the original. So! Will we see an HD Cloud in a dress? Let’s hope so and when it releases for PS4, expect some people to disappear from the streets to enter this beautiful world once again. n

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>> BY PAULO MURILLO <<

Identifying Triggers

With summertime in full swing, we asked a few clean and sober folks with different lengths of sobriety how they handle people, places and things that may trigger them to want to drink and use. I REMEMBER “Luckily for me, the obsession to drink and use has been lifted, but every so often I guess the urge comes back... I remember those horrible feelings of what it used to be like and I remind myself that I don’t want to go back to that, so I do the opposite; I call my sponsor or a sober friend ROB HILL and I get those thoughts out of my head. Once I put it out there, and I see how crazy the idea is, and I’m back to my sober self.” —Rob Hill, sober since September, 2013.

SLIPPERY PLAYGROUNDS “First off, I go with support. I don’t go anywhere by myself that may be a trigger for me, like a barbecue with alcohol, or a bar to go dancing or if some of my friends are out and about and they drink... I make JAMIE sure I have some sober support FREEMAN with me at all times. I can get triggered if I’m at a bar and it’s really hot and I’m sitting there and everybody else is drinking these icy little drinkies. I will have an ice cold drink-I just have to remember I can’t do the alcohol. I keep myself away from slippery playgrounds with slippery playmates. I don’t there go alone.” —Jamie Freeman, sober since April, 1999.

JUST SHARE “My head can go to something as simple as I want to have drug-fueled sex to something as complicated as why am I still on this planet... I’ve had some dark nights of the soul where I ask myself, why am I here? ... I’m either pissed off because money is tight, or I’m not getting what I want. Then I get angry and resentful inside, and then it’s the person, ROBBY MASON place or thing that triggers the thought later on. I handle it by sharing... I just share about it. —Robby Mason, sober since August, 1999. 4 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

SUPPORT NETWORK “Feeling tired is a big trigger for me; feeling hungry—a lot of things I encounter in my everyday life are going to trigger me, so finding the different coping CHRISTOPHER mechanisms is INTERDONATO very important. I find that when you talk about it, it takes the power away from it, and I stay very close and connected to my sober support network. When I think the entire situation through, and I think about what I’ve been through to get to where I’m at right now, the idea of using loses its appeal.” —Christopher Interdonato, sober since July, 2014.

SEX WEBSITES “I have been trying to stay clean and sober for the last year and a half and I relapsed three times. This last time I was only out for 24-hours. I was doing everything I was told to do-reading, writing, having commitments and going to meetings, but I was not really reaching out to people and I GABRIEL COBAIN was not connecting with my higher power, like I am now. The way I avoid temptation is I stay away from sex websites and hooking up applications like Adam-4-Adam, or Grindr, because when I go there, it leads me to using again. Today I pray every day to keep the temptation away. Therapy also helps. So far, so good.” —Gabriel Cobain, sober since June, 2015.

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>> LUIS CAMACHO <<

Madonna & Luis

Dancer Luis Camacho, who appeared in Madonna’s Truth or Dare documentary, at Outfest screening on July 13. BY PA U LO MU RILLO

he 2015 Outfest Los Angeles LGBT Film Festival will bring Madonna’s Truth or Dare documentary back to the big screen on July 13, as part of the Legacy Project 10th Anniversary Series. For those of you living under a proverbial rock, Truth or Dare offers an intimate backstage pass inside Madonna’s notorious 1990 “Blond Ambition World Tour,” where the big M is threatened to be arrested for simulating masturbation on stage in

Toronto, pisses off the Pope in Rome, and she disses celebrities in Hollywood, to list only a few iconic moments in the film. The documentary also includes footage of M’s backup dancers and crew members. Among them is a young and openly gay choreographer and dancer Luis Camacho, who was born in lower Manhattan to Puerto Rican parents. He influenced a lot of Madonna’s dance moves of that moment (he basically taught Madonna how to

vogue) and had the life-changing opportunity to strike a pose all over the globe. “I wish I could say it was weird having cameras follows us around, but it was everything I dreamed about,” he tells THE FIGHT about the making of the film. “I loved it. Even after the tour ended, I remember I would go visit Madonna at her house. We would go down to a magazine store and kind of hang out, and we were followed by paparazzi. I liked all of it. I liked acting annoyed by it.” Camacho will join Truth or Dare director Alec Kashishian and others for an interview after the Outfest screening. To purchase tickets for the Truth or Dare screening, visit outfest.org.

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SAME OLD BAR. SAME DEAD END. If you’re struggling with drug and alcohol issues, we’d like to invite you to a new place — a place of

Tiger Orange

love, balance and hope. Come see us at Michael’s House.

The award-winning exploration of the ties between two gay bothers, starring Frankie Valenti, now on DVD. BY VICTO R MELA MED

n a career changing move, Frankie Valenti, aka former adult star Johnny Hazzard, makes a tremendous leap to the big screen in the award-winning feature “Tiger Orange,” which will be released by Wolfe Releasing on DVD this month, as well as on Video on Demand. Directed by Wade Gasque and co-starring Mark Strano, the film is set in a small town in Central California and centers on two estranged gay brothers who struggle to reconnect after the recent death of their homophobic, working class single father. Valenti, who plays the younger brother and black sheep of the family, has been receiving unanimously superb reviews for his cross-over performance, winning the Best Actor Prize at The Madrid LesGaiCineMad Film Festival. While bad boy Todd (Valenti) ran off to Los Angeles and is now out and proud, his mostly closeted brother Chet stayed at home to run the family hardware store and care for their ailing father until the father’s death. Broke and homeless, Todd returns to the brother he left behind. As long-simmering resentments boil to the surface and the pair confront their differences and similarities, “Tiger Orange” serves up a poignant depiction of family dynamics and small town life. Frankie Valenti aka Johnny Hazzard was one of the top selling gay adult film stars of the last decade. He has since become a series regular on Here TV’s “The Lair.”

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To purchase Tiger Orange visit www.wolfevideo.com. JULY 2015 | TH E F I GH T 43

THEMONEY >> H E A LT H , D I S A B I L I T Y & L I F E I N S U R A N C E <<

3. Life and Retirement Income Insurance

10 times the insured annual income. The benefits could help the family to pay the mortgage, create a higher education fund for children and other financial needs and obligations, including annual income. With correct planning, a life insurance policy plan may be used to accumulate wealth as retirement income. All IRA plans have tax differed accumulation, but the tax on withdraws are unavoidable. However—planed income withdrawal from life insurance can be TAX FREE and the life insurance policy will remain intact. In today’s market the life policy will follow the S&P 500 which will provide higher interest for wealth accumulation. n

Life insurance provides peace of mind and financial stability to your loved ones after your death. The amount of coverage should be at least

For more information contact Morris Kamkar at Kamkar Insurance Agency (Lic# 0744100). Tel: (213) 743-9191, info@kamkarinsurance.com.

establishments within Covered California, I suggest that more affluent folks purchase their coverage privately.

2. Disability Insurance Short or long term disability policy is a great way to protect your income—to ensure monthly income and prevent hardship. Designed for each individual for his/her occupation or for all employees on a group policy. The individual plan can be designed with own occupation rider which allows the insured to work in another occupation—and receive disability income at the same time.

PROTECTING YOUR LOVE

With correct planning—health, disability and life insurance will protect you and your loved ones—and also provide for your retirement income. BY MO RRIS KA MKA R

ith marriage equality—equal responsibilities need to be considered to protect all loved ones. Traditionally, the head of family will make sure that the spouse and/or the children have the right health protection, adequate coverage to make sure that the income will be flowing even if he/she is disabled and income is there even when he/she has left us. There are plans that can be designed to provide the above protection and create a TAX FREE retirement income.

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THEEPIDEMIC >> H I V / A I D S S TAT U S <<

KNOWING YOUR STATUS

13% of HIV-positive Americans over the age of 13 donâ€™t know they are infected.

ccording to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of the 1.2 million Americans living with HIV, 156,000 - or about 13% - are unaware of their status, reports Les Fabian Brathwaite at out.com. The Obama administration has a goal of at least 90% awareness among those infected with the virus that causes AIDS, with some states already having reached or surpassed that number. Those states at or exceeding that goal are Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii and New York, with Colorado coming in under the wire at 89.7%. Louisiana ranks lowest among states with HIV-infection awareness with 77% - 10% lower than the national average. However, among men who have sex with men - whom account for nearly 60% of new HIV cases each year - only Hawaii reached the 90% awareness goal. New York sat at a close 89.9%. Using available data, the CDC estimated that an average of 85.2% of HIV-positive men who have sex with men knew of their status nationwide. The importance of knowing oneâ€™s status is important in not only properly caring for HIV infection - starting antiretroviral treatment right away can reduce risk of death or serious illness by 53% - but also in preventing its spread. A recent study by JAMA Internal Medicine found that about 30% of new HIV transmissions could be traced to people who were infected but undiagnosed. n JULY E F I GH T 45 MAY 2015 | TH THE

>> FILM FESTIVAL <<

World premieres, parties and more at the Outfest Los Angeles LGBT Film Festival, July 9-19. BY O RLY LYO N N E

Plague;” Pablo Garcia Perez’s “Tchinda;” and Benjamin R. Davis, Dylan HansenFliedner, Dane Mainella and Jay Jadick’s “Driving Not Knowing.” This year Outfest includes 166 feature films, 28 of which are from first-time filmmakers. Others are from Outfest alumni, such as Jeffrey Schwarz (“Tab Hunter Confidential”), Jamie Babbit (“Fresno”), Sebastian Silva (“Nasty Baby”), Malcolm Ingram (“Out to Win”), Jenni Olson (“The Royal Road”) and Parvez Sharma (“A Sinner in Mecca”). The festival will open with “Tig”—a documentary about comedian Tig Notaro,

who famously turned her cancer diagnosis into a stand-up set—and close with “The New Girlfriend,” Francois Ozon’s genderbending melodrama. Don’t like leaving home? Starting July 9, DIRECTV will present Outfest Online, providing nationwide access to official selections from the festival, Featuring a special collection of LGBT shorts, documentaries and feature length films from Outfest past and present, Outfest Online will be available for streaming on computers, phones and tablets to coincide with the start of the 2015 festival. Users can download the app or visit www.outfestonline.com. The complete lineup of films, parties and events is available on the Outfest website at outfest.org.

r ts

ix feature films are set to make their world premieres at this year’s Outfest Los Angeles LGBT Film Festival, which takes place this month July 9 to 19 at various venues throughout Los Angeles. The festival will also include sneak peeks at fall TV shows, an evening with musician and actor Nick Jonas and a 20th anniversary screening of “Velvet Goldmine.” The world premieres are Mary Agnes Donoghue’s “Jenny’s Wedding;” Philipp Karner’s “Like You Mean It;” Kristin Hanggi’s “Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List;” Jorge Torres-Torres’ “Sisters of the

“JENNY’S WEDDING”

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THECALENDAR >> THINGS TO DO << 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 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 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 THURSDAY, JULY 9

OUTFEST LOS ANGELES LGBT FILM FESTIVAL For tickets and venue information, visit outfest.org. Outfest includes 166 feature films, at various locations. Runs through July 19. FRIDAY, JULY 10

A CLUB CALLED RHONDA Los Globos, 3040 W Sunset Blvd,, 9pm. For updates, visit: facebook.com/events/465432630279731. Featuring Cut Copy DJs, Super Flu, Kornél Kovács, & A Very Special Guest. ELECTRIC DANCE FITNESS Century Day & Night Spa, 4120 W Olympic Blvd, 8pm-9pm. For more information visit: facebook.com/ events/1454947164799357. Fitness party with Connor Howe and a special guest instructor. TURBONEGRO Monty Bar, 1222 west 7th at DTLA, 9pm-2am. Visit facebook.com/events/1624919791082161 for more information. Pure Trash and Turbojugend LA present a night filled of party tunes for Party Animals! No cover. GLOW ME: 80S ARCADE The Bullet, 10522 Burbank Blvd, 9pm-2am. Visit vimeo. com/121862842 for more info. The fun and kinky black light party is back. This time you get a game or two to play. Enjoy 80s music, 8 bit video games, Black lights, neon glow painting done by local artists, and more. BUMP Akbar, 4356 W. Sunset Blvd, 10pm-2am. Monthly dance party every second Friday of the month. DJ NELSTAR ( Nelson Stitt) mixes 90s House and Dance. Hot Go-Go Studs. SUNDAY, JULY 11

$ATURDAY NIGHT $LUT Fubar, 7994 Santa Monica Blvd, 2pm-2am. For updates, visit fubarla.com/wordpress. Back dark room action, midnight blackout and 8 go-go boys who want your money. Gay Pimp Jonny McGovern is in the DJ booth and Lady Red Couture is at the door.

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FORTUNE’S HOLLYWOOD POOL PARTY Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd, 12pm-6pm. Free RSVP at: bit.ly/fortunepoolparty. Lineup includes: Travis Emmons, BONES, Lee Wells Music, Shmitty Brohlson and Sonder. THURSDAY, JULY 16

CHICAS IN CHAINS Casita Del Campo, 1920 Hyperion Ave, 8PM. Visit chicosangels.com. Join Kay Sedia, Chita Parol & Frieda Laye as they go under the covers to find a high school hooker witness! Shows run from July 16 - August 2, Thursday 8pm; Friday & Saturday, 9pm and Sunday 3 & 8pm. LOST PUPPY Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd (at Myra Ave.), 9pm2am. Visit eaglela.com for more information. The pups are back celebrating their 1st year anniversary. Come get lost and see what you can find. DJ Sean Niles will be spinning thumping house beats for your puppy pleasure! FRIDAY, JULY 17

THE PRIDE OF HILLCREST BLOCK PARTY Fabulous Hillcrest, intersection of Normal St and University Ave, 6pm-11pm. 2015 San Diego Pride and Fabulous Hillcrest hosting its annual premier event. SATURDAY, JULY 18

SAN DIEGO PRIDE PARADE Hillcrest Pride Flag, University Ave. and Normal St, 11am. For more information, visit sdpride.org. The theme this year is Liberty and Justice For All. SAN DIEGO PRIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL Marston Pt., Balboa Park (6th Ave. & Laurel St.), 11am10pm. For more information, visit sdpride.org. Multiple stages, more than 200 musicians, bands, comedians, and dancers, vendor booths, an art exhibit, cultural presentations, and great food. SUNDAY, JULY 19

SAN DIEGO PRIDE ZOO PARTY San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, 4pm-11pm. The party is back at the world famous San Diego Zoo with DJ Wayne G, DJ, Ralphi Rosario and more. Tickets are limited to 3500.

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 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 GREAT OUTDOORS The largest gay outdoor recreational organization in Southern California. www.greatoutdoorsla.org GAY AND LESBIAN SIERRANS Camping, Outdoors, Hiking Angeles. www.sierraclub.org CHEER LA Cheerleading. www.cheerla.org LA ROWING www.larowing.org DIFFERENT SPOKES Cycling www.differentspokes.com Rides start in various locations in the greater Los Angeles area. 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

HOLLYWOOD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH hollywoodumc.org, 6817 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028 HOLY SPIRIT holyspirit-la.org, 4201 West Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029 UNITED UNIVERSITY CHURCH uniteduniversitychurch.org, 817 West 34th St., Los Angeles, CA 90089 DIGNITY CENTER dignitylosangeles.org, 126 South Avenue 64, Los Angeles, CA 90042 HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH-HLYWD hopelutheranchurch.net, 6720 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038 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

JULY JULY 2015 2015 || THE TH E FFIIGH GHTT 49 49

THEFINALFIGHT >> MARRIAGE EQUALITY <<

I WANNA HOLD YOUR HAND

Yay for marriage equality—just don't touch each other. Thanks! BY RICH HAWKINS

n 2015, I don't feel okay about holding my boyfriend's hand. When I was a kid, Queer as Folk was on TV. As a teen I binged on Will and Grace. Gay characters were all over soaps, queer celebrities graced the tabloid pages, and even my sex education teacher discussed the, let's say practicalities, of being homosexual. I didn't know any gay people when I was a kid, but I also didn't live in a world that ignored them. Things were far from perfect, but the world was changing and when I came out at 13, it was turbulent but at least within a society where gay people were gaining ground on the fight for acceptance. Many gay men and women in their 20s benefit from the incredible privilege of being part of what is really the first generation of gay people who have been able to live a full, authentic life for all of their adult years. Of course many others are yet to benefit from that privilege, and it's circumstantial that I am able to count myself as one of the privileged few, yet the privilege exists. However, even as part of that fortunate group, there are limitations to the freedom we are afforded if we want to feel comfortable and stay safe. I have a long-term boyfriend who I live with and share my life with, yet I don't hold his hand. It isn't overly simplified or dramatic

5 0 THE T H E FIGHT F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com 50

to say fear stops us being affectionate with those we love when we are around unfamiliar people. Society still attaches a stigma to homosexual relationships, and that stigma ensures many gay people feel fearful of the unknown, the unknown being how others will react. Compared to the way gay men and women were treated in the past, it might appear trivial, but for gay people to really be equal, we have to be in relationships which don't carry shame or incite fear. If I were to hold my boyfriend's hand in public, people would stare at us. They'd try not to, but they would. If I did it in the wrong part of town, or around the wrong people, the reaction would be a lot worse—not an easy situation to preempt. Equal marriage is a landmark moment in gay rights, but there is work still to be done when it comes to changing attitudes about what a relationship is, and normalizing affection that for straight people is a given. People won't always be staring because they are homophobic; often there is that common human habit of curiosity around something unfamiliar. But there is another side, and it's about how we attach shame to homosexuality—considering gay relationships as not the ideal, and as less-than traditional heterosexual pairings. If you want a perfect example of how people attach shame to homosexuality, think about every time there has been a hilarious mix up where a straight male character on TV has been assumed gay. Think about the classic joke format of teasing straight men by suggesting they are gay, or sleeping with their best friend. Or the photos posted

to Facebook of straight guys miming affection with each other, totally ironic right. The most telling though, look at the reaction of many, although not all, straight men when they are asked if they are gay. The assumption of homosexuality is taken as an insult, and to be identified as gay is something to defend yourself against. Ultimately, that has to be because there is a latent feeling that to be gay is not a good thing to be, and while it is tolerated in others, it would be a negative in you... You could analyze the whys forever, and largely it's of course down to patriarchy telling us the alpha male is king and female is secondary, and societal norms telling us to be gay is to take on female qualities. In the competition to be top of the masculine food chain, gay men will never win. That hetero-normative, patriarchal culture needs to be the next thing to go. This year, a campaign was launched to normalize the affection of gay people. Holding Hands 4 Equality—www.hh4e. org—challenged people to share photos of themselves holding hands with someone else. They didn't have to be gay; they just had to be people. I watched it unfold with great interest, and it really stirred something in me. I am not ashamed of being gay, or of my relationship, but I am human and I am nervous of the reaction of others. That campaign is set to continue, and it would be a huge step if it were to succeed. Nobody should be fearful because they love someone—it is 2015, and I wanna hold your hand. n Follow Rich Hawkins on Twitter: www.twitter.com/richhawkins

presents presents

Color Our World with Pride

2015

OC PRIDE WEEK monday july,27th

sunday nd august,2nd

JULY 2015 | TH E F I GH T 51

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