THE FIGHT SOCAL'S LGBTQ MONTHLY MAGAZINE AUGUST 2017

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THECONTENTS FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

17 VENTURA COUNTY PRIDE

10 12 14 16 21 26 32 36 40 42 46 47 48 50

28 22 24 30 34 35 38 44

BEACHSIDE FESTIVAL THE CHANGING FACE OF PRIDE DTLA PROUD KICKING BALLS VARSITY GAY LEAGUE THE MAKEUP MAN MAKEUP ARTIST ANTHONY GORDON FIGHTING FOR VISIBILITY BLACK GAY MEN BATTLE STEREOTYPES AGING DISGRACEFULLY TAKING CARE OF OUR OWN SENIOR SERVICES THE LA LGBT CENTER PAPERBACK WRITER THE GOLDEN ERA OF NARRATIVE PORN GET A CLUE SEE THE CULT CLASSIC “CLUE”

ON THE COVER ANTHONY GORDON

COVER PHOTO, TOC PHOTO AND FEATURE PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM

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THE TALK GAVIN RUSSOM THE STATE MAYOR ROBERT GARCIA THE ROSTOW REPORT IN COURT THE CITY RED DRESS PARTY THE TRANSACTION CAREERS THE SPREAD COREY SAUCIER THE EPIDEMIC TAKING STATINS THE SHARE LOCAL RECOVERY THE PROFILE NATIONAL HARDWOOD THE ART LOCAL ARTISTS THE MUSIC PHOENIX THE EVENT SAN DIEGO PRIDE THE CALENDAR THINGS TO DO THE FINAL FIGHT LAST WORD

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THEEDITOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stanford Altamirano MANAGING EDITOR Mark Ariel ART DIRECTOR Nadeen Torio MARKETING CONSULTANTS Tom Pardoe Sean Galuszka Roxie Perkins Jacci Ybarra Joseph Arellano SOCIAL MEDIA Mark Ariel Sinan Shihabi WEBMASTER Nadeen Torio ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Sinan Shihabi

>> IN THIS ISSUE <<

Black gay men are more than what you see on television, states TV journalist Tim Pulliam (“Fighting For Visibility,” page 30). “More times than not,” writes Pulliam, “Black gay men appear in reality shows as simply the accessory to the main characters—rarely are they portrayed as dimensional human-beings with a layered storyline. Some familiar faces who have been relegated to the sidelines include: Miss J. Alexander from America’s Next Top Model, and Ray Ford from Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23, which only lasted two seasons.” “First,” writes Pulliam, “there is nothing wrong with these men or these images, because I do enjoy watching some of the shows that cast these sassy characters (Real Housewives of Atlanta ). But this imagery of the gay man represents only part of the community, which ultimately misleads and provides a false, damaging perception to the

general public of what it means to be Black and LGBT. Just like being Black is not monolithic, neither is being a Black gay man.” Also in this issue, makeup artist Anthony Gordon talks about his career, relationships and heteronormative models (“The Makeup Man,” page 24). Gordon, currently in a polyamorous relationship, says he feels lucky to be able to live his truth. “As part of the LGBTQ community—it’s up to each and everyone of us to decide what’s right for us,” he says. “When I married my husband we decided we would make up our own rules and figure out what’s right for us… We realized that as a same sex couple we didn’t have to live under heterosexist ideals—nobody has to live in our skins except us… it’s my hope everyone finds their truth and what works for them and they have the courage to live their lives as they see fit.”

CONTRIBUTORS Guy Baldwin Larry Buhl Dusti Cunningham Sean Galuszka Robert Green Orly Lyonne Victor Melamed Paulo Murillo Ann Rostow Brenden Shucart Paul V. Vitagliano 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.

STANFORD ALTAMIRANO Editor-In-Chief

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 © 2017 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. TheFightMag.com For Display Advertising, please call (323) 297-4001

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HEALTH

AND

SEX BELONG TOGETHER

Healthysexuals

CONNECT

Know your status. And be ready for what’s ahead. VISIT AND TALK TO A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

HEALTHYSEXUAL, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC3911 01/17

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THELETTERS >> FROM OUR READERS <<

PERMEATES THROUGH Dear Editor, While I appreciate the relatively higher quality content within the pages of your magazine—I am disappointed by the obvious ultra liberal, left wing approach that permeates through the entire issue, month after month, especially since the election of our new President. I believe it would behoove THE FIGHT to be more fair and balanced regarding social and political issues. Some gay men lean conservative—deal with it! The latest in shocking non-inclusiveness comes from the gay pride parade in Charlotte, N.C. Two gay men were denied entry into the parade simply because they support President Donald Trump. Charlotte Pride, rejected a request from Brian Talbert and one of his gay friends for a float at the event that is scheduled to take place Aug. 26 and 27. Talbert, a leader of the group known as “Gays for Trump,” found out via email his float application was denied. Charlotte Pride, an organization that boasts “inclusive” and “dynamic” values, released a statement affirming their right to deny participation in the event. “Charlotte Pride reserves the right to decline participation at our events to groups or organizations which do not reflect the mission, vision and values of our organization.” On a related note—just recently I read that Jewish people celebrating LGBT Pride at the Dyke March in Chicago were told not to display Star of David flags because other people found them “offensive.” I firmly believe the only way we can grow as a vibrant LGBT community is to embrace the different political views we share within our group. —Randall George, via the internet

> WRITE TO THE EDITOR

Email: editor@thefightmag.com Fax: (213) 281-9648. Letters may be shortened due to space requirements. 8 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com

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

I THANK HIM

WHAT YOU’VE DONE

“My sexual orientation once again came into question this week when a prominent gay man used an awards acceptance speech to ‘out’ me. While he did not mention me by name, the explicit details of his reference made it easy for the public and media to connect the dots. While it is an odd situation, I thank him because it presents a prime opportunity for me to publicly say that I am indeed a man who proudly loves other men. In fact, this April, I married my husband and I could not be happier.” —Actor Thomas Dekker ( Heroes) in a Instagram post last month. American Gods creator Bryan Fuller outed the actor during a talk at the Outfest film festival.

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

“This is sweet. Wait until this poor kid JAMES grows up, WOODS realizes what you’ve done, and stuffs both of you dismembered into a freezer in the garage.” —Actor James Woods, in a tweet, responding to a photo of proud, happy parents with their son holding signs that read “I love my gender creative son” and “My son wears dresses and makeup, get over it,” at OC Pride, last month.

THOMAS DEKKER

YOU FAGGOT

SHOULD BE ASHAMED

“Yeah, we gonna talk about this pussy. You punk, you faggot!”

“Utterly ignorant and classless, Mr. Woods. I’m friends with this family. You know not of what you speak, and should be ashamed of yourself.”

—Boxer Floyd Mayweather, screaming out to his opponent Conor McGregor, during a news conference in London, promoting an upcoming boxing match.

FOR SALE

NEIL PATRICK HARRIS

“They are devils. They are for sale. They are not people.” —Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov in an interview with HBO’s Real Sports, ostensibly about a wrestling league in Chechyna. When confronted about his nation’s imprisonment and killing of gay and bisexual men Kadyrov again said gay people do not exist in Chechnya.

RAMZAN KADYROV

A WHOLE PERSON

“Over the last year and a half, I went from my trans identity being something I was in touch with and worked through in one way or GAVIN another, to suddenly this shift where RUSSOM it’s on the front burner… Now it’s time to become a whole person.” —LCD Soundsystem’s Gavin Russom coming out as a trans woman, in a statement to Pitchfork, last month. 1 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

—Neil Patrick Harris, on twitter, in response to James Woods’ disturbing tweet directed towards the family of a non-conforming gender child, last month.

AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE

“I came out to my teammates, and I’ve never felt so loved and so accepted ever in my life than when I did that… And ever since then it’s been great. I’ve grown so much closer to my teammates since. So it’s been an amazing experience.” —Kansas State University offensive tackle Scott Frantz, coming out as gay, last month on ESPN.

SCOTT FRANTZ

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THESTATE >> ROBERT GARCIA <<

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LONG BEACH MAYOR ROBERT GARCIA

ROLE MODEL

Equality California endorses Robert Garcia in Long Beach mayor reelection bid. BY VI CTOR MELAMED

E

quality California has endorsed Robert Garcia in his campaign for reelection as mayor of Long Beach. “Robert Garcia is one of the most prominent and respected LGBTQ elected officials in the country,” said Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California. “As mayor of California’s seventh largest city, he has been a champion for open government, education, infrastructure, sustainable and liveable neighborhoods, a clean environment and a strong and vibrant economy. Since he was first elected to city government, he has been a visible champion for LGBTQ equality and social justice and has devoted considerable time and energy to supporting and improving the organizations that serve the LGBTQ community. His courage, passion and visibility as mayor of one of the largest cities in California have made him a role model both for LGBTQ public officials and for young people everywhere.” Garcia was born in Lima, Peru and came to the U.S. with his mother when he was five. He was elected as the first openlygay, first Latino and youngest-ever mayor of the city of Long Beach in 2014 at the age of 36. Garcia will appear on the June 2018 primary ballot. n

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THEROSTOWREPORT >> BY ANN ROSTOW <<

BAD NEWS BEARS

Hello my dear FIGHT readers! When it rains, it pours as they say, and we have had a torrent of disturbing legal developments over the last month. Plus, my other dog died and I quit smoking, so now I have zero dogs and a serotonin deficit. On the other hand, I still have a cat and there’s some booze around here somewhere. Maybe I’ll survive. But before I drown my sorrows, get out your umbrella for a quick deluge. First, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit took the hold off of an antigay law in Mississippi, effectively restoring the green light for discrimination throughout the Land of Dixie. Our side has appealed to the full appellate court. Then, the Supreme Court beat back the high court of Arkansas, ordering the Hogs to treat gay and straight married couples equally for the purposes of birth certificates (and all other things). This is a positive development of course, but we learned in the process that Neil Gorsuch is far worse than we ever imagined. Gorsuch penned a snarky dissent, basically suggesting that the 2015 marriage ruling didn’t necessarily mandate full equality in all areas. Woah there! A few days after that, the Texas Supreme Court ruled

ARCHITECT ASHLEY SMITH, A TRANSWOMAN, CLEVERLY CONVINCED THE TEXAS GOVERNOR TO POSE FOR A SELFIE WITH HER, ASKING ONLINE HOW THE BATHROOM POLICE COULD RECOGNIZE HER AS A MALE BY BIRTH IF THE GOVERNOR COULD NOT. GOOD QUESTION! that the question of whether Houston is obliged to offer benefits to same-sex married couples remains open, and should be considered by a lower court. (!!WTF!!) The lawsuit in question was filed by some disgruntled Houston taxpayers back in

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2013, and it sure seemed to most of us as if the U.S. Supreme Court settled that issue once and for all when they ruled in favor of marriage equality. Apparently not as far as the Texas Supremes are concerned. Had enough? We’re not

done yet. After weeks and weeks of delay, the Supreme Court decided to accept the case of a Denver baker who refused service to two gay men. Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, was nailed for violating Colorado’s laws against GLBT discrimination in public accommodation. Given that we’ve already won the case against Phillips, we do not have a great deal to gain from the Court’s review. On the contrary, we have a great deal to lose since any ruling short of total respect for LGBT civil rights will open the door to a sustained period of second-class citizenship.

ALL EYES ON SCOTUS AGAIN

So that’s the bad news in nutshell. The cat does nothing but sleep until roughly two in the morning when she prowls around and purrs loudly. The only alcohol in the house is a bottle of spiced rum that’s been sitting in the freezer for months and a 12-year-old single malt, which amazingly I don’t like. It’s Mel’s. I also have a half bottle of Sauterne that I’m saving to go with some foie gras one of these days. I guess the rum it is. Moving along, I just deleted a long diatribe that spewed off the tips of my fingers at the expense of our presi-

> > B A D N E W S B E A R S • A L L E Y E S O N S C O T U S A G A I N • A M O D E R AT E R E P U B L I C A N < <

dent. Look. We have more LGBT news to discuss and my own Trump derangement syndrome knocks me off message. But man, he’s infuriating. I already mentioned that the High Court has agreed to hear the Masterpiece Cakeshop case when they return to session next October. Now, Lambda Legal will petition the justices to accept another gay rights case, one which raises the most critical issue left on our community’s civil rights wish list. The issue, of course, is whether or not sex discrimination encompasses sexual orientation bias and/or gender identity bias. At first, you might think not. There is, after all, a difference between sexism and homophobia. But the matter is more complicated. A 1989 Supreme Court ruling established that

gender stereotyping is a variety of sex discrimination. Ignored for a time, in recent years that precedent has been used successfully in a number of trans-rights cases of workplace sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Ironically, some gay male Title VII plaintiffs have been able to claim that their workplace harassment was due, not to being gay, but to being effeminate—a violation of the rules against gender stereotyping. Lately, courts have noted with frustration that a straight-acting gay man has no recourse to federal anti-discrimination law, while a heterosexual with a lisp might claim sex bias. Finally, other judges have pointed out that the act of being gay or lesbian is a quintessential violation of gender norms. If enforcing gender norms and

stereotypes is an impermissible form of sex discrimination, well you do the math. Interestingly, if the justices were to rule clearly in our favor on the matter of sex discrimination, then the Masterpiece Cakeshop ruling would have to be a victory as well. Religious expression is not a valid excuse for ignoring laws against sex discrimination. But what if Masterpiece is decided first, as seems likely? Is religion sufficient justification for ignoring laws against sexual orientation discrimination? And if so, what would that kind of anti-gay precedent do for our Title VII case? It’s frightening to think about.

A MODERATE REPUBLICAN

Ooops. Looks as if I don’t have the space for a lengthy

piece on, let’s say, the special session of the Texas legislature, where some lawmakers will be arguing in favor of our own Lone Star bathroom bill. (I live here, remember?) Apparently, IBM just send a dozen or so executives down to Austin to remind a few of these morons that every major employer in this state opposes the bill. We also have a crafty ally in the House Speaker, a moderate Republican which is what passes for a Democrat in the state capitol. We’ll see. In the mean time, a transwoman cleverly convinced our reactionary governor to pose for a selfie with her, asking online how the bathroom police could recognize her as a male by birth if the governor could not. Good question! n Ann Rostow can be reached at arostow@aol.com.

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NEON TREES >> BY PAULO MURILLO <<

Golden State. HRC is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organization, with more than 1.5 million members throughout the country. For more info visit hrcorangecounty.org. WEST HOLLYWOOD

GOLD COAST’S ANNUAL RED DRESS PARTY

THE FIGHT AT OC PRIDE, LAST MONTH. ARRIVING AT GOLD COAST’S RED DRESS PARTY IN WEHO.

LOS ANGELES

RESIST MARCH FOUNDER MAY RUN FOR OFFICE Brian Pendleton, the gay philanthropist who spearheaded LA Pride’s ResistMarch, may be considering a run for California State Treasurer, reports WEHOville’s gaylifela.com. Chad Goldman, Pendleton’s friend and former partner, has reached out to people asking if they would be willing to fund Pendleton’s election campaign, reported WEHOville. Neither Pendleton nor Goldman have responded to several requests for comment. Pendleton was recently awarded a spot in the David Bohnett Foundation’s Leadership program. The program hones skills and furthers the leadership potential of accomplished individuals from across the United States. When asked if participation in the program signals a future in politics, Pendleton told THE FIGHT last month: “It’s possible but it’s a bit too early for me to think about that … Obviously a whole new world has opened up to me personally—and I am grateful for that—however—at the end of the day—I just want to give back to my community and be of service.” LONG BEACH

MAYOR GARCIA GETS ENGAGED Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia announced his engagement to his longtime partner Matt Mendez last month. Garcia proposed to Mendez on the Queen Mary on the 4th of July, 9 years to the day that they met, reports LA Daily News. Garcia—the city’s youngest, first Latino and first openly gay mayor—and Mendez have been dating since 2008. Mendez is a professor of political science at Cal State Channel 1 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

Islands and a published researcher. His past work focused on American politics and parliamentary governments, including political representation, immigration and state legislatures. ORANGE COUNTY

HRC ORANGE COUNTY GARDEN PARTY The Human Rights Campaign’s Orange County Garden Party, taking place this month on Saturday, August 5, brings together more than 300 HRC members, friends, families and allies for an afternoon of celebration and inspiration featuring an open cocktail reception, an extensive silent auction and thought-provoking speakers, special celebrity guests and honorees, and live entertainment. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) fights for LGBT equality in California alongside state and local groups and lawmakers. For more than 30 years, HRC has played a pivotal role in advancing LGBT equality in The

The Gold Coast Bar in West Hollywood held its 21st Annual Red Dress Party last month. The bar pitched a tent in their parking lot to accommodate a large crowd of men who stuffed themselves into ill-fitting red dresses. The first Red Dress Party was held in the summer of 1997. The event began as a vow between two Gold Coast bartenders suffering from HIV. The promised each other that one who outlives the other had to wear a red dress to the deceased’s funeral. The event is now an annual West Hollywood event, that draws a variety of guys— all wearing a red dress. PALM SPRINGS

TOP LGBTQFRIENDLY CITY The City of Palm Springs has been included in Expedia. com’s list of “15 Exciting LGBTQ-Friendly Cities Around the World.” Expedia made their list based on a city’s history of activism, law protection, LGBTQfriendly establishments, districts, business practices, and their ability to get down and party. According to Expedia’s viewfinder Travel Blog, “Palm Springs is not the most populous city on our list, but that gives it double points in our book. In some big cities, gay culture sticks to specific neighborhoods and enclaves, but in this city, LGBTQ is the culture.” n

PHOTO BY TOM PARDOE.

THECITY

>> TRIANGLE SQUARE <<

STILL, NO WILL OR TRUST ? ESTATE PLANNING:

WILLS H LIVING TRUSTS H HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS H GAY & LESBIAN ISSUES H POWERS OF ATTORNEY H

AVOID Probate By “Pre-Planning” “Personal Attention. ALWAYS.” LADY BUNNY

THE LAW OFFICES OF

RONALD A. LACHMAN

VENTURA COUNTY PRIDE

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

323.655.6020

Past Co-President: LGBT Bar Association www.RonaldLachman.com

Live entertainment with Lady Bunny as emcee, over 60 vendors, food trucks, beer, wine, and more!

V

entura County Beachside Pride Festival, taking place Friday–Sunday, August 18-20, 2017, is a weekend-long event that celebrates the LGBT community, supporters, and allies in Ventura County. Friday, August 18: Beachside Pride Kick-Off Mixer 6pm to 8pm at the weekend hotel host Pierpont Inn. Free appetizers, a raffle, and no host bar. Pre-Pride Party at Paddy’s with Show and Dance Party 9pm till closing. Saturday, August 19: Beachside Pride Festival in Promenade Park. Gates open at 11am and close at 6pm. This year Ventura Pride welcomes Lady Bunny as the main stage host and emcee. Live entertainment, over 60 vendors, food trucks, beer and wine, and much more! Post-Pride Party at Paddy’s with show and two dance floors pumping all night long—9pm to closing. Sunday, August 20: Beachside Pride Brunch and Show at The Pierpont Inn Sunday 11am to 2pm. n For more info visit: www.vcpride.org.

FRIDAY–SUNDAY, AUGUST 18-20, A WEEKEND-LONG EVENT CELEBRATING THE LGBT COMMUNITY

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>> GAY LONELINESS <<

RYAN CASSATA

CHANGING THE FACE OF PRIDE The DTLA Proud Festival takes place this month on August 26 and 27—once again at Pershing Square—from 12pm-10pm. B Y O R LY LYNNE

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L

ast year a grassroots group of local residents, business owners, community leaders and queer nightlife producers came together to form DTL A Proud. “We were born from the idea that together we could create an all-inclusive festival that represents the diverse population that lives, works, and plays in Downtown Los Angeles,” stated the organizers in a press release. “We strive to cultivate an all-inclusive and diverse community environment in Downtown Los Angeles for people of varying socioeconomic statuses, sexual orientations, gender identities, racial backgrounds, ages, religions, and other minority groups so everyone has a safe and welcoming place to express their authentic lives and celebrate alongside one another with pride.”

>> DTLA PROUD FESTIVAL <<

THE TALENT The DTLA Proud Festival takes place this month on August 26 and 27—once again at Pershing Square—from 12pm-10pm. The main stage will be hosted by

the Mistresses of Ceremonies, Boulet Brothers Events, and will showcase the diverse talents of both local and national performers in support of the festival’s mission to celebrate everyone’s story, to spread optimism, to grow our community and to expand our definition of diversity. DJ MATEO SEGADE

feature a diverse collection of locally-based artists, designers, fashionistas, and craft makers all under one roof. A queer marketplace for all things unique, you can expect to find jewelry, accessories, apparel, photography, prints, body art, collectables, and an entire assortment of fun and interesting things to shop for and browse through. The Artist Alley will also feature a series of live art installations created by big-name and up-and-coming queer visual artists for all to enjoy throughout the festival.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS This year, in response to community feedback, DTLA Proud curated the community nonprofit space with organizations and groups that fit into diverse categories. “Our hope,” reveal the organizers, “is that we can provide our community with access to services that they may not know even exist in, or in support of, DTLA.” These categories, state the organizers, were chosen to honor the holistic multifacetedness of the festival attendees. The categories are Transgender, Employment, Family Supportive Services, Civic Engagement/Voting, LA City Departments, Sexual Health, Women’s Health, Faith Based, Transportation, Legal, Men’s Health, Housing, Education, Behavioral Health, Sports/Social, Advocacy, Financial/Business, Pet/Support Animal, and Ethnic/ Minority groups.

PICKLE

HYM THE RAPPER

WHERE TO STAY

BOULET BROTHERS

Performers this year include: Banjee Ball Bearance Knows, Butterscotch, Dana Goldberg, DJ Daisy O’Dell, DJ Mateo Segade, GAYC/DC, Gia Gunn, Hym the Rapper, King Phantom, Mariachi Arcoiris, Milk Milk, Pickle, R.A.I.D., Ryan Cassata and The Hound.

ARTIST ALLEY The Artist Alley, a curated section within the festival grounds, will

The Freehand is a brand-new hotel offers spacious rooms with innovative design, award-winning food and beverage, just 2 blocks away from the festival. They are supporters of our community and have generously offered discounts on all room types to DTLA Proud festival goers. Book your room using the code PROUD. As a proud and active supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, the Ace Hotel Los Angeles is partnering with DTLA Proud to bring you discounted rates for their Medium, Medium with Terrace, Large, Double (2 beds) & Loft rooms. Book your room using promo code DTLAPROUD. For more information on the where to stay, what to do, who to see and everything else that makes us DTLA Proud, please visit dtlaproud.org. AUGMAY UST 2017 | THE TH E F I GH T 19

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THETRANSACTION >> JAKE ZYRUS <<

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Los Angeles holds training session to help trans youth find employment. BY PA U LO MU RILLO

O

ver 100 caseworkers from L.A., county agencies, and local nonprofit groups attended a training session last month to focus on expanding career opportunities for transgender youth. Attendees learned about issues facing trans youth when seeking employment. There was a discussion on the transition process, the proper use of gender pronouns and vocabulary. People also learned the differences between sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. The training is part of Mayor Eric Garcetti’s HIRE-LA Youth program. HIRE-LA’s goal is to hire 20,000 young people for year round employment by 2020, more than quadrupling the number of youth jobs coordinated by City Hall when Garcetti entered office. The HIRE-LA’s Youth program helps young people in the Los Angeles area ages 14 to 24 to prepare for summer or year-round jobs by helping them with resumes,

practice interviews, and money management skills. The session was conducted in partnership with the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the Los Angeles Performance Partnership Pilot Initiative and UCLA’s Community Based Learning Program. The unemployment rate for

transgender people is twice that of the general population and nearly four times as high for transgender people of color, according to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey. n For more information, visit hirelayouth.com.

AUG UST 2017 | THE F I GH T 21

>> COVER INTERVIEW <<

KICKING BALLS Will Hackner’s inclusive Varsity Gay League turns ten. BY LA RRY BUHL | PHOTOS BY GI LLI AN PERRY

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t was a balmy Wednesday evening when I dropped in on the Varsity Gay League’s (VGL) kickball scrimmage in Poinsettia Park in West Hollywood. The middle school memories were just flooding back—similar rules as baseball, a large ball that doesn’t hurt as much when you catch with your face— when I was enthusiastically greeted by a VGL staff member who asked me to sign a wavier before practice. Oh no, I said. I was just there to get an idea of what goes on there. “Everyone is welcome,” he said, and then suggested that I kick the ball a bit anyway. Though the middle school experience was coming back, I wasn’t completely certain I didn’t have a kickball catastrophe in 5th grade that I had since repressed. VGL is not just kickball. And it’s not just in Los Angeles anymore. And it’s not only gay men. The best way to describe VGL is an adult recreation league catering to the LGBT 2 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

community. And although there are teams and games and tournaments, and, technically, winners and losers at those tournaments, it’s not likely to trigger a decades old wound of being last to be chosen for a team. “We have a mandate of no negativity, either from staff or participants,” VGL’s founder and leader, Will Hackner, told me. Hackner, who founded the group ten years ago after an impromptu game of tag after bar hopping with friends in West Hollywood, waxed philosophical. “I think VGL is changing a paradigm in the community,” he said. I asked for elaboration. “It’s just about having fun. It’s not about segregating yourself from the rest of the community. It’s about building confidence and making friends.” And, now, that friendship-making enterprise is a full-fledged business. Hackner was working in the entertainment industry

when he was laid off in 2012. He turned lemons into lemonade and decided to follow his new passion, which was to grow this WILL HACKNER impromptu sporting organization. Now Varsity Gay League offers soccer, tennis, beach volleyball, bowling, and flag football. But aren’t there already gay sports leagues playing the same games? Hackner lit up with a big smile. “Yes, but here’s the difference,” he told me. “For the most part they’re not catering to people who haven’t played before. There’s a barrier to entry. Nothing wrong with that, but if they’re not willing to train

> > VA R S I T Y G AY L E A G U E < <

you and support you, chances are you’re going to fail and leave. Those legacy sports are important, but we’re bridging the gap between the experienced players and the rest of the community.”

A SPORTING DO-OVER At 36, Hackner has an athletic physique, but he admits that as a kid he was scrawny and short—“that guy” who nobody was eager to have on the team. Part of the reason for starting VGL, he said, was to have a sporting do-over for people who grew up like him. “I’m a competitive player but I cater to the person who used to be frail and insecure.” He added that the dozen part-time VGL staffers are all kind and nurturing and willing to give advice and celebrate small moments. Hackner recalls one kickball player who just couldn’t catch the red rubber ball for the longest time, though his kicking was okay. “He practiced with us every week for six months and now he is playing in tournaments. He was determined. The first time he caught a pop fly everyone stopped and cheered. It was beautiful.” Of course, natural jocks are welcome in

VGL. They just aren’t allowed to be jerks. From what I could see from the thirty or so players on scrimmage night, VGL members tend to be in their mid-20s to early 40s. Hackner says there are plenty in their late 40s and 50s, too, with bowling skewing slightly older, soccer, younger. There was one woman that night and, possibly straight men. Hackner estimated that 10 percent of VGL’s active players were straight-identified. “We don’t ask,” he said. “It’s not about sexuality, anyway.”

EXPANDING ACROSS CALIFORNIA Turning a hobby into an enterprise hasn’t been without stumbles, Hackner admits. “I taught myself everything. At first I was catering to the ‘in’ gay crowd. I got the execution wrong. You can’t make a social sporting group about the hot cool crowd. That marginalizes everyone else who just want to have fun.” Still, despite some glitches, VGL has expanded across California to San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento and Long Beach. Hackner just started leagues in Austin, Orlando, and Boston and he’ll soon be add-

(855) 415 4730

ing Dallas, Denver and Fort Lauderdale. The cost to play in a league is $45 to $200, depending on the sport. That’s low in the world of LGBT sports. Hackner explains his desire to keep the costs down. “A lot of the guys come [to VGL] who’ve just moved to L.A. and they’re just starting out in a new city and they haven’t made friends yet. And they don’t yet have that dream job where they have a ton of disposable income.” I asked whether these transplants might succumb to the LA Flake virus. Hackner laughs. “I know people here tend to overcommit, but we only ask you to commit to fifty minutes a week.” VGL is easygoing about missing games, as long as you notify the team in advance. The no-flake policy has teeth: two no-shows without notifying anyone can 86 you from the group. As I was leaving Poinsettia Park, another VGL member said he hoped to see me again, and that if I wasn’t sure about joining, the kickball scrimmages would be held there every week through August, only $5 a night, no commitment necessary. Tempting. For more info visit varsitygayleague.com.

Ask for Stuart Lipschitz or Jonathan Shoffner

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>> GAY LONELINESS <<

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> > C O V E R F E AT U R E I N T E R V I E W < <

The Makeup Man

Makeup artist Anthony Gordon on creating things last minute, polyamorous relationships and heteronormative models. B Y M A R K A RIEL | PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNN INGHAM

Grandson

of actor/ stuntman Jack Gordon and son of Emmy winner Stan Gordon, makeup artist Anthony Gordon, 54, grew up on the movie lots of Hollywood. Gordon began his career in the Los Angeles punk rock scenes of the late ‘70s and ‘80s, cutting hair and doing makeup on the patios of local night clubs, using his extensive art background to create unique looks that would herald the transition from disco to new wave. While working at one of LA’s first punk rock salons, Gordon was invited to join avant garde designer Nicola Pelly and Harry Parness to create some of the looks for their fashion shows at the trailblazing Parachute in Beverly Hills. Since then, Gordon has continued to work in fashion and advertising, bringing his unique take on pop culture and old Hollywood glamor to film and television. He has worked with such greats as David La Chapelle, Peter Arnell, and John Landis. His work can be seen on billboards from Times Square to Hollywood, and on the pages

of Cosmo UK, Flaunt, Rolling Stone, Moda FG, and Angeleno—to name just a few. “Makeup keeps me constantly on my toes, it’s kind of like being Macgyver… Everyday is something different—and so much of the time it’s creating things last minute, I love that!” reveals Gordon in an interview with THE FIGHT. A native Angeleno, Gordon knew from an early age he would work in a creative field. “I remember at school, at graduation, after winning the art award, I kept on thinking of a way to do my art—but I was terrified at the prospect of being a starving artist,” reveals Gordon. “All the men in my family worked in the movie industry, some behind the camera, some in front. I knew I would end up working in that industry… So I started in sound—assisting my dad, and then quickly moved on to the hair department, then body makeup and now—makeup.” Over the years Gordon says that he feels “blessed to have worked in every aspect of my industry. From runway fashion to celebrity red carpet grooming, to feature films, TV and commercials to print ads and beauty and fashion stories for publications… it continues to be an amazing adventure!”

At the moment, reveals Gordon, he is gearing up to start working as key makeup artist on new series called Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. The scripted true-crime drama, which chronicles the two major police investigations into the murders of Tupac Shakur and Christopher Wallace aka The Notorious B.I.G., is slated to air in the first quarter of 2018 on USA Network. On a personal note, Gordon, who is currently in a polyamorous relationship, says he feel lucky to live his truth, free from heteronormative models. “As part of the LGBTQ community—it’s up to each and everyone of us to decide what’s right for us,” he says. “When I married my husband we decided we would make up our own rules and figure out what’s right for us… We realized that as a same sex couple we didn’t have to live under heterosexist ideals—nobody has to live in our skins except us… it’s my hope everyone finds their truth and what works for them and they have the courage to live their lives as they see fit.” For more about Anthony Gordon visit themakeupman.com.

“When I married my husband we decided we would make up our own rules and figure out what’s right for us… We realized that as a same sex couple we didn’t have to live under heterosexist ideals.” AUG UST 2017 THE AUG UST | TH E F I GH T 25

THESPREAD

AGE: 40 HOMETOWN: Los Angeles, Ensenada, and Bay St. Louise, Mississippi (we moved a lot). SELF IDENTIFY AS: Cis, queer, bottom. CURRENT AND PAST OCCUPATIONS: I don’t believe in work. CHILDHOOD CRUSH: River Phoenix RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single PET PEEVE: The continued destruction and subjugation of black bodies, and bottoms pretending to be versatile! BEST AND WORST QUALITY: I’m really good at being honest and authentic with myself and others. I am terrible at capitalism. SOMETHING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU: I have no secrets. CONTACT INFO: Instagram—GreenEyedGrin, www.Justwords.tumblr.com 2 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

COREY SAUCIER PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM

AUG UST 2017 | THE F I GH T 27

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> > B L A C K G AY M E N < <

FIGHTING FOR VISIBILITY

Black gay men are more than what you see on television.

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ecently, I traveled to Puerto Rico with a group of eight gay and bisexual men. Some of them I knew well, the others I had either just met or knew in passing. The trip was a celebration for a friend turning 35; and let’s just say the week-long vacation was epic. For the most part, we all got along and enjoyed getting to know one another on a deeper level. But through conversation, the trip brought to the surface elements of Black gay life and culture that mainstream media seem to either overexpose or deemphasize. And that is where the problem lies: fighting for the visibility of all Black gay men. Too often this group is portrayed in the media as ultra-effeminate queens who like to throw lots of shade. Consider RuPaul, the Emmy-winning host of Rupaul’s Drag Race,” who also just recently received seven Emmy nominations for the hit show. But more times than not, Black gay men appear in reality shows as simply the accessory to the main characters—rarely are they portrayed as dimensional humanbeings with a layered storyline. Some familiar faces who have been relegated to the sidelines include: Miss J. Alexander from America’s Next Top Model, and Ray Ford from Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23, which only lasted two seasons. First, there is nothing wrong with these men or these images, because I do enjoy watching some of the shows that cast these sassy characters (Real Housewives of Atlanta). But this imagery of the gay man represents only part of the community, which ultimately misleads and provides a false, damaging perception to the general public of what it means to be Black and LGBT. Just like being Black is not monolithic, neither is being a Black gay man. 3 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

SHATTERING STEREOTYPES The men on my recent trip represent so many layers of Black gay life. They are mid-level professionals, dealing with family issues or supporting their families. Some TIM PULLIAM

“THE IMAGERY OF THE GAY MAN REPRESENTS ONLY PART OF THE COMMUNITY WHICH PROVIDES A DAMAGING PERCEPTION OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BLACK AND LGBT.”

are still dealing with their sexuality and the consequences that come with being out or closeted. And then there were some who had been victims of sexual abuse, broken relationships, or experiencing for the first time a deep love with a partner. This description alone could provide more opportunities for mainstream outlets to display and explore the complexities of being Black and gay in a different way than what we as society are used to seeing. Do you remember the 15th season of MTV’s The Real World? Back then, Karamo Brown became the first openly-gay black man on the show. He continues to redefine what it means to be a Black man in the LGBT community. I was a few years younger than Brown when he made his 2004 debut on the Philadelphia-based reality show. His character gave voice to a different side of the community and shattered masculine stereotypes. We saw a young man who was vulnerable, strong, attractive, and actively dating. This was an image I needed to see as I struggled with my own sexuality and ideals on masculinity. Brown’s groundbreaking role was more than 15 years ago. And since then, personas like Brown’s on television are few and far between. During the trip, when my friends and I discussed the need for a variety of mainstream representations of Black gay men, one argument was that these images would not sell. People would not watch. Advertisers want the Black queen, not the Black gay stud, nor any other variation of being Black and gay that falls between the two. But I beg to differ.

STRENGTH, VULNERABILITY AND SEXUALITY In my opinion, the series Empire is such a success thanks in part to Jamal Lyon,

PHOTO CREDIT: KARAMO BROWN, THE FIGHT, JANUARY 2015.

BY TI M PULLI AM

> > TIM PULLIAM < <

incredible stride as the first Transgender person of color to have a starring TV role. This just furthers the idea that there is always opportunity to elevate this sub-group. One failed or successful show should not be the deciding factor on whether to create more opportunities for gay people of color or not. The desire to do so should be a given as society moves closer and closer to embracing our LGBT brothers and sisters. This is an open call to TV and film executives, writers and creators to offer the culture more than a stunt queen

“THIS IS AN OPEN CALL TO TV AND FILM CREATORS TO OFFER THE CULTURE MORE THAN A STUNT QUEEN WITH A SHARP TONGUE AND OUTFIT TO MATCH.” with a sharp tongue and outfit to match. Instead of sticking with the same old recipe try something different. Take a good look at the community, and perhaps you’ll see the community’s tastes are changing and deserves more than what you are serving.

played by Jussie Smollett, whose storyline centers around some of the show’s social issues. Throughout the seasons, we see a young man pursue his music career, just as he fights for acceptance from his homophobic father and the music industry. We see his strength, vulnerability and sexuality play out in each episode.

This year, Forbes hailed Empire as the most valuable show in television. The first two seasons of the show ranked number one among 18 to 49-year-olds, which is a highly coveted advertising demographic. And even though the show, Doubt, starring Laverne Cox, was cancelled after two low-rated episodes, Cox still made an

Tim Pulliam celebrates more than 10 years of award-winning TV journalism, covering breaking news, politics, hurricanes, crime and social issues. He grew up in Person County—just north of Raleigh-Durham, N.C. After working in Washington D.C. as a writer for the Washington Informer and a media strategist for a nonprofit, Pulliam primarily files stories for ABC 11, an ABC owned and operated station in Raleigh-Durham, N.C. Contact him on twitter: @TimABC11, or at tim.pulliam@abc.com AUG UST 2017 | THE F I GH T 31

THEEPIDEMIC > > S TAT I N S < <

TAKE YOUR STATINS

Studies have shown that HIV-positive people are more likely to suffer a heart attack. BY VI CTOR MELAMED

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new report published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes shows a majority of HIV-positive people at high risk for heart disease are not on statins, a lipid-lowering medication that’s been found to reduce heart disease particularly in the early stages, reports The Advocate’s David Artavia. Researchers in Chicago found that only one-third of people who were eligible to be on statin therapy were using it for preventative measures. Needless to say, writes Artavia, these results are frightening, especially since studies have shown that HIV-positive people are more likely to suffer a heart attack. Even if one’s viral load is undetectable, HIV-positive are still at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of both men and women, killing 25 percent of Americans every year. But for poz people, that risk is four to six times higher. In fact, HIV poses the same risk of heart disease as diabetes. Findings published in the journal <<<Clinical Infectious Diseases>>> show that the increased inflammation one gets from having HIV creates metabolic changes. And as a result, people are likely to have low levels of “good” HDL cholesterol, which contribute to heart disease. “Available evidence strongly supports statin use in HIV+ patients,” the researchers state. “HIV-positive persons are exceptionally vulnerable to [heart disease] compared to the general population due to an increased burden of high-risk, non-calcified plaque and higher prevalence of [heart disease] risk factors,” authors from the Chicago study wrote. n

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Integrating Substance Use, Mental Health, and Primary Care Services in Our Communities: Resilience in a Changing Environment October 25—26, 2017 Hilton Universal City Hotel at Universal City 555 Universal Hollywood Dr.

Universal City, California 91608

Featured Track:

● Topics Include ● Unique Needs of LGBT Seniors Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth Family Acceptance Project: Family Support Model of Wellness, Prevention and Care for LGBT Children and Youth AUG UST 2017 | THE F I GH T 33

>> LGBT ELDERS <<

AGING DISGRACEFULLY As the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age, it is clear that we are woefully unprepared to provide for the needs of older LGBT adults. BY O RLY LYO N N E

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here are more than 2.7 million LGBT adults aged 50 or older—nearly one third of all LGBT adults, according to a recent report compiled by the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) and Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE). “As the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age, it is clear that we are woefully unprepared to provide for the needs of older LGBT adults,” says Ineke Mushovic, executive director of MAP. “With substantial barriers to accessing care, compounded by lifelong discrimination and stigma, LGBT people face discrimination that make it harder to age with support and dignity. We must understand—and address—the challenges facing LGBT elders, rather than shutting them out of aging services by offering care that doesn’t meet their needs.” The report, Understanding Issues Facing LGBT Older Adults, provides a snapshot of the demographics of LGBT elders. The report outlines how challenges, including a lifetime of discrimination in employment, accessing comprehensive health care, and housing—as well as lack of legal and social relationship recognition—can lead to poverty, social isolation, and poorer mental and physical health. The report offers high-level recommendations for addressing key disparities facing LGBT older adults including: • Passing comprehensive employment and housing nondiscrimination protections prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. • Ensuring that all senior housing, assisted living, and nursing homes have explicit nondiscrimination policies and train staff on competently serving LGBT elders. • Revising federal and state programs to recognize the relationships of same-sex couples where one partner died before the freedom to marry was the law of the land nationwide in 2015. • Designating LGBT elders as an underserved population within the Older Americans Act and within the Department of Health and Human Services, allowing government agencies to more easily target services • Passing the Restoration of Honor Act to make veterans discharged because of their sexual orientation or gender identity eligible for a number of programs, services, and benefits available at the state level. “With uncertainty about the future of our health care system, Social Security, and other programs older adults rely on, it’s especially hard to plan for the future. It is even harder

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“FROM PROVIDING ADEQUATE LONG-TERM CARE THAT IS CULTURALLY COMPETENT TO ENSURING THAT LGBT ELDERS AREN’T ERASED FROM FEDERAL SERVICES TO PROTECTING OUR ELDERS FROM RELIGIOUS-BASED DISCRIMINATION, WE HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO DO BETTER.” for LGBT elders who face discrimination within the very systems designed to support them as they age,” says Michael Adams, CEO of SAGE. “That’s why it’s crucial that LGBT elders receive legal and social recognition, culturally competent care, welcoming and affordable housing, and supportive programs. From providing adequate longterm care that is culturally competent to ensuring that LGBT elders aren’t erased from federal services to protecting our elders from religious-based discrimination, we have an obligation to do better.” Read the full report at: www.lgbtmap.org. For more info on Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) visit sageusa.org.

Taking Care Of Our Own

N

o one should age alone. But for many LGBT people, it happens all the time. The SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline, in partnership with the GLBT National Help Center, is staffed by trained volunteers who are there to listen and help vulnerable LGBT elders. Need support? Call 1-888-234-SAGE.

>> TRIANGLE SQUARE <<

SENIOR SERVICES

The L.A. LGBT Center’s Triangle Square offers affordable housing for LGBT seniors. BY O RLY LYO N N E

T

here are an estimated 65,000 LGBT people over the age of 64 who live in Los Angeles, 68% of whom live alone. More than others of their age, LGBT seniors struggle to afford housing because they’re four times less likely to have children and grandchildren to support them and twice as likely as their heterosexual counterparts to live alone. The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Senior Services Program includes Triangle Square, the world’s first—and L.A.’s only— affordable housing development (104 units) for LGBT seniors (originally developed by Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing, now a program of the Center). The Center’s large and fast- growing services for seniors help meet many of the life-sustaining needs of LGBT people over the age of 50, including food and case management, while providing a wide array of life- and health-enriching programs and activities that also help end the isolation so many experience. These services include • Health and wellness programs (exercise, stretching and conditioning, chair yoga) • Enrichment classes (computer, writing, art, dancing, acting, photograph, etc.) • Monthly dinners and social networking opportunities • Cultural excursions (theater, opera, museums, etc.) • Educational seminars and workshop • Senior-Youth Photo Project • Senior-Youth Dinners • Men’s activities • Women’s activities (L50+) n

For more info visit lalgbtcenter.org or call 323-993-7400. AUG UST 2017 | THE F I GH T 35

THESHARE

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>> BY PAULO MURILLO <<

SOBER GAY L.A.

We asked a few local folks with different lengths of sobriety what their experience has been like within the sober gay community in Los Angeles. COMMON THEMES “… It can be to be a little cliquey, which is a lot of what you would get at a gay club. That can happen within the confines of gay sobriety—however, I think that also TONY DE comes with youth. It MARCO can all be a bit showy as far as the pool parties and other events that can seem very extravagant, which can take away from the message. On the other hand if being part of a scene is what helps you stay sober, then whatever works for you is fine with me. What I do like about it is that there are particular issues—especially among gay meth addicts, like the whole sexual obsession and the lifestyle of a gay tweaker that is very specific. It’s not something that non-gay recovery can always relate to. There are other issues like internalized homophobia and common themes in our stories that are very MICHEAL specific to homosexuality. KELLY It’s nice that we have a place where we can talk about our issues with other people who can relate. We’re lucky to have a large sober gay community in Los Angeles. —Tony De Marco, sober since May 21, 2016

REACH OUT “… The only down side to sober gay L.A. is that it can be cliquish. I don’t want to sound judgmental, but I think one of the things that we need to work on as a community is to be more welcoming to newcomers.

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People can bring the bar mentality into a meeting and project the appearance of having it together. Ultimately everyone should take responsibility for their own behavior and not rely on other people for acceptance, but in early sobriety it’s really important to reach out and make people feel welcomed.” —Micheal Kelly, sober since June 13, 2015.

THAT SUPPORT “… What I love the most about sober gay Los Angeles is that I get support in the best of times and the very worst of times. I can go to any meeting and run into someone I know and when I miss a meeting, it’s noticed. People reach out when I’m down. I JOE GIMMESTAD feel like I’m part of a family. The gay meetings are definitely different from the straight meetings. I personally have never felt un-welcomed at any sober meeting in L.A. The gay sober community is very large. I love that. That just means more support. I can reach out to people with more experience. When I talk about an experience there is someone else who can relate. I think in the smaller gay sober communities you risk not having that. I haven’t really experienced much drama in sober gay L.A. The most drama is if someone relapses and we just rally around them. When I relapsed, my phone was ringing off the hook. I was getting so many text of people just checking in. If we didn’t have that large community, I wouldn’t get that support. My gay sober experience is mostly positive.” —Joe Gimmestad, sober since June 29, 2017

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PAPERBACK WRITER In addition to being forbidden fruit, these books also marked a period in time that was finite: the golden era of narrative porn.

I

BY VICTO R MELA MED

n a recent profile in Rolling Stone publisher and film scholar Maitland McDonagh explained why she launched 120 Days Books, a press dedicated to republishing unjustly forgotten gay adults-only novels of the 1960s and ‘70s. As she explains it, reports Rolling Stone, the books themselves provide a rare glimpse in to a world that was largely kept secret out of fear and shame. “They’re not poking fun at what they’re describing,” she explains. “Some of them are funny and humorous but they take their subject as seriously as if they were mainstream books.” Given the insight these “stroke books” provide into gay life of another era, she began to view them and their preservation as a way of honoring a past that has long been hidden to all but a select few. While it’s easy to forget today, states Stone writer Ilise S. Carter, with LGBTQ culture being so central to mainstream pop culture and politics, that life deep in the closet was once

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the only life that many people knew in those years. Before RuPaul and Modern Family, were household words, gay characters were either the campy, swishy butt of every joke (such as Paul Lynde’s “bachelor” Uncle Arthur on bewitched) or tragic, unspoken figures like Sal Mineo in Rebel without a Cause—if they were seen or spoken about at all. These books—whether they took place in the future, in the Wild West or among Cold War espionage—were a time capsule of a hidden history. “Produced quickly and cheaply by sketchy imprints that were often opened just for the purpose of releasing a few titles then dissolved even before authorities to catch up with them, these books were not easy to come by even in their heyday,” reports Carter. “In the days before triple-X cornucopia of the internet, porn consumption was hampered by both the inconvenience of finding materials through brick and mortar stores that catered to your specific tastes (largely only available in urban areas, such as New York or San Francisco) and the risk of receiving it through the mail, which was actually illegal until the Supreme Court’s landmark Miller vs. California decision of 1973. So, just getting one’s hands on a copy of something like The Queer Frenzy meant assuming the possibility of some level of exposure.” After years of acquiring these books, and with the encouragement of her very understanding husband, she launched 120 Days Books, which used the print-on-demand Create Space to reissue some of her favorite (and legally available as copyright “orphan works”) titles. Thus far, the reaction to her thriller double features like Man Eater/Night of the Sadist and Vampire’s Kiss/Gay Vampire and others have done remarkably well for a DIY publishing house with no advertising budget. n For more info visit 120daysbooks.blogspot.com.

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Four years ago we began advertising in LGBT magazinesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and we were pleased to see our business flourished.

I

n 1975 Omer Katzir, the owner of National Hardwood Flooring, installed hardwood flooring. Then he moved into total home design and opened a retail showroom. In 1990 he saw that the industry was moving toward hardwood flooring and closed his retail location and expanded it into a wholesale business called National Hardwood Flooring & Moulding. He uses all that experience and expertise in the selection and purchasing of the hardwood flooring that our company is renowned for. Four years ago, National began advertising in LGBT magazines. When we began advertising in the LGBT magazines we were

pleased to see that our business flourished. National Hardwood Flooring is superior to our competitors because Omer understands the industry as he has been in it for 42 years. He was a pioneer in the hardwood flooring industry and has an awareness of all the issues as he

has installed this flooring for years. His knowledge is vast and he has faced and helped many people in the industry solve issues so they could obtain the end result they wanted. n For more info please visit www.nationalhardwood.com.

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AUG UST 2017 | THE F I GH T 41

THEART >>

LGBTQ ARTISTS

<<

SCREENPRINTS, PERFORMANCE ART, ZINES LGBTQ art in Los Angeles.

MORRIS EADDY

MEART

THEMEGOMAN

Using online social media as source material, Morris Eaddy (MeArt) creates portraits that become graphics of the male form. Influenced by a street art aesthetic, MeArt illustrates glimpses of burly men in everyday life resulting in screen prints, stickers, stencils, wheat pastes and t-shirts.

Themegoman is a collaboration between visual/vocal artist Steven Schweickart and a non-physical entity he allows use of his body from time to time. Together, they love singing pop songs timed to surreal visuals & silent film clips. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a multi-media medium whose mission STEVEN SCHWEICKART is to inspire the ordinary to be a little extra and to raise money for charity whenever a New Moon lands on a weekend. (Photos by Rebekkah Drake.)

See more at: meart.tictail.com.

See more at: themegoman.com.

LEOPOLDO VILLEGAS Leopoldo Villegas grew up going to thrift stores and collecting vintage magazines and books at an early age, not knowing that one day they would serve LEOPOLDO as source material for his art career. His work is VILLEGAS poetic and thought-provoking, common themes being love, sexuality and human psychology. As of late Leopoldo works mainly with screenprinting, making t-shirts, prints and handbags, as well as zines and pins. He has exhibited in Rome, Madrid, Los Angeles, Mexico City and Chiapas. n See more at: ArtbyLeopoldo.etsy.com. 4 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

AUG UST 2017 | THE F I GH T 43

>> LGBT ELDERS <<

GETACLUE

See the 1985 cult classic Clue, outdoors at the iconic Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Friday, August 11, benefiting the LA LGBT Center. BY O RLY LYO N N E

L

esley Ann Warren has never seen a movie in a cemetery before. That will change on Friday, August 11 when the Golden Globe Award-winning actress takes part in the screening of the 1985 cult classic Clue, outdoors at the iconic Hollywood Forever Cemetery. “I’m very excited about it,” says Warren who plays Miss Scarlet in the film. The murder comedy, based on the board game of the same name, is being screened as part of the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Out Under the Stars summer film series. The series kicked off in June with Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? and is hosted by the Center’s Los Angeles Women’s Network (LAWN) and Young Professionals Council (YPC). Warren will make an appearance before the Clue screening. The role in Clue was offered to the actress just a few years after she was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in Victor/Victoria. She was originally set for the role of Mrs. White, a role that eventually went to Madeline Kahn. “Carrie Fisher was supposed to be Miss Scarlett but she dropped out,” Warren explains. “I felt like I was more suited to Miss Scarlett anyway. She’s out of that 1940s period that’s in my wheelhouse. I kind of get it. It was great to play a tough, sardonic, sexy gun moll—and a madam.” The whodunit has an impressive all-star cast. “It was a really incredible group of comedic actors at the top of their games, priceless comedic actors. Martin Mull, Tim Curry, Eileen Brennan, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd. We drove the director insane, it was like herding cats. We were all laughing hysterically at each other’s stuff—we couldn’t be contained… I loved it!” The movie famously has three different endings and Warren’s favorite, of course, is the one where her character of Miss Scarlet is revealed to be the killer. “I hope they show that one at the cemetery,” she says. Warren has long supported the work of the Center and attended many productions at

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the organization’s Renberg Theatre over the years. Her connection to LGBT people began more than 50 years ago when she first appeared on Broadway. “It’s really been a connecting thread throughout my life,” she says. “I was 17 when I did my first show, surrounded by dancers and many of them gay. I was brought up in New York, I was a part of that world.”

ACTRESS LESLEY ANN WARREN WILL MAKE AN APPEARANCE BEFORE THE CLUE SCREENING. Of her 121 television and movie credits, another one of Warren’s favorites was her recurring role of Tina, Will Truman’s father’s mistress on NBC’s Will & Grace. She admits she “pretty much begged” to have Tina appear in one of the show’s new episodes when it returns to NBC this fall after an 11-year hiatus. But since Sidney Pollack, who played Will’s dad, has died, “it’s a difficult character to bring back.” Tickets for the Clue screening are currently on sale at lalgbtcenter.org/movie.

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THEMUSIC

TI AMO

Inspired by a “pre-Berlusconi” Italy in vibe and song titles, Phoenix’s 6th album is brimming with a very retro, Italo-disco flavor and an effervescent yacht rock vibe. BY PA U L V. VITA G LIA N O

N

ot only do the French have a handsome new president, they also have a band that scores super good vibes during summer ’17. As this record was being crafted during the horrible massacre at the Bataclan, it’s clear Phoenix wanted to make a feel-good, escapist kind of record, and they sure succeeded. Inspired by a “pre Berlusconi” Italy in vibe and song titles, their 6th album is brimming with a very retro, Italo disco flavor and an effervescent yacht rock vibe. The songwriting and production is sharp, expansive and aimed right for the sweet spot, and they are clearly having fun fantasizing about champagne and prosecco and eating frutti di mare by the beach. One thing you might notice that’s missing, are the guitars. While Phoenix have never truly been a straight-up indie rock band, their biggest hits of yore were more in that pocket. But this electro-pop sound suits them well. Lead single “J-Boy” is a tale of romance and science-fiction, that’s a patchwork of synths, punctuated by flanging vocals. And rhythmic ditties like the playful and sweet “Tutti Frutti” and “Telefono” along with the pulsating title track are even more danceable and just begging for some remixes. As it title implies, Ti Amo mixes love, lust, and gauzy pop into some of the band’s most romantic music. And who can resist a song and album title that basically tells its listener that they love them -- in multiple languages? n

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WHO CAN RESIST A SONG AND ALBUM TITLE THAT BASICALLY TELLS ITS LISTENER THAT THEY LOVE THEM—IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES?

THEEVENT >> PHOTO BY JOSEPH ARELLANO <<

SAN DIEGO PRIDE Close to 300,000 people attended the parade and festival. This year’s Pride theme was “Allied in Action: United for Justice.” Last month’s San Diego Pride saw a significant increase in both parade and festival attendance this year. Over 230,000 people witnessed 253 contingents marching in celebration. The Festival amassed over 50,000 attendees.

This year’s Pride theme was “Allied in Action: United for Justice,” something organizers say helped to bring people out in huge numbers this year.

Headliners on the Stonewall Main Stage were R&B Pop singer-songwriter Tinashe, followed by American Music Award winning En Vogue. n

AUG UST 2017 | THE F I GH T 47

THECALENDAR >> THINGS TO DO <<

SEE SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 TUESDAY, AUGUST 1

OVER THE RAINBOW Praz-Delavallade, 6150 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Tues-Sat / 11am-6pm, through August 29. Over the Rainbow pays tribute to all the brave artists who defend the human rights of all people. FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

CUM TO ATTENTION Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601. 9pm-2am. Party with the men of ONYX SoCal-Southwest. SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

QUICK DATES—A GAY MAN’S DATING EVENT The Belmont Los Angeles, 747 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA. 6:30pm-9pm. Ivy Pride Alliance LA Presents. For this event, we will be using a software designed with the queer community in mind. No more random meet ups. You tell us what age range, sexual preferences and masc./femme scales you prefer and we will only pair you with men that meet your specifications. $20 in advance. $25 at the door. ROUGH SEX Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029. 9pm-2am. A sexy gear night to meet like minded kinky men. SUNDAY, AUGUST 6

WET BOXERS CONTEST Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601. 3pm-7pm.

Join the Regiment for their annual Wet Boxers Contest. Get the contestants wet for charity. THURSDAY, AUGUST 10

FURY’S WORLD SERIES DRAG QUEEN B-I-N-G-O Hamburger Marys, 8288 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA. 7pm. Come get LUCKY with the LA Fury Softball team and help raise money to head to their third consecutive Gay Softball World Series in Portland! $ FRIDAY AUGUST 11

JEFF RASUL PRESENTS: BUMP Akbar, 4356 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029. 9pm-2am. DJ Steve Cunningham spinning 90s House & Dance. Foxy Go-Go Dancers. Every second Friday of the month. $5 Cover RUBBER FUCKER Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029. 10pm-2am. A party for all the rubber fetishists and guys interested in rubber to come meet and experience a night of sexy latex, pvc, and gear… SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

THE B52S Pershing Square, 500 S Hill St., DTLA. 8pm-11pm. FREE. Visit laparks.org/pershingsquare for more information. Join The B52s in concert. They will be bringing their cosmic funplex to this wild planet with a whammy of a full night of dancing and fun!

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

SUBMISSION Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029. 4pm-8pm. Party with the men of ONYX SoCal-Southwest. BEARS IN SPACE Akbar, 4356 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029. 3pm-2am Bears in Space join forces with Beats in Space to welcome godfather Tim Sweeney to take command of the ship. CALIENTÉ—NUDE POOL PARTY SUN Villa Valhalla, 6026 St. Augustine Dr, Los Angeles, CA. 12pm-6pm. NastyKinkPigs.com & Bubba Bang Present: Calienté—Nude Pool Party. BBQ BYOB Party at private estate, $20 at the Door. Cash Only. SATURDAY AUGUST 19

BEAR CAVE: THE MR. BEAR LA 2018 CONTEST Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029. 9pm-2am. Celebrate the amazing year of our Mr. Bear LA 2017 and Mr. SoCal Bear 2017 Dennis Reilly. The winner of Mr. Bear LA will represent BearsLA at the Mr. SoCal Bear Contest in San Diego. SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

THE GLITTER RUN & DANCE PARTY Los Angeles LGBT Center-McDonald/Wright Building, 1625 N. Schrader Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028. 8:30am. For more info visit GlitterRun.org.

The Glitter Run is a first-of-itskind 5K fun run/walk presented by the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Within view of iconic landmarks including the Hollywood sign, TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Capitol Records building, you and thousands of other “color-filled” participants will traverse historic Hollywood Boulevard while passing through seven glitter stations. At these stations, volunteers will sprinkle different colors of nontoxic, washable—and fabulously vibrant—glitter on the participants. SOUTH BAY ANNUAL PRIDE PICNIC El Nido Park, 18301 Kingsdale Ave, Torrance, CA. 12pm-5pm Come out and join the South Bay LGBT Center at El Nido Park. All proceeds above costs will support the South Bay LGBT Center. SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

DENLA PRESENTS: HOT AUGUST NIGHT 10914 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. 9pm-2:30am DenLA is back celebrating the dog (pup, bear, pig, wolf, otter) days of summer with the hottest dance & play party. Come join the sexiest men in the hottest gear dancing to the sickest beats. SUNDAY AUGUST 27

FARRAH Akbar, 4356 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029. 4pm-9pm. A fun day drinking / dance party every last Sunday of the month to great 70s & 80s Disco-Funk-AM Gold Music by DJ Brian Novy. Bartenders/Hosts Jeff Rasul and Kimberly Kim.

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AUG UST 2017 | THE F I GH T 49

THEFINALFIGHT >>

FIRST LGBT MILITARY UNIT TO FIGHT ISIS

THE QUEER INSURRECTION First LGBT unit created to fight Daesh (ISIS) in Syria. BY VICTO R MELA MED

L

GBT supporters are fighting back against the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) on the Syrian battlefield after three years of persecution in which their community suffered stoning and executions from rooftops, reports Newsweek’s Jack Moore. A group of international volunteers fighting with Kurdish forces against ISIS in northern Syria have declared the first LGBT military unit created to battle the jihadi group. The name of the unit is The Queer Insurrection and Liberation Army, or TQILA. The International Revolutionary People’s Guerrilla Forces (IRPGF), an anarchist movement, announced the group’s creation last month. IRPGF is a unit in the International Freedom Battalion, a collection of foreign fighters who traveled to northern Syria to battle ISIS alongside the Kurdish militia known as the YPG, or People’s Protection Units, reports Moore. It was only set up in April, two months ahead of the final stage of a Kurdish-Arab offensive backed by the U.S.-led coalition to liberate the eastern Syrian city of Raqqa. A statement posted by the group on Twitter said its members “seek to smash the gender binary and advance the women’s revolution as well as the broader gender and sexual revolution.” It remains unknown how many personnel will be involved in the unit, and how many are members of the LGBT community. Heval Rojhilat, spokesperson for TQILA, speaking to Newsweek, would not reveal numbers for security reasons. “Many of our comrades are within the LGBT*QI+ community,” Rojhilat says. “We are already fighting in Raqqa.” The group responded to a comment on Twitter, saying it pronounced the new unit’s name as “Tequila.” The group was formed as its members had “watched in horror as fascist and extremist 5 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com

<<

“THE IMAGES OF GAY MEN BEING THROWN OFF ROOFS AND STONED TO DEATH BY DAESH WAS SOMETHING WE COULD NOT IDLY WATCH.” forces around the world have attacked the Queer community and murdered countless of our community members citing that they are ‘ill,’ ‘sick,’ and ‘unnatural.’” The statement, using an Arabic acronym for ISIS, continues: “The images of gay men being thrown off roofs and stoned to death by Daesh was something we could not idly watch.” The statement ends with the slogan: “Shoot back! These faggots kill fascists!” The group’s logo is a black AK-47 machine gun on a pink background. ISIS’s Sharia courts have declared homosexuality to be a capital offense, one deserving of severe and deadly punishment. n

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