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COMMENTARY
The Standard Magazine
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The Standard Magazine is published monthly. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of the Standard or its staff, advertisers or readers with exception of editorials. Publication of the name or photograph of any person, business or organization in articles or advertising in the Standard is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person, business or organization. The Standard disclaims any responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Advertising rates are subject to change without notice. The Standard reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject any advertisement for any reason including, but not limited to poor taste. It is the policy of The Standard that we only publish letters to the editor that are signed by the author and verifiable by phone number. We can reserve the right of anonymity upon request. The letters need to be original, in good taste and free of libel as well as edited for clarity and grammar. Letters are subject to editing by The Standard that also reserves the right to decline print. Please forward your letters to: info@thestandardps.com The views expressed is not necessarily those of The Standard. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. No portion of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed consent of the publisher.
THE HISTORY OF THE LGBTQ+ MOVEMENT COVER
BY JONATHAN FERNAN
The chant for LGBTQ+ equality reverberates as a testament to decades of resilience, perseverance, and progress. The LGBTQ+ activism movement has been at the forefront of creating change with individuals, organizations, and communities all working towards a common goal: equality for all.
ORIGINS OF THE LGBTQ+ MOVEMENT
A notable event in the modern-day LGBTQIA+ rights movement was the Stonewall riots in New York City in 1969. A police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in Greenwich Village, sparked the uprising. This event was one of many that marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Leading up to this event was a series of others that played integral roles in the course of the LGBTQ+ movement.
KEY MILESTONES IN LGBTQ+ ACTIVISM
1948 & 1953
Alfred Kinsey, an American biologist, and sex researcher, published two landmark studies, the Kinsey Reports. These reports, “Sexual Behavior in the Human Male” (1948) and “Sexual Behavior in the Human Female” (1953), provided comprehensive data on human sexual behavior, including same-sex experiences. They challenged prevailing beliefs about homosexuality and helped reduce its stigma.
1950s: The formation of organizations, including the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis, laid the groundwork for public visibility. Yet, these early efforts often faced backlash and police harassment.
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1966: In 1966, the Compton’s Cafeteria riot took place and proved to be not only one of the most influential events in the LGBTQ+ movement in San Francisco, but across the country. Triggered by police harassment of drag queens and transgender individuals, particularly trans women, it marked one of the earliest LGBT-related riots in the U.S. and heralded the beginning of transgender activism in San Francisco.
1969: Three years later, the Stonewall riots took place in New York City. These riots were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations by the LGBTQ+ community in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar. These riots are considered a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history, as they catalyzed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States.
June 1970 Following the Stonewall Uprising and the Compton’s Cafeteria riot, the first Pride march occurred in June 1970 in New York City. The decade also saw the rise of the LGBTQ+ choral movement, a testimony to the intertwined relationship of activism with music and queer performing arts.
December 1973
The board of the American Psychiatric Association votes to remove homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses.
June 1977
Singer and conservative Southern Baptist Anita Bryant leads a successful campaign with the “Save Our Children” Crusade to repeal a gay rights ordinance in Dade County, Florida. Bryant faces severe backlash from gay rights supporters across the U.S. The gay rights ordinance will not be reinstated in Dade County until December 1, 1998, more than 20 years later.
November 1977
Harvey Milk wins a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and is responsible for introducing a gay rights ordinance protecting gays and lesbians from being fired from their jobs. Milk also leads a successful campaign against Proposition 6, an initiative forbidding homosexual teachers. A year later, on November 27, 1978, former city supervisor Dan White assassinates Milk. White’s actions are motivated by jealousy and depression, rather than homophobia.
May 1979
Dan White is convicted of voluntary manslaughter and is sentenced to seven years in prison. Outraged by what they believed to be a lenient sentence, more than 5,000 protesters ransack San Francisco’s City Hall, doing hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of property damage in the surrounding area.
The following night, approximately 10,000 people gather on San Francisco’s Castro and Market streets for a peaceful demonstration to commemorate what would have been Milk’s 49th birthday.
1980s: This decade was marred by the AIDS crisis. Activist groups like ACT UP raised awareness, fighting for medication and against widespread stigma.
On July 3, 1981The New York Times prints the first story of a rare pneumonia and skin cancer found in 41 gay men in New York and California. The CDC initially refers to the disease as GRID, Gay Related Immune Deficiency Disorder.
When the symptoms are found outside the gay community, Bruce Voeller, biologist and founder of the National Gay Task Force, successfully lobbies to change the name of the disease to AIDS. And on March 10, 1987, AIDS advocacy group ACT UP (The AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) is formed in response to the devastating affects the disease has had on the gay and lesbian community in New York. The group holds demonstrations against pharmaceutical companies profiteering from AIDS-related drugs as well as the lack of AIDS policies protecting patients from outrageous prescription prices. Hundreds of thousands of activists take part in the National March on Washington on October 11, 1987, to demand that President Ronald Reagan address the AIDS crisis. Although AIDS had been reported first in 1981, it is not until the end of his presidency that Reagan speaks publicly about the epidemic. The World Health Organization organizes the first World AIDS Day, December 1, 1988, to raise awareness of the spreading pandemic.
1990s to early 2000s: The fight for marriage equality began earnestly, with activists pushing for legal recognition of same-sex relationships. In 1993, the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was issued, banning gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members from the American military for 17 years, until it was lifted in 2011. On April 1, 1998, Coretta Scott King, widow of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., calls on the civil rights community to join the struggle against homophobia. She receives criticism from members of the black civil rights movement for comparing civil rights to gay rights. The Matthew Shepard Act is passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama on October 28th, 2009, The measure expands the 1969 U.S. Federal Hate Crime Law to include crimes motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
COVER
2010s: The U.S. saw the federal legalization of same-sex marriage on June 26, 2015, a monumental victory for LGBTQ+ rights. However, always dynamic, the movement shifted its focus to other pressing issues like transgender rights, visibility, and combating anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. (Currently the ACLU, HRC, & Truth Out are tracking 850+ anti-LGBTQ bills in the U.S.)
2020s: With the world constantly changing, the LGBTQ+ community continues to fight for equality and representation. The recent surge of Black Lives Matter protests has also brought attention to intersectionality within the LGBTQ+ movement and the importance of amplifying marginalized voices. Not to mention, in 2023 alone, more anti-LGBTQ bills were brought forth in state and local legislatures, signifying how much work is left to be done. In a move of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, President Biden proclaimed June 2023 “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Pride Month,” and spoke out against these hateful acts.
CURRENT CHALLENGES
While we’ve made impressive strides, the fight for complete equality persists. With this current administration, the LGBTQ+ community are facing the biggest challenges to date. Some of the most pressing issues include:
Discriminatory legislation: Despite legalizing marriage equality, there are still no federal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in areas such as employment, housing, healthcare, and adoption.
Transgender rights: Transgender individuals continue to face discrimination and violence at alarming rates. Advocacy efforts remain ongoing to ensure equal rights and protections for the trans community.
Rise of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments: Hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals have been rising in recent years, with a notable spike during the COVID-19 pandemic. We must continue educating and advocating against these harmful attitudes.
Battles We Are Still Fighting
Along with these current challenges, ongoing battles exist for the LGBTQ+ community to gain equal rights and representation.
Conversion therapy: This harmful practice, which aims to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, is still legal in many states. Efforts are being made to ban conversion therapy nationwide.
Discrimination in healthcare: Many LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination when seeking healthcare, leading to inadequate or even denied treatment. Advocacy efforts focus on implementing
policies that protect the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ patients.
Intersectionality: The LGBTQ+ community comprises individuals from all backgrounds and identities. It’s essential to recognize and address the intersectional discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals who also face racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of oppression.
The Role of Organizations in the LGBTQ+ Movement
Locally and globally, organizations play a crucial role in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and creating safe spaces for the community.
Gay organizations run by volunteers, such as The Trevor Project and GLSEN, provide resources and support for LGBTQ+ youth in schools. The Human Rights Campaign advocates for LGBTQ+ rights on a political level, working towards legislation that protects the community’s rights.
Collectively, these organizations play a crucial role in fighting for equality and creating a more inclusive society for LGBTQ+ individuals.
The history of the LGBTQ+ movement showcases the relentless spirit of numerous activists. There are still many fights to be won, but the movement has come a long way. We look forward to the future with hope, and we must remember to never give up as we march on to create a more inclusive world.
Today and every day, we remember the brave souls who paved the way and those still championing equal rights today. More now than ever, the fight continues
because LGBTQ+ health matters
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ICONIC LGBTQ+ TRAILBAZERS
BY CHRIS ASTRALA
With June marking Pride month around the world, we would like to acknowledge several iconic LGBTQ+ pioneers who have left their indelible mark and several who continue to forge forward in the quest for LGBTQ+ Equality.
KARL HEINRICH ULRICHS
Karl Heinrich Ulrichs was a civil servant in Germany until he was forced to resign in 1854 on account of his homosexuality. Because he was the first gay person to publicly speak out for homosexual rights. He became an activist and published 12 volumes of work about sexuality, including what’s believed to be the first theory about homosexuality. He argued that it is an ‘inborn condition’ not a learned corruption - as was the prevailing wisdom at the time. Ulrichs is thought to have been the first gay person to publicly speak out for homosexual rights. In 1867, he urged the German government to repeal anti-homosexuality laws, which firmly established himself as the pioneer of the gay rights movement.
BARBARA GITTINGS
THE MOTHER OF THE LGBT CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
Barbara Gittings was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1932, and moved to Philadelphia, USA at 18. Legend has it she would hitchhike to New York at the weekends dressed in male drag. Gittings headed up the New York branch of the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) in the 1950s - the USA’s first lesbian civil rights organization. In the 1970s, she was a prominent member of the American Psychiatric Association’s fight to get homosexuality removed from the list of psychiatric disorders.
In 2006, The APA recognized her work by awarding her its first annual civil rights award.
HARVEY MILK
THE FIRST OPENLY GAY PERSON ELECTED TO PUBLIC OFFICE
Harvey Milk was born in New York in 1930 and became a prominent gay rights activist. He found his voice in gay rights activism after moving to San Francisco in 1972.In 1977, he became the first openly gay person elected to public office, winning a seat on the San Francisco City Council Board. He had previously run for the seat twice, unsuccessfully. Milk was shot and killed in 1978 by Dan White, a fellow City Council board member.
MAGNUS HIRSCHFELD THE FATHER OF TRANSGENDERISM
Hirschfeld is believed to have coined the term ‘transvestitism’. He established the world’s first gender identity clinic, whose clients included Einar Wegener (the protagonist of 2015’s The Danish Girl, external, who transitioned to become Lili Elbe - one of the first people to undergo gender reassignment surgery).
Hirschfeld began researching sexuality after moving to Berlin in 1896, where he lived as an openly gay man, and campaigned for gay rights. He was once described by Hitler as “the most dangerous Jew in Germany”, and the entire library of his Institute for Sexual Science was burned by the Nazis.
COVER
AUDRE LORDE: THE LESBIAN WARRIOR POET
Audre Lorde described herself as a ‘black lesbian mother warrior poet’. Born in New York in 1934, Lorde worked as a librarian for many years before she published her first volume of poetry, First Cities, in 1968. Her work covered everything from civil rights (The Black Unicorn) and sexuality to her own battle with breast cancer (A Burst of Light, for which Lorde received an American Book Award). She inspired Barbara Smith to found Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press, the first U.S. publisher by, for, and about women of color. From 1991 until her death a year later, Lorde was the New York State Poet Laureate. In 2001, the Audre Lorde Award was launched, external to honor works of lesbian poetry.
BAYARD RUSTIN: THE GAY CIVIL RIGHTS HERO
Bayard Rustin was a close advisor to Martin Luther King, and an openly gay activist. He was a key organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King gave his historic ‘I have a dream’ speech.
Walter Naegle, Rustin’s partner for the last decade of his life, has said that he was “someone who was working to expand our democratic freedoms and increase our civil liberties and our individual freedoms”. In 1948, Rustin served time in prison for refusing to go to war. His prison records describe him as an “admitted homosexual” – one reason, perhaps, why Rustin hasn’t received the same recognition as others in the civil rights movement.
CHRISTINE JORGENSEN: THE TRANSGENDER EX-GI
Born George Jorgensen in the Bronx, New York, Jorgensen underwent a year and a half of hormone treatment and gender re-assignment surgery in 1952. Christine stepped off an airplane wrapped in fur, following her surgery in Denmark. The Danish doctor Teit Ritzau, who knew Christine well, has said, “The young Jorgensen identified himself… as a woman who happened to be in a man’s body.” Returning to New York, Jorgensen was pored over by the media and triggered national discussions about gender identity. In 1952, she was crowned Woman of the Year by the Scandinavian Society in New York. Jorgensen herself acknowledged how revolutionary her case was, saying, “we didn’t start the sexual revolution, but I think we gave it a good kick in the pants!”
MODERN DAY WARRIORS
REP. ZOOEY ZEPHYR
State Rep. Zooey Zephyr is the first out transgender woman to serve in the Montana House. She was briefly banned from the House chamber for telling her Republican colleagues that if they voted for an anti-trans bill, “I hope the next time you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands.” But instead of stifling her speech, the story went national, giving her an even bigger platform to fight for her constituents.
OKAN SENGUN
Not every country in the world is as accepting of queer folks as they should be. Okan Sengun, co-founder of the LGBT Asylum Project, is working to provide help for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in these countries. Despite the 13% success rate of unrepresented asylum seekers, his group has a 100% success rate with the refugees it has advocated for.
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REP. MARK POCAN
Congressman Mark Pocan may be a Democrat, but he’s calling on Republicans to excise Trumpism from their party. He rightly sees Trumpism as just hate, and points out that outside of the rabid base, most people — including most Republicans — don’t really care about demonizing the LGBTQ+ community. Pocan is the chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus to advance LGBTQ+ rights — despite the anti-LGBTQ+ extremist speaker of the House.
KELLEY ROBINSON
Kelley Robinson has some serious activist chops. She was the head of Planned Parenthood when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and she’s now the president of the Human Rights Campaign. She’s been working to bring back progressive voters disillusioned by politics, and to fight against the tide of anti-queer, anti-trans legislation from the right
ZANDER MORICZ
Not many people would take the fight directly to Moms for Liberty co-founder Bridget Ziegler, but then Zander Moricz isn’t most people. Moricz confronted her at a school board meeting after it was discovered she was looking for another woman to have a sexual relationship with, telling her, “A politician’s job is to serve their community, not to police personal lives. So, to be extra clear Bridget, you deserve to be fired from your job because you are terrible at your job.” He’s also sued Florida over the state’s “Don’t Say Gay” law.
JAYMES BLACK
Jaymes Black is the president and CEO of Family Equality, a group advocating for queer families. Fighting for families has
become essential as pandering politicians in red states pass laws making it more difficult for gay people to adopt.
DR. JULIAN L. WATKINS
Dr. Julian L. Watkins — the physician in charge of the Riverside Sexual Health Clinic in the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Bureau of Sexually Transmitted Infection Control — focuses on what he calls “health justice.” Not only is he working on the front lines of health care, but he has also had an online show, The People’s Clinic, which helps make health information more accessible.
KARINE JEAN-PIERRE
Karine Jean-Pierre blazed trails during the Biden-Harris administration as the nation’s first Black and openly queer press secretary. Her rise in the political world is an inspiring example of the power of visibility and public service. “As a native New Yorker, this moment is deeply personal. It’s more than an honor—it’s a homecoming,” Jean-Pierre shared. “New York is where I found my voice, where I stepped into the light, and where I first discovered the strength of community as an openly queer person. Now, at a time when unity is more vital than ever, we march—hand in hand, arm in arm—not just in resistance, but in remembrance, in celebration, and in unshakable pride. We are here. We rise. We endure.”
As LGBTQ+ people, we have lived through persecution, discrimination, and inequality throughout history, but we have demonstrated what can be accomplished when we stand together. Rise up and make sure our voices are continued to be heard. It doesn’t have to be the loudest, but it definitely has to be consistent.
LGBTQ people are among the many subgroups of Americans known to experience high rates of food insecurity.*
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert provides food for 30,000+ people annually.
*The Williams Institute
BOOK REVIEW ALWAYS OVERBOOKED
BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER
You spent most of your early career playing second fiddle.
But now you’ve got the baton, and a story to tell that people aren’t going to want to hear, though it’s essential that they face the music. They must know what’s happening. As in the new book “When the Band Played On” by Michael G. Lee, this time, it’s personal.
Born in 1951 in small-town Iowa, Randy Shilts was his alcoholic, abusive mother’s third of six sons. Frustrated, drunk, she reportedly beat Shilts almost daily when he was young; she also called him a “sissy,” which “seemed to follow Randy everywhere.”
Perhaps because of the abuse, Shilts had to “teach himself social graces,” developing “adultlike impassiveness” and “biting sarcasm,” traits that featured strongly as he matured and became a writer. He was exploring his sexuality then, learning “the subtleties of sexual communication,” while sleeping with women before fully coming out as gay to friends.
Nearing his twenty-first birthday, Shilts moved to Oregon to attend college and to “allow myself love.” There, he became somewhat of an activist before leaving San Francisco to fully pursue journalism, focusing on stories of gay life that were “mostly unknown to anyone outside of gay culture.”
He would bounce between Oregon and California several times, though he never lost sight of his writing career and, through it, his activism. In both states, Shilts reported on gay life, until he was well-known to national readers and gay influencers. After San Francisco supervisor Harvey Milk was assassinated, he was tapped to write Milk’s biography.
By 1982, Shilts was in love, had a book under his belt, a radio gig, and a regular byline in a national publication reporting “on the GRID beat,” an acronym later changed to AIDS. He was even under contract to write a second book.
But Shilts was careless. Just once, careless.
“In hindsight,” says Lee, “… it was likely the night when Randy crossed the line, becoming more a part of the pandemic than just another worried bystander.”
Perhaps not surprisingly, there are two distinct audiences for “When the Band Played On.” One type of reader will remember the AIDS crisis and the seminal book about it. The other is too young to remember it but needs to know Randy Shilts’ place in its history.
The journey may be different, the result is the same: author Michael G. Lee tells a complicated, still-controversial story of Shilts and the book that made America pay attention, and it’s edgy for modern eyes. Lee clearly shows why Shilts had fans and haters, why
Shilts was who he was, and Lee keeps some mystery in the tale: Shilts had the knowledge to keep himself safe, but he apparently didn’t, and readers are left to wonder why. There’s uncomfortable tension in that, and a lot of hypothetical thinking to be had.
For scholars of gay history, this is an essential book to read. Also, for anyone too young to remember AIDS as it was, “When the Band Played On” hits the right note.
“When the Band Played On: The Life of Randy Shilts, America’s Trailblazing Gay Journalist” by Michael G. Lee c.2025, Chicago Review Press $30.00 282 pages
BOOK REPORT READING PROUD
BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER
You’re going to be on your feet a lot this month. Marching in parades, dancing in the streets, standing up for people in your community. But you’re also likely to have some time to rest and reflect – and with these great new books, to read…
First, dip into a biography with “Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson” by Tourmaline (Tiny Rep Books, $30), a nice look at an icon who, rumor has it, threw the brick that started a revolution. It’s a lively tale about Marsha P. Johnson, her life, her activism before Stonewall and afterward. Reading this interesting and highly researched history is a great way to launch your Pride Month.
For the reader who can’t live without music, try “The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman” by Niko Stratis (University of Texas Press, $27.95), the story of being trans, searching for your place in the world, and finding it in a certain comfortable genre of music. Also look for “The Lonely Veteran’s Guide to Companionship” by Bronson Lemer (University of Wisconsin Press, $19.95), a collection of essays that make up a memoir of this and that, of being queer, basic training, teaching overseas, influential books, and life.
If you still have room for one more memoir, try “Walk Like a Girl”
by Prabal Gurung (Viking, $32.00). It’s the story of one queer boy’s childhood in India and Nepal, and the intolerance he experienced as a child, which caused him to dream of New York and the life he imagined there. As you can imagine, dreams and reality collided but nonetheless, Gurung stayed, persevered, and eventually became an award-winning fashion designer, highly sought by fashion icons and lovers of haute couture. This is an inspiring tale that you shouldn’t miss. No Pride celebration is complete without a history book or two.
In “Trans History: From Ancient Times to the Present Day” by Alex L. Combs & Andrew Eakett ($24.99, Candlewick Press), you’ll see that being trans is something that’s as old as humanity. One nice part about this book: it’s in graphic novel form, so it’s lighter to read but still informative.
Lastly, try “So Many Stars: An Oral History of Trans, Nonbinary, Genderqueer, and Two-Spirit People of Color” by Caro De Robertis (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill. $32.00) a collection of thoughts, observations, and truths from over a dozen people who share their stories. As an “oral history,” you’ll be glad to know that each page is full of mini-segments you can dip into
anywhere, read from cover to cover, double-back and read again. It’s that kind of book.
And if these six books aren’t enough, if they don’t quite fit what you crave now, be sure to ask your favorite bookseller or librarian
for help. There are literally tens of thousands of books that are perfect for Pride Month and beyond. They’ll be able to determine what you’re looking for, and they’ll put it directly in your hands. So, stand up. March. And then sit and read.
2025 EVENTS
DATE EVENT
June 1
June 1
June 5
June 6
June 7
June 8
June 11-29
June 14
June 14-15
June 24-30
June 25
June 28-29
July 18-20
July 19-20
Aug 8-10 & 15-17
Aug 14-17
Aug 22
Sept 12-14
Sept 24-29
Oct 4
Oct 4
Oct 9-12
Oct 16-19
Oct 17
Oct 18
Oct 21-25
Oct 25
Oct 30-Nov 2
Oct 31
Nov 6 - 9
Home Movies Out of the Closet / PSCC
Dazzling Divas Cabaret Fundraiser / PSGMC
Give OUT 2025
Firefighters Fish Fry / Ruth Hardy Park
Equality Wine & Food Fest / Hyatt Palm Springs
LA Pride! Marches On
Pride Live! Hollywood
No Kings Mass Protest / DTPS Park
Big Gay BBQ / Arenas District
PS International ShortFest / Festival Theaters
The Center Social / 103.1 MeTV FM
San Francisco Pride
Gay Wine Weekend / Russian River
San Diego Pride 2025
Splash House 2025
Big Bear Romp
Out On The Mountain / Six Flags
Gay Days Anaheim 2025
The Dinah / The Riviera Resort
One Night Out Paris / PS Air Museum
Pride Under the Pines / Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Music Festival
Modernism Week - October
Center Stage Gala / The Center CV
Casual Concours / Great Auto’s
IGLTA Convention in Palm Springs
Palm Springs Pride Equality Walk
Palm Springs Leather Pride 2025
Palm Springs Leather Pride 2025
Palm Springs Pride 2025
PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR THOSE DEALING WITH AUTISM
BY MICHELLE WEISS
Although Autism Awareness month is in April, Autism deserves awareness every day. With that said, Michelle Babitz M.A. provides a support network for families, caretakers and professionals caring for those with Autism, and has created ‘The Soul of Autism Mastermind,’ which is unique model of support, in which she facilitates a safe and compassionate environment for members to bring their day-today challenges and concerns to the table. The group problem solves together, providing solutions and invaluable tools, solving specific needs and challenges within the home, school, and community. The members of the group meet once a week, as well as Michelle coordinates a monthly training for the Mastermind members.
Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree from New York University (NYU), where she did a two-year study on autism and the expressive arts through their Gallatin Division. Michelle then went on to receive her master’s degree at Teachers College, Columbia University in Autism and Adolescents.
The first 20 years of Michelle’s teaching career were on the East Coast, teaching in Private schools for autism. These schools taught her the importance of physical education, sensory integration, communication, Therapeutic Milieu and vocational training. Where she learned the importance of including the person with autism as part of the team to create a more wholistic approach to behavioral challenges. Michelle’s training and compassion provided her the ability to understand the thoughts and emotions of her students and developed programs and curriculums accordingly.
Prior to moving to the desert with her life partner Robin Trigg, they both resided in S. California together, where Michelle taught children with moderate to severe autism. (Verbal and non-verbal students.) Robin who is an actress/director taught acting to students with mild to moderate autism. Michelle & Robin are the authors of the successful and poignant book ‘I am David, A Journey to the Soul of Autism.’
Considering the current concerns families and caretakers face today with the potential changes in Medicaid, Disability, The
For more info visit https://michellebabitz.wixsite.com/soul-of-autism
Department of Education and access to needed services, it’s crucial more than ever that everyone be heard and have a voice. The Soul of Autism Mastermind provides that opportunity.
DAPHEALTH
PARTNERS FOR LIFE SEASON FINALE HONORS DONORS AND CALLS FOR CONTINUED COMMITMENT
BY DANIEL VAILLANCOURT PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALBERT ANGELO
DAP Health supporters gathered at the iconic Abernathy House in Palm Springs on Thursday, May 8, for the community health center’s end-of-season Partners For Life (PFL) celebration. It was an evening filled with gratitude, reflection, and purpose.
The Abernathy House, also known as the James Logan Abernathy Residence, is a distinguished example of midcentury modern architecture. Designed in 1962 by renowned architect William F. Cody, the home exemplifies the Desert Modernism style, characterized by clean lines, expansive glass walls, and a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The setting was perfectly suited to pay tribute to a donor community rooted in legacy and vision.
PFL Co-Chairs Grant Elder and Read Brown kicked off the event, welcoming guests and recognizing the gathering as an ode to philanthropy, community, and generosity. They then introduced Board Chair Patrick Jordan, who delivered a deeply personal and inspiring address.
From the Outgoing Chairman of the Board
Jordan reflected on his journey with DAP Health, recalling how
he and his business partner Stewart Smith became involved in 2006 by raising funds for the AIDS Walk. “Like so many of you tonight, I wanted to get involved and pay the gift of my own achievements forward as I recognized from the AIDS crisis that I was one of the lucky ones,” he said.
Jordan emphasized both the courage it took to care openly at a time when stigma still surrounded HIV/AIDS, and the joy of finding community through action. “It was so easy — to care, to give your heart,” he revealed, referencing the sense of belonging the Walk fostered.
His moving anecdotes, including one involving heartfelt thanks from a father at DAP Health’s Winterfest last December, and another from a restaurant manager grateful for care given to her trans child, underscored the real-world impact of DAP Health’s mission.
Jordan also looked back on the organization’s transformation — from a grassroots response to HIV/AIDS to a community health center (CHC) in 2015. He proudly noted that DAP Health now provides care that goes far beyond HIV prevention, testing, and specialty care: women’s health, mental health, gender health and wellness, services for farmworkers, and so much more — all within an environment free of shame.
“At the end of the day, what we do is take care of humans. Full stop,” he stressed. “That’s our gig and you are all part of that.”
Jordan announced his forthcoming departure from the board after 20 years of service, and introduced his successor, current CoVice Chair Eve E. Fromberg-Edelstein, Esq., who will officially assume the chair role at the end of the month, with Kevin Bass continuing as sole vice chair.
From the Longtime Chief Executive Officer
CEO David Brinkman (who will mark 20 years at the helm of the nonprofit in 2026) followed, expressing gratitude for the Resource Development team, including interim Chief of Development Steven Henke; colleagues Debbie Chapman, Rico Montero, and Ana Pfaf; and Director of Individual Giving and Donor Relations Matt Swearman and his colleagues Beth Newton, Chas Kidder, and Olen “Bubba” Collins.
Brinkman thanked PFL members for helping to fund crucial services like DAP Health’s three free sexual wellness clinics, plus transportation and food assistance for 4,300 patients.
He then turned to the broader context: federal budget proposals that threaten deep cuts to Medi-Cal and other essential
programs. He outlined the budget cuts proposed by the current administration that will impact communities living on the margins, calling on Congressman Ken Calvert to support community health centers and Medicaid in the budget process.
Brinkman emphasized DAP Health’s resilience and resolve. “It’s like 1984,” he said. “And just as we did four decades ago, we will emerge victorious.” He stressed DAP Health’s recommitment to advocacy efforts focused on protecting Medicaid/Medi-Cal, which ensures 80% of the patients served by DAP Health have access to the care they and their families need.
As the sun dipped behind the San Jacinto Mountains, guests mingled and sipped cocktails, enjoying bites provided by the catering team from Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge, owned by Willie Rhine and Albert Gonzalez. The community event concluded on a note of hope, camaraderie, and commitment to health justice.
If you would like to become a PFL member, please contact DAP Health’s Director of Individual Giving and Donor Relations Matt Swearman at mswearman@daphealth.org.
To learn more about PFL, please visit daphealth.org/supportour-mission
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GET SUSPENSEFULLY COOL THIS SUMMER WITH THE HITCHCOCK RETROSPECTIVE
BY TIM RAINS
Looking for the perfect escape from the summer heat? Step into the air-conditioned intrigue of the Hitchcock Retrospective, where the suspense is sizzling—but the theater stays refreshingly cool. Join film historians Richard L. Edwards and Steven C. Smith as they guide audiences through the next four iconic films by the Master of Suspense, screened on the big screen at the Historic Camelot Theatre.
Each evening begins at 6PM with a curated pre-show of vintage trailers and rare archival footage, followed by the main feature at 7PM, and a live film Q&A with our in-house scholars. It’s smart, stylish, and thrilling—just like Hitchcock himself.
SUMMER LINEUP:
June 6 — Dial M for Murder (1954)
Starring: Grace Kelly, Ray Milland, Robert Cummings
A perfect crime... or is it? This elegant Technicolor thriller invites you to question every motive, as a husband’s murder plot gets tangled in its own deception. One of Hitchcock’s sleekest stage-to-screen adaptations.
July 11 — Suspicion (1941)
Starring: Joan Fontaine, Cary Grant
Is her charming husband too good to be true? Fontaine’s Oscarwinning performance and Grant’s shadowy charisma drive this moody, psychological nail-biter.
August 1 — The Birds (1963)
Starring: Tippi Hedren, Rod Taylor
No motive. No mercy. Just feathers and fear. Hitchcock’s bold experiment in ecological horror still sends shivers down the spine.
September 5 — The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)
Starring: Leslie Banks, Edna Best, Peter Lorre
Before Hollywood, Hitchcock crafted this taut spy thriller across London and the Swiss Alps. Features one of his earliest—and best— “wrong man” suspense set-ups.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or discovering these classics for the first time, the Hitchcock Retrospective is the coolest cinematic experience in the desert. Don’t miss your chance to revisit (or re-swoon over) these unforgettable masterworks.
Tickets and full schedule: www.psculturalcenter.org
DEAL WITH THE DRAGON AT THE PS CULTURAL CENTER
BY DAVID PERRY
Kevin Rolston’s critically acclaimed Deal with the Dragon, a three-character, one-man performance hailed as “truly bravura” (Edinburgh Guide) and “meticulously written and exquisitely performed” (Huffington Post), comes to the Palm Springs Cultural Center for a limited run, May 29 – June 8. Developed with and directed by M. Graham Smith, written by/starring Rolston, and produced by Jerome Joseph Gentes’ TigerBear Productions in association with Desert Ensemble Theatre, the captivating comedy unfurls a cunning grown-up fairy tale laced with terror. Audiences will experience a full, complete production of this free-wheeling fantasy, which was selected as one of the top 20 theater shows (out of 900) to see at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe by The List.
“It’s a smooth and sexy mix of smart, funny, and sophisticated,” said Gentes, whose ground-breaking production of the edgy interactive opera UNBOUND, set in a gay sex club, wowed Coachella Valley audiences in 2022. “It’s a perfect combo for Palm Springs locals and visitors alike.”
Deal with the Dragon, Rolston’s first solo show, finds an artist desperate to land a gallery show at a prestigious museum, an acolyte who will stop at nothing to protect the artist’s process, and
a flamboyant rival competing for the same museum slot. All are portrayed by Rolston in a performance SF Weekly called “infused with razor blades that have been soaked in honey.” The show was also named by KQED Arts’ John Wilkins as one of six “singular and brilliant theater pieces” of 2016. “Deal with the Dragon gave me more after-the-fact pleasure than any other play this year,” he declared. “This show burrowed into my mind.”
Kevin Rolston is a San Francisco-based actor and playwright. His first play, Crystal Christian—about the hypocrisy of loudmouthed homophobes who get caught doing crystal meth with gay hookers—enjoyed a workshop production at Magic Theatre in 2008. His second play, This Many People, covered the lives of Bay Area LGBTQ senior citizens and premiered at Counterpulse as part of the 2010 Queer Arts Festival. As an ensemble actor, Rolston has performed in venues across the Bay Area including A.C.T., CalShakes, Marin Theatre Company, and TheatreWorks Silicon Valley.
M. Graham Smith is a San Francisco-based director, educator, and producer. A recipient of the O’Neill/NNPN National Directing Fellowship and a proud Resident Artist at Crowded Fire, Smith has
directed productions across the country including the world premiere of Obie-winner Christopher Chen’s Home Invasion and the Bay Area premiere of White by James Ijames. His recent projects include a hip-hop musical film adaptation of As You Like It and the musical The Mortification of Fovea Munson at The Kennedy Center.
“TigerBear Productions started on its journey long before 2019,” Gentes recalls. “Our fore’bears’ include the first artists who inspired us as wee cubs, and those who shaped and shared them with us. As we grew, we wondered again and again: who could we gather to tell a story with, and who could we gather to tell it to? Print and stage and screen evolved, and so did we, yet we kept renewing our love of making stories and making them happen. Here, now, we keep telling and making them, with more inspirations in our hearts and imaginations than we can count.”
Deal with the Dragon runs Thursday through Sunday at 7:30pm, with Sunday matinees at 2pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center (2300
E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA). For tickets and more information, visit www.desertensembletheatre.org, www.dealwiththedragon.com, or www.tigerbearproductions.com.
The Center Coachella provides a safe inclusive space for the
FEATURE REGINA V. CATES’ GROUNDBREAKING BOOK, THE REAL CONVERSATION JESUS WANTS US TO HAVE
BY MICHEL KHORDOC
Openly out author and LGBTQ+ activist Regina V. Cates has released a powerful and timely new book: The Real Conversation Jesus Wants Us to Have: A Call to Bravery, Peace, and Love — a fearless exploration of identity, institutional harm, and the deeply personal journey of reclaiming faith from fear and exclusion. Offering a transformative spiritual reckoning—inviting readers to reclaim love, healing, and belonging.
Raised in a conservative Christian community in Texas, Cates endured sexual abuse, rejection for being gay, and years of internalized shame. Her journey from trauma to transformation forms
the emotional core of this book, which serves as a call to action for LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized individuals seeking healing, spiritual reclamation, and liberation.
“This isn’t a traditional religious book,” says Cates. “It’s a wake-up call. A reckoning. A roadmap back to what Jesus actually taught—unconditional love, radical inclusion, and fierce compassion.”
Touted as “A Blueprint for Repairing Humanity,” The Real Conversation Jesus Wants Us to Have confronts how fear-based religious doctrines have distorted Jesus’ inclusive message and caused
harm to generations of LGBTQ+ people. Blending personal memoir, social commentary, and spiritual insight, Cates’ book is anything but a traditional patronizing religious text—and that’s exactly the point.
Engaging in courageous conversations on controversial topics— racism, sexual abuse, political corruption, sexual orientation, and abortion— Regina Cates calls the Church to confront the profound heartbreak experienced by LGBTQ+ people—those pushed to the margins and treated as ‘less than’ by communities that profess to follow a God of love. Though deeply wounded by religion, Cates refuses to abandon her faith—or Jesus, who never abandoned her.
In an era where religious rhetoric is increasingly used to justify discrimination, Cates’ message is a vital and timely contribution to public discourse. Her book empowers queer people —and anyone harmed by rigid dogma—to return to a spiritual life grounded not in shame, but in truth, courage, and love.
Regina V. Cates is the founder of Romancing Your Soul; an organization focused on helping people lead with compassion and
authenticity. Her previous book, Lead with Your Heart, became an international bestseller and inspired readers across the world. With hundreds of thousands of followers on social media, Regina continues to share daily messages of love, courage, and spiritual insight. In her latest work, she furthers her mission to ignite healing, visibility, and self-worth—especially for queer people navigating the intersections of identity and belief.
Now available, The Real Conversation Jesus Wants Us to Have is a must-read for Pride Month and beyond—a brave and compassionate guide for anyone ready to reclaim their spiritual voice.
The Real Conversation Jesus Wants Us to Have is now available for purchase on Amazon.
As Pride heats up and summer pulses just around the corner, a vibrant new wave of anthems is ready to ignite gay dance floors everywhere. From euphoric club bangers to fierce empowerment tracks, these releases aren’t just songs. They’re rallying cries for freedom, joy, and unapologetic self-expression. Whether it’s On Mekahel’s circuit-party sizzler or Sarah Schroeder’s fiery anthem of resilience, each track offers a high-energy escape tailor-made for Pride season. Get ready to hit the floor. These five tracks are your soundtrack to the most unforgettable Pride yet.
“All Night Long”
Kory Burns
Kory Burns turns up the heat with “All Night Long,” a sultry, soulstirring triumph that marks a bold evolution for the rising pop-R&B star. Co-written with Grammy-nominated producer Tauren Stovall (Usher’s “Good Good”) and hitmaker Sean McMillion (DJ Khaled, Trey Songz), the track oozes sensuality with sleek, slow-burning production and Burns’ signature velvet vocals. But more than a sexy groove, “All Night
Long” is a declaration of identity. With this release, Burns publicly comes out as bisexual, channeling the vulnerability and pride of that moment into every note. The result is a deeply personal yet universally resonant anthem of love, truth, and liberation.
“Fake Ass Bitch (F.A.B)”
Océane Aqua-Black (ft. Kween Kong, Ra’Jah O’Hara & Silky Nutmeg Ganache) Canada’s Drag Race icon Océane Aqua-Black delivers pure attitude and empowerment with “Fake Ass Bitch (F.A.B),” a fierce, no-holds-barred anthem featuring fellow Drag Race royalty Kween Kong, Ra’Jah O’Hara, and Silky Nutmeg Ganache. Produced by Velvet Code, the track pulses with high-gloss electro-pop and gritty hip-hop flair in the style of Todrick Hall. But beyond the beat, “F.A.B” makes a vital statement about Black representation in drag and dance music. “Too often, we’re passed over,” Océane says. “I wanted to show the world what we can do together.” Mission accomplished. This is a strut-worthy banger with heart, sass, and a whole lot of soul.
“On the Wire”
Sarah Schroeder (a.k.a. Sarah Sasha)
Emerging pop powerhouse Sarah Schroeder, stepping into her alter ego Sarah Sasha, makes a fearless debut with “On the Wire.” A soaring anthem of rebirth, it fuses cinematic pop with raw, emotionally charged lyrics that speak to anyone balancing on the edge; vulnerable, yet unbreakable. “There comes a point when you stop playing by the rules and start playing by your truth,” she says, and the track captures that transformation with electric intensity. Paired with a visually stunning music video packed with fierce choreography and symbolic imagery, “On the Wire” announces Sarah Sasha as a bold new voice and a force to watch.
“Bear Soup”
Tom Goss (ft. Chris Conde)
Tom Goss serves up his spiciest dish yet with “Bear Soup,” the latest - and fiercest! -installment in his beloved bear-themed song series. Produced by Maya La Maya and featuring Brooklyn-based rapper Chris Conde, the track is a deliciously raunchy, twerk-ready anthem blending playful eroticism with club-thumping beats. Inspired by artists like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Ice Spice, “Bear Soup” is Goss’ most dance-driven release to date, celebrating body positivity, queer sensuality, and the vibrant bear community. It’s bold, joyful, and irresistibly bouncy. Perfect for shaking, jiggling, and strutting into Pride season with zero apologies.
“Pretty Boy” On Mekahel
On Mekahel, the out singer, reality TV personality, and fashion designer, brings high-glam energy with “Pretty Boy,” a glittering dance anthem that blends playful lyrics, cultural pride, and fierce self-love. With its pulsing beat, catchy hooks, and tongue-in-cheek swagger, the track sees Mekahel stepping fully into the confident persona he’s long dreamed of becoming. Co-written with his husband Dave and produced by Tel Aviv’s Ran Ziv, “Pretty Boy” is more than just a club track. It’s a personal celebration of beauty, identity, and the power of loving who you are, out loud and on your own terms.
“Bye Girl Bye”
Maxxie LaWow (voiced by Angie Fisher)
Fueled by the powerhouse vocals of Grammy-nominated Angie Fisher, “Bye Girl Bye” is a dance-pop anthem that dazzles with polish, theatrical flair, and unapologetic club energy. It is featured in the new animated film, Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero, depicting the moment Maxxie steps into her power, silences the haters, and lets her charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent take the spotlight. Imagine the fire of P!nk, the glam of Gaga, and the soul of Robyn—all wrapped in drag-fueled fabulousness. The remix package turns up the heat even further, with Grammy-winning DJ Tracy Young, Dirty Disco, Until Dawn, Division 4 & Matt Consola, and Jace M & Toy Armada each delivering their own electrifying take on the track. “Bye Girl Bye” isn’t just a song— it’s a declaration. Stream it loud, stream it proud, and keep it on repeat.
IN SEARCH OF “THE VIBE” PART 2
CONTINUED FROM THE MAY EDITION OF THE STANDARD MAGAZINE
BY JILL LANGHAM
Let’s start with the word SEX. It contains the slang EX usually associated with a person we used to be connected to in one form or another most likely in a relationship where we had SEX.
Maybe S in from of EX is slang for several EX’s. But here’s a curious thing if you use the American alphabet as a guide and add the letter that follows X and add it to the word SEX you get SEXY and that is the word I want to focus on today.
SEXY
It’s defined as “exciting or appealing,” and is the best short answer that I could find. It then struck me that I rarely see SEXY in our town any longer. If we are being honest, Palm Springs is just a town of SEX and I for one am bored out of my mind cause that’s all I hear many of you talk about all day every day. Just saying.
We are so casual that at times we are bordering on obscene
especially if we are exposing ourselves in public as opposed to at a club or private function. Body parts are literally exposed for the purpose of advertising our wares and, yes, I am guilty of the same, so I have begun to be more aware of when, what time and where I wear what I wear! I love to feel SEXY, it’s fun and exciting and it feels good.
I feel so turned off to the Arenas scene as it’s mostly filled with screaming young kids who are being entertained by outside DJ’s who think they are playing music but instead are playing trash that has neither soul nor pulls at my heartstrings. I’m even sick of disco if you can believe.
So, I that’s why I am headed away from Arenas and have resorted to getting dressed up to meet up with new friends that I’d like to get to know better and have actual conversations in a SEXY environment that has a VIBE. And you know what, I am beginning to feel SEXY again.
MUSIC EARLY SUMMER SOUNDS
BY MARTHA TANG
JOJO SIWA UNLEASHES “BULLETPROOF”
Today, JoJo Siwa, the multi-platinum global sensation, released her highly anticipated new single, “Bulletproof,”. The upbeat, ‘Frere Jacques’ inspired track marks a bold new chapter in Siwa’s musical journey, serving as one of her most personal and vulnerable releases to date. Written by Colin Brittain, Elijah Noll, and Taylor Upsahl, and produced by Brittain, “Bulletproof” is a high-energy summer anthem that showcases JoJo’s evolving sound and musical maturity. With its infectious earn worm melody, the track continues to cement JoJo’s place as one of pop’s most dynamic performers.
“Bulletproof is a song about strength and vulnerability –realizing no one is immune from the impact others have on you, but also how you come out stronger in the end,” says JoJo. “It’s my most personal song yet because it reflects the journey I’ve been on, the challenges I’ve faced, and how I’ve grown through it all. I’m so excited for my fans to hear it and to see the music video we worked so hard on.”
The track is accompanied by an energetic and visually stunning music video, directed and choreographed by JoJo Siwa herself. True to her artistic vision, the video is a colorful and exhilarating celebration of her creativity, featuring intricate dance routines and her signature high-energy performance style. JoJo’s fans can expect the same level of excitement and authenticity that have defined her career, as she continues to break barriers and takes her music on Tour this summer throughout the US. JoJo Siwa Live Tour Dates Here.
JoJo’s last release, Guilty Pleasure EP, made waves in 2024 with the viral hit “Karma” – a track that amassed over 100 million streams and sparked a global social media sensation. The EP marked a pivotal moment in JoJo’s career, further establishing her as a voice for self-expression, individuality, and empowerment. JoJo also captivated audiences with record-breaking performances at Pride festivals in Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, New York, and London, where she solidified her status as an unapologetic advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
“Bulletproof” promises to continue JoJo’s momentum as she evolves into an even more fearless, relatable artist. Her dedicated
fanbase will undoubtedly connect with the song’s message of resilience, authenticity, and growth. As JoJo prepares to share this next chapter with the world, it’s clear that the pop star’s influence continues to grow, and her music is a powerful reflection of her personal evolution.
More than anything, JoJo Siwa’s music sounds confidently and gleefully unrestrained. She matches the rush and intensity of the maximalist pop soundscapes around her with uncompromising lyrical honesty and unfettered creative freedom. The multi-platinum global icon, entrepreneur, TV and film star, bestselling author, and philanthropist discusses life, love, and more with complete openness. JoJo’s impact has only magnified though. Beyond generating streams and views in the billions, earning multi-platinum and gold plaques, and attracting an audience of nearly 75 million followers across social media, she has consistently shattered one ceiling after another. During her first-ever tour, she sold out over 100 arenas and emerged as “the youngest artist ever to headline and sell out the UK’s O2 Arena.” Speaking of making history, she shined on Dancing With Stars as “the first contestant to dance with a same sex partner.” She led, executive produced, and garnered EMMY® Award nominations for both Siwa’s Dance Pop Revolution and The J Team. Plus, she notably joined Season 17 of So You Think You Can Dance and launched the popular JoJo Goes on Facebook Watch. At the
same time, she has presided over a merchandise line responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. Giving back at every turn, she remains an active board member of Dancers Against Cancer.
Proving inescapable, it’s no wonder TIME hailed her among its coveted “100 Most Influential People” in 2020. https://www.instagram.com/itsjojosiwa/#
ISABELLA LOVESTORY DROPS NEW REMIX “TELENOVELA”
Honduran pop star Isabella Lovestory is getting ready for the summer. releasing a new remix of Telenovela - featuring reworks by DJ/Producer Luis Vazquez.
Isabella began the year with previous single “Putita Boutique” featuring Argentina’s TAICHU, and a collaboration with PinkPantheress and Shygirl on “True Religion”. “Telenovela” marries old school reggaeton drums with new wave electronic sounds akin to the likes of Depeche Mode. The accompanying music, directed by Charlotte Rutherford, fuses similar visual parallels by juxtaposing the camp of Mexican Telenovelas with the eerie absurdity of David Crongberg cinema [spoiler alert: she gives birth to a TV].
Over the past two weeks, Isabella has teased her own telenovela style shorts over her social media channel. Isabella has been dropping hints through a series of singles teasing her chameleonic and unabashedly flamboyant sophomore album coming this summer. “Telenovela” adds more fuel to a fiery campaign that began with last summer’s standout singles “Botoxxx”, “VIP” and “Puchica”, and her Plastic Fantasy tour which hit Mexico City, Monterrey, Buenos Aires, Sao Paolo and Chile. Isabella also played a series of summer festival dates in Europe, and closed 2024 with a beloved set at iii Points Festival in Miami, which she documented in a photo diary with Interview Magazine. Announced last week, Isabella will play LadyLand Festival in Brooklyn at Under The K Bridge, joining a lineup that features the likes of FKA Twigs, Cardi B, Pablo Vittar, Eartheater, and more. Fans can also catch her at Barcelona’s Primavera Sound and Paris’ We Love Green Festivals this June.
Born in Honduras before moving to the US and then Canada at 17 years old, Lovestory has positioned herself as a trailblazing force paving her own way at the cross-section of pop and reggaeton making her and icon in experimental music. In 2022, she made her mark with her debut Amor Hardcore, which Pitchfork characterized as “playful, maximalist, and flirtatious to the core.” With an experimental reggaeton sound equally influenced by Spanish trap and goth electronica, Isabella’s forthcoming body of work extends
her maximalist sonic experiment even further outside the lines, drawing on her beloved Y2K pop influences, textured synth-wave, her K-pop peers, and the defiant unapologetic women she looks up to, such as Lady Gaga and Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon.
Stay tuned for more details on Isabella’s next album coming very soon. https://www.instagram.com/isabellalovestory/ Isabella Lovestory - Telenovela (Official Music Video) https://youtu.be/uixabGpkyVI?feature=shared
MUSIC PETTER WALLENBERG AND RAINBOW RIOTS UNVEIL NEW WORLD PRIDE
ANTHEM “MY LOVE (IS THE WAY IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE)”
BY RYAN TURRIN
Swedish artist and LGBTQ+ activist Petter Wallenberg returns with “My Love (is the way it’s supposed to be),” a bold and euphoric disco anthem celebrating love as an act of resistance. A defiant call for queer love, liberation and global solidarity featuring legendary drag icon Lady Bunny And Queer Voices from Uganda. Released in time to mark World Pride, the single brings together queer voices from three continents in an electrifying, emotional and deeply personal stand against the rising tide of global LGBTQ+ persecution.
The track features legendary New York drag queen Lady Bunny and queer singers and drag performers from Uganda where being LGBTQ+ is illegal. Launched by Wallenberg’s non-profit organization Rainbow Riots, the song is a powerful fusion of music and queer activism at a time when the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is
facing new challenges.
“In a world where hostility against LGBTQ+ people is on the rise, this song is our way of saying: we exist, we love and we won’t be erased,” says Petter Wallenberg. “Using disco, drag and defiance, this song is both a Pride celebration and a protest at the same time! As the lyrics say: my love is the way it’s supposed to be!”
Lady Bunny says: “I hope that our new tune brings people together on the dancefloor! But there’s also a message of standing up together against anti-LGBTQ+ bigotry worldwide. First, we dance, then we fight!”
The single will be available in three completely reimagined editions, each with its own sonic identity. Each edition is composed and produced by Wallenberg, with different arrangements, vocal
recordings and instrumentation created in different countries - a creative decision that echoes the track’s central message: that love has many voices, and they all deserve to be heard.
Petter and Lady Bunny will perform “My Love (is the way it’s supposed to be)” on June 8th at World Pride in Washington D.C. at a special event hosted by the Swedish Embassy. Wallenberg is also appearing as a guest speaker at Pride events across the U.S. capital, including the National Theatre and the Norwegian Embassy, discussing his work fighting for LGBTQ+ rights using creativity.
This single comes at a critical time. As LGBTQ+ rights are currently under threat in the US and several other countries; In Uganda, the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act introduced the possibility of life imprisonment or even the death penalty for LGBTQ+ people. Many of the Ugandans involved in the track live under daily threat of violence or arrest. Rainbow Riots continues to support and empower LGBTQ+ communities in Uganda through legal training, creative collaboration and safe space initiatives.
“We are human beings.” says one of the Ugandan activists featured on the track. “We sing songs to encourage others to live, be happy, to be recognized as human beings.”
ABOUT RAINBOW RIOTS
Rainbow Riots is an award winning, international non-profit organization founded by artist and activist Petter Wallenberg, working at the intersection of music, art, and human rights. From opening East Africa’s first LGBTQ+ community center to creating India’s first Pride anthem and campaigns for the United Nations Global Goal*, Rainbow Riots uses creativity as a tool to elevate voices in communities where it is illegal, or even deadly, to be LGBTQ+.
The organization’s work has been recognized by the BBC, The Guardian, The Financial Times, and international human rights bodies.
Winner of the Arco Nordica 2020 Award from The International Lesbian and Gay Cultural Network “for proving that solidarity, compassion and generosity are the most powerful weapons against discrimination, intolerance, homophobia, silence and invisibility.”
Petter Wallenberg
https://www.instagram.com/petterwallenberg/ Lady Bunny
https://www.instagram.com/official_lady_bunny/
FEATURE THREE’S COMPANY
BY JAMIE BOOTH
Throuple is a fresh and funny new comedy about a lonely gay man who unexpectedly falls for both members of a married couple and is thrusted into an unconventional three-way relationship. As he navigates the complexities of this new dynamic, he’s forced to confront what he truly wants—and needs—from love.
Loosely inspired by Michael Doshier’s own experiences, the film is a heartfelt exploration of chosen family, nontraditional relationships, and the unexpected paths desire can take. “One thing I’m really proud of with Throuple is that it celebrates the beauty of being queer,” Doshier says. “It shows that queer people are valuable, vibrant members of society. There’s no antagonist in Throuple—it’s a man-versus-self story. All the queer characters are just doing their best to live full, authentic lives and treat each other with care.”
Michael Doshier explains more about his new film from his home in Los Angeles.
You wrote and star in Throuple. What inspired you to bring this story to life—both on the page and on screen?
Michael Doshier: I’ve never been in a romantic throuple before. Many of my friends have tried it, however, and I certainly would be open to it! I’m very inspired by the people in my life that are
open to making their relationships work by thinking outside the box as to what coupling means and looks like. I think that’s the energy that I brought to the script, and I definitely sought the advice and insight from friends who were in open relationships. I think the script is unafraid to imagine new realities and structures for what works for people. That’s what I would say is one of the takeaways from Throuple—you can make your life work for you.
How did you prepare for both your roles as the screenwriter and as the lead character?
MD: I took Natalie Portman’s Masterclass on acting. She taught me a few skills, but ultimately, I’m playing a version of myself in the film, so I just tried to be present with my scene partners and answer honestly to what was happening in the scene. There’s a lot of great improv in Throuple. The actors in the film are all professional. I relied on them to give each scene some gravitas.
Filmed and set in New York City, Throuple joins a legacy of influential LGBTQ+ cinema based in the city—films like Trick, Jeffrey, Cruising, and Dog Day Afternoon.
Michael Doshier: New York and its indie cinema, music and art scenes have been my main community and source of inspiration since
I became an adult. I moved to New York when I was 18 and stayed there for 14 years. I think that one thing that I’m really proud about is that the film shows the indie world in these bright, beautiful colors, and it really takes indie bands and indie filmmakers and locations and the sort of underground of New York and puts it on a pedestal. To the me in New York, it was. I’ve been seeing indie movies at The Quad for as long as I can remember, and The Quad is where Throuple premiered. It was a full circle moment!
What are some of your all-time favorite LGBTQ+ films?
Michael Doshier: I remember being a kid and watching Transamerica—that was a big one for me. Also, Rent. I became such a massive Renthead after I saw the movie. And I know it’s kind of stereotypical, but I remember being in line at Blockbuster, holding a DVD of Brokeback Mountain and being really nervous they were going to card me. It was rated R, and I was only 16! Hedwig was another big film for me. Any movie that entered my orbit that taught me an alternative way of looking at being queer—as opposed to just being sinful—was huge for me.
Given today’s charged social and political climate, how do you see your role as a queer artist evolving?
Michael Doshier: I’m really interested in queer joy at this moment—in both the art that I consume and the art that I want to make—because I feel like we’re in a heightened political moment, and queer people are being demonized. That’s why I’m glad that Throuple portrays queer people in a positive way, and I’m looking forward to engaging in more of that.
What’s next for you?
Michael Doshier: I want to make a queer movie in the South because I’m from Arkansas and I feel like we queer Southerners are underrepresented. It’s a whole other way of being queer when you’re in a red state. It’s time we celebrate Southern queerness!
Throuple begins streaming on all major platforms, including Amazon, iTunes, Google, InDemand, and Dekkoo, on June 6. Follow on Instagram @throuplethemovie
CALENDAR
JUNE 4-5
GAY DAYS ORLANDO FLORIDA
The event’s refusal to fade away is evident in its continuous growth. What initially started as a one-day trip to the Magic Kingdom has evolved into a weeklong celebration, drawing over 150,000 GayDayS® participants to over 40 events throughout the city. Visitors from all over the country and the world are expected to inject over $100 million into the local economy. As the event persists year after year, both traditional and new activities are incorporated into the festivities. Local businesses and clubs contribute to the excitement by hosting special nights and expanding entertainment options for GayDayS® attendees. www.gaydays.com
JUNE 5-8
URBAN BEAR. NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Join thousands of the world’s hottest men celebrating the international bear community & friends in NYC for the 17th Annual Urban Bear NYC. Join us for a great weekend of Male bonding, New York style. www.theurbanbear.com
JUNE 20-28
CONNECTICUT LGBT FILM FESTIVAL
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT
In its 38th year, the Connecticut LGBT Film Festival, Connecticut’s longest-running film
festival, holds a special place in our state’s cultural landscape, bringing the community together to introduce, celebrate and rediscover the ideas and values that make the LGBT community unique. www.outfilmct.org
JUNE 28-29
SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
The theme of the 55th annual Pride Celebration is Queer Joy is Resistance and will be held Saturday and Sunday June 28th & 29th, 2025.The Celebration takes place in San Francisco’s Civic Center and features our Main Stage, many community spaces and stages, an 18+ zone, and an LGBTQ+ street fair with over 300 artists and exhibitors. The Pride Parade begins Sunday morning at 10am on Market Street at Embarcadero Plaza. The parade typically has over 250 contingents and lasts around 4 hours. Contingents step onto Market Street and proceed toward the Pride Celebration, ending around Market & 9th. www.sfpride.org
THE 24TH ANNUAL CHICAGO PRIDE FEST
The two-day street festival is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ life, culture, and community. It is located on Halsted Street between Addison + Grace, in Chicago’s historic LGBTQ+ business district. The festival runs 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. daily and features live music on three stages, Chicago’s finest drag artists, dance exhibitions, guest speakers, food, drinks, and over 150 art, merchandise and service vendors.
www.northalsted.com
JUNE 28-29
NYC PRIDE NEW YORK
This year’s theme for 2025: “Rise Up: Pride in Protest.” As the LGBTQIA+ community faces increasing hostility and legislative attacks, this year’s theme reflects the Pride movement’s origins in protest—and is a powerful call to action for our communities and allies to rally and march in defiant celebration, advocacy and solidarity. Heritage of Pride works toward a future without discrimination where all people have equal rights under the law. We do this by producing LGBTQIA+ Pride events that inspire, educate, commemorate and celebrate our diverse community. www.nycpride.org
JUNE 4-8
SITGES PRIDE, SITGES SPAIN
Sitges Pride 2025, a large LGBTQ+ pride event, will be held in Sitges, Spain, from June 4th to 8th, 2025. The event features a main parade, a Pride Village with live shows, and various parties, including a Sunset Tea Dance and after parties. Sitges Sunday Pride Parade features more than 70,000 visitors taking to the streets to watch one of the most unique and colorful pride parades in Europe. The parade takes place right on the seafront. www.sitgespride.com
JUNE 5-9
COLOGNE FETISH PRIDE 2025
COLOGNE, GERMANY
Cologne Fetish Pride 2025 will take place from June 5 to 9. We’re celebrating a double anniversary—it’s the 15th Pride, and Rheinfetisch is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Between the Welcome on Thursday and the Fetish Brunch on Monday, there will be over 40 events hosted by Rheinfetisch and our partners : dinners, meet & greets, socials & pub crawls, sightseeing, three parties, an exhibition opening, shopping events, and, for the first time, several workshops and an open discussion.
The highlight will be the election of Mr. Fetish NRW 2025 on board the Fetish Boat. www.rheinfetisch.de
JUN 7-14
IBIZA
PRIDE. IBIZA,
SPAIN
Ibiza Pride is a unique event held on the charming island of Ibiza, known for its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere . Ibiza Pride stands out as an inclusive and friendly festival , open to people of all ages and backgrounds. What makes Ibiza Pride special is its atmosphere, a beautiful and organized environment where safety and respect are paramount. Ibiza’s streets and beaches are filled with vibrant colors and joy, creating a safe and festive space where everyone can participate without worry. Families are welcome, and it’s common to see parents, children, and grandparents enjoying the activities and parades together. www.ibizapride.eu
JUN 20-28
DUBLIN
PRIDE
– DUBLIN, IRELAND
The Dublin LGBT Pride Festival is an annual series of events that celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) life in Dublin, Ireland. It is the largest LGBTQ pride festival in the Republic of Ireland. The event has grown from a one-day event in 1983 to a ten-day festival in Dublin City packed with celebrations, spectacles and extravaganzas promoting and celebrating LGBTQ diversity. The highlight of our festival will be our annual Pride Parade and our post parade celebrations. www.dublinpride.ie
JUNE 27-29
SPARKLE WEEKEND 2025 MANCHESTER, ENGLAND
The Sparkle Weekend is a festival-style family event, running from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th June in Sackville Gardens, Manchester. The event is aimed at everyone who identifies as trans, non-binary and gender variant, and their friends, families and allies. All ages are welcome! Bringing together a gender variant community, to bring together joy, hope and celebration for the second weekend in July. The Sparkle Weekend has been a cornerstone of the LGBTQIA+ Community in Manchester for the past 20 years. You can be sure of acceptance, celebration and a very warm welcome by the team, volunteers and other attendees. We aren’t just a community celebration; we are a family. www.sparkle.org.uk
JULY 1-12
OUTFEST PERU LIMA PERU
Outfest Perú LGBTQ+ Film Festival thus begins its twenty-first audiovisual outing with stories about sexual diversity—at three venues: the Cultural Center of Spain, the Alliance Française, and the Goethe Institute— with most sessions open to the public. The Festival thus counters the medieval trend by seeking to raise awareness, educate, and raise awareness about the importance of being different in a context that seems to keep us quiet, uncultured, and in the closet. www.outfestperu.com
the3D’S DINE | DRINK | DANCE
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