Thestandard vol6 issue3

MARCH, 2018 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3 THESTANDARDPS.COM

FOOD T R E N D S

H OW, W H Y & WH AT W E’ LL B E EATING IN 201 8

W IN E P A I R I NG

WH AT G OES WITH WHAT

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T HE DI NA H

LADI ES I N TH E H O US E

CONTENTS VOLUME 6, ISSUE 3

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FEATURE

LIPS PAGE 15

Volume 6 Issue 3 COVER WHAT ARE YOU EATING? FOOD TRENDS FOR 2018 IN DESIGN DINING IN STYLE…BRINGING IT HOME PSP FOCUS THE LADIES LAND IN PALM SPRINGS THE DINAH 2018 MUSIC TONY MORAN & KIMBERLEY DAVIS BACK IN THE MIX

VISIT LIPSSD.COM

MARCH 2018 3

COMMENTARY

The Standard Magazine PO Box 2074, Palm Springs, CA 92263 760.831.4869 Nino Eilets Publisher Luciano McNulty Editor Maya Kalabic Art Director PHOTOGRAPHER David A. Lee CONTRIBUTORS Phil Bessemer, Jamie Booth, Mona Elyafi, Dann Foley, Chris Heritage, Paul Hutnick, Michael Khordoc, Jill Langham, Lee Lynch, James Murphy & Terri Schlichenmeyer www.thestandardps.com EDITORIAL CREDITS :

BrandPoint, Huffington Post, LGBTQ Nation & Project Publicity 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

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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.

COVER

WHAT ARE YOU EATING? 2018 FOOD TRENDS

BY CHRIS ASTRALA

Remember when kale was the new lettuce, quinoa the new rice and cauliflower the new mashed potato? We are constantly looking for that latest thing to tickle our taste buds and at the same time be a bit healthy . We’ve run down a few trends that will stand to shape how, why and what, we will be eating in 2018.

FAKE MEAT IS TASTY ENOUGH FOR YOU TO EAT Faux protein has evolved past bean-heavy veggie patties and pallid tofu dogs.

Thanks to innovative engineers and scientists at Impossible Foods (home of the bleeding heme-burger), Ripple (purveyor of dairy-free pea milk), and Beyond Meat (whose sizzling sausages owe nothing to pork), plants are being manipulated to successfully mimic the sensory experience of consuming meat. And they pull it off using a fraction of the land and water, producing minimal greenhouse gas emissions, and tasting pretty damn good, too.

PLANT-BASED DIETS Don’t expect the plant-based diet trends to die down anytime soon. Whether your motivation is from a Netflix documentary or the desire for better looking skin, Americans now more than ever are willing to abandon their carnivorous ways. In fact, a recent survey conducted of 1,000 Americans, yielded that 54% of respondents said that they believed a plant-based diet to be more beneficial to their health than the traditional Western diet.

The great news about the growing vegan population? Expect to see even more innovations in the area of plant-based food tech that will be more affordable than ever in 2018. Brands like Daiya continue to make the switch to this healthier diet more accessible than it has been in previous years, with plant-based food alternatives (that don’t make you feel as if you’re sacrificing foods you love, like pizza!). Yes, you read that right. You can still indulge in favorites like pizza or mac-n-cheese (and many more) without abandoning your plant-based diet.

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YOUR GUT TAKES CENTER STAGE Since the way to a diner’s heart is quite literally through his or her stomach, chefs are increasingly padding their menus with natural probiotics and anti-inflammatories.

Harvey at the Williamsburg Hotel houseferments pancake batter and cultures its own labneh, while Austin food truck Curcuma is christened after golden milk-making turmeric. Dinner will sit much easier.

MEDITERRANEAN DIET

MIDDLE EASTERN AND AFRICAN FLAVORS Turmeric, harissa, cardamom, halloumi, za’atar — start Googling now so you’ll know what these words mean when they start popping up on menus everywhere in 2018! As we see more shifts made toward vegetarianism, with more Americans opting for meals that are meatless, we’ll also see restaurants and chefs playing with different flavor profiles to keep things interesting.

Americans are becoming more adventurous with our eating, veg or not, and the spices of Western Asia and Northern Africa are playing a bigger role this year than they have previously, and we’re so here for it — another order of warm lavash, please and thank you.

The leader of the pack will undoubtedly be Turmeric with its anti-inflammatory powers. Other benefits of this super herb include boosting your body’s defense system, promoting gut health, and easing joint pain. And while it dominated in health circles in 2017, expect it to go mainstream and be fully accessible in 2018. Turmeric latte, anyone?

While Whole 30 is still a favorite, the Mediterranean Diet will reign supreme in 2018’s get-fit trends. U.S. News and World Report recently named the Mediterranean Diet the best way to eat for 2018, while Keto came in dead last.

The idea behind the Mediterranean Diet is simple: eat colorfully, lots of leafy greens, ditch the processed crap, and stick to only lean protein like fish and low-fat dairy in moderation. The Mediterranean Diet is more flexible and sustainable in the long term than some of the other get-slim-quick fad diets as it isn’t exclusionary in nature.

MEDICINAL FOOD Probiotics have had more than their fair share of the spotlight in recent years — suddenly everywhere we look, from yogurt to skincare, everyone is touting their inclusion of probiotics in their products. However, probiotics alone just aren’t cutting it. Expect to see an emphasis on “gut healing” and Ayurvedic foods in 2018 — things like kimchi and sauerkraut, along with other pickled vegetables, will become even more popular as we aim to regenerate our bodies from the very root of our systems — our stomachs. Additionally, expect to see different types of supplements, like collagen and amino acids, being talked about extensively this year.

“ROOT TO STEM” EATING America has an egregious abundance of food waste. According to the Washington Post, the US wastes approximately $165 billion — yes, with a B — of food every year.

We’re hopefully going to see a decline in these numbers now that so many publications, documentary filmmakers, and even Anthony Bourdain are fervently talking about it.

Expect to see a rise in “root to stem” driven restaurants and options in health food grocery stores. The idea is pretty self-explanatory — using the entirety of the vegetable or animal so as to minimize waste as much as possible. If you care at all about climate change, focus your efforts on wasting less food. Period.

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COVER MEAT RAISED WITHOUT ANTIBIOTICS We’ve all heard the bad news about antibiotic resistance: Overuse of these life-saving drugs, especially in agriculture, are driving up cases of antibiotic resistance in humans. In 2017 there was much progress in reducing antibiotic use in chickens raised for food, says Jean Halloran, director of Food Policy Initiatives at Consumers Union, the policy and mobilization division of Consumer Reports. “In 2018, we hope to see producers making more of an effort to eliminate them in beef and pork, too.”

Buying meat and poultry raised without antibiotics or those labeled organic (organic standards prohibit antibiotic use) is a simple strategy consumers can use to help combat global antibiotic resistance. They can also support restaurants that have “no-antibiotic” policies. “Several large chains, including McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Subway, and Taco Bell, are now serving only ‘no-antibiotic’ chicken,” says Halloran.

“In 2018, we hope to see at least some additional chains source some of their beef and pork from ‘no-antibiotic’ producers.”

FUNCTIONAL MUSHROOMS Varieties such as reishi, chaga, cordyceps, and lion’s mane will be starring in unlikely products, such as bottled drinks, coffees, smoothies, and teas, Whole Foods predicts. “The rich flavors also lend themselves to mushroom broths, while the earthy, creamy notes pair well with cocoa, chocolate, or coffee flavors,” the company said in a press release. Though they don’t have magical healing properties, mushrooms in general offer a healthy mix of vitamins and nutrients, such as niacin, selenium, copper, and riboflavin. And their texture and savory flavor make them good substitutes for meat.

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Have you noticed this black powder turning up everywhere, from supplements, smoothies, cocktails, and lattes to face masks and bar soaps? The compound is a useful antidote for drug overdoses in the emergency room, but its promises to cleanse your insides, reduce body odor and bad breath, stop gas and bloating, brighten skin, clear acne, and even whiten teeth are largely unfounded.

Well what do you think? Are you adventurous enough to give these a try? Or are you already a part of the food trend revolution. Just like technology that seems to change by the second, you can bet that there are new culinary treasures being discovered even as you read this.

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MARCH 2018 9

COVER

BASICS OF PARTNERING CUISINE WITH WINE

BY JIM O’CONNELL

When we pick a wine we want along with our meal, a lot of the time we just make an informed guess about what we presume will work with the food we have prepared. We know what appeared to have worked prior to now so we may go that route. Or if we’re at a restaurant and we’re getting a special meal, we might ask our waiter or perhaps the sommelier for a suggestion. It may appear particularly complex, but even experts come back to three basics: acidity, body and flavor, with acidity the most crucial when pairing food.

Ultimately the things we are trying to accomplish when we pair food with wine are to develop combinations adding to one another. The types of food ought to enhance the flavor of the wine, and moreover the wine should enhance the taste of the food. Listed below are the basics that we are going to use to properly match meals and wine:

ACIDITY. White wines become produced with grapes that have been harvest earlier in the ripening progression. This is the time any acids are higher and the sugars remain undeveloped. These more acidic wines are ideal for seafood or fowl that is marinated in citrus, as well as those that are with cream-based sauces. High acidity wines ought to cleanse your palate and hold up against the flavors in any of those dishes.

Low acidity wines really are becoming the fashion in winemaking, and unfortunately they aren’t thought of as the optimal companion of food. They may taste outstanding independently, but are considered less difficult to produce, as having the appropriate balance for high acidity wines are generally more difficult to attain.

BODY. Certain wines should have a fuller more robust taste, which is frequently determined by the attribute of a grape variety in which that wine is produced as well as the quality of the wine on its own. Alcohol level can determine a wines body; wines with a higher alcohol level frequently will have greater body.

Generally speaking red wines may have more body, though this is not necessarily how it is. Chardonnay is a white wine that’s typically full-bodied, though a red that is very popular, Pinot Noir, is quite

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light. But the Merlots, Syrah’s in addition to Cabernet Sauvignons are some of the red wines that are full-bodied. Partnering those full-bodied wines with foods that are rather light as well as delicate, fish for instance, would typically overwhelm the food and definitely not create an ideal. A light wine wouldn’t pair well with beef, since it wouldn’t likewise stand up well to these heavy foods.

FLAVOR. Wine is merely another kind of food, and it contains the basic flavors of any other food products (other than salt). The most important differentiation is that wine has alcohol that offers aroma and body, and this gives the wine a richer taste. Types of foods that are salty, bitter or sour are going to make the more bitter red wines like the Cabernet seem sweeter and less tannic. So first take into account the food that you’re eating. Might it be sweet with berries added in? Then perhaps a sweeter fruity wine might be best.

Or if you happen to be eating any dish that has a more acidic base, then perhaps a citrusy drier wine would be a better option.

Complementing the flavors of food and wine will be probably the most challenging facet of wine and food pairings, but it is probably also the least important. Whenever you can get the acidity along with the accurate and explore the flavor pairings you will likely do just fine.

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INDESIGN DINING WITH STYLE… BRINGING IT HOME

BY DANN FOLEY

This month The Standard magazine celebrates everything Dining & Drinking. As an interior lifestyle designer I address all aspects of Living Well with my clients. I don’t just decorate rooms, I facilitate a real shift in not just what people live with but, how they live. Dining is an important element in that equation. For the sake of this article, I want to talk about how to live better with meals that we don’t prepare from scratch.

Dining in or dining out, we all have to make choices. What to eat and where? Stand up or sit down? Alone or with family & friends? Dining well is not about eating in a fancy restaurant every night or how often you go out to eat, it’s about how the experience enriches and satisfies all our senses.

When I am at home or when I am traveling (which I do with amazing frequency) I love to experience new restaurants and part of the experience is the atmosphere, at its best, one enhances the other. I want to show you how to take the best of the restaurant experience and bring it into your home.

Restaurant design today takes many cues from the home and vice versa. Open plans where the kitchen and dining areas are visible or a part of one another are standard in the both arenas.

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Preparing food has become both a spectator sport and a group activity. The way we eat, what we eat and how we eat is has changed drastically. Today’s open kitchen and dining area are what I affectionately call the “Bistro Kitchen”. This where what goes in the kitchen is part of the experience at the table and both areas can be beautiful and dramatic.

If you grew up in a household like mine, dinner was a more formal sit-down affair. My mother was a fantastic gourmet and both of my parents were sticklers for table manners. The combination of the two was not always a good one for kids and I remember more than one battle that may or may not have led to me being sent from the table to my room. For better or worse, we live in a more casual time and both our restaurants and our dining habits have followed the trend.

I am going to admit right here and out loud that I use a food delivery service. It would be shocking to my mother back then, even unheard of, but today it’s a common practice for busy individuals and families, as well as, people who just don’t like to cook. Staying home for a meal can be as satisfying as eating out…all you need are a few tips and just the slightest bit of effort to make the experience memorable and satisfying.

SET THE TABLE AND SIT DOWN! I know it sounds rudimentary, but sitting down with a plate and utensils can change your life! It can be at the table, the island or even at the coffee table, but make the act if eating one that enhances the experience and your life.

PLATE YOUR FOOD. This little trick is one I live by with my meal delivery service.

Taking the food out of the microwave container or out of the wrapper and putting it on a plate immediately elevates the experience…and the taste!

EAT WITH AND ON NON-DISPOSABLES. My Aunt Pat used to say, “A gentleman is someone who uses a butter knife, even when eating alone”. Those days may be long gong but, eating with a real fork and knife actually makes the food taste better! That is a piece of advice I give everyone and it’s true, I promise. It is also better for the environment because you have no waste.

AMBIANCE IS EVERYTHING! Before you skip over this one as being too much work or too pretentious, think about it. The simple act of lighting a candle can totally change your meal. Candles have become an American décor staple. I know you have one somewhere, so why not try lighting one tonight? It doesn’t have to be over the top, it’s just a small thing that enhances your meal and your life.

EVEN TAKEOUT SHOULD BE ELEVATED. One the easiest ways of turning any type of takeout food into something special is by adding an element or two when plating. Fresh herbs, a little fresh greenery on the plate or fresh cut fruit can add to the visual presentation and the flavor, even when you dine alone.

One of the things that I do just for myself is to keep a mix of dishware and tableware in my pantry so what ever my mood or type of food I am going to eat can be enlivened. There was a time when buying dishes was a big deal. You went to a store and you bought full place settings and large amounts of china.

Today, I buy only two or four pieces of anything I love. In fact, I have never bought a full place setting of anything for myself. I am a creative person and I enjoy mixing and matching everything in my cabinets just as I mix and match ingredients to create meals.

The same goes for my flatware and stemware. Just like in the rest of your life I tell me clients to “buy what you love”.

By taking a few extra minutes, dining at home can become an enriching experience. Isn’t that what we are all looking for? Life is meant to be enjoyed, savored and celebrated; why not extend that same sentiment to your meals?

Live Well.

MARCH 2018 13

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FEATURE

SUPERIOR LIPS SERVICE

BY PHIL BESSEMER

Lips is the preeminent drag dining experience in San Diego.

Not only are the drag shows out of this world, the divas are the waitresses so the show doesn’t stop when they get off the stage.

They banter and sass with guests all night long!

When the New York-based restaurant chain first headed west to San Diego in 1999, there were only a few skyscrapers and hotels outlining the cityscape. Gay nightlife had not yet established the identity it is known for today.

Yvonne Lame’, the visionary who co-founded the New York eatery and drag palace, enlisted local queen, Tootie, to get the San Diego location off the ground.

“Tootie is a star,” proclaims Lame’. “She embodies the heart of San Diego. In addition to being the city’s best drag performer, she hosts the nightly shows at Lips, assists in the managing and operation of the establishment and is on every board in North Park, working hard to further the growth of the area. To say she does it all would be an understatement!”

It is true that Lips San Diego has been a major force in shaping the North Park area on El Cajon Boulevard. Once a street of crime and car repair shops, the Boulevard burns bright today with a vibrant nightlife scene of art house theaters, eateries and breweries.

In large part, it is thanks to Tootie and designer Brenda Starr, who transformed a space that formerly held a Bob’s Big Boy and Sizzler, into a drag palace. They did it by adding bejeweled mirrors, crystal chandeliers, luxurious fabrics, VIP cabanas, and, of course, the signature neon Lips sign that gives everyone a kiss as they walk through the door.

“We put more glitter in here than you can shake a stick at,” laughs Tootie. “We set out to create a Las Vegas-style dinner theatre that looked like the inside of a drag queen’s jewelry box and I think most would agree that we succeeded.”

Birthdays and bachelorette celebrations are the specialty at Lips but it truly is a place to celebrate most anything in San Diego: from graduations to job promotions to holiday parties and even divorces. The ladies at Lips make every guest feel like a queen (or king) on their special night. Tootie says much of their success is due to the family atmosphere they have built at Lips.

“We all take care of each other,” she explains. “We share

experiences, make-up and hair tips and song choices. All that kind of stuff is passed down from generation to generation.”

Cassidy, a drag queen performer at Lips, is skilled in costuming.

When she’s not performing, she’s sewing glitzy outfits for the ladies to perform in. “I love incorporating sequins, leopard skin, velvet and feathers into my creations and then seeing my sisters rock out in the beautiful gown I made for them. It makes me feel so full!”

“Where else can a queen go to work, make a good living, have fun, and bring smiles and joy to guests,” wonders Tootie. “It really is like no other job.”

“I love the crowd interaction,” says Cheyenne, another Lips San Diego performer who got her start in drag in her hometown of Boston.

“The people that come here are so appreciative of what we do. It’s also an incredibly diverse audience. They come from all walks of life.”

Lips has an incredibly loyal gay clientele that fill their weekday dinner shows and Sunday Gospel Brunch. But the weekend is bachelorette central. “Ladies appreciate drag queens because, like us, they love fashion and makeup and they correctly view our transformations as a tribute to their beauty,” says Lame’.

She describes the future of Lips as unstoppable and exciting.

“Drag is bigger than ever, thanks to Rupaul’s Drag Race. Guests have a better understanding of what to expect and they come in looking for a great show and spectacular food and drinks and we serve it all to them… with a big wet kiss!”

Lips serves dinner and shows six nights a week. Their world famous Sunday Gospel Brunch is not to be missed! Visit LipsSD.com

MARCH 2018 15

FEATURE

ClexaCon, THE LARGEST CONVENTION FOR LGBTQ+ WOMEN AND ALLIES

BY MICHAEL KHORDOC

Returning to Sin City for the second consecutive year, ClexaCon is a unique kind of media and entertainment convention for LGBTQ+ women and allies.

Taking place in Las Vegas April 5th through April 9th, 2018 at the Tropicana Hotel, ClexaCon celebrates queer female characters and stories, comics, books, connecting fans, celebrities, creators and journalists.

It also hosts a series of panels on a multitude of topics, workshops, charity events, parties, as well as a three-day film festival and a loud message of gender equality, female empowerment, diversity and inclusion.

Standing as a viable resource and a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ women’s representation in entertainment, the event brings together actresses, directors, producers, writers, comic book illustrators, visual artists, academics and fans from over 40 countries and all 50 U.S.

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states to celebrate the best of LGBTQ+ TV and film and discuss how to improve representation across all media platforms.

Nothing is more crucial and urgently important today than diversity and inclusion, and not just in Hollywood but in all business models and fields. This is where ClexaCon comes in as a leader in an industry-wide conversation to effectively rally together the decision makers and influencers of our community to formulate and put forth real change to counter the lack of representation for LGBTQ+ women in front and behind the camera.

With that in mind, ClexaCon aims to foster dialogue around various aspects of diversity including gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and age, among others.

It also focuses on ‘inclusion’ with a series of panels tackling issues ranging from ‘Bias in the Media and Stereotype’, ‘Bisexual Representation in the Media’, ‘Decolonizing the LGBTQ Sphere:

ClexaCon LAS VEGAS

APRIL 5TH - APRIL 9TH, 2018 AT THE TROPICANA HOTEL Indigenous Queer Representation in the Media’, ‘Gaysian: Queer Asian Representation’ and ‘Disabled LGBTQ+ Representation’, to name a few.

Continuing its endeavor to create a morally accountable event, ClexaCon is dedicating its social responsibility platform this year to The True Colors Fund. Co-founded by Cyndi Lauper, the nonprofit organization works to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth, creating a world in which young people can be their true selves.

What started as a simple meet-up to unite fans of LGBTQ+ pop culture, evolved into a full-blown convention with over 2,000 attendees last year. ClexaCon is expected to welcome some 3,000+ attendees this spring.

In its first year, ClexaCon brought quite a variety of celebrity guests who are playing or have played LGBTQ+ characters on screen.

Last year, Sara Ramirez, known for her role as bisexual Dr. Callie Torres on the popular television series, Grey’s Anatomy joined the conversation at the queer women of color pop-up panel, speaking about her own bisexuality and struggles as a biracial woman.

Ramirez wasn’t the only celeb to get personal. Many others joined the convention and this year will be no different.

Featured guests for 2018 include Chlyer Leigh (Supergirl, Grey’s Anatomy), Caity Lotz (Legends of Tomorrow), Isabella Gomez, Gloria Calderon Kellett and Mike Royce (One Day at a Time), Anna Silk (Lost Girl), Dot Marie Jones (Glee), Nikohl Boosheri (The Bold Type), as well as many returning guests including Amy Acker (The Gifted, Person of Interest), Sarah Shahi (Person of Interest, The L Word), Katherine Barrell, Dominique Provost-Chalkley and Emily Andras (Wynonna Earp), Elise Bauman and Natasha Negovanlis (Carmilla), Elizabeth Keener (The L Word, Skirtchasers), Rachel Skarsten (Lost Girl, Reign), Zoie Palmer (Lost Girl, Dark Matter).

The name ClexaCon was born from the fan favorite ship ‘Clexa’ (Clarke & Lexa) on the show The 100. In 2016, lesbian Commander Lexa was killed by a bullet minutes after consummating her relationship with bisexual lead, Clarke Griffin, thus checking all the boxes of the ‘Bury Your Gays’ trope. This heartbreaking moment led the organizers of ClexaCon to create one of the first conventions geared towards LGBTQ+ women to move the conversation forward in a more positive way.

ClexaCon was created and is run by Holly Winebarger, Ashley Arnold and Danielle Jablonski with the goal to provide a safe space and a world-wide community of LGBTQ+ women and allies who love TV, film, comics and books; to encourage more LGBTQ+ women to get involved in content creation; to embolden allies to improve representation for LGBTQ+ characters in their creative work.

“We hope attendees feel empowered. We want them to leave knowing this industry, like all industries, is in desperate need of more diverse voices. Pick up a camera, grab a pen, start writing, start creating because there are other people who care about what you have to say,” says Ashley Arnold.

What makes ClexaCon relevant and current within today’s social, cultural and political landscape is that it is the only event of its size in the world. More and more comic con-type events are popping up all over the U.S. but it’s hard to find LGBTQ+ content in those spaces, let alone events that are geared specifically to our community.

At a time when lesbian spaces, festivals and publications are rampantly vanishing all across the country, ClexaCon becomes fundamentally necessary to reconnect a community - making an impact by providing a safe place for LGBTQ+ women from all walks of life to come together and act as agents of change.

ClexaCon is dedicated to being both a resource and an advocate for the value of diversity, equality and inclusion. It is now becoming a marquee destination for all things women in entertainment, proving that there is both quality and quantity to be found when it comes to creative work that represent LGBTQ+ women. www.clexacon.com

MARCH 2018 17

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BOOK REVIEW

ALWAYS OVERBOOKED

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

It had to start somewhere.

Someone had to make the first step, to pave the way, to stick a fork into the ground and say, “Here, now.” Someone had to be the first so that others could follow, and in the newly updated book “Transgender History” by Susan Stryker, you’ll see where we go next.

Opening a history book with a chapter on terms and words might seem odd but, says Susan Stryker, “remarkable changes” over the last decade demand it. Thus begins this book, with new language for what is an old lifestyle.

Indeed, America’s first recorded “intersex” individual was Thomas(ine) Hall, who lived in the 1620s, “sometimes as a man and sometimes as a woman.” Seventy years later, however, the colony of Massachusetts made “cross-dressing” illegal and it spread: by the 1850s, many U.S. cities had ordinances against dressing in clothing normally worn by the opposite sex.

And yet, it was hard to stop people who wanted to dress as or fully transition to another gender. Throughout the 1800s, records show that women dressed as men for battle, cross-dressers braved the frontier, men ran away from their families to be true to their feminine selves, and Native American cultures embraced transgender people. Says Stryker, after anesthesia was invented and surgeries were safer, “individuals began approaching doctors to request surgical alteration of… parts of their bodies.”

For a time, then, the movement was relatively quiet – by necessity, as the Nazis proved when they torched Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld’s Institute for Sexual Science in Berlin – until American Christine Jorgensen “burst onto the scene” in late 1952 when she traveled to Copenhagen for trans surgery. Her ensuing fame didn’t signal full acceptance for trans people, but it was a start: Riots in 1959 led to activism in the 1960s, and post-Stonewall groups consolidated to lend support and work through “difficult decades” of the ‘70s, ‘80s, and the AIDS crisis. Today, says Stryker, though we live in interesting times of Trump and turmoil, the news is heartening. Millennials and “post-Baby Boomers” have expressed more acceptance of “transgender as part of the ‘anti-heteronormative’ mix.”

Though “Transgender History” is a revised edition of a book first published a decade ago, it has a fresh feel thanks to that which author Susan Stryker has added. The first chapter, somewhat of a dictionary, schools readers on new ways of talking about LGBTQ issues and individuals, while the last chapter of trans history brings readers up to the present, includes topics of politics, potties, and celebrity.

What makes it unusual is that, though it’s not always chronological, it’s breezy and casually readable. There’s no stuffiness here, and no air of the scholarly: Stryker makes this history accessible for people who want a story and not a textbook.

And so, this book is a pleasant surprise. It’s easy to read, not overly wordy, and there are a just-right number of illustrations here for a reader’s enjoyment. For anyone who wants a basic, yet lively, overview of trans life in America, “Transgender History” is a great start.

“Transgender History: The Roots of Today’s Revolution, Revised Edition” by Susan Stryker c.2008, 2017, Seal Press $17.99 / $23.49 Canada / 303 pages

MARCH 2018 19

THE AMAZON TRAIL

MY DAILY LAST STRAW

BY LEE LYNCH

What exactly is the last straw? I thought it was the presidential buffoon’s goading of North Korea, but I was wrong. Our government is suddenly so feeble, so twisted up in procedure, infighting, and tripping over its own all-too-often dropped pants, it can no longer protect its citizens from nuclear war. At least, that’s what it looks like to this baffled constituent.

It’s impossible for me to understand why this dangerous combination of buffoon and bullying congressional majority, hasn’t been declared null and void. Living in Oregon, we see some wonderful protests from Senator Ron Wyden, Senator Jeff Merkley, and others, raising the hue and cry, but their rational heroics are like skywriting airplanes whose messages dissipate within seconds.

The grumbling in my blue town is becoming incessant. Everywhere

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I go I overhear people speaking of democracy dismantled, and mocking the buffoon, and wondering aloud what we can do to stop the pandering to big business. I’d hoped the Resist and Persist March would have grown in numbers this year, with the new post-election activists Pied-Pipering their friends and relations into the streets with signs that spoke to the issues. The numbers were still good, if smaller, but the signs were a disappointment. All too many were clever barbs at the buffoon, who is no more than a court jester distracting the rest of D.C. from its real work of serving the people. The court jester who also acts as a smokescreen for the Dick Cheney-like connivings of Pence and his out of touch cronies.

Now, I am not the most politically savvy dyke at the women’s festival, and the ins and outs of policy aren’t something I’ve put a

lot of energy into understanding. I can’t even take the stress of our Homeowners Association meetings. The necessity to compromise on all things governmental was a realization that clobbered me many years ago and puzzles me to this day. Like that stupid border wall; that economic iron curtain. The answer is simple: no. Yet the proposal is still in play. In fact, many voters support spending billions on it even as the people they elected want to scrimp on Social Security.

As a matter of fact, news of my personal daily last straw came to me today from CREDO, the progressive activist arm of the phone company CREDO Mobile. “Sen. Marco Rubio and Ivanka Trump are coming after your Social Security benefits,” read the announcement, urging me to sign a petition.

WTF? I said to myself.

“And what the hell do they have to do with it??????” wrote a friend from Georgia, questioning the unholy union of privileged daughter and son-of-immigrants senator.

Indeed, what the hell is the buffoon’s daughter doing cavorting around our White House in the first place? Why hasn’t this nepotism been challenged? And where do she and conservative Florida’s golden boy, Rubio, come off messing in any way with the Social Security funds I earned in my fifty years of often grueling employment? That my niece and nephews are accruing today?

Where did those two ever come up with this asinine idea of punishing Americans for having children? Yes, the world is overpopulated, but does Ivanka, a working woman, want to undermine the progress women have made to have both careers and kids? Does Rubio want us back in his kitchen, scrubbing floors?

Or is this some sort of stealth birth control: discouraging reproduction by requiring that parents work longer if they’re going to selfishly indulge themselves with children?

I thought this administration didn’t believe in birth control.

Wrong again. It may not believe in anything other than making America white again, not that we ever were.

And that’s the dumbest part of the Ivanka-Marco attack on Social Security. The fortunate employees who do have parental leave benefits are still paying into Social Security while on leave.

These employees are also the people who have jobs not available to most Americans. The grease monkey who works under your car, for example, or the home health aide who bathes your elderly father— they’re more familiar with the term unpaid leave than parental leave.

“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”

This is nothing new, as Shakespeare documented. I just never expected such rot in our democratic institutions. Checks and balances no longer work when bullies, buffoons, and big business risk overloading America with that last straw.

MARCH 2018 21

FILM

VISUAL ARTIST, POET & FILMMAKER, JI STRANGEWAY

BY MICHEL KHORDOC

Visual Artist, Poet & Filmmaker, Ji Strangeway offers a raw and realistic take on the teenage experience for LGBTQ youth in new graphic novel “Red As Blue”.

With a unique, genre-bending style that is sometimes lyrical, sometimes sharp as a razor’s edge, and always engaging; Ji Strangeway’s Red as Blue, beckons LGBTQ youths and X-gens to beautifully come of age all over again.

Set in a fictional desert town in 1980s Colorado, Red as Blue is the story of 15-year-old June Lusparian, an outcast caught between worlds. Half Mexican and half Armenian, June hovers on the border of adulthood, searching the streets of Paradise and the halls of Paradise High for signs of redemption – symptoms of life.

When she falls for blonde, cool girl Beverly, captain of the Spirit Girls cheer squad, June hopes she may, at last, have found that one true thing. But as their nascent romance grows, June learns true connection requires more than a bond of pain and the ache of desire.

Strangeway’s graphic novel offers a much more raw and realistic take on the teenage experience than most books in learning how to survive in school and the battle between clans. She tackles a variety of relevant, current and very real issues that teenagers (still) face today: suicide, gender identity, love & sexuality, social classes and acceptance.

A visual artist, poet, and filmmaker, Ji Strangeway is naturally inclined to tell stories that words can’t express but images can.

Red as Blue is not a traditional graphic novel. It is a hybrid— which is literature mixed with screenplay format and also text messing symbols.

What makes Red as Blue different than most classic American Teen Dramas is that it is neither frivolous nor juvenile. The story world uniquely takes place in the Chicano culture in America...and that part of society is rarely illustrated in high school stories unless specifically written for the Hispanic community.

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To some degree the book is a myth-buster about the American experience in terms of romantic idealism. In the 1980s where the story is set, there wasn’t a place for people to be openly gay and certainly not for queer-questioning kids who didn’t believe in gay or straight but purely #loveislove as the hash now stands today.

While a lot of tragic events happen in the story, overall Strangeway tells a love story that doesn’t end in tragedy and offers hope.

High school is a near-universal experience that many of us can relate to. It is also a complicated, turbulent and messy time in life in that comes with a load and wide range of feelings. Myriads of books have been written about it…but Ji’s unique approach with Red As Blue makes this graphic novel an essential – certainly among the few gems that really nail it and have something to say.

Ultimately, Ji Strangeway wrote the book as a healing journey for many generations of LGBTQ youths who had lived a life of unlived freedom and potential.

She hopes it will inspire readers, especially the youth to learn how to transform their creative and often destructive energy into something power...and that #loveoverpower is the way toward building the ideal world and to transcend adversity or darkness.

Film director, author, and poet, Ji Strangeway is driven by the persistent, frenetic pull of the universe. She embraces the female-centric coming of age love story. Her short film Nune, nominated for best short film screenplay by the International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema Berlin, is an LGBTQ teen drama that draws on the sacred bond of first love. Strangeway’s cinematic style emerges in her written work.

Her latest graphic novel, Red as Blue, introduces YA readers to a unique cross-genre aesthetic. Strangeway’s work is an unconventional call to action. Her words are for the dreamers and idealists.

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MARCH 2018 25

PSP FOCUS

CLUB SKIRTS DINAH SHORE WEEKEND AMPS UP THE VOLUME ON WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

For many, The Dinah is an annual tradition between friends; for others it is a bucket-list goal, a pilgrimage to our very own Mecca that every queer woman should make at least once in her life. No matter what the impetus for attending is, The Dinah is for all a unique opportunity to experience one of the most bonding, liberating and transforming festival ever in the spirit of sisterhood and community.

No other event in the world embodies the essence of woman empowerment like The Dinah does. Standing strong and proud as one of the largest and longest running party & music festival for queer women in the world, The Dinah - celebrating its 28th anniversary (March 28 – April 1, 2018) – continues to affirm its unwavering commitment to focus on the power of women to create big and lasting change.

Leading the way and making a difference for both the LGBTQ community and women in general, The Dinah is cranking up the volume on its commitment to elevate women’s voices and push forth its enduring message of female equality.

Putting passion into action, The Dinah is proud to be an active community collaborator teaming up with some of the top LGBTQ players in Arts & Entertainment to help promote and raise women’s visibility in films/TV & on the web, whether in front and/or behind the camera.

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There is so much talk about the gender inequality in films and how we need more female filmmakers, writers and actors; now The Dinah is helping several institutions do something about it.

Outfest (the Los Angeles LGBTQ film Festival), Tello Films (the first lesbian network producing and distributing high quality web series with a lesbian focus) and Revry (the LGBTQ digital streaming platform dedicated to showcasing the queer experience with a strong emphasis on transgender stories) are dedicated to advancing professional achievement for women working in all areas of film, video, and other screen-based media.

These groundbreaking pioneers in the LGBTQ entertainment industry will have high presence at the Dinah and be actively engaged with the audience through a series of special events including surprise performances and radio podcasts. They will host exclusive meet & greets giving Dinah attendees a chance to rub elbows with the stars behind a slew of unique and original LGBTQ films and programs in an effort to raise visibility.

“Throughout my thirty-year career, whether as a club promoter or as the producer of the world’s largest internationally renowned event, I have supported film in its many incantations as often as I can.

Our diverse and poignant stories must be told. Allowing the world

PSP FOCUS

to see an inside view of our beautiful and often challenging LGBTQ lives is one of the best ways we can break barriers, create equality and live in a more tolerant and compassionate world. Our stories connect us through our shared humanity and in a sense celebrate what binds us rather than what divides us, “ says Mariah Hanson, founder and producer of the Dinah.

In addition, Outfest will present a celebrity-studded cocktail reception Saturday night, which will feature some of their famed female filmmakers and talent.

All three institutions will have a booth throughout the entire duration of the Dinah so customers can get acquainted with their services and hopefully consider giving their support with a membership.

“Each year we look forward to the Dinah. Mariah and her team have always been so supportive of Tello and our mission to make content for the community. This is one of the highlights of our year, a time when we can come together and be our authentic self among friends and like-minded people. We are excited to be back with the cast and creatives from our most popular series, “ comments Christin Baker, CEO of Tello Films.

Outfest, Revry and Tello are all on track with the Dinah’s dedication to being both a resource and an advocate for the value of diversity and inclusion. It’s all about the empowering effect of sharing stories.

Mariah Hanson, the mastermind behind the legendary worldclass destination event, is herself not just shaking things up but changing the game too.

An exemplary community leader, she’s single-handedly revolutionized her industry, overturned tradition and raised the bar

on female achievement with an event that is entirely produced by women, for women.

Her fearless entrepreneurial spirit and keen business acumen in executing her vision have earned her the first ever Legacy Award at the 5th Annual Center Stage Gala; the 2015 NCLR Award; the 2014 Spirit of Stonewall Lifetime Achievement Award; and the 2013 Athena Leadership Award.

Today the Dinah is not just about lesbians, it’s about WOMEN an event celebrating the tapestry of women who come from all over the world to simply be themselves.

Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend is readying to deliver another roof-raising celebration and is already anticipating a jawdropping turnout.

For more information go to: www.thedinah.com

MARCH 2018 27

PSP FOCUS

PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED! SISTER ACT COMING TO PALM CANYON THEATRE

A disco diva on the run from her gangster boyfriend and his thugs finds herself in the witness protection program in a convent… it could happen! And it does, in the hilarious musical, Sister Act. Whoopi Goldberg first made the story famous on the silver screen in 1992. The hit movie became a musical produced by Goldberg and Stage Entertainment and opened in London in 2009.

Alan Menken wrote Sister Act’s original music, with lyrics by Glenn Slater, and book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. One of PCT’s beloved triple-threat company members Robbie Wayne will put on his director and choreographer hats for this show. Derik Shopinski is the production’s costumer with set and lighting designs by Co-artistic Director J.W. Layne. Jaci Davis is the show’s musical director, and she will lead a four-piece ensemble during the 3-week run.

Nicole Tillman will play Disco Diva Deloris Van Cartier. Tillman has previously been seen on the PCT stage in Rent (Joanne), Hair (Ronnie), Avenue Q (Gary Coleman). She is a graduate of Colgate University and the London Academy of Theatre. Currently, Nicole is

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the lead singer of the band Tragic Remedy and the worship leader of Shore Christian Church in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Wayne will also play Deloris’ boyfriend Curtis Jackson. Anthony Nannini will play T.J., Jackson’s nephew who is looking for Deloris. Ben Reece will play Eddie Souther, the helpful police officer, who gets Deloris into the witness protection program. A talented ensemble of PCT company members, including Morgana Corelli, Elizabeth Schmelling, and Jasmine Shaffer will play nuns led by Amanda Burr who will play Mother Superior.

Sister Act opens at the Palm Canyon Theatre on Friday, March 9, and runs through Sunday, March 25. Show times are 7 p.m. on Thursdays, and 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. Tickets are $32-$36. Student tickets are $15, with valid ID; student tickets must be purchased at the Box Office.

For tickets or more information, call the Palm Canyon Theatre Box Office at 760-323-5123 or order online: PalmCanyonTheatre. org. The Palm Canyon Theatre is located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive, at the corner of Alejo Road and Palm Canyon Drive. Box Office hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

PSP FOCUS

STELLAR NETWORKS TO LAUNCH iHUB RADIO

Palm Springs will be home to a first-of-its-kind news, talk and entertainment platform starting next month. iHub Radio, operated

by Stellar Networks, will debut as a 24/7 digital spoken word programming service that is all-locally produced beginning on April 1, 2018.

Founder and CEO John McMullen thinks the timing is right.

“News/Talk continues to be the most popular format on radio among adults nationwide,” says McMullen. “However, there are less than a handful of hours each day on over-the-air radio that have any local and regional focus in this community. We’re going to change that dramatically with iHub Radio.”

“Local content makes a connection with listeners,” says McMullen. “Hosts in this community bond with their neighbors in good times and bad. The shared experiences and the unique challenges and achievements are what fuel really compelling spoken word entertainment and information. We also recognize that people have become fatigued by the same old polarizing rhetoric that the airwaves have been littered with hour after hour, day after day.

The time has come for a refreshing attitude, a diverse spectrum of viewpoints and reflecting the life experiences of people across the entire Coachella Valley.” iHub Radio will be accessible at no charge to listeners in the Coachella Valley and beyond through its own App, scheduled to be released the week before launch, as well as streaming through the platform’s website at www.iHubRadio.com and through the TuneIn App, all of which will be available online and for both iOS and Android platforms. Visit www.ihubradio.com for details.

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30 THESTANDARDPS.COM

California’s First Pride of the Year

P re s e n t s

C AT H E D R A L C I T Y

LGBT DAYS March 30-April 1, 2018 Thea Aussn - Formerly of SNAP! ▪ New York Drag Legend - Lady Bunny ▪ Delta Work of RuPaul’s Drag Race ▪ Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles

Thea Aussn

Delta Work

Lady Bunny

Del Shores

FREE FESTIVAL EVENTS

▪

- The world's first LGBTQ mariachi band

David Hernandez - FINALIST from American Idol ▪ Musical performance by Corday ▪ Aurora Sexton - female Illusionist ▪ Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus ▪ Keisha D ▪ Jeremiah Clark ▪ Modern Men Chorus ▪

Del Shores

Performing his one-man show “Six Characters In Search Of A Play” at the Mary Pickford Theatre

David Hernandez

Corday

Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles

Bed Race 11am March 31

CATHEDRALCITYLGBTDAYS.COM

MARCH 2018 31

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PERSPECTIVE

A DIFFERENT STYLE OF CRUISING

BY JILL LANGHAM

Hello, my friends and Happy Spring! What an incredible winter we have been blessed with. I was in Ft. Lauderdale in late January and trust me when I tell you it was quite chilly. I went there to go on a cruise and only laid in the sun twice! But, it was the trip itself that I wanted to chat about, not the weather.

I was blessed to be able to get on a ship of 5200 hundred passengers, of which 5132 were gay men and 58 were women, and feel so comfortable. I light up around gay men and we seem to feed off of one another. I went on this cruise for 2 reasons the first was to dance! The DJ’s on these cruises were absolutely top notch, the best of the best and I danced to my heart’s content for 10-12 hours in a row. The second was to prepare myself for a photo shoot for the cover of my new book, titled of all things, “How I became the Dancing Queen of Palm Springs: A memoire of Body, Mind and Spirit Transformation”, now available on Amazon!

But, what blew me away on this past trip were the things I saw on the dance floor and that’s what I wanted to share with you as a group. I am neither naïve, nor a prude and love to have a good time while dancing. For the most part, I believe the dance floor is a time to connect with others, be playful and sexy but still appropriate. I was one of very few women at these dances and by far the one having the most fun!

That is until I saw some things that I truly hoped were no longer happening in todays world. And I say this without judgment, but instead concern and love. I saw men engaging in bare-back sex in rows of 3, 4 and even 5 guys (think conga line) There were no rubbers on their body parts and people were going from one set of cheeks to another’s oral cheeks, again with no condoms, wipes, antibacterial’s, or soap and water. And this was happening night after night, all over the dance floor.

MARCH 2018 33

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PERSPECTIVE A large number of my gay friends (of varying ages), who have been all over the world attending circuit party after circuit party, commented that they were horrified by what they called the “animalistic nature” of their fellow brothers and felt like things were going too far. I talked to hundreds of men during the 7 days that I was on the boat, asking them if they were worried about HIV, Hepatitis C or STI’s and was surprised by the majority of their answers.

“I’m on Prep, so it doesn’t matter.”

“But Prep doesn’t help you when it comes to S.T.I’s.” (ME) “No worries, I’ll just get a shot of penicillin, and 2 Z-packs and I’ll be fine.”

Wow! (ME) That shocked me! Am I alone or is this the new wave of thinking?

It really concerns me because I was talking to one of the P.A.’s at D.A.P. who he was telling me that there is a strain of gonorrhea in Palm Springs that is resistant to most of the antibiotics on today’s market. Is this how the HIV strain developed? Are we headed for another tragedy amongst younger gay men? Is this where the pendulum swings the other way?

I keep asking myself why this is happening. I know that the gay community has been asking for acceptance for a very long time and

that pre-Trump were the closest to getting what you deserved all along, which has been fantastic. I realized that with Trump these same rights could be lost, which would be tragic. But, at the same time I wondered if some of this overt sexual behavior has a place on a public dance floor. I mean, a cruise that is open to men and women is not the same as going to a sex club, a gay resort or bathhouse, so should overt, over the top sex be allowed or tolerated? But, more important and the real question, are we going backwards?

There is such deck that is referred to the Dick Deck for such activities and each one of the cruisers also has a bed and a room on the boat, so I wondered why these men couldn’t just take their activities there. I’m a huge exhibitionist and love my body, which I’m sure is no surprise to anyone who knows me, but I also think it’s sexy to show some restraint and respect my fellow travelers. I am wondering how you are all feeling about this? I’d really love to hear your thoughts. And, if you are in agreement, what can we do? I don’t want to lose one more person through denial, ignorance, or blatant disregard for a real health crisis.

With love, Jill, your Dancing Queen XOXO

MARCH 2018 35

LEGALLY SPEAKING

MAN VERSUS FOOD A FEAST OF CONFLICT

BY CHRISTOPHER HERITAGE

It’s amazing how we can take food, a simple necessity of life, and stretch, twist and puff it up it into something far more than 3 square meals a day. We glorify it on gourmet altars; we sanctify it in loaves, fishes and sacred wine; we stubbornly resist eating a healthy diet; and we conjure up conflicts that can cause legal troubles.

Here are some examples of the legal baggage often attached to food that will make you wonder what’s next on the menu: The Wedding Cake Affair - This is of critical importance to the LGBTQ community, and it is a current event that we are all following. In the simplest of terms, a bakery in Colorado refused to create a wedding cake for a gay couple that were getting married.

The baker’s reason: his religious beliefs. The couple claiming discrimination under equal protection laws filed a suit, and it is now before the U.S. Supreme Court. Oral arguments were heard in December 2017, and it appeared that the court was evenly divided in their views on the issue. A final decision is expected in June, 2018.

This is a crucial case, which could have long-lasting effect on other

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equal rights issues affecting our community, and will certainly color the future of “religious freedom” claims.

The Hot Coffee Incident - This lawsuit has been tossed all around by the press and by lots of people who couldn’t believe the court’s decision. A patron of McDonald’s ordered hot coffee, and, by accident, it spilled into her lap. It was nearly boiling hot, and it badly burned her. She sued the establishment for serving coffee that was too hot. And she won hundreds of thousands of dollars for the burns she suffered. Folks were astonished – “she ordered hot coffee – what did she expect?”. But the court recognized that the coffee was abnormally hot, that she could not have been expected to know this, and she had 3rd degree burns on 6% of her body – a very substantial injury.

The Iced Coffee Complaint - Starbucks was the target of this lawsuit when a man was angry that his iced coffee had less coffee in it than advertised because some of the space in the cup was taken up by ice. The judge didn’t take long to decide this one. Common

sense and the laws of physics say if you want ice in the drink, it will take up space in the cup and there will be less liquid in it.

The Fat People Syndrome - “Obesity lawsuits” became so common a few years ago that at least 26 states banned suits against fast food companies that alleged that the food affected their health by making them fat, giving them diabetes or adding to their high blood pressure. One well-publicized lawsuit claimed that McDonald’s foods were dangerous and the chain was negligent in not warning its customers. To win such a suit, the plaintiff had to prove: The danger was not apparent to the average consumer The product was unreasonably dangerous for its intended use Obesity was caused by the food in question Harm would not have occurred if adequate warning had been given The case was dismissed, with the court ruling that “if customers know (or reasonably should know) the potential ill health effects of eating at McDonald’s, they cannot blame McDonald’s if they, nonetheless, choose to satiate their appetite with a surfeit of supersized McDonald’s products”.

But in another case, a former manager of a McDonald’s eatery gained 65 pounds in the 12 years he worked there. He sued the chain for providing free lunches and requiring that he taste products to ensure food quality. A judge awarded him $17,500.

The Faith and Food Restrictions Issue - There have been numerous lawsuits based on restaurants serving bacon or other pork products in foods that claimed to meet the dietary restrictions of Jews and Muslims. Both Jewish and Islamic faiths prohibit ingesting pork.

Recent lawsuits included one where Denny’s served a “meat-free” omelet to a Jewish woman. It had bacon in it, and she was appalled and felt she had been poisoned when she realized that she ate some of it. In another case, Kentucky Fried Chicken served chicken and cheese sandwiches to a Muslim couple. There was bacon in the sandwiches and the couple were horrified when they discovered it. In their faith, even touching pork is absolutely forbidden.

Food – we can’t live without it, but living with it is often a supersized challenge.

This article is part of an ongoing series of articles pertaining to legal issues relevant to the LGBT community, and is intended for general information purposes only – not legal advice. Christopher Heritage is an attorney in Palm Springs and San Diego, who focuses on LGBT estate planning, domestic partnerships, same-sex marriage, probate, trust administration, and bankruptcy. He welcomes questions and comments and can be contacted at 760-325-2020 or at chris@heritagelegal.com

MARCH 2018 37

MUSIC

TONY MORAN AND KIMBERLY DAVIS ARE BACK IN THE MIX

BY PAUL HUTNICK

Twice Grammy-nominated music producer Tony Moran, together with Kimberly Davis and lyricist Mike Greenly, are following up their #1 smash from this summer, “My Fire”, with a brand new collaboration, “You’re Good For Me”. It’s an empowering track for the spring season of love just ahead -- blending dance with R&B for an urban pop record celebrating those very important people who bless our lives. It also reminds anyone waiting for love that their special someone is out there.

available on iTunes, Spotify and Amazon as well as via all other online music retail outlets. Its video is available on YouTube.

“I’m thankful for the wonderful men in my life,” says a lively Davis from her Manhattan home. “First is my boo, my husband, my soul mate; he makes each moment worth living. Then I have my musical Prince Charmings, Tony Moran and Mike Greenly, who inspire me to sing my heart out every day and night.”

“The idea for the song came about through a conversation with Mike (Greenly),” continues Davis. “It was one of those deep talks that got me thinking about all the many dreams I’ve had throughout my singing career that, for whatever reason, fell apart. Oh, how I grieved for them but upon reflection, I came to realize that for each disappointment, right before I was about to leap off the deep end, I always found the most important man in my life there beside me, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Though He may not always give me what I want, He always gives me what I need ... and deep in my soul; I know that everything happens for a reason. If it’s meant to be, it will be. It’s up to me, as it is for all of us, to keep our eyes on the prize.”

Written by Tony Moran, Tony Smith, Jim Papoulis and Mike Greenly, Tony Moran’s “You’re Good For Me” featuring Kimberly Davis is being released globally through Mr. Tan Man Music. It is

“You’re Good For Me” is the second collaboration among Davis, Greenly and Moran. Their first song, “My Fire, hit the #1 spot on the Billboard Club Play Chart on July 29, 2017, jumping over Ed

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Sheeran’s “Castle On The Hill” and taking the spot previously held

by Katy Perry’s “Swish Swish” featuring Nicki Minaj.

“I was thrilled with the success of ‘My Fire’” reflects songwriter Mike Greenly. “That song was a triumphant expression of selfdiscovery -- learning to have gratitude for one’s own self. ‘You’re Good For Me’ extends that awareness and appreciation to those around us who add joy to our lives: the people we are connected to through a spirit of love, support and acceptance. They help make us better people!”

“I remember hearing Kimberly Davis on ‘With You,’ a song she recorded with Mike (Greenly) and Jim (Papoulis),” says Tony Moran. “It was like listening to Whitney or Mary J. I knew right then and there that I needed to bring all these amazing talents onto my ‘Moodswings’ album.”

“Moodswings” is Tony Moran’s double-album of music featuring 17 original dance songs and 14 original pop, R&B and alternative productions sung by today’s leading dance artists including Martha Wash. The album draws inspiration from Moran’s 30 years in dance music and includes many amazing collaborators, like former American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi.

“You’re Good For Me” is the sixth single release from “Moodswings”. The album has already yielded three Billboard #1s: Jason Walker’s “Say Yes,” Zhana Roiya’s “Lick me Up” and Kimberly Davis’ “My Fire”. “Collaborating with talented artists is what drives me in my own artistry,” says Moran. “I thrive off the magic of others.”

Fans can see the exuberant love shared between Moran and Davis in their music video for “You’re Good For Me”. Directed

by Patty Nieto, it features behind-the-scenes footage of the pair recording the single in-studio. “The idea was to give fans a peek at

the passion and fire that goes into the creative process,” says Davis.

“I mean, it’s hard work, too. But we’re making joyful records and all the fun behind the beats is for real.”

“As someone behind the glass panel during the recording sessions, I can attest to the authenticity of the love that these two so obviously share,” says Greenly. “And hearing my words with Jim’s composition now musically brought to life by Kimberly and production masters Tony Smith and Tony Moran ... well, the beautiful synergy makes me realize that this amazing team of talent we have assembled truly is GOOD for me!”

Tony Moran’s “You’re Good For Me” featuring Kimberly Davis is being released globally through Mr. Tan Man Music. It is available on iTunes, Spotify and Amazon as well as all other online retail outlets. Its music video is available on YouTube.

Follow Tony: TWITTER: moranmusic FACEBOOK: DJTONYMORAN SOUNDCLOUD: dancemusicprod Follow Kimberly Davis: TWITTER: itsmekimdavis

Follow Mike Greenly: TWITTER: MIKEGREENLY FACEBOOK: MIKEGREENLY

MARCH 2018 39

SOCIAL COMMENTARY

“HOW IS THAT WORKING OUT FOR YOU?”

BY DR. STEPHAN M. SCOGGINS

My objective was to “comfort those who are afflicted and afflict those who are comfortable.”

Just a few months ago, many of us were making plans for the New Year. Chants could be heard across the country, “2018 is MY year! Things I used to do, Lord, I won’t do no more!”(smile) We paid for gym memberships, stopped smoking, made one appearance at church, ended and started new relationships and went on a diet for one day.

So tell me, “How is that working out for you?”

I think it is important, since we’re very close, that we.... “check in”. In speaking with friends and reading posts on Facebook if I hear one more “if it hadn’t been for” excuses, I am going to run down the street butt ass naked. Fellas, are ALL baby mommas THAT controlling that you cannot work regularly? You cannot start or develop your business? Your savings account is empty because of all of your responsibilities, although you two are no longer together? If the answer

40 THESTANDARDPS.COM

to those questions is, yes, then she was right, you ARE weak and it is clear why she was so dissatisfied with the relationship. How is that working out for you?

And ladies, do ALL of your Facebook posts have to be about what you are not gonna put up with from a mate? How many men try to talk to you, but they all fall short of God’s glory? How independent you are and how you don’t kiss any ass? Newsflash!

If you got it going on like you SAY you have it going on and months and years have gone by and there is still no mate, YOU are the problem! At best, it is masturbatory that you are just making yourself feel good with talking about all of that bullshit, yet in reality, you are SO bitter, toxic and lonely that people are running away like Forrest Gump.

How is that working out for you?

Ok, ok call off the hit man. My objective was to “comfort those who are afflicted and afflict those who are comfortable.”(smile) On the real, isn’t is amazing that this is already March? That many of us did in fact plan on doing so much, yet here we are with VERY LITTLE results. Here is a suggestion, let’s have a do-over.(smile) Start, right now, in planning your work and working your plan.

In the above scenario I gave for the fellas, if you and your Ex have such a turbulent relationship, why not consider a third-party visitation? Oh yeah, that would prevent you two from seeing each other and having an excuse to argue. Why not follow the court orders to the letter? Oh yeah, that would interfere with you telling people about the “extra” stuff you do for your children that you should be doing any damn way.(smile) What about keeping a record of how often

you talk about positive, encouraging topics?

Contrary to popular belief, men gossip just as much as women. Security!(smile) And ladies, for your “do-over”, here is a consideration. I know a country pastor who says, “If you put your business on the front page people got a right to read it.” In all honesty, who needs to know all of the things that even you yourself find painful or silly?

It would be like playing cards and showing your hand. Trust me when I say, NO man is fooled about what you won’t put up with.

You are continuously forecasting all of the information he needs to know and it just allows him to determine, “Do I want to use this information and play her like an easy board game? Or do I want to just misuse her and

then leave skid marks in front of her house?”

If you are willing to be honest with yourself and stop to ask, “Do I know more about the people I date or do they know more about me?” If it is the latter, it quite simply means that you are talking too damn much.(smile) When a man asks, “Why did you break up with your last mate?” Your ONLY response should be, “It was time for a change.” And fellas, with all that ego and sexual bragging, I once heard the comedian, Michael Epps say, “Your penis is going to die before your do.” So, with that valuable information, hopefully, you can be more substantive than your talleywhacker.

For the readers who want to take my head off, this article was meant complete-

ly for you. Sometimes, we keep our hands closed so tightly to not let anything get out that we prevent anything from getting in. It is my sincere desire that you stop the panting, stop the evil thoughts targeted at me because I have stepped on the corn of your baby toe.(smile) Visit my website at www.

StephanScoggins.com and join the many readers who write a monthly response. Be honest with yourself about the things you “said” you were gonna start doing in January; be honest about YOUR behavior and interactions with other people and let us know, “How is that working out for you?”

Email your response to esteem@roadrunner. com and as always, your name and accompanying information will remain completely confidential.

MARCH 2018 41

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RESTAURANTS VILLAGE PUB 266 S. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.323.3265 www.palmspringsvillagepub.com NATURE’S HEALTH FOOD & CAFE 555 S Sunrise Way Suite 301 Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.323.9487 www.natureshealthfoodcafe.com SHERMAN’S DELI & BAKERY 401 E Tahquitz Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.1199 www.shermansdeli.com RÍO AZUL 350 S. Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.992.5641 www.rioazulpalmsprings.com 849 849 N Palm Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.8490 www.eight4nine.com COPLEY’S ON PALM CANYON 621 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.327.9555 www.copleyspalmsprings.com WORKSHOP KITCHEN & BAR 800 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.459.3451 www.workshoppalmsprings.com

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DINE | DRINK | DANCE Palm Springs LULU CALIFORNIA BISTRO 200 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.327.5858 www.lulupalmsprings.com

CHEEKYS 622 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.327.7595 www.cheekysps.com

PURPLE ROOM 1900 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.322.4422 www.purpleroompalmsprings.com

POMME FRITE 256 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.778.3727 www.pomme-frite.com

EL MIRASOL 140 E Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.323.0721 www.elmirasolrestaurants.com

CHILL BAR 217 E. Arenas Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.327.1079

THAI SMILE PALM SPRINGS 100 South Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.5503 www.thaismilepalmsprings.com

RICK’S RESTAURANT 1973 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.416.0090 www.ricksrestaurant.biz

TRIO RESTAURANT 707 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.864.8746 www.triopalmsprings.com

PINOCCHIO IN THE DESERT 134 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.322.3776 www.pinocchiops.com

THE TROPICALE 330 E Amado Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.866.1952 www.thetropicale.com

BARS AND NIGHT CLUBS

ZIN AMERICAN BISTRO 198 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 760.322.6300 www.pszin.com LULU CALIFORNIA BISTRO 200 S Palm Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.327.5858 www.lulupalmsprings.com

HUNTERS NIGHTCLUB 302 East Arenas Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.323.0700 www.huntersnightclubs.com TOUCAN’S TIKI LOUNGE 2100 North Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.416.7584 www.toucanstikilounge.com

STREETBAR 224 E. Arenas Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.1266 www.psstreetbar.com THE TOOL SHED 600 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.3299 www.toolshed-ps.com STACY’S AT PALM SPRINGS 220 E Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.620.5003 BLACKBOOK BAR 315 E Arenas Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.832.8497 www.blackbookbar.com QUADZ 200 S Indian Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.778.4326

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For advertising inquiries please contact Nino@thestandardps.com TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE STANDARD PLEASE GO TO THESTANDARDPS.COM If you are an artist and would like to be considered for our ART VIEW - Artist Profile, please email us at info@thestandardps.com.

COMING UP NEXT MONTH AN EVENING UNDER THE STARS MEET THE MUSEUM WHITE PARTY 2018

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EVENTS CALENDAR CURRENTLY THROUGH – MAY 28TH, 2018 MICHAEL CHILDERS: HAVING A BALL. PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM, CLAYES III WING In tandem with the exhibition Andy Warhol: Prints from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and his Family Foundation, the museum will present a new exhibition of work by Michael Childers. During the 1970s, Childers was a photographer for Andy Warhols’ Interview Magazine, giving him access to the artist and his famous New York studio, The Factory. Childers’ photographs of Warhol from the 1970s use subtle strategies of gesture, props, and doubling devises to go beyond the inscrutable icon that the artist cultivated, bringing to light his complicated personality below the surface persona. www.psmuseum.org

MAR 10 RED DRESS, DRESS RED PARTY ON THE TARMAC . PS AIR MUSEUM Voted Most Fun Non-Profit Event in the Ultimate Pride List…TWICE (but who’s counting?), Red Dress Dress Red is now flying higher than ever at our brand new location: the Palm Springs Air Museum! Party on the tarmac with us in your best red wear, and don’t be afraid to treat the dance floor like a runway! Whether you’re bumpin’ and gridin’ next to a first-class personality, a cabin crew member, or your favorite local neighbor, you can bet that this will be a one-of-a-kind destination with 1,000 other passengers on board! www.thecenterps.org DBA EVENTS ONGOING FOR MORE INFO VISIT WWW.DESERTBUSINESSASSOCIATION.ORG

always be in two places at once as we get called out on a variety of business items.

Please check with any gallery regarding specific hours. All galleries are open during our monthly First Wednesday Art Walk from 5 to 8 pm. www.backstreetartdistrict.com TG MONDAYS. TRANSGENDER SOCIAL EVENT Every second Monday of the month, Transgender Social Hour discussing advocacy, transitioning & HRT. Allies, respectful admirers, and transgender umbrella all welcome. Portion of proceeds to benefit the Raina Chessman Fund.

For more info www.transcc.org PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM The Palm Springs Art Museum offers free admission every Thursday night from 4-8 p.m., sponsored by the City of Palm Springs. This provides an excellent way to start a trip to the City’s VillageFest, the popular weekly street festival held every Thursday night along Palm Canyon Drive. www.psmuseum.org

ONGOING >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

MARCH 30 - APR 1 CATHEDRAL CITY LGBT DAYS California’s first Pride event of the year lights up this next-door neighbor city to Palm Springs just as spring comes to the desert.

This yearly event on the Civic Center Plaza gets the Pride season off to a great start with the 2018 theme “Remember the Past. Create the Future.” Featuring live performances by local and celebrity guests, a Battle of the Bars competition, variety shows, rainbow RV camping, pool and foam parties, Leather Fetish Ball, and the “LGBT Days Bed Race,” Cathedral City proves that Pride isn’t just a creature of one month in the summer, but celebrates on the whole year round. www.cathedralcitylgbtdays.com

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BACK STREET ART DISTRICT The Backstreet Art District boasts a diverse collection of galleries & businesses where you may meet artists, visit working studios and enjoy fine art all in one location. You can find most galleries open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm, but nothing is set in concrete. We are a collective of boutique galleries and regretfully cannot

CHILL BAR PALM SPRINGS A warm and fabulous twenty first century modern venue located on Arenas, suited with multi faceted rooms for any celebration.

The gorgeous island bar is surrounded by hi-definition video entertainment and a comfortable designer lounge. Chill on the patio enjoying music and refreshing beverages with friends after a game of pool, or come by and say hello to our friendly staff. Open for business seven days a week. Get out of the heat, and come join us! Happy Hour (From Open to 7pm) and Late Happy Hour (From Midnight to Last Call) www.chillbarpalmsprings.com

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EVENTS CALENDAR THE SUNDAY BAND W/ SPECIAL GUESTS. PAPPY & HARRIET’S PIONEERTOWN The Sunday Rock + Roll Service is a Pappy and Harriet’s institution celebrating the healing powers of music and community! Every weekend the club’s favorite singers and players get together and trade songs. Come join us to see Victoria Williams, Gar Robertson, Carol Ann Crandall, Damian Lester, Bob Furgo, Rachel Dean, Ryan Norman, Caleb Winn, Danny Frankel and other talented locals performing for your drinking and dancing pleasure. With a come-as-you-are vibe, Sundays have seen great special guests like Robert Plant, Lucinda Williams, The Jayhawks, Rickie Lee Jones to name a few. www.pappyandharriets.com THE JUDY SHOW. PURPLE ROOM SUPPER CLUB PALM SPRINGS The spirit of Judy Garland is alive and well and in Palm Springs at the famed Purple Room Supper Club every Sunday at 7:00! This blend of hysterical comedy and outstanding music explode into an evening of nonstop belly laughs, glamour and high camp, as celebrated entertainer Michael Holmes parodies Judy Garland, who in her 1964 television variety show, played host to some of the greatest female icons of the Golden Age of Hollywood. www.purpleroompalmsprings.com

RETRO ROOM LOUNGE Nestled near the center of gay nightlife in Downtown Palm Springs, Retro Room Lounge is the must-see neighborhood gay bar to visit in Palm Springs. With daily happy hour until 7 pm and reverse happy hour from 9pmmidnight, there’s always a deal for you. As an added bonus, our bartenders have hand crafted a drink menu that features specialty cocktails that you won’t find anywhere else.

Oh, and did we mention we have Jell-O shots too. Karaoke and Happy Hour every night! www.retroroomlounge.com.

OSCAR’S CAFÉ & BAR Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs on the corner of Tahquitz Canyon Way and Indian Canyon, Oscar’s has a huge outdoor patio with lots of umbrellas for shade and misters to keep you cool, too.

You can beat the heat any time of year and enjoy the views of Palm Springs. On Saturday and Sunday from 8am – 2pm, enjoy a $9 Bottomless Mimosas (juice included), a single $2 mimosa or a $5 Bloody Mary with brunch, during which both our full breakfast and lunch menus are available. Also join us for Sunday Funday Weekly Tea Dance 4pm-Close! Live entertainment weekly visit our website for details. www.oscarspalmsprings.com LIPSTICK AT COPA Thursday nights at Copa just got a little hotter with a new show at the new showroom inside Copa. The Hot New Lipstick show is a raucous affair where the audience is encouraged to participate in singing, clapping, dancing, partying and celebrating special events. Featuring performances by Charles Herrera, Pinkie Meringue Shimmer, Marina Mac, Sassy Ross, Dion Khan, and Cherilyn, and emceed by the fabulous Bella Da Ball, this show will not disappoint. For ticket info and schedule of performers visit www.coparoomps.com HUNTERS NIGHTCLUBS® Palm Springs, Palm Springs’ go-to gay bar and dance club, has been leading the way in full-out fun for 16 years now! And we keep it pumping, making it better for you all the time with our unparalleled event line-up. We enjoy having

the desert’s most sought-after and friendly DJs, full-on themed events, and a staff that has it all without the attitude. And of course, we are proud to hold the longest happy hour in the entire Valley. Remember: Size Matters.

Come by for our happy hour from 10am- 7pm.

Yes, that’s right: 9 hours long! For a list of all events and specials visit www.huntersnightclubs.com

SUNDAYS “The Playgirls” at Toucans Tiki Lounge featuring Tommi Rose. Performances at 8 & 10pm.These darling Divas of drag really deliver with their very own brand of entertainment to packed houses. Special guests appear weekly. DJ in the sound booth. Every Sunday Complete list of events www.toucanstikilounge.com FOR A COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS VISIT OUR MEDIA PARTNER, GAY DESERT GUIDE. CLICK ON LOGO

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EVENTS CALENDAR Fetish, Motorcycle and Puppy Communities.

Since its inception, BBM has had the singular goal of being an event at which men who, enjoy any or all of these communities will feel welcome, meet other likeminded men and, most importantly, have an incredibly fun time. www.bearsbikersandmayhem.com

MAR 7 - 11

BRECKPRIDE 2018 BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO Our authentic, rockin’ little mountain town (with a backyard that happens to be a worldclass ski resort) is home to all the goods this March. From daily après parties, ski/board lessons, to shopping, dining, dancing, catching a world-class DJ, and much, much, more... this week is going to be ON! United we Pride, you with us? www.gobreck.com

MAR 24

TAMPA PRIDE 2018 TAMPA, FLORIDA This is one of the newest Pride events in the Southeast. A colorful Parade and a Street Festival of over 180 vendors in the historic Ybor City also know as GaYBOR District!

Over 40,000 attendees experienced the fun and joy of a true Gay Pride Festival. www.tampapride.org

MAR 25

CABEARET IV BEARLESQUE SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA It’s time for the Annual CaBEARet Show to Support Special Delivery San Diego. This is Our 4th Show Brought to You By Mr So Cal Bear 2014 Donnie Vella & Bears San Diego.

Tickets at www.ticketmaster.ca/Cabearet-IVBearlesque-a-Benefit-tickets/artist/2466996

APR 7 - 8

PHOENIX PRIDE PHOENIX, ARIZONA Phoenix Pride unites and engages individuals and organizations to empower, educate and support the Arizona LGBTQ Community; and promotes a positive image in the Valley of the Sun and throughout Arizona through community activities and services. Featuring over 150 entertainment performances on 5 stages and over 300 Exhibitors showcasing a huge variety of food options, shopping opportunities and community resources. www.phoenixpride.org

MAR 14 - 16

STARGAYZER FESTIVAL AUSTIN, TEXAS The Stargayzer Festival is an annual 3-day celebration of LGBTQIA music and performance, held in Austin, Texas. For 3 days and 3 nights, Austin will be host to a vibrant, all-inclusive festival community focused on showcasing LGBTQIA musicians and performers. Stargayzer will deliver the finest LGBTQIA musicians, dj’s, mc’s, drag performers, visual artists, comedians and performance artists from around the globe. www.stargayzerfest.com

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APR 6 - 8

APR 5 - 8

BEARS, BIKERS & MAYHEM GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA Bears, Bikers & Mayhem is the first large event in the US to combine the Bear, Leather,

MIAMI BEACH GAY PRIDE MIAMI, FLORIDA Miami Beach Gay Pride is an amazing 3-day event. A Beach Party, Festival and Parade, including more than 125 LGBT-friendly vendors and businesses, exciting celebrities, musical performances, refreshments, food and a family-friendly play area. www.miamibeachgaypride.com

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EVENTS CALENDAR

MAR 10 - 19

BEAR CARNIVAL, GRAN CANARIA, SPAIN Well beyond the usual disco party and pub crawl driving most bear festivals, Bear Carnival’s program comprises around 25 events, including Europe’s biggest bear pool parties, excursions to discover this subtropical paradise, fine dining experiences, luxury spa evenings, cabaret shows, a speed dating party… all organized around a crazy bear carnival with a new theme each year. This year’s one will be “lumberjacks”, and actually the main themed event will be Europe’s first “bear camp” in wood cabins, up the spectacular mountains of Gran Canaria.

For Info www.bearcarnival.com

MAR 17 - 24

EUROPEAN GAY SKI WEEK, FRENCH ALPS Europe’s #1 Gay Winter Sports and Music Festival, commemorating ten years of unparalleled success. EGSW is bringing together the biggest event ever. This will be the ultimate LGBT winter sports experience, combining the fantastic skiing/boarding of the worlds greatest ski area, Les 3 Vallees with the very best in entertainment, featuring high-caliber cabaret; parties hosted by renowned clubs and DJs, fine dining, the infamous pool party and of course our signature EGSW Apres Ski. www.europeangayskiweek.com

MAR 21 - APR 1

BFI FLARE LONDON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL LONDON, ENGLAND What is the Festival itself, if not one big family? For a couple of glorious weeks

each spring, our talented filmmakers, loyal audiences and dedicated staff all come together to create something extraordinary and powerful. And like families, we challenge each other, provoke each other and, perhaps most importantly, inspire each other. www.watson.bfi.org.uk

rubber and fetish. We want to encourage all the rubber men out there to wear their sexiest sports gear to the weekend events; preferably in rubber, though Lycra and leather will also conjure up images of hot sweaty muscular men giving their all to win the game. Further info at www.rubbout.com

MAR 29 - APR 2

MAR 22 - MAR 25

LEEDS QUEER FILM FESTIVAL YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND Creating a space to showcase queer cinema with a focus on independent and DIY films.

We aim to screen films that elevate and prioritize the voices and work of those most marginalized within our queer communities.

We also welcome films from queer people that don’t explicitly have a ‘queer’ focus. It combines queer cinema with group discussions, workshops, and talks, raising awareness about current issues of relevance to the community, along with other activities. www. leedsqueerfimfestival.co.uk

MAR 23 - 25

RUBBOUT. VANCOUVER, CANADA 2018 is the 27th installment of the Vancouver Rubbout party weekend for men who like

ELLA WINTER DAVOS DAVOS, SWITZERLAND The first edition of ELLA Winter abroad, held for the first time in the amazing Davos, a small town in the Swiss Alps. Mountain sports & activities, spa, amazing food and evening events are at the program! And if you don’t ski, don’t worry, we also have an alternative program for you! Join Us, Have fun and breathe the fresh air of the Swiss mountains with like-minded women! www.ellafestival.com

Our international media partner, FNQ Magazine, www.fnqmagazine.com Cairns gay lifestyle and travel publication that gives Australia and the world a taste of gay life in the tropics, sponsors the International Calendar. www.go2gaycairns.com

MARCH 2018 49

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PHOTO REWIND NATIONAL GAY PILOTS ASSOCIATION PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A. LEE

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PHOTO REWIND MODERNISM WEEK PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A. LEE

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PHOTO REWIND MODERNISM WEEK PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A. LEE

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PHOTO REWIND IBC PHOTOS COURTESY OF W|BEAR & STOCKY FOTOS

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PHOTO REWIND IBC PHOTOS COURTESY OF FELIXIEFOTO

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