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MAY 2021 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 5 THESTANDARDPS.COM @THESTANDARDPS

TIME TO GET AWAY THE TRAVEL ISSUE

BEST LGBTQ DESTINATIONS IN 2021 CDC GUIDELINES FOR TRAVEL

Being Fully Vaccinated Has its Perks

CONTENTS VOLUME 9, ISSUE 5 MAY 2021 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 5 THESTANDARDPS.COM @THESTANDARDPS

TIME TO GET AWAY THE TRAVEL ISSUE

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BEST LGBTQ DESTINATIONS IN 2021 CDC GUIDELINES FOR TRAVEL Being Fully Vaccinated Has its Perks

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Volume 9 Issue 5 COVER TRAVEL ISSUE TOP LGBTQ TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR 2021 COVER WHAT TO DO TO FLY SAFER / A FEW STEPS TO TAKE FEATURE CDC GUIDELINES FOR TRAVEL THE BENEFITS OF BEING FULLY VACCINATED DAP UPDATE 27TH STEVE CHASE HUMANITARIAN AWARDS MUSIC THE SOUND OF IDENTITY TRANSGENDER OPERA STAR MAKES HISTORY MUST SEE HALSTON: THE SERIES ENIGMATIC DESIGNER COMES TO THE SCREEN MAY 2021 3

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COMMENTARY

The Standard Magazine 400 N Sunrise Way #263 Palm Springs CA 92262 760.831.4869 NINO EILETS Publisher LUCIANO McNULTY Editor MAYA KALABIC Art Director PHOTOGRAPHER David A. Lee CONTRIBUTORS Kyle Jackson, Ryan Turrin, Bob Bogard, Paul Hutnick, Greg Stillwell, Tom Tietjen, Jack Bunting, Ted Hagger, Sam Gonzalez, Chris Astrala, Dann Foley, Lee Lynch, Jeff Dorta, Jill Langham & Terri Schlichenmeyer

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COVER

TOP LGBTQ TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR 2021

BY CHRIS ASTRALA

After nearly a year of hunkering down, many queer travelers are eager to get out on the road again and explore. 2021 promises to be a strange travel year, as some regions will become accessible more quickly than others, depending on the timing and rollout of vaccines.

With vaccination campaigns underway and a continued reduction in COVID-19 cases looking promising, many travelers are itching to hit the road again. Queer people have often been travel pioneers.

Domestic travel in the U.S. still looks to be a hot option, with many LGBTQ people rediscovering cities large and small that are a short car trip away. Here are several places that you should consider spending some time in—safely—during 2021. No matter where you decide to venture to, check for all COVID-19 protocols for the particular destination you plan on visiting.

HALIFAX, CANADA Canada’s Atlantic Provinces are largely undiscovered by much of the LGBTQ community, given their vast distances from many of the U.S.’s major cities. But Halifax is a gem that deserves more attention. From unique museums to lighthouses, and modern cuisine to biking, you’ll find something to catch your interest. Outdoors is

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serious business here, with a multitude of farmer’s markets to wander through, boat and kayaking experiences and coastal hikes galore.

PORTLAND, OREGON The West Coast’s gorgeous stretch from Portland to Seattle to Vancouver is one you could spend months exploring. The urban vibe—in between all those mountains and coastlines—is pretty incredible, too, and Oregon’s largest city is a great place to start.

There’s a vibrant gay community here that boasts unique events like Peacock in the Park each June, and the city’s food, coffee roasters and endless microbreweries will keep you coming back.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND New Zealand has been one of the world’s most successful countries in combating COVID-19, and the South Pacific island nation currently has fewer than 100 active cases. LGBTQ visitors are itching to return to Auckland (voted the 15th queerest city in the world) and the country’s magnificent surrounding countryside.

How soon in 2021 that will happen will likely depend on the rollout of vaccinations—and the ability for travelers to prove they’ve been vaccinated.

KNYSNA, SOUTH AFRICA South Africa is eager to get tourists back from Europe and the U.S., and it has some advantages: plenty of outdoor options, from wine lands to beaches to safaris. Knysna, on the country’s fabled Garden Route, is about a six-hour drive east from Cape Town and offers magnificent views and plenty of adventure. The area is renowned for parasailing, but you can just as easily visit an elephant sanctuary, go whale watching, sample world-class cuisine, or go birding in the area’s enormous estuary.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND While the glimmer of nearby Boston as an LGBTQ center may cause some travelers to overlook Providence, this city is well worth a look. The capital city of Rhode Island has a charming and extremely walkable downtown and seems utterly full of queer couples walking hand in hand. Come for Rhode Island Pride, which features a fun nighttime parade with floats that glow and light up—it’s uniquely fun and attracts upwards of 100,000 revelers.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA This Argentinian gem is often referred to as “The Paris of South

America,” but it’s more complex than that. Parts of the city seem Parisian, but others may remind you of Amsterdam, Manhattan, Los Angeles or Berlin. Come for the food and the clubs and the museums, but don’t forget to take a queer tango class.

TORONTO, CANADA Americans sometimes overlook Canada’s most populous city as a travel destination. But this cosmopolitan urban center offers a lot for the queer traveler, not least of which is an extremely gay-friendly populace. Visitors will find a vibrant queer community, interesting ethnic neighborhoods, modern architecture and infrastructure and miles of lakeshore. Details for the very popular Toronto Pride have not yet been set for 2021, but the event generally happens at the end of June.

MAUI, HAWAII Often chosen by travelers as the #1 island in the world, Maui has a little something for everyone. You can relax on its stunning beaches and spoil yourself with world-class cuisine. Explore offshore in an ocean kayak, on a snorkeling expedition to Turtle Town or on a whale-watching boat. Venture into a little town like Paia, where you can spend hours wandering through art galleries. Or spend a day

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upcountry, which feels like another world, complete with lavender farms, wineries and volcanic craters.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms recently announced that Atlanta will be designating the Atlanta Eagle building as a Landmark Building/Site. For more than three decades, the Atlanta Eagle has been an integral part of the city’s cultural and social landscape, including its role in helping to create beneficial policy changes and cultural improvements between the LGBTQ community and the city.

Today, the city’s huge LGBTQ community is a popular draw for queer travelers across the South and beyond. In 2021, Atlanta will be hosting the IGLTA’s Annual Global Convention from September 8-11.

KEY WEST, FLORIDA Located at the southernmost reach of U.S. 1, Key West has long been a gay mecca—and the drive there from Miami is an adventure in itself, passing over countless stunning tropical islets. There are seemingly endless nightlife options here, and even the people watching is fascinating. You can enjoy plenty of LGBTQ-owned businesses, from guesthouses to restaurants and clubs.

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NICE, FRANCE International travel in 2021 may be restricted to countries that are actively vaccinating their own populations. If France is on your list, consider Nice as a (ahem) nice alternative to Paris.

Think all the culture and food of France, but with palm trees and a stunning coastline. Add in some Italian influence and some old-world architecture and you’ve arrived at a winner.

SLOVENIA Ljubljana, the largest city in Slovenia, has often been called the “new Prague,” due to its fascinating architecture, great cuisine and everpresent culture. Like Prague, wandering around this very-walkable city can at times feel like you’re in a fairy tale or on a movie set. Beyond its capital city, visitors can visit stunning Lake Bled, hike in Triglav National Park’s craggy mountains or relax in a port city on the Adriatic like Koper.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA This Australian city’s iconic Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is scheduled to start on February 19 and run through until March 7; the organizers say they will work closely with NSW Health to follow any COVID restrictions/guidelines. And while this early year party may

not be accessible to many queer travelers, there is hope that travel to Sydney and its popular beaches may be realistic later in the year.

PUERTO RICO This U.S. territory is a longtime haven for LGBTQ visitors, given its welcoming attitude and tropical climate. It features historical sites, beaches and mountains, all in close proximity. San Juan is a fantastic urban center, but other parts of the island are wonderful as well, and you don’t have to go far to find some really unique places. Vieques and Culebra, islands located off the east coast, are wonderful spots to explore the ocean life or just sit back and relax.

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO Mexico, always an easy international destination for U.S. travelers, seems to be insisting on remaining open despite the pandemic. It will likely remain popular with the LGBTQ crowd. Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Cabo and Mexico City are always high on lists, but San Miguel de Allende seems to be the new belle of the ball.

This UNESCO World Heritage site features gorgeous examples of Mexican Baroque architecture at every turn. You’ll also find plenty of galleries, jewelry designers and colorful marketplaces.

ICELAND This Nordic island is a fascinating, almost alien place—as evidenced by sci-fi films shot there such as Interstellar, Prometheus, Thor: The Dark World and Rogue One. Where else can you visit ice caves, bathe in a blue lagoon, see raging waterfalls, gaze at the northern lights, go whale watching and walk on a glacier? Plus, there’s dynamic and quirky Reykjavik, the capital and largest city, which is well worth exploring.

Special thanks to www.travelpulse.com for contributing to this article

MAY 2021 9

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FEATURE

WHAT TO DO TO FLY SAFELY

BY TED HAGGER

At Last! We didn’t think we could get here but we are finally are starting to see the bit of light at the end of the tunnel. And travel for many, is at the top of the list of things to do once we are able.

Many of us will jump in our cars and take a road trip, but many others will want to return to the friendly skies. Of course there are still restrictions and safety measures we must abide by. In addition to getting vaccinated as soon as you can, here are a few points to take into consideration before you head to the airport.

FLY SHORT DISTANCES. “If the plane doesn’t have HEPA filtration, and it’s a short flight, under an hour, then you might be OK. But then it’s even more important that people are masked the entire time,” Marr said.

If your destination is further, Marr suggests driving part of the way and flying the rest.

“If you must fly, try to take flights with the fewest stops or layovers,” the CDC advises. “Spending time in security lines and

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airport terminals ... can bring you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces.”

PLAN YOUR RIDE TO THE AIRPORT. If you have to take an Uber, Lyft or taxi to the airport, make sure you, your family and the driver are all masked throughout the journey -- and be sure to roll down the windows to encourage air flow, Allen said.

“We’ve done some modeling on this, we’re showing that even rolling down the windows just a couple inches can really help with airborne transmission,” Allen said. “And you want to put down the windows even if it’s inclement weather. A little bit will really help.”

FOLLOW SAFETY PROTOCOLS. Even fully vaccinated people need to continue to follow the triad of key safety steps, the CDC said: “Wear a mask over your nose and mouth, stay 6 feet from others and avoid crowds, and wash your

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hands often or use hand sanitizer.”Under the Biden Administration, masks are now mandatory on any form of public transportation, as well as transportation hubs such as airports and bus stations.But people don’t always comply on planes, as Marr experienced on a recent trip where flight attendants had to admonish passengers to stop removing masks. Consistent masking is especially important if a plane doesn’t have HEPA filtration and people are talking, Marr said.”This is exactly when it’s most important for people to be wearing a mask because talking produces more aerosols than just breathing,” she said.

DOUBLE MASK AND WATCH THE FIT. Even though most airlines use a HEPA filtration to clean the air that circulates in the aircraft, there may not be much you can do about CO2 levels or HEPA filtration (other than ask the airline and make your concerns known) a CDC study found layering a cloth mask over a medical mask, such as a disposable blue surgical mask,

created a tighter fit and blocked 92.5% of potentially infectious particles from escaping. Look for 2- to 3-ply mask made of a tight weave of 100% cotton, according to studies.

The mask should have a nose wire, the CDC says. Bend it tightly across the nose to keep the mask close to your face. That also helps with fogging if you wear glasses. Stay away from bandanas and gaiter masks unless that’s all that’s available. A study last year found both types to be the least effective in terms of protection.

CARRY THE ESSENTIALS. Along with that highly protective mask, you should bring disinfecting wipes and a 3-ounce bottle of hand sanitizer with greater than 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol -- the level needed to kill most coronaviruses, according to the CDC. Before you sit, use sanitizing wipes on your seat, tray table and arm rest on the plane, and don’t forget your seat belt, the filtration nozzle and light buttons above your head, the video monitor and the back of the seat

in front of you. Bring your own ear buds, neck pillow and blanket if you think you need them, and don’t forget to bring snacks from home you can eat quickly, to minimize the time you’re unmasked. Dried fruit, nuts, or cheese and crackers are good choices. Most airlines have reduced meal service to a minimum.

STAY IN YOUR SEAT IF YOU CAN. Getting up and moving around puts you closer to others on the plane, and visiting the bathroom opens up a whole new set of potentially germ-covered things to touch. If you must take a bathroom break on the plane, have hand sanitizer at the ready.

What’s best, experts say, is to prepare in advance by having your meals and bathroom breaks before or after the flight.

Following these few tips will give you ease of mind that you have done all you can to make your flight safer and enjoy a welldeserved getaway.

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FEATURE

CDC SAYS TRAVEL IS SAFE FOR FULLY VACCINATED PEOPLE

BY SAM GONZALEZ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its domestic travel guidance for fully vaccinated people, lifting certain testing and self-quarantine requirements and recommending precautions like wearing a mask and avoiding crowds. But health officials continue to discourage nonessential travel, citing a sustained rise in cases and hospitalizations.

The CDC updated its website on Friday to reflect the latest scientific evidence, writing that “people who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine can travel safely within the United States.”

The announcement comes less than a month after the CDC first released updated guidance about gatherings for fully vaccinated people, which it described as a “first step” toward returning to everyday activities.

The CDC considers someone fully vaccinated two weeks after they receive the last dose of vaccine. Those individuals will no longer need to get tested before or after travel unless their destination requires it, and do not need to self-quarantine upon return.

The new guidance means, for example, that fully vaccinated grandparents can fly to visit their healthy grandkids without getting a COVID-19 test or self-quarantining as long as they follow other recommended measures while traveling, according to CDC Director Rochelle Walensky.

Those measures include wearing a mask over their nose and mouth, staying 6 feet from others and washing their hands frequently.

Masks are required on all planes traveling into, within or out of the U.S., under an executive order issued by President Biden.

The U.S. is already seeing an uptick in domestic travel, and many people are looking to book trips in the coming months in what experts described as a sign of “clear pent up demand for travel.”

And although air travel is opening up again, that doesn’t mean the pandemic is over.

WHERE YOU CAN GO ONCE YOU ARE VACCINATED As more of the world’s population gets vaccinated, travel is already beginning to make a comeback as countries begin to welcome back tourists. It’s still early in the vaccine rollout process, but a handful of nations have already announced they are (or will soon) allow access, and waive quarantine and testing mandates, for visitors who are fully vaccinated. While these countries may state that they are or will be accepting vaccinated tourists, some still have bans on U.S. citizens, even if they’re vaccinated.

Barbados Belize Croatia Cyprus Estonia France Georgia Iceland Ireland Lebanon Lithuania Malta Poland Romania Seychelles Slovenia Thailand The United States Certain restrictions still apply and changes happen on a daily basis. Check with tourism boards of the respective countries to get updates on what is required for entry to that specific country.

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FEATURE

She said that while vaccinated people can do more things safely, most Americans are not yet fully vaccinated. Those who are not must have a negative test 1-3 days before they travel under CDC guidance. They must either get tested 3-5 days after they return and self-quarantine for 7 days, or self-quarantine for 10 days with no test.

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As the country’s supply of COVID-19 doses has grown, so has Biden’s goal for the number of shots in arms during his first 100 days, doubling the target to 200 million by the end of this month.

Many states have already expanded eligibility to all adults or are set to do so in the coming weeks, well ahead of the president’s May 1 deadline.

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You have to DO your best to BE the best.

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Even in a pandemic, our dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff continue to deliver the highest level of care. That did not go unnoticed by U.S. News & World Report, which ranked us the #1 hospital in the Inland Empire, and among the top 5% of hospitals in California. Eisenhower Medical Center also earned the greatest number of specialty recognitions of any Inland Empire hospital, for: • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

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We’re grateful for all the members of our community who trust us with their care. Our greatest honor is serving you.

Learn more at EisenhowerHealth.org/USnews

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BOOK REVIEW

ALWAYS OVERBOOKED

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER The girl who sits right behind you at school is really nice.

She shares her things if you ask nicely, and she likes to make you laugh.

She seems very smart and polite and she never says mean things to anyone, even if they deserve it. All the kids in your class like her; you like her but in the new book “From Archie to Zack”

by Vincent X. Kirsch, there might be someone you like just a little more.

There was no doubt in anyone’s mind. Everybody knew it: Archie loved Zack and Zack loved Archie. The two boys were happiest when they did everything together, but the funny thing was, neither of them could say, “I love you.”

Oh, but you can bet they both really wanted to say it. Very much so.

And then one day, Archie wrote Zack a note that said, “From A. to Z. it’s true. I love you.”

Archie read the note to himself and it really made him smile.

But that note wasn’t quite right, so he hid it in a tree and Zack was still his best friend.

He wrote another note, kind of the same. He read it to himself but it just wasn’t quite right. He hid the second note in his band case and he and Zack were still best friends.

Just before Halloween, Archie wrote another note, with just a little more oomph and he read it to himself many times. What he wrote finally seemed right this time. He loved Zack! But for some reason, he couldn’t give the note to Zack, so Archie hid it in his desk at school.

Then one day, Zuzella found a note in a desk. Zinnia found one in band class. Zelda found one in a tree trunk and all three girls knew who wrote them. They delivered the notes to Zack and that made him smile because he’d been working on a note that wasn’t quite right.

One that said the truth that everybody already knew. Nothing unusual.

That’s not normally what you want to hear about a new book;

you probably want to hear enthusiastic things like WOW! but that’s not what you’ll find here. “From Archie to Zack” tells young readers a sweet story in a calm, even, nothing-unusual manner.

The lack of drama is where unusual comes to play. Authorillustrator Vincent X. Kirsch lets kids know that Archie and Zack can love one another and it’s okay. The children in their class don’t make fun of anyone. They barely even comment; in fact, they seem to think it’s wonderful, a lesson that pulses like a heart here. Even the actionrich illustrations tell a story here, a story about kids that also serves as a surprisingly grown-up conversation-sparker about love, whether it’s between friends, classmates, neighbors, or a child’s two favorite uncles.

Perfect for anytime reading, kids ages 4-to-8 will love this book best. For them and for you, “From Archie to Zack” is a book to get behind.

“From Archie to Zack” by Vincent X. Kirsch c.2020, Abrams Books for Young Readers $17.99 / $22.99 Canada / 40 pages

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AMAZON TRAIL

HOW TO WRITE A BOOK

BY LEE LYNCH

I’m not giving away any secrets here. Not saying it’s simple or that anyone can do it if they send $25.00 to Post Office Box 1,2,3. Nope, it’s a personal journey and every story has a story. Here’s mine, about the writing of my newly released novel, Accidental Desperados.

This goes back to about 2007. I was living on the Oregon Coast, grateful to be renting a cottage on the property of the Pianist and the Handydyke. I was, and am, part of their lesbian family. I thought about that a lot, how gay people grow families of choice whose members nurture one another in minimal to large ways. I thought, wouldn’t it be cool, maybe even important, to write a multi-volume, intergenerational, lesbian family saga.

Earlier in my life I couldn’t get enough of this type of fiction: Mazo de la Roche’s Jalna series set in Canada, The Forsyte Saga

by John Galsworthy, Isaac Bashevis Singer’s The Family Moskat, but could I take on such an epic task? My books wouldn’t appear on The New York Times Best Seller list, but they’d be bursting with lesbians.

I said it wasn’t simple. Life itself butted in, as well as other books I needed to write. I heard from a reader; we began months of frequent correspondence. She lived in Tarpon Springs, Florida. I, never having been there, had referred to that city in a book, calling it a something like a tacky little town. My correspondent pretty much challenged me to visit and see Tarpon Springs for myself.

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I accepted the challenge and by the time I left, my pen pal had become my sweetheart. We next got together at a conference, then in Oregon. We burned up the skies with our passion to be together.

She had a good job in Florida. My job was portable. She flew to Oregon and we drove cross-country my, now our, dog and a number of cats. Two years, I told everyone in Oregon. We’d move back to the west coast in two years.

The recession hit and two turned to five. By that time, we were living inland, ten minutes from my sweetheart’s job, in an unincorporated area called Dover. Unexpectedly, we had five years to explore rural central Florida, urban Tampa, storied areas like Ybor City, and to wander as far south as Naples and as far east as Miami. I could buy my sweetheart a fresh-off-the-fields strawberry milkshake at a roadside stand any time of year, or boiled peanuts from a farm stand, or real Key Lime Pie. My favorite places were what I call “old Florida” in Accidental Desperados.

I was born with the genes of a New England family, though, and the subtropical sun, the humidity, the omnipresent air-conditioning, were more than this pale white Northern body and respiratory system could take. We made the move back to Oregon. Where I proceeded to wax nostalgic for the nooks and crannies of old, old Florida settlements and the exotic habitat where, a two-minute walk from our house, we hung out with Sand Hill Cranes and Roseate Spoonbills.

I’d missed the Pacific Northwest so badly I hardly gave a thought to what I left behind, but I did want to make use of those years, that chunk of rich and unanticipated material. What if I incorporated my longing to write a lesbian family saga with the years in Florida?

What if lesbian general fiction writers followed our characters well beyond first romance into old age and fifty-year anniversaries?

That’s not as rare as the dominant society, which never gives up on driving us into insecure shadows, has led us to think. Main characters would anchor the books while a lifetime of friendships became deep and permanent. What if readers, with such stories in mind, and who were so inclined, recognized such a future for themselves?

a particular dirt sandy street I passed on my daily run to the post office for my remote job. The house, their family seat, migrated in from another non-town.

The title of the quartet and first book, Rainbow Gap, had been hanging around in my head because of the plethora of rainbows we saw in Florida. I’d wanted to do a four-book series ever since devouring Paul Scott’s Raj Quartet. Olivia Manning’s Balkan and Levant Trilogies were another inspiration. The advent of marriage equality, though it wouldn’t appear in the first books, had more than a little to do with my thought process.

I’d been heading in this direction, with my Morton River Valley Trilogy, which collected characters from others stories and novels I’d written. Ann McMan was on this path also, but back then I didn’t know her Jericho novels. By the way, her newest, Covenant, is as polished and engaging as any book you’re likely to read.

Accidental Desperados, though also a standalone novel, is the second book in the Rainbow Gap quartet. In it, I get to introduce the “next” generation and follow their paths to the original group of gay people who are not much more than ten years older. That sounded about right for a lesbian generation, which is by circumstance and opportunity accelerated from a biological generation.

So here I was, back in my promised land, filling hundreds of index cards with memories of Florida, and beginning to imagine the characters who would live in a hot speck-on-a-road community, on

And that’s how I wrote a book, then another, and am about four chapters into the third. In summary: to write a book, you need to live whatever your crazy life dishes up.

MAY 2021 21

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INDESIGN

WHAT’S CHANGED, WHAT’S NEW

BY DANN FOLEY As we move past (hopefully for good) lock downs, shut downs and isolation, we are doing so with a feeling of hope. So much of the world around has changed, many aspects will be for good.

What has not changed is our love of home and what it represents to each of us. In fact, it has absolutely become a stronger component of how and why we live in the spaces in the we choose to call home.

We have begun to transform our living spaces as never before.

The home industry in general has seen unprecedented demand for products. Everyone has gone Home crazy! How that differs from pre-Covid, is in the what-we-want and how-we- choose-to-live. This shift is more than just setting up a more professional and productive home office; it speaks to the desire in all of us to “nest”.

So, now what? Not going back to the way things were can actually be a good thing for all of us. A new reality has set in.

We live, work, socialize and relax at home. Our worlds may have become smaller but, that doesn’t mean our vision has. There are many ways in which living was forced to change since the on-set of Covid-19. The positive outcome for this change can be how we look at our homes and what meaning they bring to our everyday lives.

One of the trends I see in our newest client projects is a need for privacy. Think in terms of working from home and Zoom meetings.

For the first time in decades, we are talking about rooms and walls and doors again. No one wants to accidentally Zoom the kids, the dog, the dishes or the dirty laundry. How can we possibly be taken seriously as a professional with the sights and sounds of daily home life in the back ground. I have written in these pages before about the problems of the open floor plan. The echo created tops that list for me. I am amazed how many of our clients are suddenly considered about echo now that they work from home.

The other work-related change I see at home is the idea of a shared study. Now that there are likely two full time working people at home there is a need for separate work spaces. How do you accommodate two home offices and still have bedrooms you need?

It is simple and the answer can be applied to most of the issues created in our new world: rooms will need to do double-duty.

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Dining rooms are no longer just for dining. They are a work surface, a school room, a gathering place for computers, Zoom meetings and at home class work. Living rooms though they will still be focused on TV and electronics now have to accommodate work life as well. We are equipping and upgrading large screen TVs and existing theater rooms to work as large-scale projection virtual offices. In our own office most presentations are done virtually. That means we need to not only present our designs and products in a new way but, those presentations need to be suited in a format and scale to excite and inspire the clients.

Even the kitchen has a new role; that of broadcast studio. How many of us have taken up baking and cooking during the last year?

And how many of those triumphs (and misses) have you recorded and posted online? Yes, even the kitchen is a multipurpose space.

Some of what I have discussed about privacy and how it relates to work can be achieved by simply going into your walk-in closet, rely on the acoustics and hang and simple background to create a near perfect broadcast booth. But now that this is the norm, dedicated spaces need to be located and adjusted. By doing this we create boundaries that separate work life and home life. This is paramount to our wellbeing.

We have talked for many years about blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living. The truth of the matter is, we need this connection to the outside world and to achieve it we need to make material changes to what indoor/out living really means. There are bigger considerations than the patio furniture and whether or not an outdoor rug will look nice. Consider these points…

• Outdoor heaters don’t just have to be the pole and gas tank.

You can consider installing permanent outdoor heaters of gas or electric.

• There are options for floor heating as well. Radiant heating

isn’t just for your bathroom floor any more.

• Lighting has to work better than ever. Outdoor lighting and

light fixtures need to be considered as seriously for your patio,

as for your living room.

• Make sure your Wi-Fi is strong enough to successfully reach

your outdoor space. You need to be able to make calls, get email and video conference without interruption.

• If you are considering heating to expand the usefulness of your

outdoor living space you need to also consider cooling and air

flow. Outdoor misting systems and even moveable air coolers are

all the rage.

• The view you have and offer to those you conference with is

as important as ever. Consider what is behind you before

doing a video meeting.

My hope is as we move forward we have learned that we still crave meaningful connections with each other and the world around us. That connection begins at home. We are sharing our spaces more

than ever, even it is not physically. Our wellbeing has always been connected to how we live. Though today we have found that by combining both the physical and the virtual versions of gathering we can actually find a new level on intimacy that we did not see before in our busy run around lives.

Live Well, Dann www.foleystinnette.com foleystinnette: Instagram designer dann: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest

MAY 2021 25

Grab a coffee, take the survey, make a difference.

Take the 15th Annual LGBTQ Community Survey

®

LGBTQsurvey.com LGBTQ research helps non-profits, universities and businesses better understand and serve our community.

Download survey results free of charge at cmi.info.

26 THESTANDARDPS.COM Your information is confidential, used for research purposes only.

You will not be contacted for marketing purposes.

Proudly LGBTQ-Owned and -Operated A pioneer in LGBTQ research since 1992.

Tim O’Bayley • Bob Bogard • Clinton Meyer

MAY 2021 27

DAPUPDATE

27TH ANNUAL STEVE CHASE HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

BY JACK BUNTING

DAP Health and community sponsors reimagined the 27th annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (May 9) as a digital experience honoring this community’s legacy of giving and the compassion of its namesake, all in a format that made safe and accessible for everyone.

You can view on any of DAP Health’s social media channels (Facebook, YouTube or Twitter), if not viewing the broadcast on NBC Palm Springs.

“Making health equity a priority in this Valley through this pandemic calls for us to remember the spirit and lessons we learned from Steve Chase,” says David Brinkman, CEO. “DAP Health continues to be guided by his example of activism and giving, which saves and changes lives today.”

THEMES IN 2021 SERVE THE GREATER GOOD This year’s event is a celebration of the Hope Begins with Health campaign — a $2 million fundraising initiative to propel DAP Health’s frontline work.

Our ever-expanding patient population needs us to focus on: health equity, COVID, mental health, and ending HIV. And as always, it starts with people.

“This year we are honoring women, mothers, and all of our frontline workers,” said Brinkman. “Their tireless work for HIV care, COVID relief, and access to ongoing healthcare is improving the

28 THESTANDARDPS.COM

public health at a time when we need it the most.”

HEALTH EQUITY MEANS ACCESS Experts warn us that too many people are falling out of essential medical and mental healthcare, but throughout 2021 DAP Health is offering them solutions tailored for these times.

• Public health outreach to isolated patients will connect them to care based on need and not wealth, • Added resource navigators will help more people access care with insurance, plus help with everyday living essentials, • Mobile medical services will serve a wider patient population, • Added home services will keep more patients feeling selfsufficient.

BROADWAY ENTERTAINERS WE KNOW AND LOVE This year’s entertainers celebrate the spirit to step forward, even during a pandemic. All performances are available for viewing online.

Shoshana Bean is a veteran of the Broadway stage having debuted in the original cast of “Hairspray” and starred as first replacement for Elphaba, the green-skinned witch, in “Wicked”.

She also played Jenna Hunterson in “Waitress.” She has performed alongside Brian McKnight and Bebe Winans and she sang back up for Michael Jackson.

Sheryl Lee Ralph is a triple-threat. Her award-winning work includes creating the role of Deena Jones in the legendary Broadway musical “Dreamgirls.” Sheryl returned to Broadway as Madame Morrible in “Wicked” making her the first African American actress to take on the classic role on Broadway. Ms. Ralph has been a tireless advocate for people with HIV for decades.

A SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY HOMETOWN GEM Keisha D is a cabaret chanteuse and local humanitarian icon.

Her roles have included the Acid Queen in “Tommy,” the fairy godmother in “Cinderella” and Motor Mouth Mabel in “Hairspray.”

She established the Keisha D Music Scholarship, an endowment through the Palm Springs Unified School District Foundation, that grants scholarships to minority students interested in pursuing an education in music and performing arts.

Keisha D is celebrated for her work with the Black and LGBTQ communities in Palm Springs.

SCOTT NEVINS REPEATS ROLE AS HOST The event host is TV personality and OUT100 Honoree, Scott Nevins. He co-produced and hosted DAP’s Voices of Hope in 2020.

He is best known or being one of the original cast members and breakout stars of Bravo TV’s series “The People’s Couch,” and truTV’s hit show “truTV Presents: World’s Dumbest…” Mr. Nevins is also a DAP Health Board member.

NEW REVIVALS INDIO OPENS MAY 15 CHAIN GROWS WITH FOURTH STORE

By Robert Hopwood

Revivals Stores welcomed another location at Indio Plaza, a popular shopping center with ample parking.

This new location will meet increased demand from the community for the thrill of the hunt. The resale store chain’s broad community of generous donors provides a steady supply of stellar resale merchandise, available to shoppers alongside brand-new furniture and home décor.

The 18,000-square-foot store will bring Revivals’ unique mix of products to Indio consumers for the first time. Indio Plaza stores like Food 4 Less, Sally Beauty, and dd’s Discounts make it easy to visit Revivals Indio when shopping for the family.

Just like at the other three stores, Revivals Indio will keep customers, volunteers, and employees comfortable and safe with enhanced store safety and cleaning standards for COVID-19.

MAY 2021 29

Just for the health of it Shop. Donate. Care.

Support the community you want to create.

Every purchase funds comprehensive care at DAP Health.

Dr. Jill Gover, Behavioral Health Manager, and Dr. Tulika Singh, Associate Chief Medical Officer and Director of Research, sit at the Arkell Round Table.

Find yourself at revivalsstores.com 30 THESTANDARDPS.COM

WELLNESS

REGISTERED DIETITIAN SHARES 4 FOODS TO FUEL ANY FITNESS ROUTINE

As the country is opening back up and the summer months approach, maintaining health and wellness is top of mind for many.

Getting up and moving your body regularly is an important aspect of healthy living, but it can be challenging to muster up the energy to kick off a new exercise plan. Fortunately, there are a variety of wholesome, nutritious foods that provide essential vitamins and nutrients to fuel any fitness routine, no matter the skill level.

excellent source of plant-based protein, they are loaded with fiber helping you feel full longer so you can make it through your workout without any pesky hunger pangs. When buying canned beans, keep in mind purchasing a low-sodium option and rinsing to manage salt intake. From dips and spreads to soups and stews, beans are versatile and great for snacks and meals.

“Many pantry and refrigerator staples provide ample nutrition while giving your body what it craves,” says Meshulam. “Before restocking your pantry with the latest wellness trend, consider turning to wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.”

EGGS Eggs are known as a good source of protein, but they offer so much more than that. However, it’s important to recognize that not all eggs are equal. Eggland’s Best eggs are the only egg with superior taste and nutrition such as 25 percent less saturated fat, more than double the Omega-3s and Vitamin B12 and more compared to ordinary eggs. Omega-3s along with protein can help reduce soreness and aid in recovery after a strenuous exercise and Vitamin B12 provides a natural energy boost, making Eggland’s Best eggs a perfect, versatile food to enjoy before or after a workout.

BEANS Dried or canned beans are found stowed away in cupboards across the country but may not be the first item you reach for when you’re hungry. Consider making them a regular part of your meal planning, because this underrated food is packed with a variety of nutrients to support health and wellness. In addition to being an

POTATOES Potatoes are a bit of a misunderstood vegetable. While French fries and chips are not the healthiest choice due to how they’re processed, fresh potato options are nutrient-packed, tasty and easy to make. In fact, one medium 5.3-ounce potato with skin-on provides 26 grams of carbohydrates, which can help boost energy. They’re

Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist and Founder of MPM Nutrition Marissa Meshulam provides her expert recommendation on which foods to work into your meal plan to support a healthier, more active lifestyle:

MAY 2021 31

WELLNESS

also an excellent source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that supports the immune system, and fiber, which prevents blood sugar highs and lows for consistent energy throughout the day.

LEAFY GREENS Fresh leafy greens are a must-have to keep in your fridge or even grow in your own garden. Some of the most nutrient-dense options include spinach, kale, collard and chard. Don’t worry if

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you’re not a salad person; there are so many ways you can still enjoy leafy greens and reap the nutritional benefits. Add greens to a wrap or sandwich or top your soup or pizza with a handful of greens for a crunchy twist. You can also blend into smoothies or juices or add to an egg frittata or omelet. Get creative and you’ll be surprised how many ways you can enjoy your greens.

Article Courtesy of Brandpoint

Please join supporters of AAP – Food Samaritans at a dazzling Independence Day celebration and fundraiser.

Sunday, July 4 @ 7:30 pm at the historic O’Donnell House.

Guests will enjoy traditional American fare catered by Willie Rhine and his amazing team from Eight4Nine.

City of Palm Springs’ fireworks display at 9:15 pm (tentative) $200 per person includes cocktails, dinner, entertainment, and valet parking.

Advance purchase required.

Please visit aapfoodsamaritans.org or call 760-325-8481

Tickets on sale now at aapfoodsamaritans.org MAY 2021 33

PSP FOCUS

>> MODERNISM WEEK ANNOUNCES MODERNISM WEEK@SEA

BY BOB BOGARD

Following the success of its inaugural architecture-themed cruise, Modernism Week has announced that is has partnered again with Oceania Cruises to offer its second ModernismWeek@Sea cruise along the spectacular Baltic coast on Oceania’s luxury cruise ship Marina. The 12-day luxury cruise will visit seven culturally significant ports in the Baltic region that demonstrate how modern influences in architecture and design have been artfully folded into these sometimes-ancient cities. Departing London, England on July 9, the cruise will take passengers on a historic journey across Germany, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Poland and Russia, and will end in Copenhagen, Denmark on July 21. On the cruise, ModernismWeek@ Sea participants will receive a rare, insiders-view of the Baltic region’s modernist architecture and will be able to enjoy special Modernism Week-curated parties and tours. Staterooms with a veranda start at $6,509 per person and include cruise accommodations, flight, gratuities, and participation in special Modernism Week events.

“Modernism Week is delighted to partner with Oceania again to offer another ModernismWeek@Sea excursion,” said Lisa Vossler Smith, Modernism Week Executive Director, and onboard cruise host.

“Oceania has developed an exciting, custom-curated Baltic coast experience that we know will appeal to modernists. We are excited about this amazing and unique experience.”

One of the highlights of the ModernismWeek@Sea cruise will be an optional tour in Helsinki to visit architect Alvar Aalto’s studio and house. The Aalto House, completed in 1936, is a classic example of this noted designer and architect’s style that embraced individual expression, uniqueness of design and uncharted experimentation.

In addition to participating in a rich array of optional port excursions offered by Oceania Cruises, ModernismWeek@Sea participants will be able to enjoy several complimentary private events specially organized for the group including “Bevvies on the Baltic,” “Summer Soirée,” and the “From Russia with Love - Vodka Martini Party” hosted by Vossler Smith.

hosted by Lisa Vossler Smith. Oceania has partnered with France’s esteemed Moët & Chandon to create the Dom Pérignon Experience at La Reserve, an exuberant six-course gustatory indulgence that pairs each course with a special Dom Pérignon vintage.

In addition other complimentary ModernismWeek@Sea events, guests may choose to participate in optional limited-participation opportunities including a “Mod Bites” hands-on cooking class that will showcase favorite midcentury hors d’oeuvres of the era. A highlight onboard will be an exclusive dinner limited to 24 guests in the extravagant “La Reserve by Wine Spectator” dining room

About Modernism Week: Modernism Week is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, providing scholarships to local Palm Springs students pursuing college educations in the fields of architecture and design; as well as giving grants to local and state organizations for their efforts to preserve modernist architecture throughout the state of California.

34 THESTANDARDPS.COM

ModernismWeek@Sea is an enriching custom-curated travel experience centered around, architecture, art, and culture. Anyone is welcome to join, but must book into the group through TravelStore in order to participate in the ModernismWeek@Sea exclusive events. For pricing and more information about this cruise, go to modernismweek.com

PSP FOCUS

>> AAP – FOOD SAMARITANS TO HOST “INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION”

BY TIM O’BAYLEY AAP – Food Samaritans (AAP) will host a dazzling Independence Day Celebration and fundraiser on Sunday, July 4, 2021 at the historic O’Donnell House, also known as “Eye of the Desert” (or Ojo Del Desierto). Settled on the sheer mountainside above the Palm Springs Art Museum, the expansive terrace of the O’Donnell House seems to float above the desert floor.

The event begins at 7:30 pm, and we expect that the City of Palm Springs’ fireworks display will commence at approximately 9:15 pm. (As of this writing, the fireworks display had not been confirmed by the City.) Guests will enjoy traditional American fare catered by Willie Rhine and his team from Eight4Nine who will provide amazing décor, great service, and delicious food and beverages. Tickets are $200, which includes an open bar, dinner, entertainment, and valet parking. (Advance purchase is required.)

Due to the pandemic, AAP has had to cancel several fundraisers over the past year, and is feeling the strain. Mark Anton, CEO and Executive Director of AAP – Food Samaritans said: “I am elated that California – and Riverside County in particular – is doing so well with regard to the pandemic. With the state scheduled to fully reopen in midJune, I am going forward with our annual Independence Day celebration on July 4. While I expect that many people will be happy to join us on the magnificent patio of the O’Donnell house, I understand if you are not quite ready for this kind of social interaction. Whichever the case, if you have the means, I ask that you either purchase a ticket and attend or make a contribution. With more people in our community struggling to make ends meet, those with chronic illnesses need us more than ever. They need you.”

Anton added, “Once again, we are extremely grateful for the generosity of Dr. Tracy Conrad and Dr. Paul Marut for allowing us to hold this fundraiser from this amazing location.”

Completed in 1925, the O’Donnell House served as the winter home of oilman Thomas O’Donnell and his wife, Dr. Winnifred Willis Jenny, a well-known Long Beach osteopath. The two-story Mediterranean Revival-Monterey residence remained the highest mountainside home in Palm Springs until the 1960s. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

For more information, please call 760-325-8481 or visit www.aapfoodsamaritans.org.

MAY 2021 35

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DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 6/30/2021. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or entry/patio door, get one (1) window or entry/patio door 40% off when you purchase four (4) or more windows or patio doors between 3/1/2021 and 6/30/2021. 40% off windows and entry/patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or entry/patio door in the order. Subject to credit approval. Interest is billed during the promotional period, but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid before the expiration of the promotional period. Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details.

License number available upon request. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. 2See Renewal by Andersen® Products and Installation Transferable Limited Warranty for details. 32018 U.S. Homeowner Brand Study of the Renewal by Andersen brand versus competitive brands. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. © 2021 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. rba12589

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36 THESTANDARDPS.COM

CALL BY JUNE 30

From Safety Net programs to Life Enrichment

we are here for you visit us online at

www.thecentercv.org 1301 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262 1515 Sixth Street, Coachella, CA 92236

MAY 2021 37

FITNESS

HELLO, MY FRIENDS AND HAPPY MAY DAY

BY JILL LANGHAM I am back to work as a Personal Trainer and am busier now than I have been in 10 years. No surprise there. As so many people have gained weight because of COVID-19, and now realize that they have not committed to a healthy lifestyle or a regular exercise program.

The lack of activity from the 14-months of sheltering-in slowed our metabolism. The inactivity resulted in weight gain, especially around our waistlines and is evidenced by many of the people that I am seeing at the gym. In some cases, it’s actually a bit sad and scary. Sad. We’ve learned from the past that thick waists (35”in women/40”in men) weaken our hearts and put us at high risk for heart disease. This dangerous duo of inactivity and weight gain can lead to serious problems down the road such as heart attacks, strokes, Type 2 diabetes, COPD and a myriad of other serious lifethreatening illnesses.

But there were also many others who used this opportunity to better their health and adopted plans that they appear to be continuing to follow today. Some people have never looked better.

I think they all look spectacular, so, Kudos to you!

People have also changed many of their eating habits as well.

People have come to realize that they like to cook, enjoy creating menus and are experimenting with many dietary health alternatives.

However, since we’ve eaten at home so much, it seems that many all excited to be eating at the various restaurants, old and new.

One of the many changes that have come out of COVID-19 is the advent of bars having to serving food. Pubs all over the planet have served bar food for centuries. But bars with dance floors in America haven’t always. It’s been interesting for me to see & feel the difference in energy when patrons are sitting at tables, chatting with one another, limiting table to table interactions and simultaneously heavy consumption of booze which we know can lead to all sorts of long term problems not limited to health but also traffic accidents.

It would be interesting to see if the bouncers/ door people/ bar tenders/ servers have seen less intoxicated people than pre-COVID days when these bars didn’t serve food.

38 THESTANDARDPS.COM

Moving on to other changes, it’s been great to see that people at the various gyms that I’ve been to over the last 14 months have ramped up their cleaning programs.

There is now a designated cleaning person who I’ve seen during daytime hours doing deep cleaning on all of the machines in the gym that I attend. I’d like to believe that this was happening after hours on a regular basis in the past, but I’m not 100% sure.

The gym goers have been instructed to clean their equipment after each use with the intent of diminishing cross contamination.

I, however, have a big problem with this. The solutions that are available for use are toxic and dangerous in their own way. This can ultimately cause us more severe problems in the very near future to the cleaner cleaning the machines, but also to the next person using the machine.

Let me explain. These cleaning products have warnings on them that tell users that they are dangerous, toxic & harmful. It claims that they are fungicidal and virucidal, If the “cleaner” is not using protective plastic or rubber gloves when cleaning equipment they are exposing their skin to this poison.

If they don’t dry the cleaner off of the machines before moving on to the next machine and if the next user is wearing shorts and a tank top exposes their skin to this poison which can and will absorb the toxins. Because most people use many machines while working out, they are repeatedly affected.

“Long term skin exposure to toxic chemicals can cause many problems. Some fungicides can irritate skin and eyes, while others may cause throat irritation and coughing when inhaled. Prolonged inhalation of certain fungicides, such as ziram, can cause neural and visual disturbances. The long-term effects of fungicides on humans are still unknown.”

“Cleaning ingredients vary in the type of health hazard they pose. Some cause acute, or immediate, hazards such as skin or respiratory irritation, watery eyes, or chemical burns, while others are associated with chronic, or long-term, effects such as cancer according to organicconsumers.com”

So, in order to be smart, I believe we have to rethink a few things. We may need to come to the logical conclusion that we are being overly cautious and that these actions may inadvertently create long term problems that none of us need right now.

Maybe it time for “Gym Etiquette, 2.1.” Perhaps we can agree to take a towel to the gym to place on top of a machine before using it.

Maybe we can all agree to wash our hands before & after we start or end our workout and that we will wear workout gloves. Finally, maybe we agree to clean the machine handles when we are done working out. This will cut down on the spraying of these toxic substances and I, for one do not want to wear masks and plastic gloves 8 hours a day, 6 times a week for the rest of my life, how about you?

Take good care and Happy Memorial Day! Xoxo, Jill, Your soon to be, once again “Dancing Queen!”

MAY 2021 39

MUSIC

THE SOUND OF IDENTITY: LUCIA LUCAS MAKES HISTORY

BY RYAN TURRIN

Winner of the 2020 Outshine Film Festival’s prestigious Programmers Award of Excellence, The Sound Of Identity is a groundbreaking feature documentary that Shout! Studios is proud to present on digital and on demand June 1, 2021.

Profiling international Opera star Lucia Lucas’ historic performance at the Tulsa Opera, The Sound Of Identity lifts the curtain as she becomes the first known transgender woman to perform a principal role in Opera history.

Directed by James Kicklighter (Angel of Anywhere), The Sound Of Identity is a production from the Emmy Award-winning team of Russ Kirkpatrick & Andy Kinslow (Boomtown: An American Journey, Unlikely Family), and is executive produced by Golden Globe®winner and Academy Award®-nominated Josh Bachove (Minari, The Little Hours), with Jonathan Pope (The Social Dilemma) on as Director of Photography.

The Sound Of Identity captures Lucia Lucas on the cusp of international stardom, profiling the moment in an artist’s career when everything could fall apart or come together. Showcasing the collaborative process between Lucas and her mentor, prolific and renowned composer Tobias Picker, Mozart’s Don Giovanni comes to life as Lucas, a world-renowned baritone, takes the spotlight and all the pressures that come with it.

Taking place at the height of her career, Lucas provides fresh insights into her transition, the professional risk she is taking, and what it means for those who follow. Exploring the role that identity plays in our personal and professional lives, The Sound Of Identity provides a nuanced look at voice and gender, in a documentary The Independent Critic calls “director James Kicklighter’s best film yet.”

“Our work as artists is both informed by our life experiences, and the times we live in,” says Kicklighter. “In profiling the professional journey of Lucia Lucas, I believe I have also made the most personal film of my own career, a universal story of all the experiences that make up the people we choose to become. Through

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telling the story of Lucia Lucas today, in an era where trans visibility is unprecedented, we examine the strides that have been made, but also, the long road ahead for this marginalized community.”

The Sound Of Identity is “brilliantly chronicled” (Film Threat) on the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Kicking off global Pride

MUSIC Month celebrations, The Sound Of Identity and Lucia Lucas break down archaic social barriers, drawing the attention of many international news outlets, including The New York Times, BBC, and NPR. With confidence in her own abilities renewed, she paves the way for other performers to live their most authentic lives. As Lucas’ performance happens in one of the reddest states in America, The Sound Of Identity shows that people and places are much more complicated than they seem.

Watch trailer https://youtu.be/VV2fUykGTKw

BABE IN WONDERLAND JOEY SALINAS WHISKS LISTENERS TO THE TROPICS

BY PAUL HUTNICK Joey Salinas’ “Wonderland” is a soft and ethereal pop song with a tropical vibe, about a new love as it blossoms and flourishes.

“I wrote and produced ‘Wonderland’ because I love love,” the out artist explains from his LA home. “It’s a great feeling to have and a wonderful state of mind to be in.”

“Wonderland” is the third video release from Identity: Chapter 1, his strong pop album sprinkled with dance, R&B, rock, Latin fusion, and electro beats. Each song on the album represents a different facet of Joey’s life. The title track reflects on the many shades, colors and textures of Joey Salinas. “Stomp” attests to the importance of having a goal and then the driving force to achieve it; and “My Time,” with a video scheduled to release soon, is about self-worth and not allowing anyone to define you.

The combined message of all the tracks on Identity: Chapter 1 is that it’s not how others see you that matters, but how you view yourself.

“I’ve always marched to my own drum,” Salinas admits. “And I’m constantly evolving as an artist and as a person.”

At different points in his life, there have been three versions of the singer: Joseph, Joe, and Joey. He depicts the different personalities with masked versions of each in the music video for “Wonderland.”

Filmed in black and white by choreographer and videographer Jason Anderson, the video matches the clean sounds of “Wonderland” with its crisp, sharp look. The nature setting represents how love brings life and feeds the soul. The imagery is vibrant with lush trees and water. Lots and lots of water.

“My favorite element in the video has to be the waterwall,” says Salinas. “And the ending... you’ll have to see it to understand why I like it so much.”

MAY 2021 41

MUSIC

Joey Salinas was born and raised in northern Virginia, the oldest of four children. He was of the latchkey generation, so spent a lot of time alone in his bedroom with his music. Mariah Carey, George Michael, Aerosmith, and Janet Jackson were his favorite pop artists and they remain a strong influence today.

Much of Joey Salinas’ music explores the many facets of his identity. He is a strong believer that representation matters and while his songs’ sounds and subject matter are mainstream and universal, he expresses them from his own unique perspective as a gay man of Latin descent.

Joey Salinas’ “Wonderland” is available now on Apple Music, along with all tracks from Identity: Chapter 1. The music video for “Wonderland” is available on YouTube.

Follow Joey Salinas on Facebook @JoeySalinasMusic and on his YouTube channel.

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2 7 T H A N N U A L S T E V E C H A S E H U M A N I TA R I A N AWA R D S

The 2021 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards are going virtual.

Join us Sunday, May 9, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. You can participate by tuning into NBC Palm Springs or by joining us on any of DAP Health’s social media channels (Facebook, YouTube or Twitter).

Register today to be kept up to date on all the details, celebrity entertainment, online auction opportunities and more!

You’re Invited!

LIVESTREAM May 9, 2021 | 5:30pm

Special Broadcast Event | NBC Palm Springs

Text SCHA to 72572 to Register Today MAY 2021 43

MUSTSEE

HALSTON: THE SERIES

BY RYAN TURRIN

His name built an empire. His style defined an era. American fashion designer Halston skyrocketed to fame before his life starts to spin out of control.

The limited series Halston follows the legendary fashion designer, played by Ewan McGregor, as he leverages his single, invented name into a worldwide fashion empire that’s synonymous with luxury, sex, status and fame, literally defining the era he lives in, 1970’s and ‘80’s New York — until a hostile takeover forces him to battle for control of his most precious asset… the name Halston itself. The series is Executive Produced by Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, Alexis Martin Woodall, Ewan McGregor, Daniel Minahan, Eric Kovtun, Sharr White, and Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler of Killer Films. Minahan also serves as the series director. Series premieres May 14, 2021 on Netflix EWAN MCGREGOR DEFENDS HIS CASTING AS GAY FASHION DESIGNER HALSTON The Trainspotting star will star in Halston as the titular influential designer best known for designing the pillbox hat worn by Jackie Kennedy at her husband’s inauguration. He died in 1990 of Aids-

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related cancer.

Admitting that he was concerned that performing such a role in the limited series could cause a backlash, McGregor said: “I hear the discussion and I respect both sides of it, I really do.

“I don’t know what it’s like to lose out on parts when you might feel it’s to do with your sexuality. So I can only respect that point of view.”

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor addressed comments made by Pose star Billy Porter in 2019 that it was “enraging” seeing straight men praised for playing LGBTQ+ characters when gay men were rarely cast in the other direction.

The issue of whether straight actors should play gay roles on screen has been hotly debated for years. Russell T Davies, creator of the British series Queer As Folk and It’s A Sin, who has casted mostly gay actors in his series adds, “I’m trying to avenge hundreds of years of inequality,” Davies told The Independent. “The series has also unashamedly cast gay people in straight roles. I think that’s fine because, believe you me, from the age of eight we are studying straight people and how to fit in with them.”

McGregor adds, “But in the case of this role, and I don’t want to sound like I’m worming out of this, because it’s something I did think a lot about – I suppose ultimately I felt like it was just one part of who Halston was.” www.netflix.com/halston

MAY 2021 45

2021-2022 EVENTS For the latest Events, Visit GayDesertGuide.LGBT May 27-31

NAGAAA Cup LGBTQ Softball Tourney

June 22-28

PS International Film Festival ShortFest

July 4

AAP Food Samaritians Independance Day Celebration

Sept. 18

Aging Positively / Reunion Conference

Sept. 22

Taste of Palm Springs and Business Expo

Sept. 29-Oct. 3 Oct. 11

Club Skirts Dinah Shore Out PSP: National Coming Out Day

Oct. 14-17

Modernism Week Fall Preview

Oct. 15-17

Casual Concours (Gay Autos of Yesterday)

Oct. 16 Oct. 22-23

Faux Fur Ball Gala 2021 LGBTQ Community Center Fall Party

Oct. 27

Pride Honor Awards

Oct. 30

DAP Health Desert AIDS Walk

Oct. 28-31 Oct. 29-Nov1 Oct. 31

Leather Pride 2021 White Party Palm Springs Halloween Halloween on Arenas

Nov. 1

George Zander Candlelight Vigil and March

Nov. 1

Eisenhower Health 50th Anniversary Celebration

Nov. 3-6

Light Up the Night

Nov. 6-7

Palm Springs Pride 2021

Nov. 7 Nov. 10 Nov. 19-21 Jan. 6 2022 Jan. 6-17 2022 Feb. 24-28 2022 Feb. 25-27 2022 May 6-8 2022

Pride Parade One Night Only McCormick’s Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction

@ILoveGayPS

Palm Springs International Film Festival Gala Palm Springs International Film Festival

Find Us/Follow Us!

International Bear Convergence IBC 2022 McCormick’s Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction PS Hot Rodeo

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@GayDesertGuide #ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity

MAY 2021 47

PHOTO REWIND Evening Under the Stars, the biggest, most exciting fundraiser for AAP-Food Samaritans was postponed for a second time due to the pandemic. In the meantime please check out a few photos from EUTS past to remind you what a great event this is. Please visit www.aidsassistance.org to support this very important organization.

We’re looking ahead to April 30, 2022.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A LEE, LANI GARFIELD & THE STANDARD MAGAZINE STAFF

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PHOTO REWIND EVENING UNDER THE STARS PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A LEE, LANI GARFIELD & THE STANDARD MAGAZINE STAFF

MAY 2021 49

PHOTO REWIND EVENING UNDER THE STARS PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A LEE, LANI GARFIELD & THE STANDARD MAGAZINE STAFF

50 THESTANDARDPS.COM

PHOTO REWIND EVENING UNDER THE STARS PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A LEE, LANI GARFIELD & THE STANDARD MAGAZINE STAFF

MAY 2021 51

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