The Standard Magazine

ps PRIDe

OCTOBER, 2013 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 10 theStandardps.com

contents Volume 1, Issue 10

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Volume 1 Issue 10 Cover “It’s Time” Greater Palm Springs Pride Celebration Feature Pride Entertainment Line-Up q&A Frenchie Davis A Conversation with the Chanteuse watch Joey Komara. Cinemax Star Breaks all the Rules Epicurean Chef Andre gives us the 411 on Pride Pairing From Inside the Boudoir Boudoir Entertainment. Monthly insights to all things Lesbian october, 2013 3

Commentary I am “out and proud” as a supporter of gay rights!

As a taught-from-the-cradle advocate for human rights, I was so pleased to be asked to write the commentary in this month’s issue. As we draw closer to the wonderful, annual celebration of the vibrant and varied gay community in Palm Springs, my husband Jerry and I are happy to once again be attending the weddings of ALL of our friends, whether straight or LGBT. The progress that has been made for real, full equality in recent months has truly been exciting. The overturn of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act was a landmark day at the Supreme Court.

I was equally delighted that SCOTUS also Barbara Keller PHOTO CREDIT: MICHAEL CHILDERS declined to reinstate California’s Proposition 8 and that our state government responded by acting so quickly to re-open the way for gay marriage.

After 17 years, the “don’t ask, don’t tell” ban on gay and lesbian service members was also overturned. Our military finally bid farewell to a silent acknowledgement that discrimination on the base of sexuality was somehow reasonable or acceptable. Today, the collective American attitude toward gay couples is more positive than ever. I am so pleased that many of my LGBT friends now live in states where they are free to marry, to serve openly in the military, and just generally to publicly acknowledge their love for someone of the same sex.

But it won’t be enough until every American, regardless of sexuality, race, religion, or whatever, is free to file their taxes together, inherit property, and make important decisions with and for the person they love, regardless of whether they are the same sex.

And don’t get me started on Russia …

Gay rights, women’s rights, racial rights, HIV/AIDS rights – they are all HUMAN rights Since 2008, I have had the honor of serving the clients of Desert AIDS Project, first as co-chair of the annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards and subsequently also as a board member. Now, as board chair, I’m doing my best to follow in the footsteps of proud activists – gay and straight – who have generously donated their time, money, and talents.

We all know that AIDS has never been a “gay disease” because there IS no such thing. After all, it’s HUMAN Immunodeficiency Virus because any human can contract HIV. But the gay community – here in Palm Springs and around the world – continues to be amazing supporters of HIV/AIDS care, prevention, and advocacy. I hope I’ll see you all at the 26th Desert AIDS Walk on Saturday, October 19 … because I wouldn’t dream of missing the Pride Parade!

The Standard Magazine 1111 Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs CA 92262 760-831-4869 Nino Eilets Publisher Luciano McNulty Editor Maya Kalabic Art Director Photographer David A. Lee Contributors Andre Carthen, Mark Dawson, Ron deHarte, Chris Heritage, Lee Lynch, Dennis Mason, Jesse Melgar, Forrest P. Murphy, Stephanie Brooke Smith, Ken Toth & Fly Life Inc 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 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

Commentary by Barbara Keller Board Chair, Desert AIDS Project

2013. All rights reserved. No portion of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed consent of the publisher.

cover

It’s Time Early this year the Greater Palm Springs Pride board of directors announced that the theme for the 2013 Pride season was “It’s Time.” The theme sets the tone for this year’s Pride events and it represents new hope, new beginnings, and future progress toward equality.

It’s time we can now marry the one we love! It’s time the Supreme Court ended the discriminatory provisions of DOMA. It’s time to pass critical legislation needed to address bullying and harassment, and create safe schools for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth across the nation. It’s time transgender-inclusive non-discrimination laws ensure that LGBT people have equal access to the same opportunities, benefits and protections granted to everyone else. It’s time to deal with the LGBT elder care crisis and the epidemic of homelessness among LGBT youth. It’s time for equality for all.

some of the entertainers of this years PRIDE: Ross Mathews, y-Love, max leon, marina mac, hi fashion, daytime desert realness, KiD MaGik, double duchess & the clicks.

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It’s time to stand up and make your voice heard. If you are not out, I encourage you to courageously come out. Gather your family, friends and coworkers and be present. be there for our elders, be there for the youth, be there for yourself and the ones you love. our Pride parade creates an opportunity for you, your family and friends, step off the sidewalk and march for equality. the parade sets the stage for a celebration and it’s a great time to reflect and give thanks for how far we have come. Come out and march with a contingent or bring a chair, sit back and enjoy the wonderful sights and sounds of our diverse community. the parade is scheduled for sunday, november 3 at 10 a.m. stepping off in downtown at w. baristo rd. and traveling north on Palm Canyon drive to the uptown design district and ending at e. tamarisk rd. the national Grand marshal is Joe Jervis, the author of the popular, award winning lGbt news and culture blog Joe.my.God. sochi Pride 2014 has been named the Grand marshal. sochi Pride was selected to demonstrate solidarity with the lGbt community in russia and raise awareness of the increasing anti-gay atmosphere of discrimination and harassment of the lGbt community in the russian Federation. Community Grand marshals are melanie Jones, ellen Zimmerman, mark Jones and brian Vatcher. television personality, funny man and best-selling author ross mathews will be the Celebrity Grand marshal. another fun stop with friends or family is the Pride Festival at Palm springs stadium, which is only a rainbow mile from downtown. Festival highlights include the us bank stage; american express presents the big top Cabaret and the Palm springs Gay rodeo association Country dance tent. live performances will be featured from queer electro-hop superstars double duchess, eclectic musical duo hi Fashion, new wave techno-pop band berlin featuring terri nunn, african-american Jewish gay hip-hop artist Y-Love, and X Factor Australia finalist Max Leon.

Features include Fetish in the Outfield the Leather Realm, Children’s headquarters (ChQ), safe schools youth xone, authors’ Village, and hIV/aIds testing by desert aIds Project. over 125 exhibitors and nonprofit organizations, Vons Farmers’ Market, food and beverage vendors, bud light 2nd base bar with multiple beer and cocktail stations. the Pride honors awards are a way for us to honor and thank those who have made valuable contributions to our community.

oCtober, 2013 7

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cover This year Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to celebrated writer, photographer and activist Tom Bianchi, internationally acclaimed author Katherine V. Forrest, and Ginny Foat, recognizing her long commitment to social justice, LGBT, and women’s rights activism.

Lambda Legal is the 2013 Advocate of the Year celebrating forty years as the nation’s first legal organization dedicated to achieving full equality for lesbian and gay people. Comedian Shann Carr, along with designer Christopher Kennedy, will be recognized with Spirit of Stonewall Community Service Awards.

Michael Green and Stephen Boyd will be honored as Volunteers of the Year, and Lucy Debardelaben and Gail Christian will be recognized with the Spirit of Pride Award for advancing equality, promoting diversity and celebrating the strength and talent of the LGBT community. The 2013 Friend of Pride Award will be presented to local PFLAG Co-Presidents Carol and Mike Balasa. Filmmakers Katy and Sam Wilkerson will be the 2013 Spirit of Stonewall Special Guest recognizing their work telling a story of Pride in their documentary, “The Pride of Palm Springs.”

With the variety of official events this year there is something for everyone. The Center presents Frenchie Davis and special guest emcee Alec Mapa in the Center Stage concert on Wednesday, October 30. The Palm Springs Pride Golf Classic starts at 8:00 a.m. on November 1, and at 6:00 p.m. American Express presents the free Stonewall Equality Concert at Forever Marilyn. In the Uptown Design District you can enjoy an evening of art, style, design and dining. Palm Springs’ trendiest neighborhood celebrates Pride with late night food, drink, shopping and music from 6:009:00 p.m. Other Friday night activities include The Broadway in Drag Pageant and Standing on Ceremony, The Gay Marriage Plays both starting at 8:00 p.m.

On Saturday, November 2 the 13th Annual Front Runners & Walkers Run/Walk starts at 8:00 a.m. Then complimentary samesex wedding ceremonies take place at the Marilyn Forever Wedding Garden from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If relaxing by the pool is

more your style, the Hot Wet & Proud Pool Party at CCBC offers a clothing optional day of sunshine from Noon to 11:00 p.m.

As the sun starts to set two block parties will come alive. Starting at 6:00 p.m. American Express presents the OUT PSP block party at Forever Marilyn and the Arenas Rd. Block Party ’13. Both street parties are free community events. More Saturday events include the Official Ladies’ Party of Palm Springs Pride at Azul starting at 9:00 p.m. At 10:00 p.m. after-hours dancing and good times continue at Wang’s in the Desert with their Pride Dance Party.

The most fabulous way to enjoy the Palm Springs Pride Parade is at the Parade VIP Party at Forever Marilyn from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Co-host will be talk radio duo Pauly David and Ed “Monks” Marco and Nashville’s favorite drag persona, Suzy Wong aka restaurateur and former Top Chef reality favorite, Arnold Myint. Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime Parade viewing experience and relax away from the crowds. The easy access to bars and food purchases as well as toilet facilities help ensure you have everything you need and won’t have to leave the unique Pride Parade experience.

The No. 1 Sunday must-attend event is Pride Sunday High Tea. American Express presents Sunday High Tea November 3 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Music by celebrated Bear DJ/producer John LaPage (SF), DJ Ray Rhodes (LA) and others. After the parade the fun and daytime shenanigans continue with “DAYTIME desert REALNESS” the only daytime drag party at Alcazar from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Just when you think the action is winding down Palm Springs Leather Pride kicks into gear with programming from November 7-10 at various locations.

During all the fun activities take a moment and give thanks to those who have worked and continue to remedy the many problems posed by issues such as the HIV/AIDS pandemic, hate crimes, teen suicide, lack of accessibility for the disabled, and discrimination. The fight for equality has not come easy. Use this moment to reflect on the role you play in the movement and then let’s embrace each other and prepare for the fight ahead.

EQUALIT Y CALIFORNIA PRESENTS THE

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Television and recording star Bobbie Eakes will be providing us with a sneak preview of her upcoming one woman show.

Good Neighbor Award

Hosted By Leslie Jordan

Nominate Your Local Hero

Special Guest Performer Bobbie Eakes

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VISIT WWW.EQCA.ORG TO PURCHASE TICKETS & TABLES Or contact Jack Lorenz at 310.266.0502 or email jack@eqca.org PRESENTING SPONSOR

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Max Leon

Doug Strahm

Brody Ray Runge

DJ/Producer John LePage

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O F F I C I A L P R I D E E V E N T S - Details Wednesday, October 30th

LGBT Center Concert 5:30 p.m.

Friday, November 1st Palm Springs Pride Golf Classic 8:00 a.m.

Stonewall Equality Concert 6:00 p.m.

Uptown Design District Chill-out 6 p.m.

Standing on Ceremony, The Gay Marriage Plays 8:00 p.m.

Broadway in Drag Pageant 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 2nd

Order Tickets Online at www.PSPride.org

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13th Annual Front Runners & Walkers Run/Walk 8:00 a.m.

Complimentary Same-sex Wedding Ceremonies 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Pride Festival Day 1 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

PalmSprings.Pride and www.PSPride.org

OUT PSP Block Party 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Arenas Road Block Party ’13 presented by American Express

6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Standing on Ceremony, The Gay Marriage Plays 8:00 p.m.

The Official Ladies’ Party of Palm Springs Pride 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Wang’s in the Desert Pride Dance Party 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Sunday, November 3rd

Parade VIP Party presented by American Express 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Pride Parade 10:00 a.m.

Pride Festival Day 2 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

“DAYTIME desert REALNESS” 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Sunday High Tea presented by American Express 2:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

pride schedule Arenas Road Block Party 8:00PM-9:35PM Featuring in order of appearance: Ninja Bety and the Nunchix Ryan Adames Max Leon Alex Newell Meital Dohan

Pride Entertainment Line-Up Friday November 1 Equality Concert 6:30PM-10PM Featuring in order of appearance: Joe Jervis-National Grand Marshall Doug Strahm Arro Verse Gay Men’s Chorus of PS Irene Sonderberg DJ Corey D – Retro 80’s Diva Saturday November 2 US Bank Stage Festival Grounds 11AM-6PM Featuring in order of appearance: Pauly & Ed – Hello Pauly Show Crystal Ocean Veil Irene Soderberg Arro Verse I’m Not Monica Doug Strahm Debora Iyall from Romeo Void Brody Ray Runge Max Leon Berlin featuring Terri Nunn OUT PSP Block Party @Forever Marilyn 6:15PM-10:30PM Featuring in order of appearance: Ethel Merman Doug Strahm Mike Munich The Cliks Steve Grand DJ Josh Peace

DJ Platform 6:00PM-11:00PM Lino da Sound Guy- House Whores Kid Magik DJ Crystal Pepsi Sammy Jo Sunday November 3 Parade VIP Party 8:30AM-12:00PM Featuring in order of appearance: Arnold Myint (Suzy Wong) Pauly and Ed - Hello Pauly Show DJ Patrick Ryan Doug Strahm DJ Corey D Max Leon Ethel Merman US Bank Stage Festival Grounds 1:20PM-5:45PM Featuring in order of appearance: Mauru Raquela Rowsy Bosch Featuring Jeb Havens Mike Munich Y-Love Hi Fashion Double Duchess High Tea @ Forever Marilyn 2:00PM-8:30PM DJ’s in order of appearance: DJ Mixtress (Victoria) DJ Corey D DJ Ray Rhodes Rowsy Bosch Featuring Jeb Havens DJ John LePage For further info visit www.pspride.org

october, 2013 11

FEATURE

Joe Komara Breaks All Rules

Cinemax Star Comes Out from Behind the Bar

By Mark Dawson Joe Komara landed his role on The Girl’s Guide to Depravity with only one audition. “Apparently the producers liked me,” he says with a flash of his Colgate smile. “A few weeks after that first meeting, I got the offer. It couldn’t have been easier.”

And Komara couldn’t be happier with the series. “It’s a show all single people can relate to. Dating, trying to figure out the right games to play or not play, trying to have fun meeting new people while also trying to keep hearts from getting broken. Especially our own.”

The former gymnast-turned-singer from small town Indiana got his start in acting on the New York stage, performing in the offBroadway production of The Donkey Show and then on Broadway in Grease. “My gymnastics background helped a lot,” he reflects. “My tumbling skills gave me an edge over a lot of the other dancers.”

Joe Komara obviously met at least one of the criteria because he now stars as the funny and multi-swinging Tyler in Cinemax’s hit drama series that begins airing it’s second season this month.

How is Tyler different from typical gay characters on television?

Joe Komara: Tyler breaks stereotypes. Sure, he rants about problems, looks down on those without much style, and loves to divulge details of his sex life like a lot of gay men I know but he’s also a guy who isn’t defined by labels. He has a laissez-faire attitude toward conforming. I think viewers find him really relatable.

Is there a reason the character had to be gay?

Actually, yes. The show’s writer Heather Rutman (the show is based on Ms. Rutnam’s blog and her book of the same name) says, “Like any good depraved girl, she gets her best advice and stories from her GBF’s (Gay Best Friends) and Tyler is a mash-up of a bunch of them.

Girls Guide is pretty provocative, even for Cinemax!

True, the show is more provocative than, say, Girls. Our show doesn’t shy away from nudity and sexual situations. Cable shows are a subscription service, so they can contain racier plotlines than the big network shows are able to air. I think it’s a good thing. Sex is a part of everyone’s lives. I don’t see why it shouldn’t be reflected in the lives of the characters we watch on TV.

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Would you do a nude scene?

I had one in the first season. It was quite over-the-top and silly but I actually had a fun time doing it. Like me, she was a dancer so we kind of thought of it as choreography.

So you would do it again?

I would do it again. I find, as I get older, I’m getting more comfortable with myself. I used to be crazily self-conscious about my body. I would wear t-shirts in the pool in high school! These days I’ll drop trough without blinking an eye.

Are you single?

Ah, my favorite question. (Laughs) Yes, I am single. My favorite rule on The Girl’s Guide is #19: Settling is for quitters. I prefer to wait for the elusive grand prize.

Why do think it’s taking so long to find him?

It’s hard to develop relationships in Los Angeles: much harder than it ever was in New York. In New York, you can’t avoid running into people. You see them on the subway, in line at Starbucks, or walking home at night. Guys spend a lot more time in their cars in LA.

FEATURE

Your character finds love this season.

I’m not surprised. Tyler is a decent and funny guy who tells it like it is. He’s doable.

What dating advice would you give to Tyler?

It’s the other way around. There’s more I can learn from Tyler.

What lessons can you learn from Tyler?

He cares a lot less about outcome. He trusts in the moment that things will work out for the best. I’d love to be more like that. Also, Tyler isn’t afraid to ask for what he wants when he wants it. I think we’d all like to have a little more of that at times. I know I would.

Tyler was a player in season one. Can a zebra really change his stripes?

I guess the one piece of advice I would pass along to Tyler is to not fuck a good thing up. Bartenders are notorious for their wandering eyes. Tyler is used to playing the field and doing what he wants. I don’t know that I can see him in a relationship for long. But, then again, when love is concerned, people can be unpredictable. I’d advise Tyler to trust in it - love can be real.

The show is about a group of girls following a book of dating rules quickly and recklessly. Do you think it’s necessary to play games in the beginning of a relationship?

I wish I could stay no, but if I’m going to be truthful, I think there are some games that need to be played in the beginning. You have to feel people out and test the waters a bit. We all come with walls up and trepidation. I mean, nobody wants to get their heart broken, right?

Watch Joe Komara on Cinemax’s The Girl’s Guide to Depravity. Follow Joe on Twitter: @joekomara and Instagram: joekomara.

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interview

Just Frenchie

By Chris Astrala

From the Broadway stage to TV (American Idol, The Voice), Grammy nominated powerhouse, Frenchie Davis is a force to be reckoned with.

She has taken her destiny into her own hands, by combining her previous platforms into an undeniable self-dominated career.

Last year Frenchie released her first solo album “Just Frenchie”. She also recently debuted a “kick butt and take no prisoners” video for her latest single, “Love’s Got a Hold on Me” We talked with Frenchie about everything from her inspirations behind her new video and her connection to the LGBTQ fans to what motivates her and what are her future aspirations.

Q: Your recently released debut single and music video, “Love’s Got a Hold on Me” is already getting great buzz. What was the inspiration for the concept of the video?

A: The inspiration was really the location. Once we drove out to the Mojave Desert and saw where we would be shooting, Jenniferthe wardrobe stylist, and the directors-Chan and Brian just went with it. It evolved into this glorious Mad Max inspired thing. I was really proud of it.

october, 2013 15

interview to just strip things down and have one-instrument accompaniment. I am also looking forward to testing out some of our new arrangements. we kind of do classic broadway interpretations of modern day pop music.

It’s fun. someone once described it as, “broadway meets britney” lol! q: you have a huge & loyal lgBtq fan-base, why do you think the connection is so strong? a: I would love to say that it’s something as simple as my being an out and proud member of the b in lGbt community but the community has supported me since before my public “coming out”. I think it’s because I often shout them out and honor them as my first fan base. When I was a college student, I used to perform in drag bars to make extra money and I had a cabaret show at a gay club in nyC when I was in rent and it has just been an ongoing friendship that I do not take for granted.

q: what is your favorite genre of music to sing and why? a: It’s so hard to pick a favorite genre. I love to sing everything.

Jazz standards, rock, classic soul and r&b, pop, broadway are among my faves. that’s almost everything, isn’t it? lol. q: you have had a fantastic career thus far on the Broadway stage, including a grammy nomination for your performance in ain’t misbehavin’, would you say that Broadway is your true calling? a: It probably is. I love it. I love being on that stage. I love the crazy rehearsal process...the excitement of live performance... and I think broadway is one of the most exciting places on earth! q: it is so obvious that you have worked hard to get where you are professionally, what keeps you motivated? a: my spirituality and my sincere belief that God put something great inside of each and every one of us…so, we owe it to ourselves to do everything in our power to see it reach its full potential. that belief keeps me going. I also have a great support system.

Q: You will be performing at Center Stage, a benefit for the palm springs lgBt Center, what are you looking forward to the most about performing in palm springs? a: I am looking forward to singing with my pianist. I love when I get

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q: if you could look into a crystal ball and see the future, what would you like to see? a: First, and perhaps most importantly, I see lots of laughter in my future. secondly, I see a lot of growing and learning in my future. speaking of learning, I am in the process of finishing my B.F.A at Howard University and I am scheduled to graduate may 2014. lastly, I see amazing things happening. I don’t know what, exactly, because if I haven’t learned anything else on this journey, I’ve learned that life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. so I’ll just keep working hard...take advantage of opportunities that present themselves...and continue to be this amazingly curvy package of awesome. you’re welcome, world. lol q: 3 things you may not know about Frenchie is that… a: I am a book-worm and a history nerd.

I binge watch Cnn, msnbC, and other political news.

I curse like a sailor. wait. maybe the world knows that already....

Get ready to be blown away as Frenchie davis takes the stage at the lGbt Community Center of the desert’s Center stage Gala on Wednesday October 30th at the PS Convention Center. You definitely do not want to miss this. Visit Frenchie’s website for all things Frenchie at www.frenchiedavis.org

IF you Go Center stage wednesday oCtober 30 emceed by alec mapa with a special performance

by Frenchie davis.

5:30 pm Cocktails/silent auction Concert 7:00 pm the Palm springs Convention Center www.thecenterps.org/events/centerstage.

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Q&A

Avicii

Two-time Grammy nominated producer/ DJ Avicii, aka Tim Bergling, releases an all-new studio album TRUE, out now via PRMD Music/Island Records. Despite global successes in concert, on the radio and in video, this will be Avicii’s first full album ever. In this exclusive chat with the superstar international DJ, mixer, and producer, Avicii talks about his new album, spinning at gay clubs, performing with Madonna, the shift in LGBT rights across the world and working with Adam Lambert.

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Q&A Q: Congrats on making a great record, it is not just about the singles. It’s a nice ride all the way through. It’s one of those records that you can listen to from start to finish.

A: Thank you.

Q: One of the tracks on “TRUE”, that we are hoping is the next single is “Lay It Down” with Adam Lambert. What was it like working with Adam?

A: It was great. Adam has an amazing voice. More than anything, he’s also a great writer. And his voice is just insane! He’s like a reincarnation of Freddie Mercury. Actually more like a mixture of Freddie Mercury and Robert Plant.

Q: Is that what attracted you to working with Adam? His showmanship as a performer?

Yeah, I think so. It was Nile Rodgers that kinda had the connection with him and brought him down to put the vocals on a demo that Nile and I did. We weren’t even intending to have him sing on the final track. But then he did such an amazing job on the demo, we were like “why go look for someone else. It’s brilliant as it is.”

There was another song we did with Adam. It was about going down on a girl. He was like “well it’s not for me, but I’ll sing it. I’ll do it for the people, I’ll go down for the people” One way or another we all go down LOL Q: What was it like working in LA? You actually sat still for a minute in LA around the time of the Grammy’s. I know you were out there for more than a couple of weeks.

A: I loved it. That’s when I feel the best, mentally and physically.

Just not having to travel constantly, doing a couple of shows a week but on weekends have a house to go back to. It doesn’t necessarily have to be LA, but of course I love LA. I’ll probably be there for the next couple of years. The work is there and it’s such a creative environment.

Q: did you learn how to drive out there?

A: Ha…No. I’m still using my uber app. (laughing) Q: The other track on the record that resonated with us is “Addicted To You” I could see that instantly becoming a gay anthem.

A: (laughing) Yes definitely it has that very house diva-ish vibe. So yeah I can see that.

Q: Have you ever played at a gay club?

A: I have played at gay clubs. I haven’t played at an exclusive gay night in America yet. But there have been gay clubs and spaces that I’ve played in. When I spin, it isn’t just the gay community who come out, it’s everyone. It’s a lot calmer, there isn’t as much violence and more about fun. Just less bras being thrown at me...LOL

Q: The gay community has always been the primary audience that drove dance music into the mainstream. In the last 10 years, that has changed somewhat with dance music being driven by the wider festival circuit and the mainstream, what are your thoughts on that? continued on page 21

october, 2013 19

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Q&A A: Well it’s constantly changing and evolving. As for the gay community, especially with house music (which is what I do), that’s where it started. I worked a lot with Nile Rodgers, we’ve done about 6 or 7 tracks together, and we spoke a lot about that too. It’s just funny coz all his music started and rooted in the gay community and so many gay people have been his audience for such a long time.

Q: Not only has danced music changed in the past 10 years but so has the shift in LGBT rights across the world. Have you felt the changes or would you like to comment on the changes?

A: I have family and friends that are gay and it’s an important issue for me. I grew up in Sweden. So it’s really not that much of an issue in Sweden the same way it is for gay marriage in America. Even within the society in general. At least from what I feel growing up. I’ve never had any friends being homophobic or never even heard any parents being homophobic. I’ve never even seen that. But in America, you still see homophobia. It’s getting better but you can tell that it still exists.

Q: Talk to me about your charity House For Hunger. It’s great that you are doing charitable and philanthropic work at an early stage in your career.

A: Thank you. It is a joint thing with my manager, Ash Pournouri.

We wanted to do something for charity for a while. We didn’t just want to do a charity show. We wanted to do something more.

Something bigger and something that hasn’t been done before. It’s sort of what we try to do with everything we approach. We always set the bar very high right from the start and that’s what we are still doing. We are actually going to go back and look at how the money we raised was put to use through the charity, so that is something that I am excited about. For more information www. houseforhunger.org Q: Last question...as we are about to pull up to your gig.

What was it like working with Madonna on her last tour?

It was amazing, Yeah I played at Yankee Stadium twice and that was definitely a big gay show. There were a lot of very animated people, a lot of drag queens and tons of fun.

Avicii “True” (PRMD Music/Island Records) available now www.avicii.com

october, 2013 21

psp focus Palm Springs Fashion Weekend Set to Debut at the new Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs Always known as one of the most glamorous cities in America, Palm Springs is preparing to debut its very own fashion close-up.

Home to some of Hollywood’s biggest and most fashionable stars over the years, Palm Springs will be the new vortex of contemporary fashion with the first-ever Palm Springs Fashion Weekend taking place Oct. 25-27 at the new 163 room Hard Rock Hotel located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.

Palm Springs Fashion Weekend is envisioned by Palm Springs business leaders and locals Jim Casey, Kim Waltrip and Trini Garza of Troupe Productions, and produced by Mikey Koffman, owner/ producer of LA Fashion Weekend/Fashion Splash. Palm Springs Fashion Weekend will showcase the designs of acclaimed Los Angeles-based designer Anthony Franco with a Saturday evening (Oct. 26) runway show and cocktail party at the Hard Rock Hotel.

Franco, a Los Angeles native and a self-taught designer who has received accolades and awards for his music-inspired collections, was the recipient of the Mercedes Benz Designer of the Year Award for his 2007 men’s collection. “As a native of Los Angeles, I’ve always looked at Palm Springs as a haven for glamour and fashion, and I’m extremely excited to be showing my collection and helping to put the fashion spotlight on Palm Springs”.

Palm Springs Fashion Weekend will also be about giving back to the community, and Troupe Productions will be donating $2500 to the Desert AIDS Project. “We are so grateful that Jim, Kim, and Trini of Troupe Productions are making D.A.P. a beneficiary of Palm Springs Fashion Weekend, said David Brinkman, CEO of Desert AIDS Project.

When you add talent like that to a venue like the new Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs, this is sure to be a hit! Additionally, the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs has created the Hard Rock Fashion Weekend Package that includes a two-night stay in a premium pool view guestroom, two tickets to Palm Springs Fashion Weekend, and much more. The package and rooms can be booked at www.hrhpalmsprings.com.

Tickets for the first-ever Palm Springs Fashion Weekend are on sale now and available exclusively at www.showclix.com/event/ PalmSpringsFashionWeekend For complete schedule of weekend events visit www.palmspringsfw.com

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psp focus Spotlight 29 Casino Proudly Presents The Women Of Soul Spotlight 29 Casino is proud to present a smooth and sultry evening of R&B music with the Women of Soul, on Saturday, October 19th at 8:00pm. Spotlight 29 Casino’s Spotlight Showroom offers the premier entertainment experience in the Coachella Valley. The Women of Soul concert will feature some of the hottest female performers from the 80s and 90s who continue to make the stage sizzle, including: En Vogue’s “Hold On” and “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” Lisa Lisa and her chart toppers “I Wonder If I Take You Home” and “All Cried Out” JoJo with her signature funk hits “In My House” and “All Night Long” Evelyn “Champagne” King with her hits “Shame,” “Love Come Down,” and “I’m in Love”

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening with the Women of Soul at the Spotlight 29 Casino Spotlight Showroom on Saturday, October 19th. Tickets are $45, $35, and $25 and are available at www.

Spotlight29.com, Star Tickets (800) 585-3737, or at the Spotlight 29 Box Office and Gift Shop. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.; show starts at 8:00 p.m. For more information, go to www.Spotlight29.com or call 760-775-5566. Follow Spotlight 29 Casino on Facebook.

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october, 2013 23

news

national

Senator withdraws support for 1st openly gay, black Federal Judicial Nominee

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has withdrawn his support from a federal judicial nominee that he previously recommended -- William Thomas, a gay black judge from Miami -- and, to the anger and puzzlement of many, is preventing the nomination from moving forward at all.

Thomas would have made history, if confirmed, as the first openly gay black man to serve as a federal judge. Rubio initially recommended Thomas to President Barack Obama late last year as a nominee for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. There’s a particular urgency to filling the judgeship, vacant for 18 months. The court backlog is so bad that the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts has deemed it a “judicial emergency.”

But something changed in recent months. Rubio withheld his consent for the Senate Judiciary Committee to hold a hearing on Thomas’ nomination. It takes both home-state senators to sign off on a confirmation hearing, so without Rubio’s approval, Thomas has been stuck in limbo. Florida’s other senator, Bill Nelson (D), gave his backing to Thomas months ago.

It wasn’t clear until this week that Rubio doesn’t plan to let Thomas move at all. A Rubio spokeswoman said last week that the senator decided to pull his support after “a thorough review” of Thomas’ record, including two cases that Thomas handled as a Miami-Dade circuit judge. Rubio’s spokeswoman described Thomas’

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handling of those cases as “troubling.”

Michelle Schwartz of Alliance for Justice, a left-leaning association of more than 100 organizations focused on the federal judiciary, noted that Thomas has broad support from law enforcement groups in his home state. The League of Prosecutors, for one, sent Rubio a glowing review of Thomas in December.

“Judge William Thomas has been a fair and thoughtful jurist in Florida; that’s why he’s won support from police organizations and prosecutors alike,” Schwartz said. “Senator Rubio’s withdrawal of support from such a talented nominee has no valid basis and is nothing more than a political effort to pander to conservatives.”

Civil rights groups said they’re somewhere between puzzled and furious about Rubio’s change of heart.

“There’s something bigger at work here, but it’s hard to figure out why he would be opposed,” said Fred Sainz of the Human Rights Campaign. “Judge Thomas is a well-qualified jurist.”

Asked for a response to criticisms that Rubio’s actions are purely political, Rubio’s spokeswoman simply reiterated that the senator is troubled by Thomas’ record.

Thomas’ record “raised serious concerns about his fitness for a lifetime federal appointment,” said the spokeswoman.

LGBTQ Nation Staff

news INTERNATIONAL

Barilla pasta chairman posts Facebook video apologizing for anti-gay remarks

Facing a worldwide boycott of his products, the chairman of Barilla pasta last week issued his second apology in as many days after saying he “would never do an advertisement with a homosexual family … if the gays don’t like it they can go and eat another brand.”

Guido Barilla, a fourth generation packaged food mogul who leads the still-family run business with his brothers Luca and Paolo, reiterated his apology from Thursday after gay rights activists called his remarks an “offensive provocation” and called for a boycott of the company’s pasta, sauces and snacks.

Backlash for Barilla’s remarks he made during an Italian radio broadcast has been unrelenting, and his words repeated in mainstream media worldwide, as gay rights advocates and allies began dumping Barilla products Last week, Barilla took to Facebook with a second apology.

“Yesterday I apologized for offending many people around the world,” Barilla said in the video. “Today I am repeating that apology.”

“I have heard the countless reactions around the world to my words, which have depressed and saddened me. It is clear that I have a lot to learn about the lively debate concerning the evolution of the family,” he said.

“In the coming weeks, I pledge to meet representatives of the group that best represent the evolution of the family, including those who have been offended by my words.”

october, 2013 25

eQca uPdate

Kathleen seBelius

a Champion For lgBt health

By John o’Connor eXeCutiVe DireCtor, eQuality CaliFornia

october 1st kicked off one of the greatest improvement in health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender americans in this nation’s history. the new affordable Care act, also called Obamacare, works to specifically address many of the endemic health disparities that afflict our community. The woman in charge of implementing all of those policies is u.s. secretary of health and human services (hhs) Kathleen sebelius. at the hhs, sebelius has championed the implementation of the aCa in ways that make sure that ending the exclusion of lGbt people is a priority. she has kicked off a public education and outreach campaign aimed specifically at the LGBT community, is making sure that the hhs adds demographic questions that include sexual orientation in national health surveys, as well as setting strict guidelines for hospitals to ensure that same-sex partners can’t be denied visitation rights. the protections in the aCa are substantial and important. they include strict prohibitions on discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as an end to lifetime coverage

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caps, which for many hIV/aIds patients means that receiving cutting edge lifesaving treatments no longer come out of pocket. sebelius has also pushed for cultural competency training for health care providers, making sure that our community receives complete, accurate and effective care.

Just as vital is the increased support for preventative medicine, including breast cancer and hIV screenings.

For our transgender community, new regulations make it easier to get coverage for the cost of transition, and make it harder to deny coverage on the basis of it being related to transition. we know that lGbt people are more likely to be lower income, especially due to the pernicious effects of discrimination on the job, so perhaps the most revolutionary and life-saving aspect will be the easy access to health insurance through the health exchange marketplaces, like Covered California. the equality California Institute is in the middle of our statewide public education campaign called health happens with equality, or la salud ocurre con Igualdad, which is connecting thousands of lGbt Californians with the resources they need to make informed health care decisions. on october 12, equality California will be honoring secretary sebelius with the ally in leadership award at the Palm springs equality awards for her work in the health arena for our community. we invite you to join us in celebrating her lasting contributions to our community. Visit http://eqcaawards.org/palm-springs-equalityawards/ to get your tickets today!

HRC NEWS

New Rulings from the Hill

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced a ruling that will ensure all legally married same-sex couples, regardless of where they live, will be recognized for federal tax purposes. Recently the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which prohibited the federal government from recognizing the legal marriages of same-sex couples.

Under this new ruling from the Treasury Department and the IRS, same-sex couples that are legally married will be treated as married for all federal tax purposes, including income, estate and gift taxes. The ruling applies regardless of whether the couple resides in a state or jurisdiction that recognizes their marriage.

Prior to this ruling, lawfully married same-sex couples were forced to declare as “unmarried” to file their federal income tax returns. Furthermore, transfers of property, gifts and inheritances between same-sex spouses were taxed, unlike those between opposite-sex spouses – as was the case in Edie Windsor’s successful challenge to DOMA before the Supreme Court. Even the health insurance benefits provided for a same-sex spouse were treated as taxable income, costing the average same-sex couple over $1,000 a year in additional taxes.

Recently, other federal agencies have issued similar rulings or

guidance regarding the invalidation of Section 3 of DOMA, including the Office of Personnel Management, Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Homeland Security. Other agencies are expected to announce decisions on how benefits will flow to same-sex couples.

In addition, the beginning of the new school year is supposed to be a time of excitement and anticipation. But even in 2013, too many LGBT young people from the heartland to the coasts still walk into their new classroom fearful, rather than hopeful, of what awaits them inside. It is just one of the challenges that LGBT youth face every day, and advancing equality means building a better future for those young people in every aspect of their lives.

Now let’s talk Garden Party. Please join us as we celebrate your support and the work of the Human Rights Campaign. The 14th Annual Palm Springs HRC Garden Party on Saturday November 2 at the Historic Johnny Mercer Estate. The afternoon will include a silent auction, heavy appetizers, open bar, remarks from local, celebrity honorees, and HRC staff.

For tickets and more info, visit www.hrc.org/psgardenparty This is the first in a quarterly series of articles to appear in The Standard Magazine. Look here for all your future updates and information directly from HRC to you.

october, 2013 27

LEGALLY SPEAKING

Same-Sex Couples

Exploring the Wilderness

By Christopher Heritage

Joyful marriages of same-sex couples are taking place all around us, in a wonderful breath of fresh air for the LGBT community.

This freedom to marry opens up hundreds of new legal rights and obligations. It’s a new frontier. But savvy explorers know that uncharted territory can be tricky. There are snags along the way, like this one: What Works? Marriage? Registered Domestic Partnerships?

Or both?

In California, marriage and registered domestic partnerships (RDP’s) are essentially the same – partners are called spouses in both, and have equal rights and responsibilities under state law. 13 other states, plus Washington D.C., permit same-sex marriage, and several of those and other states allow civil unions or domestic partnerships of one kind or another. Unfortunately, the rest of the states don’t

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recognize same-sex unions of any kind, and same-sex marriage is prohibited in many of them.

Under most federal regulations, married same-sex spouses may now be recognized, regardless of what state they live in. Specifically, for IRS tax purposes, if a marriage was valid in the jurisdiction where it was performed (a state, Washington D.C. or a foreign country), the current state of residence does not matter. State laws permitting or prohibiting same-sex marriage may be meaningless to the feds.

But RDP’s or other civil unions don’t qualify as marriage under federal law. In California, they are spouses. To the federal government, they are not. At this time, civil union and RDP partners have no access to the hundreds of federal benefits now available to those who are married.

Your legal status, whatever it is, is subject to a crazy-quilt of state regulations across our country. You could be married here, but not there. Your domestic partnership or civil union may work in some states, but not 30 or 40 others. You’ve been handed a treasure trove of legal rights and responsibilities by the federal government, but only if you marry where it is legal for same-sex couples to marry. Protecting yourselves in this wilderness should be your first order of business.

What happens if a same-sex married couple moves from California or travels to a state or country that doesn’t permit or recognize that marriage? The couple will have no marriage rights under the local laws, and they can be treated as unrelated individuals.

For example, if one becomes ill or incapacitated, the spouse may have no authority to handle medical or personal care, and could even be denied the right to visit or to receive information about the patient’s condition.

Enroll in Cancer Prevention Study-3.

The same is true for RDP’s or other civil unions recognized in California. In places that recognize them, they have rights and responsibilities for each other. In those that do not, they are essentially strangers.

• Be between 30 and 65 years old • Have never been diagnosed with cancer • Be willing to make a long-term commitment to the study which simply involves completing a mailed or emailed follow-up questionnaire every few years

Everyone, everywhere, should have an advance health care and personal care directive and durable power of attorney naming the person (and a back-up person) who will have authority to act in medical and financial situations. These are especially critical for same-sex married couples and for civil union partners who may travel in or move to places that don’t recognize their union. They provide a strong legal foundation that protects same-sex spouses’ and partners’ rights to act for and care for each other, even if a state or country does not recognize the union itself.

I generally recommend that committed same-sex partners in California register as domestic partners and marry here. The legal relationships will work in all locations that recognize one or the other, and in new states and countries as they join us on the way to marriage equality.

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

Members of the LGBT community are at greater risk for certain types of cancer. By enrolling in the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Study (CPS-3), you can help us understand how to prevent cancer, which will save lives and create a world with more birthdays for everyone.

To enroll you need to:

Enrollment locations: Eisenhower Medical Center Tuesday, November 12 • 1 PM – 5 PM Friday, November 15 • 9 AM – 1 PM

Desert AIDS Project Saturday, November 16 • 9 am – 1 pm

Desert Regional Medical Center Tuesday, November 19 • 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM Friday, November 22 • 9 AM – 1 PM

Visit cps3palmsprings.org or call 1-888-604-5888 to enroll today.

©2013, American Cancer Society, Inc.

october, 2013 29

perspective

PRIDE! The Gift That Keeps On Giving

By Dr. Kenneth Toth, MAT, DC, RN, CPT

Soon, we’ll all be lining Palm Canyon to kick off our annual celebration of LGBT PRIDE in our exquisitely charming and beautiful desert paradise! For many of us, PRIDE is the official marker of another year having gone by. For the LGBT community, it is our day to celebrate the hard-earned pride that we feel in ourselves and in the incredible life journeys that most of us have taken to get right here where we are today. And it’s especially poignant to be celebrating PRIDE right here in Palm Springs, one of the few communities in the entire country where LGBT folks are not just “tolerated,” but are creating daily a better and better community for all residents of all orientations. We are light-years past the social, “moral,” employment and religious witch-hunts that continue to beleaguer LGBT folks in many, if not most, other communities of our country-- where most everyone is trying to find out if you’re gay and label you, but no one is trying to find out if you’re straight.

I don’t want to be just “tolerated” and “allowed” to have second or third class citizenship. I want first class citizenship, and that is exactly what I enjoy in Palm Springs. That is what our town is all about, and that distills down to PRIDE. Our city is about pride for all, where the elements of healthy, personal pride, self-esteem and self-actualization, are able to flourish. There is a special, sophisticated pride, I believe, shown by most everyone of every orientation in our town that transcends labels, bigotry, and illegitimate and unscientific moralizing.

We all know that personal self-esteem and the opportunity for self-actualization are critically important to the development of a mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically healthy life. That is

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what PRIDE is all about. PRIDE celebrates personal self-esteem as well as equal access to, and the opportunity for, self-actualization for not just the LGBT community, but for ALL in our community—because equality is for ALL of us. And we ALL celebrate our oneness and connectedness as human beings by sharing and celebrating our common humanity, joy, and love.

Our colorful and sometimes “outrageous” PRIDE Parade is an annual demonstration of our history and struggle over many decades. Thankfully, the younger LGBT folks did not have to hide out like branded misfits prior to 1974, when homosexuality was finally declassified by the American Psychological Association as a mental illness. They did not have to worry about their well-meaning parents institutionalizing them in psychiatric hospitals to be “cured” of their supposed “mental illness.”

We had to create our own parade out of seemingly nothing.

It was a strident effort to announce our presence and very right to exist. And the sometimes labeled “outrageous” quality of it represented our silent screams in a sea of barbaric repression to be seen, heard, actually listened to, and recognized as human beings who deserve the same equal rights and protections as any other citizens of this great country.

Besides being just a lot of great fun for the entire family, I think our PRIDE parades serve as archetypal documentaries, with our skimpy costumes, fabulous muscles, incredibly brave drag queens, and loads of brassy glitz.

PRIDE in Palm Springs is truly the gift that keeps on giving throughout the year, because it reminds us that we have made tremendous headway against terrible odds, over many relentless years of oppression, in finally realizing where we are right now.

Right here, in Palm Springs, the LGBT community thrives in an oasis of equality. We can all take incredible pride in the world-wide example of human rights that our diverse city continues to set!

Dr. Kenneth Toth, MAT, DC, RN, holds multiple degrees as a science educator, chiropractor, and registered nurse. He is currently limiting his professional activities to Personal Training/Nutritional Counseling. Dr. Ken is now accepting new clients at WorkOUT Gym, Palm Springs, CA for personal training along with nutritional counseling. He may be reached at 949-235-9408.

fitness

PRIDE FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS

By Dennis Mason, BFA, CPT, Fitness Coach

It wasn’t so long ago that the whole idea of being proud of just about anything was almost non-existent. In fact, pride was one of the 7 deadly sins in early Christianity. As defined by Wikipedia, “The Seven Deadly Sins, also known as the Capital Vices or Cardinal Sins, is a classification of the most objectionable vices which has been used since early Christian times to educate and instruct followers concerning (immoral) fallen man’s tendency to sin and were fatal to spiritual progress.” They consist of Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, and Pride. The opposite of those vices are the virtues of Chastity, Temperance, Charity, Diligence, Patience, Kindness, and Humility.

Over the years the interpretations of these religious directives have changed, mutated or been modified to more easily align with the morals and beliefs of our society, as it exists today. When we think of being proud, we must consider what it is that gives us that certain feeling. For example, some of the things we might be proud of are our country, our heritage, our accomplishments in life and the degree to which we have cared for our body and mind. However, when exhibiting pride, the most important element to consider is you. Because you are made up of things you believe in and ideas you stand for.

Take, for example, all the hard work you put into the care and feeding of your body; you work out, you watch what you eat, you try not to get stressed and get plenty of sleep. Just being able to juggle all those things is something of which to be proud. Most people can’t or won’t do it…just look around. However, being in shape can mean different things for different people. For the competitive bodybuilder, being in shape means being at his or her physical peak...that is, muscular, balanced, defined and tan. For most people, it means keeping the body toned and healthy...or as some put it,

under control. However, the rising number of people out of shape now seems to indicate that a lot of people either don’t know how or simply don’t care about taking care of their body…and that truly is a shame, and not at all something of which to be proud.

The truth is there is an art to staying fit. Just about anyone can learn how to do it. All that is required is to consciously apply and practice a few simple rules that will bring about whole body harmony and growth. Most importantly you must understand that taking care of your body is a concept, a philosophy and a lifestyle.

It is intended for any age, gender, level of experience and your own personal health and fitness goals. It is not intended to be a quick fix or cure-all for cosmetic or medical conditions, but rather a method for living a healthy, physically fit and happy life.

As another example of showing pride in our lives, this time of year brings the annual Gay Pride Celebration to Palm Springs. This term refers to a worldwide movement and philosophy of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals. The Pride Campaign of the gay rights movement states three basic ideas. The first of these ideas is that “People have a right to be proud of their individual sexual orientation and gender identity.” Second, that “Sexual diversity is a gift.” And the third idea is the fact that “Sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered.”

The word pride is used in this case as an antonym for shame, which has been used to control and oppress many people throughout history. Pride in this sense is an affirmation of one’s self and the community as a whole.

These then, represent a number of areas we might consider important to our own personal belief system that make up who we are, what we believe, and what we stand for.

We are the last standing group of individuals seeking human rights equality.

That then, is reflected in our outward expression of freedom… and that is definitely something for which we can celebrate with pride in the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way. A joyous 2013 Gay Pride to all.

If you need help with your physique training, post injury retraining or nutritional guidance, please contact me by email at the address below, or just visit my web site at www.dennismasonfitness.com. Dennis Mason, C.P.T. dennis@dennismasonfitness.com

october, 2013 31

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epicurean

Pride Pairing

By Chef Andre Carthen

We all like to think that we have fabulous taste and that the pairing of fashion, food and people come together naturally. As you experience life you know that’s not always the case. Sure I could tell you about a number of wines, of which you don’t know and what they pair well with but let’s talk about some pairings that we could not live without.

Classic Pairings: Apple Pie & Ice Cream Vodka & Tonic Chocolate and Red Wine Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton Harry Winston and Diamonds French fries and Ketchup Chicken & Waffles? (new one) Mac & Cheese Pastrami and Rye Calvin Klein and Hot men in Underwear Bob Paris and Rod Jackson (ended) Broadway / Musicals and Neil Patrick Harris Champagne & Caviar Baseball & Hot Dogs New York and Pizza Elton John and the Piano Giorgio Armani and Fashion Anna Wintour and Vogue Sonny & Cher

Hot & Sex, oops outside voice …and of course there’s PB & J Whatever your favorite pairing is, take PRIDE that you are paired with some of the most FABULOUS people in the world, yourself included.

But if we’re still talking about food, Two of my favorites are a creamy Stilton with a full-bodied ruby Port and Coffee with Chocolate.

To truly experience your pairing Take a bite of food, let it rest in your mouth and then slowly chew.

Sip wine with food together in your mouth.

And let the magic begin.

A “perfect pairing” occurs when both components come together to make an even better flavoring in your mouth. Perfect pairings are rare, so savor all that you can.

This is one I’m sure you will enjoy!

Ivory Coast Martini Rimmed w/ coffee, sugar and cocoa powder this becomes a decadent treat 2 oz. Three Olives Triple shot Espresso Vodka

1 oz. *Amarula cream liqueur 1 oz. White Crème de Cacao Pour ingredients into shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously, and strain into chilled martini glass. It should be somewhat frothy.

For rimming*: 1 tbs ground coffee 1 tbs cocoa powder 3 tbs sugar Mix together and place in a shallow dish. Lightly wet rim of martini glass and dip in mixture. Pour in cocktail and serve.

Please enjoy responsibly! *There was absolutely no way to say this without smiling, rimming, to rim, rimmed with…

Celebrity Chef Andre Carthen a.k.a. the Fit Chef, is featured in Kathy Ireland’s book “Real Solutions for Busy Moms: Your Guide to Success and Sanity,” and Janet Jackson’s first book, NY Times #1 Best Seller “True You” where he contributed over 30 recipes for a healthy meal plan. To learn more http://kathyireland.com/ entertaining/entertaining-about/

october, 2013 33

medical 411

ASK THE DOCTOR Forrest P. Murphy, MD, FACS

Question: Gay Pride annually is a time when, for some reason, I tend to throw caution to the wind regarding safe sex practices. Maybe it is because I drink a little too much when I party. Besides the obvious, can you re-iterate ways to be safe?

-Sean S., Palm Springs, CA

(This is such an important question that I am going to devote my entire column this month to a summary of safe/unsafe sex and STDs to avoid and treatment) Answer: Gay Pride can be very stimulating with tons of energetic, handsome and sexy people in town. In addition, as you already know judging from your question, it is a risky time for guys trying to avoid STDs. If you are HIV negative, make it a vow this year to ABSOLUTELY practice safe sex under ALL conditions. This means carrying a condom with you at all times and USING IT! Condoms are such an easy way to have a great time and peace of mind! If someone doesn’t want to have sex with you because you want to be safe, thank him and MOVE ON! I am a realist and I know most guys don’t like using condoms.

The safest anonymous sex practice is mutual masturbation, which can be hot and fun. Also, ASK your next love interest/s their STD status. Hopefully they will be honest.

There are other STDs that are more contagious than HIV and can easily be acquired during sex with an infected partner.

These are (in no particular order of infectivity) syphilis, chlamydia, hepatitis, genital warts, herpes and gonorrhea. Furthermore, you can acquire these and not know that you have

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them! When you find out later that you are afflicted, your anonymous partner is long gone and forgotten.

Fever blisters and cold sores ARE herpes simplex, a ubiquitous virus, If you are susceptible to herpes simplex, once you have these little bastards, you will have them for life. This infection in a healthy immune system is usually minor, but it is obviously best to avoid acquiring herpes in the first place.

Syphilis can be missed for years and tertiary syphilis affects your brain and can cause dementia and senility. Syphilis can be tested for specifically with a blood test and treated with antibiotics.

Hepatitis A &B can be prevented with a vaccine so consider the separate or combination vaccine -period. Hepatitis A (infectious), which is mild, will resolve.

Unfortunately, there is Hepatitis C, D, and E and there is no vaccine.

Finally, gonorrhea and chlamydia are more obvious when you acquire them. Both create an unpleasant mouth or anal odor/ discharge. They are easily treated with antifungals and antibiotics. Obviously, it is best to avoid them in the first place.

Getting regular check-ups, if you are sexually active, is the smartest advice. Check out STDExpress online. You pay online or over the phone. Some insurance are accepted. You, then, get your blood drawn/urine collected at a local lab on your schedule, and 3 days later, you can look up your test results anonymously online. If you are positive for anything, they have referral services if you can’t get in to see your doctor.

In general, always follow your Gut Instinct when contemplating having sex with multiple partners!

Finally, be smart, be careful but have fun. Too much alcohol clouds your judgment so pace your alcohol intake. Don’t use recreational drugs. USE CONDOMS and Have a Happy & Safe Gay Pride!

Forrest P. Murphy, MD, FACS is a board-certified Ophthalmologist and board eligible in Emergency Medicine and Anti-Aging. He has agreed to answer medical questions for the Standard Magazine. If you have a question for Dr. Forrest, simply send us an email with your question to info@standardps.com. The Content provided in this column is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practice medicine or general health care in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have.

october, 2013 35

The Amazon Trail

A letter to Carol

By Lee Lynch

Dear Carol: (Carol Seajay, Lesbian Literary Legend) It’s been so long! Of all my old friends, you are one I think of most.

I am reminded of you: you will appear at the Lesbian Oral Herstory Project symposium this year, Celebrating Our Lesbian Legacies October 10-13, 2013, in Houston Texas (http://www. olohp.org/). I’ll be on the East Coast those days, officiating, to my amazement, at a gay marriage, visiting family openly with my spouse, doing Provincetown Women’s Week book! events, so I can’t be there, but I’d like to be.

A quiet, thoughtful groundbreaker, you were a Pied Piper we hardly realized was leading us beyond what we could imagine achieving. The unbridled excitement of those early years hid the hard, hard work we all did. I feel it now, the vast exhaustion that threatens to silence me. I am slow to think, to move, to write. I remind myself of your cat Chia, who always impressed me with her deliberateness of motion.

I have wondered if the burden of your work in pioneering and sustaining the women’s print community has led you to retreat to

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the shadows in which we all once lived. Or if you are stirring new concepts in your cauldron of women’s words, concepts that will build upon the structures we old dykes can claim with pride.

Many women have raised their voices, their pens, their placards to contribute to these loud and lasting movements of our making: the women’s movement, gay liberation, lesbian literature. Few have had your impact. You are best known as a founder of Old Wives Tales in San Francisco, one of the first women’s bookstores; of “Feminist Bookstore News” (FBN), the house publication for women’s bookstores around the world; and “Books to Watch Out For” (BTWOF) a later publication that continued to spread the word of books by, for and about women.

What most women are not aware of is how incredibly hard you worked and the way you lived to accomplish your life’s work. I remember when you took a job as a FedEx driver with that fledgling company and stuck with it for years in order to support yourself and FBN. I remember your small apartment in San Francisco that served as both publishing empire and your home for many years; papers and books, computers, periodicals, flyers and a view of a storefront

church across the street. Your apartment and neighboring buildings became the setting for my book, Sue Slate, Private Eye, and I have many photographs of your neighborhood that I took in preparation.

I remember how influenced you were by The First Women In Print Conference in 1977. I believe that’s where you met Barbara Grier and so many other women who created our lesbian publishing industry. I knew nothing of all this, voiceless since “The Ladder” folded.

Yet there you were, in the midst of our print revolution, organizing so women like me could be published. Thank you for making that long journey to the conference in one of your small used cars – was it the Subaru named Jane?

You had a story published in “Common Lives/Lesbian Lives” some years later, when I also was publishing there. I loved your story and wrote you a fan letter. You answered! Where did we first meet?

San Francisco? Provincetown? New Haven? You stayed with my then partner and me at our condo. You and I were both so shy. I think I blushed every time we exchanged words. You were so accomplished and so fervent and knew everyone in the lesbian writing world and you liked my work too. I was so glad and proud to have you as a friend always.

I can’t imagine how you made it financially. You had to buy food and housing and fund the bookstore and your publications. At the height of the popularity of women’s bookstores you were actually able to hire a part-time helper – or was she an unpaid intern? But you were the reporter, researcher, reviewer, distributor and writer for FBN all those years. It’s a wonder you didn’t get sick or burnt out.

But I think you came from hardy Midwest stock, though they no longer wanted you, their lesbian daughter. I remember listening to your story of leaving home on a little motorcycle and setting out for San Francisco. On the way you broke down or had an accident. Ever the exceedingly competent femme, you got yourself to the city of your dreams anyway and helped put on our revolution. Your work was so important. I hope you know that.

You drove all over the country in the early 1980s, women’s bookstore to women’s bookstore, sleeping on couches or in your little car. You amazed me and I want to thank you for inspiring me, gently patting me on the back, housing me, accepting my lovers, introducing me to yours, selling my books, promoting our literature and our culture and just plain being instrumental in the flowering of lesbian literature.

And, Carol, I don’t know if it will reach you, but I am sending this photograph* of us, decades old, because, you know the movie line: We’ll always have Provincetown.

Love, Lee

Copyright Lee Lynch 2013 *Photo credit to D. Pascale

october, 2013 37

From Inside The Boudoir

It’s Ladies night

by Stephanie Brooke Smith

go-go dancers, and DJs, to perform. Altogether, they cover all of the bases to ensure the success of Boudoir Entertainment events and the satisfaction of all of the guests.

Alright ladies and gents, I know I am not the only one out here that has been asking the question: “Where are all the lesbians?” Well, thanks to the amazing dedication and perseverance of three exceptionally talented young women here in the Coachella Valley, we now know where to go to find the ladies-Boudoir Entertainment biweekly events at Georgie’s Alibi, above Azul, in downtown Palm Springs!

This driven trio of young women responsible for creating and developing Boudoir Entertainment are Delfina Zarate, Alexis Ortega, and Marie Elloso. These women were born and raised in the Coachella Valley and are enthusiastically committed to their community. As a result, they noticed that there was a gaping hole in the area of nightlife activities available to the lesbian and queer women in the valley. After noticing this lacking quality in their community, Zarate, Ortega, and Elloso came together and took the initiative to create the entertainment group called Boudoir Entertainment, that specializes in filling this gap so that lesbian and queer women can have a place where they can socialize and form new friendships and relationships with other women in the community.

Zarate, who works as a bartender, very animatedly expresses that is it is her responsibility and pleasure to “promote Boudoir (Entertainment) so it can be recognized for its value in the community.”

Ortega, a Stanford grad who works for the Desert AIDS Project, is the woman in charge of social media, marketing and promoting the brand of Boudoir Entertainment, which is described as being “luscious, refreshing, alluring, mesmerizing, and ecstasizing” on the website. Elloso, a student at College of the Desert, is the first face that all newcomers encounter when they attend any Boudoir Entertainment event. She is also responsible for bringing in local talent, such as burlesque dancers,

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According to Zarate, providing a “safe space and atmosphere for women to be themselves and be free to be who they want to be” is an important goal of Boudoir Entertainment. Not only are Boudoir Entertainment events welcoming to the ladies of the LGBTQ community, they are open to everyone, which helps to promote a stronger sense of community throughout the Coachella Valley. Similarly, Ortega states that being welcoming to all people is such an integral part of Boudoir Entertainment and its commitment to “help(ing) change the view point of the community about lesbian and queer women” which will assist in ensuring the long term success of Boudoir Entertainment in the Valley.

Along with this, Elloso maintains that Boudoir Entertainment is also able to promote prosperity for women in the Valley as a result of the utilization of the local talent during each Boudoir event.

In addition to providing a fun and exciting environment for lesbian and queer women in the Valley to hang out and socialize and promoting prosperity for women, Boudoir Entertainment is also all about giving back to its community in a variety of ways. Boudoir has promoted fundraisers by local non-profit organizations, such as the Desert AIDS Project, and also donated a quarter of the proceeds made during its 2013 Dinah Shore event to FIND Food Bank.

In this way, the ladies of Boudoir Entertainment hope to inspire and encourage the youth of the Valley to give back to their community as Zarate, Ortega, and Elloso are all in their twenties and tend to reach the younger crowd within the community. As a result, they bring about an entertaining and youthful energy to the LGBTQ community which stands out in the crowd that is largely made up of older individuals.

In keeping with the many great opportunities that Boudoir Entertainment has brought to the Valley largely in support of the needs of the lesbian and queer women in the LGBTQ community, this column will appear as a monthly installment in The Standard Magazine and will discuss a variety of women’s issues that are actively affecting the lives of lesbian and queer women in the community. Thus, a larger community will know the issues that are hot topics of discussion in the Lesbian world.

Stephanie Brooke Smith stbsmith2011@gmail.com

october, 2013 39

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events Calendar oCtoBer 12 eQCa presents the ninth annual Palm springs equality awards at the riviera resort & spa, hosted this year by the raucous, fun and unpredictable leslie Jordan, and honoring Congressman mark takano, special guest Congressman raul ruiz, with entertainment from Kimberly Caldwell and bobbie eakes. this year, we have more to celebrate than ever before, from the final victory on marriage at the supreme Court to the passage of the first law in the nation that fully protects transgender students. Join in the celebration, for tickets go to www.eqca.org

oCt 13 aIds assistance Program. save the date for our annual Jeannette rockefeller angel Program Kickoff Party, sunday october 13, 6:00 Pm, at a private las Palmas estate with british r&b singer maxine nightingale.

Please join us and reaffirm your commitment to caring for those who need our help. make your reservation today. Visit www. aidsassistance.org for further info.

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dBa oCtoBer events oct 15 multi-Chamber mixer hosted by sunnylands Center & Gardens. oct 28 dba mixer hosted by bar For more info visit www. desertbusinessassociation.org

oCtoBer 19 desert aIds Project , walk. Get tested. stop aIds on saturday, october 19. sponsored by agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians, the 26th annual desert AIDS Walk helps benefit both D.A.P. and community partners. we are hoping everyone will join us at the walk and continue to spread the word to ‘walk – Get tested – stop aIds.’ For info visit www.desertaidsproject.org

oCtoBer 30 the lGbt Community Center of the desert (the Center) is pleased to announce the Center Stage Gala, a benefit concert headlined by broadway star Frenchie davis and emceed by comedian alec mapa. the event will held at the Palm springs Convention Center and starts with a cocktail reception at 5:30.

For more info go to www.thecenterps.org

Currently thru oCtoBer 20 agua Caliente Cultural museum continues a great exhibition, where are the tipis? the changing perceptions about Indians. Views of Indians, past and present, are often based on misinformation. where are the tipis? provides insights into these perceptions and how they have been perpetuated.

For more information about where are the tipis? and other museum programs and events call 760-778-1079 or visit www.accmuseum.org

ongoing eVery other saturday boudoir at Georgie’s alibi (above azul). stop in for a great time, bringing something new and refreshing to the Ps nightlife, boudoir is quickly becoming the go-to event for the lesbian community in the valley. by women and for women. all are welcome.

For details go to www.boudoirnightlife.com

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EVENTS CALENDAR Palm Springs’ area social ambassador, Bella da Ball, and features music-comedysong-dance-costuming-headdresses-photo ops-door prizes-audience participation and more. The 95+ minute production features musical numbers ranging from show tunes to country to pop and everything in between.

Don’t miss the fun every Tuesday at 7:30pm! No cover.

Hunters Nightclubs® Palm Springs, Palm Springs’ go-to gay bar and dance club, has been leading the way in full-out fun for 13 lucky 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 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. Complete list of events www.toucanstikilounge.com

ongoing Wang’s in the Desert. The weekly Wang’s Live Entertainment series features the best in local and regional musical talents.

Guests can relax from cabaret and Broadway show performances to upbeat, jazzy showcases on the Zen Patio, with its beautiful stone outdoor fireplace, giant red Buddha statue and lush tropical surroundings. The Sunday series is becoming the new performance showcase for weekends and holidays in downtown Palm Springs. It’s the perfect, casual venue for great music, cool cocktails and of course, a fantastic crowd.

For more information about Wang’s in the Desert, visit www.wangsinthedesert.com

Tuesdays Bella da Ball Cabaret Variety Dinner Revue at Azul features a different show each week with a cast of male and female vocalists and drag personalities. The highly popular show is hosted and produced by

october 31 Friends of the Desert Mountains Imperial Dam Bus Tour Registration begins at 6:30am, Bus tour 7am to 6pm.

Location: Meet at CVWD Adminstration Building, 75515 Hovely Lane East, Palm Desert, CA. 11 Hour luxury bus tour traacing the history and sources of water in the Coachella Valley.

Bus tour limited to 54 passengers.

RSVP: 760-862-9984 no later than Friday, October 25 Cost: $45 – Includes refreshments (continental breakfast, lunch, snacks & beverages) More info at https://www.facebook.com/ FriendsoftheDesert

october 31 Stroll. Savor. Smile! Desert Tasty Tours: A Taste of Palm Canyon 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Six Palm Springs tasting stops along your three-hour, narrated walking tour. $46 per person.

Visit us at www.deserttastytours.com

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EVENTS CALENDAR want meet, both local and from all over the United States and other countries as well. Come and check out our mile-high hospitality as well as our Denver Metro Area. www.octobearfest.org

of an old-fashioned block party in Philly’s Gayborhood. All the local bars, restaurants, and businesses do something outside and the entertainment showcases local talent. There is participation from all community organizations.

Every year you are presented with something new and unique. www.phillypride.org

Oct 12 - 13

Oct 19

Oct 4 - 12

Tampa International LGBT Film Fest Tampa, Florida TIGLFF, the 5th largest LGBT oriented Film Festival announces the 24th Annual Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.

As in years past, the main festival venue will be the Tampa Theatre (711 N. Franklin St, Tampa), and the St Petersburg venue will be the Baywalk Muvico (151 2nd Ave, North St. Pete) While the Festival improves, our commitment to the community remains steadfast yet refined. To Entertain. To Empower. To Enlighten. www.tiglff.com

Atlanta PRIDE Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta celebrates the 43rd Annual Pride Festival at Piedmont Park. Put on by the Atlanta Pride Committee, its main purpose is to promote unity, visibility and self-esteem among lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, trans-gender and queer persons and to promote a positive image in the Atlanta area and throughout the Southeastern United States through community activities and services.

Info at www.atlantapride.org

Exhibit Ambush Phase 2 San Diego, CA Exhibit Ambush Phase 2, scheduled for Saturday, October 19 at the Port Pavilion, is a collaborative entertainment event that will toy with the senses as the featured artists and designers are pushed to their artistic limits. A portion of the proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, San Diego to support free diagnostic mammograms, surgeries, meal delivery, child-care and temporary financial aid.

Over the past few years, Exhibit Ambush has worked with freelance undiscovered talent, and trained artists that are alumni of a few local art schools including, the Art Institute San Diego, Art Institute Los Angeles, Parsons and FIDM. www.ambushevents.com

Oct 24 - 27 Oct 10 - 13

OctobearFest Denver, Colorado Join the Front Range Bears and other bears and cubs to explore all the Denver Front Range has to offer. Bears to the Future is the 2013 Bear Run, sponsored by The Front Range Bears. There is a fantastic schedule of events and some great guys you will

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Oct 13

OutFest at Philly’s Gayborhood Philadelphia, PA The biggest national coming out day, attracting over 40.000 visitors.

The hugely popular free event has the feel

Halloween New Orleans New Orleans, LA Join us for the Thirtieth Anniversary of Halloween New Orleans, a benefit weekend for Project Lazarus. This year’s theme is “Chapel of Love” and all events are playfully themed around weddings. The mission of the Hosts of Halloween is to provide funding for Project Lazarus, a home in New Orleans for men and women with AIDS, so that they may provide healthcare and support services for their residents. www.halloweenneworleans.com

Int l

events Calendar

oCt 4 - 13

mix Copenhagen lgBt Film Fest CoPenhaGen, denmarK Founded in 1986, it is Copenhagen and Denmark’s oldest film festival of its kind.

Besides a huge variety of LGBT films from around the world, the festival is a competitive event offering a grand jury award to the best full length films in the competition program, as well as jury awards for best shorts and best documentary films, and audience awards for best film. www.mixcopenhagen.dk

taking place in montreal during the Canadian thanksgiving holiday weekend (which happens to coincide with the american Columbus holiday weekend), it has set spectacular standards in the art of throwing mind-blowing parties since 1991.this year, the black & blue team is teaming up with the Priape Group and with new york’s saint at large to present the 23rd edition of the black & blue Festival “the Reinvented Wheel”. For the first time, the team is moving the main event, which usually takes place at the olympic stadium or the Palais des Congrès, to a spectacular new venue called l’arsenal. “ For details www.bbcm.org

oCt 9 – noV 9

glasgay! Festival GlasGow, sCotland Glasgay! Festival scotland’s annual Celebration of lGbt Culture, is scotland’s only professional lGbt arts festival. we invite industry recognized professional artists to submit work at any point in the year. we celebrate our leGaCy and the particular contribution made by lGbt artists past and present. www.glasgay.co.uk

noV 2 - 9 oCt 17 - 21

hustlaBall CirCuit weeKend berlIn / Germany GayinCity.com presents the fourth hustlaball Circuit Party weekend berlin. In addition to many great events in several locations,the German capital’s two largest parties, the eleventh hustaball-berlin and the seventh salvation-berlin will also take place this weekend. www.hustlaball.de

CluB atlantis vallarta Puerto Vallarta, mexICo at Club atlantis, we take over the entire 5-star resort to create a relaxing and friendly all-gay beach vacation like no other. you pay one low price for absolutely everything! our all-inclusive resort includes deluxe accommodations, all meals, all drinks, sports, activities, entertainment, parties, gratuities, wireless internet, and so much more. It’s the best gay vacation value on the planet! www.atlantisevents.com

oCt 25 - 27 oCt 9 - 15

BlaCK & Blue Festival montreal, Canada

get ruFF! leather pride weeKend amsterdam amsterdam, netherlands amsterdam leather Pride got a make-over and Gets ruff! leather and fetish men from all over europe will take the city for this annual fetish event. with special fetish parties at the leather bars, in Club Church and the main party ruff mega Party. www.get-ruff.com

oCtober, 2013 43

the3d’s RESTAURANTS

dine | drink | dance { Coachella Valley }

Bars and Night Clubs

Wang’s in the Desert 424 S Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 325-WANG (9264) www.wangsinthedesert.com

Las Casuelas Terraza 222 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 325-2794 www.lascasuelas.com

Zin American Bistro 198 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 322-6300 www.pszin.com

Hunters Nightclub 302 East Arenas Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-323-0700 www.huntersnightclubs.com

Nature’s Health Food & Cafe 555 S Sunrise Way Suite 301 Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 323-9487 www.natureshealthfoodcafe.com

LuLu California Bistro 200 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 327-5858 www.lulupalmsprings.com

Birba 622 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 327-5678 www.birbaps.com

Toucan’s Tiki Lounge 2100 North Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-416-7584 www.toucanstikilounge.com

Pomme Frite 256 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 778-3727 www.pomme-frite.com

Cheekys 622 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 327-7595 www.cheekysps.com

Rainbow Bar and Grill 216 South Indian Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-325-3989 www.rainbowbarngrill.com

Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill 350 S Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 992-5641 www.rioazulpalmsprings.com

El Mirasol 140 E Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 323-0721 www.elmirasolrestaurants.com

Trio Restaurant 707 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 864-8746 www.triopalmsprings.com

Thai Smile Palm Springs 651 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 320-5503 www.thaismilepalmsprings.com

Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grille 415 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 778-6279 www.hamburgermarysps.com

Studio ONE 11 Cocktail Lounge 67-555 East Palm Canyon Drive, Suite A103, Cat. City CA 92264 760.328.2900 www.Studio-One-11.com

Trio Restaurant 707 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 864-8746 www.triopalmsprings.com

Rick’s Restaurant 1973 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 416-0090 www.ricksrestaurant.biz

The Tool Shed 600 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.3299 www.toolshed-ps.com

The Tropicale 330 E Amado Road Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 866-1952 www.thetropicale.com

Pinocchio in the Desert 134 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-322-3776 www.pinocchiops.com

Spurline Video Lounge 200 Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs CA 92262 760-778-4326 www.spurline.com

Sherman’s Deli & Bakery 401 E Tahquitz Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 325-1199 www.shermansdeli.com Acqua Pazza / The River at Rancho Mirage 71800 Highway 111 Suite A167 Rancho Mirage, CA Phone: (760) 862-9800 www.acquapazzabistro.com Azul Restaurant 369 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 325-5533 www.azultapaslounge.com Casa de Frida 450 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 459-1681 www.casadefrida.com Copley’s on Palm Canyon 621 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 327-9555 www.copleyspalmsprings.com

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I’m charting my own future.

Mitch, D.A.P. client

D.A.P. treats and supports the whole person High-quality, primary and HIV-specialty medical care through our Wells Fargo Health Center is only the beginning of what our clients find at Desert AIDS Project. Our case managers facilitate our holistic approach to care with a broad array of services, including our HIV-specialty dental clinic, food and housing support, Eastern medicine alternatives, in-house lab services and pharmacy, mental health and substance abuse programs, a full-service community center offering a computer lab, wellness programs, health education, and so much more.

All under one roof Thanks to your generous support, Desert AIDS Project is saving lives.

Please continue to help by donating at desertAIDSproject.org, joining one of our annual giving programs, or by saving the date for one of our upcoming fundraising events.

26th Desert AIDS Walk | October 19, 2013 Dancing with the Desert Stars | November 22, 2013 SPARKLE! All-Star Holiday Concert | December 11, 2013 20th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala | February 8, 2014 Celebrity Doodles | April 5, 2014 Dining Out for Life | April 24, 2014

760.323.2118

desertAIDSproject.org

Photo Rewind Boo2 Bullying Charity Car wash & Party lab Re Launch Photo Courtesy of david a. lee & The Standard Staff

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Photo Rewind EQCA Kick Off & AAP Disco Tea Dance Photo Courtesy of david a. lee & The Standard Staff

october, 2013 47

BUsiness dIreCtory your ad here! theStandardps.com

www.TrioPalmSprings.com

66511 pierson Blvd.

Desert hot springs, Ca

760.251.0999 operationsafehouse.org

cominG Up neXt montH ART: EXPRESS YOURSELF! PS LEATHER PRIDE. TURNING UP THE HEAT Q & A: CONVERSING WITH ARTIST JOSH AGLE AKA SHAG

Holiday Gift Guide Part 1

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SATURDAY OCTOBER 19, 2013 7:30AM - 9:30AM REGISTRATION, ENTERTAINMENT AND HEALTH FESTIVAL 9:30AM AIDS WALK STEPS OFF RUTH HARDY PARK, PALM SPRINGS REGISTER DESERTAIDSWALK.ORG 760-323-2118 EXT. 790 Presenting Sponsor

BENEFITING DESERT AIDS PROJECT

DONATE | CONSIGN | VOLUNTEER | SHOP

SM