The Standard Magazine

Palm Springs PRIDE 2014

TAKING IT DOWNTOWN

OCTOBER, 2014 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 10 theStandardps.com

CONTENTS VOLUME 2, ISSUE 10

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twitter.com/theStandardPS PALM SPRINGS PRIDE 2014

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DESIGN BY MAYA KALABIC

Volume 2 Issue 10 COVER PS PRIDE BRINGING IT DOWNTOWN COVER PRIDE ENTERTAINMENT SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE FEATURE PETER “ERZVO” ZVONAR PICTURE PERFECT Q&A KATE CLINTON LAUGHS IT UP ON CENTERSTAGE EQCA UPDATE BANNER YEAR FOR EQUALITY PHOTO BY PETER “ERZVO” ZVONAR

OCTOBER, 2014 3

COMMENTARY WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE GAY?

BY DENNIS MASON

Did you ever wonder what it means to be gay? Do you even think about that?

Does it mean anything to you? What about all the Gay Pride festivities this time of year; how do you relate to them? Are you gay and out? Are you gay and not out?

Are you afraid to come out? What do you think about gays who are straight acting?

Is that like hiding in the closet, playing the hetro-normative lifestyle and trying desperately to deny one’s own feelings?

Does any of this make a difference to you? What’s your take on those who are gay for pay? Do you think that’s wrong?

Do you think it’s a personal and/or moral choice? Do you judge those who are out and show it with pride? Do you exhibit disgust at the open show of affection between gay couples? What do you think it means to be gay and proud? Are you aware of all that has gone down over the years to make possible all the things that you take for granted today? Do you even care? How do you feel when you hear or read about a gay bashing somewhere in your city, your state or around the world?

Do you brush it off as being none of your business? Do you have issues with others who have different outwardly projected preferences than yours; like female or male impersonators, leather fetish, cross dressers, or even transgenders? Do you even care at all? Do you actively try to help others who are struggling with their sexual preference, attempting to come out, or deal with issues forced upon them by our “still not mature” society? If not, why not? What’s your rationale? Is it too

much trouble? Do you not care? What if the situation were reversed? How would you feel? Do you ever think about how you could help our LGBTQ community develop, grow and become more understood and accepted by our whole society?

Over the years, I have witnessed the changes that have occurred within and surrounding our community. I have watched as well as participated in numerous rallies, protests, marches and parades to express my right to free speech and to make my voice heard. Injustices will not change of their own accord; they need to be brought to the surface and made visible, so that they can be dealt with in broad daylight, not under cover of darkness. They are brought about by people who sincerely believe they are right in their conscience as we do in ours.

This year as we celebrate Gay Pride, consider what it all means in the overall big picture, and what is important to our own personal belief system that makes up who we are, what we believe and what we stand for. In fact, we are the last remaining 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 reason and…in the right way.

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 Chris Astrala, Ron deHarte, Shann Carr, Jared Greene, Chris Heritage, Scott Kearnan, Lee Lynch, Jimmie Newsum, Dennis Mason, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Ken Toth, James Williamson & George Zander 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

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to be original, in good taste and free of libel as well as edited for clarity and grammar. Letters are subject to editing by The Standard that also reserves the right to decline print. Please forward your letters to: info@thestandardps.com The views expressed is not necessarily those of The Standard. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. No portion of the publication may

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COVER |PRIDE

ATTEND PRIDE AGAIN FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME!

BY RON DEHARTE

The anticipation is building and the buzz is full of excitement for this year’s Pride celebration schedule for the Greater Palm Springs region November 7-9, 2014. Changes underway for this year’s Pride celebration include a new festival location, free admission and a new parade route. The Pride committee hopes that the new format will be a shot in the arm for the mature and established twenty-eight year old event and result in increased participation and greater awareness of the region’s LGBT community.

The two-day festival will enjoy significantly greater visibility as it moves out from behind the walls at Sunrise Stadium to the world famous Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs and the Parade’s new starting point will now incorporate in the Uptown Design District, which is home to cafés and bars and many gay owned vintage and modern furniture stores, fashion boutiques, art galleries, and clothing shops which celebrate the city’s famed mid-century modernist roots. Through the years, the Pride Parade, which circled Demuth Park in the early-90s, has enjoyed high levels of awareness as it traveled through the heart of the city of Palm Springs since the first community-based Veterans Day and Festival of Lights Parades were created.

The renewal of Pride in Coachella Valley is being ushered in under the banner of “I am Pride: Stonewall 45” which was selected as the theme for the 2014 Pride event by volunteers and community stakeholders in January. The two-prong theme was selected to observe the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and reflect on

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the impact the fight for equality is having on the LGBT community around the world. “I am Pride” is an affirmation of an individual’s stance against discrimination and support of equal rights, sexual diversity and gender expression.

The June 28, 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York’s Greenwich Village set off the LGBT civil rights movement. Stonewall began as a spontaneous act of defiance forty-five years ago by a small group of LGBT protestors in New York’s Greenwich Village. In the early morning hours of June 28, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a bar frequented by LGBT patrons. Such raids were not uncommon at the time as the police often harassed gay establishments, arrested patrons on indecency charges for such acts as kissing or wearing attire traditionally associated with the opposite gender. The Stonewall Inn, in particular, was a favorite target for police raids, as it tended to draw patrons from more vulnerable populations such as African-Americans and Latinos.

“I am Pride” is a powerful declaration that means something different to each individual, but collectively it speaks to our empowered community that has courageously fought for equality in the last forty-five years. It’s been a long road to get where we are and Pride remains an important opportunity for the LGBT community to be visible locally and globally. When we are visible we raise awareness and we change hearts and minds.

Yes, Pride makes a difference. When Michael Sam kisses

PRIDE |COVER his boyfriend on television and there is a collective heterosexual privilege gasp we understand the LGBT community needs greater visibility and that the fight for equality continues locally and globally.

No matter how many parades, marches or protests you have participated in the past, this year’s Pride events offer an opportunity for our united community to be visible and declare to the world how fabulous we are – every gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender one of us. We

are more than a stereotype. We are LGBT and we live next door.

The 2014 Palm Springs Pride community grand marshals Alexis Ortega and Thomas Smith are recognized for their positive and lasting impact on the community. They represent two generations of volunteerism and service. Alexis Ortega is part of a new generation that’s dedicated to building a stronger and more vibrant community.

She believes, “Pride is about sharing and celebrating our love for ourselves and each other, and showcasing a world in which we are all accepting of our real selves. For a few weekends each year, Pride gives all of us the opportunity to revel in a reality where our differences are celebrated - where it doesn’t matter if you’re gay or straight, or if you identify as queer, bisexual, trans, etc. It’s an opportunity to shine a jubilant spotlight on our identities and rejoice in the hope that one day, we can do that any and every day, everywhere.”

Thomas Smith is recognized for thirty years of community service, leadership in the leather community and as an awardwinning author. He feels, “Pride recognizes and celebrates the impact that gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, intersex and queer questioning men, women, and teens have had on the world. Pride celebrates being true to yourself! It is a time to remind others to be honest about yourself to the world on your own terms. It is a time to celebrate the contributions that many gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual individuals have made to the world. It is a time to be PROUD!”

After thirteen years at Sunrise Stadium, the Pride Festival was busting at the seams. We started looking for a new home in 2011.

Over the last four years, plans were created and options were explored to stage the festival at the O’Donnell Golf Course, in the Spa Casino parking lot, on South Palm Canyon Dr. and on North Palm Canyon Dr. As the Pride committee worked on a multi-year plan and addressed the financial impact of moving the festival we introduced a new event to test the downtown waters.

In 2011 we created the Arenas Road Block Party. The block party was intended to be a small event for up to four thousand people on Saturday night of Pride weekend. Within hours of opening 8,500 people passed through the gates. Feedback from participants and stakeholders was overwhelmingly positive. Over the next two years, while the Pride Festival continued at the stadium, the Pride committee added additional events downtown to continue testing the waters.

Last year 18,000 people attended the night block party. By 2013, the evolution of Palm in the desert was underway.

The merchants on Arenas Road supported the Pride committee’s vision back in 2011 when we first approached them about the idea of the Arenas Road Block Party. The downtown business association Main Street Palm Springs offered encouragement and support from the very beginning. The city, who is a major sponsor of the annual Pride celebration, made it official on June 4th, 2014 when the city council voted unanimously to approve the move downtown and the new parade route.

This is certainly a year to celebrate. Come out and enjoy our region’s Pride Festival and fabulous Parade again for the very first time.

From all accounts it’s going to be a very big year. The Psychedelic Furs headline Sunday, while Amanda Lepore, London based Frankmusik, and Icelandic musical group Steed Lord take the stage on Saturday.

LGBT artists include national touring pop, rock and hip hop performers: Jeremiah Clark, X-Factor’s Lori Moore, Josh Zuckerman, Aiden James, Seattle based Jack Mozie and the desert’s own Blake Lansing.

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COVER |PRIDE Downtown Palm Springs will come alive on November 8th when the giant palm trees that shade the street as you stroll during the day are washed in rainbow colors when the sun goes down. Disco balls will float from the sky at Arenas and Palm Canyon and Walter the massive two-story extra-large Volkswagen bus art car from Burning Man will be a sight to see. Another art car attraction coming direct from Burning Man and Bonnaroo is the two-story DJ stage Kalliope

at Tahquitz and Palm Canyon.

Join us, bring your friends and family and together we will celebrate LGBT people in all our diversity. There are twenty official events designed to bring the community together in a positive and fun atmosphere. With cutting edge stages and over 100 performances in six venues the 2014 Pride in Palm Springs will be a weekend to remember.

PHOTOS IN THIS ARTICLE PROVIDED BY GREATER PALM SPRINGS PRIDE

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APRIL, 2014 9

COVER |PRIDE SCHEDULE

PS PRIDE EVENT LINE-UP*

PRIDE HONORS AWARDS: OCTOBER 10 (6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.) The prestigious Palm Springs Pride Honors Awards are presented annually to individuals to honor the work they have put into furthering the causes of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and their allies. The awards reception will take place at the Hyatt Palm Springs.

WILD PRIDE PARTY AT THE LIVING DESERT: NOVEMBER 5 (5:30 – 9:00 P.M.) First annual Wild Pride Party at the Stephen B. Chase Administration Building and Plein Air Art Gallery; food and beverage service; Music by Master DJ Luc Benech with special guest Bella da Ballsm. Buy your discounted zoo membership and walk away with a bag of treats.

PALM SPRINGS PRIDE GOLF CLASSIC: NOVEMBER 7 (8:00 A.M. SHOTGUN START) Second annual Drive Fore Equality with an 8:00 a.m. Shotgun Start/4 player scramble. Cost includes green fees, cart fees, breakfast and lunch buffet, contest prizes, and free instructional clinic at 7:00 a.m. Don’t Play Golf? Come to free Instructional Clinic or be a sponsor! Sponsor a hole for only $100. Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, 1885 Golf Club Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264. Entry: $99 per player with $10 of each fee going to the Pride Fund. Secure your foursome today!

RAINBOW FLAG RAISING: NOVEMBER 7 (10:00 A.M.) Free community event. Prominent members of the community will be joined by local politicians and business leaders at a flag raising ceremony for a rainbow flag which will fly above the streets

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in downtown Palm Springs for Pride weekend November 7-9. This event will commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the Rainbow flag and will be the official kickoff to a slate of Pride events and celebrations including the parade and festival.

PALM SPRINGS VILLAGE GREEN TWO-DAY PRIDE FESTIVAL: NOVEMBER 8 AND 9 (11:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M. ON SAT & 10:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M. ON SUN) New downtown Palm Springs Location! Free Admission! Palm Canyon Dr will be closed to traffic and transformed into a vibrant, pedestrian friendly Pride Festival, unique to Southern California.

ARENAS RD. BLOCK PARTY ’14 PRESENTED BY HUNTERS: NOVEMBER 8, 2014 (6:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.) Free. 21+ event. This street party has become a highlight of Pride weekend. Join guest Emcee’s Pauly and Monks for live music and featured headliners, standout stars, and pop sensations performing live on the US Bank Stage.

STONEWALL 45 – A FLASH BACK TO 1969: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 (5:00 P.M.) This Pride party is a fun way to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Doors at 5:00 p.m. All ages. $5 cover. All proceeds benefit Palm Springs Pride. Alibi Azul, 369 N. Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs THE OFFICIAL LADIES’ NIGHT PRE-PARTY ON PALM CANYON: NOVEMBER 8 (9:00-10:00) Free Concert. Featuring Lunden Reign an original big beat progressive rock band. Palm Canyon Drive Stage, located at Baristo on Palm Canyon Dr. Free event. All ages.

PRIDE SCHEDULE|COVER The Official Ladies’ Party of Palm Springs Pride: Saturday, November 8 (9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.)

Alibi Azul presents the Official Ladies’ Party of Palm Springs Pride for women who love women.

28TH ANNIVERSARY PRIDE PARADE: NOVEMBER 9 (10:00 A.M.) STEPS OFF AT TACHEVAH DR. AND PALM CANYON DR. Free Event. The new route steps off in the Uptown Design District at Tachevah and Palm Canyon Dr and travels south through downtown ending at the entrance to the Pride Festival at Amado Rd. www.pspride.org OSCAR’S PRIDE TEA DANCE: NOVEMBER 9 (4:00 P.M. TO 8:00 P.M.) FREE EVENT DJ Bob Scatch spins from on top of the two-story Kalliope DJ Stage on Tahquitz Canyon Way and Palm Canyon Dr. The Sunday Tea Dance takes over the cool patio and flows onto the street where the entire block between Palm Canyon Dr. and Indian Canyon Dr. become the early evening place to be. *This is a condensed version of the line-up, for a complete Entertainment Line-Up visit www.pspride.org For more info visit www.pspride.org.

Also info available in the 2014 PS Pride Program.

OCTOBER, 2014 11

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FEATURE

GAY BABY BOOM!

BY SCOTT KEARNAN OF GAYSWITHKIDS.COM

“That it coincided with World Pride is a special factor,” says BJ. “We’re standing up for ourselves and saying, ‘This is normal.’” He recalls a special note that he and Frank shared with viewers on Foster’s Facebook: “This picture represents everything Pride is about. Love has no color nor gender nor sexual preference.

Love is unconditional.”

It was the baby photo seen round the world.

On June 27, Toronto dads BJ Barone and Frank Nelson welcomed their baby son Milo into the world. It was a magical moment they shared with an intimate few: surrogate mom Kathy, of course, and birth photographer Lindsay Foster.

But it was a few days later, when Foster received permission from the dads to upload some of the photos to her Facebook account, when the real sharing began. Foster’s post spread like wildfire across the social media website: nearly 10K shares of her original update alone, plus countless reposts branching off from that. It was picked up by BuzzFeed, which offered the headline “These Photos of Two Dads Meeting Their New Baby Will Make You Cry Happy Tears.” (About 1.9 million views so far.) Twitter was flooded with the images of Frank and BJ, their faces overcome with emotion as they embraced each other and Milo. Local news stations came calling to interview the dads. Their story had gone viral, giving millions of viewers a glimpse of raw, honest emotion that is not often shown by mass media: two dads in love, and in love with their son.

“It’s incredible that just sharing who we are as a family has resonated with so many people,” said BJ to GayswithKids.com, a website for gay fathers. Milo’s birth coincided with World Pride 2014 in Toronto. Pride’s theme, poignantly enough, was “Rise Up”: a call for LGBT visibility.

And they’ve certainly been feeling the love from strangers in cyber-space who have taken it upon themselves to comment on the photos or reach out directly. For the most part, the response has been hugely positive, says the couple – especially from younger generations, where same-sex headed families are increasingly seen as simply part of the cultural fabric. “I’ve received private messages from some of my students, and those have been the most special to me,” says Frank.

It is heartening, he says, to feel that tides of love and acceptance have turned so dramatically. “It makes me so hopeful that one day our son and others his age will look at this photo and wonder what all the hoopla was.”

“I got one message from this guy in the States, saying, ‘I’m a redneck opposed to same-sex marriage, but this really opened and changed my heart.’ That one made me cry,” adds BJ. It’s not only strangers who have reached out with more open arms. The photos have also opened doors to dialogue with some members of BJ’s family in Italy, with whom his sexuality has been an issue. (Their story made the Italian newspapers too.) “My Italian family comes from a small town, and I’ve received messages from them before that what I do is wrong, that I should be ashamed of myself. Asking me how I could do this to my parents. But I just got a message from my cousin the other day; he wrote saying, ‘Congratulations, the baby’s beautiful. Hopefully you can come together to Italy.’”

“Sometimes people are just afraid of the unknown. They’re afraid of how people will react,” continues BJ. “Having this opportunity

OCTOBER, 2014 13

FEATURE has allowed my family to see that we’re in stable relationship and receiving love and support from around the world. It’s opened their eyes: if so many strangers can accept this, why wouldn’t they?”

The couple admits that there has been some backlash. There are still the few who choose to leave hurtful and ignorant comments on even the most joy-filled photos. But those have been in the minority, they say, and much of the negative reaction has focused on a specific element: that the dads are shirtless in the photos. “When the midwife told us we were going to be shirtless, I was like, ‘What?’” laughs Frank. They were encouraged to doff their shirts to establish skin-toskin contact with Milo; many baby experts recommend it to release oxytocin, often referred to as the “attachment chemical.” Of course, if a mother had brought the child to her breast, it’s hard to imagine there would be much outcry. That so many were fixated on the shirtless element shows that there’s a long way to go to educating people about the experiences of dads, gay and straight, in the delivery room.

“Once you explain it,” says Frank, “it seems completely natural.”

And now the dads are adjusting to the other natural new aspects of life: from feeding times to sleeping schedules. The media hubbub

will soon die down, though they’re considering starting a baby blog to update Milo’s new worldwide fans. And maybe one day, they’ll grow their family again; they have embryos frozen for five more years, and haven’t ruled out returning to the delivery room.

But right now they’re enjoying the bliss of life with baby. One they didn’t always know they would have.

“When I came out to my dad, he said what upset him the most was that I would never get to enjoy being a father,” recalls Frank.

“Now, my parents have been so touched seeing the journey that we went through to get here.”

“I knew I was gay ever since I was a little kid, and I never thought I would find love, be married, or have kids. I thought I’d be alone or unhappy for the rest of my life,” remembers BJ. His voice breaks. “And now here I am. I have Frank. I’m a father.”

And the whole world is watching, loving them, hitting the share button.

Scott Kearnan is a Freelance writer for GayswithKids.com, a website for gay fathers.

1

psmuseum.org

art is all around you

Opening November 9, 2014 photography by Sherrill & Associates, Inc.

photography by Daniel Chavkin

101 Museum Drive Palm Springs, CA 760-322-4800

300 South Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 760-423-5260

72-567 Highway 111 Palm Desert, CA 760-346-5600

LINKS: Australian Glass and The Pacific Northwest

An Eloquent Modernist: E. Stewart Williams, Architect

A Grand Adventure: American Art of The West

On exhibition 10/18/14 - 1/25/15

On exhibition 11/9/14 - 2/22/15

On exhibition 9/27/14 - 1/4/15

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FEATURE

PETER “ERZVO” ZVONAR PICTURE PERFECT

BY CHRIS ASTRALA

Mapplethorpe, Bianchi, Hamrick, over the years we have seen many great male erotic photographers. All having their own style, their own concepts and ideas. But what is it that really drives these talented people? What makes them choose to do male photography, or male erotic photography? Peter Zvonar stands out by the quality of his work.

Peter grew up and lives in Slovakia, and it is here where he found his first inspiration to become an artist. His art is a reflection of his own personality; especially when it comes to male physique. Peter Zvonar wants us to know what drives him and gives us his insight to the world of his art.

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What is your background?

I come from the Slovak Republic, the heart of Europe. I had studied Fine Arts, to be more specific – The Restoration of art works. I studied Photography for two years but originally it wasn’t my plan to pursue this path at all. I wanted to paint and write. For a while, I have taught art at a school, where I taught young children Fine Arts. Later, for quite a long time my journey had taken a turn away from the art so that I would find myself again, who I am.

How did you get started in Photography?

It was my father who got me into Photography. He photographed using the classical old fashioned film and I helped him to induce photos in a dark room. To the photography however, I returned by detour route.

First, it was graphic design and then photos design for international photo-banks such as Getty Images. I started photographing people about two years ago. I saw photographs by Annie Leibovitz and I was very impressed by her work. I love people, I like listening to their stories, and I try to understand why they do what they do, why and for what reason are they the way they are, why they find themselves in a certain situation with a problem. I don’t try to condemn anyone nor judge him or her. I wanted to create either; my own stories and capture them in photos where, the main character would be me, or to photograph stories of other people - staged photo with a story, or a simple portrait that lets you in on the personality essentials. Annie Leibovitz has greatly inspired me.

What are your favorite subjects and why?

My favorite subject would be a man, probably because I am gay. I like well-shaped male body. I do not photograph ordinary men although of course, I have to earn my living and so, I take normal bookings. But when I choose a man for a project, he must have charisma; just a good body is not good enough. The person must radiate something. It is the same for women who are subjects in my projects.

What do you think makes you different from other photographers?

Before the photo-shoot I try to get to know the person, have a conversation with them.

One of my models, with whom for some time we engaged in the same project and I believe that in the future we will work together again, once said: “Some of the art photos need a special sparkling between the model and the photographer. If this works, then you can talk about the best pictures. But you can never rely on it. Peter Zvonar

sympathizes with his photos and his model, there are no routine situations and stereotypes that he would be repeating with everybody, but he surely is trying to get one´s best.”

What inspires you?

Unequivocally the human being. I have so many ideas and visions.

I have a dream and when I wake up the image is already permanently printed in my mind and I try to recreate it in a photograph. Such as my latest project with an angel theme. It was about the idea that people often seek help elsewhere, waiting for their angel, but the angel is still with them. And also emotions inspire me, negative or positive. That tome it’s like my diary. At that time, I mostly take pictures of myself and I try to put my feelings into the photograph If you weren’t a photographer what would you be?

I studied art therefore an artist. I also do graphics, even for foreign companies. I am very communicative and organizational type and so I will be fine doing whatever.

I know you have many exhibitions thorough out Europe, are you planning on bringing your work to America any time soon?

Yes, I am preparing an exhibition in Bratislava, the capital of Slovak Republic, then certainly it will be in Prague. I am preparing my own large-size book full of photographs and I am already in contact with one American publisher. The concept of the book and the exhibition is ready, it only needs a few touch-ups and I need to find sponsors in Slovakia. It is not easy but when I put my mind and soul into something, I always achieve it. This year is exceptional for me, both in my work, because I have made a big step forward thanks to many people around me, and then also in my personal life where I got to know a great man with whom we took many interesting photographs and I believe that one day we will once again return to this production.

To reach Peter Zvonar and to see his complete portfolio visit www.erzvo.com

OCTOBER, 2014 17

BEAT BOX

FALLS HOTTEST CLUB TRACKS

BY JIMMY NEWSUM

DJs and remixers are working overtime to keep the dark confines and pulsing rhythms of their rooms hot and sweaty. Here are the top scorchers being played on dance floors this fall.

“Sweat” \ XELLE The latest track from the girl group best known for throwing an illegal dance party on a moving NYC subway train is a little bit dirty, a tad naughty, and a whole lot of fun. Written by Zach Adam and Lisa Greene (who has penned hits for Britney Spears and Kylie Minogue), the mega pop track has high-energy vocals, a danceable beat and powerful synth rhythms. It’s sassy, frolicsome, colorful and slightly off-the-wall. Perfect for the treadmill. Now, work bitches.

“I Look Fucking Cool” \ Adore Delano (with Alaska Thunderfuck) From the album, Till Death Do Us Party Two of the fiercest queens on the planet come together in this rowdy, bold, hip-hop inspired proclamation track. In it, the wild child of drag (Delano) and the alien queen (Thunderfuck) flip-the-bird at any and all who disrespect them for their unconventionality. They like the way they look, thank you very much. Listen to their track and you’ll like the way they sound, too.

“One On One” \ Ashley J (Dauman Music) Are you longing for the days of Amber when tracks like “Sexual (Li da Di)” and “Above The Clouds” ruled the dance floor? We’ve found the next best thing in EDM’s newest princess, Ashley J. Her debut track has the propulsive, soulful dance-pop sound of the former club sensation. It’s whimsical and dreamy (like Amber) with a great beat behind it (like Amber) that makes it super fun and easy to dance to (like Amber). Plus, the single has some serious music muscle working for it. It was written by Rick Nowels (writer of Lana Del Rey’s “Summertime Sadness”) and Billy Steinberg (writer of Demi Lovato’s “Give Your Heart A Break”) and has incredible remixes by

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DJ Yiannis, Reid Stefan and Sted-E & Hybrid Heights.

“Live That Day” \ Sophia Lolley From the EP, Sophia Lolley (Peace Bisquit) Electronic music’s best-kept secret set clubs ablaze two years ago with “Da Bop”. Now comes a full EP from the spirited British singer with seven twisted tracks including “Live That Day”, a song she wrote as a tribute to her grandmother who died four years ago.

Sophia describes her sound as theatrical disco pop, however the album is sprinkled with deliciously colorful music of varying styles with a strong 1940’s cabaret influence. Whatever it is, the album is unique, witty, and thoroughly engaging.

“Take It All The Way” \ Tony Moran (Sugarhouse) The two-time Grammy nominated DJ-producer serves it up New York style with his latest track, a sweeping blend of hard house and epic grooves, guaranteed to wake up even the most jaded club music fan. However, if you’re expecting the thumping tribal beat sound that has been Moran’s staple for years, it’s not here. “Take it All The Way” is more an experimental offering with Moran seeming to stick one toe into the EDM pool. It’s as phenomenal as his previous works and likely to be the first of many similar tracks. Spoiler alert: Tony Moran provides the lead vocals and yes, he sings as fiercely as he spins!

“RSVP” \ Shara Strand (D1 Music) Dance newcomer Shara Strand aims to solidify herself as a powerhouse anthem artist in this, her latest release from D1. The dance floor-ready track is fun and fresh with a dash of sexy.

Executively produced by Peter McLean with additional production by Keith Kemper, the song celebrates the animal nature of clubbers as they prowl the club for prey. It’s much groovier than anything Shara has recorded previously and the Dave Aude mix, in particular, will open her to a larger audience.

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FEATURE Q&A

K8T CLINTON ROCKS THE RIVIERA!

BY SHANN CARR

Kate Clinton is an icon, a trailblazer, a brilliant mind and a witty soul, all rolled up in a sexy little package. The baby dyke comedians coming up through the businesses today think of her as one of the fairy godmothers of lesbian comedy, because she is. I saw Kate Clinton perform in 1984. She was billed as a “Feminist Humorist.” It was a job title I’d never heard of before and my curiosity was piqued. She was (and still is) so very talented. She shone brightly enough to inspire me to step my own big toe into comedy just weeks later. A decision that has lit up 30 years of my life. Thank you Kate Clinton.

SHANN: Your comedy career has been entirely out and proud from the start, something that very few incredibly talented people choose to do. Can you picture how different your career might have been if you’d gone mainstream?

KATE: No. I can’t imagine it going that way at all. I had a sophisticated career death-wish. I had been a high school English teacher living simply in my Liz Claiborne haze when finally I came out. Suddenly, I was showing up at school each day with a happy smile that was too big to hide. I was beaming a little too much in the faculty lounge and I knew I wanted more. Like a new take on the old

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question, “Which came first the lesbian or the comedy?” Both things evolved at the same time for me. I came out into the tail end of what was an incredibly vibrant time in women’s music and culture, around 1975-85. So much was breaking free in our community. When you do comedy, you talk about what you’re doing and at that point in my life, I had plenty to talk about!

I got started right out of the gate in a gay club. One of my friends had a women’s band and she agreed to help me with booking over a summer so I could give comedy a real try. She knew the ins and outs of those kinds of gigs and she wound up booking me for 5 years instead of just a summer. It was an instant fit. The gigs were on a fairly small circuit so I found myself looping back to the same audiences and the same clubs over and over again. That really motivated me to keep writing. I wanted to go back to these places and I wanted to bring them something fresh.

The friend who was booking me had been in music. She set me up to do two, 45-minute sets with an intermission, like bands do.

For comedy that is a substantial amount of material, which kept me vigilant at writing too. I love how my career has developed. It has been organic, it grows and then shifts and I follow. I think the secret to having a long career is never peaking.

Q&A FEATURE SHANN: What are you doing with your morning today?

KATE: Today (late Sept.) in Provincetown it is 57 degrees. I just put on a wool jacket, and I am trying to resist putting on socks. What is the weather like in Palm Springs?

SHANN: It is over 100 degrees and perfect swimming pool weather. I’ve never understood why people intentionally move to cold wet places like Provincetown?

SHANN: What are your least and most favorite parts of the job?

KATE: I love the freedom. When I left teaching I felt like I’d retired from working.

Nobody tells me what to say. My least favorite bit is that sometimes the people who hire me would like to tell me what to say. I am pretty good at working around them.

When it comes down to it, I am in control of my day. My material has lots of politics in it. I want to be funny, but I’m gonna take down some patriots while I’m at it.

SHANN: Have you been to a bunch of gay weddings?

KATE: I love my seasons, all of them. I lived in California for 18 months and for the whole time I kept asking “Is it Fall yet?”

SHANN: I agree that Provincetown is a truly special place. It draws a certain kind of spirit and the tiny-town vibe creates an accessibility of audiences to the resident celebs that is part of the appeal too. Is there a memorable P-Town fan-experience that stands out in your mind?

KATE: Yes. It was a few years ago when planking was all the rage, but I hadn’t heard of it yet. I was sitting on a bench in front of Spiritus Pizza after a show. It was baby dyke weekend when all the college girls who have just graduated come down to P-Town to celebrate. Some cutie crawled up on a trashcan and planked. I asked her “What are you doing” “Planking.” She said. “Can you plank on me?” I asked, and she did. She came over and she planked right on me! Enjoyed it enormously!

SHANN: Is there a stage, an event or a theater where you have confidence you will always have a killer show?

KATE: I am careful to never have expectations about a show or a venue. Years ago, I was excited when I got a gig to perform at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. It is such a beautiful place inside and out. Standing on that stage I was flanked by the lush red velvet curtains, every seat was sold out and it seemed ideal. But it was the worst night ever. When I got off stage I asked, “Did they laugh?”

Everyone assured me that the audience was hysterical but every sound must have soaked into the plush of the velvet curtains. I never hear a thing from the audience. It was the loneliest night of my life.

SHANN: Is there a booking that you still crave?

KATE: I wish I could find a gig at home, in New York, like the one that I have in Provincetown. I want to walk or ride my bike a few blocks to a little club a few nights a week, during the winter too. I have my eyes on a little place called Triad.

KATE: Not too many. It is wonderful though, out in Provincetown at low tide you’ll see small clutches of people gathered and you know someone is getting married out there.

A while back there were a group of gay couples waiting to get married at the Boston Commons. Backstage, I overheard a young lesbian couple talking to a couple that had been together 50 years. I could hear them absorbing the seniors’ secrets about staying together and communication. As these gay couples got married in the Commons there was also an anti-Putin march happening there too. The different chants ringing across the Commons were “Putin must go!” and “I now pronounce you married!”

SHANN: Are you married?

KATE: Yes, we got married on our 25th anniversary. We snuck down to the courthouse and we didn’t tell anybody. We didn’t write vows, we just invited a few friends to be witnesses and we told all our pals afterwards. We wanted it to be simple.

SHANN: Growing up did your family have a certain thing they said about your sense of humor or your funny way of looking at things?”

KATE: You know they never really said anything out loud, but my family always winked at me. They winked at me or at each other when I would say things. I never even wondered what it meant because they had always done it. Just a little wink.

For more on Kate visit www.kateclinton.com IF YOU GO: 5th Annual Center Stage Benefitting The LGBT Community Center of the Desert Friday, November 7, 2014 The Riviera Resort & Spa Cocktails & Silent Auction @ 5:30 PM Showtime @ 7:00 PM

OCTOBER, 2014 21

EQCA UPDATE

A BANNER YEAR FOR EQCA

ANDY LINSKY, BARBARA KELLER, RAUL RUIZ AND KENNY CASSADY

2014 has been an eventful year for EQCA. From the passing of AB 2501, a bill authored by Assembly member Susan Bonilla that is designed to curb the so-called “panic defense” by making it clear that a defendant’s discovery of a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity is not sufficient provocation to reduce a charge of murder to manslaughter.

To AB 1577, the Respect After Death Act, which was cosponsored by the Transgender

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Law Center, and which would make sure death certificates for transgender Californians accurately reflect their authentic, lived identity.

Masen Davis, Executive Director of Transgender Law Center said “This brings us a significant step closer to making sure that all transgender people are able to live — and die — authentically in accordance with who they really are.” In addition, AB 496, which clarifies that existing cultural

competency training for health care providers should include discussion of LGBT issues. It would increase awareness of LGBT health issues among health care providers, leading to better care and better outcomes.

And let’s not forget 2014 also marked the year that we reached a major milestone with the passage of the 100th piece of LGBT Rights legislation sponsored by EQCA.

A NEW DIRECTOR In 2014 Equality California also welcomed a new Executive Director, Rick Zbur. Zbur, a former EQCA board member and longtime LGBT and environmental advocate, recently retired as a senior partner with the law firm of Latham & Watkins. A lifelong LGBT trailblazer, Zbur was Latham & Watkins’ first openly gay attorney and first openly gay partner.

He took a leave of absence from the firm in January 1996 to run for Congress in California’s 38th Congressional District, where he became the first openly gay, nonincumbent to win a contested primary for U.S. Congress. “I’m excited and honored to be joining Equality California at this important time in the organization’s history,” said Zbur. “Equality California is evolving to meet the needs of California’s LGBT community. Today more than ever before, we see ourselves as the political advocacy, education and mobilization organization for California’s LGBT community.”

On August 27, Equality California celebrated its 100th piece of passed legislation, an accomplishment that has moved California from a state with extremely limited legal protections for LGBT people to a state with some of the most comprehensive human rights protections in the nation. Yet in spite of these great strides, discrimination and injustice for LGBT people still persists.

“As we successfully close the remaining gaps in our civil rights protections in California, it’s time for us to start focusing more on improving the lives and social disparities of marginalized LGBT people in our state, and in particular to ensure the health and well being of all LGBT Californians,” said Zbur. “It’s also time for us to see how we can help LGBT people outside of California achieve full and lasting equality and advance social justice for all.”

While Equality California has historically focused the bulk of its efforts on achieving full equality for LGBT Californians by electing pro-equality candidates to the California Legislature and state constitutional offices,

and by working for state level civil rights and pro-equality legislation, it sees the historic changes in LGBT human rights in California as an opportunity to expand its mission.

“We will utilize Equality California’s significant mobilization and communications capacity to educate the public and to fight discrimination wherever it exists,” he added. “And we will use our public policy and legislative expertise to advocate for programs at all levels of government that address the needs of the LGBT community and combat persisting discrimination.”

RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTORS Each year, EQCA recognizes individuals and organizations that have made an impact on the movement to secure full and lasting equality for LGBT people at its annual Equality Awards — a series of formal galas and cocktail events held in San Francisco, San Diego, Palm Springs, Los Angeles and Sacramento. Past honorees have included Adam Lambert, Dolores Huerta, Arianna Huffington, Attorney General Kamala Harris and California Governor Jerry Brown.

Equality California is pleased to announce the four honorees for its Palm Springs 2014 Equality Awards. These honorees have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the Desert communities. EQCA will present Andy Linsky with the Vanguard Leadership Award, Barbara Keller with the Humanitarian Award, U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz with the Ally Leadership Award and Kenny Cassady with the State Farm Good Neighbor Award.

This year’s Palm Springs Equality Awards will take place on Saturday, October 18 at The Riviera Resort and Spa, 1600 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. The 2014 Equality Awards are presented by AT&T and sponsored

by State Farm Insurance and Southwest Airlines.

For more information about the Equality Awards, visit www.eqcaawards.org/palm-springs.

For tickets or sponsorship information, contact Gary Collis at gary@eqca.org or by calling 323-848-9801 ext. 203

OCTOBER, 2014 23

LEGALLY SPEAKING

REFRESHING YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

BY CHRISTOPHER HERITAGE

The U.S. Supreme Court’s DOMA decision last year opened up over a thousand marital benefits and obligations never before available to people in legal same-sex marriages. Among these is the right to file a joint bankruptcy with one’s spouse, just as straight married persons have always been able to do.

Let’s take a quick look at financial issues, bankruptcy, and how they affect same-sex couples: In California, large numbers of bankruptcies were filed during the “Great Recession” of the past few years. Loss of assets in the financial market, loss of jobs, and underwater mortgages were the primary reasons. Now, as the economy improves, there is a substantial decline in bankruptcies, and prospects are good for most people.

But, even for people who have managed their finances well over the years, a sudden job loss, major illness, accident, or failure of a small business can tip the balance and cause catastrophic money problems.

People with financial difficulties may start falling behind on car payments, credit cards, and mortgages. Creditors start hounding them. Lawsuits may be filed against them to recover monies owed.

When the courts issue default judgments, liens might be placed on their possessions, or the creditors may garnish salaries. Once debtors are trapped in this whirlpool of actions, it is likely that bankruptcy is the best way out. It is far too late to negotiate a way out of debt.

Bankruptcy can resolve your creditor issues, and give you a fresh start. If lawsuits are pending, foreclosures are imminent, or wages are being garnished, it is usually possible to stop these actions if a bankruptcy petition is filed. There are two types of bankruptcy to consider, and both can help rebuild your finances: Chapter 7 gives you the chance to clear away most debts, through a “discharge” of debts by the bankruptcy court. Let’s say you have substantial debt, and not enough income to pay it off over a reasonable period of time. You have few or no assets (such as lots of equity in a home, multiple cars, large stock market investments, etc.) that the bankruptcy trustee can sell to pay off the creditors. Of

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course you may retain certain necessities (home, car, bank account, etc.) if they fall within the dollar limits of the exemptions allowed by the state or federal government. If you qualify, you file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition, and it takes about 4 to 6 months to discharge your debts. After that, you have a clean slate for the future.

Chapter 13 gives you the opportunity to continue paying off most or all debts over a 3 or 5-year period, under the protection of the bankruptcy court. In this case, you have sufficient steady income so you can create a plan to pay down the debts. The bankruptcy trustee administers the plan and you pay the trustee an agreedupon amount of money each month. The funds are distributed to the approved creditors, and at the end of the plan period, you are essentially debt-free.

In both types of bankruptcy, certain debts such as most recent back taxes, student loans, alimony and child support, and some others are not dischargeable.

What should same-sex couples consider if they are thinking of bankruptcy? It is important to remember that some states don’t recognize same-sex marriage at all, but the federal rule allowing joint bankruptcy filing applies to legally married couples in every state. In states that do recognize same-sex marriage, the rule may also apply to registered domestic partners. California is a community property state, and registered partners have nearly all the same rights and obligations as married spouses. Joint petitions are allowed for both married and registered same-sex couples. But the rule does not apply to other domestic partners, even though they may have shared finances and property, and been together for many years.

How do you decide between filing a joint petition and individual petition? It can save time and money to file a joint petition. A single filing fee, lower attorney fees, one hearing instead of two, and other reasons make it an advantage over filing individual petitions. On the other hand, in a Chapter 7, being married could sometimes be a disadvantage. Whether filing a joint or individual bankruptcy, if both spouses have income and property, assets are totaled and there may be difficulty meeting the means test in either type of petition.

What if you are not married or registered? You can’t file a joint petition, but one or both of you can file individually. Joint debts will be eliminated for both partners if both file petitions. They will be discharged for only the personal liability of one partner, if only one files. The other partner will remain liable for the joint debts after the petitioner’s case is closed.

Whether you are married, registered or single, be sure to consult an attorney about your particular situation and the best way to file for bankruptcy. Doing it right will mean a new and refreshing financial future.

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

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PSP FOCUS KATE CLINTON AND WELL-STRUNG TO HEADLINE CENTER STAGE

The 5th annual Center Stage Gala, presented by Eisenhower Medical Center, and headlined by the quick witted comic Kate Clinton and the internationally acclaimed singing string quartet Well-Strung, will take place Friday, November 7, 2014, at the Riviera Palm Springs, announced Mike Thompson, Executive Director of The LGBT Community Center of the Desert.

Well-Strung, the openly gay singing string quartet features classical musicians who sing putting their own spin on the music of Mozart, Vivaldi, Rihanna, Adele, Lady Gaga, and more! Coming off a three-month run of their new show ‘Popssical’ at the Art House in Provincetown, they have played venues such as the Leicester Square Theatre in London, 54 Below in New York, House of Blues in New Orleans, and Feinstein’s in San Francisco.

With a career spanning almost thirty years, Emcee and Host Kate Clinton has worked through economic booms and busts, Disneyfication and Walmartization, gay movements and gay markets, lesbian chic and queer eyes, and eight presidential inaugurals. Kate has performed nationally since 1981 from Joe’s Pub in New York City to the Herbst Theater in San Francisco. She has been featured at comedy festivals including CTBS Comedy Festival in Las Vegas, Just for Laughs in Montreal, the Toyota Comedy Festival in New York, and Marshall’s Women in Comedy Festival.

“We are thrilled to have such incredible talent come and support The Center,” said Thompson. “ “This will be a sold-out event,” it is definitely going to be one of the highlights of the Coachella Valley social season, and a fun kick-off to Palm Springs Pride.”

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The support for this line-up and the work of The Center is overwhelming. We are thrilled to have Eisenhower Medical Center return as our Presenting Sponsor. Eisenhower’s commitment to health and wellness is evidenced in their programmatic partnership with The Center, which launches this Fall with new and expanded offerings.

They truly provide healthcare as it should be.” The LGBT Community Center offers support for issues including cyber-bullying, teen suicide, and hate crimes. In addition, mental health counseling, social support, health and wellness, and food bank programs are offered.

Martin Massiello, Eisenhower COO, is this year’s Honorary Chair, and Honorary Vice-Chairs are Gary D. Hall, Wells Fargo Senior Vice-President, and David Hood & George Sellers, all of whom are sponsors of the event. Other sponsors as of press time include Randy Lowe, Burke Rix Communications, City of Palm Springs, The NestEggg Group, Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation, Riviera Palm Springs, Streetbar, WBB+McCormack, Reaction Marketing & Promotions, Joe Giarrusso & Charlie Paglia, Desert AIDS Project, O’Kane & McKee LLP, and Ginny Peacock & Michelle Madison-HOM Sotheby’s International Realty. Media Sponsors currently include The Standard Magazine, Gay Desert Guide, Frontiers Media, and Coachella Valley Independent.

Center Stage will begin with a Reception & Silent Auction at 5:30 PM, followed by Dinner and Entertainment at 7 PM, at the Riviera Palm Springs, on Friday, November 7, 2014.

For more information or to purchase a ticket, call 760-416-7790 or go to www.thecenterps.org/events/centerstage.

PSP FOCUS PROVINCETOWN SENSATION MISS RICHFIELD 1981 IN HER FIRST EVER PALM SPRINGS PERFORMANCE, PRIDE WEEKEND AT PURPLE ROOM In her first ever Palm Springs performance, nationally renowned P-town sensation Miss Richfield 1981 brings her new show “Play With My Poodle! to Purple Room Restaurant and Stage for two special Palm Springs Pride Weekend shows on Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November 8.

A beauty pageant titleholder must be single. But that was back in 1981 and Miss Richfield’s clock is ticking. So she’s on the prowl to find Mr. Right…now! In her all new show Play With My Poodle!, Miss R joyously looks for a suitable mate and leaves audiences in hysterics with colorful videos, twisted sing-alongs and a healthy heap of audience interaction.

Dedicating her life to the friendly citizens and responsible

merchants of her hometown of Richfield Minnesota (“where butter is a spice and gravy is a beverage”), Miss Richfield 1981 is fast becoming one of America’s national treasures. This Midwestern maven is winning over theater audiences around the country with truly original performances with an interactive format that combines homespun warmth and edgy improv to make for side-splitting laughs.

Her live performances have received critical acclaim, with The New York Post declaring Miss Richfield 1981 “the must-see act in Provincetown.” and The Chicago Sun-Times describing Miss Richfield as “Garrison Keillor meets Mary Tyler Moore.” In addition to selling out theaters and nightclubs each year in markets including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Atlanta, South

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PSP FOCUS Florida, and Minneapolis. Miss Richfield’s national appeal includes riotous appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”, “Today” on NBC, “Cake Boss” on TLC, and, most recently, as a national television spokesperson for Orbitz and Visit Philadelphia.

What makes Miss Richfield unique is the combination of Midwestern sensibilities with an off-the-page humor, stemming from her creator Russ King. As a former journalist and Minnesota native, King created the character with a rich history that begins with her life-long goal of being crowned beauty queen of her first-ring suburb of Minneapolis.

Miss R has recently entered the digital age and purchased a refurbished Apple computer. She invites you to like her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter, and watch her on YouTube. And be sure to visit her at missrichfield.com where she keeps a calendar of events and shares words of wisdom, such as her favorite Bible verse: “It’s important to be nice, but it’s nicer to be important.”

2014 HRC GARDEN PARTY The Orange County/ Long Beach/ Palm Springs Human Rights Campaign Steering Committee and Co-chairs Ossie Saguil, Dr. Kimberly Yang and Brad White invite you to the 2014 HRC Palm Springs Garden Party, this year hosted and emceed by Palm Springs’ own Shann Carr.

The event takes place on Saturday November 8 from 2pm – 5pm The afternoon will include a silent auction, heavy appetizers, open bar and remarks from local and celebrity honorees and HRC President Chad Griffin. We are thrilled to announce this year’s event will be at the 1956 Palm Springs estate of actor William Holden. We express a huge HRC thank you to this year’s hosts Rodrigo Vargas & Erik Storey.

The 2014 HRC Advocate For Equality Honorees Mike & Carol Balasa and Doug Hairgrove & Warren “Woody” Wood. These two couples have worked tirelessly in support of members in the LGBT community in the Palm Springs area.

HRC represents a grassroots force of more than 1.5 million members and supporters nationwide. As the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, HRC envisions an America where LGBT people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work, and in the community.

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POLITICS

PERSPECTIVE

BY JAMES WILLIAMSON

Over the last decade, we have experienced many gains as a community in the struggle for equality. We have seen more progress in the fight for the freedom to marry than most of us expected to see in our lifetime. Yet while we are making incredible gains, members of our community still face devastating hate crimes, publicly ignored humiliations, and privately sanctioned exclusion. These events remind us that there is a lot of work still to do. We have much to celebrate including the progress that we have made in the courts, legislatures and public acceptance, but we also know that we have many more hearts and minds to change.

We talk frequently about the younger generation and how they have a different perspective – that they are more open and have a more accepting attitude to sexual orientation and gender identity.

This is something that we reference and repeat frequently; sometimes it seems almost in the hope that by doing so that we will make it real.

But as LGBT youth come out at an increasingly younger age, what is the reality for them in their daily lives?

The reality for LGBT and questioning young people is that they often have few safe places and people to trust when they need support. Eighty percent of LGBT youth report being verbally harassed at school and one in five reports being physically assaulted at school. To change this reality, we need to continue to work to change hearts and minds.

Over the last 11 years, the California legislator has passed more than 20 pieces of legislation that were specifically designed to protect LGBT youth. The laws that have been passed are wide ranging in scope and inclusion: • The Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful Education Act require schools to include LGBT individuals and the LGBT rights movement in social studies curriculum.

• Harvey Milk Day proclaims May 22nd as the Harvey Milk Day and encourages public schools and educational institutions to conduct commemorative exercises on that day.

• The School Success and Opportunity Act addresses the exclusion of transgender students from classes and activities and requires that transgender students to allowed to participate in school

activities and use school facilities consistent with their gender identity.

California is the first and only state to have these legal protections for LGBT youth. However, it is one thing to pass these laws and another to ensure that they are implemented as intended.

It is essential to make sure those charged with implementing these laws are educated about them and that they are enforced in our schools – something I am committed to making happen here in the Coachella Valley.

JAMES WILLIAMSON

The conversation has to involve all of us, youth and adults, LGBT and allies. Each of us must commit ourselves to helping the next generation. As LGBT adults, we have a special responsibility to engage – it is up to each of us to help ensure that the next generation does not have to fight the same battles that we did.

The conversation has to be more generally about the value of inclusiveness. A safe and supportive environment for LGBT students will benefit and allow all children to achieve their potential. By creating a community in which diversity is valued and in which selfexpression is encouraged, we will enable our children to meet the challenges that they will face.

As a community, we should be proud of what we have accomplished. Let’s continue. We have been the catalyst for a fundamental change in social attitudes and created a new world in which children can grow and thrive.

James Williamson is an experienced leader with a proven commitment to the community who is running for Palm Springs Unified School District, Trustee Area #4 in the November election. He will bring his passion, service as an advisor to educational organizations and professional financial management experience to the decisions that impact all aspects of our education system.

James is currently an Education/Business Consultant working with companies and organizations based in the Coachella Valley.

The Standard Magazine urges everyone to vote this coming election November 4 2014

OCTOBER, 2014 29

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WELLNESS

GIMMICKS: THE ROAD TO SURE FAILURE

BY DR. KENNETH TOTH, BA, MAT, DC, RN What a depressing title! Sometimes the truth can certainly be perceived as depressing. And that is precisely what the advertisers have in mind when trying to foist “snake oil” upon the inexperienced, uninformed person who wants to get fit and healthy and great looking, right now, with the least effort possible.

Have you been duped? Once, twice, or many times over in your quest for body healthy and beautiful? “It’s just not going to happen for me. Nothing works for me! Looking hot and feeling fabulous is just for other people like those guys in the ads.”

If that’s how you feel, you were duped. You fell prey to rubbish, because you didn’t want to face reality and do the work that it takes to look and feel fabulous.

The mags and internet are replete with such ads promising wonders with, you guessed it, very little effort…as long as you follow their advice and buy some stupid gadget, app, supplement, or whatever. What really kills me are the articles (actually embedded infomercials disguised as factual articles) that really key into your laziness. They lead you to believe that you really don’t have to hit the iron and do the work. All you have to do is 4 or 5 inane exercises with very little or no-resistance (weight) to achieve everything you’ve always wanted…just like the guys or gals in the instructional photos or aps. Hmmm. Do you really believe they got looking that way by doing only those few stupid routines? People are funny. They are capable of convincing themselves of anything if it looks good enough and resonates! Loads of scientific research has been bought and paid for by Madison Avenue whereby they can hack into your negative qualities, such as laziness, greed, ignorance, and just plain stupidity, to get you to resonate with their product’s “message.”

For example, what about many of those supplement ads? Yeah, the ones with a really big hunk with muscles like an Angus steer!

Well, face up; NO ONE gets to look like that unless they’re shooting up with loads of illegally obtained anabolic steroids (yes, they are easily obtainable to the cult followers). Please note, however, that we are not talking about ethical HRT (aka hormone replacement therapy) when appropriately prescribed and managed by qualified medical physicians. Whether you want to accept reality or not, every gym has its anabolic “underground”. Fact. The hunks in the ads did not get looking that way by taking supplements such as creatine and nitrous oxide (legal supplements) as the ads would like you to believe.

There is only one way to get really healthy and hot looking! And that is to hit the gym 3-4 times a week and to get very real about what you put on your table and in your mouth. And just because you picked a really big, big, muscled trainer does not necessarily mean you will end up looking any better than squat. He may know how to work his own body along with some “juice” (aka illegally obtained and potentially dangerous anabolic steroids), but that may be about it. Don’t expect to look anywhere like him. It’s not going to happen.

Ever. Unless…no, you really do not want to go there. Hopefully you have much more respect for you heart, kidneys, and liver than he does.

Is the road to real health and body beautiful an easy one?

Usually not. Is it for the physically and intellectually lazy? Definitely not. Is it an overwhelmingly gratifying and valuable life activity and commitment for the few who choose that path? Definitely yes. To quote Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, “The worst thing I can be is just like everybody else.”

Go on down to the shopping mall and look around yourself sometime. Do you really want to be “just like everybody else?”

Dr. Kenneth Toth, BA, MAT, DC, RN, CPT, holds multiple degrees and credentials as a science educator, chiropractor, registered nurse, and personal trainer. He is currently limiting his professional activities to Personal Training/Nutritional Coaching. Dr. Ken is accepting new clients for personal training along with nutritional coaching. You may contact Dr. Ken at 949-235-9408 or ken@kentothfitness.com or on his website at KenTothFitness.com.

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QUOTE

PRIDE, A DEEPER LOVE

BY JARED GREENE

JOE GAUTHREAUX, SYLVIA TOSUN, KRISTINE W AND 8 BIT

Since the first National Coming Out Day over 25 years ago, the struggle for gay equality continues to see remarkable progress. From the world of entertainment and professional sports to our nation’s military and politics, we have seen more and more courageous men and women coming out; an encouraging sign that our nation is becoming a more tolerant and inclusive place. Still, out of the estimated nine million Americans who identify as LGBT, there remain many who are forced to hide their sexuality out of fear of discrimination. This is especially true in classrooms, boardrooms, and churches.

The power of coming out gay or as an ally advances the cause of equal rights for all. We polled several LGBT and ally notables on what pride means to them.

JOE GAUTHREAUX, DJ/PRODUCER Pride is standing up for who you are and what you believe in, no matter what the world may think.

ADORE DELANO, DRAG SUPERSTAR Pride is about never questioning yourself. My biggest career regret is taming my look and competing as Danny Noriega on American Idol. I never felt so in drag than when I was out of drag. I realize now how important it is to love your self. We are all mermaids!

We are sweet and fabulous creatures who dare to be different.

SYLVIA TOSUN, CLUB DIVA Pride demonstrates bravery, security and valiance in one’s truth, while celebrating uniqueness. It is having confidence in who you are and not compromising or bending to those who are not yet enlightened.

MICHAEL THERIAULT, GAY CLUB PROMOTER Pride is about knowing where you come from and understanding the struggles it took to get here. It’s about being part of something big. Sadly, many of the younger gay generation don’t know this yet.

Stonewall was and is so much more than just a bar.

KRISTINE W, CLUB DIVA Pride is a time to celebrate the community that has been built through the efforts and sacrifices of thousands of people before us. Brave people fought long and hard for the freedoms we enjoy today. They deserve our respect and admiration.

8BIT, FRONTMAN OF EDM BAND, CARY NOKEY Pride is about being who you are. Society does not allow people to be who they are so screw ‘em. The ones who don’t want to allow you to be you are the ones who are too scared to be who they are so they have to keep you in that purgatory. As soon as you feel that energy from someone holding you back, run away, fast and hard.

COURTNEY ACT, DRAG SUPERSTAR Pride reminds us how we are all one community. Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgendered and everyone in between: it is important to be a united front that recognizes our similarities are greater than our differences.

KILLIAN JAMES, GAY ADULT FILM STAR I’ll never forget the time my friend was talking about the details of our night out in front of my mother. “That’s it?” mom said. “I grew up

OCTOBER, 2014 33

The Center and

Eisenhower Medical Center

QUOTE

present

prep: frequently asked questions & discussion Tuesday october 7 th 5:30pm Get upfront answers to the most common questions regarding Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

breast screening: what is right for you? what is right for you?

Tuesday october 14 th 5:30pm Learn the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy, including symptom management, bone and sexual health, and breast and heart disease.

hormone replacement for men Tuesday november 4 th 5:30pm

Is hormone therapy right for you? What are the variations in male hormones and what causes them to change?

hormone replacement for women Tuesday november 11 th 5:30pm

Learn the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy, including symptom management, bone and sexual health, and breast and heart disease.

Space is limited and registration is requested for these FREE events.

Call The Center 760.416.7790 to register.

the

CENTER

SERVING THE DESERT LGBT COMMUNITY

Proud hEaLTh ParTnEr of the LGBT Center.

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COURTNEY ACT , KILLIAN JAMES, PETER MCLEAN AND JASON WALKER

in the 70’s. There’s nothing you can do that I haven’t done harder and more fabulous.” At that moment we formed an unbreakable bond. I hide nothing from her, including my porn and escorting careers.

XELLE, CLUB DIVAS Rony G: Pride means accepting and celebrating yourself and your family and friends as you all are. Pride celebrations remind me of how far we as a society have come, and how far we still have to go.

JC Cassis: I find pride celebrations so moving, because they’re a demonstration of how we should all feel every day. Everyone should be able to wake up and say, “This is who I am and I love it! I hope you love it too but if you don’t, I don’t care.”

PETER MCLEAN, GAY MUSIC EXECUTIVE (D1 MUSIC) Pride is a celebration of our own unique truth and finding our own synergistic space in this universal thing we call time.

JASON WALKER (DANCE MUSIC ARTIST) As someone who was forced out of the closet, Pride means truth.

It’s the ability to admit who you are to your self and to others without fear, regret, or shame. It’s also the ability to love yourself a little more every day regardless of how people try to bring you down.

body adornment and more…

HEPHAESTUS

PALM SPRINGS' PREMIER DESIGNER JEWELRY GALLERY

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FOOD

FOOD FOR THOUGHT You’re planning a weekend getaway to Palm Springs Pride. Your check list is just about done; friend checking your mail, dog sitter set up, suitcases almost packed including that great new swim suit (Yes swim suit, although PS Pride is in November we are fortunate enough to still have pool weather), hotel reservations complete, Pride events to attend…check. The one thing you have yet to decide is where to eat while you’re here.. Palm Springs has countless great restaurants to choose from so the decision might be a bit taxing.

TRIO Trio has generated recognition as one of Palm Springs top Restaurants and hot spots by numerous life style and travel publications and websites. The restaurant is also listed as Trip Advisor’s Top 10 Percent of Restaurants Worldwide, is a Zagat highly-rated restaurant, and has been local favorite from day one.

Locals (Trio’s regulars) love its varied menu combining traditional Midwest comfort food with a California contemporary edge.

To help with that we have compiled a list of just a handful of places to check out. From a quick bite to a multicourse meal, there is something for everyone’s taste.

EL MIRASOL RESTAURANT Both El Mirasol locations feature a singular focus on wholesome, fresh food with house specialties like Chicharron en Salsa, our rich, aromatic Mole Sauce and hand made Corn Tortillas made fresh daily. Expand your Mexican food horizons.

TROPICALE Tropicale Restaurant is located in the heart of Palm Springs, California. The restaurant has earned numerous awards including Open Table’s Diner’s Choice Award for 2009 and 2010. A chic and sophisticated décor provides the setting for its distinctive “world cuisine”, a provocative mix of zesty influences that creates a delightful dining experience in this beautiful desert community.

LULU CALIFORNIA BISTRO Lulu California Bistro, talent, expertise and passion for great food combine to produce a captivating California Bistro dining experience. The menu options are many, varied and value-priced, and the quality is always high.

CHEEKY’S, BIRBA, & JIAO This triad of restaurants is fabulous. Cheeky’s homemade breakfast, made the way they like it. Who knew it would be the way you like it too! They buy it local, make it from scratch, and don’t make too much of a fuss about it. Simple, fresh and delicious. Birba (the lighter side of Italian) and Jiao (Asian fusion), both with rave reviews and favorites among the locals. Eclectic interests and taste is what makes them unique.

ZIN AMERICAN BISTRO Zin American Bistro is a modern new world version of a traditional French Bistro. A marriage of French Passion with American Sensibility! Linen table clothes but still topped with paper for that bistro feeling. The specials change almost daily and the menu is more driven by the Chef.

ALICANTE Alicante feels more like a little sidewalk European Cafe.

Casual; you can just stop in for a drink and tapas or stay for dinner.

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WANGS IN THE DESERT Amazing Palm Springs Pan Asian Cuisine. Award winning.

Community Giving. Top Shelf Happy Hour.

NATURES HEALTH FOOD & CAFE Over 100 menu items, something for everyone! From Asian style Stir-Fry & Italian Pasta & Wraps to Mexican style plates & burritos.

All Vegan/ Vegetarian. All products are Organic .

HACIENDA CANTINA The latest addition to the scene, Hacienda is a hip sun lover’s paradise with an intimate desert inspired pool scene with outdoor bar, cabanas and live DJ music. At night, a chic restaurant, bar and lounge that synergistically serves up fresh, organic and responsibly sourced high quality chef created Mexican Cuisine. All drinks are masterfully hand crafted with fresh juices and natural sweeteners.

SHERMAN’S DELI Offering an extensive menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner reminiscent of a New York style deli. Bread and deserts are baked fresh daily. Our Famous Sandwich Board offers more than 40 favorites.

WORKSHOP KITCHEN + BAR Workshop Kitchen + Bar is an architectural space dedicated to the great gifts of food, drink, good design and neighborhood. The approach to their work is thoughtful and fun.

CRAVE For that sweet tooth, Crave is a modern dessert bar located on Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. Offering a unique selection of artisan desserts coupled with pour-over coffee, blooming teas, exclusive wines and corked, craft beers served with exceptional service in a mid-century designed interior.

KOFFI Great coffee, yummy pastries and fun staff, the place to go for that much needed caffeine fix. If you are a fan of that “other” coffee company you will quickly become a convert. With 3 locations to serve you (the Rancho Mirage locations roasts their own beans) Koffi will quickly become part of your daily ritual.

Again this is just a short list of many places to go for a nosh. Feel free to try any of these (you can’t go wrong) or explore countless others, you are bound to find someplace to satisfy your appetite...

OCTOBER, 2014 37

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BOOK REVIEW

ALWAYS OVERBOOKED…

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

The view from your office is quite magnificent.

When you moved into that space, you also got the perfect desk, a credenza to match, and a plushy, throne-like chair. It’s a workspace anyone would envy. Yes, your office is well appointed. But your closet…? Not so much. Therefore, according to John Browne in his new book “The Glass Closet” maybe it’s time to come out of it.

Starting as a young man in 1969, John Browne rose through the ranks at oil-giant BP until 2007, when he resigned as chief executive.

He might’ve still been there, if not for an unfortunately splashy scandal that seems tame today: Browne is gay. When “a tangled skein of allegations” pulled him out of the closet, he resigned from his job, fearing that his life was over.

Obviously, it was not, but he discovered that his experiences aren’t unusual.

Even though there have been strides made, and though nearly all Fortune 500 companies have in place policies to prevent discrimination based on sexual preference and identity, more than 40 percent of American LGBT workers remain closeted on the job. According to a survey, 90 percent of transgender employees report problems at work.

“Years of progress have reduced the risk of harassment,” says Browne, “but they have not completely eradicated it.” Coming out is still risky, as evidenced by the interviews he completed with people who mostly asked that their last names not be used.

Businesses, Browne says, should understand that inclusion levels the “playing field” and widens the choices available in the “war for talent,” something Fortune 500 companies already know. Extending benefits to same-sex partners serves to retain workers, and policies supporting LGBT employees also send a positive message to other minority groups. Marketing and ad departments must remember that the LGBT community is “traditionally under-served” but represents an “often sizeable opportunity.”

As for LGBT workers, Browne recalls how much effort it took to keep his secret, and how much it weighed him down. Still, “No matter how skilled you think you are at hiding your true self, those closest to you… will see you through the closet door.” Coming out is risky, but “the risk will be worth the reward.”

Color me irritated.

Seemingly meant for business, “The Glass Closet” is not exactly business-related for the first third of it. Instead, author John Browne begins with his life story, and a tired LGBT history that includes littleto-nothing about the world of work.

GLASS CLOSET AUTHOR, PHOTO BY HARRY BORDEN

That doesn’t leave much room for biz-related information in this too-short book – but getting past those first pages is where the irritation subsides. Browne continues by offering eye-opening stats; several interviews to prove that there are others experiencing similar issues; and points to ponder, interspersed with helpful info for employers and employees, both LGBT and straight.

If you’re interested in a biography, that’s here. The real appeal of this book, though, I think, is for the starter help it offers, and the modicum of support. For those small, brief, shaky reasons, “The Glass Closet” is worth a look-through.

“The Glass Closet: Why Coming Out is Good Business”

by John Browne c.2014, Harper Business $27.99 / $34.99 Canada 240 pages

OCTOBER, 2014 39

TRAVEL

PRIDE AND POLITICS

WRITING THE “GAY AGENDA” ONE PARADE AT A TIME

BY GEORGE ZANDER

Though I wasn’t around in the 1920’s when small groups began meeting in Chicago, New York and Philadelphia, I have been in parts of those same small groups starting in the 1970s. Our Coachella Valley is chock full of thousands of us who have played many roles in the history of our movement. We are a living history of our movement! When folks ask us who wrote the infamous “gay agenda,” we just say us.

Our movement’s opposition has always claimed we wrote the gay agenda in dark, sleazy, smoky rooms. Well, they were right. We did write it and it was simple- “Liberty and Justice for all.” Catch words that we as a community began to see as a goal for the LGBTQ community. And 45 years later we are getting closer to that reality.

So, now that this is Pride Month yet again, around our globe, millions will march, sing, dance, parade and party to celebrate our advances. Pride and Politics indeed go hand in glove and always have. The combination of hard party celebrations and the hard work of politics remain the bedrock of our Pride.

To sum up the LGBTQ Political Movement and the History of Pride Festivals moving forward together, it is primarily personal stories.

We must always be cognizant of how it a reminder to how personal this work in our movement has been and will continue to be…and how significant that Pride Festivals have been a integral part of the movement from the outset. Everyone has stories of the importance of a

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Pride Festival to their journey. It is crucial to not get cynical and gnarly negative about these parades. All of our generations have used these to gain acceptance and love. They are a very importance legacy.

Embrace them please.

Harry Hay founded the Mattachine Society in 1951 in Los Angeles, by 1955 The Daughters of Bilitis, the first Lesbian Rights organization was formed in San Francisco. It took until 1966 to have the first transgendered rights organization- formed in San Francisco.

Of course the Stonewall Riots in New York City was where that largest awareness came about. It is clearly where our movement kicked into a higher level. The next year came the first Pride Parades in Los Angeles and New York City. From that day, the politics and Pride celebrations are linked.

First and foremost they are parties and celebrations of who we are. The are millions of stories of LGBTQ kids and adults coming to their first Pride Parade and being one with a community.

My personal involvement in the LGBTQ political movement began in the 70s. I sat of the board of the Dorian Group, a very early lobbying group in Washington State. Anita Bryant terrorized the community along with the onslaught of HIV/AIDS. Seattle beat the evil Anita, ---one of the few cities who maintained their anti-discrimination laws, and worked together to help and assist folks effected by the pandemic. And we also

TRAVEL

continued to work on LGBTQ rights in Olympia and other cities around the state. It was Washington State’s first lobbying effort for our rights.

Throughout all of this action, drama, the wins and losses that have over the years made up our community, it has been pride festivals and parades that became the glue holding it all together.

My first Pride Parade souvenir was a picture of not very festive rain soaked group of men standing in the rain. That was in 1975.

We had about 400 folks marching and maybe that many attending the rain drenched festival in Volunteer Park. Then, flashing forward to 2012 where there were 375,000 in downtown Seattle. It is now the city’s second largest and clearly most festive parade. Palm Springs

Pride has grown larger as all have…more marching, more diversity and more fun than ever.

From Pride Festivals of millions of folks- San Francisco, New York, Amsterdam, Sydney, Berlin to the Pride Festivals of Bisbee AZ, Joshua Tree and Bakersfield. In 2013, all will embrace the new political slogans…marriage for all, help for LGBTQIA youth, and the transgendered community.

Pride will grow and endure. Every year more festivals take place throughout all of America. And countries where it is not safe to parade, still attracts marchers and activists. Stay involved and show up. Our work and our partying are not done!!!

OCTOBER, 2014 41

THE AMAZON TRAIL

THE TERRITORIAL

BY LEE LYNCH

It wasn’t possible in those days to be young and gay in NYC and not go to bars. One night I ended up at a place in Harlem called The Territorial. It greeted customers in the manner of prohibition speakeasies, with eyes peering through a window in a wooden door.

I was with Suzy, my first girlfriend and, by that time, my ex. Her lover Kenny was there too, a tough as nails old school butch who’d been Suzy’s original connection to the gay world. Kenny had given me a very hard time when I was still in high school because she wanted Suzy.

Harvey, also white, was our escort, a nice gay boy who was known, with his slight, funny, darker-skinned boyfriend, at The Territorial.

When I think back to the 19 year old me boldly clubbing on 125th Street with this crew, Kenny and Harvey only slightly older than Suzy and me, it’s no wonder the night ended the way it did. Suzy and Kenny were high school dropouts who both had a long way to go before they got where they needed to be. Harvey didn’t live with his boyfriend, but with his mother in a small apartment in the Bronx.

This was a “bottle bar,” like The Stonewall Inn. You paid a cover and bought a setup, overpriced mixers, ice, & glasses, to go with your own bottle. I used to cash $2.00 checks at a grocery store to get me through a week at college, so if I managed to bring ten dollars with me, I probably spent it on dinner and the subway. Someone, probably Kenny, paid my cover and bought the vodka.

At the time, I knew no other gay people. I had a sort of girlfriend at college, but she knew no one either and was probably out with her boyfriend that night. What can I say; it was the sixties and everyone was experimenting. Except for me. I only wanted to be queer, be with queers, in queer places.

My problem was, as isolated as I was at school, I didn’t belong with Harvey and Kenny at all. Suzy moved into their orbit after I left for school. I had a foot in both worlds, but there was no solid ground under me.

I’ve written about The Territorial before. It was a huge highceilinged space, probably a former warehouse, possibly owned by organized crime. The management kept the lights low and what light there was spiked the dark like flame. People sat on a balcony above us and across from us. It was typical of the hellish pits allotted to gays.

In those days, I experienced depressions so bad I could barely move. Light disappeared from my vision. I don’t know how I kept from killing myself. I’d been prescribed tranquilizers called Milltowns so I

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STEAMY NYC 1960’S

had the means and I frequently mixed them with alcohol. By this, my sophomore year, I’d added marijuana and hash and speed to the mix.

I like to believe some kind of higher power kept me alive so I could perform good works for my people, for gay people, so I could put our world on paper with words.

That night it was vodka and Meprobamate. It was also fear -what was I doing so far uptown and with my nemesis, Kenny, and two strange men? I’d lost my ability to connect with Suzy, or perhaps Kenny intimidated her enough that she had to shut me out. I was lost, so lost, and no one was looking for me, no one even knew I was gone.

I drank the vodka straight, tipping it up and pouring it down my throat. I got blackout drunk. I tried to quench my fear and confusion, tried to douse the conflagration of my unmoored blazing soul with this flammable liquid. Suzy had invited me and I’d gotten out of control.

Kenny told Suzy to let me, if I needed to, when I took another and another draught straight from the bottle. I’d hated the times my father came home drunk and my mother raged at him, but like him, I knew of no other solution. I didn’t even know what I was trying to solve.

Gay people are kind. In the end, we take care of one another the best we can. That night it was Kenny who nursed me when I was sick in the wreck of a bathroom. That night, it was Harvey who skipped whatever romantic plans he had with his boyfriend to, somehow, take me home, to get me past his mother, to give me a bed where I could sleep it off.

Goodness knows what would have happened if they’d let me loose in the post-midnight city, sent me off to Grand Central to catch a train back to school.

Goodness was what it took for them to keep me safe from a world that might not be kind to one more nearly wasted gay kid.

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EVENTS CALENDAR

OCT 10 - 13 PALM SPRINGS MODERNISM FALL KICK OFF Fall Kick-Off to Modernism Week, will be held over the Columbus Day holiday weekend. This year the event will be held Oct. 10-13, 2014, and will feature bus tours, walking tours, and other exciting events. This event is a prequel the 10th annual Palm Springs Modernism Week that will be held from February 12-22, 2015 to celebrates that classic mid-century design aesthetic and architecture.

For info go www.modernismweek.com

OCT 10 - 12 TRANSGENDER ARTS FESTIVAL Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) Palm Springs will be having a Transgender Arts Festival, coinciding with National Coming Out Day, October 10th, 11th and 12th. The events will showcase transgender artists, films and entertainers.

For complete schedule, tickets and info please visit www.TDORPalmSprings.com

OCT 18 2014 DESERT AIDS WALK Now in its 26th year, the 27th Desert AIDS Walk is a grassroots community event supporting HIV and AIDS services,

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prevention and advocacy at Desert AIDS Project. Registration starts at 7:30 at Ruth Hardy Park with the walk stepping off at 9:30. For more info visit www.desertaidsproject.org

NOV 1 HOLLYWOOD DINE & DISH II AIDS Assistance Program (AAP) announces the return of an exclusive, star-studded event in support of its vitally needed food voucher program. Hollywood Dine and Dish II will include hors d’oeuvres, premium cocktails, and an exquisite dinner courtesy of Brad & Lynne Toles of Savoury’s Catering, along with all the Tinsel Town dish that’s too hot to print! Hollywood Dine and Dish II will take place at 7 pm on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at a private estate in Palm Springs. Tickets for Hollywood Dine and Dish II are $500 per person or $750 per couple. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 760-3258481 or visit www.aidsassistance.org

DBA October Events Oct 6 Mixer 6:00-8:00 pm Hosted by Doug Balog at the Desert Princess. 28655 West Natoma Dr. Cathedral City.

Oct 20 Halloween Themed Mixer 6:00 – 8:00 pm Hosted by PS Regional Association of Realtors 4045 E. Ramon Road Palm Springs www.desertbusinessassociation.org ONGOING >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> OCT 8 - NOV 5 STREETBAR ARTWALL PROJECT David Farnsworth and Zane Rhys have collaborated on another exhibition for the Streetbar Artwall Project. Working with pencil on paper, Zane created images of the mythological demi-god ‘PAN ‘. David used those drawings to create ceramic tile reliefs. The work will be shown together October 8 -November 5 , 2014.

An artist’s reception will be held Wednesday, October 8 at 6pm at Streetbar. David and Zane have chosen the LGBT Center as the benefactor of 20% of art sales from their exhibit.

For information contact drfar@aol.com

COPA In a throwback to old Palm Springs’ nightclubs, the Copa is fashioned around an elevated performing stage and a stunning u-shaped bar lined with leather barstools, upholstered booths, and gilded cocktail tables. Sink into the sexy lounge, sip a

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EVENTS CALENDAR DJ in the sound booth. Every Sunday Complete list of events www.toucanstikilounge.com

cocktail, and enjoy the lineup of local and guest entertainers. For weekly schedule visit www.coparoomps.com

THE PURPLE ROOM Supper club, drinks and live music. It’s where Palm Springs plays. Great entertainment nightly and dinner specials. You never know whom you might see at The Purple Room.

For monthly schedule and info visit http://purpleroompalmsprings.com

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

You can beat the heat any time of year and enjoy the views of Palm Springs. And our patio is dog friendly for your leashed four-legged family members! On Saturday and Sunday from 8am – 2pm, enjoy a $9 Bottomless Mimosas (juice included), a single $2 mimosa or a $5 Bloody Mary with brunch, during which both our full breakfast and lunch menus are available. Also join us for Sunday Funday Weekly Tea Dance 4pm-Close! www.oscarspalmsprings.com

FLIRT AT HARD ROCK HOTEL Thursday nights in downtown Palm Springs got a little hotter and a little more exciting with a new show/new dance party/ new venue/new room/new night/new international brand…Flirt at Hard Rock Hotel. Doors open each Thursday at 7:00 p.m. to the new Flirt Showroom, located inside the Hard Rock Hotel, Indian Canyon and Arenas. Two shows each Thursday, 7:30 and 9:00 p.m. No cover charge.

21+. Entrance is immediately off the Porte Cochere. Two item minimum (food and/or drink per person per show). Check out Hard Rock Hotel and Bella da Ball on Facebook. www.HRHPALMSPRINGS.COM

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! 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.

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 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.

FOR A COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS VISIT OUR MEDIA PARTNER, GAY DESERT GUIDE. CLICK ON LOGO

OCTOBER, 2014 45

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EVENTS CALENDAR

OCT 9 - 12

QCINEMA GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL FORT WORTH, TEXAS Q16 brings you four days full of the best LGBT entertainment of this kind offered in North Texas. This 16th celebration is sure to be the sweetest yet. There are 23 films, including shorts and features that are World, U.S., Southwest and Texas premieres from across the globe, from Israel to Australia to right in our own backyard. These Q16 films are sure to give your sweet tooth the perfect fix you crave, but if the films aren’t enough, there are nightly festival parties, nine special guests who write, direct, star, produce and play music in Q16’s films and all-day fun over the weekend. www.qcinema.org

OCT 11

OUT-FIT CHALLENGE MUD RUN AMESBURY, MA The sport event features over 15 military style obstacles such as the “Cherry Picker,” “Is that Mud in Your Pants,” and “Hello Sailor”. To celebrate the victory of finishing the course, there will be an after party at the finish line that will be hosted by local drag queens with varied selection of dance beats by local DJs. Apart from putting on

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race events, the organization aims to aid national and local charities that are making a significant difference in the lives of LGBT individuals across the US. This event has grown to be a state-to-state national event open to all supporters of the LGBT community to bring awareness to Family Equality Council. Out-Fit Challenge’s mission is to create a competitive experience that people will love, while also giving everyone an opportunity to feel a sense of community through fun challenges. www.out-fitchallenge.com

OCT 12 - 13

BEYOND NYC CIRCUIT PARTY NEW YORK, NEW YORK Three of nightlife’s biggest brands are joining forces to present a new club experience in New York City and present to you the city’s newest and greatest mega-club - direct from Ibiza - SPACE NYC. Direct from London, BEYOND is coming to New York City - one of the longest running club experiences in the world finally comes to the greatest city in the world, and there is only one club that can be its home: SPACE - complete with the UK’s famous production, visuals and performances. www.beyond-nyc.com

OCT 19 - 26

FANTASIAFAIR TRANSGENDER EVENT PROVINCETOWN, MA Fantasia Fair is a week long transgender gathering every October in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Part conference, part social gathering, the Fair is full immersion experience - attendees can and usually do spend an entire week 24/7 presenting their gender as they wish. www.fantasiafair.org

OCT 24 - 25

HALLOWEENIE & MAYHEM LOS ANGELES, CA Fred and Jason’s Halloweenie 9 - “Under the Big Top” undoubtedly the planet’s hottest Halloween fundraiser – is definitely the “Party with a Purpose.” GMCLA’s Alive Music Project is once again honored to be this year’s beneficiary. Halloweenie is a costume-required event featuring open bars, world- renowned DJ’s, feverish dancing, celebs, killer photo ops, VIP areas, private cabanas and more. 2014’s smash event will be held again at the famed Los Angeles Theatre, the ornate movie palace in downtown Los Angeles. With past celebrity guests like Adam Lambert, Lance Bass, Amy Paffrah, Marissa Winokur, Rose McGowan, Neil Patrick Harris, and Drew Barrymore, you will not want to miss this unforgettable night of frights! www.gmcla.org

OCT 30 - NOV 2

PALM SPRINGS LEATHER PRIDE PALM SPRINGS, CA Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert announced the dates for Palm Springs Leather Pride 2014 will be October 30 November 2. It will be held the weekend before Palm Springs Gay Pride, which changed their dates to the 2nd weekend in November, but they are still bookend weekends, which allow you to celebrate 10 Days of Pride in sunny and warm Palm Springs! www.desertleatherpride.com

int l

EVENTS CALENDAR with Sennheiser to present an original innovative concept during the main event under the theme « Inspiration Metropolis ».

The « silent disco » concept, put forward by Sennheiser, will be presented on a second stage during the Black & Blue main event.

For this purpose, SENNHEISER headphones will be lent to the participants, offering three different frequencies giving the choice of three different styles of music from 10 pm to 10 am.

For details www.bbcm.org 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

OCT 3 - 12

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

OCT 8 - 14

BLACK & BLUE FESTIVAL MONTREAL, CANADA 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.

To this end, the BBCM is proud to partner

OCT 13 - 19

MASPALOMAS FETISH WEEK CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN The Maspalomas Fetish Week is an annual international event for men into fetish gear and play. The event is predominantly held in and around the Yumbo Center in Playa del Ingles, on the Spanish island of Gran Canarias. Famous for its nocturnal gay scene, all year fantastic weather, and very relaxed attitude, there are men only bars, sex clubs and gay hotel resorts for all tastes. Everyday the gay resorts will be hosting pool parties, where you can strip off your fetish clothes, relax in the sunshine and hang out with sexy guys. Some gay resorts are also clothing optional, and have special outdoor cruising areas for play! The event will also be an opportunity to raise much needed funding for the local HIV charity ACES (Amigos Contra El Sida/Friends against AIDS), who help support people living with HIV in Gran Canarias. www.maspalomasfetishweek.com

OCT 20 - NOV 15

GLASGAY! FESTIVAL GLASGOW, SCOTLAND Glasgay! Festival Scotland’s Annual Celebration of LGBT Culture is Scotland’s

OCT 25 - NOV 1

CLUB ATLANTIS VALLARTA PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO At Club Atlantis, we take over the entire 5-star Hard Rock Resort to create a relaxing and friendly all-gay beach vacation like no other. Everything you could imagine for the perfect vacation is right here. 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

NOV 4 - 9

FRINGE! QUEER FILM &ARTS FESTIVAL LONDON, ENGLAND Fringe! Is a film and arts festival rooted in London’s queer creative scene and welcoming everyone. Fest 2014 will be hosting a multitude of diverse events to tickle every one of the senses. With our signature blend of eye opening movies, DIY and experimental work, the thoughtful, the provocative and the strange, we’ll be packing out cinemas, art galleries, pop-up venues and basement clubs. For info visit www.fringefilmfest.com

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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

RICK’S RESTAURANT 1973 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 416-0090 www.ricksrestaurant.biz

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

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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THAI SMILE PALM SPRINGS 100 South Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 320-5503 www.thaismilepalmsprings.com TRIO RESTAURANT 707 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 864-8746 www.triopalmsprings.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

THE TOOL SHED 600 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.3299 www.toolshed-ps.com SPURLINE VIDEO LOUNGE 200 Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs CA 92262 760-778-4326 www.spurline.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY your ad here! theStandardps.com

ART + DESIGN mayakalabic.com

www.TrioPalmSprings.com

GET HIM ON THE LINE Try For Free

800-960-6843

The POP Shop is coming to Palm Springs in June!

760.864.8681

Ahora en Espa単ol /18+

OperationSafeHouse.org

COMING UP NEXT MONTH ANNUAL HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE BEATBOX: FIRING UP THE DANCE FLOOR GREAT HOLIDAY EATS

OCTOBER, 2014 49

I got my life back online.

Scott, D.A.P. client

D.A.P. treats and supports the whole person My addiction led me into homelessness and I thought I had nowhere to turn. But D.A.P. helped me see there was a way back, if I was willing to do the work. Now, I have five years of sobriety, have finished four years of college with two degrees and a promising career...but best of all, I have peace-of-mind again. Now, I’m volunteering my time here in D.A.P.’s computer lab because it’s time to “pay it forward” to others who might need a little help. Just like I did.

This and more...all under one roof Thanks to your generous support, Desert AIDS Project has been saving lives for 30 years.

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.

Desert AIDS Walk | October 18, 2014 Dancing With The Desert Stars | November 14, 2014 World AIDS Day | December 1, 2014 - Pathways to Health & Well-Being HIV Conference - Everyday Heroes

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760.323.2118

desertAIDSproject.org

THE FIFTH ANNUAL GALA EVENT OF THE DESERT

Presents

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7 2014 THE RIVIERA RESORT & SPA COCKTAIL RECEPTION/SILENT AUCTION 5:30Pm • SHOWTImE 7:00Pm b E N E F I T T I N g T H E L g b T C O m m U N I T Y C E N T E R O F T H E D E S E RT

CENTER

the

the

CENTER

SERVING THE DESERT LGBT COMMUNITY

VANGUARD AwARD REcIpIENT: jUDgE VAUgHN R WALKER (RET) WELL-KNOWN FOR HIS DECISION IN HollingswortH v. Perry, WHICH STRUCK DOWN CALIFORNIA’S PROPOSITION 8 LEGAcy AwARD REcIpIENT: mARIAH HANSON, FOUNDER & PRODUCER OF THE CLUb SKIRTS DINAH SHORE WEEKEND

SERVING THE DESERT LGBT COMMUNITY

for ticketing information visit www.thecenterps.org or call 760-416-7790

S P O N S O R S

david HOOd & GeORGe SelleRS

RaNdy lOwe

JOe GiaRRuSSO & CHaRlie PaGlia

CHaRleS RObbiNS & damON ROmiNe GaRy GaiSeR & RiCk maNtle

S P mO eN dS i O aR S

OCTOBER, 2014 55

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