ISSUE #02 | 02.24.22 DISPLAY UNTIL 03.30.22
COMMUNITY:
OPPOSING THE "DON'T SAY GAY BILL"
OUT & ABOUT: MONSTER JAM
FLIX:
MARRY ME & BLACKLIGHT
BRIAN HIRSCHBERG
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TABLE OF CONTENTS: 5. OUT & ABOUT: MONSTER JAM We sat down with Son-uva Digger monster truck driver Ryan Anderson to preview the upcoming Monster Jam.
10. COVER STORY: SEXY COVER AND CENTERFOLD MODEL BRIAN HIRSCHBERG
Meet model Brian Hirschberg and enjoy his very sexy photos taken by the incorporable David Vance.
16. OUR COMMUNITY: WHY WE MUST OPPOSE THE "DON'T SAY GAY BILL"
Florida House Bill 1557 will hurt our LGBTQ youth and put teachers at risk from homophobic parents' lawsuits.
18. FLIX: MARRY ME AND BLACKLIGHT Check out Alyn Darnay’s film reviews of both Marry Me & Blacklight.
WIREMAG.COM: ENJOY OUR MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE CONTENT Visit wiremag.com to read all our past issues of Wire Magazine with beautiful men and interesting lifestyle content for the LGBTQ community.
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OUT & ABOUT By Rafa Carvajal
MONSTER JAM RETURNS TO THRILL AUDIENCES RC: What is the craziest thing you have done as a monster truck driver? RA: The craziest thing I've ever done in a truck was for an encore for Grave Digger’s 35th anniversary at Monster Jam World Finals. We had 8 Grave Digger trucks out on the track at once and just went wild!!! RC: How hard is it to drive a monster truck and pull off all the jumps and stunts with your truck? RA: Monster Jam trucks are like a normal vehicle but MASSIVE. And you can't see very well. The hard part is being good at it! It takes a mixture of natural talent, a lot of learned skill, and it never hurts to have a little luck on your side. Some of us love the thrill of motor sports. The roar of an engine can be very exciting and a fun family adventure for kids young and old. Monster trucks are not only known for their powerful engines, but also for their daring tricks and maneuvers by very talented male and female drivers. It sat down with Son-uva Digger monster truck driver Ryan Anderson to preview the upcoming Monster Jam competition taking place at loanDepot Park in Miami on Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13. Monster Jam is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with their thrilling competitions of speed and skill, and you can purchase tickets to see them at tickets.com. Rafa Carvajal: What is the most thrilling part of being a monster truck driver? Ryan Anderson: The most thrilling part of being a Monster Jam driver is getting out of the truck (that’s probably a smoking pile of mess), after a wild freestyle run and the entire stadium is exploding with excitement over what I just did in the truck. RC: How did your dad inspire you to become a monster truck driver and compete in the Monster Jam? RA: My dad absolutely inspired me to start driving. It wasn't even like he tried; it was just our lives every day. I was born to do this.
RC: What would you say to a little kid aspiring to become a monster truck driver when he grows up? RA: I tell all my young aspiring Monster Jam drivers the same thing, and these go in order from most important to least: 1) Listen to mom and dad and do your best to be a good kid. 2) Go all the way through school. 3) Any chance you get to help work on something, get your hands dirty! 4) When you turn 18, come find me!!!! If you’re already of age and want to pursue Monster Jam, the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) has an open door to Monster Jam! RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers? RA: To anyone on the fence about coming to Monster Jam, all I have to say is it's pretty obvious how fragile this world we live in is, especially over these past couple of years. Come out, take a chance, have a good time and enjoy the spectacle that we call Monster Jam. It's unlike anything in this world, and I promise you won't regret watching 12,000-pound, 1,500 hp monster beasts flying through the air, pulling off tricks you never thought were possible!
RC: Tell our readers what to expect from the upcoming Monster Jam at loanDepot Park? RA: At Monster Jam, you can always expect the unexpected. Every event is different no matter how many you come to, and it's guaranteed to be a night to remember for all ages! And it's far from just a gear head or racer style event. It's truly amazing what we do with the trucks and will leave everyone blown away! Photos Provided by Feld Entertainment, Inc. | Monster Jam
#2 2022 WIREMAG.COM 5
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BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section. Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).
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BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, KEEP CREATING, and LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2021 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0370 04/21
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Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.
PUBLISHER’S CORNER LET’S PROTECT OUR YOUTH FROM THE "DON'T SAY GAY BILL” I start my Publisher’s Corner by informing our community that, unfortunately, I resigned from the Board of Directors of the OUTshine Film Festival along with three other Board Members, on Friday, February 11. Subsequent to our resignations, the long-time Finance Director of the OUTshine Film Festival also resigned on Monday, February 14. Obviously, it is never good when four members of the Board of Directors and the Finance Director of any non-profit organization all resigned within a business day of each other. In this week’s issue, we bring you a very important article about our community, which reminds us that the fight against LGBTQ discrimination continues. Florida House Bill 1557, also know as the "Don't Say Gay Bill,” will hurt our LGBTQ youth and could put educators at risk for lawsuits from homophobic parents. Our sexy cover and centerfold model is Brian Hirschberg, who was captured in beautiful photographs by the incomparable David Vance. Enjoy the great photos and learn more about Brian by reading our interview. For Out & About, I sat down with Son-uva Digger monster truck driver Ryan Anderson to preview the upcoming Monster Jam competition, taking place at loanDepot Park in Miami. In Flix, film critic Alyn Darnay reviews Marry Me and Blacklight and tells you why you should see both movies. As a proud sponsor of the 34th National LGBTQ Task Force’s Creating Change conference, I want to invite you to participate this year, March 19-20. Creating Change is the largest LGBTQ activist conference in the nation. Every year, thousands of people from across the country come together to learn, connect, and resist; and to deepen their commitment to freedom, justice and equity for all LGBTQ people. The conference will be held in virtual format due to the on-going impact of the COVID pandemic. “Creating Change Remixed” will feature several plenary and keynote speakers, award presentations, daylong institutes and the annual House Ball. The Task Force will host a series of virtual events under a new banner of “Creating Change 365.” Visit thetaskforce.org/creatingchange.html for details. In closing, I want to invite our readers to see the Tony-nominated Best Musical Broadway Show Frozen from Disney, playing at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts March 9-20. I recently had the privilege of enjoying two outstanding Broadway Musicals: Dear Evan Hansen at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations at the Broward Center. Broadway is definitely back in South Florida and it is time to enjoy the upcoming great shows! Cheers,
Rafa Carvajal Publisher & Editor in Chief rafa@wiremag.com
“NEVER FORGET THAT JUSTICE IS WHAT LOVE LOOKS LIKE IN PUBLIC.” - CORNEL WEST 8 WIREMAG.COM #2 2022
BRIAN HIRSCHBERG By Rafa Carvajal. Photos By David Vance. davidvanceprints.com
10 WIREMAG.COM #1 2022
This week’s sexy cover and centerfold model is Brian Hirschberg, who was photographed by the incomparable David Vance. You can enjoy more risque photos of Brian by purchasing David’s book about him by visiting blurb.com/b/11042003-brian. David’s Brian book is available as print on demand in hardcover and softcover and also as an ebook. Rafa Carvajal: Where are you originally from and where do you live now? Brian Hirschberg: I grew up in New Jersey, and lived there until about three years ago when I moved to Boca Raton. RC: What do you do for work? BH: I work as a model, a DJ and a burlesque entertainer. I also love to paint. I was a fine art major what feels like a lifetime ago, and I occasionally sell my work. RC: How do you stay in such great physical shape? BH: I work out five days a week, focusing on one muscle group per day. I also dance a lot for work, and I pole dance as well. Pole dancing is serious exercise. RC: What are the top three exercises that have helped you develop your physique most effectively? BH: Squats, focusing on proper form of course, deadlifts, and pole dancing. The more I pole, the more defined my abs get.
#1 2022 WIREMAG.COM 11
RC: What is the most important fitness tip that you would recommend to our readers? BH: As far as fitness is concerned, I really think the key is finding a physical activity you can learn to enjoy. Not everyone loves lifting weights, but there’s always yoga, dance, sports, etc. Make it fun for yourself and you won’t mind being consistent with your workouts. RC: Describe yourself in three words. BH: Creative, kind and dedicated.
12 WIREMAG.COM #2 2022
RC: Who is the person that inspires you the most? Why? BH: The person who inspired me the most was my mother. She was always kind and generous to everyone, and she always went out of her way to help everybody. She was deeply loyal to her loved ones, and she was the strongest person I ever met. I try to live my life after her example. RC: What do you enjoy the most about modeling for photography? BH: I just really enjoy being part of someone’s creative process. It’s always an honor to be an instrument for another person’s artwork, and it provides such an interesting opportunity to see yourself through someone else’s eyes. RC: What is your biggest dream that you have yet to achieve? BH: My biggest dream (that I’ll never give up on) is to perform at the Moulin Rouge in Paris. RC: What are your handles for Instagram, Facebook and Twitter? BH: My Instagram handle is @ReturnofBabylon, my Facebook handle is Brian Hirschberg, and my Twitter is @BrianWorksOut. #2 2022 WIREMAG.COM 13
RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers? BH: Don’t give up on your dreams. Life can be really challenging, and can lead you to some pretty odd places at times, but don’t lose sight of your goals. And be kind to people, life is too short to be mean.
14 WIREMAG.COM #2 2022
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FLORIDA HOUSE BILL 1557 WILL HURT LGBTQ YOUTH
Florida House Bill 1557, also know as the "Don't Say Gay Bill,” will hurt our LGBTQ youth and could put educators at risk for lawsuits from homophobic parents. We must do everything possible as a community to prevent the passage of this bill. I sat down with retired teacher and Safe Schools South Florida Chairperson Tom Lander and Safe Schools South Florida Executive Director Scott Galvin to discuss why this bill is so dangerous, the devastating impact it could have on LGBTQ young people, and how we can help protect our children from discrimination and bullying. On Tuesday, March 1st, the Gay Straight Alliance clubs of Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties will be demonstrating against the passage of FH Bill 1557. Rafa Carvajal: Tell our readers why we must oppose the "Don't Say Gay Bill” supported by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Tom Lander: The "Don't Say Gay Bill" will bring back the days where LGBTQ issues are silenced in classrooms while increasing the playground taunts of bullies. This bill gives license to bullies to continue their bad behavior. Teachers will fear lawsuits or reprimand if they discuss LGBTQ bullying. The bill further weaponizes homophobic parents to bring legal action that will create a great wasted expense of limited educational financial resources. RC: How will this bill hurt LGBTQ teens? TL: House Bill 1557 will result in the increase of depression, self-harm and possible suicide of LGBTQ teens. This environment, in fact, will even make straight teens less safe. If educational professionals cannot openly say, "gay is ok," then where can students go to speak? Already LGBTQ youth are four times more likely to commit suicide. According to National Health Law program, "The power to prevent youth suicide is in adults' 16 WIREMAG.COM #2 2022
hands. LGBTQ youth who have at least one accepting adult in their life were 40% less likely to report a suicide attempt over a twelve-month period." Often a teacher or school counselor is that one accepting adult. Furthermore, LGBTQ teens have a three times higher dropout rate than their peers. According to the American Psychological Association, LGBTQ students will benefit from school policies that counteract bullying and harassment, support the coming out process, and reaffirm the dignity and rights of all students. I am deeply concerned that these anti-LGBTQ proposals send a message that some students are less worthy to be celebrated. ALL students need love, acceptance, understanding, recognition and affirmation for who they are to thrive in the classroom as they learn and mature. Everyone does better when it is OK to be themselves. RC: What can parents who support their LGBTQ teens do to speak out against this bill? TL: Write and text not just their Legislators but those that serve on the committees. Tell your personal story of why you want your LGBTQ student to be supported, valued and recognized as an important child in society. RC: Why do you think some Florida conservatives are so focused on discriminating against LGBTQ people, including kids and teens? TL: Increasing their campaign coffers? First of all, it is wrong to say conservatives are focused on this issue. Most conservatives, as well as liberals, have this in common: they are concentrating on their family's well-being by ensuring that their children have a high quality and safe education. Safe means their child is not bullied or involved in a fight. Much bullying happens, especially in elementary and middle school, by LGBTQ children being taunted about perceived sexual orientation and/or gender identity. "You're gay," and "faggot!" are taunts of the playground and school halls that lead to harassment, fights and suicides. No conservative wants that! So, the question could be rephrased, '"Why do some misguided politicians focus on this issue? Simple, The LOVE OF MONEY! Some politicians, our Governor included, would rather spread fear and hate of our LGBTQ students under the false guise of "The Parents Bill Rights." Their message brings cash into their campaigns by promoting a culture war at our children's expense.
RC: Tell us why you don't want our kids to experience what you lived through growing up? TL: Growing up I lived in fear of myself and great shame. It is debilitating to live that way. I couldn't go to my family, my church, and didn't know who to go to in school. I felt I was more sinful than a criminal. I contemplated suicide. Being silenced often put me into dangerous circumstances that increased my shame. Every message that school, family, church, society gave said I was unworthy if I was a "queer." I tried to pray the gay away. Then I sought out conversion therapy sessions as an adult. Later, I attended weekly "Say No to Gay" meetings. In fact, Evangelist Billy Graham's son-in-law was my psychiatrist. What a great waste of energy! No child or adult should go through that hell! In 1992, at 37 years of age, I came to terms with my sexuality on a solo bicycle trip from Florida to New York City; 21 days and 1,375 miles. On that trip I reconciled with God that Divine love was for me too. After that, I slowly came out to others. Starting in 2002, I taught as an "Out Teacher," because I believed my LGBTQ, and even straight, students needed their teacher to be authentic, and a role model of a decent citizen. I wanted my students to have what I never had. If this law passes, LGBTQ teachers could be sued and might be.
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RC: What is the mission of Safe Schools South Florida? Scott Galvin: "Creating safer schools where all students can learn and thrive, regardless of real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, their own or that of their parents/guardians." RC: How does Safe Schools South Florida help and protect LGBTQ kids and teens from discrimination? SG: Traditionally, we work with teachers and students inside school classrooms. We bring students from their school's Gay Straight Alliance student clubs together to learn leadership skills and exchange ideas. We conduct training sessions with faculty members to sensitize them toward LGBTQ student issues. RC: What is your biggest fear if the "Don't Say Gay Bill” is voted into law? SG: Students will lose their biggest support blanket: their school classrooms. LGBTQ students may not have acceptance at home. They can feel most comfortable being themselves in their school environments. This bill will force youth to hide their true selves. RC: What can members and allies of our LGBTQ community do to speak up and fight to oppose bills designed to discriminate against gay people? SG: Talk about it with your friends. Tweet about it. Follow us on social media @safeschools1991. Readers can also help by donating at safeschoolssouthflorida.org. If this law passes, we will have added costs of creating new venues and videos to continue our work of educating education professionals and reaching youth.
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#2 2022 WIREMAG.COM 17
FLIX By Alyn Darnay
MARRY ME AND BLACKLIGHT (Sarah Silverman) is math teacher Charlie Gilbert (Owen Wilson). Moments before the ceremony, a video of Bastian being unfaithful with her assistant is released online, leaving Kat on stage, in her wedding gown with the whole world watching. Out of desperation, she spots a stranger in the crowd and asks to wed him instead, saying “If what you know lets you down, then perhaps what you don't know is the answer.” The stranger, of course, is Charlie, and for some insane reason he says yes. What follows becomes a love story played out in the public eye with all the inherent problems of celebrity, media attention and marriage.
MARRY ME For Valentine’s Day we were bombarded with a batch of sickeningly sweet romance films that take us nowhere new. I know, because I usually have to sit through them. When I finally get the opportunity to review a film that surprises me, one I really enjoy, it’s just great. The new ‘JLO’ Rom/Com Marry Me is just such a film. It hits all the right notes. It’s terrifically musical, doesn’t take itself too seriously, it isn’t too heavy, or preachy, or over-wroth with emotion. It just slides right into that ‘this is fun to watch’ category. You might feel like you’ve seen this film before, but you really haven’t. It feels that way because it’s so dang comfortable and easy going. JLO definitely retains her title of Rom/Com Queen with this one. As expected, the film asks some simple questions about ‘love,’ what it is, what it might be, what it could be, but it does it in such a soft way that every dreamer can answer the questions for themselves. Just to find me talking about love, a day after I saw the film says a lot about it. Of course, the biggest feature in the film is its music. It’s loaded with original songs by Jennifer Lopez and Latin Megastar Maluma, who, by the way, are great together. The last time I loved the music in a film this much was in the movie The Bodyguard and Whitney Houston was singing it. Here’s the storyline… Kat Valdez (Jennifer Lopez), a music superstar, and the hot new Latin performer Bastian (Maluma), are about to be wed on stage right after singing their duet “Marry Me” in a ceremony that will streamed across multiple platforms. In the audience with his daughter Lou (Chloe Coleman) and best friend Parker 18 WIREMAG.COM #2 2022
As I said, the superstars are both great in this film, their obvious chemistry is front and center. Wilson does his usual ‘everyman’ stuff, but it comes off as sincere here. Sarah Silverman does a fun Sarah Silverman, and Chloe Coleman is cute as a bunny. All in all, it’s a nice romp. My take… Marry Me is a musical treat, with a lot of romantic story to like. I think you might just fall in love with this one. Check it out. Directed by: Kat Coiro Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, Maluma, John Bradley, Chloe Coleman and Sarah Silverman. Rating: 4 stars out of 5. Rated PG-13 for some language, and suggestive material. Running Time: 1 hr. 52 mins.
BLACKLIGHT I’m always jonesing for a good action film. Not that there aren’t some decent action films on streaming venues, mostly dubbed and from other countries, but there’s been a lack of real gut punching American made dog-eat-dog action films. So here comes Blacklight, not quite a treasure trove of action delights. It is, however, bloated with some overthe-top action, some in your face dialogue, a sleazy political character, corrupt FBI agents, what has come to pass as big shootouts, and everything else you can cram into an hour and 48 minutes, except a plausible story. Just for reference, since if it was said in the story. I missed it. A ‘Blacklight’ is a ‘Black Ops’ specialist who gets called in when there’s a serious problem that’s both dangerous and difficult to pull off. In other words, they are calling for Liam Neeson’s persona. Ever since he jumped into the lead role in the film Taken, this wonderful Scottish actor has been pigeonholed in one
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Why you need dental insurance in retirement. Many Americans are fortunate to have dental coverage for their entire working life, through employer-provided benefits. When those benefits end with retirement, paying dental bills out-of-pocket can come as a shock, leading people to put off or even go without care. Simply put — without dental insurance, there may be an important gap in your healthcare coverage.
When you’re comparing plans ... Look for coverage that helps pay for major services. Some plans may limit the number of procedures — or pay for preventive care only. Look for coverage with no deductibles. Some plans may require you to pay hundreds out of pocket before benefits are paid. Shop for coverage with no annual maximum on cash benefits. Some plans have annual maximums of $1,000.
Medicare doesn’t pay for dental care.1
Previous dental work can wear out.
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Even if you’ve had quality dental work in the past, you shouldn’t take your dental health for granted. In fact, your odds of having a dental problem only go up as you age.2
Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones. The best way to prevent large dental bills is preventive care. The American Dental Association recommends checkups twice a year.
Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need. Consider these national average costs of treatment ... $217 for a checkup ... $189 for a filling ... $1,219 for a crown.3 Unexpected bills like this can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.
1 “Medicare & You,” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2021. 2 “How might my oral and dental health change as I age?”, www. usnews.com, 11/30/2018. 3 American Dental Association, Health Policy Institute, 2018 Survey of Dental Fees, Copyright 2018, American Dental Association.
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action movie after another. Some are good films, some not so good. It’s a testament to his talent and fortitude that he can still pass as a ‘big bad boy’ at 70 years of age, but ‘be warned,’ you need to ‘check your brain at the door’ with this one, and just go with the action, in hopes of finding a plot. Here’s the storyline… Travis Block (Liam Neeson) operates in the shadows. He’s a semi-freelance ‘fixer’ working for FBI Chief Robinson (Aidan Quinn), doing all manner of nasty off-the-books things. In the course of bringing in a deep cover operative, Block stumbles onto a shadowy government program called ‘Operation Unity’ that is striking down ordinary citizens. Enlisting the aid of a journalist (Emmy Raver-Lampman) to help him discover the truth behind the operation, he unleashes forces that threaten them both and his daughter and granddaughter. The question is, will they all survive the deadly firestorm headed in their direction? As action films go, this one, directed by Mark Williams, who is primarily a producer, works for about three quarters of the film before its crash and burn ending. As Liam Neeson action films go, it’s not one of the better ones, but it’s not his fault. He’s fine, so are the other actors. The problems here are to be found in a stupid script and in the direction. My take… If you just sit back and take Blacklight for what it is, a run-of-the-mill action flick. You’ll find it a short diversion. It’ll be streaming soon. Directed by: Mark Williams Cast: Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn, Taylor John Emmy Raver-Lampman, Claire van der Boom, Yael Andrew Shaw, Zac Lemons, Gabriella Sengos, Tim Georgia Flood, Caroline Brazier, Mel Jarnson, and S. Walia.
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Rating: 3 stars out of 5. Rated PG-13 for strong violence, action, and language. Running Time: 1 hr. 48 mins.
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