TheStandard_Vol11_Issue7.pdf

CONTENTS

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 7

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Volume 11 Issue 7

COVER

HEALTH & WELLNESS TRENDS 2023

WHAT’S IN STORE

BETTY HARRIS

THE RETURN OF AN AMERICAN ICON MUSIC PG 42-43

DAP UPDATE

SUMMERTIME, AND THE PROTESTIN’ IS EASY WAYS TO INCORPORATE ACTIVISM THIS SUMMER.

COVER THE STATE OF LGBTQ HEALTH & WELLNESS

FEATURE GET UP & DANCE

BOOSTING MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH WITH MUSIC

PSP FOCUS

DRAG NOW, DRAG FOREVER

PS PRIDE UNVEILS 2023 EVENT POSTER

FEATURE

LET’S GET SOAKING WET

SWIMWEAR THE CELEBRATES PRIDE & SUMMER

MUSIC

BETTY HARRIS

THE RETURN OF AN AMERICAN ICON

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COMMENTARY

The Standard Magazine

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NINO EILETS Publisher

LUCIANO McNULTY Editor

MAYA KALABIC Art Director

PHOTOGRAPHER

David A. Lee

CONTRIBUTORS

Ilich Mejia, Jeff Dorta, Martha Tang, Matt Consola, Trey Burnette, Adrian Castro, Damian Bayles, Stacy Holmes, Greg Stillwell, Dann Foley, Jill Langham & Terri Schlichenmeyer www.thestandardps.com

EDITORIAL CREDITS : BrandPoint, Huffington Post, LGBTQ Nation, Project Publicity, MSN, Reuters, NBC News, Artsy, Forbes, Time.com, xtramagazine & ITV

The Standard Magazine is published monthly. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of the Standard or its staff, advertisers or readers with exception of editorials. Publication of the name or photograph of any person, business or organization in articles or advertising in the Standard is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person, business or organization. The Standard disclaims any responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Advertising rates are subject to change without notice. The Standard reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject any advertisement for any reason including, but not limited to poor taste. It is the policy of The Standard that we only publish letters to the editor that are signed by the author and verifiable by phone number. We can reserve the right of anonymity upon request. The letters need to be original, in good taste and free of libel as well as edited for clarity and grammar. Letters are subject to editing by The Standard that also reserves the right to decline print. Please forward your letters to: info@thestandardps.com The views expressed is not necessarily those of The Standard. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. No portion of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed consent of the publisher.

COVER

WELLNESS TRENDS 2023

BY ADRIAN CASTRO

Wellness trends look a little different year after year. In 2022, we ate our greens in powdered form, opened up about mental health struggles on social media, and tried quiet quitting our jobs in the name of less stress. So, what’s on the agenda in 2023?

The fact is that there are near endless practices you can use to boost your wellbeing and feel your very best. We’re constantly redefining the ways we can achieve good health – both mental and physical – but not all trends are created equal. Those prioritizing their wellbeing are making time to reflect on where they are currently and the direction they are heading.

So, following are several wellness trends for 2023 to try on your health and wellness journey. Read on to explore trending wellness practices that are good for your overall health and wellbeing, and are actively reshaping the way we approach workouts, working, and everything in between in our daily lives.

Increased protein intake will help us thrive—not just survive.

As the importance of protein for a healthy and long life becomes increasingly clear, we’ll all get more intentional about how we get it on our plate in a sustainable and healthy way.

It wasn’t long ago that protein powders were almost exclusively packaged in bulky tubs with decidedly macho fonts and imagery. This only perpetuated the myth that if someone’s maximizing their protein intake, they must be a gym rat or professional bodybuilder. Now, we’re seeing the packaging for animal and plant proteins become more universal and less targeted. This might seem like an inconsequential shift, but it speaks to the essential fact that everybody needs to pay attention to protein if they want to live a long, healthy life.

We’ll ditch BMI in favor of true markers of Metabolic Health.

There is a huge movement to take personalized steps toward optimized metabolic health. After all, your metabolism isn’t your fate; metabolic efficiency and optimization are possible. There are many strategies and tools to help flex our metabolism and actively defy metabolic age expectations throughout life.

Clean up your Social Media Feed

Ask yourself, ‘What is this content contributing to my experience?’

Is it solely to keep you entertained? Is it teaching you a new skill? Is it enhancing your mental health?” If it’s not adding something that contributes to your daily life, or you’re finding it difficult to contribute to online conversation in positive ways, it might be better to move on from it. Quitting social media can be hard because it’s so ingrained in our culture that it can be addictive. Even if you’re not ready to break free entirely, you can improve your social media experience by curating who you follow and improving your newsfeed.

Muscle & mortality research will change the way we exercise.

Unlocking muscle measurement and a shifting culture around exercise are about to change the way we work out for the better. In 2023, we’ll start treating our muscles like the organs of longevity that they truly are.

Inactivity will become a Vital Health Metric.

In 2023, we’ll care less about hitting 10,000 steps than we do about minimizing time sitting still. Expect people to prioritize regular movement—even while seated—during their everyday lives.

Multisensory Integration

Nature is multisensory as are we. The senses have always been present in wellness. We subconsciously associate many wellness activities with one sense or another… spa is touch, wellness music is sound, chromotherapy is color, healthy food is taste and thermal is temperature. Brands are accessing multiple senses simultaneously to better support wellbeing outcomes, amplify wellness experience and influence behavioral change—think using multiple sensory cues in a harmonious way to deepen meditation. With a better grasp on evidence, wellness brands are using multisensory integration as an approach to deepen and amplify felt experiences.

The Skinny on Brown Fat and Eliminating Obesity

Harnessing the ability to live longer and “younger” is among the biggest trends in medicine and wellness today. Dr. Michael Roizen believes a crucial factor in the longevity quest is recognizing that not all fat is created equal and transforming white/yellow fat into beige/brown fat has the potential to move the needle on one of the greatest health crises— obesity. The reason? Brown fat has increased mitochondrial density and burns lots of calories while white fat is metabolically inefficient and doesn’t use much energy. Yes, moving white fat to brown powers weight loss, but obesity is a serious disease that can be a key factor in heart disease, cancers, dementia and more. Medical professionals recognize that it is harder to lose than to gain white fat, but the breakthrough on white to brown cell transformation will only increase as science teaches us more. It’s all part of a reality coming ever closer.

Travelling for Wellness

With a new and greater emphasis on authenticity, travelers are now seeking much deeper cultural experiences and showing interest in going to the source of ancient healing and knowledge to learn how they care for the land and for themselves. Indigenous travel and going to the cultural source for wellness is a huge travel trend in 2023.

Micro Workouts

Micro workouts are on the rise, evident in the rise of quick, one-minute dances and fitness challenges you find on line. Removing the time barrier to exercise is a major factor in the growing popularity of this wellness trend. This low-intensity format makes it easier to squeeze movement into more moments throughout the day. It might include a morning dance with your favorite influencer, a quick set of push-ups and squats before lunch, and an evening yoga session to help you wind down and destress.

The heightened awareness of the power of mushrooms will turn more consumers on to seeking ways to increase their mushroom intake for wellness next year, beyond ordering shiitake on a pizza. Functional mushrooms have high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that support aspects of health, like sleep, memory, and immunity. This includes turkey tail mushroom, for its protein-bound polysaccharides that stimulate the immune system, lion’s mane for focus and memory, reishi for stress reduction, chaga to reduce inflammation, and cordyceps to increase energy levels..

Cold Water Therapy

Long used by athletes to treat muscle soreness and promote faster recovery, cold water therapy is now being used by many people in their daily lives, whether it’s taking cold showers or going for a dip in chilly swimming spots. Numerous studies have shown that cold water immersion can reduce inflammation, boost immune systems, and ease bouts of depression. Spas have jumped on the trend and are now incorporating cool temperatures into massage and facial treatments to help tighten the skin.

Sleep Syncing

The increasingly popular trend of sleep syncing involves adjusting your sleep cycle and tuning it with your circadian rhythm, the natural internal process that regulates your sleep-wake cycle, repeating every 24 hours. Setting a sleep schedule helps your body understand it’s time for sleep, resulting in better quality rest. The key to sleep syncing is creating a regular sleep routine and sticking to it. That means going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Yes, that includes weekends.

Mushroom Mania

Mini Meditation

Want to meditate but don’t have an hour to spare? Meditation is all about quieting the mind, and there’s not actually any time requirement. A mini meditation can be accomplished in about one minute. At various moments in the day, try to take 60 seconds to stop, focus on your breathing, and center yourself. Every little bit helps.

Frequency-Based Healing

Energy healing has been around for a while. Methods such as Reiki, Theta Healing, Pranic Healing, and many more are all here to stay. Lately, there has been a rise in Frequency Based healing methods. Sound healing with binaural beats, vibrational sound therapies such as Solfeggio Frequencies, morphic fields, and even subliminals have been all around social media. This method of healing is based on the study that human brainwaves can absorb sound frequencies that are sometimes inaudible to our ears. Each sound frequency could restructure our brains in a way that promotes relaxation and healing.

Light Therapy

Light Therapy has been around for a while now – we’ve seen dermatologists around the world incorporate swanky light machines to solve various kinds of skin issues. How this works is that light emitted from these machines penetrates deep into the tissue to reach damaged cells and stimulate the boost of production and reduce inflammation. Different wavelengths of light work to enhance and speed up wound healing, minimize the appearance of acne, stimulate hair growth, or relieve pain and stiffness in muscles and joints.

Food as Medicine

Nutritionist and naturopathic doctors see a rise in people finding methods for boosting their diet and immune system. Spinach, kale, carrots, and other veggies aren’t the only way to eat better. Spices such as turmeric to reduce inflammation and ginger to soothe digestion and the nervous system are easy ways to make food even more delicious as well as beneficial. There are hundreds of spices and herbs (keep an eye out for “nervine herbs” especially) to add to the pantry that makes a tremendous difference on their own, as well as enticing the palate when eating foods already healthy in nature.

THE STATE OF LGBTQ HEALTH & WELLNESS

BY DAMIAN BAYLES

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) people are members of every community. They are diverse, come from all walks of life, include people of all races and ethnicities, all ages, all socioeconomic statuses, and from all parts of the country. Even with the positive steps that have been taken over recent decades, LGBTQIA people continue to face significant barriers to accessing healthcare services including discrimination from insurers and medical providers, as well as the delays or denials of care. The healthcare needs of LGBTQIA people are sometimes unique and often overlooked, contributing to health disparities experienced by vulnerable populations.

Experts report that LGBTQIA people often avoid seeking out medical care or refrain from “coming out” to their healthcare

provider. Marginalized people can face discrimination in any venue, and LGBTQIA patients could be made to feel that their gender identity or sexual preference is itself an illness or mental disorder. This compromises an entire community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, gender fluid, intersex, and asexual people who are at increased risk for several health threats when compared to heterosexual or cisgender peer groups:

1. Gay men are at higher risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

2. Lesbians and bisexual women are less likely to get cancer screenings.

3. Transgender people (people who identify as a different gender from what they were assigned at birth) are among

the least likely to have health insurance, can face certain health risks from gender affirming hormone therapy, and may experience atypical heart attack symptoms and/or cancers.

4. Nonbinary and gender fluid people (people who identify as neither or both male and female) are at greater risk of violence and negative mental health outcomes. Intersex people (people born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit the binary definitions of female or male) often have trouble finding doctors familiar enough with their bodies to provide appropriate care, or even filling out forms/paperwork with only binary gender options.

5. Asexual people (people with little-to-no sexual attraction towards others) commonly have aspects of their care neglected by providers.

Mental health is a major concern for LGBTQIA people often dealing with physical or emotional abuse, body dysmorphia, depression, or feeling unsafe at school or work, and there are areas of the United States where finding sympathetic and appropriate help can be prohibitively difficult. Research has found that LGBTQIA people are 29% more likely to experience memory problems as compared to peers with similar characteristics such as age, gender, race and ethnicity, marital status, and income. Other studies have found that

LGBTQIA people are more likely to report feeling sad or hopeless for periods of at least two weeks and having contemplated or attempted suicide. Even as youths, LGBTQIA people are at higher risk of violence, substance abuse, homelessness, and other suicide-related behaviors. While LGBTQIA people have not been found to be more susceptible to contracting COVID-19, the mental strains of the ongoing pandemic have affected their communities in unique and harmful ways. Some health habits common among LGBTQIA people have raised additional concern among health professionals. LGBTQIA people use tobacco at a rate 50% higher than the general population and COVID-19 often presents as a respiratory illness that has proven especially harmful to smokers. Higher rates of HIV and cancer in the LGBTQIA community mean a larger percentage have a compromised immune system which increases vulnerability to coronavirus infection.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) had helped over 10 million Americans gain insurance during the Obama administration, including many LGBTQIA people. The ACA prohibited health insurance marketplaces from discriminating based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and the 2015 Supreme Court ruling of Obergefell v. Hodges recognizing marriage between gay and lesbian couples throughout the United States led to more married couples to access their spouse’s health insurance.

COVER

Despite progress, the LGBTQIA community continues to rank among the most underserved populations in terms of healthcare. Homophobia, transphobia, and stigma can significantly impact a person’s ability to receive suitable care. Over 27% of transgender people in the U.S. report being denied healthcare, more than 20% report being subjected to harsh or abusive language from a healthcare professional, and an almost equal amount say healthcare providers have blamed them for their own health conditions. Barriers to access can be compounded when a patient’s identity as LGBTQIA intersects with other marginalized communities. Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) who are LGBTQIA are subjected to compounding systems of oppression such as homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, and racism.

Even though the ACA grants federal protection against discrimination based on gender identity, several states have pushed for laws that deny care to forcibly detransition transgender people or criminalize healthcare services for trans people altogether. There have been over 300 anti-transgender bills introduced throughout the country in the first few months of 2023 — all of which include specific exemptions allowing “corrective” procedures on intersex traits to set a legal standard for what a “normal” body should look like regarding gender— dozens of harmful op-eds published in national news publications and calls to “eradicate transgenderism” at right-wing political events. All of this contributes to the likelihood of violence against transgender people — especially trans women of color — and increases the risk of self-harm and suicide among transgender youth. The attacks against transgender people receiving essential gender affirming healthcare has even extended to hospitals being harassed and healthcare providers receiving death threats from those who believe (or willfully perpetuate) transphobic lies.

There has been a resurgence of politicization of the existence of LGBTQIA identities in public spaces as characterized as placing children at risk of being “groomed” — a term commonly used to describe how sexual predators initiate contact with their victims. This trend echoes

homophobic/transphobic campaigns from the 1970s in which far right and religious groups characterized gay, lesbian, and transgender people as trying to “corrupt the youth.” Anti-LGBTQIA legislation often uses language that negatively affect the mental health and safety of LGBTQIA families, while some the same far-right controlled states support expanding child labor and removing the minimum age of consent for heterosexual marriage which would directly put children in those areas at greater risk of abuse, exploitation, coercion, manipulation, and grooming from sexual predators. These conflicting positions expose the insincerity of their claims of seeking to protect children and stand to cause greater harm than anything they assert to prevent. Even if the accusations are unfounded and the laws are unconstitutional or never enforced, they can still be used to affect employment or permit abuse of vulnerable people — including children.

If you are looking for a LGBTQIA-friendly medical center, the Human Rights Campaign has an interactive map with locations of over 2200 healthcare facilities in the United States. To further help those in need, NeedyMeds has a growing list of programs in our Diagnosis-Based Assistance database for transgender people that offer various forms of assistance such as financial aid for gender affirming care or legal services when experiencing discrimination. We also list recreational camps and retreats and academic scholarships available for LGBTQIA children seeking to continue their education. For more information, call our toll-free helpline at 1-800-503-6897 (open 9am to 5pm ET, Monday through Friday).

We encourage everyone to educate themselves, strive to understand the difficulties and experiences people around us live with, and to replace stigma and bias with hope and support. If you or someone you know is suffering, it is important to know that no one is alone in their struggle. Call your local organizations for assistance, whether help is needed immediately or long-term.

Needymeds.org

HEALTH & WELLNESS: THE LIVING WELL LINK

BY DANN FOLEY

Heath & wellness is downright obsessive for many. The discussions around every aspect of “wholeness” seems to have reached a feverish pitch. We are bombarded with information, advice, products from every side. Though it may be hard to separate fact from fantasy and legitimate from dangerous, one avenue of the living well equation is clear…creating a home that is a true reflection of you (single or plural) adds untold value to your life, your state of mind and your level of comfort. It may actually be one of the only paths to wellness where the route can be as enjoyable as the destination.

After these many years as a designer, I can say with certainty that focusing your attentions on how you live can truly change your life for the better. Think of it as therapy for your soul. Understanding who we are through our choices and how we live is as cathartic as it is creative. Undertaking any endeavor that forces you to explore who you are and make decisions that reveal you to the world can be daunting but, it is also a course of action that helps you to understand what makes you happy, comfortable and gives you a sense of safety and place.

The method you choose may be varied. You might choose to work with a professional like me who can help you to focus your needs and desires and also, give you access to creativity and product that you may not know existed. Working with a design professional also has the added bonus of being able to take your thoughts and ideas about the perfect life for you, and see your desires in a much bigger picture, with many more options and opportunities to express who you are in a more unique and meaningful way.

You may also choose to head down the path of personalized design on your own. Don’t be scared. I always tell my clients to stay open, to recognize that design is fluid, that nothing is written in stone. At the end of the day it only matters how something makes you feel. I like to say that great design in not about themes. Themes are for children’s birthday parties.

Today, we have so many areas to search for inspiration, ideas, products, techniques and even professionals to help us execute our plans. Take advantage of all of them! Build that Pinterest board, scour HOUZZ, do internet searches but, don’t let the design process become obsessive. Remember that the goal here is to complete the

project, not just know what every possibility and piece of advice might be. Analysis paralysis is a real thing! Not being able to make decisions is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome for many. Stay open but, stay focused on the prize. Keep in mind that too many voices can create noise that obscures your goals and your vision. Stay true to you yourself. You can never go wrong if your choices are based on what you love.

One of the other conversations I like to have early on in the design process with clients, is the difference between style and trend. Style is about you, who you are and the things that you choose to live with. Trend is about keeping up with the latest fads and is a losing proposition. Both have a place in your home. A trend can manifest itself in a popular color or an “of the moment” piece, like a chair or lamp or coffee table. You might choose a bedding pattern popular today to mix with your existing bedding. Remember, it truly is all about what makes you happy.

I was doing a radio show interview this past week where listeners were asked to send in questions regarding their design dilemmas. I was struck at how many questions asked me if, this is in or this is out and, am I allowed to do…fil in the blank. The issue is even with the wealth of information out there, it can be nothing more than just personal opinion and as I said earlier, it only matters what you think. Your home, your choices, your life. That is true style, honest design and a life well lived.

Each month I like to close by saying that I want you to Live Well! That sentiment is as true today as it has been in every article I have written but, maybe this month as the Standard Magazine celebrates all things Health & Wellness, we can recognize the importance of the home in our wellbeing equation. Design is so much more than pretty things, it is the story of you. What can be more soothing or nurturing than being surrounded by those things, memories, colors and people you love and choose to share your home with. Design is just another form of therapy, where you can extricate the best of you. It can transform and transport you. So, go out there and Live Well!

Designer Dann

www.foleystinnette.com

Designer Dann: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Houzz

GET UP AND DANCE THIS SUMMER! MUSIC BOOSTS MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

BY DOMINIC TENNEY

We all know that music has the incredible power to move us physically and emotionally. Club music has the unique ability to get people up on their feet. Beyond being a fun night out, it can also contribute to better health. Whether you’re looking to increase cardiovascular endurance, burn calories, improve flexibility, or enhance your mental well-being, there is music to help you achieve your wellness goals. Here are the summer’s best beats to take you where you want to be.

PHYSICAL ENDURANCE AND STAMINA

As people engage in dynamic dance routines, they engage various muscle groups, including the legs, core, and arms, leading to improved muscular strength and endurance. Regular dancing can also increase lung capacity and oxygen intake, further enhancing

overall physical fitness. This summer’s best album for a physical endurance and stamina workout is Bobby Newberry’s Dopamine Rollercoaster. High energy songs include “Escape”, a sultry house and disco track with a hypnotic baseline and “Blackout,” Newberry’s party-all-night-long record. There is also “Freak,” Newberry’s highoctane duet with drag star Rhea Litre and “Ride”, his feel-good summer jam. Bobby Newberry is a former choreographer for Eminem, Nicki Minaj, The Pussycat Dolls, Missy Elliot, and Lil’ Wayne, so he knows the best beats to get a body moving.

FLEXIBILITY AND BALANCE

Club music helps people to develop a more agile and balanced physique by improving flexibility and balance with movements that involve stretching, bending, and reaching. Regular practice can lead

to increased joint mobility, improved range of motion, and better posture. This summer’s best single for flexibility and balance is Paris King’s “Movie Star”. With its wicked beat, synth vocals, and high energy pop sound, the feel-good track encourages everyone to walk the red carpet and strike fierce poses for the paparazzi… after all, we’re all movie stars!

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

When people dance, their heart rate increases, resulting in an effective cardiovascular workout that strengthens the heart muscle and enhances overall heart health. This summer’s best song for a cardiovascular workout is Kristine W’s “By My Side”. The soulful pop groove is a celebratory homage to the people in our lives who

FEATURE

give us unconditional love, support and friendship. For those looking for more intense workouts, there are remixes of the song by Smokin Jack Hill, John Keenan, and Dirty Disco’s Matt Consola.

COGNITIVE BENEFITS

Dancefloor music engages both the body and the mind, requiring people to learn and remember choreography or react spontaneously to the music. This cognitive engagement can lead to improved memory, focus, and coordination. This summer’s best song for cognitive benefits is John Duff’s “House on Fire,” a breezy throwback track with a groovy bassline, wistful melody, and a sophisticated string arrangement. There is also a nifty TikTok dance that has already gone viral. Even Paula Abdul, the legendary singer, choreographer, and American Idol judge has released her own version of the dance!

CALORIE BURNING AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

One of the most noticeable benefits of club music is its potential to burn calories. Dancing provides a fun and engaging alternative

to traditional workout routines and when combined with a balanced diet, it, like sex, can assist in weight loss. An even better way for highly effective calorie-burning activity is combining dance with sex!

It’s why our pick for this summer’s best album to shed the poundage is Colton Ford’s “Permission.” It’s a superb collection of contemporary R&B and pop songs. Most notably is Ford’s sexy little romp, “Handle It”. It’s a steamy club groove that will literally melt the calories away.

STRESS REDUCTION

When people dance, their bodies release endorphins, natural mood-enhancing chemicals that reduce stress levels and promotes a positive mental state. This summer’s best album for stress reduction is Tom Goss’ Remember What It Feels Like. It is a 15-track collection of fast, fun, summery pop songs punctuated by beautiful ballads and raucous rock. It includes Goss’ newest single, “Enemy of Good,” an exuberant and cheerful pop track that is also a reminder that achieving perfection does little in the way of producing happiness so chill out, enjoy the summer and appreciate being you.

Let’s talk steaks. Steaks that are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Perfectly aged, hand-trimmed, one-of-a-kind steaks that are GUARANTEED to be perfect, every single time. These aren’t just steaks. These are Omaha Steaks. THE

BOOKREVIEW I

ALWAYS OVERBOOKED

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

Few things are cast in stone.

Which means that you’ve usually got time to change your mind. Do a little research, listen to other voices, get educated, think about things, and pivot. No one will criticize; you may, in fact, be commended for your new open-mindedness. As in the new book, “Big Gay Wedding” by Byron Lane, you might like the new outlook, too. Chrissy Durang, “Farmer Mom” and owner of the Polite Society Ranch near New Orleans, checked two things off a list in her notebook. The school bus filled with noisy children arrived for their tour of the ranch, check. Barnett should be arriving later, check.

Thirty-four-year-old Barnett was the light in Chrissy’s world, her son, her only child, the near-exact image of his late father. She was excited for his homecoming; surely, Barnett was flying from California to tell her he was ready to take over the ranch now, take care of the animals, take care of her.

Instead, not long after he arrived, Barnett dropped a bombshell about “The Big Thing” that they never discussed: he was engaged. To be married. To another man. And he wanted to do it there in Mader, at Polite Society Ranch.

Chrissy could think of a million things she didn’t like about Barnett’s intended, Ezra, and they all went into her notebook. Hair a mess, check. Controlling, check. Butt-kisser, check. Dream-killer, check. And yet, Barnett loved Ezra. It’d been a long time since Chrissy’d seen her son this happy.

She talked to her priest about the situation, but he disappointed her in a terrible way. It was clear that her father-in-law, Paw-Paw, was supportive of Barnett and Ezra, which was no surprise; Barnett was always Paw-Paw’s favorite. Chrissy didn’t have many friends in her small Louisiana town, but she was sure of three things: nobody would approve of any sort of gay nuptials, Ezra’s family was downright weird, and everybody in Mader would blame her for what was about to happen...

At face value, the story inside “Big Gay Wedding” seems awfully familiar: homophobic mom, gay son, wedding, Kumbaya moment, the end. Keep thinking that, though, and you’ll miss one truly wonderful novel.

From the paraprosdokian sentences to the Misfit Toys cast of characters, author Byron Lane takes readers from a deep dive into a box of tissues to a good snorting belly laugh, often in the same

paragraph. So many unexpected, delightful things occur inside this story, in fact, that you may become disappointed when something conventional occurs. Which it does, often enough.

Gay bashing, protesters, haters, misunderstanding, it’s-a-phase thinking, all the bad old tropes show up in this story, alas. Still, readers will be happy to know that they’re dealt with properly, just as you’d expect from a prissy mother, an alcoholic society matron, two men wild in love, a light-fingered grandfather, and a dying sheep named Elaine. Summer is always a time for weddings, and it’s a great time to enjoy this sweet, funny, excellent novel. Simply, “Big Gay Wedding” rocks.

“Big Gay Wedding” by Byron Lane c.2023, Holt $26.99 / 336 pages

ALWAYS OVERBOOKED

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

Everybody will say nice things about you when you’re lying in a box in front of them.

They’ll say you were everyone’s friend, you were funny and wise, even when you weren’t. You were the greatest person ever, just the best – and don’t you wish they’d say those things now, while you’re alive to hear them? As in the new book “The Celebrants” by Steven Rowley, those sentiments might completely surprise you. Jordan Vargas felt like a time-traveler.

It had been almost three decades since he, Naomi, Alec, Marielle, Craig, and Jordy were thrown together by a student-transfer algorithm, which turned out to be a lucky accident. More than twenty-five years since they’d lived together in the same dorm. Over half a lifetime ago since Marielle found Alec on the dorm’s common-room floor, dead of an overdose that marked the lives of his best friends.

Time flies. So much had happened since then.

Just before graduation, Jordy and Jordan had realized their attraction to one another. After trying a long-distance relationship, they came out to their friends, moved in together, got married, and “The Jordans” were now business partners.

All her life, Naomi had struggled with her strait-laced, unaffectionate parents and their expectations. As the only heir to their business and a high-level national record executive, she never wanted for money. Love, well, that was another thing.

Never one to buck the rules or ignore instructions, nerdy Craig’s upright adherence to detail got him the nickname “Nana,” a lot of teasing, and a months-long stint in prison for fraud. And sweet Marielle was a caretaker-type who gave and gave of herself until there was nothing left, and she needed her friends.

Sooner or later, they all did years ago, stunned by Alec’s death, the Jordans, Marielle, Naomi, and Craig made a pact that each could ask for a “funeral” for themselves, just once, to reaffirm their lives. Naomi had hers. Marielle had hers. Craig had his.

And now it was Jordan’s turn, before it was too late...

It seems unfair, in a way, that your life isn’t celebrated until it’s over. What would people say about you when you’re gone –and why don’t we say those things now? “The Celebrants” tips that question on its side and leaves an answer hanging.

Though it sometimes lags a bit and though the plot can occasionally dip into silliness, this book is good: a little The Big Chill, a little St. Elmo’s Fire, the kind of buddy-book you want for the summer. The timeline is perfectly crafted, and author Steven Rowley packs a lot of characters inside it while still leaving the tale uncomplicated, which makes it one of those easy stopping-and-starting books you know you often need on a busy vacation. Still, bookmarks are optional; reading it all at once on a happy staycation isn’t inadvisable.

Try to predict the ending of this book and you’ll be somewhat wrong. Instead, just relax, let yourself imagine what-if-when, and enjoy “The Celebrants.” You’ll say nice things about it.

“The Celebrants” by Steven Rowley c.2023, Putnam $28.00 / 308 pages

DATE EVENT

July 4 4th of July Palm Springs

July 4 Led Zepagain! Concert @ PS Downtown Park

July 7-8 Sizzlin' Summer Sale @ Hilton with KGAY

July 13–23 Outfest LA LGBTQ+ Film Fest

July 14–16

July 15

Gay Wine Weekend in Sonoma

Artful Event - Mid-Summer Dance Party @ A+D Museum

July 15–16 San Diego Pride & Parade

Aug 5-6 Long Beach Pride

Aug 11–13/18–20 Splash House August Weekends 1 & 2

Aug 12-13 Laguna Beach Pride

Aug 17–20 Big Bear Romp

Aug 18 Out on the Mountain @ Magic Mountain

Sept 10 Riverside’s Inland Empire Pride Festival 2023

Sept 20–24 Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend

Sept 23 8th Annual Aging Positively Conference

Sept 28–Oct 1 The Desert Jazz Festival

Oct 5–8

Oct 7

Oct 8

Oct 19–22

Oct 20

Joshua Tree Fall Music Festival

Pride Under the Pines - Idyllwild

Coachella Valley Filipino Festival

Modernism Week - October

LGBTQ Center Gala, Center Stage 2023

Oct 26–29 PS Leather Pride

Oct 28 Desert AIDS Walk 2023

Oct 29

Palm Springs Halloween on Arenas

Nov 3–5 Palm Springs Pride

Nov 8 Michael Childers' One Night Only

Jan 4-15

Palm Springs International Film Fest

Mar 4–17 BNP Paribas Open

Mar 23 One PS Picnic and Community Expo 2024

PSP FOCUS

2023 GREATER PALM SPRINGS PRIDE POSTER AND ARTIST ANNOUNCED

BY RON DEHARTE

Palm Springs Pride organizers announced that Palm Springs resident and pop artist Trevor Wayne is the poster artist for the 2023 Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival and Parade. The commemorative Pride celebration poster features Wayne’s iconic artwork.

“I am thrilled and honored to be chosen to do the art for Palm Springs Pride this year! I was asked to do this before the theme was selected - to which I never would say no, but I could not have been happier once I found out the theme! On the heels of last year’s “Say Gay” theme, I’m happy Pride is taking on this issue. I have so many friends who are professional drag queens, and I want to show my support.

Palm Springs is one of the few LGBTQ safe havens these days; I decided I wanted something that said, “This way” and “We welcome you,” so I thought about using a roadside as if the viewer is on a journey and looking for a place that would accept them for who they are. Next, I wanted to create more of an icon for drag. Drag is so diverse. I felt portraying images of actual queens would only work by excluding so many types. I think of lipstick and high heels as drag symbols. So, I made the image of the hand holding lipstick coming out of a high heel. Initially, I thought of the hand being a protest fist. While we must stand up and fight for our rights, I decided on something more positive. I thought of Mother Teresa. She famously would not attend anti-war demonstrations but would participate in pro-peace rallies. I chose Lady Liberty for the hand, focusing on hope and liberty for all.

Palm Springs Pride president and CEO Ron deHarte said, “Trevor’s commemorative poster ‘Drag Now. Drag Forever.’ highlights the theme and calls on the community to unite and support the drag community and fight anti-LGBTQ+ bills that threaten the freedom and equality of all.”

Trevor uses iconic imagery portrayed with just a little twisted sense of humor to warp what otherwise could be dark images into fun, playful art intended to make people smile. As a child, the art Trevor saw on merchandise, such as backpacks, mugs, and stationery, heavily influenced him, and he does not discount the role it plays on everyday items to bring joy.

The art on merchandise and his love of drawing Saturday morning cartoons led him to a career in art. Trevor sells merchandise of his art to stores across the county. Most notably, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art store, which houses the most extensive collection aside from Trevor’s store, the Trevor Wayne store located at 901 N Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, California, where he resides.

Palm Springs Pride Week, presented by the City of Palm Springs, is the largest annual event in Palm Springs. It’s also the largest multiday gathering of LGBTQ+ people in the Coachella Valley.

A traditional slate of Pride events to celebrate the power and resiliency of the LGBTQ+ community is scheduled for the 37th annual LGBTQ+ celebration on November 3 – 5. The Pride Parade and Festival will return to downtown Palm Springs, featuring multiple stages of live entertainment and an exhibitor marketplace.

The Palm Springs Pride commemorative poster and merchandise will be available soon at the Trevor Wayne Store and Destination PSP. Pride Week activities can be found online at pspride.org.

THE HISTORIC CAMELOT THEATRE TURNS UP THE HEAT WITH THE SUMMER HEAT FILM SERIES

BY DEVIN ORGERON

The Palm Springs Cultural Center’s Historic Camelot Theatre is cranking up the air conditioning and lowering the lights for a cinematic journey to the top of the thermometer! Starting July 2nd, the Palm Springs based nonprofit film archive, Deserted Films, presents the Summer Heat Film Series, a curated collection of movies where the heat is practically a character. Sit in air-conditioned comfort and behold a series of films set against the weather we are all seeking relief from!

“Interesting things happen when it’s hot,” says series curator Devin Orgeron of Deserted Films. “And we think that’s pretty cool.”

Each screening will feature a live introduction and thematic film ephemera provided by Deserted Films.

The Summer Heat Film Series kicks off Sunday, July 2nd at 6pm

with Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window (1954). It’s New York City. It’s a heatwave. Everyone’s windows are open. What could possibly go wrong? We can count on Hitchcock to show us!

On July 9, the heat moves south to the French Quarter with Elia Kazan’s A Streetcar Named Desire (1951). With literal and metaphorical temperatures rising, Tennessee Williams’ characters simmer in tense and heartbreaking scenes that helped catapult Marlon Brando’s career.

Billy Wilder’s The Seven Year Itch (1955) is up on July 23. A cartoonish look at midcentury marriage, Wilder’s film finds its characters cooling off in a variety of ways. That notorious image of Marilyn Monroe is just one of them.

August 6 will showcase Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing (1989),

where soaring temperatures are an evocative metaphor for racial tensions. This landmark film remains relevant in contemporary discussions of race in the U.S.

On August 27, Sidney Lumet’s 12 Angry Men (1957) will intensify our collective sense of discomfort and closeness. Mostly taking place in one confined space, this influential courtroom drama remains an engrossing conversation starter.

September 3 brings Norman Jewison’s In the Heat of the Night (1967), where a murder in steamy Mississippi unfolds into a poignant exploration of 1960s race relations.

The series concludes on September 17 with Roman Polanski’s neo-noir masterpiece Chinatown (1974), set in a hot, thirsty 1930s Los Angeles.

Located at 2300 E Baristo Rd, the Palm Springs Cultural Center’s Historic Camelot Theatre is renowned by movie lovers, boasting one of the largest screens in the Coachella Valley and a state-of-the-art sound system. For info and tickets visit www.psculturalcenter.org

MODERNISM WEEK – OCTOBER >>

BY BOB BOGARD

Modernism Week – October will take place October 19-22, 2023. While smaller in scope than the 11-day festival held annually each February, the October event offers more than 50 events during 4-days, including several free and low-cost programs. A hallmark of Modernism Week events are the inspirational and educational tours of neighborhoods, significant buildings, and residences. Signature events include Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour, tours of Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms estate, the Palm Springs Modernism Show, architectural walking and biking tours, tours of the historic Annenberg Estate at Sunnylands, parties, and a special series of compelling and informative talks. A portion of ticket proceeds benefit Modernism Week (a non-profit organization) and other local preservation, neighborhood and community groups. Find out more at www.modernismweek.com

Our

mission is to provide an open and welcoming environment for all members of the LGBTQ family.

SUMMERTIME, AND THE PROTESTIN’ IS EASY

BY TREY BURNETTE

Just because Pride Month in most of the country has come and gone, that’s no reason to stop advocating for equality. Here are 10 fun, effective ways to incorporate activism into your summer activities.

1) VACATION VACANCY

Don’t just cancel your vacation reservations in places (Florida, Texas, Tennessee, etc.) that are passing discriminatory laws. Send the businesses, tourist board, and local city government an email or handwritten letter explaining why you will be unable to visit and spend your money with them this summer.

2)

POSTCARD PICNIC

Grab a picnic basket and some postcards with messages for political leaders, and head to the park with some friends. While lunching outdoors, stamp and address the postcards. Use Pride month to remind lawmakers what issues you care about and how legislation affects your life.

3) BANNED BEACH READS

Book banning is nothing new in America, but unfortunately, extremists have recently stepped up their efforts. The best way to

counter these actions is to head down to your local bookstore — like The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs, to support small local businesses — and buy banned books (and/or tomes by marginalized authors) for your summertime reads.

4) PRIDE PARADE PROTEST

Many in the LQBTQ+ community wonder if we still needed Pride festivals and parades. The last several years have shown us we do. Plan a trip to experience Pride in a new city. Show the world our community is vibrant and proud, while connecting with new people and seeing how different cities celebrate their Pride. (In the desert, Greater Palm Springs Pride is celebrated in November.)

5) TEA-TIME TESTIMONIES

Find your voice with those you love. Invite friends over for some iced tea and share your stories. Let them know what you are going through, how you’re feeling, and give them space to share their own stories. The current social and political climate is overwhelming, and finding friends with whom to weather the storm is healthy for everyone. People need to be reminded they’re not alone and that solutions for a better tomorrow can be realized together.

6) PLANNED PARENTHOOD POOL PLUNGE

Remember, it’s not just LGBTQ+ people under attack in the current political atmosphere. Women and other marginalized people (some of whom are LGBTQ+) are also fighting to keep their civil rights. Find the organizations that support those groups — like Planned Parenthood or the NAACP — and host a pool party fundraiser for them. Show them they’re not alone and the LGBTQ+ community has their backs. No pool? Get out the Slip-N-Slide!

7) LEMONADE LETTERS

Unfortunately, many people aren’t always aware of what’s happening outside of their daily lives. If you have friends or family who live in a state where extreme and discriminatory laws are being considered — or passed! — take a minute to turn a sour situation into something sweet. Pour yourself a glass of lemonade, and craft a handwritten letter informing loved ones how these laws affect you and your community. A personal story brings advocacy home.

8) MITZVAH MARGARITAS

Going out for drinks, search for venues that provide stage

time for queer and ally performers. The LGBTQ+ community has a long history of political activism throughout the arts. It’s essential to support not only those artists, but the venues that support them.

9) CAMP COLORFUL

The LGBTQ+ community pitches a big tent, and it’s important to remember the community’s diversity. Summer is a time for many art, music, film, and community festivals, and many of these have political undertones. Find some events off your beaten path. There may be an LGBTQ+ person who has an intersection with another marginalized group, and who can use your support at one of those affairs — or maybe you just have fun while proudly supporting another community.

10)

SUMMERTIME SELF-CARE

You have to advocate for yourself before you can advocate for anyone else. Start by checking if you are in tip-top shape. Look into DAP Health’s many services, like yearly medical exams, STI screenings, and behavioral health services. Or discover the benefits of their wellness programs and social services.

(as seen at daphealth.org)

PERSPECTIVE

SUMMERTIME REMINISCING

BY JILL LANGHAM

Hello everybody, I am just starting to come down from the effects of all the love that was directed my way by all of you who helped me celebrate my 68th birthday! So many beautiful wishes, comments, gestures and gifts. What an incredibly wonderful feeling it is. I feel so very blessed and am so grateful. According to many of you, I seem to somehow provide you with hope to be the best you can be, at least that is the message I hear from you.

Did you know that 18 years ago, I celebrated my 50th birthday at the ZOZO Hotel weekly pool party? Well, it’s true. Two gay men who were friends realized that during the summers seasons most of the hotels in Palm Springs stood empty on Sunday afternoons as the weekend guests were all checking out and very few people were checking-in. They made a deal with the ZOZO to give locals a 50% discount on food and drinks as well as providing us with a DJ if we could guarantee that at least 50 people would be in attendance each week.

It didn’t take long for us to convince our friends to join in and the numbers soared. The next thing we knew we had a lively consistent

group of all gay men, couples, singles, thruples and my ex-husband and me meeting each Sunday all summer long. It was a win-win for us all.

Many of those men are still some of my very closest friends today. You see part of what happens at a Hotel pool party is that people from all different walks of life come together to enjoy the sun, the music and the water. It’s not about Leather, Porn, Sex, Meth, Circuit, Politics, or Wealth, etc., but more about community, friendships, fun and for me Dance. (But being honest, I’m sure some of those things listed above were still present but it was the camaraderie that made it work!)

Last Sunday, the ZOZO began its attempt to resurrect those parties from the mid 2000’s. Of course, I was in attendance, welcoming people to what I call, the “Second Cumming!” LOL. Believe it or not, a few of the original men from 2005 were there which blew me away! We reminisced about days gone by and commented and how happy we were that this “unbroken” event was hopefully coming back. For the record, the reason the event stopped is because one of the two creators sadly ended his life and his partner moved away shortly

thereafter and none of us knew how to keep it going so it just ended. At this point in time, the hotel has not given us a break on drink or food prices so I can’t guarantee that the community will be happy, but I will ask that you give it a chance. The next party is not until July 30, giving us ample time to negotiate!

But it is now July and time to celebrate our Independence! Well, that was the origin of this holiday, but in today’s crazy times I believe that we might just want to ask ourselves what happened to the U.S.A. AKA the United States of America that I believe should be re-named the Un-united States of America. How do you feel about it? Independence and therefore freedom is not what I feel when I hear about the rights that many states are taking away from us.

Back in 1991, on July 4th, I freed myself from the use of all drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes. I realized that if I was ever going to know myself it was going to have to be as a sober person. I had just started dating a man who had come out of a 30-day treatment program for cocaine addiction, and I found myself thinking that perhaps this would be a good thing for me to do as well. So, at dinner on the 4th, I pledged to myself that I would go cold turkey and “just like that,” I did.

My sobriety lasted 9.5 years and was one of the best things I ever did in my life. Don’t get me wrong, it was hard and very lonely at times. I struggled to fit in anywhere, let alone have any clue as to who I was but I never gave up and slowly but surely, I began to unlock some of the deep dark secrets that I had been hiding from myself and began to heal. I lost friends, as well as some family members. I questioned everything about myself and even got married and divorced, started a second relationship, with a man who I opened a store with, and eventually left him to marry my second husband with whom I moved to Palm Springs. I began competitive bodybuilding and began winning first place trophies, as well as getting my picture in Flex Magazine and a headline on local TV!

So, even though I am not looking forward to celebrating America’s 247 years of freedom, I am still grateful for the 9.5 years that brought me to the freedom I know and enjoy 365 days of the year. This is my perspective, what is yours?

XOXO, Jill, Your 68-year-old, Dancing Queen

HBO ORIGINAL DOCUSERIES LAST CALL: WHEN A SERIAL KILLER STALKED QUEER NEW YORK DEBUTS JULY 9

The HBO Original four-part documentary series Last Call: When A Serial Killer Stalked Queer New York from director Anthony Caronna (“Pride”) and executive producer Howard Gertler (HBO’s Oscar®-nominated “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed,” “How To Survive A Plague”) debuts Sunday, July 9 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO and will be available to stream on Max, with new episodes debuting subsequent Sundays at the same time. Executive producers of the series include Charlize Theron, Liz Garbus, Dan Cogan, Jon Bardin, and Kate Barry, and it is a production of Story Syndicate (HBO’s “I’ll Be Gone In The Dark”) and based on the award-winning book “Last Call: A True Story of Love, Lust and Murder in Queer New York” by Elon Green. Featuring Matt Foreman, Bea Hanson, and David Wertheimer of the NYC Anti-Violence Project.

Synopsis: In the early 1990s, with homophobia and hate crimes on the rise as the AIDS crisis worsens, a serial killer preys upon gay men in New York City, infiltrating queer nightlife to find his victims. A gripping, investigative crime story, Last Call: When A Serial Killer

Stalked Queer New York also dives deeply into the prejudices and attitudes of the times, when deep-rooted biases in the criminal justice system and the media’s distorted public perception of the victims undermined the investigation and enabled a brutal killer to prey on a marginalized populace. The complexities of the closet combined with a long-standing mistrust of law enforcement further complicated the case. It also highlights the heroic efforts of activists, including the NYC Anti-Violence Project, to force law enforcement to recognize and protect the queer community.

Through exclusive archival and first-time interviews with activists, investigators, and family members, Last Call: When A Serial Killer Stalked Queer New York illuminates how the LGBTQ+ community fought to solve the murders and demand fair treatment of queer crime victims. Their work remains relevant today.

https://youtu.be/3GP4P5N5SqQ

ABORIGINAL-OWNED GALI SWIMWEAR CELEBRATES PRIDE & SUMMER

BY JEFF DORTA

The Australian First Nations fashion label GALI Swimwear is released a special limited-edition swim brief for Pride. Their “Gathering Pipis” men’s swim brief was designed in collaboration with Jake Simon, an out Aboriginal artist from the Worimi-Biripi clan. The suit draws inspiration from Simon’s childhood spent gathering small, edible saltwater clams called pipis. “My family and I would collect pipis on the shoreline of the Myall Lakes, part of the country of the Worimi Aboriginal people in Australia,” Simon recalls. The overlapping semi-circles in the swim brief depict the clams while the vibrant colors are representative of his identity as an LGBTQIA+ person, and of the pipis and their environment. “The light pinks and purples are reminiscent of the insides of the shell, while the yellows and greens represent the beach and surrounding wildlife areas where the pips would grow,” he explains. GALI Swimwear’s “Gathering Pipis” men’s brief is available now at GALIswimwear.com.au.

“As a proud gay man, it was important to me that my debut collection include a Pride suit,” says GALI Swimwear founder David Leslie, a Kamilaroi man who lives on Gadigal and Bidjigal Country. In his spare time, he also volunteers as a lifeguard at North Bondi Beach in Sydney. “Everyone deserves to see themselves represented and celebrated in fashion.” It is why GALI Swimwear is not only inspired by Mr. Leslie’s culture, but also the collective talent of First Nations designers.

In GALI Swimwear’s debut line, Leslie collaborates with three artists from the Warlpiri country, renowned for their colorful acrylic paintings and use of iconography to represent the Jukurrpa (a state of dreaming), on three captivating designs.

The Ngalyipi features Ingrid Napangardi Williams’ sinuous line design meant to represent the Ngalyipi, a snake vine plant. The Lukarrara, by artist Pauline Napangardi Gallagher, pays homage to a desert grass with an edible seed that is ground on a large stone and made into cakes. The Ngatijirri, by artist Kenneth Jungarrayi Martin, is the third brief in GALI Swimwear’s “Dreaming” collection. It depicts the small, bright green birds that are native to Central Australia and a common delicacy in the Yangarnmpi region.

FEATURE

GALI Swimwear launched in Australia in 2022. It recently made history as one of seven Indigenous fashion brands to be featured at Australian Fashion Week. “My vision for GALI is to spotlight the creatives of Australia’s Indigenous culture,” Leslie says. “I hope the collection sparks conversation, creates connection, and fosters positive change.”

He is especially proud of his collaboration with Jasmine Miikika Craciun, a Barkindji, Malyangapa artist whose interactive murals are currently on display at the Australian Museum. Their Para-Kiira Baaka swim brief is a one-of-a-kind creation intended to reflect the rippling of water. In Barkindji language, Parra-Kiira means “far away country” and Baaka means “darling river”. Available in red, black and cyan, the colors in each brief are a nod to the traditional landscape of the Barkindji region with its soaring wide-open plains and beautiful desert.

In addition to offering a canvas for Aboriginal artists, GALI Swimwear pays artists a percentage of the retail price for every piece sold and donates $1 for each item sold to the clans. All GALI Swimwear garments are made from premium recycled materials and boxed in compostable packaging.

Visit GALIswimwear.com.au

BETTY HARRIS: THE RETURN OF AN AMERICAN ICON

BY MATT CONSOLA

Betty Harris is an iconic American soul singer. Her recording career in the 1960s produced three Top 10 & Top 20 hit singles that made the U.S. Billboard R&B and Billboard Hot 100 charts: “Cry to Me” (1963), “His Kiss” (1964) and “Nearer to You” (1967). However, her reputation among soul music connoisseurs far exceeds her commercial success of the 1960s, and her recordings for the Jubilee and Sansu record labels are not only highly sought after in the 2000s by fans of Southern Soul, Northern Soul, and Deep Soul, but have been sampled to create new records and re-interpretations by artists including Christina Aguilera (2006’s “Understand). However, as her newfound popularity in the dance scene has skyrocketed, many European dance producers have been flooding the dance market with new tracks sampling Ms. Harris, most without permission, attempts to license and reimburse her in any way, and ALL without even giving her credit as the vocal sample. So, what does an icon do? At the suggestion of legendary Swedish DJ/Producer StoneBridge who provides the releases premiere remix, she approaches America’s #1 LGBTQAI+ dance label to release an infectious and electrifying dance update to her 1968 #1 single “Show It”.

A Little Backstory.

In 1964, Betty Harris switched record labels to Sansu, a New Orleans label, where she was produced by Allen Toussaint. Her recording with Sansu produced ten singles. Of those, only “Nearer to You”, an atmospheric, dramatic soul ballad, now considered one of the milestones of deep soul, achieved U.S. national chart success on Billboard. However, practically all her recordings for Sansu, uptempo tunes and ballads alike, are considered prime specimens of the classic soul era.

Harris retired from performing in 1970 to raise a family. Without her permission or even a discussion, all the Sansu recordings were compiled into an album released in the UK (but not the U.S.) in 1969, called Soul Perfection, an album which, in its vinyl format, although not extremely rare, commands relatively high prices of $200 to $300 today. A comprehensive CD compilation of Harris’s recordings, titled Soul Perfection Plus, was released in 1999 by the UK re-release label, West Side.

In 2005, Harris returned to the music industry after a long absence. Betty has been in a decadeslong copyright battle over the ownership of her music. Allen Toussaint and Marshall Sehorn never paid her the royalties due her, and she now owns the sound recording copyrights for all the songs she recorded with Sansu, including “Nearer to You” and “Show It.”

Harris has made several public appearances in the U.S. and Europe, including the 2007 Porretta Soul Festival in Italy. And in March of 2013, Harris was part of a massive lineup of live artists for Willie Nelson’s 11th annual Luck Reunion. The event Luck, Antone’s and Gibson Presents: Strange Things Happening: A Tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe, 1915-1973 capped off the week of events at Luck on Sunday, March 19th with a Gospel Brunch like no other. A thoughtful and artist-packed tribute to the legendary Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the original “Soul Sister” who made an indelible impact on

gospel and soul music. Lineup includes The Binky Griptite Orchestra, with special guests Abraham Alexander, Amythyst Kiah, Betty Harris, Ruthie Foster, Valerie June, and many more.

In late 2022, Harris approached Sten Hallström, the legendary Swedish DJ, label owner, and Record Producer better known as StoneBridge. The man behind such iconic hit productions & remixes as 1993’s “Show Me Love” by Robin S, 2008’s Grammy Nominated Remix of “Closer” by Ne-Yo, “Gimme More” by Britney Spears, and his own Top 10 worldwide hits “Put ‘Em High”, “Take Me Away” and “Freak On” was approached by Harris to remix her 1968 single “Show It” into a modern dance track. From there, Harris reached out to American DJ, Producer, and Swishcraft Music label owner Matt Consola to remix, package, and release “Show It” in June 2023. The release will include StoneBridge, Matt Consola, and Dave Matthias Remixes.

NETTA UNAPOLOGETICALLY WANTS “EVERYTHING”

BY MARTHA TANG

Coming off her Eurovision finale performance, “iconic pop artist” (Ladygunn) Netta drops her latest song “Everything,” an anthemic disco-pop earworm that is the perfect addition to your summer playlist. “I’ve spent a lot of time working on myself, learning my value as both an artist and a human being, and waiting for the moment when I could come back to this song and whole-heartedly bring it to life,” stated Netta. “That moment is NOW, and I am ready to share it with the world!”

Co-written with AJR and Zara Larsson, “Everything” on the surface shows Netta expertly telling off her ex, but the song’s true message is to say goodbye to what is holding you back and encourages you to live your life. “Everything” emphasizes how liberating it is to know what you deserve and to not be afraid to work for it. The music video takes place in NYC showcases a celebration that captures the freeing nature and joy of the song.

Earlier this month, Netta performed at the 2023 PRIDE kickoff event: Stonewall Day Unplugged and performed at this year’s PRIDE LIVE Stonewall Day Celebration along with headliner Christina Aguilera. Netta has more PRIDE events planned for 2023 including EuroPride 2023 in Malta on September 7th, stay tuned for more!

Netta debuted her riveting cover of Dead Or Alive’s “You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)” at the Eurovision 2023 Grand

Final in Liverpool. During her performance, Netta entered from high above the arena on a giant silver bird, dazzling the crowd with her unique stage presence and powerful voice. The entire performance was a colorful and joyous spectacle reminding Eurovision fans how legendary this 2018 winner is.

As Consequence stated that Netta has “dominated stages around the world and has seen her music spread like wildfire,” she is continuing her domination with her ‘Wonderful and Great’ World tour. She will bring her legendary loop wizardry and infectious charisma to several cities in Europe this Summer and the US in the Fall

Follow Netta

www.instagram.com/nettabarzi/ Facebook TIKTOK Twitter YouTube

QUEER MUSIC ARTIST JOHNNY MANUEL RELEASES “END OF THE NIGHT”

BY ILICH MEJIA

Johnny Manuel has released “End Of The Night,” the lead single from his upcoming second EP, Blue, out later this year. Johnny has also released the music video for the song. “End Of The Night” sets the scene for what should feel like the best night of your life. Featuring stunning live strings and drums, the upbeat track is a relatable love story to which you can dance. The song was written by Johnny Manuel, Aidan Laprete, and Mischa Mandel and produced by Laprete.

Of the meaning behind “End Of The Night,” Johnny shares: “It’s about one of those nights driven by lust, excitement, adventure and passion, when you’re so fully captivated by someone that nothing else exists. You’re living inside of this dream together and all that matters is right here and right now.”

With a career that spans 20 years, Johnny Manuel has shown many different sides to his artistry: a powerhouse singer, a gifted

songwriter and a passionate musician. Johnny discovered the joy of performance and musicianship at a young age while in the church choir. A prolific performer, he has opened for *NSYNC and even competed in Eurovision, honing his skills and building an international fan base along the way.

A constantly evolving artist, Johnny Manuel released his highly anticipated EP Younger Skin last year to critical acclaim, receiving attention from several media outlets including HypeBeast China, Rated R&B and Who What Wear. The soulful first single, “Again,” landed on multiple editorial playlists and highlighted Johnny’s signature vocals harmonizing over beautifully layered drums and synths produced by rising indie producer Aidan Laprete.

Connect with Johnny Manuel www.instagram.com/johnnymanuel/?hl=en

POP ARTIST AMBER RELEASES REMIXES OF HER HIT SINGLE “THIS IS YOUR NIGHT.”

BY ILICH MEJIA

Dutch pop star Amber is announcing special remixes to two of her most iconic songs: “This Is Your Night” and “If You Could Read My Mind.”

The Grammy-nominated pop diva amassed an impassioned army of fans with four full-length albums and a string of worldwide smash hits that include “This Is Your Night,” “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Sexual (Li Da Di)” and “One More Night.” Her collection of songs is described as smarter, bolder, and more infectious than your average, paint-by-numbers pop tunes.

Last month, Amber released special remixes to her club hit “This Is Your Night” from her debut album This Is Your Night. The song, cowritten by the singer, was her debut single in the US and went on to become her first Billboard Hot 100 top 40 hit.

July 14, 2023, is the official 25th anniversary of the release of “If You Could Read My Mind,” the club hit by Amber, Ultra Naté and Jocelyn Enriquez (Stars on 54). The single, a cover of the Gordon Lightfoot classic, was originally released in 1998 for the film 54. It went on to become a global hit and is considered by many to be one of the best cover songs of the ‘90s. New remixes to the hit song will be available to stream on July 14.

www.instagram.com/dancedivaamber/?hl=en

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GRAND CENTRAL

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Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.699.7185

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KOFFI NORTH (3 Additional Locations)

515 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.416.2244

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BOOZEHOUNDS PALM SPRINGS

2080 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.656.0067

www.boozehoundsps.com

1501 UPTOWN

1501 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.320.1501

www.1501uptown.com

TAC/QUILA

415 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.417.4471

www.tacquila.com

PS AIR BAR

611 S.Palm Canyon Dr. #22

Palm Springs CA 92262

760.327.7701

www.psairbar.com

TOWNIE BAGELS

650 E Sunny Dunes Rd #5

Palm Springs, CA 92264

760.459.4555

www.towniebagels.com

ON THE MARK

111 N Palm Canyon Dr. #155

Palm Springs CA 92262

760.832.8892

www.onthemarkpalmsprings.com

SHERMAN’S DELI & BAKERY

401 E Tahquitz Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.325.1199

www.shermansdeli.com

849

849 N Palm Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.325.8490

www.eight4nine.com

THAI SMILE PALM SPRINGS

100 South Indian Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.320.5503

www.thaismilepalmsprings.com

TRIO RESTAURANT

707 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.864.8746

www.triopalmsprings.com

THE TROPICALE

330 E Amado Road

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.866.1952

www.thetropicale.com

ZIN AMERICAN BISTRO

198 S Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA

760.322.6300

www.pszin.com

LULU CALIFORNIA BISTRO

200 S Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.327.5858

www.lulupalmsprings.com

EL MIRASOL

140 E Palm Canyon Dr.

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.323.0721

www.elmirasolrestaurants.com

RICK’S RESTAURANT

1973 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.416.0090

www.ricksrestaurant.biz

PINOCCHIO IN THE DESERT

134 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.322.3776

www.pinocchiops.com

BLACKBOOK BAR

315 E Arenas Road

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.832.8497

www.blackbookbar.com

BARS AND NIGHT CLUBS

HUNTERS NIGHTCLUB

302 East Arenas Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.323.0700

www.huntersnightclubs.com

TOUCAN’S TIKI LOUNGE

2100 North Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.416.7584

www.toucanstikilounge.com

CHILL BAR

217 E. Arenas Road

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.327.1079

www.chillbarpalmsprings.com

STREETBAR

224 E. Arenas Road

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.320.1266

www.psstreetbar.com

THE TOOL SHED

600 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.320.3299

www.toolshed-ps.com

QUADZ

200 S Indian Canyon

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.778.4326

AMP SPORTS LOUNGE

68-718 E. Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234

760.699.7090

www.ampcatcity.com

ROOST BAR LOUNGE

68718 E Palm Canyon Dr #203

Cathedral City CA 92234

760.507.8495

www.theroostcc.com

ONE ELEVEN BAR

67555 E Palm Canyon Dr A103 Cathedral City, CA 92234

760.537.3111

www.oneelevenbar.com

BARRACKS BAR

67625 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234

760.464.0957

www.barracksps.com

RUNWAY

68300 Gay Resort Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234

760.537.7800

www.runwayccbc.com

REFORMA

333 S. Palm Canyon #2 Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.902.6630

www.reformaps.com

DICK’S

301 E Arenas Road

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.327.0753

www.dicksps.com

For

PHOTO REWIND

PS BIG GAY BBQ

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A LEE

PHOTO REWIND

PS BIG GAY BBQ

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A LEE

PHOTO REWIND

PS BIG GAY BBQ

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A LEE

PHOTO REWIND

PS BIG GAY BBQ

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A LEE