Metrosource NAT - JUN/JUL 2021

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

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%).

 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your

healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems,

including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby.

Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed.

Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:  Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-

counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

 BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other.

Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION  This is only a brief summary of important information

about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5  If you need help paying for your medicine,

visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, 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

HUGO LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 1995 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

KEEP CONNECTING. Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

See Hugo’s story at BIKTARVY.com.

Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

VIEWS

EDITOR’S LETTER

A TIME FOR PRIDE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cesar A Reyes MARKETING DIRECTOR Christopher Jackson FEATURE WRITER Alexander Rodriguez CONTRIBUTING WRITERS James Patrick

PRIDE MONTH IS AN IMPORTANT TIME FOR

LA Pride’s theme for 2021 is Thrive with Pride,

OUR COMMUNITY. A TIME TO CELEBRATE SELF-

and not only highlights health and wellness as we

AFFIRMATION, DIGNITY, AND EQUALITY. A time for

slowly emerge from the pandemic, but underscores the

inclusivity and remembering the hard work, dedication,

belief that thriving is an act of social justice within the

and suffering that took place to get us to where we are

LGBTQ+ community, especially for our underserved

today. A time to increase our voice in the struggle against

or overlooked members. When we live with a sense of

discrimination and hate. A time for allies to stand up

belonging, confidence, security, and self-worth, we’re

with the LGBTQ+ community. A time to love. A time

not just surviving, we’re thriving. “To thrive means to

to heal. A time to support each other. While most of the

flourish and progress despite the circumstances. Pride

typical large Pride events throughout June have been

this year is a moment for you to stop and breathe,”

canceled again this year, Pride month is still the time to

said Sharon-Franklin Brown, CSW Board of Directors

celebrate, reflect, and plan ahead for the future.

President. “It’s a moment to remember you’re not just

Our community has adapted to adversity time and

surviving one of the hardest years in recent memory,

time again. This last year has been no exception. As

but growing into your truth. If we as a community can

COVID-19 eliminated gatherings, virtual Pride celebra-

come together, even for a moment, to realize we’ve

tions became the new party with creative decorations

broken down some barriers put on us, it’ll strengthen

and party backgrounds. Socially distanced outdoor

our resolve to continue tearing more down for those to

activities gained popularity, such as New York City’s

come after us.”

white chalk circles in their parks in order to help park-

The SF Pride theme for this year is All in This

goers adhere to the social distancing guidelines. Even

Together, prioritizing public health while provid-

without the parades and festivals, 2021 is providing

ing numerous opportunities for LGBTQ+ people and

a step forward with several smaller in-person events,

allies to experience visibility, solidarity, and joy. SF Pride

along with virtual events, to help you celebrate.

expanded its programming from the last weekend of

NYC Pride’s official theme for 2021 is The Fight

June to encompass the whole of Pride month, and

Continues, and reflects the many battles our country

invites the entire community to join in the fun. Pride

and the city of New York has been fighting – coronavirus,

Month “will be the best version of what is possible at

police brutality, the alarming murder rate for trans POC,

this time, prioritizing public health while providing

economic hardship, climate disasters, voting rights, and

numerous opportunities for LGBTQ+ people and allies

more. “We’re pleased to continue to be able to offer a

to experience visibility, solidarity, and joy,” says Fred

diverse roster of programming this year,” said David A.

Lopez, executive director of SF Pride.

Correa, Interim Executive Director of NYC Pride. “In

While celebrating your Pride, continue to take the

2020 our world dramatically changed very quickly and

time to nurture your relationships with fellow queer

in a matter of weeks we were forced to pivot to vir-

folks and allies, whether in-person or virtually. Reach

tual programming and cancel many of our events. With

out when you’re in need of support. And remember,

much more time to prepare in 2021, we’re bringing back

taking care of yourself is just as much of an act of

many of the events we were forced to cancel last year,

LGBTQ+ pride as a parade.

most notably Youth Pride which will engage LGBTQIA+

PUBLISHER Bent Share Entertainment, LLC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael Westman COPY EDITOR James Delyea

Jeffrey James Keyes Megan Venzin Michael Westman Steve Gottfried

NATIONAL DISPLAY ADVERTISING

Rivendell Media 212.242.6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com

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Reproduction of any article, listing or advertisement without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. The people, businesses and organizations appearing in Metrosource are supportive of the gay community. Mention of any person, business or organization is not a reflection of their sexual orientation. ©2021 Bent Share Entertainment, LLC. Advertisers in Metrosource acknowledge that they do business in the spirit of cooperation, fairness and service, maintaining a high level of integrity and responsibility. Providers of products or services are fully and solely responsible for same as advertised. Metrosource assumes no responsibility or liability for improper or negligent business practices by advertisers. The appearance of any person, model, business or organization in this publication, by name, advertisement or photograph is not an indication of sexual orientation.

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youth, many of whom are grappling with the absence of in-person connection.”

@metrosource @MetrosourceMagazine @metrosourcemag

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June/July 2021 | VOLUME 32, NO. 3

CONTENTS

26

18 18 GIGI GORGEOUS BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN THE GAY

THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF CARSON KRESSLEY • GIGI GORGEOUS PHOTO BY SHAUN VADELLA • PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL RUDNICK • PHOTO COURTESY OF QUINTON PERON

AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITIES

22 QUINTON PERON LEADING THE CHEER IN PRIDE

26 CARSON KRESSLEY THE QUEEN OF REALITY TV IS AUTHENTICALLY INCREASING GAY REPRESENTATION

36 PAUL RUDNICK TAKING LGBTQ STORYTELLING

36

TO NEW HEIGHTS

22 COVER: Carson Kressley Photographer: Matt Monath mattmonath.com IG: @MattMonathPhoto METROSOURCE.COM

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DEPARTMENTS

June/July 2021 | VOLUME 32, NO. 3

14 31

CULTURE

7 THE SCOPE

TRAVEL 40 The Great Outdoors: 2021

Julia Scotti: Funny That Way tracks Julia’s Triumphant Comeback

National Parks Have Their Own Unique LGBTQIA+ Heritage and History

ENTERTAINMENT

TELEVISION

10 Matt Monath

46 Nicholas Brown Coming Out as an Egyptologist on The History Channel

Queer CHROMA Faces are this Artist’s Pride

14 Gavin Creel

16

Broadway Appeal and the Importance of Being Gavin

31 Michael Cimino Love, Victor’s LGBTQ Ally Breaking Gender Norms

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VIEWS

4 EDITOR’S LETTER

A Time for PRIDE

THIS PAGE: GAVIN CREEL PHOTO COURTESY OF PIERSON GRANT PUBLIC RELATIONS • PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL CIMINO • PHOTO COURTESY OF NICHOLAS BROWN • LOREN CRABBE CHROMA SERIES HOTO BY MATT MONATH

46

THESCOPE

CULTURE

THESCOPE

CURATED BY MICHAEL WESTMAN

WATCH

JULIA SCOTTI: FUNNY THAT WAY

IN THE COMEDY BOOM OF THE1980’S RICK SCOTTI WAS A BUSY GUY - A HEADLINER IN CLUBS ACROSS THE COUNTRY - WHEN HE CAME TO THE DAWNING

THIS PAGE: IMAGES COURTESY OF JULIA SCOTTI

REALIZATION THAT NOTHING FELT RIGHT. At a time when the words gender

dysphoria and gender reassignment surgery were rarely heard, Rick’s true awakening at age 47 led to a year of hormonal treatments, surgery, and a new identity as Julia Scotti.

And then everyone turned away - former wives, friends, family, comedy world buddies, and most painfully Julia was shut out from any contact with her children. She reinvented herself, spent a decade teaching, and then several years ago, stepped back on stage at an open mic and began her journey back to the world she loves. And just as she returned to comedy, her children reached out to her after 15 years of silence.

As Julia says, her comedy always must be “fearless and honest,” and America can feel both in her performances. Since coming back to comedy in 2011, she has been named one of the Top Five Transgender Comedians

in the Country, and has performed at LGBTQ events across the US, and was one of the winners of the Laughlin Laugh Festival in Nevada. She introduced herself to a national audience on Season 11 of America’s Got Talent, where Simon Cowell said, “You genuinely made me laugh.” She was the first transgender comedian to appear on national television and was a quarter finalist on the show. Not content to sit on her laurels, Julia went on to record her first, best-selling comedy CD entitled, Hello Boys I’m Back! and is gearing up to record her second one. This year, she is being featured on the Showtime Television Network Special, More Funny Women of a Certain Age. Shot over a period of five years, Julia Scotti: Funny That Way tracks Julia’s triumphant comeback, the rough life on the road, and the complex process of reuniting with her children, as comedy becomes the shared language of identity, healing, and joy. Available June 1st on iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Xbox, Vudu, and DirectTV. METROSOURCE.COM

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THESCOPE CULTURE

K.D. LANG’S MAKEOVER

IN CELEBRATION OF PRIDE MONTH, NONESUCH RECORDS RELEASED K.D. LANG’S MAKEOVER, A NEW COLLECTION OF CLASSIC DANCE REMIXES OF SOME OF HER BEST-LOVED SONGS. The album brings these remixes,

made between 1992 and 2000, together for the first time, and includes “Sexuality,”“Miss Chatelaine,”“Theme from the Valley of the Dolls,” “Summerfling,” and the #1 dance chart hits “Lifted By Love” and “If I Were You.” makeover’s cover art features a previously unseen 1995 portrait of lang by David LaChapelle.

“I had the idea of putting together a dance remix compilation, as I mused about how we built community in those days before the internet, mobile devices, and dating apps. Those dance clubs were a key to a world, which was still called ‘underground’ in the ’90s. I also surprised myself by finding that there was a cryptic, sort of secret zone in my career, that hadn’t been explored, overlooked even by me. Two of these tracks had even hit #1 on the dance charts!” says lang.

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Called“one of the greatest singers of all time,”by Elton John and “the greatest female singer in the whole world” by fellow Canadian Michael Bublé, k.d. lang’s distinguished career includes four Grammy and eight Juno Awards. In addition to a fruitful collaboration with Tony Bennett (who calls her “the best singer of her generation”), lang has performed alongside luminaries including Roy Orbison, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, and Loretta Lynn. She sang at the closing ceremonies of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary and the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. lang has contributed music to the soundtracks of several films, including Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and Happy Feet. She has also appeared in several films, including Salmonberries, The Black Dahlia, and Eye of the Beholder. In 1996, lang received Canada’s highest civilian honor, the Order of Canada.

Visit the official k.d. lang website at https://kdlang.com/.

THIS PAGE: IMAGE COURTESY OF DIRECT MANAGEMENT GROUP

LISTEN

WEAR

DIAMONDS FROM AIR

HAVE YOU FOUND THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN ENGAGEMENT OR WEDDING RING WHILE STILL STRIVING TO BE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY? AETHER DIAMONDS IS THE FIRST AND ONLY DIAMOND BRAND IN THE WORLD THAT IS CARBON NEGATIVE. Using carbon sequestration technology,

Aether removes carbon dioxide air pollution from the atmosphere and transforms it into a diamond of perfect composition. Each Aether piece is crafted by hand using 100% fair-mined gold from small scale artisans who uphold the highest standards for responsible social and environmental practices and earth positive diamonds via carbon sequestration. Aether diamonds are certified by the International Gemological Institute and held to the same standards as mined diamonds.

Aether’s leadership team have worked for some of the world’s most storied jewelry houses including Harry Winston and David Yurman. One such leader is Robert Hagemann, Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founder.

Robert is a frontrunner in the realm of LGTBQ entrepreneurship, and a leader in diversity and equality initiatives through his angel investor activities. Robert specifically invests in ventures that have female, minority, and/ or LGBTQ leadership.

All mined diamonds lead to direct destruction of the planet, and all other lab-grown diamonds rely on fossil fuels as their source of carbon. Their fossil fuels are often acquired as a result of drilling and fracking. Aether diamonds transform excess carbon dioxide that would otherwise contribute to global warming into something beautiful and valuable.

THIS PAGE: AETHER DIAMONDS PHOTO COURTESY OF AETHER DIAMONDS • PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLES MORIARTY / @CHARLESMORIARTY

Visit https://aetherdiamonds.com/ for more information.

READ

CHARLES MORIARTY: X

FROM PHOTOGRAPHER AND AUTHOR CHARLES MORIARTY COMES X, AN INTIMATE, STRIKING, AND EMOTIONAL BOOK FEATURING OVER 130 IMAGES TAKEN OVER THE SPAN OF A DECADE. In his second book, Moriarty, who shot the

iconic cover for Amy Winehouse’s debut album Frank, unveils a unique and personal archive of material. X is a distinct collection of work embodying the artist’s journey - as much with himself as with his subjects, many of whom he revisits in search of a lasting dialogue. Representing human exploration, his subjects - intentionally uncaptioned - are queer, straight, drag queens, artists, models, friends, family, and loves who candidly depict the male form in many of its diverse presentations. Further documenting Moriarty’s journey, the volume is also peppered with haunting landscapes and still life shots.

Moriarty, who grew up gay, closeted, and Catholic in Ireland in the 1980s, displays a celebration of himself and of queer bodies and the male form in the pages of X. The collection masterfully presents a topic that was taboo, and once even illegal, lensing intimacy and queerness to remarkable effect.

X brings together an intimate collection following Moriarty’s personal journey that speaks to the larger queer experience. As he notes in the afterword,“Here is memory, filled with hope, desire, and sadness; there is a kaleidoscope of emotion resting on both sides of the camera.”

Visit https://beforefrank.com/collections/x for more information and to order.

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MATT MONATH QUEER CHROMA FACES ARE THIS ARTIST’S PRIDE

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

THERE IS A CERTAIN MESSY BEAUTY TO PHOTOGRAPHER MATT MONATH’S CHROMA SERIES. Queer faces covered in rainbow dust, textures, and extreme

close-ups fill the shot. There’s a vibrancy and intimacy in a way we haven’t seen these celebrities before. It is undeniably PRIDE in artistic chaos that reflects our history, and this past year’s rollercoaster of isolation in a social and political time of unrest.

CHROMA started as a photographic study on color and texture, in relation to portraiture. It has since grown to become a celebration of queerness and pride, and I’ve been exclusively shooting queer subjects for the series over the last few years. It’s a passion project, and I want to share the experience with as many beautiful queer people in the community as possible. The process of creating CHROMA is one that is intimate between the subject and me and has led to the most significant connections I have had throughout my photo sessions.

Whether it is for his own photographic series or for his editorial and commercial work, his style is instantly recognizable. Commanding his bold aesthetic, he has shot some of today’s most notable talent for iconic brands and platforms with features in Elle Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Seventeen Magazine, People, and the list goes on and on, not to mention the billboards coloring the skyline all over New York.

One of my first portraiture gigs out of college was shooting Rita Ora for iHeart. She came through the iHeart offices for a day of press, which included a 15-minute shoot with me. Even though it was a quick shoot, I was given full creative freedom and had her pose in front of a wall that I scribbled ‘Rita’ all over, which perfectly juxtaposed her (accidentally dyed) rainbow hair. Within the advertising space,

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my first professional shoot was for L’Oréal Paris, where I transitioned from photo assistant to photographer in a hectic shoot for The Emmys that ended up needing someone eager to pick up a camera and start snapping. That was the start of my commercial photographic career, thanks to my producer buddy, Will. My first advertorial was an exciting accomplishment, especially because the feature was created by an all-queer team. It was for their ‘Master of Style’ series, presented by Cadillac, and this one featured Charlie Carver. I first saw it in print at the issue’s launch party, and you know I scooped up as many issues as I could get my hands on.

How does he stay creative when given a client assignment?

It’s a balance! First and foremost, a happy client is what is most important to me, especially because I have the luxury of shooting passion projects like CHROMA on the side when I am not wrapped up in a commercial project that involves specific client-driven creative direction. However, I know I have been awarded a particular project because the client, producer, and creative director believe in my abilities to execute their vision through my point of view, and it’s a collaboration. I will often propose some extra shots where I can have a bit more freedom while being sure I have hit the agreed-upon shot list beforehand, so the client has the option of extra content that feels more authentic to the creator.

It is no surprise that Matt’s inspiration comes from Annie Liebowitz, the patron saint of the American portrait. They share that intimate style that, in any other scenario, the closeups would be considered too close, but in their work, it is art.

PAGES 10-12: PHOTOS COURTESY OF MATT MONATH

Matt Monath

Nico Tortorella

Jonathan Van Ness

Vincint

David Lopez METROSOURCE.COM

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I use levity and laughter to help loosen up my subjects. I let them steer at first until they are comfortable, and I will then start to give some direction. I let them feel their emotions, be honest about their possible insecurities, listen to them, and I always end up saying lots of ‘YAS’s and ‘WERK’s to get them to a point where they are really feeling themselves. I have gotten to a point where my body of work speaks for itself, and I show past work of mine as inspiration for an upcoming shoot.

I dive all in and stalk them out. I will study their work, scroll deep on their Instagram, and make a game plan for what I want to say with the images we will shoot. I love to utilize what the viewer may already know or love about the subject and use that as a starting point for a concept - that is the fun of shooting someone that already has a platform.

CHROMA has been a decade in the making, and a learning curve for Matt.

CHROMA has seen some very experimental failures throughout its ten years in the making. But experimenting is how it all started, and how it continues to evolve. I found the perfect medium to apply, in the way that photographs best, through lots of trial and error.

I have learned that, while CHROMA is messy, the subjects often feel their most beautiful when covered in this colored powder. It’s a mess, but an empowering one. The series has taught me that my work can hold power, to both the subject and the viewer.

You can literally see the evolution of Matt’s pride working up into a fervor.

It’s his visual Pride march.

I want a queer viewer to see a CHROMA shot and wish they could be the subject. I want them to take the time to study the image because, with all that texture, color, and emotion, it invites the viewer to take the time to let it absorb.

It is his statement to the world, using familiar faces from our community that are sharing their stories and inspiring youth, are a reflection of his own coming out.

I was outed to most loved ones by a friend, but still had the experience of being able to come out to a few special people in my life.

And while it felt earth-shattering now, and as if an important growth opportunity had been taken from me, it made me realize that I should not have been hesitant, to be honest with myself or those around me.

Despite it happening out of my control, I still share my coming out story because I want to assure young people that no matter how or when you come out, it will open the door to living your truth, authentically and freely.

Ten years of CHROMA hits at a particularly interesting season of Pride, with the uncertainty from COVID and the healing from the last administration.

Pride feels, to me, like being a part of a whole - it’s the energy of the queer community and the camaraderie within it. After a polarizing and challenging past year, Pride this year hits different. I’m ready to get sweaty on dance floors in our safe spaces, exchange joyous glances with queer strangers, and share the energy of celebration.

During this last year, most of our stories were being told through selfies and filters. Love them or hate them, they are a part of our culture. What is Matt’s take on the filtered selfie movement?

Go ahead and feel yourself! Get that selfie but find that good light!

I pride myself on my work being recognizably mine from a quick glance. That has been the goal throughout my editorial work. My images involve a great deal of post-production prowess - I am often adding color effects and glowing flares in post, mixed with in-camera lighting tricks. With that said, my post-production is an extension of my lighting techniques yet may invite comparison to certain colorful in-app filters. I think it’s cool that the average person has tools like in-app filters to enhance their images, and I’m always ensuring that my work looks ‘unfiltered’ yet holds true to my signature aesthetic. Maybe

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Edward Granger

it is time for a Monath filter, though?

Besides Annie Leibovitz, Matt’s other inspiration comes from his husband, also a photographer. His husband will often support and assist on a day of a photo shoot.

I love the artistic dynamic between me and my husband, Matthew (yes, we are both Matthews). Shoutout to Matthew James Ortiz! Our photographic styles vary enough that it feels like we are on different parts of the creative spectrum, yet we can talk for hours about shooting and editing, and often critique the other’s work. We also get to tackle jobs together, which really is the dream scenario. He will be my assistant on some shoots, and I will be his on others. He has a fine art background, and even his commercial work is rooted in that, whereas my work largely revolves around the advertising workspace.

When not in artistic mode, Matt is still mingling with his celebrity friends.

I get into super competitive Mario Kart tournaments with my gaymer friends. I am forever losing to Jonathan Van Ness, but forever beating Johnny Sibilly. That’s right, I said it.

CHROMA continues to thrive, leaving its mark on photographic history as well as Matt’s legacy.

I hope that, through all my work, whether it be editorial or commercial, my audience sees my passion. Some of my work is made to be glossy and polished with a particular viewer or market in mind, and some is made to be personal and emotional with an invitation for anyone to receive it. When it comes to CHROMA, I want the viewer to feel that these moments with the subject are complex, and are those of personal power, profundity, and pride.

■

YOU CAN FOLLOW MATT AT: http://www.mattmonath.com/ Instagram: @mattmonathphoto

BROADWAY APPEAL THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING

GAVIN

BY STEVE GOTTFRIED

ON THE EVE OF HIS 45TH BIRTHDAY, GAVIN CREEL HAS REACHED AN ENVIABLE PLACE AMONG BROADWAY LUMINARIES WITH A STRING OF LEADING ROLES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE POND IN MUSICALS AS DIVERSE AS HAIR AND THE BOOK OF MORMON TO WAITRESS AND MARY POPPINS WITH A FEW WILD CARDS FOR GOOD MEASURE LIKE BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL AND AN OBSCURE AND SHORT-LIVED SONDHEIM MUSICAL CALLED BOUNCE.

He won his first Tony at the age of 41 for his role as Cornelius Hackl in the smash hit Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly! which represented Bette Midler’s tour de force comeback. He’s also nabbed an Olivier, the British equivalent of the Tony, for his performance as Elder Price in The Book of Mormon. But despite all the awards and accolades, Gavin remains refreshingly down-to-earth, humble, and more interested in the creative process than the awards. When I asked the hypothetical“devil’s bargain” question of giving up the stage in exchange for a lucrative career in film and television, the answer was an unequivocal no.“Even more than being on stage, I love the interactive, connective relation-based existence of theater. That is my favorite part.

Being connected to those people, and then giving it to the audience.”

Despite his youthful air, Gavin seems acutely conscious of his age. “I can’t believe I’m middle-aged, but I’m solidly middle-aged. I still feel so young and have so much to say and that I want to do.”But as we talk, it seems evident that he’s at a crossroad in his career, exploring new ways of expressing his art beyond the stage. He’s currently in L.A. filming a project he’s not at liberty to discuss, though he did hint that the character he’s playing might be gay.

I asked Gavin what’s enabled him to rise to the level he has. He began by

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repeating advice he gives to theater students. “I tell them there’s three things we need: authenticity, vulnerability and honesty. I pride myself in bringing those things to the stage. So much of the stuff I’ve done has been Golden Age revival insanity. When I’m cast in those roles, I try to make these people human and real. When we did Hello, Dolly! it looked and felt like an homage. But it wasn’t.

Our paces, the way we realized characters, was faster, punched up, on purpose.

You had to know that it’s a 2017 audience sitting there, not a 1964 audience.

I try to bring as much of me into whatever role I’m playing. I used to take offense when people would say you’re so natural, you’re so Gavin. But now it’s like the greatest compliment. As to what makes me special, what I’m proudest of, it’s that I’m relentlessly self-examining. I am constantly trying to make myself … more myself. In my opinion, the greatest failure of musical theater performers is when they perform as if they’re in a musical. You’re not in a musical, you’re not even in a play. You are living that life. You just happen to explode into song and dance because it is the only way you can express what you’re feeling. That’s why I love teaching so much. Trying to communicate with them through my energy, through my ideas and my passion. How do I teach them how to listen? What are the steps that lead up to that? I love trying to demystify that process.”

Gavin was one of the early individuals to test positive for COVID-19. He was starring in Waitress on the West End for a limited engagement in London with Sara Bareilles at the time.“If there’s something to catch, I get it. But I was never really worried.

I was like, well – I’ll get it and I’ll be fine.

Or if I get it and I’m not fine, then I’ll die.

I don’t mean to sound cavalier, but that’s how I handled it.”

Gavin goes on to describe how things progressed and how his run on London’s West End came to an abrupt end.

“We finished Saturday night, I think it was like the 7th of March, and we were on a plane Sunday morning. We were greeted at the door of the plane by policemen, people in suits checking our temperature – and I was like what is going on? I woke up the next day with a little tickle in my chest. I drove to a cabin I have upstate to quarantine for 2 weeks - and I just got sicker and sicker and lost my sense of taste and smell.”

Though he never experienced respiratory symptoms associated with the disease, he acknowledged that this year and a half has been unbelievably painful. “But I wouldn’t have traded it for anything. I’ve learned more about myself in this year and a half than I’ve learned in all 43 years before it.”

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The Book of Mormmon photo by Joan Marcus

inappropriate comments, please! No one would be working. We grew up in a world that is not being tolerated anymore. That’s why I’m conflicted with people who are like ‘you’re done, you’re cancelled.’ I know that the life I grew up in – certain things you’d say in an ensemble dressing room, or the way people behave, or the way we parade around, doing things that were absolutely now [in hindsight], completely inappropriate. During the run of Hair alone ... the things we got up to in that building – none of us would have careers now. I’m not going to go into detail, but we were wild children. And it was BLISS. It was so fun. But the truth is, there could’ve been someone that was mortified and uncomfortable and that pains me.”

HAVE YOU BEEN SUBJECTED TO INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR?

Waitress: Gavin Creel and Sara Bareilles photo by Matt Crockett

“OMG, yes! I’ve been in rooms with people, in cars with people, doing things and saying things. I’m not making any blanket statements about human beings in general. My parents raised me with enough fortitude and knowledge to just hold my own. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not. I’d be like, okay, whatever and I’d defuse it. And if it got weird, I’d just exit stage left. But I’m lucky, because some people didn’t have that fortitude.”

I suggested that Gavin’s talent would’ve enabled him to thrive regardless, but he countered with …

“Well, that’s very kind of you to say, but there are a lot of people who are a hell of a lot more talented and it did impact their career. I know there are people who have pushed back and then all of a sudden, you’re just iced out. I’ll be 45 tomorrow, so I see it differently than young people do now. But I’m grateful for the young people who are speaking up because they’re going to change the world. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little saddened to let go of the world that I grew in. But I’m grateful that it’s going to be more equitable, safer, and hopefully more inclusive in terms of opportunity. More people will be able to partake in the opportunities that I’ve been lucky enough to have. And yes, I worked my butt off and I was blessed with some really special talents that I’m so grateful to have.”

WHAT WAS YOUNG GAVIN LIKE?

Gavin Creel wins the 71st Annual Tony Award for his role in Hello, Dolly!

behavior toward assistants, Gavin shared his thoughts on the matter.

“I have been dealing with a lot of emotions and thoughts about it, and I have been privately talking to people I trust, seeking their counsel and advice. I don’t need anybody to tell me that behavior is abhorrent.

That said, I have been a part of productions with him [Scott Rudin] and been treated in ways that were generous and kind and remarkable art was made. Let me make it clear, I do not defend that behavior. It’s really complicated and painful. I think our industry is having a real reckoning with so many things. With bad behavior. With racism. With inequities in pay structure and what material gets produced and what audiences they’re intended for. I’m just listening and observing and trying to educate myself on how I can be a part of positive change – not just sounding off into the void. That’s why I stay off social media. Because I am most effective when I’m on a stage, singing, or acting, or telling a story or doing a concert.”

“The theater community was loosey-goosey. If I had written down some of the stuff that was done to me, or how I was touched, or

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Gavin answering in the third person: “Before he learned that being flamboyant and expressive was a bad thing, he was blissfully girly, had two older sisters, loved to play with their Barbies, loved to dress up in dresses, put on mom’s high heels in secret because he knew it was a bad thing. He was sporty, he loved competitive swimming. He was a really good piano player, loved singing. He got into singing at church choirs, 5th and 6th grade choir, glee club and ensemble at Jefferson Elementary.”

But it wouldn’t be until his first year at college at age 19 that he would experience his first same-sex kiss.

“I will never forget that first kiss. It was the spring of my freshman year at college.”Just 20 days earlier, he kissed his high school girlfriend.“I was relieved because I got kind of excited kissing her. And I was like, ‘Oh my god, I’m not gay, I’m not gay.’ And then, 20 days later, I kissed a guy I had a crush on and I was like [realization dawning], oh … I see.”

Gavin recalls the experience vividly which he even wrote a song about.

“The room was blue and there was light coming through the Venetian blinds, and I was on the bottom bunk and he was on the top bunk. And I was shivering because I was so nervous. And I laid next to him and he fell asleep and I kissed him while he was sleeping. And he woke up while I was kissing him. It was just life-changing. Every part of me wanted to be just kissing him.”

ON FULLY ACCEPTING HIMSELF AS A GAY MAN.

PAGES 19 & 21: PHOTOS COURTESY OF GAVINCREEL.COM

“It took a long time. I told my friends in college that I was gay when I was 20. And I was so nervous to tell them.” He pauses briefly, realizing how ridiculous it seems in hindsight.“Please … the musical theater department at the University of Michigan was just crawling with gay - we were everywhere. But my first actual boyfriend wasn’t till I was 24. And I didn’t tell my parents until I was 25, right before [his Broadway debut] Thoroughly Modern Millie. I knew they would be there, and I knew they would be proud of me. I didn’t want to tell them before, because if they told me they didn’t want to speak to me, I figured they’ll still come to the opening and they’ll be proud and they’ll cry and I’ll be like – do you like me now? I’m on Broadway, do you like me now? But of course, they were amazing. But it was hard for them, they cried. My parents are just the most remarkable people.”

Gavin came out professionally around the time he was in Hair which would have been around age 33. The show’s messages of liberation and nonconformity convinced him it was time to live his truth. It also helped that other “out” Broadway actors paved the way, including John Tartaglia and Cheyenne Jackson.

“It’s so much better on this side. It doesn’t mean it’s without struggles. You can call me names for the rest of my existence, as long as I’ve got those laws, honey. Gay culture is seemingly so much more accepted, but a lot of it is very demonstrative. There are some people who don’t want to be loudly gay. If you want to be loud, DO IT, I love it. But don’t shame others who don’t. I don’t like that. That’s what we’re trying to get away from as a community and people who shamed us for so long. I don’t dig shame. I’m with Brené Brown on this one.”

Let’s talk about the Tony Awards 2017 when you won for your performance in Hello, Dolly! What was that like? And if you could, tell me about your outfit.

“The two best parts of that night were getting to make a speech and that outfit. I’ve always wanted to make a speech. Winning a Tony is wonderful but the award is second to getting to talk. I always wanted to talk about education and I’m so proud that I did. And my outfit. I just felt like a million bucks. I felt special because I knew no one else would have it. It was designed for me. It was built for my body.”

“My outfit was designed by Jeff Mashie, the Tony-nominated costume designer of She Loves Me and Kiss Me Kate. He’s a good friend of mine. I love his style. I told him I love taking chances on fashion for those kinds of things. It was like an ice blue velvet. Ahead of his time, he did this amazing navy blue, bell-cut, handmade tuxedo pant. He got me these Cartier diamond studs; they were vintage ‘30s diamond studs. And I was like [wincing, unsure if he could pull it off] really? I don’t know. And then I tried them on and I was like yes, please!”

GAVIN’S IDOLS: WHITNEY AND PATTI No reportage on Gavin Creel would be complete without mentioning two of his greatest inspirations: Whitney Houston and Patti LuPone. The boy from Findlay, Ohio was obsessed with Whitney’s early hits“How Will I Know,”“I Want to Dance with Somebody” and “I’m Your Baby Tonight” all the way through to her tour de force singing in The Bodyguard. He was willing to grade on a curve for her acting. And then of course, there’s Patti LuPone who’s had a brilliant career in the theater and remains a formidable presence. “I love what she did and what she still does on stage. I can’t believe how brilliantly she’s taken care of herself and kept her instrument up. I just love her.”Which makes it especially fun to watch

Gavin [circa 2013] being asked to join Patti onstage to sing a song from Les Miz with the diva herself. By this point, Oliver Award winning Gavin had established himself as a worthy duet partner. To be honest, Patti seems as giddy to be singing with him as he does with her.

COMING ATTRACTIONS Besides the aforementioned film project, Gavin will be performing a night of original music at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on October 25th.

“It’s literally the thing that has gotten me emotionally through the pandemic.” The piece was commissioned as part of the Met’s Live Art Series. Though he’d lived in New York for 20 years, he’d never actually visited the museum. So this was a chance to experience it and develop original music inspired by the art. “The first public step of this piece is called ‘Walk on Through.’ It sort of is my journey through feeling like a stranger in the Met and also feeling like a stranger in my own skin.

Feeling isolated, lonely, like I didn’t really belong. Even me, with my own successes. I hope the message will feel universal and I’m really proud of what I’m making. And hopefully I’ll make it into more of a realized theater piece that I can do off-Broadway and then hopefully a Broadway run. I call it a ‘concertical.’ Like a concert and a musical had a baby.” ■

For more Gavin, go to gavincreel.com.

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Building Bridges BETWEEN THE GAY AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITIES Through VISIBILITY

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ GETTING YOUR FIRST 100 MILLION VIEWS ON YOUTUBE MAKES YOU A STAR, SURPASSING 500 MILLION VIEWS AND USING THAT STARDOM FOR ACTIVISM MAKES YOU A GORGEOUS QUEEN. What we’ve learned

from social media is that it can be a world of smoke and mirrors, what you see is not what you always get. Gigi Gorgeous Getty is proof that there is a real beauty that exists beyond smoke and mirrors, that beauty doesn’t always come with makeup, gowns, or more followers – it comes from sharing your story, flaws and all, to the world. Gigi - YouTuber, socialite, model, actress, activist, and now podcaster – has shown us it all…and it is inspiring. She has used her platform to speak to both the LGBTQ and straight community alike – live your truth.

When I named myself Gigi Gorgeous it wasn’t necessarily because I was feeling “gorgeous.” but because of how the word made me feel and how it made other people feel. It’s a word that makes you happy and it’s empowering, and who doesn’t also want to feel gorgeous?! I like the way it rolls off the tongue and the way it makes you smile when you say it. I think the word “gorgeous” ultimately is happiness.

Before there was YouTube, there was Gigi’s competitive diving career. Those earlier days would shape Gigi’s empire. Diving’s biggest life lesson?

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Without a doubt, my work ethic. I was diving at a nationally competitive level, ultimately the Olympics was the end goal for Team Canada. Being a competitive athlete teaches you that you need to put in the work, show up, and be your own boss and number one fan. All of which transcribes to my career today. I’ve worked at a Mc Donald’s, a clothing store, and with all of them, you have to make the most of it. No one is going to do it for you and HOW you live is through your own mindset.

In 2008, in eleventh grade, Gigi would post her first YouTube clip – a makeup tutorial partly inspired by the work of fellow YouTuber, Michelle Phan. What would Gigi tell herself at that moment before hitting upload?

I definitely do remember and it’s a video that changed my life forever even back in high school. What I would tell myself is “I’m going to feel down and I’m going to doubt myself a bunch on this journey” but just strap in and get ready for the time of your life.

I remember when I hit 50k subscribers on YouTube, my sister and I were actually just talking about it. It was a huge moment for me and I had just started this as a hobby. It wasn’t anything that I thought would reach that many people at all.

So that’s when I thought “WOW people are really going to get to know me” and have already gotten to know me. This is becoming a lot bigger than what I thought it would be.

Gigi came out as transgender in 2013. With an avid YouTube audience and growing mainstream popularity, she took the risk to share her transition, bumps and all, with her fans.

It actually wasn’t necessarily a hard decision. I was filming so much of my transition behind the scenes and I thought about it for a very long time before ultimately sharing it all.

I mentally prepared myself so when I did decide to share it with the world, it was an exciting process for me. I felt a little nervous because I had never seen anybody do it before the way that I had. There was no rule book so I just thought of it as “this is my story and I hope that people like it.”

Gigi’s transition videos would ignite new energy from her followers. Messages of support and encouragement filled the comments, and trans youth across the nation would look to her as a role model. Gigi’s personal life was a thing of the past, everything was out in the open – we were along for her life’s journey, no matter how it continued to evolve.

I try not to live with regrets but it’s hard sometimes when you’ve said something online and it can be brought up again because as we know, everything lives forever online. The advice I would give to anyone is to make sure anything you’re

PAGES 14-16: PHOTOS BY SHAUN VADELLA

Perfectly GORGEOUS

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putting out there is something you can stand by and something you can speak to at the time. Coming out several times for me has been hard because although I don’t identify with that person anymore, it’s still nice to see and remember that specific time in my life. Be ready for change, but I think it’s healthy to live without regrets.

Gigi was sharing her life with her audience; she didn’t necessarily intend to become an international spokesperson for the LGBTQ community. But it happened. How does one juggle being a role model from our community but also a sassy queen with opinions?

I feel like it’s a double-edged sword. It’s such an honor to be a voice for my community because my younger self never really had that as readily accessible as it is now. At the same time, letting my hair down is freeing and exciting, and I don’t want to feel like I have to turn that off because it’s all part of sharing my story and just living my life.

What is her take on YouTube and cancel culture?

I think cancel culture can potentially have good results but it’s also problematic. Everyone nowadays has become hyper-aware of what people say and do and I think to an extent we should all be held accountable, but people should also be given an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and to authentically apologize. Now there are more eyes than ever on the online community so it’s important to hold yourself accountable for your actions. So, I think cancel culture can potentially be a good thing for awareness and learning purposes.

In 2019, Gigi released her memoir, He Said, She Said: Lessons, Stories, and Mistakes From My Transgender Journey. The book was not just a celebration of where Gigi was in life, or what was ahead. It was also a celebration of everything Gigi was.

I’ve always found beauty in the past whether it’s a mistake, embarrassing and cringe-worthy, or a beautiful moment. I have gone through so much change with my physical appearance, my name, and my pronouns publicly that it took a long time to embrace it. It’s really important for me to show that anything is possible. I never thought that I would be where I am now so if I can show someone that they can achieve their dreams too, then that’s worth it to me. I’ve talked about my past and mentioned my old name so many times that it doesn’t affect me anymore. There is power in that, power in taking back the awkwardness or shame of those bad feelings.

Even as we gain our footing back as a community, recovering from the last administration, we have also seen the divisiveness within it. Members of the trans and gay community have often spoken about feeling like they are on opposite sides of the room. When the President of the US starts to mention trans rights along with other minority rights, the nation needs to listen up.

Trans rights are human rights. I watched an interview the other day and the guest was explaining that society opens up and then closes off to gay culture, acceptance, and moving forward within the community. I found that to be really interesting because I always thought that it was an uphill, gradual battle and we were never going to take intense steps back. I think it’s important to think about it as whenever we see our rights being discriminated against or taken away, just know that it’s temporary and when we all come together to fight, we are going to be able to take those steps forward and make our world a more positive place.

How do we build better bridges between the gay and trans communities?

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Visibility is my kneejerk reaction to that question because the more stories that are out there, the louder people are, the result is more understanding. Something we all need to see and hear are diverse stories. Within the community, there are always going to be some differences and bridges to be built but visibility is the first step.

After many evolutions, Gigi came out for the fourth time as pansexual. A couple of years into her marriage to Nas Getty, she realized that the love she had for Nas was not based on gender, but based on who they are. The wedding itself garnered mainstream media attention, and Gigi’s coming out has sparked conversations outside the LGBTQ community. Is the idea of love outside of societal norms gaining traction?

Oh, ABSOLUTELY. I think with the younger generation especially, they are so comfortable being without labels. This is inspiring others including myself to go without them as well. For example, I recently just came out as pansexual which ultimately means you fall in love with the soul of somebody and it’s not about male or female or gender. I think a lot more people are identifying with such a label or without any at all. I think that’s pushing the world to be more of a loving, inclusive place and I’m excited to see it grow even further from here.

With the demands of the public eye, how does one successfully have a relationship in today’s social media age?

Well, it depends on your love language, which I recently got into. But generally, I would say quality time is VERY important. Especially in the entertainment business, it’s a lot of GO, GO, GO and that can be straining and draining as an individual and especially on your relationship. That is probably #1 to me along with communication. Whether it’s romantic or just friendship, in the business, it’s really easy to get lost in the weeks or months of not actually talking or communicating.

Gigi’s fans are attracted to her beauty, her story, and engaging videos. Her tutorials are not just tutorials, they are hang out sessions between Gigi and her audience. A small-town trans kid in the Midwest can be a part of Gigi’s life and see that living your truth is an option.

I usually hear secrets the most from my fans because I’ve shared so many vulnerable, personal moments in my life and I think my fans feel comfortable confiding in me. I hear things like “I’ve never said that before out loud” or “nobody knows this about me.” I love and cherish that because I know the feeling of finally getting it off your chest and having another person hear it so I’m all here for the secrets all the time.

What exactly is a day in the life of Gigi like?

It depends! I feel like I genuinely do not have a standalone routine but I do encourage a routine wherever you can because it gives your life structure. If I’m filming a weekly YouTube video, if I’m on set somewhere, just relaxing, or going to lunch with my husband or my friends, it really does differ every single day. BUT I recently went vegan during COVID which I think has been a positive decision for my body and I encourage others to do so too! I’m living for it!

What is the most un-Gigi-like thing she does?

Oh, I love this question! I’m really into documentaries, especially conspiracy theory docs. I love Lisa Ling’s show, Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller on National Geographic.

Any stories that deep dive into things that are dangerous or illegal are so interesting to me.

What is Gigi like when she is not being Gigi?

I think we can all relate to this. All having our “on” person. Whenever I am Gigi Gorgeous, I feel like I’m “on” whereas when I’m just Gigi I feel much less pressure and I’m definitely more chill than people think I am. At the end of the day, they are both the same girl and it’s not a different persona or anything like that. With Gigi Gorgeous everything is just “fabified.” With Gigi the wife, Gigi the girl, she can just hang out and chill.

Gigi has appeared on more mileage of red carpets than most people travel during their life. Interviews on camera, in print, on social media – what does Gigi wish people would start asking?

I wish that allies, specifically, would ask me what they can do for our community rather than asking what I’m doing from within the community.

This summer, Gigi will debut her podcast. She will be on the other side of the mic and, though not many details are known at this time, we know it’s going to be big.

I am SO over the moon about my podcast, I’ve been wanting to do one forever and I’ve finally found the perfect network and the perfect cohost. I wasn’t going to do it any other way except the right way. I can’t wait for so many special guests and to have fan interaction and hear from our future listeners. It’s going to be released super soon!

The number one important thing to me when I’m listening to a podcast, and I listen to so many, is that I’m either having a good time, learning something, or both. I know my listeners will walk away with both of these things. I like when people are just having fun, talking as if we are hanging out having a drink with the girls, or at a sleepover, and that is my favorite way to converse. We’re just hanging out but we’re also having conversations about things that matter and things that maybe people haven’t thought about or talked about before. That goes for me as well, I’m going to have guests on that make a meaningful impact in my life and give me a different outlook or perspective.

This Pride, you can add Gigi to your podcast playlist.

She’s ready.

Last year was really hard because everyone was saying “Pride is canceled,” “we’ll revisit Pride next year,” etc. because of the pandemic. I know for myself and a lot of other people that Pride is their favorite time of year because they get to be around like-minded people, they get to celebrate themselves and others who have had a hard year and life. This year is different because we all get to really come together in a sense, it won’t be normal per se, but it’s going to be a lot more normal than it was last year. So, I feel like Pride is finally going to be what it’s truly meant to be this year.

Her Pride message to her fans is a thank you, perfectly Gigi: I just want to say how much I love each and every one of them for sticking by me and STAYING GORGEOUS! ■ METROSOURCE.COM

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LEADING THE CHEER IN PRIDE

QUINTON PERON TALKS LGBTQ ACCEPTANCE IN SPORTS

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

PICTURE IT – ATLANTA 2019, SUPER BOWL LIII, THE LOS ANGELES RAMS ARE ABOUT TO TAKE ON THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS. The stakes are high –

the last time the Rams were in the Super Bowl was 17 seasons prior, playing the exact same team, to whom they lost. There is a palpable energy in the air, the media is waiting with bated breath, the stadium is pounding with cheers, everyone is waiting to see … the first male cheerleaders in Super Bowl history to take the field. Throwing everything at that historical moment, the first male cheerleaders were also black and gay. Quinton Peron and his cheer mate, Napoleon Jinnies, were ready to make their mark in history. Years of dance experience could not prepare Quinton for this moment, or the media frenzy that had taken place right before.

Super Bowl day was tough. However, Super Bowl week was even tougher. The organization sent about 10 of us cheerleaders, if I can remember correctly, out to Atlanta the week before the game to handle many of the promos. Promos from countless meet and greets and picture signings, to filming episodes of Double Dare, Good Morning America, and the Today Show. The week leading up to the game was full of late nights and early morning call times.

They kept us busy, but I would have it no other way. Game day

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itself was UNBELIEVABLE! We started our very early morning with a field practice of our routines we would perform during the game.

Walking on that field for the first time while the stadium was relatively empty had me very emotional. I was picturing what it would be like when the stands are full and again, I was holding back tears. Performing at the Super Bowl was something that I thought I would never get to do and being able to share that experience with my teammates was a dream come true. Yes, we (the Rams) lost the game, but not once did I feel like I lost. Just being there is an honor and for that, I was and still am so grateful.

The Rams may not have won that Super Bowl, but diversity did.

Quinton’s journey had come full circle from a chance attendance at a Lakers basketball game to a rigorous audition. The Rams had not put out a casting call looking for their first male cheerleaders, but they got them.

Three years ago, I was at a Lakers game with my best friends, and I caught a glimpse of the Laker Girls performing mid-court.

I recognized a few of them on the court and asked myself, “Why can’t I do that?” I danced with a few of these girls in high school and college, and in fact, I had taught a few of them at various workshops and masterclasses. I decided to call a friend who had been

a Rams cheerleader the year prior to ask about auditions. She had told me the audition for the upcoming season was that coming Sunday, so I decided to just show up. The audition process my first year came as a shock to me. It started out with one round of “across the floor,” which consists of kicks, leaps, and turns. Then comes the big cut! Followed by a choreography round and then another cut to decide on finalists. Once you find out if you made finals, the two-week rehearsal process begins which also includes an interview with the director of the program and the VP of Marketing. After those two long weeks, there is a “finals showcase” where the participants perform all the routines learned during process in front of a panel of judges.

From there, the team is selected!

It wouldn’t just be another gig to add to his resume. It would earn him a place in NFL, black, and LGBTQ history. The idea hadn’t hit him yet. How would it be received? Sports, especially football, has been infamously a man’s sport. No one has ever come out publicly gay or bisexual while playing for the NFL. Six retired players have come out, and Michael Sam was the first publicly gay player to be drafted into the NFL, but was released by his contract with the St. Louis Rams prior to the start of the season. There is a hypermasculinity promoted by the newscasters, the

crowds, and in the locker rooms. Could there be a place for a gay man on the field?

His first day on the field for the season would be proof.

I was incredibly nervous.

STRESSED. The first game of the season is a huge deal. It is the first time the world is seeing the new squad, the uniforms, how we look. As well as this was the first time two men would be taking the field alongside the ladies.

But with that stress, also came a lot of pride. I was holding back tears the entire game. “I made it,” is what I kept telling myself during the duration of the game. Running through that tunnel for the first time to the cheers of over 70,000 people was WILD. The energy was electric, and it is a memory that I will never forget.

Thankfully (and hopefully a sign of a new era for representation for the LGBTQ community), the response was positive.

His social media blew up with messages of encouragement from the community and beyond. The slight resistance would come from males already in the industry.

I, personally, have not experienced any homophobia in the NFL. The league has been very supportive of us. However, I would say I have faced some adversity. I did not audition to be one of the firsts, so when the titles ‘First male cheerleader in the NFL’ and the ‘First male cheerleader to perform at the Super Bowl’ came about, there were a couple of gentlemen that cheer or have cheered in the NFL who were not happy. They felt that their work had gone unnoticed and tried to create a spectacle. There have been male cheerleaders in the NFL for YEARS. Teams like the Ravens and the Titans have what we call ‘stuntmen,’ male cheerleaders who tumble and toss the girls in the air. I am not a stuntman, nor do I try to be. I was one of the first two males to be fully integrated with the girls, meaning that we do the same choreography, every dance step, every battement, every pirouette, every jete, and every high v! That is what makes me different.

The world of sports was not new for Quinton.

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You can follow Quinton on IG: @ItsAQuintonThing

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Sports have always been a big part of not just my life, but my entire family’s life. We have a house full of athletes from basketball to baseball, to softball and dance. I never had a specific team that I would root for, I just loved watching the games. Super Bowl parties at my house were always a thing regardless of which teams were playing.

Though the Los Angeles Rams would make Quinton a national focus, his prior dance career credits span a wide variety of media and attention and include The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Universal Studios Japan, Carrie Underwood, T-Pain, Pepsi, Nike, To Tell the Truth, RuPaul, Good Morning America, and ESPN – the list goes on and on. At dance competitions, he has received numerous choreographic, artistic, and ‘Overall High Score’ awards at both the regional and national levels.

His interest in dance started when he joined his school’s show choir in 8th grade. By the time he was a senior in high school, he was on the varsity dance team, started a dance club, and started studying at a professional dance studio. Quinton would clean the dance studio to pay for his way. You would think that a high school student so involved in dance would also incur some bullying.

The only bullying that I have ever received was in elementary school, but that all stopped when I had a growth spurt. In high school, everyone minded their own business. I want to give a huge shoutout to Los Osos High School and the numerous teachers there that created such a loving and accepting culture on campus.

Senior year in high school was not only a formative year for his dance career, but also for who he was as a person.

I did not come into my sexuality until my senior year of high school.

I went on my first date with a classmate, and it was TRAGIC. We can chat about that another time. [Laughs] Coming out was relatively easy for me. I have a really strong support team within my family and friends. The way I came out to my friends was kind of funny and nonchalant, to be honest. I remember going to the mall on a Friday night (our definition of fun back then), and a cute guy walked past

me, and, at that moment, I told my friends, “That guy was FINE!” They all looked at me with a huge smile and kept the conversation going casually and at that moment, I knew that they knew and were accepting of it.

A large part of Quinton’s career includes teaching youth. Some of his best Instagram moments are snippets from his classes that showcase not only Quinton’s signature choreography but also the skills of students. As “Mr. Q,” he teaches and prepares a dancer for the real world of being a professional. He does not teach down to a student’s age and, coupled with a lot of love, will push his students to challenge themselves. What is the biggest challenge facing our youth?

Self-image is a huge struggle that I am seeing a lot of youth deal with today. With everything being so visual nowadays, a lot of kids are having a hard time finding their inner confidence.

While Quinton was advancing representation for minority communities in sports and media, the nation was experiencing turmoil socially, an exact opposite of what was happening in his career.

This past year has been exhausting, and at times, heartbreaking. I learned a lot about myself, my circle, my community, and the world this past year and I grew to love myself and my community even more.

We are so resilient and the way we all came together for the BLM movement was nothing short of inspiring. We all want love. We all want to be accepted. We all want a community. Once we realize that, we all have more in common than differences, I really do believe that communities can find love within each other.

For some, social media during this past tumultuous year has been a weapon. Quinton has used social media as a tool.

Social media has played a huge part in my success not only as a cheerleader but as a dancer and choreographer as well. It allows me to reach a broader audience of people with whom I normally would not come in contact with. I have been blessed to be able to teach all over the world due to social media and having that presence and knowing eyes are always on you, makes me push a little more to inspire the next generation.

If you have the opportunity to catch Quinton at a game or on-stage, know that his preshow ritual will always be the same.

Regardless of the showtime, I always stop at Starbucks and get a cold brew and oatmeal. After I enter the venue, I always spray my cologne in the dressing room, put in my AirPods, and let Amy Winehouse calm me down.

Of course, there was that time that it wasn’t oatmeal.

Five years ago, I was competing at Worlds in Orlando, Florida. The night before the big day, my teammates and I went to Black Angus and it all went downhill from there. Apparently, the grilled chicken that I ordered was raw and went straight through me. I was horribly sick the next morning. So sick that when I went on stage to perform, I had an accident in my pants on stage. (And if you were wondering I STILL KILLED MY PERFORMANCE!) His message to our community this Pride season is clear.

Be proud of yourself. Pride to me means self-love and self-acceptance. Pride, to me, means I can walk around in a space and be truly and unapologetically myself. As a dance teacher, I preach self-love to my students, EVERY DAY. Nobody is going to love you better than the way you love yourself.

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Carson Kressley IT’S HARD TO REMEMBER A TIME THAT CARSON KRESSLEY HASN’T BEEN A FIXTURE ON TV. 2003 MARKED THE PREMIERE OF QUEER EYE FOR THE STRAIGHT GUY ON THE (THEN) SMALL CABLE NETWORK CALLED BRAVO. The show was an overnight

success for the Bravo, the Fab Five cast, and for the visibility of gay men in mainstream media. Every woman wanted a gay bestie, and their straight boyfriends were more than ok with that. More than a makeover show, it began to present the straight and gay communities coming together.

The Fab Five won an Emmy for the show and the careers of these relatively unknowns would evolve into other mainstream genres. It has been almost two decades since Carson Kressley appeared on our TVs, and though he’s been on numerous TV shows, hosted multiple red carpets, written books, and become a beloved judge on Drag Race, not much has changed (How does this guy not age?

Who is his dermatologist?); his message remains the same – do you, and look good while doing it.

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

is TV g y it sin al a n Re cre io f o I n at n ly n t ee al e u ic es Q t r e en p Th th Re Au ay G

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Ross Mathews, RuPaul, and Carson Kressley

So, what came first, the fashion or the personality?

I was actually a very shy kid if you can believe that! But I was also very fashionable and clearly remember having to have Calvin Klein jeans in the fourth grade - mind you this was 1979 and they were all the rage. It didn’t make me super popular with the other boys but the girls LOVED me! I was a miniature John Travolta, or maybe I should say Shaun Cassidy, as I had very blonde hair and wore designer jeans and printed silk shirts.

Before becoming a central figure of the LGBTQ community, he was a queen of the equestrian world.

His family raised ponies and Carson started competing at equestrian events at an early age, going on to become a member of the U.S. World Cup Saddle Seat equitation team and winning a world championship.

The tools he would learn early on would prepare him for his future in entertainment. We won’t make a “riding” joke here, we will let Carson do it.

I love riding! Horses mostly! But, in all seriousness, I really love the equestrian world and I

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have been competing since I was just a kid. I started riding when I was about four years old because I grew up in a horsey family with a sister who also rode. It really prepared me for so many things in life including a long and very rewarding stint with Ralph Lauren - which ultimately led to my role on Queer Eye. Fortunately, horses have always been a part of my life and I’m lucky enough to live part of the year on my family’s horse farm in Pennsylvania. I still compete all over the world and I’ve been lucky enough to win some world titles with both my saddle-bred horses and Friesians.

Being a top equestrian competitor requires a team; not only teamwork with your coach and trainer, veterinarians, etc. but also with the horses themselves. I think competing in the equestrian world has taught me how to be a graceful winner and loser, how to be a team player, and, of course, learning how to build a successful partnership.

It was also in his early years that Carson noticed that he was different than the other boys. Yes, he dressed better, but there was something more.

I think it was in the first grade discussing the Six Million Dollar Man. The other boys were like, “Isn’t it a cool show?” And I was like, “Yes, it is, and that Steve Austin is so handsome.” Silence. I knew I was a little different from that point on!

The environment that Carson grew up in was clearly not the one today, where shows like Queer Eye and other on-screen representation have made coming out a viable and positive option. This gay icon was not an early bloomer, so to speak. His family was the last to know.

What I like to tell people is that when I was born and the doctor slapped my butt I was like, “Wow he’s handsome AND a doctor!” But actually, it was much later than that! I came out when I moved to New York City in the Spring

of 1991 following graduation from Gettysburg College. I was out to almost all of my co-workers and the new group of friends I was amassing in the city. The funny part is that I didn’t come out to my family until Queer Eye was about to air. I knew that we were about to be on the cover of TV Guide with the headline - something like “TVs Gay Summer Heatwave” and I knew I better spill the beans before that landed in our mailbox back home in Pennsylvania.

Like so many gay people, I was scared and nervous. But I guess the timing was right and my family couldn’t have been more loving and understanding.

Besides horses and Six Million Dollar Man crushes, another constant in Carson’s life was his love of styling.

I’ve always loved helping people look and feel great by wearing the right clothes for the right occasion. I mean, I think my first styling gig was when I was 10 years old and I helped my older sister select her prom gown.

I remember it like it was yesterday it was a white ‘toga inspired’ column dress. That was 1980. And she was prom queen so I guess I knew what I was doing!

After graduating from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, Carson started working as an independent stylist until Ralph Lauren came calling. He worked with Ralph Lauren for eight years.

Working for Ralph Lauren was a highlight. I was lucky enough to style a lot of regional and national ad campaigns for the brand as well as runway shows in New York and Milan.

I learned so many things at Ralph Lauren. Things like details matter, quality is paramount, and a sense of urgency. I have used all of these in my career on television. Whether it’s a makeover for a person or a home I always try to make sure that every detail is attended to and things look perfect!

One year we were doing a men’s show at the Ralph Lauren Palazzo in Milan. All of the men were wearing brown velvet slippers embroidered with the Ralph Lauren monogram in gold thread. When Mr. Lauren walked through the presentation, he thought the thread should have been silver and

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Kyan Douglas, Carson Kressley, Thom Filicia, and Jai Rodriguez

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of course, we all said, “No problem.” Cut to me riding around on a scooter throughout Milan looking for silver metallic model airplane paint and then painting each thread on each slipper (there were about a hundred pairs) until they were perfect!

His work with Ralph Lauren would ultimately lead to the show that changed his life.

Carson hadn’t yet come out to his family, how was he going to come out to a whole nation?

I had a little bit of trepidation thinking that, you know, when you’re one of the stars of the show called Queer Eye everybody is going to know that you’re absolutely out! But it was really a blessing - it turned something that I used to be ashamed of into something that was now celebrated and that really felt pretty great.

None of the cast had any idea the show was going to be such a hit. The cast had not worked on television before and had no clue what to expect, they just knew they were making straight guys look and feel fantastic and were having a good time doing it. Carson started to get hint about the success of Queer Eye when the cast was

flown out immediately after the show aired to appear on The Tonight Show and on Ellen.

I think Queer Eye was a success for two reasons: because we approached the makeovers with kindness and with a sense of humor. We also had great support from the network and our producers and clearly, it was a great format as it is just a successful today as it was almost 20 years ago.

Carson would quickly get an idea of the reality of reality TV. I think it was all supposed to take place in one day - one gay day - which was actually three days! I actually think nowadays we would show more of the bloopers as part of the show. Things didn’t always go as planned. Sometimes clothes didn’t fit, curtains fell down, and even some tiny fender benders happened on the way to work.

Queer Eye wrapped after 100 episodes and with a Prime Time Emmy in tow, Carson would host How to Look Good Naked, which was Lifetime’s highest-rated reality program at that time.

He didn’t just become everyone’s favorite gay to chat style and clothes with a side of sass, he also

became a spokesperson for the LGBTQ community. As he was dishing on a celeb’s outfit, he was also responsible for increasing gay representation on many different networks – not with bombastic activist speech, but with his signature style.

I think all of my roles whether on Queer Eye or RuPaul’s Drag Race are me being authentically myself. So, I don’t find that there’s a lot of pressure. I do try to show young people that you can be absolutely yourself and be very successful doing just that.

Queer Eye would get a reboot 15 years later on Netflix. The new version expands on the original, with a little social commentary thrown in for good measure. The new cast has also enjoyed newfound fame and the show has been renewed for a sixth season.

I think it’s been great! To be a part of a brand that still resonates today as much as it did originally - it’s really wonderful. I especially appreciate that the new show is venturing into uncharted territory by filming in more rural locations and addressing a variety of social issues. I’m very proud of the new iteration and its fantastic cast.

From some new show on the little network that could to our current boom in gay-themed programming, being gay has become fabulous.

Carson is part of that history.

I’m very grateful to have been part of that process! I think visibility is so important whether it is Queer Eye or Drag Race or any show with LGBTQ people. It can be so empowering to people who may have previously felt quite alone. And, of course, seeing LGBTQ people on television can start the conversation about why we all deserve love and equality and that we are more alike than we are different.

With that visibility for Carson came fame. He was a household name, he was in demand, the media loved him, and men (gay and straight) stopped being afraid to add color and florals to their wardrobe.

You know it’s 99% good and the great thing about fame is that no matter where you go, people feel like they know you and you are almost treated like family. That’s a really wonderful thing to experience. It also helps with dinner reservations.

As if the Oscar, Golden Globe, and Miss Universe gigs weren’t enough, Carson would serve as Master of Ceremonies for Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Tour and host Carson Nation on Oprah’s METROSOURCE.COM

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growth of the show has also come its highlight of social and political issues. It is not just a fun show to watch, we see the journeys of the contestants and hear their stories. To Carson, it has remained true to its beginnings.

I think the mission has always been the same - to treat each other with love respect and kindness and to celebrate those who may have been marginalized in the past. I think the show has had the same message all along but perhaps now has a larger platform.

A favorite part of Drag Race is the moment RuPaul shares pictures of the contestants in their youth and asks them what they would tell themselves as a child. What would Carson say to his five-year-old self?

Oh wow, this is a great question. I guess I would tell myself to relax and that things will be OK. I grew up always been nervous and scared probably from bullying and also thinking that being gay was not OK. I would tell my five-year-old self that this Achilles’ heel, so to speak, is going to wind up being one of your greatest blessings. So, sit tight stay strong keep it sassy and everything is going to be just great.

Not only can Carson be accused of being a smart ass, but he can also be called a smart cookie. His stint on Jeopardy put him against Regis Philbin and Nancy Grace, taking second place, losing by one dollar.

I don’t know about being a smart cookie - I’m just very curious I always have been. I was that nerdy kid in elementary school who would read the encyclopedia “for fun.” Right now, I’m reading a bunch

of different books - one on Sissinghurst Gardens, one on Grace Kelly, and one are written by Jane Fonda about climate change. I try to read several books at a time to keep it interesting. And I have ADD! In addition to reading, Carson has a love of cars. How butch.

Most of my hobbies are pretty gay: horses, antiques, decorating, and traveling. I guess one that would surprise most people is that I know a lot about cars. My dad was a car dealer for many years and I was exposed to that business for so long I couldn’t help but absorb some of it. I do enjoy classic cars from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Carson can be called the Queen of reality TV, having also appeared on Dancing with the Stars, Worst Cooks, Celebrity Apprentice, I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, and The Chase.

Which one has been his favorite?

I guess I would have to say I really enjoyed doing Celebrity Apprentice. It was not hosted by Donald Trump at that time - it was hosted by Arnold Schwarzenegger who I really enjoyed. I guess I liked doing that competition because I was actually really good at some of the business challenges. I had a career in advertising and marketing and that was really helpful.

It was fun to actually be good at a reality competition especially after my dismal performance on Dancing with the Stars!

Carson’s message this Pride is fabulous: I think this year as well as last year it’s about a sense of community and supporting all of our brothers and sisters.

Always be yourself. And follow me on social media. I need the numbers!

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OWN. Drag Race was still on the horizon and would introduce him to a new generation of LGBTQ youth and the drag family.

I tell this story to young people wanting to get to showbiz all the time. You have to take advantage of every opportunity and you never know where it may lead you. I was doing another show called Skin Wars on the Game Show Network and RuPaul was one of the hosts. While we were filming, he asked why I hadn’t done his show and I said I would love to. And the rest is history! I still have the voicemail he left me after the show asking me to do Drag Race!

I really love that young people across the globe can watch the show and see that they can be celebrated by being their authentic selves. That is the most rewarding part of being on the show.

It has been such an incredible journey meeting so many talented queens and working with Ru. The judging panel has been so fun and fulfilling, more than I could ever express here.

The most challenging thing about being on Drag Race?

I happen to fall in love with almost all of the contestants. They are all so compelling, entertaining, and funny. But it’s not about who we like the most, it’s about who slays the challenges each week most effectively. I think we all do a very good job of staying subjective and rewarding those who master the challenges with charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent.

One of the great things is that, after the queens are on the show, we sometimes work together on the road either at clubs or at Drag Con or other drag-related events. All of us who work on the show enjoy one another and it’s always a fun reunion when we get to work together outside of the show.

If Carson was a contestant on the show, which challenges would nail and fail?

I think I would be pretty good at the Snatch Game. I do a mean Nancy Grace after all! I would be terrible at anything with choreography. I mean ... did you see me on Dancing with the Stars?!

Drag Race has gone from being a fun drag show on Logo for the gay community to being an Emmy-winning mainstream hit. Celebrities watch Drag Race, our community watches Drag Race, the straight community watches Drag Race, everyone is watching Drag Race. With the

LOVE, ALLY

MICHAEL CIMINO BREAKING GENDER NORMS ON AND OFF SCREEN

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ AFTER A MINUTE OF CHATTING WITH ACTOR MICHAEL CIMINO, IT IS MORE THAN CLEAR THAT HE IS NOT HIS

THIS PAGE: PHOTO BY CONNOR FRANTA

CHARACTER VICTOR ON HULU’S LOVE, VICTOR. Where Victor is clean-cut and sweetly naïve, Michael is a ball of passionate energy, hair long and unkempt, who, at an early age, cut his teeth in the biz, and who has an opinion and is not afraid to voice it. He is charming and sweet, but not in a quiet way. He is a fierce ally to the LGBTQ community, not because he is supposed to be, but because he needs to be.

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His childhood was colorful, to say the least.

This Las Vegas native was born into an ItalianGerman and Puerto Rican household, with his Latin upbringing forming his passion and love of food.

My mom is super Latina. My whole family from New York moved to Vegas, and so growing up it felt way more like a Latino household than an Italian household. My whole Italian side of the family was in Florida. Growing up in Vegas was cool because my home was my safe haven, it was my place to come home and be me and eat food that felt like food I was supposed to eat, if that makes any sense. The food I ate with my family felt special, you know, and a place to just come home to and be with people that are like me.

Cooking is such a big part of our culture, especially my family dynamic. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays just because we would always sit there and cook for four days before we did anything. It’s always been a way to bond with the family. Latinos are very dramatic and there’s always some sort of drama in the family, but then there’s always a good meal and then everyone comes together and eats and we move on.

Though Michael is young, he has been acting

for years. At the early age of eight, someone in his church group was teaching classes and Michael signed up. Michael has always been interested in the arts, including music. Acting would not be just a career, it would be his life.

I just learned how special this art form is. It’s something that we all kind of do even as children, we all play pretend. What it really boils down to is your imagination and connecting to your creativity. That’s the thing that has really stuck with me if I ever feel overwhelmed or stressed about things.

There were times, especially when I was 18 when I was really down and out. I was pretty poor and I thought maybe I should just give this up. This is before I struck any success.

I haven’t booked a job in two years and I’ve been in LA for six months. I haven’t had any luck. And my friends sat me down and talked to me and I was reminded that this is something that is so, so sacred. It’s something that has the ability to change people’s lives and change my life as well. I’ve grown so much from the characters that I’ve played.

And honestly, that’s what is just so amazing to me about this art form and what I subscribe to day by day.

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enjoyable. He was a victim of bullying because of his ethnicity and his acting.

I grew up in an all-white area. I don’t think there were any other Latino kids in my class, two black kids, one Asian person. It was definitely kind of weird growing up in a place where there’s no set culture. There were times when I would get bullied and beaten up, there would be racial slurs thrown at me even into my later years in middle school. It was so weird because it was almost normalized, I didn’t necessarily understand. I didn’t understand it was racist until probably like 17 years old. I feel like when you’re growing up in that kind of environment, you don’t necessarily grasp the scope of what’s being said.

It was a very toxic masculinity-based place. I was definitely more of an effeminate kid because I was into the arts, I wanted to sing, and do that sort of stuff and that was considered feminine to them. And so, they would always be throwing out slurs, just like the normal hateful stuff that is said. I just thought it was normal, which is horrible as hell. That should not be normal for anybody, you know?

Michael would take online school and finish high school early. The school system was just not for him, acting was calling and he would start commuting from Las Vegas to Los Angeles for auditions. Without the pressures of attending school, he was able to form his own ideas about life and sexuality.

I think sexuality is always an ever-changing and evolving thing. Going to a school where you needed to be masculine, you are going to be bullied. I was super scared of just being true to myself and who I am now. But now I’m very expressive about who I am and what I do. I dress however I want. I do whatever I want to do. I paint my nails. I don’t care. Shout out to breaking gender norms because the LGBT community has been doing that forever. Just because I dress how I want, it doesn’t mean I’m special or I’m changing the norms when realistically it’s just an adaptation of what the LGBT community has been doing for such a long time. I feel like it helps me express who I am. I think that we’re kind of in a place and time where it’s more accepted to just be true to who you are.

Michael would get his first big on-screen break in the horror flick, Annabelle Comes Home.

But it was the call for Love, Victor that would put him on the map. He auditioned without thinking twice.

A few years prior I was told that you can’t take a gay role for your first big role because you’ll only be getting cast in gay roles - everyone is going to think you’re gay.

I watched the movie and I loved it and was like, I want to be part of that. I went in, I did my audition, and felt really connected to it. I just felt like something like this could really make a difference, you know? And then I got a call back and we kept going and going and going. I really worked hard to make sure that I could represent the community accurately in this. It was something that I have to fight for. Well, there was one point in time where they re-released the role when I was testing. I was like, this is not the end for me for this, I’m not giving up. I called my agent and asked them to call casting and let me send in another tape. Let me just try again. This whole experience was so amazing. I honestly don’t care how I look, if the industry tries to pigeonhole me as a “gay character,” so be it.

Michael does not identify as gay, and both sides had a lot of say about his casting.

The headlines accompanying the show announcement were centered around, “was he, or wasn’t he?”

I was kind of mentally prepared for that question to be asked, I just didn’t expect people to care as much as they did. I was getting death threats and that’s crazy to think about. I didn’t know that it was going to be to that degree. I was getting death threats from both sides - there were very angry people that are part of the LGBT community, and there were very angry conservatives. It was a weird, weird thing. But I’m so glad that I did it because the amount of love that I’ve received and the amount of change that this show has had on other people’s lives is insurmountable to what has happened in the past.

Gay playing gay, straight playing gay – very hot topics in Hollywood right now. Michael’s statement about his taking on the role of Victor is clear.

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An actor taking a gay role who is really trying to honor the people that go through this struggle on a day-to-day basis is different than an actor that is taking that job to get a paycheck. We just need to continuously tell these stories and sometimes it’s just about the best actor - and I’m not saying that I was the best actor by any means, but I think that it’s just one of those things that you have to continuously go and do. We, eventually, will find the correct answer, but I think right now it’s just such an interesting landscape. Right now, I do think that it is important that the actor really cares about the community and really wants to represent them in an accurate way.

Michael has taken his role a step further by making the commitment to the LGBTQ community to work with a number of non-profits, giving of his time and involvement for our cause. He doesn’t just collect a paycheck and go home.

As much as I love this show and as much as I do what I do for the show, it’s not necessarily for the show that I’m involved. I do it because I care about the LGBT community. My cousin’s gay, my friends are gay, I can’t not be there for them. We are all human beings, especially if we’re in a minority, we need to be there for each other. It’s the same thing that happened with all the protests that were happening in LA. I had to be there. It’s obvious the show has provided me a great platform to talk more about LGBT rights, but regardless I will continue to talk about LGBT rights because just the right thing to do.

Season 2 of Love, Victor premieres on June 11th. Without giving any spoilers, this season will deal with Victor’s coming out, his relationship with Benji, and the struggles his family is having beyond his sexuality.

I think the overarching theme of the show is just to be true to who you are as a person. This season is Victor kind of navigating this land, this new landscape and it just so happens to be that it’s part of him navigating who he is, is discovering his sexuality. I think that that’s so beautiful because it’s so easy to digest and for people to watch and be like, “Oh, I understand this.” I think that’s been the best thing to receive texts and stuff from my family that wasn’t necessarily the most accepting of the LGBT community.

And they’re like, “I didn’t really support this and I watched the show and it, and it changed me completely, it changed my view on it.” And that’s the crazy thing - changing their perspective on things through your art. One of my friends watched the show with her mom and then came out to her mom after the show, and that’s a big thing.

Michael is our passionate voice making changes in the community.

He is a fierce ally who has a message to his straight community.

I think that we just need to do better. I think that a lot of people are like, well ... it’s not my problem. We, as a people, need to use our privilege to help others get to the places that they need to be, we need to continue this fight for equality way beyond just being well ... I have a gay friend. Go to Pride, donate money, attend meetings, give your time. We can do more.

His Pride message to his LGBTQ fans is succinct.

Just be authentically who you are, no matter what that is. It’s that simple. That’s really the only message I can give.

■ Season 2 of Love, Victor premieres on Hulu on June 11th.

Follow Michael on IG: @ItsMichaelCimino METROSOURCE.COM

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BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL RUDNICK

PAUL

TAKING LGBTQ STORYTELLING TO NEW HEIGHTS

WHEN WE LOOK AT THE SUCCESSES OF MAINSTREAM HITS LIKE WILL & GRACE, RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE, AND AWARD-WINNING PIECES LIKE BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN AND CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, WE MUST GIVE HONOR WHERE HONOR IS DUE – ESPECIALLY AS WE CELEBRATE THIS PRIDE SEASON. With

signature humor and wit, award-winning playwright, novelist, and screenwriter Paul Rudnick has paved the way for storytellers after him. His skill of combining comedy and character has eased mainstream audiences into our current era of gay media. His work made our stories mainstream before Hollywood even knew what was happening.

I remember sitting in a sold-out movie theater as a kid, in ultraconservative Orange County, California, sandwiched between my rosary touting grandmother and mother, waiting anxiously for the moment everyone had been talking about. Then it happened, Kevin Kline and Tom Selleck kissed! The audience went wild with claps and laughter. The year was 1997, and the movie was In & Out – a box office hit. And while the audience was clapping at the novelty of seeing two straight actors, especially macho mustache Selleck, kiss, they were actually applauding in the next generation of films that would include more themes and stories from our community.

As a writer, I remember it well. The first test screening was wild. When Kevin Kline and Tom Selleck had an extended romantic kiss, the audience went insane. Some people were loving it, but there were straight teenaged boys who could not believe what they were seeing. One guy shoved drinking straws in his ears.

With today’s talk about straight playing gay vs. gay playing gay, what is Paul’s take on his two leads being straight?

I loved Kevin and Tom’s performances, so I have no complaints, and their fame was very useful in making the movie a commercial hit. Before this, the studios liked to claim that gay-themed movies could never make money, but In & Out was profitable. I do think it is important to cast LGBTQ actors in LGBTQ roles - there can be an instant and invaluable understanding. And happily, there are more and more terrific and out LGBTQ actors.

In & Out was Paul’s second, gay-themed cinematic hit two years after the film version of his play, Jeffrey, would hit the big screen. The gay romance comedy featured Steven Weber in the title role with appearances by Nathan Lane, Sigourney Weaver, Christine Baranski, and Patrick Stewart, who received Oscar buzz for his portrayal of a gay decorator whose partner dies of AIDS. This came at a time where HBO Max, FX, and even sitcoms were not yet telling our stories. Being out in the biz was dangerous, but Paul was not deterred and not concerned with being pigeonholed as “that gay writer.” Regardless of the tragic subject of the film, Jeffrey was a hit.

AIDS made the closet especially obscene. Being pigeonholed was beside the point. I just wanted to write about what everyone I knew was going through.

I was a gay man living in New York City, so AIDS was everywhere. I lost many friends and learned my way around every Manhattan hospital. It was a time of overwhelming fear, and often heroism and defiance. The media and especially the government were ignoring the epidemic because it was originally affecting gay men and people of color. I remember seeing the original production of The Normal Heart, which was one of the few sources of information.

Plays like The Normal Heart made Jeffrey possible. We were living in tragic times, but I kept seeing so much wit, used to keep people sane, and I wanted to reflect that. I think audiences were grateful for Jeffrey’s humor and romance - it wasn’t a lecture. Couples would come see the play on first dates.

Being gay was just who Paul was. It was not to fanfare or tears, it just was. He remembers his childhood and that everyone assumed he was gay.

Being gay delighted me, and it did not dawn on me that straight people existed until, I’m not sure, maybe last year. [Laughs] My parents were aware of my being gay early on, and while we didn’t discuss it, being gay was not condemned. We had more open conversations once I was older. My mom worked as a publicist for METROSOURCE.COM

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a ballet company, so she had more gay friends than I did.

But maybe it was his early penchant for I Love Lucy reruns and Broadway shows that was an indication of what was to come.

As a child, for my birthday, I could pick any show for my family to see. I had unerringly terrible taste, and would always choose flops, but I didn’t care. If there was a red velvet curtain and an orchestra, I was in heaven.

You can always tell a Rudnick film - the characters are vibrant, and the humor is unique but always welcoming.

Addams Family, Addams Family Values, the new Stepford Wives, and the COVID hit Coastal Elites all have a certain comedic tone that you can’t quite categorize. Broadway will see Rudnick’s Broadway musical book adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada hopefully in the next year. Where did his unique style of humor come from?

I was raised in a boisterous, Jewish, New Jersey family, where humor was essential, especially among my mother and her two sisters, who were wildly smart, accomplished, and funny women. I try to live up to them.

After attending Yale, he immediately moved to New York City for his big writing break.

I wrote dust jacket copy for a small publishing house. I was told not to bother reading the books but to call any first-time writer “the voice of a generation” and any other author “an American treasure.”

But he would soon move on to the big-name magazines like Vogue, Esquire, and Vanity Fair.

I grew up reading all these magazines and more, so writing for them, and visiting their offices, was a thrill. I also wrote for Spy magazine from its earliest issues. The staff was amazing, including founders Kurt Anderson and Graydon Carter, and my editor Susan Morrison. I could not wait to run out to the central newsstand in Sheridan Square in the West Village to get a copy of my first major story. It was a special treat to discover that my article was listed on the cover. I also used to see a famous, handsome actor at that newsstand, who would be studying his picture on a billboard over Christopher Street.

His first produced play did not deal with gay themes but, rather, feminism. Poor Little Lambs was a comedy about a female Yale student’s attempt to join The Whiffenpoofs, the school’s all-male singing group. The show featured a young Kevin Bacon and Emmy winner Blanche Baker. What was opening night like?

It’s hard to recall, but most likely I was overwhelmed with blind panic. I was excited and nauseous, because so many people had worked so hard on something I had scribbled on yellow legal pads in my 5th-floor studio apartment at 4am.

Poor Little Lambs would be his on-the-job training and prepare him for his future in entertainment.

I learned many things, especially that I needed to apply myself and improve drastically. I also figured out how to listen to a director and actors, and how valuable their input could be. Most valuably, I

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learned the necessity and joy of rewriting.

Clearly ahead of his time, The Whiffenpoofs finally accepted their first female singer in 2018.

A personal favorite Rudnick film is Addams Family Values. The film premiered in 1993 but still plays in heavy rotation on TV and its one-liners are often recited by the gays and Joan Cusack’s “Debbie monologue” has been reenacted by drag queens across the nation. The film is not gay, per se, but has that dark, biting humor that we can be known for and speaks to outcasts of the world - being different is beautiful. I have seen the film over twenty times in the theatre, have the framed movie poster in my living room, and still watch it rerun on TV although I own it a hundred different ways. The Addams’ were my family when my own family couldn’t be.

I was delighted to hear about an onstage drag version of the full Addams Family Values script. I loved working on both Addams Family movies (I rewrote the first one as well), first and foremost because of the delicious characters provided by cartoonist Charles Addams. I also loved that Addams Family Values was a deluxe studio movie that did not have to be wholesome. The superb director, Barry Sonnenfeld, and that amazing cast are the soul of the movie.

Also, because the first film was a success, we could go further with Addams Family Values. I am so glad you like the movie – making it was a total joy and it shows onscreen.

I loved so many aspects but watching Joan Cusack film her final breakdown was epic. She was so funny that the crew had to force themselves to stop laughing, so they wouldn’t be recorded.

And here’s some trivia: in Addams Family Values, the new baby is named Pubert. This name comes from Charles Addams, but he was not allowed to use it, because at the time, many years ago, Pubert was considered too racy.

Paul’s latest piece is hot off the press novel, Playing the Palace, telling a witty tale as old as time - lonely American event planner meets the gay Prince of Wales, royal uproar ensues. Think Bridget Jones’s Diary meets The Prince and Me with a dash of Schitt’s Creek.

I share the same fascination with English royalty as many Americans and people all over the world. The royals are like old-time movie stars, leading lives of glamour, privilege, and heartbreak on our behalf. I also admired Princess Diana’s activism; she was one of the first influential celebrities to visit AIDS patients. Meghan and Harry also seem to be pursuing important projects. Above all else, the royals put on a great show.

Playing the Palace is a breath of welcome fresh air. It is FUNNY. Much current LGBTQ content reflects the social and political turmoil we have just come out of. This is far from. It’s a good, ol’ fashioned romance story for the modern era.

There are so many amazing LGBTQ artists working right now, so there is a wide and welcome range of work. And while stories of prejudice and trauma are valid and necessary, I wanted Playing the Palace to be a comic celebration of gay romance, and to show LGBTQ

characters in positions of power. One of the main characters is the happily and openly gay Crown Prince of England. After the Trump years, and as we emerge from the pandemic, we need comedy and LGBTQ romance more than ever.

Above all else, I want readers to have a great time. Playing the Palace is an all-out romantic comedy, about the relationship between Carter Ogden, who is a lonely NYC event planner, and Prince Edgar of England. They are an unlikely couple, but passionate and hilarious. So, I would love readers to laugh and swoon and cheer for a gay couple’s love.

And what about Paul’s real-life fairy tale?

I’ve been lucky because I met John Raftis, the love of my life, during the early days of Jeffrey and we have been together ever since. I know other long-term LGBTQ couples in the entertainment industry, so it is possible.

This Pride season, we celebrate the path Paul has cleared for future writers. He is a part of LGBTQ writing history, whether he meant to be or not.

I love being a gay writer, so if that inspires anyone else, I’m thrilled. When I was starting out there were so many LGBTQ writers I admired, including Larry Kramer, Mart Crowley, Alison Bechdel, George Wolfe, Terrence McNally, Paula Vogel, and Tony Kushner. There are so many writers who continue to inspire me, including Lisa Kron, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Madeline George, Jeremy O. Harris, and the superb novelist Torrey Peters.

With the surge of new content for our community and the inclusion of LGBTQ characters in mainstream media, an added generation of writers is stepping forward. Paul’s advice to them?

We can use every possible LGBTQ voice. Playwrights can find a community in the theater, of actors and directors who understand their work.

Writing isn’t an easy life, but it can be joyous.

A writer starting out needs persistence, a very thick skin, and the ability to deal with rejection.

The internet has made a huge difference in writers’ lives because they can connect directly with their readers.

And Paul’s take on the future of LGBTQ storytelling?

While mainstream Hollywood remains wary, the streaming services have been very supportive of LGBTQ work.

Producers like Greg Berlanti and Ryan Murphy (who are both directors as well) have made an enormous difference. No one project must carry the burden of representing all LGBTQ lives. What we need are simply more movies, reflecting the infinite variety of LGBTQ stories.

In looking back at the library of plays, books, and films that Paul has written, perhaps his gayest work may be covering the auction of the Joan Crawford estate, which included a dusty plastic bag filled with her false eyelashes. Long live the Addams Family! And Playing the Palace!

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Playing the Palace is now available online and at bookstores.

BUILDING A BETTER WORLD IN WHICH LGBT PEOPLE THRIVE AS HEALTHY, EQUAL, AND COMPLETE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY.

@lalgbtcenter lalgbtcenter.org METROSOURCE.COM

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Denali National Park photo by Tim Rains

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: 2021 NATIONAL PARKS HAVE THEIR OWN UNIQUE LGBTQIA+ HERITAGE AND HISTORY

BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES AS WE EMERGE FROM OUR APARTMENTS AND HOUSES AND STEP OUT OF OUR QUARANTINE BUBBLES AND PODS THERE IS NO BETTER TIME TO PACK THE CAR AND HEAD OUT FOR A BIT OF R&R WITH MOTHER NATURE. The National Park System features 419 national park sites

across the United States. Founded in 1916 when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act, creating the National Park Service, the federal bureau in the Department of the Interior has expanded across over 85 million acres in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories. Key details and local information can be found about each national park site on www.nps.gov. The National Park Service is committed to telling all Americans’ stories, and in addition to their own rich history many of the parks have their own unique LGBTQIA+ heritage and history. Building on last year’s list, we went through the expansive number of stunning and notable parks and chose a mix of parks along with the expansive Lewis and Clark Trail for you to spend those vacation and personal days. Why are you still sitting there? Head outdoors.

DENALI NATIONAL PARK ALASKA Located deep in the heart of Alaska, Denali National Park sprawls out across six million acres of forest, glacial lakes, mountains, and frozen tundra. The park attracts upward of 400,000 visitors annually who get an up-close peek at Denali, North America’s tallest mountain formerly known as Mount McKinley. There is only one road into Denali National Park, and all activities can be planned and organized near the road. It’s strongly recommended to plan your adventure by bus in the summer, though private vehicles can drive through the first fifteen miles of the road, up until Savage River. The Natural History Tour is an excellent introduction to the park if you’re short on time. Longer tours include the Tundra Wilderness or Kantishna Experience Tours. If you’re looking to get out and hike, or even camp in the park the Transit or Camper Bus allow passengers to disembark and either day hike or backpack for longer trips. Some of the best hikes in Denali include Mount Healey Overlook Trail, which is quite steep but well worth the trip. Horseshoe Lake Trail is a quick and easy hour-long hike, whereas the Triple Lakes Trail is a picturesque 18.5-mile back trail that takes roughly ten hours to complete. Visitors to Denali can catch a glimpse of roughly 169 species of birds, over 1,500 species of plants, and not too close (and hopefully not personal) sighting of the “big five” of the park: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and grizzly bears. Make sure you read up on wildlife safety information so you can stay safe if you encounter one of the locals in “Grizzly Country.”

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DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT COLORADO Many subscribe to different theories as to why dinosaurs became extinct, but outside of a traditional museum few can get up close and personal with dinosaur remains.

Colorado’s Dinosaur National Monument boasts thousands of dinosaur fossils throughout over 210,000 acres of land. Make a reservation for the Dinosaur Quarry Exhibit Hall, where approximately 1,500 dinosaur bones are on display. Have a close look at the remains of all your favorites: Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, Diplodocus, among others. Is there a little one in your group? Check out Junior Ranger programs or talks in the exhibition hall and around the park. Find key spots throughout the exhibit where you can reach out and touch 149-million-year-old dinosaur fossils. Get out and hike around the landscape, there are miles upon miles of trails and cross-country opportunities including the Fossil Discovery Trail, Sound of Silence Trail, and the remote Island Park Trail. Be sure to check out the petroglyph and pictograph sites in the park, left by the Fremont people who lived in the area roughly 1,000 years ago. While it may be tempting to leave your own mark in the park please resist the urge. Make memories, take pictures, but leave no visible trace of your visit. Allow the dinosaurs and Fremont pictographs to remain the stars of the park.

Dinosaur National Monument photo courtesy of National Park Service

Denali National Park photo Alex Vanderstuyf

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LEWIS AND CLARK TRAIL IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MO, MT, NE, ND, OH, OR, PA, SD, WA, WV Lewis and Clark’s journey west started in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and extended through sixteen states and 4,900 miles west to the mouth of the Columbia River, near present day Astoria, Oregon. The trail is part of the National Park Service with a small visitors center in Omaha, Nebraska. Each state along the trail offers visitor centers, museums, and unique insight into the historic journey. Lewis served under Clark during the Northwest Campaigns in the 1790s and from 1803 to 1806 the pair (rumored to be lovers) made their way westward with the Corps of Discovery to cross the Continental Divide of the Americas to the Pacific Coast. Notable stops on the trip include The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center, dedicated to honoring and providing education about Sacajawea and her role in Lewis and Clark’s expedition. The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, in Hartford, Illinois, offers a museum dedicated to the planning and journey of the two explorers and their Corps of Discovery. Experience Lewis and Clark like never before in five exhibit rooms, the film At Journey’s Edge, and a 55-foot full scale “cutaway” keelboat. More relevant sites include Nez Perce National Historical Park, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington; Fort Massac State Park, Illinois, Beaverhead National Park, Montana; Clark’s Lookout State Park, Montana; Two Rivers Heritage Museum, Washington; and the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Oregon and Washington. If you intend on making the sixteen-state journey camping throughout your trip is the best way to take in the true Lewis and Clark experience.

JOSHUA TREE CALIFORNIA Joshua Tree National Park, nestled in the California desert, is the closest National Park to Los Angeles and San Diego.

Known for its distinct Joshua trees, native to the Mojave Desert, the park extends across roughly 800,000 acres, making it bigger than the state of Rhode Island! The Joshua Tree, U2’s fifth studio album (and one of the world’s best-selling albums), was inspired by not only the area but the band’s interest and “great romance” with the United States. Be sure to add this album to your playlist for your visit. A few million people flock to the park each year and there are several visitor centers in and around the park: Oasis Visitor Center, Joshua Tree Visitor Center, Cottonwood Visitor Center, and Black Rock Nature Center.

Be sure to get a glimpse of Giant Rock, a large seven-story giant free-standing boulder near Landers, and check out Hidden Valley, the Keys View area for Coachella Valley views, and don’t miss the Jumbo Rocks!

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Lewis and Clark Trail photo courtesy of National Park Service

Joshua Tree photo by Robb Hannawacker

Dry Tortugas National Park photo courtesy of National Park Service

DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK FLORIDA Dry Tortugas National Park, located west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, is made up of seven islands and protected coral reefs.

The 100-square mile park is primarily open water with seven small islands. Garden Key, one of these islands, is home to the impressive Fort Jefferson, one of the country’s largest 19th century forts. Campers are only allowed to set up their tents on Garden Key and enjoy sweet dreams with warm tropical breezes, starry nights, and swaying palm trees on the horizon. Sun seekers flock to Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park, considered one of the best beaches in the Florida Keys. Shallow waters lure novice and experienced snorkelers alike while divers explore popular sites like the Windjammer Wreck, Texas Rock, and even snorkeling the moat wall at night (night diving, anyone?). The park is only accessible by seaplane or boat, yet over 60,000 visitors come every year, so plan ahead.

FIRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE NEW YORK Fire Island, home to Cherry Grove, the Pines, and the infamous “meat rack” is an extraordinary 26-mile stretch of ocean and bay shoreline, lush dunes, maritime forests, and 17 residential communities. Long before colonial settlers took over the area, Native Americans hunted and fished in the gorgeous stretch just off the coast of Long Island. The seashore encompasses 19,579 acres including several bay islands, sand flats, and wetlands and roughly 15,000 submerged acres in the Great South Bay or Atlantic Ocean. Fire Island’s Sunken Forest, a maritime holly forest, is known as a “globally rare” occurrence that dates back some 300 years. The Sunken Forest Preserve donated the property to Fire Island National Seashore in 1964. Tours leaving from Sailors Haven Visitor Center are offered for visitors from May through October. After a long day at the beach, be sure to head to Cherry’s on the Bay, Low Tea at the Blue Whale, or mask up and dance the night away at the Sip N’Twirl.

Sunken Forest photo courtesy of National Park Service

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Sandy Hook Lighthouse photo courtesy of National Park Service

GATEWAY NATIONAL RECREATION AREA NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY Sandy Hook, New Jersey boasts a popular clothing optional beach that lures New Yorkers of every shape and size each season. The great park, Gateway National Recreation Area spans across 27,000 acres including Sandy Hook, Jamaica Bay, and parts of Staten Island. The area offers green spaces, beaches, wildlife, outdoor recreation, and lots of history. Over 9.2 million visitors come to the area to relax throughout the year, making it the fourth most visited National Park Service unit in the country. Massive historic military facilities like Fort Tilden, Fort Hancock, and Fort Wadsworth rise out of the sand and make for a unique and Instagrammable landscape, while the Sandy Hook lighthouse (the oldest operating lighthouse in the U.S.) has stood proudly in its location since 1764. On the New York side of Gateway National Recreation Area, carloads of boys and bears flock to Jacob Riis park for picnics, mischief, and fun in the sun.

Alice Austen, one of America’s earliest and most prolific female photographers lived most of her life with her partner Gertrude in “Clear Comfort.” located about six blocks north of Fort Wadsworth. photo courtesy of Great Basin National Park

GREAT BASIN NATIONAL PARK NEVADA Located about four and a half hours from the bright lights of Las Vegas, Great Basin National park is a beautiful landscape full of surprising diversity including several coves of Bristlecone pines.

What’s so special about Bristlecone pines? They’re ancient. No, really! These pines, shaped by the rain, snow, and wind, are considered the oldest non-clonal species on the planet. The Great Basin Bristlecone pines are a rare species found only in California, Nevada, and Utah. Trees aside, Great Basin National Park boasts the impressive 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak, Lehman Caves (did someone say spelunking?), camping, and free ranger led astronomy programs every Saturday from May through September. If you’re interested in exploring the tours be sure to book in advance, as cave tours regularly sell out. This season only the Parachute Shield Tour will be offered. The $12 tour takes about an hour and guests embark on a half mile adventure underground.

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COMING OUT AS AN EGYPTOLOGIST FROM LOS ANGELES TO CAIRO TO THE HISTORY CHANNEL,

NICHOLAS BROWN MAKES ARCHEOLOGY SEXY

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

IF YOU HAVE BEEN WATCHING THE HISTORY CHANNEL OVER THE YEARS, YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED A FRESH CROP OF HISTORIANS, SCIENTISTS, AND ARCHEOLOGISTS KEEPING THINGS EXCITING. The History Channel

has gone through a rebranding to attract young, new audiences. In addition to the usual fare of documentaries, shows like Ancient Aliens and The UnXplained have popped up, blurring the line between history, and engaging, far-fetched theories. One of the latest additions is Egyptologist Nicholas Brown, as seen in The UnXplained’s “Mysterious Mummies,” and he’ll be the first to tell you that Ancient Aliens isn’t really a thing – and he’s got the creds to tell you why.

Over the last decade, he’s split his time between Los Angeles and Cairo. He just recently became a Ph.D. Candidate at UCLA and received his MA degree in Egyptology from the American University in Cairo. His excavation experience includes working with archaeological sites in Aswan (at Elephantine Island and Wadi el-Hudi), as well as funerary sites in Luxor, Amarna, and the Sudan. In 2016, Nicholas spent the summer working at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston as the Terrace Curatorial Research Associate in Egyptology. He returned to the MFA over the summer of 2019 to conduct archival research for the Egyptian Art Department’s exhibit“Ancient Nubia Now.”Nicholas’s research interests include funerary material culture from the New Kingdom, as well as the use and perception of ancient Egypt within modern contexts. When most kids were watching cartoons and playing with Transformers, Nicholas was hearing the call of the pyramids.

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I was interested in archaeology as a kid, probably around six or seven years old. My grandmother gave me my first book on ancient Egypt, and I became obsessed with mummies, golden treasure, and pyramids. Then, as I got older, I realized that I love to travel, and I love history - so work as an archaeologist made sense. And after my first trip to Egypt in 2011, where I fell in love with the people, culture, and place, it made sense to me to start a career as an Egyptologist.

Forget coming out as gay, he had to come out as an Egyptologist.

I will start off by saying that my family is now very supportive of my career choice and work over the years. Initially, they were hesitant and worried about job security, my work (and safety) in the Middle East, and how I would pay for all the schooling required to get a job as an Egyptologist (I am up to 11 years of college education so far). My parents are very practical baby boomers too, so they wanted their kids to work in “cookie-cutter” jobs like public safety, law, or medicine. However, they have seen my dedication and the

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hard work I have put into my studies and career over the years.

And as I network more and get job opportunities and excavation work, they are starting to see that I can work in this niche career!

Brown shares that you do not just take a course in Egyptology, grab an Indiana Jones hat, and pack some luggage.

It is hard to just get on excavation projects in Egypt without being on the ground there to network and apply for different openings. The easiest way to do it from the states is to sign up for an “archaeology field school,” either here in the US or overseas.

Most times you need to pay for this experience, however, so it can be costly. (My first excavation in Egypt cost me something like $5,000 to go on and participate. And to work as free labor for the team.) Once you have the excavation experience and field training, it is then a bit easier to reach out and ask for work to different museums, universities, or research institutes that are conducting archaeological digs.

But what is the allure in Egypt specifically? There’s archeology available in other parts of the world without all the sand.

Modern Egypt is a really great place to work. The people are friendly and hospitable, and the culture is so dynamic and so different from what I was familiar with growing up. That said, it was a place that I feel comfortable working at for the rest of my career.

Ancient Egypt itself has a long history (over 5,000 years), so

this gives me the opportunity as an archaeologist and scholar to study the same culture (more or less) over a prolonged period and uninterrupted. Also, the state of preservation of archaeological materials in Egypt is unprecedented anywhere else in the world. The dry desert climate in Egypt helps to preserve things like the clothes that people wore, the loaves of bread they ate, or even the letters and documents that they wrote. As an archaeologist, someone who studies the human past, I appreciate and value making these human connections with our ancestors, so having this type of evidence to work with helps to make the ancient Egyptians more “human” in my opinion.

For Nicholas, seeing the Great Pyramids for the first time was love and first sight. The rest took a little getting used to. Cairo is an overwhelming city, and the monuments are huge. As much as Egypt is known for its wonders of the world, it is also known by our community to be a very dangerous place. A survey taken in 2013 showed that 95% of Egyptians believed that homosexuals should not be accepted by society. Contemporary Egyptian law does not explicitly criminalize homosexuality, but it does have several provisions that criminalize any behavior or the expression of any idea that is deemed to be immoral, scandalous, or offensive to the teachings of a recognized religious leader. These public morality laws have been used against LGBTQ people, resulting in raids and arrests that often result in extreme

violence and even murder in the jail system. Surprisingly enough, this is the land where Nicholas came into his own.

I did not really start to explore my sexuality until I was 22. Obviously growing up I had “feelings” and ideas about who I was but given that I grew up in Santa Barbara County and went to school there for my BA, I never really had the experience to leave home and discover who I was. Once I moved to Cairo and was separated from my hometown and family, I felt freer to really start exploring who I was as a young man. LGBTQ life in Egypt is more of an underground scene.

Initially how I met most of my friend group over there was through apps and at house parties. It is important, however, for anyone living there or visiting to be cautious about their sexual identity. I do know several men who were tracked by the secret police and eventually arrested for being gay. There is a mix of families that are tolerant or accepting of their children being LGBTQ, and the opposite side where family members will ex-communicate, beat, or even kill anyone in their family who comes out as LGBTQ. When I am in Egypt, my purpose of being there is for work and research as an Egyptologist. This is always my top priority, so while I am happy to be a member of the LGBTQ community, I have to be careful and cautious while I’m there. The biggest problem for me, as an American, is that I can be deported from the country if I get arrested for being gay. (Egypt has a law that it is legal for them to deport any gay foreigners from their country.) Now with close Egyptian friends and colleagues I am honest about my sexuality, relationships, and identity as a gay man. But I just must use my best judgment about who I talk to about that stuff.

What can we do from the American perspective for the plight of Egypt’s LGBTQ community?

I think the best way we can help our LGBTQ friends over in Egypt is to be respectful ambassadors of the LGBTQ community here in the United States. Be aware of the cultural norms and societal rules in Egypt. Obviously, as a guest in Egypt, you must be respectful of the culture and their right to think that way (whether you agree with it or not). I think it is key that we remember this and try to just make smaller impacts on people’s lives and opinions on the LGBTQ community over a prolonged period.

Despite the conditions for LGBTQ people, Nicholas believes in the richness of the culture.

Egyptians’ generosity with their time and wanting to show me, a foreigner, the best parts of their country and culture has always struck me when visiting Egypt. Since moving to Cairo in 2012, I have grown a lot as a person. Particularly in the ways that I treat and respect others.

Ancient Egypt is a constant surprise to Nicholas.

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goods, or “golden treasure” buried with the deceased. But what I found most striking about this find was I was the first person in over 3,300 years to be at that place. The last people at that site, who buried this person, were likely family members or loved ones in grief. It was a powerful moment in my career and one that I will not forget.

There is a common misconception that Ancient Egypt just up and disappeared without a trace. Nicholas is quick to point at that this, in fact, is not true.

In our history books here in the States, Egyptian history ends (maybe) with the death of Cleopatra, if not earlier. However, Egyptian society continued to thrive and exist long after her death. First under the Romans, who conquered Egypt around 30 B.C., and then eventually by invading groups like the Arabs from the Arabian Gulf, the Persians from Iran, and the Turks from the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey). Egypt was quite an influential power and political entity throughout the Middle Ages, while Europe was experiencing a “Dark Age” of intellectual thought and engineering development. Throughout this period, Egyptians continued to develop their cities, agricultural land, and built great fortresses and castles in Cairo and Alexandria.

So, how about those Ancient Aliens? Some of the theories that come out from the show and from the growing base of Ancient Alien fans – both scientific and not – are compelling.

I think that believing that aliens built the pyramids in Egypt is certainly an interesting interpretation of the evidence. It

You can follow Nicholas on IG: @NB4326

PAGES 46-50: PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICHOLAS BROWN

so smart - they were incredible engineers, architects, astronomers, and mathematicians (among many other admirable professions). The pyramids throughout Egypt are a testament to this. Additionally, there is the relatability to them as human beings - we have so many artifacts and documents that talk about what the ancient Egyptians were experiencing and feeling, and all in their own words. There are letters written on papyri that talk about family feuds, or quarrels with neighbors.

There are also even stories of kings who were assassinated, or the world’s firstrecorded sit-in protest by a group of workmen against Pharaoh. It is amazing how much our own social experiences and human emotions can be seen in the ancient Egyptians, who lived over 4,000 years ago.

His crowning excavation would come from Amarna, built by the Pharaoh Akhenaten of the late Eighteenth Dynasty, and abandoned shortly after his death.

The most exciting find I ever made was the discovery of an intact burial at a cemetery site I was excavating at back in 2017. The cemetery was a burial ground for the lower-class members of this town I was working at, Amarna. And I had the chance to work there for a season to help rewrite our understanding of this historical period and to shed light on the fact that life in ancient Egypt was hard and physically tolling on the population working there at the time.

The burial I found was of a young adolescent - between 11-14 years old. The grave was intact. There were no fancy grave

does an injustice to the ancient Egyptians themselves - and does not give them proper credit for having created such amazing monuments, particularly the three pyramids at Giza that everyone knows (there are dozens of pyramids all over the country). We have other incredible monuments from ancient Egypt (think of the Temple of Karnak in Luxor, or the tombs carved at the Valley of the Kings), but people are so obsessed with “disproving” that the ancient Egyptians were not able to construct these monuments at Giza.

For the pyramids at Giza, we have the quarry that was used to mine the stones to build the core of the Great Pyramid of Khufu (which Khafre, his son, later built his own pyramid on top of). And, when you look at the masonry of the Great Pyramid, it is not this “perfect” alignment and placement of stone blocks like ancient alien enthusiasts claim. It is quite haphazard in places and there’s a lot of mortar and filling used to fill the gaps between stones (a sign of human labor). Also, we have the workmen’s tombs and living quarters from the Giza Plateau, from where the large workforce lived and based their construction operation. Finally, another piece of evidence we have is the Diary of Merer found along the Red Sea coast near Wadi el-Jarf.

This papyrus describes the work that took place to transport limestone blocks used as the casing stones for the Great Pyramid of Khufu - from their quarry at Turah to the Giza Plateau. It is an amazing, first-hand account of an ancient Egyptian official and his work on the pyramids at Giza.

What does the future of Egyptology hold?

With the advancement of science and technology, there are a lot of new studies that we, as Egyptologists, can do on ancient artifacts and ancient Egypt in general. For instance, we can digitally “unwrap” a mummy today with CT scanning. And by doing that we can learn so much about the health and life of the ancient Egyptians without having to disturb their physical remains.

I love my job as an Egyptologist - both studying the ancient Egyptians and working with my Egyptian colleagues and peers. It is an exciting and fun time to be working as an archaeologist in Egypt!

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