DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 METROSOURCE LA
METROSOURCE
ANI DIFRANCO
PEOPLE LOVE
i
DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
P NK
ADVENTURES IN BABELAND
MAKE FETCH HAPPEN
OUR ANNUAL SALUTE TO PETS
RANDY RAINBOW NAOMI WATTS ANTHONY RAPP LENA WAITHE AND MORE
PEOPLE WE LOVE
PRESENT PERFECTION ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDANCE
An expertly edited collection. Because THE PERFECT GIFT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER.
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DEPARTMENTS PEOPLE WE LOVE ISSUE
December 2017/January 2018 | VOLUME 28, NO. 6
THIS PAGE: DAVID HOCKNEY. CHRISTOPHER ISHERWOOD AND DON BACHARDY 1968. ACRYLIC ON CANVAS. PRIVATE COLLECTION. © DAVID HOCKNEY
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CULTURE 8 METROSCOPE Enjoy bubbly better, spice up your holiday dishes, catch a new movie musical and party into 2018. All that and more ... in scope!
18 SCREEN Armie Hammer’s rapturous gay romance and a salute to a Stonewall-era hero.
22 BOOKS From fab decor to Studio 54 — plus LGBT picks for kids!
26 TECH Our picks for carrying, commuting, charging, cooking and more.
28 MUSIC Shania, Kelly and P!nk deliver pure pleasure.
BODY 24 HEALTH Winter skin can be rough — without the right help.
53 METRO HIV A young filmmaker crafts a touching tribute to the uncle he adored.
VIEWS 32 DIARY Wade is in for a surprise when Gary decides to get his parents a holiday treat.
56 POV After a life of less magical Christmases, Kevin finally learns to love the season.
76 LAST CALL
Ani DiFranco: 20 albums into her one-of-a-kind career.
EXCLUSIVELY LA 64 LA SCOPE A season for art and music.
66 METROMONY Legal advice before you wed.
68 HOME Let’s go to the movies.
69 RESTAURANT REVIEW Seeing red (and blue).
70 RESTAURANT BITES Where to chow down...
72 BAR SOURCE ... and where to drink up.
73 BUSINESS DIRECTORY Our exclusive list of businesses catering to the LGBT community.
75 COMMUNITY RESOURCES Organizations and resources for LA’s LGBTs.
CONTENTS
December 2017/January 2018 | VOLUME 28, NO. 6
30 PETROSOURCE OUR ANNUAL SALUTE TO ANIMAL LOVERS
will help you give your furry friend nutritious treats, great veterinary care, a stylish home that fits pets’ needs and a suit that matches yours.
34 GIFT GUIDE WHETHER YOU’RE BUYING FOR LUXURY
lovers, fitness fans, design mavens, culture vulture or super foodies, we’ve got presents that will make them feel thoroughly gifted.
40 PEOPLE WE LOVE THEY HELPED TO SHAPE THE
conversation, gave us new means of representation, and since they’ve all caused such a sensation, we’re giving them a standing ovation.
60 ENCHANTED ESTONIA known for — among other things — its deep love of music. Find out how you can get into their groove as they celebrate an important milestone.
ON THE COVER PHOTO BY SØLVE SUNDSBØ
PHOTO BY KURT ISWARIENKO
THIS BRIGHT SPOT IN THE BALTIC IS
RUINING CHRISTMAS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jiyon Son ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kevin Phinney SENIOR DESIGNER Jayson Mena SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER Chris Rivera COPY EDITOR Kevin Phinney PROOFREADER Barbara Mele CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Matt Gross, Madison Gulbin,
Erin Jordan, Jeffrey James Keyes, Jordan Laird, Christopher Lisotta, Terence O’Brien, Kevin Phinney, Jonathan Roche, Eric Rosen, Wade Rouse, Jeff Simmons, Megan Venzin ADMINISTRATION Luswin Cote INTERN Jordan Laird
Davler Media Group www.davlermedia.com CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER David Miller GENERAL MANAGER Thomas K. Hanlon DIRECTOR | OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT Ray Winn DIRECTOR | ORDER MANAGEMENT Heather Gambaro MANAGER | ADMINISTRATION Erin Jordan MANAGERS | OPERATIONS Leonard Porter, MANAGEMENT Christopher Regalado MANAGER | PUBLISHING & MARKETING Barbara Byrd CONTROLLER David Friedman DIRECTOR | CREDIT & COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT Elizabeth Teagarden MANAGERS | CREDIT & Rosa Meinhoffer, COLLECTIONS Diedra Smith
For national advertising inquiries, call: 212-691-5127. Subscriptions: One year (6 issues): $19.95; 12 issues: $34.95. 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. ©2017 Davler Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. Metrosource is a registered trademark of Davler Media Group LLC. Printed in the USA.
Metrosource Davler Media Group 498 7th Ave., 10th Floor New York, NY 10018 212-691-5127 metrosource.com
METROSOURCE.COM
DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
METROSOURCE
PUBLISHER Rob Davis ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Evelyn Vayner EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Paul Hagen
ning to have my doubts about this whole Santa Claus situation. How is it, I wondered, that in movies about the North Pole, the elves always seemed to be assembling handcrafted-looking toys, while the ones we unwrapped on Christmas morning came in boxes like you’d get at the store? By what miracle of science did St. Nick get in and out of chimney-free houses? And why — I pointed out to my parents — did we receive gifts every year from aunts and uncles and grandparents and Santa but never a package from them. HMMMM?! My mother bristled at that last barb. She worked too hard at Christmas every year not to get credit. I noticed that the very next year — and each thereafter — that we conspicuously began to receive presents labelled “from Mom and Dad” under the tree in addition to those “from Santa.” At least some of my skepticism was fueled by conversations at school, where several of the more mature kids had already begun insisting that Santa was not real — an assertion that made the true believers tear up with trepidation. I was torn. It seemed like most of the good kids believed in Santa, and I wanted to be a good kid. But it also seemed like the smart kids had called the bluff, and I very much wanted to be seen as smart, too. The reason that I can remember so clearly that it was 1990 is that I was pondering the issue while watching coverage of the Gulf War. Specifically, I recall various TV personalities talking with members of the military who would be separated from their families for the holidays. The thought troubled my young heart — all the hugs that would not be given and Christmas mornings that would be missed. And that, dear reader, gave me an idea. “Well, Mom,” I said — interrupting her last-minute frenzy of wrapping presents. “I just want you to know that you are going to ruin Christmas.” Mom looked up from her tape and scissors.“Someday, I will have a family of my own. And my wife and I are going to go to bed Christmas Eve thinking that there is a Santa Claus, expecting to come out the next morning to piles of presents under the tree. And if there is not a Santa Claus, then your grandchildren will come down the stairs and have nothing. So you can go ahead and keep on lying to me and ruining your grandchildren’s Christmas or you can go ahead and tell me the truth now.” After my mother broke down and gave me what I deemed to be a satisfactory answer, I returned to the television. I thought I’d feel relieved to have the matter settled, but I actually felt a numbness creep over me as I continued to watch troops being interviewed. I had grown up in a way from which there was no turning back. I have often returned to that moment in the years since — recalling how very certain I was that I would one day have a wife and kids — especially as I realized I was gay at a time when same-sex marriage and parenting still seemed impossible. I think of how much grief I gave my mother over a hypothetical family that would never exist. I think of how much she would have loved grandchildren. Well, Mom, as it turns out — it looks like I will one day be waking up Christmas mornings with a husband, not a wife. And as of now, it appears we won’t be having children. (I never say never, but it’s not something that tends to happen accidentally the way it can with straight couples.) But I promise to shower my nieces and nephews (and cousins and children of friends) with the same kind of holiday magic that you worked so hard to make happen for our family all those years. And if I ever do have a child of my own, I’ll do my best to make sure that kid believes in the magic of Santa until he too accuses me of ruining Christmas. With that, I’d like to wish all of our readers a blissful holiday season and a happy, healthy new year on behalf of the entire Metrosource family. We hope you enjoy this very special issue, and we can’t wait for you to come share your holiday stories with us in the “Gay Voices” section of metrosource.com. ■
EDITOR’S LETTER
IT WAS THE CHRISTMAS SEASON OF 1990, AND I WAS BEGIN-
3
WHAT IS GENVOYA®? GENVOYA is a 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years and older who weigh at least 77 pounds. It can either be used in people who are starting HIV-1 treatment and 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. These include having an undetectable viral load (less than 50 copies/mL) for 6 months or more on their current HIV-1 treatment. GENVOYA combines 4 medicines into 1 pill taken once a day with food. GENVOYA is a complete HIV-1 treatment and should not be used with other HIV-1 medicines. GENVOYA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses, you must keep taking GENVOYA. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to reduce the risk of passing HIV-1 to others. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about GENVOYA?
GENVOYA may cause serious side effects: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. GENVOYA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV and stop taking GENVOYA, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking GENVOYA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health. Who should not take GENVOYA?
Do not take GENVOYA if you take: • Certain prescription medicines for other conditions. It is important to ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with GENVOYA. Do not start a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. • The herbal supplement St. John’s wort. • Any other medicines to treat HIV-1 infection. What are the other possible side effects of GENVOYA?
Serious side effects of GENVOYA may also include: • Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking GENVOYA.
• 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 GENVOYA. • 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 effect of GENVOYA is nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking GENVOYA?
• All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection. • All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Other medicines may affect how GENVOYA works. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe to take GENVOYA with all of your other medicines. • If you take antacids. Take antacids at least 2 hours before or after you take GENVOYA. • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if GENVOYA can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking GENVOYA. • If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. 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. Please see Important Facts about GENVOYA, including important warnings, on the following page.
Ask your healthcare provider if GENVOYA is right for you. GENVOYA.com
GENVOYA does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.
SHOW YOUR
POWER
Take care of what matters most—you. GENVOYA is a 1-pill, once-a-day complete HIV-1 treatment for people who are either new to treatment or people whose healthcare provider determines they can replace their current HIV-1 medicines with GENVOYA.
IMPORTANT FACTS WHAT IS GENVOYA®? GENVOYA is a 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine
( used ) in people 12 years and older who jen-VOY-uh to treat HIV-1
weigh at least 77 pounds. It can either be used in people who are starting HIV-1 treatment and have never taken MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GENVOYA HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 and side whose healthcare provider GENVOYA maymedicines cause serious effects, including: determines they meet certain requirements. These include • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. GENVOYA is not having an undetectable viralhave loadboth (lessHIV-1 thanand 50 copies/mL) approved to treat HBV. If you HBV, your for 6 months or more theirif current HBV may suddenly geton worse you stopHIV-1 takingtreatment. GENVOYA. GENVOYA 4 medicines into pill taken once a Do not stopcombines taking GENVOYA without first1talking to your day with food. GENVOYA a complete HIV-1 treatment healthcare provider, as theyiswill need to check your health regularly fornot several months. and should be used with other HIV-1 medicines. GENVOYA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. ABOUT GENVOYA To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses, you must keep taking GENVOYA. Ask your • GENVOYA is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in healthcare provider if you have questions about how 12 years of age and older HIV-1 who weigh at least Always 77 pounds topeople reduce the risk of passing to others. and have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. GENVOYA can practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance also be used to replace current HIV-1 medicines for some ofpeople sexual contact with body fluids. reuse who have an undetectable viralNever load (less thanor 50share needles or other items that have body fluids on them. copies/mL of virus in their blood), and have been on the same HIV-1 medicines for at least 6 months and have never failed IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION HIV-1 treatment, and whose healthcare provider determines that they meet certain other requirements. What is the most important information I should
•know GENVOYA does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. Ask your healthcare about GENVOYA?
provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to others.
GENVOYA may cause serious side effects: Do NOT take GENVOYA if you:B (HBV) infection. GENVOYA • Worsening of hepatitis ® • Take a medicine thattocontains: alfuzosin ), HIV-1 is not approved treat HBV. If you(Uroxatral have both ® ® ® carbamazepine , Epitol , Equetroyour , Tegretol , and HBV and (Carbatrol stop taking GENVOYA, HBV ®may ® ® Tegretol-XR , Teril ), cisapride (Propulsid , Propulsid suddenly ®get worse. Do not stop taking GENVOYA Quicksolv ), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45®, Migranal without ®first talking to your healthcare provider,®),as they ® ® ergotamine (Cafergot , Migergot , Ergostat®, Medihaler will need to monitor your health. Ergotamine®, Wigraine®, Wigrettes®), lovastatin (Advicor®,
® ® Altoprev , Mevacor ), lurasidone (Latuda®), methylergonovine Who should not take GENVOYA?
(Ergotrate®, Methergine®), midazolam (when taken by mouth),
Do not take GENVOYA if you take: phenobarbital (Luminal®), phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®), •pimozide Certain(Orap prescription for other conditions. ® ® ® ), rifampinmedicines (Rifadin®, Rifamate , Rifater , It is important to askwhen yourused healthcare provider or ® Rimactane ), sildenafil for lung problems pharmacist about medicines that should be taken ® ® ® (Revatio ), simvastatin (Simcor®, Vytorin , Zocornot ), or with GENVOYA. triazolam (Halcion®).Do not start a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. • Take the herbal supplement St. John’s wort. • The herbal supplement St. John’s wort. • Take any other HIV-1 medicines at the same time. • Any other medicines to treat HIV-1 infection. What are the other possible side effects GET MORE INFORMATION of GENVOYA?
side effects of GENVOYA may also include: •Serious This is only a brief summary of important information about
•GENVOYA. Changes in your immune system. Yourorimmune Talk to your healthcare provider pharmacist may get stronger and begin to fight infections. tosystem learn more. Telltoyour healthcare or provider if you have any new • Go GENVOYA.com call 1-800-GILEAD-5 symptoms after you start taking GENVOYA. •
If you need help paying for your medicine, visit GENVOYA. com for program information.
This is only a brief summary of important information about GENVOYA® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider • Kidney problems, including kidneyabout failure.your Your condition and your treatment. 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 GENVOYA. SIDE acid EFFECTS OF GENVOYA •POSSIBLE Too much lactic in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can GENVOYA can cause serious side effects, including: lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if •you Those the “Most Important Information Aboutmore tired getinthese symptoms: weakness or being GENVOYA” section.muscle pain, being short of breath or than usual, unusual breathing, stomach with nausea and vomiting, •fast Changes in your immunepain system. or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy orkidney lightheaded, •cold New or worse kidney problems, including failure. or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. • Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which • Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can is a serious but rare emergencyprovider that can lead to lead to death. Tell medical your healthcare right death. provider right away if you get these away if Tell youyour gethealthcare these symptoms: skin or the white symptoms: or yellow, being more tired than usual, unusual part of yourweakness eyes turns dark “tea-colored” muscle pain, being short of breath fast breathing, stomach urine, light-colored stools, loss oforappetite for several pain or with nauseanausea, and vomiting, cold or blue hands days longer, or stomach-area pain.and feet, dizzycommon or lightheaded, a fastof or GENVOYA abnormal heartbeat. Thefeel most side or effect is nausea. • Severe Tell your healthcare provider if you have any sidetoeffects liver problems, which in rare cases can lead death. thatTell bother you or don’t go away. your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow,
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Please Facts about and GENVOYA, showsee it toImportant your healthcare provider pharmacist. including important warnings, on the following • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about page. medicines that should not be taken with GENVOYA.
HOW TO TAKE GENVOYA
• GENVOYA is a complete one pill, once a day HIV-1 medicine. Ask your healthcare provider if GENVOYA is right for you. • Take GENVOYA with food.
GENVOYA.com
GENVOYA, the GENVOYA Logo, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, SHOW YOUR POWER, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Version date: April 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. GENC0141 04/17
pair the power grid, but where are the people distributing supplies, clearing the streets and preventing the spread of disease to save people’s lives? In some cases, even when help does reach people, they may not have the resources necessary to make it work. For example, consider a family that gets access to a generator to help them through until power is restored. Let’s say that generator needs six gallons of gas a day. Because of the shortage of gas on the island, someone must stand online for hours and pay sky-high prices. And we’re not talking about them spending that for days or weeks but potentially as long as nine months. This could easily cost a family thousands of dollars — and that’s only to power the few things they can plug into a small generator. The holidays are a wonderful time to give more: more shiny wrapped presents and sparkling decorations and decadent desserts. But this year, as we enjoy this air of celebration, there will be people in Puerto Rico who cannot even get the necessities — who will wait in endless lines at the grocery store where they can’t even hope to buy meat or fresh produce. So I want to encourage you to share some of that giving spirit with the people of Puerto Rico. Some of the charities you may consider donating to are The Life You Can Save (thelifeyoucansave.org) and GiveWell (givewell.org). If you want to give to a different group, you can verify that it’s reputable by using a service such as Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org) or GuideStar (guidestar.org). But just as importantly, I want to encourage you to not forget the people of Puerto Rico. Contact your elected officials and ask them to make certain that aid is not simply reaching the island’s ports but also making its way to those in need. If your news source of choice is not reporting on the recovery efforts, email them and tell them it is important to you that they keep on uncovering and sharing the truth about conditions on the island. Do not trust the government when it pats itself on the back for a job well done: this recovery will take months, perhaps years. The job is far from done. It is only beginning. ■
CALLING ALL GAY VOICES Is there a
METROSOURCE
I HAVE OFTEN USED MY LETTER in our holiday issue to celebrate the season and look back at some of my favorite moments of the year. But since this is also our “People We Love” issue, I also wanted to take this opportunity to talk about some people I love. My partner Willie is from Puerto Rico. I didn’t know the island very well prior to dating Willie, but in the past six or seven years, I fell in love with the place: its charm, the Puerto Rican people, and especially Willie’s family. As I write this, Willie is on the island attempting to help his relatives recover from the tragic conditions that have resulted from Hurricane Maria. It is almost unthinkable that, over a month after the storm struck, Puerto Ricans are still going without so many of the basics that we take for granted on a day to day basis — including electricity, running water and fresh food. People that I know personally are washing clothes by collecting rainwater on the roof and then scrubbing the clothes against a piece of wood. It’s like they’ve been transported back centuries in time — in the worst possible way. Conditions are truly deplorable. Willie arrived a month after Maria to find the streets still littered with debris. There seems to be no plan to remove the garbage that is piling up and creating a horrible stench as it rots. Due to that and pools of standing water, bugs are swarming like never before, making life hellish for everyone. It seems that everything is needed — from lanterns to batteries and emergency supplies: the list goes on and on. Even when shipments reach the island, the goods often end up sitting in the ports due to impassable roads, limited vehicles to transport the supplies, and overpriced and rationed fuel to run the vehicles. Willie’s neighbors have reported seeing crews attempting to re-
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
THE WRATH OF MARIA
!!
ing special? e b r fo t u o t u o sh ho deserves a person you love w
Are they generous with their time? Have they st oo
Do they make others safer, he
d up for our
comm
unity? althier or bet ter informed?
WE WANT TO TELL THE WORLD!
Head to “Gay Voices” at Metrosource.com, and click on “We want to hear from you!” to salute someone who deserves some love this season. Happy Holidays!
METROSOURCE.COM
DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
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CURATED BY PAUL HAGEN, ERIN JORDAN AND JEFFREY JAMES KEYES
CULTURE
METROSCOPE
METROSCOPE
1}
NEW YOU
NICE SPICE LOOKING TO PUT SOME ZEST INTO YOUR YULETIDE FEST? YOU CAN
wow your fellow revelers this year by whipping up some super seasonal dishes with the help of RawSpiceBars’ home delivery subscription service. For $26 quarterly (or $88 yearly) you get six freshly ground spices, portioned for two three-to-four-serving meals a week. The company sources high quality ingredients (organic, where possible), and does not use common fillers like
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DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
METROSOURCE.COM
MSG, salt, or sugar. Spices typically reach your door within ten days of being ground, which means they’re still at peak freshness. Better still, RawSpiceBar.com is a great resource for those less experienced cooks among us: with spice guides that cover the flavor profiles for cuisines like curries, stir-fries and a multitude of mouth-watering recipes, you may finally be able to toss out all that takeout. rawspicebar.com
FACING PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF RAW SPICE BAR • THIS PAGE” WARE IMAGES COURTESY OF RIZZOLI • BUBBLY PHOTO COURTESY OF FREIXNET
2}
INK SPOTTED
WARE HOUSE PREPARE TO BE DRAWN IN BY MONOGRAPH, A CAREER-SPANNING
collection of works from renowned artist and author Chris Ware. Celebrated for his work in The New Yorker, Ware is a cartoonist who brings a decidedly personal vision to his art. He was inspired by other artists like Charles “Peanuts” Schulz and Art Spiegelman (of Maus fame) to raise cartooning to a respected fine art, which many would claim he has successfully done. Ware’s work seeks to chronicle the everyday experiences
3}
of humanity, and the results are often quite melancholy in nature (reflecting his own skeptical world view). His lauded second graphic novel, Building Stories, innovatively tells the sad tales of the occupants of an apartment building through varying media — including pamphlets, a hard-bound book and a folded board — allowing readers to pick the order in which it is consumed. Novelist Zadie Smith says of Ware:“There’s no writer alive whose work I love more.” rizzoliusa.com
DRINK UP
FEEL BUBBLY? WANT TO ENJOY YOUR BUBBLY BETTER DURING THIS
season of celebration? Jane Scott of Freixenet, purveyors of fine Cava, gave us some tips: Try chilling your sparkling beverage for two to four hours to bring it down to an enjoyable 45-50 °F before serving, but if you’re in a hurry, submerge the bottle to its neck in a mix of ice and water. Finer bubbly can keep its effervescence for three to four days after opening if stored properly with a stopper in the fridge, although nothing compares to a freshly opened bottle. Scott also clued us in on how to best pair bubbly with food (beware of vinegary salad dressings), suggested some sweet liqueurs that pair nicely (we’re here for the Kir), and even weighed in on the proper ratio of juiceto-bubbly for mimosas and bellinis. For more info from her about the best ways to enjoy your favorite sparkling wine, head to Metrosource.com and search “bubbly.”You can also learn more about Freixenet’s philosophy on their website. freixenet.com
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HOCKNEY GAME THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART WILL HONOR ARTIST DAVID
Hockney on his 80th birthday with a retrospective kicking off November 27th. The exhibition features some of the artist’s most memorable masterpieces created from 1960 through the present day. Hockney was born in Britain (West Yorkshire) and attended both the Bradford School of Arts and Royal College of Art in London. The artist had his first one-man show in 1963 and went on to worked in a wide range of media — including painting, drawing, photography and video. He is openly gay and has explored same-sex attractions in works such as We Two Boys Together Clinging and Domestic Scene, Los Angeles.
Among Hockney’s honors are a Foreign Honorary Membership to the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the Lorenzo de’Medici Lifetime Career Award (for the Florence Bienniale in Italy in 2003. He was also offered a knighthood in 1990, which he declined, though he accepted an Order of Merit in 2012). Today, many of Hockney’s works are usually kept in Salt Mill near his home in Bradford. Noted writer Christopher Isherwood collected a significant number of Hockney’s pieces, and after Isherwood’s death, those works were donated to galleries around the world. Many will be reunited at The Met’s exhibition, which will run through February 25. metmuseum.org
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LISTEN UP
ANGEL MUSIC, BABY
IT SEEMS EACH YEAR ANOTHER MUSIC STAR TRIES HER HAND AT CRAFTING
a memorable holiday album. It’s Gwen Stefani’s turn this year, as she brings her unique sensibility to an assortment of favorite carols and new songs she hopes will become instant classics. All pop-loving ear will turn this yuletide to ska songstress and dancefloor dominatrix Stefani’s You Make It Feel Like Christmas. It’s the first holiday album from the Grammy winner, with an original duet performed by Stefani alongside boyfriend and fellow Voice star Blake Shelton as the title track. Its upbeat pop-country fusion sound will definitely have fans dancing around the tree. More familiar chestnuts include “Jingle Bells,”“Let It Snow,”“Silent Night,” “White Christmas,” the George Michael classic “Last Christmas” and the sexy standard “Santa Baby.” If you’re gifting a Stefani fan, keep an eye out for special bundles featuring books of behind the scenes photos, Christmas cards, an ornament and a white vinyl version of the album. gwenstefani.com
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THIS PAGE: DAVID HOCKNEY. A CLOSER WINTER TUNNEL, FEBRUARY – MARCH. 2006. © DAVID HOCKNEY, PHOTO CREDIT: RICHARD SCHMIDT • GWEN STEFANI COURTESY OF INTERSCOPE RECORDS
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ART BEAT
THIS PAGE: FARINELLI AND THE KING PHOTO COURTESY MARC BRENNER • “CROWN” PHOTO COURTESY ROBERT VIGLASKY/NETFLIX
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STAGE ADVICE
ROYAL PAINS
OSCAR AND TONY WINNER MARK RYLANCE WILL RETURN TO BROAD-
way in the critically acclaimed Farinelli and the King. The play, written by Claire van Kampen and directed by John Dove, comes to New York after sold out performances at Shakespeare’s Globe and in London’s West End. It is presented in the signature style of Shakespeare — with traditional baroque instruments played live in a gallery above the stage. The play is based on the story of Spain’s Philippe V, an 18th century king who suffered from mental health issues, and Farinelli, a famous castrato. (During that period, it was still commonplace for boys with promising singing voices to be surgically altered so that they never reached puberty and would retain a higher vocal range for their entire lives.) When Philip’s queen, desperate to cure her husband’s depression and insomnia, hears Farinelli’s legendary singing voice, she brings him to the monarch. And indeed, Philippe is so captivated by Farenilli’s performance, he begs the singer to stay and become the court musician. Thus Farinelli is left with a choice — to spend a life of solitude in service to a powerful man, or seek fame and fortune in the opera houses of Europe. The play glowingly illustrates how art, specifically music, can the power to heal. Appropriately each performance includes arias by Handel — including several first sung by Farinelli in the 1730s. Previews begin December 5. farinelliandthekingbroadway.com
NETFLIX IS SET TO RELEASE SEASON 2 OF ITS ACCLAIMED SERIES
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CAN’T MISS
HEY, QUEEN!
The Crown on December 8. The biographical drama, essentially evolved from the popularity of the writer Peter Morgan, who wrote the film The Queen and the 2013 stage play The Audience (which both featured Helen Mirren slaying the role of Queen Elizabeth II). The series ultimately intends to chronicle the life of the Queen from the early days of her rule through the present day. It is anticipated that the upcoming installments will cover such historical events as the 1956 Suez crisis before making a splash into the 1960s as Queen Elizabeth II loses her third prime minister (Harold Macmillan) related to the illegal use of force in Egypt. Early leaks have hyped an episode that highlights a visit President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy paid to Buckingham Palace — with Metrosource favorite Michael C. Hall (Six Feet Under, Dexter) in the role of the American President. The new season reunites writer/creator Morgan with director Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Hours). It will also herald the return of Claire Foy, who royally cleaned house with her portrayal of the young queen during the most recent round of television awards, winning Best Actress at the Golden Globes, BAFTA/LA Britannia Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Morgan stirred outcry among fans of the series by stating that — in trying to stay true to the passage of time — the role of Elizabeth ought to be played by an older actress in the show’s third season. Speculation runs rampant whether the series will ultimately see the role back in the hands of grande dame Mirren. netflix.com
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CIRCUIT SHAKERS
NEW YEARS EVE, SEXY SKI PARTIES AND
even more to keep you warm: MASTERBEAT 2018 DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 1 BILLING ITSELF AS LOS ANGELES’ BIGGEST
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SCREEN IT
ZAC & HUGH
COME ONE, COME ALL! THE BIG TOP COMES TO THE SILVER SCREEN IN A MUSICAL ADAPTATION
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of the life of P.T. Barnum titled The Greatest Showman. The film loosely follows Barnum’s life from humble beginnings into one of the most famous entertainers of all time. In today’s market, where most productions seem to be reworkings of previous hits, The Greatest Showman sets itself apart as a new musical (though it ‘s worth noting this particular life was previously the subject of the stage musical Barnum). The film has been deliberately conceived not to remain true to any one era, embracing anachronisms as aesthetic. This timelessness is powerful in a score with songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen) combining elements of traditional and contemporary pop music. Led by Hugh Jackman as Barnum, the cast also includes Michelle Williams, Zac Efron and Zendaya. foxmovies.com
NYE bash, Masterbeat promises to call over 3,000 of the world’s hottest men to its main event at The Mayan with DJ Grind and Alex Acosta. Other events include the Masterbeat Game Show (also at the Mayan), VERVE: The Game Afterhours at the Stock Exchange and Legacy: The Closing Party at Avalon. masterbeat.com MID ATLANTIC LEATHER WEEKEND JANUARY 12-15 WHATEVER ELSE IS GOING ON IN DC, THE
city will crown a new Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2018 during a weekend of fun that features a Former MAL Bar night, the Highway TNT Dance Party, and a Sunday brunch. leatherweekend.com ASPEN GAY SKI WEEK JANUARY 14-21
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THE TV SET
CASTING SHADE THIS DOCU-DRAG SERIES SHADE: QUEENS OF NYC RECENTLY PREMIERED ON FUSIONTV, AND THIS
12-part series is taking audiences beyond all the glam, glitz and lip syncing to reveal the lives inside New York City’s bustling drag community. Shot in a vérité follow documentary format, Shade features fierce NYC queens including Brita Filter, Chelsea Piers, Holly Box-Springs, Jada Valenciaga, Jasmine Rice LaBeija, Marti Gould Cummings, “Showbiz Spitfire” Paige Turner, and Tina Burner. The first episode alone featured Marti preparing for a drag show, a protest and a meeting with Hell’s Kitchen Democrats; Chelsea and Brita Filter shopping at Spandex World, and Tina giving a pep talk before her show that includes the admonition,“If you’re not exhausted, you’re not doing drag.”Shade reveals a side of drag life never before seen on television, examining unspoken stigmas, taboos and personal sacrifices that drag performers often face on their journeys to celebrity. Situations like a heartfelt confrontation between Paige and her estranged drag daughter Chelsea and other intimate conversations address the business, politics and hardships of drag — offering a dynamic, poignant and fascinating look at some of the city’s most popular performers. fusion.net
DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
METROSOURCE.COM
of music from the opening night party at Hotel Jerome through the Saturday night swimsuit pool party sponsored by Fabulous Las Vegas. For the 41st Anniversary of the Aspen Gay Ski Week, Aspen will roll out the pink carpet with hot tub parties, cocktail receptions, a costume party, and Belly Up Aspen, the highly anticipated Friday night party featuring performances by Drag Race stars Alaska, Ginger Minj, Katya and Shangela. gayskiweek.com WHISTLER PRIDE AND SKI FESTIVAL JANUARY 21-28 MEN FROM OVER 26 COUNTRIES WILL
flock to Whistler for their 26th annual Pride and Ski Festival, offering a robust programming schedule including daily happy hour events, comedy shows and late night theme parties with activities especially for bears, ladies and circuit boys alike. Grab your boots and go ski for yourself. gaywhistler.com
THIS PAGE: ‘GREATEST SHOWMAN’ PHOTO COURTESY OF FOX MOVIES • ‘SHADE’ PHOTO COURTESY OF FUSION
THE SLOPES ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND
REPORTING FROM THE FRONTLINES
BODY
METROHIV
One of the most noteworthy community events of 2017 was a tribute to the journalists who have been chronicling HIV from the start. BY JEFF SIMMONS
Among the speakers at Bodies on the Line where (from left to right) JD Davids, Anthony Viti, Anne-christine d’Adesky and Linda Villarosa
THIS PAGE AND PAGE 17: PHOTOS COURTESY OF BODIES ON THE LINE.
IT WAS A GATHERING MEANT TO SHED LIGHT ON MEN AND WOMEN
who served on the frontlines of covering AIDS during its earliest years — both editors and reporters who committed their careers to chronicling the epidemic. Current and former journalists assembled at the LGBT Community Center in Manhattan to honor their friends and colleagues in an event called “Bodies on the Line: A Memorial to Honor AIDS Journalists.” It was an opportunity to reflect on their contributions and revisit challenges of covering HIV/AIDS both then and now. “Their work is their legacy,” opined lead organizer Annechristine d’Adesky, an investigative journalist and author of The Pox Lover: An Activist’s Decade in New York and Paris, which explores the early days of AIDS activism and journalism. “They provided a unique voice for how they lived the story of AIDS, and how they documented it for our commu-
nity. That story is just as vibrant today, and their words are just as alive to speak to us. They were pioneers in many areas beyond journalism.” The event, intended in part to observe the 30th anniversary of ACT UP and AIDS activism, also featured a tribute by New York Times columnist and author Samuel G. Freedman to his former colleague Jeff Schmalz, who had penned dozens of AIDS articles and passed away in 1993. Through words and images, presenters recognized a dozen individuals: Michelle Wilson of The Positive Woman, Max Robinson of ABC World News, Danny Sotomayor of the Windy City Times, Cookie Mueller of Details, Kiyoshi Kiyomira of Critpath, Mike Hippler of the Bay Area Reporter), Iris De La Cruz of PWA Coalition Newsline, Paul Rykoff Coleman of Outweek, Michaeul Callen of PWA Coalition Newsline, Craig Harris of In the Life, Joseph Beam (continued on page 17) METROSOURCE.COM
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METROHIV (continued from page 13) of Black/Out and In the Life, and Assotto Saint, poet and author of Spells of a Voodoo Doll. Two noted LGBT radio show hosts — longtime ACT UP participant John Riley and AIDS activist Bob Lederer — paid tribute to Michael Callen at the stirring event. “Michael is someone who I considered an icon, an oftenoverlooked figure in the history of AIDS activism,” Lederer said. “He really was a model journalist/activist.” Lederer also took a Journalist and author Anne-christine moment to mention that many d’Adesky was the event’s lead organizer. of those being singled out for their contributions worked tirelessly in grassroots journalism — not merely for larger commercial outlets. Anne-christine d’Adesky spent months curating the names of
potential honorees to ensure they represented diversity in gender and ethnicities, and now says she’s planning another larger event — potentially as soon as this December in conjunction with World AIDS Day December 1 — which is annually dedicated to both raising awareness of the disease and mourning those who have been lost. By showcasing the impact these journalists had on the frontlines of AIDS reporting, d’Adesky hopes to also shape how younger generations see the epidemic. The event also addressed coverage of the AIDS epidemic into the future. Organizers announced the launch of “The Kiki,” an inaugural scholarship for reporters intending to cover HIV. The scholarship was named after Curtis “Kiki” Mason, a columnist who helped pioneer HIV cancer trials and died in 1996. The scholarship will be annually sponsored by the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association. “I feel this is an American story, a story way beyond the gay or AIDS community,” d’Adesky said. “It’s a global story, and it deserves to be seen that way.” ■ You can learn more about the work of “Bodies on the Line” organizer Annechristine d’Adesky at thepoxlover.com. METROSOURCE.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017
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WINNING IS COMING
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As the deadline for awards eligibility nears, we’re seeing some of the best films of the year — including a breathtaking gay romance, a haunting lesbian metaphysical mystery, a drama about ACT UP and a doc about a trans heroine. BY JONATHAN ROCHE
AS WITH MANY OF RICHARD LINKLATER’S FILMS, LAST FLAG
Flying would be hard not to like. I’d even go so far as to say that this broadly appealing film might even have the potential to help heal our country with its deft approach to a story about young Americans dying in foreign wars. The film doesn’t exactly endorse such losses of life, but doesn’t make the mistake of condemning them, either. By sidestepping more overtly polarized political issues, Linklater casts a light on all the human aspects of his tale, with which almost everyone will be able to empathize. Doc (Steve Carell) has lost both his wife and — more recently — his son, a marine killed in action in Iraq. Gentle and soft spoken, Doc is set to make a quiet pilgrimage to bury that son. However, he first visits an old friend from his Vietnam War days, Sal (Bryan Cranston), who doesn’t really do quiet. Doc pulls Sal into a mysterious road trip
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that leads them to yet another long-lost war buddy, Reverend Richard Mueller (Laurence Fishburne). Soon, both men have firmly become a part of Doc’s journey to bring his boy home. Despite the fact that Last Flag Flying does not resort to the kind of histrionics that audiences might expect from such a tale of loss and heroism, this film has Oscar potential written all over it — especially for Cranston, whose fast-talking and irreverent wisecracking light up the screen (nicely counterpointed by Fishburne’s grumpy reactions). It’s refreshing to see such a weighty topic treated with both reasonable humor and saltof-the-earth decency. The film never feels preachy, but achieves a level of thoughtfulness that offers a message about humanity that truly matters. THE WORD: A film worthy of saluting. COMING TO: Theaters
THIS PAGE: PHOTO BY WILSON WEBB
LAST FLAG FLYING
THELMA THELMA OPENS ON A LITTLE GIRL AND HER FATHER WALKING
THIS PAGE: ‘THELMA’ IMAGE BY EIRIK AAVATSMARK • ‘THE CURRENT WAR’ PHOTO COURTESY THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY
through a snowy Norwegian wilderness. When they come upon a deer, the little girl stares transfixed while her father raises his rifle to aim — first at the animal, but then at the back of his daughter’s head. A long moment later, he lowers his rifle and the mystery begins. Fast forward to Thelma’s first year at university, where we see her struggling to make friends after growing up in the country with conservative religious parents. Her awkwardness and isolation increase when she begins having periodic seizures in front of her classmates. But a beautiful girl named Anja is drawn to Thelma — as more than
just a friend. Thelma agonizes as she tries to reconcile the growing mutual attraction between her and Anja and the religion with which she was raised. But when Anja suddenly vanishes, Thelma returns home to understand what’s at the heart of her own extraordinary nature. Director Joachim Trier crafts a visually strong and thoughtful film with an intriguing premise, which I won’t spoil except to say that it seems to be a metaphor for accepting oneself and one’s sexuality. It’s a heightened exploration of the period in life when one learns to destroy in order to remake one’s own reality. THE WORD: A subtle and haunting homosexual thriller. COMING TO: Theaters
THE CURRENT WAR DON’T LET THE TITLE TRICK YOU INTO THINKING THIS FILM
concerns contemporary conflict. Instead, it sets its eyes firmly on the past, when Thomas Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch) began to electrify America. Edison favored using direct current (DC) rather than alternating current (AC), which competitor George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon) favored for its greater potential. Throw into this mix eccentric Serbian Nicola Tesla (Nicolas Hoult), who also preferred AC — so much so that he abandoned Edison to work with Westinghouse. The media savvy and ego-driven Edison began to malign AC in the press, claiming it was lethally dangerous. He even went so far as to electrocute large animals to prove his point (in the process inadvertently inspiring the invention of the electric chair). As Edison and Westinghouse locked horns to win a contract to illuminate Chicago’s fabled World’s Fair of 1893, their contest reached a fever pitch — which is reflected in the pace that director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon sets for this film. A lot of information needs to be crammed into this 105-minutes, which Gomez-Rejon does handily with speedy storytelling and constant use of different camera angles. The result is a film which is dynamic and boasts
a raft of appealing performances. And while it’s not necessary to have a previous interest in the subject matter — thanks to a vigorous and efficient script by Michael Mitnick — it might aid audiences’ enjoyment of this story to know the results of this war would help shape the wired world we’ve come to know. THE WORD: Unusually kinetic for a period drama, the film makes this century old story feels surprisingly modern. COMING TO: Theaters
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CULTURE
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COME AWAY TO THE BUCOLIC ITALIAN COUNTRYSIDE OF 1983,
where a young man’s world is budding with discovery and desire. Writer/director Luca Guadagnino takes you there in this voluptuous adaptation of André Aciman’s acclaimed 2007 novel of the same title — a title that suggests just how impactful young love can be. Together with his American mother and art history professor father, 17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet, Interstellar) lives a beautiful life, full of intelligent and loving family discourse, through seemingly endless summer days steeped in relaxed European splendor. But when his father’s grad student guest comes to stay for the season, confident Elio (himself a model of beauty that rivals the sculptures his father studies) is thrown. And who wouldn’t be by Oliver (Armie Hammer, The So-
cial Network) — with his casually powerful air, tall stature and deep, warm voice? Desire creeps in between the two so subtly (and realistically) that you might not even sense it at first. But its slow build culminates in a potency that is perfect and life-altering. Though it’s not the first time we have seen Hammer play a gay man (J. Edgar), this may be his most impactful performance yet. Michael Stuhlbarg gives a marvelously moving turn as the kind of sensitive, wise father every gay child ought to have. But it’s Chalamet who ultimately owns the film — expressing palpable truth about the miraculous pain of first love right up through a remarkable moment at the film’s close. THE WORD: This is surely one of the best films of the year — gay or otherwise. COMING TO: Theaters
THE FLORIDA PROJECT DIRECTOR SEAN BAKER EMPLOYS THE SAME RAW BUT
expressive style and use of amateur actors that worked so well in his tasty Tangerine. Here, he trades in the misfit-ridden streets of LA for the discount wonderland of residential hotels outside Disney World. “The Magic Castle” is a massive lavender flophouse diligently maintained by Bobby (Willem Dafoe), a general manager thanklessly responsible for tenants like young mother Halley (Bria Vinaite) and her delightfully foul-mouthed, troublemaking daughter, Moonee (Brooklynn Prince). Both Vinaite and Prince shine as their characters walk a fine line between legitimacy and something trashier— winning sympathy with charm as Moonee terrorizes gaudy gift shop parking lots and ice cream stands while Hallee hustles in increasingly desperate ways to make the rent. Both first-time actresses hold their own along side veteran Dafoe, who gives a memorably compassionate performance THE WORD: While there is sadness to be felt here, what Baker inspires is an appreciation for the messy business of life and all its imperfections. COMING TO: Home Video
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THIS PAGE: ‘CALL ME BY YOUR NAME’ PHOTO COURTESY SONY PICTURES CLASSICS • ‘FLORIDA PROJECT’ PHOTO COURTESY A24
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME
THE DEATH AND LIFE OF MARSHA P. JOHNSON IN TELLING THE STORY OF MARSHA P. JOHNSON, OSCAR-NOMINATED
THIS PAGE: ‘MARSHA P. JOHNSON’ PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX • ‘BPM’ PHOTO COURTESY ©CELINE NIESZAWER
director David France (How to Survive a Plague) also tells the story of the gay rights movement. Marsha was at the Stonewall riots leading the charge against cops who routinely harassed gays. She ended up on the front lines in part because, like so many trans individuals, she’d been pushed to the margins of society. That’s what this documentary is really about: those bold, beautiful individuals and the debt our community owes them for advancing the cause. One such woman — an old friend of Marsha’s named Victoria Cruz, leads us through the film on a quest to find out what really happened to Marsha before she was found floating dead in the Hudson River in 1992. The cops labeled her death a suicide and made no investigation (as the film explains they often dealt with homicides and disappearances of those who were regarded as unlikely to be missed). But Marsha is still loved by many who are sure she did not kill herself, and while there isn’t much footage of her, what we do see tells us a lot. Even when her clothes are askew or her makeup is not applied quite right, her whole face shines with a radiant warmth. THE WORD: Though Cruz may not find answers, she stirs important reminders of those who do not deserve to be forgotten. COMING TO: Home Video
BPM (BEATS PER MINUTE) BPM BEGINS IN A LECTURE ROOM FULL OF PASSIONATE YOUNG
French men and women loudly discussing (and reliving) the efficacy of their most recent fake blood-flinging protest, while also planning their next action. They are members of ACT UP, the AIDS activist group that fought tooth and nail for the survival of its members during the early dark days of the AIDS crisis — when ignorance and a lack of treatment options condemned so many to grisly deaths. But unlike David France’s excellent documentary about ACT UP, How to Survive a Plague, BPM is a drama (not a documentary) and is set in France in the early ‘90s instead of the United States in the ‘80s. Director Robin Campillo’s film makes a room full of people having a meeting utterly engrossing through the realism of his writing, and the intensity of people fighting for their very lives bring to everything. There is an immediacy and urgency to every scene, whether the characters are debating, getting arrested by riot cops or dancing their hearts out to electronic music at a club. About halfway through, the film shifts smoothly to focus on a budding romance between two of its members, Nathan (Arnaud Valois) who isn’t HIV positive, and Sean (Nahuel Pérez Biscayart), who is. Sean soon emerges from a crowd of interesting characters as the film’s most
compelling — even as he becomes sicker, and Biscayart gives the performance of the film, which follows him right to the bittersweet end (and beyond) with an unblinking eye. I have rarely seen death portrayed so faithfully while also remaining so emotionally affecting. THE WORD: Despite the impact of Sean’s death, the film’s message is strong: the beat continues as long as we continue, to fight, to dance, to live . . . and to love. COMING TO: Theaters METROSOURCE.COM
DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
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FABULOUS! THE DAZZLING INTERIORS OF TOM BRITT TOM BRITT IS A WORLD RENOWNED DESIGNER WHOSE SPECIFIC STYLE HAS ATTRACTED MANY FAMOUS ADMIRERS. AMONG OTHER THINGS, HIS WORK IS
known for plush furniture, seductive lighting, bold patterns and theatrical mirrors — all of which add up to spaces perfect for over-the-top entertaining and luxurious living. The designer succinctly sums up his point of view in the preface:“Pretty rooms are pretty boring. My preference has always been something totally different: bold, brilliant, even monumental. Rooms you can’t forget. ” Author Mitchell Owens dives into the fifty years of unforgettable designs — divided into categories reflecting such different motifs as exotic, modern, historical and classic, and ultimately escorts us into the spectacular spaces of the inner sanctum that Britt calls home. (By Madison Gulbin)
LOOK BOOKS
Take a peek into Tom Britt’s fabulous rooms, around Elsa Sciaparelli’s artistic circles of friends and inside the nightclub to end all nightclubs.
SCHIAPARELLI AND THE ARTISTS By André Leon Talley, Donald Albrecht, Dawn Ades, Hamish Bowles, Angelo Flaccavento, Dilys Blum and Justine Picardie; Rizzoli New York; $85 ELSA SCHIAPARELLI MAY BE BEST KNOWN FOR HER BOUNDARY-PUSHING
fashions, but she also cultivated creative relationships with some of her era’s most renowned artists — for example, Salvador Dalí himself collaborated with Schiaparelli in creating her infamous “lobster dress.” This beautifully illustrated book delves into the designer’s fascinating relationships with such art world royalty as Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Man Ray, Jean Cocteau and others. Featuring never-beforeseen photography, intimate anecdotes and essays penned by a handful of today’s most authoritative critics and personalities (the list of authors reads like a fashion Who’s Who), this volume celebrates the shared inspiration between the designer and her phenomenal friends. (By Paul Hagen)
Schiaparelli’s love of art and artists is evident in bother her designs and her glittering circle of collaborators.
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THIS PAGE: PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCHIAPARELLI.• BOOTS, COURTESY OF THE PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART. PORTRAIT OF NUSCH ELUARD BY PABLO PICASSO, 1937. © SUCCESSION PICASSO 2017/PHOTO © RMN-GRAND PALAIS (MUSÉE NATIONAL PICASSO - PARIS)/ADRIEN DIDIERJEAN
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BOOKS
By Mitchell Owens; Rizzoli New York; $75
THIS PAGE: PHOTOS COURTESY IAN SCHRAGER / RIZZOLI
STUDIO 54 By Ian Schrager; Rizzoli New York; $75 FROM THE MOMENT STUDIO 54 OPENED IN 1977, THE CLUB
provided spectacles that epitomized the idea that nothing succeeds like excess, and now the man who created what may well go down as history’s most storied nightclub — entrepeneur Ian Schrager — is offering a first-hand account of what that was really like, from the pulsating dance floors to every private nook and cranny. It was an age that saw a flourishing of conspicuous celebrity, and this book has
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the images to prove it. Inside you’ll find photos and anecdotes from an assortment of artists (Andy Warhol), rock stars (Mick Jagger), athletes (Muhammad Ali) and actresses (Elizabeth Taylor), as well as divas (Diana Ross), fashionistas (Yves Saint Laurent) and many more. Its original incarnation lasted only three years. Its cultural impact may be eternal. (By Paul Hagen)
LGBT FRIENDLY KIDS’ BOOKS
NOT TOO LONG AGO, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND CHILDREN’S BOOKS WITH GAY THEMES. FORTUNATELY, TIMES ARE CHANGING, AND NOW
there’s a variety of quality children’s literature on LGBT topics. Some have yet to make their way into the mainstream, and unfortunately many have been challenged or even banned in some places. Nevertheless, here’s an overview of some of these groundbreaking books. (By Jordan Laird)
HEATHER HAS TWO MOMMIES by Lesléa Newman (1989) It’s often described as the first lesbian-themed children’s book ever published, and its author explained that she noticed that lesbian couples with children did not have any books to read to their kids that would represent what their own families looked like. In it, Heather begins school — concerned that she has two mommies and no daddy, but her teacher explains that the components of a family don’t matter as long as they love each other.
KING & KING by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland (2000) Originally written in Dutch and published in the Netherlands, this story sees a grouchy queen insist her son must find a princess to marry. The queen invites princess after princess to the castle until eventually, one comes escorted by her brother. The two princes fall in love and they get married! The book: a revolutionary idea for the time, and the kiss at the end is believed to be the first image of two men romantically kissing in a children’s book.
AND TANGO MAKES THREE by Justin Richardson and Petern Parnell (2005) This book about two penguin dads is based off the real story of two Central Park Zoo penguins. In the story, two male chinstrap penguins, Roy and Silo, bond and try to hatch a stone because they can’t lay their own egg. One day, the zookeeper brings them an extra egg laid by another penguin couple. Roy and Silo take turns sitting on the egg to keep it warm until it hatches and their adopted daughter Tango is born!
10,000 DRESSES by Marcus Ewert (2008) Baily is a young trans girl who dreams of dresses. After her family angrily reminds her that she is a boy, Baily is befriended by an older girl across the street who’s more understanding and together they design a beautiful dress constructed from mirrors. We love this book not only because of its message of self-acceptance, but also because it doesn’t shy away from the realities of being trans by addressing Baily’s family’s negative reactions.
THIS DAY IN JUNE by Gayle E. Pitman (2014) This whimsical and colorful book brings a Pride parade to life in its pages. It’s designed to introduce kids to the diversity of the LGBT community with lively illustrations. It also includes a reading guide containing information on LGBT history and culture, as well as a ‘Note to Parents and Caregivers’ with information on how to talk to kids about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways. We love that! METROSOURCE.COM
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MOISTURIZING FOR WINTER
BODY
HEALTH
BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES
Winter can be a rough time of year on the skin with inclement weather outside and artificial heat inside. So we gathered a few of our favorite products to keep you feeling fresh this season
PAULA’S CHOICE SKINCARE Refreshing Moisture Mist
Tired skin? A little spritz of this Refreshing Moisture Mist from Paula’s Choice may be just the burst you need. Revive with a blend of skin restoring peptides and plant-based antioxidants for a healthy looking glow. Water-binding collagen and amino acids work together to revitalize your complexion. Helpful for dry or oily skin, its light texture has a nutrient-rich, alcohol-free formula. $25
VOTRE VU
Algae Stem Cell Serum Inspired by the bountiful and biodiverse regions of France, Votre Vu designs and handcrafts their products with native plant and marine based extracts to nourish and pamper your skin. Their Algae Stem Cell Serum is full of blue-green algae stem cells (the most nutrient rich and bioactive of all algae) designed to specifically boost elastin and collagen synthesis while regulating epidermis renewal. Plump and renew your skin with a custom blend that features a combination of herbal extract of stem cell DNA, eryngium maritimum extract, allantoin from the comfrey plant, vitamin E and provitamin B5. Votre Vu products are small batch crafted. $88
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PEVONIA SPA CARE
Collagen Boost Face Balm for Him Pevonia was green before it was fashionable, launching in 1991 with cruelty free formulas and post-customer recyclable/reusable packaging. The brand incorporates delicately extracted phyto-organic and natural ingredients to create earth and skin-friendly products that are Mother Nature approved. Their Collagen Boost Face Balm For Him rejuvenates, firms and plumps the skin with marine collagen, and elastin for those who want to defy age, smooth wrinkles and look great. $74
JUARA
Java Plum Avocado Nourishing Mask Ready for extra moisture and vitality? This ultracreamy mask hydrates deeply and nourishes the skin, renewing its natural vitality and healthy glow. The nutrient-rich combination of avocado oil, Java plum, banana and mango instantly soothes the driest skin. Juara products are inspired by Jamu, an herbal healing tradition in Indonesia where products are combined from ancient beauty rituals, herbal medicinal practices and modern science in order to create a luxurious and indulgent array of skin and bodycare products. $38
MALIN+GOETZ
Advanced Renewal Cream At Malin+Goetz, the focus is easy to use, gentle treatments that help cleanse and restore pH balance without harsh ingredients, irritants, or unnecessary detergents, colorants,
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and synthetic fragrances. Their advanced renewal cream nourishes skin with acmella flower extract, a lipid complex, evodia fruit extract and a hydrating fruit complex. The potent acmella flower extract helps to firm your skin while the fortifying lipid complex improves elasticity and hydration. $120.
KIEHL’S
Ultra Facial Cream It’s moisture replenishment for dry skin throughout the day. The combination of antarcticine (glacial extract, sourced in Antarctica), desert plant extract, and Kiehl’s signature squalane work together to draw and absorb moisture from the air. The antarcticine hydrates and smoothes, the desert plants protect in dry conditions while the squalane assists in restoring moisture balance. $27.50.
TALIKA
Eye Decompress An internal and external deep relaxation treatment for skin and well being. Applied pressure infuses the mask with lotion, providing an eye bath of natural active ingredients like Japanese rose petals to heal, escin to diminish puffiness and dark circles, vegetal anti-pollution film to smooth the eye contour, and camomile and cornflower waters to soothe and hydrate. Talika has also created an exclusive 10-minute relaxation podcast with Iyengar yoga professor Arnaud Caby to guide you through a relaxing meditation during the mask application. $27 ■
WE GIVE YOU A BETTER NIGHT
You put more carpe in the diem
©J&JCI 2017
Use only as directed.
TYLENOL® PM relieves pain while helping you fall fast asleep and stay asleep.
Bolt Briefcase
AS WE SAY GOODBYE TO 2017, I WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU
some of the tech that I’ve personally bought and used this year that has added quality to my life. Looking for holiday tech gifts? If I didn’t already have these, they would definitely be on my list for Santa.
TECH THAT
PASSED THE TEST BY TERENCE O’BRIEN
Since 2001, every laptop I’ve owned has been protected by a WaterField Designs product. Up until this year, I’ve used their basic form-fitted sleeves, designed to hug and protect the laptop when placed in a backpack or tossed it into my carry-on luggage. This year though, I decided to go for a style upgrade. I ditched the backpack and picked up their Bolt Briefcase instead. The Bolt briefcase comes in several style combos. I chose the waxed canvas with black leather, but its options include ballistic nylon and either chocolate or grizzly leather accents. The leather also adds a touch of style — not to mention added protection at the base and comfort on the handles. The interior contains a padded laptop sleeve, a slot with a soft lining designed to not scratch the screen of a tablet, and two interior pockets for smaller items like chargers and cables. The large main compartment still leaves room for a large water bottle, lunch or whatever else you want to bring along. The whole interior is also made with a patterned reflective orange material that illuminates the inside of the bag so you can easily see everything in there. It’s just one of the nice touches that speaks to WaterField’s attention to detail. There’s a luggage loop on the back to easily attach your bag to a carry-on roller handle and a wide open-topped pocket for magazines or newspapers. On the front are two pockets with tabs that magnetically close for your phone and wallet along with larger zippered pocket for easy and secure storage. Add in splash resistant main zippers and a sturdy padded removable shoulder strap, and you’ve got a versatile goeswith-anything bag — which is perfect, because you’ll take it everywhere. The made-in-America Bolt ranges from $269 for the small size to $299 for the large. It’s the Goldilocks of bags. Everything is just right (it even fits vertically under an airplane seat to preserve your precious leg room). Find the right size for you and see other styles at sfbags.com
THE HEADPHONES Bose’s noise cancelling headphones have been around for some time now, but it wasn’t until the Quiet Comfort 35 came out that I took the plunge. Why did I finally buy them? And why should you? First, they’re the only Bluetooth headphones I’ve encountered that work and sound as good as wired headphones. There’s no static or interference and no cords to tangle or worry about. They can connect to two devices simultaneously, so they seamlessly switch between music on my phone
Bose Headphones
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ALL IMAGES THIS SECTION COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
CULTURE
TECH
THE BRIEFCASE
and video conferencing on my computer. They have playback and volume controls and a microphone for making voice calls and issuing voice commands to your phone. Second, the noise cancellation is fantastic. Whether I’m in a noisy open office environment, at the gym, or on mass transit, all the background noise fades into the background. It’s also better for my hearing: I can play music at lower volumes since I’m not trying to compensate for external noise. The downloadable Bose Connect app lets you customize the headphones still further and updates often bring new features. The latest update allows you to control the intensity of the noise cancellation, so you can tweak how isolated you want to be. Lastly, these are comfortable all day long. With ear cushions and a padded headband, 80% of my day the Bose headphones are either on my head or around my neck ready to be put back on. Widely available at retailers and online for $329. They’re pricey, but it’s true what they say: silence truly is golden.
THE POWER BANK Powerbanks are useful because you can plug in any of your devices that use USB to charge whether you’re away from home or just out on the deck or patio and not near a traditional wall outlet. I chose the RAVPower USB C Power Bank 26800 PD Portable Charger because its packs a lot of power in a small form. The 26800mAh battery capacity can fully charges an iPhone ten times, a Samsung six times, or an iPad Air twice. The USB-C port will also charge a Nintendo Switch or power (but not really charge) the latest generation MacBooks to extend their hours of use. It also offers two standard USB ports for everything else. Find out more at ravpower. com; it’s available for $59.99.
to heat up, my microwave made everything soggy, and the deep fryer was really affecting my waistline. The Breville Smart Oven Air has replaced them all and fixed my kitchen woes. I use it several times every day. What makes the Breville Smart Oven Air such a workhorse is that it does a lot of things exceptionally better than the traditional appliances mentioned above. Toast and bagels are evenly browned and spot-on every time. Its small size makes it convenient for baking and roasting small portions faster and with quicker heating times via convection that circulates air, reducing cooking time. There are many variations of this type of oven, but the Air is what you want. It contains an “Air Fryer” setting, so you can get the crispiness and speed of a deep fryer without the added fat and calories of the oil. The convection feature cooks chicken and other meat faster so it retains more of those delicious juices. It also slays pizza — providing both crispy crusts and perfectly melted cheese. With the Smart Oven Air, you get the convenience of a microwave with the flavor and browning of a traditional oven. Its six heating elements are managed by an assortment of presets to direct the heat in the most optimal configuration for whatever type of cooking is on your menu. Especially if you’re often cooking for only one or two diners, the Smart Oven Air saves time, uses much less energy and your tastebuds will thank you. In addition, when you host larger groups, it makes a great secondary oven for sides or a dessert. It won’t fit in a stocking, but you’ll want to make space for it on your counter. Available for $399 at Williams Sonoma. ■
THE WALL CHARGER The Poweradd 5-Port/40W USB Type C Wall Charger solves a different power-related problem that often occurs even when I am near a power outlet — so much that I actually bought two: one for home and one for my office. With my tablet, phone, headphones and smartwatch to charge every day, my desk and nightstand were a messy mass of power cables and charging bricks. Working like a tradiUSB hub — but for power only, the Poweradd can use a single power outlet to charge four USB devices and one USB–C device. I replaced my phone and tablet this year and noticed they were taking forever to charge. That’s because as phones and tablets get bigger, they need more current to charge. The 40 watt Poweradd charger will generally charge devices much faster than either the ports on your computer or the factory-issue plug sold with the device. They’re affordable at $22.99. Learn more at ipoweradd.com.
THE SMART OVEN I actually did buy what may at first glance appear to be a simple toaster oven. Already have a toaster and an oven? Hear me out, because you still might want to make space for the Breville Smart Oven Air in your kitchen. I hated my kitchen appliances. My toaster burned everything and couldn’t fit my favorite bagels. My oven took forever
Poweradd Wall Charger METROSOURCE.COM
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THE PUREST WORK CULTURE
MUSIC
Shania Twain bears her soul, P!nk continues to chart her own course and Kelly Clarkson offers one inspiring track after another. BY MATT GROSS
P!NK
Beautiful Trauma (RCA Records) FROM SPARSE, ROMANTIC BALLADS TO DANCE
floor anthems, P!nk’s latest is a sonic buffet with a little something for everyone — as exemplified by the record’s glorious first single, “What About Us.” P!nk co-wrote all 13 tracks on the album, working with a wide variety of A-list producers including Jack Antonoff (Carly Rae Jepsen, Fifth Harmony, Lorde) and Greg Kurstin (Adele, Sia, Tegan & Sara) among others. P!nk continues to stick to her own playbook rather than cleaving to music trends. As a result, the album’s closing tracks — “I Am Here,” “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken” and “You Get My Love” — could arguably be called the strongest selections in her entire catalog, and she sounds more triumphant and passionate than ever. Join P!nk’s 30 million Twitter followers @Pink, and find out why she tops our annual list of People We Love starting on page 40 of this issue.
SHANIA TWAIN
NOW (Mercury Nashville)
years, the top-selling female country artist of all time (sorry Dolly!) exudes confidence, grace and strength. As both writter and co-producer, Twain stretches out on NOW with a potpourri of luminous tracks. The lead single and video “Life’s about to Get Good” unfolds like the best Taylor Swift breakup song that T-Swift never wrote. Other highlights include NOW’s reggae-inspired “Swingin’ with My Eyes Closed” and the record’s gorgeous centerpiece, “Where Do You Think You’re Going?” Twain recently explained the album’s origin: “It was a big step toward independence. I pushed myself knowing it was going to scare me and knowing that I alone was responsible for however it turned out.” She added, “This may be the purest work I ever do.” Join Shania Twain’s five million Facebook fans at facebook.com/shaniatwain.
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SHANIA COURTESY MERCURY NASHVILLE
ON HER FIRST NEW STUDIO ALBUM IN 15
KELLY CLARKSON
Meaning of Life (Atlantic Records)
PINK CREDIT RYAN AYLSWORTH • KELLY CLARKSON CREDIT ATLANTIC RECORDS
SOULFUL, SENSUAL AND BRUTALLY HONEST, THE
original American Idol’s eighth release is nothing less than a brash attempt to craft masterful R&Binfluenced pop. Inspired heavily by old school hip-hop and soul music of the ‘60s and ’70s, The Meaning of Life pits Clarkson’s blast-furnace vocals against a decidedly more contemporary palette of beats and rhythms — resulting in a pile of roadtrip-ready singalongs. Case in point: the album’s closer “Go High” — which is both uplifting and hopeful — was inspired by Michelle Obama’s “when they go low, we go high” quote from the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Elsewhere on “Move You,” Kelly sings,“Like a sunrise on a mountain, I wanna move you like that.” If she’s referring to her listeners, that’s a lofty ambition indeed. Clarkson will serve as a coach on the next season of The Voice, set to premiere in February. See kellyclarkson.com for international tour dates as they’re announced. METROSOURCE.COM
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ROSOURCE Our annual look at what’s going on in the world of our favorite furry friends. BY TERENCE O’BRIEN AS ANIMAL COMPANIONS BECOME EVERMORE INTEGRATED INTO OUR HUMAN FAMILIES, IT SHOULD COME
as no surprise these days that pets are often included in the same life improvement trends as humans. Nowhere is that more evident than in the food section of your local pet store. Gone are the days when choices for your pet’s food were limited to wet or dry. Just as consumers are now more mindful of where our food comes from and what is in it, they’re also paying closer attention to what to feed their furry friends, and the options are only continuing to expand. Organic pet food has been around for a while, but lately there has been a veritable explosion in the variety of quality treats available to reward that special little buddy for being so good. And — as with their main meals — pet treats are being formulated with greater attention to ingredient sourcing, allergens and nutrition, ensuring that no matter what digestive sensitivities your pet might have, there’s bound to be a treat for them, too.
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THIS PAGE: ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF RIZZOLI / STACEY BEWKES
Pet
Designer Jonathan Adler and Foxy Lady
Michelle Nussbaumer’s Great Dane Loretta
The ingredient list in ZUKE’S NATURAL DOG TREATS, for instance, reads like a Whole Foods shopping list. Fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices, along with chicken, fish and even duck round out a menu that sounds like it might be just as tempting for humans. Zuke’s even makes a special holiday turkey and cranberry tree-shaped treat perfect for Fido’s stocking this year — assuming he hasn’t chewed his to rags already. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Trees are available at independent retailers and PetSmart locations nationwide for $5.79 per 6 oz. resealable bag. As anyone who has looked up a benign symptom on WebMD knows, you’re always just clicks away from discovering that whatever symptom you have is dire. Seventy-five percent of pet owners also turn to“Dr. Google”to try to self-diagnose pet symptoms, and that can be even more dangerous than when we do it to ourselves. PETCOACH, a Petco company, offers an app for your smartphone that not only answers health questions, but also offers training advice, behavior insights and nutrition information, all for free. If your dog barks too much or your cat doesn’t purr enough, PetCoach has thousands of vet-reviewed articles that explain everything you want to know about your pet. For $19.99, you can also get a real time consultation with a vet (available 24/7) to help figure out if your pal is just being weird or has something seriously
Designer and Author Mary McDonald’s Pack of Pugs
wrong. Still got questions? ASK.VET offers a yearly membership for $99 which includes unlimited text sessions and six phone calls with a veterinarian (who are on call from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.). Although either of these services can be helpful to ease your mind about a pet’s health, they ‘re no substitute for regular veterinary care. Always keep the number for your vet and the nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital programmed into your phone or in an easily accessible place. If you go to a lot of parties, you may have already encountered “party suit guy.” He’s the dude with a suit with hearts all over it for Valentine’s Day and an American flag suit on the 4th of July. Chances are, he got those duds at SHINESTY.COM. Now they carry matching suits for your pet too, so you’ll both be well dressed for any special occasion. GIFTSFORYOUNOW.COM also offers an entire section of pet-centric items to make sure your four legged friends are not left out of the holiday festivities. Treat your pet to a customized ID tag with any picture you want. Hang a stocking with their name on it, or hang an ornament on the tree just for them. Your pets can’t read of course, but pet lovers with a penchant for design should be sure to check out AT HOME WITH DOGS AND THEIR DESIGNERS: SHARING A STYLISH LIFE (Rizzoli, $35) by author Susanna Salk. Her book, featuring 22 A-list designers and their pets is both a glimpse into the designers’ lives and an inspiration for anyone who wants to live beautifully in harmony with their animals. Fun photos by Stacey Bewkes feature pets and owners at play and lounging around their fabulously appointed spaces. See which lucky pets summer in the Hamptons and which lucky quadroped uses a miniature vintage chair to hop in and out of bed. Each section is written by the designer/owner as both love letters to their pets and explanations of how they’ve adapted their homes to accommodate their beloved companions — offering practical guidance and examples of how you can create a pet-friendly environment that is also stylish and beautiful. ■ METROSOURCE.COM
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CHRISTMAS COOKIE
VIEWS
DIARY
Wade is convinced Gary has gone too far with an unexpected holiday gift for his parents, but their reaction turns out to be the real surprise. BY WADE ROUSE
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“NO!” I SAID TO GARY AND THE DOG IN HIS LAP. I WAS standing in an animal shelter just before Christmas. Gary had surprised me by bringing me there, telling me he’d found the perfect gift for his parents. I’d been expecting a Yankee candle, not a black Lab mix.“I’m not going to be part of this scheme, Lucy,” I continued. “Your parents already have too much to deal with right now.” Gary’s father had just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and the news hit him hard. Recently retired, his dreams of a perfect and peaceful sojourn into old age seemed quashed. Moreover, Gary’s mother seemed overwhelmed by the news, unable to focus or find peace. Gary held the dog up, waved its arms and made it act as if it were talking to me — just like he did with our own rescue, Marge, whom we adopted from this same shelter. “Save me,” Gary said in falsetto, his head hidden behind the dog’s. He lowered the lab into his lap, kissed it on top of its head and then looked at me.“Help me save my parents,”he said, his voice suddenly emotional, eyes brimming with tears. I’d always been told pets made the worst presents. The cuteness of the gift tends to wear off quickly when the holiday season fades into the dead of winter. Also, acquiring a pet seems like too big a decision for someone else to make for you. “Do your parents even want a dog?” I asked. “They need this dog,” Gary said, trying not to cry. “They need a little happiness. They need to focus on something full of life.” He nodded at her papers, which were sitting beside him on the floor.“And her name is Cookie. Could there be a better sign? Christmas Cookie!” We walked out with the dog. I held Cookie in my lap the entire drive to his parents’ home. I also held my breath. When we arrived, Marge rushed into the house first. Then Cookie went charging in, running directly to Gary’s father as if she knew exactly who she needed DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
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to impress. “Did you adopt another dog?”Gary’s mom asked. “No,” Gary said tentatively.“You did.” No one said a word. I was about to run for the car, but Gary’s father lowered himself to the floor and began to play with Cookie. “Who’s a beautiful girl?” he called in sing-song voice.“You are.” He looked up at us and smiled like a child who had gotten the present he’d always wished for. And then the man I’d never once seen cry had tears in his eyes. “She looks just like Midnight,”he said, referring to another black Lab Gary’s family had when he was growing up. Cookie licked his face, wagged her tail and looked at him. The Christmas tree lights reflected in her eyes. The two were inseparable after that — drawn together like magnets. Cookie was calm, sweet and seemed to understand Gary’s father’s limitations. She brought him back to life. Gary’s father began to walk Cookie — first around the yard, then the block, then the neighborhood. Cookie also gave Gary’s mom something to dote on — like a new grandchild for whom she could make special treats and talk to while baking or gardening. All 50 pounds of Cookie slept on Gary’s dad’s lap — in his beloved rocker — while sports played on the TV. And as Gary’s father’s Parkinson’s progressed, Cookie could always calm his trembling body. When Cookie passed away this year — at nearly 16 years old — we mourned her passing with many stories and even more tears. For a decade and a half of holidays, Cookie was a part of their — and our — lives. She wore Santa hats. She opened gift bags, knowingly digging out the treats waiting inside. She was, in short, the best Christmas present we ever could have gotten his parents. This year, Gary’s parents will get another dog for the holidays. There’s no replacing Cookie — just like we could never replace our Marge or our Mabel or our Doris. But there will be a furry friend that will bring them joy. This one may very well outlive Gary’s father. Even so, the relationship will add years of happiness to his parents’ lives. Sometimes the wrong gift is right. Sometimes taking a risk is worth it. Always, the love you share outweights the pain of saying goodbye. That’s just the way the cookie crumbles. ■ Wade’s latest novel, The Hope Chest, is now available under the pen name Viola Shipman. Learn more at waderouse.com. HAS A PET CHANGED THE LIFE OF SOMEONE YOU LOVE? SHARE YOUR STORY IN “GAY VOICES” ON METROSOURCE.COM.
WHO SHOULD GET TESTED FOR HIV? EVERYONE.
See how often testing is recommended. Visit HelpStopTheVirus.com © 2015 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC1858 03/15
MOVIE PASS The concept is simple — and revolutionary: Pay a flat fee, get a membership card and see an unlimited number of movies at more than 4,000 theaters nationwide. Popcorn, soda, and candy not included. ($10 per month, moviepass.com)
BROOKLINEN BEDWEAR How come no one ever says,“This place needs a man’s touch!” It’s is a mystery to us. Brooklinen offers patterns with a distinctively masculine look in a variety of styles and colors. And with a 480 thread count, you don’t just slip between these sheets — you glide. ($149, brooklinen.com)
THE Gift OF
Fab!
ZOKU WATER BOTTLE Keep your favorite gym bunny hyradted and cool can next time they’re working up a sweat. Made of heavy gauge stainless steel and topped with a vacuum seal, this container keeps drinks cold for up to 40 hours because… science. ($30, zokuhome.com)
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ALL IMAGES THIS SECTION COME COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
We’ve rounded up cool presents at every price point that would make even old Scrooge himself smile with delight this holiday season.
THE SMITHS THE QUEEN IS DEAD For the music aficionado with a moody streak: this new deluxe boxed set of the band’s legendary 1986 album features remastered songs, B-sides and the previously unreleased track entitled “Rubber Ring/What She Said.“ ($40, officialsmiths.co.uk)
KEITH HARING NOTEBOOKS “Art should be something that liberates your soul, provokes the imagination and encourages people to go further,”the late great Keith Haring once said. Inspire a creative type with this limited edition sketch book featuring selections of Haring’s iconic work on the cover. ($20-$25, moleskin.com)
KILBOURN BACKPACK Solo NY has the backpack you’ll never want to be without — and it’s a fashion statement in itself. The Kilbourn backbpack is crafted from pebbled leather with metal hardware finishes and a sleek macho camo lining. There’s nothing quite so giftable as an accessory they need that they also can’t wait to show off. ($299.99, solo.net)
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ONYX MINK BENCH Here’s a throne fit for even the most regal queen: This masterpiece, constructed from polished mineral and silky-soft fur, works as a either a decorative art piece or functional furniture. ($5,950, jungleeny.com)
L’OISEAU BOTTÉ CUSHIONS And now, some pillow talk: These sumptuous, printed cushions designed by Delphine Chopard — available in velvet, satin or cotton — promise to spruce up any bed or sofa. (Price available upon request, roche-bobois.com)
KRIPALU YOGA CENTER Namastay here for a full weekend,or even just an afternoon. The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, MA offers everything from guided hiking and cooking instruction to — yes — yoga. Give a gift card so the health nut on your list can plan a customized visit. (Prices vary by program, kripalu.org)
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100 CONTEMPORARY BRICK BUILDINGS Who doesn’t like to linger over something strong and well built? But these are no utilitarian boxes. Taschen’s gorgeous two-volume tome is a love letter to some of the most innovative brick structures of the last 15 years. ($60, taschen.com)
CLASSIC GOLD SLINKY What walks down stairs, alone or in pairs? The Slinky, of course. With a gilded makeover — it’s plated in 14 karat gold — the classic midcentury toy is fun to play with and a swank conversation piece. (designstore.theglasshouse.org, $150)
DELUXE BATCH DISCOVERY BOX ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION Leave the work of picking perfect presents to experts, y’all. Every three months, the tastemakers at this Nashville-based company curate cool items from around the South (think snacks, sauces, salsas, etc.), pack ‘em up, and send ‘em on to your lucky recipient. ($400 for four boxes, batchusa.com)
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CRUX ESPRESSO MACHINE Save your favorite caffeine addict some coin (those $5 lattes do add up) and gift this sleek countertop drink maker that whips up cappuccinos bound to impress even the fussiest barista. ($150, macys.com)
UUNI 3 PORTABLE WOOD-FIRED OVEN Making pizza is as easy as pie with this powerful stainless steel tabletop machine. It heats to 932 degrees in 10 minutes — and can deliver a pizza in just 60 seconds. Now that’s what we call fast food. ($300, uuni.net)
HAMPTONS SALT COLLECTION Good things come in small packages. These one-ounce jars of salt each have distinct flavors such as black truffle, rosemary and smoked hickory. They’re a perfect gift for the expert chef, or encouraging a novice cook to take some chances. (hamptonssalt.com, $40)
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MADE-TO-MEASURE CUSTOM SUIT Ready to upgrade your look? Black Lapel checks many of the same boxes as a tailor, but at prices that may convince you to buy two at a time. As part of the process, your favorite fashionable friend will be meticulously measured and their suits are constructed precisely to each body’s proportions in styles that will have you feeling runway ready. ($549-$949, blacklapel.com)
100 YEARS OF OLYMPIC FILMS Let the history buff in your life relive magical moments in international sports, such as black track and field athlete Jesse Owens embarrasing Hitler on his home turf in 1936. This comprehensive 32-disc Blu-Ray collection highlights Olympic games going all the way back to 1912. ($400, criterion.com)
SCHWINN PHOCUS 1600 No drag here: This bike’s lightweight aluminum frame — like the kind found in pricier brands — allows riders to zip through traffic in the city or power past slowpokes on the riding trails. ($400, schwinnbikes.com)
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PEOPLE LOVE
They took risks, defied expectations, spoke out, redefined cool and made us proud to call them members and allies of our community. BY PAUL HAGEN AND KEVIN PHINNEY
P!nk Why is P!nk topping this year’s list of People We Love? Well, she’s spent her entire career resisting the world’s expectations. When the music industry asked her to be just another slick pop princess, she responded with her own unique punk cool — unafraid to be political, boundary pushing and even gravity defying. She’s been an outspoken supporter of the LGBTQ community in song (memorably asking what President George W. Bush would do if one of his daughters turned out to be gay in the lyrics of “Dear Mr. President”) and the imagery of her videos (“Raise Your Glass” features both a pair of grooms kissing at their wedding and P!nk in bed with a nun). When she accepted the 2010 Ally for Equality Award from the HRC, she introduced herself saying “I’m Alicia. I’m a Virgo. I’m 31. I’m gay.” She explained she said so not because she was coming out, but because she hoped to live in a world where being gay is met with the same “boring response” of someone announcing their astrological sign. This year, not only did she release a huge hit album, Beautiful Trauma, she also accepted the Video Vanguard Award at the MTV VMAs where, after showing up with her daughter in matching menswear looks, she delivered the mother of all acceptance speeches: “I was driving my daughter to school and she said to me, out of the blue, ‘Mama?’ I said, ‘Yes, baby?’ She said, ‘I’m the ugliest girl
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I know.’ And I said, ‘Huh?’ And she was like, ‘Yeah, I look like a boy with long hair.’ And my brain went to, ‘Oh my god, you’re six. Why? Where is this coming from? ... I went home and I made a Powerpoint presentation for her. And in that presentation were androgynous rockstars and artists that live their truth, are probably made fun of every day of their life and carry on, wave their flag and inspire the rest of us. And these are artists like Michael Jackson and David Bowie and Freddie Mercury and Annie Lennox and Prince and Janis Joplin and George Michael, Elton John ... Then I said, ‘You know, I really want to know why you feel this way about yourself.’ And she said,‘I look like a boy,’ and I said,‘What do you think I look like?’ And she said, ‘You’re beautiful.’ And I was like, ‘Thanks. But when people make fun of me, that’s what they use. They say I look like a boy, or I’m too masculine or I have too many opinions; my body is too strong.’And I said to her, ‘Do you see me growing my hair?’ She said, ‘No, Mama.’ I said, ‘Do you see me changing my body?’ ‘No, Mama.’‘Do you see me changing the way I present myself to the world?’ ‘No, Mama.’ ‘Do you see me selling out arenas all over the world?’‘Yes, Mama.’‘Okay! So, baby girl, we don’t change. We take the gravel and the shell and we make a pearl. And we help other people to change so they can see more kinds of beauty.”Thanks for helping us all see the beauty, P!nk. Rock on.
OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTO BY COURTESY SØLVE SUNDSBØ
for All the Happy Ever Afters
Naomi Watts
Jill Soloway for a Whole New World We have previously saluted Soloway for creating Transparent and we could easily have done so once again as, in the show’s fourth season, its Pfefferman family continues to walk a tightrope between being lovable risk-takers and almost pathologically self-involved. The season also saw the show continue its explorations of sexuality with a fun foray into polyamory and a rigorous mining of religion with a trip to Israel. But the big news from the world of Soloway this year was the spectacular premiere of her I Love Dick. The show had been highly anticipated both because of Soloway and the fact that its source material is a unique epistolary novel about sexual obsession, but we could not have foreseen the sheer audacity with which the project would be executed. It twinkles in the halflight between enshrining and satirizing both art and sexual desire. We meet Toby, exploring her obsession with the intersection of art and pornography, who briefly dallies with Devon, an aspiring playwright wrestling with her own gender expression. And at the show’s center is Kathryn Hahn — so warm and meek as Transparent’s Rabbi Raquel — here totally transformed into Chris, a failed filmmaker of nearly boundless ego, who finds herself compelled to craft reams of letters exploring her desire for the show’s title character, the leader of a Texan community of artists and academics. And as Dick: Kevin Bacon serving sizzling sexual energy. And just as Chris can’t help but love Dick, we can’t help but love Dick.
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It has been a riveting year for LGBTQ representation on streaming media, so certain performances were bound to have gone under-appreciated. Among them is Watts’ beguiling, nuanced turn in the role of Jean Holloway in Netlfix’ Gypsy. The show’s premise sounds simple, almost procedural on its surface: Jean is a therapist who can’t stop helping her clients at the end of their sessions. Rather, she uses what she knows about them to insinuate herself into their lives — telling overbearing mothers and abusive boyfriends to back off. But the plot quickly thickens when she begins a flirtation with a woman named Sidney — the ex of one of Jean’s male patients. As their involvement deepens, the show offers a tantalizing exploration of bisexual desire. Jean’s web of deceit grows ever more complex, and Watts begins to flesh out a character who may be driven not merely to lie, but perhaps even to create and inhabit other versions of herself. She’s a doting wife to her husband (beautiful Billy Crudup), a fiercely protective lioness to her child (who has begun to display signs of being trans), a petulant tantrumthrower to her mother (the always spectacular Blythe Danner) and an ever-less-cautious caretaker of her clients. Though Watts may have the starpower to light up the big screen, it took the winding, gradual unfolding of serialized storytelling to allow her to craft such a layered, conflicted character about whom no easy conclusions can be drawn.
THIS PAGE: NAOMI WATTS PHOTO COURTESY ALISON COHEN ROSA - NETFLIX • JILL SOLOWAY PHOTO COURTESY OF ID PR
for Keeping Us Guessing
PEOPLE LOVE
Difficult People
THIS PAGE: DIFFICULT PEOPLE PHOTO COURTESY ALI GOLDSTEIN - HULU • SAM SMITH PHOTO COURTESY DOUGLAS GORENSTEIN-NBC
for Being Great Equalizers Will and Grace really want you to like them. Sure, they may be zany, but you can feel their desire to be approved of by others — so much so that they often end up questioning whether their choice of one another as life partners is healthy or normal or at least okay. Difficult People’s Billy and Julie don’t care if you like them or if you judge them. Julie doesn’t even particularly seem to care if her boyfriend (a sadsack PBS functionary) likes her. They are too busy judging everyone else — especially Billy’s co-workers, including trans conspiracy theorist Lola and the lovably lighterthan-air Matthew, who makes W&G’s Jack McFarland look like Chuck Norris. There’s a stealthy brilliance to Billy Eichner and Julie Klausner building a show stocked with characters you aren’t supposed to like. It makes for subversive and astringent comedy. When Billy and Julie criticize someone, they are ruthless, and it’s a thrill when a guest star shows up to see just how low they’ll go. Not worrying about niceness also allows each one of the actors to take their characters over the top. We’ll take Andrea Martin as as Julie’s ridiculously self-aggrandizing mother Marilyn over her honey-sweet character on Great News any day. And, while we’re asking, a few more heaping helpings of Jackie Hoffman as Billy’s dramatically dour sister-inlaw Rucchel would work for us as well. It turns out that being difficult is a great equalizer, allowing the show to make the important point that — no matter our gender expressions, sexual orientations, races or religions — we all have an unlimited potential to be absolutely terrible.
Sam Smith for Giving Us the Thrills How could we not love Sam Smith? In many ways, he’s the male answer to Adele. Sexy, British, always seemingly lovelorn yet doggedly determined to find happiness on his own terms. If that wasn’t enough, Smith recently informed the press:“ I feel just as much woman as I am man.”America fell under the crooner’s spell in 2014 with the release of In the Lonely Hour, the locus of three hit singles, including “Stay With Me,” which won the Grammy for record of the year in 2015. Although it was based on a failed relationship, Smith shrugged it off at the awards ceremony.“I want to thank the man who this record is about, who I fell in love with last year,” he told the crowd.“Thank you so much for breaking my heart because you got me four Grammys.” Smith also co-wrote and recorded “Writing’s On the Wall,” the James Bond theme for Spectre later that year, which snagged him a Golden Globe and an Oscar. Recently, he released a new studio effort, The Thrill of It All, once again exploring the reaches of his smooth tenor, diverse songwriting chops, and offering a few tantalizing glimpses into his inspirations like Amy Winehouse and (naturally) Adele.
PEOPLE LOVE
Anthony Rapp & Wilson Cruz The Star Trek universe has given much to gay people over the decades with its explorations of difference. Who in the LGBTQ community can’t relate to feelings of being an alien or an android — of living among humans and yet feeling set apart? What Trek hasn’t provided are actual gay characters. Certainly, the franchise deserves credit for the incandescent celebrity of George Takei, and it was doubtlessly intended as a respectful salute to him that the character of Sulu would be revealed as gay in the reboot of the film series. Takei was less than thrilled, however; he had always conceived his portrayal of Sulu as heterosexual and requested the filmmakers create a new character if they wanted to add an LGBTQ dimension to the Star Trek family. They went on to make Sulu gay anyway, but warp ahead to 2017 and Takei seems to finally be getting his wish. In the new CBS All Access series Star Trek: Discovery, we meet Lieutenant Paul Stamets (Rapp), a scientist specializing in the study of spores and the master of the Discovery’s unconventional experimental drive, and Dr. Hugh Culber (Cruz). Several episodes later — with no grand fanfare or controversy — an episode concludes with the pair brushing their teeth before bed, nonchalantly discussing the fact that Stamets had put himself in danger in order to save the ship.“One tends to worry when they’re doomed to love a brilliant but reckless maniac who’s willing to risk his life,” says Culber. “You may not care about you, but I do.”We do, too.
Cheyenne Jackson for Daring to Do High Drama Fantasy For all his fame, Cheyenne Jackson is one humble guy. He says he’s“very honored”to be on our 2017 list of People We Love, and explains that he’s finally experiencing some real joy and satisfaction in his career and his home life with the husband and kids.“Right now, there’s just lots of momentum. I’m in a different space personally, and finally really comfortable in my own skin. I still have my own insecurities, but I finally feel worthy.” Not attending college, Jackson often felt that he’d somehow slipped into the circus of showbiz by sneaking under the tent. “Especially with my first season on American Horror Story, I felt like I was faking it or just getting by,” the actor admits. “I kept thinking, ‘How am I supposed to do these scenes with Kathy Bates?’ Getting sober, getting married and having kids — then getting to 40 had a lot to do with it, honestly.” Before the series came calling, Jackson was best known as an actor who could sing and dance with the best.“I’m generally more comfortable in more comedic settings than high drama fantasy — but I came to realize that was my own stuff. Once I got past that, I had way more fun in the second season. It’s become like a family; almost like a summer rep, where every year you can’t wait to see who’s gonna play who, and you go, ‘Ooh, what’s her hair gonna be like?’And I have so many scenes with Sarah Paulson, who comes out guns blazing and is absolutely remarkable from the very first take.”
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THIS PAGE: ANTHONY RAPP AND WILSON CRUZ PHOTO COURTESY COURTESY FRANCIS SPECKER - CBS • JACKSON PHOTO COURTESY THE SUBJECT.
for Going Where No One Has Gone Before
THIS PAGE: EDIE WINDSOR PHOTO COURTESY REX BLOCK - WIKIMEDIA COMMONS • LENA WAITHE PHOTO COURTESY NETFLIX
Edith Windsor for Setting the Precedent This year we lost a woman who came to symbolize the triumph of marriage equality in the United States of America. The details of her precedentsetting case are relatively straightforward: Windsor and Thea Spyer had been partners for four decades before finally tying the knot in Canada in 2007. When Spyer died just two years later, Windsor inherited her estate. But because the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prevented them from being legally recognized as spouses, the IRS presented Windsor with a bill for over $350,000. Windsor sued for a refund, and the case ultimately reached the Supreme Court, where the decision in her favor struck down DOMA’s definition of marriage as a union between a woman and a man. Although at the time that only meant the government would recognize unions in states that had marriage equality, it’s impossible to overstate the momentum that built toward marriage. While we note her passing
with sadness, it is with abundant happiness that we remember how she lived to bask in the glow of her victory. To be at a benefit or Pride event Windsor attended was to witness an outpouring of love and gratitude from a community whose loving unions had been long denied. Edith Windsor was a champion of love. She is survived by her second wife Judith Kasen-Windsor and will be greatly missed by all.
Lena Waithe for Telling Another Side of the Story When Aziz Ansari’s Master of None premiered, it was immediately hailed as something special. As if in answer to how lily-white the cast of Girls was, here was a show that told the stories of young, creative NYC hipsters, but made telling the stories of people of color an integral part of the show. The character of Denise, played by Lena Waithe, was an instant hit. She was unapologetically butch and limitlessly cool. And whether Dev was coming to her for advice or they were just hanging with friends, she could be counted on to add a special something to any scene. When the show returned for its second season, fans hailed its daring upgrade in cinematic form but — without a doubt — the standout episode was the one which Ansari and Waithe co-wrote chronicling (over a series of Thanksgivings) the evolution of their friendship and the process of Denise coming out to her family and introducing them to her girlfriends. Featuring a splendid cast of actors, including Angela Basset as Denise’s mother, the episode both seemed to capture the spirit of every coming out — the hiding, the struggle to tell the truth, the difficulty of dealing with less positive reactions — while also being wonderfully specific. Accepting her Emmy for the episode, Waithe said, “My LGBTQIA family, I see each and every one of you. The things that make us different, those are our superpowers.” We’d be proud to be part of Waithe’s family any day.
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PEOPLE
Randy Rainbow
LOVE
for Helping Us Laugh through the Pain
Kathy Tu & Tobin Low for Spilling the T on All Things LGBTQ In April of this year, our community got a gift: an amazing podcast from NPR with two hosts who talk to each other and their listeners like you’d talk to a best friend over the phone. At the same time, they are creating a continuing wide-ranging conversation about sexual orientation and gender expression in a world where we still need safe spaces to talk about who we are, even as who we are is an increasingly fluid thing. They’re not afraid to take on their fears: Tu nervously headed off to Queer Camp (and ended up having a transformative experience); Low discussed his own body image issues with someone he long thought of as having a perfect body. They take on pop culture, from Dumbledore’s sexuality in the Harry Potter series to the relevance of The L Word for modern lesbian audiences. They explore what it means to exist somewhere in the middle of the gender spectrum, what it feels like to be out at work, and what voices in the community are being underrepresented. And they do it all with amazing grace and good humor — even as they navigate subject matter where the rules about how to respectfully address and refer to people seem to be in constant flux. If Kathy Tu and Tobin Low represent where LGBTQ media is headed, then we have plenty to look forward to.
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THIS PAGE: RANDY RAINBOW PHOTO COURTESY THE ARTIST • HOSTS OF NANCY PHOTO COURTESY ALI GOLDSTEIN - HULU
Song parodies are nothing new. Nor is sketch comedy about politics. But nobody does it quite like Randy Rainbow. It’s hard to put a finger on what it is precisely that makes his work so special. Is it the clever way he twists news footage so that public figures appear to be impassively blinking as he asks them outrageous questions? Is it the way he’ll suddenly burst into the most perfectly chosen pop song or showtune with its lyrics twisted to affect a laser-focused critique of his target (often seemingly directly to their faces)? Is it his sudden transformations — changing as if by magic from conservative anchorman attire into a warehouse full of wigs and hats and cat-eye glasses? Whatever the ingredients, Rainbow’s YouTube videos took a huge turn with the 2016 Presidential Election — transitioning from light skewering of celebrities to blistering takedowns of Trump and company. Thus a Carrie Underwood hit became “Before He Tweets,” Kellyanne Conway spin met Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway kitties in “Alternative Facts,” and the dire state of our international diplomacy got the Rodgers & Hammerstein treatment in “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Korea?” Throughout it all, Rainbow’s mellifluous voice, virtuosic timing and hilarious sass shine. Would somebody give this guy a TV show already?
One Day at a Time for Taking Us by Surprise It’s not something we expected to like: a reboot of the ‘70s sitcom One Day at a Time. But we had fond memories of Justina Machado from Six Feet Under, and the new Schneider seemed like a definite upgrade in the looks department. And Rita Moreno is a goddess. So we tuned in, and once we did, we were hooked. Gloria Estefan’s fantastic revamp of the theme song invited us in, and the comedy — though family-friendly — made us laugh. Suddenly, before we knew what was happening, we realized we were watching one of the most fresh and modern comedies we’d ever seen. Machado’s Penelope is navigating raising a family on a tight budget while dealing with a messy separation from her husband and an injury from serving in Afghanistan. The family’s Cuban heritage is mined for comedy to great effect but also with great respect — and allows Moreno to steal scene after scene with an accent and bravado to which words can truly not do justice. And, with so much subtlelty that we almost didn’t see it coming, we realized we were also watching a coming out story. Isabella Gomez is simply radiant as a teen coming to terms with both her sexuality and the fact that her family wants her to have the kind of quinceanera that she (with the passion of a fiery young feminist) does not want at all. And when the big event finally arrives in the season one finale, well — let’s just say we dare you not to laugh and cry. Brava!
Ryan Murphy THIS PAGE: ONE DAY AT A TIME PHOTO COURTESY MICHAEL YARISH -NETFLIX • RYAN MURPHY PHOTO COURTESY FX
for Reinventing Television
For a while, it seemed like he was almost too cool for TV. The characters on Popular were just too arch and camp for anything beyond cult appeal. The antics on his plastic surgery soap Nip/Tuck pushed the envelope harder than it seemed ready to be pushed. But then came Glee, which seemed to announce that the world was ready for TV to get significantly more gay. And though the viewing public seemed to be saying, “Hey, not that gay!”to his semi-autobiographical The New Normal, the genie was already out of the bottle. With American Horror Story, Murphy may have finally found an underserved genre (horror) and an entire section of the Emmys (Limited Series) that he could mine. And he’d continue to find riches in both — almost single-handedly reviving the career of Jessica Lange and delivering one opportunity after another to experience the incredible talents of Sarah Paulson, Frances Conroy, Kathy Bates and an evermore impressive troupe of players. Then came The People vs. O.J. Simpson, with its buzzy casting choices and sensational retelling of the trial of the century. And after that arrived Feud: Bette and Joan. And somewhere in the maelstrom was The Normal Heart and Scream Queens and now — as we’re breathlessly poised for The Assasination of Gianni Versace, it appears the only question remaining is whether we will soon run out of hours in the day to be captivated by Murphy’s genius. METROSOURCE.COM
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COMMUNITY
MATT TUMMINELLO Matt Tumminello, founder and president of Target 10, helps some of America’s top companies (Johnson & Johnson, HBO and Stoli, to name but a few) identify and reach LGBT audiences. After the 2016 election, he was heartned to discover a resolve among his clients “to stick with us. There is an intensified sense of urgency to LGBTQ marketing because we’re living in a time when America seems to be going backwards.” He calls the Trump era “an opportunity for our clients to express their core values of inclusion, and the expression of those values is empowering to all of us. It certainly is for me. What I would say has changed is that the community has quickly pivoted from #LoveWins to #Resist.” Tumminello adds, “It’s important to uplift and celebrate, but when people are suffering you’ve got to be real with them.”
Nick Jonas There’s no question that Nick Jonas is one hot commodity — for many reasons. Not only is he crushing it with his JT-esque falsetto on R&B throwdowns like “Jealous,” but whenever he appears on television, gay America leans just a little closer to the flatscreen. Truth be told, Nick Jonas has been hot for almost half as long as he’s been alive — at least as an entertainer. As one third of the Jonas Brothers, he lit up the Disney Empire with“S.O.S,”which began a run of chart successes that didn’t abate until the trio decided to pursue separate careers. Jonas then began to divide his time between building a solo music career and work onscreen. Favorable notices playing a computer hacker in the reboot of Hawaii 5-0 and as a murderous frat boy in Scream Queens ultimately led to his role as MMA fighter Nate Kulina in Kingdom. Throughout the series, Nate grappled with his gay impulses while also being the “responsible”member of the family and occasionally kicking some serious ass in the ring. Fans were thrilled when Nate finally came out to his brother at the end of season two and then bid the series a tearful goodbye at the end of the series’ third and final season. And although Nate may be gone, America is nowhere near kicking its Nick habit. He’ll soon be lighting up the big screen in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and has a project underway currently called Chaos Walking, a tale set in a dystopia where there are no women and all living creatures can hear each others’ thoughts.
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THIS PAGE: NICK JONAS PHOTO COURTESY RANDYHOLMES-ABC
for One Last Round
BRIAN RAFFERTY If New York gay nightlife has a ringmaster, Brian Rafferty (pictured to the right of trainer and fiance Dan Welden) would cetainly fit the bill. Rafferty has made it his mission to make sure no one leaves his parties without breaking a sweat, hearing the best DJs in town and having a safe, fun environment to meet people just like them. Trained in medicine, he also claims a “creative itch” led him into organizing events to help people“forget the stresses of daily life in one of the most stressful cities in the world.”Rafferty confides that the“secret sauce”that makes his renowned TRADE successful is a seamless blend of inclusivity and exclusivity.“TRADE,”he says,”is inclusive because we welcome everyone. It’s exclusive in that we do a lot to appeal to those who come, so they really feel a special part of the overall experience.”
NOMINEES
PEOPLE LOVE
This year, in addition to the carefully curated collection of staff picks, we reached out to readers and friends of the magazine to round out our list. Here’s a selection of the inspiring individuals we’re excited to share. DANICA ROEM Journalist, mom and politician, Danica Roem is also trans and, as we go to press, a candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates. Should she win her race, Roem will be the first trans person seated in Virginia’s State Legislature. She won the Democratic primary last June and is now squaring off against an incumbent of 25 years, Republican Bob Marshall. Earlier this fall, Roem uploaded a web video titled Just Who I Am, in which she challenges her rival’s continued refusal to either debate or refer to her as a woman. As she sees it, “there are millions of transgender people in the country, and we all deserve representation in government.” So far, she’s out-fundraising Marshall five to one. And in her spare time, she sings in a metal band called Cab Ride Home. How’s that for a Renaissance Woman?
SEAN COLEMAN
OPPOSITE PAGE AND THIS PAGE: ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NOMINEES
Sean Coleman began his community service during the pre-cocktail years as a peer educator for the Minority Task Force on AIDS. There, he spent countless hours reaching out to members of the house and ballroom communities in which the virus had taken a deadly toll. Coleman redoubled his efforts at the Bronx Community Pride Center, where he was one of two trans coordinators who began encouraging trans folk from the shadows. In 2009, Coleman opened Destination Tomorrow to address the gap in adequate programs for LGBT African Americans. The goal was a lofty one — to highlight racial and health disparities while building an infrastructure of help that included the trans community. Destination Tomorrow now develops and implements programs for communities that continue to remain marginalized. Coleman is also the President of the Bronx Trans Collective.
VALERIE WEISLER Plenty of kids face bullying; Valerie Weisler decided to do something about it. “I was bullied brutally my freshman year of high school,” she recalls,“because I was so shy. Girls would put notes in my locker telling me to leave school and spread rumors that I was mute.” One day, she witnessed another classmate going through the same ordeal. “It woke me up. I went up to him and said,‘You matter.’ He told me he was planning to take his life that day, but that I really validated him.” That night, she says,“I sat down at my kitchen table that night and Googled how to make a website.” What began as a small pro-kindness group has now grown into an international organization called the Validation Project, which works with more than 6,000 teens worldwide. “My hope is that The Validation Project becomes a household name,” she says.“I want my generation to know their worth, and know how to use that worth to shake up the world.”Visit womenofworth.com to vote for Valerie to receive $25,000 for the Project. METROSOURCE.COM
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What is TRUVADA for PrEP?
Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP?
TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medicine that is used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.
Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: ® Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. ® Also take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA for PrEP? Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-negative. ® Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. ® You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. ® If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. ® To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1: ® Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. ® Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you. ® Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners. ® Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. ® If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. TRUVADA can cause serious side effects: ® Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking TRUVADA, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.
What are the other possible side effects of TRUVADA for PrEP? Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: ® Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with TRUVADA. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA. ® 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. ® Bone problems, including bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRUVADA for PrEP? ® All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis. ® If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA. ® If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can be passed to the baby in breast milk. ® All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-thecounter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. ® If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include certain medicines to treat hepatitis C (HCV) infection. 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.
Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page.
We’re adventurous, not reckless. We know who we are. And we make choices that fit our lives. TRUVADA for PrEP™ is a once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when taken every day and used together with safer sex practices. ® TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex. ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP.
Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you. Learn more at truvada.com
IMPORTANT FACTS
This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEPTM (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.
(tru-VAH-dah) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative. • Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. • You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you were exposed to HIV-1 or have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. • If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. • See the “How To Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information. TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.
ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA for PrEP is a prescription medicine used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. • To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health. Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. • Take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.
HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1. • Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. • Use TRUVADA for PrEP together with condoms and safer sex practices. • Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP” section. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. • 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. • Bone problems. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.
BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis. • Have any other medical conditions. • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. • Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can pass 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, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP.
HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK • Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. • Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you. • Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners. • Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV infection. • Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for program information.
TRUVADA FOR PREP, the TRUVADA FOR PREP Logo, the TRUVADA Blue Pill Design, TRUVADA, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Version date: April 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0110 07/17
RESURRECTING UNCLE HOWARD A young filmmaker creates a cinematic elegy for the hero he lost to the epidemic. BY JEFF SIMMONS
THIS PAGE: ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF PINBALL LONDON.
Through interviews and archival film, Aaron Brookner finds ways to bring his dearly departed Uncle Howard back to life.
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lywood director who died of AIDS on the cusp of his 35th birthday in 1989. To his nephew Aaron, he was the loving and inspirational Uncle Howard. “He gave me the same thing he gave everyone: when he was with you, he was really with you, and there was nobody else in the room or the world. He was genuinely interested in you,”Aaron recalled while preparing the film. “I could see that in his home videos, when he was spending time with me and interested in what I was doing.” Those videos — along with memories of a beloved uncle — help paint a portrait of a life cut short in Aaron Brookner’s film, Uncle Howard, which is now available on multiple streaming platforms (including iTunes, Amazon and Netflix). “It’s a film about love. It’s a film about filmmaking. It’s a film about AIDS. It’s a film about the power of what you can do with your time in the world, and that what you create while you’re here can really outlive you,” the younger Brookner said. His uncle completed only three features before he died during the worsening AIDS epidemic; but he made an indelible impression on those who traveled in his circles. He spent years with Beat writer William S. Burroughs — the subject of his 1983 documentary Burroughs, which Howard created with fillmmakers Jim Jarmusch and Tom DiCillo. Uncle Howard follows nephew Aaron as he reviews more than 300 reels of film from his uncle’s life and career, including outtakes from Burroughs, in the hopes of better understanding his childhood hero. Aaron intersperses interviews with his uncle’s former colleagues and other family — including Howard’s longtime partner, novelist Brad Gooch, who describes Howard as a genial life-loving man. Howard’s video diaries and photographs further illustrate his passion for film and life. As Howard’s health worsened, he was directing the movie Bloodhounds of Broadway, which he would not live to see released. Aaron recalls visiting him as a youngster at St. Vincent’s Hospital, which was ground zero for treatment of AIDS patients in the early years. “I didn’t quite understand what was going on,” Brookner says now. “But it was never dark around Howard. He retained his sense of humor until the end.” If there is a message Aaron hopes resonates with audiences, it’s to pursue your passion.“Howard died really young,” Brookner said,“but he didn’t feel entirely cheated because he was able to do what he wanted to do, and that’s an important message that we need more than ever now.” ■
METROHIV
TO THE WORLD, HOWARD BROOKNER WAS A RISING HOL-
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CAN WE TALK? If health care providers have to keep conversations confidential, then why are so many of us nervous to bring up the subjects we most need to talk about? BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES
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HEALTH
CALLEN-LORDE (CALLEN-LORDE.ORG) IS A GLOBAL LEADER IN LGBTQ
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healthcare. They provide sensitive, quality, hands-on assistance and services targeted to New York’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities regardless of an individual’s ability to pay. In addition to primary care, Callen-Lorde offers services in transgender health, mental health, a sexual health clinic, dental services, a pharmacy and even on-call providers. So when it came time to discuss the subject of being able to speak honestly with medical professionals, we turned to them. Andrew Goodman, MD, Associate Director of Medicine at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center says, “LGBTQ patients should be able to openly discuss their sexual health and gender identity with healthcare providers in order to provide a full picture of their health, so all aspects of their personhood can be cared for. LGBTQ people deserve sensitive and respectful care.” When it comes to approaching difficult topics, Goodman recommends, “be direct and specific. Communicate your boundaries with your provider, and ultimately, remember that you have choices as a patient and you can choose to end an appointment if you feel you are not being treated respectfully.” Taking care of yourself between doctor’s visits also plays an important role in your overall health and can help you be more forthright with your doctor. “Self-care and self-respect are very important,” Goodman adds. “All bodies need good nutrition, regular movement and quality sleep. Listen to your body as well, and if something doesn’t feel right, let a provider know.” The National LGBT Health Education Center (lgbthealtheducation.org) — which offers educational programs, resources and consultations to health care organizations — provides a useful program called “Do Ask, Do Tell: Talking to your Healthcare Provider about Being LGBT.”They also encourage transparency, noting: “There are many benefits to discussing your sexual function and behaviors with a provider.”They emphasize that coming out to your provider is important because many in the LGBTQ community face unique health risks that should be routinely addressed. Certain issues that they suggest discussing include screening for STDs and HIV, getting DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
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vaccinated for HPV and hepatitis A and B, using condoms, problems with sexual function or satisfaction, plans to adopt or conceive children, and even partner abuse. GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality is the world’s largest and oldest association of LGBT healthcare professionals and has worked tirelessly to bring LGBT healthcare into the mainstream since 1981. GLMA offers an extensive list of providers and researchers on their website (glma.org) and a helpful list of “Ten Things Gay Men Should Discuss with Their Healthcare Provider.” This list includes similar recommendations to those of the National LGBT Health Education Center (above) — in addition to fitness, substance abuse, depression and cancer. Still not sure about how to talk to your physician about certain topics? The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) offers a wide range of answers to challenging questions and where to get free, fast and confidential testing (gettested.cdc.gov). For example, in the NYC area, you might consider an organization like GMHC (gmhc.org). GMHC, in addition to being one of the largest non-profit HIV/AIDS organizations in the United States, takes walk-ins and scheduled appointments for HIV and STD testing, community health and research, coordinated care, nutrition counseling, mental health, wellness and prevention services. Though it’s essential to see your healthcare provider for regular check ups, if you are sexually active you should be tested for STIs and HIV more often than in conjunction with annual tests for levels like cholesterol and liver function — ideally, every three to six months.Even if you have not (to your knowledge) engaged in less safe sex practices, it’s important to know your status; it can give you peace of mind and — if you do test positive — helps ensure you’ll get the treatment you need as early as possible and that you don’t inadvertently expose others to HIV. Everyone wants to feel comfortable and safe talking with their doctors. If you are dissatisfied or uncomfortable with your physician or other healthcare provider, there’s no shame in making a change. Remember: finding someone who helps you take better care of your health also helps you take better care of your community. ■
INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup chopped shallots 2 large garlic cloves minced 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 4 pounds PEI mussels scrubbed and debearded 1 cup dry white wine 1/2 cup heavy cream 2 large egg yolks 4 sprigs thyme 1 lemon, juiced ground black pepper 3 scallions cut in 1/4 diagonal slices 1 myoga ginger, sliced lengthwise
METHOD 1. In a large sauce pan over medium heat, cook the shallots in the olive oil stirring occasionally for three minutes. Add the garlic and cook another minute (but be sure not to burn it). Add the mussels, wine and sprigs of thyme, then cover the pan. 2. Steam the mussels, shaking the pan occasionally for five to seven minutes or until the shells have opened. Discard any unopened shells. With a slotted spoon, transfer the mussels to a bowl and keep warm. 3. Strain the broth through a sieve into a medium saucepan. Over medium-high heat, reduce the strained cooking liquid to one cup. 4. While sauce is reducing, remove the mussels from the shells.
PHOTOS BY GAYLE VAN WELY
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and egg yolks. Reduce the heat under the saucepan to low. Add the cream mixture to the cooking liquid and whisk until thickened slightly. Add lemon juice and pepper to taste.
PLATING Arrange about a quarter of the mussels in a circle in the serving vessels before pouring the egg cream sauce in the center. Then, garnish the mussels with slivers of scallion and myoga ginger and serve. Recipe serves three to four.
FRUIT OF THE SEA BY GAYLE VAN WELY During this festive time of year, crafting menus for holiday gatherings comes to mind. And there are few holiday meals as familiar as the Italian “Feast of Seven Fishes.” Ironically, structuring the meal around seafood comes from a Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat until the feast of Christmas Day. But if you’re lucky enough to be invited to an Italian home on Christmas Eve, you’re likely to encounter a meal that feels delightfully abundant — with a wide variety of the ocean’s greatest treasures cooked to perfection. Whether you’re looking to add to your Christmas Eve line-up or are simply in the market for a healthy-yet-celebratory seafood dish, you’ll find that mussels are a fan favorite. I started making a variation on this dish I found years ago in an old French Country cookbook, but over the years I have finessed it. It’s satisfying, succulent and briney, yet delectably mellowed by egg and cream. The health angle of the preparation is the nutritional value of the mussels. PEI Mussels are a good source of vitamin C, which is rare among protein sources and they provide other antioxidants, as well. In addition, a serving of PEI Mussels also provides an impressive 18 grams of protein. They’re also high in vitamin B12 and are an excellent source of iron, an important factor in red blood cell formation. And for the eco-concerned, mussels are a type of shellfish which can be farmed in environmentally sound ways. Healthy holdiays! ■ METROSOURCE.COM DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
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FROM ONE TO NINETY-TWO After a childhood of unhappy holidays, Kevin wasn’t sure why people people said that Christmas was for kids — until one child brought out the kid in him again. BY KEVIN PHINNEY attached himself to my ankle so I had to move through the ing that gets a lot of lip service room like a car booted for parking violations. When his Mom this time of year. I was well into came to retrieve him, she explained Ben didn’t have a dad adulthood before I could unpack because his father abandoned them while she was pregnant. that idea, however — especially I began bringing Ben to the movies with us or to swim in our after decades of hearing Nat“King” apartment’s huge pool. His Mom had a gay brother, so she Cole wishing Merry Christmas “to felt at ease with Ben staying over with David and me. She may kids from one to ninety-two.” actually have had an easier time of it than David, who wasn’t My childhood Christmases sure what to make of our newest family member. looked like outtakes from Bad Ben and I were often mistaken for biological father and Santa. There was always some sort son — to our mutual delight. Ben had my walk, did impresof drama: My Mom, ripped to the sions of me and shared my sense of mischief. Because his gills, would craft an egg nog with favorite cereal was Cracklin’ Oat Bran, he’d point to it on the the whites so poorly mixed that supermarket shelf and tug on my sleeve. “Daddy, Daddy! you could feel it jump from your More Crack!” — leaving the other shoppers in mute horror. mouth to your stomach like a spring-loaded Slinky. Before long we had rededicated a room in our home for My parents also had a penchant for dragging home Ben, who began spending every other weekend with us. Then friends for a nightcap, and waking us from slumber to play he asked if he could stay over on Christmas Eve. Initially, his welcome wagon. Our rogue’s gallery included “Aunt Judy” — Mom seemed a bit hurt, but since she could see Ben was a 60-something spinster given to fishnet hose and skirts so feasting after a lifetime of being Daddy-deprived, she agreed. short you could see clear to New Year’s whenever she poured I bought us all matching nightshirts and got Ben his own herself out of her ‘67 Mustang. One sister recalls another stocking for the mantle. David and I delayed decorating our shaking her out of a sound sleep to this: “Come quick! It’s tree so that Benjamin could take part. We had the requisite snowing and Dad is fighting Fernie and Joe in the front yard!” egg nog, cookies and Christmas music, and every few minWhile the ‘rents were busy boozing, we got into our own utes Ben would shake a present marked for him and plead to fair share of trouble. One joyous yuletide my younger sister open it early. I think I smiled so much that night my face hurt rollerskated through the living room into the Christmas tree the next day. These memories are among my most cherished and set our curtains on fire. Fun for young and old. because they finally provided the holiday magic that eluded Later when my mother ran off, my stepfather swiftly me in my own childhood. remarried and sent my two youngest sisters to a children’s Now that my sister’s children have children of their own, I home to spare his new wife’s “nerves.” He brought them get pictures of them opening presents and holiday memories home for Christmas Eve but decided to take them back at the — good and bad — come flooding back. Disparate as they are, end of the day — although we all wailed and begged him not there’s a common theme that unifies them for me: Christmas to. When I left for college — leaving my five younger sisters is for kids — not just children, but anyone“from one to ninetybehind — I assumed I was done with kids forever. two” seeking to celebrate the holidays. These days, I tend to Flash forward to my partner David, who I met in the eerie get up Christmas morning, call my family, take in a movie dawn of Ronald Reagan’s “Morning in America.” MTV still and find a quaint restaurant serving Christmas dinner. I’ve ran music videos, Drew Barrymore’s only arm candy was replaced the chaos of Christmas past with something close E.T. and Bruce Willis had hair he grew, not bought. Our lives to serenity, and the kid in me thinks that’s just awesome. ■ revolved around our jobs, playing Pictionary and perfecting the watermelon margarita. Then about five years in, I met an eight-year-old named Ben while babysitting for a group of SEE A PHOTO OF YOUNG KEVIN AND SHARE YOUR HOLIDAY telemarketers when their regular volunteer fell through. Ben MEMORIES IN “GAY VOICES” ON METROSOURCE.COM.
VIEWS
POV
“CHRISTMAS IS FOR KIDS” IS A SAY-
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KEEPING THAT
JE NE SAIS QUOIS
A veteran in the field meditates on how aesthetic medicine evolved away from a quest for an ideal sameness. BY DR. JOSEPH A. EVIATAR, MD, FACS WE ARE NO STRANGERS TO CHANGE IN THE GAY COMMUNITY. GAY MEN
are at the forefront of change and trend setters in many different industries. In the ‘70s, we pioneered what became the fitness industry. Fitness and body culture became an increasingly important part of our lives and it soon transferred to straight men to where the term “metrosexual”was coined. In the last decade, there has been a natural progression in looking and feeling our best with available products and services. We are eating healthier, exercising more often and we desire to age gracefully. Many of us who have implemented a more balanced lifestyle are feeling better and want the way we look to reflect how we feel. “Prevention”and“happiness”have become buzzwords. When we move away from material possessions, we focus on things that really matter. We focus on experiences, love, happiness and feeling our best. Some of us seek to bring these gifts to the people we treasure in our lives. Our spouses, family and friends are who make our lives enriched and full of life. They are the people that we love, and we want them to have joy. We know that we can more effectively love others when we learn first to love ourselves, our flaws and our own imperfections, but we also know that true happiness often happens when self-change takes place. Cosmetic procedures have generally been stigmatized as peo-
DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 METROSOURCE
ANI DIFRANCO
PEOPLE LOVE
i
P NK
ADVENTURES IN BABELAND
MAKE FETCH HAPPEN
OUR ANNUAL SALUTE TO PETS
ple wanting to look different, change themselves, or to achieve an “ideal,” yet generic, image. However, aesthetic medicine is no longer confined to surgery, radical changes or grand transformations. Both technology and social changes have started to value the experience of an individual and the unique qualities of each person so that we feel great, age gracefully and still have that “je ne sais quoi” that makes us who we are. But if we are being honest, it can do much more than give us kissable lips, better abs and beautiful skin. It can give us confidence, and a healthier and more positive lifestyle. We look better, we feel better and most importantly we love ourselves so we can love better. For those of us old enough to recall our first computer or cell phone, I’d like to present the following analogy: We can always wait until there is a new model with more features, or we can get the best model that is out there today and live our life to the fullest. Prevention tends to be much easier than waiting until correction is needed, and today these procedures can be affordable. We no longer have to wait until things are bad. “Everyone will notice, but no one can tell,” will truly become our mantra. We only ever have the present moment to be grateful for the people in our lives and everything we have. We need to embrace change and live the best version of our life today. omniaesthetics.com ■
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METROHIV BODY
JUST ACROSS THE BORDER THE TIJUANA RIVER CANAL, WHICH RUNS ALONG THE BORDER
between Mexico and the United States has become a powerful demarcation line between a population where people with HIV are receiving proper care and treatment (across the border in San Diego) and those in dire need mere miles away. Writer Jon Cohen and photographer Malcolm Linton spent two years in Tijuana, in an area known as “El Bordo,” where HIV rates are dramatically higher than in surrounding areas. Cohen’s words and Linton’s images come together to create a portrait of life in a place where hope is in short supply. The stories of the world they encountered came together to create Tomorrow Is a Long Time, a photo essay book describing the challenges faced by nearly two dozen Tijuana residents — all striving to find care before they too fall fatally ill. “They are both tragic stories and hopeful stories,” says writer Cohen. “There is a struggle in almost everyone in the book, a struggle to get healthy, and all of us can relate to that on some level.” Together, Cohen’s words and Linton’s images put a human face on those for whom help is so close and yet so far away. Many have been deported from the United States and — without resources or anywhere to turn for help — end up on the streets with no access to life-saving medical care.“Their
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stories come alive in the details,” Cohen says. “We wanted to show that these people who are hated are not animals; they are people.” While the book acknowledges strides are finally being made toward helping this population, the slow progress and setbacks along the way still all too often lead to heartbreaking loss. “We watched people die who never received any antiretroviral drugs, who clearly were in need,” Cohen reflects. Some of the problems that they point to in the book are systemic. Cohen points to one government-funded Tijuana clinic where blood tests are administered but then must be sent to Mexico City — over 1,750 miles away — to be analyzed in order to determine if a person is eligible for treatment. It’s a costly delay in a situation where time is of the essence. Despite the degree of suffering that he witnessed firsthand, Cohen expresses an unshakeable optimism that their work will ultimately make a difference. “I hope this book reaches the right people, who can build a stronger response,” he says, “that it makes the people in the book appear more human, and creates compassion, regardless of what your choices are in life. By seeing their photos and reading their stories, that people will care about them.” ■
IMAGES THIS PAGE COURTESY OF DAYLIGHT BOOKS
Journalists Jon Cohen and Malcolm Linton take a sojourn south to chronicle the lives of people struggling with HIV in Mexico. BY JEFF SIMMONS
TAKE THE LEAD
Take an active role in your health. Ask your doctor if an HIV medicine made by Gilead is right for you.
onepillchoices.com GILEAD and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC4606 06/17
ENCHANTED IN ESTONIA IT’S A COUNTRY WHERE A LOVE OF MUSIC MEETS A LOVE OF FREEDOM, AND IT’S INVITING YOU TO JOIN ITS PEOPLE IN CELEBRATING A VERY BIG BIRTHDAY. BY MARK A. THOMPSON across an expansive lawn that rolled down to the Baltic Sea, our host suddenly stopped. Hushing us with a finger to his lips, he raised his head so that we, too, would hear the bird song. “A nightingale,” said Martin Breuer, owner of Pädaste Manor (padaste.ee), a 24-room luxury resort and spa situated on Muhu Island. “It sounds like a chorus, but it’s actually only one bird. Not much to look at, but what a singer!” Enchanted, we stood and listened to the whistles, trills and gurgles of this Estonian nightingale which, in hindsight, was an appropriate accompaniment for a country that achieved independence from authoritarianism via a “Singing Revolution.” Tucked into a corner of Northern Europe, Estonia is flanked by the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland, with more than 2,200 islands and a dramatic coastline of limestone cliffs. Its heavily-forested mainland contains over 1,400 lakes and — in extraterrestrial news — clusters of meteorite craters. With its numerous fens and bogs, Estonia evokes images from Norse mythology where supernatural nymphs and elves frolic in the woodlands. In short, there’s much that’s magical about Estonia. The history of this country of 1.3 million people, one of the smallest members of the EU, has been something of a centuries-long chess match with various invaders using Estonia as a pawn on their strategic chessboards. For nearly a millennium, Estonia was annexed in successive waves by Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Russia. Despite a declaration of independence in 1918, Estonia was first occupied by the Soviet Union, then by Nazi Germany before being officially annexed by the Soviets in 1944. However in 1988, spontaneous singing demonstrations broke out at various music festivals around the nation — eventually growing to nearly 300,000 citizens. After four years of protests Junipers
and the singing of once-forbidden patriotic songs and hymns, Estonians regained their independence in 1991. This will be one of many historical events celebrated during the nation’s hundredth birthday throughout 2018.
THE ISLAND WHERE TIME RESTS Accessible only by ferry, Muhu Island is where “time rests,” according to the locals who cherish their maritime heritage amidst charming fishing villages and bucolic landscapes dotted with thatched cottages and windmills. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), Pädaste Manor dates to the 16th century with a pedigree that includes hosting royals, heiresses, and the Imperial Hunting Master at the court of Czar Nicholas II. (It was also once occupaied by the Soviet military before becoming a fish warehouse and later, a geriatric nursing home). Pädaste’s renaissance commenced in 1996 with a complete restoration of the 70-acre estate and its landscaped park and apple orchards. Today the stately manor is Estonia’s only five-star hotel outside Tallinn. Take in the view that inspired the Pet Shop Boys to write a song while in residence. Sip a champagne cocktail at Pädaste Yacht Club overlooking Pädaste Bay. Juniper trees and wild orchids dot the shoreline where sea eagles nest. In the distance, “Love Island” beckons, calling to romantics across the globe. Michelin-starred chef Matthias Diether helms the kitchen at Alexander restaurant where a Nordic Islands seven-course tasting menu highlights the indigenous bounty from Muhu purveyors. Dinners at the 14-seat Chef’s Table (alexanderchefstable.ee) are most definitely a convivial introduction to Estonian gastronomy and hospitality. For the morning after, treatments at Pädaste Spa are based on ancient Muhu traditions with emollients
PHOTO BY JOHANNES ARRO FOR VISIT ESTONIA
AT TWILIGHT, ONE EVENING IN ESTONIA, AS WE WALKED
“Nearly as much as Estonians love their ubiquitous and delicious dark rye bread, they cherish their centuries-old spa traditions.”
Männikjärve Bog
TOP PHOTO BY SVEN ZACEK FOR VISIT ESTONIA • CENTER PHOTO BY PÄDASTE MANOR • BOTTOM PHOTO BY MRNY
Pädaste Bay
prepared daily from the surrounding herb gardens. Housed in the estate’s former dairy, the spa includes a wood-fired sauna complete with birch branches for light flagellation (to stimulate circulation) and a Siberian cold tub on the terrace. As owner Breuer attests,“Muhu is about slow travel,” and most likely you’ll want to savor every moment at this remarkable estate. Before heading on to Saaremaa, Muhu’s larger sister island, consider a respite at Koost (the Estonian word for “spoon”), where a bakery and brewery complement a restaurant renowned for its fresh produce and seafood with homemade dairy products. Famous for its 13th-century castle and moat, the isle of Saaremaa offers waterside villages, windswept beaches and a vista festooned with windmills. Also of interest is the 4,000-year-old meteorite crater field known as Kaali, which is the largest in Europe and has been an ongoing influence in Estonian mythology.
rituals that include a Silent Spa, various saunas, a foot bath, a Dead Sea saltwater pool and a sun bath that generates the kind of rays you’d expect to find on the shores of Bali, Mauritius or Miami. Hedon’s sleek hotel addition opened in summer 2014 with waterfront rooms and private balconies that face Pärnu’s broad beach and coastal lagoons. Alongside the birds and amphibians protected inside Pärnu’s nature preserve, the beach hosts thousands of EDM enthusiasts for the annual Weekend Festival (weekendbaltic.com), one of the world’s largest electronic dance music events. Equally acclaimed is Pärnu Music Festival (parnumusicfestival.ee), a weeklong summer series of classical music hosted by the Estonian Festival Orchestra. Given the historical import of their “singing revolution,” it’s appropriate that Estonians gather for numerous musical events, including Jazzkaar (jazzkaar.ee/en), the largest jazz festival in the Baltics. There are folk music fests, musical walks, lake music festivals and a Tchaikovsky Festival (tchaikovskyfestival.ee/en). Most important for many Estonians is the Song Festival (sa.laulupidu.ee/en) held every fifth year and featuring some 30,000 singers who perform at an historic bayfront setting fabled for its acoustics and architecture. Since its music
THE NORDIC RIVIERA Nearly as much as Estonians love their ubiquitous and delicious dark rye bread (baked daily and served with fresh butter — diet be damned), they cherish their centuries-old spa traditions. Nowhere on the mainland is there a more beloved health resort than the city of Pärnu, a seaside vacation capital since the Russian aristocracy began taking mud baths there in the early 19th century. Now known as Hedon Spa & Hotel (hedonspa.com), the original mud baths date to 1838 and are currently housed in a neoclassical building. Nestled along the white sands of Pärnu beach, the spa at Hedon celebrates ancient Roman bathing culture with cleansing
Kuressaare Castle on the Isle of Saarema
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Pädaste Manor
Tallinn Old Town
TALLINN FOR EVERYONE As for LGBT life, in 2014 Estonia became the first ex-Soviet country to legalize
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Restaurant Raimond
The isle of Kihnu
Estonian Black Bread
Herbs with Poached Egg Yolk
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Estonian National Museum
same-sex partnerships. LGBT people serve openly in the military and anti-discrimination laws have been in effect here for years. Pride parades have been held in Tallinn since 2004 and in 2017, the city hosted Baltic Pride, the annual LGBT event that rotates among three Baltic capitals. For the past 13 years, X-Baar (baar.ee/en) has remained a favored LGBT boîte while Club 69 (club69.ee), the first gay baths in the Baltics, has been open since 2001—and both establishments are but a short walk from Tallinn’s illustrious Hotel Palace (tallinnhotels.ee/hotel-palace-tallinn). Built in 1937, Hotel Palace has a long history of hosting diplomats and ambassadors from its perch overlooking Freedom Square. Completely renovated in 2014, the Palace retains its understated Art Deco glamour with sleek rooms that feature the work of the esteemed Estonian artist Konrad Mägi (for whom the restaurant Konrad is named). Superior rooms at the Palace offer views onto Freedom Square, Tallinn’s grandest public space, where Victory Day celebrations commemorate their war of independence. A walking city (served by free public transit for its residents), Tallinn radiates outward from Old Town, one of Europe’s best preserved medieval walled cities. At the center is Town Hall with its tower topped by the weather vane nicknamed “Old Thomas,” which has been Tallinn’s mascot for nearly 600 years.
OLD TOWN PHOTO BY ALAN SILMANN • PÄDASTE MANOR COURTESY THE MANOR • MUSEUM (PHOTO BY TARMO HAUD • FOOD COURTESY (FROM TOP LEFT) MART VARES, DANEL RINALDO, LAURI LAAN AND ARIANN LIIMAL
is so inextricably intertwined with liberation, the power of Estonian song has been recognized by UNESCO on its revered cultural heritage list. And the meditative music of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt — termed tintinnabuli (or “little bells”) — has made him the world’s most performed living composer for the past five years. A short ferry ride from the mainland, the isle of Kihnu in the Gulf of Riga has also been UNESCO-designated for its ancient cultural traditions which include singing, dancing and handicrafts. Hospitality is equally valued here and it’s likely that any time spent on the quaint little island will include an invitation into a private home for homemade potato bread and freshly-caught fried Baltic herring served with plenty of butter and jam. Given that the island men were often out to sea, Kihnu women have established a matriarchal society that perpetuates the island’s folk and agrarian traditions — plus an annual old ladies’ motor race on motorcycles and sidecars.
Kaupo Kikkas
TOP LEFT COURTESY KAUPO KIKKAS • TOP RIGHT COURTESY ALOHA HOUSEPARTY • CENTER LEFT COURTESY MRNY • CENTER RIGHT COURTESY TARMO HAUD
Hedon Spa & Hotel in Pärnu
Divided between Upper Town and Lower Town, Old Town’s historic main thoroughfare is Pikk Street, at the top of which stand three merchant houses built in 1362. What was once the home of noblemen and dignitaries now houses The Three Sisters Hotel (threesistershotel.com), a remarkable, 23-room Relais & Châteaux property that features secret staircases and labyrinthine passageways. In its current incarnation, Three Sisters has hosted such luminaries sas HRH Queen Elizabeth II. Sting, R.E.M., Lou Reed and Bryan Ferry. Breakfast is served in a dining room with a charming ceiling fresco rediscovered beneath 14 layers of wallpaper. For a taste of Tallinn’s extraordinary culinary talent, Leib Resto & Aed (leibresto.ee/en) is named in honor of Estonian black bread and offers soulful, casual dining marked by organic food from local purveyors. Situated on the edge of Old Town, the restaurant features a lush dining garden with a grill that recalls the best summer barbeques. Estonians are the world’s most non-religious people, choosing instead a worldview that focuses on celebrating life and nature. Perhaps it is unsurprising then that — in a region that has seen its fair share of religion-related conflict over the centuries — this is the country where more than two million people of all backgrounds joined hands in solidarity for independence in 1989, forming a human chain of nearly 400 miles stretching across the three Baltic states. Regardless of its history marked by foreign occupations, Estonia has become one of the world’s most digitally-advanced societies ,with a high level of economic freedom in a high-income economy.
Aloha Houseparty at Club Hollywood
Estonian National Museum
Equally laudable are the civil liberties and press and internet freedoms enjoyed by Estonians who thrive in the same tech-savvy society that gave us both Skype and Kazaa. In fact, Estonians have held their elections online since 2005. Tallinn’s creative hub is centered in Telliskivi, a former industrial complex next to the railway station that has become a locus of hipster energy and creativity — and a magnetic draw for youthful entrepreneurs. Weekends are particularly popular in Creative City, thanks to numerous cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and flea markets. With 30 miles of coastline and more than twenty-five percent of its area given over to parkland, Tallinn has been designated as one of the world’s top ten cities with the cleanest air. Especially alluring is Kadriorg Park, a palatial expanse of nearly 200 acres noted for a Baroque summer palace built there by Peter the Great in addition to the pink presidential palace that houses Estonia’s president. Flanking the park’s northern edge, the restaurant Mon Repos (monrepos.ee/english) offers up a fascinating roaring ‘20s backstory that includes a chef from the Russian Imperial Court, a bartender from London’s Savoy Hotel, café society, flappers and gamblers — and a raid by the Tallinn police that closed the place. Reopened in 2016 by a visionary team, Mon Repos offers a menu inspired by Kadriorg’s “Golden Era.” The villa’s illustrious culinary history is celebrated in a romantic setting that affords a perfect opportunity to reflect upon the enchanting beauty of Tallinn — and the ongoing resilience of the indefatigable Estonian spirit. visitestonia.com/en ■ METROSOURCE.COM DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
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SOUNDS OF THE SEASON Seasonal music from GMCLA and Barry Manilow — plus some fiery flamenco and sparkling lights. BY CHRISTOPHER LISOTTA
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF LOS ANGELES’ HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR: MODERN FAMILIES December 14, 16 and 17 Could it be the holiday season in the City of Angels without the GMCLA? Expect the usual choral classics and holiday favorites, but this year there’s something extra special happening. For 2017, the chorus is partnering with Raise A Child and Extraordinary Families, two organizations that help children find homes with a focus on LGBTQ families. Even the bitterest of queens can’t resist all this joy! gmcla.org
LA SCOPE
BARRY MANILOW: A VERY BARRY CHRISTMAS
LOS ANGELES
GMCLA
December 20 In the same way that some of the world’s most beloved Christmas carols (from “White Christmas” to “Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer”) were written by Jewish songsmiths, some of our favorite performances of those timeless classics — from Streisand to Midler — come from members of the Tribe. Continuing this tradition is Barry Manilow — expected to pull out all the holiday stops, including a children’s choir and perhaps even an appearance by everyone’s favorite Christmas mensch, Santa Claus.fabulousforum.com
Through December 31 With all its success, theatrical phenomenon Hamilton has been ripe for a parody, and Gerald Alessandrini (the master behind the Forbidden Broadway series) takes his shot with this five-person spoof, complete with puppets, period-ish costumes and plenty of commentary on the perils of becoming a pop culture sensation. Updated to poke fun at Broadway’s recent trends (we’re looking at you, Evan Hansen), Spamilton cheerfully takes on all that audiences fear and hold dear about musical theater. centertheatergroup.com
AXIS MUNDO: QUEER NETWORKS IN CHICANO LA Through December 31 Organized by ONE National Gay & Les-
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SPAMILTON
bian Archives, Axis Mundo explores LGBT Chicano artists from the late 1960s through the early 1990s, a period that included the rise of gay liberation, the feminist movement, the Chicano Moratorium and the AIDS crisis. Sobering and celebratory, the exhibit features media from fashion to photography. moca.org
YAYOI KUSAMA: INFINITY MIRRORS Through December 31 The Japanese artist’s signature mirrored rooms are an explosion of color and light, and (in the only California museum on Kusama’s US tour) six are installed at the Broad, to create a mindaltering experience. Advance tickets are sold out, but you can get in with same-day tickets if you’re willing to line up early. thebroad.org
LEILAH BROUKHIM, FLAMENCO January 21 It’s been two years since Flamenco dancer
Leilah Broukhim has graced the stage here in LA, but she’s back to perform Dajando Huellas (Traces), a highly personal work in which Broukhim explores her Jewish and Persian heritage. Expect Broukhim to bring down the house with her intensity here — the same way she wowed audiences in Madrid and Copenhagen. valleyperformingartscenter.org
ALARM WILL SOUND: 1969 January 27 Legend has it that in 1969, Beatle John Lennon and avant-garde composer Karlheinz Stockhuasen were scheduled to collaborate, but a snowstorm prevented their meeting. The 20-member ensemble Alarm Will Sound imagine what might have happened had the pair worked together — incorporating influences from Leonard Bernstein to Yoko Ono. Accompanying the music are photos from the period as well as dialogue from letters written by Jackie O. and Igor Stravinsky. Sound like something you can groove on man? cap.ucla.edu ■
Spamilton
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BEFORE YOU SAY “I DO”
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The Casa Cupula Gay Hotel
DESTINATION WEDDINGS MEXICO’S WEST COAST ROMANTIC PUERTO VALLARTA HAS LURED LOVERS
from near and far for decades, but its origins as a gay hotspot may be the result of the racy love affair that between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton during the filming of The Night of the Iguana in 1963 — in part at the gorgeous Casa Kimberly (casakimberly.com). Puerto Vallarta has since evolved into a popular tourist destination for the LGBTQ community, offering an energetic pride season and the ultimate spot for a destination wedding or epic honeymoon. Same-sex marriage is legal in Puerto Vallarta, and many resorts welcome gay weddings with open arms. Costa Sur Hotel and Spa (costasurpuertovallarta.com), overlooking one of the most stunning beaches on Banderas Bay, can host intimate weddings of 30 guests or more largescale and events with up to 150 guests. The property has proudly hosted over 2,000 samesex weddings and offers services that includes music, flowers, decor and photographers, right down to the cake. Their top tier package requires booking a minimum of 10 rooms for at least two nights, but also provides a wedding planner, four hours of open bar and a banquet set with white Tiffany chairs and linens. Casa Velas (hotelcasavelas.com) is another DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
luxurious all-inclusive boutique hotel with a beautiful pool and garden area and a private Ocean Club. Wedding packages include a wedding designer and planning team, recorded musical accompaniment, sparkling wine and chef’s hors d’oeuvres, a bouquet and/or boutonnières, gazebo, linens, tables and chairs, glassware and select spa treatments for the grooms (or brides).You can also add musicians, a fire dancer, party favors, welcome bags, an officiant, photography and videography. Casa Cupula Gay Hotel Boutique Guesthouse (casacupula.com), on the edge of a stunning cliff on the Southside/Amapas area, is celebrating their “Quinceanera” and offers a sophisticated and indulgent location for a quiet ceremony, 18 rooms of accommodations and an extremely friendly staff. If you’re looking for something a little outside of town, The CasaMagna Marriott (marriott.com) is nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay. Wedding packages include function space for the events, a certified wedding coordinator, a taste panel, table linens, silverware, glassware, banquet attendant service, a complimentary room upgrade to a special Honeymoon Ocean View for the couple, spa discounts, and more. In Riviera Nayarit (rivieranayarit.com), Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta (hrhvallarta.com)
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will set the scene for a wedding meant to make you feel like a rock star. The fun, all-inclusive resort is located just 20 minutes from PV and features two massive swimming pools, two outdoor hot tubs and a double-hydro spa tub in every guestroom. Couples can get married on the beach or in the oceanfront wedding gazebo overlooking the stunning Bay of Banderas. Hard Rock Hotel properties welcome the LGBTQ community with wedding collections designed by celebrity event designer Colin Cowie. For a little off-resort fun, head to Sapphire Ocean Club (sapphire.mx) or Mantamar Beach Club (mantamarvallarta.com), both along Los Muertos Beach (considered the best in the area). Sapphire is more low key, with a comfortable pool, delicious menu and posh company. Mantamar offers a trendy, local crowd. Looking for a non-resort wedding setting? Mantamar can transform into a formal location or offer a casual feet-in-the-sand soiree and assist with coordinating on everything from catering to an after-party (naturally). If you’re looking to see the area, Diana’s Tour (dianastours.com) offers a popular gay and lesbian cruise including a full day at sea, open bar snorkeling and swimming on a secluded beach, continental breakfast, snacks and a sit down lunch on shore. Land lovers might opt for the Gay Vallarta Bar-Hopping Tour (Mantamar Beach Club (mantamarvallarta.com) which features cocktails at six different venues (like Blondies, Los Amigos, and Paco’s Ranch). You could surprise your beau (or your intimate wedding party) with a lavish dinner at The Iguana Restaurant & Tequila Bar, Casa Kimberly’s open air restaurant. Dine on contemporary Mexican cuisine in the elegant yet informal surroundings where Burton and Taylor once danced and dined. Be sure to enjoy some tequila while enjoying the soft sea breeze in one of the most renowned love nests in history. Before heading home, take time to wander through the shops and take in the sites of Sayulita (sayulita.com), the small fishing village and “crown jewel” of the Riviera Nayarit. A day in Sayulita could also involve whale watching, surfing, take a boat to snorkel around the Marietas Islands or simply taking in another gorgeous view with the love of your life.
PHOTO CREDIT CASA CUPULA.
LOS ANGELES
METROMONY
An exotic destination, legal advice and marriage equality news. BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES
AISLE ADVICE MAKING IT OFFICIAL ELIZABETH SCHWARTZ
is a well-known advocate for LGBT rights and author of Before I Do: A Legal Guide to Marriage, Gay and Otherwise. The book is a comprehensive and practical guide to what marriage means and offers invaluable DOs and DON’Ts for LGBT people (and others) about its legal implications. Before I Do starts with a comprehensive look at the battle for marriage equality (condensed to eight pages) and expounds upon the importance of being able to express love and commitment in a way that is universally recognized. Schwartz stresses the need for partners to ask difficult questions and strengthen their communication — helping couples be clear about their motives for marriage and what they want from the ceremony. She also addresses how to properly announce an engagement and marriage socially, legally and to the IRS. She breaks down what marriage means with regards to taxes, Social Security, insurance, debt (including credit, student loans, injured spouse allocations, even bankruptcy), military service, immigration, adoption, child support, property, inheritance and governmental benefits like SNAP, TANF, WIC and housing subsidies. There’s also discussion of a somewhat divisive subject: couples who can marry but choose not to — including the top ten reasons same-sex couples choose to not tie the knot. This chapter provides statements for and against marriage, presenting specific reasons not to get married, including rights related to divorce and inheritance, or even income taxes and payments (and benefits) from a previous spouse. Schwartz suggests alternatives to marriage, among them civil unions, domestic partnerships, and becoming one another’s designated beneficiary — including info on how to keep updated on rules regarding these alternatives as they are in flux. Estate Planning is perhaps one of the most useful sections of Before I Do — offering information on having a last will and testament,
durable power of attorney to delegate financial powers, advance directives (such as living wills, health care proxies and guardianship designations), and where to store essential documents. The book also covers the ins and outs of prenuptial agreements with regards to alimony, property designation, right of first refusal in the home, income, business interests, commingling, inheritances and gifts, property titling, and alternative dispute resolution — in addition to general suggestions about organizing finances. And, though the subject of divorce might seem anathema when planning a marriage, Schwarz points out one cannot talk about one without the other. She explains how divorce in general works and how same-sex divorce is both similar and different. She provides examples of specific situations of divorce as well as opinions by other experts. Schwartz concludes by celebrating the fact that the LGBT community finally has the right to marry, highlighting the key points to remember before saying“I do,”and offers a poignant statement on “What Comes Next” by Jim Obergefell (petitioner in the case that led to the Supreme Court requiring states to recognize same-sex marriage). thenewpress.com
WED IN THE WORLD TROUBLES ABROAD DESPITE GOOD NEWS OUT OF MALTA, THERE’S BAD
news in Tanzania and an American troublemaker in Romania.
AUSTRALIA The long road to the legalization of same-sex marriage in Australia continues. As we went to press, it seemed nearly 75 percent of the country’s population had voted — suggesting that between 60 and 70 percent of respondents did so in favor of equality. Australian conservatives have suggested that people felt pressure to say they voted “yes” even if they actually voted “no” in order to be “politically correct.”
July. It’s no wonder Celebrity has been awarded “LGBT Friendly Travel Company of the Year” at the TTG Travel Awards and the“Best Large Ship Cruise Line for LGBT Passengers”at the Cruizie Awards four years in a row.
TANZANIA The government in Tanzania suspended an organization for the promotion of gay marriage. This followed a police raid at a Community Health Education Services and Advocacy Center. A dozen arrests were made at a hotel in Dar es Salaam (including two individuals from South Africa and one from Uganda) for alleged homosexuality. An additional 13 arrests were made the next day, including the executive director of social justice group ISLA. Gay sex is punishable for 30 years to life imprisonment in Tanzania. In nearby Mauritania, Somalia and Sudan homosexuality is punishable by death.
ROMANIA Kim Davis is at it again! The Rowan County clerk who made a name for herself back in 2015 when she refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples made a pilgrimage to Romania to continue her fight. In an attempt to urge the Romanian country to change their constitution, Davis joined Liberty Counsel (the same conservative advocacy group that repped Davis during her own legal battle) on a nine-day trek to help the country lock in their ban on same-sex marriage. Romania currently does not allow same-sex marriage, and over three million Romanians have signed a petition demanding a referendum to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. ■
Custom-designed cakes
MALTA In celebration of this year’s National Coming Out Day, Celebrity Cruises announced all samesex marriages would be legally recognized on board. The majority of the company’s fleet is based and registered in Malta, where same-sex couples were granted the right to wed back in
8709 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069
www.CakeandArt.com
(310) 657-8694
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A home theater with Old Hollywood glamor
HOME THEATERS WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION
LOS ANGELES
HOME
Theo Kalomirakis reveals how he creates spaces that rival the magic of the silver screen, while also trying to keep his clients from overspending. BY KEVIN PHINNEY DESPITE THE FACT THAT HIS COMPANY DOES NO ADVERTISING, THEO
Kalomirakis is something of a legend in the world of home theater design. He won the industry’s coveted Best Dedicated Home Theater design award every year he entered — nine times in all —until he simply decided to stop competing. By 2003, his colleagues had already presented him a Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to excellence, and over the decades, his clients have included Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Eddie Murphy and Disney World.“We have a reputation built on word of mouth that began at the end of the ‘80s, so people know us,” the designer says matter-of-factly. Kalomirakis’ love affair with cinema dates back to his childhood in Athens, where he created his first homemade theater on the terrace of his apartment out of a bedspread stretched between two posts and a 16mm projector. While barely a teen, he joined a film society and began reviewing movies for a film magazine in Greece. By 1971, he’d made a first movie of his own — with a grant from the Fulbright Foundation. The following year, it became the first and only Greek-made film invited to the New York Film Festival. With that momentum, he moved stateside and began to study moviemaking seriously in New York, only to become disillusioned by his own work. Salvation arrived in 1984, the first time he saw a projection TV. This, he thought, he could elevate to recapture the wonder he’d experienced in Old World cinemas as a child. Like watching a movie under the stars...
Today, Kalomirakis is considered the grand maestro of home theater, and when he speaks, it’s with the authority of an artist approaching a blank canvas. “We help people if they have the space and the willingness that comes assoicated with creating a real theater in the home,” he says. “Ours is a more ... specific way of using space. I personally believe that a home theater should be an immersive experience. I can’t focus on having the kind of experience I’d have in a cinema if there’s furniture, kids and animals around.” Typically Kalomirakis conceives his designs around what his clients are willing to spend per square foot. From there, he’ll ask about aesthetics: should the theater be more modern, or resemble the classic movie palaces of yesteryear? Lighting is critical. Proper acoustics are essential. Ideally, every chair will be the best seat in the house. And then, he says, there are the windows. “Half of the time I spend creating a new design goes toward figuring out what to do with the windows most rooms have,”he writes. “I would rather not cover them with curtains. ... The only curtain in the room should be the one in front of the screen. When I must deal with windows, I usually try to hide them behind some type of treatment, usually operable panels that conceal acoustic treatments.” Until recently, Kalomirakis preferred not to get involved with electronics choices, choosing to focus instead on design and acoustics. But after seeing unscrupulous salesmen selling his clients “half a million dollars in equipment when there’s no substantial difference between $500 and $10 thousand-dollar system,” he relented. Now Kalomirakis has embraced the notion of “creating a package that includes design and acoustics, as well as protecting the client from being oversold or undersold with electronics.” Kalomirakis is now creative director of Rayva, an aggregate of professionals who try to ensure that customers are getting the right bang for their buck by offering all the elements in one place. “Just like you don’t buy a car by getting a chassis from one place and an engine from somewhere else,”he concludes,“you buy something that’s assembled that carries a guarantee of quality.” ■
THIS PAGE: FOOD AND INTERIORS PHOTOS BY ED ANDERSON
LA IS HAVING AN ITALIAN MOMENT, WITH A SPATE
of recent restaurant openings — including Rossoblu. This current trend could be traced back to the opening of Sotto (sottorestaurant. com) in Beverly Hills, one of chef Steve Samson’s first forays as a chef-partner alongside Zach Pollack. However, where Sotto proffered the quick-fired pizzas and hearty pastas of Italy’s south, Rossoblu is an ode to the rich staples of Emilia-Romagna in central northern Italy, where Samson’s own mother and grandmother once lived. Even the restaurant’s name is a nod to the colors and nickname of the Bologna Football Club soccer team. Rossoblu is one of the first tenants of the new City Market South development at the edge of downtown’s Fashion District, which will eventually house additional restaurants, bars and cafes. Its building dates to 1909 and was LA’s oldest produce market. Thanks to a massive overhaul, it now boasts an expansive central courtyard and raised landing perfect for al fresco dining and happy hour aperitivi. The open, airy interior manages to be both starkly industrial and cozily convivial at
once, thanks to the work of designers Marwan and Mies Al Sayed and J.P. Giuseppi. Its most striking feature is a full-wall mural by two-man street art collective CYRCLE depicting a collage of classical figures and statues that have been given a Rauschenberg-esque update. Other visual delights include the golden bar up front and an oak-fired grill and black marble countertop where guests dine with a view of the open kithen. Curvaceous yet clean Scandinavianinspired wooden chairs, marble-topped tables and banquettes (with upholstery that nods to the lace-draped sofas in an Italian grandmother’s parlor) complete the look. Once you’re seated, prepare for an Italian feast. To start, the salumi and sausages on the charcuterie boards are a mix — some made in house and others imported from Italy. Valbruna’s eggplant – named in honor of a neighbor of Samson’s mother in Italy – is a must among the starters: delicate slices of eggplant are portioned atop a tangy tomato sugo with sprinkles of parmigiano and torn leaves of basil. It is herbaceous and light, but also substantial. For a meaty counterpoint, the braised
heavens I didn’t forgo them this time, or I would have missed a perfectly piquant yet light tomato based sauce setting the stage for fresh clams, tender red shrimp and earthy lobster mushrooms. Samson uses his enormous grill to extraordinary effect with the secondi portion of his menu. On the lighter side is a whole-grilled orata dressed simply with lemon and arugula. The roasted suckling pig comes as a choice of rib, shoulder, leg or (yes, even) head. If you’re lucky, there might also be succulent grilled Santa Barbara spot prawns drizzled with bread crumbs, parsley and Romagnola olive oil on the menu. If not, the grilled dry-aged beef ribeye served with beans and a light mixed salad makes one heck of a consolation prize. The wine list comes courtesy of Jeremy Parzen and Christine Veys (whose enthusiasm is infectious as she extols the virtues of a crisp Franciacorta or the full-bodied earthiness of a Nebbiolo). Order whatever Veys recommends, because it is likely to be both delicious and enlightening. However, no one would fault you for trying a cocktail either, like the refreshing Sogni d’Oro (Golden Dreams) with Four Roses Bourbon, Prosecco, cream, honey and club soda for sparkle. No meal like this would be complete without a touch of something sweet, so savor the traditional tiramisu, served as a slab of spongy, rum-soaked cake with creamy marscarpone and espresso from Cognoscenti.Your Nonna — and Samson’s — would want you to enjoy it. ■
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Head to City Market South for a taste of Northern Italian cuisine. BY ERIC ROSEN
LOS ANGELES
BELLA BOLOGNA IN DTLA
pork meatballs are succulent and juicy, folded into a hearty tomato sauce with grilled polenta and slices of toasted bread. On any given day, there are usually around a dozen pasta dishes on offer. Nonna’s tagliatelle al ragù Bolognese — thick noodles slathered with a mouthwatering sauce of beef, pork and just the right balance of tomato — is a crowd favorite. The square maltagliati, with ridged edges that make them resemble a dandy’s handkerchief, are dressed with ingredients that might just been foraged from the forest, including porcini and pioppini mushrooms, dandelion greens and sage. I can never resist ordering strozzapreti, mostly because the name means “priest-chokers” due to their twisted spiral shapes. Thank
Find Rossoblu by visiting 1124 San Julian St. in LA, calling 213-749-109 or at rossoblula.com.
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RESTAURANT BITES Edited by Eric Rosen
BEVERLY HILLS
WEST HOLLYWOOD
NERANO
CATCH
This trattoria takes its cues from Italy’s sunny Amalfi coast with dishes like tonnarelli pasta with Santa Barbara uni and bottarga. There are deals to be had on classic cocktails and stuzzichini during the restaurant’s weekday Aperitivo Hour in the early evening. 9960 S. Santa Monica Blvd., 310-405-0155
SPAGO
Though he has a full-on restaurant empire, you can usually find celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck hanging out at his original temple to California cuisines, where you’re guaranteed to enjoy classics like the smoked salmon “pizza” with crème fraiche and caviar. 176 N. Canon Dr., 310-385-0880
HOLLYWOOD
You might have thought the last thing LA needed was another rooftop restaurant, but you’d be wrong. Though you’ll find franchises of Catch in New York, Dubai and Playa del Carmen, this one has a distinctly SoCal sensibility and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy our fine weather. Though, seafood is the focus, no one would blame you for ordering the rack of lamb. 8715 Melrose Ave., 323-347-6060
CECCONI’S
Venetian-inspired cuisine for any time of the day, Cecconi’s patio dining is great for an intimate meal for two or a productive meeting. Don’t load up on too many Venetian-style cicchetti like the fried olives stuffed with mortadella and provolone: you’ll want to save room for the lobster spaghetti. 8764 Melrose Ave., 310-432-2000
CONNIE & TED’S
BAROO
Inside this brightly lit storefront, you’ll find a sleek, industrial interior offering specialty sundries and a minuscule but meaningful menu of innovative vegetable-driven dishes with a focus on fermentation that’s a nod to chef Kwang Uh’s Korean heritage. 5706 Santa Monica Blvd., 323-819-4344
Chef Michael Cimarusti has been dazzling LA palates since he opened his fine-dining redoubt, Providence, but he takes a more casual approach with this genial restaurant, an ode to the simple seafood shacks of his Rhode Island childhood…where you can still get an impressive selection of oysters and one of the best lobster rolls in town. 8171 Santa Monica Blvd., 323-848-2722
FRIENDS & FAMILY
DELILAH
This friendly little bakery in Thai Town includes an ice cream shop and bakery as well. The brightly lit little space is nostalgic but sleek, and if you can’t enjoy specialties like a bagel and ale-cured salmon or the fried chicken sandwich with apricot and chili chutney there, take a picnic basket to go. 5150 Hollywood Blvd., 323-668-2000
The latest venture from the folks behind Bootsy Bellows, The Nice Guy and Shorebar) is a full-on supperclub-style experience catering to out-of-town movers & shakers with a menu of Americana classics like deviled eggs, crab cakes, wedge salad and a selection of seafood and steaks. 7969 Santa Monica Blvd., 323-745-0600
GWEN
E.P./L.P.
Aussie chef Curtis Stone has done it again with this fine-dining spot (and butcher shop!) in the heart of Hollywood. Guests come for cocktails at one of two bars, stay for a five-course prix-fixe in the swanky dining room, or drop by the meat counter for cuts of dryaged beef and charcuterie. 6600 Sunset Blvd., 323-946-7500
KISMET
The ladies behind Madcapra at downtown’s Grand Central Market now have their own brick-and-mortar restaurant, serving up a menu that meshes Mediterranean classics with Californian flavors such as Persian cucumbers with rosewater labneh and parsley-seed zaatar. 4648 Hollywood Blvd., 323-409-0404
OSTERIA MOZZA
Though it can take ages to score a reservation at a decent time at Mario Batali’s LA restaurant, dishes like burricotta cheese with braised artichokes, pine nuts, currants and mint pesto; and sweet pea ravioli with black mussels, saffron and mint are worth the wait. Or you can just pick up a piping hot pie fresh out of the oven from Mozza2Go next door. 6602 Melrose Ave., 323-297-0100
PALEY
Paley hearkens to Hollywood’s heyday thanks not only to its location in the historic Colombia Square building and being named after original CBS titan William S. Paley, but also due to the eyecatching midcentury-inspired décor. This Hollywood hot spot still feels perfect for the present day thanks to dishes like spicy Hamachi tacos. Like a classic suit, it also shifts seamlessly from work drinksappropriate to date-night delight quicker than you can say “magic hour.” 6115 Sunset Blvd., 323-544-9430
RÉPUBLIQUE
Chef Walter Manzke made a name for himself behind the stoves of some of LA’s best-loved French restaurants including Bastide and Church & State, and he brings his continental technique and flair for combining the best seasonal ingredients from local farmer’s markets to this La Brea bistro that’s housed in Charlie Chaplin’s former office building. 624 S. La Brea Ave., 323-362-6115
SQIRL
Ever wonder why there’s always a line around the corner at this East Hollywood eatery for breakfast and lunch? It’s because of chef Jessica Koslow’s famous sorrel-pesto bowl with feta and poached egg. Though her menu features plenty of other mouthwatering specialties, that’s the dish that put her on the map…and got her into the New York Times and Vogue. 720 N. Virgil Ave., 213-394-6526
TAO
You might know Tao from its New York mega-locations, but LA’s home to one now too at Hollywood’s trendy Dream Hotel. Expect to find your favorites like the lobster garlic noodles and the miso roasted black cod. 6421 Selma Ave., 323-593-7888
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La Cienega’s restaurant row keeps getting hotter thanks to additions like this restaurant and rooftop lounge. Chef Louis Tikaram draws on his Australian routes and Asian heritage to plate dishes like crispy duck salad, wood-grilled green lip abalone, and fried softshell crab banh mi to dinner-goers clustered around the second floor’s open kitchen, or enjoying Hollywood Hills views around the fire pit at the rooftop bar-lounge. 603 N. La Cienega Blvd., 310-855-9955
GRACIAS MADRE
The folks behind vegan-raw mainstay Café Gratitude have brought the folks of West Hollywood this Mexican-inspired eatery where the plant-based cuisine is just as delicious but without the affirmationheavy menu names. The totopos with salsa de arbole and cashew crema are a standout. 8905 Melrose Ave., 323-978-2170
KITCHEN 24
Spacecraft Group brings its futuristic all-day-all-night diner concept to the heart of West Hollywood with the opening of its second Kitchen 24 location. You can expect the same greasy spoon-inspired plates with a bit of attitude thrown in — perfect for a late-night gluttony on your way back from Boystown’s bars. 8575 Santa Monica Blvd., 424-777-0959
MARCO’S
8200 Santa Monica Blvd 323-650-1060 www.marcoswesthollywood.com
Marco’s has become a West Hollywood staple in Italian cooking with their signature lasagnas, Chicken Involtina, various raviolis, nightly dinner specials, fresh seafood dishes, quality steaks and the “best” Tiramisu in town. This neighborhood hangout also serves home-style breakfast with bottomless mimosas every morning with a casual, friendly vibe.
PUMP
Admit it, Lisa Vanderpump is your favorite Real Housewife. She’s fun, she’s stylish, and she gets right to the point. She brings that same sensibility to this Wehooutlet in her expanding F&B empire, right in the heart of Boystown on Santa Monica Boulevard and Robertson. Though the inside bar gets hopping later at night, start with happy hour out in a private garden cabana. 8498 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-657-7867
ROSALINÉ
You might remember Peruvian chef Ricardo Zarate from former ventures like Picca and Mo Chica. Well, the wunderkind is back with this pared-down Peruvian restaurant right on Melrose Avenue. There are standbys like ceviche and causitas as well as specialties like beef anticuchos and chaufa paella. 8479 Melrose Ave., 323-297-9500
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SPARTINA
If you think LA didn’t need another Italian restaurant, think again. This hotspot from chef Stephen Kalt has a fabulous patio fronting Melrose for prime people-watching, and some of the best woodfired pizzas and handmade pastas in town. Try the grilled avocado with Calabrian chile and ricotta salata then feel your eyes roll into the back of your head with the burrata-stuffed ravioli with sea urchin and shiso-basil. 7505 Melrose Ave., 323-782-1023
TENDER GREENS
With a selection of made-to-order salads, sandwiches and hot entrees, there’s something for everyone at this ultra-fresh, healthy eatery with a prime patio that sits on one of Weho’s best peoplewatching corners. See tendergreensfood.com for other locations. 8759 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-358-1919
TORTILLA REPUBLIC
The folks behind Taste turned their sights on Mexican cuisines with this taqueria in the heart of West Hollywood. Tortilla Republic takes all your favorite Mexican dishes and makes them using farm-fresh ingredients and organic produce. Healthy Mexican food? Si si! 616 N. Robertson Blvd., 310-657-9888
WOLF
You’d be forgiven for missing this tiny hole-in-the-wall on Melrose, but you’d never forgive yourself for missing out on Top Chef All Star Marcel Vigneron’s spare but tantalizing menu. Seasonal plates can include anything from heirloom carrots with charcoal, passion fruit and tarragon to pork belly with black tiger prawns and cherry tomato confit. 7661 Melrose Ave., 323-424-7735
LOS FELIZ/SILVER LAKE/ECHO PARK ALIMENTO
The long-vacant space on the road up to the reservoir in Silverlake is now home to a Italian-inspired trattoria courtesy of Sotto restaurateur Zach Pollock. Handmade pastas, imported charcuterie and cheeses, a well-chosen wine list, and plenty of ambiance – perfect for an Eastside evening out. 1710 Silver Lake Blvd., 323-928-2888
BAR ANGELES
A stretch of Sunset in Silverlake is fast becoming LA’s latest restaurant row, thanks to delightful eateries like this cute storefront with a trippy paint job. Inside are high-topped tables where guests enjoy classic cocktails and dishes like charred broccolini with burrata, and salsa verde pizza with meatballs. 4330 Sunset Blvd., 323-741-8371
COSA BUONA
Chef Zack Pollack is taking over the eastside with his burgeoning Italian restaurant empire. This one is an homage to classic ItalianAmerican cucine with familiar dishes like meatballs and even a chicken parm sandwich. 2100 W. Sunset Blvd., 213-908-5211
KETTLE BLACK
Taking up residence in a storefront on one of Sunset Blvd.’s most hipsterific stretches, this rustic Italian eatery has become a neighborhood favorite thanks to perfectly charred wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas and sophisticated sips served in in vintage glassware. 3705 W. Sunset Blvd., 323-641-3705
MH ZH
Israeli food is having a moment in LA thanks, in no small part, to innovative little cafes like this one. It’s hard to miss thanks to a tiny interior mostly taken up by the kitchen, and just a few sidewalk tables that people queue up for hours to sit at, but vegetable-driven dishes like beets with lebneh, olive oil and hazelnut are worth the wait. 3536 Sunset Blvd., 323-636-7598
SALAZAR
Some of the best restaurants have checkered pasts, e.g. this Frogtown taqueria; on its expansive, palm-shaded patio, you can barely tell it was an auto body shop. Does it matter when the handmade fish tacos and mesquite-fired steaks are so tasty? Wash them down with an adult agua fresca like the Verde with cucumber, apple, pear, lime, cilantro and celery gin. 2490 Fletcher Blvd.
SAWYER
The good folks from The Hudson and The Churchill have set their sights east and opened this Silverlake stunner that already has the hipster hordes beating down its doors. Snag a table on the romantic back patio for a meal of fresh seafood in hearty dishes like the soft-shell crab sandwich on a squid-ink bun. Cocktails are creative and include the Seconds Count with gin, champagne, honey, lavender and bee pollen. 3709 W. Sunset Blvd., 323-641-3709
TO ADVERTISE CALL 818 762-1955
RESTAURANT BITES Edited by Eric Rosen
REDBIRD
From chef Neal Fraser, Redbird is located in a building that dates back to 1930 — the former rectory of LA’s first cathedral, which is now part of downtown’s Vibiana events complex. These days, guests can belly up to the marble bar for a signature cocktail like the bourbon-based Dandy, or enjoy dishes like blue shrimp and grits with molé under the stars on the patio (with a retractable roof). 114 E. 2nd St., 213-788-1191
ROSSOBLU
Sotto’s chef Steve Samson moves downtown to a gorgeous space in the Fashion District to serve up rich dishes from Italy’s EmiliaRomagna region. Try the signature tagliatelle with Bolognese ragu. The industrial interior is fine to dine, but if you’re lucky, you’ll snag a seat on the expansive patio when the weather is nice. 1124 San Julian St., 213-749-1099
THE BELLWETHER
At this hospitable hostelry, the menu changes with the seasons, but you’ll also find staples like pork-beef-ricotta meatballs with pecorino and tangy tomato sauce. 13251 Ventura Blvd., 818-285-8184
THE EXCHANGE
Located in Downtown’s swanky Freehand Hotel, this Israeli-inflected café is becoming a go-to all-day dining spot thanks to fresh dishes like hummus with Syrian pepper, grilled chicken with shawarma spices and carrot mole, and a Tunisian-style sandwich with tuna conserva and preserved lemon. 416 W. 8th St., 213-437-9511
THE FACTORY KITCHEN
Part of a quickly gentrifying Arts District on the east side of downtown, The Factory Kitchen makes its home in, where else, a former factory (a fish factory, to be exact). But the specialty here are homemade flatbreads, like one heaped with prosciutto, stracciatella and arugula over fried sage dough, and pastas, including a porkveal casonzei in sage butter. 1300 Factory Pl., 213-996-6000
THE WOODLEY PROPER
PALM SPRINGS
GJUSTA
Forget the tourist hordes on Abbot Kinney. Duck around the corner onto little Sunset Avenue and into this little bakery, café and deli. The croissants and pastries are worth a quick visit, but the lox hash with crème fraiche and the porchetta melt are well worth taking your time over. The kale smoothie with avocado, date and banana is also a hit. 320 Sunset Ave., 310-314-0320
BIRBA
Neapolitan-style thin-crust pizzas (that can be made with glutenfree and cauliflower crusts), Italian-inspired meat dishes including branzino, and homemade gelato are all draws at this popular tavern. Live DJs spinning on the weekends get your evening off to an energetic start. 622 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-327-5678
PIZZANA
CANTALA
What’s in a name? All you need to know, is what. This bright Brentwood bombshell is dishing out Neapolitan pizzas from the woodfired oven in back, and though it hasn’t been around long, it’s already widely acknowledged to be among LA’s best pizzerias. 11712 San Vicente Blvd., 310-481-7108
The Riviera Resort calls to mind Palm Springs’ glamour days, when Hollywood’s A-list would flounce out for sun-soaked weekends. Meanwhile, Cantala evokes the Italian Riviera with Mediterranean classics like whole-roasted branzino and rib-eye fiorentina in an indoor/outdoor dining room that’s equal parts supperclub and sumptuous garden party. 1600 N. Indian Canyon Dr., 760-778-6659
ROSE CAFÉ & RESTAURANT
This Venice landmark underwent a complete renovation (though the patio is as fabulous as ever) and is now under the aegis of chef Jason Neroni. He serves up an expectedly delicious panoply of pastas and pastries including spaghetti cacio e pepe, but also a full menu of market-fresh delights. 220 Rose Ave., 310-399-0711
DRAUGHTSMAN
It might be housed in a former Pizza Hut, but there’s nothing downmarket about this convivial gastropub. It offers a selection of favorites from local Coachella Valley Brewing Company and hearty, delicious dishes like sort-rib poutine and a selection of specialty burgers. 1501 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-507-1644
TALLULA’S
Nouvel Mexican food in an oceanfront Santa Monica location can’t help but be a success. The restaurant has a 60’s beachy vibe with a bright interior, colorful tiling, and a simple but delicious menu of dishes like market fish tostadas with charred shishito and avocado. 118 Entrada Dr., 310-526-0027
KAISER GRILLE
Hearty food with a California sensibility — anything from shrimp cocktail and prime rib to house-cured wild salmon carpaccio and Kentucky whisky-brined pork chops (plus some of the best martinis in Palm Springs). 205 S. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-323-1003
VESPERTINE
Chef Jordan Kahn doesn’t do things by half measure, and Vespertine is no exception. Located in Culver City’s eye-catching Waffle Building, the restaurant serves only a $250 per person tasting menu that changes constantly but always surprises. In a good way. It’s ambitious, but a perfect special-occasion restaurant. 3599 Hayden Ave., 323-320-4023
WORKSHOP KITCHEN + BAR
Finding a good meal in Palm Springs is easy thanks to dependable favorites like this stylish, airy restaurant, which specializes in updated chophouse cuisine like juicy 18-day prime aged rib-eye and house-cured gravlax tartines with horseradish cream. 800 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-459-3451
The folks from Scratch Bar have a second cocktail-driven eatery out in Encino. This one serves a diverse cocktail list of options like the First Date with gin, lemon, orange blossom and Orgeat as well as snacks and bigger plates including bone marrow roasted in sour down with spiced mushrooms. 16101 Ventura Blvd. Ste 242, 818-906-9775
TROIS MEC
French force of nature chef Ludo Lefebvre has given up pop-ups for the moment to concentrate on this brick-and-mortar restaurant of his own where guests can enjoy nightly changing multi-course prixfixe menus. Reservations go quickly so book online and be prepared to pay for your meal at that time. 716 N. Highland Ave.
BRENTWOOD/SANTA MONICA/THE WESTSIDE CASSIA
The folks behind Rustic Canyon and Spice Table teamed up on this Santa Monica hotspot, where the cuisine melds Californian seasonality with Vietnamese tradition. Start with some crab legs from the raw bar then ease into bigger dishes like savory scallops with hazelnuts and curry leaf; and a hearty Vietnamese pot au feu with short rib and bird’s-eye chile. 1314 7th St., 310-393-6699
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Dine-In / Take-out / Delivery
Great Prices & The Best Unlimited Mimosas in Town
EGGSLUT
One of the most popular stands at Downtown’s Grand Central Market has migrated to the Westside with the opening of this second location in Venice. Expect the same small menu of favorites like the Fairfax with cage-free scrambled eggs, chives, cheddar, caramelized onion and Sriracha may on a warm brioche bun. 1611 Pacific Ave., 424-387-8183
FELIX
The former Joe’s space on Abbot Kinney is looking fresh and fabulous after a makeover, as are the pastas being turned out from chef Evan Funke’s (formerly at Bucato) kitchen. Try the strascinati with ceci, cavolo nero greens, pangrattato and wild fennel but save room for one of the wood-fired pizzas as well. 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd., 424-387-8622
GJELINA
Venice’s most sought-after reservation, Gjelina serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu: fresh salads, wood-oven specialty pizzas and fresh seafood. You can plan a party at the private dining room upstairs, but if you’re dining casually, opt for a seat in the back garden. 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310-450-1429
TO ADVERTISE CALL 818 762-1955
8200 Santa Monica Blvd.
●
West Hollywood, CA 90046
323 650-1060
www.marcoswesthollywood.com METROSOURCE.COM
DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
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BAR SOURCE Edited by Eric Rosen
HOLLYWOOD
RAGE
THE HIGHLIGHT ROOM
The Dream Hollywood Hotel’s rooftop terrace has become one of LA’s trendiest bars thanks to prime views and a hot, young crowd. You can enjoy classic American fare here all day, but the place really comes alive at night with folks sipping cocktails like a Watermelon Mint Lemonade with vodka and cold-pressed juice. 6417 Selma Ave., 323-844-6417
LONO
This hopping Hollywood hotspot has a natty nautical theme, tropical touches, and strong specialty cocktails like a Mai Tai with two kinds of Caribbean rum, macadamia nut liqueur, orgeat and vanilla. 6611 Hollywood Blvd., 323-848-4475
TIGERHEAT
Relive your “Teenage Dream” at this 18-and-over weekly event for pure pop music (from beatboxing to ballads) in Hollywood every Thursday. Super sexy go-go dancers, world-renowned DJs and celebrity nights galore make this one of the most fun dance parties in town. Though it tends to be at the Avalon, visit clubtigerheat. com for venue information and other Tigerheat events around town.
WEST HOLLYWOOD
Two stories packed with a dance-loving crowd who can’t get enough of the potent cocktails being served at three bars. Multiple theme nights, go-go dancers, and a party atmosphere 365 days a year. 8911 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-652-7055
REVOLVER
Reopened after a years-long hiatus, Revolver takes over the space that once held East/West, and returns with a more gentrified atmosphere. The drinks aren’t cheap, but at least they’re strong, all the better to match the well-muscled gym boys you’ll come across on a Friday night here. 8851 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-694-0430
ST. FELIX
A cozy restaurant and lounge enjoyed by flirty singles, romantic couples and groups, St. Felix’s selection of wines, beers, and playful cocktails are a great way to start your evening (and maybe even meet someone). 8945 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-275-4428
TRUNKS
This comfortable and fun venue for playing pool, people watching and enjoying cocktails generally attracts an older crowd with daily drink specials and friendly bartenders. 8809 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-652-1015
WILD BEAST
THE ABBEY
WeHo’s most famous (and crowded) spot, The Abbey draws sexy guys and gals from near and far.. Strong cocktails, model-handsome bartenders, and an over-the-top interior add to the venue’s allure. Food is best enjoyed in the daytime. 692 N. Robertson, 310-289-8410
BAR10
Enjoy casual dining, classic cocktails, and a pool table at the front where you can cruise guys strolling along Santa Monica Boulevard. Though the space is cavernous and service spotty, this is the place to be on Saturday night, a good alternative to the out-of-town crowds at The Abbey. 8933 Santa Monica Blvd., 323-332-6445
FIESTA CANTINA
Thanks to 2-for-1 drink specials at two different happy hours (4pm8pm and 10:30pm-12:30am) the crowd at this festive Mexicanthemed bar swells all evening long, especially on the patio fronting Santa Monica Boulevard and the second floor deck overlooking the strip. 8865 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-652-8865
FLAMING SADDLES
Save a horse, ride a cowboy at the West Coast outlet of this fun, slightly kitsch Wild West-themed watering hole. Come for strong drinks, hijinks and eye candy in tight muscle tees and knee-high boots. Mosey in Thursdays for “Cirque du So Cowboy” acrobatics and $5 drink specials. 8811 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-855-0800
FUBAR
The wild, sexy energy here has an East Village NYC feel with a Silverlake twist. Preps, jocks, hipsters and alternative guys have turned Fubar into one of the city’s sultriest and most popular venues, especially late night. Thursday’s Big Fat Dick is a can’t-miss experience. 7994 Santa Monica Blvd., 323-654-0396
The dining room of former Rat Pack hangout Dominick’s is now a super-secret, swanky cocktail lounge serving small plates and specialty cocktails like the Fancy Free with bourbon, maraschino and bitters. 8715 Beverly Blvd.,
SILVER LAKE/LOS ANGELES/ DOWNTOWN AKBAR
Forget traditional gay bars and visit this hipster venue frequented by skater punks, East Side studs and indie-loving gays. There are two bars, a packed dance floor in the back, an eclectic jukebox and low-priced drinks: everything you need for the perfect East Side night out. 4356 W. Sunset Blvd., 323-665-6810
BAR MATTACHINE
The most sophisticated of Downtown’s spate of recently opened gay bars, this bi-level lounge serves craft cocktails and is named for a gay secret society that dates back to the 1950s. Grab a cocktail and hit the dance floor on the main lower level, or sneak upstairs to the smaller bar to keep an eye on the crowd from the balcony. 221 W. 7th St., 213-278-0471
BREAK ROOM 86
Koreatown is the place to be these days, thanks in no small part to the Line Hotel and its menagerie of watering holes, including this latest from Houston Hospitality, a paean to the ’80’s and all that made them awesome. Guests enter this time warp through a nondescript door off the Ardmore Avenue loading dock and are immediately transported to a dance floor (plus four karaoke suites) with neon cocktails and all your favorite tunes. 630 S. Ardmore Ave., 213-368-3056
EAGLE LA
GOLD COAST
Legendary corner bar featuring strong cocktails, a friendly staff, and a crowd of regulars, with multiple happy hour specials to boot. 8228 Santa Monica Blvd., 323-656-4879
A notoriously dark den for men who love uniforms, leather, latex and kink. Multiple theme nights dedicated to bears and other fetishes make for some down-and-dirty fun. 4219 Santa Monica Blvd., 323-669-9472
GYM SPORTS BAR
FAULTLINE
Butch, athletic types and their admirers inhabit this inviting and energetic space. The outdoor patio is fun for people watching, while the flat-screen televisions are tuned to the latest games. On Saturday afternoons, the boys from the area’s sports leagues come for drinks after their games to celebrate big wins or drown their sorrows. 8737 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-659-2004
MICKY’S
Micky’s sexy interior, multiple dance areas, and party-ready patio are just icing on the cake at this long-running venue. The barechested bartenders are just the eye-candy you need to get your engines revved, and the tight go-go boys are the flirtiest guys you’ll meet in West Hollywood. 8857 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-657-1176
MOTHER LODE
Mother Lode is a WeHo landmark without the attitude that distinguishes other establishments here. Pool tables, karaoke nights and neighborhood charm add up to a truly fun night out. Definitely a great place to start the evening before hitting the other boy’s town bars. 8944 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-659-9700
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The Sunday beer bust is legendary, as is the Thursday underwear party, but the bar is also great for spotting leather daddies, Levi’sclad hotties and bears any day of the week. Drink specials, theme nights and good times await. 4216 Melrose Ave. 323-660-0889
PRECINCT
This bar has to be one of Downtown’s biggest, at over 10,000 square feet. It occupies pride of place on the second floor of a historic 1902 brick building. Though the dance floor is a big draw, the main attraction is a semi-open patio with plenty of windows for street views and people-watching. 357 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, 213-628-3112
REDLINE
Its name may be a nod to LA’s ever-growing rapid-transit system, but there’s nothing pedestrian about this Downtown hotspot. It’s a touch on the small side, but that just makes this industrial-chic space a tad cozier (and easier to talk to your neighbors). The happy hour runs a good three hours from 5-8pm, and there are plans to start weekend brunch soon. 131 E. 6th St., 213-935-8391
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STUDIO CITY/SAN FERNANDO VALLEY/INLAND EMPIRE OIL CAN HARRY’S After 40 years, this classic Valley gay bar is still going strong — with a friendly crowd, strong but cheap drinks, a rotating roster of evening events, and even line dancing where making new friends is a certainty. 11502 Ventura Blvd., STUDIO CITY 818-760-9749
THE BULLET BAR This leather and Levi’s joint stands out for having a no-attitude, cruise-friendly vibe. Karaoke, drink specials and theme nights are part of the fun and make this one of the swinging-est scene in NoHo. 10522 Burbank Blvd, 818-762-8890
LONG BEACH THE FALCON Pulse-pounding DJ sets and affordable drinks attract an eclectic, good-looking crowd. The space gets packed, but with twinks, bears, and everything in between filling it up, no one complains. 1435 E Broadway, 562-432-4146
HAMBURGER MARY’S An all-American menu, a no-attitude environment and enormous drinks all make this Long Beach classic perennially popular. Cute boys fill up the lively bar and resto for its hot bartenders, dancing, and expansive back patio. 740 East Broadway, 562-436-7900
THE MINE SHAFT One of the most popular gay bars in town thanks to friendly service, cheap drinks, a healthy mix of regulars and newcomers, DJs on Friday nights and live bands on Saturdays. Bring cash because cards aren’t accepted, though you won’t need much thanks to $2 happyhour specials. 1720 E. Broadway, 562-436-2433
THE SILVER FOX Long Beach’s long-running gay bar is still going strong thanks to fun weekly events like karaoke on Wednesdays and Sundays and 2-for-1 Tuesdays. Though the patio is a popular spot, once the crowd warms up to the music, you’ll find everyone inside on the dance floor. 411 Redondo Ave., 562-439-6343
PALM SPRINGS THE BARRACKS BAR The Barracks is hotter than ever — with porn stars, leather daddies, uniform studs, and fetish freaks cavorting on the patio. Don’t miss a chance to hit the popular Sunday beer bust. 67-625 E Palm Canyon Dr., 760-321-9688
CHILL BAR More contemporary than some of the city’s other gay bars, Chill Bar is the place for strong cocktails, a convivial crowd, good music, and plenty of mingling on the popular patio. 217 E. Arenas Rd., 760-327-1079
GEORGIE’S ALIBI This cozy cave is tucked away upstairs from Azul restaurant, and tends to be packed with locals and visitors alike thanks to game nights as well as some of the town’s hottest go-go dancers. Come on Sunday for the disco brunch and drag performances at the restaurant. 369 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-325-5533
HUNTERS One of Palm Springs’ most popular clubs, the inclusive vibe, thumping dance floor, packed bars and game area with pool tables, as well as prime cruising on the front patio all keep this bar at the top of everyone’s must-hit list. 302 E. Arenas Rd., 760-323-0700
STREETBAR The vibe here is more laidback and friendly – just what you’d expect from Palm Springs’ oldest gay bar. You’re sure to make new friends among the locals while enjoying sing-alongs or karaoke as well as regular local art exhibits. 224 E. Arenas Rd., 760-320-1266
TOOL SHED This Palm Springs landmark still packs in the leather lovers and skin-tight jeans-clad hotties. Early birds get the drink specials, and a good time is practically guaranteed. 600 E. Sunny Dunes Rd., 760-320-3299
TOUCAN’S TIKI LOUNGE A veritable landmark, this kitschy joint brings the tropics to the desert. Come for the cabaret or the renowned drag shows, and stay all night for great drinks and dancing at this nostalgic oasis in the heart of Palm Springs. 2100 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-416-7584
TO ADVERTISE CALL 818 762-1955
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2516 Hyperion Ave, Silverlake .....323 668-0802
Fired Up Athletics
8474 W 3rd St, Ste 208 LA...............................................213 608-9425 www.firedupathletics.com
GIFTS
Bespoke Matchmaking
LA...............................................888 422-6464 www.bespokematchmaking.com
LEATHER 665 Leather & Fetish Co.
8722 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood .........................310 854-7276
Rough Trade
Li-Lac Chocolates
3915 W Sunset Blvd Silverlake ....................................323 660-7956 www.roughtradegear.com
BOOKS & BOOKSTORES
West Village: 40 8th Ave, NYC Greenwich Village: 162 Bleecker St, NYC Grand Central: 43rd & Lexington, NYC Chelsea Market: 75 Ninth Ave, NYC Industry City: 68 35th St, Brooklyn NYC............................................212 924-2280 www.li-lacchocolates.com
Book Soup Bookstore
HAIR SALONS
8578 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood .........................310 289-1125 www.powerzoneonline.com
Blades
PHARMACIES/DRUGS
Crossroads Books
801 N. Larrabee St, Ste #1 West Hollywood .........................310 659-6693
Wells Fargo
Toll Free ......................................800 869-3557 www.wellsfargo.com/lgbt
8818 W Sunset Blvd West Hollywood .........................310 659-3110 1196 E Walnut St Pasedena ....................................626 795-8772
CATERING Li-Lac Chocolates
West Village: 40 8th Ave, NYC Greenwich Village: 162 Bleecker St, NYC Grand Central: 43rd & Lexington, NYC Chelsea Market: 75 Ninth Ave, NYC Industry City: 68 35th St, Brooklyn NYC............................................212 924-2280 www.li-lacchocolates.com
CLOTHING Lady Sadez
www.ladysadez.com
(SEE AD PAGE 64)
COUNSELING/PSYCHOTHERAPY Lotus Place Recovery
Shorty’s Barber Shop
755 N Fairfax Ave West Hollywood .........................323 297-0554 www.shortysbarbershop.com
NUTRITION & FITNESS Power Zone
AHF Pharmacy
1400 S Grand Ave, Ste 801 Downtown LA ............................213 741-5271 1300 North Vermont Ave Hollywood ..................................323 661-0643 www.ahfpharmacy.com
Cienega Pharmacy
HOTELS Aqua-Aston Hospitality
99 N La Cienega Blvd, Ste 104 Beverly Hills.................................310 360-9969 www.uniteddrugs.com
Elan Hotel Modern
PHYSICIANS & MEDICAL SERVICES
Hawaii ........................................855 945-4092 www.aqua-aston.com 8435 Beverly Blvd LA...............................................323 658-6663 www.elanhotel.com
Preferred Hotels & Resorts
www.preferredpride.com/metrosource
Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic
Family Medicine & Mental Health 3324 W Sunset Blvd, LA..............323 660-2400 www.hsfreeclinic.org
The Liver Institute
Ramada Plaza West Hollywood Hotel
8585 Santa Monica Blvd .............800 845-8585 www.ramadaweho.com
LA...............................................323 498-6688 www.theliverinstitute.org
REAL ESTATE/PALM SPRINGS
1111 Baker St Unit A Costa Mesa.................................800 951-0735 www.lotusplacerecovery.com
Sunset Marquis
EMPLOYMENT
(SEE AD INSIDE BACK COVER)
Coldwell Banker Hammond: Palm Springs .............760 275-6597 Howell: Palm Springs ..................760 275-4792 www.palmspringsgary.com
Viceroy
ROOFING
Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)
1700 Stadium Way, LA ............ 213 847-LAFD www.joinlafd.org (SEE AD PAGE 65)
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) 700 E Temple St, B-38, LA ........866 444-LAPD www.joinlapd.com
(SEE AD PAGE 65) TO ADVERTISE CALL 818 762-1955
1200 Alta Loma Rd West Hollywood ......................800 858-9758 www.sunsetmarquis.com
415 South Belardo Rd Palm Springs ...............................760 320-4117 www.viceroypalmsprings.com
VIVE Hotel Waikiki
2426 Kuhio Ave Honolulu, Hawaii ........................808 687-2000 www.vivehotelwaikiki.com
Hammond, Joe & Howell, Gary
Reliable Roofing By Todd Gregory Young
Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage .......760 323-2705 Palm Desert/Indian Wells .............760 568-1673 Joshua Tree/Yucca Valley .............760 365-0072 Desert Hot Springs ......................760 251-9495 Cathedral City.............................760 323-2705 www.reliableroofingbytgy.com
METROSOURCE.COM
DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
73
SENIOR RESIDENCES – WEDDING SERVICES
SENIOR RESIDENCES Canyon Trails
Assisted Living & Memory Care 7945 Topanga Canyon Blvd Canoga Park ............................... 818 716-9900 www.canyontrailstopanga.com
TATTOO Body Electric Tattoo and Piercing
7274 1/2 Melrose Ave LA............................................... 323 954-0408 www.bodyelectrictattoo.com
TAX SERVICES Greg Cash TaxPlus
Cash, Gregory D., EA, MST 5150 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste 350 Long Beach ................................. 562 597-4300 www.gregcash.com
THRIFT SHOPS Berda Paradise Thrift Store
3506 W Sunset Blvd, LA.............. 323 661-8246
TRAVEL/GETAWAYS Aqua-Aston Hospitality
Hawaii ........................................ 855 945-4092 www.aqua-aston.com
Preferred Hotels & Resorts
www.preferredpride.com/metrosource
VIVE Hotel Waikiki
2426 Kuhio Ave Honolulu, Hawaii ........................ 808 687-2000 www.vivehotelwaikiki.com
VIDEO Broadway Video
3401 E Broadway Long Beach ................................. 562 433-1920
Video West
805 Larrabee St West Hollywood ......................... 310 659-5762
WEDDING SERVICES Cake and Art
8709 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood ...................... 310 657-8694 www.cakeandart.com
(SEE AD PAGE 67)
Li-Lac Chocolates
West Village: 40 8th Ave, NYC Greenwich Village: 162 Bleecker St, NYC Grand Central: 43rd & Lexington, NYC Chelsea Market: 75 Ninth Ave, NYC Industry City: 68 35th St, Brooklyn NYC............................................ 212 924-2280 www.li-lacchocolates.com
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd LA............................................... 310 440-4500 LA............................................... 310 440-4589 www.skirball.org
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DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
METROSOURCE.COM
TO ADVERTISE CALL 818 762-1955
LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY RESOURCES Metrosource is committed to helping non-profit organizations in their ongoing efforts to serve our diverse community.
ATHLETIC
WEST HOLLYWOOD AQUATICS www.wh2o.org
ARRIBA SKI & SNOWBOARD CLUB PO Box 69611 West Hollywood, CA 90069 www.arribaski.org
WEST HOLLYWOOD SOCCER CLUB www.gaysoccer.com
OUTFEST THE LA GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL 3470 Wilshire Blvd #1022 Los Angeles, CA 90010 213 480-7088 www.outfest.org
BEING ALIVE PEOPLE WITH HIV/AIDS ACTION COALITION 621 N San Vincente Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310 289-2551 www.beingalivela.org
CULTURAL, ETHNIC & SOCIAL
PACIFIC PRIDE FOUNDATION 126 East Haley, Ste A-11 Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805 963-3636 www.pacificpridefoundation.org
ASIAN PACIFIC AIDS INTL TEAM 6501 West Olympic Blvd Ste 610 Los Angeles, CA 90015 213 553-1830 www.apaitonline.org
DESERT AIDS PROJECT Palm Springs, CA 1695 North Sunrise Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 323-2118 www.desertaidsproject.org
THE POINT FOUNDATION 5757 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 370 Los Angeles, CA 90036 866 33-Point www.pointfoundation.org
DIFFERENT SPOKES OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA P.O. Box 2466 Hollywood, CA 90078 www.differentspokes.com
BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY 5001 Angel Canyon Rd Kanab, UT 84741 435 644-2001 www.bestfriends.org
GOLDEN STATE GAY RODEO ASSOC - GLAC P.O Box 2407 Long Beach, CA 90801 562 498-1675 www.larodeo.com
VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 18111 Nordhoff St Northridge, CA 91330 818 677-2488 818 677-3000 valleyperformingartscenter.org
BEST FRIENDS PET ADOPTION & SPAY/NEUTER SERVICES 15321 Brand Blvd Mission Hills, CA 91345 818 643-3989 www.bestfriends.org/la
GREATER LA IGBO LEAGUES www.igbo.org
CHRISTOPHER STREET WEST/GAY PRIDE 8235 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046 323 969-8302 www.lapride.org
BIKE OUT 2811 Pico Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405 310 453-5040 CHEER LA 1223 Wilshire Blvd #1580 Santa Monica, CA 90404 www.cheerla.org
LA BLADES ICE HOCKEY PO Box 4346 Laguna Beach, CA 92652 310 288-3632 www.bladeshockey.com LA POOL LEAGUE PO Box 2227 Los Angeles, CA 90078 818 426-2171 www.lapl8ball.org LA TENNIS ASSOC. (LATA) PO Box 481226 Los Angeles, CA 90048 www.lataweb.com OUTSPORTS www.outsports.com PALM SPRINGS FRONTRUNNERS PO Box 2184 Palm Springs, CA 92263 760 318-8809 www.psfr.org SHORELINE FRONTRUNNERS OF LONG BEACH PO Box 90774 Long Beach, CA 90809 562 252-0218 www.shorelinefrontrunners.org SOCAL GIRL GOLF 714 391-3615 www.socalgirlgolf.com SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WRESTLING CLUB (SCWC) www.geocities.com/scwc2002 SURF & SUN SOFTBALL www.surfandsunsoftball.com TINSELTOWN SQUARES www.iagsdc.org VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION IN LOS ANGELES (VOILA) www.gayvolleyball.org
DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE VISIONARY ARTISTS (DIVA) 8581 Santa Monica Blvd #220 West Hollywood, CA 90069 www.queerdiva.com GAY & LESBIAN ALLIANCE AGAINST DEFAMATION (GLAAD) 5455 Wilshire Blvd, #1500 Los Angeles, CA 90036 323 933-2240 www.glaad.org GAY MENS CHORUS OF LA 9056 Santa Monica Blvd, #300 West Hollywood, CA 90069 800 636-7464 www.gmcla.org KIDSAVE 11835 W Olympic Blvd #295 Los Angeles, CA 90064 310 479-5437 www.kidsave.org LA GAY & LESBIAN CENTER The Village at Ed Gould Plaza 1125 N McCadden Place Los Angeles, CA 90038 323 860-7302 www.laglc.org LA GAY & LESBIAN CENTER McDonald/Wright Building 1625 North Schrader Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028 323 993-7400 www.laglc.org LA YOUTH SUPPORTIVE SERVICES 8111 Beverly Blvd #306 Los Angeles, CA 90048 877 465-2977 www.la-youth.org LONG BEACH LESBIAN & GAY PRIDE PO Box 2050 Long Beach, CA 90802 562 987-9191 www.longbeachpride.com
TO ADVERTISE CALL 818 762-1955
WORLD HARVEST FOOD BANK 1014 Venice Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015 213-746-2228 www.worldharvestfoodbank.org
HEALTH/ COUNSELING AID FOR AIDS AFA 8235 Santa Monica Blvd #200 West Hollywood, CA 90046 323 656-1107 www.aidforaids.net AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION/MENS WELLNESS CENTER • 6255 W Sunset Blvd, 21st Fl Los Angeles, CA 90028 888 AIDS CARE • 1300 N Vermont Ave, Ste 407 Los Angeles, CA 90027 866 339-2525 800 367-2437 www.inspotla.org AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION PHARMACY 8212 Santa Monica Blvd The David Geffen Center West Hollywood, CA 90046 323 654-0907 www.ahfpharmacy.org AIDS PROJECT LA (APLA) Client & Community Services The David Geffen Center 611 South Kingsley Drive Los Angeles, CA 90005 866 679-0958 213 201-WALK (9255) www.apla.org www.aidswalk.net AIDS RESEARCH ALLIANCE 1400 S Grand Ave Ste 701 Los Angeles, CA 90015 310 358-2429 www.hopetakesaction.org www.aidsresearch.org
GAY & LESBIAN ARMENIAN SOCIETY (GALAS) 8721 Santa Monica Blvd Ste 654 West Hollywood, CA 90069 310 203-1587 www.galasla.org GAY & LESBIAN CENTER Orange County 1605 N Spurgeon St Santa Ana, CA 92701 714 953-5428 www.thecenteroc.org HOLY FAMILY SERVICES, ADOPTION & FOSTER CARE 840 Echo Park Ave Los Angeles, CA 90026 213 202-3900 www.holyfamilyservices.org INLANDS AIDS PROJECT (AIP) 3756 Elizabeth St Riverside, CA 92504 951 346-1910 www.inlandaidsproject.org JEFF GRIFFITH YOUTH CENTER 7051 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90038 800 773-5324 323 993-2501 LA FREE CLINIC • 5205 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90038 323 653-1990 – appts 323 653-8622 – admin www.lafreeclinic.org • 6043 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028 • 8405 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90048
OUT OF THE CLOSET AIDS Healthcare Foundation 6210 West Sunset Los Angeles, CA 90028 323 860-5200 OUT OF THE CLOSET THRIFT SHOPS • 8224 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046 323 848-9760 • 3500 East Pacific Coast Hwy Long Beach, CA 90804 562 494-0340 • 1726 East Colorado Blvd Pasadena, CA 91106 626 440-1719 • 360 North Fairfax Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036 323 934-1956 PROJECT ANGEL FOOD 922 Vine St Los Angeles, CA 90038 323 845-1800 www.angelfood.org THE TREVOR PROJECT 9056 Santa Monica Blvd #100 West Hollywood, CA 90069 310 271-8845 www.thetrevorproject.org VALLEY COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE 6801 Coldwater Canyon Ave North Hollywood, CA 91605 818 301-6314 - HIV testing 818 301-6390 - Medical Services www.smarthealthla.com
LEGAL LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE & EDUCATION FUND INC. Western Regional Office 3325 Wilshire Blvd #1300 Los Angeles, CA 90010 213 382-7600 www.lambdalegal.org
PENNY LANE CENTERS 15305 Rayen St North Hills, CA 91343 818 892-3423 www.pennylane.org
THE TREVOR PROJECT 9056 Santa Monica Blvd #100 West Hollywood, CA 90069 310 271-8845 www.thetrevorproject.org THE VILLAGE AT ED GOULD PLAZA 1125 North McCadden Place Los Angeles, CA 90038 323 860-7328 prevention@laglc.org www.laglc.org
RELIGIOUS ALL SAINTS PARISH 504 North Camden Dr West Hollywood, CA 90036 310 275-0123 BETH CHAYIM CHADASHIM 6000 West Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90035 323 931-7023 www.bcc-la.org GLENDALE CITY SDA CHURCH 610 East California Ave Glendale, CA 91206 818 244-7241 909 557-5230 www.glendalecitysda.org
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES • Glendale 818 500-7124 • North Hollywood 818 762-1133 www.mccvalley.org • Palm springs/Cathedral City 760 328-3591 www.mccv.org • San Buenaventura 805 794-8790 • West Hollywood 310 360-8640 www.mccchurch.com
POWER UP 419 North Larchmont Blvd, #283 Los Angeles, CA 90004 323 463-3154 www.power-up.net
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 3333 Wilshire Blvd #900 Los Angeles, CA 90010 800 227-2345 www.cancer.org
LA GAY & LESBIAN CENTER MacDonald/Wright Bldg 1625 North Schroder Los Angeles, CA 323 933-7400 www.angelfood.org
LESBIANS
LA PUBLIC HEALTH www.reallycheckyourself.org
LIFEWORKS www.lifeworksmentoring.org 310 724-6300
LA GAY & LESBIAN CENTER Jeff Griffith Youth Center 7051 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90038 TOLL FREE: 800 773-5540
GLORY TABERNACLE CHRISTIAN CENTER 3215 East Third St Long Beach, CA 90804 562 438-7758 www.glorytabernacle.com
LESBIAN LAWYERS ASSOC OF LA PO Box 480318 Los Angeles, CA 90048 213 486-4443 www.lgla.net
AIDS WALK LA 3550 Wilshire Blvd, #800 Los Angeles, CA 90010 213 201-9255 (WALK) www.aidswalk.net
REFERRALS/ SWITCHBOARDS
NATIONAL G & L TASK FORCE 5455 Wilshire Blvd #1505 Los Angeles, CA 90036 323 954-9597 www.thetaskforce.org
LA GAY & LESBIAN CENTER Health Education & Prevention 13210 South Figueroa Los Angeles, CA 90061 310 327-0590
LA YOUTH SERVICES McDonald/Wright Building 1625 North Schrader Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028 323 993-7450
THE QUEER LOUNGE PO Box 69887 West Hollywood, CA 90069 www.queerlounge.org
WOMAN ON A ROLL PO Box 5112 Santa Monica, CA 90409 310 578-8888 www.womenonaroll.com
PROFESSIONAL LOS ANGELES GAY AND LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE P.O. Box #57555 Sherman Oaks, CA 91413 888 552-4522 www.balaweb.org
METROSOURCE.COM
OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 4101 Willow St 562 925.3533 www.open-door-ministries.org ST. JANE FRANCES CATHOLIC CHURCH G & L OUTREACH 12930 Hamlin St North Hollywood, CA 91606 818 985-8600 WEST HOLLYWOOD CHURCH 916 North Formosa Ave West Hollywood, CA 90069 323 656-2400
DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
75
ANI DIFRANCO
ANI DIFRANCO FORMED A RECORD LABEL (NOW RIGHTEOUS BABE RECORDS)
when she was barely 19, racked up a string of chart hits, including “32 Flavors”, “Both Hands” and “Little Plastic Castle,” then won a Grammy for her 2004 album Evolve. Openly bisexual, DiFranco has sung candidly about relationships with both men and women with apparent indifference to fluctuating social and political norms. This year, as she unveils her twentieth album, Binary, she speaks candidly about her fans, her process and her hopes for the future. METROSOURCE: You’ve meant so much to so many for so long. ANI DIFRANCO: Thanks, pal. That’s sweet of you to say. It’s been really cool to be on such a long road with so many people. You know, these days my life is just resplendent with faces that come up to me and go:“For the past 20–30 years I’ve been going with you, and we did all this s**t together: we were up, we were down.” And it just makes me feel so much less alone in the world. We have accompanied each other on this journey. You seem to have a really unique connection with your fans. It’s taken many forms over the years. There was a time in the late ‘90s when it was kind of overwhelming and menacing. When you hit this level of celebrity that I touched upon, you get a lot of energy coming back at you. ... I think that my life and career in music has gone way past that. There was a moment when the music press noticed me and put me on the cover of their magazines and then that moment passed. Now I hit this zone or stasis where the connections I do make
and retain with people are really sincere, grounded and deep with both of us. The interactions I have with the listeners are meaningful and really propel me. They give my life meaning on those days when I need reminding of why I need to go on. As a songwriter, how do you break open the themes that you’re working on in such a clear and visceral way? It’s funny. I’m working on a memoir and was actually just sitting here thinking about the writing process. What I’ve found myself thinking about is: My songwriting process takes many forms, and not accidentally. I think intentionally. I don’t want to write the same song twice. There’s something in me that wants to keep breaking ground, even though that’s not the path to total success. Experimentation leads to all kinds of blind alleys. I think one thing I’m really grateful for is my audience’s patience and forgiveness. I’m all about the process; the failures can be equally as interesting. Any listener that has hung on for any amount of time is open to that process. They’re not just waiting for the same thing, they’re not like, “Ooh, that’s the money shot!” every time. They’re along for the ride. I really love that about my audience; they keep taking curve balls. I try to keep changing it up. A song could start with a line or a groove or a mood, a color or a hue, and the process has taken any time or form that it can. Some of them come quickly, and they’re vital, and others take f**king months and months of labor and patience. As we are move into 2018, do you have any hopes to share? I hope we can all continue investing energy and love into the resistance. I think this is a very hopeful time. A lot of people who were sitting down are getting up. They’re realizing enough is enough. This society is not good enough. We have to make the American dream come true for all people. This is a time of great possibility. When things get so s**tty, so regressive, so dangerous ... when something equivalent to fascism is threatening our democracy, it’s time to rise up and you can feel that energy around you. You can feel more willingness for people to talk politics and engage themselves. We just have to focus on each other and on the mutual respect and love we have and keep supporting each other. I think we will come through this a stronger, better country. Turn off the screens, leave the house and go out to make new friends. We can remake this country. This is the moment. ■
DIFRANCO TALKS ABOUT THE THRILL OF TRYING NEW MATERIAL, THE JOY OF BEING ON TOUR AND THE RISK OF WRITING QUEER SONGS — ONLY ON THE FREE METROSOURCE APP AND AT METROSOURCE.COM.
THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY GMD THREE
VIEWS
LAST CALL
Twenty albums into an unprecedented career, the singular singer-songwriter shares how she crafts her music and connects with the people who love it. BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES
LAST CALL EXTRA
PHOTO COURTESY GMDTHREE
Ani DiFranco reveals how she found the courage to create the queer content that has empowered so many fans as our conversation continues. BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES I’ve been at a few of your shows where you’ve said, “This is a brand new song: I’m just going to test it out.” What is that experience like for you? How do you introduce new material to a crowd that might be more there to sing along to some of your older stuff? You know, I used to run to catch-up with myself a lot. I had a new song every day, and I had a show every day; so I would be standing there in front of everybody with my cheat sheets and tell them, “I want to play something that’s burning in my spleen right now, so let’s just find out together what’s about to happen.” The fact that I used to just do that constantly makes me feel young again when I do it now. I’ve been doing this so long that when I push myself to go out there and drop my pants to just try something that I don’t know about makes me still feel alive. I’ve always thought of the audience as writing partners for me. I’ve been onstage as long as I’ve been
writing, and I use them for feedback. I throw a new song, maybe an unfinished song at them and stuff bounces back: it hits the floor or makes them cock their heads like the gramophone dog [laughs] and it teaches me what I’m doing. The feeling that comes back helps me on my writing journey. You strike me as someone who really enjoys being on tour. Yes. What are some of your favorite things about being on the road? It’s that need for connection or community. I think people have all kinds of ways for feeling that core need that we have. Some find positive [ways] and others find not-so-positive ways to feel that. I think a lot of the old fables that people fall into are about the need to belong, the need for connection. If we can help each other to find the positive ways to do this, then all of that other bulls**t will fall away. I was on my own
FIND OUT WHAT ANI DIFRANCO IS UP TO BY VISITING HER ONLINE AT RIGHTEOUSBABE.COM.
PHOTO GMDTHREE
early on in life and spent lots of time alone looking out for myself and making my own way in the world. I spent a lot of time aching for community — to not be alone. The way I found it and built it was through music. Through sharing songs with people and getting onstage and singing, I feel, I found my people. I found my community. I’m not alone anymore. The essence of music is a social act, you know? I think I’ve always stayed close to the heart of what music is in that way. You’ve really been able to do that through Righteous Babe Records. Was it challenging to go against the studio system? In retrospect I could have used a lot of help along the way. I was like, “Nah, f**k it; I’m gonna do it on my own!”That was the emancipated mind talking. I wasn’t going to wait around for someone to do something for me or help me. I was just going to do it for better or worse, you know? I might not be the expert at running a record company, producing a record or all this s**t a record company is supposed to do. I hired my best friend who held down the fort at Righteous Babe Records and then my other best friend and all
the people who have staffed us over the years — we’ve all been reinventing the wheel as we go. Sure, in hindsight it would have been great to have some sort of professionals to help translate things for me ... along the way. Maybe there were things I wasn’t able to do because I didn’t have that, but what I was able to do was make my own mistakes. I learned all those lessons myself. I’m the mistress of my own destiny. Sometimes I regret the choices I made: maybe I didn’t do things the way somebody could have done for me ,but in the end I’m glad they were my mistakes. I guess I wouldn’t trade it. On a personal note, you were someone I really looked up to when I was coming out of the closet in high school. Your music helped give me the courage to do so, the confidence to know it was okay to express who I am. How did you get the courage to be able to stand on a platform and do that? I was given a lot of gifts in life. I certainly had my own misgivings that might have prevented me from putting queer content into songs or telling those stories about my experience — about how this would be viewed by my near and dear. I totally understand — wow — the journey of feeling like the black sheep or feeling like “the other”, and how you can have the rights to yourself, how you can serve yourself and your life. These are things I’ve struggled with too. I think I was ahead of the game with my parents and my family. I think they were incredibly openminded and supportive in their own way, to the degree they could be. I think being on my own helped me out, too. My family unit kind of dissipated early on, and it was a pretty laissez-faire parenting environment when I was young, so that was empowering. I was free early on. I know that’s not everybody’s story, I guess that’s something I had to offer people. Because of the lack of impediments to my journey early on, I was able to find myself before my fellows. I was able to turn around and give a heads up, to tell them:“You are perfect. You are fine. You are you, and that’s something to offer the world — even if it’s not what your mom or dad expected.” I contacted Alice Walker a little while ago and asked her for help with something. First of all, her response was generous to me, and she agreed to help me, and then she said basically, “I can offer you what I’ve been given.”I guess those words came to my mind now. I have been some stuff, and I have offered it in return. That’s all.
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