THE FIGHT SOCAL'S LGBT MONTHLY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 1

2 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

BEVERLY HILLS SMILES DENTAL GROUP
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Dr. Mahnaz Rashti obtained her D.D.S.
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in 1994. Additionally Dr. Rashti completed
a two-year General Practice Residency as
well as a three year Periodontics and
Dental Implantology Residency at West Los
Angeles Veteran Administration Hospital.
She served as the clinical instructor at
UCLA Department of Oral Diagnosis and
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TESTIMONIAL
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with Dr. Rashti because of her kindness and she gave
me my SMILE back! Thank you Dr. Rashti, you
changed my life by giving me one!“
—Ron M. Lyerly, West Hollywood, 2015
BEVERLY HILLS SMILES DENTAL GROUP
Call Us Directly: (310) 623-3330
9735 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 307, Beverly Hills, CA
www.dentalimplant90210.com
WE DONATE A PORTION OF OUR PROCEEDS TO THE LA LGBT CENTER
DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 3

THECONTENTS
>> MORE TO COME

HIV TREATMENT CHECK IN
WHEN TAKING YOUR HIV MEDS,
HAVE YOU NOTICED THAT YOU:
IMPORTANT: Tear this sheet out and share it with your healthcare provider.
Feel tired a lot
Have trouble sleeping
Have frequent diarrhea
Have frequent
headaches
Often feel dizzy or
have an upset stomach
Skipped taking
medicine to avoid
having to deal with
a side effect
STRONGLY
AGREE
SOMEWHAT
AGREE
SOMEWHAT
DISAGREE
STRONGLY
DISAGREE
WHAT’S NEXT? If you “agree” with any of these, or have any other
side effects, talk to your healthcare provider. Especially if side effects are
making it hard for you to take your medication as prescribed. There may be
something your healthcare provider can do. To determine the best treatment
option for you, the advice of your healthcare provider is always best.
Visit treatmentcheckin.com to learn more.
©2015 ViiV Healthcare group of companies. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. 474301R0 September 2015
DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 5

THEEDITOR
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stanford Altamirano
MANAGING EDITOR Mark Ariel
ART DIRECTOR Nadeen Torio
In recognition of World AIDS Day
this month Dr. Tony Mills from SoCal
Mens Medical Group writes about
navigating new HIV prevention strategies
(“PEP, PrEP Or Both?” page 32).
“Everyone has had an incident
where an unexpected high-risk
exposure occurred,” writes Dr. Mills.
“Condoms break, needle sticks
occur, judgment can be impaired…
it happens. If something occurs that
makes you really worried that you
had a serious exposure to HIV, see a
medical provider immediately. Post
Exposure Prophylaxis or PEP has
been around for many years and it
is highly effective in stopping an HIV
infection from taking hold.”
“Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP
is a new HIV prevention strategy
targeting people who may have
ongoing high risk for acquiring HIV,”
explains Dr. Mills. “It’s called PrEP
because its something you do prior
to the time the high-risk exposure
occurs to prevent HIV from infecting
your body. The only medication
currently approved for this purpose
is Truvada.”
“Today PEP, PrEP or a combination
of the two provides an amazing
opportunity to decrease HIV transmission,”
states Dr. Mills.
Also in this issue Brenden Schucart
interviews Dr. Andrew Vanderveer of
the Nirvana medical cannabis clinic
on Sunset about cannabis and HIV
(Nirvana For The People,” page 38).
>> IN THIS ISSUE

Why Wait
In Line At Your
Pharmacy?
There Is No Waiting In Line Ever!
We offer free confidential delivery
worldwide!
Refill Reminder Services
Avoid running out of medication, our
specialist will call you routinely or
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(informed prior consent)
Medication Synchronization
Avoid multiple trips to the pharmacy
or deliveries throughout the month.
We will tailor your prescriptions to be
refilled at the same time each month.
Most Insurance Plans Accepted
No insurance? No problem. We
offer the lowest prices on brands
and generics. guranteed!
Co-Pay Assistance Programs Available
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We’re PrEPard, are you?
Contact us @ (310)360-9969
Open Monday–Friday from 9am-6pm
24-Hour Emergency Paging Service is Available
DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 7

THECONTRIBUTORS
>> WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS

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a memorable enclave with a new agenda – to give you an exceptionally rare opportunity to fit in and
stand out at the same time. The Faircrest is that sought-af ter gem where luxury and legend combine.
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www.EmeraldHomes.com/TheFaircrest
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Fairfax Ave.
N
MAP NOT TO SCALE
* To receive 2.5% co-op, broker’s buyer must execute D.R. Horton’s Purchase Agreement on a home at The Faircrest and close per the purchase agreement. Co-op calculated on the base purchase price of the home. Broker co-op subject to change or
cancellation without notice. D.R. Horton Broker Policy is in full effect and broker’s buyer cannot have previously registered with D.R. Horton either in person or on D.R. Horton’s website, interest list or pre-qualification list. Broker must hold a valid CA real
estate license as of the date of registration and buyer’s close of escrow. If broker and buyer visit more than one D.R. Horton community, all conditions must be satisfied in each community, DECEMBER including registration. 2015 Photos | THE are representational FIGHT 9 only.
All square footage is approximate. Prices subject to change without notice or obligation. D.R. Horton VEN, Inc. dba Emerald Homes – CalBRE license #1253251; Contractor’s license #765023. © D.R. Horton 2015.

10 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

THELETTERS
>> FROM OUR READERS WRITE TO THE EDITOR Email: editor@thefightmag.com
Fax: (213) 281-9648. Letters may be shortened due to space requirements.
DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 11

WHAT IS PREZCOBIX ?
• PREZCOBIX is a prescription HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency
Virus 1) medicine used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat
HIV-1 infection in adults. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome). PREZCOBIX contains the prescription
medicines PREZISTA ® (darunavir) and TYBOST ® (cobicistat).
• It is not known if PREZCOBIX is safe and effective in
children under 18 years of age.
• When used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat
HIV-1 infection, PREZCOBIX may help:
○ reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load.”
○ increase the number of CD4+ (T) cells in your blood that help
fight off other infections.
• PREZCOBIX is always taken in combination with other HIV
medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults.
PREZCOBIX should be taken once daily with food.
• PREZCOBIX does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS, and you
may still experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection.
You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection
and decrease HIV-related illnesses.
• Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions
on how to prevent passing HIV to other people.
• Please read the Important Safety Information below
and talk to your healthcare provider to learn
if PREZCOBIX is right for you.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know
about PREZCOBIX ?
• PREZCOBIX may cause liver problems. Some people
taking PREZCOBIX may develop liver problems which may be
life-threatening. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests
before and during your treatment with PREZCOBIX.
○ Chronic hepatitis B or C infection may increase your chance
of developing liver problems. Your healthcare provider
should check your blood tests more often.
○ Signs and symptoms of liver problems include dark (tea-colored)
urine, yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, pale-colored
stools (bowel movements), nausea, vomiting, pain or tenderness
on your right side below your ribs, or loss of appetite. Tell your
healthcare provider if you develop any of these symptoms.
• PREZCOBIX may cause severe or life-threatening skin
reactions or rash. Sometimes these skin reactions and skin
rashes can become severe and require treatment in a hospital.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash.
○ Stop taking PREZCOBIX and call your healthcare provider right
away if you develop any skin changes with symptoms such as fever,
tiredness, muscle or joint pain, blisters or skin lesions, mouth sores
or ulcers, red or inflamed eyes like “pink eye” (conjunctivitis).
• PREZCOBIX, when taken with certain other medicines, can
cause new or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.
Your healthcare provider should check your kidneys before you start
and while you are taking PREZCOBIX.
Who should not take PREZCOBIX ?
• Do not take PREZCOBIX with any of the following medicines:
alfuzosin (Uroxatral ® ), cisapride (Propulsid ® , Propulsid ® Quicksolv),
colchicine (Colcrys ® , Mitigare ® , if you have liver or kidney problems),
dronedarone (Multaq ® ), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E.45 ® , Embolex ® ,
Migranal ® ), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot ® , Ergomar ® , Ergostat ® ,
Medihaler ® , Migergot ® , Wigraine ® , Wigrettes ® ), methylergonovine
(Methergine ® ), lovastatin or a product that contains lovastatin
(Altoprev ® , Advicor ® , Mevacor ® ), lurasidone (Latuda ® ), oral
midazolam (Versed ® ), pimozide (Orap ® ), ranolazine (Ranexa ® ),
rifampin (Rifadin ® , Rifater ® , Rifamate ® , Rimactane ® ), sildenafil
(Revatio ® ) when used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH),
simvastatin or a product that contains simvastatin (Simcor ® ,
Vytorin ® , Zocor ® ), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) or a
product that contains St. John’s Wort, or triazolam (Halcion ® ).
• Serious problems can happen if you take any of these medicines
with PREZCOBIX.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before
taking PREZCOBIX ?
• About all health problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you
have liver problems, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C, have kidney
problems, are allergic to sulfa (sulfonamide), have diabetes, have
hemophilia, or have any other medical condition, are pregnant,
breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. Tell your
healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking PREZCOBIX.
• About all medicines you take. Tell your healthcare provider about
all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter
medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines interact
with PREZCOBIX. Keep a list of your medicines to show your
healthcare provider and pharmacist. Do not start taking
a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take PREZCOBIX
with other medicines.
What are the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX ?
• The most common side effects of darunavir, one of the
medicines in PREZCOBIX, include diarrhea, nausea, rash,
headache, stomach area (abdominal) pain, and vomiting.
• Other possible side effects include:
○ High blood sugar, diabetes or worsening diabetes, and
increased bleeding in people with hemophilia have been
reported in patients taking protease inhibitor medicines,
including PREZCOBIX.
○ Changes in body fat can happen in people who take
HIV-1 medicines. The exact cause and long-term health
effects of these changes are not known.
○ Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution
Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV medicines.
Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight
infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time.
These are not all of the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX.
For more information, ask your healthcare provider.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers
you or that does not go away.
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 accompanying full Product Information
for more details.
Janssen Therapeutics,
Division of Janssen Products, LP
© Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP 2015
05/15 034168-150507
027409-150108
12 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

Wisdom inspired
{ by real people
DISCOVER YOUR WISDOM WITHIN
Visit WisdomLosAngeles.com to hear wisdom inspired by experts and people like you living with HIV.
Ask your provider if Once-Daily * PREZCOBIX is right for you.
WisdomLosAngeles.com
*PREZCOBIX is taken in combination with other HIV medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults.
DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 13

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION
PATIENT INFORMATION
PREZCOBIX (prez-koe-bix)
(darunavir and cobicistat)
tablets
Please read this information before you start taking
PREZCOBIX and each time you get a refill. There may be new
information. This information does not take the place of talking
with your healthcare provider about your medical condition
or treatment. What is the most important information I should
know about PREZCOBIX?
PREZCOBIX may cause liver problems. Some people taking
PREZCOBIX may develop liver problems which may be lifethreatening.
Your healthcare provider should do blood tests
before and during your treatment with PREZCOBIX. If you
have chronic hepatitis B or C infection, your healthcare
provider should check your blood tests more often because
you have an increased chance of developing liver problems.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the below
signs and symptoms of liver problems.
PREZCOBIX may cause severe or life-threatening skin
reactions or rash. Sometimes these skin reactions and
skin rashes can become severe and require treatment in
a hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away if you
develop a rash. Stop taking PREZCOBIX and call your
healthcare provider right away if you develop any skin
changes with symptoms below:
PREZCOBIX when taken with certain other medicines can
cause new or worse kidney problems, including kidney
failure. Your healthcare provider should check your kidneys
before you start and while you are taking PREZCOBIX.
See “What are the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX?” for
more information about side effects.
What is PREZCOBIX?
treat HIV-1 infection in adults. HIV is the virus that causes
PREZCOBIX contains the prescription medicines PREZISTA
It is not known if PREZCOBIX is safe and effective in children
under 18 years of age.
When used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1
infection, PREZCOBIX may help:
help fight off other infections.
cells in your blood may help improve your immune system.
This may reduce your risk of death or getting infections that
PREZCOBIX does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must
keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and
decrease HIV-related illnesses.
Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others.
secretions, or blood.
Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions on
how to prevent passing HIV to other people.
Who should not take PREZCOBIX?
Do not take PREZCOBIX with any of the following medicines:
®
® , Propulsid ®
® , Mitigare ®
problems
®
® ® , Migranal ®
® , Ergomar ® , Ergostat ® ,
Medihaler ® , Migergot ® , Wigraine ® , Wigrettes ®
®
® ,
Advicor ® , Mevacor ®
®
®
®
®
® , Rifater ® , Rifamate ® , Rimactane ®
®
® ,
Vytorin ® , Zocor ®
Hypericum perforatum
®
Serious problems can happen if you take any of these
medicines with PREZCOBIX.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking
PREZCOBIX?
Before taking PREZCOBIX, tell your healthcare provider if you:
14 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION
if PREZCOBIX will harm your unborn baby. Tell your
healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking
PREZCOBIX.
Pregnancy Registry: There is a pregnancy registry
for women who take antiretroviral medicines during
pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect
information about the health of you and your baby. Talk
to your healthcare provider about how you can take part
in this registry.
if you take PREZCOBIX.
the risk of passing HIV to your baby.
milk.
feed your baby.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you
take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines,
vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines interact
with PREZCOBIX. Keep a list of your medicines to show your
healthcare provider and pharmacist.
list of medicines that interact with PREZCOBIX.
Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your
healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell
you if it is safe to take PREZCOBIX with other medicines.
How should I take PREZCOBIX?
you.
talking to your healthcare provider.
your missed dose of PREZCOBIX right away. Then take your
regularly scheduled time.
dose. Do not take more or less than your prescribed dose
of PREZCOBIX at any one time.
provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room
right away.
What are the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX?
PREZCOBIX may cause serious side effects including:
“What is the most important information I should
know about PREZCOBIX?”
Diabetes and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Some
people who take protease inhibitors including PREZCOBIX
can get high blood sugar, develop diabetes, or your
diabetes can get worse. Tell your healthcare provider if you
notice an increase in thirst or urinate often while taking
PREZCOBIX.
Changes in body fat can happen in people who take
HIV-1 medications. The changes may include an increased
of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen.
conditions are not known.
Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution
Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1
medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and
begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body
for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if
you start having new symptoms after starting your HIV-1
medicine.
Increased bleeding for hemophiliacs. Some people
with hemophilia have increased bleeding with protease
inhibitors including PREZCOBIX.
The most common side effects of darunavir, one of the
medicines in PREZCOBIX, include:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that
bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all of the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX.
For more information, ask your health care provider.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You
may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store PREZCOBIX?
Keep PREZCOBIX and all medicines out of reach of children.
General information about PREZCOBIX
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other
PREZCOBIX for a condition for which it was not prescribed.
Do not give PREZCOBIX to other people, even if they have the
same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare
provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist
for information about PREZCOBIX that is written for health
professionals.
What are the ingredients in PREZCOBIX?
Active ingredients: darunavir and cobicistat
Inactive ingredients:
hypromellose, magnesium stearate, and silicified microcrystalline
cellulose. The tablets are film-coated with a
Manufactured by:
Manufactured for:
DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 15

THETALK
>> WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

LOCATED IN THE BEAUTIFUL PALM SPRINGS COMMUNITY
• Non-12 Step Approach.
• Revolutionizing the Treatment
of Addiction, Anxiety and Depression
through Mindfulness
and Presence work.
• The First U.S. Treatment
Center to Focus Primarily on
Mindfulness.
• Based on the work of noted
author and Kiloby Center
founder Scott Kiloby.
• Gay owned and operated.
We welcome everyone.
• Insurance and private pay
accepted. Competitive
financing available.
• More individual and groups
sessions than many other
treatment centers.
• Along with addiction,
anxiety and depression,
we also work with clients
who have issues surrounding
PTSD, co-dependency,
OCD and general unhappiness
with life.
• Yoga and meditation offered
• Skills training to take with
you along with an aftercare
program.
Website: www.kilobycenter.com | Phone: 1-866-K-I-L-O-B-Y-5
Kiloby Center for Recovery 71-777 San Jacinto Drive, Suite 102, Rancho Mirage, California 92270
www.facebook.com/kilobycenter | www.twitter.com/kilobycenter | instagram: @kilobycenter
DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 17

THESTATE
>> MATTHEUS STEPHENS

Be Proud of Yourself and the Vehicle you Drive!
Kyle M. Blumberg
Vehicle Consultant
Bus: (818)508-2900x315
Cell: (818)730-2550
Fax: (818)308-8158
Email: Kblumberg@nohotoyota.com
We are Proud to support our community
NorthHollywoodToyota.com/PRIDE
@ the 134 Fwy & Lankershim Blvd.
4606 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91602
DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 19

THECITY
>> BY PAULO MURILLO

7.128 in.
4.75 in.
IT’S MORE THAN JUST
HEALTH CARE.
IT’S KEEPING WELL CARE.
AND READY FOR
WHAT’S NEXT CARE.
IT’S LIFE CARE.
Most Californians who enrolled through Covered California
got help paying for health insurance. Find out if you can too.
Free, local, in-person help is available.
Enroll by December 15 to be covered by January 1.
CoveredCA.com
15CCN0036_G-CCP
Covered Cal/Print/2015
California
7.1285 4.75
15CCZ0031
138536
11/05/15 13:02 PM
RO
resize
4C
Internal
1/0
1 of 1
S. Victoria J. Shoesmith V. Witter M. Rushing R. O’Brien D. Hamilton
DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 21

MASCULINITY AND BROTHERHOOD

Truly being happy is
RIGHT HERE,
RIGHT NOW.
I got my life back.
Find yourself again at
Foundations San Diego, a flexible
outpatient center where you
can learn to live a fulfilling,
substance-free life.
When addiction and mental
health conditions cloud your path,
we can help you find your way
back to your authentic self.
(866) 494.7787
FoundationsSanDiego.com
DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 23

24 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

Salah Abdeslam, who is now
believed to be in disguise (right)
and going by a new name.
TERROR
SUSPECT’S
GAY CONNECTION
Paris terror fugitive
Salah Abdeslam was seen
visiting gay bars in Brussels
before the attacks.
Jeffrey
Erdman
Dedicate To Serving
the Los Angeles
LGBT Community
&
Experienced Litigator
for Business, Real
Estate and Domestic
Partnership Matters
B&
Bennett & Erdman has an experienced team of attorneys to
handle all of your legal needs for every stage of your life.
Bennett
E&Erdman
5670 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1400 | Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.935.0041 | 310.824.0471 | www.bennetterdman.com
BY VICTOR MELAMED
One of the terrorists involved in the deadly Paris shootings
last month was thought to be a rent boy, after he
was regularly seen flirting with other men in Brussels’
gay bars, according to various media reports.
Salah Abdeslam, 26, has been on the run after gunning down
crowds of Friday night revelers in cafes and bars on November
13, in a bloody massacre that left 130 people dead.
The bartender of a club visited by him a month ago, told the
Sunday Times that, while Islamic State (Isis) routinely executes
gay men, Abdeslam was very much part of the gay scene in
Brussels. “We had him down as a rent boy, he was always hanging
out with that kind of crowd,” the bartender who did not want
to be named, stated.
Abdeslam’s brother Ibrahim, who blew himself up outside the
Comptoire Voltaire cafe in Paris, ran a bar in the Molenbeek district
of Brussels, dubbed the “Jihadi capital of Europe.” His close friend
Karim revealed that the bar was closed down a week before the
Paris attacks because he had used it as a den to sell drugs.
“Brahim [Ibrahim] and Salah spent most of their days smoking
hashish and playing on PlayStation in the bar,’ he said. “There
was nothing to suggest they were radicalized.”
The revelations about Abdeslam’s alleged private life contravenes
the staunch moral edicts of Isis. The terror group has
released several propaganda images and videos of suspected gay
men and adulterers being executed, hurled off buildings to their
deaths or crucified in village squares. n
original tshirts
visit us at
hellothello.com
DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 25

TIPS FOR COPING

DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 27

THEROSTOWREPORT
Pass the Bubbles
It’s official. We are entering
the LGBT news dead zone,
the final weeks of the year
when for unknown reasons, a
soporific holiday lull envelops
our community and keeps us
out of the headlines until early
January. With the salient exception
of 2013, when a federal
court dismantled Utah’s
ban on marriage and sent the
equality ball on it’s final trajectory
into the goal, December
has been a lackluster month
for transformative moments in
our long march to civil rights.
It looks as if this year will be
no exception. Take the Google
gay news searches of the last
few days. My favorite is from
the Mirror’s web site, and
reads: “Mum of two attacked
Gay Village revellers with
broom after legal high binge.”
Legal high binge? Sounds like
fun! (And where were the kids
during this melee?)
You can also find a bunch of
stories about antigay sentiment
in Russia, an article about a
pro hockey referee who is gay,
items about antigay preachers,
a list of 15 myths about gay
men, and a piece about a married
lesbian in Wisconsin who
is getting pushback from the
courts on her effort to clarify
that she is the legal parent of
their child (who was artificially
conceived by her wife).
So why does this happen? Do
our activists and political leaders
just kind of shut down? Does
the media put our stories on the
back burner in favor of shopping
crowds, recipe tips and the
War on Christmas? Is it perhaps
my own imagination? My own
annual mental hibernation that
blinds me to normally compelling
community events and themes?
Now that I’ve written the
above, be prepared for an onslaught
of major gay news to
inundate us just as this issue
of THE FIGHT goes to press.
And because I know you want
to know, the mum of two
was a 30-something woman
named Rebecca Lowrey.
Lowrey went to a gay
nightclub in Manchester last
January, met a gay man and a
woman, and wound up drinking
all night and taking a drug called
“bubble.” Later, the man put the
moves on her, reportedly as a
joke, and Lowrey turned on both
of her new friends and whacked
the stuffing out them with the
aforementioned broom. She
was recently given a suspended
sentence and promised never to
do such a thing in the future.
>> BY ANN ROSTOW

BUBBLES, HIGH COURT, COME TO ME, GOSSIP BOYS

THESPREAD
30 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

AGE: 47
OCCUPATION: ADMINISTRATIVE NURSE,
WORKING IN SENIOR CARE.
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: BEEN WITH HUSBAND
FOR 5 YEARS, MARRIED 6 MONTHS AGO.
PET PEEVE: “GETTING MEN TO UNDERSTAND
THAT ‘RACIAL PREFERENCE’ IS RACISM.”
BIGGEST FEAR: “LOSING MY MIND TO DEMEN-
TIA, LOSING CONTROL.”
SOMETHING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU: “I
LIKE COOKING IN THE NUDE (BUT I NEVER FRY
IN THE NUDE).”
WHAT I MOST WANT FOR CHRISTMAS: “IT MAY
SOUND CORNY BUT WHAT I MOST WANT IS
TO CONTINUE TO HAVE LOVE IN MY LIFE… OH,
AND ALSO A NEW COUCH.”
PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM
NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 31

COVER FEATURE

PrEP: Preventing
HIV from infecting
your body
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP is a
new HIV prevention strategy targeting
people who may have ongoing high risk for
acquiring HIV. It’s called PrEP because its
something you do prior to the time the
high-risk exposure occurs to prevent HIV
from infecting your body. The only
medication currently approved
for this purpose is Truvada.
widely used last year in 2014 when the
CDC strongly recommended it for anyone
at substantial risk for HIV, especially
partners of those who are HIV positive,
MSM who engage in high risk behaviors,
heterosexual men and women who are at
substantial risk, and intravenous drug users.
PrEP has been found in most studies
to be extremely effective in preventing
HIV infection in a variety of populations.
Effectiveness is directly correlated with
adherence. Obviously taking the medication
regularly is necessary in order for the
drug to work, just as it is with any therapy.
In the vast majority of clinical trials, no HIV
infection has been seen in study participants
who had detectable levels of the
medication in their bloodstream.
Generous Patient
Assistance Program
PrEP is generally very well tolerated.
Side effects may include
headache, mild abdominal pain
and weight loss but generally
they do not lead a patient to
want to stop therapy. The drugs
in Truvada also are effective in
treating Hepatitis B so all potential
users of Truvada should
be screened for Hepatitis B
prior to starting treatment.
Kidney issues can occur but are
very rare and the small amount of
bone loss that occurs is felt not to
be clinically significant. Additionally,
patients must be CONFIRMED to be
HIV negative prior to starting PrEP. This is
usually done either by the 4th generation
HIV antigen/antibody test or by the HIV
>> DR TONY MILLS

TIPS FOR COPING

Become a part of our incredible film...
A story inspired by the most
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igg.me/at/southern-knights
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santiagoresort.com
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DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 35

THETRANSACTION
>> TRANS PRIDE L.A.

Child of the ‘‘70s
is the new black!
Starring Michael Vaccaro, Ralph Mayer, Ann Walker, Susan Olsen, Judy Tenuta,
Sheena Metal, Leo Forte, Randy Jones, Gina Hecht, Terry Ray, Chuck Saculla, Carole Ita White, Kat Kramer,
Jeremiah Caleb, Mike Dreyden, Irene Soderberg, Charlotte Robnett, David Zimmerman, Trevor LaPaglia,
René Marcellus, Joe Arellano, Amy Linker, Charlene Geisler, Anthony Gabriel, Ted Lange, and Bruce Vilanch.
Written by Michael Vaccaro and Terrence Moss.
Directed by Tom Pardoe
theofficialchildofthe70s.com
Sponsored by RalphMayerHollywood.com
DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 37

DR ANDREW VANDERVEER

What are some
common ailments
which cannabis
can be used to
treat?
Menstrual
cramps, anxiety,
depression, insomnia,
psoriasis, nausea—
Psoriasis? Really?
Yeah, it’s really good when used
topically. Cannabis can be used to treat
literally hundreds of conditions.
I met one patient in Sacramento with
an incredibly rare mitochondrial disease he
treated with cannabis.
Do you see many patients coming in for
recommendations related to HIV?
I’ve probably seen hundreds of patients
[living with HIV]. The number one thing I
hear from patients with an HIV diagnosis
who are on antiretroviral therapy is relief
from some of the side effects of their
medications—nausea, anxiety & insomnia.
“The number
one thing I hear
from patients [about
cannabis] with an HIV
diagnosis who are on antiretroviral
therapy is relief
from some of the side effects
of their medications—
nausea, anxiety &
insomnia.”
>> CANNABIS AND HIV

COVER FEATURE

DAVID REST

Learn to
say no. Saying
yes when you
should say no can
leave you feeling
resentful and
overwhelmed.
>> TIPS FOR COPING

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IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND APPEARANCE FOR A BRAND NEW YOU TODAY!
DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 43

LEATHERMEN

KEVIN STALTER

THEJOYSTICK
THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY
>> VIDEO GAMES

T h e r e a r e t h o u s a n d s o f s i b l i n g s i n f o s t e r c a r e
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DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 47

THESHARE
THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY
>> BY PAULO MURILLO

DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 49

THEEPIDEMIC
EDUCATING
HEALTHCARE
PROVIDERS
Grindr recently surveyed users about
Truvada and found some noteworthy
trends, reports The New York
Times. They’re particularly interesting considering
the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) said last month
that one out of four gay and bisexual men
should take the pill.
Among Grindr users who took the
survey, more than 25 percent said they
were currently taking the pill, which is
known as PrEP—short for “pre-exposure
prophylaxis.”
More than 55 percent of respondents
said they are interested in taking it.
One out of ten respondents said they
struggled to get a doctor to prescribe it.
>> TRUVADA

DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 51

52 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 53

THEEVENT
>> PALM SPRINGS LEATHER PRIDE

PHOTOS BY ROBERT GREEN, MOTORBOOT PHOTOGRAPHY

THECALENDAR
>> THINGS TO DO

EMAIL YOUR EVENT OR GROUP TO editor@thefightmag.com
POSITIVE IMAGES WORKSHOP
Every Monday, from 7-9 p.m. The
Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N
McCadden Place, Los Angeles. If
you’re looking for ways to deal with
HIV, the Live Life Better Workshop can
help you learn coping skills, build a
support system, and work toward your
health goals. An RSVP is required.
For more information or to reserve
your place, call (323) 860-7321.
The e-mail contact is
positiveimages@lagaycenter.org.
TRANSGENDER PERCEPTIONS
Every Friday, 8 p.m. The Village at
Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden
Place, Los Angeles. For more
information, call (323) 860-7302. M-F
between 6-9 p.m. Social networking
group offers a safe and welcoming
opportunity for people of any age and
gender identity to learn from others
and to share experiences.
GET CENTERED
Meditation Class. Every Saturday,
10-11 a.m., $10. Gay & Lesbian
Center, 1625 N Schrader Blvd.
Los Angeles. For more information,
call (323) 860-7300.
SENIORS SERVICES
Ongoing, The Village at Ed Gould
Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place,
Los Angeles. For more information,
call (323) 860-7359.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT
Ongoing, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center,
1625 N Schrader Blvd., Los Angeles.
For more information, call
(323) 860-5806.
MPOWERMENT WEEKLY WORKSHOPS
Tuesdays and fridays, 6 p.m. APLA,
3550 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300, Los Angeles.
More info: Donta Morrison, tel:
(213) 201-1561. For young gay men of
color—ages 18 thru 24—looking for a
safe place to hang out.
TRAVEL
FRIENDS TRAVEL
www.FriendsTravel.com
Gay Owned & Operated, Since 1985.
12 STEP GROUPS
All groups meet at The Village at Ed
Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place,
Los Angeles. For more information, call
(323) 860-7302 M-F between 6-9 p.m.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Mondays, 6:10-7:10 p.m.
CRYSTAL METH ANONYMOUS
Saturdays, 9:10-10:10 a.m.
DEBTORS ANONYMOUS
Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m.
MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS
Wednesdays, 8:15-9:45 p.m.
Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS
Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.
SEXUAL COMPULSIVES
ANONYMOUS
Mondays, 8-9 p.m.
Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m.
Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m.
Thursdays, 8:15-9:15 p.m.
Saturdays, 12:15-1:45 p.m.
WOMEN’S NARCOTICS
ANONYMOUS
Saturdays, Noon-1 p.m.
SPORTS
LOS ANGELES
LESBIAN SOFTBALL
www.lagaysoftball.com
LOS ANGELES LESBIAN
TACKLE FOOTBALL
www.californiaquakefootball.com
LOS ANGELES LESBIAN RUGBY
www.eaglerockrugby.com
WOMEN’S SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA GOLF
www.womensgolf.org/wscga
LOS ANGELES LESBIAN POKER
www.lalpg.com
LOS ANGELES WOMEN ON A ROLL
Luncheons, Comedy Nights,
and Conversation Groups.
www.womenonaroll.com
LOS ANGELES GAY
RODEO CLUB
www.gsgra.org
LOS ANGELES GAY
FLAG FOOTBALL
www.laflagfootball.com
There’s also lesbian tackle football.
WEST HOLLYWOOD GAY RUGBY
www.larebellion.org
LOS ANGELES POOL LEAGUE
Friendly Billiard teams.
www.lapl8ball.com
GAY & LESBIAN
BOWLING LEAGUE
www.tavernguildleague.com
SAGA
LA Gay Ski & Snowboard Club.
www.sagala.org
V.O.I.L.A.
Volleyball. www.lagayvolleyball.com
GREAT OUTDOORS
The largest gay outdoor recreational
organization in Southern California.
www.greatoutdoorsla.org
GAY AND LESBIAN SIERRANS
Camping, Outdoors, Hiking Angeles.
www.sierraclub.org
CHEER LA
Cheerleading. www.cheerla.org
LA ROWING
www.larowing.org
DIFFERENT SPOKES
Cycling www.differentspokes.com
Rides start in various locations in the
greater Los Angeles area.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BLADES
Ice Hockey. www.bladeshockey.com
LOS ANGELES FRONTRUNNERS
Running and walking club.
www.lafrontrunners.com
WEST HOLLYWOOD
SOCCER CLUB
Comfortable, supportive environment
for learning and playing the world’s
most popular game.
www.gaysoccer.com
LOS ANGELES GAY SCUBA CLUB
www.barnaclebusters.org
LOS ANGELES GAY
ROCK CLIMBING
www.lalgbtclimbing.com
WEST HOLLYWOOD AQUATICS
Swim and Water Polo Teams.
www.wh2o.org
WORSHIP
METROPOLITAN
COMMUNITY CHURCH
mccla.org, 4953 Franklin Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90027
BETH CHAYIM CHADASHIM
SYNAGOGUE
bcc-la.org, 6090 West Pico Blvd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90035
KOL AMI REFORM SYNAGOGUE
kol-ami.org, 1200 North La Brea Ave.,
West Hollywood, CA 90038
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL
CHURCH OF LOS ANGELES
fccla.org 540, South Commonwealth
Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020
HOLLYWOOD UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH
hollywoodumc.org, 6817 Franklin Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90028
HOLY SPIRIT
holyspirit-la.org, 4201 West Sunset Blvd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90029
UNITED UNIVERSITY CHURCH
uniteduniversitychurch.org, 817 West
34th St., Los Angeles, CA 90089
DIGNITY CENTER
dignitylosangeles.org, 126 South Avenue
64, Los Angeles, CA 90042
HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH-HLYWD
hopelutheranchurch.net, 6720 Melrose
Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038
WEST HOLLYWOOD PRESBYTERIAN
wehopres.org, 7350 W Sunset Blvd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90046
MOUNT HOLLYWOOD
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
mthollywood.org, 4607 Prospect Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90027
IMMANUEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
immanuelpres.org, 3300 Wilshire Blvd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90010
ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
stmatthewsnoho.org, 11031 Camarillo
St., North Hollywood, CA 91602
CHRIST CHAPEL OF THE VALLEY
christchapel.com, 11050 Hartsook St.,
North Hollywood, CA 91601
ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
stpaulssm.org, 958 Lincoln Blvd., Santa
Monica, CA 90403
ST. MONICA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
stmonica.net, 725 California Ave., Santa
Monica, CA 90403
WEHO CHURCH
wehochurch.com, 916 N. Formosa Ave.,
West Hollywood, CA 90046
ST. VICTOR’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
saintvictor.org, 8634 Holloway Dr. West
Hollywood, CA 90069
ST. LUKE LUTHERAN
stlukelutheran.com, 5312 Comercio Way,
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
For Breaking Daily LGBT News Visit
www.thefightmag.com
DECEMBER 2015 2015 | THE | THE FIGHT FIGHT 57 57

THEFINALFIGHT
>> NATIONAL HIV/AIDS STRATEGY

FOUR DAYS OF POOL
PARTIES, DANCE EVENTS
AND WOOFY MEN!
Hosted at the Hard Rock Hotel
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 SATURDAY FEBRUARY 6 SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 6 SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7
Weekend Passes & Room Reservations at www.ibc-ps.com
DECEMBER 2015 | THE FIGHT 59

When
You Need
A Lawyer
Have You Been Hurt?
Discriminated Against?
Arrested?
David Hakimfar is a
Partner at Hakimfar Law
in West Hollywood and a
member of Pride Legal
Personal Injury
Criminal Defense
Estate Planning
Divorce
Business
Bankruptcy
When you are dealing with a legal matter, you need an attorney in Los Angeles
who you can trust and who you know is watching out for your best interests.
At Pride Legal, we have the network of lawyers you need to handle
any legal situation.
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
TEL: 1-888-789-PRIDE
(1-888-789-7743)
www.pridelegal.com
We
60
Reserve
THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com
The Right To Provide Friendly Service To EVERYONE