THE FIGHT SOCAL'S LGBTQ MONTHLY MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2017

OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 1

138 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91205
New Owner, New Attitude.
6 2 THE THE FIGHT | | www.thefightmag.com
EXPERIENCE THE
NEW CENTURY DIFFERENCE
Car shopping shouldn’t be stressful. We’re here to provide
you with a welcoming environment and friendly experience.
Simply put, what puts us a cut above the rest is our treating
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Come on in, talk to Bill West and experience
the difference! We will help you find the car
of your dreams within your budget.
Call Bill at
(844) 201-8687

Introducing Pride Recovery LA
The exclusively LGBTQ treatment center in California
• LGBTQ people are nearly 30% more likely than members of
the general population to suffer from addiction.
• The LGBTQ population are 60% more likely to relapse following
addiction treatment in traditional recovery programs.
• The same trauma that the LGBTQ commity faces in everyday life – the trauma
that lurks beneath the addiction – is replicated in traditional treatment
because traditional treatment is a microcosm of the world at large.
• LGBTQ-specific treatment transforms the dangerous environment clients
face every day and gives them the safety to work through their shame
and create connections and community.
That’s why we need LGBTQ-specific treatment, not only for drug/alcohol addiction,
but for all substance and behavior addictions. At Pride Recovery LA, we’re here to
address shame and build pride. Pride in Self. Pride in Sobriety. Pride in Community.
844.303.1551 | West Hollywood
_____________
Addiction Treatment for our LGBTQ Community
All Insurances Accepted
OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 3

THECONTENTS
FEATURES
19 THE PASSING OF AN ICON
EDITH “EDIE” WINDSOR RIP
20 PALM SPRINGS PRIDE
PARTY IN THE DESERT
26 ANGELS OF BREAD
ARTIST, ACTIVIST LEO HERRERA
28 PUSHING THE ENVELOPE
BAD DRAGON FANTASY TOYS
30 TO THREE OR NOT TO THREE?
THE DADDY-DADDY-BOY TRIAD
33 PALM SPRINGS LEATHER PRIDE
THE OFFICIAL GUIDE
50 MARS CREATIONS
PALM SPRINGS ARTIST MARSHA ROBINSON
DEPARTMENTS
08 THE LETTERS READERS RESPOND
11 THE TALK KARAMO BROWN
15 THE STATE OAKLAND CENTER
16 THE CITY ROOSTERFISH RETURNS
22 THE ROSTOW REPORT STANISLAV PETROV
24 THE EPIDEMIC NEW BREAKTHROUGH
27 THE TRANSACTION FINDING KIM
52 THE SHARE LOCAL RECOVERY
54 THE ART LOCAL ARTISTS
58 THE CALENDAR THINGS TO DO
4 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com
ON THE COVER
BRUIN COLLINSWORTH (L), JACE GRIMM
COVER PHOTO, TOC PHOTO AND
ALL PSLOD FEATURE PHOTOS BY
DUSTI CUNNINGHAM
LOCATION
THE BARRACKS

Los Angeles’ most comprehensive
and effective stand-alone drug and
alcohol detoxification center.
Six beds with 24/7 personalized care by highly
educated and experienced staff.
Every amenity provided to ensure
utmost comfort and safety.
Private chef preparing healthy meals and snacks.
High-end, yet affordable, most PPO
insurance accepted.
Conveniently located in the Melrose district.
Free airport pick up and local transportation.
We also assess and refer clients who come in without a
treatment plan or destination.
Our admissions line is always open,
call 844-46-REVIVE (844-467-3848)
OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 5

THEEDITOR
Palm Springs Leather Pride takes
place this month at various venues
on October 26-29. The venue for the
Mr. Palm Springs Leather Contest
will be the Palm Springs Air Museum.
The weekend also includes pool parties,
outdoor cruising areas, a formal
leather dinner and more.
We are proud to have been chosen,
once again this year, to produce the
Official Palm Springs Leather Pride
Guide, in this issue, pages 33-49.
For more info visit:
www.palmspringsleatherpride.org.
Additionally, Palm Springs Pride
takes place next month on November
3-5, featuring Missing Persons, The
Gand Band, GayC/DC, and others.
The Grand Marshals for the annual
Palm Springs Pride Parade, taking
place on November 5, are Navy SEAL
Kristin Beck, singer-entertainer and
restaurateur Michael Holmes, fitness
expert Craig Ramsay and hairstylist
Brandon Liberati.
Recognized as the National Grand
Marshal is retired United States Navy
SEAL Kristin Beck. Kristin Beck, born
Christopher Beck is known to be
>> IN THIS ISSUE

OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 7

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

OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 9

10 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

THETALK
>> WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

What is 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 fl uids. Never reuse or
share needles or other items that have body fl uids on them.
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 confi rmed to be HIV-negative.
® Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who
has recently become infected. If you have fl u-like symptoms,
you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your
healthcare provider if you had a fl u-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 fi rst talking to your healthcare provider,
as they will need to monitor your health.
Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP?
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.
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.
12 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

I'm active,
not unaware.
I know who I am. And I make choices that fit my life.
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
OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 13

(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.
IMPORTANT FACTS
This is only a brief summary of important information about
taking TRUVADA for PrEP TM (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.
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. TVDC0131 07/17
14 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

THESTATE
>> NEWS BRIEFS

THECITY
NEON
TREES
>> BY PAULO MURILLO

In adults with HIV on ART who have diarrhea not caused by an infection
Tired of planning your life around diarrhea?
Enough is Enough
Get relief. Pure and simple. Ask your doctor about Mytesi.
Mytesi (crofelemer):
• Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV
• Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract
• Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies
• Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest
What is Mytesi?
Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by
an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Important Safety Information
Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus,
or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure
that you do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive
the right medicine and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most
common side effects that occurred more often than with placebo were upper respiratory
tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%),
flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%).
For Copay Savings Card and
Patient Assistance, see Mytesi.com
IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION
This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing
Information at Mytesi.com or by calling
1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place
of talking with your doctor about your medical
condition or treatment.
What Is Mytesi?
Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve
symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not
caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in
adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART.
Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by
an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and
you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by
an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite).
Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include:
• Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and
throat infection)
• Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to
and from your lungs)
• Cough
• Flatulence (gas)
• Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood
cells break down)
For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that
bothers you or 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.
Should I Take Mytesi If I Am:
Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant?
• Studies in animals show that Mytesi could
harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to
become pregnant
• There are no studies in pregnant women
taking Mytesi
• This drug should only be used during pregnancy
if clearly needed
A Nursing Mother?
• It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through
human breast milk
• If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before
starting Mytesi
• Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop
nursing or to stop taking Mytesi
Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age?
• Mytesi has not been studied in children under
18 years of age
• Mytesi studies did not include many people over
the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will
respond differently. Talk to your doctor to find out if
Mytesi is right for you
What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi
With Other Medicines?
If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicine, herbal supplements, or vitamins, tell your
doctor before starting Mytesi.
What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi?
For more information, please see the full Prescribing
Information at Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor
or pharmacist.
To report side effects or make a product complaint or
for additional information, call 1-844-722-8256.
Please see complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com.
NP-390-12
RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE
Rx Only
Manufactured by Patheon, Inc.
for Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. San Francisco, CA
94105 Copyright © Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Mytesi comes from the Croton lechleri tree
harvested in South America.
OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 17

18 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

DOMA

PALM SPRINGS PRIDE

OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 21

THEROSTOWREPORT
CYBER TWISTS
& DUCK DICKS
I was just looking around
for fun LGBT news, when my
eye was drawn to news about
ducks who grow their penises
during mating time and apparently
don’t keep them more
than a few weeks or months.
I’m not sure what exactly happens
to the temporary appendages
and I didn’t want to delve
too closely into that detail,
but I thought you guy readers
would be interested in the fact
that some of these ducks have
the largest penis to body size
ratio in nature. Personally, I’ve
never contemplated such a
calculation, but perhaps some
of you have allowed your
idle thoughts to drift in such
directions. Too bad the giant
schlongs have to disappear.
I won’t report all the cyber
twists and turn that took me
from duck dicks to the story of
the cave insects that have sex
for up to three days nonstop, but
I do want to share this interesting
account from nature.com:
“When the flea-sized winged
insects mate, the female
mounts the male and penetrates
deep into a thin genital opening
in his back. Membranes in her
organ swell to lock her in, and
multiple spiky spines act as grappling
hooks to anchor her tightly
to the male. (When researchers
tried to pull apart two mating
insects, the female was gripping
so tightly that the male was accidentally
ripped in half, leaving
his genitalia still attached to the
female.) The tip of the female’s
penis fits neatly into the male’s
genitalia to allow her to receive
a large, teardrop-shaped sperm
capsule over their 40–70 hours
of copulation.”
Woah, Nellie! Talk about
gender bending!
WEDDING GUESTS
INTERPRETING
CAKES
So where did the summer
go? One day they’re rolling out
STANISLAV
PETROV
the red clay courts at Roland
Garros and the next day the
grocery stores are filled with
five pound bags of Halloween
candy. In the mean time, the
justices of the Supreme Court
are doing God knows what.
Fishing, lying on the beach,
reading trashy novels, giving
lectures? Wherever they were
and whatever they were doing,
they’re back in business
now, holding their first conference
of the new session on
September 25.
My ad nauseam discussion
of the Masterpiece Cakeshop
petition was proved prescient
once the High Court accepted
review of the Colorado bakery
>> BY ANN ROSTOW

CYBER TWISTS • WEDDING GUESTS • PETITIONS TO WATCH OUT FOR • STANISLAV PETROV

THEEPIDEMIC
>> TRI-SPECIFIC ANTIBODY

GRAND
OPENING
WEST HOLLYWOOD
11.16.17 5-8PM
8730 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Venice 701 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 • Hollywood 5825 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 25

MARSHA ROBINSON

THETRANSACTION
>> FINDING KIM

I’M FINE

OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 29

GAY LONELINESS

DADDY-DADDY-BOY

NOW BREWING OUR DELICIOUS
COFFEES IN WEST HOLLYWOOD
8700 SANTA MONICA BLVD.
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069
WWW.CAFEDEMITASSE.COM
SANTA MONICA • WEST HOLLYWOOD • LITTLE TOKYO • MID-WILSHIRE
THE
HALAL GUYS
WEST HOLLYWOOD NOW OPEN!
thehalalguys.com @thehalalguyssocal
facebook.com/thehalalguyslosangeles
8919 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 855-7507
Come see why we are
one of the most Yelped
restaurants in the world!
32 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 33

A message from
PSLOD President
Drew Kramer.
Once again, Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert
joins with the entire leather community here in
the desert to throw the best party we can.
We have worked hard all year planning
the Mr. Palm Springs Leather Contest, the formal
leather dinner, the Victory Dance, the vendor market,
and the pool parties, and all the other events that make Palm
Springs Leather Pride an event like none other in the world.
Check out our great leather bars, shop for gear at our stores
that sell stuff you won’t find back home, cheer on the men vying
to become the next Mr. Palm Springs Leather, ponder the question
“What does a leatherman wear to a pool party?” and hook up with
the hot men who come from across the country and around the
world to our desert paradise on the last weekend in October.
On behalf of Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert, we
thank you for attending, the many who continuously volunteer and
whose dedication make this weekend possible as well as the many
sponsors who play a vital role in our success and finally the beneficiaries
of everyone of efforts.
We thank all of our sponsors for their support and generous donations
that will further the mission of this year’s beneficiaries.
THE LGBT COMMUNITY
CENTER OF THE DESERT
The Center creates a vibrant community by helping LGBTQ people
along their way, in Coachella Valley and visitors of all ages, totaling
nearly 56,000 client visits annually. A thriving, community-based organization,
The Center provides a safe and supportive environment for
members to enjoy wellness, educational, support and social programming
through such programs as The Scott Hines Mental Health Clinic
@ The Center (over 2,000 clinical appointments annually), transgender
therapy groups, a partnership with Palm Springs Unified School
District to offer The Center’s Suicide Prevention and Anti-Bullying
curriculum to every ninth-grade student in the district (nearly 2,000
students), public school counseling, The Community Food Bank @
The Center (serving annually over 16,000 family members from ages
1 through 55+), extensive social and recreational offerings
SAFE SCHOOLS COACHELLA VALLEY
Safe Schools Desert Cities empowers area Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex youth (LGBTQI+),
their allies and GSA advisors and offers opportunities that
foster a sense of community and individual growth by providing
education, guidance, advocacy, resources, recreational
activities and opportunities for self-expression.
UCR STREET MEDICINE
Provides compassionate healthcare to those unsheltered
and most vulnerable throughout the Coachella Valley.
34 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com
MAIN PHOTO
BY DUSTI
CUNNINGHAM
MODELS: BRUIN
COLLINSWORTH,
JACE GRIMM

OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 35

The annual Mr. Palm Springs Leather Contest will take place
this month on Saturday, October 28 at 5pm at the Palm
Springs Air Museum for VIP Cocktails and private tour. Doors
open at 6 pm and the contest at 7pm. For more info visit
www.palmspringsleatherpride.org.
JAX KELLY
MR. CCBC
LEATHER 2018
Jax decided to step
out of the backrooms
and into the spotlight
as he aspires to be
more public about
being a Leatherman.
Following two decades in financial
services as a VP at a top NY bank, the
self-taught chef formed a private catering
company in Los Angeles. In 2013,
he moved to Palm Springs to write and
publish essays, memoirs, and poetry.
Formerly a Commissioner on the
Los Angeles County Commission on
HIV, Jax is the winner of awards for
volunteer service in HIV/AIDS advocacy,
emotional support and testing/
counseling. He chose Let’s Kick ASS
Palm Springs (www.lkaps.org) as one of
his title year fundraising beneficiaries
because of its service to local, long-term
survivors of HIV/AIDS. Currently, Jax
serves on the board of the California
LGBT Arts Alliance and is a member
of Palm Springs Leather Order of the
Desert, Palms Springs Writers Guild,
Great Outdoors, CMEN, PSSST and the
Leather Archives & Museum in Chicago.
TOM
SCHNECK
MR. BARRACKS
LEATHER 2018
For over a decade,
Tom has been
an LGBT activist
devoting himself to
support the community.
His journey began in his hometown
of Pittsburgh where he served on
the board of the Delta Foundation. As
a founder of this new organization, he
directed the marketing for the group’s
36 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com
numerous events including Pride.
Professionally, Tom has lead the marketing
for retail real estate around the
country for over 20 years. He has excelled
at driving millions annually to
shop at these destinations.
As his career grew and moved him
around the country so did his interests
in leather and fetishes. As a leatherman,
Tom frequently gears up to
attend International Mister Leather,
Mid-AtlanticLeather, and regional leather
events. In early 2017, Tom’s career
brought him back to California to lead
marketing and tourism for greater Palm
Springs’ largest tourist attraction. Soon
after his arrival he became an active part
of the leather community and is currently
pledging the PSLOD.Tom won the
Mr. Barracks Leather Contest in August
2017. In his short time as a titleholder,
he has fundraised for LGBT hurricane
victims, Mama’s Family Foundation, and
the Desert AIDS Project.
DAN
CARMINE
MR. OFF-RAMP
LEATHER 2018
Dan grew up in a
small highly wooded
mountain town near
Lake Tahoe. As a
result, he is a very
outdoors kind of guy. He loves to explore,
hike, camp, and get downright dirty in
every sense of the word. The smell of pine
and cedar mixed with a hot man’s sweaty
pits really gets him going. Currently working
towards a career in the medical field,
Dan works at CUT Barbershop and to
unwind he sweats it off as a go-go dancer
at one Palm Springs’ wildest weekly
events “Bearcules.” Dan has hosted and
volunteered many events held by or
benefitting Desert Aids Project, Desert
Aids Walk, PS Gay Pride, and Queen of
the Desert 2017, in addition to go-going to
raise awareness and funds benefiting the
PS Animal Shelter. As Mr. Palm Springs
Leather 2018, Dan would like to raise
awareness and funds for care, rescue, and
humane treatment of animals. In addition,
to raising awareness of mental illness and
addiction plaguing LGBTQ young adults.
TONY
DEWAIN
MR. TOOL SHED
LEATHER 2018
Tony is a native of
rural Missouri who
relocated to Palm
Springs in 2014 to
live in a thriving gay
city with an active leather community.
In Missouri Tony participated in leather
events in both Kansas City and St. Louis
as well as attending International Mr.
Leather and was a founding member
of the Central Missouri Leather Society
CMLS). CMLS organized social and educational
leather events in central Missouri
with presenters from Kansas City and St.
Louis to provide outreach to the leather
curious. Tony also organized leather
themed fundraisers to benefit the local
HIV prevention and assistance programs.
Since moving to Palm Springs Tony has
volunteered to assist with Palm Springs
Leather Pride weekend regularly as well
keeping an active and social schedule in
the community. He is currently a pledging
Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert
and is a founding member and secretary
of the newly established Desert Boys of
Leather. In addition to representing the
Tool Shed at leather events, Tony believes
it is just as important to be visible in other
places in the community and open to
anyone with questions about leather opportunities
and activities.

MAIN PHOTO
BY DUSTI
CUNNINGHAM
MODELS: BRUIN
COLLINSWORTH,
JACE GRIMM
OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 37

38 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com
38 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 39
OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 39

For more details
on these events visit
www.palmspringsleatherpride.org.
PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM
Thursday,
October 26
5pm–10:30pm
REGISTRATION
PACKAGES AND
TICKET PICK-UP
Hunters Nightclub 302
Arenas Road Palm
Springs, CA 92264
9pm–11pm
MR. PALM SPRINGS LEATHER CONTEST
MEET & GREET
Hunters Nightclub 302 Arenas Road Palm
Springs, CA 92264
Introduction of contestants and judges.
Friday, October 27
Cruise alley and vendor mart featuring
DJ spinning LIVE til’ close, cash bars available
throughout the venue. Included in VIP/
Commando Package or suggested $10. donation
at the entrance.
6pm–10 pm
FACES OF MAN—TOM
OF FINLAND LIMITED
EDITION EXHIBIT
Devine Interiors 170 E
Tahquitz Canyon Way,
Palm Springs CA 92262
A fundraiser for PLSOD
and Tom of Finland
Foundation. Hosted
by Marc Ransdell-
Bellenger, curator, and
head of community
development for Tom
of Finland Foundation
and Paul Devine owner
of Devine Interiors
with libations
provided by the
Sisters of Perpetual
Indulgence.
The exhibition
will run
until November
15th. 10% of
the sales of the
prints will benefit
PSLOD.
Noon–4pm
COMMANDO POOL PARTY
Chaps Inn 312 E Camino Monte Vista,
Palm Springs, CA 92264
A clothing optional pool party hosted
by Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2015 & 16,
Cliff Tatum and Christopher Durbin. Included
in VIP/Commando Package Individual Tix:
$20. Online door.
www.palmspringsleatherpride.org.
1om–5pm
REGISTRATION PACKAGES
AND TICKET PICKUP
Chaps Inn 312 E Camino Monte Vista,
Palm Springs, CA 92264
6pm–10pm
FORMAL LEATHER COCKTAILS/DINNER
Palm Springs Hilton (Horizon Ballroom)
400 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs,
CA 92262
Ticket limited to VIP Package Holders.
Choice of entree’. Buy tix at
www.palmspringsleatherpride.org.
10pm-1am
BLACK OPS: THE OFFICIAL BDSM
PLAY PARTY OF PALM SPRINGS
LEATHER PRIDE WEEKEND
Chaps Inn 312 E Camino Monte Vista,
Palm Springs, CA 92264
Included in VIP/Commando Package or suggested
$10. donation at the entrance. Buy tix at
www.palmspringsleatherpride.org.
Saturday, October 28
9am-10am
LEATHER IN RECOVERY
LGBT Community Center (3rd Floor) 1301 N.
Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
11am-4pm
ESTEBAN’S SABADO CHINGANDO
(SCREWING ON SATURDAY)
POOL EXTRAVAGANZA
Canyon Club Hotel 964 S. Indian Canyon,
Palm Springs, CA 92264
A clothing optional pool party with a cash
bar. Included in VIP/Commando Package or
Individual Tix $20. Online door.
www.palmspringsleatherpride.org.
7pm–2am
HAWKERS & VENDORS-CRUISE ALLEY
For venue info go to
palmspringsleatherpride.org.
1pm-3pm
WHIPS, EDUCATION AND
INSPIRED BASIC TRAINING
LGBT Community Center (3rd
Floor) 1301 N. Palm Canyon Dr,
Palm Springs, CA 92264
MODELS: BRUIN COLLINSWORTH, JACE GRIMM
40 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

Join Alex Del RoasIo, MD
presenting “Scents of a Man; the
Science of Sexual Attraction,”
SlaveMaster on finding a slave or master
and Whipping and Flogging on the
lot with Peter Fiske, Drew Kramer and
Scarlet Sinn, Ms LA Leather 2017.
2om-5pm
EXHAUST: CIGARS, GEAR AND BBQ
The Barracks 67-625 E. Palm
Canyon, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Hosted by Maximus with cigars available
for purchase. Wear your dog tag
for Happy Hour prices and BBQ compliments
of The Barracks.
5om-6pm
PRIVATE TOURS OF PALM SPRINGS
AIR MUSEUM AND VIP COCKTAILS
Palm Springs Air Museum 745 N Gene
Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA
Explore the extensive collection of
aircraft and artifacts from the First
World War through the Vietnam Conflict
at this unique venue led by Air Museum
docents. VIP TIX GUEST ONLY.
www.palmspringsleatherpride.org.
6pm-9pm
MR. PALM SPRINGS LEATHER
CONTEST AND SILENT AUCTION
Palm Springs Air Museum 745 N Gene
Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262
The 23rd annual Mr. Palm Springs
Leather Contest emcees for the evening
the incomparable Lenny Broberg and LA’s
subtle satirist Jeremy Ronceros. Included
in VIP/Commando Package or Individual
Tix $25. Online or door.
www.palmspringsleatherpride.org.
6pm-10pm
STRUT
Devine Interiors 170 E Tahquitz Canyon
Way, Palm Springs CA 92262
Wear your best gear and enjoy T o F
and other artwork on display hosted by
Paul Devine owner of Devine Interiors
with libations provided by the Sisters
of Perpetual Indulgence.
9pm-2am
AWOL: VICTORY DANCE PARTY
SPONSORED BY RECON
The Barracks 67-625 E. Palm
Canyon, Cathedral City, CA
Sweat it out on the dance floor. Included
in VIP/Commando Package or Individual
Tix $10. Online or door.
www.palmspringsleatherpride.org.
Sunday, October 29
11am-3pm
MEAT AND RECOVERY: POOL PARTY
AND CHOW
Canyon Club Hotel 964 S. Indian
Canyon, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Clothing optional pool party and off
the edge Wet T-shirt contests to get you
riled up. All the while, the chow is being
grilled and we got your meat covered
with all the fixings. ncluded in VIP/
Commando Package or Individual Tix
$20. Online or door. www.palmspringsleatherpride.org.
11am-1pm
WOMEN OF LEATHER BRUNCH
VENUE TBD. Go to: www.palmspringsleatherpride.org.
The women of Palm Springs Leather
Order of the Desert welcome their
sisters (and brothers!) to brunch!
Individual Tix $20.00 online or door.
www.palmspringsleatherpride.org.
3pm-8pm
FINAL DISCHARGE: LAST CALL BEER
BUST AND BBQ
The Barracks 67-625 E. Palm
Canyon, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Included in VIP/Commando Package
or suggested $5.00 donation at entrance.
www.palmspringsleatherpride.org.
OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 41

42 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com
42 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 43

Meet this year’s esteemed judges.
For more detailed bios visit
www.palmspringsleatherpride.org.
MAIN PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM
RALPH
BRUNEAU
INTERNATIONAL
MR. LEATHER
2017, LOS
ANGELES, CA
Ralph Bruneau is
International Mister
Leather 2017. He
competed at IML as Mr. GNI Leather
2016 representing Gay Naturists
International, the largest naturist organization
in the world. With a Master’s
and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
Dr. Bruneau has a sex-positive, kinkpositive
practice in Los Angeles and
has been nationally recognized for his
contributions to the field of Marriage
and Family Therapy in California. He
is actively involved in the campaign to
end Conversion Therapy working with
NCLR and the #BornPerfect campaign.
LARRY
GOLUBSKI
MR. LONG
BEACH LEATHER
2005, LONG
BEACH, CA
Larry first won Mr.
Long Beach Leather
in 2005 and went on
to be First Runner-up at International Mr.
Leather, 2006. He resides in Long Beach
with the love of his life, Russ Donaldson,
whom he legally married in 2013.
Currently the owner of his own home
improvement contract business, he has
been devoted to many causes near and
dear to him. A longtime advocate for gay
and human rights, often directing homeless
clothing drives in Long Beach. For
years he’s been a past member and president
of the Long Beach AIDS Foundation.
MYSTRYSS
LILY FLEUR
NOIR,
DETROIT, MI.
Mystryss Lily is
a leather woman,
who’s been enjoying
her journey since
1993. She helped run
many clubs in Detroit from behind the
scenes over the years; and then created
her own dedicated lifestyle venue, The
Kinkdom. As a strong proponent of
education within alternative lifestyles,
she has taught classes for more than
17 years, at events ranging from The
Leather People of Color Workshops,
Men of ONYX, International Mr. Leather,
Great Lakes Leather Alliance, DomCon
LA /Atlanta/New Orleans, Northern
Exposure AK, Kink U Cincinnati/WI for
The Titans of the Midwest, Sin in the
City, Beat Me in St. Louis, the Adult
Video Network Awards for Sanctuary
Studios LAX and kink.com.
AHMAD
REFKY
PHOENIX, AZ
Born in Cairo,
Egypt, Ahmad immigrated
to the US
in 2001 and delved
into the kink scene
shortly thereafter.
He honed his skills as a top in the
back rooms and dungeons of Chicago,
specializing in tactile play, FF, CBT,
and electro—skills that he has demoed
at events such as the Leather & Lace
Kinky Carnival in Des Moines, the Heart
of America leather contest in Kansas
City, and Kink U at MIR in Chicago.
Ahmad served as a Contestant Handler
for International Mr. Leather 2011-2015,
Den Daddy for Mr. Minneapolis Eagle
2012, and as a Judge for Southwest
LeatherSir/boy 2015.
ALAN
STROIK
PRESIDENT OF
AVATAR LA,
REDLANDS, CA
Alan has been
part of the Leather
community for over
30 years. Originally
from Milwaukee, he was president of
the Beer Town Badgers. Soon after
meeting his future partner Mike he
moved to California. The two recently
celebrated their 25th anniversary. He is
a member and past President,
Vice President, Board Member, program
chair for Avatar Club Los Angeles
and holds the distinction of being the
only member to be President for a
second two-year maximum term. He
is also a Board member of the Los
Angeles Leather Coalition and was a
member of the former Orange County
Leather Coalition.
GRAYLIN
THORNTON
INTERNATIONAL
DRUMMER
1993, SAN
FRANCISCO, CA
Over the past three
decades Graylin has
been honored to
judge, emcee, teach workshops and
participate at numerous leather events
including IML, IMsL, Drummer, ILSb,
Master/slave, ABW, Deaf Leather and
MLT. He is one of the founding members
of the South Bay Leather and
Uniform Group (SLUG) formed
in 1987 and produced the first South
Bay Leather Weekend and the first
Ebony Leather Contest held in San
Francisco. He was also the former
chair of San Diego Leather Pride and
produced Southern California Mr.
Drummer, Leather Sir/boy and
Mr. San Diego Leather.
CLAY SALES
WASHINGTON
STATE MR.
LEATHER 2016,
PALM SPRINGS,
CA
Clay Sales was
Washington State
Mr. Leather 2016 and
recently moved from Seattle to Palm
Springs. He is also a 54-year-old, 6’2”,
260lb bodybuilder sub who gets called
“Sir” so often he’s stopped correcting
people and just glares at them now.
When not tied to a cross and getting
the crap flogged out of him, Clay enjoys
quilting, reading, and long walks on
the beach.
44 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

MODELS: BRUIN
COLLINSWORTH,
JACE GRIMM
OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 45

S T A T E - O F - T H E - A R T D A N C E F L O O R
W O R L D - C L A S S D J S
G O - G O D A N C E R S
S P I R I T S E L E V A T E D
46 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 47
OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 47

TITLE SPONSOR
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD & SILVER SPONSORS
48 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com

OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 49

MARSHA ROBINSON

LOCALI

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OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 55

Integrating Substance Use, Mental Health,
and Primary Care Services in Our Communities:
Resilience in a Changing Environment
October 25—26, 2017
Hilton Universal City Hotel at Universal City
555 Universal Hollywood Dr. Universal City, California 91608
Featured Track:
56 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com
● Topics Include ●
Unique Needs of LGBT Seniors
Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth
Family Acceptance Project: Family Support Model of Wellness,
Prevention and Care for LGBT Children and Youth

OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 57

THECALENDAR
>> THINGS TO DO

ONLINE NOW!
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Looking for a good time, but it’s harder to find…
New to the scene, and the site. I’m a weekend warrior, but PNP anytime. HIV STATUS: ASK ME
CALL: 323-463-7001
VISIT: friendsgettingoff.org
Friends Getting Off provides free drug counseling for gay and bisexual men who use
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OCTOBER 2017 | THE FIGHT 59

60 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com