THE FIGHT SOCAL'S LGBTQ MONTHLY MAGAZINE MAY 2018
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<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 1
2 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | www.thefightmag.com
<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 3
<strong>THE</strong>CONTENTS<br />
FEATURES<br />
16 CALIFORNIA PRIDES<br />
FESTIVALS THROUGHOUT <strong>THE</strong> STATE<br />
22 <strong>THE</strong> SEX POLICE<br />
<strong>LGBTQ</strong> LIVES IN DANGER<br />
24 FREE AT LAST<br />
LOTUS PLACE RECOVERY<br />
30 COMMUNITY TIES<br />
LA COUNTY ASSESSOR JEFFREY PRANG<br />
36 FINDING YOUR PEOPLE<br />
CALIFORNIA DRUMMER 2017 XAVIER ESPEJO<br />
38 FRONTING FEMININITY<br />
ARIANA AND <strong>THE</strong> ROSE<br />
39 PRIDE & PREJUDICE<br />
OLYMPIC DIVER ROBERT PÁEZ<br />
40 HIDDEN TRUTHS<br />
PHOTOGRAPHER ANDREW LEIGH GREEN<br />
DEPARTMENTS<br />
10 <strong>THE</strong> TALK<br />
SARAH MCBRIDE<br />
13 <strong>THE</strong> STATE<br />
EQUALITY CALIFORNIA<br />
14 <strong>THE</strong> CITY<br />
MAXINE WATERS<br />
20 <strong>THE</strong> ROSTOW REPORT<br />
QUEEN MUM<br />
26 <strong>THE</strong> SPREAD<br />
JC MOUNDUIX<br />
28 <strong>THE</strong> TRANSACTION<br />
WELLNESS CENTER<br />
32 <strong>THE</strong> PROFILE<br />
LADIES OF <strong>THE</strong> LAW<br />
34 <strong>THE</strong> SHARE<br />
LOCAL RECOVERY<br />
35 <strong>THE</strong> EPIDEMIC<br />
WEEKLY PILL<br />
42 <strong>THE</strong> ART<br />
STEVE MACISAAC<br />
44 <strong>THE</strong> MUSIC<br />
SOFI TUKKER<br />
46 <strong>THE</strong> EVENT<br />
QUEEN KONG<br />
48 <strong>THE</strong> CALENDAR<br />
THINGS TO DO<br />
50 <strong>THE</strong> FINAL <strong>FIGHT</strong><br />
CHECHNYA<br />
ON <strong>THE</strong> COVER<br />
JAN ZIMMERMAN (L),<br />
LENA FANCHER<br />
LOTUS PLACE RECOVERY<br />
COVER PHOTO, TOC PHOTO<br />
AND FEATURE PHOTO BY<br />
DUSTI CUNNINGHAM<br />
4 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | www.thefightmag.com
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1-855-452-4676 • www.citysightseeingla.com<br />
English<br />
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Portuguese<br />
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Starline Tours CitySightseeing Los Angeles<br />
celebrates Pride Season in Southern California!<br />
Tour historic and current LGBT hotspots all within walking<br />
distance of our Hop-On Hop-Off stops. Arts, Culture, History,<br />
Shopping, Dining, Nightlife and more! Go to our website<br />
www.citysightseeingla.com and discover our special LGBT<br />
itinerary covering destinations over all routes. Enjoy our<br />
special offer with code <strong>FIGHT</strong>.<br />
6 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | www.thefightmag.com<br />
The fun starts here.<br />
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1-855-4LAHOPON (1-855-452-4676)<br />
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@hoponhopoffla @starlinetours <strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> ADA | compliant <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 5
<strong>THE</strong>EDITOR<br />
New laws, on local, state and federal<br />
levels, are driving more sex workers<br />
into the streets, putting their lives at<br />
risk, reports Larry Buhl (“The Sex<br />
Police,” page 22).<br />
In March, President Trump signed<br />
into law a new bill—a combination<br />
of the Senate’s Stop Enabling<br />
Sex-Trafficking Act (SESTA) and the<br />
House’s Fight Online Sex Trafficking<br />
Act (FOSTA)—which makes online<br />
platforms liable for content uploaded by<br />
their users. Even before the president<br />
signed it, online platforms that sex<br />
workers used to advertise their services<br />
voluntarily blocked access from the<br />
United States or shut down completely.<br />
Tara Coccinelle, a trans woman<br />
and inactive sex worker says that she<br />
worries that FOSTA/SESTA will drive<br />
more sex workers into the streets.<br />
“For queer trans women of color,<br />
6 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | www.thefightmag.com<br />
>> IN THIS ISSUE
Honda of Hollywood<br />
138 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91205<br />
New Owner, New Attitude.<br />
New Ownership,<br />
New Management<br />
WHOLE<br />
NEW<br />
ATTITUDE!<br />
We Have A Huge Inventory<br />
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The BEST DEALS!<br />
6 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | www.thefightmag.com<br />
PROUDLY<br />
SERVING<br />
<strong>THE</strong> <strong>LGBTQ</strong><br />
COMMUNITY!<br />
Call NOW—Mention<br />
<strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> For A<br />
Special Pride<br />
Discount!<br />
TEL: 866-632-4180<br />
6511 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood CA 90038<br />
www.hondaofhollywood.com<br />
<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 7
8 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | www.thefightmag.com
<strong>THE</strong>LETTERS<br />
>> FROM OUR READERS WRITE TO <strong>THE</strong> EDITOR Email: editor@thefightmag.com<br />
Fax: (213) 281-9648. Letters may be shortened due to space requirements.<br />
<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 9
<strong>THE</strong>TALK<br />
>> WHAT <strong>THE</strong>Y’RE SAYING
<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 11
LAW OFFICE OF<br />
REGINA RATNER<br />
WWW.RRATNERLAW.COM<br />
CALL: 213-674-7211<br />
FAMILY LAW PRACTICE<br />
COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE<br />
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE/DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS<br />
PROPERTY DIVISION<br />
SPOUSAL SUPPORT<br />
CHILD CUSTODY/SUPPORT<br />
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE<br />
PRE & POST NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS<br />
ADOPTION & ART CONTRACTS<br />
ESTATE PLANNING<br />
MEDIATION<br />
WALK FREE LAW<br />
ALANA YAKOVLEV, ESQ.<br />
WWW.WALKFREELAW.COM<br />
CALL: 213-674-7323<br />
FEDERAL AND STATE CRIMINAL DEFENSE<br />
CIVIL HARASSMENT RESTRAINING ORDERS<br />
CIVIL RIGHTS 1983 ACTIONS—POLICE<br />
MISCONDUCT, DISCRIMINATION,<br />
FAIR HOUSING<br />
CONTRACT DRAFTING<br />
AND BUSINESS LITIGATION<br />
IMMIGRATION<br />
CANNABIS LAW/BUSINESS SET-UP/LICENSING<br />
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FOR SAME SEX COUPLES<br />
SEXUAL ASYLUM WORKPLACE PETITIONS<br />
RESPECT IN <strong>THE</strong> WORKPLACE—<br />
HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION<br />
CONSUMER RIGHTS ADVOCACY<br />
12 6 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | | www.thefightmag.com
<strong>THE</strong>STATE<br />
>> NEWS BRIEFS
<strong>THE</strong>CITY<br />
MAXINE<br />
WATERS<br />
>> BY PAULO MURILLO
DEBT HAPPENS<br />
Call Me!<br />
(323)<br />
525-2700<br />
DEBT<br />
RELIEF &<br />
RECOVERY<br />
~SINCE 1988~<br />
HENRY GLOWA<br />
ATTORNEY AT LAW<br />
www.HenryGlowa.com<br />
WE ARE A FEDERALLY<br />
DESIGNATED DEBT RELIEF<br />
AGENCY. WE HELP PEOPLE<br />
FILE FOR BANKRUPTCY UNDER<br />
<strong>THE</strong> BANKRUPTCY CODE.<br />
Saturday, June 2, <strong>2018</strong><br />
VIP reception - 5:30 p.m.<br />
Event - 6 p.m.<br />
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel<br />
Join us all for the kickoff of The Campaign for<br />
Radiant Health Centers to build the first<br />
<strong>LGBTQ</strong> Health Center in Orange County.<br />
We will honor the outstanding work of the<br />
Human Rights Campaign, especially in the<br />
area of <strong>LGBTQ</strong> health inequalities.<br />
For tickets and details:<br />
www.stairwaytothestarsoc.com<br />
<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 15
CALIFORNIA PRIDES
<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 17
<strong>2018</strong><br />
Celebrating 35 YEARS<br />
of our remarkable festival and parade!<br />
JUSSIE SMOLLETT<br />
<br />
SHEILA E.<br />
ANA BARBARA<br />
AMARA LA NEGRA<br />
<br />
DANILEIGH<br />
BRANDON<br />
STANSELL<br />
DJ LEZLEE<br />
DJ IRENE<br />
For tickets & info visit longbeachpride.com<br />
18 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | www.thefightmag.com
PARADE<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
FESTIVAL<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
TEEN PRIDE<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
MAIN STAGE<br />
FIESTA CALIENTE | URBAN SOUL | COUNTRY | DANCE<br />
LEA<strong>THE</strong>R TENT | FAMILY FUN ZONE<br />
TICKETS<br />
<br />
MORE INFO<br />
<br />
FOLLOW US #LBPRIDE<br />
@<br />
@<br />
@<br />
<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 19
<strong>THE</strong>ROSTOWREPORT<br />
REGISTER THIS!<br />
I was following a story<br />
out of Turin, Italy, where a<br />
lesbian mother was unable<br />
to “register” her newborn<br />
son, because he had not<br />
been conceived through<br />
intercourse. It seemed<br />
that an official form was<br />
involved, where new<br />
mothers had to check a<br />
box confirming that their<br />
baby emerged via an act of<br />
heterosexual sex.<br />
Up until now, women<br />
who conceived through artificial<br />
insemination simply<br />
checked the box to simplify<br />
matters, but City Council<br />
member Chiara Foglietta<br />
refused, forcing the city to<br />
change its policies in late<br />
April. Foglietta’s son is now<br />
“registered,” whatever<br />
that means. I’m assuming<br />
it’s an important status to<br />
achieve in Turin.<br />
These small victories<br />
add up, dear readers! Not<br />
so long ago, we covered<br />
ten defeats for every one<br />
win, and now the ratio is<br />
reversed.<br />
SUN NEVER<br />
SETS ON<br />
ANTIGAY LAWS<br />
Speaking of defeats, I remain<br />
obsessed with Bermuda, after<br />
the island territory reversed its<br />
court-ordered marriage equality<br />
policy by passing domestic<br />
partner legislation. Now I<br />
read that the head of tourism,<br />
surely Bermuda’s most pressing<br />
economic sector, is a gay<br />
man who has a UK civil union<br />
with his partner. Kevin Dallas<br />
told reporters that Bermuda is<br />
actually a great place for gay<br />
citizens and tourists alike, with<br />
an island-wide civil rights law<br />
that covers sexual orientation.<br />
But come on everyone. The<br />
man’s head of tourism! What<br />
else is he going to say?<br />
Meanwhile, British PM<br />
Theresa May called out the<br />
Commonwealth of Nations<br />
heads of state for the antigay<br />
rules and regs which survived<br />
the end of the British Empire in<br />
former colonies. Some 36 out<br />
of 53 Commonwealth countries<br />
still criminalize gay men and<br />
>> BY ANN ROSTOW
REGISTER THIS! • SUN NEVER SETS ON ANTIGAY LAWS • RIP WILLOW • SWEET DREAMS • HOT BENCH
SB1204
Pride Recovery LA is an <strong>LGBTQ</strong> focused program that is located in West Hollywood, CA. We<br />
offer quality care for our clients, ages 18 – 60, to help them lead healthy lifestyles and commit<br />
to lifelong positive change. Each facility is staffed with highly trained clinicians and educators<br />
who utilize a full array of treatment methodologies to help adults carve out a meaningful place in<br />
the community.<br />
Our clients have the opportunity to live in a sober home while attending treatment and maintaining<br />
their sobriety. Each residence provides bedroom amenities, fully stocked kitchens, food for all<br />
meals, utilities, washer and dryers, and access to Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and computers. Sober homes<br />
also provide transportation to 12-step meetings, planned outdoor activities, beach days, and<br />
volunteer opportunities.<br />
For More Info Please Contact:<br />
Pride Recovery LA<br />
IOP & OP<br />
8300 Melrose Avenue<br />
Los Angeles, CA 90069<br />
admissions@priderecoveryla.com<br />
844-303-5551<br />
<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 23
COVER FEATURE
LEO HERRERA, COLUMBINE DEMERS, BRENDEN SCHUCART
AGE: 25.<br />
HOMETOWN: Miami.<br />
SELF IDENTIFY AS: Gay.<br />
CURRENT AND PAST OCCUPATIONS: Event<br />
production, dancer, some modeling gigs.<br />
CHILDHOOD CRUSH: I was never sexual at<br />
all while I was a child. (I know, weird).<br />
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single.<br />
PET PEEVE: People who aren’t humble.<br />
HOBBIES: Different things. Always<br />
something new. I don’t like to be bored.<br />
YOUR BEST AND WORST QUALITY:<br />
I’m a really good friend. But I like<br />
to tell a lot of stories with details<br />
etc. My ADHD shows up.<br />
SOMETHING NO ONE<br />
KNOWS ABOUT<br />
YOU: I love<br />
reading.<br />
<strong>THE</strong>SPREAD<br />
26 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | www.thefightmag.com
PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM<br />
CONTACT INFO:<br />
Instagram; jcmounduix<br />
Fb: JC Mounduix<br />
Twitter: @JCMounduix<br />
<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 27
<strong>THE</strong>TRANSACTION<br />
>> TRANS WELLNESS CENTER
Lotus Place Recovery is a gender diverse conscious<br />
organization whose goal is to help clients grow into their<br />
authentic selves as they work towards self-acceptance and<br />
sobriety. Utilizing our team of experienced professionals,<br />
we provide a vast array of therapeutic modalities unique<br />
to each client’s journey towards healing. Clients explore<br />
multiple components of Self and Safety in Gender<br />
Expression, Emotional Intelligence, Self-Acceptance, Grief<br />
and Loss, Deconstruction of the Critical/Negative Self and<br />
the Impact of Trauma on the Self Experience while learning<br />
to live a substance-free lifestyle.<br />
Lotus Place Recovery’s core foundation is the Self-<br />
Acceptance ProgramÓ uniquely designed by Heidi Wells,<br />
Clinical Director and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist,<br />
whose extensive background in diversity and trauma recovery<br />
contributed to the formulation of a program tailored to<br />
address the needs of the <strong>LGBTQ</strong>IA? Community. The Self-<br />
Acceptance Program seeks to increase client awareness<br />
of the Self (strengths and challenges) while decreasing<br />
negative belief systems that mediate the daily functioning<br />
experience and contribute to chronic relapse and selfdestructive<br />
behaviors. This is accomplished by facilitating<br />
trauma resolution; deconstructing negative self-concepts and<br />
helping clients discover their unique journey to healing the<br />
Self while maintaining long-term sobriety.<br />
For more information about Lotus Place Recovery in Orange County, California please contact our staff 24/7 at (888) 735-3832.<br />
Why Wait In Line<br />
At Your Pharmacy?<br />
There Is No Waiting In Line Ever!<br />
We offer free same day and overnight<br />
delivery to a location of your choice to<br />
almost anywhere in California!<br />
Refill Reminder Services<br />
Avoid running out of medication,<br />
our specialist will call you routinely or<br />
ship your medications automatically<br />
(informed prior consent)<br />
Medication Synchronization<br />
Avoid multiple trips to the pharmacy or<br />
deliveries throughout the month.We will<br />
tailor your prescriptions to be refilled at<br />
the same time each month.<br />
Most Insurance Plans Accepted<br />
No insurance? No problem. We offer<br />
the lowest prices on brands and<br />
generics. guranteed!<br />
We’re PrEPard, are you?<br />
Contact us @ (310)360-9969<br />
7360 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 101,<br />
West Hollywood, CA 90046<br />
Open Monday–Friday from 9am-6pm<br />
24-Hour Emergency Paging Service is Available<br />
Co-Pay Assistance Programs Available<br />
For Those Who Qualify<br />
Contracted Network Provider For Serostim<br />
<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 29
JEFFREY PRANG
GET<br />
RIPPED!<br />
Achieve The Six Pack<br />
You Always Dreamed<br />
Of With Celebrity<br />
90210 Dr. Farzadmehr<br />
Procedures Include:<br />
• LipoSculpture<br />
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• Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping)<br />
• Eyelid Surgery<br />
• Pectoral Implants<br />
• Tummy Tucks<br />
• Phalloplasty<br />
• Buttock Implants<br />
• Botox, Fillers, Lasers<br />
• Chemical Peels<br />
TRANS OPERATIONS<br />
• Breast Augmentation<br />
• Hips and Brazilian Buttocks<br />
• Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)<br />
Dr. Farzadmehr is a world<br />
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and top models.<br />
CALL NOW<br />
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CONSULTATION!<br />
(310) 271-1133<br />
90210 COSMETIC SURGERY<br />
1125 S Beverly Drive, Suite 600<br />
Los Angeles, CA 90035<br />
<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 31
<strong>THE</strong>PROFILE<br />
>> CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY ALANA YAKOVLEV & FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY REGINA RATNER
<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 33
<strong>THE</strong>SHARE<br />
THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY<br />
>> BY PAULO MURILLO
<strong>THE</strong>EPIDEMIC<br />
>> A NEW DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM
FEATURE INTERVIEW
LEO HERRERA, COLUMBINE DEMERS, BRENDEN SCHUCART
ARIANA Di LORENZO
ROBERT PÁEZ
COVER INTERVIEW
<strong>THE</strong> RADICAL FAERIES
<strong>THE</strong>ART<br />
>> <strong>LGBTQ</strong> ARTISTS
<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 43
<strong>THE</strong>MUSIC<br />
>> SOFI TUKKER
SUNDAY<br />
AUGUST 12<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
11:00 AM-8:00 PM<br />
BURBANK BLVD<br />
(Between Cahuenga Blvd<br />
& Strohm Ave)<br />
<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 45
<strong>THE</strong>EVENT<br />
>> PHOTOS BY JEREMY LUCIDO
<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 47<br />
OCTOBER 2017 | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 47
<strong>THE</strong>CALENDAR<br />
>> THINGS TO DO
FOLSOMSTREETEVENTS.ORG<br />
SUNDA Y<br />
SEPTEMBER 30, <strong>2018</strong><br />
11AM - 6PM<br />
FOLSOM STREET<br />
BETWEEN 8TH & 13TH<br />
SAN FRANCISCO, CA<br />
PRESENTING: PREMIER: CHARTER: SUPPORTING: MEDIA:<br />
@FolsomStEvents<br />
@FolsomStreetEvents<br />
@FolsomStreetEvents<br />
<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 49
<strong>THE</strong>FINAL<strong>FIGHT</strong><br />
>> NO JUSTICE FOR GAY AND BISEXUAL MEN MURDERED IN CHECHNYA
ONLINE NOW!<br />
Prty SEXY<br />
Paranoid, Desperate and Horny Looking 4 Same…<br />
A hungry bottom, can party all night and always available. HIV STATUS: UNKNOWN<br />
CALL: 323-463-7001<br />
VISIT: friendsgettingoff.org<br />
Friends Getting Off provides free drug counseling for gay and bisexual men who use<br />
methamphetamine. The program combines group counseling with an intervention<br />
that gives rewards for negative urine samples. Participation is 8 weeks followed by a<br />
16 week support group and one follow-up assessment.<br />
1419 North La Brea Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028<br />
A clinic of Friends Community Center, a division of Friends Research Institute, Inc.<br />
This project is supported by funds received from the County of Los Angeles Department<br />
of Public Health, Division of HIV and STD Programs and the City of West Hollywood.<br />
<strong>MAY</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 51
52 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | www.thefightmag.com
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