Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 1
2 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | www.thefightmag.com
THIS AD IS SPONSORED BY LANGER’S DELI, LOS ANGELES<br />
THIS AD IS SPONSORED BY LANGER’S DELI, LOS ANGELES<br />
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 3
4 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | www.thefightmag.com
NEW <strong>2019</strong> HR-V<br />
CVT 2WD LX<br />
LEASE FOR $209/MO<br />
FOR 36 MONTHS<br />
*PLUS GOVERNMENT FEES AND TAXES, ANY FINANCE CHARGES, ANY DEALER DOCUMENT PREPARATION<br />
CHARGE, AND ANY EMISSION TESTING CHARGE. MSRP $21,565. $2,399 DUE AT SIGNING. INCLUDES DOWN<br />
PAYMENT WITH NO SECURITY DEPOSIT. FOR WELL-QUALIFIED LESSEE ONLY. 12,000 MI/YR WITH $0.20/MI<br />
<strong>THE</strong>REAFTER. 6 AVAILABLE AT THIS OFFER. SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS. OFFER EXPIRES 10/03/<strong>2019</strong>.<br />
10/03/<strong>2019</strong>.<br />
10/03/<strong>2019</strong>.<br />
10/03/<strong>2019</strong>.<br />
TEL: 323-466-3247 | 6511 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood CA 90038 | www.hondaofhollywood.com<br />
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 5
<strong>THE</strong>CONTENTS<br />
ON <strong>THE</strong> COVER<br />
& ON THIS PAGE<br />
OLLYWOOD<br />
COVER PHOTO, CONTENTS PHOTO<br />
& FEATURE PHOTO<br />
BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM<br />
FEATURES<br />
16 TRANS LIVES MATTER<br />
RALLY IN SUPPORT OF<br />
TRANS WOMEN<br />
22 FINDING YOUR PURPOSE<br />
SOCAL CLUB’S DEREK HAWKIN<br />
24 HE CAME, HE SAW,<br />
HE CONQUERED<br />
AN INTERVIEW WITH<br />
OLLYWOOD<br />
28 HAVING BABIES<br />
HRC FERTILITY’S<br />
DR. DIANA CHAIKIN<br />
30 MENTAL HEALTH &<br />
SUBSTANCE ABUSE<br />
WE ARE MUCH MORE<br />
THAN A DIAGNOSIS<br />
34 NEVER GIVE UP<br />
CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY<br />
PETER PERKOWSKI<br />
36 STAND BY ME<br />
STRAIGHT, MUSLIM COMEDIAN<br />
MONA SHAIKH<br />
38 MESS YOUR HAIR UP<br />
STEWART TAYLOR<br />
RELEASES NEW SINGLE<br />
DEPARTMENTS<br />
10 <strong>THE</strong> TALK<br />
12 <strong>THE</strong> NATION<br />
14 <strong>THE</strong> CITY<br />
20 <strong>THE</strong> ROSTOW REPORT<br />
32 <strong>THE</strong> SHARE<br />
40 <strong>THE</strong> ART<br />
41 <strong>THE</strong> PROFILE<br />
42 <strong>THE</strong> EVENT<br />
44 <strong>THE</strong> CALENDAR<br />
6 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | www.thefightmag.com
WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK<br />
A safe space for gay, bi and trans youth<br />
PEP is an emergency medication that<br />
can stop HIV infection when taken<br />
within 72 hours of exposure.<br />
in South L.A.<br />
At Men’s Health Foundation, we offer<br />
same-day PEP appointments and<br />
free or low-cost medication.<br />
Call our 24-hour PrEP/PEP hotline<br />
at 310-721-0255 to learn more.<br />
EMPOWERMENT.<br />
EDUCATION.<br />
HEALTH.<br />
Free sexual health services including STI/HIV<br />
testing and treatment, access to PrEP and PEP,<br />
as well as fitness classes, social groups and<br />
education in a community of support.<br />
Call us to learn more: 323-905-5675.<br />
8601 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, 90003 / Walk-in hours: Monday-Friday, 12-8PM / @SoCalClubLA <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> / SoCalClubLA.org<br />
| <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 7
<strong>THE</strong>EDITOR<br />
>> IN THIS ISSUE
WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK<br />
PEP is an emergency medication that<br />
can stop HIV infection when taken<br />
within 72 hours of exposure.<br />
At Men’s Health Foundation, we offer<br />
same-day PEP appointments and<br />
free or low-cost medication.<br />
Call our 24-hour PrEP/PEP hotline<br />
at 310-721-0255 to learn more.<br />
9201 W. Sunset Blvd. Suite 812,<br />
Los Angeles, Ca. 90069<br />
@MensHealthFound<br />
MensHealthFound.org<br />
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 9
<strong>THE</strong>TALK<br />
>> WHAT <strong>THE</strong>Y’RE SAYING
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF <strong>THE</strong> LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER<br />
JOIN US FOR a showcase of music, comedy, storytelling and performance<br />
commemorating a half-century of struggles and historic victories of<br />
the Center and the entire LGBT community.<br />
FEATURING<br />
Sia Rufus Wainwright Lily Tomlin Kathy Griffin<br />
Jane Fonda<br />
Tig Notaro<br />
Nico Santos<br />
Ty Herndon<br />
Bruce Vilanch<br />
The Greek<br />
Theatre Saturday<br />
september<br />
lalgbtcenter.org/gala<br />
SPONSORED BY:<br />
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 11
<strong>THE</strong>NATION<br />
>> NEWS BRIEFS
Responds To ALL Pronouns<br />
1900 S. FIGUEROA STREET LOS ANGELES, CA 90007<br />
SALES: 888-746-7051 SERVICE: 888-486-0629 PARTS: 888-552-5241<br />
@audidtla<br />
Audi of Downtown LA<br />
www.AudiDTLA.com<br />
WEST SIDE JEEP CONNECTION | 3219 SANTA MONICA | SANTA MONICA, CA 90404 | (310) 829-3200<br />
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 13
<strong>THE</strong>CITY<br />
>> BY PAULO MURILLO
Wellness<br />
Wellness<br />
Wellness<br />
Center<br />
Center<br />
Center<br />
Hillside<br />
Hillside Hillside<br />
Wellness<br />
Wellness<br />
Wellness<br />
Center<br />
Center<br />
Center<br />
Hillside<br />
Hillside Hillside<br />
Hillside Wellness Center<br />
Wellness<br />
Wellness<br />
Center<br />
Center<br />
Center<br />
Hillside<br />
Hillside<br />
Hillside<br />
Hillside Wellness Center<br />
Wellness<br />
Wellness<br />
Center<br />
Center<br />
Center<br />
Hillside<br />
Hillside<br />
Hillside<br />
Hillside Wellness Center<br />
Hillside Wellness Center<br />
<strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ Support Group<br />
<strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ Support Group Group<br />
<strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ Support Group<br />
<strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ Support Group Group<br />
You You are are a beautiful soul that deserves to to be be heard heard and and accepted. accepted.<br />
You We are at a beautiful soul that to have deserves a safe, inclusive to be heard space and to do accepted. so.<br />
You We are at Hillside beautiful want soul you that to have deserves safe, to inclusive be heard space and accepted. to do so.<br />
We at Hillside want you to have a safe, to inclusive be space to do so.<br />
This You<br />
You We group at Hillside provides want safe you space to have for those safe, seeking inclusive to discuss space the struggles to do so.<br />
This are<br />
are<br />
and group at a beautiful<br />
beautiful<br />
resilience provides soul<br />
soul<br />
that come safe that<br />
that<br />
with space to deserves<br />
deserves<br />
being for a those to<br />
to<br />
part of seeking be<br />
be<br />
heard<br />
heard<br />
the <strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ to discuss and<br />
and<br />
accepted.<br />
accepted.<br />
We at Hillside want you to have safe, inclusive space community. the to to do do struggles so. so.<br />
This We group at Hillside provides want a safe you space to have for those a safe, seeking inclusive to discuss space to the do struggles so.<br />
This and From group resilience self-esteem provides that and come safe empowerment with space being for to those family part seeking of struggles the <strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ to and discuss relationships, community. the struggles<br />
From and resilience<br />
and resilience self-esteem this that come<br />
group that and will come empowerment with<br />
cover being<br />
with a wide for<br />
being array to a part part family of topics of the <strong>LGBTQ</strong>+<br />
of the struggles and to<br />
<strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ challenges.<br />
community.<br />
and community. relationships, the This<br />
This group provides safe space for those seeking to discuss the struggles<br />
From group self-esteem provides<br />
From self-esteem this group and<br />
and will a safe empowerment<br />
empowerment cover space wide for those to<br />
array family seeking<br />
and resilience that come with being to part family of of of topics the the struggles to discuss and<br />
struggles <strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ and challenges.<br />
relationships,<br />
the struggles<br />
and community. relationships,<br />
From and resilience<br />
self-esteem When: this group<br />
this group<br />
Sept.<br />
that<br />
and will<br />
will<br />
12<br />
come th<br />
empowerment cover<br />
cover<br />
, Thursdays<br />
with a wide being wide array<br />
2 array<br />
to to a<br />
PM<br />
part<br />
family of<br />
of<br />
–<br />
of<br />
3:30PM topics the <strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ and challenges.<br />
topics struggles and challenges.<br />
Cost: and community.<br />
relationships,<br />
$20<br />
From self-esteem<br />
When: this group and<br />
Sept. will empowerment<br />
12 th cover , Thursdays wide array to family PM of of topics struggles<br />
3:30PM and challenges.<br />
and relationships,<br />
this group will cover a wide array of topics and challenges. Cost: $20<br />
When: Sept. 12 th , Thursdays 2 PM – 3:30PM Cost: $20<br />
When: Sept. 12 th , Thursdays PM 3:30PM Cost: $20<br />
When: Sept. 12 th th Thursdays PM 3:30PM Cost: $20<br />
When: Sept. 12 th , Thursdays 2 PM – 3:30PM Cost: $20<br />
You You are are a beautiful soul that deserves to to be be heard heard and and accepted. accepted.<br />
You We are at a beautiful soul that to have deserves a safe, inclusive to be heard space and to do accepted. so.<br />
You We are at Hillside beautiful want soul you that to have deserves safe, to inclusive be heard space and accepted. to do so.<br />
We at Hillside want you to have a safe, to inclusive be space to do so.<br />
This You<br />
You We group at Hillside provides want safe you space to have for those safe, seeking inclusive to discuss space the struggles to do so.<br />
This are<br />
are<br />
and group at a beautiful<br />
beautiful<br />
resilience provides soul<br />
soul<br />
that come safe that<br />
that<br />
with space to deserves<br />
deserves<br />
being for a those to<br />
to<br />
part of seeking be<br />
be<br />
heard<br />
heard<br />
the <strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ to discuss and<br />
and<br />
accepted.<br />
accepted.<br />
We at Hillside want you to have safe, inclusive space community. the to to do do struggles so. so.<br />
This We group at Hillside provides want a safe you space to have for those a safe, seeking inclusive to discuss space to the do struggles so.<br />
This and From group resilience self-esteem provides that and come safe empowerment with space being for to those family part seeking of struggles the <strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ to and discuss relationships, community. the struggles<br />
From and resilience<br />
and resilience self-esteem this that come<br />
group that and will come empowerment with<br />
cover being<br />
with a wide for<br />
being array to a part part family of topics of the <strong>LGBTQ</strong>+<br />
of the struggles and to<br />
<strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ challenges.<br />
community.<br />
and community. relationships, the This<br />
This group provides safe space for those seeking to discuss the struggles<br />
From group self-esteem provides<br />
From self-esteem this group and<br />
and will a safe empowerment<br />
empowerment cover space wide for those to<br />
array family seeking<br />
and resilience that come with being to part family of of of topics the the struggles to discuss and<br />
struggles <strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ and challenges.<br />
relationships,<br />
the struggles<br />
and community. relationships,<br />
From and resilience<br />
self-esteem When: this group<br />
this group<br />
Sept.<br />
that<br />
and will<br />
will<br />
12<br />
come th<br />
empowerment cover<br />
cover<br />
, Thursdays<br />
with a wide being wide array<br />
2 array<br />
to to a<br />
PM<br />
part<br />
family of<br />
of<br />
–<br />
of<br />
3:30PM topics the <strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ and challenges.<br />
topics struggles and challenges.<br />
Cost: and community.<br />
relationships,<br />
$20<br />
From self-esteem<br />
When: this group and<br />
Sept. will empowerment<br />
12 th cover , Thursdays wide array to family PM of of topics struggles<br />
3:30PM and challenges.<br />
and relationships,<br />
this group will cover a wide array of topics and challenges. Cost: $20<br />
When: Sept. 12 th , Thursdays 2 PM – 3:30PM Cost: $20<br />
When: Sept. 12 th , Thursdays PM 3:30PM Cost: $20<br />
When: Sept. 12 th th Thursdays PM 3:30PM Cost: $20<br />
When: Sept. 12 th , Thursdays 2 PM – 3:30PM Cost: $20<br />
Facilitated by: Jaime Allen, MFT Trainee<br />
HILLSIDE WELLNESS CENTER<br />
4521 SHERMAN OAKS AVE. 101<br />
Facilitated SHERMAN by: Jaime OAKS Allen, CA 91043 MFT Trainee<br />
Facilitated by: Jaime Allen, MFT Trainee<br />
Facilitated HILLSIDE by: 818.849.6888<br />
Jaime WELLNESS Allen, MFT CENTER Trainee<br />
HILLSIDE<br />
HILLSIDE 4521 SHERMAN WELLNESS WELLNESS OAKS AVE. CENTER<br />
Facilitated CENTER 101<br />
Facilitated<br />
by: Jaime Allen, MFT Trainee<br />
HILLSIDE 4521 by: SHERMAN Jaime Allen, OAKS MFT<br />
4521 SHERMAN SHERMAN WELLNESS OAKS OAKS CA AVE. CENTER<br />
AVE.<br />
91043<br />
Trainee 101<br />
HILLSIDE 101<br />
4521 SHERMAN WELLNESS SHERMAN SHERMAN<br />
OAKS CENTER<br />
818.849.6888<br />
OAKS OAKS<br />
CA<br />
4521 CA AVE. 91043<br />
91043 101<br />
SHERMAN OAKS AVE.<br />
SHERMAN 818.849.6888<br />
CA 101<br />
818.849.6888 OAKS CA 91043<br />
SHERMAN OAKS CA<br />
818.849.6888<br />
91043<br />
818.849.6888<br />
Facilitated by: Jaime Allen, MFT Trainee<br />
HILLSIDE WELLNESS CENTER<br />
4521 SHERMAN OAKS AVE. 101<br />
Facilitated SHERMAN by: Jaime OAKS Allen, CA 91043 MFT Trainee<br />
Facilitated by: Jaime Allen, MFT Trainee<br />
Facilitated HILLSIDE by: 818.849.6888<br />
Jaime WELLNESS Allen, MFT CENTER Trainee<br />
HILLSIDE<br />
HILLSIDE 4521 SHERMAN WELLNESS WELLNESS OAKS AVE. CENTER<br />
Facilitated CENTER 101<br />
Facilitated<br />
by: Jaime Allen, MFT Trainee<br />
HILLSIDE 4521 by: SHERMAN Jaime Allen, OAKS MFT<br />
4521 SHERMAN SHERMAN WELLNESS OAKS OAKS CA AVE. CENTER<br />
AVE.<br />
91043<br />
Trainee 101<br />
HILLSIDE 101<br />
4521 SHERMAN WELLNESS SHERMAN SHERMAN<br />
OAKS CENTER<br />
818.849.6888<br />
OAKS OAKS<br />
CA<br />
4521 CA AVE. 91043<br />
91043 101<br />
SHERMAN OAKS AVE.<br />
SHERMAN 818.849.6888<br />
CA 101<br />
818.849.6888 OAKS CA 91043<br />
SHERMAN OAKS CA<br />
818.849.6888<br />
91043<br />
818.849.6888<br />
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 15
MONA SHAIKH
The #March4TransEquality weekend will<br />
begin Friday night September 27, <strong>2019</strong><br />
with the Torch Award Ceremony<br />
honoring TGNC/NB leaders for<br />
their more than 15 years of<br />
national service.<br />
The ceremony will take place at the Crystal<br />
Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA. Recently,<br />
the #March4Transequality was recognized<br />
by The United States Library of Congress<br />
for the website for inclusion in the library’s<br />
historic collection of internet materials<br />
related to the <strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ Politics & Political<br />
Candidates Web Archives.<br />
Registration for the National Trans Visibility March is suggested, but not<br />
required. Donations from all in any amount are welcome. Donations of<br />
at least $25 will receive a National Trans Visibility March t-shirt and other<br />
items. The Torch Awards are a separate, ticketed event. For more<br />
information, register for the NTVM or purchase tickets to The Torch<br />
Awards please go to transmarchondc.org. Make your pledge today<br />
with the National Transgender Community and become a partner<br />
in the first visible #March4TransEquality historic movement to<br />
come to our nation’s capital!<br />
DONATE: transmarchondc.org/donate/<br />
SPONSOR: transmarchondc.org/sponsorship/<br />
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 17
w<br />
PROUD WEEKEND AT <strong>THE</strong> FAIR<br />
SAT, SEPT. 7 & SUN, SEPT 8<br />
POP! ON OVER FOR $8 ADMISSION!<br />
To claim your $8 admission follow these steps:<br />
1. Go to LACountyFair.com/PROUD and<br />
select your ticket quantity<br />
2. Enter password*: Proud<strong>2019</strong><br />
3. Click Add Tickets and complete the<br />
checkout process<br />
*Password is case sensitive<br />
18 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | www.thefightmag.com
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 19
<strong>THE</strong>ROSTOWREPORT<br />
>> BY ANN ROSTOW
Insta<br />
>> TOUCHING ANECDOTE • BREAKING <strong>THE</strong> NEWS • JUDGE NOT • <strong>THE</strong> BEAT GOES ON
COVER INTERVIEW
DEREK HAWKINS
OLLYWOOD
COVER FEATURE
COVER FEATURE
SA WINDOWS AND DOORS<br />
CLEARLY,<br />
WE SEE<br />
YOU<br />
Free Estimate<br />
888-836-6794<br />
www.sawindowsanddoors.com<br />
Ride for a Reason<br />
Radianthealthcenters.org/events/ocra<br />
Orange County Ride for AIDS<br />
Saturday, Oct. 12, Irvine<br />
Orange County Ride for AIDS (OCRA) is a one day ride through<br />
beautiful Orange County. Whether you are an experienced cyclist<br />
or a first time rider, come out to Ride for a Reason.<br />
THANK YOU, SPONSORS<br />
OCRA raises awareness and funds to provide critical services for<br />
those living with HIV and AIDS in Orange County.<br />
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 27
HAVING<br />
BABIES<br />
Dr.<br />
Diana Chavkin, is a boardcertified<br />
fertility specialist<br />
who helps people build<br />
families. Having struggled<br />
with her own infertility, sheknows the<br />
value of a compassionate, transparent and<br />
effective medical team. She sees patients<br />
at HRC Fertility in West Los Angeles.<br />
In an interview with <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> Dr.<br />
Chavkin talks about fertility options for<br />
<strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ people.<br />
What general points you would<br />
consider most important to know<br />
when considering parenthood as an<br />
<strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ person or couple?<br />
It’s important to think about having a<br />
child as early as possible since fertility<br />
declines with age. Anyone considering<br />
taking hormones to alter their voice or<br />
appearance should consider the impact<br />
that it might have on their fertility and so<br />
should consider early fertility preservation<br />
in the form of either sperm freezing, egg<br />
freezing or embryo freezing.<br />
If an assigned male person is going to<br />
take estrogen that may alter their sperm<br />
production, freezing sperm in advance<br />
would be wise.<br />
Same goes for testosterone for an<br />
assigned female person. This will likely<br />
impair their ability to ovulate, so preserving<br />
fertility with egg freezing would be wise.<br />
Be your own advocate. Don’t wait for a<br />
referral. And make sure you are comfortable<br />
first and foremost with your doctor…at<br />
my office I make sure to see my<br />
patients every time they come in. For all<br />
patients this is an emotional journey.<br />
HRC Fertility’s Dr. Diana Chaikin on<br />
fertility options for <strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ people.<br />
BY GREY CROUCH<br />
DR. DIANA<br />
CHAVKIN,<br />
HRC FERTILITY<br />
There have been vast advancements<br />
in the field of conception options for<br />
HIV+ individuals. Could you explain<br />
the risks and precautions for IVF and<br />
other birthing methods as a seroconverted<br />
parent?<br />
HIV can affect hormone production like<br />
estrogen and progesterone which can<br />
sometimes affect one’s ability to become<br />
pregnant particularly if CD4 counts are low.<br />
CD4 cells (also known as CD4+ T cells)<br />
are white blood cells that fight infection. ...<br />
As HIV infection progresses, the number<br />
of these cells declines. When the CD4<br />
count drops below 200, a person is diagnosed<br />
with AIDS. A normal range for CD4<br />
cells is about 500-1,500.<br />
Risks are, of course, related to the concern<br />
for possible infection of a child. This<br />
is actually mostly theoretical however<br />
since the risks are very low as long as the<br />
viral load is low and a person is compliant<br />
with their medications. There are also<br />
precautions taken in the IVF laboratory for<br />
HIV + patients.<br />
However, due to the potential increased<br />
fertility issues that may ensue, it’s important<br />
to think about fertility perhaps earlier<br />
than they might otherwise.”<br />
Where do you see the future in research<br />
and availability for <strong>LGBTQ</strong>+<br />
people exploring the option to<br />
HAVE A CHILD? Is there anything<br />
we haven’t asked that you would<br />
like to share?<br />
Reciprocal IVF is very common for<br />
same-sex women interested in playing<br />
a part in the conceiving process. This is<br />
where one woman has her eggs retrieved<br />
and is the genetic mother. But then the<br />
embryo that is created is transferred to<br />
the other woman who carries the child.<br />
Donor sperm could be used in that case.<br />
There is also extensive research on trying<br />
to retrieve eggs from tissue that would<br />
allow us to get hundreds or thousands of<br />
eggs from a piece of tissue rather than<br />
having to do an egg harvest.<br />
All of the technology, all the education,<br />
all the advancements that we have are to<br />
help people become parents if they want<br />
to. To not make it accessible to a group of<br />
people who absolutely need our help in<br />
the process, seems crazy to me.<br />
For more information, visit Dr. Chavkin’s next<br />
free seminar: Thursday, September 26, <strong>2019</strong><br />
6:30pm–8:00pm, at HRC West LA, 11500 West<br />
Olympic Boulevard, Suite 504, West Los<br />
Angeles, CA 90064.<br />
28 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | www.thefightmag.com
A FREE EVENT<br />
RODEO SCHOOL<br />
OPEN TO ALL<br />
STARTS AT 10AM<br />
REGISTRATION<br />
FOR CONTESTANTS<br />
BEGINS AT 6PM<br />
WWW.NGRA.COM<br />
HRC Fertility<br />
is passionate about<br />
helping the <strong>LGBTQ</strong><br />
community achieve<br />
your dreams of<br />
parenthood.<br />
Have A Question?<br />
(818) 788-7288<br />
Call one of our expert<br />
staff specialists.<br />
@HRCFertilityEncinoWestlake<br />
@HRCFertilityWestLosAngeles<br />
@hrc_fertility_encino<br />
#<br />
#ivfsupport #ivfcommunity<br />
#HRCFertilityEncino #HRCFertilityWLA<br />
#HRCFertilityWLV #creatingfamilies<br />
www.havingbabies.com<br />
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 29
We are much more than a<br />
diagnosis. Doing your research,<br />
finding proper treatment and<br />
enjoying your life more fully.<br />
BY JAMES GUAY, LMFT<br />
Many of us have witnessed or<br />
experienced firsthand some<br />
form of mental illness and/<br />
or addiction. While this kind<br />
of psychological and emotional pain is<br />
common enough for us to have some<br />
level of familiarity with it, it’s even more<br />
common in the lesbian, gay, bisexual,<br />
transgender and queer community. Why<br />
is this and what can be done about it?<br />
Nick, in the late 1990’s, had HIV for over<br />
a decade and was one of the unlucky ones<br />
where the life-saving protease-inhibitors<br />
didn’t work for him. The first day I met him,<br />
he was in the hospital from AIDS-related<br />
wasting syndrome and was having his feet<br />
rubbed by a well-known politician. He was<br />
a force to be reckoned with, articulate and<br />
had been involved in politics as a gay activist<br />
fighting stigma around HIV and AIDS.<br />
To withstand the long days and late nights<br />
fighting for his community he used methamphetamine<br />
to keep up his energy and reduce<br />
his depression. Nick had been diagnosed as<br />
having a triple diagnosis (HIV, an addiction to<br />
speed and a mental illness).<br />
While the above is a composite of several<br />
of my first clients (to protect their confidentiality),<br />
it’s an example of the resiliency,<br />
strength and pain that we have felt as a community<br />
for decades. Mental illness and addiction<br />
are not intrinsic to being <strong>LGBTQ</strong> but they<br />
are a natural result of living in a society that<br />
is sometimes intolerant and even hateful toward<br />
us. Thankfully, we are much more than<br />
a diagnosis. We try to survive, thrive and do<br />
the best we can under sometimes enormous<br />
pressures for us to be different than who we<br />
are. <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> is real.<br />
30 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | www.thefightmag.com
PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS<br />
According to a 2015 national survey conducted<br />
by the Substance Abuse and Mental<br />
Health Services Administration lesbian, gay<br />
or bisexual adults have a much higher rate<br />
of substance use and mental health issues<br />
than the heterosexual population. One of their<br />
findings, for example, was that 39.1 percent of<br />
LGB adults used illicit drugs in the past year<br />
when compared with 17.1 percent of the heterosexual<br />
population. Also, 37.4 sexual minority<br />
adults had any mental illness as compared<br />
with 17.1 percent of the heterosexual adult<br />
“YOU DESERVE TO<br />
LEARN HEALTHIER<br />
COPING STRATEGIES,<br />
HEAL OLD WOUNDS,<br />
LEARN MORE ABOUT<br />
YOURSELF AND HOW<br />
TO BETTER NAVIGATE<br />
A SOMETIMES<br />
HOSTILE WORLD.”<br />
population. These numbers break out even<br />
further as it relates to age, race and ethnicity.<br />
Rates for mental health issues and addiction<br />
are also staggering for the transgender community.<br />
According to the 2015 US Transgender<br />
Survey Report, 39% of respondents experienced<br />
serious psychological distress in the<br />
month before taking the survey with 40%<br />
having attempted suicide in their lifetime, almost<br />
nine times the rate of the US population.<br />
Transgender women of color face the most<br />
pervasive forms of discrimination that have a<br />
direct impact on their health and well-being.<br />
There are multiple reasons why there’s a<br />
higher prevalence of substance use and addictions<br />
in our <strong>LGBTQ</strong> Community. The obvious<br />
overarching explanation is minority stress<br />
experienced with being scapegoated by society<br />
for our differences. We have been demeaned,<br />
devalued, ridiculed, patronized, blamed, incessantly<br />
criticized, and have also experience<br />
cultural sexual shaming for our very beingness.<br />
These are all qualities of an abusive relationship<br />
that we’ve been forced to experience first-hand<br />
or as a byproduct of being an oppressed minority.<br />
Who wouldn’t feel depressed, anxious or<br />
have a myriad of other mental health issues as<br />
a result of being in a toxic relationship that you<br />
can’t fully insulate yourself from and is ongoing?<br />
When we want to feel relief, a sense of<br />
belonging, pleasure, or confidence we can<br />
turn to a temporary fix outside of ourselves,<br />
drugs. Illegal and prescription drugs can be<br />
used in ways that medicate and/or increase<br />
our psychological/emotional distress. At their<br />
best, they can give a temporary reprieve from<br />
what ails us in order to look more deeply at<br />
the underlying causes, to treat these. They can<br />
show us a window into what’s possible so that<br />
we can have this without them. At their worst,<br />
they can become a nightmare that adds additional<br />
shame, isolation and self-rejection.<br />
TREATMENT APPROACHES<br />
So what is the best treatment approach for<br />
dual diagnosis in the <strong>LGBTQ</strong> Community?<br />
One size definitely does NOT fit all when<br />
it comes to our needs as a community.<br />
There are several options when it comes to<br />
treatment of addictions: support groups, outpatient<br />
treatment, inpatient treatment, detox<br />
and residential care. Which one will work<br />
best really depends on finding the right fit<br />
with where someone is at and the particular<br />
treatment programs involved.<br />
While the twelve-step recovery program<br />
works great for many and certainly has the largest<br />
amount of groups of any treatment program,<br />
others find it further perpetuates their shame<br />
or is overall unhelpful (some estimates of its<br />
effectiveness are as low as 5%—8% of those<br />
who participate). There are also other treatment<br />
approaches that work better for some: like Harm<br />
Reduction, SMART Recovery, LifeRing Secular<br />
Recovery, and Moderation Management.<br />
Similarly to recovery programs, there are<br />
also many approaches to providing psychotherapy<br />
including: Cognitive-Behavioral<br />
Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy,<br />
Humanistic Therapy, Narrative Therapy and<br />
Hakomi Therapy. However, the single most<br />
important factor of effective psychotherapy is<br />
not the treatment approach but the relationship<br />
between therapist and client. This<br />
transformational relationship can provide<br />
the safety, support, validation and guidance<br />
that’s too often missing for <strong>LGBTQ</strong> people.<br />
Being a good consumer of mental health and<br />
addiction services means doing your research.<br />
Unfortunately, all too often I see conversion<br />
therapists masquerading by “specializing with<br />
the <strong>LGBTQ</strong> community,” but would rather<br />
change the client to becoming cis-gender and<br />
straight, something that has been deemed ineffective,<br />
harmful and dangerous by mental health<br />
and medical professional associations.<br />
Lastly, finding a therapist and/or treatment<br />
program requires these services to not only<br />
be <strong>LGBTQ</strong>-friendly but actually knowledgable,<br />
in order to get the most effective care.<br />
It’s not your job to pay for a service but then<br />
end up spending too much time educating<br />
them about what it means to be <strong>LGBTQ</strong>. You<br />
deserve to learn healthier coping strategies,<br />
heal old wounds, learn more about yourself<br />
and how to better navigate a sometimes<br />
hostile world. You deserve to thrive, love and<br />
enjoy your life more fully.<br />
James Guay, Licensed Marriage<br />
and Family Therapist (#39252), has<br />
provided individual and couples<br />
counseling in private practice<br />
since 1999. A former elite Gymnast and life-long<br />
lover of nature, he focuses his social justice<br />
activism for the <strong>LGBTQ</strong> population. Digital<br />
content available at: www.livingmorefully.com.<br />
Instagram: @jamesguaylmft<br />
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 31
<strong>THE</strong>SHARE<br />
THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY<br />
>> BY PAULO MURILLO
• Reupholstering<br />
• Antique Refinishing<br />
• Custom Made<br />
Furniture<br />
• Drapery Services<br />
• Custom Made<br />
Slip Covers<br />
Call Now! Pick Up & Delivery Available!<br />
Tel: (310) 930-3018<br />
5067 W. PICO BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90019<br />
www.ernestosupholstery.com<br />
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 33
COVER INTERVIEW
PETER PERKOWSKI
MONA SHAIKH
Open 7 days/week<br />
$10 off when mentioning <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong>!<br />
THOUSAND OAKS<br />
Tel: (805) 446-4223<br />
3275 E Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite 100B<br />
Thousand Oaks California 91362<br />
SANTA CLARITA<br />
Tel: 661-670-8600<br />
23120 Lyons Ave #12 Newhall, CA 91362<br />
VENTURA<br />
Opening September<br />
4255 E. Main Street Ventura, CA 93003<br />
@cbdofsocal<br />
www.cbdofsocal.com<br />
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 37
MONA SHAIKH
Discover<br />
Los Angeles Arts District<br />
Abundance of CBD Products:<br />
Gummies -Tinctures - Vapes<br />
CBD Flowers (you have to try these)<br />
Bath Bombs - Lotions - Skin Care<br />
Pet Products<br />
Coffee, Tea and More<br />
EVERYONE IS WELCOME<br />
ANGELCITYBREWERY.COM • 216 ALAMEDA ST LOS ANGELES, CA<br />
©<strong>2019</strong> ANGEL CITY BREWING COMPANY, LOS ANGELES CA. ENJOY, BUT DON’T OVERDO IT.<br />
Peace Out Classes:<br />
Color Meditation<br />
Free 20 Mintute Self Meditation<br />
Reiki with Sound Healing<br />
Sound Baths<br />
Restorative Yoga<br />
Boutique:<br />
Books, incense, sage,<br />
essential oils and<br />
supplements<br />
Name Dropping:<br />
Select<br />
Fenix CBD<br />
Higher Mind Medicinals<br />
Treatibles<br />
Dr. Norms<br />
Enveed<br />
UpSide Edibles<br />
Lit.Club<br />
Steve's Goods<br />
Life Bloom Organics<br />
So many more....<br />
Call: (818) 927-4062<br />
MosaicWellnessShop.com<br />
12125 Riverside Dr #100, Valley Village CA 91607<br />
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 39
<strong>THE</strong>ART<br />
>> <strong>LGBTQ</strong> ARTISTS
<strong>THE</strong>PROFILE<br />
>> MOSAIC WELLNESS
<strong>THE</strong>EVENT<br />
>> COMMUNITY UNITY
Español<br />
Español<br />
Français<br />
Deutsch<br />
Español<br />
Français<br />
Japanese Français Deutsch<br />
Korean<br />
Japanese<br />
Deutsch<br />
1-855-452-4676 • www.citysightseeingla.com<br />
English Español Portuguese<br />
Mandarin<br />
KoreanDeutsch<br />
Français Italiano<br />
Japanese<br />
Korean<br />
Mandarin<br />
Mandarin<br />
The fun starts here.<br />
Everyone is welcome.<br />
Tour historic and current LGBT hotspots all within walking distance of our<br />
Hop-On Hop-Off stops. Arts, Culture, History, Shopping, Dining, Nightlife and<br />
more! Go to our website www.citysightseeinglosangeles.com/pages/pride<br />
and discover our special LGBT itinerary covering destinations over all<br />
routes. Enjoy our special offer with code <strong>FIGHT</strong>.<br />
1-855-4LAHOPON (1-855-452-4676)<br />
www.citysightseeingla.com @hoponhopoffla @starlinetours ADA compliant<br />
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 43
<strong>THE</strong>CALENDAR<br />
>> THINGS TO DO
10 %<br />
OFF<br />
WHEN MENTIONING<br />
<strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong><br />
SEXY LINGERIE<br />
CLOTHING / HAIR BUNDLES<br />
MALE ATTIRE<br />
DANCER COSTUMES<br />
<strong>LGBTQ</strong>+ FRIENDLY<br />
STILETTOS<br />
LOTIONS/LUBES<br />
KAMASUTRA<br />
PARTY FAVORS<br />
PERSONALITY VIBES<br />
ADULT GAMES<br />
DANCER POLES<br />
ADULT TOYS<br />
BOOK YOUR NAUGHTY PARTY OR<br />
SIP & PAINT NAUGHTY PARTY TODAY!<br />
WE DO ALL PARTIES!<br />
6631 CHERRY AVE, LONG BEACH CA 90805 • 888.609.3369 • bottumzup4you@gmail.com<br />
www.bottumzup4you.com www.shoppingpreety.com<br />
@bottumzupnoveltees @shoppingpreety<br />
Hookups =<br />
Visit www.squirt.org to hook up today<br />
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 45
46 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | www.thefightmag.com
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> 47
LENNIE ROMAN<br />
GENERAL<br />
MANAGER<br />
“As the new general manager of<br />
NEW CENTURY HONDA GLENDALE,<br />
I would like to extend a very warm<br />
welcome to my brothers and sisters<br />
in the <strong>LGBTQ</strong> community. If you’re in<br />
the market for a new car but dread the<br />
hassle of the typical macho “hard sell”<br />
sales approach—please consider us.<br />
We will help you find the car of your<br />
dreams within your budget.”<br />
—Lennie Roman, GM,<br />
New Century Honda Glendale<br />
JOSE NAVARRO<br />
INTERNET SALES<br />
TONY LOPEZ<br />
GENERAL SALES<br />
MANAGER<br />
Call: 833-707-2506<br />
NEW CENTURY HONDA GLENDALE<br />
1235 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204<br />
www.newcenturyhonda.com<br />
48 <strong>THE</strong> <strong>FIGHT</strong> | www.thefightmag.com