Get Out! GAY Magazine – Issue 449 December 18, 2019

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ISSUE #449
DECEMBER 18 2019
COVER: DEREK BOLT
@DEREKBOLT
PHOTOGRAPHER:
RICK STOCKWELL
@RICKSTOCKWELL
PUBLISHER MICHAEL TODD
MIKE@GETOUTMAG.COM
DESIGN AGOTA CORREA
AGOTA@GETOUTMAG.COM
CONTRIBUTOR THOMAS WHITFIELD
THOMASTALKSABOUT@GMAIL.COM
CONTRIBUTOR IAN-MICHAEL BERGERON
@IANMICHAELINWONDERLAND
CELEBRITY INTERVIEWER EILEEN SHAPIRO
@EILEENSHAPIRO3
NIGHTLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER WILSONMODELS
JEASO86@HOTMAIL.COM
The publications of MJT/GOOTH ENTERTAINMENT, getoutmag.com or any
other related print or Web publications or social media accounts, their images,
quotations or articles should not be construed to be an indication of the sexual
orientation of anyone portrayed therein.
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BY ETHAN LAIRD
SKIING AND
SNOWBOARDING
ARE SO GAY
Yeah, yeah, the summer days
of speedos have slipped
away, leaving only Instagram
memories of the skimpily
clad beach boys of Fire Island
or Ptown and the poolside
parties of Palm Springs. But
that means it’s time for a
costume change. It’s time to
trade sunglasses for goggles,
sarongs for snowboard pants
and to turn in your flip flops for
ski boots.
It’s adventure time, boys.
That yearning for winter adventure mixed with a love for big gay
gatherings is what prompted LA event producer Tom Whitman to look
northward and upward from Los Angeles… 10,000 feet upward to be
exact. Eighteen years ago, he launched the first Elevation in Mammoth
Lakes, California, and the core crowd of California boys quickly built
that event into one of the largest gay ski weeks in the world.
In the years since Whitman first schemed up his four-day ski soirée,
the Elevation Gay Ski Weeks have become the gold standard of gay
getaways, and the largest series of gay ski events in the world. Its
growth and legendary status are due, in large part, to Whitman’s
uncanny ability to be always dependable but never predictable.

Whether it’s Elevation Mammoth, the Daddy of the three events with more
than 2,500 guys and girls in attendance, or the 10th anniversary of Elevation
in Park City, Utah, the home of the best snow in the world, or the triumphant
second year in Tremblant, Quebec, you know exactly what you’re getting into
with an Elevation event: superb slopes for shredding, damn-good DJs for
dancing and fun, feisty dudes for… having a nice conversation by the fire.
Whitman’s magic lies in his ability to give people
those expected extravaganzas that we look forward
to every year (the Onesie Party, the Gear Party),
mixed in with just the right number of new tricks
pulled from his waterproof snowboarder sleeves.
“I’m super excited about Elevation Utah 2020,”
says Whitman, “and not just because our 10th
anniversary is a good excuse to shake things up
a bit. It’s amazing because so many people who
attend have been coming to the Elevation events
for five, 10 or even 15 years. Every year, thousands
of LGBT guys and girls come from around the world
to celebrate not only our community, but also snow
sports and these amazing destinations—there’s
nothing better.”
Unlike other gay events, Elevation is as much about
the moguls as it is about
the mashups. But the
music promises to be
massive this year, with
Whitman unleashing
some familiar Elevation
names like DJ Josh
Peace, DJ Casey Alva
and London DJ Adam
Turner while bringing
some new musical
heavy hitters into the
Elevation family: DJ
Grind in Park City
and DJ Dan Slater in
Mammoth.

First up is the return event in Tremblant. Taking place
January 30 to February 2, it’s just far enough after New
Year’s that you’ll be ready for a midwinter gay getaway.
After an amazing launch year, ELEVATION TREMBLANT
is preparing for more than 500 ELEVATION enthusiasts,
sporty East Coasters and sexy Canadians. “Tremblant is
always ranked the #1 ski resort on the East Coast,” says
Whitman, “and the Village in Tremblant is the pictureperfect
location for an Elevation event.”
Then, prepare for the anniversary blowout of the 10th
annual ELEVATION Utah! Set February 26 to March 1,
that gives you four weeks to recover from your Canadian
kiki before you meet up with 1,500+ bromos and slope
sisters for the TENTH annual invasion of the gays in
Park City, home of Sundance, the Salt Lake Olympics
and plenty of former-Mormons who just wanna let loose. If you haven’t been
recently, it’s worth noting that Park City and Canyons resorts merged a few
years back to make the largest ski resort in the U.S., with 7,300 skiable acres
and some of the world’s most beautiful vistas.
ELEVATION season ends with a little spring skiing. March 18-22 marks the 18th
annual Mammoth Gay Ski Week, the crown jewel for ski huntys and board bros
alike. This year,
they’re expecting
almost 3,000 guys
and gals to take
over the Village,
transforming this
sleepy ski town
into a bona fide
boy buffet. And if
you’ve never been
before, expect
to be pleasantly
surprised by how
friendly everyone is.

Whitman says he
started ELEVATION
MAMMOTH to offer
an alternative to the
gay party scene in the
great outdoors. “What
makes ELEVATION
work is the attitude of
the attendees, or lack
thereof. We encourage
everyone to be friendly,
to introduce yourself to
new people. Every year
people return because of
the friends they’ve made
and the connections
they’ve forged.”
While each ELEVATION
event has its own local flavor and flair, there are a few events I personally look
forward to every year: The Onesie Apres Ski is a classic (seriously, don’t forget
your onesie. If you don’t have one, you’re doing
life wrong), and the all-new main event, GEAR,
is perhaps the sexiest party of the week.
It’s like a warehouse party at altitude (don’t
think about it too hard). The dress code is
gear—leather gear, sports gear, ski gear. Just
put some THOT into it. (What’s the difference
between a straight ski week and a gay ski
week? A harness.)
Every year, I have a different experience at
ELEVATION. You can ski all day and crash early,
party hard and sleep in or be the first-chairlast-call
hero we all wish we were.
It’s that time again. Let’s have a ski-ski.
Info on the Elevation events are at
ELEVATIONGAYSKI.COM.

THOMAS
TALKS
ABOUT:
I’ve gone on three
dates with a guy.
We have a lot in
common, and I like
him a lot. He’s much
nicer than most guys
I’ve dated, which is
refreshing. On our
last date he told me
he’s HIV-positive,
and now I don’t
think I can date him
anymore. I’ve never
been with anyone
who is positive, and
it freaks me out. We
haven’t had sex yet,
and I’m not even
sure I could—I’d be
so worried the entire
time. Do you think I
have to keep dating
him? I don’t want to
be a bad guy, but I’ve
never been in this
position. -Male, Gay,
37
You have every right
to date/f*ck anyone
you want to and not
date/f*ck anyone you
don’t want to, and for
any reason. You said
this guy is “much
nicer” and the first
guy you’ve dated
that’s HIV-positive (that
you’re aware of), but if
you want to go back to
dating shitheads just
because they’re HIVnegative,
sure, go for
it. If you’re 37, single
and want to be in a
relationship, it’s not
because there’s a lack
of guys in NYC—it’s
because you clearly
think you’re deserving
of something you’re
not. My opinion, do
this guy a favor and
don’t date him. He
doesn’t have to settle
for you just because
he’s positive.
One of my friends
came out to me as
HIV-positive last
weekend, and I want
to make sure I’m
there for him as much
as I can be. He seems
to be handling it
OK, but he was very
nervous telling me. I
tried to be supportive
and tell him it’s not a
big deal. I want him
to be able to tell me
anything in the world,
but this is something
new for me, and
I’m scared of saying
the wrong thing or
offending him. I feel
like I’m walking on
eggshells now, and
IS HIV A THING
ANYMORE?
I’m sure he’s noticed.
I don’t want him to
think it’s because
I disapprove. I just
really don’t want to
accidentally hurt his
feelings! Any tips?
-Male, Gay, 24
It’s sweet of you that
you’re so concerned
with potentially hurting
your friend’s feelings.
Remember, he was
vulnerable and shared
something personal
with you, so it’s also
OK for you to be
vulnerable and share
this concern with him.
Let him know that
you’re nervous about
saying something
wrong, because you
genuinely care about
him and don’t want to
hurt his feelings. Ask
him to kindly tell you
if you say something
out of bounds or
accidentally offend
him. There is a huge
difference between
purposely saying
something mean to
hurt someone’s feelings
and making a mistake
with your words. He
obviously values your
friendship, so I expect
he will value you being
up front and honest
too.
Sex/Love/Relationship advice? Send your questions to: ThomasTalksAbout@gmail.com
@ThomasWhitfield84

BY EILEEN SHAPIRO
CELEBRITY CORRESPONDENT
FAze:
Eclipse
Los Angeles-based recording artist
FAZE has just released his debut EP
titled “Eclipse.” The release takes
FUZE on a journey communing with
the planets, rocketing to the moon,
transcending galaxies and swimming
through tidal waves.
As a member of the LGBT community,
FAZE spent years struggling to find a
sense of belonging. His struggle was
complicated by the fact that at age
7 he was diagnosed with Tourette’s
syndrome. Music provided some
salvation.
“This project is about trying to find
out who you truly are and what it
means to be human, without any
rulebook or any guide at all,” FAZE
says.
INTERVIEW
What was the
inspiration for your new
release?
I was inspired by
questioning the universe,
my life and human
existence. I reflected on
myself, looking inward,
outward and everywhere
in between for the
answers to my questions.
At the same time I found
the importance of living
in the present and never
taking a single moment
for granted.
It seems to have a
message and theme.
Please let us know if
that’s the case and what
the message is.
I named my EP “Eclipse,”
because an eclipse is
when the sun, the earth
and the moon are all
in perfect alignment.
Making this project was
all about perfect timing
and alignment in my life.
Eclipse is more than just
space themed; I wanted
to dig deeper and go
beyond the horizon with
it. Recording “Eclipse”
was the most exciting
thing for me in my career
thus far, but it also
came with its share of
heartbreak. I recorded
this project throughout a
very rough patch in my
life. It was key for me to
take what I was going
through and use it as
fuel to create something
that was honest and
relatable. I put myself in
a vulnerable place, and
I wanted nothing more
than to be transparent.
We all go through our
own personal struggles
and ups and downs.
Sometimes we feel so
alone and that no one
truly understands. My
message is that no
matter what you’re going
through, you are strong
enough to get through it,
and you’ve gotta keep on
going, just like the waves.

Do you think that you
are destined to be a
singer?
Yes, absolutely. I’ve
always been drawn
to music and the arts,
and I’ve always loved
creating. Writing and
making music is and
always has been what I
want to do with my time
here on this planet!
What are some of the
biggest challenges that
you’ve encountered
thus far in your career,
and how have you dealt
with them?
The music business is
definitely tricky. There
is no rule book on how
to do it—you just do.
What I’ve learned is that
there is really no right
or wrong way to any of
it. It seems to be ever
growing and changing,
which makes it hard to
wrap your mind around
at times. I’ve definitely
dealt with producers,
managers, writers, etc.
over time, and what I
found to be the biggest
issue was that when it
came down to it, people
aren’t always as serious
or driven as I consider
myself to be. There’s
been a lot of talk and no
action. Waiting around
and false promises. In
the same breath, I don’t
think of that as any time
wasted, because it all led
me to where I am now.
I am in a place where I
love the people I work
with, and I’m so grateful
for that. It’s important
for me to have fun while
creating. Everyone brings
something to the table,
and when it’s time to get
down to business, we
put our heads together,
get the work done and
create magic.
What are your proudest
moments thus far?
I am extremely happy
that “Eclipse” is finally
available for everyone to
hear! I poured my heart
and soul into this project.
My ultimate goal is to
connect with people in
hopes that I can make
a difference or some
sort of impact. I’ve got
an amazing support
system; my mom and
sister mean everything to
me. They’ve always had
my back, so it’s a really
awesome feeling to know
that after all these years
they can finally see what
I envisioned come to life.
Do you plan
a tour in
support of
the album?
I would
definitely
love to go
on tour at
some point.
I just started
performing
at venues
around Los
Angeles,
so for now
it’s more
local, but I
never box
myself in. I
wouldn’t set
any limits on
where I can
take this,
how high I
can go or
what I can
do through
music!
What’s on
the horizon
for you for
2020 and
beyond?
I’ve always got a lot of
my mind, and I always
have a vision. I’d like to
keep performing this
project and add more to
my repertoire. Venturing
out into the fashion
world is definitely on my
list as well. I’ve already
got some ideas flowing
about what my next
project will be like, so
I’d like to start figuring
that out in between the
other stuff I’ve got going
on. Although, I’m sure
I’ll already have a million
new ideas by the time I
start recording the next
one! I am striving to
reach the place where I
am constantly creating
new music and writing
new material.
instagram.com/mjfaze
twitter.com/matthewfaze
facebook.com/matthewfaze
PHOTO CREDIT BRIAN ZIFF

BY ERIC EINSTEIN
Astrologer Colin Bedell is
Queering the Cosmos
PHOTO CREDIT: WING DUONG
What is it like being an
astrologer?
It’s an honor and a
tremendous responsibility.
My clients don’t come to
me because everything’s
going well, right? Especially
in today’s times. So to
stand with others while
they make some of the
most difficult personal,
relational and professional
choices is hallowed. It’s also
the only career path that
integrates all my passions
for mythology, social issues,
metaphysics and personal
development. So I’m
deeply grateful to be able
to have this wild dream
become a career path.
Colin Bedell,
astrologer for
Cosmopolitan and
of QueerCosmos.
com, views
astrology as a
metaphysical
medicine that can
help heal wounds of
the past and create
more meaningful,
fulfilling
relationships.
His new book,
“Queer Cosmos:
The Astrology of
Queer Identities and Relationships,” seeks
to do just that, specifically for the LGBT
community, who have too long have fallen
subject to feelings of shame and unworthiness.
Bedell believes that with astrology, anyone can
begin a journey to improve themselves, their
relationships and their lives.
What is a sun sign, and
what can that tell people
about themselves?
Your sun sign represents
the archetype you’re
becoming. It’s also where
you’re meant to shine like
the sun as the star of the
solar system. So if you’re
born with a sun in Libra, say,
you’re meant to shine in
interpersonal relationships,
and the house of the chart
where your sun is located
is the environment for the
relationships the Libra sun
is in to shine even brighter.
If your moon and sun sign
are the same, you’re a lucky
specialist to embody the
best of the sign/archetype
where they’re both in.
What do you find interests
people most in astrology?
It’s no different than
what interests anyone in
theology, spirituality and
personal growth. Human
beings are meaning-making
machines, and astrology
is a school for meaning
that helps people find
greater personal insight,
relational intelligence and
the knowledge that they
can align their life with the
calendar of the universe.
So, astrology can be used
for something more than
just vague predictions
about your life?
Absolutely! It can be
used for comedy—hello,
memes!—personal
clarity, interpersonal
understanding and spiritual
considerations.
Your book, “Queer
Cosmos,” focuses on
improving relationships
with oneself and with
others and analyzing
compatibility. Are there
any combinations that
work the best? Any signs
that should avoid each
other at all costs?
I intentionally made sure
to explore compatibility
without the binary of “good
or bad” compatibility,
because I would hope that
queer people know it’s not
either/or, it’s both/and. So
I think every single zodiac
sign can find compatibility
with every single zodiac
sign.

Why do you think that the LGBT
community needed an astrology
book just for them?
We haven’t read, seen or experienced
queer stories in more mainstream
astrology sources for decades. So
I think it’s important for us to feel
centered in astrological literature with
our theories, histories, public figures,
sensibilities and cultural nuances that
let us know we matter.
And how can astrology be used as a
tool for self-discovery and reflection,
specifically for LGBT folks?
Astrology gives LGBT readers an
opportunity to language ourselves
outside of patriarchy and culture’s
black/white, male/female, this/that.
There are 1,400-plus combinations of
astrology in the natal chart, and so
queer people can use those 1,400-plus
combinations for self-disvoery instead
of the binary’s puny options of two.
What is the one message you hope
everyone will take away from your
book?
It would be what I tried to stress in
the identity and relationship section,
that the strongest indicator of life
satisfaction and fulfillment is the
quality of our relationships. So much
of today’s “spirituality” focuses a bit
too much for my liking on desires
being fulfilled and dreams manifested
as opposed to how we can lean on
systems like astrology to improve the
quality of our life by improving the
quality of our relational intelligence
and social support.
I am sure we have some skeptics out
there. What advice would you offer
to non-believers?
I’d say, “Don’t yuck my yum!”
Honestly, I’m not trying to convert or
recruit skeptics. I don’t need everyone
to agree with me, and I hope they find
whatever school of thought gives their
life meaning. The fact of the matter
is, astrology works in my life. It’s very
useful. It doesn’t need to work for
everyone, but it works for mine. And
the only arbiter of that statement’s
accuracy is my life experience, which I
can’t give to anyone. But I can say that
you might want to try it some time.

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FROM THE
COVER:
PHOTOGRAPHER: RICK STOCKWELL@RICKSTOCKWELL
DEREK BOLT @DEREKBOLT