THE FIGHT SOCAL'S MONTHLY LGBTQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2025

APRIL 2025 | THE FIGHT 1

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2 THE FIGHT | www.thefightmag.com


ON THE COVER

& ON THIS PAGE

HUNTER FOX

CHARLIE MATULA

PHOTO BY

ZIV SADE

DEPARTMENTS

06 THE EDITOR

08 THE TALK

10 THE CITY

FEATURES

11 LAPD SHOOTING LAWSUIT

LINDA BECERRA MORAN, RIP

14 A STEP BACKWARDS

COURT DECISION ON CONVERSION THERAPY

16 BUILDING COMMUNITY

OFF SUNSET FESTIVAL

20 COLLEGE DRAMA

OVERCOMPENSATING ON PRIME VIDEO

22 RELEASE ME

QUEEN SIRJET’S “TORTURE OF CONSENT”

12 THE NATION

18 THE SHARE

28 THE EVENT



This issue features an interview with Hunter Fox, a founder of the

highly anticipated Off Sunset Festival, scheduled for Sunday, April 27th

(“Building Community,” pages 16-17).

“The Off Sunset Festival arose from the evolving landscape of Silver

Lake,” Fox explains. “As the neighborhood transformed, many gay and

lesbian businesses, bars, and clubs vanished. We sought to create a festival

that would preserve our history and maintain our presence in Silver

Lake. This vision, conceived with the late George Wong years ago, has

finally materialized. My goal was to establish a festival for the leather community

and the broader Los Angeles LGBTQ+ community, raising funds

to reinvest in local initiatives—beautification, education, and support for

organizations in need—all while fostering a vibrant celebration.”

“It’s a privilege and an honor to undertake this work,” Fox states. “We extend

our sincere gratitude to everyone who has dedicated their time and energy to

making the festival a reality. We invite you to join us at the Off Sunset Festival

on Sunday, April 27th, along Santa Monica Blvd. in the heart of Silver Lake.”

For more information, visit: www.offsunsetfestival.com.

Also in this issue, we report on a forthcoming Supreme Court decision

that could potentially overturn bans on conversion therapy for minors (“A

Step Backwards,” page 14).

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a First Amendment challenge to

a Colorado law prohibiting conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors.

This decision raises the possibility that the Court’s conservative majority

may invalidate these bans, potentially allowing licensed therapists in

Colorado and over 20 other states to resume practices aimed at altering a

patient’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Research consistently demonstrates that conversion therapy does not

change sexual orientation or gender identity.

Studies also reveal that conversion therapy inflicts significant harm. A

2002 study found that 77% of participants experienced negative effects

such as depression, anxiety, and diminished self-esteem. Furthermore,

research indicates a high incidence of suicide attempts among LGBTQ+

individuals who have undergone conversion therapy.

The Supreme Court’s decision could have a profound impact on the

legality of conversion therapy bans nationwide. While the Court previously

declined to hear a similar case, the current focus on transgender issues may

influence the outcome.


STANFORD ALTAMIRANO

Editor-In-Chief

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stanford Altamirano

MANAGING EDITOR Mark Ariel

ART DIRECTOR Nadeen Torio

MARKETING CONSULTANTS Sean Galuszka

Antonio Garnica

Marcus Knight

NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media

www.rivendellmedia.com

SOCIAL MEDIA Mark Ariel

Antonio Garnica

WEB DEVELOPER Nadeen Torio

CONTRIBUTORS Race Bannon

Sean Galuszka

Orly Lyonne

Victor Melamed

Paulo Murillo

Motorboot Photography

Ann Rostow

Ziv Sade

EVENTS MANAGER Antonio Garnica

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>> WHAT THEY’RE SAYING <<

LIFE, ROOTED

“In the months ahead I will be spending

more time engaging both legacy and

digital media in the service of a politics

of everyday life, rooted in the values of

freedom, security, and democracy.”

—Pete Buttigieg, the first openly gay

American who sought the Democratic

Party nomination for president in

2019, explaining in his Substack

blog why he’s not running for

PETE

BUTTIGIEG

NEVER EXISTED

“A world without trans

people has never existed

and never will.”

—Actor Pedro Pascal sharing an

image of a sticker on Instagram,

last month.

GUS

KENWORTHY

NOT INVISIBLE

“Trans people are not

invisible. Trans people

deserve love. The queer

community deserves to be

lifted up. Music is love.”

—Lady Gaga, while she and

Bruno Mars accepted the Grammy

last month for Best Pop Duo/Group

for “Die With a Smile,’ a single from

Mayhem that dropped last fall.

office in 2026, while keeping his

future electoral plans open.

PEDRO

PASCAL

LIKE, ONE

“… I’ve had a lot of

threesomes… I would

say I’ve had more

threesomes than I’ve

had sex, like, one-on-one

with people.”

—Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy

in an interview with Drag Race star

Katya for the latest episode of

Grindr’s podcast Who’s the A**hole?

HELL UP

“My fellow

Americans I

warn you —

this is NOT

how it begins.

This is how

freedom ENDS!

Trump may have

declared ‘woke’

as dead in America.

We must prove him

wrong. WAKE THE HELL UP!!!!!”

—Playwright, actor, and live performer Harvey Fierstein in an

instagram post revealing that he’s been banned from the John F.

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

HIGH LEVEL

“My career, I’m assuming, looks

a certain way because I am an

out actor. How many of us

are working at a high level?”

—Actor Brandon Flynn ( 13

Reasons Why, The Parenting)

speaking to Vogue

Philippines

about navigating

his career

in an industry

LADY

GAGA

BOB THE DRAG

QUEEN

that is only

starting to offer

out queer

actors lead

roles.

HARVEY

FIERSTEIN

QUEER JOY

“Even though the new

government is trying

to roll back DEI

initiatives, you know

what’s not going

to get rolled back?

Our community’s

resilience! No matter

how ridiculous

these goons exact,

remember this: Queer

joy is resistance.”

—Bob The Drag Queen,

while hosting the 13th Annual

Queerties in Hollywood, last

month


BRANDON

FLYNN


>> BY PAULO MURILLO <<

LIL NAS X.

PHOTO: RAPH_PH,

VIA WIKIMEDIA

COMMONS

PALM SPRINGS

HOT RODEO RETURNS

AFTER ONE YEAR HIATUS

After a one-year hiatus, the Palm

Springs Hot Rodeo is back — and hotter

than ever. The fan-favorite event, sanctioned

by the International Gay Rodeo Association

(IGRA), will take place May 1–4, 2025, in Palm

Springs and Banning, marking a historic

milestone as it celebrates the IGRA’s 50th anniversary.

For the first time in its history, the

Palm Springs Hot Rodeo will feature an all

women-led event, highlighting the strength

and diversity of the LGBTQ+ rodeo community.

The weekend will kick off with the firstever

“Cowgirl Night” on Friday, setting the

tone for a weekend packed with competition,

celebration, and community spirit.

ORANGE COUNTY

RADIANT HEALTH HOSTS

ANNUAL GALA

Radiant Health Center hosted the 39th

Annual Gala last month. This year’s theme

was Power of Pride: Heroes Unite. Guests

were encouraged to wear heroic glam attire

inspired by their favorite hero, or their inner

champion. This year’s event had a special

performance by David Archuleta, with appearances

by Miss Livinya Karr and Beacon

of Hope Award recipient MenAlive. According

to organizers, The Power of Pride: Heroes

Unite is more than a tribute—it’s a call to action.

“The fight for equality and health equity

depends on all of us,” reads a statement.

WEST HOLLYWOOD

LIZZO, LIL NAS X, KIM PETRAS

TO HEADLINE WEHO PRIDE

JJLA, the producers of the WeHo Pride

OUTLOUD Festival have announced that

Lizzo and Lil Nas X will headline this

year’s event scheduled to return to West

Hollywood from May 30 to June 1, 2025.

OUTLOUD also announced Honey

Dijon, Paris Hilton, Kim Petras, Pabllo

Vittar, Rebecca Black and others to the

lineup. OUTLOUD Festival is a 3-Day

LGBTQ+ Music Festival, profiling and

celebrating queer artistry as a kick-off

concert to PRIDE Month. This highenergy

concert features show-stopping

performances, artist interviews, and an

outdoor dance area. Guests can enjoy

tasty food and beverage areas, craft

cocktails and beer gardens, photo ops,

surprise appearances, and world-class

stage production.

LOS ANGELES

LA LGBT CENTER CONDEMNS

GOV’S ATTACK ON

TRANSGENDER ATHLETES

Following Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent

comments attacking transgender athletes,

calling their participation in women’s

sports “deeply unfair” during an interview

with a known right-wing extremist, the Los

Angeles LGBT Center CEO Joe Hollendoner

said in a statement that the Center is “outraged

by Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent

comments attacking transgender athletes

during an interview with a known right-wing

extremist. Newsom is parroting the same

Republican talking points used to marginalize

and erase trans people. This is an

appalling betrayal from someone who once

positioned himself as a champion of equality,

and demonstrated such strong leadership

on behalf of LGBTQ+ people during the

first Trump administration.”

SAN DIEGO

PRIDE PROMENADE

BREAKS GROUND

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and other

community leaders recently gathered for a

ceremony to break ground and mark the beginning

of construction on Pride Promenade,

a project intended to make much of Normal

Street in Hillcrest a pedestrian-friendly

area. The project, funded by the city under

the purview of the San Diego Association of

Governments, will convert traffic lanes on the

west side of Normal Street, from University

Avenue to Lincoln Avenue, to a pedestrian

promenade and rainbow-colored bikeway.

The eastern lanes will remain open to vehicular

traffic. “The beginning of construction on

the Pride Promenade is a historic moment

for Hillcrest and our entire city,” said Gloria.

“This project will create a vibrant, pedestrianfriendly

destination that reflects the heart and

soul of San Diego’s LGBTQ community.” n

10 THE FIGHT | | www.thefightmag.com

>> LINDA BECERRA MORAN <<

LINDA

BECERRA

MORAN, RIP

LAPD

SHOOTING

LAWSUIT

LA Sued Over Fatal

Shooting of Trans Woman

A

lawsuit is being filed against Los Angeles following the

fatal LAPD shooting of Linda Becerra Moran, a transgender

woman.

On February 7th, responding to Moran’s 911 call about a

kidnapping at a Pacoima motel, officers found her distressed.

Bodycam footage shows Moran, who reported assault, arming

herself with a knife and advancing towards officers after

refusing commands to drop it. Officer Jacob Sanchez then shot

her. Moran, who the LAPD said had suicidal ideations, died on

February 27th after weeks on life support.

Advocates, including Moran’s family and LGBTQ+ groups,

claim she was a sex trafficking victim seeking help for abuse.

They argue the shooting was unjustified, criticizing Sanchez

for mishandling a mental health crisis and accusing police of

misgendering and escalating the situation instead of providing

appropriate support. They called for mental health teams, not

police, to respond to such calls. A $100 million lawsuit, alleging

wrongful death and civil rights violations, is forthcoming.

APRIL 2025 | THE FIGHT 11 31

THENATION

>> NEWS BRIEFS <<

TRUMP’S TRANSGENDER MILITARY BAN

BLOCKED BY FEDERAL JUDGE

A federal judge has halted the enforcement of President Trump’s transgender military

ban, citing potential constitutional violations.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes‘s ruling echoed another decision made earlier in the day,

both concluding the ban likely infringes on the rights of transgender service members.

The rulings occurred amidst a rare public dispute, where Trump’s calls for a judge’s

impeachment were rebuked by Chief Justice John Roberts. Judge Reyes granted the

administration time to appeal.

EVAN LOW

APPOINTED

PRESIDENT &

CEO OF LGBTQ+

VICTORY FUND

Out former California

Assemblymember Evan

Low has been appointed the

new president and CEO of

the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund

and LGBTQ+ Victory Institute,

which help elect and train

LGBTQ+ politicians, reports

LGBTQ Nation.

Low will replace former

EVAN

LOW

LGBTQ+ PARENTS WIN

BIG IN PENNSYLVANIA

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court

issued a landmark decision last

month that dramatically expands legal

pathways for LGBTQ+ parents. By

establishing “intent-based parentage,”

the ruling allows individuals to

be recognized as legal parents based

on their demonstrated intention,

even without biological ties or formal

agreements.

Houston Mayor Annise Parker, who served in the role for seven years. “As LGBTQ+ voices

face increasing and unjust attacks, he will build upon Mayor Parker’s trailblazing legacy,

championing those who remain critically underrepresented while amplifying LGBTQ+

voices and advancing equality for all,” a press release declared.

DIVERSITY PAYS:

SOME COMPANIES

RESIST DEI ROLLBACKS

Many major corporations, including

JPMorgan Chase and Disney, are scaling

back DEI programs. However, companies

like Costco, Delta, and Cisco are maintaining

their commitments. Costco shareholders

overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to

review DEI risks, and executives at Delta and

Cisco emphasized the business value of

diversity. The NFL also reaffirmed its commitment

to diversity initiatives.

OHIO COURT STRIKES

DOWN TRANSGENDER

YOUTH CARE BAN

The Tenth District Court of Appeals in

Ohio has ruled that the state’s ban on

gender-affirming care for transgender

minors violates the Ohio constitution.

The ruling emphasizes residents’ right to

healthcare aligned with established medical

guidelines. The court has directed a

lower court to issue a permanent injunction

against the ban, though the Attorney

General intends to appeal. n


3RD ANNUAL

SAT · MAY 10, 2025

WHITE PARK · 12-9PM

TOGETHER

WE ARE

UNLIMITED

Find us on social

@RiversideLGBTQ

RSVP for free tickets

riverside.lgbt/festival


120+ Vendors · Food · Beer Garden · Music · DJ · Drag · Youth Zone · Workshops

A STEP

BACKWARDS

Supreme Court Decision Could Reverse

Bans on Conversion Therapy for Minors

BY VICTOR MELAMED

The Supreme Court has agreed to

hear a First Amendment challenge

to a Colorado law that bans conversion

therapy for LGBTQ minors.

This decision raises the possibility that

the Court’s conservative majority could

overturn these bans, potentially allowing

licensed therapists in Colorado and over 20

other states to resume practices aimed at

changing a patient’s sexual orientation or

gender identity.

What is Conversion Therapy?

Conversion therapy refers to medically

discredited practices intended to alter or

suppress an individual’s sexual orientation

or gender identity. Historically, methods

included extreme measures like brain

surgery and electric shocks. Today, it often

occurs within socially or religiously conservative

settings, where homosexuality

and gender nonconformity are incorrectly

viewed as mental disorders. Mainstream

medical and psychological organizations

reject this view. Estimates suggest nearly

700,000 LGBTQ adults in the U.S. have

undergone conversion therapy.

Is Conversion Therapy Effective?

No. Research, including a U.K. government

review and studies by the American

Psychological Association and Cornell

University, consistently shows that conversion

therapy does not change sexual orientation

or gender identity. These studies liken claims

of successful conversion to “faith healing.”

What Are the Harms?

Studies demonstrate that conversion

therapy causes significant harm. A 2002

study found that 77% of participants

experienced negative effects like depression,

anxiety, and lowered self-esteem.

Additionally, studies indicate a high rate of

suicidal attempts among LGBTQ individuals

who have undergone conversion therapy.

Legal Landscape of Conversion Therapy

Currently, 22 states and the District of


Columbia have laws banning conversion

therapy for minors by licensed mental health

professionals. Five additional states have

partial bans, and three are under preliminary

injunctions. Religious providers and adult

patients are often exempt from these bans.

The Colorado Case

Colorado’s 2019 law prohibits

licensed therapists

from performing conversion

therapy on minors, promoting

instead treatments that

offer acceptance and support.

Religious ministers are exempt.

Kaley Chiles, a licensed therapist

with conservative Christian beliefs, is

challenging the law, arguing it violates

her First Amendment rights to free

speech and religious exercise.

An appeals court upheld the ban, citing

the harm caused by conversion therapy.

However, Chiles’s lawyers, from Alliance

Defending Freedom, argue that the law

censors private conversations and imposes

the government’s biased views on clients.

What’s at Stake?

The Supreme Court’s decision could significantly

impact the legality of conversion

therapy bans nationwide. While the Court

previously declined to hear a similar case,

the current focus on transgender issues

may influence the outcome.

DETOX

WITH LGBTQ

PEERS

Call Us Now

For Help

It’s hard enough to

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It’s even harder when

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and affirmed while in

detox & rehab.

1 (562) 525-5121

Call now for FREE

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BUILDING

>> THE ABBEY <<

COMMUNITY

Hunter Fox On Off Sunset’s Vision & Evolution

BY MARK ARIEL | PHOTO BY ZIV SADE

First off, for folks living on another planet—please introduce

yourself and describe your connection to the LGBTQ+ community.

I am Hunter Fox, former manager of Eagle LA. My husband,

Charlie Matula, and his business partner, Vince Quattrocchi,

own Eagle LA. Charlie Matula and I had the idea for Off Sunset

Festival and when we were introduced to Kim Sharp who has produced

festivals in the Venice and Silverlake areas we knew we had

a dynamic team who could collectively bring the festival to life.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to its creation.

Many people believed in us, and we wanted to make sure

we didn’t disappoint the LGBTQ+ and Silverlake communities.

What inspired the creation of the Off Sunset Festival, and

when was it conceived?

The Off Sunset Festival was inspired by the changing landscape of

Silver Lake. As the neighborhood grew, many gay and lesbian businesses,

bars, and clubs disappeared. We wanted to create a festival

to preserve our history and maintain our presence in Silver Lake.

The idea was conceived by myself and the late George Wong years

before it came to fruition. My dream was to create this festival for

the leather community and the broader Los Angeles LGBTQ+ community,

to raise funds and reinvest them back into the community,

supporting initiatives like beautification, education, and assisting

organizations in need, all while having a good time.


OFF SUNSET FOUNDERS (L-R):

DON MIKE, RUBEN ZAMBRANO,

DAVID LEBARRON, CHARLIE

MATULA, HUNTER FOX, VINCE

QUATTROCCHI, JUSTIN DAVID,

JESSICA PIMENTEL, ADRIAN

BERNAL. FOUNDERS NOT IN

PHOTOGRAPH KIM SHARP, CARY

STEVENS, (BUDDY) ALLEN GREEN

MD, CASEY FISHER, HARRY

MARSHALL, ANTHONY MILLS MD

What challenges have you faced in organizing the festival?

We faced numerous challenges, including exorbitant permit fees,

the need to borrow money for initial funding, securing vendors,

bands, and food trucks, and promoting the festival. Then, like everyone

else, we dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, but everyone was

excited to come together and we picked right back up the following

year. And yes, the weather! The rain from the last two years is why we

moved this year’s Off Sunset Festival to the end of April, specifically

April 27th. So yes, there have been many challenges, but we’ve faced

each with determination and excitement.

How has the Off Sunset Festival changed since its inception?

The festival has evolved significantly. We’ve seen growth in attendance,

vendor participation, food truck variety, band performances,

and the overall footprint. Consequently, we’ve been able

to increase the amount of donations we make to the community.

It’s incredibly rewarding to dedicate months of hard work and

then be able to support the community we love.

Who are the featured performers for this year’s festival?

This year’s festival lineup includes: Milahroy, Blimes and

Bando, Blood Moon, WORK, Zee Machine, and ABBA LA.

Is there any additional information you would like to share?

It’s a privilege and an honor to do this work. We want to sincerely

thank everyone who contributes their time and energy to

make the festival possible. We hope you will join us at Off Sunset

Festival on Sunday, April 27th, along Santa Monica Blvd. in the

heart of Silverlake.

For more info visit: www.offsunsetfestival.com.


THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY

>> BY PAULO MURILLO <<

KETAMINE RECOVERY

With ketamine use on the rise, we asked these clean and

sober individuals to share their experience with the drug,

what led to their recovery and what life is like now

ON

REPEAT

“I got into

ketamine after

friends told

me about its

benefits for

mental health

and physical

disability. I

struggled with

my mental health

and physical

aches for a long

time. When I tried

it for the first time,

I went back to that

friend’s house,

and we did seven

grams, all in one

sitting. It kind of

SERENITY

MOORE

just went from there, doing seven grams almost every day of

the week… K kind of felt like a song that was on repeat. I just

couldn’t stop…Today I feel present in my life. I was able to help a

friend create a safe space to be able to talk about our addiction

and bring awareness, because it’s a

big epidemic now. I feel like a lot of

people need to be aware that people

are dying because they are mixing K

with other drugs, especially alcohol. I

had to take steps in my life to be able

to be stable and just be an adult. Now

I can wake up early and meditate and

go to a job interview and go to 12-step

meetings and go to class, and it feels

really good.”

—Serenity Moore, sober since July

31, 2024.

CHOOSE LIFE

“I’ve been fighting to get recovered

since 2019. I had sobriety for six years,

and I lost my brother and my partner

in the same year, and I relapsed.

When I relapsed, someone introduced

REESE

ALLBRITTON

me to meth and k and g. I did those three drugs basically and

it was awful. I was just at the end of my rope. I was at an alltime

low, and it was either going to be my death, or I was going

to choose life, and I chose my life. My truth today is I have

integrity. My word is my word. That’s what I get out of recovery.

I have a sense of family. I get a sense of inclusiveness to my

community, directly, my gay community… Today I am the best

version of myself.”

—Reese Allbritton, sober since October 12, 2024.

BENJAMIN

CAMPOS

JUST

TIME

“I was in a

really bad

breakup and

my friend offered

me some

ketamine. That

started a whole

downward spiral.

I was high from

sunup to sundown

for about

three months. I

developed a tolerance

but then

it very quickly

made me lose

all sense of reality… They say it helps with

depression, but it really pushes it away,

and then it comes back, and you need

more ketamine, at least in my experience.

My breaking point is I became homeless

on-and-off for like two years. Coke

and ketamine were primarily my drugs

of choice. I got tired of being homeless. I

knew it was only a matter of time before

I moved on to different drugs that would

cause more damage, so I decided that it

was just time to go into rehab. Now I’m

able to manage my life. I’m able to handle

stuff like appointments, paying bills. I pay

my rent at my sober living now… Today I

can say things are a lot better.”

—Benjamin Campos, sober since

September 16, 2024.


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>> LINDA BECERRA MORAN <<

COLLEGE

DRAMA

Closeted Jock Explores Self-Discovery

in College in New Prime Video Series

Benito Skinner brings his

semi-autobiographical

series, Overcompensating,

to Prime Video.

This college-set dramedy follows

Benny (Skinner), a closeted former

football star, and his unlikely

friendship with Carmen (Wally

Baram), an outsider determined

to fit in.

With support from Benny’s sister

(Mary Beth Barone) and her boyfriend

(Adam DiMarco), they navigate

the complexities of college

life, including “horrible hookups,

flavored vodka, and fake IDs.”

The series, featuring a starstudded

cast including Connie

Britton, Kyle MacLachlan, Kaia

Gerber, Rish Shah, Owen Thiele,

and Charli XCX, explores themes

of self-discovery and the lengths

people go to “overcompensate.”

Jonah Hill serves as an executive

producer, and Charli XCX is also

the executive music producer.

Overcompensating premieres

May 15 on Prime Video.

A QUEER-OWNED SANCTUARY

FOR WOMEN IN RECOVERY

Raven House Sober Living offers a nurturing and

supportive community for women ages 18 and up

seeking lasting sobriety. Our West Los Angeles

home provides a safe, structured environment

where residents can develop essential life skills

and build a strong foundation for recovery.

We believe in balancing independence with

accountability. Through daily schedules, regular

check-ins, and opportunities for service, our residents

learn to create fulfilling sober lives.

At the heart of Raven House is a commitment to

authenticity, vulnerability, and compassion. We create

a space where women feel empowered to heal,

grow, and thrive.

For more info visit

www.RavenHouseRecoveryServices.com

or call 424.394.0783

You can also contact Lauren or Sheldon at

lauren@ravenhouserecoveryservices.com

or sheldon@ravenhouserecoveryservices.com


ROOT OF PRIDE

PLEASURE IS THE POINT.

FEELING GOOD IS NOT FRIVOLOUS,

IT IS FREEDOM.

- ADRIENNE MAREE BROWN

JUNE 28/29 2025 SF PRIDE CELEBRATION

11AM-6PM 18+ FROLIC AND RESIST

PRESENTED BY FOLSOM STREET AND SF PRIDE


>> THE ABBEY <<


RELEASE

ME

Queen SirJET’s “Torture of Consent”

Explores Liberation, Identity

BY ORLY LYONNE | PHOTO BY MAGNUS HASTINGS

Queen SirJET, the LA-based boundary-pushing artist known for her raw lyricism and genre-blurring sound, is back with

her new EP, The Torture of Consent. Inspired by a dream, the project delves into themes of self-acceptance and liberation,

balancing vulnerability with unapologetic defiance.

The lead single, “Release Me”, is a dancefloor-ready anthem about confronting emotions and shedding expectations.

“It’s about letting go of what you think your life is supposed to be and staying true to your ‘why,’” Queen SirJET explains.

“For me, that ‘why’ is fame and the dream of being remembered.”

Queen SirJET’s journey has been one of resilience and self-discovery. Raised in suburban Chicago and Scottsdale, Arizona,

she struggled with gender dysmorphia from a young age. It wasn’t until adulthood, after moving to Hollywood, that she embraced

her true identity.

Queen SirJET’s connection to the kink community has also influenced her self-expression. “I’ve been gender-blending and

cross-dressing for decades,” she says. “But it wasn’t until I got involved in the adult industry that I realized there was a sexual side

to it. That exploration helped me connect more deeply to my feminine side, especially in intimate moments.”

Beyond her music, Queen SirJET is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and personal freedom. She uses her platform to

challenge anti-queer legislation and amplify marginalized voices. “It’s madness,” she says of the current political climate. “Why is

a president attacking his own citizens? We all deserve to live authentically and freely.”

The Torture of Consent IS available on all major platforms.


LEVEL UP

YOUR HEALTH

(and level up your life)

PrEP & Testing at the CARE Center

You’re a boss. You’re building

your career, your friendships, and your life. But

are you prioritizing your health? HIV and STIs are

still a reality, especially within our community. But

you have the power to protect yourself.

Long-acting PrEP is a game-changer. Forget daily

pills – one injection every two months gives you

powerful protection against HIV. It’s convenient,

effective, and lets you focus on living your life to

the fullest.

The CARE Center at Dignity Health

- St. Mary Medical Center in Long

Beach is your partner in health.

They are recognized as an

LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality

Leader for equitable and inclusive

patient care, and designated as a

Center of Excellence in PEP and PrEP.

THE CARE CENTER OFFERS:

• Confidential HIV/STI testing

• Long-acting PrEP prescriptions

• Comprehensive medical, dental,

and mental health

The Annual Easter Walk is a fundraiser weekend

that supports the CARE Center and our

community. There will be no shortage of amazing

raffles, fabulous fashions, delicious drinks,

dancing, and divas.

• SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 2025:

Community Celebration at Hamburger Mary’s in

Long Beach! Bring your fellow bunnies and get

one hop ahead with your Easter festivities.

• SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 2025:

The legendary 28th Annual Easter Walk! Join

this fun-filled afternoon hopping along East

Broadway and supporting a great cause.

Funds raised help the CARE Center provide

vital services to those living with HIV and those

looking to reduce their risk with long-acting PrEP

injections once every two months.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH AND

VISIT DIGNITYHEALTH.ORG/CARE OR

SEE THEM IN PERSON TODAY!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

EXTENDING A WARM WELCOME TO THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY



GENDER AFFIRMING

AND TRAUMA INFORMED

VOICE COACHING

FOR THE LGBTQ+

COMMUNITY

For Daily News Visit:

www.thefightmag.com

HEATHER

GROSS

Vocal Therapist

and Voice Coach

www.livevocally.com

Extending A Very Warm Welcome

To The LGBTQ+ Community

DELIVERY AVAILABLE!

CALL (424) 288-1277


>> PHOTOS BY MOTORBOOT PHOTOGRAPHY <<

LOS ANGELES LEATHER PRIDE GUIDE

LAUNCH PARTY

AT EAGLE LA

The launch party for the THE FIGHT’s Official Los Angeles

Leather Pride Guide 2025 took place last month at The Eagle LA.

Check out additional events taking place at The Eagle: www.eaglela.com.





Don’t Miss A

Single Issue!

$45 For a One Year (12 Month) Subscription

Please Call 323-204-1858,

Mon–Fri 10am–5pm PST, to get THEFIGHT

delivered directly to your home!


MELROSE

OPEN EVERY DAY

MON–SAT: 9AM–9PM

SUNDAY: 10AM–8PM

SCAN HERE

AND STAY

CONNECTED

The Cure Company Melrose

4316 Melrose Ave.


PH: 323.677.4401

www.TheCureCompany.com

© 2025 The Cure Company | All rights reserved.

The Cure Company Melrose | License C10-0001008-LIC

We Welcome

everyone 21+

with a valid

California ID

and everyone

18+ with a valid

California ID and

Recommendation

1st visit

20% OFF

2nd visit

25% OFF

3rd visit

30% OFF

*No double deals

and excludes select

products

COME

SEE OUR

DAILY

SPECIALS!

OPEN EVERY DAY

MON–WED: 8AM – 9PM

THUR–SAT: 8AM–10PM

SUNDAY: 10AM–8PM

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AND STAY

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CITY COMPASSIONATE CAREGIVERS

ARTS DISTRICT

2235 E. 7th St.


PH: 323.265.7060


© 2025 City Compassionate Caregivers | All rights reserved.

The Cure Company Arts District | License C10-0000573-LIC

SOUTH LA

OPEN EVERY DAY


SUNDAY: 10AM–8PM

SCAN HERE

AND STAY

CONNECTED

The Cure Company South LA

10024 South Main St.


PH: 323.615.0042



The Cure Company South LA | License C10-0001302-LIC

HAPPY

HOURS

10AM–12PM

4AM–6PM

REFERRALS

15% OFF

STUDENTS

10% OFF

WITH ID

*All deals expire

April 30, 2025

*All deals exclude

select brands

and products

*No Double Deals

CRENSHAW

OPEN EVERY DAY


SUNDAY: 10AM–8PM

SCAN HERE

AND STAY

CONNECTED

The Cure Company Crenshaw

7872 Crenshaw Blvd.


PH: 323.920.7558



The Cure Company Crenshaw APRIL 2025 | License | THE C10-0001045-LIC

FIGHT 31

PrEP every

other month.

Protect

every day.

The CARE Center

Worried about remembering daily pills? Long-acting PrEP offers a

convenient, effective alternative way to lower HIV risk. One quick

injection every two months provides powerful protection. Discuss

the benefits and potential side effects with a healthcare provider

at the CARE Center at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach.


THE FIGHT SOCAL'S MONTHLY LGBTQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2025

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