On Wednesday afternoon, art critic and curator Anuradha Vikram strode across the wide main room of the Advocate and Gochis Galleries at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, pressing neon labels onto walls covered with newspaper clippings, pamphlet pages, protest photos and flyer printouts from the peak of the national AIDS epidemic that began in the early 1980s. 

These documents hold fragments of the lives of artists, activists and supporters of the AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power/Los Angeles (ACT UP/LA), a group that organized various non-violent protests, community meetings, vigils and other demonstrations to bring attention to harmful and ineffective government policies around HIV/AIDS; advocate for better healthcare access, hospital conditions and resources for PWAs (people with AIDS); and shine light on communities who were sidelined in HIV/AIDS research and care, including women, incarcerated people, and communities of color. 

“The Sky is Always Falling: HIV/AIDS Activists Unleashing Power in Los Angeles Then and Now” is a new exhibition opening on September 28th that preserves tangible records of ACT UP/LA’s existence and resistance. Much of the media included in this show is a remnant from when the group was active, from its formation in 1987 to its eventual disintegration in the late 1990s. The various pieces on display are reproductions of historical files and records collected and preserved at institutions like the ONE Archives and the June L. Mazer Lesbian Archives, two major repositories for LGBTQ+ historical materials.

“Since this is primarily focused on the 1980s and ‘90s, so much of the material was printouts, faxes, photocopies, and computer graphic design setups. Reproducing it all made material sense,” Vikram told the Blade. 

“If this was a show about the 1940’s or the 1890’s, it might not feel so authentic to have copies of things. But here, even the original materials were copies at one time, so they’re the copies that survived. We’re working with the idea of the copy being the original — which is a very 90’s kind of zine, community-organizing approach that also then applies here for ACT/UP.”

Since April, Vikram has been planning, researching and organizing the exhibition as part of the local Circa: Queer Histories Festival. Now in its third year, Circa was created by One Institute, a long-standing LGBTQ+ organization that amplifies queer histories through educational programming. Their festival runs through October 31st, and includes a panel on the history of sex work in NYC ballroom culture, a South Asian dance and drag performance, a workshop on trans history and reclaiming origin stories, a screening of 1972 Japanese “pink film” Shinjuku Midnight Story: Man and Woman, and several other lectures, readings, and gatherings.

“The Sky is Always Falling” is the opening event of Circa’s packed calendar this year, and offers attendees a chance to become part of an intergenerational conversation around queer solidarity in the face of public health, social, and political crises. The show highlights key actions organized by ACT UP/LA members, including a 1990 protest at Frontera women’s prison that was organized by the coalition’s Women’s Caucus. Over a hundred supporters protested the prison’s handling of its AIDS ward, criticizing its lack of proper nutrition, care, and qualified staff. 

In June of 2020, an urgent memo was released by public health experts, stating that San Quentin California State Prison was being impacted by a rapidly developing COVID-19 outbreak and had “profoundly inadequate resources to keep it from developing into a full-blown local epidemic.” 

Vikram says it is important to highlight how systemic issues and failures create cycles of violence for marginalized populations. “These issues haven’t gone away in any way. They’ve just kind of rolled forward,” Vikram said. “In each of these topics and panels, the goal was to connect it, ultimately, to something today. So you would understand that it’s not just a historical phenomenon, but rather like a guide, a little bit of a roadmap for how to deal with stuff now.”  

A self-proclaimed “baby teenager” during the height of ACT UP activations, Vikram is grateful to the queer elders who welcomed her into their spaces and shared their stories with her. These connections informed her own journey as a queer South Asian person growing up in New York, carving out a space for her own voice and identity in contemporary art criticism and curating.

Vikram hopes that — through this exhibition, her lecturing, and her community work — she can “repair” ties between queer adolescents today and queer people of older generations. The knowledge, guidance, and joy she received from relationships she formed with older queer people in her youth provided a model with which she could navigate the world: with fervor and with bravery.

“Now I feel that young people really have very little connection to elder generations — even middle generations like mine. And so that knowledge is not being continuously passed on in the same way,” Vikram said. “This is actually what anthropologists say makes us human: the ability to have that intergenerational transfer of knowledge without having to fight the same battles every generation. And, at this moment in time, that’s being severed because of the fascist turn in our culture, really. So the goal of this project was to help young people who are trying now to organize around a number of issues against this government — for gay rights, for trans rights, for Palestine, for their own health and welfare — to help them get that information in some form.” 

“The Sky is Always Falling” opens on Sunday, September 28th with a reception from 4-7 p.m. at the Advocate and Gochis Galleries at the Los Angeles LBGT Center. 

Within Riverside County, in the San Jacinto Mountains, lies the charming community of Idyllwild, known for its beautiful scenery, artistic vibe, and recreational activities. Located just an hour from Palm Springs, it also boasts a growing LGBTQ contingency.

Idyllwild captured the hearts of couple Jeremy Taylor and Niels Kosman, the owners of PS Homeboys, one of Palm Springs’ top interior design and art boutiques. Frequent visitors to Idyllwild, Taylor and Kosman began to wonder why the town never held its own Pride. Taking matters into their own hands and partnering with business owners in the city, Pride Under the Pines debuted on October 23rd, 2021, with over 800 attendees.

Not only was the event a success in terms of LGBTQ representation for the community, but local businesses reported a boom in sales and customers. Pride Under the Pines has since become one of the most anticipated Idyllwild events of the year.

This year, the event celebrates its 5^th year with a bang, turning up the glam. The day’s festivities will feature headliners Janice Robinson (“Dreamer”, “There Must Be Love”) and West Hollywood’s Prince Joshua, go-go studs, DJ Galaxy (courtesy of KGay), Congressman Candidate Brandon Riker, and community health partners, with a drag line-up that includes Mayhem Miller, Violeta, and Abigail Beverly Hillz. Los Angeles Blade publisher Alexander Rodriguez will serve as the day’s emcee.

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This year continues ahead, full force, despite social media backlash for the event’s signage, hanging smack dab in the center of town. Pride Under the Pines founders Taylor and Kosman are unwavering in their mission to bring queer representation to “The Hill.” They chatted with us as they put the final touches on next week’s programming.

What was the inspiration behind creating Pride Under the Pines?

We wanted to create something truly grassroots and community-driven—a Pride that felt intimate, authentic, and rooted in love. Idyllwild is a magical mountain town that has always embraced diversity, and we thought it was the perfect setting to bring people together in celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, visibility, and joy. We were the first Pride Festival since the pandemic, and it all started when we used Idyllwild as our lockdown escape. We fell in love with the town and its community. Through conversations, we learned there is a large LGBTQ community that also feels the need to be heard and seen. This Pride was started to shine a bright light on the local queer community and to bring awareness to everyone else.

What makes Pride Under the Pines different than other Prides?

Unlike many large-scale city Prides, this event has an intimate, small-town charm. You’re surrounded by nature, pine trees, and a community that genuinely rallies together. It’s not about corporate floats—it’s about neighbors, friends, and allies lifting each other up. That balance of heart, inclusivity, and stunning mountain setting makes it truly one-of-a-kind.

What is your mission in producing Pride Under the Pines?

Our mission is to create a safe, joyful, and visible space where the LGBTQ+ community and our allies can come together. We want to celebrate diversity, promote equality, and strengthen connections in a way that uplifts both the queer community and the town of Idyllwild.

What have been some of your biggest challenges in establishing this event over the years?

Permitting, logistics, and funding have always been challenges for grassroots organizers like us. Each year, we navigate county regulations, rising costs, and unexpected hurdles. And of course, building something from scratch in a small town takes time and persistence. But the love we receive from attendees makes every obstacle worth it.

What have you loved most about working on this project?

The connections. Seeing people who’ve never been to Idyllwild fall in love with the town. Watching LGBTQ+ youth feel seen. Hearing allies say this is their favorite event of the year. And, most of all, the joy of building something meaningful together as a couple, a team, and a community.

What can we expect from this year?

Our 5th anniversary is the biggest yet! A brand-new location at the Idyllwild Town Hall, incredible headliners like Janice Robinson, fabulous drag performances, DJs, live music, a beer garden, delicious food, and a VIP experience with open bar and meet-and-greets. It’s going to feel like a full festival while still keeping that warm community spirit.

Your sign is in the middle of town. Why is it so important to grow visibility in today’s climate?

Visibility saves lives. At a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack nationwide, putting a Pride banner in the center of town says: We are here, we are proud, and we are part of this community. It’s a statement of resilience and hope—for queer people in Idyllwild, for visitors, and for anyone driving by who needs to feel seen.

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You have received hateful social media comments. How does that make you feel? What is your first reaction?

Of course, it stings—but more than anything, it strengthens our resolve. Hate is loud, but love is louder. Our first reaction is to lean on our allies, our friends, and the outpouring of positivity that always follows.

Did you ever consider cancelling Pride because of hateful comments? What makes you continue to put it on?

Never. If anything, the hate shows exactly why this Pride is needed. We continue because the LGBTQ+ community deserves visibility, joy, and safety in every town—not just the big cities. We continue because love is stronger than hate.

What do you want to say to those who want you to shut down Pride Under the Pines?

We’d say this: Pride isn’t about you. It’s about love, equality, and visibility for people who have historically been silenced. No amount of hate will stop us from celebrating who we are.

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On a fun note, how did you two meet, and how long have you been together?

We met years ago in Palm Springs—two creatives who bonded over design, humor, and a shared love for community. We’ve been together for over a decade, and every year just gets better.

You also own and run your business together. How do you maintain a healthy relationship while working so hard together and putting on events?

We laugh. A lot. We balance each other’s strengths and give each other space when needed. We’ve learned how to divide and conquer, but also when to come together. At the end of the day, we love what we do and we love each other—that makes even the hard days easier. We say if you can run a business together and produce a Gay Pride for 5 consecutive years, we must be doing something right.

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What do you love most about the queer community in the Coachella Valley?

The diversity and resilience. Our community here is vibrant, creative, and unapologetically itself. Whether in Palm Springs, Idyllwild, or beyond, there’s a sense of family that’s deeply inspiring. We all support each other, whether we patronize each other’s business or we lift each other up through conversation and showing up. It is truly an amazing feeling, that sometimes we feel people forget to remember.

What is your message to the community?

Stand proud, stand visible, and stand together. We need each other more than ever. Come to the mountains, celebrate with us, and remember that Pride isn’t just a party—it’s a powerful act of love, resilience, and community.

The event will be held at Idyllwild Townhall / 25925 Cedar St, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549

Tickets available here

It’s often forgotten how integral cannabis culture has been to Queer liberation, a little-known aspect of our LGBTQ+ history that August 28th’s Loud and Proud event worked hard to spotlight. 

Co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Blade, Culture Machine, and Last Prisoner’s Project, this evening of discussion brought vital knowledge to West Hollywood’s The Abbey. Beyond an invigorating ambience — due largely to stellar performances by Maris and S.I.A.T. — the event was something that most attendees didn’t expect: a call to action. Loud and Proud’s goal was to do more than just inform them about what the marijuana industry looks like in LA. It charted the intricate ways that the advancement of cannabis has been tied to the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. And, by helping fight for its decriminalization, folks can assist thousands of unjustly imprisoned people all across this country. 

“Our history as queer people is directly tied to the cannabis industry,” explained West Hollywood City Councilman John Erickson, a member of the event’s all-star panel (moderated by LA Blade publisher Alexander Rodriguez). In tandem with fellow cannabis advocates Maha Haq and Andrés Rigal, the speakers explained how not only has marijuana been used globally for centuries, but in the U.S., it was vital in helping survivors during the AIDS crisis. This time saw the earliest instances of weed being used medically, helping those struggling with the nausea of HIV treatment actually want to eat the food their bodies needed to heal. It proved integral in abetting the suffering of countless patients — so what made politicians decide to launch entire media wars against its usage? Along with the corporate greed of billionaires, Erickson clarified exactly why so many lawmakers were scared of queer folk using marijuana: “Cannabis [always broke] through the ‘medical glass ceiling’ — and it was criminalized because you fear the things that you can’t control.”

Loud and Proud attendees were lucky to hear from Steven Post of Last Prisoner’s Project (TLPP), a nonprofit dedicated to freeing the people still incarcerated due to marijuana in the U.S. “This is something that has been going on for over 50 years,” said Post, when breaking down how Ronald Reagan — a President whose discriminatory policies prolonged the lethal AIDS crisis — escalated the “war on drugs” as an excuse to increase policing against Black and Brown communities. He describes how, even though cannabis has not only been legalized in many states but is now a booming industry, there are still thousands of folks in prison for these crimes that are no longer illegal in the U.S. This is a criminalization that has disproportionately targeted queer and Black communities, leaving the populations that revolutionized this drug to suffer while primarily White, cisgender owners profit through their own dispensaries. But though this history is extremely disappointing, Post reminds guests, “There’s a lot of work that still needs to be done….anything you can do, whether it’s sharing a social media post, donating or taking action in your own community, [anything you can do] is really important.” Organizations like TLPP are fighting every single day to free folks imprisoned for cannabis and make it legal for all, a fight that the panelists remind everyone they can join right now. 

Cannabis has always been utilized not only to help queer folks but give them the wellness tools they need in the ongoing fight for liberation. It’s a usage that isn’t often discussed, but these panelists raise awareness of through their work. “We’re showing consumers that there’s a beautiful, conscious way to understand cannabis,” said Vanessa Oliver, whose company Cloud9 Studios works to inform people about the benefits of cannabis in a wellness-focused, educational way. Along with Luke Anderson, creator of the innovative cannabis company Cann, they emphasize that guests shouldn’t be defeated by the many ways cannabis criminalization is used against their communities. Rather, they should learn from cannabis pioneers like Dennis Peron and Brownie Mary — those who recognized the benefits of this drug and how it could help bring health equity to the communities that so often are denied this human right. 

The Loud and Proud panelists made it clear: the fight for queer liberation through cannabis is still alive and strong. Whether it be through nonprofits like The Last Prisoners Project or inclusive business models, these advocates work to free those in prisons and ensure there won’t be any others who face unjust policing due to cannabis.  “We’re building off of these stepping stones because we believe this is compassionate care,” clarified Oliver. She and the rest of the panel encourage everyone listening to spread this message, to get involved in the local politics that often determine cannabis laws, and help create a culture where people can benefit from its use safely. 

Rousing finale by S.I.A.T. / Photo: Culture Machine

And, most of all, whether it be through community events like Loud and Proud or other ways of community education, to learn about how marijuana usage has always been essential in the fight for queer rights. Because once people understand that, they’ll realize that by fighting to uplift queer Cannabis culture, they’ll be fighting to uplift the entire LGBTQ+ community today. 

A special thank you to the staff and event team at The Abbey for hosting us, our presenting sponsor, Emerald Village, and contributors TreeXLines and BEBOE.

As ICE raids intensify across Southern California and anti-immigrant sentiment resurfaces in Orange County, trans and immigrant communities are once again being targeted. These crackdowns go beyond enforcement—they’re designed to instill fear. At the same time, a coordinated right-wing smear campaign is attempting to discredit the very organizations working to keep these communities safe.

Last month, the TransLatin@ Coalition (TLC), a cornerstone in the fight for trans, queer, and immigrant rights in Los Angeles, was publicly named by members of Congress. But this was no recognition. It was a calculated attack.

“They’re calling us a radical organization,” said Bamby Salcedo, President and CEO of TLC. “They’re spreading lies, saying we’re using government funding to abolish ICE and the police and to provide abortion access. We do believe in those things—but the funding we receive is used to serve our people.”

Now, that funding is being stripped away.

In the face of state violence, political backlash, and economic sabotage, TLC is responding the way it always has: by organizing, celebrating, and building a better world. Because when our communities are under attack, we show up—stronger, louder, and more united than ever.

Salcedo, herself a proud trans Latina immigrant, has spent decades fighting for those living at the margins. “I always say I am an intersection walking,” she said with a smile. “Our organization is made up of the people most impacted—and we are the ones leading the work.”

In Los Angeles County, roughly one-third of residents are immigrants, the majority of whom are Latino. Unsurprisingly, trans Latinas represent the largest segment within the local trans community.

Yet even within immigrant justice spaces, trans people are often sidelined. “It’s a very hetero-centric space,” Salcedo said. “Most of the time, they don’t even consider the lives and experiences of trans and queer immigrants.”

The TransLatin@ Coalition is actively changing that. As a key member of a broad alliance of more than 100 immigrant-serving organizations across Los Angeles, including CHIRLA and the Filipino Workers Center, TLC helped secure over $160 million in American Rescue Plan funds for immigrant housing, internet access, and legal services.

They also co-created the groundbreaking TGIE (Transgender, Gender-Nonconforming, Intersex Empowerment) initiative, which allocates $7 million in Los Angeles County’s annual budget to support trans-led service providers. “We don’t just want symbolic policies,” said Salcedo. “We fight for resources. We analyze the budget. We make it real.”

Despite these victories, TLC is now confronting devastating federal cuts.

“Our work has been defunded,” Salcedo said bluntly. “Multiple programs are gone. And we’re not alone—trans-led organizations across the country, especially in the South, are facing the same.”

She pointed to a broader backlash against anything associated with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). “The private sector is pulling back. Philanthropy is scared. Even the same corporations that fund us during Pride are investing in our opposition the rest of the year. It’s hypocrisy.”

Rather than retreat, the TransLatin@ Coalition is calling for bold, collective action.

“Now’s the time for people to step up,” said Salcedo. “We have the strategy. We’re doing the work. But we need resources—and we need real solidarity, not just statements.”

To respond to the crisis and raise urgently needed funds, TLC is organizing its Walk for Humanity on Saturday, August 24. The event will begin at 9 a.m. in Silver Lake and march to Sunset and Western, featuring live performances, a resource fair, and a unified call for justice.

And yes—it will be joyful.

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“This is a call for all people to stand in solidarity with one another,” said Salcedo. “We want to bring together 1,000 people, each raising $1,000. It’s going to be a beautiful day of community and resistance.”

In a surprise announcement, Salcedo also revealed she will debut her first single—a cumbia track inspired by the movement. “It’s about movement in both senses: our political movement, and moving our bodies,” she laughed. “We can’t let them take away our joy. Joy is how we survive.”

When asked what more local leaders can do, Salcedo didn’t hesitate. “Elected officials are public servants. That means serving all people,” she said. “We may be a small population, but we are deeply impacted—and we contribute so much to this city.”

She pointed to data from LA’s most recent homelessness count, which identified over 2,000 trans and gender-expansive people experiencing homelessness. That number exists thanks in large part to years of advocacy demanding the city count and name trans lives. “We have the data now. There’s no excuse not to invest in our people.”

She also uplifted allies like LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and newly appointed City Councilmember Isabel Urado, the first openly LGBTQ+ person to hold her seat. “They’ve seen our work and are fighting to invest in it,” Salcedo said. “We’re hopeful we’ll see another $10 million in city funding. But we need the community behind us.”

At the end of our conversation, I asked Salcedo what she would say to undocumented, queer, and trans Angelenos who are feeling afraid right now.

Her answer was clear, powerful, and full of love:

“You are a divine creation. You deserve to exist in this world. Walk your path with dignity, love, and respect—for yourself and for others. You belong. You are part of me. You are part of us.”

If standing with trans immigrants, resisting federal rollbacks, and dancing in the streets sounds like your kind of solidarity, join the TransLatin@ Coalition on August 24. Because when we show up together, we protect each other. And when we dance together—we win.

Watch the full interview with Bamby Salcedo:

President Donald Trump is making good on his threat to punish California officials for allowing transgender female student-athletes to compete with cisgender girls in school sports. 

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it is suing the state’s Department of Education, claiming California’s policy to allow trans students to compete with other girls violates Title IX, the federal law that bans discrimination in education based on sex. The DOJ’s suit says California’s rules “are not only illegal and unfair but also demeaning, signaling to girls that their opportunities and achievements are secondary to accommodating boys.”

As the Washington Blade reported in June, this lawsuit follows a warning by the Trump administration to end the trans participation policy within 10 days or face referral to the DOJ as well as the loss of federal education funding.

And California may merely be the first to face legal action, according to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who warned that the 21 other states which permit trans girls to compete in female athletics could also face challenges by the federal government.

“If you do not comply, you’re next,” she said in a video posted on the DOJ website. “We will protect girls in girls sports.” Bondi was joined by Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. 

The DOJ suit named California’s Education Department and the California Interscholastic Federation, the governing body for high school sports. A spokesperson for the CIF told the Associated Press the organization would not comment on pending litigation.

A spokesperson for Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom deferred to the CIF and the Department of Education in declining to comment on the lawsuit since the governor was not named a defendant. But Newsom’s office told the AP that the Trump administration’s attacks on its policies protecting transgender athletes are “a cynical attempt” to distract from the federal government’s withholding of funds for all students who benefit from after-school and summer programs.

Newsom, however, has come under criticism — most notably by the Human Rights Campaign — for remarks he made in March, that allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports was “deeply unfair,” as the Blade reported. 

For more than a decade, California law has allowed students to participate in sex-segregated school programs, including on sports teams, and use bathrooms and other facilities that align with their gender identity.

But headlines about AB Hernandez, an out trans female high school student-athlete who won titles in the California track-and-field championships last month, drew condemnations from Assistant U.S. Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, and President Trump himself. 

Following the meet, Dhillon wrote in a letter to the California Interscholastic Federation that it violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution by allowing trans girls to compete against other female athletes.

As for the lawsuit, DOJ claims California’s policies “ignore undeniable biological differences between boys and girls, in favor of an amorphous ’gender identity.’”

“The results of these illegal policies are stark: girls are displaced from podiums, denied awards, and miss out on critical visibility for college scholarships and recognition,” the suit says.

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear two cases challenging state bans on trans student-athletes, as the Blade reported. More than 20 states have limited trans girls from participating on girls sports teams, barred gender-affirming surgeries for minors and required parents to be notified if a child changes their pronouns at school. More than two dozen states have laws barring trans women and girls from participating in certain sports competitions. Challenges to some of those policies are still being decided by courts across the country. 

Back in February, the president signed an executive order that bans trans girls and women from participating in sports that match their gender identity, as the Blade reported.

Supporters of banning trans girls and women from competing include the conservative California Family Council, which has posted a petition online, arguing a ban would restore fairness in athletic competitions. Opponents like Equality California say bans are an attack on transgender youth.

“Local schools and athletic associations are the ones who should be handling these issues, and they are already creating policies that protect transgender youth and ensure a level playing field for all students. A federal ban that overrides those rules could require young girls to answer inappropriate personal questions or even be subjected to genital inspections by strangers if they want to participate in sports,” the organization said in a statement in February.

“The head of the NCAA, himself a former Republican Governor, recently told a U.S. Senate panel that he knew of less than 10 out transgender athletes among the 510,000 currently competing in college sports—less than .002 percent of all NCAA athletes.

“Studies confirm that participation in sports provides kids with invaluable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, and cooperation—fundamental lessons that every young person deserves the chance to experience. Beyond the field, sports also contribute significantly to students’ overall well-being, fostering better mental health, boosting academic performance, and enhancing self-esteem and confidence.”

Thorgy Thor is reimagining what a symphony concert can be – queerer, louder, and way more fabulous. Classical music has always been a little gay; Thor is just making it official.

This July 10th, the Hollywood Bowl will be shaking things up with something a lot more fabulous than their usual line-up: Classical Pride, a star-studded celebration of queer excellence in classical music. Conducted by Oliver Zeffman, the program fuses Bernstein and Tchaikovsky with the glittering premiere of Pride Songs, reminding audiences that even the most straight-laced and serious-faced composers had secrets, some of which wore capes and wrote love letters to their (clears throat) roommates.

Enter Thorgy Thor, violinist, drag icon, and reigning monarch of orchestral mischief. Known from RuPaul’s Drag Race and her genre-busting “Thorchestra” shows, Thor is not only crashing the classical music party but redecorating it as she does. Armed with a Juilliard-level command of the violin and a wardrobe that would make Marie Antoinette feel modest, Thor’s been turning symphony stages into something that looks a lot like Studio 54 with better acoustics.

Ahead of her Hollywood Bowl debut, our publisher Alexander Rodriguez caught up with Thor to talk about shattering stereotypes, confusing classical purists, and why drag queens might just be the saviors of a dwindling symphony scene. Spoiler: there will be feathers, fan clacks, and at least one moment of unexpected depth. Because when Thor shows up with a violin and a vengeance, everyone listens, whether they planned to or not.

Some people associate Pride with dance and club music—but not classical. Why do you think that is, and why is it important to change that?

There’s a lot to unpack there. First off, I’m one of those people who definitely associates Pride with music – club music, dancing, parades, rainbow colors, joy. But not many people think of classical music in that context. I’ve been a classical player my whole life, and I’ve also marched in Pride parades. I celebrate both.

The truth is, a lot of people just don’t have access to the history of queerness in classical music. But it’s there. Some of the most prolific composers and conductors – Copland, Tchaikovsky, Bernstein – were gay. Back in the day, let’s be honest, probably everyone was a little bit queer. And since they’re not here to argue it, we get to speculate.

Classical Pride shows are important because they start to bridge that gap. It’s about giving people – especially younger folks – access to stories and voices that have always been part of this tradition but were hidden or unspoken.

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How did growing into your identity affect your relationship with music and performance?

I was always immersed in music. My parents supported me with lessons, and I played in orchestras all through school – concertmaster, regional competitions, all that. I was always in the front. But something felt incomplete.

Coming into my queerness, I realized sitting quietly in an orchestra just wasn’t enough. My mind always imagined more – characters, colors, lights, theatrics. I’d be playing Tchaikovsky and thinking, “What if there was a drag artist miming with fans right now?” I needed more than just the music; I needed performance, spectacle, fun.

So I started pushing the dress code. I once showed up in a tux with the pants cut into shorts and bright magenta socks – and the orchestra was not into it. I’d say, “Why do men have to wear stiff bow ties when women get to wear flowy chiffon?” I wanted to challenge tradition, even if it meant getting in trouble. And I often did. But I realized that standing out was inevitable – so I decided to embrace it.

Now, funny enough, Thom Browne and Tom Ford are putting out tuxedos with shorts and high socks. I was just ahead of the trend. You’re welcome.

Why do you think celebrating classical music is important to the queer community right now?

Honestly, orchestras are struggling. Some are shutting down. Audiences are aging. There’s a perception that classical music is stuffy or boring, but it’s not. It’s powerful. It’s emotional. It moves people.

When I perform my “4G” show with symphonies, I always have to win over the orchestra first – they’re incredibly disciplined and talented, but also very skeptical. They’re like, “We just played with Hilary Hahn and Renée Fleming… now who’s this?” But then the show starts, and they see how serious I am about the music and the drag. And afterward, they often say, “That was the most fun I’ve had in 15 years.”

I ask the audience, “Who’s here because of RuPaul’s Drag Race?” Half cheer. Then I ask, “Who’s here because they have season tickets and don’t know who I am?” The other half cheers. That’s the goal: to bring these two very different groups together, laughing and feeling something powerful – together.

What’s your approach to blending these two audiences, drag fans and classical music fans, in one space?

I break the fourth wall. I talk to the audience. I do the first-ever live symphonic walk-off competitions – with Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, feather boas, and fans. I ask, “Who’s 65 and wants to werk?” I get kids up there. I give people drag names. It’s fun, inclusive, and unexpected.

A lot of classical audiences aren’t used to being asked to breathe, let alone unwrap a lozenge. So I set the tone from the top: “Relax, this isn’t that kind of concert.” It creates a space where different generations and communities can laugh together. That’s what I’m proudest of.

Has the current political climate affected your work?

Definitely. Just last month, I was scheduled to perform with the International Pride Orchestra at the Kennedy Center. Then, suddenly, we got dropped – after our president publicly tweeted that he didn’t want any “gay shows” at the Kennedy Center. He threatened to fine them something like $400,000.

Now, he doesn’t run the Kennedy Center, but the pressure worked. They canceled us. It was heartbreaking. Did I respect the decision? Not really. But I understood – they had a whole season to think about. Still, it hurt.

The good news? We moved the show to the Strathmore Theater, and it was incredible. Sold out. The audience showed up, loud and proud. The press was global – Germany, Italy, everywhere. That was beautiful and sad at the same time. That this is what’s making international news. But the show was triumphant.

Tell us about your new show, “Music and Fashion.”

It’s a wild ride – from Bach to Beyoncé. It’s funny, visual, historical, and super interactive. I do about 15 costume changes, some on stage, some on video. We start with a caveperson banging sticks and move through every decade – 1920s, Beatles, Taylor Swift, you name it.

It’s about moments where music and fashion collided and changed everything. From Marie Antoinette to Madonna, and how that relationship evolved. It’s smart, it’s campy, and I’m incredibly proud of it.

What can we expect from your appearance at the Hollywood Bowl’s Classical Pride show?

I’m one part of a bigger lineup that includes Anthony Roth Costanzo, Jamie Barton, Pumeza Matshikiza – some amazing talent. I’ll be performing a cheeky and sexy tango on violin by Jacob Gade, with a little twist in the middle.

I’ll also be doing a live on-stage interview with conductor Oliver Zeffman. Usually conductors show up, wave the baton, and vanish. But I want people to know who’s up there. I warned Oliver I’ll be asking him some left-field questions—and I’m not telling him what they are. It’s going to be fun, a little uncomfortable, and very entertaining.

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What does the future look like for queer artists in the arts under this administration?

I’m going to keep doing what I do – being visible, being joyful, and doing it all with color, humor, and discipline. Just existing in this space is an act of rebellion. I don’t need to be political in every show. The work speaks for itself.

Queerness has always been in classical music. I think hundreds of years ago, people were more open than they are now. Today, it’s wild how threatened people get by others simply being happy. I don’t know what’s coming in the next ten years, but I’ll be here, still playing, still dressing up, still making people laugh.

What’s your message to the community this Pride season?

Dare to be different. I get kids coming up to me saying they never thought they could love classical music and be queer at the same time. But they can. You can love two seemingly unrelated things – and do them both fully.

Usually the people who are “too weird” or “too different” are the ones who change the world. And eventually, everyone copies them anyway.

Catch Classical Pride at The Hollywood Bowl Thursday, July 10th at 8 pm. Tickets here.

As a matchmaker who’s supported thousands of gay, bi, queer and trans people nationwide, I can say with confidence that this city is full of options, but few are looking for something serious.

The swiping culture and the constant search for “the next best thing,” paired with the fast-paced, image-focused energy of L.A. can make finding a genuine, grounded connection feel nearly impossible. 

That being said, for those of us who are ready for committed relationships, there’s loads of opportunity. Let me share a few tips on how to best capture the love you’re looking for.

Everyone says they want love, but are they ready for it?

Saying you want a relationship and being ready for one are two very different things. A lot of people in our community don’t get to date openly when they are younger. Many of my clients—typically between 30 and 60—came out later in life. They didn’t get to be queer teenagers or young adults in love. So now, in places like West Hollywood, they’re finally living out that chapter.

What that means is that a lot of emotional maturity happens “later”. Some are still exploring, experimenting and trying to figure themselves out and what they seek in a life partner. And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this path, it does make it harder for those who are ready to settle down to find someone on the same page. What to do? Be crystal clear on dates and on dating apps. If your intention is long-term commitment, be upfront. If you’d like to date and see what’s out there, share that. As a matchmaker, I deeply believe this there’s someone out there for everyone.

The Culture of Constant Options

Los Angeles is a city of abundance and in the dating world, that’s not always such a good thing. With endless apps, parties and pretty faces, there’s always the temptation to keep looking, keep swiping, keep chasing. I hear it all the time: “he was great, but what if there’s someone even better?” That mindset sabotages so many real connections before they even have the chance to grow.

How to overcome this?

Get intentional. Ask friends to set you up. Tell people at work that you’re ready to settle down. Edit your app profile to say you’re looking for commitment. Weed out the men who aren’t aligned with what you ultimately want. 

The rise of speed dating and matchmaking

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, interest in speed dating events have surged. People are craving real-life, organic connections again, but they’re burned out by dating apps due to ghosting, fake profiles and endless small talk that goes seemingly nowhere.

For men in their  50s, 60s, and 70s, online dating can feel downright hopeless. Many have been catfished, misled, or targeted by people who just want financial support and it’s heartbreaking. These men want something real—a partner, a teammate, a best friend. Speed dating and matchmaking services typically single out (pun intended) those ready for a relationship. Be sure to consider getting offline and meeting someone through these methods.  

Dating in LA is not hopeless—it’s just complicated. But with the right mindset and sometimes the right support, real love is possible. 

Daniel Cooley, LGBTQ+ Matchmaker & Co-owner of Best Man Matchmaking – California’s premier service for queer and trans men seeking emotional connections. Learn more here.

Ask Daniel below!

Do not let anyone bait you into a “both sides” argument on this topic. Trans people can confirm that we no longer live in a country where freedom of expression exists in the first place, so the point in and of itself is moot. Don’t waste your energy.  

But especially don’t be shamed by those who imagine themselves to be more enlightened than you as they make the tired false equivalence that MAGA is just another political ideology that deserves the same freedom of expression as liberal points of view. 

The owners of the Badlands Bar are keeping their patrons safe from terrorism. Yes, MAGA is a terrorist threat to the LGBTQ community. Oxford’s definition of terrorism is “the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.” 

It’s too long a list for this article, so here’s a link to a running tally of the government’s actions against the LGBTQ community since Jan. 20.

It started, on Trump’s first day as president, with trans people being forcibly stripped of their very identity — and with it, all protections — under the law. This trend has continued, ominous drip after ominous drip of frequently illegal Executive Orders that dehumanize, disenfranchise and dismantle the basic rights and dignities of trans and queer Americans. If you’re following the Project 2025 playbook, as the federal government is, you’ll notice that ending marriage equality is quickly coming up on MAGAs To Do list. 

All of that—the bullying, the emotional and psychological abuse, the stripping of rights, the (eventual, inevitable) tearing apart of families—is violence, by definition. The anxiety you feel every day as an LGBTQ American? That’s intimidation. And that is why living under MAGA as an LGBTQ person means living in a terrorist state.

Perhaps the idea that MAGA perpetrates outright terrorism seems dramatic, especially for those who remember 9/11 and maybe we don’t need to add more drama to this historical moment.

Then let’s consider the terrorism of words and ideas. 

Stochastic terrorism, is a particularly nasty form of political expression, where those with cultural power spout hostile rhetoric about a group, creating a culture of hate that inevitably — but not directly — results in violence. When we talk about haters becoming emboldened by Trump’s rhetoric, this is the dangerous potential that absolutely does become reality.

The insidious part of stochastic terrorism is that there’s plausible deniability on the part of the instigators. Truly, who do we blame for the murder of Lauri Carleton in Lake Arrowhead, CA?

Do we blame the individual who shot her after he screamed epithets about the Pride flag she flew in front of her store? Or do we blame the talking heads and podcast hosts who were then spending untold airtime equating LGBTQ people with pedophilia and grooming? Or do we blame the governors who sought to ban the flying of Pride flags in public, for turning them — and all of us who fly them — into high-profile lightning rods for hate? Who should be charged in a court of law for this hateful crime?

If any comparison to terrorism still seems too far-fetched to you, even for MAGA, then let’s consider the term “gang.” 

Flip all the racist rhetoric you’ve passively absorbed about the kinds of people most likely to be in a gang, and consider Donald Trump, the current Republican Party, and MAGAs specifically as you read the following definitions of what a gang is.

According to the Department of Justice:

• Gangs adopt a group identity in order to create an atmosphere of fear or intimidation.  
• Gangs are typically organized upon racial, ethnic, or political lines and employ common names, slogans, symbols, hand signs, or style of clothing.
• The gang’s primary purpose is to engage in the use of violence or intimidation to enhance or preserve its power, reputation, or economic resources.  

If we hold MAGA to the DOJ’s gang standards it so easily fits into, perhaps we can more easily hold that most businesses explicitly bar gang symbols from their premises, often as an easily-enforcible safety measure, and consider the Badlands Bar owners’ actions in that context.

But if you’re still suspicious of any of this rhetoric, then all that’s left is to consider the reality of MAGAs actions, which owners of LGBTQ bars around the country experience on a regular basis.

On Feb. 22 at Scorpio, in Charlotte, NC: an exception made to a “no political affiliations of any kind” dress code, devolved into the individual making transphobic remarks at the entertainers during the drag show. He refused to leave when asked and became aggressive toward security, resulting in police intervention.

On March 14 at the Chatterbox Jazz Lounge in Indiana, MAGA hat-wearing patrons aggressively misgendered and harassed a bartender and were ejected. The video of the altercation went viral; the owner reports his bar has since received several threats of arson and bodily harm.

Four days after the video of that incident went viral, the Chatterbox Tavern in Tennessee received threatening emails and phone calls.

These incidents were flashpoints that reported, often by MAGAs claiming victimhood. Untold incidents go unreported due to intimidation or uninvestigated due to bias. According to GLAAD’s 2022-24 ALERT Desk Report, over 1,850 anti-LGBTQ incidents were reported across all 50 U.S. states. That’s more than 600 acts of vandalism, bomb and mass shooting threats, assaults, and cases of arson per year — nearly two per day. These incidents have resulted in at least 161 injuries and 21 deaths. The perpetrators — when apprehended or known — wore MAGA gear, screamed MAGA slogans, had shared MAGA rhetoric online, or were members of MAGA-associated groups like the Proud Boys, Q-Anon, Three Percenters, Libs of TikTok and Moms for Liberty. 

If after all of this — and the rest yet to come — you still believe that MAGA simply represents an opinion about a stance on taxes, individual liberties and the size of government, then this author will be the bigger person and acknowledge your identity as part of America’s inherent Diversity, wholeheartedly Include you as an Equal in this vast multiplicity to which we belong called America.

And then ask you, if it’s all directly equivalent: when will MAGA do the same for LGBTQ people? 

Of course you are free to wear your red hat and shirt wherever you please — your gang runs this place, after all. You’ll even be pardoned for violence you commit, like the Jan. 6 terrorists and your poster boy Kyle Rittenhouse. Don’t fret.

But don’t expect us not to protect our own just because we’re a bunch of queers. 

The author of this Op-Ed wishes to remain anonymous for safety reasons, given the nature of the issues discussed. Citations are linked to GLAAD’s expert resources, but this Op-Ed was not written by anyone affiliated with the organization.

Last weekend Los Angeles Blade was on the scene and one of the guest judges alongside Los Angeles personalities from the adult and nightlife world including Meatball, Dean Michaelz, Adam Keith, Mr. Sister Leather 2024, Colin MacDougall and Mr. Precinct Leather 2024 to crown the first ever Mr. BarBareians at Precinct DTLA.

The Mr. BarBareians is a nod to the male beauty pageant, just a bit edgier and dare we say, sexier? Four contestants competed against each other in a series of categories that included talent, walk, pose, looks and Q&A.

The pageant’s debut contestants consisted of popular nightlife dancers Judas King, Han Cross, Ace Newbury, and De Hanno. The evening was emceed by Leatherman Moshiel. Playing on the barbarian theme, Precinct’s staff and a number of the patrons were dressed accordingly, adding some skin and muscle to the evening.

The show was well-produced and the contestants certainly gave it their all. There was not a weak contestant among them and the scoring was very tight. As our bold emcee remarked, these contestants are more known for their bodies than for their prose, so a few faltered during the Q&A.

As a fun bonus, illustrator and performance artist Jonathan Kidder was on hand, doing his famous quick sketches. Miraculously, he is able to capture the essence of a person in a matter of a few strokes of the pen. He was able to do a portrait of the entire cast in 60 seconds.

Work by Illustrator JW Kidder

LA-based veteran nightlife photographer Dusti Cunningham was feeling the spirits as he roamed around and captured the evening in his signature style, catching the crowd and the cast in their finest and sexiest.

After a short tally of the scores, De Hanno was crowned Mr. BarBareians 2025.

His winning personality and consistent talent across the categories, together with his winning assets, set him apart from his fellow contestants. In the end, everyone was a winner because the cast clearly had a good time and supported each other during the show.

De Hanno named Mr. BarBareian 2025 / Photo by LA Blade

Precinct couldn’t have been a better venue to hold the event. Not only does it have ample space to accommodate the large crowd, but it has a great staff, stiff drinks, and stellar stage and lighting. We also love the sense of community here. Everyone is welcome under the club’s roof. Gay, straight, queer, trans, bears, twinks, leather lovers, and everything else under the sun. No one feels like an outcast or a stranger and it has become the ultimate safe space for the queer community in Los Angeles. This is how we should be congregating in fellowship, especially during these trying times. Precinct offers a great atmosphere for those who are looking to expand their experience past the Weho crowd (not that there is anything wrong with Weho, we are there all the time as well).

Mr. BarBareians and the BarBareians parties are produced by Hump Events, also responsible for Los Angeles’ Turbo for the dance crowd, Hump night celebrating the Middle Eastern community, and Steam for the cruisers. Like Precinct, they believe in representing the community and everyone is welcome.

Hats off to the first Mr. BarBareians, we will be waiting with our scorecard for next year!

Actor Dyllón Burnside made an impressionable splash by playing Ricky Evangelista in FX’s Pose. Not only was he able to infuse sincerity and pathos into his role, but he has used his platform to speak against toxic masculinity, advocate for LGBTQ safe spaces and inspire activism.

Recently, he has partnered with BET+ for the film Fighting To Be Me, playing perhaps his most ambitious role to date. Dyllón plays Dwen Curry in a new biopic where he plays a celebrity stylist known for working with big names like Missy Elliott, DMX, Mariah Carey and more.

Leading a double life in many ways, Dwen also spearheaded a multi-million dollar fraud ring that came to be known as The Gay Gangsters. The film is part true crime, part Hollywood glam and all LGBTQ+ storytelling. The film is about family, identity, survival and self-acceptance as Dwen transitions from a gay man, to a proud transgender woman.

The film comes at a crucial time, where the nation is experiencing cutbacks in DEI initiatives that are affecting both the Black and the queer community. Fighting To Be Me is the latest in BET+’s efforts to highlight stories from the queer community.

Representing both the Black and queer communities in this film, it was essential for Dyllón to portray Dwen in a way that was both truthful and sincere.

We chatted with Dyllón ahead of the film’s premiere about his experience.

“It’s unlike any other project that I’ve been a part of. I have my processes and the things that I do as an actor to prepare that are my baseline. It’s rooted in my background in the theater and the things that I learned from my teachers in drama school and the different directors that I’ve worked with.”

But this process, while those things definitely helped Dyllón, there was so much of that, that Dyllón couldn’t pull from. He says he had to really stretch himself to immerse himself in Dwen’s story and world.

“I had a lot of conversations with her. It required me to be more curious than I think I’ve ever been in a role. I’m a seeker in that way, and I think that’s what I really love about working as an actor is really that process of discovery and getting curious and finding connections and doing the research. I love that kind of stuff.”

Dyllón was not familiar with Dwen’s story at first. After reading the script, he was compelled to tell her story, but it was imperative that he received the blessing from Dwen herself.

“I needed to have a conversation with her to make sure that she wanted me to play her. I wanted to be clear that this person, this trans person wants me to play them and they feel like I am the right person to portray them in this story. We had a beautiful conversation and it was that talk, just getting to look her in her eyes and understand her heart that made me decide I want to be a part of this project.”

Fighting To Be Me comes at a time when the nation is divided. Dyllón’s involvement as both the star and as one of the film’s executive producers is a testament to his belief that now is the time for this story to be shared.

“When we look at the times that we’re living in, when trans people are being attacked daily by the current administration, it is really troubling. The dehumanization of trans folks has gotten out of hand. I think we need to all have the opportunity to sit with the fact that my lived reality is not the same as someone else’s reality, but that doesn’t make their lived reality any less human or any less important or any less true.”

“I think that one of the beautiful things about this story is that it’s unlike any other story that I’ve ever heard or told. Yes, there’s the trans element, but it’s a full life story. It’s important to talk about trans issues as a means of advocacy. I’m also really interested in talking about Dwen Curry as a human being. What are the circumstances that conspired to create the situations that forced Dwen Curry to make the decisions that Dwen Curry made? We’re talking about the socioeconomic climate of the eighties. We’re talking about the politics of the eighties. We’re talking about HIV and AIDS. We’re talking about the stigma around being queer. We’re talking about poverty. All of these issues conspire to create a situation where the wind has to make certain decisions in order to survive and thrive.”

According to Dyllón, the story directly relates to what is happening right now. He elaborates:

“So many of us find ourselves in that position right now where there are all of these different systems and institutions that seem to be closing in around us and putting us between a rock and a hard place. We have to figure out how to stay true to ourselves. How do we protect ourselves? How do we eat? How do we stay safe from the cops shooting us down in the streets or from some person who hates us because of the color of our skin, or our gender or sexual identity? All of these things create a situation for people that drives them to make really hard decisions. And I think I’m more critical of those systems than I am the individual who is forced to exist in those systems.”

BET+’s inclusion of queer stories is a milestone. Typically, minority programming was resistant to talking about queer people. As part of that representation with Pose and now with this film, Dyllón has his take on the growing trend of inclusion.

“I may not say that minorities don’t celebrate folks, but I will say that historically we’ve seen that the media companies across the board have not supported stories. I think folks see we’re able to recognize the cultural impact as well as the fiscal benefits of telling more inclusive and expansive stories about who we are, who we get to be. I hope that continues. I hope we continue to see that in spite of all of the efforts to roll back DEI, and that media companies will stand firm in their commitment and desire to tell stories, real authentic stories about real authentic people.”

Totally giving himself over to the portrayal of Dwen on her journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Dyllón has started to look at his own relationship with identity and being true to himself. It is the message he has for himself, it is the message he has to his fans.

“One of the things that I’m really striving for in my life is integration, this idea that I don’t have to be a separate human being with my family that I am with my friends, that I am at work on set, that I am on stage, performing my music, that I am in the recording studio, that I am when I give a speech somewhere as the advocate in a political space. I don’t have to compartmentalize myself in those ways and I get to bring all of myself to every space that I’m in, even if that means I’m overwhelmed,  or I’m tired, or I’m stressed, or I’m afraid.

The conversation that I’m having with myself in this moment, and by extension having with my audience, is this message around integration. And standing firmly 10 toes down in the truth of who I am and allowing that to be messy and allowing that to be uncertain and weird and to be unapologetic about the messiness and the weirdness and the lack of clarity.

Just show up as your full self wherever you find yourself and trust that your spirit will lead you and guide you in the way that you should go. Unplug from social media and get outside.”

Fighting to Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story is now available on BET+