Leading By Example

Tom Swan: Riding to End AIDS

Michelle McCarthy — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

When Tom Swan decided to participate in the AIDS/LifeCycle Ride to End AIDS—a seven-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles that benefits the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center—he hadn’t been on a bike since the eighth grade. A recovering drug addict who was diagnosed with AIDS seven years ago, Tom sees the fundraiser as a way of giving back to the community that helped him through his darkest days.

Why did you decide to take part in the AIDS/LifeCycle this year?
I lived in fear of my sexuality for a long time, and it caused me a lot of problems. I really regret that I didn’t have the courage other people had to be honest about who I was. All the people who did have the courage paved the way so that it’s easier to be a gay person in our world.

I am really lucky I didn’t die from the disease, and there’s been great treatments for me. I’ve been on the same medicine since day one and haven't really had a sick day since. I’ve had all the medical, emotional and psychological help I’ve needed to manage it and have a healthy, fulfilling life. But I certainly know people who get that through the two organizations this ride benefits. I have made it a mission to raise as much money as possible and expand awareness of what this is all about.

The L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation are social service and advocacy organizations that improve the health and wellness of the entire community. I’m trying to give back, because other people are my role models. Without them, I don’t know where I would be.

How did you train?
I made the decision to do LifeCycle around Christmas last year. I bought the bike in January and got on it for the first time in late February. I’ve been training every weekend and cross-training during the week with my trainer. I did 40 miles the first time, 50 miles the second time, 60 miles and then 80 miles. I just completed my first century ride [100 miles] on Saturday. I’m still a little tired from it, so I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like to wake up and do it again, and wake up and do it again, and wake up and do it again.

How often do you ride?
I’ve only been able to ride once a week on the weekends. I did the Santa Barbara ride, the Palos Verdes ride, and since the second ride, I haven’t fallen off. [Laughs] So that’s progress. I’d been a runner and kept myself in pretty good shape, so it’s more about getting used to the bike and the shifting of the gears. The next two or three weeks are going to be critical, because I’m going to have to do some long rides back-to-back.

You’ve raised $125,000 so far by yourself. How did you do it?
I’m hoping to raise $150,000. A lot of people use social media. I don’t have much luck that way, so I have gone person by person. I started with everybody in my phone book. Then I went through my old Yahoo books. Then I got old lists for people from college. A lot of the people who have given to me I haven’t spoken to in 20 years, and they had no idea I was gay, much less that I was HIV positive. I’m very fortunate. I’ve had people who I haven’t seen in 20 years sending in $1,000 or $2,500.

What do you hope to gain through this experience?
The biggest decision I had to make was whether I wanted to be honest about my HIV status. I knew the way I could have the maximum effect was to be truthful. That became a very healing thing, because I no longer have any secrets from anybody. I lived in fear of being rejected by these people because of my sexuality, and instead they’re embracing me because of my courage. Most of the people who are supporting my ride are not gay. I’ve healed, so I’ve already gotten back more than I can give.

The AIDS/LifeCycle takes place June 2-8. For more information, go to aidslifecycle.org.

Boe Trumbull

Michelle McCarthy — Fri, 10 May 2013 23:38:00 GMT

In his late 20s, Boe Trumbull was living in his car. Working three restaurant jobs but still homeless, he would use a hose in the back of one of the restaurants to shower before anyone arrived in the morning. Saying Boe turned his life around would be a bit of an understatement. He is now Vice President of the SBE Entertainment Group, a thriving hospitality, real estate and entertainment company. But Boe will never forget his meager beginnings, and he is devoted to helping others in need through his work with organizations such as Life Group L.A., APLA, GLAAD, LAGALC and The Trevor Project.

How do you choose the organizations you work with?
I try to focus my efforts on the grassroots organizations that are smaller and maybe don’t have the fanfare and spotlight the bigger ones do. Two years ago, I toured an elementary school in Hollywood and I saw these little kids sitting on damp concrete floors. They had no money, so they couldn't put carpet down. I put together a team and we sponsored carpeting all the classrooms. Then we got a whole bunch of books and read books to the kids. It made the kids feel special, because they were all from underprivileged families with six or seven kids living in a one-bedroom apartment. It was good for them to see that someone cares. Sometimes it’s small stuff, and other times it’s with something like Life Group L.A. They don’t get a lot of attention, but they’re not completely obscure. They do great work and help people in need.

What impact does SBE have on your philanthropic work?
I met Sam Nazarian, who had a fantastic vision to create a new kind of company that would change the way people think about hospitality. I have great influence over major corporations, because they want to do business with us, and I’m the gatekeeper. I’ve developed a rapport with them and many times I get them involved. Sometimes it’s just the individuals I work with, sometimes it’s the company. My team raised almost $30,000 last year for Life Group L.A.’s “Saddle Up L.A. Ride.”

Where did your charitable spirit come from?
I think I’ve always had a bit of it. I came from a large family that didn’t have a lot. Most of my Christmas gifts were hand-me-downs from my older brother. One year, we were so bad off that we all found stuff and made each other Christmas gifts. With the good or bad decisions I’ve made along the way, I had to make my way. By no means are all of us perfect. I look at it as we’re all diamonds with slight flaws—you only see them if you look really closely. It’s not what we have or what we’ve accumulated but what we do with it. And it makes us into who we are.

How did it feel to receive The Life Group L.A.’s 2011 Angels in L.A. Humanitarian Award?
It’s extremely humbling. I do this to set the path to help others so that I know when my day comes, I have done everything I can to repay the kindness of others, to make up for the cruelty of others and do whatever I could. I don’t believe I deserve to have that award, because it was done on the back of so many people who helped me accomplish it.

You’re an extremely busy person, but you find time to give back. What advice would you give to people who say their schedules are too hectic?
Do what you can, when you can, in whatever form it is. If you feel your life is so busy you can’t do something, then pick up some old shirts you don’t need and drop them by The Center. I wanted to do the AIDS Ride for years, but I just can’t get away. Maybe someday I will. But in the meantime, I help others. Sometimes it’s a $10 donation, sometimes it’s $1,000. People say, “I don’t have time to work out.” Driving 15 minutes to the gym, working out for 15 minutes and driving 15 minutes back home is better than doing nothing at all. It’s the same thing. I believe one person can make a difference, and you have the chance to change people’s lives. If notoriety and acknowledgement are what you’re after, then it’s probably the wrong thing to do.

Leading by Example: Class of 2013

Brenden Shucart — Fri, 10 May 2013 23:42:00 GMT

Since it was founded over 30 years ago, Frontiers magazine has always strived to tell stories of the LGBT community in all its facets. From chronicling our victories and defeats in the political arena to cataloging the latest developments in queer culture, nightlife and entertainment, Frontiers is committed to telling LGBT stories from a distinctly LGBT point of view.

But more than just reporting on our community, Frontiers has always helped to build that community and has acted as a platform that unites us and all our diversities. To that end, Frontiers launched its “Leading by Example” column in 2012 to put a spotlight on those whose efforts within our community are inspirational and deserving of our recognition.

The 26 individuals and businesses listed below comprise our first class of honorees, each one a hero in his or her own right.

How do you lead by example?

David Bohnett is the founder of dot-com darling GeoCities, and he sits on the boards of several corporations. But David holds that his greatest achievement is philanthropy through his nonprofit, the David Bohnett Foundation, which is “committed to improving society through social activism,” focusing primarily on the LGBT community, the arts, animal welfare and improving the civic and cultural life of Los Angeles.

Bert Champagne began volunteering with AIDS Project Los Angeles after losing many friends and loved ones to AIDS, and discovering that he was HIV-positive himself. He began lending his time to AIDS Walk L.A., where he has served as supervisor of office management and community coalition specialist for the last 15 years.

The late Bob Craig was a businessman and activist who had a profound impact on the LGBT community of Southern California. In addition to once being the owner of Frontiers magazine, he also co-founded what is now the Los Angeles Business Alliance and was integral to the incorporation of West Hollywood.

Rick Davis, the Western Regional Director of Lambda Legal, oversees operations in 11 Western states. He comes from a proud tradition of fighting for civil liberties and has helped to lead the campaign against so called “reparative therapies.”

Oscar De La O is the president and CEO of Bienestar, a nonprofit community-based organization for Latinos in Southern California. He is a longtime grassroots activist who has spent the last 30 years fighting HIV and building stronger communities.

Jeffrey Drew moved to Hollywood at 17 with big dreams, but he fell into all the wrong traps—crystal meth, drinking and prostitution—and at 23 was diagnosed as HIV-positive. But he found sobriety and is now a celebrated musical theater dancer and the choreographer for Aid for AIDS’ annual Best in Drag Show.

Heifer International was founded in 1944 during the Spanish-American War to end hunger in developing countries. The nonprofit works to give animals—cows, pigs, ducks, goats, sheep, water buffalo, etc.—to villagers in over 50 countries around the world.

In addition to his job as an account manager at Cord Media, Kerry Hendrix also serves as executive director of the Desert Business Association—the Coachella Valley’s LGBT chamber of commerce—and volunteers with numerous nonprofits, including the AIDS Assistance Program, Desert AIDS Project, Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and Picture Me Happy.

L.A. City Council candidate for District 9, Sherita J. Herring, believes in empowering and helping people to meet their potential. This mother of two founded Kreative Images Foundation 18 years ago to help people create nonprofits and coach small businesses on effective growth strategies.

Mark Hundahl was one of this planet’s most supportive straight allies. He co-founded the Probe, one of gay culture’s most fondly remembered dance clubs, and (along with David Stern) IN Magazine, which was later merged with Frontiers when Hundahl and Stern bought this publication in 2007. He passed away earlier this year.

Lorri L. Jean has been a champion for LGBT and women’s equality since a young age. Before becoming CEO of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, she studied law, worked in government and led the drive to get birth control and quality gynecological care at Arizona State University’s student health center.

Besides being the first openly HIV-positive actor in Hollywood, Michael Kearns is an author, director, teacher, producer and activist who believes strongly in the power of mentorship—and that success comes with profound responsibility.

Mitchel Moore created Heart of Los Angeles—which provides underserved youth with programs in academics, arts and athletics—in 1989 after Catholic Big Brothers turned him away from its volunteer program because he was gay.

NBCUniversal has always been a trailblazer for LGBT Equality. The company is responsible for the first lesbian kiss on TV (L.A. Law, 1991), the first television series featuring a gay lead (Love, Sidney, 1981) TV’s first lesbian wedding (Friends, 1996) and TV series and films that have shaped our culture, including Will & Grace,Brokeback Mountain, Milk and The Kids Are All Right.

Attorney Ron Palmieri is not only a dedicated activist in the LGBT community and philanthropist of HIV/AIDS service organizations, but also a longtime contributor to Frontiers magazine. He was the first gay president of the senior class and valedictorian of USC, marched against Anita Bryant and Senator Briggs. Later he was the first gay man to run for governor of California.

Pride Card Services offers companies an easy way to give back to the LGBT community. Merchants who process credit card transactions with Pride Card Services are able to contribute to AIDS Project Los Angeles and other local nonprofits.

A little over three years ago, German native Frank Roller helped to found Gay for Good, an organization that lends manpower to Los Angeles area nonprofits—such as the L.A. Animal Shelter, Heal the Bay, the Venice Family Clinic and the L.A. Food Bank—in need of a few extra hands.

Sunnie Rose is a former lawyer who gave up practicing the law to involve herself in nonprofit work. When Shanti L.A. shut its doors in 2005, she went on to found Life Group L.A., a nonprofit that provides emotional support and educational programs for people “infected or affected by HIV and AIDS.”

Patrick Rush is more than “just a guy in a tux who facilitates the ‘beauty’ onstage.” The co-founder and original emcee of what later became the Best in Drag Show is well-respected for his contributions to our community—especially those living with HIV—and well-loved for his wit and humor.

When Frontiers asked Rodney Scott, Board President of Christopher Street West, to write about people who inspired him in the LGBT community, he chose to focus on the L.A. Pride Parade (one of the nation’s first gay Pride celebrations) and the individuals who helped make it possible.

Known as “the Dean of Gay American Journalism,” the list of Mark Segal’s efforts to bring the cause of LGBT rights to the mainstream is endless—hunger strikes, debates with elected officials, the founding of Philadelphia Gay News and Gay Raiders, a Philadelphia-based activism group.

There are few individuals living in the LGBT community today who are as widely respected or influential asJewel Thais-Williams. She is an advocate, a businesswoman and a founding board member of Unity Fellowship Church, The Minority AIDS Project, UCLA’s Lambda Alumni Association the Village Health Foundation, among others.

Currently the executive director of the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Marquita Thomasredefines what it means to be ‘involved,’ volunteering with the Lesbian Visibility Committee for the city of West Hollywood, United Lesbians of African Heritage, Black Lesbians United, the Council of Chambers and Business Organizations and the Western Business Alliance.

DJ Paul V was not only the resident DJ for L.A.’s longest-running underground dance party, Dragstrip 66, but is also the author of Born This Way: Real Stories of Growing Up Gay, a book featuring out celebrities like Elton John and Jackie Beat that might inspire gay kids and show them that gay people they admire had similar experiences.

Michael Weinstein helped to found the AIDS Hospice Committee in 1987 during the height of the Plague Years in a time when all gay men wanted was to die with dignity. Twenty-six years later and that organization has become the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the largest HIV services provider in the world.

Jeff Zarrillo & Paul Katami have been challenging the federal constitutionality of Prop. 8 since the day after the anti-gay marriage initiative passed in November 2008. Their team of lawyers—led by famed odd couple Ted Olson and David Boies—has won at the district and appeals court levels and on March 26 made a case before the Supreme Court.

Marquita Thomas: LGBT Activist Extrodinaire

Michelle McCarthy — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Marquita Thomas redefines the word ‘involved.’ If there’s an LGBT cause, chances are she’s spent time working for it. And if she notices a need within the community that isn’t being met, she takes it upon herself to create a resource to serve it. Currently the executive director of the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Thomas spoke with us about the myriad programs and events in which she’s participated.

Why did you think it was important to join the LAGLCC?
I wanted to be a part of increasing the economic strength of the LGBT business community. I have a background in event planning and community building and felt my skills could be beneficial in furthering the strategic plan of the organization.

What made you take the next step and become the executive director?
The LAGLCC board was proactive in creating the staff role of executive director and felt that based on my two years as president of the organization, I would be the ideal person to serve in that capacity.

What are you striving to accomplish with the LAGLCC?
The LAGLCC is looking to grow LGBT businesses and assist allied businesses in aligning with the LGBT business community. We also want to help our members align with professionals who share their values of equality, and provide them with the tools and resources needed to grow their businesses.

What other charity work have you been involved with?
Various pride organizations, the Lesbian Visibility Committee for the city of West Hollywood, United Lesbians of African Heritage, Black Lesbians United, the Council of Chambers and Business Organizations, the Western Business Alliance, and I am a member of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's L.A. Women's Network. I served on a fundraising effort for Astraea, and I have consulted for LGBT organizations around the country. I created an organization for women, Out & About, which resulted in my receiving a KCET LGBT Local Hero Award in 2010.

Tell us about Out & About.
Out & About is a social, networking and activist organization for bisexual and lesbian women of color. When I came out, I felt there were not enough community-building resources for women of color, so I created that space. Out & About has hosted networking mixers, dance parties, panel discussions, fundraisers, picnics, has been an online resource for tens of thousands of women around the country and has produced an award-winning music festival.

Why is LGBT activism so important to you?
A society cannot move forward if anyone in it is left behind. When a group of people is concerned about their rights, freedoms, how to protect their families and, in some cases, whether they'll be harmed or killed because of who they are, we all must work to combat that.

How does the Serafemme Music Fest benefit the community?
Serafemme is currently on hiatus; the city of West Hollywood had been a major sponsor of the event and unfortunately has not been able to support the festival at the same level it once did. But the hope is that will change soon. It was an amazing display of culture and diversity, and women from around the country came to perform and participate. At the 2008 festival, nearly 1,000 women came together to enjoy the artists and vendors. The women particularly enjoyed having a women-centered event in the middle of West Hollywood at West Hollywood Park. In 2008, I received the L.A.C.E. Award from the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center for producing Serafemme, and in 2009 Serafemme received the Pat Parker Award from Christopher Street West.

What is your role in the Ebony Pyramid Black Gay Cruise?
I was on staff with the Ebony Pyramid cruise for a number of years. I assisted in marketing the event to women in my region, and I created programming for participants while on the cruise.

What’s your favorite aspect of being involved with the Dyke March?
I love the energy and community of the L.A. Dyke March. For two years, I was a Dyke March speaker, and once I emceed the event. Since then, the format has changed, but it continues to be a highly anticipated event because it is a rare and beautiful display of pride as shown by—and to—women. It celebrates pioneers—past and present—and is a much-needed community-building platform.

Pride Card Services

Michelle McCarthy — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:00:00 GMT

For every business, credit card processing is a necessary evil that ranks right up there with electrical power or telephone service. So Pride Card Services asked, “Why not turn that necessary bill into a donation that creates something good?” Merchants who process credit card transactions with Pride Card Services are able to contribute to their community without having to reach into their own pockets to come up with the donation. Cliff Teston of Pride Card Services—CEO and president of Pride’s parent company for 17 years—told us how.

How did the concept for Pride Card Services come about, and when?
It was a perfect storm. My partners and I have always been involved in our community, both individually and through our company. But in 2012, we were able to take our involvement to the next level when we developed our internal sales force. As part of that change in strategy, we made the wonderful decision to hire Aaron Slominski as our senior vice president of sales. Aaron made the suggestion that we combine our payment processing services with charitable giving to our community. We loved the idea, and Pride Card Services was born!

Explain how Pride Card Services works.
When a merchant first signs with Pride Card Services, we donate $250 in their name to a charity of their choice. Each month thereafter, we continue to donate up to 20 percent of the net income we receive from the merchant’s account. Businesses that sign with Pride Card Services will see up to a 20 percent reduction of their current credit card processing bill. Simply bring us a current statement and we will save that business money.

How much has Pride Card Services helped channel to charities?
Our charitable business is still very young, but it’s already doing great things in the community. We launched the program only six months ago, but we’ve already exceeded $10,000 in donations! AIDS Project Los Angeles was the very first charity that trusted us with their donor list—a precious commodity for any charity. As we continue to sign up merchants through this program, participating charities will benefit greatly from a consistent monthly stream of gradually increasing donations for a normalized donation cycle with no out-of-pocket cost of fundraising.

Which charities are people donating to?
We currently are working with APLA and other local charities, and we are planning to expand to other regions to replicate this phenomenal success. Merchants in the community—or any merchants, for that matter—who are supportive of these causes should contact us. We will save them money and support our community at the same time.

Did you consciously go into a line of work in which you would be making a difference?
No, the charitable aspect of my work has been a serendipitous development. I’ve been involved with banking and banking services since I was 18 years old. I started as a proof operator, then a bank teller and so forth. However, I always wanted to give back to the community that helped me, and today I’m extremely happy to be able to make a big difference in the community I love and have benefited from for so many years.

Why do you think it’s so important to give back to the community?
Long before Pride Card Services, equality and gay rights activists built this community that allows people like me to love openly, live openly and build a successful business. Simply put, it’s a debt I owe. In their honor, I want to give back to this community, so we continue to support causes that are important to all of us.

What kind of feedback have you gotten?
When we talk to merchants about this program, they tell us it’s a win-win proposition for them. In fact, it’s a win-win-win scenario for everyone involved. We win, the merchant wins and the charities win. So, “Of course! Why wouldn’t I sign up?” is the kind of response we’ve been getting, and we couldn’t agree more.

Contact Pride Card Services by calling (888) 590-4977 or find the organization online at 4pride.com.

Heifer International: Ending Hunger, One Cow at a Time

Michelle McCarthy — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Looking for a unique gift-giving idea? Instead of the usual wedding, Christmas or anniversary present, why not give someone a pig in his or her name? Heifer International can make that happen. The nonprofit’s mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and care for the Earth. David Keeton, an out-and-proud home remodeler, has been volunteering with Heifer for more than a decade.

How did you become involved with Heifer International?
I was looking for something to give back because I’ve been so blessed throughout this life. I got one of Heifer’s tableaus in the mail and started donating. Then I went to their annual Southwest Region dinner, and halfway through I whispered to my partner, “This is what I’ve been looking for.” I went up and introduced myself to the regional director, and I’ve been deeply involved with it ever since.

What does the organization do?
We give animals to villagers in developing countries throughout the world—cows, pigs, ducks, goats, sheep, water buffalo, etc. There are like 30 species in all. We teach them how to take care of the animals, how to provide their food, their shelter, their medical needs. We teach them what to do with the byproducts: milk, eggs, wool, babies, poop. The caveat to the program is that the recipient signs a contract with Heifer that they will give their first female offspring of their donated animal to their neighbor. It’s called Passing on the Gift. We want people to work together within a community. If I have a pig and you don’t have one, you are most likely going to help me take care of my pig because you know there’s one coming down the road for you.

When was Heifer founded?
A gentleman by the name of Dan West started it in 1944. He was in the Church of the Brethren—although this is not a religious organization. He was in Puerto Rico handing out cups of milk to kids who were starving because of the Spanish-American War. He thought, Well, what do these kids do tomorrow if we’re not here? Eight months later, their first shipment of heifers went to Puerto Rico.

Which countries does it benefit?
Pick a country. We’re in Africa (Ghana, Kenya, Zambia); Asia (Bangladesh, Thailand, Philippines); The Americas (Ecuador, Peru, Haiti, Brazil, El Salvador)—over 50 countries in total. We also work within the United States, particularly with Native Americans and in some parts of the Appalachian Mountains where people are very poor.

Where do the animals come from?
They come from within that country. We buy from the rich and give to the poor. We used to ship them from here, but it’s very expensive to fly a cow to Africa. Also, the animals are already used to the environment.

How does the program work?
People don’t get an animal until about a year after they apply. They come to us; we don’t go looking for them. They hear about us from the Red Cross, another Heifer community, or the U.N. It takes a year to train people because it’s a totally new concept to them. The last thing we want them to do is eat their animals. We don’t want them to eat their assets. We’re not out to change the world. We’re out to promote sustainability. The program is really about kids also, because it gives them the opportunity to go to school. They don’t have to stay home and work on the farm. The family has an income; they have a source of protein, eggs, milk.

What is the range in price for gifting?
A flock of chickens costs 20 bucks, and it changes a family’s life dramatically. They have eggs to eat, eggs and chickens to sell and chicken manure for fertilizer. You can get a trio of bunny rabbits for $60. A cow is the most expensive—it’s $500. A camel is $500 as well. A pig is $120. A goat is $120. There is such a thing called The Ark, and it’s two-by-two—there’s 22 species of animals and it’s $5,000. So it ranges. You can also buy a share of an animal. Somebody else will buy a share and it adds up.

For more information, go to heifer.org or email David at davidkeeton68@gmail.com to set up a 30-minute video and talk for any group.

Heart of Los Angeles: Mitchel Moore Makes a Safe Haven for Youth

Michelle McCarthy — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) founder Mitchel Moore didn’t have any intention to create a nonprofit organization. But after Catholic Big Brothers turned him away from its volunteer program because he was gay, Mitchel didn’t allow the experience to discourage him. In 1989, he established HOLA, which provides underserved youth with programs in academics, arts and athletics.

How did HOLA get its start?
I was working as the tenor soloist at Immanuel Presbyterian Church and decided to open up the old gymnasium to provide a safe haven for the neighborhood kids who had nowhere else to play except the alley and the parking lot. There were a lot of gang shootings during that time, and several people were killed in the area around the church. The Rampart District was known for being one of the most violent areas of our city. I couldn’t imagine how these kids survived each day as they walked out of their overcrowded apartments onto the streets, how they could focus on school and make plans for their futures. College seemed out of the question.

I, along with two other guys, literally started with one basketball and the five boys who showed up on that first Saturday. Each week, more and more kids came to play in the gym, and it wasn’t long before we realized that we had to offer more than just basketball—as there wasn’t room for all the kids.

What are you hoping to accomplish?
I want HOLA to provide hope for a brighter future. Eventually, I would like for HOLA’s leadership to be comprised of young people who benefited from HOLA’s programs; young people who grew up at HOLA, went off to college and returned to their own neighborhood to work as agents of change. And now, 25 years later, it is happening!

How do kids qualify to attend HOLA?
Any child can attend HOLA. We maintain very high standards and require a lot of the students, but if they are willing to accept HOLA’s values and participate accordingly, they are welcome. All the programs are free to the families.

What types of programs do you provide?
We offer our core programming in the arts, athletics and education, but each of these areas has developed and expanded to include many unique opportunities. HOLA has a beautiful art gallery where the visual artists exhibit their paintings, drawings, ceramics and sculptures. We partner with the Los Angeles Philharmonic for YOLA at HOLA, a program that provides more than 250 elementary and middle school students with music education and private lessons six days a week. We have a new state-of-the-art recreation center that houses a beautiful gymnasium (thanks to the L.A. Lakers), a computer lab and several classrooms. We also have a soccer field and outdoor skateboard park.

HOLA’s educational programs are some of the finest in the inner city, with students coming from as far as East L.A., South L.A. and the San Fernando Valley to participate in our college prep classes. For the past two years, 100 percent of our graduating seniors have attended four-year colleges and universities throughout the country. HOLA provides mentors and adult advisors for all the high school juniors and seniors.

What's an average day like for a child who attends HOLA?
Filled with positive activities and lots of love. Lots of friends. During the weekdays, HOLA’s programs begin at 3 p.m., or as soon as school is out, and continue on into the evening. Some of the high school programs are evening and weekend classes, depending on the time of year. Sports programming is year-round, and YOLA at HOLA takes place six days a week. We offer computer and academic classes for all ages five days a week.

What kind of feedback have you received?
I still hear from “kids” 24 years later about how they couldn’t have made it without HOLA. How HOLA was a family to them. How HOLA saved their lives. It’s incredible. And now with Facebook, I remain connected to so many of those original boys and girls. It’s incredible to return to HOLA now and see so many of the staff members who were students back in the day. I attend weddings, birthdays, high school and college graduations, and a few funerals, unfortunately, of HOLA alumni. So many of those original students are now parents, and some even have their children involved with HOLA today. It’s a wonderful feeling!

heartofla.org

Jeff Zarrillo & Paul Katami Fight for the Right to Marry

Karen Ocamb — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:00:00 GMT

On Feb. 9, the Los Angeles Lesbian & Gay Lawyers Association will honor the two same-sex couples who have been challenging the federal constitutionality of Prop. 8 since the day after the anti-gay marriage initiative passed in November 2008. Their team of lawyers—sponsored by the American Foundation for Equal Rights and led by famed odd couple Ted Olson and David Boies—have won at the district and appeals court levels, and on March 26, they will argue the case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Much has changed since Kris Perry and Sandy Stier of Alameda County and Jeff Zarrillo and Paul Katami of Los Angeles agreed to become the faces of marriage equality in federal court and stand in for same-sex couples everywhere. Most polls now show that a majority of Americans—including President Obama—favor the right of same-sex couples to marry. Ironically, ProtectMarriage, the main proponents of Prop. 8, recently revealed that the group is almost broke.

With the theme “We’re All Family,” the L.A. legal group is clearly underscoring the love at the heart of Hollingsworth v. Perry. But, like all families, Zarrillo and Katami had some difficulties to overcome first since lead attorney Ted Olson is the conservative Republican hero who won the game-changing legal battle (against David Boies) at the Supreme Court in 2000 in Bush v. Gore.

“Obviously, Paul and I would have liked [Bush v. Gore] to have turned out differently, but that’s over,” Zarrillo says. “When all is said and done, Ted is a staunch believer in equality. He has done an amazing job of helping further the message that this [fight] is not about politics, this is not red/blue, it’s an American issue. He is not just our attorney. He is our friend, and he is absolutely genuine. We adore him.”

Katami agrees. “There are things that unite us and things that divide us. Ted is a great example of someone who is a uniter and not a divider,” he says. “We need more of that in our families and in the world as a whole. The example of our case shows that defeating discrimination supersedes any differences and brings us together with a unified goal of defeating Prop. 8 once and for all.”

Zarrillo and Katami also note the importance biological families play in the struggle for marriage equality and equal rights. “We could not get through this without the consistent love and support we have received from our families,” Zarrillo says. “My family is on the East Coast and Paul's is on the West, so it is very difficult to get everyone together. We have made it a point over the last few years to really focus on blending our two family units. Paul's sister Maria is our biggest ally. She has never missed a big moment throughout this process. Our nieces and nephews are our biggest cheerleaders. And my parents have kept us positive through out this process—even from 3,000 miles away—especially with all the delays. My dad continues to say, ‘No matter what has happened, we're gonna win this ... and it's gonna be big!’ What more could Paul and I ask for?”

But the one point Zarrillo and Katami have stressed over and over for more than four years is that they are just an ordinary gay couple who love each other and stepped up because it was the right thing to do. “Anyone from anywhere at any time can make a difference in our movement,” says Katami. “The biggest difference we can make is by telling our stories. Over the last few years, we have done that, and it has helped change the hearts and minds of those individuals who were not supporters. Just by doing that, you are making a difference. In the beginning of this case, there was not a consensus in our community about bringing this lawsuit forward. However, sometimes you have to take a chance, even when it's uncomfortable, because it is the right thing to do and because you have a chance to make a difference and really affect change. If you believe it is the right thing to do, even if it scares you, you will always know the answer, and that answer is ‘Yes!’”

LGBT Activist Mark Segal Zaps Inequality

Michelle McCarthy — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 14:00:00 GMT

In 1972, Mark Segal entered a dance competition with a male lover, knowing full well they would be thrown out. It was the start of his work as a gay rights activist, and it was followed by Mark’s first “zap,” in which he crashed an evening news broadcast. The list of his efforts to bring the cause of LGBT rights to the mainstream is endless: hungers strikes, debates with elected officials, the founding of Philadelphia Gay News and Gay Raiders—a Philadelphia-based activism group. We spoke with the “dean of gay American journalism” to find out what drives his desire to work tirelessly for LGBT rights.

What made you want to become an activist for LGBT causes?
In 1969, when I was 18 and graduating from high school in Philadelphia, there was no LGBT information on TV, radio, newspapers or magazines—and, of course, there was no internet. Thinking there were no other people like me in Philadelphia, on May 10, 1969, I left for New York City. That afternoon, I walked into Mattachine [Society, an early gay rights organization], which I had found during a visit to a library. I walked out with [Mattachine Society member] Marty Robinson and was then a member of the Action Group, which a month later was the organization that during the Stonewall Riots organized the demonstrations the following three nights.

Give us the backstory of how you got kicked out of the dance competition.
He was a friend and fellow activist who I recruited to do the “zap.” We had planned to do it knowing we would be kicked off. It was the start of the Gay Raiders, whose theory was to be in American faces and get the opportunity via press to tell Americans who the gay and lesbian community was. To ensure that LGBT people not only gain visibility, but that it is fair and unbiased. I know that Ellen likes to take responsibility for being the first on TV, but in reality it was the Gay Raiders and our campaign against the networks almost 20 years earlier.

What other ‘zaps’ have you done?
CBS News with Walter Cronkite, the Today Show (their new 60th anniversary book mentions it), The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, The Mike Douglas Show and many others, until each of the three networks signed agreements to end bias in news and change their entertainment policies. This paved the way for evening news to start to cover the LGBT movement as an equality news story and led to programming like Will & Grace and even Ellen.

Which causes are closest to your heart?
Endangered gay youth, affordable senior housing, LGBT media and building a real LGBT community through economic development.

Which cause are you working on right now?
An LGBT-friendly affordable senior living facility. At $20 million, the William Way Senior Residence project in Philadelphia is currently the largest LGBT-friendly building project in the nation. I'm also a member of Comcast JDC to increase diversity at Comcast, NBC and Universal films.

Why is LGBT journalism so important to you?
We are building a community. The only tried-and-true way to organize is through communications. LGBT media is that forum.

What are you trying to accomplish with Philadelphia Gay News?
That LGBT media is as good as mainstream—or better. We now win more journalism awards in Philadelphia than almost any other mainstream media. In our 38 years, we have never missed a deadline. No other newspaper in our area has such a record.

What message do you have for members of the community who aren’t involved?
One of the issues we are fighting for is to allow people to live their lives as they choose. We should not think that everyone who is LGBT wants to be an activist. But there is one thing they can do to help: come out to family and friends. It is by far the strongest way to help, but that is and should be respected as a personal choice.

What do you think is the most pressing issue the LGBT community is facing, and what can we do about it?
Easy—nondiscrimination. People are still being fired, losing housing or being denied services simply because they are LGBT. ENDA should be the number one priority on a national level.

Born This Way: DJ Paul V.

Michelle McCarthy — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Dragstrip 66 DJ and author Paul Vitagliano first envisioned the concept of Born This Way as a book featuring out celebrities like Elton John, Ellen DeGeneres and Neil Patrick Harris that would inspire gay kids and show them that gay people they admire had similar experiences. Then, in the fall of 2010, the stories of numerous gay youth committing suicide emerged, and Paul decided to take his concept online.

The photo/essay project BornThisWayBlog.com was launched in January 2011. It is a place where gay adults of all genders are welcome to submit childhood pictures and stories (roughly ages 2 to 12) reflecting the memories and early beginnings of their innate LGBTQ selves.

Paul’s message of acceptance has evolved from the blog to a book, Born This Way: Real Stories of Growing Up Gay, which is now available at bookstores, Urban Outfitters and Amazon.com.

What are you hoping to accomplish with the blog?
Simply put, that nature determines our sexual orientation, there’s no “choice” and that it’s hardwired inside everyone at a very early age. But also, that it’s the nurture that shapes our self-image and self-esteem as kids. On a larger level, I want to help pay it forward to the next generation and give LGBTQ kids today encouragement and connection within the stories.

Is there a common thread in the stories you’ve heard?
There are so many great stories and different yet similar experiences, and the best common thread is seeing that self-pride as an adult can help to erase the confusion, bullying or shame we oftentimes go through as children.

What do you hope straight people will take away from it?
I hope all people—especially our straight allies—will have a better understanding of our experiences and will spread the message of full LGBTQ equality as far and wide as possible. That’s happening on a much broader level now, which is amazing to see.

What kind of feedback have you received from the project?
The feedback has been 95 percent positive and incredibly supportive—from younger and older gay people alike, and from many parents. I know these stories are helping them navigate their own situations at home with a better understanding of what our experiences were like as gay kids.

Does Lady Gaga know about your blog?
I definitely know she’s aware of the blog, and I assume she knows about the book by now, too. I’ve always made it known that her message (and those three words in the title) is a source of inspiration and solidarity for this project.

How did the blog turn into a book?
The blog exploded almost immediately, and literary agents contacted me to say it would make for a wonderful book to pitch to publishers—which is pretty incredible to see come true, as my idea has now come full circle. And I hope to do a Vol. 2, 3 and more.

How old were you when you realized you were gay?
Like many other children of the ’70s, I didn’t know what being “gay” meant. But I had a strong cognizance of male attractions and crushes by around age 6.

What was your coming out process like?
I came out gradually, first to myself at 17, my close friends and my two sisters at 19, then my mom at 30. The big joke, of course, is that she’d known forever. But I’d moved from Boston to Los Angeles at 26 and just never made a point to tell her before that! I’m fortunate that being gay has never been a negative in my life.

After 20 years, Dragstrip 66 is L.A.’s longest-running underground dance event. What was your motivation behind starting it up?
Co-creating Dragstrip 66 with Mr. Dan is probably my proudest achievement in life. In the beginning, we just wanted to host a fun, diverse club that we’d like to attend ourselves, and where I could play very eclectic and alternative music for a gay dance floor. But as we approach our 20th anniversary, we’re now fully realizing the palpable impact it’s had on our patrons’ lives, our own lives, and how it helped shape the all-inclusive vibe that’s now synonymous with Silver Lake. It will be very tough to say goodbye to it on Jan. 12, but we’re making a documentary to preserve its crazy, wonderful legacy, which is very exciting!