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0 4 A UGUST 2 5 , 2 0 17 W W W .LOS ANG E LE S B LADE .C OM LO CA L N E W S
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By MICHAEL JORTNER
Blessed is the word he uses. It wasnt roommate to join. She lost 25 pounds in
what I expected him to say. six weeks, he said. She now teaches at
We have, despite being gay, lived a Barrys in New York.
very conventional life, says Joey Gonzalez, He has seen this narrative many times.
39, CEO of LA tness chain Barrys Theres like an emotional transition you
Bootcamp. Husband Jonathan Rollo, go through, whether youre a customer
39, and he have worked hard, gotten or somebody who works at Barrys, he
married, had children, [have] a committed said. You start to work out here where its
relationshipall of that is possible as a not just body, but its mind and spirit and
gay person today. And by committed he everything.
means monogamous. Even love.
Yeah, sounds pretty conventional.
Gonzalez grew up a Catholic, rst- Hello husband
generation American in a very
homogenous, white suburb outside Warning: you may begin feeling
Chicago. His mom is Italian, his dad Cuban. something. Its called envy.
It was dicult, he said, referring to being Rollo is Commander-in-Leaf of Greenleaf
Latino. Anything that makes you dierent Gourmet Chopshop, a chain of all-natural
makes your life challenging. eateries throughout SoCal. His corporate
He came out at 21 and, although he oce is adjacent to Barrys WeHo.
struggled to accept his sexual orientation, He has sandy brown Kurt Russell-style
his friends and family were extremely hair, light golden brown eyes, a winning
evolved and supportive. JOEY GONZALEZ plans to open multiple locations of Barrys Bootcamp this year in cities around the smile, and, like his hubby, Rollo is in
country and the world.
So what he means is: a lot of life is luck. exceptional physical shape.
There is no other way to attribute PHOTO COURTESY OF GONZALEZ
Of course they met at Barrys Bootcamp.
the way I feel about our life than saying Yeah, he took my class, admitted Gonzalez.
blessed because I dont walk around Paradise topped the Billboard charts and jobs in two years. He was the rst student I ever even kissed.
feeling like I deserve everything I have. best picture Forrest Gump was released. Then, maybe close to hitting bottom, That was 2005. We were being set up. [A
Its hard to argue with his perspective. Gonzalez arrived in LA to be a part of Gonzalez stumbled into the famous (some friend] brought Jon to my class because he
Handsome, t, wholesome smile, positive what so many young people dream of: might say infamous due to the fear it thought we would fall in love.
attitude, energetic yet calm demeanor, becoming a star. He studied acting at ignites in so many) high-intensity cross- A bunch of weddings followed, it
gorgeous husband, Hancock Park home, USC, yet despite some success landing training workout still known as getting a depends who you ask, Gonzalez chuckled.
West Village apartment, two blonde commercials and lm roles, something Barrys body. 2014 is when we legally married [but] we
children (a boy and a girl) both under two just wasnt clicking. When I walked into Barrys, there was consider ourselves married on 11/11/11.
years of age, many friends, loving family I was just at a point with the acting, denitely not this What Im meant to do Children are now in the mix: Francesca
and a burgeoning tness lifestyle brand Gonzalez said, where my input and my moment. It was a workout. A workout and Jake Stone. Two under two, each of
set to have 41 locations around the globe output didnt match up. And I am someone [that] changed my life. them says separately, unbeknownst to the
by the end of this year. whoIm all about ecacy. Gonzalez was never super athletic other. It must be an agreed-upon shorthand
But it wasnt always this way. He oundered a bit. I started to and Barrys was my rst experience with the couple uses in social situations to
do anything else. I got my massage tness. His soft body became hard. telegraph how crazy-busy their lives are.
So this guy walks into a gym certication. I was a real estate His 20 percent body fat shrunk to 10-12 The kids share a last name with each
salesperson. I started a dog-walking percent. All of this in less than a month.
It was 1995, the year Coolios Gangstas company. I, literally, had, like, ve dierent He also convinced his then overweight CONTINUES ON PAGE 27
14 AUGUST 25, 2017 LOSANGELESBLADE.COM
By ROBERT WILLIAMS
Every year when he walks out onto the barriers and misrepresentations that for
eld of Dodger Stadium to play kickball, Will so long segregated the community.
Hackner tears up. Taking the mound to pitch VGL was a gateway into a community
a game of kickball on the home eld to one that league member Clayton Grey didnt
of the most famous and successful teams in know existed, much less that he had the
Major League Baseball, is a dreamlike honor athletic skills to be welcomed in.
and culmination of an unlikely journey for Having an outlet to explore my
the gay man, once a bullied and un-athletic athleticism that I was too nervous or
small kid who loved video games. scared to do as a child and teenager, has
Hackner, who has been called the given me condence and security in myself
godfather of gay kickball, founded the as an athlete and as a person, Grey said.
national LGBT sports organization Varsity Gay VGL means Ill always have a league or a
League, which provides sports and recreation team to belong to, and Ill always have a
for the LGBT community, after becoming community to hang out with.
disillusioned by his job in Hollywood and the To see that communal switch happen
West Hollywood bar scene. in every VGL city is remarkable, Hackner
Now in its tenth year and serving ten said. When I walk into a bar now, I am
Varsity Gay League teams square o at Dodger Stadium.
cities across the U.S., VGL has serviced not looking for the hot guy to sleep with;
PHOTO COURTESY OF VGL
over 8,000 players across many sports I am not looking for a guy to make laugh
and all experience levels while pioneering or try to get drunk and get rejected by. I
a kickball movement within the LGBT The experience reminded me that life and no longer work at the wavering am looking for my friend; I am looking for
community. With kickball as its anchor regardless of our age and the values our mercy of others who may or may not someone to play in my league.
sport, the league oers bowling, soccer, community perpetuates - like having to share his creative vision. VGL became his The league community is about more
tennis, beach volleyball, ag football and be one of the cool guys at the party with business, which in a twist of fate fullled his than athletic ability, it about nding a family-
dodgeball, among others. the great bodies to matter - you can be original purpose for working in Hollywood - like group that allows each person to have
The idea for the league started after yourself and have fun, Hackner said. to entertain and connect with others. the security to grow and try something
Hackner and few friends walked into a West From that moment, Hackner was VGL gives people the opportunity to new. When kickball lover Michael Shutt had
Hollywood bar just as they realized how emboldened to create a way for people to connect with others and be seen succeeding three strokes that left him mostly blind and
little any of them wanted to be there. Will connect and have fun. Varsity Gay League in an environment that doesnt adhere to paralyzed on his left side, he spent nine
was exhausted by the monotonous notion was an organic evolution of that idea, a supercial social rules and hierarchy that months recovering, which left him feeling
of another night whose success depended way for Hackner to play games and get plague the gay community, Hackner said. isolated. Wanting to be involved in the
on matching with the ever-elusive hot guy out of the house; it was not meant to be I get to be a part of a changing paradigm community as he continued to recover, he
essential for a happy ending. a business. Starting with capture the ag, and it gives me purpose. signed up to be a captain of a draft league
On a whim, the group went to West other sports like kickball and paintball, Hackner sees this cultural shift slowly kickball team. Generally, VGL kickball teams
Hollywood Park to hang out and then and activities like an Easter Egg hunt, soon envelop each city VGL serves. The league are self-formed and players without a team
began a spontaneous game of tag. They followed. Through sports, friendships isnt homogenized and segregated like are assigned a team by league managers
chased each other around the park on began to form and those friendships much of the gay community. People with the exception of draft league, which
the warm summer night while becoming created community. begin to form friendships with someone occurs once yearly. Draft league teams
soaked by the sprinklers. Their infectious In 2012, Hackner, who had been working unexpected. With sports as a uniting are formed by captains who draft players
jubilation recruited strangers passing by as a creative producer for companies activity, no longer are people only based on skill level observed during a day
to join in on the playful merriment. Will like DC Entertainment and Spinmaster, connected by having a similar appearance of scrimmages.
was experiencing a child-like fun that experienced two layos in as many years. or social status. Hackner believes VGL
seemed absent from his life. Hackner decided to take ownership of his helps to destroy the supercial social CONTINUES AT LOSANGELESBLADE.COM
AUGUST 25, 2017 LOSANGELESBLADE.COM 15
Kirk Walker ocially became the gay does. And he has seen throughout the years,
Division I softball coach back in 2005 when that building a network of support creates
he came out to his team at Oregon State. an environment where athletes can see they
The press coverage followed with headlines are not alone, and can feel strong enough to
that declared he was the rst publicly out choose to come out or not.
coach in the NCAA. Despite courageously But Walker acknowledges there are
sharing his story, Walker wasnt completely fears around the process, and feels that
comfortable with the new title. the same pressures exist today.
I didnt want to be labeled the gay The perception that sports is inherently
coach, he admits. But then I said thats homophobic still keeps many coaches,
ne. I realized it needed to be said, that we athletes, and individuals from coming out,
needed to have some visibility. I decided he says. You never have to come out when
to stop ghting it. you are straight, it is assumed. Even in an
Like his life, Walkers role is one that accepting environment your sexuality will
keeps evolving. It has been shaped by always be assumed straight because it is a
the sports environment he works in, the huge majority of how society identies itself.
condence he continues to gain from the In his view, one of the most impactful
process of coming out and his morals. detriments to not coming out is the
When he nally embraced who he was, amount of time and eort put into trying
he found it directly conicted with his to be someone else.
personal coaching philosophy. That was Every second that an athlete or a coach
his motivating factor for coming out. spends on pretending is wasted energy, says
I had been feeling for years like I was Walker. He lived that lie for years, he says
sending the wrong message, says Walker, KIRK WALKER came out in 2005 while coaching for Oregon State. and it was exhausting. Why does it matter
PHOTO COURTESY WALKER
who has been an assistant coach at UCLA since whether you come out or not? Because it frees
returning in 2012. As a coach you tell your you up and allows you to focus on competing
athletes to have integrity and to be authentic. leading Walker to enter the advocacy stage Coaching Alliance and the LGBT Sports and being an athlete. It lets them uncap their
How could I ask that of them when I wasnt of his life, and he has been loaning his Coalition both provide condential support athletic potential. What coach wouldnt want
setting that example? Your team is a family, support to several LGBT sports initiatives and counseling to hundreds of athletes. that? What athlete wouldnt?
and I needed to be true to my family. That was for years. Nationally he has been involved While the younger generation can benet Promoting diversity, building awareness
his motivating factor for coming out. since 2012 with the Nike LGBT Sports from more visible role models, something and helping create opportunities for
Walkers experience resonated with Coalition, speaking at the annual summit Walker did not have, he thinks their views LGBT athletes around the country lls
many, and after sharing his story, his held in Portland, Ore. on coming out or why they stay closeted are up Walkers days as much as devising
inbox was ooded. When Rick Welts, a I have a great passion for LGBT very dierent from in the past. strategies for his softball players. Along
longtime NBA executive, decided to come advocacy, says Walker, whose demeanor is They dont really see coming out as with the spotlight, he welcomes the titles.
out, Walker reached out to show his both measured and charged with purpose. being all that imperative and dont even The stories weve seen in the last six or
support. The response he got from Welts Theres so much more to be done around like labeling themselves as gay or straight, seven years have been powerful, Walker
still inspires him to this day. education, bullying and diversity in sports. I he says. There are many in this generation says. I think it will continue to be the
I got an email from him that said, I carried hope to be able to do this full time when I that are comfortable existing as they are, headline of the story for a while. But it
your story around with me before I decided retire from coaching. I look forward to any without making statements. doesnt have the same gravitas as before.
to tell mine. He applauds the signicance of opportunity to be involved. Counseling and connecting high school, We have to move on, to where it becomes
sharing. Your story can aect somebody. Walkers diversity and inclusion vision college and professional LGBT athletes is a the second part of the story. I think we will
That small interaction was a big factor in includes work with his foundation. Equality major part of the advocacy work that Walker get there.
16 AUGUST 25, 2017 LOSANGELESBLADE.COM
By T.M. PHILIBIN
I hadnt even come out to my mother. it is to be viewed that way - its why I take
Just 16 years old, Johnny Weir was already advocating so seriously. Its important for
one of the worlds top international gure me to use the platform and brand that I
skaters. The sport was a lucrative business, have as a professional athlete to elevate
and Weirs talent amassed attention from the community.
agencies worldwide. The rst agency that Similarly, Megan Rapinoe utilized her
approached me said We really want you, visibility and personal brand to represent
but you cant be gay if we represent you. the LGBT community after inking a healthy
Sports marketing is a $70+ billion deal with Nike. Megan was the rst athlete
industry, and one in which gay athletes I really dug in with on a coming out, Levy
are still nding their footing with balancing says. She felt really strongly after the World
their personal brand and their sexuality. Cup that she wanted people to see that
But it wasnt long ago that being out wasnt there are a lot of gay athletes out there.
widely accepted by the sports community Rapinoe in 2014 served as guest editor of
or its stakeholders. the Washington Blades Sports Issue.
When we won the World Cup in 1999, But its a dierent world for men, a view
Being the absolute truest brand of myself has been the greatest career asset Ive had, said gure
the networks were very curious about skater JOHNNY WEIR. shared by many.
where I was running to celebrate, says Theres a lot of social pressure on the
PHOTO BY KATHCLICK; COURTESY OF BIGSTOCK
recent National Soccer Hall of Fame male side, Lohman submits. Its not a
inductee Briana Scurry. The cameras very supportive environment. There are
followed me. But when they realized it was from consumers. that true progress was not having to come labels and stigmas associated with being
to my girlfriend, they cut away. Now, 18 years since Briana Scurry and out and talk about it publicly, says Levy. a gay man in sports, so you just dont
Presentation and representation of Johnny Weir were penalized for their Wambach, whose rst public see that represented very often. On the
an athlete dictates the career. In most sexual orientation, its one of the key conrmation of her sexual orientation was womens side its much more accepted, if
cases the majority of an athletes lifetime aspects considered when developing an her 2013 marriage, told the Associated not assumed.
earnings and social impacts come by athletes personal brand. Press, I never felt like I was in a closet. Scurry says that hesitation on the part
way of sponsorships and marketing Dan Levy, a senior vice president Ive never been asked a question about of male athletes stems from existing in a
opportunities meaning branding is the with sports marketing rm Wasserman my relationship rightfully so, because it dierent culture. For female athletes now,
most important game many athletes will suggests, People get excited when shouldnt matter. it doesnt seem to hinder them. But with
ever play. But its not simple. And for gay athletes come out, so players feel pressure Laina Cohn, partner at Cohn Torgan male athletes, its dierent. There are a lot
athletes, nding an identity that appeals to to present their orientation publicly. Its Management and representative for of male athletes that have chosen not to
teammates, fans, and sponsors alike is an a piece of the puzzle its a variable you Johnny Weir suggests that not every come out until after their career was over.
even more complex facet of the business. have to take into consideration when athlete is equipped to lead the charge. Biases against gay males have been
Though agencies and corporations trying to create opportunities. Johnny wasnt an activist, he was an integrated into the actual structure
werent always open to partnering with But theres still no clear-cut approach athlete. His whole world was about getting of sports perpetuating stereotypes
gay athletes, augmented acceptance to branding for the gay athlete. As on the ice and winning. He never stepped and suppressing awareness. Sport is
has alleviated constraints on their restraints faded with mounting cultural onto the ice because he was gay. a gendered space, an institution that
opportunities within the industry. approval, new challenges emerged. No Some athletes view their branding as teaches masculinity and femininity and
Demographics have changed, asserts longer xated on the industrys consent, a unique responsibility. Joanna Lohman, it does so in a very binary way, says
Hudson Taylor, founder of Athlete Ally. gay athletes must consider the degree to one of the National Womens Soccer Taylor. That masculinity is often wrongly
Younger generations are very accepting. which they represent and champion their Leagues most outspoken advocates, reinforced with homophobic language.
Sponsors and agencies have seen both sexual orientation through their branding. embraces the position. I am admired for
internal backing and increased support Abby [Wambach] felt really strongly being out and proud. I realize how special CONTINUES AT LOSANGELESBLADE.COM
AUGUST 25, 2017 LOSANGELESBLADE.COM 17
By CHRIS JOHNSON
By REBEKAH SAGER
Chris Mosier is a man of many rsts. didnt have the language to describe who
In 2015, he became the rst openly I was. Looking back, there are moments
transgender man to make a Mens U.S. when thats embarrassing for me.
National Team, when he qualied for the
Sprint Duathlon team. Whats more challenging -- getting
In 2016, he became the rst trans older as an athlete, or ghting for trans
man to compete against men in a World rights for athletes?
Championship race. He is now a three- Fighting for trans rights for athletes.
time member of Team USA in the sprint Getting older has been awesome. Im so
and long course duathlon (run/bike/run) excited every year since I have transitioned;
and sprint triathlon (swim/bike/run). Ive loved my birthday. Before, I didnt
He is the rst transgender man to want to tell anyone it was my birthday. I
be featured in ESPN Magazines Body didnt want parties or gifts, but today I feel
Issue and the rst transgender athlete to really good telling people. I didnt feel I
appear in a Nike ad the Nike commercial was worthy of having a celebration of my
debuted in primetime during the 2016 Rio life. So, its really cool now to get older and
Olympics.And, he was named Person of the every years been better than the last.
Year by Outsports and to the OUT 100 list.
Mosier is vice president of program CHRIS MOSIER What scares you the most?
development and community relations The idea of getting my teeth knocked in
PHOTO COURTESY OF MOSIER
for You Can Play, an organization that like being in a bike or car accident.
works to ensure the safety and inclusion
of all in sports including LGBTQ athletes, books and I was doing a lot of research on non-binary athletes to pursue what they Do you think reactions from other
coaches, and fans. He is also founder YouTube because that was the only place I love without compromising their identity. athletes would have been dierent if you
ofTransAthlete.com, a resource for trans- felt safe to access that information without Im most proud of making Team USA and were transitioning from man to woman?
inclusive policies in athletics. identifying myself. There was one video in having a part in the IOC [International Absolutely. I have had the privilege of
We spoke to Chris Mosier on his 36th particular called Transgender Basics. Its Olympic Committee] policy change to open experiencing male privilege in my transition
birthday. put out by the LGBT Center in New York City. the doors for athletes to come after me in a way that ties into how deeply sexist sports
It has Laverne Cox, before she was famous maybe a transgender Olympian or a trans- can be. People assume that people assigned
What was the moment you realized? as Laverne Cox, and I remember watching kid in high school, who can play the sports male at birth are better at all sports and
I always knew who I was deep down that and hearing the storytelling from he loves without having to hide who he is. all aspects of sports than people assigned
inside, but at a certain point it didnt Laverne as a trans woman, a guy named female at birth. So, when I transitioned,
match up with what the people around Nicco [Beretta], a trans man, and a gender What are you most embarrassed about? people in many ways gave me a slap on
me expected of me as a little girl. All queer person, and just remember watching Publically, when Im telling my story, I the butt and said, good luck, go out an get
throughout my childhood, Im hearing that it over and over again, and thinking, wow, didnt have the language or terminology em. No one thought I would be competitive
little girls dont like to skateboard, but I like this sounds a lot like my experience. to identify who I was until about 27 or and when I have won races, people kind of
to skateboard, so, what is the disconnect? 28-years-old. Its interesting for me to shrugged and said, good job. I know that
I didnt understand my identity to be a What are you most proud of? stand up as an educator and advocate trans women and trans girls whore ghting
transgender guy until after college. Im at a point today where I really feel and be humble in that moment, and say, just to participate, encounter so much more
My now wife, who I was dating at the time, condent in being my authentic self. you dont know what you dont know. resistance to both their existence and their
was like, you should put some thought Athletically, Im most proud of sharing This is who Ive always been since I was ability to participate in sports.
into your gender and how you feel about that with the world, to open up the door 4-years-old and I can remember my rst
existing in your body. That lead me to some for other younger transgender athletes or experiences with gender activities, but I CONTINUES AT LOSANGELESBLADE.COM
AUGUST 25, 2017 LOSANGELESBLADE.COM 19
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The arguments used by supporters of the Implementation of the transgender policy, srutgers@washblade.com, 202-747-2077 x8077
EDITORIAL
ban on transgender service are verbatim he anticipated, would be as uneventful. That MANAGING EDITOR
taken from debates about DADT. This was in September of 2016. KEVIN NAFF
issue is one-in-the same. The talking points The morning after the election, in kna@washblade.com, 202-747-2077 x8088
NEWS EDITOR
RILEY DOSH was discharged for her gender against both bans are weathered, worn, my Ocership class, we discussed the KAREN OCAMB
upon graduation from West Point in May 2017. and battle-tested. Therefore, failure to surprise result and how it would impact karenocamb@sbcglobal.net
INTERNATIONAL EDITOR
prevent this ban from being implemented the military and our role as ocers. When MICHAEL K. LAVERS
Recognition of our normalcy requires would blow a crater in any LGBTQ issue. called upon by my professor, a Lieutenant mlavers@washblade.com
equality in every aspect of society. Any acceptance of the ban would result in Colonel whom I respect very much, my CONTRIBUTORS
CHARLES KAISER, ALAN MILLER, TIM MILLER, MAER
There is nothing intrinsic to being gay, brazen stain of stigma that some of us are only response was that this has suddenly ROSHAN, HOLLY HUGHES, KIT WINTER, BRAD LAMM,
lesbian, or bisexual that hinders military not dependable to defend our country. And resulted in widespread fear among DAVID EHRENSTEIN, STEVEN ERICKSON, LILLIAN
FADERMAN, ORIOL GUTTIEREZ, SETH HEMMELGARN,
performance, just as there is nothing that stigma would bleed over - everyone minorities and the LGBTQ community, ROBIN TYLER, CHRIS AZZOPARD, ALLEN ROSKOFF,
intrinsic to being transgender for the would be tainted. The conservative particularly in the military. I hypothesized JOHN PAUL KING, JOHN MCHUGH-DENNIS, MELODY
same. Proving that we are just as capable narrative of the queer liberal snowake that an attempt to reinstate DADT or the MUNDY, ROBERT WILLIAMS, DAN ALLEN, BRAD FUHR,
WINSTON GEISEKE, RICHARD ANDREOLI, DREW
in combat proves we are not second- that cannot be productive in society would ban on trans service might be attempted. MACKIE, JOEY DIGUGLIELMO, CHRIS JOHNSON, LOU
class citizens. This logic has held for nd justication. This is unacceptable. I was laughed o; of course the President CHIBBARO JR., MARIAH COOPER, ABBY DEES, REBEKAH
And while politicians argue, transgender would never do such a thing SAGER, JOHN MCHUGH-DENNIS, MIKE CIRIACO
racial and female integrations. Civil rights PHOTOGRAPHY
movements were built and reinforced Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, This emotional backlash to diversity is BOB KRASNER, JON VISCOTT, MICHAEL KEY
after equality in the military was achieved. and Coast Guardsmen wait in nervous an historic norm, but does not normally CREATIVE DESIGN/PRODUCTION
AZERCREATIVE.COM
This is a ght that we all must take part in. anticipation for their careers. Their succeed. I have very real support from DISTRIBUTION
On Sept. 22, 2011, two days after the units anxiously wait for guidance and military commanders to serve, but CHRISTOPHER JACKSON, 562-826-6602
ocial end of DADT, Army Captain Stephen their families worry about keeping their apparently not the civilian leadership All material in the Los Angeles Blade is protected by federal copyright
law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Los
[Snyder-]Hill came out to the world as healthcare and income. Yet while we playing politics for their constituents. Angeles Blade. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers,
writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor
gay by asking Republican presidential are eectively at the whim of a twitter The military is fully willing and capable implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not
necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons.
candidate Rick Santorum whether he feed, our advocacy is unbridled. From to include people of all identities, it is our Although the Los Angeles Blade is supported by many ne advertisers,
we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.
would continue the progress that had Republican Senators Orrin Hatch to John civilian leaders that are failing us. Unsolicited editorial material is accepted by the Los Angeles Blade, but
the paper cannot take responsibility for its return. The editors reserve
been made for gay and lesbian soldiers McCain, transgender service has found Open transgender service is a civil right the right to accept, reject or edit any submission. A single copy of the
Los Angeles Blade is available from authorized distribution points, to
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that room, politics came before service; For my own story, I fell into a loophole trans-panic laws sweeping the nation and postage paid at Los Angeles, CA., and additional mailing oces. Editorial
positions of the Los Angeles Blade are expressed in editorials and in
who you were mattered more than your where I was active service, but not yet our bathrooms, this is not a time to falter or editors notes as determined by the papers editors. Other opinions are
those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of
military eectiveness. We are seeing a covered by the lifted ban. This meant be choosy about priorities. Just as the end of the Los Angeles Blade or its sta. To submit a letter or commentary:
Letters should be fewer than 400 words; commentaries should be fewer
virtual repeat of that exchange today. that upon graduating West Point, I was DADT legitimized being gay in America and than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length, and
must include a name, address and phone number for verication. Send
Secretary of Defense Ash Carter lifted the discharged for my identity. Somewhat allowed for mass acceptance of marriage submissions by e-mail to tmasters@losangelesblade.com.
ban on transgender military service in June ironically now, I would have operated anti- equality, so too will the transgender identity
2016. After a year of implementation, that ICBM technology and been one of those be legitimized. The gay rights movement
policy is now under threat by this White ready to shoot down major aerial threats, has not ended, nor should it, but at least the
House and the policy on recruiting and possibly from North Korea. Instead, I am job T is no longer silent. 2017 LOS ANGELES BLADE, LLC.
V I E W PO I NT W W W .LOS ANG E LE S B LADE .C OM A U G U ST 2 5 , 2 0 1 7 2 1
By KAREN OCAMB
kocamb@losangelesblade.com
A U G U S T 2 5 2 0 1 7 V O LU M E 0 1 I S S U E 1 2 A M E R I C A S LG B T N E W S S O U R C E LO S A N G E L E S B L A D E . C O M 2 3
All the hype, the over-the-top praise, the Americawhich the audience celebrated. Biggie Smalls and other rap masters, who became Americas first African-
spirited reviews for this infectiously positive I believe that this play, as it moves as well as cheeky cultural cues such as American president.
revolutionary piece of theatreall true. throughout the nation, is going to change Thomas Jefferson having a mic-drop And in the sanctuary city of L.A., the
But opening night of Hamilton on August lives, change mind-sets with all the stuff we moment during a rap battle with Alexander opening song, Alexander Hamilton, was
16 as it officially launched its national tour have going on right nowthe hatred and Hamilton over the national debt. greeted with the head-bouncing grasp of
at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood was all of that, Will Johnson, father of Isaiah The reviews for Hamilton properly understanding.
extraordinarily powerful and cathartic Johnson, who plays George Washington, praise the stellar cast, including Michael How does a bastard, orphan, son of a
following the ugly remarks by the President tells the Los Angeles Blade. Luwoye as Alexander Hamilton, Joshua whore/And a Scotsman, dropped in the
of the United States supporting white Weve got to come together. Thats the Henry as Aaron Burr, and out Rory middle of a forgotten spot in the Caribbean
supremacy the day before. only way were going to survive. Were one OMalleywho performed in his friend by providence impoverished/In squalor,
Hamilton is all about how the majesty United States of America. Our Founding David Mixners one-man show Oh Hell grow up to be a hero and a scholar? sings
and moral authority of the office of the Fathers had a visionand in this play, they No! in LA in 2015. OMalley portrayed King Aaron Burr, Hamiltons frenemy who turns
presidency was created, as seen through are African American! George as a 1960s British pop starand out to be the damn fool who shot him.
the lens of today. The embers for Mirandas imaginative a white guy in a world of color who also The ten-dollar founding father without
And in this exciting, moving and musical about the war of ideas that shaped offers comic relief. a father/Got a lot farther by working a lot
challenging interpretation of the American America were stoked at a poetry slam at the Hamilton not only flips the script on harder/By being a lot smarter, By being a
Revolution and the countrys shaky Obama White House in 2009. A video of the casting and introduces an interweaving self-starter sings John Laurens, a young
beginnings by Puerto Rican Lin-Manuel key song Alexander Hamilton and a mixed of musical forms but it may be the first to officer from South Carolina with whom
Miranda, Founding Fathers George tape went viral, pumping up expectations explore the American immigrant experience. Hamilton served in George Washingtons
Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and for its Broadway opening two years ago. I dare you to watch the video [of colonial army. Letters expressing deep
forgotten Founder, Alexander Hamilton, are The Los Angeles audience was primed Mirandas White House performance], affection between the two men have lead
all played by African Americans, supported opening night, exerting a Herculean effort wrote Vogue theater critic Adam Green, many to believe that Hamilton and Laurens
by a minority-majority cast. The visual to not sing along. Laughter and knowing and not get a chill from the sight of a son had a bisexual affair, a point raised by
symbolism alone stands as a profound side-glances were shared at subtle of an immigrant rapping about the son of
rebuke to Trumps dystopian vision of contemporary references to Beyonce, an immigrant to a son of an immigrant CONTINUES ON PAGE 30
2 4 A UGUST 2 5 , 2 0 17 W W W .LOS ANG E LE S B LADE .C OM 2 0 G A Y Q U E ST I O N S F O R: J US TI N E G O N ZA L E Z
By TROY MASTERS How long have you been out and who was culture moment of your lifetime? societal issues are LGBT issues.
tmasters@losangelesblade.com the hardest person to tell? Lady Gagas Poker Face changed my life.
Well I came out twice: rst as bisexual, and It was my coming out song, and being her What would you walk across hot coals for?
Justine Gonzalez has her sights set high. later as transgender. Ive lived out as bisexual fan was a signal to the people in my life that The safety and wellbeing of my daughter, Cece
Nearly 10 years ago she visited the Los for about 8 years, and transgender for about 3. change was coming. and co-parent, Erin.
Angeles LGBT Center as a client for the
rst time. I was in need of community, Whos your LGBT hero? On what do you insist? What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
and the Center quickly became my chosen My LGBT hero is denitely Drian Juarez. The I insist on approaching people with humility Stereotypes are silly in general.
home and family. My life changed the day work she has done and continues to do and kindness.
I walked through the Centers doors, and inspires me every day. Whats your favorite LGBT movie?
I will always remember what it was like to What was your last Facebook post or Ive really enjoyed watching independent LGBT
enter a space where I felt like I could safely Whats Los Angeles best nightspot, past or Tweet? lms and shorts made my LGBT youth at
be myself for the rst time, said Gonzalez. present? A thank you to West Hollywood OutSet, a program from Outfest and the Los
While she praises the importance of Im a fan of rooftop views, so Im usually down Councilmember Lauren Meister for giving me Angeles LGBT Center. Im looking forward to
#ResistMarch, she felt the gloom and to visit Perch if I have a free night. the opportunity to serve on the Transgender the programs return next year.
doom that had descended over the nation Advisory Board!
thanks to Donald Trump just needed to Describe your dream wedding. Whats the most overrated social custom?
go away. So when The Glitter Run was My dream wedding would be intimate, 20- If your life were a book, what would the Apologizing. People apologize so often.
proposed, she was eager to sign on and 30 or less folks, a rooftop bar with a nice title be? Were all doing our best and doing your
quickly found herself running the show. view, and mimosas with a casual toast. We Something cheesy like: We dont leave anyone best to improve is something that is helpful
More than 2,000 attended, including would toast at sunset and hang out for the behind (how I broke free and never gave up to everyone.
hundreds of children ages 12 and under. rest of the night. on Justine)
Gonzalez, who is transgender and What trophy or prize do you most covet?
identies as femme, is originally from What non-LGBT issue are you most If science discovered a way to change Little thank you notes and congrats are things
New York City and has spent most of her passionate about? sexual orientation, what would you do? that ll my heart.
adult life in California. When not running Im very much interested in income inequality I have no desire to change anything about my
campaigns or serving on commissions and and getting working families into good paying sexual orientation. Say no to the cure! What do you wish youd known at 18?
boards, she spends her time being mom jobs. That issue, like pretty much every other I wish I had known that being myself, and
to her 3-year-old, Cecilia. But that hasnt issue facing people in here in the U.S. and What do you believe in beyond the physical facing challenges as my true self would be a
kept her from becoming an essential part across the globe, impacts LGBT people just as world? reward in and of itself, and that I shouldnt let
of LGBT life in Los Angeles. it does their families, allies, and people who Im not sure what to believe on this. I do fear hold me back from living that truth.
Gonzalez has served as a member arent allies to the community. believe we can live beyond our physical bodies
of the West Hollywood Transgender in the memories of those we love and those Why Los Angeles?
Advisory Board, and currently serves as What historical outcome would you who wish to remember us. Los Angeles is a beautiful city. Its imperfect,
vice president of the City of Los Angeles change? but I love it for that. Its very ambiguous.
Human Relations Commission. The assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Whats your advice for LGBT movement Im imperfect, Im very comfortable with
She was recently honored by the West leaders? ambiguity. Theres a lot of love in this city, and I
Hollywood City Council for her advocacy. Whats been the most memorable pop Dont call issues non-LGBT issues. All modern love that too. Were a perfect match.
O U T & A B O UT W W W .LOS ANG E LE S B LADE .C OM A U G U ST 2 5 , 2 0 1 7 2 5
In 1974, not many people would have chuckles, echoing the words of her long- that our country has to gure out. I hope
expected a novel about the same-sex ago critics. She wrote about men instead that our kids have the heart for this ght,
romance between a college track coach and of writing about women. because its a really important one, and
his star runner to attract much of an audience. She goes on to explain why breaking important for them to be involved. They
Thanks to Stonewall, the so-called gay those rules may have been the key to her will see some of this in the story, because
liberation movement was enjoying a novels success. There might be a tendency that was all starting in the 1970s.
newfound visibility and millions who had to look at it and think that its a mens story, Longtime fans of the book, of course, have
previously been hidden in the closet began but one of the things about the book that I one particularly burning question: what has
a generations-long struggle for equality that always appreciated is that it was read by as become of the long-awaited lm version of
continues to this day. But in 1974, as in 2017, many women as men. I know that in the The Front Runner? The lm rights were
visibility is not the same thing as acceptance, book business theres a lot of talk about sold shortly the books publication, with
and nobody expected a book like The Front targeting to demographics, but I think its none other than Paul Newman signed
Runner to be embraced by readers outside important to appeal on a broader plane on as producer, but unsurprisingly
the niche market of the gay community. than that, so that we understand these are Hollywood nanciers balked at the risk of
Yet embraced it was and resoundingly so. human things. Those kinds of stories can making a movie about gay men, so funding
Patricia Nell Warrens The Front Runner inspire, and bind us together as a human never came. The subsequent years saw
became a crossover sensation, drawing race instead of dividing us into dierent the project shuttled through an array of
rave reviews and becoming the rst gay- demographics. This story has done that, dierent would-be developers, but every
themed book to land on the New York and I think it still does that. attempt fell through. After years in court,
Times prestigious Top Ten Bestsellers list. She also says this core humanity has Warren regained the rights in 2002, and has
It eventually sold more than 10 million allowed the book to continue reaching held them ever since, waiting for the right
The Front Runner has sold more than
copies, yielded two successful sequels 10,000,000 copies since 1974 and is still in across boundaries throughout the years. oer to come along.
print.
(with another on the way), and has never I am always hearing from people who are Im still hopeful, she says. I think
been out of print since. reading it for the rst time. Theres been its a good moment for a movie like that;
For those unfamiliar, this landmark novel sports, they found Harlan and Billy not only quite a raft of readers that have come in the way the country is going, probably
tells the story of Harlan, a former Marine who imminently relatable, but inspirational. from the Spanish edition of the book, and the timing is better than ever. Im really
now coaches track at a small New England The result was the birth of the its reaching a lot of people in South and concerned about all the negativity about
college, and Billy a young runner who joins Frontrunners club, an organization for Central America. Theyre reading it for LGBT people that is going forward in the
his program after being kicked out of a larger LGBT runners that was started in San the rst time and thats the way theyre country right now, and that certainly will
school for being gay. Harlan, though gay, Francisco and has since grown into a approaching the story, as a human story. rebound into what we do in sports, so,
has always lived a closeted life; Billy has an worldwide network. This group has been What about younger readers, those who Im still hoping that it will happen. People
openness about his sexuality that reects instrumental in fostering a movement of are now growing up in a very dierent world approach me about it all the time. Im
the younger generation to which he belongs. support and acceptance for out athletes, than the one in which The Front Runner is hoping for the people to come along who
Their relationship blossoms and the book which in turn led to the creation of the Gay set? Does it still have relevance for them? are the right t for the story. The question
details their love story over the course of Games, which, in 2013, awarded Warren Warren certainly believes so. is, are they able to get the kind of job
several years, culminating in Billys triumphant its Medal of Honor for writing the book The story deals with young people. done that I would hope to see done, the
and tragic journey to the Beijing Olympics. that, in many ways, started it all. I think that the most important thing story and the casting and so forth, and so
The impact of Warrens book, aside from So how did a novel about two men in love for young people today is what they thats the important thing. I think thats
its historic place as a breakthrough of gay manage to defy seventies-era social taboos encounter in the schools, which I think what a lot of people want, and I think that
culture into the straight mainstream, lies in and become a national bestseller? Maybe has certainly gotten a lot worse than in the willingness to attend the movie, when
the resonance it found with so many of its it had something to do with the fact that 1970s. Theres a lot of standing up thats its nally out, is going to be based on if
LGBT readers. Its characters were not just Warren, a gay woman, chose to write a love going on right now in our schools, by our they feel that justice has been done to the
gay, they were gay athletes, like millions of story about gay men a fact which, at the kids, and ghting for change. The schools story that they love so much, so I think its
other men and women out there. Forced to time, generated substantial controversy. have become major battlegrounds, not important to protect that.
hide who they were in order to participate The author herself is still amused by just for gay issues but other issues as well,
in the deeply homophobic culture of that today. Patricia broke the rules she and I think thats part of the arc for today CONTINUES AT LOSANGELESBLADE.COM
2 6 A UGUST 2 5 , 2 0 17 W W W .LOS ANG E LE S B LADE .C OM THEATER
By LENI FELICE
barrys bootcamp
is about to go global
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 Am I about to join the Revolution? Wait
is this a cult?
other, but not entirely with their dads. The
guys wanted to create a surname that felt What the world needs now
authentic; one created together. Instead
of Gonzalez-Rollo or Rollo-Gonzalez, Gonzalez had an epiphany. I told Jon,
dicult to navigateand a mouthful, Im gonna take this global.
they went with what people had been Barrys started in WeHo in 1998. Locations
calling us for years and years. Ladies and throughout LA followed. (Original founder
gents: meet the Gonzollos! Barry Jay still teaches in Hollywood.) Then
Many power couples maintain a erce came gay enclaves Hillcrest in San Diego
boundary between their personal and and Chelsea in New York.
professional lives. Not the Gonzollos. But now its about everybody, says
Though, they never worked together Gonzalez. When I took his class in Venice I
formally until two years ago, Rollo said. saw mostly thin blonde women. Men were
Barrys Bootcamps newly enhanced the minority.
concept adds FuelBar to the format, a The world has become a more
healthy made-to-order smoothie bar Rollo integrated place. The Castros are a thing of
designed. Bootcampers pre-order shakes Traditional to the core:FRANCESCA GONZOLLO, JON ROLLO, JOEY GONZALEZ and JAKE STONE the past. Everybody is living everywhere,
before working out so they are waiting for GONZOLLO. which I love, Gonzalez explained. Our
them after class. PHOTO COURTESY OF GONZALEZ communityis very much in our DNA.
However, they also started Au Fudge, the Those are the roots of who we are. We are
upscale family ice cream place on Melrose gay-owned and operated...out of WeHo,
(in partnership with Jessica Biel) and are sweat than you ever knew your body could It is hard work, but somehow we dont but the audience [now] is much broader.
about to launch CAMP, the Center for Arts produce you did not fully commit. You did really care because we look stunning How broad? Were going to be in Paris
Music and Play. Its more like Barrys [with] not fully invite the savior into your heart. bathed in Barrys signature red and before were going to be in Kansas City, if
classes all day, said Rollo. It will be next to And Gonzalez agrees. He transformed aesthetically pleasing lighting (standard that makes sense, Gonzalez explained.
Barrys WeHo. his life through working out, so it can be in every Barrys studio). We feel like were So cosmopolitan cities with successful
true for you, too. Maybe not exactly an working out in a nightclub, writhing on top professionals it seems are the target. As far
Consider this workout ugly duckling when he walked in 14 years of a platform like the hottest go-go dancer as whats coming down the pipeline, were
ago, hes denitely a power swan today. ever, ready to vanquish any competitor, gonna be in Atlanta, Stockholm, Dallas, D.C.
You wait around in a lobby with a throng He wants the same for you. real or imagined capable of seducing the and Toronto before the end of the year.
of tness types, both men and women. That is, if you want it. lover(s) of our choice Snap! like magic. Barrys Bootcamp is not just a workout.
Youve never done Barrys before so youre He started the worldwide expansion Yes, Barrys Bootcamp made me feel Its a lifestyle.
nervous, maybe a lot nervous. Whats it of the Barrys brand because I wanted to that good. I adopted it myself, if but for an hour. In
gonna be like? Is it really gonna be as share what I had experienced with as many I even discovered I could run again a class of 30 people I didnt know, because
intense as people say? Will I survive, or people as possible. I wanted other people thanks to the Woodway Treadmills. the workout is so intense, I bonded with the
be carried out on a stretcher? These are to be able to go on that same journey. Teslas of their kind, They cost ve two exercisers on either side of me. We had
the questions ashing through your head Gonzalez teaches only one class a [times] what normal ones do, Gonzalez just climbed Everest together. Good job!
as you do your best to act cool. No sweat, week now (in Venice) so I felt lucky to see shared. Theyre even better than running the 20-something woman to my right said
you tell yourself. him in action. Hes relaxed and jazzed outdoors. I was amazed at how I felt. All to me at the end of our four brutal circuits.
Ha, the joke is on you. Because there is simultaneously, buzzing around the studio of the pain I usually feel after running (hips I admitted I was a Barrys virgin and she
gonna be sweat. Buckets of it. If you are wearing a wireless mic/headset, dee-jaying and knees), I didnt feel. added, Then really good job!
not drenched in a slick, warm emergence high-energy music, motivating subjects Soaking my workout towel when The gal to my left, slightly bent forward,
of your own aggressive perspiration at the to Keep goingThats itDont give up wicking the sweat from my exhausted, her hands resting on her knees, smiled at
end of a Barrys workout trust me, more Youre awesomeYaaaaassssss!!! quivering, yet delighted body, I wondered: me as if to say, Fuck yeah, we did it.
2 8 A UGUST 2 5 , 2 0 17 W W W .LOS ANG E LE S B LADE .C OM BO O KS
The Disintegrations
AUTHOR DAVID FRANCIS INTERVIEWS ALISTAIR MCCARTNEY
By DAVID FRANCIS
Alistair McCartneys compelling new visioning that arose organically. One thing I
novel, The Disintegrations (University of was always clear on was that even though
Wisconsin Press) is the story of one mans I would use real names, this book is ction.
obsession with death. It pulls no punches. My stories are eulogies, but theyve ctional
As Australian author Christos Tsiolkas eulogies. Its impossible to access the truth
wrote, its a book that takes possession of the dead. Like I say in the introduction,
of you right from the opening and will death makes ction of us all.
not let you go. Challenging and gripping,
a rumination on death and memory that You became a US citizen last
speaks eloquently to our sense of loss, month, after a long immigration
both personal and communal.The writing struggle, something your husband the
is exquisite. I know this book will haunt me performance artist Tim Miller has done
for the longest time. great work on. What was that like?
I found myself similarly haunted as I And can you talk about your identity
read this genre-bending book, engrossed as a writer an Australian writer, a
in the stories of suicides, serial killers and gay writer, an immigrant writer, a
a disquieting array of natural deaths. I was California writer? Do you particularly
drawn into the unique and surprisingly ascribe to any of those monikers? Or do
funny perceptions of its narrator and you nd them limiting or unhelpful?
moved by the warmth that arises in To be sworn in with over 4,000 new
unexpected places. McCartney establishes immigrants at the LA Convention Center
a wonderful intimacy between the author ALISTAIR MCCARTNEYs The Disintegrations stares in the face of death and change and life. was amazing and moving. For me, that
and the reader. only became possible when DOMA was
PHOTO BY DAVID FRANCIS
I recently caught up with my fellow overturned, and Tim and I were able to
Australian-American in his neighborhood nally marry. For years we were living in
of Venice Beach to talk about The Sebald, to name just a few-- have taken California, like Joan Didion. But at a certain great uncertainty, so becoming a citizen
Disintegrations, as a warm up to our the excavation of death as their primary point, I didnt allow myself to go there or after more than 20 years of bureaucracy
conversation at Skylight Books on subject. And I think its a fairly common even look at it, even though I can see it was a huge relief.
September 16th. preoccupation, though one were taught from my oce window. The Holy Cross To answer the 2nd part of the question, I
to repress. My narrator cant repress it. I conjure up is based on the actual space, think all those categories arise in this book.
How did you come to write The but its a character, its the cemetery Ive Some of the stories take place in Australia,
Disintegrations? Can you talk about how The protagonist of your book spends fashioned in my head. much of it is rooted in California and LA.
your fascination with death was born? a lot of time at Holy Cross Cemetery in The narrators sense of distance from the
The book arose from an obsession. Culver City, wandering around, trying You call this book a novel but it reads past and from his own life is perhaps the
Thats the source from which all my to get to the bottom of death. I am as a subtle fusion of ction, nonction, predicament of the immigrant. And one of
writing springs. My rst novel, The End of also someone who is fascinated by and memoir and prose poem. Did you the recurring threads in The Disintegrations
The World Book was an encyclopedia of writes in cemeteries (my local being write The Disintegrations with much is the intersection between sex and death.
obsessions, literally, A to Z, but for this Hollywood Forever.) Can you talk about awareness as to the form it was taking? But if I take up any moniker, it would be,
book I narrowed the lens to just one. Who your relationship with Holy Cross? Yes and no. The book took me about 8 to go back to the rst question, obsession:
knows why we become fascinated with Well, like my narrator, I do teach across or 9 years to write, and one of the reasons Im an obsessive writer who has to follow
anything? I was xated on the subject and the street from Holy Cross, at Antioch for that was guring out the right form to his obsessions through to the end.
I needed to write my way out of it. Its not a University. Ive taken my classes there, had tell this story, to hold together the pieces Id
subject I would have chosen to write about. my students write there. My book is very written. It was originally much longer and
That said, since I was a teenager, most of much an investigation of that cemetery, more traditionally structured, but I realized David Francis and Alistair McCartney will talk
the writers Ive gravitated toJean Genet, drawing on that great tradition of writers the structure wasnt working and last more about The Disintegrations at Skylights
Books, 1818 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Marguerite Duras, Dennis Cooper, W.G. mining the mythology of Death and year I did a pretty radical re-write and re- 90027, on Saturday September 16th, 5:00pm.
T E L E V I SI O N W W W .LOS ANG E LE S B LADE .C OM A U G U ST 2 5 , 2 0 1 7 2 9
By SUSAN L. HORNIK
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 women in the sequel! made/We just assume that it happens. a fact briey raised as an intention to end
Aaron Burr is not the same villain The duel becomes inevitable after slavery after the war. In 1785, he and John
portrayed in history. A few years older, Hamilton continually maligns Burr, calling Jay founded an anti-slavery organization
Hamilton biographer Ron Chernow, upon already a Princeton graduate and lawyer him unprincipled and despicable, and in New York City that eventually abolished
whose work Manuel based his musical. when Hamilton arrives, Burr is a man to eventually throwing his support behind the international slave trade in that city.
The exclamation mark on immigration whom Hamilton looks for guidance and a Jeerson after a tie in the electoral college Hamilton wrote that slaves natural faculties
comes after the rebels beat the British at boost for his ambition. Burr tells Hamilton in the 1800 presidential election. If you are as good as ours.
the battle of Yorktown, turning the world to talk less, smile more. In Wait For It, stand for nothing, Burr what do you Let me tell you what I wish Id known/
upside down, winning the revolution, Burr cites family as a reason for caution, fall for? Hamilton would rather support When I was young and dreamed of glory/
thanks in large part to Hamiltons ingenuity and yet it is grueling to see the impetuous his rival than the man he thinks has no You have not control/Who lives/Who
and help from France arranged by the Hamilton succeed. principlesa point disputed by historians. dies/Who tells your story, sings George
Marquis de Lafayette. Immigrantswe The fatal duel that ends Hamiltons life Interestingly, Jeerson may be the Washington, who insists that Hamilton write
get things done! they sing/say with pride takes on an air of inevitability with Burrs real villain here. Portrayed as an elitist Washingtons famous Farewell Address.
as the LA audience roars its approval. imagining of the dinner party where fop who didnt ght in the war Whatd The audience might walk out of the
Mirandas mantra is the political always Hamilton, Thomas Jeerson, and James I miss? he asks when returning from theatre pumped up by the multi-layered I
has to be personal, he told the PBS Madison devise the compromise of 1790. ParisMiranda underscores the hypocrisy am not throwing away my shot. But the
NewsHour in 2015. The idea was to tell Hamilton agrees that the location of the of having the man who wrote all men are lingering question is who writes history?
the story of the rst American immigrant nations capitol will be on the Potomac created equal being a slave-owner. I dont think there could be anything
and the formation of our country. In that River while the two men from Virginia Hey neighbor. Your debts are paid more important than this show right
sense it felt intensely personal.What it agree to support Hamiltons plan for a because you dont pay for labor, Hamilton now, says out producer Neal Meron,
feels like to land here and make your way. federal government that would assume snaps at him. who pioneered diversity casting with
The feminist refrain the personal is the the states debts but have states pay taxes Later, Jeerson and Madison get in the his producing partner Craig Zadan. The
political is underscored by the Schuyler to the central government. weeds, look for the seeds of Hamiltons musicality, the message, the diversityits
sisters, Eliza, Angelica and Peggy, who Burr takes that political exclusion misdeeds to ruin him. Their evidence of everything that were about and we should
seem a bit Destinys Child and a bit feminist personally, leading to the explosive song corruption is actually Hamilton paying be about for the future.
Greek Chorus. Angelica, the feistier of The Room Where It Happens. He describes blackmail to hide an extramarital aair Hamilton continues performances at
the three, sings about the Declaration of how political deals are still made: No one while Jeerson has an ongoing aair with the Hollywood Pantages Theatre through
Independence: [W]hen I meet Thomas really knows how the game is played/The his slave mistress Sally Hemings. December 30. Call: 800-982-2787 or check
Jeerson/Im a compel him to include art of the trade/How the sausage gets Hamilton was an abolitionist (as was Burr), online at www.hollywoodpantages.com.
LO C A L N E W S W W W .LOS ANG E LE S B LADE .C OM A U G U ST 2 5 , 2 0 1 7 3 1
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up investigating, that take over the book. As with my fictional characters,
**THIS IS NOT A SEX PARTY ** the aftermath of the real-life incident continues; other cops in trouble, on
trial, or soon to be on trial. My detectives are honest and try to do right,
Sept. 23 7 pm - 1 am but that is as big a threat to some in the police department as those who lie.
South Plainfield, NJ Paul Turner, a gay man, a husband, and a father, has to negotiate the shoals
$30
of danger and deceit, with his police department partner, Buck Fenwick, as
Close to all public transportation from NYC/Newark airport. they try to live through the dangers that envelope them. All for
This is a nationwide invitation. simply doing the right thing - standing up to idiocy, deceit, and
an array of villains.
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