Mr. LA Leather 2025 Nick Arroyo Challenges the Status Quo BY MARK ARIEL | PHOTO BY ALEXANDER SCHUELLER A lifelong Angeleno and the reigning Mr. LA Leather 2025, Nick Arroyo is a 29-year-old body piercer at Pacific Sangha Tattoo and Read more
Christopher Street West President Lawrence Carroll on Co-Parenting and Leading LA Pride BY MARK ARIEL | PHOTO BY ALEXANDER SCHUELLER Lawrence Carroll’s journey to the presidency of Christopher Street West (CSW), the nonprofit that produces LA Pride, is a story Read more
Mounderwear turns up the heat for Valentine’s Day MOUNDERWEAR is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with the launch of its new “Why You So Hot” campaign. Since its inception, the LA-based brand has stood for more than just men’s underwear. Under Read more
How California’s New Laws Shield Queer and Trans Identities As of January 2026, California has doubled down on its status as a “sanctuary state” for LGBTQ+ residents, implementing several landmark laws that specifically prioritize privacy, health equity, and youth safety. Read more
Celebrating 25 Years Of Mr. LA Leather BY MARK ARIEL As Los Angeles prepares for the milestone 25th anniversary of LA Leather Pride (LALP) in 2026, with the theme of “Cruising: On the Boulevard of Erotic Dreams”, the celebration stands Read more
Local Activist James Duke Mason Bridges Pop Culture and Politics with New Podcast BY MARK ARIEL | PHOTO BY ZIV SADE James Duke Mason, a local veteran LGBTQ+ rights advocate and the son of pop icon Belinda Carlisle and political Read more
Oceane Aqua-Black Shatters Records with Debut Album “Shame-less” Drag superstar and pop provocateur Oceane Aqua-Black has officially made history with her debut album, Shame-less. Released via So Fierce Music, the 23-track project clocks in at 83 minutes and 27 seconds, officially Read more
Setting New Year’s resolutions is a great opportunity to focus on self-care, community, and achieving personal milestones. Here are a few New Year’s Resolution tips and ideas. MENTAL WELLNESS & SELF-AFFIRMATION Focus on resolutions that center on self-worth and healing Read more
California and The Trevor Project Launch Landmark Initiative for LGBTQ+ Crisis Care In a direct response to shifting federal policies and rising mental health needs, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a strategic partnership between the State of California and The Read more
Gay military drama seeks new streamer following political firestorm BY VICTOR MELAMED In a candid interview with Variety last month, executive producer Brent Miller—the longtime producing partner of the late TV legend Norman Lear—opened up about Netflix’s devastating cancelation of Read more
Beyond the Screen: How “Unrequited” Breaks Down Mental Health and Black Queer Love BY MARK ARIEL Juss Thrasher, creator of the acclaimed web series “Unrequited,” opens up about turning personal truth into compelling television, why Black queer voices are vital, Read more
Why World AIDS Day 2025 Still Demands Our Attention BY PATRICK TSAKUDA On World AIDS Day, December 1st, the annual sight of the red ribbon reminds us of the profound tragedy and resilience of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Yet, as Read more
WeHo Fundraiser Generates $16K to Support Out LGBTQ+ Athletes The Out Athlete Fund concluded a highly successful weekend fundraising event in West Hollywood last month, generating over $16,000, reports WEHO TIMES. The funds are earmarked to provide essential financial support Read more
Why Setting Boundaries is the Ultimate Act of Queer Self-Love BY PATRICK TSAKUDA For many LGBTQ+ people, the holidays are a painful mix of stress, societal pressure, and family-of-origin tension. When your existence—your name, your partner, your very identity—is a Read more
LGBTQ Assimilation vs. Radical Authenticity BY PATRICK TSAKUDA Despite the current political reality, the modern LGBTQ+ movement is a resounding success story, etched in landmarks like marriage equality and growing corporate inclusion. Yet, this very success has exposed a profound Read more
Debbie Wileman Brings Judy Garland’s Spirit to Life in Her “We Need a Little Christmas” Tour Beloved singer and celebrated Judy Garland tribute artist Debbie Wileman is spreading holiday cheer nationwide with her brand-new concert experience, Judy Garland—We Need a Read more
FBI Fired Specialist Over Desk Pride Flag. He is Suing BY VICTOR MELAMED The integrity of civil rights protections within the nation’s highest law enforcement agency is now at the center of a major federal lawsuit. Former FBI operations specialist Read more
SEIZE THE BOOTS A Life, a Loss, and a Boot Lust Gift to Us All BY BOB MILLER The centerfold of this issue of THE FIGHT has dozens of pictures of tall boots representing the hundreds that will be for sale at Read more
Community Members Open Up About Sharing Their Truth, From Childhood Awakenings to Life-Defining Adult Decisions BY PAULO MURILLO ALISHA GRAEFE From Isolation to I Do: Alisha Graefe’s Journey from Rural Idaho to Los Angeles For archivist Alisha Graefe, an archivist Read more
