Singer, model, actor and fashion designer On Mekahel on receiving death threats, his inspiration to pursue a singing career and how his online persona differs from his true self BY MARK ARIEL | PHOTO BY CHRIS MARTIN On Mekahel, an Read more
Gay officer sues California city for discrimination A police officer in Oceanside has sued the city, claiming he suffered discrimination and harassment from fellow officers after they found out he was gay and retaliated when he reported it. He also said Read more
Tips to navigate this new year’s stressful political environment while prioritizing your safety and well-being BY ORLY LYONNE PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE Mental Health Schedule regular therapy sessions, explore mindfulness practices (meditation, journaling), and connect with LGBTQ+ support groups. Physical Health Commit Read more
Los Angeles Blade publisher Troy Masters dead at 63. RIP BY MARK ARIEL Troy Masters, a prominent figure in LGBTQ+ media and the founding publisher of the Los Angeles Blade, passed away last month at the age of 63. THE Read more
EAGLE LA HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE Benefiting Children’s Hospital LA, the Eagle LA and The Regiment of the Black and Tans’ presented their 51st Annual Toast to the Season last month with Sexy Santa Pete! PHOTOS BY MOTORBOOT PHOTOGRAPHY
Pride Detox, an affirming addiction treatment center for the LGBTQIA+ community, recently opened in Long Beach. The facility “doesn’t just accept LGBTQ+ folks, it was literally created for LGBTQ+ folks by LGBTQ+ folks,” explains founder and CEO Donna Weinberger in Read more
Brian Falduto’s jingle for singles spending the holidays alone Country music crooner Brian Falduto is bringing a fresh and uplifting perspective to holiday music this season with his first original jingle, “Christmas Solo.” This playful, country-pop tune shines a spotlight Read more
A message from Los Angeles Leather Pride Los Angeles Leather Pride takes place next year, March 23-30, 2025. The theme of the upcoming event is UNITE! Here’s an excerpt for their website: “Join us for UNITE—a gathering of the leather Read more
This is an all-hands-on-deck moment in our history BY RACE BANNON The election is over. LGBTQ voters turned out for Harris in large numbers. It wasn’t enough to counteract the other side’s aggressive campaign of hate and lies. We’re now Read more
Sheryl Lee Ralph receives the Champion Award at GLSEN’s Rise Up LA Benefit GLSEN, the leading education organization dedicated to creating safe and inclusive K-12 schools and learning environments for LGBTQ+ youth, honored Emmy© Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Read more
Cory B. Savage, the founder of Creative Recovery LA, talks to Mark Ariel about his life experiences, the path to wellness and helping others map out their journey through creativity PHOTO BY ZIV SADE UNIMAGINABLE CHALLENGES Growing up in a Read more
Actor Van Hansis, who came out as gay in THE FIGHT in May 2014, lands role on iconic soap opera Actor Van Hansis has landed a new role on the long-running soap opera General Hospital. Hansis, 43, will play the Read more
Travis Barr-Longo, aka Anita Buffem, becomes the first drag queen in nation’s history elected to a school board BY SEAN GALUSZKA In a sleepy, Central New York, agricultural village, Herstory is being made. Anita Buffem (www.youtube.com/@BuffemBeautiful ) (aka Travis Barr-Longo) Read more
Out singer Lil Nas X in new campaign, entitled “Born MYSLF, No Matter What” Lil Nas X has been a beauty ambassador for YSL for the last two years and is starring in the brand’s latest ads for its scent Read more
Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni Atkins on why we need Proposition 3 Proposition 3, the initiative on the November ballot to protect marriage equality in California, is very personal to me. In 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that Read more
The iconic Grammy®-nominated Sister Sledge named final headliner for Palm Springs Pride, November 2 Sister Sledge, the legendary disco group, will headline the Palm Springs Pride Festival and deliver their iconic hits that have captivated audiences for decades. The free Read more
Rainbow Hill’s Joey Bachrach launches Big Little Bows, a non-profit mentorship program for 15-17 year olds on the road to recovery BY MARK ARIEL | PHOTO BY ZIV SADE I’m passionate about creating spaces where people, especially those in Read more
Adult film star Seth Knight ventures into a new role behind the camera BY JOSH LEFFERSON | PHOTO BY DICK MITCHELL Seth Knight grew up in a small town in Texas called Wichita Falls. He was that kid who loved Read more
Artist Aaron Allen Marner will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2024 Palm Springs Pride Parade Greater Palm Springs Pride has announced that artist Aaron Allen Marner, known for his vibrant and thought-provoking artwork, will serve as the Grand Read more
Out singer songwriter Omar Apollo is set to star in Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer,” an adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ 1985 semi-autobiographical novel. The upcoming indie film, which was revealed as part the Venice Film Festival Lineup , will also star Read more
