Florida Agenda

LOS ANGELES, CA – After originally denying him permission to speak, the Republican Party has changed their mind and will permit openly gay presidential candidate Fred Karger to speak at their upcoming state convention, scheduled to take place September 16 through 18.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the party had originally given Karger what he called the “cold shoulder” in his attempts to speak at the convention. However, when the Chronicle reported the story, the party extended an invitation.

Karger said that Republican officials offered him a chance to speak and introduce himself to G.O.P. delegates at a Saturday pre-luncheon event and other gatherings during the party’s upcoming weekend.

LOS ANGELES, CA – A Los Angeles jury awarded openly-gay Police Sgt. Ronald Crump $1.1 million for derogatory remarks made to him by a supervisor.

According to testimony, Lt. John Romero made remarks about Crump’s sexuality. Crump had complained through normal channels, but his concerns were deemed unfounded. Crump testified that after his complaint, he was transferred to the city’s Skid Row area which cost him future opportunities for promotion.

Recently, the LAPD has been under criticism by the department’s civilian oversight agency and reported serious shortcomings in the way the department probes officers’ retaliation charges. The department has promised to increase training for supervisors accused of misconduct.

The City Attorney’s office is reviewing legal options.

Harry Potter — Twilight — Jurassic Park. What do these movies have in common?  They all started out as popular books. Going Down In LA-LA Land, which is premiering at this year’s Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, is based on the book of the same name by Andy Zeffer. As with any movie adapted from a book, there are always going to be specific details and nuances left out; but that doesn’t mean it’s not worthwhile to sit back and enjoy the film. Will seeing this movie make you want to pick up the book for those juicy details? “Absolutely,” says author Andy Zeffer. He recently caught up with Mark’s List to talk about his thoughts on the book-to-movie endeavor, his mixed feelings, the movie’s star, Matthew Ludwinski, and director Casper Andreas.

Going Down in LA-LA Land has its world premiere as the closing night film at the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival on May 1st. Are you excited to finally see your book as a movie?

Well this whole experience has kind of left me with mixed feelings. It’s a little bittersweet seeing the movie come out. Writing the book was very labor intensive, and I hoped it would lead to more in my career — a job writing for Page Six or something like that. But I’m excited about the movie, and I hope it brings a new audience to the book.

Have you seen the movie?

The filmmaker [Casper Andreas] would not let me see it. He told me he wanted me to see it as part of the audience. I’ve only seen the trailer, but from what I’ve seen it looks great.

Did you ever think that a movie would come to fruition?

It seems like it’s been so long and so much has happened between when I wrote it and now. The filmmaker [Casper Andreas] was involved with many different projects and kind of put this one on the shelf for a while.

When did you find out they were interested in making a movie?

I’ve known Casper for years and I brought the book to his attention to see if he would be interested in it. I think he really identified with it, because he is an actor himself. It’s an independent film and getting them made is a real struggle. So it was in the works for a while.

What do you think about the casting choice of Matthew Ludwinski?  Who did you ultimately envision playing the lead?

I think he’s gorgeous. He’s young and, at the time I moved to LA, I was around his age. It seems like the perfect fit. It was really funny when he arrived in LA and first started looking for work. I was talking with Casper the other day about it and it’s eerily similar to the character in my book. I honestly thought an unknown actor would do the best job. I couldn’t really think of any well-known actors out there who could pull off the vulnerability needed for this role. But for the female lead I wanted someone like Anna Farris.

Did you work with Casper on the script?

I had started doing the script but had never really done one before. It’s hard because you have to take so much out of the book to fit within the amount of time for the movie. I’m hoping to re-publish the book on Amazon so audiences can get all of the details. But I do think the movie captured all of the great stuff. The ending is different than the book’s ending, but I think the script captured the essence of the book — the friendship between the gay character and his straight, female roommate; and trying to make it out there and survive when you really don’t know your head from a hole in the ground.

For those who haven’t already read the book, do you think they will get the same experience from the film?

I think after seeing the film it’s going to make people want to read the book even more. There is so much hilarious stuff in the book that couldn’t make it in the movie. There’s a chapter in the book about the “A List” group of guys in LA who drive all the hottest cars and have the newest cell phones and a lot of other fun things. I hope the movie will make people want to read the book even more. I’m also hoping the movie will open doors for everyone involved in the project and be a stepping stone to do other great things.

Will you be at the Film Festival?

I’m not sure yet. I have a lot of different things going on right now, but I’m really going to try.

What do you ultimately want the audience to take away from the story?

I hope people will love the movie and get a kick out of it. There is a really great friendship story throughout the movie that’s really touching and important.

Going Down in LA-LA Land has its world premiere as the closing night film at the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival on May 1st. Ticket information is available at www.mglff.com

Actor Matthew Ludwinksi Goes Down in LA-LA Land

By TROY MAILLIS

Going Down in LA-LA Land is premiering at this year’s Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival as the coveted final night feature.  Based on the novel penned by Andy Zeffer, this film explores the ups and down, and trials and tribulations of trying to make it in Hollywood. What would you do to survive and achieve your ultimate dream? Directed by Casper Andreas, the film stars Matthew Ludwinski as “Adam,” a Hollywood newbie looking to get his start in the world of lights—camera—action. We recently caught up with Matthew to talk about his starring role, the steamy sex scenes and working with Casper Andreas.

Going Down in LA-LA Land is premiering on the final night of the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. Will you be in Miami for the opening? How do you feel about the film being the closing night feature?
I won’t be able to make the opening, but all of us involved with the film are excited and honored to be the closing night feature.

What did you do to prepare for your role in Going Down in LA-LA Land? Did you spend any extra time getting in tip top shape?
Of course! I’m a vain actor! Whenever I have an important acting or modeling job I always try to step it up a bit. And Carbs—I didn’t even LOOK at so much as a slice of whole wheat toast, which was difficult because during those long night shoots they sometimes had to bring in a second meal for the cast and crew at 2 a.m. and it was always something delicious and awful like “Jack in the Box” tacos and cheeseburgers. I also gave up alcohol two weeks before, and then the month of the shoot, which is what I’m going to use as my excuse for getting a little *ahem* sloppy at the wrap party.

Did you read the book by Andy Zeffer? If so, what did you think?
I knew that Casper had the rights to the book long before he cast me as the lead, so I bought and read the book before Casper had even finished the script. After reading it, I knew it was the perfect part for me. I was dying to play that role! It’s fun to imagine oneself in various tragic situations, and this particular situation involves a sexy combination of porn, prostitution and Hollywood romance. Getting to play that role let me live in that world for a bit without any of the pesky consequences.

Are there any parts of your character you identify with? Most of them. I mean, what actor wouldn’t?

My character is sort of an “everyman” actor type. He’s a young man with big dreams and not a lot of resources. I’ve certainly been there!As an actor, did you experience any similar situations as your character when getting started in the business?
Absolutely. I know what it’s like to feel objectified. I know what it’s like to feel used. I know what it’s like to feel desperate. And every actor has thought at some point about the casting couch, and has had the thought, “I wonder if it is possible to sleep my way to the top?” But really his whole journey from arriving to Hollywood bright and excited to the process of his disillusionment—I’ve experienced all of that. I think most actors have.

You show a lot of skin in the film. Do you get nervous in situations like that?
Not really. I’m pretty comfortable with my body. In my modeling days I would often be photographed in very little clothing. I was even in “Naked Boys Singing,” so that tells you a little bit about the roles I get cast in.

How intense were the sex scenes? Were you able to let go and have fun?
I had fun in almost every scene, and I wasn’t nervous about the sex scenes. My costars were so great, and everyone was very comfortable and committed. Occasionally I would freak out and worry that my “sock” was slipping off. But it didn’t, so we’re good!  The pool scene was sort of difficult logistically. I was much more nervous about the scene where I had to be drunk and dance around wildly in my underwear. But that ended up being a blast.

The film deals a lot with sex and porn. Do you have a favorite porn star?
Who says I watch porn? I’m an actor on a limited budget and I have to content myself with those free 30-second porn clips on the Internet, and those clips don’t usually credit the performers. Maybe I ought to buy some porn DVDs, you know, just to support the arts more.

What was it like working with director Casper Andreas?
Casper and I were already friendly from working together on his film, “Between Love and Goodbye,” a few years ago. I knew we liked each other and would get along. We became good friends working on this movie. It made coming to work everyday a blast! I also came to ADORE the two other leads, Allison Lane and Michael Medico. Working with people you like is such a joy. I couldn’t wait to start each day.

Do you think roles like this “type cast” you as only being able to play one certain type of character?
I hope not! I certainly don’t mind being cast as the boy-next-door, but of course I want to do other things. In case you didn’t notice, I’m a complex multi-faceted being! My character “Adam” was such a sweet little ingénue though, so I think it’d be fun to play someone really evil and diabolical next time.

What other types of roles are you looking to sink your teeth into?
Well naturally the next step in my career is to play a sexy vampire/werewolf, and then Hamlet. Maybe a sexy vampire/werewolf Hamlet – then I could retire.

Are there any directors or actors out there who you would love to work with above all others?
Jim Carey and Nicole Kidman, because I am a blend of both. So maybe they could play my parents.

What do you want the audience to take away from watching the film or following your character from beginning to end?
That I’m an awesome actor with great hair! Ha! But really I think this movie tells a great story and I just hope people enjoy it.

Relaxing in Downtown Los Angeles

By PAUL RUBIO

Up until a few years ago, Downtown Los Angeles was the city’s Achilles Heel, an urban wasteland riddled with crime and grime. But thanks to large-scale investment and optimistic intervention, downtown is now in the process of an Extreme Makeover, emerging as a rejuvenated princess in the land of glitz and glamor, ready to take on the world with a new attitude. The anchor of this redux? The Staples Center (home of the L.A. Lakers) and the surrounding L.A. LIVE area, which has attracted the likes of the Ritz-Carlton, loft developers and restaurateurs looking to create a new type of L.A. experience.

Exiting the 110 freeway, downtown’s nips and tucks are immediately obvious. Eclectic coffee shops have replaced crack houses, funky lofts have moved in where sketchy, abandoned towers once stood. I had not ventured to downtown L.A. in a decade, simply because I had no reason to! But it was already clear, I now had much to discover.
I pulled into the driveway of The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, where a number of helpful valet attendants showered me with lots of attention and assistance (www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/LosAngeles, 213.743.8800). The lobby of the Ritz was small and simple, the check-in process short. Like some of Tokyo and Shanghai’s greatest hotels, the focus at the Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles lies in the room product and the stunning panoramas from the upper floors, which actually house the hotel. In fact, the 123-room Ritz-Carlton begins on the 22nd floor and ends on the 26th, with the neighboring JW Marriott hotel comprising the lower levels and then spilling over to a second building. The Ritz’s speedy elevators lead directly to floor 22 and to the floors with amenities available exclusively to Ritz-Carlton guests (like the rooftop pool, the 26th floor gym, and the Club Lounge).

The rooms parlay a remarkable evolution of the Ritz-Carlton brand, with a contemporary yet refined interior design. I had seen the Ritz truly break out of its traditional comfort zone on my travels to Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Barcelona; it was refreshing to see this new product style implemented here on the home front. The exceptionally well-appointed furnishings boast clean symmetries, channeling attention towards the wall-to-wall panoramic window, lined with a sumptuous day bed, peering over the Hollywood Hills and greater Los Angeles. The mega bathrooms are separated into three sections, most notably a wet area where a rain shower and oversized Jacuzzi sit side by side, encased in glass, with perfect views of L.A.

It was one of those rare times I was so captivated by my hotel room, I suddenly lost the desire to do anything but enjoy an inspiring read or a glass of champagne in my temporary Zen den and forget the world around me. So, I went up one floor to the Club Lounge with the simple task of getting that glass of champagne. But when I got there, I was utterly and completely seduced by my surroundings. The Club Lounge was big and beautiful, teeming with celebrities, famous basketball players, and decorated with elaborate food presentations that quickly instigated pangs of hunger. So, it was now official.  I gave myself the rest of the day off to simply enjoy haute living at the Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles’ Club lounge – to eat far too many goat cheese stuffed peppers, sample some fine imported cheeses and French macaroons, eavesdrop on the A-list, chat with the Lakers’ competition, relish in birds-eye views of the city tableside telescopes and, of course, indulge in one too many glasses of champagne! After several weeks on the road, this good life at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, was no doubt a divine intervention.

I began the following morning with a swim on the hotel’s rooftop pool and an extended hot tub session to combat the chilly breeze. I then met friends
for lunch at Kerry Simon’s highly acclaimed L.A. Market Restaurant (www.lalive.com/eat/lamarket, 213.743.8800), located on the lobby level of the adjacent JW Marriot. Simon’s fresh comfort creations, like my “LA Market Green Salad” with crispy shallots, shaved asparagus, poached organic egg and topped with rosemary grilled shrimp, epitomize the farm to table trends of modern American cooking.

A few cocktails later, it was an afternoon of much deserved R &R at the Ritz’s first class spa pampering palace. The sparkling snow-white spa provides the full throttle fabulous spa experience. The vanguard relaxation room boasts oversized reclining chairs and frilly, draped couches for delicious tranquility before and after treatments. The Eucalyptus steam room facilitates the ultimate in stress relief. The treatment rooms are stylish and cozy, unlike the stale, cosmetology office-types I’ve seen in way too many hotels. Indeed, I was ready to conquer the world after my 80-minute deep tissue and definitely ready to venture out into greater L.A.!

Paul Rubio, LGBT Travel writer, has authored numerous articles and an award winning book Out Traveler: South Florida. Paul can be reached at editor@FloridaAgenda.com

LOS ANGELES, CA -

Actress Julianne Moore told Sky News Online that it is best if a child is brought up by a two-parent family, whether it be a man and a woman or two women or two men. In her new film, The Kids Are All Right, she and Annette Bening play a gay couple whose lives are turned upside down when their children contact their biological father. Moore said, “I really think a two-parent family is the goal. I think whether they are men or women, or a man and a woman, it’s all pretty good.”

LOS ANGELES, CA:

A diplomat from Saudi Arabia has requested political asylum because he is a homosexual and has a Jewish woman for a friend. He told NBC News that if he was returned to Saudi Arabia they would “kill me openly and in broad daylight.” Ahmad Asseri is the first secretary of the Saudi Arabian consulate in Los Angeles. Asseri claims that Saudi officials have terminated his employment and pulled his diplomatic passport after discovering his sexual orientation. In return, Asseri threatened to take embarrassing information public about the Saudi royal family living in the United States.

The World Congress of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Jews: Keshet Ga’avah (“World Congress”) is pleased to announce that California Senator Mark Leno will receive its Leadership Award at the 20th World Conference of GLBT Jews.  The conference will take place Aug. 13 – 15, 2010, on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles.

Senator Leno is being honored for his lifelong advocacy of GLBT rights and inclusion.  Senator Leno’s path to public service included two years of rabbinic training at Hebrew Union College, which gives him a unique perspective on the role of gays and lesbians in Jewish life and the GLBT community as a whole.  The Senator will appear at the event’s Saturday night gala dinner to accept the honor.

Elissa Barrett, an attorney who serves as Executive Director of the Progressive Jewish Alliance, will be the keynote speaker at Friday night’s shabbat dinner.  “Ms. Barrett’s social justice work within both the GLBT community and the Jewish community make her a perfect choice for keynote speaker,” said Jonathan Falk, conference chair.  “We look forward to her inspirational words.”

“With queer Jews converging on Los Angeles from all over the world, we look forward to a weekend of learning, laughter, friendship, music, prayer, and social justice; a weekend both intimate and expansive, as we share our history and help make it,” commented Rabbi Lisa Edwards of Congregation Beth Chayim Chadashim.

Weekend seminars at the Conference will cover a variety of issues of interest to the Jewish GLBT community, such as Judaism’s views of same sex marriage, sociological studies of the GLBT diversity, growing up queer in an Orthodox Jewish home, and organizing communities of faith for political change.  Confirmed presenters include: Steve Krantz of Jews for Marriage Equality, Kerry Chaplin of Faith for Equality, Rabbi Carla Howard of the Jewish Healing Center of Los Angeles, Prof. Richard Lippa of CSU Fullerton, Naomi Goldberg of the UCLA Law School Williams Institute, and many more.

On Saturday night, the Conference features a gala dinner, headlined by Lisa Geduldig, well-known San Francisco comedian.  Other featured entertainment will include the Gay Gezunt band and the choir from Beth Chayim Chadashim.

The World Congress– an organization that has advocated for equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Jews since 1975 – strives to create a world of equality and respect for all people, regardless of sexual orientation.  The upcoming 20th World Conference, the first in Los Angeles since 1982, is presented by the World Congress together with the local host organizations:  Congregation Beth Chayim Chadashim, Congregation Kol Ami, JQ International, Mishpacha UCLA, the Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation at Hebrew Union College, and the Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring of Southern California.  Conference registration is ongoing at the la2010.org website.  -FA

The Hollywood hills are majestic as you relax poolside at the Andaz Hyatt. (Photo Courtesy Paul Rubio).

By PAUL RUBIO

Since the 1920s, the L.A. enigma of wealth, fame, and pretention has lured celebrity hopefuls and aspiring anybodies to enter a vortex of the fake and fabulous, in a desperate attempt to become “somebody.” Likewise, this conundrum has placed L.A. at the top of the global “must see” bucket list, especially for the GLBT traveler.

Neighboring Beverly Hills, West Hollywood is arguably the epicenter of America’s gay universe. On a day-to-day basis, the streets of WEHO teem with America’s most stunning gay men, making the true attraction of visiting this gayborhood recreation time on an eye-candy playground. In fact, tourists simply looking for the “gay L.A.” experience need go no further than the main drags of Melrose, Sunset, and Santa Monica.

After battling some annoying traffic coming from LAX and catching a glimpse of the Hollywood sign, it’s time to put on your sunglasses and look the part, exiting the cab in front of either the flawless London West Hollywood (thelondonwesthollywood.com) or the awesome Andaz West Hollywood (westhollywood. andaz.hyatt.com). The Andaz West Hollywood is Hyatt’s much awaited youthful re-invention of the former Sunset Strip “Riot Hyatt,” a hotbed of 70s and 80s rock n roll angst and the long-haired rocker appetite for hotel destruction. The new Andaz is fresh, funky, fun, and full of freebees, offering a better-planned and more strategically conceptualized product than its most analogous competitor, the “W.” The contemporary design of common spaces is highly detailed while rooms are simple and understated. Guest rooms boast spacious sunrooms with floor to ceiling windows, peering over the Sunset Strip and vaster Hollywood panoramas (from floors 6 and up). Free Illy espresso, wine, and rotating snacks lure guests at all hours to the lobby, while the complimentary (nonalcoholic) mini bar gives new meaning to raiding the fridge. Sunning in your Speedo at the rooftop pool is arguably one of the best uses of LA daylight, while healthy French cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant, the Riot House, offers an authentic gastronomic link to the French countryside.

The rooftop pool at WEHO’s other most stylish crash pad, the London West Hollywood, also merits major bragging rights. The London’s signature bathrooms are larger than most NYC studio apartments, and likely the subject of countless Facebook photos and ridiculously long baths (with multiple guests). Like the Andaz, the London offers a sizeable gym, but a more inspirational physical experience beckons at the nearby Crunch (crunch.com) on Sunset Blvd or the Sports Club LA (thesportsclubla.com) on Sepulveda – both wet dreams of muscle boys pumping iron with frequent sightings of the legend Carol Channing in a leotard at the latter.

By early evening, WEHO transforms into a concentrated commune of fabulous eats, celebrity sightings, and unadulterated fun. The sexy Cecconi’s (www.cecconiswesthollywood.com) serves Italian fusion to a svelte, calorie conscious clientele, more concerned with being seen than inhaling their tuna tartare. The irresistible diet anti-Christ, BLT Steak (www.bltsteak.com), caters to the foodie crowd, content scraping their plates for that one final bite of the decadent Lobster Cobb Salad, the over-stuffed Mushrooms, or the signature buttery Sole. Come 11pm, the world famous Abbey (www.abbeyfoodandbar.com) shows no signs of ending its long standing reign as America’s best gay bar. The oversized homo sanctuary has hosted LA’s who’s-who for nearly a decade, still championing the scene on Fridays and Sunday afternoons. Next door, Here Lounge (www.herelounge.com) is also mega popular these two evenings.

Naturally, an L.A. experience is never complete without a few notable celebrity sightings. Within West Hollywood, it’s likely you will see both the fabulous A-list and the ghetto- fabulous D-list at a Santa Monica Blvd. Starbucks or the 2:15am sloppy pizza stop after all clubs have closed, for that Us Weekly “they’re just like us” moment. My last trip to L.A., I perhaps took the “greatest piss of all,” smack-dab next to Orlando Bloom, sharing a bit of urinal rhapsody for a good 60 seconds (plenty of time to sneak a peek or two!). I downed a tequila shot at the Abbey with “New York” from the VH1 reality show “Flava of Love” (after I realized she was more than just another drag queen). Paris Hilton brushed by me at Millions of Milkshakes (millionsofmilkshakes.com), blowing drunk “air kisses” to her waning fan base.