Who among us hasn’t heard “Seek and you shall find”? Trouble is, do we always appreciate it when we finally get what we think we’re looking for?
This conundrum is at the core of Seek, an intriguing new film that’s just made its way onto DVD and V.O.D. from TLA Releasing. The story follows Evan, a young, gay, buttoned-down type who recently had his heart broken by his “ideal” man. Evan is a writer, and in attempting to shake off his feelings of depression and career stagnation, he takes an assignment profiling Hunter, an attractive gay club promoter.
Hunter soon introduces him to the fast-paced, pulsating world of Toronto gay nightlife, featuring plenty of uber-hot twentysomethings, each desperately looking for something bigger, brighter, buffer and better. All are striving for something seemingly just out of reach, whether it’s to be part of the in-crowd, winning over that sexy stud across the bar, or finding success in their work. As a result, they often fail to appreciate what they already have.
Written and directed by Toronto-area filmmaker Eric Henry, Seek explores some original territory in LGBT cinema in a genuine and sometimes touching way.
“The whole reason I wanted to make this,” Henry said, “is that I wanted to address different things in my movie that I haven’t seen before.”
A native of northern Ontario, Henry recalls that going to the movies was an escape for him when he was growing up. It was a fun diversion because, as he candidly recollects, there wasn’t a whole lot to do up there.
“The entire process of going to the movies was exciting,” he says, “because we had to drive an hour to the next town in order to go to the theater, so there was a big trek to get there. Then getting the tickets and buying the popcorn -- it was always something I wanted to be a part of, because as a kid I found it so thrilling.”
As he grew older and studied filmmaking, he understood that this would be a dynamic way to present his feelings or a message to a greater audience. And his new film does deliver a message.
It masterfully deals with topics such as not appreciating what you have (while you have it), unrequited love, and even aspects of ageism in the gay community.
“Every time I’d go to a gay film festival, I would see a couple things that were always the same,” he says. He offers a list: “a difficult coming-out story, a guy falling in love with a straight guy (who sometimes turns out to be gay), a disease/AIDS story, or a ‘bullying’ story. … I wanted to create a film that didn’t really have any of that.”
In Seek, none of the characters has any specific issues or problems just because they’re gay.
“They’re human beings first, who are living in the gay community. So I wanted to tackle a couple of things that we don’t really talk about in any kind of movie, really” he says. “Things like being marginalized, overlooked or disrespected due to your age, or personal dissatisfaction regardless of your circumstances.”
Newcomer Adrian Shepherd-Gawinski stars as Evan Brisby, the fresh-faced writer who takes on a freelance project that could open a lot of doors for his career. Ryan Fisher is Hunter, the boyishly handsome club and event organizer who takes Evan under his wing to show him a vibrant and colorful city that only exists after dark.
Matthew Ludwinski is Jordan, Evan’s “dream lover,” whom he pines for after their one-night stand doesn’t develop into a deeper relationship. Jonathan Nathaniel offers terrific comic support as Evan’s wisecracking co-worker, Aidan, who is no stranger to the club scene that Evan is learning about.
Henry said he wrote the part of Evan specifically with Shepherd-Gawinski in mind.
“Adrian and I had become friends a year or two before we made the picture,” Henry says. “He was going to the national theater school here and I wanted to be a filmmaker, so we agreed: ‘Let’s go make a movie!’ Considering film-acting was all pretty new to him, I think he did a remarkable job!”
Henry says he chose Fisher because his overall look was precisely what he had in mind for the character.
“Although Ryan’s personality in real life is not really Hunter’s at all, when I pictured him, he was who I thought the character looked like,” Henry says. “In fact, Fisher’s image was sort of the inspiration for Hunter as I was writing it.”
He says Fisher initially auditioned for the part of Evan, but when Henry suggested that he read for the Hunter role, Fisher found that he liked it more.
Henry says, “I’m very happy with the entire cast. I think they all worked out amazingly well!”
Seek is not autobiographical, Henry says, but a number of the events and people depicted are representations of his life in Toronto over the last five years.
“A lot of the people in the film are inspired by people in my own life,” he says, smiling. “Their stories might not be exactly the same, but it’s more the atmosphere and the attitudes that were inspired by my actual experiences.”
This includes his coming out and looking for a special someone to fall in love with and share in the life he was creating.
“It’s taken from my having gone through all of that, and maybe even having gone after the wrong person,” he observes. “All those sorts of instances and occurrences over the last several years have inspired this film.”
In many ways, though, it could be asserted that Seek is autobiographical for the entire LGBT community, because it portrays many societal elements that viewers will undoubtedly identify with.
Take, for example, Evan’s straight best girlfriend who eventually reveals hidden sexual feelings for her gay best friend, or the cross-dressing (but strictly heterosexual) couple, or even the bold suggestion that not every interaction that two gay people might have with one another automatically has to be construed as a sexual come-on.
This latter idea serves as the basis for a compelling bar scene in which Evan reacts coldly to an older man’s interest, which is clearly not meant to be sexual but rather an attempt to learn more about the younger man as a potential friend in a new city.
“These again are a reflection of what has happened to me,” notes Henry. “Most folks hang out with people their own age, and they block themselves from meeting and dealing with people who are different from them in some way, which is the point of what I was trying to showcase. In doing this, you’re putting blocks up from meeting someone who could be very interesting, or who could be insightful and give you good advice -- and not necessarily for a hook-up. But in this instance, Evan insists on putting up such barriers and making such presumptions simply because this man is a bit older.”
The director says that when audiences have spoken with him about the film, “The greatest thing that people have told me is that they’ve never seen a gay movie quite like this before.” He adds that plenty of those he’s talked to have confessed to identifying with much of what Seek presents.
“Especially when we’ve shown it to older audiences,” he says. “They really pick up on that one scene we’ve talked about in the bar, where they just feel it spoke to them. It’s great that they could finally see themselves and their experiences in a movie, because really, when you reach a certain age you don’t often get to see yourself -- especially in gay films -- and so that’s awesome. Those are the comments I’ve loved hearing!”
Seek asks viewers to take a second look at what they think they see and encourages them to dispense with any preconceptions that might prove limiting.
“Not everything is exactly what you might think,” Henry says. “You have to look into it and be sure not to get the wrong impression. This film urges people to take their blinders off and look around -- and really examine what they see, because we all make judgments so quickly. By not doing this, you’re missing out on life.”
But he says perhaps the most significant message the movie contains is: “You may think you know the life you want (because you planned it all out), but it’s important to not plan out everything. Don’t be afraid to go off that path, because it’s off the path that you often find the greatest things!”
For more information about the movie, which was an Official Selection for the 2014 Toronto LGBT Film Festival, go to www.tlavideo.com or look for “Seek the Film” on Facebook.
 
WhistlePig and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Wind Tunnel-Trialed Whiskey Is a Ryed You Don’t Want to Miss
SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.
The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.
Like Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s signature C43 racing vehicles, trial barrels were tested in the team’s wind tunnel in Switzerland before hitting the track. Select barrels then endured varying levels of G-Forces at the WhistlePig farm and distillery for the finishing touch, accelerating the interaction between the whiskey and the wood, staying true to the physical nature of Formula 1.
“Partnering with WhistlePig has been a very exciting experience. Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake is dedicated to being the best on the track, and the crew at WhistlePig is fearless in their pursuit to create the best whiskey out there,” said Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s driver. “We’re really looking forward to fans tasting our custom Rye Whiskey and raising a glass to the rookies, veterans, legends and the exhilarating sport of F1.”
"Joining forces with WhistlePig to release a Single Barrel Rye Whiskey that represents my culture and team has been an honor,” said Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s driver. “Formula 1 brings together fearless, thrill-seeking motorsports professionals, and WhistlePig has a shared passion for boundary-pushing innovation. Together, we’ve selected something alarmingly good for fans to enjoy this season when the cars are not on track.”
The Limited Edition Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel will be available for purchase online starting around September 13 for $49.99 MSRP per 750ml bottle and sold in select stores across the U.S. Consumers can win VIP merchandise by scanning the QR code on the back of each bottle.
"We're taking our third Legends Series release on a ryed like never before,” said Meghan Ireland, WhistlePig Head Blender. "Our experiments with dynamic aging went full throttle during finishing trials at the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake wind tunnel, in turn inspiring new ways to expose barrels to G-forces back at the WhistlePig Farm. The herbal and floral notes of the lychee and tea barrel selected with the team create a new, podium-topping experience for PiggyBack Rye."
Fans and collectors have followed WhistlePig PiggyBack Legends Series, celebrating those who give 100% in the name of greatness, since its launch in March 2022 with Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, David Ortiz (“Big Papi”), followed by Country Music Duo Brothers Osborne in November 2022.
To learn more about WhistlePig Whiskey, visit whistlepigwhiskey.com. You can also check out WhistlePig Whiskey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About WhistlePig Whiskey
Located off the grid on a 500-acre Vermont farm, WhistlePig Whiskey is crafted by a new generation of whiskey distillers and blenders driven to reinvent and unlock the flavor of Rye whiskey. Through their rebellious pursuit of experimenting and pushing boundaries in the industry, WhistlePig has become the leading independent craft whiskey brand for innovation. WhistlePig is committed to becoming the best whiskey on and for the planet, starting with its locally sourced ingredients and sustainable supply chain and distilling process. For more information, head to whistlepigwhiskey.com.
Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz
When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.
I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.
If you don’t have a primary care physician who specializes in LGBTQ+ care in your community, you may need to educate yourself (and your provider). But, before you seek such therapy, here are five things you should know!
- Monitor closely. At Spectrum Medical Care Center, we screen patients for certain risks before starting anyone on hormones. We frequently monitor patients in the first year to ensure there are no adverse reactions and lab results are within safe ranges. Follow-up care is also important to assess your comfort with the transition as well as the social impact and social support you’re experiencing.
- Some changes are permanent, some temporary. For transmasculine individuals going on testosterone, they’ll experience these permanent changes: deepened voice, clitoral enlargement (also known as bottom growth), more body, facial hair, and male pattern baldness. Reversible changes include cessation of menses, increased muscle mass and strength, body fat redistribution, and skin oiliness or acne. For those going on estrogen therapy, the most permanent change is breast growth. Feminizing hormone therapy can also cause atrophy (shrinkage) of the genitals and loss of erectile function that may not be reversible. Estrogen will thin body hair, soften the skin, can increase scalp hair, and decrease muscle mass and strength, all of which are reversible.
- You can’t pick and choose results. Unfortunately, you can’t pick and choose the physical changes you want, which may feel challenging. Some of my patients will say, ‘Okay, ‘I’ve seen the permanent changes I want, and I don’t want it to go any further,’ and so at that point, we stop therapy. Low-dose hormone therapy can slow down the rate of changes, allowing for a more gradual physical transition. We counsel patients in advance about the common changes, and it’s up to the individual as to when they’d like to scale back and determine whether some benefits are worth the potential risks.
- Be aware of risks. Like any medical treatment, there are potential risks involved. Some risks with testosterone therapy include increased red blood cell mass, acne, hypertension, sleep apnea, weight gain, and dyslipidemia (increases the chance of clogged arteries). Cardiovascular disease is likely increased with additional risk factors for testosterone and estrogen therapy. Transfeminine patients going on estrogen therapy may experience weight gain, thromboembolic disease (when a blood clot breaks off and blocks another blood vessel), and a high level of triglycerides in the blood.
Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area
Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!
Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.
"Our entire team is honored to be named Best of the Best. To be the only gay men's resort recognized in the Top 1% is incredibly humbling," said Kent Taylor, General Manager at Descanso. "We appreciate Tripadvisor and we're grateful to all our guests who gave us such high marks and reviews to help us reach this achievement."
“Ranking among the Best of the Best demonstrates that you have provided exemplary experiences to those who maZer most: your guests,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor. “With changing expectations, continued labor shortages, and rising costs, this is no easy feat, and I am con6nually impressed with the hospitality industry’s resilience and ability to adapt.”
Santiago Resort was once again honored by Tripadvisor with a 2023 Travelers’ Choice award, placing it among the top 10% of travelers’ top reviewed des6na6ons. Twin Palms will become eligible for ranking in 2024.
Check out all the reviews, and discover more about Descanso Resort on Tripadvisor here. We have an excellent library of resort imagery available to accompany editorial and additional resources on our press page. Please contact Descanso Resort’s General Manager, Kent Taylor, at kent@descansoresort.com for further information.
About Descanso Resort
Inspired by Palm Springs’ history as a des6na6on for Hollywood stars to unwind in privacy, Descanso offers guests a casual yet modern take on the legendary style of that 6me. Created by the same hospitality team that revitalized Palm Springs’ much-loved San6ago Resort and recently launched the all-new Twin Palms Resort, the Descanso property opened in 2022 featuring 15 spacious guest rooms with custom-designed furniture, dreamy King-size beds, and luxe details. Ameni6es include continental breakfast, poolside lunch, welcome snack basket, and lots of special touches. For guests who need to stay connected, the entire property is equipped with blazing-fast Wi-Fi. Mul6-speed bikes are available for exploring the surrounding midcentury neighborhoods and public art installations. Like the Hollywood stars before them, guests at Descanso are encouraged to unwind, relax, and rest in style.
About Tripadvisor
Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby.