David Moretti projects an aura of quiet charisma and smoldering sex appeal. Yet just below the surface, there’s so much more.
For one thing, he recalls that his first taste of fame was playing a big role in a pre-school extravaganza.
“I was the letter ‘N’ in Candy Cane Preschool’s ground-breaking rendition of the everlasting nursery rhyme ‘Bingo,’” he says with a chuckle. “It’s been compared to Phantom, but I’m not one to brag!”
By high school, this Cranston, R.I., native and some pals had formed a comedy troupe called the Blueberry Johnsons. It even performed in some clubs around Providence.
“It was kind of weird performing for drunk people at a club when we couldn’t even drive a car, let alone order a Manhattan,” he recollects fondly. “But I guess that means we were all right at what we did. It was a fun time.”
Not long after graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in English, Moretti was spotted by the casting people at Here! TV, who were putting together a spin-off of sorts to the network’s hit supernatural soap opera Dante’s Cove. This show was about a cabal of gay vampires who occupy a sex club on the island known as the Lair. Here! TV was founded on the philosophy of creating LGBT-positive programming and casting openly gay talent.
Moretti’s tantalizing mix of boyish good looks and charming intensity made the out and proud actor a natural for the key role of Thom Etherton, a reporter who stumbles upon the cult and through whose eyes most of the action unfolds. The series became an instant hit, completing three seasons and developing a major following along the way.
“I like to affect people and feel lucky to have a platform in which to do so,” Moretti says about his and the program’s success. “If just one kid in a red state sees what I’m doing and gets a modicum more confidence to be themselves and appreciate who they are, I’ve done my job as a human being.”
Moretti is highly regarded for his work on behalf of such causes as AIDS Project Los Angeles, the Trevor Project and the Matthew Shepard Foundation. He says that even though the gay community as a whole is making impressive strides, the entertainment industry has a long way to go.
“There is still a huge stigma associated with openly gay actors in this town,” he said. “I’ve been told I’m not gay enough for the gay roles, and yet because I’m out, they won’t even consider me for ‘boyfriend’ roles on CW-type shows. It’s quite a catch-22.”
But Moretti continues to make inroads.
“I certainly don’t regret coming out,” he clarifies, emphasizing that there is the larger picture to consider. “Hopefully with me doing what I’m doing — and other brave actors who have decided to screw the ‘rules’ and be themselves — that pink wall of inequality will eventually collapse.”
Film and TV are fun for Moretti, but like many actors, he says the stage is where his heart is. In fact, last December he starred in the off-Broadway hit My Big Gay Italian Wedding as the groom “Andrew” for eight weeks. He says it was the most rewarding experience of his career thus far.
“There is nothing like the rush of the stage,” he says, “and it was such a surreal experience getting a phone call that I was even considered for the role! Being requested for the New York stage, in my opinion, is one of the most flattering honors one could ever receive — and the actual experience was beyond amazing!”
Moretti can now be seen as Pearce Wright in the screwball romantic comedy Finding Mr. Wright, which has just been released on DVD. Pearce is a mild-mannered life coach who, at the insistence of personal manager Clark Townsend (Matthew Montgomery of the film Role/Play), is called upon to oversee a secluded weekend retreat/intervention for his client — a talented but out-of-control party girl, Eddy Malone (Rebekah Kochan of the popular Eating Out films) — when her latest shenanigans threaten to exclude her from Hollywood’s A-list. Smitten at first sight, Clark and Pearce seem clearly meant for each other -- that is, if Eddy’s neediness doesn’t keep getting in the way.
Moretti’s performance is being hailed by both critics and audiences, but he was initially considered for a supporting part instead. However, it quickly became apparent that he had lots more to bring to the lead.
“Even though he was not described physically like myself, emotionally I felt like I was reading my own unwritten diary at times,” confesses the actor. “So I told them I had to play the title role and made them let me audition.” Having convinced the producers, he was signed right then and there.
The characters in the film seem more than willing to do some pretty off-beat things to win the hearts of those they desire. In real life, though, does Moretti himself feel he’s more of a romantic or a realist at heart?
“I’m all over the place,” Moretti says. “I’m learning to be a realist, but c’mon, I’m an actor! I obviously have a slightly warped sense of reality and hopeless romantic tendencies.”
He does acknowledge, though, that the longer he lives, the more balanced this perspective gets.
“Every time I try and do something crazy, it winds up being the last time I see them. Over the years, I’ve learned simple works far better than the grandiose. When you are really trying to win someone over, chances are the other person really isn’t that into you. You should both feel like you’re a catch for one another, and the rest should happen naturally.”
Big screen, small screen or onstage, though, Moretti seems to be well thought of by those he has worked with.
According to friend and fellow Lair alum Brian Nolan, “His passion for life is his greatest gift to the world — and to all those lucky enough to know him and get to work with him on a set. On top of that, he’s fun to be around. I always have a good time with him wherever and whatever the situation!”
Matthew Montgomery, whose Proteus Films also co-produced Mr. Wright, wholeheartedly agrees: “It’s always a highlight working with an actor as talented as David.”
To learn more about David Moretti and keep up with his latest projects, visit davidmorettionline.com. Finding Mr. Wright is available on DVD through Amazon.com, TLAvideo.com and at video stores everywhere. For more information, check out www.findingmrwrightthemovie.com ."
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.
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, 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.