What's in your genes?

Over the last several decades, science has gained fantastic ground on the argument that homosexuality and bisexuality are found in most species on the planet. The nature of sexuality has been examined and it has been proven time and time again that sexual orientation is rarely back and white, but a fluid gray with hardly any limit at all as to the direction that nature can take. Zerophilia, a recent film from TLA Releasing, examines these new definitions of sex and gender and is at once hilarious, thought-provoking, and poignant.

Zerophilia stars Taylor Handley, the adorable star of the CW’s recently cancelled Hidden Palms, although most of us remember him as the character you-loved-to-hate Oliver Trask from the O.C. In Zerophilia he plays affable boy-next-door Luke, who while camping one night in the woods, loses his virginity with a mysterious English woman in a rickety camper. Much to his dismay, afterwards he finds that he can suddenly morph from male to female – but only when he’s feeling frisky, if you know what I mean. Enter Michelle, played by newcomer Rebecca Mozo. Michelle is the girl of Luke’s dreams, but he can’t get around her without gaining or losing appendages left and right. There’s only one person who can help – a horny doctor from Brazil who may be hiding some secrets herself.

What begins as a run of the mill teen sex comedy quickly is eclipsed by Handley’s performance as the at once lovable Luke. He’s natural and sweet, and his smile illuminates the screen. His supporting players are fantastic, including Dustin Seavey and Alison Folland as his best friends, who are at first fascinated by Luke’s amazing transformation, then completely supportive of the choice he must ultimately make.

Besides the solid performances, what makes the concept work is director Martin Curland’s deft and sensitive handling of the subject, refusing to leave Zerophilia in the company of such gender bending teen classics as Just One of the Guys and She’s the Man. Zerophila asks a lot of questions on a lot of different levels, and becomes an exploration of issues such as masculinity and femininity, bisexuality and even transgenderism. But the film never becomes preachy or condescending, instead showing a very believable struggle in somewhat unbelievable circumstances. You never stop listening and you won’t be able to stop thinking after the movie, which is a hard line to walk.

Zerophilia is available now for rental and purchase at OutLoud! Books and Gifts located at 1703 Church Street, and other fine retailers. You can also purchase a copy online at www.zerophiliamovie.com.

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

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.

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by Spectrum Medical Care Center

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.

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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.

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