John A. Perez was elected Speaker of the California State Assembly, becoming the first openly gay person to hold that position. He encourages LGBT youth to have patience and perseverance in fighting for equality despite facing negativity and challenges. Perez believes equality of opportunity is central to the California Dream and that the path to full equality will be difficult but is worth striving for.

1. JOHN A. PEREZ
Most class presidents are elected based on popularity and promises. John A. Perez is different—he was drafted to run
for Speaker of the Assembly by his Democratic colleagues, who thought he was the best person to help lead Califor-
nia during its economic crisis. Sworn in on March 2, Perez became the first openly gay Speaker of a legislative body
in the nation. “I grew up in a California where we invested in everyone’s future because we understood that equali-
ty of opportunity is central to the California Dream,” Perez says. He encourages LGBT youth to have patience and
perseverance. “We still very much live in a society where LGBT people are perceived as some kind of ‘other’ and that
presents enormous challenges to us. We’re held to a higher standard than most other people. But we have to have
patience—there will always be people who try and tear you down just because you’re gay, and you can’t let them
bother you. If anything, it makes it more important to continue fighting and not internalize the negativity directed
your way,” Perez says. “We know that the pathway to full equality is going to be difficult and arduous. But anything
worth having is worth fighting for, so we have to continue striving forward.”
SoCal residents who
make Los Angeles a
dynamic and captivating
city. We find these individuals
inspiring, innovative and interesting,
which in our book puts them at the
BY MICHAEL ANTHONY
AARON DRAKE
LESLEY GOLDBERG
STEPHAN HORBELT
KAREN OCAMB
PHOTOS BY JOHN SKALICKY

2. PHYLISSNAVIDAD“My story is really one of mentors and lifelong friends,”
starts Phyliss Navidad, a multifaceted drag hostess, DJ and
MC who hails from San Francisco. A triple-threat performer
trained in ballet, modern dance, jazz and voice, she eventually
started doing pick-up work with various shows and modern dance
companies in SF—and that’s when the magic happened. She explains:
“One crazy night I wandered into a bar called The Stud and my life
changed forever. Shortly thereafter, I met Juanita More and her drag moth-
er Mr. David (Glamamore). They took me under their ruffled wings and
introduced me to a sub-culture that would be my life.” Navidad ironed their
costumes, danced back-up in their numbers and cooked fried foods for ben-
efit dinners. “Drag is symbolic of what it means to be homosexual in a hard-
knock world; the extension of being gay and doing it as fabulous as pos-
sible, on stage.” Simply put and in Navidad’s own words: “I believe that
a queen is fashion, comedy, performance art and a symbol of our com-
munity. But most importantly, [it’s] a lady with coothe and love … It
is important for gay youth to see that being different because you
prefer heels to high tops is totally ok.”And we couldn’t agree
more, in or out of our Jimmy Choos!
MICHAEL SCHMIDT
A clothing and jewelry designer based in New York
and Los Angeles, Michael Schmidt has made his
name by creating elegant and edgy designs for some
of the world’s most amazing entertainers. The ros-
ter of talent he’s worked with is astounding and
includes Cher, Madonna, Tina Turner, Lady Gaga,
Debbie Harry, Ozzy Osbourne, Iggy Pop and many
more. After living in L.A. during the hair-metal hey-
days of the ‘80s, Michael moved back to SoCal in
2000. “I enjoy it more now,” he says, “as I have a
perspective on and an appreciation for the subtleties
that L.A. offers—its regional foods, relaxed pace,
natural beauty, car culture, stunning boys. What’s not
to love?” When asked about the projects he’s most
proud of, Michael replied, “The latest project is usu-
ally the one I’m most excited about because I’m
always trying to best myself. I like to jump from one
discipline to another—clothing, furniture, jewelry,
interior design. Keeps it fun.” As for what’s next for
Michael, the designer says, “My work with enter-
tainers and stylists is of a collaborative nature, which
is always inspiring and interesting for me, but I’m
also now working on a new collection of clothing
and accessories which will be a distillation of solely
my own vision, so I’m very excited about that.”
Check out the extent of Michael’s inspiring work at
michaelschmidtstudios.com.
JOHN BLAINE
Raised in South Pasadena by his Vietnamese family, John
Blaine is one of L.A.’s premier hair stylists, or as he puts it, a
“hair burner to the stars.” “I actually wanted to be an archi-
tect when I was younger,” says John. “But I was too busy
partying it up. My mother got really angry and told me
I’d better find something to do. I thought I was being
really clever going to cosmetology school, because I
thought it was mindless and would allow me to keep
doing my dirty party deeds ... well, break to 25 years
later.” John has worked with some of the biggest
names in the industry, developing business ties and
close relationships with Dita Von Teese, Pamela
Anderson, Macy Gray, Paris Hilton and Marilyn
Manson. As for the near future, John has a deal in
the works for a show about his “crazy, manic life.”
“I’m under contract, so I can’t talk too much about it,
other than it will be extremely funny, dealing with every-
thing—me, my friends, clients and Hollywood.” Just like
John’s career, the result of years of hard work, the show is
sure to be a success!
MORE 38

3. FROM 37
JOHNNY LOPEZ
A native New Yorker, Johnny couldn’t imagine living in any oth-
er city, but he made the move here 10 years ago. “After about a year of
hating L.A., I finally made peace and allowed myself to get seduced by the
weather, the elevated standard of living and The Grove!” Johnny has been at TMZ
for over four years, almost from the very beginning, and works as a writer/producer
for the website. But he’s also known for his hilarious award show recaps, which he’s
been writing for a decade now. “It started when I worked at Access Hollywood as a way
to take me away from my mind-numbing job fact-checking. For fun I would email my
friends my uncensored observations of what people wore, said, sang etc. at all the major
award shows. Friends started forwarding it to friends, and before I knew it I had
strangers emailing wanting to be added to my distribution list. I still email it to
over 500 people, but now I also have a blog where I post it online—
JohnnyLopez.com.” Johnny’s quick wit and astute observations even par-
layed into becoming a member of the Us Magazine Fashion Police.
As a man who does his best to deliver the latest celebrity
news in a fun and interesting way, we salute him!
HOWARD BRAGMAN
PR guru Howard Bragman is an expert at shap-
ing opinions, having advised a slew of famous
LGBT personalities on when and how to come
out. Recently he paved the way for country
star Chely Wright to announce herself as
a lesbian. “I never recommend people
stay in the closet,” says Bragman. “What
I always recommend is that people be
true to themselves and just be aware
of what the risks are. I’ve told peo-
ple to stay in the closet who I did-
n’t think were ready to deal with
it on either a personal or emotion-
al level—but not to save their
career.” Wright’s coming out generated
some unusual responses. “People were accus-
ing her of coming out as a press stunt!”
Bragman said. “In country music, coming
out is considered career suicide. As Chely
said in one interview, ‘The press stunt
was pretending I was straight for 15
years!’ We live in a time when you have
Neil Patrick Harris, T.R. Knight,
Cheyenne Jackson—all on major televi-
sion shows playing heterosexuals just fine.”
Even country singer John Rich has distanced
himself from some previous homophobic
remarks. “I think that’s great—that even in coun-
try music, it’s not OK to be homophobic. So while
people still are, the fact that public homophobia is
getting less acceptable is great news.”
LYDIA BOTTEGONI
If you’ve heard of animated feature films Cloudy With a Chance of Meat-
balls and Surf’s Up, then you’ve seen some of Lydia Bottegoni’s work.
The 16-year film industry veteran, now working at Sony Pictures Image-
works, co-produced both movies—with Surf’s Up earning an Acad-
emy Award nomination for best animated feature. How’d you like
that on your résumé? But the newlywed and new mom—Bot-
tegoni married indie rock guitarist Rickey Goodling and gave
birth to twins in the past two years—finds it’s the people she
works with who provide the best part of her job. “I work
with a group of CGI artists that are some of the best
in the world,” she says. “Being surrounded by peo-
ple who are both incredibly good with math and
science and gifted artistically is inspiring.” The
joys of producing projects for the big screen,
however, don’t end there. The longtime con-
tributor to the SPCA and LGBT rights advo-
cate most enjoys “seeing a project final-
ly up on the screen,” she says. “I’ve been
on plenty of films where it’s three or four
years from the time I’ve read the first treat-
ment or script to when it’s in theaters. Once
it’s finally delivered, it’s pretty satisfying.”
MORE 40

4. GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF LOS ANGELES
America seems enamored by the TV series Glee, about a high school glee club where misfits and
school stars miraculously harmonize. One storyline features an openly gay student who endures
anti-gay bullying—until his glee-mates stick up for him en masse. In real life, the Gay Men’s Cho-
rus of Los Angeles does something similar through their Alive Music Project. “GMCLA has always
had an outreach program, but we wanted to focus our work in schools, where levels of anti-LGBT
bullying are persistently high and where music education is under threat,” says GMCLA’s Executive
Director Hywel Sims. “GMCLA’s mission is to use music to end homophobia.” With this glee club,
the medium is the message. “At one recent AMP performance, students told us that we were the
first live music they’d heard, and that we were the first openly gay men they’d met,” says Sims.
“No effective movement for social change has been without its music. LGBT choral groups have
provided safe places for people to gather and make music. Glee clubs celebrate singing—GMCLA
does that too, but also celebrates the power of music to change our world.”
FROM 38
CALPERNIA ADDAMS
Actress, underground pop star and activist Calpernia
Addams has colored the landscape of trans theater and
film for many memorable years. Whether it be her turn
in the Oscar-nominated TransAmerica or her perform-
ance of the Vagina Monologues with Eve Ensler,
Addams continually makes a signature statement
with a chic sense of style and class. Calpernia’s tal-
ents quickly went international when she arrived
in Saudia Arabia and entertained fellow troops
while serving as a medic in the first Gulf War.
But after that, she explains, “I quickly [gave
way] to the stages of the local GLBT clubs for
‘glamour and glitter, fashion and fame’ …
[Now] I have my own outrageous live show
at Hamburger Mary’s WeHo every Friday
night. Also, you can find me singing and
hosting fundraisers somewhere most any
night of the week.” Her motto in life is
simple: “It’s never easy, never perfect and
never over. But it does get easier, better
and more worthwhile as time goes on!”
With eight years under her belt in L.A. and
a plethora of dance music available on
iTunes, Ms. Addams is on a rainbow-bricked
road that boasts nothing but the glamour
and glitter, fashion and fame that she spent
her childhood chasing.
MATT ALBER
A childhood spent singing in choirs big
and small—including “ones that did
jazz hands,” Matt Alber has come full-
circle. The out singer-songwriter learned
at an early age how important the
“power of collaboration” can be. “Try-
ing to do everything yourself leads to
a lonely place and missed opportuni-
ties,” he says. For the past year he’s
been serving as the music director for
the first all-gay senior citizen glee club
at the Gay & Lesbian Center, a gig he
got “sort of by accident.” “I’m so glad
I did; the experience of leading a choir
of gay seniors taught me that I didn’t
know jack about my elders,” he says.
The choir’s first performance also dou-
bled as the most touching moment in
Alber’s career. “None of them dreamed
they could be performers—they got a
standing ovation. My cheeks hurt for
three days,” he says. Beyond his music
and choir work, Alber continues to
advocate for LGBT individuals in Iraq,
where “our gay brothers and sisters are
literally hunted down in the streets and
murdered by their own fathers,” he
says. “Personally, I cannot spend a dol-
lar fighting for gay marriage without
spending one for gay Iraqis.”

5. WILLAM BELLI
He’s an “entrepawhore” with the cajones to match—
but you’d never know it. Yes, gender-bending enter-
tainer Willam Belli has surely graced your local stage
and screen (both small and silver). “Name a cop show
in the past 10 years and I’ve guest-starred on it; beat
down, made up or just mean-mugging and giving
strong fish. I served up a steaming snatchateria platter
for five episodes on Nip/Tuck as tranvestite frenemy Cher-
ry Peck … And I act regularly as a guy too, but no one
recognizes me,” he laughs. And laugh, does Belli ever! In his most recent turn,
as an “oft-angry transsexual” in the controversial Ticked-Off Trannies With Knives
feature film, the triple-threat has been met with mixed artistic acceptance. He
explains, “[We] just premiered at Tribeca Film Festival to rave reviews from Vari-
ety … but then GLAAD protests and bomb threats from offended transfolks.”
Controversy seems to follow this comedian wherever he goes, but he couldn’t
love it any more. “I like to make people laugh, whether it be with poor sexual
choices or Tranimal jokes.” Willam is, without a doubt, one of our hottest (and
most controversial) SoCal entertainers to date.
JESSIE DELUXE
Playing guitar, singing and rewriting rock songs since the age of eight, Jessie
Deluxe balances music with compassion. Whether it’s through her music or her full-
time job at the Museum of Tolerance, where she works with Holocaust survivors, Deluxe
is all about diversity. “With music, I get to meet so many different people,” she says. “At the
Museum of Tolerance … I love getting the chance to learn more about diverse cultures and shar-
ing that information.” Whether she’s penning original songs or creating events and programs—
she also helps educate elementary school students about the Holocaust through the muse-
um’s STEPS program—Deluxe is always doing her part to unite different communities. “I
would love to make a community center like Harvey Milk did with his photography store—
have great thinkers in every subject getting together, making the world a better place,”
says the daughter of the Lady in Lavender from the cult classic Phantasm!, who is
involved with MusicCares and a variety of animal-rights charities. “It would have
an art gallery as well as local designers’ items, a coffee shop and practice space.
I could put on rock shows that will help contribute to my charities.” Investors,
the ball’s in your court.
MORE 42

6. FROM 41
ALEC MAPA
Alec is America’s self-proclaimed “Gaysian Sweet-
heart,” and we couldn’t agree more! With memorable
appearances on such zeitgeist hits as Ugly Betty and Desperate
Housewives, he’s the face that every out-and-proud Asian male can
identify with and every LOL-loving gay can laugh with. Explains Mapa:
“It’s lovely to be included in such schmancy company as the Hot
25. As a young performer, I agonized about what coming out
would do to my career, which was dumb because the truth is I
really didn’t have a career until I did. And let’s face it, when
you’re as queer as I am and not out, you just look insane. Not
worrying about who knew or even cared that I was gay freed
me up to be a far more authentic person, and I like to
think that made me a more authentic artist. My men-
tors were all big queens who lived openly, honestly,
courageously and lovingly. They all died of AIDS [and]
I am what rose out of their ashes.” From the delight-
fully crass to the truly raw and heroic, Mapa is a
comedian extraordinaire-turned-activist both on
and off the stage. And perhaps it is most recent-
ly that he has taken on his most challenging role.
“My husband and I are fostering a child with the
intention to adopt. I’ve never been this happy
or exhausted.”
ERIN FOLEYWhat makes someone hot to stand-up comic Erin Foley? That’s easy.
“If they’re wearing a tight white T-shirt that reads, ‘I'm hot.’” Such is the
smart-yet-deadpan style that makes Foley a hit with audiences both locally and
nationwide. Locally, Foley hosts the monthly Gays R Us show, which she created more
than two years ago. Nationally, she has been featured on Comedy Central with her own
special and continues to have East Coast aspirations while serving L.A.’s gay community. “I
have so many goals! I would love to perform with Lily Tomlin, throw out the first pitch at Yan-
kee Stadium, practice with the New York Giants, act in movies, television, theater, puppet the-
ater, mime, monologues, all the while tending to my glass menagerie,” the news junkie and avid
sports fan says. She’s received touching stories from kids nationwide that her comedy has helped
them come out and navigate their Irish-Catholic upbringing. “It’s more than touching,” she says.
“It makes everything possible. It’s the reason to keep going.” In the meantime, Foley plans to
use Gays R Us—which runs the first Wednesday of every month at the Improv on Melrose
Avenue—to give back to the community. “I just did a fundraiser for the AIDS Life Cycle
and plan to make every other show a fundraiser,” she says. Now that’s hot.
MORE 44

7. MATT PALAZZOLO
Matt is a co-founder of the Equal Roots Coali-
tion (equalroots.com), which “provides oppor-
tunities for young LGBTQ people to wake up
and start engaging their community.” Matt
and three of his close friends started the organ-
ization to ensure that new generations would
stay motivated and to prevent the wide-
spread apathy that occurred during the pas-
sage of Prop. 8 from happening again.
“How ridiculous is it that it took as devas-
tating an occurrence as having our rights
voted away for an entire generation, myself
included, to start acting up against discrim-
ination that we’ve faced our entire lives?
We should always be motivated to make
change, we should always be unafraid to
be loud and certainly we should always
feel worthy of being equal.” A Bay Area
native, he moved to SoCal eight years ago
and attended UCLA. He says his favorite
thing about the city is the people. “Nobody
ends up in L.A. on accident. Everyone
comes here for a reason and it’s very moti-
vating to be surrounded by people with an
unusual amount of ambition.” And he has
other ambitions of his own. “When I’m not
all wrapped up in my LGBTQ activism, I’m
an actor and a video editor. I recently fin-
ished acting in an adorable gay family com-
edy called You Should Meet My Son. Keep
an eye out for it.”
FROM 42
HEATHER CASSILS
If you don’t know Heather Cassils by name, you cer-
tainly know her face: as a prison inmate, she locked
lips with Lady Gaga in the steamy “Telephone”
video. Cassils, however, is more than a pretty
face and a hot body—she’s also a talented artist.
“When you see my gender-confusing body, espe-
cially embedded in such a mainstream moment
like ‘Telephone,’ I think of kids in the middle of
nowhere who maybe aren’t exposed to anything,
and then they see this Lady Gaga video, and they
start asking questions,” she says. “Even something
as fluffy as a pop music video can be hugely influen-
tial.” Cassils is currently an artist researcher with the Los
Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions. “I see my body as a con-
ceptual sculpture, a critique of the social pressure we feel to
make our bodies conform to an aesthetic, binary gendered
and cultural ideal.” She also continues to run her own per-
sonal training business, where she uses her knowledge
of performance and body manipulation with sports sci-
ence to “help people transform themselves into the
empowered beings that they are.” “Since I have done
this video … teens have written me from Germany, France
and Scotland, telling me of their feelings of alienation and
that by being the artist that I am, and by being outspoken
about my beliefs, that I have helped them alleviate their
own personal feelings of shame around gender
identity and sexuality. To me this is truly an
honor and the ultimate service I can pro-
vide as a cultural producer.” Keep up with
Heather at heathercassils.com.
JESSE BRUNE
You may remember Jesse from the hit
show Workout, but these days Jesse has
changed occupations and is heatin’ up the
kitchen with Private Chefs of Beverly Hills,
a reality show that follows a group of pri-
vate chefs as they conquer impossible
social events in an attempt to impress
their wildly eccentric clientele. “I really
had to bring my A-game to survive this
process—and it’s been so rewarding to see
the fantastic results and amazing footage,”
he says. Though he began personal train-
ing while he attended culinary school, he
says that cooking has always been his
passion. “I’ve been cooking my entire life.
My mom is a true Southern belle and
pretty much raised me in the kitchen and
around the dinner table.” In addition to
personal training and cooking, he also
launched Project: Service L.A., a spiritual
community that commenced Feb. 14. “It’s
a trans-denominational spiritual organization
for the LGBTQI community and their allies, friends
and families that holds services every Sunday at 11:30
a.m. at East/West Lounge.” Originally hailing from Seat-
tle, Jesse has lived in L.A. for the last 10 years—and is
enjoying every minute of it. “Life always leads me to such
interesting places; I do my best to buckle-up, show up
and enjoy the ride. It’s been working so far—and I’m
having a blast!” You can read more about Jesse on
his blog memoirsofagaychef.com.

8. MICHAEL FERRERA
In comic books, superheroes forged out of deep
tragedy seek justice by assuming the awesome bur-
den of saving the world. It is a fantasy with which
oppressed LGBTs have long identified. For Michael Fer-
rera, the impulse started with the inescapable tug of
destiny. “I was born on the Fourth of July and that has
always connected me with the idealism of the Ameri-
can experiment in a very personal way,” says Ferrera. “I
truly believe there is no challenge bigger than our col-
lective ability to solve it.” Ferrera created LifeWorks, a men-
toring program to “ensure that LGBT youth in Los Ange-
les can realize their dreams,” which are often inhib-
ited by limits based on sexual orientation or gen-
der identity. “Being an idealist means I have a
rage inside every time I see myself or anyone com-
promise their principles,” says Ferrera. “Working with
LGBT youth and fighting for equal rights affords me
the opportunity daily to fight a good fight. I know I’m
right; I know this is a righteous cause.” Last year,
LifeWorks merged with the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center,
allowing Ferrera “to work on a bigger stage and with the
most devoted activists around. I guess that brings me a step
closer to actually saving the world!”
ELLIOTT S. ELSNER
In his short 24 years, Elliott S. Elsner, Membership Event Coordinator for GLAAD, has done
it all—snatching up the title of 2008’s Mr. Gay Los Angeles, amassing a successful track
record in the banking and commercial real estate lending sector, even founding
E Squared Promotions, the event promotion company he started during his junior
year of undergrad. But it’s his current work with GLAAD that makes him so hot
to us. While he wears many hats as Membership Event Coordinator, one of
his primary duties consists of coordinating fundraising events that introduce
new members to GLAAD’s work in more than 15 national markets. His pro-
gram, Thank GLAAD It’s Friday!, is a national networking event series for
LGBT professionals and straight allies; it’s a delectable mix of good com-
pany, great spirits and fun prizes, all while increasing membership sign-
up for the organization. What does ultimate success look like for him?
It’s simple: “[Being] married to the love of my life, being a father and
supporting my family well … laughing, learning and loving every day with
friends and family.”
MARCUS SMITHChair of the sponsorship committee for Los Ange-les Black Pride’s “At the Beach” celebration, Marcus got
involved with L.A. Black Pride in 2009 as a way to extend his
skills and background in fundraising and production planning to
nonprofit events. “LABP is an organization with such great history
and a bright future, I refuse to sit back and not do what I can to help
it grow.” Marcus also works as a television news producer for KTLA 5
Evening News. “From a young kid mocking the evening news anchor to
now, I can’t explain how fascinated I am with the TV news industry,” Mar-
cus tells us. “I got my foot in the door in middle school at the age of 12,
when I was allowed to intern at a television station in Milwaukee. I’ve inter-
viewed and met many celebrities, people from all walks of life, politicians
and even presidents. I have been on an incredible journey and can hon-
estly say I’ve been there and done that.” Not bad for someone doc-
tors told wouldn’t live past 15 because of a critical kidney disease
he’s had since birth. Marcus moved to L.A. in 2007 and does-
n’t see himself anywhere else. “What I love most about liv-ing in the City of Angels is the history, people, foodand nightlife.”
PEDRO GARCIA
Originally from Santa Barbara, Pedro Garcia moved to SoCal to attend UCLA
and has stayed in L.A. for nearly a decade. Says Pedro, “What I love the
most about this city is its amazing cultural diversity.” As Director of
Proyecto Orgullo, an LGBT Social Justice & Advocacy Program of Bien-
estar, he puts his skills as a grass-roots activist to work, making
SoCal a better place for everyone. “Our mission is to address civ-
il rights and social justice issues that impact the Latino LGBT
community,” says Pedro. “I train Proyecto Orgullo volunteers
and supporters to become Agents of Change. As Agents of
Change they are able to assist in community organizing, cam-
paign canvassing, engaging our elected officials to support pos-
itive policy initiatives and to recruit other members to join our net-
work.” Having joined Bienestar as a volunteer years ago, according
to Pedro, the organization “has been my home and my familia for the
last seven years.” “Social Justice has taught me the power to mobilize and
to organize. We need to stick together as one LGBT community. If we don’t
look out for one another, nobody else will!”
MORE 46

9. GABE AYALA
Photographer Gabe Ayala has lived in
Southern California since birth, and in
his own words, “I really couldn’t imag-
ine any other city as home ... yet!”
With Rolling-Blackouts, the compa-
ny he started in 2009, Gabe is L.A.’s
nightlife and event photographer
extraordinaire. “I started shooting
events a couple years ago, then last
year my friend—now manager—
and I came up with the name.
Though we initially started out only
shooting gay events, I’m glad to
say that we branched out into oth-
er pockets of L.A. nightlife. I’m real-
ly happy and thankful for the clients
we have, and the direction in which we’re
growing.” But Gabe is more than just a pho-
tographer. “I promote the events I cover, and
then write about them afterwards. I want to
make sure that both the promoter and the par-
ty-goer are satisfied and have a good time.
Rather than simply documenting an event, I try
and add to the overall ambience.” Says Gabe,
“I’ve been with camera since I was five. Photog-
raphy has perpetually been a part of my life, and
always will be.”
DJ
AARON ELVIS
After spending 17 years in New York, where
he had been working as a DJ at bars, clubs
and fashion parties around the city, DJ Aaron
Elvis is back in Los Angeles—going on
only six months now. “I think I really
missed living close to the beaches and
the near-constant sunshine. I’m a
water sign and a summer baby, so
it’s kinda perfect for me,” says our
city’s newest DJ hero. Aaron may have
moved back to L.A. to pursue work
as a voiceover and TV/film actor, but
in the meantime he’s ravaging our
city’s club scene. When asked to
describe his musical output, Aaron said,
“I definitely mix it all up and keep the
energy high. I spin everything from elec-
tro to pop to house to rock, with a giant
dose of mash-ups.” And he’s found a home
at some of L.A.’s hottest parties; as Aaron
puts it, “I love spinning Sanctuary at the
Abbey, am having a torrid affair with Duke
at Fubar on Saturday nights and just started
dating House of Work at Ultra Suede every
Wednesday.” Sounds like Aaron’s love life—and
his work schedule—has filled up nicely.
CHAD HUDSON
Meet the president of Chad Hudson Events (chadhudsonevents.com), a full-service event design, production
and management company. “We do everything for our clients, from locating a venue, designing the party
décor, choosing rentals, selecting the menu, handling RSVPs, staffing, etc.” In addition to premieres and stu-
dio parties, he also hosts events and fundraisers specifically for the local LGBT community. “Most recently,
we had our second annual Pride at Palihouse rooftop barbeque and parade viewing party during Pride that
featured June Playgirl cover model Ronnie Kroell (Bravo’s Make Me A Supermodel) raising money for
WhiteKnot.org.” For the 40th anniversary of the Christopher Street West Pride celebration, he produced
Mayor John Heilman’s rooftop reception at the London Hotel and co-produced Mayor Villaraigosa’s Gar-
den Party at his private residence, honoring CSW and Pride. He also just celebrated the first anniversary
of the WeHo Supper Club, a fundraising dinner he hosts every Wednesday at different restaurants in and
around WeHo, benefitting charities such as Trevor Project and APLA. “By simply having your dinner
and/or drinks at our venues, you’re raising money for people in need,” he shares. “It’s such a simple
way to give back.”
FROM 45
BILLY FRANCESCA
Nightlife impresario Billy Francesca grew up in a small town outside of Boston, but lucky for us,
he ended up here in L.A. eight years ago. “I came out for a St. Patrick’s Day party and woke up in
early June from it, so I just stayed—damn Irish.” Those who have met Billy know he’s not an easy one
to classify, but one thing’s for certain—he throws some of the best parties in town. As the creator of
Dance Bitch at Fubar and House of Work at Ultra Suede, we asked Billy what he thought made up the
perfect party. “The perfect party I know nothing about. An amazing party—you need trans, drag, pageantry,
if for no other reason than if Sharon Stone shows up she can blend in and not be bothered. The music has
to be a bit of everything—the kind of music you listen to dancing around your bedroom when you think you’re
alone. Definitely a cocktail or seven. But the most important thing is people—all kinds—boys, girls, straight, gay,
fat, skinny. Just people who share that magical common thread of wanting to be set free and have a great time.
And the final ingredient—me.”