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PUBLISHER Jay S. Jones jay@ragemonthly.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Brad L. Hart brad@ragemonthly.com EDITOR IN CHIEF Joel P. Martens joel@ragemonthly.com ART DIRECTOR Cesar A. Reyes cesar@ragemonthly.com COPY EDITOR Bill Biss DISTRIBUTION Dax Carlisle


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619.255.0389/sales@ragemonthly.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kevin Plautz - kevin@ragemonthly.com Justin Klevan - justin@ragemonthly.com NATIONAL ADVERTISING REP Rivendell Media 212.242.6863


If you don’t like the road you’re


walking, start paving another one. — Dolly Parton


Wise words from one of my favorite country singers. She reminds us that when the goin’ gets tough, just figure out a way to find your way. Very appropriate for April’s issue, which is themed around the country world. Cowboys for many, are the epitome of masculin-


ity and images from that world are of hardened by work and worry, world-worn men, who rarely if ever show a hint of vulnerability. That “Go ahead, make my day...” kind a guy. Long the bastion of hyper-conservative views,


the country world and its music lovers was slow to embrace its LGBT brothers and sisters…And in many ways, it still can be. Brokeback Mountain went a long way in helping to show the world, that yes indeed, there were homosexuals in their horse riding, boot wearin,’ ten-gallon-hat world, but the resistance was still mighty big, to the man/ man, woman/woman concept and we haven’t even started discussing trans acceptance. It is changing however, that’s apparent, especially in the long-standing tradition of gay rodeos throughout the country that make up the International Gay Rodeo Association’s chapters. Palm Springs Hot Rodeo is coming up in May and we spoke to the president of the Greater Palm Springs Chapter, Jeff Rosenberg, who said that even though there are financial challenges for many in the association, “Contestants from all over the U.S. and Canada travel to the various IGRA sanctioned rodeos. There is also a following of spectators who attend, volunteer, and just have fun at the rodeos.” If you’ve never been to one, I encourage you to shine those boots and don your wide-brimmed hat…It’s a roarin’ good time. The country music world had undergone some


pretty amazing changes in the last years, too. The content and style of music and those who sing it have evolved stylistically, having modernized their sound...And their attitudes. Along with those changes, a whole new flavor has been brought


to the scene. That includes a certain amount of acceptance for those who may be a bit “different” or those who don’t fit the traditional stereotype often there. Ty Herndon returns for a chat about life in that


world. He and I chatted back in 2015, shortly after he had come out to the world he had occupied for so long as a closeted man. His perspective onall of it is that of a seasoned, wise elder, who has had time to adjust and flourish. He offered one of my favorite responses I’ve had in an interview so far. “Look, I lived so closeted and was so afraid for so long that I wouldn’t be able to have my career in country music. The surprise was that I could have it living authentically and have it better, bigger and healthier than it has ever been. You take something out of the darkness and it’s going to grow…” As I suggested to him, there’s a great country song in that line. I had the opportunity of talking to CMT radio personality, Cody Alan for April’s edition, as well. Freshly out a couple months ago, he was philosophical about the process already. “For me personally, it’s so great to be a part of a community and to meet people who are similar in interest and who have had experiences like I’ve had. For me too, I just needed to be honest with people. I didn’t really set out to be an advocate or an activist, ultimately I just wanted to get cool with myself, if you will. Then, because of being a public figure, it was about being honest with audiences.” The world is a’changin’ and I like what I’m seeing...And hearing. I’m thinking it might be time to dig out my cowboy boots and pull out that old cowboy hat (the one with rhinestones on it, of course) and hit up the nearest rodeo myself. I might even rustle up the courage to saddle up and rangle one of them doggies... Like the lyrics from the song, “The Streets of Loredo” says, “I can see by your outfit that you are a cowboy. These words he did say as I boldly walked by. It was once in the saddle, I used to go dashing. Once in the saddle, I used to go gay.” Really, need I say more?


Joel Martens,Editor in Chief 10 RAGE monthly | APRIL 2017


CONTRIBUTING WRITERS David Auten, Blake Beckcom, Genevieve Berrick, Bill Biss, Chris Carpenter, Jorge Cruise, Greg Cason, Nisha Dedhia, Chris Donaghue, Lawrence Ferber, Stuart Furman, esq., Porter Gilberg, Jacob Glass, James Guay, Brad Hart, Jewels, William Kelly, Ken Knox, John Lake, Lisa Lipsey, Walter G. Meier, Ryan Meyer, Billy Nordmeier, Pat Magee, Dr. Patrick Mahaney, Angelica Osborne, Tim Parks, Kevin Plautz, Tony Reverditto, Cesar Reyes, Sasha Scarlett, Thom Senzee, Cutter Slagle, Barbie Z


CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Beth Biggs, Dennis Covey, Wander Aguiar, Jay Jones, Joel Martens, David Quintanilla Kimberly Rae and Lukas Volk


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Rage Magazine dba The Rage Monthly. The Rage Monthly is a registered trademark. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers or staff. Reproduction of any article, photo, listing or advertise- ment without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. The people, businesses and organiza- tions appearing in The Rage Monthly are supportive of the gay community. Mentions or photographs of any person, business, or organization are not a reflection of their sexual orientation. The Rage Monthly is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin, dis- ability, sexual orientation or gender identity.


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