 As we close this issue of PRIDE & Equality Magazine, I want to leave you with something simple: hope is not passive. Hope is something we create.
We create it when we show up for one another. When we choose connection instead of isolation, curiosity instead of judgment, and compassion instead of fear. We create it when we support the businesses, artists, organizations, and community leaders who strengthen our communities. This issue has reminded us of the power of stories. Every person featured in these pages represents a different journey, perspective, or experience, but together they tell a larger story about who we are. We are creative. We are resilient. We are complicated, courageous, joyful, and evolving. There will always be challenges. But those moments do not define us. What defines us is what we do next. We gather. We speak up. We create. We celebrate. We remember those who came before us, and we make room for those who are finding their voices today. As you turn the final page, I hope you carry that spirit with you. Take pride in who you are. Celebrate the people who make your life brighter. Reach out to someone who may need a reminder that they are not alone. Be the person who makes someone else feel seen, welcomed, and valued. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness become the beginning of something extraordinary. Our communities have never been built by waiting for someone else to make things better. They have been built by people who believed something better was possible—and then chose to help create it. Thank you for being part of our community and for sharing this journey with us. Until we meet again, keep showing up, keep lifting each other up, and keep choosing hope. Because there is always more good to create.
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 Hollywood has long been a place where dreams are built—and just as easily dismantled. In his debut novel, The Simp, writer, director, and physician Roshan Sethi takes readers behind the glamorous façade to expose a world fueled by ambition, insecurity, privilege, and the lengths people will go to in pursuit of success.
At the center of the novel is Raj Ladlani, an unemployed actor convinced his talent has simply gone undiscovered. Stuck working part-time at a frozen yogurt shop while clinging to aspirations of stardom, Raj's fortunes appear to change when he accepts a position as a personal assistant for a mysterious and influential Hollywood family. What begins as a dream opportunity quickly spirals into an unpredictable journey through the absurd realities of wealth, power, and creative ownership. Rather than delivering a traditional Hollywood satire, The Simp explores the complicated intersections of race, class, identity, and success within the entertainment industry. Equal parts comedy and cautionary tale, the novel has drawn comparisons to The Devil Wears Prada, The White Lotus, and Parasite for its biting social commentary and sharply observed humor. Sethi brings a uniquely multifaceted perspective to the story. In addition to being a practicing oncologist and faculty member at Harvard Medical School, he is an accomplished filmmaker and television creator. He co-created the hit medical drama The Resident, directed the Independent Spirit Award-winning film 7 Days, helmed World's Best for Disney+, co-wrote Call Jane, and recently directed A Nice Indian Boy. The Simp marks his first venture into fiction, adding novelist to an already impressive list of accomplishments. What makes The Simp especially compelling is its willingness to challenge perceptions about success and belonging. Raj's journey is filled with uncomfortable truths, moral compromises, and moments of unexpected humor, reminding readers that the entertainment industry often blurs the lines between authenticity and performance. Beneath the satire lies a thoughtful examination of identity, self-worth, and the stories people tell themselves in order to survive. While readers may initially come for the Hollywood drama, they'll likely stay for the novel's layered exploration of ambition, power, and the pursuit of recognition. Sethi's experience as both an insider in the entertainment industry and an observer of human nature gives the novel an authenticity that elevates it beyond simple industry satire. For readers who enjoy character-driven fiction with razor-sharp wit, unexpected twists, and thoughtful social commentary, The Simp is an intelligent, darkly comic debut that peels back the curtain on Hollywood while asking universal questions about ambition, identity, and the price of belonging. It's a novel that entertains as much as it challenges, making Roshan Sethi an author to watch.  Self portrait; © Apolo Gomez For photographer Apolo Gomez, portraiture is about far more than capturing an image—it’s about preserving memory, honoring identity, and documenting communities whose stories have too often gone untold. Growing up between Southern California and rural southern New Mexico, Gomez developed an appreciation for the ways community and place shape identity. Although he explored many artistic mediums as a child, it wasn’t until surviving lymphoma in his early twenties that photography became his calling. “Facing mortality transformed the way I understood time, memory, and the importance of preserving the people and moments that make up our lives,” Gomez says. “I began photographing those around me as a way of honoring relationships and creating a visual record of experiences that might otherwise disappear.” Today, his work explores identity, culture, queerness, and belonging through intimate portraiture. Rather than directing his subjects, Gomez focuses on quiet moments that reveal authenticity. “My photographs are often rooted in relationships, created through ongoing conversations with the people I photograph,” he explains. “More than anything, I hope my work encourages empathy and curiosity. I want viewers to slow down and spend time with the people in my work rather than make assumptions about them.” As a queer Chicanx artist raised in rural New Mexico, Gomez often searched for reflections of himself in history and art but found few. That absence continues to inspire his work. “Much of my work is an effort to build the archive I wish had existed when I was younger, one where queer, Chicanx, and working-class lives are not only represented, but recognized as essential parts of our cultural history.” That mission is evident in projects like Tracing Queer Chicanx Histories, where Gomez documents overlooked stories from New Mexico’s LGBTQ+ community. While researching the project, he connected with Albuquerque drag legend Kenny Chavez, whose memories highlighted the importance of preserving local queer history. “Hearing Kenny reflect on the friends and loved ones he lost reminded me how easily these histories can disappear when the people who lived them are no longer here to share their stories,” Gomez says. “Through this work, I hope to honor the people who built these communities and ensure their stories continue to be seen and remembered by future generations.” That commitment also inspired his contribution to The Rest Is Drag, currently on view at 516 ARTS. Rather than photographing performers under stage lights, Gomez chose to document them in the personal spaces where their transformations begin.  Where We Become Ourselves by Apolo Gomez installation view from The Rest is Drag, 516 Arts, Albuquerque, NM, Curated by Olivia Amaya Ortiz, © Apolo Gomez, Photos by Daniel Ulibarri; Courtesy of 516 Arts “My contribution to the exhibition grew from a desire to uplift drag performers by moving beyond the spectacle of the stage,” he says. “Each space is unique, filled with wigs, makeup, costumes, and mementos; they function as living archives, preserving stories of chosen family and community.”
The exhibition also features Pride on Route 66, a large-scale collage celebrating the 50th anniversary of Albuquerque Pride. For Gomez, who grew up without Pride celebrations in rural New Mexico, the project carries deep personal meaning. “Growing up in rural New Mexico, Pride did not exist, so it was profoundly powerful for me to experience my first Pride in Albuquerque, the first time where I felt that members of our community are not only accepted, but are celebrated.” Despite the technical demands of photography, Gomez believes the most meaningful images come from trust rather than perfection. “The moment I know I have captured something meaningful is when the subject no longer feels like they are being photographed,” he says. “Those moments of trust and presence are what create the images that feel most honest to me.” Looking ahead, Gomez plans to continue combining photography with archival research and oral histories while expanding his documentation of New Mexico’s queer communities. “I hope to continue creating work rooted in empathy, collaboration, and representation,” he says, “work that ensures the stories of those who shape our community are seen, valued, and remembered.” For Apolo Gomez, photography isn’t simply about documenting the present. It is an act of preservation—one portrait, one memory, and one story at a time. Follow Apolo Gomez on social media @apologomez and at his website apologomez.com.  In a world where dating apps often prioritize endless swiping over meaningful relationships, HER has taken a different approach. Built specifically for queer women, nonbinary people, and sapphics, the platform was created to address a gap that founder and CEO Robyn Exton experienced firsthand—a lack of online spaces designed with LGBTQ+ women and gender-diverse communities in mind. “When I started building HER (well, Dattch) over a decade ago, it was out of a deep desire to create something that didn’t exist yet: a space where sapphics could connect, feel seen, and build relationships on our own terms,” Exton has shared publicly. “At the time, there was nothing like it.” That vision has grown into what is now one of the world’s largest platforms for sapphic connection, serving millions of users across more than 100 countries. While HER began as a dating app, its purpose has expanded well beyond helping people find romantic partners. Today, it functions as a community platform where members can build friendships, join interest-based groups, discover local events, and connect through shared identities and experiences. One of the conversations HER has helped bring into the spotlight is what it calls the “Sapphic Social Recession”—the growing sense of loneliness many queer women and sapphics report feeling despite being more digitally connected than ever. For Exton, technology alone isn’t the answer. Instead, she believes digital platforms should make it easier for people to transition into authentic, real-world relationships. HER was intentionally designed to foster genuine community rather than simply facilitate matches, recognizing that queer connection often extends beyond traditional dating. Unlike many mainstream dating apps, HER acknowledges that friendship, chosen family, romance, and community frequently overlap within LGBTQ+ spaces. That understanding has shaped the platform’s evolution, creating opportunities for members to engage through community groups, conversations, and shared interests—not just profile photos and quick swipes. A defining feature of HER is its emphasis on identity and self-expression. Members are encouraged to share not only who they’re interested in dating, but also who they are—their communities, interests, gender identities, and personal experiences. That philosophy reflects a simple idea: meaningful relationships begin when people feel seen for their authentic selves.
Rather than asking users to fit into rigid categories, HER was built around the understanding that queer identities and relationships don’t always follow conventional timelines or expectations. The platform embraces that complexity, allowing members to connect in ways that feel natural to them. While many dating apps emphasize speed and instant matches, HER has focused on creating opportunities for deeper engagement. The app’s community spaces, discussion groups, and event listings encourage conversations that extend beyond dating, helping users find friendships, support networks, and local LGBTQ+ communities. The company has also expanded its commitment to in-person experiences, hosting events that bring members together offline and strengthen connections that begin online. As queer gathering spaces continue to disappear in many communities, Exton has consistently emphasized the importance of creating places where LGBTQ+ people can safely meet, connect, and simply exist together. HER’s digital communities were developed not to replace those spaces, but to help preserve and strengthen them. Perhaps the biggest misconception about HER is that it’s solely for dating. While many users find romantic relationships through the platform, others come looking for friendship, local community, support, or simply a place where they don’t have to explain who they are. That broader sense of belonging has become central to HER’s mission and continues to shape its future. In an era when loneliness has become a growing public conversation, HER is demonstrating that meaningful connection isn’t created through algorithms alone. It’s built through community, shared experiences, and spaces where people feel welcomed exactly as they are. To learn more about HER, visit weareher.com.  Mental health is deeply personal, and no two healing journeys look exactly alike. At the New Mexico Wellness Center, that belief shapes every client interaction. Founded by Stefanie Juliano, LPCC, the practice has become a trusted resource for individuals, couples, and families seeking compassionate, personalized mental health care in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. Built on the simple yet powerful philosophy of “the power of being heard,” the New Mexico Wellness Center strives to create an environment where every person’s experiences, emotions, and identity are valued. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, the center’s clinicians work collaboratively with clients to better understand their challenges, develop personalized treatment plans, and create meaningful, long-term growth. “We offer a safe, judgment-free space for you to explore your concerns, gain insights, and feel empowered to grow,” Juliano shares in her message to prospective clients. That philosophy extends throughout the practice, where therapy is viewed as a partnership rather than a prescription. Every treatment plan is customized to meet each individual’s goals, whether they are navigating anxiety, improving relationships, managing stress, or seeking greater balance in their lives. One of the defining strengths of the New Mexico Wellness Center is its commitment to individualized care. Recognizing that no single therapeutic approach works for everyone, the center offers a wide range of evidence-based treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Psychology, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy, The Gottman Method, Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and many others. This allows clinicians to tailor therapy to each client’s unique experiences, strengths, and goals. The center serves children as young as three years old through older adults, offering individual, couples, and family counseling designed to meet people wherever they are in life. Whether someone is coping with depression, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, identity exploration, or major life transitions, the focus remains the same: providing compassionate care that helps clients build resilience and develop practical tools for lasting emotional wellness.  Creating an affirming environment is also central to the center’s mission. The New Mexico Wellness Center offers support for individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including LGBTQIA+ clients, those exploring gender identity or sexuality, blended families, multicultural communities, and individuals navigating complex relationship dynamics. The goal is to ensure that every client feels respected, supported, and understood throughout their therapeutic journey.
Beyond helping clients navigate immediate challenges, therapy at the New Mexico Wellness Center emphasizes long-term personal growth. The benefits extend well beyond symptom relief, encouraging individuals to regulate their nervous systems, develop healthier coping strategies, strengthen communication skills, improve self-esteem, heal from trauma, and break unhealthy generational patterns. Therapy becomes not simply a response to crisis, but an investment in a healthier future. Accessibility has also been a key priority since the center’s founding. With offices in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, along with virtual therapy options, the practice works to remove barriers that often prevent people from receiving mental health care. Evening and Saturday appointments further help accommodate busy schedules, making quality therapy more accessible for individuals and families throughout the community. Supporting that mission is a diverse team of licensed clinicians, each bringing specialized expertise in areas such as anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction recovery, neurodiversity, postpartum care, couples counseling, art therapy, self-esteem, and LGBTQIA+ affirming care. Together, they offer a collaborative approach designed to meet clients with compassion while empowering them to move toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. For Juliano, the vision for the New Mexico Wellness Center extends beyond providing therapy sessions. It is about creating a place where people feel welcomed exactly as they are—a place where healing begins not with having all the answers, but with knowing someone is willing to listen. In a world where stress, anxiety, burnout, and uncertainty have become increasingly common, the New Mexico Wellness Center serves as a reminder that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s often the first step toward hope, healing, and lasting change. To learn more about the New Mexico Wellness Center or to request an appointment, visit sites.google.com/nmwcenter.org/nmwellnesscenter/home.  More than three decades after a landmark Broadway benefit performance helped raise awareness and critical funds during the AIDS crisis, The Normal Heart is set to reach audiences once again in a powerful new format.
Simon & Schuster Audio has announced the first-ever digital audio release of the celebrated 1993 Broadway benefit reading of Larry Kramer's groundbreaking play. The audiobook will be released worldwide on December 1, 2026, in observance of World AIDS Day, preserving a remarkable moment in both theater and LGBTQ+ history for future generations. Originally presented as two sold-out benefit performances in 1993, the production featured an extraordinary ensemble cast that included Kevin Bacon, Stockard Channing, John Turturro, Harry Hamlin, Eric Bogosian, D.W. Moffett, Tony Roberts, Kevin Geer, David Drake, and Jonathan Hadary under the direction of Jerry Zaks. The recording also captures a rare live stage appearance by Barbra Streisand, whose moving opening remarks helped set the emotional tone for the evening. First produced at The Public Theater in 1985, The Normal Heart has long been regarded as one of the most influential works in American theater. Larry Kramer's uncompromising drama brought national attention to the devastating early years of the AIDS epidemic, confronting government inaction, public stigma, and the human cost of a crisis that claimed countless lives. The 1993 benefit reading holds particular historical significance. Recorded just two years before the introduction of life-saving HIV treatments dramatically altered the course of the epidemic, the performance reflects the fear, grief, determination, and activism that defined the era. The event also served as a fundraiser for the Treatment + Data Committee of ACT UP New York, one of the nation's most influential HIV/AIDS advocacy organizations. For many members of the LGBTQ+ community, The Normal Heart was never simply a play—it was a rallying cry that demanded action and gave voice to a generation fighting for survival. Kramer's impact extended far beyond the stage. He co-founded Gay Men's Health Crisis in 1981 and later helped establish ACT UP in 1987, organizations that transformed public awareness, accelerated medical research, and pressured government leaders to respond to the growing epidemic. His legacy as both a playwright and activist continues to resonate throughout the LGBTQ+ community. “The Normal Heart chronicles the devastating early years of the AIDS crisis, the very moment that inspired the creation of Broadway Cares,” said Danny Whitman, Executive Director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. “This recording captures a remarkable night when extraordinary artists gave voice to Larry Kramer’s unflinching call for compassion, courage, and action.” The audiobook also continues the charitable mission of the original performances. All royalties and performer fees from the release will benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, supporting healthcare, medication, financial assistance, and essential services for people living with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses. Tom Spain, Vice President and Editorial Director of Simon & Schuster Audio, reflected on the enduring impact of the recording. “More than thirty years later, its emotional power remains as strong as ever,” he said. For theater lovers, LGBTQ+ audiences, and anyone interested in preserving queer history, the release offers a rare opportunity to experience a defining cultural moment. More than an audiobook, it serves as a living historical document—capturing the voices, emotions, and activism of a community that refused to be silenced while reminding today's audiences why those stories continue to matter. The Normal Heart audiobook will be available wherever audiobooks are sold beginning December 1, 2026.  Manchester, England, is not only famous for its industrial heritage, music scene, and football clubs—it’s also home to one of the most vibrant and historically significant LGBTQ+ communities in the UK. Often referred to as the "gay capital of the North," Manchester has been a pioneer in LGBTQ+ rights, visibility, and celebration, cultivating a culture of inclusivity that continues to thrive today. The roots of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ history stretch back centuries, but it was during the 20th century that the city truly became a hub for activism and progress. In 1880, a scandal known as the "Manchester Drag Ball" brought national attention to the city when police raided a fancy dress ball attended by men in drag. Though the incident was used to stigmatize the community, it also marked one of the first widely publicized moments of queer expression in the city. Manchester is home to several institutions that preserve and celebrate queer history. The LGBT Foundation, based in the city, is one of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ charities, providing health and support services as well as educational resources. The city is also immortalized in pop culture as the backdrop for Queer as Folk, the groundbreaking 1999 television series created by Russell T Davies. The show, set in Manchester’s Gay Village, helped bring the realities of LGBTQ+ life to mainstream audiences and played a pivotal role in shaping public attitudes. Manchester is a city that lives and breathes resilience. It’s a place where cobblestone streets echo with the voices of industrial workers, punk rockers, activists, and proud members of the LGBTQ+ community. I came here seeking stories—some hidden in old libraries, others pulsing through neon-lit streets—and left with a sense of belonging I hadn’t expected. My base for this journey was the magnificent Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. Located in a former insurance building dating back to the 1890s, it seamlessly marries historic grandeur with modern luxury. Walking through its doors felt like entering a different era. The soaring ceilings, intricate tilework, and dramatic staircases told stories of old Manchester, while the in-room record players spinning tracks by Oasis made sure I knew exactly where I was. The heart of the hotel is The Refuge—a restaurant and bar that buzzes with energy. Whether sipping cocktails beneath the Winter Garden’s lush greenery or sharing small plates that borrow flavors from around the world, I felt immersed in the city's welcoming vibe. Even in its luxury, the Kimpton feels like a place for everyone, especially when there is a DJ spinning some cool jazzy beats. One thing I loved about this property is their "Forgot it? We've got it" service. Whether its toothpaste, a shaving kit, or phone charger, the helpful staff have you covered. I tend to forget at least one necessity on every trip. The Kimpton’s central location places guests within walking distance of Manchester's vibrant cultural scene, including the Palace Theatre, Canal Street, and various shopping and dining options. My first stop in Manchester was the John Rylands Library—an architectural marvel of neo-Gothic design. I was there specifically to view "The Secret Public" exhibition. It traces Manchester’s underground art scene, especially its ties to queer culture and punk resistance. Flyers, magazines, and photographs are on display. And while we are on the topic of LGBTQ history, the best way to understand Manchester’s queer roots is by talking to the locals. The Free Manchester Walking Tours offers a Queer History Tour, led by passionate guides who have in depth knowledge of the city’s LGBTQ history and culture. We began our tour in Sackville Gardens, home to the Alan Turing Memorial and the Beacon of Hope—a tribute to those affected by HIV/AIDS. It's a space for reflection, nestled just beside Canal Street’s constant thrum. For those not familiar with Alan Turing, he was a pioneering mathematician and computer scientist, best known for his role in cracking the German Enigma code during World War II—a breakthrough that helped shorten the war and save countless lives. Often regarded as the father of modern computing, Turing laid the theoretical foundation for artificial intelligence. Despite his monumental contributions, he was persecuted for being gay, ultimately leading to his tragic death in 1954. Today, he is celebrated as both a scientific genius and a symbol of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. No trip to Manchester would be complete without a night—or three—spent in the Gay Village. Centered around Canal Street, it’s a place that radiates warmth and freedom. What once was a hidden, underground scene in the 1980s has become a global symbol of LGBTQ+ pride. During the day, you’ll find people sipping coffee along the canal and by night, the rainbow flags light up the street. Spaces like Via and The Eagle pulse with music and laughter, while Cruz 101 remains a sacred institution for dancefloor devotees. This is more than a party district—it’s a cultural hub, one that has helped shape national conversations and lead by example.  Manchester’s gay scene is more than just nightlife. In the Northern Quarter, I stumbled into Feel Good Club—a queer-owned café that quickly became one of my favorite stops during my trip. Feel Good Club is a café but the space also hosts workshops, mental wellness events, and spontaneous conversations with strangers who somehow feel like old friends. I ordered a bowl of Apple Soaked Oats and I have to say, it was one of the most delicious and inexpensive things I ate during my entire trip to England. I should have asked for the recipe!
A few blocks away sits Queer Lit, an LGBTQ+ bookstore filled to the brim with stories I wish I’d had growing up. From queer romance and fiction to books on trans identity and intersectionality, the shop is both cozy and revolutionary. Queer Lit claims to have the largest selection of LGBTQ+ books in all of Europe. Beyond books, the store hosts events such as workshops, live readings, and book clubs, providing a safe and inclusive space for the community to gather and celebrate queer literature. They also serve a variety of beverages. I would definitely recommend trying one of their hot chocolate drinks. Though my trip didn’t coincide with Manchester Pride, visitors can expect tens of thousands each August. Pride here features a blend of celebration and activism. From glitter-filled marches to thoughtful panel discussions, it’s a reflection of the city itself: joyful, inclusive, and unafraid to speak truth to power. Importantly, the money raised goes straight back into the community, funding LGBTQ+ health initiatives, charities, and support services. Also in August is SCENE, Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Film & TV Festival, which consists of a week of new and classic LGBTQ+ cinema and TV screenings, panels, and other events. All this touring and learning about queer history made me hungry, so for dinner, I ventured to Maray, a Middle Eastern-inspired gem in the city center. Its signature “Disco Cauliflower”—roasted whole and topped with tahini, pomegranate, and harissa—was a revelation. The food, like the city, defied expectations. It was spicy, complex and comforting. I would also recommend trying the Crispy Sea Bass with broccoli slaw. Maray’s vibe is relaxed yet refined, a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration. Its inclusive, welcoming spirit felt aligned with everything I’d experienced in Manchester so far. For a more casual dining experience, head over to Freight Island, a unique food hall and entertainment venue located near Piccadilly Station. The venue features a variety of locally-owned food stalls including Mia’s Arepas, Ornella’s Little Kitchen and Mega Gyros. It’s a great place to grab a quick bite or cocktail after work with friends. Manchester may not be as polished as London, but that adds to its charm and intrigue. I tend to enjoy cities like Manchester over their larger neighbors. During my entire stay, I was able to walk to every attraction I visited and by experience, the best way to see a city is on foot. It’s also a great way to burn off those extra calories. Whether you’re wandering Canal Street at sunset, or simply sipping hot chocolate at Queer Lit, Manchester is a place where you can be yourself and belong. Enjoy the Journey! Joey Amato is the publisher of Pride Journeys, a syndicated LGBTQ travel column. Joey has worked in LGBTQ media for over a decade and resides in Indianapolis. For more information about Pride Journeys, visit www.PrideJourneys.com.  Buying a home is one of life’s most meaningful milestones. It represents stability, independence, and the opportunity to build a future on your own terms. For many LGBTQ individuals and families, however, the journey toward homeownership has not always felt straightforward. While progress has been made in legal protections and financial access, navigating the mortgage process can still feel intimidating for first-time buyers or couples unfamiliar with lending requirements. The good news is that with preparation, education, and the right guidance, the path to owning a home can be both achievable and empowering. According to mortgage expert Chad Krieger, VP of Mortgage Lending at US Eagle Federal Credit Union, creating an inclusive lending experience begins with understanding that every borrower’s situation is unique. “Mortgage lending is personal, and we aim to create a space where members feel heard, understood and supported throughout the process,” he says. A welcoming environment allows buyers to ask questions openly and feel confident that they are receiving clear, fair information about their options. Credit unions and community-focused lenders often approach mortgages a bit differently than traditional banks. Their structure allows them to focus more on individual members rather than outside shareholders. “The biggest differentiation factor… is that, as a member-owned credit union, we are a not-for-profit lender,” Krieger explains. “This means we don’t have shareholders and we don’t work on commission. Our sole focus is finding the best solution for the individual member.” That philosophy can translate into a more educational and collaborative experience for buyers who are navigating one of the largest financial decisions of their lives. Today’s mortgage market offers a variety of loan products designed to meet a wide range of financial situations. Buyers may consider conventional loans, FHA or VA loans, or portfolio lending options depending on their credit profile and financial goals. Many lenders also offer first-time homebuyer programs, low down payment options, and home equity products that can help buyers build financial stability over time. But before selecting a loan product, Krieger says preparation is key. “A mortgage is not about qualifying for the biggest loan possible,” he says. “It’s about aligning homeownership with long-term financial health.” That perspective encourages buyers to think beyond the excitement of purchasing a home and instead focus on sustainability. Owning a home should enhance financial well-being, not strain it. Preparation for the mortgage process often begins months before someone even starts shopping for a property. Krieger recommends reviewing your credit report early to understand your financial profile. Buyers should also avoid taking on new debt prior to applying for a mortgage—such as opening new credit cards or financing a vehicle—because these changes can impact approval. Organizing income records, tax documents, and savings information ahead of time can also help streamline the application process. Maintaining stable employment and determining a comfortable monthly payment range are equally important steps.  Family structures and financial arrangements have evolved significantly over the years, and mortgage lending has adapted accordingly. “Nontraditional family structures are very common,” Krieger notes. “Income… is always evaluated consistently across all applicants according to regulatory guidelines.” In practice, that means lenders evaluate verified income, assets, and credit history using standardized criteria rather than making assumptions about relationship status, gender identity, or household structure.
While the mortgage process itself typically follows the same stages—pre-approval, application, underwriting, appraisal, and closing—the experience can still feel complex for buyers navigating today’s housing market. Many potential homeowners are encountering challenges such as rising interest rates, limited housing inventory, and affordability pressures. These broader market conditions affect nearly all buyers, but they also highlight the importance of understanding financial fundamentals before entering the market. Financial education plays a critical role in that preparation. Buyers benefit from learning how credit scores influence mortgage pricing, how debt-to-income ratios are calculated, and what funds may be used toward a down payment. Understanding closing costs, property taxes, and the ongoing expenses associated with homeownership can also help buyers develop realistic expectations. “Every borrower’s financial story is different,” Krieger says. “The most effective guidance begins with understanding goals, comfort levels and long-term plans… Home lending is technical but trust is human.” That balance between financial expertise and personal understanding is what allows borrowers to feel confident about their decisions. For LGBTQ buyers considering homeownership, Krieger emphasizes that preparation and knowledge are powerful tools. Taking time to understand your finances and your long-term goals can make a significant difference in the mortgage process. “Do your research and own your financial preparation before you shop for a home,” he says. “Strong credit, stable income, documented assets and realistic expectations will put you in control of the process.” Ultimately, homeownership is about more than financial transactions. It is about creating a place where people can build their lives, their families, and their futures. With thoughtful planning and supportive guidance, the dream of owning a home can become a reality—one that provides both security and the freedom to truly feel at home. Chad C. Krieger has over 25 years of mortgage lending experience, holding leadership roles in underwriting and credit strategy. He currently serves as Vice President of Mortgage Lending at US Eagle Federal Credit Union.  For more than four decades, Larry Aguilar has captivated audiences with dazzling drag performances, inventive choreography, and a stage presence that blends glamour, humor, and storytelling. But beyond the costumes and applause is an artist whose greatest pride isn’t measured by crowns or standing ovations—it’s the friendships, mentorship, and sense of family he’s built throughout a lifetime in entertainment. Aguilar’s love of performing began long before he ever stepped onto a professional stage. “I actually started acting in junior high school,” he recalls. “My sisters and I were those children that created plays and musicals for our parents and the neighborhood kids. We also made TV shows with an 8 mm camera, so that actually got me interested in performing—the feeling that I got when I was out on stage.” After joining the U.S. Air Force at just 17 years old, Aguilar came out and began discovering the LGBTQ+ community for himself. Looking back, he remembers a welcoming environment that challenged everything he expected. “I never experienced any kind of hate,” he says. “It was always good experiences, and I was always treated with respect, and that was also in the Air Force. This was way before ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’” That optimism has remained with him throughout a career that began in the late 1970s. When creating a performance, Aguilar starts with the music, then builds every element around it. “I’m not one of those people that can, as they say, ‘park and bark,’” he laughs. “I have to be able to dance. I have to move. The number has to have some comedy or humor. After that comes the outfit, and to me it has to be a brand-new outfit.” One of his favorite creations was portraying Pepper from American Horror Story, a role that pushed him creatively in unexpected ways. “Doing Pepper let me create someone I never knew,” he says. “The minute I got the bald cap on my head and stuck that fake nose on, it was so cool.” The performance even caught the attention of Naomi Grossman, the actress who originated the character on television. “She actually reached out to me and told me how she enjoyed my performance, and that was truly exciting for me.” For Aguilar, drag has always been much more than entertainment. Early in his career, veteran Texas pageant queens taught him that visibility comes with responsibility. “Being out in public can be difficult, but it also gives you a platform,” he says. “With that platform, you have to make sure that you’re doing it right, and you’re able to let people know the good and bad of the community.” Even after decades on stage, Aguilar continues looking for ways to surprise audiences. One of his favorite memories came when audiences assumed he was performing another Cher number—until the music suddenly shifted into Puttin’ on the Ritz and a 30-person flash mob joined him for an elaborate tap routine.
“The audience was like, ‘That man still has it,’” he says with a smile. Away from drag, Aguilar has become one of New Mexico’s most respected choreographers, creating more than 50 musicals for community theaters across the state. His recent work with Cardboard Playhouse has become one of the most rewarding chapters of his career. “I have been very lucky to be a part of the Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company,” he says. “It’s probably been one of the most exciting and fulfilling things I’ve done in a long time.” Working with children and teenagers has reminded him why he fell in love with theater in the first place. “You give them choreography, they’ll do it, they’ll fall on their head, they’ll get up, they’ll laugh, and they’ll do it again. These kids are so inspiring.” Aguilar believes staying connected to younger performers is what keeps him growing as an artist. “You always have to be relatable, relevant, new, and surprising,” he says. “You have to stay with the young performers. That’s what’s going to keep you going.” His greatest challenges, however, came away from the stage. After returning to Albuquerque following the loss of his partner, Aguilar endured a torn Achilles tendon during a performance, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma requiring months of chemotherapy, a burst appendix, and rotator cuff surgery. Rather than focusing on those hardships, he remembers something far more important. “I needed a lot of friends,” he says. When asked how he hopes people remember him, his answer has little to do with performances or accolades. “I hope I’m remembered for my friends and my friendship,” Aguilar reflects. “I hope they remember my challenging choreography, the ability to create magic out of little resources, and also to create a family.” Then he adds the words that perhaps best define his remarkable career. “I love my friends. I believe in friendship. I hope that’s what people remember me for—the good times, the margarita parties, the Oscar parties, and the hugs.” For Larry Aguilar, the spotlight has never been the destination. It’s simply been the place from which he’s inspired generations of performers, created unforgettable moments, and reminded us all that the greatest legacy isn’t found in applause—it’s found in the people whose lives you’ve touched along the way.  Playwright PC Verrone answers the question, "What happens when classic horror tropes are turned upside down and reimagined through an Indigenous lens?" What happens when classic horror tropes are turned upside down and reimagined through an Indigenous lens? Playwright PC Verrone answers that question with Bad Medicine. This world premiere production combines supernatural suspense, sharp comedy, and timely social commentary into an unforgettable theatrical experience that encourages reflection on Indigenous issues and representation. While audiences may recognize echoes of horror classics, Bad Medicine is anything but conventional. Verrone describes the production as "Indigenous Get Out meets Rosemary's Baby," offering a fresh take on the genre while challenging long-standing stereotypes that have often defined Native characters and cultures in film and theater. The inspiration for the play came from a desire to rethink familiar horror conventions. "This play started as an attempt to balance my love of horror stories with their overuse of tropes like 'Indian burial grounds' and 'cursed totems,'" Verrone explains. "I wanted to flip the script by writing a story that centered Native perspectives and made the source of the mystical terror European in origin." That shift in perspective allows Bad Medicine to do more than entertain. Beneath its scares lies a meaningful exploration of Indigenous identity, colonialism, cultural appropriation, and Native communities' everyday experiences, emphasizing its relevance for social justice advocates and Indigenous audiences. Verrone says horror proved to be the ideal genre for exploring those themes because of its ability to amplify emotional truths. "I wanted to connect the ways that Native people are discouraged from seeking out community and culture with non-Native peoples' appropriation of those same cultures," he says. "I hadn't really seen that relationship discussed in that way. Horror's heightened emotional scale allowed me to reveal the real violence in the small, everyday indignities that Native people experience."  Kholan Studi and Taras Moses during rehearsals of Bad Medicine. Although Bad Medicine delivers genuine suspense, audiences can also expect plenty of humor. For Verrone, the combination wasn't something he consciously planned. It simply reflects the way he approaches storytelling. "That wasn't necessarily intentional," he says. "I think I naturally gravitate to comedy as a way out of very tense situations. What I love about horror as a genre is that it can be campy and over-the-top, as well as spooky and suspenseful. You can twist the audience's expectations and really surprise them!" Authenticity has been central to every aspect of the production. From the beginning, Verrone believed Indigenous representation throughout the cast and creative team wasn't simply important, it was essential. "Oh, that was paramount," he says. "The play is about Native personhood being co-opted by non-Native people, so the entire show would fall apart if not for Native creatives throughout the production. But this representation is also necessary because we all come from a variety of different tribes and nations, so we're also bringing our own culturally specific perspectives to the themes of this show." Seeing Bad Medicine come to life on stage has been a deeply personal milestone for the playwright. "I don't exaggerate when I say that this has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid," Verrone says. "We don't invest nearly enough into producing new plays by emerging playwrights, so I'm grateful to be in this position. It has been unreal seeing the creative team bring their own visions to the world that I wrote and puzzling out how to transform the play's moments of theatrical magic from words on a page to a fully embodied experience."  PC Verrone is excited to present his brand-new play, Bad Medicine, on the Santa Fe Playhouse stage. Beyond the thrills and laughs, Verrone hopes audiences leave the theater reflecting on their own relationship with Indigenous communities and culture. "I would like audiences to leave considering their relationships to Indigeneity," he says. "What are the assumptions you have about Native people that are, in fact, limiting or dehumanizing? What is your connection to your own heritage? I want people to leave understanding that there is work to be done, but there is a dawn at the end of the night." This reflection is central to the play's social commentary and its call for awareness and change. As someone who has worked across multiple storytelling mediums, Verrone says live theater offers a uniquely collaborative creative process unlike any other. "There is a unique energy to being part of a collaborative process like live theater," he explains. "When I write a script, my goal is not to be didactic about how the story should appear onstage, but rather, to write in such a way that will inspire my fellow collaborators. I think of it as an invitation for their imagination." That spirit of collaboration, and the play's willingness to challenge expectations, makes Bad Medicine appealing even for audiences who may not typically see themselves as theatergoers or horror fans, inspiring curiosity and a desire to explore new storytelling experiences. "Bad Medicine is not your typical play, nor is it your typical horror story," Verrone says. "In some ways, this play is breaking the rules of both to create necessary conversations about how we exist on this land in relationship with its Indigenous peoples. This question is only becoming more pressing as our current attitudes lead us towards environmental catastrophe and the total degradation of the human spirit." With its blend of suspense, humor, and meaningful social commentary, Bad Medicine demonstrates how theater can entertain while asking audiences to examine history, identity, and the stories we tell about one another. Santa Fe Playhouse invites audiences to experience the world premiere of Bad Medicine running August 8–30, 2026, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Opening Night is August 8. Tickets are available at santafeplayhouse.org For readers interested in exploring more of Verrone's work, his debut novel, Rabbit, Fox, Tar, is available wherever books are sold. Information about future productions of Bad Medicine and upcoming projects can be found at pcverrone.com. - Teresa Robinson of PRIDE & Equality Magazine and New Mexico Entertainment Magazine
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