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From Glitter to Rock Bottom: A CEO’s Journey Through Addiction and Recovery
John had it all – a thriving event production company, a team of talented employees, and a reputation as the go-to guy for staging the most dazzling festivals and parties in major markets throughout the US and Canada.
As the company’s CEO and co-founder, John had built the company from the ground up with help of two business partners. Together, they had created something truly unique and robust – but beneath the surface, John battled demons that threatened to destroy him and everything he and his partners had worked so hard to build.
It started innocently enough – a bump of meth here, a drink there – anything to keep the energy and creativity flowing. “I was always one of those people who could try anything and stop,” he told the Los Angeles Blade.
But before long, John found himself in the grip of a full-blown addiction. He was sometimes zooming into the office rather than take the elevator 3 floors below from his apartment, missing important meetings, and making erratic decisions that put the entire company at risk.
At first, John tried to hide his struggle from his partners and employees, putting on a brave face and pretending everything was fine. As time when on, so did his partners and key employees, trying hard to save face. But as his addiction spiraled out of control, John’s once-sparkling world had dulled to a hazy grey visible to everyone. He began experiencing suicidal depression and looked scared and addled and was unable to see a way out.
As an LGBTQ individual, John was no stranger to adversity. He had somehow managed to remain HIV negative while most of his friends didn’t; he battled discrimination and prejudice throughout his life, but had always managed to flick it away. Now, however, he was facing a battle that felt increasingly uphill because it was a battle against himself, his own demons.
“For me, the bottom was when my entire staff and my partners held a meeting and threatened to walk,” John said. “I will never forget coming into the office only to find my mother and sister, my business partners, my staff and an intervention person: it was literally like the TV show “Intervention,” including ugly ultimatums they knew would work.”
He was whisked off to the Atlanta airport and to a facility outside of Phoenix for a one month detox and then later to Los Angeles for a 90 day program. “I honestly had no idea what I was doing. I just knew that it was a better path for me. It took some convincing but it finally made sense,” he said. “I even had business practical questions because as an entrepreneur I wasn’t sure how any of this could work: how could I take time away and regroup the staff, win my partners’ and my client’s trust back! Real questions.”
John summed it up: “But my partners both said, you won’t win us or any one else back if you remain the mess you are — we will all be broke.”
“And,” John added, “my mom reminded me to ‘be resolute,’ something I had told her when she needed to leave my father. She said, ‘those words saved my life, time to own them.’”
“Addiction doesn’t discriminate,” says Brad Lamm, founder of Breathe Life Healing Center in Los Angeles. “It doesn’t care how successful you are, how much money you make, or how many people are counting on you. It’s a disease that can take down even the strongest among us.”
For John, the turning point came when his partners confronted him about his behavior. They had noticed the changes in John’s demeanor and work ethic, and they were worried about the impact it was having on the company. It was a difficult conversation, but it was one that needed to happen.
Agreeing with his business partners about the reality of his addiction and the potential consequences for business, John knew he needed help – and fast.
But as a CEO and co-owner, he was hesitant to step away from the company for an extended period of time. He felt a deep sense of responsibility to his partners and employees, and he didn’t want to let anyone, especially his mom, down.
During his intervention he learned that under California’s labor law even as a company owner, he was protected against his own company firing him or demoting him.
Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), John was eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to seek treatment for his substance abuse.
He also learned that other laws strengthen those protections:
1. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities as well as individuals with substance use disorders.
2. California Gov. Newsom in 2020 signed a bill that requires employers with eligible staff members at companies with more than 5 employees (California Family Rights Act) to reasonably accommodate those who wish to enter an alcohol or drug rehabilitation program. The bill amends Labor Code section 1025, which had excluded companies with fewer than 25 employees.
3. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), requires health insurance plans to cover substance abuse treatment as an essential health benefit.
John’s partners were supportive of his decision to seek treatment, but they were also concerned about the impact his absence would have on the company. They agreed to step up and take on additional responsibilities while John was away, ensuring that the business could continue to operate smoothly.
“It was a difficult decision, but I knew I had to put my health first,” John recalls. “Knowing that my position was protected under the law gave me the peace of mind and trust I needed. And even though I realized the financial damage I had done during my worst days could result in the company’s closure, I needed to focus on me and my recovery. I had to trust that my partners could handle things in my absence, and that our clients would understand.”
John checked into a residential treatment program, where he worked with a team of specialists to confront the root causes of his addiction. It was a grueling process, full of tears and soul-searching, angry days and sleepless nights – but slowly, the fog began to lift.
As John began to heal, he also started to think about how he could create a more supportive and inclusive workplace for his employees – especially those who might be struggling with their own mental health or substance abuse issues. He worked with his partners and hired an HR team to develop new policies and programs, including a third party, confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides confidential counseling and referral services.
“We wanted to create a culture where people felt safe and supported, no matter what they were going through,” John says. “We wanted to break down the stigma around addiction and mental health, and show our employees that it’s okay to ask for help – and that their jobs will be waiting for them when they’re ready to come back.”
Today, John is back at the helm of his company, leading alongside his partners with a newfound sense of purpose and compassion. They are vocal advocates for LGBTQ addiction awareness and mental health, using their platform to share John’s story and inspire others to seek help.
“If you are a business owner, you have a responsibility to create a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and healthy,” John says. “That means being open and honest about our own struggles, and creating a culture where everyone feels valued and heard – and where they know that their well-being is our top priority.”
John’s journey is a powerful reminder that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their success or status. It’s also a testament to the importance of seeking help, even when it feels impossible – and the power of having strong legal protections and a supportive network in place.
For LGBTQ individuals in particular, the barriers to treatment can be daunting. Stigma, discrimination, and a lack of culturally competent care can all make it harder to reach out for support. But there are resources available – and there is always hope.
“My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it,” John says. “I’m a better leader, a better friend, and a better person because of the work I’ve done. And I’m committed to using my experience to help others find their way to recovery – and to create a world where no one has to choose between their health and their livelihood.”
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” John, now 8 years clean sober, his company thriving and producing several popular cultural fairs, arts and crafts festivals and corporate retreats, said.
“Don’t let shame or stigma keep you hopeless. With the right support and resources, you can overcome anything – and your job will be waiting for you when you’re ready to come back. I promise.”
For those seeking addiction treatment resources in Los Angeles County, there are many options available, including:
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC) – Provides a wide range of prevention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals with substance use disorders.
Breathe Life Healing Center offers provides evidence-based clinical care in a supportive environment for transformation and change.
Arts & Entertainment
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Pride at the Rainbow Masquerade NYE Party 2025
Grab your glitter, don your mask, and get ready to sashay into 2025 at the Rainbow Masquerade NYE Party!

Grab your glitter, don your mask, and get ready to sashay into 2025 at the Rainbow Masquerade NYE Party! This isn’t your average New Year’s Eve celebration—it’s the ultimate queer bash brought to you by Capital Pride, serving glamour, inclusivity, and fierce vibes as DC counts down to World Pride 2025.
Party with Purpose
This isn’t just a party—it’s a movement. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Capital Pride, ensuring that every drink you sip and every move you make on the dance floor supports advocacy, education, and programs for the LGBTQ+ community. As the world prepares to turn its eyes to DC for World Pride 2025, this event is your chance to show your pride and kick off the new year with purpose and panache.
Pick Your Experience
Whether you’re strutting solo, vibing with your chosen family, or ready to splurge on an epic NYE, we’ve got the perfect ticket for you:
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- General Admission: Your ticket to the most fabulous party in town includes a standard open bar, live entertainment, and access to a night filled with laughter, love, and legendary vibes.
- Pride Privilege Pass: Go big or go home with premium open bar access, exclusive lounge area, and elevated spaces perfect for taking a breather (or snapping the perfect selfie).
- Queer Royale: For groups ready to slay together, reserve a private table and enjoy VIP seating, dedicated service, and all the perks that make you and your crew the stars of the night.
- Bubble Hideaway: Ready to turn up the heat? This exclusive hot tub cabana includes private seating, premium service, and a whole lot of bubbles—perfect for ringing in 2025 in true queer luxury. Only 1 available!
The Night’s Highlights
From jaw-dropping performances to a midnight champagne toast, the Rainbow Masquerade has it all:
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- Electrifying Entertainment: Live drag acts and aerial performers will keep you gagged and gooped all night long.
- Immersive Decor: A photo-ready wonderland that’s as bold, beautiful, and diverse as our community.
- Endless Cocktails: Enjoy unlimited drinks tailored to your ticket tier—it’s time to toast, darling!
- Midnight Moment: Raise your glass as we countdown to midnight and step into a fabulous new year.
Why You Can’t Miss This
The Rainbow Masquerade isn’t just a party; it’s a celebration of everything that makes our community shine. As we look ahead to World Pride 2025, this event is your chance to start the year surrounded by love, pride, and unapologetic joy.
Whether you’re here for the performances, the community, or just a reason to celebrate, the Rainbow Masquerade NYE Party is the place to be.
Plan Your Night
- Date and Time: Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | 10 PM – 2 AM
- Location: 3400 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC
- Tickets: Snag yours now HERE
Cheers to a Fabulous Future
Ready to strut into 2025? Let’s make it one for the history books—full of pride, purpose, and a whole lot of glitter. Grab your ticket, bring your crew, and let’s start the countdown.
See you under the disco ball!
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Louisiana’s largest cancer center is bringing care to you
Louisiana’s largest cancer center is bringing care to you

According to Dr. Constance Cole Blunt, medical oncologist and medical director of cancer prevention and outreach at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, the best way to get people to screen for cancer is by participating in its Prevention on the Go program.
In Louisiana, where cancer rates clock in at over 40% higher than the national average, this approach isn’t just innovative – it’s necessary. Too often in Louisiana, cancer is caught at an advanced stage, drastically limiting options for care and treatment. Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in the state and has a particularly devastating impact – although Louisiana is ranked 28th in the nation for breast cancer incidence, the breast cancer mortality rate in the state is the second greatest in the country.
The factors driving these statistics are complex and interwoven with the daily struggles many Louisiana residents face in accessing medical care. Many don’t have adequate insurance and are unable to stay up-to-date on regular physicals and medical check-ups, let alone receive comprehensive cancer screenings. Rural communities struggle with transportation to far-away medical centers and a lack of access is compounded by a lack of awareness about prevalent cancers, symptoms and risk factors. These challenges are even more pronounced for communities of color in the state, who face higher rates of poverty and lower rates of health insurance coverage compared with their white counterparts. Alarmingly, Black women in Louisiana are diagnosed more frequently and are more likely to die from breast cancer than the national average.
As the largest cancer care organization in Louisiana, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center builds its approach around addressing the unique barriers faced by communities across the state. The center brings together medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and strong partnerships with clinics and hospitals to deliver comprehensive cancer care and treatment to patients – all under one roof. Patients are supported by navigators who ensure they are referred to the appropriate mobile clinics and screening services in their own communities, and that high-risk patients are prioritized for doctor visits and have a plan for accessing them. Beyond medical treatment, patients grappling with a cancer diagnosis also have access to a full support system within the center, including a palliative care specialist to help manage pain, a therapist to support mental health during treatment and even a dietitian to ensure that they’re able to maintain a healthy diet outside of their treatment program.
“We want patients to be able to walk through the door – whether it be to manage a breast cancer diagnosis or to get a screening – and get the entirety of their care taken care of in this one location,” says Dr. Blunt. “For a state where we know funding, resources and access are limited, having a patient be able to access a one-stop-shop to manage their treatment definitely makes the burden of cancer care easier for them.”
However, when breast cancer is diagnosed at a later stage, even the most comprehensive treatment plan offers limited hope for a cure. That’s why Mary Bird Perkins is focused on going beyond treatment to address the problem at its root by expanding early detection and prevention efforts across the state.
In 2002, Mary Bird launched Prevention on the Go, a program designed to bring education and early detection services to locations where people live, work, worship, shop and play. As part of the program, Mary Bird drives their mobile clinic across the state, parking everywhere from church parking lots to workplaces and creating what Dr. Blunt calls a “low intimidation environment” where people can connect with healthcare providers in a familiar setting. The events offer cancer screenings, but also health history reviews and education about preventive care. They also often provide activities, food and cooking demonstrations for community members.
“Our mobile clinics give information about detection and prevention to people in a way that’s easy to digest and fun,” explains Dr. Blunt. “Some patients come back and get their screenings with us, but sometimes these events just jumpstart somebody’s health journey. Both are important.”

Hematology, Medical Oncology
(Photo: Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center)
For Dr. Blunt, Mary Bird Perkins’ mission is personal. When she was in undergrad, her mother’s best friend passed away from advanced ovarian cancer — her first exposure to both cancer and hospice care.
“You don’t forget experiences like that,” says Dr. Blunt. “She was a working mom who gave everything to her children but had gone years without getting any cancer screenings. By the time her cancer was caught, it was very advanced.”
Mary Bird Perkins’ programming has made huge progress toward ensuring that these types of stories are less common. Since 2002, Prevention on the Go has provided more than 118,000 screenings in local communities and detected nearly 900 cancers. As a testament to their important work, Mary Bird Perkins is a recipient of Gilead Sciences’ Oncology Grant Program, an initiative aimed at advancing health equity for people impacted by cancer. In 2024, Gilead announced an overall commitment of $5 million in grant funding, spread across a number of different organizations, to support additional health equity programs globally. To date, it has awarded more than $18 million in health equity-related oncology grants for programs that advance health equity for disinvested communities.
This support has been integral in helping Mary Bird Perkins expand their Prevention on the Go efforts and expand their overall programming. “In cancer care, collaboration is really important,” Dr. Blunt emphasizes. “The more stakeholders we have at the table, the more resources we have. Partnerships help us improve access, make sure our technologies are up to date and continue to provide great care to the communities that need it. Support from organizations like Gilead allows us to put patient care first.”
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Why converting USD to ETH could be a smart move ahead of the Metaverse Boom
The metaverse is now one of the hottest topics in the world of technological innovation and the future that is being painted is one where people can live, work, play, and even do business in fully realized virtual realities. With the metaverse still in the process of development, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies are expected to become the main drivers of these virtual worlds.
For investors who want to capitalize on this imminent shift, USD to ETH would be a great place to start. Given the fact that Ethereum is the second largest cryptocurrency in the market, used in Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT) and Virtual Economies, it is well suited to act as the foundation for the metaverse.
What Is the Metaverse?
The metaverse is a virtual environment that is composed of multiple simulated worlds through which people can communicate in real time with the help of their avatars. Consider it as the virtual community that combines elements of social networking, gaming, AR/VR. Here, users can design and exchange virtual commodities, acquire and possess digital property and even earn their livelihood from virtual businesses.
Big tech companies like Facebook (Meta), Microsoft, and Google have also recently, announced their plans to pour billions of dollars into building the metaverse. As more companies develop infrastructure for this developing space, Ethereum is likely to be a major participant in the decentralized side of the metaverse economy.
Ethereum’s Function in Metaverse Environment
Ethereum isn’t only a cryptocurrency, but a blockchain that supports smart contracts, dApps, NFTs, and many other solutions. Its blockchain is the backbone of many of today’s most famous metaverse projects like Decentraland and The Sandbox. These platforms enable users to purchase virtual land, create digital artworks, and engage in virtual experiences all of which are executed on Ethereum’s blockchain technology.
This is so because Ethereum offers the capability for decentralized and programmable transactions that are crucial in the metaverse. For instance, NFTs which are digital assets that are one of a kind are mainly developed on Ethereum. It is not just the art that is being tokenized but also in-game items, virtual real estate, and even one’s virtual persona, thanks to the use of these NFTs. Thus, as the metaverse grows in size, Ethereum’s blockchain will most probably remain the primary platform for such operations.
Why is it important to Convert USD to ETH Now?
1. Venture Capital and the Ecosystem’s Growth: An Early Investment Opportunity
With the expansion of the metaverse, Ethereum’s use is also expected to rise in the future. Most metaverse platforms are built on Ethereum and make use of Ethereum as a means of engaging their virtual economies to buy and sell virtual properties or other digital assets. Now that one can invest in USD and convert it to ETH, investors can invest in Ethereum’s growing usefulness in this new realm before it becomes widely adopted.
Although the metaverse is still relatively nascent, it is estimated that the industry will be a multi-billion dollar market in the next few years. It will allow investors to invest now in Ethereum and be prepared for the future when the number of users in the metaverse will only grow and, as a result, the demand for ETH will also grow.
2. Ethereum’s Leadership in NFTs
NFTs are essentially an intrinsic part of the metaverse and Ethereum is the go-to platform for creating and trading NFTs. From artists and game developers to big brands, people are using Ethereum’s blockchain to create and sell NFTs of digital assets. Virtual clothes and accessories, in-game items, virtual lands, etc., will all form the base of the metaverse economy.
It is now possible to convert USD to ETH and use these funds to invest in this increasingly popular market, which is only likely to grow as the metaverse develops. Simply put, if you are planning on participating in the NFT market in any way – then owning ETH is mandatory.
3. Enhancements in the Scalability with Ethereum 2.0
The second one is Ethereum which is in the process of shifting to Ethereum 2.0, an enhancement plan to enhance the network’s capability, security, and power usage effectiveness. One of the major changes is the transition from the Proof of Work (PoW) to the Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus algorithms that will enable Ethereum to clear more transactions at a lower fee.
This is important for the future development of Ethereum in the metaverse as this upgrade will be necessary. More and more users and applications are connected to Ethereum’s network, and thus scalability becomes a crucial factor.
4. Hedge Against Inflation and Fiat Devaluation
The increasing rate of inflation and devaluation of fiat currencies has raised the importance of investing in other assets such as USD to ETH. Ethereum is a cryptocurrency like any other and as such works beyond the conventional financial systems, offering a decentralized and deflationary model to conventional fiat money. As the value of the US dollar changes, it is for this reason that Ethereum has the potential of rising in the digital economy making it a good store of value for the future.
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