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city: Jacksonville Xtra
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Margin for Error
Bankruptcy Spring Fashion
14 The Rising of Jared Allman 17 Miss Wade of Hollywood's Biggest 19 One Candid 20 city: Orlando Xtra 21 city: Tampa Xtra 22 city: St Pete 23 travel: Oasis Sens
Publicist Gets
Publisher/Executive Editor: publisher@cityxtramag.com Editor In Chief: editor@cityxtramag.com Creative Designer: designer@rcityxtramag.com Sales Department: sales@cityxtramag.com cityXtra Magazine is published by cityXtra Magazine, LLC. 2941 Plum Street Jacksonville, FL 32205 (904) 410-9592 www.cityxtramag.com Like us on Facebook/cityxtramag JACKSONVILLE
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ORLANDO Parliament House: 410 Orange Blossom Trail (407) 425-7571 parliamenthouse.com ST. PETERSBURG Flamingo Resort: 4601 34th St. S (727) 321-5000 flamingofla.com Sporters Bar: 187 Dr. MLK St. N (9th St.) (727) 821-1920 TAMPA (Ybor) Bradley’s on 7th: 1510 E 7th Ave (813) 241-2723 Liquid Tampa: 1502 E 7th (813) 248-6104 liquidtampa.com
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Welcome friends to your very own section of cityXtra Magazine. Within these “city Xtra’s” each month you will find out exactly about upcoming events around your city and some personal news in your local area.
JACKSONVILLE
In the recent months the Jacksonville LGBT Community rallied around the HRO 2012-296. We must stay the unity in our community has grown and our straight allies continue to grow. This will be a long process for city but one that must we must continue. We can make this city a better place for the future generations. Keep up the great work Jacksonville Committee for Equality and Equality Florida. Now onto the light side of the River City. The events are numerous so you cannot say there is nothing to ever do in Jacksonville. In two short years the LGBT Jacksonville Community has grown, become highly visible, and hosting more events than most can even think about attending. From Pride events, Hollywood stars, famous authors, world class entertainers, the list goes on and on. We are sure you can find something that will get you out of the house on a Saturday these days in the River City. We would like to say thank you to all of our business that support us and get very little reorganization, Blue Fish and Carmine’s gives so much to our community and continues to do so every month. Please visit these two great restaurants and let them know that we appreciate them. September 20 - cityXtra Magazine will host our first Social at The Garage l2692 Post Street, in the King Street District. Every 3 rd Thursday of the month from 7pm-9pm we will host our month social at different locations. October 18, the Social will held at Lola’s 1522 King St. We hope you will join each month in a time to experience some great venues with kindred friends and families in our wonderful River City. October 13 - River City Pride Parade and October 21, 2012 is the River City Pride Festival. For more information please visit rivercitypride.com October 13 - Equality Florida Jacksonville Gala. This year’s honorees
are the Jacksonville Committee for Equality & Jacksonville Civic Counsel. For ticket and information please visit www.eqfl.org/ jacksonvillegala or RSVP to 407.462.9692 October 19 - Metro & cityXtra Magazine presents a PFLAG Scholarship Fundraiser with 6 time Emmy Award Winner Bruce Vilanch. Author Julian Earl Farris will be present for booking signing of latest novel called, “The Sin Warriors.” Please visit cityxtramag.com or metrojax.com for tickets and information. October 26 - JASMYN presents the 5th Annual Teaching Respect For All. Also JASMYN will host the National Coming Out Day Annual Breakfast at UNG on October 10. Please visit jasmyn.org for tickets and information. If you would like for us to post your events please email your information to info@cityxtramag.com no later than the 1 st of the month.
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Sponsored by:
Bankruptcy Written by: Gordon T. Nicol Leading causes for our G/L/B/T community to file bankruptcy include ending relationships and the change in finances that comes with this. Other causes include medical bills, car accidents where there was not enough insurance, and someone trying to garnish your wages to collect money owed. Losing a job in this economy makes it hard to get by. If you are ending a marriage before “officially” becoming part of the G/L/B/ T family you know that it is a whole lot tougher to pay bills with a lot less money. Oftentimes, your ex won’t pay child support and alimony which makes it almost impossible for most people to save themselves. Bill collectors are not your friends. They will scare you and intimidate you to pay them. Bill collectors are paid on a percentage of what they collect. They are looking out for themselves and not you. Don’t believe them when they say they are trying to help you … they are not. A common scare tactic is when the bill collector tells you that you have to borrow against your retirement plan. Please please please don’t do this. Once your retirement money is gone you will never get it back. Borrowing from your retirement plan affects the rest of your life. You need to know that retirement money is typically protected in bankruptcy. Why pay off the bill collector when you will regret how this affects your retirement? Again, please don’t do this. Bill collectors will lie. They tell you that you abused your credit cards. They say that you created the problem and now you need to solve it by paying them back. The reality is that most people are not abusing their credit cards. Most people are trying to get by. A lot of the G/L/B/T community will “borrow” money from one credit card to pay off another. A lot of people have been downsized or have had their hours cut. When someone is looking at being kicked out of their home and not being able to buy food, this is not the time to being taking care of bill collectors. Take care of yourself.
Bill collectors will tell you there is a shame in filing bankruptcy to try to “guilt’ you into paying. They are lying to you. Your first priority has to be you and your family. There is no shame in taking care of your family and protecting your future. If you don’t take of yourself the bill collectors definitely won’t. Yes, it is harder to file bankruptcy than before. You are required to provide a lot more documents and specific detailed proof than before. Your attorney is required to conduct a due diligence process before filing. Your attorney will need to make sure that you qualify for the “means test.” When you are thinking about bankruptcy, talk with your lawyer and discuss the specifics of your situation. Next month I will cover the different types of bankruptcies.
Here’s another lie. They tell you that you will go to jail. Don’t believe them. There is no such thing anymore as debtor’s prisons. Debtor’s prisons haven’t The above article is general in nature and should not be relied upon existed since e the days of Charles Dickens. Only a few of us will remember for specific legal advice. Every legal situation is different. Charles Dickens, but trust me there are no debtor’s prisons no matter what the bill collectors say.
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SPRING FASHION: Dressing Your Age Written by: Sebastian Fortino Spring’s coming: time for new clothes! Gray shorts with cute square buttons, check; Kelly-green shirt with unnecessary pocket on collar, check (somehow, I dazzle in Kelly-green); short-sleeve, pink button-down, check; awesome black tee-shirt with Andy Warhol-esque images of Abraham Lincoln, check; hearing cashier at checkout counter say, “You got great stuff from the young men’s aisle, just bought the Abe Lincoln tee-shirt for my 16-yearold.” Um…check myself? Now, it wasn’t so much a teenager rocking the shirt that made me check myself. Nor was it the fact I shop discount department stores. Financially times are tough, after six months we are still furnishing our new home, being thrifty is essential. What bothered me was the sign designating the aisle from whence my purchases came, something I hadn’t noticed before. In all CAPS it shouted: “YOUNG MEN’S.” I finally felt 30, but, I’m 33. They say: “dress your age” but what’s that mean? I love fun details and bright color, things with a little European edge from H&M, and sadly, now-defunct Trovata. However, maybe the cashier was implying I dressed “too young.” I looked at the MEN’S aisle offerings on my way out. Sorry, but golf shirts and patterned cruise-wear didn’t seem age apropos either.
“I just bought an A-line dress in red, with a pattern of white Scottie dogs on it. It’s not something I’d wear to a wedding or interview but it’s fun and knew I had to have it,” she stated. Please note: her fabulous collection of A-line dresses should be catalogued for posterity.
Monica, like me, looks younger than our respective ages. Therefore she decides what’s age-appropriate based on her sense At lunch afterwards I examined my purchases. They looked cute on of style. me in the dressing room or was I just telling myself that? Not knowing what to make of the YOUNG MEN’S versus MEN’S aisle I “I look younger so I can dress a little younger. The Scottie dress is texted my friend Wes who, like me, loves fun shirts and an appropriate length for me even though it might be marketed accessories. His words were reassuring. “Consider where you towards someone younger. It’s how you wear it, while someone were! That’s where moms shop for sons and husbands who most younger might go with a denim jacket and sneakers,” which, she likely hate shopping, and still pick-up that must-have porcelain would have done fifteen years ago, “I’ll wear it with a little sweater rooster for the kitchen.” and flats.” To reinforce my right to shop in the young men’s aisle I spoke to We also both love vintage things – furniture, art, jewelry and Tim Rudy, a 28 year-old stylist who currently lives in Austin, TX but clothes; but wearing vintage must be done carefully. until recently worked in Manhattan’s fashion industry. Through the phone I could hear him roll his eyes at my question. “It would be a faux pas to dress in a vintage-inspired trend popular when we were teenagers,” said Bucciarelli. “Imagine me in a pair of “I think it’s really important never to look older than you are,” he cut-off jeans, stockings, Kurt Cobain tee-shirt and sneakers? Not said. “It depends on what type of style you have – if you’re preppie cool, but I see women wearing outfits they wore in 1995 all the or more modern then know your limits. The most important thing is time.” tailoring, if it doesn’t fit well off the rack have it tailored, baggier clothes just look messy, and make you look younger. Also, buy “It’s easy for me to imagine,” I said. “I have pictures of you from clothes that make you happy, not to impress people. Most 1995 in that outfit.” importantly be confident and comfortable. If you don’t like the color it’ll show when you wear it. Older men can wear trendy clothes and She requested I burn them. look really sexy but if they’re uncomfortable in them you can tell and it’s off-putting.” Perhaps I didn’t need to consult friends about “dressing my age.” After I put away the Of Spring 2013 he says it’s all about a sort of scruffy, shabby, clothes from the rustic, “huntsman look,” with colors ranging from faded tones to YOUNG MEN’S aisle a chinos in unexpected, bright colors. waitress took my order, a Cuban sandwich and Monica Bucciarelli, 31, is a writer and mother living in Park Slope, a beer. She asked for Brooklyn and has always had great personal style. (I won’t mention my ID, shook her head, we were in middle school together!) On the day I came home with and said, “One minute, my selections from the YOUNG MEN’S aisle she laughed at my let me make sure this is dilemma. real.”
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MARGIN FOR ERROR! Written by: Dr. Harvey Carr
Recently, while reflecting on some marginal errors in life I recalled one of my most embarrassing moments. It was a Friday. Having taken the day off, I’d been running around all morning trying to squeeze in one errand too many, as if I could defy the time-space continuum and make the fifteen minute drive from the last errand to the school my only child attended in less than 10 minutes. Barely on time to catch my son’s kindergarten awards ceremony, I parked the car completely off the road and ran up to the building, scurrying past the guidance counselor, a member of our church, who asked where I was going in such a hurry. “I am rushing to Terry’s kindergarten awards ceremony at 10,” I told her, trying to not lose valuable seconds in the exchange but still wanting to look like my timing was efficient. Ms. Coswell smiled that guidance counselor smile – the kind of smile that told me I was about to learn something, so I may as well lessly running off the page, but created white space where we relax. could make changes or corrections; a place for the teacher to engage us, hopefully not in red ink. “Terry’s in the first grade, Pastor Harvey,” she said as gently as she could, “and that ceremony was at 9:00.” Financial planners tell us to live below our means and create room for the unexpected expense. There’s a peace afforded by such I told this story in a sermon several years ago and a family joined practice that those who begin to struggle with more month than the church where I was on pastoral staff because of it. Weird, huh? money long to recapture. “That’s my life,” the wife said. Our spiritual life is no different. Margins allow room for the unexMy hope is that they joined believing we would struggle together pected encounter, the change of course the Spirit prompts. They along the journey out of a fragmented lifestyle without margins. My are where we discern God’s engagement, where we reflect on our fear is that they saw the church as a haven and accomplice for the experiences, where we are protected from ourselves. They keep over-loaded and sought refuge in its complicit blessing. us from running recklessly off the page. In school, my teachers taught us to keep our writing within the margins. Didn’t you have to fold the right side of your lined paper to create a space equal to the one defined by the thin red line on the left? We had to keep our lead-smudged second grade prose within the boundaries. Margins not only prevented our work from reck-
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Margins are not a luxury. There’s nothing worse than cramming life into your day, arriving by the skin of your teeth, only to find out that you missed what you desired the most – peace, even the first grade awards ceremony.
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The Rising of JARED ALLMAN: by: Jonathan Jaxson Actor Jared Allman is the picture-perfect example of what a TRUE southern gentleman is all about. If his flawless, gorgeous looks don’t immediately cause you to be googly eyed, there’s his beautiful southern accent that ties everything up into a dreamy package that leaves you wanting more. But it’s truly his heart of gold, sense of humor, talent, and amazing charisma inside that TRULY makes the east Tennessee native totally irresistible. Allman, who is presently mostly known for his hit role in the 2011-2012 Sundance Channel series "Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys: Nashville" and the 2012 film "Scenes from a Gay Marriage," opens up to me candidly during a late night interview for the first time about his near death experience, his breakthrough, his thoughts on being gay and Mormon, his upcoming projects, his love life and so much more. JJ: How did you start off in the entertainment industry? Jared: I moved from east Tennessee to Nashville and took a position with the William Morris Agency, to gain experience in the entertainment industry. When I initially applied they told me I didn't have enough experience, so they started me in the mail room. From the mail room I went on tour doing merchandise for country artist Gretchen Wilson's then tour. Soon I worked my way up as a talent executive.
praised my work, and supported me, my answer to them was always, "I am great." I didn't want to talk to anyone. I had completely lost myself when in between 2011 and 2012 when I was leaving the country music industry and battling a breakup while being featured on a hit Sundance program.
JJ: What was it like when you were away from the fame and all alone? JJ: Was becoming an agent your initial dream? Jared: When the cameras went away and I didn't have someone Jared: It was never my dream to work in music really, it was a boy telling me where I needed to be, what I needed to wear, or who to who had my heart at the time and I made my move to Nashville. I be anymore, I forgot who I was. I had to deal with all these wanted to work in gay bars, but he was absolutely hell bent on me emotions, and I didn't know how to deal with it anymore. When not being a bartender. He ended up being very jealous of me and it everyone went away and I was alone, it was a very lonely and dark was a very crazy relationship. At the end of the day I thought I would place and world I was living in at the time. You look at your phone possibly end up being a talent agent. and realize you haven't even returned your families phone calls. Tomorrow doesn't always come for some. JJ: How was the tour experience for you? Jared: It was fun being on tour on a bus, going from city-to-city and JJ: You said to me that August 18, 2012, what your "Ah Ha" being flashed by a lot of women, it was definitely a party on the road. moment…Elaborate… To me it was like a semester abroad, but some where you don't Jared: On August 18, 2012, my life forever changed. I was seeing want to stay forever. someone and I got in this insane fight over nothing, and I self medicated with alcohol. I drank a full bottle of vodka, and I cut JJ: Did you have any encounters with closeted gay celebrities? myself many times, I wrote several notes, I took a whole bottle of Jared: I wouldn't say blatant contact. But, I picked up on on body adderall, I had let several people know some ugly things that I language, those looks and eye contact from many. I felt like I thought maybe had used me or what ever among several other definitely crossed paths with closeted celebrities in country music. things. JJ: Do you have any secrets? Jared: You know what, I don't have any secrets. I have made mistakes and I own up to them. That is the beauty of our humanity, we can change. If there is something you don't like about yourself, you can change through hard work and sacrifice. I think I have done that in a lot of ways and I fell short too. I think some of my biggest struggles were to learn to love myself, and to see myself as what I am and not what I believe about myself and not what others thought of me. JJ: You were bullied growing up, and recently you hit rock bottom... Jared: I know there are a lot of people out there that are hurting and being bullied. For me it is keeping the darkness at bay. It is about seeing the good instead of seeing the bad. Pretty recently in my life I let the darkness take over and consume my life. I would drink everyday…Drink to sleep, drink to get up, drink to function. For some reason, even while in a room full of people who knew me,
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JJ: What happened when you woke? Jared: When the morning came and I came to some sort of conscious. I realized I had written suicide notes thanking those who had helped me. At this point I had accepted death and defeat as an alternative to a world I had lived in. I had given up on all the good. I had given up period. I felt dead and no longer alive. I don't remember the exact moments of writing those letters, or anything really in exact sequence. But when there was 25 suicide letters in the floor and my arm and chest cut to pieces with large gouges and blood every where, I started trying to put the pieces together. JJ: Most people would have been found dead, why do you think you lived? Jared: I didn't reach out to anyone, it wasn't a cry for help…I wanted to go. Immediately I started having heart problems, I felt myself repeating things I was saying, while sitting in a chair and I still couldn't get myself to call anyone. to my actions. or of love, but
"Hollywood's Latest Breakout Indie Film Heartthrob" I didn't. Within moments I went into cardiac arrest and at that moment, a close and personal friend suddenly walked in, after weeks of not talking, and found me in the floor and called 911 and I ended up in the hospital. JJ: How did this change you? Jared: After this I took a longgg hard look at myself and let the past finally be the past and finally move forward. Letting go of regrets, exes, and everything. I had to leave Nashville, and I went to Atlanta where I completely sobered up and on a quest for myself…to finally LOVE myself. JJ: So this was your "Ah Ha" moment? Jared: August 18, 2012, was my "AH HA" moment indeed. A day that changed my life forever. JJ: What do you have to say about those that disagree with you being so outspoken about your religious view? Jared: One of my biggest frustrations is how tolerable we want the world to be, but yet how intolerable we are of each other in our community. The attitude and some of the things people will say because they are famous or can have an opinion. I bought some girl scout cookies yesterday, and I thought they were very nice. I don't understand how intolerant we are of ourselves when we want acceptance and tolerance from the general public and want equality. It is misguided. They get lost in the moment and the reality and big picture. If we want to move to a place where we can have the equality we seek, we need to put our individual differences aside and put us in a big picture mind frame. That’s what is sad to me, we get caught in our internal squabbles and we might miss the moment. Had we all joined together and put all the squabbles aside, we could possibly gain so much more momentum. JJ: Your actually writing a book right now about growing up gay and Mormon, right? Jared: I am trying, it is definitely a labor of love, but it is a long process as you know. JJ: Changing gears a bit...What's on your plate since your completion of Sundance's highest rated original show, "Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys: Nashville?" Jared: I would love for the show to come back to Sundance, but I don't see it happening for what ever reason. World of Wonder, the production company, was fantastic working with. "Scenes From a Gay Marriage" was my latest released film, which was really fun working on. JJ: "Scenes From a Gay Marriage" was really fun it seemed while watching. You just finished a gay comedy where you play a drag queen didn't you? Jared: Yes, "West Hollywood Motel" a comedy of 3-5 different stories. I briefly play a drag queen during my role. I shaved my whole body for this moment, and let me tell you, I was a very ugly drag queen. But I wanted this challenge. It should be released this year. JJ: And you have a major blockbuster film that will be released this fall, that you had a small part in, but can't speak of…On top of having a film project that you will soon begin shooting, right? Jared: Yes, "The Untitled Project" is something we are still awaiting funding for and should start filming soon in Atlanta hopefully. JJ: Where do you see yourself in a years time?
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Jared: I just want to continue to grow as an artist. I Would love to book more mainstream roles. You don't ever want to be stagnate in this business. You know, maybe I took a big gamble by leaving Nashville with a steady job, but It isn't about overnight success for me. I am not trying to be in Hollywood accepting my Oscar next year. I hope that with each project I continue to grow my craft and do what I love and ONE day my Oscar moment will come. JJ: Since loosing weight you have been keeping a strong gym regimen, what is your motivation that keeps you going? Jared: I was definitely this "fat kid" growing up. So I try to keep it going with five days a week at the gym. But it also a lot about diet. Feeling good mentally and physically is my true mindset and is my goal. JJ: What happens when you pass a mirror now? Jared: Before I would never look in a mirror and now I walk by a mirror and actually smile and say to myself, "Your alright!" JJ: Have you found love with a partner now? Jared: Yea, I think so. We have our struggles and live in separate cities, but it is working and we are finally finding our groove I think. He is in the industry and he gets my work! JJ: Now here are totally some light hearted questions before we have to end our interview...Who is your favorite gay actor? Jared: Zachary Quinto is awesome! He is the new "Spock" and I am a big Trekkie. I would love to be on Star Track. JJ: Who is your favorite mainstream actor? Jared: Probably George Clooney. He is incredibly successful and he always gives back. That is the balance, if you have so much, you can give so much. JJ: What are your must haves when you leave the house? Jared: I stuff my pockets with these five things at all times. Chapstick, cool mint listerine spray, my wallet, cash, and a pin. I am always writing down something on note cards. JJ: And for a fun ending question, are you a boxers or briefs man? Jared: Definitely briefs. You can find out more about Jared by visiting www.jaredallman.com and via twitter @jaredallman.
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HIV is far from over for our brothers and sisters, too many have fallen or have been afflicted with HIV. That is the importance of such things as the Smart ride. The Smart Ride is a 2 day, 165 mile bicycle ride held on the 15th and 16th of November. Last year the ride raised a staggering amount of 880,000 dollars for HIV research. This year Jacksonville has one of its own in this grueling ride. Josh Morrrill of Jacksonville Florida age 22 and an active member in Jacksonville’s LGBT community has embarked on this journey. I sat down and spoke with Josh about his ride. Josh has been riding long distance for 9 years. An amazing feat for someone his age. When asked why is this ride so important? He spoke in great length about the loss of dear ones who have passed and the fight of some of his closest friends still battling the good fight. Currently there are an estimated 50,000 new cases yearly of new infections. Research is at an all time breaking point for the cure for HIV. This particular ride is at its ten year anniversary of the smart ride. Each rider must raise a minimum of 1250.00 just to participate in the ride. Mr. Morrill’s goal is 5,000. I sat down and asked Josh about the support from his local community.” I recently had a charity bingo event at Hamburger Mary’s it amazed me how many people came out for this cause both straight and gay. My family came out in full support. It is amazing to have such a strong foundation .Hamburger Mary’s even went above and beyond by being my first corporate sponsor for this event. I became emotional about how this community made a stand. We are closer to my goal now. May the 11th will be my next fundraiser. It will be at Rainbow House community center. We are having a Hawaiian style luau. This event will be open to all ages with raffles amazing food and drinks. We will even have karaoke. It’s a family type
environment with games etc. The luau will be a great day of just family fun for a great cause. We hope you can make it.” Thank you Josh I know I will. The rainbow house is located behind Metro at 2857 Myra st. Jacksonville Fl 32205.If you can’t make the event yet would like to donate you can catch him and his partner at Hamburger Mary’s on Monday ,Tuesday, and Thursday for comedy charity bingo. The concern and dedication of this young man for such a great cause is commendable .We hope readers will continue and encourage and support today’s young adults. The future of our community relies on the involvement of our younger generation.
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One of Hollywood's Biggest Publicists Gets Candid Written by: Jasper Cole (Actor) Publicist/Manager/TV Personality extraordinaire, Jonathan Jaxson, is without a doubt a true "old soul." As the owner of The ZLP GROUP, he has accomplished in his 29 years what many will never achieve in a lifetime. He has also appeared on numerous national radio shows, in major magazines and on TV on Good Morning America, Extra, The Insider, ET, and Inside Edition just to name a few…His client list has included a whole bunch of Kim's with different last names, Nicole Murphy, The Backstreet Boys, Diana Ross' Family, and MANY others including yours truly, Jasper Cole. It was great to turn the tables on Jaxson, or "JJ" as his friends call him, and sit down and find out what he has coming up and how has the past helped shape who he is today. Cole: Hey buddy....great to see you! So, lets talk about your "journey" from that little kid in Hollywood to where you are today. Were you always interested in the entertainment world? JJ: This is so weird, but fun…OK, so here is my story Mr. Cole. I left Hollywood as a tot and grew up moving from city-to-city, state-tostate, and going school-to-school. My childhood was definitely dysfunctional to say the least. I defeated molestation, rape, a house fire that took everything and nearly being murdered along the way. But this all made me who I am today. My life as a child and younger man was far from a fairytale to say the least. So, what took my mind away from everything was this false reality that being famous, even just for 15-minutes, would change everything. Cole: Tell us about how you became head of pr for the Backstreet Boys label at only 17? JJ: Honestly, it was the craziest thing. So not typical in any form. Luck, more than anything. I was driving through Orlando, FL, on a vacation and they had a contest on the radio for tickets to the boys sold out O-Town show. I called and won and at the time I was hosting a locally produced TV talk show in a small town in northeast Georgia called "The Edge," in which I utilized to get backstage to interview their opening act in hopes of getting close to the boys. Only because I knew it could possibly change my life. So before I knew it, I was backstage and interviewing their artist Krystal Marie Harris from their label KNBHA, and then a day later being head of PR for their artist Krystal and their record label. Prior to this I was not only hosting a small access TV talk show on cable, but I was also working with Maurice Starr ("New Kids On the Block") and Lou Pearlman with his group "O-Town."
Cole: Tell us all about your clients and what projects you are working on now? JJ: Well, I am working with you Jasper Cole. Whom of which has lots of projects in the works along with his own radio show, speaking engagements, signings and so much more. I also recently launched a star into the upcoming fall "Hunger Games: Catching Fire" sequel. Then there are the handful of reality stars I am working with and running their pr and social media. All while, I am trying to finish my book STILL, and be an active voice in the LGBT community. Cole: I was first introduced to you via my radio show "ON THE SET WITH JASPER COLE" (out of Hollywood) and I was instantly impressed with your honesty and candor...something that isn't standard in Hollywood especially in the pr world, as it is a world fill of smoke and mirrors as we all know. Is it often a struggle for you to keep it real and walk that fine line? JJ: Thank you for the compliment. It was a great time being on your program, which ultimately led us to working together actually as fate would have it. I never wanted and never will be the publicist that most are with attitude and a lack of respect for others. Kindness gets one much further, and I love making others smile. It is very easy for me, even in the hardest of situations, because anger and resentment gets one no where in life.
Cole: Of course I couldn't end the interview without asking about YOUR personal life….Are you single? And is it difficult to have a Cole: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to go into the relationship in the business you are in and if so how do you balance public relation business and what do you think it takes to be a good it all? JJ: One thing that I do actually keep private, is to whom I am dating. publicist in general? JJ: My advice is ALWAYS start with an internship, unless you end I have had too many heartaches by being so public with my past up lucky like I did. Being a publicist is a LOT of work and you are relationship(s) and to have the world see the falling. I will say that it is definitely difficult dating someone that doesn't understand your take on big risks when representing recognizable names. You are craft or business. It can cause lots of jealously. But, I don't think I their therapist, their friend, the advisor, their mouthpiece. You are could ever date anyone inside the entertainment industry. I like there to protect their image in every way possible, while people sit originality,
back and ridicule you as the PR for trying to do "damage control." But in the end, you have to have the connections. I am known to make anyone an overnight star. I will never again name names, as I sign NDA's with all my clients now, but I have made at least 6 people famous overnight in the past year alone that most know about today. At the end of the day, it is indeed called "Hollyweird" for a reason and you must have VERY THICK skin to be in this business.
Cole: It's been so great to catch up with you today and to hear your insights, while turning the page on my very own publicist! So, thank you! JJ: Thank you…And it was very interesting letting it ALL out, it has been a while. I feel like I just blabbered and blabbered and blabbered on. You will have to pick up my book when it is released for all my work and the ups and downs along the way. "Don't You Know Who I Am Yet?" will be out this year…So stay tuned!!!
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ORLANDO
Welcome to our Orlando readers. In this section of cityXtra Magazine each month you will find events and local news bites. We look forward to meeting each one of you at our Official Launch Party which is being planned for November 2012. Now let’s get to the events Orlando. September is big kick-off month for Orlando. September 22, 2012 Pulse Orlando hosts Roxxxy Andrews “Once Upon a Time Birthday Bash.” Special guest Trinity Taylor as the Evil Queen. September 22 - the Annual Headdress Ball: Twisted…..An Evening Under the Rainbow takes place at the Hilton Orlando. A must attend annual event for LGBT Community Member. For more information please visit www.headdressball.org
Now in the good sportsmanship of sister cities, Revolution will host Orlando vs Tampa on September 27, 2012, with special guest Kitana Gemini, Kai’Ja Adonis, Naomi Wynters, and Chyna Nicole. Oh by the way did we mention $1 drinks 8p-11p. It is the battle royal of Central Florida. Orlando Pride happens October 5-7, 2012. Many great entertainers and events are planned in true tradition and style that only Orlando Pride can pull off. As a proud sponsor of this year’s Orlando Pride we wish everyone a gay time. For more information you can visit www.orlandopride.org. Happy Pride Orlando! October 6 - the Parliament House will host the famous Debbie Gibson during Orlando Pride. If you haven’t seen this gay-icon in concert, this is a must see for gay or lesbian. For more information please visit
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www.parlimenthouse.com. Also don’t forget to vote on November 6. Joe Saunders, Equality Florida Field Director, has won is primary and will be on the ballot for Florida House District 49. Let’s make history Orlando and help elect another openly gay candidate to the house in 2012. For more information please visit www.votejoesaunders.com.
TAMPA BAY
First, we would like to welcome our Tampa Bay to the cityXtra Magazine family. We are proud and honored to expending into your city. Look out for our official launch party to happen in October 2012. Now to the highlights of what is going on in Tampa Bay. First, Tampa City Council has asked the cities legal department to seek various options for expanding equal protections to couples with domestic partnerships registered in other cities and counties. The theory would be similar to a city recognizing a marriage licenses of a couple that lived in a different city our country. We must remind everyone that Tampa was the first city to enact a domestic partnership register in the State of Florida. Proving once more that Tampa is a trend setter for the state.
If you want to see one of the HOTTEST male news anchors, then catch Anderson Cooper at the Starz on September 23. For information you can visit www.myqmunity.com. September 21 - the 2012 TIGLFF Launch Party starts at 6:30 pm at the Tampa Museum of Art. For full details of this year’s Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Fest visit www.myqmunity.com. This year features Jane Castor, Tampa Chief of Police, Mr. St. Pete Pride, Silent Auction, Katherine Nevets as Bette Midler, with wacky props and great fun. September 27—L Train is hosting Wordier Than Thou: A Storytelling Open Mic Event. They'll feature a handful of local writers with an open mic period, where anyone can sign up to read, sandwiched in between them. And unlike most open mics around, which tend to be geared towards poetry and music, this one will focus on writing in its longer form. So come on down and read your latest short story, or maybe read an excerpt from the tell-all memoir you're working on or that never-ending novel. Heck, you can even come down and read from your diary. Just keep the haikus and limericks -- though we appreciate the artistry -- at home.
Neighborly Care Network & Faith Family UCC For more information and to register call 727-573-9444 ext# 3160 Lots of prizes! Hole in One Contest! October 10 - GZA LIVE at the Ritz Ybor. GZA LIVE at The RITZ Ybor. Tickets onsale online at www.theritzybor.com or at The RITZ Ybor Box-Office open every Wednesday thru Saturday from 1pm to 6pm & on the day of show. Call (813) 248-9210 or e-mail tickets@theritzybor.com for more information. if you have any events you would life for us to post please email detailed information to info@cityxtramag.com Feel free to contact our advertising office at 904 410 9492 our info@cityxtramag.com for rates and/or distribution set-up. We look forward to meeting each of you and featuring a local writer from the Tampa Bay area in our October 15 th of cityXtra Magazine www.cityxtramag.com
September 25— Faith Family United Church of Christ. Proceeds benefit
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This no-frills, formerly mainstream hotel was transformed in 2009 into Florida's largest gay resort and entertainment complex. The Flamingo has 130 rooms - they're quite basic and dated, and unfortunately not as well maintained as they could be, but they're dirt-cheap and have free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and safes. The Flamingo's primary draw is for social butterflies - there's a huge, nicely landscaped pool and three different bars, plus a restaurant. From happy hours to pool parties to Sunday Tdances, there's always a lot going on. The Flamingo is a 10-minute drive south of downtown and from the beaches, just off I-275. You need a car to get around the area.
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ST. PETERSBURG
Florida's leading gay and lesbian vacation destination on the Gulf of Mexico, the St. Petersburg region comprises a downtown fringing Tampa Bay that's undergone a significant renaissance as well as a string of eclectic - and often historic - waterfront communities from quaint Pass-A-Grille to artsy Gulfport to the tony resort of Clearwater Beach. Host each June to St. Petersburg Gay Pride, the largest in the state, the area is home to a diverse mix of gay-Friendly lodging choices, from grand hotels to elegant B&Bs, plus Florida's largest gay resort.
travel: OASIS SENS GIVES BACK TO THE LGBT COMMUNITY Written by: Joey Amato
“The best part was that it truly felt like I was visiting friends and family” – JC Alvarez, EDGE Media March 13, 2013 – OASIS SENS, The Pleasure Resort, Cancun’s premier all-inclusive LGBT-friendly resort has delivered on its promise to give back to the community. Since its launch earlier this year, OASIS SENS has donated thousands of dollars to the Human Rights Campaign through the donation of auction items for dinners in Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, New York and Washington D.C. among others. Furthermore, OASIS SENS, a member of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) has chosen to maintain a presence at several LGBT events throughout the country including Chicago Market Days, Community Marketing’s Gay & Lesbian World Travel Expo, St. Pete Pride and Gay Days in Orlando.
welcome to take advantage of the amenities at the company’s other local Cancun resorts. This "run-away program" provides guests with access to over fifty The 388-room resort recently went through a $7 million restaurants and sixty bars, all included in the price of their renovation and features spectacular rooms with sea views, stay. Additionally, OASIS is the only hotel family in Cancun private pools, a pillow menu, Internet throughout the property with private acreage at the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve. and a LGBT concierge, who will cater to the guests every With 24,710 acres of private land and 2296 feet of beach need. frontage, guests have the unique ability to experience untouched virgin beaches and find the perfect private spot to If that wasn’t enough, OASIS maintains a fleet of SMART enjoy an afternoon of peace and tranquility. cars which are offered free of charge to guests looking to The resort, ideal for couple’s getaways, offers a variety of romance packages perfect for weddings, honeymoons or just a quiet retreat with a loved one. A wedding coordinator is on staff to ensure newlyweds enjoy a wonderful experience at OASIS SENS. “I was impressed with the facility, how we were treated and more importantly, what I felt was their genuine commitment to make it welcoming to an LGBT audience.” – Matt Hennie, Managing Editor – Project Q Atlanta For more information, please visit http:// www.oasishotels.com/hotels/oasis-sens.php explore the city; guests are only required to pay for insurance coverage if the car is used, which is approximately $30 per day. The main lobby of the resort will also feature Cirque-du-Soleil style entertainment. OASIS SENS boasts a total of nine restaurants and nine bars, most notably Benazuza ($), a unique molecular culinary experience (Gourmet), Muerdeme Mucho (Mexican), Moonlight (Italian), Sushi Bar (Japanese) and a new Asian Fusion concept. Nightlife options include: the Lobby Bar, Sunset Cigar & Tequila Bar, Kinky Night Club, and Cava Wine Bar. The resort spa offers a wide selection of treatments including therapeutic massages, body wraps and facials. In addition to the amenities at OASIS SENS, all visitors are
To book reservations, please call 800-44-OASIS or call your travel professional OUT Destinations is part of OUTreach Public Relations, a company specializing in LGBT marketing. Founded by Joey Amato in 2012, OUTreach PR has quickly become one of the most sought after companies for celebrities, corporations and non-profit organizations looking to target the ever growing and affluent LGBT consumer. For more information, please visit www.outreachpublicrelations.com.
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