Agenda Florida Issue 266 by Multi-Media Platforms

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DECEMBER

24,

2014

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ISSUE

266

MIAMI • ORLANDO • TAMPA / ST PETERSBURG

Page 11

U.S. SUPREME COURT ALLOWS SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IN FLORIDA—AT LAST! Page 8

December 24, 2014

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Salvation Army Still Discriminating Against Gays

Salvation Army responded by creating an outreach program online aimed at LGBT individuals with a series of video testimonials. In that outreach, the Salvation Army has clearly emphasized non-discrimination in both providing service and in hiring. The Salvation Army isn’t going out of its way to highlight its opposition to same-sex marriage, but it has never said that it has abandoned its bedrock religious beliefs about marriage. The organization’s communications director, Jennifer Byrd, said in a statement to Queerty that the letters only discuss the organization’s theological foundations and clarify its requirement of celibacy for non-married officers, whether they are gay or straight. That explanation is unlikely to appease the Salvation Army’s critics. Queerty writer Graham Gremore says that he is “not trying to argue with the Salvation Army’s theological views,” but he doesn’t see how those beliefs can co-exist with an antidiscrimination policy. “It can believe what it wants to believe,” he writes. “The problem is, these beliefs, which are shared privately among SA insiders, are at direct odds with the organization’s public message, which states, in blanket terms, that it does not discriminate based on sexual orientation.” But there are plenty of people who would like that stance to change, not only for the Salvation Army, but also the Methodist Church, which provides the basis for those beliefs, and the Catholic Church, which adheres to a similar belief system. The reemergence of this debate, despite the Salvation Army’s full court press on the issue, is just another example of a growing problem for religious organizations as they try to balance their faith-based beliefs with the changing national mores about homosexuality and same-sex marriage. The Salvation Army bills itself as one of the world’s largest Christian social welfare organizations, with more than 1.65 million members working in at least 123 countries.

December 24, 2014

officials as well as same-sex wedding receptions after the ceremony. “Leadership roles in denominational activities such as teaching or holding local officer roles require certain adherence to consistently held spiritual beliefs,” the memo states. “This would apply to any conduct inconsistent with Salvation Army beliefs and would include same-sex sexual relationships.” Out of uniform, Salvation Army members can participate in same-sex marriages provided that they occur outside of Salvation Army facilities. Any non-married people, whether gay or straight, are expected to be celibate, according to the organization’s memos. According to Queerty, that means that gay people who are not allowed to marry in certain jurisdictions would be forced to remain celibate. While these clearly indicate that the Methodist organization has not made a 180-degree turn in its fundamental beliefs on homosexuality and gay marriage, it is not inconsistent with the Salvation Army’s public stance, as Queerty claims. The Salvation Army began a deliberate outreach program where LGBT issues are concerned after a string of embarrassing incidents, including an Australian official’s 2012 statement that death is a consequence of being gay. That statement by Major Andrew Craibe, media relations director for Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory, was later retracted and an apology was issued by the Salvation Army. The embarrassment was followed by a Vermont employee’s claim that she was fired for being a bisexual. In the incident, Dani Morantez, 26, who is both a mother and a wife, worked with the Burlington Salvation Army in Vermont. She was terminated after signing an employee handbook that had strong language for handling any LGBT individuals. In her termination papers, the Salvation Army says Morantez was fired because her personal beliefs and position did not align with theirs and she was no longer the best match for the job. After that incident went viral, the

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ful fight as Speaker of the Oregon House to pass a comprehensive Sen. Jeff Merkley LGBT nondiscrimination bill in 2007. WASHINGTON, D.C.—Oregon’s “I firmly believe that, like Oregon, Senator Jeff Merkley announced his plan the Unites States is on a trajectory to push broad LGBT civil rights legislatoward equality,” Merkley said. “As tion last week before a meeting of the Lyndon B. Johnson said, it is time now Center for American Progress (CAP). to write the next chapter – and to write In his keynote speech for the event “We it in the books of law.” The People: Why Congress Must Pass a Comprehensive LGBT Non-Discrimination Act,” Merkley laid out his rationale and plan for across the board protections for LGBT Americans and announced that he will be working with The Salvation Army, one of the largadvocates and congressional partners in est charitable organizations in America, 2015 to draft and pass such legislation. has long been the target of suspicion The event featured the rollwithin the LGBT community over out of a major CAP report (Agenda reports of its bigotry against gays. Last 12/17/2014) detailing the harmful week, the LGBT news organization effects LGBT discrimination has on Queerty reported that it had obtained individuals and communities throughinternal Salvation Army documents out the nation. in which the charity’s senior leaders “In dozens of states across the counexpose their internal policies toward try, LGBT Americans lack the basic LGBT individuals. nondiscrimination protections that If Queerty was expecting scandalso many of us take for granted,” said ous material, they were disappointed for Merkley. “In North Carolina today, the memos did little more than reiterate a gay man could be fired from his what is already known about the organijob just for being gay. In Michigan, zation’s stance against LGBT marriages. a young couple could be denied the Following principles established by chance to buy their first home just the Methodist Church, which started because they’re both women. In Pennthe charity, gay marriage is deemed sylvania, a transgender woman could unacceptable. Interestingly enough, the be denied service and kicked out of a charity’s memos state that being gay is restaurant just for being who she is. “not a sin,” and that sexual orientation And all of this would be perfectly legal. is not a factor with regard to employ“Americans would be shocked to ment within the organization. realize how much discrimination is still Paul Seiler, Commissioner of the legal in our nation today. It’s time for a Central Territory, wrote a memo comprehensive federal nondiscriminaquoted by Queerty in which Seiler tion act that will guarantee equality to says that people who are married every LGBT American.” are expected to be treated the same, Citing his work to advance LGBT whether they are gay or straight. rights in Oregon in the face of strong Additionally, Seiler notes that the opposition, Merkley drew paralorganization believes that marriage lels to the fight for federal legislation is solely between one man and one and called for the first comprehensive woman. While Salvation Arms staff are national non-discrimination legislanot permited to perform a same-sex tion in four decades, and the first that marriage, outside organizations may would be fully inclusive of both sexual rent Salvation Army rooms where gay orientation and gender identity. marriages can be performed by outside In Oregon, Merkley led the success-

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Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley Spearheads LGBT Legislation

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NATION

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December 24, 2014

U.S. Supreme Court Allows Same-Sex Marriage in Florida—At Last! WASHINGTON, DC—Over the dissents of two Justices, the Supreme Court late Friday afternoon refused to delay — beyond January 5 — a federal judge’s order that would permit same-sex couples in Florida to marry after that day, according to Supreme Court reporter Lyle Denniston, who interpreted the ruling for the SCOTUSblog. Neither the apparent majority of seven nor the two dissenters gave any explanation. Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas simply noted that they would have granted the plea by state officials to extend the postponement beyond the early January date. In refusing the request by Florida officials, the Court followed the pattern that it had maintained for the past twoand-a-half months of routinely turning aside requests to put on hold lower court rulings that had struck down state bans on same-sex marriage. This one appeared to be different from the others in two respects. First, there was no need for an immediate postponement because the trial judge who nullified the Florida ban had put his decision on hold until January 5. Second, the federal appeals court that presides in the geographic region that includes Florida — the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit — has yet to rule on the validity of that state’s ban. In prior cases since early October, the Court had turned down requests for delays where the federal appeals court for a given region had found unconstitutional at least one ban in a state within that circuit, thus setting a precedent apparently binding throughout that area. The Eleventh Circuit is preparing to take up the Florida case early next year. It is unclear whether either of those differences in the Florida case had shaped the Justices’ response. It could

COURTESY OF NANCY BRODZKI

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SUNSHINE STATE

Attorney Nancy Brodzki in the courtroom of Circuit Judge Dale Cohen

be that the most likely explanation was that the Justices who voted to deny the postponement were simply showing respect for the choice made by the Eleventh Circuit, which also had refused to delay same-sex marriages in Florida, even though it has yet to rule on the merits of the issue. The Supreme Court’s refusals to delay same-sex marriages despite state officials’ requests have come even though the Justices are clearly aware that federal appeals court are divided on the constitutional question, and even though it is highly likely that the Justices will take up the constitutionality of state bans, and probably will do so during the current Term. So far, though, the Justices have not ruled directly on the validity of any state’s ban. Marriages are occurring now in most of the thirty-five states where state laws or court rulings allowed it, or where courts had acted to strike down state bans. When the Court took its first actions during the current Term on same-sex marriage — denial of review on October 6 of bans in five states — only nineteen states and the District of Columbia allowed such marriages. When the Court first began turning down postponement requests or

to withdraw earlier, brief postponements, there were no dissents. More recently, however, Justices Scalia and Thomas had been dissenting from such denials. Although it appeared that Friday’s order had the support of seven Justices, that may not necessarily have been so; Justices do not always publicly note a dissent. “This is a thrilling day for all Florida families,” Daniel Tilley, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties of Florida, said in a statement. “As we explained to the court, every day that the ban remains in place, couples are suffering real harms. We are grateful that the court recognized that, and that as a result, those days are finally coming to an end.” In a statement Friday night, Bondi conceded: “Tonight, the United States Supreme Court denied the State’s request for a stay in the case before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Regardless of the ruling, it has always been our goal to have uniformity throughout Florida until the final resolution of the numerous challenges to the voterapproved constitutional amendment on marriage. Nonetheless, the Supreme Court has now spoken, and the stay will end on Jan.5.”

Judge Grants Florida’s First LGBT Divorce to Broward Couple FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The first formal divorce for a gay couple in Florida history was granted Wednesday by a Broward County judge who used the case to join other judges in declaring the state’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. Circuit Judge Dale Cohen on Wednesday dissolved the marriage of Heather Brassner and Megan Lade in a brief hearing. They were united in a 2002 civil union in Vermont but Brassner was unable to obtain a divorce in Florida for five years since their relationship ended. “It’s like an emotional weight being lifted off,” said Brassner, who is from Lake Worth. “I just feel free and I couldn’t have gotten a better holiday gift.” Cohen ruled in August that Florida’s gay marriage ban is unconstitutional because it violates the Fourth Amendment’s guarantees of equal protection and due process. Because the ruling came in a divorce case, it has the effect

KEVIN MILLER

Humana Cuts HIV/AIDS Drug Prices for Members

TALLAHASSEE—Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation signed an agreement with Humana, the nationwide health provider, to reduce HIV/AIDS drug prices in the state for its members. Previously, Humana expected its members to pay 40-50 percent of the drugs costs. That amount has now been capped to 10 percent. “This is a significant step,” Carl Schmid, deputy executive director of the Tampa-based AIDS Institute, told the Miami Herald. The AIDS Insti-

December 24, 2014

(AP) — The United States and Cuba have agreed to establish diplomatic relations and open economic and travel ties, marking the most significant shift in U.S. policy toward the communist island in decades, American officials said Wednesday. The announcement comes amid a series of new confidence-building measures between the longtime foes, including the release of American Alan Gross, as well as a swap for a U.S. intelligence asset held in Cuba and the freeing of three Cubans jailed in the U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro were to separately address their nations around noon Wednesday. The two leaders spoke by phone for more than 45 minutes Tuesday, the first substantive presidential-level discussion between the U.S. and Cuba since 1961. Wednesday’s announcements follow more than a year of secret talks between U.S. and Cuban officials in Canada and the Vatican. U.S. officials said Pope Francis was personally engaged in the process and sent separate letters to Obama and Castro this summer urging them to restart relations. Officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were

HIV/AIDS by making their life-saving drugs unaffordable to the majority of its members. Rachel Seeger, a spokeswoman for HHS, confirmed that the federal government was still investigating the complaint. The state had in recent weeks also come to agreements with Cigna and Coventry Healthcare. But Schmid said the Humana deal went further in protecting consumers because the cost reductions applied to all HIV medications. The Cigna and Coventry agreements only included four drugs. As part of the deals, the insurers also agreed to move HIV drugs out of their highest cost pricing “tier.” “This does not solve all our problems,” Schmid said. “This is good news for people in Florida but we are looking for the federal government to address this issue around the nation.”

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Obama Talks to Castro: Bye-Bye Cuban Embargo

not authorized to discuss the matter publicly on the record ahead of Obama’s remarks. Gross, 65, was on an American plane bound for the U.S. Wednesday after being released on humanitarian grounds after more than five years in prison. He was accompanied by his wife, Judy, along with three congressional lawmakers. As part of the resuming diplomatic relations with Cuba, the U.S. will soon reopen an embassy in the capital of Havana and carry out highlevel exchanges and visits between the governments. The U.S. is also easing travel bans to Cuba, including for family visits, official U.S. government business, and educational activities, through tourist travel remains banned. The U.S. is also increasing the amount of money Americans can send to Cubans from $500 to $2,000 per quarter, or every three months. Early in his presidency, Obama allowed unlimited family visits by Cuban-Americans and removed a $1,200 annual cap on remittances. Secretary of State John Kerry is also launching a review of Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terror.

tute which file a federal discrimination complaint against Humana and three other insurers in May. That suit is still on-going. Schmid told the Miami Herald that the deal is a “recognition of the fact that Humana was making these drugs much too expensive for people with HIV to afford.” Humana denied all wrongdoing in the agreement with the state. “We understand the affordability challenges facing those with HIV/ AIDS due to the relatively high cost of their specialty medications,” Mitch Lubitz, a spokesman for Humana, told the Miami Herald. The federal complaint, which was filed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights, accused Humana, Coventry Healthcare, Cigna and Preferred Medical Plan of discriminating against

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of also declaring that out-of-state gay marriages should be recognized in Florida. It does not mean samesex marriage licenses can be issued in Broward County. “This is a historic day. This is the first divorce for a same-sex couple. It will not be the last divorce,” said Brassner attorney Nancy Brodzki. Lade did not take part in the divorce and Brassner said she had not seen her former partner for several years. A private investigator was unable to find any trace of her, Brodzki said in court.

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SUNSHINE STATE

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SUNSHINE STATE Empty Closet Women’s Theater to Protest with One Billion Rising Revolution

10 December 24, 2014

MIAMI—Greenberg Traurig, the legal giant, has privately admitted its own support of gay marriage even as it continues to warn court clerks to beware of issuing same-sex marriage licenses throughout Florida beginning January 6 of next year. “The advice provided by Greenberg Traurig to our client, the Florida Association of Clerks and Comptrollers, addresses a Florida clerk’s duties under existing Florida law, which prohib-

ORT LAUDERDALE — Last Sunday night, Johnny’s, the iconic strip club that has survived for 35 years, closed its doors for the last time. Now Johnny’s’, like the Copa and Collesium before it, is but a memory of the bar life of South Florida. A fun crowd gathered to bid them farewell, while a gaggle of dancers strutted their best stuff to see who would get to move on to the new club Jamie Forsythe with Johnny’s being opened by Johnny’s owner owner Sean David Sean David. On Friday night, Decem(right) ber 26, a new chapter begins with the opening of Le Boy at 1243 NE 11 international feel” begins at 8 pm. The club has Ave (formerly Bill’s Filling Station and the Depot). been completely remodeled, with go-go dancers The grand opening weekend for the new venue, ready to don the pole in the new location. which bills itself as a “ neighborhood bar with an

its the issuance of same-sex marriage licenses. Current Florida law makes it a crime — punishable by imprisonment or a fine — to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple. Greenberg Traurig is not advising the clerks as to the constitutionality of the Florida ban on samesex marriage,” Hilarie Bass, the firm’s Miamibased co-president, said in a statement to the Miami Herald. Hilarie Bass Additionally, last Monday the law firm accepted the pro bono case of gay adoptive father Martin Gill, and filed a friend-of-the-court

brief in Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal “in support of two circuit court orders declaring unconstitutional Florida’s ban on same-sex marriage,” Bass said. Bass and Greenberg Traurig, along with the ACLU of Florida, provide legal assistance to Gill in his successful effort to overturn a 1977 Florida law that prohibited gays and lesbians from adopting. Gill adopted his foster sons in 2010. In June, the Miami Herald quoted Bass as saying, “I am most proud of my work on the pro bono case representing Frank Martin Gill’s two foster children. I lead the team

BIG DEWITTE

Law Giant Greenberg Traurig Approves of Gay Marriage

BY JAMIE FORSYTHE

COURTESY OF GREENBERG TAURIG

LAKE WORTH — Empty Closet Women’s Theater (ECWT) announced its participation in a global revolution to end violence against women and girls. ECWT has joined One Billion Rising Revolution. On February 14, 2015, the group will take to the streets in a peaceful rising demonstration, at the Lake Worth Cultural Plaza, Lake Worth Florida, to end violence of all forms against women and girls. Violence against women and girls is a global human issue, not consigned to any one county, tribe, class or religion, exposing it as a patriarchal mandate, present in every culture of the world. Risings focus on highlighting, creating and envisioning new, brave and radical artistic initiatives to bring in the new revolutionary world of equality, dignity and freedom for all women and girls. ECWT will be hosting several gatherings to prepare for the peaceful demonstration scheduled for February 14, 2015. Each of the gatherings are posted as events on V-Day Lake Worth Facebook. The campaign will end with the production of Eve Ensler’s award winning play The Vagina Monologues.

JOHNNY’S, THE LEGENDARY FORT LAUDERDALE STRIP CLUB, CLOSES ITS DOORS

that successfully challenged the Florida law prohibiting gay adoption, the only one of its kind in the U.S. Within days of our appellate victory, prospective adoptive parents were no longer being asked about their sexual orientation. There is no greater feeling than knowing you have changed the course of so many lives and eliminated a grave injustice in society.” Howard Simon, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, which represents eight same-sex couples and LGBT-rights group SAVE in the federal lawsuit, said he is pleased Greenberg Traurig filed the gay-marriage court brief on Monday, despite the firm’s advice to county clerks throughout the state. “As a result of our litigation here in Florida and around the county, equality is inevitable and marriage equality is inevitable,” Simon said. “Whatever disagreement there may be about the significance of a preliminary injunction issued by a federal judge will be behind us shortly.”

COVER STORY

December 24, 2014 11

the community through an authentication partner like IGLTA. This means that Delta Airlines (and others) could acquire a .gay domain because they are a member of IGLTA in good standing. But this self-determination-style approach to domain management currently faces an uphill battle. In fact, dotgay faces a costly bidding war with its private competitors for the domain if it fails to qualify for a special “community priority status” set up by ICANN. Recently, an ICANN review panel denied dotgay’s application for the special status, questioning nonprofit authority overseeing the Worldwide Web whether the definition of “gay” should encompass known as ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex Assigned Names and Numbers. individuals along with their straight allies (LBTQIA). “Originally, dotgay reached out to organizations “As we celebrate gay pride, gay rights and gay with a large footprint within the (LGBT) commumarriage in our daily lives, it remains crystal clear nity,” said Tanzella. “It made sense for us to support that our language is not exclusive to homosexthem as a way to hone in on our audience as well as ual men,” said dotgay’s Jamie Baxter. “In coundistinguish ourselves from the vast majority (of play- tries with anti-gay laws, the dispensing of criminal ers in the space). And despite more and more main- charges and punishment does not discriminate stream corporations reaching out (to our market), it among LGBTQIA. ‘Gay’ provides a catch-all term helps if gay and lesbian travelers could identify who commonly used and understood around the world is actually part of our community and who is not.” and in the media.” Under the business model conceived by dotgay A final decision by ICANN to reconsider dotgay’s and an array of stakeholders, every .gay domain application for community status is expected in the registrant would need to be vetted as part of next few weeks.

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hroughout history, politically powerful human beings carved up the physical world into nation-states. Almost everybody was assigned citizenship under a particular form of government or constitution. Now, history repeats itself in the virtual world with online domains like .com, .net, .org and .edu, and not everybody is content to play by the same rules of the past. One of these rebels is John Tanzella, president and chief executive officer of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) based in Fort Lauderdale, yet operating in more than 80 countries. From its perch in Broward County, the 32-year-old IGLTA promotes all of the businesses with a stake in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender leisure, tourism and commerce. This segment of the industry is estimated to be a $70 billion market domestically. Tanzella, IGLTA and organizations such as the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Centerlink and Gay Games have thrown their support behind a little-known outfit called dotgay LLC, one of four known companies around the planet who are vying for the rights to manage a new and emerging Internet domain, .gay. In order to obtain those rights, however, dotgay has the no small task of winning over decision-makers at the

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BATTLELINES DRAWN FOR CONTROL OF .gay NAME

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BY DANIEL HICKS

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AS I SEE IT December 24, 2014 • ISSUE 266

BY RICHARD HACK

FOUNDER MULTIMEDIA PLATFORMS

NOTICE TO CLERKS: START ISSUING SAME-SEX MARRIAGE LICENSES

December 24, 2014

he ruling is final and the race is one for Florida samesex marriage licenses due to start being issued on Tuesday, January 6, 2015. Despite what the legal giant Greenburg Traurig has been trying to convey with memos that are threatening county clerks with arrest should they attempt to issue licenses based on Greenburg’s interruption of the state law, the message from the U.S. Supreme Court is clear. Same-sex couples are good to go. According to Equality Florida’s Nadine Smith, “Clerks can stand in the doorway and try to block equality or they can welcome gay couples who have waited for decades for this moment,” said Nadine Smith. “We expect every Clerk to uphold their oath and protect the constitutional rights of gay couples seeking marriage licenses. No legal firm’s memo overrides their clear legal obligation.” You’ve got to admire Nadine. She’s been standing tall and proud on this issue for years, and now that the moment is finally here, she is not about to let a little thing like legal opinion stand in her way. Or as a release from Equality Florida states, “That memo by a Greenberg Traurig attorney has been blasted by state and national legal experts.” She calls the opinion “exaggerated.” In the hours following the SCOTUS decision, law firms, private attorneys and legal organizations have committed to providing pro bono legal counsel to any Clerks who are concerned about the memo. Attorneys also issued a stern warning: Clerks who fail to heed

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the federal court ruling declaring the ban unconstitutional will end up in a costly legal battle. “Any Florida clerk who refuses to follow the Constitution’s command and who withholds marriage licenses from couples once the stay expires is on the wrong side of history and the wrong side of the law,” said Shannon Minter, Legal Director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights. “A discredited memo from a law firm won’t provide much protection against the risk of being sued for unconstitutional actions and being held liable for any damages — and attorney fees — incurred by couples as a result of withholding the freedom to marry. There is one Constitution, Florida is one state, and all Floridians are entitled to equal treatment throughout the state.” According to Equality Florida, “Even State Attorneys have begun publicly dismissing the idea that a clerk would face charges for issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. In a statement to the Sun Sentinel, David Aronberg, state attorney for the 15th Judicial Circuit in South Florida, said his office would not prosecute court clerks who issue marriage

license to gay couples after the ban expires. “We will not prosecute same-sex couples who express their lifelong commitment to one another through marriage, or the clerks of court who take part in the process,” said Aronberg. That sentiment was echoed by Monroe County state attorney Catherine Vogel. “I would probably agree with Palm Beach,” said Monroe County State Attorney Catherine Vogel. “It would be highly unlikely that we would be arresting the clerk of the courts.” Judge Hinkle’s ruling is very clear: “ The defendant Secretary of the Florida Department of Management Services and the defendant Florida Surgeon General must take no steps to enforce or apply these provisions on same-sex marriage: Florida Constitution, Article I/27; Florida Statutes 741.212; and Florida Statutes 741.04(1)…The preliminary injunction binds the Secretary, the Surgeon General, and their officers, agents, servants, employees and attorneys – and others in active concert or participation with any of them – who receive actual notice of this injunction by personal service or otherwise.” In preparation for couples planning to wed on Jan 6th, Equality Florida has set up an online clearinghouse at www.eqfl. org/marriage to keep people informed about what they need to know to get a marriage license, along with legal updates and other valuable information. You go, Nadine. This moment is ours to celebrate in triumph. And I personally applaud you for your non-failing support of our future….Until next week, when we take a look at the changes in our stance in Cuba…

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MIAMI

Beatnix Care Resource Center Club Aqua Club Sugar Daily News Café Discotekka Gay and Lesbian Visitors Center Gaythering Hotel Island House Hotel Lambda Passages Out of the Closest Palace Food Bar Rufskin Clothing

Score Studio W Tokyo Valentino Twist Wet Bar

ORLANDO

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Dolphin Key Resort Tubby’s City Hangout Salon Z The Bottom Line

Courtyard Café Critters with A K Crazy Potato Cubby Hole Curiosities Consignment CVS Dapur DaVinci Real Estate Decades Furniture Dennis J’s Barber Shop Discount Liquor Dream Wine Lounge Dunkin Donuts Elysium Resort Fat Village Fetish Factory Floridian Fort Lauderdale Pizza Frank Realty Fredrick Fine Art French Bakery Fresh Market Fusion Galanga Gallery XO Gateway Cinema Gay Mart Gaysha Genesis GG’s Hair Gigar Boutique GLCC Gregarious Grüm Grand Resort & Spa Green Jade Spa Healing Touches Hersheys Ice Cream Hidden Treasure Holiday Park Library Humpys Pizza Hunters Hustlers I.C.E Infinity Lounge Inn Leather Intense Fitness Isaac B Clothes Island city Furniture J MARK’S

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New Listings

Barcodes Club Orlando Gay and Lesbian Center Hamburger Mary’s Hank’s Joy MCC Parliament House Peacock Room Orlando Pulse RBARR Ritzy Rags Orlando Savoy St Dorothy’s Catholic Community St. Matthew’s Tavern Southern Nights

ST. PETE

Acropolis Central Perk Enigma St. Petersburg Flamingo Georgie’s Alibi Metro Wellness Center Mr. Sun Liquors Oar House Rosie’s Bar The Queen’s Head

TAMPA AREA

Baxter’s Bradley’s on 7th City Side Bar City Solutions GBar Hamburger Mary’s Liquid Lounge MC Film Metro Wellness Center Rainbow Cabaret Ybor Resort Spa

For advertising or sponsorship opportunities, contact Kevin Hopper at 954-380-8563 x2101 or kevinhopper@mmplgbt.com.

December 24, 2014

FloridaAgenda.com

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14 December 24, 2014

BY CLIFF DUNN

BARTENDER OF THE WEEK

AARON ADAMS Mixology with Muscle

wouldn’t exactly say that seeing Aaron Adams incites your “fight or flight” response (granted, there are probably a few other responses that he incites at first glance, but that’s my business). At first blush, it’s possible to think that the friendly and popular bartender at Hunters Fort Lauderdale nightclub would take your head off as soon as pour you a cold one, but then he flashes you a smile and engages you with his warm personality and charm, and that’s when you know (hope?) that things will turn out all right. For all that at only 32 years old, the rugged Adams has chalked up an impressive catalog of life experiences. Right out of school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he was trained as an aviation electrician, and stationed in San Diego, California. “I didn’t really like it that much—the electrician part,” Adams admits. “I loved getting to travel and see different places, which was fun.” After five years serving his country in the Marines, Adams returned to his native Kentucky to attend the University of Louisville, where he majored in finance. In 2009, he set his sights on a warmer climate. “The first time I came to South Florida, I loved everything about it,” Adams says. “The beaches, the weather, the people—I loved it so much I moved down. I had no specific plan, but I found an apartment online, and I moved here. “It was a pretty risky move,” the Suds Stud acknowledges, “but it has been fantastic. How cool is that?” Briefly distracted by the sight of biceps (both of them), I stipulate that it is in fact cool. During a four-year tour slinging drinks at Casablanca Café on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Adams took his mystique and muscles to a public platform, becoming a brand model for South Florida-based Ruff Rider Clothing. “It was a good fit,” he says without irony. In the fall, Adams left the beach for the Gayborhood, coming to bartend at

Hunters, the former Boom (and sometimes Atomic), working mostly weekends as well other shifts. He enjoys the move, as well as the regular customers and staffers with whom he works. And when he isn’t at work? “I love being home, waking up late, and getting up to stretch, then taking a jog. When I get home, I will make some breakfast, do some yard work, or go to the gym, and then later get together with friends.” Lucky guys (I hate them already). Five years from now, Adams sees himself enjoying life and his lifestyle. “I want to enjoy myself, have fun, keep the party going,” he says with a smile that’s just this side of Mortal Sin. As a drink to impress, Aaron says he recommends “Maker’s Mark on the rocks with a splash of water. A fan of Bourbon, is he? He laughs. “Well, like me, it’s from Kentucky, it’s also delicious and warms you up on a cold winter night.” Like the weather we are having now (sort of). As well as working at Hunters, he manages the Coral Reef Guest House (okay, so he hasn’t entirely left the beach behind), and sees that as a springboard for greater things to come. “I’d like to use my experience at Coral Reef and elsewhere to get into some corporate, something a little more permanent. I won’t be 32 forever.” We can always dream, Aaron.

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December 24, 2014

BAR MAP 1) ALIBI 2266 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

2163 Wilton Drive Wilton manors

18) NEW YORK GRILLED CHEESE 2207 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

19) PJ’S CORNER POCKET 2340 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

2) BILL’S FILLING STATION 2209 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 3) BOARDWALK 1721 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale

20) PROGRESS 2440 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

December 24, 2014

31) VILLAGE PUB 2283 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

30) TROPICS 2000 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

29) 13 I Even 2037 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors

28) THE STABLE 205 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale

27) SMARTY PANTS 2400 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale

26) SIDELINES 2031 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

25) SCARFONE’S 2150 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

24) SCANDALS SALOON 3073 NE 6th Ave Wilton Manors

23) RUMORS BAR & GRILL 2426 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

22) ROSIE’S BAR & GRILL 2449 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

21) RAMROD 1508 NE 4th Ave Fort Lauderdale

4) CORNER PUB 1915 N Andrews Ave Wilton Manors 5) CUBBY HOLE 823 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale 6) DAPUR 1620 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale 7) GREGARIOUS 2033 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 8) HUNTERS NIGHTCLUIB 2232 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 9) INFINITY LOUNGE 2184 WIlton Drive Wilton Manors 10) JMARK’S 1245 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale 11) JOHNNY’S 1116 W Broward Blvd Fort Lauderdale 12) LE PATIO 2401 NE 11th Ave Wilton Manors 13) LIPS 1421 E Oakland Park Blvd Oakland Park 14) THE MANOR 2345 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 15) MONA’S 502 E Sunrise Blvd Fort Lauderdale 16) MONKEY BUSINESS 2740 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale 17) NAKED GRAPE /floridaagenda

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December 24, 2014

GROW SOMETHING WITH ELECTRIC BLOOMS!

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BY PATRICK ROBERT

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The Week 12/18-12/24

/floridaagenda floridaagenda.com DEBBY WONG

Ben Vereen at Jazziz, December 18th in Boca Raton

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28 December 24, 2014

k o o L T U O

PHOTOS BY KEN BROWN

PUZZLE

They Died in the Closet

WILTON CREAMERY IN WILTON MANORS

ACROSS 1 Bankhead’s home, for short 5 Pesky kid 9 Fruit peel in a drink 14 Russian river 15 Luau dance 16 Path finder 17 Make a hole bigger 18 Exotica director Egoyan 19 Hostile state 20 Star of the 1925 silent version of Ben-Hur 23 “It’s ___ for Me to Say” (Mathis) 24 Jazz singer James 25 Tax preparer, for short 28 Hollywood Rock 31 Katharine of Sylvia Scarlett 33 White or rose alternative 34 Disney’s ___ and the Detectives 36 “Holy cow!” 37 Alan of And the Band Played On 39 Said with a sneer 42 Shore opening 43 Elton John wears them 45 Constellation bear 47 Adjective for Abner 48 N orman Bates portrayer Anthony 51 Civil rights advocate Barbara

3 NFL gains 5 54 “___ I say ...” 56 Gaza Stripper assn. 57 Cross-dresser of the FBI 62 How sailors come 65 Lord of the Rings singer 66 Care beginning 67 Fruity-smelling compound 68 Six-pointer, sometimes 69 Cry of mock horror 70 It may arouse you in the sack 71 Collette of The Hours 72 “ There Is Nothing Like a ___” DOWN 1 Perry Mason star Raymond 2 Kind of code or rug 3 Word to a dominatrix 4 Marc of pop music 5 Erik of the opera, and others 6 Station wagon, e.g. 7 “___ Paris” 8 Football great Joe 9 Word after conversion 10 Otis of Mayberry, for one 11 Dick’s running mate 12 Sch. for Rev. Spahr 13 Take a stab at 21 Narrow margin 22 No. 6 to P-town 25 Top of St. Peter’s

6 Conductor AndrÈ 2 27 Gay porn director Rainier 28 Gave a hand 29 Milk sources 30 Henry and June’s Anais 32 Flick it 33 Like Harvey Fierstein’s voice 35 Lucy of Charlie’s Angels 38 Comics outburst 40 Erving, to fans 41 Places for really deep throating? 44 Pull it out and shoot it off 46 Alice’s Restaurant patron 49 Show agreement 50 Least foolish 52 Like The Bard’s star-cross’d lovers 55 Holy, to Jose 57 Give a hoot, literally 58 Idol of porn 59 Don Diego de la ___ (Zorro) 60 Red rind contents 61 Sally who rode into space 62 Actress named Arthur 63 Big initials in fashion 64 B&O stop

For the solution to this puzzle, go to www.floridaagend.com/puzzle

TAMPA/ST. PETE

BY PATRICK ROBERT

The Santaland Diaries 13 1 5

11 6 2

12 7 14

David Sedaris is sort of a literary superhero. His books become national bestsellers without a hitch, populating the shelves of every airport bookstore in the U.S. Sedaris’ career began with one singular broadcasting on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition—a reading of his famous essay The SantaLand Diaries about his job as a Christmas elf at a Macy’s department store. The stage adaptation of the essay deals with drunken Santas and frantic sales clerks—a tour-deforce showcase of Sedaris’ great wit. 8:00 p.m. American Stage Theatre Co. at Raymond James Theater. 163 Third St. N. St. Petersburg. 33701.

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12/26

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THE WEEK

12/27

Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown BAR MAP 1) 2606 2606 North Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL 2) BAXTER’S LOUNGE South Tampa 1519 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, Fl 3) BODY SHOP North Tampa 14905 North Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL

4) THE CASTLE Ybor City 2004 N 16th St, Tampa, FL 5) CITY SIDE LOUNGE South Tampa 3703 Henderson Blvd, Tampa, FL 6) G-BAR Ybor City 1401 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605

7) GEORGIE’S ALIBI 3100 3rd Ave N, Saint Petersburg, FL 8) HAYMARKET PUB 8308 4th St N, Saint Petersburg, FL 9) HIDEAWAY 8302 4th St N, Saint Petersburg, FL

10) THE HONEY POT Ybor City 1507 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605 11) KI KI KI III Courier City/Oscawana 1908 West Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 12) LUCKY STAR LOUNGE 2760 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL

13) PRO SHOP PUB 840 Cleveland St, Clearwater, FL 14) SPORTERS BAR 187 Martin Luther King St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 15) VALENTINE’S NIGHTCLUB 7522 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL

Thanks to the beloved holiday classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Christmas time brings renewed attention to the Peanuts. This traveling exhibit from the Charles M. Schulz Museum includes reproduction comic strips, quotes by Schulz, photos from his boyhood, and a behind-the-scenes history of the making of the classic Christmas special. The gallery also includes a Santa letter writing station and photo opportunities for kids. 10:00 a.m. Tampa Bay History Center. 801 Old Water St. Tampa. 33602.

12/31

First Night

December 24, 2014

from the staff of

St. Petersburg’s annual arts celebration takes place at over twenty downtown St. Petersburg venues. The event includes a range of interesting ways to ring in the New Year, including musical groups, puppet shows, history tours, ice skating, bubble stomping, dance performances, and first time outdoor art installations. The alcohol-free event culminates with a fireworks display at midnight. 4:00 p.m. Straub Park. Beach Dr. and Fifth Ave NE. St. Petersburg. 33701.

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k o o L T U O

BY TOM BONANTI

PHOTOS BY TONY FOWLER

PICTURES WITH SANTA FOR PET PROJECT

GET OUT OF YOUR SLUMP! Part 2: Exercises and Stretches to Improve Your Posture

ast week I spoke at great length about the importance of maintaining good posture. Reversely, I alluded to the fact that poor posture can result over time in a whole host of un-pleasantries from sciatica and herniated discs to neuritis and even impotence. Fortunately, many of these conditions can be avoided or lessened with a good program of stretching and weight training. The modified yoga exercises described here, (developed years ago at the International Sports Medicine Institute in Los Angeles) were designed to enhance good posture by stretching tight muscles while simultaneously strengthening weaker ones. Inhale on the stretch and exhale on the relaxation phase. Performed once or twice daily with your workouts or on their own, these exercises can reduce compression on the lower back, strengthen abdominal and back muscles, and stretch chest and neck muscles among many other good things. Oh, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help you stand up straight and perky, too! Get started today.

Reverse Shrug: Lean against a post or wall until it touches your entire spine. Keep your feet apart and about 12 to 18 inches forward and use a rolled up towel between your knees to isolate your inner thighs and abdomen. Bend your knees and let your arms hang naturally. Raise your shoulders to your ears, then backwards (feel your shoulder blades pinching together), then lower straight down. Repeat the exercise with your hands touching your shoulders and elbows extended to the sides and repeat again with your arms extended and hands bent up and out as if pushing against a wall.

December 24, 2014

HEALTH

Adductor/Abdominal Curl: Lie on your back with your legs straight, knees unlocked, with a rolled towel between your thighs to isolate the lower abs. Curl (donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lift) your upper body into a crunch while squeezing the towel. Repeat with legs bent on a chair. You can keep your hands pressed against your lower abdomen, crossed on your

chest or touching the back of your head. Do three sets of 8 to 12 repetitions. These crunches will strengthen core muscles including the transverse and rectus abdominis. Adductor/Pelvic Tilt: Stand 18-24 inches from a wall with a rolled towel between your thighs. Keeping your neck and head relaxed, lean forward until you reach a 30 degree angle. Standing slightly pigeon-toed will reduce stress on the lower back. If you need to, bend your elbows. Tuck your pelvis upward toward your naval without squeezing your butt or lower back. Perform 25 repetitions. Hip Over: Lying flat on a mat on the floor with your legs straight, place your right arm above and behind your head and extend your left arm horizontally to create a 90 degree angle. As your left arm moves, bring your left leg diagonally across your body at a 45 degree angle up toward your opposite armpit, the leg in motion should be slightly bent. Get a good stretch in this position. Keep your shoulders flat on the floor, but you can rotate your lower hip. Repeat this in the opposite direction. Perform 5 sets on both sides. Your good posture is key in projecting a confident healthy image to the world. It is also crucial for maintaining good health and avoiding a myriad of nasty health difficulties. Contact trainertomb@aol.com to set up a free consultation today. Call Tom at (954) 557-1119 and ask about Holiday Gift Certificates for Training and Massage. Check us out at www.pumpnincgym.com

ORLANDO

The Book of Mormon

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The popular touring production of The Book of Mormon continues its trek across Florida, having been previously been performed in Miami and then West Palm Beach. Tonight it begins a one-week stay in Orlando. Lampooning both the Mormon religion and traditional Broadway musicals, The Book of Mormon has received unanimous critical adoration for its plot, choreography, and score. 8:00 p.m. Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts. 455 S. Magnolia Ave. Orlando. 32801.

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12/26

BY PATRICK ROBERT

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THE WEEK

12/28

A Christmas Story: The Musical

BAR MAP 1) BARCODES 4453 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 2) BAR LOUIE 7335 West Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 3) CLUB 369 ORLANDO 369 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL

4) CLUB FLAVAZ 314 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL

7) NEW PHOENIX 7124 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL

5) COLD KEG NIGHTCLUB 4060 W. New Haven, Melbourne, FL

8) PARLIAMENT HOUSE 410 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL

6) HANKS 5026 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL

9) PULSE 1912 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL

10) REVOLUTION NIGHTCLUB 375 S Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 11) SAVOY 1913 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 12) STONEWALL 741 W Church St , Orlando, FL

13) THE ULTRA LOUNGE 407 Brevard Ave, Cocoa, FL 14) TWISTED TUESDAYS AT AQUA… 2869 Wilshire Dr, Orlando, FL

One of the quirkiest holiday traditions is a viewing of the hysterical 1983 film A Christmas Story. In 2010, a musical version of the film premiered on Broadway and was nominated for a slew of Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The story traces the travails of Ralphie Parker as he deals with his taciturn and grumpy father while hopelessly desiring a bee bee gun for Christmas. The musical version tones down the adult asides but does include a song version of the immortal threat “You’ll shoot your eye out.” 2:00 p.m. Orlando Repertory Theatre. 1001 E. Princeton St. Orlando. 32803.

12/31

Billy Joel

December 24, 2014 31

The consummate singer/songwriter takes the stage at the Amway Center to ring in the New Year in style. Billy Joel is by far one of the most accomplished singers in the world. Like most accomplished entertainers, though, Billy Joel has seen his fair share of trouble. He has battled both depression and alcoholism, and remains a committed proponent of teen suicide prevention. The song “You’re Only Human (Second Wind)” is a message to help prevent teen suicide. 9:30 p.m. Amway Center. 400 W Church St. #200. Orlando. 32801.

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SCREEN SAVOR

INTO IMITATION

he Imitation Game (TWC) is one of those movies based on a true story that makes you wonder why it hasn’t been told on the big screen in this way before now. However, the timing of the release of the film, coming as it does at a time when horrific interrogation techniques utilized by the CIA are coming to light. In other words, intelligence has nothing to do with intelligence, let alone humanity. Moving back and forth in time, from 1928 to 1951, The Imitation Game tells the alternately heartbreaking and heart-racing story of brilliant mathematician and Enigma code cracker Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch in an Oscarworthy performance), a tortured genius utterly lacking in basic social skills (almost the blueprint for Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon). Beginning in 1951, following an unfortunate altercation with a gay hustler, Turing, relegated to being a secret hero of World War II for his work that resulted in bringing down the Germans, is about to become the latest victim of Britain’s Victorian attitudes toward homosexuals and acts of “gross indecency.” Before that, Turing tells his story to a police detective following his arrest, beginning with his time at Bletchley Radio Manufacturing where he is employed, starting in 1939, under the watchful eyes of Commander Denniston (Charles Dance) and MI6 chief Stewart Menzies (Mark Strong). Teamed up with Hugh Alexander (Matthew Goode) and others, Turing creates a “universal machine,” that he describes as an “electrical brain” (a precursor to the modern computer) that will aid him in his code-breaking work. His life at school in the late `20s, where he fell in love with classmate Christopher (Jack Bannon), also provides essential background into how Turing became the man he

COURTESY OF DISNEY

December 24, 2014

BY GREGG SHAPIRO

Into The Woods

was. Accept no imitations, The Imitation Game is one the best biopics of the year.

he moral/message of the beloved Tony Award-winning Stephen Sondheim/ James Lapine Broadway musical fable Into The Woods (Disney), which takes loving liberties with fairy tales such as Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk, is be careful what you wish for. Sadly, that applies to fans of the musical that wished for a movie version of Into The Woods and got Rob Marshall’s Disney dud. A childless baker and his wife (James Corden and Emily Blunt, respectively), the fairy tale created by Sondheim and Lapine to link all the stories together, wish to have a child. The witch (Meryl Streep) next door, who placed the infertility curse on the baker’s father and house, and by extension the baker, agrees to reverse the curse if the baker and his wife are able to bring her a milky

white cow (Jack and the Beanstalk), a golden (not glass) slipper (Cinderella), a blood red cape (Little Red Riding Hood) and hair yellow as corn (Rapunzel) in three days’ time. Not surprisingly, the other characters all have wishes, too. For example, Cinderella (Anna Kendrick) wishes to go the king’s festival, but her widowed wicked stepmother (Christine Baranski) and stepsisters (Lucy Punch and Tammy Blanchard) have other plans for her. Jack (Daniel Huttleston, channeling Jack Wild in Oliver!) wishes his beloved cow would give milk, but since it won’t, his mother (Tracey Ullman) insists he take it to the village and sell it. Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford) wishes for bread for her poor old grandmother living in the woods and Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy) wishes for company in the tower in which the witch has imprisoned her. The witch also has a wish – to be returned her formerly beautiful self, before the baker’s father stole her magic beans. As these assorted characters

begin to cross and re-cross paths in order to make their wishes come true, they encounter a wolf (Johnny Depp), a pair of hot prince brothers (Chris Pine and Billy Magnussen), and ultimately the vengeful and destructive widowed wife (Frances de la Tour) of the giant. There are themes of contentment and discontent, and hints that there will be no happily ever after. Considered by some to be an AIDS allegory (the giant brought to the village by Jack is killing everyone and blame is on everyone’s mind), Into The Woods is as much about being in the woods as it is getting out of the woods. Bogged down by leftover lessthan-special effects from Maleficent (at least it’s not in 3D), Into The Woods is better than Mamma Mia! in that the performances, especially Blunt, Kendrick and Streep, and, in particular, Pine’s campy, over-the-top portrayal of the prince (the “Agony” number, a duet with Magnussen, is the closest thing to a showstopper), occasionally distract from the flaws.

MIAMI/ MIAMI BEACH

12/26 “The World’s Largest Paint Party” began in 2006 on college campuses in Florida. The event quickly transformed from a small college event to a world-renowned live concert. This year’s concert includes performances by Kaskade, Diplo, Adventure Club, Bingo Players, Borgeous, Juicy J, Madeon, Nervo, and the Chainsmokers. 4:00 p.m. Sun Life Stadium. 2269 NW 199th St. Miami Gardens. 33056.

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Life in Color Festival

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BY PATRICK ROBERT

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THE WEEK

12/30

Boys Noize MIAMI 1) CLUB AZUCAR 2301 SW 32nd Ave

6) EROS LOUNGE 8201 Biscayne Blvd

2) CLUB BOI 1060 NE 79th St

7) FLOPPY ROOSTER 7018 NW 72nd Ave

3) CLUB SPACE 34 N.E. 11th Street

8) HOUSE 1915 NW Miami CT

4) DISCOTEKKA | MEKKA MIAMI 950 NE 2nd Ave

9) JAMBOREE 7005 Biscayne Blvd

5) DUGOUT SPORTS BAR 3215 NE 2nd Ave

10) MAGNUM LOUNGE 709 NE 79th St 11) CLUB AZUCAR 2301 SW 32nd Ave

MIAMI BEACH 12) CAMEO 1445 Washington Ave

15) PALACE BAR 1200 Ocean Dr

13) KILL YOUR IDOL 222 Espanola way

16) SCORE 1437 Washington Ave.

14) MANSION NIGHTCLUB 1235 Washington Ave

17) THE CABARET 233 12th St 18) TWIST 1057 Washington Ave

Electronic music producer and DJ, Boys Noize is known for his popular remixed work. He has had success with remixes of such diverse artists as David Lynch, Depeche Mode, Snoop Dogg, Daft Punk, and The Chemical Brothers. He has also been involved in a side project called Dog Blood with notorious, world famous DJ Skrillex. 11:00 p.m. Grand Central. 697 N. Miami Ave. Miami. 33136.

12/31

Phish

December 24, 2014

A contemporary version of The Grateful Dead, Phish—known for their acclaimed touring acts and rabid fan-base—will be performing their eclectic style melding rock ‘n’ roll with bluegrass and folk. The band was formed in 1983 at the University of Vermont with members Trey Anastasio, Mike Gordon, Page McConnell, and Jon Fishman. On this New Year’s Eve performance expect heavily improvised extended jam sessions. 8:00 p.m. American Airlines Arena. 601 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 33132.

TRAVEL

DON’T GO THERE!

ext time before you travel, not only might you want to check your passport, you might want to check the news. While same-sex marriage and LGBT rights have made tremendous advances in some parts of the world, in other areas it might as well be the Dark Ages. Uganda’s Supreme Court may have overturned a virulently anti-gay bill, but the country’s, president, Yoweri Museveni, has pledged to introduce a new version of the bill in which LGBT people could face life in jail. Nigeria and Kenya are even more discriminatory, with homosexual activity punishable by death in certain Nigerian states and LGBT organizations banned nationwide. The Winter Olympics brought Russia’s anti-gay stance to the national stage. Once the Olympics were over many people forgot about it, but the discrimination continues. There are reports documenting persecution and attacks on LGBT people by hate groups. Things are pretty much the same in the Ukraine, with the government considering similar legislation against, as they put it, “the propaganda of homosexuality.” Countries in Asia vary from totally accepting to strongly anti-LGBT. Japan and Thailand are on the positive side, but countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia (and other heavily Islamic

The Spartacus International Gay Guide recently ranked every country on LGBT friendliness.

J. JUNCADELLA

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34 December 24, 2014

BY RICK KARLIN

Mumbai, India

countries), are anything but welcoming for the LGBT community there. Last year India’s Supreme Court reversed a lower court order that decriminalized gay sex, however, gay life can be found in larger cities in India, such as Mumbai. Many smaller Indian communities and neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives are all virulently discriminatory. The Middle East, with the exception of Israel and Lebanon, are among the worst places in the world for LGBT people. In Saudi Arabia, homosexuality is punished with public whipping or even the death penalty. Of course, we all remember that in 2007, Iran’s President Ahmadinejad declared that homosexuality did not exist in his country, but just in case, laws are in place that call for whippings or death. In Afghanistan, the death penalty introduced under the Taliban is no longer officially enforced, but how you are treated depends on who catches you. Egypt

and Yemen are almost as bad and “the ‘Stans” (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan), which bridge the Middle East with Central Asia, are pretty dismal as well. However, you can find gay bars in the cities of Almaty in Kazakhstan and Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, but keep it on the DL. In Latin America many countries are open and welcoming to LGBT people. Argentina has led the way in equality laws and major cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires have strong LGBT communities and parts of Mexico are very pro-LGBT, but other countries and smaller towns are not so accepting. Closer to home, in Jamaica the mantra is “Don’t worry, be happy…,” just don’t be gay. LGBT individuals are always in danger of violence, whether natives or tourists, some of whom have been beaten to death. Other Caribbean countries vary greatly from gay marriage being legal in the British Virgin Islands, a strong LGBT

community in the U.S. Virgins to places such as The Cayman Islands which have refused all gay cruises. My mother always said to end on a positive note, so let’s talk about the welcoming countries. The Spartacus International Gay Guide recently ranked every country on LGBT friendliness. It named Sweden the most LGBT friendly for its anti-discrimination laws, recognition of gay unions, LGBT travel marketing and no institutional persecution. Rounding out the top five spots are; Belgium, France, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom tied for second, Canada, Denmark, Iceland and Uruguay tied for third, New Zealand and Norway tied for fourth, while Spain, Austria and Germany tied for fifth. It should be noted that the U.S. ranked 38th because of antigay laws and lack of marriage equality in some areas of the country. We tied with Aruba, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Croatia, Curacao, Hungary, Italy, Mexico and Thailand.

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December 24, 2014

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FLORIDA STAGE HANDS INTERIOR STAGING & DESIGN

In today’s competitive real estate market, first impression is everything. A professionally staged home sets itself apart from the competition. Florida Stage Hands can showcase your home by creating a striking ambiance, accenting its features, customized to style and scale…

December 24, 2014

Contact us for a free staging consultation. Visit our retail showroom to purchase quality furniture and accessories at substantial savings!

FSH’s Staging Director, Rich Palmiere combines eclectic style with attention to detail, creating warm and inviting interiors. Originally from NYC, Rich brings an urban vibe to coastal living.

Retail Showroom hours: M-Sun, 12-6p 1438 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 phone 954.530.6155

www.floridastagehands.com

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AMAZING DEALS ON FITNESS!

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SUPER HOLIDAY SPECIALS

Gift certiﬁcates available in any amount

PERSONAL TRAINING BodyBlast Fitness & Nutrition

8 private sessions

$199 (SAVE $100) 12 private sessions

$279 (SAVE $170)

BODYBLAST CLASSES Group Personal Training

8 sessions

$79

(SAVE $50)

1 month unlimited

$99

(SAVE $50)

FIT 50 CLASSES ! NEW

This is an exciting new program designed for men over 50! This fun 45-minute class is ideal for beginners or those who have not worked out in some time. It is NOT high intensity! Fit50 comprises low-impact exercises using body-weight to improve ﬂexibility and build strength.

8 sessions $79 (SAVE $50)

Call 954-530-4304

1098 NE 45th St, Oakland Park, FL 33334

December 24, 2014

www.PushFitnessFTL.com

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US AT LEATHERWERKS

1226 NE 4th AVE FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33304 954.761.1236

LEATHERWERKS.COM

Copyright © 2014 The Werks Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Werks, LeatherWerks, PaddleWerks, Lifestyle Club, BootWerks and “Where Leather is a Lifestyle” are Registered Trademarks of The Werks Company, LLC

Health Insurance Exchange Now Active With Subsidies Available I will BEAT your current rate with same or better coverage 9 out of 10 times!

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As low as 3-4 dollars a day for full health coverage, with prescription, vision and 0 dollar co-pay dental.

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Health insurance will be mandatory in 2014, subject to tax penalty to go without.

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Zero co-pay for physical, lab, EKG, colon/prostate screening

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If you are turning 65, on disability, special needs or want to switch plans you may be eligible for a ZERO premium medicare advantage plan, AEP starts Oct 15th. Licensed Since 2006 Pre-existing conditions covered under healthcare reform with NO MORE RATE UPS!

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Hormone and testosterone therapy covered on some health plans with a $15 co-pay for prescriptions

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Life insurance Plans and Dog/Cat insurance plans also available

Call, Email or Text me for a free quote, no obligation what so ever!

Alexander H. Vorgias www.southflhealthexchange.com Direct 954-529-5564 wilton.health.exchange@gmail.com

The Brian Neal Fitness and Health Foundation

IN K

ERE

NCE ONE

LIF

December 24, 2014

provides complimentary Health and Wellness services to financially challenged people living with HIV/AIDS and offers a global LGBT athletic mentoring program for amateur and professional athletes ranging from grade school to the professional ranks.

A 501(c)3 organization providing services to financially challenged people living with HIV/AIDS in Fort Lauderdale

2435 North Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

BRIANNEALFITNESS.ORG

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PAUL SLUTSKY REALTOR

BUY•SELL•RENT

PUT ME TO WORK FOR YOU

CALL OR TEXT ME NOW

(954) 560-8330

The Parish of Sts Francis & Clare Staffed by Franciscan Friars

paul@castellihomes.com www.paulslutsky.com

Rediscover Catholicism Mass Times:

Presented with Stonewall Museum & Archives The great grandmothers of the marriage equality movement FINALLY get married! Both Ruthie & Connie will be present for questions after the screening.

Saturday 5 PM, Sunday 10:30 AM & Tuesday 7 PM XMAS Eve Service - 10 PM XMAS Day Service - 10:30 AM Baptisms, Weddings, Holy Unions

954-731-8173

Thursday, January 8th, 7pm Gateway Theatre, Ft. Lauderdale

101 NE 3rd STREET FORT LAUDERDALE

Tickets $15, to benefit Congregation Etz Chaim & Stonewall Museum & Archives

We’ve added a second Parish: Beginning Nov. 29th at Resurrection Chapel at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church

Congregation Etz Chaim 1501 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-564-9232 ● www.EtzChaimFlorida.org

Atlantic Blvd. and the Intracoastal 954-557-0808 Saturdays at 5PM

Communion of Ecumenical Catholic Churches

Shabbat services every Friday night at 8pm– all are welcome!

XMAS Eve Service - 5 PM

December 24, 2014

Purchase tickets online http://www.stonewall-museum.org/support/ruthie-connie/ Tickets will also be available at the door