Agenda Florida Issue 278 by Multi-Media Platforms

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FT LAUDERDALE • JACKSONVILLE • KEY WEST

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MARCH

18,

2015

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ISSUE

278

MIAMI • ORLANDO • TAMPA / ST PETERSBURG

DRAG ICON CASHETTA FOUND DEAD IN MEXICO

SAME-SEX PARENTS TO CREATE BABIES FROM SKIN CELLS WITHIN TWO YEARS page 21

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March 18, 2015

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SPOTLIGHT

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YURI ANDREI

Case in point was a sponsorship from American Airlines who came on board with the caveat that there could be no other airline sponsors. By event day, Elaine had convinced not only American to write a giant check, but United and Southwest as well. “Everyone was just falling all over themselves to help.” From that first success, Elaine found that giving back to the community came with its own positive karma. “I sort of found my calling,” she remembers. “I’ve been prostituting myself to get people to give money to charities ever since.” Clever Elaine. “I’ve been involved with all kinds of charities, not just HIV and AIDS, “ Elaine says, “but in all the years that I’ve been involved in these fundraisers, I’ve never once made a penny.” Reread that sentence again. It’s hard to imagine, but actually true. Keep in mind that Elaine Lancaster has been the host of the world-famous White Party in Miami for the past 16 years, raising millions for the needy. “I feel so blessed to do what I do, and, yes, it’s a lot of hard work, it’s not a hobby. But I equate it with the ocean. If you stand on the edge and watch it go out—let’s say 10 percent, then 90 percent comes crashing back to you. And that’s the nature of fundraising. You give a little, you get a lot back.” As MMP’s Global Entertainment Spokesperson, Elaine will attend outreach events representing Guy magazine, Agenda newspaper, and the corporation’s various Internet platforms and websites. It’s a national presence that requires a larger than life persona–in short the perfect fit for the uber-glamourous Lancaster who has been racking up her own legends of fans outside of the gay clubs these days. As a friend on Bravo’s Housewives of Miami, who is constantly at war with housewife PR agent Marysol Patton, Elaine has no trouble holding her own in verbal slugfests—the kind that make the gossip rags while keeping us all in stitches for the absurdity of it all. But what keeps Elaine’s head above the fray is that determination to give from the heart, and listen from the soul. Across the country, or in our own backyard, an especially rare quality indeed.

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n July 15, 1997, two events occurred in South Beach, Florida, that would forever change the face of the vacation resort. Fashion legend Gianni Versace was murdered outside his home Casa Casuarina on Ocean Drive. And drag entertainer Elaine Lancaster moved into town. In the eighteen years that followed, much about the Versace massacre has been forgotten even as his fashion empire has grown to new heights, while Elaine has raised the bar for all female impersonators. She’s that talented, that beautiful, and that kind. This week, Elaine Lancaster was appointed as Multimedia Platform’s Global Entertainment Spokesperson, assuming the newest seat on its Media Advisory Board, and adding the latest achievement in a career that has included performances around the world, and a regular spot on Bravo’s Housewives Elaine Lancaster, one of the judges at of Miami. Dancing with the South Florida Stars At six foot, two inches tall, Elaine Lancaster is hard to miss. So is her handsome alter ego, James Davis. These days you’re The upshot of the introduction found Elaine less likely to see James around town, so crammed is hosting center stage on Warsaw’s amateur strip the Lancaster calendar with public appearances and contest every Wednesday night, and she hasn’t fundraising events, her preferred way to give back stopped working since. to the community. Of course there is work, and then there is But back in 1997, things were considerably work—the kind for which you’re not paid, as in different. From a studio apartment on 9th and charity fundraisers for which the Lancaster name Collins, Elaine cautiously made her way into the has become synonymous. spotlight at the Warsaw Ballroom where Versace “Back in Dallas, wa-ay before I hit Miami, I had once hungout as a regular late into the evening. co-created an event called ‘An Evening with the And it was at the Warsaw that his friends decided Stars,’” Elaine says. “Now, back then in the midto hold a memorial service in honor of the slain 90s, drag queens were stars. They were revered and fashion designer. Attending the service in full drag, they were idolized and they were genuinely local Elaine made quite the entrance, as the story goes. celebrities.” As it happened, this one event raised Grand enough at least to draw the attention of more money in a single night that another other of Maxwell Blandford who ran the show at Warsaw its kind, with Elaine’s contribution being singled (right up until it closed in 2012). out with an award given by the mayor of the city. “The first thing Maxwell said to me,” Elaine “I was a one-man operation from ticket sales recalls, “was ‘My God you’re gorgeous.’” to marketing. I called, I begged, I pleaded to do Batting fake eyelashes like whisk brooms, the everything possible to get everyone to donate to Dallas-born blonde linked arms and said, “Why this cause. It was a great learning experience about thank you. My name is Elaine Lancaster and I’m what can get done when you just don’t take no for new in town.” an answer.”

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ELAINE LANCASTER MMP’S GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT SPOKESPERSON

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BY RICHARD HACK

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AS I SEE IT BY RICHARD HACK

BOBBY BLAIR – CEO / MANAGING PARTNER

EQUALITY CALIFORNIA GIVES BIG ENDORSEMENT TO HILLARY

RICHARD HACK - 954-380-8563

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER KEVIN HOPPER - 954-380-8563 kevinhopper@mmplgbt.com

MANAGING EDITOR DANIEL HICKS - 954-440-4678 EXT. 117 danielhicks@mmplgbt.com

STAFF REPORTER JAMEER BAPTISTE - jameerbaptiste@mmplgbt.com

illary Clinton isn’t yet an official candidate for president of the United States in 2016, but that didn’t stop Equality California. The 800,000-member organization came out of the closet politically this week to endorse the one-time First Lady and Secretary of State’s anticipated candidacy. While the move is not surprising, the timing of the announcement certainly is. “We want Hillary Clinton to run and are ready to mobilize our 800,000 members to help her win,” Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur said in a statement. “We’re enthusiastic about her candidacy because she has the best record of accomplishment on LGBT issues of any potential candidate. Equality California is ready for Hillary!” Little known outside of his Los Angeles hub, Zbur is the kind of Hillary Clinton advocate any candidate would find welcome. A 1979 graduate of Yale, Zbur received a law degree from this unequivocal support of her presiHarvard, and is an environmental expert dential bid, EQCA decided to take the specializing in air quality and land use. unusual step to extend an early endorseHe was also a specialist in government ment of Secretary Clinton to urge her law before joining Equality California to enter the presidential race. Along last year. In short, Zbur knows his stuff, with our endorsement, we’re gearing and will prove an important ally to a up to fully support her candidacy for Clinton candidacy. president by activating our members to “While serving as Secretary of State, mobilize around her campaign.” Hillary Clinton made her support for It’s an open secret that Clinton is the LGBT community abundantly preparing to announce her candidacy clear when she said ‘gay rights are for president in April and has strong human rights, and human rights are gay support among her Democrat party rights.’ Although she has yet to formally members. And thanks to the Ready for announce her candidacy, we unequivHillary super PACfundraisers, she’s got ocally believe that she is not only the plenty of dough in her campaign coffers. most qualified candidate, but also For all of EQCA’s enthusiasm and the best candidate to advance LGBT popularity among the LGBT commurights,” Zbur told the Agenda. “With nity, she nevertheless has encountered JOE SEER

FOUNDER MULTIMEDIA PLATFORMS PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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March 18, 2015 • ISSUE 278

some speed bumps as she positions herself for her presidential run. There are those who criticized her timing in endorsing same-sex marriage. You’ll recall that she came out in favor of marriage equality via a video published by the Human Rights Campaign in 2013. At the time, Clinton said, “LGBT Americans are our colleagues, our teachers, our soldiers, our friends and our loved ones, and they are full and equal citizens and deserve the rights of citizenship. That includes marriage,” she says in a mannerof-fact tone, midway through the six-minute video. “That’s why I support marriage for lesbian and gay couples. I support it personally and as a matter of policy and law.” During her tenure as First Lady, however, there was no suggestion that such was the case. It was only after becoming Secretary of State that bits of her personal feelings on the matter began to become known. Her video announcement from the HRC came 10 days after her husband, former President Bill Clinton, wrote a column in the Washington Post asking the Supreme Court to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act—a law he signed into life while president in 1996. “When I was ready to say what I said, I said it,” Clinton stated, in an interview in June 2013 for NPR. She also said that she believes marriage should be left up to the states and expressed her support for state-bystate efforts to secure marriage equality. That is not a position that is shared by majority of marriage-equality advocates who believe a national resolution must come from the Supreme Court. So too does Equality California. Stay tuned… Until next week…

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Peter Jackson, Tom Bonanti, Patrick Robert, Rick Karlin, Gregg Shapiro, Frank Corrado, Cliff Dunn Photography • Dennis Dean, Big Dewitte, Tony Fowler

CREATIVE DIRECTOR George Dauphin georgedauphin@mmplgbt.com

CO-CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kevin Broady kevinbroady@mmplgbt.com

GENERAL MANAGER & PUBLIC RELATIONS Shawn Palacious shawnpalacious@mmplgbt.com

SALES & MARKETING - 954-380-8563 Account Executive Joyce Bluestein joycebluestein@mmplgbt.com Account Executive Jim Albright jimalbright@mmplgbt.com Account Executive Russ Johannsen russjohannsen@mmplgbt.com

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Camera Ready Artwork by Mondays, Noon Placement by Mondays, 5 p.m. ALL MATERIAL in the Agenda is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Agenda. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred or implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. Although this paper is supported by many fine advertisers, the Agenda cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. EDITORIAL POSITIONS of the Agenda are expressed in editorials and in editors’ notes as determined by the paper’s editors. Other opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Agenda or its staff. TO SUBMIT A LETTER OR COMMENTARY: Letters should be fewer than 400 words; commentaries should be fewer than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length, and must include a name, address and phone number for verification. Send submissions by e-mail to Editor@floridaagenda. com by fax to 954-566-7900 or by regular mail to the Agenda office, attn: Letters/Commentary. MAIN OFFICE / SALES: 2929 E Commercial Blvd, PhD, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 Phone 954-380-8563 FAX 954-380-8567 A bureau of LGBTQNation.com www.floridaagenda.com Printed by Forum Publishing Group (954) 574-5321 MEDIA ADVISORY BOARD Alan Beck, Keith Blackburn, Robert Boo, Reece Darham, Richard Hack, Kevin Hopper, Paul Hugo, Peter Jackson, Krishan Manners, Terry DeCarlo, Mark Negrete, Jackson Padgett, Gary Santis, Jason Tamanini, Brett Tannenbaum, Dean Trantalis, Victor Zepka © 2015, Mutimedia Platforms LLC. All rights reserved.

COVER STORY

previously stated rules. “We remove photographs of people displaying genitals or focusing in on fully exposed buttocks. We also restrict some images of female breasts if they include the nipple, but we always allow photos of women actively engaged in breastfeeding or showing breasts with post-mastectomy scarring. We also allow photographs of paintings, sculptures, and other art that depicts nude figures. Restrictions on the display of both nudity and sexual activity also apply to digitally created content unless the content is posted for educational, humorous, or satirical purposes. Explicit images of sexual intercourse are prohibited. Descriptions of sexual acts that go into vivid detail may also be removed.” Facebook has previously encountered criticism from transactivists and the drag community for reinforcing the use of ‘real names’ on the website, while disallowing stage names in profiles. The guidelines state: “People connect on Facebook using their authentic identities. When people stand behind their opinions and actions with their authentic name and reputation, our community is more accountable. “If we discover that you have multiple personal profiles, we may ask you to close the additional profiles. We also remove any profiles that impersonate other people.”

March 18, 2015

speech for the purpose of raising awareness or educating others about that hate speech. When this is the case, we expect people to clearly indicate their purpose, which helps us better understand why they shared that content.” Monika Bickert, the company’s Head of Global Policy Management, said: “It’s a challenge to maintain one set of standards that meets the needs of a diverse global community. “For one thing, people from different backgrounds may have different ideas about what’s appropriate to share — a video posted as a joke by one person might be upsetting to someone else, but it may not violate our standards. “This is particularly challenging for issues such as hate speech. “Hate speech has always been banned on Facebook, and in our new Community Standards, we explain our efforts to keep our community free from this kind of abusive language. “We understand that many countries have concerns about hate speech in their communities, so we regularly talk to governments, community members, academics and other experts from around the globe to ensure that we are in the best position possible to recognize and remove such speech from our community. “We know that our policies won’t perfectly address every piece of content, especially where we have limited context, but we evaluate reported content seriously and do our best to get it right.” Regarding nudity, Facebook updated its guidelines by reminding users of

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acebook has announced a new set of community guidelines reaffirming the ban on homophobic and transphobic hate speech on the social network. The changes were announced this week, as part of the company’s unveiling of new rules to clarify its position on terrorist groups, nudity, and hate speech. Users can now flag hate speech directly through the website’s reporting panel—options previously available only for “harassment.” The website has come under fire in the past for uneven enforcement of regulations, including its arbitrary censorship of images depicting samesex couple, at the same time it allowed known hate groups to promote themselves on the social media network. According to the new guidelines, “Facebook removes hate speech, which includes content that directly attacks people based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, sex, gender, or gender identity, or serious disabilities or diseases. “Organizations and people dedicated to promoting hatred against these protected groups are not allowed a presence on Facebook. As with all of our standards, we rely on our community to report this content to us.” Placing hate groups in its crosshairs, Facebook went on to state, “People can use Facebook to challenge ideas, institutions, and practices. Such discussion can promote debate and greater understanding. Sometimes people share content containing someone else’s hate

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FACEBOOK OFFICIALLY BANS HOMOPHOBIC HATE SPEECH F

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BY RICHARD HACK

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Winter Party Festival in Miami Beach Raises Record $1 Mil

Gala to Honor Key West Marriage Heroes Huntsman, Jones

Pridelines Youth Services Launches “10 In 10” Campaign

MIAMI BEACH — For the first time in its 22-year history, the Winter Party Festival in Miami Beach raised more than Winter Party venue $1 million thanks to record attendance and ticket sales. Australia, Brazil, Germany and the The festival is produced by the National LGBTQ Task Force and is the United Kingdom to participate in a host of sold-out events throughout the city. organization’s top money-generating “We promised this year’s Festival event each year, along with the Miami would be bigger, better and more excitRecognition Dinner. Proceeds from ing than ever, and we delivered on that the events fund a number of LGBTQoriented organizations in South Florida. promise with diverse events that our guests truly embraced,” said Justin Bell, “Surpassing the $1 million revenue who chaired this year’s festival. milestone is truly a significant accomMajor sponsors this included: Showplishment,” said Russell Roybal, deputy time, Bacardi, Coca-Cola, Office executive director for the National Depot, National Minority AIDS CounLGBTQ Task Force. “Equally as imprescil, Rufskin, Miami Beach Visitor and sive is the growth the event has experiConvention Authority, Miami Beach enced since the Task Force assumed the Centennial, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Miami production responsibilities in 2005.” International Film Festival, Florida Attendance surpassed 13,000 with Agenda, Edge Media Network, Next international guests descending on Magazine and Wire Magazine. Miami Beach from as far away as

KEY WEST — Same-sex marriage heroes Aaron Huntsman and William “Lee” Jones will receive Equality Florida’s highest honor at the 2015 Key West Gala on Saturday, March 28. Huntsman and Jones won the first court ruling overturning the state’s same-sex marriage ban last summer and subsequently became the first gay couple to marry in Monroe County on the morning of Jan. 6. The pair have a huge following of friends and admirers in Key West. Together more than 11 years, both work as bartenders, at Aqua Nightclub and 801 Bourbon Street respectively, and share their Key West home with two dogs, Kira and Riddick. “We have not fought this fight for marriage equality to garner praise or honors. We did it because we love each other,” said Huntsman. “Receiving this award from Equality Florida, though, validates that our effort will make a difference in the lives of so many others throughout the state.” “This is humbling and invigorating … all at the same time,” said Jones. Monroe Circuit Judge Luis Garcia ruled in the couple’s favor on July 17, 2014. Their case was soon consolidated with a similar Miami-Dade ruling in favor of Equality Florida, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and six other South Florida couples. Both local rulings took effect at the same time as a federal ruling in Tallahassee. The Key West event is the longestrunning gala for Equality Florida, the largest LGBT rights organization in the state. It will be held at the Gardens Hotel located at 526 Angela Street starting at 6:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend, but guests are encouraged to make a taxdeductible donation to support Equality Florida’s important work. Sponsorships, starting at $500, also are available. For further information or to RSVP, go to www.eqfl.org/keywestgala.

MIAMI SHORES — Pridelines Youth Services in Miami is holding its sixth annual “10 in 10” fundraising campaign between March 16 and March 27. The campaign seeks to raise $10,000 in 10 days. Donations help South Florida’s oldest LGBTQ service agency expand all of its programs, youth enrichment activities, health services and drop-in center services. “This year, the success of this campaign is essential to our organization. Due to the success of our youth programs and our new HIV services, our center hours have been extended to include evening programs and weekend services,” said Victor Diaz-Herman, executive director of Pridelines. “Additionally, our attendance is simply far too great to continue operating from our 975 square foot center.” More specifically, the money raised will allow the organization to relocate into a newer and larger headquarters while supporting existing programs, such as daily hot meals, emergency services for at-risk youth and HIV/STI testing. Pridelines youth activities include special events such as CampOUT, a weekend-long leadership development retreat, GSA Picnics, the annual LGBTQ “Youth Prom” and the Miami Beach Gay Pride Youth After-Party. For more information, visit www. pridelines.org or call 305-571-9601.

ADRIANNA CORTEZ

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SUNSHINE STATE

MEMORIAL MASS PLANNED FOR KRISTINA GOMEZ ON MARCH 22 at a time when there have been almost 10 similar incidents recently involving transgender women in memorial will be held on the United States. March 22 for the late Kristina The Mass will also remember Gomez, a transgender performer whose dead body was found in her the fallen members of the transgender community that have Miami apartment on Feb. 15. passed away this year. The Mass The service for Gomez, who was is opened to the public and all are known to the public as Kristina welcomed to attend. Grant Infiniti, will take place at St. Police are asking anyone with James Evangelical Lutheran Church information to contact Miami-Dade from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. “There are no new developments Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS. in the case,” said Miami-Dade lead detective David Garcia. “We are still treating it as a homicide and waiting for evidence to return back St. James Evangelical from the lab.” Lutheran Church According to the non-profit unity- 110 Phoenetia Avenue Coral Gables, Florida 33134 coalition.org, Gomez’ death comes

By Jameer Baptiste

March 18, 2015

Transgender Bathroom Bill Passes 2nd Legislative Hurdle TALLAHASSEE — A bill introduced by Rep. Frank Artiles (R-Miami) — that would make it illegal for people born into one sex to use public facilities intended for the opposite sex — has passed its second crucial test. The Government Operations Subcommittee met today, March 17, to

PHOTOS BY BIG DEWITTE

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Scott Weston entertains as Scott Weston at The Drive Bar…

ORT LAUDERDALE — One of South Florida’s most popular female impersonators Scott Weston, who went by the stage name Cashetta, has died. Weston, a beloved singer, comic, emcee and magician, was in Mexico for the winter season performing at The Red Door Cabaret. According to his best friend and domestic partner, Scott Cirlin, the 44-year-old Weston passed away sometime on Sunday evening and was discovered by friends in his Puerto Vallarta apartment on Mon. No other details of Weston’s death have been confirmed. “An autopsy is scheduled and his body will

Tampa Film Festival to Require Gender-Neutral Restrooms

and as Cashetta at Alibi

be returned to the U.S.,” Cirlin said. Originally from Little Falls, New Jersey, Weston packed houses locally in Wilton Manors and at venues across the country, including Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Caroline’s Comedy Club on Broadway in New York City, Blue Moon in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware as well as The Art House, Crown and Anchor in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Among Cashetta’s television appearances were stints on the Today Show, Conan O’Brien and Outlaugh Festival--Wisecrack on Logo with Margaret Cho.

Transgender Teen from South Florida to Star in TV Series LOS ANGELES (AP)— The TLC channel will air a documentary series about a transgender teen from South Florida. The channel said the 11-episode series will follow the lives of 14-year-old Jazz Jennings, who was born male, her parents, siblings and grandparents. TLC general manager Nancy Daniels described Jazz as having a “big, brave heart.” Jennings, the name used in the series, is not the family’s real surname, a TLC spokesman said. Their South Florida hometown also is kept private. Transgender themes and characters have become prominent on TV, most notably with the Golden Globewinning comedy “Transparent” and “Orange Is the New Black” star Laverne Cox, the first openly transgender actor to earn an Emmy nomination. The TLC series, tentatively titled All That Jazz, is scheduled for a summer debut.

filed the bill as a matter of public safety after Miami-Dade County passed a human rights ordinance recently barring discrimination against people based on sexual orientation and gender identity. “This proposed bill is unnecessary, TAMPA — The Tampa International arbitrary, and unenforceable,” said Gay & Lesbian Film Festival will Director Gina Duncan of Equality Florrequire all of the venues screening films ida in a written statement. “We thank this year to supply at least one genderthe board and staff of the Tampa Interneutral bathroom for festival attendees. national Gay and Lesbian Film Festival The decision by the organization’s for taking steps to provide a welcoming board is in response to a bill currently and inclusive event for all.” before the Florida Legislature that At least one of the venues, St. Peterswould make it illegal for transgender burg’s freeFall Theatre Company, individuals to use public facilities such responded positively to the news. as bathrooms designated for the gender “freeFall is committed to providing with which they may identify but were a safe and inclusive environment for not originally born into. all our patrons,” said Matthew McGee, “This bill unfairly targets the transfreeFall’s outreach and marketing gender community by requiring them director. “We hope that providing a to prove their sexual identity or face gender neutral restroom will provide arrest, and would undo many of the privacy and dignity for audience protections that local municipalities, members enjoying (the festival’s) excelincluding Tampa and St. Petersburg lent programming.” already have in place,” according to an A screening of the film Boy Meets Girl official festival statement. is scheduled for March 18 at the freeFall Rep. Frank Artiles (R-Miami), said he Theatre Company.

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debate H.B. 583, the so-called transgender bathroom bill, which would make it a crime for people to use public restrooms in Florida if they were not born with that gender. Citizen lobbyists and other proLGBT organizations unhappy with what they say is the discriminatory nature of the bill were in Tallahassee to meet with lawmakers ahead of this morning’s hearing. On March 4, after nearly a twohour hearing, a majority of the House Subcommittee on Civil Justice voted 9-4 to move forward with the bill. Reps. Dwight Dudley (D-St. Petersburg), Kionne McGhee (D-Cutler Bay), Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach) and Cynthia Stafford (D-Opa Locka) voted against the bill. Openly gay Rep. David Richardson (D-Miami Beach) attended the hearing but is not on the committee and did not vote. According to Florida’s largest LGBT rights group, Equality Florida, Artiles’s bill would also penalize businesses, schools and governments that do not police their single-sex facilities sufficiently. A person who is offended by someone they believe is the opposite sex could sue both the other person and the owner of the facility for monetary damages. “This poorly written bill is a lawsuit factory,” said Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida. The bill has one more committee stop to make before going to the full House for a vote. A Senate version of Artiles’ bill has been introduced in the upper house by Sen. Charlie Dean, R-Inverness. The two bills are not identical but both would limit the use of singlesex, public facilities such as restrooms to people born into a specified gender only. Those found guilty could face a steep fine or time behind bars. Claiming public safety as a justification for the measure, Artiles said his bill was filed in response to a Miami-Dade ordinance that bans discrimination based on gender identity. The 60-day legislative session began Mar. 3.

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DRAG ICON CASHETTA FOUND DEAD IN MEXICO

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SUNSHINE STATE

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COURTESY OF NORMAN R. GLICK FACEBOOK PAGE

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LEFT COAST BY DANIEL HICKS

ON LGBT RIGHTS, U.S. SHOWING TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF LEADERSHIP

March 18, 2015

COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OREGON

eadership is that unique ability to remain human yet change hearts and minds decisively for the better through concrete action. At the federal level, it’s called statesmanship, yet you will find much more of it these days if you comb the grassroots. When my friend and LGBT attorney Dean Trantalis won reelection last week to the Fort Lauderdale City Commission, I took a step back and realized that he was the latest in a string of high-profile successes that, collectively, mark a true watershed moment in U.S. LGBT history. Without a doubt, President Barack Obama, who has established himself as one of, if not the most, gay friendly commanders-in-chief of all time, set the stage this year when he included the LGBT acronym in his State of the Union address before Congress in January. And to their credit, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) have really stepped up and provided lawmakers in Utah the political cover they needed to pass a landmark non-discrimination legislation that protects the sexual orientation and gender identity of LGBT people across that state. This kind of religious leadership has now been displayed by reformist Judaism as well. In Philadelphia this week, Denise Eger was installed as the first openly gay president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the rabbinical arm of the U.S. reformist movement. “It really shows an arc of LGBT civil rights,” Eger said in a phone interview ahead of the convention where she will take office. “I smile a lot — with a smile of incredulousness.” Eger, founding rabbi of Congregation Kol Ami in Los Angeles, isn’t the first openly gay or lesbian clergyperson to lead an American rabbinic group. In 2007, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association chose Rabbi Toba Spitzer, a lesbian, as its national president. But Reform Jews, with 2,000 rabbis and 862 American congregations, comprise the largest movement in American Judaism and have a broader role in the Jewish world. Eger, 55, began working in synagogues at age 12, in the mailroom of the Memphis, Tennessee, congregation her family attended. Around the same time, she realized she was a lesbian. By college, Eger knew she

Oregon Governor Kate Brown

wanted to become a rabbi or cantor, even though she believed at the time that it meant she would have to sacrifice her hopes of having a spouse and children. “It’s about human rights and human dignity,” Eger said. “If you can be a rabbi, if you can be a person of faith, if you can serve a community as their pastor, and you can have the opportunity to begin to reconcile all of those issues, it speaks volumes.” Meanwhile, the United States has shown significant international leadership by naming openly gay diplomat Randy Berry as its first LGBT envoy to the world. Berry, who is currently consul general in the Netherlands, will begin his new role in late spring to promote human rights around the world for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens. “Defending and promoting the human rights of LGBT persons is at the core of our commitment to advancing human rights globally - the heart and conscience of our diplomacy,” Kerry said in a statement. He cited overturning laws that still criminalize same-sex activity in more than 75 countries as a specific priority.

In 2011, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton declared during a speech in Geneva that “gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights.” And earlier this year, the White House for the first time included human rights protection for LGBT people in its formal national security strategy. In fact, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter indicated recently that he is not opposed to allowing transgender people to serve openly in the armed forces. And then comes word from this column’s namesake side of the North American continent that Oregon’s Kate Brown has become America’s first openly bisexual governor. Brown lives in Portland with her husband and two stepchildren and has been open throughout her political career about being bisexual, after entering politics in 1991 as a member of Oregon’s House of Representatives. “Some days I feel like I have a foot in both worlds, yet never really belonging to either,” Brown said. For too long, a lot of us felt like that. No longer. In 2015, this ship has sailed.

Making History: St. Patrick’s Parade Welcomes 2 LGBT Groups

American Rabbis to Install First Openly Lesbian Leader

gation, in San Francisco, had an openly gay rabbi. Still, around that time, Minnesota Rabbi Stacy Offner announced she was a lesbian, and was forced out of leadership at her Reform congregation. After Eger was ordained in 1988, she had only the one job offer. She started the position with Beth Chayim Chadashim in Los Angeles amid the AIDS crisis. She said “standing over the graves of 28-year-olds and schlepping to the hospital five or six times a day” intensified her activism for gay rights. In 1990, she came out in a Los Angeles Times story, telling the newspaper gay and lesbian Jews need positive role models. “I took a great risk but I didn’t feel I could be authentic anymore — watching young men all around me die and not tell,” she said. Over the next two decades, gay acceptance became the norm in most American Jewish groups. In 2006, the Conservative Jewish movement, which holds a middle ground between the liberal Reform and the strict Orthodox, lifted its ban on gay ordination.

KEVIN MILLER

March 18, 2015 25

BOSTON (AP) — The St. Patrick’s Day parade in Boston will make history this Sunday as two gay and lesbian groups join the fun. The advocacy group Boston Pride and OutVets, a group of gay military veterans, have been welcomed by the organizers. Until now, gay rights have barred by the Allied War Veterans Council from marching in the parade, which draws as many as a million spectators to South Boston each year. Twenty years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld their right to keep gays out. Brian Mahoney commands the council now, and he’s shrugging off ques-

movement called for civil rights protections for gays. By 1996, Reform rabbis backed same-sex civil marriage. But as these positions developed, gays and lesbians had to grapple with the uncertainties of pursuing ordination at a time when they could easily be kicked out of seminary over their sexuality, or graduate without a congregation willing to hire them. NEW YORK (AP) — As a rabbinic Eger, 55, began working in synastudent in 1980s New York, Denise gogues at age 12, in the mailroom of Eger lived away from the Memphis, Tennessee, congregation other seminarians. her family attended. Around the same She quietly started a time, she realized she was a lesbian. group for fellow gay By college, Eger knew she wanted to and lesbian students, become a rabbi or cantor, even though but held the meetshe believed at the time that it meant ings in another she would have to sacrifice her hopes of borough. By the time having a spouse and children. of her ordination, she “It was impossible to reconcile being wasn’t formally out, but her sexuality a rabbi and being a gay person or a was known, and no one would hire her. lesbian person,” she said. Later, she took the only job offered, During seminary, she had a girlwith a synagogue formed expressly as a friend, and said some people treated religious refuge for gays. them as a couple. Some Reform synaSince then, the Reform Jewish movegogues had started outreach programs ment — Eger’s spiritual home since to gays and lesbians and one congrechildhood — has traveled a long road toward recognizing and embracing same-sex relationships. That journey has led this week to Philadelphia, where Eger will be installed Monday as the first openly gay president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the rabbinical arm of Reform Judaism. “It really shows an arc of LGBT civil rights,” Eger said in a phone interview ahead of the convention where she will take office. “I smile a lot — with a smile of incredulousness.” Eger, founding rabbi of Congregation Kol Ami in Los Angeles, isn’t the first openly gay or lesbian clergyperson to lead an American rabbinic group. In 2007, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association chose Rabbi Toba Spitzer, a lesbian, as its national president. But Reform Jews, with 2,000 rabbis and 862 American congregations, comprise the largest movement in American Judaism and have a broader role in the Jewish world. Reform Judaism was the earliest of the major Jewish movements to take formal steps toward recognizing samesex relationships. In 1977, the Reform

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BIRMINGHAM (AP) — Same-sex marriage is on hold in Alabama, but a judge has allowed a lesbian divorce. A judge in Huntsville let two women to legally end their marriage, a year after refusing their request. The judge granted the divorce Thursday. The divorce was sought by Shrie Michelle Richmond and Kirsten Allysse Richmond, who wed three years ago in Dubuque, Iowa. The women sought the divorce on Feb. 9, the day a federal judge’s decision striking down Alabama’s gay-marriage ban took effect. A year ago, the judge ruled the couple couldn’t divorce under Alabama law. He didn’t explain why he reversed his decision. Gay marriages began last month in Alabama but are now on hold because of a ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court.

tions about sexual orientation. Just like Pope Francis, he says, “Who am I to judge?”

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With Gay Marriage on Hold, Alabama Judge OKs Lesbian Divorce

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NATION

WILTON MANORS

A STAGED HOME IS A SOLD HOME

BY PATRICK ROBERT

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THE WEEK

FLORIDA STAGE HANDS

3/22

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Florida AIDS Walk

COURTESY OF FLORIDA STAGE HANDS

March 18, 2015

lorida Stage Hands was founded in 2010 by Robert Geary MacKilligan, an Estate Agent with ONE/Sotheby’s International Realty Fort Lauderdale. The concept is a simple one. “Stage” a home that is on the market with furniture specifically put in place to make the property show at its best. In hindsight, the idea to marry the real estate and the staging business seems an obvious one, but in 2010 it was a revolutionary concept. Every seller strives to have his or her home sell quickly, because a home that sits on the market loses appeal and costs money. In today’s competitive real estate market, first impressions are everything. It’s important to impress buyers and also instill a warm, welcoming feeling the moment they walk into a home for sale. Staging is a strategic marketing tool designed to show a property in its best possible light. It can transform a “nice” home into a remarkably desirable product that sets itself apart from the competition. Staging makes a home appeal to a broad range of buyers’ tastes. And the numbers support this fact: professionally staged properties not only sell faster but command approximately 3% more in sales price. Florida Stage Hands’ interior designers use only the best and latest home decorating ideas and are highly skilled at interior decorating specifically for the real estate market. Whether a home is a bungalow or an estate, every property benefits from the magic wand of design from Florida Stage Hands. Rich Palmiere, Staging Director at Florida Stage Hands, states “Buyers often can’t envision how to decorate an empty space. We showcase each home by creating a striking ambiance,

accenting its best features, compensating for any shortcomings, customized to style and scale. We utilize designer furniture, art and accessories to create a look and feel that is inviting, minimalist, clean, modern and elegant.” Palmiere combines eclectic style with attention to detail. Having recently moved to Fort Lauderdale from New York City, Palmiere brings an urban vibe to coastal living. He brings interior staging to a new level creating cohesive luxurious looks at an affordable price. According to Florida Stage Hands, after the company finishes staging a home, the average property sells in 47 days, giving merit to the company’s theme: a staged home is a sold home! The cost to stage a home depends on how much furniture is utilized in the design with the average price beginning as low as $4.00 per square foot with a three to four month contract. For the furniture buyer, Florida Stage Hands operates a retail showroom in Wilton Manors offering unique furniture, art and accessories at substantially discounted prices. Since staged furniture receives little to no wear and tear during the short period a staged home is for sale, it remains goodas-new, allowing for incredible discounts up to 75% for furniture that has essentially paid for itself— often many times over. Clever concept; clever you. Florida Stage Hands 1438 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-530-6155

The Florida AIDS Walk helps combat the HIV epidemic annually in Fort Lauderdale. This year’s event includes a performance by rap divas Salt-N-Pepa. The trio responsible for such classic songs as “Shoop,” “Whatta Man,” and “Push It” will be lending their musical chops on the beach. The walk begins at South Beach Park in Fort Lauderdale Beach and will include food trucks, tents in the sand, along with a cavalcade of walkers there to support this cause. One of the major beneficiaries of this year’s walk is AIDS Healthcare Foundation. 8:00 a.m. South Beach Park. 1100 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale. 33316.

3/25

The Mix Trendy new gay bar Progress Bar hosts this month’s premiere LGBTQ networking event, The Mix. Each month, Guy Magazine and the Wilton Manors Development Alliance present two hours of cocktails and hors d‘oeuvres for Wilton Manors’ business professionals. Rub shoulders with lawyers, advertising agents, writers from this magazine, and many other successful professionals from our glittering community. The Mix allows for new business opportunities and chances to grow startups. This week’s Mix also offers a chance to win a $500 advertising certificate with Guy Magazine and Agenda: Florida. Come enjoy a few drinks and strong connections. 6:30 p.m. Progress Bar. 2440 Wilton Dr. Wilton Manors. 33305.

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16) NAKED GRAPE 2163 Wilton Drive Wilton manors

15) MONKEY BUSINESS 2740 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale

14) MONA’S 502 E Sunrise Blvd Fort Lauderdale

13) THE MANOR 2345 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

12) LIPS 1421 E Oakland Park Blvd Oakland Park

11) LE PATIO 2401 NE 11th Ave Wilton Manors

10) LE BOY 1243 NE 11th Ave Fort Lauderdale

30) VILLAGE PUB 2283 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

29) TROPICS 2000 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

28) 13 I EVEN 2037 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors

27) THE STABLE 205 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale

26) SMARTY PANTS 2400 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale

25) SIDELINES 2031 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

24) SCARFONE’S 2150 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

23) SCANDALS SALOON 3073 NE 6th Ave Wilton Manors

8) INFINITY LOUNGE 2184 WIlton Drive Wilton Manors

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9) JMARK’S 1245 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale

22) RUMORS BAR & GRILL 2426 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

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

20) RAMROD 1508 NE 4th Ave Fort Lauderdale

19) PROGRESS 2440 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

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

17) NEW YORK GRILLED CHEESE 2207 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

7) HUNTERS NIGHTCLUIB 2232 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

6) DAPUR 1620 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale

5) CUBBY HOLE 823 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale

4) CORNER PUB 1915 N Andrews Ave Wilton Manors

3) BOARDWALK 1721 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale

2) B BAR AND GRILLE 2209 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

1) ALIBI 2266 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

BAR MAP

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March 18, 2015

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A Fitness & Nutrition Transformation Blueprint

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WORKOUTS THE SERIES SO FAR… This is the fourth weekly installment of a 10-week series to help Agenda Florida readers improve their fitness and nutrition. Here’s a digest of the series so far: WEEK 1: CUT YOUR SUGAR CONSUMPTION Most Americans consume twice or more the amount of sugar on a daily basis than they should. This makes it much more difficult to lose weight and leads to a variety of major health problems, including diabetes. We learned ways to cut our sugar consumption including eating more protein (which makes us feel full longer and less likely to crave sweets), saying no to sodas of all kinds and re-discovering the natural sweetness of a variety of fruit.

WEEK 2: CLEAN UP YOUR DIET If you are trying to lose weight and get fit, the place to start is actually not the gym but your own kitchen. Toss out all the unhealthy, carb-rich, sugar-filled snacks and desserts and replace with them with fruit, vegetables, nuts and similar healthy treats. Track your eating habits and caloric intake for a week or longer using an app like My Fitness Pal to understand how you are eating. We learned the four Rules of Thumb for Healthy Nutrition: 1) Eat only foods that have been grilled, baked, broiled or steamed; 2) Build all your meals around protein; 3) Include fiber with each meal in the form of salads, vegetables, fruit and legumes; and 4) Cut back on the starches — foods like potatoes, pasta, bread and crackers.

March 18, 2015

FITNESS MAN

PHOTO: TOBY BLADES, WWW.TOBYSPHOTOS.COM

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BY PETER JACKSON, CPT

Part 4 of 10

WEEK 3: SEVEN STEPS TO GO FROM FAT TO FIT Once we get past all the self-limiting excuses about why we can’t exercise or lose weight, we can incorporate these 7 steps: 1) Drink a gallon of water a day; 2) Cut out alcohol during this program; 3) Get moving with calorie-burning activities like briskwalking, hiking, biking and swimming; 4) Cut out all processed foods; 5) Lift weights — resistance training is essential to your success; 6) Elevate your heart rate with High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), short, intense bursts of aerobic intervals between less intense bouts of aerobics, such as a 30-minute sprint sandwiched between 2 minutes of walking, repeating this for 20 minutes; 7) If you are lost in a gym, invest in a fitness class or hire an experienced personal trainer. Peter Jackson is a fitness and nutrition expert and the owner of Push Fitness and other fitness facilities in Fort Lauderdale. He welcomes your questions and comments at Info@PushFitnessFTL.com.

If working out alone at a gym is not your thing, consider joining a fitness class to help you build lean muscle, increase your metabolism and improve flexibility.

or many people, walking into a busy commercial gym can be downright intimidating — and even more so if you are not sure what to do with all those machines and free weights. If this applies to you, consider joining a fitness class, registering at a smaller boutique gym or hiring an experienced personal trainer to teach you the essentials of resistance training. With consistent effort in the gym, you will find in a few weeks that you have more energy, your metabolism increases (burning more calories and incinerating body fat), muscle tone visibly improves, quality of sleep is better and, overall, you simply feel better!

exercises such as the Seated Row, Bench Press, Lat Pull-down, Chin-up and, the best of them all in my opinion, the Squat. For example, the Squat, when executed correctly, will work your quadriceps (front of your upper leg), hamstrings (back of your upper leg), gluteus maximus (buttocks), calves, lower back and even your core. The benefits of incorporating several compound exercises in each workout are staggering. Among them, you will be able to use heavier weights and build strength faster, your heart rate will remain elevated resulting in great cardio conditioning, and you’ll burn more calories during each workout.

Here are 5 steps to success when engaging in resistance training at the gym:

OPT FOR FREE WEIGHTS: It’s easy to jump from one machine to another at the gym and believe you’ve done a great workout, but the truth is machines typically restrict your range of motion and are less effective than free weights and cables in building muscle. Use free weights such as dumbbells or an Olympic bar with weight plates as much as possible and learn all the ways you can use a Cable (pulley) Crossover station.

LEARN PROPER FORM: Guys, especially, tend to become “know-it-alls” in a gym environment and would rather turn blue in the face than ask for help. The fact is if you don’t know or execute proper form, not only will you deny yourself the full benefit of an exercise but you could actually injure yourself pretty badly. Investing in even a handful of sessions with a personal trainer is worth the investment to learn the correct form and benefits of specific exercises. If that’s not an option for you, find a gym buddy with some experience to show you the ropes. I also encourage you to educate yourself by watching videos of exercises online and reading magazines such as Men’s Health. DO COMPOUND EXERCISES: Compound exercises — that is, multi-joint exercises which recruit multiple muscles or muscle groups — should be the staple of all of your workouts. These include

PLAN AND TRACK: It sounds nerdy to carry a notebook and pen around the gym, but planning your workouts in advance and tracking your progress are extremely important. You will want to record the date, name of the exercise, weight and number of repetitions. Many cell phone apps now offer this ability to track your workouts. Your goal is to progressively increase your weight. In the first three months of your program, I would recommend you plan total body workouts in order to condition your muscles. Ultimately, you can target specific muscle groups in different workouts.

MIAMI/ MIAMI BEACH

3/20

In this Jazz Meets Broadway series event, Michael Feinstein and Christine Ebersol perform the music of Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George & Ira Gershwin, and Richard Rodgers. Feinstein is known as the “Ambassador of the Great American Songbook,” while Ebersole is a dazzling, two-time Tony Award winner for 42nd Street and Grey Gardens. Tonight’s unequalled duo will provide a perfect night of jazz and Broadway. 8:00 p.m. Adrienne Arsht Center: Knight Concert Hall. 1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 33132.

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

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Michael Feinstein and Christine Ebersol

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BY PATRICK ROBERT

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THE WEEK

Billy Porter Tony and Grammy Award-winning singer Billy Porter is a singer, composer, actor, playwright, and director. His most recent accomplishment is his starring role as Lola in the smash Broadway musical Kinky Boots. His newest album is titled At the Corner of Broadway + Soul – Live. Tonight’s performance will include his Broadway hits along with his own material. 8:00 p.m. Colony Theatre. 1040 Lincoln Rd. Miami Beach. 33139.

3/21

The Seven Year Itch

March 18, 2015 29

This is the last weekend of the Miami Theater Center’s presentation of the classic 1950s play that led to the Marilyn Monroe film. The play involves the mid-life crisis of Richard Sherman, an unhappily married men who begins to fantasize about his 22-year-old actress neighbor. The production includes a nod to the iconic Marilyn Monroe white-dress moment along with staging that evokes the classic 1950s style. 8:00 p.m. Miami Theater Center. 9806 NE 2nd Ave. Miami Shores. 33138.

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30 March 18, 2015

BY JAMEER BAPTISTE

TRAVEL

PACKING FOR LAND, AIR, & SEA

o matter where you are going or how you plan on getting there, every vacation starts out with preparation. Of course, you first decide where to go and then make the arrangements to get there, but once you’re done with that and before you actually make the journey, you are assigned with the daunting task of packing for your trip. They’re so many questiona that need to be answered when getting your belongings in order to head out on your voyage. You definitely don’t want to leave the important things behind. But what you need to take with you and, at times, what you’re prohibited to bring can vary widely depending on different factors of your trip. One major factor is your mode of transportation. How will you be getting to and from your destination? Will you be hitting the road? Are you heading out to sea? Or perhaps you’ll be taking a flight. Each form of transportation requires you to pack different necessities, which in some cases are dictated by strict government guidelines to ensure every travelers’ safety. So how do you make packing less unnerving and remember all the essentials needed while staying within the restricted guidelines? The best way is to be organized by crafting two key packing list: Primary List and Last-minute List. The Primary List works as your overall guide to packing everything you’ll need. It could be a tedious task when done by yourself. But luckily you have the Internet to help. You can find multiple “packing list makers” online that provide easy-to-print checklist that are categorized by your mode of transportation. Some even use multiple filters to customize a tailored list specific to your travel itinerary. At Packinglistonline. com (www.inpaklijst.nl) you create your own tailored Primary List by answering a series of questions about your trip (i.e.. destination, weather

conditions, length of stay, means of travel, length of travel, purpose of travel and so on)--all so you can get a precise list to make your packing easy and well-organized. Your Last-minute List is used to ensure that you pack your everyday items right before you leave. Or to purchase those items you didn’t have available for your primary list. Travel toothpaste perhaps or your cellphone charger you used the night before; these items can be easily overlooked and forgotten. Make a list of them and place the list in an area you routinely check so not to leave any essentials behind or spend unnecessary bucks on unfamiliar items because you forgot to purchase them at home. So what are the rules and how should you pack for the different means of travel? Lets start with the mode of transportation that has become highly monitored--air travel. When traveling on an airplane, it is extremely important to know the TSA (the department in charge of US public travel safety) guidelines for luggage whether you’ll be traveling with a carry-on or a checked bag. Remember the 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons. All liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be stored in a container no bigger than 3.4 ounces (100ml); all these items must then be secured in a 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag with only 1 bag per

passenger. Any items described above that exceed the max 3.4 ounces need to be packed in your checked bag or they will be taken away at the screening checkpoint. For more TSA guidelines, visit their website at www.tsa. gov/traveler-information. Some helpful tips to make your airport experience easier include wearing shoes that slip off easily and forgo wearing a belt to avoid hassle when its time to go through the security checkpoint and you’re asked to remove them. If you’re heading out on a long travel trip, pack a snack to avoid paying high airport prices. Weigh your suitcase beforehand to make sure it’s within your baggage allowance to avoid paying additional fees. Keep all your personal information and everyday items (phone charger, etc.) in your carry-on so they’re readily accessible if you should need them. Not many travel by boat, so packing for the trip can be as foreign as your destination. Some helpful tips to packing for a boat excursion: Pack minimally, bring outfits (preferably dark colors to avoid any embarrassing wet see-through spectacles) you can mix and match because even on big cruise liners, cabin space is limited so bring luggage that can be tucked away. No matter the weather, bring items to keep you warm. The cruising speeds can sometime cause a nippy breeze. Pack footwear that have traction to avoid

slipping on the wet decks. Consider packing motion sickness pills, tight fitted hats, an eyeglass chain (also good for sunglasses), and a travel mug with a secure top just in case the boat is a little too rocky for you. The means of travel by land can include trains, buses and cars. Although considered different forms of transportation, they all share key items to pack and essential to-dos. Remember to always be mindful to use the restroom at every scheduled stop, to avoid any out-of-the-way stops or using undesirable mobile facilities. Try to bring finger snacks that aren’t messy and are light on the stomach — don’t want to get noxious on a road trip. Travel with a personal pillow and blanket for a comfortable nap. And don’t forget your earplugs and eye mask to drowned out your surroundings. Carry with you antiseptic wipes and an emergency kit just in case. At all times, keep on you safety items: flashlight, pepper spray, a whistle. Make sure to have access to a map so you always can pinpoint your location and know your travel route. And bring personal entertainment (brainteasers, game apps, movies, music) to keep yourself occupied. Now that you have the knowledge you need to pack wisely for your next trip, go and explore but before you do check your Primary List and double check your Last-minute List too.

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March 18, 2015

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32 March 18, 2015

BY GREGG SHAPIRO

SCREEN SAVOR

OH, DEAR!

s with the greatest magicians and magic tricks, Tyler Measom and Justin Weinstein’s beguiling doc An Honest Liar (Left Turn/Pure Mutt), about the mesmerizing life of gay escape artist and fraud debunker The Amazing Randi (aka James Randi), keeps us, well, amazed. When Randi says “No matter how smart or well-educated you are, you can be deceived,” little does he realize how much that applies to him as well. Once considered the heir to Houdini’s legacy, nowadays at 86, you are more likely to see The Amazing Randi giving a TED Talk than freeing himself from a straitjacket and shackles. Randi, a man who devoted his entire life to using the tools of deception to uncover real deception — ranging from psychics such as Uri Geller to faith healers such as Peter Popoff — became an unwitting victim of deception. The recipient of a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, Randi created his own sensation with “The Carlos Hoax,” a false channeler portrayed by his life-partner, the artist Jose Alvarez, in order to prove how easy it was to fool both the media and the public. But it’s the fooling of Randi, in a situation involving Alvarez and his true identity that is the ultimate act of sleight of hand. Without revealing too much more about it (the element of surprise is essential to magic, after all), suffice to say that this doc about “honest liar” Randi, a “con on the right side,” is enchanting. There’s been more than a little bit of fuss made over Selma director Ava DuVernay, an African-American woman, being overlooked for an Oscar nomination. Truth be told, there ought to be the same amount of fuss being made over Justin Simien, an out, gay African-American man being overlooked for a Best Director Oscar. Homophobic and racist much, Hollywood?

An Honest Liar opens March 20 at The Gateway and other area theaters. Photo of James Randi courtesy of Abramorama.

t might seem strange to see Dear White People and Selma being discussed in the same place, but they have much in common, particularly in the way that both films address race issues and relations. But Dear White People does it in a much more creative, non-traditional and effective way. Set on the Ivy League campus of Winchester University, where diversity issues plague the student body and faculty alike, Dear White People is the best movie Spike Lee never made. Unassuming and undeclared gay sophomore Lionel (Tyler James Williams) is about to get more attention than he can handle. A writer who has caught the attention of George (Brandon Alter), the gay editor of the school newspaper, Lionel gets the assignment of a lifetime. The question is whether or not he can navigate the treacherous social network and get the story he needs. Here’s who he’ll have to contend with. There’s homophobic Kurt (Kyle Gallner), the son of the school’s president. Sophomore and Econ major Coco (Teyonah Parris), about whom there is “nothing ‘hood,” who would love nothing

more than to get a part in a reality show being cast on campus. In the meantime, her vlog gets her plenty of attention. Junior Troy (Brandon P Bell), who is running for office in student elections, isn’t just majoring in Poli Sci, he’s also the son of Dean Fairbanks (Dennis Haysbert), who is grooming Troy for a future brighter than his own. Biracial Samantha (Tessa Thompson) defeats exboyfriend Troy in the election and also hosts the popular radio show Dear White People. It should also be noted that she is sleeping with white T.A. Gabe (Justin Dobies). What makes this cast of characters, and the story in which they appear, both remarkable and entertaining is the way that Simien makes us laugh and think right from the start. That’s quite an achievement at a time when tensions are high on the subject of race, as well as gay issues. Blu-ray/Digital HD special features include director commentary, deleted scenes and outtakes, a featurette, a music video, parody and much more.

hen a movie opens with a character caressing, sniffing and then burying his face in a pillow

(presumably crying), you can bet that the person who previously slept on that pillow is dead. In Love Is The Devil: Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon (Strand), the 1998 film from gay writer/director John Maybury (now available on Blu-ray), the crier is gay, British, 20th century painter Francis Bacon (out actor Derek Jacobi). The dead man whose pillow Bacon embraces is George (a pre-James Bond Daniel Craig), Bacon’s lover, described as a “big brute” and “not quite the Nietzsche of the football team,” a suicidal thief who literally dropped out of the sky and landed in Bacon’s studio (he was casing the joint and fell through a skylight). From the floor of Bacon’s studio to his bed, George becomes both lover and muse to the painter. At its most effective, Love Is the Devil does a brilliant job of depicting late 1960s/early 1970s queer life and culture. The pub scenes at the Colony Room involving Bacon’s circle of friends, including proprietor Muriel (Tilda Swinton), who refers to Bacon as her daughter, capture the Boys In The Band banter and bitchiness of the era, and are a highlight of the film. However, the film turns too artsy and pretentious when it comes to depicting Bacon’s process. It’s obvious what Maybury was trying to attempt, but the paint never quite saturates the canvas. Also, be aware that the depiction of the relationship between Bacon and George is ugly, pretty much from start to finish. Neither man can be described as nice, and the more alcohol that is consumed (let’s just say there’s a lot), the more toxic they become to each other. Love Is the Devil is possibly best known for containing Craig’s bathtub nude scene. It doesn’t disappoint. Blu-ray bonus features include commentary by Maybury and Jacobi, as well as the original theatrical trailer.

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2 4 3

BAR MAP

1) BO’S CORAL REEF Arlington 201 N. 5th Ave. , Jacksonville Beach, FL

THE WEEK JACKSONVILLE BY PATRICK ROBERT

3/19

I Love Lucy – Live on Stage One of America’s most beloved television programs is live on stage and in color for the very first time. The year is 1952 and the stage has turned into the Desilu Playhouse soundstage where two oh-so-familiar I Love Lucy episodes are currently being filmed. The musical includes Lucy’s wacky adventures, the Cuban sounds of The Ricky Ricardo Orchestra, and, of course, nods to the sponsor: Brylcreem. 7:30 p.m. Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. 300 Water St. Jacksonville. 32202.

The B-52s

2) IN CAHOOTS Downtown 711 Edison Ave , Jacksonville, FL

3) THE METRO Downtown 849 Willow Branch Ave , Jacksonville, FL

4) THE NEW BOOT RACK SALOON Downtown 4751 Lenox Ave , Jacksonville, FL

5) PARK PLACE Downtown 931 King St , Jacksonville, FL

a massive party/concert. The band is made up of kooky members Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, and Cindy Wilson. Their 1980s hits were critically-acclaimed, bizarre, and innovative singles that became staples of American dance parties. Their most famous songs include “Love Shack,” “Rock Lobster,” and “Roam.” 8:00 p.m. Florida Theatre. 128 E. Forsyth St. Jacksonville. 32202. 300 Water St. Jacksonville. 32202.

Audra McDonald with the Jacksonville Symphony Audra McDonald takes a break from television work to go back to her home: the stage. This ultimate Broadway star won a record-tying fifth Tony Award for her unforgettable performance in Porgy and Bess. She’s also received two Grammy Awards for her personal albums. Tonight she will sing the classics along with songs from her new album Go Back Home. Joining her will be the Jacksonville Symphony. 8:00 p.m. Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. 300 Water St. Jacksonville. 32202.

After almost forty years together, the B-52s can still rock and throw

March 18, 2015

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15 1, 20 H 1-3 OUT C R MA OM CK CHE PRIDE.C F e O d i S DE erPr SHA e at h L L T F

1226 NE 4TH AVE FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33304 954.761.1236

LEATHERWERKS.COM

March 18, 2015

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

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March 18, 2015

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THE WEEK TAMPA/ST. PETE

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BY PATRICK ROBERT

3/19

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Motown the Musical

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Based on Berry Gordy’s 1994 autobiography To Be Loved: The Music, the Magic, the Memories of Motown, this Broadway jukebox musical revolves around the founding and running of the Motown record label. Gordy is known for establishing the careers of such legendary artists as Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson. The 2013 musical received four Tony Award nominations, including Best Orchestrations and Best Sound Design. Songs featured in the show include “ABC,” “All Night Long,” and “Baby I Need Your Loving.” 7:30 p.m. Coral Morsani Hall at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. 1010 N. Macinnes Place. Tampa. 33602.

3/21

Tree Climbing Championship BAR MAP 9) THE HONEY POT Ybor City 1507 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605 813-247-4663

1) BAXTER’S LOUNGE South Tampa 1519 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, Fl 813-258-8330

3) BRADLEY’S ON 7TH 1510 E. 7th Ave, Ybor City, Tampa,FL 813-241-2723

5) CITY SIDE LOUNGE South Tampa 3703 Henderson Blvd, Tampa, FL 813-350-0600

7) G-BAR Ybor City 1401 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605 813-247-1016

2) BODY SHOP North Tampa 14905 North Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL 813-971-3576

4) THE CASTLE Ybor City 2004 N 16th St, Tampa, FL 813-247-7547

6) ENIGMA 1110 Central Ave, Saint Petersburg, FL 727-235-0867

8) GEORGIE’S ALIBI 3100 3rd Ave N, Saint Petersburg, FL 727-321-2112

The Brian Neal Fitness and Health Foundation

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March 18, 2015

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

In this interesting championship, professional tree climbers from around the world hold onto the innocence of their youthful, carefree days while competing for the title of World Champion. Guests are invited to try their own had at tree climbing or enjoy the many other activities at this event: Tree Circus educational entertainment, a birds of prey demonstration, and live music by the Island Boys. 9:00 a.m. Rowlett Park. 2401 E Yukon St. Tampa. 33604.

Tampa Bay Olive Festival Guests are invited to enjoy not only the delicious offerings of the guest of honor (olives), but also a wide range of wines and various other forms of entertainment. The first ever festival will include over fifty vendors, all highlighting Italian, Spanish, Greek, and Middle Eastern olives. Also part of the menu: olive oil, BBQ, salads, wine, and beer. 11:00 a.m. Conmy Center. 750 San Salvador Dr. Dunedin. 34698.

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March 18, 2015

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What makes this night different? You’re finally making it to a seder!

Passover Seder, Saturday, April 4th, 6:30pm Our seder will be led by Rabbi Noah Kitty and Jerry Berkowitz, and begin promptly at 7pm Cost is $54 per person For reservations please call 954-564-9232

Shabbat services every Friday night at 8pm

Congregation Etz Chaim

March 18, 2015

1501 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 1501 NE 26th St.,●Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-564-9232 www.EtzChaimFlorida.org 954-564-9232 ● Friday www.EtzChaimFlorida.org Shabbat services every night at 8pm– all are welcome!

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March 18, 2015

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RAMROD BAR

MANDANCE PARTY

SHADES OF WHITE EVENTS RAMROD BAR

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SHADES OF BLACK EVENTS

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ShadesOfPride.com FTLLeatherPride

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MARCH 1-31, 2015

Friday, March 20, 2015 9PM Until Close No Charge For This Event

RUMORS BAR & GRILL

COVER MODEL CONTEST Sunday, March 22, 2015 Starts At 10PM No Charge For This Event

SUPERHERO MANIA

Saturday, March 21, 2015 7PM Until Midnight No Charge For This Event

WORLD AIDS MUSEUM LEATHER SOCIAL

Tuesday, March 24, 2015 6PM Until 9PM No Charge For This Event

PROGRESS BAR KINK PARTY

Friday, March 27, 2015 9PM Until Close No Charge For This Event

March 18, 2015 41

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March 18, 2015

PUZZLE

1098 NE 45th St Oakland Park, FL 33334

954-530-4304

ACROSS 1 Supporters of pansies 7 Paul Rudnick’s Addams Family ___ 13 Kahlo’s tongue 15 Margaret Mead interviewees 16 Public image 17 More like a day when “you can see forever” 18 Start of a message from the acceptance speech of 54-Across 20 Judy Garland concert persona 23 Adolescents 24 From C to D, to Debussy 28 Quid pro ___ 29 Online exaggerated stat? 31 Childcare writer LeShan 32 Barneys, e.g. 34 Jodie Foster’s ____ Room 36 End of the message 42 Bonehead 43 Sheik’s land, in song 44 Men on top, perhaps 46 “Stick that bull!” 47 More like Springfield? 49 Wicks of the WNBA 50 Defeating by a small margin 52 Sleep with Kahlo? 54 Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar winner for The Imitation Game 58 Bicolor bite

60 A League of ___ Own 61 A Beautiful Mind mathematician 64 Broadway composer Jerome 65 Dirty Dancing director Ardolino 66 Sondheim’s ___ the Woods 67 Give some lip 68 Splits 69 Locker room shower? DOWN 1 30-day mo. 2 Cats inspirer’s monogram 3 Concern at gfn.com 4 Gay rodeo accessory 5 Seaman’s unit of speed 6 Liberace piece, perhaps 7 Porter’s burden 8 US citizen 9 Male deliveries? 10 Egypt and Syr., once 11 Carbon compound suffix 12 Outdated atlas abbr. 14 Put one on top of the other 15 Pumbaa’s problem, in The Lion King 19 Become wife and wife, e.g. 20 C.O.’s hangouts 21 Surpassed other market bears 22 Roaring Twenties’ characters

25 Family of Williams? 26 Cut 27 D.C. lobby group 29 “Take your hands off me!” 30 PBS relative 33 Sarah Schulman novel ___ Bohemia 35 Old nuclear power org. 37 Member of the Bilitis group 38 Apr. 15 letters 39 What Richard Simmons helps you to burn 40 G-man employer 41 They don’t look good 42 Initial sound, in The Sound of Music 45 It’ll float your boat 47 Sexual orientation determiner, some say 48 Carnaval locale 51 Jeremy of M. Butterfly 53 Bert’s longtime companion 55 Sighed aside, to the Bard 56 Lo follower 57 Salsa rating 58 Says, “Let’s do it!” 59 Breakfast on Pluto actor Stephen 62 Gas additive 63 Tootsie For the solution to this puzzle, go to www.floridaagend.com/puzzle

ORLANDO BY PATRICK ROBERT

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Heartland rock singer John Mellencamp writes songs that touch the heart with their straightforward honesty. Starting in 1982, Mellencamp has written a slew of Top 10 singles, including “Jack and Diane,” “Pink Houses,” “Hurts So Good,” “Small Town,” and “Cherry Bomb.” He has been nominated for thirteen Grammy Awards (winning one) and has sold over forty million albums worldwide. 7:30 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. 445 S. Magnolia Ave. Orlando. 32801.

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John Mellencamp

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3/22

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THE WEEK

3/23

Fleetwood Mac 2

BAR MAP 1) BARCODES 4453 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 407-412-6917 2) BAR LOUIE 7335 West Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 407-608-5190

3) CLUB 369 ORLANDO 369 North Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 407-977-2997 4) COLD KEG NIGHTCLUB 4060 W. New Haven, Melbourne, FL 321-724-1510

5) HANKS 5026 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 407-291-2399

7) PULSE 1912 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 407-649-3888

6) PARLIAMENT HOUSE 410 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 407-425-7571

8) SOUTHERN NIGHTS 375 S Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 407-412-5039 9) SAVOY 1913 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 407-898-6766

10) STONEWALL 741 W Church St , Orlando, FL 407-373-0888 11) THE ULTRA LOUNGE 407 Brevard Ave, Cocoa, FL 321-690-0096

Fleetwood Mac’s storied career began in the late 1960s before the various band member changes. The 1977 album Rumours not only spawned four Top 10 singles, but the album remained number one on the American chart for a total of twentyone weeks, helping it become the sixth-highest-selling album of all time. The On With the Show tour includes all five Fleetwood Mac members on stage for the first time in sixteen years: Christine McVie, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks. 8:00 p.m. Amway Center. 400 W. Church St. Orlando. 32801.

3/24

Sarah McLachlan

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Lilith Fair founder and celebrated singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan has sold over forty million albums worldwide. Her landmark fifth album Surfacing includes the Grammy Award-winning tracks “Building a Mystery” and “Last Dance.” Her latest album is titled Shine On—it explores the last three years in her life navigating love, loss, and change. 7:00 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. 445 S. Magnolia Ave. Orlando. 32801.

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