Agenda 012116 issue 322

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MATTHEW PHILLIPS:

After years of living in New York and other locations around the US, Matthew Phillips and his partner of 19 years, Saul, set their sights on this unique Pompano Beach Development. Naturally, there were seemingly endless possibilities in terms of setting up shop in an area like South Florida, but Phillips and his hubby keyed in on Koi Residences & Marina for the development’s rich wealth of amenities.

“Where can you be on the water with the amenities that Koi is offering for the dollar price point,” Phillips asks. “With that in mind, everything else in Pompano and everyone saying this place is booming, we decided to get in on it now so that our investment would not only be solid but appreciate.

Pompano Beach is really changing. We wanted to be a part of that and get in on it quickly.”

One of the things that makes Koi even more unique is developer Christopher Longworth’s approach. Longsworth, who is a local of the area, employs a true hands-on approach to the property, as the developer, architect and builder. “ KOI’s development has been meticulously thought-out. The property’s construction is inspiring, creative and inventive. Clearly, only a true visionary had the guts and powerful imagination to make this community happen. He’s creating a beautiful sanctuary, lushly landscaped - nature in harmony with unique esthetics, but more importantly a place I can call home.” says Phillips.

Phillips also owns property in South Florida’s resident gay-borhood Wilton Manors, which he rents out; however, he believes that Koi is the future.

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“We actually own units in Wilton Station and have for many years,” admits Phillips. “It’s a solid property, but we wanted something a little more youthful, a little more hip, a little more forward-thinking. We felt that times were changing and we wanted to be on the forefront of that change and that’s where Koi comes into play.”

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Community • Prestigious entry features, landscaping, and gated access.

• Pedestrian-friendly neighborhood design.

• Fitness trails with workout stations, • Murphy’s Dog Park, dedicated to man’s best friend.

• Private, lushly landscaped parks and children’s playground.

• Brick paver–accented roadways, parking areas, and community walkways.

• Design and construction in accordance with the highest standards including high-speed, windresistive windows and doors.

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FEATURES AND AMENITIES

Clubhouse Grand themed entry, billiards, a cyber café, a conference and meeting room, social gathering areas, and a full fitness center—all overlooking the pool and marina.

Pool-side Infinity-edge pool, beach volleyball, BBQ area,

cabanas, tanning lawns, wet bar, and Zen garden.

CALL OR VISIT US ONLINE

954.547.8700 KOIPOMPANOBEACH.COM LIVE THE KOI LIFESTYLE:

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Koi is a product of Invesca Development Group, which has a rich history of crafting quality structures from the ground up. Koi and Invesca’s proposed new, Strata at Plantation, are the next generation of game-changing properties in Florida. Structures, 80 percent of which are officially sold, are up and Koi is welcoming residents in just a few months.

Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating the representations of the developer, for correct representations, make reference to this brochure and to the documents required by section 718.503, Florida statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee. Obtain the property report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits of value, if any, of this property.

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Pompano is emerging as the next big thing in the Sunshine State, bustling with new developments and retail centers along with cultural and community attractions. At the epicenter of the area’s rebirth is Koi Residences & Marina. Situated on a spectacular waterway 1.7 miles from the beach, Koi is an incomparable water-front living experience, complete with lush parks, fitness trails and private boat slips. You will be less than 5 minutes away from all the shopping, incredible dining and entertainment choices nearby. Moreover, the community sits on a preserved mangrove marina. It’s a modern approach to living that is scarce in most areas in South Florida, especially at such competitive price points—under $200 a square foot to be exact. Koi offers 3 & 4 story Waterfront Villas, and will start the next phases of Modern Lofts and Condos soon.

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JUST ADAM

The week reflected back through fabulously funny eyes THE GOLDEN TICKET. The republicans haven’t got a single candidate that could survive a tour of the Willy Wonka factory!!

FASHION POLICE. After tonight’s political ridiculousness I don’t know what is more offensive: Sarah Palin’s screechy voice, Donald Trump’s face, or that top she was wearing that looked like it was stolen from the wardrobe at a Barry Manilow concert in 1979.

MOVIE QUOTES. You know you work in a totally straight office when you say “Christina, bring me the ax”.....annnnnnnd crickets.

FEELING SICKLY. Woke up stuffed and crusty. Like one of those disgusting Domino’s pizzas advertised on TV all the time.

Helga, bring me my vitamin C!.

SHE’S OUT OF HER TRAILER. Breaking news! Celebrated scholar and intellectual Sarah Palin endorses Donald Trump! Now his voter base can celebrate bringing in a whole new level of uneducated white trash!

GURL DON’T PLAY. Last night, at dinner with a friend, I gave a death glance to a baby that started screaming. I’d have to say that my parental instincts are pretty much in the Joan Crawford/ Jaid Barrymore spectrum.

FREE AT LAST. “I had a dream...” that I wouldn’t have to go into work today on MLK Day. Sadly, that dream never came to blossom into fruition.

WOW, I HAD A DREAM. Ugh, it’s 2pm and pouring rain and I’m over this week! Why am I working? I should be lying on my yacht in St. Tropez, yelling at the yacht staff about buying good caviar!

ROAD RAGE. Dear Florida Road building people, your recent revamping of the Griffin Road exit off the turnpike is a mess. I’ve been sitting here waiting to get off the exit and I’m doing everything in my power not to wet myself!!

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TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS. Ugh, the new IT guy at work is HOT!! Looks like I’ll have to break my computer.

Adam Cohen is South Florida’s favorite and most fabulous social commentator. He’s also single. Find him on Facbook to keep up with his hilarious take on the week’s headlines.

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...

Random thoughts from social media and beyond this week

DONALD TRUMP via Twitter

CHAD GRIFFIN, President of the Human Rights Campaign, endorsing Hillary Clinton.

“IF I HAD THE POWER, I WOULD SEND THE SWAT TEAM OR THE NATIONAL GUARD AND I WOULD SAY, ʻGUYS, THERE ARE THE HOMES THAT WE KNOW FOR A FACT HAVE TWO F*GS AND THEY HAVE A CHILD WITH THEM. GO IN THERE, YOU ARREST THOSE TWO F*GGOTS AND YOU TAKE THAT CHILD.ʼ” Christian militant, right-wing activist and standard-issue wack job THEODORE SHOEBAT.

CHEERS

“First of all, Lily, you should have won. And I would love to go down on you.“ -Amy Schumer accepting the Critic’s Choice Award for Best Actress in a Comedy.

JEERS

“Google Rick Santorum.”

CANDACE CAMERON-BURE discussing having same-sex couples on Fuller House.

-Rick Santorum, former Pennsylvania Senator, comparing his political track record to that of fellow presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

“I GRADUATED BEST TOP IN MY CLASS.” ADAM DRIVER playing a doctor in a gay porn on Saturday Night Live.

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“HILLARY CLINTON IS FIGHTING TO ADVANCE LGBT EQUALITY ACROSS OUR NATION AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. WE ARE PROUD TO ENDORSE HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT, AND BELIEVE THAT SHE IS THE CHAMPION WE CAN COUNT ON IN NOVEMBER — AND EVERY DAY SHE OCCUPIES THE OVAL OFFICE.”

LINDA PERRY discussing Lady Gaga’s Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.

“I’M ALWAYS DEFENDING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND THAT’S WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT ON THE VIEW. BUT, I’M AN ACTRESS ON A TELEVISION SHOW, AND I SUPPORT ALL THINGS THAT WE GO THROUGH AS HUMAN BEINGS, AND WOULD LOVE ALL OUR CHARACTERS TO EXPLORE WHATEVER ISSUES THAT ARE CURRENT IN OUR CULTURE AND OUR SOCIETY TODAY, AND I’M 100% ON BOARD WITH THAT.”

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“WOW, NEW POLLS JUST OUT HAVE TRUMP UP AND CRUZ DOWN - HE IS A NERVOUS WRECK!“

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“Gaga contributed a few words. Is that writing?

Not in my book.”

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Graphics By: HRC.org

FIRST U.S. GAY CRUISE HITS CUBA

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By Richard Hack

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EXCLUSIVERES

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COVER STORY

HAVANA, CU-- “Finally we come together,” the souvenir shop owner said as we strolled through Old Havana. Against the background of sea-spray crashing over the Malecón and the historic American cars from the 50s transforming us back in time, over one hundred gay men descended upon Cuba this week as part of the first ever U.S. gay cruise to the forbidden island. Organized by Al & Chuck Travel, a division of Legendary Journeys headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, the Celestyal Crystal cruise circumnavigated Cuba embarking from Montego Bay, Jamaica, for a week-long adventure that was made possible through the people-to-people program.

The first port of call for the 1000 passenger ship was the south-eastern town of Santiago de Cuba, known as the original home for Bacardi rum and salsa dancing. It was there that we got our first taste of how the Cuban people view homosexuality, and it was an eye-opener.

Graphics By: HRC.org

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“Cuba welcomes every race, every religion, and every sexual identification openly and with genuine acceptance,” Dr. Martha Cordii Jackson said, during a visit to the city’s Fernando Ortiz African Cultural Center where singers and dancers celebrated the island’s vast heritage that, like America, relied on slave labor for decades. Jackson, who is an historian and director of the Center, gazed out upon the packed outdoor assembly and knew that this was an historic moment. A first step in the broadening of AmericanCuban relations, but an even bigger step in stripping away the veneer that shrouds the Caribbean island in mystery.

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COVER STORY After experiencing the open hostility towards gays in Jamaica, it was a welcomed change to see the eager expression of Cubans who were openly curious about America, and non-judgmental about homosexuality.

The commonly held perception of a macho mentality on the predominantly Catholic island is untrue. The acceptance of homosexuality in Cuba is as casual as it is refreshing.

Two nights in the Cuban capital of Havana only reinforced the fact. The people here are survivors and improvisers, a resilient lot whose smiles reflect a charm and enthusiasm for life unaffected by hardships caused by low salaries and scarce commodities. The cultural heritage stands in marked contrast to the crumbling infrastructure, its beautiful architecture visibly mildewed but refusing to die.

The Cuban food is a fiesta of flavors, as experienced at the colorful El Cuajirito (Zulueta #658 in Habana Vieja), where Al & Chuck experimented by offering some upfront and personal time with a foursome of local gay guides—Dayron, Eddie, Manuel and Jose.

Each answered questions about gay life in Cuba, and exposed that each had revealed his sexual identity to his family—difficult in any country, but more difficult in the isolated Catholic families of Cuba.

Dinner was followed by an escorted party at Cabaret Las Vegas (Calzada de Infanta, Calle 25 y27, Havana, Cuba), a packed to the brim gay bar and showroom where a special drag performance stunned the revelers with flawless singing and costumes. The club plays host to record number of handsome hustlers who openly plied their trade behind closed doors with standardized pricing, The cost for companionship at the bar is 5 CUC (Pesos Convertibles). Oral sex costs 10 CUC, full intimate sex costs 20 CUC, with an additional bonus for a bottom who charges 25 CUC for his services. A rooming house is available close to the bar for 30 CUC per night (including private bath). As with everything in Cuba, all fees are negotiable, and some haggling is expected.

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Although Spanish is the official language of the country, English is widely spoken, and taught in elementary schools to everyone from the age of nine.

Since a college education is offered free to all Cuban citizens who desire it, most of the young local gays are college students. Medical care is also offered without charge in the country, with universal testing for HIV and AIDS. The emergence of Cuba as a gay destination for Americans is inevitable. Al & Chuck travel are offering two additional gay Cuban cruises this year in February and April. For more information, go to alandchuck. travel.

America and Cuba. Finally we come together.

Photo Credits: Michael Davis

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America and Cuba.

Finally we come together.

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THE AGENDA INTERVIEW

ANTONIO ROMANO

W

e had the opportunity to chat with Antonio Romano, an Associate at Chepenik Trushin LLP who will be serving as the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Association (GALLA) Liaison to the Miami-Dade County Bar Association. Romano explained how his firm serves the LGBT community, what GALLA does, and some of the challenges and obstacles he has had to overcome on his path for success.

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BY ALEXANDER KACALA KACALA: What type of law do you practice at Chepenik Trushin LLP and why is this important to our readers, members of the LGBT community?

ROMANO: My firm’s legal expertise spans all aspects of trusts and estate practice - including estate planning, probate and trust administration, fiduciary representation, guardianship administration, federal income, estate and gift taxation, probate and trust litigation and guardianship litigation. Estate planning and asset protection is crucial for the LGBT community, especially with the 2015 Supreme Court decision. For example, as a legally recognized married couple, Floridian same-sex couples may now qualify for both homestead and tenancy by the entirety protections for property. The decision was a milestone for LGBT individuals everywhere, but the Florida Probate Code will take some time to catch up. To explain estate planning in one article would be impossible, but some of what we do includes: preparation and administration of Last Will/Testaments, Trusts, Health Care Directives, and Powers of Attorney; finding legal, tax-efficient solutions to minimize your family’s federal and state tax liabilities, including federal income,

estate, gift and generation skipping transfer taxes; handling probate and trust litigation with effective outcomes, including claims of undue influence, will and trust contests, fiduciary claims, lack of testamentary capacity, and elder abuse; and handling all aspects of estate and trust settlement and administration including the tough “end of life” issues like finalizing expenses of last medical illness, asset appraisals, noticing creditors and marshalling the assets or trust.

KACALA: What are some challenges or obstacles you have had to face during your education or career?

ROMANO: My biggest obstacle during my education was that everything was new for me. I had no guidance, no path to follow.

Everyone in my family emigrated from Italy before I was born. I was the first is my family to go to college, and the first to go to law school. It was a struggle, and emotionally taxing, to say the least. Looking back, a lot of the struggle was financially driven. I did not receive any financial assistance with law school despite appealing final decisions and applying for aid year after year. Therefore, I

had to go in debt to achieve my goals. With government set student interest at 6.8 and 7.9 percent, it is a wonder that I will not spend the rest of my life paying off what I view as a penalty for educating myself, something which my family could not do.

But in the end it all worked out. I work for a fantastic boutique firm in Miami, and truly feel that I have finally succeeded.

KACALA: What is GALLA? ROMANO: GALLA is the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Association, which is a voluntary professional association for lawyers, law students, paralegals and other members of the legal profession providing a visible community presence within the South Florida legal community. The purposes of GALLA are: to promote human rights; to provide opportunities for lawyers, judges and law students to meet in a professional setting; to encourage the appointment of members of GALLA to the judiciary; to provide a forum for members of GALLA in the legal community to exchange ideas and information of mutual concern; to promote the spirit of unity among attorneys who are members of GALLA; to promote the hiring and advancement of members of

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KACALA: What will some of your duties be as GALLA’s Liaison to the Dade County Bar Association?

ROMANO: The liaison is appointed to fulfill a one year position between the Dade County Bar Association and, in this case, GALLA. The purpose is to facilitate collaboration among the associations. Part of my duties include making sure that the Dade County Bar Association, and its members,

are aware of events relating to GALLA, such a continuing legal education and fundraising events, and to get the Dade County Bar Members involved in the events.

In the future, we hope to work toward co-sponsoring events in conjunction with the Dade County Bar Association.

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GALLA to public agencies and commissions; to discuss and take action on questions of law in the administration of justice that affect the gay and lesbian community; to promote the creation of coalitions with other legal organizations; to promote and stimulate the practice and professional expertise of lawyers who are members of GALLA; to promote sensitivity to legal issues particularly faced by members of the gay and lesbian community; to demonstrate the presence of members of GALLA in the law; to facilitate and improve the administration of justice; to promote legislative and administrative reforms for the purpose of eliminating discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender expression, and; to assure fair and just treatment of members of the gay and lesbian community under the law.

KACALA: What else is next for you?

ROMANO: I want to accomplish great things. I want to continue growing both professionally and personally, and grow my practice with my firm. I want to continue to grow my BNI Chapter, both in my role as President and beyond.

I want to take on new leadership roles, get involved with a not-forprofit, and perhaps work toward board positions with Arsht and Jackson Hospital. I will say that I have accomplished 100% of the things I have set my mind to, so stay tuned.

KACALA: What is your favorite thing about the LGBT community here in South Florida?

ROMANO: The supportive nature of it all. It is amazing how many groups there are in South Florida dedicated to helping the LGBT community move forward. It is really quite inspiring, and hopefully I can continue playing a positive part in it all.

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Editor-In-Chief Richard Hack richardhack@wirld.com

Art Director Kevin Broady

AS I SEE IT

ONLY IN AMERICA!

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Publisher Maura “Mumball” Lane

Only in America would we find one Republican candidate for president criticizing another Republican candidate for president for not being homophobic enough. And for once the big mouth isn’t Donald Trump.

This time, Donald Trump is the target and Ted Cruz the bigot throwing accusations at his opponent.

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I

t is interesting to note that Cruz had nothing to say negatively about Trump when the New York real estate guru and presidential candidate said that Mexicans were rapists. Nor did Cruz blink an eye when Trump mocked a disabled reporter or said that all Muslim Americans should be banned from the country.

In the last televised Republican debate, however, Cruz worked overtime to call out his political rival for By his views on Richard homosexuals Hack in the military.

He said: “There are many, many wonderful, wonderful working men and women in the state of New York.

“But everyone understands that the values in New York City are socially liberal or pro-abortion or pro-gay marriage, focused around money and the media.

“Not too many years ago, Don-

ald did a long interview with Tim Russert. And in that interview, he explained his views on a whole host of issues that were very, very different from the views he’s describing now.

“Not a lot of conservatives come out of Manhattan. I’m just saying.”

No doubt few Republicans, and even fewer Democrats, remember the interview Cruz referenced, since it was delivered back in 1999, 17 years ago. The Donald was appearing on Meet the Press hosted by Russert when Trump signaled that he had no issue with gay people serving in the military.

Asked about gay soldiers, Trump says: “I mean, hey, I lived in New York City and Manhattan all my life, OK? So, you know, my views are a little bit different than if I lived in Iowa perhaps, but it’s not something that would disturb me.”

There was no mention of Trump’s assertion last year that any undoing of gay-marriage was impossible.

During an interview, when asked if same-sex marriage was a “dead issue for the GOP”, he replied: “Some people have hopes of passing amendments, but it’s

not going to happen.

“Congress can’t pass simple things, let alone that. So anybody that’s making that an issue is doing it for political reasons. The Supreme Court ruled on it.”

While having a slightly better record on LGBT rights than his competitors in the Republican presidential race, Trump is hardly a friend of the community. More likely to turn the other cheek than he is to support gay rights, Trump has said in the past that he would not use his Presidential power to veto the First Amendment Defense Act. That’s the bill that would ban the federal government from taking any action whatsoever against a person who “believes or acts in accordance with a religious belief or moral conviction that marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman, or sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage.”

Senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, Dr. Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, former Senator Rick Santorum, and former Governor Mike Huckabee has all signed a pledge to back the act, should it become law.

Although Trump did not sign,

and doesn’t favor the bill, he will not veto it should it become law.

Maggie Gallagher of the American Principles Project , a lobbyist who previously ran the anti-gay National Organization for Marriage, revealed that Trump has assured her he would not veto the law.

She told EWTN: “It’s a piece of legislations that will protect gay marriage dissenters from being punished by our own government because we do not agree with gay marriage.

“The good news is two of the top three Republican candidates have agreed to prioritize passing FADA in their first 100 days in office.

“Donald Trump at least said he would not veto the legislation, but would not commit to passing it.”

Let homophobia reign.

Richard Hack is the awardwinning author of 26 books, and the Vice President of Content for Multimedia Platforms’ publications.

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OPINION DR. DURRELL’S SPIRITUAL PRESCRIPTIONS

I am often asked why Jesus didn’t say anything against homosexuality.

One questioner wondered if it was because

By Rev. Jesus simDurrell ply assumed Watkins that everyone believed homosexuality was wrong and so he didn’t need to mention it, making his silence on the subject a tacit agreement with the condemnation of same-gender attraction. Of course, I did not agree with the questioner’s assessment of Jesus’ position on gay people.

Let’s consider what the scriptures available to Jesus had to say about homosexuality.

Many people assume the story of Sodom & Gomorrah condemns homosexuality, but it doesn’t. The prophet Ezekiel stated that the sin of Sodom was inhospitality, lack of compassion and lack of concern for the poor. Those “sins” continue to plague our world. In fact, inhospitality and lack of compassion are often directed toward gay people!

The Sodom & Gomorrah story includes attempted rape and repeated incest but there is not a single mention of same-gender love or mutual attraction.

Some will say that the Adam and Eve story where the man is told to “cleave unto his wife and become one flesh” is a statement against same-sex marriage. But the creation myths are just that...origin myths, not dictates about marriage (in fact, there is no mention of a marriage ceremony in the story).

That leaves only two verses in

Leviticus from the Hebrew bible that could be considered “homophobic”. Two verses....not two stories, not two chapters, just two sentences. And since most Christians routinely ignore prohibitions and dictates from Leviticus, it is disingenuous for them to try to enforce two lone verses from the text.

Since Jesus reinterpreted, ignored, or defied ancient texts that called for killing Canaanites (he healed a Canaanite woman’s daughter) or keeping a strict Sabbath (saying the Sabbath was made for us, not us for the Sabbath), or killing those caught in adultery (he rescued a woman who was about to be stoned, noticing, no doubt, that her male co-adulterer somehow had escaped punishment), there is no reason to believe that Jesus would have been one to enforce two obscure and isolated verses. So, from the evidence that I can gather, I believe Jesus didn’t mention homosexuality because it wasn’t an issue of concern for him.

There is another story of Jesus healing a centurion’s male “servant” and the Greek word used for servant was often used to refer to a sexual relationship (and a sexual relationship would explain why a Roman nobleman would seek out a faith healer to help his “servant”... only romantic attachment would explain the desperation of seeking out a peasant magician to help save a servant). So, not only did Jesus never condemn homosexuality (nor were the scriptures that he treasured as homophobic as they are sometimes presented to be), but there are times when Jesus seems to have embraced and affirmed samegender loving people..

Whenever religion is used to justify bigotry of any kind, it is being misused.

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eople are often amazed to learn that Jesus never condemned homosexuality.

Once that is made known,

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Why didn’t Jesus condemn homosexuality?

Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins is the senior minister of Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale.

PAUL BERGE

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CAPITOL BEAT Whitman Walker: A Reaching Around of Arms Former Site

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Photo: wikipedia.com

There is no reason, said Shawn Jain, as we stood on the 5th floor of the Whitman Walker Health facility admiring the panoramic view of Washington, DC, that just because you are poor you should be seen in a ghastly place. And no reason, if you are gay or transgender, to creep guiltily in through an unmarked door, to get testing or treatment.

But slipping silently into the anonymous clinic in the basement of a church was precisely how the now spectacularly deluxe Whitman Walker Health facility began life.

In November 1973, The Gay Men’s VD Clinic, part of the Washington Free Clinic, opened its doors in the basement of the Georgetown Lutheran Church.

After more than four decades of evolution and moves, Whitman Walker Health just last year opened a brand new six-story full-service medical center at 1525 14th St., NW. (The organization also retains its Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center a few blocks up the street which houses much of BY the non-mediLINDA cal staff.)

PENTZ The center comprises 42,000 square feet of state-of-theart medical facilities along with a pharmacy whose giant storefront windows are an open and far from anonymous invitation to all. It cost $9.8 million, a very long way from the sleazy backstreet options of past times.

The early days of Whitman Walker began even before the AIDS crisis hit. Today, the patients are split about evenly between those who are HIV positive and negative.

Yet, despite its location in the heart of DC’s gay Logan Circle/Dupont Circle neighborhood, the health center is by no means exclusively for the LGBT community. It is geared toward low income people as well, particularly the pharmacy which can offer affordable prescriptions and whose revenue provides the bulk of the funding for the health center.

Nevertheless, the focus is clearly on the particular needs of LGBT patients, something which can be absent in traditional practices or

larger medical institutions. “The doctors here are mission driven,” said Jain, Director of Communications for Whitman Walker Health.

The doctors are salaried and paid competitively, but, says Jain, “while they might not be making as much as say a cardiologist with their own practice, they are inspired to be here.”

Beyond inspiration and dedication, the medical staff must have strong medical competency and experience in the field of LGBT care in order to properly treat their patients. For example, says Jain, “if you’re the only trans patient your doctor has ever seen, you might know more than the doctor,” a situation a trans patient at Whitman Walker will never need to confront.

Equally, says Jain, “some HIV patients are easier to treat than others and there is value in seeing a doctor who has treated a lot of HIV.” Equally, cultural competency is valued — and training is provided — at Whitman Walker, including to doctors in the wider medical community. This could be as simple as knowing which pronoun to use with a trans patient. Typically, LGBT patients have to confront far more searing prejudices in the wider world — including the refusal of treatment. Whitman Walker provides that safe space where there is no chance or rejection or scorn.

But there is a lot more to Whitman Walker than basic medical care. There are counseling facilities, massage therapy, dentistry.

Indeed there are 28 medical exam rooms, and nine dental suites.

There is even a legal department which recently offered a name and gender change clinic at the Elizabeth Taylor location.

Whitman Walker Health turns the off-quoted phrase about LGBT discrimination on its head: “A couple who gets married at 10 a.m. remains at risk of being fired from their jobs by noon and could be evicted from their home by 2 p.m., simply for posting their wedding photos on Facebook.”

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New Site

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Photo: witman-walker.org

society’s labels.” Those individuals says Jain, include “the homeless, people in transitional housing, in difficult family circumstances, those doing sex work to survive.”

They are the common stories of the LGBT human condition, people who are all too often cast out from a stable family environment where medical treatment would have been more routine.

But Whitman Walker Health has its hip side too. After all, it’s named after super cool gay poet, Walt Whitman, and women’s rights activist and Civil War-era physician, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker. So if you’d rather avoid the, well, clinical environment of a health clinic to get your HIV test, you can turn up at the cutting edge 9:30 Club instead. Just recently, Whitman Walker Health was offering HIV tests there, between 10pm and the wee hours, along with a chance to dance the night away in celebration of the club’s “official Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend.”

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Linda Pentz is the Washington correspondent of the Florida Agenda. She can be contacted at lindapentz@mmplgbt.com. Follow her on Twitter @CapitolAgenda

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At Whitman Walker you could have a medical consultation at 10am, a dental appointment at noon, a group psychotherapy session at 2pm, collect your prescriptions and post it all on Facebook with no fear of retribution and with the same location stamp. It’s the ultimate one-stop-shopping of healthcare.

But are these five-star facilities actually making a difference?

Absolutely, said Jain who provided a detailed tour of the sparkling and expansive facility. “We’re seeing about 500 new HIV cases per year now whereas five to six years ago we were seeing 1,200. It’s a huge decrease and it has a lot to do with more people getting HIV tests.”

The statistics in DC are helped by the environment here, where, says Jain “Ninety per cent of people have health insurance.” This comes in stark contrast to Florida for example, which in 2014, along with Alaska and Texas, had the highest rate of uninsured people in the country, at 16% or higher according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

When the new Whitman Walker Health facility opened last year, it’s executive director, Don Blanchon, proclaimed it “a sanctuary where each person’s character transcends the all-too-real limitations of

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20 January 21, 2016

CREEP OF THE WEEK

OPINION

By D’Anne Witowski

Ben Carson

W

hether you call them “special rights” or “extra rights,” it has long been the argument of the anti-gayers that what LGBT people want goes above and beyond the rights of “normal” people.

It reminds me of that scene in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory when Wonka gives each child an Everlasting Gobstopper. Veruca Salt turns to Violet Beauregarde and shouts, “Hey! She’s got two! I want another one!”

“Stop squawking, you twit!” Violet hollers back, holding up the single Gobstopper in her hand.

Meanwhile Mr. Wonka is setting them up to lose the contest. He’s got the real power. But they’re too busy bickering with each other to notice.

It’s a pretty good depiction of Republican politics, actually. If you can make people believe they’re being ripped off by their neighbors, it’s pretty easy to distract them and get them to vote against their own interests. Like when Republicans convince married heterosexuals that gays and lesbians don’t just want the right to marry, they want to destroy the entire institution. Before marriage equality came along, it was a common argument that lesbians and gays had the same right to marry as everyone else, so long as it was to someone of the opposite sex.

Which brings us to today’s squawking twit, Ben Carson.

In a recent interview, host Matthew Franck asks Carson, “What will you do as president to guarantee that federal funding will not be used to force school districts to require girls to shower with boys?”

“You see how silly this is. It’s beyond ridiculous that you take the most abnormal situation and then you make everyone else conform to it,” Carson replies.

He continues, “So, you know, boys who say, ‘I feel like a girl today, I wanna go in the girls’ lavatory,’ that is such a bunch of garbage.”

Got it. Transgender kids are garbage.

Also, Carson has no understanding of what a transgender kid is. And he’s got

another guy, just as clueless, asking him to protect Americans from all of these boys trying to pull a fast one so that they can see girls in their underwear.

“That’s one of the very reasons that I have been an outspoken opponent of things like gay marriage,” Carson says.

“I don’t have any problem with gay people doing anything they want to do.”

So long as they don’t want to get married, duh.

“Everybody is equal, everybody has equal rights, but nobody gets extra rights,” Carson continues. “And when we start trying to impose the extra rights based on a few people who perhaps are abnormal, where does that lead?” After all, Carson adds, gay people already have freedom of association.

“If gay people wanna have an association, they can have an association,” he says. “If they wanna have legal documents created so they can have visitation rights and share property, they can have that done. Without disturbing the whole system.”

In other words, homos and trannies, you’re all a bunch of freaks. And for that you not only deserve to be discriminated against, but you should be thankful for having any rights at all! Now stop disturbing the perfectly happy heterosexual system.

“We are absolutely destroying ourselves because we are paying attention to political correctness,” Carson continues. “You know, our time is running out. If we don’t stand up for principles now and we get a progressive (president) and they get two or three Supreme Court picks, say goodbye to America.”

And hello to Gaymerica! Where everything’s coming up roses and there’s no business like show business! And Ethel Merman is on the 10 dollar bill, obviously.

Oh, and where opposite sex couples can’t get married, per se, but are welcome to try to cobble together some sort of legal relationship at a lawyer’s office.

Have fun with your freedom of association. Because if it was good enough for the gays, surely it’ll be good enough for you.

Ben Carson

Photo: huffingtonpost.com

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January 21, 2016

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ELECTION SPECIAL FEATURE

In Omaha, and much of US, debate over sex education rages on

BY DAVID CRARY

January 21, 2016

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AP National Writer

OMAHA, NE (AP) - Rival factions yelling at one another amid angry pushing. Tirades about condoms, and claims of misinformation. A parent declaring that children are being force-fed course material “straight from the pits of hell.”

Such has been the tenor of recent school board meetings in Omaha as board members contemplate the first update in three decades of the school district’s sex education curriculum.

A public meeting in October ended in chaos after shouting and shoving broke out between supporters and opponents of the update who had packed by the hundreds into an auditorium. This month, as board members sat in stoic silence, activists from both sides vented their feelings during three hours of public comment - reflecting divisions that have bedeviled school boards nationwide, as well as state legislatures and even Congress.

Kathryn Russell, a grandmother who formerly worked for the Omaha school district, said the proposed curriculum “rapes children of their innocence.” It was another critic in Omaha, Jesse Martinez, who used the “pits of hell” reference, calling elements of the course material “garbage. “ Supporters of the update - ranging from the president of the city council to students who spoke - exhorted the school board to equip students with reliable information that would help the Omaha region lower rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases that are above the national average.

“I have a right to this information,” said Ryleigh Welsh, a sophomore at Omaha’s Central High

School. “Sexual health is more than just sex. It’s about understanding and taking care of your body and being prepared for a healthy future.”

In Omaha, as in many U.S. communities, some parents and conservative activists insist that any school-based sex education emphasize sexual abstinence as the wisest course. Yet as more young people turn to social media and online resources - including pornography- for sex-related information, there’s pressure on schools from other quarters to offer accurate, candid information that can compete with and correct what’s available beyond the classroom.

“The notion that sex education is limited to what happens in school is an antiquated one,” said Bill Albert, chief program officer of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. It is one of several organizations that’s developing online sex education to supplement school-based programs.

Quality online programming “is not buffeted by political fights over what teens can and should learn,” Albert said. “It allows for real-time modifications and updates, it offers anonymity, and it meets teens where they are, which increasingly is in front of screens.”

In Omaha, school board president Lou Ann Goding said one of the motivations for updating the sex-ed curriculum is to counter misinformation that students might encounter outside of school.

“There’s so much social media and other sources that they can go to that are not always reliable,” Goding said.

Several of the update supporters who spoke at

the Jan. 4 public meeting echoed this concern.

Among them were fourth graders Samantha Bourne and Hadley Forsen, who said they already were getting “nonfactual” information from their friends on sex-related topics.

“We need help to learn this curriculum at this age,” said the girls, reading their statement in unison. “This will be way too embarrassing for us to ask our parents when we’re older.”

Sex education in America has a long and checkered history, winning the backing of the U.S. Public Health Service in 1940, gaining traction in the 1980s during the early years of the AIDS epidemic, but generating steady opposition from social conservatives.

Omaha Public Schools, which serves about 52,000 students in its district, has taught sex education since 1986 as part of a course called Human Growth and Development. The process that’s been underway since early last year marks the first comprehensive review of the course.

Abstinence is encouraged in the curriculum, which also covers such topics as reproductive anatomy, pregnancy prevention and sexually transmitted diseases.

As initially proposed, the updates would add discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in 7th and 8th grades, and discussion of abortion and emergency contraception in 10th-grade lessons on birth control.

The school district conducted a telephone survey of about 1,500 parents last year, and reported that a sizable majority supported adding those topics to the curriculum. But the margins of support for the

January 21, 2016 23

and emergency contraception.

In most of the U.S., fewer than half of high schools and only a fifth of middle schools teach all 16 topics recommended by the CDC as essential components of sex education.

“Lack of effective sex education can have very real, very serious health consequences,” said Dr. Stephanie Zaza, director of the CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health. “Young people who have multiple sex partners, don’t use condoms, and use drugs or alcohol before sex are at higher risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.”

While the federal government has no direct role in dictating sex-edu-

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recent steps to ensure that the sexed curriculum includes positive instruction about different sexual orientations and gender identities, and to address sexual harassment and violence.

There’s no detailed nationwide breakdown of how the 13,500 school districts in the U.S. handle sex education, although the Centers for Disease Control compiles partial data. Its latest report, with data from 2014, suggests that programs in a substantial majority of school districts stress the benefits of sexual abstinence, while a smaller portion offer instruction in high school about usage of specific contraceptive methods, including condoms

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“

Young people who have multiple sex partners, don’t use condoms, and use drugs or alcohol before sex are at higher risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.”

cation curriculum, it has influence in the form of federal funding for various programs. From 1981, the start of Ronald Reagan’s administration, through 2009, such funds went predominantly to abstinenceonly programs; since 2010, under President Barack Obama, abstinence funding has been reduced and larger sums appropriated for comprehensive sex-ed programs.

Rival advocacy groups lobbied hard in Congress last year to get a favorable outcome for their approach. The end result - a compromise between Democrats and Republicans - maintained annual spending at about $100 million for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, which incorporates comprehensive sex education, and doubled spending from $5 million to $10 million to abstinence-oriented programs Valerie Huber of Ascend - formerly the National Abstinence Education Association - would like to see Congress move toward equal funding earmarked for comprehensive and abstinence approaches.

In the meantime, Ascend and its allies are working to scrap the term “abstinence-only,” which they felt was a detriment. They now describe their approach as “sexual risk avoidance” and contrast it with what they call a “sexual risk reduction” (SRR) approach in comprehensive sex-ed programs.

“There’s room for both, but we have to be clear they are different,” Huber said. “Our approach sends a cultural message that it’s better if teens don’t have sex; the SRR message is normalizing teen sex if the risks can be mitigated.”

“It isn’t that schools shouldn’t try, but historically they’re incredibly limited in what they can do,” Zimmerman said. “We’re so divided about sexuality - so they come to the lowest common denominator.”

Planned Parenthood - a longtime advocate of comprehensive and candid sex education for adolescents - has recently developed a set of digital tools to provide sex education on mobile phones. One app is designed to help young women identify what methods of birth control would best meet their needs; two other apps emphasize the importance of using both condoms and a more effective form of birth control.

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abortion and emergency contraception components were smaller than for other topics, and school officials now plan to omit them.

Over the course of 2015, some churches and other groups began to circulate criticisms and warnings about the district’s plans. Spearheading the opposition is a conservative Christian group, Nebraskans for Founders’ Values, which has held briefings at local churches and encouraged skeptical citizens whether public school parents or not - to attend school board meetings to vent their displeasure.

Comprehensive sex education “is pornography under the guise of education,” the group contends.

“The values that it promotes are ones that most parents would never agree with.”

Many of the opponents’ allegations have been categorically denied by the school district, including claims that the new curriculum was designed by Planned Parenthood, would authorize school staff to take students to get abortions, and would provide them with birth control.

Board members stress that none of the sex-ed courses will be mandatory - parents must opt their children into the classes offered in 4th, 5th and 6th grade, and can keep them out of the classes in middle school and high school. Topics for 4th graders include puberty and how to stay safe from sexual abuse; by middle school students are learning about methods of contraception.

The board plans to vote on new standards for the sex-ed program on Jan. 20, then work on details of a new curriculum in time for any changes to be implemented next fall. Some opponents have urged the board to hold off on implementation until parents can review the final version of the proposed curriculum.

Sex education is taught in varied forms and under different rules across the 50 states.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 22 states and the District of Columbia require public schools to teach sex education. In other states, including Nebraska, it’s generally up to individual school districts to decide what form of sex education, if any, is offered. In 35 states, parents are allowed to keep their children out of sex-ed classes.

In some states, there have been

January 21, 2016

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UK Lawmakers say authorities ‘Failing’ transgender teople

conservative alternative to the U.S. Episcopal Church. Welby had invited the leader of the conservative North American body to participate in the Canterbury assembly.

The press office for the Anglican leaders in Canterbury said the statement released Thursday affirmed the leaders’ “unanimous commitment to walk together.” The statement acknowledged “deep differences” over understanding of marriage and said the majority in the meeting “reaffirm” the teaching that marriage is only the union of a man and a woman.

The leaders called the Episcopal Church approval of gay marriage “a fundamental departure from the faith and teaching” of the majority of Anglicans.

While the U.S. Episcopal Church is alone among Anglican provinces in approving gay marriage, other Anglican national churches, in Brazil, South Africa, New Zealand and Scotland, have taken steps toward accepting same-sex relationships.

The top body of the Anglican Church of Canada is scheduled to vote in July on a proposal that would authorize gay marriage. A spokeswoman for the Canadian church said its leader, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, would comment after the news conference Friday.

January 21, 2016

LONDON (AP) - A group of lawmakers says British authorities are failing transgender people, who suffer routine discrimination and are disproportionately likely to attempt suicide.

The House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee says healthcare workers, police, prison staff and teachers all need training on transgender issues.

In a report published Thursday, the committee said gender identity should no longer be treated as a mental health issue, and official recognition of gender should be based on individual self-declaration.

It said people should be able to record their gender as “X’’ rather than male or female on a passport.

The committee’s chairwoman, Conservative lawmaker Maria Miller, said “Britain leads the world in recognizing lesbian, gay and bisexual rights, but despite some welcome progress, we are still failing trans people in so many ways.”

NEW YORK (AP) - Anglican leaders on Thursday temporarily restricted the role of the U.S. Episcopal Church in their global fellowship as a sanction over the American church’s acceptance of gay marriage.

Episcopalians have been barred for three years from any policy-setting positions in the Anglican Communion while a task force is formed that will try to reconcile conflicting views over sexuality in the 85-millionmember family of churches. The Episcopal Church is the Anglican body in the United States.

The announcement came near the end of a weeklong meeting in Canterbury, England, called by Photo: leadercall.com Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, to heal rifts over samebehind Roman Catholics and the sex relationships and keep the Anglican Communion from splitting Orthodox.

The fellowship has been fracturapart. Welby, the Anglican spiritual leader, does not have the authority to ing for decades over gay relationships, women’s ordination and force a compromise. He set a news other issues. Those rifts blew conference Friday in Canterbury to wide open in 2003 when the New explain the leaders’ decision.

York-based Episcopal Church Episcopal Presiding Bishop consecrated the first openly gay Michael Curry, who attended the bishop, Gene Robinson, in New meeting, told the other leaders Hampshire. Last year, the top U.S. their vote “will bring real pain” to Episcopal legislative body, or Gengays and lesbians and to Episcoeral Convention, voted to authorize palians “committed to following Jesus in the way of love and being gay marriages in their churches.

The most vocal protests to the a church that lives that love.” Still, Episcopal embrace of gay rights he said he was committed to the came from Africa, home to some of Anglican family.

The Global Anglican Future Con- the fastest-growing churches in the Anglican communion and the deepference, which represents theologiest opposition to gay relationships cally conservative Anglican leaders as a violation of Scripture. Many worldwide, had sought sanctions African countries have criminalized against the U.S. church, and some gay relationships. members said they would walk out Theological conservatives from of this week’s meeting unless some around the world joined together penalty was applied. One leader, to form the Global Anglican Ugandan Archbishop Stanley NtagFuture Conference as a fellowship ali, did so. In a statement Thursday, the conference known as GAFCON within the communion, distancing themselves from the U.S. Episcopal said their leaders were pleased by Church and refusing to participate the outcome of the meeting, but in some Anglican gatherings. “this action must not be seen as an In 2009, Anglican national leadend, but as a beginning.” ers in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda Anglicans, whose roots are in and other church provinces helped the missionary work of the Church create the Anglican Church in of England, are the third-largest grouping of Christians in the world, North America, as a theologically

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BUCHAREST, RO (AP) - The Romanian Orthodox Church says it supports an initiative to change Romania’s constitution to specify that marriage is between a man and a woman The statement comes amid concerns from some that the conservative East European nation will align with other EU nations and permit gay marriage. Romania currently does not recognize marriages between people of the same sex.

The church, to which more than 85 percent of Romanians belong, said Friday it supports a recent proposal made by the Family Coalition to amend one article in the constitution referring to marriage.

The MozaiQ Association, which supports gay minority rights, has accused the church of meddling in secular matters.

The constitution, last revised in 2003, says marriage is between “partners” without specifying gender. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2001

Anglicans sanction US Episcopal Church over gay marriage

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Romanian Orthodox Church: Marriage only between man, woman

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

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Photo: spea.indiana.edu

book on the ... issue, which some would say was a debacle.”

The religious objections law drew unwanted and mostly negative attention to Indiana, prompting businesses interests, including the NCAA, to raise the possibility of relocating events and conventions elsewhere.

In the days before last week’s State of the State speech, Pence heightened expectations on all sides by indicating he would end months of silence on the issue of LGBT protections.

The issue sharply divides the Republican Party, driving a wedge between social conservatives and the business establishment.

“We were hoping for a positive and definitive statement supporting expanded protections for sexual pref-

erence and gender identity. We didn’t hear that,” Brinegar said.

Pence says he abhors discrimination, but vowed not to support any bill that “diminishes the religious freedom of Hoosiers or interferes with the constitutional rights of our citizens to live out their beliefs in worship, service or work.”

The remarks were warmly received by evangelicals who make up his traditional voter base, at a time when Pence is facing a tough campaign this year for re-election. But it was a let-down for gay-rights supporters and a coalition of business interest including Cummins Inc. and Eli Lilly and Co. - who say the debate makes Indiana look intolerant and diminishes their ability to recruit talented

workers.

Several measures before the Senate seek to address the issue this spring.

One bill would grant protections to LGBT people while offering exemptions for clergy, small businesses and religious organizations. Another would do the same but excludes transgender people.

The governor believes religious freedoms are clearly elaborated in the state constitution and has publicly questioned whether those freedoms can be reconciled with LGBT rights.

He has not proposed any legislation of his own on the matter.

“Governor Pence made his position clear Tuesday night. He will give careful consideration to any legislation the General Assembly sends him but it must be consistent with the Indiana Constitution,” Pence spokesman Matt Lloyd said.

Meanwhile, former House Speaker John Gregg, his Democratic challenger, supports LGBT rights and has criticized Pence over the issue.

Brinegar acknowledged LGBT rights present challenges for Republicans, but he wants lawmakers to find a compromise “so that we get this issue in our rearview mirror and send a clear message to the outside world.”

He added that the chamber of commerce supports lawmakers who push the organization’s agenda and has sought to unseat those who hindered it. He cautioned, though, that LGBT rights aren’t the group’s only priority.

COLUMBUS, OH (AP) - A judge has sentenced a man to 20 days in jail after he was convicted of “ethnic menacing” for harassing a gay man at a central Ohio health club.

At his sentencing this week in Columbus, Michael D. Smith said it was “an unfortunate situation that got overblown.” After he gets out of jail, he’ll be on probation for two years.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that the 41-year-old Smith was convicted last week after he made anti-gay remarks toward a gay man and had to be restrained by two other gym members on Aug. 23.

In addition, the jury convicted of disorderly conduct for the altercation and aggravated menacing for sending the gym manager a pair of brief emails filled with profanity and gay slurs.

LOUISVILLE, KY (AP) - A federal judge awarded a team of Kentucky attorneys more than $1 million for their role in the landmark United States Supreme Court case that struck down bans on same-sex marriage.

The state will have to pick up the $1.1 million tab.

In 2014, US District Judge John Heyburn ruled the state’s ban on gay marriage unconstitutional. But former Gov. Steve Beshear hired outside attorneys to continue defending the ban.

The case, and others like it, made its way to the US Supreme Court, which effectively legalized gay marriage last summer.

US District Judge Charles R. Simpson ordered Wednesday that the losing party, the state, will have to pay the fees and expenses for attorneys who fought successfully on behalf of Kentucky gay couples.

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Kentucky to pay $1.1 million to lawyers in gay marriage case January 21, 2016

Ohio man jailed for 20 days for harassing gay man at gym

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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A prominent Indiana business leader is voicing concern that Gov. Mike Pence’s newly revealed stance prioritizing religious freedoms over LGBT rights will not help “close the book” on a tumultuous period that thrust the state to the center of a culture war and threatened to harm its image.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Brinegar said business leaders hoped the first-term Republican would use his State of the State address to announce support for measures before the GOP-controlled Legislature that would provide statewide protections for anyone fired from a job, denied service, or evicted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Instead, Pence prioritized religious freedom over rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and showed little retreat from his stance during an uproar last March over a religious objections law, which critics charged would sanction discrimination against gay people on religious grounds. Lawmakers approved a “fix” seven days later, but supporters of LGBT rights have pushed them to go further.

“We don’t take lightly the idea of giving people more reason to sue businesses, but we think it’s the 21st Century and the time has come to provide these protections,” Brinegar said Friday. “We need to close the

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Business leader voices concern over Pence’s LGBT stance

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NATIONAL NEWS

January 21, 2016

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NATIONAL NEWS

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WASHINGTON -- (AP) Hillary Clinton has received an endorsement for her bid for the Democratic nomination for president from America’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization.

The Human Rights Campaign announced its endorsement Tuesday, which she is expected to accept at an event in Iowa next week.

The organization’s board of directors, comprised of 32 community leaders nationwide, voted to endorse Clinton, the group said in a statement.

The Human Rights Campaign says it will work to mobilize its 1.5 million members and supporters ahead of the general elections.

Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court historically ruled to allow all Americans, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, to marry. Many in the LGBT community fear the decision could be reversed if a conservative president is elected to office.

Graphic: hrc.org

New Idaho bill would ban discrimination on sexual orientation

Court: Business that refused lesbian wedding violated law

Photo: nydailynews.com

NYC man sentenced for assault on transgender woman

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NEW YORK (AP) - A Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 20 years behind bars for an assault on a transgendered woman that left her with severe brain injuries.

Prosecutors say 26-year-old Mashawn Sonds struck the victim, Kimball Hartman, in the head with a sheet of acrylic in October 2014.

He was convicted in December with assault as a hate crime.

Authorities say the victim was attacked while walking with a gay male friend in Bushwick.

Prosecutors say it was the first trial conviction secured by the Brooklyn district attorney’s Hate Crimes Unit created last year.

BOISE, ID (AP) - A bill has been introduced in the Idaho Senate that seeks to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The legislation introduced Tuesday

by Boise Democratic Sens. Grant Burgoyne and Cherie Buckner-Webb adds sexual orientation and gender identity to the Idaho Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on those grounds in housing, employment and public accommodations.

A similar bill failed to pass through the House State Affairs Committee on a party-line vote last year. The difference with the new legislation is that it provides definitions for the terms sexual orientation and gender identity, addressing questions that came up during last year’s hearing.

Burgoyne says he’s working with a bipartisan group of lawmakers to address additional concerns, including questions about religious liberty.

January 21, 2016

ALBANY, NY (AP) - A New York appeals court has ruled against the owners of a wedding venue fined $13,000 for violating the state’s anti-discrimination law after refusing to host a lesbian wedding.

Robert and Cynthia Gifford of Liberty Ridge Farm north of Albany refused to host the 2013 wedding of Melisa and Jennie McCarthy, citing their religious beliefs.

The Appellate Division of state Supreme Court on Thursday said while the Giffords are free to express their religious beliefs, they must allow same-sex couples to marry on their premises if they allow opposite-sex couple to do so. The 5-0 ruling upholds a determination by the state’s Division of Human Rights.

The Giffords were represented by an attorney for Alliance Defending Freedom, who said on the group’s web site an appeal would be considered.

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Hillary receives endorsement from The Human Rights Campaign

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Americans in recovery.”

The newly designated counties were added to the following HIDTAs: • Appalachia HIDTA Blount County, Tennessee Carroll County, Virginia Grayson County, Virginia

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Pensacola, FL – Director of National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli announced that Florida’s Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are part of the 14 additional counties in 10 states designated as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTAs). The designations will enable Escambia and Santa Rosa to receive Federal resources to further the coordination and development of drug control efforts among Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials. It also will allow local agencies to benefit from ongoing HIDTA-coordinated initiatives working to reduce drug use and its consequences across the United States.

“With the designation of new counties as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), we are enhancing the ability of Federal, state, and local authorities to coordinate drug enforcement operations and improve public health and safety,” said Director Botticelli.

“The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program is an important part of this Administration’s work to expand community-based efforts to prevent drug use, pursue ‘smart on crime’ approaches to drug enforcement, work to reduce overdose deaths, increase access to treatment, and support millions of

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Two Florida counties named high intensity drug trafficking areas

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SUNSHINE STATE

• Gulf Coast HIDTA Escambia County, Florida Santa Rosa County, Florida • Michigan HIDTA Muskegon County, Michigan • New England HIDTA Bristol County, Massachusetts • New York/New Jersey HIDTA Broome County, New York Ulster County, New York • Oregon-Idaho HIDTA Linn County, Oregon • Texoma HIDTA McIntosh County, Oklahoma Pittsburg County, Oklahoma • Washington/Baltimore HIDTA Carroll County, Maryland Jefferson County, West Virginia Created by Congress in 1988, the HIDTA program serves as a catalyst

Photo: nwfdailynews.com

for coordination among Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug trafficking regions of the United States.

Law enforcement organizations working within HIDTAs assess drugtrafficking issues and design specific initiatives to decrease the production, transportation, distribution, and chronic use of drugs and money laundering. There are currently 28 HIDTAs across the country.

In August of last year, the Office of National Drug Control Policy announced additional funding for

HIDTAS, including an unprecedented partnership among five regional HIDTA programs—Appalachia, New England, Philadelphia/ Camden, New York/New Jersey, and Washington/Baltimore—to address the severe heroin threat facing those communities through public health-public safety partnerships across 15 states. This HIDTA Heroin Response Strategy is fostering a collaborative network of public health-public safety partnerships to address the heroin and opioid epidemic from multiple perspectives.

Letter to the Editor Hi Thank you so much for my story and photos currently being exhibited at the Stonewall Museum on Wilton Drive.

I’m loving the publicity but must correct one mistake. I did not take that photo of Lucy and Desi. It was their New Year’s card one year and I copied and pasted it to my Facebook page.

Thank you Bob Deutsch January 21, 2016

From the Editor Thank you Bob for the correction and the information update. Wishing you continued success and hope to see more of your photos. Right is photo of Lucy and Desi in reference.

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TALLAHASSEE—State senator Travis Hutson (R-St. Augustine) has become the second Republican sponsor of a measure that would prohibit employment, retail and other discrimination against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The group behind the “Florida Competitive Workforce Act” (HB 45/SB 120) announced the move in a news release Friday.

The prime sponsors are Democratic state Sen. Joe Abruzzo of Boynton Beach and Key Largo Republican Holly Raschein in the House. Hutson now joins Clearwater’s Jack Latvala in sponsoring the Senate version.

According to the coalition, other House Republicans supporting the measure include state Reps. Heather Fitzenhagen of Fort Myers, Tom Goodson of Titusville, Bill Hager of Delray Beach, Chris Latvala of Clearwater, Mike Miller of Winter Park, Kathleen Peters of South Pasadena, Ray Pilon of Sarasota, and Rene Plasencia of Orlando.

In a press release Sen. Hutson said, “I have always been a vocal supporter of this pro-business issue and believe there is a fundamental flaw in a society that condones the firing of someone simply because they are LGBT.”

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Growing support for LGBT-protection bill

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SUNSHINE STATE

Graphics: flcompletes.org

“I am pleased to join Sen. Latvala and my colleagues in the House to co-sponsor this very important piece of legislation,” Hutson said. “While there are some concerns I have for others to sue unjustifiably, I am confident that will be addressed through the committee process.”

A version of the bill, which amends the state’s Civil Rights Act, has been filed for the better part of the past decade but has never gained traction. Now, though, it’s supported by Fortune

500 companies, progressive groups and conservative organizations.

Major Florida employers, including AT&T, CSX, Darden Restaurants, Marriott, NextEra Energy, Office Depot, Tech Data, Walt Disney World Resort and Wells Fargo have joined, with more than 400 local businesses also on board, according to the Florida Businesses for a Competitive Workforce coalition.

In Florida, it’s already illegal to discriminate in employment, housing and public accommoda-

tions based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, and marital status. The bill would add sexual orientation or gender identity to protected groups.

“Thank you to Sen. Hutson for his leadership and support of this pro-business, anti-discrimination legislation,” coalition manager Patrick Slevin said. “To have two Republican Senators, and nine GOP House members … is very encouraging as we head into the second week of Session.”

Engagement - Wedding - Anniversary Announcements

January 21, 2016

On February 4, the Agenda will be publishing its first SPECIAL LGBT WEDDING ISSUE. Wedding and engagement announcements as well as anniversary declarations will be included and become a continuing feature of our weekly edition. Send your wedding news and photo to richardhack@wirld.com.

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January 21, 2016

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SUNSHINE STATE

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(left to right): Ernest Olivas of Emerald Elite Home Health Care, Bruce Williams - The Pride Center, Congressman Ted Deutch, Patti Lynn - Broward Sheriff’s Department, Robert Boo - The Pride Center’s CEO & Tom Pence - Celebration of Friends.

Photo: By Jameer Baptiste

Coffee And Conversation talks LGBT senior care with Congressman Ted Deutch

BY JAMEER BAPTISTE

currently, doesn’t take into account the plight of the LGBT senior community.

Stated in the Ruthie and Connie LGBT Elder American Act Press Release, “LGBT seniors face higher rates of poverty, pronounced social isolation and less access to health care due to barriers in the aging system and past discrimination.”

“LGBT seniors have a history of being an invisible group.

Bluntly, we have been left out and ignored,” says Williams.

“With prevalent homophobia, hostility and intolerance, there has been little concern for providing quality medical care that meets the specific needs of LGBT seniors. Any legislation that works to change that can support and impact our efforts a great deal.”

The Ruthie and Connie LGBT

Elder American Act Press Release claims that if enacted the bill will amend the OAA to better care for LGBT seniors and provide equal treatment by including LGBT seniors as a vulnerable population, prioritizing grant opportunities for organizations focused on improving LGBT health and long-term care, and permanently establishing the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging to address the unique needs of this population.

Currently, the Ruthie and Connie LGBT Elder American Act has been assigned to a congressional committee, which will consider the bill before possibly send it out to the House or Senate as a whole.

To stay informed visit www. govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/ hr3793 and track the progress of the bill.

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Conversation provides our LGBT Seniors a place where they can gather and socialize while also giving them an opportunity to remain aware of what is going on in their community.”

Congressman and Vice Chair of the Equality Caucus in Washington D.C. Ted Deutch (FL-21) spoke to the lively crowd of more than 200 to communicate a new bill he and two other United States Representatives, Congressman Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), introduced in the House of Representatives.

The Ruthie and Connie LGBT Elder Americans Act is intended to improve the already enacted Older Americans Act (OAA).

The Ruthie and Connie LGBT Elder Americans Act focuses on how to better serve LGBT seniors since the OAA, as it stands

January 21, 2016

FORT LAUDERDALE--On Tuesday, January 14, 2016, The Pride Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida hosted their recurring weekly LGBT senior meeting, Coffee and Conversation, with special guest speaker Congressman Ted Deutch.

Coffee and Conversation serves as a vital meeting place where LGBT seniors can socialize with one another and learn about resources available to them in the area as well as new LGBT senior initiatives both locally and nationally. The Pride Center’s Coffee and Conversation is held weekly on every Tuesday of every month.

“Loneliness and isolation are two of the most detrimental factors in the lives of many LGBT seniors,” commented Bruce Williams, The Pride Center’s Senior Service Coordinator. “Coffee and

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DEEPBY ROMEO INSIDESANHOLLYWOOD VICENTE

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Romeo San Vicente will always keep your secrets. He can be reach via this publication.

Gus Van Sant to deliver When We Rise

photo: Denis Makarenko

So Roland Emmerich’s Stonewall might not have gotten its history lesson across as effectively as planned. OK, fine, it was a disaster. But now When We Rise another LGBT narrative history project is in the works, the eight-hour ABC miniseries, from director-producer Gus Van Sant. He’ll reunite with Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black for the series, which will cover the personal stories and political struggles of a large group of LGBT activists. No word on the time-span the series will cover, or if it’s going macro or micro, but because Stonewall’s failure hovers over it like a too-white storm cloud, they’re already making sure that the press releases talk about its diversity. And that’s good. No one project will be all things to all people, but setting the record un-straight involves listening to every kind of queer story. Cautiously optimistic on this one.

January 21, 2016

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Sick will make you angry all over again

photo: afterellen.com

You don’t have to have devoured all of Making a Murderer to know that injustice served to the powerless is a ragemaking proposition. And for all the progress enjoyed by the LGBT community in recent years, it’s still a scary world out there for too many queer people, especially young people and those outside Northern Europe and the United States. So here comes the infuriating documentary Sick (Bolesno). The Croatian film from director Hrvoje Mabic tells the story of 16-year-old Ana, whose parents put her in an institution for five years to cure her of lesbianism. As a young adult, she is paranoid and depressed, involved in a relationship that might not be good for her, and suing her parents. Harrowing stuff, to say the least, but still vital viewing for anyone who thinks that marriage equality was the last battle. Look for Sick to make film festival rounds this year, and don’t be afraid to encounter its sadness.

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DEEP INSIDE HOLLYWOOD

Anne Heche, Sandra Oh, Alicia Silverstone have a Catfight

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photo: hippowallpapers.com

Its Golden Globe wins might be the first you’ve heard of Mozart in The Jungle (it’s OK, there’s just too much TV to watch out there, new Golden Age, etc.), but like us you’re probably binge-watching it right now. Bisexual actress Saffron Burrows (married to Ellen writer Alison Balian) is one of the stars – her character will be having a secret affair with Gretchen Mol this season, so enjoy that – and she’s got another project upcoming with fellow queer actor Russell Tovey. The indie feature is called Night of the Lotus; it’s from filmmaker Henry Mason and writer Thomas Martin, and it revolves around a young woman (Adelaide Clemens, The Great Gatsby) suffering guilt over the death of her new husband. She then lives out the honeymoon she never had with a stranger she meets on a train. Look, you have to use the tickets or you lose them.

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Saffron Burrows, from the Jungle into the Night

photo: moviehole.com

January 21, 2016 37

Writer-director Onur Tukel just wrapped a lesbian brawl. It was for the filmmaker’s latest feature, Catfight, which stars Anne Heche, Sandra Oh and Alicia Silverstone. Oh plays wealthy housewife Veronica Salt (hat-tip to Willy Wonka, obviously), whose life-long rival, played by Heche, meets her again at a birthday party. The sparring begins. They’re making a big deal out of the “intense” fight scenes, which is great, of course. And there’s also a plotline about war in the Middle East, even though we’re not quite sure how that fits into the Dynasty-style beatdowns. Bottom line: Silverstone plays Heche’s girlfriend and we’ve loved her since Clueless and that’s pretty much enough for us to want to see this one. In post-production now, look for it at better LGBT film festivals before its proper release later in the year.

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Market Place /floridaagenda

CONTACT NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR, MAURA “MUMBALL” LANE AT 954-543-5947 OR MAURA@WIRLD.COM TO GET ON THE LIST.

ACCOUNTING

Sterling Tax & Accounting 2435 N Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-667-9829 / sterlingandhart.com

ATTORNEYS Dean Trantalis Attorney 2255 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-2226 / trantalislaw.com Law Offices of George Castrataro 707 NE 3rd Avenue, Suite 300 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-573-1444 / lawgc.com

AUTO Vista Motors BMW 744 N Federal Hwy Pompano Beach, FL 855-793-7093 / vistabmw.com

BARBERSHOP

CHURCH / SPIRITUAL Center for Spiritual Living 1550 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-2868 / cslftl.com Holy Angels Catholic Community 2917 NE 6th Avenue Wilton Manors, FL 33334 954-633-2987 / holyangelsfl.org Etz Chaim 1501 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-564-9232 / etzchaimflorida.org

DENTAL Bove Dental 2500 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954-564-0181 / bovedentistry.com Magnolia Dental 12014 E. Colonial Drive, Ste 130 Orlando, FL 32826 407-205-9585/ MagnoliaDentalFL.com

EVENTS I DO Custom Events PO Box 2357 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-626-0131 / idocustomevents.com

FINANCIAL

HEALTH

Las Olas Financial Group 3000 NE 30th Place, Suite 206 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 844-779-7936 / lasolasfinancialgroup.com

FITNESS Pump’n Inc Tom Bonanti 1271 NE 9th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-557-1119 / pumpnincgym.com

FOOD / GROCERY Diana’s 12001 Avalon Lake Drive Orlando, FL 32828 407-207-0205 /dianasbakeryandcafe.com

FOR RENT For Rent 2 Bedrooms, 1 bath and kitchen, living room, frbicc@aol.com.

954-801-8283

FURNITURE

Genesis Health Institute 1001 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-561-3175 / ghinstitute.com Ocean Therapy Center 2530 NE 15th Avenue Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-351-2299 oceantherapycenter.com

Source Events 605 Lincoln Road, #410 Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-672-9779 / sourceevents.com

CHURCH / SPIRITUAL

FINANCIAL

January 21, 2016

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INCOME TAX

HEALTH Better Hearing-World of Sounds 2450 E Commercial Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954-491-2560 betterhearingworldofsounds.com

Best Books and Taxes 2201 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-565-1041

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Market Place /floridaagenda

ORGANIZATIONS

We Insure 1975 E Sunrise Blvd, Suite 602 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-903-7519 / weinsurefl.com

The Pride Center 2040 N Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-463-9005 / pridecenterflorida.com

Marvel Quevedo Insurance Agency 5062 South Conway Road Orlando, FL 32812 407-737-7778

Out of the Closet 2097 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-358-5580 / outofthecloset.org

REAL ESTATE

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INSURANCE

PAWNBROKERS Sunrise Pawnbrokers 3043 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954-563-3147 / SunrisePawn.com

UPHOLSTERY

MUSIC

PHOTOGRAPHY Dennis Dean Images 3554 NE 12th Avenue Oakland Park, FL 33334 954-240-8307 / dennisdean.com

REAL ESTATE

Island City Eyecare 2301 Wilton Drive, Suite C1 Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-764-6906 / visionsource-ice.com

Joe Grano Realtor 1881 NE 26th Street, Suite 212 Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-931-0031 / joegrano.com

January 21, 2016

OPTICAL

Galleria International Realty 945 Las Olas Boulvard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-234-8759 / galleriarealtors.com

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Four categories of people in your life

M

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YOUR LIFE: AN OWNER’S MANUAL

any of us struggle with wanting to be liked by people and often find ourselves being overly ingratiating. We allocate all of our time and energy into our relationships and hope for the best, but often find that some people, no matter what we do, just don’t seem to like us. However, we sometimes continue to seek their friendship. It By may be hard to believe, James but there are some Miller people who will never like you, regardless of how great you are.

In Social Psychology we teach that there are essentially four categories of people.

Let’s use an arbitrary percentage of 100%.

That means that everyone you meet falls into one of the following categories:

January 21, 2016

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CATEGORY 1: Will never like you

In life we will meet many people. Some people are brought into our life to love and support us, while others can be a distraction and a hinderance to our growth and development.

It’s necessary to figure out which role people play in your life.

These people have no interest in supporting anything you do. They may be distantly cordial but they really want nothing to do with you. You may find yourself fruitlessly investing your time and energy to “win” them over.

CATEGORY 2: Do not like you but could be talked into liking you This group of people don’t like you but for some reason they change their mind and they start to be friendly. Their relationship with you is still tentative and could easily swing back towards not liking you.

CATEGORY 3: Like you but could be talked out of liking you

These friends are the ones who are not willing to give you the benefit of the doubt.

There may be a misunderstanding and they quickly turn away from you. They either gossip about you or punish you for how they perceive you to be. Be forewarned, if you do reconcile with them, this will happen again.

CATEGORY 4: Unconditionally like you These people love, nurture, and support your endeavors. You may make mistakes or even have misunderstandings but they are willing to forgive. They will support you in your highs and lows of life no matter what. Surround yourself with these people.

It may surprise you, but your family members fit into these categories as well.

There are times when we, earnestly, seek the approval of our family members and it’s either partially given to us (categories 2 and 3) or it’s completely withheld (category 1).

Conversely, you are in one of those categories in other peoples’ lives. If you find that you are wanting to like someone but you don’t, it’s ok. You do not have to maintain a friendship or even spend time with them. Not everyone we meet should be in our life. It doesn’t mean they are bad people, just not right for you.

If you find that you equally invest your energy with all four categories, you are setting yourself up for disappointment.

Behaviors don’t lie. I would challenge you to review each of the interactions with the people in your life. If you find that the relationship is unhealthily balanced, then they are probably in the first 3 categories. We must always invest our time and energy into the fourth category, that is where you will find true happiness and acceptance.

Go where you are celebrated, not where you are tolerated.

James Miller is a licensed psychotherapist who is known for James Miller | Lifeology where he gives daily advice, weekly iTunes podcasts and teaches virtual classes for successful people to simplify and transform their lives. For consultation or for more information, visit: www.JamesMillerLifeology.com.

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954-629-1377

Ernest@EmeraldEliteHomeHealth.com

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www.EmeraldEliteHomeHealth.com

January 21, 2016

CALL ERNEST OLIVAS

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Degeneres Is Ideal, Also Istic

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PUZZLE

January 21, 2016

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Across

1 Anaïs Nin was one 8 Golfer Muffin ___-Devlin 15 Physically fit 16 Unit with some real stallions 17 “You wish!”

18 Rio beach of song 19 Start of Degeneres’ comment on receiving the People’s Choice Humanitarian award 21 More of the comment 22 Rubbers of noses 24 Seaman’s pair 27 Doze off 28 More of the comment 33 Debussy sea 34 Trucker’s ride 36 Lea of OITNB 38 Imaginary 40 Seaport of Pasolini’s land 41 Some Willa Cather works 43 Came out on top 44 Neighbor of Cal. 45 Degeneres 46 Put a scuff on 48 Sign over 49 Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, e.g.

52 Children’s hospital to which Degeneres donated her award 57 End of the comment 60 Like Kerr Smith in Dawson’s Creek 62 Kind of homo 64 First, for one 65 Whip material 66 “Jailhouse Rock” settings 67 Become harder to climb

Down

1 Had sex with, in slang 2 Letters over Mary’s son 3 On the ocean 4 Pulp Fiction actor Ving

5 Shakespeare’s feet 6 Shake up 7 Erection of temporary shelters 8 Poli ___ 9 Parenting couple, sometimes 10 Cole Porter’s “Well, Did You ___” 11 Half of Mork’s good-bye 12 Warhol critic Greenberg 13 At Wit’s End author Bombeck 14 Idol of porn 20 Ins. letters 23 Ann Bannon’s ____ Girl Out 24 Get a smile out of 25 Self-directed Streisand film 26 Flamboyant Flynn 28 Cumming on the stage 29 Break for Heather’s mommies 30 One that mates with a queen bee 31 Was laid up in bed 32 Easily screwed 34 Prince’s purple precipitation 35 Island in gay Paree 37 Rocker Brian 39 Byron’s before 42 Mustangs of the NCAA 43 Violet Quill members, for example 47 “Try ___ might...”

48 Queer as a three-dollar bill, e.g.

49 Mullally of Will & Grace 50 Weight unit for your stones 51 “Is that true of us?”

52 Margaret Cho’s Can’t ___ Dancing 53 Alas., once 54 Knight in the saga of Moff Mors 55 Aussie colleges 56 Paul of Little Miss Sunshine 58 “Take ___ from me ...”

59 Staircase descender for Duchamp 61 Dottermans of Antonia’s Line 63 DC figure For the solution to this puzzle, go to www.floridaagenda.com/puzzle

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January 21, 2016

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THE WEEK: FORT LAUDERDALE .

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01/23 Who Killed Joan Crawford?

photo: southflorida.com

Michael Leeds’ new play revels in the important space Joan Crawford lives in the hearts of the LGBT community. Five men, dressed as the diva herself, arrive at a cabin for a surprise party. As they wait for the birthday boy, the “Joans” drink, dish, and expose their dark secrets before, one by one, they’re systematically murdered in this comedic whodunit. 8:00 p.m. Island City Stage. 2304 N. Dixie Highway. Wilton Manors. 33304.

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01/21 Violet

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Slow Burn Theatre’s newest production is the winner of the Drama Critics’ Circle Award and the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical in 1996. Based off of Doris Betts’s short story “The Ugliest Pilgrim,” the musical takes place in 1964 and involves the plight of a disfigured woman with hopes that a TV evangelist can somehow cure her. 7:30 p.m. Broward Center for the Performing Arts. 201 SW 5th Ave. Fort Lauderdale. 33312.

January 21, 2016

By Patrick Robert

photo: outclique.com

photo: washingtonpost.com

01/27 The Book of Mormon Written by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the Tony-winning musical follows the missionary adventures of Elder Kevin Price and Elder Arnold Cunningham as they try to spread their religious fervor in Uganda.

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. Broward Center for the Performing Arts. 201 SW Fifth Ave. Fort Lauderdale.

33312.

01/24 Bill Maher LGBT activist and sociopolitical commentator Bill Maher is known as much for his liberal views as for his comedy. He hosted popular late-night roundtable discussion Politically Incorrect for many years before moving on to his current gig on Real Time with Bill Maher.

His 2008 critically-acclaimed documentary film Religulous exposed the corrupt practices of religions throughout the world. 8:00 p.m.

Fillmore. 1700 Washington Ave. Miami Beach.

33139.

floridaagenda.com

photo: blameebro.com

photo: youtube.com

The super testosterone filled world of scripted wrestling may not have seemed like an LGBTfriendly environment some 30 years ago when it debuted, but the WWE has come to be one of the most LGBT-friendly “sports.” They even have a notable, openly gay wrestler named Darren Young. Tonight in Miami famous performers like John Cena, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Alberto del Rio, and Kevin Owens will all be in attendance, smashing chairs over each other’s backs and pile driving opponents. 7:30 p.m. American Airlines Arena.

601 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 33132.

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01/25 WWE Raw

01/23 Madonna

One of the LGBT community’s biggest heroes brings her Rebel Heart tour to the American Airlines arena. The Queen of Pop and bestselling female recording artist of all time has consistently fought for LGBT rights in meaningful and provocative ways, whether ironically dressing as a Boy Scout or kissing Britney Spears on live TV. Even if her popularity has waned a bit in recent years, she can still put on a grand concert as this wellreceived show attests. 8:00 p.m. American Airlines Arena. 601 Biscayne Blvd. Miami.

33132.

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THE WEEK: MIAMI

photo: fireball.com

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THE WEEK: JACKSONVILLE .

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01/23 Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage

photo: nceventspromter.com

Five decades of Star Trek is brought to the Kravis Center so hardcore fans can enjoy the franchise in all of its glory. The show includes a live symphony orchestra and solo instruments playing all of the film and television institution’s signature tunes. Along with the music, classic footage from Star Trek film and TV shows will be projected in high definition on a supersized screen. 8:00 p.m. Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. 300 Water St. Jacksonville.

32202.

Grammy Lifetime Achievement winners The Temptations and The Four Tops had over 44 Billboard Top 10 hits during the Motown era of American music. The Temptations hit the charts with songs like “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud” while The Four Tops’ most popular songs include “Baby I Need Your Loving” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” Both will be on stage tonight at the Florida Theatre. 8:00 p.m. Florida Theatre. 128 E. Forsyth St. Jacksonville. 32205.

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photo: tourlala.com

01/27 Dancing With the Stars Live!

01/21 The Temptations & The Four Tops

January 21, 2016

By Patrick Robert

photo: jsonline.com

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jackson ABC’s juggernaut reality TV show features popular celebrities learning dance routines with a slew of professional dancers. The show has turned into a monstrous hit, spawning countless imitations. The Dancing With the Stars: Live! tour brings some of these popular dance instructors together for a one-of-akind 90-minute show. 7:30 p.m. Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. 300 Water St. Jacksonville. 32202.

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Arthur Miller’s allegorical play condemns McCarthyism through the story of the Salem Witch Trials. A group of confused young girls experiment with witchcraft only to be forced to “name names” to save their own lives. A philandering husband must decide whether to respond morally or give in to temptation when he and his wife are also accused. 7:30 p.m.

Central Florida Community Arts. 250 S.W. Ivanhoe Blvd. Orlando. 32804.

The creator of the traditional Thanksgiving classic “Alice’s Restaurant Massacre” has been making comical folk music for over fifty years. Arlo has found a way to make his father Woody Guthrie proud, receiving both critical acclaim and ardent fans. This current tour is for the fiftieth anniversary of the eighteen-minute “Alice’s Restaurant Massacre.” 8:00 p.m. Plaza Theatre. 425 N. Bumby Ave. Orlando. 32803.

photo: gmartists.com

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01/23 Arlo Guthrie

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01/22 The Crucible

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THE WEEK: ORLANDO

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01/23 In the Mood

photo: longisland.com

This 13-piece Big Band performance pays homage to such greats of the 1940s as Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and The Andrews Sisters. Songs like “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Tuxedo Junction,” and “Moonlight Serenade” defined the era of America’s greatest generation who listened to up-tempo big band rhythms and intimate ballads. The show includes six singerdancers and the requisite hot boogie woogie.

7:30 p.m. Bob Carr Theater. 401 W. Livingston St. Orlando. 32801.

photo: erieevents.com

Sting and

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THE WEEK: PALM BEACH .

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01/22 The Jazz Singer

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Al Jolson’s 1927 film The Jazz Singer will forever be known as America’s first featurelength “talkie,” signaling the decline of the silent film era. This musical is a version of that film, following the coming of age of a talented Jewish singer who defies his father’s wishes to pursue a career as an entertainer. 8:00 p.m. Willow Theatre. 300 S. Military Trail. Boca Raton.

33486. photo: movieflix.com

photo: reviewfix.com

01/26 Jackie Mason

01/22 Dawn of the Dead

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The eighth film in the Palm Beach County Grindhouse Series is one of George Romero’s most beloved films. Dawn of the Dead, a quasi-sequel to Romero’s classic Night of the Living Dead, finds reanimated corpses seizing control of the entire country. A ragtag band of friends discovers shelter in a suburban mall where they coup up for as long as they can.

9:30 p.m. Movies of Lake Worth. 1380 Lake Worth Rd. Lake Worth. 33467.

January 21, 2016

By Patrick Robert

photo: willowtheatre.com

Jackie Mason’s popularity has spanned over a half century worth of Borscht Belt humor. He considers himself an “equal opportunity offender” and enjoys poking fun at political issues and public figures. He once caused a minor outrage when he poked his middle finger straight up during a stint on The Ed Sullivan Show at Mr. Sullivan in 1964. 8:00 p.m. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. 701 Okeechobee Blvd. West Palm Beach. 33401.

THE WEEK: TAMPA / ST. PETE .

Based on Busby Berkeley’s classic 1933 movie, 42nd Street tells the story of Peggy, a hopeful young dancer who leaves Allentown for New York to audition for the musical Pretty Lady. The leading lady breaks her ankle allowing for Sawyer’s chance to become a star.

The Tony Award-winning show includes such classic songs as “We’re in the Money” and “I Only Have Eyes for You.” 8:00 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall. 1111 N. McMullen-Booth Rd. Clearwater. 33759.

English pop singer Engelbert Humperdinck is best known in the States for his 1976 hit “After the Lovin’.” At 79, the balladeer is still going strong. His music has found success with various generations, including Generation X—he ironically recorded the song “Lesbian Seagull” for the 1996 film Beavis and Butthead Do America. 8:00 p.m. Capitol Theatre.

405 Cleveland St. Clearwater. 33755.

photo: sdmt.com

photo: theodysseyonline.com

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01/24 Engelbert Humperdinck

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01/23 42nd Street

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01/23 Billy Joel The consummate singer/songwriter takes the stage to perform all of his classic 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s hits. From “Piano Man” to “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” Billy Joel defines the image of the polished pianist, and, having sold over 150 million albums globally, he is by far one of the most accomplished singers in the world. Personally, Billy Joel has battled both depression and alcoholism and has become a committed proponent of teen suicide prevention. 8:00 p.m. Amalie Arena. 401 Channelside Dr. Tampa. 33602.

photo: mtltimes.com

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54 January 21, 2016

FROM OUR ARCHIEVES

The Guy At The Bar T

here he is, standing at the bar, looking at you with gorgeous, promising eyes.

You like him. His lips are full, his features masculine. He looks like he’s a passionate lover, like he’ll throw you around a little, degrade you in a way that turns you on. He’ll call you a name or two, and tell you what to do, but then he’ll kiss you. He’ll By cuddle with you Justin and make you Jones feel safe. This will be a good night.

You exchange glances for what seems like too long. You want to lure him to you, so you first try acting bashful. He makes eye contact with you and you smile, look down at your drink, and bite your lip. He returns the smile and nods his head to the rhythm of the music playing, but he doesn’t approach you.

Then you try a more manipulative approach, paying him little attention. You dance a little and laugh and wave at people. He’ll perceive you as popular and desired. You tell him through this ritual “I can have anyone I want, and everyone wants me.” This will get him to come over and say hello to you.

Nothing.

Frustrated but determined, you become a little more aggressive.

You look at him while you dance, maybe as if you’ve just noticed him and are telling him he’s your pick for the night. Your dance becomes more and more suggestive.

Still, he stands at his place at the bar, smiling and nodding approvingly.

What the f**k? These are brand new jeans. “I know my ass looks good in them,” you tell yourself.

“Why isn’t he coming to me?”

At this point, it’s a matter of principle. You’re NOT going up to him. HE should come up to YOU. He’d be lucky to have you.

And what’s he doing? He’s standing there and nodding. Which is kind of creepy now that you think about it.

You suck your teeth and bitterly sip your drink. Screw this.

No. You know what? He’s probably shy. You shouldn’t be angry.

Maybe you should go say hello to him. Maybe he’s that awkward kind of cute. The thought makes you feel better. You take a deep breath, another sip of your drink, and you start approaching him.

He starts moving, too: toward you. At last! He’s going to tell you how gorgeous you are and what an honor it would be if he gets to take you home tonight. So you stop halfway to him. Butterflies fill your stomach (which you suck in extra hard to give yourself the illusion of a bigger chest and smaller waist), and there he is. Right beside you. And… He’s passing you.

He walks past you and to the spot you were standing, which happens to be in front of a cute young couple dancing far more suggestively than you were.

They’re practically humping each other.

You stand in shock and embarrassment, immovable. He wanted THEM: The. Whole. F**king.

Time. You consider dropping your drink for dramatic effect, but you take a sip of it instead. (Instinct, my love. Instinct.)

“You know what,” you tell yourself, “I didn’t like him to begin with.”

Sip.

/floridaagenda

/floridaagenda

floridaagenda.com

January 21, 2016

55