Florida Agenda #126

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“BULLY” REVEALED AND REVIEWED CINEMA PAGE 17

NATIONAL NEWS

BUDAPEST TO ALLOW GAY PRIDE PARADE PAGE 09

NUTRITION

ADDICTED TO JUNK FOOD? ANDY KRESS TELLS YOU WHY. PAGE 22

TRAVEL

VENICE IS FOR ROMANTICS AND ROBERT ELIAS DEATON PAGE 19

DINING

LIME FRESH MEXICAN GRILL BRINGS CRUNCH TO LUNCH- AND DINNER PAGE 09

FLORIDA’S LARGEST LGBT NEWSPAPER AND ENTERTAINMENT SOURCE

2012 SUNSHINE STAMPEDE RODEO PAGE 20

CHRISTIAN GROUPS CONDEMN DAY OF SILENCE

Pastor Disapproves of Anti-Bullying Event to Commemorate Matthew Shepard Murder By CLIFF DUNN

MILFORD, CT – Across the U.S., religious and social conservatives have condemned the upcoming April 20 National Day of Silence, a commemoration of the murder of Wyoming college student Matthew Shepard and a day to draw awareness to the evils of bullying and homophobic violence. The American Family Association, Citizens for Community Values, Faith 2 Action, the Family Research Council, the Liberty Counsel, Mission America, and Save California are among the groups that have called for a national student walkout to protest what one Connecticut pastor calls a day to “[promote] vile, graphic, foul

language, and child sex.” The Day of Silence was initiated in 1996 as a grassroots project of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). The annual event, held on one day in April, was created to protest the harassment and bullying of LGBT students and other children and teens that are perceived as being “different.” Since 1999, the event has also commemorated the death of Matthew Shepard, the gay University of Wyoming student who was tortured and murdered in October 1998. According to GLSEN, more than 8,000 schools participate in the annual ‘DAY OF SILENCE’ continues on Page 8

PASTOR JAMES LOOMER

SUNSHINE STAMPEDE RETURNS TO SOUTH FLORIDA Prominent Past Partner “Scandals” Absent from List of This Year’s Sponsors By PHOEBE MOSES

The Florida Gay Rodeo Association’s (FGRA) Sunshine Stampede returns this weekend—Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22—to the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie. The event will feature close to 100 contestants from throughout North America, competing in 13 rodeo events. In addition to the contestants, organizers anticipate roughly 5,000 spectators to attend the weekend rodeo and its collateral events, FGRA’s largest yearly fundraising opportunity in this, its seventh annual effort. As measured

by attendance, the Sunshine Stampede has grown to become one of the largest gay rodeos in the nation. Notably absent from this year’s rodeo and its customary side events and parties will be Scandals Saloon, a traditional partner of the Sunshine Stampede. With only weeks to go before the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA)-sanctioned event, Scandals—a country-western Levis and leather bar located on NE 6 Ave, at the gateway to Wilton Manors—pulled out as a sponsor. Scandals’ proprietors,

partners Ken Kelley and Lloyd Pagels, also own The Stable in Oakland Park. Both have had traditionally large afterevents associated with the Sunshine Stampede. According to an individual close to the event who only spoke with the Agenda on the condition of anonymity, one of the things that contributed to Scandals’ decision was concern over the organizers’ decision to shuttle guests from the host Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotel to nighttime venues ‘RODEO’ continues on Page 7


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LOCAL NEWS IN BRIEF Chris Mancini Plans Large LGBT Element in Campaign for Broward State Attorney

ATTORNEY CHRIS MANCINI

FORT LAUDERDALE – Former federal prosecutor Chris Mancini’s campaign to unseat the current Broward State Attorney—who was first elected to the office in 1976, the year Jimmy Carter was elected president—takes on a new dimension tomorrow, when the candidate officially qualifies for his run for office, and his name goes on the ballot. Mancini, a criminal attorney and former litigator with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, says that a major part of his election strategy with be support from Broward’s large gay community. “I have served the LGBTQ community with Pride for over a decade,” says Mancini. “I understand the importance and needs of this community, and also realize their potential power and influence.” Mancini, whose previous courtroom trial experience includes the Miami Rivers Cops case, says there is plenty of room for improvement in the way cases are prosecuted under the current system. “As a lawyer, I see many problems with the judicial system in Broward County, and how groups and individuals can be targeted,” he notes. “Unfortunately the current State Attorney’s Office has been ineffective and inefficient in addressing these problems. The 36-year-old system created by the current State Attorney just does not meet our needs.”

LOCAL NEWS

If he is elected, Mancini would like to establish an initiative he calls “’Justice Without Prejudice,’ where you do not receive special favors if you have power or money, or suffer undue persecution if you are poor or a member of a minority group.” Mancini is calling for “a new way of approaching the issues, with new solutions. We need to implement restorative justice programs that have reduced recidivism by 50 percent in states where these programs are used.” He also stressed the “need to fight corruption on all levels of government. We need to ensure that there is one standard of justice; that you do not get special treatment if you have money or a badge.” Mancini’s campaign headquarters will open on Friday to an invited group at his office at 908 N Federal Hwy, in Fort Lauderdale.

Miami Beach Gay Pride Draws Thousands

MIAMI BEACH – If South Beach wasn’t the actual center of the universe on Sunday, it did a passable imitation of it, as tens of thousands descended upon Miami Beach for the city’s Fourth Annual Gay Pride Parade and celebration. Ocean Drive was awash in rainbow flags and both gay and gayfriendly straights who came to see the roster of entertainers and parade Grand Marshal Chaz Bono, the transgender son of multiplatinum performer Cher and the late Sonny Bono. The parade, which began at noon, included Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower and openly-gay North Miami City Councilman Scott Galvin, as well as a cavalcade of floats, entertainers, political figures, human rights activists, and volunteers. Drag performer Elaine Lancaster performed a duet with “Real Housewife of Miami” Lea Black. The float for Coral Gables Congregational

Church depicted the pastor, Laurinda Hafner, presiding over a faux gay marriage rite. Although 60,000 people were expected to attend what has become the largest, single-day event of the year in Miami Beach, event organizers are still tallying the numbers. In 2011, more than 40,000 people attended Miami Beach Gay Pride, which began as an event in 2009. That year, 7,000 people were anticipated to attend, but 20,000 turned out. “When I first took office, I was shocked that a city as progressive as Miami Beach had never had a Gay Pride parade,” Mayor Bower recalled. “So the city offered to host it and now we have a wonderful parade.”

Broward House Changes Staff; Kathleen Cannon Departs FORT LAUDERDALE – Broward House last week announced the upcoming departure of its longtime COO, Kathleen Cannon, who has accepted the position of President and CEO of the United Way of Broward County. Broward House President and CEO Angelo Castillo praised Cannon’s dedication and service. “Kathleen has served Broward House admirably as our VP and Chief Operating Officer for the past ten years,” SAID Castillo. “We’re very thankful for her many contributions to the agency and for the depth of her personal commitment to our success—so evident in everything she does.” Broward House is South Florida’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS community service organization. Stacey Hyde, Broward House’s current Senior Director of Contracts and Performance Management will take over as Vice President and COO. “Stacy has demonstrated her commitment to the Broward House staff, clients, and programs for the past nine years,” said Terry DeCarlo, the organization’s Director of Marketing. Previously, Hyde served as Broward House’s Director of Case management, Director of Behavioral Health, and Senior Director of Residential Programs. She obtained her masters in

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social work from Florida International University, and has worked as a case manager, therapist, and program manager with at risk populations, including adult substance abusers, youth at risk for gang activity, families in foster care, and those impacted by HIV/AIDS. She is also active in community events, including the Florida AIDS Walk, World AIDS Day, and The SMART Ride. Broward House’s Castillo offered praise and encouragement for her outgoing COO. “I knew from the first day I met Kathleen that her talents would be called upon to tackle greater challenges,” she said, adding, “for me personally, it’s been a privilege to have Kathleen on my management team. Kathleen will remain a personal friend and colleague and she will always be a member of the Broward House family.”

Equality Florida Institute Hosts Annual Gala at Florida Capitol Museum TALLAHASSEE – On Tuesday, the Equality Florida Institute celebrated its 15th Anniversary Gala at the Old Capitol museum in Tallahassee. The Institute was established to secure full equality for Florida’s LGBT population. The event also honored Jessica LoweMinor, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Florida. “Jessica has been a pioneer in finding new ways to give voice and visibility to the LGBT community,” said Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida. “She is a steadfast supporter of equal rights for all and a leading voice in Tallahassee for women, LGBT rights and basic fairness in public policy.” Proceeds for the evening, which included a suggested $100 donation from each guest, benefited the not-forprofit organization. The honoree, Lowe-Minor, is a former legislative advocate for the National Organization for Women (NOW), as well as the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates. She was recognized by Smith for her outspoken advocacy of LGBT issues, and for her opposition to Florida’s most anti-gay laws. H


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NATIONAL NEWS IN BRIEF Obama Administration: Gay Employment Bias Ban Must Wait WASHINGTON, DC – A senior adviser to President Barack Obama told LGBT rights groups last week that the chief executive will not sign an executive order to ban discrimination by employers holding federal contracts. Currently, federal law does not offer protection from discrimination based upon gender identity or sexual orientation. Valerie Jarrett, Special Assistant to the President for Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, met with gay rights activists on April 11 to inform them of the administration’s decision not to sign the executive order, which has the support of the Departments of Justice and Labor. The order would have applied to LGBT persons who are currently employed by or are seeking employment from federal contractors. Joe Solmonese, the President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest LGBT advocacy group, was an attendee of the meeting called by Jarrett. His comments afterward reflected the sentiments of most in attendance. “We are extremely disappointed with this decision and will continue to advocate for an executive order from the president,” said Solmonese. “The unfortunate truth is that hard-working Americans can be fired simply for being gay or transgender.” The Employment NonDiscrimination Act (ENDA), legislation which would ban workplace discrimination by federal contractors for LGBT individuals, is currently stalled in the Republican-controlled Congress, lacking sufficient votes for passage. The White House supports ENDA, but its decision not to sign the executive order stands in sharp contrast to many of its recent policy positions. Over the past several months, the president has signed executive orders on a number of issues, citing a “we can’t wait” approach to Republicans’ putative intransigence on certain legislation.

NATIONAL NEWS

The president also risks alienating political supporters who so far have been willing to allow him some leverage because of his decisive action on issues such as Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. These same supporters have been a reliable source of campaign donations.

Kentucky Teens Plead Guilty to Targeting Gay Man in Hate Crime LEXINGTON, KY - Two female teenagers pleaded guilty last week for their participation in an assault upon a Kentucky man who was targeted for being gay. The charges against the women were the first of their kind under provisions of federal hatecrimes statutes. Court documents indicate that Alexis Leeann Jenkins, 19, and Mable Ashley Jenkins, 19, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and aiding others in causing bodily injury to the victim because of his sexual orientation. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky Kerry Harvey said that the convictions were the first in the U.S. under 2009 revisions to federal hate-crimes laws. These revisions make it illegal to assault a person because of his or her actual or perceived sexual orientation. The case and charges arose from the April 4, 2011 attack on Kevin Pennington of Partridge, Kentucky. The two others charged in the case are Anthony Ray Jenkins, 20—the husband of Alexis Jenkins—and David Jason Jenkins, 37, the cousin of Anthony and Mable Jenkins. The men are charged with kidnapping and conspiracy. In addition, the men are charged under the federal hate-crimes law with assaulting Pennington because of his sexual orientation. Court documents and the federal indictment say that the two men conspired with Alexis and Mable Jenkins to lure Pennington to a secluded spot with the promise of helping him purchase the pain medication Suboxone, a controlled substance that is often abused. Pennington, 28, was then beaten by the men. The women, who will be sentenced in August, face the possibility of life in prison.

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New Study Challenges Anti-Gay Bias among Hispanics

protection in housing and employment for LGBT persons, as well as support for inclusiveness in military service and for strengthening hate crimes legislation. The study was funded by the Arcus MEDIA, PA – New research shows Foundation, a New York-based group that the perception of anti-gay bias which supports environmental and among Hispanics is overblown, with social-justice issues, including LGBT Latino support for LGBT rights on rights. The results stand in contrast to a similar footing as for other ethnic many prevailing attitudes about Latino groups and the population at-large. social and political views. As reported Hispanics are the fastest growing ethnic last month in the Agenda, publicallygroup in the U.S., with a population of released internal documents of the conservative National Organization around 50 million. The study—“LGBT Acceptance and of Marriage (NOM) indicated that Support: The Hispanic Perspective,” the group planned a radical social released April 12 by Social Science engineering campaign designed to Research Solutions (SSRS) and the capitalize on perceived anti-gay bias Hispanic rights group National Council among Hispanics. Those documents of La Raza—reports that Hispanic reveal a NOM strategy to promote support for marriage equality stands opposition to marriage equality as “a key at 54 percent. That compares with the badge of Latino identity.” The SSRS data also showed that results of a 2011 Gallup Poll, which showed that 53 percent of the general foreign-born Hispanics tend to be population supports same-sex marriage. more traditional than those born in Other results of the study—which the U.S., and are less likely to support involved interviews last year with 1,001 LGBT rights. Likewise, Hispanic men, Latinos 18 years and older—indicated Hispanic Republicans, and those who that there is even wider support in aren’t familiar with a gay person are the Hispanic community for equal more likely to oppose LGBT rights. H ‘RODEO’ continued from Page 1

along Wilton Drive. Both Scandals and its sister bar The Stable are located some distance away and were not on the shuttle’s scheduled route. Kelley told the Agenda, “Scandals Saloon became an official corporate sponsor of FGRA and the Sunshine Stampede Rodeo in 2006. Unfortunately, Scandals and the FGRA could not come to terms on the sponsorship contract this year.” He insisted that his decision was strictly a matter of business. “This is not in any fashion a negative reflection on either organization,” said Kelley. With respect to FGRA’s plan to affiliate with other bars and venues, Kelley was mostly philosophical. “While I strongly disagree with some of the FGRA’s decisions in this respect— [along with] excluding Scandals from any planned events or parties—our plans for the weekend have not changed.” The official Saturday evening Hoedown, normally scheduled at Scandals, has been moved to Boom, 2232 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors

beginning at 9 p.m. As an alternative to the Stampede’s “official” events, Kelley says Scandals will be throwing “the biggest rodeo party in town,” including a “1,500 square feet ‘ranch’, [and] BMI recording artist Melissa Fuller (performing Friday night at 9 p.m.), as well as band No Angel (performing Saturday night at 9 p.m.).” Scandals Saloon is located at 3073 NE 6th Ave., Wilton Manors. The Sunshine Stampede continues a tradition that began in 1976, with the first recorded gay rodeo held in Reno, Nevada, an event held to raise money for muscular dystrophy. Nine years later, the International Gay Rodeo Association was founded. With 28 gay rodeo associations across the U.S. and Canada, there are approximately 30 gay rodeos held each year, and an invitational IGRA Finals Rodeo. “Our sincerest wish is that this will be another successful year for the FGRA and hope everyone will come out and enjoy an amazing weekend,” Scandals’ Kelley said.H


CANDIDLY • PASSAGES

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CANDIDLY: MICHAEL GOODMAN Your favorite virtue? Honesty. Your favorite qualities in a person. Passion. Honesty. Sense of humor. Giving. Compassion. Loyalty. Your chief characteristic. Strong and motivated. What you appreciate most in your friends. I love that they accept me for me and know that they are always there if I am in need. Where would you like to live? I own a place in Palm Springs already, so California.

Your main fault. Sometimes too sensitive. Your favorite occupation. Public Relations counselor, but I love to produce fashion shows and other events. Your idea of happiness. Exploring new places with someone special and cooking for my family and friends (it’s all about food growing up in an Italian/ Jewish family). Your idea of misery? Being home sick with the flu.

FORMER “RIMMER” PUBLISHER DIES By DALE MADISON

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lthough the name Paul Renaldo may not be familiar to you, if you have lived in South Florida for any length of time, you might have heard of Renaldo by his professional name. Known in the community as “Guido,” the local photographer was also the publisher of The Rimmer, a local monthly, black and white magazine publication that was available during the early years of the last decade. Guido died on April 14 after being hospitalized for over three months. During its first year of publication, The Rimmer established the Sleazy Awards to help local non-profit organizations. Business owners were encouraged to decorate tables for their staff at local bars and restaurants. “The first one, the entrance fee was 69 cents,” remembers Toni Barone, the former owner of the Sea Monster bar and nightclub. “The event was always one of those things that people looked forward to,” recalls Barone, who hosted the event several times. On Feb. 9, Renaldo was hospitalized with pneumonia at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale. He was later transferred to hospice, where he remained until his death on Saturday. Friends mourned his passing. “Guido had a good heart. He was

kind to community and to the Quilt,” said Jodi Ihme of the Names Project. “Rest in peace, Guido. It was always great speaking to you.” “There was no one who loved our community better than Guido,” former Scoop magazine publisher Brad Casey noted. “His passing is a major loss.” Keith Huber of the Florida Gay Rodeo Association called Renaldo’s death “a tremendous loss in our community.” On a personal note, this writer helped Guido with a couple of his Sleazy awards and served on his Board of Directors for a year. His ideas for awards were signature--always off the wall, and always a little over the top. One year he purchased old wheel covers and gave them as the awards to the “Sleazy” winners. Over the years, he raised thousands of dollars, and once a year he would hold a food drive for Shadowood II, a local charity, at Monkey Business. He encouraged the community to participate through contributions of non-perishable goods in order to assist those who were homeless and living with HIV/AIDS. Although he was short in stature, Guido was a giant who assisted those who were less fortunate. Sleep well Guido. You will be missed. H

If not yourself, who would you be? A pop icon with the platform to make a huge difference. Your favorite color? Environmentallyfriendly green. Your heroes in real life? As celebrities go, Oprah Winfrey and Madonna as they have taken the world by storm and have become role models on different levels. Other heroes for me are those who are on the front lines to protect our freedom and those who give of themselves day and night to help the poor, homeless and abused.

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What are your favorite authors? Lisa Gardner and Tess Gerritson. Your favorite food and drink? Italian food and Grey Goose Cosmo, or chilled Patron with salt. What do you hate the most? Dishonesty, oppression, and evil. The reform you admire the most? I admire those who rise above many challenges, break free from addictions or can own their mistakes and say “I am sorry.” H

Michael Goodman is a partner at Bitner Goodman, one of the leading public relations firms in South Florida. He currently serves on the Boards of Neighbors 4 Neighbors, Florida Theatrical Association, and the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood.

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commemoration, during which students take a day-long vow of silence to symbolize the silencing of LGBT students. GLSEN encourages students to obtain permission from their school before organizing the event. Last week, Connecticut pastor James Loomer requested that the Milford Board of Education deny permission for students to organize the Day of Silence. The area’s schools have participated in the event since 2005. His actions were applauded by Tony Perkins, the President of the Family Research Council, who said “we cannot allow these programs like the Day of Silence to come into our schools as a cover for the promotion of homosexuality. That’s what is happening with this so we appreciate Pastor Loomer and others who are drawing attention to this in communities across the country.” Loomer has accused GLSEN of disseminating materials to children and teens that promote “promiscuity,” describing the group’s literature as “vile, graphic, promoting foul language, and child sex.” Last week, Loomer, the pastor of Milford Christian Church, told Board of Education members that he read an article about GLSEN and its list of “recommended reading” for students. He reiterated his remarks on Perkins radio program, “Washington Watch

Weekly.” “If parents came to know the inappropriateness of materials they’d be enraged,” said Loomer. “I brought this matter to the administration two years ago.” The pastor claimed that the recommended reading list was prepared for students as young as 7th-graders. “It’s revolting,” he said. Rightwingwatch.org reported this week that “Loomer’s campaign is based on material from rabidly antigay activist Linda Harvey of Mission America, along with debunked claims that [GLSEN] distributes pornographic material to children.” The Web site also noted that “the school board’s own legal counsel and the American Civil Liberties Union [agree] that students have a right to participate in the Day of Silence during non-instructional time.” Tracy Casey, the Chairwoman of the Milford Board of Education, declined to prohibit the event, citing the board’s attorney who determined that the Day of Silence is protected by the First Amendment. Casey said that no “inappropriate literature” was distributed by GLSEN, and that she had asked the Milford Superintendent of Schools, Elizabeth Feser, to oversee the Day of Silence. The board chair stated that the school system’s top priority is the welfare of the district’s students. H


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WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF Canadian Party Leader Condemns Anti-Gay Remarks from Candidate

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LGBT rights activists are calling for Smith to remove Hunsperger from the party. “We are waiting for Danielle Smith, as leader, to accept and account for the actions of her candidate, and immediately apologize,” said Kristopher Wells of the University of Alberta Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services. “Anything less than a full apology is unconscionable and a sign of a two-tiered approach to equality in this province,” he added.

Budapest Municipal Court Overrules Police, Okays Gay Pride Parade BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – A municipal court last week overruled EDMONTON, ALBERTA, police authorities and gave permission CANADA – The leader of Alberta’s for Budapest’s gay pride parade to take Wildrose political alliance is expressing place as originally scheduled. LGBT concern over anti-gay remarks made by rights groups along with Amnesty one of her party’s regional candidates. International and the Hungarian Danielle Smith, who leads the Civil Liberties Union applauded the conservative coalition, says that she ruling, which they say underscores the favors marriage equality and that her ongoing struggle for LGBT rights fellow party members should focus on in much of Eastern Europe, and Hungary in particular. fiscal, rather than social, issues. Officially, police refused permission The Wildrose Alliance Party, a provincial party in Alberta, has been to Budapest Pride organizers, painted as “extremist” by opponents. claiming that the event would impair Smith was firm in her resolve to stay the flow of traffic. In addition, right focused. “When our members elected wing organizations and Members of me, they knew they were electing a Parliament said that the parade would candidate that was pro-choice and set “a bad example” for the nation’s pro-gay marriage,” said Smith last week youth. Last week, the far right Jobbik party amended its parliamentary during an all-candidates forum. “The only way we’re going to be proposal to protect “public morals able to become a mainstream, big-tent and the mental health of the young conservative party capable of forming generations” from homosexuality, transvestitism, government is to focus on the issues transsexuality, that matter to Albertans. If I am elected bisexuality, and pedophilia. The premier, a Wildrose government will legislation’s sponsor, MP Adam not be legislating in areas of morality,” Mirkoczki, says the measure would ban “promotion of sexual deviations.” she said. The party leader was responding to a blog posting last year by Wildrose candidate Allan Hunsperger of Edmonton, who said that public schools are “godless” and predicted that gays will burn in hell. Alberta Premier, Alison Redford condemned Hunsperger’s RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The blog comments and suggested they Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ordered may represent the prevailing view of its Commission for the Promotion Wildrose members. of Virtue and Prevention of Vice to DANIELLE SMITH, CANADIAN CONSERVATIVE LEADER

Saudi Schools Officially Ban Gays and “Tom Boys”

start enforcing the nation’s ban on gay and “tom boy” students from universities and lower level schools. The Commission is one of the most feared police instruments of the autocratic Middle Eastern country. The Arabic language newspaper Sharq reported this week that “Instructions have been issued to all public schools and universities to ban the entry of gays and tom boys, and to intensify their efforts to fight this phenomenon, which has been promoted by some websites.” Saudi students will be permitted to return to classes only if they can “prove they have been corrected and have stopped such practices.” Homosexuality is a capital crime punishable by death in the Muslim nation of 27 million.

Gay Issues heat up London Mayoral Race LONDON, UK – LGBT rights have come unexpectedly to the forefront of the debate in this year’s campaign for Mayor of London, with the current officeholder being criticized for permitting homophobic ads to be

LONDON MAYOR BORIS JOHNSON

placed on public transportation by an anti-gay church. Last week, London Mayor Boris Johnson, a well-placed figure in the country’s Conservative Party, ordered municipal employees to pull the ads, which were paid for by a Christian group called Core Issues Trusts, which supports “reparative therapy,” a highly controversial and widely-discredited course of “treatment” to turn gay people straight. The bus ads—which were scheduled to run for two weeks starting this Monday—carried the message “Not Gay! Post-Gay, Ex-Gay, and Proud. Get Over It.” They were meant to mimic a recent campaign by LGBT rights group Stonewall that included the message “Some people are gay. Get over it.”

“London is one of the most tolerant cities in the world and intolerant of intolerance,” said Johnson. “It is clearly offensive to suggest being gay is an illness someone recovers from and I am not prepared to have that suggestion driven around London on our buses.” According to Core Issues’ Web site, the group is “a non-profit Christian initiative seeking to support men and women with homosexual issues who voluntarily seek change in sexual preference and expression.” The group’s co-director, Mike Davidson, expressed displeasure with Johnson’s decision to block the ads. “It is of deep concern that there can only be one point of view and that is the point of view of individuals who are determined to push through gay marriage and apparently believe that homosexuality cannot be altered in any possible way,” said Davidson. “This is a disturbing development.” Davidson has previously said that he believes “homoerotic behavior is sinful.” Johnson, who is seeking a second term, was also criticized by one of his opponents, Labor candidate Ken Livingstone. “In 1906 the front page of the Daily Mail’s headline was ‘Jews bring crime and disease to Britain,’” said Livingstone, a former Mayor of London who was defeated in 2008 by Johnson. “Then it was the blacks, then it was the Irish, then it was the lesbians and gays—there has always got to be an enemy. Rightwing politicians

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EDITOR’S DESK

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“G,” “B,” & “Q”

(WITH APOLOGIES TO “L” AND “T”)

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By CLIFF DUNN

received a text message last week from a friend with whom I haven’t spoken in years. It was an ultrasound image showing an unborn baby girl. The message that accompanied it conveyed all the joy and happiness that I imagine must have been registered on the sender’s face. “Cliff,” it said, “this is my daughter. I’m excited that I’m going to be a dad and starting a family of my own.” The sender—let’s call him Jim—and I haven’t spoken in several years: the last time was when he was moving out of the one-bedroom apartment we shared upon my return to South Florida about six years ago. What I doubt Jim’s baby’s mother will ever know is that Jim and I once enjoyed a brief intimate relationship before both he and I came to the conclusion that our “deal” was “just one of those things,” and that Jim was really straight. (Please hold the rolling of your eyes until the end of this piece.) Fast forward to sometime last summer, and a conversation I had with an otherwise forward-thinking and progressive heterosexual male with whom I am happy to be acquainted. Walking in during the tail-end of a chat about human sexuality, I heard my friend say “I don’t care: a guy who takes it up the *** is gay.” I am not mentioning his name so as not to embarrass this normally open-minded and thoughtful guy, because I know what many

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“straight” men, and not a few “gay” men, already know: The words “gay” and “bisexual”—and now, heaven help us, “Questioning”—have lost all meaning. The April 5 issue of the Agenda featured a thought-provoking LEIGHT REFLECTIONS column in which Dr. Arlen Leight discussed a person’s Sexual Template. Like many gay men “of a certain age” who spent their formative years growing up among the straights, a large number of my early post-adolescent “relationships” were with (generally) straight guys. For the most part, these were short-lived, but there were a couple of instances where something akin to feelings developed. This worked best when I was in a single frame of mind, since realistically there was an expiration date on these “relationships” from the get-go. Too, years ago, I realized the futility of pursuing the emotionally unavailable, and have been fortunate in my loving relationships with involved partners over the intervening years. My point here is that despite the occasional brief gay “episode” (or what an earlier era might refer to as a “fling”), there was no question in my mind—and clearly not in their minds—that these guys were straight. I say that with the confidence and assuredness of a gay man who has—like many gay men since the time of Alexander the Great—on several occasions enjoyed the intimate company of a member of the opposite

sex. I want to be clear that these were all of them crimes of opportunity (often, I am half-embarrassed to admit) accomplished through the agency of the right wine and the right music. I know this seems like a story about how cool I am, however, I only make reference to it to illustrate this point: I am not bisexual and I am certainly not straight. I am a gay man just as sure as is my boyfriend, and just as sure as Jim is straight. Regardless of whether or not there is a genetic basis for homosexuality—even though science seems pretty cut and dry on this—there is a difference between what it means to be a “homosexual” (whatever that is) and what it means to be “gay.” The designation MSM (“men who have sex with men”) is a clinical one, which reflects nothing of the lifestyle choices we make as gay men. I say “choice” because some of us are able to choose to live openly as gay men, in a community that enables and supports our individual identities. My friend Jim was homosexual (for all of three months), but I can’t envision him being “gay:” that simply isn’t how he identifies. Someone once told me “you are what you fantasize about.” I would offer that while all gays are homosexual, not all homosexuals are gay. Said differently (and with regrets to Sen. Santorum): “Gay” is to “homosexual” as “man” is to “monkey.” H

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor:

Alex Vaughn’s Q-POINT (April 5, 2012 Agenda: “Parking in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors: A Death Wish?”) brought home for the second time how the quality of life is dropping for the gay community living in or visiting Wilton Manors. This business of towing cars from The Shoppes of Wilton Manors hit me particularly hard a few weeks ago. My twin brother, his partner, and I drove down to Wilton Drive and parked by the old Poverello. They both got out and headed up the Drive, while I walked over to Boom, had a few drinks, and

APRIL 19, 2012 • ISSUE #126

as planned met them 20 minutes later where the car [was supposed] to be. The three of us went through the same trauma as Vaughn: an ungodly, crimeridden neighborhood, and a cab driver who couldn’t even find the [impound] lot—and this was at about four in the afternoon! Now comes the interesting part: the EMS Towing guy let me know that the calls authorizing cars to be towed came from the Alibi. He said “I’m not supposed to tell people that, I’m to tell them the property management company is the one calling.” This is

exactly what the bartender told me: he remembered me coming in and mentioned that no bartender is calling to authorize a tow. The manager on duty at Alibi offered me his sympathy but said there was nothing he could do. To add insult to injury, the manager said that ‘jobs are hard to come by’ and he does whatever he needs to in order to keep his own. It is reasonable to assume this includes making phone calls. Bill De Lange Wilton Manors

BOBBY BLAIR – CEO / MANAGING PARTNER

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ALL MATERIAL in the Florida Agenda is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Florida Agenda. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred or implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. Although this paper is supported by many fine advertisers, the Agenda cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. EDITORIAL POSITIONS of the Florida Agenda are expressed in editorials and in editors’ notes as determined by the paper’s editors. Other opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Florida Agenda or its staff. TO SUBMIT A LETTER OR COMMENTARY: Letters should be fewer than 400 words; commentaries should be fewer than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length, and must include a name, address and phone number for verification. Send submissions by e-mail to Editor@floridaagenda.com by fax to 954-566-7900 or by regular mail to the Agenda office, attn: Letters/Commentary. MAIN OFFICE/ SALES & CLASSIFIEDS: 2157 Wilton Drive • Wilton Manors, Florida 33305 Phone 954-903-4771 • Fax 954.607.5712 www.floridaagenda.com Printed by Forum Publishing Group (954) 574-5321 © 2012, Mutimedia Platforms LLC. All rights reserved.


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12 H APRIL 19, 2012

Q-POINT

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

Q -POINT:

CITING DOMA, UNFAIR TAX CODE REQUIRES LGBT COUPLES TO LIE By NADINE SMITH

I

t’s tax season, and once again gay married couples are caught between the truth and the law. Each year, the federal government demands thousands of gay married couples sign an IRS Form 1040 with this stern warning. “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return and accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, they are true and complete.” But how do you answer in good conscience when the IRS tells you to lie? The IRS, citing the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), demands gay couples deny our husbands and wives, and indicate our marital status as “single.” The IRS makes this demand despite the fact numerous courts have found DOMA to be unconstitutional, and the Department of Justice has stopped defending its key provisions. Those of us who are married should

be able to indicate our marital status honestly when filling out our tax return. Currently, there are more than 1,000 legal protections afforded to heterosexuals that are considered inapplicable to the lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender (LGBT) community. Many of these significantly impact finances (real estate, inheritance and health coverage, to name a few), but it is each year, on April 15, that all gay married couples come face to face with the inequities and indignity of having our families denied. As more and more gay people get legally married in the U.S. or abroad, many married gay couples throughout the country are refusing to identify as “single.” Quietly, from California to New York, from Alaska to Florida, couples are refusing to deny their spouses and are willing to take the risks of entering legally murky territory to take a stand. A website called RefuseToLie.org has become a gathering place for gay couples

to share their stories and for others to speak out in solidarity. While many post they have chosen to file as married, the site also provides tax tips for those who wish to protest but don’t want to risk running afoul of the IRS. Research shows gay people, on average, pay nearly $500,000 more over a lifetime due to discriminatory laws and practices. A recent CNNMoney study concluded same-sex couples are paying as much as $6,000 more in annual federal income taxes than other married couples, even in states that recognize their unions. For example, married couples filing jointly who sell a home can exclude from taxation up to $500,000 of the income received. Gay couples are only allowed to exclude $250,000, the same as single filers. Given these disparities, legalized bigotry has certainly cost many gay families the home they dream of in a safer neighborhood, a college education

for their children, or the start-up money for a business. My wife and I will once again file as married. We got married in Vermont, surrounded by 80 of our friends and family at the Burlington Quaker Meeting House. We committed, in front of our loved ones and duly authorized representatives of the state of Vermont, to love, cherish, and protect each other for the rest of our lives. It would be both dishonest and deeply humiliating to now disavow each other of our marriage and declare ourselves single on our tax form. We have an 11-month-old son, and we know it is our actions that will teach him more than just our words. How can we raise him to be honest and have integrity in his interactions with other people if we fill out a form that denies our existence as a family? Nadine Smith is the executive director of Equality Florida. She can be reached at Nadine@eqfl.org.


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Cinema | Fitness | Nutrition | Travel | Dining | Bar Guide | Recipe | Classifieds

WHAT’S INSIDE: GIT ALONG LITTLE DOGGIES The Rodeo Comes to Town

D

id someone say RODEO? The Sunshine

Stampede returns this weekend to the Bergeron Rodeo Arena in Davie, and

there haven’t been this many Queens in West Broward since free highlights day at AVEDA! From bull-riding, to roping, chaps, leather, and Levis: check out this butchest of manly pursuits, inside Guilty Pleasures. The new film “Bully” is making noises from coast to coast, and raising awareness on the plight of children and teens who must endure mental and physical torture at the hands of fellow students—and teachers! Warren Day reviews this filmmaking achievement, and offers his personal reflections on these cour ageous

children

Guilty Pleasures PAGE 21

(as

young as 11 years old) in this week’s Cinema. “I come to wive it wealthily in Padua,” proclaimed Petruchio in Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” The poor love-struck fool had no clue just what he was getting into (he

QUEEN OF THE ADRIATIC Venice & Padua

was Veronese, after all), but Robert Elias Deaton does, as he sets his sights this week on all the gaiety that is the jewel of the Venetian Plain: Padua, Italy, inside Travel. Our

resident

epicure

Richard

David

Chamberlain likes it fresh: Lime Fresh Mexican Grill brings the flavors and flair of the Southwest right to your table, and it’s all in Dining. Will retirement change Brad Casey? The former South Florida radio personality and publisher of the (now vintage) Scoop magazine spoke with our Dale Madison and gives us a

Travel

PAGE 19

JUNK FOOD ADDICTION

BULLY HITS HOME

Nutrition PAGE 22

Cinema PAGE 17

look at his plans after hanging up his tool belt (metaphorically speaking), inside this week’s Spotlight. Dr. Arlen Leight casts his key insight upon “The Dating Game: Authentic Connection or Strategic Planning?” “Gamers” take note: relationships are more than meets the eye (or ear), in this week’s Leight Reflections. Stop by and say “Howdy” this weekend at the Sunshine Stampede, Pardner! CD.


LEIGHT REFLECTIONS

16 H APRIL 19, 2012

The Dating Game: Authentic Connection or Strategic Planning? By ARLEN KEITH LEIGHT, PH.D.

T

wo middle aged men looking for a long term, committed relationship chat on Match.com and decide to meet for coffee. Tom and Roger are both good-looking, intelligent, and personable. They have a very nice conversation. Roger is very interested in Tom, but Tom is less than excited. Of course Roger is hoping Tom would be interested in a second date. Roger should: (A) Directly ask Tom if there is any potential and interest in further dating. (B) Ask Tom out for dinner on Saturday night without discussing interest. (C) Do not discuss the future and wait for Tom to call and ask him out. (D) Wait two days and if Tom hasn’t called, then call Tom to feel him out. Tom should: (A) Directly let Roger know that he is not interested in further dating. (B) Tell Roger he wouldn’t mind seeing him again. (C) Not discuss his lack of interest and just hope he never hears from Roger again. (D) Agree to another date only if Roger calls him. How many times have we heard men say they are tired of the games that we play when dating? But then again, how often have we been just as much of a game player as others? How often have we chosen “A” when confronted with the situation above? Isn’t it always easier to skirt the expression of true feelings to avoid being rejected or avoid hurting the other person? Game playing or strategic dating sets you up for eventual emotional hurt and/or disappointment. Authentic dating is about being honest. First, that requires being true to yourself about what you are looking for: i.e., what are your goals for dating? Are you looking for a life partner? Are you looking for casual sex? Is stability more important than passion? Do you want an exclusive

relationship or an open one? Are you currently “available” for intimacy? Next, you must be honest with yourself about how you feel about the person you are meeting or dating. It has been scientifically proven that we know within minutes—if not seconds—of meeting someone if there is the potential for passion. Finally, you want to be totally honest with your date. If initially there is nothing there but you want to see if something develops—not impossible, but also not very likely— just say so. If you want to be dating a host of people and are not ready to be with one individual, say so. If you are only interested in this person for sex, say so. If you have no interest in another date, say so. If you recognize potential of any kind in this person, say so. This approach is not for everyone— only for those who want an honest, authentic, and sincere connection with another person who has similar objectives. If there is a mutual passionate connection and both are looking for the same thing, the other person will not be turned off by you stating your feelings. If there is no passion for one or the other, or if the two of you have different dating objectives, what difference does it make if you scare the other personal away? The first date is simply about assessing the potential and objectives of each person. If there is no real potential, passion, or mutual objective, move on. If there is a mutuality of interest in the connection, then continue to date in order to explore values, compatibility, mutual interests, and sex. Building a trusting relationship of any type requires complete honesty, respect and authenticity right from the beginning.

Arlen Keith Leight, PhD is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Board Certified Sex Therapist in private practice on the drive in Wilton Manors. He can be reached via email at DoctorLeight@aol.com, by phone at 954-7688000, or online at www.DoctorLeight.com.

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM


STYLE BRIEFS • CINEMA

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

YOUR WEEKLY

STYLE NEWS BRIEFING: Chaz Bono talks “Transgender” to

Marriage

FIU Students

“Brangelina” Blessing on Nuptials

MIAMI – On Monday, fresh from his stint as Grand

Equality

Group

Gives

Announcement

Marshal of the Miami Beach Gay Pride parade, Chaz

LOS ANGELES, CA – Last Friday, Brad Pitt and

Bono spoke with students at Florida International

Angelina Jolie announced their decision to marry

University about his experiences coming out, and later

after seven years of common law-married bliss

transitioning from female to male. Also, the part about

(and six children). The celebrity power couple has

telling mom Cher he planned to become transgender.

received numerous congratulations and blessings,

Bono says his multiplatinum entertainer mother reacted to the news better than he had expected. “I

including from the same-sex marriage advocacy group Equality California.

was astonished how cool she was,” said Bono, who

The acting pair has previously said that they

went from being daughter Chastity to son Chaz. At

wouldn’t tie the knot until all people have that right.

Monday night’s An Evening With Chaz Bono, presented

In September, Pitt told talk show host Ellen DeGeneres:

by the FIU’s Office of Campus Life, the 43-year-old

“I’ve said that we would not be getting married until

Bono told attendees that he always felt “different.”

everyone in this country had the right to get married.”

“From as far back as 5 or 6, I felt like [I was]

Rebekah Orr, Communications Director for Equality

a boy,” Bono told moderator and LGBT activist

California, told TMZ.com that the organization

Elise Withers. “The only one I had difficulties

applauds their decision to wed. “Marriage is

in adolescence with was my mom,” said Bono.

something that says ‘we’re a family’ in a way that

“Everything seemed like a negotiation.”

nothing else can,” said Orr. “No one has to deny that

Growing up as the female Chastity, Bono believed he (she at the time) was gay because of her attraction

for themselves or their family to prove they are an ally and supporter of equality.”

to women. “I joke about this,” said Bono, “but I felt like a really bad lesbian. I was doing it all wrong.” Bono says that it took time for him to come to accept

NYU

Volleyball

Captain

Joins

“It

Gets Better” Anti-Bullying Effort

that he was a man inside a woman’s physique. “It took

NEW YORK, NY – The three-year captain of New

eight years from realizing I was transgender till I had the

York University’s (NYU) volleyball team recorded a

courage to do something about it,” he recalled.

three-minute video last week for the “It Gets Better” campaign, which seeks to offer hope to LGBT youth

Miami Gay Men’s Chorus presents “New World Waking” to address Bullying and Homophobia

who have experienced bullying. Jonathan (“Jay”) Hayes, 21, will graduate next month from NYU with a marketing and international

AVENTURA – The Miami Gay Men’s Chorus will

business degree. “It’s cool, it’s liberating, and it’s

present its vocal ensemble INSIGNIA on Saturday,

another step in my journey,” said Hayes. “Hopefully

April 28, in a performance that will focus on surviving

it helps other people in their journey.” Hayes, a senior,

bullying, gay bashing, self-hatred, transphobia, and

came out to his family during his sophomore year

violence at home and abroad. The concert performance,

at NYU. He said he was inspired to record an anti-

titled “New World Waking!” will take place at the

bullying announcement after he heard about the “It

Aventura Arts and Cultural Center at 7:30 p.m.

Gets Better” campaign on outsports.com, a website

Inspired by an opportunity to play the piano on which

for gay athletes.

John Lennon’s performed “Imagine,” composer Steve

The video initiative was spearheaded by author and

Schalchlin has created a song cycle journey styled in

activist Dan Savage and his partner, Terry Miller. The

pop, salsa, gospel and lowdown dirty blues. The program

campaign began last September, following a rash of

also features a diverse array of people sharing personal

suicides across the country teenagers who had been

stories of surviving bullying and oppression through the

targeted because of their sexual identity. “The more

support of family, friends, and the community.

I thought about it, the more I thought the message

With a repertoire ranging from “the sublime to the

would be way more powerful and impactful if we had

ridiculous,” INSIGNIA is comprised of singers from

a much more visible support system,” Hayes told the

within the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus, an inclusive,

New York Daily News.

community-based organization of gay men and gay

Others who have recorded “It Gets Better” videos

supporters that inspires and changes lives through the

include President Barack Obama, Joe Jonas of the

power of music.

Jonas Brothers, and numerous professional athletes.

Tickets are $15 and are available through the

In his message, Hayes introduces himself and says

Aventura Arts & Cultural Center’s box office at 877-

that he is gay. Surrounded by teammates, Hayes says

311-7469 or online at aventuracenter.org.

“I know I can achieve anything I set my mind on doing, and I can do that while being out and being proud of who I am.”

APRIL 19, 2012 H 17

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING “BULLY” By WARREN DAY After a winter of disappointing films, “Bully” is a powerful reminder of a time when motion pictures sought to not only entertain, but to move people to action by showing injustice in a way that touched both our hearts and heads. And while most films fade from memory in a day or two, “Bully” will linger in a positive way for a long time. In other words, you’ll be very glad you saw it. The term “moving pictures” is not just about films themselves: it also speaks to what they’re supposed to do, because the core purpose of a film is to move us toward some reaction: to laugh, to be startled, to sit on the edge of our seats, to think, to hope, to dream. In the so-called Golden Age of Movies, those moving pictures elicited a wide range of emotions and responses, but nowadays the majority of Hollywood films seem only interested in going for laughs or thrills. “Bully” is a non-fiction film that holds your interest from first frame to last. It isn’t a dry documentary at all, nor is it in the end

who shockingly tells Alex’s parents that she’s ridden that bus many times and the kids are “lovely.” Kelby, a 16 year old lesbian from Tuttle, Oklahoma (population: 6,019), was forced off the basketball and softball teams, and subjected to ridicule from teachers as well as classmates. Yet she still hopes that by living openly she can help change minds in her little town. During the school year covered in “Bully,” she goes into a new class where the students move away from where she’s sitting, leaving her isolated in a circle of empty desks. Only two of these five kids might be gay, but all of them know that from their peers, the worst thing to be called is a “fag,” a word that’s hurled at them like a cannonball and intended to do just as much damage to their psyches. While some states have tried to pass anti-bullying laws, they have been opposed by the far right, who claim that not allowing their children to publicly dislike gays violates their freedom of religion.

a downer (so don’t stay away from it for that reason): rather. It’s an uplifting story of how some very ordinary people face some extraordinary circumstances. This film tells the story of five young people, age 11 to 17. Four are from small towns (in Oklahoma, Georgia, and Mississippi), and one is from a small city in Iowa (population: 82,684). They all reside in what coast-dwellers like to call “fly-over country,” and none of them come from families with much money or what passes for sophistication. What these five kids share in common is that they’re “different,” and because they’re different, they’re subject to vicious bullying at school. Like some of the adults in the film, you may remember a kind of “PG-rated” bullying from your school days. You may not be aware of how many kids today experience an “R-” or “X-rated” kind of cruelty; always emotionally and often physically abusive. In the last decade the problem has escalated: we now have three million kids a month missing school because they’re too scared to go, and with good reason. For these children, the halls of school have become a minefield, where at any minute their heads could be pounded into a wall. Recess is not a welcome but dreaded time, because it means they’ll be standing alone at the edge of crowds that will never invite them in. At an age when they need the most acceptance, they’re

Lee Hirsch, who photographed and directed “Bully,” doesn’t try to explain why kids can be so cruel—who can?—nor does he offer easy solutions. Instead he presents an up-close and personal view of a problem that’s sweeping the country. One commentator says it’s all part of our growing “culture of viciousness,” something you see reflected not only in the schoolyard, but also in popular video games, as well as political discourse, sports—consider those coaches who pay their players a bounty to maim other kids—and in our movies. The biggest boxoffice hit of the last four weeks, “The Hunger Games,” tells the story of 24 teenagers who are forced to hunt and kill each other. As I said, this film is not a downer. It uplifts because of the courage and fortitude with which these kids and their parents respond. The parents may not have the resources to understand what’s happening, but they do stand up for their children in every way they can. Kelby’s father looks and speaks in a way that might be called “redneck” by the vulgar or uninformed, but he supports his gay daughter completely and offers to quit his job and move the family to a city where she might be better accepted: it’s not often in a movie that you see such unconditional love toward a gay child. Alex—the 12 year old who commits an act of bravery just by getting on the school bus each day—says at one point, “I don’t believe in luck anymore, but I do believe in hope.” You will, too, after seeing “Bully.”

experiencing the most rejection. In one scene filmed on a school bus with a hidden camera, Alex—just 12 years old—is stabbed with a lead pencil twice, held in a choke hold, and punched several times, while the bus driver does nothing to stop it. This same scene was shown to a school administrator,

Send comments or questions to AgendaReviews@aol.com


18 H APRIL 19, 2012

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM


TRAVEL

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

APRIL 19, 2012 H 19

VENICE & PADUA

La Dolce Vita Italian Style By ROBERT ELIAS DEATON

A

At the Fujiyama, you can get a room from a low 60 euros during off-season, including AC, a private bath, continental breakfast with fresh cornetti and marmalade spreads, and share a lovely Japanese tea garden, with its fragrant jasmine and wisteria flowers, over which the largest room (The Shanghai) looks. Your hosts are Carlo and Wen-yu, and the boys will make you feel both Italian and Japanese within fifteen minutes of your arrival. Smaller, but with better views, the gayowned Corte Gherardi (Cannaregio 5558) is in the San Marco sestieri just around the corner from the bridge over the Ponte di Rialto. Rooms here begin at 90 euros, with free wi-fi, and breakfast in bed. It doesn’t get much more mio amore than this. You can walk from both the Fujiyama and the Corte Gherardi to all the visual treats that Venice offers including Piazza San Marco, where the throngs go to feed the pigeons and buy their T-shirts. The place is named for the Bysantine confection at the far end of the square—the Basilica di San Marco, where the gold-laidened alter, the Pala d’Oro, is housed. Of course you’ll do the tourist thing in Piazza San Marco. Feel free to walk the streets in the neighborhood, losing yourself in the ambiance that is Venice and throwing yourself into haggling over prices on everything from bologna to designer knock-offs (which make great presents, but are frowned upon at customs). At Bacino Orseolo 1192), discover the smallest Hard Rock Café in all of Europe. It’s a photo op waiting to happen since the café is located at a gondola terminal—the blue-tarped boats lined up in show-stopping perfection. The bar/café serves all the menu items Americano style, calories included. Hard Rock Café Venice Do not miss a side trip to

s Italian cities go, Venice is more dramatic than gay. While in America, the two qualities often go hand-inhand, in Venice there is a certain chaotic energy that never really sleeps. Even in the middle of the night, voices can be heard drifting from secret alleys where laundry is hung between buildings and gondolas with tiny silver bells navigate the canals taking reclusive dowagers to bed before sunrise, lest someone actually see them in the daylight. It is not enough to visit Venice; one has to absorb it. Only then can you appreciate the food, wine, art and architecture, and the little family squabbles that overflow unto the street with the appearance of minor wars. These are actually just discussions in the guise of skirmish, for as we said, drama is everywhere here and continues to rise, right along with the tide in the romantic canals, and the cost of living everywhere else. There’s nothing in Venice that’s reasonable priced, particularly hotels, which think nothing of charging 400 or 500 dollars a night for a room the size of a walk-in closet. Venice is a city of islands connected by bridges, but there are bargains to be found, if you know which bridge to cross and where to look. Our favorite gay bed and breakfast is the Fujiyama (Calle Lunga San Barnaba 2727A in the Dorsoduro sestieri of Venice. It’s a superb place to unwind from the aforementioned drama of Venice, taking its cue not from Italy, but from Japan where the zen is all about calm, and teas, and things like that.

the Palazzo Ducale (Piazza San Marco 1), the one-time home of the Dogé who was the grand poo-pah of Venice way back when. Now it’s a museum to the excess of Venice when it was the center of all things civil. For lunch, walk around the corner and find Vinovino (Ponte Delle Veste 2007/A) where gondoliers mix it up with baronesses to fight over the breadsticks and glasses of wines that number in the hundreds. And do not miss the opportunity to take the Vaporetta 1 (the water taxi that hits the hottest tourist spots) to the Riva di Biasio stop where you’ll find I Due Girasoli (San Stae 1908, Santa Croce), owned by two lesbians and is the only gay bar in town. Vaporetta 1 will also take you across the lagoon to the Lido di Venezi, which was featured in the film “Death in Venice,” and the closest thing to a gay beach in town. From the gondola stop, walk to the Adriatic side of this six-mile long sandbar, where you’ll find the Petit Palais Lido di Venezia (Lungomare Marconi 56), a delightful boutique hotel where everyone seems to be either gay, gay-friendly, or gay adjacent. It’s where the boys are, doing their thing surfside. If you really want to party, pack your bags and head to Padua (locally called Padova)

Caffè Pedrocchi

which you can get to by train in less than half-an-hour. This walled city is home to the Scrovegni Chapel with its frescoes by Giotto, and the Basilica di Sant’Antonio where you must not miss the frescoes by Altichiero da Zevio in the St. James Chapel. The hotel value in the center of Padova is the newly remodeled Hotel Milano (Via Pilade Bronzetti 62), which mixes old and new in a seamless couture. Nearby is the largest café in all of Italy and perhaps the world. The Caffè Pedrocchi (Via VIII Febbraio 15) has a labyrinth of rooms in varying styles, all created in the 19th century by Italian architect Giuseppe Jappelli. At night, the gay scene in Padova thrives. The closest gay bar to the train station is Anima Drinks & More (Via Vicenza 15), which attracts the students from the University of Padova where being tri-sexual seems to be a major. Head to the western tip of Padua, and discover paradise in the form of The Flexo Club (Via Domenico Turazza 19) with its dance floor, outdoor café, and darkrooms, the adjacent Metro Sauna (popular with students), and the nasty but neat Hot Dog, the leather cruising bar where clothing is optional altogether. La

dolce vita.


BAR GUIDE

20 H APRIL 19, 2012

FORT LAUDERDALE/WILTON MANORS ALIBI 2266 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Gayborhood tradition since 1997. Comfortable, inviting atmosphere with indoor video bars, outdoor drinking and dining. Drink specials all week, with mammoth 22-ounce Long Island Iced Teas for $3 on Thursdays.

PJ’S CORNER POCKET 924 N Flagler Dr., Fort Lauderdale Friendly neighborhood interracial bar with drinks specials every night of the week including, “In the Biz Mondays” at 9 p.m. with 2-4-1 drinks and $3 Cosmos and Apple Martinis, “Splash Friday’s” wet underwear contest, and Sunday’s pool tournament, both with a $50 cash prize!

BILL’S FILLING STATION 2209 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Videos, pool tables, dart boards, dance floor, happy hour, live shows, Tuesday and Thursday karaoke – and great burgers, to boot. Fun and friendly truck-stop-themed bar.

RAMROD 1508 NE 4th Ave., Fort Lauderdale Voted World’s Favorite Leather Bar. Pig Dance first Saturday of the month – South Florida’s Busiest, Craziest Monthly Party (with caged hunks at Midnight on Saturdays – is there a downside to this?).

BOARDWALK 1721 N Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale Over 100 of the sexiest men from all over the world. Go-go dancers, cages, billiards, 2-4-1 Happy Hours. Drag emcees and did we mention the Boys?

ROSIE’S BAR & GRILL 2449 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors Nexus of the A-Gay List. Be Seen in the Scene (without making one). Food, folks, libations, and a killer Sunday Funday.

BOOM 2232 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors The bar with two names features a dance club and Gayborhood bar. Drag Bingo on Mondays, karaoke Mondays and Tuesdays, dance music Fridays and Saturdays, and (indoor) Sunday T-Dance.

SCANDALS SALOON 3073 NE 6th Ave., Wilton Manors A line-dancin’, tight blue jeans-wearin’ good time. Country and western music, two-steppin’, three-steppin’, pool tables, and themed events year ‘round. Cowboys and Indians was never this much fun, Pilgrim.

CORNER PUB 1915 N Andrews Ave., Wilton Manors Friendly atmosphere, unpretentious clientele and staff. Next to Island City Pizza (so you can get your drink AND your slice on).

SIDELINES 2031 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Where Sports come first. Nationally known destination sports bar with TVs streaming NFL, MLB, NBA and college games. Pool tables, dart boards and large indoor (and now smoke-free) facility. Outdoor patio features area for smokers. Mixed crowd of gay men and women (who would have thought?). Featured in Bloomberg Businessweek and recommended by LOGO.

CUBBY HOLE 823 N Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale Butch bar and grill with a rockin’ daytime crowd (and a fun nighttime one, too). Fifty cent pool, 2-for-1 drinks all day every day, video games, hot movies on HDTV and DirecTV. Thursdays it’s Bare Bear Chest Night, and every Friday and Saturday the fur flies with Hot Bears on Poles (where their Grizzlies Grind)!

STABLE 205 E Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Levis-and-leather neighborhood bar, where the bears line dance and the cowboys are VERY friendly.

DEPOT CABANA BAR AND GRILL 2935 N Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale Adjacent to the America’s Best Inn and Suites. Pool open daily – No Cover or Day Pass. Great food, daily happy hour, Sunday afternoon T-Dance Poolside. Karaoke and live music. Open daily at 11:30 a.m.

SMARTY PANTS 2400 E Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Cozy neighborhood bar with daily happy hour, and regular patrons. Show night Thursdays at 9 p.m. Karaoke Friday and Saturday nights, and with matinee on Sunday afternoon.

DUDES 3270 NE 33rd St., Fort Lauderdale Men dancing for men. Hot go-go boys in an upscale atmosphere, piano lounge for more quiet interludes. Steamy shower shows.

TORPEDO 2829 W Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Dance, shoot pool, drink til 4 a.m., 7 nights a week. Doors open at Midnight; dance til Dawn.

JOHNNY’S 1116 W Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Club, bar, lounge. Male dancers and the men who love (to ogle) them. Sunday amateur strip contest (and karaoke!). LIPS 1421 E Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park The Ultimate in Drag Dining. Dinner and shows six nights a week. Sunday Gospel Brunch with the Sisters of Sequins. THE MANOR 2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors WeHo vibe (think: LA’s The Abbey) in the heart of the Gayborhood. Dine, drink, dance, play, mingle. Theme rooms (salsa and merengue every weekend in the Latin Quarter!). Live dancing and dining. MATTY’S ON THE DRIVE 2426 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Drink specials, billiards, and a chill gayborhood vibe. 75 Cent drinks on Wednesdays. No Drama, No Smoking. MONKEY BUSINESS 2740 N Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale Cozy neighborhood bar. Karaoke, drag shows, Patio Bar – and open at 9 a.m. daily. MONA’S 502 E Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Cocktail Lounge in the heart of Searstown. Fun customers, fun bartenders and fun proprietor (the Legendary Jerry). Outside patio. Wednesday karaoke, Thursday Speedball Tournament. NAKED GRAPE 2163 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Relaxing, friendly, hip, unique – the alternative gathering place on Wilton Drive. Wine tastings and events. Tuesday and Wednesday Late Night In the Biz.

WHISKEY BLUE 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale In the W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach, downstairs it’s the elegant Whiskey Blue, upstairs the luxe Living Room: hot dance and social settings in a distinctive atmosphere with signature cocktails and upscale patrons. Indoor and outdoor lounges. WILTON’S BIER GARDEN 2245 Wilton DriveWilton Manors German cuisine meets Der Gayborhood, in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Upstairs dining, downstairs outdoor patio and bar, DJ music, and a fun staff make one of Wilton Manors’ newest venues a good time to be had by all. MIAMI/MIAMI BEACH ­ CLUB BOI 777 NE 79 St., Miami With an urban vibe on the weekends, a diverse crowd and a diverse musical format, including Hip Hop, R&B, House, Reggae, Soca, Latin and Old School. Go-go bois and drink specials. CLUB SUGAR 2301 SW 32nd Ave., Miami Gay Latin scene, with Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton, Hip Hop and House music always playing. DISCOTEKKA 950 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Hot music, hot scene, hot bartenders, and hot patrons in the hot heart of Downtown Miami.

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

On Miami Beach’s famed Lincoln Road, never a cover. Drink specials all week long, live DJs, high energy music and a fun crowd getting their dance on til late.

Exposed brick, cold beverages and friendly staff are the mainstays of the recently bloomed Florida Avenue flower! Neighborhood bar, pool tables.

PALACE BAR 1200 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach This bar and restaurant in the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco District. Mouth-watering burgers, boys (and girls!). Weekend cabaret shows Thursday through Sunday.

BAXTER’S LOUNGE 1519 S Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL Tampa Happy Hour Tradition. Serving up some of the hottest dancers Wednesday thru Saturday nights at 10PM.

SCORE 727 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach Dance, drink, party all night on Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road. Tons of events throughout the year, including fundraisers for Winter Party, White Party, and Miami Beach Gay Pride. SPACE 34 NE 11th St., Miami Mingle and mix with gays and str8s in the heart of Downtown Miami. Indoor dance floors and outdoor rooftop bar, spectacular light show. TWIST 1057 Washington Ave., Miami Beach Great music, friendly staff, hot tourists and locals. Never a cover, always a groove. Bungalow Bar = Hot Men. In SoBe’s Art Deco District. ORLANDO/CENTRAL FLORIDA HANKS 5026 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL Friendly local bar with a cruisy attitude. One of Orlando’s oldest and friendliest Gay bars. Beer and Wine. Pool Tables, Video Games and a Large Patio area. HAMBURGER MARY’S BAR & GRILL 110 W Church St., Orlando, FL Eat, Drink & Be Mary! Tuesday BINGO with Miss Sammy & Carol Lee, Wednesday Trivia with Doug Bouser and Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show is every Saturday, 7:30 p.m. PARLIAMENT HOUSE 410 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL All gay entertainment complex with 130 newly-remodeled hotel rooms. Cruisy Hotel, Nightclub, Pool Bar, Bear/Leather Bar. NEW PHOENIX 7124 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL Winter Park’s ONLY Gay & Lesbian Bar. Been There Forever! Karaoke every Tuesday and Friday at 9 p.m. Drag shows every Saturday night. Home of the $1 Jello shots. PULSE 1912 S Orange Ave., Orlando, FL Orlando’s Premier Gay Bar & Nightclub with Ultra Lounge, Jewel Box Dance Floor, and Adonis Dancers. Twisted Tuesdays with $10 All-U-Can Drink, College Wednesdays (18+) and 2-4-1 every Friday for Happy Hour. SAVOY ORLANDO 1913 N Orange Ave., Orlando, FL “The hottest” gay bar and nightclub in Orlando. The MEN OF SAVOY Dancers from 6 p.m. til 2 a.m. every night in the main bar! Video Bar, Pool Tables. WYLDE’S 3557 S Orange Ave., Orlando, FL Neighborhood bar South of Downtown Orlando. Jukebox, Video Games, Pool Tables and Dancers. PARADISE ORLANDO 1300 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL Orlando’s casual Gay & Lesbian bar and nightclub. Patio, Tiki Bar and Pool Tables. Happy Hour 4 til 9 p.m. and drink specials every day til 9 p.m. BAR CODES (FORMERLY BEAR BAR) 4453 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL Friendly Bar, Real Men and Bears... Oh My! Beer and Wine. Tends to attract the after work Happy Hour crowd. TAMPA BAY

JOHNNY’S MIAMI 62 NE 14th Street, Downtown Miami Club, bar and lounge. Johnny’s Miami boasts the best sound system in town! Plenty of safe, secured parking. Open 5pm to 5am daily. Hot male dancers and daily drink specials.

2606 2606 N Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL Tampa’s favorite Levi/leather bar has two floors (dimly lit), with the upstairs being the more cruisy. There’s Hog House shop on-premises, and the 2606 is home to the Tampa Leather Club. Monday is Underwear Night, Tuesdays are $1 drinks and on Wednesdays, Longnecks are just $1.50.

MOVA LOUNGE 1625 Michigan Ave., Miami Beach

AZALEA LOUNGE 1502 N Florida Ave., Tampa, FL

FLIRT NIGHTCLUB & SHOWBAR 1909 N 15th St., Tampa, FL (Ybor City) Get that hometown feeling. Amazing lazer shows, big headliners and has been around for 6 years. CITY SIDE 3703 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, FL Tampa Bay’s “Best Happy Hour” til Midnight every night of the week. GBAR 1401 E 7th Ave., Tampa (Ybor City), FL Dance Club & Video Bar. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 4 p.m. til 3 a.m. No cover before 10 p.m., $5 after with ID. VALENTINES NIGHTCLUB 7522 N Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL Voted #1 Nightclub in Tampa. Open 7 days a week 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday, Latin Night, Tuesdays are Boys Night Out, Wednesdays are Karaoke Night, Thursdays, No Cover Dance Party, Fridays feature Hot Go-Go Girls, Saturdays are Latino Night “Uncut” and Sundays are Hip Hop Night. KI KI KI III 1908 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL One of The Oldest Bars (beer and wine). A plain bar without pretention with its share of young regulars. RAINBOW ROOM 421 S MacDill Ave., Tampa, FL A mix between a neighborhood bar and a community center. Main bar with pool, darts, jukebox. Outdoor Tiki patio has a full volleyball court and live bands. Beer & Wine. ST. PETERSBURG GEORGIES ALIBI 3100 3rd Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL One of the most popular gay bars in St. Pete. It’s always busy! Great VJ’s play Top 40 music. Mondays are Drag BINGO and Talent contest, Pool tourney Wednesdays, and the legendary Long Island Iced Tea nights on Thursdays. Ages 21 and over, never a cover! FLAMINGO RESORT 4601 34th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL Florida’s “largest, luxury all gay resort.” Non-stop entertainment, great menu, and drinks served poolside at the Cabana. Weekly events and 2-4-1 Happy Hour daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday Happy Hour ($1 off) 11 a.m to 9 p.m. GEMINI LOUNGE 2315 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL Gemini Lounge aims to serve a variety of tastes; music, karaoke, Internet access, poetry readings and sports on TV. OAR HOUSE BAR & LIQUOR STORE 4807 22nd Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL Fun, friendly, laid-back atmosphere where you can get great drinks at cheap prices! Drama free! Happy Hour daily from 2 p.m. til 9 p.m. HAYMARKET PUB 8308 4th St. North, St. Petersburg, FL More of a Men’s bar. Showing hot videos, beer specials, Saturday Underwear Night, and different events each week. HIDEAWAY 8302 4th St. North, St. Petersburg, FL The oldest Womyn’s bar in the country. Where music is always the main entree! Coldest selection of beer in town. DETOUR 2612 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL The hottest club in St. Pete. Daily specials, karaoke nights and gogo boys from Rico’s Men. Noted for it’s Saturday Drag shows and Karaoke nights. Full liquor bar. MELBOURNE/COCOA COLD KEG NIGHTCLUB 4060 W New Haven Ave., Melbourne, FL Largest Gay Club in Melbourne Florida and the Premier Gay Bar & Nightclub in Brevard County. ULTRA LOUNGE 407 Brevard Ave., Cocoa, FL


BAR GUIDE

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

Nestled in Cocoa Village, this bar has a full coffee bar,

serving espresso, lattes, cappuccinos as well as draft beers & wine. JACKSONVILLE

THE METRO

2929 Plum St., Jacksonville, FL The Metro Entertainment Complex has been serving the GLBT community for 17 years. Features a total of 7 different venues under one roof to choose from. Lesbo-A-GoGo, monthly Tea Dances, special quest performers, female impersonators and live musicians.

BOOT RACK SALOON

4751 Lenox Ave., Jacksonville, FL Your Neighborhood Gay Bar - the place for men. Cold beer, music and a warm and cozy atmosphere. Hot men and cheap beer... We all know where that leads! AJ’S BAR & GRILL 10244 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL Annie and Janie invite you to stop by and see some old friends and meet some new ones! Great food, awesome service, delicious mixed drinks and live entertainment. PARK PLACE LOUNGE 931 King St., Jacksonville, FL A fun and comfortable gay bar that’s accommodating to both gays and non-gays. A great place to watch your favorite game, or enjoy playing Wii while the liquor flows! The Norm 2952 Roosevelt Blvd., Jacksonville, FL A neighborhood bar. Everyone is welcome, but remember it is a girls bar! Beer and Wine only. 616 BAR 616 Park St., Jacksonville, FL A warm and friendly atmosphere with a Patio bar. Karaoke on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Thursdays the Jax Bears are here for happy hour. Fridays and Saturdays enjoy the “Beer Blast.” THREE LAYERS CAFE 1602 Walnut St., Jacksonville, FL The name Three Layers comes from their large variety of delicious three layer cakes. An inviting loft style cafe located in Springfield. Enjoy a bistro style lunch or just stop in for your morning coffee. BO’S CORAL REEF 201 5th Ave. North, Jacksonville Beach, FL

There are great shows Thursday through Sunday with the best of female impersonators. Pool tables, video games, and a large outdoor patio. The only gay bar on the beach! INCAHOOTS 711 Edison Ave., Jacksonville, FL This club offers good crowds every night. Recently remodeled with three bars and a friendly staff. Everyday is a different special. A fun place anytime. Full Liquor bar. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except for special events. KICKBACKS GASTROPUB 910 King St., Jacksonville, FL This is a top class venue serving over 600 different bottled beers, 84 beers on tap, breakfast, lunch and dinner 20hrs a day 7 days a week! PENSACOLA THE ROUNDUP 560 E Heinberg St, Pensacola, FL A neighborhood gay men’s bar... Pensacola’s Cowboy Bar. Open 2 p.m. til 3 p.m. daily. CABARET 101 S Jefferson St. #E, Pensacola, FL Not strictly a gay bar, the charming and friendly Cabaret is very much a fixture in Pensacola’s GLBT community, drawing a mixed bunch each evening for happy hour, karaoke, videos, comedy shows, live music, and all-around hobnobbing and socializing. KEY WEST BOURBON STREET PUB 724 Duval St., Key West, FL Opened in October of 1995 and has continued to grow ever since, it is now part of the larger collection of gay action in The Bourbon St. Pub Complex. Hot Go-Go boy dancers and a busy crowd. “Where the boys are!” 801 BOURBON BAR 801 Duval St., Key West, FL Cabaret shows upstairs with nightly performances by famed performers Sushi, Kylie, RV Beaumont, Margo, and others. This legendary establishment has been around for over 30 years, and host Happy Hour specials daily from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. AQUA NIGHTCLUB 711 Duval St., Key West, FL Aqua features the “Reality is a Drag” show six days a week, followed by dancing. Monday is karaoke night and don’t

miss the great happy hour specials from 3 to 8 p.m. daily. KWest 705 Duval St., Key West, FL Daily Happy Hour from 3 to 8 p.m., and a piano sing-along every Wednesday night. Men dancing for men after 10 p.m. Weekly drink specials and “Wet Jockey” contests on Fridays. SALOON ONE 801 Duval St., Key West, FL (Behind 801 Bar) This is the only gay leather bar in Key West. Conveniently located behind 801 Bourbon Bar. LA TE DA 1125 Duval St., Key West, FL An upscale hotel complex with 3 bars, cabaret and restaurant. PEARL’S PATIO BAR FOR WOMEN 525 United St., Key West, FL Tropical themed women’s bar for gay women and gayfriendly women alike. Patio bar with a full bar featuring drinks like “Cosmopearlitans” and “Pearl’s Passion”. BOBBY’S MONKEY BAR 900 Simonton St., Key West, FL The gay Cheers style neighborhood bar of Key West. Happy Hour from Noon to 7pm, Karaoke on Sunday nights, pool tournaments on Tuesday nights at 7pm. Free Wi-Fi access. GARDEN OF EDEN 224 Duval St., Key West, FL A Rooftop Bar with the BEST VIEWS in the city & “BEST Long Island Ice Teas made by Melinda!” Gay, straight, fat, or skinny... Doesn’t matter! Clothing optional - gay friendly! WEST PALM BEACH H G ROOSTERS 823 Belvedere Rd., West Palm Beach, FL Dark bar that attracts a fun party crowd. Camp is in at H.G.’s, where drag shows and bingo nights pack in crowds looking for laughs and fun. THE LOUNGE 517 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL Sushi, tropical views and tasty cocktails are accompanied by acclaimed resident DJ Daisy DeadPetals. FORT DIX BAR & CLUB 6205 Georgia Ave., West Palm Beach, FL

APRIL 19, 2012 H 21

Mostly local crowd looking to mingle and relax. The bar is a bit on the dark and dingy side, but who knows--that could be a plus. FORT MYERS OFFICE PUB 3704 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, FL Oldest gay bar in South West Florida with a festive attitude. This bear-friendly Office likes to have fun with underwear parties, drag shows, Wii bowling! Check out their country and western music night on Saturdays. TUBBY’S 4350 Fowler St., Fort Myers, FL Where men come to compete (in tournaments). “Never a cover... always a smile” Tubby’s is a no-frills video bar with a total of 10 TVs and two projection screens available for patrons to use as they wish. Add a six-hour 2-4-1 Happy Hour during the Wii tournaments on the big screen! THE BOTTOM LINE 3090 Evans Ave., Fort Myers, FL This gay entertainment complex is one of the longest running clubs in southwest Florida at over 20 years, The Bottom Line features 7 bars, pool tables, drag shows and occasional guest appearances by porno stars. VENICE TOTI: TAVERN ON THE ISLAND IN VENICE 127 Tampa Ave. East, Venice, FL This South Beach inspired gay bar, boasts a dance floor and a game room with pool tables and dart boards. It’s clean, the music is mixed and the staff are friendly. A mixed crowd can be found most nights... younger, older (duh, this is Venice), gay and straight. Did you know that in the Caribbean, TOTI is slang for a beloved male appendage? How apropos. GAINESVILLE SPIKES 4130 NW 6th St., Gainesville, FL It is a laid-back kind of place, with friendly bar staff. The crowds vary depending on the night. The bar has a nice open air patio area that is rarely used, but would be nice if it was. UNIVERSITY CLUB 18 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL This is a fairly average small college town gay bar. It is usually busy and crowded on Thursday nights.

Gu ilty Pl e a su re s:

SUNSHINE STAMPEDE RODEO 2012 I

From its host hotel base at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport, 1870 Griffin Road in Dania Beach to the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds on Davie Road in Davie, the 2012 Sunshine Stampede is a four-day event that mixes klitz and gravel. “I’ll be in the dirt,” Kami laughs, referring to her royal stint at the rodeo competition where she’ll act as Assistant Arena Crew Coordinator under Barry Richardson, who’s from the Missouri Gay Rodeo Association (MGRA)—which Kami represented when she won her crown. “I came to the Sunshine Stampede last year as a competitor from Missouri where I got my start with the gay rodeo and royalty program as Ms. Missouri Gay Rodeo Association. Last year at the rodeo, I was one of three Women’s Junior Bull Riders,” Kami told Guy Magazine. “Unfortunately, after my ride I was out of commission for the remainder of the weekend. But the Florida Gay Rodeo Association took great care of me.” The appreciation seems to be mutual. “My girlfriend is the vice-president of the FGRA, and the Assistant Rodeo Director. In the short time I have been back in Florida, the association has made feel at home and part of the family,” Kami said.

Thursday night, the party begins with “Rhinestones & Wranglers,” an all-star celebration featuring 17 performers from the local Fort Lauderdale/Miami talent pool as well as IGRA and state titleholders. Look for Kami, ‘cause she’ll be there working the room, along with Nicolas Isaac Wells St. John, MsTer IGRA 2nd Runner-up. The fundraiser runs from 9 to 11 p.m. at The Manor in Wilton Manors, with no cover charge. Friday afternoon, the Welcome Pool Party and Mixer runs from 2-6:30 p.m. at the Hilton pool deck. It’s your chance to meet the cowpokes and cowgirls that have followed the sun to Fort Lauderdale. There is a cash bar at this non-ticketed event, which is immediately followed by Rodeo Registration in the hotel’s ballroom from 6-9 p.m. Friday is a busy night with the HomoRodeo.com Meetand-Greet Party and Model Search happening at the Stable, 205 E Oakland Park Blvd. in Oakland Park, from 7-11 p.m. Scrub up and see if you make the cut as a model for the latest “Men of HomoRodeo.com” calendar. HomoRodeo.com is an off-shoot of gay.com’s cowboy chat room. The official Opening Night Parties are split between two venues this year. Both Ramrod and Tropics will be official host bars for opening night, with free shuttles available to move cowboys—and girls—between the two clubs. 9 p.m. until closing. Saturday is the first day of the Rodeo Competition. For first-time riders, there is a mandatory meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds. Gates open for ticketholders at 8:45 a.m. with the first round of riding events scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tickets for the rodeo are $15 in advance, $20 on the day of the event. There a special package offer as well: both days for $25 in advance, $35 on the day of. For those whose cowboy boots were made for prancing, the Midway Tent opens for dancing and entertainment at 1 p.m. Saturday night you can expect the traditional Hoedown. At press time the location was still a mystery. Wherever it’s held, it

begins at 8 p.m. It’s always been a hot night of line-dancing and fraternizing, giving new meaning to yippie-yi-yo-ki-yay. Check www.fgra.org/stampede for the latest word. Hopefully, you won’t stay out too late, for on Sunday the rodeo gates are flung wide at 8:45 a.m. for more competition and midway dancing. On Sunday afternoon, the alwaysa-hit “Scarlet O’Hara Race” will be run, complete with complimentary costumes. “This is a fun charity event where everyone, including those in the stands, can compete,” Kami told Guy Magazine. Teams are composed of three entrants. The “Gone with the Wind” theme insures that it’s impossible to overdress. “You pick an outfit from a trunk, be carried over ‘water,’ and ride in a wheel-barrow across the finish line.” There’s a $20 per team entrance fee, and the winner gets ½ of the money collected. At sundown, rinse off the dust in the nearest stream and put on your good chaps and spurs for the official Awards Ceremony and Dinner, held in the ballroom of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport. Starting at 7:30 p.m., this special event

requires a separate dinner ticket available at the rodeo grounds or Friday night’s registration. Wrap up the weekend, present perfect, with “Rodeo Roundup,” the official Closing Night Party at The Manor. The shiny new buckles that will be on display are the result of a lot of hard work by the fortunate few who won the top prizes in categories like Junior Bull Riding, Calf Roping on Foot, Breakaway Roping, Chute Dogging, Pole Bending, Barrel Racing, Flag Racing, Bull Riding, Team Roping, Goat Dressing, Steer Decorating, and the Wild Drag Race. If you see Rodeo Director Voni Whitaker making the rounds, a standing ovation is not out of order. Such is the reward for a job well done. Money raised by the IGRA this year is earmarked by the Royalty Team for the “It Gets Better” anti-bullying campaign created by Dan Savage and his partner Terry Miller, as well as “Get Real with Teal” an awareness effort from the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation. “Members of the IGRA Royalty team hand out teal and purple ribbons, and sell pins and other items to raise awareness of these causes as well as donate to each group at the end of the 2012 rodeo year,” according to Kami. Royals can never truly rest. Not even at the rodeo.


OUT IN FLORIDA • NUTRITION

22 H APRIL 19, 2012

Fort Lauderdale BROWARD HOUSE/THE AMAZING RACE SOUTH FLORIDA Following the hit TV series format, The

Amazing Race South Florida pits teams of LGBT supporters of Broward House in a race to an undisclosed finish line located somewhere in South Florida. Teams must solve puzzles, collect required items, and perform all specified tasks to complete the Race!

Just like on television, no smartphones, cars, maps, or other tech devices are permitted to contestants during the race. The winner is the team that completes the race and is the first across the finish line. The race starts at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday,

April 21, in Wilton Manors’ Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve (1937 Wilton Drive), and goes all day through 7:00 p.m. Entries are priced from $50. For more information, visit browardhouse.org, or contact event coordinator Nikki Adams at nadams@ browardhouse.org.

FORT LAUDERDALE AIR SHOW

Following

a

five-year

hiatus,

the

Lauderdale Air Show returns to sunny Fort Lauderdale Beach, April 26-29, with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlining the event. Sunrise Blvd. will provide a center for the activities, which will include many of the world’s premier military and civilian acts. Enjoy this thrilling example of All-American fun and South Florida’s waterside beauty.

Schedule of Events: Thursday April 26 7:00 p.m. Performer Welcome Party (open to the public). Location TBD. Parachute Team Jump.

Schedule of Events: Friday April 27 7:00 p.m. Air Show Take Off Party (open to the public). Sea Level Restaurant beachside at the Marriott Harbor Beach. Navy Seals Parachute Team Jump.

Schedule of Events: Saturday April 28 8:00 a.m. Display Village Opens 9:00 a.m. Show Center Beach Premium Viewing opens

10:00

a.m.

Waterfront

Clubhouse,

Colonel’s Club VIP Stand and Chalets open

12:00 p.m. Lauderdale Air Show 2012. Show Center at Sunrise Blvd & A1A

4:00 p.m. Air Show After Party (open to the public) Location TBD – near Show Center

7:00 p.m. Saturday Night Performer Party (open to the public) Location TBD

JUNK FOOD’S SECRET POWER

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

Fort Lauderdale

Why Am I Addicted to My Poor Quality DIet

Schedule of Events: Sunday April 29

By ANDY KRESS

8:00 a.m. Display Village Opens

he obesity epidemic across America has reached a new time high. Adults and children have grown into super-sized versions of their former selves. These people are eating their way to an array of poor health conditions, as well as an early grave. The horrible selection of foods these individuals eat is mainly to blame. But are these people victims addicted to the foods that are killing them? A poor quality diet consists of foods that contain high saturated fat and trans fat. Saturated fats promote insulin and leptin resistance, making the body work harder to absorb the nutrients consumed. The body releases these chemicals so it can satisfy the brains demands to keep the body functioning and process the food into energy. Over time the body has to produce more of these hormones to compensate for the resistance. After years of keeping the body in this state, insulin and leptin producers and receivers start to wear out and become completely inefficient. Trans fatty acids keep the body in a state of systematic inflammation. Adding this to a body already struggling to produce and receive insulin and leptin and you have one toxic combination. The arteries start to become extremely clogged with fatty plaque and narrow, while the body starts to widen and put on fat. Once this cycle begins in the body, it is then trained to continue down this unhealthy path. This makes it easier for the individual to continue eating these unhealthy foods, because their body is immune to feeling lack of energy and nutrients from the food. Gaining weight, while continuing to eat foods low in nutrients, high in saturated fats and trans fats, create an addiction condition in the body from which most of these individuals will never escape. Settling into this lifestyle, the individual continues to slowly kill themselves—all the while teaching this addictive behavior to the people that surround them, especially children and young adults. Added sugar or syrups is also a major contributing factor to a poor quality diet. This includes not only white and brown sugar, raw sugar, corn syrup and corn syrup solids, high fructose corn syrup, maple syrup, malt syrup, pancake syrup, fructose sweetener, and liquid fructose, but also honey, molasses, anhydrous and crystal dextrose. Sugar sweetened beverages are by far the largest source of added sugar consumed on a daily basis. This can account for up to a whopping 50% of the

9:00 a.m. Show Center Beach Premium

T

Viewing opens

10:00

a.m.

Waterfront

Clubhouse,

Colonel’s Club VIP Stand and Chalets open

12:00 p.m. Lauderdale Air Show 2012. Show Center at Sunrise Blvd & A1A

4:00 p.m. Air Show After Party (open to the public) Location TBD – near Show Center

7:00 p.m. Air Show Afterburner Party (open to the public) Location TBD

BEACHBEAR WEEKEND

The annual BeachBear celebration in

calories consumed for the individual in a day. The sugar spikes from these sugary beverages are harmful to the insulin response system just like fat, burning out the receptors overtime aiding in Type II diabetes. Repeated exposure to high quantities of both of these highly palatable foods trigger addictive-like neuroadaptive responses in the brain reward circuit that drives the individual to compulsively eat. The phenomenon for the craving for these extremely palatable foods is similar to recreational drug-like addictions, in the way that they excite the brain’s dopaminepleasure center. Overloading the brains dopamine-pleasure center can cause dietinduced deficits of dopamine D2 receptors and D2 signaling in the reward circuitry of the brain. The result is a downregulation or “hyposensitivity” to these receptors. Dietinduced reward hypofunctionality can have a pathiophysiological role in the development to the onset of obesity by increasing the motivation to consume such high-reward or “obeseogenic” foods. This helps the individual ignore logical guilt or danger signs by rewarding the brain’s pleasure center with dopamine from food and drink. Junk food eats away at your health. Healthy choices equal healthy lives.

Fort Lauderdale will be held May 10 through 16. The host hotel is the Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel, 440 Seabreeze Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

Thursday, May 10 - Afterburn: Windamar Resort from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tea-dance, drink specials.

- BearBust: Scandals from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., happy hour prices.

Friday, May 11 - Rehydrate: The Windamar Resort from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tea dance, drink specials.

- Growl: Bill’s Filling Station, 8 p.m. $5

donation at the door includes one free drink.

Saturday, May 12 - BeachBearFest: Granada Street, noon 5 p.m., marketplace, food and drinks.

- Where the Bears Are: Coconut Cove

Guest House, private party, visit www. bosfl.org.

- UnderBear: Boom, retro-disco, $10 beer bust, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

- The Meat Ball: Ramrod, starts at 10 p.m.

Sunday, May 13 - BearBQ: Richardson Park, barbeque, beer, drinks from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

- Fuzz at Depot: Dance or play BINGO, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

- Bearlicious: Tea dance, The Manor, doors open at 8 p.m. Andy Kress is a certified fitness trainer, yoga instructor and nutritional counselor in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more nutritional tips or inspired exercise routines, reach him at 954-789-3930 or via email at andyfitnesstrainer@gmail.com

Monday, May 14 - Bear Eats and Beats, Recovery brunch: Wilton Bier.


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OUT IN FLORIDA

Fort Lauderdale

Miami AQUA GIRL

- Big Bear Beer Bust: Ramrod, $10 all

you can drink draft beer and $3 Absolute drinks.

For Women Who Love Women, May 2

through 6. Now in its eleventh fabulous year, Aqua Girl™ continues to attract women from all corners of the country, the Americas and around the globe. The week continues to grow with an everexpanding variety of events that enhance its appeal and have created what is now one of the hottest Women’s festivals in the country. From dance parties, to comedy shows, to live music, to pool parties, to a bowl-a-thon, jazz brunch, dineout event, VIP reception, art show, and celebrity meet-and-greets and so much more. Having so much fun never did so much good, with 100% of the proceeds from Aqua Girl benefitting the Aqua Foundation for Women, a not-for-profitfoundation whose primary mission is to promote the equality, strength, health, and visibility of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender women. Monies raised during the Foundation’s signature week, as well as through individual and corporate donations go directly to educate, empower and foster the lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women’s communities throughout South Florida.

For more information and tickets, beachbearweekend.com.

Miami GAY PRIDE On Sunday, April 15, Miami Beach will be more fabulous and extraordinary than ever! The city celebrates the annual Miami Beach Gay PRIDE parade and festival, a celebration of the extraordinary strength, beauty, and contributions of South Florida’s LGBT community, and an exciting all-day event that features a parade, a festival with exciting celebrity presentations and musical performances, and an Expo with LGBT-friendly vendors and businesses, refreshments and food, including a familyfriendly playzone. Lesbian. Gay. Bi. Trans. Straight. PROUD. Miami Beach Gay Pride is an extraordinary celebration that brings out the best in us all. Last year’s pride event brought OUT over 35,000 people from all walks of life and cities from across Florida-- and across the world-- making Miami Beach Gay Pride the city’s largest one-day event. This year will be even better! For more information, miamibeachgaypride.org.

AIDS WALK MIAMI On Sunday, April 22, thousands will descend upon Miami Beach for the 24th Annual AIDS Walk Miami, which begins on the west side of the Miami Beach Convention Center. Registration starts at 8 a.m., with the walk starting promptly at 9 a.m. rain or shine. The AIDS Walk Miami benefits Care Resource, a 501[c](3) non-profit, multi-cultural, community-based HIV/ AIDS service organization. The agency provides education, prevention and early interventions services, information and referrals, primary medical care, clinical trials, psychosocial services, and community outreach, to men, women and youth in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. For sponsorship opportunities, booth rentals, and entertainment, please contact Steve Beko, Events Coordinator, at 305-576-1234, Ext. 258 or by email at sbeko@careresource.org.

APRIL 19, 2012 H 23

For more information, visit aquagirl.org.

EPIC NIGHT OUT?

PROVE IT.

Upload your videos, photos, and share your South Florida GUY experience. Get ‘sum

Key West WOMENFEST The 20th annual Womenfest will be held

in Key West from September 4 through 9. Parties, dancing, film festival and outings for women. For more information, womenfest.com.

GAY SPRING BREAK Gay Spring Break in Key West attracts LGBT students and their friends from late February to early April to the beaches and the clubs of the beautiful tropical island. Take a break for spring break in a place that embraces individuality, diversity, and openness all year long. Want to participate in Gay Spring Break? Contact the offices and pick up your Gay Spring Break ID Card. Just call 305-2944603 or email them at info@gaykeywestfl. com for more information.

DON'T FORGET TO PICK UP YOUR GUY THIS WEEK!


DINING

24 H APRIL 19, 2012

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

LIME FRESH MEXICAN GRILL Fresh Mexican by Way of South Beach By RICHARD DAVID CHAMBERLAIN

T

here’s a bucket of menus at the front door of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, the newest entry in Fort Lauderdale’s ever-expanding freshly made South-of-the-Border-themed restaurants. That this chain started in 2004 some 40 miles away in South Beach makes its hometown ties that much stronger. By 2006, founder John Kunkel had expanded his concept to 42 restaurants, and sold ownership to the Ruby Tuesday chain for a caliente hot $24 mil. Ruby T, in turn closed 27 of those, while announcing plans to expand the franchise in other locations, the latest of which opened last month on N Federal Hgwy. All of which brings us back to the bucket of menus (shaped like limes, natch). The plan here is to scope out the selections, and know what you want to order by the time you reach the register, which is about two steps

inside the front door. The restaurant itself is industrial strength, housed in a loft-sized space in what was formerly Bellini’s Coal Fired Pizza for about two minutes. Lime Fresh sprouted in its place like alfalfa one day, with shades of mustard and green predominating. An airy outside patio complements the bustling interior lined with high-tops and stools. On the day we visited, the orders were flying out of the exposed kitchen with the Taco Salad ($8.49) a clear winner if volume is any indication. It’s served in an enormous orange bowl the size of Tijuana, pairing ground beef on greens with housemade guacamole, black bean corn salsa, carrots, sour cream, shredded jack and cheddar cheeses, all topped with pico de gallo salsa and torilla strips. We heighten the heat of the dish by adding our own Habanero Salsa available by the scoopful from the nearby eight-flavor salsa bar.

We can also vouch for the 8th Street Burrito ($7.99), a toasted flour tortilla jammed packed with chucks of white meat chicken, organic black beans, rice, bacon, sour cream, salsa, and tortilla strips. For an extra 50 cents, the chef will add grilled onions and peppers, which complement this twohanded taste treat. It’s our favorite on the menu, which features seven other burritos, including a veggie version at $6.99. The tortilla soup goes for $2.99 a cup or $3.99 a bowlful, and is a wonderfully spiced and simmered extravagance that only tastes like it should break the piggy bank. Ladened with chicken and a farmfresh vegetables, this soup is topped with both the pre-requisite tortilla strips and a scoop of pico de gallo. Few Mexican chains serve up fish quesadillas, but at Lime Fresh, it’s a frequently ordered option. Combine a lite quesadilla (two whole wheat tortillas holding a fistful of melted jack and cheddar cheeses) with grilled fish for a delightful and succulent change

of pace. It’s available in two sizes— regular at $7.49, or grande at $9.99. Both selections are served with warm tortilla chips that are thin and fried to a light golden brown, and so good that Doritos should steal the recipe. We’re a sucker for nachos, anyway they’re served. Here, you can choose to have it your way. For $5.99, the kitchen will layer cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses, black beans, jalapeños, lettuce, chopped tomatoes and housemade guacamole. Add chicken, steak, or ground beef for an extra $2.00; grilled onions and peppers for an additional 50 cents; and top the entire platter off with bacon bits for half a dollar more. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, look for $2.00 tacos and two-forone beer, sangria and lime margaritas, served from 4-6 p.m. Come early and tell them Florida Agenda sent you.

LIME FRESH MEXICAN GRILL 1535 N Federal Hgwy Fort Lauderdale FL 33304 954-200-6631


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SPOTLIGHT • RECIPE

APRIL 19, 2012 H 25

SPOTLIGHT

Brad ‘SCOOP’ Casey By DALE MADISON

B

rad Casey has been a name synonymous with the publication business in South Florida for over 20 years. Having started out with his deep, dulcet voice on AM radio (yes, it was in the Stone Age) Casey quickly rose to the top of his game in broadcast. Then a new offer came along that made him think of a career change. Hot Shots, yes Hot Shots, publisher Jason Bell approached Casey and offered him the position of Sales Manager for the new publication. “At that time, there were maybe 4 gay bars in the city and several gay friendly establishments and that was about it” recounts Casey. “I took on the position as it was something new, I mean, sales is sales whether it’s cars, real estate or advertising. I did well. But after about a year and a half, I decided if I am going to do this, why not do it for me?” Casey says. His first publication was Scoop, which started out as just a one page, mimeographed newsletter. “I had some content on the first page writing basically

about what was going on in the bars in town. On the flip side, I printed business card size ads which most I ran for free. Then the paper began

IRISH SODA BREAD

This Week’s Delicious Recipe

I

By JEAN DOHERTY

rish woman shoutin’…If your “soda bread” has raisins, it’s not “soda bread! It’s called “Railway Cake”! (a currant at every station!) If it contains eggs, baking powder, sugar or shortening, it’s called “cake”, not “bread.” All are tasty, but not traditional Irish Soda Bread! In Ireland, the flour is made from soft wheat; so when making it here in the states, soda bread is best made with a cake or pastry flour (which are made from soft wheat). It lowers the level of gluten. I recommend the minimum amount of mixing of the ingredients before baking; the dough should not be kneaded. 4 cups of cake or pastry flour 1 Teaspoon baking soda 1 Teaspoon salt 14 oz of buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 425 F. degrees and lightly flour a round cake pan. In a large bowl sieve and combine all the dry ingredients. Add the buttermilk to form a sticky dough. It’s sloppy, that’s normal. Flop it into a round shaped cake pan and cut a cross on the top of the dough. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. The bottom of the bread should sound hollow when tapped so you’ll know it’s done. Cover the bread with a tea towel and lightly sprinkle water on the cloth to keep the bread moist. I’m not goin’ to say “you are a chef” cause you don’t do it your way for this one. Although born in Dublin, Ireland, chef Jean Doherty spent most of her life in Lyon, France, the gastronomical capital of the world. Together with Vero, her partner of 25 years, Jean has owned and run multiple restaurants including Fort Lauderdale’s Le Patio.

to really catch on. In the beginning, Jason Bell was printing the Scoop for me. The first time I went in to get the paper printed I asked Jason, “How much is this gonna cost me?” “I don’t know,” said Bell. “How much do you have on you? “$52.00,” I said. “Then it’s going to cost you $52.00.” That’s the way things were done in those days. Scoop was born at that moment. “Everything was going great and I started getting requests from bars in Miami, so, I then started Scoop Magazine. I found a graphic artist by the name of Bill Huelsman, who many of you probably know is the other half to Terry DeCarlo, public relations director at Broward House, to help with the creation of ads. In 2 years, I went from just a newsletter to an 8 ½ x 11” full color, glossy publication. Our first edition was only 32 pages and we kept growing. I kept it local, and gossipy. I remember recruiting Pompano Bill for photos and I remember another young

(at the time) entrepreneur by the name of Dale Madison who started writing a column called “Pinkies Up” that dealt with local events. Along with others such as Interior Designer, Joe Gallant and Mrs. Beasley, we grew the publication,” Brad beams. Then, according to Casey, the economy began to turn. One of his Miami Sales reps named Tony Lambreau teamed up with photographer Jose Antonio to start a new magazine named Outlook, taking advertisers from his list of clients. That’s when Casey received an offer “I couldn’t refuse” from his former employer, Jason Bell, now of HotSpots! Magazine. “I was offered the chance to stay on for a while which I did, and then finally decided it was time to move on,” states Casey. “It has been a wonderful 40 years here in the South Florida media. I will say this, “You have not heard the last of Brad Casey.”


26 H APRIL 19, 2012 FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

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ACCOUNTING / TAXES TAX PREPARATION SERVICE for individuals and selfemployed. Electronic Filing, Reasonable Fees, Personal Service. Located in Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors area. Call Tom (954)764-0221 or e-mail taxpreparationservice@yahoo.com

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

streaming / internet LGBT radio station, south florida based. This a commissioned sales position. For more info do contact us via email; Info.MyGayRadio@gmail.com

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EMPLOYMENT

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SPIRITUALITY THE PARISH OF ST. FRANCIS & CLARE 101 NE 3rd Street - Just North of Broward Blvd. and E. of Andrews Ave. Mass Times: Sat @ 5 PM; Sun @10:30 AM ; WED@7PM . Where we Welcome & Appreciate Diversity - a Progressive Community in the Catholic Tradition. (954)731-8173 StFrancisAndClare.org CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT SONG Welcomes you to come and worship with us every Sunday Morning at 10AM and every Wednesday Night at 8PM. We meet at the SpiritSong Worship Center at 2040B North Dixie Highway Suite 3 in Wilton Manors (Building B on Equality Park Campus behind the Pride Center.) God Loves You Just The Way He Made You. Come discover His purpose for you. For more info: (954)418-8372 WE ARE HERE FOR YOU…DIVINE MERCY CHAPEL- The American New Catholic Church 2749 N.E. 10th Ave., Wilton Manors, FL, 33334 (954)567-1930 www.newdivinemercy.org Sunday Mass 10:30AM, Friday Holy Hour 7:00PM

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