Florida Agenda #132

MAY 31, 2012

AGENDA NEWS WRITER BOB KECSKEMETY DIES

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« ISSUE 132 « FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

Florida’s Largest LGBT Newspaper and Entertainment Source

DWTSFS: S2 PACKS THE MANOR WITH A “LAST DANCE” PAGE 25

“uncivil servant”!

NUTRITION

ANDY KRESS ON THE ECONOMICS OF OBESITY PAGE 16

LEIGHT REFLECTIONS

LEIGHT REFLECTIONS: THE “ME” IN SELF-ESTEEM PAGE 20

LOCAL DESK

JEB BUSH SAYS GAY MARRIAGE A “DISTRACTION”

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TRAVEL

NORTH CAROLINA: SEE IT LIKE A TAR HEEL

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Hollywood City Manager Arrested for DUI while Leaving Swinging Richards

By CLIFF DUNN

HOLLYWOOD — On April 8—Easter Sunday— Hollywood City Manager Doug Hewett was charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and arrested, after leaving the gay adult entertainment club Swinging Richards, in North Miami. The DUI arrest, which police records indicate took place at 3:20 a.m. on Easter Sunday, occurred one day short of Hewett’s six-week anniversary on the job as chief administrator of Florida’s 12th largest city.

Investigators say that Hewett submitted to two separate breathalyzers, which reported his blood-alcohol content levels at 0.145 and 0.139, respectively. State officials say that under Florida law, DUI is one offense, proved by impairment of normal faculties or unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above.

According to police records, Hewett, 41, was pulled over by a Miami-Dade County police officer pulled near the corner of Biscayne Boulevard (US 1) and Northeast 156th Street. The officer reported observing Hewett enter the left-turn lane, before driving erratically back into the southbound lanes of traffic on Biscayne Boulevard.

The report noted his “red bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, and the strong smell of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath,” and indicated that Hewett— who had previously served as Assistant City Manager of Fayetteville, North Carolina—failed to “perform to standards” in his field sobriety test. According to investigators, Hewett admitted to having come from Swinging Richards, where he said he drank two beers.

“I can confirm I was stopped by a Miami-Dade police officer in April on suspicion of driving under the influence,” Hewett said in a prepared statement. He was

HEWETT: SWINGING DUI

not at work on April 9—the day after his arrest, and his six week anniversary as city manager—having taken a “personal day,” according to officials. “At the time of the incident,” Hewett’s statement reads, “I advised each member of the City Commission who expressed their concerns about this serious matter.”

Hewett said that he had “retained an attorney,” and that “On his advice, I’m unable to discuss the facts of this case at this point. However, I deeply regret how this may negatively reflect on the city of Hollywood. I look forward to resolving this matter and continuing to serve the city.”

“I’m very disappointed,” said Hollywood Vice Mayor Linda Sherwood. “It was a large lack of judgment in his ‘DUI’ continues on Page 8 ‘

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SUNSHINE STATE

JEB BUSH

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush: Gay Marriage Is ‘Distraction’ From Economy

MIAMI – During a three-day business trip to Taiwan, former Florida governor Jeb Bush advised President Obama and his Republican challenger to focus the 2012 election on the U.S. economy, and not to allow marriage equality to become a “distraction” in the run-up to November’s presidential election.

Bush, 59, said the United States is “next in line” to experience the type of financial crisis raging across a number of the nation-states comprising the European Union.

During a speech titled, “How to Restore Sustained Economic Growth in the United States,” Bush warned that a depleted American economy will have worldwide consequences. “A weakened United States economically means a United States that will pull back from its commitments around the world— that will not have the ability and the interest in being a partner for stability and for peace,” said Bush.

The Miami-based Republican insider was in Taiwan—officially, the Republic of China—to address foreign ministry officials. Bush, who served as Governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007, remains high on the list of potential vice presidential choices for the GOP presumptive nominee, Mitt Romney, despite repeated protestations that Bush— the son of former President George H.W. Bush, and brother of former

President George W. Bush—has no interest in the job.

In a Tampa Bay Times’ survey that was released this week, more than 100 Democratic and Republican Florida political insiders said that Romney should pick Bush as his running mate. A plurality of respondants—36 percent of total surveyed, and 47 percent of Republicans—called Bush the “strongest choice,” while Ohio Sen. Rob Portman finished second with 15 percent, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie polled 12 percent, and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio finished fourth with 9 percent. Among Republicans, Rubio and Christie tied with 8 percent each.

Florida Family Policy Council: Jacksonville Anti-Discrimination Ban at Odds with Florida Constitution

JACKSONVILLE – More than 350 people attended a May 22 meeting of the Jacksonville City Council, which included a hearing for a proposed ordinance that would ban discrimination against individuals based upon their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

The meeting, which extended past midnight to accommodate statements from approximately 100 of the bill’s supporters and opponents, was attended by a handful of evangelical leaders—who spoke against the measure on moral and religious grounds—including John Stemberger, President of Florida Family Policy Council, who accused supporters of fomenting a regulation that would violate religious liberty, as well as create new protected classes, and expose the city to lawsuits.

The measure is aimed at housing, employment, and public accommodations, and has the support of many business and community leaders, who say the absence of such protections hurts Jacksonville’s image and serves as an obstacle to attracting and retaining qualified

workers. Supporters included former Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney, who has served as President of the University of North Florida since 2003.

Stemberger, who helped pass the 2008 amendment to Florida’s constitution that defines marriage as between one man and one woman, called the proposed ordinance “constitutionally suspect.”

“It removes all references to civil rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution,” said Stemberger.

Orlando Gay Days Kicks Off Week of Events

ORLANDO – Orlando Gay Days 2012 got underway on Tuesday, with international LGBT tourists descending upon Central Florida for a weeklong celebration marking the start of summer. What began in 1991 as a one-day event—during which gays and gay-friendly straights were encouraged to “Wear Red and Be Seen”—has blossomed into an internationally-promoted event, drawing crowds exceeding 130,000.

Although none of the area theme parks and attractions officially sponsors the series of parties and concerts, Gay Days is supported by the majority, who recognize the potency of the LGBT tourist dollar that is concentrated in that geographic area for a full week.

Organizers anticipate over 150,000 people to attend the theme park events and collateral gatherings. The event takes place May 29 through June 4, 2012.

Writer Bob Kecskemety Dead at 60

HOLLYWOOD, FL – Florida Agenda News Writer Bob Kecskemety lost his long-time battle with bone cancer late last evening, dying peacefully at Hospice by the Sea in Hollywood. He had been a patient at the healthcare facility since May 25.

Kecskemety, 60, graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School, and

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BOB KECSKEMETY

briefly attended Broward Community College. He first became well known to the gay community through his entertaining column in Scoop Magazine in the 1990’s, titled “Shut Up and Focus,” published by former Agenda advertising executive Brad Casey.

A longtime Poinsettia Height resident and Cleveland, Ohio, native, Kecskemety was aware of his terminal condition, yet continued to write for the Agenda until the end of March. “Even when he was no longer able to write, he faithfully attended every editorial staff meeting,” Agenda publisher Bobby Blair said, “and he remained on our masthead. He was a consummate professional and friend, and all of us at the Agenda extend our condolences to his close friend and caregiver Tim Yatteau.”

In a New Year’s piece in the January 7 issue of Agenda, Kecskemety wrote, “Each year, I write a feature in the last issue of the year for whatever publication I have worked for, getting New Year’s resolutions from people in the community, and though I would have liked to have gotten many more for last week’s issue of the Agenda than I did, I was too weak to continue. One person, who I asked for his resolution a week ago, turned the tables on me and asked me what my New Year’s resolution was. I simply replied, ‘2013.’

While Bob Kecskemety died before reaching his goal, his written words will forever continue to voice his message of tolerance and acceptance for all. «

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POLITICAL DESK Barney Frank Fracas; First OUT USAF Cadets Graduate; Bristol Palin: Dr. Spock for ‘Generation Yawn’?

Openly-gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) is trying to explain away a joke he made on May 27 during a commencement address at the University of MassachusettsDartmouth.

Frank—who has announced his intention to retire from the House of Representatives in January, after 32 years as a Member— was commenting about an academic robe given to civil-rights leader Hubie Jones during the ceremony. “You now have a ‘hoodie’ you can wear and no one will shoot at you,” said Frank, making reference to the February shooting in Florida of Trayvon Martin. Frank was himself the subject of a cruel comment in 1995 from then-House Republican leader Dick Armey, who called the Massachusetts liberal “Barney Fag” during an interview. Attempting an explanation for the joke, Frank said after the hoodie fracas, “I wore a hooded gown in three ceremonies earlier this year, and in my remarks at those events, I used the same joke on myself.”

President Obama was on hand to deliver the commencement address as the first openly-gay United States Air Force Academy cadets graduated on May 23, just eight months after the official repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” went into effect. “The whole thing is we don’t want to be identified as anything different,” said Trish Heller, who serves of the Board of Directors on the Blue

BARNEY FRANK

POLITICAL DESK - WORLD DESK

Alliance, a group of LGBT Air Force Academy alumni. “We want to serve, to be professional and to be symbols of what it means to be Air Force Academy graduates.” According to Heller, a Colorado-based attorney and 1987 Air Force Academy graduate, at least four openly-gay members of the Academy’s Class of 2012 received their diplomas last week. Heller said that there were likely others, as well.

Presently, LGBT cadets at all five of the nation’s military service academies have formed gay-straight alliances and support groups. Spectrum, the U.S. Air Force Academy group, was officially sanctioned this month, and includes approximately 30 members from the Academy’s seniors and underclassmen.

Blue Alliance alumni flew Rainbow flags in November during a home game for the Academy’s Falcons football squad. The group also hosted a dinner attended by Brigadier General Dana Born, the institution’s dean of faculty.

Not long after President Obama’s historic endorsement of gay marriage this month, Bristol Palin, the daughter of 2008 GOP Veep candidate Sarah Palin, took her own turn weighing in on the most pivotal social issue of our time.

The 21-year-old author of the 2011 autobiography “Not Afraid of Life: My Journey So Far” flexed her muscles as a religious historian—while building her street cred as a youth counselor—when she railed against Obama’s reference to his daughters and to the gay parents of some of their friends. “It would’ve been helpful for him to explain to Malia and Sasha that while her friends’ parents are no doubt lovely people, that’s not a reason to change thousands of years of thinking about marriage,” said Palin.

She also suggested helpfully that the Obamas may be watching “too many episodes of ‘Glee.’”

“In general, kids do better growing up in a mother/father home. Ideally, fathers help shape their kids’ worldview,” added Palin, whose own experience of life “so far” includes a teen pregnancy that was aided by the moral titan Levi Johnston, who was painted in her memoir as a date rapist who had sex with a waytoo-drunk and blacked-out Palin. Palin will also get to showcase her mothering chops in full view of a global audience when her 10-episode reality TV program, “Bristol Palin: Life’s a Tripp,” premiers this year, a perfect vehicle for this Mother of the Year-in-waiting.«

WORLD DESK

MARIELA CASTRO

U.S. Visa for Castro’s Niece Sparks Outcry from Cuban-American LGBT Community HAVANA, CUBA – The issuance of a State Department visa to Cuban official Mariela Castro, daughter of Cuban President Raul Castro and niece of his brother, Fidel, has been met by a firestorm of protest from LGBT Cuban-Americans, who condemned the Cuban regime’s record of human rights violations.

Herb Sosa, the executive director of the Unity Coalition, told reporters, “For Mariela Castro, or anybody else under the Castro dictatorship, to say they are representing the rights of anyone is an insult to the hundreds of thousands who have either been killed, jailed or assassinated by their own hands, or the nearly 100,000 people who’ve jumped into the ocean looking for freedom who haven’t made it here.”

On Tuesday, Castro, the director of Cuba’s National Center for Sex Education, told an audience of about 130 in New York that her support for LGBT rights in Cuba “is a pretext to fight other forms of discrimination.”

The visit by Castro—who was issued visas in 2001 and 2002 by the Bush Administration—was denounced by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), who chairs the Democratic National Committee, and Florida U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL).

“Allowing Raul’s daughter to come to the U.S. when the regime still holds Alan Gross makes no sense,” Nelson said, referring to the American social worker arrested in 2009 by Cuban authorities for providing satellite phones and computers to Cuban Jews, in violation of the island nation’s laws.

Gross is currently serving a 15-year sentence in a Cuban prison.

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Ghana’s Female President Calls for End to Gay Persecution in Africa LILONGWE, MALAWI — Nine days after President Obama announced his support for marriage equality, the new president of the Republic of Malawi called for an end to the persecution of gays and lesbians in her country and the other nations of Africa.

“Indecency and unnatural acts laws shall be repealed,” Joyce Banda said during her first State-of-the-Nation address on May 22. Banda, 62, became the first female president of the southeast African country on April 7 following the sudden death of President Bingu wa Mutharika. She told lawmakers that the nation of 15 million must normalize its international relations with “our traditional development partners who were uncomfortable with our bad laws.”

In 2010, courts in Malawi convicted two gay men of “unnatural acts” and “gross indecency”—crimes under Malawi law—and sentenced them each to 14 years of hard labor in prison. The late President Bingu wa Mutharika, said that the men had “committed a crime against our culture, against our religion, and against our laws.”

British Prime Minister David Cameron has threatened to reduce or eliminate foreign aid money to nations that violate the civil rights of their LGBT citizens. President John Atta Mills of Ghana denounced Cameron and perceived western interference in the morality of a sovereign African state. “I, as president, will never initiate or support any attempt to legalize homosexuality in Ghana,” said Mills last summer.

Banda, who is finishing Mutharika’s term, which ends in 2014, has been joined in her call for an end to injustice by former President of Botswana Festus Mogae, who supported universal HIV medication for Africans in need of it, and Kenneth Kaunda, a former President of Zambia.

Kaunda, who led Zambia from 1964 to 1991, said, “We are not only condemning African leaders who are criminalizing same-sex marriage, but we are urging them to start recognizing these people, for the sake of HIV and AIDS.” «

NATIONAL DESK • FROM THE FRONT

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sexual orientation. According to the Duluth News Tribune, when Pelofske acknowledged that he is gay, he “was struck in the head by a flying beer can, and a crowd of young men surrounded him, threw him to the ground and began punching and kicking him.”

Convicted Rutgers Student Apologizes for Spying on Tyler Clementi

HARVEY MILK California Street Renamed for Harvey Milk

SAN DIEGO, CA – On May 22, San Diego officials renamed the city’s Blaine Avenue “Harvey Milk Street” during a formal ceremony. Officials say the thoroughfare is the first in the nation named to honor the late LGBT rights activist, who would have turned 82 on May 22. In 1977, Milk became of the country’s first openly-gay elected officials, when he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. In 1978, Milk and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone were murdered in city hall by a disgruntled and mentally unstable former supervisor, Dan White.

2012 International Mr. Leather Crowned

CHICAGO, IL – On May 27, Woody Woodruff, the reigning Mr. Michigan Leather 2012, was selected as the 2012 International Mr. Leather, in an event held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The 34th annual event included the installation of First Runner-up A.C. Demidont—Mr. Eagle New York 2012—and Second Runner-up Kevin Jordan—the current Mr. DC Eagle 2012.

Arrests Made in Beating of Gay Victim by Nine Men

DULUTH, MN – Two men have been charged in an assault upon a gay man that occurred during a May 26 graduation party. Max Pelofske, of Duluth, Minnesota, said that he was attacked by at least nine men during the party, which was being held in honor of a friend’s graduation. Pelofske, 21, claims that he was approached by a stranger, who asked him about his

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – The former Rutgers University student convicted in the suicide of his late roommate, Tyler Clementi—who jumped off the George Washington Bridge in 2010—has apologized for what he called “stupid” and “insensitive” actions on his part towards Clementi. On Tuesday, Dharun Ravi said that he would surrender to authorities today, and will begin his 30-day prison sentence for the conviction. Prosecutors have appealed the court’s light sentence of Ravi, 20, who was convicted of hate crimes for using a Web cam to spy on Clementi’s intimate encounter with another man in their dorm room. The teen took his own life, just days after he learned of Ravi’s actions.

“My behavior and actions, which at no time were motivated by hate, bigotry, prejudice or desire to hurt, humiliate or embarrass anyone, were nonetheless the wrong choices and decisions,” wrote Ravi. “I apologize to everyone affected by those choices.”

Anti-Bullying Video Results in High School Suspension

LONG ISLAND, NY – A 15-yearold New York City student was suspended for five days after she produced an anti-bullying video for a class project that featured a simulated suicide. Jessica Barba produced the video for her business and communications class at Longwood High School, and posted it online.

The video includes a disclaimer that states the incident depicted is fictitious, however, some students who viewed it were emotionally affected, and at least one parent complained to school officials. “The principal told me I would be suspended for five days because my video disrupted the school,” said Barba.

Former Joint Chiefs Chairman Announces Support for Marriage Equality

NEW YORK, NY – Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell told CNN this week that he supports marriage equality. “I have no problem with it,” the former fourstar general said. “In terms of the legal matter of creating a contract between two people that’s called marriage, and allowing them to live together with the protection of law, it seems to me is the way we should be moving in this country—and so I support the president’s decision.” Powell, a centrist Republican who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs from 1989 to 1993 under President George H.W. Bush, and as Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005 under President George W. Bush, supported President Obama’s 2008 election campaign.

Roman Catholic “Conversion Therapy” Group Hosts Sports Camp

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Courage International, a Connecticut-based

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Roman Catholic ministry dedicated to helping gay men overcome their homosexual urges through chastity and prayer, is hosting its 13th annual sports camp near Philadelphia, through Sunday, to help “men physically compete on the field while enriching their souls through a daily regimen of prayer, confessions, mass, and the Liturgy of the Hours,” according to Courage’s Web site.

The site advertises to gay men that by “developing an interior life of chastity, which is the universal call to all Christians, one can move beyond the confines of the homosexual identity to a more complete one in Christ.” The concept has local LGBT advocates like Ed Coffin up in arms.

“They think that in offering people with same sex attraction the chance to learn how to play sports, they will learn to be manlier,” said Coffin, who heads the Peace Advocacy Network, a Philadelphia-based organization. “It’s a ludicrous assertion. There are many, many out gay athletes and many gay men who play sports,” he said. «

“DUI” continued from Page 1

going out and drinking to the excess that apparently he did.”

Hewett earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration at North Carolina State University, and had been employed in municipal government since 1996. He was employed in Fayetteville in 2004, and worked as assistant city manager until his hiring

by Hollywood City Commissioners, who selected Hewett over five other candidates for the $172,000 a year job after a two-day round of interviews in January.

At the time of his hiring, Hollywood Mayor Peter Bober said “We have seen many slick people come to talk to us over the years. Doug Hewett spoke from the heart.” Now, Bober says that the DUI arrest will place greater scrutiny upon the embattled city manager. “His judgment has been seriously called into question,” the mayor told CBS-4 News. “Really, he has no track record here in the city of Hollywood, so we certainly have to

watch him very carefully to see if this is not part of some bigger issue.”

Hewett’s Twitter account lists his handle as “NC_Pimpernel,” a reference to his Tar Heel State origins, as well as the literary character the Scarlet Pimpernel, who, like the Lone Ranger, wore a mask to hide his true identity.

The social media site description reads “Uncivil civil servant. You’ve been warned.”

Commissioners plan to discuss Hewett’s arrest and future with the city. The mayor told reporters that commissioners could in theory lower Hewett’s salary, or alter the terms of his employment contract. «

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EDITOR’S DESK

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The “Bully” Pulpit MAY 31, 2012 • ISSUE 132

CLIFF DUNN, EDITOR

O

ne of my earliest childhood memories is being chased by three kids at summer camp, circa 1972, and being locked in a gym storage room while the trio stood on the other side of a glass window, congratulating themselves on their heroic efforts against a lone sevenyear-old menace.

That’s the set up. The actual memory part of this memory is of me putting my fist through the glass window, necessitating 17 stitches and having the pleasure of seeing those clowns scatter, even if it was through the haze of a throbbing hand. (What do you want from me? I’m Irish-Italian from Queens, New York: it was embedded in my DNA.) Then as now, I’ve never much cared for bullies.

In the early 1990s, I had the dubious “pleasure” of interviewing Fred Phelps on my WFTL radio talk show. This was about five years before the tragic murder of Matthew Shepard, so Phelps hadn’t quite reached his vitriolic stride (the proto-meme “God Hates Fates,” for instance, had not yet entered the cultural lexicon). He merely came across as a vulgar and offensive (and possible inbred)—but essentially harmless—clod. How wrong I was.

When the Founders established protections for religious freedom, they did so at a time when intolerance and bigotry directed at religious

minorities were rife, and in order to protect community churches from governmental interference on behalf of a religious institution (as in the case of the crown-sponsored Church of England), or religious doctrine (such as occurred during the English Civil War and in pre-Restoration England, when powerful practitioners of an intolerant brand of Calvinism essentially criminalized all outward public displays of joy).

Much as during the 1990s, when every news report began with accusations of rape against a professional athlete, the headlines today are replete with stories of collared bullies who use the Sunday pulpit to spew a particularly loathsome form of Biblical scholarship at undereducated congregations who either don’t know or don’t care to learn the scriptural bases for the raw villainy being encouraged by men— and women—of the cloth.

Take the now-viral case of Sean Harris, the North Carolina pastor who advised, “Dads, the second you see your son dropping the limp wrist, you walk over there and crack that wrist. Man up. Give him a good punch.

Ok?” adding, “The next thing you know, this dude, this kid is acting out childhood fantasies that should have been squashed.” Although Harris later said that he “misspoke,” and wrote that “I do NOT believe physical force is capable of fixing effeminate behavior or homosexual behavior,” he essentially repudiated his retraction when he added, cutely, that “we must not be hateful toward those whose behavior is an abomination to God,” effectively letting the congregation know exactly where he really stands on “all sexual perversions and immorality.”

Another North Carolina pastor, Ron Baity of the Berean Baptist Church

in Winston-Salem, used his Sunday sermon to refer to homosexuality as a “perverted lifestyle,” and that gays should be criminally prosecuted, as in days of yore. “For 300 years, we had laws that would prosecute that lifestyle,” quoth the minister. His and Harris’s Tar Heel State colleague, Tim Rabon of the Beacon Baptist Church in Raleigh— what’s up with these Baptists?— offered aloud to his own churchgoing audience, “What is stopping them from redefining marriage for a person and a beast? We’re not far from that.” With soul-enriching sermons and religious “larnin’” such as this, is it any wonder that these bigoted yokels have pinned their political hopes on such blatantly un-American legislation as the Defense of Marriage Act, California’s Proposition 8, and Amendment 1 in North Carolina.

There’s no question in my mind that these offensive laws will one day be overturned, and that the antiquated ideology of a hate-filled and intolerant segment of our society will be entombed in the dust of its own nothingness, along with its proponents.

Until that time, we must live with the offensive ideas of small-minded men, protected by the same body of laws that they seek to use to deny civil rights to their fellow countrymen. (This is just as the Founders intended, when they established the First Amendment protections for speech and religion.)

These bullies who hide behind their pulpits may accuse progressives and LGBT rights activists of attacking religion, through efforts to legalize marriage equality, but what they portray as an attack on religion by gays is really an attack on gays from the pulpit. «

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Q -Point: Are You Stonewalled?

By JOEL S. SLOTNICK

On June 27, 1969— almost 43 years ago— something happened to change the lives of many. It’s known as the Stonewall riots. (I call it the Stonewall Uprising.) In a June 22, 2009 posting, The Leadership Conference wrote, “This Sunday, June 28, will mark the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, the event largely regarded as a catalyst for the LGBT movement for civil rights in the United States. The riots inspired LGBT people throughout the country to organize in support of gay rights, and within two years after the riots, gay rights groups had been started in nearly every major city in the United States.”

At the time, there were not many places where people could be openly gay. New York had laws prohibiting homosexuality in public, and private businesses and gay establishments were regularly raided and shut down. In the early hours of June 28, 1969, a group of gay customers at a popular gay bar in Greenwich Village

called the Stonewall Inn, who had grown angry at the harassment by police, took a stand, and a riot broke out. As word spread throughout the city about the demonstration, the customers of the inn were soon joined by other gay men and women who started throwing objects at the policemen, shouting “gay power.”

Police reinforcements arrived and beat the crowd away, but the next night, the crowd returned, even larger than the night before, with numbers reaching over 1,000.

For hours, protesters rioted outside the Stonewall Inn, until the police sent a riotcontrol squad to disperse the crowd. For days following, demonstrations of varying intensity took place throughout the city.

In the wake of the riots, intense discussions about civil rights were held among New York’s LGBT people, which led to the formation of various advocacy groups such as the short-lived Gay Liberation Front, which was the first group to use the word “gay” in its name, and a city-wide newspaper called Gay. On the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the first gay pride parades in

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U.S. history took place in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and near the Stonewall Inn in New York.

The Stonewall riots inspired LGBT people throughout the country to organize in support of gay rights, and within two years after the riots, gay rights groups had been started in nearly every major city in the United States.

Here we are in 2012. Be honest. If you went around Pride events and questioned people about its history, how many could actually tell you? Since Stonewall, generations of our LGBT seem to have forgotten, or chose to put aside, what the riots were about, and what they did to clear the way for the freedoms we enjoy

Belle.

to this day.

Over the years, “Pride” has been celebrated with events worldwide. Some festivities last a weekend, a week, or even a month. There are parades, big and small.

In some cases, it has turned into a circuit party, and a chance for some businesses and/or, individuals to capitalize off a once-great but diminishing history. Yes, I said it.

In the next decade, most if not all of those who fought in the Stonewall riots will be gone. Who will carry on the history of June 27, 1969? If we don’t start to remember why it got us, as LGBT persons, to where we are today, we may not have much of a tomorrow.

Maybe it is time to think what we want the history of Stonewall to record. Will it be about our PRIDE, or about a party?

If you don’t know the answer to this one, maybe you’ve been Stonewalled. «

Joel S. Slotnick is a former SecretaryTreasurer for Pride of South Florida, and a longtime LGBT activist. He lives in Fort Lauderdale.

to be gifted with?

Carry a tune.

Your heroes in real life?

Hillary Clinton, Jane Jacobs, How do you wish to die?

A grandmother Margaret Sanger, Walt Disney.

What characters in history do What is your present state of mind? you most dislike?

Those who follow instead of lead. Lucid.

be?

“Be yourself everyone else is taken…”

For what fault are you the most Your favorite food and drink?

Your favorite qualities in a intolerant?

Cheese and Pinot Noir Where would you like to live? person?

Apathy.

On the water…in the Keys… What do you hate the most?

A great smile. somewhere between mile Disorganization.

Your personal motto? marker 68 and 46. (Yes, even my Your chief characteristic?

“Live the life you imagined.” « daydreams are organized and What reform do you admire the Determination. direct.) most?

Your favorite occupation?

The 19th Amendment.

Your favorite color?

Librarian.

Purple.

The natural talent you would like Your idea of happiness?

Being with my partner and Your favorite authors?

Heidi Shafran is the Community Development Director for the Fran Lebowitz, Betty Friedan, daughter at Disney.

Julia Child.

City of Wilton Manors, a position she has held since March 2011.

Your idea of misery?

Prior to that, she was the Community Planning Director for the Your favorite heroes (male or Cloudy days. female) in fiction?

Seminole Tribe of Florida, from 2004 to 2011.

If not yourself, who would you Nancy Drew, Mickey Mouse, Your favorite virtue?

Authenticity.

14 « MAY 31, 2012

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

MAY 31, 2012 «15

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

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

What’s Inside: Memorial Day has come and gone, and with it comes the full-on launch of summer. This weekend has much to offer, both locally and around the Sunshine State. Locally, check out Georgie’s Alibi in Wilton Manors, for its salute to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts’ presentation of “La Cage Aux Folles,” which opens in June and stars the still-tanned George Hamilton. Drink specials, and giveaways related to the still-hilarious show will be highlighted. If you have gypsy feet, think about trekking over to the Emerald Coast (yes, there is a coast way up and over there) for SPLASH Beach Fest in Pensacola. You’ll find the all dee-tails (as they say in the Panhandle), this week in OUT in Florida.

North Carolina is a state that has been making headlines for the past several months—not all of it confidence-inspiring—and Robert Elias Deaton, our own Dean of Travel, decided to get a personal look at the Tar Heel State, and see what all the fuss is about. Find it inside.

Nothing evokes the north end of Wilton Drive like that first sight of the Rosie’s Bar and Grill—which pops into view as you round the bend from Five Points—and the gear-shifting gourmet, Richard David Chamberlain, recently pulled into the valet parking area (be sure to say “hi” to the congenial and yummy Mike) and plopped down for a satisfying bite (a BIG bite, apparently). Find out the scrumptious details in a new Dining.

Speaking of Rosie’s, our Nomad of the Drive, Dale Madison, spent some quality time with the Dynamic Restaurateur Duo of John Zieba and Cliff Mulcahy, the men behind the successful eatery and watering hole, in Guilty Pleasures. (Note to Cliff: I want that street sign that reads “Cliff Street”—too subtle?)

While we’re on the subject of food, Andy Kress has the skinny on the economics of America’s obesity epidemic, in this week’s brand spanking new Nutrition column. One Parting Gratuitous Eating Metaphor: Dr. Arlen Leight offers some—wait for it—food for thought about the ingredients to high self-esteem in this week’s new Leight Reflections.

Summer—it’s on! CD

ROSIE’S BAR & GRILL NEW TREATS, OLD FAVORITES

DINING PAGE 24

NORTH CAROLINA

FIND OUT WHAT’S UNDER THE TAR HEELS

TRAVEL

PAGE 18

ORLANDO GAY DAYS BEGINS!

STYLE BRIEFS PAGE 16

LEIGHT REFLECTIONS: SELF ESTEEM

PAGE 22

16 « MAY 31, 2012

STYLE NEWS • nutrition

Obesity Crisis = Economic Crisis

YOUR WEEKLY

America: Land of the Fat—and Growing

STYLE NEWS BRIEFING: Boy Scouts of America Gets Earful from Opponents of Anti-Gay Policies ORLANDO - The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) annual meeting in Orlando was the scene for respectful protest this week, as LGBT advocates and their supporters protested the ouster of a gay den mother by presenting a petition containing more than 275,000 signatures in support of reinstatement for the woman, Jennifer Tyrell of Ohio.

Among those on hand was Zach Wahls, the Iowa-based student whose speech in support of marriage equality went viral last year, becoming the most-watched political clip on YouTube in 2011. Wahls—himself an Eagle Scout—was raised by a lesbian couple, and is the author of “My Two Moms: Lessons of Love, Strength, and What Makes a Family,” which was released last month. He defended Tyrrell and condemned BSA’s removal of the den mother, who led her 7-year-old son’s Tiger Scout troop until her removal this spring.

“While today’s meeting was productive and thoughtful, the delivery of these petitions marks the beginning of this journey, not the end,” said Wahls. “I thought our dialog today was an honest one, and I’m looking forward to continuing the conversation in the months ahead. We leave today one step closer to religious and personal freedom than when we arrived, and it’s hard to be anything but thrilled about that.”

Wahls previously told the Huffington Post, “I learned in the Boy Scouts that bravery is not the absence of fear but the mastery of fear. But as long as this policy remains the official position of the BSA, that lesson will ring hollow. I learned in the Boy Scouts the importance of standing up for what’s right.”

This weekend, Wahls and Tyrrell will travel to San Francisco to take part in this year’s GLAAD Awards, sponsored by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).

Pop performer Kat Graham also appeared in support of Tyrrell this week, performing “Put Your Graffiti On Me” during “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” while clad in a Boy Scouts uniform, to honor the ousted den mother.

In Time for Father’s Day, JC Penney Unveils ‘Gay Dads’ Ad CHICAGO, IL - Retailer JCPenney has unveiled its most recent ad to feature a samesex couple—two smiling, real-life gay dads and their kids to honor Father’s Day and Pride month in June. This in spite of opposition from conservative groups, including One Million Moms, which threatened an online boycott of the department store chain last month.

The ad features the family of Chicago-area couple Todd Koch and Cooper Smith, and reads, “First Pals: What makes Dad so cool?

He’s the swim coach, tent maker, best friend, bike fixer, and hug giver—all rolled into one.

Or two. Real-life dads, Todd Koch and Cooper Smith with their children Claire and Mason.”

Study: Dolphins Engage in “Gay” and “Bi” Behavior DARTMOUTH, MA – Researchers at University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, are shedding new light on the sexual orientation of dolphins, and they say that the marine mammals are no strangers to same sex attraction. Scientists went to Western Australia to study over 120 bottlenose dolphins, and found that males of the species were “found to engage in extensive bisexuality, combined with periods of exclusive homosexuality.”

According to the study co-author, the cetaceans’ same sex relationships are “very intense.” “I have often thought, as I watched their complicated alliance relationships, that their social lives would be mentally and physically exhausting, and I’m glad I’m not a dolphin,” said Richard Connor, a biology professor at UMass Dartmouth, adding that although male bottlenose dolphins are “capable of serious aggression,” “they don’t squabble constantly.”

New Web Comedy brings Gay Life in the Big City to Your Laptop NEW YORK, NY - New York City-based writer/director/producer Adam Goldman has unleashed a new Web-based series that he hopes will do for the Twenty-Tens what “Queer as Folk” did for the first half of the “Aughts.” The six-episode Web series tells the story about a gay man and his circle of friends, as they explore all facets of their lives and relationships, including their jobs, their families, and their sexual experiences.

The comedy uses Goldman’s own familiar Big Apple haunts as a backdrop for the series, which he described to the Huffington Post as “a story about big relationships, the ones that really define people, and what happens when they fall apart, and how that can change someone.” The series is financed through Kickstarter, a crowd-funding Web site for creative projects that has funded a diverse spectrum of media, including indie films, music, comics, journalistic endeavors, video games, and food-related projects.

Goldman, whose production shoots on location in the Five Boroughs, says he wants to tell stories that are relatable to him and his friends. “I wanted a character-driven comedy with heart about gay men,” he told the Huffington Post. “I love [the gay characters] Mitch and Cam on ‘Modern Family,’ but those aren’t my people. I don’t live in California and I don’t have a baby.” «

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

By Andy kress

T

here is no doubt that American has an obesity crisis with nearly 70 percent of the total population overweight or morbidly obese!

America’s overstuffed individuals have been taking over our hospitals and health care facilities, as well as the news. Overeating and the resulting obesity it caused has plunged America into a health insurance and care emergency without any historical reference.

The most startling concerns are the economic impacts that all of these obese people are having on our US economy.

America is changing to meet the needs of these obese persons, but at an astronomical cost, currently estimated to be $190 billion.

That’s $190,000,000,000!

The Number one economic impact obesity is having on America relates to the healthcare system. Rising insurance costs have skyrocketed to meet the demands for providing care to these individuals over the past ten years. Until 2010 employers of the obese had to bite the bullet and pay the rising costs obese workers ensued. But after 2010 the US healthcare reform bill allowed employers to charge 30-50% more for insurance unless they enrolled themselves in a qualified wellness program. This helped America’s employers try to save money and stay in business during rough economic times. Obesity support groups advocate this law saying they are being”discriminated against,” but the truth of the matter is there lifestyle choice is effecting more than themselves.

Number two is construction costs to accommodate these plus-sized individuals. US hospitals have to rip out wall-mounted toilets and replace them with floor-mounted toilets costing additional expense to already rising healthcare costs. US hospitals also have to rip down walls, widen door frames and have hydraulic hoists to ease the access of handling these patients. Public seats have to be widened in local sports stadium, to the seats at the bus stop and at airports, costing millions just to make room for the overwhelming amount of obese people using these services. The cost

of these changes has been so high that some companies had collapsed under the added expense, with transportation or services to be cut as an expense.

Number three is explosively higher costs for transportation. The Federal Transit Administration is spending hundreds of thousands testing and studying the impact obese people are having on the steering and braking of public buses and transit vehicles.

Cars are burning billions of gallons of more gasoline per year hauling this increased weight of individuals over the road. The larger vehicles that haul these obese passengers burn much more gas than regular vehicles. Wear and tear to obese people vehicles adds to rising costs over the road. Because most vehicle parts were not made to handle such stress they wear out and need to be replaced more often than originally should.

Yet, the reality is that almost all of this is easily corrected, with the resulting costs avoided completely. Small lifestyle changes can reduce obesity drastically. Taking the time to watch your calorie intake through reduced portion size is a simple and easy way to enjoy what you love to eat, just slight less of it. Cutting back on unhealthy fatty foods is another small change that adds up to a lot in the long run, saving individuals an array of deleterious health problems and obesity.

Watching your sugar intake can have a major impact on keeping your weight down—and this includes what you are drinking. Sugary beverages and alcohol destroy your waistline and add to obesity. Being aware of everything you put in your mouth can curb obesity before and after it happens. Please choose wisely.«

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

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

NUTRITION

MAY 31, 2012 «17

18 « MAY 31, 2012

TRAVEL • SPOTLIGHT

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

North Carolina or Bust The Tar Heel State Is Calling Your Name

By ROBERT ELIAS DEATON

I

n case you’ve been living in a foxhole lately, things haven’t been going well for the LGBT community in North Carolina these days. First, the fair citizens of the 12th state in the Union decided to amend its constitution, declaring “marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.” Given that North Carolina already had a law on its books that prohibits same-sex marriage, it was a bit of overkill.

On top of that, a few days later, the pastor of the Providence Road Baptist Church in Maiden gave a sermon in which he advocated that lesbians and gays should be surrounded by an electrical fence and left to die off from natural attrition. The Providence Road Baptist Church (which happens to be located on Williams Street—figure that one out) is not to be confused with the Providence Baptist Church

in Charlotte, whose own pastor went online to declare that in his church, they offer the “same grace, mercy and love to all people.”

The natural reaction of the LGBT community is to boycott the state, and that is precisely what you should not do. Just because they’ve given gays and lesbians a drop-kick to the gonads does not mean that there isn’t much to see and do in North Carolina.

The capital of Raleigh is known as the “City of Oaks”, and is linked with the neighboring Durham and Chapel Hill in a triangle that may not be gay, but is still very sweet. Beside the aforementioned oaks, there are over 150 incredible gardens, parks, and lakes. The most friendly and stylish hotel in town is the new Aloft (1001 S. Hamilton Rd) in Chapel Hill. With soaring ceilings, 42-inch flat screen TVs, and complimentary Internet wireless, there’s little not to like in this modern hotel run by the Starwood

chain.

When it’s time to go clubbing, think of Flex (2 S. West St., Raleigh). The place requires a membership, but that’s taken care of with a $5 bill. It’s the kind of place that hangs a urinal on the wall, fills it with peanuts, and calls it class. No Southern Belles here.

If you want something a bit more upscale, try Legends (330 W. Hargett St., Raleigh), with its live drag shows and top-notch DJs. Pecan sweet.

Across the state on the border with “South Caroline,” you’ll find the second largest financial center in the U.S., otherwise known as Charlotte.

It’s both the home of Bank of America and the east coast headquarters for Wells Fargo. Charlotte is nicknamed the “Queen City”—not because it’s so gay, but rather because it was named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of England’s King George III. Since few in town seem to know this fact, use it as

an instant entre to all the best places.

Count among those: the Woodshed Lounge (4000 Queen City Dr.) where Thursday nights, the boys dress in boxer shorts to get happy hour prices on drinks (and show off their pale legs). Or better yet, try Petra’s Piano Bar & Cabaret (1919 Commonwealth Ave.), where you can sip Mint Julips between sing-alongs to Broadway anthems. They do things like that in the South.

The point of this chatter is that North Carolina needs to be experienced to be truly appreciated. It’s the same thing with gays and lesbians. Go—in droves. Once they get to know us, they might just like us. Even at the Providence Road Baptist Church. «

Robert Elias Deaton is a world-traveling epicure who enjoys the finer things in life.

spotlight The Many Layers of George Castrataro

W

By Dale Madison

hen you sit across from George Castrataro, you can tell immediately that he is a man possessed of a welldefined vision. “When I started to practice law, I had a definite business plan,” recalls Castrataro, as we take our seats in the new downtown Fort Lauderdale location of the Law Offices of George Castrataro. “Here at our practice, we have a four-layer plan,” explains Castrataro, who graduated from Florida International University College of Law in 2005. First on the list of practice specialties is helping individuals who are at the end of their financial rope. “With the economy in shambles, we have orchestrated our plan this way: Bankruptcy protection for those in peril, and let’s face it, there are a lot of people in trouble out there,” Castrataro notes, with emphasis.

The practice likewise helps those who are drowning in debt by their

own hands. “Secondly, we focus on consumer issues. Many times, people get into trouble with home equity lines, credit cards, and other loans.” In these cases, the firm takes on the part of vigorous consumer advocate.

“We are able to get between the lender and the borrower, and negotiate a better situation for both,” Castrataro explains.

This benefits the firm’s clients through negotiated “reduced interest rates, and keeping the borrower from having to file for bankruptcy,” he adds.

“Our third layer is unique home issues. So many people are ‘upside down’ in their home loans,” says Castrataro. “We work to help re-structure those loans, to help people save their homes. We also

work with businesses that are struggling, working with their lenders to help them restructure.”

With the Stonewall Generation already collecting Social Security, Castrataro notes that South Florida is Ground Zero for many of the nation’s aging gay population. “Our fourth area is estate planning.

So many young people, and even more among older people, don’t realize how important it is to plan your estate, along with the civil rights that go along with that. It makes it very important to advise them how to structure insurance, property, and other aspects of their estates,” Castrataro explains, adding that “It is vital that they get advice from professionals.”

The team at the Law Offices of

George Castrataro currently has 400 cases they are working, including that of former Hollywood Police Officer and HGTV Design Star Mike Verdugo, as well as civil rights issues for individuals connected with “Occupy Fort Lauderdale,” which the firm takes on a pro-bono basis. The firm also works closely with the Broward County Legal Aid Service, and the Broward Human Rights Initiative, which Castrataro was instrumental in founding. Before receiving his law degree, Castrataro worked in senior management positions for the Florida Department of Health, as well as in Washington, D.C. for the National American Red Cross.

A native of New York, the wellknown advocate for LGBT rights says that he is extremely happy to have found a home, and a calling, in South Florida. “One of the best moves that I ever made,” Castrataro notes. “Great people and great weather, what more could you ask for?” «

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

MAY 31, 2012 «19

bar guide

20 « MAY 31, 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

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

bar guide • GUILTY PLEASURES

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

MAY 31, 2012 «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.

snapshot: dale russell and team Remembering the “Real” in Real Estate

By Dale Madison

W

hen was the last time you heard a Realtor tell you, “It’s an amazing time in the real estate market”? Dale Russell— the man behind the Dale Russell Realty Network and the “face” of the Five Points intersection billboard— is “bullish” about local real estate, noting that lower inventory around town translates to increased sales.

“It’s the first time in 18 months that there has been a real decrease in inventory, and the first time prices have started to increase,” he notes.

“Today, prices are up seven to 11% in Wilton Manors.”

Russell cites the Wilton Station condos as an example of the Law of Supply and Demand, and the evidence of its presence in South Florida’s gay village. He says prices there average $289,000, a jump from previous listing rates, and that just six units are currently available, compared with a year ago when 30 to 40 units were

listed. Russell points to this and other markers that indicate a turnaround in the market.

Russell offers L’Hermitage on the beach as an example. The luxury oceanfront condo is now 10 years old, and very stable in terms of residents, with nothing available for sale, an almost unheard-of situation.

He also points to growth in neighboring Miami-Dade County.

“There are over 50,000 units currently under construction there,” Russell notes. “In that market, a group of investors got together and pooled their resources, and are making a huge difference there.”

Closer to home, Russell says that a lot of new growth in Wilton Manors comes from commercial ventures,

with new restaurants, bars, and shops opening up along the Drive and Dixie Highway, and that rental prices are once again spiking, another indicator of economic recovery.

He also points to government programs for those with an eye on the real estate market.

“Currently, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are offering special incentives for buyers.

They understand that they have to step up help restore confidence,” Russell says.

Russell—the past President of The Pride Center at Equality Park and, with his business and life partner, Jan Carpenter, an active participant in local charitable activities and service organizations—was instrumental in helping The Pride Center obtain

their new location on North Dixie Highway. Although he brokered the deal on the real estate side, Russell and his network refused to accept a commission for the transaction, donating their profit instead to help with The Pride Center’s renovations.

Russell said that it’s important to take what one hears about the real estate market in its proper context.

“You can’t listen to CNN or many of the local newscasts, because they are still talking ‘doom and gloom,’” he advises. “You really need to go online and look at what’s going on with the local markets. Get your facts and figures. Last year there were 11.1 million visitors to Greater Fort Lauderdale, and that exposure is huge, because so many of those people fall in love with the weather and the community, and they translate into potential buyers.”«

OUT IN FLORIDA • LEIGHT REFLECTIONS

22 « MAY 31, 2012

LEIGHT REFLECTIONS

MIAMI “THE

DONKEY

Described by The New York Times as “Passion. Sex. A Rollicking Cool Party,” “The Donkey Show” opens on Friday, July 13, at the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Ziff Ballet Opera The

celebrated

smash

hit is described as “the ultimate night fever—a crazy fun house of disco mirror balls and feathered divas, of roller skaters and hustle queens, enchanted by an ever-solight sprinkling of Shakespearean magic.”

MIAMI BEACH BRUTHAZ Thursday, Sunday,

July

July 22.

19

through

Founded

in

July 2006 as an annual summer lifestyle event for gay men and women from around the world, Miami

Beach

Self-Esteem: Loving Life from the Inside Out

SHOW”/THE

ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER

House.

Bruthaz

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

includes

a series of social, educational, and personalized activities that promote unity, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging. The event is focused around central themes of Knowledge, Culture, and Fashion.

Miami Beach Bruthaz features an upscale White Party with a celebrity guest, a serious hip hop party, a rooftop pool party, and a men’s fashion show. The Saturday night party features the sounds of Brazil,

KEY WEST and Sunday brunch at the Palace on Ocean Drive is surely not to be missed. For more information, visit shop.miamibeachbruthaz.com.

PRIDEFEST Key West has a lot to be proud of: the southernmost U.S. city recently tied with San Francisco for the title of Best City for Unity Between Gays and Lesbians, and they won

T

BY Arlen Leight, Ph.D.

here are many of us in the fields of mental health and self-help who understand that basic unhappiness is primarily related to how we think about ourselves. Self-esteem and selfworth are basically the result of two major components. First, there is a demonstrated competence and success in areas of life in the EXTERNAL WORLD that are important to us. These include intelligence, relationships—intimate, friends, family, co-workers, etc.— physical self, emotional self, and work or career. The second component consists of core feelings in the INTERNAL WORLD of self-love. This includes internal feelings of value and worth, internal feelings of love, and internal feelings of self-acceptance. Both aspects of selfesteem are internally self-directed.

Often, the reason we feel less than good about ourselves begins with futile attempts to align our feelings of self-worth with cultural standards, and the opinion of others. We look for outside validation which often is not forthcoming. As each of us is different, we cannot expect our core uniqueness to align with that of others. The moment we harshly judge ourselves based on our difference, we give into devaluing and degrading our sense of self. When we harshly judge others, we can be sure its roots are in our own selfdegradation.

The external components of selfesteem relate to how we function in the outside world in areas of life that are IMPORTANT to us. If we are not functioning in a way that supports a positive sense of self, we either are not living up to our potential—often due to internal self-degradation—or we are trying to live up to the ideals of someone else. When life is not going the way we want it to, it is time to explore whether we are trying to please others (or the culture at-large) at the expense of our own desires and passions.

Following one’s own heart leads to true satisfaction and self-worth. If our lack of self-esteem is the result of internal feelings of dissatisfaction, then it is time to find ways to accept ourselves exactly as we are now.

People with high self-esteem are willing to accept, improve, or change those aspects that are perceived to be “imperfect” or different from the cultural norms. They resist the need to harshly judge themselves or others, and they shun gossip. They surround themselves with people who accept them as they are, and for who they are.

Tools for enhancing self-esteem include: 1.

Monitoring your self-talk.

KEY WEST hands down in Best City for Unity Between Gays and Straights. Both their city and county official mottos are “One Human Family. Their LGBT leaders serve openly, and visitors are

welcomed

throughout

the

island.

Key West shows their pride every day, and this is your chance to be a part of the celebration.

Come out for Key West Pride, June 6 to 10, and enjoy dance parties, drag shows, bike tours, water excursions, a street fair, and even a parade through town. Their

Stop the internal bully. Put up a mental STOP sign when you find yourself inappropriately judging yourself or others. Stop all criticism. It has done nothing for you in the past, and will do nothing in the future.

2.

Taking risks. Push yourself into new and uncomfortable situations, realizing that imperfect outcomes or failed plans do not mean personal failure. Each person has different risk tolerance. Reward yourself for trying, no matter the outcome.

3.

Giving to others. Contributing allows us to see our value in new ways.

4.

Being assertive (also known as “healthy communication”).

If you’re introverted, that means making an adjustment from keeping self-expression internal.

If you’re extroverted, that means modifying selfexpression, and learning to listen and process your feelings more before you speak.

5.

Understanding that self-care is self-esteem. Manage your nutrition, health, diet, and exercise. Take small steps, but move forward with health empowerment.

6.

Experiencing personal growth classes, spiritual retreats, counseling, and reading self-help literature. Find sources of inspiration for positive change.

Finally, don’t self-medicate your feelings away with drugs and alcohol.

If anything will damage your sense of self, it is substance abuse. If you have a problem, get help TODAY. «

Note: Dr. Leight conducts a group for gay men every summer entitled “Confidence, Self-Esteem, and Personal Empowerment.”

For more information, visit doctorleight. com/workshops.php.

Miss Pride, Mr. Pride and Ms. Pride competitions are infamous for their fun and their skin.

Make your plans now to attend Key West Pride. Most events are All

ST PETE Welcome. All events are uniquely Key West. For more information: keywestpride.org.

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.

ST. PETE PRIDE The 10th Annual St. Pete Pride Street

Festival

and

Promenade

returns Saturday, June 30. The diversity of Southwest Florida’s LGBT community and visitors from around the world join local allies, business and community leaders, and supporters for a day of food, fun, dancing, music, and fun. St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District transforms into “Carnivale,” with an

attendance

100,000.

estimated

near

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

MAY 31, 2012 «23

AMERICA’S FASTEST GROWING FAMILY OF LGBT PUBLICATIONS AND WEBSITES

VOTED BY OUR COMMUNITY “BEST PUBLISHER 2011” AND “BEST ENTERTAINING MAGAZINE 2012”

DINING

24 « MAY 31, 2012

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

ROSIE’S BAR & GRILL New Treats at an Old Favorite

By RICHARD DAVID CHAMBERLAIN

S

o there we were walking up Wilton Drive on our way to have some Japanese food, when we got sidetracked by the sound of laughter coming by way of Rosie’s Bar & Grill. Not the ha-ha stuff of comedy shows, but belly-laughs the size of Cleveland.

Happiness being in short supply these days, we ducked inside and made for the outside patio in search of the fun. The good time was spreading all over the place, so we pulled up chairs under a beach umbrella, and decided to chow down at this neighborhood favorite.

We love the sandwich wraps at Rosie’s—especially our all-time favorite big-as-a-horse Trojan ($10.50), blending mixed greens, chopped cucumbers and tomatoes, Kalamata olives, Greek peppers, feta cheese and grilled chicken that’s all bound up in a tomatobasil tortilla. Then again we can’t forget the always-great Miss West Texas 1983 ($10.95)--grilled chicken, corn, black beans, caramelized onions, jack cheese, lettuce, tomato

and housemade chipotle-honey barbeque sauce. Same tomato-basil tortilla; totally different taste.

On this night, however, we felt like Big Girls—those are the larger plates found near the end of the menu. It takes quite the appetite to consume an entire Versatile Plate ($19.95), but somehow my date managed just that. Try to imagine finishing off a flat-iron steak (grilled medium rare) rubbed with Rosie’s spice blend PLUS a skewer of grilled large pink shrimp with garlic butter and Old Bay seasoning—all served on a bed of onion rings, with garlic-herb mashed potatoes, and a side of broccoli.

Yes, she finished the whole platter herself, and this is after downing the Caesar salad that comes with the meal.

I was hardly in a position to mock her eating exhibition, of course, since I had ordered the Coco-Loco Shrimp ($14.95)—jumbo, fried and coated in coconut. It’s served with a not-too-sweet Lady Marmalade sauce that is housemade in the back room. I opted to start with the ever-

superb French onion soup ($1 extra).

Decorated with dozens of colorful Japanese lanterns and the soft landscape lighting of the surrounding lush palm plantings, there’s little at Rosie’s to remind you that at one time this was a franchise of Hamburger Mary’s. Unless, of course, you flip to the burger menu where the club’s signature meat patties show their stuff. Where but at Rosie’s could you ever find a menu item called Wilma Breathstink ($10.50). By any other name that’s a burger that’s been drenched in red wine, topped with Swiss cheese, and layered with ovenroasted garlic.

If you like your meat on the spicy side, we recommend the Hellena Bun, a thick burger topped with crumbled blue cheese and fried jalapeños plus a slather of “Smack My Cheeks and Make ‘Em Rosie” sauce. No, you can’t have the recipe but you can enjoy the entrée for $11.50. Don’t eat meat? Try the Ima Gerdenia ($10.50), a Garden Burger® topped with cheddar cheese, sautéed mushrooms and “Thai Me Up” sweet chili sauce. All but the vegan Garden Burger® are made from a half-pound

patty of Angus beef and served with lettuce, tomato and a side of fries or cole slaw.

There are salads galore on the menu as well. If we had to pick just one, it would be the Southern Lovin’ ($12.50), a big bowl of mixed greens topped with grilled (or fried) chicken, plus caramelized pecans, bacon bits, cheddar and jack cheeses, chopped tomatoes with a honey-mustard dressing.

Go early, stay late, laugh yourself silly—and tell ‘em Guy Magazine sent you. «

ROSIE’S BAR & GRILL 2449 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-563-0123

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

SPOTLIGHT

MAY 31, 2012 «25

“Dancing with the South Florida Stars, Season Two”

Brings the Glitterati to Manor for AIDS Charity

I

t was an evening of laughter, music, and fancy footwork as the cream of local celebrities descended upon The Manor Restaurant and Complex in Wilton Manors on Monday, May 21, for the return of “Dancing with the South Florida Stars (DWTSFS),” a gala to benefit the not-for-profit Brian Neal Fitness and Health Foundation, which provides persons living with HIV/AIDS and other challenging conditions expenses-paid fitness programs and healthy lifestyle regimens, supervised by licensed and trained professionals.

A “Who’s Who” of the best and brightest of local business and community leaders teamed up with the most glamorous local entertainers to rehearse their dance routines—and, in some cases, production numbers—for six weeks at the dance and aerobics studio at Island City Health and Fitness in Wilton Manors.

The contestant couples included Corrie Boyd of the Sunshine Cathedral and teammate Nicole T. Philips, musician Richard Cortez and Noel Leon, Dr. Ferdinand Cabrera of the Genesis Health Institute and life-

and-dance-partner Dimitri Bakoulis, Island City Eyewear’s Dr. Alan Shaffer and local favorite Jennifer McClain, Mona’s barman Billy Rowan and Velvet Lenore, photographer Michael Murphy and drag host Nicolete from Lips Sunday Brunch, LGBT publishing magnate Alan Beck and dance partner Déjà Devonier, and the Boardwalk ménage a danse of Tiffany Ariagus, Krystal K, and Robby J. The winning couple for “DWTSFS: Season Two” was The Manor’s own Gary Santis and his partner, 2001 Miss Gay USofA Erika Norell, who performed their routine to the 1978 hit “Last Dance,” in a visually spectacular tribute to the late Donna Summer.

(The winning performance can be viewed at guymag.net.)

The “DWTSFS: S2” judges included international recording star and dance diva Pepper MaShay, whose music was featured prominently on Showtime’s “Queer as Folk,” internationally-acclaimed female impersonator Marvin Nathan (“Full-sized Cher/Cousin Ira” from the CBS-TV hit “The Nanny”), and longtime local favorite, Misty Eyez.

The tag-team hosts for the event were drag sensation and Florida Continental Elite champion Diva, and former Mr. Continental Philip Alexander.

Special live performances included the “Dreamgirls” ensemble of Nicole T. Philips, Déjà Devonier, and Velvet Lenore, as well as Pepper MaShay, co-host Alexander, singing-andplaying duo Darryl Marksberry and Cary Spiegel, and others. The event was attended by 300 guests and, at press time, had raised at least $6,000 for the Brian Neal Fitness and Health Foundation. Brian Neal, the founder of the Foundation that bears his name, was moved to strong emotions as he thanked performers, guests, and contributors for their hard work, participation, and continuing support.

“You are helping a great many people change their lives,” a grateful Neal declaimed, eyes misting. His life partner, Bobby Blair, CEO of Multimedia Platforms Worldwide and Publisher of Guy Magazine and the Florida Agenda newspaper, offered praise for Neal’s dedication, and his commitment to helping

others, and added, jokingly, “He [Neal] is getting better at this. There will be no more tears for Season Three.”

The not-for-profit Brian Neal Fitness and Health Foundation assists financially-challenged persons living with HIV/AIDS and other lifealtering conditions, through free gym memberships, group workout sessions, and ongoing lifestyle education classes covering all facets of living a healthy, balanced lifestyle: diet, exercise, physical and emotional well-being, positive life choices, along with coaching and mentoring from licensed and trained professionals. «

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WINNERS CIRCLE: ERIKA NORELL(L), GARY SANTIS (C), AND HOST PHILIP ALEXANDER (R)

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26 « MAY 31, 2012

COUNSELING

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RETAIL SALES POSITION ON WILTON DRIVE- Full and Part Time Positions Available Now! Call 954-873-3889 PT / FT ADVERTISING ASSOCIATE NEEDED - We are a 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 SALES ASSOCIATES - The Florida Agenda, Mark Magazine are looking for dynamic salespeople to join our team. Are you energetic, proactive, and passionate about sales? Then this could be the “Star Role” for you! Seeking true “go-getters” with a great work ethic. Existing accounts available for immediate income.

Contact Bobby @ 954-336-0436 or Bobby@bobbyblair.com JOHNNY's MIAMI HUNTING FOR BEARS - GREAT $$$ South Florida's Favorite Male Strip Club is seeking BEAR DANCERS for new Special Event. Great Pay + Tips. Send photo and contact info to JohnnysBarMia@gmail.com

EMPLOYMENT

JOHNNY's MIAMI LOOKING FOR DANCE MANAGER MINIMUM 2 YEARS EXPERIENCE. GREAT PERSONALITY A MUST. If you have experience in nightclub personnel management… Join our growing team! Send your resume to JohnnysBarMia@gmail.com

DENTAL 03-08-12 STYLE_Layout 1 3/8/12 2:31 AM Page 21

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Turn windows doors!see Truckour available for just yard ask our clients.maintenance All electrical code, clean-up or apartment and moves.toFREE esti-

ANY & ALL plumbing work, Drywall finish work / repair. Crown/ baseboard promates!

Lic. &interior/ Ins. CC#11-FC-16297-X Cert. Ctrl#11-18694 install, exterior painting, demo Ben (954)565-9674 work, Pressure washing, Decor tile install, Complete home up-dates. For large jobs, 4-man crew available. WE CAN HANDLE IT ALL! Instant call back, direct service response. No job is ever too small. Excellent references. Derek (954) 825-5598

Cleaning Services Clean It Rite Residential & ACCOUNTING TAXES - Best Commercial /Cleaning

TAX PREPARATION individuals and selfCleaning for SERVICE your for buck.

Reliable & employed.

Electronic Fees, Personal Affordable.

Ten Filing, yearsReasonable in business.

1 BR, Service.

Located Fort $60.00, Lauderdale/Wilton $50.00, 2 inBR & 3 Manors BR $70.00 area.

Call Tom (954)764-0221 or e-mail Manny (954) 560-4443 taxpreparationservice@yahoo.com

Professional Cleaning to take care rates **OPTIMA** COMPUTER REPAIRthe- COMPLETE IN and references.

Serving community HOME SERVICE. Get the performance, protection & for over 5 years.

Callbest Gerardo @ (954)224value from computer investment, *A+ Hardware & 5769 or your (954)441-5770

COMPUTER SERVICES of your home and office. Excellent

OS CERTIFIED. *Friendly, professional, RELIABLE service.

Reasonable rates. Call Mike (954) 817-3883

COUNSELING

A MIND AT PEACE/ THERAPEUTIC SERVICES/ RON "DOC" CHAMBERS, MSW (954) 627-0103 1975 East Sunrise Blvd., Suite 629 Fort Lauderdale. HIV Related Issues /Anxiety /Depression /Schizophrenia /Relationship Problems /Anger Management Problems /Same-Sex Battering /Domestic Violence. Most Insurance Accepted /Credit Cards Accepted.

MOVING

ELITE RELOCATION MOVING & STORAGE We've provided quality moves for over 30 years. It's always a smooth move when you choose Elite Relocation. Contact us today at (954)975-8660 - www.elitemoving.com RED BOX MOVING - OWNER IN TRUCK ON EVERY MOVE. CALL NORBERT DIRECTLY. Affordable, Reliable, Careful.

MV#567/INSURED. (954) 305-9176 or (561) 506-5540 www.redboxmoving.com

CLASSIFIEDS

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

PLACE TO PALACE - Home Improvement and handyman services. Best rates, and smart solutions. Drywall, Painting, Tile, Doors, Wood Decks, Masonry, Purgolas, and Ceiling Fans. Turn windows into doors! Truck available for yard clean-up or apartment maintenance and moves. FREE estimates! Lic. & Ins. CC#11-FC-16297-X Cert. Ctrl#11-18694. Call Ben (954) 5659674

Licensed Massage Recession Relief - $40 per 90 MINS - Out Calls Higher. Swedish, Deep Tissue, Specialty Back, Lower Body & Feet. Couples Discounts. Seniors Welcome. Delray Beach, 16 yrs Experience. MA18563 Dennis (561) 502-2628

Moving Elite Relocation & Moving Storage - We’ve provided quality moves for over 30 years. It’s always a smooth move when you choose Elite Relocation.

Contact us today: 954.975.8660 www.elitemoving.com

ALWAYS MOVING - Moving and Storage Know What You’re Paying Before You Move Flat Rates, Free Estimates, Family Owned Free Wardrobes-Licensed and Insured 305650-9080 www.alwaysmovingsofla. com

Fort Lauderdale - Condo Quality 2/1 - Walk in shower, Designer bath, Open Granite Kitchen, Smooth-top Range, DW, Icemaker, very spacious unit, CAG. $1250/ mo. 1 yr Lease, F/S. Call 954-448-9811 Wilton Manors - Large 1 BD Apt. Located on quiet cul-de-sac one block from Shoppes of Wilton Manors. CAG, ceiling fans, tile floors, fireplace, lots of storage.

12 ft. sliding glass doors lead to screened pool and patio. W/D on premises. Rent, which includes electric, water & propane is $975/mo. Sorry no pets. (954)563-4442.

rent/lease furnished PERFECT RELOCATION RENTALS 3-6 MONTHS From $325/week & $1300/month. Beautiful Studio, 1 & 2 BR Apts. Turn-key, fully furnished & equipped, clothing optional pool, laundry, parking. Close to Gay & Nude Beaches. Pets Welcome. Incl. utilities, cable, tel., Wi-Fi Internet. (954) 9270090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com

Roommate Wanted Dania Beach. Share a charming home and lamai. Lush tropical setting. Lakeside, quiet and safe comm. Furnished Room includes: Utilities, Direct TV, W/D. $500/ mo Non-smoker/drugs Call Ron (954)965 7759 or (315) 857-7759.

RENT / LEASE

Wilton Manors – East Fort Lauderdale RENTALS, SALES|

Spirituality

Fort Lauderdale/Imperial Point Well-maintained, quiet 1-bedroom apartment in Georgian complex on NE 62nd Street. Convenient to downtown, beach and Wilton Manors. Nice grounds and pool. Credit check required, $700/mo.

Call owner: (917)334-1146 2 Bed, 1 Bath Apt. All Tile, Crown MLDG, Laundry, very clean avail Now. $ 850 731 nw 1st Ave. Gay Complex.

954.805.1195 1/1 close to all major expys.

Airport & Downtown. Private Deck, 1st last & security. $695 James 305-213-3473 N.E. Ft. Lauderdale- Wilton Manors Area Large Efficiency, Quiet Comlex, Tile Floor, New A/C and Refrigerator, Private Patio, Cable Ready, Pest Control included, No Pets Please. $585 By Appoitment (954)592-3772 Riverland close to Downtown 2/1 House with large Pool. New Kitchen, Screened in Porch, Large Back Yard, New A/C Unit also a 1/1 Efficiency apt w/Utilities included. Call Butch 954-632-6639

The Parish of Sts. 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 - StsFrancisAndClare.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 WIG WILD INSPIRATIONAL & GATHERINGS Looking for Lip/Sinc Choir members (Glee Style). Mon&Wed 7pm-10pm. Have energy and a fun spirit, call 754-444-1944 or email (info@ wigministries.org)

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