TRENDING EXCLUSIVE
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Sunshine Cathedral Ministers Tie the Knot July 1, 2015
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Issue #293
Photo by Dennis Dean
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LOVE WINS! NOW WHAT?
QUOTES
Statewide Advocates Share Thoughts on Supreme Court Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage
FULL SUPREME COURT COVERAGE INSIDE ~ Page 6
CATCH UP
The Post-Ruling Status of the 14 States that Still Banned Gay Weddings
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LOOKING BACK
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Remembering the struggle for Equality
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IMPACT
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What the Supreme Court Ruling Actually Means
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SAME-SEX PARENTS TO CREATE BABIES FROM SKIN CELLS WITHIN TWO YEARS File Photo
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SPECIAL MARRIAGE EQUALITY COLLECTOR’S EDITION
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING... A FORK IN THE ROAD OF HISTORY Love wins. Friday’s decision by the Supreme Court of the United States to affirm the constitutional right of LGBT people to marry is one of those forks in the road of history. Marriage equality under the law now is protected nationwide. This
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Robert Boo
is one of those moments in our lives where we should remember every detail so that in years to come we can tell future generations what it was like on this day. Throughout history, each generation is called upon to make the world a better place. It is incredibly hopeful that the next generation of children with LGBT parents might never live in a world where they have to explain to their friends, teachers and classmates why their mommies or daddies are unworthy of marriage. Our seniors can receive some measure of comfort as they bid goodbye to their spouses — knowing their homes, their savings are protected under the law. The next generation of young people won’t think twice when they see a same-sex-couple walking hand in hand down the street. We should all be treated with love, dignity, equality and respect — even if we are not just like the people that live next door. ROBERT BOO Chief Executive Officer The Pride Center at Equality Park
David Jobin (left) and his husband, Angel Burgos
‘Our work is cut out for us’ On a personal level, my husband, Angel, and I are surprised at the impact we feel from the decision and how different the world seems compared to last week. We’ve both agreed to throw out the word “partner” from our vocabulary. Looking at it more globally, I realize that the decision will continue to inspire the religion-crazed right to fight
back just as they have on women’s reproductive rights since Roe vs. Wade was decided in 1973. There is little chance of their efforts gaining traction because just as with abortion, the majority favors the court’s decision. But our work is cut out for us to continue to change hearts and minds on the issue so that the resistance continues to subside.
LGBTQ arts and culture organizations should play a role in this as it their mandate to affect change on emotionally-charged issues. I look forward to Stonewall National Museum & Archives helping to lead this effort. DAVID JOBIN, executive director Stonewall Library and Archives
It’s more than the legal right to marry Gay marriage is not just about the right to marry. It means that gays are finally being accepted as equal human beings whose individual lives matter too. Marriage equality will reduce the stigma and homophobia that often prevent LGBTQ people from seeking out health services needed for emotional and physical well-being. As we feel more affirmed, respected, and valued, we are more likely to take better care of our
health – like getting HIV tested. Gay marriage will also have the effect of making us take each other more seriously in relationships beyond the initial sexual attraction. We now have more choices when it comes to loving another person as well as how we love ourselves. JOHN RAMOS Founding Board Member World AIDS Museum
John Ramos
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SPECIAL MARRIAGE EQUALITY COLLECTOR’S EDITION
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s it stands now, anyone in America can get married in the morning and if they live and work in one of the 28 states without protections (including Florida), they can be fired that same day... KEITH BLACKBURN
Lee Rubin
THE NEXT 10 BATTLES FOR LGBTQ EQUALITY
On the heels of the huge victory in the Supreme Court last week, we must all take time to congratulate our community for all of the hard work so many put into this. Everyone had a part in it, but the momentum really built when our allies and corporate America joined in. The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), along with our chamber, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC) and 41 other LGBTQ Chamber affiliates, along with countless other organizations, have all worked hard to make this happen. In March of this year, the GFLGLCC joined the NGLCC and 379 organizations to become part of the Amicus Brief, which urged the Supreme Court to support marriage equality. “Employers are better served by a uniform marriage rule that gives equal dignity to employee relationships,” reads the brief, filed by global law firm Morgan Lewis. “Allowing samesex couples to marry improves employee morale and productivity, reduces uncertainty, and removes the wasteful administrative burdens imposed by the current disparity of state law treatment.” Our work isn’t over yet. In Florida and 27 other States, it is still legal to fire someone because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender! In addition, we face legal discrimination in housing and, in many cases, we can be refused goods and serv-
LEE RUBIN Blogger/Community Organizer http://lgbtsfaevents.blogspot.com/
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KEITH BLACKBURN President, Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Why ENDA must become law
July 01, 2015
ices because of who we are. This is obviously unacceptable and must change. What amazes me is that many people don’t realize this. In recent polls, 80% of Americans believe that it is illegal to fire someone because they are LGBTQ. The Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA) would provide basic protections from job discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. It must become law. While there have been multiple versions, none has been approved by our Congress. In the latest version, passed by the U.S. Senate almost two years ago, small businesses with fewer than 15 employees, the military and religious organizations were exempt. We need ENDA to become law, without any exceptions. As it stands now, anyone in America can get married in the morning and if they live and work in one of the 28 states without protections (including Florida), they can be fired that same day. That doesn’t sound very American, does it? We must join together, using the momentum we now have, to ensure that this injustice ends with equality for all.
We have been working so long for LGBTQ equality, it’s easy to think that our work is done! But this is just the first step. After we finish celebrating our stunning win at the Supreme Court, we need to roll up our sleeves and get back to the work of equality. There is so much still to be done. Here are the next 10 fights for LGBTQ Americans: Fighting so-called state “religious freedom” laws. Adding protections in employment, housing and public accommodation to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Securing LGBTQ inclusive adoption laws. Outlawing gay conversion therapy. Preventing LGBTQ youth homelessness. Outlawing anti-trans bathroom bills. Protecting rights for incarcerated LGBTQ people. Overturning laws that criminalize HIV. Protecting LGBTQ immigrants in U.S. detention centers. Ending the outdated and discriminatory U.S. Blood Donation policy.
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SPECIAL MARRIAGE EQUALITY COLLECTOR’S EDITION
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A VICTORY FOR ALL AMERICANS
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The victory at the Supreme Court on Friday is not just a victory for gay and lesbian: it is a victory for all Americans! Any time the cause of justice and equality is advanced, we all win. Our community has every reason to celebrate the fact that we can now legally marry the person we love, anywhere we choose, in this great country of ours. And we have five very wise and very courageous people to thank ... Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Elena Kagan, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, and, most of all, Anthony Kennedy: the five Justices who voted for equality in marriage rights for ALL Americans.
Tim Hart
An end to injustice in the workplace I am overwhelmed by the recent Supreme Court ruling. I would like to thank all (too numerous to mention) whose diligent and unwavering efforts over many years created this momentous day. I am optimistic that this ruling will begin to end the injustice that has existed and still exists for LGBTQ individuals in other areas of our society, not the least of which is the workplace.
IRWIN DRUCKER Executive Director PYP Foundation
What would Jesus say about that? Irwin Drucker
The fight is not over! We here in the United States are very fortunate to now have legalized unions nationwide, thanks to the efforts of the President of the United States and the never-ending army of individuals who do not take no for an answer. This was truly a momentous victory and one we celebrate with joy. Let us not forget, though, that our fight is not over. We can still be fired or denied housing due to our sexual orientation/identity. The fight goes on as we chip away to bring down the wall that still separates us from full equality here in the United States.
TIM HART, CPA
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Dean Trantalis
Terry DeCarlo
TERRY DeCARLO, Executive Director, The LGBT Center of Central Florida
The effort to secure marriage equality has been slugged out in the courts and at the ballot box costing millions of dollars and countless hours of time and energy by people like you and me. Such is the price of liberty. But no blood was shed, maybe a few tears here and there, but liberty for all is the ultimate victor. When the euphoria subsides, we must then close ranks to defend our newfound freedom for we have already felt the sting of the impending backlash. We should not fear reprisals, but instead use our success to build upon and seek equality at the workplace, in housing, and in public accommodations. I can’t wait to hear what Jesus has to say about that. DEAN TRANTALIS Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner,
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HRC wants a nation free of discrimination for all LGBTQ Americans
Andrew Beaudoin
As we all celebrate the amazing SCOTUS ruling on marriage equality for the LGBT community and for allies across the country, we at the Human Rights Campaign are so proud of those justices who fully recognized the constitutional right to marriage for all LGBT Americans. While we celebrate the positive ruling that brings marriage equality to all 50 states, HRC remains laser-focused on fighting for comprehensive legislation at the federal level that will provide a full range of protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans includ-
ing protections from discrimination in the workplace, school, in public accommodations, in credit and in jury service. Today, even in the wake of this momentous ruling, dozens of states continue with few if any non-discrimination protections. LGBT Americans can marry one day, be fired from their job because of posting their wedding photos on Facebook that next day, and evicted from their apartment the following day for no other reason than their LGBT status. In the coming weeks, HRC’s work will move full steam ahead with our allies in the U.S. House and Senate to craft and
bring for passage a fully inclusive LGBT Bill of rights to finally bring full protections under the law to all LGBT Americans. HRC envisions a day when all LGBT Americans can live free of discrimination in all its forms and will continue to work each and every day to realize this important vision. ANDREW BEAUDOIN Board of Governors Steering Committee Co-Chair Human Rights Campaign Central/North Florida/Orlando
2013: Jason Collins, former Washington Wizards basketball player, becomes the first US major league sports player to publicly come out as gay.
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The Stonewall riots (above) and Edie Windsor whose court case precipitated the Defense of Marriage Act.
1948: While society takes a conservative turn and mental health professionals viewed homosexuality as a mental disorder, Alfred Kinsey published a groundbreaking study on the behavior of human males that concluded that homosexuality can occur in men who don’t identify as gay, which changed conservatives notion of sexuality. 1950: In the wake of increasing societal and governmental anti-gay aggression, Harry Hays creates the Mattachine Society in Los Angeles with the intent to assimilate homosexuality into mainstream society by eliminating discrimination, derision, prejudice and bigotry. 1955: e first lesbian rights organization called Daughters of Bilitis is formed. e San Francisco-based lesbian rights organization has a running newsletter called e Ladder, and they hosted social events as an alternative to the bars and club venues that were consistently raided by police.
Triumphant moments
in LGBTQ
history
By Jameer Baptiste
City Supervisors assassinated Milk on November 27, 1978.
1977: November 8, Harvey Milk is elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, making him the first openly gay person to be elected to public office. While in office, Milk introduces a gay rights ordinance to protect gays from being fired, and champions a successful campaign to defeat an initiative to forbid gay teachers from working. A depressed, jealous
1988: e United State Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sends out approximately 107 million “Understanding AIDS” brochures to every U.S. household. e Worlds Health Organization organizes the first AIDS Awareness Day.
1986: e American Psychiatric Association entirely removes homosexuality as a disorder from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health (DSM).
1990: On August 18, then President George Bush signs the
2003: e United States Supreme Court ruling in case Lawrence v. Texas outlaws any state’s sodomy laws as unconstitutional. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote, “Liberty presumes an autonomy of self that includes freedom of thought, belief, expression, and certain intimate conduct.” 2004: On May 17, Massachusetts becomes the first American state to legalize marriage equality. 2011: e U.S. military law, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT), is repealed. It was signed by President Bill Clinton in 1993, prohibiting LGB individuals from serving openly in the army. 2012: On May 9, President Barack Obama becomes the first seating President of the U.S. to officially declare his support for marriage equality. President Obama says, “It is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.” 2012: On November 6, then
seven-term Democratic congresswoman from Wisconsin, Tammy Baldwin, wins a seat in the Senate and becomes the first openly gay U.S. Senator to be elected. 2013: e United States Supreme Court in case United States v. Windsor affirms that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which allowed any state to refuse to recognize the same-sex marriage of any couple from any another state, is unconstitutional. 2014: November 20, e United States Supreme Court decision to deny South Carolina’s request to block same-sex marriage brings the total number of American states that recognize marriage equality to 35 states. 2015: June 26, in a monumental United States Supreme Court ruling of 5-4 in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, the court establishes that marriage equality is the Law of the Land and that no state within the union can deny any gay couple their right to get married. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in is majority opinion, “Under the Constitution, same-sex couples seek in marriage the same legal treatment as opposite-sex couples, and it would disparage their choices and diminish their personhood to deny them this right.”
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1970: On June 28, the first gay pride event was held in San Francisco on Christopher Street to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. By the following year, pride events were being held in multiple cities throughout the U.S. and aboard.
Ryan White Care Act, which provides federal funding to those living with HIV/AIDS. Ryan White Care Act is named after a teenager who contracted AIDS in 1984 from a contaminated blood infusion for a hemophilia treatment.
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1969: June 28 has been recorded in history as the single most important moment to galvanized the gay liberation movement and a widespread call to action. e Stonewall Riots were prompted by a police invasion of the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York. Gays, drag queens and transgender patrons fought the police on the morning of June 28. Subsequent protests continued that evening and the follow days, thereafter prompting the LGBT community to organize and form gay activist groups to more effectively advocate for gay rights.
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1930: e end of the 1920s to the start of the 1930s represented an accepting time in gay history. American society was relatively liberal and people were unbothered by one’s personal lifestyle. Well-known actors and actresses lived publicly with their partners like famous actor William Haines. Actress Mae West produced a smash box-office hit play, e Drag.
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SPECIAL MARRIAGE EQUALITY COLLECTOR’S EDITION
July 01, 2015
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CLIFF NOTES BY CLIFF DUNN
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Much Ado About Uber
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Wi-Fi to get your pickup location. (You can also enter a specific address or search for a location name by tapping the Pickup Location Bar on the app.) A selection of desired vehicle options is accessed with a slider, and provides the rates for a particular vehicle. After you’ve set your pickup location (by tapping “Set Pickup Location”) and entered a destination, you can get a Fare Estimate for an approximation of how much your trip will cost. All payments are made using credit card transactions that are made online, in advance of the trip. For each ride a driver carries out, Uber takes a cut of the fare, usually 20 percent and 25 percent. The savings can be substantial. I recently took an Uber ride from Parkland (in northwest Broward, for those of you who don’t venture forth from the Gayborhood often) to Victoria Park. What would have run at least $75 in a traditional taxi cost me $25. On a Friday night. This Just Isn’t Working Out… Uber lets you cancel a ride request without charge for up to five minutes after your initial request. Cancellations that are made after five minutes incur a fee (which compensates the driver for his or her time). Taxi Cab Confessions Who knows whether local politicians will defend Uber and its ruggedly-individualistic drivers’ right to transport on-the-cheap, or if they’ll err on the side of traditional cabbies. In the meantime, it’s summertime and the living is cheaper, at least in part because of Uber.
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The smartphone-based ride-hailing service Uber has made a lot of headlines recently. This month, the company’s San Francisco headquarters was the scene of a commotion involving dozens of U.S. mayors who came for a tour, and members of a local cabbies’ union who were there to demand that ride-hailing companies be regulated the same way as taxis. Cabbies have a long beef with Uber. The reason, of course, is economic. Over the past couple of years, taxi driver protests have sprung up in cities around the world, from New York to London. Taxi drivers argue that ride-hailing companies steal their business, and that the companies don’t play by the same rules when it comes to the driver insurance and background checks they must undergo. Like its competitor Lyft, Uber entered the South Florida market in 2014, and turned the traditional taxi industry onto its ear. Traditional taxi drivers hold county chauffeur registrations, and their cars are issued county permits. Uber drivers often have neither. In April, Broward County Commissioners revamped local taxi laws, recognizing companies like Uber and Lyft as “transportation network companies’’ (“TNCs’), with different rules applying. Unlike taxis, TNCs can have an unlimited number of vehicles, and charge unregulated fares. So much for the politics of it. Let’s talk about the app and service. How It Works Uber utilizes GPS software and
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White House Lit in Rainbow Colors After Supreme Court Ruling
(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House is lit up in rainbow colors in commemoration of the Supreme Court’s ruling to legalize same-sex marriage. Gay and lesbian couples in Washington and across the nation are celebrating Friday’s ruling, which will put an end to same-sex marriage bans in the 14 states that still maintain them. President Barack Obama said earlier Friday that the court ruling has “made our union a little more perfect.” The colors illuminated the north side of the White House as Obama returned Friday evening from Charleston, South Carolina, where he delivered the eulogy of the funeral of Clementa Pinckney, one of nine people murdered in the massacre at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church last week.
What The Supreme Court’s Gay Marriage Ruling Actually Means
By BRADY McCOMBS Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The decades-long debate about whether same-sex marriage should be allowed in the United States was finally settled Friday when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled gay and lesbian couples can get married anywhere in the country. A closer look at what it means: IS THIS THE FINAL WORD ON THE ISSUE? Yes, for all intents and purposes. The states that oppose gay marriage could ask the justices to reconsider, but that’s unlikely. That means June 26, 2015, will be marked in future history books as the moment gay marriage was declared legal across the United States. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE 14 STATES THAT STILL BAN GAY MARRIAGE? The Southern and Midwestern states
must lift their bans and allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. Marriage licenses were already being issued Friday in Georgia, Ohio, Texas, Arkansas, Michigan and Nebraska, with more states set to follow. The court gave the losing side roughly three weeks to ask for reconsideration, but some state officials and county clerks are opting to go ahead and begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The remaining 14 states are: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, most of Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee and Texas. DOES ANYTHING CHANGE IN THE 36 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA THAT ALREADY ALLOW GAY MARRIAGE? No. The ruling ensures that the wave of lower-court decisions that legalized gay marriage across most of the West and East in the last 1½ years stand. The Supreme Court ruling prevents state officials and county clerks from being forced to determine how to deal with thousands of marriages already issued. LGBT advocates and married
gay couples celebrated in these states, expressing relief and joy that the movement’s remarkable winning streak in the courts stretched to the end. DOES THIS MEAN CHURCHES MUST CONDUCT GAY MARRIAGES? No. Religious organizations are exempt from this ruling. They can still make their own decisions about whether clergy will conduct gay marriages in their places of worship. Southern Baptists, Mormons and other conservative churches that believe God intended marriage to be a union only between a man and a woman said the ruling won’t change their decisions not to allow same-sex marriages in their churches. Some religions already allow gay marriage, such as the United Church of Christ, and more could follow. Episcopalians are set to decide next week at an assembly in Salt Lake City whether to change church laws so religious weddings can be performed for same-sex couples. WERE THE JUSTICES UNANIMOUS IN THEIR DECISION? No. The ruling narrowly passed 5-4. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion, joined by the court’s four more liberal justices, saying the stories of the people asking for the right to marry “reveal that they seek not to denigrate marriage but rather to live their lives, or honor their spouses’ memory, joined by its bond.” The four dissenting justices each filed a separate opinion explaining his views, but they all agreed that states and their voters should have been left with the power to decide who can marry. “This court is not a legislature. Whether same-sex marriage is a good idea should be of no concern to us,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote. WHAT DOES THE AMERICAN PUBLIC THINK ABOUT GAY MARRIAGE? Nearly half of Americans favor laws allowing gay and lesbian couples to wed in their own states, while just over a third are opposed, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll in April. Other recent polls have found even higher support for same-sex marriage. For example, a Pew Research Center poll conducted in May found that 57 percent of Americans support allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally, while
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President on Supreme Court Decision: “Justice Arrives Like a Thunderbolt”
GOP Lockstep Against Obamacare, Split on Same Sex Marriage
Brown said in an interview before the ruling, comparing the gay marriage decision to the landmark abortion decision Roe vs. Wade. “It’s just like Roe. Do you think Roe settled the abortion debate?” The anti-gay marriage organization has given each Republican presidential contender two weeks to return a signed pledge that, among other things locks candidates into supporting a federal constitutional amendment “that protects marriage as the union of one man and one woman.” Some members of the GOP field signaled their openness to that idea on Friday. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker called Friday’s ruling “a grave mistake” and said “the only alternative left for the American people is to support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to reaffirm the ability of the states to continue to define marriage.” Still, several GOP candidates - Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Bush among them - have said they would not support such an amendment. Rubio was also among those who tried to stake a middle ground on Friday. “While I disagree with this decision, we live in a republic and must abide by the law,” Rubio said, echoing a statement by Ohio’s Republican Gov. John Kasich, who is expected to enter the 2016 contest in the coming weeks. “The governor has always believed in the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, but our nation’s highest court has spoken and we must respect its decision,” Kasich spokesman Rob Nichols said. Unlike the marriage issue, Republican opposition to health care needs no qualifiers. The first paid advertisement in response to the court’s health care ruling came within an hour from Americans for Prosperity, a nonprofit advocacy founded by billionaire energy executives Charles and David Koch. “We’ve been fighting this law for six years, and we’re going to make sure it stays right on the front burner,” said Tim Phillips, president of Americans for Prosperity. “We’ve always known repeal would be a long-term effort. We’ve never counted on the courts to do it for us. This law is fatally flawed and unpopular, so it makes perfect sense for candidates to keep talking about how it’s harming people.”
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WASHINGTON (AP) - For the second time in two days, the Supreme Court struck at the heart of the Republican Party platform. Yet the wave of outrage that followed the high court’s decision to uphold President Barack Obama’s health care law wasn’t nearly as intense after Friday’s ruling to give same-sex couples the right to marry. Friday’s ruling instead drew tepid responses from several Republicans who, in many cases, would like that issue to fade away. The sharp contrast highlights the political challenges for a Republican
Party searching for a winning playbook in 2016. The GOP’s presidential class is ready to bet big their opposition to Obama’s health care law will resonate with voters for a third straight election. But facing a seismic shift in public opinion on gay marriage, several of the party’s most ambitious appear ready to turn the page on a social issue the GOP used for a generation to motivate its most passionate voters to turn out and vote at the polls. Perhaps no Republican presidential candidate better illustrated the contrast than former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who was ready with a fiery statement and a video entitled, “This is not the end of the fight,” to decry the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the Affordable Care Act. In a fundraising email, he warned that Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton would offer “more of the same.” ‘’That is why I need you to make a one time-emergency contribution of $50, $25 or $10 to my campaign to ensure that NEVER happens.” A day later, after the marriage ruling, Bush made no such fundraising pitch, offering only a one-paragraph statement. States should be allowed to make the decision, he said, adding, “I also believe that we should love our neighbor and respect others, including those making lifetime commitments.” Polls show what’s motivating the temperance of some in the GOP: Americans are now more likely than not to support samesex marriage, with some surveys showing as many as 6 in 10 in favor. The shift over 10 years has been dramatic. Polling by the Pew Research Center found support for same-sex marriage growing from 36 percent in 2005 to 57 percent in a poll conducted in May. While most Republicans remain opposed to same-sex marriage, 59 percent of those between age 18 and 34 supported marriage rights for gay couples in Pew’s most recent poll. To be sure, several Republicans running for president condemned the court’s same-sex marriage decision and pledged to continue to fight. “Marriage between a man and a woman was established by God, and no earthly court can alter that,” said Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who entered the race this week. “It doesn’t settle anything,” National Organization for Marriage president Brian
July 01, 2015
WASHINGTON, DC--President Barack Obama speaking in the Rose Garden applauded the Supreme Court’s landmark decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, saying that justice arrived “like a thunderbolt” as it gave gayand lesbians a “basic civil right.” “Progress on this journey often comes in small increments, sometimes two steps forward, one step back, propelled by the persistent effort of dedicated citizens. And then sometimes, there are days like this, when that slow, steady effort is rewarded with justice that arrives like a thunderbolt,” Obama said. Republican appointee Justice Anthony Kennedy was the swing vote in the 5-4
decision joining the court’s liberal wing to back same-sex marriage rights. “In doing so,” he added, “they’ve reaffirmed that all Americans are entitled to the equal protection of the law, that all people should be treated equally regardless of who they are or who they love,” Obama said. Prior to speaking from the White House on Friday, Obama spoke on the phone with Jim Obergefell, the lead plaintiff in the Obergefell v. Hodges case. “This ruling is a victory for Jim Obergefell and the other plaintiffs in the case. It’s a victory for gay and lesbian couples who have fought so long for their basic civil rights. It’s a victory for their children, whose families will now be recognized as equal to any other,” he added. “It’s a victory for the allies and friends and supporters, who spent years even decades working and praying for change to come. And this ruling is a victory for America. This decision affirms what millions of Americans already believe in their hearts: When all Americans are treated as equal, we are all more free.” Earlier on Twitter, Obama lauded the decision as “a big step in our march toward equality. Gay and lesbian couples now have the right to marry, just like anyone else. #LoveWins,” Obama tweeted from his @POTUS account. The message was retweeted more than 280,000 times by mid-day on Friday.
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a Gallup poll also conducted in May found 60 percent say those marriages should be legally recognized. H OW M A N Y S A M E - S E X COUPLES ARE ALREADY MARRIED? There are an estimated 390,000 married same-sex couples in the United States, according to the University of California, Los Angeles’ Williams Institute, which tracks the demographics of gay and lesbian Americans. Another 70,000 couples living in states that do not currently permit them to wed would get married in the next three years, the institute says. Roughly 1 million same-sex couples, married and unmarried, live together in the United States, the institute says. H OW D ID CO NS E RVATI V E GRO UPS T H AT O P P P O S E GAY MAR R IAG E R E AC T TO THE RU LIN G ? With frustration. The Sutherland Institute in Utah said the decision shows a growing opinion among government and “other elites” that adult interests are more important than the wellbeing of children, who they believe are much better off raised by opposite-sex couples. Another Utah group called the Eagle Forum declared in a statement that the justices “voted today to destroy our American culture.”
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US Same-Sex Marriage Ruling Likely to Impact Other Countries
LONDON (AP) - The landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of same-sex marriages has no legal force outside the United States, but gay rights activists in many parts of the world believe the court ruling will help their cause.
In the Philippines, in India, in Australia and elsewhere, gay rights advocates think the U.S. ruling may help change attitudes, just as American activists - and judges, educators and legislators - had earlier been influenced by the easy acceptance of same-sex
marriage in some European countries, where the laws were changed smoothly without much fuss. In today’s wired world, political movements cross national boundaries in the blink of an eye, and the trend toward legal acceptance of same-sex marriage is gaining pace, though still rejected outright in some parts of the globe. The U.S. is neither laggard nor leader in this movement, which reflects a fundamental change in public views in many parts of the world, but the ruling of its highest court is expected to have a ripple effect elsewhere. In the Philippines, activists seeking to win legal recognition for same-sex marriages believe the U.S. ruling will be useful, particularly since the country’s legal setup is largely based on the U.S. system, said Sylvia Estrada Claudio, a gender rights advocate and professor at the University of the Philippines. “This ruling will have positive repercussions for our own movements here,” she said. The Philippines’ civil code limits marriage to a union between a man and a woman - but the constitutionality of this proviso is being challenged by a lawyer, Jesus Nicardo Falcis III. Countries are taking different routes to the same conclusion: the U.S. pathway relied on a Supreme Court ruling to establish that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, while Ireland last month used a popular vote that showed strong public backing, despite the country’s deep Catholic roots. Influence is a two-way street. Five years ago, Argentina became the first country in Latin America to legalize gay marriage. Activists there said they believe their example helped influence the U.S., and that Friday’s U.S. ruling will in turn shape attitudes and actions in other Latin American countries. “The U.S. decision will have a big impact in other countries,” said Esteban Paulon, president of the Argentine Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexu-
als and Transsexuals, adding that his organization contributed documentation to U.S. legal groups arguing the case before the Supreme Court. “Sometimes U.S. influence is negative, but we believe in this case it will be positive and accelerate the process of approving gay marriage in other parts of the world.” Twenty-one countries now allow same-sex marriage, according to the Pew Research Center, and Mexico permits it in some states, with many other countries offering various legal rights that fall short of marriage to same-sex couples. In most of those countries, well-organized advocacy groups are lobbying for full marriage rights. These movements, and startup campaigns incubating in other countries as well, may get a real but hardto-measure boost from the U.S. Supreme Court. In Australia, where parliament may vote on a same-sex marriage law later this year despite opposition from Prime Minister Tony Abbott, legislators who back the measure said the U.S. ruling leaves Australia alone among developed, English-speaking nations in its refusal to legalize marriages between same sex couples. Opinion polls show backing for the measure has increased in Australia in the month since Ireland endorsed same-sex marriage. Opposition leader Bill Shorten - capitalizing on the momentum building in other countries - introduced the bill in Parliament just days after Ireland voted. He said Saturday that Australians should see the U.S. ruling as “a call to action.” Legislator Janet Rice, Greens Party leader, called the U.S. ruling “the loudest call yet for marriage equality in Australia .” Still, staunch opposition remains, with Australian Marriage Forum president David van Gend calling the U.S. Supreme Court decision proof of “moral dementia.” “We must not let that happen here,”
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treated as a crime, beleaguered activists said they took heart from the U.S. ruling even though same-sex marriage is not on the horizon. In most cases, activists seek to decriminalize homosexuality before pressing for marriage rights and other benefits. In the deeply conservative Arab world, where homosexuality is regarded as a crime in many countries, some clerics warned that the U.S. ruling would lead to the collapse of civilizations. In Jordan, where homosexuality is not illegal but is considered taboo, one member of the small gay community said the U.S. ruling is “a victory for human rights in general and gives everyone hope.” He is hopeful same-sex marriage will one day be legal in Jordan. “In this region, we are going through the dark ages, and when we come out, we will move toward full rights,” he said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he feared the consequences of being identified as gay. Marriage equality is also not part of the conversation in many parts of Africa, where more than two-thirds of the countries treat homosexuality as a crime. That is true of Cameroon, which has pursued dozens of prosecutions in recent years under an anti-gay law imposing up to five years in prison for same-sex acts. Lambert Lamba, a leading Cameroonian activist who has been imprisoned on accusations of violating anti-gay laws, said he was “exulting” in the U.S. ruling. “It’s a giant step for the fight in the United States,” he said. “And it confirms for me that we can take giant steps in Cameroon as well.” Associated Press writers Oliver Teves in Manila, Philippines; Nirmala George in New Delhi; Rod McGuirk in Canberra, Australia; Debora Rey in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Milos Krivokapic in Paris; Shawn Pogatchnik in Dublin; and Karin Laub in Amman, Jordan, contributed to this report. IPhoto of Australia’s Opposition Leader Bill Shorten By GREGORY KATZ Associated Press
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van Gend said. The issue is different in India, where activists believe the U.S. ruling may make Indian judges and legislators feel uncomfortably isolated by the 2013 Indian Supreme Court decision to reinstate a colonial-era law making homosexuality a crime. The law calls homosexuality an “unnatural offense” punishable by 10 years in jail. In the past, police have used it to harass people and demand bribes from gays. Ashok Row Kavi, head of the Humsafar Trust advocacy group, said the U.S. ruling may force India’s highest court to take a fresh look at the issue. “In the light of globalization, the (Indian) Supreme Court judgment is being cited as a totally reactionary judgment,” he said. “A judgment that goes against the whole concept of human rights which had been on a progressive upsurge in India.” At gay pride parades in Dublin, Paris and other cities Saturday, the U.S. ruling was hailed by many as a watershed. “Soon in all countries we will be able to marry,” said Celine Schlewitz, a 25-year-old nurse taking part in the Paris parade. “Finally a freedom for everyone.” The U.S. ruling boosted street celebrations Saturday in Dublin, where Ireland mounted the biggest gay rights parade in the country’s history. Led by rainbow banners and drag queens, more than 60,000 people paraded through Dublin at the culmination of a weeklong gay rights festival in the Irish capital. While the mood was already high following Ireland’s referendum last month to legalize gay marriage - becoming the first nation to do so by popular vote - many marchers said the Supreme Court decision provided a bonus reason to celebrate. “Everybody seems to be gay in Dublin today,” said Sen. David Norris, Ireland’s most prominent gay rights activist. He quipped that Ireland was pleased to see the United States, though the Supreme Court judgment, “start to catch up to us.” In other countries where gay sex is
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CAPITOL BEAT BY LINDA PENTZ
Outside The Supreme Court: A Decision That Has Changed The Country
July 01, 2015
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t took barely the first two sentences of Justice Anthony Kennedy’s narration of the momentous majority decision on same-sex marriage before the tears came for lead plaintiff, Jim Obergefell. In a widely anticipated 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court held last Friday that marriage equality is now the law in all 50 states. With crowds packed outside the court in anticipation of the verdict, the countdown began shortly before 10 am. When word came that the ruling was favorable to same-sex marriage, there was a roar of approval. But otherwise the reaction was surprisingly muted, with people hurriedly taking to the Twittersphere, or grabbing selfies with friends, notables, and with a young man dressed up as Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Perhaps the dancing in the street was being conserved for the celebrations during that weekend’s biggest Pride festivals, in New York and San Francisco. Speaking to us outside the court a short while after the verdict, Obergefell recounted how he “just started crying because I had a feeling it was going the way I thought it was going and I miss my husband.” That husband, John Arthur, who died of ALS in 2013, was the reason Obergefell had gone to court in the first place, to make the state of Ohio recognize him as the surviving spouse. The pair were legally married in Maryland just months before Arthur died. “It really is just knowing that my marriage, my 20-year relationship with John, that Ohio can never erase that now, said Obergefell. “And that’s a very good feeling, to know that our marriage, our relationship will be respected.” Obergefell received a phone call from President Obama shortly after the decision, the precise content of which he said he could hardly remember after
being swept up in all the emotion and a flurry of television interviews. “He thanked me for being brave and being out here and being part of the fight and just that it’s due to people like me that our country moves forward,” Obergefell recalled. Obama’s phone call was recorded by CNN during which the President told Obergefell, “Your leadership on this has changed the country. I am really proud of you.” For a couple from Pensacola, Florida, the thrill was accentuated by getting inside the courthouse to witness the decision in person. “It was just an amazing experience. Oh my gosh, we are just thrilled to death!” cried Stephanie Karous who traveled up with her wife,
Laura Ericson. “Long overdue! We’re just going to have a good time and live happily ever after!” Ericson, though, was more measured. “That would be the hope, that it would be over and we can all move on, but I think there’s still a lot of discrimination that exists in the employment arena,” she said. “It will be a long struggle until we have full equality, but as we’ve seen in recent events in the African American community, we don’t have equality in that arena either.” That caution was shared by Rod Townsend, a board member of the Stonewall Democratic Club of New York, who had been a guest earlier in the week at President Obama’s LGBT Pride
event at the White House. “I think the challenges are going to become even more contentious and even more maddening,” said Townsend, who believes conservatives will continue to fight back. “It’s all based on these internal hatreds that they need to overcome and move on,” he said. “Just like the rest of the country has.” But Townsend said he still planned to celebrate, accompanying New York Mayor, Bill de Blasio, in that weekend’s New York City Pride parade. “I will be marching very happily, very loudly, and with the biggest grin on my face you can imagine,” he said, before heading back to his car for the drive home. Georgia was one of the 13 states that
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July 01, 2015
huge win for us, we recognize there is lots more work to do.” Central to that work will be a focus on the transgender community, who, says Eboné Bell, managing editor of Tagg magazine, even the LGBTQ community itself has been slow to support fully. “The gay community let them down. After Stonewall, they said ‘we’ll come back for you’, but they never did,” said Bell, recalling the Stonewall riots of June 1969 that kick-started the gay rights movement. The Pride events are based around that anniversary. Transgender individuals, Bell said, are still “outcasts” and subject to some of the worst violence among the entire LGBT community. “Instead of leaving our trans brothers and sisters behind, we must pull them up,” she said. Long Simmons agrees that transgender rights will be a key campaign going forward and adds: “We recognize that the transgender community in particular has a lot of issues pertaining to violence and homicide happening, particularly toward transgender women of color.” There are also, she said, other “very severe disparities, like 20% of LGBT people who are living in extreme poverty. And there are older LGBT adults who are experiencing discrimination in housing. Those are vulnerable populations that don’t easily have access to income. So we’re putting our foot forward on securing some protections in legislation that will cover all of those areas.” For some, with marriage already legal in their home states, the decision was less important personally. But Curtis Robertson, who moved from New York to Washington, DC with his husband, said he knows from experience just what a difference the ruling will now make to so many more same-sex couples. “However out I’ve been, once I was married, it was very specific. I could be my natural self and refer to my spouse,” he said. “You don’t have to have the boyfriend or girlfriend who you can’t mention. Everything is different.” Photo Credit: Linda Pentz
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the Supreme Court’s decision effectively forced to “move on.” Ethan Hyde, a law student from Mercer University in Macon, camped outside the Supreme Court all night, and was excited to enter the courthouse and “live history.” He now hoped to see greater acceptance in his home state, and at home. “Coming out to my family’s been a little bit of a struggle and I have a man I love very much back home,” Hyde said. “Now we can build a family and I hope that one day my own family accepts me.” Perhaps Hyde’s parents needed to meet Jacque Bradley of Falls Church, Virginia, whose gay son had moved with his husband from San Francisco, where their marriage was legal, to New Orleans, where it wasn’t. “I just think this is an important step for our democracy,” Bradley said. “As a mother, it makes me feel good that people will begin to recognize their marriage and their love.” Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA), who last month introduced the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act to ban gay conversion therapy, was sporting a rainbow bow tie given to him during LA Pride. “It means that love wins, again,” he said of the 5-4 vote. “This is a massive step towards full equality, but there are still many areas in the law where you can be discriminated against based on your sexual orientation, such as in housing. You can be fired based on your sexual orientation, and that’s why we need federal legislation to close those loopholes.” Lieu’s bill to ban gay conversion therapy is needed, he said, because it is “psychological abuse and we need to end that horrific practice.” LGBT campaigners hope the marriage-equality decision will help smooth the way for the many new campaigns already launching for wider LGBT rights. Stacey Long Simmons, Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at the National LGBTQ Task Force, said there is now “a real opportunity for us as a community to, in addition to talking about marriage issues, to talk about the real, lived inequality in employment and housing and health care. Even though it’s a
July 01, 2015
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SPECIAL MARRIAGE EQUALITY COLLECTOR’S EDITION
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tomayor and Elena Kagan. Marriage is a “keystone of our social order,” Justice Kennedy said, adding that the plaintiffs in the case were seeking “equal dignity in the eyes of the law. “The nature of injustice is that we may not always see it in our own times,” he wrote on Friday. “The generations that wrote and ratified the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment did not presume to know the extent of freedom in all of its dimensions, and so they entrusted to future generations a charter protecting the right of all persons to enjoy liberty as we learn its meaning.” RAISING CHILDREN Justice Kennedy rooted the ruling in a fundamental right to marriage. Of special importance to couples, he said, is raising children. “Without the recognition, stability and predictability marriage offers,” he wrote, “their children suffer the stigma of knowing their families are somehow lesser. They also suffer the significant material costs of being raised by unmarried parents, relegated through no fault
of their own to a more difficult and uncertain family life. The marriage laws at issue here thus harm and humiliate the children of same-sex couples.” Justice Antonin Scalia, who wrote one of four dissents, ridiculed the poetic language of Justice Kennedy, who has become the nation’s most important judicial champion of gay rights. “The opinion is couched in a style that is as pretentious as its content is egotistic,” Justice Scalia wrote. “Of course the opinion’s showy profundities are often profoundly incoherent.” In theory, the ruling will not take effect immediately because the court gives the losing side roughly three weeks to ask for reconsideration. But some state officials and county clerks might decide there is little risk in issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The cases before the court involved laws from Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee that define marriage as the union of a man and a woman. Those states have not previously allowed samesex couples to marry within their borders and they also have refused to recognize
The Associate Press contributed to this story.
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By Richard Hack
valid marriages from elsewhere. The number of states allowing samesex marriage has grown rapidly. As recently as October, just over one-third of the states permitted same-sex marriage. Until Friday’s ruling, that number last stood at 36. There are an estimated 390,000 married same-sex couples in the United States, according to UCLA’s Williams Institute, which tracks the demographics of gay and lesbian Americans. Another 70,000 couples living in states that do not currently permit them to wed would get married in the next three years, the institute says. Roughly 1 million same-sex couples, married and unmarried, live together in the United States, the institute says. The Obama administration backed the right of same-sex couples to marry. The Justice Department’s decision to stop defending the federal anti-marriage law in 2011 was an important moment for gay rights and President Barack Obama declared his support for same-sex marriage in 2012.
July 01, 2015
WASHINGTON, DC—After decades of litigation and activism banging at its door, the Supreme Court of the United State finally gave the LGBT community what it has been demanding: the right to marry in all 50 states. In a 5-4 decision announced last Friday, the court told the 14 states that still banned same-sex marriages that their laws were unconstitutional. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion, just as he did in the court’s previous three major gay rights cases dating back to 1996. The latest decision came exactly two years after his majority opinion in United States v. Windsor, which struck down a federal law denying benefits to married same-sex couples, and exactly 12 years after his majority opinion in Lawrence v. Texas which struck down laws making gay sex a crime. “No longer may this liberty be denied,” Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote for the majority in the latest historic decision, joined by the court’s four more liberal justices, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen G. Breyer, Sonia So-
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The Last 14 States to Join the Party It wasn’t that many years ago when the entire concept of same-sex marriage was nothing more than a dream. It wasn’t until 2004, when Massachusetts became the first state in America to legalize gay and lesbian wedding ceremonies. Over subsequent years, through voters’ initiatives and court decisions, various states joined the push toward marriage equality. When last Friday’s Supreme Court ruling was announced, 14 states still banned same-sex marriages. Following is their situation currently. Read on.
ALABAMA
Shannon Minter, legal director of National Center for Lesbian Rights, said Tuesday that every probate judge is now required to issue marriage licenses on an “equal basis.” Minter filed a motion Monday asking U.S. District Judge Ginny Granade to issue a permanent injunction directing probate judges to issue the licenses. Granade issued a preliminary injunction in May, but put the order on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court ruled. Minter said the next step is to seek court sanctions against judges who continue to discriminate against gay couple
county judge of her plans to resign. She says she has a moral objection to issuing the marriage licenses following Friday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriages nationwide. She said the decision to leave the post after 24 years was not made out of hate. Office officials say no same-sex marriage licenses had been issued as of Monday afternoon. Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Monday clerks have a “duty to follow the law.” Representatives from the Association of Arkansas Counties and the Association of County Clerks say they are unaware of any other clerks planning to resign.
Moore: Christians GEORGIA Alabama Supreme Will Be ‘Persecuted’ Court Asks For After Marriage Atlanta Mayor CeleMotions In Marriage Ruling brates Supreme KIMBERLY, AL (AP) - Alabama Chief Case Justice Roy Moore is lashing out at the US. Court Decision; First MONTGOMERY, AL (AP) - The Supreme Court ruling that gave gay and Alabama Supreme Court is asking Same-Sex Marriage lesbians the right to marry nationwide. parties to weigh in on the impact of the The controversial chief justice said the landmark ruling giving gay and lesbian decision was against the Constitution Takes Place
July 01, 2015
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couples the right to marry nationwide. State justices on Monday directed parties to file motions by July 6 on how the decision impacts the state court’s March order for probate judges to refuse marriage licenses to gay couples. The Monday order did not give directions to probate judges. Susan Watson, the head of the ACLU of Alabama, calls the order a stalling tactic from same-sex marriage opponents. She says probate judges could face sanctions if they refuse the licenses. Chief Justice Roy Moore says the order does not instruct probate judges whether or not they should comply with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage.
Gay Couples Asks Alabama Judge To Make Counties Comply With Ruling
MONTGOMERY, AL (AP) - A lawyer for gay couples across Alabama has asked a federal judge to force reluctant probate judges to comply with the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said gay and lesbian couples have a fundamental right to marry.
and that Christians would be “persecuted” for disagreeing. Speaking at a church in Kimberly on Sunday, Moore said the court majority reversed “thousands of years of precedent in western civilization.” Moore earlier this year directed state probate judges to refuse marriage licenses to gay couples, saying they were not bound by a judge’s order overturning Alabama’s ban on same-sex marriage. Moore made his remarks while speaking at “God and Country Day” at Kimberly Church of God.
ARKANSAS Arkansas County Clerk To Resign Over Moral Objections To Gay Marriage
LITTLE ROCK, AR (AP) - A county clerk in Arkansas plans to resign effective June 30 because of a moral objection to issuing same-sex marriage licenses. Cleburne County Clerk Dana Guffey said Monday she has notified the
ATLANTA – “Today is an historic occasion for the City of Atlanta, for Georgia, and for America,” announced Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed, a Democrat. “The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a momentous victory for freedom, equality, and love. It is clear that the arc of history continues to bend ever closer toward justice. “The Court’s ruling is a powerful testament to our country’s founding principles. Surely if we are a nation of equality and justice, then no loving couple should be treated as inferior to any other. If we truly believe in equal protection under the law, then we must defend this fundamental right to marriage. “I urge Georgia’s state and county officials to move swiftly to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling and the Constitution’s command. Atlanta’s same-sex couples have already waited far too long for the respect and dignity they deserve. “While we celebrate this crucial step toward achieving our vision of equality, we must also realize that our work is not complete. We must ensure that love is never a barrier to success and that no one is ever fired, evicted, or denied service simply for being who they are. I am confident that the people of Atlanta will continue to lead the way as we work
toward becoming a more just state and nation.” Emma Foulkes and Petrina Bloodworth applied for their marriage license last Friday morning after a decade together. They were married in an Atlanta courthouse one hour after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to legalize same-sex marriage.
KENTUCKY Kentucky Clerks Object To Ruling, Halt Marriage Licenses
LOUISVILLE, KY (AP) - A few court clerks in Kentucky are refusing to issue marriage licenses to any couple as an objection to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage. Casey County Clerk Casey Davis says his religious convictions will not allow him to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. He says his office is no longer issuing licenses to any couple. Davis says “in good conscience, I cannot put my name on one of those licenses.” He says no same-sex couple has been in to the office to ask for one. The Lexington Herald-Leader reported that clerks in Rowan and Lawrence counties have also halted issuing marriage licenses in response to the Supreme Court ruling. Terry Sebastian, a spokesman for Gov. Steve Beshear, says the office is reviewing how to respond.
LOUISIANA Finally, Lousianna Court Clerks Get OK To Issue Same-Sex Marriage Licenses
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Just after two men in New Orleans celebrated what apparently was the first same-sex wedding in the state, clerks of court across Loui-
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MICHIGAN Michigan Senator: Every American Has Right To Marriage
MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Clerk Resigns Over SameSex Marriages
MISSOURI Missouri Refuses to Issue Same-Sex Marriage Licenses
JEFFERSON CITY, MO (AP)--Some Missouri same-sex couples might have to wait to obtain marriage licenses following Friday’s landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision to legalize those unions. Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon on Friday said he’ll take necessary action to implement the ruling throughout the state. But the court’s ruling won’t take effect immediately. Justices are giving the losing side about three weeks to ask for reconsideration. Recorders in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas have been issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples since federal and state-level rulings overturned Missouri’s ban on the practice. But recorders in other counties were hesitant and said those rulings didn’t apply statewide. Recorders on Friday appeared to be taking a similarly cautious approach as the U.S. Supreme Court ruling was reviewed.
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GRENADA, Miss. (AP) - Grenada County’s circuit clerk is resigning, saying that issuing marriage licenses to same-
sex couples violates her religious beliefs. Linda Barnette submitted her resignation letter Tuesday to the Grenada County Board of Supervisors. Grenada County Chancery Clerk Johnny Haward says supervisors voted to name Michele Redditt as acting circuit clerk. Advocates say clerks in a majority of Mississippi’s 82 counties have begun issuing marriage licenses to samesex couples, following Friday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Clerks in some other counties await action by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to lift a stay on a Mississippi case. Barnette, who served 24 years in the elected post, was scheduled to retire after a successor was elected in November. Redditt, Barnette’s office manager for 22 years, is among the candidates to succeed her.
July 01, 2015
LANSING, Mich. (AP) 11:30 a.m. Democratic members of Michigan’s congressional delegation are offering reaction to the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage. U.S. Sen. Gary Peters says: “No American should face discrimination simply because of who they love, and today’s ruling by the Supreme Court affirms that every American has the right to marry the person they love and raise a family without fear that they will one day be torn apart.” Congressman John Conyers says the decision “affirms the essential role of the Constitution in protecting the right to make our most intimate decisions and upholds our human dignity.” Congresswoman Debbie Dingell says:
“Love is love. It’s not ours to judge.” She says she’s looking forward to attending the wedding of April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse, who challenged Michigan’s same-sex marriage prohibition. The couple say they have not set a date yet for their marriage. 11 a.m. Michigan’s Roman Catholic bishops say the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage will have a ripple effect on the right to religious liberty. The bishops say in a statement Friday that the ruling “sets the church’s teaching about marriage in opposition to the law and will create inestimable conflicts between the state and religious persons and institutions.” They say the Catholic church will continue to teach that marriage “is and can only be the union of one man and one woman.” The bishops, which include Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron, say the decision marks a “profound legal turning point.” The statement released by the Michigan Catholic Conference also is from bishops in Lansing, Kalamazoo, Saginaw, Marquette and Gaylord. 10:45 a.m. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder says state agencies will make changes to ensure that the state fully complies with the Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage. The Republican notes that same-sex marriage has been a divisive issue. He says in a statement Friday that “it is important for everyone to respect the judicial process and the decision.” Snyder says people should focus on their shared values. With the ruling, he says “Michiganders we should move forward positively, embracing our state’s diversity and striving to treat everyone with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
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for himself and Robinson. They had waited for hours Friday in New Orleans to receive a license, only to eventually be told it would not happen that day. About 40 friends and co-workers attended their lunch-hour wedding Monday before Orleans Parish Civil District Judge Paula Brown, applauding and cheering after she told them, “You are now lawfully wedded spouses.” Holli Vining, president of the clerks association and clerk of court in Webster Parish, said she had not heard of any parish granting same-sex marriage licenses before Jefferson. Gov. Bobby Jindal opposes gay marriage but has said the state would comply with the ruling. An organization working for equal rights for gay, bisexual and transgender people took out ads in the Times-Picayune newspaper Sunday calling on the governor to respect the court’s decision. “There’s really no justification for delay at this point,” said Adam Talbot, a spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign. “Our understanding was that Louisiana was the only state that before today hadn’t issued any.”
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siana got the go-ahead Monday to issue same-sex marriage licenses. Gay rights advocates said Louisiana was believed to have been the last state that hadn’t issued any licenses to same-sex couples after Friday’s historic Supreme Court decision ruling marriage a fundamental right that cannot be denied because of sexual orientation. On Friday, the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association said clerks should wait 25 days after the decision, allowing time for the high court to consider a rehearing. Monday, it said that because several parish clerks of court had or would begin issuing the licenses, clerks should begin changes consistent with the Supreme Court opinion to avoid the confusion of multiple starting dates. “So our attorney says you can issue the license as soon as your office is ready to do so,” the email from Executive Director Debbie D. Hudnall said. The threat of lawsuits may have hurried the decision, said John Hill of the Forum for Equality Louisiana, an LGBT rights group that helped arrange the wedding of Michael Robinson, 41, and Earl Benjamin, 39. The forum sent the clerks association a letter late Sunday saying that clerks of court would open themselves up to lawsuits if they refused to grant something the Supreme Court had found to be a fundamental right. “I think the association of court clerks read our letter and talked to our lawyers and decided we were right,” Hill said. Jefferson Parish may have been the first parish to issue the licenses Monday morning, parish Clerk of Court Jon Gegenheimer said in a telephone interview. He said the office’s attorney pored over the court’s ruling and decided there was no valid reason to delay. “History is being made,” Gegenheimer said after being told that a couple was receiving a license. It started a run: By midafternoon, about a dozen licenses had been issued and a dozen more applicants were in line, Gegenheimer said. The first couple was Alesia “Lisa” LeBoeuf, 54, and Celeste Autin, 54, of the west bank town of Marrero. They’re thinking about marrying next week, LeBoeuf said. After they got their license, she said, they met Benjamin, who had hustled across the Mississippi River to get one
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NEBRASKA Nebraska Reluctantly Agrees to Issue Same-Sex Licenses; Governor and Senate Complains
OMAHA, NE (AP) -- Gay couples in Nebraska will now have their marriages legally recognized in the state that has had one of the most restrictive same-sex union bans in the country. With the U.S. Supreme Court declaring Friday that same-sex couples have a right to marry anywhere in the United States, couples who have long sought the right to marry in Nebraska are celebrating. Bil Roby and Greg Tubach, of Lincoln, plan to apply for a marriage license as soon as possible. They are among seven same-sex couples who sued last year to try to force the state to recognize their marriages, challenging the constitutionality of the state’s ban, approved by 70 percent of voters in 2000. In addition to prohibiting gay marriage, it also forbid civil unions and outlawed domestic partnerships. Governor Pete Ricketts issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision to legalize same-sex marriage in all 50 states: “The U.S. Supreme Court has spoken and ruled state same-sex marriage bans to be unconstitutional. While 70 percent of Nebraskans approved our amendment to our state constitution that defined marriage as only between a man and a woman, the highest court in the land has ruled states cannot place limits on marriage between same-sex couples. We will follow the law and respect the ruling outlined by the court.” Sasse Statement on Supreme Court Same-Sex Marriage Ruling U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement after the Supreme Court handed down its decision on samesex marriage in Obergefell v. Hodges: “Today’s ruling is a disappointment to Nebraskans who understand that marriage brings a wife and husband together so their children can have a mom and dad. The Supreme Court
once again overstepped its Constitutional role by acting as a super-legislature and imposing its own definition of marriage on the American people rather than allowing voters to decide in the states. “As a society, we need to celebrate marriage as the best way to provide stability and opportunity for kids. As President Obama has said, there are good people on both sides of the issue. I hope we all can agree that our neighbors deserve the freedom to live out their religious convictions.” Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson Reaction: Today five Supreme Court Justices created a new constitutional right based upon sexual choices. The Constitution doesn’t speak, one way or the other, to the question of same-sex marriage. Under our system of federalism, the definition of marriage as a male-female union is properly a matter of state law. I agree with Chief Justice Robert’s contention that “The majority’s decision is an act of will, not legal judgment. The right it announces has no basis in the Constitution or this Court’s precedent.” The Court overstepped its proper role in our system of government. Instead of interpreting and applying the law, the Court invented a new constitutional right. Nothing in the Constitution mandates a nationwide redefinition of marriage. Sadly, the Court stripped all Americans of our freedom to debate and decide marriage policy through the democratic process. The freedom to democratically address the most pressing social issues of the day is the heart of liberty. The Court took that freedom from the people. In addition to Nebraska, Americans in 30 other States have voted to affirm marriage in their constitutions, while the people of only 3 states have voted to redefine marriage. Of the states that now issue same-sex marriage licenses, more than 2/3 had it imposed by court dictate. The Court’s decision represents a profound loss of freedom. It shows a lack of faith in democracy for the Court to force this decision on every state. Nebraska has until today’s decision in Obergefell relied upon the 8th Circuit’s 2006 opinion in Citizens for Equal Protection v. Bruning, which specifically upheld the constitutionality of
Nebraska’s marriage laws. Obergefell has effectively reversed the 8th Circuit’s sound decision in Bruning and effectively renders the state’s case in Waters v. Ricketts, currently pending in the 8th Circuit, moot. Recognizing the rule of law, the State of Nebraska will comply with the ruling of the United States Supreme Court in Obergefell. Nebraska officials will not enforce any Nebraska laws that are contrary to the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell.
NORTH DAKOTA
North Dakota: SameSex Marriage, Yes; Anti-Discrimination, No
JAMES MacPHERSON Associated Press BISMARCK, ND (AP) - David Hamilton and his husband, Bernie Erickson, say they’re “thrilled” the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed gay marriage nationally, but the Fargo couple believes anti-discrimination protections for gays and lesbians are still lacking in North Dakota. “You can get married on Saturday, have the wedding announcement printed in the paper on Sunday and Monday morning get fired or have an eviction notice on you door,” Hamilton said. North Dakota lawmakers have defeated legislation three times in the past six years to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, government, public services and the workplace. Fargo Democratic Rep. Josh Boschee, the state’s first openly gay legislator, said many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people fear they could lose their jobs or residences under current state law. But opponents said there is no evidence of that happening in North Dakota, and extending anti-discrimination protections are unnecessary because they already exist. North Dakota law now forbids discrimination by race, color, sex, reli-
gion, age, national origin and disability. It also bans discrimination based on whether a person is on public assistance, married, or unmarried. “We feel everybody has equal rights,” said Sen. Rich Wardner, R-Dickinson, the Senate majority leader. “You can’t discriminate when you hire and rent a place to live in North Dakota. The law already provides safeguards for all people.” Wardner and House Majority Leader Al Carlson, R-Fargo, said they don’t see the Legislature passing a measure extending special anti-discrimination protections to gays and lesbians, even with the high court’s ruling. Both chambers have two-thirds Republican majorities. Carlson said the Supreme Court decision will “give them another reason to argue for it but I don’t think most minds will be changed.” After the Legislature killed the measure this year, GOP Gov. Jack Dalrymple issued a statement chiding lawmakers for missing an opportunity. “Discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation is not acceptable,” the governor said, causing some intraparty friction within the Legislature. Erickson, who married Hamilton in Canada in 2006, said he was “a little optimistic” about anti-discrimination protections following Dalrymple’s statement, but doesn’t expect the North Dakota Legislature to endorse such a measure anytime soon. “There is still going to be a fight,” Erickson said. Boschee, the Democratic lawmaker from Fargo, said the measure will reappear in future legislative sessions until it passes.
OHIO Ohio Governor Objects to Supreme Court Ruling; Caves on Same-Sex Marriages
COLUMBUS--Ohio Govenor John
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SOUTH DAKOTA
South Dakota Turns From Same-Sex Marriage Licenses To Discrimination
Seven Tennessee Countries Not Issuing Same-Sex Marriage Licenses
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Seven of Tennessee’s 95 counties were not issuing same-sex marriage licenses on Monday, but officials say technical hurdles, rather than political objections, were to blame for the majority of the delays. The Tennessean reports that the state’s 88 other counties were complying with the Supreme Court’s Friday ruling that overturned gay marriage bans. Chris Sanders, executive director of the Tennessee Equality Project says he is glad officials in the state are not trying to block the licenses like some in Texas and Mississippi are. Sanders said of the seven counties that have not issued licenses, many are not doing so because they are having technical issues with paperwork or software upgrades. He says one exception is Smith County, where officials have stopped issuing all marriage licenses.
TEXAS Texas Issues First Gay Marriage Licenses Despite Objection by Gov. Greg Abbott
was less clear-cut. In a two-page memo, Abbott ordered agency leaders that no one in their ranks could take “adverse action” against someone acting on their religious beliefs, including “granting or denying benefits.” That led to early confusion and questions over whether state agencies might deny health or retirement benefits to the spouses of gay employees. Abbott spokesman John Wittman later issued a clarifying statement, saying the directive doesn’t order the denial of benefits to same-sex couples. He said it only “ensures that individuals doing business with the state cannot be discriminated against because of their religious beliefs.” A gay couple who had been together for more than half a century were the first to be licensed and married in Dallas County. Jack Evans, who is 85 and walks with a cane, had a small rainbow gay pride flag tucked in his lapel while George Harris, 82, carried red roses as they left the ceremony at the Dallas County Records Building. “We waited a long time for this,” said Harris, who met Evans in 1961 and kept their relationship secret for the first 20 years. “It was a very scary period for us,” Harris said. “You couldn’t be open about anything.” Texas was not part of the case before the Supreme Court. A federal judge in 2013 ruled that the state’s ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional but declined to enforce the ruling while it was on appeal. Among the gay plaintiffs who sued Texas was Mark Phariss, a Plano attorney who was friends with Abbott in law school in the 1980s. When Abbott was paralyzed by a fallen tree in 1984, Pharris flew to Texas to sit bedside with his friend, and they exchanged Christmas cards for years. After the ruling Friday, Phariss’ longtime partner, Vic Holmes, proposed to him. They are getting married in November, but Phariss said he was not inviting the governor. “I don’t think that would be prudent,” he said.
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AUSTIN (AP) - Two men in their 80s got the first same-sex marriage license Friday in Dallas, some gay couples elsewhere were denied and Gov. Greg Abbott, dismayed by the Supreme Court’s ruling, ordered state agencies to respect religious objectors. The decision that gays and lesbians have the same right to marry as any American reverberated quickly in Texas, which tumbled from the national forefront of opposition to a pastiche of euphoric couples rushing to county offices and Republican leaders parsing their defeat.
“We got it!” someone screamed in a Dallas County building as four couples waited for a decision and then marriage licenses. Less than two hours after the ruling, Gena Dawson and Charlotte Rutherford of Austin were the first samesex couple to hold a marriage license in Texas. Hundreds more couples followed, judges in Austin performed one gay wedding after another and owners of a Dallas comic book shop left customers a note on their locked door: “We’ll get married real quick and be back midday.” Outside the civil courthouse in downtown Houston, crowds waved gay pride flags and one woman held up a sign reading, “Love is Love.” In San Antonio, Jordan and Donna Reed carried into the courthouse an envelope containing the $81 for a marriage license that that had been sitting on their kitchen table all week. “There are two things I can’t wait to do: check ‘Married’ and to say ‘This is my wife’ and not my partner,” said Kristin Saunders, 41, of San Antonio. Outside the liberal big cities of Texas, many counties held off on issuing samesex marriage licenses until receiving guidance from Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, who was quick to scold the Supreme Court but left counties in limbo for hours. At least two same-sex couples were denied in Denton County, where officials tacked a sign on the door saying their computer software couldn’t process licenses for gay couples. In Houston, where a lesbian mayor oversees the nation’s fourth-largest city, marriage licenses finally started being issued after the Harris County clerk reversed himself and said he wouldn’t wait for state approval. Abbott delivered an unequivocal rebuke of the decision that wiped out Texas’ decade-old constitutional ban on gay marriage. “Despite the Supreme Court’s rulings, Texans’ fundamental right to religious liberty remains protected,” Abbott said. “No Texan is required by the Supreme Court’s decision to act contrary to his or her religious beliefs regarding marriage.” But a quickly issued directive from Abbott to state agencies after the ruling
July 01, 2015
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - After a weekend of celebration, gay rights advocates in South Dakota say they need to turn their attention to other issues affecting their community but opponents warn they’ll resist any affront to their religious liberties. The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday granted same-sex couples the right to marry, but in some states, including South Dakota, people can still be fired or denied housing for being gay. State Sen. Angie Buhl O’Donnell says she thinks it’s important for the Legislature to revisit the issue. She says it could be challenging but says South Dakota has a history of making surprising decisions. Dale Bartscher is the executive director of the conservative Family Heritage Alliance. Bartscher says his group wants to make sure religious liberties are not affected by any new legislation.
TENNESSEE
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Kasich, who is expected to announce a White House bid this month, had a spokesperson release a statement on his reaction to the Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage. “The governor has always believed in the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, but our nation’s highest court has spoken and we must respect its decision.” The governor, who was one of the original defendants in Obergefell v. Hodges, appeared on CBS’ Face the Nation and added that it was “time to move on” and focus on bigger issues. “I think everybody needs to take a deep breath to see how this evolves,” Kasich, said. “But I know this: Religious institutions, religious entities -like the Catholic church -- they need to be honored as well. I think there’s an ability to strike a balance.”
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Marriage Heaven made in
Two Ordained Ministers Tie the Knot in a Celebration of Love on the Anniversary of Stonewall
July 01, 2015
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By James Watson
“Excited.” That’s the word a jubilant Reverend Doctor Robert Griffin, executive minster of Sunshine Cathedral Metropolitan Community Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, chose to describe his marriage to the Reverend Doctor Durrell Watkins, on Saturday, June 27, 2015, with 270 guests in attendance. In a committed relationship for 16 years, the elated clergymen walked out of the MMC Sanctuary and into a cloud of bubbles from well-wishers on their way to the reception in the Chapel. Guests enjoyed a menu crowned with a heart-shaped, three-tier vanilla cake dressed in white frosting, all washed
down with Prosecco and Belvedere vodka, the star ingredient of the couple’s signature drink, an extra dirty martini. The newly married couple, decked out in summery attire—white slacks and shirts sporting pastel colors—was taking yet another step in their life journey, which began when they met 19 years ago. They are the first ministers to be married at the church during its 40-plus-year history, and possibly the first same-sex ordained ministers to wed nationwide. “We were going to do it last October in Massachusetts, but by then we could tell where the winds were blowing for Florida. We chose this weekend because of it’s the anniversary of the Stonewall riots,” says Durrell, senior minister at
Sunshine Cathedral. He adds, “It’s just great synchronicity that the Supreme Court will have ruled by then.” Robert chimes in, “We didn’t want to do it in January or February because we would be busy doing everyone else’s weddings. We wanted to make it a celebration for everyone else and when that’s all done, we can focus on ourselves.” One highlight for Durrell this past spring was officiating the “Love Is Love” sunrise wedding for 100 couples on February 5 on Fort Lauderdale beach, which celebrated the landmark announcement for same-sex marriage equality in Florida. “It was like bookends for me. In 2008, when Amendment 2 passed [banning same-sex marriage], we had a mass wedding on the front lawn of the church in protest. It wasn’t a legal wedding, obviously, but people who had been together a long time attended, and we had 50 couples. So then in 2015 to be able to do it legally was really good closure to that original protest event.” Partaking in “Love Is Love” allowed Robert and Durrell to share their personal story—16 years together and their wedding coming up in June—and to celebrate the hard-fought victory of bringing marriage equality to Florida. Yet Durrell cautions, “As the forces of homophobia and heterosexism are clearly losing this battle, they are picking other battles. It is our job not to become complacent, to celebrate the victories, but never think it is good enough.” A month earlier ,they joined in an equally powerful gathering when they began conducting same-sex marriages on January 6. “We officiated our first one about 15 minutes after midnight on the steps of the Broward County Courthouse. We were there at midnight so as people came out we married them on the spot. Then all week long, we offered free weddings to anyone who would come here and we did 15 or 16 weddings for free, but we did several that night. We were there until about 3 am,” says Durrell. On that early morning, one lady stood out. “She was not there to be married, but she brought her children. She said she just wanted her children to see this historic moment, that she was a heterosexual lady, and I thought, ‘What a great mom,’” recalls Durrell, who was born in Texarkana, Arkansas. Durrell’s activism began when, as an undergraduate student at Henderson State College in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, he came out at age 19. “As a teenager I was the one that sociology and counseling classes would ask to come speak
because I was out. In those days, it was bold and young to come out at 19.” Having conducted hundreds of weddings during their careers, this past Saturday, Durrell, now 48, and Robert, 47, experienced a new high: instead of officiating the wedding, they were the ones being united. “None of the other weddings have ever made me nervous,” says Durrell. Robert agrees, “Wow, this is my turn, it’s our turn. It’s taken on a very different meaning altogether.” When pressed to elaborate, he says, “We have been so busy ‘doing’ that it’s just about taking some time out to say now it’s our turn.” “I sent a text to a friend this morning saying who would have ever thought we’d live to see this and here we are celebrating our wedding this weekend. A bit of that, for me, is thinking of those who have gone before us and family members who are not going to be with us,” says Robert, a native of Troy, Alabama. Both were amazed that so many showed up to witness their nuptials— they didn’t even send out invitations. “We were going to sneak away,” says Durrell. But then they thought because same-sex marriage was coming to Florida and the snowbirds would be gone by June, they would have a small affair. Surprise. “I am overwhelmed by all the people who want to be here. We had family and friends coming from Texas, New York, Arizona, Georgia and Maryland,” says Durrell. “When you serve your life to give out, it’s a little different to stop and take in.”
“
For those of us who are lucky enough to find a special someone to share love with, that’s as good as it gets.
”
~ Reverend Doctor Durrell Watkins
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Reverend Doctor Robert Griffin and Reverend Doctor Durrell Watkins at Sunshine Cathedral Metropolitan Community Church in Ft. Lauderdale.
On Friday night, at the rehearsal dinner, the 50 or so guests were treated to one of the couple’s-to-be favorite meals. “We are southern boys, so we had barbeque and beer.” With so many details and specifics to possibly share, fans of Durrell’s books—nine titles are listed on www. sunshinecathedral.org—might wonder if a new volume on weddings is on the way. Alas, not so. “Some things are meant to be kept between us,” says Robert, yet he does share his advice on what makes a marriage work. “Whether you’ve been together one year or 50 years, my basic question is, ‘Is this the person for you? Is this the person you want to spend your life with?’” A day after being married, Durrell was in the pulpit Sunday morning, but they plan to get away one night this week and in September will embark on a two-week honeymoon to Iceland with a few days in New York City. When contemplating what defines a marriage, Durrell takes a moment. He pauses. Then he speaks. “There are a few things, not a long list, that I think make a relationship sacred. It has nothing to do with how many, or if any, Y chromosomes are in the mix. It’s about commitment and love and that it bring more joy to two people when they are together than if they were apart. Gender identity doesn’t even make the list.” “For those of us who are lucky enough to find a special someone to share love with, that’s as good as it gets,” he adds. Life doesn’t get any better for Robert and Durrell, who express their passion for life not only at Sunshine Cathedral, but also at home. “I love working in the garden,” says Durrell. “And I love watching
him work in the garden,” says Robert, chuckling. Both are avid cooks. “My favorite foods for him to cook, I have two, chili and cornbread stuffing,” says Robert. Durrell ranks Robert’s skillet-fried chicken made in his mother’s cast-iron skillet at the top of his list. “He works magic with the chicken,” says Durrell. While Durrell spends the first hour of each morning in the yard, Robert says, “I get up at 5:30, and sit in quiet and watch Samantha, our short-hair black cat. She’s 16 years old.” Whether on their own or entertaining out-of-town guests, Durrell says they love to go to restaurants with bars so they can enjoy a cocktail while waiting for their food. Whether sitting at Il Mulino, J. Alexander’s or California Pizza Kitchen in Fort Lauderdale, or, in Boca Raton, at Seasons 52, Robert says, “They all know how to make our drink—the Belvedere extra dirty. I use the words ‘stank dirty’ so when I give it to the waiter and they give it to the bartender, they know who it is for.” For lunch, they visit Georgie’s Alibi, a favorite, once a week, and Rosie’s Bar and Grill once a month. After cultivating their relationship for 16 years—on Amtrak, in the privacy of their home, with family and friends, and, most recently, in a precedent-setting wedding—Robert and Durrell are continuing their vibrant journey, taking time along the way to inspire others to shatter glass ceilings in pursuit of true equality: marriage. “We are witnessing a great moment in our time. As I said earlier, who would have ever thought this would happen. It is very humbling and we should not take it for granted,” says Robert. Onward.
July 01, 2015
Photos by Dennis Dean
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How will marriage change their lives? “I don’t know what happens the day after, but it is important to me that there is a moment in time where other people who love us get to celebrate our love, and acknowledge it and be part of it. A life we have been living for nearly two decades will be publicly acknowledged and celebrated with prayers, applause and songs, the way love should be celebrated,” says Durrell. At the end of his life when he compiles his list of the 10 most meaningful things, Durrell predicts this will be one of them. The newlyweds met 19 years ago in church—literally. “We met at a theology school called Samaritan Institute of Religious Studies that would meet in various locations. That summer it was having its classes at the University of North Texas in Denton. We completed the program, got ordained and then later went to other seminaries,” says Durrell, who adds their connection was instantaneous. “We were young. It was passionate and it was fast. And so we sort of had a summer fling and then it flamed out.” They never lost touch and three years later they decided to make it work—by moving to the East Coast. They landed in Hagerstown, Maryland, and for one year lived together. Ensuing transfers, the nature of their work, took them to other states, and for three years they lived apart, yet they were determined to see each other each week. Says Durrell, “We basically lived on Amtrak.” In 2006, they moved to Fort Lauderdale to join the staff at Sunshine Cathedral, affording them not only an opportunity to enjoy life in the subtropics but, as Durrell puts it, “to live under one roof once again.” Discussing their wedding plans, Durrell says about 11 clergy people are involved, each of them with a piece in this joyous celebration of music, readings, prayers, and the vows, in what will be a “pretty traditional ceremony” that will include an exchange of rings the couple bought in New York City’s Diamond District. “It’s really like an interfaith and interreligious service because of the clergy involved,” says Robert, listing an Episcopal priest, a Jewish rabbi, Interfaith ministers, MCC ministers, New Thought ministers, and straight and gay people as participating. “It’s most reflective of how we live our lives.”
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July 01, 2015
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Tiny Baseball League Makes History With First Openly Gay Pro SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Baseball history will be made on a field of wistful dreams in Northern California’s wine country Thursday with the appearance of the sport’s first openly gay active professional. Pitcher Sean Conroy, 23, is scheduled to take the mound in his first start for the Sonoma Stompers, a 22-man team that is part of the independent Pacific Association of Baseball Clubs. The Stompers recruited the upstate New York native out of college in May. General Manager Theo Fightmaster says Conroy privately shared his sexual orientation with teammates and management before agreeing to come out publicly in time for the team’s home field gay pride night. “The first conversation I had with Sean was, ‘I want you to know this organization supports you, we respect who you are. We respect who you as a pitcher and a person and to whatever degree you want your story told, we’ll help facilitate that,” Fightmaster said. “His goal has always been to be the first openly gay baseball player, so he was very much in favor of telling the
story, of carrying that torch.” Major League Baseball historian John Thorn confirmed that Conroy is the first active professional to come out as gay. Glenn Burke, an outfielder for the A’s and Dodgers, and Billy Bean, a utility player with the Tigers, Dodgers and Padres, came out after they retired. “Of course that over the years there have been rumors of this Major League player or that one being gay, but that’s just idle chatter and counts for nothing,” Thorn said. “In terms of an openly gay player as (the) pitcher in your neck of the woods, we haven’t had one yet.” Conroy, a right-hander who has earned four saves and allowed only two hits in the seven innings he has pitched so far as a closer for the 15-3 Stompers, said he had been open with his high school, summer league and college teams and told his family he was gay at age 16. It would have been strange not to do the same with once he moved across the country and started making friends on the team in Sonoma, he said. “People would talk about their girl-
friends and who they were going out to see that night. Instead of getting the different looks or questions when I didn’t join them, I’d rather tell you the truth and let you know who I am and have real conversations instead of the fake ones,” Conroy said. As far as coming out publicly, Conroy said he regards it as a way to both help his team and to set an example for other players. “It’s not that I wanted it to go public, but I didn’t care if it was open information. It’s who I am,” he said. “I am definitely surprised that no one else has been openly gay in baseball yet.” Bean, who serves as Major League Baseball’s ambassador of inclusion, called Conroy a pioneer and said he planned to keep an eye on the young pitcher. “It will be a great day for the LGBT community. I hope he pitches well and gets another opportunity to start another game,” Bean said. “It doesn’t matter if he pitches in the big leagues or not, he’s going to become a leader (tonight) in many ways, an influential leader for a lot of young kids not only in that community but those who will read the story and who may be pondering that same decision in their teenage years and they want to be baseball players or they want to be football players” Conroy’s history-making start comes at a watershed moment for gay rights, with the U.S. Supreme Court scheduled to rule any day now on whether to make same-sex marriage legal across the nation. The Stompers are not planning to make a special announcement or call attention to the milestone so Conroy can focus on his pitching, although some players will be wearing rainbow socks or other gay pride symbols in support of their teammate, Fightmaster said. “As a small independent team we do try to find ways to be relevant, and this is certainly in that category. But I think the Giants would do the exact same thing if they were in this situation,” he said. “We try to saddle that line between respecting the game and doing what’s right by the players who are here every day and doing stuff outside the box enough so people realize we exist.” The life of a Stomper is certainly a far cry from the majors. Players live with host families during the June-to-August season, earn $650 a month on average
and supply their own cleats, batting gloves and elbow guards. Arnold Field, their home turf, seats 370. Conroy hopes to catch the eye of a big league scout, but hasn’t focused on much beyond this season. “I’m just looking to play well and do as well as I can wherever they put me,” he said.
White House LGBT Event Draws Heckler
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama took on a heckler head-on at a gay pride month reception at the White House Wednesday, scolding the protester for being disrespectful in “my house.” The heckler had interrupted Obama’s remarks by protesting the detention and deportation of gay, lesbian and transgender immigrants. The president responded, “Hold on a second.” When the heckler persisted, Obama, flashing an exasperated look, countered, “OK, you know what?” Wagging his finger and shaking his head, Obama said, “No,
Jury Finds Promise Of ‘Gay Conversion’ Therapy Was A Fraud JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) - A nonprofit organization that claimed it could turn gay men straight violated the state’s Consumer Fraud Act, a jury found Thursday in a civil trial that an attorney for the plaintiffs called “a momentous event” for LGBT rights. The seven-member jury found that Jews Offering New Alternatives for Healing, its co-founder, Arthur Goldberg, and counselor Alan Downing made misrepresentations and engaged in unconscionable business practices. Three men and two parents were awarded about $72,000 in damages. The judge will rule later on their request to revoke the company’s license, plaintiffs’ attorneys said. “This is a momentous event in the history of LGBT rights,” attorney David Dinielli said. “The same lies that motivate gay conversion therapy motivate homophobia - that gay people are broken and need to be fixed. The strength of our plaintiffs brought that to light.” Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued during the trial that the group, known by the acronym JONAH, claimed a success rate that wasn’t
backed up by actual statistics and used therapy methods that had no scientific basis, including having one client beat a pillow, meant to represent his mother, with a tennis racket. Defense attorney Charles LiMandri couldn’t immediately be reached for comment. LiMandri argued during the trial that JONAH didn’t make guarantees and should be allowed to offer help to people struggling with their sexuality. He also said none of the plaintiffs complained about the therapy during or immediately after participating in it and sued only after connecting with activists who wanted to shut JONAH down. “Sometimes you need distance to survey the wreckage,” plaintiff Michael Ferguson, who was raised as a Mormon and sought out JONAH in 2008, said after Thursday’s verdict. The trial began this month and featured testimony from the men about the group’s methods, which they said included engaging in role play that involved a locker room scene where gay slurs were used. JONAH presented witnesses who said the therapy helped them overcome their same-sex attractions.
But Goldberg acknowledged during cross-examination that the group claimed a “success” rate of 65 to 75 percent to turn gay men to straight even though it didn’t keep its own statistics and relied on anecdotal evidence from counselors. The original four plaintiffs, Ferguson and three from Orthodox Jewish families, alleged the nonprofit exploited them with false promises as they struggled with their same-sex attractions in strict religious environments where they were expected to marry women and have children. One man dropped out of the suit, but his mother remained. Republican Gov. Chris Christie signed a law in 2013 banning licensed therapists from practicing conversion therapy in New Jersey. Two court challenges to the ban, one by a couple and their son and one by a group that included two licensed therapists, were dismissed by a federal judge. Those decisions were later affirmed by a federal appeals court. New Jersey’s ban wasn’t an issue during the trial because Goldberg and Downing aren’t licensed therapists, Dinielli said.
July 01, 2015
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The New York Civil Liberties Union says transgender students are often harassed in public schools across the state and education officials have failed to carry out a legislative mandate to protect them. In a report Wednesday, the NYCLU says discrimination and harassment are pervasive, though a five-yearold state law to protect all students from bullying also explicitly prohibits discrimination based on actual or perceived gender. The report says that in the 201213 school year, schools statewide reported 24,478 incidents of harassment under the law, 19 percent of them related to gender stereotypes. The NYCLU says that absent state guidance, schools have ad hoc policies that are mostly “insufficient, illegal and deeply damaging to transgender and gender nonconforming youth.”
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Civil Liberties Group: Transgender Students Still Harassed
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no, no, no, no,” repeating the word more than a dozen times. As the heckler continued to talk over him, Obama took it up a notch. “Hey. Listen. You’re in my house,” he said to laughter and woos from the crowd. “You know what? It’s not respectful when you get invited to somebody. You’re not going to get a good response from me by interrupting me like this. I’m sorry. I’m sorry ... Shame on you, you shouldn’t be doing this.” In his remarks, Obama said that regardless of how the Supreme Court rules in an upcoming decision on gay marriage, there has been an undeniable shift in attitudes across the country. He said he’s closely watching the decisions the high court will announce in the coming days, which include a case that could affirm the right of gay couples nationwide to marry. The president singled out discrimination facing transgender Americans as an area where more progress needs to be made.
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NATION
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July 01, 2015 • ISSUE 293
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INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RICHARD HACK - richardhack@mmplgbt.com
STAFF REPORTER JAMEER BAPTISTE - jameerbaptiste@mmplgbt.com
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CONTRIBUTORS Tom Bonanti, Michael Davis, Cliff Dunn, Patrick Robert, Gregg Shapiro, Linda Pentz (Washington Correspondent)
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German Museum Launches Show On 150 Years Of Gay History
July 01, 2015
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BERLIN (AP) - Germany’s main national history museum is launching an exhibition tracing 150 years of gay history, including the first uses of the term “homosexual” and the brutal Nazi-era repression of gays. The exhibition at the German Historical Museum in Berlin, which is staging it together with the capital’s Gay Museum, has been four years in the planning but opens amid a new debate in Germany over whether to allow full-f ledged marriage for gay couples. Culture Minister Monika Gruetters said at the show’s presentation Wednesday that it “puts the current debate about legal equality into a historical context.” She said it shows “how hard-fought the progress we can speak of today was.” The exhibition, “Homosexuality_ies,” opens to the public Friday and runs through Dec. 1. Photo Credit: wikimedia.org
Lady Gaga, European Official Slam Turkish Gay Pride Violence
ISTANBUL (AP) Pop singer Lady Gaga and a European rights official
are condemning the attacks on Istanbul’s gay pride rally after security forces doused demonstrators with water cannons and tear gas. Gay rights protesters dispersed Sunday after gathering at the city’s Taksim Square, an unusual flare-up as previous rallies had taken place without interference.
Organizers say the Turkish government only barred them from Taksim at the last minute, saying they could not gather there during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The Istanbul Governor’s office says no permission was sought for the rally and security forces acted proportionally A message posted to Lady Gaga’s Twitter account urged Turkish authorities to “celebrate both Ramadan and Pride in PEACE.” The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muiznieks, also condemned the violence. Photo Credit: stltoday.com
Nigeria Urged To Repeal Its Anti-Gay Law
LAGOS, NG (AP) A new report says Nigeria’s draconian law against gays has led to mob attacks,
police torture, evictions, public whippings and health risks, and asks the country’s new president to repeal the legislation. The Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act became law 18 months ago prescribing up to 14 years’ jail and also making it a crime to not report a known homosexual. The law is “the constitutionalization of hate and hate crimes against LGBTI individuals,” author Bisi Alimi writes in the report published Monday by the PEN American Center and the New York-based Leitner Center for International Law and Justice. It calls for President Muhammadu Buhari to end the legalized discrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender and intersex minorities, charging it denies freedom of expression and other constitutional rights.
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THIS FIGHT IS FAR FROM OVER The dissenting view from the Supreme Court on same-sex marriage
By RICHARD HACK
“Stealing this issue from the people will for many cast a cloud over samesex marriage, making a dramatic social change that much more difficult to accept...”
Please turn to HACK, page 38
The cornerstone of our nation
AS THIS GREAT NATION prepares to celebrate its 239th year of independence and freedom, it is worth remembering the five words that were proclaimed in July 1776 and the concrete belief on which this country was built: All men are created equal. Not some men, but all men. The idea is similar to the one that teaches us to love our neighbors. The common thread between the two is respect. We should respect the fact that, no matter our personal beliefs or station in life, we are no more entitled than anyone else. We should all be free to believe what we want to believe, live our lives the way we please and love the people we choose. The Supreme Court’s historic ruling last Friday in Obergefell v. Hodges which allows LGBTQ Americans the right to marry was absolutely based on the correct interpretation of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution which guarantees equal protection under the law for all people. Equality for all was the cornerstone of this country and the very thing we celebrate every 4th of July. It is frightening as much as it is hurtful to hear the hatred spewing from pulpits and political podiums in this country today. The message is one of ignorance, fear, intolerance and discrimination. But the dust will eventually settle on this, and on the new round of lawsuits and legal blockades by defiant officials that are already emerging. Ultimately, the religious right and hatemongering politicians and preachers will have to accept the fact that, in the United States and 20 other countries in the world, two people who love each other and choose to dignify that relationship with the legal document that is a marriage certificate may do so no matter their sex, creed or color. And all sides will turn to the next battle for LGBTQ Americans, which is the destruction of laws which currently allow discrimination in housing and the workplace. As Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Dean Trantalis said this week, it will be interesting to hear what Jesus had to say about that! Equality and respect for everyone. Let’s think about that this holiday weekend. Happy 4th of July!
By PETER JACKSON
Peter Jackson is the newly-appointed President/Group Executive Publisher of Multimedia Platforms Worldwide. He also sits on the Board of Directors. Peter welcomes your comments and can be reached via e-mail at PeterJackson@MMPLGBT.com
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Richard Hack is an award-winning author and the publisher and editor-in-chief of the Florida Agenda.
Equality for all
July 01, 2015
WHILE MANY GAYS, LESBIANS AND their friends would certainly consider that view as a matter of and supporters broke out the champagne in cele- social policy. But as a judge, I find the majority’s bration of the Supreme Court position indefensible as a matter of same-sex marriage victory last constitutional law.” week, this is by no means an issue Additionally, Roberts reached an that will completely disappear absurd comparison between gay anytime soon. Not only are relimarriage and polygamous margious rights objectors refusing to riages. “If not having the opportucomply with the law, several of nity to marry ‘serves to disrespect the Supreme Court Justices hold and subordinate’ gay and lesbian dissenting views that make angry couples, why wouldn’t the same points that are echoed in many ‘imposition of this disability,’ ... corridors of conservative Amerserve to disrespect and subordinate ica. people who find fulfillment in Chief Justice John Roberts: polyamorous relationships?” he “Understand well what this diswrites. “I do not mean to equate sent is about: It is not about marriage between same-sex couples whether, in my judgment, the inwith plural marriages in all respects. stitution of marriage should be There may well be relevant differchanged to include same-sex couples. It is inences that compel different legal analysis. But if stead about whether, in our democratic republic, there are, petitioners have not pointed to any.” that decision should rest with the people acting Justice Antonin Scalia: “Until the courts put a through their elected stop to it, public debate representatives, or with over same-sex marriage five lawyers who happen displayed American to hold commissions audemocracy at its best,” thorizing them to resolve Scalia wrote. “But the legal disputes according Court ends this debate, in to law,” he wrote. an opinion lacking even a “”Supporters of samethin veneer of law.” sex marriage have Scalia stated he wanted achieved considerable to write a separate dissent success persuading their “to call attention to this fellow citizens—through Court’s threat to Amerithe democratic can democracy.” Scalia atprocess—to adopt their tacked his fellow Supreme Chief Justice John Roberts view. That ends today,” Court justices with his Roberts wrote. “Stealing signature flourish. “The this issue from the people will for many cast a opinion is couched in a style that is as pretencloud over same-sex marriage, making a dratious as its content is egotistic,” he wrote. matic social change that much more difficult to “When the Fourteenth Amendment was ratiaccept,” he continued. fied in 1868, every State limited marriage to one “Stripped of its shiny rhetorical gloss, the ma- man and one woman, and no one doubted the jority’s argument is that the Due Process Clause constitutionality of doing so,” he wrote. “[Now gives same-sex couples a fundamental right to the majority] have discovered in the Fourteenth marry because it will be good for them and for Amendment a ‘fundamental right’ overlooked by society,” Roberts wrote. “If I were a legislator, I every person alive at the time of ratification, and almost everyone else in the time since.”
COMMENTARY
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FAR FROM OVER Celebrate Equality on a Friday Night
Shabbat and the Supreme Court Join Etz Chaim, Sunshine
Cathedral, and other faith communities for a special interreligious service on Friday, July 3rd for a spirited celebration in honor of same sex marriage
Friday, July 3rd, 8pm at the Sunshine Cathedral 1480 SW 9th Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Shabbat services every Friday night at 8pm
Congregation Etz Chaim
1501 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Congregation Etz Chaim
July 01, 2015
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954-564-9232 www.EtzChaimFlorida.org 1501 NE 26th St.,●Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Shabbat services every Friday night at 8pm– all are welcome! 954-564-9232 ● www.EtzChaimFlorida.org
HACK, continued from page 37
Scalia said that the majority for acting like activists, not judges. “States are free to adopt whatever laws they like, even those that offend the esteemed Justices’ ‘reasoned judgment,’” he wrote. Justice Clarence Thomas: Kennedy and the Court’s liberal wing are invoking a definition of “liberty” that the Constitution’s framers “would not have recognized, to the detriment of the liberty they sought to protect,” he opined. “Along the way, it rejects the idea—captured in our Declaration of Independence—that human dignity is innate and suggests instead that it comes from the Government,” Thomas said. “This distortion of our Constitution not only ignores the text, it inverts the relationship between the individual and the state in our Republic. I cannot agree with it.” Thomas added: “In our society, marriage is not simply a governmental institution; it is a religious institution as well,” Thomas wrote. “Today’s decision might change the former, but it cannot change the latter. It appears all but inevitable that the two will come into conflict, particularly as individuals and churches are confronted with demands to participate in and endorse civil marriages between same-sex couples. ”Justice Samuel Alito: “For today’s majority, it does not matter that the right to same-sex marriage lacks deep roots or even that it is contrary to long-established tradition. The Justices in the majority claim the authority to confer constitutional protection upon that right simply because they believe that it is fundamental,” Alito writes.“By imposing its own views on the entire country, the majority facilitates the marginalization of the many Americans who have traditional ideas. Recalling the harsh treatment of gays and lesbians in the past, some may think that turnabout is fair play. But if that sentiment prevails, the Nation will experience bitter and lasting wounds,” he writes. “Even enthusiastic supporters of same-sex marriage should worry about the scope of the power that today’s majority claims,” Alito writes. “Today’s decision shows that decades of attempts to restrain this Court’s abuse of its authority have failed.” And the beat goes on.
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July 01, 2015
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SUNSHINE STATE
July 01, 2015
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Quoted at the Equality Florida Gathering in Fort Lauderdale
By Jameer Baptiste FORT LAUDERDALE==They gathered from across the country in front of the Federal Courthouse building on Broward Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. They had but one purpose: to share the glory that the ruling handed down that morning by the Supreme Court provided. 76 year old Warren Patterson married in Massachusetts to partner of 44 years William Newton age 74. • “It’s been a tough battle but it’s fair, what the SCOTUS did today – showing Equality for all humans. It’s time for this country to turn to a new page and get on with life.” • “Power to the People!” Nate Klarfeld, Equality Florida Broward Steering Committee Chair. 13 yrs. With Partner Raphael Klarfeld and married in Oct. of 2013 • “We (Equality Florida) started this many years ago, 17 years ago was started working on Civil Rights in the state of Florida at the city, county and state level. We were very involved and overturning the adaption banned and
that was really the start of changing hearts and minds of people in Florida.” • “Equality Florida has been there every step of the way.” • “I believe Florida has lead the entire South for Civil Rights for Gays and Lesbians and I think this is just the beginning. This is just the first part of a long journey -You can get married at 10 in the morning, fired from your job at noon and be evicted from your home at 2 o’clock.” • This year the Florida state legislature is taking on the Florida Competitive workforce act and equality Florida has a fulltime staff person in Tallahassee who is helping to lobby the bill.” “What this bill does is prevent people from losing their job for being gay or lesbian. Prevent them for losing housing and allow transgender rights in the workplace.” Alex Ross and Robert Fronckoski, engaged for two years • “In August, it will be 9 years for us together. Next year we are going to finally tie the knot. We are just ecstatic that Florida passed it and now the whole nation.” Deputy Director Stratton Pollitzer of Equality Florida. • “We individuals stand up for what is right. When people tell the truth about their lives, we can over-
come discrimination.” • “I think it is also incredibly important that Florida dismantled its own marriage banned six months ago. We played a critical role in this narrative. Florida in welcoming marriage in January show the South was ready and showed the Supreme Court that the country is ready. We helped win this decision today.” • “It is a huge celebration. And then tomorrow, when we get done sweeping up the confetti, we got to go back to work because in 57 of 67 counties in Florida, it is still perfectly legal to fire somebody for being LGBT. There’s a lot of work left to do but we are going to celebrate first.” Rev. August Gold who just moved to Florida from NY. Former Rev. of at Sacred Center New York. • “I burst into tears (as a bet practically everyone did in their own way) and I realized in that moment how many years and how many lives and how much work and how much we sacrificed for this day. And it was so profound to know that we are here to notice the victory of love over fear. If only for a brief shinning moment to know that it is possible that fear will always be eclipse by this marvelous power of love.”
• As she chuckled and smiled, she said, “Is it amazing that in this country, every bodies heart opened to it at this time. That’s what gives me hope that we are all moving in the right direction at this time.” Renato and Tommy Married February 5, 2015 in Hawaii • “We are just relieved that we are recognized every year.” RJ Hadley together with KD since Oct. 29. Wedding this July. • “Excited to be here at this rally to support marriage equality which was granted in all 50 states in the United States.” • “I’m marrying the man of my life in a few weeks.” • “Florida has already approved equal marriage, but it’s still exciting that everyone everywhere in this territory can be legal, happily married to celebrate the love and unity that marriage really is.” Broward County Commissioner Martin Kiar (who is straight, but that’s okay too) • “For the past two days, it’s been so exciting. First for the SCOTUS upholding Obama Care and now with the SCOTUS basically stating to everybody regardless of who you love, you get to marry. And not just state by state, but the whole country. There are a lot of people today getting to experience the same happiness that my wife and I get to experience everyday, so I’m very happy.”
Fort Lauderdale Loses Thousands As BeachBear Weekend Moves South
FORT LAUDERDALE—Because of a failure to reach an agreement with Marriot’s Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Beach and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, BeachBear Weekend has made the decision to move its popular annual event to Miami Beach next year. “While every avenue in Fort Lauderdale to host BeachBear Weekend 2016 was tried and exhausted, we simply needed the backing and cooperation in Fort Lauderdale they would not provide, BeachBear’s Jim Cooper said. “We want all of our local guys to migrate down to our new venue on the beach.” ‘The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) and the
Pedestrian Struck & Killed In Wilton Manors
(BSO) Sixty-four-year-old Frederick Alan Mende was fatally injured while crossing the 2800 block of Dixie Highway on June 17. At 9:16 pm, Mende was crossing the street from the West side when he stepped into the path of a Northbound black four-door Jeep driven by 50-year-old Nancy Korn-Zelch, according to Det. Anthony Morales of the Broward County Sheriff’s office. Korn-Zelch remained at the scene and telephoned 911. Oakland Park Fire Rescue transported Mende to Broward Health Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead a short time later. BSO Traffic Homicide does not believe speed was a factor in the accident. The same day as the accident, the Agenda newspaper ran a cover story about the need for better crosswalks in Wilton Manors.
New River Orchestra Summer Serenade Fundraiser For Poverello
ello to be selected as the beneficiary for this year’s summer showcase,” said Tom Smith, CEO of Poverello. “Support from organizations like the New River Orchestra makes it possible for us to continue our mission of lightening the burden for those living with HIV/AIDS.” The concert will be conducted by two renowned South Florida-based maestros. They include: Peter P. Fuchs, a musical director and conductor for over 70 Broadway musicals, and Timothy Slade, associate professor music and director of instrumental music and music education at Bethel College. Guest pianist will be Dr. Sofiya Uryvayeva who will perform Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” “We respect, value, and honor the diversity in our lives, our musical expression, and our audience,” said Dr. Bill Bryan, Ph.D., NRO Board member and cellist. “We are pleased to support Poverello and we welcome the community to do the same by enjoying a soulful evening out, set to the multicultural “Rhythms of the America’s.” Tickets are $18 each and will be sold at Poverello at www.poverello.org, or by contacting Kevin Clevenger at kclevenger@poverello.org or at (954) 561-3663, ext. 106.
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WILTON MANORS--The New River Orchestra: Summer Serenade 2015 will present a 10th anniversary
benefit concert entitled “Rhythms of the Americas,” on July 26 at 4 p.m. at Sunrise Cathedral, 1480 SW 9th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale in recognition of Poverello’s 27 years of service to the community. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales and concessions will directly benefit Poverello, a non-profit organization that provides life-saving food and basic living essentials to as many as 2,500 individuals and families affected by HIV/ AIDS in Broward County. The “Rhythm of the Americas” program will feature compositions such as “Danzon No.?2” (Marquez), “Adagio for Winds” (Rodrigo), “Oblivion” and “Libertango” (Piazzola), “Rhapsody in Blue” (Gershwin), “Hooray USA” (arranged by Maestro Peter Fuchs), “Caprice” and “Blues Adagio” (Peter Fuchs), and “Espagna” (Chabrier). Dr. Christopher Cicconi, a past guest conductor, arranged Piazzola’s “Libertango” for the New River Orchestra, noting that it is “affectionately dedicated to all of my friends in the New River Orchestra.” The New River Orchestra will perform the World Premiere of this arrangement by Dr. Cicconi. “The New River Orchestra has a true passion for music and community, so it’s an honor for us at Pover-
July 01, 2015
FORT LAUDERDALE--On Saturday, July 11, 2015, First Congregational Church Fort Lauderdale, United Church of Christ (UCC) will celebrate the installation of the Rev. Patrick Rogers, MDiv as their new Senior Pastor. Pastor Rogers has previously served churches in Topeka, Kansas, Pensacola and West Palm Beach, Florida. Prior to pastoral ministry, as a Certified Public Accountant, he owned and operated a consulting firm specializing in the hospitality industry. Pastor Rogers earned a Master of Divinity from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California where he also served on the seminary’s Board of Trustees as a student representative. Prior to his recent relocation to South Florida, Pastor Rogers worked in numerous areas of social justice in the Florida panhandle through the church and in association with the ACLU and other supportive community organizations. As
a result of the community’s efforts, prior to marriage equality in the State of Florida, Pensacola passed the Florida panhandle’s only domestic partnership registry west of Tallahassee, anti-bullying policies were added to the local school board’s student handbooks, discriminatory homelessness ordinances were repealed, HIV/AIDS education, prevention and stigma reduction significantly increased in the community and LGBT advocacy is at an all-time high. Patrick served as the Treasurer of the Pensacola LGBT Film Festival 501(c)3 a highly successful nonprofit in its third year of operations and also founded “The Refuge Project,” a consortium of the Pensacola area’s progressive churches. The Rev. Dr. Raymond Hargrove, Eastern Regional Minister, United Church of Christ Florida Conference will preside. Numerous local clergy and faith leaders will also be participating in the installation service.
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New Senior Pastor For First Congregational Church
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Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce couldn’t have been more welcoming to us. As home to the White Party and Winter Party, BeachBear Weekend will form a very hot troika of events right on the beach itself,” Cooper said. “Our first undertaking is to locate a new host hotel on the beach-and we’re close- with all of the amenities to provide a great new experience for our bears!” For the past four years, the Marriot Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Beach has served as the host hotel for the annual event. Negotiations with the Courtyard hotel broke down last May when organizer Bob Young received the following email from the hotel’s senior sales manager: As a group, we have reviewed your expectations for being the host hotel during Beachbear Weekend. Based on this, the Courtyard will not be submitting a proposal for the 2016 event. We wish you much success and continued growth in the upcoming years. Enthusiastically, Steve Zunt. BeachBear Weekend is scheduled Tuesday, May 3rd through Sunday, May 8th, 2016. Additional information may be found on the event’s website, beachbearweekend.com.
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SUNSHINE STATE
July 01, 2015
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BY JAMEER BAPTISTE
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To luxuriate in old-world charm stay at the gay owned bed and breakfast Stonehurst Place (923 Piedmont Avenue NE, Atlanta GA 30309; 404-881-0722). The six rooms and suites ecofriendly B&B offers an inside look into an 1896 National Register historic mansion with up-to-date features and amenities. The B&B is located near many gay nightlife venues as well as marvelous restaurants. They even have a Gourmet Getaway with $100 gift card to four nearby restaurants as an add-on during booking. Stop in at 4th & Swift (621 North Avenue NE, Atlanta GA 30308; 678-904-0160) for chef Jay Swift’s interpretation on new American modern comfort food. Try an all day Southern Breakfast at Chick-a-Biddy (264 19 Street NW, Atlanta GA 30363; 404-588-1888), a farm fresh chicken establishment that serves
July 01, 2015
bungalows and Queen Anne style homes as well as tour historical buildings like the Fox Theatre (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308; 404-881-2100). The gay-friendly Hotel Indigo (683 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta GA; 866-2463446), once housed the former Cox-Carlton Hotel and also was once an apartment building. It is an historical brick building located in the Fox Theatre Historic District. Post-Civil War, the city has been rebuilt into one of America’s first urban post-modernist towns with little regard to historical preservation. Today, Atlanta is lined with sleek contemporary, modern and post-modern designs with noticeable skyscrapers like the five-star Four Seasons Atlanta Hotel (75 14 Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309; 404-881-9898).
lunch and dinner and brunch on the weekends. For some quick home-cooked Southern food, visit the landmark full-service café Highland Bakery (1180 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta GA 30309; 404-835-3130), established in 1931. Atlanta’s gay nightlife is just as comforting and delicious as its food. Located in the vicinity of Stonehurst Place Bed and Breakfast are some of Atlanta’s well-known gay bars and nightclubs. One of the city’s longstanding exotic clubs is the original Swinging Richards (1400 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta GA 30318; 404-3520532), an all-male nude strip club for gay men and their friends. Some Florida residents might be familiar with the name as there is a second location in Pompano Beach, Florida. Blake’s on the Park (227 10th Street NE, Atlanta GA 30309; 404-892-5786) is a neighborhood hotspot where you can mingle with Atlanta’s gay eligible bachelors and hangout with local celebrity drag queens; plus, they serve food daily. For a fabulous night filled with drag performances, drinks and dinner head to Burkhart’s Pub (1492 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta GA 30309; 404-872-4403). Burkhart Pub is open every evening and as they say, “Everything Happens Here.” At Bulldog’s Bar (893 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta GA 30309; 404-872-3025), guests can party the night away to a mix of hip-hop and house music while sipping on their potent drinks – the bartenders are known to be generous when it comes to pouring cocktails, so remember to return the favor when it comes to their tips. If you are interested in an adult playground with nothing but hot, attractive urban men, swing by Zone Amsterdam (1900 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta GA 30324; 404-9139663). Word of caution: Zone Amsterdam are exclusive parties, which occasionally have body type requirements. Georgia has come a long way from being one of the original Confederate States to secede from the union during the Civil War back in 1861. Today, you can find little to no trace of the southern mentality in its capital Atlanta. Even the southern dialect has pretty much vanished from the city. And although there is much progress that still needs to be made in the advancement of LGBT laws in the state, our community continues to thrive and enjoy the destination.
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Atlanta, Georgia has always been a unique southern territory with not-so-traditional southern values, which makes it a great travel destination for the LGBT community. It is common knowledge that the Bible Belt states are made up of socially conservative evangelical Protestants that generally frown upon the gay community. Therefore, to experience the traditions and culture of the Deep South, our community has to, for the most part, step back into the closet. Such is not the case in Atlanta where the LGBT community has thrived with multiple gay established businesses and events since the 1970s. Atlanta is a cosmopolitan city, an urban melting pot of different races and nationalities. The diverse multi-cultural elements combine to enrich the city’s cuisine, music and art scene. Atlanta has a longstanding love for the performing arts. Each discipline has a resident company in the city: Atlanta Opera (2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta GA 30339; 770-916-2800), Atlanta Ballet (1695 Marietta Boulevard NW, Atlanta GA 30318; 404-873-5811), Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta GA 30309; 404-733-4900) and Alliance Theater (1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta GA 30309; 404-733-4650). The city’s artistic culture also includes museums like the High Museum of Arts (1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta GA 30309; 404-733-4400) and the Museum of Design Atlanta (1315 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta GA 30309; 404-979-6455). Both are leading and one-of-a-kind museums in the Southeast. These two museums and a majority of Atlanta’s art scene can be found in Midtown, Atlanta’s well-known art district. Besides being an Atlanta hub for cultural attractions, Midtown is also known to be one of Georgia’s extremely gay-friendly destinations – the first Atlanta gay pride back in 1971 was held in Midtown from Peachtree Road to Piedmont Park. And still till this day both Atlanta Pride (October 10-11, 2015) and Atlanta Black Pride Weekend (September 2–7, 2015) festivals are held there. Due to the battles of the Civil War, a lot of the historical antebellum architecture of Atlanta was destroyed. To witness Atlanta’s yesteryear architecture, one can visit the historic districts-Fox Theatre Historic District and Historic Midtown. There, sightseers can get a glimpse of
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Atlanta, Georgia: The Southern Yet Not Too Southern Urban City
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TRAVEL
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Back To The Past: American Coffee Shop BY TIM HART
WILTON MANORS
7/03 World Music 5
BY PATRICK ROBERT
Super all-star acoustic music group World Music 5 contains five legendary musical acts: Jose Negroni, Federico Britos, Dr. Ed Calle, Nomar Negroni, and Josh Allen. Their unique repertoire of music fuses jazz with Afro-Latin American and Caribbean rhythms, world genres, and European harmony. They have toured continuously through South Florida, Puerto Rico, Santo Domingo, Mexico, and New York City. Their first record America is due out soon. They will be performing their innovative style at Arts Garage. 8:00 p.m. Arts Garage. 180 NE First St. Delray Beach. 33444.
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THE WEEK
DINING
7/04 Fort Lauderdale Beach 4th of July Spectacular
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y golf buddies turned me on to this place. They stop here on weekends to get breakfast (before kicking my butt at golf). After watching their Facebook posts and listening to them say how much they like this place, I decided to give it a try. It is a simple little diner featuring American and Spanish fare. They tout the “Best home fries in Florida.” The diner is located in the plaza on the northeast corner of Prospect and Andrews, with plenty of parking. This is a place to go for a totally casual and relaxed breakfast or lunch – no frills – just good food and a pleasant time. The restaurant is cloaked with murals, paintings and pictures of Americana. Behind the traditional soda seat counter is a huge American eagle flying over the Grand Canyon. On the back wall is one of my favorites – Mount Rushmore. There is a framed American flag right under the TV. In speaking with owner / operator Nelson, he loves history!!! The diner just celebrated its third year anniversary in April. Family owned and operated, you can expect to be engaged by Nelson with some pleasant (but not intrusive or overbearing) conversation and banter. They pride themselves on showing attention to each and every customer. As I sat in my booth reading the paper and enjoying my breakfast, I noticed the customers that strolled in were very comfortable – all greeted by Nelson as they came through the door. I got the feeling there is a rather regular clientele that frequents the diner. The menu is very full – one side for breakfast and one side for lunch. It offers both American and Spanish dishes. There are eggs, griddle offerings, omelets and
breakfast sandwiches. For lunch, there are burgers, melts and sandwiches (both hot and cold). There is also the traditional Spanish fare – steak, chicken and pork dishes all served with white rice, black beans and plantains. While I was there, Nelson was frying up some breakfast empanadas and some delicious looking pancakes. All of the offerings are homemade. On my most recent visit I was greeted, given a menu and my drink order was taken. The coffee is just fine (and attention is paid to make sure you never see the bottom of the cup). I ordered the Mushroom, Swiss and American Cheese Omelet ($6). It comes with the “best home fries in Florida” and toast. I upgraded to a bagel. The food is prepared and presented with care and pride. I don’t really expect a lot in the way of presentation from the diner, so I was pleasantly surprised. On an earlier visit, I had the #7 – 2 Pancakes or French Toast (I had the French toast), with Two Eggs and Bacon ($7). Very good! Nelson came to America when he was 14 and attended Fort Lauderdale high school. After working for years at La Bamba, he had a dream of opening a restaurant. When the opportunity presented itself, he jumped at it. He is so proud of this place and I was heartwarmed to see the enthusiasm he exhibits. As he said to me - “America – the land of opportunity.” If you are in the area. I encourage you to give the American Coffee Shop an opportunity. AMERICAN COFFEE SHOP 41 NE 44TH STREET (PROSPECT ROAD) OAKLAND PARK, FL 33334 954-772-8850
4th of July brings out the type of American patriotism that likes to watch bright explosives twinkling in the sky. Fort Lauderdale Beach’s annual 4th of July Spectacular will include an elaborate fireworks show over the Atlantic Ocean as music from 101.5 Lite FM is played from the speakers. Before the main event, though, there will be music, games, and contests for the entire family. Nearby hotels, like The Atlantic and the Hilton, will be sponsoring their own Independence Day parties and BBQs. 12:00 p.m. Fort Lauderdale Beach. A1A and Las Olas Blvd. 33316
7/08 George M!
George M. Cohan was known as “The Man Who Owned Broadway” for his highly valued star wattage on The Great White Way. This musical written by Michael Stewart, John Pascal, and Francine Pascal covers the period from the late 1880s until 1937, focusing on Cohan’s early days in vaudeville up until his success as a Broadway singer. Some of Cohan’s greatest hit songs are part of the musical, including “Give My Regards to Broadway,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” Former Miss America Susan Powell narrates the full-costumed concert version tonight at Wick Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Wick Theatre. 7901 N. Federal Highway. Boca Raton. 33487.
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BAR MAP
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6) DAPUR 1620 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale
11) LE PATIO 2401 NE 11th Ave Wilton Manors
2) B BAR AND GRILLE 2209 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
7) HUNTERS NIGHTCLUIB 2232 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
12) LIPS 1421 E Oakland Park Blvd Oakland Park
8) INFINITY LOUNGE 2184 WIlton Drive Wilton Manors
13) THE MANOR 2345 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
4) CORNER PUB 1915 N Andrews Ave Wilton Manors
9) JMARK’S 1245 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale
14) MONA’S 502 E Sunrise Blvd Fort Lauderdale
5) CUBBY HOLE 823 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale
10) LE BOY 1243 NE 11th Ave Fort Lauderdale
3) BOARDWALK/ BEEFCAKE’S 1721 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale
15) MONKEY BUSINESS 2740 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale 16) NAKED GRAPE 2163 Wilton Drive Wilton manors 17) NEW YORK GRILLED CHEESE 2207 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 18) PJ’S CORNER POCKET 2340 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
19) PROGRESS 2440 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 20) RAMROD 1508 NE 4th Ave Fort Lauderdale 21) ROSIE’S BAR & GRILL 2449 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 22) RUMORS BAR & GRILL 2426 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
23) SCANDALS SALOON 3073 NE 6th Ave Wilton Manors 24) SCARFONE’S 2150 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 25) SIDELINES 2031 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 26) SMARTY PANTS 2400 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale
27) THE STABLE 205 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale 28) 13 I EVEN 2037 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors 29) TROPICS 2000 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 30) VILLAGE PUB 2283 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
July 01, 2015
1) ALIBI 2266 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
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THE WEEK
TAMPA/ST.PETE
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BY PATRICK ROBERT
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7/02 Dierks Bentley Having made his big break by opening for Kenny Chesney, “Modern Day Drifter” Dierks Bentley now finds himself with thirteen number one singles on the country singles chart, including “What Was I Thinkin’,” “Come a Little Closer,” and “Say You Do.” His newest album Riser was written in the year following his father’s death and contains some of his most personal songs to date. Opening acts include Maddie & Tae, Kip Moore, and Canaan Smith. 7:00 p.m. MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre. 4802 U.S. 301 N. Tampa. 33610.
7/03 Vans Warped Tour The largest traveling music festival in the United States began as a showcase for alternative and punk rock music but has been branching out into other genres recently. This year, expect a mix of dance, pop, punk, acoustic, hip-hop and alternative music from artists like Palisades, Neck Deep, and Black Veil Brides. Included in the event is a skate tour with demonstrations by extreme athletes and vendor booths. 11:00 a.m. Vinoy Park. 501 Fifth Ave. St. Petersburg. 33701
The Brian Neal Fitness and Health Foundation
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provides complimentary Health and Wellness services to financially challenged people living with HIV/AIDS and offers a global LGBT athletic mentoring program for amateur and professional athletes ranging from grade school to the professional ranks.
A 501(c)3 organization providing services to financially challenged people living with HIV/AIDS in Fort Lauderdale
2435 North Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
BRIANNEALFITNESS.ORG
7/04 St. Petersburg 4th of July Fireworks Celebration The city of St. Petersburg’s annual fireworks display begins as soon as the sun sets. The dazzling display symbolizing American patriotism can be seen all along the waterfront. Optimal viewing locations include Spa Beach Park, The Pier Approach, and the downtown waterfront. 8:30 p.m. Waterfront Parks. St. Petersburg. 33701.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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A Giant Step Forward
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ing, praying as one and planning joint ministry together. This week our Supreme Court has made a decision for which millions (including myself ) will retain access to affordable healthcare. This week we have seen marriage equality in our land finally become legal and in the matter of marriage, equality is a reality. It has been a week filled with God’s presence, justice and love! Thank you God for this incredibly blessed time! Rev. Patrick Rogers Senior Pastor First Congregational Church Fort Lauderdale United Church of Christ 2501 NE 30th Street Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306 www.uccftl.org 850.281.3964.
July 01, 2015
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere!” Today we have seen yet another one of those injustices fall. It just goes to show that love does indeed prevail and that we serve a “Still Speaking” God! Today we thank all the leaders of our “Home of the Brave” country! From those individuals and organizations who have fought for decades to the Justices of our Supreme Court. We do not yet live in a totally free land, as the evil of racism, prejudice and judgement still exists but today we have witnessed a giant step forward towards the foundation on which our country stands. This week I have witnessed vigils, one in which I participated, where churches who exist in the same block of a physical address now are speak-
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THE WEEK
America’s independence with a series of family-friendly events throughout the day. On the shipyards on Bay St., a water balloon toss, a three-legged BY PATRICK ROBERT race, a giant Jenga, crafts, and face painting will be accompanied by a free concert featuring The Band Be Easy and Orleans. Later, a fireworks display will take place over the St. Johns River. 5:00 p.m. The ShipDon McLean’s 1971 single yards on Bay St. Bay St. Jackson“American Pie” defines American ville. 32202. culture. It is an expansive ballad inspired by “The Day the Music Died”—the 1959 plane crash killing Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper. Some of McLean’s other well-known songs include “Vincent,” “Castles in the Air,” and “The Grave.” In honor of As part of the Regions Bank Summer the approaching Independence Movie Classics Series, the Florida Day, McLean will be performing at the Florida Theatre. 8:00 p.m. Theatre will be showing a matinee Florida Theatre. 128 E. Forsyth St. screening of the controversial Oliver Stone film Born on the Fourth of July. Jacksonville. 32205. Ron Kovic is a Vietnam War veteran growing more and more disillusioned by the country he fought for until he evolves into a full-fledged anti-war and pro-human rights activist. 2:00 The City of Jacksonville celebrates p.m. Florida Theatre 128 E. Forsyth St. Jacksonville. 32205.
JACKSONVILLE 7/02 Don McLean
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7/05 Born on the Fourth of July
7/04 Fourth of July Celebration
FITNESS
to talk with you and explain things clearly. Keep in mind certain vital statistics like your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body fat percentage, BMI and BMR. Knowledge is power. Make nutrition into a daily project. Begin the day with a substantial breakfast of whole grains, fruits, quality protein and low-fat dairy. Eat regularly throughout the day, low-salt, smaller meals and snacks every two hours to keep up your strength and prevent your body from storing fat. Speaking of fat, cut your intake to less than 30% of your daily caloric intake. Rather than coffee and soda, remember to drink more water. Drinking green or black tea promotes arterial health and combats pesky free radicals that age you. Remember that smoking will kill you. Too much booze, (except for a daily glass of red wine) means extra, empty calories that will be stored as fat around your middle. Simplify and enhance your life. You’ll never eliminate stress, so learn to deal with it! Keep positive, supportive people around you. Gracefully eliminate those who drag you down. Practicing Yoga will make you more flexible and clear your mind of noisy clutter. The same effects can be obtained by doing guided meditation, listening to music, or sharing quality time with friends or pets. Volunteering at a shelter. Give some time to hospice. Adopt a pet, they are great companions and help lower blood pressure. You see, there are a million ways you can calm your spirit and take care of that precious muscle called your heart.
July 01, 2015
Tom Bonanti is a certified personal trainer and professional massage therapist (MA40288) with his own gym and studio, Pump’n Inc. at 1271 NE 9th Ave in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (www.pumpnincgym.com). Contact Tom with questions or schedule a free consultation (954557-1119), TrainerTomB@aol.com.
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n Saturday, March 29th, my friend Craig suffered a heart attack. While this was a devastating time for both of us, I am happy to report that he has almost completely recovered with little residual damage to his cardiovascular system. Craig has his age and overall good health on his side, but he is genetically predisposed to heart problems from both sides of his family. With the help of a great cardiologist, an effective round of medications and a proactive graded exercise program, (designed and supervised by me!), I know that Craig will continue to recover successfully. As a fitness professional, this experience has made me more aware that good health is more than just attending to surface things. Bulging biceps are wonderful, but there are other issues that require attention. Getting regular checkups, managing stress effectively, and a heart healthy lifestyle are core matters that are vital to a long, healthy life. With the awareness that the heart is the most important muscle of the human body, I’d like to offer some suggestions that we all should follow before we require meds, a cardiologist or a team of specialists from the cardiac care unit. Get active and make regular exercise a part of your daily routine. Doing aerobic exercise for your cardiovascular system two to three times per week for 30 minutes is a great place to start. Weight training is also essential for maintaining lean muscles, flexibility and overall physical strength. Hiking, swimming, bowling, and cycling, are all ways to build cardiovascular health as well as quality muscle. If all this sounds too overwhelming, then take baby-steps. Use the stairs at work, make time to stretch and breathe between appointments, walk the dog after dinner. Do not skip regular physical checkups. Find a physician who has the time
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Your Most Important Muscle: Your Heart
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By Tom Bonanti
July 01, 2015
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THE WEEK
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MIAMI/ MIAMI BEACH
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7/02 Mana
Mana has spent decades in the industry as one of the best-selling Spanish-language bands. They have sold over forty million albums worldwide, crossing over into mainstream success despite only singing in Spanish. In particular, the album Donde Jugaran Los Ninos?, released in 1992, catapulted the group to international success. Their latest tour promotes their newest album, Cama Incendiada—a sexier, more optimistic album than prior ones. 8:00 p.m. American Airlines Arena. 601 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 33132.
MIAMI 1) CLUB AZUCAR 2301 SW 32nd Ave
6) EROS LOUNGE 8201 Biscayne Blvd
2) CLUB BOI 1060 NE 79th St
7) FLOPPY ROOSTER 7018 NW 72nd Ave
3) CLUB SPACE 34 N.E. 11th Street
8) HOUSE 1915 NW Miami CT
4) DISCOTEKKA | MEKKA MIAMI 950 NE 2nd Ave
9) JAMBOREE 7005 Biscayne Blvd
5) DUGOUT SPORTS BAR 3215 NE 2nd Ave
MIAMI BEACH
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10) MAGNUM LOUNGE 709 NE 79th St 11) CLUB AZUCAR 2301 SW 32nd Ave
12) CAMEO 1445 Washington Ave
16) SCORE 1437 Washington Ave.
13) KILL YOUR IDOL 222 Espanola way
17) THE CABARET 233 12th St
14) MANSION NIGHTCLUB 1235 Washington Ave
18) TWIST 1057 Washington Ave
15) PALACE BAR 1200 Ocean Dr
July 01, 2015
BY PATRICK ROBERT
19) HOTEL GAYTHERING 1409 Lincoln Road
7/06 Operation Pedro Pan: The Cuban Children’s Exodus HistoryMiami’s newest exhibition takes on the 1960-1962 mass exodus of 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban boys and girls who left their homeland for the United States. In partnership with Operation Pedro Pan Group, Inc., the museum will be exhibiting not only the artifacts of that historical moment but also the stories of how these families made these life-changing decisions. 10:00 a.m. HistoryMiami. 101 W. Flagler St. Miami. 33130.
7/07 Satin Jackets Riding high on the success of the single “You Make Me Feel Good,” German music producer Tim Bernhardt and his friend Den Ishu of Satin Jackets have been touring internationally for over a year across three continents. Their lush indie dance music has received critical acclaim and consistent radio airplay. Also performing are Arremar Jack and Induce. 10:00 p.m. Bardot. 3456 N. Miami Ave. Miami. 33127.
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ACCOUNTING
AUTO Vista Motors BMW 744 N Federal Hwy Pompano Beach, FL 855-793-7093 / vistabmw.com
ATTORNEYS Michael D. Becker Attorney at Law 201 NE 2nd Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-727-5067 / becker-lawyer.com Law Offices of George Castrataro 707 NE 3rd Avenue, Suite 300 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-573-1444 / lawgc.com Law Offices of Phillip Menditto 524 S Andrews Avenue, Suite 200 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-641-9100 / phillipmenditto.com Law Offices of Caro Kinsella 20801 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 403 Miami, FL 33180 954-304-2243 / immigrationlawyerfl.com Dean Trantalis Attorney 2255 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-2226 / trantalislaw.com
CHURCH / SPIRITUAL Center for Spiritual Living 1550 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-2868 / cslftl.com Holy Angels Catholic Community 2917 NE 6th Avenue Wilton Manors, FL 33334 954-633-2987 / holyangelsfl.org
EVENTS I DO Custom Events PO Box 2357 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-626-0131 / idocustomevents.com Source Events 605 Lincoln Road, #410 Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-672-9779 / sourceevents.com
FITNESS Pump’n Inc Tom Bonanti 1271 NE 9th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-557-1119 / pumpnincgym.com
FINANCIAL Las Olas Financial Group 3000 NE 30th Place, Suite 206 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 844-779-7936 / lasolasfinancialgroup.com
OPTICAL Island City Eyecare 2301 Wilton Drive, Suite C1 Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-764-6906 / visionsource-ice.com
ORGANIZATIONS The Pride Center 2040 N Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-463-9005 / pridecenterflorida.com Out of the Closet 2097 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-358-5580 / outofthecloset.org
PHOTOGRAPHY Dennis Dean Images 3554 NE 12th Avenue Oakland Park, FL 33334 954-240-8307 / dennisdean.com
PROMOTIONALS
Dr. Daniel Man 851 Meadows Rd, Belle Terre Building Boca Raton, FL 33486 888-822-7543 / drman.com Take Shape Plastic Surgery, P.A. 4161 NW 5th St, Suite 100, Plantation, FL 33317 954-585-3800 / takeshape.info
SPA / MASSAGE
HEALTH / MEDICAL Genesis Health Institute 1001 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-561-3175 / ghinstitute.com Better Hearing-World of Sounds 2450 E Commercial Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954-491-2560 betterhearingworldofsounds.com
PLASTIC SURGERY
Tom Marten, 5Points Massage 2413 NE 11th Avenue Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-295-7041 / 5pointsmassage.com
UPHOLSTERY REAL ESTATE
PHP HMO SNP 888-456-4715 positivehealthcare.net
Galleria International Realty 945 Las Olas Boulvard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-234-8759 / galleriarealtors.com
Ocean Therapy Center 2530 NE 15th Avenue Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-351-2299 oceantherapycenter.com
Joe Grano Realtor 1881 NE 26th Street, Suite 212 Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-931-0031 / joegrano.com
Gold Coast Upholstery 978 W Prospect Road Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 954-491-4937
Get listed for only $99 a month.
Contact Mark Robinson, Account Executive 954-232-6584 / markrobinson@mmplgbt.com
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The Parish of St Francis & Clare 101 NE 3rd Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-731-8173 / stsfrancisandclare.org
Wilton Manors Dental 2517 N.E. 9th Avenue Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-564-4746 / wiltonmanorsdental.com
We Insure 1975 E Sunrise Blvd, Suite 602 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-903-7519 / weinsurefl.com
July 01, 2015
Etz Chaim 1501 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-564-9232 / etzchaimflorida.org
Bove Dental 2500 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954-564-0181 / bovedentistry.com
INSURANCE
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Sterling Tax & Accounting 2435 N Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-667-9829 / sterlingandhart.com
DENTAL
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Business Directory
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1226 NE 4TH AVE FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33304 954.761.1236
LEATHERWERKS.COM
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Copyright © 2015 The Werks Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Werks, LeatherWerks, PaddleWerks, Lifestyle Club, BootWerks and “Where Leather is a Lifestyle” are Registered Trademarks of The Werks Company, LLC
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P UZ Z LE I Refuse to Be Invisible
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Across
60 Gay rodeo ropes 61 Old fruit drink 62 Cartoon chipmunk 64 Phrase from Ripley 65 Mireille, whose name rhymes with “penis” 66 Tied up 67 Christopher of Superman 68 Power measure 69 Enjoy Capote 70 Exodus memorial
Down
For the solution to this puzzle, go to www.floridaagend.com/puzzle
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1 Like ground that’s hard 2 South Beach setting 3 Boob 4 Completely faithful 5 Francis of old TV 6 Cry of pride 7 Coll. of Phil Andros 8 Cheri once of SNL 9 Frasier’s ex 10 Abercrombie & Fitch locale, perhaps 11 Come out 12 Sailor’s patron 13 Gone With the Wind extra 21 Will and Grace shared one 23 Precious strings 25 Sweetie pie 27 Albee’s Three ___ Women 29 Nathan of 30 Cosmetics businessman Laszlo 31 Serpico author Peter 32 Free verse “rhyme scheme” 33 Fifth-century pope
34 Perfect serves from Mauresmo 36 Limp watch painter 39 Kate Clinton or Margaret Cho 40 Stage offering 42 Dancing with the Stars routine 45 Hagen of The Boys from Brazil 48 Drag queen’s hose problem 50 Boo-boos, to Billy Bean 51 Human Rights Campaign fundraiser 53 Word before “ho!” 55 Lost some of its size 56 Pilot’s place 57 Artist Hernandez 58 Elizabeth of Transamerica 59 Part of a title by Tennessee Williams 60 What libraries do 61 Orange Is the ___ Black (source of the line in the puzzle’s title) 63 Actress who said the line whose name is visible in this puzzle July 01, 2015
1 Jane of Grace and Frankie 6 Member 10 Will of The Waltons 14 Slicker in the winter 15 Wine region of da Vinci’s land 16 Trucker’s rod 17 Kidney-related 18 Fight for a twosome 19 Life partner 20 Nelson, who championed LGBT rights 22 Broadway district 24 Sondheim’s ___ Can Whistle 25 “Another card” in S/Mspeak? 26 “Faboo!” 28 Audre Lorde’s birthplace 32 It borders Tenn. 35 Material from Sylvia Beach? 37 Queen topper 38 “Dykes to Watch Out For” cartoonist Alison 41 Media gadfly Huffington 43 Rimbaud’s heart 44 Pandora’s Box heroine 46 Canon camera 47 Gloomy 49 The ___ of Harvey Milk 52 Marlon Brando’s hometown 54 Check out gay porn sites, e.g. 58 Streisand’s “Don’t Rain on My ___”
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THE WEEK
ORLANDO
BY PATRICK ROBERT
7/03 Paul Oakenfold Prolific and iconic British DJ Paul Oakenfold has been creating hit remixes since the early 1990s. He has worked with popular groups like U2, Radiohead, and, most successfully, Madonna. He helped “The Material Girl” with her Celebration album and even performed with her on her Sticky and Sweet Tour. His albums include Bunkka, A Lively Mind, and Trance Mission. 10:00 p.m. Tier Nightclub. 20 E. Central Blvd. Orlando. 32801.
Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll Fresh off its award-winning performance at the Orlando International Fringe Festival, David Lee’s one-man show Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll will return for two encore performances at the Footlight Theatre tonight and tomorrow night. The hysterical and profane show takes on the American male with monologues from ten off-beat characters touching on themes of masculinity and of capitalism. 8:00 p.m. Footlight Theatre. 410 N. Orange Blossom Trail. Orlando. 32805..
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7/04 Rockin’ Fourth of July Celebration No metro-area puts on more daily fireworks than Orlando’s and its various theme parks so Fourth of July and its requisite fireworks display should be rather old hat. With all the different fireworks displays to choose from, the night at Disney’s Hollywood Studios may be the best choice. The evening includes a performance by Mulch, Sweat, and Shears and promises heart-stopping pyrotechnics. 6:00 p.m. Disney Hollywood Studios. 341 S. Studio Dr. Lake Buena Cista. 32830.
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or those seeking thought provoking relief from the bombast that is inherent with the summer movie season, check out Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Fox Searchlight). Recipient of both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at 2015’s Sundance Film Festival, this comedy/tearjerker is easily a contender for best film of the year, as well as Oscar recognition. Like last year’s well-received film adaptation of The Fault In Our Stars, based on the Y/A novel by John Green, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is also based on a Y/A novel about teens and cancer. Jesse Andrews, the author of that novel, also wrote the screenplay. The film is directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, making it his second full-length feature. Greg (Thomas Mann), the film’s narrator and the “me” in the title, is a “terminally awkward” high school senior who makes an effort not to stand out in the “nations” of his high school. He avoids the chaos of the cafeteria, choosing instead to eat lunch in the office of tatted history teacher Mr. McCarthy (Jon Bernthal) with classmate Earl (RJ Cyler). Greg likes to think of Earl, whom he’s known since kindergarten, less as his best friend than his co-worker. You see, Greg and Earl, both film fanatics, have been
Shymansky, Raye Cosbert, Andrew Morris, Lucian Grainge and Guy Moot, as well as the single most corrupting influence in her life, Amy’s ex-husband, ne’er do well Blake Fielder who brought crack cocaine and heroin into her already chaotic life. umblecore meets Mazursky in Patrick Brice’s Duplass brothersproduced modern sex romp The Overnight (The Orchard). Workaholic Emily (Taylor Schilling) and stay-at-home dad Alex (Adam Scott), L.A. transplants from Seattle, make new friends with jack-of-all-trades Kurt (Jason Schwartzman) and his French wife Charlotte (Judith Godrèche), when their respective young sons, RJ (R.J. Hermes) and Max (Max Moritt), hit it off on the playground. Arriving for dinner with a bottle of Two-Buck Chuck in hand, Alex is intimidated by Kurt and Charlotte’s home. This turns out to be the first of the evening’s demoralizations for poor, under-endowed Alex. Before and after dinner activities include a tour of the house (whose remodeling is credited to Kurt), the art studio (where Kurt, again, creates his intimate paintings), and tucking the kids in as Kurt soothes them to sleep with a lullaby. There is also more drinking, as well as pot-smoking, dancing and skinny-dipping in the pool. Of course, it’s free-spirited Kurt and Charlotte who initiate the nude-swim, and why wouldn’t they? Charlotte’s bosoms are their own prosperous cottage industry for fetishists who purchase her breast-pumping DVDs. Kurt is entirely at ease with his own body and he should be as he is quite well-hung. Alex, on the other hand, is hung like a mosquito. Warning: prosthetic penises in use. As it turns out, Kurt is more of a jackoff-all-trades, as is Charlotte. But the dick-doubles are probably enough of a pseudo-spoiler for one review. Let’s just say, that while there is almost a happy ending (pun intended), The Overnight is as funny as it is shocking and sexy, and not a bad way to spend 80 minutes of your day (or night).
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erhaps the single greatest tragedy of 21st century music (sorry Whitney), the short life and early death of Amy Winehouse (who died at 27 in 2011) is presented in Asif Kapadia’s informative and heartbreaking doc Amy (A24). A singular vocalist and songwriter, with a rapier wit and a sense of humor that belied her youth, Winehouse’s star ascended, blazed brightly and ultimately fizzled out too soon. Kapadia’s access to and use of rare archival footage provides astonishing insight into the inner workings of Winehouse’s life and creative process. This aspect alone makes the doc riveting. The camera loved Amy (especially Me and Earl and the Dying Girl when she was sober) and she knew (Courtesy of sundance.org) how to play to it. Listening to her talkmaking their own film parodies of clas- ing about how her own personal experisic cinema since they were kids. ences became inspiration for her songs Greg’s life, and by extension Earl’s, (you may never listen to “Stronger Than changes forever when his parents Me” or “Rehab” the same way again) (played by Connie Britton and Nick Ofand her love and respect for her musical ferman) come into the inner sanctum of influences is profound. his bedroom to tell him that classmate Amy is also rich with interview Rachel (Olivia Cooke) has been diagsubjects. Among those having their say nosed with leukemia. Even though Greg about Winehouse are Amy’s childhood and Rachel travel in different “nations” pals Juliette Ashby and Lauren Gilbert, at school, Greg agrees to his mother’s her divorced parents Janis Winehouse request to visit with her. As the teens and Mitchell Winehouse, collaborators get to know each other better, each one Tony Bennett, Yasiin Bey, Salaam Remi lets their guard down and they discover and Mark Ronson, band member Sam that there is potential for them to beBeste and professional handlers Nick come friends. There are a number of ingredients that make Me and Earl and the Dying Girl special and a definite high point in the genre. Andrews’ screenplay is snappy without being snarky, making the audience laugh and cry, often doing both at the same time. To GomezRejon’s credit, the movie is pleasing to look at, incorporating a variety of visual elements, from stop-action animation to visual art (wait until you see the book sculptures and the movie posters). As for the acting, there’s not a false moment in any performance, from the leads to the supporting cast. As Rachel’s perpetually tipsy mom Denise, Molly Shannon gives Amy her best performance since Year of the (Courtesy of rockonphilly.com) Dog. Strongly recommended!
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Me, Earl, the Dying Girl and Amy Overnight
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