Agenda 090215 issue 302 by Multi-Media Platforms

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

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REALLY ANN COULTER? Come on Ms. Coulter, you aren’t dumb and you aren’t shallow. So why are you continually using a word like the R-word as an insult? I’m a thirty year old man with Down syndrome who has struggled with the public’s perception that an intellectual disability means that I am dumb and shallow. I am not either of those things, but I do process information more slowly than the rest of you. In fact it has taken me all day to figure out how to respond to your use of the R-word last night. I thought first of asking whether you meant to describe the President as someone who was bullied as a child by people like you, but rose above it to find a way to succeed in life as many of my fellow Special Olympians have. Then I wondered if you meant to describe him as someone who has to struggle to be thoughtful about everything he says, as everyone else races from one snarky sound bite to the next. Finally, I wondered if you meant to degrade him as someone who is likely to receive bad health care, live in low grade housing with very little income and still manages to see life as a wonderful gift. Because, Ms. Coulter, that is who we are – and much, much more. After I saw your tweet, I realized you just wanted to belittle the President by linking him to people like me. You assumed that people would understand and accept that being linked to someone like me is an insult and you assumed you could get away with it and still appear on TV. I have to wonder if you considered other hateful words but recoiled from the backlash. Well, Ms. Coulter, you, and society, need to learn that being compared to people like me should be considered a badge of honor. No one overcomes more than we do and still loves life so much. Come join us someday at Special Olympics. See if you can walk away with your heart unchanged. JOHN FRANKLIN STEPHENS, Global mesenger special olympics virginia in an open letter

PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER

JUST ADAM... By Adam Cohen

THINK ABOUT THIS. When you sit back and really think about it, “Who’s the Boss?” was an extremely bizarre and groundbreaking TV series. I mean, what TV executive sat around saying “Hey, let’s create a show for Tony Danza about a stereotypical straight Italian male maid, with a cute mustache daughter that moves into the Connecticut home of a frenetic, kinda bitchy uptight career woman with ﬁerce shoulder pads, her elderly slutty mother, and queeny son?” WILL THE PLOT THICKEN? I know this is a serious story, but the glamour shot of Kansas/Kentucky clerk woman makes me think that her own big secret will emerge soon...that under that ﬂawless hairdo, manly face, and on-point makeup, she really used to be “Frank,” a self-hating gay/trans boy from a farm who couldn’t throw a ball and was picked last in gym... and this is his/her revenge on the world! BUT, MAMA…I’m enjoying a luxurious mineral jacuzzi bath with a lavender facial masque. At this rate I would not be surprised if by the end of the night I morphed into Eileen, a 46-year-old divorcee with 2 teenaged kids who owns a minivan, enjoys her weekly bubble baths, and collects stupid wine “trinkets” around her house, like plates that say, “The Pinot Stops Here!”

THAT’S HOLLYWOOD. I see Kate Hudson’s acting career is really going places. She’s hawking cheap yoga pants that she helped “Inspire and design!”

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PRESIDENTIAL SEAL OF APPROVAL. Homosexuality was well known in the ancient world, well before Christ was born and Jesus never said a word about homosexuality. In all of his teachings about multiple things, He never said that gay people should be condemned. I personally believe that it is very ﬁne for gay people to be married in civil ceremonies.

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RICKY MARTIN on the ejection of journalist Jorge Ramos at a press conference for presidential candidate Donald Trump

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ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Jorge Ramos was doing this job as a journalist in a press conference, which he attended representing one of the world’s most important television networks for Hispanics and exercising his right of freedom of the press. Yet, Trump verbally assaulted and removed Jorge from the event without any apparent reason. It has to stop! If we have been united for some things, we must be united for all. We have already proven to the United States who we are as Latinos, and that we will not allow that type of behavior. We have to stop the power that Trump feels he has over Latinos, and the xenophobic speech that he and his campaign team seem to be convinced will be successful.

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING... Random thoughts and quotes on Facebook this week

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Rafael Edward “Ted” Cruz, 44, is the junior United States Senator from Texas. In a speech in Waukee, Iowa, Cruz said that “there is a liberal fascism that is dedicated to going after believing Christians who follow the biblical teaching on marriage.” He has voted against extending protection to lesbians, gays, immigrants and Native Americans, and congratulated homophobic business owners. He is currently running 3rd in the Republican presidential polls. Piyush “Bobby” Jindal, 44, is an American politician and the 55th governor of Louisiana. Jindal is trying to introduce a law in Louisiana which permits discrimination against same-sex couples. Previously, he had announced his support of the federal marriage amendment, to amend the US Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman. He is currently running 12th in the Republican presidential polls.

Four presidential hopefuls want to turn back the clock By RICHARD HACK

While all the Republican candidates for president dislike the concept of same-sex marriages, four have actually signed a homophobic pledge that would void the marriages of every gay and lesbian couple.

They have followed the calling of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) which only last week was forced to disclose the origins of its secret funding. NOM has asked all Republican candidates to pledge support of a new constitutional amendment that specifically defines marriage as between a man and a woman. If such an amendment would pass, it would void every same-sex marriage across all 50 states. Rick Santorum (former Republican Senator from Pennsylvania), Sen. Ted Cruz (RTexas), Dr. Ben Carson, and the Republican governor of Louisiana Bobby Jindal have all signed their names to the pledge which states that they will:

One, support a federal constitutional amendment that protects marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Two, oppose and work to overturn any Supreme Court decision that illegitimately finds a constitutional “right” to the redefinition of marriage. This includes nominating to the U.S. Supreme Court and federal bench judges who are committed to restraint and applying the original meaning of the Constitution, and appointing an attorney general similarly committed. Three, conduct a review of regulatory, administrative and executive actions taken by the current Administration that have the effect of undermining marriage and work to restore our policies to be consistent with the proper understanding of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Consistent with this, prevent the promotion of a redefined version of marriage in public schools and other government entities. Four, support the First Amendment Defense Act and other legislation that recognizes the right of organizations and individuals to act in the public square conCONTINUED on page 15

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Richard John “Rick” Santorum, 57, is an American attorney and Republican Party politician. He opposes same-sex marriage, saying the American public and their elected officials should decide on these “incredibly important moral issues”, rather than the Supreme Court which consists of “nine unelected, unaccountable judges.” Santorum believes in conversion therapy, and has said that allowing gay marry will cause a global crisis believing it would “disrupt the foundation of the world.” He is currently 13th in the Republican polls.

OUTLAW SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

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Benjamin Solomon “Ben” Carson, Sr., 63, who is currently polling second in a field of seventeen, is an American author, politician, and retired Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon who gained national prominence by separating twins who were joined at the head. He has said that same-sex marriage is a “Marxist plot” and once compared homosexuality with pedophilia while speaking on the Fox News’ series Hannity.

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WHO THEY ARE...

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NEWSWATCH

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CAPITOL BEAT

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Tragedy in Virginia Did gay shooter seek help for mental illness?

with the help of lithium and other to drugs, others have ended cataguns in this country has strophically. Virginia state senaonce again been brought tor, Creigh Deeds, spoke out into sharp focus by the eloquently after his bi-polar son latest shootings — of two Roanoke, VirGus stabbed him, then ginia news network killed himself. Although personnel by former the elder Deeds never saw station employee, the violence coming, he Vester Flanagan. had endeavored to get his Flanagan has been son help, but “the system described in the failed my son,” as Deeds press as “deranged,” described it. No psychi“depraved,” and a atric bed could be found By “narcissist.” His in time for Gus, who was LINDA released from emergency family is yet (by press time) to come with fatal consePENTZ custody forward and shed quences. Vester Flanagan’s situaany light on Flanation was profoundly difgan’s mental health ferent to Gus Deeds in past. As far we two key areas. He was black. know, Flanagan lived his life either undiagnosed and/or unAnd he was gay. We do not know treated, although employers whether Flanagan, 41 at the time had encouraged him to seek he died, suffered racial or homomental health support, which phobic discrimination. We can he had refused. certainly assume, given the era in But the sensationalist adjec- which he grew up, that he must tives deliberately ignore the have encountered it. While being more obvious explanation for black and gay are not relevant to Flanagan’s actions. His wild Flanagan’s fatal actions, they fluctuations between “the may well have had a bearing on funny guy” and an intense whether or not he sought or repersecution complex; the ceived the medical help he mood swings of charm and needed. As a black, gay man, and one rage; and a delusional sense of self-importance, present suffering already from a sense of themselves as textbook persecution brought on by his symptoms of severe, unmed- mental illness, Flanagan may icated bi-polar disorder (also have been up against a hostile known an manic depresmedical environment even if he sion.) had considered psychiatric help. While many suffering And it is an environment which from bi-polar disorder live sadly persists today. full and productive lives As both speakers and members HE SENSELESS ACCESS

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Vester Flanagan, shot and killed two former TV station colleagues. His sparsely decorated apartment was filled with photographs of himself.

of the audience at a recent LGBT health forum at George Washington University in Washington, DC repeatedly articulated, cultural competency is still far too often lacking in doctors‘ offices and at hospitals. Too many medical practitioners are ill-informed, do not know how to talk to or treat LGBT patients, and may even shun them altogether. Just take a look at some of the state Religious Freedom Restoration Acts which allow hospitals to turn away LGBT patients. A high-profile example of this was the case of married lesbian couple, Krista and Jami Contreras of Michigan — who spoke at the recent unveiling of the Equality Act on Capitol Hill. When they turned up with their newborn daughter for her first pediatric visit, their handpicked doctor, Vesna Roi, had chosen not to treat their child. Roi’s decision was based on so-called religious principles, but a general lack of cultural competency in dealing with lesbian or gay patients remains far too widespread. (The problem is even more acute for transgender patients as too few doctors have been trained in how to address them, let alone treat their unique medical needs.) Audience members at the GWU health forum emphasized how much more comfortable they felt with a doctor “who looks like me” or who was also gay or even trans. But a black, gay doctor, is, even today, unlikely to advertise himself in this

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norities, whether racial or sexual. And, according to Dr. Ilan Meyer, the problem is systemic. “We need to be concerned about quality health care beyond LGBT,” said Meyer during the GWU forum. Meyer is an American psychiatric epidemiologist, author, professor, and a senior scholar for public policy and sexual orientation law at the Williams Institute of UCLA. “It is not even just about providers who don’t know about LGBT health or attitudes,” Meyer continued. “It’s about the structures for patient-doctor intervention. It’s about the ability of providers to spend time with their patients. They spend just three minutes with a patient and the problem starts right there. It’s a bigger problem and a larger debate that is not LGBT specific.” Thanks to the idiotic stranglehold on Capitol Hill by the gun lobby, there will be more shootings by more Vester Flanagans. But there will also be more black, gay patients with nowhere to go, the ones without the guns, and without the headlines. They will not commit atrocities. They will simply suffer neglect, stigma and, in many cases, economic depravation that will exclude the option of psychiatric help. As Mara Kiesling, founding executive director of DC’s National Center for Transgender Equality, put it so succinctly during her remarks at GWU: “We need to do more better, faster and now.”

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way, making him hard for the Flanagans of the world to find. We may never know how early Flanagan’s symptoms began to manifest or whether he or anyone around him recognized his crying need for treatment. According to a cousin, Guynell Flanagan, who talked to reporters at the British newspaper, The Daily Mail, “when I knew him as a child he wasn't like that.” She also insisted that Flanagan’s sexuality was well known to his family and not a problem with them. “The whole family knew he was gay. We accepted him,” she told the Mail. “He's not the only one in the family who's gay and personally I couldn't care less.” Doctors who might not “care less” about their gay patients need to be trained from the outset, insists Naseema Shafi, deputy executive director at Whitman-Walker Health, a Washington DC community health center specializing in HIV/AIDS care and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender care. The center conducts its own cultural competency training but, Shafi says, “medical schools have a responsibility” to train their graduates who must also “be open to hearing from patients.” Flanagan may not have been heard. Or he may never have asked. And the answer to these questions, if they come at all, will come too late for his victims. But it’s important to recognize that our health system continues to underserve mi-

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even if he had considered psychiatric help. And it is an environment which sadly persists today.

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As a black, gay man, and one suffering already from a sense of persecution brought on by his mental illness,

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THE AGENDA INTERVIEW

DAVID JOBIN STEPS UP

He transformed Stonewall National Museum & Archives into the vibrant, high-profile organization it is today. Can he do even more for Our Fund?

September 02, 2015

JACKSON: This is a prestigious, but not unpredictable, appointment for you following your very public transformation and rebirth of Stonewall National Museum & Archives as a new and exciting entity. What are your emotions right now? JOBIN: The strongest feeling this brings is one of accomplishment. The challenges at Stonewall when I started were considerable – but, together with the board, we quickly created a strategy to overcome them and we put the staff in place to support that effort within four months of my start date.

DAVID JOBIN, currently the executive director of Stonewall Museum & Archives in Fort Lauderdale, was this week named the new CEO and president of Our Fund. He will replace founding CEO and president Anthony Timiros, who is retiring. Our Fund is an influential, multi-million dollar tax-exempt organization which unites donors with organizations supporting the LGBTQ community. Jobin earned a name for himself in Washington, DC where he served as executive director of the Gay Men’s Chorus, at the time the largest gay men’s chorus in the nation with 250 singers. His tenure at Stonewall has been marked by substantial growth in its fundraising and community profile, as well as the opening of a gallery on Wilton Drive.

By PETER JACKSON

Q: What makes your new role as CEO/President of Our Fund most appealing to you? A: I very much want to make an impact on the community that has adopted me and my husband, Angel, here in Fort Lauderdale. We instantly developed a love affair with South Florida and the idea of being able to make this an even more livable community for LGBT people is extremely important to me. Q: Your accomplishments as Stonewall National Museum & Archives are numerous. The opening of a gallery on Wilton Drive, the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s LGBTQ community, has to be among them. Would you agree? A: I beam every time I drive or walk by the Stonewall Gallery. I remember vacationing in Fort Lauderdale years ago and visiting Wilton Manors. And although I loved the vitality that

the bars and restaurants brought to the area, I am a big believer that cultural destinations are also required to create a completely enriching community. Having an LGBT museum in the heart of Wilton Manors has the potential to make a huge and lasting impact on Wilton Drive.

LGBT history is happening and changing at an alarmingly fast pace. It makes tracking and archiving that history much more challenging than it was when Stonewall Library and Archives was founded 40 years ago. Q: What among your achievements at Stonewall are you most proud? A: Certainly the Stonewall Gallery is on that list. But the fact that Stonewall has in place a talented and committed staff with Emery Grant and Ronni Dowd makes me very proud, since I was involved with their hiring and onboarding to Stonewall. I’m also proud of how successfully we have partnered with other LGBT organi-

zations to mutual benefit of all involved, such as the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Island City Stage, the World AIDS Museum, Pride Center, Slow Burn Theatre to name a few. Q: What is your hope for Stonewall National Museum & Archives? Where would you like to see the organization is 10 years? Is its role changing? A: LGBT history is happening and changing at an alarmingly fast pace. It makes tracking and archiving that history much more challenging than it was when Stonewall Library and Archives was founded 40 years ago. Archiving will have to become digital to capture and preserve the amount of information that is being exchanged related to LGBT events – and Stonewall is already in the process of making that happen. I hope that in 10 years, the Stonewall footprint will be even larger than it is now with all of the programs and operations housed in one, centrally located place that brings our community together to remember our history and celebrate our accomplishments. Q: What are you hoping to accomplish at Our Fund? A: I would like for the success of Our Fund to be thought of as integral to the livability of South Florida for LGBT people of all ages, races, socio-economic status and gender identity. We can, together, create the most desirable locale for LGBT residents in the country. Non-profits have the potential to make that a reality – and Our Fund’s support of those non-profits is a key.

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Kentucky clerk Kim Davis’ last gasp

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DAVIS IS A PIECE of work. In case the name doesn’t ring any immediate bells, she’s the Rowen County Clerk from Kentucky who has steadfastly refused to issue samesex marriage licenses as is her mandate by the courts. She is in open defiance of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling of two months ago. Her defense: To do so would violate her Apostolic Christian faith and her constitutional right to religious freedom. The irresponsibility of By a county clerk to feel her own RICHARD personal beHACK liefs are above the law sets a precedent for misbehavior that is as disappointing as it is illegal. “Kim Davis did not sign up as a clerk to issue same-sex marriage licenses,” said her public-interest lawyers, Liberty Counsel. “Her job duty was changed by five lawyers without any constitutional authority. At a minimum, her religious convictions should be accommodated. “Judge Bunning’s decision equated Kim’s free exercise of religion to going to church. This is absurd! Christianity is not a robe you take off when you leave a sanctuary. The First Amendment guarantees Kim and IM

Kim Davis and others who would defy the law have no monopoly on faith or conscience. ABC News photo

Kim Davis and protestors to enter her office, which remained closed for the first hour. Only then did Davis address the crowd. In a statement, Davis says she owes her life to Jesus Christ. “Following the death of my godly mother-in-law over four years ago, I went to church to fulfill her dying wish. There I heard a message of grace and forgiveness and surrendered my life to Jesus Christ.” She also says that “to issue a marriage license which conflicts with God’s definition of marriage, with my name affixed to the certificate, would violate my conscience.” She calls her decision one of obedience to God and says she won’t resign, labeling God as the “ultimate

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every American the free exercise of religion, even when they are working for the government.” Davis has repeatedly refused to return telephone calls from the Agenda, and continued to remain mute even as the last of her appeals to Judge Bunning’s decision was denied. “She’s going to have to think and pray about her decision overnight. She certainly understands the consequences either way,” Mat Staver, founder of the law firm representing Davis, said on Monday, hours before a court-ordered delay in the case expired. “She’ll report to work tomorrow (Tuesday), and face whatever she has to face.” On Tuesday morning, Davis walked through a crowd of supporters

authority.” Well, actually, no, Kim. In this country, laws determine correct behavior, not your God, or the Muslim God, or the Jewish God, or another other faith. You have to do what is right by the law. In Kentucky, it’s a Class A misdemeanor — first-degree official misconduct — for elected officials to refuse to perform the duties of their office. “We have exhausted just about every channel of government that we know of,” Akers said. “We have talked to the governor, we have talked to the attorney general, we have talked to the county judge-executive, we have talked to the county attorney. But we are told that because she is an elected official, she is essentially independent and above the law unless somebody sues her.” Which, of course, is exactly what has happened. Kim Davis and others who would defy the law have no monopoly on faith or conscience. Nearly every same-sex couple who has married, or who wants to marry, have some religious belief that is guiding their actions. They regard their marriages as sacred. Religious freedom cuts both ways. And as for Kim Davis, who by the way is on her fourth husband: she needs to resign and find herself a job which is not in conflict with her beliefs. She has no right to reject samesex and lesbian couples who expect her to do her job. It is about respect, and human equality, and, yes, following the law of the land.

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION?

The Florida Agenda welcomes signed Letters to the Editor, up to 400 words in length, on topics of general interest to our readers. You may e-mail submissions to Editor@MMPLGBT.com. We also welcome comments on our Facebook page.

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OPINION

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DR. DURRELL’S SPIRITUAL PRESCRIPTIONS

THE BIBLE: MY DEFENSE, OFFENSE AND DECISION

Four presidential hopefuls want to turn back the clock CONTINUED from page 07

“I love the bible, but I don’t depend on any particular interpretation of it to give my life value. I have decided to celebrate my sacred value and to insist that all people be treated fairly and with dignity regardless of anyone’s religious belief... possibly lesbian to me. It was interesting to me that the Apostle Paul went to Mytlene (Lesbos!) where he might have had friends. In fact, Paul seems pretty gay to me! I even had questions about at least one of Jesus’ disciples. Gay people know one another, and I had a great time finding my gay and lesbian sisters and brothers in the stories of my leather bound bible. Phase Three: Decision. I am now at a point in my life where I don’t need to be defensive nor do I need to go on the offensive. I don’t need to persuade fundamentalists that

Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins is the Senior Minister of Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale.

PAUL BERGE

September 02, 2015

sistent with their belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman without fear of retaliation from the government. Five, direct the Department of Justice to investigate, document and publicize cases of Americans who have been harassed or threatened for exercising key civil rights to organize, to speak, to donate or to vote for marriage and to propose new protections, if needed. A fifth candidate, Wisconsin

governor Scott Walker, has called for a constitutional amendment during his campaigning but has yet to sign the pledge. Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee announced his own “Pledge to the American People” which indicated he would “stand for the institution of marriage and vigorously oppose any redefinition.” Not surprisingly, each candidate is openly homophobic, and has made no secret of his condemnation of marriage equality.

they are wrong about homosexuality nor do I need to find affirming tidbits in scripture or loopholes in the socalled “clobber passages” to justify my existence. I love the bible, but I don’t depend on any particular interpretation of it to give my life value. I have decided to celebrate my sacred value and to insist that all people be treated fairly and with dignity regardless of anyone’s religious belief (or prejudice masquerading as religious belief). I have decided that I won’t play biblical tit-for-tat and that I will simply trust my experience of life, which includes who and how I love. And I invite other spiritual seekers and persons of faith to do the same. floridaagenda.com

against gay people to playing a n my evolution as a version of “Find Queer Waldo” Queer spiritual leader in the pages of Holy Writ. With and activist I have glee I would discuss the vow of experienced three devotion that one woman phases so far. makes to another in the story of Phase One: DeRuth, a vow that has often been fense. I spent the early part featured in heterosexual wedof my ministry deconBy Rev. Dr. ding ceremonies, “Ask me not structing the bible passages that were used to DURRELL to leave thee or to return from after thee; for promote homophobia and WATKINS following whither thou goest, I will go to demonize and dehumanand where thou lodgest, I will ize same-gender loving lodge. Thy people shall be my people. I passionately pointed out that the biblical narratives people and thy God my God. Where thou diest I shall die and there I will never condemn same-gender love or be buried…” attraction. Similarly, I would beam with joy Every time the bible seems to be as I told the warrior love story of critical of homosexuality (and there Jonathan and David (who made a vow are only about half a dozen verses in the entire bible that can be given a ho- to one another). Jonathan affirmed that he loved David as if David were mophobic spin) it is always in the context of prostitution or rape (behav- his own soul; and David declared that he loved Jonathan in a way he could iors that exploit or abuse someone). never love women. People in love, choosing to be toBoaz (from the Ruth story) gether, enjoying each other’s comseemed a little gay to me. Ebedmpany (and each other’s bodies) is elech, who rescued a prophet from a never condemned in the bible. well, seemed a little gay to me. Lydya Phase Two: Offense. I (who was central in a women’s commoved from trying to de-fang the apmunity) in the book of Acts seemed parently venomous verses used

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CREEP OF THE WEEK

By D’Anne Witowski

Campaign for Houston While marriage equality is now the law of the land in the U.S., there are still plenty of places where it is still perfectly legal to discriminate against LGBT people in all kinds of fun ways. Many forward-thinking cities across the country have gone ahead and enacted anti-discrimination ordinances of their own rather than wait around for their nearly immobile state governments to get off their asses and do something. This is why Houston, Texas, for example has the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) which “prohibits discrimination on the basis of characteristics in City employment, City services, City contracting practices, housing, public accommodations and private employment.” There’s over a dozen characteristics the ordinance protects; gender identity and sexual orientation are the ones that have the haters, well, hating. And alas, in November there will be a measure to repeal the ordinance on the ballot. Behind the push for repeal is the Campaign for Houston. But don’t be fooled by their seemingly innocuous name. They are pulling out all the transphobic stops in their campaign against the ordinance, trying to scare people with images of men lurking in women’s restrooms. They’ve released a radio ad with a woman’s voice that claims “this ordinance will allow men to freely go into women’s bathrooms, locker rooms and showers. That is filthy, that is disgusting and that is unsafe.” The ad continues, “Join me and other women in Houston as we vote ‘no’ on Mayor Parker’s bathroom ordnance. And again, let me make this very clear, on behalf of all moms, sisters and daughters: no men in

women’s bathrooms.” Mm’kay. Let’s break this down. What do the women of Houston have against men? I’m presuming there are plenty of women there who are married to men and/or do sex with them and even share bathrooms with them every day at home. What’s up with all the men-hating women in Houston? It just doesn’t make any sense. What’s really disgusting here is the Campaign using an already marginalized group of people who face layer upon layer of discrimination — in other words, the very people who need the protections this ordinance provides most — as a scare tactic to “moms, sisters and daughters.” Oh, and by the way, some of those moms, sisters and daughters are trans. The Campaign’s website reads, “Campaign for Houston is made up of parents and family members who do not want their daughters, sisters or mothers forced to share restrooms in public facilities with gender-confused men, who – under this ordinance – can all themselves ‘women’ on a whim and use women’s restrooms whenever they wish.” Yeah, the only people confused here are the ones who think that there are men who, on a whim, say, “I’m a lady!” just to have the privilege to use women’s restrooms. Have they never seen the long lines for the women’s rooms at sporting events or concerts? Not to mention the fact that that’s just not how trans identity works. If your idea of free speech and religious expression is the right to openly and hostilely discriminate against LGBT people then, yes, I guess this ordinance does suck for you. Here’s hoping you can find it in your heart to pray the anti-gay away.

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Roy Chan Photo: yahoo.com

“We need a supportive environment that does not discriminate a person because he or she is HIV infected.”

DAKAR, SN (AP) - A Senegalese activist and a rights group on Friday called for the release of seven men arrested in July and sentenced to six months in prison for homosexual acts. Djamil Bangoura, president of the gay rights group Prudence, said Senegal must change its anti-gay laws. Homosexual acts are punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of up to $2,500. “We denounce this policing of people’s lives and the attitude that they are criminal,” he told The Associated Press in a phone interview. “It’s terrible that even today Senegal is condemning and judging people who are maybe different.” Police arrested the seven men without a warrant at a house in a suburb of Dakar after the mother of one of the men called authorities, Bangoura said. Police said they saw two men in the act, and then found five others in a room with condoms, Bangoura said. Neither the police officers nor the mother testified at the trial, Bangoura said. The men were sentenced on Aug. 21 to six months in prison, he said. Human Rights Watch denounced the case. “The absurd conviction of these seven men for acts that should never be a crime is sadly not an aberration, but reflects the Senegalese government’s broader discrimination against the LGBT community,” said Neela Ghoshal of Human Rights Watch. A lawyer said the police record presented as evidence lacked the basic elements for proving a crime, and phones said to have incriminating details were not presented, Human Rights Watch said. The organization called for the abolishment of the anti-gay law and for the release of the men.

months. Pass holders are not allowed to work in the city-state. HIV, or the human immunodeficiency virus, attacks the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the end stage of a HIV infection. While there is no cure, treatments such as antiretroviral therapy have helped individuals improve their immune systems, delaying the spread of the virus. Roy Chan, the president of local voluntary group Action for Aids, said his organization welcomed the move as a step toward a greater understanding and acceptance of HIVinfected persons. “While things have improved slightly, we cannot forget that many are still being asked to leave their jobs and are ostracized by friends and family because of HIV infection. Many still suffer alone, and have trouRoy Chan ble securing jobs and health insurance,” said Chan. “We need a supportive environment that does not discriminate a person because he or she is HIV infected. The repeal of the shortterm entry ban is one such example of what we need to do,” he told the AP. According to latest health ministry figures, there were 6,685 HIV-infected Singapore residents in 2014, in a population of 5.3 million, of whom 1,737 have died. HIV can be transmitted through blood, pregnancy, and sexual intercourse with an infected partner. It cannot be spread by social contact.

Senegal activist: release 7 men convicted of gay acts

September 02, 2015

SINGAPORE (AP) - Singapore said Monday it has lifted a two-decade ban on HIV-infected people from entering the country, but will limit their stay to a maximum of three months. The Health Ministry said the ban was lifted on April 1, “given the current context with more than 5,000 Singapore residents living with HIV and the availability of effective treatment for the disease.” The three-month restriction is apparently aimed at preventing long-term residence by foreigners, such as those looking to work in the island-nation or looking to accompany a child studying here. “The policy on the repatriation and permanent blacklisting of HIV-positive foreigners was recommended in the late 1980s when the disease was new, fatal and no effective treatment was available,” a ministry spokesman said in an e-mail reply to The Associated Press. __ says The spokesman cannot be identiﬁed under Singapore government rules. While a short-term visit “poses very low additional risk of HIV transmission to the local population,” the ban on a long-term one remains as “the public health risk posed by long-stayers is not insigniﬁcant,” the spokesman said. Countries such as Australia and New Zealand have similar restrictions on long-term visitors with HIV. Short-term visitors to Singapore have to obtain a Social Visit Pass that is valid for two to four weeks, and may subsequently be renewed for up to three

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Singapore softens ban on HIV-positive visitors

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INTERNATIONAL

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NATION Federal judge orders Kentucky clerk and her staff to court “To issue a marriage license which conﬂicts with God’s deﬁnition of marriage, would violate my conscience”

September 02, 2015

MOREHEAD, KY (AP) - A county clerk in Kentucky who invoked “God’s authority” Tuesday for defying the U.S. Supreme Court on gay marriage has been summoned by a federal judge to explain why she should not be fined or jailed for contempt. U.S. District Judge David Bunning moved swiftly after Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis insisted yet again Tuesday that her religious beliefs prevent her from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Davis turned several couples away and then retreated into her office, where her door and blinds were closed to the raucous scene outside. Davis then issued a statement refusing to resign or concede her position. “To issue a marriage license which conflicts with God’s definition of marriage, with my name affixed to the certificate, would violate my conscience. It is not a light issue for me. It is a Heaven or Hell decision,” her statement said. “I was elected by the people to serve as the County Clerk. I intend to continue to serve the people of Rowan County, but I cannot violate my conscience.” Davis has not always been this devoted to her church. “”Following the death of my godly motherin-law over four years ago, I went to church to fulfill her dying wish. There I heard a message of grace and forgiveness and surrendered my

life to Jesus Christ.” The U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene Monday night, leaving Davis no legal ground for her continued refusal. Lawyers for couples who were denied licenses asked the judge Tuesday to find her in contempt, but punish her with only financial penalties, not jail time. “Since Defendant Davis continues to collect compensation from the Commonwealth for duties she fails to perform,” they asked Bunning to “impose financial penalties sufficiently serious and increasingly onerous” to compel her immediate compliance without delay. Rowan County Attorney Cecil Watkins says the federal court alerted him that a hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday in Ashland, and that Davis along with her entire staff has been summoned to appear. As an elected official, Davis can’t be fired; her impeachment would have to wait until the Legislature’s regular session next year or a costly special session. Davis rejected David Moore and David Ermold’s license request for a fourth time, and then told them to leave. “We’re not leaving until we have a license,” Ermold said as reporters and cameras surrounded them. “Then you’re going to have a long day,” Davis told him, and then retreated into her inner office.

From the back of the room, Davis’ supporters said: “Praise the Lord! ... Stand your ground.” Other activists shouted that Davis is a bigot and told her: “Do your job.” The sheriff then moved everyone out to the courthouse lawn, where James Yates and Will Smith Jr., who were denied a license for a fifth time, left red-eyed and shaking. “It’s just too hard right now,” Yates said, choking back tears and holding hands as they rushed to their car. Davis was elected last November as a Democrat, succeeding her mother in the office she had held for 37 years, according to the Morehead News. Her staff includes her son. Davis stopped issuing all marriage licenses after the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage across the nation in June. Two gay couples and two straight couples sued, arguing that she must fulfill her duties as an elected official despite her personal religious faith. Other couples also sued. A federal judge ordered her to issue the licenses, and an appeals court upheld that decision. Her lawyers with the Liberty Counsel filed a last-ditch request Friday to the Supreme Court, seeking what they called “asylum for her conscience” that would enable her to continue denying marriage licenses even though she’s lost her

case in every lower court. Justice Elena Kagan, who oversees the 6th district, referred the request to the full court, which denied it without comment. Amid Tuesday’s developments, two groups lined up on either side of the courthouse entrance to chant at each other. “At the end of the day, we have to stand before God, which has higher authority than the Supreme Court,” said Randy Smith, leading the group supporting Davis. Ermold and Moore, together for 17 years, cried and swayed as walked out to chants from the clerk’s supporters. “I feel sad, I feel devastated,” Ermold said. “I feel like I’ve been humiliated on such a national level, I can’t even comprehend it.” The clerk’s husband, Joe Davis, came by to check on his wife. He said she has received death threats but remains committed to her faith and is “standing for God.” As for himself, he said he believes in the Second Amendment: “I’m an old redneck hillbilly, that’s all I’ve got to say. Don’t come knocking on my door.” He pointed to the gay rights protesters gathered on the courthouse lawn and said: “They want us to accept their beliefs and their ways. But they won’t accept our beliefs and our ways.”

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September 02, 2015

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MICHAEL D. BECKER Attorney at Law

September 02, 2015

Criminal Defense Federal and State Trial and Appeals Two Decades of Experience

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NATION

Tennessee students asked to use gender-neutral pronouns

Foundation supports Wyoming magistrate on gay marriage

LOS ANGELES--Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake will take home the Inspiration Award at GLSEN’s Respect Awards, scheduled for Oct. 23 at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills. The new parents will be honored with the night’s highest honor “for their long-standing commitment to improving the lives of children,” according to the organization, as well as their longstanding support of the LGBT community. Past honorees Bob Greenblatt, Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg, Jim Parsons and Todd Spiewak, and Julia Roberts and Danny Moder. Launched in 2004, the GLSEN Respect Awards are held annually in L.A. and New York to showcase the work of students, educators, individuals and corporations who serve as role models and have made an impact on the lives of LGBT youth. Corporate Sponsors of the 2015 GLSEN RespectAwards in L.A. include HBO, Target and Wells Fargo, while media sponsors include DiversityInc and The Advocate. This article was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter

CHEYENNE, WY (AP) - A conservative law firm that works on religious issues nationwide is representing a Wyoming magistrate under investigation for saying she would refuse to perform same-sex marriages. Pinedale Municipal Judge and Circuit Court Magistrate Ruth Neely faces an upcoming hearing before the Wyoming Commission on Judicial Conduct and Ethics. The commission is probing statements Neely made to the press that she would not perform same-sex marriages because of her religious beliefs. Neely says no one has asked her to perform a same-sex marriage. Lawyers with the Alliance Defending Freedom, a religious advocacy law firm based in Arizona, are representing Neely. They say removing her from office for expressing her beliefs would violate her constitutional rights. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June that samesex couples have a right to marry.

Justin Timberlake and wife Jessica Biel to be honored

September 02, 2015

KNOXVILLE, TN (AP) - University of Tennessee students have been asked to use genderneutral pronouns such as “ze.” The University of Tennessee Office for Diversity and Inclusion is asking students and faculty to use the pronouns in order to create a more inclusive campus, multiple media outlets report. “Transgender people and people who do not identify within the gender binary may use a different name than their legal name and pronouns of their gender identity, rather than the pronouns of the sex they were assigned at birth,” the University of Tennessee’s Pride Center Director, Donna Braquet, wrote on the university’s website Wednesday. Braquet requested that teachers, rather than calling roll, will instead ask each student to provide the name and pronoun he or she - or ze wishes to be referred by. She says it relieves a burden for people expressing different genders or identities.

are an improvement. “I do hope that this helps (lawmakers) understand that we are listening to them and their concerns,” Whitney said. “We’re trying to revise it because our

member schools have indicated to us, and we serve member schools, that they want us to have a policy.” But Whitney said if lawmakers pass a birth certificate requirement, “we will certainly abide by that.” Republican Rep. Jim Bolin, who authored a legislative proposal to void the board’s policy last session and is one of the leaders of the study committee, said he would not support a policy that doesn’t include the birth certificate requirement. “It’s an issue that I don’t think will go away because it involves a contradiction of an official state document by minors,” Bolin said. Efforts to block the policy during the 2015 session stalled in the South Dakota Senate after easily passing through the House. “I’m hopeful with the attention that’s been here they’ll take a close look at that tomorrow and maybe have some revisions that will fit closer to where some of the public sentiment seems to be at,” Brown said ahead of the meeting. “Short of that happening, I would probably agree that I would expect the issue to be back before the Legislature if it’s not resolved.” The revised policy would require a student and parent to notify the school that a student wants to play on the sports team that matches their gender identity, and the school would assist in gathering documentation.

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PIERRE, SD (AP) - South Dakota’s high school activities association on Thursday largely maintained its policy allowing transgender student athletes to request to play on the team of their choice, increasing the likelihood Republicans in the statehouse will push legislation to change it. The South Dakota High School Activities Association Thursday gave preliminary approval to some revisions to the 2014 policy such as establishing an independent hearing officer - rather than a committee - to evaluate applications. But they retained the basic policy of allowing students to request their choice of team. A legislative committee studying the association voted last week to draft a measure to confine students to the team matching the gender on their birth certificates, which could go to the Legislature in the upcoming session. The association’s policy aims to provide a way for transgender students to participate on the sports teams that reflect their gender identities rather than the sex listed on their birth certificates. So far, a transgender student hasn’t made a request under the policy. Linda Whitney, a member of the association’s board of directors, said the changes to the policy, which could be finalized at a November meeting,

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Group keeps policy on transgender high school athletes

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SUNSHINE STATE Stonewall’s executive director to join Our Fund as new CEO/President WILTON MANORS, FL--Chuck Loring, Board Chair of Our Fund, announced today that their Board of Directors has named David Jobin, the current Executive Director of Stonewall National Museum & Archives, as Our Fund’s next CEO/President. A David Jobin (Photo:stonewall-museum.org) national search was launched in the Spring of 2015 when Our Fund’s founding President & CEO Anthony Timiraos informed the Board of Directors his wish to retire at the end of his five year commitment. During Jobin’s tenure as Executive Director of Stonewall, the organization experienced substantial growth in its fundraising and public profile and opened the Stonewall Gallery in Wilton Manors. Prior to joining Stonewall, he served as the Executive Director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC – at the time the largest gay men’s chorus in the country with over 250 singers. “The opportunity to step into the position of President & CEO of Our Fund is fulfilling for me because, as a resident of South Florida and as the leader of an organization that benefits greatly from Our Fund’s support, I strongly believe in the mission and work of Our Fund. Tony (Timiraos) is leaving the organization on firm footing with a bright future and a strong Board of Directors,” commented Jobin. “David stood out among the national pool of candidates because of the impressive record of success he achieved at Stonewall and prior non-profit organizations he ran,” says Our Fund’s Board Chair Chuck Loring. “The entire search committee was in agreement that having someone with David’s reputation in the community would be an asset for us as we transition to new leadership.” Gary Bitner, Board Chair of Stonewall National Museum & Archives added, “David’s contribution to Stonewall cannot be overstated, and he will be missed. To his credit, David has helped to strengthen Stonewall to the point that we can effectively manage this situation so it results in a very positive outcome for our organization.” The timing of the transition is being coordinated between the two organizations. Stonewall National Museum & Archives will organize a national search to replace Mr. Jobin. It is expected that a successor will be identified and in place by December 2015, at which time David will begin his new duties with Our Fund.

Realtor Scott Roman accused of hit-and-run death FORT LAUDERDALE—Luxury realtor Scott L. Roman has been arrested in the fourmonth old hit-and-run death of a 22-year-old man in Oakland Park. Broward Judge John Hurley has set a $1 million bond for the 47-year-old Roman, who was arrested at his condo in The Palms on Ocean Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. He was booked into the Broward Main Jail on charges of failure to remain at the scene of a fatal accident and tampering with evidence in the death of 22-year-old Joseph Deverson, who was riding a moped at the time of the accident on Powerline Road north of Oakland Park Blvd. The hit-and-run took place on May 11 at 10:45 pm. Deverson was declared brain dead a day later, removed from life supScott Roman (Photo:scottroman.com) port and his organs donated. Authorities found a side-mirror belonging to a BMW at the scene. “It’s awesome to hear, but it’s just an arrest, which means it’s the start of a whole new process,” Deverson’s sister, Jessica Deverson, told the Sun Sentinel newspaper.. “There’s a really long road that we’re now going to go down that includes a trial, justice and punishment. It’s a step in the right direction, though.” An employee of Roman’s oceanfront condominium led authorities to his damaged white BMW-6 series that investigators believe hit Deverson. Roman had asked the employee to have his car repaired. According to authorities, Roman has been drinking at Alibi/Monkey Bar before leaving the gay bar shortly after 10 pm. Because of the special circumstances connected with the crime, if Roman is released on bond, Judge Hurley has ordered that he be held under house arrest with a GPS monitor, surrender his passport, not operate any motor vehicle, or drink alcohol. The youngest of three children, Deverson graduated from Northeast High School and worked at an Oakland Park motor repair shop. “Somebody out there has his heart, and it’s keeping them alive,” Jessica Deverson, 30, told the Sun Sentinel. “Joe was 22, handsome, a great brother who loved his dog and ﬁshing. And he’s dead now. Nobody deserves to be hit by a car and left on the side of the road all alone.”

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Gay Men’s Chorus Of South Florida launching nationwide search for new artistic director FORT LAUDERDALE, (PRNewswire) -- The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida has announced it will launch a nation-wide search for a new Artistic Director in September. The Chorus is comprised of 170 members from throughout the South Florida region who have performed to sold-out concerts throughout the group’s ﬁve-year history. The Artistic Director also serves as the Conductor and reports to the Board of Directors. The Chorus had been led by Gordon Roberts, a stellar presence on the podium since the group’s inaugural year. Roberts’ contract came to an end this summer, resulting in a vacancy for the position. “Gordon Roberts is an accomplished musician, and we owe him a deep debt of gratitude for the service he has given to the men of the Chorus,” states Board Chair Doug Pew. “We believe Gordon has great things ahead of him in his career and wish him tremendous success.” The Chorus will be working with talented guest conductors until the Chorus identiﬁes its next artistic leader. The season is expected to open on time with the Chorus’s highly anticipated holiday concerts December 11, 12, 18 & 19.

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

ACCOUNTING

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

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ATTORNEYS

Etz Chaim 1501 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-564-9232 / etzchaimﬂorida.org

Michael D. Becker Attorney at Law 201 NE 2nd Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-727-5067 / becker-lawyer.com

The Parish of St Francis & Clare 101 NE 3rd Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-731-8173 / stsfrancisandclare.org

Law Ofﬁces of George Castrataro 707 NE 3rd Avenue, Suite 300 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-573-1444 / lawgc.com

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

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Law Ofﬁces of Caro Kinsella 20801 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 403 Miami, FL 33180 954-304-2243 / immigrationlawyerﬂ.com

FITNESS

Dean Trantalis Attorney 2255 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-2226 / trantalislaw.com

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

AUTO

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September 02, 2015

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ORGANIZATIONS

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HEALTH / MEDICAL

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

MARKETING

WINDOWS

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

REAL ESTATE Galleria International Realty 945 Las Olas Boulvard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-234-8759 / galleriarealtors.com Joe Grano Realtor 1881 NE 26th Street, Suite 212 Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-931-0031 / joegrano.com

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UPHOLSTERY

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OPTICAL

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HEALTH & FITNESS

I HEALTHWATCH

Vary intensity for optimal workouts

hen exercising, it’s important to monitor your intensity to make sure you’re working at a pace that is challenging enough to help you reach your goals, but not so hard that you collapse. I often tell patients to exercise at high intensity during their workouts. Sometimes I will tell them, “walk fast, like you are being chased!” Another way By to say it is -- walk so fast you Dr. Don couldn’t carry on a conversation Fisher with someone walking with you. Try using the BEST Program Perceived Exertion Scale. The standard is the Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion, which ranges from 0-20. I decided to make it more basic and simple. I think it is a little easier to remember. In general, for most workouts you want to be at

around Level 5-6. If you’re doing interval training (especially to gain muscle and lose fat), you want your recovery to be around a 4-5 and your intensity blasts to be at around 8-9. Working at a level 10 isn’t recommended for most workouts. For longer, slower workouts, keep your BEST Program PE at Level 5 or lower. The BEST thing to remember is this exertion scale can be adapted to any workout. I use it most often for treadmill workouts. You may ﬁnd it helpful during your outdoor walking/ running. I sometimes apply this for swimmers who like to lap swim. Anyone who has ever seen swimmers do sprints in the pool have seen the level 7-9. Other workouts where you can apply this exertion scale are stairclimbing, cycling, elliptical workouts and jumping rope. Dr. Don Fisher, D.O., is a physician and the medical director of The Best Program, Inc., in Fort Lauderdale. Contact him online at www. TheBestProgram.net.

LEVEL 1: I’m on the sofa, watching TV and eating Cheetos

LEVEL 2: I’m comfortable and could main tain this pace all day long

LEVEL 3: I’m still comfortable, but am breathing a bit harder

LEVEL 4: I’m sweating a little, but feel good and can carry on a conversation effortlessly LEVEL 5: I’m just above comfortable, am sweating more and can still talk easily LEVEL 6: I can still talk, but am slightly breathless LEVEL 7: I can still talk, but I don’t really want to. I’m sweating like crazy LEVEL 8: I can grunt in response to your questions and can only keep this pace for a short while LEVEL 9: I am probably going to collapse LEVEL 10: I am going to die!

FAST FIT By Richard Hack and Andy Kress from their book Baby Boomers’ Guide to the Fountain of Youth

September 02, 2015

Fifty percent of all Type 2 diabetes remains undetected until a stroke, heart attack or organ failure.

Women and men each need a diﬀerent set of vitamins and minerals to supplement their diets. One size does not ﬁt all.

While Vitamin C is beneﬁcial to healthy teeth and gums, the chewable form has been linked to erosion of tooth enamel and is best avoided.

The overconsumption of fishoil supplements can lead to high cholesterol and the increased chance of bleeding due to fishoil’s blood-thinning effects. Limit your intake to one gram a day. Better yet, eat salmon and tuna twice a week.

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Everyone Diggs Him

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PUZZLE

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Across

64 2014 film about a voterregistration drive 65 A girl named Frank 66 High place with a flat top 67 Kilmer poem 68 Diggs

Down

1501 NE 26th St., Wilton Manors 33305 954-564-9232 www.EtzChaimFlorida.org

Your Progressive Community Synagogue Welcoming All to Worship with Us High Holy Day Services

Rosh Hashanah Eve 9/13 and Morning 9/14 Kol Nidre 9/22 and Yom Kippur Morning 9/23 Tickets Required Yizkor, Healing & Music Service, Ne’ilah 9/23 Open to All Rosh Hashanah Luncheon 9/14 and Yom Kippur Break the Fast 9/23 Reservations Required For information about tickets, service times and reservations please call 954-564-9232 1501 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-564-9232 ● www.EtzChaimFlorida.org

Congregation Etz Chaim

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Shabbat services every Friday night at 8pm

Shabbat services every Friday night at 8pm– all are welcome!

1 Atlas Shrugged author Rand 2 Fifth-century pope 3 Scout’s recitation 4 Hissy fits and such 5 Did a slow burn 6 On an Atlantis cruise 7 Publisher and friend of Moss Hart 8 Jethro of rock 9 Weapon of Caesar’s day 10 A real pussy? 11 Bring home the bacon 12 With mouth wide open 13 Kevin Bacon in Footloose 21 Winery container 22 Thousandth of an angry inch? 25 “Why, ___ delighted!” 26 Title role for Jodie Foster 27 Morales of La Bamba 28 Bellows of Ally McBeal 29 Collection suffix 30 “___ out!” (Pallone cry) 32 Frat toga, e.g. 33 Julia Morgan wings 34 Keep in 36 “Beat it!” 37 Sitcom radio station 40 Uniform material

41 Piss off 45 Wine expert, maybe 46 Safe to swallow 47 Title for Colette 48 Word from Bruce Weber, perhaps 49 Wet spot on a blanket of sand 50 West Side Story girl 53 Black key for Elton John 54 “___ roll!” 55 Dustin Hoffman biopic 57 Cartoonist Thomas 58 Sappho’s H’s 59 American Beauty director Mendes 62 Head-scratcher’s comment

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1 Loads 5 Nancy McKeon’s ___ of Life 10 Cold feet 14 When quadrupled, a song by Bikini Kill 15 Finish off 16 Foam at the mouth 17 Grace ___ 18 First name in cosmetics 19 East of Eden son 20 Start of a quote by 68-Across 23 Abe Lincoln’s boy 24 Disencumber 25 Not potent 28 More of the quote 31 Pluck ‘em 35 Arnaz, whose inlaws had Balls 36 Muscular strength 38 Young stud? 39 Sobriquet for 68-Across 42 Inventor Otis 43 Examine the testes again, e.g.? 44 Take a crack at 48 Enjoy a hot tub 51 Tooth care org. 52 Sex, crudely 56 End of the quote 59 Emphatic affirmative, to Frida 60 Opportunity for Glenn Burke 61 “So ___, Farewell” 63 Went down

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SCREEN QUEEN: SUMMER 2015 By Chris Azzopardi

Fran Drescher’s nasally-voiced nanny set the bar high for caretakers everywhere – who could compete with her queerness? I mean, first of all, that garish wardrobe, which was obviously drag-inspired. And that mouth, unfiltered and TMI-ready. Fran Fine spoke her mind, which, of course, made it horribly awkward when a job listing brought her to the Sheffields’ swanky palace (in zebra print, naturally), where she shamelessly flirted with the widowed patriarch, Maxwell, razzed his kids, and then, during dinner, dished on a “natural digestive.” She passed the test, got the job, got fired, then got the job again. That was 1993, when the show premiered, but eventually Drescher’s delightfully zany role as “The Nanny” was notable for more than the whiney way she talked. She lived for Barbra Streisand (remember the impersonator during the final season?). One episode was titled “Oy Vey, You’re Gay” and involved a lesbian pass to Fran from none other than Catherine Oxenberg of Dynasty. Also, how about that time Fran actually did drag? And, you know, her star-powered Rolodex, which might as well be the GLAAD Media Awards guest list: Bette Midler, Estelle Getty, Elton John, Cloris Leachman, Patti LaBelle, Margaret Cho; you get the gist. Because yes. A lot of important gay (ish) icons appeared throughout the span of the show’s six-season, 146-episode run, all of which are permanently etched on discs – with ample commentaries and flashback featurettes – so you never have to forget why you want the ’90s back.

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Photo by fanpop.com

 Bessie As the leading lady in HBO’s Bessie Queen Latifah’s portrayal of the Roaring ’20s singer Bessie Smith is a crowning achievement. No, really, bow down; you haven’t seen Latifah this good since… maybe ever. Latifah’s Bessie is an unstoppable spitfire who knew what she wanted careerwise, got it, and then became an influential force of nature in the black struggle for equality. The Queen encapsulates her empowering gumption in a rangey role that goes for miles (she goes topless, too, so you know she’s committed). Over 20 years in the making, the pursuit of a Bessie biopic is long overdue, and out writer / director Dee Rees (Pariah) knows just where to take this story, portraying Smith as more than a divine singing voice because, well, she was. Bessie was the voice of a community. And of survival. She shut down the KKK when they attempted to set fire to her performance tent, and when a man got too handsy with her, she jabbed him with a piece of stray glass like the baddest badass you’ve ever seen. She slept with men, and she also slept with women. She was unstoppable, and Latifah’s scenes with Ma Rainey (a fabulous Mo’Nique) illustrate Bessie’s unwavering determination to be the best she could be. Rees’ film is a galvanizing slice-oflife biopic rooted in the universality of self-expression. During the extras, which cover the film’s long journey to the screen (featuring Latifah’s less-confident 1996 screen test), Latifah briefly talks about Bessie being the most challenging film of her career. A challenge the Queen meets with consummate flair.

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 The Nanny

 It Follows Modern-day horror has not been good to us. Every now and then a studio switches off the conveyer belt and churns out something other than a trashy sequel (see: The Conjuring, The Babadook), but, otherwise, the genre rarely has anything new to say (yes, you, Saw 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…). When it does, it’s a big deal. It Follows, then, is a big deal. Bigger than big, actually. Huge. On the surface, the premise seems like yet another teens-in-peril whodunit, but writer/director David Robert Mitchell’s masterful ambiguity gives way to deeper, more provocative musing. After all, what is the “it” that’s following these kids? It could be AIDS; it could also be just the mere paranoia surrounding the epidemic’s onset in the ‘80s. Beyond its lingering storytelling, It Follows is a horror buff’s horror movie, creepy and skin crawly. And the acting? It’s refreshingly on point. So is the camera work, which is gorgeous and moody. On the whole, It Follows – as much a tribute to the classics as it is one in its own right – does just that. It stays with you. Scant supplements include a critics-only commentary that breaks down varied facets of the ﬁlm, including some of its classic-horror inﬂuences. And, also, the menacing musical compositions are explored during a standalone talk with their creator because, well, without them, It Followswouldn’t be this bloody good.

@ Chris Azzopardi is the editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service. Reach him via his website at www.chris-azzopardi.com.

September 02, 2015

When HBO gave their beloved mockumentary, The Comeback the dreaded cut after its 13-episode run in 2005, it was a sad, sad time for us gays. How would we go on living without our favorite cupcake, Valerie Cherish, a narcissist we loved almost as much as she loved herself? After the show disappeared from our lives, we were now those same Team Val fans hootin’ and hollerin’ at the end of the first season finale. “Give her another take! Give her another take!” Then, bless them, HBO did. Yes, that’s right. Nearly 10 years later, Valerie Cherish got her much-deserved comeback. It would make sense if this was the plan along – resurrect the show nearly a decade later to further meta-ify its very title. Or maybe it was just that The Comeback_finally made sense to those who couldn’t wrap their heads around the pre-Kardashian world the show inhabited. Never one to miss an opportunity to admire herself, Valerie subtly acknowledges the latter in the first episode, noting that she was hip to reality TV before everyone else. So what now? Shoot a show about a show, cast Valerie Cherish as herself, and have her nemesis, Paulie G, direct it. Get Seth Rogen to play Paulie G. Make even sharper observations about sexism in Hollywood. Then end with some of the most perfect, tearinducing 10 minutes to ever exist on TV, with Lisa Kudrow turning in a complex, layered performance to demonstrate that, yes, we do need to see that. And thanks to this comprehensive set, you can. Forever. With past and present commentaries from Kudrow and show co-creator Michael Patrick King, the short “Valerie at ‘Dancing with the Stars’” and the loopable queerloved classic in its entirety (yes – both seasons!), The Comeback on DVD is probably the answer to all of life’s problems.

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The Comeback

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THE WEEK By Patrick Robert

Jacksonville

Orlando

9/05

9/03

Emmylou Harris

Thirteen time Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter Emmylou Harris has had a long career spanning decades with a slew of hits, including “Mister Sandman” and “To Know Him Is To Love Him.” Tonight she performs in honor of a town with its own long career—Saint Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the United States, is celebrating its 450th anniversary. Harris will be joined by frequent collaborator Rodney Crowell. 9:30 p.m. Plaza de la Constitucion. 23 Orange St. Saint Augustine. 32084.

9/07

Epic Rap Battles of History For four seasons, the uber popular videos of Epic Rap Battles of History have delighted literate fans who can decipher lyrics about probable beefs between such characters as Sir Issac Newton and Bill Nye or Shaka Zulu and Julius Caesar. Now Nice Peter has taken his enterprise on tour so that audiences can see the fastspouting rhymes live and in person. 7:30 p.m. High Dive. 210 SW Second Ave. Gainesville. 32601.

Queens native 50 Cent was once a twelve year old crack dealer before changing careers to become one of the most profitable rappers today. His albums Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and The Massacre received both commercial and critical success. He has sold over thirty million albums worldwide on the strength of such popular singles as “In da Club,” “21 Questions,” and “Ayo Technology.” 9:00 p.m. GILT Nightclub. 740 Bennett Rd. Orlando. 32803.

9/04

Disney on Ice Disney’s legacy comes to life in this spectacle hosted by the Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse. Over fifty beloved characters will perform fourteen classic and modern stories in this epic production that includes songs like “Let It Go,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” Some of the characters expected to attend include Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, and Snow White. 7:30 p.m. Amway Center. 400 W. Church St. Orlando. 32801.

9/09

9/04

Consisting of a rotating line-up of barbaric interplanetary warriors, Gwar has never once backed down from the controversial and graphically violent stage shows it’s most notorious for. The 1990s signaled the peak of fame for the heavy metal group—they routinely toured talk shows discussing the controversies of censorship and media violence. Tonight’s concert at Freedbird Live will also feature the Butcher Babies and Battlecross. 7:00 p.m. Freebird Live. 200 N. 1st St. Jacksonville Beach. 32210.

The Central Florid Film Festival prides itself on being more than just about the film awards—it includes screenings, seminars, networking possibilities, and workshops. This year, the tenth anniversary of the festival, there will be a VIP buffet with the director and cast of the horror classic Feast. Some of the screenings include Hoovey, You Belong to Me, and Wildlike. Various times. West Orange Cinema. 1575 Maguire Rd. Ocoee. 34761.

Gwar

September 02, 2015

50 Cent

Central Florida Film Festival

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Tampa / St. Pete 9/03

Aries Spears’ career started at the same place as so many young talents: on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam and Showtime at the Apollo. A few failed sitcoms led to his television breakout on Fox’s popular sketch comedy show Mad TV where he perfected impersonations of such celebrities as O.J. Simpson, 50 Cent, Don King, Queen Latifah, and Eddie Murphy. His film work includes small parts in such classic films as Malcolm X and Jerry Maguire. Spears’ best work comes on the stage, though, where he will be tonight at the Improv. 8:00 p.m. Palm Beach Improv. 550 S. Rosemary Ave. West Palm Beach. 33401

In honor of Beyonce’s 34th birthday, the Ritz Ybor hosts a swanky party that celebrates all things Bey. The tribute includes music by VJ Nick James, red carpet photos, birthday cake, themes drinks, and a live tribute show. All the single ladies are also invited to enter a “Freakum Dress” contest with prizes for the winners. The night benefits Chime for Change. 7:00 p.m. Ritz Ybor. 1503 E. Seventh Ave. Tampa. 33607.

Aries Spears

9/06 .

Lady Antebellum Country music superstar trio Lady Antebellum is best known for the pervasive and career defining 2010 single “Need You Now.” Starting as a country group, Lady Antebellum has since crossed-over and reached mass appeal. “Need You Now” won the Grammy award for both Song of the Year and Record of the Year in 2011. Opening are Sam Hunt and Hunter Hayes. 7:00 p.m. Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre. 601-7 Sansburys Way. West Palm Beach. 33411.

9/07

Members’ Show

9/04

St. Petersburg Festival Running through September 12th, the Shine St. Petersburg Mural Festival showcases the power of art in public spaces with a dozen large-scale murals around the arts districts of St. Petersburg. Renowned and local artist will be on display, including French graffiti crew 123Klan and St. Petersburg native Michael Vasquez. 9:00 a.m. Edge District. 11th St. and Central Ave. St. Petersburg. 33701.

9/05 Sam Hunt

College football quarterback Sam Hunt successfully changed careers from a possible stint in the NFL to become an acclaimed country music singer. His debut gold-certified album Montevallo includes the hit singles “Leave the Night On,” “Take Your Time,” and “House Party.” His music includes elements of pop and R&B. 7:00 p.m. MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre. 4802 US-301. Tampa. 33610.

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The 19th Annual Members Juried Exhibition highlights work from photographers throughout the world. Only eight of the eighty-one participants are from Palm Beach County. Some of the other areas of the world with representation include Massachusetts, New York, Wisconsin, Connecticut, and Canada. Entrepreneur, photograph, and agent Scott McKiernan serves as judge. 10:00 a.m. Palm Beach Photographic Centre. 415 Clematis St. West Palm Beach. 33401.

Bey Day

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Fort Lauderdale

Miami 9/03

Honduran-born comedian Carlos Mencia tackles topics as diverse as everyday hypocrisies, absurdities, ethnic stereotypes, race relations, immigration, war, patriotism, capitalism, pop culture, current events, and family. Carlos is best known for his well-received Comedy Central show, Mind of Mencia. 8:00 p.m. Fort Lauderdale Improv. 5700 Seminole Way. Fort Lauderdale. 33314.

Domestic abuser Chris Brown has somehow continued his mainstream success despite a public fallout after seriously hurting his then-girlfriend Rihanna. His fourth album (released two years after the Rihanna debacle) F.A.M.E. was his first to top the Billboard 200. Hit singles include “Yeah 3x,” “Look at Me Now,” and “Beautiful People.” Tonight’s performance is part of his 25-city One Hell of a Night Tour. 8:00 p.m. American Airlines Arena. 601 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 33132.

Carlos Mencia

9/04

Waiting for Waiting for Godot Samuel Beckett’s classic absurdist play Waiting for Godot involves two men waiting for a man they’ve never met who never shows. Playwright Dave Hansen’s award winning parody Waiting for Waiting for Godot concerns two understudies with the faint possibility of being able to play those two roles. The show first premiered at the New York Fringe Festival in 2013, winning Best of the Fringe. 8:00 p.m. The Vanguard. 1501 S. Andrews Ave. Fort Lauderdale. 33316.

9/09

The Fantasticks

9/05

Festival de Cante Flamenco Miami-based flamenco troupe Siempre Flamenco celebrates the tenth anniversary edition of Festival de Cante Flamenco with fiery dances, special guests, and the mesmerizing and passionate performances the troupe is known for. The show is dedicated to the great flamenco poet Manuel Molina. 8:00 p.m. Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. 1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 33132.

9/08

At Home with Art

The Home Show features over twenty Miami artists in four curated art spaces combining two and three dimensional original art by emerging and mid-career artists. A highlight of the show is the launch of Urban ArtSpace—a collaboration among Miami’s most popular graffiti artists on a live painting performance. The show will also include panel discussions, featured speaker Nina Magon, and demonstrations from professional interior designers. 6:00 p.m. Miami Beach Convention Center. 1901 Convention Center Dr. Miami Beach. 33139.

September 02, 2015

When the couple finds out about the charade, they separate to explore the harsh realities of the real world. Soon enough, though, they find each other again since “without a hurt, the heart is hollow,” The show includes the classics “Try to Remember,” “They Were You,” and “Soon It’s Gonna Rain.” 8:00 p.m. Broward Stage Door Theatre. 8036 W. Sample Rd. Margate. 33065.

Chris Brown

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9/04

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By Patrick Robert

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THE WEEK

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