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FEBRUARY 09, 2012 H ISSUE #116 H FLORIDAAGENDA.COM A MULTIMEDIA PLATFORMS COMPANY
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BROWARD’S GAY FORMER MAYOR RUNS AGAIN
THIS PAIR OF HEARTS HAVE AN ACE OF A CLUB
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LOCAL BUSINESS: PAGE 11
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IS JACOBS STILL FEELING THE LOVE? Some of Orange County’s More Vocal Domestic Partners Are Tired of Waiting
Prop. 8 Ruled Unconstitutional by Fed. Appeals Panel Marriage Equality Could go to Supreme Court By CLIFF DUNN SAN FRANCISCO, CA - On Tuesday, a federal appeals panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit in San Francisco ruled that California’s law that bans same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. The decision is likely to be appealed to
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AVOID THE EYE CANDY Tom Bonanti Reminds Us To Keep Good Form and Not Be So Competitive. PAGE 16
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HEY THERE SWEET POTATO! Chef Jean Presents Us With A Simple Potato Recipe You’re Gonna Love. PAGE 20 n
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THE EDGE OF GLORY Melanie Nathan Explores The Perplexing Suicide of a Trevor Project volunteer.
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the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit by opponents of marriage equality, or make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Proposition 8 was approved in 2008 by 52 percent of California voters. It amended the state’s Constitution to limit marriage to a man and a woman. A majority of states have similar constitutional amendments that ban same-sex marriage. Six states-- Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York—as well as the District of Columbia permit marriage equality. In the decision, U.S. Circuit Judge Stephen Reinhardt wrote, “Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human
dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of oppositesex couples,” adding that “the Constitution simply does not allow for laws of this sort.” The 2-to-1 panel vote that overturned Prop 8 included Reinhardt, an appointee of President Jimmy Carter and considered one of the nation’s most liberal appellate judges, and Judge Michael Daly Hawkins, who was appointed to the court by President Bill Clinton. The dissenter, Judge N. Randy Smith, is a conservative appointed by President George W. Bush. The panel did not address whether the Constitution protects the rights of same-sex couples to marry. Instead, it took a narrow position, focusing on the fact that gay ‘UNCONSTITUTIONAL’ continues on Page 7
Heartbroken Passenger Jumps Ship During Gay Cruise Suicide Note Reportedly Found By BOB KECSKEMETY FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - A tragic note was struck last week just days after the departure of the Atlantis Events’ “Allure of the Seas” gay cruise, when Kenneth Gemmell of the United Kingdom leapt off the cruise ship in an apparent suicide during the early morning hours of Friday, Feb. 5. Gemmell’s death occurred while the vessel was heading back to Fort Lauderdale after spending the day near Cozumel, Mexico. The “Allure of the Seas,” which is marketed as the world’s largest cruise ship, is operated by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and chartered for the Caribbean/Mexican Riviera cruise by Atlantis Events. The sailing
departed Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 29 with a scheduled return date of Feb. 5. Paul Cote and Matty Miles were passengers on the “Allure.” The two host a daily gay
Internet radio talk program, “The Paul and Matty Show,” on www.QNation.fm, and had been invited by Atlantis Events to broadcast their show live from the cruise. They say that they were awakened early Friday morning when an “all-call announcement” broadcast another passenger’s name. When the person called didn’t respond, the muster alarm sounded, and all passengers were ordered to assemble at their respective muster stations for an emergency head count. The announcement intimated that the ship’s crew believed that someone had fallen overboard. ‘TRAGEDY AT SEA’ continues on Page 7
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LOCAL NEWS
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New South Florida LGBT / Straight Youth Concert Band
Mancini Announces for Broward State Attorney
Supports Anti-Bullying Through Music
New Rules Create Opportunity For Reelection
By PHOEBE MOSES – The “It Gets Better” video project, the brainchild of author and journalist Dan Savage, along with other anti-bullying campaigns, are providing inspiration for the Youth Pride Band of South Florida, an honors band comprised of high school students who have joined together to promote tolerance and understanding through music. The band is a project of the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble (SFPWE). The Youth Pride Band consists of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and questioning students, as well as straight allies from various South Florida high schools. Three student band members will each receive $1,000 college scholarships. Although there are more than twenty adult gay bands across North America, the Youth Pride Band of South Florida is the first of its kind, says SFPWE president Alain Ortiz. “With so many teen suicides and assaults occurring in the past year or two, we felt it important to do what we could to address bullying and provide a positive experience for young musicians,” Ortiz explained. “For many of us, band was a place where we could escape the teasing and really fit in.” The Youth Pride Band’s 27 student members, ages 15 to 18, will make their concert debut in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, Feb. 12th at 7 p.m. Internationally-acclaimed composer and conductor David Shaffer of Miami University of Ohio will conduct a program of traditional band works, in addition to his own compositions. Natalie Mullen, 17, is a clarinetist from McArthur High School in Hollywood. "It's really important for me to support my friends," she says. An openly-gay friend at her school broke both his legs after trying to commit suicide by jumping from a second story building. Another admitted on Facebook that he cut himself. “The bullying really affects their self-esteem,” Mullen emphasized. Christina Dunbar, 18, is president of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) at Pembroke Pines Charter High School, one of Broward County’s largest GSAs. The flutist, who is bisexual, says she has MIAMI, FL
experienced firsthand the challenges of coming-out as a teen, as well as the homophobia of classmates, which is often masked as playful hazing and good-natured teasing. "This is a side of the gay community that I hadn't seen," she says about the SFPWE. “It's amazing how supportive everybody has been.” Says Shaffer, who has conducted bands across North America and was himself the victim of teen-aged bullying: “This is a fantastic opportunity to get kids involved in a weekend making good music and bringing young people together.” The conductor was recently commissioned by the Toronto (Canada) Board of Education to compose a piece that specifically addresses bullying. “It’s important. I definitely relate back to when I was in junior high school.” The Pride Youth Band also provides some students with an opportunity to perform that they can't get at school. Gay saxophonist Julio Marcone, 17, attends Fort Lauderdale High School, which recently eliminated its band program due to budget cuts. A scheduling mistake landed him in band in middle school, so he learned to read music, took up the trumpet and later switched to tenor saxophone. "It's been an experience," he says of the first rehearsal. "I heard about the band from a friend and I'm so glad I have the chance to play again." The Youth Pride Band will open the Broward Center concert, followed by a performance by the SFPWE. Under the leadership of artistic director Dan Bassett, the organization has become a leader in the gay band movement. “Not only are we providing an educational experience for these talented young people,” notes Bassett, “they are getting the opportunity to work with successful role models and perform with one of the leading conductors in the country. It’s going to be a fantastic concert and the start of a program that will touch many young musicians.” Tickets are $10 at the Broward Center Box Office, BrowardCenter.org. For more information, go to PrideWindEnsemble.org. H
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – Former federal prosecutor Chris Mancini announced his candidacy last week for the office of Broward County State Attorney. Mancini is mounting a primary challenge to incumbent State Attorney Mike Satz, a Democrat who was elected to the office in 1976. This is only the second time in 36 years that Satz has faced a primary challenger. Both Democrats will face off in August. Mancini, a defense attorney whose practice includes LGBT family matters such as domestic partnership agreements, durable powers of attorney, and the dissolution of domestic partnerships, is a former Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Division for the U.S. Attorney’s office (Southern District of Florida) whose most famous cases included the Miami River Cops and the Church of Yahweh racketeering trials. In announcing his candidacy, Mancini said that he will not accept any contributions from criminal defense attorneys. “A State Attorney who accepts campaign money from a potential adversary is just not right, plain and simple. It creates an appearance of impropriety,” he argued. Mancini says that at a time when major corruption cases in Broward
County--such as that of disgraced attorney Scott Rothstein—are being pursued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, accepting donations from those involved in the criminal court system creates an image of the “pay-to-play” system, where people with money can buy their way out of a just sentence. The former prosecutor says that as the incumbent, Satz owes it to voters and taxpayers to eliminate the potential appearance that the State Attorney’s office can be purchased. To this end, he challenges Satz to eliminate all future fundraisers with the Criminal Defense Bar and to return all donations his campaign has already received. “I will accept not one penny from the Defense Bar, and I challenge the current State Attorney to return the monies given to his campaign from those who argue against his dedicated assistants in the courtroom.” The winner of the August primary will face perennial Broward County candidate Jim Lewis, who is running as a Republican in the general election in November. This will be the first potential general election challenge that Satz has faced since 1976. H
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LOCAL NEWS
Castrataro Hosts Fundraiser for Keechl New Rules Create Opportunity For Reelection WILTON MANORS, FL – Former Broward County Mayor Ken Keechl’s campaign will hold a fundraiser tonight between 6 and 8 p.m. at the Law Offices of George Castrataro in Fort Lauderdale. Keechl, who was Broward County's first openly-gay mayor, is a candidate for Broward County Commission District 7. Keechl, 48, was elected to the commission in 2006, to represent District 4. He lost the seat in 2010 to
Republican Chip LaMarca. His elevation by commission colleagues in 2009 to county mayor made him for a time the nation’s highest-ranked elected LGBT official. Term limits mean that the current commissioner, Broward Mayor John Rodstrom, is ineligible to run for reelection and redistricting based upon 2010 U.S. Census data places the boundaries of District 7 to include Wilton Manors, among other Broward communities. “I will run a people-powered campaign--walking, knocking on doors and meeting residents and business owners of District 7,” Keechl, a native Floridian, said. “The people of District 7 will always be my main focus.” After leaving the commission, Keechl, who has lived in Broward County for 25 years, became a partner at the Fort Lauderdale-based law firm of Kopelowitz, Ostrow, Ferguson, Weiselberg, Keechl, P.A. Says Keechl of his current campaign: “We are in it to win it.” H
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Miss Richfield 1981 Returns to South F lorida WILTON MANORS, FL - Performer Russ King returns to South Florida as his acclaimed character, “Miss Richfield 1981,” for two live shows in Wilton Manors. The engagement follows two sold-out South Florida performances last March. Miss Richfield 1981 will perform her new show, “2012—We’ll All Be Dead By Christmas!!,” Feb. 17 and 18 at The Manor Restaurant and Nightclub in Wilton Manors. In this year’s performances, King, as “Miss R.,” offers a celebratory take on the impending rumored Mayan apocalypse and gets audiences ready for Armageddon through songs, videos, and audience activities. Miss Richfield's national appeal includes well-received appearances on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Today on NBC,” “Cake Boss” on TLC, and “Weekends with Samantha Brown” on the Travel Channel. Most recently, King starred as Miss R. in a national television commercial for Orbitz. Her live performances have received critical acclaim and “The New York Post” selected Miss Richfield 1981 as “the must-see act in Provincetown [Massachusetts].” As an official part of the Winter Party kick-off events, Miss Richfield will raffle off a vacation package with proceeds benefitting Winter Party, “the hottest winter in the world.” The raffle prize includes a trip for two to Provincetown this summer, including airfare, hotel, and tickets to see Miss Richfield’s P-Town performance. A second fundraising raffle will feature two Gold Passes to the Winter Party Festival. Tickets are $25/$35 and are available online at www.missrichfield.com or at The Manor on the night of the performances. H
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‘UNCONSTITUTIONAL’ Continued from COVER couples had possessed the right to marry in the Golden State, for however brief a time, until that right was nullified by Proposition 8. During the five-months between the state Supreme Court’s ruling that such a right existed and the passage of Prop 8, approximately 18,000 same-sex couples were wed in California. “By using their initiative power to target a minority group and withdraw a right that it possessed, without a legitimate reason for doing so, the people of California violated the [U.S. Constitution’s] Equal Protection Clause,” Reinhardt wrote in the decision. “We hold Proposition 8 to be unconstitutional on this ground.” The decision of the panel was based upon the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1996 ruling in Romer v. Evans. That decision invalidated a Colorado constitutional amendment that prohibited the state or any other governmental body from enacting measures that protect homosexuals from discrimination. The case was brought by two same-sex couples, Kris Perry and Sandy Stier, and Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo. Theodore Olson, the former U.S. Solicitor General under George W. Bush who represented the couples, said that “today, we are more American because of this decision.”
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‘TRAGEDY AT SEA’ Continued from COVER “This case is about equality and freedom and dignity and fairness and decency,” said Olson. “It’s about whether we’re going to eliminate government discrimination.” Olson and his co-counsel, David Boies, had previously stood on opposing sides of another historic case, 2000’s Bush v. Gore. From a practical position, full recognition of marriage equality is not likely in California until the appeals process is completed. Supporters of Proposition 8 could ask the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit to review the panel’s ruling, or they may take it directly to the U.S. Supreme Court. The appeals panel’s 2-to-1 decision upheld the 2010 ruling by former U.S. District Judge R. Vaughn Walker. The panel rejected a motion made by Prop 8 backers that Walker, who was appointed in 1989 by President George H.W. Bush and retired last year, should have recused himself because he disclosed after the trial that he is gay. In his lone dissenting opinion, Judge Smith said the Supreme Court’s Romer ruling should not have decided the outcome of the Proposition 8 case, and that the judiciary’s proper role is to defer to the view that the law advanced “legitimate state interests.” H
Orlando LGBT Activists: “Orange County Mayor Won’t Support Partner Registry” After the City of Orlando past a domestic-partner (DP) registry last year, gay rights advocates in Central Florida were hopeful that Orange County would follow suit. But now, activists say that Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs is wavering in her support of the ordinance which would allow for visitation and other medical care rights as well as end-of-life rights and protections for unmarried couples, gay and straight. "We are in the process of doing legal review and analysis, and when we've completed that I will come to the board, if I'm able to, with a legally sound proposal," Jacobs offered. "And regardless of what I come with, board members have an opportunity and freedom under my administration to offer counter proposals." Activists met last month with Jacobs, raising concerns at that time about her commitment to enacting a county-wide registry. In a follow up to that meeting, they wrote to the mayor, “You stated that you cannot support a Domestic Partnership Registry.”
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In an email to Jacobs sent last week, attorney and gay rights proponent Mary Meeks confirmed their worst fears. “Now it is crystal clear that we were right to be worried, and the DP registry is in peril, and apparently has been in peril for quite some time," Meeks wrote. "We are further concerned that a political consultant with questionable
“They had reviewed the video footage from the surveillance cameras and someone had, in fact, fallen off the ship,” Cote said. “During this time, we sat there for an hourand-a-half as they searched the rooms looking for the missing person. Then we were allowed back in rooms.” The “Allure’s” closed-circuit footage showed the 30-year-old British passenger as he went over the balcony railing from his Deck 11 stateroom. The ship’s Global Positioning System (GPS) marked the vessel’s location and both the US and Mexican coast guards were alerted. On Twitter, user @DarienneLake tweeted: “there was an announcement for someone to contact services at 6:30 a.m., then at 7 a.m. we went to muster stations to be accounted,” adding that “at 9 a.m. we were allowed back to our rooms. They have search boats looking for glitter in the water. Currently in Cozumel.” Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines released the following statement: “A guest on-board the ship saw the man fall overboard at 12:10 p.m. (7:10 a.m. local time) on Friday. The ship made multiple public announcements and began a complete search of the ship, in efforts to locate the guest. When the guest did not respond to the pages and was not found on-board, the captain alerted the local
intentions and a documented history of anti-gay activism appears to be guiding you in this matter," wrote Michael Slaymaker, the founder of the Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Committee, in an email concerning John
Dowless,
who
consults
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Jacobs’ campaign and is the former executive
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the
Florida
Christian Coalition. Jacobs said that Dowless’ role is not as all-sweeping as activists fear. “He's not advising me on gay-rights issues, and he's not advising me on this issue right now,”the mayor said. H
Orange County Mayor Mayor Teresa Jacobs says she supports equal treatment under the law but her efforts toward Domestic Partner Registration may be slow to move forward if at all.
authorities of the situation.” Cote says that in spite of the best efforts of the captain and crew, “It did put a damper on the experience for the [passengers],” he recalled. “It was the biggest day on the ship. It was their White Party that night and everybody was getting ready and wanted to have a good time. We had been in Cozumel all day and when the ship started moving again, one of the staffers had apparently said to some people that they did, in fact, find a suicide note that said ‘If you couldn’t find love on a ship, then you couldn’t find love anywhere’ and that he, in fact, jumped off the balcony.” Cote explained that he and Miles had been scheduled to interview the “Allure’s” cruise director for their show, but that the topic of Gemmell’s suicide was off limits. They were also supposed to interview the disc jockey who performed at the last event aboard ship during which Gemmell was seen, but the deejay would not return their calls. “The captain announced that he had been a captain for 22 years,” said Cote “and that something like this had never happened to him before. He was devastated. It was literally like the ship had gone down with him.” H
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H FEBRUARY 09, 2012 NATIONAL NEWS IN BRIEF
Minnesota Protestor “Gay Glitters” Mitt Romney EAGAN, MN – A protestor showered Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney with glitter to object to the former Massachusetts governor’s positions on gay rights issues. Romney joins other GOP hopefuls who have received glitter-grenades, including Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, and Michele Bachmann. The GOP frontrunner was attending a campaign rally with former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, and was accompanied by his wife and son. Pawlenty had just introduced Romney, who was approaching the stage when he was “glittered.” Pawlenty himself was glitter-bombed last June in San Francisco by two LGBT activists during his own failed run for the Republican nomination. Romney, who won last week’s Florida GOP primary, may have misunderstood the protestor’s intent: he referred to the glitter-bombing as a “little celebration.” Said the candidate: “Hey, listen, guys: I'm delighted to be here with you. This is an exciting time. I'm happy for a little celebration. This is confetti! We just won Florida! We're just going to win the White House next! Let me tell you, President Obama is not going to be seeing a lot of confetti.”H
… and Gingrich and Paul Find No LGBT Welcome in Minnesota, Either BLOOMINGTON, MN – Republican presidential contender Newt Gingrich was confronted at two separate campaign events in Minnesota by LGBT activists with the group the “Glitterati,” who were protesting the former Speaker of the House’s positions on gay rights. In Bloomington, while Gingrich was delivering a 40-minute speech, a protestor yelled, “Hey Newt, why do you support discrimination against gays and lesbians all the time? Serial hypocrisy!” After the activist was pushed out of the room, a second protestor took up the chant, “No hate in our state, why do you discriminate?”
A female Gingrich supporter grabbed the protestor’s wrists before police escorted him away. The candidate took a dramatic head count of those present, and then suggested that the crowd consisted mostly of those who support him. “My guess is it's 407 to three,” Gingrich said.
NATIONAL NEWS
Another GOP contender, Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), was showered with glitter during a campaign stop at the Minneapolis convention center as the candidate left the stage. The protestor, also a “Glitterati” activist, shouted at the 76-year-old congressman “Housing and healthcare are human rights, not privileges!” H
NC Pastor Says Lesbian Blogger Needs Man to “Rock Her World” SEATTLE, WA – The pastor of a North Carolina evangelical assembly told a radio interviewer that LGBT activist Pam Spaulding needs to find a man to “rock her world.” Patrick Wooden, a pastor at Raleigh's Upper Room Church and an outspoken supporter of North Carolina's proposed constitutional amendment that would bar recognition of gay marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships, was a guest on the radio program of Peter LaBarbera, president of Americans for Truth About Homosexuality (AFTAH). When asked about recent remarks made about Wooden by Spaulding, who is bisexual, the minister said that Spaulding's sexuality would alter when she “meets the Lord.” “Pam needs Jesus. When Pam meets the Lord that yearning for a member of the same sex will change,” Wooden explained. “She'd probably make a fantastic mother and would enjoy having a husband who was born male-no ‘Chaz Bono business’--born male, and meet her man, and rock her world in the name of the Lord.” Spaulding, who lives in North Carolina and blogs about LGBT-related issues at Pam's House Blend, is a vocal opponent of the proposed statewide amendment. She recently referred to Wooden as “a vigorous rent-a-reverend who never fails to get face time with the professional bigot brigade.” Of same-sex intimacy, Wooden has previously said that semen was not meant to be “emptied into an area that is filled with feces,” but recently told Sirius XM Radio’s Michelangelo Signorile that sodomy is acceptable in heterosexual relationships. “I believe the Bible says that marriage is honorable in all and the bed is undefiled,” the pastor offered. “I believe sexual activity is for persons of the opposite sex.” H
NATIONAL NEWS IN BRIEF
Virginia Lawmakers Approve Bill to Limit Gay Adoptions RICHMOND, VA – On Friday, Virginia lawmakers approved a measure to limit gay and lesbian people from adopting children. The bill allows private adoption agencies to discriminate against gay applicants if such discrimination is consistent with the organization’s moral or religious beliefs. The House of Delegates approved the bill overwhelmingly with a 71 to 28 vote. State senators also advanced their version of the bill on Feb. 3, with the Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee approving it with an 8-7 vote along party lines. Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican, says he supports the legislation. “When signed into law by Gov. McDonnell, this measure will chisel into law the principle that people of faith can adhere to their convictions, without fear of reprisal from those who would discriminate against their religious beliefs regarding how we should raise our children,” the bill’s House sponsor, Delegate Todd Gilbert (R-Woodstock), said in a statement. “What this bill is designed to do is allow any agency to discriminate based on sexual orientation,” Democratic Senator Mark Herring said during the social services committee hearing, noting that the measure would allow any agency to discriminate against prospective LGBT foster or adoptive parents. H
Anti-Gay Group says: Gay Parents “Molest” Their Kids OLYMPIA, WA – Last week’s passage of a marriage equality bill by the Washington State Senate has mobilized opponents, with the Family Policy Institute of Washington (FPIW), which opposes Gov. Chris Gregoire's plan to legalize same-sex marriage claiming that gay parents molest their children. On its Web site, the organization has published an article written last year by George Dent Jr. In the article, entitled “No Difference?: An Analysis of SameSex Parenting,” Dent, a professor of law at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, claims that “high rates” of gay parents molest their kids. Dent’s report reads in part: “Due in part to promiscuity, homosexuals have high rates of disease. Gay men became more cautious about sex after the onset
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
of AIDS, but infection rates soon rebounded to their former levels. Gay men also suffer disproportionately from many other diseases. The tendency of male homosexual acts to spread disease may help explain the revulsion many people feel about them. Lesbians also suffer high rates of suicide, mental illness and drug and substance abuse. Although many homosexuals brag about the absence of gender discrimination in their relationships, those relationships are often abusive.” “The high rates of child sex abuse among homosexuals and bisexuals are also a cause for concern. At the least, given the uncertain effects of homosexual parenting, the children raised by homosexual couples are being treated as guinea pigs, which is troubling,” he added. Dent also claims that gay parents are more likely to raise children who are homosexual: “There is evidence that children raised by homosexuals are more likely to engage in homosexuality and to feel confused about their sexual identity.” FPIW’s executive director, Joseph Backholm, 30, testified last week before a Senate sub-committee and urged senators to put marriage equality to a referendum and let voters decide if “moms and dads do matter.” H
Half of Marylanders Say They Support Full Marriage Equality KNOXVILLE, TN – A Washington Post poll finds that fully half of Maryland residents now favor the legalization of same-sex marriage, although support varies significantly along the racial, religious, and generational lines. Among Democrats, 71 percent of whites support same-sex marriage, and 24 percent oppose it. For African American Democrats, 41 percent support marriage equality, while 53 percent are opposed. The largest percentage of African Americans resides in Maryland outside of any Southern state. In addition, the data showed that almost three-quarters of those opposed to marriage equality say their views stem from religious beliefs, while just 5 percent of those who support same-sex marriage say their views are largely shaped by their religion. It also found that those who attend weekly religious services are almost three times more likely to oppose marriage equality as those who do not attend at all. H
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EDITOR’S DESK
Love, American Style The approach of Valentine’s Day and the treble victories of Rick Santorum in Republican primaries this week bear more than a passing relationship to one another, as well as to some other things of LGBT interest this week, than might first be apparent. Although couples of every stripe, political and socio-economic, gay and straight (and BTQ, too), will exchange the gee-gaws of lovers on Feb. 14, there’s no first-hand evidence of what exactly they will be commemorating on that day. The name “Valentinus” isn’t even mentioned in the earliest lists of Roman martyrs compiled in the 4th Century A.D. The first “Feast of St. Valentine” was celebrated in 496 by Pope Gelasius I, who named “Valentine” as one of those “... whose names are justly reverenced among men, but whose acts are known only to God." Even the Holy Father didn’t quite know what we are honoring. Fast forward to this Valentine’s Day, and we find that love is in the air as the self-described One Million Moms (an affiliate of the American Family Association) pressure retailer JC Penney to fire its new spokesperson, Ellen DeGeneres--an action so contemptible that even Bill O’Reilly called it “McCarthyism,” saying that One Million Moms is behaving in an un-American fashion to “actively push for a private company to fire an American citizen based on her lifestyle. That's just wrong.” Of course it is, as is all bigotry hidden behind a veneer of “religious freedom” and “freedom of speech,” both of which I personally revere. But a scoundrel is a scoundrel, and a bigot is a bigot, even if he is pretending to be somebody’s “Mom.” (DeGeneres’ unruffled response this week: “My haters are my motivators.”) Last week in this publication, Nick Stone opined as a gay Republican on the reasons why he supports a Mitt Romney presidential candidacy (and in this issue, Marc Paige offers
Letters
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Cliff Dunn
his own thoughts on why Stone and Romney are full of … it). I spent a number of years “living among the Mormons,” and found that any xenophobia that I thought existed concerning their culture and my own was both misplaced and wholly a product of my own imagination. In the main, they are, individually and collectively, men and women of goodwill, straight, gay, bi, and questioning, Republican and—well, mostly Republican, but willing to hear an honest “gentile” out on issues of mutual import. Ironically, the LDS Church-owned KSL-TV in Salt Lake City (an NBC affiliate) carries Ellen DeGeneres’ program every weekday, and its news programs ran a story last month that praised the comedian for a $100,000 grant
her program made to an elementary school located in Utah County, Utah, home of Brigham Young University and the most conservative spot in the most conservative place on the planet. Talk about the lamb and the lion. When I listen to gay Republicans extol upon the lonely existence of the queer conservative, I sympathize with their contention that they are not “one issue voters” focusing solely on marriage equality or the plight of LGBT armed service members. And there are plenty of gaybashing registered Democrats to be sure. But I have a hard time reconciling the Mitt Romney of 1994, who said “I am more convinced than ever before that as we seek to establish full equality for America’s gay and lesbian citizens, I will provide more effective leadership than my opponent” (who happened to be Ted Kennedy), with the Mitt Romney of yesterday, who, after the federal appeals
panel’s ruling that California’s Proposition 8 is offensive to the Constitution, offered helpfully “Today, unelected judges cast aside the will of the people of California who voted to protect traditional marriage. This decision does not end this fight.” Ron Paul, usually a paragon of principle, has danced around the marriage equality question with all the skills of Rudolf Nureyev (gay), Tommy Tune (gay, too), or Alvin Ailey (also gay). One side of Paul’s mouth speaks fluent “libertarian” (“I am supportive of all voluntary associations and people can call it whatever they want.”). The other side does a mean imitation of Mussolini, as authoritarian as any Leather Daddy in wielding the whip of the Federal Government to make the states bend to a narrow—and dare I say it? bigoted)— You’re-Not-Admitted-to-Our-Club mean spiritedness. It is as sour as is his default facial expression (“I supported the Defense of Marriage Act, which used Congress’ constitutional authority to define what other states have to recognize under the Full Faith and Credit Clause, to ensure that no state would be forced to recognize a same sex marriage license issued in another state.”). Like Paul, Rick Santorum--who swept the Minnesota and Colorado GOP caucuses and the non-binding Missouri primary this Tuesday--has an appeal to those who are inclined to dislike (or worse) LGBT persons. Unlike Paul, who at least has the courtesy— and one supposes, the guts--to agonize about his conflicting views, Hamlet-like, in the public arena, Santorum has no such love for the subtleties of human behavior— or, apparently, human love. He compares “consensual sex within your home” to “bigamy,” “polygamy,” “incest,” and “adultery.” Now isn’t that romantic? “Love, American Style: Truer than the Red, White and Blue. Love, American Style: That's me and you.” H
Cliff Dunn is the Editor of Florida Agenda. He can be reached at Editor@FloridaAgenda.com.
editor@floridaagenda.com
Dear Editor: RE: Court Rules Both Mothers Have Parental Rights
Regarding your story on the Daytona Beach court ruling about parental rights for gay parents (Agenda, Jan. 5, 2012: “Court Rules Both Mothers Have Parental Rights”), it saddens me that having gone through the all the rigmarole of meeting, partnering, conceiving, and raising a child together, at least for a time, these two women engaged in the age-old rite of throwing the bathwater out and hoping the baby sticks to the side of the tub. The challenges that face LGBT parents are great, and parents of all sexual identities deserve the sympathy and good will of everyone, especially when things sour
and partners go their separate ways. I am sickened, though, that these women seem to have thrown good sense and judgment, not to mention compassion and concern for the child, to the wind in what – an egodriven custody battle worthy of any moron—gay, straight, or what-have-you—ever to disgrace the stage of Jerry Springer’s program. These women were pioneers, and more importantly, parents. They owe it to the child firstly and the greater LGBT community at-large secondly to be good examples, even when it comes to ending their loving relationship. Grow up, ladies.
- Lee, Dania Beach
February 09, 2012
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Together, Keeping the “Heartbeat” of the Manors Strong Padgett and Negrete Know the Formula for Success By BoB KecsKemety
In many ways, the Wilton Manors of today is not the same city it was 15 years ago, and the same can be said of some of its most iconic landmarks. In the 1990s, the Island City was a two-square-mile bedroom community, and its main drag, Wilton Drive, ran through a “downtown” that was plain and drab. When a local bar called Georgie’s Alibi opened its doors on “the Drive” in April 1997, there was little to help predict the sea-change to come. Today, the Alibi’s owners, Jackson Padgett and Mark Negrete, note with amusement that the city and their landmark establishment have “come a long way.” “We try to run our businesses by always doing the right thing with the highest integrity and ethics,” said Padgett “and not stepping on other people’s toes.” Together with Negrete, his life and business partner, the pair also own Bill’s Filling Station just across the Drive. Among other things, Padgett says that he and Negrete recognize the importance of patronizing other local gay businesses. “These are local ‘mom and pop’ operations and they are self-employed, as Mark and I are. Together we try to insure that money spent on necessity items are spent within our community.” That includes working with neighboring merchants in helping to create the highly successful “Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” which has benefited all the businesses located in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. The national spotlight first shone on Wilton Manors and its LGBT community just three years after Alibi opened its doors, when the 2000 U.S. Census data showed that between 11 and 17 percent of couples sharing homes in the Island City were “unmarried partners,” thinly-disguised official language to describe same-sex couples. When the iconic establishment opened that spring, fifteen years ago, the property it occupies was boarded-up and had no electricity to power the lights. Most of the neighborhood’s stores were empty, although some businesses lined Wilton Drive: a lock and safe shop, a nursery, a vending machine
company, and a couple of offices not exactly what you’d consider an entertainment district. The 2000 Census was a signpost that signaled the beginning of the area’s gay gentrification. Wilton Manors became the heart of South Florida’s gay community and Alibi undeniably became its heartbeat. The power couple of Padgett and Negrete, now celebrating their seventh year together, have been charged with the awesome responsibility of keeping the heart beating. Negrete, who comes from Chicago, had a background in nightclub management both in Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach. Padgett, originally from Charleston, South Carolina, helped build the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, and became its first director of operations. Immersing themselves as they have in the community means recognizing the importance of working with local LGBT organizations, especially during hard economic times. Alibi and Bill’s remain major sponsors of the annual Stonewall Street Festival and Parade, as well as Wicked Weekend in October, and the spring PrideFest. In addition, they support Kids in Distress, GLAAD, the Gay American Heroes Foundation, Broward House, Care Resource, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Tuesday’s Angels. Padgett and Negrete also credit their staff for their success and relationship with the community. “[The staff] works very hard with Mark and I, and they do a great job. Our annual Turnabout Pageants are huge successes, and the staff does everything from decorating to entertainment,” says Padgett. “They’re also what make Alibi and Bill’s so inviting, so customers keep coming back. We thank [our customers] for being part of our family and hope to have them for many years to come.” Both Alibi and Bill’s have fared better than many small businesses during the current downturn. Padgett says that there are good indications that the economy is picking up, including the opening of new food and drinking
Jackson Padgett (Left) and Mark Negrete (Right)This pair of hearts credits their staff for making their club an ace.
establishments on the Drive. He is philosophical about the competition. “Obviously, when any competition comes in, there is a percentage of market share that goes away, so it certainly does affect you,” notes Padgett. “But why do you think furniture stores and car dealerships are always located in clusters together? It’s because they feed off each other. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it works. In order to build your business, you need to form strategic partnerships and those partnerships may include the competing businesses. If you work well together, both businesses are enhanced.” Part of the continuing success of Bill’s and Alibi is the owners’ insistence on world-class entertainment. Famous names that have performed at their establishments include comedian Leslie Jordan and recording artist Lady Gaga. For
New Year 2013, Padgett and Negrete are planning special events and guest performers at both Alibi and Bill’s. For the power couple, the future is a welcome, if still undiscovered, country. “We’re forging ahead,” says Padgett. “Everything’s going very well and we’re looking into expansion. Although it’s been a rough few years for everyone, we’ve just had to work a little harder and a little smarter. And we’ve made sure to continue to put the money back into the community where it belongs. Our patrons loyal know we’re doing the best we can to make sure the community has what it needs to flourish.” H Bob Kecskemety is a videographer, journalist and founder/producer of QueerChannel. www.QueerChannel.net YouTube.com/QueerChannel
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Why EricJames Borges Could Not Be Saved What a Suicide Victim’s Note Tells Us By melanie nathan Raised in an extremist Christian household, assaulted in a classroom with a teacher present, EricJames Borges, 19, of Visalia, Calif., was repeatedly bullied, tormented and terrorized for the duration of his childhood and teen years. Exorcisms, beatings and extreme Christianity pervaded his young life and did not “cure” him. “Disgusting, perverted, unnatural and going to hell” is what his parents told him as he was kicked out of his home. Just last month, EricJames made a video for the “It Gets Better” project, a campaign that features personal hope-filled videos to LGBT teens to get them through difficult times. On Jan., 14, 2012, EricJames committed suicide, shocking his friends and his co-workers at The Trevor Project. Melanie Nathan attended one of his funerals, and obtained a copy of one of his suicide notes. This is her exclusive article which provides insight into the suicide. It originally appeared on SDGLN and GAY USA the Movie and Blog. Never before had the sound of “Edge of Glory” been so inconceivable; EricJames Borges chose Lady Gaga, and not only for the echo that would pave his heavenly journey but as a benefactor, leaving the last of his life’s dealings to his icon. Five hundred dollars would go to Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, $500 to the Trevor Project, $521.56 to the Human Rights Campaign and almost $2,500 to his rescuer, Jennifer McGuire for her upcoming same-sex wedding. “I want it to go where it deserves; to life, love and equality.” Unlike during his life, nineteen year old EricJames Borges was in control at the end; he uploaded the music and chose the people; he designed his own funeral service and it was poignant. This past Saturday Borges was celebrated at one of three memorials held in Visalia and the one I attended was held by the town’s grieving LGBT community--those describing themselves as his new family. His religious extremist parents had been invited but did not attend. Mere months before EricJames came out, he recorded an “It Gets Better” video, made a short film and gave antibullying suicide prevention workshops to other teens. Yet he could not sustain his own pain and committed suicide just two weeks ago. I obtained an exclusive and copyrighted copy of one of his suicide notes addressed to Jennifer McGuire and EricJames wanted all to know that he was grateful to the Trevor Project “I do not want my passing to reflect poorly on the Trevor Project,” he clarified. “That organization was the best decision I ever made in my life.” A confused community packed the convention hall, trying to grasp the pain that could have caused this young suicide, further perplexed that even after the rescue which took him from a
world of shame and torture to one of acknowledgment and safety, he would still want to die. And so he did, in the home of a tender stranger, who took him in like her own, and whom he described in his last note as “mother-like” to him. She gave him love, safety, comfort and a Christmas like none other he had experienced in his life. While officiate and friend, William Van Vanlandingham, the director of the local chapter of Trevor Project noted “we are not here to point fingers,” Jennifer McGuire, the kind stranger who had opened her home to EricJames, and had grown to love him, spoke to the mourners candidly: “I am not going to avoid the elephant in the room. He tells his story better
than any of us could in his short film and “It Gets Better” video, but I need it to be spoken out loud – and said for him… his parents tortured him – there is no other word to describe it. What he shared in his video was the tip of the iceberg, and that’s only compared with what he shared with me, and I am sure there was more. His parents tortured him by not protecting him from the extensive bullying. His parents tortured him through their relentless, extremist religious teachings. His parents tortured him with shame and intolerance and emotional and physical abuse that most of us can’t even begin to imagine. And yes, I blame them, and not just a little, but for a majority percentage… His parents killed him.”
IMAGES: Kristina Lapinski of GAY U.S.A. the Movie Copyright, Melanie Nathan, © 2012.
Jennifer McGuire described how a college community including Professor Debra Hansen and Trevor Project volunteers had come to the rescue of the destitute young man. Yet all the love and support in the world would not be enough to save EricJames from the gushing wound of his childhood and the piercing gashes of his preceding teen years. “By the time he got to us, his real family,” wept McGuire, “he was so injured and so wounded that the triage we provided wasn’t enough.” While grieving friends sat weeping the air was thick with an omnipresent craving to comprehend and as McGuire continued, through the poignancy of a triage metaphor, a small light was shed on that dark day, as if to entice understanding: “He really was a warrior and many of us really were the MASH doctors trying to patch him up through our love and our friendship ….. we tried to stop the bleeding and in my heart I know we, all of us, did everything we could, but the wounds from the front-line, his frontline were just too severe.” The broken hearted McGuire continued: “Our plan was to get him through his last year at COS and help set him up in a form or apartment at UCLA where he wanted to go to film school. He was so young, so alive, so strong in so many ways, yet utterly defenseless against the hell thrown at him. And while many of us saw that and tried to protect him, basically, he had no defenses. He didn’t know how to shrug off the torment from bullies. He didn’t know how to reject the condemnations that are ever prevalent in our society. We gave him slogans from t-shirts and videos instead of tools. He hadn’t learned the art of removal or the snap and shoulder shrug or even anger, the defenses many of us have had, to learn to survive in this hostile world. Instead, he internalized it, all of it, and really he didn’t understand it. It wasn’t in his nature to understand the hate thrown at him.” Describing Borges as a smart and articulate young man who barely scraped the surface of his potential, McGuire related how she prepared for his move to her home: “The day before he moved in, I emptied the bedroom for him; I emptied the drawers and the closet because I wanted him to move in, not just stay, but live there, and I made his bed, and I put a stuffed animal dog on the bed with the fluff pillows, thinking he’d
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‘EricJames’ continued from pg. 12 Suicide Note: Permission granted to Florida Agenda for one time use with Article by Melanie Nathan; under license to Melanie Nathan, by J. McGuire Copyright. ©2012
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Q-Point
Thanks For Nothing, Mitt or “Don’t Be (Nick) Stone-walled By Romney” by MARC PAIGE
stack them all in the closet when he went to sleep. Instead he walked into the room, saw the stuffed animal, and hugged it, and teary-eyed said, “Is this for me?” And of course, I’m like, “Ya.” And you know he slept with the dog every night.” And the eulogies effectively conveyed the message that EricJames had sought to impart, when he noted so succinctly in his final written words: “My pain is not caused because I am gay. My pain was caused by how I was treated because I am gay.” As McGuire concluded with an impassioned resolve to reclaim the “GAY” fight, the grieving community, and some well known activists all stood in unison, cheering, while the ultimate blast of
“Edge of Glory” touched us with the sweet smell of ironic rebellion as the young man who could not be saved by anyone, controlled his own demise, leaving us with his choices and his money, defying those who stole his life, and revering those he had savored to his end. H Melanie Nathan of San Francisco is a lawyer, human-rights advocate and blogger for OBlogDeeOBlogDa.wordpress.com and Gay U.S.A. the Blog. She also is a regular contributor to SDGLN and The Advocate. Melanie tweets @melanienathan1.
When a gay Republican tries to persuade LGBT people to support an anti-gay GOP candidate, the argument is always the same. First, they tell us the candidate is not really that bad on gay issues. Then, when confronted with the candidate’s blatant and incontrovertible homophobia, they have two defensive retorts: 1) Democrats have a history of being just as homophobic; 2) They are not single issue voters. Nick Stone, Vice President of the Broward County Young Republicans, recently wrote in the Florida Agenda (Jan. 26, 2012: “The Big Tent GOP”) that LGBT people should be supporting Mitt Romney for president because, “If you believe in equality under the law, a Mormon Republican is our best bet for president in 2012.” That line could have worked if gay people didn’t read newspapers, or never heard Romney speak on TV. Unfortunately for Mr. Stone, we’ve done both. In an August 25, 2005, appearance on MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews, then-Gov. Romney explained his Massachusetts strategy to undermine marriage equality and civil unions: “So we will have a constitutional convention this year. Hopefully, the decision of our legislature will be to let the people decide. And, specifically, I hope that people will be able to decide that neither civil union, nor same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts.” Romney reiterated his views on another Hardball appearance on April 12, 2006: “I am not in favor of samesex marriage. I am not in favor of civil unions. The Democratic Party, particularly in my state, has made an error by adopting a platform that supports gay marriage.” At the televised Fox News Iowa debate this past August, Romney called for discrimination to be inscribed in our nation’s constitution: “I believe we should have a federal amendment in the constitution that defines marriage as a relationship between a man and
woman, because I believe the ideal place to raise a child is in a home with a mom and a dad.” Last month Romney adviser Eric Fehrnstrom assured the “Huffington Post” that Mitt is also firmly against gay couples having the equivalent rights of marriage, even by another name: “He has not been in favor of civil unions, if by civil unions you mean the equivalency to marriage but without the name marriage. What he has favored was a form of domestic partnership or a contractual relationship with reciprocal benefits.” The “reciprocal benefits” language is taken almost directly from the anti-gay Massachusetts Family Institute (MFI). The MFI website supports a “new category of contractual relationships entitled ‘reciprocal beneficiary contracts’ to define basic benefits.” Romney and his friends at MFI are willing to allow gay couples, who have built their lives together, to form contracts for hospital visitations. Gee, thanks Mitt! In 2006 Romney donated $10,000 to MFI, which also promotes “ex-gay therapy.” Its website states: “Our compassion is for those struggling with
same-sex attraction and we encourage the healing of individuals who wish to change their choice of lifestyle.” If Mitt Romney had his way, the armed forces would still be discharging gay soldiers, or forcing them to hide in the closet. Thanks to President Obama and the Democratic congressional majority in 2010, the military’s discriminatory policy is as dead as Osama bin Laden, while General Motors and
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‘Q-POINT’ Continued from PAGE 13 Detroit’s auto industry remains very much alive. I do agree with one point in Mr. Stone’s article: it is “simply untrue” that the GOP doesn’t want our votes. Republicans would like nothing more than to peel off enough gay votes to help propel their conservative agenda to victory. GOP operatives are happy to get as many LGBT voters as possible to vote against their own interests. Mr. Stone ends his piece by writing that Romney will bring gays “real progress,” while Obama “takes our vote for granted.” Stone’s assessment is only accurate if “real progress” means closing the door forever on gay couples and families getting full federal rights, and “taking our votes for granted” means signing hate crimes legislation inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity, ending DADT, and refusing to defend in federal court the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act. On a Jan. 25 town hall conference call sponsored by Ralph Reed’s Faith and Freedom Coalition, Mitt Romney blasted
President Obama for his “assault on marriage.” He pledged to “propose and promote” a marriage amendment to the constitution, and unlike Obama, “defend the Defense of Marriage Act.” While there is a small but growing number of Republican politicians who are turning away from their party’s history of antigay bigotry, Mitt Romney is definitely not one of them. I’m not sure if Nick Stone is delusional, or he just thinks it’s acceptable for gays to be second-class citizens. Mitt Romney’s homophobia is real and tangible. He must not be allowed his agenda of inscribing discrimination into our constitution, and taking us backwards. Our nation’s Declaration of Independence declares “all men are created equal.” Gov. Romney doesn’t get that America’s promise is that all of us have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Luckily, President Obama does. H
Cross-Eyed I Don’t Want to Be Gay Anymore by AJ CROSS I recently met an incredibly sweet, attractive, and kind 28-year-old man who was so hurt in his last relationship that he decided that the only way to protect himself was to stop being gay. He went to church and discussed the details of the relationship with his parish priest, and was told that if he was not happy it was because it was not the type of relationship that God had intended for man. He was also told that being gay was a mental condition, and that if he made the choice, he could live a “normal” life with a wife and children and no longer feel the hurt and pain caused by his former boyfriend. This man is surrounded by friends in
are able to cheat and lie just as easily as men. More importantly, he will never be fully satisfied, and this will lead him to stray in order to accommodate the sexual needs this female partner will never be able to fulfill. I do believe in being straight, gay, or bi-sexual, but I find it hard to swallow--no pun intended--that a truly gay person can simply wake up and decide that they are not going to be gay anymore. If it were that easy, I am sure many of us would have already chosen that option over the great difficulties that society presents to the LGBT community, let alone unsuccessful same-sex relationships.
his life--all gay--and he is preparing to walk away from those friendships. He started to date a woman who is 49. This woman, his friend for over six years, turns out to have been his best friend
It is also important to note that healthy gay relationships are possible and are in existence at this very moment, as is the option of being a gay parent to a wonderful child through
during his same-sex relationship, so she knows full and well that he is gay but has apparently decided to overlook that fact in order to duck the possibility of her still being single at 50. The guy-in-question had recently been on several dates with another man, and had been enjoying these gay dates. Although he was starting to like this person, he asked the guy to never contact him again because he felt such guilt about his feelings and because he was in a happy relationship with a woman. During that final farewell conversation, he also divulged that the 49-year-old woman he was dating is pregnant, supposedly with his child and that if she is, all his dreams would come true. Did this man simply change because he told himself, “I don’t want to be gay anymore”? I think not. I think that this man is running and hiding from his fear of being hurt. Running into the arms of a woman will not protect him, either, because, unless I am mistaken, women
natural means as well as surrogacy or adoption. I hope that this young man realizes that his girlfriend must surely have some disconnect from reality or common sense if she is so willing to be with him, have his child, and marry him after being his friend while he was actively gay. He is acting out of fear and it seems that she may be acting out of desperation and fear, as well, and those elements will not make for a successful outcome regardless of how much they both want it. I have been hurt, and honestly, I have hurt others, and that is the truth of any relationship that ends. Love hurts sometimes and that is not unique to sexual preference. All we can do is try to make better decisions to whom we give our trust and hearts and wish for the best. Being loved is about being who you are and loved because you are that person. If you have to change to find love then that love is based on fiction. Unlike fiction, there will not be a happy ending or living happily ever after. H
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Cinema | Fitness | Nutrition | Travel | Dining | Bar Guide | Recipe | Classifieds
WHAT’S INSIDE? Love is in the air, and this week’s Valentine’s Edition of Style & Entertainment, is all about the L-O-V-E. tFor those with taste buds that love a European flavor, the Agenda’s foodiesans-pareil, Richard David Chamberlain, paints a new world picture of a delicious Old World eatery: Pompano Beach’s Checkers Old München on the Boulevard. You can enjoy what he enjoyed, in this week’s Dining. We know it isn’t Halloween yet, which makes the idea of “Bed Death” even scarier. Dr. Arlen Leight has some advice for “resurrecting” that Ol’ Rack Magic, in Leight Reflections. “Harry Potter’s” Daniel Radcliffe stars in the new horror film “The Woman in Black,” produced by Hammer Films (who brought us those campy-yet-sexy Christopher Lee “Dracula” films in the 1970s). Cinema writer Warren Day gives you a close look at the period-piecethriller (although, sadly not as close a look at Daniel as when he ran naked across London stages in “Equus,” but an editor can dream). With so many choices available for those possessed of a globetrotting streak, writer Paul Stalbaum has some thoughts for LGBT persons who think that “gay is the only way” to go when they Travel. Motivation is key to any work-out regimen, and if your days at the gym are leaving you a little bored with your “routine,” Tom Bonanti has some advice for you to “stay pumped” in this week’s Fitness. If any single day cries out for cooking something special for someone special, it has to be Valentine’s Day, and Chef Jean Doherty gives you some easy-to-follow guidelines for a delicious V-Day side dish to keep your own side “dish” happy, with this week’s new Recipe. There is a lot to do this week if you are OUT in Florida, including plenty of fun places to take your sweetheart in the Agenda Bar Guide, and a whole lot more. Happy Valentine’s Day! – CD
THE WOMAN IN BLACK Daniel Radcliffe’s first post-Potter flick reviewed
Cinema PAGE 19 DON’T LET YOUR ROMANCE FIZZLE OUT THIS VALENTINE’S Dr. Arlen is keeping it HOT
‘ES SCHMECKT SO GUT!’ We take a closer look at Pompano’s favorite German restaurant in Dining
Leight Reflections PAGE 17
Dining PAGE 20
CHEESY & DELICIOUS GRATIN OF SWEET POTATOES
FLORIDA BAR GUIDE
Chef Jean dishes the recipe
Recipe PAGE 20
To help plan your weekend bar crawl
Bar Guide PAGE 21
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STAY PUMPED!
The Right Attitude is the Key to Continued Stuccess and Progress By TOM BONANTI
Y
ou’ve been pumping away in the gym for over a month now since making tthose New Year’s resolutions, and you can see and feel the difference. Even that jealous co-worker has noticed your bigger arms and harder pecs and you are delighted. So why all of a sudden are you feeling a little bored and burnt out with your exercise program? This isn’t at all uncommon, no matter how determined you are or how dynamic your routine may be. It is important to understand what’s going on in your mind and with your body so that you can continue on that upward scale toward peak success. Here are my favorite tips that will
help you keep that killer mindset as you hit the gym, track, or ring, etc. and continue your training with the same hungry animal intensity! First, emphasize good form in all your exercises. If you’re lifting weights make sure to maintain perfect form for each repetition of each set. Avoid swinging and throwing large amounts of weight around. Use supersets and compound sets to vary your routines and make them more effective. Try a yoga or kick-boxing class to help your flexibility and improve your cardiovascular strength. Variety is the spice of life! Secondly, remember for the most part, quality is better than quantity… even as far as training is concerned. A half hour of intense weight lifting targeting two muscle groups is preferable to two hours of socializing and cruising with some weight training thrown in. If you’re doing cardio, try to get your heart rate into the target heart rate zone and keep it there rather than plodding through an hour on a sta-
tionary bike reading Glamour. Thirdly, skip the competition. Sure, a little eye candy can be inspiring, uplifting, to say the least. Just don’t start comparing yourself to the 23 year old with the smoking abs or the hot daddy with the 20 inch guns. Stay focused upon yourself and your own goals. Chart your progress in a journal and keep track of your measurements. Compete only with yourself and try to become the best that you can be. Don’t be too hard on yourself, but don’t pamper yourself either. Fourthly, think about progress. Watch yourself, your form, and your muscles as they work in the mirror. Listen to inspiring music and uplifting motivational CD’s. Studies have proven that visualizing success can increase the intensity and the positive results of your workouts by as much as fifty percent. Finally, work the right muscles. If you don’t have a trainer, then keep track of
which muscles you work on which days. Bigger thicker muscle groups like back and legs demand more exercise and more work than smaller muscles like biceps. Make sure to give each muscle group 48-72 hours of rest, depending upon the intensity of your workouts, before pounding them again. Overtraining can cause injury and even set you back further than not training at all. Make your training sessions an integral part of your day, week, life, etc. and learn to enjoy them. Stay pumped, healthy and fit and take advantage of this great South Florida weather. For more motivational tips contact TrainerTomB@aol.com! H
Tom Bonanti, is a certified personal trainer and owner of Pump’n Inc gym at 1271 NE 9th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Email: TrainerTomB@aol.com Facebook: TrainerTomB. www.pumpnincgym.com
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LEIGHT REFLECTIONS
GAY AND LESBIAN BED DEATH: A Valentine’s Day Resurrection
FEBRUARY 09, 2012
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FACT: More relationships break up on Valentine's Day than any other day of the year.
By ARLEN KEITH LEIGHT, PH.D.
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alentine's Day is supposed to be about roses and romance, dining and dancing, sensuality and sex. The reality is often quite different. It is unrealized expectations that create a sense of loss and the realization that "my relationship is not what I really want it to be." The hype around Valentine's Day magnifies the emptiness and heightens the desire to have a more complete and fulfilling partnership. The result is often separation and moving on.
This is not necessarily a bad thing. Maybe we got involved with someone who was perfect for us when we met, but we have a different world view now. Or perhaps the man or woman we once knew to be warm and generous is now cold, indifferent, or abusive. Sometimes the person who used to bring out the best in us now brings out the worst. It may be best to leave behind a relationship that is not working.
Then there are times when everything is working quite well, but the sexual connection is just not what it used to be or what it could be. It is true that the hot sex you had when you first met will never be hot in the same way, but that does not necessarily mean it cannot be passionate, new, different, and fun. It always starts with communication. Talk about what's going on--or what's not going on. Let your partner know something is not working for you. It doesn't get easier with time, so don't put it off. Let your love for one another guide the conversation and not some resentment or hurt. It is important to express feelings without assessing blame. Talk about how TOGETHER you can make your sex life work for you. The old idea of planning a date is a good idea. Do something you really enjoy doing together. It doesn't have to be going out for dinner. Take a walk on the beach, that bike ride you've been meaning to take together or a long drive to a place that has special meaning. Set the tone for coming home to shower together, candlelight, and music. Shut off those smart phones and make each other your only focus of interest for the day or evening. Ask yourself if your work or other interests are more important than the connection with your partner. What does it mean to you if the answer is "yes"? Often times our relationships have become so nice, the bed we share feels too sacred or just too boring for some hot, passionate lovemaking. Plan to go separately and meet at some sleazy hotel. Live out a fantasy. Bring some toys. TALK about what might be fun. Try something you've always wanted to do sexually but were afraid to ask. Step out of your comfort zone. Free yourself from the usualafter all, that's just not working. Find ways to break the rules. Use pornography or create it. Bring a video camera. Be a porn star for an evening. Talk dirty, breath hard, scream loud. Remember what HOT sex was like. Recreate it with your partner. Make out in public. Take it to the beach or into the woods. Try phone sex with your partner. What about leather and/or lace? Don't be shy; tell your partner what turns you on. Whips? Chains? Restraints? Why waste a
good fetish by keeping it to yourself? Visit the local leather/fetish shop together and find some items that might be fun for one or both of you. There is also the possibility of bringing a third person in to play with you. This option can be very exciting and often works well to reenergize a sexual relationship. However, because of the many issues and challenges that can arise, be certain you have formulated parameters around how it will work--and that includes safe sex. Finally, there are many couples who love each other deeply, but who have too many barriers and/or obstacles to re-igniting sexual passion. If it is okay with both partners to agree that the sexual part of their relationship is simply a part of the past, there is nothing wrong or bad about that. However, if one or both would like something more, there are workable steps that can be taken under the supervision of a trained clinical sexologist that may help. Any couple feeling dissatisfied with any aspect of their relationship that they can't seem to work out by themselves should seriously consider asking for professional help. What is more important than a healthy and strong loving partnership? And what could be better than a healthy, strong loving partnership with good, fun, passionate sex? Happy Valentine's Day! H
Arlen Keith Leight, PhD is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Board Certified Sex Therapist in private practice on the drive in Wilton Manors. Dr. Leight has written and lectured extensively on the topic of gay male intimacy, dating, human connections and relationships, and has been on the faculty of several universities. He can be reached via email at DoctorLeight@aol.com, by phone at 954-768-8000, or online at www.DoctorLeight.com. Watch for his new book, “Sex Happens: The Gay Man’s Guide to Creative Intimacy,” due out this summer
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CINEMA
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FEBRUARY 09, 2012
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MOVIE REVIEW: The Woman in Black By WARREN DAY
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ust-released, “The Woman in Black” starring Daniel Radcliffe (none other than Harry Potter himself) is a throwback to an older form, a classic Victorian ghost story in the grand tradition, something that’s been missing from the screen for a long time. The Haunted House in cinema dates back at least to “The Old Dark House” from 1932, which was directed by the openly-gay James Whale, who also did the original “Frankenstein,” and what many consider to be the greatest horror film of all time, “The Bride of Frankenstein.” In “Woman,” Radcliffe plays London lawyer Arthur Kipps. Kipps is on shaky terms with his strict employer because of his lackluster performance since the death of his wife in childbirth. Her passing left him with a son who’s now four years old (yes, Harry Potter has definitely grown-up). Kipps is dispatched to the remote southeast coast of England to close out the accounts of a highly reclusive and recently deceased client. For years she lived alone in a decaying mansion called Eel Marsh House, located about 800 feet off the coast on a rise of land only reachable at low tides. The nearby village residents aren’t happy to welcome an outsider. It becomes apparent that they are harboring secrets about the old house, which is surrounded by marshes and tidal pools. Kipps hears strange noises and catches a fleeting glimpse of a woman in black amidst the family tombstones. You can see why I called it a classic Victorian ghost story, even though the novel was written in 1983, and a stage version has continuously performed in London since 1989, making it the second longest running play in the West End (Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” has been running since 1952). The movie, as well as the novel and play, are old-fashioned, and I mean that as a compliment. It has what most horror films have been lacking for the last decade or more: it’s subtle and more suggestive than literal in its depic-
tions of things that go bump in the night. In other words, it’s more of a chiller than a thriller, which may go against the A.D.D.-inspired grain of what audiences expect today. As in all good ghost stories, the fascination is in the back story: why does the title’s eponymous and nameless woman haunt Eel Marsh House, and why does a child in the village die every time she’s seen? Daniel Radcliffe handles himself well, but the director sometimes confuses being startled
with being scared, and more of the back story from the novel would have--forgive the pun-fleshed out the ghosts. In the end, this film may not be as scary as a Kardashian family reunion, but thanks to the acting, production design, and photography, it is a lot more real. H Send comments and questions to AgendaReviews@aol.com
WHY DO GAY MEN & LESBIANS LOVE SCARY MOVIES? By WARREN DAY Gay men and lesbians seem to have a higher degree of fascination with horror movies than their straight counterparts. If you doubt this, then just ask any studio marketing executive. What is less clear is “why?” Some people suggest it’s our identity with those who’ve been labeled by society as outsiders and “not normal,” and certainly vampires, werewolves, and ghouls have had that experience. Others say it’s the genre’s sense of style and flamboyance, with its emphasis on mood and atmosphere, where the décor is part and parcel of the drama. Or maybe it’s because from the beginning they’ve contained a noticeable gay sensibility in both the front and back of the camera, the one genre in the art form’s early years where you might spot a gay character, such as Doctor Pretorius in 1935’s “Bride of Frankenstein,” or Countess Zaleska in 1936’s “Dracula’s Daughter.” Remember: those performances occurred during the height of the studios’ Production Code era, when any depiction of homosexuality was strictly forbidden. Yet somehow they could blend the characters into these films, where almost no one depicted was “normal.” What’s clear is that in recent years horror movies have been rather, well, horrible. Mainly, they’ve solidified themselves into two rigid cat egories: the “faux documentary,” to which the “The Blair Witch Project” gave birth, only to continue with
such films as “Paranormal Activity (I and II);” and the much more prolific sub-genre of “splatter films” where the goal is to shock (or sicken) you more than scare you, and where the blood and guts flow like beer at a Super Bowl party. These films include “The Ring,” “Hostel,” “Saw,” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” and like the villains they depict, these films continue to xeroxing themselves into endless replicas. We’re even on the verge of a “Friday the 13th, Part 13”. Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and then BOO! H
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RECIPE/DINING
THIS WEEK’S TASTY RECIPE: Gratin of Sweet Potatoes with Ricotta and Herbs
CHECKERS OLD MüNCHEN Pompano’s Very Own Bavarian Bistro By RICHARD DAVID CHAMBERLAIN
By JEAN DOHERTY
This little recipe is both easy and delicious. If you use a little “cocotte” (a shallow, two-handled baking dish) to bake and serve it, it looks so fantastic when you bring it to the table. Your guests will be exclaiming “oh and ahh” before they even taste this delicious little gratin. Remember: presentation counts, guys! • 4 sweet potatoes • ½ lb of ricotta cheese • 2 eggs • ½ pint of milk • 1 bunch of parsley • 1 bunch of chives • Salt & pepper Preheat the oven to 300 ° F Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into very thin slices. Use a mandolin if you have one. Wash
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and dry the chives and destalk the parsley. Set a few strands of chives aside for the garnish. Finely chop it all. Mix that with the ricotta, salt, and pepper. Pour this ricotta cheese preparation into the bottom of a previously-oiled gratin dish, or use individual little ramekins or “cocottes” (the serving looks so much nicer this way); then cover with the thin slices of sweet potato. Whisk the whole eggs with the milk, salt, and pepper and pour this mixture over the spuds. Bake for about an hour and a half. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the reserved minced chives. Serve immediately with the meat of your choice, or serve it as a starter. As I always say: you are the chef! H
I
f we were in the Bavarian Alps and dropped into the oom-pah-pah ambience of Checkers Old München on the Boulevard, it would be nothing particularly special. Just another German Ale House with hearty food and steins of lager. But put the same place in Fort Lauderdale—or more specifically, Pompano Beach—and you’ve got an incredibly entertaining and enjoyable restaurant with its own unique twist on a night-on-the town. The place isn’t large. Some neatly arranged tables in front of a nine-seat bar backed with a kaleidoscope of beers and assorted imported German brews that are served in bottles or enormous 20ounce glasses the size of a flower vase. It’s your first clue that everything about this restaurant, owned by Mathew Moore and his chef André, is about large portions. Or perhaps things just look large because the place is intimate and petite. In either case, the one thing that is not in doubt is the authenticity of the food. Order Kohlroulade an Tomatensosse ($15.95) and savor a taste delight straight from Munich. This wonderful cabbage roll is stuffed with a seasoned beef/rice mixture that hints of clove and is topped with a tomato sauce that makes magic by the time it reaches the back of your throat. Any German chef knows how to make a great Weinerschnitzel, but here at Checkers, it becomes something more than the typical heavy slab of pounded veal, pork or chicken. Thin as sliced turkey off of a carving station, this Weinerschnitzel ($17.95 or $15.95 depending on the meat) is tenderly dusted with an ultra-light breading that dissolves into flavor that is complemented by a homemade brown gravy with cracked pepper. Take a quick tour of Germany with the Bavarian Platter ($16.95) that combines freshly made Bratwurst (large sausages from Franconia), Knackwurst (small sausages from Holstein), Weinerschnitzel and your choice of either Sauerbraten (beef roast) or Schweinebraten (pork roast). Like all entrées at Checkers, this large dinner is accompanied by your choice of two side dishes (Spaetzel Noodles, Red Cabbage, Sauerkraut, Potato Dumpling, Boiled Potato, Mashed Potatoes, Warm German Potato Salad, Steak Fries or the Vegetable of the Day). For the truly hearty eater, or those with eyes as large as your stomachs, we dare you to attempt to finish the
Schweinhaxen ($19.00), a wonderfully seasoned pork shank, fully two pounds in weight, that has been boiled and slow roasted to fall-off-the-bone tender for six hours. While the skin is crackling crisp, the meat is juicy and flavorful. This feast is served on a platter so large that just getting it to the table requires a certain amount of muscle. Consuming it requires far less effort, guaranteed. And whatever else happens during the night, do not forget to ask for at least one order of Kartoffelpuffer ($8.95), homemade fried potato pancakes that are served with applesauce and sour cream. Think hash browns, only better. And no dinner would be complete without tasting this restaurant’s legendary soup ($3.95 a cup; $4.95 a bowl) that combines German onions and apples with a butter-toasted crouton topped with cheese. The concoction is so-oo good that, in 2008, Florida’s Sun Sentinel newspaper printed the recipe with a color photo by special request and increased their circulation for the day! Once a month Checkers simplifies the entire selection process with its Beer Tasting Night. For $18.95, those that can squeeze into the place (yes, it’s that packed!) get to taste an assortment of eight German beers plus sample the buffet that includes bratwurst, sausage, sauerkraut, liverwurst, sautéed spaetzle and onions. Finish the entire tour and get your name added to the plaque above the bar. The next Beer Tasting Night is February 19th and starts at 9:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Can’t wait that long? Then reserve a table for Valentine’s Day where dinner for two is going for $65 a couple. The prix-fixe menu includes an order of potato pancakes, two servings of onionapple soup, any two entrées from the menu, your choice of dessert (apple strudel or Black Forest cake) plus a bottle of ChocoVine dessert wine, which artfully combines chocolate and raspberry in a elixir that will celebrate any kind of romance you might have in mind for later in the evening. The music is campy, the atmosphere of weathered-wood beams and walls lined with beer ads kitschy, and servers Sonya, Saski, Marina, and Natalie attentive. Go early, stay late, and you might even learn a few words in German! And remember to tell them that FLORIDA AGENDA sent you in for good grub. H
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BAR GUIDE
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FORT LAUDERDALE/WILTON MANORS ALIBI 2266 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Gayborhood tradition since 1997. Comfortable, inviting atmosphere with indoor video bars, outdoor drinking and dining. Drink specials all week, with mammoth 22-ounce Long Island Iced Teas for $3 on Thursdays ATOMIC/BOOM 2232 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors The bar with two names features a dance club and Gayborhood bar. Drag Bingo on Mondays, karaoke Mondays and Tuesdays, dance music Fridays and Saturdays, and (indoor) Sunday T-Dance. BILL’S FILLING STATION 2209 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Videos, pool tables, dart boards, dance floor, happy hour, live shows, Tuesday and Thursday karaoke – and great burgers, to boot. Fun and friendly truck-stop-themed bar. BOARDWALK 1721 N Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale Over 100 of the sexiest men from all over the world. Go-go dancers, cages, billiards, 2-4-1 Happy Hours. Drag emcees and did we mention the Boys? CORNER PUB 1915 N Andrews Ave., Wilton Manors Friendly atmosphere, unpretentious clientele and staff. Next to Island City Pizza (so you can get your drink AND your slice on). CUBBY HOLE 823 N Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale Butch bar and grill with a rockin’ daytime crowd (and a fun nighttime one, too). Fifty cent pool, 2-for-1 drinks all day every day, video games, hot movies on HDTV and DirecTV. Thursdays it’s Bare Bear Chest Night, and every Friday and Saturday the fur flies with Hot Bears on Poles (where their Grizzlies Grind)! DEPOT CABANA BAR AND GRILL 2935 N Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale Adjacent to the America’s Best Inn and Suites. Pool open daily – No Cover or Day Pass. Great food, daily happy hour, Sunday afternoon T-Dance Poolside. Karaoke and live music. Open daily at 11:30 a.m. DUDES 3270 NE 33rd St., Fort Lauderdale Men dancing for men. Hot go-go boys in an upscale atmosphere, piano lounge for more quiet interludes. Steamy shower shows. JOHNNY’S 1116 W Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Club, bar, lounge. Male dancers and the men who love (to ogle) them. Sunday amateur strip contest (and karaoke!). LIPS 1421 E Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park The Ultimate in Drag Dining. Dinner and shows six nights a week. Sunday Gospel Brunch with the Sisters of Sequins. LIVING ROOM 300 SW 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale Arts & Entertainment District meets South Beach. Friday nights they’re here, they’re queer, and they drink free from 10:30(ish) to Midnight. Only House Music club in town with its own Classical (and classicallychiseled) violinist. THE MANOR 2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors WeHo vibe (think: LA’s The Abbey) in the heart of the Gayborhood. Dine, drink, dance, play, mingle. Theme rooms (salsa and merengue every weekend in the Latin Quarter!). Live dancing and dining.
PJ’S CORNER POCKET 924 N Flagler Dr., Fort Lauderdale Friendly neighborhood interracial bar with drinks specials every night of the week including, “In the Biz Mondays” at 9 p.m. with 2-4-1 drinks and $3 Cosmos and Apple Martinis, “Splash Friday’s” wet underwear contest, and Sunday’s pool tournament, both with a $50 cash prize! RAMROD 1508 NE 4th Ave., Fort Lauderdale Voted World’s Favorite Leather Bar. Pig Dance first Saturday of the month – South Florida’s Busiest, Craziest Monthly Party (with caged hunks at Midnight on Saturdays – is there a downside to this?). ROSIE’S BAR & GRILL 2449 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors Nexus of the A-Gay List. Be Seen in the Scene (without making one). Food, folks, libations, and a killer Sunday Funday. SCANDALS SALOON 3073 NE 6th Ave., Wilton Manors A line-dancin’, tight blue jeans-wearin’ good time. Country and western music, two-steppin’, three-steppin’, pool tables, and themed events year ‘round. Cowboys and Indians was never this much fun, Pilgrim. SIDELINES 2031 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Where Sports come first. Nationally known destination sports bar with TVs streaming NFL, MLB, NBA and college games. Pool tables, dart boards and large indoor (and now smoke-free) facility. Outdoor patio features area for smokers. Mixed crowd of gay men and women (who would have thought?). Featured in Bloomberg Businessweek and recommended by LOGO. STABLE 205 E Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Levis-and-leather neighborhood bar, where the bears line dance and the cowboys are VERY friendly. SMARTY PANTS 2400 E Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Cozy neighborhood bar with daily happy hour, and regular patrons. Show night Thursdays at 9 p.m. Karaoke Friday and Saturday nights, and with matinee on Sunday afternoon. TORPEDO 2829 W Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Dance, shoot pool, drink til 4 a.m., 7 nights a week. Doors open at Midnight; dance til Dawn. VOODOO LOUNGE 111 SW 2nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale Gay and mixed every Sunday, with afternoon T-Dance and drink specials, then the popular Life’s a Drag show with gobs of female impersonators, hot dudes and the chicks who want to change them. WHISKEY BLUE 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale In the W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach, downstairs it’s the elegant Whiskey Blue, upstairs the luxe Living Room: hot dance and social settings in a distinctive atmosphere with signature cocktails and upscale patrons. Indoor and outdoor lounges.
MIAMI/MIAMI BEACH BAR 721 721 N Lincoln Lane, Miami Beach Plush, lush and flush, a luxe, sexy décor that includes soft carpeting, comfy couches and a Grown Up Playroom equipped with a flat screen TV for video games, pool table, ceiling-mounted speakers. Enjoy 5 to 10 p.m. happy hours including $6 premium drinks.
MATTY’S ON THE DRIVE 2426 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Drink specials, billiards, and a chill gayborhood vibe. 75 Cent drinks on Wednesdays. No Drama, No Smoking.
CLUB BOI 777 NE 79 St., Miami With an urban vibe on the weekends, a diverse crowd and a diverse musical format, including Hip Hop, R&B, House, Reggae, Soca, Latin and Old School. Go-go bois and drink specials.
MONKEY BUSINESS 2740 N Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale Cozy neighborhood bar. Karaoke, drag shows, Patio Bar – and open at 9 a.m. daily.
CLUB SUGAR 2301 SW 32nd Ave., Miami Gay Latin scene, with Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton, Hip Hop and House music always playing.
MONA’S 502 E Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Cocktail Lounge in the heart of Searstown. Fun customers, fun bartenders and fun proprietor (the Legendary Jerry). Outside patio. Wednesday karaoke, Thursday Speedball Tournament.
DISCOTEKKA 950 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Hot music, hot scene, hot bartenders, and hot patrons in the hot heart of Downtown Miami.
NAKED GRAPE 2163 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Relaxing, friendly, hip, unique – the alternative gathering place on Wilton Drive. Wine tastings and events. Tuesday and Wednesday Late Night In the Biz.
MOVA LOUNGE 1625 Michigan Ave., Miami Beach On Miami Beach’s famed Lincoln Road, never a cover. Drink specials all week long, live DJs, high energy music and a fun crowd getting their dance on til late. PALACE BAR 1200 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
This bar and restaurant in the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco District. Mouth-watering burgers, boys (and girls!). Weekend cabaret shows Thursday through Sunday. SCORE 727 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach Dance, drink, party all night on Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road. Tons of events throughout the year, including fundraisers for Winter Party, White Party, and Miami Beach Gay Pride. SPACE 34 NE 11th St., Miami Mingle and mix with gays and str8s in the heart of Downtown Miami. Indoor dance floors and outdoor rooftop bar, spectacular light show. TWIST 1057 Washington Ave., Miami Beach Great music, friendly staff, hot tourists and locals. Never a cover, always a groove. Bungalow Bar = Hot Men. In SoBe’s Art Deco District. JOHNNY’S MIAMI 62 NE 14th Street, Downtown Miami Club, bar and lounge. Johnny’s Miami boasts the best sound system in town! Plenty of safe, secured parking. Open 5pm to 5am daily. Hot male dancers and daily drink specials.
ORLANDO/CENTRAL FLORIDA HANKS 5026 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL Friendly local bar with a cruisy attitude. One of Orlando’s oldest and friendliest Gay bars. Beer and Wine. Pool Tables, Video Games and a Large Patio area. HAMBURGER MARY’S BAR & GRILL 110 W Church St., Orlando, FL Eat, Drink & Be Mary! Tuesday BINGO with Miss Sammy & Carol Lee, Wednesday Trivia with Doug Bouser and Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show is every Saturday, 7:30 p.m. PARLIAMENT HOUSE 410 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL All gay entertainment complex with 130 newly-remodeled hotel rooms. Cruisy Hotel, Nightclub, Pool Bar, Bear/Leather Bar. NEW PHOENIX 7124 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL Winter Park’s ONLY Gay & Lesbian Bar. Been There Forever! Karaoke every Tuesday and Friday at 9 p.m. Drag shows every Saturday night. Home of the $1 Jello shots. PULSE 1912 S Orange Ave., Orlando, FL Orlando’s Premier Gay Bar & Nightclub with Ultra Lounge, Jewel Box Dance Floor, and Adonis Dancers. Twisted Tuesdays with $10 All-U-Can Drink, College Wednesdays (18+) and 2-4-1 every Friday for Happy Hour. SAVOY ORLANDO 1913 N Orange Ave., Orlando, FL “The hottest” gay bar and nightclub in Orlando. The MEN OF SAVOY Dancers from 6 p.m. til 2 a.m. every night in the main bar! Video Bar, Pool Tables. WYLDE'S 3557 S Orange Ave., Orlando, FL Neighborhood bar South of Downtown Orlando. Jukebox, Video Games, Pool Tables and Dancers. PARADISE ORLANDO 1300 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL Orlando’s casual Gay & Lesbian bar and nightclub. Patio, Tiki Bar and Pool Tables. Happy Hour 4 til 9 p.m. and drink specials every day til 9 p.m. BAR CODES (Formerly Bear Bar) 4453 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL Friendly Bar, Real Men and Bears... Oh My! Beer and Wine. Tends to attract the after work Happy Hour crowd.
TAMPA BAY 2606 2606 N Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL Tampa's favorite Levi/leather bar has two floors (dimly lit), with the upstairs being the more cruisy. There's Hog House shop on-premises, and the 2606 is home to the Tampa Leather Club. Monday is Underwear Night, Tuesdays are $1 drinks and on Wednesdays, Longnecks are just $1.50. AZALEA LOUNGE 1502 N Florida Ave., Tampa, FL Exposed brick, cold beverages and friendly staff are the mainstays of the recently bloomed Florida Avenue flower! Neighborhood bar, pool tables. BAXTER'S LOUNGE 1519 S Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL Tampa Happy Hour Tradition. Serving up some of the hottest dancers Wednesday thru Saturday nights at 10PM. FLIRT NIGHTCLUB & SHOWBAR 1909 N 15th St., Tampa, FL (Ybor City)
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Get that hometown feeling. Amazing lazer shows, big headliners and has been around for 6 years. CITY SIDE 3703 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, FL Tampa Bay’s “Best Happy Hour” til Midnight every night of the week. GBAR 1401 E 7th Ave., Tampa (Ybor City), FL Dance Club & Video Bar. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 4 p.m. til 3 a.m. No cover before 10 p.m., $5 after with ID. VALENTINES NIGHTCLUB 7522 N Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL Voted #1 Nightclub in Tampa. Open 7 days a week 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday, Latin Night, Tuesdays are Boys Night Out, Wednesdays are Karaoke Night, Thursdays, No Cover Dance Party, Fridays feature Hot Go-Go Girls, Saturdays are Latino Night “Uncut” and Sundays are Hip Hop Night. Ki Ki Ki III 1908 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL One of The Oldest Bars (beer and wine). A plain bar without pretention with its share of young regulars. RAINBOW ROOM 421 S MacDill Ave., Tampa, FL A mix between a neighborhood bar and a community center. Main bar with pool, darts, jukebox. Outdoor Tiki patio has a full volleyball court and live bands. Beer & Wine.
ST. PETERSBURG GEORGIES ALIBI 3100 3rd Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL One of the most popular gay bars in St. Pete. It’s always busy! Great VJ’s play Top 40 music. Mondays are Drag BINGO and Talent contest, Pool tourney Wednesdays, and the legendary Long Island Iced Tea nights on Thursdays. Ages 21 and over, never a cover! FLAMINGO RESORT 4601 34th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL Florida’s “largest, luxury all gay resort.” Non-stop entertainment, great menu, and drinks served poolside at the Cabana. Weekly events and 2-4-1 Happy Hour daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday Happy Hour ($1 off) 11 a.m to 9 p.m. GEMINI LOUNGE 2315 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL Gemini Lounge aims to serve a variety of tastes; music, karaoke, Internet access, poetry readings and sports on TV. OAR HOUSE BAR & LIQUOR STORE 4807 22nd Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL Fun, friendly, laid-back atmosphere where you can get great drinks at cheap prices! Drama free! Happy Hour daily from 2 p.m. til 9 p.m. HAYMARKET PUB 8308 4th St. North, St. Petersburg, FL More of a Men’s bar. Showing hot videos, beer specials, Saturday Underwear Night, and different events each week. HIDEAWAY 8302 4th St. North, St. Petersburg, FL The oldest Womyn’s bar in the country. Where music is always the main entree! Coldest selection of beer in town. DETOUR 2612 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL The hottest club in St. Pete. Daily specials, karaoke nights and gogo boys from Rico's Men. Noted for it’s Saturday Drag shows and Karaoke nights. Full liquor bar.
MELBOURNE/COCOA COLD KEG NIGHTCLUB 4060 W New Haven Ave., Melbourne, FL Largest Gay Club in Melbourne Florida and the Premier Gay Bar & Nightclub in Brevard County. ULTRA LOUNGE 407 Brevard Ave., Cocoa, FL Nestled in Cocoa Village, this bar has a full coffee bar, serving espresso, lattes, cappuccinos as well as draft beers & wine.
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JACKSONVILLE THE METRO 2929 Plum St., Jacksonville, FL The Metro Entertainment Complex has been serving the GLBT community for 17 years. Features a total of 7 different venues under one roof to choose from. Lesbo-A-Go-Go, monthly Tea Dances, special quest performers, female impersonators and live musicians. BOOT RACK SALOON 4751 Lenox Ave., Jacksonville, FL Your Neighborhood Gay Bar - the place for men. Cold beer, music and a warm and cozy atmosphere. Hot men and cheap beer... We all know where that leads! AJ'S BAR & GRILL 10244 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL Annie and Janie invite you to stop by and see some old friends and meet some new ones! Great food, awesome service, delicious mixed drinks and live entertainment. PARK PLACE LOUNGE 931 King St., Jacksonville, FL A fun and comfortable gay bar that’s accommodating to both gays and non-gays. A great place to watch your favorite game, or enjoy playing Wii while the liquor flows! THE NORM 2952 Roosevelt Blvd., Jacksonville, FL A neighborhood bar. Everyone is welcome, but remember it is a girls bar! Beer and Wine only. 616 BAR 616 Park St., Jacksonville, FL A warm and friendly atmosphere with a Patio bar. Karaoke on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Thursdays the Jax Bears are here for happy hour. Fridays and Saturdays enjoy the "Beer Blast." THREE LAYERS CAFE 1602 Walnut St., Jacksonville, FL The name Three Layers comes from their large variety of delicious three layer cakes. An inviting loft style cafe located in Springfield. Enjoy a bistro style lunch or just stop in for your morning coffee. BO'S CORAL REEF 201 5th Ave. North, Jacksonville Beach, FL There are great shows Thursday through Sunday with the best of female impersonators. Pool tables, video games, and a large outdoor patio. The only gay bar on the beach!
BAR GUIDE
INCAHOOTS 711 Edison Ave., Jacksonville, FL This club offers good crowds every night. Recently remodeled with three bars and a friendly staff. Everyday is a different special. A fun place anytime. Full Liquor bar. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except for special events. KICKBACKS GASTROPUB 910 King St., Jacksonville, FL This is a top class venue serving over 600 different bottled beers, 84 beers on tap, breakfast, lunch and dinner 20hrs a day 7 days a week!
KWEST 705 Duval St., Key West, FL Daily Happy Hour from 3 to 8 p.m., and a piano sing-a-long every Wednesday night. Men dancing for men after 10 p.m. Weekly drink specials and "Wet Jockey" contests on Fridays. SALOON ONE 801 Duval St., Key West, FL (Behind 801 Bar) This is the only gay leather bar in Key West. Conveniently located behind 801 Bourbon Bar.
PENSACOLA
LA TE DA 1125 Duval St., Key West, FL An upscale hotel complex with 3 bars, cabaret and restaurant.
THE ROUNDUP 560 E Heinberg St, Pensacola, FL A neighborhood gay men’s bar... Pensacola’s Cowboy Bar. Open 2 p.m. til 3 p.m. daily.
PEARL’S PATIO BAR FOR WOMEN 525 United St., Key West, FL Tropical themed women's bar for gay women and gayfriendly women alike. Patio bar with a full bar featuring drinks like "Cosmopearlitans" and "Pearl's Passion".
CABARET 101 S Jefferson St. #E, Pensacola, FL Not strictly a gay bar, the charming and friendly Cabaret is very much a fixture in Pensacola's GLBT community, drawing a mixed bunch each evening for happy hour, karaoke, videos, comedy shows, live music, and all-around hobnobbing and socializing.
KEY WEST BOURBON STREET PUB 724 Duval St., Key West, FL Opened in October of 1995 and has continued to grow ever since, it is now part of the larger collection of gay action in The Bourbon St. Pub Complex. Hot Go-Go boy dancers and a busy crowd. “Where the boys are!” 801 BOURBON BAR 801 Duval St., Key West, FL Cabaret shows upstairs with nightly performances by famed performers Sushi, Kylie, RV Beaumont, Margo, and others. This legendary establishment has been around for over 30 years, and host Happy Hour specials daily from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. AQUA NIGHTCLUB 711 Duval St., Key West, FL Aqua features the "Reality is a Drag" show six days a week, followed by dancing. Monday is karaoke night and don't miss the great happy hour specials from 3 to 8 p.m. daily.
BOBBY’S MONKEY BAR 900 Simonton St., Key West, FL The gay Cheers style neighborhood bar of Key West. Happy Hour from Noon to 7pm, Karaoke on Sunday nights, pool tournaments on Tuesday nights at 7pm. Free Wi-Fi access. GARDEN OF EDEN 224 Duval St., Key West, FL A Rooftop Bar with the BEST VIEWS in the city & “BEST Long Island Ice Teas made by Melinda!” Gay, straight, fat, or skinny... Doesn’t matter! Clothing optional - gay friendly!
WEST PALM BEACH H G ROOSTERS 823 Belvedere Rd., West Palm Beach, FL Dark bar that attracts a fun party crowd. Camp is in at H.G.'s, where drag shows and bingo nights pack in crowds looking for laughs and fun. THE LOUNGE 517 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL Sushi, tropical views and tasty cocktails are accompanied by acclaimed resident DJ Daisy DeadPetals. FORT DIX BAR & CLUB 6205 Georgia Ave., West Palm Beach, FL Mostly local crowd looking to mingle and relax. The bar is a bit on the dark and dingy side, but who knows--that could be a plus.
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FORT MYERS OFFICE PUB 3704 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, FL Oldest gay bar in South West Florida with a festive attitude. This bear-friendly Office likes to have fun with underwear parties, drag shows, Wii bowling! Check out their country and western music night on Saturdays. TUBBY'S 4350 Fowler St., Fort Myers, FL Where men come to compete (in tournaments). "Never a cover... always a smile" Tubby's is a no-frills video bar with a total of 10 TVs and two projection screens available for patrons to use as they wish. Add a six-hour 2-4-1 Happy Hour during the Wii tournaments on the big screen! THE BOTTOM LINE 3090 Evans Ave., Fort Myers, FL This gay entertainment complex is one of the longest running clubs in southwest Florida at over 20 years, The Bottom Line features 7 bars, pool tables, drag shows and occasional guest appearances by porno stars.
VENICE TOTI: TAVERN ON THE ISLAND IN VENICE 127 Tampa Ave. East, Venice, FL This South Beach inspired gay bar, boasts a dance floor and a game room with pool tables and dart boards. It's clean, the music is mixed and the staff are friendly. A mixed crowd can be found most nights... younger, older (duh, this is Venice), gay and straight. Did you know that in the Caribbean, TOTI is slang for a beloved male appendage? How apropos.
GAINESVILLE SPIKES 4130 NW 6th St., Gainesville, FL It is a laid-back kind of place, with friendly bar staff. The crowds vary depending on the night. The bar has a nice open air patio area that is rarely used, but would be nice if it was. UNIVERSITY CLUB 18 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL This is a fairly average small college town gay bar. It is usually busy and crowded on Thursday nights.
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WINTER HEAT FLORIDA 2012
ART EXPLOSION 2012
“Feel the Heat,” Presidents’ Day Weekend,
Presented by ArtsUnited, the ArtExplosion International LGBT Arts Festival is three weeks of art, film, music, dance, theatre, literature, comedy and cabaret by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender artists and performers. ArtExplosion has grown from a one night event to a two week festival that has featured such talent as Lilly Tomlin, Marga Gomez, The Kinsey Sicks, The Gay Mafia, Greg Walloch, Levi Kries, and Lea DeLaria just to name a few.
February 16-20, 2012. This year’s host hotel is the Bahia Mar Resort. (Events and venues subject to change). Thursday, February 16 - 10 p.m. – 2 a.m., “The Big Chill,” George's Alibi, 2266 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. Come kick it with Ft. Lauderdale’s grown and sexy crowd and enjoy $3 Long Island Iced Teas. - 2 a.m. – 4 a.m., “The Cold Front,” Torpedo Bar, 2829 W. Broward Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale. Heat things up on the dance floor while the deejay spins the hottest Hip-Hop and R&B hits. Friday, February 17 - 5 p.m. – 11 p.m., “The Ice Breaker,” Grand Mariner Lounge at The Bahia Mar Hotel. Mix and mingle at the Welcome Reception with the men of Winter Heat 2012. - 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Winter Heat Film Festival, Seafarer Room at The Bahia Mar Hotel. Check out original films from up and coming film makers. - 10 p.m. – 4 a.m., “The Fire Storm,” Green Room, 100 SW 3 Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale. Winter has never been this hot! Join the sexiest men in South Florida at the coolest spot in town. Saturday, February 18 - 9 a.m. - 10 a.m., “Sweat on the Beach,” Fort Lauderdale Beach Start the day off right with aerobics on the beach. - 3 p.m. – Sunset, “Heat Waves” Fort Lauderdale Beach Chill out on the beach and have some fun in the sun. - 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Winter Heat Film Festival, Seafarer Room at The Bahia Mar Hotel Check out original films from up and coming film makers. - 8 p.m. to Midnight, “Winter Games,” Grand Mariner Lounge at The Bahia Mar Hotel Got skills? Put them to the test at the oldschool game night. - 10 p.m. – 4 a.m., “Body Heat,” Voodoo Lounge, 111 SW 2 Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale Feel the heat all night as DJ Angel X rocks the house. Sunday, February 19 - 9 a.m. - 10 a.m., “Sweat on the Beach,” Fort Lauderdale Beach Start the day off right with aerobics on the beach. - 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., “Holy Heat,” Lips Fort Lauderdale Experience the ultimate in drag dining. This gospel brunch is sure to lift your spirits and the ultimate Mimosas will definitely warm your soul. - 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Winter Heat Film Festival, Seafarer Room at The Bahia Mar Hotel Check out original films from up and coming film makers. - 3 p.m. – Sunset, “Winter Waterland” Pool Party, Exit 66 at Pier 66 Resort, Ft. Lauderdale Dive into the hottest pool party ever. Live music, food, drinks and an amazing fashion show will bring a whole new meaning to lounging by the pool. - 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., “Sparks,” Grand Mariner Lounge at The Bahia Mar Hotel Experience speed dating South Floridastyle. You’ve never experienced a love and relationship session quite like this. Get ready! - 10 p.m. – 4 a.m., “The Meltdown,” Living Room, 300 SW 1 Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale The grand finale party is going down tonight. Monday, February 20 - 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., “The Block is Hot,” Americas Back Yard, 100 SW 3 Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale A day party like no other takes place at Fort Lauderdale’s most unique outdoor entertainment venue. For more information, visit winterheatflorida.com. H
Presented by the non-profit arts group, ArtsUnited, Art Explosion 2012 is one of the largest arts festivals of its kind in the country. The Festival starts with one of the largest professional juried LGBT art shows in the country. In 2011 we had over 50 artists featuring more than 100 pieces of art. 2012 Dates: March 5 through 24. Opening Fine Art Show and Sale: Sat., March 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. Features live music, entertainment and a great fine art show. Closing Show: BANG at the Green Room, from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring an eclectic mix of music and performers with an edgy art show. H
Miami THE B-52’S @ ARSHT CENTER The World's Greatest Party Band returns to Miami for their 35th Anniversary Tour, and their ONLY South Florida appearance, Sunday, Feb. 12. From groundbreaking songs like "Rock Lobster," and "Private Idaho" to chart-topping hits like "Love Shack" and "Roam" to their thrilling reemergence on the pop scene with their 2008 CD “Funplex,” the B-52s' unforgettable dance-rock tunes start a party every time their music begins. Experience the legendary band as it delivers a sizzling performance that will turn the Adrienne Arsht Center's Knight Concert Hall into a cosmic dance floor. For tickets, call 305-949-6722, or visit www.arshtcenter.org/tickets/calendar.aspx. H
Miami Beach GAY PRIDE On Sunday, April 15, Miami Beach will be more fabulous and extraordinary than ever! The city celebrates the annual Miami Beach Gay PRIDE parade and festival, a celebration of the extraordinary strength, beauty, and contributions of South Florida’s LGBT community, and an exciting all-day event that features a parade, a festival with exciting celebrity presentations and musical performances, and an Expo with LGBT-friendly vendors and businesses, refreshments and food, including a family-friendly playzone. Lesbian. Gay. Bi. Trans. Straight.
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Miami Beach PROUD. Miami Beach Gay Pride is an extraordinary celebration that brings out the best in us all. Last year's pride event brought out over 35,000 people from all walks of life and cities from across Florida-- and across the world-- making Miami Beach Gay Pride the city's largest one-day event. This year will be even better! Thanks to Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower, the most famous sandbar in the world has joined the ranks of world class cities like Sao Paulo, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and Madrid that officially honor the gay and lesbian community. For more information, visit www.miamibeachgaypride.com. H
WINTER PARTY It may be called the Winter Party but that doesn’t mean you’re in for a chilly time. Dance your heart out at five full days of jam packed parties. From club nights to mixers to beach parties, Winter Party is a veritable thrill ride of sight and sound. A multitude of eye candy is a safe assumption, as are thousands of groggy travelers once the music stops. February 29 through March 5. For more information, a full schedule and tickets, visit www.winterparty.com.
Central Florida GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE OF MID-FLORIDA Rescue can take many forms, from a single individual trying to make a difference by saving one dog to a group of people working together for the common goal of saving many animals. GRRMF concentrates on Golden Retrievers. GRRMF is comprised solely of volunteers and is self-supporting, relying on fund raising and donations to support all rescue efforts including veterinary care. 100% of all donations are used for the rescue effort. GRRMF, Inc. is recognized by and affiliated with The Golden Retriever Club of America, Inc. For more information, contact the Intake Coordinator at 407-332-2840. H
BACK DOOR BUMBY Revolution Nightclub (375 S Bumby Ave in Downtown Orlando) along with GRINDR and MyFlexRadio presents: “Back Door Bumby: Enter Through the Back” every 3rd Thursday of the month. This is Orlando's premiere college night. No cover when you show your GRINDR or MyFlexRadio App. No cover ‘til 11 p.m. for those 21+ (18+ welcome) and no cover ‘til midnight with college or theme park ID. Free drinks 11 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Drinks specials throughout the night. Performances by Shantell D’Marco and Macaviti. DJ Joanie on the decks in the disco area and VJ J.B. Burgos in the Hydrate Video Bar. H
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Bay Area THE SUNDAY BBQ Ybor Resort and Spa, 1512 8th Ave. (15th Street) in Ybor City. Every Sunday at 5 p.m. Lots of hot flavorful guys here lining up for some buns, wieners and other tasty items. Come on down and put some sun on those buns in our open-air tropical Asian-themed patio with Jacuzzi. Remember: what happens at the resort, stays at the resort. H
THE NEARLYWED GAME Every Thursday night from 8 to 11:55 p.m. at Hamburger Mary’s (1600 7th Avenue in Ybor City). With host Michael Dixon. You won't want to miss all the fun and laughs as couples who think they know each other find out if they really do. Come watch, or get in on the fun. If you want to be a contestant, call (813) 241-MARY. Reservations are highly recommended! H
Orlando BIG BOY PRIDE Starting on Thursday, March 29 and continuing through Sunday, April 1 at the Parliament House. This fourday event will be loaded with lots of fun, unity and brotherhood. This event is for “big boys” and the men who love them. Relax by the pool, join in on many of the group activities, play on the dance floor and includes seminars, cocktail parties, mixers and various club nights. Purchase your Participant Package and reserve your room through the Big Boy Pride website (www.bigboypride.com). So grab your boys and start planning now to meet us in Orlando. The early bird registration fee for this 4-day event is only $75. H
Key West GAY SPRING BREAK Gay Spring Break in Key West attracts LGBT students and their friends from late February to early April to the beaches and the clubs of the beautiful tropical island. Take a break for spring break in a place that embraces individuality, diversity, and openness all year long. Want to participate in Gay Spring Break? Contact the offices and pick up your Gay Spring Break ID Card. Just call 305-294-4603 or email them at info@gaykeywestfl.com for more information. H
WOMENFEST The 20th annual Womenfest will be held in Key West from September 4 through 9. Parties, dancing, film festival and outings for women. For more information, visit www.womenfest.com. H
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ACCOMMODATIONS
ACCOUNTING / TAXES TAX PREPARATION SERVICE for individuals and selfemployed. Electronic Filing, Reasonable Fees, Personal Service. Located in Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors area. Call Tom (954)764-0221 or e-mail taxpreparationservice@yahoo.com
DENTAL
HOME IMPROVEMENT Derek’s 24 HR HANDYMAN SERVICE. Introducing our new cabinet shop! For all your custom made cabinetry countertops laminates. YOU MUST SEE OUR WORK, just ask our clients. All electrical to code; ANY & ALL plumbing work, Drywall finish work / repair. Crown / baseboard pro-install, interior / exterior painting, demo work, Pressure washing, Decor tile install, Complete home up-dates. For large jobs, 4-man crew available. WE CAN HANDLE IT ALL! Instant call back, direct service response. No job is ever too small. Excellent references. Derek (954) 825-5598 PLACE TO PALACE - Home improvement and handyman services. Best rates, and smart solutions. Drywall, Painting, Tile, Doors, Wood Decks, Masonry, Purgolas, and Ceiling Fans. Turn windows into doors! Truck available for yard clean-up or apartment maintenance and moves. FREE estimates! Lic. & Ins. CC#11-FC-16297-X Cert. Ctrl#11-18694 Ben (954)565-9674
HANDYMAN
COMPUTER SERVICES **OPTIMA** COMPUTER REPAIR - COMPLETE IN HOME SERVICE. Get the best performance, protection & value from your computer investment, *A+ Hardware & OS CERTIFIED. *Friendly, professional, RELIABLE service. Reasonable rates. Call Mike (954) 817-3883
COUNSELING A MIND AT PEACE/ THERAPEUTIC SERVICES/ RON "DOC" CHAMBERS, MSW (954) 627-0103 1975 East Sunrise Blvd., Suite 629 Fort Lauderdale. HIV Related Issues /Anxiety /Depression /Schizophrenia /Relationship Problems /Anger Management Problems /Same-Sex Battering /Domestic Violence. Most Insurance Accepted /Credit Cards Accepted.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL SPACE ON FEDERAL HWY - 4400-5400 SQ FT between Oakland Park Blvd and Commercial Blvd. Can be used for medical or retail! Plenty of parking. $11/SQ FT!!! available now. Call Robert MacKilligan, your life partner in real estate. Galleria Intl Realty (954)234-8759 or rgmsell@aol.com
EMPLOYMENT RETAIL SALES POSITION ON WILTON DRIVE- Full and Part Time Positions Available Now! Call 954-873-3889 SALES ASSOCIATES - The Florida Agenda, Mark Magazine are looking for dynamic salespeople to join our team. Are you energetic, proactive, and passionate about sales? Then this could be the “Star Role” for you! Seeking true “go-getters” with a great work ethic. Existing accounts available for immediate income. Contact Bobby @ 954-336-0436 or Bobby@bobbyblair.com
MOVING
ELITE RELOCATION MOVING & STORAGE We've provided quality moves for over 30 years. It's always a smooth move when you choose Elite Relocation. Contact us today at (954)975-8660 - www.elitemoving.com RED BOX MOVING - OWNER IN TRUCK ON EVERY MOVE. CALL NORBERT DIRECTLY. Affordable, Reliable, Careful. MV#567/INSURED. (954) 305-9176 or (561) 506-5540 www.redboxmoving.com
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LICENSED MASSAGE
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RIVERLAND-CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN - Efficiency, 1BD, and 2 BD large house w/ pool, new CAC, new kitchen, large family room, dining room & living room, laundry available, large screened porch & private backyard. Call Ed (954)632-6639 WILTON MANORS - EFFICIENCY on quiet cul-de-sac! Great location at 7th and Wilton Drive by the Shoppes of Wilton Manors! Tile floors, A/C, Screened Pool, Laundry on premise, off-street parking, ceiling fans! $625/mo. F/S UTILITIES INCLUDED! Call (954)563-4442 SOUTH MIDDLE RIVER - Charming 2/1 apt. w/ pool. Features CAC, newer appliances, fenced yard and laundry facility. Pets OK! Great property with roaming peacocks and friendly tenants. $950/mo. Call Brad (954)200-0166 NE FT. LAUDERDALE/WILTON MANORS AREA - Large Efficiency, quiet complex, tile floors, newer a/c, and refrigerator, private patio, cable ready, pest control included, No Pets Please. $585/mo. By appointment. (954)592-3772 SOUTH MIDDLE RIVER - EFFICIENCY - This lovely garden apartment is coming available and ready for occupancy. It features a pool, laundry facilities, parking area and is part of a gay compound with roaming peacocks and friendly neighbors. Your rent includes internet, water and electricity. This apt is for a clean, responsible, working person. 12 mo. lease, $595/mo. (954) 200-0166. FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH 2BR, 1BA - Furnished, between A1A and the Intracoastal, walk to Sebastian Beach, rerstaurants, hotels, guest houses, electric and basic cable included, 6 month lease, on site laundry, mid-century, 20 Apt Complex, pool, $1250.00/month, -Antioch Ave. (401) 935-8186 WILTON MANORS HOUSE FOR RENT- Beautifully landscaped, 2 bedroom 1-bath home with pool. Very private fenced yard, huge carport, central A/C, laundry, pets considered, tile floors, dishwasher. $1600. 2917 NE 1st Terrace. Great neighborhood. Call Nick (954)-805-1195 Available March 15 MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE 2/1- Quiet 2/1 on cul-de-sac with private fenced yard, CAC, new kitchen & bath. F/S moves you in. $850/mo Call (954)465-1563
LICENSED MASSAGE RECESSION RELIEF -$40/90 MINS! Out calls higher. Swedish, Deep Tissue, Specialty Back and Lower Body & Feet. Couples discounts, seniors welcome. Delray Beach, 16 yrs experience. MA 18563. Dennis (561) 502-2628.
PET SITTING
MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE 1/1 - Charming 1 BD with private yard in a 4-Plex. Gated, Laundry on premise. Close to Wilton Drive and the Pride Center, shopping and restaurants. Mins to beach! Small dog OK! $695/mo. F/L/$300 Refundable Security Dep. Call (561)900-6361
SPIRITUALITY THE PARISH OF STS. FRANCIS & CLARE 101 NE 3rd Street - just North of Broward Blvd. and E of Andrews Ave. Mass Times: Sat @ 5 PM; Sun @ 10:30 AM; Wed @ 7 PM. Where we welcome and appreciate diversity - a progressive community in the Catholic tradition. (954)731-8173; www.stsfrancisandclare.org DIGNITY FT LAUDERDALE - Roman Catholic Mass every Sunday 7 PM at Holy Angels CC 2917 NE 6th Ave, Wilton Manors. Monthly socials and more. There is always room at our table. Dignityftl@bellsouth.net. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU‌ DIVINE MERCY CHAPEL - The American New Catholic Church 2749 N.E. 10th Ave., Wilton Manors, FL, 33334 (954)567-1930 Sunday Mass 10:30AM, Friday Holy Hour 7:00PM www.newdivinemercy.org CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRITSONG Welcomes you to come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am and every Wednesday night at 8 pm. We meet at the SpiritSong Worship Center at 2040B North Dixie Highway Suite 3 in Wilton Manors (Building B on Equality Park Campus, behind the Pride Center). God loves you just the way He made you. Come discover His purpose for you. For more info: (954) 418-8372, info@cohss.com, www.cohss.org.
UPHOLSTERY GOLD COAST UPHOLSTERY - Re-upholstering, Cushions, Throw pillows, Large selection of fabric to choose from or bring in your own fabric. Broward / Dade. Palm Beach. Call Edgar (954) 491-4937
METH PROBLEM? RENTALS / FTL ROYAL PARK - Near Wilton Manors 1BR/1.5BA, $825-$900/mo. 2BR/2BA, $950 - $1100/mo. Gated Security, Clubhouse, Pools, Gym, Sauna and Steam room. Pets OK. Cable/Water/Trash included. Call Naim Naqi, Broker/ SFG, Realtors (954)565.2025
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