Florida Agenda #135

SEEGUI DEI NSI DE!

8 «JUNE 20, 2012

SUNSHINE STATE Florida Diversity Council Hosts Inaugural LGBT Summit at Pride Center at Equality Park

WILTON MANORS – On Friday, the Florida Diversity Council will hold its inaugural Diversity Summit at The Pride Center at Equality Park, on North Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors, for four hours, beginning at 1:30 p.m. The event’s three interactive sessions will include moderators and seminars that address topics of relevance to the future of the LGBT community, including Equality and Fairness in the Florida Workplace, Gender Identity and Expression in the Workplace, and Creating a Strong Ally Culture and Diversity Supplier Relationships. The latter session will be moderated by Keith Blackburn, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC).

Registration for the half-day event is $49.

The non-profit Florida Diversity Council was established in 2008, with a mission to establish and disseminate best practices, and to establish and promote policies that foster diversity and inclusiveness. It has regional chapters in Jacksonville, Orlando, Southwest Florida, Tampa Bay, and South Florida. The GFLGLCC is a 501 C (6) Non Profit organization, which promotes business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community. For more information and online registration, visit glbtsummit.com.

Pride South Florida Elects New Board Members, Announces Grant Recipients

FORT LAUDERDALE - Pride One of Broward County, Inc., which operates as Pride South Florida and produces Greater Fort Lauderdale’s annual spring Pridefest, announced the election of its 2012/2013 Executive Board, and Members at Large. Among the officers elected to replace the outgoing board—which this year produced the organization’s

LOCAL DESK

35th anniversary show—are longtime LGBT activist and Pridefest co-organizer Marc Hansen, who will serve as co-chair and president.

Board Members at Large include pioneering LGBT business leader Roger Handevidt, activists Sonia Mitchell, Shawn Manning, Megan Wright, Richard Cimoch, and Tiffany Smith, and LGBT publishing executives Scott Holland and John Fugate. Rounding out the board are co-chair and vice president Marc Sharphorn, secretary Rocky Bowell, treasurer Tim Towey, and board member emeritus Miss Vickie Keller.

In addition to its incoming board, the organization announced the recipients for its 2012 grants, which are given to local charitable and service organizations that serve the needs of South Florida’s LGBT community.

Said Pride South Florida’s Hansen, “Each year, we try and give out as much as possible, while holding enough back to organize and operate the following year’s event. This year we had many interested in our grants, but just $12,000 to hand out.”

Hansen notes that although not every organization that applied for a grant was a beneficiary, most applicants walked away happy. “In that process, there were some that received a full grant of $1,500 and others that we had to split the grant in order to make sure those we felt were worth got something, instead of being left behind with nothing,” he added. This year’s Pride South Florida

PRIDE SOUTH FLORIDA PRESIDENT AND COCHAIR MARC HANSEN

grant presentation ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 23 at 12 p.m., at the South Florida Gilda’s Club office, located at 119 Rose Drive, Fort Lauderdale.

The organizations that will receive this year’s Pride One of Broward County Grants—totaling $12,000— are: the Brian Neal Fitness and Health Foundation; the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus; Red Hispana; the Pride Wind Ensemble; the Names Project of South Florida; SAGE of South Florida; KP Productions; ARROW [Area Resource and Referral Organization for Women], the Lambda Men’s Brotherhood, And H.O.M.E.S., Inc.

Rainbow Hospitality Alliance Launches Web Site

FORT LAUDERDALE - The Rainbow Hospitality Alliance (RHA) celebrated the launch of its Web site on Tuesday, June 19, with complimentary

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cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and networking at Dapur Asian Tapas and Lounge, on North Federal Highway.

The RHA operates a part of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC), but maintains its own identity, and conducts business at southfloridafun.com, the Web site once occupied by the now-disbanded Rainbow Alliance. The mission of the RHA is to promote LGBT and LGBT friendly tourism to Greater Fort Lauderdale.

3 Dozen Couples “Tie the Knot” at PensacolaPRIDE

PENSACOLA – Dancing to the tune of the late Etta James’ classic “At Last,” more than 30 same sex couples celebrated a symbolic wedding ceremony last weekend during PensacolaPRIDE. The event, held in the city’s Seville Square on Saturday, June 16, was produced by Gay Grassroots of Northwest Florida (GGNWFL), which has held the event since 2009.

“I think any time we can do a public ceremony, it’s good,” said Rev. Rick Sosbe, pastor of Holy Cross Metropolitan Community Church, who officiated at the ceremony, wearing a rainbow-colored sash.

“These relationships are just as valid and just as important for all of us.” GGNWFL held its last mass commitment ceremony in October 2010, and plans to do so annually during PensacolaPRIDE. «

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NATIONAL DESK

NATIONAL DESK Seventh Graders Suspended After “Gay Test” Administered to Classmates

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - Nine seventh grade students were suspended last month, after participating in a self-administered “gay test” of themselves and classmates at their San Diego middle school. The students in the all-boys English class at Bell Middle School reportedly wore gym shorts while they watched pornographic videos on their cell phones. Students who became sexually aroused were labeled as gay, and several are said to have openly masturbated during class.

Bell instructor Ed Johnson is under fire for accusations that he did not respond to student complaints about the behavior. School district officials have declined additional comment, citing student privacy laws. “We cannot tell you the reasons for the suspensions, or whether further action is being taken with respect to any particular suspension,” Andra Donovan, deputy general counsel for the school district, told NBC San Diego. “With respect to Mr. Johnson, all we can tell you is that he is employed by the District and remains assigned to Bell Middle

School.”

Republican Campaign Manager “Outs” Candidate’s Gay Son

EL PASO, COLORADO – The campaign manager for a Republican state representative inadvertently outed

Pastor Bob Emrich

her boss’s son when she forwarded an email praising the lawmaker for her vote last month against civil unions.

Lana Fore-Warkocz, who manages the reelection effort for state Rep. Marsha Looper (R-El Paso), accidentally revealed that the lawmaker has a gay son, when she forwarded an email that read in part, “God is truly to be praised for Marsha Looper, because she also has a homosexual son.” Fore-Warkocz added, “Praise God!” as she touted Looper’s support for an amendment to legislation that would “protect” religious organizations “from harm.”

But there was little in the way of praise from Looper, who told The Denver Post, “I’m very, very disappointed. I am disappointed that my campaign manager forwarded an e-mail that would include any member of my family in policy discussions.”

Looper is the second Republican Centennial State lawmaker with a gay son to vote against civil unions. During a special legislative session in which bill was readdressed by lawmakers, state Rep. Don Coram (R-Montrose) also voted against civil unions, despite having a gay son.

Marriage Equality Opponents Resume Passing the Sunday Collection Plate

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Dozens of conservative Christian churches put the arm on parishioners for the second Sunday in row, collecting donations to oppose the November

ballot initiative to legalize same sex marriage. Approximately 150 churches participated in the special Father’s Day plate offerings, which were intended to raise money for the Protect Marriage Maine political action committee.

“We have intentionally chosen Father’s Day to emphasize the stark differences between those who support Biblical marriage, and those who are attempting to redefine marriage,” Pastor Bob Emrich, chairman of Protect Marriage Maine, wrote last week. “We believe God designed and utilizes the differences between men and women to establish the ideal environment to raise a family. The other side believes moms and dads are replaceable by generic adults.”

According to documents filed with the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices, as of June 1, Mainers United for Marriage, the umbrella organization for supporters of marriage equality, had raised close to $359,000.

By comparison, opponents Protect Marriage Maine had raised about $10,000. Marriage equality supporters have since raised more than $120,000, to match a $100,000 contribution from Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes.

NOM Declares War on General Mills

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – The group which successfully banned gay marriage in California has turned its sights on a mainstay of America’s breakfast table. The National Organization for Marriage (NOM), last week accused food products titan General Mills of supporting efforts to destroy the traditional definition of marriage. Brian Brown, the president of NOM, said, “General Mills makes billions marketing cereal to parents of young children. It has now effectively declared a war on marriage with its own customers when it tells the country that it is opposed to preserving traditional marriage.”

In November, voters in Minnesota will decide on a ballot measure that would amend their state constitution to ban same sex marriage. General Mills, which is headquartered in Minneapolis, issued a statement in opposition to the ban, which said,

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“We do not believe the proposed constitutional amendment is in the best interests of our employees or our state economy—and as a Minnesotabased company we oppose it.”

General Mills has a brand portfolio that includes more than 100 leading U.S. brands, including Betty Crocker, Yoplait, Pillsbury, Green Giant, and Häagen-Dazs. The Fortune 500 Corporation is frequently praised for its worker- and LGBT-friendly policies, and CEO Ken Powell recently spoke at a Minnesota gay pride event.

The company’s vice president of global diversity and inclusion blogged last week, “Obviously, there are strongly held views on both sides. We acknowledge those views, including those on religious grounds. We respect and defend the right of others to disagree. But we truly value diversity and inclusion—and that makes our choice clear.”«

Desperado, Why Don’t You come to Your Senses?

SEATTLEOpponents of marriage equality are boycotting Starbucks, because the Seattlebased coffee titan opposes a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage in Washington State.

650,109:

Number of signatures received in a “Thank You, Starbucks” Web campaign 44,387: Number of supporters for NOM’s “Dump Starbucks” campaign

10 «JUNE 20, 2012

WORLD DESK

Cardinal George Pell

Anglican, Orthodox, and Roman Catholic Archbishops Unite in Opposition to Gay Marriage

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - In separate but coordinated pastoral letters to their respective flocks, the Roman Catholic and Anglican archbishops of Sydney condemned parliamentary efforts to legalize same sex marriage.

LGBT rights activists and marriage equality supporters accused the churches of utilizing fear-mongering tactics from pulpits for political purposes.

In a letter read Sunday to Anglican congregations, the Archbishop of Sydney, Rev. Dr. Peter Jensen said called gay marriage a “state-imposed idea,” and referred to “a blatant propaganda war fought on this issue, with what amounts to product placement and celebrity endorsements.” The Anglican prelate called on his flock to pressure their Members of Parliament to oppose marriage equality bills,” and to those

WORLD DESK

lawmakers, he added, “my advice to people is to take this into account as you cast your vote.”

In a similar epistle to Roman Catholic congregations, Sydney’s Cardinal George Pell said that same-sex relationships are “contrary to God’s plan for sexuality,” and that the two proposed bills for marriage equality “will cause” “discrimination and injustice,” “instead of removing” them.

And the Primate of Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Archbishop Stylianos Harkianakis, wrote “Our Orthodox view is contrary” to same sex marriage, “because the proposed alteration to the traditional form of marriage is diametrically against the sacredness of marriage and of the family, as taught by the Christian faith and Greek Orthodox Tradition.”

The prelates’ opinions will likely prevail, at least for now, because although a majority of Australians support marriage equality, a senior lawmaker said on Monday that MPs will likely maintain the ban on same sex marriage, when the issue comes to a vote later this year. Graham Perrett— who has two gay brothers and supports gay marriage—chairs the Australian parliamentary committee that examined gay law reform, and said that he believes a majority of lawmakers don’t share his views.

Gays in South Korea Slowly Crack Open the Closet Door

SEOUL, REPUBLIC OF KOREA – The destiny of demographics is being experienced—at glacial speed, some would complain—in South Korea, a country with a culture that has long considered homosexuality to be a taboo subject. For decades, even prior to the nation’s establishment in 1948, the culture’s traditional Confucian emphasis on the bonds of family—as defined by the philosophy’s five categories of social relationships—led homosexuality to be considered detrimental to the order of society. Later, gays were viewed with suspicion and fear, as potential carriers of HIV/AIDS. “Most people have little understanding of homosexuals—not very deep,” Lee Jong-goel, director-general of Chingusai, Korean for “Between Friends,” an LGBT rights group based in Seoul, told an English-language newspaper. “I think that they need to be more interested about gay people’s lives and human rights.”

Many Koreans still view homosexuality as deviant behavior, or symptomatic of mental illness. Some even question its existence: Last month, a pastor last month claimed on South Korean television that the country was

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DISTANT: UK Justice Minister Nick Herbert

free of homosexuality.

“Most Korean straight people did not have information and opportunities to meet gay people around them,” said filmmaker Hyuk-sang Lee, director of “Miracle on Jongno Street,” a 2010 documentary about the lives of four gay Korean men.

“That’s why I’m making films about LGBT people in Korea, because film is the most effective media for spreading messages to the world and can make straight people have positive attitudes toward LGBT [persons]. As for me, that is my duty, I think.”

God Save the Queen: Public Row Between Church Leader and Gay Cabinet Minister

LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM - The former Archbishop of Canterbury has responded to the most prominent gay member of the British government, in a public battle over the Church of England’s positions on marriage equality and other gay rights issues.

Nick Herbert, a Conservative Member of Parliament and the Minister for Police and Criminal Justice, accused the Church last week of “intolerant” language, after Lord Carey—who reigned as Archbishop of Canterbury and leader of the world’s Anglican Communion from 1991 to 2002— wrote in the Daily Telegraph (UK), “The Government’s fundamental interest in marriage should be confined to preserving an institution in which the raising of the next generation of

citizens is stable and secure. Its interest in other kinds of relationship, though it may regard them as of equal esteem, has no pressing importance. To allow the state to interfere in this way in the institution of the family is to establish a very dangerous precedent.”

Herbert, 49—the highest-ranking LGBT person in the United Kingdom— said that he has never felt “more distant” from the Church than now, because of its stands on gay rights. Herbert, who is himself in a civil partnership, said that gay people will interpret Christian leaders’ comments as “judgmental or intolerant.” In a response in the Times of London, Carey said that supporters of “traditional marriage” are the ones facing judgment from gay rights advocates. “It is in fact the supporters of traditional marriage who have been accused of bigotry and homophobia—the kind of intolerant and judgmental language he talks about in his interview,” Carey said.«

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POLITICAL DESK Grindr Hooks Up Gay Men (with Political Activism)

By Joe Harris

Gay men’s hook up app Grindr is finding new life—sort of—as a modernday Paul Revere, sounding the clarion and alerting an otherwise torpid citizenry about matters of political import. Take the case last summer when gay men in Saratoga County, New York received Grindr notifications that Republican State Senator Roy McDonald and others were possible “yea” votes in upcoming marriage equality legislation.

The evidence is far from empirical that the call “to arms” impacted the decisions of five GOP Senators (and one very religious Democrat), who eventually voted in favor of same sex marriage, but the final vote itself, 33 to 29, with McDonald and a handful of other GOP lawmakers in the “yea” column— and the fact that Grindr’s message was accompanied by an electronic option to connect automatically with McDonald’s office—shows the kind of legerdemain both sides in the gay marriage debate must employ to maximize message, and its impact.

Although location-based, the Grindr phenomenon is most assuredly a global one, with the app having about 4 million users spread across 192 countries.

Although its primary use—and original intention—is to connect gay men for casual hook ups, it also serves as a way for men to offer recommendations to one another about sights and scenes in foreign locales, and to let gay men in less-open societies know that they are not alone. It also includes large user bases in such destination-lands as Brazil, France, and Thailand.

POLITICAL DESK

On its Web site, Grindr for Equality—which was launched in August 2010—notes that “Grindr has a greater capacity to provide assistance within the [LGBT] community, and harnessing the power of our global user base is where the idea for Grindr for Equality was born. The ability to contact people in specific geographic areas en masse aided us in swaying voters in California, and enabled users to contact their representatives in New York to vote in favor of the marriage equality bill. There is strength in numbers, and this initiative will enable our users to use our platform for the greater good of our community. The goal of Grindr for Equality is to raise awareness for [LGBT] issues, and spur action across the globe.”

Grindr’s muscle flexes globally. In November, Grindr for Equality directed over 57,000 people to an online petition to prevent politicians in St. Petersburg— the one in Russia—from criminalizing “gay propaganda,” a classification so broad that human rights organizations rightly argued that it would be tantamount to making homosexuality illegal in the former playground of the Tsars. The developer is also partnering with Web-based equality group All Out in a campaign to condemn violence against LGBT persons in Iraq.

In November,several states will include same sex marriage initiatives—either in favor of establishing the institution, or to ban the concept in the states’ constitutions—including legislation to legalize it in Maine, and a Washington State referendum to overturn it. In some ways, too, the presidential election in November will be a plebiscite on Barack Obama’s endorsement of marriage equality, which his likely Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, opposes. Says Grindr founder Joel Simkhai: “Electing officials that support gay rights is probably the most important thing you can do to support gay rights.” «

GRINDR FOUNDER Joel Simkhai

FROM THE FRONT like, we would see progress, we would see success—we would see real and lasting change. And together, that’s what we’re witnessing.”

The president acknowledged frustrations within the gay community at the perceived pace of progress and applauded LGBT advocates for demanding forcefully for change.

“I’ve said before that I would never counsel patience; that it wasn’t right to tell you to be patient any more than it was right for others to tell women to be patient a century ago, or African Americans to be patient a half century ago,” he said. “After decades of inaction and indifference, you have every reason and right to push, loudly and forcefully, for equality.”

The chief executive acknowledged the struggle that remains. “We still have a long way to go, but we will get there. We’ll get there because of all of you. We’ll get there because of all of the ordinary Americans, who every day show extraordinary courage. We’ll get there because of every man and woman and activist and ally who is moving us forward by the force of their moral arguments, but more importantly, by

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‘OBAMA SUPPORTS’ continued on Page 1‘

the force of their example.”

Although the president’s remarks were well-received by activists, there remain questions unanswered about his current “whereabouts” on the LGBT “evolutionary scale. “As the president hosts LGBT advocates at the White House today to celebrate LGBT Pride Month, we call on President Obama to issue the executive order that we have been calling for since the beginning of the year—an Executive Order to bar discrimination by federal contractors based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Robin McGehee, the executive director of GetEQUAL. So far, President Obama has refused to issue such an executive order, although he called on Congress during his Friday remarks to pass the relevant legislation. Some gay advocates accuse Obama of playing fast and loose with his use of executive orders, as he recently deployed executive power to circumvent immigration laws— and Congressional authority—to grant amnesty to undocumented immigrants.«

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EDITOR’S DESK

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The PRIDE Inside JUNE 20, 2012 • ISSUE 135

CLIFF DUNN, EDITOR

F

or about five seconds today, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida) became my intellectuallyfavorite person. Florida’s junior United States Senator—of which the Republican vice presidential nomination is generally viewed to be his to lose—gave an interview with Christianity Today in which, among other things, he responded to the question, “Are Christians who oppose gay marriage fighting a losing battle?”

Rubio—the darling of the Tea Party movement and, therefore, to some Progressives and left-ofCentrists at least, a barely-disguised joke—offered the usual conservative boilerplate response (“In terms of the Bible’s interpretation of marriage, what our faith teaches is pretty straightforward”), before throwing some red meat to the Sensible Center—which, frankly, caught me off guard.

“The debate is about what society should tolerate, and what society should allow our laws to be.

I believe marriage is a unique and specific institution that is the result of thousands of years of wisdom, which concluded that the ideal— not the only way but certainly the ideal—situation to raise children to become productive and healthy

humans is in a home with a father and mother married to each other.

Does that mean people who are not in that circumstance cannot be successful? Of course not. It’s not a discriminatory thing. I’m not angry at anyone because of it, but I also have to be honest about what I believe marriage should be in our laws.”

I have to tell you, more thoughtful discourse of that sort, and Rubio may be positioned to reinvent the modern Republican Party into something the late Jack Kemp dreamed of—but never really believed could happen, at least in his lifetime: A truly Big Tent GOP, where religious Christians, Jews, and Muslims could espouse their religious faiths, while respectfully agreeing to disagree with one another, and allowing other “conservatives” (of a more fiscal or libertarian bent) to preach the gospels of Capitalism and Small Government. The two sides’ arguments would not be mutuallyexclusive of one another, because— as Rubio acknowledged—men and women of goodwill understand that there exists an “ideal” way (whatever that may be to the individual), but that this is “not the only way” for other men and women of goodwill to comport themselves, and they may do so providing they don’t infringe upon others’ way of life.

Pass the tolerance, please, and don’t hold the mayo.

This would be a GOP where gays and lesbians (and not a few Bis, Transgenders, Questioningers, and Intersex-ers) would be comfortable as members (“Partyers”?), because the “debate,” to

use Rubio’s word, would focus on differences of policy, rather than hyperbole. Rubio—come to think of it, he is kind of cute, isn’t he?— may be uniquely positioned to herald in this Age of Tolerance, returning the Party of Lincoln to its liberty-loving, “abolitionist” Christian roots.

Social and religious conservatives are free to think that people who do not subscribe to their worldview are going to a Hot Place (and by a narrow interpretation of scripture, it’s going to be a crowded Lake of Fire, indeed), but they are not free to use that worldview to deny their fellow citizens rights which are immutable and inalienable, and should be universal. (This is another place where Rubio exhibited a sobriety of thought not usual for his purported political ilk: He refused to attack Obama’s faith.).

As we locally commemorate Stonewall this weekend, let us remember that the original men and women who fought back against an intolerant and unbalanced system did so with feelings of real PRIDE about being who they were—not gay men and women, but men and women who are deserving of respect, regardless of what they look like, how they dress, or whom they love, whether by choice or by chance.

The prophet of Islam, Muhammad, said, “The most holy jihad is the one that is fought within oneself.”

So, too, is the greatest pride—in being gay, in being human—to be found within.«

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ClIFF DUNN

EDITORIAL

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BUSINESS DESK

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JUNE 20, 2012 «13

In the Pink:

Corporate Cultures Are Reinventing Themselves to Accommodate LGBT Rights

BY JOE HARRIS

As more and more American businesses—and not just the Fortune 500—“come out” of the H.R. closet and begin to offer a full range of employee benefits to LGBT employees—and their partners—an entire new realm will come into focus, one where public policy meets the free market, and where captains of industry will become, in greater instances, required to put their portfolios where their mouths are.

Diversity experts point as examples to the CEOs of AT&T and “Big Four” professional services and accounting firm Ernst & Young, who serve on the Board of Directors of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Randall Stephenson, the Chairman and CEO of AT&T, and the telecom giant he helms both have strong records of supporting diversity and LGBT rights, as does Ernst & Young and its CEO, James Turley. Likewise, both companies have recently issued statements in support of LGBT rights.

But neither CEO has hinted at leaving the Scouts over differences concerning LGBT rights, even though BSA policy

forbids openly gay individuals from serving as Scout leaders, or from joining as members. Although the Scouts have recently agreed to review the ban on gay Scout leaders, officials say that a decision isn’t likely until 2013 at the earliest.

In 2001, Hollywood mogul Stephen Spielberg resigned from his seat on the BSA advisory board, citing conflicting views with the organization. “I thought the Boy Scouts stood for equal opportunity, and I have consistently spoken out publicly and privately against intolerance and discrimination based on ethnic, religious, racial, and sexual orientation,”

Spielberg said when he resigned.

Although investment bank and securities titan Goldman Sachs is reported to have lost an anonymous client after CEO Lloyd Blankfein publicly endorsed same sex marriage, company officials say the bulge bracket house has no plans to change its policy supporting marriage equality. Retailer JCPenney was threatened with boycott by the conservative American Family Association and its offshoot, “One Million Moms,” after the chain selected Ellen DeGeneres as its spokesperson.

Experts on both the retail and public

policy fronts say that culturally, there’s a growing intolerance among younger consumers for companies and brands that don’t support LGBT rights. When JCPenney was attacked for choosing DeGeneres, Facebook was bombarded with people who said they would shop at the retailer, and “1 Million People Who Support Ellen for JCPenney” on Facebook quickly overtook One Million Moms’ page. Both JCPenney and Gap have advertising campaigns depicting same sex couples.

Medical products manufacturer Johnson & Johnson has teamed with Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFFLAG) to end gay bullying. Target, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, recently began selling T-shirts to support a group that is trying to defeat the state’s same sex marriage ban. Food products giant and Fortune 500 Corporation General Mills, also based in Minneapolis, is another institutional supporter of LGBT rights.

(See companion article, in “National Desk PAGE 9 .”)«

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

What’s Inside: Memorial Day may be the “official” unofficial kick off to summer, but the gay kick off happens this weekend, with Stonewall Summer Pride hitting the streets of the gayborhood this Sunday. Inside, we have complete coverage on where to park, what to do, and what to see.

Thanks in advance to the tremendous group of men and women who are putting on this event for We, The Gay People of Greater Fort Lauderdale. There are far too many to name, but they are too important to forget, so thank you to Reece, Jason, Greg, and others from the Rainbow Business Coalition, and the dozens of business owners, community leaders, and volunteers who have given their time and energy to make this world-class event a reality.

If only there was a park big enough for all the statues we would have to erect…

South Florida is HOT, but perhaps you prefer your sizzle with a Pacific taste? Robert Elias Deaton takes us back for round two of his Hawaiian Island excursion, with a look this week at the island that put the “Wowee” next to “Maui,” inside Travel.

For those of us who like a little meat with our meal—boy, these jokes practically write t h e m s e l ve s — g o u r m a n d - p a r- exc e l l e n c e Richard David Chamberlain reveals all the hot— food—secrets of the restaurant companion to Fort Lauderdale’s Boardwalk Bar and Nightclub, Beefcakes, on North Andrews Avenue, home of delightful eats and the equally delightful Vickie Bennett! Catch the sensation, this week in Dining.

In Fitness, workout godfather Tom Bonanti breaks down for you the reasons you spend all that time gym-side. Grant James touches the sensitive side of performer Fiona Apple, in The SCENE. Chef Jean Doherty gives a simple take on a classic Recipe.

See you at Stonewall Summer Pride! CD «

MAUI! WOW-EE!

TRAVEL PAGE 27

BEEFCAKES!

A Side of Yummy to Go With your Guys

DINING PAGE 32 An Investment in Sweat!

Egg, You Devil!

FITNESS PAGE 34

RECIPEPAGE 32

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PERSONAL STYLE GUIDE

JUNE 20, 2012 «23

10 Ways to POLISH Your Personal Style—on the Cheap!

No matter what your personal or professional situation—newly engaged or married, recent college grad, newly employed or between jobs, or just keeping a tight hand on to your money (the way a Scotsman holds onto his—bagpipes)— there are meaningful, and inexpensive, ways to add sizzle to your style. You don’t have to be a fashion plate to make a fashionable statement about who you are, and what you are getting across with how you look and dress. Try these ideas—each of them under $20—on for size.

1.

LIGHTEN YOUR LID Getting your hair cut makes you look five years younger, and 10

pounds lighter.

2.

WASH YOUR FACE At the risk of sounding like your Mom—on Father’s Day, no less—the importance of personal grooming cannot be overstated. Using a facial scrub at least twice a week will help keep your skin youthful and fresh-looking.

SCISSORS, SISTER No. Untrimmed.

3.

Nose. Or. Ear. Hair. Ever.

4.

THE SHINING Now I sound like your Dad: Shine your shoes. Do it yourself for free.

5.

“T” FOR TWO Although you may not have worn an undershirt since you were in short pants, now is the time to start again. It is easier on your dress shirts (“Look, ma—no sweat stains!”), and adds a touch of professional class to your style. Get a two-pack for less than twenty bucks.

6.

MAN, YOU STINK This is a no-brainer.

Regardless of how much or how little we sweat, men—from the burliest bear, to the most delicate twink—give off a “healthy” musk, and it needs to be combated with a deodorant that contains an ANTI-PERSPIRANT. At the old Stanley’s in Fort Lauderdale, the late Carlos nicknamed a dancer “Campbell’s Soup,” and it wasn’t because he knew his way around a ladle—his body stank!

Deodorize, or risk never having sex again.

SOCK IT UP Throw out your socks that 7. no longer have strong elastic, and make sure the ones you wear are always pulled up all the way—you’re a big boy now.

8.

LOSE YOUR WALLET The fat wallet in your back pocket does nothing for either your fashion mark or your spinal alignment (and besides, you don’t need to carry around ten Post-It notes with random guys’ digits on them,

anyway). Get rid of the thick wallet in favor of a slim-line option, or, better yet, a money clip.

9.

WHITEN THOSE PEARLIES Yucky teeth are a deal-killer—or should be—both personally and professionally. A dental teeth-cleaning, followed by regular use of whitening toothpaste, and liberal application of breath freshener—now, even I want to plant a wet one on you.

10.

SHADES OF CLASS Sunglasses add mystique to your manliness. (This is the secret of professional poker players: nobody knows what you’re really thinking if they can’t see your eyes.)

Just don’t EVER wear them at night, or at the club.

Colognes that Every GUY Must Have

To paraphrase Don Corleone in “The Godfather,” “a man who doesn’t wear cologne can never truly be a real man.” I don’t care how naturallypleasant your body odor, every man should compliment his God-given fragrance with something that comes from a bottle. The odoriferous compounds that comprise men’s perfume—a mixture of fragrant essential oils or aroma compounds, fixatives, and solvents—give the human body a more pleasant scent than the one we give off, say, first thing in the morning, or after a strenuous workout.

Texts from antiquity and evidence unearthed at archaeological digs show that perfumes have existed since the earliest human civilizations. (For a literary example of the benefits of cleverly using perfumes, read the world’s first novel, the 11th Century Japanese classic, “The Tale of Genji.”)

For men’s fragrances, the year 2012 is one of intricate combinations and unusual pairings—for instance, basil and mint mixed with wood scents, and the distinct aromachemical fragrance of

musk. The right cologne adds sophistication and style to your personal grooming strategy.

At Work There was a time when Grey Flannel was an acceptable choice before leaving for a hard day at the office—but that time was literally during the last century. For the decade of the Twenty-Tens, you want to distinguish yourself, and make every moment in your company—and AT your company—pleasing for all the senses.

F by Ferragamo tickles the olfactories, with the right suggestion of pepper and lavender, and a hint of Tonka bean that’s reminiscent of vanilla, almonds, cinnamon, and cloves. They combine to form the perfect—gay—marriage of sprezzatura and insouciance.

Being in a literary profession, I like a scent that evokes machismo—along with bookcases, single-malt Scotch, and the double-vented suits of old Fleet Street in Britain. Jack Black’s “JB” is fresh and crisp, like a Londonderry air (which smells much more pleasing than a London derriere). If you are employed in a professional office setting, give this one a splash.

Think: Casual, Sport So maybe you don’t wear cologne to go workout—but you should. Victorinox Swiss Army Unlimited, the manufacturer of apparel, pocket knives, and watches, brings you a fragrance that isn’t the usual lifestyle company fare. This is exactly how Swiss Army Knife cologne should smell, with the essence of Alpine fir trees evoking perfect wood notes, and absinthe and genepi liquor combine to pour masculinity over the whole affair.

Night Moves Ask yourself why you go out for a night of cocktails (and then take a moment to consider the word itself). You want to smell like THE MAN if you want to BE The Man. Gucci Guilty Intense is everything the name says.

Fragrances of lavender and lemon combine, and then retreat before the INTENSE, but complimentary, mélange of cedar, coriander, neroli, and patchouli. The bottle itself embodies Guilty—and raw—sexuality, like a pair of hypercarnal gender symbols. If you are the right man, this scent will set your night into motion.

Combining notes of musk, sandalwood, and vanilla bean that provide foundation for breezes of citrus, jasmine, and patchouli, and a crescendo of bergamot and cypress leaves, Bond No. 9 New York Andy Warhol is as multifaceted and manylayered as its namesake: mercurial, complex, and irresistible.

Mr. & Mr. Danny and Donnie Jones Request the Pleasure… There was a time when a man wore a tuxedo just to have dinner on Saturday night.

Those days may be over, but there are still events that call for you to wear your suited—or tux’ed— best, and on those occasions, use a scent that combines delicious and distinctive bergamot with cedar and woodsy floral fragrances that manage to support a manly vibe. Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot will do for you what Pippa’s dress did for her ass, but without the need to deal with all those big-eared, buck-teethed in-laws afterwards. «

26 «JUNE 20, 2012

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

LEIGHT REFLECTIONS • TRAVEL

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

LEIGHT REFLECTIONS “The Clingy Lap Dog”

I

By Arlen Leight, PhD

can’t tell you how many times I have been asked, “Why does it seem that as soon as I get close to someone, they seem to back away?,” and “Why are many of the men I date so clingy or needy?” The answers to these questions can be varied and complex, but I hope to provide a basic understanding of approach and avoidance in intimate connections.

There has been a tremendous amount of research in the field of Attachment Theory over the past 50 years. Dr. Mary Ainsworth, a leader in this work, was doing much groundbreaking at Johns Hopkins when I was there studying psychology in the 1970s. Her work, combined with other long term studies, shows that attachment patterns tend to run in families, and watching the interactions of mother and child can reliably predict the types of attachments the child will experience in adult relationships.

Very simply, there are secure and insecure attachments. There are three types of insecure attachments. The first type is characterized by a need to be with the loved one, know their whereabouts, and feel connected. This is often seen as the “clingy” or “needy” partner, and is sometimes referred to as the “love pursuant.” In childhood, this person’s mother was likely anxious about her own relationships and provided considerably

‘continued from page 28’

more emotional attention than the child required for adequate security and love.

The mother’s enmeshment with the child modeled a type of attachment that follows into adulthood. (I refer to the mother, because research suggests she is the strongest object of attachment, but this can also be a father or other caregiver.) The adult is often plagued with conscious fears of abandonment, but underlying this is an unconscious fear of intimacy or emotional vulnerability.

There is usually denial about this, with this type insisting that a relationship is all he really wants in his life.

The second type is characterized by detachment and ambivalence. This is the person who gets uncomfortable when someone is getting too close.

The so-called “love avoidant” grew up with a mother whose anxiety about closeness resulted in giving less emotional attention than required for the development of trust and love.

Often, children who are emotionally or physically abandoned, or neglected by the mother, are the subject to this sort of insecurity. The adult deals with somewhat conscious fears of engulfment and intimacy, but often adamantly denies a fear of abandonment, which in this adult actually can be greater than for the so-called love pursuant.

The third type of insecure attachment can develop when there is major trauma

JUNE 20, 2012 «27

MAUI

The Valley Isle. Hawaii Series Part II

By ROBERT ELIAS DEATON

S

waying palm trees, the sound of distant waves lapping upon pristine white or red or black sand beaches, tropical sunsets silhouetting hula dancers in flowing grass skirts. Yes, this is paradise, otherwise known as Hawaii. Of all the seven populated Hawaiian Islands, Maui has always been our favorite. Despite its lack of any gay clubs (at one time there were three including a local franchise of Hamburger Mary’s), there are several gay beaches—one white powder and the other red sand), plus rain forests, volcanic calderas, picturesque waterfalls, an historic whaling village, and some of the most beautiful vistas anywhere. And it’s not just our opinion.

Even the Hawaiians have a saying: Maui no ka oi—Maui is the best.

Any visit to this island of valleys and flowers begins at the Kahului Airport where the minute you deplane, you will know that you’re in a very special place. The air around you is filled with the fragrance of this tropical paradise. The smiles you receive will be genuine, and the absence of worries and time immediately obvious. Set your watch to Maui time, which is six hours behind Eastern Standard Time in the real world. But that is unfair to even say that since once you step on the soil of this special place, the only thing you’ll experience is eternal nirvana.

Most tourists head immediately to one of two places. Wailea on the South shore or Lahaina on the West. The South has its champions for its beautiful golf courses, shopping and luxury hotels including the Grand Wailea Resort (3850 Wailea Alanui Drive), where you’ll find the grandest gardens in all of the Hawaiian Islands, spread over 40 acres of lush. Prices for rooms and suites are grand as well ranging from $489$1,300 a night. And worth every penny. If that is too rich for your blood, go and visit the place at the very least and pretend you’re a guest. It’s that special.

Nest door, in the beach village of Makena, is the area’s closest gay stretch of sand known as Little Beach. It’s a mile past the Maui Prince Hotel (5400 Makena Alanui), at Makena State Park. Public parking is free, and so is the beauty.

Head toward the ocean and hang a right, follow people climbing over a small lava hill and prepare for nude sunbathing, hanky-panky in the brambles, and water so clear that you can see the fish joining you for a swim.

On the West side of the island, our favorite hotel is the Westin Maui Resort and Spa (2365 Kaanapali Pkwy). Priced from $359 a night, it’s directly on the ocean with great gym facilities and close to the whaling village of Lahaina, where you’ll find one of Maui’s best restaurants: David Paul’s Island Grill (900 Front Street). For the more adventurous, you can drive completely around the West Maui Mountains (an extinct volcano), past the Ritz Carlton hotel and the oldest one-room churches on the island.

Continue heading north and you’ll discover Ho‘okipa Beach Park (Hana Highway & Hookipa Park) just past the surfing village of Paia.

Windsurfing and kite surfing is world-class here, so look but don’t touch unless you’re extremely experienced. Continue to travel East for another 52 miles and you’ll arrive in Hana, 59 bridges and 620 curves later. This tiny village has long been considered the last Hawaiian frontier. Its colorful Hasegawa’s General Store (5165 Hana Hwy) and its five-star Travaasa Hana Hotel (5031 Hana Hwy) are adjacent to Hana’s Red Sand Beach—a little climbing is required to reach this slice of heaven. Hana is also the home of the gorgeous Blue Pool and Waterfall, O’heo Gulch Pools, plus the Grave of Charles Lindbergh in nearby Kipahulu. Pa`a ka waha.«

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

28 «JUNE 20, 2012

WILTON MANORS STONEWALL STREET FESTIVAL Sunday, June 24, on Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors’ main thoroughfare. The 13th annual Stonewall Street Festival, from 12 to 10 p.m.

This year will feature a parade, over 125 exhibitors, activities, and A-List main stage entertainment, all through the day—including Andy Bell from 1980s pop group Erasure, who takes the stage immediately after the Summer Pride Twilight Parade, performing such hits as “A Little Respect” and “Chains of Love.”

The street festival will highlight local businesses, and include merchants and sponsors from the fields of health and wellness, recreation and entertainment, travel, community resources, and others. At 7 p.m., the parade kicks off on Northeast 20th Street and will follow Wilton Drive north to its Five Points finale. For more information, visit stonewallsummerpride. org.

MIAMI “THE DONKEY SHOW”/THE ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER Described by The New York Times as “Passion. Sex. A Rollicking Cool Party,” “The Donkey Show” opens on Friday, July 13, at the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Ziff Ballet Opera House. The celebrated smash hit is described as “the ultimate night fever—a crazy fun house of disco mirror balls and feathered divas, of roller skaters and hustle queens, enchanted by an ever-so-light sprinkling of Shakespearean magic.”

MIAMI BEACH BRUTHAZ Thursday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22. Founded in July 2006 as an annual summer lifestyle event for gay men and women from around the world, Miami Beach Bruthaz includes a series of social, educational, and personalized activities that

OUT IN FLORIDA • LEIGHT REFLECTIONS

LEIGHT REFLECTIONS “The Clingy Lap Dog” ‘continued from page 27’

and/or abuse for the child. I will not get into this type in depth, but these adults can be severely limited in their ability to create or maintain relationships.

A major irony of human connection is that passionate relationships often form between the love pursuant and the love avoidant types. When they occur, it is likely each will blame the other for the struggle, as one feels neglected and the other engulfed.

Each insecure type has his individual way of dealing with the resultant anxiety. The love avoidant may find a multitude of ways to preoccupy and distract himself—computer, phone, TV, or being busy in general. He may create a sense of distance and autonomy by being secretive, or having other sexual encounters. These all have the potential of leaving the love pursuant feeling abandoned. The love pursuant then may attempt connection through physical touch and closeness, heightened conversation and inquiry, initiation of sex, or attempting to increase time together. He also may simply withdraw or close down, out of fear of agitating the alreadydistancing partner. The result is the love avoidant feels his partner is clingy or needy. Indeed, the love avoidant will often accuse the love pursuant of being insecure, but this is actually an ego projection of his personal, unconscious feelings of insecurity.

Until and unless there is awareness of the dynamic, and a desire to get some professional assistance to deal with it, the relationship will remain under duress, or collapse.

A love pursuant man recently related to me how he and his love avoidant boyfriend of several months were sitting at home with the avoidant’s actual lap dog—Sammy—cuddled between them. The avoidant declared,

“I think Sammy is getting too clingy because I haven’t been home as much lately.” Of course, the distancing boyfriend wasn’t talking about his dog—he was talking “through” his dog, and sending several simultaneous, unconscious messages to his boyfriend: (1) I’m spending a lot of time with you.

(2) “Close” feels clingy. (3) “Clingy” is bad, and feels uncomfortable (i.e., makes me anxious). (4) Don’t get too close, or it will feel clingy.

Those fortunate enough to have grown up with a mother who was present—and who knew how much love and attention to give in order to satisfy the child’s emotional needs, without being overbearing or denying necessary connection—find a secure comfort zone in adult relationships much more easily.

A final word is required regarding addiction and attachment. When there is unresolved addiction in one or both partners, intimate attachment is not possible. Drugs and alcohol are inevitably the attachment of choice for an addict. This is in part the reason Alcoholics Anonymous recommends a minimum of one year in recovery before attempting intimate dating. The addiction itself may be the result of having had the need to reduce or deny anxiety associated with the individual’s history of insecure attachment.«

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

miami promote unity, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging.

The event is focused around central themes of Knowledge, Culture, and Fashion.

Miami Beach Bruthaz features an upscale White Party with a celebrity guest, a serious hip hop party, a rooftop pool party, and a men’s fashion show. The Saturday night party features the sounds of Brazil, and Sunday brunch at the Palace on Ocean Drive is surely not to be missed. For more information, visit shop. miamibeachbruthaz.com.

KEY WEST WOMENFEST The 20th Annual Womenfest will be held in Key West from September 4 through 9.

Parties, dancing, film festival and outings for women.

For more information: womenfest.com.

ST PETE ST. PETE PRIDE The 10th Annual St. Pete Pride Street Festival and Promenade returns Saturday, June 30. The diversity of Southwest Florida’s LGBT community and visitors from around the world join local allies, business and community leaders, and supporters for a day of food, fun, dancing, music, and fun. St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District transforms into “Carnivale,” with an attendance estimated near 100,000.

Following in the great tradition of the Stonewall Riots and the start of the modern gay rights movement, St. Pete Pride has grown into one of the country’s largest Pride events. In 2011, the number of attendees topped 90,000. For more information: stpetepride.com. «

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

the scene

JUNE 20, 2012 «29

The scene

By grant games

Charli XCX : “You’re the One” (EP) The UK’s Charli XCX is one of the most talked-about artists in the underground pop scene. Her first proper single, “Stay Away”—released last June—received a large amount of praise from various blogs and websites, and created buzz for the then-18 year old singer. When her second single, “Nuclear Seasons,” was released in November, she was already making a name for herself.

Charli (born Charlotte Aitchison) is a very strategic singer. She’s releasing enough to keep people interested (and to build a fan base) before the release of her debut album—out this fall in the UK—with a spring 2013 release in America.

Her debut EP release, “You’re the One,” unfortunately only brought the release of one new single, the title song—“You’re the One”—with the inclusion of a previously-heard single, “Nuclear Seasons,” for which the single “You’re the One” is the perfect follow up. With an incredibly catchy chorus, and beautiful hooks, Charli reels you into her world—one which you’ll have no intention of leaving. She’s influenced by various 90s pop icons and films—The Craft, Cruel Intentions, American Beauty, and The Spice Girls, among others.

All of these influences were sampled on her newly-released mixtape, “Heartbreaks and Earthquakes” (which released on the same day as the “You’re the One” EP). When speaking of her music, Charli says she wants people to think of “colors”— or “colours,” if you’d prefer—when listening. She says for her, it’s black, pink, and gold. I concur.

8.8/10

Fiona Apple: “The Idler Wheel…”

Fiona Apple has never really had an easy life. Raped at the age of 12, cheated on by ex-boyfriend and director P.T. Anderson (who left to marry comedian/actress Maya Rudolph), and most recently a break-up with American author Jonathan Ames (who is most notable for creating the HBO series “Bored to Death”). Fiona has never been known to make “feel good” music, but the pain and suffering on “The Idler Wheel…”—which has a full title that, at 23 words, is a bit of a mouthful– is without a doubt borderline worrisome. The album itself is reason enough to consider a Baker Act examination for the 34-year old New York-born songstress.

On opening track—and first single—“Every Single Night,” you see her internal struggle as clear as day: “Every single night’s alright/every single night’s a fight/and every single fight’s alright, with my brain/I just want to feel everything.” Apple’s husky vocals and troubling lyrics—combined with the album’s raw alternative jazz/ rock sound—force the listener to face her demons, head-on. “Daredevil” is perhaps the album’s most aggressive song, with opening lines “I guess I must just be a daredevil/I don’t feel anything until I smash it up,” shortly followed by the hook, “And don’t let me ruin me/I may need a chaperone.”

She continues the next verse with, “Say I’m an airplane/and the gashes I got from my heartbreak make the slots and the flaps upon my wing, and I use them to give me lip/hip hip for the lift hip hip for the drag.” “Valentine” shelters more self-destructive lyrics.

“You didn’t see my Valentine/I sent it via pantomime/While you were watching someone else/I stared at you and cut myself/it’s all I do ’cause

I’m not free/a fugitive too dull to flee.”

While some of these songs may seem like a pity party, they’re anything but. The performer recently told Pitchfork.com, “This is the stuff that I really needed to get out. This is the excrement of my life, the excrement I was trying to exorcise out of me.”

Personally, I think creating music as a form of therapy is a healthy, noble effort. Making music for others to relate to may be more engaging, but as an artist, making music for the sake of your own psyche is the most important thing.

Admittedly, “The Idler Wheel…” (which is unabridged-titled, “The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver of The Screw And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do”) is hard to get through: It’s dark and psychotic, and at times Fiona comes off downright hopeless. While the songs are incredibly hard to digest, this is Apple in her raw, real form. Be prepared—there are no gimmicks, no quirky upbeat singles. The album is balls-to-the-wall insanity, holding hands with a crippling depression.

Apple may have finally gone off the deep end (she recently said in an interview that she doesn’t like leaving her house, and she tries to avoid new places), but in the end, the album ends up forcing you to explore the deepest, darkest parts of your mind.

Fiona may be in her darkest hour, but fortunately, she’s also at the peak of her brilliance.

9/10 Making a SCENE GWEN THERE, DONE THAT 90s Ska/ Pop rockers No Doubt announced that their first album in 11 years finally has a release date and a name. “Push and Shove” is due out September 25, with

the first single dropping in early July, entitled “Settle Down.”

FULL OF GRACE Model, actress, and Andy Warhol muse Grace Jones Hula Hooped her way through an entire four-minute song for HRM Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee concert—without skipping a beat.

Slave to the rhythm.«

For more news, scan here to jump to

.COM

bar guide

30 «JUNE 20, 2012

FORT LAUDERDALE/WILTON MANORS

pool tournament, both with a $50 cash prize!

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.

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?).

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

WHISKEY BLUE 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale In the W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach, downstairs it’s the elegant Whiskey Blue, upstairs the luxe Living Room: hot dance and social settings in a distinctive atmosphere with signature cocktails and upscale patrons. Indoor and outdoor lounges.

WILTON’S BIER GARDEN 2245 Wilton DriveWilton Manors German cuisine meets Der Gayborhood, in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Upstairs dining, downstairs outdoor patio and bar, DJ music, and a fun staff make one of Wilton Manors’ newest venues a good time to be had by all.

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.

MIAMI/MIAMI BEACH ­ CLUB BOI 777 NE 79 St., Miami With an urban vibe on the weekends, a diverse crowd and a diverse musical format, including Hip Hop, R&B, House, Reggae, Soca, Latin and Old School. Go-go bois and drink specials.

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 SUGAR 2301 SW 32nd Ave., Miami Gay Latin scene, with Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton, Hip Hop and House music always playing.

MONKEY BUSINESS 2740 N Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale Cozy neighborhood bar. Karaoke, drag shows, Patio Bar – and open at 9 a.m. daily.

DISCOTEKKA 950 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Hot music, hot scene, hot bartenders, and hot patrons in the hot heart of Downtown Miami.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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) 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.

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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.

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

bar guide • SPOTLIGHT

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

old friends and meet some new ones! Great food, awesome service, delicious mixed drinks and live entertainment.

Park Place Lounge 931 King St., Jacksonville, FL A fun and comfortable gay bar that’s accommodating to both gays and non-gays. A great place to watch your favorite game, or enjoy playing Wii while the liquor flows!

The Norm 2952 Roosevelt Blvd., Jacksonville, FL A neighborhood bar. Everyone is welcome, but remember it is a girls bar! Beer and Wine only.

616 Bar 616 Park St., Jacksonville, FL A warm and friendly atmosphere with a Patio bar.

Karaoke on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Thursdays the Jax Bears are here for happy hour. Fridays and Saturdays enjoy the “Beer Blast.”

Three Layers Cafe 1602 Walnut St., Jacksonville, FL The name Three Layers comes from their large variety of delicious three layer cakes. An inviting loft style cafe located in Springfield. Enjoy a bistro style lunch or just stop in for your morning coffee.

Bo’s Coral Reef 201 5th Ave. North, Jacksonville Beach, FL There are great shows Thursday through Sunday with the best of female impersonators. Pool tables, video games, and a large outdoor patio. The only gay bar on the beach!

Incahoots 711 Edison Ave., Jacksonville, FL This club offers good crowds every night. Recently remodeled with three bars and a friendly staff. Everyday is a different special. A fun place anytime. Full Liquor bar. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except for special events.

Kickbacks Gastropub 910 King St., Jacksonville, FL This is a top class venue serving over 600 different bottled beers, 84 beers on tap, breakfast, lunch and dinner 20hrs a day 7 days a week!

PENSACOLA The Roundup 560 E Heinberg St, Pensacola, FL A neighborhood gay men’s bar... Pensacola’s Cowboy Bar. Open 2 p.m. til 3 p.m. daily.

Cabaret 101 S Jefferson St. #E, Pensacola, FL Not strictly a gay bar, the charming and friendly Cabaret is very much a fixture in Pensacola’s GLBT community, drawing a mixed bunch each evening for happy hour, karaoke, videos, comedy shows, live music, and all-around hobnobbing and socializing.

KEY WEST Bourbon Street Pub 724 Duval St., Key West, FL Opened in October of 1995 and has continued to grow ever since, it is now part of the larger collection of gay action in The Bourbon St. Pub Complex. Hot Go-Go boy dancers and a busy crowd. “Where the boys are!”

801 Bourbon Bar 801 Duval St., Key West, FL Cabaret shows upstairs with nightly performances by famed performers Sushi, Kylie, RV Beaumont, Margo, and others. This legendary establishment has been around for over 30 years, and host Happy Hour specials daily from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Aqua Nightclub 711 Duval St., Key West, FL Aqua features the “Reality is a Drag” show six days a week, followed by dancing. Monday is karaoke night and don’t miss the great happy hour specials from 3 to 8 p.m. daily.

KWest 705 Duval St., Key West, FL Daily Happy Hour from 3 to 8 p.m., and a piano sing-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.

La Te Da 1125 Duval St., Key West, FL An upscale hotel complex with 3 bars, cabaret and restaurant.

Pearl’s Patio Bar for Women 525 United St., Key West, FL Tropical themed women’s bar for gay women and gay-friendly women alike. Patio bar with a full bar featuring drinks like “Cosmopearlitans” and “Pearl’s Passion”.

Bobby’s Monkey Bar 900 Simonton St., Key West, FL The gay Cheers style neighborhood bar of Key West.

Happy Hour from Noon to 7pm, Karaoke on Sunday nights, pool tournaments on Tuesday nights at 7pm.

Free Wi-Fi access.

Garden of Eden 224 Duval St., Key West, FL A Rooftop Bar with the BEST VIEWS in the city & “BEST Long Island Ice Teas made by Melinda!” Gay, straight, fat, or skinny... Doesn’t matter! Clothing optional - gay friendly!

WEST PALM BEACH H G Roosters 823 Belvedere Rd., West Palm Beach, FL Dark bar that attracts a fun party crowd. Camp is in at H.G.’s, where drag shows and bingo nights pack in crowds looking for laughs and fun.

The Lounge 517 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL Sushi, tropical views and tasty cocktails are accompanied by acclaimed resident DJ Daisy DeadPetals.

Fort Dix Bar & Club 6205 Georgia Ave., West Palm Beach, FL Mostly local crowd looking to mingle and relax.

The bar is a bit on the dark and dingy side, but who knows--that could be a plus.

FORT MYERS Office Pub

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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.

spotlight

34 «JUNE 20, 2012

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

SPOTLIGHT: “Magic” Man:

An interview with Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters

By Gregg Shapiro¬

“Magic Hour” (Casablanca), Scissor Sisters’ fourth studio album, has all the necessary ingredients to cast a spell on their devoted fans, and to earn them plenty of new ones. Album opener “Baby Come Home” has a comfortable familiarity, and even a touch of classic Prince. The galloping “Only The Horses” is a perfect summer single, the kind of Tea Dance anthem that is sure to fill dance-floors. The irresistible “Let’s Have A Kiki” and “Keep Your Shoes On” broaden both the horizons of Scissor Sisters and their followers.

The Agenda’s Gregg Shapiro spoke this month with front-man Jake Shears.

FLORIDA AGENDA: I’d like to begin by talking about the cover art on “Magic Hour,” which is reminiscent of the album covers that British design team Hipgnosis did for Pink Floyd and others.

Scissor Sisters covered Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” on the self-titled debut: Would it be safe to say that there is a connection?

Jake Shears: It’s definitely not a coincidence. Hipgnosis was always a

huge influence for what we were doing.

There’s been a running theme on all of our sleeves. The link is there’s always something happening in the middle and there’s somebody turning away from you. The fact that we changed it from a person to an animal was another thing. We like our covers to have a subtle mystery, and the color and mood that go along with it. “Night Work” was no exception. It’s totally influenced by Hipgnosis. It’s also a reference to the fact that we’re still—fortunately or unfortunately—an album band.

FA: “Magic Hour” is being released domestically on Casablanca, a record label known for its association with the seminal days of disco music. Is this significant to you and Scissor Sisters?

JS: [Laughs] We’re happy to have a label in America that wants to put us out at all! It’s super exciting to put it out on Casablanca, just because of the history. I’m happy that they revived the imprint, it is super cool. And I like our label-mates.

FA: Scissor Sisters is considered a New York band, but it sounds like California has found its way in on songs such as “San Luis Obispo” and “Year of Living Dangerously,” which includes mention of the “freeway,” something that conjures Los Angeles. Is Southern California competing with New York for your attention?

JS: I had some really amazing times in Southern California this last year, and made some great friends. I love being in L.A. I also spent some time in San Francisco last year with the musical “Tales of the City.” I have a hard time calling myself a New Yorker anymore. I live out of a suitcase, and will continue to live out of a suitcase for quite a while.

I have a house down in Tennessee now.

I have a house in London now. I’m a bit all over the place [laughs].

FA: Drugs make a number of appearances throughout “Magic Hour”—in songs such as “Baby Come Home,” “Keep Your Shoes On,” “Inevitable,” and “Shady Love.” Is this cause for alarm?

JS: [Laughs] It depends on who you’re asking, and about whom. No, drugs have always been a theme through the lyrics that I write. I think they’re ever present in our lives, whether it’s alcohol, or pot, or club drugs, or antidepressants, or Ambien, or whatever. Everybody’s on something, and they affect all of us in different ways. They can ruin lives, they can save lives. In American culture, especially, they’re omnipresent. Substances and chemicals are everyplace, whether it’s espresso or crystal meth, it’s

everywhere.

FA: “Let’s Have a Kiki” is the kind of song that makes you smile and dance at the same time. Is the voice mail message that opens the song real or was it scripted for the song?

JS: It’s all improv. We wanted to create a setting, to set up a story for where you would have, or why anyone would have a kiki, or what would make you feel like having a kiki. Somebody’s having a bad night, but it’s all going to be better when you go with your friends.

We wanted to give it the setting before the song kicked in. It was important for us to set that place, and that answering machine monologue was the device that we used to do it.

FA: “Baby Come Home” and “Self Control” are songs that reflect relationship uncertainty, while “Best In Me” is a wonderful example of musical domestic bliss. Do you prefer writing and performing songs about healthy or unhealthy relationships?

JS: It’s a lot harder to write something uplifting than it is to write something melancholic. It’s really hard to write something uplifting about subject matter that’s really a bummer. That’s my favorite thing. To write happy-sounding songs about things which aren’t necessarily that. I like writing happysounding songs about relationships

and situations that are necessarily something to get happy about.

FA: This year has seen the loss of a number of important musical icons, including dance music legends Donna Summer, Whitney Houston, and Robin Gibb. Do you have any thoughts or comments?

JS: I think when stuff like that happens, it makes me reflect on what an artist has brought to the culture, to pop culture, to the world, and how they’ve influenced and inspired people.

It’s a great moment to reflect on that, and honor those people for what they’ve done in their lifetimes. It also reminds me of everyone’s mortality.

When it all comes down to it, Whitney Houston was just a person—as are all of us, as are any of the biggest legends around, who will live and die. We’re all just people, nobody’s superhuman, nobody’s immortal. It constantly reminds me, especially with Whitney’s death in particular, that we’re all just people. There are some that do incredible work, and it’s great to honor the work that they’ve done when something like that happens.

But it definitely just makes me think of mortality, and the fact nobody lives forever—but the music can.

FA: Scissor Sisters is known for amazing live shows. What can fans

special feature

36 «JUNE 20, 2012

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

Sunday Funday!

STONEWALL SUMMER PRIDE 2012 Rocks the Gayborhood!

By CLIFF DUNN

T

his Sunday, a tradition begun more than four decades

and continues Thisago—one Sunday, that sparked sparked and continues to energize theto energize the modern LGBT a modern tradition LGBT Rights movement—returns to South movement—returns begun Florida andmore Greater Rights Fort Lauderdale’s Gay Village, Wiltonto South Florida and Greater Fort than four Manors. The Stonewall Summer Pride 2012 Street Festival Lauderdale’s Gay Village, Wilton d e c a d e s kicks off at noon—sharp!—on Sunday, June 24. (For a Manors.

The and Stonewall Summer ago— o n e of complete schedule acts, events, other important Pride 2012 Street Festival kicks t hvisit a tstonewallsummerpride.com.) information, off at noon—sharp!—on Sunday, The Gayborhood’s main “drag,” Wilton Drive, will be in all June 24. (For a complete is festive—and savage!—splendor, with live entertainment, schedule of acts, events, and world-class DJ/Producers, delicious food and drink, over other important information, 125 exhibition booths, and an exclusive Children’s Pride visit stonewallsummerpride.

Park. Later, the Stonewall Summer Pride Twilight Parade com.) commandeers the Drive, with fabulous floats, decorative The Gayborhood’s main displays, and epic, eye-catching costumes. Immediately “drag,” Wilton Drive, will after the Twilight Parade, internationally-renowned be in all is festive—and performers take the stage for the Stonewall Summer Pride savage!—splendor, with Concert, featuring headliner Andy lead singer of liveBell, theentertainment, Billboard Hot 100 act Erasure—called by world-classInsound.com DJ/ “the definitive synthpop superstars”—whose 20 hits Producers, Topdelicious include “A Little Respect,” and “Chains Love.” food of and drink, over The event commemorates 125 the Stonewall that exhibitionriots booths, took place in the early morning hours of June Children’s 28, 1969, and an exclusive at the Stonewall Inn,Pride in NewPark.

York City’s Greenwich Village Later, the Stonewall neighborhood. The demonstrations are frequently cited as Summer Pride Twilight Parade the first instance in American history when the commandeers the people Drive,in with LGBT community fought back against what they perceived fabulous floats, decorative as a government-sponsored system persecuted sexual displays, andthat epic, eye-catching minorities, and they costumes. have becomeImmediately the defining event afterthat the marked the start of the gay rights movement, both in the Twilight Parade, internationallyU.S., and around the renowned world. Today, Gay Pride events are performers take held annually throughout worldfor toward end of the the stage the the Stonewall June to mark the original Stonewall riots.

Summer Pride Concert, Six-time Emmy® featuring award-winning comedian headliner AndyBruce Bell, Vilanch serves as Grand Marshal Stonewall the lead singerofofthe Billboard Hot Summer Pride Twilight Parade, which begins its spectacular cavalcade promptly at 7 p.m., with a

24

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parade route running along Wilton Drive, beginning on

100 act Erasure—called Northeast 20 Street, and running north to finish at Five byPoints.

Insound.com “the Vilanch’s appearance coincides with his starring definitive synthpop performance in “Standing on Ceremony,” a collection of superstars”—whose eight short plays dealing with the subject of marriage Top 20 hits include run from June 21 to 24, at the quality.

(Performances “ABroward Little Center Respect,” for the Performing Arts, with a portion and of of the “Chains proceeds benefiting Equality Florida.

Love.”

Stonewall Summer Pride 2012 is presented by the The event Rainbow Business Coalition (RBC), and the City of Wilton commemorates Manors. Reece Darham, co-chair of the RBC and managing the Stonewall riots director of Island City Health and Fitness, says that that took place in attendees to the event will be entertained by dozens of the early morning guest performers, including DJs Maximus 3000 and D-Stu hours of June 28, 1969, Maximus 3000. Champagne Bordeaux will showcase a atand the Stonewall Inn, in tribute to Donna Summer, and Tiffany will offer a tribute to New York City’s Greenwich

Whitney Houston. Other performances will feature Alyson Thomas, Asheeria Iconic Pryce, Ashiria, Estehania St. Lords, Village Krystal K, Mica Parish, Nicole Philips, and Vashai Avionce as well as the wonderful Jennifer Holiday (from the original neighborhood.

The Broadway cast of “Dreamgirls,” among demonstrations numerous other are frequently international performances). cited as the first instance in Immediately after the Twilight Parade, guests will be when people in American history treated to exciting performances by Johnny McGovern— the LGBT community fought back The Gay Pimp—and Mary Griffin, Pattiagainst Labelle’swhat Secretthey perceived as a Weapon, followed by headlining performer Bell. Local government-sponsored system favorite Misty Eyes serves as emcee for the concert. that persecuted sexual minorities, The RBC’s Reece Darham says that the City of have Wiltonbecome the defining and they Manors—through its operating arm, Lanier Parking— event that marked the start of the wants to promote walking, carpooling,gay andrights bike riding movement, both in the as alternatives to driving to the event, U.S., whichand is certain around the world. Today, to attract a large volume of motor vehicles, withevents the are held annually Gay Pride throughout the world toward the accompanying traffic headaches for event planners and endout of the June to mark the original city officials. To alleviate this, they have put word

Stonewall riots.

Six-time Emmy® award-winning

special feature

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

comedian Bruce Vilanch serves as Grand Marshal of the Stonewall Summer Pride Twilight Parade, which

begins its spectacular cavalcade promptly at 7 p.m., with a parade route running along Wilton Drive, beginning on Northeast 20 Street, and running north to finish at Five Points. Vilanch’s appearance coincides with his starring performance in “Standing on Ceremony,” a collection of eight short plays dealing with the subject of marriage quality.

(Performances run from June 21 to 24, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Equality Florida.

Stonewall Summer Pride 2012 is presented by the Rainbow Business Coalition (RBC), and the City of Wilton Manors.

briEf schEdulE of EvEnts noon: 6:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M. 8:30 P.M.

that free parking is available at Kmart across from Scandals Saloon at Northeast 6 Avenue. All designated Official Stonewall Festival parking lots will be charging a flat fee of $10.00.

In addition, the Pride Center at Equality Park on North Dixie Highway has parking available for employees, sponsors, and volunteers of Stonewall. This must be arranged by obtaining a permit in advance of the event, at the parking office located at 517 Northeast 21 Court, Wilton Manors.

Wilton Drive Closed from 4 a.m., June 24 until 3 a.m., June 25.

South Drive—Soft street close at Northeast 16 Street, Fort Lauderdale; hard street close at Northeast 20 Street, Wilton Manors.

North Drive—Hard close at Wilton Drive, Five Points; North Dixie Highway—rolling closures for parade.

Entrances & Parking

Wilton Drive (from Northeast 16 to 20 Streets) • STAFF WILL BE AT ROAD CLOSURE AND DIRECTING CARS INTO SPACES • STREET PARKING $10.00 ALL DAY • PARKERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THEIR VEHICLE BY 1:00 AM • DESIGNATED HANDICAP SPACES Richardson Park 50 Parking Spaces • VIP PARKING (BY ADVANCE PERMIT ONLY) Northeast 21 Court and Woman’s Club • PUBLIC PARKING- $10.00 ALL DAY • 4 DESIGNATED HANDICAP SPACES • RESIDENTS LIVING ON 21ST COURT WILL BE NOTIFIED OF CLOSING IN ADVANCE. • GABLES PARKING PERMITS WILL ALLOW ENTRY. Northeast 20 Street @ Northeast 21 Court • GRASS LOT $10.00 ALL DAY Hagen Park/City Hall • LOT PARKING $10.00 ALL DAY; 10 DESIGNATED HANDICAP SPACES Kids in Distress • LOT PARKING $10.00 ALL DAY; EXISTING HANDICAP SPACES

Vacant Lot (Kids in Distress) • $10.00 ALL DAY; TWO DESIGNATED HANDICAP SPACES Iberia Bank Metered Lot • PARKING $10.00 ALL DAY Church of Spiritual Living • SHUTTLE SERVICE; LOT PARKING $10.00 ALL DAY; EXISTING HANDICAP SPACES Shoppes of Wilton Manors • VALET PARKING 200 SPACES (COST TBD).

• EMPLOYEE PARKING IN REAR • ACCESS NEEDED FOR GYM MEMBERS UNTIL NOON, THEY CAN SHOW ID. Pride Center at Equality Park • SPONSOR, VOLUNTEER, EMPLOYEE PARKING (NO CHARGE BY ADVANCE PERMIT) • EXISTING HANDICAP SPACES Maintenance Yard 100 Spaces • LOT PARKING $10.00 ALL DAY; EIGHT DESIGNATED HANDICAP SPACES Unity Church • LOT PARKING $10.00 ALL DAY; 40 SPACES RESERVED FOR UNITY EMPLOYEES (BY ADVANCE PERMIT) K-MART 200 Spaces • FREE PARKING; EXISTING HANDICAP SPACES TOTAL (ESTIMATED) SPACES = 1,620 13 STAFFED LOTS guymag.net

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by Johnny McGovern—The Gay Pimp—and Mary Griffin, Patti Labelle’s Secret Weapon, followed by headlining performer Bell. Local favorite Misty Eyes serves as emcee for the concert.«

Main Stage Lineup

fEstivAl oPEns JEnnifEr hollidAY PErforMs (north stAGE) stonEWAll suMMEr PridE tWiliGht PArAdE MAin concErt bEGins

Street Entrances Blocked for Limited Access NE 23RD @ DIXIE • NE 9th @ 26th ST NE 7TH AVE @ 20TH ST. • NE 8th TERR @ 26th ST NE 7TH AVE @ NE 21ST DR • NE 8th @ 26th ST NE 6TH TERR @ 20TH ST • NE 7th @ 26th ST NE 21ST DR @ 20TH ST • NE 6th @ 26th ST (TBD) NE 21ST CT @ 20TH ST

Reece Darham, co-chair of the RBC and managing director of Island City Health and Fitness, says that attendees to the event will be entertained by dozens of guest performers, including DJ/ Producer Maximus 3000 and D-Stu. Champagne Bordeaux will showcase a tribute to Donna Summer, and Tiffany will offer a tribute to Whitney Houston.

Other performances will feature Alyson Thomas, Asheeria Iconic Pryce, Ashiria, Estehania St. Lords, Krystal K, Mica Parish, Nicole Philips, and Vashai Avionce as well as the wonderful Jennifer Holiday (from the original Broadway cast of “Dreamgirls,” among numerous other international performances).

Immediately after the Twilight Parade, guests will be treated to exciting performances

JUNE 20, 2012 «37

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12:00 MISTY EYEZS TO MC 12:05 RUBI ALEXANDRIA TIFFANY: ELECTRA: CHAMPAGNE: TRIBUTE TO BETTE TRIBUTE TO 12:12 VASHAI AVOINCE DONNA SUMMER MIDDLER WHITNEY HOUSTON 12:19 NATASHA 12:26 KAREEMA CASTRO (RECORCING 5:34 NOEL LEON ARTIST) 5:40 VIVA MIRAGE 12:36 JASMINE DUMANT SHOW IS OVER ON MAIN STAGE UNTIL 12:43 MICA PARISH AFTER PARADE (DJ TO SPIN ONLY) 12:50 DIAMOND GODDESS AVIONCE 6:00 JENNIFER HOLLIDAY PERFORMS ON 12:57 OMEGA WASHINGTON NORTH STAGE UNTIL 6:30 1:05 ASHERIA EXTRAVAGANZA 6:30 START CLEARING STREET FOR PARADE 1:12 TINA TORCH AT 7 1:20 FT. LAUDERDALE GAY MEN’S CHORUS 7:00 PARADE STARTS (HOSTED BY VICTOR 1:40 ALEXIS CATOUR ZEPKA ON MAIN STAGE) 1:47 JENNIFER GRANT 8:15 MISTY EYEZ TO MC 1:55 NAO TYLO (RECORDING ARTIST) 8:15 VELVET LANORE K-OTIC FORCE 2:10 DAME EDNA 8:25 NEWLY CROWNED MISS STONEWALL 2:20 KITTY MEOW 8:30 ALYSON THOMAS (MS NOCHE LATINA 2:27 SARA & GUEST (SUNSHINE CATHEDRAL) ELITE) 2:37 CHAMPAGNE BORDEAUX (TRIBUTE TO 8:35 GIRLS FROM LIPS WHITNEY HOUSTON) 8:40 AWARDS PRESENTED BY RBC AND 2:47 ELECTED OFFICIALS INTRODUCE THE STONEWALL BOARD 3:00 ELECTRA (BETTE MIDLER) HEADLINERS 3:10 LASHAWN BEYOND 8:45 MARY GRIFFIN 3:17 MYLES (DRAG KING) 9:10 JOHNNY MCGOVERN 3:24 MALIK DIAMOND 9:30 ANDY BELL 3:30 GIRLS FROM LIPS 3:40 TIFFANY ARIEAGUS (TRIBUTE TO DONNA SUMMERS) 4:00 AMANDA AUSTIN (TAKES OVER AS MC 4 TO 6) 4:00 AMANDA AUSTIN 4:05 ALANDRA MATTHEWS 4:11 DEE DEE VAN CARTER 4:16 NICOLE HALLIWELL 4:22 SHARDE ROSS 4:28 SELENA 4:34 DESIRE DUBOIS DJ STU DJ SUSHIMAN 4:40 BRIANNA DAMORE 2 P.M. 12 P.M. 4:46 KARMA BEE 4:52 RUBY ALEXANDRIA 4:48 ATHENA DION 5:04 VANITY FLAIR 5:10 GISELLE SPICE 5:16 EVELYN MONROE 5:22 TWAT LAROUGE & CHOCOLATTA 5:28 TIFFANY FANTASIA DJ AJ DJ MAXIMUS 5-7 P.M. 3000 7 P.M.

DJ Lineup

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