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abraham LINCOLN: BIG GOVERNMENT LIBERAL EDITORIAL PAGE 8
Florida’s Largest LGBT Newspaper and Entertainment Source
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Welcome to FLORIDA, GOP! POLITICAL DESK
THE POLITICAL ‘COMING OUT’ OF CHARLIE CRIST PAGE 9 NATIONAL DESK
BIDEN PRAISES GAY AMERICANS
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GAY CHAMBER PLANS INTERNATIONAL LGBT SUMMIT
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DINING
TEE JAY THAI SUSHI IN PARADISE PAGE 24
Does the Republican Platform Enable Global Homophobia?
By CLIFF DUNN
TAMPA – Last week, a draft of the Republican Party platform was posted on the Republican National Committee Web site, then quickly taken down—but not before at least one copy was downloaded. In its foreign policy section—titled “American Exceptionalism”—the draft includes language that reads, “The effectiveness of our foreign aid has been limited by the cultural agenda of the [Obama] Administration, attempting to impose on foreign countries, especially the peoples of Africa, legalized abortion and the homosexual rights agenda.” It added, “We will reverse this tragic course, encourage more involvement by the most effective aid organizations, and trust developing peoples to build their future from the ground up.” Although the section on international human rights addressed, “the work of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, established by Congressional Republicans to advance the rights of persecuted peoples everywhere,” and notes that a “Republican Administration will return the advocacy of religious liberty to a central place in our diplomacy,” no mention was given to the violence and murder against LGBT
persons, or the activism against such brutality, which is reported in Europe, Asia, and Africa on an almost-weekly basis. It also fails to address Uganda’s 2009 legislation (still in Parliament) which calls for the death penalty for those found guilty of “aggravated homosexuality.” It was response to acts of violence abroad that moved Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in December 2011 to tell UN delegates that “gay rights are human rights.” When President Obama ordered “all agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons,” Texas Governor Rick Perry—who was then seeking the Republican presidential nomination— objected that “promoting special rights for gays in foreign countries is not in America’s interests, and not worth a dime of taxpayers’ money.” The 2012 Republican platform supports “traditional marriage,” which it defines as between a man and a woman. A draft last week calls for a constitutional amendment that recognizes that definition, which would ban gay men and women from marrying. It
condemns judges—including Bush-43 appointees—who have ruled in favor of marriage equality, calling it “an assault on the foundations of our society, challenging the institution which, for thousands of years in virtually every civilization, has been entrusted with the rearing of children and the transmission of cultural values.” It likewise calls President Obama’s decision not to defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in court “a mockery of the President’s inaugural oath,” and “commend[s] the United States House of Representatives” for taking up the legal slack. Although at press time the platform draft does not call for reinstating Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, which was repealed by President Obama, it rejects “the use of the military as a platform for social experimentation.” A cadre of platform committee members consists of former Ron Paul delegates, who reportedly joined with Log Cabin Republicans and other libertarian-leaning members to include the conciliatory statement, “We embrace the principle that all Americans should be treated with respect and dignity.”H
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Despite Health Benefits, Decline Continues in Number of U.S. Circumcisions ELK GROVE VILLAGE, ILLINOIS – The latest guidelines from the nation’s largest association of pediatricians say that the health benefits from male circumcision outweigh the risks. Monday’s announcement was the American Academy of Pediatrics’ first policy statement on the issue since 1999. In that statement, the association stopped short of recommending routine circumcision for males. This time the report said that, based on current medical evidence, insurance companies should pay the cost. The new policy was published in the August 27 issue of the journal Pediatrics. A task force reviewed data from 1,000 studies between 1995 and 2010, and found that male circumcision offers numerous preventive benefits, including major reduction in the risk of male urinary tract infections, as well as lower risk of cancer, heterosexually-acquired HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases. Based on current rates, an increasing number of parents are choosing to skip the procedure. An analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that U.S. circumcisions fell from about 63 percent of newborn boys in 1999 to 55 percent in 2010. During the 1980s, that rate was about 79 percent of newborn boys. According to the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, the 20-year decline may have already contributed to about $2 billion in additional medical costs, for care related to treating infections and sexuallytransmitted diseases (STDs) throughout a male’s life.
VP Praises LGBT Americans PROVINCETOWN, MASSACHUSETTS – During a weekend fundraising trip to Provincetown, Massachusetts, Vice President Joseph Biden praised the LGBT community for “freeing the soul of
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the American people.” Added the Veep, “If I had to use one adjective to describe this community, it would be ‘courage.’ You have summoned the courage to speak out, to come out. We owe you.”
VP Joe Biden “comfortable” with same-sex marriage
The campaign stop at Pilgrim Monument and Museum in Provincetown—which has a large permanent gay population, as well as an international LGBT tourist trade— is the latest personal outreach made by Biden to gay Americans. During an interview in May on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” the vice president beat his boss, President Obama, to the punch in coming out, as it were, in supporting marriage equality. “I am absolutely comfortable with the fact that men marrying men, women marrying women, and heterosexual men and women marrying one another are entitled to the same exact rights, all the civil rights, all the civil liberties,” Biden said, adding, “Quite frankly, I don’t see much of a distinction beyond that.”
Parents of Tyler Clementi Leave Church Over AntiGay Policies RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY – The parents of Tyler Clementi— the 18-year-old Rutgers University student who jumped to his death in September 2010, after his roommate used a webcam to view, without Clementi’s knowledge, the teen kissing another man—have decided
to leave the congregation of their longtime church, citing its anti-gay views. Joe and Jane Clementi said they felt that staying at Grace Church would indicate support for its views. They said that the church’s teachings contributed to their own hesitation about accepting their son’s sexual identity. “I think some people think that sexual orientation can be changed or prayed over,” Jane Clementi told the New York Times. “But I know sexual orientation is not up for negotiation. I don’t think my children need to be changed. I think that what needed changing is attitudes, or myself, or maybe some other people I know.” The Clementi family includes another gay son. Clementi’s suicide, and the criminal case against his roommate, Dharun Ravi, drew national attention to the tragedy of suicide among gay teens, a statistic that is five times as high as that of straight teens.
Mormon ChurchOwned NBC Station Won’t Air GayThemed Comedy SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – The NBC affiliate in Salt Lake City is taking a pass on one of the network’s new series. An official with KSL-TV, which is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon Church, told the likewise churchowned Deseret News that “The New Normal”—a comedy series about a gay couple that contracts with a live-in surrogate mother—will not
Cast of “The New Normal”
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be on the station’s schedule. “For our brand, this program simply feels inappropriate on several dimensions, especially during family viewing time,” said Jeff Simpson, CEO of Bonneville International, which owns the station (and is itself a subsidiary of the church). It is the second time in as many years that station officials have opted-out of a network offering: Last year, KSL dropped NBC’s “The Playboy Club,” a show that was soon cancelled by the network. Responding to the perceived censorship, “Normal” star Ellen Barkin chastised KSL on Twitter. “Anyone in Utah interested in @ NBCTheNewNormal please clog up @ksl5tv feed 4 their blatantly homophic decision 2 not air the show #KSLBigots,” she wrote. In July, the conservative group One Million Moms called for a boycott of “The New Normal,” which premieres on September 11, and was co-created by “Glee” executive producer Ryan Murphy.
Republican Lawmaker Records Pro-Gay Marriage Video Spot OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON – State Rep. Maureen Walsh (R-Walla Walla) recorded a video ad this week supporting Washington State marriage equality. The three-term Republican lawmaker is one of two GOP House members who voted in favor of the state’s same-sex marriage bill, which passed in February and now faces a voter referendum to affirm or reject the measure. During debate on the legislation, Walsh delivered an impassioned speech about her gay daughter and her hopes to someday throw her a wedding. The video of the speech went viral, and scored millions of hits on YouTube. H
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Heavy Rains Postpone GET OUT THE VOTE Bar Crawl WILTON MANORS – Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Isaac caused the postponement of the scheduled August 26 “Wilton Manors GET OUT THE VOTE Bar Crawl.” “We believe it to be more prudent to act on the side of safety and caution,” said Jennifer Morales, Sidelines’ Marketing Director and one of the organizers. Morales said the event will be rescheduled for sometime in September. The organizers planned the community-wide effort to register as many LGBT voters as possible, and to draw awareness to issues of political importance to the gay community. Local drag performers Nikki Adams, Nicolette, and Jersey Dion were scheduled to lead a “barcrawling” crowd through eight local watering holes, including Sidelines Sports Bar, Bill’s Filling Station, The Manor, Rosie’s Bar & Grill, New Moon, Matty’s On the Drive, The Alibi, and Boom. More details will follow in the Agenda.
Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber to Participate in GovernmentSponsored Trade Mission FORT LAUDERDALE – The Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC) has been named a Collaborating Partner in the first U.S. government-backed trade mission to Bogotá, Colombia. According to GFLGLCC President Keith Blackburn the trade mission, which will be led under the auspices of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)—which will be held September 11 through 15—marks the first U.S. government-certified LGBT trade mission, made possible through a Memorandum
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of Understanding signed last year between the NGLCC and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Said NGLCC president Justin Nelson, “The support and backing of the U.S. government gives the mission increased validation as we work with our Colombian counterparts, and that’s good for our members who will be attending and looking for new and expanded markets.” Participants will be credentialed as delegates to the inaugural LGBT Summit of the Americas, which will take place in conjunction with the trade mission, bringing together LGBT business leaders from the U.S., Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Uruguay. Invited speakers include the Honorable Angelino Garzón, Vice President of Colombia, and the Honorable Peter McKinley, U.S. Ambassador to Colombia. According to Blackburn, the trade mission presents an opportunity for South Florida-based LGBTcertified businesses to meet counterparts, including buyers and business leaders, and to work with the commerce attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota to build connections crucial to international export and import trading. For more information on the trade mission and summit, or to become a GFLGLCC member, visit gogayfortlauderdale.com.
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“In just four short years, this film festival has grown to become not only a community event, but also an event that attracts film enthusiasts from all over the country,” said Franc Castro, executive director of FLGLFF. “The documentaries that were chosen this year were selected with much pride and enthusiasm, and we’re confident our audiences will be enlightened and inspired by the depth and scope of the stories they tell.” Ranging from a locally-produced film to one shot on location in the Republic of Uganda, Castro says that this year’s documentary selection is diverse and rich in content. New for 2012, the FLGLFF host theater is the historic Classic Gateway Theatre. In addition, moviegoers will be able to purchase cocktails during all screenings. Tickets are now available for FLGLFF members, and will be available for the general public beginning September 10. For more information, visit flglff.com
Miami Beach LGBT Visitor Center Names New Executive Director MIAMI
BEACH
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Karen
Gay Film Festival Announces Documentary Films Schedule FORT LAUDERDALE – Producers of the 4th Annual Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (FLGLFF) have announced a line up of six documentary films to be showcased at this year’s event. The documentaries follow the journeys of gay, lesbian, and transgendered protagonists, including an accomplished jazz musician. Presented by HBO Latin America, the FLGLFF will spotlight 19 feature films and 17 short films from October 4 to 7.
Karen Brown
Brown has been selected as the new executive director of the LGBT Visitor Center in Miami Beach. “We are thrilled to have someone of Karen’s extensive hospitality background take the helm of the LGBT Visitor Center,” said Steve
Adkins, president of the MiamiDade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which is responsible for the LGBT Visitor Center’s operations. “I have worked with Karen on many initiatives over the past several years, and she knows the hospitality industry incredibly well. Her expertise will definitely help the LGBT Visitor Center grow and continue to be a must-visit destination for our tourists as well as a centerpiece for the local LGBT community.” Brown is a native Miamian who has spent the last 19 years working in South Florida’s hospitality industry. Previously, she was the general manager at The Angler’s Resort in South Beach. Her professional experience also includes serving as the vice president of sales and marketing for Boutique Hospitality Management and positions with Island Outpost, The Double Tree, and Interstate Hotels. The LGBT Visitor Center, the only visitor center of its kind in the United States supported by a gay and lesbian chamber, will celebrate its second anniversary next month. It is located at 1130 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, in the lobby of Old City Hall. “Managing the LGBT Visitor Center allows me the opportunity to create a unique travel experience and a positive place where all are welcome,” said Brown, who also served as co-emcee for the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade for the past four years. “We are working diligently to build programs and resources to welcome the LGBT traveler by introducing them to the myriad of people, businesses and attractions our city has to offer.” H
EDITOR’S DESK
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Who The HELL Are These People? AUGUST 29, 2012 • ISSUE 145
CLIFF DUNN, EDITOR “It is unpatriotic not to tell the truth, whether about the President or anyone else.” - Theodore Roosevelt
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used to love the national political conventions, but no longer. Over the next two weeks, politically active Americans will “drink the Kool Aid” and engage in saber-rattling diatribes and unleash the most unpleasant hyperbole concerning their fellow countrymen since Republicans questioned the bravery, honor, and military awards of John Kerry in 2004 (unless you count their 2008 vilification of Obama’s putative “Muslim religion” and their calling into question his citizenship). Democrats don’t get a pass here, with 30-year-old irrelevancies about Ronald Reagan’s senility, the 1988 “wimp” bombs they threw at George H.W. Bush, accusations in 2004 that his son, George W. Bush, was somehow complicit in the September 11 attacks, ad nauseum. More galling to me than that sort of nonstarter is the quasi-tribal, siege mindset that overtakes the most partisan among us, and the accompanying notion that members of the opposing party are the ENEMY (as if Osama bin Laden gave a rat’s toenail what the political party affiliations were of the World Trade Center’s honored dead). Each year, the Democrats and Republicans host annual fundraising dinner events which bring local, state, and national brass to the trenches (in this case, ones filled with rubber chicken and contribution envelopes) in an effort to rally the—moneyed—troops and preach the Gospel of Talking Points to the chewing choir. The Democrats’ JeffersonJackson and the Republicans’ LincolnReagan dinners are ideological red meat for “starved” political operatives and wannabes, and it never ceases to amuse me that most of the party stalwarts have no clue just who— or what—they are honoring. Thomas Jefferson was a “small government” progressive who envisioned America as an agrarian society, where laws and regulations would be minimal, allowing the “good sense” of the people to reign as well as rule. In this, he was opposed by Alexander Hamilton and the Federalists, who resemble Mitt Romney and the modern GOP in that they favored the moneyed classes and capital, but they also supported a centralized Federal government to facilitate the growth and stability of the new nation. Although many Republicans claim that in today’s political climate, Jefferson would be a member of the Grand Old Party, this doesn’t take into account the 18th Century realities: In the 1700s, America WAS an agricultural nation, and didn’t require the degree of government regulation that a modern, industrialized society demands. In fact, it was two bona f ide Republican Presidents who set into motion the very “Era of Big Government” that a Democratic
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EDITOR president, Bill Clinton, proclaimed to be “over” in the 1990s. Abraham Lincoln’s calls for a national military draft during the American Civil War was the first of its kind—and made northerners hate the Great Emancipator as much as did slaveholders in the then-solidly Democratic south. Legal scholars of the 1860s were as divided as the nation was in their opinions over whether Lincoln had the constitutional power to prevent southern secession and dissolution of the Union. And his suspension of habeas corpus foreshadowed the modern debate over the Patriot Act’s encroachment into civil liberties (a law, incidentally, that was championed by a “small government” conservative President, Bush-43). Possibly America’s “biggest government” President, Theodore Roosevelt gave nightmares to bosses of his day’s GOP for his support of progressive causes. (When he was chosen as running mate for the incumbent president, Republican William McKinley, an exasperated machine boss, Mark Hanna of New York, shouted, “Don’t any of you realize that there’s only one life between that madman and the Presidency? What…will he do as President if McKinley should die?” As if on cue, McKinley was assassinated 15 months later.) The Republican Teddy spoke of a “Square Deal,” a progressive outline for equal opportunity for all Americans—with special emphasis on the importance of fair government regulations over corporate “special interests.” (Read about the Triangle Shirt Factory fire and tell me that employees need LESS workplace protections.) Does that mean that he—or Obama—stand for harm to small business? Uh—no. Roosevelt made America’s natural resources a national issue. He favored using them wisely, and opposed wasteful consumption. He leaves a legacy of five national parks, 18 national monuments, and 150 National Forests, among other works. Does that make the Rough Rider— or Obama—a tree-hugging nature lover? Is this even actually a bad thing? In his 1908 Annual Message to Congress, T.R. spoke of the need for the federal government to regulate interstate corporations (under the constitution’s Interstate Commerce Clause), and cited big business’ battle against federal regulations, by appealing to the importance of states’ rights (which was as much a canard in 1912 as it is in 2012). Child labor laws, workplace safety requirements, an eight-hour work day, and the Republic itself—we owe all these to liberal Republicans. Enjoy Tampa, members of the Grand Old Party.H
WE, THE PEOPLE… Dear Editor:
[Concerning his opinion piece], I am so happy that Nick Stone is “inspired” by the selection of Paul Ryan as the vice presidential nominee of the Republican Party [Florida Agenda, August 22, 2012, Q-POINT: “When I Meet Paul Ryan in Tampa”]. He seems to forget that Ryan co-authored— with Todd Akin—that wonderful piece of legislation where the idea of “legitimate rape” first appeared. Mitt Romney was quick to lash out at Akin and call it “deplorable,” etc. The Republican Party asked Akin to drop out. Ryan was chosen for the number two slot, and this week in Tampa there will be a coronation. Stone calls Romney “probably the most pro-gay Republican presidential nominee...that America has ever seen.” What does that mean exactly? The Republicans have no history of supporting LGBT individuals. Has he seen his party’s current platform? There is no mention of civil unions—and yes, no exceptions for abortions. (I’m so sorry that Stone [apparently] has no female relatives, friends, coworkers, or neighbors.) I’ll admit that some Obama positions toward the LGBT community may be hollow. However—and here’s the point— the Democratic Party wants to include me. The Republican Party wants to exclude me. They want to do the same for Mr. Stone. I really hope Nick gets to meet Ryan. More than that, I really hope he stays in Tampa. H AFW
ClIFF DUNN cliffdunn@guymag.net
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS TOM BONANTI, JEAN DOHERTY, ANDY KRESS, PHOEBE MOSES, ROBERT ELIAS DEATON, RICHARD DAVID CHAMBERLAIN, DALE MADISON, ARLEN LEIGHT, JUSTIN JONES, JOE HARRIS, NICK STONE Photography • stephen kuttner, alexander MAXWELL
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POLITICAL DESK • Q-POINT
AUGUST 29, 2012 H 9
SURREAL THEATRE: Charlie Crist ‘Comes Out’ (For Obama); GOP ‘Human-Sacrifices’ “Opportunist” ex-Gov. By JOE HARRIS
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alk with me, if you will, through the fields of my political imagination, while we analyze if former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist’s endorsement on Sunday of President Obama’s re-election campaign gives us a window into what turns him on. Although “comeback” is on the lips of many observers, the first word to pop into my mind is “punishment,” followed by “masochist,” and an image of the Once-and-[He Hopes]-FutureGovernor playing a B&D/S&M scene with political operatives from both major parties. The Republicans have already talked about Crist’s endorsement in the same terminology a dominatrix might use to scold a naughty businessman during a lunchtime quickie. Florida GOP chairman Lenny Curry slammed the former governor as “a self-centered career politician,” “repugnant,” “selfish,” and “looking after his own interests,” and then verbally spanked him, adding, “in spite of an approaching hurricane, no less!”
The notion of Crist as a “political masochist” seeking release through punishment is only heightened (exponentially) with the thought of how DEMOCRATS will go after him once his plans are known. It’s a pretty safe bet that Crist’s move was timed to maximize the media attention, and is another major step by the once-popular politician to crawl up from the ash heap of history towards rebirth as a Democrat and a return to competitive politics. It also increases the buzz to a fever pitch concerning Crist’s intentions to run for governor in 2014, or other elected office—but this time as a Democrat. You’ll have a chance to see his “audition tape” next week, when he addresses the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. Republicans will have a field day condemning a recycled Crist, attacking him like they did John Kerry as a flipflopper, but also as a party traitor, and a collaborator with the hated Occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. They have already pointed to his abandonment of his previous positions, including his
2010 admonition against Obama that, “I don’t agree with the guy on hardly anything he does,” his self-description as a “pro-life” “Ronald Reagan Republican,” his opposition to ObamaCare, and his “cheerful” support of a state constitutional amendment banning marriage equality. And the Republican Party “talking points” actually suggest, “You should take every opportunity with the media to remind Floridians that Crist has made a career out of bashing the Democrat Party and everything President Obama stands for.” Imagine how much hay other Democratic candidates will make of that when they stand against Crist during a future primary. In the words of the Florida GOP’s Curry, “Charlie Crist has demonstrated, yet again, that his political ambition will always come first.” For his part, Crist has been invoking the memory and paraphrasing the words of Ronald Reagan, suggesting that he didn’t leave the GOP in 2010, but that rather the party left him, by embracing extreme positions and beliefs. The GOP talking points try to blunt that defense by
noting that the ex-governor jumped the party’s ship for an electoral opportunity, and “left because polls showed he had a better chance to win the [U.S.] Senate seat as an Independent.” Does Crist have a right to a “second act” in politics? Sure he does. But Republicans have a legitimate right to cast him as an opportunist—a professional politician who is just looking for an elected office to occupy. South Floridians have seen this before (sorry, Jim Lewis). My own fascination with train wrecks leaves me wondering what kind of punishment the members of his own (new) party have planned for Crist: Florida politics’ Once-and-Future whipping boy. H
Q-POINT
Democrats’ Record on the Economy Might Surprise Gay Conservatives By RICHARD K. CLAYCOMB
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n a recent piece in the Florida Agenda (August 15, 2012, “The Consequences of Run-Amok Liberalism,” by Jason Otero), a gay Republican stated that Democrats have done nothing to address the economy. Let’s look at the facts: • Provisions in the “Cash for Clunkers” program—which allowed Americans a tax break only if they bought autos made in the U.S.A.—was blocked by Republicans. The number one auto brand purchased under that program was Toyota, the majority of which are made in Japan. • President Obama’s stimulus package had provisions that encouraged Americans to buy American-made goods, to help create jobs. Republicans blocked that provision. • That stimulus package has pulled the U.S. out of the Great Recession.
Republicans repeatedly attempted to block it, and now claim the stimulus has failed. • Republican President George W. Bush started wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Over a trillion dollars in taxpayer money has being spent for those wars and to rebuild the infrastructures in those countries destroyed by American bombs. America’s infrastructure is in sorry need of repair. Republicans repeatedly block job creation bills designed to make those repairs. • Republicans say we can’t afford health care for uninsured Americans, and attempted to block legislation which would result in job creation in the health care industry to provide for uninsured Americans. • Republicans attempted to block loans to the auto industry—now being repaid—which if not made, would have resulted in job losses during a time the
U.S. continued to shell out financial aid (not loans) to other countries. The revived American auto industry has been hiring new workers because of an increase in sales of American-made cars. Otero said the younger generation doesn’t care who gets married: But look up the ages of the young men who killed Matthew Shepard. He wrote we should work on the economy, stop trying to give gays the right to marry, and make abortion illegal again. Hitler took away the rights of gays, and ordered their extermination, while the majority of Germans supported him because he promised jobs. Criminologists in the 1970s predicted that America would become a police state to handle rising crime. Legalized abortion allowed women living in poverty the option to not have unwanted children. Many of those born into poverty turn
to crime because of the lack of jobs in communities at the poverty level. Republican President Ronald Reagan ignored the AIDS crisis, resulting in an epidemic number of dead gays across America. If you’re a gay Republican, you belong to a political party that includes people who would like to see you put away in camps or exterminated. If you’re a gay Republican, you follow a political agenda that makes money more important than the teachings of the major religions, including Christianity, so you really shouldn’t complain about losing friends in the LGBT community because of your political beliefs, as Otero complained, since the majority of mentally-balanced people don’t want to associate with people who don’t practice what they say they believe.H Richard K. Claycomb lives in Fort Lauderdale.
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The East Health Center HIV/STD’s Testing, screening and treatment, Immigration medical examination 2421 SW 6th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale (954) 298-1749 (954) 467-4705 Broward House HIV services, shelter, empowerment, housing, client services 1726 SE 3rd Ave., Ft. Lauderdale (954) 522-4749
Red Hispana HIV Testing, Hispanic support groups, emergency relief fund assistance, pre-case management 1350 East Sunrise Blvd., Suite 129, Ft. Lauderdale (954) 462-8889
LAMBDA Support groups, substance abuse 1231-A E Las Olas Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 761-9072 Gay & Lesbian Youth Support Group Provides support to gay and lesbian youths 16 to 24 years of age 1480 SW 9 Avenue 2nd Floor Ft Lauderdale Sunshine Cathedral Campus (954) 764-5150
Brian Neal Fitness & Health Foundation Weekly group workouts, gym membership, nutrition and life mentoring classes by professionals, online programs, exercise, and health monitoring for persons living with HIV/AIDS and other lifechallenging conditions. 2435 N. Dixie Hwy., Wilton Manors (954) 336-0436 (561) 255-4913 AIDS Healthcare Foundation/Out of the Closet HIV testing, client services, STD’s testing & treatment, AHF Pharmacy 2097 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors (954) 318-6997 The Community Anger management, counseling Self pay/Sliding Scale $25-$85 16 NE 4th St., Suite 130, Ft. Lauderdale (954) 533-9819 Family Therapy Center Anger management 2415 University Dr., Coral Springs (954) 345-6222 South Florida Gender Coalition Support groups for Cross-dressers, trans-sexuals and significant others; Age 18 and older. 3233 NW 34th Ct., Ft. Lauderdale (954) 578-9454, 954-677-2587 Teen Space 211 Tough teen issues, bullying, counseling 3217 NW 10th Terr., Suite 308, Ft. Lauderdale Pride Institute of Fort Lauderdale Gay/Lesbian/Bisex/Trans; Mental Health Services; Substance Abuse Detox; Substance Abuse Inpatient (954) 463-4321, 954-453-8679 (800) 585-7527
Legal Aid Service - Broward Human Rights Initiative Low-income gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (GLBT) individuals in need of legal services, Gay/ Lesbian/Bisex/Trans; Legal Services 491 N State Rd. 7, Plantation (954) 358-5635 SunServe Counseling, mental health intake and referral, Noble McArtor Senior Day Care Center, youth and family services 1480 SW 9th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale (954) 764-5150, (954) 764-5055, (954) 764-5055, (954) 549-0263 Fusion Program open to the GLBTQ community. Activities include meditation, social events, groups, movies, games, classes, and condom distribution campaign. 2304 NE 7th Ave., Wilton Manors (954) 630-1655 Spectrum Programs Case Management, Marriage & Family therapy, Outpatient Counseling, Psychiatric Services, Substance Abuse Residential Treatment 450 E Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach (954) 580-0770 (954) 781-4405 Drag it OUT, Inc. Drag it OUT’s mision is to provide a safe space for the LGBTQ community and their supporters who are interested in exploring gender identity, self-expression and community activism by way of educational workshops, social opportunities and artistic projects. Learn how to get involved at dragitout.org facebook.com/dragitoutinc 1310 SW 2nd Ct. #103 Fort Lauderdale Tabatha (954) 612-4489 Mandi (954) 213-7112
COMMUNITY SERVICES PROFILE
The GFLGLCC: By CLIFF DUNN
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A Homegrown GLOBAL Chamber of Commerce
ou might not know that Keith Blackburn, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC), is a local business and community leader by all the time he spends out of the country—until you realize that his travels directly benefit and impact local businesses and allied trades in the place he calls home. “Nearly 28 percent of travel in South Florida has been related to the LGBT community—that’s huge,” Blackburn told the Agenda earlier this year. He wants to see more of that market spend its tourism dollars in Greater Fort Lauderdale, but Blackburn has a deeper dream for the Gayborhood and its surrounding communities. Long-term, he and his chamber partners want to see the area become an international hub for global commerce, to make it a commercial center as well as a tourist destination. To help accomplish that, the
GFLGLCC has teamed up with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) to help facilitate the first U.S. Government-backed trade mission to Bogotá, Colombia. The trip (which will be held from September 11 through 15) marks the first U.S. government-certified LGBT trade mission, which was made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed last year between officials of the NGLCC and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Blackburn sees this as an opportunity for local business owners to take part as credentialed delegates to the inaugural LGBT Summit of the Americas, which will be held in conjunction with the trade mission. The summit will bring LGBT business leaders from the U.S. face to face with their counterparts in Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Uruguay. Among the speakers who have been invited to attend
are the Honorable Angelino Garzón, Vice President of Colombia, and the Honorable Peter McKinley, U.S. Ambassador to Colombia. The trade mission, says Blackburn, is an opportunity for South Floridabased LGBT-certified businesses to meet buyers and business leaders, and to personally meet officials in Bogotá (including the U.S. Embassy’s commerce attaché) and build valuable connections that are crucial to international export and import trading. Blackburn, a native of Washington, D.C., has spent much of 2012 building the kinds of alliances he hopes to foster in Bogotá, traveling this spring to the ITB-Berlin show, the world’s largest travel trade expo. GFLGLCC, which was formed in 2011, is a 501 (c) (6) non-profit, with a mission to “promote business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBTfriendly community, and to serve as “an advocate and resource for all
member businesses that promote equality.” For more information on the GFLGLCC trade mission and summit, or to become a GFLGLCC member, visit gogayfortlauderdale.com.H
If your non-profit organization is not listed in the Agenda Non-Profit Services Directory, please send your information to Dale Madison at dalemadison@guymag.net.
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Drag it OUT’s mision is to provide a safe space for the LGBTQ community and their supporters who are interested in exploring gender identity, self-expression and community activism by way of educational workshops, social opportunities and artistic projects. Join the Movement!
ww.dragitout.org
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Cinema | Fitness | Nutrition | Travel | Dining | Bar Guide | Recipe | Classifieds
What’s Inside:
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f it’s been some time since you took in a great movie (I choose my words carefully: GREAT movie means “great,” and shouldn’t be confused with “very good,” “cool,” or “hmm”), then the Classic Gateway Theatre may have just what the editor ordered. Starting this weekend, the cinema house that put Fort Lauderdale on the cultural map (with the 1960 world premiere of “Where The Boys Are”) rolls out the classics with a festival of cinema gems the way they were meant to be seen: In a theatre! Catch some of film’s preeminent titles, including “Casablanca,” “Chinatown,” “Midnight Cowboy,” Some Like It Hot,” “Sunset Blvd.,” “To Kill A Mockingbird,” and “West Side Story.” Learn more, OUT in Florida. One thing South Florida isn’t lacking is places to enjoy sushi—with “enjoy” being the operative word. Plenty of choices and one of the most favorite among locals is Tee Jay Thai on Wilton Drive. Our resident foodie, Richard David Chamberlain, gives you the “goods” on this recent gem, and you’ll see what he has to say, inside Dining. Robert Elias Deaton says that Philadelphia—the City of Brotherly Love, birthplace of the Declaration of Independence—is more than just cheese steaks and beefcake. Let him ring your Liberty Bell, this week in Travel. From “muscles” to “mussels,” there’s a brand “spanking” new Fitness column with trainer Tom Bonanti, and a Belgian-style Recipe from Chef Jean Doherty that screams “C’est Magnifique!” Have a great Labor Day weekend! CD
PHILADEPHIA, PART 2: CHEESESTEAKS AND BEEFCAKE Travel PAGE 18
TEE JAY IS TOO GOOD Dining
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TAKING IT TO THE EXTREME
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FEEL THE BURN >>> Techniques for Maximum Muscle By TOM BONANTI
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always say that there is no need for workouts to become boring or stagnant. Likewise, no one should ever throw in the towel if a fitness regime isn’t quite achieving the desired results. Every fitness enthusiast or body builder hits a brick wall occasionally, but perseverance is the key to success in any endeavor, as they say. Journaling your workouts at the gym, finding a reliable workout partner, hiring a personal trainer, even doing research on the Internet can help you come up with fresh techniques for your exercise program. This week let me share with you a few simple and interesting techniques that are sure to maximize your workouts by helping you to pack on quality muscle in less time. Get ready to feel the burn! “Superset” is a widely misused term. Technically, a superset is when you train two opposing muscle groups (i.e. biceps versus triceps, back versus chest, quads versus hamstrings, etc.) with only a small break between exercises. For example, you may do a set of flat bench dumbbell presses for chest, then move quickly using the same weights into a bent over dumbbell one arm row. Go back
and forth for three sets of each. Take a brief break, and then alternate incline dumbbell presses and wide grip lat pull downs. Supersets create balance and joint strength, and allow one muscle group a brief rest while you blast its opposing muscle group. Compound sets are great, especially if you have a problem muscle group that won’t grow. These are my favorites. Compound sets are two intense exercises for the same muscle group. For example, a standing barbell curl can be combined with a preacher curl to really fry those biceps. Perform a set of barbell curls to exhaustion, then move to a set of killer preacher curls to isolate those twin peaks. If you’re really cruising for a burn, go for trisets. This means simply that you add a third or even a fourth exercise to the above torture as you max out those mighty arms. Forced reps are a great way to push muscles just a little harder, once they’ve been pretty much exhausted. Just when you think you can’t do another curl, press or squat, recruit someone else’s muscles to help you! That’s right, get a trainer, partner, or buddy to help you squeeze out a couple of forced reps
before you rack your weights and call it quits. Make sure that your form doesn’t suffer too much as you force that last blasted rep! Learn to accentuate the negative. I’m not talking about your attitude, I’m referring here to your reps. When I train clients, I’ll often have them focus on the negative or eccentric contraction during an exercise. For example, during a bicep curl, explode as you bring the weight to your chin (concentric or positive contraction), then as you lower the weight, slow down and focus as you push your muscles to a new level of fatigue. Try doing negatives with bi’s, tri’s, chest, legs, etc., once a month to maximize size and strength. Remember, doing negatives every workout can lead to over- training, so once or twice a month should be enough to make you grow, but prevent you from injuring yourself.
No need to get bored or frustrated! Just check in with Guy Magazine every week for the latest information on just about any topic under the sun. Any questions about your workouts? Need a pointer or just a little direction with your routine? Contact trainertomb@aol.com! H
Tom Bonanti is a certified personal trainer and owner of Pump’n Inc. Gym at 1271 NE 9th Ave, Fort Lauderdale. For more tips on fitness, give me a shout at TrainerTomB@aol.com
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PHILADELPHIA—PART II Betsy Ross Would Be Pleased By ROBERT ELIAS DEATON The Water Works at Fairmount Park, Philadelphia
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t’s taken a while, but Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania, is finally one of the gayfriendliest spots in the nation. For over two decades, the city that hugs the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers has been struggling with an identity problem and population loss, which was finally halted with a large influx of gays. In a pattern we’ve seen worked successfully in Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors locally, the homosexual population has moved in, gentrified the area, and boosted real estate prices and the quality of life in the process. Philadelphia, in turn,
Philadelphia Museum of Art
has stretched out its historical arms and embraced the LGBT movement. No matter what kind of amusement you ultimately want, there is a little of it somewhere in Philly. Philadelphia has more outdoor sculptures than any city in America, and the largest landscaped urban park in the world—Fairmount Park—that covers 9,200 acres, with its Georgian country mansions and 100 miles of trails, many unchanged since Revolutionary times. It also has the fantastic Philadelphia Museum of Art (26th St. and the Parkway), with its Van Gogh Vase with Twelve Sunflowers, and, yes, the statue of Rocky Balboa (from “Rocky” film fame). The gay club scene in Philadelphia is nearly as historic as the city itself. Back in the 20s, there was an active established gay population of writers, artists, and performers who quietly went about seducing the young sailors who magically found their way to 243 S Camac St. All these years later, it’s still a gay club, now going under name Tavern on Camac. In addition to being the oldest continuously
operating gay bar in town, it has the distinction of having the priciest drinks—$4.50 for a bottle of domestic beer—the best piano bar around PA, and the tinest dance floor (upstairs) we’ve ever seen. Leather studs call The Bike Stop (206 S Quince St.) home. Mondays the costume of choice is jocks straps; Wednesdays it’s underwear. Everyday it’s hot. For those more interested in cute young things, hot music and dancing, go nowhere else but Voyeur (1221 Saint James St. between 13th & 12th). There’s a bit of the haught with crystal chandeliers and red velvet in this threestory dance palace that stays open to 3 a.m. There is a hefty cover charge that’s worth every penny if house music is your thing late at night. Food in Philly offers far more than cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. Whether midday or late night, give Knock (225 S 12th St.) a try. This is an LGBT hangout, but even if it weren’t, we’d recommend it for the décor (mahogany paneling and grand piano lend a solid sophistication) and food (creative New
American cuisine). Their Seared Salmon Oscar ($25) is worth a visit alone. People watch as you eat fresh salmon fillet, seared and oven roasted, topped with seasoned crab meat and cilantro-lime butter. You may have to search for the Cucina Zapata roach coach, which travels the streets around 31st and Ludlow by the University of Pennsylvania. The world’s only Captain Crunch Talapia Taco is worthy of a special trip. $8 for three tacos and two bottles of water seems like a heavenly intervention, and it likely is. Oh, and make an effort to cruise past Lord & Taylor department store at noon, to stand in front of the mighty eagle sculpture and hear a live performance of the one-time Wanamaker Department store pipe organ: It will take you back to a gentle time, of hats and gloves and doors opened with respect, not slammed in one’s face. A special town indeed. H Robert Elias Deaton is a world-traveling epicure who enjoys the finer things in life.
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FORT LAUDERDALE/WILTON MANORS ALIBI 2266 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Gayborhood tradition since 1997. Comfortable, inviting atmosphere with indoor video bars, outdoor drinking and dining. Drink specials all week, with mammoth 22-ounce Long Island Iced Teas for $3 on Thursdays. BILL’S FILLING STATION 2209 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Videos, pool tables, dart boards, dance floor, happy hour, live shows, Tuesday and Thursday karaoke – and great burgers, to boot. Fun and friendly truck-stop-themed bar. BOARDWALK 1721 N Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale Over 100 of the sexiest men from all over the world. Go-go dancers, cages, billiards, 2-4-1 Happy Hours. Drag emcees and did we mention the Boys? 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. THE MANOR 2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors WeHo vibe (think: LA’s The Abbey) in the heart of the Gayborhood. Dine, drink, dance, play, mingle. Theme rooms (salsa and merengue every weekend in the Latin Quarter!). Live dancing and dining. MATTY’S ON THE DRIVE 2426 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Drink specials, billiards, and a chill gayborhood vibe. 75 Cent drinks on Wednesdays. No Drama, No Smoking. MONKEY BUSINESS 2740 N Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale Cozy neighborhood bar. Karaoke, drag shows, Patio Bar – and open at 9 a.m. daily. MONA’S 502 E Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Cocktail Lounge in the heart of Searstown. Fun customers, fun bartenders and fun proprietor (the Legendary Jerry). Outside patio. Wednesday karaoke, Thursday Speedball Tournament. NAKED GRAPE 2163 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Relaxing, friendly, hip, unique. The alternative gathering place on Wilton Dr. Now serving tapas nightly. Social Hour features $5 house wine glasses, $1 Barcelona Bites, and In The Biz all the time.
bar guide
PJ’S CORNER POCKET 924 N Flagler Dr., Fort Lauderdale Friendly neighborhood interracial bar with drinks specials every night of the week including, “In the Biz Mondays” at 9 p.m. with 2-4-1 drinks and $3 Cosmos and Apple Martinis, “Splash Friday’s” wet underwear contest, and Sunday’s pool tournament, both with a $50 cash prize! RAMROD 1508 NE 4th Ave., Fort Lauderdale Voted World’s Favorite Leather Bar. Pig Dance first Saturday of the month – South Florida’s Busiest, Craziest Monthly Party (with caged hunks at Midnight on Saturdays – is there a downside to this?). ROSIE’S BAR & GRILL 2449 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors Nexus of the A-Gay List. Be Seen in the Scene (without making one). Food, folks, libations, and a killer Sunday Funday. SCANDALS SALOON 3073 NE 6th Ave., Wilton Manors A line-dancin’, tight blue jeans-wearin’ good time. Country and western music, two-steppin’, three-steppin’, pool tables, and themed events year ‘round. Cowboys and Indians was never this much fun, Pilgrim. SIDELINES 2031 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Where Sports come first. Nationally known destination sports bar with TVs streaming NFL, MLB, NBA and college games. Pool tables, dart boards and large indoor (and now smoke-free) facility. Outdoor patio features area for smokers. Mixed crowd of gay men and women (who would have thought?). Featured in Bloomberg Businessweek and recommended by LOGO. STABLE 205 E Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Levis-and-leather neighborhood bar, where the bears line dance and the cowboys are VERY friendly. SMARTY PANTS 2400 E Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Cozy neighborhood bar with daily happy hour, and regular patrons. Show night Thursdays at 9 p.m. Karaoke Friday and Saturday nights, and with matinee on Sunday afternoon. TORPEDO 2829 W Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Dance, shoot pool, drink til 4 a.m., 7 nights a week. Doors open at Midnight; dance til Dawn. WHISKEY BLUE 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale In the W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach, downstairs it’s the elegant Whiskey Blue, upstairs the luxe Living Room: hot dance and social settings in a distinctive atmosphere with signature cocktails and upscale patrons. Indoor and outdoor lounges. WILTON’S BIER GARDEN 2245 Wilton DriveWilton Manors German cuisine meets Der Gayborhood, in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Upstairs dining, downstairs outdoor patio and bar, DJ music, and a fun staff make one of Wilton Manors’ newest venues a good time to be had by all. MIAMI/MIAMI BEACH CLUB BOI 777 NE 79 St., Miami With an urban vibe on the weekends, a diverse crowd and a diverse musical format, including Hip Hop, R&B, House, Reggae, Soca, Latin and Old School. Go-go bois and drink specials. CLUB SUGAR 2301 SW 32nd Ave., Miami Gay Latin scene, with Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton, Hip Hop and House music always playing. DISCOTEKKA 950 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Hot music, hot scene, hot bartenders, and hot patrons in the hot heart of Downtown Miami. 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.
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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.
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.
PALACE BAR 1200 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach This bar and restaurant in the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco District. Mouth-watering burgers, boys (and girls!). Weekend cabaret shows Thursday through Sunday.
Baxter’s Lounge 1519 S Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL Tampa Happy Hour Tradition. Serving up some of the hottest dancers Wednesday thru Saturday nights at 10PM.
SCORE 727 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach Dance, drink, party all night on Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road. Tons of events throughout the year, including fundraisers for Winter Party, White Party, and Miami Beach Gay Pride. SPACE 34 NE 11th St., Miami Mingle and mix with gays and str8s in the heart of Downtown Miami. Indoor dance floors and outdoor rooftop bar, spectacular light show. TWIST 1057 Washington Ave., Miami Beach Great music, friendly staff, hot tourists and locals. Never a cover, always a groove. Bungalow Bar = Hot Men. In SoBe’s Art Deco District. ORLANDO/CENTRAL FLORIDA Hanks 5026 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL Friendly local bar with a cruisy attitude. One of Orlando’s oldest and friendliest Gay bars. Beer and Wine. Pool Tables, Video Games and a Large Patio area. Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grill 110 W Church St., Orlando, FL Eat, Drink & Be Mary! Tuesday BINGO with Miss Sammy & Carol Lee, Wednesday Trivia with Doug Bouser and Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show is every Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Parliament House 410 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL All gay entertainment complex with 130 newly-remodeled hotel rooms. Cruisy Hotel, Nightclub, Pool Bar, Bear/Leather Bar. New Phoenix 7124 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL Winter Park’s ONLY Gay & Lesbian Bar. Been There Forever! Karaoke every Tuesday and Friday at 9 p.m. Drag shows every Saturday night. Home of the $1 Jello shots. Pulse 1912 S Orange Ave., Orlando, FL Orlando’s Premier Gay Bar & Nightclub with Ultra Lounge, Jewel Box Dance Floor, and Adonis Dancers. Twisted Tuesdays with $10 All-U-Can Drink, College Wednesdays (18+) and 2-4-1 every Friday for Happy Hour. Savoy Orlando 1913 N Orange Ave., Orlando, FL “The hottest” gay bar and nightclub in Orlando. The MEN OF SAVOY Dancers from 6 p.m. til 2 a.m. every night in the main bar! Video Bar, Pool Tables. Wylde’s 3557 S Orange Ave., Orlando, FL Neighborhood bar South of Downtown Orlando. Jukebox, Video Games, Pool Tables and Dancers. Paradise Orlando 1300 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL Orlando’s casual Gay & Lesbian bar and nightclub. Patio, Tiki Bar and Pool Tables. Happy Hour 4 til 9 p.m. and drink specials every day til 9 p.m. Bar Codes (Formerly Bear Bar) 4453 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL Friendly Bar, Real Men and Bears... Oh My! Beer and Wine. Tends to attract the after work Happy Hour crowd. TAMPA BAY 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.
Flirt Nightclub & Showbar 1909 N 15th St., Tampa, FL (Ybor City) Get that hometown feeling. Amazing lazer shows, big headliners and has been around for 6 years. City Side 3703 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, FL Tampa Bay’s “Best Happy Hour” til Midnight every night of the week. GBar 1401 E 7th Ave., Tampa (Ybor City), FL Dance Club & Video Bar. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 4 p.m. til 3 a.m. No cover before 10 p.m., $5 after with ID. Valentines Nightclub 7522 N Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL Voted #1 Nightclub in Tampa. Open 7 days a week 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday, Latin Night, Tuesdays are Boys Night Out, Wednesdays are Karaoke Night, Thursdays, No Cover Dance Party, Fridays feature Hot Go-Go Girls, Saturdays are Latino Night “Uncut” and Sundays are Hip Hop Night. Ki Ki Ki III 1908 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL One of The Oldest Bars (beer and wine). A plain bar without pretention with its share of young regulars. Rainbow Room 421 S MacDill Ave., Tampa, FL A mix between a neighborhood bar and a community center. Main bar with pool, darts, jukebox. Outdoor Tiki patio has a full volleyball court and live bands. Beer & Wine. ST. PETERSBURG Georgies Alibi 3100 3rd Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL One of the most popular gay bars in St. Pete. It’s always busy! Great VJ’s play Top 40 music. Mondays are Drag BINGO and Talent contest, Pool tourney Wednesdays, and the legendary Long Island Iced Tea nights on Thursdays. Ages 21 and over, never a cover! Flamingo Resort 4601 34th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL Florida’s “largest, luxury all gay resort.” Non-stop entertainment, great menu, and drinks served poolside at the Cabana. Weekly events and 2-4-1 Happy Hour daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday Happy Hour ($1 off) 11 a.m to 9 p.m. Gemini Lounge 2315 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL Gemini Lounge aims to serve a variety of tastes; music, karaoke, Internet access, poetry readings and sports on TV. Oar House Bar & Liquor Store 4807 22nd Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL Fun, friendly, laid-back atmosphere where you can get great drinks at cheap prices! Drama free! Happy Hour daily from 2 p.m. til 9 p.m. Haymarket Pub 8308 4th St. North, St. Petersburg, FL More of a Men’s bar. Showing hot videos, beer specials, Saturday Underwear Night, and different events each week. Hideaway 8302 4th St. North, St. Petersburg, FL The oldest Womyn’s bar in the country. Where music is always the main entree! Coldest selection of beer in town. Detour 2612 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL The hottest club in St. Pete. Daily specials, karaoke nights and gogo boys from Rico’s Men. Noted for it’s Saturday Drag shows and Karaoke nights. Full liquor bar. MELBOURNE/COCOA Cold Keg NightClub 4060 W New Haven Ave., Melbourne, FL Largest Gay Club in Melbourne Florida and the Premier Gay Bar & Nightclub in Brevard County.
bar guide • SPOTLIGHT
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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-GoGo, monthly Tea Dances, special quest performers, female impersonators and live musicians.
Boot Rack Saloon
4751 Lenox Ave., Jacksonville, FL Your Neighborhood Gay Bar - the place for men. Cold beer, music and a warm and cozy atmosphere. Hot men and cheap beer... We all know where that leads! AJ’s Bar & Grill 10244 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL Annie and Janie invite you to stop by and see some old friends and meet some new ones! Great food, awesome service, delicious mixed drinks and live entertainment. Park Place Lounge 931 King St., Jacksonville, FL A fun and comfortable gay bar that’s accommodating to both gays and non-gays. A great place to watch your favorite game, or enjoy playing Wii while the liquor flows! The Norm 2952 Roosevelt Blvd., Jacksonville, FL A neighborhood bar. Everyone is welcome, but remember it is a girls bar! Beer and Wine only. 616 Bar 616 Park St., Jacksonville, FL A warm and friendly atmosphere with a Patio bar. Karaoke on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Thursdays the Jax Bears are here for happy hour. Fridays and Saturdays enjoy the “Beer Blast.” Three Layers Cafe 1602 Walnut St., Jacksonville, FL The name Three Layers comes from their large variety of delicious three layer cakes. An inviting loft style cafe located in Springfield. Enjoy a bistro style lunch or just stop in for your morning coffee.
Bo’s Coral Reef 201 5th Ave. North, Jacksonville Beach, FL There are great shows Thursday through Sunday with the best of female impersonators. Pool tables, video games, and a large outdoor patio. The only gay bar on the beach! Incahoots 711 Edison Ave., Jacksonville, FL This club offers good crowds every night. Recently remodeled with three bars and a friendly staff. Everyday is a different special. A fun place anytime. Full Liquor bar. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except for special events. Kickbacks Gastropub 910 King St., Jacksonville, FL This is a top class venue serving over 600 different bottled beers, 84 beers on tap, breakfast, lunch and dinner 20hrs a day 7 days a week! PENSACOLA The Roundup 560 E Heinberg St, Pensacola, FL A neighborhood gay men’s bar... Pensacola’s Cowboy Bar. Open 2 p.m. til 3 p.m. daily. Cabaret 101 S Jefferson St. #E, Pensacola, FL Not strictly a gay bar, the charming and friendly Cabaret is very much a fixture in Pensacola’s GLBT community, drawing a mixed bunch each evening for happy hour, karaoke, videos, comedy shows, live music, and all-around hobnobbing and socializing. KEY WEST Bourbon Street Pub 724 Duval St., Key West, FL Opened in October of 1995 and has continued to grow ever since, it is now part of the larger collection of gay action in The Bourbon St. Pub Complex. Hot Go-Go boy dancers and a busy crowd. “Where the boys are!” 801 Bourbon Bar 801 Duval St., Key West, FL Cabaret shows upstairs with nightly performances by famed performers Sushi, Kylie, RV Beaumont, Margo, and others. This legendary establishment has been around for over 30 years, and host Happy Hour specials daily from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Aqua Nightclub 711 Duval St., Key West, FL Aqua features the “Reality is a Drag” show six days a week,
followed by dancing. Monday is karaoke night and don’t miss the great happy hour specials from 3 to 8 p.m. daily. KWest 705 Duval St., Key West, FL Daily Happy Hour from 3 to 8 p.m., and a piano sing-along every Wednesday night. Men dancing for men after 10 p.m. Weekly drink specials and “Wet Jockey” contests on Fridays. Saloon One 801 Duval St., Key West, FL (Behind 801 Bar) This is the only gay leather bar in Key West. Conveniently located behind 801 Bourbon Bar. La Te Da 1125 Duval St., Key West, FL An upscale hotel complex with 3 bars, cabaret and restaurant. Pearl’s Patio Bar for Women 525 United St., Key West, FL Tropical themed women’s bar for gay women and gayfriendly women alike. Patio bar with a full bar featuring drinks like “Cosmopearlitans” and “Pearl’s Passion”. Bobby’s Monkey Bar 900 Simonton St., Key West, FL The gay Cheers style neighborhood bar of Key West. Happy Hour from Noon to 7pm, Karaoke on Sunday nights, pool tournaments on Tuesday nights at 7pm. Free Wi-Fi access. Garden of Eden 224 Duval St., Key West, FL A Rooftop Bar with the BEST VIEWS in the city & “BEST Long Island Ice Teas made by Melinda!” Gay, straight, fat, or skinny... Doesn’t matter! Clothing optional - gay friendly! WEST PALM BEACH H G Roosters 823 Belvedere Rd., West Palm Beach, FL Dark bar that attracts a fun party crowd. Camp is in at H.G.’s, where drag shows and bingo nights pack in crowds looking for laughs and fun. The Lounge 517 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL Sushi, tropical views and tasty cocktails are accompanied by acclaimed resident DJ Daisy DeadPetals. Fort Dix Bar & Club 6205 Georgia Ave., West Palm Beach, FL
AUGUST 29, 2012 H 21
Mostly local crowd looking to mingle and relax. The bar is a bit on the dark and dingy side, but who knows--that could be a plus. FORT MYERS Office Pub 3704 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, FL Oldest gay bar in South West Florida with a festive attitude. This bear-friendly Office likes to have fun with underwear parties, drag shows, Wii bowling! Check out their country and western music night on Saturdays. Tubby’s 4350 Fowler St., Fort Myers, FL Where men come to compete (in tournaments). “Never a cover... always a smile” Tubby’s is a no-frills video bar with a total of 10 TVs and two projection screens available for patrons to use as they wish. Add a six-hour 2-4-1 Happy Hour during the Wii tournaments on the big screen! The Bottom Line 3090 Evans Ave., Fort Myers, FL This gay entertainment complex is one of the longest running clubs in southwest Florida at over 20 years, The Bottom Line features 7 bars, pool tables, drag shows and occasional guest appearances by porno stars. VENICE TOTI: Tavern on the Island in Venice 127 Tampa Ave. East, Venice, FL This South Beach inspired gay bar, boasts a dance floor and a game room with pool tables and dart boards. It’s clean, the music is mixed and the staff are friendly. A mixed crowd can be found most nights... younger, older (duh, this is Venice), gay and straight. Did you know that in the Caribbean, TOTI is slang for a beloved male appendage? How apropos. GAINESVILLE Spikes 4130 NW 6th St., Gainesville, FL It is a laid-back kind of place, with friendly bar staff. The crowds vary depending on the night. The bar has a nice open air patio area that is rarely used, but would be nice if it was. University Club 18 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL This is a fairly average small college town gay bar. It is usually busy and crowded on Thursday nights.
SPOTLIGHT
LIPTON TOYOTA’s
ROBERT DARROW:
A Smile and a Set of Car Keys Awaits You By DALE MADISON
R
obert Darrow’s official title is “New Internet Sales,” but you will typically find him in Lipton Toyota’s newly-remodeled showroom, located at 1700 West Oakland Park Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. “One of the things that impressed me when I started is that 80 percent of all Toyotas sold in the past 20 years are still on the road. I think that speaks volumes about the quality of this worldwide brand. And Lipton is one of the top five Toyota dealers in the United States,” says Darrow. “There is a reason that Toyota is number one,” Darrow explains. “The Camry is number one in the U.S., and the Corolla is number one worldwide, with over 4 million units per year.” Closer to home, Darrow says, “One thing that I have to say about Lipton Toyota is they are reaching out to the LGBT community, and they are sensitive to our issues.” In addition, “Toyota has a special nationwide program called ‘Celebrating Volunteers,’ which
has a goal of maintaining our natural, cultural, and historical sites. All of the teams at every location across the country are encouraged to participate.” The master salesman, and Chicago native, says that his odyssey from the Land of Lincoln to the Land of Lipton wasn’t a straight line. “I had a solid career in real estate in Chicago, and then, of course, the market collapsed,” he recalls. “My partner, Steve, had an offer on South Beach—he’s a property manager for a 700-unit complex—and we both loved to be near the ocean.” (This may help explain his Facebook-posted motto: “I’d rather be sailing.”) “We were tired of cold and snow, and so we located a home, and packed up last April 11—and here we are,” he adds. “I first took a position with Keller-Williams real estate in Fort Lauderdale, and then one day I received a phone call from a head hunter. I took a drive to Lipton Toyota, and I was taken around the
entire facility. I was very impressed, and when they made me an offer, I accepted. ‘Sales’ is ‘sales,’” says Darrow, “whether you are selling cars, appliances, or whatever. If you have a passion for sales, you can sell ice to Native Alaskans, it just doesn’t matter,” he offers, while noting that the sales cycle in car sales is much quicker than it is in real estate. The car answer man has some suggestions for people considering a new—or “preloved”—automobile purchase. “Come out Tuesday through Thursday, because those are less busy days, and you will get much more individual attention. Treat the salesperson as a source of information—we have so many specialized programs to help people get into a car and drive away,” he offers. Like the cars he sells, Darrow comes fullyloaded with great advice on leasing and buying, and invites you to take advantage of his expertise and experience. To set an
appointment, call Robert Darrow at Lipton Toyota at 954-446-9001, and tell him you read about him in Agenda Newspaper. H
22 H AUGUST 29, 2012
OUT IN FLORIDA
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
FORT LAUDERDALE
SUNRISE
SMARTY PANTS BAR Win a LAS VEGAS GET-A-WAY VACATION PACKAGE, including away a 3-day, 2-night stay in Las Vegas, Nevada, to celebrate Smarty Pants 9th anniversary. The package includes hotel accommodations, airfare, and a coupon book for casino play, show discounts, and meals valued at $500 for two adults. The drawing takes place Sunday, September 23, at 8 p.m. There are several ways to be entered into the drawing. To enter the drawing, you must be at least 21 years of age, and YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN. Official rules are posted at the bar (2400 E Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale)
DISNEY ON ICE: WORLDS OF FANTASY From September 6 through 9 at the BankAtlantic Center. Disney characters and stories brought to life with the artistry of ice skating in a fun family experience.
HARD ROCK LIVE THE ULTIMATE THRILLER: MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE Saturday, September 1, at the Hard Rock Live in the Seminole Paradise. Relive the best of the King of Pop, at 8 p.m. BILL MAHER LIVE Sunday, September 2, at the Hard Rock Live in the Seminole Paradise. The American standup comedian and political commentator brings his humor and acerbic style for one show only, starting at 7 p.m.
REPTICON REPTILE & EXOTIC ANIMAL SHOW Through September 2. Repticon Featuring vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages, and merchandise. Participate in free raffles held for enthusiasts, animal seminars and kid’s activities. At the War Memorial Auditorium. GATEWAY THEATRE CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL Enjoy the classics of cinema the way they were meant to be seen: In a theatre! From Friday, August 31 through Thursday, September 7, at Fort Lauderdale’s Classic Gateway Theatre (1820 E Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale—which opened in 1951, and hosted the 1960 world premiere of “Where the Boys Are,” a film that helped put Fort Lauderdale on the cultural map for generations). The festival will also include screenings of classic newsreels. The scheduled films include: “ANNIE HALL” Woody Allen at his best. Co-starring Diane Keaton. “CHINATOWN” One of the greatest screenplays of all time. Directed by Roman Polanski. Starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston. “CITIZEN KANE” One of the five greatest movies ever. Directed by and starring Orson Welles. “MIDNIGHT COWBOY” Director John Schlesinger’s groundbreaking 1969 film is the only “X-rated” feature to ever win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Starring Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight. A portion of ticket sales benefits the Sun Sentinel Children’s Fund. For more information, visit thegatewaytheatre.com.
SOUTH BEACH
GET IT TOGETHER
coming soon...
FIONA APPLE At the Fillmore Miami Beach, on Sept. 30. Her last album, “Extraordinary Machine” (2005) was named one of Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of the Decade. Her latest LP, “The Idler Wheel is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More than Ropes Will Ever Do,” debuted on June 19. A reviewer in “American Songwriter” wrote, “‘The Idler Wheel’ isn’t always pretty, but it pulses with life, brutal and true.” Tickets are $34.50 to $65.50, and are available at LiveNation. com, Ticketmaster outlets and at the Fillmore box office. More information, visit fillmoremb. 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.
Get Your Business Really Seen!
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GUILTY PLEASURES • SNAP SHOT
AUGUST 29, 2012 H 23
By CLIFF DUNN
It Gives New Meaning to the Phrase “Political Blowhard” An anticipated 50,000 party stalwarts are descending upon Tampa this week for the Republican National Convention, and—according to the comedy Web site Funny Or Die—some of them will be taking full advantage of the city’s “gaiety”—from the vantage point of the Big Tent’s closet. A comedy sketch by Erin Gibson and Bryan Safi (the brains behind the site’s “Michele and Marcus Bachmann” clips), purportedly depicts a GOP bigwig bragging that gobs of money has been spent to ensure that closeted Republicans have access to their Grindr apps inside the convention center. “You know, Grindr isn’t just for gay men,” intones the “organizer. “It’s also for hypocritical, closeted gay men.” (In a related story, the Ybor Resort and Spa—which bills itself as Tampa’s “largest, all-gay, private men’s club, resort, and bathhouse”—is offering free
snap
admission this week to RNC delegates.) Land of the Free; Homo the Brave.
1st place,” Miley tweeted. “I have no hard feelings just don’t care 2 gossip.”
Turns Out People Really Don’t Like Perez Hilton
Tight Ends and Wide Receivers Against Bullies
Poor Perez Hilton: He was OH!for-four this week, as Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, and Demi Lovato all unfollowed (which we didn’t even realize was a word until now) the celeb gossipmonger on Twitter, in response, rumor suggests, for his unkind remarks about One Direction member Zayn Malik. You may have read that Hilton posted a video of Malik in which the singer asks a woman (who isn’t his girlfriend) for a little hotel R&R. Before PH had the chance to post the video, Malik deleted his Twitter account, posting: “The reason i don’t tweet as much as i use to, is because I’m sick of all the useless opinions and hate that i get daily goodbye twitter.” With poor timing (and even more
The San Francisco 49ers have become the first NFL franchise to record a video condemning anti-gay bullying and violence. The minutelong commercial features players Ahmad Brooks, Ricky Jean Francois, Isaac Sopoaga, and Donte Whitner as part of the “It Gets Better” campaign, which began in 2010 in response to a string of suicides by students bullied over their sexual orientation. In the spot, Brooks informs kids, “Something you should never experience is being bullied, intimidated, or pressured into being someone or something you are not.” The team was encouraged by 49er fan Sean Chapin, who collected more than 16,000 signatures on Change.org.H
Photo: galleryoftheabsurd.com
poor taste) Hilton posted “One Direction’s Zayn Malik DELETES His Twitter! perez.ly/QXFc4j Called it! I said he’d be the first to leave 1D! This is the beginning!” The Mouth That Roared got in another jab at Malik’s fans, adding “THANK YOU for all the laughs @ OneDirection fans! Muah!!!!!!!” A diplomatic Cyrus offered an explanation for her side of the buzz. “i don’t know why everyone’s saying I unfollowed Perez I never followed in the
shot A Man for His Community:
Dr. Jay Heider, DDS By DALE MADISON
W
hile still a young man living in Dayton, Ohio, Dr. J. Michael Heider (“Jay” to his friends) was impressed by the big difference he saw his hometown dentist making in the lives of people in his community. Although only one man, that dental practitioner had a positive impact on many people— including the future Dr. Heider, who earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at Ohio State University in Columbus, and completed his general practice residency at Miami Children’s Hospital. “I really loved South Florida, so I decided to stay here and begin my practice,” recalls Heider. “This was not too long after the Gay and Lesbian Community Center (GLCC) [now the Pride Center at Equality Park] opened. I read an article about the GLCC, and decided to check it out. I showed up
one day, looked at the services, and decided to volunteer.” Heider had been introduced to the future Pride Center during a difficult time. “Unfortunately, I volunteered at one of the Center’s darkest periods,” he relates. “I continued to volunteer, because I believed in the Mission Statement of the Center.” Heider explains: “At that point, there was lots of internal politics involved [in the organization]. There was a lot of controversy surrounding the person who was Executive Director. I was asked to serve on the Board of Directors.” As Heider, who became president of the non-for-profit’s board, recalls, “During this dark time, local businessman Ed Nicholas took the reigns as the GLCC’s executive director, and donated his time to clean up and begin aggressive fundraising efforts to get the Center back in the
black. It worked. During that year, money began to flow in, and the board tried to get Nicholas to stay on. He said, ‘No, I’ve given it a year and helped to turn it around.’ So we began the search for a new executive director. The Board interviewed several candidates—and then enter Paul Hyman. It was a great decision,” Heider adds. With a professional executive director to take the reins, Heider says that as president, “My personal mission was to keep it up and going, and continue its vital services to the community.” The GLCC would soon experience major changes. “In 2007, Tarragon Development purchased the property on which the Center was located, to build a large complex, so the Center had to move. We occupied a couple of locations while we continued the search for a permanent site,” Heider remembers.
The Pride Center at Equality Park on North Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors was the ultimate fruit of those labors of love and hard work. In recognition of those contributions, the Pride Center at Equality Park (under its new executive director, longtime community activist Robert Boo), will honor Dr. Heider and other board members, past and present, at an event on September 30. Heider, who is celebrating 28 years with his partner, realtor Thom Carr, says he is glad to have been a part of the Pride Center’s past and present accomplishments, and anticipates a bright future for it, and the community it serves. “I am honored that the Pride Center has seen fit to recognize me. The time I donated came from my heart, and there is such a need for the services it provides,” he adds. We might say the same about him.H
DINING • recipe
24 H AUGUST 29, 2012
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
TEE-JAY
THAI SUSHI By RICHARD DAVID CHAMBERLAIN
S
itting outside and dining alfresco at the recently-opened Tee-Jay Thai Sushi in Wilton Manors is akin to experiencing local life in a microcosm. Situated as it is dead-center in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, down the strip mall from popular Georgie’s Alibi, this newest branch of the Thai restaurant dynasty (that includes a Tee-Jay branch on North Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale, Thai House II in North Miami Beach, and Tamarind Asian Grill in Deerfield Beach) is sexy, sophisticated, and priced to proved
Soft Shell Crab Panang Curry
the point. On Friday and Saturday nights, you really, really need to want to eat here to handle the wait, as the line stretches out of the 80-seat eatery into the parking lot. On other nights, the mood is more zen should you choose to sit inside among the orchid plants, and sultry purple and blue lighting thats aimed to make you look your best. We always judge a Thai restaurant by its Green Papaya Salad, a super-simple dish that many joints manage to fuss up to the point that it’s indistinguishable from the real deal. Tee-Jay’s version is an excellent and healthy choice ($7.95), mixing shreds of fresh green papaya with carrots, green beans, crushed peanuts and lime juice. As with everything at Tee-Jay, you get the option of choosing how intense your selection will be. From mild all the way to Thai spicy, the choice is yours. Here’s your only warning on the subject: Tee-Jay loves things on the hot side, so even medium will set your mouth on fire. Enough said? A specialty of the house, and an alltime favorite item of ours, is the Ginger
Fish ($24.95), a whole snapper that’s been breaded and deep-fried, and layered with a sauce made of mushrooms, carrots, scallions, grated ginger, and celery. Succulent and a slur of flavors that will leave you cleaning your plate. The Miso Soup ($1.95) is an excellent starter with its not-too-salty broth, coupled with tofu, seaweed, and scallions. For something a little heartier, we highly recommend the Thai Dumplings ($6.25). These four steamed temptations blend ground chicken, shrimp, and shitake mushrooms with a soy-ginger based dipping sauce. For sushi purists, the list of made-to-order rolls is extensive. They range in price from $3.95 (for a wonderful Tuna Roll) to $23.95 (a lavish Fancy Lobster Roll with lobster tempura, eel, scallions, cucumber and avocado, served inside out and topped with seared tuna, tempura flakes, magago, and kimchee sauce—heaven). If the Grilled Sea Bass ($27.95) is calling your name, know that it is spiced with passion and served with an ultra-fluffy jasmine rice and sautéed mixed vegetables. Three tasty
dipping sauces come along for the ride—a low-salt Teriyaki with a surprising apple after-glow; Peanut, as rich and fattening as you would expect; and Wasabi, creamy and clear-your sinuses strong. In truth, the Sea Bass stands up on its own merits without any added extras, and the jasmine rice is a meal in itself. The aromatic Soft Shell Crab Panang Curry ($19.95) is made rich and creamy with its peanut base, smoothed with coconut milk, bell peppers, and basil leaves. And if you have an ounce of room left in your stomach, finish the night off with Fried Bananas and Ice Cream ($5.95), served in a sliver-thin rice paper wrap, and drizzled with a lovely chocolate sauce that gives new meaning to the word decadence. When you’re done licking your plate, tell them Agenda sent you.H
TEE-JAY THAI SUSHI 2254 WILTON DR. WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 954-537-7774
Moules Marinieres This Week’s Delicious Recipe By JEAN DOHERTY Although our minds recall France when we eat moules marinières (“mariner’s mussels”), this classic dish is originally a specialty from Belgium. It was made famous in Lille, a French city on the Belgian border, where they have a huge “Moules Frites Fest” every year. During this festival, held the first weekend in September, attendees create mountains of mussel shells in the streets. Serve this in deep soup bowls with home-made frites (French-fried potatoes), or lots of crusty bread.
Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • •
1 onion, finely chopped 1 shallot, finely chopped 1 clove of garlic 1 bay leaf 3 sprigs of thyme (optional) Lemon zest (optional) 1 tablespoon of butter 1 handful of fresh parsley, chopped (reserve about half for garnish) 200 ml of dry white wine 1kg of fresh mussels, washed and scraped
Place the butter, onion, shallot, and garlic clove in a large pan with a lid. Make ’em sweat. Add the mussels and white wine, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, and bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Cover. Shake the pan occasionally, and cook for two to three minutes, or until the shells open. (Do not overcook: Seafood tastes terrible when it is overdone, so watch it like a hawk.) Remove mussels from pan and set aside. You’ll see the “liquor” will have doubled: You can strain
if you don’t like the onions and shallots in your sauce, or use as is—but be careful, there will be some grit in the bottom of the pan. (I usually add some heavy cream to thicken it, or you can add a dash of curry or saffron, depending on the flavor sauce you want. As always, you are the chef!) Reduce on a high heat, and then the sauce pour over the mussels already in the serving dish—or directly into the individual serving bowls. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately. (Any shells that are unopened should be discarded.) Enjoy with a dry white wine, or, as in Belgium, with a beer. Cheers!H
Although born in Dublin, Ireland, chef Jean Doherty spent most of her life in Lyon, France, the gastronomical capital of the world. Together with Vero, her partner of 25 years, Jean has owned and run multiple restaurants including Fort Lauderdale’s Le Patio.
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
LOVE JONES
AUGUST 29, 2012 H 25
Love Jones
By JUSTIN JONES
H
e throws me to the bed, hops on top of me, and kisses me. He pulls away to tell me I’m beautiful, tickling my neck with his scruff. I play innocent, he plays captor. He holds me down and nibbles my ear. My body flushes with adrenaline. We’re home after dinner (and a few glasses of wine). The scent is deliciously Parisian: We’ve come from a French restaurant, and I can smell the alcohol on our breath, the food on our clothes, and our mingling cologne. A fragrant romance. Yes, I am cliché. We roll around on my bed, somewhere between tickle-fighting and full-blown sex, but before the passion crests, we pause to freshen ourselves up. As romantic as are the scents we collected tonight, they don’t taste good. OK, maybe the wine does. But at the very least, a tooth-brushing is necessary. We stop to brush our teeth and wash our faces, and we joke as we do. He pinches my butt through my underwear. We make silly faces in the mirror. The break tempers our lust. Afterward, we lay down in bed, reading books and playing on our computers for a while. We kiss occasionally, but nothing
like it was post-dinner. Finally, he shuts off his computer and kisses my neck. He’s ready for bed, but I postpone: “Just a few more pages,” I say, wanting to finish the chapter. I kiss his forehead; and he’s asleep by the time I finish. I turn off my bedside lamp, and slip beside him. “Look at us”, I think, snuggled in the dark next to him. We’ve been dating only a couple of months, and it feels like we’ve been together forever. We read in bed after romantic dinners, and snuggle instead of—well, instead of doing what you would otherwise think a newly-minted, honeymoon-soaked couple would do in the infancy of a romance. I turn to my side and find his arm to wrap it around me. He squeezes me, and we drift asleep. Make no mistake: Lust still makes her appearances, but not like before—and not like with past bedfellows, for which the sex was both the goal and trivial. Sex with him is different. “Dalliance” is nowhere implied. It’s more about restraint and sensuality. To put it plainly, it’s a ton of foreplay, which is often just as pleasing (for its more explosive,
satisfying finale). Morning comes and we cuddle in silence. I complain about work. And we get silly. He tickles to awaken me. I try to avoid his kisses—I don’t want him tasting or smelling my morning breath—and we roll around until we’re wide awake and out of breath. I’m on my back, panting from our play, and he’s on top of me, looking at me, brushing my hair back. He isn’t looking at my eyes. He’s—studying me. It makes me uncomfortable, feel awkward. I think: “He’s looking for a new wrinkle, another blemish, a reason— some kind of detail—to stop liking me.” “Why do you look at me all over like that?” I ask. “Because I like looking at you,” he responds. “It makes me feel insecure,” I say, and I recall how I cower from my own face when seen
in one of those obnoxious magnification mirrors. In the morning light I must look terrible. He says, “I think you’re beautiful.” And so there IT is: That awkward moment when he’s looking at you, and you’re insecure. That awkward moment when you find yourself falling asleep without NEEDING sex. That awkward moment when you stop to catch your breath, when
Justin Jones, 25, is a writer based in Minneapolis. In addition to his column lovejones, Justin pens Through These Eyes, a bi-weekly column for Lavender Magazine. He writes about things like being alive, being in love, and drinking too much. Facebook.com/JustinJonesWriter.
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RENT / LEASE
Derek’s 24-Hr Handyman Service Introducing our new cabinet shop! For all your custom made cabinetrycountertops laminates. You must see our work, just ask our clients. All electrical to code, ANY & ALL plumbing work, Drywall finish work / repair. Crown/ baseboard pro-install, interior/ exterior painting, demo work, Pressure washing, Decor tile install, Complete home up-dates. For large jobs, 4-man crew available. WE CAN HANDLE IT ALL! Instant call back, direct service response. No job is ever too small. Excellent references. Derek (954) 825-5598
WILTON MANORS 3 BED / 2 BATH POOL HOME JENADA ISLAND, GREAT LOCATION! Almost 1800 Sq. Ft., plus carport, tile, new carpet in bedrooms, new paint, fenced private pool area, washer/dryer, pets OK, Only $2200. Call Robert Geary MacKilligan 954-234-8759 or rgmsell@aol.com
moving ELITE RELOCATION MOVING & STORAGE We’ve provided quality moves for over 30 years. It’s always a smooth move when you choose Elite Relocation. Contact us today: 954.975.8660 www.elitemoving.com
Wilton Manors – East Fort Lauderdale RENTALS, SALES|
RED BOX MOVING -- OWNER IN TRUCK ON EVERY MOVE. CALL NORBERT DIRECTLY. Affordable, Reliable, Careful. MV#567/INSURED. (954)305-9176 or (561)506-5540-www.redboxmoving.com
EMPLOYMENT
AUGUST 29, 2012 H 27
WILTON MANORS- large 1 BD Apt. located on quiet cul-de-sac one block from Shoppes of Wilton Manors. CAC, ceiling fans, tile floors, fireplace, lots of storage. 12 ft. sliding glass doors lead to screened pool and patio. W/D on premises. Rent, which includes electric, water & propane is $975/mo. Sorry no pets. (954) 563-4442 WILTON MANORS-Beautiful 2/1 apartment with Private Laundry Room available for Rent/Lease in East Side of Wilton Manors. Apartment is part of a duplex, on a quiet street. Large Rooms and Large Closet. Central Air Conditioning. Great Neighborhood. Excellent Schools. Freshly, stylishly painted and White Tile throughout the unit. All pets considered. Compromised credit considered for right applicant. $925 monthly. 1st/Last/Security. Shown by appointment. Please call Al at (954) 557-7447 or E-Mail for more information to ALFL33305@aol.com.
Male Cosmetologist or EAsthetician
Spirituality
Florida licensed professional wanted for all male guesthouse. We do it all except hair services! Reception, exceptional client service, spa maintenance and sales aptitude a plus. Submit your resume to: Spa@ thecabanasguesthouse.com or call 954-565-2307.
T he Pa r i s h of St s . F r a nci s & C l a r e 101 NE 3rd Street - just N of Broward Blvd. and E of Andrews Ave. Mass Times: Sat @ 5 PM; Sun @ 10:30 AM; Wed @ 7 PM. Where we welcome and appreciate diversity - a progressive community in the Catholic tradition. 954-731-8173; www.stsfrancisandclare.org
licensed massage Recession Relief - $40 per 90 MINS - Out Calls Higher. Swedish, Deep Tissue, Specialty Back, Lower Body & Feet. Couples Discounts. Seniors Welcome. Delray Beach, 16 yrs Experience. MA18563 Dennis (561) 502-2628
RENT / LEASE ROYAL PARK Near Wilton Manors 1BR/1.5BA, $825$900/mo. 2BR/2BA, $950 - $1100/mo. Gated Security, Clubhouse, Pools, Gym, Sauna and Steam room. Pets OK. Cable/Water/Trash incl. Call Naim Naqi, Realtor RWSF Realty 954.565.2025. PERFECT RELOCATION RENTALS From $295/ week (4 Week Special) & $1100/month (3 Month Special) Beautiful Studio, 1 & 2 BR Apts. Turnkey, fully furnished & equipped, clothing optional pool, laundry, parking. Close to Gay & Nude Beaches. Pets Welcome. Incl. utilities, cable, tel., Wi-Fi Internet. 954-927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com N.E. FT. LAUDERDALE-WILTON MANOR AREA Lovely, IMMACULATE, 1/1, tile floors, a/c, washer/ dryer available, cable ready, water, garbage pest control included,private patio, gay friendly, NO PETS, please $725. By appointment.(954) 592-3772
CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT SONG welcomes you to come and worship with us every Sunday at 10am and every Wednesday night at 7pm. We meet at the Spirit Song Worship Center at 2040B North Dixie Highway, Suite 3 in Wilton Manors (Building B on Equality Park Campus, behind the Pride Center). God loves you just the way He made you. Come discover His purpose for you. For more info: 954-418-8372, info@cohss.com, www.cohss.org We are here for you…DIVINE MERCY CHAPEL-The American New Catholic Church 2749 N.E. 10th Ave., Wilton Manors, FL, 33334 (954)567-1930 www.newdivinemercy.org Sunday Mass 10:30AM, Friday Holy Hour 7:00PM WIG WILD INSPIRATIONAL & GATHERINGS Calling all Queens, Bears, Twinks, Guppies, Trannies, Fairies, Spiritualists, Yoga Folks, LGBTQ’s, Poets, Dancers, Actors and all our Straight Allies. WIG the Gay Empowerment/ Spiritual Revival awaits you every Wed. 8PM at Boom - 2232 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305, $10 Donation Call (954) 630-3556 Miami Herald, “The next generation’s spiritual Stonewall.”
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