Florida Agenda #90

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AUGUST 11, 2011 H ISSUE #90 H FLORIDAAGENDA.COM A MULTIMEDIA PLATFORMS COMPANY

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NEW DATA SHOWS ANNUAL HIV INFECTIONS IN U.S. RELATIVELY STABLE

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ERIC CHRISTIAN: AGENDA’S ENTREPRENEUR SERIES

NEWS: PAGE 8

PROFILE: PAGE 27

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STONEWALL MOURNS

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ELAINE LANCASTER AT BONGOS The fabulous Elaine Lancaster can now be seen every Monday night hosting Bongos Cuban Café and Sky Lounge at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino at 8pm. Courtesy, Elaine Lancaster

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NEON HITCH FREE MINICONCERT Sunday, August 4th, from 6pm to 2am at the Parliament House. Great CD giveaways, meet n’ greet and so much more to enjoy!

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5TH ANNUAL STRIKE OUT FOR AIDS

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By BOB KECSKEMETY WILTON MANORS, FL – A rally against U.S. Representative Allen West (R) held on Monday, August 8, drew approximately 150 members of the community. The rally, titled “Allen West: In His Own Words,” was organized by a new community organization, Coalition for Fairness & Equality (CoFFE). The rally was organized just one week ago in response to the congressman’s scheduled appearance before the Wilton Manors Business Association (WMBA), which was originally scheduled for that date. When the LGBT community was informed of the scheduled appearance of West and that the meeting would be closed to only members of WMBA, community leaders decided to protest outside the meeting, which was going to be held at the

To view the rally and listen to all the speakers at the “Allen West: In His Own Words Rally”, watch the complete video at www. FloridaAgenda.com.

Hagen Park Community Center, behind the Wilton Manors City Hall. But, after seeing the outrage of many members of the LGBT community and threats that the gay business community would be resigning from WMBA, West’s appearance was cancelled. Despite the cancellation, the CoFFE was formed as an educational organization “designed to protect citizenship diversity and inhibit public officials from bullying the LGBT community in order to advance their own political and personal agendas.” The rally was held in the parking lot near Wilton Drive at the Wilton Manors City Hall. Participants held signs quoting West from various appearances he has made in the past. There were about 50 different quotes from West, such as

“[Homosexuality] breaks down the military,” and “[Beating children with belts] enabled us to raise men of character and integrity.” Also included in the placards were the words West used recently in reference to Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) as being the most “vile” and “despicable” member of congress. Wasserman Schultz is a very popular member of congress with the LGBT community and represents District 20. West represents District 22 and Wilton Manors is split between the two districts. Attorney and former Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Dean Trantalis reminded the crowd that Rep. West voted against the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and the repeal of “Defense of ‘WEST RALLY’ continues on Page 11

AIDS Care-Giver & Bi-National Husband Faces Deportation

By ALEX VAUGHN

Pleas to Obama Administration to “put into action what they've said repeatedly they can do” Washington, DC – Citing the Defense of Marriage Act, the Obama administration denied immigration benefits to a married gay couple from San Francisco and ordered the expulsion of a man who is the primary caregiver to his AIDSafflicted spouse. Bradford Wells, a U.S. citizen, and Anthony John Makk, a citizen of Australia, were married seven years ago in Massachusetts. They have lived together 19 years, mostly in an apartment in the Castro district. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services denied Makk's application to be considered for permanent residency as a spouse of an

American citizen, citing the 1996 law that denies all federal benefits to same-sex couples. Bradford Wells, a retired computer programmer in San Francisco, has chronic health problems that threaten his life and an immigration problem that threatens to split up his marriage and take away his caregiver. In June, Makk's visa expired. The couple applied for a spousal green card, but they expected to be denied because the Defense of Marriage Act forbids federal authorities from recognizing a same-sex marriage. The decision was issued July 26. Immigration Equality, a gay-rights group

Bradford Wells and Anthony John Makk ‘FACING DEPORTATION’ continues on Page 10

Photo courtesy, SFgate.com

Help Francis House keep long-standing programs running by bowling for a cause at Pinchasers on Saturday, August 13th, from 5pm to 8pm.

Though Uninvited, Unpopular Congressman Doesn’t Show Up

Photo courtesy, Jamie Forsythe

The Stonewall National Museum & Archives is mourning the loss of their beloved librarian and friend, Susanne Phelps, who passed away on Friday, August 5th. She will be missed!

Rep. Allen West Rally Spurs Community Anger


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Elaine Lancaster to Appear at Bongos MIAMI, FL – The fabulous Elaine Lancaster can now be seen every Monday night hosting Bongos Cuban Café and Sky Lounge at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 5733 Seminole Way in Hollywood. Elaine will present “Café Society” every Monday at 8 p.m., with a live musical performance by Maryel Epps and musical arrangements by D.J.Smeejay. For reservations, call (954) 791-3040 or visit www.bongoscubancafe.com. H

Judy Shepherd Back Pack Drive WILTON MANORS, FL – Everyone is asked to help out with the annual Back to School Back Pack Drive, Thursday, August 11th, at the Pride Center at Equality Park from 5:30 to 7 p.m. At this event, they will be collecting back packs and school supplies. While you are not required to bring donations to attend, you are strongly encouraged to bring supplies or contribute a minimum of $10 to be used for additional supplies. The Back Pack Drive is being presented by the Gay and Lesbian Business Exchange and is sponsored by Metro Media Works, Varsity Club, Women in Network and Fast Printz. The completed back packs will benefit students of the Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. H

MDGLCC Spotlight Mixer MIAMI BEACH, FL – The MiamiDade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend its Spotlight Networker Mixer on Thursday, August 24th, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Rooftop of the Gansevoort Hotel (2377 Collins Avenue) in Miami Beach. Mingle and network with MDGLCC members and guests. Free hors d'oeuvres and vodka drinks. Cash bar. Drawing for great prizes. Complimentary admission for MDGLCC members and $10 general admission. Valet parking $20 or metered street parking in surrounding area. Please register at mdglcc@bellsouth.net or call (305) 673-4440. H

Stonewall Library Mourns Loss of Librarian FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The Stonewall National Museum and Archives is mourning the loss of their beloved librarian and friend, Susanne Phelps. Phelps, who served as Stonewall’s chief librarian, passed away on Friday, August 5th. She was loved and admired by many people connected with Stonewall and the community’s thoughts and prayers go out to her partner, Karen, as well as her family and friends. A memorial service and reception for Susanne Phelps will be held on Saturday, August 20th, at 3 p.m. at the Sunshine Cathedral, 1480 S.E. 9 Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. In lieu of flowers, everyone is being asked to consider a donation in Phelps’ name to a nonprofit animal, environmental or other charity of your

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choice. The Stonewall National Museum and Archives will create a Library Fund in Phelps’ honor to maintain the ongoing acquisition and collection of books. H

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Stratton Pollitzer to be Honored by Harvey Milk Foundation

MADISON, WI – Openly gay Scott Anderson, 56, won the right to be ordained by the USA Presbyterian Church. Anderson is believed to be the first gay person in a long-term same-sex relationship to be approved for ordination by the denomination. The church’s judicial commission dismissed a case against Anderson by opponents of gay ordination. Opponents brought the case last year, arguing Anderson could not be ordained because he was in an open relationship with a man. At the time, church rules required clergy members to live in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness. However, a shift in thinking earlier this year happened when a majority of the church’s regional bodies voted to allow openly gay men and women in a samesex relationship to be ordained. H

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – Stratton Pollitzer of Equality Florida will be honored by the Harvey Milk Foundation on August 28 in Miami Beach. According to the Harvey Milk Foundation, Pollitzer is being honored in recognition of his outstanding leadership through tireless work on behalf of Florida LGBT community. The award is presented to a select group of people who have demonstrated outstanding leadership. Past recipients have been Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Gianfranco Fini, President of Italy’s Lower House of Parliament. The award presentation will take place on Sunday, August 28, at Yuca, 501 Lincoln Road on Miami Beach. Tickets are $45 and include a fixed menu 3course brunch with unlimited specialty drinks, tax and tip. H

G.O.P. Candidates Sign NOM’s Marriage Pledge WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three Republican presidential candidates, Michelle Bachmann, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum, have signed the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) Marriage Pledge. NOM’s marriage pledge was offered to all serious announced candidates for the G.O.P. nomination. An opportunity to sign the Marriage Pledge will be extended to Texas Governor Rick Perry and other major candidates, if and when they enter the race. In signing the pledge, the candidates swear to: support and send to the states a federal marriage amendment defining marriage as one man and one woman, defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in court, appoint judges and an attorney general who will respect the original meaning of the Constitution, appoint a presidential commission to investigate harassment of traditional marriage supporters and support legislation that would return to the people of D.C. their right to vote for marriage. H

Liverpool Asked to Recognize Official “Gay Quarter” LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – The city of Liverpool, England is considering formally recognizing the Stanley Street area at its “gay quarter,” in accordance with a city council study. The report, which was presented to the city council, recommends that the area which includes Eberle and Cumberland Streets be registered as the center point of the gay community in a bid to boost tourism and encourage spending. Other recommendations in the report include opening a gay hotel and demolishing a building to create a public,

Gay Man Wins Right to Be an Ordained Minister

Another Indian Tribe Approves Same-Sex Marriage SEATTLE, WA – A second American Indian tribe has adopted a law recognizing same-sex marriage. The Suquamish Tribal Council of Washington state voted to extend marriage rights to samesex couples. The new law gained the support of more than 100 tribal leaders in their most recent meeting. The law permits the tribal court to issue a marriage license to two unmarried people, regardless of their gender, as long as they’re at least 18 years old and one of the people is a member of the tribe. Same-sex marriage is illegal in the State of Washington, but the state legislature has approved a measure stating they will recognize same-sex marriages that took place in other jurisdictions and other nations. The legislature has also approved a bill called “Everything But Marriage,” which grants same-sex couples many of the same rights as married couples except for using the word “married”. The Coquille Indian Tribe in southern Oregon is the only other tribe that recognizes same-sex marriage. H

New Data Shows Annual HIV Infections in U.S. Relatively Stable ATLANTA, GA – The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s first multi-year estimates from its national HIV incidence surveillance find that, overall, the annual number of new HIV infections in the United States was relatively stable at approximately 50,000 each year between 2006 and 2009. However, HIV infections increased among young men who have sex with men (MSM) between 2006 and 2009, driven by alarming increases among young, black MSM – the only subpopulation to experience a sustained

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increase during the time period. The new estimates were published online in the scientific journal PLoS ONE. The incidence estimates are based on direct measurement of new HIV infections with a laboratory test that can distinguish recent from long-standing HIV infections. “More than 30 years into the HIV epidemic, about 50,000 people in this country still become infected each year. Not only do men who have sex with men continue to account for most new infections, young gay and bisexual men are the only group in which infections are increasing, and this increase is particularly concerning among young African American MSM,” said CDC Director Thomas Frieden, M.D. “HIV infections can be prevented. By getting tested, reducing risky behaviors, and getting treatment, people can protect themselves and their loved ones.” H

The Research Was Lots of Fun VANCOUVER, BC – A new book has hit the bookshelves: “The Gay Travel Guide for Tops and Bottoms: A New Way for Gay Men to Travel”. The book, written by Drew Blancs, has set the record for new release sales at Icon Empire Press. The tongue-in-cheek look at gay travel is based on sexual performance of the locals is a unique approach in travel books. The research was done by two gay male travelers – one exclusively a top gay male and the other an exclusively bottom gay male. The idea was created by Drew Blancs, who became tired of the complaints of his top and bottom friends of their lack of finding compatible sex partners. “I wrote this book so that gay men can set out and find the city the fits them best and, yes, that pun was intended,” said Drew Blancs, a frequent Los Angeles blogger and now first-time author. The book took over five years to complete, due to the travel schedules of the two featured travelers. As the two visited each country, they rated the local top or bottom gay men by sexual performance with up to a 5-point rating system. The book was able to determine which country had the best top and the best bottom gay male locals. “The Gay Travel Guide for Tops and Bottoms” ($13.99) is available at most online retail bookstores. H

Warner Brothers Sets November for Release of J. Edgar HOLLYWOOD, CA – Warner Brothers Studios has set November 9th as the release date for the film, “J. Edgar,” a biopic on the first director of the F.B.I. being produced by Clint Eastwood. The motion picture completed filming in February. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and was written by Dustin Lance Black; the timing of the release will make it eligible for nomination for next year’s Continues on NEWS on Page 9


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Academy Awards. In addition to DiCaprio, the cast includes Armie Hammer (from The Social Network) as Hoover’s assistant and closeted lover, Clyde Tolson; Josh Lucas as aviator Charles Lindbergh; Ed Westwick as Agent Smith, an operative gifted with writing skills; Damon Herriman as Bruno Hauptmann, the man convicted of kidnapping and killing the Lindbergh baby; Judi Dench as Hoover’s mother; Naomi Watts as Helen Gandy, a Justice Department file clerk who ended up being Hoover’s personal secretary; Ken Howard as lawyer and jurist Harlan F. Stone; Jeffrey Donovan as Robert F. Kennedy and Stephen Root as Arthur Koehler, a wood specialist at Forest Product Laboratories who uses his expertise to help Hoover investigate the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby by tracing the origins of the ladder used by the perpetrator. H

Major Psychology Group Comes Out to Support Gay Marriage WASHINGTON, D.C. – The policymaking body of the American Psychological Association (APA) voted unanimously to approve a resolution to support full marriage equality, a move that observers say will have a far-reaching impact on the debate. This was the world’s largest organization of psychologists’ strongest stand to date in support

of same-sex marriage and cited new research in their decision. The group, with more than 154,000 members, has long supported full equal rights for gays, based on social science research on sexual orientation. Now, the nation's psychologists, citing an increasing body of research about same-sex marriage, as well as increased discussion at the state and federal levels, took the support to a new level. The resolution points to numerous recent studies, including findings that many gay men and lesbians, like their heterosexual counterparts, desire to form stable, long-lasting and committed intimate relationships and are successful in doing so. H

Rupert Murdoch to Cash in on Gay Marriage NEW YORK, NY – According to Gay City News, Rupert Murdoch’s New Corp is ready to cash in on same-sex marriage with a new magazine, Wedding Pride: The Magazine for Gay and Lesbian Wedding Planning. The first issue will hit newsstands this September with an initial 35,000 copy run, which will likely remain confined to the gay-friendly communities of Chelsea, Park Slope, Fire Island, Montclair, South Orange and Asbury Park. Murdoch’s News Corp. is most famous for its other publications, such the New York Daily News and its cable Fox News Channel. H

Last Known Homosexual Holocaust Survivor Passes PARIS, FRANCE – The last known homosexual survivor of the Holocaust, Rudolph Brazda, died last week at the age of 98. Known as the “pink triangles”, Brazda was a prisoner at the Buchenwald concentration camp. The son of Czechoslovakian immigrants in Germany, Brazda was 20 when Hitler rose to power. He had lived with his homosexuality freely and openly until “Paragraph 175,” the law penalizing male homosexuality went into effect. On August 8, 1942, after having gone to prison twice, he was sent to the concentration camp of Buchenwald, where he was given the number 7952 and a pink triangle. Even though Buchenwald wasn’t an extermination camp, an estimated 56.000 prisoners (out of the 238.000 who were incarcerated) died in the camp, either because they were executed or from exhaustion or illness. Approximately 650 Pink Triangles were deported to Buchenwald. H

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announced last week that Darren Criss, of Fox's Emmy and Golden Globe Awardwinning hit television show, “Glee,” will make his Broadway debut as J. Pierrepont Finch, performing a strictly limited three week engagement from January 3, through January 22, 2012. He will replace Daniel Radcliffe, who will play his final performance on Sunday, January 1, 2012. Criss plays Blaine Anderson, Chris Colfer’s love interest on “Glee”. H

“Straight Pride” Suggested in Brazil SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – Brazilian Evangelical leaders have suggested that the country celebrate a Heterosexual Pride Day in response to the city’s tenth annual Gay Pride Parade. This is just the latest attack on the gay community. Earlier this year, a conservative leader of the city said that if he had a gay son, he would beat him up until he started to “behave like a man.” A vote to pass Heterosexual Pride Day has to be passed by the Sao Paulo city commission. H

“Glee” Star to Replace Daniel Radcliffe in “How to Succeed”

Esurance Donates $50K to The Trevor Project

NEW YORK, NY – The producers of the 50th anniversary production of the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical comedy “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Esurance, the online car insurance company, announced that the company donated $50,000 to The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis Continues on NEWS on Page 20


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“FACING DEPORTATION” continued from COVER

that is working with the couple, received the notice Friday and made it public Monday. Makk was ordered to depart the United States by Aug. 25. Makk is the sole caregiver for Wells, who has severe health concerns. "I'm married, just like any other married person in this country," Wells said. "At this point, the government can come in and take my husband and deport him. It's infuriating. It's upsetting. I have no power, no right to keep my husband in this country. I love this country, I live here, I pay taxes and I have no right to share my home with the person I married." Wells pleaded with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and President Obama to intervene. "Anyone can identify with the horror of having the government come in and destroy your family when you've done nothing wrong, and you've done everything right, followed every law," Wells said.

Makk's application for permanent residency as a spouse of an American citizen was denied, citing the 1996 law that denies all federal benefits to same-sex couples. The agency's decision cited the Defense of Marriage Act as the reason for the denial of an I-130 visa, or spousal petition that could allow Makk to apply for permanent U.S. residency. "The claimed relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary is not a petitionable relationship," the decision said. "For a relationship to qualify as a marriage for purposes of federal law, one partner must be a man and the other a woman." Wells and Makk are among an estimated 24,000 same-sex couples in the United States in which one partner is not a citizen. Not all of them are married, but those who are find their legal commitment has no standing in the eyes of immigration agents. "If [Makk] becomes illegal, then they can step in, and we don't know what would happen," Wells said. "Some mornings, I can't get out of bed. If he were not here, no one would be here to help." As the nation remains entrenched in a debate over what to do about an estimated 11 million illegal residents, the Obama administration has released new guidelines to provide flexibility in individual cases without conflicting with other federal laws. Because the marriage act, passed in 1996, remains the law, the administration has stopped short of a blanket policy change on deportation cases involving married same-sex couples. Instead, John Morton, Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, sent a memo in June instructing his agents and lawyers to focus their deporta-

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tion efforts on illegal immigrants who are criminals, gang members or security threats. He also urged them to "exercise discretion" in favor of illegal residents who have a "spouse, child or parent" who is a U.S. citizen or who is "primary caretaker" for someone who is ill, disabled or a child. The directive did not mention legally married same-sex couples. So couples such as Makk and Wells must navigate a muddled and subjective process, one that gives immigration officers the power to allow illegal same-sex spouses to remain in the country — provided the agent does not cite marriage as the reason — or to proceed with deportations. Gay rights advocates say the flexibility helps, but means married same-sex couples remain vulnerable to a range of outcomes. Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder decided earlier this year that the law, commonly known as DOMA, is unconstitutional on equal protection grounds and that the administration would no longer defend it in court. House Republicans hired an outside counsel to defend it instead. However, the administration said it would continue to enforce the law, while exercising discretion on a caseby-case basis. The memorandum also said prosecutions should seek to promote "national security, border security, public safety and the integrity of the immigration system." Makk meets several of the circumstances specified in the memorandum. Aside from being a spouse of an American citizen, he is also the primary caretaker of a citizen, has no criminal history and has legally resided in the country under various visas for many years. The couple said they spent nearly $2,000 to file the petition that was denied, and now must decide whether to file a motion to reconsider the decision, which Wells said would almost certainly be denied, giving the couple at most another 30 days of residency. Makk gave up a professional career in Australia to be with Wells, and started a business in San Francisco and invested in rental property to meet various visa requirements. He said he has never remained in the country illegally. Alternatively, Wells could move to Australia, but he said doing so would require him to give up his extensive medical care and insurance in the United States. "We are appealing to the Obama administration to begin to put into action what they've said repeatedly they can do," said Immigration Equality spokesman Steve Ralls. "The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have said again and again that they can exercise discretion in individual cases, but they have not done so for a single gay or lesbian couple yet." In rare cases, lawmakers can introduce so-called “private bills” to shield specific immigrants from deportation, but only after deportation proceedings have begun. Such bills are considered a last resort. Drew Hammill, a spokesman for Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, said Pelosi has contacted immigration officials on behalf of the couple and "will be working to exhaust all appropriate immigration remedies that are open to pursue." H


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‘WEST RALLY’ Continued from COVER

Marriage Act” and “everything that stands good and right in our community.” Stuart Milk, Wilton Manors resident and nephew of the famed Harvey Milk, former San Francisco Supervisor and the first openly gay politician in the United States, said that the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic recently quoted West in saying how much he hates diversity and inclusion. West also said that he is a “tolerant person and that he’s willing to tolerate his constituency. Who wants to be represented by someone who tolerates you?” Milk then said that the philosophy of the LGBT community is not about tolerance but about acceptance and inclusion of all communities. “We, as a community, know that we are stronger when we have the full rainbow of colors and we have the full diversity of our community and celebrate everyone.” Mitch Caesar, chair of the Broward County Democratic Executive Committee, said that the “Democratic Party stands with the [LGBT community] on the easy issues and the tough issues and frankly [West] is an easy issue. We have to judge candidates and office holders not only by their words, but by their deeds. If you look here, you see his words – we know of his deeds. You can’t escape all his venom, the angry hostility not only to [the LGBT] community, but to every community that is anything but the narrow group he represents.”

Photo courtesy, Bob Kecskemety

“We did not form this group,” said attorney Norm Kent, “in order to censor Allen West. It was to censure Allen West. And he has earned, richly, that censure and condemnation, not just from the LGBT community, but from the mainstream population he represents.” Wilton Manors Mayor Gary Resnick said that he doesn’t believe Allen West had ever been in Wilton Manors and that when Resnick met with West in his chambers in Washington, he was cordial and they spoke about issues concerning Wilton Manors. Resnick assured the crowd that the invitation to West to speak before the Wilton Manors Business Association was not made by the Association itself or the City of Wilton Manors, but by WMBA’s president, Celeste Ellich unilaterally. He then read a proclamation from the City of Wilton Manors proclaiming August 8th as “Equality Day” in the City. Eddy Sierra, president of the Log Cabin Republican Club of Dade County, said that the “Republican Party does not stand for intolerance and bigotry and what Allen West represents, and we are here together as one community and we want to make sure that everybody knows that we have not sponsored Allen West.” He also made it clear that it was the Tea Party of Broward County that was West’s biggest donor in the county. He then asked that LGBT Democrats and Republicans stand together to bring an end to Allen West. H

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A Loaded Gun As many of you may know by now, I am from London. You may also be aware by now that London has been under siege, so to speak, for the last three nights. Violence in areas that are depressed and dangerous, started it would seem by the shooting of a man in an area called Tottenham. This got me to thinking, why have people reacted in such a way? Being in the US for as long as I have, I always hear of police shooting criminals in Miami, let alone the entire U.S. Yet, here in the UK, this is such a rarity that it has, in fact, turned into a national disaster. If you grew up in the U.S., the chances are you saw guns from an early age: On the police, the armed forces and even in your own home. I didn’t. I grew up in the UK and, though I was in Florida at least twice every year, seeing guns at the airport never registered. The first time I remember seeing a gun as a threat in real life was when I was on holiday in Israel with my family at the age of thirteen, and saw soldiers in the mall with their machine guns slung nonchalantly on the floor of the food court. Now, of course, in the U.S there is that old thought that everyone has a gun, even florists. (Protecting the land and your property and so on and so forth.) In fact, when I came to the U.S and was setting myself up, my lawyer asked me clearly if I intended on having a gun. The question took me by surprise and I immediately responded with a resounding “No! Absolutely not.” “Are you sure?” he asked, utterly surprised that someone wouldn’t want a gun. When I explained I lived in a secure building in a good area and high enough up that I didn’t deem myself in danger, his response was worrying to say the least, “Well, you never know. Anyway, if you intend on getting one and you shoot an intruder, make sure they are dead and in your property, not hanging outside.” I left the meeting shocked and told all my friends in London and we thought it ludicrous. Of course, the reality for me is that with a gun in my possession, I would be

FOUNDER MULTIMEDIA PLATFORMS that person who really shoots themselves whilst cleaning the flaming thing, so I put the idea to the back of my mind. A few weeks later, I was in the shower and heard my door open. I wasn’t entirely sure, but then I heard it close. I had always assumed 20 floors up I was safe from intruders. I kept the shower on and, armed with a nail file and a can of hairspray, I quietly exited the bathroom. Not entirely sure what I was to be faced with, I edged around the corner to find a man pointing something directly at me. I screamed out that I had a gun (not smart) and to get out before I shot him. He dropped the “weapon”, threw his hands in the air and exclaimed – petrified – that he was, in fact, the exterminator. This is amusing to me now, but that story could have had a very different ending had I had a gun. With no formal training and the words of my lawyer echoing in my head, it would have been a case of “shoot to kill – ask questions later”. Having been in the U.S. for a while, I have met a frighteningly large portion of people who not only have guns, but they

actually carry them on their person. Sure they are licensed but I can’t help but be fearful of how the community operates, and the danger of having so many loaded guns around. Now, for someone who is new to this, it frightens me, mainly because with an ounce of common sense, I know that guns don’t kill people, people do. We have all been infuriated on the road. I am more than prone to road rage, and when in Europe I will happily cut people up, yell profanities, and ride the horn like

Letters to the Editor In response to the Editor’s Column, “One Last Hit” in the Florida Agenda, July 28, 2011 DEAR EDITOR, I am responding your editorial regarding Amy Whinehouse and addiction. I really appreciated it. In December of 2009 I finally quit smoking after 25 years or so. Decided that I didn’t want to do it anymore and I had it my head that I didn’t want to pick up another cigarette. I quit cold turkey and to this day I have not picked up a smoke. Why? Because I feel it was mind over matter. I have been to hypnosis, tried all the patches, you name it. How come I have been success-

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EXECUTIVE EDITOR KEVIN HOPPER

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief ALEX VAUGHN News Editor BOB KESCKEMETY Proof Editor BOB YOUNG Contributors: KEVIN MILLER, TOM BONANTI, SAM KNEW, MICHAEL FRENCH, TIM SLIVINSKI, PAUL RUBIO, JAMES MICHAELS, ERIC CHRISTIAN, WARREN DAY, AJ CROSS, BRAD CASEY, RYAN DIXON and CLIFF DUNN. Photographer STEPHEN R. LANG

Alex Vaughn crazy … when in the US, however, not a chance. Yet it would seem that as a result of the violence that has befallen the UK the same rules apply. When a gun is involved, the rules change. That old saying, “an eye for eye” seems to transcend to a bullet for a bullet. We read about it in Florida, gang gun fights downtown, the terror of Memorial Day weekend in South Beach, etc., yet we become almost immune to it. For me, it takes what is happening here to remind me how dangerous a gun culture is. Police in the U.S need guns I am sure, but people don’t. The most concerning thing about what has happened here is the platitudes that the man shot was a peaceful man; if he was, why was he carrying a gun in the UK, where one doesn’t need one? The same can be said for South Florida. I honestly believe you don’t need a gun in Wilton Manors, or even in South Beach. When you go to the bars, the question is why would you take it with you when you know you will be drinking? There is only one loaded gun you should go to the bars with – and it’s not a Glock. H

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Alex Vaughn is the Editor-in-Chief of the Florida Agenda. He can be reached at editor@FloridaAgenda.com

Please send all your comments and letters to Editor@FloridaAgenda.com

ful this time? The difference was because I didn’t want to smoke more than I want to smoke. That’s what I had in my head. To this day I still would love to have a cigarette, but I keep telling myself no! Addictions come in many forms. I really believe this could be the case with any addiction, such as eating, gambling, drugs, alcohol or any other addiction, good or bad for you. I have a dear friend who is addicted to the gym. At least it’s a good thing. The bad part is that he would rather go to the gym then to dinner or meet up with his friends. Rehab centers can only do so much for someone and do their best to try and change

your train of thought, however, I believe, YOU have to be ready and YOU are the only one that can control your mind. I’ve been to AA and had alcoholic counseling before and I still drink…why? Because I don’t want to stop drinking more than I want a drink. You have to want to do or not do something, more than the opposite to have any chance at achieving success. Once you have that in your mind, I believe you can be successful combating any addiction. GREAT JOB!! ANONYMOUS

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DISPLAY AD DEADLINES: Placement by Mondays, 5 p.m. Camera Ready Artwork by Mondays, Noon CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINES: Placement by Mondays, 5 p.m. Artwork by Mondays, Noon ALL MATERIAL in the Florida Agenda is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Florida Agenda. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred or implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. Although this paper is supported by many fine advertisers, the Agenda cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. EDITORIAL POSITIONS of the Florida Agenda are expressed in editorials and in editors’ notes as determined by the paper’s editors. Other opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Florida Agenda or its staff. TO SUBMIT A LETTER OR COMMENTARY: Letters should be fewer than 400 words; commentaries should be fewer than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length, and must include a name, address and phone number for verification. Send submissions by e-mail to Editor@floridaagenda.com by fax to 954-566-7900 or by regular mail to the Agenda office, attn: Letters/Commentary.

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Local Fundraisers McDonalds Supporting Education By RYAN DIXON Two weeks ago, The McDonalds Corporation’s net income rose from $1.23 Billion to $1.41 Billion. Most market gurus have the company’s total net worth in the ballpark of $15 Billion. Between the cost of the rooms at different Ronald McDonald Houses all over the globe and their Ronald McDonald Cares Mobile, McDonalds gives around $270 Million back to communities. Most of the company’s charitable work is through the Ronald McDonald House Charities, so when the McDonalds located at the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and NE 4th Avenue had a school supply drive for the Kids In Need Resource Center, I was a little taken back that such a large company was doing a fundraiser for someone other than themselves. Ten McDonalds locations participated in this year’s drive for the Kids In Need Resource Center. The Center, which is run by the Broward Education Foundation as part of a national program sponsored by the School, Home, and Office Products (SHOPA) Foundation for Educational Excellence, allows for teachers from Title 1 schools to come and shop twice a year for school supplies for their classrooms and students free of charge. “This was our first time working with McDonalds”

says Jorene Jameson, President and CEO of the Broward Education Foundation. “These donations allow our resource center to reach 6,000 teachers and over 200,000 students”. Aside from the expected hierarchy from McDonalds and the Broward Education Foundation, Ivy and her crew from Power 96 were broadcasting live and calling in every fifteen minutes from the event. When asked what brought the station out today, Ivy said that “when it comes down to kids and charities, Power 96 and the Ronald McDonald House have always been together. So when McDonalds called and asked us to help, we were right on board”. Aside from calling in and getting their listeners to come out, the Power 96 team was interacting with the people in attendance giving out HD Radios if you could manage 100 yards in their football beanbag toss. “Everyone is doing their back to school shopping, and who isn’t broke these days?” she adds, “and the sad thing is kids these days still go to school without new clothes or even supplies, so it’s a good thing McDonalds is doing this and helping out, especially when it comes to the kiddies.” What more could you ask for from a station that does Radio Lollipop, headed up by DJ Laz,, every

August from the Miami Children’s Hospital. Capping off the day was an appearance by McArthur High School and University of Florida alumnus Errict Rhett. Rhett played seven professional seasons in the NFLuntil 2000 after being taken in the second round with the thirty-fourth pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rhett, who’s the CEO of the Errict Rhett Foundation, said he came out to support the school supply drive because his charity, like this supply drive, supports education. “This area and many other low income areas need help like this. It’s nice to see McDonalds stepping up to do their part and I’m glad to be a part of it. A lot of these families out there can’t afford school supplies, and if it takes me and other athletes to come out here to get support then I’ll do it.” Rhett was a stand out in high school as well as college where he earned the Most Valuable Player award in the 1994 Sugar Bowl. When asked what felt better, winning that award or giving back to his city, he replied with a smile that “you can’t compare the two. The feeling I get when I win a game and when I give back are two different things. One is my job, the other is my passion”. We spoke for about ten minutes on his career

Photo courtesy, McDonalds Corp.

in the NFL and the natural “what if ’s” of every person’s career in anything. I’ve met and talked to many professional athletes, on the field and at events like this one, and Errict Rhett has to be the most genuine one I’ve met yet. To have your own business and charity and yet find time to support other people in your community is a true testament to one’s real inner character. To help with the Broward Education Foundation’s continuous drive to supply teachers and classrooms, please visit www.browardedfoundation.net to see what they need and how you can help. H


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OPEN FOR BUSINESS

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Open For Business:

No West, Young Man By CLIFF DUNN In this column last week (Open for Business, August 4, 2011, “Go, West!”), Your Kindly Writer advised you, Gentle Reader, to “Stay tuned for the fallout,” a reference to the after effects of what began for some as a polite invitation to a Member of Congress to address the monthly meeting of a local business guild. Following a firestorm of protest (and now, the counter-protest), U.S. Congressman Allen West was disinvited from speaking at the August 8 meeting of the Wilton Manors Business Association (WMBA, or “Wimba”), a meeting he had been invited to address. The de-invitation came after gay rights activists threatened a boycott of the Island City association’s member-businesses. The announcement about two weeks ago that West, who represents portions of Wilton Manors as part of Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, would address WMBA on matters related to business and the economy, drew protests from a number of vocal LGBT activists. Among them was Michael Rajner, Legislative Director of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus, who wrote to WMBA members with an ultimatum: if the invitation for West’s planned visit wasn’t rescinded or declined by the Distinguished Gentleman, "community leaders and other social justice advocates" would "boycott any and all businesses" belonging to WMBA. Reaction in Wilton Manors’ business community was mixed. Two individuals who asked not to speak on the record said they agreed with a July 30 South Florida Sun-Sentinel opinion piece in which that publication’s editorial board chides Rajner and others for “pressur[ing] the business group to drop its invite to Rep. West.” Commercial photographer Michael Murphy of Oakland Park, a member of WMBA, said he was “pleased” with the board’s decision. “As a business owner and a member of WMBA, I want to do things that bring business to us rather than drive it away,” Murphy offered. “Although the decision to bring a sitting member of Congress to speak was probably made with good intentions,” he reasons, “the moment it created a firestorm, the decision needed to be rescinded; period.” As to the congressman’s opposition to a number of issues which concern a sizable minority of residents of his district, Murphy is unambiguous. “As a gay man, I find his opinions un-educated and his words hateful. Congressman West does not even attempt to represent all of his constituents. He panders to a fraction of the people in his district, then insults the rest with his bigoted comments towards women and gays.” West, who serves on the House

Committee on Small Business, did not go gently into that good night, either. In a letter to Ellich written prior to the August 1 board vote in which he defends his right to speak at the WMBA meeting, West wrote: "I am concerned about individuals or organizations that would call upon a boycott and try to hurt hardworking small business owners only because an association wants to be better informed on business related issues that are taking place in Washington, D.C." After the meeting was cancelled, West emailed Ellich thanking her and WMBA for the invitation. He also cited the SunSentinel editorial, objecting, as the newspaper wrote, to Rajner’s “demand that the business group withdraw its invitation to Rep. West. One form of intolerance simply does not justify another.”

Michael Rajner

Taking up the refrain, West spoke of his support for “public discourse,” even when individuals don’t always agree with his, or other Members’ of Congress’, policy positions. “These are the foundations of our nation and what makes the United States of America an exceptional nation,” he wrote. He has a point. But whatever goodwill West may engender by beating his breast and calling for a more tolerant and “civil society” would seem to be squandered by his caustic parting shots in last week’s letter to Ellich and WMBA. In what reads like equal parts truculence and petulance, West seems to sneer from the page: “Clearly, we have learned who really are the intolerable individuals in South Florida.” (Presumably the Distinguished Gentleman meant intolerant rather than “intolerable.”) As for the fallout over “Wimbagate,” Murphy remains sanguine, even philosophical. “I am glad it's almost over; [now] we can get back to helping our local businesses in these difficult economic times.” H

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If you're “Open for Business”, you can contact Business Writer and Director of Sales, Cliff Dunn, with your story at Business@FloridaAgenda.com


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FROM THE PUBLISHER

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FROM THE PUBLISHER Multimedia Platforms, LLC and Cybermesh International Corp (OTCBB:CYTL) Announce Merger BOBBY BLAIR, PUBLISHER It is with great pleasure that I announce that Multimedia Platforms, LLC, (MMP) will be merging with Cybermesh International Corp (OTCBB: CYTL). Cybermesh International Corp (OTCBB: CYTL) is a technology based company focused on supporting media industries with online distribution, analysis and revenue protection and Multimedia Platforms, LLC, (MMP) is an emerging leader in the field of LGBT multimedia which has successfully integrated print and online publishing to become a principal entertainment and news source nationwide. MMP will remain the surviving entity and I will be serving as the new CEO. This merger provides MMP the perfect positioning for our long terms goals as a company and comes at an ideal time to accommodate the growth we are experiencing. MMP is currently operating cash flow positive and anticipates revenue in excess of $1.5 million in 2011. Sam Porter, CEO of Cybermesh commented, “We believe that Robert Blair has built the most dynamic, inclusive and integrated media company in the LGBT market space--and we believe his proven

platform has almost infinite expansion potential. This acquisition will allow Multimedia Platforms to access the public capital markets to build resources and seize growth opportunities now and in the future.” Multimedia Platforms, LLC started in November 2009, at that time MMP purchased 50% of Mark’s List and all of their assets, websites, products and domains. We did this for the sole purpose of integrating our print publications with an online platform. When 411 and the South Florida Blade filed bankruptcy jointly, I hired all the staff away within 24 hours and that very same week, three days later in-fact, produced two brand new publications, Mark Magazine and the Florida Agenda. At that point in time I worked closely with Kevin Hopper and Mark Haines to begin to develop the Multimedia concept of integrating print publications and an online platform. Consequently due to the success of the integration, both Mark Magazine and the Florida Agenda have grown in size and revenue and the Mark’s List website (www.JumpOnMarksList.com) has devel-

oped at an unprecedented rate in terms of google index pages, page views, millions of visitors and revenue. As you know we also recently launched MyGayRadio.com, which is a 24/7 online pop and dance radio station. This has been positively received on a global scale. The result of our successful integration process and growth in business has provided us with this incredible opportunity to merge with Cybermesh International, a fully reporting, public company. Based in Southern California’s technology hub, Cybermesh International is a technology-based company focusing on developing and exploiting technologies that assist the entertainment, telecommunications and media industries with online distribution, analysis and revenue protection. As part of the terms, Multimedia shareholders will receive ten million restricted shares and $500,000 cash. We will be building upon our success as an all-inclusive media platform consisting of newspaper, magazine, online radio, entertainment and news website formats and will expand this to include video and mobile devices to reach all facets of the

LGBT community internationally. First, we are focused on reaching new consumers with the latest technology and market expertise and second, delivering the highest quality of news and entertainment to our readers, viewers, listeners and advertisers. This merger allows us to do the above and much more. We are looking forward to taking our proven integrative approach across the entire United States to bring the LGBT community news, entertainment and above all to make a difference to all the communities we serve. I would like to personally thank my entire staff, all our business partners, who are our loyal community advertisers and a special thanks, to our readers, viewers and listeners, for your incredible support across our entire Multimedia Platform. Sincerely,

Bobby Blair, Publisher


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Cross-Eyed AJ’s Guide to Go-Go Bars By AJ CROSS 1) Have a budget! Go-Go Bars are designed for compulsive mentalities; when you get there thinking you will only spend $20, the temptation and the “wow” compels you to spend more and more. Decide on how much you can afford to spend and then only bring that amount with you. What to consider? Parking, cover, beverages, tips, VIP Rooms – and possible cab fare if you drink too much. 2) Place your wallet in front pockets or inside pocket of your jacket! Often times while sitting on a bar stool or in the VIP Room, wallets fall out and by the time you realize you do not have your wallet it is too late and you have unwillingly contributed to someone’s college fund. 3) Bring Sanitizer Gel or Wipes. This suggestion is self-explanatory. 4) Be realistic! Remember that, much like an attorney, doctor or therapist, time is money. Even if the performer is genuinely interested in you, he is there to earn money, so make sure to be in a compensatory state of mind. 5) Take advantage of the bathroom attendant! If you are NOT supposed to be at a Go-Go Bar for whatever reason, make sure that you visit the restroom and use mouthwash, lotion and cologne. The person waiting for you at home will not believe you were at Midnight Mass if you smell like smoke, alcohol, musk or anything south of the border.

8) Do your research! Ask around or look for online blogs about the specific bars you are considering. The best advertising is people like you, so find out what people are saying. If the overall consensus is that a bar has hot guys, good drinks and a fun atmosphere, then you are probably going to enjoy yourself. 9) Where am I? If you are visiting and alone, carry the address of your hotel or wherever you are staying with you, just in case you drink too much and need a cab. This will help security or anyone else communicate your destination to the driver so that you get home safe. 10) No Means No! These boys are professionals and have rules and laws to follow, so when they say NO, do not test the water and end up in an unpleasant situation with the performer or security. Waking up in a dumpster after getting your butt kicked sucks! 11) Compensation! There is only one currency at Go-Go Bars. I have seen people try to tip performers with candy, calling cards and, one time, even food stamps. Cash, cash, cash or the occasional diamond watch or new car are acceptable forms of compensation. H

6) Bring a keychain flashlight! This will come in handy when inspecting the chair you’re about to sit on in the VIP Room to make sure you will not get gum or DNA on your pants. 7) You can’t find love! If you are looking for love in a Go-Go Bar... DON’T! The likelihood of finding a “Pretty Woman” scenario is not high. Have you heard the expression that you “can’t turn a Go-Go Dancer into a housewife”? Well that’s not the exact expression, but you get the point.

Photo courtesy, Stripper Boys


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NEWS

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Continued from NEWS on Page 9

intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBT youth. Esurance recently launched the charitable giving campaign on its Facebook page. For each new “Like,” the company donated $10 to The Trevor Project to help support the Trevor Lifeline, a 24/7 crisis intervention phone hotline offering free and confidential suicide prevention counseling to youth nationwide. With Twitter and Facebook support from The Trevor Project itself, and the mentions from celebrities such as Perez Hilton, Jonathan Knight of New Kids on the Block, and others spreading the word, Esurance quickly reached its stated goal of $50,000. H

Ann Coulter to Serve as Honorary Chair of GOProud’s Advisory Council WASHINGTON, D.C. – GOProud, a national organization of gay conservatives, announced that Ann Coulter was joining the organization’s Advisory Council as Honorary Chair. Coulter’s official title will be “Honorary Chair and Gay Icon”. “Ann Coulter is a brilliant and fearless leader of the conservative movement, we are honored to have her as Photo courtesy, The Loop part of GOProud’s leadership,” said Christopher Barron, Chairman of GOProud’s Board in a written statement. “Ann helped put our organization on the map. Politics is full of the meek, the compromising and the apologists – Ann, like GOProud, is the exact opposite of all of those things. We need more Ann Coulters.” Coulter responded with “I am honored to serve in this capacity on GOProud’s Advisory Council and look forward to being the Queen of fabulous.” Coulter joins Margaret Hoover, Grover Norquist, Andrew Breitbart, Liz Mair, Chuck Muth, Lisa De Pasquale, Christian Josi, Roger Stone, Andrew Langer, Kathryn Serkes and Bob Carlstrom on the GOProud Advisory Council. Coulter is the author of “Demonic: How the Liberal Mob is Endangering America,” as well as seven other New York Times bestsellers: “Guilty: Liberal Victims and Their Assault on America,” “If Democrats Had Any Brains, They'd Be Republicans,” “Godless: The Church of Liberalism,” “How to Talk to a Liberal (If You Must),” “Treason: Liberal Treachery From the Cold War to the War on Terrorism,” “Slander: Liberal Lies About the American Right” and “High Crimes and Misdemeanors: The Case Against Bill Clinton”. H


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THE STYLE VOICE OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY

Travel | Home | Dining | Profile | Recipe | Fitness | Out In Florida | Bar Guide | Nightlife

WHAT’S INSIDE? n this week’s issue of Style & Entertainment we continue our Entrepreneur Series of Profiles for August with Eric Christian, style guru of Style Concierge Miami, Paul Rubio offers you a breathtaking look at two fantastic modern hotels in NYC and Miami in Travel and we learn how to enjoy a staycation from Michael French in Home. Tim Slivinski reminds us about beachfront festive food at Flip Flops Dockside Eatery in Dining and Jean Doherty tests your culinary skills with Roasted Cauliflower in Recipe. We also have your favorites, Fitness, Out in Florida and our State-wide Bar Guide. Enjoy!

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EAST COAST MODERNISM

Hot New Contemporary Design Trend Travel PAGE 39

Enjoy! H – AV

HAVE A FUN  STAYCATION! Vacations Close-to-home Are Often More Enjoyable

DINING OUT OR “PIGGING OUT”? Healthy Pointers for Eating Out

Fitness PAGE 37

Home PAGE 38

ERIC CHRISTIAN

Scott & Alvero, two of Flip Flops' happy staffers.

FLIP FLOPS DOCKSIDE EATERY

Islamorada in the Florida Keys is a lovely break from the ordinary.

Style Guru

Profile PAGE 27

Beachy Food on the Intracoastal

Dining PAGE 33 Photos courtesy, StyleConciergeMiami.com, PieHoney, WestWord, Gay Cities and Gansvoort Park Avenue


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Entrepreneur Series Profiles for The Florida Agenda Over the month of August, we will be highlighting entrepreneurs of the community and getting their take on building a successful business within the community.

Building Confidence Through Style Eric Christian, CEO of Style Concierge Miami, Inc. By ALEX VAUGHN How long have you been here? What brought you to South Florida? I'm a native Floridian. I have been here all my life!! I love it and enjoy every minute of it!

beauty. We want to mimic people that at least look like they are beautiful and living a great, luxurious life. At the end of the day, I am making someone else's life a little easier.

Please tell Agenda readers about your business. This service is for the individual who can afford luxury in their lifestyle but doesn't have the time or simply doesn't enjoy shopping at all. This service is also for the individual who feels they are not that stylish or fashion savvy and trusts the eye of another individual whom they admire and specializes in the field of fashion and personal shopping. Style Concierge also helps privileged individuals and companies in the areas of image consulting, styling for special occasions, events and shopping tours. Many people are unfamiliar with shopping tours. A shopping tour with Style Concierge is geared towards families and individuals who have a taste for luxury and are not from the South Florida area, are new to the area, or have been here for years and are not familiar with some of the most “exclusive” shopping malls, private boutiques and vintage stores. We set up private shopping for some of our clients, as well.

What advantages do you feel there are having a business within the gay community? The gay community brings a lot of energy and ideas to my kind of work. They are fashion and entertainment! They display a lot of charisma and character, which is important in my line of work. Whether you are seeing a lesbian, a gay boy, a transgender or female impersonator, they are all inspiring! If you look and pay attention, you can learn a lot.

What niche did you feel was missing, that made you start your business? I just felt like being a stylist and personal shopper is something that is very underground and you don't hear about it a lot on the surface like for example, being a nurse, salesman, doctor, etc. There are a lot of questions people ask me about this business and how to break into it. In fact, before I started I had a book of questions. Many people, especially wealthy and upper class individuals, need a personal shopper and stylist just as well as they need an assistant, housekeeper or nanny. It’s an image and lifestyle to portray that has a lot to do with time. How does your business benefit the community? I make people feel beautiful, happy and confident. Confidence in yourself and what you do is a major player in "success." Style Concierge is a role model to the community in the areas of image, health and

What disadvantages do you feel there are? There are no disadvantages! In any community, it’s all about hard work, tenacity and who you know. How would you identify your management approach? Iron Fist or more Flexible? What do you see as the advantages to your approach? When it comes to building business, keeping business, customer service and clients, it’s an Iron Fist! When it comes to scheduling, looks, dates and times, I'm a little more flexible. You'll find in this business that you have to know who and what you are dealing with. There are so many angles. What do you feel about the idea that the summer season is slow? How do you combat this pressure? Summer is slow? My business is steady. It’s all about customer service and taking care of your clients. They will work with you all the time! I normally save a lot, even when I'm making a lot of money, so that there is a nice cushion for slow times. How do you think the community as a whole responds to your business? For those that are accustomed to having a luxury lifestyle and are jet-setters, they love it and need it! People love new things, fashion and exclusivity. For those that aren't familiar with this line of work, they wonder either how to do it or how does he actually make money? Some people probably don't care! In your lifetime how do you feel the gay community has changed? I see that they are starting to understand that they do get old and life isn't all about

Photos courtesy, StyleConciergeMiami.com

How long have you had your business and how is it going? I have had the business for about 10 months now and it’s going great! I have been doing it here and there throughout the years working in luxury retail stores.

Style Concierge with Sauvage Director Victoria Matveeva and Maria Lankina

fun, parties and dating! They are starting to take their lives and careers more seriously! Do you see a positive change in attitudes towards the gay community? Yes. We are all equal. Do you believe there is credence to the idea a business geared towards the gay market is cutting out a major section of the wider community? Yes and no. It’s about individual comfort. How do you minimize that effect? Advertising in all publications. What plans do you have for the future? To grow and nurture Style Concierge, Inc. If you had an open check book, what business would you go into next? A charity for kids who are gifted in the areas of fashion, music, entertainment and the arts, but just don't know how to get the exposure they need or just don't have the means to get involved. A fashion-only magazine. A monthly publication showcasing only editorial and accessories. H

Style Concierge with Zhaila

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Style Concierge is a luxury personal shopping, styling, image consulting, shopping tour and alterations agency for the discerning individual who enjoys and needs all things fashion, beauty, confidence and style. Eric Christian can be reached via email at eric@styleconciergemiami.com and online at www.styleconciergemiami.com


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FLORIDA BAR GUIDE

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

FORT LAUDERDALE/WILTON MANORS ALIBI 2266 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Gayborhood tradition since 1997. Comfortable, inviting atmosphere with indoor video bars, outdoor drinking and dining. Drink specials all week, with mammoth 22-ounce Long Island Iced Teas for $3 on Thursdays ATOMIC/BOOM 2232 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors The bar with two names features a dance club and Gayborhood bar. Drag Bingo on Mondays, karaoke Mondays and Tuesdays, dance music Fridays and Saturdays, and (indoor) Sunday T-Dance. BILL’S FILLING STATION 2209 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Videos, pool tables, dart boards, dance floor, happy hour, live shows, Tuesday and Thursday karaoke – and great burgers, to boot. Fun and friendly truck-stop-themed bar. BOARDWALK 1721 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale Over 100 of the sexiest men from all over the world. Go-go dancers, cages, billiards, 2-4-1 Happy Hours. Drag emcees and did we mention the Boys? CORNER PUB 1915 N. Andrews Ave., Wilton Manors Friendly atmosphere, unpretentious clientele and staff. Next to Island City Pizza (so you can get your drink AND your slice on). CUBBY HOLE 823 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale Butch bar and grill with a rockin’ daytime crowd (and a fun nighttime one, too). Fifty cent pool, 2-for-1 drinks all day every day, video games, hot movies on HDTV and DirecTV. Thursdays it’s Bare Bear Chest Night, and every Friday and Saturday the fur flies with Hot Bears on Poles (where their Grizzlies Grind)! DEPOT CABANA BAR AND GRILL 2935 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale Adjacent to the America’s Best Inn and Suites. Pool open daily – No Cover or Day Pass. Great food, daily happy hour, Sunday afternoon T-Dance Poolside. Karaoke and live music. Open daily at 11:30 a.m. DUDES 3270 N.E. 33rd St., Fort Lauderdale Men dancing for men. Hot go-go boys in an upscale atmosphere, piano lounge for more quiet interludes. Steamy shower shows. JOHNNY’S 1116 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Club, bar, lounge. Male dancers and the men who love (to ogle) them. Sunday amateur strip contest (and karaoke!). LIPS 1421 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park The Ultimate in Drag Dining. Dinner and shows six nights a week. Sunday Gospel Brunch with the Sisters of Sequins. LIVING ROOM 300 S.W. 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale Arts & Entertainment District meets South Beach. Friday nights they’re here, they’re queer, and they drink free from 10:30(ish) to Midnight. Only House Music club in town with its own Classical (and classicallychiseled) violinist. THE MANOR 2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors WeHo vibe (think: LA’s The Abbey) in the heart of the Gayborhood. Dine, drink, dance, play, mingle. Theme rooms (salsa and meringue 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 2039 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Relaxing, friendly, hip, unique – the alternative gathering place on Wilton Drive. Wine tastings and events. Tuesday and Wednesday Late Night In the Biz.

FLORIDA BAR GUIDE

PJ’S CORNER POCKET 924 N. Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale Interracial Private Social Club. Bottle club memberships. Get your groove back on Wednesday nights with $2 drinks. RAMROD 1508 N.E. 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?).

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.

ROSIE’S BAR & GRILL 2829 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Nexus of the A-Gay List. Be Seen in the Scene (without making one). Food, folks, libations, and a killer Sunday Funday.

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.

SCANDALS SALOON 3073 NE 6th Avenue, 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.

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.

SIDELINES 2031 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Where Sports come first. Nationally known destination sports bar with TVs streaming NFL, MLB, NBA and college games. Pool tables, dart boards and large indoor (and now smoke-free) facility. Outdoor patio features area for smokers. Mixed crowd of gay men and women (who would have thought?). Featured in Bloomberg Businessweek and recommended by LOGO. STABLE 205 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Levis-and-leather neighborhood bar, where the bears line dance and the cowboys are VERY friendly. SMARTY PANTS 2400 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Cozy neighborhood bar with daily happy hour, and regular patrons. Show night Thursdays at 9 p.m. Karaoke Friday and Saturday nights, and with matinee on Sunday afternoon. TORPEDO 2829 W Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Dance, shoot pool, drink til 4 a.m., 7 nights a week. Doors open at Midnight; dance til Dawn. VOODOO LOUNGE 111 S.W. 2nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale Gay and mixed every Sunday, with afternoon T-Dance and drink specials, then the popular Life’s a Drag show with gobs of female impersonators, hot dudes and the chicks who want to change them. WHISKEY BLUE 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale In the W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach, downstairs it’s the elegant Whiskey Blue, upstairs the luxe Living Room: hot dance and social settings in a distinctive atmosphere with signature cocktails and upscale patrons. Indoor and outdoor lounges.

MIAMI/MIAMI BEACH BAR 721 721 N. Lincoln Lane, Miami Beach Plush, lush and flush, a luxe, sexy décor that includes soft carpeting, comfy couches and a Grown Up Playroom equipped with a flat screen TV for video games, pool table, ceiling-mounted speakers. Enjoy 5 to 10 p.m. happy hours including $6 premium drinks. 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 S.W. 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. MOVA LOUNGE 1625 Michigan Ave., Miami Beach On Miami Beach’s famed Lincoln Road, never a cover. Drink specials all week long, live DJs, high energy music and a fun crowd getting their dance on til late. PALACE BAR 1200 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach This bar and restaurant in the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco District .Mouth-watering burgers, boys (and girls!). Weekend cabaret shows Thursday through Sunday.

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 West Church Street, 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, 7:30PM. 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 9pm. 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 6PM til 2AM every night in the main bar! Video Bar, Pool Tables.

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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, 4PM til 3AM. No cover before 10PM, $5 after with ID. VALENTINES NIGHTCLUB 7522 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL Voted #1 Nightclub in Tampa. Open 7 days a week 3PM to 3AM. 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 West Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL One of The Oldest Bars (beer and wine). A plain bar without pretention with it’s share of young regulars. RAINBOW ROOM 421 S. MacDill Avenue, 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 Avenue 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 11AM to 9PM. Saturday Happy Hour ($1 off) 11AM to 9PM. GEMINI LOUNGE 2315 Central Avenue, 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 Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL Fun, friendly, laid-back atmosphere where you can get great drinks at cheap prices! Drama free! Happy Hour daily from 2PM til 9PM. HAYMARKET PUB 8308 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL More of a Men’s bar. Showing hot videos, beer specials, Saturday Underwear Night, and different events each week.

WYLDE'S 3557 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL Neighborhood bar South of Downtown Orlando. Jukebox, Video Games, Pool Tables and Dancers.

HIDEAWAY 8302 4th Street 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.

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 9PM and drink specials every day til 9PM.

DETOUR 2612 Central Avenue, 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.

BAR CODES (Formerly Bear Bar) 4453 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL Friendly Bar, Real Men and Bears... Oh My! Beer and Wine. Tends to attract the after work Happy Hour crowd.

MELBOURNE/COCOA

TAMPA BAY 2606 2606 N. Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL Tampa's favorite Levi/leather bar has two floors (dimly lit), with the upstairs being the more cruisy. There's Hog House shop on-premises, and the 2606 is home to the Tampa Leather Club. Monday is Underwear Night, Tuesdays are $1 drinks and on Wednesdays, Longnecks are just $1.50. AZALEA LOUNGE 1502 N Florida Ave., Tampa, FL Exposed brick, cold beverages and friendly staff are the mainstays of the recently bloomed Florida Avenue flower! Neighborhood Bar, pool tables. BAXTER'S LOUNGE 1519 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL Tampa Happy Hour Tradition. Serving up some of the hottest dancers Wednesday thru Saturday nights at 10PM. FLIRT NIGHTCLUB & SHOWBAR 1909 N 15th St., Tampa, FL (Ybor City) Get that hometown feeling. Amazing lazer shows, big headliners and has been around for 6 years.

COLD KEG NIGHTCLUB 4060 West New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, FL Largest Gay Club in Melbourne Florida and the Premier Gay Bar & Nightclub in Brevard County. ULTRA LOUNGE 407 Brevard Avenue, Cocoa, FL Nestled in Cocoa Village, this bar has a full coffee bar, serving espresso, lattes, cappuccinos as well as draft beers & wine.


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H AUGUST 11, 2011 Fort Lauderdale

SORDID CONFESSIONS Friday, August 12, 2011, from 7 to 10 p.m., at The Manor Entertainment Complex, 2345 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Del Shores, creator of the cult favorite TV series “Sordid Lives” (starring Olivia Newton-John, Rue McClanahan, Leslie Jordan and Caroline Rhea) is touring his hilarious new standup show, “Sordid Confessions.” Whether he’s recalling details of his “slut” years or calling out the assholes and bitches he’s worked with, no subject is off-limits in Del Shores: “Sordid Confessions”. Warning, very raunchy, not PC and very gay. Tickets available at delshores.tix.com. H

2 SKOOL 4 COOL Drag competition: calling all drag performers. Friday, August 12, at 10 p.m. to August 13, at 1 a.m. at The Manor, 2345 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Hosted by Daisy Deadpetals. This is the start of Bubble Gum Fridays Quarterly $1,000 'Lip Sync to Save Your Life' contest. Each week, the winner receives $100 cash and a paid booking for the following week! Second place winner receives a $200 VIP package. In addition, every quarter, the grand prize total winner gets $1,000 cash. H

BROWARD BARES IT 2011 Friday, August 19, from 7 to 11 p.m. Voted Fort Lauderdale’s #1 fundraiser. Bigger, badder and bawdier – this year is being super-sized for your pleasure! Have you ever wanted to see some of your favorite local and national singers, dancers, comedians and performers take their clothes off ? Well, here is your chance because on Friday, August 19th, inside the Paradise Live Theater at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (1 Seminole Drive in Hollywood, FL.), a host of them will be getting together for one night and taking “IT” off for you all in the name of a good cause. Broward Bares It is a hilarious, sexy, steamy and zany night of burlesque, comedy and vaudeville dance acts and songs presented onstage in a Broadway atmosphere. For more information, visit www.Browardbaresit.com. H

“THERE COMES A TIME” Miss Coco Peru in her all new show “Miss Coco Peru: There Comes a Time” on Friday, September 2, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at The Manor Entertainment Complex, 2345 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. The return of the celebrated monologist/singer/actor-actress Miss Coco Peru in an all-new, cabaret-style evening of stories, songs, lots of laughs – and a surprise or two. Legions of Cocophiles know that Miss Peru's shows fearlessly explore all facets of human nature, expertly turning darkness into illumination. “This time,” says Coco, “I’ve decided to do something a little different. I wanted to try something a bit lighter, a night of pure fun with Coco.” For tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/183543. H

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Miami AFRICAN TREASURES: SELECTION FROM THE NAOMI WILZIG COLLECTION Now through August 31 at the World Erotic Art Museum, 1205 Washington Avenue on Miami Beach. This is a presentation of the Naomi Wilzig African Art Collection featuring objects used across the continent of Africa for fertility and divination practices. Artifacts highlighted within the exhibition illustrate the characteristics of fertility worship within the home and community and continue to play dynamic roles in the lives of many societies. All objects were collected for their display of genitalia and specific utilitarian functions of the objects regarding fertility practice by the cultures. This exhibition explores the significance, aesthetics and purpose of African material objects, as well as their social contexts. For more information, visit: www.weam.com. H

429INSPIRED Wednesday, September 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Area 31 at The Epic Hotel, 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way in Miami. Join the launch of dot429 in Miami with their signature speaker series "429INSPIRED". Enjoy hosted cocktails, hors d' oeuvres and an inspirational talk by one of Miami's top luxury goods purveyors. While networking on the terrace overlooking the Miami Skyline, dot429 asks what inspires you? $25 advance, $30 at the door. RSVP online: http://dot429.com/events/429inspiredmiami-launch. dot429 is an online and in-person professional network and social magazine focused on creating opportunities and connections for the LGBT communities and their allies. Connect, engage, discover, inspire at dot429.com. H

2011 TRANSCON: THE JUSTICE SUMMIT TransCon will focus on aiding legal and professional institutions gain a greater understanding about issues dealing with the transgender community concerning institutionalized discrimination, the basics of legal gender transition and the challenges of gaining access to healthcare, among other subject matter. The conference kicks off with a feature film at O-Cinema on Friday, September 30, and will continue at FIU Biscayne Bay Campus over the course of the following two days. Saturday, October 1, will offer a full day of workshops and lectures from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and continuing on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a day of community and leadership building. Admission prices are as follows: feature film presentation only (additional) $15; feature film presentation with conference $10; conference registrationone day $35; conference registrationtwo days #75. Tickets are available for purchase at www.aquafoundation.org/ transcon2011/. Presented by the Aqua Foundation for Women. H


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Central Florida

5TH ANNUAL STRIKE OUT FOR AIDS

NEON HITCH FREE MINI-CONCERT

Saturday, August 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. at (Pinchasers, 4847 N. Armenia Avenue in Tampa). Money raised from our Strike Out for AIDS fundraiser help Francis House keep long-standing programs running. These programs include support groups, mental health and substance abuse counseling, medical and housing case management and our daily feeding program. Francis House accomodates over 1,300 client visits each month. Francis House has been providing supportive services to Tampa's HIV/AIDS community for over 20 years. This event has sold out two years in a row and there are only 128 spots available. Please register early – when the spots are gone, they’re gone. All registrations must be done online at www.strikoutforaids.org. H

Sunday, August 14, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Parliament House, 410 N Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. Live free mini promotional concert in the disco at 1 a.m. CD giveaways, meet and greet and so much more. D.J. Brianna Lee on the decks spinning the latest and hottest remix dance and video tracks. 3 awesome shows with the Footlight Players at 7, 10 and midnight. $1 drafts and wells until midnight. $1 cookout from 5 to 8 p.m. H

AIDS WALK ST. PETERSBURG 2011 Saturday, September 10, registration is from 8:00 a.m. Walk Starts at 10:00 a.m. from the North Shore Park in downtown St. Petersburg. Join them for the 2011 AIDS Walk St. Petersburg in sunny downtown St. Petersburg to benefit members of our community affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. Watch for more information. H

THE SUNDAY BBQ IS BACK Ybor Resort and Spa, 1512 8th Ave. (15th Street) in Ybor City. Every Sunday at 5 p.m. Lots of hot flavorful guys here lining up for some buns, wieners and other tasty items. Come on down and put some sun on those buns in our open-air tropical Asian-themed patio with Jacuzzi. Remember: what happens at the resort, stays at the resort. H

FLAMINGO BINGO Thursdays hosted by Kevin Johnson. Win free drinks and prizes from 8 to 10 p.m. Code Bar opens at 7 p.m., the Video Bar opens at 10 p.m. and don’t miss Girl’s Night in the Blu Room, which opens at 11 p.m. with $3 Miller Lite longnecks. The Flamingo Resort is located at 4601 34th St. S in St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.flamingofla.com. H

GAY BOWLING First Thursday of each month from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Dunedin Bowling Lanes, 405 Patricia Avenue in Dunedin. For more information, call (727) 7361282. H

FREE DRAG QUEEN BINGO Every week, you can play BINGO for free and win drinks and prizes at the Flamingo Resort, 4601 34th St S in St. Petersburg. H

THE NEARLYWED GAME Every Thursday night from 8 to 11:55 p.m. at Hamburger Mary’s (1600 7th Avenue in Ybor City). With host Michael Dixon. You won't want to miss all the fun and laughs as couples who think they know each other find out if they really do. Come watch, or get in on the fun. If you want to be a contestant, call (813) 241-MARY. Reservations are highly recommended! H

MISS QUEEN OF COMEDY To be held at the Parliament House (410 N Orange Blossom Trail (W Livingston St) in downtown Orlando) on Monday, August 22 at 9 p.m. For contestant information and seating, contact Loc Robertson at www.facebook.com; Miss Comedy Queen. Other upcoming pageants at the Parliament House: MISS GAY ORLANDO – Monday, October 17, at 9 p.m. SUNSHINE STATE ALL AMERICAN GODDESS and ALL AMERICAN GODDESS AT LARGE – Monday, November 14, at 9 p.m. Official state preliminary to Miss All American Goddess and All American Goddess at Large. For contestant information, contact Derek at www.sunshinestateaag.com. MISS METROPOLITAN CONTINENTAL PLUS and ELITE – Monday, December 5, at 9 p.m. Official preliminary to Miss Continental Plus and Miss Continental Elite. For contestant information, contact Jim Demundo at (407) 281-2820. H

VEGAS NIGHT Saturday, August 20, starting at 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. This is always a great-time event and a great benefit for Hope & Help. Play the real games: Blackjack, Roulette, Slots and Craps. Win a $500 gift card to Seminole Hard Rock and Casino. The first runner-up will win a Pride Weekend stay and show at the Parliament House. The Footlight Players perform a Las Vegas spectacular with shows at 10 and midnight. H

ORLANDO BEAR BASH Thursday, September 15, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Sheraton Orlando Downtown Hotel. Orlando Bear Bash is a unified gathering of Bear, Leather and Uniform men and their respective admirers. The event is being held from September 15-18, 2011, in sunny Orlando, Florida. With a consistent theme of unity, Orlando Bear Bash endeavors to bring these communities together. They will provide the attendees with a blend of circuit headliners and local talent through a packed schedule of events that bring you so much of what Orlando has to offer. The packed schedule of events include pool parties, leather and uniform cigar parties, The Big Gay Game Show, Karaoke, our own BLU (Bear, Leather and Uniform) Ball, and many other events. Check out their full schedule of events and check back regularly because events will be added. Visit http://www.orlandobearbash.com. H


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THE METRO 2929 Plum Street, Jacksonville, FL The Metro Entertainment Complex has been serving the GLBT community for 17 years. Features a total of 7 different venues under one roof to choose from. Lesbo-A-Go-Go, monthly Tea Dances, special quest performers, female impersonators and live musicians. BOOT RACK SALOON 4751 Lenox Avenue, 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 Boulevard, 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 Street, 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 Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL A neighborhood bar. Everyone is welcome, but remember it is a girls bar! Beer and Wine only. 616 BAR 616 Park Street, 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 Street, 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 Avenue 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 Avenue, Jacksonville, FL This club offers good crowds every night. Recently remodeled with 3 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 Street, Jacksonville, FL This is a top class venue serving over 600 different bottled beers, 84 beers on tap, breakfast, lunch and dinner 20hrs a day 7 days a week!

KWEST 705 Duval St., Key West, FL Daily Happy Hour from 3-8pm, and a piano sing-a-long every Wednesday night. Men dancing for men after 10PM. Weekly drink specials and "Wet Jockey" contests on Fridays. SALOON ONE 801 Duval Street, Key West, FL (Behind 801 Bar) This is the only gay leather bar in Key West. Conveniently located in the Bourbon Street Pub Complex.

PENSACOLA

LA TE DA 1125 Duval Street, Key West, FL An upscale hotel complex with 3 bars, cabaret and restaurant.

THE ROUNDUP 560 East Heinberg St, Pensacola, FL A neighborhood gay men’s bar... Pensacola’s Cowboy Bar. Open 2PM til 3AM daily.

PEARL’S PATIO BAR FOR WOMEN 525 United St., Key West, FL Tropical themed women's bar for gay women and gayfriendly women alike. Patio bar with a full bar featuring drinks like "Cosmopearlitans" and "Pearl's Passion".

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

KEY WEST BOURBON STREET PUB 724 Duval St., Key West, FL Opened in October of 1995 and has continued to grow ever since, it is now part of the larger collection of gay action in The Bourbon St. Pub Complex. Hot Go-Go boy dancers and a busy crowd. “Where the boys are!” 801 BOURBON BAR 801 Duval St., Key West, FL Cabaret shows upstairs with nightly performances by famed performers Sushi, Kylie, RV Beaumont, Margo, and others. This legendary establishment has been around for over 30 years, and host Happy Hour specials daily from 11AM - 8PM. 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 3-8pm daily.

BOBBY’S MONKEY BAR 900 Simonton St., Key West, FL The gay Cheers style neighborhood bar of Key West. Happy Hour from Noon to 7pm, Karaoke on Sunday nights, pool tournaments on Tuesday nights at 7pm. Free Wi-Fi access. GARDEN OF EDEN 224 Duval Street, 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 Road, 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 Street, West Palm Beach, FL Sushi, tropical views and tasty cocktails are accompanied by acclaimed resident DJ Daisy DeadPetals. FORT DIX BAR & CLUB 6205 Georgia Ave, West Palm Beach, FL Mostly local crowd looking to mingle and relax. The bar is a bit on the dark and dingy side, but who knows--that could be a plus.

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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 Street , 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 Northwest 6th Street, 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 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL This is a fairly average small college town gay bar. It is usually busy and crowded on Thursday nights.


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Flip Flops Dockside Eatery Beachy Food on the Intracoastal Chances are really pretty good that many of you who are reading this did not grow up in South Florida. Many of you, like me, are transplants from the Northeast, the Midwest, or even the West Coast. Many of you also probably take for granted one of the key elements that brought you here as a permanent resident: the beautiful beaches. Sure, we all know they are there, but how often do we take the time to remember how fortunate we are to live in this tropical paradise with its gorgeous ocean beaches? Flip Flops is a place to go that will make you remember. Located on the Intracoastal, its very name suggests beach. When you walk into Flip Flops, you are greeted with wide open doors that allow fantastic views of the Intracoastal. The restaurant is dotted with Florida pastel colored tables with silver chairs snuggled up to each one. Even if you take the furthest table back, the view is still impressive – I dare you to ignore it. Ceiling fans whir above your head, and reggae music completes the entire beachy feel of the restaurant. Offering full bar service as well as beer and wine, Flip Flops’ atmosphere almost makes you want to order something with an umbrella in it just so you can fit in to the whole scenario. I didn’t, but it was awfully refreshing to sip a cocktail on a warm

jean’s kitchen

Summer evening as I pondered the menu and watched the boats meandering by. Complimentary fried pita chips — crispy and very yummy — are delivered to the table, accompanied by a slightly spicy salsa verde sort of dip offering a little heat to contrast with the chilled cocktail. The menu offers an eclectic array of starters, and my partner and I decided that an order of spinach-artichoke dip sounded good. It arrived nicely browned and bubbly and, instead of the more common tortilla chips, slightly crisped pita triangles surrounded the dip. We really liked that touch as we eagerly dipped them in the gooey, warm dip. Dinner selections at Flip Flops can be a sandwich, a wrap, an array of appetizers as well as a selection of entrees. My partner was intrigued by a dish on the menu called “iyaca.” It is a tamale that is wrapped in a plantain leaf and filled with pulled pork and chicken. He proclaimed it delicious and said that the seasonings used in the meat filling gave it a sort of Moroccan flavor profile. A crisp jicama slaw as well as more traditional cole slaw rounded out the plate. He liked the contrast of the spiciness of the tamale with coolness of the slaws. Feeling beachy due to the surroundings, I decided on a fish entrée. I selected mahi-mahi and chose to have it

Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower is the edible flower of Brassica olearacea botrytis, a variety of cabbage, with an edible head of condensed flowers and flower stems. It’s normally creamy‐white in color, although some cultivars have green or purple flowers. Broccoli is the horticultural variety; both were cultivated in Roman times. Varieties that mature in summer and autumn are called cauliflower, and those that mature in winter broccoli, but commonly both are called cauliflower. A 90‐g portion is a rich source of vitamin C; a good source of folate; a source of vitamin B6; provides 1.8 g of dietary fiber and supplies 8 kcal. This is an easy delicious way to eat cauliflower. • 2 tablespoons minced garlic • 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large head cauliflower, separated into florets • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese • salt and black pepper to taste • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Grease a large casserole dish. Place the olive oil and garlic in a large ziplock bag. Add the cauliflower, and shake to mix. Pour into the prepared casserole dish, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Top with Parmesan cheese and parsley, and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown. You are the chef ! H

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Jean Doherty is the Chef and Owner of Le Patio Restaurant in Wilton Manors (954) 530-4641

FLIP FLOPS DOCKSIDE EATERY 3051 NE 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-567-1672 blackened, although diners can choose from grilled or teriyaki preparations as well. From an impressive list of side dish options, I decided upon mac n’ cheese (big surprise!) and cole slaw, as I felt I needed something crunchy. The mahi was wonderfully blackened with a spicy crust that tasted as if it may have a slight touch of molasses in it, because I detected just a tinge of sweetness in the heat of the spices. The fish itself was deliciously moist and juicy under the spicy crust. The crock of mac n’ cheese was warm and gloppy, as any good mac n’ cheese should be. Both of us liked the fact that the cole slaw was not made with an overly sweet dressing, nor was it overly runny. It was fresh and crisp, as any good cole slaw should be. After relaxing over cocktails and dinner,

Photos courtesy, Inside Fort Lauderdale

By TIM SLIVINKSI

we were offered dessert but neither of us had room. We sat back and watched as the sky darkened and lights appeared on the buildings across the waterway on the boats gently going north under the Oakland Park Boulevard bridge. If you feel the need to reclaim the beachiness you may have lost when you moved here, try a dinner or lunch at Flip Flops. It is a place to relax and ponder all that is good about living in South Florida. And yes, feel free to wear your favorite flip flops! H


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Dining Out or “Pigging Out”? Healthy Pointers for Eating Out By TOM BONANTI Whether you are searching for the right career, scoping out a new place to live or on the make for a new boyfriend, life is all about making right choices. Building your body also requires you to make key decisions. Finding the right gym, making the time to workout and varying your routines all require proper planning. While these are crucial factors, it’s your nutritional choices that will make or break you. As every fitness enthusiast knows, eating “right” requires knowledge, preparation and planning. Certainly the best nutritional strategy is to shop for and prepare your own healthy meals, consisting of good clean organic foods. There is nothing better than a diet consisting of complex, low-glycemic index carbohydrates, lean fresh protein sources and very low amounts of polyunsaturated fat. While the above plan is a surefire method for success, the reality is, most of us spend a lot of time eating out or eating on the run in restaurants and fast food joints. A few visits to these places every week will pile on the pounds in no time! Here are a few pointers about healthy

restaurant eating that can keep you lean and on track with your fitness goals. Breakfast or brunch on the weekend with friends can be a pleasure. But in one sitting you can literally consume your daily calorie requirements of fats and carbs. Ask for egg beaters when ordering. Avoid bagels and Danish and opt instead for an English muffin or a couple of pieces of whole grain toast. Try unbuttered grits with a little fresh salsa instead of hash browns. And if you have to have bacon or sausage, try not to go overboard. The salt and fat from these processed meats are killers in more ways than one. Grabbing a sandwich for lunch sounds so simple and light doesn’t it? Yet, it’s not just the burgers that are lethal; those deli sandwiches can be just as deadly to your diet. Between those slices of bread lurk some serious calorie pitfalls like mayo, salad dressing, several servings of salty cold cuts and loads of fattening cheese. Choose whole-grain breads or, better yet, a wrap and grilled chicken instead of ham, roast beef, tuna or chicken salad. Order sandwiches dry or with mustard, and instead of cheese, pile on the veggies. Order only half a

sandwich and ask for a simple green salad on the side to help fill you up. You don’t have to avoid pasta at your favorite Italian eatery, but do request a half portion and you’ll save hundreds of calories. Eat pasta earlier in the day so that the carbs fuel the rest of the day’s activities. If it’s available, choose a healthy whole-wheat pasta or spinach pasta for a more fiber-rich dish and pair it with a lean protein grilled portion of chicken or fish. Avoid dishes like ravioli, manicotti and lasagna, where the calorie-dense cheeses will do you in. Order marinara sauce verses high fat choices like alfredo, vodka or Bolognese. Deep six the bread sticks and opt for a green salad or healthy minestrone soup for an appetizer. Sushi is a healthy choice when dining out. Broiled fish, steamed veggies, edamame and tuna, yellowtail and salmon sashimi are all tasty and light Japanese fare. But unless you want to look like a sumo wrestler, steer clear of tempura and agemono, which indicate deep-fried. Avoid sushi rolls made with cream cheese and excess avocado.

Photo courtesy, The Psychology of Fitness

The time you choose to put into your workouts is crucial. Yet it’s what you put into your mouth that will make or break your physique. Dining out doesn’t have to mean pigging out. For more tips on healthy choices, please contact TrainerTomB@aol.com! H

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Tom Bonanti, is a certified personal trainer and owner of Pump’n Inc gym at 1271 NE 9th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Email: TrainerTomB@aol.com Facebook: TrainerTomB. www.pumpnincgym.com


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Have a Fun Staycation! By MICHAEL FRENCH

Every cloud has a silver lining. This recession’s silver lining might be the development of the “Staycation.” (The neologism was added in the 2009 Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.) There are benefits to a staycation. A staycation gives you more hands-on control and offers less opportunity for things to go terribly wrong; lost luggage and inexplicable delays are avoided. A staycation gives you the chance to try out fun local activities during off-peak hours when everyone else is at work. Skip the long lines and spend more time having fun. The money you spend during your staycation will go to support the local economy, which is nothing to sneeze at during a recession. (Isn’t that where it’s needed most anyway?) Make an extra effort to try local, privatelyowned restaurants, shops and attrac-

tions you’ve overlooked. Ever felt “I need a vacation from my vacation?” If the point of a vacation is to relax, why does it often seem many of us spend more of our vacation zooming from place to place exhausting ourselves? A staycation cuts down on travel time and lets us spend the bulk of our holiday relaxing. On a staycation, you can take a day off from adventure and just stay home. You avoid travel-related stress and can be more flexible. A lot of the stress of travel comes from feeling you’re overspending. While you’ll still spend money on your staycation, you’ll feel more relaxed with a smaller budget and unexpected expenses are less likely. Make a sincere effort not to fill your staycation with getting things done around the house, etc.; you’ll end up feeling you wasted your vacation and return to work as if you never took the time off. Floridians are lucky. We have the privilege of living where millions around the world are only able to dream of visiting. Hordes of tourists from the four corners of the globe vacation here to enjoy what too many of us forget or take for granted. From Pensacola to Naples on the west coast, Jacksonville to Key West on the east coast, and scores of interesting cities in between, Florida has something for everyone. Of course,

we can’t forget Orlando with its megatheme parks. Mother Nature has been extremely generous to Florida – Florida has more miles of fantastic beaches than any state. South Beach, Pensacola, Siesta Key and Bahia Honda State Park in the Keys place among the best beaches in the country – even the world – every year. She’s been blessed with the Everglades, spectacular coral reefs in the Keys and stunning sunsets. Besides gorgeous beaches, there are unique nature centers, historical monuments, the Kennedy Space Center and world class museums like the Dali in St Petersburg, with the largest collection of Salvador Dali’s creations outside of Spain. There are endless adventures to explore right here in our own backyard. Seventy five million visitors a year part with billions of their hard earned cash to spend their cherished vacations here. Do they know something we, as Floridians, don’t know, even though this is our home? Imagine Florida through the eyes of a visitor. Hopefully you’ll gratefully rediscover her and all the wonders she offers you not just when you’re on vacation, but all year long. Most importantly, have fun! Make a “bucket list” of things you’ve wanted to do close to home but have never done and DO them!

The Salvador Dali museum in lovely St. Petersburg, FL

Photo courtesy, thedali.org

Calling Florida “Home” is our beautiful reality and just a faraway fantasy to those millions that would love to walk in our shoes. H

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Michael French, is Agenda’s Home from Home columnist. Contact Michael at mf7954fla@gmail.com


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East Coast Modernism

Miami and NYC hotels take center stage in contemporary hotel design trends. By PAUL RUBIO Dream South Beach Earlier this month, South Beach woke up to some new, fabulous crash pads. The Collins Ave. newbie, Dream South Beach (www.dreamsouthbeach.com; 305.673.4747), merges sexiness, eclectic modernism, historic preservation and a bit of South Beach big pimpin’ smack in the center of beach’s renowned party zone. Dream delivers the full throttle “scene-y” beach hotel experience within two sensationally refurbished, archetypal Art Deco buildings, and has quickly gained status as the beach’s latest “it” hotel. Given the size constraints of the original 1939 Art Deco building, the rooms are primarily boutique-sized. But the Dream team has worked magic on the interiors, instituting meticulous design details that include colored bed lighting for a trippy fantasia atmosphere, glass closets, dramatic chandeliers in every room and warm hardwood floors. These seductive rooms are indeed made for friends (or the right couple) searching for fast times in America’s sexiest city. They’re perfect for pre- and post-parties, getting your freak on, and mentally escaping everything familiar. In total, Dream is the key element of the quintessential South Beach equation (brag-worthy hotel + perfect tan + awe-

some eats and cocktails + wild nights + extreme hangovers = amazing memories). Given its ideal location on Collins Ave. and 11th Street, the silky sands, ocean blues and bulging Speedos of Florida’s most prolific gay beach are just a block away. Of course, when the Speedo scene becomes too overwhelming, you can bronze your bod on the hotel’s beach chairs at Dream’s designated slice of sugarloaf coastline. Naturally, this coolio hotel provides complimentary beach gear “to go,” available at front desk, like towels and sun lotion. And if you choose (and at many points, you will), you can simply chill at the Palm Springs inspired roof top pool. The crowd is easy on the eyes to say the least, and there’s ample pool and lounge space for sun, fun and splashing. When hunger calls during breakfast, lunch, dinner, rooftop or poolside, the Tudor House, Geoffrey Zakarian’s latest trendsetting eatery, is always at your disposal. And, trust me, you’ll become obsessed with the homemade Oreos and the buttered popcorn milkshakes!

the Gansevoort Park Avenue boasts some of the city’s biggest crash pads, furnished to the contemporary nines with some classic jaw-dropping views of the NYC skyline. Since the original Gansevoort redefined the NYC rooftop experience with its trendsetting pool set-up circa 2006, it was only natural for the Gansevoort Park Avenue to take the rooftop experience to the next level five years later. The hook: a pioneering tri-level rooftop extravaganza with sensational views of the Empire State building, insane, glass bottom floors that project over Park Avenue, and the city’s only combination indoor-outdoor heated pool. But the hotel doesn’t just push the envelope of architecture and design with this new breed of tri-level rooftop experience. The rooms and other common spaces are sheer modern luxury, too. The dramatic floor to ceilings windows

lend to the vertical rapture every NYC visitor longs for. Furnishings are funky and colorful without overpowering the room’s hipster sophisticate essence. Erotic photography on the room walls ramps up the hotel’s sexy factor, as does the sexually charged mosaic lining the pool floor and the bar’s handsome wait staff. What’s more is that the service level stands on par with the city’s exalted five star properties – something you don’t often find in New York’s younger, trendier hotels. With its central location between uptown and downtown, and east and west sides, the most important locales in the city are a mere short walk or subway ride away. Gayborhoods, haute cuisine, NYC carb comas (hello bagels, pizza and black and white cookies), trendy watering holes and Broadway shows … the best of NYC is just around the corner. H

The Tudor House is located at the Dream South Beach hotel in SoBe.

Gansevoort Park Avenue One year after making headlines as Park Avenue’s divine debutant, the Gansevoort Park Avenue (www.gansevoortpark.com, 877.830.9889) is still queen of midtown east. Strikingly different from its Meatpacking counterpart,

The Blue Room at the Gansevoort Park Avenue hotel in New York City

A Junior Suite at Dream South Beach A hotel room at the Gansevoort Park Avenue

Photos courtesy, Tudor House, Gansevoort Park Avenue, Dream South Beach


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ACCOMMODATIONS

CLASSIFIEDS

keted across america - around the world. LIVE DJ events are also offered in south florida & beyond for talented mixers. Our music format is "dance, gay club, pop & electronica." We broadcast - stream on the internet 24/7 & reach millions of listeners worldwide. Email; DjJared.MyGayRadio@gmail.com

LICENSED MASSAGE

2/1 CONDO ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF WILTON MANORS. Pool, located on the canal, dead end street; near I-95 and Oakland Pk Blvd. Dish washer. Includes cable and water. Coin laundry machines located on property. $800/month. Call (954)937-3872.

NEW MIAMI BAR - A Beautiful and upscale New Gay Bar located in the heart of Downtown Miami is opening soon - we are looking for Barbacks, Security, Bartenders, Cocktail Servers, DJ's, MC, VIP Host, Cashier, Male Dancers. Also looking for an experienced Bar Mgr. and Dance Mgr. Excellent Pay and benefits. Send Photos, Resume, Contact Info to: newmiamiclub@gmail.com

RENTALS / FTL WILTON MANORS 2/1 DUPLEX - CAC, tile floors, fenced yard, plenty of parking! Pets OK! $895/mo. F/S (954)608-8305

NIGHTCLUB POSITIONS - TWIST - The popular gay bar in South Beach seeks responsible applicants with experience for all positions. Email resume to Valentino@twistsobe.com

ROYAL PARK - Near Wilton Manors 1BR/1.5BA, $825$900/mo. 2BR/2BA, $950 - $1100/mo. Gated Security, Clubhouse, Pools, Gym, Sauna and Steam room. Pets OK. Cable/Water/Trash included. Call Naim Naqi, Broker/ SFG, Realtors (954)565.2025

SOUTH BEACH - Part time sales associate for adult bookstore. Send resume to kdbstyle@yahoo.com RETAIL SALES POSITION - full or part-time available immediately! Call (954)873-3889

COMPUTER SERVICES **OPTIMA** COMPUTER REPAIR - COMPLETE IN HOME SERVICE. Get the best performance, protection & value from your computer investment, *A+ Hardware & OS CERTIFIED. *Friendly, professional, RELIABLE service. Reasonable rates. Call Mike (954) 817-3883

WILTON MANORS - 9 Unit gay complex 1/1 - 129 NW 25th Street. Clothing optional Pool, tile floors, private patio/yard. No dogs. $715/mo. F/S (954)326-9096

HOME IMPROVEMENT Derek’s 24 HR HANDYMAN SERVICE. Introducing our new cabinet shop! For all your custom made cabinetry countertops laminates. YOU MUST SEE OUR WORK, just ask our clients. All electrical to code; ANY & ALL plumbing work, Drywall finish work / repair. Crown / baseboard pro-install, interior / exterior painting, demo work, Pressure washing, Decor tile install, Complete home up-dates. For large jobs, 4-man crew available. WE CAN HANDLE IT ALL! Instant call back, direct service response. No job is ever too small. Excellent references. Derek (954) 825-5598 or E-mail: DerekGallaway@att.net

IMPERIAL POINT - Well-maintained, quiet 1 bedroom apartment in Georgian Court complex on NE 62nd Street. Convenient to downtown, beach and Wilton Manors. Nice grounds and pool. $700/ month. Call owner: (917)334-1146 WILTON MANORS 2/1 - Walking distance to the Drive! Huge living room and closets, terrazzo floors, CAC, patio, parking. $950/mo. F&S (954)566-8049 FT LAUDERDALE-GAY COMPLEX - 2BR /1BA, Completely renovated, tile throughout, all appliances brand new, including microwave and W/D in unit, multi-zone dimmable lighting system, keyed private gated entry, privacy fence front & back, quiet tropical garden setting, close to downtown, Riverwalk entertainment district, & I-95, pets welcome, plenty of parking $1,100/mo. Call (954)817-7877 or (954)760-4631

PLACE TO PALACE Home improvement and handyman services. Best rates, and smart solutions. Drywall, Painting, Tile, Doors, Wood Decks, Masonry, Purgolas, and Ceiling Fans. Turn windows into doors! Truck available for yard clean-up or apartment maintenance and moves. FREE estimates! Lic. & Ins. CC#11-FC-16297-X Cert. Ctrl#11-18694 Call Ben (954)565-9674 MASTER ELECTRICIAN - Indoor/Outdoor lights, meter and service changeovers, generator hook-up, 24 hour emergency service Licensed and Insured. LIC. CONTRACTORS BUILD CONFIDENCE! Gay owned. Lic#02CME2027X Call David or Dennis (954)665-0417

COUNSELING A MIND AT PEACE/ THERAPEUTIC SERVICES/ RON "DOC" CHAMBERS, MSW (954) 627-0103 1975 East Sunrise Blvd., Suite 629 Fort Lauderdale. HIV Related Issues /Anxiety /Depression /Schizophrenia /Relationship Problems /Anger Management Problems /Same-Sex Battering /Domestic Violence. Most Insurance Accepted /Credit Cards Accepted.

DENTAL EMPLOYMENT ATTENTION; ARE YOU A HOT NEW DJ LOOKING TO HAVE YOUR MIXES BROADCASTED ACROSS THE GLOBE? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A DJ SHOW WEEKLY TO PROMOTE YOUR TALENTS? If so, we are accepting DJ mixes & resumes. This is your chance to be promoted & mar-

LAWN & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE - For all of your landscaping needs from interior to exterior including clean up and plant care at reasonable prices, call Daniel at Exotic Landscaping 954-520-9140. Licensed and bonded. We also do property management on large and small properties.

LICENSED MASSAGE PROFESSIONAL THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE - Deep Tissue, Swedish, Reflexology, Stretching, Mon-Sun, 10AM-8PM. In/Out Calls. NON-SEXUAL. Ft Lauderdale. Call Robert (954)494-2372 Lic.# MA 19604 AWESOME MASSAGE BY JIM - Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and Lomi Lomi Massage. All in a very comfortable, relaxed and Private Massage Studio conveniently located On the SE Corner of Oakland Park Blvd and Federal Hwy - Nationally Certified and Licensed MM22293 www.massagebyjim.com or call Jim Libonati (954)600-5843 info@massagebyjim.com RECESSION RELIEF - $40/90 MINS! LEAVE YOUR STRESS UP TO ME. Out calls higher. Let Denny make you feel like a Queen. Couples discounts, seniors welcome. New location: Delray Beach. 16 yrs experience. MA 18563. Denny (561) 502-2628.

RENTALS / FTL SOUTH MIDDLE RIVER - Charming studio apt. featuring lush landscaping, parking, and laundry facilities. POOL, friendly neighbors and roaming peacocks add to the fun! $595/mo. Utilities included! Brad (954)200-0166

PT / FT ADVERTISING ASSOCIATE NEEDED - We are a streaming / internet LGBT radio station, south florida based. This a commissioned sales position. For more info do contact us via email; Info.MyGayRadio@gmail.com

AUTO

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MOVING ELITE RELOCATION MOVING & STORAGE We've provided quality moves for over 30 years. It's always a smooth move when you choose Elite Relocation. Contact us today at (954)975-8660 - www.elitemoving.com RED BOX MOVING - OWNER IN TRUCK ON EVERY MOVE. CALL NORBERT DIRECTLY. Affordable, Reliable, Careful. MV#567/INSURED. (954) 305-9176 or (561) 506-5540 www.redboxmoving.com GUYS and DOLLIES. Moving * Storage * Packing * Crating * Shipping. “A” Rated Member of the BBB Register Movers since 1976. Major credit cards accepted. For free price quote, Call (954) 566-1270

PET SITTING

LAKERIDGE - Extra-Large studio w/ private entrance and parking! Walk to the Drive! Includes all utilities! Only $695/mo. F/L Call (954)553-8616 LAKERIDGE - very nice loft-style 2BD/1BA, new kitchen w/marble, CAC, W/D, private yard and parking, tile thru-out. Just minutes from Wilton Drive! Includes all utilities $1495/mo. F/L Call (954)553-8616 LAKERIDGE ROOM FOR RENT - Room w/ private entrance in a very nice home. Small refrigerator, private bath. Parking. Behind J. Marks restaurant. 4 mins to Wilton Manors! Call (954)553-8616 WILTON MANORS AREA - very nice 2/1, CAC, tile floors, private patio & parking, W/D hook-ups, dishwasher, hurricane windows, gated entry. $1,000/mo. F/L/S Call (954)682-9428

FURNISHED / RENTALS / FTL PERFECT RELOCATION RENTALS – 3-6 MONTHS From $295/week & $1100/month Beautiful Studio, 1 & 2 BR Apts. Turn key, fully furnished & equipped, clothing optional pool, laundry, parking. Close to Gay & Nude Beaches. Pets Welcome. Includes utilities, cable, telephone, Wi-Fi Internet. 954-927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com

ROOMMATES OAKLAND PARK 3/2 TO SHARE – Large room 11 X 17, huge closet, shared bath, pool, spa, tiki bar, W/D, CAC, parking. $650/mo. all utilities included. w/ cable and internet! No drunks/drugs, must love dogs. Ref req. Available 8/1 Call (954)980-1123 ROOM FOR RENT ON THE WATER! Private entrance and bath. Light cooking, no car preferred. Walk to Wilton Drive. No smokers please. $550/mo. everything incl. call (954)5667258 or (954)821-3091

SPIRITUALITY

H FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FLORIDA AGENDA CLASSIFIEDS CALL KEITH CHAMLEE AT 954-903-4781 H

THE PARISH OF STS. FRANCIS & CLARE 101 NE 3rd Street - just North of Broward Blvd. and E of Andrews Ave. Mass Times: Sat @ 5 PM; Sun @ 10:30 AM; Wed @ 7 PM. Where we welcome and appreciate diversity - a progressive community in the Catholic tradition. (954)731-8173; www.stsfrancisandclare.org DIGNITY FT LAUDERDALE - Roman Catholic Mass every Sunday 7 PM at Holy Angels CC 2917 NE 6th Ave, Wilton Manors. Monthly socials and more. There is always room at our table. Dignityftl@bellsouth.net.


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SPIRITUALITY CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRITSONG Welcomes you to come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am and every Wednesday night at 8 pm. We meet at the SpiritSong Worship Center at 2040B North Dixie Highway Suite 3 in Wilton Manors (Building B on Equality Park Campus, behind the Pride Center). God loves you just the way He made you. Come discover His purpose for you. For more info: (954) 418-8372, info@cohss.com, www.cohss.org.

UPHOLSTERY GOLD COAST UPHOLSTERY - Re-upholstering, Cushions, Throw pillows, Large selection of fabric to choose from or bring in your own fabric. Broward / Dade. Palm Beach. Call Edgar (954) 491-4937

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