Photo courtesy, Keith Chamlee
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 1
Photo courtesy, inewp.com
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 H ISSUE #96 H FLORIDAAGENDA.COM A MULTIMEDIA PLATFORMS COMPANY
TM
CAFÉ SEVILLE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
AUSTRALIAN PASSPORTS TO ALLOW “INTERMEDIATE” GENDER NEWS: PAGE 8
PROFILE: PAGE 35
H Florida’s Largest LGBT Newspaper and Entertainment Source H
Newsline n
FORT LAUDERDALE
WOMEN OF COLOR Rainbow Ladies-Our Space, Beta Phi Omega Sorority, Arrow Inc., will sponsor a Health Expo on Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Pride Center at Equality Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Courtesy, careresource.com
PAGE 7 n
MIAMI
Courtesy, soulofmiami.org
PAGE 7 n
CENTRAL FLORIDA
PROJECT NUNWAY
Earth Does Not Implode At 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, September 20, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) was no longer the law of the land in the United States allowing lesbians and gays to serve openly in the United States military. Last ditch efforts by the Republican Party to detain the repeal of DADT due to “paper work problems” failed to stop the repeal of the act that the U.S. Congress passed,in a lame duck session last November. It was signed into law by President Obama immediately prior to their December recess. President Obama issued a statement early Tuesday morning concerning the repeal of DADT: “Today, the discriminatory law known as ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is finally and formally repealed. As of today, patriotic Americans in uniform will no longer have to lie about who they are in order to serve the country they love. As of today,
Local Historian Looks to Chronicle Our History with Community’s Help By BOB KECSKEMETY
PAGE 33 Courtesy, mrsisters.com
n
BOOT SCOOTIN’ WEEKEND
Courtesy, dudealicious
PAGE 33
Photo courtesy, Bob Kecskemety
Country Weekend with the FGRA runs from Sept. 23 to Sept. 25 at the Sawmill Campground. Country singer Judy K, guest DJ’s Rodd & Ron and much more!
‘DADT ENDS’ continues on Page 9
Broward County LGBT Community History Project
Orlando Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence present a fashion show on Fri., Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. at the Parliament House benefitting Hope & Help Food Bank.
BAY AREA
By JAMES MICHAELS
our armed forces will no longer lose the extraordinary skills and combat experience of so many gay and lesbian service members. And today, as Commander in Chief, I want those who were discharged under this law to know that your country deeply values your service. “I was proud to sign the Repeal Act into law last December because I knew that it would enhance our national security, increase our military readiness, and bring us closer to the principles of equality and fairness that define us as Americans. Today’s achievement is a tribute to all the patriots who fought and marched for change; to Members of Congress, from both parties, who voted for repeal; to our civilian and military leaders who ensured a smooth transition; and to the professionalism of our men and women in uniform who showed that they were ready to move forward together, as one team, to meet the mis-
Photo courtesy, athensonline.com
OLGA TAÑÓN The five-time Grammy Award winner will perform at the first-ever Celebrate Orgullo on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 12th Street & Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. This event is open to the Public!
DADT Ends
Fred Frejes, local historian and professor at Florida Atlantic University, is preparing to chronicle the history of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s LGBT community’s history. He is looking for the community to help him with this project. “Part of it has to do with that fact that I live here,” said Frejes when asked why he was interested in writing a book about our local history. “Fort Lauderdale is a very important and an almost unique community. The lesbian and gay community in Greater Fort Lauderdale is a resort community – tourist community – and resorts are something that are really becoming the hallmark of our culture. It’s a gay community built around tourism. “The other thing is that it’s by the beach and physically it’s different from most other gay communities. It’s close to the beach and people move down here because of that. “Also, this is a community where a lot of lesbian and gays are moving to. This is like the second-to-last chapter of the
Stonewall Riots story. The ideas of [the Stonewall] generation that was there then are now calling South Florida home.” Frejes was born in Illinois and went to Georgetown University, Michigan State University and the University of Illinois. He received his PhD in Communications Research at the University of Illinois and taught at Wayne State University in Detroit for four years and has been a visiting professor at the University of Wisconsin, the University of Iowa and the University of Illinois. In 1986, Frejes moved to South Florida and arrived at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton in the Communications and Multi-Media Studies Department, and became the director of the graduate program. Three years ago, Frejes stepped down as Director of the University’s Honors Program after fifteen years. Frejes’ research started out mostly involving international communications with a particular focus on Latin America. ‘LGBT HISTORY’ continues on Page 9
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 2
2
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 3
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
H
3
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 4
4
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 5
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
H
5
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 6
6
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 7
NEWS
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
Nadine Smith Attends Dinner with Obama ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Equality Florida's Executive Director Nadine Smith attended a private dinner with President Obama. She was among 30 or so community leaders and political activists invited for a Q & A. Nadine took the time to thank President Obama for his efforts to pass anti-hate crimes legislation, the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” while urging an end to anti-LGBT discrimination in health care. She also urged further action to stop marriage and employment discrimination. “I was able to talk one-on-one with the President about the challenges my family faces and the complexity of gaining or losing protections for my wife and my son as we cross state lines.” H
Robert Hofmann to Present New Book at Stonewall National Museum & Archives FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – Robert Hofmann, author and humorist, comes to Stonewall National Museum & Archives, Tuesday, October 11 at 7 p.m. Robert Hofmann grew up in New Jersey, and what a wild, crazy and wonderful life he has had. Between his family and his friends, he guides the reader through many exciting episodes of his history. It is wickedly bitchy and hilarious! His first two books, “An Ordinary Madness” and “Surrounded by Insanity,” introduced his unique brand of humor. In his newest book, Robert Hofmann takes us on yet another wild ride into hilarious world. Hofmann doesn't mind telling tales out of school. Among his chapters are those devoted to trailer trash, hot in leather, love and loss, parties, friends and “not-so-close friends,” making for hilarious fun. The Stonewall National Museum & Archives is located at 1300 East Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. This event is free and open to the public. H
Women of Color Health Expo WILTON MANORS, FL – Rainbow Ladies-Our Space, Beta Phi Omega Sorority, ARROW, Inc. (Area Resource and Referral Organization for Women: Targeting LBT Women’s Health) will be holding a Women of Color Health Expo on Saturday, September 24 at the Pride Center at Equality Park, 2040 N Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This health expo offers education and screening resources for lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (LBT) women of color, an underserved and at risk population for many health challenges. This is an historic event as there has been no prior health promotion activity undertaken within Southeast Florida explicitly for this population. Federally-funded research has shown that LBT women
experience barriers to health care which create many high risks including: breast cancer, gynecological cancers, heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes and impaired mental health. Organizations which will offer health promotion education and screenings at the event include: Broward County Department of Health, Memorial Regional Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital, Broward Community and Family Health, YWCA Family Wellness Program, Community Life Support, The Beautiful Gate plus others. The following are areas of specific focus: 1) breast and cervical cancer, 2) hypertension, 3) diabetes, 4) STDs and HIV infection. In addition, alternative and complementary medicine practitioners will be present. Free clinical breast exams will be provided, as well as screening for HIV infection, plus blood sugar and cholesterol. As special opportunities, “stress busters” and self-defense workshops for women will also be presented. All women are welcome to attend this event and receive health promotion information plus free prevention screening. H
IGLTA Expands Board of Directors FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) recently added two board members: Rika Jean-Francois of ITB Berlin, one of the world’s leading travel trade shows; and Marta Dalla Chiesa, founding director of Brazil Ecojourneys. Both are longtime professionals in the tourism industry. “ITB Berlin is the first tourism trade show to have a representative on the board of this remarkable association and is ready to give LGBT tourism the platform it deserves,” she said. “This is a great chance to develop new markets and to fight for human rights in tourism.” Marta Dalla Chiesa, whose tour operation is based in Florianopolis, Brazil, is returning for her second term as a board appointee. “This is not only a recognition of my efforts for the organization but also a good sign that the current board values the diversity of the IGLTA membership,” she said. “I hope to continue to push forward in the association the issues dear to our Latin American, lesbian and small business members.” The IGLTA is the leading global organization dedicated to connecting businesses in the LGBT tourism industry. Its membership spans 85 countries and consists of accommodations, airlines, tour operators, travel agents, destinations, media and other key players in the tourism industry. IGLTA was founded in 1983. For more information, visit www.lgbt.travel and follow them on facebook, twitter and foursquare. H
Florida Domestic Partnerships Act Introduced in Both State Legislative Chambers TALLAHASSEE, FL – A bill that would provide domestic partnership pro-
tections to committed couples throughout Florida has been filed in both chambers of the legislature. State Rep. Mark Pafford (D-West Palm Beach) filed the Domestic Partnerships Act (HB-139) last week in the House. Senator Eleanor Sobel (D-Hollywood) is the Senate sponsor. The filing comes as more local municipalities have adopted these vital workplace protections that are often the only means for gay couples to get health care benefits. “It is only sensible that we do all we can to attract and retain the best and brightest to work in Florida and to grow businesses here,” Rep. Pafford said. “By recognizing domestic partnerships, we will take a leap forward in improving our economy and the manner in which our residents are treated. It makes good economic sense, it is sound personnel policy, and it is the right thing to do.” Florida currently ranks 7th in the nation, with 6.7 million people living in communities that recognize domestic partnerships. Rep. Pafford’s bill would make these protections and responsibilities available to all couples statewide. Nearly 60% of Fortune 500 companies and a majority of Florida’s universities offer domestic partner benefits in order to attract and retain the best and brightest employees. “Equality Florida is proud to work with Rep. Pafford and Sen. Sobel to provide these important protections to Florida’s domestic partners, gay and straight,” said Mallory Wells, public policy director for Equality Florida. “Equality Florida has also been working with municipalities across the state, as well as private employers, including Pepsico, Citibank, BlueCross BlueShield of Florida and Wells Fargo, who offer domestic partner benefits because they recognize that workplace inequities create obstacles to attracting and retaining top talent.” The Domestic Partnerships Act would grant individuals in a domestic partnership the same benefits and responsibilities currently available through marriage. The Senate version of the bill is SB 166. "I'm proud to have filed this bill over the past three years to draw attention to disparities in the workplace. Equality Florida has done a remarkable job getting these provisions approved in places like Ft. Lauderdale; St. Cloud; Tallahassee; Miami-Dade and Orange counties. Now it is time to ensure this basic fairness all across our state,” said Sen. Sobel. H
Olga Tañón to Headline “Celebrate Orgullo” MIAMI BEACH, FL – Five-time Grammy Award winner Olga Tañón will perform at the first-ever Celebrate Orgullo on Saturday, October 1st at 12th Street and Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Celebrate Orgullo, a free and open to the public event, celebrates the diverse cultural heritage and contributions of South Florida’s LGBT Hispanic community. It will take place from noon to 6 p.m. and coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month. The Latina superstar has been a force
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
H
7
in Latin Music ever since she recorded “Sola,” her first solo album in 1992. With millions of albums sold and countless gold, platinum and multi-platinum certifications, she has brought audiences to their feet in some of the most important venues around the world. Tañón is one of the few artists who has seamlessly crossed all boundaries and flawlessly transitioned among the various genres of Latin music. H
Dolphin Democrats Issue Statement on the Ending of DADT FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – Ron Mills, president of the Dolphin Democrats, issued a statement on the repeal of the ban on openly-gay members serving in the military: “Our nation was founded on the concept of equality for all, and yet equality for gay and lesbian Americans is still a work in progress. Today, with the end of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ those gay and lesbian Americans who wish to serve their country without hiding their true identities finely have equality. “As Commander in Chief, I have always been confident that our dedicated men and women in uniform would transition to a new policy in an orderly manner that preserves unit cohesion, recruitment, retention and military effectiveness,” President Obama said in July. “As of September 20, service members will no longer be forced to hide who they are in order to serve our country.“ All ten of Florida’s congressional Democrats in the House voted to repeal the ban late last year, joined by Republicans Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Lincoln Diaz-Balart. We thank them for recognizing that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” had to go. We also thank Senator Bill Nelson for his vote against the ban. “The Dolphin Democrats have been out front in fighting for repeal, working with the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus and National Stonewall Democrats. But this should not be seen as a partisan victory – rather, it is a victory shared by all Americans that underscores our true values. “There are still many more key pieces of legislation lingering in Washington guaranteeing the LGBT community is ensured equality, but today we will celebrate the repeal of the discriminatory ban on openly gay men and women serving in the military. H
University GLBT Students Want Their Own Residence Floor CEDAR RAPIDS, IO – Members of the GLBT community at the University of Iowa are pushing for their own residence hall floor. According to the Cedar Rapids Gazette, the university’s GLBT Allied Union Executive Board is working with the University Housing and Dining to open the floor for the 2012 school year however, 50 students must sign up to live on the floor before a final determination Continues on NEWS on Page 8
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 8
8
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
Continued from NEWS on Page 7
can be made. So far, only 10 students have signed up. Currently none of the three state universities in Iowa offer residence halls, or floors, exclusive to GLBT students. H
NCAA Opens Door for Transgender Athletes SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced that it has approved an important policy that clarifies opportunities for transgender student athletes to participate on college athletic teams in accordance with their gender identity. The NCAA, which governs sports for more than 1,200 colleges and institutions, worked closely with the National Center for Lesbian Rights’ Sports Project and Griffin Educational Consulting to develop the policy, which according to the announcement “will allow a transgender student athlete to participate in sex-separated sports activities so long as the athlete’s use of hormone therapy is consistent with the NCAA policies and current medical standards.” A transgender male student athlete who has a medical exception for testosterone hormone therapy may compete on a men’s team, but is no longer eligible to compete on a women’s team without changing the team status to a mixed team. A transgender female student athlete who has taken medication to suppress testosterone for a year may compete on a women’s team. Under the new policy, transgender student athletes who are not undergoing hormone therapy remain eligible to play on teams based on the gender of their birth sex and may socially transition by dressing and using the appropriate pronouns that match their gender identity. H
New Hampshire’s Pro-Gay Governor Won’t Seek Reelection CONCORD, NH – Governor John Lynch, who signed New Hampshire's marriage equality bill into law in June 2009, said he won't seek another term. Lynch made the announcement last week well ahead of the state’s June 2012 filing period, putting to rest speculation about his intentions and opening up the field. The popular 58-year-old governor survived a GOP sweep of the state’s top offices in 2010. Many believe he's the most formidable Democratic candidate the party could offer. H
Former Veep Maintains Pro-Same-Sex Marriage Stance NEW YORK, NY – Former Vice President Dick Cheney has been hitting the talk show circuit recently hawking his new book, “In My Time.” Cheney, who appeared on the ABC show “The View” last week with his wife Lynne, restated his stance in favor of same sex marriage, a stance that goes against his loyalty to the Republican Party. Mary Cheney, daughter of the former Vice President, is
NEWS
openly lesbian. Barbara Walters asked Lynne Cheney what she thinks of gay marriage. After explaining that her daughter Mary is partnered with Heather Poe, Lynne Cheney said, “I think that whatever Mary and Heather decide to do is up to Mary and Heather.” Walters: “So, you’re not against gay marriage.” “That's right,” said Cheney. “Do you agree with that?” Joy Behar asked the former Vice President. “Yes,” answered Cheney. “I think freedom means freedom for everybody and you ought to have the right to make whatever choice you want to make with respect to your own personal situation.” The former Vice President dodged a question on whether he believed that same-sex marriage should become a federal law. Cheney has publicly supported marriage equality for more than two years now. In June 2009, at an appearance at the National Press Club, he said that he thought it should be handled on a stateby-state basis. H
cates to also be altered without the prerequisite of surgery. H
G.O.P. Continued to Postpone Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a last ditch effort to prolong “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the House Armed Services Committee wrote a letter to Secretary of Defense Leon Pannetta asking the Pentagon to postpone the scheduled repeal of the ban against open gay and lesbian service. According to Think Progress, the committee charged that the government’s decision to certify the end of the policy on July 22 was “inaccurate” because the House had “not received copies of the revised regulations and a summary of all the specific policy changes.” The Pentagon has denied the request, saying, “The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ will occur, in accordance with the law and after a rigorous certification process, on September 20. Senior Department of Defense officials have advised Congress of changes to regulations and policies associated with repeal. We take that obligation seriously.” H
Oregon G.O.P. Removes Anti-LGBT Language from Platform Ellen and Portia Get PORTLAND, OR – The Oregon State Comedy Pilot Deal
Republican Party has pushed through changes in its 2012 Oregon Party Platform that has stripped it of antiLGBT language. This is a shift toward the political center in a state where the G.O.P. has struggled for years. The wording removed essentially condemned same-sex marriage and civil unions and stated that LGBT couples were unfit to be parents. The Republican Party, which was once dominant in the state, has since faded in Oregon. Democrats hold every statewide office and no Republican has been elected governor since 1987. The one bright spot is the Oregon House, where Republicans managed a 30-30 split with Democrats last election. Representatives of the Party said they want the next election to focus more on the economy and jobs and not to be sidetracked by social issues. H
Australian Passports to Allow “Intermediate” Gender CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – The Australian government has unveiled its new passport which allows citizens to determine their gender as “male,” “female” or “intermediate” without having to undergo surgery as proof of a sex change. The previous passport required a person whose gender was different from that of their birth to have reassignment surgery before they could change their passport to their preferred sex, and there was no “indeterminate” option. For those who choose the “intermediate” option, an “X” will appear in the gender category of their passport. The move was welcomed by the transgender and intersex community, who called for Australia’s state governments to follow suit by allowing birth certifi-
HOLLYWOOD, CA – According to the Hollywood Reporter, Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi have teamed together for a comedy project which has been awarded a pilot on NBC. DeGeneres’ own A Very Good Production company will produce the still unnamed show with DeGeneres acting as its executive producer. De Rossi will be the star of the series. De Rossi is best known for her roles on Fox’s “Ally McBeal” and “Arrested Development,” and most recently starred on ABC’s short-lived comedy, “Better Off Ted.” All four major broadcast networks were interested in the rights to the show. H
City Councilman Found on Adam4Adam.com DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA – A Desert Hot Springs, California city councilman used a photo of himself taken during a City Council meeting as part of his profile on the sex-searching Adam4Adam website. According to The Desert Sun, the image showed Karl Baker, 70, seated at a council meeting in front of a microphone and his nameplate. The photo did not contain the city’s name or logo. The photo was posted alongside an explicit profile in which Baker, who is single and openly gay, describes himself and the types of sexual activity he is seeking. H
Neil Patrick Harris Gets His Star HOLLYWOOD, CA – Actor Neil Patrick Harris has been awarded with a star on Hollywood’s famous “Walk of Fame.” Harris became nationally known when he played the title role in his first television series, “Doogie Howser M.D.,” and currently stars on the CBS hit “How I
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
Met Your Mother.” H
Mumbai Police Raid Gay Party and Arrest 133 MUMBAI, INDIA – According to the Hindustan Times, police raided a gay party being held last weekend and arrested 133 people on the charge of indecent behavior. The police also arrested the two organizers of the party for not having the required permission to serve liquor. The police said they conducted the raid after they received a phone call around 1 a.m. about loud music being played at the Spanish Villa bungalow. H
Congress Creates First Ever Bipartisan HIV/AIDS Caucus WASHINGTON, D.C. – The first-ever bipartisan congressional HIV/AIDS caucus officially launched on Thursday, 30 years after the human immunodeficiency virus was first identified. Led by House members Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), Barbara Lee (DCalif.) and Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), the group marks the first time Republicans have joined with Democrats to create a group aimed at eradicating AIDS, which has claimed 25 million lives around the globe since 1981. Prior to Thursday, similar groups in Congress contained only Democrats. “It makes a huge difference to have Republicans on board, and I’m really excited about that,” McDermott told The Huffington Post. “As a physician, I traveled in Africa in ‘87 to ‘88, and I saw the disease firsthand, and what it was doing. But when I came to Congress [in 1989], no one was talking about this, and it was a gay man's disease as far as anyone was concerned. I started a task force in Congress to address it in 1992, but it was tough to get people interested, and until today we didn't have anyone on the other side.” As of Thursday, three other Republicans have joined the caucus: House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehitnen, Rep. John Carter and freshman Rep. David McKinley. H
Same-Sex Marriage Threatened in Iowa DES MOINES, IO – According to the Des Moines Register, Iowa Governor Terry Brandstad’s appointment of State Senator Swati Dandekar to the Iowa Utilities Board has threatened the state’s Democratic majority in the Senate. It’s a move that has marriage equality groups concerned the Democrats’ one-seat majority in the Iowa Senate could be eliminated, opening the door for a gay marriage ban. The special election to fill the seat being vacated by Sen. Swati Dandekar of Marion is in a district that has more Republican registered voters than Democrats. If Republicans win, the 50-seat Senate in 2012 will be evenly split. The special election is set for November 8. H
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 9
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
‘DADT ENDS’ Continued from COVER
sions we ask of them. “For more than two centuries, we have worked to extend America’s promise to all our citizens. Our armed forces have been both a mirror and a catalyst of that progress, and our troops, including gays and lesbians, have given their lives to defend the freedoms and liberties that we cherish as Americans. Today, every American can be proud that we have taken another great step toward keeping our military the finest in the world and toward fulfilling our nation’s founding ideals.” Immediately following the official repeal, several events happened in the United States: Navy Lt. Gary Ross married his partner of 11 years, Dan Swezy, in Duxbury, Vermont, at the stroke of midnight just as the military’s ban on gays in the military was officially repealed. Vermont was chosen by the couple because it was in the eastern time zone and the couple would be able to recite their vows in front of family and friends at the first popular moment. The couple traveled to Vermont from their home in Arizona. Vermont was also the first state to allow gays to enter into civil unions and one of six that have legalized same-sex marriage. For months, a faceless and nameless U.S. Air Force member stationed in Germany had been posting YouTube videos for months explaining what it was like living under DADT. At 2:45 a.m. in Germany, 7:45 CT, he produced a new video and posted it on YouTube, showing his face for the first time as he called his ‘LGBT HISTORY’ Continued from COVER
However, Frejes, who was married to a woman for seven years and came out at the age of 30, moved to South Florida and became more interested in LGBT history. Frejes has published three books, but his third book is the first one on LGBT history. The book “Gay Rights and Moral Panic” follows the Anita Bryant anti-gay campaign starting in Miami and moving across the country to California. “In the 1990s, there was a real upsurge in gay history,” explained Frejes. “A lot of people started writing gay history, books were being published by academics and they always mentioned the Anita Bryant campaign but never really talked about what it was like. In fact, there was not real official history – no serious history of the Anita Bryant campaign – so I figured this book was going to fill the void and I wrote it. It got very good reviews in the scholarly journals and the historic journals. The historic journals recognized that this book needed to be written because there was no solid account of the Anita Bryan campaign or the campaigns that came afterwards in Wichita, St. Paul, Eugene and California.” In 1986, Frejes became politically active joining Rand Hoch and others in the formation of the Atlantic Coast Democratic Club; became a member of the Dolphin Democratic Club, and sat on their board at one point in the 1980s, “When only five of us would show up at the meetings,” he added. For his newest project and book, which
NEWS
father in Alabama explaining he was gay. After telling his father of his sexuality, his father made it clear that he still loves him. “I called my dad to tell him the hardest thing that gay guys will ever have to say.” The serviceman still has not released his name but he goes by the YouTube identity of “AreYouSuprised?” At midnight, HBO premiered a documentary, “The Strange History of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.” The cable network described the show as a timely and historical look at gays and lesbians in the military that illustrates the tumultuous evolution of the controversial policy that fostered hate and intolerance within the military and undermined the very freedoms American military defend by forcing its soldiers to lie and live in secrecy. The U.S. Military sent out a letter to all U.S. soldiers throughout the world formally announcing that DADT was over: “Today marks the end of ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.’ The law is repealed. From this day forward, gay and lesbian soldiers may serve in our Army with the dignity and respect they deserve. Our rules, regulations and politics reflect the repeal guidance issued by the Department of Defense and will apply uniformly without regard to sexual orientation, which is a personal
and private matter. “For over 236 years, the U.S. Army has been an extraordinary force for good in the world. Our soldiers are the most agile, adaptable and capable warriors in history — and we are ready for this change... “Accordingly, we expect all personnel to follow our values by implementing the repeal fully, fairly and in accordance with policy guidance. It is the duty of all per-
Frejes calls “The Broward County LGBT Community History Project,” he is looking for volunteers to help with the oral histories and project research. “Since this is associated with a university, there are certain research protocols that we must follow in regards to confidentiality, where we store the data, and we will try to work all that out so that we comply with all the federal requirements,” explained Frejes. Frejes explained that first he needs to develop a chronology and put together a timeline of what happened when and where which means going through public records and getting all the relevant articles written buring 1970s and 1980s from the Sun Sentinel and the then-Fort Lauderdale News. Frejes is also looking for individuals who may be interested in doing individual topics. “A volunteer might be really interested in something like the bars and clubs in the 1980s – which were the big bars and how did they change. Or perhaps they would like to do something about AIDS and the history of the AIDS organizations and the community response to the disease.” “I found that the Ft. Lauderdale community has moved through a number of different phases. I think the first phase, going back to the 1970s and early ‘80s, was all about playing. That’s what really made this place what it was. Then in the ‘80s, it became about AIDS. AIDS became so much of our experience. Then came the AIDS organizations and the fundraisers.
Then in the ‘90s it became about political activism. That’s when we passed the gay rights laws here in Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Miami. Now, it’s about mainstreaming and becoming a community. That’s the route we will follow.” Beyond that, Frejes will be setting up training for volunteers to do oral histories of individuals. He will be looking for people to go out and find the people who have a story to tell. These volunteers will be trained in proper protocol required by the university. ”It’s not rocket science,” said Frejes, “but we need to keep some standards and organization.” Frejes said that the Stonewall National Library and Archives has been an important resource – one that few LGBT communities have. He said that they have records of organizations going back to the ‘70s and has copies of The Weekly News (TWN) that go back to its beginning. Frejes said they are not running the project but he has already been working closely with them. Frejes will also occasionally be holding what he calls “Community Memory Forums.” These will be community meetings where people will come and talk about a topic such as AIDS in the ‘80s. He said that when people sit around and talk about “the old days,” new facts seem to pop up as people’s memories are jarred. He himself will conduct these forums so they will have more of a sense of history instead of people just throwing out their memories.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
H
9
sonnel to treat each other with dignity and respect, while maintaining good order and discipline throughout our ranks. Doing so, will help the U.S. Army remain the Strength of the Nation.” The military also immediately started accepting applications from lesbians and gays. Prior to lifting of DADT, the military spent months updating regulations. Lifting the ban also brought a halt to any and all on-going investigations and discharges that were pending under the old law. Existing standards of personal conduct, such as those pertaining to public displays of affection, will continue regardless of sexual orientation. There will be no immediate changes to eligibility for military benefits. All service members are already entitled to certain benefits, such as designating a partner as a life insurance beneficiary or as a caregiver. The Navy had proposed training chaplains to conduct same-sex civil union on bases located in states where same-sex marriage is permitted. After more than five-dozen lawmakers objected, however, the plan was shelved until the Pentagon completes a review of the issue. H
“There’s a methodology that’s been developed. I would also like to put these things in terms of larger events that were happening so we see the larger picture.” What Frejes doesn’t want is for the final research to be a cheerleader for the LGBT community. He said that he has an obligation to write what he sees and what he finds through the research. “If you really want an honest picture, you have to consider everything and everything is important. For example, there is a really big escort culture here,” he said. “Now, I don’t judge that as good or bad or whatever. It is what it is.” Frejes hopes to hold an official meeting in late October or early November for people and volunteers who are interested in becoming part of the project. At that point, the group will decide in what direction they want to go. “I have an idea of what it should look like and how it should proceed, but I want to make sure people put out their ideas. Frejes envisions that the research for the project will take three to five years. He said that there are many history projects that don’t end, but he plans to take the five years of information that has been gathered for the book. The book itself will take about two years to write. To get the latest information on the project, to volunteer and to share your memories and ideas or just keep up-todate on the project, please search Facebook and LIKE “Broward County LGBT Community History Project.” H
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 10
10
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
OPINION
No Big Gay Parade for DADT This past Tuesday marked the end of the 18year-long policy – “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The policy was introduced as a compromise measure in 1993 by President Bill Clinton who campaigned on the promise to allow all citizens to serve in the military regardless of sexual orientation. Since that time, many have fought for its repeal. Leading the assault on DADT, as it became known, were groups pushing to end the “undesirable” tag that labeled known homosexuals in the military. As the change finally becomes official, there seems to be little fanfare. No planned celebrations at the White House. No street parties like those in NYC as a result of the passing of gay marriage laws. Perhaps this is simply because no one really wants to draw light to the fact that it has taken this long to end a law that has caused such distress, and instilled in our culture the word “shame” being associated with military service. The extent of that shame is further illustrated by the fact that many of the 100,000 “undesirable” former members of the military have come forward to ask that their discharge papers be changed to “honorable.” The Navy has already taken a step in the right direction, reaching out at last to Melvin Dwork, who was expelled from the Navy in 1944, in the middle of World War II, after his own boyfriend in the service reported him. He is now 89. Last month, the one-time corpsman was notified that the “undesirable” discharge on his military record would finally be changed to “honorable.” Dwork says that because of his “undesirable” discharge, he was unable to draw GI benefits and is now in need of an expensive hearing aid that he might be able to afford if he got the pension he deserved. The Navy has said his benefits will be reinstated retroactively, although it’s not clear whether Dwork will receive back pay for the last 67 years. It would be the right thing to do. But can the US even afford such actions? Probably not. In a September 12 letter, Rep. Buck McKeon (R-Calif.), chairman of the U.S.
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
Alex Vaughn
Yet, the fight is not over. Equal rights for all is the aim of this game, not just in the military, but across the board – in marriage, the workplace, schools and universities. Discrimination affects everyone, and while it continues to exist, there is no cause for real celebration. Whilst researching this piece, something else came to mind. I suspect another reason for the quiet acceptance of this historical event is the continuing bigotry within the community. Many people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender still question whether gays should actually be allowed into the military. There was an article in the Florida Agenda before I became its editor about perceptions of the community towards stereotypical gay men and women within certain job roles and the reality of whether the community would even accept them – let alone society as a whole. For instance, would you hire an overly effeminate lawyer to defend you in court? Would you hire a masculine woman to groom you? Like Photo courtesy, cbblog.org it or not, prejudice towards capability something that should go away quietly. is as rife within the community as it is Why celebrate an error in U.S. history? outside of it. That said, go further and ask yourself Rather, as more and more “undesireables” come forward, their stories and anecdotes whether you have thought what so many will allow the nation and the world to put others do, and have yet to say? What do I a personal face on this victory for the mean? Well, military porn, hot sailors, the many service members who can finally be gay old Navy. You with me yet? Do you recognized for their service to this coun- want a man in the military who is concentry. These people are the reason to cele- trating more on the package or emotions of his bunk buddy over his desire to probrate. Ultimately, the end of DADT will go tect his country? Remember the parodies down in history. Unlike Stonewall, howev- of gays in the military where there is one er, it won’t highlight the fights, protests or guy who claims he can’t shoot the enemy, shame. If anything, it will highlight the because he is too cute? Granted, that is good of the US government system: how extreme, but the thought is there. Could one president (Clinton) made steps at you actually stand up against a movement reform and how another (Obama) took the with that as an excuse? Well, it has been baton to the finish line. Is this a very hall- one since WWI! So perhaps the simple reason that there mark view? Yes, absolutely. I studied American History! While we may lament is no fanfare and no big gay parade is the decades it took to implement change, because this law that we all know should the important thing to note is that, in the not be in place is one that we don’t all feel involved in and would rather just let it end, change happened. Quietly, yet with determination, the pass. Yet don't forget a quiet victory is still military is changing its policies and a step in the right direction for the big picretraining its personnel. While this is not ture of equality for all. H something being publicized, it is a task of Alex Vaughn is the Editor-in-Chief of necessity and is being done as the military the Florida Agenda. He can be reached executes many of its missions, with digniat editor@FloridaAgenda.com ty and very little fanfare. House Committee on Armed Services, and Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, urged the Department of Defense to delay proceedings because of “unresolved paperwork problems.” They didn’t succeed and they won’t, because this battle has been won, and for Republicans, it is time to retreat. Any further attempt to overturn the end of DADT will only serve to highlight the movement, and cause light to be shone on
@
Letters to the Editor
Please send all your comments and letters to Editor@FloridaAgenda.com
In response to the Op-Ed, “Forgiveness: The Gift You Give Yourself” in the Florida Agenda, September 15, 2011.
In response to the cover story, “Gays Worse Than Terrorism” in the Florida Agenda, September 15, 2011.
DEAR EDITOR, Thank you for the piece by Sam Knew about forgiveness, it really made me think, I have been holding a grudge for a long time, and just reading the detrimental effects so clearly I have realized I am not punishing him but myself. Thank you again Sam! SINCERELY, CHRIS H
DEAR EDITOR, I was so shocked to read Sally Kern’s comments in last week’s issue. With people like her influencing the judgement of so many it isn’t any wonder that attitudes towards Gay people are still slow to come to the point of equality. I know you guys have a duty to print the breaking news but it was really a wake-up call to see that headline on one of “our” publications. How can someone go around in modern times spouting such utter hateful and cruel statements and not be reprimanded in some way.
Freedom of speech obviously has its major downfalls. Furthermore for her to blame HIV/AIDS solely on gay people is not only cruel and hurtful, it is also completely factually incorrect. If she bothered to do research of even a scratch on the information available she would see that the diseases affects all people, unlike her it does not discriminate. Thank you for printing this, but we must come together to ensure people like Sally don’t have an arena or audience for her venomous speeches! SINCERELY, TROY COOK
FOUNDER MULTIMEDIA PLATFORMS BOBBY BLAIR – CEO / MANAGING PARTNER
PUBLISHER BOBBY BLAIR
EXECUTIVE EDITOR KEVIN HOPPER
EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief ALEX VAUGHN News Writer BOB KESCKEMETY Contributors: KEVIN MILLER, TOM BONANTI, SAM KNEW, MICHAEL FRENCH, TIM SLIVINSKI, PAUL RUBIO, JAMES MICHAELS, ERIC CHRISTIAN, WARREN DAY, JEAN DOHERTY, CHRISTIAN ALEXANDER, AJ CROSS, DAVID STACK, BRAD CASEY, and CLIFF DUNN. Photographer • STEPHEN R. LANG
PRODUCTION Creative Director • DAVE GRIFFITHS
ADMINISTRATIVE General Manager JAMIE FORSYTHE Administrator CHRIS HAMEL
SALES & MARKETING Director of Sales CLIFF DUNN dunn@jumponmarkslist.com - 407-744-1456 Account Executive BRAD CASEY bradc@jumponmarkslist.com - 954-554-4912 Account Executive KEITH CHAMLEE keithc@jumponmarkslist.com - 954-465-1563 Web Sales KEITH NORRIS keithn@jumponmarkslist.com - 727-743-7581 CLASSIFIEDS classifieds@jumponmarkslist.com - 954-903-4781 National Ad Representative RIVENDELL MEDIA: 212-242-6863
EXECUTIVE EDITOR/ FOUNDER OF MARKSLIST MARK HAINES
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.
MAIN OFFICE/ SALES & CLASSIFIEDS: 2157 Wilton Drive • Wilton Manors, Florida 33305 Phone 954-903-4771 • Fax 954.607.5712 www.floridaagenda.com
Printed by Forum Publishing Group (954) 574-5321 © 2011, Mutimedia Platforms LLC. All rights reserved.
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 11
OPINION
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
H 11
Word Play Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell By Christian alexander “Disclosure.” It is one of the few words in the English language that still disturbs me. In fact, it’s right up there with racial slurs, ethnic slurs, the all-to-often used four letter words (f…, sh… etc.), and the word “faggot” (I’ve never cared for either being called one from some uneducated straight person, nor do I like when gay men call each other that word). I was brought up to have some semblance of etiquette and some language just won’t do. My third (and last) “husband,” if you will, and I eventually come to this conversation fairly late in our relationship. We had this old fashioned courtship thing going on, straight out of a good romance novel. From the night we met, there was instant chemistry. It was a fairy tale. (No pun intended. Okay, maybe a little intended.) After having been on several dates, the night came when he took me back to his place. I was elated and terrified at the same time. Here was this stunning, witty, intelligent, charming, talented man. He was interested in ME! He laughed appropriately at all my jokes, and when his lips were pressed against mine, I’d forget all about my HIV and any thing else that was on my mind. He gave me the requisite tour, and
poured some cocktails. I think I managed one sip of my drink and he got out half a sentence before we were literally ripping each other’s clothes off. He gently took my hand and led me to the bedroom. Knowing what was about to happen, I HAD to tell him. I had to “disclose” my health status. Now mind you, we are both half naked in his bed, and I was longing to be with him. Before things could go further, I somewhat abruptly ruined the mood by having “the talk.” We did and it was wonderful – at least for a while. Until, that is, he started to pull away from me. He told me that he was falling for me, but he was too afraid. Afraid he’d become attached to me and I would get sick, or worse the possibility that he could catch it as well. We parted as friends, but there was just too much emotion there and I haven’t heard from him in over a decade. My therapist owes him a pretty sizeable debt of gratitude. I think my issues with this time period paid for his new BMW, but I can’t be sure. But, as ever, I digress. After having been through all this, I began to wonder when the appropriate time was to tell someone I was interested in (and hopefully was interested in me) that I was carrying HIV. Waiting until you are in the bedroom getting ready to be
together is definitely not the route to take. Dinner never seemed to work well either. “Could you pass the salt, oh and by the way” – I tried that once or twice. I had what I thought to be a good conversation about it with one man in particular. I still thought that even after he hadn’t returned from the bathroom after a few minutes. Turns out, he just left. But, at least he had the courtesy to pick up the check on his way out while I sat there oblivious. After I sat there for a good half-hour, angry with my date for having abandoned me, I began to wonder how I would handle that kind of news from someone I had just recently met. Personally, I’ve found it best to just blurt it out when the conversation allows. Better to get it out of the way. If they don’t run for the hills, there are always possibilities. If they stick around,
who knows? The sad thing is, AIDS is a four-letter word. It’s the elephant in the room that no one wants to mention. The community, at least from what I have seen personally, seems to have slipped into a “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” mood. My advice? For what it’s worth, if you are one of the many people in the community with HIV/AIDS … don’t hide it. We’ve all come out of the closet once. Just think of this as the spare-room closet. It may have taken me 17 years to realize, but this is NOT something to be ashamed of. Unfortunately, it is a part of who we are. Granted, it wasn’t a welcome addition. But when you just let it be the unspoken elephant, all you end up with is a lot of peanut shells. Follow your dreams. Once in a while the universe smiles on you! H
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 12
12
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
OPINION
Why Give Obama a Second Term? The United States of America is under a severe political, social and spiritual crisis; and I’m very concerned about the future because we are better than this! While Washington is in ideological gridlock, the U.S. now has the worst income inequality of any industrialized nation. There’s a strong relationship between inequality and social ills and health issues such as homicides, imprisonment, teenage pregnancy, obesity, and mental illness, etc. Thirty years of research comparing each U.S. state, and various countries shows that the greater the inequality, the worse the societal ills. We have a government system that works hard for the big money transnational corporations and the very richest Americans, but not for the rest of us. One of the many ways in which this is evident is in the corporate loopholes which allow the most profitable companies like Exxon to get away without paying any Federal taxes whatsoever! Rather than fixing this, the Republicans want to privatize Social Security and do away with Medicare! The Republicans would rather balance the budget on the backs of the elderly, the sick, the vulnerable, the struggling middle class, etc. This is WRONG and simply immoral! The Republicans hope you don’t know the history of the U.S. tax structure from the beginning of the 20th Century, and how it corresponds to the Great Depression and this Great Recession. The majority of the GOP House (235 as of July, 2011) has signed the Grover Norquist Tax Pledge in which they vow not to increase taxes. Yet, polls show that the American people overwhelmingly support raising taxes on the wealthy. It’s bad for democracy for our elected officials who are supposed to represent all of us to make such a restrictive pledge—unless, of course, you’re among the wealthiest Americans!
You may recall that the Republicans used a hostage situation to coerce President Obama into a compromise that extended the Bush tax cuts for the rich. Why not take the $700 billion that the Republicans want to give in tax cuts to the top 2% of richest Americans, and instead of giving those tax cuts, put it into our crumbling infrastructure? That would guarantee an effective economic stimulus by creating much needed jobs. China is way ahead of us in high speed railway systems while our bridges are collapsing in this country! Republicans call the rich 'job creators,’ but with the Bush tax cuts still in place, I ask: WHERE ARE THE JOBS? It doesn't make any sense to me to give the richest Americans this tax break at a time when our income inequality is the worst that it's been since the Great Depression! Most people forget that the TARP stimulus for the bank bailouts was initiated by former President Bush. Regarding Obama’s stimulus, I agree with economists who say that the stimulus would have had to be twice as big to have had a more noticeable effect on the economy. However, it’s clear that things would have been worse without this stimulus at all. Another way it could have been more effective is if the Republicans hadn't stripped it of its "buy American only" provision. So instead, we are stimulating China! Meanwhile China also had a stimulus plan, but that country had more sense to keep its “buy China only” provision in its plan. It's one of my biggest pet peeves that we've sent all our call centers and manufacturing jobs to India and China in the name of being "competitive in the global marketplace." I understand that corporations are just doing what they have to do to stay competitive, but our politicians, both Democratic and Republican, have opened the door for outsourcing. They have abandoned the road map given to us by
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
By daVid staCK
Alexander Hamilton’s 11-point Plan in his “1791 Report on Manufactures to Congress” that protected American industries. Our insane trade policies only benefit other countries and the transnational corporations. The losers here are mostly middle-class Americans as unemployment increases. We will never have a full recovery until we change the fundamentals! And it's plain to me how and why our policies have changed: The lobbyists, corruption, bribery... our politicians on both sides of the political spectrum have been seduced by the corporations to abandon some of our most basic principles. And we wonder where the jobs have gone in this country. Protectionism -- It's a word unfairly subjected to demagoguery, and yet I strongly believe this country is worth protecting! The Democratic Party isn’t innocent here either. Ross Perot was absolutely right when he said that if Clinton's NAFTA passes we'll hear a "giant sucking sound" of our jobs leaving the country, and that's exactly what happened! Unfortunately it didn’t just stop at NAFTA. In his book, “Rebootint the American Dream, “ Thom Hartmann wrote, “After Reagan blew out our tariffs in the 1980s and Clinton kicked the door off the hinges with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and World Trade Organization (WTO), our average tariffs are now around two percent. The predictable result has been the hemorrhaging of American manufacturing capacity to those countries that do protect their industries through high import tariffs but allow exports on the cheap—particularly China and South Korea. “The irony is that we have abandoned Hamilton’s advice—and our own history— while China, South Korea, Japan, and other nations are following his prescrip-
tions and turning into muscular and prosperous economic entities.” Even though both parties have had their share in laws with incentives for corporations to outsource jobs, the 2010 Democratic House passed a bill that would have used both the carrot and the stick approach to stop the insane trade policies, and bring those jobs back to the U.S. But this bill was blocked by a Republican filibuster in the Senate! Who's working for the American people? The power of corruption and money in politics was given a massive boost by our conservative U.S. Supreme Court in January of 2010 when deciding the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, 558 U.S. 08-205 (2010) case in which they declared corporations as “persons.” Under the guise of “freedom of speech,” Citizens United opened the floodgates for corporate money to influence political campaigns. Not only that, but there's nothing that prevents foreign corporations from influencing our elections! There are three ways to undo a poor decision by the Supreme Court. 1. Wait for the composition of the Court to change 2. For the American people, the president, and Congress to break with the court 3. Amend the Constitution (see www.MoveToAmend.org) The first on the list is the best reason to make sure Barack Obama wins a second term. It is very likely that we will have a chance to change that composition in the next presidential term. The Right Wing has waged war against regulations on banks and corporations. Would anyone want to watch a football game if there were no rules, no goal posts, and no boundaries? Of course not! Remember the BP oil catastrophe in the Gulf ? It was the worst ecological disaster in our nation’s history, and eleven men
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 13
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
died due to lack of regulations. The Wall Street financial collapse in the fall of 2008, which went hand in hand with the housing crisis, was due to lack of regulations on Wall Street and the big banks. I'm not so much for big government as I am for whatever government is necessary for worker safety, protecting children, protecting our environment, as well as consumer protections to keep our nation's economy strong. While the Democrats aren't absolved from supporting deregulation, once again, the Republicans have sold out! They're desperately trying to bring back these same policies that played a major role in the fall of our economy, and THAT'S INSANE! Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) suggests a five-point plan to balance the national budget without hurting the working middle class: 1) End Bush tax breaks to wealthiest Americans. (It's time for SHARED SACRIFICE!) This would bring in $700 billion dollars per year. 2) Establish a millionaire surplus tax of 5.4%. This would bring in $380 billion dollars in the next ten years. 3) End tax breaks for the oil/gas companies. This would bring in $35 billion dollars over the next ten years. 4) Prohibit abusive and illegal tax shelters (i.e. bogus address corporations in the Cayman Islands so they don't have to pay US Federal taxes.) This would bring in $100 billion dollars per year. 5) End tax breaks to companies that outsource their jobs overseas. This would bring in $400 billion dollars in the next ten years. The Republicans are more interested in sabotaging our economy so that the low information voters will think Obama is to blame. What is priority number one for the Republicans? Jobs? The economy? According to the Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), “The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.� The sad thing is, none of what Sen. Sanders proposes will get accomplished if Obama isn't re-elected and if the Democratic Party doesn't win the House back. Until then, the economy won't see a recovery for a very long time! Once again, the Republicans would rather balance the budget on the backs of the elderly, the sick, the vulnerable, and the struggling middle class; and this is WRONG and simply immoral! WHAT CAN WE DO? Due to the corporate person-hood law of Citizens United, in 2012 we're about to see an unprecedented amount of money pouring into this presidential campaign. The big oil industry and any corporation with enough money to crush any candidate standing in the way of their profits are ready. What can we do? Besides your vote, you can get involved. I would be glad to help get you started, or you can simply click on the link below to get started. There are many ways you can help, but just let me know if you need help getting started. H http://www.barackobama.com/getinvolved
OPINION
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
H 13
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 14
14
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
OPINION
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
Cross-Eyed
Food For Thought By AJ CROSS During these economic times, more folks are saving money by making box lunches for work, and cooking dinners at home. I even have found myself watching Julia Child on YouTube while attempting to create the perfect chicken dinner. It seemed to me that eating out came with too high a price tag. That was until I was introduced to my own delicate and beautiful Geisha. I first saw her face as I was walking along Wilton Drive; her face powdered white, lips bright red, with chopsticks in her hair. She was on a lit-up sign over a small new place I had never heard of called “Gaysha New World Sushi Bar.” Obviously the slight play on the name gives homage to the diverse neighborhood in which the new restaurant was placed. I had to check it out. After eating what was the freshest tuna and insanely delicious fresh crab meat I had ever had, as well as small aperitif provided to me compliments of the Chef/Owner, Takeshi Kamioka, I was hooked. When the check came, I thought there had been a mistake for it seemed too inexpensive for what I had just eaten. I was compelled to get to know more about Gaysha so I could let you all in on my new secret on the drive.
I asked Takeshi to explain his concept and how he managed to be so economical while putting out such sensational sushi. He smiled as if pleased I had asked and stated, “I live in Wilton Manors, see a lot of foot traffic and local businesses rather than corporate restaurants or chains. All the little shops around here have their own character and good vibe to them, so I thought I could add to the mix with my unique outlook on food.” Takeshi told me that he's been doing sushi since age 16 and now, nearly 20 years later, he's come to the conclusion that less is more when the ingredients are fresh and each item is masterfully prepared and presented. He commented on the industrial space as well stating, “I admire lofty warehouse industrial looks, because it’s simple and clean. I told the electricians to purposely leave the wiring exposed because it adds to the feel of the place.” I have finally found the perfect quaint sushi bar that won't break the piggy bank and after several visits back to Gaysha Sushi Bar, I can say that my appetite for new, unique, fresh, robust, and eye-popping sushi has been met. Check it out and tell Takeshi that AJ Cross sent you. It won't get you a discount, but with his prices, you won't need it. Happy eating! H
@
Gaysha New World Sushi Bar is located at 2223 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. 954-530-0153.
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 15
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
H 15
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 16
16
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 17
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
H 17
092211 FLAgenda NEWS 1-18_Layout 1 9/21/11 9:59 PM Page 18
18
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:00 PM Page 19
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
H 19
THE STYLE VOICE OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY
Home | Dining | Recipe | Fitness | Out In Florida | Statewide Bar Guide | Film | Community Profile
WHAT’S INSIDE? n this week’s Style & Entertainment, we find out how Joe Esposito has kept Café Seville, family orientated, relevant and loved within the community for 25 years in Community Profile. Michael French asks where civility has gone in Home, and we take on “the big taste of small plates” at PL8 Kitchen in Dining. Warren Day examines the “Good and LGBT” offerings for this season’s movie line-up in Film. Tom Bonanti shows us how “Free Weights Rule,” but that machines still have their place in your workouts in Fitness, and Jean Doherty traces the history of Banana Bread in Recipe. We also have your favorites, Out in Florida and our statewide Bar Guide. Enjoy! H – AV
I
TO EVERY MOVIE THERE IS A SEASON The The Good & LGBT Movies Will Will Come Come Out Out to to Play Play
Film PAGE 20
CAFÉ SEVILLE 25 25 Years Years of of Excellence Excellence
Profile PAGE PAGE35 35
SMALL PLATES FOR BIG APPETITES What What Modern Modern Diners Diners Want Want
Dining PAGE PAGE34 34 FREE WEIGHTS RULE THE LOSS OF CIVILITY IN AMERICA
Machines Aren’t Bad Either!
Decline of Civility Throughout the State
Home PAGE PAGE36 36
Fitness PAGE 37 Photos courtesy, Cross Creek Pictures, Keith Chamleee, insidefortlauderdale.com, carrentals.co.uk, videojug.com,
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:00 PM Page 20
20
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
FILM
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
To Every Movie There Is a Season And Now the Good (and GLBT) Movies Will Come Out to Play By WARREN DAY For at least a couple of decades, the movie year has divided itself into three basic seasons. The first four months of the year – January, February, March, April – is the Dump Season. The major and criticallyacclaimed films having been packed in toward the close of the previous year (to qualify for awards), now give way to the also rans. The new films that are left are largely the ones in which the studios have little faith, so they dump them into these winter months when theater attendance is at its lowest ebb. Next we have the Blockbuster Season – May, June, July, August. This is when the studios pile on the heroic, comic-book, pre-sold sequels and R-rated comedies to ensure they will keep the theater seats and their coffers full. In this third of the year, studios will earn over 55% of their annual boxoffice. For counter-programming, there are usually one or two adult films released in August. This year, it was the wildly-successful, “The Help.” That film cost only $30 million (compared to other summer films with budgets around $175 million), yet “The Help” is likely to earn $150 million—domestically alone. Finally, we have the Award Season, which stretches over the last four months of the year, from September through December. It kicks off with three, very high-profile film festivals where the studios test the critical and
award-worthy waters, namely the Venice Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival, and the Toronto International Film Festival. All three of these have just finished, and among the hundreds of movies on display were most of the key ones expected to pull in the honors from the critics and award groups (of which the Holy Grail is the Oscar® Awards). Only three films released in the first eight months are expected to have a chance to be nominated in the major Oscar categories: “The Tree of Life,” “Midnight in Paris” and “The Help.” Already among the critics, industryinsiders, and would-be opinion makers, there’s a growing consensus on what films stand a chance for the top ten lists, and who will be making acceptance speeches at the Kodak Theater in February. Of those ten, four have GLBT-related content, so this is truly the season when the movies come out. First up, October 7, is “The Ides of March” with George Clooney and Ryan Gosling. Here, I’m making the assumption that the studio wouldn’t be courting the gay press so much if there wasn’t a gay connection. The plot does revolve around a scandal that threatens an attractive presidential candidate (Clooney) and how an idealistic staffer (Gosling) struggles with the moral and political implications. It was seen at all three film festivals I mentioned and received kudos for being a taut thriller that could easily take place in other areas of American life. Then on November 9, we have “J. Edgar,” Clint Eastwood’s film about J. Edgar Hoover who headed the F.B.I or its predecessor for 48 years, welding great power
Rooney Mara in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (left) Ryan Gosling in “The Ides of March” (below left)
over the secrets of this country, but in his lifetime squelched any rumors he was gay (and maybe a cross-dresser). Leonardo DiCaprio plays Hoover, and Armie Hammer, who played the Winklevoss twins in “The Social Network,” plays Clyde Tolson, his deputy and supposed lover. Eastwood has said this is “not a film about two gay guys,” but the original script was written by openly-gay Dustin Lance Black who won an Oscar for writing “Milk.” On December 9, we have the movie theater version of John Le Carré’s great novel, “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy,” starring some of the best actors working today: Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Among these male spies, there are two who’ve had a fervent affair that greatly affects the outcome of the story. Previously dramatized in 1979 as one of the most highly-acclaimed TV mini-series (with Alec Guinness), the filmmakers have seemingly been successful in making a 127-minute version of this complicated story. Premiering in early September at the Venice Film Festival and already showing in England, the reviews have been through the roof and the movie is being heralded as a sure thing for several Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Finally on December 21, the English language version of Stieg Larsson's worldwide best seller, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” reaches theaters. Directed by David Fincher, one of the best directors working today, the advanced word is this may be even better than the well-liked Swedish film version. Daniel Craig plays Mikael Blomkvist, the investigative reporter, and Rooney Mara
Colin Firth in “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” (right) Leonardo DiCaprio in “J. Edgar” (below right)
plays Lisbeth Salander, a bisexual who is also a brilliant computer hacker, and one of the most fascinating fictional characters to emerge in many a year. It may be the first mainstream film to feature a bisexual as its protagonist. The other movies being touted for best of the year include: “The Descendants” with George Clooney (some are already predicting this will win Best Picture), “War Horse,” Steven Spielberg’s version of the book and play, “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Clear,” with Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock, and “The Artist,” a silent film (with music and sound effects) that has charmed critics and already won some awards. So far this hasn’t been a sterling year for movies (“Green Lantern” anyone?), but as usual the best have been saved for the Awards Season, and from the advanced reviews and buzz, we have some excellent ones coming in the final three months. And it appears, at least as of now, that 40% of the best films of the year will have some GLBT content, a fact that will further convince the right-wing fundies that Hollywood is a liberal bastion of iniquity. To which I say, thank God it is! Send comments and questions to AgendaReviews@aol.com. H
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:00 PM Page 21
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
H 21
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:00 PM Page 22
22
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:00 PM Page 23
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
H 23
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:00 PM Page 24
24
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:00 PM Page 25
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
H 25
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:00 PM Page 26
26
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:00 PM Page 27
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 2163 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Relaxing, friendly, hip, unique – the alternative gathering place on Wilton Drive. Wine tastings and events. Tuesday and Wednesday Late Night In the Biz.
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, 7:30 p.m. PARLIAMENT HOUSE 410 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL All gay entertainment complex with 130 newly-remodeled hotel rooms. Cruisy Hotel, Nightclub, Pool Bar, Bear/Leather Bar. NEW PHOENIX 7124 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL Winter Park’s ONLY Gay & Lesbian Bar. Been There Forever! Karaoke every Tuesday and Friday at 9 p.m. Drag shows every Saturday night. Home of the $1 Jello shots. PULSE 1912 S Orange Ave., Orlando, FL Orlando’s Premier Gay Bar & Nightclub with Ultra Lounge, Jewel Box Dance Floor, and Adonis Dancers. Twisted Tuesdays with $10 All-U-Can Drink, College Wednesdays (18+) and 2-4-1 every Friday for Happy Hour. SAVOY ORLANDO 1913 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL “The hottest” gay bar and nightclub in Orlando. The MEN OF SAVOY Dancers from 6 p.m. til 2 a.m. every night in the main bar! Video Bar, Pool Tables.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
H 27
CITY SIDE 3703 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, FL Tampa Bay’s “Best Happy Hour” til Midnight every night of the week. GBAR 1401 E 7th Ave, Tampa (Ybor City), FL Dance Club & Video Bar. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 4 p.m. til 3 a.m. No cover before 10 p.m., $5 after with ID. VALENTINES NIGHTCLUB 7522 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL Voted #1 Nightclub in Tampa. Open 7 days a week 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday, Latin Night, Tuesdays are Boys Night Out, Wednesdays are Karaoke Night, Thursdays, No Cover Dance Party, Fridays feature Hot Go-Go Girls, Saturdays are Latino Night “Uncut” and Sundays are Hip Hop Night. Ki Ki Ki III 1908 West Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL One of The Oldest Bars (beer and wine). A plain bar without pretention with its share of young regulars. RAINBOW ROOM 421 S. MacDill 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 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday Happy Hour ($1 off) 11 a.m to 9 p.m. 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 2 p.m. til 9 p.m. 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 9 p.m. and drink specials every day til 9 p.m.
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.
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:00 PM Page 28
28
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:01 PM Page 29
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
H 29
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:01 PM Page 30
30
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:01 PM Page 31
FLORIDA BAR GUIDE
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
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 three bars and a friendly staff. Everyday is a different special. A fun place anytime. Full Liquor bar. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except for special events. KICKBACKS GASTROPUB 910 King 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 to 8 p.m., and a piano sing-a-long every Wednesday night. Men dancing for men after 10 p.m. Weekly drink specials and "Wet Jockey" contests on Fridays. SALOON ONE 801 Duval Street, Key West, FL (Behind 801 Bar) This is the only gay leather bar in Key West. Conveniently located behind 801 Bourbon Bar.
PENSACOLA
LA TE DA 1125 Duval 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 2 p.m. til 3 p.m. daily.
PEARL’S PATIO BAR FOR WOMEN 525 United St., Key West, FL Tropical themed women's bar for gay women and gayfriendly women alike. Patio bar with a full bar featuring drinks like "Cosmopearlitans" and "Pearl's Passion".
CABARET 101 S Jefferson St # E, Pensacola, FL Not strictly a gay bar, the charming and friendly Cabaret is very much a fixture in Pensacola's GLBT community, drawing a mixed bunch each evening for happy hour, karaoke, videos, comedy shows, live music, and all-around hobnobbing and socializing.
KEY WEST BOURBON STREET PUB 724 Duval St., Key West, FL Opened in October of 1995 and has continued to grow ever since, it is now part of the larger collection of gay action in The Bourbon St. Pub Complex. Hot Go-Go boy dancers and a busy crowd. “Where the boys are!” 801 BOURBON BAR 801 Duval St., Key West, FL Cabaret shows upstairs with nightly performances by famed performers Sushi, Kylie, RV Beaumont, Margo, and others. This legendary establishment has been around for over 30 years, and host Happy Hour specials daily from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. AQUA NIGHTCLUB 711 Duval St., Key West, FL Aqua features the "Reality is a Drag" show six days a week, followed by dancing. Monday is karaoke night and don't miss the great happy hour specials from 3 to 8 p.m. daily.
BOBBY’S MONKEY BAR 900 Simonton St., Key West, FL The gay Cheers style neighborhood bar of Key West. Happy Hour from Noon to 7pm, Karaoke on Sunday nights, pool tournaments on Tuesday nights at 7pm. Free Wi-Fi access. GARDEN OF EDEN 224 Duval 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.
FORT MYERS
H 31
BAR GUIDE
JACKSONVILLE
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
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.
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:01 PM Page 32
32
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 Fort Lauderdale
OUT IN FLORIDA
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
Miami
JOHNNY’S CELEBRATES 31 YEARS
SYMPOSIUM ON AGING
Johnny’s is celebrating 31 years in business Thursday, Friday and Saturday, September 22 through 24 at both their Fort Lauderdale and Miami locations plus honoring the legendary Uncle Al’s 25 years working at the famed all-male dancer’s bar. Free drinks and hors d’oeuvres from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., $3 Chambord Vodka cocktails, 60 house dancers performing nightly starting at 6 p.m. and free admission if you bring a copy of the Johnny’s ad from Mark Magazine or the Florida Agenda. Johnny’s Fort Lauderdale is located at 1116 W Broward Boulevard. Johnny’s Miami is located at 62 NE 14th St. (in downtown Miami). H
The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) will hold a Symposium on Aging, with the objective to educate and explore the needs of the LGBT community. The Symposium will be held on Saturday, September 24th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Miami, 400 SE 2nd Avenue in Miami. The Symposium on Aging seeks to open a discussion and create an understanding of the needs and expectations of this powerful and growing segment of the LGBT community. The fee for admission, which includes seated lunch and refreshments throughout the day, is $35 for members of the MDGLCC and $55 for non-members. The event is open to the public. Limited space is available. RSVP required. For complete details, visit www.gogaymiami.com, call (305) 673-4440 or mdglcc@bellsouth.net. H
GLBX AFTER-HOURS Hamilton Gallery at 615 East Las Olas Boulevard will be hosting the Gay and Lesbian Business Exchange (GLBX) After Hours Networking event on Thursday, September 22nd, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. GLBX is a Council of The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. Exchange events are free for members. The mission of the Chamber is to drive economic growth for the Greater Fort Lauderdale community; it was recognized that the Gay and Lesbian Community needed to be included in a manner to unite and connect, giving an inclusive voice to continue to attract new Gay and Lesbian businesses. For information or reservations, contact Drew Miller at (954) 462-6000 ext 8775. H
PET ADOPTION WEEKEND A Pet Adoption Weekend will take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 24 and 25 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. The Pet Project, 1164 E. Oakland Park Boulevard. Puppies, kittens, dogs and cats will be available for adoption. Rescuers and shelters are welcome to bring “adoptees.” Water and treats for the pets will be provided, and hot dogs and sodas are also available for sale. There will also be a tent sale with 50% off selected merchandise at The Pet Project Thrift Store. For more information, visit www.petprojectforpets.org. H
SMARTY PANTS CELEBRATES EIGHT YEARS Smarty Pants (3038 N Federal Hwy # M, Fort Lauderdale) will be celebrating their 8th anniversary on Sunday, September 25. The party will feature Chic Lisitano performing live from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Also on hand, the Flamingo Auto Group will be holding a Classic Car Show in the parking lot from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. That day will also feature a free breakfast at 9 a.m., a free barbeque starting at 1 p.m. and Bar Tab BINGO starting at 7:30 p.m. H
TEXAS HOLD ‘EM POKER TOURNAMENT Women in Network (WIN) will be holding a Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament taking place on three nights, Saturday, September 17, Saturday, October 15 and Saturday, November 5. Tournaments will be limited to the first 32-40 players who sign up. To register, please visit womeninnetwork.com/Poker.html. H
2011 TRANSCON: 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 2 days. 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 at Aquafoundation.org/transcon2011. Presented by the Aqua Foundation for Women. H
LGBT HISPANIC HERITAGE CELEBRATION The Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, along with multiple community partners, invites you to the first Hispanic LGBT community celebration designed to showcase the cultural contributions of this segment of the Hispanic community. Free and open to the public, featuring music, dance, entertainment, cultural showcase, special guests, celebrities, vendor booths and much more. Saturday, October 1st, at Lummus Park, Miami Beach, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.celebrateorgullo.com. H
13TH ANNUAL MIAMI GAY AND LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL From October 1 to November 1 at various locations. To enrich, entertain and educate the public, encourage a sense of community through international and culturally diverse film, video and other media that offer historical and contemporary perspectives on the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience. For a complete schedule; www.mglff.com. H
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:01 PM Page 33
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
Bay Area
OUT IN FLORIDA
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
H 33
Central Florida
BOOT SCOOTIN’ COUNTRY WEEKEND
THE CLOSET BALL 2011
Boot Scootin’ Country Weekend with the Florida Gay Rodeo Association, September 23rd through 25th at the Sawmill Camping Resort, 21710 US Highway 98 in Dade City. Weekend highlights include: sensational country singer Judy K., country dance lessons and music with guest deejays Rodd and Ron, FGRA’s amazing Half Time Show, laser light clothing optional pool party Friday night plus happy hour at all 3 bars, delicious food and more. H
Come out wherever you are! The Closet Ball will be held on Monday, September 26th, starting at 9 p.m. at the Parliament House, 410 N Orange Blossom Trail in Downtown Orlando. Here’s how it works: first, present yourself as a masculine MAN wearing anything you wish. Head backstage for one hour and, with the help of your stylist, transform into a beautiful WOMAN. Second, present yourself in an evening gown. Finally, head backstage where you'll change into your talent costume and emerge performing any talent of your choice. Categories are: male presentation (75 points), evening gown (75 points) and talent (75 points). Prizes for the winner are a crown, sash, plaque and $400 in cash and the stylist receives $100 cash. First runner up receives a crown, plaque and $200 cash and their stylist receives $100 cash. Second runner up receives a crown, plaque and theme park tickets. Entry fee: $102 ($2 goes to Hope and Help Center of Central Florida). Maximum 10 contestants. Reserve your spot now by contacting Ms. Darcel at (407) 252-8129. H
THE DOLLHOUSE REVIEW Mimi Imfurst presents The Dollhouse Review St. Pete: Welcome to the Dollhouse on Friday, September 30, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Georgie's Alibi, 3100 3rd Avenue N in St. Pete. Mimi Imfurst is hosting this exciting cabaret-style drag experience. With sit-down service, this is going to be completely and absolutely fabulous. The final Friday of every month, Georgie’s Albi transforms itself into the Dollhouse Review celebrating a new theme every show. This month, Dollhouse is celebrating little girls, a world of dolls and candy – it’s a teenage dream, a slumber party and a world where girls just want to have fun. Featuring Mimi Imfust and the Dollstars--Anjila Cavalier, Madisyn Michaels and Naomi Wynters. Come early and get a seat. Showtime 9 p.m. No cover. H
BLACK LIGHT BODY PAINT WEEKEND Bare As You Dare/Black Light Body Paint Weekend will be held the weekend of September 30 through October 3 at Sawmill Camping Resort, 21710 US Highway 98 in Dade City, Florida. Expanded nudity policy that weekend with professional body painter, Douglas Stevens – you supply the body, Sawmill supplies the paint. Laser light clothing optional pool party Friday night with 2-41 drinks after BINGO ‘til 10 p.m.; fabulous deejays; Splash pool bar and café. Reservations 352-83-0664. H
TOPS & BOTTOMS WEEKEND WITH S&M RANCH October 7 through 10 at Sawmill Camping Resort, 21710 US Highway in Dade City. Columbus Day is Monday so make it a long weekend. Free Thursday or Sunday night stay with your paid weekend reservation. Highlights include S&M Ranch's first Beer Bust with $10 all the beer you can drink weekend, the Trident Motocycle Club on Saturday, clothing optional pool. Reserve now at 352-583-0664 or visit on a day/evening pass. H
“ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW” A live production of the “Rocky Horror Picture” featuring The Sawmill Players, from October 14 through 17 at Sawmill Camping Resort, 21710 US Highway 98 in Dade City. Dig out your Rocky Horror costumes and get ready to do the Time Warp again. Don’t miss this hysterical weekend. Make your reservations now. Sawmill supplies the props. Reserve your cabin, RV or tent site today or visit on a day/evening pass at 352-583-0664. H
“AVIVII” @ HOUSE OF BLUES ORLANDO Insomniac, Music Owns Me, HTG and Vizion 1 Entertainment present Avivii, with special guests yet to be determined, on Wednesday, September 28th, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., at the House of Blues Orlando in Downtown Disney. Doors open at 9 p.m. H
PROJECT NUNway Friday, October 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Parliament House, 410 N Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. The Orlando Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence present Project NUNway, a fashion show benefitting Hope and Help Food Bank. A kickoff party to Pride. Door prizes, cover a $5 suggested donation. H
ORLANDO PRIDE October 7 through 10. Nationally recognized celebrities and entertainment, respected speakers, scores of vendors, and the longest parade in the history of Orlando Pride all have contributed to this special event that continues to break records for Orlando LGBT festivals in which attendance has doubled or tripled each year. The Come Out with Pride committee is comprised of volunteers who are dedicated to bringing a free, world-class event to Central Florida. For more information, visit www.comeoutwithpride.com. H
BACK DOOR BUMBY Revolution Nightclub (375 S. Bumby Ave (408) in Downtown Orlando) along with GRINDR (iPhone App) and MyFlexRadio presents: “Back Door Bumby: Enter Through the Back” every 3rd Thursday of the month. No cover when you show your GRINDR or MyFlexRadio App. H
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:01 PM Page 34
34
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
DINING / RECIPE
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
PL8 Kitchen Is What Modern Diners Want “Small Plates for Big Appetites” Photo courtesy, Insidefortlauderdale.com
By TIM SLIVINKSI Contemporary dining trends have been undergoing a quiet but steady revolution in the last couple years. Diners have moved away from ordering entrees that are often far too large and instead selecting appetizers as their main course. In realizing this ongoing trend, the owners of what was once the Himmarshee Bar and Grill have revamped their restaurant to accommodate the desires of today’s patrons. And that’s where PL8 Kitchen comes in. It offers a fun, eclectic menu of several small plate options designed for sharing, grazing, and nibbling. It’s a concept that allows diners to try several options on the menu rather than focusing on only one entrée. Once you see the menu, you will be very glad that the small plate sizes allow for trying several of the delicious options. It was a quiet Monday evening, threatening rain, when my partner and I decided to give PL8 Kitchen a try. As we were seated in the very industrial looking dining room, Rachel, our gracious and helpful server, efficiently explained the PL8 concept to us. We ordered a cocktail. (Note: The classic Manhattan I ordered was among the best I have ever had.) We then began the difficult task of narrowing down our choices from a menu that creatively uses ingredients to describe every-
thing in a mouth-watering manner. For our first round—we already knew there would be more than one—we selected a local arugula and corn salad ($8), the cast iron mac n’ cheese (a big surprise at $6), and the shiitake mushroom sliders ($8). As with most small plate and tapasstyle eateries, food is prepared to order and served at the table when ready. First to arrive was the salad. Beautifully green, snappy, peppery arugula was dressed with a sherry vinaigrette. The salad was dotted with corn and smoked almond slices, which added texture and crunch. A sliced strawberry completed the presentation. It was light, fresh, summery, and tasty. Next came the mac n’ cheese, creatively served in a small cast iron skillet. It arrived bubbly hot, and I needed to dive in quickly. Each evening the cheese changes, so ask your server. Rachel informed us that smoked gouda was the main cheese on our Monday visit. It was creamy and rich, and rather than being mere pasta and cheese, the dish offered broccoli, peas, and bacon. I was skeptical at first, but left not one bit in the skillet. The shiitake sliders made their entrance next. Many may be weary of the slider trend, but creative chefs are moving beyond the burger slider to offer unique takes on the little sandwiches. That’s
exactly the case at PL8. The shiitake sliders are a combination of spinach, grilled tomato, mozzarella, grilled red onion, and a balsamic aioli. They were rich and delicious, and we did not miss the beef at all. PL8 additionally offers sliders in chicken, scallop, bratwurst and beef varieties. We took a break, sipped another cocktail before ordering round two. After glancing through our menu options, we decided to try out the chicken “chimichangas” ($10) and the oh-so-decadent-sounding duckfat-roasted marble potatoes ($5). When Rachel brought the potatoes to our table, the aroma alone told me I was in love. They are bite-sized potatoes that carry a hint of the richness of the duckfat, sprinkled with coarse sea salt. Simple, but delicious. The chicken “chimichangas” are unlike any other dish with this name that I have ever had. Put the deep-fried idea out of your mind. Deliciously seasoned chicken sits atop a crispy tortilla. The chicken is complemented by pickled shallots, sour cream, and chipotle cream. Another crispy ring that looks like a cookie sits on top. Somehow, it all works. They are well-seasoned, cool and hot, and fun to eat. We were pleasantly full and enjoying winding down for the evening, but I had one more request. I wanted to try one of
PL8 KITCHEN 210 SW 2nd STREET, FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 954-524-1818 PL8’s brick oven pizzas, reasoning that what we could not eat would easily become lunch the next day. We asked Rachel to bring us the meatball pizza option ($9). The pizza crust had a great crunch without being overly charred. The generous toppings offered rich and creamy ricotta cheese, tangy san marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, and the meatballs. It was cut into six slices, perfect for sharing. Once again, we had scored a winner. (It was equally good the next day for lunch too.) PL8 Kitchen is a great addition to the Fort Lauderdale dining scene as it clearly understands what today’s diners are looking for. I look forward to a return visit soon because there are still many “pl8s” I want to sample. H
jean’s Banana kitchen Bread The Banana originated in Southeast Asia and spread from India, to the Philippines, New Guinea etc. It was cultivated by about 2,000 B.C., but these people were rice eaters, and wheat was unknown there, so breads were not part of their culture or diet. Theophrastus (a Greek naturalist philosopher around the 4th century B.C.) describes the banana plant in what is probably the first scientific book on botany. We know that the Greeks made bread with honey, spices and fruits around the time of Pliny the Elder (23-79 A.D.), and we also know that Pliny had knowledge of the banana (he described them in 77 A.D.) So, could the Greeks have made any banana bread? They made bread and had bananas, so it’s a good guess. Quick breads (chemically leavened) – which most banana bread recipes are – were not developed until the end of the 18th century. This took place in America, where pearlash was discovered. Pearlash is a refined form of potash, and it produces carbon dioxide gas in dough. In 'American Cookery' (1796 – the first American cookbook), Amelia Simmons published recipes using pearlash, and America exported some 8,000 tons to Europe in 1792. (But she had no specific recipe for banana bread) Baking powder was not developed commercially until 1857 (phosphate baking powder). So the banana bread as we know it (a quick bread) could have been first made in America in the 18th century when housewives discovered pearlash as a chemical leavening agent and began experimenting in their
kitchens. Feel free to experiment in yours. • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup butter • 3/4 cup brown sugar • 2 eggs, beaten • 2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. You can add raisins, sultanas, other dried fruit, or nuts if you like… You are the chef! Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool. H
@
Jean Doherty is the Chef and Owner of Le Patio Restaurant in Wilton Manors (954) 530-4641
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:01 PM Page 35
COMMUNITY PROFILE
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
Café Seville 25 Years and Going Strong Joseph Esposito bought Café Seville thirteen years ago from its original owners. He had originally come to South Florida to join family and to pursue his career path as a chef restaurateur. “I found out Café Seville was for sale, and I bought it. I loved the restaurant since I first discovered it.” It’s easy to see why. Café Seville is authentic, and that it is exactly what has kept people coming back for years. It did, however, take some time. “The restaurant was not what it is today. It took about four years to turn it around. We weathered the storm; I’m not sure how, but we did and we did it as a family,” Joe says proudly. Family is a key word in the success of Café Seville. Joe is clear that “people need to feel like they have come into my home. I want them to feel like family. It’s worked. I have customers who I don’t see for a few weeks and when they come in, I welcome them like family.” It is not just the customers that benefit from the family atmosphere. The staff, too, have been there for years. The chef, José Feuntes, has in fact been at the restaurant since the beginning. Nestled in a quaint, small and romantic setting, seating only 49 guests with a small wine bar to which customers flock,
By ALEX VAUGHN
Café Seville has maintained its reputation for offering spectacular and truly authentic cuisine. Their signature is the traditional dish of Spain, “The Paella,” and as tradition demands, they offer Sangria to accompany it. Their other dishes that regularly pull loyal customers to the establishment include tapas, fresh seafood, chicken, veal, duck, rabbit and pork dishes – all made to order. They always offer a wonderful range of daily specials which, in combination with their normal menu, offer their customers a plethora of amazing culinary choices. If that wasn’t enough, all their desserts are made fresh and on the premises. They offer a fantastic selection of Spanish wines and beers. Joe says of the food, “I have to give credit to José, my chef. I wouldn’t be where I am today, if it weren’t for him. He is so passionate and inventive with the food.” So as they celebrate their 25th Anniversary, how are things? Joe says, “Business is steady; we are supported by locals and feel very fortunate.” He went on to say, “Summer is definitely more quiet. However, our clientele does keep us busy all year round.” Café Seville, though not within the gayborhood, has a huge following from the community who have fallen in love
with the food and the friendly family atmosphere that is offered. When asked about the gay community, Joe is quick to point out, “We enjoy all of our customers and the support they provide.” He goes on to speak of changes in the community since he has been in Florida. “It is definitely more open and, because of that openness, people understand and embrace it in a very positive way.” He also sees that having a business that caters to the gay community does not in any way minimize the potential for all types of customers to visit the restaurant. “I feel part of the community. I have many gay friends. In fact, in the beginning none of them knew about the restaurant. I just said ‘come and try the food.’” H Café Seville is located at 2768 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL. To make reservations, please call (954) 565-1148.
Photos courtesy, Keith Chamlee
H 35
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:01 PM Page 36
36
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
HOME
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
The Loss of Civility in America By MICHAEL FRENCH
Civility does matter! Yes, it does. Some things will always hold true. The way one conducts himself or herself is one of them. Possessing a strong sense of civility and fair play has nothing to do with race, gender or ethnicity. Since we are all equal, no group of people should think they are above, or below, for that matter, being held to behaving in a civil manner, regardless of their socio-economic station. Individuals should behave in the manner in which they’d like to be treated. A society’s civility quotient is a barometer of its overall quality of life. Of course, civility has different parameters in various societies. This observation is about the pandemic decline of civility in the Unites States. Sadly, for America, the signs are soberly evident everywhere that civility isn’t valued as highly as it once was. It’s now the person who is understandably
offended by inappropriate or rude behavior that is chastised for being miffed, instead of the individual who is misbehaving. It’s just easier to transfer the onus by labeling the more civil person, as “needy, intolerant or too sensitive.” Crude, impolite behavior is an epidemic in America. Some major cities in South Florida are consistently included in business travelers’ least favorite destinations due to discourteous, indifferent, blatantly rude behavior and poor attitudes of the populace in general. We see this ominous decline of civility on our highways, in shopping malls, offices, restaurants, when traveling, the way we communicate in business, TV and the cinema. It seems the ruder or crass one is the more attention and fame they get. What happened to protocol and decorum? Instead of being repulsed by this lack of etiquette, kindness and grace, too many Americans think it’s acceptable to behave in such a way and unwittingly or intentionally start to emulate that behavior like lemmings. Americans have begun to believe nothing can be done to change the situation. We hear more and more, apathetic clichés like, “It is what it is,” “There’s nothing we can do about it,” “You can’t
say anything,” “Let it go,” “Well, that’s the way people are these days,” etc. It’s exactly because of these sentiments that we’ve arrived at this point! With an attitude like this, no wonder our behavior in general slides deeper and deeper into an uncultured abyss. Come on America, get a grip! American’s obsession with “the self ” at the expense of everyone else is an endemic root to many of our problems. “You can’t tell me what to do. It’s a free country!” We’ve arrived at a point where most of wouldn’t dare express our discontent with behavior that just shouldn’t be tolerated. We are virtually paralyzed with fear of being verbally or even physically attacked. Listen, really listen, and dance too if you’re so inclined, to Lilly Allen’s song, “The Fear.” The lyrics mirror this observation. So called “reality shows” like “The A List” and “The Real Housewives” are rife with unbelievable nasty and mean behavior. If these shows are the true reality of America, we are in very deep trouble. Civility is a social code of behavior between members of a society with a foundation of principles for how a civilized society functions. These principles include justice, liberty, rights, freedom,
citizens’ duties to the government, and, yes, manners. Few examples of this decline in our society stand out more than how differences in political ideologies are handled. Our political campaigns are little more than mean-spirited and disrespectful mud-slinging contests at best. At one time, respect for differing opinions accompanied criticism. Nowadays, destruction of the “enemy” at all costs seems to be the all-important goal. It’s very difficult to imagine that the endless toxic rhetoric aimed at the opposing political party is motivated by a desire for a better life for Americans, and not a Machiavellian plot for an America that reflects their myopic political ideals. If the GOP makes it into the White House in 2012, their first priorities should be restoring the belief that people of all political stripes can work together for the good of the nation. Hopefully the American public will follow suit with more civility and a renewed sense of fair play. By the way, thank you for reading this article! H
@
Michael French, is Agenda’s Home from Home columnist. Contact Michael at mf7954fla@gmail.com
092211 FLAgenda STYLE 19-37_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:01 PM Page 37
FITNESS
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
H 37
Free Weights Rule! But Machines Aren’t So Bad Either! By TOM BONANTI Even serious fitness enthusiasts and body builders need some variety in their training sessions in order to prevent boredom and guarantee solid results. Supersets (working two opposing muscle groups at the same time) and compound sets (using two or three exercises for the same muscle group until fatigue) are great ways to insure a burn. Intersperse heavy training days with lighter training days now and then to prevent burnout. Experiment with different exercise routines and if you like them add them to your regular workouts. Experienced trainers and athletes alike, however, agree that free weights--namely dumbbells and barbell--are the best and most versatile way to train! Here are a few reasons why free weights should be the basis of everyone’s resistance training regime no matter what: When you workout with dumbbells and barbells, it’s easier to take your joints through their full range of motion as you work out the muscles. Standing, with your feet spread apart at shoulder width, back straight and head looking straight ahead is the preferred stance when lifting weights. This way you are more effective in developing the smaller
synergistic (helping) muscles and stabilizer muscles when you are targeting a muscle group as you perform your rep. Barbells and dumbbells are more versatile and convenient. You can easily grab two 35 pound dumbbells and do three sets of curls for biceps and then move a few inches down the rack and do triceps kickbacks with the 40 pound weights. Just make sure you rack your weights when you’re finished! Power is improved more efficiently and to a greater extent through the use of free weights. Other crucial aspects of fitness including lifting for size, improving flexibility, reducing body fat and muscle toning are all achieved more efficiently through the use of few weights. There are a couple of disadvantages to free weights. Dumbbells and barbells are sometimes clunky and have to be maintained and stored (if you pump up in your apartment or garage). Most importantly, in certain exercises, it is a little more difficult to derive maximum isolation of a muscle or muscle group. Here are a few good reasons to use machines: Some machines, like the pec deck for the pectoralis major, are more efficient in isolating the muscle group. For group
Photo courtesy, videojug.com
use, some machines are better in terms of space utilization. A case in point: one jaunt around the Universal machine and you can practically get a full body workout. Plain and simple, machines are more convenient to use, and therefore faster workouts are possible. Less time is wasted changing plates and waiting for your spotter to get his butt out of the locker room. The disadvantages of machines are many. Most machines are very large to store, extremely pricey and tend to isolate only one muscle or muscle group at a time. The majority of these muscle building contraptions are built to serve an average sized person. Very short or very tall people find it almost impossible to use many of the machines currently on the market.
Finally, the space-age appearance of many machines lulls users into believing that high technology equals maximum efficiency in achieving fitness goals, a sentiment that is definitely not true. Nothing beats hard work and good old fashioned sweat! For more tips on how to maximize your time in the gym, contact TrainerTomB@aol.com. H
@
Tom Bonanti, is a certified personal trainer and owner of Pump’n Inc gym at 1271 NE 9th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Email: TrainerTomB@aol.com Facebook: TrainerTomB. www.pumpnincgym.com
092211 FLAgenda CLASS 38-40_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:02 PM Page 38
38
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
CLASSIFIEDS
ACCOMMODATIONS
AUTO
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
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 & marketed 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 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 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
COMPUTER SERVICES **OPTIMA** COMPUTER REPAIR - COMPLETE IN HOME SERVICE. Get the best performance, protection & value from your computer investment, *A+ Hardware & OS CERTIFIED. *Friendly, professional, RELIABLE service. Reasonable rates. Call Mike (954) 817-3883
COUNSELING A MIND AT PEACE/ THERAPEUTIC SERVICES/ RON "DOC" CHAMBERS, MSW (954) 627-0103 1975 East Sunrise Blvd., Suite 629 Fort Lauderdale. HIV Related Issues /Anxiety /Depression /Schizophrenia /Relationship Problems /Anger Management Problems /Same-Sex Battering /Domestic Violence. Most Insurance Accepted /Credit Cards Accepted.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY!!! Create Your New Business In Wilton Manors!! The "Gay Mecca Of The South"at an OUTSTANDING PRICE.!! Great Terms!! High Traffic Plaza!! Lots Of Parking!! With Tenants that have been there for over 25 Years!! Right off of "Wilton Drive".1 Space with Approx. 800 Sq Ft., 1 Space with Approx. 1500 Sq Ft. This Space will Go Quickly!! Do Not Delay-Call Today!! Robert Geary MacKilligan "Your Life Partner In Real Estate" – Bank Certified Specialist-Galleria International Realty On Las Olas Cell 954-234-8759 rgmsell@aol.com
CLEANING SERVICES
MASSAGE THERAPIST/SKIN-CARE SPECIALIST - 78 Degrees Spa is looking for a massage therapist and a skin-care specialist for our Wilton Manors Spa (male preferred). Great opportunity to build clientele or expand established client list. Season is just around the corner! Please call (954)630-1444; ask for John. GENESIS HEALTH INSTITUTE - the premier Anti-Aging health facility located in Wilton Manors is looking for a hospitality-oriented, friendly and health-oriented Front Desk person to work 24-32 hours weekly. Please email resume or interview request to dimitrighi1@aol.com. RETAIL SALES POSITION - full or part-time available immediately! Call (954)873-3889
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 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. We also do property management on large and small properties.
HOUSEKEEPING AVAILABLE at reasonable rates. Call Dan at 954-594-0186.
LICENSED MASSAGE
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 - Special First Time Client Rates. 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.
092211 FLAgenda CLASS 38-40_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:02 PM Page 39
CLASSIFIEDS
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
LICENSED MASSAGE
RENTALS / FTL
UPHOLSTERY
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.
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
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 MIDDLE RIVER - This 2 bedroom apartment is part of a resort style compound. Amenities include CAC, dishwasher, 20" tile throughout, Side by Side fridge. Outside amenities include a POOL, laundry facilities and a very large fenced area for your pooch. Assigned parking with room for guests. Pets are Welcome $950 per month, available 10/1 but can be seen now. Call Brad at (954)200-0166 WILTON MANORS GAY COMPLEX - Remodeled 1/1. Central air. Tile floors. Heated pool. Pets OK. One block to Wilton Drive. $800/mo. $1700 moves you in. (954)600-0620 VICTORIA PARK - Walk to Las Olas! This cute 1/1 is convenient downtown living. Safe, Immaculate, Assigned Parking $850 mo garbage and water included. Leida Alicea, Real Estate Recovery, 954-530-8198 www.lanhamassociates.com OAKLAND PARK - Coral Heights Section, 2BD/2BA Freshly Painted, All New just 2 years ago including tiled floors in both bedrooms, both baths have been updated with white vanities, kitchen has maple cabinets and white appl, Maple floors in kitchen, dining room and living room, PLUS Oversized "Florida Room", fenced backyard, W/D, small pets OK, F/L/S/ move in now. Home is 1/2 of a Duplex, $1250.00/mo. Call for appt. (954)234-8759 Robert Geary MacKilligan "Your Life Partner In Real Estate" - Bank Certified Specialist - Galleria Intl Realty on Las Olas LAKERIDGE - Extra-Large studio w/ private entrance and parking! Walk to the Drive! Includes all utilities! Only $600/mo. F/L Call (954)553-8616
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
POINSETTIA HEIGHTS - Furnished efficiency w/ prvt entrance & parking! tile thru-out, large walk-in closet. Utilities incl. w/ DirecTV. No Pets/No Smokers-$650/mo. F/L Call (954)682-9428 LAKERIDGE - very nice loft-style 3BD/1BA, new kitchen w/marble, CAC, W/D, private yard and parking, tile thru-out. Just minutes from Wilton Drive! $1300/mo. F/L Call (954)553-8616
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 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 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. 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.
METH PROBLEM? www.SouthFloridaCMA.org
JEWELERY
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
H 39
092211 FLAgenda CLASS 38-40_Layout 1 9/21/11 10:02 PM Page 40
40
H SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
THE BACK PAGE
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM