FLORIDAAGENDA.COM JUNE 26, 2013 H ISSUE 188
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Go ahead. Make his day.
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KEY W EST
Island House Award-winning clothing-optional resort for men. Luxurious rooms. Poolside café and bar. Gym, sauna, steamroom, Jacuzzis. Poolside massage pavilion. 800-890-6284 or 305-294-6284 islandhousekeywest.com
New Orleans House The only all male guesthouse on Duval Street. Part of the Bourbon Street Pub Complex. Stay where you play! 888-293-9893 or 305-293-9800 neworleanshousekw.com
BIG PINE KEY & THE LOWER KEYS
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Two centuries ago, pirates in Key West settled their disputes with bullets. Hemingway solved his with gin and a bar fight. These days, there’s nothing better than a showdown at high noon. Pull the trigger. fla-keys.com/gaykeywest 1.877.857.1898
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Pearl’s Key West Historic inn with restaurant, 2 pools, 2 hot tubs, WiFi, gym, poolside bar and grill. Find Your Place in Paradise. 800-749-6696 or 305-292-1450 pearlskeywest.com
MCTKW-8555 Florida Agenda - Miami/Ft Lauderdale Newspaper LO1 • 6/27/13
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STONEWALL PRIDE PARADE IN WILTON MANORS
PHOTOS BY KUTTNERPIX, BIG DEWITTE AND GUYMAG
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BY GRANT JAMES
Daniel Tosh, Fashion Shows and Puerto Rican Pride
THE WEEK
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The Week 6/27 - 7/01
Fight Time June 27th at Revolution Live
THURSDAY 6/27
FRIDAY 6/28
Mature Gay Men
Fight Time
Starlight, Starbright
The A Celebration of Friends is a non-profit corporation committed to throwing a yearly, low-cost, low-stress convention, celebration and gathering for older, mature gay men and their admirers. It is open to all men ages 21 years and up. The organization invites you to join them to mingle, meet and date hundreds of older mature gay men in the area. For those seeking the mature gay male, ACOF is proud to share an alliance with the premier mature gay men organizations: The Prime Timers World Wide, The Caffmos Connection and The Mature Aussie Network. 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport. 1870 Griffin Rd, Dania Beach, 33004.
If you’re looking for a homoerotic contact sport, look no further than Ultimate Fighting: sweaty, young muscular men wrestling each other that at times looks as if they’re cuddling. Revolution live’s amateur cage fights are complimented by a full bar as well as a DJ playing in between the fights. If you’re trying to do something a little bit different, this might be right up your alley. 6 p.m. Revolution Live. 100 SW 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, 33312.
Sponsored by Bank of America, the free outdoor concert series known as Starlight Musicals, brings people together to enjoy music under (you guessed it) the stars. The festival-which celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year--is presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale. The official website for the event urges patrons to bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets, family and friends. This month’s featured artist is The Edge Band. 7 p.m. Holiday Park. 1150 G. Harold Martin Dr, Fort Lauderdale, 33304.
June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. Know Your Status. Get tested.
To have your event listed, please email editor@floridaagenda.com
The Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 1st Annual Fishing Tournament June 28 & 29, 2013, benefiting the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, American Cancer
Erotica & Hot Boricuas
Beach Day
The Manor will be hosting a night of epic proportions. In the main room, Florida-native trio Beach Day is the Epic Saturdays will be showing their next big thing to come out of the trisexy side with a party known as Erotcounty area. Their music has been ica. Erotica will feature an Expose featured in TV commercials for Lenunderwear fashion show as well scrafters as well as a summer swimas live entertainment from muscle suit campaign for Victoria’s Secret. gods and fetish-themed productions Maybe it’s their sunny disposition, by Erika Norell. In the Noche Latina their feel-good vibes. Or, maybe it’s room, there will be a Puerto Rican because their music is fresh, new and pride party, hosted by Viva Mirage. ridiculously uplifting. Whatever the They will be hosting their annual reason, they’ve gone from zero to 60 “Hot Boricua” contest, with $300 in in the blink of an eye. The band has cash and prizes. Sounds by DJ Larry just released their debut LP, “Trip Trap Larr. 10:30 p.m. The Manor. 2345 WilAttack,” to almost universal critical ton Dr, Wilton Manors, 33305. acclaim. See them before they’re selling out arenas! 7:30 p.m. Hollywood Bandshell. Johnson St. and the Hollywood Boardwalk, Hollywood, 33020. SUNDAY 6/30
Mproject Condom Fashion Show Daniel Tosh Mproject is a non-profit group for gay, bisexual and questioning guys from 18-30. Now, in partnership with Broward House, they have created a fashion show like never before: a condom fashion show. The clothing is made from condoms, to reinforce the importance of safe-sex. In the main room, DJ JPS will be spinning the beats in the main room, with performances by Serena (of “Ru Paul’s Drag Race”), Estephania, TP Lords and Sasha. 10 p.m. The Manor. 2345 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, 33305.
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Fishing for a Cause
SATURDAY 6/29
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The Florida Minority Community Reinvestment Coalition (FMCRC) will be hosting this year’s Let’s Do Business Florida & Summit (LDBF), one of Florida’s largest events targeting job creations among Florida’s minority small businesses and non-profit community. LDBF garners over 350 small businesses and nonprofits from across Florida, coming together for information and opportunities to engage with industry leaders and corporate decision-makers. Workshops, trainings, networking and one-on-one meetings have proven successful in reaching the program’s goals of providing minority owned professional services for business owners. The organization’s goal is to connect minority, veteran and women-owned contractors, business owners and non-profits with resources and tools for organizational sustainability, contracts and job creation within low to moderate income communities. 9 a.m. Westin Beach Resort & Spa. 321 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 33304.
Society’s Relay For Life of Dania Beach and the Prestige Club. The Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce serves to represent the Dania Beach business community, promote new and existing enterprises and to bring to attention the greater community’s features to enhance the quality of residential and commercial life. The Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce’s 1st Annual Fishing Tournament is an annual event featuring a Captains Kickoff, Fishing Tournament and Awards Dinner. This year a portion of all funds raised will benefit Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation. The Captains Party will kick off the tournament. 5:30 p.m. Dania Beach Bar & Grill. 65 N Beach Road, Dania Beach, 33004.
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Let’s Do Business
Summer Shorts
Daniel Tosh is crass, offensive and sometimes just plain wild: that’s why we love him. He’s sort of akin to Sarah Silverman or Chelsea Handler – no one group of people is safe. His off-color jokes leave no survivors as he picks apart everyone, himself included. Tosh is most known for his TV show, “Tosh.0,” in which he pokes fun at various viral videos. If you haven’t seen it, think “The Soup,” with less censorship. See the hilarious comedian poke fun at all of the things worth laughing about within our own society. 7 p.m. Fillmore Miami Beach. 1700 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, 33139.
Summer kicks off with the hilarious and provocative Summer Shorts Festival with an incredible line-up of scripts written by the country’s best writers including City Theatre National Short Play Competition winners. According to the official site, “Summer Shorts is the most fun 90 minutes you’ll have all summer.” As the event only happens once a year, it’s strongly advised to purchase your tickets now. 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, 33132.
MONDAY 7/01
Picturing People
Condom Fashion: Lends a whole new meaning to “Who are you wearing?” (6/28)
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PHOTO BY BILL OLIVE. COURTESY OF CALLER.COM
The Museum of Contemporary Art presents an exhibit from photographer Dawoud Bey that you won’t want to miss. Dawoud Bey: Picturing People is an expansive career survey of the Chicago-based photographer, which ranges from street encounters to formal studio portraits. According to the museum’s website, “Dawoud Bey is distinguished for his commitment to portraiture as a means for understanding contemporary society.” Bey first gained notoriety as a photographer for his acclaimed series Harlem U.S.A., shown at The Studio Museum in Harlem circa 1979. The 50 images represent the evolution of Bey’s work spanning three decades. On exhibit until September 8. 11 a.m. 770 NE 125th St, Miami, 33161.
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GUEST EDITORIAL
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BY PATRICK ROBERT
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STONEWALL PRIDE 2043
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Patrick Robert is currently a high school English teacher in Broward County. He is pursuing an MFA from Spalding University and working on a book entitled Gayborhood. The book concerns the struggles of internalized homonegativity in two gay men during the turn of the millennium and how the landscape of the burgeoning gayborhood Wilton Manors shapes their lives.
t’s not called Gay Pride anymore. The idea of having to be “proud” of something so naturally accepted in our society slowly faded and became passé. Two older gay men stand around the entrance discussing this, nostalgically, noting the futility of those times. “We were like telling ourselves everything was okay, even if it wasn’t. We were saying, like, oh look how prrrrooouddd we are. It sounds like an answer to a question. It shouldn’t have ever even been a question.” “Thank God we don’t ask it anymore.” “There’s no need. No one needs to say that they’re proud. It served its purpose, though, right? It was a question that needed an answer at the time and that was the right answer. Even if most people were telling themselves it more than believing it.” Gay Pride is now called Gay History Day—a loving tribute to the psychological and emotional struggles of a darker period, and, of course, a celebration of the final victory against those issues. Certainly, the legal battles were the first successes followed by a complete overhauling of the socialization and treatment of gay children. Gay shame is a thing of the past, similar to the Holocaust—something people talk about every now and then in a “remember how horrible that was” kind of way. A thing that reminds people what should never happen again. Instead of the past debaucheries of Pride Day, with some of its self-defeating behaviors (the drinking, drugging, etc.), Gay History Day focuses on education and remembrance. There’s a festival of lecturers—all Queer Studies professors, discussing the many hurdles that were surpassed and the different social behaviors evolving in gay cultures though all the time periods. There are a few speeches given by successful gay businessmen and athletes, disclosing secrets to their successes. In the past, they’d be celebrated for being an “openly gay tennis player” or an “openly gay CEO.” No one calls anyone an “openly gay” anything. It’s
just assumed and a part of the common understandings of the world. The older gay men are sitting watching an Olympian give a speech on his rigorous training schedule. When he finishes, they indulge in more nostalgia. “People were so obsessed with who was coming out or who would be the first athlete to come out or whatever.” “Everyone just knows now, right, even before they start their career. Like, it’s never a news story. Remember how important those stories were? The announcement, the backlash, the backlash to the backlash.” “Look at this guy—they did that piece about his husband and their kids during the Olympics and, well, here’s the weird thing, I think it was the first time that I watched something and didn’t even notice that the guy was gay, you know. When I watched that thing with his family I just kind of thought — oh, look at his house.” “Really?” “Yeah. I didn’t even notice it until later, at night when I noticed that I didn’t notice.” “I think I noticed it, but I’m older than you, I mean five years older, but still. Things changed quickly.” There are no more drag queen competitions—at some point the drag queens came to a revelation: they didn’t need approval anymore. They still perform, though. And everyone loves them. Pride takes place in the suburbs, a real change from the gayborhoods of the past. Demographics change with the times, and one of the evolutions that came with such a huge amount of increased acceptance was a slow disintegration of gayborhoods. In most of America, no one can point to a defined section of a city where “all the gays live.” In Kansas and Nebraska and some of the other “late bloomers,” there may still be a gayborhood or two, but for the most part the gays are all spread out After the Olympiad speech, the two old gay men walk around the AIDS quilt, the most grand, historical relic of that nearly forgotten plague. They see
all the names and the pieces and one old gay man cries for a second. “I always forget until I come here. It makes me sad that I forget.” “Well, no one talks about it. You don’t have to remember it, really. I mean you should remember it, we all should remember it, but we don’t have to.” They hear behind them two other old gay men complaining about Gay History Day, wondering where “the culture has gone.” They bemoan the lack of a defined community, speaking about the artistic achievements of yesteryears or all the damn money they used to make flipping houses in the gayborhoods. “I made $200,000 one year from one property. That shit doesn’t happen as much anymore.” “I know. We used to have more money in general. Remember? Everyone wanted things, as many things as possible, and we accomplished it. We were better than the straights, I truly thought that.” After the AIDS quilt, there’s not much more to see. The lectures are over, the speeches done. The two old gay men decide it’s time to unwind for the night. As they leave, they can’t help one last moment of reflection. “Years ago we watched Ceecee Peniston sing that song, you know, the one song that was like the big song of her career.” “‘Finally.’” “Oh my God, ‘Finally.’ Yes. And we danced all night in the streets of that gayborhood and they had all those vendors and all those political organizations. And It was really nice, you know. Fun as hell. And that song! That song was amazing.” “Most things are amazing. The past thirty years since then have been amazing. If I remember, that year itself was amazing. All the gay marriage stuff really took off then.” “Yeah. When I was dancing to that song, I remember I knew it was about love or whatever, but that year it was about our acceptance, finally, our complete acceptance was coming.” They kiss each other goodbye, enter their cars, and drive home.
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OPINION BY LIZZIE RAE
time job. If being literally loud and proud is what Pride means to you, own it every day of the year. Let that freak flag fly high whenever you want. Be you, and don’t ever apologize to anyone for it, but make sure you show at least an ounce of respect in honor of those who made it possible. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in Greenwich Village, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, or Wilton Manors. Pride is something we as post-Stonewall LGBT comrades can do and be at any time, at any place. The Public Morals Squad isn’t lining up patrons at Bill’s or Georgie’s and arresting anyone who “looks gay,” and no one is peeking through peepholes to get into The Manor. Men can saunter down Wilton Drive bare-bottomed and no one’s really surprised. Same-sex lovers can swap spit on the corner of Christopher Street without anyone calling them names and pelting them with tomatoes. We are so lucky that in 2013 “two moms” and “double dads” can be so open, proudly holding hands with their children without fear of imprisonment. We are free to be who we are, love who we love, and live comfortably in our respective lifestyles because of the Stonewall pioneers, and that’s pretty amazing.
A self proclaimed “drag queen with a vagina,” Lizzie Rae (aka Miss Take) is a twenty-something college student, freelance writer and animal lover born and raised in South Florida. She enjoys a fierce set of eyebrows, crafting, and is an admirer and collector of tattoos, gay boyfriends and anything Harry Potter related.
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freedom as individuals. However, what seems to have been forgotten in contemporary LGBT culture is that this—meaning the entirety of the gay rights movement —was essentially an overnight thing. Lucky for us, the 1960s bred a counterculture that was familiar with anti-war demonstrations and Civil Rights era marches. The men and women of Stonewall united in a radical way that Saturday night, perhaps not completely knowing or expecting that June 28, 1969 would pave the yellow brick road for the Dorothy’s of today to sache up, down, and all around. The most troubling aspect of the newwave gay civil rights movement to me (as someone invested in the socio-political and academic agenda) is what “Pride” has become. I’m kind of bothered by the fact that I, a heterosexual female, know more about Stonewall than a large percentage of my peers and—even worse—a sizable number of my GAY peers. Those are the people who have lost sight (namely relatively young and under-cultured or just plain ignorant people in and outside the LGBT community) of the fight that their brothers and sisters of Stonewall took on. I’m not arguing that every one should sit around and cry all day for those lost before, during, and after the Stonewall Riots, but turning a significant historical day into another excuse to be half naked and drunk in public is obnoxious. The Pride walks, festivals, rallies, and riots of the past have become a rather typical generic American mockery of an otherwise somber and culturally impactful moment in history. What Pride Day reminded me of is just another Fourth of July, Memorial Day or Labor Day—and that’s just sad. I didn’t witness a moment of silence in memory of the day that changed the LGBT world, no candles lit for men and women who have lost their lives in the war against hate. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be half naked and drunk in public, go on and do it: I know I’ll watch. But at least acknowledge why you can. And no, it’s not only because you go tanning and hit the gym like it’s a full
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his weekend’s Stonewall Pride extravaganza in Wilton Manors welcomed thousands of visitors to the streets of South Florida’s gay capital, hosting a slew of events which commenced with Saturday night’s parade on Wilton Drive. The streets were flooded with every imaginable type of partygoer, from loud and proud scantily clad men to your typical Fort Lauderdalian: that koozie-toting beach urchin who somehow managed to find their way from the salty sea shore to the rainbowed streets of Wilton Manors. People young and old, gay and straight (and everything in between), stalked up and down the concourse of the pedestrian mecca of color and community strength, celebrating the progress attributed to the generation of men and women who started the advancement of LGBT rights in 1969, those patriots of the Stonewall Riots. These were the men and women who were tired of night raids by police in the only safe place there was to be gay in the late 1960s. As a subculture bullied into secrecy, gays, lesbians and transgender men and women had finally had enough. Enough of being sexually harassed by police in the bathrooms. When a breaking point was reached, an entire community of people finally stood up and said enough is enough. They rallied together against a force that had been policing decades of hateful agenda...within our own country. Stonewall was a liberation of the LGBT community: a fiery, passionate, violent rise of people who had been shoved so deep into the closet that there was nothing left to do but demand dramatic change. The thousands of protesters who swarmed the streets of Greenwich Village around “the gay club” of the time lit a fuse which ignited a universal call to action. It is because of the Stonewall movement that the busy streets of Wilton Manors can be closed down by local authorities. Not because being gay is against the law—as it was in New York City during the monumental Stonewall Riots—but because we have fought for the right to celebrate our
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MISS TAKE’S TAKE ON STONEWALL
June 26, 2013 • ISSUE 188
Impulse Mixer Wilton Manors, FL – Teaming up with The Wilton Manors Development Alliance, Impulse is looking to generate awareness of HIV in the greater Fort Lauderdale area. Impulse started back in 2011, teaming up with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) in Los Angeles. After becoming a successful venture, the need for a Fort Lauderdale chapter was made clear. Made up of socially active, young gay men, the goal is for them to educate their peers and to promote a healthier sexual lifestyle, using modern social approaches. Impulse focuses on prevention, detection and treatment. Negative or positive, the organization is a supporting group for anyone. The group’s slogan says it all: “Be sexy. Be Safe. Be you.”
Stonewall Pride Wilton Manors, FL – This past weekend, Stonewall Summer Pride brought in
KEVIN MILLER
FOUNDER MULTIMEDIA PLATFORMS
KUTTNERPIX
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SUNSHINE STATE BOBBY BLAIR – CEO / MANAGING PARTNER
PUBLISHER BOBBY BLAIR
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER KEVIN HOPPER
EDITOR GRANT JAMES
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Tom Bonanti, Jean Doherty, Andy Kress, Phoebe Moses, Robert Elias Deaton, Richard David Chamberlain, Grant James, Justin Jones, Joe Harris, Gregg Shapiro Photography • Stephen Kuttner, Dennis Dean T.J. Gillespie, Lissa Good, Big Dewitte
PRODUCTION
Leor Barak (right) of New York Grilled Cheese Co. attends Impulse Mixer along with other VIPs in Wilton Manors
thousands of people for the sole purpose of celebrating their heritage. Presented by The Rainbow Business Coalition of Greater Fort Lauderdale and The City of Wilton Manors, Florida. The Board of Stonewall Summer Pride 2013 helped make this successful event possible. The Stonewall riots (the real reason behind
STONEWALL Summer Pride) were a group of violent demonstrations by the gay community in response to the straw that broke the camel’s back: A police raid on June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. After drag queens and patrons were detained and in the process of being “taken in,” the crowd rebelled. The riot inspired nationwide gay activist groups to form virtually overnight. The riots have made the LGBT rights that we hold so dear today possible. If you missed out on the festival, make sure to check out our photo spread on pages 10 and 11.
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12th Annual Yellow Gala Awards Miami Beach, FL – Roughly 600 guests attended the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) 12th Annual Awards Gala, titled “Celebration of the Sun – The Yellow Gala,” paying tribute to corporate and individual supporters of the LGBT community. President of MDGLCC, Steve Adkins, says, “What really stood out this year, in addition to the record attendance, was the diversity of the guests. It really was a community-wide inclusive event with a tremendous showing of support from gay-friendly and gay-allied individuals and organizations.” 70+ items were up for bid during a silent auction, including exotic trips and cruises, live art, and more. This year’s honorees included representatives from AT&T, Sherwin-Williams and Regions Bank.
Creative Director • George Dauphin
ADMINISTRATIVE Jamie Forsythe
SALES & MARKETING Account Executive KEITH CHAMLEE keithchamlee@guymag.net - 954-380-8563 x2111 Account Executive JOYCE BLUESTEIN joycebluestein@mmpmlgbt.com - 954-380-8563 x2113
CLASSIFIEDS Classified Ads Manager • James Verrichia classifieds@guymag.net - 954-380-8563
NATIONAL AD REPRESENTATIVE RIVENDELL MEDIA: 212-242-6863
DISPLAY AD DEADLINES:
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nt Items e r e f if D 0 0 ,0 Over 12 5 Wilton Drive 220 7 954-564-298
24) THE STABLE 205 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale
23) SMARTY PANTS 2400 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale
22) SIDELINES 2031 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
21) SCANDALS SALOON 3073 NE 6th Ave Wilton Manors
20) RUMORS BAR & GRILL 2426 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
19) ROSIE’S BAR & GRILL 2449 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
18) RAMROD 1508 NE 4th Ave Fort Lauderdale
17) PJ’S CORNER POCKET 924 North Flagler Drive Wilton Manors
16) NEW MOON 2440 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
15) NAKED GRAPE 2163 Wilton Drive Wilton manors
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11) LIPS 1421 E Oakland Park Blvd 25) TORPEDO Oakland Park 2829 W Broward Blvd 12)THE MANOR COMPLEX Fort Lauderdale 2345 Wilton Drive 26) TROPICS Wilton Manors 2000 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 13) MONA’S 502 E Sunrise Blvd 27) VILLAGE PUB Fort Lauderdale 2283 Wilton Drive 14) MONKEY BUSINESS Wilton Manors 2740 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale
10) JOHNNY’S 1116 W Broward Blvd Fort Lauderdale
9) INFINITY LOUNGE 2184 WIlton Drive Wilton Manors
8) DUDES 3270 NE 33rd St Fort Lauderdale
7) DEPOT CABANA BAR AND GRILL 2935 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale
6) CUBBY HOLE 823 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale
5) CORNER PUB 1915 N Andrews Ave Wilton Manors
4) BOOM 2232 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
3) BOARDWALK 1721 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale
2) BILL’S FILLING STATION 2209 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
1) ALIBI 2266 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
BAR MAP
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NATION Transgender First Grader Wins Right to Use Girl’s Restroom Colorado Springs, CO – A Colorado firstgrader is making headlines by becoming the first transgender youth to legally use a restroom based on gender identity. The Colorado Division of Civil Rights is the first in the country to rule in favor of the matter, which is said to be paving the way for future transgender youth rights. Coy Mathis was declared male at birth, but by the age of 18 months old, he knew he was in the wrong body. He began dressing in girl’s clothes, with family members, peers and even teachers using female pronouns when referring to her. Last December, school officials at Eagleside Elementary School (in Fountain, a suburb of Colorado Springs) told the Mathis family Coy was no longer allowed to use the girls’ restroom. Following the announcement, Coy was pulled out of Eagleside, her parents opting to home-school her instead. Teaming up with GLAAD and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, the Mathis family won their case. Executive director for the Transgender Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Michael Silverman, had high praise for the victory: “This ruling sends a loud and clear message that transgender students may not be targeted for discrimination and that they must be treated equally in school. It is a victory for Coy and a triumph for fairness.”
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Michigan Moves Toward Marriage Equality Lansing, MI – Though the Supreme Court isn’t ruling on Prop 8 and DOMA until just after the time of print, Michigan is making news by inching toward marriage equality. According to the Detroit Free Press, a package of four bills was just recently introduced. If passed, the bills would allow both same-sex marriage in Michigan itself, as well as recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states. House Democrat Jeff Irwin (a supporter of the bills) says, “It’s time for Michigan to stop discriminating against the thousands of couples who want to marry and enjoy the same recognition
Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States
and benefits for themselves and their children that come with marriage, and that my wife, Kathryn, and our kids enjoy. The legislation that we propose today represents the next step in the fight to ensure all citizens are equal in Michigan.”
Lesbian Wedding Across from Westboro Baptist Topeka, KS – Kimberly Kidwell married Katie Short in a lesbian version of an otherwise traditional wedding ceremony. What wasn’t traditional, was that the ceremony took place on the lawn of the Equality House, controversially located directly across from the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, KS. Kidwell and Short wed outside of the Equality House as part of an ongoing protest against the church lead by Equality and their founding charity, Planting Peace. While same-sex marriage is still banned in Kansas, Aaron Jackson (founder of Equality House and Planting Peace) thought that the wedding would be a great way to give some momentum to the Supreme Court rulings this week. Jackson told Huffington Post, “We wanted to help play a role in bringing light to this critical issue. None of us know exactly how the court is going to rule, but no matter
what they say, there is still a lot of work to be done.” Kidwell and Short were wed by Robin Lunn, an ordained Baptist minister and executive director of the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists. Following the wedding, Kidwell was asked by a local reporter what she had to say to the city of Topeka. She said, “We deserve equality and the same rights as everyone else, and the people of Topeka deserve that equality too. I got so emotional just thinking that one person from this city may change their views on homosexuals or the LGBT community as a whole.”
Obama Announces Two More Gay Ambassadors Washington, D.C. – President Obama announced that he has nominated two more gay men to ambassadorial positions. In June alone, Obama has named three other openly-gay ambassadorial nominees. John Berry, nominated for ambassador to Australia, was the director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management for over four years, and James “Wally” Brester Jr. is the nominee for ambassador to the Dominican Republic. Brester has been a Democratic fund-raiser, LGBT activist and is currently a national LGBT cochair
for the Democratic National Committee in addition to serving on the board for the Human Rights Campaign. President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Chad Griffin, has praised both of the nominations: “John Berry has been a devoted public servant for 30 years and will bring tremendous experience to our embassy. His lifetime of professional experiences make him an outstanding choice to be the nation’s next Ambassador to Australia. I urge the Senate to confirm his nomination.” He went on to say, “Wally Brewster is an excellent choice....His global business and management expertise is matched by his enthusiasm and commitment to human rights and democracy around the world.”
The Supreme Court Announcement Washington D.C. – The Supreme Court will be announcing the conclusion to recent debates on Marriage Equality cases, on Wednesday, June 26, at 10 a.m. While the entire LGBT community is patiently holding its breath, we must not neglect other national (and local) LGBT news. We will be posting a full-length article online at FloridaAgenda.com following the announcement from the Surpreme Court.
of our community who share their real stories of bravery, tenacity and a strong will to survive. Their dilemmas and hardships are ones to which we can all relate. Yet, in the end, these leaders came out on top. Combining our print edition with our strong online presence, I will be bringing the community inspirational stories in a whole see episodes of the talk show “Thriving In South Florida With Bobby Blair,” exclusively through our sites. This week’s incredible success story follows mental health counselor, Howard Cohen. I hope that you enjoy both the talk show and the feature below.
FROM THE PUBLISHER BOBBY BLAIR
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new way. In addition to the print version of the column, we will also feature an Internet talk show segment through guymag.net and floridaagenda.com. You’ll be able to
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“Thriving In South Florida With Bobby Blair” is my new weekly publisher’s column, one designed to empower and inspire readers. Each week, I will be featuring members
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THRIVING IN SOUTH FLORIDA WITH BOBBY BLAIR
ADDITIONAL WRITING BY GRANT JAMES
HOWARD COHEN
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despair. If you are feeling hopeless, seek the help of a counselor immediately. Howard is literally saving lives every day, and we thank him from the bottom of our hearts for it.
For more information on Howard Cohen and his services, visit www.cohencounseling.com or call 954-980-9628.
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oward Cohen helps the community in a crucial way. As a registered Mental Health Counselor, Cohen helps to talk a number of people off of their own personal ledges—whether it be literally or figuratively. Cohen works with people dealing with stressful situations and environments who find it difficult to manage their own lives. Whether it be work challenges, family-related conflicts, or personal issues, Howard is there to help. He helps clients learn healthy “coping skills,” guiding them to discover tools that will contribute to a positive, healthy lifestyle. Cohen went from a theater background, to working in a bank. He turned down a scholarship to University of Miami because he felt he was not yet ready, choosing to pursue a career in banking (for the time being). Now for some people, this might seem like a strange transition. But for Howard, it helped him become more independent, stable, sociable and ultimately, openly-gay. After the economy took a turn for the worse, Howard felt uneasy. He could feel the world’s depression closing in, and he knew that the timing was right for him to do something. He decided he wanted to help people who needed a shoulder to lean on during a time where hope was scarce. After some education, training and starting up his business, Cohen’s efforts were met with great success. Now, Cohen has combined his love for theater with his passion for mental health counseling to create workshops geared toward those who are struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. When asked about the community’s current state, Cohen says, “I think the biggest problem in our community, that I’m seeing, is a lack of connectivity...It’s kind of a party atmosphere.” He defended himself by saying, “There’s nothing wrong with a party, but not all the time. [We live in] a social place—and I like that— but it feels like the bars have too much influence on the people.” Cohen says not to buckle in times of
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k o o L T U O IMPULSE
PRE-STONEWALL MIXER PHOTOS BY
KUTTNERPIX
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BIG DEWITTE
AT CHILL WINE LOUNGE
PHOTOS BY
k o o L T U O
HRC CLUB BLUE
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FLORIDA AGENDA EXCLUSIVE
SIDELINES SPORTS BAR DROPS BALL YET AGAIN
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BY RICHARD DAVID CHAMBERLAIN
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he on-again, off-again highly publicized move of the Sidelines Sports Bar from its current location at the south end of Wilton Drive to the site of the former Jib Room on East Oakland Park Boulevard is officially off the table. The signage which for much of the past year had proudly announced the “Future Site of Sidelines Sports Bar” has been removed from the building at 2104 E Oakland Park Blvd., with parts of the old Jib Room sign now showing. While some renovations were begun on the interior of the 6,000 square foot Oakland Park space, no legal building permits were issued and rumors along the Drive suggested that the move would never occur. Compounding the intrigue, as recently as this week, Sidelines was officially listed for sale by John Castelli, owner-broker of Castelli Real Estate Services, in Wilton Manors. The asking price of $675,000 included the business’s 4COP liquor license that was valued at $160,000, as well as all equipment. The property has since been removed from the market. That is, perhaps, the only move involving the sports bar that could have been predicted. For months, Sidelines Sports Bar LLC, its license holder Laurie Whittaker and co-owner Marty Kildea, have been involved in litigation over ownership of the sports bar. On legal documents, Laurie Whittaker is listed as the sole owner of Sidelines Sports Bar LLC and holds the liquor license to the club. According to Kildea, despite the fact that they went into the business relationship together, and he is a co-signer with Whittaker on the lease, he was told that he couldn’t “officially” be listed on any documents because of an arrest for cocaine posses-
Is the Jib a fib? The old Jib Room on Oakland Park Boulevard, and the adjacent space once slated to be the next Sidelines Sports Bar
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Courtesy of the City of Wilton Manors
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sion prior to the opening of the bar. He was eventually convicted of the charge on August 8, 2007. As a result of the on-going litigation, a notice of lis pendens has been recorded with the Florida Department of Business Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic, Beverages and Tobacco, effectively blocking the unencumbered sale of the liquor license, and further complicating the sale of the business. Multiple attempts by the Florida Agenda to contact Whittaker over the past several months have been unsuccessful, and a gag order has been placed on the various hearings involving the on-going litigation with most of the motions, nevertheless, being ruled in favor of plaintiff Kildea. In his court case, originally filed July 27, 2011, Kildea alleges that Whittaker knowingly misled him about the liquor license and their partnership. Additionally, he claims that Whittaker, by “taking $10,000 per month more than agreed to, misappropriated assets of Sidelines for her own personal gain,” and that she took “travel advances, expensing lavish parties and dinners,” and “personal vacations, which were paid with credit cards” issued in Sidelines’ name. Whittaker denies that allegation as well. While “respectfully” refusing to comment for this story, in her sworn answers to Kildea’s lawsuit, Whittaker takes the position that his allegations “are based upon and completely emanate from an alleged oral contract that is illegal and against public policy in the State of Florida.” She further denies his right to examine the corporation’s bookkeeping records. The court has since ruled that Whittaker must make the bookkeeping records available to Kildea’s attorneys and accountant.
Laurie Whittaker (left) and partner Jennifer Morales at the present location of the Sidelines Sports Bar
Sidelines opened May 12, 2006 in the former location of Circuit Bar, and was an immediate hit with a gay clientele that mixed easily with the occasional lesbian and heterosexual sports fan. During its first years of operation, Kildea was featured along with lawyer Whittaker in publicity releases and published articles listing them as “co-owners,” celebrating the success of what was an obviously wellrun and appreciated Drive destination. With Whittaker handling the financial transactions of the business and Kildea managing the bar, Sidelines drew muchneeded traffic to the south end of Wilton Drive, and benefited many other businesses along the route. That all changed when Kildea was diagnosed with colon cancer in September, 2010. After Kildea’s cancer surgery, however, he says that his ability to continue his dayto-day obligations was impacted by his ill health, which took a second hit when further cancer surgery and treatment was required in July 2011. It was then that things began to unravel—amid the bowls
Complicating the ownership issue, in printed releases from Morales’ own office during the first five years of the bar’s operation, Kildea is referred to as a “co-owner” along with Laurie Whittaker, Morales’ longtime girlfriend. A story in the December 17, 2012 edition of the Agenda reported that, “Sidelines Sports Bar broke ground last week in their new location,” with the anticipated opening “in the early part of Winter 2013.” That story turned out to be more subterfuge in a saga steeped in intrigue. Caught in the middle of the conflict is real estate mogul Tony Dee, owner of the building in which Sidelines Sports Bar is located. He has a valid lease, signed by both Kildea and Whittaker until the end of April 2014, and has been put on notice by Kildea that he plans on renewing the lease at its expiration. Dee told the Agenda that he’s had multiple inquiries about the space and has tentatively agreed to lease it to “the guys from Bill’s,” if and when the property becomes available. In the meantime, Kildea continues to fight his colon cancer, which has required additional surgery and treatment. On April 24, 2013, he was arrested by the Fort Lauderdale police for manufacturing cannabis within 1,000 feet of a school or church. (Kildea’s home is located across the street from a church.) In his defense, Kildea says that he was using the marijuana for medicinal purposes to help with the pain associated with his disease. Meanwhile, Sidelines Sports Bar continues to be open for business at 2031 Wilton Dr. though customer traffic is substantially lower than it was at the bar’s peak under Kildea.
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While some renovations were begun on the interior of the 6,000 square foot Oakland Park space, no legal building permits were issued and rumors along the Drive suggested that the move would never occur.
of peanuts and freshly made popcorn— inside the once happy Sidelines. And allegations began to fly. “On a Tuesday in July, Laurie [Whittaker] came to me and offered to buy me out of the business for $50,000.” Kildea told the Florida Agenda. “Wednesday, Laurie had to have surgery on her throat for polyps, so she couldn’t talk. Her brother started to call me, demanding to know if I was going to take the offer. He said, ‘You need to just accept this because you’re not going to win on this.’” Kildea claims that he was blindsided by the offer, particularly given that the bar had grossed $7 million during its first five years in business. “I told him that I wasn’t accepting the offer. Thursday night, I received a text from Laurie saying, ‘Do not come back to the bar. I’m changing the locks on the doors, and you’re not welcome there anymore.’ Friday, I went and found a lawyer,” Kildea said. Kildea was paid in the form of a bi-weekly check plus cash. Kildea alleges that then-Sidelines Marketing Director Jennifer Morales was being paid in cash, as well. “We were paying Jennifer under the table because she was getting SSI (Supplemental Security Income)” for a diagnosed case of pulmonary hypertension, as well as ataxia, a progressive neurological disease, Kildea told the Florida Agenda last January (FA, January 3, 2013). In his suit, Kildea alleges that Morales, whose real name is Jennifer Mojica, was paid $750 a week “for her marketing efforts despite the fact that she is collecting disability and Medicare,” a claim that Whittaker denies.
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RECIPE
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BY CHEF JEAN DOHERTY
• 5 tablespoons butter • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 4 cups milk • salt & pepper • freshly grated nutmeg In a medium saucepan, heat the butter over medium-low heat until melted. Add the flour and stir until smooth. Cook until the mixture turns a light, golden sandy
color, stir constantly. Add milk to the butter mixture slowly, whisking continuously until very smooth. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil, then remove from heat. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg….. Beeeeautiful. Leave out the nutmeg and throw in some cheese if you want a “Mornay sauce.” Voila! I hear ya…. What kind of cheese? Any kind you like. Grate it or break it up into small pieces so it’ll melt faster. You can use blue cheese, Swiss, cheddar…. Taste it and see how you like it best. You are the Chef.
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échamel sauce is a key ingredient in lots of recipes. Also known as white sauce—“sauce blanche” (sounds so much more sexy when you say it in French)—is one of the mother sauces of French cuisine and it is used in lots of Italian recipes, e.g. lasagna (c’mon, give credit where is due!). It’s also used as the base for other sauces like Mornay sauce, which is Béchamel with cheese. It’s traditionally made by whisking milk gradually into a flourbutter “roux” (I’ll have you all speaking French by the time we’re finished!). You’ll need:
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BÉCHAMEL SAUCE
Although born in Dublin, Ireland, Chef Jean Doherty spent most of her life in Lyon, France, the gastronomical capital of the world. Together with Vero, her partner of 25 years, Jean has owned and run multiple restaurants including Fort Lauderdale’s Le Patio.
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DINING
Fresh Food Fast
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PDQ
BY RICHARD DAVID CHAMBERLAIN
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o there’s a new kid on the block that’s not really all that new. We’re talking about the dramatic appearance on North Federal Highway of PDQ, a chicken joint whose name is an acronym for People Dedicated to Quality, or so we’re told. The building in which the restaurant is housed has been under construction for months, making the opening of the place last February a much-anticipated event. What we hadn’t realized is that PDQ is one of a chain of nine restaurants under that banner, conceived and originally opened on the West Coast of Florida by Outback Steakhouse co-founder Bob Basham and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers CFO Nick Reader. The Fort Lauderdale branch is a franchise operation owned by Basham and another Outback co-founder, Palm Beach’s Tim Gannon. When imagining PDQ, think about a cleaner version of Chick Fil-A, without all the hate and controversy. There’s an array of chicken sandwiches that are available fried or grilled, which, along with chicken tenders, form the basics of the menu. Of the group, our easy favorite is the Grilled Chicken Sandwich ($4.29). It’s a nicely sized slab of chicken breast, served with iceberg lettuce, tomato, and dill pickles on a whole wheat bun. Housemade Honey Mustard Sauce completes the dish, which is also available as a “meal” ($7.29) and includes freshly cut shoestring fries and a medium soda. There is a fried alternative called the Crispy Chicken Sandwich ($4.29). In this case, it’s served on an egg bun, and comes with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato and pickles. While the crunch is nice, the sandwich’s calorie count skyrockets with the hand-breading and frying. A treat occasionally, but a horror for health. The restaurant chain began life in Cornelius, North Carolina in an incarnation known as Tenders. That was the birthplace of the current philosophy that stressed freshly prepared ingredients, including the handbreading on the Three ($7.29), Four ($8.29) and Five-Piece
Tenders Meal ($9.29). The tenders themselves are about an inch wide and five inches long, and are also available grilled. Each plate, regardless of size, comes with one dipping sauce from the restaurant’s housemade selection of seven. Bleu Cheese, Buffalo Bleu, Chipotle Barbecue, Creamy Garlic, Honey Mustard, Ranch, and a hot-and-sour concoction called Sweet Heat, which ended up being our favorite. At least with the succulent tenders. The hand-tossed salads are another adventure entirely. There are three varieties offered here—Crispy Chicken, Grilled Chicken and Caesar Chicken. As quick scan of the dining room, a spotlessly clean place by the way, suggested that the popular choice went to the Crispy Chicken Salad ($6.29) with its iceberg lettuce added to a few spring greens, plus cucumbers, shredded mixed cheese, and chopped tomatoes--a flavorful yet fattening choice for a crunch lunch. A far better selection healthwise is the Grilled Chicken Salad ($6.29) that presents grilled chicken tenders atop mixed greens, chopped tomatoes, candied glazed sliced almonds, craisins, all coated in a housemade Blueberry-Ginger Vinaigrette. We customized our salad by adding a side order of Sliced Granny Smith Apples with Toffee Dip ($2.29). The apples worked well with the almonds and craisins, in an explosion of flavors. The bowl size is perfect for a hearty portion without seeming excessive, with just enough chicken to add a taste to each bitefull. And while we’re on health, consider ordering a Grilled Turkey Breast Sandwich ($4.29). With its slice of chilled cranberry, seasoned mayo and crisp lettuce, this is a “Handheld Thanksgiving” if we’ve ever seen one. Tell them Florida Agenda told you so.
PDQ 3359 N FEDERAL HWY, OAKLAND PARK FL 33306 954-874-8528
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on sale now!
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Charge By Phone: 800-745-3000. All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. Ticket prices subject to applicable fees.
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BY GREGG SHAPIRO
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The Community’s Most Influential Components MICHAEL EMANUEL RAJNER
protections and access of benefits for LGBT-people through local ordinances. In my past service on the Broward County School Board’s Diversity Committee, I was successful to push for more inclusive LGBT-policies and support programs. Along with other advocates, I have had the pleasure to work closely with the Superintendent, School Board members and administrators to end the invisibility of LGBT-youth and families.
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orn in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Bergen County, New Jersey, Michael Emanuel Rajner, BSW, has resided in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area since 2000. Engaged in advocacy since his teens, Michael was appointed as a legislative aide to New Jersey State Senator S. Gerald Cardinale. Michael, who holds a bachelor degree in social work from Florida Atlantic University, interned with the Broward State Attorney’s Office as a victim advocate. Maintains a strong commitment to community involvement and public service, Michael serves on the Broward County Human Rights Board and has served in various leadership capacities on the Broward County HIV Health Services Planning Council, as well as being the legislative director for the Florida Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Democratic Caucus, an official caucus of the Florida Democratic Party. More recently, Michael was awarded the “Voice for Equality Award” by Equality Florida in 2011, and was named among the POZ 100 by POZ Magazine.
What do you consider to be your most significant contribution to the LGBT community in South Florida/Wilton Manors and at large? I believe my most significant contributions for the LGBT community in South Florida have been in the terms of public policy. Over the last several years I have worked hard as a volunteer citizen lobbyist to expand
Words of wisdom to the next LGBT generation? Believe in yourself, know that you are an amazing creation and never fear to charge at windmills to affect positive change. You will be surprised how many battles you can win.
Michael Rajner with Debbie Wasserman Schultz at the Democratic Convention
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When did you come out and what was the experience like for you? I was aware of my sexual orientation at a very young age, but did not completely come out until my early 20’s while living in Los Angeles. It was a painful time plagued with a sense of alienation from my family and faith. I learned that LGBT-people often create their own affirming families.
Please name a few of your LGBT heroes and say a few words about why you chose them. I recall struggling with a writing assignment in high school to identify heroes. There certainly have been many individuals in our lives who inspire us and among those is Harvey Milk. Harvey was an amazing community organizer who taught our community to live our lives out loud. Another individual is Pedro Zamora, who while living with HIV/AIDS, taught many of us how to live proud as a gay man and through our own personal challenges to stand up, be counted and leave a positive mark in this world.
What are your future goals and aspirations? At 42, I’m trying to figure that out. While some people have encouraged me to run for public office, I enjoy being an activist to advocate for our community. Until I figure it out, I will continue to try my best to create positive change in our community.
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JASON KING
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hen did you come out and what was the experience like for you? I was 13 years old. I had been spending spending late nights on the family computer, chatting on AIM with some guy I met in a gay AOL chatroom. We exchanged pictures, and had some pretty graphic conversation of a sexual nature! My mom discovered the chat history somehow, printed it out, and confronted me about it. I said that I thought I was gay, but I wasn’t sure. 13 years later, I’m pretty sure! My parents were totally cool about it. My mother and father were, and are, very supportive; so are my stepfather and my dad’s girlfriend. All members of my family, save a couple, are proponents of LGBT equality. And in high school, I came out to everyone when I was 17; I gained more friends than lost. I’ve been blessed to have had a relatively easy time coming out. Please name five of your LGBT heroes and say a few words about why you chose them. Pyotr Tchaikovsky: musical genius—the master of classical ballet—who most historians believe was gay. His music is eternal and will be cherished for all of time. A beautiful quote from a letter to his brother: “Only now, especially after the story of my marriage, have I finally begun to understand that there is nothing more fruitless than not wanting to be that which I am by nature.” (Feb. 1878) Michael Weinstein: Founder of AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the organization I work for. Michael has worked tirelessly for over 25 years, caring for people with HIV/AIDS, and building what was a few-people-manned hospice into a $1 billion global non-profit. AHF is the largest, and most effective, HIV/AIDS advocacy and medical care provider in the world, caring for over 200,000 patients, with social enterprises such as Out of the Closet, AHF Pharmacy, and AIDS Walk. Michael is my boss, but also a friend for whom I have the utmost respect. Elton John: another musical genius; huge benefactor to the HIV/AIDS community. He and his partner, David Furnish, are an example for what a committed, same-sex relationship can be. Margaret Cho: who knows whether she’s gay or straight? I say she’s just queer, but there’s no doubt about what a pillar she is in our community. She
has, from the beginning of her public career, been a staunch supporter of ‘gay rights,’ when it was still fashionable to call it that. She is iconic and one of the most vocal proponents of LGBT equality of today’s celebrities. Plus, she’s pee-in-yourpants hilarious! Barney Frank: the first U.S. Congressman to come out voluntarily (1987); a beloved and respected representative, who has been an ardent fighter for civil rights of LGBTs, immigrants, other marginalized demographics. He’s famous for the “Frank Rule,” which allows a closeted politician (Republican) to be outed if he uses his political power to oppress and harm LGBTs. I love what he once said to Bill Maher: “I think there is right to privacy, but a right to privacy should not be a right to hypocrisy.” He did a lot of other great things, too. He was just a damn good legislator.
man can be. More young, HIV+ gay males need to see it. More of us need to “come out” to normalize this disease so that we can fight it more effectively. The CDC estimates 1 in 5 gay males is positive—half don’t know it—and of that group, 13 to 24 year-olds are experiencing the highest rate of new infections. There are many factors that play into this, but among them, lack of education (I insert fear and stigma into this category), substance abuse, and apathy are the most dangerous. I was diagnosed at 19 because I thought it wouldn’t happen to me, and because I was using drugs. Now, I have to live with it the rest of my life. It’s expensive and inconvenient. I hope to teach people that HIV is not something you want to get. But at the same time, we need to stop discriminating against HIV+ people within our LGBT community. I have lived a full, healthy life for 7 years of being positive. I’ve been able to date negative guys because I’ve maintained viral suppression with medication, and used condoms, which makes me unlikely to transmit the virus. Being healthy, finding love, and succeeding occupationally are possible while being HIV positive. You can do it all…even if you’re poz. What are your future goals and aspirations? I really enjoy my work in public health. Ideally, I’d like to continue serving with AHF until there’s a cure for HIV. I see myself in the public health arena for a long time. Generally speaking, my passions lie in politics. I love having to adapt to personalities and build as many relationships as possible. Part of my job is to work with legislators and other government officials to improve policy for the people AHF serves. I especially love the lobbying work I do because it allows me to do what I do best and enjoy most: share and learn. I’d like to make a life of this, eventually diversifying the causes I advocate for.
Photo of Jason King taken by Dennis Dean
What do you consider to be your most significant contribution to the LGBT community in South Florida/Wilton Manors and at large? I think my most significant contribution to Wilton Manors, and the surrounding gay community, is trying to be an example of what an HIV+, gay young
Words of wisdom to the next LGBT generation. Don’t rely ONLY on Grindr, Jack’d, Scruff, etc. to find love, dates, friends or sex. You’ll find people are flakey, schedules don’t coordinate, and more often than not, you’ll be dissatisfied. How many times have we deleted and re-installed our mobile gay “dating” apps? Ah! How frustrating. Unfortunately many of us have become accustomed or dependent to hiding behind apps that protect our anonymity. Or we’ve just become lazy. Either way, because of anonymity and convenience, it appears the community has reduced its capacity to interact in person. We’ve got to learn how to go out, socialize with strangers, and just walk up to people without fear of rejection. We’ll be better for it. Plus, it’s boring to sit on your duff at home, accompanied by just a martini and your device. Cruising in person is a lot more fun.
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ew York native Glen Weinzimer has resided in Southern Florida since 1984. Glen majored in Hotel and Restaurant Management and Business Administration at University of Denver. Retiring in 1994, as a result of AIDS, he started what would become The SMART (Southern Most AIDS/HIV Ride) Ride in 2003. Unique features of The SMART Ride include a 100% of guaranteed what riders raise going to charity, a degree of participant-control over the distribution of the funds raised and the 10% Lifeline program benefitting AIDS Service Organizations around the State of Florida. In addition to raising and returning more than $4.2Million via The SMART Ride, Glen’s background in volunteer work includes the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, Art Against AIDS in Miami, Florida AIDS Ride and Sunshine Ride For AIDS, among others. When not volunteering, Glen enjoys travel and has visited the Czech Republic, Italy, Germany, Greece, Israel, Thailand, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland and Costa Rica, to mention a few.
Glen Weinzimer addressing participants at SmartRide
Please name a few of your LGBT heroes and say a few words about why you chose them. My LGBT heroes definitely include some public figures, but also some personal heroes not of public fame, but very personal to me because they live their lives honestly and give back to the community, are invested in the environment, public policy, community activities from running clubs and arts and most importantly giving back to everything from AIDS to Cancer. On the public front and making a difference and for me clearing the way to public debate and dialogue is definitely Ellen DeGeneres. I think her coming out in public through her TV show was very brave. I think she paid a heavy price at the time, losing her job, being shunned and targeted as an example of something not yet more universally and publicly recognized. Her bravery and honesty later paved the way for others like Rosie O’Donnell, Neil Patrick Harris and shows like “Modern Family” to “The New Normal.” A very modern hero is Rachel Maddow the TV host; she is intelligent, well spoken, honest and respected. I think her public presence and credibility isn’t
measured by the fact that she is an out lesbian. But is a strong example of how the LGBT community is part of every aspect of daily life, her willingness to not keep it a secret continues to allow the mainstream media, and main street America to see all of us as just normal regular people. There are so many more wonderful people that have influenced my life by the way they live theirs as models in our community, taking on roles in government, such as Barney Frank, or locally, such as Oakland Park Mayor John Adornato. I also find individuals just living their lives openly in South Florida inspiring. Most Americans that have an issue with the LGBT community have ignorance born out of the unknown, fear if you will of what we least are familiar with. The more we live our lives openly the less mysterious our community is and therefore less feared, when people realize there is no difference between all of us, but rather we all strive in our own way to survive daily life. What do you consider to be your most significant contribution to the LGBT community in South Florida/Wilton Manors and at large? It’s a no-brainer for me. I am so proud that I have been able to empower people to make a difference both for themselves personally, and to honor those who struggle every day with the effects of being HIV positive. People want to make a difference and help others, but often are at a loss because of experience, because of other obligations and because of time left at the end of every day. My contribution through creating The SMART Ride allows everyone to give back and improve him or herself in the process. My journey wasn’t immediately going to be obvious, my goal started out personally as someone living with AIDS and struggling to redefine myself after diagnosis. I was forced to give up my career and based on the “experts” medical opinions at the time, I was to plan on dying sooner than later. Needless to say, happily the “experts” were wrong as I now celebrate my 20th year living with AIDS. Through the work of The SMART Ride, we have proved that we can return 100% of the funds raised by individuals, that we could renew the trust of our sponsors, and renew the trust of the community and give people a sense of empowerment. In the past 9 years that has amounted to over $4.2 million dollars raised and returned, with over $880,000 coming in 2012 alone. It makes me feel good that so many people I may never know receive medical care, psycho/ social services and education as a result of the ride. I am also so proud that because of the ride we have around 10,000 people a year donate to the event, creating dialogue where silence is often the norm. One of the greatest compliments I get from the agen-
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When did you come out and what was the experience like for you? There’s not a straightforward answer (no pun intended). I don’t think I “came out” in one big swoop with the curtains parting and the spotlight aimed directly at me. It was more in a series of stages or releases for me. I first “came out” in 1978 to other gay friends in high school and then in college I “came out” to classmates in my junior year. I “came out” to my sister in 1980 and then to my parents in the late 80’s. Growing up in NYC, the idea of being completely closeted never really occurred to me, I didn’t pretend to be straight and I think I was lucky because of a very liberal upbringing and parents I knew had embraced and accepted others who were gay or lesbian. When I finally “came out” to my parents, they were more concerned about me finding a partner and not being alone. My parents recounted to me that at a very early age I acted in a manner not considered “masculine.” I had been stereotypical of the “gay” guy who wasn’t interested in following, let alone in playing, sports. I played in an orchestra, was interested in the school plays and always took pride in my appearance. I did get picked on by other kids and learned to run very fast (a sport I guess I did master) at the fear of two individuals in elementary school who always threatened to kick my proverbial butt after school because
even at the age of 6 or 7, it was obvious to them I wasn’t “tough” enough. Overall, despite the occasional boys at school and later at summer camp, the experience for me was one I wish others who didn’t grow up in my circumstances could have had. I must admit that although “coming out” wasn’t bad, it definitely wasn’t easy at any stage. There was always the fear of being shunned by friends who might not understand and whom I admired. For the most part my fears of being excluded proved to be more my personal insecurities more than anything else.
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GLEN WEINZIMER
Where Cultures Collide and History Is Made
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ISTANBUL – PART II
TRAVEL
BY ROBERT ELIAS DEATON
T
he recent unrest in Taksim Square in Istanbul is currently maintaining an uneasy calm as riot police kept this giant public space in the center of the largest city in Turkey clear of protestors who gathered again last Saturday to throw carnations at the patrol armed with water cannons. The agitation began and ended a rather tense time in the region with the government of Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan criticizing the protestors as playing into the hands of Turkey’s enemies. “Who won from these three weeks of protests? The interest rate lobby, Turkey’s enemies,” Erdogan said from a stage emblazoned with his portrait in the Black Sea city of Samsun. “Who lost from these protests?” he continued. “Turkey’s economy, even if to a small extent, tourism lost. They overshadowed and stained Turkey’s image and international power,” he said. Amazingly, for a mostly Muslim nation, gays are, and have traditionally been, accepted. As far back as the 16th century,
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Taksim Square today (above) and in more peaceful times (left)
during the Ottoman Empire, it was a common practice within the large military for warriors to seek the companionship of other warriors. Today, the gay population is centered in the Taksim District of Beyoğlu on the European side of Istanbul. Yes, that’s where the protestors are, but they are more interested in the Prime Minister than you.
There are many street cafes and clubs in this district whose business has not been hurt at all by the riots within the square. If anything, business has been marginally helped as thousands have pushed into the city. And sandwiched among them is the gay tourist to whom Istanbul has always been a provocative and popular destination.
The Love Dance Point (Cumhuriyet Caddesi 349, Beyoğlu) has been going strong for over nine years and has become Istanbul’s most popular dance club. There’s a carnival atmosphere here, where any type of dress (or undress) seems to be accepted. The place is managed by the legendary Ismael. His name alone shouts Turkey. The entrance fee when last we looked was 25 Turkish liras—about $13.00. (By the way, that’s the new Turkish lira in circulation since 2005. Avoid even looking in the direction of the larger, old Turkish lira notes which are now worthless, regardless of how many zeros are on the denomination.) Tek Yön (1st fl, Siraselviler Caddesi 63, Beyoğlu) is to bears, what Love Dance Point is to twinkies. Featuring Istanbul’s largest dance floor, Tek Yön is full of locals who don’t know their fashion labels and could care less about their fitness. They are real
however, which in Istanbul counts for a lot. Tek Yön has a wonderful outside patio garden where smokers and cruisers play “touch Daddy’s private parts.” XLarge Club (Kallavi Sokak 12, Beyoğlu) is housed in the former Elhamra Theatre, a beautiful one-time movie palace with an enormous original chandelier still hanging from the ceiling. Half of the fun at the XLarge is to ogle the old architectural details while keeping your gaydar scanning the mixed crowd for the next love-of-your-life. You might actually find him (or her) on the second floor mezzanine, in one of the two supersized beds, one of which actually overlooks the hunks sweating on the dance floor. Expect to find both gay and straight partyphiles here. Great fun is guaranteed. Remember always that Turkey is still a Muslim country. No kissing in public, although linking arms and walking the street is common between straight men here, so who are you to argue. The Turks are a beautiful group of culturally advanced people. Enjoy.
Gregg Shapiro: The last time we spoke, you were preparing to be Jerry Lee Lewis in the pre-Broadway production of “Million Dollar Quartet.” It’s a part that earned you a Tony Award. Do you have a special of honor for your Tony statue? Levi Kreis: [Laughs] It only just came out of the closet, Tony came out of the closet… I think some people would’ve approached that job from a very ambitious perspective. For me, my music has always been my job. This was an extra thing that I was grateful to have while I was going through a divorce, while I was getting sober, while, literally, every level of my life felt like it was falling apart. This was a great team of people to work
with. When the Tony Award happened, I honestly felt like, “Holy s***, did I pull the wool over everybody’s eyes?” I really felt like I wasn’t worthy of it. I felt like, at that point, anything else that I did that people would find me out as a fraud. It really intimidated me. That’s actually why I put it away. I came home that night and put in the closet, for real. I felt like I wasn’t equal to it. Only recently did I take it out and put it up.
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aradise is here and it can be found on “Imagine Paradise” (Vision 9), the soulful new album by Tony Awardwinning gay singer/songwriter Levi Kreis. The fan-funded recording features a dozen original Kreis compositions written for supporters who contributed at a specific level. The remaining financing fans are given their due on the album’s front and back covers. A distinct move in a new direction for Kreis, the songs on “Imagine Paradise” take the best elements of retro R&B and dance and splash them with a fresh, funky and vivid new coat of paint. Just try to stand still when you hear “Any Way You Wanna,” “Taking Back My Boogie,” “So Much Better,” “Love Revolution” and especially “It Ain’t Over.” The perfect soundtrack for your summer parties, the disc also includes ballads such as “What
Love Is,” an example of the kind of dramatic number on which Kreis established his devoted following. I spoke with Levi shortly before the release of “Imagine Paradise.”
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BY GREGG SHAPIRO
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PARADISE WITH LEVI KREIS
Q & A
That’s good to hear, because you definitely deserved it. Thank you! Did Jerry Lee Lewis ever come to see your portrayal of him? Jerry Lee Lewis not only came to see the show, he sat in with us on the encore. I got to play with him. It was the best
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PARADISE WITH LEVI KREIS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37
experience of the whole thing. As a matter of fact, we got to spend a whole day together and the New York Times followed us around and wrote a whole story about it. He was very complimentary. I remember him saying, (in a thick drawl), “There’s a lot of boys that tried to play me, but I tell you what, you’re the only one that does it justice”—which was a huge compliment. I’ll say. Once you get that seal of approval… …you can’t get any better than that [laughs]. How would you best sum up the “Million Dollar Quartet” experience? Going back to how I described to you why it was hard for me to accept that kind of accolade, I have to say I can sum up the whole experience as a huge lesson to believe in myself. I still feel like I’m that awkward, six foot, 125 pound, swishy gay kid from Tennessee. No matter what we do or how we change our body or how many great friends we end up having, there’s always a little bit of that that still lives in us. That forced me to look at myself and say, “You really do have something legitimate to offer this world and own it and use it. Quit doubting yourself.”
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Q & A
I would like to shift gears now and talk about your new CD Imagine Paradise, beginning with the CD cover on which you appear naked except of the names of your project backers written all over your body. I went through another concept for the album which was an illustration that sort of embodied all the images that, for me, was Paradise. I imagine my life with the palm trees, with this, with that. But then I was like, this really isn’t about me. This is about the people who actually created this album by lending their stories and their life experiences for me. I went through 100 different ideas, but it was just one of those moments where it’s like (sings like an angel) “Ahhhhhh,” a big a-ha moment. This is it! What better way for me to honor them than to get all of them on my body and wear nothing but them. That’s what the project is, it’s nothing but them.
Fan-funded CDs have become big news, especially after Amanda Palmer’s million dollar “Kickstarter” example. Was it a good experience and is it something you would do again? It was a fantastic experience. Because of the way I approached it and the way my fans generally are, we cultivated an intimacy that I don’t think we would’ve had the opportunity to cultivate had we not had that experience. I wouldn’t do it again because I actually honor the concept of “Kickstarter” more from the perspective as a business loan. If you are actually able to get that kind of money, you want to look at how you are doing business and how you can impact the album in a way to then bring the funds to do the next one. I don’t think artists should live off of “Kickstarter.” I think they need to take advantage of it and then find a way to make it a one-time investment for them. I think that what honors my fans more in the long run is if I can say thank you for supporting this, now watch what I can do with this to help cultivate my own business. Each of the 12 songs was written for a backer. Did they make specific requests as to the subject matter or did you have carte blanche? There was a certain incentive; whether you came in at $1000 or $2500 you would get your own personalized, custom written theme song. Once they made their pledge and the “Kickstarter” campaign was finalized – some of them I yapped on the phone with for a few hours, others I just e-mailed; whatever their preference was. Some people had very little to say, some people had a whole lot to say. It was my job to take the core emotional experience of their life situation and liken it unto my core emotional experience of a situation. “Imagine Paradise” is your fifth fulllength disc. In what ways would you say that you’ve evolved as both a songwriter and a performer? I look back on the albums of my past and I can’t help but acknowledge that they were often created from an economical standpoint. For instance, (first album) “One of the Ones,” I had $200 in my pocket, I only had these eight songs left
from the deal with Atlantic Records, and I literally went into a studio in New York City and asked the guy behind the front desk if he would please just let me go in and play one-time through the songs. That was the album. I look at “Gospel”… where we went from a $200 budget to a $3000 budget, which I thought was remarkable. But we’re still in the living room, working with old equipment and it’s just me and someone else. Along the way, I also think that what informed the albums was that I had an undue concern for what was hot at the time. For instance, “The Gospel According to Levi” was (recorded) around the time of Kelly Clarkson’s big hit “Since U Been Gone” and you can hear whatever was hot in the day in that particular album. Why I love “Imagine Paradise” so much is that I finally let that go and decided that I wanted to do the music that I like to listen to. Some of my friends over the years have introduced me to the greatest music of the late 70s and early 80s, when the black and gay communities were creating these anthems of freedom. I’m coming out of the closet with that, that’s what I listen to, that’s what I have on repeat. I don’t listen to my old albums because I never would listen to that style of music. This is actually the style of music I would listen to. For me, I actually enjoy listening to this album for the first time. I’m glad that you mentioned the “anthems of freedom” because “Love Revolution” is one of your most political numbers. I stay out of politics. This is actually the first time I have delved into it. I don’t think I could’ve honored the story of Richard Friend, who inspired it, without speaking that. He was a political activist, he was reaching out to our HIV/ AIDS victims at the height of ACT UP. He was building organizations. He was
caring for people. For me, number one, it was about Richard. Number two, yes it was about the genre and the work does lend itself to that. But primarily it was to honor him in his journey. But then the result of what Richard has brought me is that I now feel comfortable talking about those kinds of issues that I never had before. As a matter of fact, “Love Revolution” is the second single. It looks like there will be a remix competition where 100% of the proceeds will be going to, I believe, Positively Living in Knoxville, Tennessee, which helps fund clothing and food for those who are living with HIV and AIDS. Because it’s hit me in a personal way that has infused a passion about it that I can’t not articulate. Gay singer/songwriter Sam Harris joins you as duet partner on the song “It Ain’t Over.” How did that come about? I wrote “It Ain’t Over,” had recorded it, it was done and it wasn’t working. I sat there and said, “Why is this not finding the life that it needs?” I have been joking for a few months in the studio about how fun it would be to have a Barbra/Donna moment [laughs]. I had just finished working with Sam on the New Year’s thing and I wondered if you’d be interested in making this duet. We rerecorded the tracks from square one, made it a duet and then it came to life. It’s perfect now for what it is. With summer just around the corner, “It Ain’t Over” sounds like it was custommade for tea dance in Provincetown. What would it mean to you to be a dance divo? When I played this album for Larry Flick over at Sirius Radio, he said, “This is your coming out album! This is the gayest thing you’ve ever done!” [Laughs] I said, “Thank you!”
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ASK THE FITNESS MAN
HEALTH
By PETER JACKSON, CPT
THE SECRET TO HUGE TRICEPS Q: I’ve been lifting weights pretty hard for the past year and have built a lot of muscle, but my triceps don’t seem to be growing even though I work them 2-3 times a week. What can you suggest? A: It sounds like you are over-training your triceps! But first let’s understand this important muscle group. The triceps brachii (Latin for “three-headed arm muscle”) are located at the back of your arm on the opposite side of the biceps and actually make up about two-thirds of the muscle in your arms. Any movement involving straightening your arm uses the triceps. While bulging biceps are always impressive, it is your triceps that will add size and make your arms look massive. Guys with well-developed triceps typically boast a horseshoe-shape ridge of muscle which is truly a thing of beauty! There are three distinct muscles in the triceps which all join together at the elbow: the lateral head (the outer area), the long head (the inner area and the largest of the three) and the medial head (mostly covered by the lateral and long heads). It’s important to understand that most upper body exercises require the use of your arm muscles. Pushing movements (such as the bench press), in particular, recruit the triceps to allow you to straighten your arms (while pulling movements, such as the cable row, recruit your biceps). So by default, when you are pushing heavy weight your
triceps are simultaneously getting a good workout. There are hundreds of exercises to work the triceps, but I recommend paying special attention to those which recruit the long head, the largest of the three and the one with the most potential to add size rapidly to your arms. Important tip: The farther away your arms are from your torso, the greater the emphasis is on the long head. Close-grip Bench Presses and overhead extension exercises using dumbbells, an EZ-bar or cable should therefore be at the top of your list of triceps exercises. My favorite among these is the Lying Overhead Extension (also known as Skull Crusher for obvious reasons!) Dips, and there are dozens of ways to do them, are also excellent for recruiting and building all the muscles of the triceps. Two more of my favorite triceps exercises are Dumbbell Kickbacks and Rope Triceps Pressdowns. Training your triceps specifically, as you say, 2-3 times a week amounts to overtraining considering that you are probably training your chest at least once a week as well, which inherently means you are also working your triceps. Muscles don’t grow in the gym but during the process of recovering, so cut back on the frequency of your triceps workouts. Hitting them twice a week is sufficient. Work out with a trainer or gym buddy to allow you to lift heavy and change your workouts regularly.
EXERCISE SPOTLIGHT Dumbbell Kickback
➊
There are many variations of this terrific exercise. Place your left hand and and left knee on a flat bench (or simply lean forward with your left hand against a piece of equipment, as shown). Your lower back should be naturally arched and your torso more or less parallel to the floor. Hold your right upper arm to that it’s parallel to the floor with elbow bent. Without moving your right upper arm, raise your forearm until your arm is completely straight. Return to the starting position.
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➋
Bruce Walthers demonstrates the Dumbbell Kickback. Photography by Tobysphotos.com
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Orlando Cruz for coming out as a gay boxer, while he’s still active in a sport. This is needed in the football and baseball arenas to remove the stigma. Vice President Joe Biden for pushing the envelope on Gay Marriage. How can we measure this moment in time? Cleve Jones for the AIDS Quilt. The Stonewall Riots and all those involved!
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 cies that benefit and from the individuals that participate are they feel renewed after participating in the ride. They feel inspired that they are making a difference and strengthened to fight for justice. I over quote Margaret Mead, but I believe that her words have been a source of inspiration to me and ultimately to everyone who is touched by the ride. It reads “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” I hope my contribution has been empowering people to believe they can do anything and are not limited by the “experts” who may believe otherwise or discourage our dreams. I often say that one should never crush someone’s creative will; it’s that will that makes dreams come true.
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What are your future goals and aspirations? To continue to work towards improving lives, educating individuals about the effects of HIV/AIDS and to keep the memories of so many who left before their time alive. The SMART Ride has proven that AIDS doesn’t have to be a death sentence for me, or for others. I want to continue to foster cooperation between agencies that work with HIV/AIDS, to provide an arena where they can collaborate. I am also starting a series of new AIDS bicycle rides to be able to help more organizations around the state receive funding they so desperately need. The event is called Bike It For Life™, the first of which took place on May 11th in Fort Lauderdale with the plan to have a series of these events throughout the state in the next two years. Life has always been full of surprises; my goal is to remain a viable part of the surprises and to continue to make a difference. Any words of wisdom for the LGBT community of the future? I’m not sure I am qualified to offer wisdom other than to remind the future that we all make a difference, don’t judge yourself on someone else’s success or failures. It isn’t the largest public gestures that are always the source of change, it’s more often the simple kindness and gestures we show each other that really influence someone’s day, week, month year or life. Keep in mind that because your LGBT journey may be easy, there are so many who haven’t and don’t have the same experience and our willingness to help others helps strengthen all of us as a community. If your experience coming out is rough, there are so many of us willing to help; reach out to those around and never get discouraged by any “expert” that doesn’t support your vision of life.
All-American Christopher Dunham
CHRISTOPHER DUNHAM
C
hristopher Dunham is a native Floridian. A graduate of Stetson University, he played professional baseball for the Cleveland Indians. Dunham married Joseph Anthony Dominguez-Dunham in Boston on October 19, 2013. He is the owner of Dunham Insurance. When did you come out and what was the experience like for you? I came out in 1992. My experience was complete hell, but very liberating, I didn’t have to lie anymore, I truly could become the person I was always meant to be. I literally crawled up in a fetal position, cried for an hour, then made the trek up to my parents to tell them. My parents turned white as a ghost, complete confusion resonated within them, then they proceeded to pop pills and drink. It took about a year for us to resume communications, but I’m truly a better person for it. Please name some of your LGBT heroes and say a few words about why you chose them. Larry Kramer, AIDS Activist, Co-Founded Gay Men’s Health Crisis. Irwin Drucker for bringing IBM to the forefront of diversity issues, and one of the NGLCC’s largest contributors.
What do you consider to be your most significant contribution to the LGBT community in South Florida/Wilton Manors and at large? My biggest contribution is supporting The Pride Center, as part of the Founder Circle, Vision 2015, Sponsoring an Evening in Paradise the past couple years, sponsoring The Smart Ride (which I thank my employee Alejandro Kalaf for getting me involved) and involving myself politically for LGBT issues. Also, supporting all my friends who are even more involved than I am. What are your future goals and aspirations? My aspirations are to make my partner happy, continue to support my community and friends on the issues of today, and to make sure our voice is heard politically concerning LGBT issues. Words of wisdom to the next LGBT generation. Shake up the establishment.
“ My aspirations are to make my partner happy, continue to support my community and friends on the issues of today, and to make sure our voice is heard politically concerning LGBT issues.”
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K
ristofer Fegenbush is a key component to the LGBT community. Deputy Director for the Pride Center at Equality Park in Wilton Manors, Fegenbush oversees the organization’s operations, fighting the fight behind closed doors. He is a fundamental building block for the community.
When did you come out and what was the experience like for you? I came out in my later 20s. For years, I had grappled with reconciling my faith with my sexuality. My father is a minister, and I worked for a faith-based organization. The process involved lots of tears, questions, late night conversations, prayer, cute boys on South Beach and the examples of some wonderful gay people of faith that I got to know in South Florida. A couple of loyal, dear friends stood by my side and loved me generously. My family surprised me with the depth of their acceptance, love and embracing. It was tough on my mom…but I’ve learned that I hadn’t given them enough credit. We made the commitment to walk down this road together, extending grace where we didn’t understand each other. To this day, they never introduce my partner of 12 years to others without calling him their “eldest son.” It makes the world of difference when family and friends offer unconditional love. I didn’t receive the in-my-face judgment I expected from others. Who knows? I may have been the topic of non-approving conversation among some old friends, but I was never invited to those parties. I think it’s hard to extend judgment and shaming stigma when we come face-to-face with human need at a personal level. That’s why coming out is important. It changed not only my life, but the lives of my friends and family. We all grew along this journey.
access life-saving services, prevent the spread of the virus, and lower stigma and shame in the community. Together we’ve expanded the diversity in Pride Center programming, staff, funding, focus and goals. We’ve built this place into a true community center. Hopefully I’ve played well in the sandbox with others. I’ve pursued healthy functioning in my relationships and helped others pursue it in the community. My parents always taught us that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” I’ve been showered with love. I try to invest that love in those around me. What are your future goals and aspirations? Finally finish my licensing in social work. Buy a hybrid. Pull my guitar out of its case. Open a private practice. Tame my daily schedule so I can responsibly get a dog. Hike the Appalachian trail. Finish my Rosetta Stone Italian course. Learn something new daily. Run a marathon. Be a loving partner, son, brother, uncle and friend.
“ I invest myself deeply—in my work and relationships with colleagues, clients and the community.” Kristofer Fegenbush in pre-facial hair days
What do you consider to be your most significant contribution to the LGBT community in South Florida/Wilton Manors and at large? It’s certainly not my fashion sense. I’ve helped build authentic community among people. I invest myself deeply—in my work and relationships with colleagues, clients and the community. I give my time and energy because I’m passionate about this community—about our potential, about our benefits, about our needs, about our future. I wake up most mornings and try to do something to impact positively those I encounter. I’m successful at it some days more than others. Hopefully, people say that I’m “real,” sincere and can laugh at myself. I’ve always been blessed to work with the most incredible teams of people. Our work in HIV education, prevention and care through The PALS Project, the LIFE Program, CenterOne, other Pride Center services and the SMART Ride has helped folks create vital social support, build skills,
Words of wisdom to the next LGBT generation. 1) Seek out older LGBT mentors and spend lots of time learning from them. 2) Drink more water. 3) Expect the best in others. My grandfather always said, “There’s so much good in the worst of us; so much bad in the best of us; it never behooves any of us to criticize the rest of us.” I’ve discovered that we find what we’re looking for in others. If people are looking for my faults, they’ll find them quickly. If I seek what is best and excellent in others, that’s what I find. 4) Use SPF 15 daily. 5) Invest yourself in what you love. Choose the ways you use your resources of time, money and energy strategically. Time flies, so pursue your passions. 6) Exercise for health and fun—not vanity. 7) You are loved more than you know. Look for every opportunity to love others extravagantly in return. 8) Get tested. Know your status. Always use a condom.
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Please name five of your LGBT heroes and say a few words about why you chose them. I have lots of LGBT heroes. Bert and Ernie. Bayard Rustin, chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington. Folks who impact popular culture like Pedro Almodovar, Ellen Degeneres and Neil Patrick Harris. Musicians like the Indigo Girls and Elton John— who’ve combined great songcraft with advocacy for HIV awareness, LGBT rights and environmental sustainability. Transgender rights activist Marsha P Johnson and her impact on the Stonewall Riots. Harvey Milk, Pedro Zamora, 9/11 Hero Mark Bing-
ham, Gertrude Stein and The Mattachine Society. Artistic heroes like Michelangelo, Hans Christian Andersen and Handel. Barney Frank, Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis. Local leaders who not only dedicate passion and commitment to our community, but live their lives daily with kindness, humor and humility— like Denise Spivak from Women in Network, Richard Alalouf from South Florida Family Pride, Robert Boo from The Pride Center and local ministers Pastor Leslie Tipton, Rabbi Noah Kitty and Bishop S.F. Makalani-Mahee.
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KRISTOFER FEGENBUSH
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MARKETPLACE CAREGIVER SERVICES
LICENSED MASSAGE
POLISH BOY CAREGIVER Available to work for livein 24/7, or come and go full time or part time. I have 10yrs. experience in the elderly care field. As an aide/ companionship. My duties include Bathing/Showering, Companionship,Doctor’s Appointments, Dressing, Grooming, Grocery Shopping/Errands, Laundry/Change of Bed Linens, Light Housekeeping, Medication Reminders, Meal Preparation/Cooking, Toileting/Incontinent Care. Speak fluent English and Polish. I have a car fully insured and a clean driving record. To learn more about me and my qualifications, feel free to contact me at your convenience. Looking forward to hearing from you. Julian (954) 440-5775
RECESSION RELIEF- $40 per 90 Mins-Out Calls Higher. Swedish & Deep-Tissue. Specialty is Back, Lower Body, and Feet. Couples Discount. Seniors Welcome. 16 Years Experience. Delray Beach. MA 18563 Dennis (561) 502-2628
CLEANING SERVICES
ELITE RELOCATION MOVING & STORAGE We’ve provided quality moves for over 30 years. It’s always a smooth move when you choose Elite Relocation. Contact us today: 954.975.8660 www.elitemoving.com 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
CLEAN IT RITE! THE BEST CLEANING SERVICE FOR YOUR BUCK! 1BR-$55, 2BR-$65, 3BR-$75. 10 years in business. Serving BROWARD, South Palm Beach, and North Miami. Excellent rates and references! Call Manny, (954) 560-4443 EMERALD IS BACK! we speak English. Hand scrub your floors-cleaning products included!Guarantee all service! Serving the community for 30 yrs! $55.00 3 hrs. $20.00 additional hrs. You’ll do the Irish jig! 954-524-3161 www. emeraldirishcleaning.com
PAINTING
COMPUTER SERVICES
GOT ANTS? Aloha bugs inc. Full service pest control. Ant Specialist, White Fly, Lawn Spraying. Serving your Community for over 20 Years. (954) 920-BUGS (2847)
OPTIMA COMPUTER REPAIR-IN-HOME SERVICE Proudly serving our community for over 12 years. 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
EMPLOYMENT 5 POINTS MASSAGE, Your Relaxation Oasis in Wilton Manors is looking for 2-3 exceptionally talented Licensed Massage Therapists to work as contract workers, part time on an appointment by appointment basis. Thai massage, Reflexology, and other specialty techniques especially considered. Men and women considered. Must be licensed in the State of Florida and carry state-required personal liability insurance. Studio opens in early June. Call Tom Marten at 954295-7041 or e-mail at tom@5pointsmassage.com for further info. Be part of Wilton Manors premiere massage studio.
FOR HIRE HOUSE-SITTER AVAILABLE Former New York City butler and private Palm Beach chef available now to house-sit long/short term. For extra secuity, I am teamed with a retired State Police K-9. Prior and local refrences available. Please call Kevin at 954-804-0862 or e-mail kphyman@msn.com for an interview. Thank you. DO YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN GRAPHIC DESIGN? We are looking interns or anyone willing to learn any aspect of putting together a publication. You may be a recent grad, still a student in school, or maybe you just want to get some experience as a photo-journalist. Let us know what your interest is. Email: georgedauphin@mmplgbt.com
FURNISHED HOUSING PERFECT RELOCATION RENTALS FROM $325/WEEK &
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MOVING
$1200/MONTH Gay Owned & Operated Apartment Hotel. Beautiful Studio,1 & 2 BR Apts. With Full Kitchens. Turn-key, fully furnished & equipped, clothing optional pool, laundry, parking. Central to Wilton Manors & Haulover Beach. Incl. Wi-Fi, utilities, cable, tel. Pets Welcome. Call Joe or Jack at: (954) 927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com
LAWN MAINTENANCE MCCRATER LAWN SERVICE, INC. Your Personal, Professional Lawn Care Company. Lawn and Bed MaintenanceHedge Trimming-Weed Control-Seasonal Planting- Party Preparation and much more! Serving East Broward, Ft. Lauderdale to Lighthouse Point. Call Tom at 954-567-2121
LEENYX PROFESSIONAL HOME IMPROVEMENT We offer Baseboard & Crown Molding, Interior & Exterior Painting, Popcorn & Wallpaper Removal, Pressure Washing, Electrical & Plumbing, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Wood Flooring. Please contact Tizpo, 954696-6840 or AJ, 954-588-2532
PEST CONTROL
PET SITTING PawPal Dog Walking, Pet Sitting. Serving Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale, & Oakland Park. Robb Gardner, (469) 2606969 email: petwalker11@hotmail.com www.pawpal.co
RENT / LEASE HOLLYWOOD HILLS-EXCLUSIVE AREA 1BR/1BA, with private entrance. Living room, kitchenette, fully furnished, new carpet. Rent is $775, reduced from $1200 is willing to do some work around house. (954) 549-8243 FT. LAUDERDALE 1414 NE 5TH TER. LARGE 2BR/1BA Open gourmet kitchen w/ smooth-top stove, D/W, crisp white cabinets. Tile floors, Cen Air, Designer Bath, onsite laundry, $1,250/mo. F/S. Owner/Licensee (954) 448-9811
ROOMMATES FT.LAUDERDALE-CLOSE TO WILTON MANORS Medium-sized, unfurnished room with closet, available immediately! Seeking roommate to share 3BR/2BA, in private home with 2 gay males. Prefer clean, neat and quiet individual. MUST be employed and have references. Use of house, including W/D and internet. Lite cooking. Please call Jim for more details. (954) 303-5355 $550/Mo. Plus a small deposit. NO Pets. All Firm. Smoking only outside.
SPIRITUALITY SPIRITUAL ADVISOR WITH JONATHAN Tells you your past, present, and your destiny to come. Will reunite you with your loved-ones, friends, and family. Will put you in a path of happiness. For further information and appointment, (954) 549-8243 THE PARISH OF STS. FRANCIS & CLARE 101 NE 3RD STREET - STAFFED BY FRANCISCAN FRIARS - just N of Broward Blvd. and E of Andrews Ave. Mass Times: Sat @ 5 PM; Sun @ 10:30 AM; Wed @ 7 PM. Where we welcome and appreciate diversity - a progressive community in the Catholic tradition. 954-731-8173; www. stsfrancisandclare.org
TREE SERVICES TREES WITH LEAVES, INC.-Your Personal, Professional Tree Service. SPRING TREE MAINTENANCE-PRUNING, PLANTING, ETC. Tree pruning-Palm Trimming-tree removal, and Fertilization. Stump-Grinding-Storm Preparation & Clean-up. Serving East Broward, Ft. Lauderdale to Boca Raton FREE ESTIMATES! Call George at 954-444-7710 Insured. Lic. CCB-206
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MARKETPLACE
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Health Insurance Will Be Mandatory In 2014
We're Hands-on Men Simply, the best massage. Period. 954.630.1444 2153 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors www.78DegreesSpa.com
#MM18817
As low as 3-4 dollars a day for full health coverage, with prescription, vision and 0 dollar co-pay dental.
Government giving subsidies for health insurance now!
Life insurance that accumulates tax differed interest / Annuities, 401k, IRA and Retirement Plans
Homeowner insurance quotes available upon request
Hormone and testosterone therapy covered on some health plans with a $15 co-pay for prescriptions
Dog/Cat insurance plans also available
Zero co-pay for physical, lab, EKG, colon/prostate screening If you are turning 65 within the next 3 months or on disability you may be eligible for a zero premium medicare advantage plan.
Call, Email or Text me for a free quote, no obligation what so ever!
Alexander H. Vorgias Zander One Insurance Corp. www.southflhealthexchange.com Direct 954-529-5564 wilton.health.exchange@gmail.com
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