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TRANTALIS NABS KEY ENDORSEMENT
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Photo of Rob Lopicola by Lannis Waters, Courtesy of The Palm Beach Post
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Trial Date Announced for TV Weatherman Accused of Sex with Underage Boys
February 20, 2013 H 4
By RORY BARBAROSA
A Palm Beach County judge has set the trial date for a Wilton Manors man and former television weather announcer arrested last year on charges of sexual activity with minors, lewd and lascivious battery, computer pornography, and child exploitation. Former WPTV Channel 5 weatherman Robert J. Lopicola, 45, is scheduled to return to court for a June 14 appearance, with his trial set to begin the week of June 24. Lopicola was arrested last July after two teenage boys told authorities that, sometime between August 2010 and January 2011, they had engaged in sexual activity with Lopicola, whom they met through Craigslist ads. As we first reported last year (Florida Agenda, July 11, 2012, COVER, “Wilton Manors Man Arrested for Sex with Minors: Former TV Weatherman Rob Lopicola Taken by U.S. Marshals”), one of the boys allegedly victimized by Lopicola, a Boca Raton resident, was 15 years old while the other, from West Palm Beach, was 17 at the time. According to prosecutors, the first boy, now 16, reported the battery after he moved to live with his uncle in Michigan. Arrest documents say that
he was initially reluctant to report the alleged sex, but told Michigan authorities he believed Lopicola would hurt others if he didn’t come forward. As we reported in 2012, Lopicola was employed at West Palm Beach television station WPBT Channel 5 for eight years, but abruptly resigned from his job in 2006 without explanation. According to a 2009 Palm Beach Post blog post concerning “his mysterious departure,” from the station, “there was no cake, no two weeks’ notice” to commemorate his leaving after almost a decade on the air. Lopicola, who was employed as a supervisor of the dancers at the Boardwalk Bar in Fort Lauderdale, moved to Wilton Manors in 2011, and was regularly seen on Wilton Drive, powerwalking and performing push-ups on the corner near his house on Northeast 7th Avenue. Court documents indicate that the first teen who met Lopicola online had lied about his age, claiming at first to be 18 years old, but that he later admitted to Lopicola that he was 15. The arrest report alleges that the two had a physical sexual encounter in Lopicola’s car near the teen’s home, and that say that after he moved to
Farmington Hills, Michigan, the boy complied with requests from Lopicola to text nude pictures of himself. The teen told investigators, “Robert probably likes real young boys, and would hurt others if [the alleged victim] didn’t’ tell.” The arrest report graphically describes the alleged encounters with both boys (who were born in 1993 and 1995, respectively), and says that Lopicola’s other victim was a then-17year-old high school junior living in West Palm Beach. Prosecutors say that when the mother of the second teen, a track star at Palm Beach Lakes High School, came home during the fourth of their four alleged encounters, she found Lopicola hiding in their shower, and notified the police. The police report for the case involving Lopicola and his alleged 15 year old victim includes the graphic verbiage of the text messages between them. (WARNING: Explicit language.) Some examples include: • whats yor favorite porn? Bareback? Dad son? Group? Incest? • u need fake id • I watch dad son and bareback porn and extreme age difference sex
• I wil try to find sum1 that looks like u then but u wil b my bottom boy only no cheating • are we boyfriends? I wana go on a date first or talk all the time • wud u wana b with me 24 7 wen we are bfs? • Nude pics plz babe • and shave yor boy body smooth and trimmed for dad • trimmed to shave pubes, no ass hair, armpits trimmed, no leg or arm hair all shaven • u think its hot havn a 40yo boyfriend? :) • Am I older than yor mom and dad? • U text me minimum 3x a day and u must text me wenever u masturbate ok • Whats the youngest u wud have sex with? Yungust u wud watch a porn of? Under Florida Statute 794.05(1), “A person 24 years of age or older who engages in sexual activity with a person 16 or 17 years of age commits a felony of the second degree,” with “sexual activity” defined as “oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another.”H
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SUNSHINE STATE State Senate Committee Stalls Vote on Domestic Partnership Protection TALLAHASSEE — A bipartisan effort to enact domestic partnership protections in Florida stalled in committee yesterday, when the state Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs postponed a reading of the Families First bill, which was introduced by committee chair Sen. Eleanor Sobel (D-Hollywood). The legislation would allow gay couples and unmarried Floridians access to key legal protections for their families. “In the past year, Florida has seen a wave of support for domestic partner registries—affecting both gay and straight couples—through the passage of legislation in numerous municipalities,” said Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida. “It is vital that there is a cohesive, statewide policy in place, eliminating obstacles and hardships that no one would want inflicted upon their own family.” Sobel temporarily postponed the vote after acknowledging the bill would be defeated. Sobel will retool the language to match that of local ordinances permitting domestic partnerships. The hearing was scheduled six years to the day that a South Florida woman, Janice Langbehn, experienced the loss of her life partner of 18 years, Lisa Pond, who died at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Langbehn was denied visitation access to Pond, with whom she had four children.
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Trantalis Campaign Endorsed by Greater Fort Lauderdale Realtors FORT LAUDERDALE — In a letter last week, District 2 Fort Lauderdale City Commission candidate Dean Trantalis received the endorsement of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Realtors organization. “We believe [Dean is] the best candidate to protect the interests of
hard working real estate professionals, promote home ownership, preserve private property rights, and advance the housing market and overall economy,” wrote Adam I. Sanders, the Director of Government Affairs for the organization, one of the state’s largest Realtor associations, representing more than 7,000 real estate professionals in Broward County. Trantalis, a former Fort Lauderdale commissioner, is in a March 12 runoff election for the city’s District 2 Commission seat, a race that pits him against another former city commissioner, Charlotte Rodstrom, who had given up the seat to run unsuccessfully for Broward County Commission. Because neither candidate received the required 50 percent of the voteplus-one, a runoff between Trantalis and Rodstrom was automatically mandated. Rodstrom succeeded Trantalis as District 2 commissioner, and won two additional terms, the last one in January 2012. Weeks later, she announced that she would run for the Broward County Commission seat being vacated by her term-limited husband, former Broward County Mayor John Rodstrom, a move that drew sharp criticism and accusations of careerism. Last month, Trantalis accused Rodstrom of lifting verbiage verbatim from his campaign literature and using the same language on her own election materials and signage. A review of a mailer sent by the Trantalis campaign reads, “As a longtime legal activist and our former Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner, Dean Trantalis has been a tireless advocate for preserving the integrity of our neighborhoods, and has shown balance and vision in pursuing the growth of our city.” At charlotterodstrom.com, the likewise-former-commissioner’s campaign materials note that, “Charlotte Rodstrom is a long-time legal activist and our Former Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner. He [sic] has been a tireless advocate for preserving the integrity of our neighborhoods, and she has shown balance and vision in pursuing the growth of our city.” Trantalis’ literature adds, “Dean is the leader we need and is dedicated to
working alongside neighbors and city officials as we carve out a new direction for our community.” In nearly identical terms (changing only the name), the Rodstrom language states, “Charlotte is the leader we need and is dedicated to working alongside neighbors and city officials as we carve out a new direction for our community.”
2013 Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival Teams Forming FORT LAUDERDALE — Teams are forming and soliciting donations for the 2013 Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival, which takes place March 24 at South Beach Park along Fort Lauderdale Beach. Organizers say that this year’s event is a 5K walk along the beach, followed by a concert, food, and drinks in the sand. In 2012, the Florida AIDS Walk took the event to the beach for the first time, adding food trucks, tents in the sand, and world-famous musical acts to thank Walkers and Sponsors for their years of commitment and support. For more information, visit takeaction.aidshealth. o r g / s i t e / P a g e N a v i g a t o r / F AW _ EventInfo.html.
Sunshine Stampede Rodeo Cancelled FORT LAUDERDALE — In a letter posted online last week at its website, the Florida Gay Rodeo Association (FGRA), which produces the Sunshine Stampede Rodeo, announced that the group’s 2013 event had been cancelled. “Over long, sometimes heated discussions, the Board of Directors of FGRA have approved to suspend the 2013 Sunshine Stampede,” the online statement reads. “We want to give you the
Photo credit: takeaction.aidshealth.org
best rodeo experience possible and [suspending the Sunshine Stampede] is necessary to take the time to get our 501(c)(3) status reinstated, a complete and thorough outside audit performed of the financials of both the Rodeo and the Association accounts, and to be … reinstated as a 501(c)(3).” The statement was signed by FGRA’s board, which includes Kole Hillman (President), Bryan Hodges (Vice President), R.J. Frank (Secretary), Craig English (Treasurer), and Voni Whitaker (Rodeo Director). It noted that “the Sunshine Stampede … takes about $80,000 to put on. [Given] the time-frame and the lack of association resources and information that has still not been turned over to the new board, we felt we could not in good faith commit FGRA blindly” to producing a rodeo this year. The statement added that the organization is planning an “FGRA Spring Break” event, which it describes as a “fun filled weekend on Fort Lauderdale Beach supporting our sponsors who have supported us for the last eight years. Activities and events will include a host hotel, a pub crawl, a big beach bash, and more events in the works.” Last year’s Sunshine Stampede, which was held April 21-22, 2012 at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie, featured close to 100 contestants from throughout North America, competing in 13 rodeo events, attracting roughly 5,000 spectators to attend the weekend rodeo and its collateral events. As measured by attendance, the Sunshine Stampede had grown to become one of the largest gay rodeos in the nation.H
DC Leads Nation in Percentage of LGBT Residents WASHINGTON, DC — According to a new Gallup poll, the nation’s capital has the country’s highest percentage of people who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT), with 10 percent of Beltway residents selfidentifying in that group. The poll of all 50 states and Washington, DC, shows that Hawaii is second on the list, with 5.1 percent, with California (4.0) and New York (3.8) also lead the pack. At the bottom is North Dakota, with 1.7 percent of residents calling themselves “LGBT.” The poll—which the Gallup organization says is the largest single study of national LGBT population distribution on record—found that all of the states—although Washington, DC is not a state—fall within two percentage points of the nationwide average of 3.5 percent.
Amish Sect Leader Sentenced in Hair-Cutting Hate Crimes CLEVELAND, OH — The leader of a breakaway Amish sect was sentenced last week to 15 years in federal prison for conspiracy and hate crimes in a series of bizarre hair- and beardcutting attacks against other members of the religion.
Prosecutors charged Samuel Mullet, Sr. for coordinating assaults they say were motivated by religious intolerance. They argued that because of the religious symbolism involved in the attacks, they were hate crimes, and sought a life sentence for Mullet. During the attacks—which took place in 2011 among eastern Ohio Amish communities—followers of Mullet broke into homes of Amish men and women, restrained them, and forcibly cut off their hair, sometimes using tools made for trimming horse manes. Amish—descendants of 18th-century German-speaking immigrants—consider men’s beards and women’s long hair as representing their religious devotion.
Radio Host: LGBT Rights Shouldn’t “Trump the Rights of Christians”
Samuel Mullet, Sr.
Virginia Lawmakers Disappointed by Failure of Gay Marriage Repeal RICHMOND, VA — At a press conference last week, the sponsors of legislation aimed at repealing Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage expressed their disappointment at the failure to have the issue brought to a vote during this year’s General Assembly session. “I believe that marriage is about loving, committed couples wanting to make lifelong promises to each other – take care of each other, be responsible for each other and support each other,” said state Delegate Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) at the event held at the state General Assembly. “And I think that if anybody— gay, straight—wants to stand up in front of their family and friends and make that commitment to grow old together, it’s not for me, or the judge or the state to deny them that opportunity or that right,” Surovell added. Surovell was the sponsor of a House of Delegates joint resolution which sought to rescind the 2006 voter-approved constitutional amendment that defines marriage as “only a union between one man and one woman” and prohibits the state and municipal governments from recognizing any union or similar relationship between couples of the same sex.H
25 Year Old U.S. Soccer Player Comes Out, Announces Retirement
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ONDON, UK — Shocking fans and teammates alike, U.S. Soccer player Robbie Rogers announced last week that is gay, and that he will retire from soccer at the age of 25. In a blog posted on February 15, Rogers, a native of Southern California wrote, “Try explaining to your loved ones after 25 years you are gay. Try convincing yourself that your creator has the most wonderful purpose for you even though you were taught differently.” “I always thought I could hide this secret,” wrote Rogers, who played for one season at University of Maryland, helping lead the school to the 2005 NCAA Championship before pursuing a pro career. “Football was my escape, my purpose, my identity. Football hid my secret, gave me more joy than I could have ever imagined,” he added. ”Now is my time to step away. It’s time to discover myself away from football”. Earlier, Rogers had tweeted, “Beautiful out right now. Too bad I’m feeling blue ;(” He then included a link to his blog post at his twitter page, with a message, “Just getting some shit off my chest.” Rogers, who played five seasons for Major League Soccer and made 18 appearances for the U.S., said that it was time for him to come out. “I realized I could only truly enjoy my life once I was honest. Honesty is a bitch but makes life so simple and clear,” he wrote. “My secret is gone, I am a free man, I can move on and live my life as my creator intended.” In a statement, U.S. Soccer offered support to Rogers. “As a Federation we support all our athletes who have had the courage to address this deeply personal topic,” the organization wrote. “We are proud of Robbie. He has been an outstanding representative of our National Team program for many years.”H
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DALLAS, TX — The host of a syndicated Christian radio program says she supports efforts by some Indiana students and their parents to hold a “straightsonly” prom, arguing that “not everybody wants to see” gay people expressing their affection in a public gathering. Host Janet Mefferd called the nation’s public school system “morally bankrupt” and encouraged Christian parents to remove their kids from public schools. “Everything is so upside down in our society now, and right and wrong have completely switched where what is really wrong is to say you shouldn’t have two boys allowed to go to the high school prom,” said Mefferd, making reference to Sullivan High School in Indiana, where a group of students and parents urged that gay people be banned from attending prom, calling for a heterosexual-exclusive event. “I feel for these Christian kids who are in a prom or kids who are at this high school who say, ‘you know something, do we have to go down
this road?’ Mefferd asked. “Whether the homosexual activists like it or not, and I know this isn’t politically correct to say this, but not everybody wants to see that,” she added. “I know that that’s offensive to the activist crowd, they want us all to see it, they want us all to approve of it, they want us all to call it blessed and okay and rejoice and have parties and throw confetti in the air over this whole thing.”
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EDITOR’S DESK Please, Sir, Can I Have Some More? Or, “Doctor Who?”
February 20, 2013 • ISSUE 170 FOUNDER MULTIMEDIA PLATFORMS Bobby Blair – CEO / MANAGING PARTNER
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EDITOR ClIFF DUNN editor@floridaagenda.com
February 20, 2013 H 8
I
’ve always found it curious that for someone who considers himself a true Anglophile, I have never really been able to get my arms around British television. I don’t know what it is, but it must have something to do with George Bernard Shaw’s cute observation that Americans and Brits are separated by a common language. A lot of good drama from across the pond finds its way into my home via crossproduced programs, like Showtime’s “The Tudors” and “The Borgias,” or else the usual A&E/History/PBS fare that might or might not have a British pedigree, excepting the Oxbridge-molded intonations of the narrator (whose accent might just as easily originate in “SoHo” [Manhattan] as “Soho” [London]). I would have continued on in blissful ignorance concerning the ‘State of UK Telly Programmes’ but for a recent entry I read online concerning an old standard of British (and American-by-way-of-cable) television, “Doctor Who,” specifically a spinoff called “Torchwood,” which ran originally from 2006 to 2011 and is available on Netflix and other video services. The series is a paranormal drama along the lines of the “X-Files” of the 1990s, with situations that reflect more modern sensibilities. But what makes it truly modern is that it has as its male lead an openly-bisexual character (“Jack Harkness”) played by an openly gay actor, John Barrowman. The series is the creation of openly-gay British TV writer/ producer Russell Davies, whose other groundbreaking television work includes the original British television version of “Queer As Folk.” Now, the idea of an openly gay lead in a dramatic (okay, Sci-Fi) series may not seem like such a big
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
deal in these days of “Glee,” “The New Normal,” and days post-“Queer As Folk” and “Will and Grace,” but the fact is, those shows play very much to camp, and if they have opened doors for tolerance and understanding (music and laughs are surely the way into the hearts of most decent folks), they are still very much a far cry from the hair-pulling, chest-thumping romance of man-on-man (I’m not talking porn here) that has been mostly relegated to LoGo, Here!, and the fringe of cable. In an interview several years ago, Davies noted the Puritan (and Puritanical) cultural influences still being fed to American audiences. “I do watch a lot of television science fiction, and it is a particularly sexless world,” Davies said. “With a lot of the material from America, I think gay, lesbian and bisexual characters are massively underrepresented, especially in science fiction, and I'm just not prepared to put up with that. It's a very macho, testosterone-driven genre on the whole, very much written by straight men.” In Britain, Barrowman’s character is described as the “first openly gay” action hero, and as a “hunky bisexual.” Can you
imagine that same verbiage being generated by a Hollywood publicist? I’m a gay writer, and I have hard time finding the acuity to break down that mental barrier. It’s just THAT ingrained into us. Part of the appeal of the Jack Harkness character is that his sexual identity is simply a matter of fact—he doesn’t have an affectation and so people aren’t “affected” by it. There’s no doubt that the widespread acceptance of the show and character relate to changing societal views about what it is to be gay and how society sees gay people. The fact that Jack kisses both a male and female costar on the lips in a nonchalant and natural way makes it easier for an audience to believe it. My partner and I were at the Florida Renaissance Festival last weekend, and during one of the live stage performances, one of the entertainers made a playful comment about the “gay guys in the audience” that the rest of the crowd took in the stride in which it was meant. But that gap has yet to be bridged on a larger, more mainstream scale. Maybe after these commercial messages.H
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Barrowman: the “Doctor” is in
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State Senate Committee Takes Up Domestic Partnerships
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POLITICS
(Whatever That Means) By JOE HARRIS
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run the risk here of seeming either A) cynical or B) like an ingrate, but so be it.
few months’ time, and not JUST because Chief Justice John Roberts is tired of his wife and kids bitching about demographics and destiny (although I have to believe there’s a part of that, even at Scalia’s crib—although, come to think, maybe not at Clarence Thomas’ place). It also takes place within the larger context of a national conversation about the evils of anti-gay bullying, the presence of the nation’s first no-hold-barred “openly-gay-friendly” Chief Executive (although Bill Clinton truly paved the way, he will always have DOMA hanging around his neck like a dead albatross, something for which LGBT Americans can thank the party of homophobia, the GOP), and within a state that is “coming out of the closet” in recognizing the contributions of its gay Floridians. The bill’s reading was postponed on the sixth anniversary of the death of Lisa Pond at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Pond’s partner of 18 years (and with whom she had raised four kids), Janice Langbehn, was denied visitation by hospital officials because of Florida’s ‘black hole’ against progress in this vital realm of American fairness and family equality. That case brought national attention to the plight of LGBT partners and hospital visitation and other rights, and prompted President Obama to issue an Executive Memo that requires hospitals receiving federal Medicaid fund-
ing to treat domestic partners as family members. In announcing the change to federal policy, Obama himself telephone Langbehn from Air Force One. (Obama also presented Langbehn—who calls herself an “accidental activist”—with the Presidential Citizens Medal). Lastly, we have Rick Scott, who is certainly no supporter of the gay “agenda,” but does that mean he must be our foe (something Lincoln said about making friends of our enemies and thereby defeating those same suddenly springs to mind). Surely Great Scott—business executive that he once was, and admirer of the bottom line that he remains— isn’t blind to the enormous impact that LGBT tourists and residents alike have to the Sunshine State’s economy and quality of life (I’m guessing he and the Mrs. have lived next to at least ONE gay power couple possessing an immaculate lawn), from Gay Days Orlando to Miami Beach Gay Pride to the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival (one of the world’s largest), to PrideFest and Wicked Wilton right here in our—HIS—own Gayborhood. In my experience, no matter how red the Republican, green erases all thoughts about pink. What can I say—politics makes for strange bedfellows. H
Some threesomes make sense: Scott, Sobel, the Gays
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On Tuesday (yesterday), the State Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs postpwoned a reading of the Families First bill (or known less prosaically as SB 196, legislation that was introduced by the committee’s chairperson, State Senator Eleanor Sobel (D-Hollywood), which would allow gay couples and—here’s the ‘red herring’ that supporters hope will serve as a sop to fair-minded independents, libertarians, and admirers of old maid spinster sisters everywhere—unmarried Floridians access to important legal protections for themselves and their families. The bill stalled in committee, when Sobel temporarily postponing a vote after acknowledging it would be defeated. Sobel said she will retool the language to more closely match that of local ordinances permitting domestic partnerships. As a press release sent out by Equality Florida pointed out, nearly half of Floridians already live in a community with a domestic partnership registry, including Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties, along with “redder” Sunshine States localities like Pinellas, Volusia, and Orange counties, as well as Key West, Tampa, Orlando, Gainesville, Tavares, Clearwater, and North Miami. Locally in the Tri-County area, support for passage of the bill was to be found in all political stripes, among them both former Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti and the man who in November beat him for the job, Sheriff Scott Israel, who released a statement on Monday urging lawmakers to support the bill and equality for all Floridians. According to Sobel, her Senate co-sponsors, and their supporters, a statewide law would ensure all Floridians “access to protections,” simplifying the process for providing benefits to domestic partners, no matter where they
in the state they live. Critics—and even some of us who like the idea but cringe at the nomenclature—say that the bill is named with an eye to, um, deceiving, with the spirit of the legislation sticking its finger in the eye of the law as it currently exists. This is what is most likely to gum up passage of the bill from committee to a further hearing. At issue is language which opponents and Well-Meaning Pointer-Outters say may—or does—violate Article I, Section 27 of the Florida Marriage Protection Act (FMPA), which was passed (under the name Amendment 2) in 2008 by 62 percent of state voters, which makes it unconstitutional to create any form of union that may be “treated as marriage” or the “substantial equivalent” of marriage, which would seem to disqualify SB 196 from seeing the light of day. (You will know by the time you’ve read this.) Sobel acknowledged—although too late to prevent some egg spatter on her face—that the language of FMPA will trump something as vitally needed as her bill, and open it to legal challenges. THAT HAVING BEEN SAID: There really has never been a better time to try and get the “camel’s nose under the tent,” with a law that at least superficially recognizes that we’re here, we’re, etc. There’s a reason the Supremes are poised to hear cases about DOMA and Prop 8 within a
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Q & A
Raph Solomon and “Memoirs” of a Conversion Reverser By GRANT JAMES
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t some point in the life of every person (and certainly every gay person), there comes a questioning of one’s sexuality. It’s either a passing thought, or—at its extremes—can lead to a change in sexual identity. But while it's a perfectly normal thing for most people, for some the confusion can lead to a strong internal conflict. Conversion therapy (also called ‘reparative therapy’ or, sometimes, “pray the gay away”) is a controversial “treatment” that has earned condemnation from reputable health professionals and, most recently, a prohibited legal status in the state of California, a usually welcoming place to fringe treatments of all types. Raphael (“Raph”) Solomon learned firsthand about the dangers of not loving yourself, or of thinking that God doesn’t love you just because other people want you to believe it. His book, “The Memoirs of Angel King,” tells of the journey of a male model and aspiring singer who confuses disaffection with his relationships with a belief that there was something inherently wrong with him.
“Memoirs” relates your struggle with your sexuality. What caused you to doubt it in the first place? “The Memoirs of Angel King is a fictional book,” based on my real life experiences and therefore it is not an autobiography as such. I think the majority of gay people have questioned their sexuality at one point or another in their lifetime. We don’t have enough people telling us it is ok to be gay, and so we wonder if it is ok. I would say it was the consecutive breakdown of my personal relationships that led me to question my sexuality. It was certainly a catalyst after “My Ex No 5,” which triggered the gun and fired the bullet. The experience led me to freak out. I asked, “Is this happening because I am gay? Am I meant to be another way?” and after a long debilitating process it occurred to me that “no, it is not because
you are gay that your relationships have broken down, and there is no God who is being punitive towards you with your lack of a rewarding personal life. Everybody has some relationship issue or another and it is not a issue which is necessarily in direct correlation to homosexuality. Many straight people have marital issues, too. However, when they break up they never question if they were meant to be another way. What was reparative therapy like? The therapy was like staying at the “Hell-Hole Motel.” It’s like holding up a mirror and telling yourself you are an abomination and, with constant and sufficient mental programming you will be able to exorcise yourself of the devil which makes you gay. No one should ever feel this way about themselves and therefore, I made my decision to open my mouth and shout out loud so that I can be heard when I say “it is ok to be gay,” and “yes, we are beautiful just the way we are.” It is the contents of our characters which define us as human beings and it is through our actions which we express love and compassion towards our fellow human beings. There were times were I felt some sexual attraction towards women, and women are beautiful creatures undeniably. However, it always felt like a contrived feeling and it never felt as organic as my attraction towards men, and it is perfectly acceptable to have that as a part of my nature. What were some consequences of the reparative therapy? I didn’t have sex for a period of six months.
I realized I wasn’t going to achieve the so-called “promised goal” after about four months into it but I didn’t give up. Eventually, I had to put it to rest and refrain from torturing myself.
if I am as carefree now as I was to let my guard down in relationships, but that’s another topic. I find myself more guarded now somehow, naturally, and it’s understandable.
Are you comfortable dating again? I have been dating for a while and I am totally comfortable with dating again. I had another relationship after my reparative therapy experience, and I did not harbor any feelings of guilt during that relationship. The relationship didn’t maintain the longevity I would’ve liked. However, it wasn’t due to my issues of sexuality. I must confess, I almost had a relapse after my last relationship broke down, but I had the tools to know better and I knocked it all back into place. Relationships break down for some people, whether they are straight or gay. Again, I am happy for that experience because it was a test for me to apply what I’d learnt in terms of my self-identity. On a personal level, I am not sure
How does having experienced reparative therapy impact your attitude towards long-term relations? I am definitely interested in pursuing a long term relationship with the right partner, and, that would be someone whom I feel content enough to be with exclusively, and I would like to feel he would feel the same in return. Relationships require work and with a little love, time and patience, I believe long term relationships can be a reality (as opposed to a far-fetched fantasy). I am particularly drawn to guys who are not inhibited when expressing their interest in me and sharing their feelings with me. I am still a romantic and I don’t think that has changed very much. I am quite happy to be single at the moment though.H
Solomon: No longer “praying the gay away”
Strong Script, Uneven Performances Leave Room for “Doubt”
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
THEATRE REVIEW
By RICK KARLIN
Doubt Andrews Living Arts Studio 23 NW 5 St., Fort Lauderdale (954) 556-1143
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predator who is trying to hide what he has done. Zielke’s performance is that of a man racked by guilt for his misdeeds. The set makes effective use of the
small space. Annoyingly, a few anachronisms (Father Flynn’s highlighted hair and goatee, the use of what appears to be a modern MP3 player used in place of a transistor radio) pull us out of the world of the play. And really, they couldn’t find a vintage dress for Mrs. Muller? The day after we saw the play, we saw at least six at Out of the Closet that were era appropriate and would have fit Ms. Louis much better. Although flawed, it’s a valiant effort for this small company. Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com, use discount code "GuyMag" or “Agenda” for $2.00 off per ticket.H
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inner of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play, “Doubt” is a study in faith versus proof. John Patrick Shanley's play is set in 1964, at St. Nicolas Elementary School in the Bronx, one year after John F. Kennedy's assassination. Sister Aloysius, the strict school principal, has convinced herself that Father Flynn is molesting the school's only African- American student, and she is determined to have Flynn removed from the school, enlisting the innocent novitiate nun, Sister James, in her campaign to expose the priest. Are her suspicions of Father Flynn based in fact, or are they an extension of her dislike for his more “humanistic” approach to education? Shanley demonstrates his belief that "doubt requires more courage than conviction does" by having Sister Aloysius represent unwavering faith (and, by extension, religion), while Sister James and Father Flynn represent honest doubt and questioning the status quo. The success of the play is in its avoidance of presenting any one “truth.” Sister Aloysius’ accusations against Father Flynn are never truly resolved. And the “evil of banality” is demonstrated in the attitude of the mother of the purported victim, Donald Muller: Does it even matter? Mrs. Muller recognizes that education is her son’s only hope for a better life. She has come to terms with the fact that her boy is “that way,” and is more concerned with keeping him safe from the bullying he suffered in public school than she is of Father Flynn’ intentions. As Shanley writes in the preface, "There is no last word. That's the silence under the chatter of our time." As proof that great writing holds up, Shanley’s script shines through the earnest, if less than stellar performances
by the cast. Lory Reyes’ almost breaks through the stern veneer of Sister Aloysius, and we see glimmers of a performance that might have been. Yanina Aranes shines as Sister James, as we see her innocence stripped away layer by layer until she finally exhibits the strength to disagree with her martinet superior and voice support of Father Flynn. Shani Louis’ performance as the mother is strong, but would have been improved if she let us see more of her c h a r a c t e r ’s ambivalence. The weak link in this production is Edward Otto Zielke’s interpretation of Father Flynn. His overwrought histrionics ruin the performance. He would do well to rent the DVD of the movie and watch Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s effective use of restraint in the same role. In more adept hands, the part is played for ambiguity, with the audience left to wonder if Father Flynn is innocent and protecting himself from false accusations or a self-serving
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The Besties, Youth Pride Band, and “Looped”
got a brand new key,” were thought to be dripping with sexual innuendo. The performer herself has stated that a key and lock are obvious Freudian symbols, but in this case they were just a lock and key. The singer, who performed at Woodstock and had several important folk-rock hits of the 1970s, will perform one show only at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, at 8 p.m. (201 SW 5 Ave., Fort Lauderdale).
Friday, 2/22
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THE WEEK
Find Your ‘Muse’
The Week 2/21/2013 to 2/27/2013 By Grant James P!nk, at The BB&T Center, Sunrise
Thursday, 2/21
Food and Wine? SOBE It! The Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival, presented by FOOD & WINE is a national, star-studded, four-day destination event showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs, and culinary personalities. Now one of America’s most prestigious gourmet gatherings, the Festival attracts thousands of guests to a series of dinners, seminars, a Grand Tasting Village, live auction, and more. Through February 24, at various venues.
“Eating Alabama” Searching for a simpler life, a young couple returns home to Alabama to
eat locally and seasonally, just as their grandparents once did. Unfortunately, they soon realize that nearly everything about the food system has changed since their ancestors made their living as farmers. “Eating Alabama”—part of the Southern Circuit Independent Film Series—is a smart, funny tale about community, the New South, sustainability, and the importance of food. At 7:30 p.m., in the Miramar Cultural Center (2400 Civic Center Pl., Miramar).
Melanie: Holding the “Key” to Your Freudian Rollerskates Lips Cabaret serves up “The Ultimate iWhen Melanie’s 1972 song “Brand New Key” hit number one on the popular charts, many radio stations banned it. The reason? The lyrics, “I’ve got a brand new pair of roller skates/You’ve
To have your event listed, please email editor@floridaagenda.com
Grammy-winning English rock band Muse has been compared to a modernday Queen, with singer Matthew Bellamy’s effortless ability to hit just the right high notes. The band has performed everything from rock opera to dubstep, giving each sound the unique flare for which the group has become famous: drama. Known for their energetic live performances, this is a show you won’t want to miss. At 7:30 p.m. in the BB&T Center (1 Panther Pkwy., Sunrise).
Big Talent: Paul Anka The compact and legendary singersongwriter, Paul Anka, returns to the Hard Rock Live for two nights of tunes. The 71 year old performer became a teen sensation with his 1950s hit “Diana” (singing about falling in love with a cougar), and stayed a star with hits like “Put Your Head On My Shoulder,” “Lonely Boy,”” and the theme song for the “Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson.” The talented artist also wrote for Michael Jackson, Tom Jones, and Frank Sinatra. At 8 p.m., at Hard Rock Live (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood).
Saturday, 2/23
Victory Party for Miss Noche Latina Athena Dion Celebrate the victory of Athena Dion, Miss Noche Latina 2013. Hosted by Viva Mirage, with DJ Larry Larr spinning Latino jams all night long. At 10:30 p.m., at The Manor (2345 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors).
Youth Pride Band: Twice the Size, Twice the Commitment to Fight Bullying Over 60 talented high school musicians from Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties will take part in the second annual Youth Pride Band concert. Founded last year by the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble after a rash of high profile anti-gay bullying incidents across the country, as a way to use music to promote understanding and fight bullying, participation in the Youth Pride Band has more than doubled. The concert program, entitled “Taking Flight,” will include standard band repertoire, show tunes, and popular music, with five outstanding students each receiving $1,000 scholarships to continue their musical studies. Following the Youth Pride Band performance, the students will be joined on stage by members of the Pride Wind Ensemble for a massed band that promises to be a musical experience audiences won’t soon forget. At 6 p.m., in the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Amaturo Theatre (201 SW 5 Ave., Fort Lauderdale).
The 4th Annual Besties! Just in time for the 85th Academy Awards, the 4th Annual Besties Awards Presentation returns, to honor the community’s Best of the Best. Red Carpet ceremony kicks off at 6 p.m., with the Awards Ceremony commencing at 7 p.m. sharp. Reserved seating and bar standing viewing area available. For Table Reservations, please contact (954) 557-4279. Drinks and Dinner/ Appetizers are Available upon Request At The Manor Complex (2345 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors).
Monday, 2/25 Presented by RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4 contestant Latrice Royale, the Miss Pride South Florida contest is sure to shock and entertain. Latrice Royale was crowned Miss
Showing us Her P!nk P!nk’s take-no-prisoners ’tude has kept her relevant for a long time. She has an incredibly devoted fan base, with a career that has spanned over a decade (a long time for a pop singer, at least one not as old as Madonna). Her hip-hop-meets-rock persona has garnered a diverse fan base, which may be the key to her success. At 7:30 p.m., in the BB&T Center (1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise).
Tuesday, 2/26
The Russians are Coming! Founded in 1990, the Russian National Orchestra has become a major staple of Eastern European culture. Called “the most important cultural story of our time” by International Piano, and hailed by critics worldwide for their virtually perfect performances, the Orchestra has garnered serious international recognition, and will be perform for one night only at 8 p.m., in Broward Center for the Performing Arts (201 SW 5 Ave., Fort Lauderdale).
for such singles as “Listen to the Music,” “Long Train Runnin’,” and “What a Fool Believes,” this is one Doobie you won’t want to pass up. At 8 p.m. at Hard Rock Live (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood).
Wednesday, 2/27
Guy Mix at Infinity Lounge The Guy Magazine/Florida Agenda monthly networking event, Mix, is your chance to meet the elite and get to know other business professionals and contacts, including dozens of local business owners. Get on the mic and promote your business, or come just to get educated on what’s going on in the community. At 6:30 p.m., at Infinity Lounge (2184 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors).
Tony Bennett Guy Mix at Infinity Lounge The living legend Tony Bennett has won 17 Grammys (including a lifetime achievement award), sold over 50 million albums worldwide, and is the founder of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in New York City (he’s even done painting under his real name, Anthony
Benedetto). Bennett says that the greats always sing until they can’t sing anymore, and that he himself has no plans of retiring. (Take that, Cher.) At 8 p.m., in the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (201 SW 5 Ave., Fort Lauderdale).
Tallulah Bankhead: The Original Lindsay Lohan Silver Age of Hollywood star Tallulah Bankhead was the original party girl. Before Lindsay, Paris, or Britney, there was Tallulah, infamous for not wearing underwear (in the 1930s, no less!), and fir her sharp tongue. Her last coherent words before her death in 1968 were “codeine...bourbon,” which says a lot for the actress who almost was cast as Scarlet O’Hara—and smoked around 150 cigarettes a day! Emmy-Award nominee Stefanie Powers stars as Bankhead in “Looped,” a true story based on Tallulah’s experiences during the filming of her last movie: Showing up to re-record (or “loop”) a single line of dialog for her last film, “Die, Die My Darling,” was no easy task for the inebriated performer. Powers rocks this. At 8 p.m., in the Parker Playhouse (707 NE 8 St., Fort Lauderdale).
Pass the Doobies! The Doobie Brothers rock band has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, and was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004. Known Doobie Brothers
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Miss Pride South Florida
Pride herself in 2004, and was a fan favorite on Drag Race, so it’s going to be a tough competition. The bar will be raised, the wigs will be tall. At 8 p.m., at Boom Nightclub (2232 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors).
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Sunday, 2/24
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Protecting the Lifestyle That You’re Accustomed to Specializing in Commercial Property General Liability Workers Compensation Home • Auto• Boats
954 564 7772
www.DunhamIns.com
Dunham Insurance Services, Inc.
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3000 N. Federal Highway • Suite 8 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
Alejandro Kalaf III Agent
15) NAKED GRAPE 2163 Wilton Drive Wilton manors
BAR MAP 1) ALIBI 2266 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
17) PJ’S CORNER POCKET 924 North Flagler Drive Wilton Manors
16) NEW MOON 2440 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
3) BOARDWALK 1721 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale
18) RAMROD 1508 NE 4th Ave Fort Lauderdale
2) BILL’S FILLING STATION 2209 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
4) BOOM 2232 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
27) VILLAGE PUB 2283 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
19) ROSIE’S BAR & 5) CORNER PUB GRILL 1915 N Andrews Ave 2449 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors Wilton Manors 6) CUBBY HOLE 20) RUMORS 823 N Federal Hwy BAR & GRILL Fort Lauderdale 2426 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 7) DEPOT CABANA BAR AND GRILL 21) SCANDALS SALOON 2935 N Federal Hwy 3073 NE 6th Ave Fort Lauderdale Wilton Manors 8) DUDES 22) SIDELINES 3270 NE 33rd St 2031 Wilton Drive Fort Lauderdale Wilton Manors 9) INFINITY LOUNGE 23) SMARTY PANTS 2184 WIlton Drive 2400 E Oakland Park Blvd Wilton Manors Fort Lauderdale 10) JOHNNY’S 1116 W Broward Blvd 24) THE STABLE 205 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale 11) LIPS 1421 E Oakland Park Blvd 25) TORPEDO 2829 W Broward Blvd Oakland Park Fort Lauderdale 12)THE MANOR COMPLEX 26) TROPICS 2345 Wilton Drive 2000 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors Wilton Manors 13) MONA’S 502 E Sunrise Blvd Fort Lauderdale 14) MONKEY BUSINESS 2740 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale
28) WILTON’S BIER GARDEN 2245 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
ANGELS CAFÉ
An Explosion of Schmaltz; A Good Deal for Your Wallet
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
DINING
By RICHARD DAVID CHAMBERLAIN
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Poughkeepsie, and is mounded with shaved steak, green peppers, caramelized onions and melted Provolone cheese that oozes flavor with each bite. The shoestring fries were teeny, crispy and wonderfully light compared to its fast-food namesake— and served unsalted which is remarkable into today’s high sodium world. On the breakfast side of the menu, the Angels Special ($8.50) is an enormous platter featuring two eggs—any style, with bacon, sausage or ham, home fries or grits, plus two pancakes with maple syrup! While it is big and filling for the price, a far more exciting taste experience is the Eggs Benedict ($9.50), which is served in the classic style with two poached eggs, Canadian bacon, sliced tomato (an Angels Café addition) on a toasted English muffin. It is covered in a delicate housemade Hollandaise sauce that is superb. As presented to us, it included home fries or a bowl of grits, both of which were standard issue, but not a disappointment. The café also serves up a fine Lox & Onion ($9.50) on a toasted bagel with a heavy slathering of cream cheese. As simple as this is to make, the success is dependent on the quality of the lox, which is really cured Nova salmon. The grade used here is on the higher end, sliced thin but with enough quantity that the flavor zings. It would have been nice to have capers added to the dish, which the chef might consider in the future. Angels Café is definitely a must see, even if you just drop by to witness this confection on Wilton Drive. In a town where being different is expected, Angels Café, its owner Angelo Bartolome, and manager Alan Carter exceed in every way.H
ANGELS CAFÉ 2287 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-565-8646
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alk into the recently opened Angel Café at 2287 Wilton Drive (next to Village Pub) and encounter an explosion of schmaltz that will leave you breathless. To utter such a line in Wilton Manors, home of excess in so many ways, is to throw down quite the gauntlet. But we challenge you to find any restaurant in the city or surrounding burbs that even comes close to this confection of theatrics. The once lifeless former Simple Delish diner has been transformed into a gilded Italian rococo testament to excess. Love it or hate it, you’ll be able to do anything but ignore it. With its marble floors, deep maroon walls, crystal chandeliers, gold crown molding, and its carved credenzas, the place is stuffed to the hilt with what can only to called expensive chachkas. At the moment, the theme is Valentine’s Day gone wild. Tomorrow, it may be Easter on Ecstasy. “Stunned” is the word that comes to mind. And that’s just the décor. The food is an entirely different story. The menu offers some major breakfast plates all day long as well as a hodgepodge of lunch eats that range from wraps to salads to grilled cheese sandwiches. We first got tempted by the Original Grilled Reuben Sandwich ($9.50). This deliciously thick sandwich had all the requisite components of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing between two slices of toasted rye bread. Ordering a Reuben outside of a Jewish deli is risky enough; but consuming it in a breakfast club with cherubs in gold leaf is tantamount to ordering Greek coffee in Turkey. In this case, it was a triumph. The New York Style Cheese Steak ($9.50) comes on the equivalent of a French baguette the size of
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FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
Heavenly Hash Cake By ADAM STRONG
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n your next date night, try this recipe on for size to give your snuggle-buddy something to enjoy— whether you’re screening “The Devil Wore Prada” or screaming at “Insidious.” (It will also give you something to “work off” if the date goes as planned).
fold them in. Stir in nuts, vanilla, and salt. Lastly, fold in the whipped cream. Using a casserole dish, layer the pieces of angel food cake with the chocolate mixture. Refrigerate. Contemplate. Obliterate (your diet)H
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
ADAM & EASE
Ingredients • 2 small or 1 large package of semi-sweet chocolate chips • 4 eggs, separated • ½ teaspoon of salt • 1 teaspoon of vanilla • 2 teaspoons of sugar • 1 pint of whipping cream • 1 cup chopped nuts; any kind will work, but walnuts are especially good • 1 store-bought angel food cake Beat the whipping cream and then put it aside. Break up the angel food cake into bite-sized pieces and likewise put it aside. On low heat, melt the chocolate chips. Beat the egg yolks and add them to the melted chocolate, then stir. Beat the egg whites until stiff, adding sugar. Add the egg whites into the chocolate and egg mixture, and
Photo credit:msenplace.blogspot.com
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FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
fitness
Truly Awesome Arms: Part One By TOM BONANTI
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hen a client begins training with me, one of the first things he tells me is that he wants bigger, more defined arms. Because that is a pretty much a universal goal for anyone who hits the gym, I’d like to present a three-part series on how to build a really dynamite set of awesome guns. This week, let’s take a look at some basic principles of effective arm training.
In order to build your arms, you need to work them twice a week, using about two exercises for biceps (front of the upper arms) and three exercises for triceps (rear of the upper arms). I suggest 3 to 4 sets of 10 to 12 reps for each exercise. Triceps require more attention because they are a larger muscle, making up nearly 75 percent of your upper arm development. I like to super-set tris and bis together on the same day. I separate arm training from back and chest training simply because if you really train like an animal, your arms
will be utilized and “tired out” on back and chest day, and you’ll only be giving them your second best. As with all muscle groups, train your arms to fatigue and never to failure. This way you can enjoy the pump and avoid the tendonitis that comes from over-use. There are several biceps and triceps movements which can contribute to tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons) in the elbow. You must immediately stop using such an exercise or else cut down drastically upon the weight you are using. Ice your elbow and rub it down with an antiinflammatory balm before, after, and during workouts. If pain persists for 10 days, consult your physician. According to bodybuilder and author Robert Kennedy, there are four vital qualities that make up a great arm: You need size. This includes thickness and roundness from the top of
the arm near the shoulder to the bottom near the elbow. You need good shape. This is largely hereditary. You are born with a certain amount of muscle fibers. You cannot increase the number of fibers, but through weight training you can make the ones you have thicker and stronger. To this extent you can shape or sculpt your muscles by the exercises you perform. You need separation. This is the distinct delineation of the various muscles that make up an arm. You need vascularity and definition. Here you’re talking about lowering your body fat through diet and cardio as you progressively
build quality lean muscle mass. Veins grow in size along with the arms, especially if plenty of pump is achieved in your workouts. Next week I’ll talk about several exercises for biceps that are sure to have you filling out your sleeves in no time fast. Until then, remember to be regular with your workouts, keep good form, eat well, and sleep so that your muscles can grow. Contact TrainerTomB@aol.com anytime with your workout questions or problems. It’s always great to hear from you!H
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FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
TRAVEL
St. Louis Gateway to America By ROBERT ELIAS DEATON
K
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ing Louis IX of France wasn’t the one who built Versailles, or married Marie Antoinette. He never had furniture named after him, or faced the guillotine. He led a gentler life, and was, in fact, the only French King to me named a Saint. And it is for Louis IX that Missouri’s St. Louis was named. Gay travelers to St. Louis can expect to find a diverse city where the LGBT community is integrated into its straight counterparts without pretension or insistence. St. Louis is really a very nice place to visit, and yes, even live. The most stunning symbol of the city is its famous Gateway Arch, built in 1965 and located in the Jefferson National Memorial Expansion. What appears today to be an ultra-clean modern design takes on added significance with the knowledge that this monument was actually designed in 1947 by famed Finnish-America architect Eero Saarinen. It took until 1967 to be opened to the public. A visit to this national treasure will set you back $10. Enter by the south leg of the Gateway Arch and experience life in St. Louis during the 1800s, returning to a time when the St. Louis Riverfront was bustling with steamboats, fur traders, and merchants. Travel up in the egg-shaped elevator to
the 630-foot high top of the arch, and be prepared to see magnificent views of not only the city and the Mississippi River, but also 30 miles away into neighboring Illinois. No visit to St. Louis is complete without a stroll through Forest Park. Once home to the 1904 World’s Fair, these grounds comprise one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Forest Park is also the home of the Jewel Box, a magnificent (and newly renovated) greenhouse/party space that occupies nearly 17,000 square feet. Visit the flowers; visit the palms; visit the space. Our favorite hotel in St. Louis is the Chase Park Plaza (212 - 232 N Kings Highway Blvd.), an aging dowager that is splendidly maintained, at the northeast corner of Forest Park, and in a neighborhood known for its small cafes, art galleries, and estate homes. Two added bonuses: a) the hotel is just four miles from the Anheuser-Busch Brewery (with its free Budweiser); and b) it has an in-house movie theater showing first-run films. For those into all things historical, Clementine’s (2001 Menard St.) is the oldest gay bar west of the Mississippi. Unfortunately, that is not enough of a trophy to keep this place booming with business. Go and check it out just to say you did, but expect attitude from the bartenders who have not learned the
Chase Park Plaza Hotel
Just John’s
meaning of “smile, greet, and expect a big tip.” While they’ve gotten the tip part down, the welcoming sugar that is found in almost every other St. Louis club is in short supply here. Not so with J.J.’s Clubhouse & Bar (3858 Market St at Vandeventer St.) In this leather-bear-Daddy hangout, the welcome mat is out, with a jocular ambience offering a hardy handshake or backslap to all who enter. To encourage the theme, men in leather get extra discounts. If your leather Gateway Arch
closet is bare these day, inside J.J.’s, The Cage: Toys4Boys+More has ample supplies of harnesses, chaps, vests, and the assorted whip, brought to you by CheapTrx. For a touch of elegance, head over to Just John’s (4114 Manchester Ave. at S Sarah St.). This is an upscale place, where playing dress-up is part of the scene. Weekends at Just John’s become a runway show of style and chic, so dress the part.H
Robert Elias Deaton is a world-traveling epicure who enjoys the finer things in life.
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
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MARKETPLACE EMPLOYMENT
Home Improvement
Spirituality
RENT / LEASE
COURTYARD CAFÉ - Now hiring Breakfast Cooks. Apply in person: 2211 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
WIG WILD INSPIRATIONAL & GATHERINGS Calling all Queens, Bears, Twinks, Guppies, Trannies, Fairies, Spiritualists, Yoga Folks, LGBTQ’s, Poets, Dancers, Actors and all our Straight Allies. WIG the Gay Empowerment/Spiritual Revival awaits you every Wed. 8PM at Boom - 2232 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305, $10 Donation Call (954) 630-3556 Miami Herald, “The next generation’s spiritual Stonewall.”
WILTON MANORS DUPLEX- 2/1 & 1/1! Private parking, CAC, W/D, terrazzo floors, fenced yard for your dog! great location! 2/1-$1499/mo. F/L/$500 Sec. Dep. 1/1-$800/mo. F/L/$500 Sec. Dep. Call (954)553-8616 jegaray@aol.com
LINE COOK, experienced servers, AND DAYTIME DELIVERY DRIVER NEEDED - for a busy Italian Restaurant, Must have at least 2 years experience working a line in an Italian restaurant. Driver must have a reliable vehicle and clean driving record. Interested parties please call (954) 493-9233 to schedule an interview.
Derek’s 24-Hr Handyman Service property management and Vacation Rental - Introducing our new cabinet shop! For all your custom made cabinetrycountertops laminates. You must see our work, just ask our clients. All electrical to code, ANY & ALL plumbing work, Drywall finish work / repair. Crown/ baseboard proinstall, interior/ exterior painting, demo work, Pressure washing, Decor tile install, Complete home up-dates. For large jobs, 4-man crew available. WE CAN HANDLE IT ALL! Instant call back, direct service response. No job is ever too small. Excellent references. Derek (954) 825-5598
licensed massage
services
Recession Relief - $40 per 90 MINS - Out Calls Higher. Swedish, Deep Tissue, Specialty Back, Lower Body & Feet. Couples Discounts. Seniors Welcome. Delray Beach, 16 yrs Experience. MA18563 Dennis (561) 502-2628
TENOR SOLOIST available for - Special Occasions, Weddings, Singing Telegrams. ‘a voice of beautiful lyric quality’... praise from Metropolitan Opera tenor Nicolai Gedda. Tony Villecco (607) 727 3894 tvtenor@aol.com
roomate/Wilton manors Private room w/private bed and all access. Non smoker prefered. Walk to Wilton Drive! $750/month includes everything. Call Jim (954) 563-3626 Sun-Thurs after 6pm. Fri/Sat anytime.
moving
COMPLETE COMPUTER REPAIR - Free estimates & tuneup w/any service. Replacement of laptop screen & keyboard. Viruses, date recovery & more! Call Ernesto: (754) 234 5598.
ROYAL PARK Near Wilton Manors 1BR/1.5BA, $825$900/mo. 2BR/2BA, $950 - $1100/mo. Gated Security, Clubhouse, Pools, Gym, Sauna and Steam room. Pets OK. Cable/Water/Trash incl. Call Naim Naqi, Realtor RWSF Realty 954.565.2025.
WILTON MANORS RUMORS BAR - Now hiring all positions. Email resume to rumorsbarwm@yahoo.com
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
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RED BOX MOVING -- OWNER IN TRUCK ON EVERY MOVE. CALL NORBERT DIRECTLY. Affordable, Reliable, Careful. MV#567/INSURED. (954)305-9176 or (561)5065540-www.redboxmoving.com
Spirituality T he Parish of S ts . F rancis & C lare 101 NE 3rd Street - just N of Broward Blvd. and E of Andrews Ave. Mass Times: Sat @ 5 PM; Sun @ 10:30 AM; Wed @ 7 PM. Where we welcome and appreciate diversity a progressive community in the Catholic tradition. 954-731-8173; www.stsfrancisandclare.org
RENT / LEASE N.E. Ft. Lauderdale-Wilton Manor Area Large Efficiency, quiet complex, tile floors, newer a/c, and refrigerator, private patio, cable ready, pest control included. No pets please. $595 By appointment (954) 592-3772
Wilton Manors 2/2 Tile floors, central heating & air, pool - clothing optional. 9 unit gay complex. Small dogs ok. One year lease $875.00 mo. 201 NW 25th St. 954-326-9096 LARGE REMODELED 2BD/1BA Duplex w/ Central A/C, dishwasher, microwave,fans, tile, private patio, Ample Parking, No Pets, No Smoking, $975 / mo fls Call Ken 954-682-9428or 954-249-1181.
OAKLAND PARK/NORTH ANDREWS GARDENS-3/2 CAC, Marble floors thru-out! Large fenced yard is perfect for your pets! New bathrooms. $1400/mo. F/L/$500 Sec. Dep. Call (954)553-8616 or email jegaray@aol.com
DUPLEX for Rent Very Charming, 600 sq. ft. Dishwasher, huge private backyard. Pets (with prior approval). $795.00 mo. 1st, last & security deposit required. Call 954-632-6662. LARGE 2BR/1BR Open gourmet kitchen w/smooth top stove, D/W, crisp white cabinets. Tile floors, central A/C, private patio, onsite laundry pets ok, $1180/mo, F/S. Owner/ License (954) 448-9811.
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Epic night out?
prove it. Get ‘sum
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Watch the Stars Shine at ‘Dancing with the South Florida Stars, Season 3’
spotlight
Manor Hosts April 8 Benefit for HIV Fitness Charity
By PHOEBE MOSES
T
Santis will take his place on the Judges Dais, joined by local business legend Reece Darham, who will be honored for his contributions to advancing Greater Fort Lauderdale’s LGBT community, and panelist Misty Eyez, who, like Darham, is a DWTSFS/S1 contestant. Hosting “Dancing with the South Florida Stars/Season 3” is Miss State of Florida Continental Elite, the fabulous Diva, and at press time the producers are waiting for confirmation from the scheduled co-host, drag performing legend Tiffany Arieagus and the rest of the celebrity cast. The red carpet event is the premier annual fundraising gala for the Brian Neal Fitness and Health Foundation, which this year revised the curriculum of services offered to its clients, a group that exceeded 200 in number last year. “This is something we all look forward to every year,” said Felix DeBruin, Executive Director of the Foundation. “It is not only a chance for the best and brightest of our community to show their stuff and reconnect with old friends and associates, it’s an opportunity for the Foundation to show just how much the support of our benefactors means to so many people who are affected by HIVAIDS and other life threatening conditions. Richard Hack, New York Times bestselling author and longtime fitness and wellness advocate, agreed. “All of my years working for publications and writing in Hollywood there was always a huge excitement and buzz around Oscar-time and whenever important community gatherings were called. ‘Dancing with the South Florida Stars’ has become a local tradition where business superstars and local entrepreneurs can let their hair down and their talent fly, and help out a cause that is putting its contributors’ money where it is doing a great deal of good.” DeBruin added that a complete list of financial information for the Foundation, including where and how contri-
butions are utilized, is available online at briannealfitness.org. He also noted that while an air of festivity and celebration always attends DWTSFS, the Season 3 gala holds a poignant place for the Foundation, since it will mark the passing of board member Patrick Campbell, who died earlier this year of complications related to HIV/AIDS. “There wasn’t a person who was more diligent or passionate about the work of the Foundation,” DeBruin said of Campbell, a native of the Republic of Ireland and an early inspiration for the Foundation’s namesake, Brian Neal. “Patrick was among those who most motivated me to take my passion for personal fitness and wellness and turn it into a non-profit organization that benefits some of the most challenged members of our community,” Neal recalled. “He was always available with sound advice and to provide inspiration and motivation.” “I can’t remember a time when Patrick wasn’t close by me,” added Bobby Blair, Publisher of the Florida Agenda and Guy Magazine. “It was a pleasure for him to serve others, and the work of the Foundation is a tribute to his spirit and the legacy of better lives he leaves behind.” Interested applicants for the Foundation’s program are invited to contact the Brian Neal Fitness and Health Foundation about enrollment. To qualify, individuals must be HIV positive and/or living with a potentially life-threatening illness. Applicants must be able to show they cannot afford to pay for the Foundation’s services without assistance. A physician’s letter must also be provided to clear all approved recipients to participate in an exercise program. To contact Brian Neal: BrianNealFitness@me.com or call
(954) 816-0237. Tickets for Dancing with the South Florida Stars/Season 3 at The Manor are $10 for General Admission, $40 for VIP and dance floor seating. Tickets can be purchased online at guymag.net.H
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he Manor Restaurant and Entertainment Complex will be the scene for an evening of music, merriment, and tripping-the-light-fantastic on Monday, April 8, as Dancing with the South Florida Stars (DWTSFS) returns to the popular venue to benefit the Brian Neal Fitness and Health Foundation, a Greater Fort Lauderdalebased service organization that supports fitness and nutrition programs for individuals with HIV and non-HIV-related life-threatening conditions. The Foundation assists financiallychallenged people living with HIV/ AIDS through free group workouts and ongoing lifestyle education classes which cover all aspects of living a healthy, balanced lifestyle: from diet and exercise, to physical and emotional wellbeing, including making productive life choices, and providing mentoring and life coaching services. Using a format familiar to fans of the hit television program “Dancing with the Stars,” teams comprised of local business and community leaders and other celebrities partnered with drag performers will train for over a month to ensure their peak performance for the event. According to Foundation founder Brian Neal, the teams—culled from a Who’s Who of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s LGBT A-Listers—will include local business and community leaders competing for the crown previously held by Bruce Bogan and his partner, celebrity drag entertainer Electra (DWTSFS, Season 1), and winning partners Gary Santis and 2001 Miss Gay USofA Erika Norell (DWTSFS, Season 2). More than 300 guests enjoyed special live performances from the “Dreamgirls” ensemble of Nicole T. Philips, Déjà Devonier, and Velvet Lenore, as well as by Special Guest Pepper MaShay, R&B performer Philip Alexander, and others. This year, Reigning Champion Gary
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