MARCH 3, 2011 H ISSUE - 67 H FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
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STYLE: Miss Richfield 1981 gets hiliariously candid. PAGE 17
Pride Center announces the “Stars of the Rainbow’ honorees. PAGE 2
Courtesy, Miss Richfield 1981
Photo by Bob Kesckemety
THE STATEWIDE VOICE OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY
Newswire n Fort Lauderdale n Miami n Bay Area n Central Florida
n “THE BESTIES”: Joan Rivers aka Joe Posa hosted the 2nd annual awards gala...see the winners inside.
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Courtesy, Pompano Bill
n WINTER PARTY: Oscar winner Marlee Matlin is guest of honor at the Festival’s VIP cocktail reception.
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Courtesy, Ms. Matlin
n CARMEN CARRERA: “RuPaul's Drag Race” star will be performing live on Friday, March 4.
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Courtesy, carmencarrera.com
n EQUINE FEAR:
Equus, a dark and striking play debuting in Orlando after success in London and on Broadway.
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Courtesy, FantasyLand Productions
Advocates push for stop on deportations on Married Same Sex Couples By ALEX VAUGHN & BOB KESCKEMETY President Obama’s decision to no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act has prompted immigration advocates to begin a campaign to ‘Stop Deportation.’ Three pending cases in New York, New Jersey and California involving same-sex bi-national couples facing deportation are in question. These cases mark the first time immigration will be among the list of federal marriage benefits same sex couples are demanding through litigation premised on the unconstitutionality of DOMA. The cases that provoked the Department Of Justice to issue its statement involve plaintiffs who have been denied tax, social security, pension, Family and Medical Leave Act, and employmentrelated benefits. New York attorney Lavi Soloway will argue that the proceedings should be
halted because the only thing standing between each couple and a green card is the Defense Of Marriage Act, which he will argue should not be given effect in light of Wednesday's DOJ announcement. Says Soloway, "The issue is urgent as deportation carries with it a 10-year ban on returning." Last October Soloway and his colleague Noemi Masliah, partners in the immigration firm Masliah & Soloway, started Stop the Deportations: The DOMA Project "to raise awareness of the cruel impact of the DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT on married gay and lesbian binational couples and bring an end to that discrimination." The campaign invites same-sex bi-national couples to submit testimonials, videos, and photographs to help raise awareness of the impact of DOMA on their lives. Lavi said, ‘The fight against DOMA has begun in earnest this month.’
Courtesy, Klaus Enrique
Lavi Soloway (l to r) and Noemi Masliah Obama concluded last Wednesday that all laws that discriminate based on sexual orientation should be presumed unconstitutional, opening up a new front in the twenty-year battle for immigration equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
See IMMIGRATION EQUALITY on Page 9
Famed Preacher and Gay Advocate Rev. Peter J. Gomes dies Task Force, MCC and Harvard pay their respects By ALEX VAUGHN The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force mourns the death of the Rev. Peter J. Gomes, an openly gay Harvard minister, theologian and author, who died on Monday at the age of 68 due to complications from a stroke. Tributes poured in from many who believed he was an Accidental Gay Activist. Gomes was born in Boston and raised in Plymouth. He received a bachelor's degree from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, and a divinity degree from Harvard. In 1979, Time magazine called him "one of the seven most distinguished preachers in America," and in 1998 he was named Clergy of the Year by the organization Religion in American Life. Gomes described himself as a cultural conservative but stunned the Harvard community in 1991 when he said he was gay in response to harassment against gays on campus.
Rev. Rebecca Voelkel, Faith Work Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, paid tribute saying, "In many Christian circles, when a person of faith passes, the pastor will speak of them by quoting Jesus, 'well done, thou good and faithful servant.' Sometimes this phrase is over used. But today, truer words were never spoken. Rev. Peter Gomes epitomized one who lived his life seeking to be a good and faithful servant — of the God he loved. "For those of us who are religious and affirm the dignity of all persons, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, Rev. Gomes was a light and a model. His passionate sermons, his incomparable work with the Scriptures and his visible love of God and God's creation will be greatly missed." In a Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, she said, "In the passing of Rev. Peter Gomes, the world has lost a mind, a voice, an advocate, an artist of words rarely seen in this day and age. Rev. Gomes spoke eloquently and frequently in support of marriage equality in Massachusetts during that state's fierce
Courtesy, http://epistleofjim.blogspot.com
‘Lost voice of the community, Rev. Peter J. Gomes struggle to protect the right of same-sex couples to marry.” She continued, "He came out as a gay man when it was scandalous for clergy of his position and caliber, of any caliber, to do so. And yet, he did so with a clarity
See REV. GOMES on Page 9
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Stonewall Library Changes Name FORT LAUDERDALE - To better reflect the size and scope of the organization, Fort Lauderdale’s Stonewall Museum and Archives has changed their name to the Stonewall National Museum & Archive. The Stonewall National Museum is the first of its kind in the United States and was the first to organize and circulate traveling exhibitions focused on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender history. Also they were the first to have a permanent exhibition space dedicated to the history of the GLBT community in the United States from 1850 to the present. Founded in 1973 as one of the first gay libraries in the country, Stonewall has developed, through the years into one of the most significant and reliable sources of information on the LGBT communities in the country. While Stonewall's vast lending library will continue to be a part of its service to local community, what makes Stonewall unique today is its collection of historic artifacts and their credibility as a reliable chronicler and educator of the LGBT culture. H
Business Trailblazer Passes
Courtesy, Pompano Bill
Pierre Jubinville FORT LAUDERDALE - Pierre Jubinville, founder of Audace, one of the first clothing stores in South Florida to cater to the gay market, passed away on Saturday, February 19, 2011 of a heart attack. Jubinville was born February 23, 1954 in Coaticook, Quebec, Canada where he was the youngest boy in a family of 11 children with three brothers and three sisters surviving him. In 1978, upon completion of college, he became the owner of the family farm where he tripled the output volume in less than 10 years. In 1981, following in the footsteps of both his father and grand father, Jubinville became mayor of Coaticook, becoming the youngest mayor in the town’s history. In 1989, Jubinville decided to make a career change and sold the farm and took a year off to improve his English and obtained a U.S. visa. In 1990 he opened a high-end underwear/swim wear store on Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Audace. This was one of the first retail stores to cater to the gay community. It was also the first gay clothing store to have a website and had a large national sales base. Jubinville closed Audace in 2008 with the downturn in the nation’s economy.
“He was an incredible man and a good friend,” said Joel Subnick, who had been close friends with Jubinville for over 10 years. “He was a smart businessman, a great visionary and had a zillion friends.” There will be a Celebration of the Life of Pierre Jubinville at Georgie’s Alibi on Friday, March 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. H
Pride Factory Holds 15th Anniversary WILTON MANORS - About 100 of the area’s business leaders showed up at Pride Factory last Thursday to help celebrate the store’s 15th anniversary. H
“At Home with Joan” OAKLAND PARK - The Wine Cellar in Oakland Park is a wonderful German Restaurant at 199 E Oakland Park Blvd, but on Friday nights it transforms into something quite different. “Home with Joan Rivers” (a.k.a. Joe Posa) entertains the crowd with a show that seems like it could have come directly from the Las Vegas strip. Now you don’t have to travel to Atlantic City or New York to see this wonderful performer.. Make Thursday night your night “Home with Joan” and you will laugh ‘til the cows come home and walk out with a full belly and food left over. Joan brings her friends over sometimes (Barbra, Liza, Michael Jackson) just to name a few so you never know who will be there. Just make your reservations today for the funniest show in town. Friday is followed by the incomparable Electra when it becomes “Madame’s Wine Cellar”. Check out Facebook, “The Wine Cellar” for more information or call (954) 565-9021. Wednesday is two-forone so don't miss out on this great venue. It all happens at The Cellar. H
Marlee Matlin to Headline Winter Party VIP Event MIAMI - Academy Award winning actress Marlee Matlin will be the guest of honor at Winter Party Festival’s VIP Cocktail Reception, Saturday, March 5, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Bass Museum of Art, 2100 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. Joining Matlin will be Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, as well as Winter Party sponsors and VIPs. Tickets to the reception are also available to the public. Matlin won the Academy Award for her performance in “Children of a Lesser God.” At 21, she became the youngest recipient of the Best Actress Oscar and only one of four actresses to receive the honor for her film debut. In addition to the Oscar, Matlin received the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Drama. In 2007, she joined the cast of Showtime Network’s groundbreaking series “The L Word” for three seasons H
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“Stars of the Rainbow ” Honorees Announced
Courtesy, Rep. Wasserman-Schultz home page
U. S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz
FORT LAUDERDALE - The Pride Center at Equality Park (GLCC) has announced their 2011 “Stars of the Rainbow” Honorees. 2011 Stars of the Rainbow Honorees represent individuals, businesses and organizations that exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and/or activism. Honorees have represented the LGBT community in a positive light, and have supported the efforts of the Pride Center. This year’s honorees are: Pastor Leslie Tipton of the Church of the Holy SpiritSong (Board Member Star of the Year) Nikki Adams of Broward House and Donna Markland of the Broward County Health Department (Community Stars of the Year) The Trevor Project (Non-Profit
Star of the Year) South Florida Gay News – Norm Kent, Publisher (Media Star of the Year) Congresswoman Ileana Ross-Lehtinen and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Public Official Stars of the Year) Arthur Smith (Tyler Healis Sustainability Award) PALS Project Volunteers (Volunteer Star of the Year) Will Spencer (Alan Schubert Humanitarian Award). 2011 marks the 18th anniversary of the Stars of the Rainbow awards and fundraising event. Annually, the “Stars” funds valuable services and programs provided by the Pride Center. The Stars of the Rainbow 2011 will be held on Sunday, April 3, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, 2301 S.E. 17th Street Causeway in Fort Lauderdale from 4 to 6 p.m. For information or for tickets, visit http://www.starsoftherainbow.com. H
School Board Policy Change FORT LAUDERDALE - The Broward County School Board recently changed their non-discrimination policy to include transgendered students. The school district made the change to protect all students, including those with gender identity issues. Broward County Schools hopes to change prejudice and prevent bullying through its modified discrimination policy. "The violation of any part of this policy shall be grounds for discipline up to and including termination of employ-
ment," said Broward County School Board Member David Thomas on Tuesday. School Board Member Jennifer Gottlieb said, "It's a proud day for Broward County Public Schools, for all of our students." H
Miami Beach Gay Pride: Saturday, April 16 MIAMI BEACH - The largest singleday event of the year in Miami Beach, the Pride Parade and Festival will be held on Saturday, April 16 from noon to 8 p.m. The parade will be held on Ocean Drive, from 5th to 14th Streets on Miami Beach starting at noon. Following the parade, the festival will be held at Lummus Park on Ocean Drive between 10th and 14th Streets. After a highly successful event in 2010 that attracted more than 35,000 people, the City of Miami Beach will host Miami Pride for the third year in a row. One of the highlights of Pride will be a salute to “Legacy Couples” -committed LGBT partners who have been together for 20 or more years who will march and ride together in recognition of their commitment and in affirmation of marriage equality. Because of the overwhelming success of the last two Pride events, Miami Beach Gay Pride has been expanded this year to five extraordinary days OUT. From Saturday to Friday, exciting events leading up to the Pride Parade and Festival will include a Women’s Art Conference,
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an Interfaith Service, a film night and more. Events and activities will be posted as they are confirmed, so please check their website at www.miamibeachgaypride .com for the most up-to-date information. To register as a Legacy Couple for the 2011 parade, email Pride Director Cindy Brown at: cindy@maimibeachgaypride .com. H
Easy-Bake Gets Modern Remake PAWTUCKET, RI - The popular toy, the Easy-Bake Oven got a new lease on life this past week when manufacturer, Hasbro announced it would redesign the device using a small heating element to replace the 100-watt light bulb which powered the small oven since its unveiling in 1963. The reborn EasyBake will be sold as the new Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven. The future of the Easy-Bake Oven had been in doubt since the U.S. Government announced that incandescent light bulbs will no longer be sold in the United States beginning in 2012. With the new, more efficient heating system, the new oven will now bake an extended menu that includes cookies, red velvet cupcakes, checker cakes, pizza, pretzels, cinnamon twists and brownie sticks. This brand new oven will also have a more modern, stylish look and modern functions. The oven was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2006. H
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Obama Chooses Gay Social Secretary
Courtesy, Mistral-Bernard/US Embassy Paris
Jeremy Bernard WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This week, the White House announced Jeremy Bernard had been named Special Assistant to the President and Social Secretary. He joins the White House staff from the U.S. Embassy in Paris where he serves as Senior Advisor to the Ambassador. Prior to this role, he worked as the White House Liaison to the National Endowment for the Humanities. “Jeremy shares our vision for the White House as the People’s House,” said the President in a written statement, “one that celebrates our history and culture in dynamic and inclusive ways. We look forward to Jeremy continuing to showcase America’s arts and culture to our nation and the world through the many events at the White House,” the President said. Bernard will be the first openly gay male to fill that post. H
Catholic College Fires Gay Professor PHILADEPHIA, PA -- Chestnut Hill College said it fired a part-time professor for engaging in a same-sex relationship, conduct which the institution said is “contrary to the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church.” The college claims it terminated the Rev. James St. George after he made “public statements of his involvement in a gay relationship with another man for the past 15 years.” The statements apparently were in a blog. Hired by Chestnut Hill in 2009, the college claims St. George misled them by not disclosing that the priest belonged to another branch of Catholicism, the Old Catholic Apostolic Church of America, that is not associated with the Vatican and allows priests to be actively gay. St. George, in an interview Saturday, cheerfully said that, yes, he is gay and that, in fact, he recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of his relationship with his partner. However, he disputed that he had withheld anything from the college. H
Pope charged with Crimes Against Humanity
Gay Couple Awarded a “Whopper” $3.15 Million in Hate Case UNION CITY, N.J. - A Hudson County, New Jersey jury awarded Peter Casbar, 43, and Noel Robichaux, $3.15m in compensatory and punitive damages after they testified that the store manager and a group of angry restaurant employees chased them out of the restaurant and then kicked, beat and spat upon the two men while screaming anti-gay insults in 2007, following a dispute over a wrong order at a local Burger King. A jury, which began hearing the 17count case earlier this month filed under New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination, just awarded them $3.15 million, which includes $1.7 in punitive damages; the couple's attorney did not specific how much money they were seeking. The defendants were Food Service Properties Corp. and Union City Restaurant Corp., which owned the Burger King franchise location, and not the fast food giant. Angel Caraballo and Christopher Soto, two employees involved in the attack, had already pleaded guilty of aggravated assault. Miami-based Burger King Corporation, themselves, were not named in the suit. H
Courtesy, Top News.in
Pope Benedict XVI VATICAN CITY -- Two German lawyers have filed charges at the International Criminal Court against Pope Benedict XVI. Christian Sailer and Gert-Joachim Hetzel, both from Benedict's home state of Bavaria, have charged Benedict with three counts of crimes against humanity. Their 16,500-word document charges that the Pope “is responsible for the preservation and leadership of a worldwide totalitarian regime of coercion which subjugates its members with terrifying and health-endangering threats ... the adherence to a fatal forbiddance of the use of condoms, even when the danger of HIV-AIDS infection exists ... and ... the establishment and maintenance of a worldwide system of coverup of the sexual crimes committed by Catholic priests and their preferential treatment, which aids and abets ever new crimes.” H
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Green Card denial questioned IMMIGRATION EQUALITY continued from Page 1 Although the administration will continue to enforce DOMA in its entirety as long it remains on the books, Wednesday's announcement by the Attorney General that it will no longer defend Section 3 of DOMA in court creates the opportunity for policy makers within branch agencies such as the Citizenship and Immigration Services, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Executive Office of Immigration Review to develop new strategies to ensure that DOMA does not split any married gay or lesbian bi-national couples while the law is waiting on Congress to repeal it and the federal appeals courts continue to decide its ultimate position.
“NO LONGER A CONSTITUTIONAL BASIS….” In New Jersey, the case has reached the fifteen judge panel of the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The petitioner's notice to appeal states, "Because the Attorney General has declared invalid the basis upon which the Service denied the Petitioner/Appellant's Petition, there is no longer any constitutional basis to deny the Petition where, as here, the Petition is grounded in a marriage that is valid under state law." Because the BIA is part of the Department of Justice and acts on behalf of the Attorney General, Soloway says this case and others like it will give the DOJ the opportunity to
declare a broad policy that would put all deportation proceedings involving legally married same-sex couples in abeyance: The executive branch has substantial discretion to hold deportation proceedings in abeyance. In 2009 the Department of Homeland Security did so to stop the deportations of widows and widowers of United States citizens who had been married less than two years. In 2010, the Obama administration decided not to deport so-called "Dream Act eligible" students who came to the United States without papers when they were children. Soloway believes the President's newly articulated position on DOMA could weigh heavily in the exercise of discretion in cases involving bi-national same-sex married couples. Lambda Legal's Jon Davidson, a GLBT legal eagle wrote in The Advocate this week: “To have the nation's president and highest law enforcement agency conclude that discrimination based on sexual orientation should be approached as being of dubious validity -- like laws that discriminate based on race, national origin, sex, religion, alienage, or illegitimacy -- will send out ripples, if not waves, touching all laws that continue to oppress lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals, and will influence many in our nation to rethink whether those laws should be maintained.”
See IMMIGRATION EQUALITY on Page 16
Tributes for Harvard minister REV. GOMES continued from Page 1 and grace that provided theological shelter for many a young person struggling with their sexuality. At the time, he said, 'I am a Christian who happens as well to be gay. ... Those realities, which are irreconcilable to some, are reconciled in me by a loving God.' Metropolitan Community Churches said in a statement, ‘The LGBT faith community, and all people of faith lost a powerful friend, ally and a voice for justice, in Rev. Peter Gomes, the gifted Pusey Minister of Memorial Church, the non-denominational center of Christian life at Harvard University. Rev. Gomes was a popular teacher, mentor and sought after preacher, whose best seller, The Good Book; Reading the Bible with Mind and Heart, took on fundamentalism, and examined topics like slavery, anti-Semitism and homosexuality. His humor, accessibility in his writing, endeared him even to those who disagreed with him. Dr. Gomes came out in 1991 at Harvard, and devoted the last two decades of his life to countering the Biblical misunderstandings that undergird homophobia. He reached audiences that many of us are not able to reach, with poise and confidence.
Dr. Gomes scholarship, leadership, and support for students will be greatly missed at Harvard, in Cambridge. Marvin Bagwell, a lay leader in MCC and Harvard graduate offers this personal tribute: "He was such a contradiction in terms, a black Baptist preacher from a prominent almost Boston Brahmin family. Instead of fire and brimstone, Peter preached about love and justice. His sermons were works of art, enchanting, jewel like in their clarity and always inspiring and uplifting. I was in denial about my sexual identity. I certainly did not know about "gaydar" at that time, but I was oddly drawn to Peter. I suspected but could not speak the words about him or about myself. In the early 1990's Peter came out. His announcement made the national newspapers. I was out by then, but his announcement shook me out of my subway seat and made me immensely and tearfully proud. I immediately dashed off a letter to tell him he and his sermons had saved my life. Harvard was not an easy place to be black and gay. Peter called himself a conservative Christian. For the betterment of us all and for himself, he outgrew the conservative part. God bless Peter Gomes." H
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FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
Sexual Racism or Just a Preference?
FOUNDER MULTIMEDIA PLATFORMS BOBBY BLAIR - CEO / MANAGING PARTNER
John Galliano was arrested last Thursday for alleged racist slurs in Paris. The house of Dior suspended him immediately, pending an investigation. Since then a video has emerged showing the belligerent Brit engaging in an aggressive and foul mouthed diatribe. The fashion world was stunned and Dior dresses were removed from the Oscar line-up, bar Nicole Kidman. The fast reaction shows that even in the fickle world of fashion racism is unacceptable full stop. We will not tolerate racial slurs in the bars or in our homes or even from one of the most creative designers of the 21st century. However there is one area it would seem, where racism is acceptable. The internet, most specifically profiles on dating sites. In an interesting result of the safety of the internet, racism in the community has become more prevalent. In the few lines one has to advertise one’s self for a hook up or a date, many men are turning that space into what is now being viewed as unabashed and clear racism. You can go onto at least 70% of profiles on dating sites and you will see, amongst other ‘preferences’ a clear line describing racial groups that are either preferred or excluded. Surely, this is just a specific of type? Well perhaps, but in all reality it is racist and prejudiced. By excluding someone solely based on their ethnic background without any knowledge of the person is the definition of racism. We have all seen; ‘No Asians, No Blacks, No Latinos, White Only. Latino’s only’. Imagine if you read a want ad with those words. There would be an uproar of epic proportions. For sex, it is largely ignored. The effect of this is a divide in the community between ethnic minorities and the creation of stereotypes. We hate to be stereotyped as murse carrying mincing queens. Yet when you see a ‘Gaysian’ in a bar, many assume he must want a white man, older, wealthy and that all comes to the fore of the mind without even having to talk to him. That attitude perpetuates myths and as a result we develop yet another barrier within our community. This pre-judgement is only exasperated by what we see online. The fall out is affecting people outside of cyber world. The negative of course is that by excluding and pre judging, in a town where relationships are not readily available perhaps you are cutting off your nose to spite your face. ‘I never date Latinos’. Why not? Where did the preconceived notion come from? You weren’t born that way. Many people suggest that as we learn
little lessons from our parents we also develop racial perception. There is a lot of merit in this theory, racial attitudes here in Florida still seem very old fash-
Alex Vaughn ioned considering the fact the state is a melting pot. Type is not like being gay, it is not inbuilt into our genetic coding, it is developed over time. Challenging those pre conceived notions would benefit you and everyone else. By examining why we think what we do in any situation develops a better understanding of ourselves and society. In this instance a more open view on race would minimise, what I condsider the largely ignored upset caused by the seeming ignorance of gay men. You see it’s obviously easier to just say ‘not my type’ rather than specify the
BEFORE
AFTER
"Not into hairy guys or GBMs, no offence."
"Really prefer guys with smooth, pale skin."
"No Fats, Fems."
"Looking for slim, fit, masculine guys.”
"No whites, sorry!"
"More comfortable with other black guys."
www.sexualracismsux.com
Letter to the editor Dear Agenda Editor: I realize the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and its chain of “Out Of The Closet” thrift stores provide
reason as race. It’s more considerate and it allows for a more cohesive community. Now, that said, type is type, we can’t control what turns us on or why we are attracted to one person or the other, however a close examination as to why someone isn’t your type would probably outline other issues that aren’t to do with sex, but social ideals. If your choice is because certain races tend not to have physical attributes, remember it is just that. They ‘tend’ not to. Yet by saying ‘No Blacks’ you rule out an entire race. That is a huge population to dismiss on the basis of skin color or origin. You may now be thinking that when you go to a site looking for a hook –up, political correctness is not as relevant. It is, perhaps even more so to show that the cyber world is as advanced in attitudes as the real world. That said we all know sites are as much an irritant as they are the modern way to meet people. So specifying type attributes you expect does cut the amount of incompatible responses. Astoundingly when I asked people who had those lines in their profiles their views on racism. Everyone that said they were against racism, yet didn’t see the fact that writing on their profiles ‘ No GAMs’ is exactly the same principle as hearing an Asian guy was passed up for a role because of his race. What could we do to change this, in the grander scheme of things? Look into your past, have you ever excluded someone solely on race, ask yourself, why do you think that is? If you can’t get past this and fundamentally see that it is simply a case of ‘type’. Then change your profile, re word it so you have not outlined to a guy reading your profile that you don’t want to even talk to him because of his race. How would you feel if you were or are in a minority ethnic group and you see endless profiles clearly saying because of where you are from you are no one’s type? Check out the suggestions below from a site about Sexual Racism. Remember, an open mind is a preferred preference.H
important services to the community, but I can’t understand why they would spend so much money to buy a gas station on East Sunrise Boulevard in Fort
Lauderdale, demolish the building, do all of the environmental work required, then design and construct a brand new building. Did the AIDS Healthcare Foundation really need to build a brand new structure for its thrift shop – especially
considering all of the vacant retail/commercial real estate available in Fort Lauderdale? The wasted money could have been spent on people with HIV/AIDS.
Brandon Hawthorne
PUBLISHER KEVIN HOPPER
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Making a Difference Lifeceutical Group Joins Forces with Brian Neal Fitness Challenge By BOB KESCKEMETY The Lifeceutical Group, a company dedicated to improving a person’s quality of life, has joined forces with the Brian Neal Fitness Challege, a three 1-hour a week fitness boot-camp that is free and open to the public and held at Island City Health and Fitness in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. The program lasts for a total of 12 weeks. Incorporated 16 months ago by founder Bruce Bertman, Lifeceutical’s main office is in Boca Raton with a satellite office inside Island City Fitness. Lifeceutical, itself, focuses on improving a person’s quality of life, with anti-aging and hormone balance and replacement therapy for its patients. Clients of Lifeceutical are generally men and women, 35 years old and up. Lifeceutical also offers a HCG diet plan that, they say, if you don’t lose a pound a day, you are most likely cheating. HCG is a prescription hormone that is taken once a day for 21 or 42 days as part of a custom protocol that allows for the reduction of
stored body fat. Lifeceutical’s Boca office is a full-service location, but the space occupied by Lifeceutcial in the Island City Health and Fitness space is more specialized. “We do mostly Botox there,” said Bertman. “We meet with the patients there three days a week and work out of that office. We discuss hormone therapies and we discuss our diet programs. It’s more of a screening environment.” Bertman went on to say that they also hold Botox and filler parties and they bring the doctor (who has over 30 years experience) to the Island City location during the week where patients can make an appointment and meet with the doctor. Gym members can discuss with the Lifeceutical staff how they would like to be helped and if there is some interest, and the Lifeceutical staff feels there is a true medical need, the patients are then brought to the main clinic for blood tests and to see the doctor. Bertman and
Courtesy, Bruce Bertman
Bruce Bertman Lifeceutical got involved with the Brian Neal Fitness Challenge when they were informed of Neal’s program by the staff of Island Fitness. “We had to get involved,” said Berman, “we’re all about longevity and improvement in quality of life. It was perfect for us. This is an older group and they are looking to improve their quality of life and make major changes and I love to be a part of that.” Recently, Lifeceutical held a contest with the Brian Neal participants and one lucky person won an entire 10-week testosterone protocol. Bertman got his start in
Internet marketing and did work for some doctors in a similar field of expertise. “It seemed like a logical progression to get into it myself,” said Bertman. “If you take a look, there are 10,000 people a day turning 65. It’s the ‘baby boomers,’ so I felt it was a great opportunity and a great way to help people.” H
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Island City Health & Fitness 2270 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305
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And the Bestie goes too… As the who’s who of Fort Lauderdale settled into their seats, Joan Rivers (A.K.A Joe Posa) entertained the crowd for the 2nd Annual Besties and the 83rd Annual Academy Awards gala on Sunday at The manor. As Colin and Natalie took home their gongs, the Besties recognized the best of the community. The winners were…
Community Leader - Mark Martin Best Networking Group - Win Best Singer - Deborah Hampton Best Promoter - Bill Kelly Best Publisher - Tie – Peter Clark /Bobby Blair Best in Community (activist) Tiffany Arieagus Best Fundraiser of the year Broward Bares It Best Attorney - Dean Trantalis Best Realtor - Rick Gibson Best Paparazzi - Pompano Bill Best Theme bar – Bill’s Filling Station Best Promotion - Alibi Thursday Best Strip Club - Boardwalk Best Salon - Bang Best Burger – Rosie’s Bar and Grill Best Female Impersonator Nikki Adams Best Hangout - Java Boys Best Photographer - Dennis Dean. H
Stop Deportation IMMIGRATION EQUALITY continued from Page 9 To date, LGBT advocates for immigration equality have dedicated the bulk of their efforts toward passing the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), which would enable same-sex "permanent partners" of United States Citizens to become permanent residents. Last year advocates for the bill achieved a significant victory when Senator Charles Schumer, lead sponsor of Comprehensive Immigration Reform, announced that key provisions of UAFA would be included as part of the larger immigration bill. However, with the election of a Republican majority in the House of Representatives last November, prospects for the passing bill dimmed significantly. Soloway, who in 1993 cofounded the organization Immigration Equality with Noemi Masliah and Suzanne Goldberg, is quick to point out that this new strategy is not meant to replace any other saying the movement for LGBT equality must continue to move ahead on all fronts, including legislation and litigation. However, he adds, "The sole obstacle remaining to resolving the status of same-sex bi-national couples is DOMA. Resolve that, and game over, we're done. H
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Out in Florida / Profile Home / Recipe /Travel THE STYLE VOICE OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY
Miss Richfield 1981 comes to Lauderdale Miss Richfield 1981, the Midwestern maven is winning over theater and cabaret audiences around the country with an interactive format that combines homespun warmth and edgy improv, leaving audiences in hysterics with a truly original performance.
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She will be bringing her ’30 Years on the Throne’ tour to Fort Lauderdale on the 18th and 19th of March. Agenda caught up with her….. Who is Miss Richfield? What’s she all about? I am a Beauty Queen and I am always representing my community. I was Miss Richfield July 4th 1981. That’s what the show is about sweetie, my life so I can’t give too much away. So let’s just say, a Beauty Pageant title holder winner, a maven of style and a mistress of manners. Don’t forget to be in a pageant you have to have a talent, not just be exceptionally good looking! Who were your role models when you were growing up and who do you look up to now? Vonda Kaye Van Dyke, Miss America 1965, who had one lung removed and went on to be a professional ventriloquist! Mother Theresa, I am inspired by people who changed the world, I am changing the world one homo at a time! And Jesus, because He performed miracles, preached love and wore a dress. You always need to mention Jesus in the pageant, my Church was my sponsor! If you weren’t doing your act what do you think you could do instead? Oh wow, well that’s a good question; I can’t imagine not doing my show. Hopefully moving along another career path, such as working the fragrance counter at Sears. I get to meet so many wonderful people from all over the world with my show, I think of how many friends I have made, I have been to every continent except Antarctica,. Maybe I’d write for a magazine. You just ask questions, it’s not like it’s hard, I see you can do it!
30 Years on the throne….what keeps you going? Of course my Christian faith, my hearty Midwestern constitution and the Pamprin with codeine that I get from Mexico. Do you feel attitudes in the USA are changing towards the LGBT Community? First off let’s just say, the homos, use an umbrella world. As the homos are out and about. I think attitudes to them are changing; they are doing things like looking more normal than ever. It used to be that you would walk down the street, see some fellow with vinyl boots, belt and matching handbag and you could draw the conclusion. They are starting to mix, at my show if people bring other friends it helps the homos get together with the hetero folk. The audience at my shows even in P-Town is 50% homos 50% other. How do you think your show helps change attitudes? When you share an experience like a show, it helps, I want a mix at my shows, when integrating straight people in, you want to take them somewhere nice, not a leather bar, I wouldn’t take my mother to get spanked. The Manor is a lovely venue; it makes the homo lifestyle more accessible so everyone can make the same poor choices they make. I think it’s wise that you folks let the normal people like me in, as left to your own, you people can make some fairly poor choices. So bring friends from work, or neighbors to the show –any one you think might need a lesson in beauty. I always tell the lesbians to bring the other guys from the construction site! Hell, cross the line outside Wilton manors, see someone on the edge. Grab ‘em, pull ‘em into your car, they will love it. They will only have a few teeth, but bring them to the show, doesn’t matter if they are on drugs. They will love it, especially if they get in free. What has been your greatest accomplishment within your act? Not getting arrested! (Laughs) I’m being serious now, oh I know! A couple years ago I was on the Take Boss, a TV show, it is a huge honor when someone sees your show and wants you on TV. The thing I love the most is when people say they had a bad day and I bright-
ened it. That is the best compliment I have ever had. They laughed, they forgot about life for a while and just had fun. I love to show people something they aren’t used to like beauty and grace. I don’t always remember the words to the song, I am still professional.
Miss Ritchfield 1981
Looking back over the years what is the most cringe worthy moment of your career? Nothing to cringe at, since all my performances are ordained from above. But there was the holiday show in Minneapolis when on stage I attempted to do a reveal and accidentally took off both outfits, leaving me as the reveal! But I’m sure that happens to everyone! Though, for the cringe factor; the time I performed at C-Men, it’s short for California men. Of course when you say it... It was a nudist event. I performed in a body suit with appropriately distributed leaves sewn on the suit. I had to really focus, I usually connect with the audience, meet, greet and touch them. This brought a new level. I enjoyed that, it was the reverse of that dream when you walk out naked. The reverse everyone else is naked! What are your greatest honors? Working with others, and in Florida that includes GLAAD! GLAAD is a great big group that helps people be nice to you folks, and they’re being real nice to me because they’re selling tickets to my show at their Pride booth on the 12th and 13th! How nice is that?!? As well as doing a show for 9 people and a baby shower, I am not too proud, some people want fun I’m ok with that. I am here to entertain and have fun. Any life guide tips for the readers of the Agenda? Always dab, never rub. Always wear vertical, never wear horizontal. And finally, something my mother said, “Always pack a smile in your handbag, because you can lose your money and you can lose your lipstick, but as long as you have your smile, you’ll be able to find some trucker to give you a ride home!”
Are you excited about performing in Florida? Yes, I adore Florida. Just because you never get it right in the national elections, doesn’t mean you don’t have lovely weather! You can’t imagine how excited I am, after the cold winter in Minnesota. I better get on bus now actually; I don’t have the money for the express. I like to stay in Hialeah, so many Mexicans from Cuba there; it’s like a petting zoo, goats and chickens everywhere. They say ‘Hola’, I say ‘Hola’… I don’t even think they understand each other! What is your mantra? As Jesus told his disciples at their last lunch, “It’s important to be nice, but it’s nicer to be important!” Tell us your favorite one liner? About my lovely hometown of Richfield, Minnesota, “Where butter is a spice and gravy is a beverage!” What’s next for you? Money and marriage, I hope! There is only so much beer you can drink out of a can with a butch lesbian on a motorcycle! H – AV
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THE MANOR Wilton Manors / Ft. Lauderdale Friday & Saturday, March 18-19 8 pm Tickets $25 & VIP $35 Silent Auction & Raffle benefits GLAAD
Photo courtesy, Miss Ritchfield 1981
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recipe jean’s kitchen
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Seafood chowder
Chowder refers to a wide variety of thickened stews, often milk or cream based with seafood and or vegetables. Some varieties are traditionally thickened with crushed ship biscuit instead of the more usual flour. Common varieties include New England clam chowder, made with cream or milk and clams; and Manhattan clam chowder which substitutes tomatoes for the milk & cream. Other common variations include Corn chowder, Fish chowder, and Potato chowder. The most accepted etymology for the word chowder comes from the cooking pot in which it is cooked, known in French as a “Chaudière”, (we know it as a cauldron).The word "chowda" is a New England word that came from Newfoundland, where Breton (French from Brittany) fishermen—who would throw portions of the day's catch and other available foods into a large pot— introduced the word, and perhaps the fish soup itself (probably bouillabaisse). Another possible origin for the word chowder is derived from the Old English "jowter", which means fishmonger. Fish chowder, along with corn and clam chowder, is very popular in New England and Atlantic Canada. This is my version...but you are the chef, you can add or subtract as you wish…. 2 medium onions, chopped 2 or 3 diced peeled potatoes 4 cups water
1 glass of white wine 1 cup of fish bouillon ½ cup of flour 1 lb bay or sea scallops, quartered 1 lb crab or mussels or baby squid (what the heck, throw ‘em all in) 1 lb uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 lb cod or tilapia, cut into pieces 1/2 cup butter, melted Fresh thyme ½ pint of milk ½ pint of cream Pre cook the diced potato in a bowl with a little water in your microwave. In a large saucepan or stockpot, sauté the onions in butter until tender. Sprinkle with the flour and whisk, while adding the wine; then the water & the fish bouillon, the milk & the cream. Add the spuds and bring to a boil. Add the scallops, the shrimp, & all the other sea food stuff you have decided on. Cook for 10 minutes or until scallops are opaque, shrimp turn pink and fish flakes easily with a fork. Add the salt and thyme. Garnish with parsley and crushed pepper. H
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Jean Doherty is the Chef and Owner of Le Patio Restaurant in Wilton Manors (954) 530-4641
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Bring the Winter Party Indoors!! By MICHAEL FRENCH
It’s Winter Party time! This is South Florida. What winter? Hearing South Floridians bemoan the occasional “deep freeze” of 50 degrees, is,
for the rest of the country like listening to a millionaire complain about money! Winter Party is an annual six day long bash, held on Miami Beach. It’s a cornucopia of festivities. Whether you’re planning to be in Miami Beach for their Winter Party or not, add to the festivities and throw your own Winter Party at home! Make a huge splash of your own. Blend the “cool” of winter and the “heat” of a great party! Transform your home into a cool and icy winter scape! You don’t need deep pockets to make your own private Winter Party a smashing success. Most of what you’ll need for decorating, can be found at a dollar or party store, in your own back yard and right in your HOME! Design a stunning ice center piece for your table. Fill plastic or stainless steel containers of different shapes and sizes with water. Distilled water is best. Make sure you use boiling water. This helps keep the ice clear. Add colorful glass beads, flowers or fruit. They will look beautiful frozen in the ice adding color and dimension. Use sheet pans or platters deep enough to hold the melting water. Put aluminum foil on the beneath the ice for more reflection. Arrange the ice
Stretch your Muscle By TOM BONANTI The term flexibility refers to the range of motion around a joint. Flexibility is an essential component of overall fitness – just as important as muscular strength and cardio-vascular health. An adequate degree of flexibility will improve performance, speed up gains, and help prevent injuries. Stretching before your work out will warm up your joints and muscles and prepare them for the work ahead. Stretch briefly before weight training and more extensively between sets and after your work outs. Longer stretching periods should precede every heavy duty cardio session from pounding a treadmill to outdoor interval training. Stretching after a workout of any kind will help your muscles and the body’s systems to cool down and aid in reducing muscle soreness. When stretching, only go as far as your body allows. Stretch until you begin to feel a slight tension. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds. Never bounce or force a stretch. Breathe in deeply as you go into a stretch and then exhale as you reach the point of tension. Slowly exhale and relax as you let go. Flexibility is not hard to develop or improve. It only takes a few minutes every day. So why not relax, go with the flow and try these stretches in the morning before
work, preceding a run on the beach, or after a killer routine in the gym?
blocks in any way you wish to suit the shape of your table. The only limit is your imagination. For a standout dramatic contrast, add colorful tropical foliage such as pathos, ginger leaves, beaugainvilla flowers and pink Thai to the ice arrangement! These can all be found in your back yard, and, or the neighbor’s if you’re nice. The splashes of color against the crystal ice is striking! Get some styro foam balls of various sizes, add blue glitter to them, and scatter them on the ice center piece. Creative lighting 101. Snake a meandering strings of mini clear or white lights under a translucent white or silver table cloth to add an even more festive flair. The cool glow is very flattering too. Take small branches, spray them white, wrap some mini clear lights around them, and then place fabric batting over the branches, or fit cotton balls over the lights. This makes for very cool ambient lighting. Arrange the branches in a large vase, spread out on a sideboard. Use white plates, silver chargers, and white or silver napkin holders. There are no rules. Be daring with your creativity! Let your own personality shine! For the meal: Serve a chilled soup like gazpacho, a salad of winter greens, colos-
sal shrimp cocktail on a large bed of ice in a giant martini glass, a great standing rib roast, and choose a icy granita or sorbet for dessert. Always remember, color, color, color and presentation is sixty percent of the meal. Cocktails anyone? On line you can find an infinity of delicious libations. Make sure to ask your guests to wear typical but colorful summer clothing. That will further the contrast between the tropical pallette South Florida and the monochrome of the “Winter” you’ve painstaking created in your home. One more thing.... while you’re inviting Ol’Man Winter into your home, make him comfortable. Splurge....turn the A/C down to 50 degrees, and let the party create the heat! Beginning the festivities with your own Winter Party at your home, is the perfect way to set the stage! Give your friends a party they’ll never forget and will brag about when they go to Miami! Once again, “There’s no place like HOME! H
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Michael French, is Agenda’s Home from Home columnist. Contact Michael at mf7954fla@gmail.com
ty i l i b i x Fle ey is k
Stretch One- lower back ; hamstrings and calf. Stand with your feet about six inches wider than shoulder width apart. Slightly bend your knees into a relaxed position and roll your head and shoulders all the way over until level with your knees, or lower. Be sure your weight is forward, over the balls of your feet, and just relax into position.
Stretch Two- low back; hamstrings and lats. Move right into this stretch from stretch one, reach with both arms over your right leg and try and touch your forehead to your right knee. Courtesy, istockphoto
Stretch Three- hamstrings and hip sockets. Continue from stretch two by placing both hands on the floor and lunge over to the right, bending the right knee to a 90 degree angle and leaving the left leg straight while flexing the left foot.
Stretch Four- quadriceps, lats and shoulders. Stand up and lunge forward with your right leg. Place your left hand on your right knee for support, lift your left foot off the floor and grasp it with your right hand. Keep your back straight and lean slightly over your right knee as you hold the stretch.
Stretch Five- pectorals and shoulders. Stand in a doorway. Move to your left and place your left raised forearm inside the doorframe and step slightly forward as you torque your upper body to the left. Hold the stretch, release it, and then do the same on your right side. It takes lots of sacrifice and several weeks to lose 5 pounds of fat. It requires work, consistent dedication and sweat to improve cardio vascular health. Long
hours of hard work in the gym is the only way to build solid muscle. It takes only minutes a day to increase flexibility – so what are you waiting for? H
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Tom Bonanti, is a certified personal trainer and owner of Pump’n Inc gym at 1271 NE 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, Facebook: TrainerTomB. www.pumpnincgym.com
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Panama City
The Florida Panhandle Detour By PAUL RUBIO Since the early 20th century, the 250-mile plus belt known as the Florida Panhandle has taken a back seat to the Pan itself, watching its well endowed eastern appendage rise to exalted glory and fame as the world’s top vacation destination while itself struggling to keep the Alabama riff raff at bay. In recent years, Florida’s northern redheaded step cities have shown way more than tits and ass, hoping to draw some attention to the state’s forgotten region. Thankfully, modern globetrotters have developed an affinity towards off-the-beaten path travel; and with this paradigm, former quiet, under the radar places like Panama City Beach, Destin, and Pensacola have suddenly become a bit “cooler” and have even found a place on the GLBT radar. While certain parts of the Panhandle are indeed classified as the “Scary South” – an unsettling panorama of pro-life and KFC all-you-can-eat buffet ads, young Klansmen in training, and government projects harboring Antoine Dodson style “Bed Intruders” – the coastline is filled with exquisite homes, sleepy fishing villages, oyster shacks, and funky beach towns. The centerpiece of this region, Panama City Beach, engenders all these facets, merging the best of Florida’s gulf
coast in one small town. Unlike Fort Lauderdale and Cancun, which have vehemently rejected their former Spring Break personas, Panama City Beach gleefully embraces its reputation for extracurricular fun in the sun. For those beyond the age of spring break style shenanigans, Panama City Beach is also a place to bring the fam, especially with its wealth of affordable short and long-term beach apartment rentals. Though the First Family chose to go the more traditional hotel route with the Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa (www.marriott.com /PanamaCityBeach, 850.236.6000) while vacationing here in August 2010, most visitors will find the centrally located Sterling Breeze Resort (www.sterlingbreeze.com, 850.238.8200) the ideal crash pad for their Gulf Coast sunny sojourn. Sterling provides spectacular views of the Gulf ’s rising tides and velvety sands. Panama City Beach’s main attractions – dazzling nature and scrumptious seafood! People travel far and wide from Hawaii to the Caribbean for the ever-popular ‘swim with the dolphins’ experience not realizing that Panama City Beach offers a superlative, eco-friendly alternative. Sadly, the greater public often turns a blind eye to the brutal means employed to create these ‘swim with the dolphins’ attractions (google “The Cove” to find out). Thankfully, more ethical
options and outfitters do indeed exist, like the Panhandle’s Island Time Sailing (www.islandtimesailing.com, 850.234.7377), which facilitates an organic and rewarding experience in the dolphin’s natural habitat. In most instances, your snorkeling excursion here brings you face-to-face with resident pods of graceful, curious, and charismatic dolphins. Most of the restaurants specialize in both lavish and simple ways to showcase regional fruits of the sea. The succulent ‘Filet of Scampi Imperial with fresh lump blue crab meat’ (prepared with lemon butter, olive oil, scallions and parsley) steals the show at family-run Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant (www.captanderson.com, 850.234.2225). Sweet and juicy ‘Fried Apalachicola oysters,’ ‘Smoked Tuna Dip’, ‘Peel n’ Eat Shrimp,’ and the fabulous raw bar headline the menu at the iconic Boatyard (www.boatyardclub.com, 850.249.9273), accessible by both land and sea along the beach’s bustling dockside. And let us not forget the city’s ultimate dining experience – Firefly (www.fireflypcb.com, 850.249.3359). Firefly combines a seductive ambience, top-notch cuisine, impeccable presentation, and the robust flavors captured in its 1800-degree broiler to produce an all out gastronomic extravaganza. Specialties like the ‘Sautéed Gulf Grouper with shallots, fresh corn, grape
Sunset in Panama City Beach
Photo courtesy of Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau
tomatoes, sherry cream, and jumbo lump crab sauce’ are likely to induce a ‘When Harry Met Sally’ food orgasm, giving you another great reason to return to Panama City Beach time and time again! H
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Paul Rubio, LGBT Travel writer, has authored numerous articles and an award winning book Out Traveler: South Florida. Paul can be reached at editor@FloridaAgenda.com
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Fort Lauderdale
Miami
SIDELINES BENEFI FOR FLORIDA AIDS WALK
“THE HOTTEST WINTER IN THE WORLD”
Team Sidelines is hosting a fundraising charity party for the Florida AIDS Walk on Thursday, March 10th from 7 to 9 p.m. at Sidelines Sports Bar. Your $40 ticket donation will allow you to drink anything you'd like (open bar) from 7 to 9 p.m., enjoy some delicious cuisine donated by some of the area's favorite restaurants, like J. Mark's, Pink Submarine, Courtyard Cafe and J. Florant Belgium Chocolates. There will be plenty of giveaway items, raffles and prizes. Plus, Sidelines will announce their secret “luxury” raffle prize that night. Tickets for this one-time event are available at Sidelines. Ask for the manager on duty for your charity party tickets and have a good time for charity.H
It may be called the Winter Party Festival, but that doesn't mean you're in for a chilly time. Dance your heart out at five full days of jam packed parties. From club nights to mixers to beach parties, Winter Party is a veritable thrill ride of sight and sound. A multitude of eye candy is a safe assumption, as are thousands of groggy travelers once the music stops. Winter Party runs now through March 7 on Miami Beach. A fundraiser for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. For more information, "www.winter party.com" .H
NOT TOO LATE Florida AIDS Walk 2011 is less than six weeks away, but it isn’t too late to register and truly make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Florida. The Walk is Sunday, March 28th. Go to HYPERLINK "http://www.aidshealth.org" www.aidshealth.org for more information or if you wish to register as a walker or pull in a few friends if you’d like to form a team! It’s good for you, it’s a fun time, and you’re touching the lives of thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS who need your help! If you can’t walk, but still want to be part of the fight, there are plenty of other ways to participate: register as a “Sleep Walker” and raise money for the cause without showing up on March 20th; sponsor a friend, or a team your friends have joined; sponsor Florida AIDS Walk directly; or, volunteer to help out on the day of the event. If you’re looking for other ideas, call (866) 883-9255. H
CELEBRATE! Don’t miss out on Peter Burke Entertainment’s sixth gay cruise aboard the Bahamas Celebration, a two-night cruise with prices starting at $149 plus tax and tips. Enjoy a full day at the Lucayan Resort. Sailing from the Port of Palm Beach with exclusive gay amenities, group activities, outstanding service and entertainment. Depart March 18, return March 20. For more information or to book your tickets, call Peter at (954) 649-1107. H
MERCURY RISING D.J. Abel and Dave & Gerardo spinning on Friday Mar 4, 2011 in Miami, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m at Dolce, 1500 Ocean Drive on Miami Beach. Temperatures will rise at the official Winter Party Festival Friday night dance party, featuring D.J. Abel and an opening set by the smoking hot duo Dave and Gerardo, making their Winter Party debut. Live performance by Erika Jayne.H
MATINEE Miami Beach, Saturday Mar 5 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., Paris Theater South Beach, 550 Washington Avenue. The group that creates Winter Party Festival magic year after year has joined forces with the award-winning, event-producing team of Matinee Group to bring you a sizzling Saturday night party like nothing you have seen before! Matinee at Winter Party Festival will be a completely unique experience filled with pumping sound, spectacular lighting and breathtaking production, complete with a very special surprise performance. Music by Matinee All-Star DJs Taito Tikaro and DJ Theresa .H
WINTERLAND T-Dance, Sunday Mar 6, 4 to 11 p.m., Palace Food Bar, 1200 Ocean Drive. Finish the Beach Party and stop by Ocean Drive’s warmest and wildest venue, The Palace, for a tea dance featuring D.J.s DeMarko (NYC) and Just Oliver (Brazil). - Boiling Point: CARNIVAL, Sunday Mar 6, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., Cameo, 1445 Washington Ave. Experience Carnival like never before as Winter Party makes a return to Cameo for the only official Sunday night event. Over-the-top production, decor, dancers, sound and lights. .H
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Central Florida
Bay Area DRAG KING IDOL 2
“EQUUS”
Thursday, Mar 3 from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. at the Flamingo Resort (4601 34th St. S, St. Petersburg). Come out for the second Drag King Idol -- runs every Thursday in March. Grand prize: $250 for the finals on March 31st. Each week will have guest performers and judges. Some of them include: Madisyn Michaels DelaMer, Dani Panic, King Aramis, Bartender Cuppie, Radio DJ Stacey X, band promoter Jo Jo, Jaeda Fuentes, Bartender D'Allesandra, Teddy D, Steven Rodriguez and many, many more!".H
Equus will be presented at The Pointe Performing Arts Center, 9101 International Drive in Orlando. Dr. Martin Dysart, a psychiatrist, is confronted with Alan Strang, a boy who has blinded six horses in a violent fit of passion. This very passion is as foreign to Dysart as the act itself. To the boy's parents it is a hideous mystery; Alan has always adored horses. To Dysart it is a psychological puzzle that leads both doctor and patient to a complex and disturbingly dramatic confrontation. This international success reached new acclaim in London and on Broadway when revived in 2008. Admission is restricted to 18 and older due to nudity and adult content. Performances from March 3rd to 20th. For more information, visit http://fantasylandtheatrical.com/content/view/ 127/ .H
ALL AMERICAN GODDESS BENEFIT Kori Stevens’ All American Goddess Benefit on Thursday, Mar. 10 from 9 p.m. to 12 midnight at the Flamingo Resort (4601 34th St. S, St. Petersburg). Come out and help raise funds to send Kori to the national finals of the All American Goddess Pageant in Dayton, Ohio.H
MISS GAY FL USOFA NEWCOMER PAGEANT The Honey Pot (1507 East 7th Ave., Ybor City) will once again serve as the host venue for the 2011 Miss Gay FL USofA Newcomer Pageant on Sunday, Mar. 27 from 8 to 11 p.m. The evening will honor Alisa Summer (Miss Gay FL USofA Newcomer 2010) and features Amy DeMilo, Jocelyn Summers, Angelica Sanchez and Natasha Braxton. Hosted by Desiree Demornay (Miss Large & Lovely 2010) and Esmé Russell (Miss Heart of Florida Emeritus). VIP and reserved seating is available and additional information is available through Addison Taylor on Facebook. There will also be an after-party at G-Bar immediately following the pageant.H
LADY GAGA IN TAMPA Lady Gaga and special guests, Scissor Sisters will be coming to the St. Pete Times Forum on Saturday, April 16th from 7 to 11 p.m. Lady Gaga has captivated audiences around the globe with her stunning international smash, “The Monster Ball” tour, presented by Virgin Mobile. In 2010 the tour has taken her throughout Europe and North American, where she received rave reviews everywhere she stopped. With the majority of North American dates already sold out, Lady Gaga has announced she will be extending her North American 2011 tour, now including a stop at Tampa’s St. Pete Times Forum. H
CARMEN CARRERA Fresh from Logo’s “RuPaul's Drag Race” Carmen Carrera will be performing live on Friday, March 4 from 10 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. at Revolution Nightclub (375 S. Bumby Ave (408), Orlando). No cover ‘til 11 p.m. for 21+ (18+ welcome). Free drinks 11 to 11:30 p.m. Ladies of the Majestic Theater Show at 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. D.J. Lui Lou spinning Latin House, Freestyle, Salsa, Merengue and Dance in the Main Room. D.J. Infinite dropping the hottest beats in Hip/Hop, Top 40's, Old School and more in the Hydrate Video Bar. $3 Coronas, $3 Long Islands. H
BITCHES! … A BENEFIT “The Bitches of Broadway II: A Diva's Work is Never Done!” will be presented on Sunday, Mar. 6 from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Pointe Performing Arts Center (9101 International Drive in Orlando). A benefit to send Ginger Minj to the National Continental Plus competition in Chicago, IL. Hosted by Danielle Hunter, Addison Taylor and The Minx. Doors open, and hors d'oeuvres, at 6 p.m. Show at 7 p.m. Tickets are only $20 in advance/$25 at the door. Tickets to the benefit are now on sale at www.anrtickets.com . From that home page, click on “Box Office”BOX in the top bar. Includes food, drink, and an amazing show featuring more than 30 of Central Florida's most beloved entertainers. H
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ACCOMMODATIONS
WILTON MANORS: 3 BR, 2 ½ Bath. Beautiful upgraded gourmet kitchen with breakfast area, granite counters, double ovens, large living/dining area that opens onto covered patio with full-sized pool. Mexican tile, wood stairs. $525,000. 954.881.1753, 954.612.0946 JOE MINOTTO Realtor, Real Living Infinity International TOWNHOUSE ISLES: Great location, private courtyard on tropical island paradise. Walk to Wilton Drive, minutes from shops and restaurants. Middle River views from bedrooms and driveway. Newer kitchen and bath. $249,900. 954.881.1753, 954.612.0946 JOE MINOTTO Realtor, Real Living Infinity International
REAL ESTATE MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE: 2/1 Single Family Home, oversize yard, separate laundry. Close to shops and restaurants on Wilton Drive. 1417 NE 5th Terrace. $104K. DaVinci Realty Group. 954.533.1130 (C): 954.993.1745. WILTON STATION: 2/2 Hard Wood Floors, Granite Countertops. Close to dining and nightlife in Wilton Manors, with 4th floor balcony view of the Drive! 2617 NE 14th Ave, Unit SF405. $209K. DaVinci Realty Group. 954.533.1130 (C): 954.993.1745. WILTON STATION 1,766 sqft Beautiful, contemporary 3 level loft European style kitchens w SS appliances, built in 2007. Polished concrete floors, 24 ft ceilings, granite staircase. 2.5 gorgeous baths, private fenced yard, huge patio. Impact windows and doors, 2 car secure garage. Not a short sale or foreclosure, 20+ lb pets welcome. Great location, walk to all the action on Wilton Drive. Call Joseph Schutz at 954-461-7895. MLS F1116993 See www.DaVinciRealtyGroup.com for more pics. PROGRESSO: Huge Private 2/2 double lot, fireplace, brick front porch. 5 mins from Wilton Manors. 1203 NE 2ND Ave. $119K. DaVinci Realty Group. 954.533.1130 (C): 954.993.1745. FLORIDA IS ON SALE - FT LAUDERDALE & MIAMI. Yes now is the time to buy!! Not finding what you’re looking for? Frustrated? Too busy? Visiting and don’t know where to start? Tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll do all the work and find you the perfect place. For HOT deals, Short sales, Foreclosures, and Rentals. Call Joann Marcus/ Kensington & Company. Cell (954)940-1244 FORT LAUDERDALE Glen Wright gated community near downtown. 2,885 SQ FT, pool home built in 2005. Upgrades galore! $550K Call for photos or appt. Owner financing available. Kensington Realty 954-940-1244 WILTON MANORS 2.2/5 Stunning Riverfront Town Home with gorgeous views. Wall of sliding glass opens from light filled living area to very private deck and dock,perfect for entertaining.. Home is beautifully renovated and meticulously maintained. Kitchen features light wood cabinets,granite counter tops and S.S. appls. Complex has lush landscaping & great pool are. Best of all you get to enjoy it all w/o the maintenance. pet friendly. $249,900 Joann Marcus/Kensington & Company 954.940.1244 DRAKE TOWERS- 1BD/1.5BA FOR SALE! Priced for Quick Sale. Will accept best offer over 49K by March 25th Deadline. Call Lou 954.682.7901 WILTON MANORS: Well-designed, within walking distance to Wilton Drive. Spectacular new contemporary kitchen and baths. Covered patio with view of large deck with spa. Master suite has stacked washer/dryer and large walk-in closet. Upgrades include impact windows/doors, 24x24 porcelain floor tile. Massive garage and workshop. $374,900. 954.612.0946, 954.881.1753 JOE MINOTTO Realtor, Real Living Infinity International KEY WEST STYLE: Amazing Wilton Manors corner lot cottage in a tropical setting. Private outdoor patio overlooking new spa pool. Upgraded kitchen, new stacked washer/dryer, new A/C, front and back impact doors. Walk to Wilton Drive. $184,900. 954.612.0946, 954.881.1753 JOE MINOTTO Realtor, Real Living Infinity International
PERFECT WINTER VACATION RENTALS From $89/Night & $495/Week Beautiful Studio, 1 & 2 BR Apts. with Full Kitchens. Clothing optional heated pool, laundry, parking. Close to Gay Dania & Nude Haulover Beaches, Premium Cable, VOIP telephone & Wi-Fi Internet, Pets Always Welcome. Call 954.927.0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com WE BUY HOMES FOR CASH ANY CONDITION, FAST 5 DAY CLOSING CONTACT ROBERT AT 954-336-0436 PUT YOUR IRA ON STEROIDS! Use your IRA to buy wholesale bank owned real estate and create a 12 % plus annual cash on cash return. Turn Key Real Estate company helps you buy a wholesale bank owned foreclosure with equity. Company also provides affordable renovation teams and property managers. Build wealth today with our proven 20 year turn key acquisition and management program. Contact Robert for more information. 954-336-0436 www.robertblairrealestate.com
RENTAL - FT. LAUDERDALE WILTON MANORS LOFT Beautiful, contemporary 2/2.5. 3 level townhouse/loft walking distance to Wilton Dr nightlife. 1,766 sqft, Modern kitchen, stainless steel appliances, black granite countertops, washer/dryer, Polished concrete floors, gorgeous modern baths, 24 ft soaring ceilings. Large balcony, private fenced yard w patio, hurricane windows/doors. Secure, attached garage w 2 parking spots outside. Price reduced down to $1,900/mo. Avail. Now! Call Joseph Schutz at 954461-7895. WILTON MANORS 2BD/3BA WATERFRONT HOME! Ocean Access! Completely redone w/ new kitchen and baths! Almost 1700 sq. ft. Tile floors thruout. Master suite with jacuzzi tub, 2-car carport, high impact windows, new roof & electrical, W/D, quiet East side address! $1950/mo. 954.234.8759 WILTON MANORS 3BD/2BA POOL HOME!! All new kitchen w/ granite & stainless steel, cathedral ceiling family room, hardwood floors in all 3 bedrooms, 15X30 screened patio, lots of storage! W/D, fenced back yard. Walk to the drive from this quiet East side address. $1975/mo or rent to buy! 954.234.8579 RIVERSIDE PARK- 1/1 COTTAGE! Set in tropical private oasis! 5 mins from downtown. Tile thru-out, brand new granite & cherry kitchen, private W/D & screened patio. Gas/water/cable incl. $875/mo + sec. dep. Pets OK 954.990.8335 ROYAL PARK Near Wilton Manors 1BR/1.5BA, $825$900/mo. 2BR/2BA, $950 - $1100/mo. Gated Security, Clubhouse, Pools, Gym, Sauna and Steam room. Pets OK. Cable/Water/Trash included. Call Naim Naqi, Broker/ SFG, Realtors 954.565.2025 WILTON MANORS/THE WOODS CONDOS- 1BD/1BA, Waterfront, Poolview, Large Deck, W/D in unit, $795/mo + Deposit. Call 202.841.9216 MIDDLE RIVER & LAKERIDGE MOVE-IN SPECIAL 1/2 OFF 1ST MTH RENT!! 1 Bedroom/1 Bath $680/mo or $175/wk OR 2/2 $850/mo or $225/wk-(6 or 12) month lease. Pay your deposit today and you're in* details (954)527-9225
ACCOUNTING/TAXES TAX PREPARATION SERVICE for individuals and self-employed. Electronic Filing, Reasonable Fees, Personal Service. Located in Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors area. Call Tom (954) 764-0221 or email taxpreparationservice@yahoo.com
DATING
MATURE CONTACTS & FRIENDSHIP. The Caffmos Community is a contacts and dating community site for mature men, bears, daddies and their admirers both young and old. Registration and membership is free. Come and join us at: Caffmos Community.com
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CLEANING CLEAN IT RITE Best cleaning for your buck. Reliable & affordable. 10 years in business. 1 BR, $$45.00, 2BR, $55.00, & 3BR, $65.00. Manny (954) 560-4443 Broward, Palm Beach, & Dade SUNSHINE CLEANING Professional cleaning services for your home office. We are reliable and offer competitive rates. Specializing in deep cleaning & organization. We work within your schedule. Serving Broward County for over 10 years. References available. Nicholas (954) 773-5372
COMPUTER SERVICES FREE BRIEF COMPUTER ANSWERS BY ERIC AT THE STONEWALL LIBRARY BY APPOINTMENT Also Affordable In-Home, Installations, Tutoring, Virus Disinfection & Troubleshooting. Knowledgeable, Personable Service. Call Eric (954) 903-4383 or eric@startcomputing.info ** OPTIMA** COMPUTER REPAIR-COMPLETE IN HOME SERVICE. Get the best performance, protection & value from your computer investment, *A+ Hardware & OS CERTIFIED. *Friendly, professional, RELIABLE service. Reasonable rates. \Call Mike (954) 817-3883
COUNSELING A MIND AT PEACE/ THERAPEUTIC SERVICES/ RON "DOC" CHAMBERS, MSW (954) 627-0103 1975 East Sunrise Blvd Suite 629 Fort Lauderdale HIV Related Issues/Anxiety/Depression/Schizophrenia/Relationship Problems/Anger Management Problems/Same-Sex Battering/Domestic Violence. Most Insurance Accepted/Credit Cards Accepted. ARE YOU A GAY OR BISEXUAL MAN OVER 18? Do you ever take Xanax, Percocet, or any other RX pills with or without a prescription? Confidential research study. Cash compensation. Call for more information. Offices in Broward and Dade. (305) 529-1489
EMPLOYMENT The DRIVE CAFÉ is seeking full and part-time employees! Call 954.873.3889 South Beach AIDS Project is currently seeking an office manager for its executive offices in Miami Beach. Duties include reporting, answering phones and office administration. The job will be Monday through Friday. Experience is a big plus. Looking for someone who can start now. Call (305) 535 4733 South Beach AIDS Project has worked in the gay communities if South Florida for over 10 years. Offering free HIV testing/ counseling, prevention and educational programs. Come be a part of a great team! TWIST. The popular gay bar in South Beach seeks responsible applicants with experience for the following positions; Bartender, Bar back, Door host and Security. Candidates should be friendly, hardworking and a team player. Apply online: twistboys@aol.com
HOME IMPROVEMENT MASTER ELECTRICIAN- Service Upgrades, interconnected smoke alarms, phone and cable jacks, remodels, etc. No job to small! All work will be done in a neat & clean manner. LIC. CONTRACTORS BUILD CONFIDENCE! Gay owned. Lic#02CME2028X Call 954.665.0417 Derek’s 24 HR HANDYMAN SERVICE. Introducing our new cabinet shop! For all your custom made cabinetry countertops laminates. YOU MUST SEE OUR WORK, just ask our clients. All electrical to code; ANY & ALL plumbing work, Drywall finish work / repair. Crown / baseboard pro-install, interior / exterior painting, demo work, Pressure washing, Decor tile install, Complete home up-dates. For large jobs, 4-man crew available. WE CAN HANDLE IT ALL! Instant call back, direct service response. No job is ever too small. Excellent references. Derek (954) 825-5598 or E-mail: DerekGallaway@att.net
LICENSED MASSAGE RECESSION RELIEF-$40/90 MINS! LEAVE YOUR STRESS UP TO ME. Out calls higher. Let Denny make you feel like a Queen. Couples discounts, seniors welcome. New location: Delray Beach. 16 yrs experience. MA 18563. Denny (561) 502-2628.
PROFESSIONAL THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Deep Tissue, Swedish, Reflexology, Stretching, Mon-Sun, 10AM-8PM. In/Out Calls. NON-SEXUAL. Ft Lauderdale. Call Robert (954)494-2372 Lic.# MA 19604
MOVING ELITE RELOCATION MOVING & STORAGE We've provided quality moves for over 30 years. It's always a smooth move when you choose Elite Relocation. Contact us today: 954975-8660 elitemoving.com RAINBOW MOVING Delivery. Storage. Free Estimates. Office moves. Residential. Commercial. Expert Packaging. Short notice relocations. Licensed & Insured. Special Offer: up to 10 Free Boxes (medium/small) with local move. 10% OFF WITH THIS AD. (954) 245-2978 “Follow your Rainbow.” GUYS and DOLLIES. Moving * Storage * Packing * Crating * Shipping. “A” Rated Member of the BBB Register Movers since 1976. Major credit cards accepted. For free price quote, Call (954) 566-1270
AUTO REPAIR
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SPIRITUALITY The Parish of Sts. Francis and Clare 101 NE 3rd Street, just N of Broward and E of Andrews. 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 CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRITSONG Welcomes you to come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am and every Wednesday night at 8 pm. We meet at the SpiritSong Worship Center at 2040B North Dixie Highway Suite 3 in Wilton Manors (Building B on Equality Park Campus, behind the Pride Center). God loves you just the way He made you. Come discover His purpose for you. For more info: (954) 418-8372, info@cohss.com, www.cohss.org
DENTAL
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