Hotspots! September 20, 2018

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CREDITS

September 20, 2018

09.20 ��� � Publisher Peter Clark

Peter@HotspotsMedia.com

Associate Publisher Scott Holland

Scott@HotspotsMedia.com

Business Manager Brian Burda

Brian@HotspotsMedia.com

Classifieds Manager Jim Nolen

Classifieds@HotspotsMedia.com

Art Director Frank Mendez

Frank@HotspotsMedia.com

Graphics

Graphics@HotspotsMedia.com

Maria Espinal

Digital Content Manager

Troy@HotspotsMedia.com

Troy Maillis Sales Team

Sales@HotspotsMedia.com

Senior Account Reps Anthony Verrico & Rich LoPrimo Account Reps Silvio Carvana National Advertising Rivendell Media

212-242-6863 • sales@rivendellmedia.com

Writers Ian Maloney | Troy Maillis | Dan Woog Scott Holland | D'Anne Witkowski Chris Azzopardi | Oscar Ambulo Mikey Rox | Romeo San Vicente Photographers Stephen R. Lang | Pompano Bill | J.R. Davis Scott Holland | Juan Saco Mironoff Logistics Bobby Neal Furedi | Oscar Ambulo

Hotspots.LGBT | MarksList.LGBT 5090 N.E. 12th Avenue • Oakland Park, FL 33334 Broward Office: 954-928-1862 • Miami Office: 305-775-5265 • Central Florida Office: 813-253-9107 HotspotsMediaGroup.com • Facebook.com/HotspotsMag • Twitter.com/HotspotsFL

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Poverello

Bowling to Fight Hunger

Photos: Stephen R. Lang




O N T H E INSIDE

September 20, 2018

32

Meet Cover Model Kirk MEET KIRK

12 u 27 u 36 u 38 u 42 u 52 u 56 u 60 u 67 u 75 u 90 u 104 u

What’s Hot | Scott Holland’s Guide to Events in SoFla The Hot List | Top 10 Happenings in South Florida this Week Deep Inside Hollywood On the Scene | Stephen R. Lang’s Hot Pics of the Week Feature | Natasha Rothwell is Here to School the World Feature | National LGBT Task Force Miami Gala Crossword | Zany, Wealthy Persons of the Largest Continent Genre Latino | Conexiones: La Belleza de México y su Cultura Creep of the Week | Janet Boynes Hot Bodies | Crank-up Your Cardio Feature | The Smart Ride Celebrates Their 15th Anniversary Feature | GLBX Business Community Ally Awards

48 She Kills

Monsters

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DIRECTORY OF LGBT AND LGBT-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES

HOT SHOTS:

ON THE COVER:

GLLN • Palace • Poverello • Ramrod • Rosies • Southern Comfort

Photo by Dale Stine www.DaleStine.com






WHAT’S HOT

By Scott Holland

What’s HOT

South Florida

O

n Tuesday, during the City of Wilton Manors Commissioners meeting, Matt Colunga presented them with a check

for $5,000 for the cities after school program. This money was donated by Johnsons! On Wednesday, Tee Jay Tahi Sushi hosted a party to

celebrate their new menu items. They also featured Blue Nectar Tequila, Hiro Sake and Singha Thai Beer. The fabulous Adora was DJing the event. On Thursday, SAVE! hosted their annual Luminaries of Equality Awards Ceremony

12 | Hotspots.LGBT

at the Bacardi Headquarters in Coral Gables. They

awarded Miami Dolphin's Kenny Stills with the Luminary Icon Award as well as awards to Charo Valero, John Byrne and Jamie Guirola (who accepted his award remotely as he was covering the storm in the Carolina's for NBC 6). As usual this was a sold out event! On Friday, The Pub hosted a MENergy Leather Party

with demonstrations of the BDSM practices. Many Leather men were on hand including Mr. Ramrod, Scot Blumstein. On Saturday, was the monthly Wilton Manors Art

Walk up and down Wilton Drive with all kinds of different artists displaying their merchandise. Afterwards, we headed to Georgie's Alibi/Monkey Bar

for their monthly Beast Party, with this month's guest DJ, Mike James, and sexy go-go dancers.

Sunday started early as we went out to Mills Pond Park to see the SFAAA's Fall Season Opening Day. The teams I saw were: Hunters Hurricanes, AHF Pharmacy's Heathers, The Felicias, Ramrod Gladiators, Riptides, Alibi Angels, Kenny


Everything you need to plan your week Silverman's Super Villains, Broward Ball Busters, Matty's Wolf Pack and Southern Night's The Plastics.

We then headed to Southern Nights, who was hosting the Leather Men's Brotherhood annual Leather Gear Auction. The event helps fund their annual Leather Masked Ball fundraiser in November, and also give back to the community. Seen there were: Bill Hoeppner, Jason Pelky, Photographer Sylvester Q and David Van Landingham. Afterwards we headed to the monthly Marlin Beach Tea Dance at The Sanctuary waterfront that benefits Julian's Fountain of Youth organization that helps LGBT youth. u THURSDAY SEPT 20

Galleria Fort Lauderdale presents “Take a Break Thursdays� a progressive night of shopping from 5:30pm to 8pm. The night features complimentary admission, as they invite you to shop, sip and taste with ra f f l e s , g ive aways , a n d exclusive offers all raising money for these charities:

Slow Burn Theatre Co., Covenant House Florida, and Flite Center. The participating s t o r e s a r e A n n Ta y l o r, Bbungalow, Godiva, Michael Kors, Seasons 52, Sephora and more.

They will also have: a Rum Bar presented by Big Dog Station, a CafecitoCortatido-Coffee Bar presented by Calusa Coffee Roasters, live art by Oakland Park Brazilian artist Carlos Cesar Alves, live music by Grammy & Latin Grammy nominated Palo, as well as a dominoes and card playing area. u SATURDAY SEPT 22

David Castillo Gallery (420 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach) is proud to present Sundown, Xaviera Simmons' fifth solo exhibition with the gallery. The show features all new text paintings, photography, and sculpture from today until November 17. Opening Reception, is tonight from 69pm. u FRIDAY SEPT 21

Oakland Park Latin Fest is a celebration of the Latin culture through food, drink, music, dance and art at Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 North Dixie Hwy from 6-10pm. The night will include a variety of authentic and Americanized Latin food vendors: El Guanaco, Inkanto, Empanada Top, The Whole Enchilada, and a Pig Roast presented by El Guanago.

Let's Get Artsy at the Wilton Manors Art & Entertainment Expo, from 6-9pm up and down Wilton Drive. For more information go to: wmae.org

Noche Latina Saturdays inside the Ivy Dance Room and Patio at the Manor Complex will be pulling the winner of the airline trip for 2 to Puerto Rico. Anyone who buys ad drink in the Latin Room or Patio tonight from 11pm to 12am will still get entered for a chance to win. The more drinks you buy, the more chance you have to win. The winner will be picked at the 2:45am show. The night will star Lana Novva Lanudde and Dominique Taylor, along with guest DJ Cubano Miik and sexy Latin Go-Go

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Papi's. Inside the Ballroom, The Manor World presents Sound Factory Edition starring international DJ Dani Toro, as well as productions, and fabulous dancers and décor. Saturdays at the Manor is from 11pm to 4 am and feature NO COVER before midnight (FL Res) and only $7 for members after midnight and $10 for non-members (1820 – $12 all night).

performers reading some of our favorite books and, of course, there will be performances! The first Drag Story Time event takes place at the Book Cellar in Lake Worth from 5:30pm - 7pm and features Charlotte Shottgun reading Charlotte's Web. Admission is free!

Compass Community Center and The Pride Business Alliance are delighted to be u WEDNESDAY SEPT 26 going upscale with their September social. They invite Compass GLCC will be you to meet friends and new introducing a new series through their Youth Program. faces at Cynthia Rowley in The Royal Poinciana Plaza They are teaming with the on Palm Beach Island from 6Book Cellar to bring Drag 8pm. This is free for members Story Time to Palm Beach County. The story time is for all of the Pride Business Alliance or Compass Community ages including children and Center, and $20 for nonwill feature different drag

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HOT

u THIS IS

Billy Idol's 1980's remix collection, Vital Idol, is getting a modern-day upgrade with Vital Idol: Revitalized, set for release on CD and digital by Capitol/UMe on September 28. A 2LP 180-gram black vinyl in addition to a limited edition, color variant will follow on November 16. More than 30 years after his groundbreaking Vital Idol compilation cemented the vibrancy of the dance-rock remix genre in the second half of the 14 | Hotspots.LGBT

1980's, Idol's Revitalized collection features 11 brand-new remixes of his most classic and enduring hits. Lending their hands to the Revitalized proceedings are electronic dance luminaries Moby, The Crystal Method and Paul Oakenfold as well as current innovators including Tropkillaz, Shiba San, Juan Maclean , CRAY and RAC, who's remix of “Dancing With Myself”. Vital Idol, initially released in Britain in 1985 and subsequently issued in the United States in 1987, was the first remix record


anniversary, Tiffany anniversary, Tiffany members. Register at: pbamembers. Register at: pbaArieagus celebrating her sept.eventbrite.com. Arieagus celebrating her sept.eventbrite.com. 40th anniversary and Emore 40th anniversary and Emore th th Dubois celebrating her 45 Dubois celebrating her 45 u HOT STUFF u HOT STUFF anniversary. The pageant anniversary. The pageant starts at 8p.m. sharp, but starts at 8p.m. sharp, but The 46th anniversary of The 46th anniversary of doors open at 6p.m. For doors open at 6p.m. For Miss Florida F.I. takes place Miss Florida F.I. takes place tickets, which start at only tickets, which start at only on Sunday, September 30 and on Sunday, September 30 and $50, or to book a hotel room $50, or to book a hotel room Monday, October 1. at the Monday, October 1. at the go to: go to: beautiful Pier 66 Hotel and beautiful Pier 66 Hotel and nd nd MissFloridaFLpageant.com MissFloridaFLpageant.com Marina. The 2 anniversary Marina. The 2 anniversary For more information about For more information about of Mr. Florida M.E. will take of Mr. Florida M.E. will take the pageant call 954-478the pageant call 954-478place on Sunday, September place on Sunday, September 4587. 4587. 30. The night will honor the 30. The night will honor the current reigning Miss Florida current reigning Miss Florida The Equality Garden Club The Equality Garden Club F.I. Kalah Mendoza, the F.I. Kalah Mendoza, the (EGC) has donated $3,500 to (EGC) has donated $3,500 to current reigning Mr. Florida current reigning Mr. Florida the Wilton Manors, Kids in the Wilton Manors, Kids in M.E. Antonio Edwards, as M.E. Antonio Edwards, as Distress (KID) program. The Distress (KID) program. The well as Cezanne who is well as Cezanne who is th th funds will be used to help celebrating her 15 funds will be used to help celebrating her 15 develop and teach develop and teach anniversary, Erika Norell anniversary, Erika Norell th th horticultural programs for celebrating her 20 horticultural programs for celebrating her 20 the children in the children in anniversary, Esme Russell anniversary, Esme Russell th th their care. celebrating her 25 their care. celebrating her 25

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released by a rock superstar. Besides being released by a rock superstar. Besides being certified platinum, Vital Idol was certified platinum, Vital Idol was accompanied by a version of “Mony Mony” accompanied by a version of “Mony Mony” that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart, as well as hitting the Top 10 on Singles chart, as well as hitting the Top 10 on the U.K. Singles chart. the U.K. Singles chart. Highlights found within the grooves of Highlights found within the grooves of Revitalized include The Crystal Method's Revitalized include The Crystal Method's percussive, explosive stab at “Rebel Yell,” percussive, explosive stab at “Rebel Yell,” CRAY's bass-and-keyboard-blessed “White CRAY's bass-and-keyboard-blessed “White Wedding,” Tropkillaz's trop-house framing of Wedding,” Tropkillaz's trop-house framing of pumping “Dancing With Myself.” pumping “Dancing With Myself.” “Eyes Without A Face,” St. Francis Hotel's “Eyes Without A Face,” St. Francis Hotel's Pre-order at: Pre-order at: shimmering stop/start caress of “Flesh For shimmering stop/start caress of “Flesh For https://ume.lnk.to/VitalIdolRevitalizedPR https://ume.lnk.to/VitalIdolRevitalizedPR Fantasy,” and RAC's retro-harmonic, fistFantasy,” and RAC's retro-harmonic, fist-

uEmail WhatsHot@HotspotsMedia.com to have your items considered for What’s Hot uEmail WhatsHot@HotspotsMedia.com to have your items considered for What’s Hot

Hotspots.LGBT | 15




Care Resource Community Health Centers, inc. Receives the 2018 National Quality Leader Award

C

are Resource Community Health Centers, Inc. has been announced as a 2018 National Quality Leader awardee that exceeds national clinical quality benchmarks (including Healthy People 2020 goals) for chronic disease management, preventive care, or perinatal/prenatal care. This achievement award is a testament to the health center's commitment to improving the overall quality, ef iciency, and value of health care services. These awards are given to the highest performing health centers nationwide as well as those health centers that have made signi icant quality improvement gains from the previous year. Care Resource continues to take health care far beyond its usual de inition. The Health Center provides comprehensive preventive

18 | Hotspots.LGBT

services and screenings, and a range of social support services to address the needs of the community's pediatric, adolescent and adult populations with approaches that attend to the whole health needs of patients – both physical and psycho-social.

About Care Resource: Care Resource is a 501(c) (3) nonpro it organization and a Federally Quali ied Health Center (FQHC) with locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the full health care needs of South Florida's pediatric, adolescent and adult populations.



Palace

Sunday Brunchic

Photos: Stephen R. Lang







upcoming events benefitting smart ride team give a shift!

benefit car wash!

Dicks Service Station Car Wash 3528 NE 12 Ave, Oakland Park

Saturday, September 22, 11AM - 3PM

Give A Shift Cook OFF

@Broski Ciderworks, 1465 SW 6th Ct, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 Open to all SMART RIDE Riders and Crew to fundraise for their team and/or individual pages. Booths are free but are limited. Applications must be submitted by Sept 21st!

SM

D

TH

E

E

apply by sept. 21 FOR event, sUN, OCT. 21, 2P.M.

A RT

R

I

visit www.browardhouse.org or Call 954-522-4749 x1221 for info


By Scott Holland

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CONCERT - CHRISTINA AGUILERA

The Grammy Award-winning superstar pop icon, and winning coach on The Voice, kicks off her new North American tour right here in South Florida, in support of this year’s “Liberation” release. Tues, September 25: 8pm; Hard Rock Event Center (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood); Tix:$112.00 to $337.00 COMEDIAN – JERRY SEINFELD

America’s premier comedian returns to the Arsht Center to perform his signature stand-up routine! Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. His latest projects include the Emmy nominated web series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, and his Netflix special Jerry Before Seinfeld. Fri, September 21; 8pm; Arsht Center for the Performing Arts (1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami); Tix: start at $72.50 CONCERT - DRAKE

Brings his Aubrey and the Three Migos Tour to south Florida for 2 performances. He is the RIAA’s top certified digital singles artist, having moved 142 million units of digital singles in the US.[23] In 2018, USA Today declared him the biggest artist of the year. Fri & Sat, Sept 21 and 22; American Airlines Arena (601 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami); Tix: start at $159. ICON - AN EVENING WITH AL PACINO

During a 50-year career, Al Pacino has won an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, a British Academy Film Award, four Golden Globe Awards, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute, the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award and the National Medal of Arts. From “The Godfather” to “Scarface,” the evening includes personal reflections, film clips and an audience question-and-answer session. Sat, September 22; 8pm; The Fillmore (1700 Washington Ave. Miami Beach); Tix: $83.50 to $303.50 REEFER – CONCERT

The 20th Annual Medical Marijuana Benefit Concert hosted by NORML of Florida, Ploppy Palace Productions, and Modern Galaxy TV promises to be a celebration like none before. Throughout its two-decade long run, the concert has featured many local and regional acts, but this year, reggae legends Inner Circle will top the bill. Sat, September 22; 4:20pm; Wow House (3100 NW 7th Avenue, Miami); Tix: Early Bird $25; bit.ly/MMC20 Hotspots.LGBT | 27


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REALITY TV – VOICE AND DWTS

Two of the hottest reality TV shows return to compete with each other. Thevoice features coaches Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Kely Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson. Dancing with the Stars cast will feature: Nancy McKeon, Milo Manheim, Aalexis Ren, Evanna Lynch, Nikki Glaser, John Schneider, Mary Lou Retton, Demarcus Ware, Bobby Bones, Danelle Umstead, Juan Pabol di Pace, Joe Amabile, and Tinashe Mon, September 24; 8pm; On NBC and ABC respectively. TRIBUTE BAND - HEART

The band features the powerhouse vocals of Tiffany Hoffelder who can belt out the power hits, or sweetly deliver the softer songs. Also featuring vocalist, guitarist Robyn Fear who is a natural fit fluidly covering guitar parts and harmony vocals. Band leader Mylo Anthony covers bass and additional harmony vocals, Denis Casaubon handles keyboard work, Mike McAuliffe doubles up on keyboards and lead guitar, and Anthony Vomero keeps the beat rocking on drums. Sun, September 23; Boca Black Box (8221 Glades Road #10, Boca Raton) Tix: $20; BocaBlackBox.com. COUNTRY - LEE ANN WOMACK

The Grammy-winning country singer has also earned six Country Music Association awards and five Academy of Country Music awards. She has sung for multiple presidents, and dueted with Willie Nelson, John Prine and John Legend. She is touring in support of her latest album, “The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone.” Sat, September 22; 7:30 pm; Bailey Hall (3501 Davie Road, Davie) Tix: $40 to $86; baileyhall.org. MOVIES - LOVE GILDA

One of the greatest comedians of all times, Gilda Radner, was taken from this earth way too early. In her own words, comedienne Gilda Radner looks back and reflects on her life and career. Weaving together recently discovered audiotapes, interviews with her friends, rare home movies and diaries read by modern day comediennes (including Amy Poehler), LOVE Gilda offers a unique window into the honest and whimsical world of a beloved performer whose greatest role was sharing her story. In theaters Fri Sep 21; Documentary stars Andrew Alexander, Anne Beatts, Chevy Chase, Bill Hader

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GAME OF THRONES – LIVE CONCERT

This experience Features Ramin Djawadi who will bring the world of Westeros South Florida. Fans will have the opportunity to watch in wonder as famed composer Ramin Djawadi leads an orchestra and choir performing music from all seven seasons of the iconic, Emmy® Award-winning HBO series. The show will include new music and footage from Season 7, as well as a new custom stage design and mesmerizing visuals courtesy of state of the art video technology. Sat, September 22; 8pm; BB&T Center (1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise); Tix: start at $21; Thebbtcenter.com





hotspots hotties Age

23 Zodiac Sign

Taurus Nationality

German/Irish/Native American City you live in

Fort Lauderdale Single or married

Partnered Perfect date?

I pick you up (because I prefer to listen to my rap songs) and we go to a taco place, pig out, but save room for dessert, so we can go eat ice cream. What do you do for a living?

I was a student, but finished a degree and am now headed to be a linguist for the government. What do you do for fun?

I travel to Europe often, visit dance clubs abroad, and can usually be caught at 3am eating Taco Bell on my living room floor doing a jigsaw puzzle. What does the future hold for you?

I hope to work until the day I die. I prefer to live in Germany with Daniel and Roscoe

Photos By Dale Stine

KIRK WELLS 32 | Hotspots.LGBT


I “am now headed to be a linguist for the government.�

Hotspots.LGBT | 33




deep inside HOLLYWOOD By Romeo San Vicente

Actor Garrett Clayton Comes Out

Thought they were goners? Nope, the Cats have a release date. When Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats, based on T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, was the hottest ticket in musical theater, film studios weren't exactly lining up to make any sort of movie musical, much less one that involved the entire cast frolicking about in kitty

“Taylor Swift, hasn’t been alive long enough to even know about all this stuff.”

36

costumes. And when they did decide to make one, it was A Chorus Line. But that was before the film musical resurgence; before Chicago, before Les Miserables, before | Hotspots.LGBT

Dreamgirls and whatever The Greatest Showman was supposed to be. It's been so long that the show became a pop culture joke for decades before regaining some revival respect. It's been so long that rumors of film versions died more than nine times, and at least one of the upcoming movie version's stars, Taylor Swift, hasn't been alive long enough to even know about all this stuff. But now there's a release date: December 20, 2019. It's going to go head to head with a new Star Wars movie, unafraid. It's got Les Mis' Tom Hooper as director, Ian McKellen co-starring, and Jennifer Hudson as Grizabella, so at least you know “Memory” is in capable hands. Now it seems almost real, and it only took almost 40 years.

Millennial-aged actors are coming out in numbers that feel overwhelming compared to the not-so-recent past when virtually no one did, and they do it on Instagram, which is always a nice, casual touch. So this is an unofficial LGBTQ+ welcome to 27-year-old Garrett Clayton, whom you've seen in Hairspray Live, King Cobra, on shows like The Fosters, and – if you're very young – in Disney Channel productions like Teen Beach Movie. He sings, acts, dances, and looks like Zac Efron's little brother, which doesn't hurt at all. And he has half a dozen upcoming projects under his belt, including the bullying drama Reach and the Nicolas Cage drama Between Worlds, both slated for this year, and the horror film Killing Games,

CLAYTON currently in production. We're always happy to report news like this, so go forth and conquer, young gay dude.

Romeo San Vicente is always happy when Hollywood Actors come out!


THU 8-2am • FRI 8-3am SAT 8-3AM • SUN 8-2am MON 8-2am

SUN 12-8pm • TUE 8-2am WED 8-2aM • THU 12-8pm fri 12-8pm

Tue


HOTshots of the week

Courtesy Courtesy of of MARKSLIST.LGBT MARKSLIST.LGBT

I AM WHO I AM

u u The The Southern Southern Comfort Comfort Conference Conference welcomed welcomed RuPaul’s RuPaul’s Drag Drag Race Race star star

and and Trans Trans Spokeswoman Spokeswoman Gia Gia Gunn Gunn to to their their festivities. festivities.

FERNANDO?

u u Joanna Joanna James James loves loves her her some some Cher Cher and and is is searching searching for for her her Fernando Fernando at at The The Palace. Palace.

JUST ADD A PANDA

u u Daisy Daisy & & DJ DJ Joshua Joshua Atom Atom have have fun fun at at

her her Friday Friday night night show show at at Rumors. Rumors.

SHOTS! u u Andy Andy

GIVE ME BALLS

u u The The lovely lovely Franchesque Franchesque Richards Richards enjoys enjoys all all sports sports and and bowling bowling for for Gym Gym Bar Bar at at Poverello’s Poverello’s bowlathon. bowlathon.

& & Wayne Wayne get get their their drink drink on on before before dancing dancing at at Southern Southern Nights. Nights.


IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SHOESAH

u Congrats to ArtsUnited Artist of the

Month Linsi Taylor who’s work is up at Bona’s Italian Restaurant.

CAN WE TALK?

u Mayor Dean Trantalis was the

Key Note Speaker at the latest GLLN luncheon at Timpanos.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

THIS LITTLE O’ THANG?

u The legendary TP Lords

makes a stop in at The Pub.

BOYS WHO BRUNCH

u Justiss, Brett & Steve kiki

at Rosie’s Sunday Brunch.

u The crew at Challenge Fitness get ready to toss some balls around at Poverello’s 28th Annual Bowlathon.




Photo by Ann Marie Fox

By Chris Azzopardi

'Love, Simon' star on her breakout role as a gay-supportive teacher and why the LGBTQ community loves the ladies of Insecure.

Oh, sure, actress Natasha Rothwell's scene-stealing drama teacher in out director Greg Berlanti's

groundbreaking gay teen rom-com Love, Simon is bitter – and therefore, funny as all hell – about overseeing amateur teens in a student production of Cabaret. Hey, she had an oh-soprestigious part in The Lion King musical! (As, um, an extra.) But Ms. Albright is a dogged ally for life, demonstrating heartfelt compassion for her LGBTQ students when Simon and his queer schoolmate, Ethan, are bullied in the 42

| Hotspots.LGBT

lunchroom. Enter Ms. Albright, who breaks up the fight in true Ms. Albright fashion: “That's mine now,” she scolds, confiscating the bullies' speaker. “I'm'ma sell it, get my tubes tied.” Rothwell knows the teacher life well: She was a high school teacher in the Bronx for four years. Queer students confided in her, some even came out to her. Now, the 37-yearold actress and former SNL writer returns for a third season of actress-writer Issa Rae's terrific HBO comedy Insecure, as Issa's freewheeling, zero-fucks friend Kelli. And no


details on her role just yet – she couldn't reveal any during our recent interview, sorry – but Rothwell is also set to star in director Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman sequel. Plenty to chat about until then, though, including the importance of LGBTQ inclusion in her projects and her reaction to the criticism Love, Simon received for not being progressive enough. Why do you Photo by HBO/Merie W. Wallace think the women on Insecure have resonated with the queer community? I think what attracts the queer community to Insecure is authenticity and seeing a group of women being celebrated on television for being their authentic selves. The courage that it takes for marginalized groups like the LGBTQIA community to be authentic – it's so difficult and so brave and so admirable to do so that when you see a group of people doing that on screen I can understand why that resonates with the queer community. I feel that way when I see other marginalized groups of people on TV shown as full-fledged characters. I'm like, “Yes, yes, yes!” It should be noted how effortlessly LGBTQIA just rolled off your tongue. You didn't stumble over a single letter. (Laughs) I think having been a part of Love, Simon and doing press for that I was like, “I'm gonna get this! They're not gonna get me on camera or on tape!” Because I'm an ally

through and through, and they better know I know what I'm talking about. (Laughs) So, Kelli: Surely her unapologetic boldness – I mean, in season two, she got fingered at a diner – resonates with the community. (Laughs) She was living her best life. She's not gonna apologize for it. Until I got into my 30s, I felt like I was apologizing for being a woman, for being black. The beauty of playing Kelli is I get to have a character match how I now feel, and I get to play a woman who's never known any different. Like, I imagine this is Kelli from the crib; when she was an infant, till now, she's only ever known this version of herself. I love playing someone who doesn't experience doubt in the way I do. Do you write Kelli? We all write Kelli. We'll do internal table reads of the script and I'll sit down and get to see what the other room was working on, and I'm like, “Oh shit, I'm getting fingered? OK!” It's a real team effort to develop her and all the characters. You've cited Lily Tomlin as an influence. How did she influence your comedic voice? Female comedians that weren't trapped by femininity is what resonated with me most. She was such a chameleon, subverting expectations. She plays a little girl (Edith Ann) and she's sitting in this giant, oversized chair and having this monologue, and she's so playful and inventive and completely embodies the POV of a small child, and using her body to tell a story. I just remember watching that and being obsessed. You're writing a rom-com called Bridal Recall for Paramount Pictures, and you also have a development deal with HBO to write and produce and star in your own project. Will the queer community have a place in those projects? If I have a say. To me, I don't think talking about inclusion and diversity is enough. We have to do it in actuality and in action. One of the brilliant things about Issa's writers' room? It's not all black. We have representation from all over the spectrum. We have different sexualities represented, Hotspots.LGBT | 43


different ethnicities represented, and we can tell a nuanced story that way. So, I have every intention of making my writers' room reflect the nuance that I want to tell in those stories, that I feel make worthwhile stories.

Photo by Ben Rothstein

What did it mean to you to be a part of Love, Simon? It meant everything. When I read the script and the book, I was just honored that I could participate in a project that really felt bigger than myself. The response has been insane and continues to be. People are discovering the movie even still and are responding to it in a really visceral way. I imagine it being that way for young people of color watching Black Panther for the first time. To me, that's powerful to see your story represented and it's not – it's a love story first and a coming out story second. It's one of the things where it's just, I want more of this. I want more people to see themselves represented in this very specific, common way that straight white people have had the privilege of. So, I want to see more of those stories being told, because I'm a child of the '80s. John Hughes is my jam, and I loved Pretty in Pink and Sixteen Candles. So, to see this story get that treatment was a magical thing. I will be forever grateful to Greg Berlanti for thinking that I could play Ms. Albright. He's such a wonderful man and encouraged me and

brought me to tears. He pulled me aside after I finished shooting and he was just like, “I have the same feeling about you I did when I directed Melissa McCarthy.” And I was like, “You just said a lot in that sentence!” And then I burst into tears. (Laughs) Do gay fans recognize you as Ms. Albright on the street? I don't get “Hey, Ms. Albright!” I live in West Hollywood and the LGBTQIA community is en masse here and I love it. So, I'll get recognized from Love, Simon and as Kelli, sometimes at the same time. It's a great community, and I feel so welcomed and thankful for it. In an episode during season two of Insecure, you and Issa call out Molly for being revolted by a male suitor because he has sexual history with another man. The episode acknowledges a glaring doublestandard between men and women, and also hypermasculinity in black versus white communities. What part did you play in bringing that storyline to light? We all talked about our experiences and something that would give us pause before entering into a relationship, or something that we wouldn't even stop and think twice about. It varied by gender, by sexuality, by age. What boiled up to the top was the hypertoxic masculinity of communities of color,


Photo by HBO/Merie W. Wallace

especially the black community. So, we really loved to present that specific part of the show to our audience because it caused conversation around the topic. One of the things that I love about our show is we don't present answers – we present questions. We want people to have these conversations in a public way. Recently, a massive Twitterstorm ignited when GQ featured the straight male cast in a photo spread that some deemed “gay.” One of the featured actors, Sarunas Jackson, called out the homophobic tone of the comments. I'm thinking, we've already been here. We've already been here, we already did this, guys. We've already evolved. Let's just move on. But this just goes to show that continued conversation and continued moments for educating yourself are helpful. One of the more palpable things that I think that photo spread did was spark that conversation again, so people can really, once and for all, understand their own toxic masculinity. I was shocked by the number of women jumping on board. I'm like, you were indoctrinated to think that way, and we have to unlearn some things in order to be the progressive, thoughtful, inclusive people that I know we are capable of being.

You responded to people who don't feel represented by Insecure by telling them, well, then you tell your story, because no one story can encompass all of our stories. Love, Simon received similar criticism for featuring a white man in its lead role, versus someone of color. Would you respond to that criticism in the same way? Absolutely. I think I would be remiss to say, “We did it guys. Let's pack it up! We fixed it! We fixed inclusion in Hollywood!” I think that would be a gross mistake to be made. I don't look at Insecure and even see myself represented all the time and I write on the show, because this is a story. This is Issa and her girlfriend in Inglewood, California. But what it requires is more art to be made to reflect those things that aren't being shown. Let's tell those stories because, if there's anything I've learned when really resonating with audiences lately, it's a hunger for diversity.

Chris Azzopardi is the editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service. Reach him via his website at www.chris-azzopardi.com and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi). Hotspots.LGBT | 45




By Scott Holland

Area Stage Company is presenting

She Kills Monsters a play by Qui Nguyen. “Deceptively breezy and rather ingenious. The whole enterprise is kind of dopey and kind of invigorating and kind of remarkable. It will slash and shapeshift its way into your heart” said The New York Times. It premiered off Broadway at the Flea Theater in 2011, She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans, following the death of her sister Tilly, as she prepares to leave her childhood home. Once Agnes discovers Tilly's Dungeons and Dragons notebook, she is whisked away to begin an adventure of selfdiscovery filled with homicidal fairies and nasty ogres, appealing to the geek and warrior within us all. The original production played to sold-out houses and high critical praise. “Packed with action, wit, and a sizeable nerd-quotient, the production is a delight from start to finish.” Theatremania A cast of 11 talented actors will tell the story, many of them moving seamlessly from character to character throughout the piece. 48

| Hotspots.LGBT

The play will feature original music, handdrawn animation, and live puppetry to aid in the visual storytelling a tale of high-fantasy requires. Local Trans Actress June-Raven Romero plays three characters throughout the oneact play: the Narrator, an omniscient presence that guides us through the protagonists' journey, Vera Martin, a detached High School guidance counselor with a brutally honest demeanor who seems like she'd rather be anywhere else, and Farrah the Faerie, a tiny, foul mouthed, forest dwelling mythical creature. Were you always an actress even as a kid? I have been involved in theater since I was 11 years old. That was the first time I ever stepped foot on a stage and performed an improvised comedy skit, pretending to be a vagrant drunk, meandering in the streets (much to the enjoyment of my sixth grade drama class). I continued to be in productions, thespian and dance troupes all through high school. When I got to college, I


to be remembered as. It's been a little over two years since I took the leap of faith, and began medically transitioning, and it has paid off in every single way. I am an activist, a person full of passion and ideas, and hopeful for the day that Trans folks can be revered for their cultural, academic, and social contributions like anyone else. Why should the South Florida audiences come see “She Kills Monsters�? She Kills Monsters is a story about belonging, finding community and building bridges of communication between family and friends. Something I think we all need right now, and universal concepts that I know all people will identify with. It's the story of opening up a

Stories in February of 2017 at the Goldman Warehouse at the Miami Light Project. Since then, I have been in another piece with the Collective entitled Reprise in March 2018, Cabaret and this production, which I was asked to read for after my performance in Cabaret. I was invited to a table reading of the play about three weeks ago by Giancarlo, and he enjoyed my rendition of the characters so much, he offered me the parts. When did you start transitioning and how does it feel to live your life in your true skin? Since I've transitioned, I feel like the world has opened up before me and I can enter the arena of the performing arts as the archetype I want

world that few know much about and discovering how it's not so different, at its core, from anything we all love to be a part of. It's also a great mix of raunchy humor, heartfelt, honest writing and innovative artistic direction. If audiences want to appreciate something truly new and relatively undone, that's never been imagined this way, this is it.

Photo by Honest Henry

sort of hit a wall, and went through a gender identity crisis. I picked up one or two small projects, but mostly did technical work and directing. At 21, I walked into Area Stage Company and auditioned for Sweeney Todd, and ended up landing the lead. (It was sort of an ultimate test of my gender identity conundrum. I wanted to try on a very masculine role for size, and challenge my psyche; no matter what I was going through personally, performing arts was always an escape). What was your first professional role? My professional debut didn't come until I danced with the Pioneer Winter Collective in a piece called Forced Entry and Other Love

You can catch June along with the entire cast of She Kills Monsters at the Area Stage Company (1560 So. Dixie Hwy., Coral Gables) on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until September 30. To purchase tickets, which range from $10 - $25, or for more info go to: areastagecompany.com, or call 305-666-2078. Hotspots.LGBT | 49


RosieÂ’s

Sunday Funday

Photos: Stephen R. Lang



National LGBTQ Task Force Gala

52

National LGBTQ Task Force invites everyone to join them on October 6 at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach from 6:30pm to 12 midnight as the presents their National Leadership Award to Robin Roberts and Sam Champion, two of America's most beloved television personalities! Robin Roberts, a longtime ESPN sports anchor, became “Good Morning America� coanchor in 2005. Under her leadership, the broadcast has won ive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning Program and the 2017 People's Choice Award for Favorite Daytime TV Hosting Team. In 2007 and 2008, Roberts documented her successful treatment for breast cancer and in 2012 similarly covered her medical battle against the blood disease myelodysplastic syndrome. In December 2013, she publicly acknowledged her longtime partner, Amber Laign. Sam Champion is a ive-time Emmy and Peabody award winning anchor best-known for his stint on Good Morning America, where

| Hotspots.LGBT

he became the irst news anchor to come out publicly. He has played a key role in disseminating live coverage from some of America's most consequential environmental catastrophes, including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and Super Storm Sandy. In addition to being one of the country's most trusted anchors, Sam is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community. He has raised awareness of HIV prevention, was a recipient of the Human Rights Campaign's Visibility Award, and he was one of the irst openly gay news personalities in the world. Robin and Sam are not just on-air colleagues, they are close friends. Their friendship and openness has endeared them to millions of people across the country and The Task Force is excited about honoring them at this year's Gala! To Purchase tickets to the annual Miami gala, which are $450, go to: thetaskforcegala.org/tickets.





CROSSWORD Zany, Wealthy Persons of the Largest Continent ACROSS 1 Composer Ned 6 Verdi slave girl 10 Top Norse deity 14 "You're ___ talk" 15 Stick it to a con 16 Suffix with Congo 17 NBC comedy series about retailers 19 Big Daddy in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” 20 Nutty ___ fruitcake 21 Hiker's snack 22 “Milk’ and “Moonlight” 24 State in a Gus Van Sant title 26 “A Walk on the Moon” writer Gray 27 City in "Italia" 29 Fruit peeler 30 "Today ___ man" 31 Silky undies material 32 Hamm of the World Cup 35 Film about zany, wealthy persons of the largest continent? 39 IRS info 40 Comes out slowly 41 Type of balls 42 More like a twink 43 Moon of “Frasier” 45 Hurts a lot 47 2010 high school comedy with a beard 48 “Six Feet Under” auto 49 Octopus abundance 50 Broadway bio 53 Painting and such, to da Vinci 54 Gay Filipino-America on the rise 57 "Sixteen Going on Seventeen", e.g. 58 Synonym for Gomer's "Shazam!" 59 Like an ACT UP protester 60 Israeli author Oz 61 Teased mercilessly 62 Nathan and family

DOWN 1 “The Horse Fair” painter Bonheur 2 Invitation from bottoms to tops? 3 He whips out his tool on the job 4 Sorbonne summer 5 Hearst Castle architect Julia 6 Houston athlete in Billy Bean's sport 7 Breakfast chain, familiarly 8 Board mem., maybe 9 Prayer to Madonna 10 Character played by 54Across in 35-Across 11 Mr. Applegate in “Damn Yankees” 12 "___ little silhouetto of a man..." 13 Monster's loch 18 Arty gay-friendly district 23 Dire signs 25 Guillermo of “Weeds” 26 Wooded ways

27 Queer mannerisms 28 Crew tools 29 Many an expectant father 31 Online exaggerations, perhaps 32 “Rent” setting 33 Aware of 34 "It's the End of the World ___ Know It" 36 Traditional letter closer 37 More like something in the state of Denmark 38 Game of observation 42 Insertion marks 43 Oral sex protectors 44 Tear into 45 Vital fluid 46 Character played by 54Across in 17-Across 47 Eat away at 48 "If I Only ___ Brain" 49 Learning inst. 51 Dull routine 52 Treats as a sexual object 55 "Where did ___ wrong?" 56 Piece-loving org.

For Crossword Solution Visit Hotspots.LGBT/Crossword

56

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genre latino / Conexiones

Angel de la Independencia, México, D.F.

la belleza de méxico y su cultura |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

con Oscar Ambulo

Cuando de México hablamos, hay muchas cosas lindas y deliciosas; entre ellas sus platillos, su pintoresco folklor sus paisajes y su bella gente. Pero, México también es muy rico en historia. Los Estados Unidos Mexicanos de Norte América

El movimiento independentista mexicano

tiene como marco la Ilustración y las revoluciones liberales de la última parte del siglo XVIII. Por esa época la élite comenzaba a reflexionar acerca de las relaciones de España con sus colonias. Los cambios en la estructura social y política derivados de las reformas borbónicas, a los que se sumó una profunda crisis económica en Nueva España, también generaron

un malestar entre algunos segmentos de la población. La ocupación francesa de la metrópoli en 1808 desencadenó en Nueva España una crisis política que desembocó en el movimiento armado. En ese año, el rey Carlos IV y Fernando VII abdicaron sucesivamente en favor de Napoleón Bonaparte, que dejó la corona de España a su hermano José Bonaparte. Como respuesta, el ayuntamiento de México —con apoyo del virrey José de Iturrigaray— reclamó la soberanía en ausencia del rey legítimo; la reacción condujo a un golpe de Estado contra el virrey y llevó a la cárcel a los cabecillas del movimiento. A pesar de la derrota de los criollos en la Ciudad de México en 1808, en otras ciudades de Nueva España se reunieron pequeños grupos de conjurados que pretendieron seguir los pasos del ayuntamiento de México. Tal fue el caso de la conjura de Valladolid, descubierta en 1809 y cuyos participantes fueron puestos en prisión. En 1810, los conspiradores de Querétaro estuvieron a punto de correr la misma suerte pero, al verse descubiertos, optaron por tomar las armas el 16 de septiembre en compañía de los habitantes indígenas y campesinos del pueblo de Dolores (Guanajuato), convocados por el cura Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. Entre otros aspectos importantes de México, podemos hablar de los tres


lugares turísticos. Entre los más reconocidos están: Ciudad de México:

Capital de México, una metrópoli famosa por su vibrante vida urbana, congregando museos de relevancia mundial, emblemáticos sitios históricos, masivos festivales, glamorosas avenidas, tiendas, restaurantes, y por supuesto, una de las noches más animadas de Latinoamérica. Entre sus atractivos principales, destaca un fascinante centro histórico declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la Unesco, con impresionantes sitios de la cultura Azteca, que dan cuenta de una historia de desarrollo humano de más de 3.000 años y joyas coloniales de los siglos XVI al XIX. En sus entornos, no se puede dejar de mencionar la vecina Teotihuacán con sus gigantes pirámides del sol y la luna.

nocturna del Cabo San Lucas y las grandes cadenas hoteleras en el Corredor turístico, conforman las tres áreas de Los Cabos, constituyendo en su conjunto un espectacular destino cuya oferta combina el ecoturismo, práctica de deportes, descanso y entretenimiento. Cancún:

Isla reconocida por sus playas de arena blanca y agua turquesa, entre el Mar Caribe y la Laguna Nichupté, hogar del segundo arrecife de coral más importante del mundo después de la Gran Barrera Australiana, en un entorno selvático y próximo a los milenarios vestigios arqueológicos de la Rivera Maya y Chichén Itzá. Dentro de sus atractivos principales, destacan una franja de 23 kilómetros de playas, numerosos hoteles pertenecientes a cadenas multinacionales, centros de spa, campos de golf y cientos de restaurantes, que logran en su conjunto uno de los balnearios con mejor infraestructura turística del mundo. Entre otras cosas importantes a rezaltar sobre México, el matrimonio gay es completamente legal y México está entre los primeros países en legalizar el matrimonio entre parejas del mismo sexo, el cual está patentado con todos los códigos de la constitución mexicana. Ahora bien, vamos a hablar de lo que más nos gusta que es la gastronomía. A continuación hago mención de algunos de ellos con sus respectivo ingredientes:

Chiché Nitza

Los Cabos:

Considerado uno de los lugares turísticos de México de mayor belleza, deslumbrando con sus kilómetros de playas bañadas por el Mar de Cortés, famosas por sus arenas doradas y aguas turquesas, inmersas entre paisajes de montaña y desierto. Esta zona, también hace parte del conjunto de islas y áreas protegidas del Golfo de California, declaradas por su riqueza natural, Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la Unesco. El pintoresco pueblo de San José del Cabo, la vida

Los Cabos

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genre latino / Conexiones Tinga de pollo

Hecha con pollo desmenuzado cocido en una salsa de chipotle riquísima. Sirve sobre tostadas.

its dishes, its picturesque folklore, its landscapes and its beautiful people. But, Mexico is also very rich in history.

Cochinita pibil

Carne de cerdo cocida a presión en su marinada de achiote con chiles guajillos y jugo de naranja dulce. Se sirve con su tradicional salsa de cebolla morada y habanero. Carne en su jugo estilo Jalisco

Trozos delgados de carne de res cocidos en su jugo y servidos con frijoles de la olla, tocino, chile y cebolla. Una tradición tapatía que te va a fascinar. When we speak of Mexico, there are many beautiful and delicious things; among them

The United Mexican States of North America

The Mexican independence movement has as its framework the Enlightenment and the liberal revolutions of the last part of the XVIII century. At that time the elite began to reflect on the relations of Spain with its colonies. The changes in the social and political structure derived from the Bourbon reforms, to which was added a deep economic crisis in New Spain, also generated discomfort among some segments of the

Marcha Orgullo Gay

population. The French occupation of the metropolis in 1808 unleashed a political crisis in New Spain that culminated in the armed movement. In that year, King Carlos IV and Fernando VII abdicated successively in favor of Napoleón Bonaparte, who left the crown of Spain to his brother José Bonaparte. In response, the city of Mexico with the support of Viceroy José de Iturrigaray- claimed sovereignty in the absence of the legitimate king; the reaction led to a coup d'état against the viceroy and led to the imprisonment of the leaders of the movement. Despite the defeat of the criollos in Mexico City in 1808, in other cities of New Spain small groups of conspirators met to pretend to follow the steps of the city of Mexico. Such was the case of the plot of Valladolid, discovered in 1809 and whose participants were put in prison. In 1810, the conspirators of Querétaro were about to suffer the same fate but, finding themselves discovered, they chose to take up arms on September 16 in the company of the indigenous inhabitants and peasants of the town of Dolores (Guanajuato), summoned by the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. Among other important aspects of Mexico, we can talk about the three tourist places. Among the most recognized are: Mexico City:

Riviera Maya 62

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Cultura Maya

Capital of Mexico, a metropolis famous for its


vibrant urban life, bringing together world-renowned museums, emblematic historical sites, massive festivals, glamorous avenues, shops, restaurants, and of course, one of the liveliest nights in Latin America. Its main attractions include a fascinating historic center declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, with impressive sites of the Aztec culture, which account for a human development history of more than 3,000 years and colonial jewels from the 16th to the 19th centuries. . In its surroundings, one can not fail to mention the neighboring Teotihuacán with its giant pyramids of the sun and the moon.

Tinga de Pollo

Cochinita Pibil

Los Cabos:

Considered one of the most beautiful tourist places in Mexico, dazzling with its kilometers of beaches bathed by the Sea of Cortez, famous for its golden sands and turquoise waters, immersed between mountain and desert landscapes. This area is also part of the group of islands and protected areas of the Gulf of California, declared for their natural wealth, a World Heritage Site by Unesco. The picturesque town of San José del Cabo, the nightlife of Cabo San Lucas and the large hotel chains in the tourist corridor, make up the three areas of Los Cabos, constituting as a whole a spectacular destination whose offer combines ecotourism, sports practice , rest and entertainment. Cancun:

Island recognized for its white sand beaches and turquoise water, between the

Caribbean Sea and the Nichupté Lagoon, home of the second most important coral reef in the world after the Great Australian Barrier, in a jungle environment and close to the ancient archaeological remains of the Mayan Riviera and Chichen Itza. Among its main attractions, there is a strip of 23 kilometers of beaches, numerous hotels belonging to multinational chains, spa centers, golf courses and hundreds of restaurants, which together make up one of the spas with the best tourist infrastructure in the world. Among other important things to rethink about Mexico, gay marriage is completely legal and Mexico is among the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage, which is patented

with all the codes of the Mexican constitution. Now, let's talk about what we like the most about gastronomy. Below I mention some of them with their respective ingredients: Chicken Tinga

Made with shredded chicken cooked in a rich chipotle sauce. Serves on toast. Cochinita Pibil

Pork meat cooked in pressure in its achiote marinade with guajillo chiles and sweet orange juice. It is served with its traditional purple and habanero onion sauce. Meat in its Juice Jalisco-Style

Thin pieces of beef cooked in their juice and served with beans from the pot, bacon, chili and onion. A tapatía tradition that you will enjoy!





JANET BOYNES

OF THE WEEK BY D'ANNE WITKOWSKI

I

am tired this morning as I write this. You see, I stayed up way too late talking to my mother-in-law who is visiting from Florida. We talked about all kinds of things: my son, her only grandson; cancer, I've had it twice; grief, my wife's father died over the summer after suffering through ALS; politics, we both worry constantly about the horror show that is Donald Trump; and also chicken, I'm a vegan and my 14-year-old miniature poodle is sick so she cooked him some chicken to spare me from having to. All in all, it was a good talk, and by the time I went to bed it was midnight. I haven't always had a great relationship with my mother-in-law, but when my son was born, 9 years ago, we bonded over our shared love for him. And when I was going through breast cancer treatment she flew up here to help out. So I'm glad she didn't read “How to Set Boundaries With Your Gay Family Members,” an Aug. 31 column by “ex-lesbian” Janet Boynes for Charisma News, because according to Boynes, my mother-in-law shouldn't have done any of those things. In fact, she never shouldn't have met me at all, let alone said a single word to me. “Parents have a tendency to take a course of action out of guilt or to please others,” Boynes said. “This type of compromise will eventually cause more pain than if we would have just refused to meet with the partner.” For some context: my wife and I just

celebrated our 21st anniversary. We've been together since I was 19 and she was 22. So, according to Boynes, my mother-inlaw, who adores her grandson — and he adores her — is suffering “more pain” by having a relationship with us than she would have if she'd cut her daughter out of her life and never met her grandson. “I believe that actions speak louder than words,” Boynes said. “If we spend time with our loved one's lover, we are sending the wrong message. Our mouth says, 'I don't support your lifestyle,' but our actions compromise our beliefs by going to dinner out of guilt. We hear this all the time: 'My wife and I went, but they know we don't support their relationship.' Your action has spoken above any words you spoke.” First of all, let's agree to banish the term “loved one's lover” for all eternity. Secondly, I'm going to have to agree with Boynes here, to a point. If you want to condemn your child for being gay, then you should absolutely cut ties with them and never acknowledge their partners. However, if you want to be a parent, not to mention a decent human being, you don't do that. Of course, Boynes has an answer to why someone like my mother-in-law would feel like she loves me and my family. “Satan has cleverly manipulated you by demonstrating that your belief is not strong enough to go against this hidden agenda,” she said. “Is it better to please your children

Hotspots.LGBT | 67


Boynes's above God?” “advice” to I'm going to go “Satan has cleverly them is sick with, “Yeah.” It is and better to please manipulated you by dangerous. your children if demonstrating that your Condemning by “please” we your child for mean “love and belief is not who they love accept without isn't “loving.” going full-blown strong enough It is the exact you're-possessedto go against this opposite. I by-Satan on mean, you can them.” hidden agenda,” make your life Boynes writes, on earth into a “I believe when living hell in the hopes that'll ensure you you give in to the homosexual person, their sin some kind of magical afterlife after you die. will cause them to stay out in the world longer Or, you could just love your kid and accept than if you made a loving, yet resolute stand.” them. Then again, that could just be the In other words, if you don't acknowledge devil in me talking. something, it just goes away. So if you just pretend that your child isn't gay, then they will sooner rather than later give up on the whole D'Anne Witkowski is a poet, writer, and gay thing and live heterosexually ever after. comedian living in Michigan with her wife and I should point out that my mother-in-law son. She has been writing about LGBT politics does not believe that homosexuality is a sin, nor is she a right-wing Christian. But plenty of for over a decade. You can follow her on Twitter @MamaDWitkowski. parents with LGBTQ children do and are. And



Southern Comfort

2018 Conference at The Riverside Hotel

Photos: Stephen R. Lang





5 3 4 1 267 Always make time for things that are important to you


HOT BODIES by Tom Bonanti

CRANK UP YOUR CARDIO!

A

lot of people have questions about cardio-vascular training. Is doing cardio the best way to lose weight? How can I make my cardio training more effective and less boring? Here's my take on why everyone needs to do cardio and how it can enhance your fitness program in exciting ways. Cardio workouts are indispensable to every successful training regime. They can be any activity – power-walking, biking, swimming, wrestling, martial arts, climbing

aboard a recumbent bike or elliptical machine – that raises and maintains your heart rate over a predetermined amount of time. By doing this you

Hotspots.LGBT | 75


strengthen your cardiovascular system and lower your resting heart rate. Performing regular and monitored cardio will make your heart and lungs stronger and help you live longer! Any fitness program must include some form of cardio and resistance or weight training. Cardio workouts burn fat and challenge the cardio-vascular system to work harder and stay healthier. Weight training maintains and builds lean muscle. An hour or half hour of cardio will use up more calories than lifting weights. Yet the more quality lean muscle you build with weights, the more calories your body will burn all the time, even in a resting state. Although cardio training programs can vary from individual to individual, here are some pointers that can benefit everyone.

• Drink water before, during and after any cardio workout. Stay away from sports drinks that are loaded with sugar and caffeine.

• You can perform cardio on an empty stomach, preferably early in the morning if you need to jump start fat loss. But remember that early in the AM your body is already in a

catabolic state, so you may need to eat an hour and a half or so before you hit the treadmill so that you won't pass out from hunger or lapse into a hypoglycemic episode. • Always include a 5 to10 minute warm-up and cool down. • Many cardio machines have heart-rate monitors that are built into the equipment. Use these to monitor your heart rate. Or, consider investing in a heart-rate monitor. Purchase a model with a timing device, especially helpful for interval training sessions. • Learn to calculate your target heart rate range to maximize the benefits of your workout. Ask a certified trainer about the Karvonen Method which is the most effective, but more complicated way of determining target heart rate range. In general, tabulate maximum heart rate or MaxHR by subtracting your age from 220. For example, 220 – 40 = 180. This is the starting point for all your calculations. Depending upon your age and fitness level, determine a safe, but challenging range to work with. For example, a beginner may try a range between 55-65 percent of his maximum heart rate range for best cardio and fat burning results. • Remember to consult your physician or health care provider before beginning any new exercise, nutrition or supplementation program, especially if you are on medication or being treated for a medical condition. Need a few more tips on cardio effectiveness? Contact TrainerTomB@aol.com!

Tom Bonanti is a certified fitness trainer and licensed massage therapist with his own gym and studio, Pump'n Inc. (pumpnincgym.com), in Ft. Lauderdale. You can contact Tom at trainertomb@aol.com with questions or to schedule a free consultation. 76 | Hotspots.LGBT













Ramrod

24th Anniversary

Photos: Steve Whitney and Scott Blumstein



The Smart Ride th

Celebrates Their15 Anniversary

14 years, 9.3 Million dollars and it's all given away, that's how Glen Weinzimer, founder of The SMART Ride started the conversation. Now in its 15th year, the SMART Ride has worked with organization around Florida to help in the battle against HIV and AIDS. As they celebrate their15th anniversary this November 16th & 17th, they re lect back on how far they have come as a state, and as a community in the ight against HIV. In 2003, the irst year of SMART Ride (Southern Most AIDS/HIV Ride) there was no PREP, caution was your best defense and a condom. Today we have very mixed messages and an upswing in new infections throughout Florida and especially in Dade and Broward County where we lead the nation in new cases, says Weinzimer. It can be very frustrating to put all this energy into ighting a disease which is preventable, working with our 6 bene iting agencies and knowing we are making a dierence but yet at times we feel overwhelmed with the statistics coming out. How do we reach millennials? How do we get people to understand their lives are at stake? How do we teach people and make them really pay attention? These are just some of Weinzimer's thoughts today. This year, the 15th for SMART Ride, the event will take place from the University of Miami and travel south to Key West over two days. Along the way, there will be rest stops that supply everything from water to Gatorade, bananas to bagels, all in an eort to keep the riders fueled and safe along their journey. SMART Ride has over 250 volunteers that do everything from drive

90 | Hotspots.LGBT

trucks to deliver water, they travel with a medical team as well as massage therapists, a caterer, a ceremonies team, route markers, sweepers, sag and rider transport vehicles and so much more to anticipate everyone's needs. The ride doesn't just raise about a million dollars a year, it also raises awareness by their presence on the road. Last year over 10,000 people made donations to the participants. That means 10,000 people were called to action, and said the word AIDS. Too often people think AIDS is a thing of the past, when in fact it is a story that has yet had an ending to it, says Weinzimer. Join the SMART Ride this November 16th & 17th, the cost to register as a rider or crew is $135 and includes your overnight housing in the middle keys (Hawks Cay Resort), your food and so much more. Each rider commits to raise at least $1250 and on average they raise over $2,000. The goal for this year is $1.5Million, the most ever raised on this event. For more information, or to register as an individual or group go to www.thesmartride.org Principle agencies bene iting from this year's event are AH of Monroe County, Pridelines in Dade County, Broward House in Broward County, Children's Diagnostic & Treatment Center in Broward County, Compass in Palm Beach, Miracle of Love in Orlando and Metro Wellness & Community Centers in Tampa/St Pete.



GLLN

Luncheon at Timpano’s

Photos: Stephen R. Lang


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Mark’s List Marketplace u RENTALS - FORT LAUDERDALE POINSETTIA LANDINGS CONDO

Large 2/1, Beautiful Complex in Poinsettia Heights off 15th Ave. Remodeled next to pool, corner unit, bright, beautiful and quiet complex. Granite & Stainless kitchen, remodeled bathroom, tile floors and central air. Pets OK with approval. $1,300.00 month F/L/S. Call 954-732-2438

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Studio Apartment $735. Clean and ready to move in...tile floors, freshly painted, clean studio apartment in a pleasant one story building. New Roof, New impact windows. Off street parking. Includes water. $50 dollar application fee. Background check, Sorry but NO SMOKING, NO PETS. Call for more information 754 366-7563leave message.

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Large furnished/unfurnished room available in private 3 bed 2&1/2 bath pool home, Riverland Village. Share with mid-60’s professional and 2 cats. Sorry no additional pets. Prefer older working male, absolutely no drugs or heavy drinkers. $650.00 includes rent/utilities/internet. Please call Steve 954-873-2830 after 6pm

u COUNSELING A MIND AT PEACE PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES, RON “DOC” CHAMBERS

(954) 675-2272 1975 East Sunrise Blvd., Suite 626, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33304 Serving Adults, Children, Couples and Families. HIV Related Issues Depression - Schizophrenia - Relationship Problems - Anger Management - Same-Sex Domestic Violence - Many Other Mental Health Issues ***Affordable Counseling Fees***

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Mark’s List Marketplace

Hotspots.LGBT | 97


Mark’s List Marketplace AWESOME MASSAGE BY JIM

Offering Swedish, Lomi Lomi, Sports and Deep Tissue Massage for Men at Affordable Rates in a comfortable and Private Massage studio located in Wilton Manors on NE 26th Street, Same Day appointments can mostly be accommodated. Great New Specials Available call for details. Gift Certificates Available. Call Jim at 954-600-5843 or visit my website at www.massagebyjim.com License MM22293. ALL NEW AFFORDABLE PRICING AVAILABLE

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Let the Brazilian Man do it. Your Home or Office Cleaning. In business since 1998. 1BD/$50 and Up, 2BD/$60 and Up. Weekly, bi-weekly. Free quote available. Call or Text 954-861-7617 98 | Hotspots.LGBT


Mark’s List Marketplace

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1BD $60, 2BD $70, 3BD $80. Excellent rates and references. 10 years in the business. Serving Broward, North Miami and South Palm Beach. Also pet sitting and window cleaning avail. Call Manny at 954-371-8920

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Quality work at a reasonable price. Licensed & Insured #98-CME-1807-X. Contact 954-257-9509. Also, all size generator service and installation.

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Painting, Plumbing, Light Electrical, Vanities, Sinks, Faucets, Dishwashers, Disposals, Pressure Cleaning, General Carpentry, Mount TV & Microwave, Drywall and more. Brian 954-881-2848. “All your Residential Needs”

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u LANDSCAPING IRRIGATION SYSTEM REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

19 yrs. experience, excellent work, referrals upon request. Call Roberto at 954-383-8980


Mark’s List Marketplace

Hotspots.LGBT | 101


Mark’s List Marketplace u RETAIL

u TAX PREPARATION HAROLD J BLOTCHER, EA

Tax Preparation and Resolution for Individuals and Small Business. Help With Same Sex Marriage Issues and IRS Issues. Call 781-363-5519 or 561-429-3592 or visit our website at www.haroldjblotchertaxes.com

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102 | Hotspots.LGBT



GLBX Business Community Ally Awards

Renneisen The GLBX (Gay and Lesbian Business Exchange) Business Community Ally Awards presented by Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina (2301 SE 17 Street Fort Lauderdale) will debut on Tuesday, October 2, from 6 - 8 p.m. This new recognition event with six award categories will showcase individuals along with business and government entities that are successfully doing business with the LGBT+ community, de ining and implementing diversity and inclusion policies and supporting worthy related causes. This year's category winners are: Business Ally (Citrix), Business Leader (Susan Renneisen/Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino), Impact (Ilene Berliner & Mark Ketchum), Advocate (City of Wilton Manors), Legacy (Steve Rothaus) and Visionary (Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau). “The GLBX is thrilled to launch this inaugural event which offers a glimpse into how individuals and businesses are working together to be more inclusive and engaged with the LGBT+ community,” said Michael Goodman, GLBX board chair. “As a Council of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, we are proud to honor LGBT business leaders and allies who are actively creating change and doing business as part of a diverse thriving economy.” Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception while

104 | Hotspots.LGBT

Rothaus

Berliner

overlooking the city from almost every point of view in The Pier Top Restaurant at Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina. An open bar, culinary delights and entertainment will complement the awards ceremony which will be presented by local business leaders and sponsors. Complimentary valet parking is included in the ticket price. “Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina is a proud supporter of many local causes and events that make our community shine as a great place to live, work and visit,” said Amaury Piedra, general manager of Pier Sixty-Six Hotel and Marina. “We are excited to help launch this new awards program in support of the Chamber as we showcase our amazing property and amenities for hotel guests, social events and business meetings.” Sponsors of this event are Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina as the lead presenter, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Memorial Healthcare System, The Eppy Group, Hotspots Media Group, The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, Gold Coast Magazine, Bow Tie Gurl and GPR/Goodman Public Relations. Tickets for the GLBX BCA Awards at the Pier Top Restaurant at the Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina are $45 for members and $55 for nonmembers and can be purchased at www.ftlchamber.com/bca




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