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12.27
From the PUBLISHER
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Publisher Peter Clark Peter@HotspotsMedia.com
Associate Publisher Scott Holland Scott@HotspotsMedia.com
Business Manager Brian Burda Brian@HotspotsMedia.com
Classifieds Manager Jim Nolen
Despite some of the negative news in the press coming out of Washington, 2019 promises to be one of the most exciting years for all of us at Hotspots Media and our vibrant LGBT+ community! We have decided to step up and introduce some new and exciting products in 2019. First, we are moving to our brand-new offices in Oakland Parks Arts and Culinary District. Exterior renovations are nearing completion and our new facilities will include a brand new and expanded Hotspots Live studio, state
of the art technology, community conference room and expanded graphics and photo studios. We are so excited to share more so stay tuned as we prepare to announce our open House. May 2019 be filled with happiness and success to you and yours!
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 Tom Gatz-Nibbio National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 • sales@rivendellmedia.com
Writers Ian Maloney | Troy Maillis Scott Holland | D'Anne Witkowski Chris Azzopardi | Oscar Ambulo Mikey Rox | Romeo San Vicente Photographers Stephen R. Lang | 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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divas wanted
LIPS Nightclub, Fort Lauderdale
In Greater Fort Lauderdale, we welcome everyone who shares our spirit of inclusion. Discover a colorful collection of cultures and activities as unique and individual as you. Visit sunny.org/lgbt @VisitLauderdale | sunny.org
O N T H E INSIDE
December 27, 2018
92
Hot Bodies
What’s Hot | Scott Holland’s Guide to Events in SoFla Deep Inside Hollywood 28 u RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars | Farrah Moan 38 u From the Publisher | What will 2019 Bring? 44 u The Hot List | Top 10 Happenings in South Florida this Week 48 u Hear Me Out | Best Albums of 2018 64 u Feature | Ellen Page Makes Herstory of History 68 u On the Scene | Stephen R. Lang’s Hot Pics of the Week 76 u Genre Latino | Conexiones: Las Hermosas Islas Galapagos 112 u The Frivolist | 6 New Year’s Eve No-Nos 126 u Hot Advice | Looking for Love 16 u
24 u
DIRECTORY OF LGBT AND LGBT-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES
HOT SHOTS:
Arts United • Dolphin Democrats • Johnsons MDGLCC • Pride Center • Rumors • WMBA
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Varla Jean Merman
WHAT’S HOT
By Scott Holland
What’s HOT South Florida
L
ast Tuesday, the GFLGLCC hosted their annual holiday mixer onboard the River Queen Riverboat. Seen at this sold out event were Michael Murphy
Pride Gay Skate, which is always a lot of fun and is a benefit for Stonewall Wilton Manors Pride On Thursday evening the owner s of Hotspots, Peter and Cleto, took the staff to a Holiday dinner at J. Marks Restaurant. Not only was this a wonderful evening of conversation and comradery, but the food was amazing and the staff at J. Marks, as always, was on point! Everything was DELISH, but my two cents tell you to
(Photographer), Joe Pallant & Sander (Pallant Insurance), Rene Cantu (Equality Florida), the PC Lauderdale guys, Jeffrey Selzer (Selzer Law), and many more. On Wednesday, the WMEG held their monthly (3rd Wednesday of the month)
order the Filet Mignon with a Crab cake and I promise you, you will be thanking me! Also on Thursday evening, Hunters held a Customer Appreciation Party for their 5th Anniversary. This was a great event in appreciation of the customers that have kept Hunters successful for 5
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years. Congrats to Mark, Patrick, Bruce and the entire staff on 5 fabulous years and wishing them many more years of success. On Saturday night, Scandals hosted a Back Home for the Holidays party on their back patio with lots of performances from local girls including my friend of umum years, Sally West!
the door (if available), and which starts at 8pm and features DJs, AJ Reddy, Duniel gets you: Free Entrance into the Club (Open – Close), Open and Alex Infiniti, hotspots drag performances, Latin Party Bar all night (All Liquors), Free VIP rooms (just pay in the Monkey Bar, and a balloon drop and champagne dancer) and lots and lots of eye candy. toast at midnight.
The Grille has a fabulous prefixe New Year's Eve menu for only $49.95 where you get to choose a first course (Baby Beef Carpaccio, Shrimp Cocktail or Oysters Rockefeller), a second course (Lobster Bisque, Caprese Salad or Strawberry Fields), a third course (Veal Osso Bucco, Fliet Gorgonzola, Stuffed Lobster, Branzino, Double Cut Pork Chop, or Roasted Duck), and a dessert (Cheese Cake or Key Lime Pie). Also includes champagne toast. For more information call 954-5303361.
Johnsons once again is featuring their fabulous NYE Party which is $50 in advance (Johnsonsfl.com) and $60 at
Twist New Year's celebration features the sounds of DJ Mike James, champagne toast at midnight and full liquor bar till 7am. But don't forget to arrive early to avoid the line.
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Hunters Nightclub presents “Neon New Year” starring DJ Neon the Glowbear, with a special performance by Robin S performing her hits (“Show Me Love,” “Luv 4 Luv,” and “What I Do Best.” They will also feature a Balloon Drop, a confetti throw, party favors a countdown and the Hunters dancers.
Le Boy features no cover, complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and sexy boys dancing all night!
HOT
u THIS IS
I was lucky enough to see Hamilton last Wednesday and it was everything it promised to be and more. The acting, the story telling and singing are top notch (I am still dreaming of Eliza's voice). The show runs until January 20 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Although it's not easy to get tickets, there are some random seats available and I urge you all to try your best to see this blockbuster show!
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Systems) takes place on Ramrod features a $1,000 Monday, January 14th at Lips - balloon drop in cash and prizes at midnight along with Fort Lauderdale. The night free champagne and the sounds will star Estephania St Lords & Erik Garcia Lords (Miss & of DJ Vlexx all night long. Mr. Noche Latina 2018) as well as Kylee K Hunter, Noel Scandals features country Leon, and Carlos Roque (Miss, dancing at 9pm with Posse Miss At Large and Mr. Florida DJs and iconic DJ Robbie Leslie on the patio. They will 2018/19), as well as the also feature $1,000 in prizes, Noche Latina formers. party favors, midnight fireball Celebrating Anniversaries this toast, free valet and free pool. year are:Jose Manuel Vega - The Pub features over $700 15 years, Francina A Holliday in cash and prizes at midnight - 10 years, and Rolly along with a complimentary Villaverde & Taina Norell - 5 years. Categories for champagne toast. Competition are: Evening u TUESDAY JAN 01 Gown/Wear, Swimsuit, talent Georgie's Alibi/Monkey Bar and Q&A. Entry Fee for Contestants is: $75 if paid presents a New Year's Day Recovery Brunch from 11am before Jan 7, $100 from Jan 7to 3pm. They will also have a 13 and $125 day of. Doors open at 8pm and the pageant New Year's Balloon Drop starts promptly at 9pm with Rewind at 7, 8 ,9 and 10pm. general admission $20 u HOT STUFF (includes a seat) and VIP seats The 16th Annual Miss and Mr. $30 (best seats in the place)! Noche Latina Pageant (Official For more information, to order tickets, or to sponsor Preliminaries to the Florida pageant call 954-478-4587. F.I. And M.E. Pageantry
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In addition, producer Jeffrey Seller and Broadway in Fort Lauderdale are featuring a digital lottery for Hamilton, where forty (40) tickets will be sold for every performance for $10 each. Please visit hamiltonmusical.com/lottery for all the details and to register.
uEmail WhatsHot@HotspotsMedia.com to have your items considered for What’s Hot Hotspots.LGBT | 19
MDGLCC
Annual Toy Drive at LGBT Welcome Center
Photos: Stephen R. Lang
deep inside HOLLYWOOD By Romeo San Vicente
choice. She's the one you call when you want it knocked out of the park, and she'll return Chisholm to the public consciousness, letting a new generation know why the words “Unbought and Unbossed” are engraved on her headstone. Look for this one sometime in 2019.
Viola Davis gloves up for The Fighting Shirley Chisholm Sometimes non-queer people earn the right to call themselves more than allies; they get to be honorary members of the LGBTQ community. If anyone deserves that it's the late Shirley She stood up for poor and working class people, she was for LGBTQ rights..
Chisholm. She was the first African-American woman elected to Congress in the House of Representatives in
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1968. And she was “intersectional” before the internet decided on a concise word for caring about the rights and dignity of all people. She stood up for poor and working class people, she was for LGBTQ rights when it was politically poisonous to take that stand, and she generally gave a damn when others didn't. Now Academy Award winner Viola Davis will portray her for Amazon Studios feature, The Fighting Shirley Chisholm, written by Adam Countee (Silicon Valley) and directed by Maggie Betts (Novitiate). Davis is a perfect
Transgender filmmaker Rhys Ernst, whose TV miniseries documentary This Is Me led to directing an episode of Transparent, has stepped into features, helming his first fulllength, Adam. Taking its initial bow at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival in January, and based on the novel by queer cartoonist and author Ariel Schrag, Adam is the story of a teenage boy who spends his last summer of high school with his older sister in New York City among her lesbian and trans activist circle of friends. What he encounters there challenges his ideas, identity and integrity. The film stars Nicholas Alexander (Good Girls), Margaret Qualley (The Leftovers) and legendary Pose house mother MJ Rodriguez, which is also great news. More trans filmmakers at Sundance, please, and more Pose ladies in everything, please. And by everything we mean Elektra Abundance working with Scorsese and Soderbergh, thank you. See you at Sundance.
Romeo San Vicente loves the Pose ladies and Viola Davis
Photo of Kiersey Clemons by KathClick.
Trans filmmaker Rhys Ernst hits Sundance with Adam
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RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 4
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Farrah Moan
By Scott Holland
I
In Week 2 of RuPaul's All Stars season 4, tehere was no mini challenge, but the Maxi Challenge was an audition to the new suoer group “Henny” where the girls had to perform in 2 teams where they had to write their own lyrics, and record them and create their own choreography, style and overall look. The top 2 from last week were the captains and the teams were: Trinity – Valentina, Latrice, Manilla, and Gia Monique – Monet, Naomi, and Farrah. Stacey Lane Matthews, the original “Henny” creator was in the house and the teams had to feature her in their choreography. The runway category was “Elegance after
dark. In the end Valentina and Monet were the top two of the week, and Monique and Farrah were the bottom two. Valentina won the Lip Synch for legacy and send Farrah home. It was a pleasure to sit down with Farrah for this exclusive Hotspots interview: How has your life changed since you were on Drag Race? Oh do a dare say, my life has taken a 180. Before I was on Drag Race I was a struggling artist with a dream. I made a list and did it all. I went to counting coins from my sofa to get something to eat to traveling the world. I am so blessed to be where I am!
What has been some of your favorite cities to visit as a RuPaul Alumni? I fell in love with Hawaii. I also fell in love with New York, because I toughened up. In addition, London, and Santiago Chile were some of my favorites. How exciting was it to get called back for All Stars? Did you consider not coming back, and if so what made you come back? I was very excited when I got the call. However, part of me had to weigh out the pros and cons, and I would be lying if I said I didn't need a day or 2 to decide. Once I committed, I went full force, and I am still so thankful for it. How did you prepare differently for all stars than you did the first time you were on the show? For season 9 it was difficult as I didn't have the funds to make the things I wanted to happen, happen. Some looks ended up being good, and some were flops. For All Stars, I had the money so I made sure everything I wore was part of my creative vision and I was very happy. I definitely went all in! Are you and Valentina still Friends? Valentina and I will always be friends. It does suck that it had to be her that eliminated me, but she had to do what she had to do. There will always be a place in my heart for her. Now that you have been eliminated, who do you want to win? It was such an honor to get to compete alongside such legends, and everyone bought their best drag. My favorite drag queens are Latrice, Manilla, Naomi and Trinity, so if any of them wins I will be over the moon. What's Ahead for Farrah? You can guarantees I will have more crystals‌LOL In addition, I definitely want to venture into the music and make up worlds. I also want to continue to travel the world and perform and make people happy.
For more information on Farrah, you can follow her on social media on Instagram.com/farrahized Hotspots.LGBT | 29
From the PUBLISHER
WHATWILL
2019 BRING? By Peter Clark
Withdrew . Revoked Canceled . Overhauled Erased . Reversed Repealed . Ended
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We made it, 2018 has come to an end and a new year is upon us. What a year it has been, with so much turmoil in Tallahassee and Washington it is hard to imagine what other shoes will drop in 2019. One thing is almost certain, the Muller investigation will come to an end (at least in part) and several people in the current administration who shouted “Lock Her Up� will likely be wearing orange jump suits, ironically behind bars themselves. If nothing else, I have been glued to the cable news networks like I was suffering an addiction to a real-life telenovela. But here is the scary part, this is real, and people's lives are being impacted by an erratic, egomaniac who sits in the oval office. NBC should let our President know that The Apprentice reality show was canceled years ago. His actions have consequences and people are literally dying at our borders trying to escape tyranny and corruption in their native lands. When they finally make it to the promised land, we call America, many are shocked to find a new brand of discrimination and chaos as they stand in line for days if not weeks, clutching their children as they are ushered off to holding areas if, and only if, they are lucky enough to get past the 'metering system' to claim refugee status. The Administration is apparently coming apart at the seams with more senior members of the Trump administration jumping ship as our international allies scratch their heads as insults are hurled at
Russians and Turks to wrap it up. • Reversed an Obama ban on drilling for oil in the Arctic. • Withdrew a rule regulating fracking on public land. • Repealed a rule allowing transgender individuals to serve in the military. • Withdrew federal protections for transgender students in schools. • Ended the declaration of June as Pride Month
them. So, what does the Trump score card look like halfway though his first term?
Let's look at his accomplishments as reported in the Wall Street Journal: • Withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. • Reversal of a rule that would mandate that oil and gas companies report payments to foreign governments. • Revoked an executive order that mandated compliance by contractors with laws protecting women in the workplace. • Canceled a phaseout of the use of private prisons. • Overhauled and scaled down the Department of Justice and the State Department. • Withdrew from the Paris climate agreement. • Erased net neutrality rules established by the FCC under Obama. • Withdrew troops from Syria effectively leaving it up to the
What will 2019 bring? Who knows, but one thing is certain, America is resilient. We have been tested like never before and we are still going strong. I like to say, “we are shaken but not stirred”. The rule of law will prevail, and justice will be served (eventually). We will emerge stronger and wiser as a nation with checks and balances being restored in congress. So, chin up, it was a bumpy ride, but 2019 looks promising if we all stick together and do what's right!
Hotspots.LGBT | 39
By Scott Holland
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HOST – JAY LENO The Late-night TV legend will be revving up fans with his automotive exploits, and continues to deliver material that remains relevant, family-friendly and full throttle funny. From best-selling author to corporate speaker and philanthropist, this beloved funnyman keeps comedy fans clamoring for more. Wed, January 2; 8pm; Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Boulevard West Palm Beach); Tix: start at $29; Kravis.org DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS - THE NAUGHTY TOUR Murray & Peter Present a hilarious evening of holiday performances featuring contestants from Ru Paul’s Drag Race on VH1 including: Aja, Monet, Thorgy, Shea, Raja, Latrice and hosted by Miz Cracker. All ages welcome, but performance includes Adult comedy. Sat, December 29; 8pm; The Parker Playhouse (707 Northeast 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale) Tix: $24-$57 (GA), with VIP available for meet and greet. ICONIC - FORBIDDEN BROADWAY New Season, New Victims, New Laughs! The fall-down funny musical roast of Broadway returns with a blast featuring outrageous costumes, hilarious rewrites of the songs you know, and dead-on impressions by a stellar cast! 2 S. FL stops: Dec 27-31; Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach); Tix: $35; Kravis.org, and Jan 3 & 4; Aventura Arts & Cultural Center (3385 NE 188th Street, Aventura); Tix: $40-$45; aventuracenter.org. COMEDIAN - FORTUNE FEIMSTER NEW YEAR’S EVE Fortune made her national TV debut in 2010 on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, where she finished as a semi-finalist. Fortune was a full-time writer and roundtable regular on the E! Network’s popular late night talk show, “Chelsea Lately,” with Chelsea Handler. Mon, December 31; 7pm; Palm Beach Improv (550 S Rosemary Ave. Suite 250, West Palm Beach); Tix: $30-$65; PalmBeachImprov.com COMEDIAN - TIFFANY HADDISH The stand-up and comedic actress broke through with a star-making turn in last year’s “Girls Trip” film. Ring in the new year with her unflinching candor, disarming authenticity and no-holds-barred comedy. Mon, December 31; 9pm; James L. Knight Center (400 SE Second Ave. Miami); Tix: $47.50; jlkc.com.
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CIRQUE - DREAMS HOLIDAZE The international cast of theatrical artists, singers and dancers perform original music and seasonal favorites in a holiday-themed wonderland set. Experience elaborate costumed characters, including snowmen, penguins, candles, reindeer, toy soldiers, gingerbread men, Santa Claus and ornaments creating illusions and gravity-defying feats. Fri, December 28; 7:30 pm; James L. Knight Center (400 SE Second Ave., Miami); Tix: $33-$97; jlkc.com. AZUCAR - CELIA CRUZ ALL STARS The ensemble celebrates the Queen of Salsa’s repertory with reinterpretations of the icon’s influential hits. Expect to hear “La Negra Tiene Tumbao,” “Quimbara,” “Usted Abusó,” “La Vida Es un Carnaval” and “Bemba Colorá.” Fri, December 28; 8pm; Miramar Cultural Center (2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar); Tix: $35-$60; Miramarculturalcenter.org IMPERSONATION - SIMPLY STREISAND “The next best thing to seeing Streisand herself” is how the New York Post described Carla DelVillaggio. She is a multiple-award winning tribute artist, who has entertained across the country from Miami to Las Vegas to New York City. Described as “funny,” “charismatic,” “can improvise on the spot,” “creates the perfect illusion as Streisand,” “has Streisand’s signature phrasing, timing and vocal mannerisms”… critics continue to rave about DelVillaggio’s performances. Sat & Sun, December 29 & 30; Delray Beach Playhouse (950 Lake Shore Drive, Delray Beach); Tix: $35; delraybeachplayhouse.com GIRL GROUP - SISTER SLEDGE Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the iconic female group that broke through with the 1979 album “We Are Family.” The Grammy-nominated act has since performed at the White House, the U.K.’s Glastonbury music festival and for Pope Francis in Philadelphia. Their hits include “We are Family,” “He’s the Greatest Dancer,” “Lost in Music” and “Thinking of You.” Miami-based DJ Katrella gets the party started, with a champagne toast following the concert. Mon, December 31; 10pm; Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (5550 NW 40th St., Coconut Creek); Tix: $95; seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com
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MOVIE - HOLMES & WATSON This is a humorous take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic mysteries featuring Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. This adventure/comedy/crime/mystery is 89 minutes in length and stars Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Ralph Fiennes, and Lauren Lapkus. Premieres Dec 28, rated PG-13.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Sometimes the perfect gift can’t be wrapped...
THE
BOY BAND PROJECT
FEBRUARY 8 & 9 8PM OldSchoolSquare.org | 51 N. Swinton Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444
Hear Me Out:
Best Albums of 2018 u
By Chris Azzopardi
10. Jussie Smollett, Sum of My Music No way Empire star Jussie Smollett was about to let a label – in his case, not just any label but Sony – sti le his musical ambitions. So he walked. Then he independently produced a stunning soul album called Sum of My Music. Smollett's buttery croon and barefaced vulnerability are served on a smoldering bed of R&B grooves that bend contemporary urban trends in exciting and sincere ways. Same-sex love is a liberating act of de iance on the intimate organdroned “Freedom,” the precursor to “I Know My Name,” a spirited self-determination chant and proof that going his own way was, clearly, the way to go.
9. Santigold, I Don't Want: The Gold Fire Sessions Pure, unencumbered joy on a Santigold album? Yes, she was looking out for your darkened post-Obama spirit, recording a much-needed but little-heard antidote for 2018. For it, the dancehall queen opened the blinds and let the light in on I Don't Want: The Gold Fire Sessions. Deploying an intoxicating rush of reggae-tinged bliss on playful escapade “Crashing Your Party” and cosmic bop “Valley of the Dolls,” Santigold's hallucinogen medicine goes down so easy you just might forget the sting of this last year.
8. Christine and the Queens, Chris Gender constructs bend and break in the glistening queerpop heaven of French artist Hé lö ise Letissier's Chris. Rich in the singer-songwriter's sense of self, the result of her own exploration of gender and its place in society, the subversive and complex Chris lexes a fully formed and thriving persona, where ambition, sexuality and electric pop-funk sizzlers are well within her spectacular reach.
7. Sugarland, Bigger “So cut the cake, and let us eat,” country artist and queer ally Jennifer Nettles sasses on Sugarland's irst album in eight years. Given the surprising sociopolitical weight of the rest of her reunion with Sugarland bandmate Kristian Bush, it makes perfect sense that the duo's call-for-cake is a call-for-equality: “Mother” conveys the pro-LGBTQ stance of its, yes, country music creators, while the wrenchingly too-real “Tuesday's Broken” makes a case for stronger gun laws. It ends on “Not the Only,” leading us into a new year with a needed dose of unity and light.
6. Robyn, Honey This isn't the Robyn album we asked for. You wanted to dance more, and for that, dear queers, you have a trilogy of Body Talk bangers. Though lead single “Missing You” is the kind of Robyn song you'll be happy to know will leave you feeling sad on the dance loor, generally, Honey doesn't bang; the Swedish pop star's art changed because her life changed – a breakup, a death. Thusly, Robyn let Body Talk be Body Talk, and because she's an artist she sculpted a new sound for a new era that forgoes the immediacy and lingering pop thunder of “Dancing on My Own.” Honey, then, with its 90s-era R&B vibe and low-key house throwbacks and wonky detours (“Beach2k20” anyone?), is its own sweet, weird and wonderful thing.
5. Pistol Annies, Interstate Gospel Country artists Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley have been here before, narrating cheeky and earnest parables of love, life and other woes set to the Americana backdrop they've all independently pursued. But with Interstate Gospel, their collective supergroup is ine-tuned as they breathe new life into the road-lesstraveled aphorism on “Milkman” and uncover the grimiest of family traditions in “5 Acres of Turnips,” as Lambert's lament teems with aching regret: “generations of shame, in my granddaddy's name.” Beauty ultimately triumphs, as does Pistol Annies on this, their most moving album.
4. Janelle Monae, Dirty Computer In 2018, Janelle Monae came out and declared herself human. Her other reveal – that she is pansexual – is no footnote on a year that needed all the queer visibility it could get, but her latest inds Monae shedding the metal components of her android alter ego. For Dirty Computer, she came down to earth with bold, timely and lyrically charged assertions of being black, female and queer in an America where all the above is shunned. Her remedy for Trump's America: a vagina monologue (“Pynk”) and a restorative message for the disenfranchised (“Americans”). Dirty Computer is an artist taking full advantage of her role as an activist.
Hotspots.LGBT | 49
3. Mariah Carey, Caution Living tea-drinking legend Mariah Carey came to Caution without the world's expectations on her shoulders, resulting in her most cohesive and selfassured set since 1997's Butter ly. On “GTFO,” she kisses off the hims and hers she does not know in a composed and blasé purr, the whole low-key affair setting the stage for the diva's chill de iance. This is Mariah emancipated from caring. This is Mariah in a negligee on a chaise lounge sipping her hot tea (and on “A No No,” spilling some too). This is Carey turning in one of the most experimental tracks of her enduring career, “Giving Me Life,” as elusive as ever during the song's hypnotically eerie inal stretch. This is what happens when you're Mariah Carey on your own terms. To that I say, resoundingly: a YES YES.
2. Brandi Carlile, By the Way, I Forgive You Veteran singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile came at us hard with the pen on By the Way, I Forgive You. Not a word was wasted, and the Grammys took notice, nominating Carlile – the most nominated female artist this year – for six awards, including Album of the Year, as well as Record of the Year and Song of the Year for her soul-reviving queer anthem, “The Joke.” Notably, the set lives in the space Carlile is most comfortable: the intimacy of a theater, where her towering rough-hewn howl has room to embellish and warm instrumentation emanates like a front-row seat at a Carlile concert. Lyrically, world injustices are brought to the fore with personal urgency and dramatic lare; the album is sad and dark and heavy. But it will heal you too.
1. Kacey Musgraves, Golden Hour On Golden Hour, Kacey Musgraves follows her own arrow again, thank you very much, as she evokes a world so serene it's hard to believe we're living in it. Flowers grow and so does love. Rainbows break through the sky and so does hope. Musgraves' Golden Hour reminds you of the here-and-now, her voice as sweet as the pretty things – and the pretty hard things (letting someone go on “Space Cowboy,” the year's best breakup song) – she brings to life simply by reminding you they exist. That's the point, of course: to turn an eye to the unseen, clouded by a volatile political and social state. But Musgraves' majestic spin on simple pleasures is like returning to a place you love, where just the thought is comforting – a balm, a breather. The sound of a new day. 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). 50
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Drag Icon Varla Jean Merman Opens 2019 Outlandish Series By Scott Holland
L
ogo TV founder Matt Farber is bringing his Outlandish series back to South Florida for the third season, opening Jan. 5 at the Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale with the drag icon Varla Jean Merman in “Under A Big Top”
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Step right up and prepare yourself to be amazed, dazzled and possibly disturbed! Drag superstar and erstwhile “carny” Varla Jean Merman is coming back to town with three rings stuffed with fun…and all she needs is a big top! This circus-themed show is filled with jaw dropping videos, awe-inspiring songs, and death-defying wigs, and celebrates Varla's 20 years as “The Freakiest Show on Earth.”
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It was a pleasure to sit down and talk with Varla's Alter Ego Jeffery Roberson for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
Were you always a ham/performer even as a child or when did the bug bite you? I think I was secretly a ham and it would come out at times. But it wasn't until I went to a boarding school in High school that I got the confidence to act like a goofball. When was the first time you did Drag? It was actually in high school. A friend of mine had a senior auction, where a junior could buy a senior and make them do whatever they wanted. We paid these 2 girls to make us to drag in school the next day.
How did you come up with the character of Varla Jean Merman? That came later. I went to LSU and met this guy named Timo who had a Video Camera, and he introduced me to John Waters movies. Needless to say, I fell in love with Divine. Timo and I started making these small movies doing crazy things. I sold them to the gay bars, and they got popular. When I moved to New York I walked into a gay bar and they were playing the same video tapes….and I told the bartender it was me. They were about to do a big benefit and he asked me if I would perform and that's how Varla was born.
In your wildest dreams did you ever imagine she would have such longevity and be this popular? I hoped she would be a little more popular.
Ditzy, narcissistic and a fun drunk… You have traveled the world. Is there a favorite city or concert hall you performed in and why? I love San Fran. I always have because I connect with them. I also love Palm Springs and Sydney Australia.
Is there something Varla has not done yet that's on her bucket list? I have always wanted to do an ice skating show, or a show in a swimming pool on a lifeboat. Describe Varla in 3 words? Ditzy, narcissistic and a fun drunk…ok that's more than 3, but who's counting?
How great is your show “Under A Big Top,” and why should our readers come see it? It's the greatest show on earth, especially now since there is no circus. It really is great mindless entertainment. People rely on us entertainers for escapism and I like to deliver.
For more information on Varla Jean Merman, you can go to her website at: Varlaonline.com or follow her on Instagram.com/VarlaJeanMerman
Tickets for Varla Jean Merman's Under A Big Top start at $30 at OutlandishFL.com. Premium seating and VIP tickets (including an artist meet-and-greet) are also available.
Other performers in the 2019 Outlandish season include: Leslie Jordan (Jan. 19), Fran Drescher (Jan. 26), Pam Ann (Feb. 9), cirque troupe AirOTic (Feb. 14-16, 23-24), Miss Richfield 1981 (March 9), Coco Peru (March 23), and Lee Squared: An Evening with Liberace and Miss Peggy Lee (April 6).
A discounted 8-show subscription package is still available, and other options include the Four-show “Drag Superstar Pass” (Varla Jean Merman, Pam Ann, Miss Richfield 1981 and Coco Peru) and the four-show “Drag-Free Pass” (Leslie Jordan, Fran Drescher, AirOTic, Lee Squared).
Hotspots.LGBT | 57
bit.ly/LatinosGala2019
APARTYEVERY
GAY DAY OF THEYEAR You belong here. Facebook: Provincetown Twitter: @PtownTourism YouTube: PtownTourism’s channel Instagram: Ptowntourism, #MyPtown
ptowntourism.com
Photos: Sam Jones
Ellen Page Makes Herstory of History 'Tales of the City' star on her LGBTQ fundraising, not watching movies and a gayer 'Whip It'
By Chris Azzopardi 64
| Hotspots.LGBT
Actress and social activist Ellen Page recently witnessed history repeating itself while revisiting acclaimed classic Casablanca. Page noted the 1942 film's eerie modern-day relevance, “the Nazi presence, but the sort of neutrality of people,” while watching the fraught and tense events – as well as “the romanticism of sacrifice” – unfold as Humphrey Bogart's Rick Blaine, former freedom fighter and nightclub owner in Casablanca, protects his old flame, Ingrid Bergman's Ilsa, and her husband Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) from Nazis. What stood out after taking another look at director Michael Curtiz's WWII-set romantic drama: “You have these scenes in this cafe where they're being shown respect because there's these officials, even though, needless to say, they're completely disagreeing.” Page and writer-filmmaker Jason Reitman, who directed the actress in her Oscar-nominated breakout role in 2007's Juno, set out to reimagine Casablanca for our Trump-led times, which are similarly fraught and tense for those desperately seeking life in America – and for disenfranchised groups already there. Simply titled Live Read of Casablanca and part of the Live Read Series, this is what Casablanca looks like in 2018 thanks to the diversified scope of Page and Reitman's Dec. 13 live-read of the classic film at Los Angeles's Ace Theater: female-led, and very queer. Before the event, a benefit for Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, a philanthropic organization working exclusively to advance LGBTQ human rights around the globe, Page was eager to perform with an “inclusive” cast who are “fucking awesome.” “It's one of the most iconic love stories with some of the most memorable lines of any film ever,” says the 31-year-old actress by phone. “It just seems perfect to sort of recreate it in the way that we are.” Live-streaming future reads to reach a larger audience is a “good suggestion,” she acknowledged, but for now, “I really encourage people to go to (Astraea's) website and learn more about their work and what they do, and if they're able to support in any way at all that would obviously be really amazing.” Page's queering and feminizing of Casablanca marches in line with a Hollywood movement bending to minorities as they occupy the narratives of famed and noteworthy but classically cisgender, straight, white works, from the all-black cast remake of Lifetime's Steel
Magnolias to the Latinx-led One Day at a Time, on Netflix, and women taking on roles first depicted by men in Ocean's 8 and Ghostbusters. “In some ways, people are almost just realizing it,” Page remarks on efforts to portray underrepresented minorities on screen. She says, until recently, the “privileged” American public (see: white people) “haven't been cognizant” of giving every kind a seat at the table. Page, who came out in 2014 and married professional dancer and fellow Canadian Emma Portner in 2018, is forthright about the lack of diversity in some of her own films. “A movie like Whip It, you know, should be more queer,” she says, blatantly. “It's just that simple.” Drew Barrymore's directorial debut, Whip It featured Page as Bliss Cavendar, a Texan teenager living in a fictional town called Bodeen and joining a roller derby team, which includes derby girls played by Barrymore, Kristen Wiig, Eve and Juliette Lewis. “It wasn't a realistic reflection of the derby world, and I wish that was different,” the actress says. “I love that film, just wanna be clear. Love that film, had a fucking blast, met two of my best friends in the universe on the film. But yeah, of course looking back on that, that's a bummer.” Released in 2009 by Fox Searchlight Pictures, Page adds, “It's a reflection of the time. I'd like to think that it would be different now, and I think it actually does show not much has changed, but some things have.” As demonstrated in recent years, it's not too late for past works on the wrong side of diversity, so perhaps the unrealistically heterosexual-laden Whip It could be remedied: “If you made a sequel, I would love it,” Page enthuses. “I wish there was a Whip It 2, and she was lesbian.” She giggles, delighted by the thought. “And living in Austin.” Cut on roles in 2005's Hard Candy and Juno, Page's career has dipped into multiple genres: high-budget thrill rides (two X-Men films, Inception), zombie dramas heavy on queer subtext (The Cured), and gay-themed true stories. In the 2015 lesbian biopic Freeheld, Page portrayed Stacie Andree, the partner of Laurel Hester (Julianne Moore), a gay police officer who fought to have her pension benefits transferred to Andree after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Early the following year, the actress' collaboration with gay friend and
Hotspots.LGBT | 65
co-host Ian Daniel, Viceland's Gaycation, aired. The show had the activists traveling to countries like Japan, Brazil and Jamaica to investigate the horrific challenges and distinct cultural characteristics of being LGBTQ abroad. After two seasons, the show returned in April 2017 for a special presentation that examined LGBTQ life in America post Trump. No more episodes are planned, Page apologetically reveals, but she and Daniel are in the early development stages of “a different project that's similar,” but “less in terms of a travel show, more focused stories.” She adds, “Not that they'll be in America, by any means.” Looking back on Gaycation, Page was humbled by the experience, which she says “changed me.” “I mean, you're meeting people who, every day, are risking their lives, are activists spending their lives doing that, and sacrifice so much to do that. That's a level of bravery and courage that I'd like to think I'm capable of, but I'm probably not.” Meeting transgender activist and famed Stonewall rioter Miss Major for the first season's finale was an unforgettable moment for the actress when thinking of “a force and a person who is someone who's ultimately been responsible for so much change for the community.” After Gaycation, Page has continued to tackle projects that are extensions of her own lesbian identity, such as this year's The Cured, an allegorically queer zombie film from out filmmaker David Freyne. Recent LGBTQ films evade her simply because “I've, like, literally barely watched movies. It's been a problem.” She immediately retracts: “Not a problem – but the last year or two, quite frankly, I don't know, but just for some reason I haven't really watched movies.” Apologizing for missing this year's impressive slate of LGBTQ films (she did ask for recommendations), Page says she thoroughly enjoyed the “stunning” Tomboy, a 2011 French drama she says is still fresh on her mind.
66 | Hotspots.LGBT
Seemingly more queer-content creator than consumer, she just wrapped shooting the revival of Armistead Maupin's 1993 TV adaptation of his Tales of the City books, where she joins original cast members Laura Linney and Olympia Dukakis in the 10-part Netflix series, due in 2019. Page refrained from sharing specific details as requested by showrunners, but Netflix's contemporary Tales is set 20 years later, as Mary Ann (Linney) returns to San Francisco to her exhusband Brian (Paul Gross) and daughter Shawna (Page), as well as Anna Madrigal (Dukakis) and a motley crew of other 28 Barbary Lane residents. “I have a love interest, played by Zosia Mamet,” Page says of her co-star, best known for her role on HBO's Girls. “Zosia's amazing. She absolutely blew me away. I had such a wonderful time working with her. She is such a phenomenal actor, so yeah, that was awesome.” And acting alongside Dukakis and Linney: “It's crazy, right? Yeah, walking in and working with someone like Laura Linney, who is absolutely one of my favorites of all time – and, of course, Olympia – I felt so welcomed,” she says. “You couldn't be working with more lovely, sincere, they-do-this-jobbecause-they-just-fucking-love-it (people).” Says Page, “It's about connecting with another actor, not to sound all actor-y and cheesy, but that is such a joy, to be in an environment like that. So to have the opportunity to be able to work with someone like Laura, and to be a part of this in terms of the stories and the narratives and the representation, yeah, I feel very lucky that I was included.” As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach him via his website at www.chris-azzopardi.com and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi).
HOTshots of the week
Courtesy of MARKSLIST.LGBT
HO HO HOOOOOO!
u The team at Riva Residences welcome The Pride Center
and their Sexy Santa for their latest Founders Circle recpetion .
GIVE US YOUR TOYS
u Dale Stine & Steve Adkins welcome
everyone to the MDGLCC Holiday Toy Drive at the LGBT Welcome Center.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
u Antonio Edwards & John Murdock have a great
time backstage at the WMBA Holiday Party fundraiser at The Richardson Estate.
JUST ONE OF THE BOYS
u Johnsons’ Owner Matt is always
willing to undress for The Mad Paparazzi.
BIRTHDAY BOY
u New Twist hire Charlie makes himself at home even celebrating his birthday there!
LIKE A TREETOP ANGEL AH
u The Lady Fancy gave everyone
at The Pub a fierce Dolly Parton during her latest Holiday Variety Show.
HAPPY HOLIGAYS u Friends Javier, Will & Mike
take time to Brunch at Rosie’s before their holiday madness.
READY...SET...DRINK!!!
WELCOME!
u Southern Sands Designs’ Roman Cody Foster
welcomes everyone to the Arts United Mixer.
DOLPHINS
u Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis
hangs with some friends at the Dolphin Democrats’s Holiday Party at J. Mark’s. ‘
u Rumors kicked off their 4th Annual Santa Sip N’ Strut in style with over 100 participants!
Southern Sands Designs
Arts United Mixer
Photos: Stephen R. Lang
genre latino / Conexiones
las hermosas islas galapagos “...el Archipiélago Malayo, son los únicos archipiélagos del planeta que tienen tierras tanto en el hemisferio norte como en el hemisferio sur”. |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
con Oscar Ambulo Las Hermosas y majestuosas islas Galápagos del Ecuador también islas de los Galápagos y oficialmente conocida como el archipiélago de Colón o archipiélago de Galápagos constituyen un archipiélago del océano Pacífico ubicado a 972 km de la costa de Ecuador. Está conformado por trece islas grandes con una superficie mayor a 10 km, seis islas medianas con una superficie 76 | Hotspots.LGBT
de 1 km a 10 km y otros 215 islotes de tamaño pequeño, además de promontorios rocosos de pocos metros cuadrados, distribuidos alrededor de la línea del ecuador terrestre, que conjuntamente con el Archipiélago Malayo, son los únicos archipiélagos del planeta que tienen tierras tanto en el hemisferio norte como en el hemisferio sur. Las islas Galápagos fueron
declaradas Patrimonio de la Humanidad en 1978 por la Unesco. El archipiélago tiene como mayor fuente de ingresos el turismo y recibe 200 000 turistas al año. También se ha desarrollado el turismo ecológico con el fin de preservar las especies. La región fue el hábitat del Solitario George, el último espécimen de la especie tortuga gigante de Pinta, extinta el 24 de junio del 2012. Las islas también son hábitat de especies como tortugas marinas, delfines, tiburones, tiburones martillo, ballenas, arrecifes de coral, fragatas, iguanas, lagartos, cormoranes, albatros, leones marinos y pingüinos. Al igual que la masa continental de Ecuador, el archipiélago es atravesado por la línea ecuatorial, en su mayor parte por el norte de la isla Isabela. Galápagos es el segundo archipiélago con mayor actividad volcánica del planeta, superado únicamente por Hawái. Entra en la categoría de los puntos calientes; los volcanes más activos son Cerro Azul, Sierra Negra, Marchena y volcán La Cumbre en la Isla Fernandina, que es el más activo del archipiélago y uno de los más activos del mundo. Las Galápagos son conocidas por sus numerosas especies endémicas y por los estudios de Charles Darwin que le llevaron a establecer su teoría de la evolución por la selección natural. Son llamadas, turísticamente, las Islas Encantadas, denominación que se ganó el archipiélago en el siglo XVI por su grandiosa biodiversidad de flora y fauna,
heredando el nombre por generaciones. Se estima que la formación de la primera isla tuvo lugar hace más de cinco millones de años, como resultado de la actividad tectónica. Las islas más recientes, llamadas Isabela y Fernandina, están todavía en proceso de formación, habiéndose registrado la erupción volcánica más reciente en 2009. Administrativamente, Galápagos constituye una de las provincias de Ecuador, conformada por tres cantones que a su vez son islas, a saber: San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz e Isabela. El 12 de febrero de 1832, bajo la presidencia de Juan José Flores, las islas Galápagos fueron anexadas a Ecuador. Desde el 18 de febrero de 1973 constituyen una provincia de este país. No podemos concluir sin antes remarcar la rica y deliciosa Gastronomia de Las islas Galapagos. La gastronomía de las islas puede definirse como variada. Predomina un amplio abanico de recetas cuyos ingredientes principales proceden del mar. El modo más habitual de preparar la mayoría de recetas de pescado es al estilo ceviche, es decir, marinado con limón. A continuación te mostramos los platos más importantes de la gastronomía galapagueña. Entre esos platos ricos y esquicitos se encuentran: Arroz marinero, también conocido como arroz con mariscos, es un plato muy popular no solo en las islas Galápagos y Ecuador, sino en toda América Latina. Es un plato tradicional de las zonas costeras y, por este motivo, se
encuentra entre los principales de Galápagos. Tal y como su propio nombre indica, el principal ingrediente es el arroz, al cual se le añaden camarones, conchas, calamares, mejillones… en definitiva, todo tipo de mariscos y pescados. También suele llevar ajo, cebolla, pimiento, un toque de cilantro y especias variadas. Y por último pero no menos delicioso El bacalao con papas es una receta sencilla, descrita como “humilde” por muchos nativos de las islas Galápagos, en la que una vez más el pescado (bacalao) es el ingrediente estrella, tal y como sucede en la mayoría de platos típicos de la costa peruana.
Archipiélago Malayo
Santa Cruz El secreto para que este plato nos quede acorde a como se describe en la receta tradicional son las patatas. Lo ideal sería dejarlas para lo último, una vez hayamos cocinado el bacalao y le hayamos añadido un delicioso sofrito a base de pimiento verde y/o rojo, cebolleta, ajo y tomate.
The beautiful and majestic Galápagos Islands of Ecuador also islands of the Galápagos and officially known as the archipelago of Colón or archipelago of Galápagos constitute an archipelago of the Pacific Ocean located to 972 km of the coast of Ecuador. It is made up of thirteen large islands with an area greater than 10 km, six medium islands with a surface of 1 km to 10 km and another 215 small-sized islets, in addition to rocky promontories of a few square meters, distributed around the equator terrestrial, which together with the Malay Archipelago, are the only archipelagos on the planet that have lands in both Hotspots.LGBT | 77
genre latino / Conexiones the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere. The Galapagos Islands were declared a World Heritage Site in 1978 by Unesco. The archipelago has tourism as the main source of income and receives 200,000 tourists a year. Ecological tourism has also been developed in order to preserve the species. The region was the habitat of Solitaire George, the last specimen of the giant tortoise species of Pinta, extinct on June 24, 2012. The islands are also habitat for species such as sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, hammerhead sharks, whales, reefs. coral, frigates, iguanas, lizards, cormorants, albatrosses, sea lions and penguins. Like the continental mass of Ecuador, the archipelago is crossed by the equatorial
line, mostly by the north of Isabela Island. Galapagos is the second largest volcanic archipelago on the planet, surpassed only by Hawaii. Enter the category of hot spots; The most active volcanoes are Cerro Azul, Sierra Negra, Marchena and La Cumbre volcano on Fernandina Island, which is the most active in the archipelago and one of the most active in the world. The Galapagos are known for their numerous endemic species and for the studies of Charles Darwin that led him to establish his theory of evolution by natural selection. They are called, touristy, the Enchanted Islands, denomination that the archipelago was won in the sixteenth century for its great biodiversity of flora and fauna, inheriting the name for generations. It is estimated that the
Ceviche
Tortuga gigante de Pinta 78 | Hotspots.LGBT
formation of the first island took place more than five million years ago, as a result of tectonic activity. The most recent islands, called Isabela and Fernandina, are still in the process of formation, having recorded the most recent volcanic eruption in 2009. Administratively, Galápagos constitutes one of the provinces of Ecuador, conformed by three cantons that in turn are islands, namely: San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz and Isabela. On February 12, 1832, under the presidency of Juan José Flores, the Galapagos Islands were annexed to Ecuador. Since February 18, 1973, they constitute a province of this country. We can not conclude without first highlighting the rich and delicious Gastronomy of the Galapagos Islands. The gastronomy of the islands can be defined as varied, although a wide range of recipes whose main ingredients come from the sea predominates. The most usual way of preparing most fish recipes is the ceviche style, that is, marinated with lemon. Below we show you the most important dishes of the galapagueña gastronomy. Among those rich and
exquisite dishes are: Arroz marinero, also known as arroz con mariscos, is a very popular dish not only in the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador, but throughout Latin America. It is a traditional dish from the coastal areas and, for this reason, it is among the main ones in the Galapagos. As its name suggests, the main ingredient is rice, to which are added shrimp, shells, squid, mussels ... in short, all kinds of seafood and fish. Also it usually takes garlic, onion, pepper, a touch of cilantro and varied spices. And last but not least, cod with potatoes is a simple recipe, described as "humble" by many natives of the Galapagos Islands, where fish (cod) is once again the star
Ceviche ingredient, as is the case with most typical dishes of the Peruvian coast. The secret for this dish to suit us as described in the traditional recipe are potatoes. The ideal would be to leave them for the last, once we have cooked the cod and we have added a delicious sofrito based on green pepper and / or red, chives, garlic and tomato.
San Cristรณbal
Pride Center
Founders Circle Mixer at Riva Residences
Photos: Stephen R. Lang
Rumors
4th Annual Santa Sip N’ Strut
Photos: Stephen R. Lang
HOT BODIES by Tom Bonanti
Resolve to Stay Fit and
Fabulous in the New Year!
I
t's that momentous time of the year to look back and reflect upon 2018 and look forward to 2019 and all that it holds in store for you. Own your finest achievements and quit crying over past failures. Now's the time to raise the bar and resolve to improve and excel. Note: Whatever resolutions you make, don't “should� yourself to death. Instead, focus upon why you're acting and how these actions will improve your life. Set goals and make resolutions that are specific, realistic, measurable and time-based.
92 | Hotspots.LGBT
Resolution #1: Never skip breakfast. Research shows that people who eat breakfast tend to take in more vitamins and minerals, and
less fat and bad cholesterol drinks per day for men. throughout the day. The Mayo Alcohol affects the brain Clinic recommends eating a and can cause adverse variety of foods (steel cut changes in mood, behavior oatmeal, whole grain toast, lowand thinking. Excessive fat dairy products, fresh fruit) consumption can cause rich in protein, carbohydrates stretching of the heart and healthy fats. muscle, irregular heart rate, high blood pressure, a fatty liver and several cancers. Resolution#2: Be more active. Perhaps the best way to improve Resolution #5: Protect your largest organ. your health is to get active and stay moving all day. Try working Your skin begins to age the moment you're out in the morning if your born, so the best way to preserve its schedule permits. If you're youthfulness is to limit your sun worshiping. In already working out, but feel like order to avoid some of the sun's harmful you're in a rut, revise your ultraviolet rays, which create wrinkles and skin training regime, mix it up, try cancer, observe the following: Always wear sun new things. No time for the gym? screen with SPF 15 or higher; wear protective Take the stairs at work. Park clothing; avoid damaging tanning beds. farther away from your place of business so that you must walk Resolution #6: Talk about mental health. more steps to work. How about a Depression, anxiety, insomnia, and panic quick power walk at lunchtime, attacks are just a few of the ways your frenetic or some calisthenics in the break lifestyle can manifest itself on your soul and room? psyche. Psychiatrists often don't take insurance which makes getting help expensive. Talking Resolution#3: Visit your doctor. over problems An annual check-up with your with a friend or doctor is one of the best ways to your physician is stay pro-active about your a great first step, health. Keep tabs on your heart, blood pressure, and often all you and cholesterol levels before they require need to find relief medications. Get screened for cancer. You don't and gain a new need a referral for a mammogram if you're over perspective. 40 or for a colonoscopy if your older than 50.
Resolution #4: Drink in moderation. 40% of adults in the US drink in excess, a 10% increase since 2014. Drinking in moderation is defined as having 1 drink per day for women and up to 2
Tom Bonanti is a certified personal trainer and massage therapist (MA#40288) with his own one on one facility pumpnincgym.com in Ft. Lauderdale. Contact TrainerTomB@aol.com with questions or set up a free consultation today! Hotspots.LGBT | 93
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Dolphin Democrats Holiday Party
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The Richardson Estate
WMBA Holiday Party
Photos: Stephen R. Lang
The Frivolist By Mikey Rox
Don't Commit These
6 New Year's Eve No-Nos New Year's Eve is a time to reflect, cleanse and get pumped for starting anew, but that happy train could crash and burn if you don't avoid these countdown-todisaster no-nos.
1. Drunk texting your exes
1
Nothing good will come from this. Best-case scenario, you bump uglies after the ball drops, but then you're starting the New Year in a state of regression instead of progression. Worst case, he ignores you, leaves you on “Read�, and you keep texting him like the psychopath you might be until you pass out in a puddle of your own piss and self-pity. Do yourself a favor and resolve to leave the past in the past this time around. Block and delete all the former lovers that have the uncanny ability to turn you into a lunatic after a few ounces of liquor hit your system. There are plenty of fish in the sea, remember, but you won't find new ones if you keep dipping your dick in the same shallow pond.
112 | Hotspots.LGBT
2
2. Booking a harbor cruise
After spending a couple New Year's Eves teetering on the brink of frostbite in Times Square, I booked a cruise around the New York Harbor for a change of pace. Big mistake. What started out as a benign evening of dining, dancing and open bar gradually digressed into a nightmare scenario on the USS Get Me Off This F**king Boat. That's what happens when you pump a hundred 20-somethings full of booze, run out of alcohol midcruise, and offer no reasonable escape. Bottles were broken, punches were thrown, mascara-filled tears drenched sparkly party blouses. It was like that cafeteria jungle scene in Mean Girls, but with actual bloodshed. Stick to a house or ballroom party – and identify all exits in the event of an emergency.
3
3. Making last-minute plans
You really ought to have your NYE plans locked down by now lest you want to be left out in the cold (literally) or spend more than you should on price-hiked tickets to blowout club and hotel extravaganzas. The best events sell out quickly, and you won't have the luxury of choosing wisely by delaying your decision on how to ring in the New Year. Wait too long and you may have no choice but to improvise on December 31, which is the first ingredient in a recipe for year-end disaster. During a year filled with notable lows, the last thing you need is to start Jan. 1 at rock bottom. Then again, the only way to go is up – right?
4. Making no plans I used to put a lot of emphasis on having the BEST time on NYE, but after several memorable fiascos (I'm still traumatized by the cruise, and that was a decade ago), I decided to play NYE by ear on a holiday vacation to Hawaii – because it was Hawaii, and who needs anything else to do but Hawaii all night? Turns out Hawaii is just like every other place on the planet during the year's last hurrah: a cesspool of drunken assholes, long lines, huge covers and cheap champagne (if you can even get a drink). With that, I discovered that NYE plans are important (as is making them early), whatever they may be. I much prefer lower-key New Year's Eves with my boyfriend these days, but having something on the books is required. I've been without plans in the past, and all that did was distract from the good time we could have had because we ended up bickering about where to go and what to do before giving up, slamming doors to separate rooms, and drunk texting exes – a great lesson in itself on learning how to take my own advice.
4
5. Hooking up with a rando For many of us – OK, most of us – a night out, especially on an important occasion like NYE, isn't successful unless we've bagged someone to bang. While that's fine any other day of the year, there's way too much significance attached to this holiday to kick off the New Year with kicking someone out of your bed. Do yourself a favor and be content with your own company on NYE. Beat your d*ck before you go out, delete Grindr from your phone, and stay present in the moment for once. Celebrate with your friends then go home satisfied with yourself that you don't need a fuccboi to validate your contentment or attractiveness. Sure, it's probably a change of pace from how you normally treat yourself, but isn't it about time?
5
6 6. Drinking and driving
You know better. And there's no reason you should be behind the wheel intoxicated when ride-sharing and taxi services are available in abundance (and sometimes free or discounted on New Year's Eve) and family or friends are willing to pick you up and deliver you home safely. Keep the car parked and enjoy your night. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
2019
Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. He spends his time writing from the beach, his dog Jaxon at his side. Connect with Mikey on Twitter @mikeyrox. 114 | Hotspots.LGBT
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u FOR SALE BROWARD FORT LAUDERDALE
Remodeled 6/4 pool home in Coral Ridge (Bayview Elem) $939k. Wilton Manors Riverfront 3/3, InvestorHandyman $475k! Remodeled Harbor Beach 4/3 steps to beach $969,000. Rent lrg, clean 2/2 in Oakland Park $1,450/mo. “Broker Joe” Grano, Realtor® 954-931-0031
u RENTALS - FORT LAUDERDALE PRIVATE GATED ONE BEDROOM COTTAGE
Beautifully remodeled. Impact windows. Washer/ Dryer. Parking for one car only. Small quiet dog considered. $1450 month annual lease. Coastland Realty 954-873-4220
EAST OF US1, NEAR BEACH
CLUB FORT LAUDERDALE NOW HIRING
We are looking for a few good men to join our team. Verifiable customer experience is required. MUST PASS A DRUG TEST. The position entails a LOT of cleaning during your shift. We are open 24/7, so you must have a flexible schedule. We offer competitive wages and excellent health benefits. Submit application and resume to the front desk. 110 NW 5th Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311. 954-525-3344 www.clubftl.com
ADVERTISE IN MARKS LIST MARKETPLACE
Call Jim at 954-928-1862 Ext. 14 or Email Jim@HotSpotsMedia.com 116 | Hotspots.LGBT
Nice area, nice sized efficiency/studio. Has new full kitchen, SS appliance, W/D in unit. Big walk in closet, private parking at your door. Hurricane shutters. Pet possible. Can walk to all needs. 954-523-6757
STUDIO $780
$780 Studio in Middle River Terrace, new tile floors, new kitchen, new appliances, new hurricane impact windows, huge walk-in closet, private patio. Laundry room. Two blocks from Wilton Manors Drive. Application fee $50. Background check. No Smoking. No Pets. 754-377-7563.
FORT LAUDERDALE EAST
1.5 Miles to beach. 1 bed, 1 bath with new appliances, French doors, 1 person, 1 car. $1000./ mo. F/L/S. Call 954-624-6155
Mark’s List Marketplace
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u RENTALS - OAKLAND PARK LARGE 2/2 DUPLEX EAST OAKLAND PARK $1,850
S/S Appliances, Granite, W/D, Central A/C, Impact Windows & Doors, Small private outdoor space. No Smokers, small pets considered w/ non-refundable deposit, Background & Credit Check, Required. Available 12/1. Call 954-817-5544
u ROOMMATES - OAKLAND PARK ROOM FOR RENT
Oakland Park near I-95 and 21st Ave. Washer/ dryer off street parking. Kitchen use and pool. No drugs or drunks. Must have ID and verifyable employment & $5. Background check. Maid Service. Central a/c $170 per week. 3 weeks security. Text only 954-465-4859 118 | Hotspots.LGBT
ADVERTISE IN MARKS LIST MARKETPLACE
Call Jim at 954-928-1862 Ext. 14 or Email Jim@HotSpotsMedia.com
Mark’s List Marketplace 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***
METH PROBLEM??
www.SouthFloridaCMA.org
u HAIR REMOVAL
u LICENSED MASSAGE 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. Plenty of Free Parking
MASSAGE BY MARK
Great massage, great price. 90 minute massage clients $45./therapeutic massage. In the Fort Lauderdale area. In or out. 954-895-2265.
HAIR REMOVAL & MORE!
Waxing, facials, trimming, shaving and body scrubs at its best. Very friendly and relaxing experience. Visit me today. For appointment please call 954-649-9905. WWW.BRAZILLIANTOUCH.COM
LET ME SHAVE YOU
Body shaving and trimming in the comfort of your own home. Friendly, no attitude, Broward only. $50.00 per session 9AM-9PM, call Michael at 754-222-6623
u HEALTH CARE
CAREGIVER AVAILABLE 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Home care, running errands, personal assistant. Call Antonio @ 954-599-3265
Hotspots.LGBT | 119
Mark’s List Marketplace
MASSAGE/SKIN CARE/WAXING/MANSCAPING
In & out travel to resorts or homes. Private studio located at Hollywood Blvd. & 95. Massage/Facials/ Waxing. www.massagemp.com 305-331-1010 Miguel MA0025781.
ADVERTISE IN MARKS LIST MARKETPLACE
Call Jim at 954-928-1862 Ext. 14 or Email Jim@HotSpotsMedia.com
u GROOMING u
u PERSONAL TRAINING YURY MOLCHAN IS THE PERSONAL TRAINER FOR YOU!
I will help you reach your fitness goals. Call 305.7640.6405 today for a free consultation or www.YM-Fitness.com Let’s jump start 2019 together!
ADVERTISE IN MARKS LIST MARKETPLACE
Call Jim at 954-928-1862 Ext. 14 or Email Jim@HotSpotsMedia.com 120 | Hotspots.LGBT
Mark’s List Marketplace ***CLEAN IT RITE*** THE BEST CLEANING FOR YOUR BUCK!
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
BRAZILIAN HOME AND OFFICE CLEANING
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
ADVERTISE IN MARKS LIST MARKETPLACE
Call Jim at 954-928-1862 Ext. 14 or Email Jim@HotSpotsMedia.com
ADVERTISE IN MARKS LIST MARKETPLACE
Call Jim at 954-928-1862 Ext. 14 or Email Jim@HotSpotsMedia.com
u AIR CONDITIONING CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING
Repairs, installations, indoor air quality. Residential/ Commercial. Proudly serving the tri-county area. Quality and experience. Free service calls for all A/C makes and models. Lic/Ins CMC1249558 Call 954-274-8287 for your free estimate. **10% off your first repair**
*** EXPERT AIR ADVICE *** ** AIR CONDITIONING REPAIRS **
Cooling is what we do best. FPL rebates, insured, CACO 36862. FREE estimates on replacements. $95 tune up, Call 954-764-1990
u APPLIANCE REPAIR APPLIANCE REPAIRS / SMALL APPLIANCE DROP OFF
From Roper to Viking we got you covered! LG, Samsung no problem. Small appliance shop rate just $39, fix it don’t throw it away. Call All Bright Repair @ 954-765-6272 it’s fixed or it’s free!
u CLEANING SERVICES PANE IN THE GLASS
Window cleaning, pressure cleaning, gutter cleaning and window tint removal. Call Scott 954-608-7625 cell Hotspots.LGBT | 121
Mark’s List Marketplace u COMPUTERS FLORIDA TECH SUPPORT
On-Site & Remote Support. Located in Wilton Manors. Windows (XP, Vista, 7 & 8) & Mac (OS X). Security, virus, & spyware removal, repairs & upgrades, wired & wireless networking - gay owned www.FLTechSupport.com 954-453-9574
HELPMEERIC.COM ! TECH SUPPORT
Your Personal Tech Assistant. BEST RATES in the tri-county area. Specializing in Android & iPhones. PC/Mac-Training, Installation, Clean-up & Repairs. Friendly, In-Home Srvc. Call/Txt 954-903-4383.
**OPTIMA** COMPUTER REPAIR 954-817-3883 IN-HOME SERVICE. Proudly serving our community for over 12 years. *Get the BEST performance, protection & value from your computer investment. *A+ Hardware & OS certified. *Friendly, professional, RELIABLE service. Reasonable rates. Call: Mike 954-817-3883
u HANDYMAN ONE-STOP SHOPPING AND ASSOCIATES HANDYMAN/ REMODELING AND MORE WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN ALL PHASES OF... Home improvements, additions, electrical, plumbing, painting, kitchen, baths, wood flooring / trim, TV mounting, Former owner of a NY remodeling co. as well as a hands on worker, because I demand perfection in all I do. Please call Mitch for prompt honest and dependable service. Lic. CGC1514441 and insured. 954-253-4650
KENNY & JAY REPAIRS AND MAINTENCE
All bathroom, kitchen, plumbing and electric, outlets, switches, breakers. Time clocks, Upgrade breaker box, repair or replace sprinkler & pool motors, replace & remove hot water tanks & install tankless water heaters. Vanity. sinks, faucets, DW & garbage disposals. K&J 954-260-9940 BEST PRICES IN TOWN! 42 Years Experience.
ADVERTISE IN MARKS LIST MARKETPLACE
Call Jim at 954-928-1862 Ext. 14 or Email Jim@HotSpotsMedia.com
u ELECTRICAL
HARRY’S ELECTRIC - RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
Additions, renovations, service upgrades, breaker panels, FPL undergrounds, code violations, A/C wiring, ceiling fans, recessed, security & landscaping, lighting, pools, pumps, Jacuzzis, water heaters, FREE PHONE ESTIMATES 954-522-3357 Lic & Ins. www.harryelectrician.com
‘D’ ELECTRICIAN TECHNICAL SERVICES INC.
Electrical Contractor State Lic. 13007180. All your wiring needs. Residential and office. State Lic. HI 3578. Call ‘D’ 954-726-0394 Over 30 Yrs Experience Unlimited Master Electrician everything electric & smart homes. 5% Off with is ad. www.delectrician.com
RTS ELECTRIC - 24 HOUR SERVICE
Quality work at a reasonable price. Licensed & Insured #98-CME-1807-X. Contact 954-257-9509. Also, all size generator service and installation. 122 | Hotspots.LGBT
u LAWN MAINTENANCE/IRRIGATION READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS ?
Make your home a showplace. INTEGRITY LANDSCAPE SERVICES, LLC specializes in property clean up, tree and shrub pruning, sodding and landscape design & installation. We also do lawn maintenance. Call 954-812-5434 or our website at www.integrityLandscapingService.com
Mark’s List Marketplace READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
Make your home a showplace. INTEGRITY LANDSCAPE SERVICES, LLC specializes in property clean up, tree and shrub pruning, sodding and landscape design & installation. We also do lawn maintenance. Call 954-812-5434 or our website at www.integrityLandscapingService.com
IRRIGATION SYSTEM REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
19 yrs. experience, excellent work, referrals upon request. Call Roberto at 954-383-8980
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
u LESSONS PIANO OR VOICE LESSONS
Professional gay male musician offering lessons for all ages and levels in your home or my studio. Broadway, pop, classically trained. Lets have fun! Jonathan 646-418-4043 jcorn29@hotmail.com
u PHOTOGRAPHY
ADVERTISE IN MARKSLIST MARKETPLACE To Place Your Directory or Classified Ad Call Jim at 954-928-1862 Ext. 14 or Email Jim@HotspotsMedia.com
u MOVING | STORAGE RED BOX MOVING COMPANY OWNER IN TRUCK ON EVERY MOVE
Call Norbert directly. Affordable, Reliably and Careful. Insured & Licensed MV#567 www.RedBoxMoving. com (954) 305-9176 Hotspots.LGBT | 123
Mark’s List Marketplace
124 | Hotspots.LGBT
need ADVICE
By Andreus Quinones
Looking for Love Dear Andreus, I lost my partner to cancer about a year ago. It's safe to say that I have been incredibly lonely since, especially after 10 years together. I am in my mid 40's now, and my friends are telling me that I deserve to get back out there. I don't even know where to begin. Is it too soon? Should I be downloading Grindr? Please help! Sincerely, Ready Again Dear Ready Again, Losing a partner is difficult, especially if there was true love. I can relate, as it has happened to me twice. Getting back into the dating arena is a frightening thing, especially since we have moved away from the charm of old-fashioned, face to face meetings. Grindr and a lot of other apps and websites have taken away the flirting and pursuit of earlier times and replaced it with instant gratification. Finding a date rather than a hookup, is hit or miss. However, don't be afraid to get back out there. There are always the bars, but there are other ways to meet someone. Community events, involvement in activities at places such as The Pride Center, and a few dating sites (not hookup sites). Take baby steps, see what's out there, socialize and remind yourself that you are still alive, and your partner would want you to be happy.
126 | Hotspots.LGBT
Dear Andreus, I have been on a series of dates over the last year. Probably with at least 20 different guys. It always starts out great, but never seems to turn into anything. We talk on Grindr, then meet up. Usually it starts out with fun, and I am always hoping that it will turn into something more, but it doesn't. Am I doing something wrong? I would love to find someone and start something real. Sincerely, LookingForLove Dear LookingForLove, Seems like you might be looking for love in all the wrong places‌no pun intended. But seriously, you cannot rely on Grindr to find Prince Charming or your happily ever after. This is not to say that it doesn't happen, but we all know what most people are there for. If you want to find something real, start by going to places where your type of guy is. Ask yourself a series of questions - What kind of guy do I want to date? Where would I find him? Also, be upfront. If a relationship is what you are looking for, make your intentions known from the start. That way you don't build up expectations, and end up getting let down when you later find out that you and the person you are talking to are not on the same page. It will save you time, spare your emotions, and a bunch of one-nighters.
PrEP EVERY DAY
CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
Talk to your healthcare provider about PrEP. PrEP: It’s simple. One pill per day greatly reduces your chances of contracting HIV. Together, we partner with clinics in your area to provide PrEP services.
(727) 321-3854
(407) 843-1760
(844) 922-2777
To find the nearest clinic in your area visit: CANcommunityhealth.org/locations
2015
Volkswagen
GOLF
SPORTWAGEN TSI S W/ 17,000 MILES
SALE PRICE
14,900
$
2014 BMW
SALE PRICE
$
20,000
Stk # 111853B. Plus applicable taxes. See dealer for complete details. Expires 12/31/18.
VIN # FM501043. Plus applicable taxes. See dealer for complete details. Expires 12/31/18.
Vista BMW Pompano Beach
Vista Volkswagen
Client Advisor 844-512-7162
Client Advisor 844-567-1353
Kimberly Rosa Vista BMW | Vista Volkswagen
X3
xDrive28i W/ 32,000 MILES
John Latorre
744 N Federal Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 844-512-7162 | VistaBMWPompano.com 700 N Federal Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 844-567-1353 | VistaVW.com