AHF Wellness Centers (877) 259-8727 2900 Biscayne Blvd Miami, 33137
750 SE 3rd Ave, 1st Fl Fort Lauderdale, 33316
1613 Alton Rd Miami Beach, 33139
2097 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors, 33305
16 | Hotspots.LGBT
Hotspots.LGBT | 17
18 | Hotspots.LGBT
Hotspots.LGBT | 19
24 | Hotspots.LGBT
28 | Hotspots.LGBT
30 | Hotspots.LGBT
Hotspots.LGBT | 35
36 | Hotspots.LGBT
Things That Make You Go
Hmmm…
By Troy Maillis
We Live on Hope
In the United States, the average size of new single family homes grew from 1,780 square feet in 1978 to 2,479 in 2007, and to 2,662 square feet in 2013 – even though the size of the average family is now smaller. A “Tiny House” movement is now promoting the return to houses of less than 1,000 square feet.
Anti-Retroviral drugs have been a godsend for individuals affected by HIV. When used properly, ARVs can suppress HIV enough to keep undetectable levels in the blood, which has drastically reduced spreading the virus. Although ARVs have been an integral part in reducing the amount of transmissions, a complete elimination of the virus has always been the ultimate goal. In a study published July 2 in Nature Communications researchers report a possible new way to eliminate HIV from an infected animal’s genome. In a study involving 29 mice, researchers used a combination of a modified ARV treatment to keep the virus at low activity levels, along with a powerful gene-editing technique, CRISPR-cas9, to splice out HIV from circulating cells that the ARV’s missed. In various tests, the scientists could find no trace of the virus in 30% of the animals. The team is already testing the therapy in non-human primates, and hoping to confirm the same results, which could then open the door for human trials.
Source: Thetinylife.com
Source: Time.com
Man Sentenced to Death for Being Gay?
Charles Rhines, who has been on death row in South Dakota for decades, apparently received his sentencing from the jurors due to the fact that he’s gay. According to news reports from The New York Times and CNN, the jury in the case couldn’t live with the fact that if they gave him a life sentence, “he might have fun enjoying sex with other men.” One juror said that sentencing a gay man to prison would be “sending him where he wants to go.” Another said Rhines “shouldn’t be able to spend his life with men in prison.” A third juror went farther: “There was a lot of disgust” in the jury’s deliberation room. “This is a farming community.” The Supreme Court has declined to take up Rhines’ appeal. Source: rjsmith.net
Is Bigger Really Better?
40 | Hotspots.LGBT
By Scott Holland
July 14th - 20th
1 2 3 4 5
44 | Hotspots.LGBT
BOY BAND - NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK The ‘80s band is still touring with hits like “Hangin’ Tough,” “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)” and “Step by Step” as they bring their “Mixtape Tour to South Florida. Always upping the ante, NKOTB have packaged the ultimate lineup for a once in a lifetime live show experience. They’ll be joined by Salt-N-Pepa, Naughty by Nature, Tiffany and Debbie Gibson. The tour is sure to be one of the can’t-miss events of the summer. Sun, July 14; 7:30pm; BB&T Center (1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise); Tix: Start at $45; Thebbtcenter.com SOFT ROCK - AIR SUPPLY The duo of English singer-songwriter Graham Russell and Australian lead vocalist Russell Hitchcock became the kings of 1980s soft rock. Their hits include “Every Woman in the World,” “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” “The One That You Love,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Making Love Out of Nothing at All.” They are touring in support of their new album, “Lost in Love Experience,” recorded with the Prague Symphony. Fri, July 19; 8pm; Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (5550 NW 40th St.); Tix: $35to $55; Seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com. HEAVY METAL - IRON MAIDEN The British heavy metal band has been led by bassist and songwriter Steve Harris since 1975. Their Legacy of the Beast Tour features a decades-spanning set-list of fan favorites, plus interlocking stage sets with pyrotechnics and special effects. Opening is the Raven Age. Thurs, July 18; 7:30pm; BB&T Center (1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise); Tix: $45.25 to $249; Thebbtcenter.com CLASSICAL – SUMMERFEST Sail away with Symphony of the Americas 32nd season Summerfest & soloists of famous orchestras from 10 countries joined by musicians of the Symphony. Maestro Brooks-Bruzzese, leads a musical voyage featuring Vivaldi, Elgar, Mozart, Beethoven, Verdi, Dvorak and more! Fri, Jul 19; 7:30pm; Broward Center for the Performing Arts (201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale); Tix: $20, $35 and VIP is $60; BrowardCenter.org MOVIES – THE LION KING This much loved classic was remade and the as we all know the story is about: after the murder of his father, a young lion prince flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery. This animation/adventure/drama/ family/musical stars Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, Donald Glover, and John Kani Premieres Friday, July 18; rated PG and is 118 minutes long.
6
7 8 9
COMEDIAN – JOHN CRIST With over 1 billion video views, comedian and viral sensation John Crist is the next big thing in standup comedy and brings his Up Close Tour to South Florida. Whether you know him from viral videos like “Millennial International,” “Road Rage in the Church Parking Lot,” or “Every Parent at Disney,” Crist has solidified his comedic prowess with sold out shows from coast to coast. His most recent tour—The Human Being Tour—completely sold out in the Fall of 2018. Fri, Sat and Sun July 12-14; Miami Improv (3450 NW 83 Avenue, SUITE 224, Doral); Tix: start at $35); MiamiImprov.com COUNTRY - DIERKS BENTLEY The country singer-songwriter broke through in 2003 with his self-titled debut album and its 2005 follow-up, “Modern Day Drifter,” which both went platinum. He is also known for his “Black” release, featuring the singles “Different for Girls” and “Somewhere on a Beach.” Opening are Jon Pardi,Tenille Townes and Hot Country Knights. Fri, July 19; 7pm; Coral Sky Amphitheatre (601 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach); Tix: $40 to $276; WestPalmBeachAmphitheatre.com. COMEDIAN - ILIZA Iliza Vie Shlesinger (known as Iliza) is an American comedian, who gained national fame when she won NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2008. She went on to host the syndicated dating show Excused and the TBS comedy/ game show Separation Anxiety. In 2017, she briefly hosted her own late-night talk show called Truth & Iliza on Freeform. For Mature Audiences Only. Sat, July 20, 8pm; Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood): Tix: $30, $40 and $50; Seminolehardrockhollywood.com. SPANISH THEATER - BENDITA GLORIA (BLESSED GLORIA) Following her father’s death, a woman shuts herself up in her home like a hermit in a prison that houses other ghosts with no less tangled histories. Presented by the Albanta theater troupe from Spain as part of the 34th International Hispanic Theatre Festival. Fri, July 19 through Sun,, July 21; Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts (1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami); Tix: $29 to $34; ArshtCenter.org
10
SINGER - GIAN MARCO The Peruvian singer-songwriter is a three-time Latin Grammy Award-winner. With a career spanning multiple decades, he has written singles for Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony, Alejandro Fernández, Obie Bermúdez, Jon Secada and Cristian Castro. His solo hits include “Se Me Olvidó,” “Lamento,” “Resucitar” and “Todavía.” Sat, July 20; 8pm; The Fillmore (1700 Washington Ave. Miami Beach); Tix: $45 to $85; fillmoremb.com.
Hotspots.LGBT | 51
Hotspots.LGBT | 57
58 | Hotspots.LGBT
A BIGGER, BETTER YOU in 2019! PENILE GIRTH ENLARGEMENT
AND SCROTAL ENHANCEMENT WITH THE RENOWNED PLATINUM TECHNIQUE!
There’s no reason to let gravity, age and hormones take a toll on your man package. If you’re experiencing an overly saggy, stretched out scrotum skin you know how uncomfortable this can feel in tight clothing, interfere with exercising, and make you feel self-conscious during intimate situations. Contact Loria Medical for a confidential consultation with renowned Physician Dr. Victor Loria, pioneer in Male Enhancement Techniques.
1-877-Dr-Loria • www.loriamedical.com
Smile... and the whole world smiles back!
$69
Celebrating our 7th Year on Wilton Drive!
New Patients
($295 Value)
Comprehensive Exam, Digital X-rays & Cleaning* *In the absense of gum disease. Not applicable to insurance benefits.
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
954-565-7666 New, State of the Art Facilities•Always Plenty of Free Parking Located Conveniently on Wilton Drive Most PPO Insurance Plans Accepted
No Insurance? No Problem! Ask About our In-House Plan Dr. David K. Warner, DDS, FAGD Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry
1946 Wilton Drive •Wilton Manors • FL 33305
www.IslandCitySmiles.com
66 | Hotspots.LGBT
Hotspots.LGBT | 71
74 | Hotspots.LGBT
The beloved pop underdog talks 'gift' of having LGBTQ fans, gay magic and mullet power.
It's certainly not Carly Rae Jepsen's fault that the English language is, at least when she needs it most, a total let-down. It offers her scant synonyms for describing what, exactly, she's checking off on her color-coded poster boards when making an album: “I'm always embarrassed to say, but emotions.” She giggles, the winsome sound of the greatest pop song not yet written. To hear her floaty laugh is to experience a little miracle, a bit of magic in a time when the world's lost some of its own – in other words, hearing Carly Rae Jepsen giggle, or say anything, quite honestly, is a lot like hearing her 2015 glitterstorm of pop greatness, EMOTION: sweet, bubbly, infectious. A daydream. Content occupying her own queer wonderland (shh, she's still our best kept secret), Jepsen's post-“Call Me Maybe” trajectory into gay darlinghood is a strange, beautiful thing considering how truly delicious her escapist bops are: framed around prismatic beats that lean into the retro pop sounds of the '80s and '90s, her lyrics speaking to the human condition, the fickleness of love her trademark. Broadening her emotion board (sex!), Dedicated, Jepsen's fourth, more-exposed album, is an exciting next step in the 33-year-old industry outsider's freespirited career. Recently, Jepsen kept it real while talking about how the LGBTQ community's wholehearted embrace of her is “a beautiful gift in my life,” being more open to showing the public who she is, and almost getting eaten alive by gays (because of course!) during a recent shopping trip.
I saw you play with The Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 2017 and that was gay heaven. So many gays. I
By Chris Azzopardi
kept thinking, with you around, who needs Grindr? Go to a Carly show, find your husband. Or your husband for a night.
(Giggles) I mean, that's all I'm trying to do, man, is set up new love lives.
Are you feeling that gay love when you're on stage no matter where you are?
I would say one of the gifts of this whole experience, from EMOTION on, has been a swell of being accepted and embraced by a community that I have loved since I began, basically. And I don't think I've ever had more fun than when I play a Pride festival; there's nothing more joyful, and the rooms and the fields are so full of an energy that you don't get anywhere else, and what a cool thing to be involved in.
Does the queer fandom for you on social media translate to everyday life? Like, are LGBTQ fans openly expressing their enthusiastic love for you on your way to Starbucks or at gay brunch?
(Giggles) All of my fans and my gay fans, too, are the coolest, most realest people I've ever met, so it's never been the type of fandom where you feel like you have to run away; it's more like you're meeting new friends everywhere you go and I love that about it.
I just wonder if, at this point in your career, you can go into a gay bar as yourself and not be gay-mobbed.
I mean, I was in New York recently with my boyfriend and we were shopping and we found what was gonna be a store for everything glitter, based on, like, drag, and I was like, “I better go and see if I can find some sparkly gloves for the Cyndi Lauper event”. I walked in and he just grabbed my hand and slowly walked me out, and he was like, “I love you, love, but you're gonna get eaten in there,” because we
got noticed by, like, six different people on the way in. I was like, “But I want the gloves!� So yeah, sometimes it's a little bit crazier.
And did you get the gloves?
I got gloves elsewhere; I was really bummed about it!
I'm sorry that the gays got in your way. (Giggles) No, no! Normally it's something I love, but there's sometimes when, yeah, it's gonna be a bigger deal.
Why do you think gay audiences have embraced you as much as they have?
I have been asked that question a couple of times and both times I was perplexed because I don't know that I have the exact, proper answer. It's a beautiful gift in my life. I think that, maybe, when I'm writing I'm thinking about not being shy of what I'm actually feeling and really getting to the heart of all of the insecurities and concerns and wishes and desires I have, all combined at once. I think maybe authenticity and that realness is something that connects. I'm hoping that's the reason, but I wouldn't know for sure.
Perhaps, more so than in straight adult culture, there's a willingness to indulge and unabashedly celebrate extraness and even kitschiness.
Perhaps! I definitely have not been shy about the playfulness and the joy that I find in writing music. If that connects, then I feel wonderful. I think that's the whole purpose for why I write: to connect to likeminded people.
Photos by: Markus & Koala.
We also love someone who's an underdog, and someone who we can claim as our own. I wonder if you think your outsiderness in the pop world has been part of your queer appeal, because I think it has been.
There's a part of me that thinks that I sort of exist on an island, but it's how I like it. (Giggles) I don't think I
Hotspots.LGBT | 77
totally belong in the L.A. world of pop music, but it's been a really big learning curve for me that's wonderful and I get to celebrate the world that we've created in some way. And it's a much more comfortable one for me than one – I don't know, you feel like you lose your identity in the other one, I think. In this one, I feel like identities get to be celebrated for how weird and wacky they become.
You recently told The Guardian you're “more confident in your weirdness,” and I think that's something a lot of queer people feel or hope to feel.
Its funny reading articles back about things that you've said, and sometimes in the past I've shied away from ever reading anything that someone has printed about me because it's always felt so false. Lately, with this round, I read things back – and there are mistakes here and there – but, in general, I'm terrified by how real and exposing it all is. Its like, “Yeah, OK! I made a decision to be really honest and this is how it unfolds.”
Being a public person is having a responsibility sometimes to show that kind of love and that kind of support and to step out there and to do that.”
Because you're being more yourself at this point in your career?
I don't think I could do this anymore if I wasn't allowing myself to be real. And it wasn't that I was fake before; I just was scared of showing all of me. I think even with this album there was a real decision to go to the places, even the melancholy ones, because those are feelings that I experienced too, that I needed to explore, and I'm hoping that it's the right move. It's a scary thing, always, to expose yourself, but I think even if it's embraced or not embraced it's still gonna feel better than playing the safe game.
Who are your gay icons?
My friend Brandon Hamilton. He was the first man in my life who really taught me about the challenges he was overcoming, and he's been such a beautiful support in my life and such an
78 | Hotspots.LGBT
inspiration. He would be my number one.
I love that you chose a friend. How about musicianwise?
I'm a huge Cyndi Lauper fan. I was really gifted, because two days ago I got to talk to her on the phone for an hour while she interviewed me (for Interview magazine), which I'm still coming to terms with (giggles). I was freaking out. My cheeks were hurting from grinning the whole time. To me, her whole career and the way she embraces the community, and also is just comfortably, at this point in her life, killing it and looking for ways to give back and doing gracious things like getting on the phone with me, that's like, if I could be anything when I get older, I would love to be someone who follows that footpath.
Oh, I already see it.
Aww, thank you. I hope so! And I hope I still have as much fun with my hair! It's purple right now! (Giggles)
What was your first reaction when you saw Mark Kanemura snatching his wigs to your song “Cut to the Feeling” in his viral video?
(Giggles) Honestly? I was like, we should've just had this guy do the video. It's a thousand times better than anything we could've made, oh my god. And then the second thought was, how do I meet him? So it was wonderful: We reached out and just invited him to a festival show and said, “We'd love to invite you (onstage) for 'Cut to the Feeling'; you can do whatever you want to do; the stage is yours,” and when we arrived that day he was super chill and super calm and acted, in the best way, too cool for school. I was like, “You don't even know, but this is amazing,” and I was like, “I don't need to know what you're gonna do but come on out and do whatever you want.” He blew my mind away, because he came out, and you thought the Instagram video was amazing, the live show was, like, even 10 times better. I had a hard time continuing to sing because I just wanted to laugh out loud and party with him!
Did you figure out where those wigs he tossed went when he threw them up and they disappeared?
(Giggles) I asked him about it!
Ha!
No, seriously! (Giggles) That was, like, the first question I asked him: Who helped with the wigs? Was there someone catching them? Was it CGI? I have so many questions! And he's like, “No, it's just the way the camera happens, that when I threw them, they kind of disappeared.” I
people see it the way I've been seeing it my whole life.
That is definitely conveyed in these videos. Are you consciously saying, “We should get a trans woman for this video,” or “I'm gonna rock a mullet for this video,” or “I'm gonna cast a real gay person like Mark to be in the 'Party of One' video”?
mean, what can I say, it was a little bit of gay magic right there.
“Now That I Found You” was used in the season three trailer for Queer Eye. Was that a big deal for you?
Yes! I love that show! And I love those men! And I love the whole concept of just what the show is doing. I think right now it's such a wonderful time for people to be making creative projects that are uplifting and inspirational and make you feel good at the end of your day, and whenever I watched it I always felt like (she affects a fairy-like accent; it's magical), maybe the world is a wonderful place! And being a part of that in any way, I was so thrilled.
You've been giving us gay content since the gay twist at the end of the “Call Me Maybe” video, with “Boy Problems” and “Party of One” being very LGBTQ-inclusive. Not to mention, your lesbian aesthetic in the former. That mullet! You're not queer, so where does your queer sensibility come from? Basically, how are these videos so gay?
(Giggles) That's an amazing question. I grew up in Canada, and this is gonna sound maybe strange, but the idea of the struggles and the confusion – and even different, fucked-up opinions – didn't really come into my consciousness until later, when I kind of got to see the world. And I was outraged. And it blew my mind, because it just seemed so normalized to me to not be thinking about any person who loved whoever they loved as anything other than normal. So I think part of that is a bit of the reason why I fight the good fight: to try to make
Inclusiveness is always something that just comes naturally to me, but also, the mullet, I just had broken up with my boyfriend and felt empowered to rock whatever fucking hairstyle I wanted and I felt powerful when I had it, so that was not a decision to look any certain way but just to look myself.
After EMOTION, an album that's essentially become a gay classic, what kind of pressure was on you when recording Dedicated as its follow up?
I wasn't intending for myself to feel pressure, but I feel like there's always pressure when you love what you do and you want it to connect. I think it's mostly pressure I put on myself versus feeling pressure from the outside world. I wanted to make something very different, I wanted to honor the fact that I was going through a breakup, and some melancholy. There was some expectation of me to always maybe write the feel-good songs – and I felt good – but I also wanted to indulge the feeling of sad too, which is probably more on the second half of the album. I think I went there. But I feel like honesty is always the best move; being authentic, you can never really go wrong. I'm hoping that by at least being real that will connect on some level to the people who need it.
What was the vibe when you wrote and recorded what I'm already calling the Song of the Summer, “Want You in My Room,” with Jack Antonoff?
The beginning lyric of that song, the lighthouse line about how the idea that when somebody you're obsessed with, it's like that light beam comes back to your mind every couple of seconds and they go away and they come right back again – it's obsessive. And Jack is always so playful and fun to write with. He was shouting, “I want you in my room!” We were
like this one!” “I don't like this one!” That kind of stuff. I was like, “Cool cool cool.”
We gay men are good at having opinions.
Which is why I love any friend who's not afraid to tell me, like, “Please don't leave the house in that.” Or, “I'm really not a big fan of this.” At the same time, when they say something complimentary, it means 10 times more. But I think in the writing of this album, because it took me so long and there were some experiments along the way, there was a real feeling that it was like little snapshots of my life, sort of processing my life as it was happening, so it was very personal. It's probably my most personal album in a lot of ways. But, at the same time, with everything that I ever write I'm always looking to connect on a bigger level with people who are hopefully feeling similar things, and for that I think I strive to feel less lonely in it. both dancing and I was just shouting, “On the bed! On the floor!” And we were laughing (giggles) and it was like, “Let's just go there.” And when I write songs, I always put a word theme afterwards about, “What is this about?” so that the album is made up of lots of different – (giggles) I'm always embarrassed to say, but emotions. And when I put that song on the billboard of my little list of stuff I was like, “SEX.” “This. Song. Is. About. Sex.” And it was really fun because I haven't had something as simple as that.
Sonically, it's a real throwback to the '80s. Artistwise, did you have anyone in mind when recording it?
I think at that moment in time probably embracing a little bit of Squeeze, a little bit of Cyndi, and a little bit of getting to shout-sing in a way, because it isn't coy. There's a big part of my personality that's shy, but there's also a real part of me that goes to that place when I'm private, so it was really fun to be, unabashedly, “Let's just go there.”
You've said you find inspiration from your friends and their love lives, as well as your own. What kind of conversations had you been having with your LGBTQ friends about love and sex that might've found their way into some of these songs?
You know, my friend Brandon and his boyfriend came down to stay with me and listen to some of the first songs as I was working on selecting them, and they were mostly supportive. (Giggles) They were like, “I
80 | Hotspots.LGBT
That feeling of “you are not alone” is something I felt at your show in Toronto.
I can remember the first show that I did in New York at Irving Plaza, or maybe it was the second show. It was a big deal, this night to me, because I was blown away by the size of it – and that they were there for us, and we were headlining. I know I had played stadium shows before, but this one felt way more important in all the good ways, and I remember walking out on the stage beforehand, 30 seconds beforehand, and thinking, “I'm terrified. What if I blow it?” And then hearing the crowd and going out there and feeling like, wait, this is the safest place. This room is so full of love. I felt like I could fall flat on my face and everyone would cheer and be like, “Stand back up again!” And I felt so grateful in that moment, that somehow in this world the reality that we had created together was one of love and safety and acceptance. I still, to this day, don't know how that happened. It's the luckiest gift of my life. I've never really been nervous in the same way since. I've just felt really accepted. As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in GQ, Vanity Fair and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.
Hookups =
Visit www.squirt.org to hook up today
genre latino / Conexiones
matanzas, cuba “...allí en Playa Girón, en la costa sur de la provincia, tuvo lugar la primera de muchas derrotas que sufriría el ejército estadounidense a manos del pueblo cubano”. |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
con Oscar Ambulo
Matanzas es la capital que oculta tesoros en todas partes, no solo las playas merecen la pena en esta parte del mundo. En primer lugar, es zona de contrastes y el viajero de ojo experimentado no podrá menos que recrearse en la belleza del lugar. Bajo la magnífica luz del sol caribeño se percibe mejor la gama cromática de los verdes, la 86 | Hotspots.LGBT
variedad del colorido de sus más de 920 flores y los matices de los numerosos peces que pueblan las aguas de sus costas calientes. De esta sorprendente combinación de tonos surge una provincia que podría ejemplificar una primavera tropical, si existiese la primavera en el trópico. Económicamente, Matanzas
despuntó en casi todos los sectores y aportó ganancias a Cuba desarrollando todo tipo de actividades: energética, industrial, ganadera, agrícola, etc. Matanzas descolló especialmente en el sector portuario y en el cultivo de caña de azúcar. Cuando se comenzó a implantar este último se importó una enorme cantidad de esclavos, la mayor de toda la isla. La mezcla de blancos y negros, que dio como resultado, dejó su herencia en Matanzas; no sólo los rasgos físicos de los lugareños de hoy la reflejan, también dejó en ellos el calor de África. Así, del sonido de los tambores finalmente nació en Matanzas la rumba, el primer baile nacional de Cuba. Aún en nuestros días sigue siendo una danza muy popular y el Festival Rumbero que se celebra anualmente en el Teatro Sauto, en la capital de la provincia, es uno de los espectáculos más importantes de Matanzas. La joya de Matanzas, la que más fama aporta a la provincia, es la rutilante ciudad de Varadero, con su interminable extensión de playas, sus apabullantes cadenas hoteleras y su lujoso estilo de vida. No obstante, Matanzas tiene muchos lugares hermosos que no desmerecen a su lado. Si tú prefieres algo más auténtico, que refleje de una manera más fiel la sociedad, y sentir algo del sabor cubano original, la ciudad de Matanzas es una buena opción, con sus decadentes pero encantadores edificios coloniales de estilo neoclásico. Iglesias católicas, un teatro y varios museos son algunos ejemplos de estas
construcciones. La ciénaga de Zapata hará las delicias de los más aventureros, por tratarse de un humedal prácticamente inexplorado cubierto de una densa vegetación y poblado de aves y otros animales muy interesantes. Desde el punto de vista cultural, Matanzas es una de las zonas más ricas de Cuba. Contiene una gran cantidad de museos que te ilustrarán sobre los temas más variados y no deberías marcharte sin visitarlos, como el curiosísimo Museo Farmacéutico, único de su estilo en toda América, el Museo Histórico Provincial, y el estremecedor Museo de la Ruta del Esclavo. Históricamente, Matanzas fue una pieza clave en la defensa de la isla durante la Revolución Cubana, pues allí en Playa Girón, en la costa sur de la provincia, tuvo lugar la primera de muchas derrotas que sufriría el ejército estadounidense a manos del pueblo cubano. La región había padecido ataques con anterioridad a lo largo de la historia, con lo que estaba muy bien pertrechada para lo que se avecinaba, y no tardó en organizarse de forma rápida e idear un contraataque. Si visitas la provincia de Matanzas, aprovecha para recorrer alguno de los diversos museos en los que la guerra y la revolución dejaron su legado. Matanzas es la segunda provincia de mayor extensión de Cuba por detrás de La Habana y una de las que más han contribuido al desarrollo económico de la isla. Se encuentra en la región occidental de Cuba y,
exceptuando las tierras altas del noroeste y centro de la provincia, toda la superficie de Matanzas es llana. Con un clima tropical casi todo el año, atrae a muchos turistas que llegan en busca de sol y playa, ya que Matanzas contiene una de las perlas más preciadas de Cuba: ¡Varadero!
Matanzas is the hidden capital treasures everywhere, not only the beaches are worthwhile in this part of the world. First, it is a zone of contrasts and the experienced eye traveler cannot help but revel in the beauty of the place. Under the magnificent light of the Caribbean sun you can better see the color range of the greens, the variety of colors of its more than 920 flowers and the nuances of the many fish that populate the waters of its hot coasts. From this surprising combination of tones emerges a province that could exemplify a tropical spring, if there were spring in the tropics. Economically, Matanzas excelled in almost all sectors and brought profits to Cuba developing all kinds of activities: energy, industrial, livestock, agriculture, etc. Matanzas excelled especially in the port sector and in the cultivation of sugarcane. When the latter began to be implanted, an enormous number of slaves was imported, the largest of the whole island. The mixture of whites and blacks, which gave as a result, left their inheritance in Matanzas; not only the physical features of the locals of today reflect it, it also left them the warmth of Africa. Thus, from the sound of the drums, the rumba was born in Matanzas, Cuba's first national dance. Even in our days it is still a very popular dance and the Rumbero Festival that is celebrated annually in the Teatro Sauto, in the capital of the province, is one Hotspots.LGBT | 87
genre latino / Conexiones of the most important shows in Matanzas. The jewel of Matanzas, the one that brings the most fame to the province, is the glittering city of Varadero, with its endless extension of beaches, its overwhelming hotel chains and its luxurious lifestyle. However, Matanzas has many beautiful places that do not detract from your side. If you prefer something more authentic, that reflects in a more faithful way the society, and feel something of the original Cuban flavor, the city of Matanzas is a good option, with its decadent but charming neoclassical colonial buildings. Catholic churches, a theater and several museums are some examples of these constructions.
The swamp of Zapata will delight the most adventurous, because it is a virtually unexplored wetland covered with dense vegetation and populated by birds and other very interesting animals.
88 | Hotspots.LGBT
From the cultural point of view, Matanzas is one of the richest areas of Cuba. It contains a large number of museums that will illustrate you on the most varied topics and you should not leave without visiting them, such as the very curious Pharmaceutical Museum, the only one of its kind in America, the Provincial Historical Museum, and the thrilling Museum of the Slave Route. Historically, Matanzas was a key player in the defense of the island during the Cuban Revolution, because there in Playa Girรณn, on the south coast of the province, took place the first of many defeats that the US military would suffer at the hands of the Cuban people. The region had suffered previous attacks throughout history, which was very well equipped for what was coming, and soon became organized quickly and devise a counterattack. If you visit the province of Matanzas, take the opportunity to visit one of the various museums where the war and the revolution left their legacy. Matanzas is the second largest province of Cuba behind Havana and one of the most contributed to the economic development of the island. It is located in the western region of Cuba and, except for the highlands of the northwest and center of the province, the entire surface of Matanzas is flat. With a tropical climate almost all year, attracts many tourists who come in search of sun and beach, since Matanzas contains one of the most precious pearls of Cuba: Varadero!
REACHING 1.3 MILLION UNIQUE USERS ONLINE!
PROFESSIONAL MARKETPLACE OF LGBT AND LGBT-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES AND SERVICES nAttorneys nCarpet Cleaning nComputer Services nDentists nHeating & A/C
nHome Improvement nHurricane shutters nLandscaping nLicensed Massage nMoving & Storage
nPool & Spa nReal Estate nVeterinarians nWindows & Doors ...and more!
IS YOUR BUSINESS LISTED? Register at www.MarksList.LGBT
uSpotlight Ad of the Week
To Place Your Directory or Classified Ad Call Jim at 954-928-1862 ext. 14 or Email Jim@Hotspots.LGBT Hotspots.LGBT | 91
Mark’s List Marketplace u HELP WANTED
WORTHINGTON MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT
Seeking F/T - P/T Maintenance man. Must have experience In light building repairs. Must be friendly Team worker. Dependability a must. 543 North Birch Rd.
u VACATION RENTALS ***HOME MAINTENANCE & LIGHT REPAIRS***
Airbnb deep cleaning and other services. Detail oriented and experienced. $15/h. Eco friendly. Same day Ok. 954-309-1418
u RENTALS - BROWARD BEAUTIFUL BEACH VILLA LAUDERDALE BY THE SEA
3 Bedroom, 2 bathroom condo in a great location, ground floor. Pool outside your front door. Close to restaurants and shops. $1795./month. Call 954-648-8938
HOLLYWOOD KEY WEST STYLE APARTMENT
Residential area, 1 bed, 1 bath, kitchen, living room and balcony. Totally renovated w/new appliances, 2nd floor. $900./mo. 1st & 1 month security. Call Ken 954-826-3515 after 12 noon. Utilities included.
u RENTALS - FORT LAUDERDALE FORT LAUDERDALE EAST
CLUB FORT LAUDERDALE NOW HIRING
Now Hiring Full time team members for a Private Men’s Club.Customer / Hospitality experience is a plus. We are open 24/7,so you must have a flexible schedule. We are looking for reliable, dependable team members. The position requires cleaning during your shift. We offer competitive wages and excellent health benefits. Submit application and resume to the front desk. 110 NW 5 th Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311.954-525-3344 www.clubftl.com
SEARCHING FOR MOTIVATED DESIGNER/STAGE
MUST have design experience and/or a portfolio. Need great attitude/ team player. Duties: preview properties and choose best furniture to stage home, accessorize, hang artwork, etc. 40/wk w/flexibility +-$50,000/yr Send resume to David@elitestagers.com
92 | Hotspots.LGBT
3/2, 2 car parking. Like a house. New appliances, coin laundry. 1.5 miles to the beach. $1650./mo. F/L/S. Good credit. 954-624-6155.
1BD/1BA LOFT IN CORAL RIDGE AREA
Large 1 bedroom, 1 bath with 2 entrances. Large walk in closet. $875./mo. F/L/S. No pets. Call 954-868-0659
BEAUTIFUL HOME WITH POOL
2 Bedrooms, 1 bathroom, renovated kitchen, large patio with swimming pool.Utilities included. Priceless location, close to the Galleria Mall and 5 minutes to the beach! Pet friendly. $2495./month. Call 954-504-3366
DUPLEX IN WILTON MANORS
1 or 2 bedroom. $1345./1 bedroom, 2 bedroom $1545. Laundry facilities, private patio, plenty of parking. Call for appointment 954-648-8938
Mark’s List Marketplace
u RENTALS - OAKLAND PARK OAKLAND PARK, 1BED/1BATH, $975.
Spacious corner unit on a 6 unit building, tile floors, walk-in closet, granite countertop, newly installed hurricane impact windows, off street parking. Application fee. Background check. NO smoking. NO pets. 754-366-7563
u COUNSELING METH PROBLEM??
www.SouthFloridaCMA.org
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. 954-463-6791, 954-895-2265, no texting please. Hotspots.LGBT | 93
Mark’s List Marketplace
MASSAGE BY STEVEN JAY
Have a great Swedish or deep tissue massage. Very private quiet and clean. 1/hr $50 and 1/2 hr $25. Call Steve 954-916-7365, home number/no texting. Lic MA16988
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
u PERSONAL TRAINING
ADVERTISE IN MARKS LIST MARKETPLACE
Call Jim at 954-928-1862 Ext. 14 or Email Jim@HotSpotsMedia.com
94 | Hotspots.LGBT
Mark’s List Marketplace
u CLEANING SERVICES PANE IN THE GLASS
WINDOW CLEANING, PRESSURE CLEANING, GUTTER CLEANING AND WINDOW TINT REMOVAL. CALL SCOTT 954-608-7625 CELL
***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
HOUSE CLEANING BY JOE BEST MAID OF THE YEAR!
House, Apartment, Condo, Move-IN/OUTs. I personalize services for you at affordable rates. Try me now! Call Joe 954-801-3161 Ask about my specials!
u HAIR REMOVAL 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
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
ADVERTISE IN MARKS LIST MARKETPLACE
Call Jim at 954-928-1862 Ext. 14 or Email Jim@HotSpotsMedia.com Hotspots.LGBT | 95
Mark’s List Marketplace 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
***JONNATHAN*** CLEANING SERVICES
*Rentals / Offices / Houses *Complete House Cleaning *One Time or Regular Service *No Job Too Big or Small Please Call for Appointment or a Free Estimate. Jonnathan 954-638-5458
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 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**
96 | Hotspots.LGBT
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
**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
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.
ADVERTISE IN MARKS LIST MARKETPLACE
Call Jim at 954-928-1862 Ext. 14 or Email Jim@HotSpotsMedia.com
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
u LAWN MAINTENANCE/IRRIGATION IRRIGATION SYSTEM REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
30 Years experience, excellent work, referrals upon request. Call Roberto at 954-383-8980
LAWN MAINTENANCE - LANDSCAPE
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 Mike 561633-7419 or 954-812-5434 our website at www. integrityLandscapingService.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
ADVERTISE IN MARKS LIST MARKETPLACE Call Jim at 954-928-1862 Ext. 14 or Email Jim@HotSpotsMedia.com
u HANDYMAN KENNY & JAY REPAIRS AND MAINTENCE
Bathroom, kitchen, microwave, 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, dishwasher & garbage disposals. K&J 954-260-9940 BEST PRICES IN TOWN! 32 Years Experience.
u PAINTING LET US BUILD YOUR DREAM
Painter with 35+ years in the home improvement business. Interior/Exterior paint. Paint specialist at Home Depot for 4 years. Art & Creativity are your signature. Alexander 954.999.2886 akuarelany@ gmail.com Excellent References. Hotspots.LGBT | 97
Mark’s List Marketplace
ADVERTISE IN MARKSLIST MARKETPLACE Call Jim at 954-928-1862 Ext.14 or Email Jim@HotspotsMedia.com 98 | Hotspots.LGBT
Mark’s List Marketplace 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 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 | 99
The Frivolist By Mikey Rox
5 Reasons Sitting at the Bar is the Best Way to Dine
1
Booths may be the most popular seating option at restaurants, but dining at the bar has more benefits than you may realize. Here are five.
You'll receive faster service
Wait staff that serve the main dining floor have several too many tables each, and it's sometimes difficult to receive the attention you need when their hands are literally full throughout your experience at that restaurant. That's not to say that the bar doesn't get busy too – it does – but at least there you have a dedicated bartender or more who is constantly scanning the length to see who needs what. Lock eyes or raise a finger and you're good to go. The bar also is a better option if you're in a hurry. You usually receive your food and drinks much faster compared to sitting at a full-service table or booth, which can be helpful if you need to dine and dash – after you've paid for everything (plus tip!), of course.
2
Eye candy is up close and personal
I can't confirm that bartenders are hired based on their appearance related to the type of clients the establishment serves, but when have you ever been to a gay or gay-friendly bar or restaurant where the hired guns didn't have a pair of their own to gawk at? Thus, if you enjoy sucking on a little eye candy – proverbially speaking – while satisfying your nutritional cravings, belly up.
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 with his dog Jaxon. Connect with Mikey on Instagram @mikeyrox
3
Food and drinks are often cheaper
I practice what I preach in my other life as a personal finance expert, and I'm always looking for deals and discounts when I dine out. The best way to score those savings is usually at happy hour, which requires bar seating to qualify for limited-time food and drinks specials. Even outside of happy hour, bar-only menus typically features lesserpriced items than the regular menu. Making a meal out of a couple of those dishes will save you cash over buying a full-fledged entré e.
4
You can be more affectionate and romantic
My boyfriend and I almost exclusively sit at the bar when we dine out, save for a couple special occasions a year where we like to switch it up and be a bit more traditional at a cozy table. What we both love about bar seating is that we can be closer than if we were seated opposite another. We like to canoodle, put our arms around each other's shoulders, and rest our hands on each other's thighs. The seemingly inconsequential decision on where to sit when we dine out helps us maintain a certain closeness – figuratively and literally – which is very important to our relationship. Spending an hour or two at the bar is a simple way to accomplish that.
5
You'll meet new people and make new friends
My boyfriend was a server at a restaurant when I met him while dining at the bar with a couple buddies, so, yeah, I'm a bit biased on its benefits, but you can't deny that in a restaurant setting the bar is where social people make connections. I've met friends, business contacts, onenight stands and long-term lovers while noshing on half-price apps and dollar-off drafts at the bar, connections I would have denied myself dining in another location.
Hotspots.LGBT | 101