Hotspots! December 26, 2019 by Hotspots Media Group

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CREDITS

12.26 ��

From the PUBLISHER

Publisher Peter Clark

HAPPY NEW YEAR Hotspots Celebrates 35 Years Serving the LGBTQ Community with Pride!

Peter@HotspotsMedia.com

Associate Publisher Scott Holland

Scott@HotspotsMedia.com

Business Manager Brian Burda

Brian@HotspotsMedia.com

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Graphics

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Digital Content Manager

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Senior Account Reps Anthony Verrico & Rich LoPrimo Tom Gatz-Nibbio

It's official: 2020 is the year that Hotspots officially transitions to being a fully digital LGBTQ Media company! I am so proud that Hotspots Live, our social media platforms and Marks List have lead the way to unprecedented growth as we move into 2020. At the same time, Hotspots Magazine is still going strong with 52 editions a year. We’ve

printed every week for the past 35 years with no slowdown in sight. Our LGBTQ community is the cornerstone of everything we do! I simply ask that we take stock of our personal lives and share the joy of the season as we celebrate a new year! Happy New Year!

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December 26, 2019

O N T H E INSIDE

JENNIFER BEALS 12 u 40 u 58 u 66 u 68 u 76 u 84 u 88 u 94 u 98 u 110 u

What’s Hot | Scott Holland’s Guide to Events in SoFla Deep Inside Hollywood Fashion Forward | 2019 Fashion Review Things that Make You Go Hmmm... Feature | The Seth Rudetsky Broadway Concert Series The Hot List | Top 10 Happenings in South Florida This Week Creep of the Week | Scott Lively Hot Bodies | The Benefits of Having More Sex During the Holidays The Frivolist | 4 Things I'm Leaving Behind in 2019 Feature | Island Paradise Honolulu is a Perfect Escape Hot Advice | Family Visit

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DIRECTORY OF LGBT AND LGBT-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES

HOT SHOTS:

Miss Florida Pageants: Supreme, at Large and Mr. • Genesis Pride Factory • Scandals • Rosies • MDGLCC • Pride Center

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Interview with Cody Garcia

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOT

By Scott Holland

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HOT

South Florida

n Wednesday, The Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce presented their Holiday Networking luncheon from 11:30am to 1pm at Thasos Greek Taverna. The chef at

On Wednesdays Evening WMEG presented their monthly Pride Skate at Xtreme Action Park (3rd Wed of every month), which is a benefit for Stonewall Wilton Manors.

Brazilian chef and the food was yummy. One of the highlights of the party was the mini concert by the fabulously talented Lenore Jay. Thanks Peter and Cleto for a wonderful party!

As always, this is a fun event in a fun place!

Thasos created a wonderful 3-course plated lunch, served with sparkling or still water. In addition to the opening remarks by Keith, Richard Gray from the CVB spoke about their plans for Pride of the America's, and got us all excited for this fabulous event happening right here in our backyard in April. 12 | Hotspots.LGBT

On Thursday, Hotspots owners Peter and Cleto held a Holiday Celebration in their home for the entire Hotspots Staff and some VIP customers. The event was catered by a

Directly following the Hotspots party, we went to Hunters to help Mark, Patrick, Bruce and their entire staff celebrate their 6th anniversary. Another great event!

On Friday evening, we headed down to Twist to hear the sounds of the one and only DJ Power Infiniti. As always, Twist was busy!

Everything you need to plan your week

uTHURSDAY DEC 26 My Tropx presents their Ruby Member Sale with 40% off everything for ruby members from today through Sunday, December 29.

Starting today and going through Wednesday, January 1, The Pride Factory features 20% off all Lubricants! This is a great time to stock up for the year! u FRIDAY DEC 27

The Pub presents Ho, Ho, Ho, just one more holiday show starring Electra at 9:30pm.

The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA) is thrilled to welcome back Miami Big Sound Orchestra as part of the monthly “Jazz at MOCA” at 8pm. Known as downtown Miami’s resident Latin Jazz big band since 2006, Miami Big Sound Orchestra combines 21stcentury big band jazz with Afro-Cuban and Brazilian music, funk and soul. Their repertoire includes original

compositions by Rafael “Cali” Valencia, legendary Miami bassist/composer; Chino Nunez, GRAMMY Award-winning producer; and Jaui Schneider, former pianist/composer of Ray Barretto; along with classics from legends such as the great Mario Bauzá . This event is free and open to the public. u SATURDAY DEC 28

Bourbon Street Pub and New Orleans House presents a Holiday Underwear Party (men only event) in the New

Orleans House Garden and Pool Bar with a live xxx performance with international adult film star Hans Berlin.

Murray and Peter once again present a magical (and hilarious) evening of holiday performances in A Drag Queen Christmas – The Naughty Tour at 8pm at the Parker Playhouse. The night will feature some of your favorite contestants from Ru Paul’s Drag Race on VH1. All ages welcome, but warning there is adult content. The night will be hosted by Nina

West and star Lady Bunny, Thorgy Thor, Shuga Cain,

Manila Luzon, Scarlet Envy and hometown girl Latrice Royale. Tickets start at $41 at Dragfans.com or Parkerplayhouse.com.

Noche Latina Saturdays inside the Windsor Dance Room and Lounge at The Manor Complex presents “Last Dance of 2019” (El Ultimo Baile del 2019) starring Lana Novva Lanudde and Champagne Bordeaux, along with DJ Larry Larr spinning and sexy Latin Go-Go Papi’s will be on display for your visual eye candy. Saturdays at the Manor are from 11pm to 4 am and feature NO COVER before midnight (FL Res) and only $7 for members after midnight and $10 for non-members (18-20 – $12 all night). u TUESDAY DEC 31

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Bourbon Street Pub and New Orleans House presents the New Year’s Eve infamous Shoe Drop with Sushi, but before the shoe drops they are featuring a free show on their Duval street stage at 9pm hosted by Sushi with cohosts Bria Ansara and Jeff Hotspots.LGBT | 13

Kylee Hunter (Miss Florida Moss with DJ Gary Nolan and Kylee Hunter (Miss Florida Moss with DJ Gary Nolan and F.I.), Tiara Love Dupree, Kat special performances by F.I.), Tiara Love Dupree, Kat pecial performances by Wilderness and Juicy Love. recording artist Beth Sacks, Wilderness and Juicy Love. ecording artist Beth Sacks, The night will also feature DJ’s and Jennifer McClain with an The night will also feature DJ’s nd Jennifer McClain with an AJ Reddy, Alex Ramos, and appearance by Stoli LGBT AJ Reddy, Alex Ramos, and ppearance by Stoli LGBT Alex Infiniti and the Latin Ambassador Patrik Alex Infiniti and the Latin mbassador Patrik room will be open. No cover! Gallineaux. They are selling room will be open. No cover! allineaux. They are selling Scandals Saloon celebrates VIP grand balcony tickets for Scandals Saloon celebrates IP grand balcony tickets for New Year’s Eve with a Roaring $200 (only selling 150 tickets) New Year’s Eve with a Roaring 200 (only selling 150 tickets) 20’s theme, with $1,000 in cash and features a fully catered 20’s theme, with $1,000 in cash nd features a fully catered give-a-way, along with a free premium buffet, top shelf open give-a-way, along with a free remium buffet, top shelf open fireball toast at midnight and bar, bag of beads and private fireball toast at midnight and ar, bag of beads and private shows at 11pm and 12:30am restrooms. Directly following shows at 11pm and 12:30am estrooms. Directly following starring Alex Amarosa, Vanity the midnight they present the starring Alex Amarosa, Vanity he midnight they present the Flair, Jessica Channing, “1st 4 of 2020” with the Shoe Flair, Jessica Channing, 1st 4 of 2020” with the Shoe Verandah Lanai and Sally West. Drop after party from 12am to Verandah Lanai and Sally West. rop after party from 12am to The Ramrod presents DJ 4am with VJ Gary Nolan in the The Ramrod presents DJ am with VJ Gary Nolan in the Pup Rockit along with a main bar and DJ Vogue in the Pup Rockit along with a main bar and DJ Vogue in the $1,000 in cash and prizes garden & pool bar and of $1,000 in cash and prizes arden & pool bar and of balloon drop at midnight plus course they will be featuring balloon drop at midnight plus ourse they will be featuring free champagne. the Men of Bourbon. he Men of Bourbon. free champagne. Twist celebrates with DJ Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Twist celebrates with DJ Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Sushiman, a champagne toast Bar presents New Year’s Eve ar presents New Year’s Eve Sushiman, a champagne toast “Massive: Indoor/Outdoor at midnight, and a full liquor Massive: Indoor/Outdoor at midnight, and a full liquor Party” with drag shows on the bar at 7am. arty” with drag shows on the bar at 7am. main stage hosted by Athena The Pub features DJ Bill The Pub features DJ Bill main stage hosted by Athena Hallquist spinning all night with Dion with special guests: Hallquist spinning all night with ion with special guests: a complimentary champagne Missy Meyakie Le Paige, a complimentary champagne Missy Meyakie Le Paige,

HOT HOT

u THISuISTHIS IS

Mill Creek Entertainment is pleased to Mill Creek Entertainment is pleased to announce the complete series release of The announce the complete series release of The King Of Queens. All 207 episodes from the King Of Queens. All 207 episodes from the show’s 9-seasons run are available for the first how’s 9-seasons run are available for the first time together in widescreen, high-definition on ime together in widescreen, high-definition on Blu-ray, currently selling for as low as $99.99! Blu-ray, currently selling for as low as $99.99! The King of Queens consistently delivered The King of Queens consistently delivered laughs and is one of the most popular and aughs and is one of the most popular and longest-running comedies in television history! ongest-running comedies in television history! Kevin James stars as Doug Heffernan, a lovable Kevin James stars as Doug Heffernan, a lovable regular guy with an adoring wife, Carrie (Leah egular guy with an adoring wife, Carrie (Leah Remini), and a frustrating father-in-law, Arthur Remini), and a frustrating father-in-law, Arthur (Jerry Stiller) under his roof. As a parcel Jerry Stiller) under his roof. As a parcel 14 | Hotspots.LGBT

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toast along with prizes, drink chips, bar tabs, and cash giveaways at midnight. Johnsons invites everyone to come watch the ball drop with them. Admission is $50 and includes an open bar, VIP admission and a champagne toast at midnight. The Eagle Bar Wilton Manors presents 2 DJs: Herbie from 9pm to midnight and Rent Boy from midnight to 3am. Admission is $10, and includes Champagne Toast, Party Favors and NYE Cake. For $40 Cover, you receive all of the above plus no wait in line and an Eagle WM T-shirt. They are also offering a VIP admission for $125, that includes all of the above plus a catered buffet from 10pm – 1am and an open bar from 10pm – 2am. Tickets can be purchased at: Eaglebarwm.com. The Manor presents “Carnaval Fantasy” starring

Grammy nominated DJ Tony Moran along with TP Lords, Erika Norell, Sasha Lords, Calypso Monroe and Billboard chart topping diva Debby Holiday performing her hits “Dive,” and “Joyful Sounds.” Admission is $20 until Dec 30 for 21+ (18-20 - $25). VIP admission which includes open bar all night in an exclusive furnished VIP lounge is $80 until Dec 30. Purchase tickets at showclix.com/event/manorny e2020 or at the Manor Box office Friday and Saturday nights from 11pm to 4am. u WEDNESDAY JAN 01

Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Bar presents their annual New Year’s Day Recovery Brunch with the brunch menu served from 11am to 3pm. The Club Fort Lauderdale presents a New Year’s Day Poolside luncheon at 1pm.

deliveryman, Doug's only refuges are the little time he spends alone with Carrie and the company of his buddies Deacon (Victor Williams), Spence (Patton Oswalt) and Danny (Gary Valentine), whom he turns to for advice that just might make his life better, if he only bothered to follow it. Mill Creek Entertainment produced this 20-disc Blu-ray set exclusively for Couch Potato Entertainment to sell online on Amazon, eBay and other retail outlets. This special edition release also contains numerous bonus features that have been ported over from previous DVD releases including: •Pilot Episode Commentary with Kevin James and Show Creator/Executive Producer Michael Weithorn •Behind-the-Scenes featurette

3 4

•Laughs Montage Featuring the Most Hysterical Moments from the First Season •Audio Commentary with Kevin James and Michael Weithorn •Series Retrospective •Thanks To the Fans •200th Episode Celebration •The Writers of The King Of Queens

uEmail WhatsHot@HotspotsMedia.com to have your items considered for What’s Hot Hotspots.LGBT | 15

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CELEBRATE YOU

Two continents. Over 53 nations. One love. Greater Fort Lauderdale invites everyone under the sun to the very first Pride of the Americas. Join hundreds of thousands of individuals who together will bring global attention to LGBT+ advocacy. All are welcome to fly your flag high, make an impact and radiate life – because who you are is worth celebrating. Make your plans at sunny.org/PrideAmericas Beach Party & Parade • Arts Festival • Fashion Show • Business of the Americas Conference • Transgender Summit • LGBT+ Health & Wellness Conference

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory At the Arsht Center January 1-5

By: Scott Holland

Complete casting has been announced for the Miami engagement of Roald Dahl's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory coming to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County on January 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5. That's right, there is something exciting you can take your someone special to on NEW YEAR's DAY!

Leading the cast as the extraordinary chocolate maker, Willy Wonka, is Cody Garcia, with Brody Bett and Ryan Umbarila alternating in the title role of Charlie Bucket.

They will be joined by Steve McCoy as Grandpa Joe, Caitlin Lester-Sams as Mrs. Bucket, Audrey Belle Adams as Mrs. Gloop, Zakiya Baptiste as Violet Beauregarde, Katie Fay Francis as Mrs. Teavee, Scott Fuss as Mr. Salt, Branden R. Mangan as Mr. Beauregarde, Angela Palladini as Veruca Salt, Sam St. Jean as Augustus Gloop, Matthew Boyd Snyder as Mike Teavee. Rounding out the cast, David Nick Alea, Bella Cala iura, Gina Daugherty, Nicole Hale, Domanick Anton Hubbard, Ryan Kiernan, Alysha Morgan, Daniel Pahl, Jenna Brooke Scannelli, Justin William SchaďŹ&#x20AC;ner, Lauren Soto, Luis Villar, Jamaal K. Wade, Justin White, and Nicole Zelka.

30 | Hotspots.LGBT

It was a pleasure to sit down with Cody Garcia (Charlie) for this exclusive Hotspots interview:

At what age did you begin performing and how did it happen? I started performing as a very small child as I was doing everything my brother did. He started theatre, therefore I did. He stopped, but I never did and then went to a Performing arts High School (NESA) and then I went to college at the Boston Conservatory. I basically never stopped performing.

ABOUT ROALD DAHL AND HIS LEGACY Roald Dahl (1916-1990) was a spy, ace ighter-pilot, chocolate historian and medical inventor. He was also the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG and many more brilliant stories. He remains the world's No.1 storyteller.

Sitting in a hut at the bottom of his garden, surrounded by odd bits and pieces such as a suitcase (used as a footrest), his own hipbone (which he'd had replaced) and a heavy ball of metal foil (made from years' worth of chocolate wrappers), he went on to write some of the world's best-loved children's stories. His irst children's story, James and the Giant Peach, was published in 1961, was a hit and every subsequent book became a best-seller.

What was your irst professional role? I was in the ensemble in the Music Man in high school. However, my irst lead was Ambrose in Hello Dolly, also in High school.

How did you get cast in this “Charlie And The Chocolate Factory?” I was working for Disney Cruise Line doing Beauty and the Beast and I missed the auditions in New York. I was disappointed, but then a couple weeks later I saw on Instagram they were still looking for a Willy Wonka and I submitted a tape. I got called in to read for the producers, and a short time later I was oﬀered the role.

Is there pressure playing such an iconic ilm role? Yeah 100%. Whether its pressure that people are putting on me or the pressure I am putting on myself, it's there.

Today, his stories are available in 58 languages and, by a conservative estimate, he has sold more than 250 million books. Many of these stories have also been adapted for stage and screen, including the 1971 ilm classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Wes Anderson's acclaimed Fantastic Mr. Fox, the multiaward winning Matilda The Musical from the RSC with music by Tim Minchin, and Steven Spielberg's blockbuster The BFG. The latest adaptation is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical which opened on Broadway in April 2017 following three Golden years on London's West End.

Hotspots.LGBT | 31

Other than this role, what has been your favorite role to play? I loved doing Flynn Rider in Tangled the Musical is was such a fun show and fun character to play. I also loved Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast.

What is your fantasy role? The Bakers Wife in Into The Woods is a dream role for a long time. I would also love to play Raul in Phantom of the Opera.

What should our readers expect from this production of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory? They should expect to see Charlie and the Chocolate factory in a way that has never been done before. It's very cool and interesting the way we tell the story on stage.

32 | Hotspots.LGBT

For more information on Cody, go to: Codyrgarcia.com

The hit Broadway musical features songs from the original ilm, including "Pure Imagination," "The Candy Man," and "I've Got a Golden Ticket," alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters from Hairspray.

Tickets to Roald Dahl's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory are available online at Arshtcenter.org, by calling 305.949.6722 or through the Arsht Center Box Of ice in person at 1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132. Ticket prices start at $35. DISCOUNT CODE – “HOTSPOTS20” will get you $20 oﬀ Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday Evening performances in PL4-6 (tier 3 and 4). For more information, visit www.CharlieOnTour.com.

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deep inside HOLLYWOOD By Romeo San Vicente

The Go-Go's documentary of your dreams is here The Go-Go's were among the first punk rockers in Los Angeles, but when the time came to choose Black Flagstyle hardcore (they used to play shows with those guys) or bouncy pop punk, the tightlyknit band of women opted for the latter and became superstars. Over 40 years later comes a suitably legend-status documentary about them called, simply, The Go-Go's. Directed by Alison Ellwood (American Jihad) and covering the origins, burst of '80s fame, controversies, breakups and reunions, the doc promises full access to the stories of Jane Wiedlin, Belinda Carlisle, Gina Schock, Charlotte Caffey and Kathy Valentine, the women behind the most successful allfemale rock band of all time. We're not sure if their queer

40 | Hotspots.LGBT

icon status will get a lot of play, but any Gen X fan will tell you the band was always a favorite of so many queer boys and girls in their heyday (and that queerness has always been part of the band, too, since Jane is bisexual and Gina isâ&#x20AC;Ś well, Gina is the quiet sort). In other words, we want to watch this thing yesterday, but will have to wait until its premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.

Frank, it's set in 1973, and it follows an 18year-old woman (Sophia Lillis, It) and her gay uncle (Paul Bettany) as they drive from Manhattan to South Caroline for the funeral of the family patriarch. Along for the ride is Uncle Frank's partner (Peter Macdissi, Six Feet Under), a relationship that we're going to guess provides some of the early-'70squeer-in-the-South tension when that funeral goes down. The logline says it's a film about family and forgiveness, which sounds very heartwarming. The film premieres at Sundance 2020 before hitting some sort of arthouse theatrical window later in the year; it co-stars Steve Zahn, Judy Greer and Margo Martindale, and we're looking forward to the ride.

Uncle Frank rides along on a gay 1970s road trip

Alan Ball, the man who created Six Feet Under and shepherded True Blood to television, has written and directed a new queer-themed road-trip film. It's called Uncle

Romeo San Vicente loved the GoGo's when they were punk rockers and loved them even more when they became pop punk.

Jennifer Beals

Photo: Showtime

Walks the Walk, Hikes the Hike

'The L Word' star on returning to the series, diversifying the revival and being the 'most square' cast member By Chris Azzopardi

46 | Hotspots.LGBT

hen Jennifer Beals speaks to the universe, the universe listens. Or at least it did this one time while the 55-year-old actress was on a hike. She can't recall the exact year, but it was sometime between 1999 and 2002 when she got down on her knees in the middle of a trail and asked for a â&#x20AC;&#x153;great love story.â&#x20AC;? Beals got that love story. Granted, she also got ighting and cheating and custody battles, but

You went into the original L Word hoping that maybe you'd reach someone who needed to see themselves re lected on screen. For this revival, what was the driving force to get these characters back on TV? Quite early on, as early as, gosh, 2012, Kate,

Leisha and I became aware that The L Word was still being discussed on social media and in chat rooms, and that there was still a hunger for these stories but perhaps in a newer form because there was a paradigm shift happening within the queer community where a whole new generation was refusing to let other people de ine them, and those de initions were outgrowing any kind of lexicon that we had. And so it was at that time that we approached (series creator) Ilene Chaiken about resurrecting the show in a new form, and she was busy with a little show called Empire (laughs) but was very excited about the idea. And the more we learned about the stories of this newer generation, the more excited we became about being able to tell those stories and making our cast more inclusive and more diverse. Despite breaking ground, the original show was criticized for not being inclusive. And, honestly, there will be criticism of this version, because the community is outpacing pop culture in exponential ways. That criticism is important to hear and to take in and to igure out how and where we can do

Photo: Showtime

the universe still delivered her a great love, which just so happened to be a lesbian love. And the show, The L Word, which ran from 2004-2009 for six seasons, changed the landscape for lesbian women in mainstream culture with a show dedicated to their lives for the irst time ever. The series took on important LGBTQ topics such as “don't ask, don't tell,” samesex adoption and coming out as transgender. And in 2012, Beals, one of the series' leading stars, was presented with the Human Rights Campaign's Ally for Equality Award for her support of the LGBTQ community. Ten years after it wrapped, The L Word returns to Showtime with an extended title, The L Word: Generation Q, and a new, more diverse cast who are starring alongside original cast members and current executive producers Katherine Moennig, Leisha Hailey and Beals. For the eight-episode revival, Beals reprises her role as Bette Porter, now running for mayor of LA. When Beals, who has been called an icon, a dykon and an honorary lesbian, calls me one recent afternoon, I acknowledge her zen disposition in the interview clips I've watched in preparation for our talk. How does she manage to keep so calm? “It's so funny because I just got inished with a two-hour hike,” she says, breaking into a laugh. “But I think hiking is really helpful.” Indeed, it seems to be doing the trick.

Hotspots.LGBT | 47

better.

How did the criticism from the original show shape the revival? I think the most important things were to have trans actors playing trans roles and to make it more inclusive racially.

I mean, you could say Joni Mitchell has some lesbian currency. OK! All right! I feel better now. I do feel better. What about Rickie Lee Jones?

The bisexual community also felt like they weren't fairly represented. Right. And the fact is it's not humanly possible to tell everyone's story right away. But we hope as the years go on that we will be able to be as inclusive as possible. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to write their story and try to get it made. I think that's also really important.

Photo: Showtime

Going back, what was your experience with the LGBTQ community before The L Word? Oh my gosh, I knew nothing! I knew nothing! I am still by far the most square cast member. Like, Kate still makes fun of me because my playlists are so square.

She's queering your playlist then? She hasn't yet (laughs). I should ask her to do it, that would be a good thing. And it's not even queering the playlist; it's just making it a little bit more robust. It's either stuďŹ&#x20AC; from the '40s or chants or, all of a sudden, it's Post Malone. It's sort of just crazy, with a healthy dose of Joni Mitchell.

Photo: Kharen Hill

Your music playlists? Yeah. Because I stay with her sometimes and she's an amazing DJ and my playlists have, admittedly, some Top 40 in luences in there (laughs), and she just cringes when she hears them. So I have to get permission to play my playlist. (Laughs.)

Rickie Lee Jones is not on my radar, so I'm sorry, I cannot qualify that. (Laughs.) OK, I'll pretend I never asked.

While we're on this topic: Having learned about dental dams during the original L Word, are you still learning new things about the LGBTQ community with this latest iteration? I always am learning, frankly. And the language is changing so fast that I'm trying to keep up with it. It's important, not necessarily that certain labels or sayings or quali ications will remain, but sometimes it feels like language is an inadequate repository for things that are so luid and so fast-moving. It's like trying to quantify a stream that's lowing by you so quickly.

Photo: Showtime

Jennifer, that's so poetic. I was just hiking, so you know, that's where that comes from. (Laughs)

I agree with you, and I think that that's the direction the queer community has moved into: into a more luid environment. Yes, and it's incredibly exciting to me. It's incredibly exciting to me when language can't keep up. It tells you that we're at a fulcrum of change that's tremendously exciting, and as a cis, straight woman where I have to come from always is a) that I have a tremendous responsibility being so lucky to be chosen to play this part and b) that the intersectionality of these stories is always love. Our desire to be loved and to love in the way in which we choose is the thing that connects all of us and that I can relate to deeply. And I can relate to otherness

deeply.

How did you tap into your otherness at the beginning of L Word? Apologies that you were looking at interviews ad nauseam, but I tell the story of preparing for the pilot and I had been focusing, really, on what it was like to be a curator, to be a gallerist, in that world: I was at a restaurant with my husband and he turned to me and he kissed me. It just was like an epiphany, where it dawned on me that if we had been a gay couple that that event would've been monumental in this particular restaurant. It really pained me.

As a straight woman, were you scared of taking on a lesbian role? No, because there was no conversation about that at the time. Zero. Any fears that people talked about was the other way, of what it would do to your career. And I had no fear about that; I didn't even really consider it. I just thought, “Look at this gift I've been given; it's an extraordinary part that's layered and complicated and complex.” Frankly, I had been hiking, gosh, I don't remember what year it was – maybe 2000, maybe 1999, maybe 2002. I can't remember. I'm gonna have to look it up. But I was hiking and I was trying to communicate to the universe what I wanted and I said, “Please, I want to be in a great love story. I want to be in a grand, historic, iconic love story,” and I literally got down on my knees on the trail and said, “Please.” Because it was something I felt like I hadn't really had yet and that would be meaningful, not only to me but perhaps to other people, as all love stories are.

Hotspots.LGBT | 49

Photo: Showtime

And of course, I gave it to the universe and it handed me back my request in an even more extraordinary package of playing in an iconic, wonderful, lesbian love story. And it was fantastic. It was more than I even knew what to ask for. And I'm incredibly grateful. And it was only a couple months later; it was a choice between The L Word and another show. I was sent two scripts and they asked me to choose between the two parts, and then they asked me to choose between (L Word character) Tina (Kennard) and Bette.

It fascinates me that you didn't know you had a lesbian following until The L Word given Flashdance and your iconic water scene. How did you not know? Well, because I never… I'm not… there was no social media! And like, I wasn't part of the community, so I never really was privy to those conversations. And I was in college in my own little bubble, studying, and, you know, running around town.

And, evidently, not going to lesbian bars. But I did go to a lesbian bar once! I was in a (1992) ilm called In the Soup – I think it was In the Soup – and we had a lesbian assistant director who had an amazing pair of leather pants and I said, “Where did you get those leather

50 | Hotspots.LGBT

pants?” She named some place in Germany and I was like, “OK.” She goes, “But if you go with me to the” – oh, god, what the hell is the name of the place I want to say? Pink Pussycat or something like that.

Sounds very lesbian. (Laughs.) “If you go with me to the Pink Pussycat, I'll give them to you!” I'm like, “Done. That's so easy.” So I went to the bar in I want to say the East Village or Alphabet City – somewhere like that – and it was really uneventful. I mean, in some ways like a heteronormative bar in that you have girls, they're scantily clad, dancing in cages or on things or whatever, and then you just had a bunch of women drinking. It wasn't… I don't know what I expected it to be! But it wasn't as transgressive as maybe I had imagined it might be (laughs). But I got the leather pants! (Laughs.) I was really excited! Did you wear the leather pants? Yes … but they didn't it me very well! I mean, I just don't look good in leather pants. That's just a fact. Most people don't. My husband looks much better in leather pants than I do.

So the moment you stepped onto the set of Generation Q, you're in LA with co-stars that you've worked with for many years who maybe you hadn't seen regularly. What did it feel like to be back with them and back on the set? Well, we had seen each other regularly because we had been plotting and scheming to get the show back on the air for years and years and years, and I was at Kate's house quite regularly when I would come to Los Angeles and we could see Leisha, and the three of us would spend time together. But what was surreal was seeing us in the wardrobe and the manifestation of our characters; that was really quite surreal. And Ilene came to visit that day too, so it was really intense.

Your queer fans will appreciate that you're executive producing an adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid's critically acclaimed novel The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo for Freeform with Ilene. From what I've read, it all seems very queer. Were its LGBTQ themes a draw for you? Well, it's funny how it came about: I had just inished playing Margo Taft in (the Amazon Studios series) The Last Tycoon, which is my favorite part that I've ever played. It was so much fun. And I really missed her. Like, I had a palpable ache of missing this person, and I was at dinner with my friend and I was talking to her about it and telling her about the character because the show hadn't aired yet and she said, “Oh, it sounds so much like Evelyn Hugo,” and I said, “What's Evelyn Hugo?” and she said, “My friend Taylor just wrote this new book; it's not out yet but I think you'd be really interested in it. It's sort of a similar idea.” I said, “Please, please, please, can I read it? I just want to visit with someone who's even like Margo.” So I got a hold of Taylor and she was kind enough to send me an advanced reader copy and I fell in love with it. It had a lot of similar themes that Margo had, but it was like a Margo Taft and L Word mashup. (Laughs.) And yeah, it de initely has a lot of queer themes in there.

Could you talk about the relevancy of The L Word in its respective political moment, then and now? It's really interesting. In 2004, Bush was president and there were no comprehensive legal protections covering gender or sexual orientation, and there aren't now either. But then there was The L Word that challenged this heterocentrist view of the world, which was exciting. And now here we are in 2019 with an administration that, from the moment they took of ice, was attacking the LGBTQ community. It was an assault. And as the returns were coming in in 2016, Ilene and I were texting one another, trying to igure out what we can do. And on November 18, we got together and dedicated ourselves to bringing The L Word back, because we knew at that point visibility would be even more important. Because when you're under attack, visibility, while it's not everything, brings a certain amount of agency and a certain amount of community and can also help shift paradigms in terms of the parasocial interaction, so we knew it would be important. I think somebody called it “the discrimination administration.” This couldn't be a better time, then, to have Bette run for openly lesbian mayor of LA. And she's outspoken about many issues, including curbing the opioid crisis. But she is also her own worst enemy. That's been her way all the time. That's one thing she hasn't quite mastered. (Laughs.)

If you were an out lesbian mayor, what issues would be irst on your agenda? I would really want to push the Equality Act. I think that's the most important thing right now. That and education. Making sure that schools are safe. That's great. Now we just gotta get you in. Jennifer Beals for of ice. (Laughs.) Never! Never in a bazillion years!

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 The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.

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FASHION FORWARD By Carlos Marrero Fashion Editor | Instagram:@camarrero

2019FASHION REVIEW E

very year brings powerful movements that de ine the world of fashion. This year seemed like it was a mix of old and new themes. The fashion world said Farewell to Karl, the CAMP's Met Gala Theme brought us Billy Porter dressed as a “Sun God” delivered (Brought in) by six yummy hot men, and J-LO walked the Versace runway in Milan Fashion Week serving a new version of her iconic “Jungle” dress… still looking sickening!

AHEAD, 5 FASHION TRENDS THAT DEFINED 2019. * BASED ON LYST'S YEAR IN FASHION REPORT 1: INCLUSIVITY 2019 saw a number of vocal callouts against the industry's lack of diversity and representation. Shoppers searched for fashion re lecting the needs and tastes of diverse communities; searches for adaptive and modest fashion rose 80% and 90% respectively. There was a 52% increase in searches for the terms 'genderless' and 'gender neutral' with fashion. “Woke” consumers looked for designers and retailers that aligned with their values and in response, some of the world's most powerful brands launched diversity campaigns and programs to promote inclusivity, some hiring new teams to help them improve at board level.

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Photo: ralphlauren.com

2: PSYCHEDELIC From tie-dye to neon green, psychedelic motifs and rave colors were popular this summer. From Proenza Schouler's knitwear to Ralph Lauren's tie-dye polo t-shirt, customers embraced psychedelia. Searches for neon green pieces went up 69% over the summer.

3: SURVIVALIST In a politically turbulent year, customers looked to fashion for survival. Cargo pants and utility vests saw a surge in searches in the fall and demand for belt bags increased 33% over the last six months. Stomping boots sales increased 73% in September.

4: 90S RESURGENCE From cropped tops to square toed heels and slip dresses, Lyst saw a number of 90s trends gain momentum this year. Fendi's Baguette bag saw a 164% rise in searches year on year, and celebrities dug out archive pieces from designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Thierry Mugler, and Versace.

5: 'STREETWEAR' EVERYWHERE As dress codes continue to relax and the de initions of luxury, streetwear and sportswear evolve, the phenomenon previously known as 'streetwear' powered the year's biggest trends. This year, customers spent on average $192 on a new pair of sneakers, a 39% increase year on year. The average spend on a T-shirt also increased 16% to $67. OďŹ&#x20AC;-White was the most searched for brand of the year.

There you have it my fashionista friends, stay tuned for predictions on 2020 trends coming soon! Go to Lyst.com/year-in-fashion-2019/ to see the full 'global fashion search platform Lyst'

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Things That Make You Go

Icing on the Cake

Rejection sucks, but it didn’t stop Mr. Gay Canada 2019, Josh Rimer, from planning the wedding of his dreams. The gay travel blogger hoped to marry his fiancé at Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center in the beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, but his email request was promptly denied. The hotel chain stated via email: “Our staff is not specialized to carry out an equal wedding.” So of course Josh did what any self-respecting person would do: he vlogged about it! After rival hotel Hilton Puerto Vallarta caught wind of the video, they tagged Josh in an Instagram post offering to host the wedding ceremony for free. The icing on the cake? Travel company VACAYA offered the future grooms a free honeymoon cruise to Lisbon, Portugal to celebrate their nuptials. Josh and his fiancé, Heath, happily accepted both offers. In a statement VACAYA said, “We’re thrilled to join Hilton Puerto Vallarta in celebrating the love between Josh and Heath because we believe that together we can shine a brighter light on the work we still have left to do to reach equality.” As for Sheraton—let the boycotts begin!

Source: LGBTQNation.com

One Sweet Day

Hmmm…

By Troy Maillis

That Ship Has Sailed

Known as a fierce advocate for LGBT rights, Harvey Milk has solidified his legacy as a pioneer in the fight for equality. But before his foray into politics and activism, did you know Milk served in the Navy? Well at least up until his supervisors “caught” him with another gay man, questioned him about his sexual orientation and forced him to resign. As you are well aware things have dramatically changed when it comes to LGBTQ rights and the military, most notably President Obama’s 2011 repeal of President Clinton’s “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Since then the Navy has decided to honor the person they once kicked out for being gay. Back in 2016 the Navy announced it would name a ship after Milk, and now construction has officially begun on the USNS Harvey Milk. The new oiler ship will resupply fuel to other ships at sea. “(This) sends a global message of inclusion more powerful than simply ‘We’ll tolerate everyone,’” Stuart Milk said at a ceremony in San Diego, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. “(It says) We celebrate everyone.”

Source: CNN.com

They say revenge is a dish best served cold. Last week we called out Mariah’s Lambs for being salty at the fact Lil Nas X’s epic 2019 hit “Old Town Road” surpassed Mariah & Boyz II Men’s “One Sweet Day” as the longest running number one song on Billboard’s Hot 100. Winter is here and I’m eating my words—and boy are they icy. It looks like the Lambs are getting the last laugh and ending 2019 on a Mariah Carey-octave high note. Twenty-five years after its initial release, “All I Want For Christmas is You” has finally hit the number slot on the Billboard Hot 100. Not only is it an incredible feat for a song to top the charts decades after its initial release, it is also worth mentioning the holiday tune is Mariah’s 19th overall number hit on the Hot 100 charts! The songstress is only ONE number one song behind legendary group The Beatles. Come on Mariah, your Lambs need you to be number one. Will that one sweet day ever come? Source: Billboard.com

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Seth Rudetsky

The Seth Rudetsky Broadway Concert Series Returns to Parker Playhouse with Tony Award Winners: Kelli O'hara, Stephanie J. Block and Santino Fontana

he Seth Rudetsky Broadway Concert Series presented by Mark Cortale returns to Parker Playhouse in 2020. The series, co-presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, delivers three intimate evenings of incredible music and hilarious conversations hosted and music directed by the Sirius XM Radio star, whom the New York Times dubbed “The Mayor of Broadway.” The series features three Tony Award winners and critically-acclaimed powerhouse talents: Kelli O'Hara (The King & I) on January 3, Stephanie J. Block (The Cher Show) February 22 and Santino Fontana (Tootsie) on April 3. Rudetsky is the host on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio's "On Broadway" and “Seth Speaks” on Sirius/XM Stars. He penned My Awesome/Awful Popularity Plan and The Rise And Fall Of A Theater Geek and three volumes of Seth's Broadway Diary featuring inside scoop and hilarious stories from Broadway. He co-wrote and co-starred in Disaster! - The Musical. In June 2016, he and his husband, James Wesley, co-produced "What The World Needs Now" which hit #1 on iTunes raising

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over $100K for the Orlando shooting victims. More information is available at Sethrudetsky.com. O'Hara, who most recently earned a Tony Award nomination this season in the Broadway revival of Kiss Me Kate, launches the series on Friday, January 3 at 8pm. On Broadway, her portrayal of Anna Leonowens in the critically acclaimed revival of The King and I garnered her the 2015 Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, along with Grammy, Drama League and Outer Critics nominations. She then reprised her Tony-winning role while making her West End debut for which The Times hailed her as “Broadway musical's undisputed queen” adding “Kelli O'Hara does not just play Anna, she owns the part.” Other Broadway credits include: The Bridges of Madison County (Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle nominations), Nice Work If You Can Get It (Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle nominations), South Paci ic (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle nominations), The Pajama Game (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle nominations), The Light in the Piazza (Tony & Drama Desk nominations), Sweet Smell of Success, Follies, Dracula, Jekyll & Hyde and a

Kelli O Hara

Photo: Laura Marie Duncan

host of Regional/OﬀBroadway credits. O'Hara received a 2018 Webby nomination and Emmy nomination for her role in the hit web-series thriller The Accidental Wolf and appears in the second season of Net lix's series 13 Reasons Why. Other ilm and television credits include: Sex & The City 2, Martin Scorsese's The Key to Reserva, Showtime's Master of Sex, CBS All Access's The Good Fight, Blue Bloods, Alexander Hamilton, N3mbers and the animated series Car Talk. In 2015, she made her Metropolitan Opera debut in The Merry Widow. She returned to the opera this past spring as Despina in Cosı ̀fan tutte. Her concerts have gained international acclaim, spanning from New York's Carnegie Hall all the way to Tokyo. She is a frequent performer on PBS's live telecasts and the Kennedy Center Honors. Along with two Grammy Award nominations, her solo albums, Always and Wonder in the World are available on Ghostlight Records. Block, who won this year's Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her starring role in the current Broadway hit musical The Cher Show, joins Rudetsky on Saturday, February 22 at 8pm. She also starred in the New York Revival of Falsettos (Tony Award Nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical, Outer Critics Award Nomination, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical), Little Miss Sunshine (Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Tony Award Nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical and Drama Desk Award Nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Musical), Anything Goes, By The Way, Meet Vera

Stark, 9 to 5: The Musical (Drama Desk nomination for Best Actress in a Musical), Wicked, The Pirate Queen and The Boy from OZ. She starred in the First National Touring Company of Wicked as Elphaba (Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Actress, Carbonell Award for Best Actress in a Musical). Block's has many regional credits. Television credits include Rise, Orange Is The New Black, Homeland and Madam Secretary. She has sung with numerous symphony orchestras around the U.S. Her solo concert has been critically acclaimed in NYC and London. Her voice can be heard on the original cast recordings of The Boy From OZ, The Pirate Queen and 9 To 5: The Musical (Grammy Nomination) and, of course, her own album, This Place I Know. She is a proud member of The Musical Theatre Guild and has been a member of Actors Equity since 1995. The series culminates on Friday, April 3 at 8pm with Fontana who currently stars on Broadway as Michael Dorsey in the stage musical adaptation of the ilm Tootsie, for which he was awarded this year's Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He was previously nominated for

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a Tony Award for his starring role as Prince Topher in Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella on Broadway. Fontana originated the role of Tony in the Broadway production of Billy Elliot and was awarded the 2010 Drama Desk Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his work in the revival of Brighton Beach

Memoirs. He has also appeared on Broadway in the revivals of Sunday in the Park with George, The Importance of Being Earnest, Hello, Dolly!, Moss Hart's Act One and in the Encores series productions of 1776 and Kurt Vonnegut's God Bless You Mr. Rosewater. He provided the voice of Prince Hans in the Walt Disney Animation Studios ilm Frozen which he reprised in the Frozen 2, and starred on television in the CW romantic musical comedy-drama Crazy Ex-Girlfriend as well as appearances in Fosse/Verdon, Mozart in the Jungle, Shades of Blue and Submissions Only among other television and ilm appearances. In 2005, as a member of the Essentials, Fontana co-wrote the musical comedy Perfect Harmony and originated the role of Philip Fellowes V. In 2006, he starred as Hamlet in The Guthrie Theatre's performance of the Shakespearean classic, before moving to New York City to star as Matt in the OffBroadway revival of The Fantasticks. He is married to actress Jessica Hershberg. Tickets for each concert are $37-$67 with $123 VIP tickets offering a meet and greet with the artists. A three-show subscription is available and offers a 20% savings and the same seating for each event.

Buy tickets online at ParkerPlayhouse .com and Ticketmaster.com; by phone at 954.462.0222; in person at the Parker Playhouse box of ice Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm to 5pm and at the Broward Center's AutoNation Box Of ice.

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/ miamibeachpride

www.miamibeachpride.com

MARCH 28 - APRIL 5, 2020

LET'S HAVE A BALL! Join us for a nine-day celebration featuring a two-day festival, parade, entertainment and much more.

BEACH PARTY & FESTIVAL | APRIL 4 & 5 PRIDE PARADE | APRIL 5

PRESENTED BY

WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE MIAMI BEACH VISITOR AND CONVENTION AUTHORITY. All confirmed sponsors as of December 16, 2019.

By Scott Holland

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NEW YEAR’S EVE There are parties all over south Florida from Sushi coming down the shoe in Key West, to the Biltmore Roaring 20’s party, to the Urge party at Avenue, to all the parties in South Beach and up and down Wilton Drive. I urge you all to be safe and please don’t drink and drive! Tue, December 31 OPRAH - 2020 VISION: YOUR LIFE IN FOCUS TOUR Joined by high profile guests, including Lady Gaga and Julianne Hough, attendees will spend the day with Oprah as she shares the personal ups and downs of her wellness journey and guides them to develop their own 2020 action plan through motivating conversations, the latest in wellness research and insightful interactive workbook exercises. Sat, January 4; 9am; The BB&T Center (1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise); Tix: $126; Thebbtcenter.com TONY WINNER – KELLI O’HARA Experience an intimate evening of incredible music and hilarious conversations hosted by Seth Rudetsky. On Broadway, Kelli’s portrayal of Anna Leonowens in the critically acclaimed revival of The King & I, garnered her the 2015 Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, along with Grammy, Drama League and Outer Critics nominations. Fri, January 3; 8pm; Parker Playhouse (707 NE 8th St, Fort Lauderdale); Tix: $37-$67; Parkerplayhouse.com; VIP tickets include premium seating and post show artist Meet & Greet COMEDIAN – EDDIE GRIFFIN Funnyman Eddie has built an ever-growing fan base since jumping onto the comedy scene in 1990. His life changed when one night his cousin dared him to go on stage at the local comedy club Sanford and Sons where he was told to do 3 minutes. It was then that Griffin purchased a one-way ticket to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming a stand up. Fri and Sat, January 3 and 4; Palm Beach Improv (550 S Rosemary Ave #250, West Palm Beach); Tix: $35-$45; Palmbeachimprov.com MUSICAL – CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY It’s the perfect recipe for a delectable treat: songs from the original film, including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of Hairspray. Get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator, and more at this everlasting showstopper! Wed, January 1 through Sun, January 5; Arsht Center for the Performing Arts (1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami); Tix: start at $35; Arshtcenter.org

>>>>> Dec 28 - Jan 04

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COMEDIAN – CARLOS MENCIA Comedy Central’s “Mind Of Mencia” The Heartbreak Kid Mencia began his career doing stand-up on amateur night at the world renowned comedy club, Laugh Factory. He later showcased at The Comedy Store and became a regular, performing nightly. After he found success on the L.A comedy circuit, Mencia was named “International Comedy Grand Champion” from Buscando Estrellas (the Latino version of Star Search). This led to appearances on “In Living Color,” “The Arsenio Hall Show,” “Moesha” and “An Evening at the Improv.” Mon and Tues December 30 & 31; Miami Improv (3450 NW 83 Ave., SUITE 224 Doral); Tix: $30-$55; Miamiimprov.com TV - ALMOST FAMILY Based on the Australian series Sisters, Fox’s _Almost Family_ tells the story of an only child who finds her life turned upside down when her father reveals that, over the course of his prize-winning career as a pioneering fertility doctor, he used his own sperm to conceive upwards of a hundred children, including two new sisters. Premieres Wednesday, January 1; Fox; 9pm CHANUKAH FAIR - ON LAS OLAS A fun day for the entire family. Exciting carnival rides, bounce houses and for the first time, an Extreme Zipline attraction. There will also be face and glitter painters, cotton candy and snow cones, and a kosher food truck! Free admission. Nominal fees for food and rides. Sun, December 29; 12pm - 5pm; Huizenga Park (32 East Las Olas Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale); FREE; Downtownjewish.com COMEDIAN - JACKIE “THE JOKE MAN” MARTLIN Jackie has traveled the world making people laugh. He is a stand-up comedian, writer, radio personality, author and actor, best known for his eighteen years on The Howard Stern Show, where he was an on-air comic as well as head writer Sat, January 4; 7:30pm; Mizner Park Cultural Center (201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL); Tix: $25 to $65; Miznerparkculturalcenter.com

BALLET - ROMEO & JULIET BALLET A full length Ballet in two acts; with choreography and production by M. Lavrovsky and Garry Sevoyan. Music by Sergei Prokofiev. Playing Juliet is Prima Ballerina Olena Dobrianska and playing Romeo is Principal Dancer Sergii Dotsenko. This full-scale production is set to the music of Sergey Prokofiev and based on William Shakespeare’s timeless tale of tragic love. The National Ballet Theatre of Odessa, Ukraine bring 55 of Ukrainian talented and brightest Ballet stars to present the most passionate romantic tragedy of love. Sat, January 4; 7:30pm; Coral Springs Center for the Arts (2855 Coral Springs Drive Coral Springs); Tix: $49; thecentercs.com.

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SCOTT LIVELY

y youngest sister just got married. To a man. Though she's chosen the heterosexual lifestyle, I accept her. I visited my local Hallmark store to get the couple a wedding card. I looked and looked but every card either had two brides or two grooms. So I asked the cashier where I could find a oneman-one-woman wedding card. “OH, WE DON'T HAVE ANY OF THOSE!” she said loudly, her eyes nervously sweeping the store. After she was sure no other customers were near she pulled out a tattered box from under the counter. “Quick,” she whispered, “if the owner finds out about these I'm done for.” I started browsing through the clandestine collection. She grabbed my hand. “There's no time!” she hissed. With that, she grabbed a random card and put it face down on the counter. She'd no sooner stowed the box when the chimes above the door announced the arrival of a new customer. “GOSH,” she said loud enough for the man who'd just entered to hear. “THIS IS A GREAT HOMOSEXUAL WEDDING CARD YOU'VE CHOSEN.” The man glanced up from a display of decorative hand towels, his hand resting on one that read, “There's no such thing as too much butter.” When the man resumed browsing the cashier said, “I'LL BET THE SAME-SEX COUPLE YOU'RE BUYING THIS FOR IS GOING TO LOVE IT. I JUST LOVE GAY WEDDINGS.” She gave me a not-at-all subtle wink.

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OF THE WEEK BY D'ANNE WITKOWSKI

“Uh, thanks,” I said. “THAT'LL be $4,” she said while sliding me a slip of paper that read, “Actually, it's $20. Cash only.” I handed over the money. She put the card in a paper bag, put that bag into another paper bag, then folded over the top and sealed it with four Gold Crown stickers. She completed the job with two staples. “Don't open this until you're in your car,” she said, lips barely moving. “Okay,” I said, confounded. Then it hit me. “Wait,” I said. “Are you a friend of Dorothy?” “Over the rainbow and out,” she replied. It was classic Homosexual Agenda code. “I had no idea!” I said, and we both laughed. Her shoulders relaxed a little. “We just got Chick-fil-A, now Hallmark? What's next, Hobby Lobby?” Chick-fil-A, of course, now only sells chicken sandwiches to the LGBTQ community. “Do we have the Hallmark Channel, too?” I asked. “Yes,” she replied. “What makes you think I'm heterosexual?” she asked nervously. “I never said that.” It was my turn to whisper now. “Hey, I'm not heterophobic. I have straight friends. My sister is marrying a man for goodness sakes!” I glanced behind me to make sure no one was within earshot. “Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me.” And with that I tapped my heels together and disappeared in a haze of rainbow smoke. Back in my car I checked my phone. I

“Wait,” I said. “Are you a friend of Dorothy?” “Over the rainbow and out,” she replied. It was classic Homosexual Agenda code. opened the Homosexual Agenda app, which is cleverly disguised with the Home Depot icon. Sure enough, an alert. “Scott Lively uncovers latest take-over,” it read. “Scott Lively, president of Abiding Truth Ministries, appears to have knowledge about the complete and total takeover of the Hallmark Channel.” Apparently a Hallmark higher-up leaked to the Hollywood Reporter and Lively demanded that Hallmark clarify. Hallmark tried to stall with an unspecific answer, knowing that the news had not yet been announced by Homosexual, Inc. “Their answer to these demands is a little vague and kind of concerning, especially in light of just what's happened with Chick-fil-A," Lively told One News Now Dec. 9. "We just don't want to see wishy-washy in the face of this kind of pressure because of so many pro-family organizations that have capitulated in the past," Lively continued. "It's killing us as a

movement to have people in the business world who won't stand firm on family values.” That is, of course, the plan. Our agenda may be gay, but it's based on ruthless capitalism. I couldn't believe that Lively was onto us again. He'd called the Chick-fil-A takeover in 2014! I took out the card I'd bought. On the front was a rainbow, Cinderella and Prince Charming dancing heterosexually below it. I then remembered that Lively had written a book titled “Redeeming the Rainbow: A Christian Response to the 'Gay' Agenda.” Oh, the irony. “How do you do it, Scott?” I wondered. “How ever do you do it?” D'Anne Witkowski is a poet, writer and comedian living in Michigan with her wife and son. She has been writing about LGBT politics for over a decade. Follow her on Twitter @MamaDWitkowski.

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HOT BODIES by Tom Bonanti

The Benefits of Having More Sex During the Holidays

oes this holiday season find you more stressed than ever before? Are those extra pounds piling up even though you've tried to “be good” with your nutrition? There's one thing you can do more of during the holidays to beat stress, prevent weight gain, and ensure your sanity well into 2020. Have more sex. Here are several benefits of revving up your “mojo” for the festive days ahead. Having sex is damn good exercise! It's not

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necessarily a full workout, but it's a moderate form of activity that can elevate your heart rate about the same as a brisk walk or a leisurely bike ride. Isn't it great to know that you can burn off those pesky holiday calories and improve heart health doing something you really enjoy? People who have active sex lives are less uptight, anxious and irritable than those who abstain. When annoying in-laws descend upon you and holiday parties become a chore, just grab your significant other, find a cozy corner and copulate. You'll come away feeling resuscitated, rejuvenated,

and completely relaxed. Does all this holiday buzz leave you in a mental fog? Sex has been linked to the production of new brain cells and that's a grand thing. Having sex also releases tension and allows you to focus upon something pleasurable rather than the demands and expectations of the season at hand. If you really want to be happy and make merry this time of the year, all you need to do is have more sex. It releases endorphins and enkephalins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones. Give the extra shopping a break, lay off the extra drinking and eating; if you really want to have a gay old holiday, just do what comes free and easy. Have sex.

Does all the holiday noise and clamor have you tossing and turning and losing valuable sleep? Orgasms trigger a surge of oxytocin from the brain that relaxes you and eases mental and physical pain and tension. This will help you drift off to sleep more easily and catch up on those valuable Z's. You'll be perky and chipper in the AM, just wait and see! Perhaps some of your prospects for 2020 are a bit daunting. Maybe you're seeking a dynamite New Year's resolution. Try having more orgasms. There's something to look forward to big time. Researchers aren't sure if having more sex can lengthen your life, or make you healthier, wealthier or wiser. But why take any chances?

Having more sex helps you to bond with your partner, husband or wife. This yuletide season forget about trying to crunch more social obligations into an already crowded schedule. Building a strong stable relationship with the one you love is great for everyone in the world.

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 to make an appointment today!

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The Frivolist By Mikey Rox

4 Things I m Leaving Behind in 2019 A new year means new beginnings, and 2020 will be a doozy for me. To get a head start on my best self ever, here's what I'm leaving in the dust in 2019.

1 My Home

About a year ago I took stock of my life and what I wanted for my future. It was a comfy life, for sure. I owned a house and a condo by the beach in Asbury Park, N.J., but despite that abundance, I was unhappy. I separated from my husband in 2015 and moved to those shore properties as a result. These homes were great as getaways during our mutual life in Manhattan, but I never expected them to serve as my primary residences. While I made the situation work – Airbnbing those properties for extra income – the constant traveling back and forth between the two (and playing maid to sometimes inconsiderate guests) became a burden. So in 2018, I said fuck it all, listed the real estate earlier this year, and devised a plan to buy a van and have it retrofitted for living. I sold the last vestiges of that old life in September, had the van finished by October, and I'm eagerly awaiting my departure date on Jan. 2. Where will I go? Everywhere. I want to see everything. Most importantly, I want to live

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again. I'm scared and nervous, and I may very well never come back from the abyss. But it sure as hell beats drinking myself to death or plopping on a couch every night waiting to die. Sounds melodramatic, yeah, but a lost relationship can rip your heart out, and what I need right now is to focus on me. Relearn how to love me again. And right now, this is the best way I know how.

Toxic Relationships

After my divorce, I started a new relationship that lasted three and a half years, but ended recently. I won't shame my ex-partner publicly through this column – he did things, I did things – but in the end it didn't work out. Too many outside factors were involved – like his meddling family – and we weren't able to thrive like an adult couple should. As much as we tried, we couldn't make it. In hindsight, we're very different people on very different paths. I'm not mad at it though. It happens. To all of us. Life moves on; mine will too. And I'm eager to watch all that toxicity stay right where it belongs – in my rearview mirror.

3 Excess Shopping

For the past decade, I've written outside the LGBT community as a mainstream personal finance expert. I teach people through my articles how to spend and save smarter, how to get off their asses and make extra money, and how to be thankful for the things they already have, even when the Joneses seem to have it better. The latter is a fool's game, however – appearances are almost always deceiving – but that doesn't mean that I don't slip up. I'm completely debt-free, which is a testament to my own hard work and dedication (which is not to sound braggy by the way, but I do think I'm allowed to be proud of that), but that doesn't mean I don't still indulge. I love shopping for clothing, accessories and art. Those are my retail vices. But I'm giving them up in 2020. Mostly because I don't have room for anything else that's not already in my 15-square-foot van – primarily survival gear because I don't want to die out there.

Anxiety and Depression

I've been on anti-depressants since my early 20s. I have no shame in admitting that, because mental health and well-being should be discussed by everyone. The first few years were a disaster, trying various drugs to balance my mood, but nothing seemed to work. They either made me sick or zapped my dick. What's the point of being happy if I can't have sex? There is none, so I abandoned those incompatible SSRIs and earnestly looked for a treatment without side effects. For the past seven years I've been on a miracle drug – for me, at least – called Trazodone. It works two-fold – I feel better and I sleep better, which also was an issue for me. Combine that with an as-needed Xanax every now and again, and I can get through the day without blowing someone's head off. Major coup. While these meds work for me, I'm starting to wonder if another drug can replace them – a drug called nature. When I leave this static life behind for one filled with adventure and new face in new places, maybe, just maybe that'll be what my body and mind required all along. I'm currently discussing with my doctor how to safely wean off the drugs in order to be free and experience genuine clarity. I don't know if that's possible, but I have to try. Of course, if you see my mug shot on the TV in few months… well, let's just keep our fingers crossed.

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 @mikeyroxtravels

Hotspots.LGBT | 95

By Bill Malcolm

AROUND THE U.S.A.

By Bill Malcolm

ick of winter yet? Then Honolulu is a perfect escape. The temperatures are in the low 80s year round. I only packed shorts.

WHAT TO DO The first day I hiked up Diamond Head State Monument for great views of Waikiki. Take the #2 bus to the trail head near the community college. It is not only a mountain but a giant crater with lots of interesting plant life. On the way back, I stopped at the Pineapple Shack for coconut juice (and pulp to eat). They also sell fresh pineapple juice. Stop by the Diamond Head Market and Grill on the way up to pick up

98 | Hotspots.LGBT

a picnic lunch. Day 2 a friend and I toured the beautiful University of Hawaii at Manoa campus. Stop at the Student Center for lunch for local fare. The L&L Hawaiian Barbeque had great garlic shrimp. Then we hiked up to the Lyon Arboretum which is run by the University. You will learn about the endemic plants of Hawaii and hike through fern valleys, a native Hawaiian plant garden, and more. The #5 bus will get you there. Day 3 featured a hike through the St. Louis neighborhood to Wa'ahila Ridge Regional Park. It features a Norfolk Island pine forest and great views of the city. We hiked up and took the bus back down.

Day 4 included a tour of the Army Museum at Day 4 included a tour of the Army Museum at nearby Fort DeRussy Beach run by the military. nearby Fort DeRussy Beach run by the military. The beach is very handy and open to everyone. The beach is very handy and open to everyone. I went swimming everyday with my friends at I went swimming everyday with my friends at Queen's Surf Beach. Honolulu apparently does Queen's Surf Beach. Honolulu apparently does not have a gay beach anymore but this one was not have a gay beach anymore but this one was close enough. close enough. NIGHT NIGHTLIFE LIFE Bacchus Bar at 408 Lewers is Bacchus Bar at 408 Lewers is a lot of fun. They have bingo on a lot of fun. They have bingo on Thursday nights. It features a Thursday nights. It features a friendly neighborhood crowd friendly neighborhood crowd with great specials every night. with great specials every night. They boast that they are one of They boast that they are one of the best gay bars in the U.S. the best gay bars in the U.S. Check out Hula's Bar (134 Check out Hula's Bar (134 Kapahulu Avenue) for the Kapahulu Avenue) for the sunset views. They also had live sunset views. They also had live music and music and great happy great happy hour specials hour specials the night I the night I was there and was there and is close to the is close to the beach. beach. The In The In Between Bar Between Bar (2255 (2255 Lauula) Lauula) features features karaoke every karaoke every night and a night and a friendly local friendly local crowd. crowd.

WHERE WHERETO TO STAY STAY I stayed in Waikiki at The Surfjack Hotel and I stayed in Waikiki at The Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club, and it was perfect. I had a small Swim Club, and it was perfect. I had a small apartment with balcony. The Surfjack features apartment with balcony. The Surfjack features local room design and art work and local fare in local room design and art work and local fare in their restaurant, Mahina and Sun, where guests at their restaurant, Mahina and Sun, where guests at the hotel get a $10 per day credit for a meal. the hotel get a $10 per day credit for a meal. Surfjack has live music every night at 7 pm, and Surfjack has live music every night at 7 pm, and wine tasting on Tuesdays. wine tasting on Tuesdays. They also offer free bikes and helmets, a They also offer free bikes and helmets, a beautiful pool (with free towels and sunscreen), beautiful pool (with free towels and sunscreen), and a tote bag to take your stuff to the beach. and a tote bag to take your stuff to the beach. The hotel is right next door to Bacchus. Next The hotel is right next door to Bacchus. Next door is an ABC Store (408 Lewers) that has door is an ABC Store (408 Lewers) that has everything you would want to eat or drink. Show everything you would want to eat or drink. Show your Surfjack room key at the Honolulu Museum your Surfjack room key at the Honolulu Museum

of Art for free admission. The Surfjack has it of Art for free admission. The Surfjack has it all and is highly recommended! all and is highly recommended!

WHAT WHATTO TOEAT EAT Bargain hunters will love Da Spot where Bargain hunters will love Da Spot where dinners start at just $6. You will find them at dinners start at just $6. You will find them at 2569 King Street near University Avenue. 2569 King Street near University Avenue.

GETTING GETTINGTHERE THERE I redeemed just 19,000 points for a free I redeemed just 19,000 points for a free ticket on Southwest Airlines through ticket on Southwest Airlines through Oakland (from Indianapolis) to Honolulu. It's Oakland (from Indianapolis) to Honolulu. It's a new route for them. However, the 5 hour a new route for them. However, the 5 hour plus flight on their new seating types was plus flight on their new seating types was uncomfortable and the crackers and cheese uncomfortable and the crackers and cheese snack (plus pretzels and a fruit candy) was snack (plus pretzels and a fruit candy) was insufficient for a dinner hour flight. They insufficient for a dinner hour flight. They offer no food for purchase either. The flight offer no food for purchase either. The flight attendant barked at me for not separating attendant barked at me for not separating my cup trash from other trash for pick up as my cup trash from other trash for pick up as

Wa'ahila Wa'ahilaRidge RidgeRegional RegionalPark Parknorfolk norfolkisland islandpine pineforest forest instructed. Another complained when I had instructed. Another complained when I had the nerve to ask for a full can of Diet Coke on the nerve to ask for a full can of Diet Coke on a four plus hour flight from Indy to Oakland. a four plus hour flight from Indy to Oakland. Worse, the gate they use at HNL is a 20 Worse, the gate they use at HNL is a 20 minute walk to baggage claim and the main minute walk to baggage claim and the main terminal where you catch the bus to town. terminal where you catch the bus to town. They do have a shuttle bus. They do have a shuttle bus. The flight back on American Airlines was The flight back on American Airlines was much better. Besides being in the main much better. Besides being in the main terminal, the red eye through Phoenix terminal, the red eye through Phoenix featured a great cheese and fruit tray for featured a great cheese and fruit tray for purchase plus French wine. The seats had purchase plus French wine. The seats had chargers for your electronic devices (unlike chargers for your electronic devices (unlike Southwest), so you don't have to worry Southwest), so you don't have to worry about your battery. The staff was about your battery. The staff was professional and top notch. professional and top notch.

Hotspots.LGBT | 99

Waikiki in the distance from Diamond Head You won't need a rental car for your Honolulu trip. It is a very walkable city (especially Waikiki). You can take â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Busâ&#x20AC;? (their name for the city bus system) everywhere. The Fresh Basil Cafe

Diamond Head

Most of the Honolulu hotels are expensive, and the ones that aren't are not part of a national chain. Many of these get so-so reviews (see TripAdvisor). So shop around but be prepared for the high room rates. It took a lot of research to track down the Surfjack. Try the Japanese food. It is excellent and everywhere. Even at the 7-11. This is because about half the tourists are from Japan. Aloha means hello and mahalo means thank you. Don't jaywalk and don't ride your bike on the sidewalk. These laws are strictly

enforced. Be sure and take time to learn about the fascinating history of Hawaii and their unique plant life while you visit. Not to mention the friendly and welcoming people. Honolulu indeed makes for a perfect winter get away. For more information, try the LGBT pages at Hawaii.com. The Good to Know LGBT Oahu Pocket Guide also lists everything you need to know in terms of LGBT activities plus lists great hike ideas and beaches on Oahu. Pick one up at a bar.

Take the #19 Bus to and from the airport for just $2.75. Better yet, by an all-day pass for $5.50.

TRAVEL TIPS All the hotels charge a resort fee of around $25-$35 so always check what it is when you get a hotel room quote. (At least you are at a resort area, unlike downtown Portland, New York City, and other places that now also tack on a resort or amenity fee.) Resort fees are the worst trend of the year in travel.

Bacchus Bar Waikiki

*Bill Malcolm's syndicated LGBT value travel column appears in LGBT publications throughout the country. His opinions are his own. He resides in Indianapolis and writes as a hobby. He paid for his own travel and hotel for this trip. 100 | Hotspots.LGBT

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HOT ADVICE By Andreus Quinones

FAMILY VISIT Dear Andreus, My ex-wife does not know I am gay. We have children together, and I usually go back to my hometown to visit my family and my children, who are in their late teens. They have never been to my house, and they are also are not aware of my lifestyle. There has been a lot of pressure for them to come and visit me, but the issue is that my partner lives with me. I don't want to ask him to leave while my children come to visit, so what do I do? Sincerely, Gregory G. Dear Gregory, Honesty is the best policy! In this situation, you should have a sit down with your ex-wife first, then with your children. Tell them the truth. Tell your ex-wife first, and maybe you can decide on a way to communicate this to your children. That way, when they come to visit, there are no surprises. No one should be left out. Your partner should not have to leave your home, and your children should be able to respect your life choices, otherwise, you may need to interact away from your home. These types of things are not always easy, however, the truth however painful, usually sets everyone free. Dear Andreus, I own two homes. I live in one with my girlfriend, soon to be wife, and I rent out the other. The rental property is now vacant, and 110 | Hotspots.LGBT

my fiancée wants me to rent it out to her brother. I do not want her brother as a tenant. For one, he is a drug addict, and has terrible addictions to many substances. He cannot hold a job and has a variety of unsavory friends. Secondly, I don't want to mix a business arrangement with someone that can affect my relationship. My fiancée says that I should do it, because it is her brother. I feel trapped in this decision, please help me. Sincerely, Margie K. Dear Margie, You are within your rights to make whatever decision you wish, especially given the circumstances. If he cannot hold a job, and has severe issues with addiction, any landlord would probably shy away from renting to him. That point should be obvious. You are also very smart to avoid this for personal reasons. The dynamics of what could happen with him as a tenant, could have adverse effects on your relationship, and cause problems between you and your fiancé e. Discuss this with her, making your concern for your relationship with her, the forefront. Family, friends and business are always risky, so follow your gut!!

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