By Scott Holland
I was hearing the rumblings about how good “Only Murders in the Building” was when season one hit in August of 2021, but it took me about 6 months to actually getting around to watching it. To say I got addicted from the very first episode would be an understatement. As you can imagine, I binged the season and waited on bated breath for season 2 to drop. Another great season, which only made me sad as now I would have to wait a long time for season 3 to drop.
For those of you who do not know, “Only Murder in the Building” began by following three strangers (Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez) who share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one when a grisly death occurs inside their exclusive Upper West Side building. The trio suspects murder and employs their precise knowledge of true crime to investigate the truth. As they record a podcast of their own to document the
case, the three unravel the complex secrets of the building which stretch back years. Soon, the endangered trio come to realize a killer might be living amongst them as they race to decipher the mounting clues before it's too late.
In the second season, the trio themselves become suspects in the bloody murder of another building resident, and of course must find the real murderer. Season three finds Charles, Oliver & Mabel investigating a murder behind the scenes of a Broadway show. Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd) is a Hollywood action star whose Broadway debut is cut short by his untimely death. Aided by co-star Loretta Durkin (Meryl Streep), the trio embarks on their toughest case yet, all while director Oliver desperately attempts to put his show back together.
The connection between the 3 leads (Martin, Short and Gomez) is captivating and it's what moves me to keep coming back. That's not to say that the writing and directing aren't stellar as they are! However, I was a little disappointed that the leads have less screen time together in season 3 than the first two seasons, but still highly recommend you watch when the season drops on Hulu on August 8 as this is still one of the best shows on TV.
The parade of feathers, bright colors, and steel drums is making its way back to Wilton Manors this August and oh yea, what a thrilling sight it's going to be!
The annual LGBTQ+ Caribbean Festival, PrideFête, is back in all its glory and pomp. Entering its second year as a resurrection of the Caribbean Pride Festival once under the guidance of SunServe, PrideFête made its mark on Wilton Manors in 2022. The fun-filled festival saw over 1,000 attendees who danced, laughed, and basked in the joy that is the Caribbean culture.
It was all so precious, and exciting. Gay men gyrating to the pulsing sounds of the soca beats and women dancing in a warm embrace as traditional Caribbean music like compass and calypso bellowed through the grounds of the lush Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve. A stilt walker, drummer, performers, and fire dancer livened up the festival while Karnival Bounce, a Caribbean dance crew on spring shoes, pranced throughout the crowd.
The festival was so much fun that they all decided to come back for round two. We can't forget the masqueraders, the group
of hotties dressed in barely-there traditional Caribbean Carnival outfits with elaborate bright feathers protruding from ornate headpieces and crossbody harnesses decked out in illustrious gems and crystals. It all paired well together as the sun radiated against bare skin and glistened off of the precious rainbow-colored stones.
This year, 2023, is to be no different. Karnival Bounce, our Caribbean Stilt Walker Richard Forbes, his drumming crew, the titillating masqueraders, and our esteemed Host Octavia Yearwood are all going to be present at the festival with a bonus of many more!
Other than the vendors, food, music, and performers like last year, this year's PrideFête will introduce its miniCarnival parade. All who attend the festivities can join in on the promenade as the parade contingent makes its way through the crowd to congregate in front of the stage. It'll be a full-on spectacle to witness as the sun goes down and the fire-dancer comes out.
You just must join in. Whether you're Caribbean and want to engulf yourself within your culture or a newbie ready to immerse yourself in an upbeat enjoyable experience of cultural food, music, and dance, all are welcome and, in the words of our LGBTQ+ holy grail, encouraged to come out. PrideFête 2023 is sure to be next-level fun and entertainment.
PrideFête 2023
Saturday, August 12th, 6pm-11pm
Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve
1937 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Presale Tickets
General Admission $7
VIP $85
*Ticket prices go up at the door
2023 PrideFête
Hosts & Performers
....................................
Host Octavia Yearwood @octavia_yearwood
MC Kerry and Pierre @kerryandpierre
DJ She J Hercules @shejhercules
DJ Akia @pressurepoint.mp3
Performer TP Lords
@tplords
Performer Mx PrideFête 2023 Sparkle @sparkleemarek
Stilt Walker Richard Forbes @richjam37
Karnival Bounce Crew @karnivalbouncecrew
PrideFete.lgbt
The List Goes On + lots of music!
By Chris Azzopardi
On my way to Ford Field in downtown Detroit for the first night of Taylor Swift's brilliant and breathtaking Eras Tour on June 9, I joked with my concert mate that he'd have to remember the show for me, even though that was my job. That is if, of course, he wasn't about to literally lose his mind, too.
I'd read about the Taylor Swift “amnesia” phenomenon — Swifties reporting that the experience was so overwhelming they felt guilty they couldn't remember more of it — and I wondered, would the pop magic, all 44 songs, go poof at 11:15 p.m. when Taylor popped off stage? Should I interview 20 Swifties about what happened just in case my mind went blank? What if they couldn't remember all too well, either? Would we all wander around like Dorothy in Taylor's Oz, Technicolor-dazed and too far from home?
This is how three hours and 20 minutes of Taylor Swift live in Detroit all started — my wild, out-of-body experience during what has been called “the tour of her generation.” Based on
the light research I'd done before the show, I knew the first Detroit Eras Tour stop I attended would serve Big Taylor Energy with a stylish, over-the-top pageant feel that rivaled anything I've seen before (including decades of big pop spectacles from gay icons like Madonna, Cher, Janet and Mariah), so overwhelmingly massive and magical that I could barely take notes. I only took three, so that tells you a lot. But contrary to what I'd been warned about regarding Swift amnesia, my mind isn't exactly the blank space I thought it might be. I actually remember so much! Most of my memories include, naturally, the queerest parts of the show.
I distinctly recall “Vigilante Shit,” performed during the final “Midnights” portion of the show, when the queer person next to me shouted something that was certainly on my mind and must've been on the mind of many other LGBTQ+ Swifties: “Happy Pride Month to me!” She
was specifically referring to Swift and her incredible troupe of diverse dancers doing a burlesque-style chair dance on a tiered video pedestal stage. Some were women, but dancers Sam McWilliams and Kevin Scheitzbach, who were on either side of Swift in heels, exuded queerness in a way that made me appreciate the ambiguous expression of gender happening onstage during the show's sexiest number, in front of a multigenerational crowd of nearly 60,000 people. If I were a little gay boy seeing that, I might be titillated, yes, but mostly I'd be like, “Mom, get me a sparkly one-piece right now.”
Though Swift's Ford Field shows were just down the street from where Motor City Pride took place in Hart Plaza, she didn't make any Pride-specific mention on Friday like she did in Chicago the week before at the beginning of Pride Month, when she essentially used her powerful platform to call out anti-queer legislators. Like her casting of Laith Ashley, the trans male model who played her lover in the video for “Lavender Haze,” Swift's support of the LGBTQ+ community in Detroit was expressed entirely artistically. For instance, it was only four songs in when she sang her gay anthem “You Need to Calm Down,” which got her pro-queer message across loud and clear when a stadium full of fans shouted her “shade never made anybody less gay” zinger, a line Swift ensured stayed in the truncated live version.
Queer energy ran heavily through a lot of the “Midnights”
section, actually. Sure, it began with “Lavender Haze,” which, naturally, has sparked conversations among her lesbian fans — lavender, after all, has historical roots as lesbian iconography. But after that song came “Bejeweled” and “Karma.”
Seeing those bops come to life in the most exuberant live setting made both songs — the former about still shimmering in the face of ugliness, the latter a kitschy clapback — seem even more Taylor (er, tailor)-made for a drag stage near you. During “Karma,” Swift and her dancers had jackets on, their collective colors resembling a shiny rainbow. If you're a boomer, you might imagine this kind of delightfully camp-level excess at a Cher show. And if Swift wanted to go one step further, she might consider producing the kind of allaccess concert movie that captured Madonna during her 1990 Blond Ambition World Tour, which, alongside overt feminist themes (of which there are many during the Eras Tour), is fondly remembered for showcasing queer visibility.
So yes, I will remember a lot about the Eras Tour — Swift amnesia, be damned. I got a friendship bracelet from the person whose new Pride anthem is rightfully “Vigilante Shit,” an example of the surprising sense of community I felt at this show. I didn't expect to get a bracelet, especially from someone else who's queer, but it had me reflecting on being in this overwhelmingly joyous space after a couple of years of pandemic isolation.
It was 2020 when “Folklore” came out, and there was so little to look forward to. I have a feeling a lot of Swifties at that show might've felt like I did that year — scared, depressed, more hopeless than I'd ever been. I clung hard to those songs like they were magic, and
then the magic was happening right in front of me. When I heard Swift's spoken-word version of “Seven,” which opened the “Folklore” section of the show, it briefly took me back to that difficult stretch of isolation. Then I looked around, tens of thousands of light-up bracelets shining like distant stars all around me. The Eras Tour is special in that way — for a night, it brought us together to remember not just the night, but the journey we took to get there.
Chris Azzopardi is the Editorial Director of Pride Source Media Group and Q Syndicate, the national LGBTQ+ wire service. He 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.
When life gives you lemons, you make a sweet nectar from the sour fruit. That's PrideFête in a nutshell. A curated Caribbean safe space in which the LGBTQ+ community can enjoy without fear of shame, unacceptance, or violence. Like many hetero spaces the Caribbean experience can be hostile to LGBTQ+ existence. But we Caribbean LGBTQ+ folx, and our admirers, desire to celebrate our heritage without intolerance.
The music, the food, and the culture belong to us as well. And as much as some
of us enjoy heading out to our traditional Carnival parties, a place that celebrates our culture while allowing us to be unapologetically us makes a world of difference. PrideFête is our Caribbean world, our Carnival party, our truth - that's my favorite part of PrideFête.
That's what PrideFête means to me. Hear what PrideFête means to other LGBTQ+ Caribbean folx as I pose the questions, “Why is PrideFête so important to you?” and “What's your favorite thing about the LGBTQ+ Caribbean Festival?”
Rashad, Mr. PrideFête 2023
Barbados • @BadBoiRaRa
PrideFête is important to me because it is me, it's a perfect blend of my culture & my sexuality. I'm allowed to freely be myself & accepted. My favorite thing is the music! I love to dance to the cultural music: Soca, Reggae, and Calypso music resonates with me. No matter what mood I'm in, soca makes it all better.
PrideFête is important because it provides a much-needed safe space for those of us that are of the Caribbean diaspora and part of the LGBT community. Many countries in the Caribbean region have laws and policies that oppress queer identities and rob us of living a peaceful life, in addition to violence, discrimination from houses of worship as well as being excommunicated from families. There are so many individuals, past and present, that could not and cannot be themselves for these reasons. PrideFête is a beacon of hope for what can be possible when you can celebrate all of who you are. My favorite thing about PrideFête is being able to bond with my fellow Caribbean/LGBT family and friends as well as showcase my culture to those who aren't Caribbean. It fascinates me that people I've known for years "come out" as Caribbean! Something else I enjoy is comparing and contrasting food, music, and how we grew up. There are so many languages, religions, and countries, but we have more in common than we differ and that unites us. Today I see LGBT spaces are becoming more aware of our cultural diversity and that differs from years ago when we just focused on sexual orientation. My culture matters to me and I'm very proud to be Caribbean!
Jamaica
PrideFête is important because it provides a safe environment and opportunity for LGBTQIA Caribbean islanders to network, support, and celebrate themselves and each other. My favorite aspect of PrideFête is the magic that is created when communities, cultures, and people come together celebrating as one. Also, receiving people's expression of love and joy as I entertain them, that’s one of many things I Love about PrideFête.
PrideFête Committee Member / Bahamas
PrideFête is a space where the queer Caribbean community can connect and celebrate their intersecting identities. It offers the opportunity to build community and support with one another.
The joy! Seeing everyone having a good time and being themselves makes all the planning and stress worth it.
Kishi Chad, PrideFête Committee Member / Jamaica Sobourney Richard Forbes, PrideFête Committee member, Festival Stilt WalkerAs a Bahamian member of the LGBTQ+ community, PrideFête's celebration of music, food, and spirit of Caribbean culture in a safe space holds significant importance for several reasons.
[1. It provides] representation, visibility and builds community and support. PridFête creates a supportive and inclusive environment where members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies can come together and have a great time.
[2. It] embraces cultural identity. The celebration of Caribbean culture at PrideFête allows you to connect with your roots and celebrate the rich traditions, music, and food that are an integral part of our Caribbean [culture]. It reinforces a sense of belonging and pride in your cultural background while also honoring your LGBTQ+ identity. My favorite part of PrideFête is the celebration of diversity.
PrideFête is so important because I feel that it's a way to express ourselves. As a female deejay that's a part of the community, it's so awesome to come to an event that I am able to play a plethora of genres and watch everyone enjoy themselves. PrideFête is [becoming] a staple for our community where we can get together and share our culture. We need more events like PrideFête so that we all [can] come together and party, reminisce, and enjoy the music. Each and every time I come to PrideFête I see people turning up to Soca, Dembow, Afrobeats and more.
My favorite thing about PrideFête is the blend of cultures. There's no other party like PrideFête that has that, especially in the LGBT community. I also feel like the carnival costumes are beautiful from the dancers that come out and party with us. It's amazing to experience. It's something that is different and growing every year, I love that. I truly look forward to PrideFête each and every year!
Sandyann PrideFête Committee Member Bahamas
By Romeo San Vicente
Filmmaker Hannah Pearl Utt (“Before You Know It”) has given “Hacks” star Megan Stalter a project that captures her defiant weirdo charm with the new film “Cora Bora.” Stalter plays Cora, an aspiring but unsuccessful musician who's also bisexual, poly and somewhat unhinged. In an attempt to win back her
girlfriend (Jojo T. Gibbs, “Fresh”), Cora crashes a graduation party, a pansexual orgy and the hunt for a missing pet, never quite figuring out that she might be a problem. Co-starring Margaret Cho, Darrell Hammond, Manny Jacinto and “Glee” alum Heather Morris, this is exactly the
kind of movie we envision for the hilarious, awkward comedic style that Stalter's cultivated in her oddball stand-up performances and on “Hacks.” The film took its bow at South By Southwest and Frameline, so look for it to hit indie screens soon enough.
“Shards,” the latest novel from author Bret Easton Ellis, will be adapted into an HBO series and some — maybe all — episodes will be directed by Luca Guadagnino (“Call Me By Your Name”). And the story will push buttons and mirror Ellis' earlier work: the novel concerns a teenager named Bret in early '80s Los Angeles — a setting directly referencing the writer's debut novel, “Less Than Zero” — whose group of richkid friends are being stalked by, that's right, a serial killer,
a subject the writer explored in Ellis' controversial late '80s novel “American Psycho.” There's no cast yet, and no production schedule, but the plan is a three-season limited series with Ellis writing them all, adding material not in the novel. Sex and death in high school is classic Ellis material, and if you watch “Euphoria,” you may have a favorite new show coming soon.
Documentary filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz is committed to projects that explore our history, as in “Vito,” about “Celluloid Closet” author Vito Russo, and “I Am Divine,” about the “Hairspray” and “Female Trouble” drag superstar. His latest, “Commitment to Life,” steps back to the early 1980s and the birth of AIDS Project Los Angeles as the queer community in Southern California found itself blindsided by the arrival of HIV and AIDS. Deeply researched and filled with archival footage, interviews with survivors and activists, with a look at everyday people who kept the organization moving, as well as the big names who died, like Rock Hudson, or fought back, like Elizabeth Taylor, it's an intense look at a harrowing period of U.S. queer history, and the power of people uniting to save each other's lives. Keep this vital project on your radar, and when it hits arthouses or streaming platforms, show it to a young queer friend.
In the 1950s, a group of gender nonconforming queer people regularly found refuge in a home called Casa Susanna in New York's Catskills, where they were free to be themselves, whether they were gay men who simply wanted to wear clothes they couldn't in their daily lives or trans women who couldn't express their true identities. They staged performances for themselves, created photo shoots, and enjoyed the freedom the house represented and community it built. First the subject of a 2005 photo book from Michel Hurst and Robert Swope, the legacy of the house is now explored in “Casa Susanna,” a documentary from French filmmaker Sébastien Lifshitz (“Bambi: A French Woman”). The doc reunites former visitors to the house and works with an archive of photos and home footage to create a time capsule of the queer past that is vital for contemporary audiences to witness. It premiered at the recent Frameline Festival and is available right now on streaming platforms to keep Pride Month rolling through the rest of the year.
Casa Romeo San Vicente welcomes you.
Photo:newportfilm.com
Photo: imdb.com
We all know that music has the incredible power to move us physically and emotionally. Club music, in particular, has the unique ability to get people up on their feet. Beyond being a fun night out, it can also contribute to better health. Whether you're looking to increase cardiovascular endurance, burn calories, improve flexibility, or enhance your mental wellbeing, there is music to help you achieve your wellness goals. Here are the summer's best beats to take you where you want to be.
As people engage in dynamic dance routines, they engage various muscle groups, including the legs, core, and arms, leading to improved muscular strength and endurance. Regular dancing can also increase lung capacity and oxygen intake, further enhancing overall physical fitness.
This summer's best album for a physical endurance and stamina workout is Bobby Newberry's “Dopamine Rollercoaster.” High energy songs include “Escape”, a sultry house and disco track with a hypnotic baseline and “Blackout,” Newberry's partyall-night-long record. There is also “Freak,” Newberry's high-octane duet with drag star Rhea Litre and “Ride”, his feel-good summer jam. Bobby Newberry is a former choreographer for Eminem, Nicki Minaj, The Pussycat Dolls, Missy Elliot, and Lil' Wayne, so he knows the best beats to get a body moving.
Club music helps people to develop a more agile and balanced physique by improving flexibility and balance with movements that involve stretching, bending, and reaching. Regular practice can lead to increased joint mobility, improved range of motion, and better posture. This summer's best single for flexibility and balance is Paris King's “Movie Star”. With its wicked beat, synth vocals, and high energy pop sound, the feel-good track encourages everyone to walk the red carpet and strike fierce poses for the paparazzi… after all, we're all movie stars!
When people dance, their heart rate increases, resulting in an effective cardiovascular workout that strengthens the heart muscle and enhances overall heart health. This summer's best song for a cardiovascular workout is Kristine W's “By My Side”. The soulful pop groove is a celebratory homage to the people in our lives who give us unconditional love, support and friendship. For those looking for more intense workouts, there are remixes of the song by Smokin Jack Hill, John Keenan, and Dirty Disco's Matt Consola.
Dancefloor music engages both the body and the mind, requiring people to learn and remember choreography or react spontaneously to the music. This cognitive engagement can lead to improved memory, focus, and coordination. This summer's best song for cognitive benefits is John Duff's “House on Fire,” a breezy throwback track with a groovy bassline, wistful melody, and a sophisticated string arrangement. There is also a nifty TikTok dance that has already gone viral. Even
Paula Abdul, the legendary singer, choreographer, and American Idol judge has released her own version of the dance!
One of the most noticeable benefits of club music is its potential to burn calories. Dancing provides a fun and engaging alternative to traditional workout routines and when combined with a balanced diet, it, like sex, can assist in weight loss. An even better way for highly effective calorie-burning activity is combining dance with sex! It's why our pick for this summer's best album to shed the poundage is Colton Ford's “Permission.” It's a superb collection of contemporary R&B and pop songs. Most notably is Ford's sexy little romp, “Handle It”. It's a steamy club groove that will literally melt the calories away.
summer's best album for stress reduction is Tom Goss' “Remember What It Feels Like.” It is a 15-track collection of fast, fun, summery pop songs punctuated by beautiful ballads and raucous rock. It includes Goss' newest single, “Enemy of Good,” an exuberant and cheerful pop track that is also a reminder that achieving perfection does little in the way of producing happiness so chill out, enjoy the summer and appreciate being you.
When people dance, their bodies release endorphins, natural mood-enhancing chemicals that reduce stress levels and promotes a positive mental state. This
John Duff
By Maria Espinal
Tiesto Pines
7908 Pines Blvd. • Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 954.505.7095 • eltiestocafegroup.com
Mon to Thur 2pm – 12am • Fri-Sat 2pm – 2am • Sun 12pm - 2am
In the mood for Japanese and Dominican Fusion? With another location in Miami, El Tiesto is taking Dominican and Japanese flavors on a wild ride, with no boundaries! The atmosphere is great and food presentation in fun. From Monday to Friday, they have a “Daily Lunch Specials”, from 12pm to 5pm, happy hour, good music, and more. One of their signature dishes is Sushi Mar y Tierra Roll: Shrimp Tempura, Queso Frito, Maduro, Guacamole, Steak, Eel Sauce, Malanga Chips. Of course, their Mofongo (Fried Mash green Plantain, Garlic and pork) is a must-have.
Patio Tapas & Beer
205 SE 1st Ave. • Boca Raton, FL 33432 561.419.7239 • patiotapasandbeer.com
Mon – Thur 12pm – 9pm • Fri-Sat 12pm – 10pm • Sun 12pm – 8pm
Located in Boca Raton and Coral Springs, Patio Tapas and Beer is where you will find the best montaditos, patatas bravas, tortillas, beers, cocktails and more. During lunch or dinner, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while dining and drinking modern and traditional Spanish tapas and the best sangria in the city. Happy Hour served Tuesday to Friday from 3pm - 7pm with great Drink and Tapas specials.
2460 East Commercial Blvd. • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.716.6875 • bluesteelpizzaftl.com
Wed 12pm - 10pm • Thur 12pm - 12am • Fri-Sat 12pm - 1am Sun 12pm - 9pm
Know as Detroit-style pizza bar, pretty much everything looks delicious at Blue Steel.Some menu highlights are: Detroit Cheesy Bread; Crab fries; juicy chargrilled burger and the tiger king pizza (vodka sauce, shredded mozzarella, brick cheese, burrata, prosciutto, hot honey).
232 Miracle Mile • Coral Gables, FL 33134 • 786.362.6997
kaiagreek.com • Mon-Thur 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – 10pm Fri-Sat 12pm – 11pm • Sun 12pm - 10pm
KAÏA Greek is where Mykonos is highlighted in perfect harmony, where everyone can discover Aegean Cuisine with a sophisticated appeal. The restaurant features fresh and farm-to-table Mediterranean ingredients and flavors while tying in classic Greek cocktails and wines curated by a Greek sommelier. Some menu highlights: Spicy feta, Shrimp Saganaki, Lamb Chops, Salmon, Kebab (mixture of ground beef and lamb on pita bread with tomato and yogurt sauce) and Portokalopita (orange pie/vanilla ice cream).
The Caribbean region is known for its vibrant cultures, lush landscapes, and rich history. Beyond its alluring surface, LGBTQ+ communities have played a significant role in shaping the region's identity. While Caribbean countries often face oppressive anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and cultural stigma, their pride celebrations have become powerful symbols of strength and resilience.
The Caribbean has a complex history that deeply influences the attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals. Traditional cultural norms and religious beliefs have often contributed to the marginalization and discrimination faced by the community. Despite this, many LGBTQ+ Caribbeans proudly embrace their identities, finding strength in their heritage and resisting efforts to erase their existence.
LGBTQ+ pride celebrations in the Caribbean have evolved into powerful displays of unity and resistance. These
Rian Merrick
events provide a safe space for individuals to express their authentic selves openly, challenging the prejudices ingrained in society. Parades, festivals, and other gatherings have become crucial avenues for fostering a sense of belonging, breaking down barriers, and highlighting the beauty of diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. One such vibrant celebration is " Trinidad and Tobago Pride,” in my home county, where the LGBTQ+ community is given an opportunity to showcase their talents, dress flamboyantly, and be proud of who they are. Other places such as Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic have also seen the rise of inclusive pride events, becoming platforms for solidarity and a call for acceptance.
Despite the growing acceptance seen in pride celebrations, LGBTQ+ individuals in the Caribbean still face significant challenges. Many countries uphold archaic anti-sodomy laws inherited from colonial times, making consensual same-sex relationships illegal and punishable. These laws perpetuate a climate of fear and discrimination, leading to issues like harassment, violence, and social exclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals. In the face of this oppression, LGBTQ+ activists and allies in the Caribbean continue to fight for equality and human rights. Grassroots organizations, such as "J-FLAG" in Jamaica and "United and Strong" in Saint Lucia, work tirelessly to challenge anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and promote acceptance. Their advocacy efforts, though sometimes met with resistance, have
made significant strides in raising awareness and encouraging dialogue about LGBTQ+ issues.
The Caribbean has seen a rise in prominent LGBTQ+ voices advocating for change and inspiring countless others to stand up for their rights. Among these voices is the Jamaican-born poet and LGBTQ+ rights activist, Staceyann Chin. Through her powerful performances and moving poetry, she has shed light on the struggles faced by the community, both in the Caribbean and beyond. Similarly, Richie Akiva, a Puerto Rican entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ advocate, has used his platform to push for greater inclusivity in his country's cultural and nightlife scenes. By organizing LGBTQ+inclusive events and supporting local queer artists, Akiva has been instrumental in fostering a more accepting environment. The strength and resilience of LGBTQ+ Caribbean communities serve as a testament to the power of unity and visibility. Despite facing oppressive legislation and cultural stigma, these communities continue to celebrate their identities and fight for their rights. The road to equality may be challenging, but with their unyielding pride, the LGBTQ+ Caribbean community continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and accepting future.
For more information about SunServe's unique programs to support the metal health and well-being of the most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community, visit us online at: SunServe.org.
Growing up in conservative Huntsville, Alabama was not an enjoyable experience for Derek Kage, one of the leading men at KinkMen.com. He was different: a very curious and precocious child who loved reading, art, and alternative music, and began exploring with drugs, alcohol, and sex much earlier than anyone else he knew.
Kage is much happier now, living in Salt Lake City. But you know what they say… you can take the boy out of Alabama, but you can't take the Alabama out the boy. Derek Kage remains quite the outdoorsman. He loves to hike, backpack, camp, and fish. He is a deep-voiced Southern gentleman in the streets and whatever the occasion calls for in the sheets. We sat down with him to learn more.
By Mark DawsonWhen was your first experience with a guy?
It was back in the days of AOL chatrooms. I met a guy in Alabama M4M chat room. He came over and I gave him a blow job and that was it; nothing truly memorable. I tried again and another guy came over and I bottomed for the first time and, I have to say, it was really hot, and I loved how it felt. It was a much better experience than my first time with a guy. This was how I went about hooking up with guys for the next few years.
Were you still in the closet?
I didn't fully come out until I was 23. I'm not one for fanfare, so I finally told my mother I'd fallen in love with someone and that it was a guy. She was very supportive and so was the rest of my family as it wasn't that big of a surprise to anyone. What led to your pursuing a career in adult film?
I've always been a hypersexual guy and I loved the idea of being in porn and performing. Grant Ducati asked me if I wanted to do a Trailer Trash Boys scene with him. I said yes and honestly, it was the best decision. I had such a great time and was asked back for another scene for Gentleman's Closet. It was one of those eureka moments where I found my calling and I have pursued it with passion. What are the best parts of the job?
I cannot say enough positive things about the adult film industry. It literally saved my life. The people I meet, the places I get to go, the camaraderie on set, the satisfaction of seeing a completed scene… are all the things I love about the industry. How has being a porn star impacted your dating life?
I imagine this question gets asked a lot because people that are not in the industry may have difficulty dating someone in the industry, but I haven't had that experience. I'm very open and honest about what I do. If someone doesn't want to date me because of my job, then I didn't need them in my life to begin with. Your genre of adult film is pretty extreme,
Derek. When did you first discover kink?
I honestly don't know. I think Tumblr and Twitter helped me to discover new kinks and then connect with people to talk to about them. These days, my kinks are often discovered on the Kinkmen.com studio set where I get to explore them with some of the most experienced and sexiest performers around.
Do you prefer being the dom or sub?
My sexuality is very fluid. It's all about mood, chemistry, and ability. I have mostly been a submissive in the KinkMen world. I think it has to do with how much I am able to take with regard to pain, humiliation, being tied up, and zapped.
In KinkMen's House Dom on Edge, you dominate Christian Wilde.
I have to say that Christian Wilde is one of the greatest performers that I have ever worked with. Our chemistry is extremely palpable, and I always have the most intense orgasms when we are performing
together. House Dom on Edge was quite the switch up in our dynamic as he is usually the Dom. I must admit I really enjoyed watching him squirm. What is something fans would be surprised to know about you?
I'm actually quite introverted. I tend to be a loner. I have a social battery that needs to be recharged pretty regularly. Do you have a secret talent?
I am a great cook and a decent soccer player.
What makes you smile?
Good food, knowing I'm about to travel, finishing a great scene, and when someone can banter back and forth with me. Also, relaxing is nice.
What makes you angry?
People that don't treat others with respect and empathy.
You find a magic genie bottle. What are your three wishes?
First, pay off all my debt. My second wish would be for meaningful gun control legislation. Third wish: free the genie. Which celebrity would you most like to slide into your DMs?
Just one? I need like a top three here. 1) Michael B. Jordan 2) Megan Fox 3) Maluma. Or all three at once. You're about to be hit by a truck (sorry).
What flashes before your eyes? The headlights?
What does your gravestone read?
I hope it reads, “He lived and died on his own terms".
What is the biggest misconception about Derek Kage that you would like to clear up once and for all?
My sexuality has been questioned recently for collaborating with a cisgender female, but I don't feel it's necessary to clear anything up. I am a very hypersexual man and I love to explore my sexuality in every way my filthy little mind can imagine—and I am very imaginative.
Visit KinkMen.com
Photos by KinkMen.com
On February 7th this year, the Aqua Foundation for Women (Florida's only nonprofit organization dedicated to serving & supporting LGBTQ+ women) announced its new Executive Director on social media. Except for one negative, all other comments to the announcement were very welcoming and full of best wishes to the organizations' first transgender Executive Director, whic h only shows how much our community is changing and it is on the way to unite regardless of backgrounds, views or identity.
Mateo is originally from California, “but I've lived all over the country. My husband and I just celebrated our 8year wedding anniversary by going to Key West Pride, and we have one daughter who starts kindergarten in just a few short weeks! We love our cats, the beach, and camping,” said
“
...being hired demonstrates that you don't have to BE part of a particular group in order to advocate for that group.”
Mateo in a recent interview about the organization's upcoming events, his biggest challenges and of course, about the latest and greatest on AFW's signature event, Aqua Girl.
How did the opportunity for the position come about for you, was it something you looked for or did it find you?
It was fate! I had recently started a new position with Pulso, a nonprofit digital media organization, and was not looking for new employment. Karen (Aqua's Board Chair) asked me to join the Aqua Board of Directors, which I did, and I volunteered to be part of the Executive Director Search Committee. As I started working on finding an ED, I realized that what we were looking for was me! My experience, my passion, and my vision really aligned with what Karen and the rest of the Board wanted for Aqua, so I resigned from the Board to throw my hat in the ring. Was it hard for you to make the decision to take the position, considering you are the first transgender Executive Director?
I think it was an easy decision in a way...I already knew what I was getting into, what some of our biggest challenges were, what things I wanted to focus on first, etc. I have experience working for women's organizations as a transman, and I think me being hired demonstrates that you don't have to BE part of a particular group in order to advocate for that group.
What are your biggest challenges for Aqua Foundation for Women, especially after 2020?
LGBTQ+ serving and BIPOC serving
organizations are facing enormous funding challenges across the state of Florida as many of our long-time funders. Many of them are scared to draw the Governor's ire and therefore are no longer providing support at the same level as before. Aqua Foundation for Women has lost several long-time funders just in the last couple of months. In light of this, allies who are willing to support us are more crucial than ever, and cultivating and celebrating those allies is important. There are two events coming up. The first one, Break the Stigma: An HIV/AIDS Conference for Women, on August 19th. My first thought was, why? followed by, why not? I decided to do some research and found some information that makes this event necessary, especially for LGBT youth. Why did AFW decide to touch upon this subject/s? That's exactly why! While men who have sex with men remain the demographic most impacted by HIV/AIDS, everyone is HIV-possible, and many people are woefully under-informed about what prevention methods are out there,
especially heterosexual women. Women of all backgrounds and sexualities are welcome at Break the Stigma. Women have been historically left out of the HIV/AIDS conversation, marketing, research, and care, and we want to help change that. The next event will be Transcon on Sept. 9th in North Miami.
TransCon is very close to my heart as a transgender and nonbinary individual and one of the things that most excited me about taking on this role. The theme of TransCon this year is "Connecting Community to Resources," and our workshops and panels will focus on topics like health/wellbeing, selfgrowt/education, leadership and entrepreneurship. We hope to inspire trans adults and youth with the stories of people in our communities, create connections and community, and educate around the topics that are most urgently needed. How do you think women's needs within our community have changed?
Women continue to face marginalization across different sectors of society; when you add in other marginalized identities like being queer, being Black, being trans, being an immigrant, etc., that marginalization increases exponentially. Within the LGBTQ+
community, queer women have historically been left out when it comes to funding, programming, and media coverage. Aqua Foundation for Women was founded in 2004 as a means to addressing that, and unfortunately, there is still a long way to go almost 20 years later. Queer women still need places to gather, to develop community, to network, to learn, and to work to advance their rights. Aqua Foundation for Women is...proud to be inclusive of everyone who is passionate about our mission; cis, trans, queer, ally, female, male or any other gender. I must ask about Aqua Girl, which for many years has attracted thousands of women to South Florida. For obvious reasons, the last AG was in 2019. Are we having one this year? Tell us all about it!
We're thrilled to share that Aqua Girl will be back on April 27th, 2024, aboard MSC's Seascape! You heard that right, we are taking the party to the sea. Aqua Girl participants can book their trip starting as low as $495 for this 8-day, 7-night cruise with an open bar, free Wi-Fi, daily parties onboard, AND exclusive shore excursions just for Aqua Girl. Thanks to HappeningOut Travel for making it all possible!
Follow AFW: f c aquaforwomen
For more on AFW: aquafoundation.org
Aqua Girl Cruise: happeningout.travel/trip/aqua-girl-at-seacruise
Queer women still need places to gather, to develop community, to network, to learn, and to work to advance their rights. “
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CLUBHOUSE II
Now accepting applications for employment. Good customer service skills. Cashier experience helpful. Flexible hours. Must be able to pass a drug screening and background check. Apply in person, no calls.
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OAKLAND PARK
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WILTON MANORS STUDIO $950 - AVAILABLE NOW
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FURNISHED ROOM FOR GM
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Across
1 Dumbo's "wings"
5 It may be rough
10 Sweet spot
14 Respond on one's knees
15 What to scan in poetry
16 Architecture, to Philip Johnson
17 1964 movie of Rock & Doris
20 Yoko of “Double Fantasy”
21 Harley Quinn and Batgirl
22 U-turn from NNW
23 Bruce Wayne kept his
25 Ethnic suffix
26 Emulated Neil Patrick Harris
28 Win ___ nose
30 Where the Dutch girl stuck her finger?
32 With 35-Across, 1959 movie of Rock & Doris
35 See 32-Across
37 Cheese from Gide's country
2 Gladiator area
3 Was excessive with the mouth
4 “Providence” lead role
5 Some Feds
6 Poet Vivien
7 Water molecule threesome
8 Flew in the face of
9 Gardner of mystery
10 Left in the field
11 "___ my case!" (Perry Mason close)
12 What Shakespeare wrote in
13 Made less difficult to bear
18 Streep of “Silkwood”
19 Port in the land of samurai
24 Off-Broadway prize
27 Disney frames
29 Errol Flynn's “The Sun ___ Rises”
31 Agenda listing
32 Dress namesakes of an opera ship
33 Picks out, with "for"
34 Home of the Baylor Bears
36 Part of a TV archive
37 They're tops on the beach
38 "The enemy will soon come upon us!"
40 Rose to Dorothy, on “Golden Girls”
42 Non-S&M
>>>>>> To see answers, visit hotspotsmagazine.com/crossword
