overall mood and mental clarity. dditionally, massaging your dog can also help reduce its anxiety, improve circulation, and strengthen the bond between pet and owner. Just as massages can benefit humans, they can also have a positive impact on the health and happiness of our pets.
Massage and health experts Gayfriendly say, "Everyday job stress can lead to decreased morale, heightened anxiety, and depression, along with other health-related issues. These adverse effects may result in reduced work engagement and decreased productivity in the workplace and your everyday life."
Here are three benefits of how massages can help in the workplace:
Can relieve headaches and muscle pain—Our bodies are not designed to remain stationary for long hours, which can cause tension and strain. Massages relax muscles and increases circulation, helping to relieve headaches and muscle pain.
Decreases anxiety and boosts productivityMassages are effective at reducing blood pressure and heart rate because they are relaxation-focused. The touch and pressure can increase the serotonin released in our bodies, which regulates it to return to a calmer state.
Better sleep to improve focus – Stress after work can keep you up at night. Getting a massage after work could help you relax and improve the quality of your sleep for a more productive following day. Massages can decrease the body's cortisol levels, the stress hormone, making it easier to fall asleep."
How can I use massage to reduce stress on a tight schedule?
"If you cannot get a professional massage, you can try various self-massage techniques, recommended by Northwestern Health Sciences University, at your desk or on the go.
For a soothing head massage, use your fingertips to gently massage the regions around your temples, forehead, and ears. Lightly press your thumbs into the area at
the base of your skull.
To relieve tension in your shoulders, extend one arm across your body towards the opposite shoulder. Apply pressure in a circular motion on the muscle above your shoulder blade while tilting your head back. Repeat this process on the other side. To relieve sinus pressure, place your
How to Massage Your Pets
Why would pets benefit from massages?
"Pets can benefit from massages in various ways. Massages can reduce their stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, help alleviate pain or discomfort, improve circulation and lymphatic flow, and help identify potential health risks in your pet."
Below, massage experts from Gayfriendly have shared some techniques and tips to help massage your pet:
Prioritize gentle motions and techniques to ensure their comfort and avoid fast, complex, or abrupt movements
Begin and end the massage with long, soothing strokes to relax the pet, warm up
fingertips on the bridge of your nose and gently move them down towards your cheekbones, then outwards towards the outer edges of your eyes.
For the neck area, locate the hollow where your neck meets your shoulders using both thumbs. Apply gentle pressure with your thumbs to the hollow and massage slowly."
tissues, and promote blood flow
Perform kneading or rolling motions to increase blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and remove toxins from tissues
Gently press muscles against bones to spread muscle fibers and enhance circulation, using two hands on opposite sides of limbs without applying excessive pressure.
Tips:
• Gradually introduce massages to your pets to allow them to become comfortable with the concept.
• Monitor your pet's enjoyment and be mindful of your pet's cues indicating they've had enough and need to stop.
• Most importantly, consult a professional veterinarian for serious health issues or any medical issues.
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Gourmet Kitchen with Farmhouse Kitchen Sinks
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GE Energy-Efficient Stainless-Steel Appliances
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Oversized In-Residence Washer & Dryer
Frameless Glass Shower & Large Soaking Tubs
Double Vanities & Double Closet
Backyards and Patios for Outdoor Living
Stylish Clubhouse Overlooking Amenity Deck
Resort-Style Pool with Lanai Lounging Chairs
Fitness Center with State-of-the-Art Equipment
Clubroom for Private Meetings & Events
Gated & Walled Community Controlled Access
Pet Friendly Community with Dog Park
24-hour Emergency Maintenance
10’ Ceilings and Oversized Windows
Ceiling Fans Throughout the Residence
Ultimate Summer Skincare Guide
By Fresha.com
As the temperatures start to rise, it's time to switch up your skincare routine to adapt to the warmer weather. Skin tends to become more sensitive in warmer conditions, which is why it's important to adjust your skincare routine to
accommodate the change of season. With summer just around the corner, experts at the beauty and wellness marketplace, Fresha, have delved into the do's and don'ts for this season's skincare routine.
photos: adobe firefly
Try a Niacinamide Serum
After winter, many people find themselves struggling with dry skin, which is why adding a niacinamide serum into your
Don't Forget Your SPF
As the months get warmer, it's hugely important to use SPF products. Incorporating them into your skincare routine is a must to protect yourself from the sun and keep you feeling refreshed this spring.
You should apply products containing SPF as the last step in your skincare routine to allow your skin to receive maximum protection as you spend more time outdoors. It's vital to use a high SPF of at least 30 and wait at least 20 minutes after application before going outside.
Incorporate a vitamin C serum into your skincare routine
Incorporating vitamin C into your skincare routine this spring will have an abundance of benefits. When used alongside SPF, vitamin C serums enhance the performance of SPF products by giving your skin thorough protection against UV rays. The serum can also boost hydration and brightness, giving your skin that sought-after glow.
Overcast weather can be an unexpected cause of sunburn in summer, but vitamin C serums can help soothe painful sunburns and protect against long-term sun damage, making it an essential product in this season's skincare routine.
However, it's important to note that new products should be gradually introduced to your skincare routine to test how your skin reacts to the change.
skincare routine is hugely rewarding. Niacinamide boosts the skin's hydration and enhances moisture, making this product the perfect comeback from those dull winter months.
As the warmer weather sets in, your face will naturally start to produce more oil, but niacinamide serums also help to regulate oil production, removing any excess oils from your skin. It's recommended to use niacinamide in both your morning and evening skincare routine and to apply the
product after cleansing and toning. Niacinamide should also be applied before using more acidic serums, such as vitamin C.
Avoid Heavy Moisturizers
While moisturizer is a fundamental part of every skincare routine, it's essential to lighten the load over the next few months. As the weather becomes warmer, too much moisturizer can cause your pores to become clogged, resulting in an oily break-out. To avoid this, it's better to apply a lighter layer of moisturizer; doing so keeps your skin hydrated while reducing the risk of blemishes.
“While these products are a great way to remove dead skin cells, they can also increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun...”
Put Your Exfoliating Acids to One Side
As the temperature heats up, it's incredibly tempting to exfoliate daily to reduce the risk of clogged pores. However, limiting your use of exfoliating acids over the next few months is hugely important. When over-used, exfoliating acids, such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid, can reduce the skin's natural protection against the sun and can dehydrate your skin, making you more susceptible to skin damage. Exfoliating acids should be used in moderation and applied around once a week at most to avoid some nasty sunburns. SPF should always be the last step in your morning skincare routine, so make sure you get your exfoliating out of the way before applying SPF products. Similarly, face scrubs should also be avoided over the next few months. While these products are a great way to remove dead skin cells, they can also increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, heightening the risk of skin damage.
Ditch the Cleansing Oils
As the weather starts to heat up, your face will naturally begin to produce more oil. As a result, avoiding cleansing oils over the next few months is recommended.
Applying cleansing oils in warm weather will result in an excessive amount of oil, increasing your risk of a breakout. Because of this, it's best to dial down during spring and stick to lighter products.
A spokesperson for Fresha has commented: “As the evenings get lighter and the weather becomes warmer, it is a great time to incorporate some change into your skincare routine. It's time to ditch those thick winter creams and focus on getting a summer glow.
“Throughout summer, it's important to incorporate lighter and more natural products into your routine to allow your skin to truly radiate thanks to the warmer weather. Now is the time to eliminate that winter dullness and brighten your skin with the help of this guide.”
Switch to a Gel Cleanser
Cleansers are a great way to remove excess oils and dirt from your skin, which is why they are the first step in every skincare routine. However, thick cleansing creams have the potential to clog up your pores during the warmer weather, why is why mild gel cleansers are a more trustworthy alternative.
Gel cleansers are a light and refreshing way to cleanse your skin, reducing the risk of breakouts over the warmer months. These products can effectively deep clean your skin without stripping away your natural oils, giving you a healthy glow this spring.
This information was provided by the beauty and wellness marketplace, Fresha.
Four Tips to Mind Your Mental Health
By Family Features
There's never a bad time to commit to managing your mental health. Wellness resolutions often focus on diet and exercise, but taking steps to improve your mental wellbeing is equally important. In fact, your mental health can play a critical role in your physical health. Stress, anxiety and other manifestations of mental and emotional distress can trigger physiological responses in
your body that may erode your health over time. For example, if you're continually under a high level of stress, chances are your blood pressure runs higher than it should, and that in turn poses a risk for heart disease and related conditions.
For the rest of 2024 renew your commitment to self-care and managing your mental health with these tips:
1. Set realistic goals. Having something to work toward and look forward to is a healthy way to occupy your mind. Decide what you'd like to achieve this year and identify milestones toward your ultimate goal. Celebrating when you achieve each milestone can keep you motivated and help measure your progress along the way.
3. Alleviate stress. A little bit of pressure can push you to do your best, but living in a constant state of stress can be bad for your health. Take time to understand your stress triggers and actively work to avoid them. If that's not fully possible, dedicate a portion of each day to de-stressing and clearing your mind. You might choose meditation, exercise, reading or listening to music, all of which let you relax your mind and focus your attention on something else.
2. Nurture personal relationships. Loneliness is a major contributor to mental health struggles, and having even a couple close relationships can help provide you with an essential sense of connection and belonging. Whether you talk in person, by video or text, make time to talk to family and friends. If you find your circle is smaller than you'd like, try taking a class or joining an organization where you can meet others who share your interests.
4. Sleep more. Getting enough sleep means 7-9 hours each night, according to most experts, as it's one of the best ways to protect your overall health and ensure you're in the right frame of mind to approach the day. When you're sleep deprived, you're less capable of problem-solving, making decisions and managing your emotions and behavior. Studies have also shown poor sleep habits are linked to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. If winding down is an issue, try creating a bedtime routine that makes it easier to get to sleep.
Find more tips to promote healthy living at eLivingtoday.com.
By Romeo San Vicente
ANDREW SCOTT JOINS THE NEW 'KNIVES OUT' SEQUEL
“Ripley” star Andrew Scott is the latest buzzed-about actor to join the list of potential suspects in Netflix' s “Wake Up Dead Man: A 'Knives Out 'Mystery” from filmmaker Rian Johnson, alongside “Priscilla” star Cailee Spaeny and Josh
O'Connor (the bisexual churros-loving tennis dude of “Challengers”). Scott is also hot off the heels of the queer heartbreaker “All of Us Strangers” and he'll be joined by Kerry Washington, Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis, Daryl
McCormack (“Good Luck to You, Leo Grande”) and, of course, Daniel Craig, reprising his role as queer sleuth Benoit Blanc. It goes into production in the coming weeks, for an unspecified 2025 release. Now, since we like to make public requests, we'd really enjoy a return cameo from Craig' s “Glass Onion” romantic partner, Hugh Grant, if that's possible. And why shouldn't it be?
Margaret Cho returns in Yen Tan's 'All That We Love' Gay filmmaker Yen Tan' s indie dramas “Pit Stop” and “1985” have earned him a reputation for intimate, character-driven movies that aren 't afraid of being earnest. His latest, “All That We Love,” premiering this month at the Tribeca Film Festival, looks to continue that tradition as Margaret Cho takes the lead as a grieving woman facing an empty nest and a desire to deepen connections with her family and friends. Cowritten by Clay Liford with Tan, the film costars “Modern Family” vet Jesse Tyler Ferguson, rising stand-up comic Atsuko Okatsuka, Kenneth Choi (“9-1-1”) and Alice Lee (“Zoey' s Extraordinary Playlist”). Since “All of Us Strangers” inspired audiences to leave theaters
sobbing, it may be that heartfelt is the next wave mood of queer filmmaking. Look for this one to make the festival rounds before hitting an arthouse or streamer later this year.
Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells star in 'I Don't Understand You' There is nothing quite as entertaining or satisfying as watching gays behave badly while smugly thinking, “I'd never be like that.” But in “I
Don't Understand You,” the gay/straight actor alliance of Andrew Rannells and Nick Kroll (from “Girls” and “Kroll Show” respectively, but also the animated series “Big Mouth” as a team) star as a married couple on a disastrous anniversary vacation in Italy, during which bad decisions and fish-out-ofwater entitlement might be what saves them. The story, loosely based on writer-director team David Joseph Craig and Brian William Crano's life together, also involves the men wanting to adopt baby from an ambivalent woman (Amanda Seyfried). The film took its bow at South By Southwest and is currently making the festival rounds, with early reviews praising the dark-yet-heartfelt comedy of errors and the
great comic chemistry of its leads. Look for it to show up somewhere near you later this year.
‘Harry Potter' star Harry Melling submits to Alexender Skarsgård
If the last time you saw Harry Melling was when he grew up in the “Harry Potter” film series as Dudley Dursley, you 're in for a bit of a shock. The now-adult Melling has been taking on daring roles lately, particularly in 2022' s oddball indie musical “Please Baby Please” which took his character into a decidedly queer sexual awakening. Now, in “Pillion,” the upcoming feature debut from filmmaker Harry Lighton (and co-written by British novelist Adam Mars Jones), Melling will star opposite Alexander Skarsgård as a meek, shy man who has a different sort of queer sexual awakening when he falls for a handsome and dominant leader of a motorcycle gang. Yes, that kind of dominant. As in he becomes a full-time BDSM submissive. Now, it' s rare to see that particular queer subculture depicted authentically on screen — see the British indie “The Duke of Burgundy” for a thrilling lesbian variation on the subject — but we live in hope that this time around a contemporary film gets it right, with all of its inherent complexity, for all the Doms and subs in the audience. Shooting now, so wait for it. Beg for it, even.
Romeo San Vicente is prokink at Pride.
Ad deadline is Monday, September 25 8.625w x 11.125 full bleed (leave 1/2 inch all around for trim)
The Miss Florida F.I.at Large, Mr. Florida M.E. and Miss Florida F.I. Supreme will take place on Sunday, October 6 and the Miss Florida F.I. Pageant will take place on Monday, October 7. Both pageants will take place at the Venue Fort Lauderdale. All Attendees, contestants, and helpers on both days will get a complimentary copy of the guide.
Flockfest Weekend
Photos:
Twist South Beach
31st Anniversary Party
Photos: JR Davis
Hotties HOTSPOTS
Photos by Dennis Dean
Interview by Scott Holland
Leonardo Oliveira
Leonardo Oliveira (Leo Harley) is 39, a Sagittarius and was born in Brazil but grew up in England, and currently lives in Fort Lauderdale.
Are you Single or married? I'm married to myself
What makes you the perfect match for yourself? It's a perfect match, but unfortunately, I haven't been able to be intimate with myself.
What's your perfect date? I like to laugh, so if the person makes me laugh and we have a connection, it's a hit.
What do you do for a living?
I do many things…I am a holistic therapist, I do life coaching, and I do training. I am also a dancer and a model.
What do you do for fun?
I love to go to the gym, and I also love to make music. I am releasing an EP soon. In addition, I love nature.
What does the future hold for you?
I will find out when I get there as I live in the moment, but I know the future is bright.
Pandora Boxx Has a Message for Governor DeSantis:
She’s Not Only Saying “Gay,” She’s Singing It in Her New Album, BOXX
By Larry Olsen
Photos By Davide Laffe
Pandora Boxx's new dance album, BOXX, is her most personal work ever. While most of her previous releases have been a tad on the dirty side, BOXX is fun, quirky, and totally PG.
The album's first release is “Dance,” a song Pandora penned for the little boy she used
to be who was mercilessly picked on at school and would lock his bedroom door, flip on a Madonna cd and dance his troubles away. Its video is on Youtube.
There is also “Raspberries,” Pandora's ode to Carol Channing and “Pill,” a rock
track where she reveals some of the reallife struggles she has faced as an adult. Then there is “Gay”, Pandora's response to Governor DeSantis' Don't Say Gay legislation. We spoke with Pandora Boxx to learn more about the single and BOXX.
You're clearly not a fan of Governor DeSantis. Everything that comes out of that man's mouth makes me angry. He is a flat-out bigot, and his legislation is harming young LGBTQ+ people. I was in the middle of making this album, about to record the tracks, when all the anti-gay legislation started coming through. I knew I needed to write a song about it. I felt it was how I could use my platform to do something positive. How do you hope “Gay” will impact those who hear it?
I want anyone young or old who feels like they don't belong to know you do. I see you.
Have you been impacted personally by the legislation?
There are less gigs for drag queens, that's for sure. I see the hate towards us. It's the same rhetoric they've used for decades. I just never thought in 2024 there'd be even more hate. Thankfully, there is also much more love and support.
What message do you want to convey to policymakers in Florida who support the "Don't Say Gay" legislation?
Being queer isn't a choice. Reading a book won't make you a lesbian. Seeing a drag show isn't going to make you gay. There's no LGBTQ+ sign-up sheet. There's no recruitment office. Absolutely no children are going to any drag show without a parent or guardian. That just doesn't happen. You are suppressing children from learning about who they are. I attempted suicide by taking pills at around ten years old. Why? Because I had no clue what I was or why I was being picked on. Educating children about different lifestyles will save lives. Right now, they seem hellbent on destroying them.
“Everyone's journey is different. I have lived in an ostracized community all my life and I will speak out, fight for and stand up for it for the rest of my life.”
Do all of the songs on the BOXX album speak on LGBTQ issues?
Quite a few of them do. Would you call BOXX your magnum opus?
This album is absolutely near and dear to my heart. It's fulfilling a childhood dream. You know, as I've gotten older and lost a lot of family and friends, I do think about mortality. I wanted to put some art out into the world that meant something to me. Something that would be here when I'm gone. I'm still here, though, so I hope to keep creating more projects to put into the world.
What advice would you give to other artists who
want to use their platform to speak out on important social issues?
It can be scary to speak out on social issues! I'm constantly being bombarded with threats and hate. I do think a lot of it comes from fake profiles but nevertheless it's still there. These are troubling times and if you have a voice that can help change the world for good, then you should. Everyone's journey is different. I have lived in an ostracized community all my life and I will speak out, fight for and stand up for it for the rest of my life.
pandoraboxx.com • Follow at Q@pandoraboxx
By Leo Harley
Note from Scott Holland (Associate Publisher): I would like to introduce everyone to Leo Harley, who is this issue's cover model and will be taking over the Hot Bodies column moving forward. Hot Bodies was a very popular column written by Tom Bonanti for many years. When Tom retired about 18 months ago the search began for the right person to take over. Welcome Leo to the Hotspots family!
SELF-CARE
My name is Leo Harley and I turn 40 this year. Not your average guy though, in my 39 years I have been a Martial arts athlete, a Rugby player, a Bodybuilding champion, a Personal Trainer, a fitness model, go-go dancer, singer, actor and everything in between. I always just wanted to live my dream to do all the things that make me happy, and to me that's the best form of self-care.
Since we were all gifted with unlimited potential to do everything, and to become anything that makes us a better self, we might as well do so! That's being alive and living it too, unafraid to be young, and not afraid of aging either. Each moment is valid and offers the opportunity for growth, so we never get old, we simply evolve, as long as we allow ourselves to be happy.
Turning 40 is not scary, rather, it is quite exciting. Looking back at all the dreams I made come true, it reassures that eventually they always do, so I keep on dreaming bigger, aiming higher, always eager to go further but grateful for where I am.
Now that I am a more mature man, I'm able to understand that self-love is the key to be happy, and happiness is a conscious choice we have to make every day to stay in harmony. When we are at peace with who we are, we feel better, we look better, we even attract better simply by raising our vibration, and that makes us more magnetic towards blessings, miracles and dreams come true.
Life becomes more fun when we simply accept ourselves as a work in progress. No pressure! We are all learning how to go through life, and the best we can do, is all we can do, and that's alright! We are enough, our potential is infinite apart from restrictions we create for ourselves, and yet we have the choice to upgrade and be free at any time.
Self-care is about making better choices for us. Every time we have fruit instead of ice cream, or even when we could have been mad about something, but we choose inner peace. When we show up in kindness, wearing a smile instead of a frown, that's more than selfcare, it's self-love.
It's not about spending lots of money on clothes or cosmetics to look good, it is about feeling good! Doing what makes you feel alive, like honoring our bodies with exercise. This will activate our natural production of feel-good hormones, and that gets us 'literally high' in rewards. Keeping healthy eating habits allows it to work even more efficiently for us, and that will also help us look good with or without any clothes on. The body is so smart and will always do the best it can with what you give it to work with, and it is our job to give it what it needs.
However, the body is only the outer layer of self-care, like a 3D projection of what is happening within our thoughts and emotions, so it is essential to keep our hearts and minds in balance. Our brains are so powerful, especially in coherence with the heart. When we declutter beliefs that no longer resonate with the heart, we find alignment with our true potential, and so we start using all that power to our advantage.
In almost 40 crazy years on earth, I was able to travel the world, work with the public, learn new cultures, and understand human nature from a general perspective. And I found that the only secret to a happy life, is what we already know but refuse to accept: Happiness is a choice! We are creators, once we take responsibility for our own decisions, we regain direction of our lives.
In the end, you'll only have yourself to thank, so give yourself reasons to be grateful
Leo Harley
Miami Convention & Visitor's Bureau's
17th Annual Miami Spa Months
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is excited to announce the return of Miami Spa Months. From July 1 to August 31, locals and visitors can enjoy best-in-class spas across Greater Miami & Miami Beach with enticing deals, to indulge in treatments and therapies starting at $109. Visit MiamiTemptations.com for a full list of more than 35 offers.
“Whether you're looking to unwind with a classic massage and facial or indulge in a
full day of wellness, locals and visitors can find the ultimate experience at Greater Miami and Miami Beach's top spas and facilities," says David Whitaker, president and CEO of the GMCVB. "This summer, we invite everyone to prioritize self-care while enjoying unbeatable savings on luxurious spa and wellness treatments and services."
This two-month program offers something for everyone, from revitalizing massages to cryotherapy and cold therapy,
Greater
photos courtesy of gmcvb
head and scalp treatments, and brightening facials. Back by popular demand, those looking for a nextlevel experience can find a variety of elevated spa and wellness activities with Miami Spa Month's Signature Spa Experiences.
This year's partners include the following, plus new participants*: Acqualina Spa*; Ame Spa & Wellness Collective; Aquanox Spa; Away Spa at W South Beach; Bamford Wellness Spa at 1 Hotel South Beach; Biltmore Hotel & Spa; Centner Wellness Brickell; Centner Wellness Edgewater*; Enliven Spa & Salon; Esencia Wellness at Nobu Eden Roc Miami Beach; exhale at the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour; Healing Hands Therapeutic Massage; Hydrology Wellness*; K'alma Spa; Lapis, the Spa at Fontainebleau; Lava Head Spa; Leaf Spa; Lux MedSpa - Brickell; mySpa at InterContinental Miami; Privai Spa + Fitness; Sea Spa Miami; Silver Mirror Facial Bar; Silver Mirror Facial Bar Coral Gables*; Skn Elements; Spa 101; The Palms Aveda Spa; The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Key Biscayne; The RitzCarlton Spa,?South Beach; The Spa at Baia Beach Club; The Spa at Carillon Miami; The Spa at Mandarin Oriental - Miami; The Spa at St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort; The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at the Surf Club; The Spa at The Loews in Coral Gables; The Spa at the Miami Beach Edition; The Trump Spa; Tierra Santa Healing House
at Faena Hotel Miami Beach; Valmont for The Spa at The Setai.
Miami Spa Months is one of five programs within the Miami Temptations Program established by the GMCVB. The series of themed months are designed to cultivate awareness and appreciation of the many assets within the vibrant destination by curating special programming and discounts for visitors and locals to explore. The program is also home to Miami Attraction & Museum Months (April – May), Miami Spice Restaurant Months (August –September), Miami-Dade Farmers Month (November) and Miami Arts, Culture & Heritage Months (December-January).
For a complete list of special offers and events available from the GMCVB's Miami Temptations Program, visit MiamiTemptations.com.
The GirlsIndigo Are
Just a Click Away with
their documentary,
“It’s Only Life After All.”
In case you missed it when it was released at O Cinema in Miami Beach this past April and on On Demand, iconic folkrock band's Indigo Girls's documentary, “It's Only Life After All,” is now at a click away on Netflix since July 12th. The documentary features Emily Saliers and Amy Ray making their mark as musicians, songwriters, and dedicated activists for over 40 years in the industry. They have represented radical self-acceptance to many – leading now multiple generations of fans to say, “the Indigo Girls saved my life.” Still, Amy and Emily battled misogyny, homophobia, and a harsh cultural climate chastising them for not fitting into a female pop star mold. With joy, humor, and heartwarming moments, Sundance awardwinning director Alexandria Bombach brings us into a contemporary conversation with Amy and Emily –alongside decades of the band's home movies and intimate present-day verité. Emily Saliers is one half of the Grammy Award-winning Indigo Girls. Thirty years
into one of the most storied careers in popular music, Emily Saliers decided to record her debut album. Saliers toyed with the idea of recording a solo album that combined her love of folk storytelling with her passion for the grooves and beats of classic R&B as well as music from West Africa and South Africa. “That's the music that really stirred my spirit and made my body want to move growing up in a predominantly African American neighborhood in New Haven,” she explains. “I found myself loving music from West Africa and South America for the same reasons. I think of it all as 'body music.'"
Amy Ray is the renowned one half of the Grammy-award winning folk duo Indigo Girls. She is also a community activist and has had an indie label, Daemon Records since 1989.
With her debut solo album, Stag (2001), Ray turned in her acoustic for an electric and delivered a critically acclaimed album that showed her love of punk and rock. Since then, she has released five more solo rock albums; Prom, Didn't It Feel Kinder, Live from Knoxville, Lung of Love, and MVP Live. In December 2021, Ray cut her latest effort (once again, live to analog tape) at the legendary
Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville, TN. If It All Goes South, released in late 2022, features the band and a stunning range of new and returning guests.
Emily and Amy met in elementary school and began performing together while in
high school as a cover band at parties and talent shows. Eventually the two reconnected at Emory University (after a brief separation while attending different colleges) and began writing original music, releasing a six-track EP in 1985. Their first full-length album Strange Fire followed in 1987.
Currently The Indigo Girls are touring with another iconic rocker, Melissa Etheridge. At press time, there were no dates listed for Florida, but check out tour locations at indigogirls.com
LGBT History
July 1, 2015—The Florida Legislature undertook comprehensive adoption reform in 2015, repealing the 1977 ban on homosexual adoption. It passed the Florida House of Representatives on a 68–50 vote on March 11.
On April 15, the Florida Senate passed the bill on a 27–11 vote. Republican Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill into law on June 11, it went into effect on July 1, 2015.
July 1, 2023—Florida has enacted a law that restricts restroom and changing facility use for transgender individuals in certain settings. The law applies to bathrooms and changing facilities in buildings owned or leased by the state of Florida, Federal buildings and public schools.
July 3, 1975—US Civil Service Commission Prohibits discrimination against federal employees.
July 3, 1981—The New York Times writes a first article on this “Rare Cancer Observed in 41 Homosexuals,” in Section A, Page 20, by Lawrence Altman.
July 4, 1969—The Daughters of Bilitis (the first lesbian rights group in the United States) and Mattachine Society (a national gay rights organization) members picket Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
July 6, 2006—The NY Court of Appeals rules that a state law banning same-sex marriage is legal.
July 6, 2011—A federal appeals court suspended the DADT policy.
July 7, 2009—A new District of Columbia law recognizing same-sex marriages performed elsewhere takes effect.
July 8, 1980—The Democratic Rules Committee states that it will not discriminate against homosexuals. At their National Convention on August 11-14, the Democrats become the first major political party to endorse a homosexual rights platform.
July 9, 2010—Judge Joseph Tauro of Massachusetts rules that the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional.
July 14, 2004—The US Senate blocks a proposed constitutional amendment from moving forward in Congress, 48 votes out of 60 needed.
July 15, 1975—Santa Cruz County in California is the first US country to make job discrimination against gay men and lesbians illegal.
July 15, 2010—A Federal appeals court upholds the D.C. law, rejecting an anti-same-sex marriage
referendum.
July 19-20, 1848—The Seneca Falls Convention, the first women's rights convention took place in NYC.
July 22, 2010—Argentina becomes the country in Latin America to legalize gay marriage.
July 24, 2011—Gay marriage becomes legal in New York state.
July 25, 1985—Actor Rock Hudson announces he has AIDS. He passed away at the age of 50 on October 2, 1985.
July 31, 1965—Lesbian and gay demonstrators picket the Pentagon to protest discrimination in the military.
July 31, 1969—Gay Liberation Front forms.
July 1982—Gay-related immunodeficiency is renamed AIDS. In 1981, the disease was first given the name of GRID (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency). When the symptoms are found outside the gay community, Bruce Voeller, biologist and founder of the National Gay Task Force, successfully lobbies to change the name of the disease to AIDS.
July 1993—ILGA is the first gay and lesbian organization to be recognized by the UN.
July 2015— Three same-sex couples filed a federal lawsuit against the state over its practice of treating married same-sex couples differently to married opposite-sex couples. The Florida Department of Health began automatically recognizing the nonbiological mother as a legal parent on May 5, 2016.
Sources: Historic Calendar Project, Wikipedia, Library of Congress, Gay & Lesbian Issues, CNN, The New York Times Archives.
photo: wikipedia
ACCOUNTING u
STERLING ACCOUNTING
Friendly, engaging and specialized expertise for individuals and those with small businesses and real estate. Call Sterling Accounting at 954-667-9829. Tax@ SterlingAccounting.com
AIR CONDITIONING u
CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING
Repairs, installations, indoor air quality. Residential/Commercial. Proudly serving the tri-county area. Quality and experience. Free service calls for all A/C makes and models. Lic/Ins CMC1249558 Call 954-274-8287 for your free estimate. **10% off your first repair**
ELECTRICAL u
‘RTS ELECTRIC’ 24-HOUR SERVICE
Quality work at a reasonable price. We also service & install any size generator. Licensed & Insured (98-CME-1807-X). 954-257-9509.
COMPUTERS u
HELPMEERIC.COM ! TECH SUPPORT
Your Personal Tech Assistant. BEST RATES in the tri-county area. Specializing in Android & iPhones. PC/Mac-Training, Installation, Clean-up & Repairs. Friendly, In-Home and remote Srvc. Call/Txt 954-903-4383.
**OPTIMA** COMPUTER REPAIR 954-817-3883
IN-HOME SERVICE. Cell phones, printers & Internet issues. Proudly serving our community for over 25 years. *Get the BEST performance, protection & value from your computer investment. *A+ Hardware & OS certified. *Friendly, professional, RELIABLE service. Reasonable rates. Call: Mike 954-817-3883
FLORIDA TECH SUPPORT. PC, MAC & MOBILE
Don’t miss out on the Summer Sale Alert! Florida Tech Support has a sizzling summer deal for you! Until Labor Day, ALL labor charges are only $50 + parts. No matter the size of the project or the fix needed, we’ve got you covered. Call 954-931-4151
CLEANING SERVICES u
EUROPEAN CLEANING SERVICES LLC
The ultimate in home cleaning. 10 years experience. Licensed. References. When only the best will do! Serving Broward county. Free Quotes. All work guaranteed! Owner operator. Call Pawel at 954-305-6802 for estimate.
L.H.P. HANDYMAN SERVICES
Waxing, facials, trimming, shaving and body scrubs at its best. Very friendly and relaxing experience. Visit me today. For appointment please call 954-649-9905. WWW.BRAZILLIANTOUCH.COM
Reliable, honest, affordable general home repairs, pressure washing, painting, tile, light plumbing, light/fan fixtures installs. Good troubleshooting. Insured. L.H.P. Handyman Services - Al (954) 683-3754 KENNY & JAY REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
TV Wall mounting, Ceiling Fans, Bathroom, kitchen, faucet, microwave, plumbing and electric, outlets, switches, breakers. Time clocks, Upgrade breaker box, repair or replace sprinkler & pool motors, replace & remove hot water tanks & install tankless water heaters. Bathroom, Vanity, sinks, dishwasher & garbage disposals and SHOWER GRAB BARS. Replace Door knobs and locks (locksmith). K&J 954-260-9940 BEST PRICES IN TOWN! 32 Years Experience.
RICK MYSTIC HANDYMAN SERVICES
954-232-2285
Handyman and renovations, Kitchen and bathroom restorations, Plumbing, painting, general residential household needs, Call Rick at 954-232-2285
HEALTHCARE u
CAREGIVER AVAILABLE 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Home care, running errands, bathing, transferring, administer meds, etc. Call Antonio @ 954-599-3265
PRIVATE DUTY IN-HOME NURSING CARE
Certified nursing asst, licensed and insured, 15 years experience. Caring, skilled and dedicated. Wilton manors and surrounding areas. Call Brian at 954-439-4723.
HELP WANTED u
P/T
“H
O U S E B O Y” WANTED
pick up palm leaves, mow, clean pool, house, cars. Computer and phone savey a plus. Non smoker with a vehicle. $15/hour cash. Flexible hours afternoons/evenings. We’re located in Coral Ridge/Victoria Park, Fort Lauderdale. Call/text after 12 noon 954 803 0318.
LAWN MAINTENANCE / IRRIGATION u
IRRIGATION SYSTEM REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
30 Years experience, excellent work, referrals upon request. Call Roberto at 954-383-8980
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LICENSED MASSAGE
ADVERTISE IN CLASSIFIEDS
NAKED FITNESS
Nude Certified Personal Training (1 on 1), aqua aerobics (small groups) & full body massages for naturists. Personalized fitness programs after 2.5-hour health, fitness, nutritional assessment. All goals. In-calls on beautiful pool deck (Wilton Manors). Affordable rates. Free 30 min consult. http://naked.beyondfitness.info – BJ (323) 270-7121
Naked Yoga, Certified Personal Trainer/ nutritionist, House man, driver, errands, shopping, cook, clean, laundry, pool, pets, plants. Hot oil full body rub with massage chair, inversion table, massage toys (in/out calls) Yoga poolside/ heated pool. Available now Golden Retriever Puppies AKC! call/ text 786-748-3831
RENTALS - HOLLYWOOD u
HOLLYWOOD RENTAL
55+ community, 1 bedroom condo. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances with tile throughout and a screened porch. one parking space. Laundry facility on the premises. $1450/mo. 1st, Last, security to move-in and renter’s insurance is required. No pets. Call / text (305) 338-1335 Karina
RENTALS - FORT LAUDERDALE u
1/1 COMPLETELY RENOVATED WITH OPEN KITCHEN
Off Oakland park and federal hwy Coral Ridge area, For single person, $1700/ mo plus security and last month. Call 954-868-0659.
FURNISHED STUDIO APT
Off Oakland park and federal hwy Coral Ridge area, For single person, $1500/mo plus security no lease / month to month. Call 954-868-0659.
EVERYTHING NEW STUDIO APARTMENT
Full bath, kitchen, Central Air, washer/dryer. $1,800 a mos. First and 2 securities. Call (don’t text) Jerry at 954-786-0287
RENTALS - BROWARD
TAMARAC LISTINGS
Both listings are in a 55+ community. Home, 2 bedrooms /2 baths for rent, at $2300. Stainless steel appliances. Washer/dryer, one car garage. We also have a 1 bedroom, ground floor condo for rent with lake view for $1400. Call / Text Karina at 305-338-1335 for details.
RENTALS - VICTORIA PARK u
2BR/1BATH APARTMENT
IN VICTORIA PARK
$1600. No Pets. Non-smokers. 628 NE 7 AVE 33304. (954) 522-0062. spand321@gmail.com
VICTORIA PARK
Nice area 1 bedroom apartment east of US-1 near beach. Walk to all needs. Washer/Dryer in unit. Private off street parking. Kitchen with stainless steel appliances and D/W. Private rear patio. Same building: Nice studio efficiency with full kitchen. Call 954-523-6757
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ROOMMATES - FORT LAUDERDALE
DOWNTOWN FT. LAUDERDALE APT TO SHARE
Gay guy looking to share by 2 br-2 ba apt. Great views on the New River, easy for walking/ biking. Apt include W/D, parking, internet. No pets or smokers. $1,100 mo. 1st & security. Optional on BR furnishings. Contact Tach @ 305-776-7946.
TAX PREPARATION u HAROLD J BLOTCHER, EA
Tax preparation and resolution for individuals and small businesses. Help with same-sex marriage issues and IRS matters. Call 781-363-5519 or 561-429-3592 www.haroldjblotchertaxes.com
SEWING/ALTERATIONS u ALTERATIONS
Clothing repair, trouser hem, sleeve hem, zipper change, clothing adjustments, cushions, curtains, pillows. Everything related to sewing. Exclusive swimwear are made to suit the client, tank tops, t-shirts, shorts, sports wear. Text me at 407-732-1756. Instagram: @Nicolo_ Bivona.B
