Hotspots! May 13, 2016 by Hotspots Media Group

on the inside

May 12, 2016

this week’s features: Levi’s Launches First Global Pride Collection Diversity Honors Event Pays Tribute to Harvey Milk’s Legacy The Musical HAIR at The Kravis Center MDGLCC Presents The Amethyst Gala Awards Celebration Cover Model: Ricardo Ribero Medeiros Photo: Dale Stine Miami Gay Men’s Chorus Presents ‘I Am Harvey Milk’ Publisher/ Marketing Director Peter Clark To Your Health: Dawn Polasky, DDS Peter@HotspotsMedia.com To Your Health: Apex South Florida Associate Publisher Scott Holland RuPaul's Drag Race: Chi Chi DeVayne Scott@HotspotsMedia.com Broadway Sensation ‘If/Then’ at Straz Center Business Manager Brian Burda The Orlando Fringe Theatre Festival Celebrates 25 Years Brian@HotspotsMedia.com Some Go Hungry Book Review National Brand Manager Tom Christ Dinner with the Divas at Lips Tom@hotspotsmedia.com South Florida Symphony’s - Allegro! Editor Mike Halterman

Genre Latino’s Latin Quarter Genre Hombre

What’s HOT

...everything you need to plan your week

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What’s Hot South Florida Pompano Bill’s Outlook Hollywood Inside & Out What’s Hot Central Florida Need Wood Classifieds

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By Stephen R. Lang

of the week

Courtesy of

DINE OUT

Wilton Manor’s very own Pink Sub was one of several restaurants who supported Dine Out for Life Fort Lauderdale that benefitted Broward House and their programs.

UNCLE GLORIA MAKES HER DEBUT

MiFo premiered “Uncle Gloria” to a packed house and featured a Q&A w/her & Director Robyn Symon.

THANKS 4 BEING A FRIEND

Jeff & James came out to help celebrate Austen’s birthday at The Palace during their Sunday Brunchic.

KIKI ON THE WATER

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS

Score’s Lab Fridays Hostess Athena Dion helps celebrate the legendary Shelly Novak’s birthday.

Rianna Petrone, Tiana Norell, & Carmen Adore work it at Flip Flop’s monthly Tea Dance.

OPEN HOUSE

Poverello’s Kevin Clevenger, Ron Wudarsky, & Brett Yancey welcomed everyone who stopped by.

ALLIES ENGAGED

Long time LGBT allies Mary & William celebrated their engagement during Dine Out for Life.

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG

Ramrod’s Craig congratulates Trannie Palace founder Misty Eyez on her 11th Anniversary at Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Bar.

LOVE WINS

WERK WERK WERK

The Boys vs Girls MiFo High Heel Party at the Miami Beach Women’s Club went a little cray-cray.

MiFo Board Director Mark Gilbert welcomes the stars of “Love Is All You Need?” Briana Evigan & Blake Cooper Griffin as the Closing Night film at The Colony Theater.

“The event of the year”

Friday, May 13 • 7 pm Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Cocktail Reception • Seated Dinner • Live Entertainment • Black Tie Optional Tickets $175 per person available at diversityhonors.com Special Presentation by Stuart Milk Global Human Rights Activist and MSNBC contributor

Guest Host Omar Lewis Weekend Morning Anchor, WSVN

Featured Performer Levi Kreis Tony Award-winning Actor/Singer

2016 HONOREES Peter Clark

Enbar Cohen

Dr. Mark Denker

Rae Franks, Esquire

Robert Runcie

Judge David Young

2016 Milk Foundation Milan Rosza Youth Award Honoree

Ryland Whittington

Presenting Sponsor

Benefitting These Organizations:

For sponsor information and tickets: 954.463.9005, x105 or diversityhonors.com MARK GRIFFIS

Recreate PMS(from pdf )

fast printz SINCE 1980

LOCAL NAME. GLOBAL COVERAGE.

S O U T H F LO R I DAG AYN E W S . CO M

By Scott Holland

What’s HOT South Florida Everything you need to plan your week

week ago Monday, was the annual Mr. Village Pub. They had 4 contestants who all came to win, but in the end the new Mr. Village Pub is Melique Diamond. On Tuesday was the monthly Mack Power Lunch; this month held at The Outback Steakhouse on the 17th street causeway. The food was delish and as always they had a wonderful crowd. Tuesday evening, over 120 people came together at the Pride center to celebrate the life of Miss Vicky Keller. There were so many wonderful testimonials to the person Miss Vicky was…she will always be missed. Also at the Pride center on Tuesday, “Diego and Drew Say I Do,” the show, presented checks to the AHF and the Pride Center. On Thursday, night Rumors once again celebrated Cinco De Mayo with a live Mariachi band that everyone seemed to love. ON Friday night we headed down to Progress bar to hang out with Albie and his boys and had a blast.

Village Pub

Mack Power Lunch

The Pride Center

Rumors

Miss Vicky

Progress Bar

Last Saturday, Hotspots Publisher, Peter Clark and his husband Cleto attended the Equality Florida Gala at the Mahaffey Theater in St Petersburg. Hundreds of community supporters came out to hear Nadine Smith focus on Equality Florida's latest initiatives including LGBT sensitivity training in our school system. Hotspots is proud to sponsor Equality Florida and the tremendous work that they do for all of us.

Email WhatsHot@HotspotsMedia.com To Have Your Item Considered For

WHAT’S H T

This Week THURSDAY

May 12

Savvy College Planning: 6 Ways to Cut College Costs Pay Less for Higher Education takes place from 6–7pm at The Brockway Memorial Library, 10021 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores. At this workshop you will learn: the 5 sources of financial aid and which ones you should prioritize; the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number, and how to find yours; the realities of college pricing and why you seldom pay full price, and much more. The reality is that paying for college isn't as scary as tuition-rates would lead you to believe. With some knowhow you can slash the pricetag of sending your child to college. Presented by David Treece, AIF, MBA. Investment Advisor Representative Treece Financial Group, Inc. R S V P t o : i n f o @ davidtreece.com, Treece financialgroup.com at “Events” tab or by calling: 305751-8855. This event is free and open to the public.

FRIDAY

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fl. to benefit the Har vey Milk Foundation and The Pride Center at Equality Park will recognize national and South Florida honorees who have made a significant impact on improving the quality of life for the LGBT community in the spirit of Harvey Milk. This regional event will coincide with celebrations around the globe for Harvey Milk Day (May 22), an equality movement that celebrates the civil rights leader's life story, message and legacy, while giving hope and inspiring disenfranchised communities. The event will include a cocktail reception, seated three-course dinner, live entertainment and more. Tickets are $175 per person and corporate tables of 10 are $1,750. Corporate and individual sponsorships are now available by calling (954) 446-0806.

SATURDAY

May 14

May 13

The 2nd annual Diversity Honors hosted by the

Noche Latina Saturdays at The Manor presents the 18th Anniversary of Noche Latina Florida with the theme:

“Circus.” The night will star Erika Norell, Mia Patricyk (Miss Noche Latina 2016) jugglers, fire eaters and clowns with over $1,800 in giveaways, cash, prizes and raffles. Music by resident DJ Larry Larr, and hot Latin GoGo Papi's provided by Marco Perez. In the Ballroom, they will feature a salute to Thailand starring Thailand's own DJ Sushiman. Saturdays at the Manor is from 11pm to 4 am and feature No Cover until midnight and only $5 after midnight for member and $7 for non-members.

The South Florida S y m p h o n y, u n d e r t h e direction of Maestra Sebrina Maria Alfonso, will be presenting the first of three concer ts in their 2016 Summer Chamber Series. This concert, called Allegro! will feature Invoke String Quartet as special guests. There will be three performances: the first will be at the Josephine S. Leiser Opera Center in Fort Lauderdale today at 7:30 p.m. Tickets which start at $36.23 are available at: Southfloridasymphony.org. Lauderdale by the Sea Craft Festival, which takes place

on the following pages

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hot This Week today and tomorrow, will showcase the artwork of the finest crafters in the country. This popular show returns to its original location in downtown, just a short distance from the beach. The displays of handcrafted art and affordable, unique gift items will be set up along A1A and Commercial Boulevard. Prices will be set to suit all budgets and will range from $3 to $3,000. The Lauderdale by the Sea Chamber of Commerce hosts this two-day annual tradition. Admission is free and open to the public.For additional information on the 20th Annual Lauderdale by the Sea Craft Festival and other American Craft Endeavors craf t shows across the

country, visit Artfestival.com or call 561-746-6615. The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida is celebrating its 2015-16 season by dedicating all of its shows to love. This season's theme also extends to all the songs we love, and the sublime emotions we feel when we listen to them. The Gay Men's Chorus's next show is called "The Wizard of Odds" and will perform the show at Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale for one performance only at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at Gaymenschorusofsouthflorid a.org and range from $25 to $40 per person. Tickets can also be purchased before the event at Sunshine Cathedral. The Pet Project for Pets' Annual Night Out for Pets

takes place from 7 to 10pm at the Wilton Manors Animal Hospital (located at 2201 Dixie Hwy). At the Annual Night Out for Pets, which will double as a fundraiser for the Pet Project,

everyone is invited to come out and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner and drinks, all for the price of $25. There will also be a silent auction going on throughout the evening, as well as a 50/50 raffle. Tickets can be purchased by going to the Pet Project's website at petprojectforpets.org, or in person at the event itself. For

This is

Cyndi Lauper's celebrated musical journey takes an unexpected southern turn on Detour, her 11th studio album, which finds the Grammy, Emmy and Tony-winning singer-songwriter putting her signature spin on a dozen classic country songs. Detour showcases Lauper's unmistakable voice on country classics from the '40s, '50s and '60s and features guest appearances. Lauper recorded the album in Nashville alongside a band comprised of the city's top session players.

The album is Lauper's first for Sire Records and executive produced by legendary Sire founder, Seymour Stein. Detour is available on CD ($18.98), LP ($24.98), and digitally.

By Scott Holland more information, visit petprojectforpets.org.

SUNDAY

May 15

Lips, the ultimate in drag dining, will host a purr-fect “Dinner with the Divas” event to benefit Island Paws Rescue at 7 p.m. In addition to raising money to support a local cause, this glamourous, high-energy event will be a celebration of Lips' show hostess, Amanda A u s t i n's b i r t h d a y. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (954) 567-0987. A $10 cover charge in addition to dinner will apply to each attendee and go directly to Island Paws Rescue. For more information about Lips, call (954) 567-0987 or visit

For the album, Lauper duets includeng country music royalty: Emmylou Harris (on the title track), Willie Nelson (“Night Life,” a song he wrote over 50 years ago), Vince Gill (Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty's “You're The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly”) and Alison Krauss (Dolly Parton's “Hard Candy Christmas.” Jewel also makes an appearance on Detour, showcasing her prodigious yodeling skills on “I Want To Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart,” which was the first country song by a woman to sell one million copies.

Lipsusa.com. Fotomission and Tropicolor will host at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden the 12th South Beach Photomarathon, an exciting event that is open to all those who enjoy photography. Participants will be assigned six topics to photograph on South Beach over a period of five hours.

The best photos from each topic will be selected, and from those the first, second and third place winners will be awarded cash and other prizes, including large plexi mounted prints of their winning images. The winners will also be exhibited permanently on fotomission's website along with all the contestants' images. School and universities that wish to participate as a team, may c o n t a c t u s a t info@fotomission.org. Those interested in par ticipating should visit fotomission.org.

TUESDAY The topics will be kept secret until the event day and are purposefully vague to give the contestants plenty of room for self-expression.

May 17

Rumors presents their monthly Bingo for charity hosted by Amanda Austin, This month's charity is the LGBT Pride Flag at Jaycee Park.

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Broward House Presents

DINE OUT FOR LIFE Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of

Launches First Global PRIDE COLLECTION in Partnership with the HARVEY MILK FOUNDATION

Wear Your Pride This Summer! By Ian Maloney When you think of “gay clothes” Levi's may not the first brand that you think about. However, the international clothing powerhouse is about to change all that this summer. Everyone has that one pair of jeans that make your butt look amazing, and a tight pair of 501's just might do the trick. From jean shorts, t-shirts, a collector's jacket, and collectable patches, Levis is putting their money where their mouth is and coming out for equality in a big way. Next week, the company that literally invented blue jeans will launch their first ever Pride collection called The Levi's x Harvey Milk Foundation collection and they are partnering up with the Harvey Milk Foundation to help give back to the community that Milk represented and ensure his legacy lives on. Levi's is a longstanding ally to the LGBTQ community, and they will commemorate the election and legacy of Milk, a gay rights hero who was assassinated in San Francisco City Hall along with Mayor George Moscone in 1978. Harvey Milk's election was a crucial moment in the fight for equality as he was one of the first LGBTQ persons elected to office - and certainly the most visible - at the time. Though Harvey Milk only served less than a year in office before his tragic assassination, his legacy is still alive in the city of San Francisco and across the world. His courage, passion and sense of justice rocked a country and supported many communities of

minorities, bringing forward a new hope and vision of freedom. The Pride collection will feature a range of gender-neutral products and a portion of the proceeds will beneﬁt the Harvey Milk Foundation which was founded to empower l o c a l , re g i o n a l , n a t i o n a l a n d g l o ba l organizations so that they may fully realize the power of Harvey Milk's story, style, and collaborative relationship building. “As a brand that values authentic selfexpression, there is no individual we want to honor more than Harvey Milk. Harvey was a true leader, whose passion was palpable and has expanded the decades since his untimely assassination. He brought not only the LGBTQ community forward, but he fought for the visibility of all minorities. We at Levi's are honored to have the opportunity to express his legend through not only our product, but our voice as a global brand leader and advocate for equal human rights” said Grant Barth, Chief Merchandising Oﬃcer for Levi's. Stuart Milk, Harvey's nephew and Founder and President of the Harvey Milk Foundation had high praise for Levi's. He said: “We are inspired by Levi's global commitment to progress and to meeting the challenges of the 21st century through the celebration of human diversity from the Levi's board room to Levi's branded apparel. Uncle Harvey was

proud to wear his Levi's for their unmatched ﬁt and ﬁnish, and today he would be even prouder to see his name partnered with a true champion of corporate leadership and inclusion. Companies like Levi's understand that non-discrimination is an essential value that is good for business, not just at home, but all across the globe. Having spent years providing on-the-ground support at Pride events across the world, I say, with certainty, that this incredible clothing line created by Levi's will inspire all and provide hope to those still yearning to be recognized in a globalized world. It is a simple message, marked by dignity and respect, that we embrace all without exception, and keep alive Uncle Harvey's promise of equality for all people, everywhere.”

The Pride Collection includes:

Harvey Milk Ringer Tee: Celebrates Harvey Milk by featuring a Harvey Milk graphic on the front and the LGBTQ timeline on the back of the tee. This shirt is also available as a tank and all sizing is gender neutral. Pride Tee: Leveraging the rainbow batwing, Levi's offers an everyday option to showcase pride on heather grey t-shirt. Pride Trucker Jacket: The pride Trucker was created to be a collector's piece that allows the owner to add collectible patches each year to customize their jacket! The trucker comes already patched with pride related patches as well as a rainbow L-tab! Harvey Milk Graphic featured on the back. The Pride Trucker Jacket is available for a limited run and features a slim body with sizes from XS-XXL. Harvey Milk Short: These shorts are made from a fabric reminiscent of vintage garments; they come embroidered in stone washed style with a rainbow flag on the watch pocket. They also include Harvey Milk patches and a rainbow Ltab. Gender-neutral sizing ranges from waist 24-36. Inseam cut off at 9” Pride Baseball Cap: A 5 –panel hat with fastened back featuring Levi's rainbow batwing embroidery.

Pride Bandana: Iconic Levi's navy bandana with paisley print featuring Levi's rainbow batwing embroidery. Levi's® x Harvey Milk Patch: With the tradition of introducing a collectable patch each year, Levi's celebrates Harvey Milk with a collectable patch for 2016. The Levi's x Harvey Milk Foundation Pride 2016 Collection will be available beginning mid May 2016 online and in retail stores near you. . The entire line will be previewed on May 13 in at Diversity Honors at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, where Hotspots Publisher Peter Clark is one of several honorees who will be recognized for their commitment to the LGBT community and continuing Milk's legacy. For more information about the Levi's x Harvey Milk Foundation collection visit LeviStrauss.com.

Second Annual Diversity Honors Event Pays Tribute to Harvey Milk's Legacy

FRIDAY, MAY 13 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood

By Mike Halterman

ast year, the very ﬁrst Diversity Honors celebration was organized by the Harvey Milk Foundation and The Pride Center at Equality Park, and it was a rousing success, raising over $50,000 for charity. The two organizations have since come together to make Diversity Honors an annual event. The second annual Diversity

Honors will be held on Friday, May 13 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and

Casino in Hollywood. This event recognizes many local and national leaders in the LGBT rights struggle and how they have positively impacted the LGBT community, in the spirit of the late Harvey Milk, who was born in the month of May. Organizers ask that attire for attendees be black-tie-optional. “We are proud to join forces with the Harvey Milk Foundation to salute this impressive group of individuals who well represent our diverse community,” Robert Boo, chief executive oﬃcer at The Pride Center at Equality Park, said about Diversity Honors. “This event had a huge impact last year, so we are fully committed to another successful program.” "The Harvey Milk Foundation and our global teams that work every day to advance human rights are proud to come together here in South Florida and host an event that

encompasses this magazine, Hotspots Magazine, as well as Mark's List and Genre Latino. Hotspots Media Group provides news and features on entertainment, nightlife, and LGBT-related topics that resonate with diverse audiences in Florida. His commitment to the Florida LGBT community is underscored by his generous support of various local and statewide LGBT non-proﬁts as well as LGBT pride events.

Peter Clark

Peter Clark serves as publisher at Hotspots Media Group, an LGBT media company that

Enbar Cohen is a city commissioner in Aventura who was first elected at age 24, becoming the youngest elected official in Miami-Dade County's history, as well as the youngest out lesbian in the country serving in public office. She is known for her work with Safe Schools South Florida and the Joint Roundtable on Youth Safety for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Dr. Mark Denker

The Diversity Honors schedule will begin with a cocktail reception, as well as the unveiling of the Levi's® X Harvey Milk Foundation Pride 2016 Collection, the ﬁrst time it has been shown in North America. Afterwards, guests will be welcomed and seated for a luxurious threecourse dinner, followed by a special performance by Diversity Honors' headlining entertainer, Tony Award-winning actor and singer Levi Kreis. There will also be a "State of Global Equality" address, given by Stuart Milk himself. The awards ceremony will be hosted by WSVNTV FOX 7's weekend morning news anchor Omar Lewis. This year's list of honorees are recognized by the Harvey Milk Foundation and The Pride Center for "their commitment to transforming lives by living authentically and advancing inclusiveness." The 2016 Diversity Honors honorees are, in alphabetical order:

Enbar Cohen

Levi Kreis.

honors individuals who, in their extraordinary lives, remind us all of the diversity of the human spirit and the potential that lives inside of all of us," said Stuart Milk, co-founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation. "We are happy to again join with The Pride Center to present our ongoing celebration of those who exemplify the best examples of authenticity, leadership and courage in our community.”

Dr. Mark Denker is the owner and operator of the Palm Beach Fertility Center, a practice he started twelve years ago. In this capacity, Dr. Denker has helped numerous LGBT couples across South Florida have children of their very own. He is so successful at allowing LGBT couples and others to conceive their own children that news outlets have taken notice both inside Florida and even nationwide and overseas.

Rae Franks Robert Runcie

syndication from 2007 to 2009. He is a noted supporter of LGBT rights and also animal rights. In addition, the Harvey Milk Foundation's annual Milan Rosza Award will be given to Ryland Whittington

Robert Runcie is the superintendent of Broward County Public Schools. With over 260,000 children enrolled, Broward County Public Schools is the sixth-largest school district in the country. His commitment to diversity can be seen through his work: he supported the creation of the group South Florida Association of Latino Administrators & Superintendents (ALAS), and makes it a priority to support LGBT youth, aiming to better their experience through community input. Judge David Young was elected to the circuit court of the 11th Judicial Circuit in 2000, becoming the ﬁrst openly gay judge in Miami history. He also became the ﬁrst openly gay TV judge, starring in the Daytime Emmynominated series Judge David Young in

Judge David Young

Rae Franks is an attorney and LGBT civil rights advocate who lives in West Palm Beach. For the past two decades, she has served on the Board of Directors at the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council (PBCHRC). At her practice, she works daily with victims of domestic violence (both LGBT and straight) and also helps people who have questions and concerns about property rights and probate documents such as powers of attorney, wills and living wills.

Ryland Whittington. Ryland is the eightyear-old son of Jeﬀ and Hillary Whittington of San Diego, California. At the age of ﬁve, Ryland started the transition from girl to boy, and his journey could be seen in a viral video created by his parents, which jumpstarted a nationwide discussion on transgender youth and supporting them as early as possible. "Harvey Milk is and has been the key inspiration for Ryland and for the family," Hillary Whittington said. Tickets are available for purchase online at d i v e r s i t y h o n o r s . c o m / t i c ke t s . T h e y a re priced at $175 per person, and there is also an option to purchase a table which seats 10 for the price of $1,750. Hotspots Media Group is proud to be a media sponsor of Diversity Honors. For more information on this event, visit diversityhonors.com. "Like" Diversity Honors o n F a c e b o o k a t facebook.com/diversityhonors.

Spread em...

TUESDAY MAY 17TH All Proceeds will go to benefit

THE LGBT PRIDE FLAG AT JAYCEE PARK

Come out and help us show support for this great Project in Wilton Manors

HOSTED BY

AMANDA AUSTIN Kitchen Open: Sun 10am - 11pm. Mon, Tues 11am - 11pm. Wed thru Sat 11am - 1am

954.565.8851 • 2426 Wilton Drive • www.rumorsbarwiltonmanors.com

Exclusive Interview by Mike Halterman

This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius! The world's most famous and best-loved tribal rock musical, Hair, will run for three previews and 20 performances, opening on Friday, May 20, 2016 at the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, ending its engagement on Sunday, June 5. This theatrical experience will be presented by MNM Productions, the latest venture from Carbonell Award-nominated theatrical producers and arts consultants Marcie Gorman-Althof and Michael Lifshitz. Hair is being helmed by directorchoreographer Kimberly Dawn (KD) Smith, who directed MNM's production of A Chorus Line at the Crest Theatre at Old School Square in Delray Beach. Paul Reekie is serving as musical director, the same role he played for last summer's production of Side By Side by Sondheim, which was recently nominated for a prestigious Carbonell Award for Best Ensemble Production, Play or Musical. The 20-person cast is being lead by ﬁve highly acclaimed veterans of numerous South Florida stages: Mike Westrich (George Berger), Michael Scott Ross (Claude) and Alexa Baray (Sheila), Sean A. Dorazio and Nicole Kinzel. Hair puts rock music and the culture that went with it on stage. The show has a strong eﬀect on everyone and acts as a bridge between generations and viewpoints. What looks like incredible chaos is actually organized chaos. Phenomenal musical numbers include

Aquarius, Good Morning Starshine, I Believe in Love, Hair, I Got Life, What a Piece of Work Is Man and Let the Sun Shine. As a social commentary of our times, Hair provides an insight into the philosophy of the flower children of the 1960s. As the first and most successful of the rock musicals, Hair provides a new element in musical theatre entertainment. General admission tickets for Hair are available for purchase now: tickets start at $45 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the Kravis Center box office (701 Okeechobee Blvd.); by phone at (561) 832-7469; or online through the Kravis Center's official website at kravis.org.

Mike Westrich plays the role of George Berger in Hair, originated by co-composer Gerome Ragni in the original Broadway version and by Treat Williams in the ﬁlm version. I thank him for participating in this exclusive Hotspots interview about the Kravis Center's production

of this time-honored musical.

Why do you think Hair is still a cultural phenomenon nearly 50 years after it was first performed?

This is something we've talked about in rehearsals. I think there is a universal appeal in this show. Even though it's set in 1968, a lot of what is discussed applies to our world today. There was a lot of upheaval and turmoil that happened in the '60s, and that's something, unfortunately, that we're dealing in our current climate as well. In the '60s, the hippies wanted to create a world of love and peace, and I notice now that the hippies are coming out again.

There is the saying "Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it." Have we repeated history?

I think that we constantly repeat history. We always say, "Can't we learn from the past?" and you'd think that humans would be smart enough to do that, but we don't. When people learn that I'm in Hair, their ﬁrst response is "Oh, do you get to be naked?" The nude scene in Hair isn't about sexuality, it's about protest. How nudity is scandalous but killing is not. We let things from the past sneak back into the present and you can see that now...lots of déjà vu.

Everyone can ﬁnd someone to connect with in this production. Plus, it's a great piece of theatre: the music and story are both fantastic, and the cast and creative team are all just amazing.

What are your favorite songs in the production, and why? Please pick one you don't participate in and one you do.

I think my favorite song to perform is "Donna", the number right after the opening song. It's a bit of a challenge for me because there's a lot of aerobics involved, but I love a challenge. The song is a blast and very highenergy...I like when a show just packs a wallop right out of the gate like that. Now one I am not in...I like "Where Do I Go?", Claude's number at the end of the ﬁrst act. He's on the cusp of ﬁguring out whether he'll follow the Tribe or the draft. I think a lot of people don't know what they're doing with their lives, and everyone's encountered that question at one point in time, so I think it speaks to everyone equally.

What would you say to people to get them to buy a ticket and see the show?

This show has a lot of highs and lows, emotionally. Everyone can ﬁnd someone to connect with in this production. Plus, it's a great piece of theatre: the music and story are both fantastic, and the cast and creative team are all just amazing. There's a lot of heart and soul in

this production; people will be baring their all. No pun intended! For more information on the Kravis Cent er's pro du ct io n of Hair, v isit kravis.org/hair.

1. J.R. DAVIS ... Celebrates 27 years ITB @ Beefcake’s 8th Anniversary 2. CHUCK ... Qualifies for Senior Discount during Happy Hour at Village Pub 3. CHRIS & WAGNER ... Youthful Frolics 4. DINE OUT FORT LAUDERDALE ... Broward House Benfit at Rosie’s 5. CHRISTOPHER AGOSTINO ... of the Humane Society w/ Scott Belding

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Centerpiece Movie “Uncle Gloria” and After Party at Wolfsonian

Courtesy of

JOIN OUR SALES TEAM! Hotspots Media Group is Expanding Again! We Are Looking For a:

South Florida Account Executive Applicants for the sales positions should have a strong background in account management and/or media sales and be willing to aggressively seek out growth opportunities for our print and online products. Be ambitious, outgoing and possess strong communication skills. Compensation includes a profit sharing/commission structure.

Send Resume to: Careers@HotspotsMedia.com

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The 15th Annual Gala Awards Celebration Saturday, May 21 at Hilton Miami Downtown

By Mike Halterman For the ﬁfteenth straight year, the MiamiDade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) will honor corporate and individual supporters of the Miami-Dade LGBT community at its annual awards and gala celebration, “The Amethyst Gala,” on Saturday, May 21 at 6 p.m., at Hilton Miami Downtown (1601 Biscayne Blvd.). The honorees were selected for their

Steve Adkins MDGLCC President long-term commitment to fostering diversity, as well as for their eﬀorts in contributing to the overall quality of life in South Florida. This year's gala, as in previous years, will be presented by Wells Fargo.

Over 500 guests will come together to celebrate diversity in Miami-Dade County and across South Florida, and to celebrate with this year's honorees as they are recognized for helping to foster diversity in the area that they know and love. If you've attended a past gala, you know that it is MDGLCC's principal fundraising effort of the year, and primarily a networking event, but it is also much more: pay attention to the many surprises that will be in store on the night of the gala, because you will definitely be wowed by all of them. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception and a silent auction. Then, at 7:30 p.m., attendees will be allowed to help themselves to a grand buffet and seat themselves to a nice dinner. After everyone has had a chance to mingle, bid on auction items, and get something to eat, the awards celebration will start at 9 p.m. After the awards are given out, the moonlight networking social will be held at 10 p.m.

The four major honorees at the 2016 gala are:

AT&T "Business of the Year" Hotspots Media Group

particularly proud of its commitment to the local LGBT community, sponsoring local and statewide LGBT non-proﬁts and their events, as well as nearly every major LGBT pride event in the state.

“Business Person of the Year” Damian Pardo

This award is presented annually to organizations whose mission statement adheres to

Peter Clark Damian Pardo

the highest standards in their outreach to the LGBT and allied community. Nominees must have been a Chamber member for at least two years, be active i n t h e LG BT c o m m u n i t y a n d h a v e n o n discrimination (sexual orientation/gender identity) language incorporated into their human resource policies. Hotspots Media Group is the largest LGBT media company in the state of Florida and one of the largest regional LGBT media companies in the country. Under the Hotspots Media Group umbrella, there are the daughter entities Hotspots Magazine, Mark's List and Genre Latino. Hotspots Magazine, in print weekly, has been the voice of the LGBT community in Florida since 1985. Mark's List is an entertainment and nightlife website that brings the Florida LGBT scene, among others, to your fingertips while you're anywhere in the world. Genre Latino, now integrated into Hotspots Magazine, offers content specifically for the Hispanic audience, a sizable portion of the LGBT community in Florida. Hotspots Media Group is

This award is given annually to individuals who embrace diversity in all forms and demonstrate excellent management and leadership skills. Nominees must have been a Chamber member for at least two years and be active in the LGBT community. This award can recognize outstanding work for the year awarded, or for a body of work over a longer period of time. Damian Pardo works as a ﬁnancial advisor at the Pardo Group at Morgan Stanley in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. A native of Miami-Dade County, Pardo has been heavily involved in the community for decades. He was the president of Health Crisis Network (which has since m e rg e d w i t h C o m m u n i t y Re s e a rc h Initiative to become Care Resource) and NETWORK (an early iteration of what is now the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce), and a founder and former co-chair of SAVE. He has also ser ved on the boards of The Miami Foundation, the GENESIS Fund, SAGE, and the Celia Cruz Foundation. This year he was a co-creator of the Little Havana LGBT pride celebration "Gay8" (pronounced "gay ocho"), held on Calle Ocho.

Regions Bank “Non-Profit Organization of the Year” Jackson Health System

This award is given annually to organizations which embody the highest standards of diversity and inclusion of the LGBT and allied communities in their mission statement. Awardees must have been a Chamber member for at least two years and be visibly active in the LGBT community. This award can recognize outstanding work for the year awarded, or for a body of work over a longer period of time.

Jackson Health System is a not-for-proﬁt academic medical system that oﬀers world-class medical care to anyone in Miami-Dade County, regardless of their ability to pay. Jackson Health System consists of Jackson Memorial Hospital, primary care and specialty care centers, two longterm nursing facilities, mental health facilities, Holtz Children's Hospital and Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital, among a larger "family" of doctors and facilities. It is governed by the Public Health Trust and a group of volunteers who act on behalf of the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners.

Morgan Stanley “Bob Balsam Civic Achievement Award” Raquel Matas For the second year, MDGLCC is honoring former Miami Beach Convention Center General Manager Bob Balsam by naming this

award for him. MDGLCC describes Balsam's impact: "In his short five-year tenure in South Florida, Bob made significant contributions to the LGBT community. He was a kind and generous man who gave tremendously of his time. Bob was financially generous to make sure 'his community' benefitted from his stature as a business leader.” Raquel Matas is a noted attorney who currently works as the Acting Co-Director, Robert Traurig-Greenberg Traurig LL.M. in Real Estate Development at the University of Miami School of Law. A former member of the Florida Bar Board of Governors, she now sits on the S t a n d i n g Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, and is a member of the Hispanic National Bar Association, where she is chair Raquel Matas of the LGBT Section. She was also part of the National Advisory Council of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). She currently sits on the advisory council of The Aqua Foundation, which specifically supports the LBT community. Following a tradition set in 2014, the MDGLCC Gala Committee selects a different color of the rainbow flag for the gala's theme and elevates the status of that color by interpreting it in its gem stone complement. The MDGLCC encourages guests to wear a splash of amethyst to this year's event. All tickets to “The Amethyst Gala” are VIP. Tickets are $2,000 for tables of 10 or $200 for individual tickets and include reserved seating, grand buffet dinner, an open bar featuring Bacardi brands, Grey Goose vodka, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages, a VIP gift bag, complimentary parking, participation in the live drawing, and dancing. Reservations are available online at gaybizgala.com, or by calling (305) 673-4440. For more information on this year's Amethyst Gala, visit gaybizgala.com.

PRESENTED BY :

May 21, 2016 - Hilton Miami Downtown Gaybizgala.com Business of the Year: Hotspots Media group Business Person of the Year: Damian Pardo Non-Profit of the Year: Jackson Health System Bob Balsam Civic Achievement: Raquel Matas Other Sponsors:

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SCORE Lab Fridays

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Miami Gay Men’s Chorus Presents

I Am Harvey Milk Two Performances: May 20 andBY May 22 MIKE HALTERMAN BY MIKE HALTERMAN The Miami Gay Men’s Chorus, led by artistic director Anthony Cabrera, is ready to present an original concept opera that got its Florida debut a year ago, and will now be presented in Miami for the very first time. In honor of a true American hero, the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus presents the musical experience “I Am Harvey Milk”. The extravaganza will be presented to audiences twice: on Friday, May 20 from 8 to 9:15 p.m. at the Miami Beach Community Church (1620 Drexel Ave., Miami Beach); and on Sunday, May 22 from 8 to 9:15 p.m. at the Coral Gables Congregational UCC (3010 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables). These performance dates were chosen by the Chorus to recognize Harvey Milk and to honor Harvey Milk Day (each May 22, as Harvey Milk was born on May 22, 1930). The musical celebration I Am Harvey Milk is dedicated to the life of the gay rights pioneer who was assassinated in San Francisco in 1978. This piece was commissioned by the artistic director of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus

and was written and composed by the Broadway composer and producer Andrew Lippa. This ambitious piece premiered in San Francisco, performed by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, as part of their 35th anniversary celebrations in June 2013. After that performance, choruses and performing arts halls across the country had the option of putting I Am Harvey Milk on their schedules. I Am Harvey Milk even got its chance on Broadway with a onenight-only performance in October 2014, starring Lippa and Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth. Since 2013, groups across the country have performed the musical to rave reviews. The Tampa Bay gay men’s chorus group Una Voce debuted I Am Harvey Milk in Florida in June 2015. Tickets are $40 per person for seats in orchestra rows G-GG and $95 per person for VIP seating in orchestra rows A-F. If ordering online at miamigaymenschorus. com, there is an option to use a promo code, “HOPE”, for 10% off your purchase. Kids will be allowed to attend both performances for free. For more information on the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus, visit miamigaymenschorus.com. Follow them on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) @miamigaychorus.

Dawn Polasky, DDS “One of my patients left her dentist of 20 years because her husband was one of my patients and he told her how much he liked coming to us,” she said. It’s a bond that she takes time to cultivate, and one she takes very seriously. “Some people already have issues about coming to the dentist, and it’s my goal to make them feel good about it, and for them to return.” Dr. Polasky and her friendly, helpful staff have ensured that their patients do just that. I spoke with Dr. Polasky about her practice and the services she offers in this exclusive Hotspots interview.

How long have you been practicing dentistry, and how long has your dental practice been open?

One thing that is very evident about the practice of Dr. Dawn Polasky is that it is very welcoming and very family-oriented. Not only does Dr. Polasky, a wife and mother, incorporate her family into the practice (her brother works with patients every Friday), she goes the extra mile and treats her patients like they are also members of her family. Her patients respond in kind; when Dr. Polasky was out recently on maternity leave after giving birth to her second child, her patients dropped off gifts for the new baby. Dr. Polasky recognizes the importance of close bonds between dentist and patient:

I graduated from dental school in 2003 and the practice opened in January 2007.

Tell us about your staff and what you like most about them.

We have two assistants, a dental hygienist, a front desk assistant, and then me. I really love and appreciate that they are dependable and personable. They’re also so happy, and that’s important because they make our patients feel at ease. They’re like family to me and they help make our patients feel like they’re family too.

What does your practice do to provide great customer service to clients?

One thing that I like about our hygienist especially is that she is first at the office and she is very flexible in scheduling. If someone needs to be seen at 5 p.m. and normally we close at 5 p.m., she will schedule them and we’ll both see that patient. A periodontist comes into our office every other Friday and my patients really like knowing that we have a periodontist that will see them. Above all, as I said before, it’s just a really happy, friendly, family-oriented environment. That’s very important to me.

Please tell me about all of the general dentistry services you perform at your practice.

We do implant crowns...the periodontist will place the implant and then I will finish up the procedure with a crown. We also offer whitening, whether it’s in-office whitening services or take-home whitening trays. There’s fillings, partials, dentures, bridges... we do everything.

Tell us about the process that occurs when a client decides he/she wants porcelain veneers.

Some people may want porcelain veneers to remove tetracycline stains, and others may want veneers because there may be gaps in their teeth and they don’t want to see an orthodontist about them. It’s a cosmetic procedure; the veneer is thin, almost like a nail, and it would cover the whole tooth.

Please tell us how you help people with tooth whitening. Which services do you offer?

We offer the in-office whitening, which lasts for about an hour and fifteen minutes. Everyone is different but teeth can get between two and five shades lighter after that procedure. We also offer take-home trays: we take impressions of your mouth and then we offer the trays that are custom-fit

for your mouth and you can whiten at your convenience.

In your opinion, what sets your dental practice apart from others in the area?

It’s going to sound silly, but I think people trust me. I prove to them that I am kind and gentle, but it’s not just me, my entire team is like that. Nobody likes going to the dentist, but people trust me and they trust my staff. I think that’s a big hurdle to overcome for most people who work in health professions.

Do you offer dental insurance? If so, which plans?

We take so many dental insurance plans, but for the plans we don’t take, or for people who don’t have insurance, we offer our own in-house dental plan. There’s a certain fee for the year, paid at the end of twelve months, and it is very popular with our patients.

Do you take walk-ins or should a potential client call ahead for an appointment?

Yes, we absolutely take walk-ins. We try to be as open and flexible as possible because we know people have very busy lives. If you call ahead and let us know that you need to be seen at a certain time, for example, a time where we might be closing, we will probably be able to fit you in. We’re here for our patients 100%. The practice of Dawn Polasky, DDS is located at 6231 N. Federal Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information on scheduling an appointment, call (954) 229-2424. For more about the practice, visit polaskycosmeticdentist.com. Follow her practice on social media (Facebook, Twitter) @dawnpolaskydds.

Your smile should leave a great impression!

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Celebrating our 6th Year on Wilton Drive!

New Patients

Comprehensive Exam, Digital X-rays & Cleaning* *In the absense of gum disease. Not applicable to insurance benefits.

General & Cosmetic Dentistry

954-565-7666 New, State of the Art Facilities•Most Insurances Accepted Always Plenty of Free Parking•Located Conveniently on Wilton Drive

Dr. David K. Warner, DDS, FAGD Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry

1946 Wilton Drive •Wilton Manors • FL 33305

www.IslandCitySmiles.com

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FLIP FLOPS DOCKSIDE EATERY May Tea Dance

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To You Health

By Mike Halterman

apexsouthf orida

Apex South Florida (2701 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Suite 315) has been operating in Oakland Park for many years, after a successful run where the practice was located in South Beach. The current owner of the practice is Dr. W. Steve Haston, who has been practicing in the field of aesthetic medicine for nearly two decades. His expertise has set him apart from other doctors in the area: he is an expert in administering Sculptra, which renews collagen and can help fight aging. He is also well-known for his knowledge of dermal fillers, such as Bellafill and Radiesse; botulinum toxins such as Botox; laser treatments; and skin care. When you step into Dr. Haston's office, you know that you are in good hands because of his extensive experience. I spoke with Dr. Haston about his practice and the different treatments he offers in this exclusive Hotspots interview.

What do you think it is about your practice that sets itself apart from others like it in the area?

The emphasis on facial contouring. I really don't think you'll find another practice in this area is as good at facial

Dr. Haston contouring as we are. The fillers that we have that really make a facial silhouette look beautiful and much fuller...that's really our specialty.

I read that you are an expert in working with the injectable Sculptra. How does that treatment fight aging? Also, how can this injectable help HIV patients?

There are three fillers (Sculptra, Radiesse and Bellafill) that are really helpful with HIV and also with normal aging. Fillers like Radiesse and Bellafill are great for bigger depressions and grooves in the face. When someone walks into a room, where the light shines on their face is going to be crucial when it comes to how people see that person. With normal aging and with HIV

patients, we fill in those shadowy spots, so the face is fuller and more pleasing aesthetically.

How do the three botulinum toxin treatments you offer (Botox, Dysport and Xeomin) differ from one another?

They differ in that the side chains on the chemical molecules are different. Their action is the same: all three go into the ends of the nerves and bind the site. The brain sends a signal to the nerve and the nerve ending then should release a signal that goes out of the nerve to the muscle and delivers a message to the muscle to contract. The opening in the nerve ending that lets that chemical out is blocked by the action of Botox. Botox prevents the contraction of muscles, and repeated movement of the face doesn't break the skin down so much.

I also read that you've put together a skin care regimen that can slow the changes of aging. Tell us a little more about that.

The most important thing people need to know is that the sun is damaging to the skin. Every day, a sunblock and a moisturizer in the morning should be your goto treatment. Then at night, you should use an exfoliant like tretinoinA. That's really the basic regimen, and if people do that, they are on their way to taking proper care of their skin. We also offer skin care products that contain Human Fibroblast Serum Free Conditioned Media in them. In a lab, someone took the skin of a

newborn and cultured the cells. Those cells reverted back to more primitive forms that produce growth factors, and these growth factors are used in products for the skin, like the products we offer.

Considering we live in Florida with its sunny climate, how much damage can the sun do to one's skin?

The biggest risk is skin cancer. Your skin has two types of aging and one is photodamage. I've noticed that a lot of people who come into my practice have more sun damage on the left side of their faces because we drive on the left side of the car. In the dermatology journals there was a great example of a teacher who worked in the same classroom for 40 years. The sun would come in and hit one side of her face while she was sitting at her desk, and it caused that side of her face to age tremendously. Those are the kinds of things to worry about.

How easy is it to set up a consultation?

It's very easy. All you need to do is call and set up a 30-minute consultation with me! Apex South Florida is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment. The office is closed Wednesdays and Sundays. For more information, including how you can set up a consultation, call (954) 484-0300 or e-mail steve@apexsouthflorida.com. Follow them on social media (Facebook, Twitter) @apexsouthfl.

Talk With A Doc Get In The Know… With Jackson! Jackson is committed to providing LGBT patient-centered care and meeting the needs of our community. That’s why we’re presenting a panel discussion series designed to tackle LGBT health issues. Join us – it’s free!

Lesbian And Bisexual Health Tuesday, May 24, 6 p.m. Experts examine key health topics like breast health, STIs, and what to discuss with a healthcare professional.

Transgender Cultural Competency Thursday, June 23, 6:30 p.m. Join us for an open dialogue on sex (assigned at birth), sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

Admission is FREE!

Consistently recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Jackson is committed to championing a message of equality, inclusion, and sensitivity surrounding health issues of great importance to the LGBT community.

RSVP to Lori Lynch at lori@gogaymiami.com or 305-397-8914. LGBT Visitor Center 1130 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139

Jackson Health System is proud to be the exclusive Health System Partner of the LGBT Visitor Center, providing educational programming and services, and collaborating on special events to meet the needs of LGBT visitors and the local LGBT community of Miami-Dade County.

Jackson Memorial Hospital • Jackson North Medical Center • Jackson South Community Hospital Holtz Children’s Hospital • Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital • Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital

Season 8

RuPaul’s Drag Race

By Scott Holland

eek 9 starts with only four queens left, and they are informed by R u Pa u l t h a t t h e f i n a l m a x i challenge is for the "gurls" to participate in the music video of Ru's song “The Realness.” They are also informed that the queen who gets eliminated will be edited out of the video. The runway look was their very best drag. After talking with the judges, they all had to lip sync to the song “The Realness” and then the judges had a very difficult time deciding who would be sent home. In the end they decided to send home Chi Chi DeVayne, which leaves Bob the Drag Queen, Naomi Smalls and Kim Chi as the final three. Who will be America's next drag superstar? We will find out on May 16.

Chi Chi DeVayne

At what age did drag become an interest and how did you pick your name?

I did do a house pageant in 2004, but drag became an serious interest right around the time Drag Race came out. I picked my name from watching To Wong Foo; I fell in love with Chi Chi. when I got picked to be a part of something so How many times did you apply to be on RPDR and how did great.

it feel when you found out you were chosen?

I applied three times. It was mind-blowing

Is there additional pressure now that RuPaul is in its eighth season and has aired 100 shows?

show, and I have always wanted to be in a Broadway show. Also, be on the lookout for me as I will be wrecking it in every city I come to. For more information on Chi Chi DeVayne, go t o f a c e b o o k . c o m / C h i C h i D e Va y n e , t w i t t e r. c o m / C h i C h i D e Va y n e , a n d instagram.com/cheechdevayne.

LOGOTV.COM

For more information on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and sneak preview clips, go to LogoTV.com.

Most definitely, especially with social media where lots of people are critics. We had to be on top of our game on the show, and now even more so during our appearances around the country.

Tell me about your RuPaul's Drag Race experience.

It was an amazing experience that was very emotional and very hard. It was extra hard on me, because I had to come up with my costumes when I was there. I didn't have the costumes with me like some of the other contestants did.

Who do you want to win?

I want Bob to win, because he is the smartest and funniest person I know and I feel he deserves it the most.

Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.

I am actually an amazing singer, which unfortunately I did not get to show on Drag Race.

What's ahead for Chi Chi?

I have two goals. I am trying to get onto a TV

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Broadway Sensation

May 17-22, 2016 If/Then, the original Broadway musical written by Tom Kitt (music) and Brian Yorkey (book and lyrics), and directed by Michael Greif, the creative team behind the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical, Next to Normal, will play the Straz Center's Morsani Hall, May 17-22, as part of the Bank of America Best of Broadway Tampa Bay series also sponsored by the Tampa Bay Times. If/Then is a contemporary new musical that follows two distinct storylines in the life of Elizabeth, a city planner who moves back to New York to restart her life in that city of infinite possibilities. When her carefully designed plans collide with the whims of fate, Elizabeth's life splits in to two parallel paths. If/Then follows both stories simultaneously as this modern woman faces the intersection of choice and chance. Jackie Burns plays Elizabeth, a woman on the verge of turning 40 whose smallest decisions or most random occurrences will impact her world in ways she never dreamt possible. Anthony Rapp plays Lucas, an old college friend of Elizabeth, who reconnects with her when she moves back to New York City. Tamyra Gray, who plays Kate, an elementary school teacher and Elizabeth's spirited new neighbor, is best known as one of the top four finalists of the first season

of American Idol. Matthew Hydzik plays Josh, a handsome doctor and army reservist who meets Elizabeth on her first day back in New York City. The production also features Janine DiVita, who will play Anne, Jacques C. Smith, who will play Stephen, and Marc de la Cruz, who will play David. The ensemble includes English Bernhardt, Charissa Bertels, Xavier Cano, Trey Ellett, Kyra Faith, Corey Greenan, Cliffton Hall, Deedee Magno Hall, Tyler McGee, Joseph Morales, Emily Rogers and Alicia Taylor Tomasko. If/Then will play the Straz Center's Morsani Hall, May 17-22. Performances are TuesdayThursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Regularly priced tickets are $40-$95, and may be purchased by calling (813) 229-STAR (7827) or (800) 955-1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office (1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place) or online at strazcenter.org. Handling fees will apply. The original Broadway cast recording of If/Then was released by Sony Masterworks and is available on iTunes. For more information about If/Then, please visit IfThenTheMusical.com. Follow the musical on social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram) @ifthenmusical.

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Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HOT This Week

>>> ecently I saw Beautiful - The Carole King Musical at the Straz Center in Tampa. Out of all the musicals I've seen in the three years I've worked at Hotspots, this one was one of my all-time favorites. I've been entranced by Carole King's music since I was in high school, and it was such a joy to see the actors bring her songbook to life on the stage. The musical is currently making its way across Florida, so if you haven't seen it yet, do so! Now without further ado, the top Central Florida events for the week. Lots of love to you all!

THURSDAY

May 12

Daytime Emmy Award winner Bryan Craig, Miss America 2004 (and former Miss Florida) Ericka Dunlap, and others will be present at a b r u n c h m e e t - a n d - g re e t fundraiser for Samantha's Friends, a non-profit geared toward providing service animals to people with disabilities. Tickets are on sale now for the July 10 event at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club in Bradenton. To b u y t i c k e t s , v i s i t

samanthas-friends.org. Joey Brooks and Kori Stevens will host the amateur strip contest tonight at Bradley's on 7th in Tampa! Head on over to the divas stage at midnight. Joey and

Kori will perform a short show, and then the contestants will take their clothes off for audience applause! The contestant who is admired the most will win a cash prize! Come back this weekend for Joey's shows, which will feature Esme Russell on both nights, Kori Stevens and Dulce Andrews on Friday, and Felicity Lane and Natasha Richards on Saturday! Weekend shows are at 11:30 and 1:15.

This weekend is the annual Bear Soup Weekend at Flamingo Resor t in St. Petersburg! Bears, cubs, chubs, and their admirer s are especially welcome tonight through Sunday. On Saturday, adult film star Austin Wolf will be Flamingo's special guest. Want to book your room now? Call (727) 321-5000 and make a reservation.

FRIDAY

May 13

This Friday will be the last Friday to enjoy food trucks at the Seneff Arts Plaza at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando. The food trucks that will be present include Arepa Kings,

Daphne continues the spirit of excellence tonight as she welcomes her friends Robyn Demornay and Tia Devine to the stage. Showtimes are at 10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

SwedeDish, Los Munchies, and Twisted Plates. Enjoy the varied food choices at the Dr. Phillips Center between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Daphne Ferraro's Friday night shows at Enigma in St. Petersburg is one of the most eclectic entertainment offerings in the area, and

May 14

C o m e to Pa r l i a m e n t House Orlando for a spooky fun time, as they will be presenting what they call their biggest blacklight party ever! Jump into The Wacky World of Tim Burton tonight beginning at 9 p.m. The F o o t l i g h t P l a ye r s w i l l perform two Tim Burtonthemed shows, one at 10 p.m. and one at midnight. Music by DJ Brianna.

May 15

The British National Theatre will be presenting a high-definition film of William Shakespeare's classic Hamlet. Benedict Cumberbatch will star in the title role. The Straz Center in Tampa will present this production today at 2

p.m. Tickets start at $21.50; for more information, visit strazcenter.org. Ginger Minj is bringing many of her RuPaul's Drag Race friends to Central Florida for two special nights of

B a t t l e of t h e S e a so n s per formances! Michelle Visage will host and audiences here can expect appearances from queens such as Adore Delano, Alaska, Courtney Act, Phi Phi O'Hara and Sharon Needles. Check them out tonight at The Ritz Ybor in Tampa and tomorrow night at The Plaza Live in Orlando. Visit rupaulbots.com for ticket purchases.

MONDAY

May 16

Stonewall Bar Orlando added a lot of cool new features during their year-long renovation, including a small pool on the second floor! If you come out tonight between 9 and 11, you will see a merman swimming in the pool! Have a drink with Stonewall's own merman this evening. No other bar in Orlando can boast such an experience!

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S0UTHERN NIGHTS TAMPA Florida Leather & Fetish Pride Benefit

Photographed by: Tony Fowler

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The Popular Event Gets a Makeover!

May 18-30, 2016 By Mike Halterman In 1992, Orlando hosted their first Fringe Theatre Festival. Today, it has grown into a two-week spotlight on local and national performers as they put on their homegrown shows in Loch Haven Park and the Ivanhoe Village neighborhood in the City Beautiful. This year is very special for The Orlando Fringe as they celebrate their 25th annual festival, complete with a new name (officially j u s t " T h e O r l a n d o F r i n g e" ) , a n e w headquarters (the second floor of the Lowndes Shakespeare Center), and new branding and logos. This year's Fringe will take place starting Wednesday, May 18, and going on through Monday, May 30. It's easy to attend Orlando Fringe productions. All you need to do is buy your 2016 Orlando Fringe Button, which you would need to wear to be able to buy tickets at specific ticketed performances (some performances are free and are noted where available). The button costs $10 and can be purchased online by going to orlandofringe.ticketleap.com. Tickets for all of the ticketed performances can be bought here as well, but you have the option to buy them at the door on the night of each performance if you like. Here are profiles on eight Orlando Fringe productions that may be of particular interest to you. A Newlywed GAYme is a send-off of the popular game show from the 1960s and 1970s, except with a very fabulous twist!

Directed by Barbara Solomon, this show will feature lots of shocking questions and even more shocking reactions! Bob Eubanks would be proud. Tickets are $11. The opening performance is Thursday, May 19 at 10:30 p.m. at Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 E. Rollins St.), and will run through May 29.

Breakneck Hamlet is a production presented by Timothy Mooney of Prospect Heights, Illinois. With Mooney as the sole actor, he has managed to cut down the traditional four-hour presentation of the Shakespeare classic to just one hour. This fast-paced production is moving but also hilarious. Tickets are $10. The opening performance is Wednesday, May 18 at 8:45 p.m. at Lowndes Shakespeare Center, and will run through May 29. Decades Rewind is a fabulous musical experience that will take you back in time to the '60s, the '70s and the '80s, as the musical's singers and a 15-piece showband perform six medleys, complete with visual accompaniment, featuring over 50 of your favorite oldies songs, from the British Invasion through to hair bands. Tickets are $11. The opening performance is Friday, May 20 at

6 p.m. at Lowndes Shakespeare Center and will run through May 29.

In Close Quarters: A Story of Love and War, the ﬁrst-ever Orlando Fringe production written and directed by Michael Wanzie, returns to the schedule for the ﬁrst time in 23 years. While trapped in an underground bunker in Vietnam, the close relationship between two soldiers is shattered when one comes out to the other. Tickets are $11. The opening performance is Thursday, May 19 at 7:45 p.m. at Orlando Repertory Theatre (1001 E. Princeton St.), and will run through May 29.

Naked Boys Singing is a production that debuted at the Parliament House in February (we loved it!), and has returned for Fringe season, once again under the direction of P-House Footlight Theatre director Tim Evanicki. Six naked gentlemen will perform 16 songs that are guaranteed to make you feel a variety of emotions. Tickets are $11. The opening performance is on Saturday, May 21 at 7:45 p.m. at the Parliament House's Footlight Theatre, and will run through May 29. Oh Manada! will make you fan yourself in a frenzy as you realize the Great White North can be white-hot! BoylesqueTO, Canada's premier all-male burlesque troupe, will perform skits as stereotypical Canadian characters (a hockey player, a Mountie, etc.), and then their clothes will come oﬀ! C'est si bon! Tickets are $11. The opening performance is on Thursday, May 19 at 10 p.m. at Lowndes Shakespeare Center, with performances running until May 28.

Rock Hard Revue is for all the people still hot and bothered after the Oh Manada! show. These sexy dancers, who you may have already seen on America's Got Talent, will be dancing for your pleasure in a choreographed show directed by the man who was once in charge of Chippendales' live shows. Tickets are $11. The opening night performance is on Friday, May 20 at 11 p.m. at the Orlando Repertory Theatre, with performances going on through May 29. Slut Like Me is the latest Fringe oﬀering from local writer and award winner Logan Donahoo. He's here to tell you all the secrets you need to know to release your inner sex god! Take some good notes as he tells you how to ﬂirt and what to say to ensure your Craigslist ad gets lots of responses (and what happens when you get a call from the health department...). Tickets are $11.

The opening night performance takes place on Friday, May 20 at 11 p.m. at Lowndes Shakespeare Theater, with performances continuing until May 29. For more information on The Orlando Fringe, visit orlandofringe.org. Connect with them on social media as well by going to facebook.com/orlandofringefestival and twitter.com/orlandofringe.

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Book Review:

Some Go Hungry by J. Patrick Redmond

Exclusive Interview by Mike Halterman

Author J. Patrick Redmond knows South Florida very well. He used to live in Miami-Dade County for sixteen years and is a graduate of Florida International University. Recently, he packed everything up and returned home to southern Indiana. His experiences back home inspired him to write a book -- one rooted in fiction but was very much a blueprint of his own life. The book, "Some Go Hungry", discusses what life is like for people in a small Indiana town after an unsolved murder and possible hate crime tears apart the social fabric of the community in 1986. People knew Robbie Palmer was gay; they didn't know what to do when he turned up dead. In the book, we are immediately introduced to the protagonist, Grey Daniels, who returns from Miami Beach, an area that represents tolerance, accceptance, love and authenticity, to Fort Sackville, a real fort-turned-fictional town located close to Vincennes and an hour from Evansville. His family owns a homestyle buffet restaurant, which is one of the few restaurants in town and is very popular with church folk on Fridays (Catholics) and Sundays (Baptists). After being away for so long, and having a true chance at love with ex-boyfriend Rio, Grey returns to make an honest stab at assisting in the family business.

Immediately Grey's life is turned upside down when his best friend from high school, Daryl Stone, returns to town to serve as the new pastor of the local Baptist Church. Daryl has embraced fundamentalist Christianity (to serve as a front for certain repressed feelings -- you will ﬁnd out more as you read the novel), and has set his sights on "mentoring" a seventeen-year-old boy who works for Grey's family. The boy has dreams of a singing career on his mind and is biding his time until he can make it big in New York. He won't ever make it there. The reasons why make up a big portion of the novel. Another big part of the novel is the dichotomy between small-town life, where hypocrisy and gossip reigns, and big cities such as New York City, Miami Beach, and even Evansville, where gay people can be themselves. I spoke to the author, J. Patrick Redmond, about his book in this exclusive Hotspots interview.

The book is described as a fictional account based on your own experiences. How much of the story in "Some Go Hungry" mirrored your real life? Was there really a "Robbie Palmer" kind of case back then?

The novel is part roman à clef and part ﬁction. I often say it's up to the reader to ﬁgure out which is what. The Robbie Palmer murder in "Some Go Hungry" is inspired by a classmate of mine, perceived to be gay, that

was found dead, his body having been disposed of in a farm ďŹ eld drainage ditch. It was 1986 and the crime is still unsolved. His mysterious death was a scandal that rocked my hometown.

Reading the book, I gauged the "modern day" time setting to be roughly 10 years ago. Has southern Indiana changed in that amount of time or is it still more of the same? Is there any hope for this area and for similar rural areas to evolve socially?

The story jumps between the new articles from 1986 to the contemporar y stor y approximately 20 + years later. Indiana is, as are many states, a battleground right now in terms of LGBT civil rights. What has changed is that there is more awareness and opportunity for conversation. "Some Go Hungry" touches on the AIDS hysteria of the '80s and '90s and how it was the lens through which homosexuality was seen and discussed. Today it seems that these so called Religious Freedom Restoration Acts and anti-gay legislation are a similar lens, a mirror of that same national hysteria from 30 years ago. And you are right, there are stories like "Some Go Hungry" taking place today all across our nation today. In that sense, nothing has changed.

In the book, Miami Beach represents an oasis of tolerance and respect. Why should people in Florida read this book, centered around a small town in Indiana -everything Florida isn't? Miami Beach is an oasis of diversity and for the most part tolerance and respect. It is a success. Having lived in South Florida for over 16 years and also having travelled to and spent time in many of our nation's major cities,

outside of New York City I can think of no other community as diverse as Miami/Miami Beach. South Florida, in fact Florida in general, is populated by people from middle America. There are a few native Floridians running about but for the most part people move to Florida from places like Indiana to escape. To begin again. I think people in Florida will absolutely relate to the story. In a way "Some Go Hungry" may in fact be their story. Author J. Patrick Redmond and editor Kaylie Jones will appear at Books & Books (265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables) on Thursday, May 12 from 8 to 10 p.m., and at Southwestern State College (Lee Campus, Room J-117/118, Fort Myers) on Monday, May 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. "Some Go Hungry", published by Akashic Books and Kaylie Jones Books, is out now. Go to akashicbooks.com to order. For more information, visit facebook.com/somegohungry.

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Inside & Out

Hollywood

By Billy Masters

//Kelly Ripa //

â&#x20AC;&#x153;H

e loved to play with his snake." - Gloria Vanderbilt tells Andy Cohen what her son Anderson Cooper was like as a child. After watching 20/20's report on the new book by the father of David Miscavige, head of the so-called Church of Scientology, one impression was seared into my brain. In the numerous photos they showed of Miscavige and Tom Cruise, Tom towers over David. Now, we know Tom Cruise is on the border of being a little person in fact, I'm not entirely convinced he would be allowed to ride on Space Mountain. So, how short does that make David Miscavige? If a movie of his life is made, would he be played by Peter Dinklage? You've all heard that Kelly Ripa did eventually return to "Live!". But she did it on her terms. Michael Strahan will no longer be staying until he starts fulltime at "Good Morning America" in September. His last day is now May 13th. Ironically enough, last weekend the duo won the Daytime Emmy for Best Talk Show Hosts for the second year in a row. And thus ends the streak.

//Anderson Cooper //

As to his replacement, my sources confirm that the short list is the two people who were candidates the last time - Anderson Cooper and Neil Patrick Harris. For NPH, it would be a step in the right direction after his variety show disaster. But it would be quite limiting in terms of future acting. Anderson is a better fit on many levels. And, as it happens, his CNN contract is up at the end of the year. Perhaps ABC could sweeten the deal by throwing in a position in their news division (a division replete with gays). Plus, Anderson would get to spend every day working with his best friend, Ripa. When asked by Andy Cohen if he would take the job, Cooper said, "Look, I'm very happy at CNN. It would be a dream to work with Kelly, but nobody's offering anything." Yet. This leads to yet another update from Cooper. Last week, I told you about his older brother Christopher's 40-year estrangement from the family. Cohen asked Cooper about his relationship with his older brothers, and the silver fox made this seemingly innocent statement: "It's good. Stan is a great guy and I'm close with his kids. And Chris has come back in my mom's life and, um, so, it's good." Sounds like the documentary helped bridge this four-decade gap - good news for the 92-year-old Gloria Vanderbilt. And just in the nick of time.

Caitlyn Jenner took Donald Trump up on his offer. She went to Trump Tower and used the ladies' room to pee. And she filmed it. And she posted it online! Well, why wouldn't she? Isn't that how Kim got famous? Actually, it's probably the one hole Ray J didn't use! We've got some casting news for the TV version of "Hairspray". As predicted, Harvey Fierstein will immortalize his Edna for posterior....er, posterity. Jennifer Hudson will be playing Motormouth - so apparently those two characters are no longer contemporaries. Martin Short will play Edna's husband, and Derek Hough, the boy who just can't say no, will play Corny Collins. Harvey Tweeted: "Marty Short is going to marry me! I am pumped. Marty will be my husband and Derek will be my...Well, we've got time to figure that out. HA!" HA is right! The open call for potential Tracys brought out thousands of candidates, so we expect some news in the next few weeks. Hundreds of you have been writing me asking the same question. Since Jim in Orlando wrote first, he's got our "Ask Billy" question: "Everyone is talking about John Barrowman's hot husband Scott showing all on a video, but by the time I went to see it, it was gone. HELP!" With a penis that large, cutting it out would leave a HUGE gap in the video although we hear it fills a HUGE gap elsewhere. Here's the story. John

//Harvey Fierstein//

Barrowman was doing a live video chat from his hot tub in Palm Springs, and Scott Gill walked into the background completely naked and - I dare say somewhat fluffed. Personally, I think it was planned. Anyhoo, Barrowman feigned shock, Gill jumped in the water, and we never saw the penis again (although Barrowman did get Scott to jump up so people could see his "arse"). Johnny said, "I have to be careful or he'll stand up and wangadangdang" - which I suppose is the technical word for it. But those of us swift of action managed to snag the full video, and you can see every inch of its impressive glor y on BillyMasters.com. When Barrowman's beau needs a wheelbarrow, it's definitely time to end yet another column. This could be a first - the first time we have the penises of both guys in a relationship...at least where both guys are not in gay p-rn. And you can see them on , the site where you can get your wang dang doodle, all night long. While you're online, feel free to drop me a note at Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before Mrs. Muir bends over backwards (and forwards) to get Anderson to join ABC News. To my Albanian fans out there, Krishti u ngjall. To the Greeks, Christos anesti. And to everyone else, remember, one man's filth is another man's bible.

//John Barrowman & Scott Gill//

Divas

Dinner With The

to Beneﬁt

SUNDAY, MAY 15th

Lips, the ultimate in drag dining, will host a purr-fect “Dinner with the Divas” event to beneﬁt Island Paws Rescue on Sunday, May 15 at 7 p.m. In addition to raising money to support a local cause, this glamourous, highenergy event will be a celebration of Lips' show hostess, Amanda Austin's birthday. “We are grateful to Amanda for selecting Island Paws Rescue as the beneﬁciary to her birthday celebration,” said Johanna Jacobs, f o u n d e r of I s l a n d Pa w s Re s c u e . “ I t i s wonderful to have local businesses, such as Lips, support our mission to save the lives of stray dogs and cats.” Guests of Lips always enjoy the witty show hostesses and talented cast as they serve up delicious food and entertainment as part of a well-orchestrated revue of past and present leading ladies, with impersonations of Cher, Tina Turner, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and more.

Lips is more drag-a-licious than ever before with its popular menu of drag queen-inspired salads, appetizers, entrees and desserts, plus a full bar serving its world-famous frozen Cosmos and other specialty drinks. “Lips is proud to raise funds and awareness for a variety of local causes and organizations,” said Yvonne Lamé, Lips founder and co-owner. "Lips is the perfect backdrop to celebrate any occasion and it gives us great pleasure to present this opportunity to the supporters of Island Paws Rescue.” Reservations are required and can be made by calling (954) 567-0987. A $10 cover charge in addition to dinner will apply to each attendee and go directly to Island Paws Rescue. Lips is located at 1421 East Oakland Park Blvd. in Oakland Park, about one-mile east of I-95. For more information about Lips, call (954) 5670987 or visit lipsusa.com.

SOUTH FLORIDA SYMPHONY’S 2016 Summer Chamber Series’ First Concert:

Allegro!

Featuring Invoke String Quartet Performances in Fort Lauderdale, Key West and Little Torch Key BY MIKE HALTERMAN The South Florida Symphony, under the direction of Maestra Sebrina Maria Alfonso, will be presenting the first of three concerts in their 2016 Summer Chamber Series. This concert, called Allegro!, will feature Invoke String Quartet as special guests. There will be three performances: the first will be at the Josephine S. Leiser Opera Center in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m.; followed by performances at The Studios of Key West on Monday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m., and at Little Palm Island Resort and Spa on Little Torch Key on Tuesday, May 17 at 8:30 p.m. Invoke String Quartet first formed in 2013, and the group comprises Nick Montopoli on violin and banjo; Zach Matteson on violin; Karl Mitze on viola and mandolin; and Geoff Manyin on cello. They have shared the stage with nationally-renowned groups ranging from the Enso Quartet to the U.S. Army Field Band. They released their debut album, “Souls in the Mud”, in 2015. The Quartet will begin the show with the composition “Travesty”, written by Montopoli and featured on “Souls in the Mud”.

Afterwards, the Quartet will perform the Five Pieces for String Quartet, composed by the legendary Czechoslovakian composer Erwin Schulhoff. Each of the five pieces is rooted in a completely different musical genre: the first piece is a Viennese waltz, followed by a serenade, a piece of Czech folk music, a tango, and finally a tarantella. Finally, the Symphony will perform String Quartet in C# Minor by Ludwig van Beethoven. Tickets are available for purchase for all three performances: go online to southfloridasymphony.org/upcoming-concerts and pick the specific performance date you are interested in attending. Prices start at $36.23 for the Fort Lauderdale performance, $30 for the Key West performance and $35 for the Little Torch Key performance. Motor yacht shuttle transfers to Little Torch Key depart at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. from Key West, and reservations must be made by calling (305) 872-2551 after tickets are purchased. For more information on the South Florida Symphony, visit southfloridasymphony.org.

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By Woody Miller

Need Wood

forever

ALONE?

ey Woody, I'm stumped on how to get a boyfriend. Hell, even a date would be nice. How do I approach my goal for this year—a boyfriend? -- Sick of being alone

Dear Sick: Yo u n e e d g o a l s , b o y. Reasonable ones. "Meet a quality guy," "Sleep with a hot man" or "get a husband" may be things you want, but they don't qualify as reasonable goals. A better goal would be, “I want to be able to talk to strangers I'm attracted to anytime anywhere.” Because THAT will end up with the outcome you want—a boyfriend. I can sum up the secret to getting a date or landing a husband in three short words: Be More Talkative. The only way to meet the kind of guys you like is to TALK. You have to practice being talkative with EVERYONE not just the guys you're attracted to. And you have to practice it EVERYWHERE, not just in bars or parties. Now, it's true that you have to get good at specific kinds of conversations, but even that doesn't matter unless you get into the habit of being naturally talkative. Gay tip: If you can't talk to strangers you're not attracted to, you'll never be able to talk to strangers you are. Start with fun exercises to get you into the swing of it. Try these and see if at the end of just a couple of days you don't already have way more confidence about meeting guys than you did before you started. 1. Say hello to strangers.

To everyone, everywhere, all of the time. Whether they look at you or not. Whether you think they'll say hello back or not. 2. Go out of your way to say hello to acquaintances. I'm talking about that acquaintance on the other side of the coffee shop. Move your body. Get up and say hello. 3. Make small talk with acquaintances you typically only say hello to. You know that person you've been saying hello to, for like, years, and you've never had a proper conversation? Start one. 4. Pay strangers a compliment. Avoid general compliments (“Youʼre beautiful”) or sexual innuendoes (“Youʼre hot”). Youʼre not trying to flatter or hit on them. Be specific and pick out details. His shoes, his posture, his energy, that ring. Leave after the compliment. Note: Do NOT pay compliments to guys youʼre interested in. That comes later. Now, notice the direction of these exercises: To be friendlier, to improve your observational skills, to pay attention to someone other than yourself, to show sincere appreciation for something youʼve spontaneously noticed. These are the skills you need to meet the men you ARE attracted to. Remember, If you can't talk to strangers you're not attracted to you'll never be able to talk to strangers you are. Once you get used to being talkative everywhere with everyone, you can start using specific conversational techniques that establish rapport and build attraction. I'll cover more about that in future columns, but really, they won't help you unless you do these types of “talk exercises” first. Once talking to strangers becomes second nature it'll go a long way to eradicate the fear of rejection that keeps you from taking a chance and talking to potential dates.

Ask Woody a question at needwood@mac.com

Want more dating tips? Check out Woody’s book, Meet The Hottie In The Corner. The 21 Day Plan To Overcome Your Fear Of Rejection, Master The Art Of Icebreakers And Snag Guys You Never Thought You Could Get. http://grabhim.net/gay-dating-guides/