from the editor As usual, we have your entire month covered as we fan out across Central Florida keeping our eye on all of the hottest events coming up. From “Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man” to Pride and Passion, we've got Orlando, St. Pete, Tampa, and everywhere in between covered. “The King and I” will dance and sing its way into the Straz Center in Tampa early next month, so check out our feature and get your tickets now! Just before “The King and I” takes over the Straz Center, drag legend Bianca del Rio is in town with her one “woman” show “Not Today Satan”. Check out our feature on the show for dates and times. Also check out “Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man”, a delightful comedy that will play at Tampa's Jaeb Theatre starting on April 27. Every year, The Tampa Museum of Art has their biggestbenefitcalledPrideandPassion. Writer Chris Azzopardi brings us a great interview with actress and activist Susan Sarandon who doesn't shy away from his personal questions about her life on set and even her sexuality. You definitely need to see this interview. Rounding out our content this month we also have our Genre Latino Hitlist with Orlando's own Scrappy Perez, advice from Wood Miller in Need Wood, and of course What's Hot Central Florida, where we outline all the hottesteventsforthemonth.
Central Florida Edition April, 2017
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on the inside
Central Florida Edition April, 2017
Interview with Susan Sarandon We can all agree that the Oscar-winning actress has used her massive screen-icon prestige to aid in the advancement of LGBT rights.
content:
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Creep of the Month Frivolist From the Editor Genre Latino Hit List Need Wood Small Business Spotlight What’s Hot Central Florida
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AIDS Walk Orlando Bianca del Rio Hotspots Cover Model Luis Pride & Passion “Sex Tips for Straight Women from a gay man”
this month’s features:
hot shots
• Bar Codes • Equality Florida • G2H2 Sarasota • Out for Business Orl • Wave Awards • Tampa Pride:
Parade, Festival, Grand Marshals
What’s
HOT
...everything you need to plan your month
P E r P K L A T
PrEP is an HIV prevention option. When taken daily it can greatly reduce your risk of getting HIV. You can protect yourself even more if you use condoms and other prevention tools.
There are more HIV prevention options than ever before. Learn more about PrEP to decide if it is right for you. www.cdc.gov/StartTalkingPrEP /ActAgainstAIDS /StartTalkingHIV @TalkHIV
hot shots photos by tony fowler
Equality Florida Tampa Gala
small business spotlight by mike halterman
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Eric Ducharme had always been intrigued by mermaids, ever since he visited Weeki Wachee Springs as a child with his grandparents. As a teenager, he performed as the prince in the Little Mermaid show at Weeki Wachee. At the same time, he started his own business, Mertailor, which aimed to provide realistic, hand-painted custommermaidtailstoavariety of customers. Now 26 years old, Ducharme's designs have been worn by Lady Gaga, contestants from RuPaul's Drag Race, and have even been seen on Saturday Night Live. He even recently opened his own storefront, after years of selling his designs online-only at themertailor.com. I spoke with Eric Ducharme about The Mertailor and the designs the business sells in this
exclusive interview for Hotspots Central.
How did you decide to go into business for yourself? When I started out, there weren't a lot of people out there who made mermaid tails. It was a very niche market then, like only two people in the world were making tails and selling them on the Internet. While I worked at Weeki Wachee, I started making tails for myself because I was so enthralled by the whole concept of mermaids. I would make the tails and wear them at Weeki Wachee, and then they noticed and asked me to make tails for them. I started a website, and I got a few big orders, and from there the business grew to bigger andbetterheights.
How does it feel to know you've accomplished so much at such a young age?
It's pretty astonishing to be able to do what I'm doing at this age. It'scrazy.
Let's talk mermaid tails! Who makes them? Everything is made here in our studio. We have the tail line and our swimwear line. I made a decision a while ago about making sure everything is manufactured in the United States. I think that's very important.
Tell us about some of the designs you have on sale. We have designs that utilize spandex and then our more expensive designs are made out of silicone rubber. The spandex ones are worn like leggings, and the silicone rubber designs...putting them on is like puttingonacondom.
What have your customers said to you about their purchases?
The celebrity clientele I've earned is awesome, but what's more special to me are the clients who have saved up forever to buy one of our tails, and they receive it, try it on, take pictures of themselves wearing the tails and writing letters thanking me. Seeing the pictures, with smiles on every face, it makes me feel really good...the feelingisworthmorethanamillionbucks.
You have other clothing options for sale apart from mermaid tails. Tell us about those. It was always my dream to make tails, but going through high school and college, I wanted to be a
fashion designer. I thought to myself, if I wanted to get into the industry, why not design a line of men's swimwear? I couldn't do just swimwear for men, so this year we released a new swimwear line for women. Themen'slineissogorgeous...it'sdifferent, it's unique, and I hope the LGBT community recognizes how much work we've put into this line andIhopetheyloveitasmuchasIdo.
What would you say to people who are curious about your products but are apprehensive about "taking the plunge" and purchasing? The Mertailor is located at 1570 N. Meadowcrest Blvd. in Crystal River. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call (352) 228-4934 or visit themertailor.com.
I'd say to them, "You'll never know unless you try." If you want to be a mermaid, we have people who are more than willing to talk you through the process. If you want swimwear, we have products that can fit everyone's needs. We love being a diverse company and my goal is to gain everyone'srespectinbusiness.
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hot shots
G2H2
Sarasota
photos by russ martin & tony fowler
Tampa Pride
Grand Marshals Gala
what’s hot everything you need to know
to plan your month
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Hello, Hotspots Central readers! Welcome once again to the What's Hot column, where we keep you in the loop with lots of important nightlife events in Tampa Bay, Orlando, and points in between. We're also your connection to many activities and events organized by local LGBT service organizations and chambers of commerce. Want to know What's Hot in April? Read moreandfindout!
become women and the women become men. The night will also star Billboard reporting DJ Greg Anderson, and feature a Drag Show at 11 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. as wellassexymaledancers. Going through April 9, The Sarasota Film Festival
Saturday, April 1 Wena's Nightclub and Showbar presents their Employee Turnabout where the men
emphasizes the best in cinema alongside exciting programs and events, with more than 180 films screened each year including features, documentaries, shorts, and kid-friendly picks. Entering their 19th year, they are proud to bring the best new and veteran independent filmmakers to their Festival with local and kid-friendly
programs that showcase their idyllic Gulf Coast community. For more information, go to: SarasotaFilmFestival.com.
Sunday, April 2 “The Price is Right Live!” is playing one day only at the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr Phillips Center with two shows: 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Jerry Springer, the host of the notorious television talk show that bears his name, will host the Orlando engagement of “The Price is Right Live.” “The Price Is Right Live” is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to
"Come On Down" to win. Prizes may include appliances, vacations and possibly a new car! Play classic games from television's longest running and most popular game show from Plinko, to Cliffhangers, to The Big Wheel, and even the fabulous Showcase Showdown. Playing to near sold-out audiences for more than ten years, “The Price Is Right Live!” has given away more than $12 million in cash and prizes and sold more than 1.7 million tickets. Tickets start at $36.50, and are availableatDrphillipsCenter.org
Friday, April 7 Bianca Del Rio brings her “Not Today Satan Tour” to Ferguson Hall at The Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Bianca Del Rio,
the Zebra Coalition at the Footlight Theater at the Parliament House. This is for one night only, but Varla will be doing two shows: 7 and 9 p.m. To purchase tickets go to: OrlandoSister.org/varla.
Friday, April 14 th
will be celebrating their 8 anniversary all weekend long (Thursday-Sunday), but they feature their main anniversary th extravaganza tonight…on the 8 ! Thethemefortheanniversarywill be “Casino Night,” and feature Black Jack, Roulette, Texas Hold-Em Poker, Craps, slot machines and a big wheel. Showtime will be at 11:30 p.m. and will star Iman and the cast of the Flamingo. The anniversary party will also feature male entertainers, and many giveaways. For more information or to book your room, go to FlamingoFLA.com
Chris Rock brings his “Total Blackout The Tour 2017” to the Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Center today and tomorrow, and then at the Dr. Phillips center in Orlando on April 16 and 17 at the Walt Disney Theater. Rock has
Sunday, April 9
who is the alter ego of comic Roy Haylock and season six winner of RuPaul's Drag Race, is a selfprofessed “clown in a gown.” This hilariously hateful comic is known for her foul mouth and unapologetic humor, but her victims hardly have time to feel the sting before she zips on to the next topic. Besides, Bianca is quick to point out that she's the biggest joke of all. The New York Times calls her “The Joan Rivers of the Drag World” and Joan herself called Bianca's humor “So funny! So sharp!” Tickets start at $41 at StrazCenter.org
Saturday, April 8 The Flamingo Resort in St. Pete
Stonewall Bar, which is next to the Orlando City Soccer Stadium presents Soccer Sidelines party, Orlando's favorite pre-game. They will also feature the pregame party on Saturday April 15, 22 and 29. For more information go to: StonewallOrlando.com
Thursday, April 13 The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence present a night with Varla Jean Merman, a benefit for
won four Emmy Awards, three Grammy Awards and is a New York Times Best-Selling Author. To purchase tickets go to StrazCenter.org or DrPhillipscenter.org. The Parliament House presents out, stand up comedienne Suzanne Westenhoefer tonight and tomorrow at 8 p.m. inside the Footlight Theater. For tickets, go toStageLeftShows.com
Saturday, April 15 Get your walking shoes out and get ready for the 22nd Annual AIDSWalkOrlandowhichwilltake place around Lake Eola today.
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Trinity Taylor, Alexis Michelle, Peppermint, and Valentina direct from “RuPaul's Drag Race” Season Nine, there will also be a soontobeRu-vealedguest.
Monday, April 24
This year, AIDS Walk Orlando has a few changes in store to make the walk more exciting and to help raise more money for the fight to find a cure for HIV/AIDS. Sponsored by Hope & Help, one majorchangethisyearisthetime, the walk will take place at twilight. For more info, visit AIDSWalkOrlando.org
The annual Miss Florida F.I. at Large Pageant will take place at the World Famous Parliament House. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the pageant starting at 8 p.m. The
Saturday, April 29 Sheryl Crow will be playing at the Dr. Phillips Center for one night only at 8 p.m. Crow is a nine-time Grammy winner who has sold more than 35 million albums
Friday, April 21 Bernadette Peters, with Music Director Marvin Laird, and the Dr. Phillips Center Jazz Orcestra will star at the Disney Theater at the
Dr. Phillips Center at 8 p.m. Bernadette Peters, one of Broadway's brightest stars, stars in an evening of songs from the Broadway shows she's received accolades for, as well as from all of her Grammy Award winning and nominated albums including s t a n d a rd s , R o d ge r s & Hammerstein, and Stephen Sondheim, among others. Tickets start at $55 at DrPhillipsCenter.org The Parliament House presents their annual White Party today and tomorrow starring
selling book of the same title, audiences are welcomed into a fun-filled world of foolproof moves and insider advice that could only be culled from that most insightful of individuals: the gay man. Ticket Prices are $30$40 and are available at StrazCenter.org.
pageant will honor Nicole T Phillips, Miss Florida F.I. at Large 2016 and will star many of your favorite former Florida at Larges as well as Shantell D'Marco, Miss Florida F.I. 2016. To purchase a tableseat,whichstartatonly$25, go t BrownpaperTikets.com and search for Miss Florida. For more information, to become a contestant, or sponsor, call Scott at954-478-4587.
Thursday, April 27 Starting today and going through Sunday, April 30, the hilarious “Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man” will play at the Jaeb Theater at the Straz Center. In this new three-character comedy based on the best-
around the world and has performed duets with musical luminaries such as Sting and Mick Jagger. She has been nominated for an additional 27 Grammys and has released eight studio albums (seven charting Top 10, four of them platinum-plus), a quadruple-platinum greatest hits collection and a Christmas album. Tickets start at $49.50 and can be purchased at DrPhillipsCenter.org Starting today and going through May 28, the Freefall Theater Company presents “End Of The Rainbow” by Peter Quilter. This show is presented by Kate
Tiedemann and Ellen Cotton. The show sponsor is Russell Buchan and the community sponsor is Charles and Shelley
Langston. F o r m o re information, go to FreeFallTheatre.com th The 12 annual Pride and Passion: Cirque De Mascarade is a benefit for the Tampa Museum of Art and brings together our diverse community to raise money for engaging educational programming and world-class exhibitions. The LGBT community has been synonymous with Arts and Culture in Tampa Bay and around the world. It's befitting that Pride & Passion, a signature fundraising event for the Tampa Museum of Art, features our community. It's equally befitting that the money we raise funds programs at the Museum that reduce barriers to admission, create safe places for people to experience the arts, and
celebrates our local talent. The inspiration for Pride & Passion 2017 comes from the circuses, c a b a re t s , a n d v i b ra n t performance halls frequented by 19th century artists, intellectuals and writers in Paris. With Cirque de Mascarade, the Pride & Passion mantra of “dress to impress� invites guests to add a 19th century bohemian twist to your attire. The event takes places from 8 pm to midnight, and for more information go to: PridePassionArt.org
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hot shots photos by tony fowler
The Best of Tampa Pride & Parade
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The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents the return of “Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man,” April 27-30 in the Jaeb Theater. In this hilarious three-character comedy based on the best-selling bookofthesametitle,audiencesarewelcomedintoa fun-filled world of foolproof moves and insider advice that could only be culled from that most insightful of individuals:thegayman. “Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man,” the book, written by Dan Anderson and Maggie Berman and published in 1997, championed the straight girl/gay guy friendship in mainstream pop culture and instantly became a national bestseller. Now a cult classic, the book has also been
published in Germany, Japan, Taiwan, Brazil, the Netherlands,Australia,EnglandandFrance. The play is set at a local university auditorium where the English department holds its monthly “meet the authors” event. Robyn is the shy and studious moderator of the event, and this month's featured author is Dan Anderson of “Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man.” With the help of a hunky stage assistant named Stefan, Dan aims to turn the event upside down with a highly theatrical, audience interactive sex tip seminar. Will Stefan's muscles be used for more than moving heavy scenery? Will the power of Dan's tips prove too titillatingforevenRobyntoresist?
It was a pleasure to sit down with Jacklyn Collier (who plays Robyn) and Sean Hankinson (who plays Dan) for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
Were you a ham as a kid? J: I started acting when I was six, after going into a local talent show. I sang Elvis, Patsy Kline and some Shakespeare. S: I told my mom when I was a kid I wanted to be an actor. She was not a stage mom, and said you need to figure this out. At the age of six I called a manager, andtherestishistory.
At what age did you start acting professionally? J: I started acting professionally the summer before college. S:Istartedworkingprofessionallyat14.
What should the Central Florida audiences expect from “Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man”? S: You are going to walk away with actual knowledge asit'sbasedonarealbook. Itactuallyhelpsallpeople and we will help to unlock the true potential of everyoneinthebedroomandinlife. J: People leave a lot freer in their sexuality and the freedom to express themselves as they want to. Basically we want everyone to own their sexuality. It's veryempowering.
by Scott Holland
How did you get cast in “Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man”?
Has your sex life gotten better since starring in the show?
J: I got the audition through my agent. I had wanted to see the show for quite a while; it had been on my bucketlist. WhenIgotcast,Ifeltamazing. S: I got cast because of Jacklyn as we have been friends for nine years. She got me the audition and I gotthepart.
S: Yes, I am a curious person naturally, so when someone gives me a tip I need to try it out. I am willing to do anything twice. I have definitely found new ways toenjoymysexualexperiences. J: I think Sean and I have very satisfied partners. The actualtipsIhavetriedhavebeenwellreceived.
What has been your favorite part, other than this one, and why? J: I wrote and produced a web series with my writing Partner called “This is My Roommate.” It was my favorite part to play because we created the characters, acted in it, was able to cast friends, producedanddirectedit S: I did a contract for “Life in the Dream House,” a TV show form Mattel, and I did the voice of Ken for five years. Itwasadreamrole!
This event contains adult language and content. Regularly priced tickets are $30-40 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay. You can purchase tickets in person at the Straz Center Ticket Sales Office or online at Strazcenter.org. For more information on “Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man,” visit: SexTipsPlay.com. Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
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Oscar-winning screen icon talks 'up for grabs' sexual orientation, portraying Bette Davis and whether she regrets not voting for Hillary by Chris Azzopardi
Maybe gay people are customarily compelled to thank Susan Sarandon for her longstanding advocacy, because that's how I begin my frank, anything-goes conversation with the 70-year-old multi-hyphenate. After all, no matter where you stand on Sarandon's divisive decision to vote for Green Party candidate Jill Stein in the recent presidential election, we can all agree that the Oscarwinning actress has used her massive screen-icon
prestige to aid in the advancement of LGBT rights. She's been a staunch supporter through the AIDS crisis and the fight for marriage equality – even in timeswhenvocalHollywoodallieswerescarce. The next step in being a gay icon, apparently, is playing one: Starring alongside fellow acting dynamo Jessica Lange as Joan Crawford, Sarandon portrays beloved Hollywood legend and “All About Eve” leading lady Bette Davis in Ryan Murphy's “Feud: Bette and Joan”. Sarandon was fresh off the set of the FX series when she dished on “Feud”, and numerous other aspects of her storied lifeandcareer.
Well, not in my high school; I had 500 in my class. This wasagesago. Butsure,incollege,ofcourseifyou'reina theaterdepartmentorinanyofthearts,that'sjustpartof the landscape, so there wasn't any delineation as I became an adult. It was just natural. And, honestly, the people who I made friends with in my early day in New Yorkinthe'70sarestillmyfriends. I find the guys who don't stick with you are the guys that you've had affairs with or marriages… or whatever! (Laughs) It's very rare that those guys – once you're not involved in a relationship, it's hard to maintain those ties. So, really, my friends I've had foreverandeverandeveraregaymenandwomen.
“People have to get over what happened, take some personal responsibility for being in a bubble and not paying attention to what was going on in the country...”
Free from “Feud” and any canned-answer pretense, Sarandon refreshingly freewheeled through revelatory discussions about her “up for grabs” sexual orientation, the gay actor she once romanced,andherimpassionedresponsetocritics (“to blame me is not productive”) who challenge her politicalconvictions.
Between “Feud”, your film career and your LGBT activism, I'd say you have more than earned your queer cred. (Laughs) Well, I hope so! I mean, I feel like an outsider myself. My people, my family for all these years have always been my allies and have always been very, very important to me, very dear to me through the AIDS crisis and everything. It's just a natural,veryeasyextendedfamilyforme.
You grew up Catholic in Jackson Heights, a neighborhood in the northwestern end of the borough of Queens in New York City.WouldyousayLGBTpeoplefeltlikefamilythentoo?
Are you open regarding your sexuality? Yeah, I'm open. My sexual orientation is up for grabs, I guessyoucouldsay. (Laughs)
The great thing about “Feud” is having you, a gay icon, play a gay icon. I can't think of many things gayer than that. (Laughs) Well, I hope the appeal seems to be broader! I'm hoping we reach out across the aisles to heterosexuals also, because what I think the story is aboutisareallyinterestingexaminationofallkindsof things:powerandrolesandmisogynyandaging.
What's the closest you've come to a Bette/Joan-type feud? I think I'm just a little too young to see women as my adversary. I think that changed. I really haven't experienced that. I think women just a little bit older than I am tried to align themselves with power, which were the men, and saw every woman as a threat. With my generation and slightly younger, you might be jealousthatsomeoneisgettingallthegoodparts,but
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
it'sjustadifferenttime– youdon't see them as your enemy. So, women are producing more projects, are finding things on their own. I feel very comfortable with all the women that are my competition.
everything – I felt like, “Here goes another meme!” (Laughs) The question was, are we able to make this into something that people are actually moved by? It's very funny, obviously, and interesting.
How do you explain the gay fascination with Bette Davis and Joan Crawford?
Do you think audiences might come away with more empathy for Bette as we watch this?
Well, I can't speak for Joan – I can only speak for Bette. But, first of all, being some kind of outsider – she was an intruder at the time, when she was trying to get good parts, because she wasn't your classic Hollywood beauty. So, she started off as an outsider, and
I hope so. In watching all of her interviews and TV appearances, and in reading all the books she wrote and that her daughter wrote and other people wrote, she was pretty special in her focustofindgoodworkthat(gave her) some control over her
I think that she had a secret, and in the early days of being gay – and still in some places – that has to be a secret. I think she had a lot of secrets, and you sense that she was trying to do things that were not easily done as a woman and as an artist, and she was a very straight shooter. When we were working on it, our biggest challenge was trying to make it grounded in reality because they're so big. Her gestures,
choices at a time when you were given the protection of the studio in exchange for your freedom. Now, of course, if you do episodic TV, you're right back in the same kind of contractual bind. Films have been liberated, but not these seasonal TV shows, because you really don't know what they're going to do with you. You sign away for years at a time, which was exactly what she was fightingagainst.
Shifting to politics, some LGBT people were disappointed in your decision to cast your vote for someone other than the predicted winner, Hillary Clinton. If you would've known that Trump would be elected, and that we'd currently be experiencing such a threat to human rights, which I know are so important to you, would you have voted differently? This is the thing: To have the conversations about “woulda, shoulda, coulda” opens up everythingabouttheprimariesand all kinds of things. The important thing right now is that we stop harping on blame because blame, if you really want me to talk about this election – you know, I was not thepersonwhobroughtTrumpinto power. TheDNChasalotof… there are already suits all over the countryabouthowthatwasrigged, theprimary. So, to talk about this, for me, is a waste of energy. I think right now we're about to appoint Scott Pruitt, which is the end of the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), and we've got this gal, (Betsy) DeVos. People have to get over what happened, take some personal responsibility for being in a bubble and not paying attention to what was going on in the country, and start applying their anger and their energy to rectifyingwhat'sgoingon. To see more from my conversation with Sarandon, visit HotspotsMagazine.com/Hotsp otsCentral.
As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach him via his website at www.chris-azzopardi.com and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi). Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
hot shots photos by scott holland
Hotspots Central Out for Business Dapper Duck
the frivolist
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by mikey rox
five Gaycations With A Purpose to Plan This Year
I¨ 've never been interested in an all-gay getaway. The idea of making the annual 4th of July pilgrimage toFireIsland,NewYork,orboardinganAtlantiscruise, the only escape from which is to jump overboard (which has happened), just doesn't appeal to me. My lack of interest in spending days on end with thousands of drunk, oversexed gay folk, however, doesn't mean I can't have a memorable gaycay. If you're in the same boat (or dangling from its side), here are a few getaway ideas with an LGBT agenda to planthisyear.
1. AIDS/LifeCycle If the seven-day, 550.3-mile bike ride down the coast of California, beginning in San Francisco and ending in Los Angeles, is too daunting of a task, you still can participate in the annual
AIDS/LifeCycle event to raise funds and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS. For about $100, the organization will set you up with everything you need to volunteer along the route, including food and lodging. Over the course of the week, you'll assist the 2,500plus cyclists and more than 500 roadies who pull off this incredible feat of endurance and determination by
providing hydration to riders, serving lunches, packing the trucks and picking up trash; dirty job, sure, but somebody's got to do it. Fair tradeoff, considering that you'll enjoy priceless views of a large swath of the West Coast for the cost of a single Bennie. For more information visit,
aidslifeycle.org.
2. Gay Wine Weekend LGBT oenophiles can one-up each other with their knowledge of delicious vintages – or just kick back and get lit – at Gay Wine Weekend in Sonoma County, California, July 14 to 16. The t h re e - d a y g r a p e escape features tasting excursions, champagne brunches, wine auctions and pool parties, and kicks off with a VIP welcome reception and winemaker dinner. Before heading home, venture off the beaten path to discover some of the 425 wineries that call the region home. Hosted byOutintheVineyard,GWWbenefitsFacetoFace, Sonoma County AIDS Network. Cop your tix at
outinthevineyard.com.
3. MiFo LGBT Film Festival For the past 19 years, the former Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival – rebranded as MiFo, which now includes the former Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival – has committed itself to entertaining and educating the public through international and culturally diverse films, video and other media that provides should-berequired glimpses into the LGBT experience. The Miami edition, running from April 21 to 30, offers a robust schedule of programs, i n c l u d i n g re g u l a r screenings, parties, a spotlight on female filmmakers and culinary/cinema infusions. Can't make it to Magic City this spring? Hit up the Fort
Lauderdale edition from Oct. 7 to 16. Fill your calendar at
mifofilm.com.
4. HONfest You'll feel like an extra on the set of a John Waters film at the 23rd HONfest (June 10 and 11), a one-of-a-kind wink-andnod to the area's “Hon” culture, which began humbly as a regional term of endearment in the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore City in the 1950s and '60s. Sky-high beehives, cat-eye glasses and over-the-top, timecapsuled costumes that rival any drag queen's getup keep this hyper-local gala of gaudiness a timehonored tradition in a town known more for its steamed crabs than its commitment to fashion. Warp overto honfest.net tobeginyourtransformation.
5. International Gay Polo Tournament Polo-playing Prince Harry may be out of your reach, but you can ogle the next best things at the 8th annual International Gay Polo Tournament (who knew there was such a thing?) at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida, April 6 to 9. Put your hosting skills to the test in an e l a b o ra t e t a i l g a t i n g competition, clink glasses of bubbly with fellow Ralph Lauren-clad wellto-dos, and make an appearance at the Gay Polo League VIP tent on tourney day to indulge in tableside service with an open bar before stomping the divots. Interpret that however you'd like. Saddle up at thepalmbeaches.com.
Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. He splits his time between homes in New York City and the Jersey Shore with his dog Jaxon. Connect with Mikey on Twitter @mikeyrox. Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
genre latino hit list
con scrappy pérez
Necesito un descanso de las vacaciones
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¨Hoy decidí sacar algo de mi pecho ... ¡Es este maldito collar de cinco libras con las palabras LadyGaga!Disculpemientrasme lo quito ... ¡Allí! Eso es mejor. Ni siquiera me gusta Gaga para empezar, así que no sé por qué lo compré. Quiero decir, tal vez ella tiene un par de canciones que me gustan ... Ok, tal vez me gustó uno o dos de sus álbumes también...que escucho todos los días cuando me ducho...o en el c a r ro . . . o c u a n d o e s t o y cocinando algo...o simplemente siempre...¡Dios mío, la amo! ¡El collar regresa a mi cuello ahora mismo! Pero hay algo más que me gustaría sacar de mi pecho si me permites que me personalice contigo. Hace dos años sufrí un terrible accidente automovilístico y esto me hizo perder mis recuerdos.
Ahoravivoconamnesiayeshorrible porque no es posible para mí recordar toda mi vida antes del accidente o retener nueva informaciónhoyendía. ¿Hasvistola película 50 First Dates? Es más o menos lo mismo, pero me lleva más de 24 horas para olvidar cosas. También Adam Sandler no está detrásdemitrasero. Sóloconservo las cosas que escribo en papel. Mi vida existe hoy en día, siempre y cuandoloanoteypasepormisnotas cadamesparanoolvidarnada. ¿De qué estaba hablando ahora? ...¡Oh sí! ¿No te gustan los peces? Mis amigos me llaman Dory por esa película “Finding Dory.” Dicen que me repito mucho y algunas personas tuvieron que volver a presentarse a mí varias veces durante un período de tres meses debido a este problema de amnesia que
tengo. ¿Te lo he dicho? Muchas personas tienden a reunirse con alguien que no han visto en un tiempo y dicen cosas como "¡Hombre! ¿Cómo diablos has estado? ¡Hace tanto tiempo! "Cuando no me mantengo en contacto con alguien durante mucho tiempo, digo cosas como" Encantado de conocerte, soy Jerry. Y tu nombre es ..? "Estoy agradecido de conocer a personas que no les importa repetir lo mismo cada vez, así que no me siento mal por ello, pero estoytratandodemejorar. Uh...¿De qué estaba hablando? ¡No te encanta Batman! ¡Él es mi héroe favorito! Sólo que no sabía que era porque me olvidé por completo de todos los comics, prendas de vestir y recuerdos que recogí a lo largo de los años debido a mi amnesia.
¿Te dije que tengo amnesia? Sucedió hace dos años debido a un accidente de coche. De todos modos, una vez que me di cuenta de que tenía una cuenta de Facebook, lo miré y vi muchos mensajes deseando que me recupere pronto publicados por personas que sabían sobre mi accidente de coche y muchos de ellos tenían una foto de Batman en esos. Cuando miré dentro de mi armario, ninguna de las ropas me eran familiares y noté que tenía 32 camisas de Batman. También me dijeron que me encantaba hacer ejercicio, así que le pregunté a mi hermana: "Ok, por favor, dime la verdad. ¿Yo soy Batman? Porque si soy, me está haciendo falta un mayordomo y ¡un montón de dinero!" Ahora tengo más de 68 artículos de Batman y, cada vez que los pongo, tomo una foto con ellos para publicar en mi Facebook con subtítulos como "Batman va al gimnasio" o "Batman está a punto de ir a bailar" porque, aunque no puedo recordar a mis amigos y familiares, sé que están viendo y quiero que sepan que "Batman" todavía está aquí aunque sea unapersonadiferentehoy. Uno de mis mayores arrepentimientos por perder mis recuerdos es no tener la capacidad de aprender las lecciones de la vida y convertirse en una persona mucho mejor y más sabio por esto. Atesora tus recuerdos si son buenos o malos. Ellos te moldean...te convierten en quien eres hoy y qué será de ti mañana. Sí, puede ser genial olvidarse de todos esos horribles exes que tuviste, pero también olvidas tu infancia. Tener amnesia no es una gran bendición como otros me han dicho. Sí,esgenialparasalirconel
pagodealquilertardeporquesete olvidó, pero se llega a también olvidarse de sus años escolares o años de universidad. Realmente no conozco a nadie como yo a menos que sean mayores y sufren de Alzheimer, pero si conoce a alguien, no dude en contactarnos y decirme todo sobre ellos. Me encantaría ponerme en contacto conestaspersonas!
¿De qué demonios estaba hablando? ¡Oh sí! Marzo fue mi mes de cumpleaños así que estoy todavía esperando muchos regalitos. Quizás una película o algo de Batman. Creo que esas cosas me gustan pero no estoy seguro. De todas formas sé que este será un gran mes para todos ustedes. Recuerden siempre querersemuchounosaotros!
A Life to Remember Today I decided to get something off my chest… It's this damn five pound necklace with the words Lady Gaga on it! Excuse me while I put it down… There! That's better. I don't even like Gaga to begin with so I don't know why I bought it. I mean, maybe she has a couple of songs I like… Ok, maybe I liked one or two of her albums too…which I play every day when I take a shower…or listen in the car…or when I'm cooking something…or just always… I freaking love her! Necklace is going back on! But there is something else I'd like to get off my chest if you allow me to get personal with you. Two years ago I suffered a terrible car crash and this caused me to lose my memories. I live with amnesia now and it's horrible because it's not possible for me to remember my whole life before the accident or retaining new information nowadays. Have you seen 50 First Dates? It's pretty much the same thing, but it takes me more than 24 hours to forget things. Also Adam Sandler is not after my a$$. I retain only those things I write down on paper. My life today exists just as long as I write it down and go through my notes every month so I don't forget. What was I talking about just now?...Oh yes! Don't you love fish? My friends call me Dory because of that film Finding Dory. They say I repeat myself a lot and some people had to reintroduce themselves to me several times over a threemonth period because of this
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amnesia problem that I have. Have I told you about that? Many people tend to reunite with someone they have not seen in a while and say things like “Man! How the hell have you been?! It's been so long!” When I don't stay in touch with someone for a long time, I say things like “Nice to meet you, I'm Jerry.And your name is..?” I am grateful to know people who don't mind playing along so I don't feel bad about it, but I am trying to get better. Uh… What was I talking about?...Don't you love Batman! He's my ultimate favorite hero! Only I didn't know who he was because I completely forgot about all the comics, clothing items and memorabilia I collected about him over the years because of my amnesia. Did I tell you I have amnesia? It happened 2 years ago due to a car crash. Anyway, once I realized I had a Facebook account, I looked it over and saw many “get well” messages posted by people who knew about my car accident and many of them had a picture of Batman on those. When I looked inside my closet, none of
the clothes were familiar to me and noticed I owned 32 Batman shirts! I was also told I loved working out so I asked my sister: “Ok, please be honest. I can handle the truth. Am I this Batman dude? Because, if I am, I'm short a butler and a lot of freaking money right now!” I now own over 68 Batmanthemed articles of clothing and, every time I wear them, I take a picture with them to post on my Facebook with captions like “Batman is going to the gym” or “Batman is about to go dancing” because, even though I cannot remember my friends and family members, I know they are watching and I want them to know that “Batman” is still here even if I am a different person today. One of my biggest regrets about losing my memories is not having the ability to learn life's lessons and become a much better and wiser person because of that. Treasure your memories whether they're good or bad. They shape you…make you who you are today and what is to become of you tomorrow. Yeah, it may be cool to forget about all those
horrible exes you had, but you a l s o f o rg e t a b o u t y o u r childhood. Having amnesia is not that much of a blessing as others have told me. Yeah, it's great to get away with late rent payment because you just forgot, but you get to also forget about your prom night or college years. I don't really know anyone like me unless they are older and suffering from Alzheimer's, but if you do know someone, feel free to contact us and tell me all about it. I'd love to get in touch with these people! What the hell was I talking about?... Right, March is my birthday month so I'm expecting lots of presents from you all! Make them very shiny! Or maybe a movie, or something having to do with Batman. I think I like those, but I'm not sure. Hey, I might have lost a big part of the last 35 years of my life, but I've got 35 more to go and I will make sure they are fantastic. I am certain you're going to have a fantastic month as well! I love you all and, please, remember to be good to one another.
BIANCA DEL RIO is BACK(rolls)!
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The “Not Today Satan” tour takes over the Straz Center
Called “The Joan Rivers of the Drag World,” by The New York Times, Bianca Del Rio will perform at The Straz Center's Ferguson Hall on Friday, April 7, 2017 at 8 p.m. Tickets for the evening are on sale nowatStrazCenter.org. The alter ego of seasoned comic Roy Haylock and Season 6 winner of RuPaul's Drag Race, Del Rio is a self-professed “clown in a gown.” This hilariously hateful comic is known for her foul mouth and unapologetic humor, but her victims hardly have time to feel the sting before she zips on to the next topic. Besides, she is quick to point out that she'sthebiggestjokeofall. Rolodex of Hate, Del Rio's first stand up special, is based on her sold-out world comedy tour of the samenameandisnowavailableonVimeo. Her cult hit Hurricane Bianca, a feature-length comedythatstarsDelRioasaNewYorkteacherwho
moves to a small town in Texas, gets fired for being gay, and returns disguised as a mean "lady" to get revenge on the people who were nasty to him, was released last year and is currently available on iTunes. Tickets start at $41 for regular admission but VIP packages are available, some of which include special front row seating, meet and greet with Del Rio, special edition autographed poster, and express entry into the venue. VIP packages start at $99. For more information, visit StrazCenter.org or call the box officeat(813)229-7827. The Straz Center is located in downtown Tampa at 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place. It is the largest performing arts center in the Southeast and the only one with an on-site performing arts conservatory. The Straz Center was incorporated in 1980 and openedin1987.
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by Ian Maloney
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Get your walking shoes out and get ready for the 22nd Annual AIDS Walk Orlando which will take place around Lake Eola on Saturday, April 15. This year, AIDS Walk Orlando has a few changes in store to make the walk more exciting and to help raise more money for the fight to find a cure for HIV/AIDS. Sponsored by Hope & Help, this year's AIDSWalkOrlando(AWO)willtakeplacelaterinthe afternoon, hence the theme “Twilight” (no, not Bella and Edward Cullen “Twilight” you blood suckers). Since its inception in 1995, AWO has become one of Central Florida's favorite community fundraisers that supports a mission of inspiring, equipping, and mobilizing people to take action againstHIV/AIDS. The new Twilight theme features an evening with tons of fun for everyone! New additions include bounce houses for younger children, face painting, an art show, food trucks, and performances by the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra and Central FloridaSoundsofFreedom!
Orlando boasts the 6th highest HIV/AIDS transmission rate in the nation and the State of Florida is ranked 1st in new HIV and AIDS cases. This year, the organization is focusing on HIV and Sexually Transmitted Disease prevention services, youth education, and fostering dialogueabout HIV and STD prevention. Organizers have added new categories for the anticipated 2,000 walkers! The Individual and Team Walker categories can both now compete for first, second, and third place awards each for raising the mostmoney! The one-time registration fee is $25 for Individual Walkers and $50 for Team Walkers with two or more individuals. If you are interested in getting involved, the Hope and Health is always looking for volunteers to help with AIDS Walk Orlando. This is a great way to give back to an organization that has helped so much over theyears.
For more information on how to register or volunteer opportunities, visit AIDSWalkOrlando.org. Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
creep of the month by d'anne witkowski
Creep of the month: Steve King
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W ¨ e all remember back in the 1850's when a well-known politician famously said about the influx of Irish immigrants to the United States, “Culture and demographics are our destiny. We can't restore our civilization withsomebodyelse'sbabies.” For context, remember that back then the Irish were not considered American (i.e. “white”), and therefore were treated as less than human because “real” Americans didn't appreciate those dirty Irish sullyingupthegenepool.
Racist AND homophobic Thankfully discrimination no longer exists in America and as proof we have one day a year when everybody dons shamrock attire and day drinks, and the streetsrungreenwithvomit. I am, of course, kidding. Not about the end of discrimination in America (it's still very much alive even if the Irish are no longer the targets). Or the green vomit (college towns are excellent places to look for specimens). But about the U.S. Representative who said the super racist shit about “somebody else's babies.”
Steve King (R-Iowa) didn't utter those words over 160 years ago, he said or, rather, Tweeted them onMarch12. There was plenty of outrage on Twitter in response to King's “babies” comment, as there should be, but anyone who has been following King at all during his time in the House knows that he's a racist creep who thinks that only white people contribute to civilization and that brown people don'tbelonghere. He is also a raging homophobe. He's been Creep of
“Culture and demographics are our destiny. We can't restore our civilization with somebody else's babies.” the Week more than once before for his hateful and stupid ideas aboutLGBTQpeople. Imagine that. Racist AND homophobic. It's almost like if you hate people because of their skin color you're likely to hate them because of their sexual orientation andgenderidentity,too. In May King blasted the Obama Administration for issuing guidelines to schools about keeping trans students safe. King sneered that the next directive would call for all students to become“transgenderedvegans.” Shortly after the Supreme
He even introduced legislation that would ban federal courts from hearinganycasesrelatedtomarriageequality. In 2014, King suggested that gays don't go to Heaven because they're sinners. Earlier that year he suggested that business owners had a “God
given right” to discriminate against LGBTQpeople. I could go on but you could always just Google him. If you haven't recently eaten. His long litany of racism is on full display as well. All archived on the Internets for all to see. Did I mention that both DavidDukeandRichardSpencerare SteveKingfanboys? You know, a few years ago in the summer I saw a package of raw meat Court ruled in favor of marriage equalitynationwide,Kingsaidthat Justices Elena Kagan and Ruth Bader Ginsburg should be impeached since they'd participated in weddings for same-sex couples and thus shouldhaverecusedthemselves. Shortly before the marriage equality ruling he claimed that it would throw the country into “endless trauma” because Americans would never accept it.
that had been run over in a Barnes & Noble parking lot. I suspect that if that package of raw meat run over in a parking lot had a mouth, it would say things like, “We can't restore our meat civilization with somebody else's meat babies” and “The natural meat family is a meat man and meat woman joined together hopefully in holy meat matrimony blessed byMeatGodwithmeatchildren.” In other words, Steve King is a hateful meat head. So why not donate $5, roughly the cost of a pound of raw hamburger, to Kim Weaver, who is planningarunagainsthim?
D'Anne Witkowski is a poet, writer and comedian living in Michigan with her wife and son. She has been writing about LGBT politics for over a decade. Follow her on Twitter @MamaDWitkowski. Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
hot shots
Barcodes
8th Anniversary
photos by brett yancey & russ martin
Wave Awards
Parliament House Orlando
Celebrating Unity and Inclusiveness
Saturday, May 6 • 7 pm Hard Rock Live/Hollywood, FL Guest Host Craig Stevens News Anchor, WSVN
Cocktail Reception • Seated Dinner • After Party $200 per person @ diversityhonors.org
Presenting Sponsor
Joseph Liberty & Dennis Hottenstein
Benefitting These Organizations:
MARK GRIFFIS LOCAL NAME. GLOBAL COVERAGE.
S O U T H F LO R I DAG AYN E W S . CO M
need wood by woody miller
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Hey Woody: I know I've missed out on some great one-night stands, even relationships because the guys weren't my physical type. I've tried but I just can't get into smooth guys. It feels like I'm screwing a salmon. The other night I met the perfect guy—great looks, warmth of a furnace, but there wasn't any hair on his legs so I made some excuse and practically fled the place. I'm feeling shallow and guilty about turning down guys just because they don't have the exact physical look that I like. How do I deal with this? -- Rough edges DearRoughEdges: Don't confuse shallowness with preference. Are you shallow because you prefer tall guys? Athletic guys? Or guys who know the difference between its andit's? Not only have you developed misguided guilt, you've also managed to develop a scarcity mentality while sitting in front of the biggest Man-Buffet ever seen. Dude, are you blind? Most guys are hairy! And half the smooth ones are faking it. They'd probably latch on to you just to cuttheirwaxingbills. As far as your guilt, it's caused by letting a physical characteristic rob you of an emotional connection. You can't “CHANGE” your preference becausethat'simpossible. But it is possible to expand your
Smooth and Silky? NO THANKS!
“bodybandwidth.”Here'show:
1. Tell the faux smoothies to “Grow it out.” Many of the guys you've turned down are shaving and waxing because we've idealized smooth torsos. Pick up any gay publication and count the number of stories and ads featuring men with hairy bodies. Trust me, you can do it with one handandnofingers.
2. Cover the outer and discover the inner. Put more emphasis on the inner qualities than the outer goodies. Ever notice that beauty is right up there with Spackle in the lesbian Desire-OMeter? It's because they attach erotic desire to something other than their partner's physical appearance. Like power. (And experience, humor, trucks, flannel, boots, nipple rings,
strap-ons)WAIT! I'moff-topic….
3. Date the sparsely furred. You need erotic experiences with smooth ornear-smoothguys and the best way to do that is to systematically immerse yourself in less and less hairy guys. The vast majority of guys are somewhere between smooth and hairy. Start with the guys who are medium hairy and work your way down to the least hairy guy who turnsyouon.
4. Watch p@rn with lightly hairy guys. Sometimes a good video opens you up to things you thought you'd never get into. Like mustaches. Or as they call them injail,“Prisonpu$$y.” Body type is not a conscious choice. You can't change it, but with the right attitude and the right techniques,youcanexpandit.
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Tampa Museum of Art's Pride and Passion Cirque de Mascarade
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The 12th Annual Pride & Passion: Cirque de Mascarade will take place at the Tampa MuseumofArt(120WGasparillaPlaza,Tampa) on Saturday, April 29 at 8 p.m. Pride & Passion is Tampa Bay's celebration of diversity benefiting the Tampa Museum of Art. This annual event has become known for its eclectic mix of people, eye-popping decor, and breathtaking live performances. The gala takes place within the sublime, modern space which houses the area's premiere art museum and includes top-shelf open bar featuring signature cocktails, imported wines and champagne, micro-brews, and mouthwateringtreats,bothsavoryandsweet. Pride & Passion takes place in the 66,000square-foot Cornelia Corbett Center, the Museum's home located in downtown Tampa's CurtisHixonWaterfrontPark. Thefacilityopened onFebruary6,2010andfeaturesover26,000sq. ft. ofexhibitionspace. The inspiration for Pride & Passion 2017 comes from the circuses, cabarets, and vibrant
performance halls frequented by 19th century artists, intellectuals and writers in Paris. With Cirque de Mascarade, the Pride & Passion mantra of “dress to impress� invites guests to add a 19th century bohemiantwisttoyourattire. The LGBT community has been synonymous with Arts and Culture in Tampa Bay and around the world. It's befitting that Pride & Passion, a signature fundraising event for the Tampa Museum of Art, features our community. It's equally befitting that the money raised funds programs at the Museum that reduce barriers to admission, create safe places for people to experiencethearts,andcelebrateslocaltalent. Pride & Passion tickets include annual individual or household membership to the Tampa Museum of Art. If already a current Museum member, membership is extended by one year from the currentmembershipexpirationdate. Sponsorship packages of various levels and with increased value over general admission tickets are also available. For further information, pleasevisit www.pridepassionart.org.
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