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Dear OMG! Readers, It’s going to be an even hotter summer season as Tropical Heat in Key West rapidly approaches. In its 5th year, Tropical Heat has grown into one of the summer’s can’t miss events as partygoers descend upon the southernmost point in droves to conclude their summer season with a bang. OMG! brings you the latest updates from this month’s hottest event. A gigantic CONGRATULATIONS to our wonderful friends and family at the Parliament House in Orlando, Florida for celebrating a milestone 35th Anniversary as one of the top entertainment venues, resorts and iconic landmarks in the South. On behalf of all of the OMG! staff and readers, I raise my glass to you Parliament House and wish you another 35 years on top. Love,
Okie Okesene Tilo,
Executive Editor Correction: James Thompson is the writer of Heavy State of Mind and Kevin Boyer is the writer of Stand Up Florida's column that ran in Issue 15. We apologize for the misspelling.
Okie Tilo with OMG! writer Billy Jolie and friends at the book release party for Jolie's first novel, The Lust Garden
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Billy Jolie with publisher James Clark and the OMG! family
What the hell is Sookie Stackhouse? A fairy? An angel? Whatever the guess, viewers have been in a tizzy over the lead character’s human state since she first projected light out of her hand last season. Add her telepathy and lack of blood type to the equation, and the guesses keep rolling in.
“Wonderful Life” by HURTS An electronic duo from Manchester release a haunting yet beautiful song and accompanying music video from their upcoming Happiness album. Check out their upcoming album on September 6, 2010.
iDosing: the new high By downloading a monotonous layer of sounds called “digital drugs” and listening to the sounds on headphones, kids are discovering the latest new legal way of getting high while parents scramble to find ways to stop the upcoming new trend from spreading any further.
Jennifer Lopez on American Idol At press time, it had only been officially confirmed that Kara DioGuardia and Ellen Degeneres were out and Randy Jackson was still in as next season’s American Idol judges. However, press speculation that Jenny From The Block will be joining Jackson on Idol hadn’t been completely ruled out.
ATARI on Facebook Remember Missile Command? What about Centipede? Relive the 1980’s glory days of video gaming on Facebook when the site premieres its latest application… ATARI games.
Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream The California Gurl’s upcoming album unveils cover art evoking subtle hints of Prince’s Lovesexy. Check out Miss Perry’s new album on August 24, 2010.
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INSIDE TROPICAL HEAT written by Okesene Tilo
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t's interesting to be the model for the Tropical Heat issue. I always get asked the question, "Where are you from?" - which is basically a subtle way of asking "What the f*%k are you?!" - as if categorizing me by race will inform their perception of who I am and how to relate to me. Typical guesses range anywhere from Puerto Rican, Dominican, Brazilian to Black, Arab, or Italian. I've even been guessed as being Croatian. People also love to get creative in their guesses: "I think his mother is Spanish and his father is Creole!" (overheard at a bar). More often than not, the guesses range from me being an Islander or from somewhere Tropical. So when I answer that I am a native Michigander, I always receive a blank stare.
Turns out, I am French, German and Irish on my mom's side, Black and Cherokee on my father's. 100% American mutt. While I enjoy a beach as much as the next guy, I'm more in my element lost in a forest or standing on a snowboard atop a snowy mountain. I wasn't raised with any cultural identity, so I never had a preconceived idea of what I was supposed to like or how I was expected to behave or speak. (Just imagine how uncool of a kid I was back in Detroit.) I like it. It lets me become different characters and gives me insight into what it's like to be accepted as something that I'm not. It underlines the fact that the "tribal" behavior in this country is purely a social construct and has no real meaning beyond what we give it. I'm a strange duck, yeah, but I had to carve a persona out of thin air. My hippie mother certainly didn't offer up any clues about what was normal and even encouraged and my oddball behavior. Growing up, everyone always also asked if I was adopted. It was either that or, "Are you a boy or a girl?" I don't get that question much anymore. Hope you all enjoy Tropical Heat 2010!" -Model Sydney James Harcourt
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARY RANDALL
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Tropical Heat 2010 is Key West's hottest event of the year for men only, and it’s kicking up the heat in 2010. This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Tropical Heat event and will feature four days of all-male, adult-oriented theme parties, entertainment and men from around the world. This article is intended to give all the 411 needed to make one’s presence know in Key West this year. AUGUST 19, 2010 THURSDAY’s ACTIVITIES: Tropical Heat Kickoff @ Island House, 6-9pm $20 This year's event kicks off at the Island House Resort with an open bar courtesy of HARLEM LIQUEURS. Meet and greet new and old friends at the first official party of Tropical Heat 2010. The boys of the Island House Resort and MANHUNT are sure to entertain with help of a live DJ, and LOGO’s own comedian extraordinaire Paul J. Williams. This party is a 100% clothing optional venue. Hotter Than Hades Fetish Party @ Saloon One, 10pm-2am You’re not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy! Opening their doors to all of the bad boys of Tropical Heat, Saloon One will be equipped with a full dungeon. Whether you like to “see” or “be seen,” this fetish party is sure to make you stare. Saloon One is a clothing optional venue with encouraged fetish attire such as underwear, Levi’s, leather or whatever else makes you feel the heat. This scene is definitely not for the timid or shy. AUGUST 20, 2010 FRIDAY’s ACTIVITIES: Splash Pool Party & BBQ @ Big Ruby’s Guesthouse, 125pm $20 As you recuperate from the opening night’s festivities, might I recommend you beat the humidity with Big Ruby’s FABULOUS “cool down” pool party? Free light lunch donated by The Hyatt Hotel’s SHOR Restaurant and plenty of other meats to choose from. Party Hostess/MC Sister Helen Holy joins the Ruby family to ensure you and your friends are laughing your way to a long, long day and night in paradise. Toga in the Tropics @ Equator Resort, 6-10pm $15 A returning highlight to the Tropical Heat Weekend is Equator Resort’s Annual Toga Party. Dress to impress in your hottest Toga creation. To encourage your “creativity,” Equator’s will be judging the Most Revealing Toga, the Most Creative Toga and Mr. Toga 2010. So come hang out at Equator’s and partake in your favorite cocktail, beer or wine by the pool and enjoy the view!
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"Uno Noche Caliente" Drag & Porn Star Show @ Aqua Nightclub, 10pm-12:30am $15 Tropical Heat takes over the Aqua Nightclub for an open event (it’s not a men’s only event). Taking the stage to dazzle and entertain will be special adult entertainers, the reigning drag queens and their Aquanettes for a show that you will leave you wanting more! Midnight Skinny-dip Pool Party @ Bourbon Street Pub, 10pm-4am $20 Forget the bathing suit, just jump right in! This late night skinny-dip is designed to let you steam up your night with the boys of Bourbon Street Pub. Live DJ, exotic dancers and plenty of flesh showing in the 15-man hot tub and full sized pool. VIP suite features private bar & dancers. This is one pool party you just can’t miss. Board shorts not required. Clothes check available. AUGUST 21, 2010 SATURDAY’s ACTIVITIES: Island House Pool Party @ Island House Resort, 11am5pm $20 This Saturday pool party is a returning slice of Tropical Heat history! Hosted by the Island House Resort, this party is sure to pack some heat as well as the pool. Master of Ceremonies, Paul J. Williams will keep you in stitches as he hosts this day of diversion. There will also be an “on-site video shoot” for all of you exhibitionists and such. No need to worry about your video cam, IHR will have professionals filming this event to be seen on the screen at IHR’s big late night event. Kwest Men VIP Party @ Kwest Men, 8-10pm (Pass-holders and invitation-only) Class it up at Kwest Men’s Club VIP party. Allow me to assure you that this is THEE weekend event not to miss. This exclusive party is an “All-Access Pass-holders/By-Invitation only” event. Come rub elbows and whatever else with the guest porn stars imported just for this party. Enjoy complimentary appetizers, the renowned “Kwest International Dancers,” and world-class DJ’s at this night you won’t soon forget. Make it to midnight and show us what you've got by entering the amateur strip contest!
OMG! Magazine’s “BIG “O” (MG) EXHBITION PARTY @ Bourbon Street Pub, 10pm-4am $20 Guaranteed to be “the biggest blowout of the weekend” is Saturday night at the Bourbon St Pub. OMG! Magazine and Tropical Heat will take over Bourbon St. Pub for a night where inhibitions are lost and fantasies are found. Take a walk on the wild side and show your true colors by jumping into OMG!’s “live on-site” film set to live out your fantasies. DJ, dancers, a pool with a waterfall, hot tubs, foam, dance floor, maze, clothes check and 4 bars to pick your poison. VIP suite features private dancers, bar and food. AUGUST 22, 2010 SUNDAY’s ACTIVITIES: Recovery Pool Party @ Alexander’s Guesthouse, 123pm $10 Alexander's Guesthouse kicks off the first annual all-welcome pool party of Tropical Heat 2010. This year, Alexander's is lavishly decorated "Disco Inferno!" style with DJ Marky to spin your favorites by the pool. Your $10 donation at the door benefits the Key West Business Guild and includes one complimentary "Welcome and Rejuvenate" cocktail. After that, it’s a cash bar or $20 All-U-Can-Drink at the Pink Monkey Bar. Come in 70's Disco costume and drink all day for only $10. Light food served from Noon1pm. With clothing optional sunbathing on upper sundecks, this party is going to be HOT! RSVP Vacations Tea Dance @ La Te Da, 4-6p Free La Te Da's famous tea dance invites all attendees of Tropical Heat to kick it up a notch one last time. All are welcome. Tropical Jazz @ The Gardens Hotel, 5-7p Free Looking to decompress and unwind after a weekend of non-stop partying, then this diversion is meant for you. This slightly laidback gathering will have you listening to the best in jazz music. Generous sponsor, The Gardens Hotel, welcomes you to their beautiful property to enjoy the flora and fauna of Old Town Key West. Paul J. Williams Comedy Show @ Aqua presented by The Gardens Hotel, 7:30pm Highlighting Tropical Heat 2010 for the first time ever is LOGO’s standup comic Paul J. Williams. This show is guaranteed to keep you laughing until you cry. Williams will perform his one-man show for ONE NIGHT ONLY. As the final official event of the Key West Business Guild's annual Tropical Heat weekend, Paul is here to serve up his always side splitting humor made most famous from his roles with the LOGO Network and RSVP Cruises fame. Prepare to be entertained by Williams’s "religious" sense of humor and his always endearing ability to embrace irony in today's world. Adult-themed show. So now you have read the line up, what are you waiting for? Come down to Key West to experience Tropical Heat 2010. Prices for the events are listed next to each venue, but you can save big bucks with an All-Access VIP Pass. The All-Access Pass gains you admission to every Tropical Heat event along with other great benefits:
• Pass holders get entry into a special VIP lounge at Bourbon Street Pub during the Friday pool party and Saturday night main event. VIP lounge features private bar, food and exclusive adult dancers. • Island House is generously offering day passes to all-access pass holders that are good for all Island House facilities including the gym, steam room, pool, hot tubs, erotic video room and cafe. • If you have an all-access pass, you can purchase a $10, all-you-can-drink draft beer sticker that is good after 10pm each day of Tropical Heat at Saloon One. An All Access Pass can be purchased on-line at www.tropicalheatkw.com for $99.00, Rooms down in Key West are filling up fast. Below is a listing of places to stay while in the Conch Republic for Tropical Heat 2010: Alexander's Guesthouse 1118 Fleming St 305-294-9919 800-654-9919 www.alexanderskeywest.com The Gardens Hotel 526 Angela St 305-294-2661 305-292-1007 gardenshotel.com Big Ruby's Guesthouse 409 Applerouth Ln 305-296-2323 800-477-7829 www.bigrubys.com Island House 1129 Fleming St 305-294-6284 800-890-6284 www.islandhousekeywest.com New Orleans House 724 Duval St 305-293-9800 888-293-9893 www.neworleanshousekw.com Equator Resort 818 Fleming St 305-294-7775 800-278-4552 www.equatorresort.com OMG! Magazine will be in Key West during Tropical Heat, so be sure to stop by and say hi. Have a photo op with the OMG! staff and the latest copy of OMG! Magazine.
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Paul J. Williams steps up to the plate as the first celebrity host of Tropical Heat
Williams' alter-ego, the insanely hilarious Sister Helen Holy
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"Key West chose me," says Tropical Heat coordinator Jeff Smead when asked why he chose to move to Key West from Los Angeles.
TROPICAL HEAT SPOTLIGHT: JEFF SMEAD & PAUL J. WILLIAMS
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ropical Heat has rapidly grown into one of the summer season’s premier events for gay men. Taking place in the midst of the summer’s sizzling temperatures, the event’s name is attributed to the southernmost point’s tropical climate and setting. Even though the month of August is a very slow season for nearly any Florida destination, hundreds upon hundreds of individuals flock down to the Keys for this annual event. To keep up with the event’s rising popularity, the Key West Business Guild hired Jeff Smead to coordinate and promote their annual summerfest.
Jeff Smead first fell in love with the Keys during a Boy Scout trip visit when he was only 13 years old. A mere 13 days after walking in his college graduation, he quickly packed his bags and moved from the sunny skies of Los Angeles to the even sunnier skies of Key West. He has been a Keys resident ever since. Smead brings vast event experience and a new perspective to promote Tropical Heat’s continual growth. By spicing up the event with some new additions, Smead hopes that Tropical Heat will remind the national GLBT community that Key West’s local GBLT community is still alive and booming. On a recent cruise that Smead was on last February, Paul J. Williams caught his eye during an event. Williams is an acclaimed comedian that has been featured on LOGO and in countless critically-praised one-man shows around the country.
For over a decade, he has also been the cruise director for RSVP Cruises, one that Smead was a crew member on when he first met Williams. Williams and his alter-ego, the side-splitting Sister Helen Holy, were soon booked as Tropical Heat’s first ever celebrity comedian who will host various events such as the Splash Pool Party & BBQ at Big Ruby’s Guesthouse (8/20), Island House Pool Party at Island House Resort (8/21) and his very own Comedy Show at Aqua presented by The Gardens Hotel (8/22). OMG! Magazine will also be hosting their BIG “O”(MG) Exhibition Party on Saturday night (8/21) at Bourbon Street Pub. Along with the hottest dancers and music, the party will feature a live on-site film set where attendees can live out their wildest fantasies. Although Tropical Heat is touted as gay men’s only event, there are plenty of events for female partygoers to attend. The “Uno Noche Caliente” Drag & Porn Star Show at Aqua (8/20), Recovery Pool Party at Alexander’s Guesthouse (8/22), RSVP Vacation Tea Dance at La Te Da (8/22) and Paul J. Williams Comedy Show at Aqua (8/22) are open to all. “For those who think that Key West is not gay anymore, come to Tropical Heat,” says Smead. “I bet that those very people will leave here not saying (or thinking) the same thing anymore.” For more on Tropical Heat Key West, please visit www.tropicalheatkw.com For more on Paul J. Williams, please visit www.pauljwilliams.com
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Columbia Pictures (c) 2010 Sony Pictures Digital Inc.
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hree consecutive $100 million grossing blockbusters. An Academy Award for Best Actress. The highest-paid actress commanding $20 million per film. Bigger than Tom Cruise and Will Smith. The year was 2001 and Julia Roberts was arguably the biggest movie star on the planet.
Audiences first fell in love with Julia Roberts during her first major roles in Mystic Pizza (1988) and Steel Magnolias (1989), but it wasn’t until the release of 1990’s Pretty Woman that Julia Roberts became not only America’s sweetheart and a household name but a cultural phenomenon all at the young age of 23. She followed that Academy Award nominated role with parts in hit films Sleeping With The Enemy (1991), Steven Spielberg’s Hook and The Pelican Brief (1993). As her then marriage to singer Lyle Lovett was crumbling and her latest films Prêt-à-Porter, I Love Trouble and Mary Reilly all tanked at the box-office, Julia Roberts found herself slowly fading into obscurity before the age of 30. In 1997, Julia officially made her comeback in the romantic comedy My Best Friend’s Wedding. She became the queen of the summer of 1999 when her pair of romantic comedies, Notting Hill and Runaway Bride both became gigantic blockbusters. Roberts then became the queen of Hollywood not when her 2000 film Erin Brockovich reached the $100 million mark at the box-office, but when she swept the Best Actress awards circuit for her role as Erin including the Screen Actors Guild, Golden Globes, BAFTA’s and Oscars. OMG 20
Since then, the Pretty Woman married cameraman Danny Moder, had children (twins Hazel and Phinnaeus in 2004 and son Henry in 2007) and starred in a handful of independent projects (Full Frontal, Fireflies in the Garden) with a few splashy projects (Duplicity, Charlie Wilson’s War, Closer) in between. None of those projects were huge hits, and other actresses such as Katherine Heigl and Sandra Bullock were quickly becoming the new queens of Hollywood. In fact, Julia was originally offered and turned down lead roles in The Proposal and The Blind Side both which went to Bullock; the latter becoming the highest-grossing film starring a female in a lead role and an Oscar win for Bullock. This summer, Julia Roberts attempts to win back audiences and remind them why they fell in love with her in the first place with the release of the ultimate chick-flick Eat Pray Love. Eat Pray Love is based on the Oprah Winfrey favorite and New York Times bestselling memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert that chronicles a woman’s trip around the world after divorce. The trailers and posters show a glowing and smiling Julia Roberts. Fans are breathing sighs of relief to find their actress back in familiar territory: a female-driven love story. Critics and box-office pundits have all placed bets that the film will undoubtedly relaunch Roberts back to the top of Hollywood. All eyes will be on the Pretty Woman when Eat Pray Love swoons into theaters on August 30, 2010.
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At
the age of 10, I experienced what I remember to be my first racial encounter. I was watching cartoons after school and my mother asked me if I had any homework. I told her that I had math homework but did not understand the assignment and would call my friend Melanie to ask her for help. I dialed Melanie’s number and her mother answered the phone. I was instantly allowed to speak to Melanie. While talking to one another, we were disconnected. I dialed Melanie’s number again. This time, her father answered the phone. He was not so fast as to pass Melanie the phone like her mother did. He asked me what my name was and why I was calling his daughter. So I proceeded to give him my name and informed him I was calling to ask questions about a homework assignment. He responded by telling me that boys were not allowed to call his house and speak to his daughter, especially black boys. I found his response to be a bit odd since my friend John who was white liked Melanie and called her all of the time.
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At the time, I didn’t really think of the heaviness of his statement so I politely agreed not to call again and went back to watching cartoons. When I was in high school, Melanie’s father actually passed away. I remember all of my friends being sympathetic and offering their condolences. I did not care that he died and offered no words of sympathy because of that one moment between he and I that managed to stick with me and haunt me. I do not know whether or not I would feel an ounce sympathy for Melanie’s father if he instead passed away today. Although I am technically half black and half Korean, I have always told people that I am black due to my skin color and lack of striking Korean characteristics. From that situation with Melanie’s father, I have always been a bit hesitant meeting my white friends’ fathers with the fear that they will not approve of me due to my skin color. This was especially a problem during my middle school and high school years. Currently, my dating life is affected by this as I am doubtful of myself when approaching white guys. At times, I feel as though I am not “good enough” to date one.
I believe that all biracial or, as we were referred to in the 1930s, mulatto individuals have experiences throughout life that shape us as individuals and impact our lives. Some will have a positive effect on our lives while others will have a negative effect. What is most important is that we take the things that happen to us and learn from them. This not only applies to issues dealing with race but to any past events. By no means do I wake up every morning thinking about what Melanie’s father said to me 17 years ago. However, there are times when I analyze certain situations to find an answer as to why I may have behaved, acted or felt a certain way and what happened 17 years ago is sometimes the answer. Something trivial at the time when I was only 10 years old has shaped me into the person who I’ve become and who I am at the age of 27.
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How does one musician stand out in Williamsburg, Brooklyn-- perhaps the epicenter of the young art and music scene in New York City? Fluorescent socks, hair bleach and eye shadow. Enter Greg Potter.
Vocalist/Pianist Greg Potter's Personal Style is an eclectic mix of all things that musically inspire him such as the greats: Madonna, Mick Jagger and David Bowie. Little traces of these extraordinary artists can be found within Greg's look.
Skinny jeans are perhaps the best thing to happen to denim in years which counts double for guys. Greg wears only skinny jeans, from regular to spray-on. The jeans give a staple edge to anyone’s wardrobe, especially musicians (think Jagger). Normally found in a grey or black pair, he sometimes (when really channeling Bowie) will rock a purple or white pair matched with a black shirt, of course, as to not appear over-done.
Staple performance gear includes a skinny tie (H&M or Forever 21), eye shadow and a button-down collared shirt (Ben Sherman). Greg likes to play with fun fabrics such as glitter ties or patterned button-downs featuring stars or other gender-bending attributes.
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Greg's signature piece is playful, outlandish socks. Something often over-looked in one's wardrobe; you can find him in anything from fluorescent to argyle prints. You won't ever find him in plain black or white socks though. Its little touches like this which creates definition to one's style.
Keeping with his rocker inspired look, Greg wears British inspired shoes by day (Fred Perry) and classic wingtip dress shoes at night.
Aside from his socks, I absolutely love the little traces of Madonna which can be found within Greg's look. Recently, he bleached his hair paying homage to the artist. You can also find vintage Madonna t-shirts and tote bags within Mr. Potter's closet which he wears out shopping or lounging around.
For more information on this stylish singer, please visit http://www.facebook.com/gregpottermusic
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hen a loved one is in ICU for a prolonged time and is not likely to make it, you feel as if you're running around like a headless chicken and everything else tends to slip. Bills piling up on the desk; did I eat today, did I shower today - yesterday? This is where I am - and where I was the other night leaving the hospital entering my car. Though I said "shit" out loud, it was really no surprise to see the gas gauge below empty and realize warnings had been blinking all day.
Eleven years later, Exxon/Mobil remains the only Fortune 10 Company without domestic partner benefits or a non-discrimination policy inclusive of sexual orientation. Each year at the annual shareholders' meeting, the topic of this outrageous revocation of employee rights and benefits comes up and for eleven years the resolution to afford equal rights has been voted down - this year with fewer votes than any year since 2001. 78% of stockholders voted down non-discrimination due to sexual orientation. Think we need ENDA?!
Across the street shone the lights of a lone gas station; bright, inviting: 20 large gas pumps. Yesss! A mega Exxon/Mobil ‘convenience center.’ No! Can't go there! What was the problem?
Boycotts and protests against this monolith ($442.85 billion in revenue in 2009) are picking up steam. There was a dedicated angry presence outside the recent annual meeting where again, bigotry prevailed. Additional protests ensued - this movement is just finding its momentum.
History lesson: Exxon/Mobil isn't just huge; it is the third largest corporation in the world measured by its revenues. It has been in the top three since 2000, the year after Exxon Corporation merged with Mobil Corporation. Like most very large corporations, Mobil Corp. had written non-discrimination policies, which included protections for sexual orientation, along with the expected protections based on race, religion, etc. It also provided domestic partner health benefits to all its employees. In 1999, when the two giants merged into one behemoth, these protections were revoked. Never before in the U.S., had written non-discrimination policies been stripped away once in place. 24 members of Congress and thousands of stockholders and consumers wrote to then-Chairman Lee Raymond in December 1999 to protest the policy changes. At the May 2000 annual meeting, Raymond brushed aside discussion on the new discriminatory Equal Employment Opportunity policy stating that those concerned should "go pass a federal law instead." What a cruel and pompous statement, much like Marie Antoinette's "let them eat cake." OMG 36
Back to me. I drove to the Exxon/Mobil station, walked into the ‘convenience center’ and asked the two clerks where the nearest gas station was. Both looked at me as if I had grown an extra head and one smirked, "you're at a gas station." "No, I don't patronize Exxon/Mobil. It discriminates against gays and lesbians. Would either of you know where the next closest station is?" My rainbow rubber bracelet is now noticed. Ahh, a big, fat lesbian. No, actually, a big, fat straight ally. The first clerk snorted and turned away. The other clerk was not pleasant, but gave me directions. Three-and-a-half anxious miles later, I pulled up at the Chevron station. Sometimes in life… you just have to take a stand. Flo Goodman Activist/Ally, Stand Up Florida www.standupflorida.org
Join Stand Up Florida’s Annual Membership now for just $35 a year and receive discounts at various locations totally over $400.00 in savings.
Here are a few of our participating GLBTA Businesses that have already signed up with many more to come in the next few months.
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(c) 1984 Sire Records/Warner Music Group
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y earliest heroes were female pop stars. Deborah Harry. Pat Benatar. Stevie Nicks. Chrissie Hynde. As a child I was not interested in action figures or Barbie dolls. In first grade during show and tell, my classmates brought in ant farms, matchbox car collections and army figures. I contributed my copy of Blondie’s Parallel Lines. Mrs. Morrison played “Heart of Glass” for my classmates as I sang along. By the time I was nine, I’d collected over a hundred vinyl LPs. It was quite a shock to my 21 year old babysitter when I whipped out my Nina Hagen records and I knew the lyrics better than she did. Everything about the pop culture of my childhood inspired me. Trapped in the wax grooves of those records was a world that was far more intelligent, romantic and exciting than the confining walls of my bedroom. In 1984, I hung up my first Madonna poster, a pullout from the center of Smash Hits magazine. In the 1990’s, I transitioned from teenager to twenties. I also transitioned from vinyl to CD. Undying, however, was my love for the top forty. My favorite musical artists were my fifth limb... a constant and reliable support in a world that was changing and crazed.
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As life rolled on, it was if my own personal evolution was in sync with that of my favorite pop artists. Regardless of the drama or tragedy, I could always depend on the new Janet Jackson or Annie Lennox song to slip into my life and put words to the unspeakable. Throughout the 1990’s, I darted from city to city and apartment to apartment. And wherever I laid my head there was a Madonna poster on the wall. Ciccone chic. As the 2000’s rolled around, my favorite artists began to age yet they stayed relevant. And although I wasn’t interested in new artists like Britney Spears or Justin Timberlake, I still found myself singing along to their songs. My beloved Madonna had morphed from virgin to ghetto cowgirl yet her new music still charted and weaved its way into the tapestry of my life. “Hollywood” meant as much to me at 28 as “Rescue Me” had at 15. And my Confessions On A Dancefloor poster very much complimented my True Blue one. Then came a strange a-ha moment in 2009. For the first time in my entire existence, none of my favorite artists were charting on the top forty.
Joni Mitchell had sunk into retirement and Stevie Nicks was doing her greatest hits tour for the tenth time. And even the recent music by my old standbys was subpar. Madonna, Janet, and Mariah all released albums that struggled to appeal to the youth market. Not only were these albums commercial and artistic failures - they were the first albums by these artists I couldn’t relate to. It was then I realized just how much of my identity revolved around the pop culture I’d grown up with. As my childhood inspirations slipped into irrelevance, I was forced to come to terms with my own aging. Today’s hits are tomorrow’s oldies. And today’s oldies are the songs I danced to in high school back in 1992. I took my Madonna posters off the wall two months ago today. After waking up next to Madonna for twenty five years, it was a bittersweet break up. We’d grown apart. We were just in different places. For the first time since I was nine years old, I woke up alone. A new generation must always take over the pop culture torch. Eventually we will all slip into obscurity. It is now my turn to grow past what used to be my playground.
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HAPPY
35TH ANNIVERSARY
PARLIAMENT HOUSE
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An
Easy Guide to
Eating
Healthier – Pt 2
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n the last edition of this column, we talked about healthy eating and ways to eat smartly to be a healthy happier you. Research now supports the theory that the food choices we make are leading to an increase in toxic and allergic reactions in our bodies. Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy and keeping yourself as healthy as possible– all of which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and using them in a way that works for you. Practicing healthy eating habits can improve your health by boosting your energy, sharpening your memory and stabilizing your mood. Expand your range of healthy food choices and learn how to plan ahead to create and maintain a satisfying, healthy diet.
Healthy Eating Tip: Eat More Healthy Carbohydrates and Whole Grains
Choose healthy carbohydrates and fiber sources, especially whole grains, for long lasting energy. In addition to being delicious and satisfying, whole grains are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants which help to protect against coronary heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes. Studies have shown people who eat more whole grains tend to have a healthier heart. So you may be asking yourself at this point, what is the difference between healthy and unhealthy carbohydrates. Healthy carbs, often called “good carbs,” this includes whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. The important thing about healthy carbs is that they are digested more slowly, helping you feel full longer and keeping blood sugar and insulin levels stable. Unhealthy carbs on the other hand, are foods such as white flour, refined sugar and white rice that have been stripped of all bran, fiber and nutrients.
Unhealthy carbs digest quickly and cause spikes in blood sugar levels and energy which leads to eating more and putting on weight. I suggest adding the following information to your healthy eating plan: • Include a variety of whole grains in your healthy diet, such as whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa and barley. • Make sure you're really getting whole grains, be carful, the words stone-ground, multi-grain, 100% wheat, or bran don’t necessarily mean that a product is whole grain. Always check the ingredients. • Try mixing grains as a first step to switching to whole grains. If whole grains, like brown rice and whole wheat pasta don’t sound good at first, start by mixing what you normally use with the whole grains. You can gradually increase the whole grain to 100%. • Avoid: Refined grains such as breads, pastas, and breakfast cereals that are not whole grain.
Adding Fiber is an essential component to your healthy diet
Found in “plant” foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps support a healthy diet by helping you feel full faster and for a longer amount of time and keeping your blood sugar stable. Dietary studies indicate a healthy diet contains approximately 20-30 grams of fiber a day but most of us only get about half that amount. The two types of dietary fiber are soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber can dissolve in water and can also help to lower blood fats and maintain blood sugar. Primary sources are beans, fruit and oat products. Insoluble fiber cannot dissolve in water, so it passes directly through the digestive system. It’s found in whole grain products and vegetables.
Healthy eating tip: Enjoy healthy fats & avoid unhealthy fats
Good sources of healthy fat are needed to nourish your brain, heart and cells, as well as your hair, skin, and nails. Foods rich in certain omega-3 fats called EPA and DHA are particularly important and can reduce cardiovascular disease, improve your mood and help prevent dementia. Add to your healthy diet: • Monounsaturated fats, from plant oils like canola, peanut, and olive oil, as well as avocados, nuts (like almonds, hazelnuts and pecans) and seeds (such as pumpkin or sesame). • Polyunsaturated fats, including Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, found in fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and some cold water fish oil supplements. Other sources of polyunsaturated fats are unheated sunflower, corn, soybean and flaxseed oils and walnuts. Reduce or eliminate from your diet: • Saturated fats, found primarily in animal sources including red meat and whole milk dairy products. • Trans fats, found in vegetable shortenings, some margarines, crackers, candies, cookies, snack foods, fried foods, baked goods and other processed foods made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils People often think of healthy eating as an all or nothing proposition, but a key foundation for any healthy diet is moderation. Despite what certain fad diets would have you believe, we all need a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals to sustain a healthy body. To be successful at changing your life and eating healthier is to reminder the following important points:
Balance your food choices over time. Not every food has to be "perfect." When eating a food high in fat, salt or sugar, select other foods that are low in these ingredients. If you miss out on any food group one day, make up for it the next. Your food choices over several days should fit together into a healthy pattern. Know your diet pitfalls. To improve your eating habits, you first have to know what's wrong with them. Write down everything you eat for three days. Then check your list according to the rest of these tips. Do you add a lot of butter, creamy sauces or salad dressings? Rather than eliminating these foods, just cut back your portions. Are you getting enough fruits and vegetables? If not, you may be missing out on vital nutrients. Make changes gradually. Just as there are no "superfoods" or easy answers to a healthy diet, don't expect to totally revamp your eating habits overnight. Changing too much, too fast can get in the way of success. Begin to remedy excesses or deficiencies with modest changes that can add up to positive, lifelong eating habits. For instance, if you don't like the taste of skim milk, try lowfat. Eventually you may find you like skim, too. Remember, foods are not good or bad. Select foods based on your total eating patterns, not whether any individual food is "good" or "bad." Don't feel guilty if you love foods such as apple pie, potato chips, candy bars or ice cream. Eat them in moderation and choose other foods to provide the balance and variety that are vital to good health. Finally, I recommend make yourself a plan and stick with it. Don’t punish yourself if you slip. Just pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again. It’s your health, your diet, your plan!
Another way to connect your mind and body is through Massage Therapy! Give yourself the gift of happiness today with a massage at TAMPAPROMASSAGE. There are a lot of massage therapists out there, give yourself the massage you pay for. At TAMPAPROMASSAGE, I offer quality affordable massage on your terms. For more information or to schedule your appointment today call (813) 368-0532 or check out my website at www.TAMPAPROMASSAGE.com.
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It’s official, the summer of 2010 is the hottest year on global record. Yeah, it was probably more of a scorcher back a few billion years when we all climbed out of the genetic soup, but we’re talking about modern recorded history. All I know is it’s HOT outside baby. I’m personally getting sick of hitting a “wall” of humidity whenever I leave the club at 3am. There’s condensation rolling down the mirrored disco walls. The daily ritual of walking my dog involves owning nearly “pavement barbecued” Chihuahua. Since it’s my job to heat you guys up nightly on the dance floor and over the airwaves, I thought I’d spotlight a few tracks to add to the current fire. On with the combustion! “Fire With Fire” by Scissor Sisters
Remixer Peter Rauhofer crafts a brilliant harmonic take on the group’s first official single from their new release Night Work. It’s a big room anthem that must be heard on a good sound system to appreciate the driving progressive trance elements it pounds into your face. Percussion and syncopated strings percolate to a hymn vocal breakdown about fire and desire. The vocals may be scant but the beat and melody are epic and sweaty in the best possible way.
“Vanity” by Christina Aguilera
My favorite cut from Xtina’s Bionic oozes with attitude, profanity and bitchiness. Custom tailormade for every screaming queen in the universe, its spot on perfect with its “mirror, mirror on the wall” hook and a faux wedding about taking herself as her own lawfully wedded bitch. Ouch…may the gods help us when the official dance mixes arrive. For now, her label has chosen to release the anthem “You Lost Me” as her second single. Take it from me; they are saving the real goods for later with this smoker.
“Vertigo” by Giuletta The new Jeremy Word mix of this pop ditty is the one to bang out when ya want your lying, two-timing jerk to hit the road… “cause pack your shit…you’ll be traveling.” It’s a progressive electro mash that almost sounds like Mozart had a hand in it. Think Ke$ha goes electro classical and dishes some simmering hot jabs.
“Dive in the Pool” by Barry Harris with Pepper Mashay The hottest song in history about water! I had to include this classic because of its timeless content and prime pedigree. When Barry Harris left the huge ‘90’s remixing team of Thunderpuss, he grabbed Pepper, a veteran session singer who’d worked with Tina and Cher to name a few. She chanted “Let’s Get Soaking Wet” and the rest was history. The biggest track on the Queer as Folk soundtrack, it became a staple at every T-Dance in the world especially if the venue had a pool. In short, it’s the “It’s Raining Men” of this generation.
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Greetings!
J-LO HITS IDOL
WYNONNA JUDD
Tell me it’s not so. An Idol shakeup? Like we never knew it was coming. I say replace all of the judges. Actress, singer, Jennifer Lopez may have inked a deal to join the judges panel for the 10th season of American Idol. As rumors fly that comedian Ellen DeGeneres was pushed to resign and Kara DioGuardi was fired from the show, Lopez is reportedly "excited" about her new gig, reports People magazine. Lopez's longtime manager Medina set up the deal to replace founding judge Simon Cowell, who announced he would move on to his new reality talent show, the U.S. version of The X-Factor. So far, Randy Jackson remains the only judge whose job has gone untouched since the show's premiere in 2002. I personally predict the show to last maybe two more seasons. Spanish audiences will get their own version of the Golden Girls with Las Chicas de Oro, produced by Disney Media Networks and Latin World Entertainment This certainly isn't the first time the classic TV show has been adapted for other countries, but this version is notable for its stars who happen to be some of the biggest names in Spanish entertainment: Concha Velasco, Carmen Maura, Lola Herrera and Alicia Hermida. Who knows, Betty White has been making the rounds, she just might show up on that too!
Wynonna Judd has been released from a Salt Lake City hospital following a head-on collision that took place Wednesday, July 21, involving herself, her daughter and her tour manager. They were on their way to a sushi restaurant to eat dinner when they were in the collision in Salt Lake City. “It’s a miracle that I'm alive," Wynonna told a local newspaper. Now onto some local happenings in Orlando, Florida…The Orlando area once called ViMi and now often called Mills 50 by some is getting a face lift and some new action. Bananas which is a spin-off from the successful Funky Monkey has come to our area. The American Diner will offer great food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They will also feature local entertainment on certain nights. I am right next-door with my store Ritzy Rags Wigs & More. Neighboring Copperhead Salon is one of the best places to get your do done while also shopping at Mojo. We are so glad to have a new exciting reason to come to ViMi and Mills 50. That is why Eddie & Nick are the celebrity owners of the week. Good Luck guys! Thanks for the great emails! It’s time to have that second cup of Java. Remember that power, fame and celebrity is not all there is in life. While we all do like to feed our egos, when the buck stops, it is how you treat others that matter to them and to your own soul & spirit. Have a great week guys, gals and others. Till Next Time,
LAS CHICAS DE ORO
DAN FRASER
Leigh
www.leighshannon.com leishannon1@aol.com
Photos by Leigh Shannon
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ust out the Pina Coladas. Where are the sexy ladies at? The summer season is flying by fast but it’s not done just yet. I know that some of my readers are on extended summer vacations, but maybe I’ll see you soon at the clubs. So… A lot of people from different states and across the country flock to Florida’s beaches. Although I lived here since I was child, I can’t seem to get away from the beach either. A couple weeks ago, my homegirl and I went to the beach and both noticed something that made us both remark, “wow, really?!” Fellas, why do some of you feel the need to go to the beach and walk very slowly on the sand in a pair of jeans and tennis shoes to make sure that no sand gets into your shoes? There was a guy at the beach wearing jeans, a nice pair of Jordans and what looked like a brand new shirt. Yet here he was at a beach in the middle of the intense summer heat; all covered up.
Every time that I go to the beach, I never fail in spotting one of those guys there. And each time, I always get a good laugh out of it. Do you know those movies or TV shows where there is always a huge group of Abercrombie & Fitch looking models drinking and partying around a bonfire at the beach? I’ve always wished that I could be a part of a huge bonfire beach party here in Florida because it seems like it would be a lot of fun. I could just imagine throwing an actual bonfire beach party and there being more police officers and firefighters in attendance because of the potential craziness. Spending every time you have in the world with the ones you love is like replacing all the smiles you haven’t felt in so long. Who said that not doing crazy shit with your buddies won’t make a memory to remember and laugh about it tomorrow or 8 years later? Ladies have your fun and men keep it in your pants. Hope you all enjoy the rest of the Tropical Heat of this summer season.
FLORIDA
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7 CITY SIDE 3703 Henderson Blvd. (813) 350-0600 8 VALENTINES 7522 N. Armenia Ave 813-936-1999
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TampaProMassage 3601 W Swann Ave (813) 368-0532
1 HILTON GARDEN INN TAMPA YBOR HISTORIC DISTRICT CZAR VODKA BAR
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1700 East 9th Ave. Tampa, Florida 33605 813-769-9267
TRIBECA COLORSALON 1600 E 8th Ave 813-242-4080
HOWARD JOHNSON 111 W. Fortune St. 813.223.1351
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BUDDHA LOUNGE
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JOFFREY'S COFFEE & TEA COMPANY
5 CHELSEA NIGHTCLUB 1502 N. Florida Ave 6 813-228-0139
GAYBOR COALITION
gaybor.com
1430 E 7th Ave 813-242-0400
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1600 East 8th Ave. Tampa, Florida 33605 813-247-4600
HAMBURGER MARY'S 1600 E 8th Ave 813-241-6279
SPECIAL VENUES The RITZ Ybor 1503 E 7th Ave 813-247-25550
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2924 5th Ave N. St. Pete 727-827-2831
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2937 Beach Blvd. Gulfport (727) 346-9800
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10387 Gandy Blvd. St Pete FL 33702
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1148 U S 19 N. HOLIDAY FL 34691 727.940.5854
TRIBECA SALON South Tampa 920 West Kennedy Blvd 850-250-0208 www.tribecasalon.com
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WEST PALM BEACH BARS HG ROOSTERS 823 Belvedere Rd. (561) 832-9119 HOTEL NIGHTCLUB 700 South Rosemary Ave. (561) 651-1110 MONARCHY 212 Clematis St. (561) 835-6661 THE LOUNGE 517 Clematis St. (561) 655-9747 WILTON MANORS ATOMIC/BOOM NIGHTCLUB 2232 Wilton Dr. 1 (954) 630-3556
BILL’S FILLING STATION 2209 Wilton Dr. 2 (954) 567-5978 EDEN 3 2387 N Dixie Hwy. (954) 630-3556 GEORGIE’S ALIBI 4 2266 Wilton Dr. (954) 565-2526 5 GIGI & GAVIN’S GOURMET CHOCOLATES 2041 Wilton Dr. Wilton Manors, FL 954-626-0629 THE MANOR 2345 Wilton Dr. (954) 626-0082 ROSIE’S BAR & GRILLE 6 2449 Wilton Dr. (954) 567-1320
SCANDALS SALOON 7 3073 NE 6th Ave. (954) 565-3084 SIDELINES SPORTS BAR 8 2031 Wilton Dr. (954) 563-8001 9 TROPICS 2000 Wilton Dr. Wilton Manors (954) 537-6000
BUSINESSES BALL 2252 Wilton Dr. (954) 537-4120 BOTTOMS & TOPS 2258 Wilton Dr. (954) 562-6670
CHIC OPTIQUE 2228 Wilton Dr. (954) 567-3937 DENNIS DEAN GALLERIES 2440 B. Wilton Dr. (954) 530-2789 GAYMART 2228 Wilton Dr. (954) 630-0360 ROCK HARD ADULT STORE 2301 Wilton Dr. (954) 318-7625 RUFF RIDERS 2043 Wilton Dr. (954) 318-7625 TINY TREASURE 10 PUPPIES 2043 Wilton Dr. Wilton Manors, FL (954) 630-1751
GIGI & GAVIN’S GOURMET CHOCOLATES & COFFEES 954.626.0629 2041 WILTON DR. TO THE MOON 2205 Wilton Dr. (954) 564-2987 VERTIGO SALON 2420 Wilton Dr. (954) 530-0946 RESTAURANTS COURTYARD CAFE 2211 Wilton Dr. (954) 563-2499 GALANGA THAI KITCHEN & SUSHI BAR 2389 Wilton Dr. (954) 202-0000 HUMPY’S PIZZA 2244 Wilton Dr. (954) 566-2722 ISLAND CITY BISTRO 2037 Wilton Dr. (954) 563-2266
JAVA BOYS 2230 Wilton Dr. (954) 564-8828 JUICEBLENDZ 2248 Wilton Dr. (954) 358-0772 LIPS RESTAURANT 1421 E. Oakland Park Blvd TROPICS 2004 Wilton Dr. (954) 463-4269
SEA MONSTER 13 2 S New River Dr. West (954) 767-6200 14 TORPEDO BAR 2829 West Broward Blvd. (954) 587-2500 VOODOO LOUNGE 15 111 SW 2nd Ave. (954) 522-0733
FT. LAUDERDALE CLUBS
CLUB FT. LAUDERDALE 110 NW 5th Ave. (954) 525-3344 GAY SKATE 2604 S FEDERAL HWY (954) 547-3419 LEATHERWORKS 501 NE 13th Street (954) 761-1236 PRIDE FACTORY 850 NE 13th Street (954) 463-6600 TROPIXX VIDEO 1514 NE 4th Ave. (954) 522-4749 PRIDE Center 2040 N. Dixie Hwy.
8 BOARDWALK 1721 N. Andrews Ave. (954) 463-6969 9 COZMOS 2674 E. Oakland Pk Blvd 954-616-8239 THE DEPOT 10 1243 N.E. 11th Ave. (954) 568-7777 JOHNNY’S BAR/ 11 NIGHT CLUB 11 1116 West Broward Blvd (954) 522-5931 LIVING ROOM 12 300 SW 1st Ave. (888) 992-7555
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Village of Wilton Manors, Fl. 33305 954-463-9005 MIAMI AZUCAR Too! (new location) 427 Jefferson Ave. (305) 502-2096 CLUB AQUA 2991 Coral Way (305) 448-2214 CLUB SUGAR (formerly Azucar) 2301 SW 32nd Ave. (305) 443-7657 DISCOTEKKA 950 NE 2nd Ave. (305) 371-3773 HALO LOUNGE 1625 Michigan Ave. (305) 534-8181 PALACE BAR & GRILL 1200 Ocean Drive (305) 531-7234 SCORE BAR 727 Lincoln Road (305) 525-1111 TWIST 1057 Washington Ave. (305) 538-9478
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ew York is a palace of delights where anything can happen. As long as “anything” isn’t bringing a girl to a gay club.
Nowhere is this more evident than in New York City Gay Nightlife where on more than one occasion, my group of friends was denied entry to a nightclub because one of us happened to be a girl. I believe it is all about ratios. If at least half of your group consists of good looking guys, you can probably squeeze in with one or two girls. Anything less than this and you will be told “it’s a boy’s only night tonight” or even the ridiculous “sorry, but there are already like 20 girls in there.” Here is the justification. New York gay clubs want to be known as the hottest new place to be. To do this, they have to have the hottest guys. It stands to reason that the hottest guys will only want to see other hot guys. So the less girls, the better. It all makes sense in a fascist, discriminatory and close-minded way. But here is the atmosphere that this phenomenon creates: inside we have tons of hot guys, many with their shirts off dancing on each-other, buying drinks, making out and sneaking off to the bathroom to do bumps of confidence off the toilet seat.
Each one of those guys feels intimidated by the attractiveness of the other guys. So they drink and self medicate to fake the confidence and fit in. The next day, they go to the gym to maintain the body which will never be good enough and repeat the same ritual the next night. I will admit of times of feeling a little twinge of petty triumph when I got into a club and the person behind me did not. But then I got inside and saw all the insecurity drowning itself in drinks and thought: “what’s the point?” We all say that we don’t want to end up the lonely old guy at the bar, but that is exactly where these “boys only” doors are going to lead. The “lonely old guy at the bar” is lonely because he does not have a diversity of people in his life. We get caught up in this gay lifestyle to the point that all our friends, the movies we watch, the stores we shop at and the restaurants we eat at are all gay, gay, gay. It is a world that is easy to fall into, but the reward at the end of the metaphorical rainbow is loneliness. For all the ladies... I went to a Friday night hot spot last year with a pretty macho lesbian friend of mine. We had a few hot guys with us, so they let us in. The door guy however made a comment that my lesbian friend should “make an effort to dress up more next time.” In big block letters, her shirt read: “C*NT” There was a time when I would have felt a certain embarrassment at this, but I just smiled and kept quiet because everything I wanted to say was summed up perfectly. In four block letters. On HER shirt. So look at yourself and think about the people surrounding you. Are you a gay guy with all gay friends who only goes to gay restaurants and only wants to be surrounded by a constant cloud of gay? If so, ask if that is truly who you are and not just who you are being. Then open the doors and let the ladies in.
I have lived in New York City for two years but will always be a Florida boy at heart. Each issue, my column will document the craziness I have encountered in my journey from the bottom of the U.S. to the top.
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