OMG 1
OMG 2
Photo: Fabi Jimeno & Sean Fountain at WildChildWorld.com Editing: Lam Nguyen at Studiohaideux.com 3d Modeling: Chris at WildChildWorld.com
OMG 3
OMG 4
OMG 5
Dear Readers, It's official; I am in love with you. On behalf of everyone here at OMG!, we are all in love with you for making OMG! the fastest growing GLBT publication in Florida. We want to show our love and appreciation and send it right back to you. On Valentine's Day (this Sunday), O M G ! w i l l b e b r i n gi n g B e b e Zahara Benet, winner of RuPaul's Drag Race, to Streetcar Charlie's in Tampa where she will be performing live. Additionally, OMG! will be hosting and presenting the Red Ball at Parliament House in Orlando on Saturday, February 20. Meet us there and let's make it an official date. WildChild will be there to serenade us. Cheers to what is looking like a long-lasting love affair... Love,
Okie Okesene Tilo, Managing Editor OMG! Magazine
OMG 6
OMG 7
OMG 8
OMG 10
February 28th at 7pm Contestants contact Charlie@streetcarcharlies.com
OMG 11
OMG 12
OMG 13
A Glamorous Valentine’s Day O
nce upon a time, a younger, brown-eyed, just-as-fabulousas-I am-today Jorge, in the land we call Tampa, had my most glamorous Valentine's Day ever! I was in banking then; can you believe it? Me, banking. To be in a suit from head to toe on a daily basis; gag! At least they were Armani suits. On to the story. Well, there happened to be a customer at the bank who, for some reason, felt the need for me to be his personal banking contact even though I was the training director and didn’t necessarily have contact with customers. He was different, charming, always professional, yet borderline flirty. I had no idea what his intentions were but for some reason his energy was intriguing to me. He asked me to go on a business trip with him to South America as his banking representative, and for some reason the bank thought it was an excellent idea considering the level of his deposit and loan relationship with our institution. So I went and of course there was no business accomplished, just eating, shopping, and exploring the land. He spared no expense. On the night before departing back to the States, I was in my room reading some ridiculous relationship book. I was having a major case of the ex. That’s when he knocked on the door and I let him in, totally forgetting about the book I was holding in my hand. He asked me what I was reading and I was busted. Now we know the two are gay force fields are down, and we stayed up all night talking and laughing. On the way back to the States, we joked about how the two of us tried to pretend that we didn’t know about each other and kept it professional. It was such a shock…whatever, queens! We grew even closer on the plane ride back and even discussed going out again when we got home. It was lovely, so storybook…until my mother asked my ex to pick me up at the airport. Awkward!
OMG 14
Anyway, back on American soil, and in the office, guess who strolls in? Mr. Bank Customer, this time even friendlier and relaxed due to his gayness being confirmed. He is sitting across my desk and says, “Let me woo you.”
I laugh out loud nervously, and I ask him, “What do you mean, woo me?" He said, “I want to woo you. What can I do to woo you?” I replied, “Well, it is my birthday and Valentine’s Day this weekend. How about you fly me to New York for dinner and then Broadway?” The next day I get a phone call and it was done. Now it gets exciting! We flew out first thing Saturday morning and took on the city. I remember he bought me gloves, a winter cap and a scarf. He had my black Kenneth shoes polished and it was a wrap. We had a fabulous dinner at a top restaurant called the VASILICA and had amazing seats to the musical FOSSE! Take notes, ladies…I mean gentlemen…because after the show was the biggest surprise of all. Eartha Kitt at Café Carlyle. It was an amazing evening and I was wooed, especially after downing one Cosmo after the other. You know when you pretend to know about something when you really don’t? Well, I had no idea what a Cosmopolitan was but they tasted fabulous. Soon after the performance I was out cold and woke up the next day feeling as if my head was about to explode. Needless to say that was the end of the wooing. On the flight back, we decided that it would be best to just be friends. HA! As soon as we got back he closed his accounts and I left banking. Haven’t talked to him since. but what a glamorous Valentine’s Day…even if it was just for that day. However, the Cosmo and I have remained together ever since.
OMG 15
WRITTEN BY MIKE HALTERMAN
S
treetcar Charlie's, the first bar and grille to cater to Ybor City's GLBT community, celebrates its second anniversary this month. The restaurant opened to rave reviews in February 2008, which helped put the GaYbor District on the map just shortly after. The heart of the district is located on the corner of 8th Avenue and 15th Street, a place where Streetcar Charlie's owns some very highly coveted real estate. Opened by Manny Alvarez and Charlie Moresi, the restaurant boasted, upon its grand opening, the second-largest kitchen in all of Ybor City. The kitchen, headed up by executive chef and Club Flirt owner Darlene Herrick, brought in lots of intrigued diners, not all of whom were part of the GLBT community. Even today, the new diners are still coming in, with the regulars always coming back for more. The main theme of Streetcar's was "trolley history," noting that the history of 8th and 15th is forever tied to the Ybor City streetcar line. With its central location, people could take a streetcar past Centro, stop here for a leisurely meal, and then move on to the nightclubs, most of which are within two blocks' walking distance. Within the past two years, Streetcar's has become an anchor in GaYbor, thanks in part to its loyal clientele and also due to the restaurant’s special services and events. The restaurant offers a catering service, which has served such high-profile organizations as the Florida for Obama campaign headquarters. Streetcar’s also boasts a special events room, open to hosting private parties, birthdays, and live performances. The gift Streetcar Charlie's gives to the community, as far as organizing a wonderful
OMG 16
party, is something of wonder; it is executed flawlessly every time. For example, Streetcar’s hosted the Off-Broadway production Bathhouse: The Musical, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in and of itself. “We started out as the new kid on the block and now we’re the center of attention. Everybody eats at Streetcar’s before they do anything else. We’re the hub,” said co-owner Charlie Moresi. “The response has not only met our expectations, it has exceeded it, and hopefully we’ll blow everyone out of the water!” Moresi was especially proud of the additions of an outdoor dining area and a revamped menu. “The menu’s a little more streamlined, but at the same time it’s expanded. It’s got a little more flair for people who watch what they’re eating…we have three, four, five dinner specials every night; we’re always changing. You can get something different every time. It’s not the same old stuff,” he said, going on to elaborate on the outdoor area, “When the weather is nice, the outdoor dining is fabulous, and it is sure to be a hit.” Streetcar Charlie's is going to be celebrating its second anniversary in style on Valentine’s Day, February 14, with a performance by the lovely Bebe Zahara Benet, who won the first season of the reality show RuPaul's Drag Race. Miss Bebe Zahara, who was originally supposed to perform in December but was caught in a snowstorm up north, volunteered to reschedule her show as a special favor to them, because she's that excited to show us what she's working with! Perhaps she can be persuaded to share with us her new single, "I'm the Sh*t"! Come and see her for yourself at 8 p.m. on February 14 at Streetcar Charlie's, and help the fabulous people there celebrate two years of being a pioneering, trendy and fun eatery in GaYbor.
OMG 17
OMG 18
OMG 19
OMG 20
OMG 21
WRITTEN BY MIKE HALTERMAN
The Himalayan haven of Nepal, called "The Roof of the World," has encountered many messy internal struggles, including the rise of Maoist rebels in the 1990s, the massacre of the Royal Family by a deranged family member in 2001, and the eventual dissolution of the 240-year-old monarchy in 2007. In the last few years, in which the popular Maoists have reached some semblance of power in the fledgling Nepalese parliamentary democracy, social reforms have come stronger and faster than ever before. The biggest step came just recently, with the announcement of a new constitution in May, one that will legalize same-sex marriages in the traditionally Hindu state. The history of GLBT rights in Nepal was much ado about nothing; homosexuality was not discussed and people who were caught engaging in homosexual sex acts were punished with three-year jail terms. The status quo continued until the end of the monarchy, when social reform was discussed openly for the first time. The Nepalese Supreme Court ruled in 2008 that the country's constitution must receive a complete overhaul to protect GLBT citizens, as they reasoned that not including their rights in the new democracy was in essence illegal discrimination. In recent years, initiatives to combat ignorance and discrimination in Nepal have succeeded. A highlypublicized trial of a police officer who was charged
OMG 22
with slitting the throat of a transgendered woman garnered very high public interest, perhaps most surprisingly resulting in an outpouring of grief for the victim and support for her family. Certain businesses and institutions have voluntarily started sensitivity training in the workplace, putting standards in place for acceptable and unacceptable behavior toward GLBT workers and customers. Finally, with the announcement that in May, Nepal will be banning discrimination against GLBT persons and allowing same-sex couples to marry, the Nepal Tourism Board will be starting this year with a sustained effort to welcome GLBT visitors to the country. Among other promotional offers, the Nepal Tourism Board will be allowing same-sex couples to exchange wedding vows on Mount Everest, the storied world's tallest mountain. One hurdle that may hinder the ratification of the new constitution is the Maoists' clear disdain for homosexuals, a view that is not shared by other major parties such as the Nepali Congress and the MarxistLeninists. With a currently hung parliament, the Maoists need support from at least one of these groups to pass laws, effectively stalling any anti-GLBT legislation for now. The new constitution and the granting of full equal rights for GLBT citizens looks like it will take place as scheduled, a landmark event in a country whose people lacked direct representation in government as recently as five years ago.
OMG 23
OMG 24
OMG 25
OMG 26
OMG 27
V
alentine’s Day has a bad rap among the hip and disaffected of the world. I’ve heard it all—from the “fuck Valentine’s Day, I’m single” laments to the cynical outlook that the whole holiday is just an orgy of commercialism and guilt trips. The thing is, as much as I appreciate these arguments, I love Valentine’s Day. I’m a romantic at heart. I’ve also been with the same partner for 12 years, which means if the Hallmark Store wants to tell him to do something special for me, I’m perfectly fine with that. But I sympathize with the single people and the haters. Throughout high school, I never had a boyfriend. When Valentine’s Day rolled around each year, the booster club sponsored a carnation sale. Right after lunch, the cheerleaders pranced around campus carrying baskets of flowers with tiny handwritten notes attached. For a few hours, almost every girl—and some boys—received a flower from a boyfriend or girlfriend or secret admirer.
OMG 28
Each year I’d feel a dizzying rush of excitement as a girl approached with a pink or red carnation. Then she’d walk right past me and drop it onto someone else’s desk. I scribbled angry doodles and gorged myself on candy from my mom and hated every happy person on the planet. For all those angsty, angry Valentine’s Days, I’ve had a bunch of good ones too. I mean, sure, my husband has forgotten some years and hurried home with wilted bouquets from the grocery store—but he’s also nailed it once in a while. Plus, each Valentine’s Day reminds me to do something exciting, whether it’s heading to a sex shop to buy an unexpected treat or going to Wal-Mart at 3 a.m. to buy racy polyester lingerie. A couple of years ago, my husband had to work out of town on Valentine’s Day. I whined about it for the entire month of January. I whined about it all that day to my co-workers. I bitched at him and bitched about his boss, and cried as I drove home from work.
Then I opened the door to find my house full of candles and flower petals and the smell of my favorite dinner. He’d tricked me for weeks and taken the day off to decorate the house and make my favorite foods, paired with my favorite wine. Sure, we love each other the other 364 days of the year. (Or at least for 350 or so of them.) But it’s nice to be reminded to celebrate each other, even if it’s just with a package of candy, or some wilted flowers, or me remembering to shave my legs. I know it’s very hair-dye-commercial of me to say “you’re worth it,” but remember that you are. If no one’s bringing you flowers or sex this Valentine’s Day, give yourself a treat. If you’re with someone, show them you care—even if that just means wrapping yourself in a big red satin ribbon. Rise up from the shitty, lonely days of high school and sparkle and shine this Valentine’s Day.
OMG 29
OMG 30
OMG 31
Well, hello everyone out there in homo-land! Glad you made it back to my little corner of OMG. Before I go any further I wanted to take a second to welcome our new editor, Mike, to the family! I have had the best time working with Rene and cannot wait to work with him! So here we go into everything girly and glamorous! Well, this week brings us the second anniversary of Streetcar Charlie's, a great place to get a great dinner and see a show. Charlie's has been a big part of the GaYbor scene. From what I know, they are the first gay-owned and operated restaurants in the area, leading the way for businesses like L'Olivier and Hamburger Mary's. It is great to have a venue where you can get a great meal and a show at the same time. The Gospel Brunches have become a staple of Charlie's for a while now. Every other Sunday, Esme Russell and the cast have been helping the community praise Jesus while passing the biscuits around the table. Well, now it is time to pull out your leg warmers and bell bottoms; the Gospel Brunches are now going to be Retro Brunches! The show will have the best music from the '70s and '80s! It will be something fun and new for the community. Don't worry, head chef Darlene, as always, will have an amazing New Orleans-style spread on the buffet that would rival any five-star restaurant. So if you are ever in the mood for some great food and a fun show, check them out. Oh, and speaking of shows at Streetcar Charlie's, make sure you do not miss the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race, Bebe Zahara Benet, performing on February 14th. It will be a show that you won't want to miss.
OMG 32
Well, now on to my review of the Miss Florida USofA pageant that was held at The Honey Pot. Promoter Bob Taylor put on an amazing event. There were a total of nine contestants between the two divisions, with Danielle Hunter of Orlando winning Miss Florida USofA Classic and Tampa's own Amy Demilo winning Miss Florida USofA. It was a night of Gaga and Dolly! Amy won with a imitation of Lady Gaga from the "Bad Romance" video with nine dancers! It was just like watching the video; from costumes to choreograph, Amy was on it! Not too far behind her was Robyn Demornay who also did Gaga, but in total Robyn style! This was Robyn's third pageant. Robyn made Tampa proud, taking the second runner-up spot! Also, a big congrats to Deloris Van Cartier who took the first runner-up spot with her imitation of Patti Labelle. All three will be representing Florida at the Miss USofA pageant this May in Dallas, Texas. In the Classic division, for ladies over 40, Danielle Hunter dominated the competition with her amazing imitation of Dolly Parton. Stephanie Stuart of Lakeland took the first runner-up spot with a funny number consisting of snippets of Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas. Rounding out the top three was Alexis De La Mer who also did a Dolly imitation.
OMG 33
Exercise Your Way to Better “Mental” Health
T
here are many causes of stress and tension in our lives. We feel overloaded and under-appreciated at work. We may lose our job and feel concerned about money. Or our relationship may be causing stress and tension. No matter the reason, stress and tension cause us to feel frustrated, annoyed and even angry. Unfortunately we can’t control some of the things that happen to us that cause the stress, but we can find ways to relieve the stress in healthy ways.
Most of the time when we’re down, we tend to reach for the wrong things - alcohol, food, sleep or drugs. The truth is most of these things make us feel worse instead of better. What really works in helping relieve stress is exercise. Exercising the body regularly is very effective in managing stress. Getting into better shape improves your mental health as well as your physical health. When we exercise, the body releases endorphins and that naturally makes us feel good.
One of the best ways to do this is to do cardio (aerobic) exercise, because any activity that gets your heart pumping will get those endorphins flowing and will help relieve stress. Try to get your heart going a little faster for at least 15 minutes a day. Even a few minutes here and there of brisk walking can provide stress relief and improve your overall health. Also, try exercising in a natural environment for additional stress relief. Obviously it is more relaxing to walk or bike along a nature trail than to do it along a busy street. If you can’t get to natural surroundings, you can mentally picture being surrounded by mountains, trees, or watching the waves roll in at the beach to have this calming effect. Some people enjoy the solitude of exercising alone. Others need the company of others, whether it be walking in a group, participating in a yoga class or other fitness class, or playing a team sport. Interacting with other people during exercise can provide additional stress relief. Though not as effective as cardio for relieving stress, many people find that getting into a strengthening exercise program does relieve stress. Strength exercises are also important to prevent injury during cardio exercise by strengthening the muscles that support your joints. Also, strength training will help you get that toned, attractive body and that has as much impact on mental wellness as anything because we feel better about ourselves. Try alternative exercise such as yoga. It is a great way to relieve stress, because it involves the body, mind and spirit. Yoga poses improve flexibility and strength and use breathing techniques that aid in relaxation. Make fitness a priority. Relieving stress by exercise, especially cardio (aerobic) exercise, has been proven to be highly effective at relieving that stress we all have and want to get rid of.
OMG 34
OMG 35
WRITTEN BY MIKE HALTERMAN
Photo by Smialowski/Getty OMG 36
T
he sad reality which counters such momentous steps like the 2009 addenda to the national hate crimes legislation, which brings heavier consequences for crimes motivated by sexual orientation, is that such legislation is not making the GLBT community safer. The reality, as seen in two recent, highlypublicized cases in south Florida, is that people are going to commit hate crimes whether the punishment is harsher or not. While the bigots and homophobes of the world may receive their just deserts in due time, these cases are evidence that the GLBT population in Florida, on the whole, is still not fully safe. The first story alleges corruption and abuse at the hands of police officers in Miami Beach. Last March, a gay tourist from Los Angeles, Harold Strickland, called 911 after he witnessed two undercover police officers beating a handcuffed man on 14th Street and Michigan Avenue. A recorded 911 call released to the media between Strickland and dispatcher Gloria Hansen evidences Strickland's account of the beating and his attempt to report it. “I saw a guy running and then I saw two, what looked like undercover cops running. And they pushed this guy down on the ground, the one cop did, and the other cop came up as if he was kicking a football ‌ and kicked the guy in the head," Strickland said in the phone call, which was transcribed by The Miami Herald. After five minutes, Strickland said to Hansen that the cops were now coming after him. On the tape, men alleged to be the officers were heard saying to Strickland, “What are you doing here? Where do you live? Let's see some ID.'' Mere seconds later, the line went dead. Strickland alleges that the cops, identified as Frankly Forte and Elliot Hazzi, pulled the cell phone from his hands and disconnected the call. According to Strickland's account, the cops said, "We know what you're doing here. We're sick of all the f---ing fags in the neighborhood." At that time, the men were alleged to have pushed Strickland to the ground, tying his hands behind his back, while continuing to shout obscenities such as "f---ing fag" and threats such as "You're gonna get it good in jail." Strickland's 911 call lasted five minutes, from 1:06 a.m. to 1:11 a.m. on March 13, with Officer Forte writing in his log 25 minutes later that Strickland was arrested for attempting to break into parked cars, something Strickland says is a fabrication. The next day, on the advice of a judge, he was told to plead no contest to the charges, which he did, later recanting after being freed. Charges against Strickland were dropped, as they were for Oscar Mendoza, the man identified as the beating victim, allegedly at the hands of Officers Forte and Hazzi.
The Miami Beach Police Department only heard of the incident on February 3, after Strickland and the ACLU filed a lawsuit against the officers involved. They offered no comment, other than to say that Officers Forte and Hazzi, who started working with the police department in 2007, were still on the job as OMG! went to press. A Fort Lauderdale man was the victim in what police and prosecutors are deeming two separate hate crimes, perpetrated by a married couple on consecutive days. On September 6 of last year, 45-year-old Barry Jones became annoyed with loud noises and banging coming from the neighboring apartment. Jones went over to ask his neighbors, Ricardo and Bedsaida Rivera, to keep the noise level down, which started an argument between Jones and Mr. Rivera. Suddenly, during the argument, Jones maintains, Mr. Rivera began to hit him, knocking him down and against the wall, while yelling "Faggot!" over and over. A visit to the doctor showed that Jones sustained a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder. The next day, Jones noticed that the car which belonged to the Rivera family was parked in his apartment complex's parking lot, so he decided to write down the tag number, ostensibly to report Mr. Rivera for his violence. Mrs. Rivera, who was in the driver's seat of the car at the time, jumped out of her car in an attempt to stop Jones from obtaining the information. Mrs. Rivera was alleged to have yelled "Faggot!" and "I'm going to get you!" while spraying pepper spray in Jones's general direction. Jones retreated into the pool area of his complex, where Mrs. Rivera succeeded in macing him, laughing after the event occurred, and then driving away in her car. Mrs. Rivera was arrested and charged with battery on January 12, while Mr. Rivera was apprehended in Georgia on January 27 and charged with aggravated battery. Mrs. Rivera is out on bond before her trial. When contacted by OMG!, Jones declined to comment as he felt statements to the media could be misconstrued against him in court. The Harold Strickland and Barry Jones cases illustrate that fear, ignorance and vitriol can be dangerous combinations, and that with enough pure nastiness in one's heart, people can and will attack others for their perceived differences. Whatever the outcome, one can only hope that Mr. Strickland and Mr. Jones can find peace and be able to live their lives as normally as possible, and that the guilty parties in these situations... whoever a judge and jury decide is guilty...will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
OMG 37
This is a new biweekly column on mind, body and spirit. In this column, I hope to provide you with an informative point of view on things that can help make your “everyday” a better day. This column can go in any direction the readers wish. I intend to provide you with insight into healthy living, alternative medicine, and much more. In turn, I ask for your feedback so that this column is as user-friendly as possible. Please do not hesitate to e-mail your comments and questions to cory@omgmag.com. I will try to address at least one question in each edition. To start out the first column, I would like to address that fact that massage therapy is about more than just feeling good during the session. It’s an integral investment in your most vital asset: your health! Most of us would get a massage every day if money were no object. But since that isn’t reality, how often should one get a massage? Less is not more in this instance, but once a month is an absolute minimum. Studies have shown that clients receive cumulative health benefits with monthly massages. Regular massage is an investment in your own health. There are additional benefits to seeing the same therapist. They get to know your body and can see improvements or when something has changed. Massage is like peeling the layers of an onion; it’s detailed and takes time. To be completely effective in massage and bodywork, it requires a working relationship between the therapist and client. There are strong beliefs about massage, anchored in the assumption that professional massage therapists are familiar with the emotional and physical benefits of bodywork. Massage's ability to foster relaxation and relieve anxiety seems obvious. However, the universally accepted consequences of intentional touch have been underestimated for far too long. Based on facts
OMG 38
compiled by academic schools of thought, an ability to reduce anxiety translates to a capacity for improving some of our culture's most widespread physiological ailments. Massage can play a significant role in stress reduction. Massage is not an instantaneous cure to what ails you, but it certainly is a step in the right direction. One must look at how long it took to create such an issue. Life for most of us consists of continued daily stress. The fact is that stress is a large cause of disease and health problems. Massage reduces stress, improves muscle tone and circulation, helps improve breathing and brings a greater awareness of our bodies. This all facilitates health and well-being. Now, I am not claiming that massage will make you skinny or that you will live to be 100. It means you should see changes for the better and an overall improvement, which will help you live well. Make a health plan, stick with it, and feel the difference. While it makes perfect sense that massage's release of muscle tension would also reduce anxiety levels, oftentimes society demands research to prove any generally accepted notion. Based on clinical studies on massage and touch at the Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami School of Medicine, massage is beginning to be viewed as a form of complementary preventive medicine. The massage you receive today is about more that just feeling good right now; it is an investment in your own best personal asset, your health. Give yourself a break today with a massage! There are plenty of licensed massage therapists out there, but make sure you are getting what is right for you. At TampaProMassage, I offer quality, affordable massage on your terms. For more information, contact me today at (813) 368-0532 or check out my website at www.tampapromassage.com.
OMG 39
I 1.ARMAN ESE MONTR
2. COCO TER LLE HUN 3. DANIE & K IC N 4. NINA, S FRECKLE
1. 3.
4.
2.
OMG 40
Hey all!
I
t’s been a while since my last article; great things have happened and I’m looking forward to exciting future events. As for myself, I'm still battling my high blood pressure with increasingly better, consistent readings (thank God!), thanks to my wise, patient, understanding doctor, Dr. Raphael Pinero. This disease didn’t develop overnight and it will take some time for it to disappear but I’m encouraged with my recent results. Calling all sissies, especially those of color! Keep tabs on your blood pressure; don’t let it get out of control or you’ll have hell to pay. Orlando’s Parliament House recently hosted the country’s number one club kid, Nina Flowers. Well, what can I say? She was F**KING AWESOME! It was an amazing evening full of club kids, Season 1 fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and just rowdy, crazy fans of drag. Despite the weather challenges (rain), the event was spectacular! Nina and her manager/lover Antonio were gracious, kind, and extremely down-to-earth, willing to accommodate without hassle. One would think with her recent enormous popularity, she would be protective or distant, or even a bit of a DIVA, but no, she was the direct opposite. The night showcased three electrifying performances, culminating with a performance of her hit single, “Loca”, accompanied by dancers Mr. Nick Gray and Mr. David Freckles Hunter. Gaining popularity in her native Puerto Rico before moving to Colorado, Nina has a huge Latino following and there was no shortage of them at the Parliament House. Other than at Parliament House's Thursday Latin Night, I have never seen so many beautiful wild screaming Latinos fill the Parliament House entertainment complex. It was truly magical. At the end of an exhausting evening, Nina graciously autographed pictures for over an hour for her loyal fans. We are looking forward to Nina Flowers returning to the Parliament House in May, where she’ll stay a few extra days in order for her to enjoy Orlando’s many theme parks. If you were one of the few who missed Nina Flowers' performances, check out youtube.com (Parliament House Nina Flowers). As the situation in Haiti continues to unfold, friends of the earthquake victims raised nearly $2,000 by collecting spare change. Huge thanks goes to Drew Sizemore for quickly coordinating this fundraiser. Additional thanks to the Orlando Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for their participation by cheerfully collecting the majority of spare change from patrons. We all can continue to do our part for Haiti’s victims by texting HAITI to 90999, and $10 will be charged directly to your phone bill, with proceeds going directly to the American Red Cross.
The Orlando AIDS Walk 2010 is just around the corner on April 17! This year the ladies of the Footlight Players have formed a team: The Real Housewives of the Parliament House! We’ll personally autograph pictures for your donation of $1.00, and 100% of your donation will go to the Orlando AIDS Walk. Both Armani and I have been the top individual fundraisers of this event and this year we’re stepping it up by entering the Players into the corporate division. So Sassy Devine, V, Armani, and I need your help and most of all, your dollars. I WANT TO WIN, damn it! Look for our facebook fan page coming soon. The Orlando AIDS Walk benefits the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, a local charity that helps Central Floridians free of charge who are infected with HIV or with AIDS. Should you wish to participate or volunteer, please call Hope and Help at (407) 645-2577; ask for Maggie King. Congratulations to Coco Montrese; Miss Gay America 2010! Coco was appointed recently after Alyssa Edwards of Texas was relived of her duties under what we shall say were...questionable circumstances (hm). Nevertheless, I am so proud of Coco for accepting the crown after earlier becoming the national pageant’s first runnerup. Some have said that she should not have accepted it, that she was deprived of her moment. Well, I say God works in mysterious ways and I never, ever throw away a blessing. I feel she did the right thing by accepting the duties and the crown; for God’s sake that’s what first runner-ups and vice presidents do. Remember Vanessa Williams and Richard Nixon? This now means Orlando has two reigning national title holders: Armani who is Miss Continual and Coco Montrese, Miss Gay America. Perhaps Orlando will have a third, Danielle Hunter, who just won her state preliminary, Miss Florida USA Classic, and is now on her way to Miss Gay USA Classic. If she wins, that will make the third reigning title holder, the most in any state. Good luck, girl, and kick ass! It’s pageant time in Orlando! Miss Large and Lovely 2010 is Monday, February 15 at Parliament House; Miss Parliament House 2010 will be held on Monday, March 22 at Parliament House; and both Miss Metropolitan Continental and Mr. Metropolitan Continental will take place on Monday April 26, also at Parliament House. Dates are yet to be announced for the Miss, Mr., and Plus Southeast National prelims, and Miss Florida America. That’s all for now! I’ll see you at the OMG! Red Ball coming March 20! It's gonna be WILD, children; be there! Ms. Darcel Stevens
OMG 41
OMG 42
OMG 43
OMG 44
OMG 45
Photo: Fabi Jimeno & Sean Fountain at WildChildWorld.com Editing: Lam Nguyen at Studiohaideux.com 3D Modeling: Chris at WildChildWorld.com
OMG 46
OMG 47
OMG 48
WildChild is elusive. That simple statement sums up so much of his behavior and personality, and only leaves people intrigued and wanting more. You want to know what he's about, what makes him tick, and what goes into the shows he produces. Sometimes he can't differentiate between where the performance ends and reality begins. "I draw little distinction between [my] personal [life] and public [persona]. After a while, I guess the line gets pretty blurry," he said. Until recently it was rather hard to piece together what parts of his image belonged where, something that WildChild says was intentional. "TIME, Newsweek, CNN.com, Travel Channel, [and] Latin Vogue have all featured my work, but for some reason I usually hide whenever it comes time to interview ... perhaps I was shy before, but I am ready to break out..." But will breaking out cause him to lose his mystique? He doesn't think so, and in an OMG! exclusive, he's decided to bring you into his world. WildChild, born Sean Fountain, grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, and as a teenager originally felt stifled creatively when his family moved to Pensacola, Florida, a city that's much more middle-America than New Orleans, well-known as the capital of revelry and debauchery. He originally started his now famed production and performing arts company as a way to keep things interesting in Pensacola. He spoke at length about his company's beginnings, saying, "I started booking DJ's and bands, breaking into warehouses, renting out movie theaters, fairgrounds, roller rinks, waterparks... any place I could find that allowed 'birthday parties.' I'd go in and tell the owners that I could guarantee 300 people at the door -- they'd keep concessions and I'd keep the cover...I didn't have a lot of money, so I was really just getting my friends involved in this new project of mine... asking favors and using what I could find. I always liked dressing up in costume, but I hadn't thought of myself as a performer really. So instead I would grab some extroverted girlfriends...and they would get completely nude -- I would bodypaint them live in UV paint onstage under the blacklights. I guess this impromptu "happening" created a buzz, because soon I was getting booked back in New Orleans twice a month to do the same thing at State Palace Theater, home of some of the biggest raves in the world." It wasn't long before WildChild gained a following not only in Pensacola but in New Orleans as well. He became a well-known performer at the Pensacola gay bar Emerald City, and quickly branched out his services to include a stable of performers who went on to perform in various events nationwide, earning
WildChild's company a lot of acclaim and definitely a good chunk of money. On Halloween weekend last year, he "moved on up" and completed his transition from Pensacola to Miami, where he bought a 2,000-squarefoot production house and studio in the Art District. Now that he's moving up in the world and his company is succeeding, what gives him that special "it factor" as a performer apart from being a good businessman? He believes the most important factors are his fans. "The audience [matters most]. Otherwise it's all pro wrestling...Hype. It's the superfan that makes it tangible. A connection between me and the audience, that thrill transcends languages, gender identity, and race... Off-stage, i'm a multitalented jack of all trades, master of none. The only thing I can take credit for is being absolutely obsessed with my work." What are his shows like? How does he translate the "it factor" to making his audience have "that connection" with him? Because the audience senses that there's no shortage of creativity. "Every day I get to play dress up -- and almost always, I am given total poetic license. It's nice when you have that trust...you can drop the bullshit and do what you do best," WildChild said. "I've focused a great deal of attention on starring in an amazing new neo-burlesque show at The Strip, located in the heart of South Beach. The show encompasses modern dance, theatrical vignettes, and only the most innovative performance art -- all with a bit of a wild twist." What's most important for WildChild is his upcoming show, the Red Ball at Orlando's Parliament House on February 20. When asked about the venue, WildChild almost immediately beams with pride and exclaims, "Of all the places I've traveled and all the drag shows I've seen, I've never ever felt the electricity that I feel in the Footlight Theater!" "I mean, those girls are polished to the max -- and I don't think people realize how hard Darcel Stevens works -- she and I have that in common. I've been a fan of hers for quite a while now, so it's truly a privilege that I've been asked to invade the Parliament House with my own brand of DRAG TERRORISM!" WildChild wants to let you know that even though his shows may be out of this world, there is a method to all his madness. "We are here to inspire and provoke, and we won't stop as long as we have something to say," he said. "Nothing we do is cookie cutter - it's all one of a kind." Hopefully you will be able to see for yourself why WildChild has become a very well-known name in visual performance art. The Red Ball starts at 8 p.m. with the play "Waiting for Maupin," with WildChild and the Footlight Players performing shortly after.
OMG 49
OMG 50
OMG 51
OMG 52
OMG 53
Ahh…it’s that time of year…the time of year when either you are super-excited to see what you will get for Valentine’s Day, or you can't wait for the day to pass without any fanfare. Well…for those of you who are lucky enough to have to purchase a Valentine's gift (clearly I’m not in this category), I have some great, financially sound suggestions for you. - Do some research I highly recommend www.groupon.com/tampa. I have had the opportunity to get some amazing deals at some great Tampa Bay restaurants. This is actually one of the daily e-mails you will look forward to getting. - Knead your own dough balls There is nothing better than having a dinner made by your significant other. This is a very cost effective way to do something special and not break the bank. If you are not very good in the kitchen, I might suggest you take a lesson or two at Publix Aprons cooking school. http://www.publix.com/aprons/Home.do - Make memories outside the bedroom Don’t limit your ideas to generic items such as flowers, jewelry, or stuffed animals (all of which seem kind of lame to me). Here are a couple ideas that maximize what the day is really about: spending time with each other. - Go outdoors! Tampa is ideal for tons of great day trip activities. Canoeing down the river, going sea fishing, hitting up bike trails and exploring state parks maximize time together without being expensive. Simply plan a itinerary filled with activities, times, dates and put it in a Valentine's day card. Here are a couple ideas I found: -Take it on the high seas: Five hours of sea fishing for $50 per person. This is only $10 an hour! What a great way to do something out of the ordinary. (info at http://www.hubbardsmarina.com)
OMG 54
-Get it on in the woods: For hiking/biking/nature enthusiasts, check out Flatwoods Park. You can plan a meal, some biking or nature hikes. The best part is it’s FREE! (info at http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/ recreation/areas/lh-flatwoods.html) -Rock the canoe: For those who like canoeing or kayaking, I suggest packing some food and spending a day together exploring the Rainbow River. (info at http://www.rainbowrivercanoeandkayak.com/) - Plan a trip You would be amazed how many cruises you can get for under $250! I found three to five-day cruises ranging from $187 to $250. This is an amazing value for even the tightest budget. Visit your favorite travel sites like travelocity.com and priceline.com to check out the deals! -Pick a "theme" We are blessed with tons of theme park options. Busch Gardens, Disney World, Sea World, and more are available with Florida resident rates. Take advantage of these and make for a great day trip. So overall, my recommendation for this Valentine’s Day is to spend some time with the person you care about. Time is a valuable commodity and can pay out HUGE dividends in the long run. Memories are always with you and can never be replaced. I can’t say that for jewelry, flowers, chocolate, or any other object.
OMG 55
More than a mouthful… I’ve been dating a guy who I know to be HIV+. He swears that oral sex does not put me at risk for catching the virus. Is that accurate? – Matthew, Tampa. Well, let’s start with the short answer; your friend is dead wrong. I’ve got a mouthful of advice for you on the subject of oral sex, so let's get started. It sounds like your man shares a common misconception among many people. Plenty of people claim to be participating in risk-free behavior with their various partners, reassuring themselves that oral sex is a ‘safe alternative’ to intercourse. The truth is that penetrative sex of any kind increases your risk of contracting HIV, the virus responsible for AIDS. When you think about your sexual activity, and your risk factors, ask yourself the following questions: Am I exchanging body fluids in any way? Are there risks of open sores or bleeding? Do I know my partner’s sexual history and current HIV status? Here’s my quick tutorial on how to do it right…avoiding infection, that is. Remember that abstinence from sexual activity is the only foolproof way of preventing HIV infection; however, I have not had much luck convincing readers to take that approach. So, let’s discuss minimizing risk instead. Any time there is contact between HIV-infected body secretions and a mucosal membrane, there is a risk for transmission.
OMG 56
Mucosal membranes include places in your body such as your mouth, rectum, urethra or vaginal vault. My guess is that you have at least three or more of the aforementioned body parts – therefore putting you at risk. No dedicated studies exist that riskstratify oral sex compared to insertive or receptive anal/vaginal sex. Researchers and physicians agree that the receptive partner is probably at increased risk compared to the inserting partner. Any trauma to the oral mucosa including minor cuts, ulcers,or recent dental work/gingival disease increases your risk – we even recommend avoiding flossing before you ‘satisfy’ your urges. While saliva does not contain enough viable virus to transmit infection, I still recommend that the insertive partner wear a condom to minimize risk. Small amount of blood from penetrative trauma can make contact with the urethra and cause infection. A recent study also suggests that uncircumcised men may have an increased risk for acquiring infection due to an increased surface area for absorption and contact with the virus. I’m issuing a gag order on spreading any fallacy that oral sex is completely safe – please tell your man that’s a load of…well, it’s just not true. I also recommend that anyone sexually active be screened for HIV and other STIs at least yearly, and whenever you change partners. HIV testing is done at any Hillsborough County Health Department or your personal health care provider.
The testing can yield results in as little as 20 minutes, with great accuracy depending on how recent your exposure was. If you’re not willing to get yourself tested, I recommend you stick to blow-pops to ease your oral fixations! For a list of your closest testing centers, go to www.hillscountyhealth.org. For up-to-date information on HIV and other STIs, you can visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention online at www.cdc.gov.
Shakespeare said it best: “How do I love thee, let me count the ways….” Well, when it comes to pop and club music, there are millions of ways. Ever since time immemorial, sappy hearts have been scribbling sonnets on scrolls (now laptops) to our most treasured emotion, love. They come in a vast variety of categories: FOUND LOVE: Deborah Cox seems absolutely surprised that someone made it into her inner sanctum in “Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here”. “I Think I Love You” by David Cassidy is a retro favorite. LOST LOVE: The imploded heart kind of love that makes you consider jumping off a cliff or a steamship. Just ask James Blunt (“You’re Beautiful”), Celine Dion (“My Heart Will Go On”) or Sinead O’Connor (“Nothing Compares 2 U”). Happy thoughts, people! LOVE OF SELF: Hands down “The Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston is the empowerment winner with “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige an honorable mention. SELF-LOVE: Not to be confused with the above category. Odes to a solo love that just might make you blind. “Crazy” by Seal, “She Bop” by Cyndi Lauper, “Love to Love You Baby” by Donna Summer and “Touch of My Hand” by Britney Spears all climax in their own ways.
CHEATIN’ LOVE: The diva-done-wrong classics include “What’s Love Got to Do with It” by Tina Turner, “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt, “The Worst Thing” by Pusaka and “Bust Your Windows” by Jazmine Sullivan always make me raise a baseball bat and cheer! On the flip side, the best “I screwed up….” mea culpa track goes to George Michael for “Careless Whisper”. WEIRD & KINKY LOVE: “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga, “Love Dominates (No Man Can Tame Me)” by Dynamix, “Strange Love” by Depeche Mode and “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails all will bring on the hot leather nightmares! THE BEST OF THE BEST: It’s been said that Whitney’s “I Will Always Love You” holds the top honors but my personal faves include Elton John’s “Your Song”, Olivia Newton-John’s “I Honestly Love You”, Madonna’s “Crazy For You”, the Spice Girls’ “2 Become 1”, Michael & Mariah’s “I’ll Be There”, Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” and last but not least, the timeless “Save the Best for Last” by Vanessa Williams. Let MyFlexRadio.com be the soundtrack for your rollercoaster romances and eternal flames. Listen to us on your laptop, iPhone, at home, or away. May Cupid be kind to you this Valentine’s Day!
OMG 60
OMG 61
OMG 62
OMG 63
Last issue, we here at OMG! made a vow to keep the readers informed of the goings-on in California, as the Perry v. Schwarzenegger trial continues. Since our last issue, both the defense and the prosecution have made their cases and called their expert witnesses. Here is a summary of the trial from where we left off a couple of weeks ago:
Sanders said, "If government tolerates discrimination against anyone it is very easy for citizens to do the same thing." He had concluded that he was wrong in his prejudice against homosexuals at a younger age, and sought not to repeat such mistakes as an elected official. Sanders is the father of two daughters, one of whom is a lesbian.
Dr. Michael Lamb, professor of social and developmental psychology at Cambridge University, made the claim that couples are capable of raising healthy children, whether the people in the relationship are gay or not. "We have a substantial body of evidence documenting that a child being raised by same-sex parents are just as likely to be well-adjusted as children raised by heterosexual parents...for a significant number of these children [with gay parents], their adjustment would be promoted were their parents able to get married," Dr. Lamb said while under oath. Cross-examination sought to tar Dr. Lamb as a "liberal" because of his charitable donations to such groups cited in court as the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Organization for Women, and PBS. Upon the mention of PBS as a "liberal" organization, therefore undesirable to associate with Lamb, it was reported that people in observance laughed.
Speaking on the subject of economic effects, M.V. Lee Badgett, professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, testified, "[The aftermath of] Proposition 8 has inflicted substantial economic harm on same-sex couples and their children who live here in California. I have the opinion that letting same-sex couples marry would not have any adverse effect on the institution of marriage or on different sex couples.�
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders took the stand to discuss his political stance on same-sex marriage and the discrimination the GLBT community faces, and how he feels it is his duty as a politician to serve the entire city, not just portions of it.
Another notable expert taking the stand was Dr. Gary M. Segura, professor of American politics at Stanford University. "Initiatives have been used to roll back legislative gains by gays and lesbians over and over," Segura said, noting the lack of power the GLBT community wields in being able to overturn such initiatives on their own. "There is no group in America....who've been targeted by ballot initiatives more than gays and lesbians. The gay and lesbian community has lost 33 of the 34 ballot measures across the country dealing with marriage. Gays and lesbians do not possess a meaningful degree of political power."
Shot: January 2009 Photographer: Adam Bouska
The eighth day of the trial brought out its most controversial witness when William Tam, who was responsible for putting Proposition 8 forth to California voters, took the stand. Tam was questioned about a number of issues, including the use of television commercials which tied the issue of same-sex marriage to being a threat to children, and that if same-sex marriage proponents won their battle, it would allow for the legalization of polygamy and incest. Tam insisted that the Netherlands legalized these acts after they allowed gays to marry, and when questioned on a source, he remarked that he had read it on the Internet. Polygamy is illegal in the Netherlands and while incest is not prosecutable there, close relatives cannot cohabit as if they were married or try to marry. Dr. Gregory Herek, professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis, was the next witness questioned. He told the court that doctors and scientists have discounted homosexuality as a mental illness, something Tam had said one day earlier. Conversion therapies and "ex-gay" groups were also not valid according to Dr. Herek's testimony, as they can leave lasting emotional side effects on people involved in such trials. The tenth day of testimony centered around the analysis of video advertisements paid for by ProtectMarriage.com, a website Tam manages and was a significant financial backer to the opposing cause. A quote from one such video produced and played in court said, "...the polygamists are waiting in the wings because if a man can marry a man and a
woman can marry a woman based on the fact that you have the right to marry whoever you want to marry, then the polygamists are going to use that exact same argument and they're probably going to win." The prosecution called the subtext "utterly astounding." Day eleven started with a cross-examination of Dr. Kenneth Miller, professor of biology at Brown University. Miller remarked that he believed gays and lesbians were not politically vulnerable, but conceded that Proposition 8 passed in part due to prejudice. He did, however, testify that he ruled out religion as a founding basis for the way people voted in the election. David Blankenhorn, president of the Institute for American Values, was the second witness, who gave conflicting testimony about marriage, believing marriage between a man and a woman to be the oldest and only acceptable social construct, yet also making statements such as "We would be more American on the day we permit same-sex marriage than the day before." With all the witnesses called and questioned, Judge Vaughn Walker ruled on the final day that closing arguments will not begin until at least March, so he can review court transcripts and sift through all the evidence given by both sides. For now, however, the largest part of what has proven to be a momentous trial in the history of GLBT rights in America is closed and we now wait for the next steps. One can only hope they are promising.
WRITTEN by Okesene Tilo
A sports drama that was automatically upgraded from a Lifetime network movie to a blockbuster film starring Sandra Bullock raked in $230 million and counting at the box office. A Nazi film plagued with bad buzz banked $190 million in worldwide receipts because of the name power of Tom Cruise. The marquee name of a bonafide movie star is enough to fill theater seats, but let’s face it… the majority of today’s movies are rarely driven by star power anymore. A true movie star is an actor who can carry a film on the strength of their name alone; someone whose presence elevates a movie into an event; someone who has paid their dues to an otherwise unkind industry. A movie star is simply not created overnight. Many of the stars of today appear in a blockbuster film, and are suddenly commanding $20 million a movie and transformed to an A-List superstar overnight. Was the $155 million take of last year's Fast and Furious to blame on Vin Diesel’s star power? Did audiences see the Spiderman movies because they starred Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst? Jason Statham could have easily played the role of Fast and Furious's Dominic Toretto, and Spiderman could have starred Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway; both movies would still have been blockbusters. “The way a person was received and treated used to be a lot more methodical,” said Julia Roberts, acknowledging the recent shift in Hollywood during an Entertainment Weekly interview. “(Nowadays) people go from relative obscurity to being wildly famous and hugely overpaid, and expectations are so out of proportion, and it's a huge disaster story.''
Arguably still one of the biggest actress in Hollywood, audiences took notice of Julia Roberts in Steel Magnolias and then fell head-over-heels in love with her after Pretty Woman. She slowly built up her success with follow-up roles in blockbusters Sleeping with the Enemy and The Pelican Brief. Granted she may have hit a few roadblocks along the way to success (Pret-A-Porter and last year's Duplicity), but the name Julia Roberts made the ill-received America’s Sweethearts and The Mexican hit films at the box office. The new stars of today just happen to star in hit films without ever having to build a career like Julia Roberts did. Case in point: Lindsay Lohan. The former teen queen happened to star in the hit movies Freaky Friday and Mean Girls. Suddenly overnight, she was an A-List star commanding millions of dollars per movie. Without the following of a remake (Freaky Friday) or the brainchild of Tina Fey (Mean Girls), Lindsay proved her overpaid status when Just My Luck, Georgia Rule and I Know Who Killed Me all tanked at the box office. Today, her once redhot career has gone cold, relegating her to pages of tabloid fodder. For every Will Smith, there’s a Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Orlando Bloom. For every Julia Roberts, there’s a Jessica Alba, Shannon Elizabeth and Kirsten Dunst. While moviegoers will open up their wallets for the next Tom Hanks movie, they’ll still open it just as wide for this summer's Twilight: Eclipse movie that just so happens to star an actor named Taylor Lautner.
OMG 67
WRITTEN BY MIKE HALTERMAN
I
n the United States, very few sports players have come out of the closet, and even fewer have spoken about their sexual orientation while active in sports. In Europe it's no different, especially in a macho sport like rugby, enjoyed by quite a few many players and fans in the United Kingdom. One well-known player has sought to turn rugby's image of machismo on its ear by making the choice to come out, making him a pioneer not only in his native country but worldwide. Gareth Thomas, a fullback for the Cardiff Blues rugby team in Wales, made international headlines last December by making a public statement for the first time about his homosexuality. At 6'3" and 220 pounds, Thomas's imposing figure is not easy to make light of, and he knows it. He commented later on to The Guardian newspaper about wanting to put a human face to gays in sports, and that he wanted to break stereotypes, not to fall into them. Making his debut on the Welsh national team in 1995, Thomas quickly became one of the most popular rugby players in the United Kingdom,
being nicknamed "Alfie" for his slight facial resemblance to the title character in the 1980s sitcom ALF. He went on to play professionally for his hometown team, Bridgend RFC for a number of years, giving him his initial fame. He married his teenage crush, Jemma, in 2002, divorcing five years later in what Thomas went on to deem a marriage of desperation that almost drove him to suicide. In his first public statement in The Daily Mail, Thomas said, "I wasn’t sure if I ever wanted to let people know and, to be honest, I feel anxious about people’s reactions. It’s been really tough for me, hiding who I really am, and I don’t want it to be like that for the next young person who wants to play rugby, or some frightened young kid." He went on to pin his decision to stay closeted for so long on attitudes against homosexuals in such a masculine sport like rugby, concluding that he would not be able to succeed in the sport while at the same time being open about who he was.
Gareth Thomas Photo by Stu Forster/ Getty Images Europe
Many gay activists across the UK applauded Thomas's decision. GLBT rights activist Peter Tatchell released a statement saying, "It is very positive Gareth has come out while he is still an active player. Many of the sports people who have declared their homosexuality have tended to do so after their careers are over. Rugby is a very macho sport and has traditionally had a very robust he-man, heterosexual image so it is really
great that he has had the guts to be honest with himself and his fans. Hopefully this will ease the way for other gay and bisexual players to also come out." Whether Tatchell's wish will occur remains to be seen, but Thomas is also hopeful. In another excerpt of his interview with The Daily Mail, he said, "I’d love for it, in 10 years’ time, not to even be an issue in [sports], and for people to say: ’So what?’"
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! Since it's Valentine's Day, a few of us are probably going all out, buying chocolate, seeing a good movie, drinking champagne, buying flowers or planning a vacation. We hope at this time of the year that we will eventually be married or have a crush who anxiously wants you, holding a crapload of flowers and an invitation to dinner. lol. Occasionally that may not happen, but at least you have some single lady friends to party and drink with while listening to the best music. What does this holiday mean to you? Is it really all about how many gifts you can get? I asked a few people what they thought. Six people out of ten told me it’s about spending time with their loved ones or going out and celebrating their first Valentine’s Day as a couple. Several couldn't care less for the holiday and say it’s just another day, but hey, what can you say to them? Go out have some fun with your friends. For the rest of you, I know you may feel that this holiday sucks and all you want to do is disconnect from everything that has to do with the color red, or you may want to scream when you hear a girl who’s complaining that she didn’t get the bracelet that her girlfriend promised. To tell you the truth, Valentine's Day was never my thing! You spend mad money, but in your mind you wonder, "What response will she give?" Am I going to wake up in the morning with her in my arms? Is breakfast in bed something you've been wanting to do? So many thoughts start to rattle your head, and right now your focus is completely on her. Yes, buying roses, chocolate and the biggest stuffed animal you can find on the store shelves may make you feel like the best girlfriend in the world. However, gifts aren’t going to alter their love or change their minds because you think you can bribe them. Being spoiled is the greatest feeling, but when you are constantly buying and not spending every minute with her - in the real world you run the risk of meaning nothing to them; you’ve become "just a bank."
Love is something we all can't buy or find on the sidewalks. When you find that love in someone (gender doesn't matter), all you want to do is breathe in their heart into yours, holding the world closer than you can imagine. Never take advantage of what you have or abuse it because one day it’s going to hit you and you'll wish you can have every second back to be loved. Every day you want to appreciate her, take time to show how much devotion you’re willing to give. Don't bribe her with gifts! The love you have in your life is like a flower. You feed your emotions to that person and you just know they don’t make ‘em like her anymore. Make Valentine's Day an everyday event.
FLORIDA
GUIDE
M:FI: LM'I>M>
9
7
8
1
6 10
2 3
11
4
5
YBOR CITY
6
1
CHELSEA NIGHTCLUB 1502 N. Florida Ave 7 813-228-0139 8 CITY SIDE 3703 Henderson Blvd. (813) 350-0600 9 VALENTINES 7522 N. Armenia Ave 813-936-1999
2 3
4
5
6
Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Ybor Historic District
1700 East 9th Ave. Tampa, Florida 33605 813-769-9267
11 TRIBECA
920 W. Kennedy Blvd.Tampa, Florida 813-250-0208
JOFFREY'S COFFEE & TEA COMPANY
10
1600 East 8th Ave. Tampa, Florida 33605 813-247-4600
FLORIDA
GUIDE
M:FI: LM'I>M> 4
1
2
5
3
PUB 4
BG’S BAR
10387 Gandy Blvd. St Pete FL 33702
5
1 3
2
JOHN E. FULLGRAF MASSAGE THERAPY FLAMINGO RESORT 4601 34th St S 727-735-3895
BUSINESSES TRIBECA SALON South Tampa 920 West Kennedy Blvd 850-250-0208 www.tribecasalon.com Centro Ybor 1600 East 8th Avenue 813-242-4080 www.tribecasalon.com
FLORIDA
<>GMK:E ?EHKB=:
1
2
3 4 5
Orange
6 7
OMG 74
GUIDE
FLORIDA
<>GMK:E ?EHKB=: 5 1
6
2 4
3
7
TEAHOUSE &
(321) 422-8610
GUIDE
FLORIDA
GUIDE
LHNMA ?EHKB=: 7
2
1
6
8
4 9
5 13
10
14
12 11
3
WEST PALM BEACH BARS DOLCE 3097 Forest Hill Blvd. (561) 422-4505 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 BOCA RATON JOE & CRAIG’S PLACE
1929 North Federal Hwy. (561) 347-8044 WILTON MANORS ATOMIC/BOOM NIGHTCLUB 2232 Wilton Dr. 1 (954) 630-3556 BILL’S FILLING STATION 2 2209 Wilton Dr. (954) 567-5978 3 EDEN 2387 N Dixie Hwy. (954) 630-3556 4 GEORGIE’S ALIBI 2266 Wilton Dr. (954) 565-2526 THE MANOR 2345 Wilton Dr. (954) 626-0082 MATTY’S ON THE DRIVE 2426 Wilton Dr. (954) 564-1799
NEW MOON BAR 2440 Wilton Dr. (954) 563-7660 RAMROD 1508 NE 4th Ave. (954) 763-8219 ROSIE’S BAR & GRILLE 5 2449 Wilton Dr. (954) 567-1320 SCANDALS SALOON 6 3073 NE 6th Ave. (954) 565-3084 SIDELINES SPORTS BAR 7 2031 Wilton Dr. (954) 563-8001 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 PUPPIES 2205A Wilton Dr. (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 12 2 S New River Dr. West (954) 767-6200 13 TORPEDO BAR 2829 West Broward Blvd. (954) 587-2500 VOODOO LOUNGE 14 111 SW 2nd Ave. (954) 522-0733
FT. LAUDERDALE BARS
CLUB FT. LAUDERDALE 110 NW 5th Ave. (954) 525-3344 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 GLCC SOUTH FLORIDA 1717 N. Andrews Ave. (954) 463-9005
8 BOARDWALK 1721 N. Andrews Ave. (954) 463-6969 9 THE DEPOT 1243 N.E. 11th Ave. (954) 568-7777 JOHNNY’S BAR/ 10 11 NIGHT CLUB 1116 West Broward Blvd (954) 522-5931 11 LIVING ROOM 300 SW 1st Ave. (888) 992-7555
BUSINESSES
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
D>R P>LM CLUBS/BARS
INNS/GUESTHOUSES
ASSOCIATIONS
e! t a r ed t n u co s i d R
e h t r fo Ask
O B Y GA
All Rooms Include: Complimentary Hot Breakfast Hi-speed Wireless Internet Complimentary Transportation (anywhere within 3 miles of hotel)
Located Just Minutes From: Downtown Tampa Busch Gardens The Bay Area Beaches
Ybor City
discount with this Ad. $20 OFF GAYBOR RATE.
1301 East 7th Ave. Tampa, Florida 33605 Tel: 813-247-6700
www.tampayborcitysuites.hamptoninn.com
Hampton Inn 速 Ybor City
Fax: 813-247-6100
beh in d. e l y t s ld o r Lea ve you
Centro Ybor Location Now Open 813-242-4080 South Tampa 920 W. Kennedy Blvd. 813-250-0208
WRITTEN BY MIKE HALTERMAN
I
t has been 25 years since the star-studded single "We Are the World" became a massive worldwide success for charity organizer Bob Geldof, topping charts all over the world and raising untold amounts of money for famine relief efforts in Africa. Now the time has come for a re-recording to help the victims of last month's earthquake in Haiti. With the guidance of original producer Quincy Jones, the remake, "We Are the World: 25 for Haiti," is expected to outsell its predecessor (which already holds the title of fastest-selling American pop song of all time). Jones and singer Lionel Richie had already planned to remake the "We Are the World" single to help Africa in 2010, but with the news of the earthquake in Haiti coming weeks before the cover was slated to be recorded, plans were temporarily halted. In the meantime, both Jones and Richie switched gears when well-known singers from all over the world wished to be a part of the remake, with proceeds going to Haiti instead. The marathon recording session for "We Are the World: 25 for Haiti" took place on February 1 with 81 singers taking part, an increase from the 43 celebrities who had parts on the original single release. The musical success of "We Are the World" in 1985 had a lot to do with the variety of singers featured, from country singers Kenny Rogers and Willie Nelson to pop queen Cyndi Lauper to R&B legends Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Diana Ross.
This year, the lineup was more eclectic than ever, with Haitian singer Wyclef Jean serving as a spiritual compass of sorts, reminding the other singers that their kindness in helping his native country will allow it to move forward, brightly, into the 21st century. Legendary divas Gladys Knight, Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion were on hand to contribute to the song, as were popular artists geared toward the younger crowd such as Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, Pink, and Kanye West. Even current upand-comers like country singer Zac Brown and Canadian tween star Justin Bieber lent a hand to the recording. Josh Groban remarked that the recording was "inspired chaos," and that all artists were indeed checking their egos at the door, referring to a sign first hung outside the recording studio when the original song was produced in 1985. Celine Dion said to Entertainment Weekly, "The rhythm was changed a little bit and I so wanted to make it perfect. They played the track, and on my right shoulder, [it's] Lionel Richie. I was like, ‘I think I’m in good hands.’” If you would like to support the relief efforts by purchasing this single, your chance is coming up. The world premiere airing of "We Are the World: 25 for Haiti" will be broadcast on NBC February 12, during the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The single will be available for purchase soon after.
Fred Phelps' Granddaughter: Same-Sex Marriage is "Inevitable" Megan Phelps, on the surface, seems like any 24-yearold girl...she loves to use Facebook and Twitter, she owns an iPod (her favorite band is Green Day), and while single at the moment, she is insecure about whether she'll find that perfect guy to marry her. Oh, and there's one more thing. She hates the gays and everything they stand for, and isn't shy about letting people know. Why's that? She's the granddaughter of Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps, that's why!
No Slumming It in British Supermarkets Get it together, Brits! Shopping in your pajamas and nightgowns should be a no-no ingrained in everyone's minds, but apparently it's so popular over in the UK that the supermarket chain Tesco's is actually formally banning the attire from being worn by shoppers. "To avoid causing embarrassment to others we ask that our customers are appropriately dressed when visiting our store (footwear must be worn at all times and no nightwear is permitted)," the new rule says, now being enforced at Tesco's nationwide. Some people are already up in arms, protesting the decision! The Daily Mail interviewed one such common shopper, Elaine Carmody, who said of the decision, "I've got lovely pairs of pajamas, with bears and penguins on them...I've worn my best ones today, just so I look tidy. I walked in with my [shopping cart] and the security guard came over and told me to leave. He said it offends people. But I've never seen anyone offended." Consider the complaint lodged by me. Get dressed or don't go out!
Megan Phelps is the apple of her grandfather's eye, as like him, she believes that tolerance of homosexuality is not only dooming the United States but the entire world. But she also feels gay marriage is "a fait accompli." She adds, "And I am happy about that. … Here’s why: it is a sign. This generation is going to be destroyed and their destruction is imminent and that destruction can’t come until their cup of iniquity is full and everything that they do is furtherance of that. This isn’t going to get better. It’s never going to get better. It’s only going to get worse." Here's to hoping the young Miss Phelps snaps out of her hate indoctrination and that gays marrying won't bring down the modern world as we know it!
Betty White to Rue McClanahan: "Just Die Already!" Betty White and Rue McClanahan are the best of pals, and have been ever since their days starring on the acclaimed sitcom The Golden Girls, playing the roles of ditz Rose Nylund and "man-wise" Blanche Devereaux, respectively. Back in November, McClanahan suffered a stroke, and has since been recuperating in the hospital. Always thoughtful, White decided to send over a get-well card. Or is it? White wrote in the card, "Dear Rue, I hope you hurry up and die so I can be the last Golden Girl left. NOT KIDDING!" Well, thank YOU for being a friend, Rose! When asked for comment, McClanahan clearly got the joke and said she was "tickled" after receiving it. Here's to a speedy recovery for the gays' favorite TV vamp!
GOSSIP
T!! SST S PSSTT!!
PS
Shocking Makeover for Snooki from Jersey Shore!
PSSSTT!!
The MTV reality series Jersey Shore has had its popularity spread like wildfire, thanks in part to the unabashed trashy behavior of its cast members and an eager public wanting to have front-row tickets for a trainwreck. Arguably the most popular star is Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, who got the most buzz in the press early on for being socked in the face by someone even trashier than she is. So who better to de-skankify her and give her a glammy new makeover than that bastion of journalistic integrity...Inside Edition? That show hosted by that old Today show host after Jane Pauley that nobody liked? Yeah. Anyway, Google the photographs: They've washed her nasty Amy Winehouse hair and performed an Ed Hardy exorcism; now she looks like a mix of Ann Curry and Kim Kardashian's mature aunt, and is that an image we all deserved to visualize? We want our Snooks trashy, not classy!
The Ho-Bag Wears Prada Come on, officer, just let me leave without a ticket and we'll BOTH have a happy ending to our evening! That's not a wise line to try at all, most definitely if you're in rural Arkansas and someone famous. Because the tabloids will EAT IT UP. Prada model Nick Snider, one of the top fashion models in the world, was arrested on a DUI charge, allegedly stating to the cops arresting him, "I am a very famous model." Oh, that's classy! Now let's follow it up with this gem: "As Snider was being transported in a patrol car to the county jail, he 'kept trying to get me to stop the car and let him go. Mr. Snider stated to me, 'If you stop I'll suck your dick and balls if you let me go," said police officer Brian Luetschwager. That's like the kind of moment at a party where someone trips and falls, and everyone just goes, "Oooohhh..." Not good. Snider faces three counts, including attempting to influence a public servant.
Adam Lambert's Man Panties Help Haiti! I'm personally not a fan of Adam Lambert, but I know a lot of you love him, so I figured I'd give you a hot tip so you can have the chance to own something of his that's...rather intimate. He appeared on Ellen this past week to sing his new single, "Strut," later announcing that he has two things that he's placing on auction to help the relief efforts in Haiti (check Ellen's website at ellenshow.com). First things first, you can get an autographed photo of the singer. And what's the other thing...? Well, Lambert announced on-air that he was wearing his special Ellen DeGeneres underwear, remarking that even though he got them all good and sweaty, that he was placing his...used...underwear... up for auction. Because some freak out there is going to buy them and not because they want to help Haiti. God help us all! Hahaha!
REALLY?
The best gay men’s resort in the world Voted by the readers of Out Traveler Magazine
what will you remember?
1129 Fleming St. • Key West • 1 305 294 6284 • islandhousekeywest.com • IHKeyWest@aol.com
Mar 20 - Apr 19 Focus on your twisted humor and you will shine like the dazzling fool on VDay. Spend some time exploring the hidden nature of your “taint” and everything will go quite swimmingly.
Apr 20 - May 19 Look into changing your self-image. You’ve got to do something with that dirty mop and cracked mug before the big day or Cupid is going to give you the worst thing of all…someone who looks just like you.
Sept 22 - Oct 22 This temporary state of mental paralysis you’re feeling is nothing. Just wait until Cupid’s arrow hits you and gives you that love bug called crabs. You’ve got a lot to learn, young Libra. Oct 23 - Nov 21 This will be an intense time of creative energy. So do a little more than what you do every Valentine's Day, which is sitting at home watching reruns of Dawson’s Creek.
May 20 - Jun 20 “Only take what you need.” This has absolutely nothing at all to do with you this V-Day. Yes, threesomes are the best way to go. Good for you, Gemini.
Nov 22 - Dec 21 He really is trying to accept you for who you are. It's just really hard when you have no personality or self-esteem. It's time to take the bull by the horns and get a makeover this V-Day. You can thank me later.
Jun 21 - Jul 21 Apologize before it turns into something bigger than you anticipated. Your best friend is all you’re going to have for Valentine's Day anyway. You might as well feel wanted.
Dec 22 - Jan 19 I feel sorry for you, I really do. Happy Valentine’s Day.
Jul 22 - Aug 22 Sell now! Buy now, pay later! Valentine's Day should not be spent sitting on Craigslist, Adam4Adam, or Manhunt. But hey, if you got it, flaunt it. Make sure they leave the cash on the dresser.
Jan 20 - Feb 17 Your fame in the community will really be thrown for a loop this Valentine's Day. Try not to get upset with your best friend when he takes your man to dinner. Cupid’s arrow does some crazy things.
Aug 23 - Sept 21 The rest of the world already knows your secret. So you might as well live this Valentine's Day up to its full potential. Honey, put on that wig and those heels and go dancing, you silly crossdresser, you!
Feb 18 - Mar 19 This is a good time to take care of all those nasty infections. But, good news, you will be super happy on V-Day and it's about dang time! Be grateful and try not to get too sloshy wine drunk; we all know what happens.
Note: precise dates vary slightly from year to year, and from source to source. These are not meant to be definitive.
E N J O Y T H E F L O R I D A T H AT Y O U O N C E F E L L I N L O V E W I T H
Fly Islands to the
————— a b o a r d —————
SeaCoast
airlines
FLIGHTSEEING ADVENTURES T A M P A B AY • K E Y W E S T Available for charter anywhere in Florida or the Southeast.
A I R L I N E
O F
T H E
C O N C H
R E P U B L I C
1-866-302-6278 SeaCoastAirlines.com