OutClique Magazine August 2021

Volume 5, Issue 9 August 2021

Phil Dunlap

Broward County Cultural Division Vacaya Vacations On Tour with Manny Schvartzman and Hamilton

Ultimate Disco Cruise Key West Tropical Heat Fort Lauderdale’s Most Humble Bachelor

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Steven O. Evans, PhD

Publisher and Editor in Chief Steven@OutClique.com

Connie Evans Chief Copy Editor Mother of the Publisher

Coleman Crooks Associate Editor

Sach AD Group

Director of Graphic Design

Chandler Scott

Director of Social Media Assistant to the Publisher

Chris Lodge

Director of Special Projects Assistant to the Publisher

Mike Ritzi Irv Scott Sales Manager

Rivendell Media

National Advertising

Gregg Shapiro

Senior Entertainment Writer

Denny Patterson

Senior Lifestyle Writer & Assistant Editor

Contributing Writers

Andy Armano, Rod Davis, Doug Evans, Fr. Jamie Forsythe, John M. Hayden, Marty Kiar, On Mekahel, Patrick Rogers, Eric Noel Roman, Cory Sanders, Fr. Rich Vitale

A publication of OutClique, LLC (954) 998-6429 www.OutClique.com www.Facebook.com/OutClique OutClique@gmail.com OutClique, LLC is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed in advertisements or articles.

What’s Your White Coat?

By Steven O. Evans, PhD

With my background in academia, August normally marks the start of a new academic year. When I was a high school mathematics teacher, it was the sound of lockers, the crack of new Euclidean Geometry textbooks,the smell of new whiteboard markers, and new faces in the classroom.

When I taught college mathematics, it was the sights of move in day at the residence halls, the sounds of the Austin pipe organ in Hughes Auditorium at Asbury University 1, and getting students the first day to throw away their ink pens to replace them with mechanical pencils and “click” erasers so they could start to think and write like mathematicians.

During my years in medical education at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine 2 the Florida International University College of Medicine, it brought M1 students, most 24-yearold fresh college graduates; a chance to see patients in inpatient and ambulatory clerkship rotations for the M3 students; and the opportunity for residents to finally be called “Doctor.” But my favorite was the White Coat Ceremony 3 for the M1 students, when they received the student doctor coats with their names embroidered and the college’s logo page emblazoned on the chest and sleeves. And with that, brought the flood of crisp, fresh white coats that entered the classrooms and clinics.

Currently, students in K through secondary education to the professional schools transitioned to almost entirely virtual learning through the pandemic. But now our educational enterprise seeks to return to its own “new normal.”

This is your chance to create your whole new world, a new existence, your new paradigm of life, new friendships, and maybe even a new career. Let us not waste our suffering of 2020.

But press on to the goal that is before us. May happiness be abounding. 4 Steven O. Evans, PhD Editor in Chief 1 www.Asbury.edu 2 med.uky.edu 3 www.AAMC.org 4 Dr. Angela Easterday-Holder, former Chair and Professor of Music at Carson-Newman University.

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Reunited with Your Groove Thing An Interview with Peaches & Herb

By Gregg Shapiro

S

ince first setting sail in February 2019, StarVista’s Ultimate Disco Cruise has been celebrating the acts from the genre’s late 1970s heyday. Some artists were onehit-wonders (we’re talking about you, Taste of Honey). Others, including Yvonne Elliman and Gloria Gaynor, established themselves as hitmakers years before, and experienced a revival with disco. Elliman’s “If I Can’t Have You” and Gaynor’s “I Will Survive,” are examples.

Some of the performers from that period had been around long before disco and ultimately had their greatest success with the beat-driven 8 | OutClique.com

music. Peaches & Herb is an illustration of that.

Herb Fame established the male and female soul duo in the mid-1960s, and since that time there have been fresh Peaches every few years, including during the disco era when they topped the charts with “Shake Your Groove Thing” and the follow-up ballad “Reunited.” I was fortunate to speak with the current incarnation of the duo, featuring Fame and Wanda Makle, in advance of the 2022 edition of the Ultimate Disco Cruise.

Gregg Shapiro: As one of the classic disco acts scheduled to perform on the Ultimate Disco

Cruise 2022, what are each of you most looking forward to about the cruise?

HF: Well, I’m looking forward to working with all

these great names I’m looking at. As a matter of fact, I’m ready to buy a ticket [laughs].

WM: I’m looking forward to having a great time with all of our friends. We miss everyone. Good music and good dancing. I’m ready!

GS: What would you like Peaches & Herb’s

followers to know about what they can expect from your show?

WM: What they can expect from our show is that we always give love. Our show is about love, falling in love, and [being] united. That’s what we want our fans to know.

GS: In 2018, Peaches & Herb was inducted into The National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame.

What does such an honor mean to each of you?

WM: It really was a great honor just to be a part of the organization. Just to be inducted. It meant so much that our fans are still listening and they’re still there rooting for us and wanting to see us. The great honor was the award, knowing that they were thinking about us, Peaches & Herb.

HF: My view is that there are many artists out there and we all like to be recognized for what we do. Every one of us out there wants attention. When you receive attention as far as awards, it’s great, because so many of us want to be recognized as true artists. That’s one of the ways of showing us that we had made some sort of impact.

GS: The songs on Peaches & Herb’s 1978 disco breakthrough album 2 Hot! were written

by Dino Fekaris and Freddie Perren, the same songwriters who wrote “I Will Survive.” Herb, how did you come to work with them at that time?

HF: I knew Freddie when he was in college in Washington DC at Howard University. He worked at a record shop, and I worked at a record shop.

We just became friends talking about music.

One day we ran into him in New York when he 10 | OutClique.com

was starting his own company. We decided to collaborate. The world knows what happened after that!

GS: Do you each remember what you thought

when you first heard “Shake Your Groove Thing”?

HF: At the time that I first heard “Shake Your Groove Thing,” it was all about disco and partying all the time. Me, being an old man at the time, I hadn’t seen disco in my life. After we recorded that, the words were, “Damn, this is great!”

WM: [Laughs] HF: Thank God it worked for us.

GS: Wanda, you mentioned the word “reunited” earlier. After the huge success of “Shake Your Groove Thing,” the song was followed up with “Reunited” – a ballad. Was that a way to show Peaches & Herb’s versatility to a new generation of listeners?

WM: I believe so. When you even say the word “reunited,” you think about relationships and families. We all love our families. You also think about how we can all just come together as one and still continue to give that love.

HF: Most of the time, all I ever hear about “Reunited” is making babies [laughs]. That’s all I ever hear. “You got us back together, and now we got three more kids.”

GS: As I’m sure you’re aware, disco has a long history with and a strong connection to the gay community. How aware were you at the time of a gay following?

HF: I wasn’t. But as the months and years went by with them playing the song [I became aware].

When you go to a gay club, you’re gonna have fun. You’re gonna have massive fun, and that’s what I realized later on. I hate making distinctions about LGBT, and this and that. We’re all people.

Let’s roll along as people that love. I don’t knock you, you don’t knock me. If you love what you’re doing and I love what I’m doing, let it be. Let’s work!

LeBoy’s Top Man he boys dance, the bartenders pour, the DJs spin. LeBoy is one of South Florida’s hottest party places. The man at the center of it all is Drew Segura. He’s LeBoy’s General Manager, but that’s only one of the things that make him one of the most fascinating people to follow in South Florida’s gay scene.

Despite being only 23 years old he’s a familiar face up and down Wilton Drive. “I started coming to the gayborhood when I was 18,” he told me when we met up recently at LeBoy. “My first job was Southern Nights, doing the lights when they promoted me to manager. Then I got hired at Rumors.”

Those gigs also let Drew cultivate his DJ skills.

“I learned how to DJ when I was 13 years old. I got a Christmas present, the iDJ3 or something like that. It’s this red turntable, and I fell in love with it.” He began DJing at straight bars, then spinning at bars on The Drive including The Manor, then as part of his job at Southern Nights and Rumors. When I asked him which music genre is his favorite, he couldn’t pick one.

“I listen to everything from country, to EDM, to classic house. I listen to it all.”

Eventually Drew found himself looking for a new challenge. “When Rumors sold I decided I wasn’t gonna’ do gay bars anymore. I was over it.” He went to manage a corporate restaurant but when the pandemic hit Drew once again looked for a career change. He ended up with day and night jobs that are as different as night and day. “I decided to get into insurance.

When (LeBoy reopened) they said they needed another manager.”

Insurance agent by day, club manager by night sounds like the most fun superhero ever. It also sounds exhausting. Between insurance, and managing LeBoy, Drew works up to 90 hours a week. “I’d rather work hard now, and play hard later. I sleep [for] five hours. My days off, Saturday and Sunday, are the only days I get a full amount of sleep.”

Despite all that, Drew is determined to transform LeBoy in appearance and attitude. “I’m really trying to take it in a crazy direction,” Drew said.

Photo Courtesy of DJ Drew’s Instagram @DJDrewOfficial

T

By John Hayden

Drew wants to expand the bar’s vision and customers. He says there will still be dancers but now people can come, enjoy a drink, and not be bombarded with massages.

“LeBoy has always had one direction, as far as - it was a bar for twinks to dance at, and the men that like twinks. The idea behind it now is to be a bar for everyone. We’ll have dancers that everybody likes. If you’re not here for the dancers then you can come and have a cocktail and not be bombarded by massages and stuff like that.”

Drew also wants to get LeBoy more involved with the LGBTQA+ community. Despite being away from The Drive, he believes out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind. “Whether it be hosting events, or sponsoring events, I want to stress that whether it be a [gift] basket or anything, we want to be involved. We’re looking for the opportunity to grow with Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale in the LGBT community.”

You can follow the happenings at LeBoy through their website, LeBoyFTL.com and follow Drew on Instagram @DJDrewOfficial.

And when you’re in LeBoy, you never know where you’ll spot him. “Whether I’m managing, or washing dishes, or DJing, and everybody’s singing along, and dancing, and the dancers are having a good time, and the customers, that is my favorite part, 100%.”

OutClique.com | 11

Continues to Redefine the LGBTQ Vacation Experience

By Denny Patterson | Photos Courtesy of Vacaya Vacations

VACAYA is a large-scale LGBTQ travel company that offers adult-only trips that take over entire cruise ships and resorts.

Since launching in May 2018 and created by award-winning tourism and travel industry executives like Randle Roper and Patrick Gunn, VACAYA continues to rewrite the rules of what’s possible within LGBTQ travel. The company takes guests to all-new destinations that have never been served by existing market players and tailors to the LGBTQ community’s needs and desires.

The debut of VACAYA was heralded as an evolution in an industry that has largely gone unchanged for several years.

“Our LGBTQ world has changed immeasurably over the past decade, and it was important for the LGBTQ travel experience to evolve along with it,” Roper said. “VACAYA is that evolution. A utopian paradise for all members of the LGBTQ community.”

When guests book a trip with VACAYA, they are guaranteed a unique, one-of-a-kind experience to amazing destinations and can expect stellar entertainment and world-class hospitality.

VACAYA charters entire ships and resorts, so that LGBTQ travelers have the freedom to express their individuality, make personal connections, celebrate life, and simply relax together.

12 | OutClique.com

“For so long, our community has been divided into its all-gay or all-lesbian tribes in regard to travel,” Roper said. “None of the other letters ever really had a chance. VACAYA has flung open those doors of inclusivity to everyone.”

Small-ship cruises can be as intimate as 200 guests, while big-ship cruises can welcome well over 2,000.

It is highly recommended that one reserves a spot well in advance because select trips can sell out fast. The Iceland Cruise scheduled in September 2021 is a prime example. However, the Mexico Resort vacation set for the end of October, beginning of November, 2021 still has spots available.

Other upcoming trips include visiting destinations like New Orleans, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean.

“We coordinate trips all around the world, and then some,” Roper said. “We take our guests to the far corners of our world. For example, in nearly 50 years of all-gay and all-lesbian travel, no company has ever charted a full-ship to Antarctica. That will take place in December 2022, and when VACAYA launched the sale back in January 2021, it sold out in 10 days. Coming out of the pandemic, that is a remarkable feat - especially considering the starting price was around $25,000 a room.”

Speaking of the pandemic, like every other travel company, VACAYA navigated through the challenges of COVID-19.

“It was the toughest year every travel company on earth has ever faced, and many did not survive,” Roper said. “At VACAYA, we stayed very close to our guests, meeting with them face-to-face over Zoom in many cases so we could talk through the challenges, frustrations, and opportunities. Those connections throughout 2020 paid incredible dividends as everything began to shift. Starting with the U.S. presidential election and continuing through the release of the vaccines, there was a tangible shift in our community’s optimism and willingness to return to travel. Because we stayed so close with everyone throughout the great pause, people rallied behind us. To sell out Antarctica in 10 days, followed by our Seychelles Cruise in eight days, followed almost immediately by our Greek Isles Cruise in five days was a clear sign that not only had VACAYA survived, but we were actually thriving.”

With business continuing to boom and evolve, Roper and Gunn will always find opportunities to build upon VACAYA’s early successes to create an even more wonderful experience for LGBTQ travelers.

“We will never sit on our hands, rest on our laurels, or be so stuck in our ways that anything we do becomes too precious to let go of,” Roper said. “We want to continue pushing the bounds of inclusivity and taking our community to places they have never been before.”

To see which trips still have availability and to sign up for e-announcements, visit MyVacaya. com. One can also follow VACAYA on social media by searching @myVACAYA. “Choosing an all-LGBTQ vacation for the first time is a leap of faith,” Roper said. “We all look at marketing and think, ‘Will I fit in?’ ‘Will I be accepted as I am?’ ‘Will people like me?’ With VACAYA, the answers to those questions are an unequivocal yes! Each and every person who travels with us is unique. No two people or their stories are alike. At VACAYA, everyone and everyone is welcome. Once you take that leap of faith, you will make some of the greatest connections. That keeps nearly all of our guests coming back year after year.”

OutClique.com | 13

Photo Courtesy of Visit Lauderdale

Brand New

By John Hayden

W

ith miles of beaches, plenty of sun and amazing nightlife you may think Greater Fort Lauderdale would sell itself. However, a lot of work goes into not only attracting tourists but also making everyone feel welcome. Broward’s Convention and Visitors Bureau has rebranded 14 | OutClique.com

itself Visit Lauderdale with a tagline that hits to the heart of our community’s values: Everyone Under the Sun. “We have rebranded as Visit Lauderdale and are trying more and more to reach out to our

local community to let them know who we are and what we do and be a part of what we do and engage with them,” Richard Gray told OutClique.

As Visit Lauderdale’s Senior Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, he says it’s about being clear and to the point. “It’s no longer the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau. It’s something I would say, and people would have no idea what it was, or they’d get confused.”

From trans, to disabled, to the Black community, Richard says inclusivity means safety. “We are everyone under the sun. We know people come here for the beautiful beaches and the nightlife, the LGBTQ nightlife in Wilton Manors. But they come here because it’s a destination where they feel safe and accepted whoever they are.”

There are 31 municipalities in Greater Fort Lauderdale each with their own unique character, and Visit Lauderdale works to promote them all.

“Wilton Manors is a different kettle of fish because there are no hotels there. We promote Wilton Manors because of the nightlife and hundreds of gay owned and operated businesses. So we promote them to visitors to visit when they’re not at the beach.”

Visit Lauderdale’s President and CEO Stacy Ritter echoes the push for diversity. “Regardless of gender, size, race, age, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs, Visit Lauderdale welcomes everyone. We are truly greater together, and our new brand is here for us all.”

Richard is proud of how far we’ve come as a

destination and remembers when they started marketing to our community. “I can’t believe 25 years ago we started our campaign with trepidation and a little bit of fear. We took baby steps. We said ‘rainbow’ because we just didn’t have the courage to say gay. Now I think about what we’re doing, how we’re doing it with ease, with confidence being a global leader.”

Richard says the future for LGBTQA+ tourism is bright. “Business is booming here. Absolutely booming.” Despite it being ‘off season’ hotels have been consistently filled and more good things are on the way. The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is coming this fall, Bear Week is Labor Day weekend, and more is on the way. A new hotel is set to be built by Port Everglades and the convention center is being updated. Richard believes diversity and inclusion attracts big businesses. “We reach those corporations by showing how diverse we are. Companies want to have meetings in destinations where all employees feel safe and that’s something that we definitely offer.”

Visit Lauderdale is also about connecting with locals. They’ve introduced LauderDeals, special deals at local businesses. New offers are added year round but there are especially good off season deals in June through September.

Richard says it’s all about pride. Pride in a community that values everyone under the sun.

“We have this incredible fabric of inclusion and diversity. We’re quite unique in this state. It’s who we are as a destination.”

To learn more about their plans and offers go to VisitLauderdale.com.

OutClique.com | 15

Flockfest

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SunServe at Hunters

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Celebrating 20 Years of Gay Luxury Travel Around the World

Full Moon Dreams of Tahiti Cruise September 16-23, 2021

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Papeete - Moorea - Raiatea - Taha’a - Bora Bora - Huahine

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December 13-17, 2021

Cairo - Karnak - Nile River Cruise - Aswan - Luxor

Amman - Wadi Rum - Petra - The Dead Sea

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Surroundings

By John Hayden

Self-preservation is a human characteristic. As a species we are programmed to make sure that things are good and safe for ourselves. I am not against self-sustainability. Let’s face it, to be happy and self-fulfilled we must be selfish.

Think of ourselves before we put others ahead of us, and rely on our own will to succeed. This style of thinking leads to confidence and trust in your own character. However, once you are nearing a level of happiness the surrounding world is equally affected.

Photo Courtesy of Quinn PR

Getting In the Spirit for National Rum Day

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rom 5 star restaurants to back alley dive bars, mixologists across South Florida mix, shake, stir, and blend their own unique cocktail creations. National Rum Day is August 16, 2021 so OutClique and Brugal Rum found some of the top rum-based cocktails around.

Enjoy sweeping ocean views as you enjoy a Hurricane at Dune in Fort Lauderdale.

Brugal 1888 and Hamilton Overproof rums anchor this legendary cocktail. House-made grenadine, lime, orange, Plantation Xaymaco and passionfruit combine to take the tropical favorite to the next level.

Japanese restaurant Salvaje in Midtown Miami mixes the To Bee or Not to Bee, with Brugal 1888 rum, guava, mixed berries, coconut, and dry vermouth.

Trendy Wynwood restaurant Beaker & Gray explores their wild side with the El Tigre. Coco washed Brugal 1888 is mixed with espresso, house spiced syrup and almond-cherry tincture.

Brickell’s River Oyster Bar has the 1888 Mai Tai, featuring Brugal 1888, dry curacao, and pineapple.

Or create a cocktail at home. A bottle of Brugal 1888 is 40 dollars and is made in the Dominican Republic by a fifth generation of the Brugal family. A versatile spirit, it is equally enjoyed straight up alone or in spirit-forward cocktails.

By Eric Noel Roman

As you improve, it is very important to not become self-centered. As the funk starts to wear away, it is important to remember that actions have effects. Thinking about how to be better and happier should not only be about oneself. Extend your view to your surrounding areas, like your neighbors and co-workers.

You never know what rewards can come from helping others along the way.

Equally, always thinking about “now” does not allow you to think about the consequences of your choices. Thinking about the greater good of your surroundings is just as important as self fulfilment. In addition to limiting damage along the way, helping your surroundings grow indirectly, allows you to become a better person and you will reap the benefits of the improvements of others.

As you improve your personal world, and begin to bring up your surroundings, many things can happen. Neighbors might be more receptive to maintaining their areas. Neighborhoods might begin community gatherings. Property values might rise. All because you remembered to think about your surroundings as you improve yourself.

Eric Noel Roman DJ, obstacle racer, motivational writer from North Miami Beach, living life one day at a time, and making a difference one person at a time.

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How Do You Flag?

By Cory David Mr. Eagle 2020 - 2021

H

Around the mid-19th century, in San Francisco of all places, the handkerchief became a social sign at square dances.The hanky became popular and was known to be worn around the neck by cowboys, railroad engineers and miners. At that time in history, the west was made up of more men than women, the shortage of women left a loss at the square dances. Therefore, the men in the area came up with a code that would allow the dance to continue . . . blue bandanas would take the traditional male dancing position, while the red bandana dancer would take the traditional female part. Normally the bandana would be worn around the belt or arm.

In the 1960’s and 1970’s, this tradition came back not only to signify their roles, but also sexual preferences and fetishes. In New York their keys were the start of what would become the modern day hanky code, simply wearing a set of keys on one side or the other would indicate certain sexual roles. In either case, the use of placement and color to communicate roles and preferences form the basic aspects of the hanky code that is known today.

Photo credit: Sabino Paulicelli Photography

ave you ever wondered, what’s up with the bandana’s in the back pockets? Well, I am going to explain that.

that most handkerchief companies produced.

Our modern hanky code has expanded to a broader spectrum of colors and materials than originally conceived.

Alan Selby and his partners at Mr. S Leather in San Francisco, claimed the creation of the hanky code around the year 1972 by accident.

Their bandana supplier accidentally doubled their order with multiple colors and he decided to create an expanded code to assist in sales.

By the 1980’s The Dameron Guide was publishing a yearly and ever expanding hanky chart.

The modern way to express your color code and preferences expanded beyond hankies to harnesses, singlets, and leather articles of clothing. Formal Leather shirts can be piped in, entire gear or sections can be in desired colors.

This can symbolize preferences, but doesn’t necessarily have to represent meaning. New Guard styles are very open and fluid, but I suggest to wear what looks and feels good to you. I personally do that, but when wearing my hanky, I choose appropriately to honor the original tradition.

Initially the colors were limited to black, blue, yellow, red and white, which were the colors

Go express your colors, open your preferences, and explore new opportunities.

42 | OutClique.com

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Phil Dunlap Director, Broward County Cultural Division

By Steven O. Evans, Phd Cover and article photos by Andrew Meade

P

hil Dunlap brings his innovative thinking and a collaborative style to the Broward Cultural Division, where he has served as Director since 2019. As a leader in the arts, he plays a significant role in Broward’s growth as an arts and culture powerhouse. Phil sat down with OutClique to talk about our local arts scene and some things to come.

Steven O. Evans, PhD: Tell us about the Broward County Cultural Division.

Phil Dunlap: The Cultural Division is Broward County’s designated Local Arts Agency (LAA). We are an Agency of Broward County government with the mission of enhancing Broward’s cultural environment through development of the arts. We have a team of around 20 full and part time individuals dedicated to our mission. As the Director of the Cultural Division, I am the Director of the Broward Cultural Council, which is a 24-member Council made up of 18 individuals appointed by the County Commission, five that represent the League of Cities, Broward School Board, the Broward Alliance, our grantee organizations, and the Tourist Development Council. Also serving on the Council is County Commissioner Steve Geller, who is currently the Broward County Mayor.

Our funding comes from a mixture of County general fund revenue and Tourist Development Tax dollars and is approved by the County Commission each year during the annual budget process.

In all, the Division’s annual budget is around $7 million, with an additional $2-3 million in Capital Appropriations for our public art program.

SOE: What are some of the services that the Division provides?

PD: We have four public-facing areas of focus,

which make up most of our work: Grants, Public Art, Marketing, and Community Engagement.

Our Grants section provides nearly $5 million each year in support of artists and arts and culture organizations, while providing capacity building programs like our upcoming Business Skills for Creatives series of workshops.

Our Public Art & Design program is more than 40 years old and manages dozens of ongoing projects in County facilities, including Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale International Airport.

Our Marketing section promotes our programs and services to the community and promotes the events of our grantee organizations. In addition to our main website, Broward.org/ Arts, the Division runs ArtsCalendar.com, which is a great resource for discovering arts and culture events happening all around South Florida. Our Community Engagement section supports community development initiatives like Destination Sistrunk and also leads our Arts Education and Arts Advocacy initiatives.

SOE: What are some of the organizations, performances, exhibitions, and commissions the division supports?

PD: In all, we provide financial support to

more than 80 non-profit arts organizations, including Island City Stage, Coral Springs Chinese Cultural Association, Gold Coast Jazz Society, World Aids Museum, ArtServe, Gay Mens Chorus of South Florida, South Florida Symphony, Museum of Discovery and Science, and the list goes on! The bulk of our grant dollars focus on providing support for organizations’ General Operations, which is generally the most desired type of funding, since it is not tied to a specific project or program. For the upcoming fiscal year, our proposed grants budget includes nearly $3.5 million in General Operating Support grants and OutClique.com | 51

$367k in Program Support grants. Individual Artists are also eligible for funding through the Division, but those applications are not due just yet, so I can’t tell you exactly who is being recommended for support. But I can tell you that we have allocated more than $230k in direct support for artists in the upcoming fiscal year. With the support of the County Mayor, Steve Geller, we were able to secure a nearly 6% increase to our grants budget for FY22, which builds on the nearly 20% increase we have achieved over the past two years.

SOE: What are some of your goals for the division as we are coming into a post-pandemic world?

PD: A lot of our focus during the pandemic

was on sustaining the arts community through the pandemic and we were able to provide an additional $3 million in financial support to arts and culture organizations, and this was on top of the existing funding we were providing.

We needed to make sure there was an arts community on the other side of the crisis. We are still in that sustainability mode and working to find additional funds to support the cultural sector, above and beyond our annual grants budget.

SOE: You are from St. Louis, MO and have a background in piano and jazz.Tell us more about that.

PD: I was fortunate to have parents who pushed me (and in some cases forced me!) to participate in the arts. I was always in choir, theatre, speech, jazz band, and piano lessons and luckily, I found all of those things in my hometown, Mason City, IA. When it came time to choose a college to attend, I wanted to study jazz piano and my parents never questioned.

I suppose I am also lucky in that way, too.

So, I attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and completed a Bachelors in Music Theory/Composition, a Bachelors in

Jazz Piano Performance, and a Masters in Jazz Piano Performance. Up until moving here, I was still playing two to three nights a week in St. Louis. I had a Friday and Saturday gig each week at a little pub where I played jazz standards with a bass player. I’ve traveled the world teaching and playing jazz through the State Department and have been to places like Guyana, Afghanistan, and Thailand. I really do miss playing publicly. So far, the only concerts I’ve done here have been in my apartment for my plants, ha!

SOE: Beyond music and culture, what do you like to do in your free time?

PD: Well, I have become an avid tennis

player since I moved here, which has been a great way to meet folks outside of the arts.

I am a member of the South Florida Tennis Club (SFTC), which was created to support and develop tennis activities for the LGBT community and friends in South Florida. It is a great organization for anyone looking to get into tennis. You don’t have to be a member of the LGBT community to join - and, as in my case, you don’t even have to be good at tennis! I also love exploring new restaurants and can make a mean Gin cocktail.

SOE: What are some unique aspects of the Broward arts scene?

PD: People often ask me how Broward’s arts

scene compares to other parts of the Country.

There are a lot of great arts organizations and artists here, but for the size of this area, the arts community is small in comparison. Historically, the southeastern United States has had fewer public charities than comparative parts of the country. That being said, what we have here is rich and extremely diverse. On top of that, South Florida as a region is very rich in arts and culture. There is something here for everyone whether you are into contemporary art, theatre, music, dance. It is all here.

Broward Cultural Division team at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale Photo credit Downtown Photo

There are a lot of great things to look forward to. In the fall, we will be launching a large-scale marketing campaign as we “reopen” arts and culture in Broward County.

Our Annual Cultural Forum takes place in October and is our de facto “state of the arts address” so anyone interested in learning about our arts community and the exciting things happening, should attend that. We are also continuing our outdoor digital art exhibition in January 2022, which we launched during the pandemic as “Light the Night”. It will have a different name this time and will feature exciting large-scale digital and light-based art installations. And of course, we have our workshops throughout the year, which will focus on things like grant writing and understanding NFTs and their impact on artists. In the spring, we will be unveiling a new light-based art installation on the Andrews Avenue Bridge and of course all of our fabulous grantee artists and organizations and their events.

SOE: What is one thing you’d like to leave our readers with?

PD: The arts are an important part of what

makes Broward a great place to live. If you like the arts and want to see the sector grow, you have to let your elected officials know it is important. Whether it is your city commissioner or your county commissioner, engage with them about the arts. If you are an artist or work for an arts organization, invite your elected officials to events and reach out to them regularly to let them know what is going on. Your advocacy helps make the Division’s efforts possible, but we all have to be involved. Together, we can achieve great things.

You can find out what is going on with us on social media @BrowardArts (twitter, insta, facebook, youtube) and what’s going on in our community at ArtsCalendar.com, so don’t forget to use us as your resource for arts in South Florida.

OutClique.com | 55

Why Diversity is Essential for Every Business

By Charles Underhill BBB Staff Writer, BBB serving Southeast Florida and the Caribbean

W

hile the exact standards differ depending on industry group, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) generally defines a “small business” as one which employs no more than 1,500 employees and has revenues of no more than $38.5 million in average annual receipts.1

The mix of employment sizes of BBB Accredited Businesses in South Florida and the Caribbean – those firms that have met the BBB Accreditation Standards - very closely parallels that SBA data.

Nearly 90% of all BBB Accredited Businesses in our area have fewer than 25 employees.

Most of what has been written about diversity and inclusion is applicable to larger businesses (e.g., Hire a diversity manager, diversify product teams, provide inclusion training for managers, etc.). Yet small businesses are challenged by diversity and can benefit from thinking about inclusion.

Market Diversity and Inclusion.

It is beyond the control of all but the very largest businesses. A company the size of Amazon or a major global auto manufacturer may influence the composition of a local market when it chooses to open a major facility in a community.

However, for most small businesses, market diversity is influenced by a complex set of interconnected outside factors.

The 2020 census data bears this out. Here is a look at data comparing selected overall U.S.

Courtesy of SBA

We suspect most small businesses would consider themselves wildly successful if they achieved even one-third of those employment or revenue figures. Based upon SBA data as reported by Small Business Trends 2 (a Naples Florida advisory service), of nearly 30 million U.S. businesses that employ less than 500 persons, only 2.3% have 20 or more employees and 79% have no employees (other than the owner).

demographics with those of Florida and Miami/ Dade County. (Found on page 59.)

Think of market diversity as the environment within which your small business operates.

Inclusion is one important way your business can respond to that environment.

For most small businesses, owners are also chief strategy officers, marketing directors, human resource managers and undoubtedly perform another dozen or so jobs – in addition to delivering the actual product or service. So, it is fair to ask whether it is worth taking on yet another job.

Here are some diversity “Rules” that may be helpful: •

Rule 1: It is what it is – but what “it” is always changes. As we noted earlier, your market –

however you define it – always exists at a moment in time. As one obvious example, people of Hispanic origin constituted 23%

1 https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf 2 https://smallbiztrends.com/small-business-statistics

OutClique.com | 57

of Miami/Dade’s total population in 1970. In 2021, that percentage stood at 72%. While that demographic shift certainly benefited a generation of Hispanic entrepreneurs, it also created opportunities for non-Hispanic small businesses. Which leads us to: Rule 2: No business ever built a bright future by dwelling in the past. Small

businesses are risk-takers. We should be grateful this is true; the airline industry began in a bicycle shop. Apple, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Disney (among others) started in family garages. Those four companies today employ more than half a million people. Taking note of the changing demographics of the market is essential, and leads us to: •

•

Rule 3: The early birds capture the market.

Being late might have been a blessing if you missed your sailing time on the Titanic, although being first comes with its own set of problems. However, being an early adapter to changing market conditions often puts your small business on a growth trajectory.

On, then, to: Rule 4: Make new friends but keep the old.

•

Rule 5: Long-term success for a small business – in fact, any business - can only happen when the fear of doing nothing outweighs the fear of doing something different. Changing demographics, the

increased pace of innovation, new and different forms of competition are unnerving.

In business, though, change is the only constant. Market diversity is happening all around us, all the time. Inclusion is a way of thinking about – and adapting to – that change in a way that benefits small business, its employees, its customers, and its community.

Trust grows in an environment of respect.

BBB – Start With Trust

Courtesy of United States Census Bureau

•

Market demographics are always in flux, but that change is seldom dramatic. More often, it is incremental. If your market demographic is changing, you have a challenge: How to continue to delight your existing customer base, while recognizing that your business future may lie with a new, and perhaps different demographic. As with many things in business, success lies in balancing the familiar and comfortable with the new and challenging. It can be done. Finally:

OutClique.com | 59

CHAD LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

KEEP CREATING. Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

Watch Chad’s story at BIKTARVY.com

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds.

It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1 POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

(bik-TAR-vee)

that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “teacolored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.

 Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

 Changes in your immune system.

Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY. Continued on next page.

Please see Important Facts, including important warnings, continued on the next page and at BIKTARVY.com.

REAL

BIKTARVY

PAT I E N T S

ZACH

D’EVA

HUGO

CHAD

NIKKI

DIMITRI

Meet a few of the extraordinary people who take BIKTARVY.

Watch their stories at BIKTARVY.com Featured patients compensated by Gilead.

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® (CONTINUED) BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

 BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

 This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

 If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5

Please see Important Facts, including important warnings, above and at BIKTARVY.com.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, KEEP CREATING, and LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2021 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0413 04/21

Presented by

An Air-Brush With Greatness An Interview with Avi Ram

By John Hayden | Photos Courtesy of Avi Ram

T

he “Airbrush Hero” is a South Florida and reality TV success story. Avi Ram may have grown up in Israel but he now calls South Florida home. And, Wilton Manors is more beautiful and interesting because of it.

Ram, a talented airbrush artist, creates sprawling murals that lasts for years. However, his body art is soon washed away after its creation. Most recently, Ram painted two stunning murals both at Hunters Nightclub Wilton Manors and the wings at Wilton Manors’ Hamburger Mary’s. But Ram’s work can be seen all throughout South Florida. While body painting may be his true passion, he relied on his initial skills during the COVID pandemic. “I am currently very busy with projects and work,” Ram told OutClique. “Most events were cancelled due to COVID. However, I gained many new opportunities. My murals became my focus.”

Ram titles his business - Airbrush Hero. Some of his latest work is featured in Bona Italian Restaurant, Tulio’s Taco and Tequila Bar, and Bar Rita. Ram’s work can also be seen at Wilton Collective, a local non-profit thrift store. Owner, Julian Cavazos, had worked with Ram for nearly a decade before choosing him as the artist to 66 | OutClique.com

create the building’s mural. “After Lori Pratico finished our beautiful Butterfly on the side of the Wilton Collective I felt like the wall didn’t look finished. So I contacted Avi and in true ‘Avi style’ he came up with an amazing add on to an already beautiful mural.”

Ram came to America with the goal of not only developing his art but also developing as a person. He left Israel to take a chance on himself to develop personally and professionally. “I wanted to be free as an artist but also for myself.

My passion was to come to Florida and open up.” In South Florida he finally felt comfortable being openly gay and today, in addition to being a nationally recognized artist, he has a long term partner and is close to his family back in Israel.

While his murals are mesmerizing, his true passion and claim to fame is using his airbrush for body painting. “When I moved here I opened my first shop in a flea market and airbrushed t-shirts and hats for tourists for six years. Then people started asking if I did body painting. I never did. I lied in a way and said of course I did.” Ram first made his mark on Halloween at Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar in Wilton Manors.

“They gave me a tent outside and I did body

painting. Since then all the clubs in Wilton Manors call me to do body painting.”

Then, he received the call that brought him national attention. “I was discovered by a body painter from the first season of Skin Wars.

Seeing me on the street, she took a photo of me and sent it to the producers.” As part of the process Ram found himself learning new skills and succeeding quickly. He did his first full body in waterproof paint then put the model in a pool.

Producers loved it and he made the top 12 and appeared on the show.

He finished second but came away with a huge following of fans. They rallied around him on social media and helped him visit Israel to see his family for the first time in seven years. “By not winning I won the crowd of the world. They crowdfunded so I could go see my family.”

Since then he’s been on other competition shows as a contestant and as a mentor and judge. Ram never envisioned himself on reality TV, but Skin Wars and its analogs appeal to him. “I never saw myself on a reality show. Every time I saw a reality show I thought ‘I don’t want people to know my business.’ This show is different. It is about talent rather than digging in and filming you in the bathroom.” Making celebrity connections are helpful. “Businesswise, the reality shows opened a lot of doors in the body painting world.

I do a lot of conventions and events. I painted Cardi B, Tyra Banks, Rebecca Romijn. I worked with Arnold Schwarzenegger a few times for his events with bodybuilders.”

Ram’s artistic philosophy incorporates storytelling and body painting. “I have a passion for body painting and looking for adventures.”

Now he combines both his specialties of body painting and murals. “It’s cool when I do wall murals that also incorporate body painting into the wall, like camouflage. It’s a win-win. I like doing the wall murals, I like doing the body painting, and then merging it together into one project.”

“What I like with wall murals versus body painting is when you do body painting for hours it’s coming off soon because people are washing it off in the shower. You have to take a good picture to have it as a memory. What I like about wall murals is it stays there a lifetime.”

His family once worried that he wouldn’t make it as an artist. “When I used to be doing a lot of body painting, my family always told me you need to find a better job. Go be a doctor.”

Their opinion has changed. “Then I was on reality shows and started working with Arnold Schwarzenegger and painting famous people.

They became so proud of what I do.”

Ram is proud to be a part of the growing art scene in and around Wilton Manors. “I really think art is important on the street.” He believes all art, from his murals to the work outside the apartments at Equality Park, to Pride Bridge, makes the community stronger. “When you bring art and colors into an environment you bring life into an area. Pushing the art into locations creates an environment that’s pleasant to be around.”

To see more of his work follow him at Instagram.com/AirBrushHero.

OutClique.com | 67

Improving Colorectal Health and Reducing the Risk of Colon Cancer

I

f you have got a colon, then you are at risk for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is a disease that starts in the lower portion of your digestive system. According to the American Cancer Society, about one in twenty-three men and one in twenty-five women will develop this cancer at some point in their lives. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer, and the second most common cause of cancer deaths. Most people who get colon cancer are over 50. However in the last decade, the rate of colon cancer has increased in younger adults.

If you have a family history of colon cancer, you might benefit from earlier screenings.

It can even strike anyone, even otherwise healthy people with no family history of the disease.

Until August 31, 2021, Care Resource will offer a NO-COST fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

for uninsured patients plus a $20.00 gift card for all patients who receive a colon cancer screening or proof of colonoscopy.

There are several methods used to detect colon cancer today. The first is a colonoscopy. This is an endoscopic examination of the large bowel and the distal part of the small bowel with a CCD camera or a fiber optic camera. The second method is the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) which tests for hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of cancer. FIT only detects human blood from the lower intestines. Lastly there is Cologuard®, a stool-DNA screening test for detecting colon cancer that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Cologuard® looks for changes in your DNA that could indicate the presence of colon cancer or precancerous polyps that might be present in your colon.

Speak with a Care Resource Medical Provider today to see if and when you should get screened for colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is common and preventable. Not all cancers can be prevented – but colon cancer can be.

Content courtesy of Care Resource.

OutClique.com | 77

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Looking to the New

By Steven O. Evans, PhD

I am thoroughly enjoying the 2020 Olympics (taking place now in late July 2021 as I write this). Postponed due to the Coronavirus, the athletes waited an entire year to compete.

A lifetime of training, anticipation, and work, put on hold due to the unprecedented global pandemic.

Now, today in Tokyo, Japan, they are swimming, jumping, rowing, fencing, and all kinds of athletic activities. Although there may be few spectators, the athletes are still able to compete for the gold. They have not been held back.

What’s holding you back from your goals?

You only have one health journey. For me recently, that has included working with Ferdinand Cabrera, MD and Dimitri Bakoulis at Genesis Health Institute here in Wilton Manors FL. Better nutrition, exercise, testosterone therapy, Vitamin C IV therapy, are just a few of the options they have to help create a better you (and me).

Check out Dr. Cabrera’s approach to Patient Centered Medicine and how they can help you - make 2021 your year.

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A nurse or member of our emergency team will ask you about your health problem and complete your registration.

2. Prepare your smartphone, tablet or computer for the Zoom call.

You will be sent a link at the time of your appointment. Using a laptop or desktop, click on the link or enter the meeting ID at https://zoom. us/join. If using a smartphone or tablet, please download the Zoom app and enter the meeting ID at the time of your appointment.

To schedule a Tele-ER visit, call

1-833-4-TELE-ER (8353-37) For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

A Time of Healing

O

ur paths continue to lead us through the COVID-19 pandemic, political divide, racism, sexism, homophobia, job changes, relationships ending, churches who believe it is their decision to determine who is worthy of communion and who is not, the Surfside condo collapse and so much more! I don’t know about you, but personally I have felt overwhelmed!

Healing is needed! Especially when we reflect upon the last two years, it is easy to discern that healing is crucial to our spiritual journeys.

This is when our faith is vital. We may feel that we have nowhere to turn but we do. Praying helps tremendously but we need much more.

We need one another. We don’t have to feel alone because we are not. The answer is to turn to one another for the love and emotional, physical, and spiritual support that we need to begin the healing process.

Love always prevails. I see examples daily.

And it is through love that healing happens. I witnessed the healing process move forward this week at the South Florida Gay Men’s Chorus rehearsal on Wednesday. This was their first rehearsal since the loss of James Fahy a few weeks ago.

To give love and to receive love heals.

Rev. Patrick Rogers, MDiv. – Community Activist and Senior Pastor at United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale

Photo Courtesy of Rev. Patrick Rogers, MDiv.

By Rev. Patrick Rogers, MDiv.

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The World of Anna Sui at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale February 28 through October 3, 2021

W

Installation view of The World of Anna Sui at the Museum of Arts and Design, New York, 2019.

Photo by Jenna Bascom; courtesy the Museum of Arts and Design

ith over 100 looks, The World of Anna Sui explores the glamorous and eclectic world of one of New York’s most acclaimed designers. The exhibition invites viewers to step inside Sui’s imagination to discover her creative process and the diverse influences that contribute to her signature aesthetic sensibility. The World of Anna Sui is organized by the Fashion and Textile Museum, London and is curated by Dennis Nothdruft.

Since her first catwalk show in 1991, Anna Sui has become known for creating fabulously original clothing inspired by intensive research into vintage fashion and popular culture.

The exhibition ranges from early looks such as the exuberant Carnaby Street schoolgirl outfits worn by supermodels Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell in Sui’s first runway show in 1991, to the cowgirl and cheerleader modeled 102 | OutClique.com

by Gigi and Bella Hadid in her Spring/Summer 2017 Americana-themed collection.

Born in the suburbs of Detroit, Sui joined New York’s cultural underground at an intensely creative time in the 1970s, forming important relationships in the worlds of fashion, photography, art, music, and design. The exhibition looks at Sui’s artistic journey through her creative process, collections, interiors, and collaborations.

Thematically arranged, the exhibition explores Sui’s lifelong engagement with an array of ‘archetypes’ including the rock star, the schoolgirl, the punk, nomads, and surfers — motifs that are featured throughout her work.

From fairy tales and fables to Victoriana, Sui researches her current cultural obsessions in minute detail to create a different story with each collection.

Hallmark outfits include Sui’s “Silver Peruvian Ensemble” and iconic sequined silk organza “Babydoll Dress” from Spring 1994. Featured looks will be displayed in context with the original backdrops used in Sui’s arresting fashion shows. Items on view will also include fashions worn by Sui’s personal style icons who include Anita Pallenberg and Jane Holzer.

Ticket Information Advance timed tickets are required for this exhibition. Tickets can be reserved at www.

NSUArtMuseum.org or by calling (954) 5255500. Tickets are limited for each time slot in order to maintain reduced building capacity and comply with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.

More About Anna Sui and the Exhibition Anna Sui is known for the richness of her printed textiles, combining a complex layering and mixing of patterns, texture, and colors. The show highlights Sui’s own distinctively graphic textiles as well as those created with high-profile

Anna Sui Portrait by Joshua Jordan

partners such as Ascher Studio, Zandra Rhodes, Jeffrey Fulvimari, and Barbara Hulanicki. In addition, the exhibition explores her design processes through mood boards, photographs, sketches, runway shots, and cultural ephemera.

A section on collaborations documents her longterm creative partnerships with models such as Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Naomi Campbell, as well as with make-up artists Pat McGrath and Francois Nars, jeweler Erickson Beamon, knitwear designer and milliner James Coviello, and hairstylist Garren. The influence of music is seen throughout the exhibition, from Sui’s continuing love of Bohemian chic to her seminal 1993 grunge collections.

Installation view of The World of Anna Sui at the Museum of Arts and Design, New York, 2019. Photo by Jenna Bascom; courtesy the Museum of Arts and Design

The range of different styles on display emphasize Anna Sui’s consistent design approach as she incorporates her current passions into every garment. As it celebrates American fashion, the exhibition also provides a fascinating guide to the history of American pop culture, and an inside look into the creative process and unique world view of this iconic designer whose daring and experimental approach to design has become a mainstay of the international fashion scene.

“Originally displayed at the Fashion and Textile OutClique.com | 103

Copyright Fashion and Textile Museum

Museum, London in 2017, The World of Anna Sui continues to highlight a fresh and engaging cultural perspective. The exhibition showcases a fashion designer who is not only highly creative and entrepreneurial, but also playful and positive,” said Dennis Nothdruft. “I’m delighted that as the exhibition continues to tour internationally, the joyous and influential work of Anna Sui will be celebrated among ever-greater audiences. After successful runs in Shanghai, Tokyo, and New York, I’m very much looking forward to another exciting incarnation of The World of Anna Sui at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale.”

“NSU Art Museum’s exhibitions explore the full range of visual culture as expressions of contemporary life,” notes Bonnie Clearwater, NSU Art Museum Director and Chief Curator.

“Anna Sui shares with other artists of her generation a renewed interest in storytelling and an exploration of societal archetypes.

Throughout her career Sui has inventively blended global art history, music, and popular culture for each new collection. Her designs are inspired by extraordinary and creative women and her embrace of collaborations across disciplines keeps her at the forefront of fashion, art, and design. We are delighted to present this compelling exhibition.”

Anna Sui said, “I am delighted to partner with NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, and to be able to once again see The World of Anna Sui exhibition come to life starting this February [2021]. I can’t wait to share all my treasured designs, collections, inspirations, and more from shows past. See you soon, Fort Lauderdale!”

Pop-Up Store and Online Store The World of Anna Sui Pop-Up Store at NSU Art Museum will feature a selection of ready-towear, accessories, and beauty products along with the hardcover book, The World of Anna Sui. Exclusively for the exhibition Sui is reissuing two styles in her Florida Sunshine print from the Spring 2017 collection: a long-sleeve, buttonfront shirt dress and a tiered maxi dress. Items may also be purchased at NSU Art Museum’s new online store at www.NSUArtMuseum. org/Visit/Store. All purchases support NSU Art Museum exhibitions and programs.

Organization and Sponsors The presentation of The World of Anna Sui at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is generously sponsored by The Douglas A. Hirsch and Holly S. Andersen Family Foundation in honor of Jane B. Holzer, and additional support provided by The David and Francie Horvitz Family Foundation.

About NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale Address: One East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | Phone: (954) 525-5500 Website: www.NSUArtMuseum.org | Social media: @NSUArtMuseum Content and other images courtesy of Broward Cultural Division.

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AHF Expands to Pride Center

By John Hayden

F

rom providing life saving medication to HIV testing to culturally informed programs, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is a healthcare leader around the world and in South Florida. They have long had a location in Wilton Manors, but now they are expanding their services to the heart of Broward County’s LGBTQA+ community: The Pride Center at Equality Park. “We wanted to provide access to the meds at a more reasonable location,” AHF’s Aaron Cutright told OutClique. “The Pride Center also hosts several different groups on their campus.”

testing. A lot of people lost access to healthcare during the COVID crisis, and AHF wants people to be aware of their options. “Activating the community and making sure people know there are resources is crucial. A successful partnership with the Pride Center is they’re good at that. We want to make sure we work together to not just bring awareness but community outreach workers so you’re out there engaging the community and making sure people stay in care.”

Joseph Cannon will be the pharmacy tech who greets patients and helps them get set up with their meds which he says is his favorite part of working with AHF. “I’ve been doing it for a while.

It’s making sure they get their meds. We’re all family.”

Ninety-six cents of every dollar AHF gets goes to global programs, and currently they are serving 1.6 million people in 45 countries.

“Reaching the patients in Haiti and some of those third world countries.

They’re never going to get the attention and the resources they deserve. It’s going to take organizations such as AHF to really make changes in eliminating the epidemic altogether.” South Florida has a large Haitian community, and Aaron says they are great for helping spread the word in their home country. “Word of mouth is our best referral source. Not just in terms of ARVs and medications, but vaccinations. AHF is engaged in a new campaign called SAVE, Share American Vaccines Everywhere. We’re going to amplify our outreach and push for the Biden administration to not only share what we do have in excess, but to order more vaccines for Latin American countries and Caribbean countries.”

AHF provides medications to people regardless of their income, and their case management team works with everyone to make sure they get the treatments they need. In addition to medication pick up and case management, AHF also hopes to use the new space for HIV

The new offices are in the back of the building past the auditorium off the Dixie Highway entrance, at 2038 Suite 104. For more information on AHF’s services and hours, go to their website: AidsHealth.org. For more on programs at The Pride Center, go to PrideCenterFlorida.org.

Thousands of people visit the Pride Center every year for everything from group meetings to seminars to parenting workshops. They also have new senior housing that just opened up. Aaron says it’s about convenience for clients and the community.

“This is an access center so you can pick up your medication, either by courier or it’s mail ordered here but you can pick up everything here. It can be PrEP, your ARV medications. It’s not just HIV medications. It can be for high blood pressure, diabetes, we’re going to offer a variety of things that can be picked up here.”

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Manny Schvartzman Did Not Throw Away His Shot with Hamilton

Photo Courtesy of Manny Schvartzman

By Denny Patterson

A

fter a year of stage-less plays and empty venues, theatre goers could not be more thrilled to see the return of live performances.

That also means we will see the return of Hamilton, one of Broadway’s most sought out musicals.

Taking the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and telling it through today’s lens, Hamilton has made a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.

Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography, Lin-Manuel Miranda created a revolutionary moment in theatre, which features a score of delightful ear candy that blends hip-hop, jazz, and R&B. OutClique had the opportunity to connect with Manny Schvartzman, the Associate Music 106 | OutClique.com

Director of Hamilton’s traveling tour with Broadway Across America. He touched on Hamilton’s impact, what goes into preparing a theatrical tour, and some of his memorable moments.

Denny Patterson: Can you begin by telling us how you got involved with Hamilton?

Manny Schvartzman: I got involved in April 2019, about a year before the pandemic hit. I had just come off of another tour and saw that the position was open.

DP: In your opinion, how important of a production has Hamilton become?

MS: Very important. Hamilton has taken a big step forward into a lot of social equity issues

that have taken place over the last year, politically, and also just being an adversary for human rights. I think a lot of the issues that we still have to face in this country have come to light, and Hamilton has taken a big step forward in addressing what that is. Maybe there’s not an easy solution, but for being a Broadway musical, I think they have taken an enormous leap forward as far as addressing some of these issues and trying to set some plans in place on how to get more equity and justice for everybody.

DP: What do you always hope audiences take away from my Hamilton performance?

MS: That is a good question. I think there is

a level of amazement to the show with the music, lights, and how captivating it is, but there is also a story in there about love, loss, and fighting for what’s right, and how those three things sometimes do not agree with each other. There’s that aspect of it, but there is also the aspect of looking at history from today’s lens. That is so much different than just opening an encyclopedia and reading. It humanizes a lot of these characters, and to me, that makes it very cool. Like, he was more than just a guy who did this and that. I think it is so cool to tell history that way. Personally, I am not a history buff, but I have learned things from the show, which made me want to go back and be like, what actually happened with this kind of stuff? So, the emotional part, the spectacle part, and the part that makes you reflect on yourself and history.

DP: I can only imagine how excited everyone

is that live theater is coming back. What did you miss the most about touring and traveling?

MS: I missed being in a different place,

a different scenario. There is never a dull moment. You deal with the weather, you deal with public transportation, you deal with the vibe of the city. It is constantly changing, and there is nothing you can do to control it. We opened in Atlanta, then we will play in a city in Rhode Island, then go to Philadelphia, then we’ll play in Des Moines, Iowa at some point.

How do you even connect all those cities that have a vibe of their own? The people, the restaurants, that is the coolest part. Just experiencing new cities. When I look at a map now, I think, wow, yeah, I have been there. I ate at this restaurant. I was at that airport. I always remember the feeling of being in a city.

I don’t remember what I saw all the time as much as what I felt when I saw it, and touring gives you that incredible flexibility. And if you do not like a city, we are going to leave soon.

Hang tight. If you do like it, we are going to leave soon, so experience it the best way you can.

DP: Personally, what have you enjoyed the most about being a part of Hamilton?

MS: I love having a great band to play with and

working with a great cast, but one of the things I personally love, that fills my heart each time, is being able to be part of a band that finds ways to still have fun and have individuality to how we play things. We are not just reproducing a track that we have to play. We are adding a little bit of ourselves within all the notes that we play, and we still keep it within the realm of what it used to be. I think those little pockets of time are really fun for us to click and find places that we get to enjoy ourselves. I love that aspect of it a lot.

Stay connected with Schvartzman by following him on Facebook.

For more information about Hamilton and Broadway Across America, visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com. To read the full interview, visit OutClique.com.

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Teaching Children the Importance of Coral Reefs

By Denny Patterson Photos Courtesy of Plant A Million Corals

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ith 25-40 percent already lost, the worldwide coral population is in terrible danger. However, there is hope.

Dr. David Vaughan has been able to reproduce thousands of fast growing and resilient corals that can help to recover the lost reefs.

Holding positions in aquaculture research and development for over 45 years, Vaughan has worked on coral restoration in the Florida Keys for Mote Marine Laboratory, founded and developed Oceans, Reefs, and Aquariums Inc., and is often cited for scaling up clam farming technologies. Presently, he is actively working on reef restoration as the founder of Plant a Million Corals.

OutClique caught up with Vaughan to talk about his partnership with the South Florida Symphony Orchestra for Preserving Our Coral Reefs, one of the Symphony’s signature Symphony in the Schools programs.

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Denny Patterson: Hello, Dr. Vaughan! Thank you for taking some time to chat with me. Can you begin by telling us about the Plant a Million Corals Foundation’s partnership with the SFSO? David Vaughan: Yes! I got a phone call from one of the ladies who works on producing symphonies for children’s schools, and she said they wanted to do one on corals. She did some research, and she came across Dr. Eugenie Clark, who is sometimes known as the “First Lady of Sharks,” and she was basically the founder of Mote Marine Lab. The person from the symphony decided to highlight this wonderful, iconic person. She saw how the reefs are declining, but then on the surface, there’s me on boats planting corals. She said, there is hope. So, they wrote up a coral symphony, and it was so wonderful. I got so choked up about it, and anytime they would do it at a school near me, I would go to the school and be part of the informational work.

It was really great. The symphony is not just trying to do this in a couple schools, but they are trying to do it in five different counties in South Florida. We are also trying to help them write an educational curriculum because the kids really get excited about corals, learning to be citizen scientists, and have hope. We are even working with them to try and develop a transportable education unit that can be mobile.

DP: What have you enjoyed the most about working with the SFSO?

DV: I was not very musical growing up, but I was amazed at how reactive young students are to learn more about instruments. Knowing that they can have a favorite instrument and they can learn to play it, but also couple it in with a nice conservation message about saving our oceans and reefs. It really gives me goosebumps.

DP: So, you believe these educational programs are beneficial?

DV: Yes, and the only downside is that they were only able to do it for a few schools.

Hopefully, they can raise some funds from Rotary International and do it in a couple more schools, which sounds great.

DP: Do you think children are more likely to focus and learn when music is involved?

DV: I think they are able to learn when they can be hands on. Whether that is listening to music, seeing musicians play, or watching artists paint, they are involved in some way. That is so much better than reading some sentences in a textbook. When you watch these kids listen to the music, they are intensively listening. That

probably would not be the case if it was just a lecture.

DP: What is the number one thing you hope

children take away from the educational program and symphony?

DV: From the symphony itself, that life can be beautiful with music, and they can be involved in making these wonderful sounds. Then think about the conservation message. Yes, they are probably hearing everything about woe is me, the world is heating up, our resources are running out, but this is one that gives them a glimmer of hope. They can have a career in science or engineering and make a difference for corals in the ocean.

DP: What more do you hope to accomplish with your research?

DV: Right now, I am designing what we call

a coral nursery in a box. It is basically taking what everybody thinks is a coral nursery, which is pumps, filters, valves, pipes, things that people think are too expensive and too hard to put together, and I am putting one of those working systems together in a group of six tanks that can ship in a shipping container to any location around the world and will produce 10,000 corals per year in that island where it goes to. I am hoping to take a transportable unit to communities and island countries that cannot afford it and work with training the communities.

DP: Before we wrap up, is there anything else you would like to mention or add?

DV: No, I am indebted to the symphony for their talent, wisdom, including me, and being a part of the message. I love what they are doing, and I am blessed and honored to be a part of it.

For more information about Plant a Million Corals, visit PlantAMillionCorals.org.

For more information on the SFSO, visit SouthFloridaSymphony.org.

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Respect & Representation in Afro Pride Federation ince the Stonewall Riots, Pride has always been a struggle for respect, recognition and representation. Now a new nonprofit community organization is bringing that goal to an underrepresented community in South Florida.

Afro Pride Federation was founded in May of 2020 with a mission to foster the overall mental and social wellness of the Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community in South Florida through expanding Mental Health and Substance abuse services, and providing a safe inclusive platform for cultural and performing arts. Now that we’re coming out of the shadow of a pandemic the grassroots organization is becoming more visible than ever. “We looked around for other Black led and focused LGBTQ organizations to collaborate with,” CEO Damon Jones told OutClique. “To our surprise there were not many.

We found Black and Brown LGBT organizations that catered to a particular sexual orientation or gender classification but not one that focused on the entire community.”

Damon, and Director of Community Events Donald Gunder say Afro Pride works to fill that void. 90% of the Black LGBTQ+ community also identifies as a Black or African American community member in general. The difference is that the Black LGBTQ+ community issues are compounded with additional discriminations, injustices, and economic and social exclusions.

Now they are preparing for Afro Pride Parade and Music Festival in October 2021. “There’s gonna be a parade, music, cultural and performing arts, vendors, and much more. There will be daytime and nighttime events. We appreciate our community partners who are already on board and have been so helpful in this process.”

Beyond their high profile events Afro Pride focuses on the urgent day-to-day needs of the Black LGBTQ+ community including mental health, substance abuse, and HIV/STI

Photo credit: Wayne Jones Photography

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By John Hayden

prevention. Damon also says they work closely with the local Black & Brown trans community.

“Our board is made up of Black LGBTQ community members and allies.”

Afro Pride also works to make sure the community is accurately represented. “Diversity, inclusion and equity is being masked and uninvestigated because of false representation,’’ Damon said.

With the word “Afro’’ in their name, there have been questions about who can participate in the organization and the answer is: everyone. That is the message they are trying to convey. “When I look around, there are Latin organizations and organizations that specify indigenous organizations. Then we say ‘Afro’ and it seems it became combative almost.”

“This is a safe place of inclusion for everybody else, but the focus is for the disparity of the Black LGBTQ community who have been socially excluded and who have been economically excluded.”

For more on Afro Pride’s events and services, please check out their website: SFloAfroPrideFederation.org.

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Carbonell Awards Announces New Officers & Board Members

Jeff Kiltie

Herman G. Montero

Photo Credit: Little’s Photography

William Nix

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he Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s most highly coveted recognition of theatrical and performance excellence, has announced the nonprofit organization’s officers and board members for the 2021-2022 theater season.

Jeff Kiltie will serve as President. He served as this year’s Carbonell Special Committee and with more than 30 years of experience in all aspects of the performing arts industry, he will also serve as chair of the board’s Production & Programming Committee.

Vice President will be Javier Siut, who also chairs the board’s Scholarship Committee.

Donald R. Walters will serve as Treasurer and continue serving on the board’s Executive and Governance committees. Jody Leshinsky will be Secretary, and brings 35 years of arts administration experience in South Florida.

Board members include Joanne Benkö, who also chairs the board’s Ticketing & Sponsorship Committee for the annual Carbonell Awards, Ricardo J. Gonzalez III is also the proprietor and worldwide personal representative for the estate of sculptor Manuel Carbonell.

Gary Schweikhart, who was co-chair of this year’s Carbonell Special Committee, will

Geoffery Short

Avery Sommers

Photo Credit: Clare Coco

continue to serve as chair of the board’s PR & Communications Committeez and will be joined

by Geoffery Short and Herman G. Montero who also worked on this year’s Carbonell Special Committee. Also serving are Linda Birdsey, William Nix, and Avery Sommers.

The Carbonell Awards fosters the artistic growth of professional theater in South Florida by celebrating the diversity of our theater artists, providing educational scholarships, and building audience appreciation and civic pride by highlighting achievements of our theater community. More than 20 professional theater companies in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties participate in the awards process every year. The Carbonell Awards also celebrate the accomplishments of local artistic leaders by presenting several Special Awards.

The Carbonell Awards are among the nation’s senior regional arts awards and are named after Manuel Carbonell, an internationally-renowned sculptor, who designed the original solid bronze and marble award in 1976, the signature trophy that is given annually to Carbonell Award winners. Over the last 45 years, the Carbonell family has donated more than $250,000 in awards. For more information, please visit www.carbonellawards.org.

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Funding Arts Network

By John Hayden |

Photo Courtesy of Funding Arts Network

T

he performance arts in Miami, FL are as diverse as the residents themselves.

For every well-known entity like the Adrienne Arsht Center and Miami City Ballet there are many smaller groups like the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education and Seraphic Fire making great contributions to the scene.

Arts programs can struggle to get adequate funding even in the best of times. Now Funding Arts Network (FAN) is celebrating 25 years of helping fill the funding gaps.

Over the quarter century, FAN has given out five million dollars to dozens of arts programs and venues across the county. FAN president Paula Finkle talked with OutClique and said the growth of the community has been astounding.

“From a city of very few arts institutions in the early ‘90s, Miami has become a cultural hub.

Major cultural arts venues showcase program opportunities now available in dance, music and theater disciplines.”

This past year the purpose of their grants changed. Usually grantees must put on performances or installations named in the grant. Because COVID shut down everything for a year or more, FAN let recipients use the money as a lifeline to stay afloat. With venues opening back up a new batch of grantees are getting help to stage the comeback. This year FAN awarded more than 20 organizations to help with the upcoming season.

To celebrate their 25th anniversary, Paula says they are also focusing on social justice. “We are in the planning stages for an innovative 25th 112 | OutClique.com

Anniversary Grant program and hope to offer Miami’s arts organizations an opportunity to apply for and receive grant funding for artistic projects that will address and redress social equity concerns.”

FAN has always tried to recognize and help the cross section of artistic achievement in the county. “Miami is a melting pot with lots of diverse voices, immense talent, distinctive ideas, full of energy and imagination,” Paula said. “There are lots of stories to be told, ways to tell them and places to present artistic works. It is one of the unique and joyous advantages to being a MiamiDade County cultural arts enthusiast.”

FAN was started by Nita Maerks and Deborah Hoffman, a pair of friends who love the arts.

They recruited 48 friends and created Fifty Over Fifty, Inc., the progenitor to FAN. The 50 members each gave $1,000 and gave it to the arts community. Today there are 250 members, and membership has its privileges. “Our tagline ‘where friends meet friends to enjoy the arts’ is a perfect way to describe FAN’s member benefits. Our members like to get together. FAN hosts quarterly membership meetings where art leaders and artists discuss thought-provoking topics and issues related to the visual and performing arts.”

There are also members only events like an exclusive tour of a private art collection with a renowned curator or visiting an art space with a gallerist. To learn more about FAN’s work and how to become a member, visit their website: FundingArtsNetwork.org.

GFLGLCC on the Water Taxi

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media 114 | OutClique.com

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More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

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Volunteer Ushers Play a Vital Role!

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oin our team and meet exciting people who share your passion for live entertainment, while giving back to the community. Ushers help welcome our audiences, make them feel at home and ensure that everything runs smoothly from lights up to curtains down.

APPLY TODAY! PHONE

954.468.2684

EMAIL

volunteer@browardcenter.org

WEB

BrowardCenter.org/USHER

The curtain will rise again. Join us on our journey.

BrowardCenter.org/R2R

Photo Courtesy of Bjoern Kommerel

A New Voice at GMCSF

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he Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) is excited to announce their new Director of Marketing and Sponsorship is Ron Smith, who started work with GMCSF in July 2021. Ron is a talented professional who will be responsible for building the brand, engaging the business community, and increasing ticket sales.

“I have spent my professional life building the career and branding of companies and people,” Smith told OutClique. “In this next chapter of my life, I want to do this for a group and a cause that I believe in. My plans to help take the organization to the next level really involve our engagement of the community, especially our fans.”

Ron Smith is an impactful visionary specializing in entertainment marketing and brand development.

His background as an actor in film, television, and theater introduced him to valuable relationships in the industry and eventually landed him in the world of entertainment management and marketing.

He believes GMCSF is an integral part of the community. “The Chorus is particularly important in South Florida because there is such diversity here. All of us, at times, can get rooted in our inner circles. The Chorus has the ability to bridge social divides in a way that other things cannot.

When the Chorus performs, there is a healing that happens. It mends differences across the spectrum and creates unity.”

To learn more about GMCSF and their upcoming shows, visit GMCSF.aplos.org.

Pets & Pins

By John Hayden

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owlers are getting ready to put on their shoes, grab a ball, and strike a blow for pets and their human companions. Bowl-AThon is set for Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Manor Lanes at 1517 NE 26th St. in Wilton Manors.

The event is a fundraiser for The Pet Project, which works to keep animals and their humans together when times get tough. Executive Director Sue Martino gave OutClique a look inside the event. “Bowl-A-Thon is one of our largest annual events. Teams compete for trophies and bragging rights and the event is loads of fun.”

The Pub Wilton Manors will host the after party which will include the trophy presentation and picking the winner of a raffle for a 65” smart TV. Every year thousands of people surrender their animal companions because they become too ill or have financial problems. The Pet Project works to help keep people and pets together and fundraisers like Bowl-A-Thon helps them serve thousands of clients. Martino says this is a good time for a good cause. “You can make a difference in the lives of pets and their humans by supporting our events.”

For more on The Pet Project and register for the event, go to their website ThePetProjectFl.org.

artists+Identity Exhibition On View Thru Sun., August 15, 2021 Artists and Identity: Portraiture, Performance, Doppelgängers, and Disguise takes a multilevel approach to understand the presentation and expression of oneself in contemporary art.

Both playful and poetic, each of these artists conveys representations or misrepresentations of persona through painting, sculpture, video, performance.

Participating Artists:

Mequitta Ahuja, Lex Barberio, Nash Glynn, Martine Gutierrez, Loie Hollowell, Annie Leibovitz, Helina Metaferia, Christina Pettersson, Terence Price II, Lucas Samaras, Cindy Sherman, Antonia Wright, with archives from the Felix Gonzalez-Torres Family Archive

Also On View: Mark Fleuridor: Black Castor Oil an Oolite Arts Collaboration Masks: From the Faces of the World Collection of Dr. Donna L. Goldstein

For more information visit ArtandCultureCenter.org

1650 Harrison Street Hollywood, FL 33020 954. 921. 3274 ArtAndCultureCenter.org

Letters That Heal

By John Hayden

T

erry Dyer has a story to tell. A story of dealing with rejection and finding acceptance. A story of making your own family and coming back to the one you were born into. It’s a story that’s uniquely his but one we all share. In Letters to a GAY BLACK BOY, Terry shares his truths with a message of hope, that no matter how bad things may be happiness is never out of reach.

“It’s sparking impactful conversations around things we generally sweep under the rug in our society: racism, homophobia, abuse, mental health,” Terry told OutClique. “We need to be talking about those things.” Letters took Terry a few months to write and edit once he was able to devote time to the project during the pandemic and through the Black Lives Matter movement. But in reality the book took 40 years as it’s shaped by every single one of his life experiences. “My anger didn’t start when George Floyd was murdered. My anger started when I came into this world forty years ago, a gay African American, and treated like a second class citizen. I’ve been fighting this fight for forty years, it didn’t just start in the summer [of 2020].”

Terry’s goal is to spark conversations on a human-to-human level so he decided to write the book in the form of letters to himself. “I thought how cool would it be to actually write a book as if I’m sitting here talking to my best friend. We’re ‘kiki’ing,’ we’re having a cocktail, and really just sharing with each other deep stories. That would have more of an impact than writing a book for academia.”

Giving a voice to people who feel too scared to speak up inspired Terry to share. “One of the things I’ve realized is there was no one out there speaking for the LGBTQ+ people of color. For me it was about standing up and saying this is something we all go through and it needs to be addressed. This is how we move forward in life

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Photo Courtesy of Andy Armano | AndyArmano.com

As the Director of Development at SunServe and a career in non-profit, he was sure he knew his purpose in life. “I always thought working in non-profit, [and] talent recruitment [by] helping people get jobs, my purpose was always to help people.” But after Letters came out Terry says everything changed. “It wasn’t until last year and I started receiving all the [feedback] that came to me after the book was published that I realized maybe not. My purpose may have been to share my story and help at least one person find their own voice. Maybe my purpose was to serve as a vessel for others to speak their truths.”

Putting his past into writing was harder than Terry anticipated. “At this point in my life I feel I’ve done the necessary work to move past those issues and not allow them to affect my present and my future. But I was thinking about them every single day for three straight months.”

While he knew he would be reliving memories once, Terry never expected to relive them over and over. “Every time the editor sent something back I had to relive the situation.” The pain and the process paid off. “If it helps one little kid of color, one gay person sitting in rural middle America saying ‘I don’t know how to deal with my homosexuality. Where do I go? What do I do?’ If my book helps at least one person then it’s all well worth it.”

The book also helped heal family wounds, wounds that festered from a lack of understanding of Terry’s perspective and experiences and feelings. He talks of one aunt who went from the

silent treatment to his biggest fan in the family.

“It’s brought us together. We were not speaking to each other but she’s now stepped up to the plate. She said ‘I’m your family member, I’m your elder. I need to take care of you and support you.’ Now we talk every single day. Whatever I do she sends it to the family.”

Letters to a GAY BLACK BOY debuted at number one on Amazon and is also available at Barnes & Noble, reinforcing the goal that this is a book for everyone. Terry says people from all backgrounds have reached out to share their stories and appreciation for his work. In the end, he wants people to find the light no matter how dark things seem. “We don’t always get to choose the cards we are dealt in life. I’ve had some horrible cards dealt to me. We all struggle. It’s all a process. I’ve been able to take those trials and tribulations and turn them into something positive.”

Design by: Nicolas Rico | Photography by: Dennis Dean

by having impactful, meaningful conversations.

This is how we help people take ownership in what they’ve gone through.” It’s also important to share his perspective, a perspective many don’t even want to believe exists. “Representation is important on so many levels. In corporate America, in non-profits, on the stage in music and movies. My opinion is that after 2020 lots of people that produce media, art, movies are saying we need to be much more inclusive. By sharing books like mine assisted in that. We’ve given it a different perspective.”

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Photo Courtesy of Sameera Sullivan Matchmakers

Our matchmaking service is selective and confidential. We focus on working with upscale, commitment minded individuals seeking true love and a monogamous relationship. Apps, dating sites, meet ups, and gay bars don’t work for our clients who are looking for a serious long term partnership! We understand how hard it is to find someone with similar values in the gay community and this is why we have created an extensive network of gay men who want just that!

Our process is simple, yet unique. With the use of our proprietary system, team of experts, and keen sense of intuition, we’ve developed a flawless roadmap to helping you find your soulmate. In addition to our in-house methods, we have curated relationships with affiliate matchmakers worldwide. Our partnerships are confidential and extremely valuable to our clients. We only take clients that we can service successfully. In the circumstance that the relationship may not be a good fit, we will refer inquiring clients to our affiliates. In each and every avenue we take, we have one focus in mind and that is the well-being of our clients.

Join our confidential single men’s registry at Sameerasullivan.com/Private-Registry-Gay-Men/

Ft Lauderdale’s Most Humble Bachelor!

What kind of clients do you have?

We work with professional men who are looking for a lifelong partner and a monogamous relationship. Our clients are successful in their careers, and now at a point in their lives where they want someone they can share their lives with, explore the world, and enjoy each other’s companionship. A true connection is what they are looking for. Gay bars, apps, and meet ups are not a good place to meet quality men. They don’t screen your partner for you. You are going in blindly when meeting new people. Our clients don’t have the time for that! They lead busy lives.

Tell me about the specific bachelor you are looking to match? What kind of match are you seeking for your client?

Our bachelor is 56, 6-foot-tall, in good shape, and is an amazing man with a great deal of love to give. He is grounded, intelligent, well-traveled, spontaneous, monogamous and kind. He loves to laugh, and he has an infectious smile. He is also vibrant, energetic, sophisticated yet very easy going and down to earth. He has a very successful career in an industry that he has loved for over 30 years. Despite his success, he believes in just being himself. He has a generous heart, and he loves to give back to others.

Our client is looking for someone who is looking for a strong partner to have by his side to share the big and little adventures in life. His description of an ideal relationship is two “whole people” coming together to complement each other-not to complete each other. He is looking for someone to create new memories with, whether it be dining out, traveling, or doing a goofy activity together. Someone in their upper to mid 40’s-50’s would a perfect fit! Someone masculine, and a manly man.

His ideal man will be young-spirited, grounded, optimistic, healthy, patient, and fitness-aware.

He should also have integrity and respect for others. He is an open communicator, and he

values that trait in his partner as well. He is ready for a relationship with an amazing man, someone who will be his partner in life and love.

What kind of candidates are you seeking for your Gay Database?

We are constantly looking for men between the age of 35-75. It’s never too early or too late to join our registry. We have a priority paid and free registry available for men who want to be considered as a match for one of our clients. If you are looking for a monogamous relationship, and someone to share the rest of your life with that is established and loving, Sameera Sullivan Matchmakers is the right place to be! Our average client is between the age of 40-60. We do have some amazing men in their late 60’s as well so don’t be shy! We welcome all ages. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by being in our database and network. It’s 100% confidential, so no one will see your information and we will always ask your permission if you are open to showing your profile to a potential client of ours! We interview everyone thoroughly so before you go on a date, you will always be interviewed by one of our matchmakers, get to see the profile of our client with photos, and they will do the same. We only share your profiles once we have your permission.

What do you screen for when making matches?

How someone was raised is a big thing! Knowing how someone was raised and their relationship with their parents growing up is important to a certain extent. In the gay community this can be complicated sometimes, and we understand that. Core values are important. Communication styles also matter! One thing that is very specific when matching gay men is their sexual preferences. I don’t take this lightly because it really matters to some. Some men are versatile.

However, some men are very adamant about being top or bottom. I cannot match someone who is a solid top with a solid top and vice versa.

So, I don’t waste time and get to the details that most would shy away from!

Join our confidential single men’s registry at Sameerasullivan.com/Private-Registry-Gay-Men/ OutClique.com | 127

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