2/17/16 V7i7 by South Florida Gay News

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Gazette Wilton Manors

February 17, 2016 vol. 7 // issue 7

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f l o r i d a

g a y

n e w s

ciao, Scalia Pages 24 - 25, 40

Photo Credit: DonkeyHotey, Flickr.

Ston e wal l M us e um M e d i a E x hi bi t O pe n s F r i d a y fatal Hit and run • Page 29

webmaster passes • Pages 30, 31

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food fest • Page 59

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New Genvoya is now available

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• 2.17.2016

Actual Size

One pill contains elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). Ask your healthcare provider if GENVOYA is right for you. To learn more visit GENVOYA.com

Please see Brief Summary of Patient Information with important warnings on the following pages.

12/4/15 4:12 PM

2.17.2016 â&#x20AC;˘

Brief Summary of Patient Information about GENVOYA GENVOYA (jen-VOY-uh) (elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide) tablets Important: Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with GENVOYA. There may be new information about GENVOYA. This information is only a summary and does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.

What is the most important information I should know about GENVOYA? GENVOYA can cause serious side effects, including: • Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis may happen in some people who take GENVOYA. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms, which could be signs of lactic acidosis: • • • • • • •

feel very weak or tired have unusual (not normal) muscle pain have trouble breathing have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting feel cold, especially in your arms and legs feel dizzy or lightheaded have a fast or irregular heartbeat

• Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems may happen in people who take GENVOYA. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large and you may develop fat in your liver. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems: • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) • dark “tea-colored” urine • light-colored bowel movements (stools) • loss of appetite for several days or longer • nausea • stomach pain • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking GENVOYA for a long time. • Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. GENVOYA is not for use to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). If you have HBV infection and take GENVOYA, your HBV may get worse (flareup) if you stop taking GENVOYA. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. • Do not run out of GENVOYA. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your GENVOYA is all gone. • Do not stop taking GENVOYA without first talking to your healthcare provider. • If you stop taking GENVOYA, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking GENVOYA.

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• 2.17.2016

What is GENVOYA? GENVOYA is a prescription medicine that is used without other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years of age and older: • who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past or • to replace their current HIV-1 medicines in people who have been on the same HIV-1 medicines for at least 6 months, have an amount of HIV-1 in their blood (“viral load”) that is less than 50 copies/mL, and have never failed past HIV-1 treatment HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. GENVOYA contains the prescription medicines elvitegravir (VITEKTA®), cobicistat (TYBOST®), emtricitabine (EMTRIVA®) and tenofovir alafenamide. It is not known if GENVOYA is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age. When used to treat HIV-1 infection, GENVOYA may: • Reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load”. • Increase the number of CD4+ (T) cells in your blood that help fight off other infections. Reducing the amount of HIV-1 and increasing the CD4+ (T) cells in your blood may help improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or getting infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). GENVOYA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must stay on continuous HIV-1 therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others: • Do not share or re-use needles or other injection equipment. • Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades. • Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to other people.

Who should not take GENVOYA? Do not take GENVOYA if you also take a medicine that contains: • alfuzosin hydrochloride (Uroxatral®) • carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®, Tegretol-XR®, Teril®) • cisapride (Propulsid®, Propulsid Quicksolv®) • ergot-containing medicines, including: dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E. 45®, Migranal®), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Migergot®, Ergostat®, Medihaler Ergotamine®, Wigraine®, Wigrettes®), and methylergonovine maleate (Ergotrate®, Methergine®) • lovastatin (Advicor®, Altoprev®, Mevacor®) • midazolam, when taken by mouth • phenobarbital (Luminal®) • phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®) • pimozide (Orap®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®) • sildenafil (Revatio®), when used for treating lung problems • simvastatin (Simcor®, Vytorin®, Zocor®) • triazolam (Halcion®) • the herb St. John’s wort or a product that contains St. John’s wort

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking GENVOYA? Before taking GENVOYA, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have liver problems including hepatitis B infection • have kidney or bone problems • have any other medical conditions • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if GENVOYA can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking GENVOYA. Pregnancy registry: there is a pregnancy registry for women who take HIV-1 medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take GENVOYA. – You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. – At least one of the medicines in GENVOYA can pass to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if the other medicines in GENVOYA can pass into your breast milk. – Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Other medicines may affect how GENVOYA works. Some medicines may interact with GENVOYA. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. • You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with GENVOYA. • Do not start a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take GENVOYA with other medicines.

How should I take GENVOYA?

• Take GENVOYA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. GENVOYA is taken by itself (not with other HIV-1 medicines) to treat HIV-1 infection.

• GENVOYA is usually taken 1 time each day. • Take GENVOYA with food. • If you need to take a medicine for indigestion (antacid) that contains aluminum and • • • •

magnesium hydroxide or calcium carbonate during treatment with GENVOYA, take it at least 2 hours before or after you take GENVOYA. Do not change your dose or stop taking GENVOYA without first talking with your healthcare provider. Stay under a healthcare provider’s care when taking GENVOYA. Do not miss a dose of GENVOYA. If you take too much GENVOYA, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. When your GENVOYA supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. This is very important because the amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. The virus may develop resistance to GENVOYA and become harder to treat.

What are the possible side effects of GENVOYA? GENVOYA may cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about GENVOYA?” • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having any new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking GENVOYA. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking GENVOYA if you develop new or worse kidney problems. • Bone problems can happen in some people who take GENVOYA. Bone problems may include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bones. The most common side effect of GENVOYA is nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. • These are not all the possible side effects of GENVOYA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. • Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. General information about the safe and effective use of GENVOYA. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use GENVOYA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give GENVOYA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about GENVOYA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about GENVOYA that is written for health professionals. For more information, call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.GENVOYA.com. Keep GENVOYA and all medicines out of reach of children. Issued: November 2015

EMTRIVA, GENVOYA, the GENVOYA Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, TYBOST, and VITEKTA are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2015 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. GENC0002 11/15

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2.17.2016 •

the oPening line

comments from sfgn’s

online outlets

Compiled by John McDonald

Photos: Facebook.

kathRyn knott gets 5-10 months PRison sentence foR Philly gay bashing inciDent larry kraft – in atlanta, moRe gay men falling victim to steRoiD abuse stephen Devine –

I find steroid bodes are anything but perfect...they look fake and the people with those kinds of bodies have so many issues and obsessions with how they look. No thank you. Do you hunty, but some of us are not interested in fake bodies and druggies.

She thought, that because she was the daughter of a policeman she would get away with it. I wish the punishment was a little more severe, but at least she's going to jail. Pennsylvania doesn't have Hate Crime laws or I'm sure she would have had a stiffer sentence. steve Johnson –

and no, tears and "I didn't mean it" won't get you off this time, dimwit.

Phillip brownell – Have another drink, Bitch!

coRRection

In The Pride Center VOICE insert in last week's SFGN, the artist in the photo spread on page 30 was identified by the wrong name. This art exhibit featured the powerful works of Landon J Woolston. We have corrected his name in the online versions of the VOICE and apologize for the mistake. MEMBER

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maRco Rubio PRaises Justice scalia foR maRRiage eQuality Dissent

eric tucker –

This needs to be discussed here. Probably 1/3 of my friends do it. It's out of control. I personally have lost friends.

FEBRUARY 17, 2016 • VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 7

Senior Features Correspondents

greg kanter –

It's not restricted to gay men. I know. I've officiated the funerals with their mothers there. Nothing beautiful about it. Healthy is beautiful.

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

elthon Wolffemann Decastillo –

We should send him back to Cuba on a closet styled raft.

frank ammirati –

MR you're in the closet come out and set yourself free.

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Rubio the self hating closet case who likes foam parties!

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• 2.17.2016

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South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law ofﬁce, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright © 2015 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

news highlight

Panel Discusses Roadblocks to PrEP John McDonald

panel of health care professionals discussed the new HIV prevention strategy known as “PrEP” during a twohour program, Thursday, Feb. 11, at the Pride Center. Clinically known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, “PrEP” involves a daily pill of Truvada. Multiple studies along with the Centers for Disease Control have verified PrEP to be safe and effective in preventing sexual HIV. However, as panelists noted, HIV is not the only worry among sexually active individuals. “We cannot take the condom conversation off the table,” said Christopher H. Bates, Director of Men’s Health, Wellness and Prevention for the Florida Department of Health in Broward County. “The condom has to remain front and center if we are to control the spread of STIs (Sexual Transmitted Infections). We have to continue to push these horror stories.” The horror is the large number of HIV and STI cases in South Florida. Last summer the CDC released a map noting HIV/AIDS kills more people in Florida than any other state. Noticeably absent from the Pride Center

GENSTEM PROLOTHERAPY INSTITUTE FOR REGENERATIVE MEDICINE GENZONE AGE MANAGEMENT MEDICINE GENSKIN AESTHETICS

panel were representatives from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. The Los Angeles based nonprofit has been highly critical of PrEP. “What they (AHF) are doing is killing people,” said Oliver Kamm, who attended the panel discussion. “I believe they are putting people’s lives at risk by denying the single greatest advancement in the history of HIV prevention.” Panel moderator Patrick Whiteside offered a defense of AHF in the organization’s absence, noting the important role AHF plays in South Florida. Whiteside said he intends to put together another panel discussion on PrEP at the Compass Center in Palm Beach County.

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oRal health anD hiv Sean McShee

IV infection threatens oral, physical, and mental health. In January of 2016, SFGN interviewed Mark Schweizer, DDS, MPH, Dental Director for South Florida, Southeast AIDS Training and Education Center (AETC) about HIV and oral health. Dr. Schweizer reported that HIV impacts oral health in several ways. Dentists may be the first to detect evidence of HIV infection. HIV infection directly damages oral health. As complex interactions occur between HIV infection and dental, physical, and mental health, a team-based approach to healthcare provides the best care. Advanced stage HIV among those unaware of their HIV status may first appear in the mouth, as thrush or certain ulcers. Dentists can find this as part of a regular dental exam. HIV decreases saliva production. That decrease leads to dry mouth, dental cavities, and gum disease. Gum disease produces an inflammatory response increasing the risk for heart disease and diabetes. According to Dr. Schweizer, this inflammatory response and gum disease are “rampant among the HIV positive, even among the virally suppressed.” People living with HIV are living into middle age and beyond, but that means aging issues have now begun to interact with HIV infection. HIV has become a manageable but increasingly complex disease. This complexity has promoted a team-based approach to health care. Dr. Schweizer stressed that the RWC dental clinics use a team-based approach composed of health professionals from multiple disciplines. This team approach fosters monitoring for drug interactions, improving drug adherence, and promoting health on dental, physical, and mental levels. This approach has led to an impressive outcome. “I’m really proud that 92 percent of our patients are virally suppressed,” Dr. Schweizer reported. For comparison, only 81.4 percent of national RWC clients in 2014 had achieved viral suppression. Until a cure exists, viral suppression will remain the goal of HIV treatment.

• 2.17.2016

In Broward County, Nova Southeastern University-College of Dental Medical (NSUCDM) provides the dental component of Ryan White Care (RWC). Dr. Schweizer administers this program. People living with HIV have four options for dental care in Broward County: 1) the NSUCDM clinic, 2) the NSU-CDM RWC clinic, 3) the NSU-CDM RWC specialty clinic, and 4) the RWC Community Based Dental Partnership Program. Dental students under faculty supervision provide the staff for all four clinics. The NSU-CDM clinic (854-262-7501) serves all people regardless of HIV status and place of residence. It has reduced rates, but does not take insurance. The people with HIV not eligible for RWC and the HIV uninfected, may find this clinic most useful. The NSU-CDM RWC Clinic (954-262-7530) only serves HIV positive Broward residents eligible for RWC. A RWC client should contact their case manager to access this clinic. People with HIV not in RWC should check with the RWC Central Intake and Eligibility (954 566-1417) to learn if they are eligible for RWC programs. The NSU-CDM RWC Specialty Dental Clinic provides specialty services such as root canals, dental surgery, and biopsies. Admission to this clinic is by referral only. The Ryan White Care Community Based Dental Partnership Program (954-966-3939 ext. 404) clinic serves people living with HIV regardless of residency and has a sliding scale. The AIDS Training and Education Center (AETC) educates dental care providers about HIV and oral health. Schweizer finds that this program has current and future benefits. “I’m seeing more and more of my students going out, and doing public health service. It may not be for their whole career,” Schweizer said, “but a lot of them are going and working in HIV and public health clinics.” Despite how the insurance industry has partitioned healthcare, oral health forms a vital part of health care, especially for people living with HIV.

politics out on the trail

aRmstRong moves on in confiRmation PRocess John McDonald

r. John Armstrong, Governor Rick Scott’s pick for Florida Surgeon General, survived a senate committee hearing on Tuesday despite objections from AIDS activists to his nomination to head the Florida Department of Health. “Florida leads the nation with the highest rate of new HIV infections,” said Broward County human rights activist Michael Rajner. “Like that of President Ronald Reagan’s shameful legacy of refusing to respond to the nation’s AIDS epidemic, Armstrong avoided the issue and has never engaged stakeholders responding to Florida’s HIV/AIDS crisis.” As SFGN went to press Tuesday evening, details of Armstrong’s

vote in the senate health policy committee were unavailable. His confirmation now moves to a senate ethics and elections committee vote and then to the senate floor, said Rajner. Armstrong’s close ties to the religious right have angered gay rights activists and led some to question his ability to lead Florida’s Department of Health. In 2008, Armstrong’s chief operating officer, Nathan Dunn, led the effort to pass the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment, a constitutional amendment enshrining discrimination into the Florida Constitution. Appointed by Scott in 2012, Armstrong, a U.S. Army veteran, previously was the top medical officer at the University of South

Florida in Tampa. In editorials published by newspapers throughout Florida, Armstrong has consistently laid blame for Florida’s HIV/AIDS crisis on “behavioral issues” and “promiscuity.” In urging senators to reject his nomination, Rajner contends Armstrong’s managerial style as “cloaked the sunshine state in darkness.” If confirmed, Armstrong stands to earn $141,000 a year.

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Offer ends 3/27/16. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Limited to new residential customers. Requires subscription to Starter Double Play with Digital Starter TV and Performance Internet, HBO® and Streampix®. Two-year term agreement required. Early termination fee applies. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, including Broadcast TV Fee (up to $3.75/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $2.00/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the promo. Additional outlet fee applies to multi-room viewing. After 12 months, service charge for Digital Starter TV and Performance Internet increases to $99.99/mo. for months 13-24. After promotional period, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular rates apply. Comcast’s service charge for Starter Double Play ranges from $124.44 – $150.44/mo., for HBO® is $19.99/mo., for Streampix® is $4.99/mo. and for DVR service (including HD Technology Fee) is $19.95/mo. (pricing subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. Internet: Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. Call for restrictions and complete details. © 2016 Comcast. All rights reserved. CCT6850-1 LGBT Print 10x7.625_SFGayNews.indd 1

2.17.2016 • 9 2/10/16 10:25 AM

Compiled by Jillian Melero

Dan savage to gay Republicans: 'f*ck off and shut up' (EDGE) According to Dan Savage, with Log Cabin Republicans it doesn't get better. "Fuck off and shut up" were just a few of the strong words that LGBT activist and sex columnist Dan Savage had for the conservative group Log Cabin Republicans (LCR). In a scathing opinion piece published in The Stranger Thursday, Savage took aim [at] the homocons for slamming the sometimes inconsistent record of Democratic candidates on LGBT rights while holding up the dismally anti-gay voting history of every GOP presidential nominee. "Every four years gay Republicans slime out from under their rocks to remind us that the Democratic candidate wasn't always perfect on LGBT issues," Savage writes. Savage pointed to an LCR-paid smear ad on Hillary Clinton that used out of context clips of the then Senator from New York State during a speech where she opposed a republican-backed

tah Panel OKs Bill Adding LGBT Protections to Hate Crime Law

(AP) A proposal to add protections for gay and transgender people to the Utah's hate crime law cleared its first test Thursday when it was approved on a 5-1 vote by a Senate committee. In addition to protections for LGBT people, supporters said the measure but also beefs up the state's existing hate crimes law, which they argued is difficult to enforce and makes it tough to seriously punish crimes intended to target someone based on race or religion. Several conservative and religious groups opposed to the measure say they worry it makes thoughts and beliefs a crime and carves out special protections for some classes of people. The proposal from Sen. Steve Urquhart, R-St. George, advances to the full Senate for a vote which likely won't come until next week. Urquhart told a Senate judiciary committee Thursday afternoon that targeting someone because of their race, religion or sexual identity is about more than just the harm to that specific person or their property. "The intent of painting a swastika on a synagogue - yes, it's to make graffiti, but it also is to intimidate the Jewish community," he said. Urquhart is working on an accompanying proposal to make it clear that a person's membership in a specific group or hate speech along cannot be evidence that something was a hate crime. The comments or actions must be specifically related to the crime - such as stating an intent to attack a specific person because of their race, not past statements

â&#x20AC;˘ 2.17.2016

constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. "Wrong on gay rights when it mattered," the LCR ad said. Calling the gay conservative group "lying, delusional, self-hating shitbags," Savage then pointed to the Human Rights Campaign's fact-based assessment of each remaining GOP presidential candidate's condemnation of LGBT rights. "It never gets any better," Savage wrote of the LCR. "But no one who writes up the efforts of Log Cabin Republicans to change their party ever thinks to examine the results. There's never an accountability moment for the cocksucking wing of the 'party of personal responsibility.'" Pointing to what he called a near four-decade record of accomplishing what he alleges as nothing, Savage concluded: "It's time to pack it in, boys. It's over. You failed. Fuck off and shut up."

against members of a race. Utah is one of 15 states with hate crime laws that lack protections for sexual orientation and identity, according to the Human Rights Campaign. The current law does not spell out any protected traits but instead speaks generally about crimes that cause a person to fear they cannot freely exercise their constitutional rights.

a. House OKs Protection for Clergy to Refuse Gay Marriage

(AP) Atlanta - Georgia lawmakers on Thursday approved a bill explicitly stating that religious officials can refuse to perform gay marriages, their first significant action on a variety of proposals creating legal exemptions for same-sex marriage opponents. Supporters of the "Pastor Protection Act" acknowledge that religious leaders already have that protection under the U.S. Constitution, but argue it will reassure them following the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling effectively legalizing gay marriage. The court's decision has prompted at least eight bills that would create exemptions for opponents of the marriages in Georgia, one of more than 20 states where lawmakers have introduced such proposals, the ACLU has said. The Georgia bill shielding religious officials moved quickly through the House with backing from the chamber's top Republican, House Speaker David Ralston, and little resistance from gay-rights advocates and business leaders who have opposed broader bills. Ralson was criticized by some Republican lawmakers and Evangelical groups, however, when he questioned the need for other measures,

Dan Savage

Photo: Facebook.

including versions of the federal "Religious Freedom Restoration Act." Thursday's debate put that split on display. Conservative House members said the pastor bill didn't go far enough but all voted in favor. Several read aloud from the Bible before the House vote. Rep. Kevin Cooke, R-Carrollton, specifically called for action on a broader "Religious Freedom Restoration" bill; he didn't cast a vote on the pastor bill. The broader bills would limit government's ability to infringe on religious beliefs without a compelling interest. State Sen. Josh McKoon, a Republican sponsoring one of the measures, has cited one example of a student group accused of violating hazing policies with a foot-washing ceremony at a public college. If Georgia had such a law, school officials would have been unlikely to take that step, McKoon has said.

Gay Rags A Survey of LGBT Periodicals

February 18 – March 6

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local name, global coverage

2.17.2016 •

Compiled by Jillian Melero

continued

kentucky could have two marriage licenses (AP) Kentucky lawmakers want to create two marriage license forms, one designed for gay couples and another for straight couples, in a move critics say harks back to the "separate but equal" days of the civil rights movement. One marriage license form would note the "bride" and "groom" and the other form would note "first party" and "second party." Bill sponsor Republican Sen. Stephen West of Paris said couples, both gay and straight, could use either form. The bill also removes the name of the county clerk who issued the license and would require couples to note their gender, no matter what form they chose, for the benefit of historians and genealogists who use marriage license records for research purposes. The proposal cleared a Senate committee

ndonesia Warns Messaging Apps to Drop Same-Sex Emoticons

(AP) Indonesia's government has demanded that instant messaging apps remove stickers featuring same-sex couples, in the latest high-profile attempt to discourage visible homosexuality in the socially conservative country. The government move comes after a social media backlash against the popular smartphone messaging app Line for having stickers, which are an elaborate type of emoticon, with gay themes in its online store. Information and Communication Ministry spokesman Ismail Cawidu said Thursday that social media and messaging platforms should drop stickers expressing support for the LGBT community, a common abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

Wednesday with bipartisan support. It comes five months after Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis spent five days in jail for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples because of her religious beliefs, despite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that effectively legalized gay marriage nationwide. Davis did not attend Wednesday's hearing, although West said he did seek her input when writing the bill. Former Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear changed the marriage license form after the Supreme Court ruling to remove references to "bride" and "groom" and replaced them with "first party" and "second party." "The (county) clerks seem to want this. They have clients and customers who would prefer the other form," West said. "No one is precluded."

"Social media must respect the culture and local wisdom of the country where they have large numbers of users," he said. Homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia, but is a sensitive issue in the Muslim-majority nation of more than 250 million people. At the same time, most of Indonesian society, which follows a moderate form of Islam, is tolerant, with gay and transsexual entertainers often appearing on television shows. Line on Tuesday said it had removed all LGBT-related stickers from its local store after receiving complaints from Indonesian users. Twitter and Facebook had exploded with criticism of Line and its competitor WhatsApp for containing gay content.

est Virginia House to Vote on 'License to Discriminate' Bill

(AP) A religious freedom bill that opponents say would allow for discrimination in West Virginia is set for a House of Delegates vote. The Republican-led House has set the legislation up for a likely Thursday vote. The proposal would let people cite religious grounds in certain court proceedings. Proponents say it protects people's freedoms to express deeply held religious beliefs, as long as there isn't a compelling state interest to restrict them. Opponents say it's a license to discriminate, particularly against gay people. A variety of business interests oppose the bill, from the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce to Charleston's Marriott hotel. Tourism group Visit Indy said Indiana might have lost $60 million when a dozen groups decided against hosting conventions in Indianapolis because of its similar state law.

â&#x20AC;˘ 2.17.2016

rotections for Gay Marriage Opponents Come Before Ga. Lawmakers

(AP) Discussion of legal exemptions for same-sex marriage opponents is expected to dominate the day at Georgia's Capitol. The House is scheduled to vote Thursday on a bill explicitly stating that religious officials don't have to perform marriages that violate their faith. Supporters acknowledge the Constitution already protects faith leaders but say the bill will reassure them. A Senate committee plans to discuss a bill allowing religious adoption agencies, schools, government workers and others to refuse services to same-sex couples without penalty. Sen. Greg Kirk was scheduled to present the bill during Wednesday's Senate Rules committee meeting but requested more time. The Rules committee determines which bills receive a full Senate vote. The bills are among 8 measures filed by Georgia lawmakers following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision legalizing samesex marriage.

news briefs

.Va. Lesbians Allegedly Called 'An Abomination' by County Clerk

(EDGE) When a lesbian couple from West Virginia went to get their marriage license last week, they were dismayed and humiliated to find that it came with a message of condemnation from the deputy clerk that issued it. The Charleston Gazette-Mail reported that when Samantha Brookover and her partner Amanda Abramovich went to Glenville's Gilmer County Courthouse to pick up their marriage license, they also got an earful from a clerk who told them that their relationship was "an abomination," and that God would judge them. "It just takes one person to remind you how close-minded our world is," Brookover said. But Debbie Allen, the deputy clerk who processed their marriage license, and another deputy clerk, Angela Moore, disputed allegations from the couple and Brookover's mother, Jill Goff, also present, saying that she didn't think Allen was very loud, although Moore admitted she couldn't hear everything. "I was working on what I was supposed to be doing and, honestly, I didn't care to make eye contact with them," said Moore. The clerks don't dispute that Allen told the couple that what they were doing was wrong and that they would be judged, but they also stressed that they did not view the statement as an "attack." "I just told them my opinion," said Allen. "I just felt led to do that. I believe God was standing with me and that's just my religious belief." House Bill 4012, currently in the Legislature and known as the West Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act, would allow clerks to deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples based on their religious beliefs. The Gazette reports that the bill is up for a vote in the House of Delegates today. Civil rights advocates warn the bill could lead to discrimination against LGBT individuals, as well as other historically discriminated against groups.

Photo: Facebook.

Continued

exas Attorney General Faces Ethics Probe Over Gay Marriage

(AP) Already indicted on felony securities fraud charges, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will face an ethics investigation for advising local officials they could refuse to issue same-sex marriage licenses on religious grounds. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled gay marriage legal in June. A month later, a complaint filed and co-signed by more than 200 attorneys said Paxton's stance encouraged officials to violate the U.S. Constitution and break their oaths of office. The complaint was initially dismissed by the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel of the State Bar of Texas, but an appeals board appointed by the state Supreme Court reinstated it Feb. 2, saying the complaint alleges a "possible violation" of professional conduct rules. "The complaint has always lacked merit, and we are confident the legal process for resolving these complaints will bear that out," Paxton spokeswoman Cynthia Meyer said. A State Bar official declined comment, but Houston attorney Eddie Rodriguez, whose firm helped initiate the complaint, released a copy of the order from the appeals board reinstating the case. "Texas ethics rules prohibit any lawyer, including the Attorney General, from counseling a client to engage in conduct that the lawyer knows is criminal or fraudulent," Rodriguez said. Potential penalties could range from a reprimand to disbarment, Rodriguez said.

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nited We Dream Unveils Largest Survey of LGBTQ Immigrant Community

Photo: Facebook.

Continued

(UnitedWeDream) United We Dream, the national network of immigrant youth, has just released its “No More Closets” report, the largest national survey of the LGBTQ immigrant community ever conducted. The report tells the collective and individual stories of some 461 individuals who self identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer and who are either born outside of the United States or are U.S.-born citizens with foreign-born parents. The survey was conducted in late 2015 both online and through individual interviews. The report uncovers high levels of discrimination and harassment in employment, healthcare, housing and education and a distrust of law enforcement among this highly resilient population. “With this survey, we aim to both tell our stories to policymakers as well as to the young people in our communities who are struggling that they are not alone and that together we can turn our shared struggle and power into the change we seek,” said Carlos Padilla,

National Coordinator of United We Dream’s Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project. “In fact, some of our nation’s leading change makers are LGBTQ immigrant youth - out of great struggle can come great strength.”

Among the findings: • 73.4 percent of respondents say that their income either doesn’t cover or just barely covers their living expenses. Only 26.6 percent report earning enough to live comfortably. • About half say they have experienced discrimination at school because of their sexual orientation. • 41 percent have no health insurance, significantly higher than the general LGBTQ population. • 46 percent said they have hid or lied about their sexual orientation or gender identity to a health care provider because of fear. • Nearly half of all respondents say they are afraid to deal with police because of their immigration status or sexual identity.

utQ is Reportedly Out of Business: Sirius XM Axes Gay Channel

Michael Musto of OUT is reporting that after nearly 13 years, Sirius OutQ, the first all-LGBT radio station, will be calling it quits after Friday. "I hear that as of this Friday, the channel is deader than the animals worn by Sir Elton John," wrote the noted gossip and nightlife columnist today. According to Musto, Sirius XM regular comic Frank DeCaro (who's been busy opening for Lisa Lampanelli on the road) will be ending this 12-year run with the satellite radio company. Morning team Keith Price and Larry Flick will be broken up with Flick moving to Sirius XM's EW channel without the arguably funnier Price. Reportedly, even boy band vet Lance Bass got the heave-ho as well. In June of 2015, Sirius OutQ management shocked listeners by cancelling the longrunning Derek and Romaine show featuring

• 2.17.2016

Derek Hartley and Romaine Patterson. Since then, Hartley and Patterson have branched out on their own. They currently air a daily two-hour broadcast from www. derekandromaine.com. Both commented on the news about OutQ on their website today. "Nothing lasts forever in media, but this loss is hard for me personally. More than just a radio channel, OutQ was a way for people both within and outside the LGBT community to feel connected, be entertained and informed." said Hartley. "While the larger LGBT community is closer every day to full equality in this country, I believe there is still a need for our unique perspectives to be heard and our issues addressed. Even after our show was cancelled, I still hoped the channel could continue for the sake of the listeners, the commuters, the truckers, everyone that depended on it."

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(amfAR) Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jay-Z, Diane Kruger, Uma Thurman, Andy Cohen, Heidi Klum, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Karolina Kurkova, and amfAR Chairman of the Board Kenneth Cole were among those who gathered at the 18th annual amfAR New York Gala to pay tribute to legendary Academy Award-winning film producer Harvey Weinstein for his longtime support of amfAR and exceptional contributions to the global struggle against HIV/ AIDS. The event, presented by Harry Winston, raised over $2 million for amfAR's life-saving AIDS research programs. Other celebrities in attendance included Emily Ratajkowski, Karlie Kloss, Cheyenne Jackson, Jemima Kirke, Adriana Lima, Hailey Baldwin, Jourdan Dunn, Chanel Iman, Petra Nemcova, Coco Rocha, Padma Lakshmi, amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman Milutin Gatsby, Al Roker, Alina Baikova, Magdalena Frackowiak, Emma Miller, Anais Mali, Anna Cleveland, Lewis Hamilton, Hannah Davis, Andreja Pejic, Sara Sampaio, Rachel Zoe, Izabel Goulart, Constance Jablonski, Martha Hunt, Elsa Hosk, and Taylor Hill, among others. Harvey Keitel and Uma Thurman opened the evening, welcoming guests and thanking Harvey Weinstein for his enormous contributions to the important causes of our time, particularly the fight against AIDS, because "if the conquest of AIDS requires people who can move mountains, we should all be grateful that Harvey Weinstein is on our side." amfAR Chairman of the Board Kenneth Cole described the evening as "one more stop on the road to making AIDS history," and spoke passionately about amfAR's Countdown to a Cure for AIDS initiative aimed at developing the scientific basis for a cure by 2020. Andy Cohen thanked the event's sponsors with amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost, who announced the launch of a limited edition Countdown to a Cure Timepiece by Harry Winston. Twenty percent of the retail sales price of the men's and ladies' timepiece will be donated to amfAR's efforts to develop a cure for HIV.

Robert De Niro presented the amfAR Award of Courage to Harvey Weinstein with a heartfelt personal tribute, noting that it is "our good fortune that he puts the same passion, creativity, and devotion" that he puts into his films into his philanthropy. De Niro also introduced a video recognizing Weinstein for his philanthropic endeavors and featuring remarks from friends Nicole Kidman, Matt Damon, Naomi Watts, Idris Elba, Anna Wintour, Kerry Washington, and Queen Latifah. Accepting the award, Weinstein, whose leadership of amfAR's Cinema Against AIDS Gala in Cannes has helped raise $170 million since 1993, stated that "when the disease ends, my job ends too." Guests enjoyed bidding on exclusive items during the live auction, conducted by Alexander Gilkes. Highlights included:

• A framed portfolio of ten 1975 Andy Warhol screen prints of Mick Jagger, each signed by Warhol and Jagger, sold for $125,000. • Model Sara Sampaio and explorer Johan Ernst Nilson introduced a Mongolian expedition trip, which sold twice (once to Leonardo DiCaprio) for a total of $190,000. • A Timothy White photograph of amfAR's Founding International Chairman, the late Dame Elizabeth Taylor, sold for $95,000. • The Weinstein Company offered a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity: a walk-on role in the upcoming Richard Pryor biopic starring Eddie Murphy, Oprah Winfrey, Mike Epps, and Kate Hudson, which sold for $50,000. • Model Karolina Kurkova introduced exquisite Harry Winston earrings from their "Diamond Links" collection, which sold for $45,000. The evening also featured two spectacular live performances. Grammy-nominated British pop sensation Charli XCX performed an explosive set of her top hits "Doing It" and "Boom Clap." Swedish duo Icona Pop ended the evening and kept the crowd on their feet dancing to their hits "Emergency," and "I Love It," during which Charli XCX joined them on stage.

news international

gay imam helps young muslims balance Religion, sexuality Nadine Achoui-Lesage and Greg Keller

(AP) Growing up in Algeria, Shaira had almost everything a young man could wish for. But he also had a big secret. In a land where homosexuality is still a crime and a sin, he was forced to live a secret life, hiding that he was gay from everyone even his closest family. The 26-year-old Shaira, who asked that his last name not be used to protect himself from attacks, went to study in France four years ago and has never gone back to Algeria. His family still has no idea of his sexuality. Now a gay imam from Algeria is working with a local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender association to counsel and protect Shaira and other young gay Muslims who make their way to the ancient French port city of Marseille. The Le Refuge group says it has helped 26 gays find shelter and start a new life in Marseille last year. Some eventually go back to their families. Homosexuality is a criminal offense in much of the Middle East - punishable by imprisonment or, in countries like Saudi Arabia, by death. In Algeria, homosexual acts are punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine. Islam considers homosexuality a sin. Men having sex with each other should be punished, the Quran says, but it doesn't say how - and it adds that they should be left alone if they repent. The death penalty verdict instead comes from the Hadith, or accounts of the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. The accounts differ on the method of killing, and some accounts give

lesser penalties in some circumstances. The Islamic State group has taken this to an extreme. Videos the group has released show masked militants dangling allegedly gay men over the sides of buildings by their legs and dropping them head-first or tossing them over the edge. It is believed that at least three dozen men in Syria and Iraq have been killed by IS over accusations of sodomy. Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed is an imam born in Algeria who now works in Marseille and runs an association of French Muslims and gays. He has known the discrimination faced by the young people who come to Le Refuge for help. "Personally I have received quite a lot of threats, but I saw more people come to encourage me ... saying you are an embodiment of real Islam," Zahed said. The local head of Le Refuge in Marseille, Christophe Chausse, says the group tries to counsel young gays about how to cope with the constant conflict between their sexuality and their religion. "For them, there is a real dilemma between - 'I am or I feel homosexual, and I have my religion, my faith which prohibits it, so I cannot live this homosexuality,'" Chausse said. Shaira cries as he talks about this conflict that he battles every day. "Everybody is telling me - 'you are gay, you are Muslim and this is not normal,'" Shaira said. "But I feel that I have the same right to have a religion as everybody else. Even if I'm gay."

2.17.2016 â&#x20AC;˘

For your HIV viral load,

The POWER to help you go from

• ATRIPLA® (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) has been proven TO LOWER VIRAL LOAD to undetectable* in approximately 8 out of 10 adult patients new to therapy through 48 weeks compared to approximately 7 out of 10 adult patients in the comparator group • ATRIPLA has been proven TO LOWER VIRAL LOAD to undetectable* in approximately 7 out of every 10 adult patients new to therapy through 3 years compared to approximately 6 out of 10 in the comparator group† • The most common (at least 5%) moderate to severe side effects in patients on ATRIPLA were diarrhea, nausea, tiredness, depression, dizziness, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections, rash, headache, trouble sleeping, anxiety, and common cold. Each of these was reported in less than 10% of patients

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INDICATION INDICATION and IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for ATRIPLA® (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate [DF]) What is ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA is a prescription medication used alone as a complete regimen, or with other anti-HIV-1 medicines, to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children at least 12 years old who weigh at least 40 kg (88 lbs).

Call your healthcare provider right away if you get the following signs or symptoms of liver problems:

ATRIPLA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS and you may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections.

- urine turns dark

See your healthcare provider regularly while taking ATRIPLA.

- don’t feel like eating food for several days or longer

What is the most important information I should know about ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA can cause serious side effects: • Some people who have taken medicine like ATRIPLA (which contains nucleoside analogs) have developed lactic acidosis (build up of an acid in the blood). Lactic acidosis can be a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get the following signs or symptoms of lactic acidosis: - feel very weak or tired - have unusual (not normal) muscle pain - have trouble breathing - have stomach pain with nausea and vomiting

- feel cold, especially in your arms and legs - feel dizzy or lightheaded - have a fast or irregular heartbeat

*Undetectable was defined as a viral load of fewer than 400 copies/mL. † In this study, 511 adult patients new to therapy received either the meds in ATRIPLA each taken once daily or Combivir® (lamivudine/zidovudine) twice daily + SUSTIVA® (efavirenz) once daily. ‡ Symphony Health Solutions, Source® PHAST Prescription Monthly, equivalized counts, July 2006 – June 2015.

• 2.17.2016

- skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) - bowel movements (stools) turn light in color - feel sick to your stomach (nausea)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• Some people who have taken medicines like ATRIPLA (efavirenz/emtricitabine/ tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) have developed serious liver problems (hepatotoxicity), with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and fat in the liver (steatosis). In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death.

- have lower stomach area (abdominal) pain • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking nucleoside analogcontaining medicines, like ATRIPLA, for a long time. • If you also have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and you stop taking ATRIPLA, you may get a “flare-up” of your hepatitis. A “flare-up” is when the disease suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Patients with HBV who stop taking ATRIPLA need close medical follow-up for several months to check for hepatitis that could be getting worse. ATRIPLA is not approved for the treatment of HBV, so you need to discuss your HBV therapy with your healthcare provider. Who should not take ATRIPLA? You and your healthcare provider should decide if ATRIPLA is right for you. Do not take ATRIPLA if you are allergic to ATRIPLA or any of its ingredients.

With over 9 years of prescribing experience, ATRIPLA is the #1 prescribed one pill, once-daily HIV treatment‡ SELECTED IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION • Some people who have taken medicines like ATRIPLA have developed build up of lactic acid in the blood, which can be a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. • Some people who have taken medicines like ATRIPLA have developed serious liver problems, with liver enlargement and fat in the liver, which can lead to death. • If you also have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and you stop taking ATRIPLA, your hepatitis may suddenly get worse. ATRIPLA is not approved for the treatment of HBV. Please see below for more information about these warnings, including signs and symptoms, and other Important Safety Information. 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.

Ask your doctor about ATRIPLA today. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking ATRIPLA?

MEDICINES YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE WITH ATRIPLA

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

• ATRIPLA should not be taken with: Combivir® (lamivudine/zidovudine), COMPLERA® (emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), EMTRIVA® (emtricitabine), Epivir® or Epivir-HBV® (lamivudine), Epzicom® (abacavir sulfate/lamivudine), STRIBILD® (elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir DF), Trizivir® (abacavir sulfate/lamivudine/zidovudine), TRUVADA® (emtricitabine/tenofovir DF), or VIREAD® (tenofovir DF), because they contain the same or similar active ingredients as ATRIPLA (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate). ATRIPLA should not be used with SUSTIVA® (efavirenz) unless recommended by your healthcare provider.

• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant: Women should not become pregnant while taking ATRIPLA and for 12 weeks after stopping ATRIPLA. Serious birth defects have been seen in children of women treated during pregnancy with efavirenz, one of the medicines in ATRIPLA (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate). Women must use a reliable form of barrier contraception, such as a condom or diaphragm, even if they also use other methods of birth control, while on ATRIPLA and for 12 weeks after stopping ATRIPLA. Women should not rely only on hormone-based birth control, such as pills, injections, or implants, because ATRIPLA may make these contraceptives ineffective. • Are breastfeeding: Women with HIV should not breastfeed because they can pass HIV and some of the medicines in ATRIPLA through their milk to the baby. It is not known if ATRIPLA could harm your baby.

• Vfend® (voriconazole) should not be taken with ATRIPLA since it may lose its effect or may increase the chance of having side effects from ATRIPLA. • ATRIPLA should not be used with HEPSERA® (adefovir dipivoxil).

• Have kidney problems or are undergoing kidney dialysis treatment.

These are not all the medicines that may cause problems if you take ATRIPLA. Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking or plan to take.

• Have bone problems.

Important Safety Information is continued on the following page.

• Have liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection. Your healthcare provider may want to do tests to check your liver while you take ATRIPLA or may switch you to another medicine.

Please see Patient Information on the following pages.

• Have ever had mental illness or are using drugs or alcohol • Have ever had seizures or are taking medicine for seizures. Seizures have occurred in patients taking efavirenz, a component of ATRIPLA, generally in those with a history of seizures. If you have ever had seizures, or take medicine for seizures, your healthcare provider may want to switch you to another medicine or monitor you. What important information should I know about taking other medicines with ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA may change the effect of other medicines, including the ones for HIV-1, and may cause serious side effects. Your healthcare provider may change your other medicines or change their doses.

POWER TO HELP YOU BE UNDETECTABLE

2.17.2016 •

ATRIPLA (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) Important Safety Information (continued) What are the possible side effects of ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA may cause the following additional serious side effects: • Serious psychiatric problems. Severe depression, strange thoughts, or angry behavior have been reported by a small number of patients. Some patients have had thoughts of suicide, and a few have actually committed suicide. These problems may occur more often in patients who have had mental illness. • Kidney problems (including decline or failure of kidney function). If you have had kidney problems, or take other medicines that may cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider should do regular blood tests. Symptoms that may be related to kidney problems include a high volume of urine, thirst, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. • Other serious liver problems. Some patients have experienced serious liver problems, including liver failure resulting in transplantation or death. Most of these serious side effects occurred in patients with a chronic liver disease such as hepatitis infection, but there have also been a few reports in patients without any existing liver disease. • Changes in bone mineral density (thinning bones). Lab tests show changes in the bones of patients treated with tenofovir DF, a component of ATRIPLA. Some HIV patients treated with tenofovir DF developed thinning of the bones (osteopenia), which could lead to fractures. Also, bone pain and softening of the bone (which may lead to fractures) may occur as a consequence of kidney problems. If you have had bone problems in the past, your healthcare provider may want to do tests to check your bones or may prescribe medicines to help your bones. Common side effects: • Patients may have dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, trouble concentrating, and/or unusual dreams during treatment with ATRIPLA. These side effects may be reduced if you take ATRIPLA at bedtime on an empty stomach; they tend to go away after taking ATRIPLA for a few weeks. Tell your healthcare provider right away if any of these side effects continue or if they bother you. These symptoms may be more severe if ATRIPLA is used with alcohol and/or mood-altering (street) drugs. • If you are dizzy, have trouble concentrating, and/or are drowsy, avoid activities that may be dangerous, such as driving or operating machinery. • Rash is a common side effect with ATRIPLA that usually goes away without any change in treatment. Rash may be serious in a small number of patients. Rash occurs more commonly in children and may be a serious problem. If a rash develops, call your healthcare provider right away. • Other common side effects include: tiredness, upset stomach, vomiting, gas, and diarrhea. Other possible side effects: • Changes in body fat have been seen in some people taking anti-HIV-1 medicines. Increase of fat in the upper back and neck, breasts, and around the trunk may happen. Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The cause and long-term health effects of these changes in body fat are not known. • Skin discoloration (small spots or freckles) may also happen. • In some patients with advanced HIV infection (AIDS), signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections may occur soon after anti-HIV treatment is started. If you notice any symptoms of infection, contact your healthcare provider right away. • Additional side effects are inflammation of the pancreas, allergic reaction (including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), shortness of breath, pain, stomach pain, weakness, and indigestion. This is not a complete list of side effects. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you notice any side effects while taking ATRIPLA. You should take ATRIPLA once daily on an empty stomach. Taking ATRIPLA at bedtime may make some side effects less bothersome. Please see Full Prescribing Information, including “What is the most important information I should know about ATRIPLA” in the Patient Information section. Please see Patient Information on adjacent and following pages.

© 2015 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. ATRIPLA is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. SUSTIVA is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. 697US1500145-19-01 11/15

• 2.17.2016

Patient Information

ATRIPLA® (efavirenz/em Patient Information

ATRIPLA® (uh TRIP luh) Tablets

ATRIPLA® (uh TRIP luh) Tablets allowing your immune ALERT: Find out about medicines that should taken with ALERT: Find NOT out be about medicines that the should lowers chanceNOT of de ATRIPLA (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate). ATRIPLA (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate). (opportunistic infections Please also read the section “MEDICINES YOUPlease SHOULD WITH“MEDICINES ATRIPLA.” YOU alsoNOT read TAKE the section SHOULD NOTcure TAKE Does ATRIPLA HI

Generic name: efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir fumarateemtricitabine (eh FAH vihand tenofovir Generic disoproxil name: efavirenz, ATRIPLAdisoproxil does not fum cu renz, em tri SIT uh bean and te NOE’ fo veer dyerenz, soeem PROX il FYOU marand ate)te NOE’ fo veer dye tri SIT uh bean soe PROX il FYOUwim illnesses associated

remain under theyou care Read the Patient Information that comes with ATRIPLA youInformation start takingthat it and eachwith ATRIPLA Read thebefore Patient comes before stao time you get a refill since there may be new information. This information doesmay not be takenew information. time you get a refill since there Who shouldThis notinform take A the place of talking to your healthcare provider about yourofmedical or treatment. the place talking condition to your healthcare provider about your medical con Together with your You should stay under a healthcare provider’s when Do not Youcare should staytaking underATRIPLA. a healthcare provider’s care when takinghe change or stop your medicine without first change talking or with your healthcare stop your medicineprovider. without firstright talking with your he for you. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist ifTalk youtohave questionsprovider about ATRIPLA. yourany healthcare or pharmacist if you have any questio Do not take ATRIPLA if What is the most important information I should Whatknow is theabout mostATRIPLA? important information I should know of about ATR ingredients ATRIPLA leaflet for a complete lis ∙ Some people who have taken medicine like (which contains nucleoside ∙ ATRIPLA Some people who have taken medicine like ATRIPLA (which co

analogs) have developed a serious condition called have lacticdeveloped acidosis (build up of condition analogs) a serious called Ilactic What should tell myach an acid in the blood). Lactic acidosis can be aan medical mayacidosis need tocan be a medical emergenc acid inemergency the blood).and Lactic Tell your healthcare be treated in the hospital. Call your healthcare away if you beprovider treated inright the hospital. Call get yourthe healthcare provider right pr a following signs or symptoms of lactic acidosis: following signs or symptoms of lactic acidosis: ∙ Are pregnant or p taking ATRIPLA?”). ∙ You feel very weak or tired. ∙ You feel very weak or tired. ∙ You have unusual (not normal) muscle pain. ∙ You have unusual (not normal) muscle pain.∙ Are breastfeeding ( ∙ You have trouble breathing. ∙ You have trouble breathing. ∙ Have kidney proble ∙ You have stomach pain with nausea and vomiting. ∙ You have stomach pain with nausea and vomiting. ∙ Have bone problem ∙ You feel cold, especially in your arms and legs. ∙ You feel cold, especially in your arms and legs. ∙ Have liver problems ∙ You feel dizzy or lightheaded. ∙ You feel dizzy or lightheaded. may want to do tests another medicine. ∙ You have a fast or irregular heartbeat. ∙ You have a fast or irregular heartbeat.

Have ever had mend ∙ Some people who have taken medicines∙like ATRIPLA have serious Some people whodeveloped have taken medicines∙ like ATRIPLA have liver problems called hepatotoxicity, with liver (hepatomegaly) and with liverenlargement problems called hepatotoxicity, liver enlargement (h ∙ Have ever had seizu fat in the liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare right away if you fatprovider in the liver (steatosis). Call get yourthe healthcare provider right a What important info following signs or symptoms of liver problems: following signs or symptoms of liver problems: with ATRIPLA? ∙ Your skin or the white part of your eyes turns ∙yellow Your(jaundice). skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice). ATRIPLA may change ∙ Your urine turns dark. ∙ Your urine turns dark. and may cause seriou ∙ Your bowel movements (stools) turn light in color. ∙ Your bowel movements (stools) turn light in color. medicines or change th ∙ You don’t feel like eating food for several days∙ orYou longer. don’t feel like eating food for several days or longer. ATRIPLA. For this reas pharmacists know what ∙ You feel sick to your stomach (nausea). ∙ You feel sick to your stomach (nausea). ∙ You have lower stomach area (abdominal) pain. ∙ You have lower stomach area (abdominal) pain. MEDICINES YOU SHO ∙ You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or may liver be problems if youtoare ∙ You more likely getfemale, lactic acidosis or liver problem ∙ ATRIPLA also sh very overweight (obese), or have been taking nucleoside analog-containing medicines, very overweight (obese), or have been taking nucleoside analog-co ® COMPLERA , EMTR like ATRIPLA, for a long time. like ATRIPLA, for a long time. lamivudine), STRIBI ∙ If you also have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection stop takingBATRIPLA, ∙ If you and alsoyou have hepatitis virus (HBV) infection and you sto or VIREAD. ATRIPLA you may get a “flare-up” of your hepatitis.you A “flare-up” when theofdisease may get ais“flare-up” your hepatitis. A healthcare “flare-up”prov is your suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Patientsreturns with HBV stopway taking suddenly in awho worse than before. Patients with HB ∙ Vfend (voriconazole ATRIPLA need close medical follow-up for several months, medicalfollow-up exams for several months, includ ATRIPLA needincluding close medical may increase the cha and blood tests to check for hepatitis that could getting ATRIPLA is not that could be getting wors and be blood testsworse. to check for hepatitis ATRIPLA not approved for the treatment of HBV, so you must discuss for your therapyofwith approved theHBV treatment HBV,your so you∙must discussshould your HBV healthcare provider. healthcare provider. It is also important to te What is ATRIPLA? What is ATRIPLA? ∙ Fortovase, Invirase ® SporanoxEMTRIVA (itracona EMTRIVA3® medicines, (emtricitabine) and ® (efavirenz), ATRIPLA contains 3 medicines, SUSTIVA® (efavirenz), ATRIPLA contains SUSTIVA ® medicines n tenofovir DF) combined one pill.also called VIREAD® (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate also called (tenofovir disoproxil in fumarate tenofovir may DF) co VIREAD EMTRIVA and VIREAD are HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus) nucleoside EMTRIVA and VIREAD are HIV-1 analog (human immunodeficiency with ATRIPLA.virus) reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and SUSTIVA an HIV-1 non-nucleoside analog reverseistranscriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and SUSTIVA is anchannel HIV-1 non ∙ Calcium bl reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). VIREAD and EMTRIVA are inhibitor the components reverse transcriptase (NNRTI).ofVIREAD and EMTRIVA are Isoptin (verapamil) ® ® complete regimen, or incan combination with as a complete regimen, or . ATRIPLA be used alone TRUVADA . ATRIPLA can be used alone as a TRUVADA immunosuppressan other anti-HIV-1 medicines to treat people with other HIV-1anti-HIV-1 infection. ATRIPLA adults and with HIV-1 infection. ATRIP medicinesistofortreat people and others), Prog children 12 years of age and older who weigh children at least 12 40 years kg (at of least lbs). ATRIPLA age88and older who weigh at least 40 kg (at leas Mycobutin (rifabu is not recommended for children younger thanis12notyears of age. ATRIPLA has not been than 12 years of age. ATR recommended for children younger Lipitor (atorvastatin studied in adults over 65 years of age. studied in adults over 65 years of age. or the anti-depre HIV infection destroys CD4+ T cells, whichHIV are infection importantdestroys to the immune CD4+ T system. cells, which are important the Wellbutrin XL,toand The immune system helps fight infection. AfterThe a large number of T helps cells are immune system fightdestroyed, infection. After awhen large number of T c these drugs acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) develops. acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) develops. ∙ Videx, Videx EC (did amount of dida ATRIPLA helps block HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, a viral helps chemical in HIV-1 your body (enzyme) ATRIPLA block reverse transcriptase,the a viral chemical in y You may need toof that is needed for HIV-1 to multiply. ATRIPLA that lowers the amount of HIV-1 in the blood is needed for HIV-1 to multiply. ATRIPLA lowers the amount together (viral load). ATRIPLA may also help to increase number of T cells (CD4+help cells), (viralthe load). ATRIPLA may also to increasedidanosine the number of T

mtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil ATRIPLA®fumarate) (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)

ATRIPLA® (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)

ATRIPLA® (efavirenz/emtricitabi

system to improve. Lowering amount of HIV-1 theimprove. blood Lowering the amount of HIV-1 in the blood allowingtheyour immune systemin to be ortaken with eath infections that happen your immune is weakthat happen when your immune system is weak lowerswhen the chance of deathsystem or infections s). (opportunistic infections). EIV-1 WITH ATRIPLA.” or AIDS? Does ATRIPLA cure HIV-1 or AIDS?

∙ Reyataz (atazanavir sulfate), Prezista (darunavir) with Norvir (ritonavir), or Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir); these medicines may increase the amount of tenofovir DF (a component of ATRIPLA) in your blood, which could result in more side effects. Reyataz is not recommended with ATRIPLA. You may need to be monitored more carefully if you are taking ATRIPLA, Prezista, and Norvir together, or if you are taking ATRIPLA and Kaletra together. The dose of Kaletra should be increased when taken with efavirenz.

∙ Avoid doing things that can sp ∙ Do not share needles or o ∙ Do not share personal ite toothbrushes and razor b ∙ Do not have any kind of using a latex or polyuretha semen, vaginal secretions,

marate (ehinfection FAH vihor AIDS ure HIV-1 and you may to experience ATRIPLA does notcontinue cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS and you may continue to experience mar ate) infection, including ith HIV-1 opportunistic You should including opportunistic infections. You should illnesses associatedinfections. with HIV-1 infection,

ofrt ataking doctor when using ATRIPLA. remain under the care of a doctor when using ATRIPLA. it and each mation does not take ATRIPLA? Who should not take ATRIPLA? ndition or treatment. ealthcare need towith decide ATRIPLA is you need to decide whether ATRIPLA is yourwhether healthcare provider, ATRIPLA. provider, Do not youTogether ealthcare provider. right for you. ons about ATRIPLA. f you are allergic to ATRIPLA any ATRIPLA of its ingredients. activeto ATRIPLA or any of its ingredients. The active Do notortake if you areThe allergic AIPLA? are efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir DF. See end of emtricitabine, this ingredients of ATRIPLA are the efavirenz, and tenofovir DF. See the end of this st of ingredients. leaflet for a complete list of ingredients. ontains nucleoside

cidosis (build up of before healthcare provider Whattaking shouldATRIPLA? I tell my healthcare provider before taking ATRIPLA? cy and may need to rovider if you: Tell your healthcare provider if you: away if you get the lanning to become pregnant (see “What I avoid while pregnant (see “What should I avoid while ∙ Are pregnant or should planning to become taking ATRIPLA?”).

(see “What should I avoid∙ while ATRIPLA?”). Are taking breastfeeding (see “What should I avoid while taking ATRIPLA?”).

ems or are undergoing kidney ∙ Havedialysis kidney treatment. problems or are undergoing kidney dialysis treatment.

ms.

∙ Have bone problems.

s, including hepatitis B∙virus infection. Your healthcare provider Have liver problems, including hepatitis B virus infection. Your healthcare provider s to check your liver while you ATRIPLA or may switchyour youliver to while you take ATRIPLA or may switch you to maytake want to do tests to check another medicine.

ntal illness or are using ∙drugs orever alcohol. Have had mental illness or are using drugs or alcohol. developed serious hepatomegaly) andmedicine ures or are taking for seizures. ∙ Have ever had seizures or are taking medicine for seizures. away if you get the ormation should I know taking other medicines What about important information should I know about taking other medicines with ATRIPLA?

e the effect of other medicines, including thethe ones for HIV-1, ATRIPLA may change effect of other medicines, including the ones for HIV-1, us side effects. Your healthcare may change your other and may provider cause serious side effects. Your healthcare provider may change your other heir doses. Other medicines, including herbal products, may affect medicines or change their doses. Other medicines, including herbal products, may affect son, it is very importantATRIPLA. to let all For yourthis healthcare and reason, itproviders is very important to let all your healthcare providers and t medications, herbal supplements, vitamins are taking.herbal supplements, or vitamins you are taking. pharmacistsorknow whatyou medications,

OULD NOT TAKE WITH ATRIPLA MEDICINES YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE WITH ATRIPLA ms if younot are be female, hould used with Combiviralso(lamivudine/zidovudine), ∙ ATRIPLA should not be used with Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine), ontaining medicines, ® COMPLERAEpzicom RIVA, Epivir, Epivir-HBV (lamivudine), (abacavir , EMTRIVA, Epivir,sulfate/ Epivir-HBV (lamivudine), Epzicom (abacavir sulfate/ ILD®, Trizivir (abacavir sulfate/lamivudine/zidovudine), lamivudine), STRIBILD®, Trizivir TRUVADA, (abacavir sulfate/lamivudine/zidovudine), TRUVADA, taking ATRIPLA, Ap also should not be used with SUSTIVA unless recommended or VIREAD. ATRIPLA also should notbybe used with SUSTIVA unless recommended by when the disease vider. your healthcare provider. BV who stop taking e) should not be taken with since it mayshould lose itsnot effect or with ATRIPLA since it may lose its effect or ∙ ATRIPLA Vfend (voriconazole) be taken ding medical exams ance of having side effects from may ATRIPLA. increase the chance of having side effects from ATRIPLA. se. ATRIPLA is not used with ∙® (adefovir ATRIPLAdipivoxil). should not be used with HEPSERA® (adefovir dipivoxil). Vbetherapy withHEPSERA your

ell your healthcare provider you are taking to any the following: It isif also important tellofyour healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following:

e (saquinavir), Biaxin (clarithromycin), Noxafil (saquinavir), (posaconazole), ∙ Fortovase, Invirase Biaxin (clarithromycin), Noxafil (posaconazole), azole), Victrelisand (boceprevir), or Olysio (simeprevir); these(boceprevir), or Olysio (simeprevir); these Sporanox (itraconazole), Victrelis (emtricitabine) need to inbeone replaced with another may medicine medicines need when to be taken replaced with another medicine when taken ombined pill. nucleoside analog with ATRIPLA. n-nucleoside lockers suchanalog as Cardizem or Tiazac (diltiazem), Covera ∙ Calcium channel blockers suchHS as or Cardizem or Tiazac (diltiazem), Covera HS or the components of ) and others; Crixivan (indinavir), Selzentry (maraviroc); the Isoptin (verapamil) and others; Crixivan (indinavir), Selzentry (maraviroc); the in combination with nt medicines cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, medicines Sandimmune, immunosuppressant cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, PLA is for adults and graf (tacrolimus), or Rapamune (sirolimus); Methadone; or Rapamune (sirolimus); Methadone; and others), Prograf (tacrolimus), st 88 lbs). ATRIPLA utin); Rifampin; cholesterol-lowering medicinesRifampin; such as cholesterol-lowering medicines such as Mycobutin (rifabutin); RIPLA has not been n), Pravachol (pravastatinLipitor sodium), and Zocor Pravachol (simvastatin); (atorvastatin), (pravastatin sodium), and Zocor (simvastatin); ssant medications bupropion Wellbutrin SR, bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, or the (Wellbutrin, anti-depressant medications eZyban) immune system.(sertraline); or Zoloft dose changes may beorneeded Wellbutrin XL, and Zyban) Zoloft (sertraline); dose changes may be needed destroyed, scells are are taken with ATRIPLA.when these drugs are taken with ATRIPLA.

danosine); tenofovir DF ∙(a component ATRIPLA) may increase Videx, VidexofEC (didanosine); tenofovir DF (a component of ATRIPLA) may increase anosine in (enzyme) your blood, which result in more side effects. the could amount of didanosine in your blood, which could result in more side effects. your body be monitored more carefully if you are to taking ATRIPLA and You may need be monitored more carefully if you are taking ATRIPLA and HIV-1 in the blood r.cells Also,(CD4+ the dose of didanosine may need to be changed. didanosine together. Also, the dose of didanosine may need to be changed. cells),

∙ Medicine for seizures [for example, Dilantin (phenytoin), Tegretol (carbamazepine), or phenobarbital]; your healthcare provider may want to switch you to another medicine or check drug levels in your blood from time to time. These are not all the medicines that may cause problems if you take ATRIPLA. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take. Keep a complete list of all the prescription and nonprescription medicines as well as any herbal remedies that you are taking, how much you take, and how often you take them. Make a new list when medicines or herbal remedies are added or stopped, or if the dose changes. Give copies of this list to all of your healthcare providers and pharmacists every time you visit your healthcare provider or fill a prescription. This will give your healthcare provider a complete picture of the medicines you use. Then he or she can decide the best approach for your situation. How should I take ATRIPLA? ∙ Take the exact amount of ATRIPLA your healthcare provider prescribes. Never change the dose on your own. Do not stop this medicine unless your healthcare provider tells you to stop. ∙ You should take ATRIPLA on an empty stomach. ∙ Swallow ATRIPLA with water. ∙ Taking ATRIPLA at bedtime may make some side effects less bothersome. ∙ Do not miss a dose of ATRIPLA. If you forget to take ATRIPLA, take the missed dose right away, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the next dose. Carry on with your regular dosing schedule. If you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. ∙ If you believe you took more than the prescribed amount of ATRIPLA, contact your local poison control center or emergency room right away. ∙ Tell your healthcare provider if you start any new medicine or change how you take old ones. Your doses may need adjustment. ∙ When your ATRIPLA supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. This is very important because the amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. The virus may develop resistance to ATRIPLA and become harder to treat. ∙ Your healthcare provider may want to do blood tests to check for certain side effects while you take ATRIPLA. What should I avoid while taking ATRIPLA? ∙ Women should not become pregnant while taking ATRIPLA and for 12 weeks after stopping it. Serious birth defects have been seen in the babies of animals and women treated with efavirenz (a component of ATRIPLA) during pregnancy. It is not known whether efavirenz caused these defects. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you are pregnant. Also talk with your healthcare provider if you want to become pregnant. ∙ Women should not rely only on hormone-based birth control, such as pills, injections, or implants, because ATRIPLA may make these contraceptives ineffective. Women must use a reliable form of barrier contraception, such as a condom or diaphragm, even if they also use other methods of birth control. Efavirenz, a component of ATRIPLA, may remain in your blood for a time after therapy is stopped. Therefore, you should continue to use contraceptive measures for 12 weeks after you stop taking ATRIPLA. ∙ Do not breastfeed if you are taking ATRIPLA. Some of the medicines in ATRIPLA can be passed to your baby in your breast milk. We do not know whether it could harm your baby. Also, mothers with HIV-1 should not breastfeed because HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in the breast milk. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding. You should stop breastfeeding or may need to use a different medicine. ∙ Taking ATRIPLA with alcohol or other medicines causing similar side effects as ATRIPLA, such as drowsiness, may increase those side effects. ∙ Do not take any other medicines, including prescription and nonprescription medicines and herbal products, without checking with your healthcare provider.

What are the possible side effe

ATRIPLA may cause the follow

∙ Lactic acidosis (buildup of a emergency and may need to b right away if you get signs information I should know abo ∙ Serious liver problems (hep fat in the liver (steatosis). Call of liver problems. (See “What ATRIPLA?”) ∙ “Flare-ups” of hepatitis B returns in a worse way than b ATRIPLA. Your healthcare pro stopping ATRIPLA if you hav treatment for your HBV. ATRIP infection. If you have advanc “flare-up” of hepatitis B may ca ∙ Serious psychiatric problem depression, strange thoughts, have thoughts of suicide and may occur more often in patien provider right away if you thin healthcare provider can decide ∙ Kidney problems (including kidney problems in the past o your healthcare provider sh Symptoms that may be relate thirst, muscle pain, and muscle ∙ Other serious liver proble problems including liver failu serious side effects occurred infection, but there have als liver disease. ∙ Changes in bone mineral de in the bones of patients treate patients treated with tenofovir could lead to fractures. If you provider may need to do test medicines to help your bone of the bone (which may con kidney problems. Common side effects:

Patients may have dizziness concentrating, and/or unusual effects may be reduced if you tak tend to go away after you have common side effects, such as diz psychiatric problems, such as se Tell your healthcare provider rig bother you. It is possible that the with alcohol or mood altering (str

If you are dizzy, have trouble co dangerous, such as driving or op

Rash may be common. Rashes small number of patients, rash m provider right away. Rash may b healthcare provider right away if is taking ATRIPLA.

2.17.2016 •

ate)

ATRIPLA® (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)

th Norvir (ritonavir), or crease the amount of hich could result in more A. You may need to be zista, and Norvir together, ose of Kaletra should be

∙ Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 to others. ∙ Do not share needles or other injection equipment. ∙ Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades. ∙ Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.

Other common side effects include tiredness, upset stomach, vomiting, gas, and diarrhea.

What are the possible side effects of ATRIPLA?

∙ Skin discoloration (small spots or freckles) may also happen with ATRIPLA.

egretol (carbamazepine), o switch you to another e.

ms if you take ATRIPLA. s that you take.

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s bothersome.

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such as pills, injections, or s ineffective. Women must dom or diaphragm, even if mponent of ATRIPLA, may efore, you should continue king ATRIPLA.

he medicines in ATRIPLA now whether it could harm d because HIV-1 can be thcare provider if you are use a different medicine.

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nonprescription medicines rovider.

ATRIPLA may cause the following serious side effects: ∙ Lactic acidosis (buildup of an acid in the blood). Lactic acidosis can be a medical emergency and may need to be treated in the hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get signs of lactic acidosis. (See “What is the most important information I should know about ATRIPLA?”) ∙ Serious liver problems (hepatotoxicity), with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and fat in the liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any signs of liver problems. (See “What is the most important information I should know about ATRIPLA?”) ∙ “Flare-ups” of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, in which the disease suddenly returns in a worse way than before, can occur if you have HBV and you stop taking ATRIPLA. Your healthcare provider will monitor your condition for several months after stopping ATRIPLA if you have both HIV-1 and HBV infection and may recommend treatment for your HBV. ATRIPLA is not approved for the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection. If you have advanced liver disease and stop treatment with ATRIPLA, the “flare-up” of hepatitis B may cause your liver function to decline. ∙ Serious psychiatric problems. A small number of patients may experience severe depression, strange thoughts, or angry behavior while taking ATRIPLA. Some patients have thoughts of suicide and a few have actually committed suicide. These problems may occur more often in patients who have had mental illness. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you think you are having these psychiatric symptoms, so your healthcare provider can decide if you should continue to take ATRIPLA. ∙ Kidney problems (including decline or failure of kidney function). If you have had kidney problems in the past or take other medicines that can cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider should do regular blood tests to check your kidneys. Symptoms that may be related to kidney problems include a high volume of urine, thirst, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. ∙ Other serious liver problems. Some patients have experienced serious liver problems including liver failure resulting in transplantation or death. Most of these serious side effects occurred in patients with a chronic liver disease such as hepatitis infection, but there have also been a few reports in patients without any existing liver disease. ∙ Changes in bone mineral density (thinning bones). Laboratory tests show changes in the bones of patients treated with tenofovir DF, a component of ATRIPLA. Some HIV patients treated with tenofovir DF developed thinning of the bones (osteopenia) which could lead to fractures. If you have had bone problems in the past, your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bone mineral density or may prescribe medicines to help your bone mineral density. Additionally, bone pain and softening of the bone (which may contribute to fractures) may occur as a consequence of kidney problems. Common side effects: Patients may have dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, trouble concentrating, and/or unusual dreams during treatment with ATRIPLA. These side effects may be reduced if you take ATRIPLA at bedtime on an empty stomach. They also tend to go away after you have taken the medicine for a few weeks. If you have these common side effects, such as dizziness, it does not mean that you will also have serious psychiatric problems, such as severe depression, strange thoughts, or angry behavior. Tell your healthcare provider right away if any of these side effects continue or if they bother you. It is possible that these symptoms may be more severe if ATRIPLA is used with alcohol or mood altering (street) drugs. If you are dizzy, have trouble concentrating, or are drowsy, avoid activities that may be dangerous, such as driving or operating machinery. Rash may be common. Rashes usually go away without any change in treatment. In a small number of patients, rash may be serious. If you develop a rash, call your healthcare provider right away. Rash may be a serious problem in some children. Tell your child’s healthcare provider right away if you notice rash or any other side effects while your child is taking ATRIPLA.

Other possible side effects with ATRIPLA: ∙ Changes in body fat. Changes in body fat develop in some patients taking anti HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include an increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), in the breasts, and around the trunk. Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The cause and long-term health effects of these fat changes are not known. ∙ In some patients with advanced HIV infection (AIDS), signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections may occur soon after anti-HIV treatment is started. It is believed that these symptoms are due to an improvement in the body’s immune response, enabling the body to fight infections that may have been present with no obvious symptoms. If you notice any symptoms of infection, please inform your doctor immediately. ∙ Additional side effects are inflammation of the pancreas, allergic reaction (including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), shortness of breath, pain, stomach pain, weakness and indigestion. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you notice any side effects while taking ATRIPLA. Contact your healthcare provider before stopping ATRIPLA because of side effects or for any other reason. This is not a complete list of side effects possible with ATRIPLA. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a more complete list of side effects of ATRIPLA and all the medicines you will take. How do I store ATRIPLA? ∙ Keep ATRIPLA and all other medicines out of reach of children. ∙ Store ATRIPLA at room temperature 77°F (25°C). ∙ Keep ATRIPLA in its original container and keep the container tightly closed. ∙ Do not keep medicine that is out of date or that you no longer need. If you throw any medicines away make sure that children will not find them. General information about ATRIPLA: Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use ATRIPLA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give ATRIPLA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. This leaflet summarizes the most important information about ATRIPLA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about ATRIPLA that is written for health professionals. Do not use ATRIPLA if the seal over bottle opening is broken or missing. What are the ingredients of ATRIPLA? Active Ingredients: efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate Inactive Ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate. The film coating contains black iron oxide, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, red iron oxide, talc, and titanium dioxide. Revised: November 2015 ATRIPLA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. COMPLERA, EMTRIVA, HEPSERA, STRIBILD, TRUVADA, and VIREAD are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. SUSTIVA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company. Reyataz and Videx are trademarks of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Pravachol is a trademark of ER Squibb & Sons, LLC. Other brands listed are the trademarks of their respective owners. 21-937-GS-015 ATRC0130

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United States Congressmen David Cicilline and Patrick Murphy.

congRessmen say lgbt aDvances at stake in geneRal election Murphy responds to opponent’s scandal

John McDonald

nited States Congressmen David Cicilline and Patrick Murphy made a stop in Fort Lauderdale Friday evening, Feb. 12, speaking to a small group of donors at a local coffee shop. Cicilline, a Rhode Island Democrat, helped to author and introduce the Equality Act, a sweeping piece of civil rights legislation that is inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity. An openly gay man, Cicilline said if the Equality Act is to move forward more Democrats must be elected to office. “This election is very important,” Cicilline said. “The party in charge sets the agenda. Everything we have hangs in the balance. It is clear the Democratic Party respects our community and respects us as human beings.” Murphy agreed and said if the wrong people are elected in November, all of the gains achieved by the LGBT community during the Obama administration could be repealed. “If we are really going to make a difference you gotta work,” Murphy said. “Because I can assure you our friends on the other side of the aisle are going to outspend us. We cannot let them outwork us.” Murphy represents House District 18, a large swath of land covering parts of Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties. The 32-year-old accountant grew up in the Florida Keys and rose out of the construction industry to defeat Tea Party Congressman Allen West in the 2012 general election.

“Patrick is a very supportive ally of the LGBT community,” said Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Dean J. Trantalis, who attended Friday’s reception. “He has been unwavering in supporting our issues. Both Patrick and David are important examples of strong leadership and balanced ideas, something Congress is sorely lacking.” Murphy is campaigning for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Marco Rubio, but faces a battle for the Democratic nomination from fellow congressman Alan Grayson and diplomat Pam Keith. Grayson, a liberal firebrand from Orlando, is currently entangled in scandal as the New York Times published a front page story Feb. 12 of the congressman’s management of an off shore hedge fund. Emails obtained by the Times show Grayson boasting of capitalizing on economic and political turmoil in global markets, going as far as to urge investors to take advantage of ‘blood in the streets.’ On the same day the Times story hit the streets, Murphy was in Fort Lauderdale. When asked by SFGN for reaction, Murphy said “This sort of behavior by members of Congress that say one thing and do another is exactly what voters don’t like and it gives members of Congress or any elected official a bad name. It’s very disappointing. Voters obviously have a big decision to make here and they are going to have a very clear decision. This sort of behavior to me speaks to integrity, speaks to character.”

Funding for this organization is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council, and with the support of the MiamiDade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.

2.17.2016 •

news national

Scalia Dies

What this means for the LGBT community Lisa Keen Keen News Service

“I believe his strongest influence has been as a trumpeter, calling to rally the Religious Right. His intemperate tone has seemed intended to inspire anger and alarm among those working for reactionary causes....[G]iven how frequently his dissents have been cited as authority by the lower courts, he certainly has had influence in slowing LGBT legal progress that way, as well as by motivating political outrage against, and defiance against, liberal court decisions.” Jenny Pizer

Photo: US Supreme Court

Lambda senior counsel

• 2.17.2016

ntonin Scalia, the U.S. Supreme Court justice most hostile to equal rights for LGBT people, has died, and a threat by Republicans in Congress to block President Obama from naming his replacement promises to escalate the nation’s already bitter political civil war. “Justice Scalia was a gleeful and influential political culture-warrior as well as … a towering figure who cast a dark shadow on the law and on the lives of many Americans,” said Evan Wolfson, who headed up the national Freedom to Marry group. “More than just a dependable ‘No’ vote on the constitutional and civil rights of gay people and others, he reveled in disparagement and incendiary attacks that influenced many judges, politicians, and lawyers, and epitomized the prejudices and exclusion we were working, fortunately with some success, to overcome.” Such was the spirit of reaction by most LGBT legal activists to the news Saturday evening that Justice Antonin Scalia was found dead earlier that day in his hotel suite at a private resort in west Texas. The news sent shockwaves through the legal community and the current field of presidential candidates. Within hours of news of Scalia’s death, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement saying the Senate should not consider a nominee “until we have a new President,” and during Saturday night’s GOP debate, most of the remaining six candidates agreed. But President Obama made clear that he intends to fulfill his duty to name a replacement, and LGBT legal activists have good reason to feel confident that President Obama will nominate someone who will recognize the right of LGBT citizens to enjoy the protections of the U.S. constitution.

Many political observers say they believe it is unlikely that Congress will allow the seat to remain open for the 12 months or more it would take for a new president to assume office. And it’s a big gamble for Republicans to presume that the GOP’s eventual presidential nominee will win in November. If Congress does stall the nomination process, the Supreme Court will operate with eight justices. That scenario could potentially improve chances of positive outcomes on LGBT-related cases, given that Justice Anthony Kennedy often votes with the court’s more liberal wing on LGBT cases. “It is already apparent that one result of Justice Scalia’s passing will be to focus public attention on how important the Supreme Court is to the lives of all Americans, which I think is a good thing,” said Jon Davidson, national legal director for Lambda Legal. Davidson said he expects history will judge Scalia “quite harshly” when it comes to the rights of LGBT people, women, and people of color. Davidson’s colleague, Jenny Pizer, Lambda senior counsel, said Scalia’s “contempt for gay people will look increasingly anachronistic -- and disturbed -- over time.” “I believe his strongest influence has been as a trumpeter, calling to rally the Religious Right,” said Pizer. “His intemperate tone has seemed intended to inspire anger and alarm among those working for reactionary causes....[G]iven how frequently his dissents have been cited as authority by the lower courts, he certainly has had influence in slowing LGBT legal progress that way, as well as by

news national motivating political outrage against, and defiance against, liberal court decisions.” Justice Scalia was the current Supreme Court’s most staunch conservative, and one who often wrote dissenting opinions to the court’s most historic rulings on LGBT-related cases. Appointed to the court by President Reagan in 1986, Scalia always voted against the interests of gay people in cases before the court –beginning with the 1987 decision, 5 to 4, allowing the U.S. Olympic Committee to ban Gay Games from calling itself the Gay Olympics. He also joined the unanimous decision in 1995 to allow St. Patrick’s Day parade organizers in Boston to exclude a gay contingent, and was with the majority 5 to 4 decision in 2000 to allow the Boy Scouts of America to revoke the membership of an Eagle Scout because he was gay. What really marked Scalia as anti-gay were his dissents to pro-LGBT decisions. They began in 1996 with his vigorous complaint in dissent to a 6 to 3 majority opinion in Romer v. Evans –a majority opinion that struck down a Colorado law that had barred any political subdivision in the state from prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. Scalia derided the majority for saying the state law was driven by “animus.” “Of course it is our moral heritage that one should not hate any human being or class of human beings,” wrote Scalia. But, he said, “one could consider certain conduct reprehensible--murder, for example, or polygamy, or cruelty to animals--and could exhibit even ‘animus’ toward such conduct. Surely that is the only sort of ‘animus’ at issue here: moral disapproval of homosexual conduct….” In 2003, Scalia led the dissent against a 6 to 3 majority in Lawrence v. Texas, which had struck down state laws banning consensual intimate relations between adult persons of the same gender. Scalia said the Texas law, which made it a felony for two adults of the same sex to engage in sexual relations in the privacy of their bedroom, simply sought “to further the

“His opinions about LGBT people were particularly harsh, and he wrote about them in openly disparaging terms that perpetuated the most damaging and vicious stereotypes.” Shannon Minter

legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights

belief of its citizens that certain forms of sexual behavior are ‘immoral and unacceptable.’” Other such behaviors, he said, included “fornication, bigamy, adultery, adult incest, bestiality, and obscenity.” Almost 10 years later, in response to a question at an appearance before an audience at Princeton, Scalia suggested he made such extreme comparisons because they were “effective.” “I don’t apologize for the things I raised. I’m not comparing homosexuality to murder. I’m comparing the principle that a society may not adopt moral sanctions, moral views, against certain conduct -- I’m comparing that with respect to murder and that with respect to homosexuality.” And Scalia led the dissent in other major LGBT-related cases before the Supreme Court: U.S. v. Windsor, which in 2013 struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act (“…even setting aside traditional moral disapproval of samesex marriage (or indeed same-sex sex), there are many perfectly valid—indeed, downright boring—justifying rationales for this legislation.”) In the most recent LGBT case, Obergefell v. Hodges last year, Scalia led the dissent once again, saying he thought the national public debate over marriage for same-sex couples was “American democracy at its best.” Because Scalia was in dissent on landmark LGBT decisions in recent years, his hostility to LGBT people was held in check to some extent. But he was still seen by LGBT legal activists as an unapologetic rabble rouser for lower court judges and right-wing political figures who shared his disdain for LGBT people. “His opinions about LGBT people were particularly harsh, and he wrote about them in openly disparaging terms that perpetuated the most damaging and vicious stereotypes,” said Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights. “One that particularly stands out is his dissent in Lawrence, when he wrote that ‘Many Americans do not want persons who openly engage in homosexual conduct as partners in their business, as scoutmasters for their children, as teachers in their children’s schools, or as boarders in their home. They view this as protecting themselves and their families from a lifestyle that they believe to be immoral and destructive’.” “[B]y voicing such extreme views,” said Minter, Scalia “gave a stamp of legitimacy to anti-LGBT bias and other deeply reactionary positions and, in that way, pulled the Court’s jurisprudence to the right.” 2.17.2016 •

lgbtqia bites

lesbian

Photo: Youtube.

(AP) Puerto Rican judge Maite Oronoz Rodriguez has been nominated to head the U.S. territory's Supreme Court as the first openly gay chief justice in the United States. The 39-year-old was first appointed to the high court in June 2014. She previously served as the commonwealth's deputy solicitor general and chief legal counselor for the city of San Juan. Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla

• 2.17.2016

bisexual

halsey Reacts to being calleD “tRi bi”

Photo Credit: Justin Higuchi.

PueRto Rican JuDge nominateD as 1st lesbian chief Justice

Compiled by Jillian Melero

announced her nomination as chief justice on Friday afternoon. Gay rights activists hailed the move. Lambda Legal attorney Omar GonzalezPagan on Saturday said the nomination was a significant step toward a judiciary that reflects the growing diversity of the United States. Lambda is a nonprofit group that aims to achieve full civil rights for gay people.

(SFGN) In an interview with Rolling Stone, singer and songwriter Halsey responded to those who call her “tri-bi,” Out Magazine reports. The young artist received the moniker for being bi racial and coming out as bisexual while also being open about her struggle with bi polar disorder. “I fucking hate it,” said Halsey. “The idea that something like that would be trivialized down to a fucking hashtag.”

“I mean, there's a ton of biphobia — people refuse to accept bisexuality as an actual sexuality. And I'm biracial, but also white-passing, which is a unique perspective. So these kids say, like, 'Oh, fucking tri-bi Halsey! She'll never miss an opportunity to talk about it!' I want to sit them down like a mom and go, 'Six months ago you were begging for an artist that would talk about this shit! But then I do, and you say, oh, not her. Someone else.'”

lgbtqia bites transgender

intersex

tasmania PRoPoses changes to legal Recognition of tRans anD inteRsex

Photo: Facebook.

tRansgenDeR foRmeR inmate settles With PRison officials

continued

(AP) A former inmate who had complained that she didn't get adequate treatment for her gender identity condition has settled a lawsuit against Georgia prison officials. Court records show Ashley Diamond voluntarily dismissed her lawsuit Thursday. Her lawyers at the Southern Poverty Law Center say the Department of Corrections agreed to pay Diamond an undisclosed amount of money as part of the settlement.

Diamond's suit, filed a year ago, said prison officials failed to provide adequate treatment for her gender dysphoria, a condition causing a person to experience extreme distress because of a disconnect between their birth sex and gender identity. The Justice Department weighed said in April that officials must treat a gender identity condition just as they would any other condition. Diamond was granted parole in August.

(SFGN) Robin Banks, Tasmania's Antidiscrimination Commissioner, called for a change in the way the state legally recognizes gender identity. Banks has recommended that requirements of sexual assignment surgery and hormone treatment be removed from 1999 Births, Deaths, and Marriages Registration Act, Australia's Star Observer reports.The proposed amendments would bring the Registration Act more in line with the state’s current Anti-Discrimination Act and federal Sex Discrimination Act. “It is unacceptable in 2016 that our

laws still require evidence of expensive, risky and for some precluded surgical procedures for a change of sex to be legally recognized,” Banks said. “Nor is it appropriate that persons with intersex variations be required to have surgical or hormonal interventions to modify their sex characteristics. ‘The options paper recommends that the requirement to undertake surgery be removed and that arrangements for amending sex records more clearly reflect the actual complexities of sex and gender diversity.”

2.17.2016 •

Photo: J.R. Davis.

news local

Jason Parsley

Garden Club digs in, but Pride Center Feud ongoing

espite accusing the Pride Center of stealing their signature event and “strong arming” them, members of the Garden Club showed up last weekend to complete a basic landscaping project on the property. “We will continue being supporters of The Pride Center. Yes, there is no question we feel the Pride Center unfairly and hastily took our Plant Fair away from us. It boggles our minds that they did this. That is what bullies do,” Vice President of the Garden Club, Paul Durbin, told SFGN. “The leadership of the Garden Club intends to take the high road. We are not going to be spiteful and sabotage or fight against our historically largest fundraiser and public relations event of the year. We will continue to do projects for the Pride Center and continue to make contributions to them.” Durbin also took issue with SFGN’s headline on its story two weeks ago, “Pride Center Servers Ties With Garden Club Over Plant Fair,” saying it was misleading and stressed that the Club was not going to leave the Pride Center. “In time we hope the leadership sees that we are an asset to them and will once again become the partners that we have been for the last five years,” Durbin said. “We are the Equality Park Garden Club. We don't want to be the Hagan Park Garden Club, or the Richardson Park Garden Club. We want our gay identity.” The feud all started when the Garden Club held their annual elections in December and it didn’t go the way Robert Boo, the executive director of the Pride Center, wanted. “After the recent course of events within the leadership of the Garden Club I have made the decision that the Pride

• 2.17.2016

Center will not be collaborating with the Garden Club on the name. Durbin even provided SFGN with a list of expenses the Tropical Plant Fair moving forward,” wrote Boo, in an email Garden Club paid to prove they were the original owners it. obtained by SFGN. “The Pride Center will be facilitating this Durbin also pointed out that the Pride Center indirectly Center sanctioned fundraising event on our own.” acknowledged it was their event when they changed the In response Paul Durbin, the club’s newly name of the upcoming event on their vendor elected vice president, cried foul. forms. The original applications called it “The CEO did not like that the membership the “4th Annual A Tropical Plant Fair.” An "There is no of the Garden Club voted by an approximately updated version now refers to the event with 50 to 10 margin to change leadership and he question we feel a new name, “Equality Park Tropical Plant did this to punish us for whatever reason,” he Fair.” the Pride Center said. “The membership of the EPGC did not “We fully supported the Equality Park make this change in leadership only to see us Garden Club solely because of Chuck unfairly and lose our identity.” Nicholls, previous president and founder,” hastily took our Boo told SFGN. “He’s a long-time supporter He further stated: “It is our biggest event and our single biggest Plant Fair away of the Center. And so we did more with the fundraiser, but almost more important than club because of Chuck. Now that Chuck from us." that, it is our biggest new member recruiting was no longer the board chair, my support tool. We have a surge of new members after of the organization was going in a different - Paul Durbin the show concludes,” Durbin said, asserting “It direction.” Vice President of the was our event.” Boo pointed out that while the Garden Equality Park Garden Club Boo sees it differently. Club has been nixed from the event, “That’s their interpretation. The Tropical Nicholls would still be involved in this year’s Plant Fair was Chuck Nicholls’ idea. He planning. The new plant fair will take place approached the center about it,” Boo said. “We supported March 26 and 27 at the Pride Center. Boo did tell the Club that fundraising event. And we’re moving forward with it.” that they would still be allowed to participate as a vendor. Nicholls is the Club’s past president and started the fair “The EPGC is more than welcome to participate as a while he was president of the Garden Club. Garden Club vendor in the plant fair just like any other organization but members provided support for the event including staffing it. will not have any role in the organization and execution,” They also managed its Facebook page and owned the domain Boo wrote.

news local

Dixie hiWay cyclist fatally stRuck in hit anD Run O

n Thursday, Feb. 11, Charles Blackledge, 46, was struck and killed on by a car while bicycling on Dixie Highway near Northeast 16th Court in Fort Lauderdale. Witnesses told police, a silver two-door car hit Blackledge and dragged him 30 feet before speeding away. Crime stoppers are offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the driver. A candlelight vigil was held Sunday evening at the scene where family and friends recalled fond memories of Blackledge. “He could do anything, he was extremely smart,” said Blackledge’s sister, Tonya McElveen. “He always helped people. He was artistic. He could play different instruments. He was so caring.” McElveen drove down from Arkansas to claim her brother’s remains. Nearly thirty people supported her at Sunday night’s candlelight vigil; many of them concerned neighborhood residents. “This is enough,” said Laura Crosenco, a resident who lives just yards away from where Blackledge was killed. “Charles Blackledge is one victim too many. He could be any of us… Enough! The City of Fort Lauderdale needs to

Charles Blackledge, a gay man, was 46

wake up and do something about it.” Even during the vigil, with pedestrians and mourners gathered by the roadway, it was clear many motorists disregarded the posted 30 MPH speed limit. Many raced by the memorial at high rates of speed, without slowing down. “This is disgusting,” said Bob Giaccio, a resident of the neighborhood. “I live here, and I can’t pull into my own driveway without the car behind me honking its horn and giving me the finger. It’s ridiculous.” Meanwhile, Blackledge was remembered as a kind soul who was rarely bothered or angry at life’s circumstances. “He was funny and sweet…the gypsy type,” said Dennis Collage, Blackledge’s ex-boyfriend. “When I met him, I instantly fell in love with him. I hope we can catch whoever did this to him.” Tony Firori, Collage’s current boyfriend, was more matter of fact. “We need to get this piece of shit out of the woods and into jail,” Firori said. “This is not a freeway, it’s a road.” Crosenco said plans have been in the works for years to improve pedestrian conditions along the corridor, but the city is dragging its

feet. Specifically she challenged Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler and Commissioner Dean Trantalis to respond to this tragedy with action and tangible results. Two years ago, one resident, Domingo Cid wrote a full page letter to the editor to SFGN complaining about the city commission’s lack of progress on the corridor. In his letter, Cid singled out Trantalis for his lack of cooperation: “We are the people who have to deal with unsafe conditions on a daily basis,” he wrote, “Why would a commissioner hinder a community so by continually putting up roadblocks to a safe and fundable plan?” Trantalis, who was present at a fundraiser for the re-election of a gay Rhode Island congressman at a coffee shop off Dixie Highway on Friday afternoon, was not present at the vigil for Mr. Blackledge on Thursday evening.

Photo: John McDonald.

John McDonald

Anyone with information about the hit-and-run is encouraged to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.

Escape to Florida’s Hollywood and its world-famous oceanfront Broadwalk and certified “Blue Wave” beaches. Visit the downtown entertainment district brimming with diverse dining, music and nightlife. Trolley and water taxi service available day and night. From full-service resorts to Superior Small LodgingsTM, you will love what you find in Florida’s Hollywood.

VisitHollywoodFL.org 2.17.2016 •

Passages

SFGN WEBMASTER, 46, DIES Staff Report

Dennis James Jozefowicz, 46, the original webmaster for the South Florida Gay News, passed away last Friday morning, February 12, after a very brief illness.

ozefowicz, also known as a popular DJ and host for Karaoke nights at Scandals and the Stable, had gone into the hospital almost two weeks ago, after being diagnosed with a case of ‘double pneumonia.’ However, his conditioned worsened steadily, and Jozefowicz died from acute respiratory distress syndrome. Norm Kent, the publisher of SFGN, issued a statement proclaiming Dennis “an individual who brought devotion and dedication to the tasks he filled so responsibly and reliably every day. Our office is saddened and our hearts are pained by his loss. Too quick, too soon, too sudden." At Scandals, owner Ken Kelley, who is hosting a gathering in Dennis’s memory Wednesday afternoon, stated simply that “Dennis was a great friend to me, and like many, I will miss him so much.” Nicknamed affectionately “Liquorsister,” Dennis was a webmaster, videographer, producer,

DJ, artistic creator and film buff. He was most proud of his home cooking, and living a simple life, content with a drink at the Hard Rock, or producing a video at his home work station while chomping down on leftover Jet’s Pizza. “He helped keep the office calm and sane and responsible,” said Bren Lies, SFGN’s Art Director, who worked beside him for the last two years. Dennis had described himself as a “gay media slave” and worked on the online website NationalGayNews.com prior to joining SFGN in 2010. He became locally popular hosting “The Dennis Show” at Scandals and the Stable, two local country bars in greater Fort Lauderdale. Services memorializing Dennis will be held at the Kalis-McIntee Funeral Home in Wilton Manors. His remains will be returned to his surviving sister and mother, in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

dennIs had descrIbed hImself as a “gay medIa slave” and worked on the onlIne websIte natIonalgaynews.com prIor to JoInIng sfgn In 2010.

• 2.17.2016

Passages

dennIs JoZefowIcZ 1971 - 2016 2.17.2016 â&#x20AC;¢

news local

'We Care' Aims to Reduce LGBT Homelessness Michael d’Oliveira

ultiple LGBT organizations have used a $50,000 donation to found the We Care Program and help prevent and reduce LGBT youth homelessness, which makes up an estimated 40 percent of the country’s total homeless youth population. Several years ago, Jamesly Louis was one of those statistics. Louis grew up in a conservative, Roman Catholic home that wasn’t conducive to accepting him for who he is. “Emotionally, mentally I did not feel safe.” And as he got older and started high school, things got worse. Depression, thoughts of suicide, no job, no prospects, no college plans. “I knew I was going to kill myself. If I would have stayed there [with my family] I would have killed myself.” LGBT persons face social stigma, discrimination, and often rejection by their families, which adds to the physical and mental strains and challenges that all homelessness individuals struggle with.

• 2.17.2016

Fortunately for Louis, 24, who now works for South Beach Insurance and is working on his master’s in business administration, Pridelines was waiting to offer the acceptance and support he needed. “Finding Pridelines is like finding the Holy Grail. They make you feel at home. They changed my life when I realized I was not alone. Basically, they were the parents we wanted that we never had.” Pridelines and its partners also provided counseling, helped Louis find a place to live, a job, clothing, gift cards to help pay for food, personal improvement classes and more. All of it at no cost to Louis. “People underestimate the power of Pridelines. They have lots of powerful connections. If you need something, then ask. [They’ll get it for you]. Within six months I was independent.” The only real requirement to receive help, said Louis, is you have to want to make something of your life. “They are helping you to become a productive person. Everyone gets a job who goes there.” Years after making it

through his own ordeal, Louis has chosen to give back as a member of Pridelines’ board of directors and through monetary donations. Victor Diaz Herman, executive director of Pridelines, estimates about 100 young people have come to his organization over the last two years. “We do have a large population of people who have been kicked out of their homes.” But while many realize the full extent of their situation, Diaz Herman said some don’t think of it as being homeless. “Some young people may not realize they are at risk of homelessness. They’re couch surfing with friends. Homelessness appears in many ways. One of them being not having a permanent place to live. The other is not [being] sure where you’re going to stay, jumping from friend’s house to friend’s house.”

To address the problem in Miami-Dade, Pridelines has partnered with The Alliance for LGBT Youth to create Project Safe. “Both agencies under the umbrella of Project Safe provide access to services and resources for those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless,” said Diaz Herman. Now, as in Miami-Dade, the $50,000 We Care funding, which is managed by Our Fund, will be used much in the same way through a partnership with The Pride Center, SunServe and Latinos Salud. “It could be bus fare, tuition, clothing, food, whatever they need so that they are not out on the street,” said David Jobin, CEO/president of Our Fund. “To date, we’re really pleased with some of the outcomes. In the meantime, we’re trying to keep raising more funds to keep that flush.”

Gazette Wilton Manors

Volume 3 • Issue 4 February 17, 2016

Twice-Monthly Neighborhood Outlook

Business

Community

Island City Stage Moves to Wilton Manors

By Michael d’Oliveira

Founded in 2012, the location of Island City Stage finally matches its name. The Wilton Manors theater, which celebrated a ribbon cutting in November, is now in full swing with its production of the mystery comedy “Who Killed Joan Crawford?” Formerly located at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale, Island City Stage is now at 2304 N. Dixie Highway. Recently, the 68-seat theater won six Carbonell Awards for “Timekeepers.” The Carbonell Awards are given to local theaters and productions. Marty Childers, managing director, said most of the plays center around gay issues but all deal with universal themes. “It’s in the heart of the community and people are really excited to have a theater that explores LGBT themes. They’re really starting to

Pallant Advocates for Tri-Rail Station

By Michael d’Oliveira

look at it as their theater,” said Childers. “Angry Fags” was the first play to run in the new theater. Childers said response to “Who Killed Joan Crawford?” has been so popular that additional performances have been added. Renovations to the facility were already made when Island City Stage first moved but a $50,000 fundraising campaign is underway to make more improvements, including lighting. “We’re just trying to make it a nice space,” said Childers. The cost of tickets is $35 each. Concessions are available for sale. Complimentary wine is also served with a donation. “Who Killed Joan Crawford?” will be performed until Feb. 21. “The Submission” opens April 7 and “Feeding the Bear” opens June 2. WMG

Visit IslandCityStage.org for more information.

Joe Pallant wants a Tri-Rail station in Wilton Manors. So much so that he might even be willing to pay more in taxes to get it. Along with a possible raise in taxes, Pallant, a property owner through his insurance company, located in the city, suggested a grant could be used to help pay for the station. “I don’t know the answer.” But Pallant said he’s sure of the benefit – increased business for local bars, restaurants and other businesses. If picked, Wilton Manors would be one of the cities with a Tri-Rail station along the FEC railway. State officials want to create the Tri-Rail Coastal Link, an extension of what is currently operating west of I-95. Right now, 25 stations are planned from Miami to Jupiter. Florida Department of Transportation officials hope to have those station locations picked by this Spring but no definitive answer is available yet. If chosen, the Wilton Manors station would most likely be east of Dixie Highway and south of Five Points. Oakland Park could also be chosen for a station. If Wilton Manors is not chosen in the first round, it could be

given a station in the second round. A study touted by Reconnecting America, an organization that advocates for public transportation, showed a mixed bag in terms of positive and negative impacts on the area surrounding a train station. Businesses near stations saw a benefit because of the increased number of visitors. Depending on the proximity to the station, some commercial properties experienced an increase in property values while others saw no benefit. For residential, some properties experienced an increase in values while others saw a drop. But station location may depend more on ridership and area density than any funding the city might provide. FDOT officials have stated that maximizing ridership will help the project obtain federal funding. The addition of Wilton Station and the Metropolitan, an apartment complex adjacent to the railway and now under construction, have improved the density of the area. Wilton Manors officials have also taken steps to make the area more attractive, including designating Dixie Highway as a Transportation Oriented Corridor. WMG

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 •

February 17, 2016

2.17.2016 •

Opinion

Gazette Wilton Manors

Mardi Gras

FEBRUARY 17, 2016 • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 4

By Sal Torre

2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

Rather than attend the City Commission meeting last Tuesday evening, I decided to celebrate Mardi Gras instead. I invited friends over, decorated with colorful beads, made Jambalaya, and got the libations flowing. This year I decided to challenge myself and give up something for Lent, so I felt especially entitled to celebrate one last evening of feasting and frivolity before Lent began at midnight. Sitting at a Commission meeting was not what I had in mind. All around the world, Christian and pagan revelers alike begin celebrating days and weeks before, building into a frenzy of excitement, debauchery, and excess, culminating in Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday (the literal French translation), the day before Ash Wednesday. It is the last day of partying before the beginning of Lent, a time of reflection, abstinence, and fasting. This custom actually predates Christian times. Early Romans performed a 40-day fasting period preceded by a period of merrymaking, celebrating, and feasting. This was and still is a late winter celebration to mark the coming of springtime. Commissioner Tom Green has been pushing for a Mardi Gras Festival here in Wilton Manors for years. Unfortunately, the idea has never gained traction or been seriously considered. I dare say, I think we are missing a golden opportunity. Along the Gulf Coast, an entire month of celebrations, special

festivities, balls, and parades are eagerly anticipated and coordinated from Pensacola west to Galveston, with the premier event, of course, in New Orleans. It is an economic boom for all these cities and brings tourists from all over the world to party and spend money. With the current economic upswing, our near perfect winter weather, the influx of snowbirds from all over the U.S., Europe, and Canada, and our love of a fancy parade and great party, I can already see Wilton Drive packed with revelers dancing and cheering as the Mardi Gras Parade flows past, participants tossing colorful beads and candy from their floats. Wilton Manors can and should lead the way in establishing a Mardi Gras tradition here in South Florida. This celebration can easily grow to include neighboring cities such as Fort Lauderdale and Oakland Park, with a series of events, all building up to the main attraction on Fat Tuesday, the parade and street festival along Wilton Drive. The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau is a likely partner that would have the vision to see how this could become a major regional event during the busy tourism season, drawing many to scheduled festivities and producing a substantial amount of dollars for local governments and businesses. Seems like a fun win-win to me! So let us climb on board Commissioner Green’s Mardi Gras bandwagon and start the ball rolling! Because life can be just a little more fun here! WMG

Politics

Should Wilton Manors Have Term Limits? By Michael d’Oliveira

Photo: Facbeook.

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One former mayoral candidate thinks so Doug Blevins said he’s not sure yet if he will run for the city commission this November, but he is sure of one thing: elected officials need to have their time in office limited. Blevins, who lost a three-way mayoral race to Mayor Gary Resnick in 2014, said he would make his proposal to the commission. If that failed, he said he would organize a petition drive. Blevins, who also wants to limit terms for city board members, said being an elected official should not be a career. Previously, he supported and worked on the successful effort to add term limits in Fort Lauderdale. Without the limits, he said, “[former Fort Lauderdale mayor] Jim Naugle, with all his big donors,” would still be in office. Naugle served as mayor of Fort Lauderdale from 1991 to 2009 and was the first mayor to be prevented from seeking re-election. Former Wilton Manors mayor Jack Seiler was elected mayor of Fort Lauderdale in

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2009 after he was term limited in the state legislature. Fort Lauderdale limits its elected officials to three consecutive three-year terms. Oakland Park allows commissioners to serve two consecutive four-year terms. After that, a commissioner must take a two-year break before they can run again. Blevins said he’d like to model Wilton Manors’ term limits after Oakland Park but he’s open to other ideas. “I think eight years is plenty to serve.” Vice Mayor Scott Newton said he opposes mandatory term limits and that voters already impose term limits during elections by removing commissioners they don’t think are doing a good job. The longest serving elected officials are Resnick and Newton. Resnick since 1998 and Newton since 2000. Commissioner Tom Green has been in since 2008, Commissioner Julie Carson since 2010 and Commissioner

Justin Flippen since 2014. Currently, commissioners serve four-year terms and the mayor serves a two-year term. To add term limits, voters would have to approve a charter change. But the first step is getting commissioners to put the question on the ballot. Carson said she is willing to bring the issue before the commission but wants to hear from residents before she decides on the exact details. At this point, she believes a limit of three terms might be best. She also stated she would most likely not run for reelection. Her term ends this November. “I’ve got a lot on my plate.” Green is not sure which way he’d vote yet. “I really have nothing against it and if there’s a lot of people in support of it I certainly could support it. I’m not opposed to the system either away.” Flippen said he’s open to change but said it’s not an issue that has ever really come

Associated Press

up when he talked to residents during the last election. Resnick declined to give an opinion. If the commission were to vote against putting term limits on the ballot, Blevins could still get it on the ballot if he gets enough voters to sign a petition. The city charter states that if 20 percent or more of the city’s 8,325 registered voters sign a petition regarding term limits the commission must call an election so voters can decide. WMG

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February 17, 2016

Community Photo by Andrew Itkoff, Sun Sentinel.

“Snake Man” Remembered 25 Years Later By Michael d’Oliveira It’s been 25 years since Wray Parr arrived in Wilton Manors and fought city hall. The Snake Man, as he soon became known, ultimately lost that battle and had to take his “serpentarium” out of the city. But he’s still remembered by some. Every winter for three years starting in October of 1991, it was the same story: Parr would come down from Nova Scotia with his mother and his 20 snakes and park his “serpentarium,” a school bus converted to house 20 snakes, in front of his home. The city would object, issue citations and the two parties would end up in court. Parr lost every time. A point of contention was whether or not it was a bus or a van. A judge ruled it was a bus. “But he’d always be back here with his damn bus and his snakes,” said Sandy Steen, who was mayor of the city council at the time. After Parr lost his first battle in January of 1992, he tried moving to the Lauderhill Mall parking lot and charging admission to see the snakes. But left after he failed to comply with that city’s requirement that he obtain an occupational license. When he returned to Wilton Manors from Lauderhill that month, he kicked things up a notch by parking his bus in front of city hall and gave it a new paint job – a giant serpent overlooking a burning city hall. Rats, named after city commissioners, fled from the fire. “I figure I made a wrong turn. I ended up over in Russia,”

Parr told the Sun Sentinel. “I got no other place I can park it without it being towed away. I figure if Wilton Manors has a parking spot over there, I might as well be using it.” But Parr, who took advantage of the lack of signage in front of city hall, only got one day of free parking. By day two, the city had put up a sign and he was issued two citations. Former mayor John Fiore, a councilman at the time, and Steen, were two of the rats depicted by Parr. Fiore also remembers a swastika painted on the bus. “We had a few people come in who were pissed about something but no one nearly as eccentric as the Snake Man. He was just on a whole other planetary level,” Fiore said. “The guy was crazy as a loon. He came off to us as dangerous.” Fiore said Parr made frequent visits to council meetings and used threatening, but vague, language. Never directly threatening violence, said Fiore, but vague enough for commissioners to take certain precautions, such as having a police officer stand behind Parr during meetings. “We would push him out the door but we never arrested him. I don’t think we felt our lives were in danger but we were never comfortable.” Steen remembers frightened neighbors worried about the snakes getting loose. “He was taking snakes out in the driveway. They were terrified. He was making the neighbors crazy. I could understand why the neighbors were scared of

him. He was very weird.” A late '90s addition to Wilton Manors, Benjamin Little lives in the same neighborhood where Parr owned a home and tried to park his bus. He never met the Snake Man but he found Parr a fascinating enough character to be included in his history book “Wilton Manors From Farming Community to Urban Village.” He calls Parr one of those rare characters, that you just have to love, who happened to come along right as the city was going through a transition period into the gay-friendly community it is today. “I think his real talent was knowing how to tweak the city commission. That’s not something any idiot can do. The bird lady in the Abreu Towers made a spectacular splash but that was very short-lived. He kept it going longer than anyone else. He was a piece of work.” But it all ended in October of 1994 when Parr died of a heart attack in Nova Scotia. “He was just a pleasant person,” said Larry Gilbert, former business owner, to the Sun Sentinel. WMG

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Community

City Board Approves Vacation Home Regulations

By Michael d’Oliveira

Issue to go back before commission

Regulations on vacation rentals will be sent back to the commission after the Planning and Zoning board approved them at its Feb. 8 meeting. The commission unanimously approved the regulations on Jan. 26 and will vote on them again. Possibly as soon as Feb. 23. The regulations include registering with the city as a vacation rental, providing contact information of the person responsible for overseeing the property, waste disposal, occupancy limits and compliance with inspections. Recently, residents have become more vocal about their opposition. Noise, litter and parking problems are some of the concerns of those who live near or next to vacation rentals. There’s also concern that homes not being rented can become tempting targets for criminals. “We don’t know who are neighbors are,” said Constance Ruppender, a resident and member of Planning and Zoning. She voted no. Her main objection is the lack of a cap on the number of total vacation rentals allowed in the city. “I think it should be first come, first served.”

She suggested that no more than 10 to 15 percent of single family homes be vacation rentals. “It didn’t go far enough to address the issue of density. The commission is afraid of getting sued and not willing to go out on a limb for residents.” Ruppender said four out of the 10 homes on her street are vacation rentals. “That’s too many for one block . . . and we have good ones. I’ve heard nightmare stories [from other neighborhoods with worse rentals].” City Attorney Kerry Ezrol has advised city commissioners that the tighter the restrictions on vacation rentals the more likely they are to be sued. The legislature has also barred local governments from prohibiting vacation rentals or regulating the duration or frequency of rentals. Jeffrey Hill, who owns some vacation rental and manages 18 of them, said the city should do more to work with vacation rental owners. He’s also opposed to any regulations that would negatively impact the good along with bad owners. WMG

Briefs

News Briefs From Around Wilton Manors By Michael d’Oliveira

Free Hazardous Waste Collection A free hazardous materials drop off will be held on Sunday, Feb. 21 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Municipal Complex, 2100 N. Dixie Highway, in Wilton Manors. Accepted items include paint and thinner cans, drain cleaners, insecticides and pesticides, used motor oil, household cleaners, propane tanks, automobile batteries, tires, lawn and pool chemicals, fluorescent lights and fire extinguishers.

Yellow Dot Pamphlets Now Available

Unacceptable items include explosives, medical/biohazardous waste and business-generated waste. Only residents of Wilton Manors, Cooper City, Dania Beach, Hollywood, Lighthouse Point, Margate, Parkland, Pembroke Park, Sea Ranch Lakes, West Park, Weston, and unincorporated Broward County can drop off items. Proof of residency is required. WMG

Broward County’s free Yellow Dot program is now available for the public to utilize. Individuals with special medical needs can fill out a Yellow Dot pamphlet with the corresponding information and place it in their glove compartment. Then, place the Yellow Dot sticker on the bottom left of the rear windshield or on a prominent location on a motorcycle. If a person is in a motor

Toilet Rebates

vehicle accident and can’t communicate with first responders, personnel will see the sticker and know to look for the pamphlet. Pamphlets and stickers are available at city hall, 2020 Wilton Drive; Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive, and the library, 500 NE 26 St. Visit Broward. org/YellowDot/AboutUs to learn about other locations where pamphlets are available. WMG

Free Smoke Alarms

Rebates are being offered by the City of Wilton Manors Emergency Management/ Utilities Department towards the purchase of up to two ultra-low flow (1.28 gallons per flush or lower) WaterSense certified and labeled toilets. Those who qualify can get up to $50 for each toilet. Applicants must be Wilton Manors residents and applications must be approved before the purchase is made. Toilets purchased before an application gets approved will not be eligible for a rebate. Call 954-390-2190, or email darchacki@wiltonmanors.com for more information. WMG

The American Red Cross estimates that everyday seven people die in a home fire. To help lower that number, the organization will install free smoke alarms for Wilton Manors residents. The alarms are part of a nationwide program and can be installed Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To obtain one, call Karen Davis at 954-797-3803 or email her at karen.davis@redcross.org. The program is first come, first served. WMG

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February 17, 2016

politics white house watch Republican Candidates Spar at South Carolina Debate.

Photo Credit: CBS.

MASTERWORKS SERIES III

PResiDential camPaign civility goes south John McDonald

s the U.S. Presidential campaign heads south, so too has civil discourse. Republican candidates have resorted to name calling as they jostle for position ahead of Saturday’s primary election in South Carolina. At last Saturday night’s debate, broadcast on CBS, GOP front-runner Donald J. Trump blasted U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. “This is a nasty guy,” Trump said of Cruz. “You are the single biggest liar. You are probably worse than Jeb Bush.” Bush, a favorite target of Trump’s throughout the campaign, fired back. “I’m sick and tired of him going after my family,” he said. On Monday, former U.S. President George W. Bush surfaced in support of his little brother, taking a veiled shot at the billionaire businessman. “These are tough times,” President Bush told an estimated crowd of 3,000 people in North Charleston. “And I understand Americans are angry and frustrated, but we don’t need someone in the Oval Office who mirrors and inflames our angers and frustrations.” Trump, bolstered by his big victory in the New Hampshire primary, attacked Cruz on Monday, calling the freshman senator “unstable” and a “basket case” and continuing to question whether he is legally qualified to serve as President. Cruz, son of a Cuban father and Canadian mother, was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. “The Democrats are going to bring a lawsuit,” Trump said. “I’m doing him a favor by bringing this up now.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida is going after the cultural conservative vote in South Carolina. Rubio praised departed U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia for his dissent in the marriage equality case at Saturday’s debate and closed by saying American values are upside down. “What’s right is wrong and what’s wrong is right,” Rubio said. “We are going to be a country that says a marriage is between one man and one woman.” Combining the results of six polling firms, Real Clear Politics has Trump leading in the Palmetto State with 36.3 percent support, followed by Cruz (17.8), Rubio (15.8), Ohio Governor John Kasich (9.8), Bush (9.3) and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson (5.3). Meanwhile, Democrats are rounding up supporters for Saturday’s caucus in Nevada. On Monday in Reno, Nevada, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton suggested it was time to doggedly pursue Republican lies. Recalling an old radio ad from her time in Arkansas in which a dog would automatically bark at lies from politicians, Clinton said it was time to install a canine truth barometer for the GOP. “We need to get that dog and follow them around and every time they say things like ‘Oh the Great Recession was caused by too much regulation, ‘arh, arh, arh, arh, arh,’” Clinton said, ending with a barking noise that produced laughs from the audience. Polls have Clinton leading U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont in Nevada and also in South Carolina where the Democrats head to next for a closed primary on Feb. 27.

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2.17.2016 •

news local

10 yeaRs lateR, PRiDe business alliance’s monthly mixeRs still successful Brittany Ferrendi

n an effort to provide an increasing directory of gay and gay-friendly businesses for the community, the Compass Pride Business Alliance (PBA) will host their monthly mixer on Feb. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This month, the event takes place at the Residence Inn, 455 Hibiscus St., West Palm Beach. “These meetings are essential,” said PBA business development associate Adrienne Percival. “They are a wonderful regular opportunity for those who are looking to grow or develop their own businesses to connect with Compass Community Center and be updated on the great work being done.” At the mixers, the host companies provide food and drink and all attendees are welcomed and encouraged to socialize and make networking connections, with new members receiving special introductions. Later on in the event, host companies typically offer presentations on their products and services. “I'd describe the atmosphere as friendly, professional, and relaxed,” Percival said. “There's a nice mix of regular attendees and new faces.” The Pride Business Alliance was founded in 2005 to create a safe network between gay and gay-friendly businesses and individuals. After a strong community-based interest in reaching out to the gay market, Compass staff researched into creating a gay chamber of commerce in Palm Beach County. They soon found out that the tax structure of the chamber was incompatible with the non-profit status of the organization. In response, Compass created the Pride Business Alliance as a community outreach program. The launch was also a response to a number of horror stories that the LGBT community faced when looking for gay-friendly businesses.

According to a 2011 interview with Julie Seaver, Center Operations Director at Compass Community Center, a lesbian couple called Compass for a plumber referral before the creation of PBA. Once the plumber found out that the women he was working for were gay, he dropped his work and left an incomplete and disheveled kitchen sink behind. This story and others like it inspired a need for a source of LGBT-friendly businesses. The mixers usually take place on the last Wednesday every month at varying Pride Business Alliance member locations, such as churches, body shops, nightclubs and more. The first mixer had over 50 attendees and took place at Grandview Gardens Bed & Breakfast. The next mixer will take place on Mar. 16 at Tidelines Ocean Resort and Spa in Palm Beach from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Within the ten years since its creation, the mixers have been a huge success. “In the last year our number of attendees has grown and that has influenced which venues are a good match,” Percival said. “Last year we had as many as 175 at the Norton Museum in August,” which was a “Joint meeting with Chamber of the Palm Beaches Young Professionals.” Percival encourages new and prospective members to just jump right in on the PBA Mixer. “Whether you'd like to network with LGBTQ business owners or want to market to the LGBTQ community, grab a stack of business cards and join us,” she said. The event is free for members of the Pride Business Alliance and the Compass Community Center. For non-members tickets are $10. A membership with PBA offers free admission to all networking mixers, eligibility for discounts by fellow members’ businesses, an individual listing on the www.compassglcc.com website and more.

For more information on the Pride Business Alliance Mixers as well as how to register, visit PBA-feb.eventbrite.com.

• 2.17.2016

CONVICTIONS

mark my Words

'QueeR': WoRD Du JouR? Mark Segal

here seems to be yet another controversy in our community this week. The issue du jour is over HuffPost changing its dedicated LGBT site’s name from “GayVoices” to “QueerVoices.” While there are strong opinions on both sides of this issue, when I heard about it, it brought a smile to my face. Since the beginning of my activism back in 1969, I’ve witnessed our community’s attempts to unite over a word or term to define ourselves. There was “homosexual,” “homophile,” “gay,” “gay and lesbian” and most recently, and most accepted, “LGBT.” So what about queer? HuffPost’s reasoning? “We, like many others before us, have chosen to reclaim ‘queer.’ ‘Queer’ functions as an umbrella term that includes not only the lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people of ‘LGBT,’ but also those whose identities fall in between, outside of or stretch beyond those categories, including genderqueer people, intersex people, asexual people, pansexual people, polyamorous people and those questioning their sexuality or gender, to name just a few.” First, on reclaiming the word. I say, good luck with that. We saw how great that worked for the black community when some tried to reclaim the “n” word. While the word “queer” is popular with young LGBT activists, many in our community detest that word.

Reclaiming a derogatory word is not a new trend. Some of us used to use the word “faggot.” The first suggested title for my memoir was “Pinko Jew Faggot.” We ruled it out for the same reasons “queer” would have been; it’s just a word du jour. It’s popular with only one segment of our community, and that segment is overwhelmingly activist-driven. Most in our community do not consider themselves activists and still feel hurt when they hear that word. Are we trying to teach our own community, or are we trying to fight for equality? Are we trying to hurt the seniors in our community who suffered harassment by the use of that word and give them another barrier to overcome? Maybe we should attempt to solve some of the hardcore issues in our community rather than spending time debating semantics. While all individuals have the right to identify with whatever term or image they wish for themselves, and that should be respected, the word-reclaiming, like that in the black community, will eventually be passé. So if you spend any capital or time on this, you’re ignoring issues such as homelessness, poverty, employment discrimination, housing to protect our seniors and anti-trans violence. Those are issues I’d rather fight to solve, not a word — and especially not one that some of the most endangered people in our community see as another barrier.

Mark Segal is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. His Best selling memoir "And Then I Danced, Traveling The Road To LGBT Equality is available on Amazon.com and at you favorite bookseller.

2.17.2016 •

CONVICTIONS Franz Jantzen/Supreme Court of the United States

Publisher's editorial

a DaRk shaDoW leaves the suPReme couRt Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

he most caustic line about Justice Antonin Scalia’s death came on Twitter last weekend within minutes, well under 140 characters: “Justice Scalia asked to be cremated, but millions of women are now deciding whether that is best for his body.” There is nothing scientific about his loss to LGBT America. Ding-dong, the evil witch is dead. Retirement to a dude ranch would have been a nicer fate, but the most strident voice against equality for gay people has been suddenly silenced. Fortunately, despite his nastiness and negativity for the LGBT community, the derisive decisions he most recently authored echoed the frustrated voices of lonely dissenters. We beat him before he died. “Many Americans,” he wrote, “ do not want persons who openly engage in homosexual conduct as partners in their businesses… they view this as protecting themselves from a lifestyle they believe to be immoral and destructive.” Many Americans, I will tell you, did not want Negroes to drink from white water fountains or ride on the front of the bus. But America grew as a nation, and we came to respect that when the Constitutional originalists wrote that black people could be slaves and only counted as three-fifths of a person we were morally wrong as a nation. Everything that you hear about Justice Antonin Scalia having been bright, intellectual, engaging, and a man of great wit and humor may have been true. Were he only to employ those talents to embrace equality for all and not the privileged few. He did not. His opinions were offensive to minorities, women, and the

• 2.17.2016

LGBT community. What were lawful rights to us were illegitimate entitlements to him. Those of you who remember Archie Bunker from the TV show ‘All in the Family’ should know that Scalia patterned himself after Carol O’Connor’s character. The trouble is one was a television show, and Scalia, also from Queens, New York, was real life. We mourn his loss but his decisions more. We look back at the way he reveled in disparaging the civil and constitutional rights of gay people and women, from his rulings banning gay athletes allowing them to conduct a ‘gay Olympics’ to last year’s dissent censuring gay marriage. All we can say is that it was time for a change in the Supreme Court. On another page in this issue, SFGN is proud to run Lisa Keen’s thoughtful and incisive article on the legacy Justice Scalia leaves behind. Hopefully, it will stay there, in the past, an abandoned and anachronistic relic of a legal history that will shame future generations. U.S. senators now have the duty to vote on a new nominee, but Republican leaders have already said they are prepared to filibuster against it. They have said only the new, popularly elected president should make that selection in his next term. If the Republican candidates really stood for the U.S. Constitution instead of expediency and self-gratification, they would support the authority of a sitting president to make that nomination. Only Jeb Bush does. Our former governor, he knows something about being a decisive leader. Unfortunately for us, he is one that has never sided with the LGBT community. He led the fight for a constitutional amendment

in Florida banning same sex marriage in our state. President Obama was duly re-elected to a four-year term, and won that contest by five million votes. By advocating postponement of that vote in 2016, Republican presidential candidates are trading the here and now for the future. They are crippling the authority of future presidents; ironically at the same time they say the incumbent has not been strong enough. The passing of Justice Scalia empowers President Obama to make a courageous appointment whose nomination will set into motion a national debate on the direction of America in the 21st century. As close as some of the Supreme Court votes have been on civil rights issue impacting LGBT citizens, it should give you pause as to how important your vote is this coming November. Even if Mr. Obama’s nominee never gets a hearing, and given the dysfunction owning Washington, he or she very well may not, LGBT Americans will need to be heard, loud and proud. We will need

to campaign again that our love is legitimate, and ought to be lawfully protected by our courts as it is celebrated in our communities. We will be called again back to the ballot box to insure that tomorrow’s leaders do not repeal yesterday’s wins, but etch them in stone and into the firmament of our civilization. We may have to stand up to a bombastic circus clown leading a Neanderthal right wing agenda, or a seasoned governor empowered by a presidential name. Whoever it is, none of the Republican candidates for the presidency support who you are or the rights you have won. So get ready. It’s time to engage the battle once again.

editorial cartoon

by andy marlette

the banDWagon is full

Jae Kanella

Photo: Youtube.

the mind Riot

CONVICTIONS

A Critique on HRC's endorsement of Hillary Clinton

n the last twenty years, the a proclamation in 1983 for a Gay Pride Day. American public has seen a historic He was mayor for eight years and continued transformation toward the support for to release Gay Pride Day proclamations. In LGBT rights. There’s no need to demonize the 1990s as a senator, he voted against anybody for evolving. We all evolve on our DOMA and DADT. issues, after all. As a senator for New York, Hillary There’s a problem in expecting support Clinton continued to support DOMA. In from a community one has hurt in the 2004, while she supported civil unions, she past, however. Unlike the mentioned that “marriage is other Democratic candidates not just a bond, but a sacred running for president, the bond between a man and a As an ally, Clintons have a past regarding woman.” the LGBT community. And Even more eyebrow there should that’s why I have a problem raising, the president of be more active with the Human Rights HRC used to work for the participation Campaign endorsing Hillary. Clintons. Chad Griffin was than releasing a junior aide during Bill The Clinton administration has directly caused the LGBT-afﬁrming Clinton's presidency. While suffering of LGBT people the HRC endorsement videos that by the thousands, with the definitely wasn't the actions are politically of one man, the fact that they Defense of Marriage Act and Don’t Ask Don’t Tell had close ties seemed to be a motivating being passed during their ict of interest. for one’s own confl reign. While the Clintons In 2006, the HRC gave cause. don’t have the same views Hillary Clinton an 89 percent anymore, there was never a rating. That same year, they single apology from them. gave Bernie Sanders a 100 From both Hillary and her supporters, just percent. To this day, Bernie Sanders has a political distancing and posturing. 100 percent Lifetime rating by the Human They have to address it, or else the queer Rights Campaign. vote will never belong to them sincerely. What does that say about their While we can't blame Hillary for the actions organization? “Hey, we’re choosing the of her husband during his presidency, she candidate with the lower rating. Even didn't do anything to disagree with the though it’s the first time in decades we measure nor did she stand against it. released an endorsement before the start Meanwhile, as mayor of Burlington, of any primaries.” Vermont, Bernie Sanders voted and signed Before dropping out, even Martin

O’Malley was a better contender for the endorsement. During his reign as governor in Maryland, same-sex marriage was passed through ballot for the first time in 2012. Before that, he signed city ordinances to protect transgender workers and LGBT people in general. It wasn’t until 2013 that Hillary Clinton came out to support marriage equality publicly. That was supposed to be the fresh start, wasn’t it? The day she became humble enough to say she became a part of our fight and that she was sorry for the past? Except that didn't happen. As an ally, there should be more active participation than releasing LGBTaffirming videos that are politically motivating for one’s own cause. It seems to imply that the importance of our vote is fickle and doesn’t matter until it’s relevant. That might have worked in the 1990s when the Clinton administration was willing to throw our rights away for bipartisan support, but it doesn’t work that way now. In 2013, Bill Clinton wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post about his regret in signing DOMA. Although it showed regret, there was no formal apology written in the article.

A quote from former secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton, during an interview on MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Show: “I was in on some of those discussions, on both ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and on DOMA, where both the president, his advisers and occasionally I would — you know, chime in and talk about, ‘You can’t be serious. You can’t be serious.’ But they were. And so, in a lot of ways, DOMA was a line that was drawn that was to prevent going further. It was a defensive action.” This was said on Oct. 23, 2015. This quote was less than six months ago. As a millennial, I don’t want to push the idea of Hillary Clinton being unelectable. But to expect an endorsement from a community she hasn’t done enough work to support? Especially when her current and former Democratic rival candidates have better track records, even by the endorsing agency themselves? In 2016, let’s tell people that the bandwagon is full. The queer vote doesn’t belong to Hillary Clinton without some elbow grease on her part - no major organization endorsing her will imply that. Unlike Hillary Clinton, we’re not willing to compromise anymore.

Jae Kanella is a South Florida native, cat parent, and writer. Jae's pronoun preference is they/them/theirs. Jae is 19-years-old and radically queer.

2.17.2016 •

CONVICTIONS

BANKRUPTCY Individual and Corporate Filings

FAMILY LAW Mediation, Divorce, Prenuptial Agreements and Adoptions

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• 2.17.2016

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Jesse’s Journal

the elections of 2016 (thus faR) - angeR anD fRustRation in a DiviDeD nation Jesse Monteagudo

mericans are divided. Not since the expansion of slavery into the territories led us into a Civil War has our nation been so disjointed. President Barack Obama, though he meant well, could not prevent the ever-widening gap between a conservative red America and a progressive blue America. Though moderates remain, they are a mostly silent minority. We are divided by race, by religion, by geography, by education and economics. We disagree on race, on religion, on sexual politics, on economics, on education, on the environment, on immigration, on foreign affairs and the use of the military. And we are angry: angry at Washington, our state governments, Wall Street, Hollywood, majorities, minorities, foreigners, immigrants and each other. And we elect leaders who refuse to compromise and who insist on having their way, regardless of the consequences. Governed as we are by a Constitution that was created to encourage consensus and compromise, this only makes matters worse. In other countries, such a state of affairs would lead to a civil war - as it did here in 1861 - or to the rise of a charismatic demagogue who promises to solve all problems. They would take advantage of popular discontent, identify scapegoats for the people to blame their problems on, and promise to save the country if they are given the power to do so. History has many examples of such a character, from Napoleon I and III in France to Benito Mussolini in Italy, Adolf Hitler in Germany and countless caudillos in Latin America. Though the United States of America has been tempted by demagogues in the past (Huey Long), we have not succumbed to them. Abraham Lincoln, to his credit, did not create an imperial presidency to fight the Civil War and restore the Union, though he did increase his powers as Commander In Chief. Most presidents since Harry Truman have increased their military powers though, like the early Roman emperors, they always paid lip service to Congress and the citizens. But they were not demagogues. Donald Trump is; and he succeeds against all odds because he does what demagogues do: promise an anxious nation that he will take care of everything.

If there is anything we can learn from the 2016 presidential campaign, thus far, it is that the old political elites will not cut it. A year ago, we thought that the presidential race would be between Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton. Now the thought of a race between the brother of one president and the wife of another is driving the voters up the wall and to their polling places. On the Democratic left this led to the emergence of Bernie Sanders, the democratic socialist senator from Vermont who, aided by Clinton’s baggage, promises things that Europeans take for granted but which still shocks those who believe in American Exceptionalism. On the right, this led to the Donald, who has taken advantage of red state frustrations, the emergence of the tea party and his own unlimited funds to create a political machine unlike any other. Though Trump pays lip service to rightwing Republican pieties - he even started going to church, to please evangelicals in Iowa and New Hampshire - he offers his own quirky solutions: a wall to keep illegals from sneaking in from Mexico; a ban on all Muslims; and so on. Trump did not do well in Iowa, where he lost to Texas’s Holy Roller senator Ted Cruz, but he bounced back in New Hampshire, where he beat Cruz, Bush, John Kasich and Marco Rubio and drove Chris Christie and Carly Fiorina to suspending their campaigns. Sanders did equally well on the Democratic side, where only Sanders and Clinton are left standing. Such a state of affairs has given former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg the presidential itch; and he has promised or threatened to run as an independent if Trump and Sanders are the major party candidates. Our country has really gone off the deep end if even Beyonce’s Super Bowl halftime performance is controversial. But this is what politics have come to in an age of social media, shock radio and a divided country. As a true blue Democrat, I am definitely biased; and I want my side to win. But I know, like Lincoln did, that a house divided cannot stand. We cannot survive as a nation if would-be dictators like Trump have their way. Sadly, in a country and a year like ours, anything is possible.

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or the second time in two years the Florida Georgia Rodeo Association’s Sunshine Stampede, generally held in Davie, Florida in April, will not occur. Its board of directors issued a press release in February, indicating competition from other area events, an inability to attract sponsors and declining community interest led them to cancel that year’s event. Later in the piece FGRA claims “We are a charitable organization that has been known to host a fantastic rodeo. We are not a rodeo that drags a charitable organization.” Whatever they were, or are, the group has failed to secure sponsors or generate interest in bringing back their Sunshine Stampede for 2016, and no one is happier than the participating animals who would have endured a weekend of fear and abuse. As relieved as I am Florida will not see a gay rodeo again this year, the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA), of which FGRA is a member, features four events on its 2016 calendar: Phoenix in February, Dallas in April, Palm Springs in early May and Oklahoma City in late May. Each will include calf roping, bareback horse and bull riding, and steer roping and wrestling. There’s also a goat dressing activity, exclusive I think to IGRA-sponsored rodeos, during which a goat is chased, caught and dressed in white jockey shorts. At each, confused and frightened animals will be provoked into displaying wild behavior so the participating cowboys roping, wrestling and tormenting them in other ways will appear strong, brave and skilled. IGRA, FGRA and every other gay rodeo association’s website features a long, tiresome page in which it carries on and on about how well its animals are treated, what strict guidelines they have and how everyone is certified, responsible, compassionate and concerned only with light entertainment,

education and fundraising for noble causes. My favorites come from IGRA’s “Animal Welfare” page. It insists they prohibit the use of electric prods in bucking chutes and a fleece flank strap is used for bucking events “and is not painful to animals in any way.” How, then, do they get the animals to buck? Tickling? Another is that the goats used in the jockey short dressing event are required to be 25-30 inches tall and re-rested after every eight dressings. What does a goat’s height have to do with his level of terror and how has he not collapsed from exhaustion after the first three or four “dressings?” The best, however, is “IGRA directs the removal of any animal from competition that appears to be in danger of injuring itself.” If that were true, there would be no animal participants — at all. Cowboys and cowgirls participate in rodeos voluntarily. There are enough country and western-themed events that can fill a gay or straight rodeo that don’t include animals. It requires a clever promoter and event goers willing to acknowledge the cruelty of tormenting and injuring otherwise docile animals. Consider calf-roping, a rodeo staple: Who finds provoking a frightened baby cow into running for his life and lassoing him, causing torn muscles, broken ribs, a broken back, punctured lungs, or a snapped neck? Truly, only bull fighting (killing) and crush videos are worse, and not by much. Please avoid the gay rodeos in Arizona, Texas and California, and all rodeos that feature animals. Instead, enjoy rodeo clowns, mechanical bulls, sharpshooting, line dancing, cowgirl drag shows, cowboy porn and myriad other human-only country and western fun.

christopher murphy

Photo by Steven Shires.

gooD RiDDance to the gay RoDeo again this yeaR

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• 2.17.2016

Tony Adams

he sickening contest for the presidency of the U.S. just got a serious injection of Vitamin B with the strong rumors of Michael Bloomberg’s intention to toss his hat into the ring as an Independent, with the potential to make the race literally a three-ring circus. A Bloomberg run would put a huge dent in the fender of the clown car of Republican candidates, but would it do the same to the Smartcarcandidacy of Bernie Sanders and the Escaladecandidacy of Hillary Clinton? The only car not dented by a Bloomberg candidacy would be the Popemobile driven by the Christian Right. Although it could be argued that their warbling about the notion that our nation is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition might allow them to put a checkmark next to a Jewish name. Florida’s own Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Chair of the Democratic National Committee, recently said that once Bloomberg thinks it through, he will realize that his agenda is adequately served by either Clinton or Sanders and that he will stay out of the fight. This might indicate fear that his independent run would damage the Democratic candidate. Regarding the distribution of the LGBT vote, the impact of a run by the man who held the second most difficult job in the U.S. is not easy to calculate. Michael Bloomberg, who has been elected to public office as a Republican, a Democrat and an Independent, and who can trump Trump in terms of personal wealth and NewYorkishness, has a record on LGBT issues that is not shabby. He is pro-marriage equality. In 2011, as Mayor of New York City, he performed the first-ever samesex wedding to be held at Gracie Mansion, joining his Chief Policy Advisor John Feinblatt with his Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jonathan Mintz. There is a long list of LGBT fans of Bloomberg who appreciate some of what he accomplished as mayor. I asked Wayne Besen who is on that list for his thoughts about a possible Bloomberg candidacy. Besen hosts a TV show in Chicago, is an activist-writer and the founder/executive director of TruthWinsOut.org.

He says, “My endorsement of Bloomberg had little to do with LGBT issues. He's the only Republican I have ever endorsed. I supported him because of the Smoke Free Air Act, which banned smoking at bars and nightclubs. He made this happen and drastically improved the quality of my life. No more coming home after a night on the town coughing and feeling sick. I also supported his opening up parks and banning cars from some areas. “So, my support was based on quality of life issues that had a direct impact on me. In the 2016 race I support Bernie Sanders. I also think Hillary Clinton who would make an amazing president. But Bernie's message is the most compelling. “Bloomberg is far better than any of the Republicans running for office.” What is most intriguing about Besen’s assessment and any predictions about the LGBT vote in 2016 is the fact that our votes will not be easily acquired by the simple flapping of a rainbow flag. Is the LGBT voter finally immune to headlines like HRC’s recent and hyper endorsement of Hillary? LGBT voters, like so many others, want to see sincerity, magnanimity and strength in a candidate. Significant is the fact that Bloomberg did not feel compelled to run for president because of his ego. He was OK with letting lesser oligarchs and political dynasties duke it out in the mud. He would enter the contest only because of his disgust with the current crop of candidates and probably because of his conviction that America deserves better. This would not be lost on voters who are not finding a shred of respectable motivation among the megalomaniacs who want the office more than the job. If the three-ring circus settles on Cruz/Clinton/ Bloomberg, Hillary stands to lose some but not most LGBT support. If the circus ultimately trots out Trump/Clinton/Bloomberg, The Donald and Hillary lose support in equal measure with Hillary surviving the split. In the unlikely event that we are faced with a Trump/Sanders/Bloomberg choice, I suspect the Independent would prevail, unless those so horrified by his name burn down the tent before November.

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lea DelaRia Joins stoneWall museum funDRaiseR J.R. Davis

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• 2.17.2016

he Weekly News (twn) was South Florida’s gay community newspaper. Published between 1977 and 2006, it was Florida’s longest-running LGBT publication until it was surpassed by Fort Lauderdale’s Hotspots! in 2015. twn began its career on August 30, 1977 as a project of Miami’s Dade County Coalition for Human Rights (DCCHR), which had just lost a fight to preserve Dade County’s first human rights ordinance. twn severed its ties with the Coalition in 1980 and survived its parent as a not for profit publication. For much of its history it was published in conjunction with Contax Guide, a statewide publication that covered gay bars and other social venues. The early Weekly News Bulletin Committee, all volunteers, were DCCHR members with more enthusiasm than experience: Editor In Chief Paul Guiles (who was also the Coalition’s Office Manager); Art Director and Columnist Peter J. Kiernan; News Editor Gary Grimmett; Social Events Editor Rob Johnstone; and Circulation Directors Paul Butler and Keith Cantine. Bill Watson, who later became twn’s publisher and ran the paper until its demise, made his first appearance on the masthead in Issue # 22 (Jan. 31, 1978) where, along with Paul Butler, he was put in charge of Circulation. Thanks to Fort Lauderdale’s Stonewall National Museum and Archives, which has an almost complete set, the early issues of twn are still available for research. During the fall of 1977, DCCHR used twn to publicize its programs and projects: a bullet-proof vest fund for local cops; a blood bank; and the First Annual Dove of Peace Ball. The Coalition was more successful in getting local bars to support its boycott of Florida Citrus, which employed anti-gay leader Anita Bryant as its spokesperson. twn later did its part to promote the first March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights (Oct. 14, 1979). By Issue # 8 (November 8), twn had increased its production to over 3,000 copies per week and was distributed to every gay bar in Dade County, a few in Broward, and copies that were mailed to various publications all over the United States It would take a few more years before twn would achieve its award-winning state of journalistic excellence. One memorable column from twn=s early days was “Kiernan=s Korner,”

by Peter J. Kiernan, which sadly only lasted for a few issues in 1977. A more durable column was “Bike Daddy,” written by that old curmudgeon, the late Marty Rubin. twn was also famous for its series of movie reviews - of mainstream as well as of LGBT films - written first by Watson, then by the late Jack Sturdy and finally by Steve Warren. Another notable twn contributor was LoAnn Halden, whose career as a travel columnist continues until this day. For most of their existence, twn and Contax Guide were in the capable hands of Bill Watson, who served as publisher from 1980 to 2006 and who did everything from paying the bills to distributing the papers. Others who served on the not-for-profit publications’ board and staff included Keith Cantine, Paul Butler, the late Staci Aker and the late Harry Losleben. Jerry Neaves, Watson’s life partner, was twn’s general manager for 20 years until his untimely death in 2002. Others who served with distinction as Editor, Managing Editor, or Associate Editor, included LoAnn Halden, Ira Estis, Joe McQuay, Cliff O’Neill and Bill Green. On a personal level, I began contributing articles to twn in the November 15, 1977 issue and continued doing so until that paper’s demise, except for two short periods during the gay nineties when I wrote for other publications. My first long-term column was “The Book Nook,” a book review column which later became syndicated and actually outlasted twn. I also wrote “Great Gays In History,” a series of biographies; “Hammer and Anvil” (now “Jesse’s Journal”), an opinion column, which continues until this day; news stories, interviews, and even photos. For 28-plus years I wrote for twn, an experience that I believe made me a better gay man and a better writer. Though twn published its final issue on March 2, 2006, it still influences South Florida’s LGBT community, as well as its journalism. SFGN has curated an exhibit on the early days of LGBT media for the Stonewall Museum and Archives that will run from February 18 to March 6 in their Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive. Portions of this article were ﬁrst published in 2003 as twn: The Early Years and in 2006 as twn: An Appreciation.

2.17.2016 â&#x20AC;¢

feature

Sexual violence in the U.S. across gender and orientation

Special Report

• One in five women and one in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives. • 91 percent of the victims of rape and sexual assault are female, and 9 percent are male. • 40.2 percent gay men, 47.4 percent bisexual men and 20.8 percent heterosexual men reported sexual violence other than rape during their lifetimes. • 46.4 percent lesbians, 74.9 percent bisexual women and 43.3 percent heterosexual women reported sexual violence other than rape during their lifetimes. • Nearly one in 10 women has been raped by an intimate partner in her lifetime, including completed forced penetration, attempted forced penetration or alcohol/drugfacilitated completed penetration. • Approximately one in 45 men has been made to penetrate an intimate partner during his lifetime. • In eight out of 10 cases of rape, the victim knew the person who sexually assaulted them. • 8 percent of rapes occur while the victim is at work.

Source: The National Violence Resource Center

From The Shadows of Fear, Shame and Trauma… Gay drug-and-rape victims rise up and speak

Anthony Martinez Beven

Need Help? Contact the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline by calling 1-800-656HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. For more information, visit www.rainn.org.

• 2.17.2016

“J

oe” is an older gay man from Delray Beach who met a much younger male off Craigslist a few years ago. The first time they had a sexual encounter, it was mutual. “I went to his house in Fort Lauderdale. It was a really nice. His backyard was the Intracoastal,” Joe recalled. “He told me that he has a husband that travels a lot. The husband was a lot older. I was 20 years older than him, and he happened to like older guys.” Small talk led to pillow talk. “We went to the bedroom, and he tried to fuck me. I had not done that in years,” Joe said. “It was very painful. I said he had to stop because I couldn’t take it.” Instead, they did “other things.” The next day, Joe went back. It was a Sunday. “We were just talking on the couch, and I was drinking something – not liquor – because I don't drink. I think it was water. Then all of a sudden I got super horny, and I don't know anything after that.” Joe said when he regained consciousness; he was naked in his host’s bed. He asked what happened. “He put on the TV a video of him fucking me,” he said. “I was just passed out. I was really shocked.” Embarrassed and in a foggy, drugged state, Joe said he returned home. “I took it like ‘well that's what happens when

you meet people off Craigslist,’” he said. Joe had not been given the chance to say “No.” He was incapacitated and raped. Gay men meet other men off hookup websites or apps. There's also bars and parties. Regardless of where first contact is made, the chance of being drugged and raped very much exists here and elsewhere. Gay men-on-men druggings and rapes are not easily navigable – for victims, medical providers, law enforcement agencies or advocacy organizations. In South Florida, like many gay-populated areas in the U.S., cases like this aren't uncommon nor is there a playbook on how to address this. There is no local, statewide or federal data on this type of crime, according to area law enforcement agencies. "Our special victims detectives do not classify sexual assault/battery cases as described. We have no information, stats or documents," explained Veda Coleman-Wright, spokeswoman for the Broward County Sheriff's Office. The reason being, she said, is that it is not a reportable category as part of the UCR (Uniform Crime Reports) system, which is official data on crime in the U.S. published by the FBI. Because of this, Det. Tracy Figone, spokeswoman for the Fort Lauderdale Police Dept., said to locate information related to this type of crime, a lot of specifics are needed.

"You need to provide records with a specific time frame and specific location, club, cross roads, or an actual address," she said. The Miami Police Department confirmed a few recent instances of robberies involving gay victims, but nothing related to gay rapes and druggings. Aside from lack of data on this type of crime, the larger problem is that a majority of gay men do not report their sexual assaults to authorities, experts say. “Gay men have been victims of sexual crime for a long time… It’s under-reported because of shame,” said Dr. Steven Santiago, chief medical officer of Care Resource, a nonprofit and health center for uninsured and under-insured patients primarily in the LGBT community. Care Resource has three locations in MiamiDade County – Miami, Little Havana and Miami Beach – and one in Fort Lauderdale. Joe, the victim who was drugged, raped and videotaped, said, “I wouldn't have gone to the police. I would have felt ridiculous.” According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, approximately 63 percent of sexual assaults, regardless of gender or orientation, are not reported to police. The center estimates that one in 71 men – sexual orientation is not cited – will be raped at some point in their lives. "Dean,” who is a recent gay drug-and-rape

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victim, asked to be given an alias due to shame and fear of retaliation from his rapist. He is in his 20s. He is a handsome man with average height, crystal blue eyes, sandy blonde hair and a deep southern drawl. He recently moved from West Virginia to Miami for warmer temperatures. Dean used Adam4Adam.com, a gay dating website, to make new connections – sexually and otherwise. "Just don't get drugged," he said. "Someone drugged, raped and tried to overdose me... He used a liquid then later a needle with something." Dean, who said he was raped in January, called the incident "embarrassing." He said the guy did use a condom, which he left behind with semen inside. Dean was treated at Miami’s North Shore Medical Center, he said. Spokeswoman Shelly Weiss was unable to confirm any recent gay drug-and-rape cases, but said that rape patients are transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital, also in Miami, for rape kits. Santiago said he treated a gay male patient just a few weeks ago who was drugged and raped. The patient was not Dean. “He was referred to us by Jackson. That patient stated he was at a bar and drugged. He remembered waking up in his car without his pants,” Santiago said. “He assumed he had penetrated someone else, because his penis was soiled.” Santiago said, unlike Dean’s encounter, most rapists do not usually use condoms. He recommends all rape victims get tested for STDs. He said Care Resource offers the full gamut of STD testing. “I would venture to guess if someone is committing a sexual crime that protection isn’t used, but I don't have knowledge of statistics,” Santiago said.

Joe said he doesn’t know if a condom was used in his rape, but said he didn’t see one. Physical health is just one of the concerns after a sexual attack. The others being psychological and emotional impacts. About 35 percent of men report significant short-term or long-term impacts, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Dean said he is still “raffled” over his rape. “I thought the feeling would be gone, but I still have anxiety over it… Is it normal to feel weird and a lot of anxiety?” Both police agencies and Santiago suggest taking extra precaution when meeting someone off of the Internet. Santiago said meeting in a public place is key. He also mentioned giving contact information of the person, such as screen name, phone number and even photo, to a friend. “Regarding prevention, the tips would be the same as for any individual dating or meeting someone online or at a bar, etc. Be aware of your surroundings, make smart choices and watch for red flags,” Det. Tracy Figone said. After several high-profile incidents where people met off Craigslist and were either raped or murdered, the website now has a personal safety section posted. There are also stricter guidelines when posting personal ads, including creating a user account on the site and phone number verification. Adam4Adam.com, which advertises as “the world’s largest gay hookup site,” also has a safety tips section on its website. Grindr – “the world’s largest gay social network” – is an app but does have a website. There is not a safety section posted. Media inquiries were sent to both Adam4Adam.com and Grindr. Neither responded to requests for comment.

Are you a victim of rape? SFGN would like to hear your story. Please email Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com.

2.17.2016 •

lifestyle history "California Suite"

Homo History 101 History was never as straight as we are told. Recording our history means reporting the truth. Pier Angelo

Pedro Almodóvar

(25 September 1949) is a Spanish film director, screenwriter, producer and former actor. He came to prominence as a director and screenwriter during La Movida Madrileña, a cultural renaissance that followed the death of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. His first few films characterized the sense of sexual and political freedom of the period. Almodóvar achieved international recognition for his black comedy-drama film “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” (1988), which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. He later won the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Screenplay for the comedy-drama “All About My Mother” (1999) and the drama “Talk to Her” (2002) respectively. Other popular films include the dark romantic comedy film “Tie Me Up!” “Tie Me Down!” (1990), the melodrama “High Heels” (1991), the romantic drama thriller “Live Flesh” (1997), the dramas “Bad Education” (2004) and “Volver” (2006), the romantic thriller Broken Embraces (2009) and the psychological thriller “The Skin I Live In” (2011). His films are marked by his employment of certain actors and creative personnel, complex narratives, melodrama, pop culture, popular songs, irreverent humor, strong colors, and glossy décor. Desire, passion, family, and identity are among Almodóvar’s most prevalent themes. He burst on to the scene as a colorful purveyor of lavish, gleeful, hedonistic transgression. Gags include a clairvoyant losing her virginity by riding a sleeping, but aroused, fellow passenger, and the semen flecks left on a cabin steward's face after he locks himself into a cramped bathroom cubicle with the captain. Exploring his gay sensibility, Almodóvar appeals to straight audiences, who share his appetite for the resurrection and re-invigoration of old movie clichés. His forté is in incorporating elements of underground and gay culture into mainstream forms with wide crossover appeal, thus redefining perceptions of Spanish cinema and Spain.

Jodie Foster (November 19, 1962) is an American actor, director, and producer who has worked in films and on television. She has often been cited as one of the best actresses of her generation. Some of her most famous and successful 52

• 2.17.2016

movies include “Taxi Driver” (1976), “The Accused” (1988) “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991), “Nell” (1994). Foster rarely talks of her private life in interviews, and has explained that she "values privacy against all else" due to having spent most of her life in the public eye. She lives in Los Angeles, and has two sons, Charlie Foster (b. 1998) and Kit Foster (b. 2001), with her ex-partner Cydney Bernard. She met Bernard on the set of “Sommersby” (1993) and was in a relationship with her from 1993 to 2008. In April 2014, Foster married actress and photographer Alexandra Hedison. Foster's sexual orientation became subject to public discussion in 1991, when activists protesting the alleged homophobia in “The Silence of the Lambs” claimed that she was a closeted lesbian in articles published in OutWeek and The Village Voice. While she had been in a relationship with Bernard for a long time, Foster first publicly acknowledged it in a speech at the Hollywood Reporters "Women in Entertainment" breakfast honoring her in 2007. In 2013, she addressed coming out in a speech after receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 70th Golden Globe Awards. Foster is an atheist, but believes it is important to teach children about different religions, stating that "in my home, we ritualize all of them.” In addition to her two Academy Awards, Foster has won three BAFTA Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award and the Cecil B DeMille Award.

“California Suite” is a 1978 American comedy film directed by Herbert Ross. The screenplay by Neil Simon is based on his play of the same title. Similar to his earlier Plaza Suite, the film focuses on the dilemmas of guests staying in a suite in a luxury hotel. Maggie Smith won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the movie. Diana Barrie is a British actress and a first-time nominee for the Academy Award for Best Actress, an honor that could jumpstart her faltering career, although she knows she doesn't have a chance of winning. She is in deep denial about the true nature of her marriage of convenience to Sidney Cochran, a once-closeted antique dealer who has become increasingly indiscreet about his sexual preference. As she prepares for her moment in the spotlight, her mood fluctuates from hope to panic to despair.

community announcement

Florida Legislature Calls for Convention to Term Limit Congress Alannah NicPhaidin

he Florida Legislature has passed legislation making it the first in the nation to call for an Article V amendment convention exclusive to the subject of putting term limits on Congress. The memorial, HM 417, passed the State House and State Senate by an overwhelming voice vote. It is part of a national movement led by U.S. Term Limits to fight careerism in Washington. Article V gives state legislators a way to make term limits on Congress a reality without needing congressional approval. For the convention to be called, 34 states must pass similar legislation. If the convention proposes an amendment, 38 states must ratify it for it to be added to the U.S. Constitution. The President of U.S. Term Limits, Philip Blumel said “Seventy-five percent of Americans support term limits on Congress, including huge majorities of Democrats, Republicans and Independents. This is a rare, truly bipartisan issue with national support.” This bill was supported by both Democrats and Republicans in the State House and Senate throughout the process and passed unanimously through two committees. This effort in the Florida Legislature was led by Florida Rep. Larry Metz, R-Groveland and State Sen.

Aaron Bean, R-Jacksonville. “Rep. Larry Metz and State Sen. Aaron Bean have been an integral part of the process in Florida and in making Florida the first state in the nation to call for term limits,” Blumel added. “There are now 11 states hot on Florida’s heels, and the progress here has laid the groundwork for their success.” Since 34 states must call for the Term Limits Convention to make it happen, U.S. Term Limits has spread its grassroots resources throughout the country. In addition to Florida, the group is also targeting Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, Colorado, South Dakota, South Carolina, West Virginia, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Tennessee and Utah. The Term Limits Convention will not impact the Florida Legislature, as they already have term limits which were voted on by the people in 1992 with 77 percent of the vote. That vote on Amendment 9 also enacted eight-year term limits on federal and state officials but, in 1995, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states could not enact congressional term limits by ballot measure. Thus congressional term limits need to be enacted by amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

2.17.2016 •

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Rick Karlin

mangia, mangia!

s there any other ethnicity that is as associated with bountiful food as Italian Americans? Whether you think back to movies with positive images such as “The Big Night” and “Moonstruck” or those that focus on the darker side of life; “Goodfellas” and “The Godfather” (when Richard S. Castellano portraying Peter Clemenza says, after murdering someone, “Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.”), Italians and food just seem to go together. It may be a stereotype, but in many stereotypes there is a nugget of truth. Italians love their food and there’s no shortage of places that offer good Italian-American fare in abundant portions, including a newcomer.

Tony D’s

3300 NE 32nd St., Fort Lauderdale 954-440-2151 TonyDs.net After seven years in Rochester, N.Y., the owners of this regional old-school ItalianAmerican restaurant chose South Florida, for its second location. The restaurant specializes in hearty food and substantial portions. Most entrees offer more than

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enough for two to share. For example, among the apps, the fried calamari, served with celery, fennel, capers, sweet peppers and pepperocini offers perfectly cooked seafood in a pile high enough for a mountain climber. A basket of chicken wings, perfectly crispy with caramelized onions and focaccia for sopping up the extra sauce is enough for a meal. However, while the meatballs may be sizeable (the pair served is almost obscene) they were a bit too tough. The dinner salads, also enough for two as a meal or four as a starter, run the gamut of the usual suspects, but my favorite is the one topped with chicken Milanese, an ingenious pairing. Primo courses of pasta are more than enough for a meal. Each that I’ve tried has been perfectly cooked. My favorite is the most simple; spaghetti cacao e pepe; al dente pasta lightly coated with pecorino and Romano and a liberal dosing of black pepper. The zuppa di pesce presents perfectly cooked shrimp and clams in an herbed white wine broth. However, it would be nice if the kitchen removed the lobster tail from its shell. It’s kind of hard to do so at the table, especially since I wasn’t provided with anything but my fork and a butter knife. The veal chop, perfectly prepared looked as if

Wilma Flintstone should have been carrying it. I thought it was a roast at first glance. In addition to the regular menu items, Tony D’s offers daily specials, much like Mama would make in her kitchen; Monday it’s roasted sausage, Thursdays brings lasagna and it wouldn’t be Friday without braciole. Saturday’s special is my fave, osso bucco. The restaurant also offers a “$7 until 7” happy hour with 7 menu items for $7 from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday. The happy hour menu items are: polpettine (three housemade baby meatballs served in marinara with pecorino Romano and parmesan cheese), fettunta alla toscano (thick sliced grilled country bread with white beans, arugula, sliced porchetta), croquetta alla manzo (crispy short rib potato, mushroom, and cheese croquettas), calamari fritti (fried calamari with cherry peppers, olives, garlic and pecorino), Italian chicken wings (served crisp from the pizza oven with caramelized onions and focaccia bread), Margherita pizza (with mozzarella, marinara and basil) and Tony D’s bar burger. During happy hour wines by the glass are 50 percent off, wines by the bottle are 25 percent off, and cocktails of the day and flavored Bellinis are $7.

Here are some more Italian places serving up abundant portions of classic Italian-American fare.

Big Louie’s

1990 E Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale 954-467-1166 BigLouies.com

Kitchenetta

2850 N. Federal, Fort Lauderdale 954-567-3333 Kitchenetta.com

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2/18

film The MiFo LGBT Film Festival presents a special screening of the comedy thriller, “You’re Killing Me,” tonight at 7 p.m. at O Cinema Wynwood, 90 NW 29th St. in Miami. Narcissistic Internet media star George has a killer new boyfriend, literally, and nobody is safe. Watch for a surprise cameo from Mindy Cohn, Natalie from the classic ‘70s sitcom, “Facts of Life.” Tickets and more information at MiFoFilm.com.

FRI

2/19

theater Following the critical and box office success last season of “Assassins,” Zoetic Stage presents Stephen Sondheim’s musical about romance in war-torn 19th century Italy, “Passion,” February 18 through March 13. Stuart Meltzer directs and Caryl Fantel is the musical director for the one-act show featuring an all-star cast for regional premiere of this dramatic tour de force. Tickets are $50 at ArshtCenter.org.

Tropical Wave, the select small ensemble of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, performs in concert Saturday night at Sunshine Cathedral. Submitted photo.

SAT

2/20 SUN

2/21 MON

2/22 TUE

2/23

concert

cabaret

If you missed your chance last weekend, it’s not too late to get in on the Valentine’s Day spirit. Tropical Wave, the smaller vocal jazz ensemble of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, continues the “Season of Love” theme with “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” tonight at 8 p.m. at the Sunshine Cathedral, 1480 SW 9th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $25 – $40 at GayMensChorusOfSouthFlorida.org.

The Youth Pride Band, a high school honor band founded by the Pride Wind Ensemble to promote understanding through music, performs “Old World, New World,” featuring internationally-acclaimed band composer and conductor Johan de Meij, tonight at 7 p.m. in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale. Cheer on these talented young people. Tickets at BrowardCenter.org.

It’s a big week for music in South Florida. Michael Feinstein, the master of the “Great American Songbook” takes the stage of the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach tonight at 8 p.m. to celebrate the 100th birthday of Frank Sinatra. Feinstein will lead the Kravis Center Pops Orchestra in the legendary crooner’s biggest hits, including “Come Fly with Me” and “Luck Be a Lady.” Tickets start at $30 at Kravis.org.

The Royal Room at the famed Colony Hotel in Palm Beach is a legend on the cabaret circuit. Tonight, ‘70s adult contemporary singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester (“Midnight Blue, “Don’t Cry Out Loud”), who has expanded the cabaret repertoire with her tuneful ballads, begins a one-week run through Saturday, Feb. 27. Cover is $90 - $110 with $50 food minimum. Reservations at TheColonyPalmBeach.com.

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a&e dance

FEb 20 & 21 11am - 7Pm

Submitted Photo

Experience the culture, beauty & spirit of the Polynesian Islands

Jacos PastoRIus PaRk 4000 N. Dixie Hwy. Oakland Park

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• Hula Dancers • Fire & Knife Dancer • Island Music • Hula Contest • Ukulele Exhibition • Polynesian Foods • South Pacific Arts & Crafts • Kids Corner • and more Sponsored by

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FREE

for children under 12 $7 for adults

alvin ailey DanceR Reflects on miami Roots J.W. Arnold

he Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s much lauded artistic director, Robert Battles, is a Miami native, but he’s not the only member of the company who calls the Magic City home. Principal dancer Jamar Roberts will also be celebrating a homecoming when the troupe makes their annual tour appearance at the Arsht Center this weekend. “It happens every year and it’s always an exciting time to be on tour,” Roberts said. But, this won’t be just another performance for the New World School of the Arts grad because he will be featured in Battles’ first world premiere, since taking the helm of the internationally heralded company, “Awakening.” Although both artistic director and dancer share Miami roots and “it makes great fodder for jokes,” Roberts said, “when we’re in the studio, work is work.” Roberts got his start in dance after his family was forced to move to Jacksonville for a year in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. He was in fifth grade and one of his neighbors was participating in an after school dance program. He recalled with a slight chuckle, “She asked me to join. I had no clue. I’ve been dancing ever since that time.” When his family returned to Miami, Roberts continued his studies in magnet schools and later New World. Unlike so many young male dancers, he didn’t face the kind of bullying made famous in movies like “Billy Elliott.”

“I think I was really fortunate. Even though my family was really poor, I ended up in arts schools. Most kids who go to those schools are different,” Roberts said. After graduating, the natural decision for Robert—and many alumni—was to make the move to New York City. “I didn’t see it as a big deal, honestly,” he said. “The high school had a huge alumni network of dancers and the other arts filtering into various areas of New York City. It was expected if you went to that school, if you were great or had the potential to be great. They nurtured that kind of exodus. I was just going along with the advice of the mentors and teachers who guided me along the way. Roberts, who is now 33 years old, spent one year with the junior company, Ailey 2, before advancing to the main company. The job is demanding: His days begin with company class at 10:30 a.m., followed by rehearsals from 12 noon to 7 p.m., with a one hour lunch break. “After that, I go home completely exhausted, go to bed, wake up and do it again,” he explained. “This job is pretty life consuming. Not a day goes by that I don’t have to plan my life or live my life around this job.” The company spends four to five months each year touring the world, and even though Roberts has danced many times for the family and friends who will be watching in the Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Arsht Center, these performance are more than a job.

a&e food

Submitted photo.

The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is just one of the venues for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival’s new Fort Lauderdale events.

fameD fooD festival exPanDs to foRt lauDeRDale J.W. Arnold

festival sponsor, sat down with his team to ort Lauderdale foodies won’t have create a unique series of dining events for to fight traffic on I-95 anymore to experience the culinary delights of the Taste Fort Lauderdale series. “We knew that we wanted to offer a the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. For 2016 and the festival’s fifteenth few different types of events in the area, anniversary, organizers are bringing the and wanted to showcase some of the best celebrity chefs to Broward for a new series locations in Fort Lauderdale – including the beachside properties along A1A and of events, “Taste Fort Lauderdale.” “It was a natural evolution for us, in historic locations like Bonnet House our fifteenth year,” explained Lee Brian Museum & Gardens,” he said. “The Taste Fort Lauderdale Series has intimate dinner Schrager, director and founder. “Fort experiences, a signature walkLauderdale has a rapidly around tasting event, brunch, growing dining scene with a lot of great talent— we’re looking In recent years, and a late-night party.” Among the celebrities forward to showcasing that.” thousands of making the drive to Fort Under Schrager’s leadership, Lauderdale are Robert Irvine hungry guests the festival, which benefits (“Restaurant Impossible”) at the internationally-acclaimed have packed Seaside Eats on Wednesday, Chaplin School of Hospitality venues along Feb. 24 at Bonnet House Management at Florida International University Miami Beach for Museum & Gardens; Todd in North Miami, attracted events such as English, who will host a seated dinner on Thursday, Feb. 25 sponsorship from Food the Burger Bash at S3 Restaurant in the Hilton Network and the Cooking Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort; Channel and regularly features and Meatopia. and the cast of Food Network’s top celebrity chefs and TV competition, “Chopped,” at a personalities like Martha Stewart, Rachel Ray, Bobby Flay and Paula Sunday, Feb. 28 brunch at the Ritz-Carlton. Local restaurateurs and chefs will also Deen. In recent years, thousands of hungry be featured, including Angelo Elia (Casa guests have packed venues along Miami D’Angelo), Chris Miracolo (S3) and Giovanni Beach for events such as the Burger Bash Rocchio (Valentino). Night owls can dine and dance the night and Meatopia. The most popular event is the Publix Grand Tasting Village, a series away at Kuro at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino & Hotel in Hollywood on Saturday, of tents running several blocks along the beach, and featuring hundreds of food and Feb. 27. After a dinner hosted by celebrity chef Justin Warner and Kuro executive chef wine tastings from leading restaurants, Alex Becker, DJ Felix Da Housecat will be wineries and gourmet food vendors. Schrager, who is also vice president for spinning into the wee hours of the morning. special events at Southern Wine & Spirits, a

Tickets for South Beach Wine & Food Festival “Taste Fort Lauderdale” series events start at $95 per person and are still available at SoBeFest.com. 2.17.2016 •

feb. 17 to feb. 23

Datebook

Theater Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com

top

Picks

The Kinsey Sicks in Electile Dysfunction

Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. The Kinsey Sicks are back, and this time they’re vying to become the first Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet to run for president of the United States. Tickets $25.50 to $45.50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.org.

Neil Berg’s 107 Years of Broadway

of the complicated Williams. Prior to the play, wine and cheese will be served at Becky’s Garden. Tickets $35. Call 954-801-1401 or email Marge.mcclain14@gmail.com.

a professional golfer who switched careers into a golf analyst, talk show host, and sports broadcaster. Tickets $53.50 to $163.00. Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.org.

* Broadway Legends: Sondheim, Gershwin and Friends

palm beach county

Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, 5555 N Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. The Master Chorale of South Florida performs old Broadway standards as well as new favorites. Tickets $30. Visit MasterChoraleofSouthFlorida.com

* What’s Love Got to Do With It? Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. at Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale, in Fort Lauderdale. Tropical Wave, a vocal ensemble from Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, perform a cabaret-style concert. Tickets $25 to $40. Call 954-763-2266 or visit GMCSF.org.

* Darlene Love

Feb. 23 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Five Broadway stars take the stage to pay tribute to 107 years of Broadway’s greatest composers. Tickets $29. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. A former singer with The Crystals, she’s made a name for herself as a solo artist with hits like “Today I Met the Boy I’m Gonna Marry” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” Tickets $37.50 to $47.50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.org.

The Phantom of the Opera

* Miami City Ballet: Program Three

Feb. 24 to March 6 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The Broadway classic comes to Miami, of the opera singer Christine being trained by the maniacal phantom of the opera who wants her all to himself. Tickets $34 to $175. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

broward county * Michael Flatley Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. The fast-stepping Irish dancer is back with his proteges for “Lord of the Dance,” Morgan Comer, James Keegan and Fergal Keaney. Tickets $40.75 to $80.75. Call 800-745-3000 or visit thebbtcenter.com.

* Music At Mickel Park Concert Series with Jam Port Authority Feb. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mickel Park Concert Pavilion, 2675 NW Seventh Ave. in Wilton Manors. Jam Port Authority will perform rock, funk, and jazz -- enjoy from the comfort of your picnic blanket and chairs under the stars. Free. Call 954-390-2130, email sholloway@ wiltonmanors.com or visit wiltonmanors.com.

* En Avant! An Evening with Tennessee Williams Feb. 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. at All Saints Neaverson Room, 333 Tarpon Drive in Fort Lauderdale. A one-man play telling the story

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Feb. 20 to 21 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The company performs “Year of the Rabbit” by Peck and Stevens, “Sunset” by Taylor and Elgar, and “Bourree Fantasque” by Balanchine and Chabrier. Tickets $20 to $189. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* South Florida Symphony: 1,001 Nights Feb. 20 to 21 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Conductor Sebrina Alfonso and violinist Elena Urioste are guests to the symphony based on “Scheherazade.” Tickets $35 to $75. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Ms. Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. Fischer was a backup vocalist for The Rolling Stones for years, and was featured in the documentary “20 Feet From Success.” Tickets $33 to $43. Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.org.

* Iron Maiden Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. Raven Age travels with the iconic heavy metal band in support of The Book of Souls tour. Tickets $45.25 to $85.25. Call 800-745-3000 or visit thebbtcenter.com.

* David Feherty Live Off Tour Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. Feherty is

* Lennon: Through a Glass Onion Feb. 18 to 28 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. John R. Waters is joined by pianist Stewart D’Arrietta to celebrate the works and life of John Lennon through spoken word and music. Tickets $40. Call 561-8327469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Don Pasquale Feb. 19 to 21 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. When Don Pasquale gets in the way of love between a young man and woman, they find a way to get back at him. Tickets $25. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* The Country Wife Feb. 19 to Feb. 28 at Studio One Theatre, 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. A man pretends to be impotent so he can sleep with married women. Meanwhile, a country wife is finding her way through London. Tickets are $20. Call 1-800-564-9539 or visit FAUevents.com.

* Aztec Two-Step Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. A tribute to the music of Simon & Garfunkel, The Everly Brothers, and other duos. Tickets $40. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Broadway Legends: Sondheim, Gershwin and Friends Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. at World Performing Arts Center at Lynn University, 3601 N. Military Trail in Boca Raton. The Master Chorale of South Florida performs old Broadway standards as well as new favorites. Tickets $30. Visit MasterChoraleofSouthFlorida.com

* Michael Feinstein and The Kravis Center Pops Orchestra: Sinatra’s 100th Celebration

* Denotes New Listing * Robert Klein and Rita Rudner Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The two comedians have had audiences laughing for decades, and tonight will be no exception. Tickets $15 and up. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

miami-dade county * Alvin Ailey Feb. 18 to 21 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The renowned dance company returns after a two-year absence. Tickets $25 to $120. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Passion Feb. 18 to March 13 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Set in 19th century Italy, a woman yearns for the affections of a solider. Tickets $50. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* From ‘The Dark Knight’ to ‘The Hunger Games:’ The Movie Music of James Newton Howard Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Movie theme favorites are performed, from “The Dark Knight” to “Maleficent.” Tickets $25 and up. Call 305-9496722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Broadway Legends: Sondheim, Gershwin and Friends Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Miami, 609 Brickell Ave. in Miami. The Master Chorale of South Florida performs old Broadway standards as well as new favorites. Tickets $30. Visit MasterChoraleofSouthFlorida.com

* Beginnings: A Tribute to the Music of Chicago Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. The tribute band plays Chicago favorites like “If You Leave Me Now,” “Hard Habit to Break,” and of course, “Beginnings.” Tickets $40 to $45. Call 305-4668002 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Frank Sinatra would have been 100 years old in December 2015, and the orchestra pays tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes with a rendition of his music. Tickets $30 and up. Call 561-8327469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Bryan Adams

* Philadelphia Orchestra

* Miami International Festival: Josu de Solaun

Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The orchestra is lead by conductor Stephane Deneve and joined by violinist James Ehnes to perform works by Prokofiev, Sibelius, and Dvorak. Tickets $39 and up. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. Adams plays songs from his latest album, “Get Up!” as well as favorites from over the years. Tickets $67.50 to $99.50. Call 305-673-7300 or visit FillmoreMB.com.

Piano

Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. The Spanish pianist performs pieces by Brahms and Granados. Tickets $30. Call 305-466-8002 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

Photo Credit: Ronnie Larsen.

a&e comedy

A curtain obscures the identities of the performers in “The Penis Talk Show,” which returns to Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale for a limited run.

RevieW: 'the Penis talk shoW' at emPiRe stage J.W. Arnold

laywright Ronnie Larsen has a dirty mind. In addition to his new play, “Cocksucker: A Love Story,” currently playing at Empire Stage, he has brought back last year’s smash hit, “The Penis Talk Show,” for a limited run at the Fort Lauderdale theater space. The entire premise behind “The Penis Talk Show” is a candid conversation between the audience and three naked men whose identities are hidden by a curtain covering their faces. “You can ask me anything” is the mantra for the evening. Larsen serves as a verbal “fluffer” of sorts, who interviews and “lubricates” the audience as they arrive, encouraging them to write questions for the penises on index cards. At the first performance last week, even though the vast majority of the audience was made up of mature gay men, Larsen immediately targeted the few straight women in audience, especially the one who admitted she indeed “liked penises,” but hadn’t participated in oral sex for two decades. As the participants were finally revealed, the eager audience was instructed to yell “swivel” when they desired a better view. Quickly everyone also realized these three were not going to be shy, anonymous or not. Penis #1 was a slender, forty-ish “bisexual” Latino from the Dominican Republic. His penis was sizable and uncircumsized. Penis #2 was a fair-skinned, 22-year-old escort and gay porn star originally from Mississippi with a cut, respectable “grower” and big balls. Penis #3, a young Cuban immigrant in his late 20s, had a lean, defined body adorned with exotic, colorful tattoos down his flat abdomen and a very long, uncircumcised dick that he played with unceasingly. Many of the questions were fairly predictable: Do you manscape (clip and shave) down there? Do you miss your foreskin? Are you a top or a bottom? What’s your favorite position (which they demonstrated)? Other questions were zingers: Have you had sex with anything other than a man or woman? As a teen in Cuba, Penis #3 admitted he lost his virginity to a chicken on the isolated Caribbean island.

Gasps followed. Confronted with an audience question about “sounding,” Larsen surprisingly didn’t even know what that term meant. Fortunately, a “medical professional” in the audience provided the scientific definition for inserting a stainless steel tube down the urethra for pleasure. The penises weren’t nearly so clinical in their vivid descriptions. And then there was the issue of fisting. Larsen became infatuated with the topic, returning to the questioner numerous times throughout the evening. Normally unflappable, the sharp-tongued and occasionally potty-mouthed host was left at a loss for words as the conversation took a sobering tone when Penis #1 admitted enjoying an anonymous bareback encounter with a well-endowed black man at a sex club that ended with ejaculation inside his rectum. “This shit just got real,” Larsen responded. “Aren’t you afraid you’ll catch an STD?” The conversation quickly turned to HIV and the controversial PrEP treatment that is popular with younger gay men. The audience, many of whom had lived through the AIDS crisis of the ‘80s and early ‘90s, seemed equally shocked by the revelations of such risky behavior. All three penises were on the treatment, which involves taking an anti-retroviral pill daily, and they all enjoyed “natural” sex without the barrier of condoms. Soon, the conversation returned to lighter topics, including the fetishes of Penis #2’s “clients” and his porn movies. And, of course, the subjects of fisting and sounding were revisited, too. At one point, Larsen admitted, “You just can’t make this shit up!” No, you can’t. For some, especially those straight women and the lone husband in the audience, the evening offered a crude sex education class, but mostly it was a hilarious examination of the sexual appetites of three pretty typical South Florida gay men. Honestly, it was the funniest show this reviewer has enjoyed all year.

"The Penis Talk Show" will be repeated on Monday, Feb. 29 at 8 p.m. and other dates at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Dr. in Fort Lauderdale. For tickets, go to EmpireStage.com. 2.17.2016 •

Datebook

community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com

Top Picks AIDS Awareness Feb. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the FoundCare Community Health Center, 2330 S. Congress Ave. in West Palm Beach. Enjoy an exhibit of African Americans and Afro-Latinos who have contributed to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Also, get tested on site. Call Richardo Jackson at 561-345-4963 or Courtney at 561-3986622.

Kate Hudson Autographing Event Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. at Books and Books at Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave. in Bal Harbour. The actress will be at the store signing copies of her new book, “Pretty Happy: Health Ways to love Your Body.” Call 305-864-4241 or visit BooksandBooks.com.

Transgender Collabor-ACTIVE Educational Series Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Bishop S.F. Makalani Mahee would be talking about navigating the world as a transgender person and finding self acceptance. Free. Call 954-4639005, ext. 205 or email jreichman@ pridecenterflorida.org.

broward county * Red Revolution of the Heart Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, One E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Caroline Gardner leads a tasting of red wines from the Trinchero Family Estates, paired with a small plate. Tickets $40 nonmembers, $25 members. Call 954525-5500 or visit MOAFL.org.

* Victorian Tea Party with Frank and Ivy Stranahan Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Historic Stranahan House Museum, 335 SE Sixth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy afternoon high tea the way the Stranahans would have in honor of Ivy’s birthday, followed by a private house tour. Tickets $25. Call 954-524-4736 or visit StranahanHouse.com.

• 2.17.2016

Broward Support Services Gender Bender Youth Group Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at SunServe Campus, 1480 SW Ninth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A group for LGBT youth 13 to 21 to discuss gender, gender expression, binary systems, friendship, family and whatever else comes up! Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com

PFLAG Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Southwest Ranches. A support group for parents of LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and locations.

GayWrites Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at the Stonewall Library, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Come join us and write your memoir, poem, blog, novel or short story. Free. Email Jay Asher at ijasher@aol.com.

SunServe Youth Group Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral Springs and Hollywood. A support group and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and times.

Survivor Support First and third Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support from counselors and peers who have lost loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention at 954-384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org.

* Denotes New Listing Introduction to Modern Buddhism Mondays 6 to 6:30 p.m. at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 140 W. Prospect Road in Fort Lauderdale. Join a guided meditation and instruction with Western Buddhist teacher, Jay Radin. Free. Visit MeditationinFortLauderdale.com.

Man2Man Discussion Mondays 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. A weekly informal discussion group among gay men of all backgrounds. Contact John Beuscher at 954-319-4292 or email johnnybushwick@aol.com.

Toastmasters Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Learn the art of public speaking with positive reinforcement and encouragement from your peers. Call Ted Verdone at 954-5662074 or email tedverdone@comcast.net.

feb. 17 to feb. 23

palm beach county * Jupiter Seafood Festival

miami-dade county

* Spotlight Mega-Mixer Networker

Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Feb. 21 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Carlin Park, 400 S, SR A1A in Jupiter. Enjoy fresh seafood, live music performances, vendors, and family entertainment. Tickets $10 per day with free parking. Visit JupiterSeafoodFestival.net.

Feb. 25th from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mina’s Mediterraneo, 749 NE 79th St. in Miami. The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts a night of drinks, food, raffles, and networking.Free for members, $15 for others. RSVP to 305-673-4440, rsvp@ gaybizmiami.com, or GayBizMiami.com.

* Sounds of Transformation

Book Study

Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd. in Boca Raton. Ruth Cunningham, a musician and sound healing practitioner, talks about how music can heal and provide a spiritual experience. Call 561-395-8285, ext. 608 or visit StGregorysEpiscopal.org.

Capoeira

Zumba Fitness Mondays at 6 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Get moving with a certificated Zumba instructor for an infusion of exercise and dance moves. Donation of $5 or more. Call 561-324-1626 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

Out of the Closet, Into the Light Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at MCC of the Palm Beaches, 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens. AA for the LGBT community. Free. Call 561-775-5900 or visit MCCPalmBeach.org.

Voices of Pride Mondays at 7 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Join the Gay Men’s Chorus as they practice every week. Free. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com

Out of the Closet NA Group Mondays at 7 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. J St. in Lake Worth. A support and discussion group for LGBT recovering addicts. Visit LambdaNorth.net.

Coming Out Support Group Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. a Compass GLCC of the Palm Beaches, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Get support as you explore your sexual identity and be your true self. Call Forrest at 561-479-8313.

Queer Alternatives Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. An all encompassing social group, those 18 to 29 who consider themselves to be lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, questioning, or anything in between are welcome to join! Free. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Nurbu, will lead classes on learning the foundations of Buddhism. Call 786-529-7137. Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Bayfront Park’s Tina Hills Pavilion, 1075 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Learn the Brazilian art of capoeira, a mix of dance and martial arts, with Mestre Ze Com Fome. Free. Call 305-989-6628 or visit mestrezeomfome.com.

Prayers For World Peace Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Buddhist teacher, Todd Ellenberg will lead prayers and meditation. Cost $10. Call 786-529-7137.

Modern Buddhist Meditation Mondays and Tuesdays at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Find inner peace with instruction on meditation with Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Nurbu. Cost $10 and $5 per class. Call 786-529-7137.

Yoga in the Park Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. at Bayfront Park’s Tina Hills Pavilion, 1075 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Yogis 18 and older are invited to a yoga session taught by a certified teacher. Classes will be moved indoors in the event of rain. Bring your own mag, water, and towel. Free. Call 305-358-7550 or visit BayfrontParkMiami.com/Yoga.html

The Flying Trapeze School Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 4 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 1075 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Soar through the air like a member of the circus with trained trapeze experts. Call 786-239-8775 or visit TheFlyingTrapeze.net

Free Rapid HIV Testing Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Latinos Salud, 555 Washington Ave. Suite 235 in Miami Beach. Receive the results of your free, confidential HIV test in minutes. Call 305-397-8967 or visit LatinosSalud.org

porn pulse

Photo: Amazon.

gay tRumP eRotica novel scoRes big Hunter Houston

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

22-year-old Los Angeles comedian wants to make America sexy again and he’s off to a good start. Elijah Daniel is the author of “Trump Temptation: The Billionaire & The Bellboy,” a runaway literary hit on Amazon. Daniel admits to being a “very bad author” and says “you shouldn’t read anything I write,” but that hasn’t stopped his legions of fans from pushing “Trump Temptation” to the top of the Amazon best-seller list. “If 50 Shades of Grey had been written by someone who wasn’t a Twilight fangirl, and edited by an actual editor, ‘Trump Temptation’ would be that book,” writes one Amazon reviewer. The novel was reportedly written in just four hours with the help of wine and marijuana. The setting is Hong Kong, where the real estate tycoon and leading Republican Presidential candidate engages in a torrid love affair with a hotel bell boy.

WINTER ISSUE

“…the door creaked open and there he was, handsome as ever, like a giant melting fat carrot with fake hair,” reads one passage. While the press is having a field day with Daniel’s fictional tale, Trump fans are none too pleased. “...getting death threats from trump supporters so I just want to say thank you for taking time away from your local Walmart to read my book,” Daniel tweeted on Feb. 5. Trump has blocked Daniel’s Twitter account, @aguywithnolife, but the author is promising a sequel soon.

2.17.2016 •

Business Directory chiropractic COAST CHIROPRACTIC INJURY & WELLNESS CENTER 2608 NE 16th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33334 954.463.3036 www.coast-chiropractic.com

dental

LANE & ERIKS DENTAL ASSOCIATES 1831 NE 45th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.771.3331 Laneanderiksdental.com OAKLAND PARK DENTAL 3047 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954.566.9812 Oaklandparkdental.com ANDREWS DENTAL CARE 2654 N Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311 954.567.3311 Andrewsdentalcare.com

health AMERICAN PAIN EXPERTS 6333 N. Federal Hwy, Ste. 250, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-678-1074 Americanpainexperts.com SIMPLY MEN’S HEALTH 5405 Okeechobee Blvd #205, West Palm Beach, FL 561.459.5356 Simplymenshealth.com NATURA DERMATOLOGY 1120 Bayview Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 754.333.4886 Coolsculptingnaturadermatology.com MARK ENGEBRETSON Palm Beach & Boca Raton 561.400.9297 heartofthemystery.com

legal LAW ROBIN 2550 N Federal Hwy #20, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954.630.2707 Lawrobin.com

JIMENEZ LAW 100 SE 3rd Ave #1514, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394 954.848.3111 Jimenezlawoffices.com

professional services

2505 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-7621 Kalismcintee.com

health EMERALD ELITE 2301 Wilton Drive, Suite 3, Wilton Manors, FL 954.629.1377 Emeraldelitehomehealth.com

DR. TORY SULLIVAN 2500 N Federal Hwy #301, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954.533.1520 Torysullivanmd.com THE FLORIDA HOUSE EXPERIENCE 505 S Federal Hwy, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 800.778.6792 Fherehab.com

legal

SELZER & WEISS 1515 NE 25th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.567.4444 Selzerandweiss.com SHAWN NEWMAN 710 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.563.9160 Shawnnewman.com LAW GC 707 NE 3rd Ave #300, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954.573.1444 Lawgc.com

GREGORY KABEL 1 East Broward Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, 33301 954.761.7770 gwkesq@bellsouth.net

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restaurants

STORKS BAKERY 2505 NE 15th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.567.3220 Storksbakery.com THE FLORIDIAN RESTAURANT 1410 E Las Olas Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954.463.4041

NAKED GRAPE 2163 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.563.5631 Nakedgrapewinebar.com BEEFCAKE’S 1721 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 954.463.6969 Boardwalkbar.com

Have you made your wishes known? We’re here to help. 1-800-343-5400

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Pre-Arrangement Discounts For All Our LGBT Friends 64

• 2.17.2016

J. MARK’S 1245 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (954) 390-0770 Jmarksrestaurant.com ERNIE'S B-B-Q 1843 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 954-523-8636

BUY THIS SPACE FOR

retail

KALIS-MCINTEE FUNERAL & CREMATION CENTER

investments

restaurants

$250 A YEAR

BARTON & MILLER CLEANERS 2600 N. Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-4314

AMERICAN TAX Publication & INSURANCE :Newspaper Ad Cont. Levitt Small Ad Gay WILTON MANORS DENTAL 2929 E Comm. Blvd, 8th Floor Penthouse D, Fort Lauderdale, FL 2517 NE 9th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.302.3228 954-564-4746 Americantaxandinsurance.com Wiltonmanorsdental.com ISLAND CITY DENTAL 1700 NE 26th Street, Ste. 2, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-564-7121 Islandcitydental.com

To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970

PEACE PIPE 4800 N Dixie Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 954.267.9005 Facebook.com/peacepipeﬂ DAOUD’S 2473 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954.928.2437 Daouds.com NATURAL SLEEP 3040 N 29th Ave, Hollywood, FL 33020 954.951.2678 Naturalsleepfd.com

POVERELLO THRIFT STORE 2056 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.561.3663 Poverello.org MODERN HOME 2 GO 4000 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.530.5650 Mh2go.com ESTATE AUCTION CO. 6 South Federal Hwy, Dania Beach, FL 33304 954-921-2828 Estateauctionco.com

MASTER HYPNOTHERAPIST AND LIFE COACH ADDICTIONS • SMOKING • WEIGHT LOSS • INSOMNIA • STRESS REDUCTION • ROAD RAGE • ANGER MANAGEMENT • PAST LIFE ANALYSIS • RELATIONSHIP COACHING Coach Bill For Life

WWW.COACHBILLFORLIFE.COM

954.641.8315

retail ESTATE AUCTION CO. 6 South Federal Hwy, Dania Beach, FL 33304 954-921-2828 Estateauctionco.com

theaters

FT LAUDERDALE GAY MEN'S CHORUS PO Box 9772, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33310-9772 954-832-0060 www.theftlgmc.org ANDREWS LIVING ARTS STUDIO 23 NW 5th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954.530.1879 Classcreations.com KRAVIS CENTER 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL (561) 832-7469 Kravis.org ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132 305.949.6722 Arshtcenter.org GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA PO Box 39617, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33339 954-763-2266 Gaymenschorusofsouthﬂorida.org

veterinarian

Advertise here for

$550 a year

DR. PIERRE B. BLAND, DVM 3225 N. Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-673-8579 Doctorblandvet.com

The Best Cellar

Boutique Wine Shop & Wine Bar The Ultimate Wine Tasting Experience Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sat., at 8:00 p.m. ONLY $15 PER PERSON! 954-630-8020 1408 N.E. 26th St. Wilton Manors, FL 33334

Income Tax Preparation •Individual •Small Business •Free Consultation Doug Turner, Enrolled Agent Best Books and Taxes 2201 Wilton Drive bestbooksandtaxes.com

954-565-1041

Call today for appointment

2.17.2016 •

SFGN Classified$ accounting - finance HEALTH & LIFE ADVISING INC - 14 years experience. Guaranteed issue 25K critical illness insurance rates at $36 and $50 including accidental injury coverage. Best rates for life guaranteed, from limited med to full medical underwriting. Term/ROP/ WHOLE/FINAL EXPENSE/ACA HEALTH PLANS WITH SUBSIDIES AVAILABLE. CALL 954-2000140, ask for Brian

attorney

electrician

HARRY’S ELECTRIC RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL - Additions, renovations, service upgrades, breaker panels,FPL undergrounds, code violations, A/C wiring, ceiling fans, recessed, security & landscaping, lighting, pools, pumps, Jacuzzis, water heaters, FREE PHONE ESTIMATES 954-522-3357 Lic & Ins. www. harryelectrician.com

employment positions wanted

AIDE/COMPANION,HHA/CNA AVAILABLE Experienced Aide/Companion, HHA/CNA available for hourly,daily, live-in or substitute position. More than 10 years experience, licensed, background check available. Excellent recent references. Phone or text 754-207-7476

for sale

TOSHIBA SATELLITE LAP TOP COMPUTER FOR SALE - Toshiba lap top for sale, Windows 7,, good condition....since a few letters stick you need a keyboard which you can get for $25.00 at Best Buy, etc.. please call Cindy at 954-298-8158 for any other info..$100 or best offer. I can email you pic. Local Ft. Lauderdale area

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auto

home care

To place a Classified Ad, call Cindy Curtis at 954.530.4970 or email at cindy.curtis@sfgn.com help wanted

help wanted - part time CNA WANTED FOR PART-TIME WEEKEND POSITION - Accepting applications for certified CNA for Saturday & Sunday-part-time. Background check, verifiable references and current drivers license required. Call Antonio at 954-599-3265 for appointment.

folow the action.

sfgn.com

EARN $300+ PER DAY - Activists Needed To Collect signatures to get Medical Marijuana on ballot. Earn $300+ per day. 954-616-7736; 754204-0114 Make own hours. HELP WANTED! - New full service gym located on E. Sunrise Blvd., looking for part time front desk help (Tues & Wed 5am- 10am and 8am-2pm every other Sat &Sun) and fill in as needed. Contact Julian via email julian@stamina1640.com. SEEKING FRONT DESK PERSON FOR DENTAL OFFICE - Looking to hire full time 8-5 front desk person for receptionist, answering phones, filing, making appts. Full time position with benefits and fun, relaxed working atmosphere for the right person. No previous dental experience needed. Willing to train if you have good attitude and work ethic. To apply, email opdentalung@aol. com.

handyman

HUSBAND FOR RENT - Is he procrastinating home repairs? He says he will do it tomorrow?? After the football game?? We fit right in - in the house or the yard, small or big jobs: tile, dry wall, paint, plumbing, roof leaks, broken furniture, irrigation, fences, and more!It doesn't cost to hassle us to see the work - so why wait? Neat, clean work for a reasonable price. Call Haim at 954-398-3676, sidnalll@yahoo.com

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I’m gay.

accounting/finance HAROLD J BLOTCHER,EA - Tax Preparation and Representation for Individuals and Small Business. Help with Same Sex Marriage Issues. Call 781-363-5519 or 561-429-3592 or visit our website at www.haroldjblotchertaxes.comwww. haroldjblotchertaxes.com

I am the future of the LGBT community. And I read about that future every day on my work laptop. Because that’s where I want it to be.

cleaning service

BUTLERS IN THE MANOR - 25 years of cleaning experience.Our cleaners are the best in the area. Customizing your visit from cleaning to laundry to pet care, Butlers in the Manor We're waiting for your call 954-812-8005 www.butlersinthemanor. netwww.butlersinthemanor.net

electrician

TOP DOG ELECTRIC-QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP AT A FAIR PRICE - Any and all types of electrical work performed by craftsmen who care about their work. 954-533-5005 guy@ topdogelectricﬂ.com www.TopDogElectricFL.com Lic# 97-CME-1724-X

• 2.17.2016

The person depicted here is a model.Their image is being used for illustrative purposes only.

rentals MIKE THE RENTAL GUY NE Lauderdale/Wilton Manors/Oakland/Victoria Park-1/1 from $950 2/1 from $1150. Credit & Income RequirementsPets okay with restriction. Call for Details Mike 561-703-5533

Place an ad in SFGN’s Classifieds

pets/supplies

piano

licensed massage

AFFORDABLE AWESOME MASSAGE BY JIM Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and LomiLomi Massage for Men; in a very comfortable, relaxed and Private Massage Studio, NOW conveniently located in Wilton Manors on NE 26th Street, with plenty of free parking. Same Day appointments are welcome; please call Jim, 954-600-5843 email: info@ massagebyjim.com or visit my website for testimonials, rates and more. GREAT OPENING SPECIAL NOW AVAILABLE! www.massagebyjim.com Licensed and Certified MM22293 INCREDIBLY AWESOME BODY WORK - Incalls at a private studio 15 minutes west of PBIA. Intuitive, experienced licensed massage therapist offers affordable rates 7 days, early to late. ASK ABOUT WEEKLY SPECIALS! Calls only 561-2548065 for the very best massage experience you can get HANDS DOWN! Call for Spring Specials! #MA51008

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE PIANO? Learn from an experienced teacher. All levels and ages welcome. Learn to play classical, popular, jazz, or show tunes. Visit www.edwinchad. com or call 954-826-9555 for more information.

painting GREGG'S PAINTING - Interior/exterior,great rates, friendliness, reliability, neatness. No job too small. Call Gregg at 617-306-5694 or 954-8705972.

pool service

COOL POOLS- RELIABLE POOL SERVICE Professional pool service.Covering Wilton Manors, Lighthouse Point, and eastside of Pompano Beach. 15 years experience. Licensed and insured.Free estimates. Call 954-235-0775.

SFGN.com

954.530.4970 roommates oakland park LOOKING FOR ROOMMATE IN OAKLAND PARK - Are you frustrated, tired, bored?Live the true gay life with me. No drama. Just peace!Cozy 300 sq. ft. apartment in "gated" community. I am mature. Ready for 3/1/16. Call Brian at 954-5293490. $400/month.

roommates

ROOMMATE WANTED - 3bdr, 2.5 bath condo at the Tennis Club. $550 per month all inclusive. Must have job, transportation. No Smokers. Ideal for tennis player. Contact George.Alvan@yahoo.com 57 Y/O GWM SEEKS ROOM FOR RENT - Seeks preferably furnished room in greater Ft. Laud/WM area. Prefer to share with only 1 other GM. Quiet and laid back. No drama. I collect disability and a pension so rent is never late. Bill 954-588-4659

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