2/28/18 V9i9 by South Florida Gay News

local name global coverage February 28, 2018 vol. 9 // issue 9

continuing coverage of the parkland shooting, gun debate â&#x2014;? pages 10, 11, 16, 18, 19

Pushing Pain

INTO ACTION onePULSE and Matthew Shepard foundations team up for month-long project in Orlando this year

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NEWS highlight

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

February 28, 2018 • Volume 9 • Issue 9

2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com

Editorial

The Dolphin Democrats’ Annual Membership Meeting. Photo: Dolphin Democrats, Facebook.

Dolphin Dems Accused of ‘Rigging’ Their Endorsement District 2 candidate Tim Smith left off ballot giving members only one option

Michael d’Oliveira

t the Feb. 21 meeting of the Dolphin Democrats, “the fix was in.” That’s according to Tim Smith, the former city commissioner who is running to be Fort Lauderdale’s next Dist. 2 commissioner. In an email to SFGN, Smith said it was unfair that his opponent, Steve Glassman, a gay man, was the only person on the Dist. 2 endorsement voting ballot the Dolphin Democrats gave to its members. The Dolphin Democrats is the LGBT democratic club of Broward County. “They assured me that my questionnaire had been logged in and if I made it to the general election, I could compete for their endorsement then. Imagine my surprise when the ballot came out last night with only Steve Glassman’s name on it. The fix was in, process completely rigged, and I am truly disappointed that an organization with a mission to stop discrimination, would so blatantly discriminate,” Smith wrote. “They said it was just a technical ‘by-laws issue,’ but everyone saw through it, even Commissioner [Dean] Trantalis said out loud – ‘that’s not right.’ I have been a strong LGBT activist for decades, well known in my public positions for the LGBT community, and don’t know quite how to feel.” Asked by SFGN about his alleged statement, Trantalis declined to confirm or deny that he made it and said that he wasn’t qualified to speak about the inner workings of the Dolphin Democrats and didn’t want to

get involved in the matter. In an email to Smith from Dolphin Democrats President Scott Herman, provided by Smith, Herman wrote that “. . . I’m consulting with others to make sure the process is followed in order to be fair.” Asked about the endorsement process by SFGN, Herman said Smith’s name was not on the ballot because of his organization’s bylaws. “He missed the deadline,” Herman said. According to the bylaws, “All requests for endorsements must be submitted to a member of the current Executive Board at least thirty (30) days prior to the next General Membership Meeting.” The Primary election was held on Jan. 16 and the Dolphin Dems membership meeting was held on Feb. 21, which means the candidates had about 5 days to submit their request for endorsement. On its Facebook page on Feb. 22, the Dolphin Democrats stated, “Candidate Tim Smith made a point of order regarding him being left off the ballot considering he submitted a questionnaire in December or January of 2017/18, but The Parliamentarian and other Directors ruled that Smith submitted an endorsement request/questionnaire for the primary election and that endorsement requests must be made for each election separately, and thus Candidate Tim Smith MEMBER was not eligible.” Mark Hartman, a gay man who is a part MEMBER

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of Smith’s campaign, wrote in an email to SFGN that he was at the meeting and is critical of what happened. He said a request by Democratic U.S. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings for the Dolphin Democrats to support human rights, not just gay rights, was ignored. “His message was entirely lost on the Dolphin Democrats. They immediately proceeded to shut out Tim Smith as a candidate for their endorsement leaving a single gay man as the ONLY option for endorsement by the organization’s voters. The Smith supporters, a mostly gay turnout, were incredulous,” Hartman wrote. Barry Curtis, a gay man who has criticized Glassman, but whose voting intentions SFGN was unable to ascertain before press time, wrote on Facebook that the Dolphin Democrats treated Smith very unfairly. “The Dolphin Democrats should be ashamed of themselves. We as gay people have been screaming for the world to judge me for who I am not what I am. This group proved tonight what hypocrites they are when it comes the race for commissioner for district 2. There are 2 people running for commissioner of this district not just 1.”

The General election will take place March 13.

Cover: photo courtesy of Sara Grossman. MEMBER

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NLGJA Journalist of the Year 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 © 2018 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

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2 . 28.2018

MEMBER

NEWS national

Annise Parker, president of the Victory Fund and the former mayor of Houston. Photo courtesy of Annise Parker.

Victory Fund Gearing Up For Elections John McDonald

n Texas politics, lesbians are a winning bet. “It’s been a good state for strong women,” said Victory Fund President Annise Parker. “Lesbians in Texas have done really well.” Parker, the former mayor of Houston, arrived in Fort Lauderdale Thursday afternoon for a few days of campaigning for candidates in South Florida. In her home state of Texas, Parker has seen lesbians win campaigns for sheriff and district attorney. “In terms of really moving up the ladder women have done well,” Parker said. “We don’t care where you are from. You don’t have to be born there. It’s not like the South where everybody wants to know ‘who your people are?’ and ‘Where ya from?’…. We don’t really care, it’s what you can do and that attitude has allowed us to flourish there.” Parker took over as President of the Victory Fund last year. The organization was founded in 1991 as the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. “Our mission is to elect LGBTQ candidates wherever they are and whatever political party they are in,” said Parker in an interview with SFGN at Warsaw Coffee Company on Northeast 13th Street in Fort Lauderdale. “Our bread and butter is actually local races.” To be endorsed by the Victory Fund a candidate must fulfill three basic requirements: Live an open LGBT life, fight anti-LGBT legislation and believe in a right to privacy. Rights to privacy, Parker said, previously dealt with sodomy laws, but more recently concern a woman’s right to choose. Each candidate must be capable of winning with a good reputation in their respective communities, Parker said. “Every candidate is in a local context of what

makes one viable,” Parker said. “The issues are different, the personalities are different and the political team has to drill down. It doesn’t mean they have to be universally popular, it means they have to be able to put together a winning combination of issues and campaign team and have some understanding of the dynamics at play. We can lay out a path to victory.” Parker served six years as Mayor of Houston. She was a Houston Commissioner and the city’s controller before being elected Mayor. She was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2010 by Time Magazine. At Victory Fund, Parker said, the organization very much believes in promoting quality candidates and growing careers. Parker cited Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Dean Trantalis and Florida Representative David Richardson as examples of candidates taking their talents to another level. Trantalis came in first in Fort Lauderdale’s Mayoral election primary with 46 percent of the vote. Richardson, a Miami Democrat, is seeking an open Congressional seat in district 27. “I just learned that race may be a little disruptive,” Parker said. “Donna Shalala (former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services) is thinking about it and that would be a game changer in that race, but David has our full support and we’re in it to the end.” Richardson, the first openly gay man elected to the Florida House of Representatives, is one of 64 candidates currently endorsed by the Victory Fund. Lauren Baer, a married lesbian running for the first time in Congressional district 18 is the other Florida candidate endorsed in a federal campaign.

Primary elections are held in August. For more information, visit VictoryFund.org 2.28.2018 •

NEWS online

Action Online

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Fort Lauderdale Named Best City for LGBT People to Retire

Bermuda’s Reversal of Same-Sex Marriage Puts Fear In LGBT Activists

Trump Receives Mattis Recommendation on Trans Military Service

President Trump has received recommendations from James Mattis on trans military service. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key).

Transgender Texas Wrestler Wins Second High School Title

‘Andi Mack’ Star Gets Candid About Playing A Gay Character

Photo via Instagram / @joshuarush

6. Trump Dating Site Featured Child Sex Offender 7. LGBT Trump Supporters Plan March on Lincoln Memorial Peter Boykin is helping to organize a pro-Trump rally next month. (Washington Blade photo by Lou Chibbaro, Jr.)

8. Ex-Arkansas Judge Sentenced to 5 Years in Sexual Favors Case Joseph Boeckmann.

9. 2nd Circuit Rules Title VII Bars Anti-Gay Workplace Discrimination The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has issued a ruling against anti-gay workplace discrimination. (Photo by Ken Lund; courtesy Flickr)

10. Watch: Apple Releases Emotional Ad Celebrating Marriage Equality in Australia

Visit SFGN.com to stay up to date on all the news across the web! Twitter.com/SoFlaGayNews Facebook.com/SouthFloridaGayNews

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2 . 28.2018

NEWS local

Rapid Results Testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Comes to Fort Lauderdale Results will now be available in 90 minutes

Damon Scott

here’s a particular phrase that gets under Ramin Bastani’s skin. And the aggravation can be more than just a mere annoyance when it comes to health care issues. “My dad was diagnosed with cancer years ago and I became his caregiver,” said Bastani, the CEO of Los Angeles, California-based Healthvana. “There were gaps in the coverage and with the health care provider, and during all the testing and labs and waiting for results I’d often hear people say: ‘no news is good news.’ With my technology background, it made no sense to me,” he said. The phrase, when it comes to lab results, means when a test is negative a patient often won’t hear from the provider and has to be more proactive in finding out the result. In general, it’s only when a result is positive that a patient will be contacted (hopefully quickly) with the results. Out of the experience with his father, and optimism about what technology can accomplish in the world of health care and testing, Bastani would go on to help create Healthvana — a tech and software company trying to better connect patients and providers so patients can quickly decide what to do next in their care. Bastani has teamed up with Sunnyvale, California-based Cepheid Inc. and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) to bring rapid testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to South Florida. The tests, which Bastani said would be available in the next month or so, will offer quick lab results (90-minutes versus typically eight days) of chlamydia and gonorrhea — two of the most common STDs in the country. The free tests will be available at the Broward Wellness Center in Fort Lauderdale, where AHF already offers free AIDS tests and other services. The Wellness Centers run by the AHF, said Bastani, are the first sexual health clinics to incorporate the rapid test technology. The issue is a big focus because the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said that in 2017, STDs in America reached some of the highest levels ever seen. The organization and others are seeking ways to slow down the epidemic. “The experience is you walk in and register digitally by phone or kiosk, instead of paper and pen,” Bastani said. “It saves a lot of time and allows [AHF] to see more patients. Afterward, instead of hearing the classic ‘no news is good news, call us back in two weeks,’ — as soon

as the lab is done — it goes to the patient in a really easy way to understand,” he said. Bastani said results are sent through text or email notification. You can also go to a website where you’ll find a free app. If everything is fine with the lab results, you’ll see “negative.” If there is infection, it will say “positive,” and give you instructions on what to do next. “Healthvana has reduced the time by two full days,” Bastani said. “It helps patients stay on top of their care,” he said. The testing has been launched in other cities like London, England, and Bastani said the results have been “insanely positive.” “To the point where people were lining up — 800 in one day. People don’t have the anxiety once the barriers are reduced,” he said. But Bastani said there’s another practical reason for having the test results at your fingertips. “People often ask a potential partner: ‘Have you been tested?’ Through our technology you can share the test results,” Bastani said. He said he’s seen people take a screenshot of results (omitting whatever personal information one wishes) and share on dating sites like Tinder. While the technology has the potential for other health care tests, Bastani said Healthvana works in sexual health, because it’s where the company started. He said the company is also starting to work in the area of renal (kidney) disease. Bastani, 42, employs 20 people at Healthvana. He said the company, which launched in 2015, has already received industry kudos. He has presented at the White House, at Stanford University and at the National Library of Medicine in Maryland. Bastani said he started his first technology company after he graduated from the University of Southern California in 1999.

The AHF Wellness Center — Broward is located at 750 SE 3rd Ave. (1st floor) in Ft. Lauderdale. Call 954-767-0273 for more information. 2.28.2018 •

NEWS local Left: LeBoy’s former ad, compared to the Pride Factory ad that is currently still up in Fort Lauderdale.

LeBoy Ads Removed in Wilton Manors; Owner May Sue City Michael d’Oliveira

he owner of LeBoy is upset over the removal of his ads from city-owned eco bins and said he may sue city in response. “I’m not going to let it slide by,” said Sean David, owner of LeBoy, a gay strip club in Fort Lauderdale. The ads went up three weeks before Halloween, on eco bins near Northeast 8 Avenue and Wilton Drive, and were taken down shortly after. David said his money was returned. David is accusing the city of removing his ads, which featured two shirtless men from the midsection up, while allowing similar ads to remain including one that showed the entire body of a man only wearing a jockstrap. He said someone from Smartlite, the ad company Wilton Manors contracts with to manage the advertising on the eco bins, told him the city was responsible. But he declined to give the name. David, who said he advertised similar ads before without a problem, said he received his money back but still has

never gotten an explanation as to why his ads were removed this time. “My contract requires them to give me a notice and chance to remedy. I received no notice and no chance to remedy anything. I really feel like somebody in the city didn’t like it. I was very upset. When I buy a space, that real estate is mine. Nobody talked to me.” Leisure Services Department Director Patrick Caan and City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson both said the city did not make the decision to remove the ads. Henderson and Caan said those decisions are left up to Smartlite. “We don’t do any ad reviews,” Henderson said. David’s attorney is Russell Cormican, the law partner of attorney Norm Kent, publisher of the South Florida Gay News. On Feb. 21, he submitted an information request related to any city communications. Smartlite did not return multiple messages requesting an interview.

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2 . 28.2018

NEWS palm beach Photo credit: Violet Castano.

Proud ‘sluts’ march on Valentine’s Day Students protested to end rape culture and reclaim their sexuality.

Rachel Gavilan

tudents chimed in with “Me Too” and “Time’s Up” on the second SlutWalk held at the FAU Boca campus. Planned Parenthood FAU chapter Generation Action hosted the Wednesday march and a few dozen like-minded students attended, eager to make their voices heard. The walk is part of a global movement that began in 2011. Funded in part by Planned Parenthood, the walk took place around the campus’ Housing Lawn. “Mistress of Ceremonies” Nicole Johnson explained why she believes college students should participate in events like this. “We have to know what changes we want to make, and then make them happen,” she said. “Surrender only to yourself.” Before the walk started, attendees sat around a table crafting colorful signs and discussed the principles behind the SlutWalk movement. Graduate student Ian Blake weighed in as he drew a sign that read, “Hurray Sluts!” “We are literally biologically programmed to enjoy sex,” he said. “It’s ridiculous to shame half of the population for enjoying their sexuality. It’s true that we don’t have to be limited by our biology, but we should certainly not be limited by our culture.” Pre-med student Mabelin Bernal added, “In our society, men are allowed to do whatever they want, but women are shamed for what they wear and what they choose to do with their bodies.” During the walk, participants held up their signs and chanted, “No means no! Yes means yes! Maybe means maybe! Don’t call me baby!” “My body! My choice!” and “No matter where you go, no matter how you

dress, no means no and yes means yes!” While the attendees agreed unanimously on the importance of ending rape culture and allowing women to own their sexuality, the opinions on the event’s title “SlutWalk” varied. Some were concerned it could be polarizing. “It might be the wrong word for what we’re trying to accomplish,” Johnson said, worried that people might write off the event because of its title. Others felt it was time to rethink the term’s context. “The word ‘slut’ or ‘whore’ came from prostitutes,” film major Rachel Martin said. “Our bodies are already very exploited [in our society], so why are we shamed for being sexual or making our own choices?” The walk welcomed all genders, but was also for anyone who has experienced sexual harassment or assault. Part of a table display set up by FAU Owls Care Health Promotion highlighted how rape culture can affect the LGBT community, as well as men. “The statistics of sexual assault on trans people are very high,” Martin said. Student Natalie Balaguer believes increased education would help. “Sex ed and education about consent are not taught enough in schools,” she said. Martin agreed, and said she makes a point to educate the men in her life. “I’m always hammering feminism into my brothers’ head,” she said, laughing. Following the march, pizza and water bottles were provided for participants. Student singers Muna Muhammad and Aubrey Laudano performed several Top 40 hits, as well as Alicia Key’s “Girl On Fire” to close out the event. 2.28.2018 •

NEWS local

Developers Drop Plans for Residential Development at Former Church Property Michael d’Oliveira

lans to build 88 residential units on told developers they needed to reduce the the former Center for Spiritual Living number of units further if they wanted final site in Wilton Manors have been commission approval. Before that December cancelled. meeting, developers had proposed 100 units. “Right now, we’re going back to the By the end, they dropped further to 88. “I drawing board,” said Larry Baum, founder will not vote for a site plan that has the same of Stellar Homes Group, the company footprint,” said Mayor Gary Resnick at the developing the site, located time. at Northeast 15 Avenue and When Baum was trying to Northeast 26 Street. build residential units, the Baum said his company project received support from plans to attempt some kind some residents and rejection of business or commercialfrom others. related venture on the 4.9-acre Previously, John Fiore, a site. Nothing has been decided resident and former mayor, yet, he said, but possible ideas suggested 50 to 60 units. include a hotel or shopping Resident Randy Comer wanted center. “We’ve had so many developers to only build 40 different offers and calls units. Those against the project because it’s such a great site.” said it would ruin the character Baum said it was decided that of the neighborhood. Those the land was too valuable for in favor cited the tax benefits - Larry Baum Stellar homes group residential condos and more and commended the aesthetics money could be made in some of the project, which was other kind of use. “The market for condos designed by Miami architect Rene Gonzalez. has softened up.” Resident Karl Lentzer said the project would He added that Stellar will go out to the be “great for the neighborhood.” community first before officially proposing Resident Laura Comer, who was against anything to the city. “There’s no time frame building 88 units, said she’d like to move yet. It’s still very up in the air. We’re big forward. She and some other residents were believers in Wilton Manors.” also against the G Resort hotel project that The project was approved by the Broward was proposed for the site in 2010. “This County Planning Council in June of 2017. should be interesting. I hope they come up The city commission gave tentative approval with something decent so we can just move to the project in December of 2016, but on from all this fighting.”

“There’s no time frame yet. It’s still very up in the air. We’re big believers in Wilton Manors.”

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2 . 28.2018

2.28.2018 â&#x20AC;¢

NEWS local

LGBT Issues, Guns Emerge at Debate as March 13 Election Looms

Damon Scott

hether the city-owned War Memorial Auditorium should allow guns shows to continue and an LGBT-related fundraiser in Miami were two of many issues raised at a mayoral and District 2 commissioner candidate forum Feb. 26 in Fort Lauderdale.

Whether the city-owned War Memorial entry and exit. It’s a cost, but worth it. Our Auditorium should allow gun shows to schools need to be treated like airports,” continue and an LGBT-related fundraiser he said, acknowledging that the issue is in Miami were two of many issues raised a state legislative responsibility, but that at a mayoral and District 2 commissioner municipal leaders can ask the state for candidate forum Feb. 26 in Fort help. Lauderdale. Trantalis was asked about criticism Dean Trantalis and Bruce Roberts are lobbed his way by accepting support from on the ballot to be the next mayor of the national group Victory Fund, who held Fort Lauderdale. The two joined Steve a fundraiser for him in Miami recently. Glassman and Tim Smith, who are vying Victory Fund supports the election of to be the next District 2 commissioner, at LGBT candidates. a debate in front of a full room at ArtServe. “I’m a gay man, is there a secret about The general election is that?” said Trantalis to March 13. chuckles in the audience. In the wake of the school Trantalis would be the shooting in Parkland, first openly gay mayor moderator Brittany Wallman of Fort Lauderdale if of the Sun Sentinel quickly elected. He is now a asked Trantalis and Roberts city commissioner for District 2. if they thought the Florida “Not all [campaign] Gun Shows company should money comes from be allowed to continue to [within the] boundaries host its annual events at War of Fort Lauderdale,” he Memorial. said. Trantalis said he was “It’s a sin that we allow it able to recently spend to happen,” Trantalis said. time with the executive “Every year I ask it to be - Dean Trantalis city commissioner, director of the Victory discontinued. We shouldn’t district 2 Fund, former Houston have to wait for 17 children mayor Annise Parker, to die to know what the right and learn about how that city deals with thing to do is.” Trantalis and Roberts both agreed the problems and how some solutions could venue wasn’t appropriate — a place where be applied to Fort Lauderdale. “It was a great education,” said Trantalis, children often play and have activities at adding that he didn’t understand the Holiday Park. Roberts, who is a vice mayor/city criticism by being supported by the commissioner for District 1, and former Washington D.C.-based group. “I learn police chief, said he also supports a ban on from as many people as possible.” Roberts contends his criticism of the the sales of automatic weapons and high Miami event and Victory Fund is “not so capacity magazines to those under 21. “As a former police officer, we don’t much the organization, but the location.” “I think influence from outside the area want to face these weapons,” Roberts said. “We need to harden our schools and work and the state takes away from the localness with the school board to have one point of [of the campaign],” he said.

“We shouldn’t have to wait for 17 children to die to know what the right thing to do is.”

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2 .28.2018

Commissioners Dean Trantalis and Bruce Roberts discuss the city’s new vacation rental ordinance during a September meeting. Photo courtesy of the Fort Lauderdale City Government.

Here are some quick takes on other issues discussed by the candidates. City leadership

Trantalis and Roberts would both replace certain leaders and department heads at the city if elected, although Trantalis said there needs to be “a clean sweep.”

“The Wave” streetcar

Trantalis does not support the project and would try to get out of the contract. Roberts said the current configuration does not work and he would look at alternatives.

Traffic

Both said traffic in Fort Lauderdale is a big problem and concern, and that lanenarrowing projects need to be studied and considered.

Medical marijuana dispensaries

Trantalis proposes a “one dispensary per district” plan, while Roberts said there should be limitations and he doesn’t want to lose “home rule” on the issue.

Sewage systems

Both candidates said taking monies from the water and sewer fund was a bad idea and that the money needs to be restored to shore up sewer lines that overflowed on Fort Lauderdale streets last summer.

Growth

“We need to define what is good growth and not good growth,” said Trantalis. Roberts said: “People are going to continue to move here because of our quality of life and we’ll have to deal with it.”

NEWS local

Left: Tim Smith. Right: Steve Glassman.

District 2 Candidates

Clash Over LGBT Comments

etired civic activist Steve Glassman and developer and former vice mayor/ city commissioner Tim Smith took to the podium following the mayoral candidates. The two debated over who had the best record and vision when it came to development in Fort Lauderdale. Glassman has served on a number of Broward County boards and groups and also on the city’s planning and zoning board for six years. Smith deemed Glassman “Skyscraper Steve” during the campaign, accusing Glassman of green lighting high-rise projects to the detriment of the community — a charge Glassman said is false. “We need to be smart about development and have a common sense approach. I’ve been known for controlled growth,” Glassman said. Smith said he doesn’t think developers are “paying their fair share,” and reminded the audience that he has called for a moratorium on the construction of new condominium

projects on the beach. “It’s time for tourism to come back,” he said. One of the more tense moments during the debate regarded a campaign comment Smith previously made about the “gay vote” in the district. District 2 has historically had a high percentage of LGBT residents. Smith has been accused of saying the district doesn’t need a gay commissioner and making the comment: “Is there a gay vote and does it matter?” “I believe you use [the term gay] as a wedge and I want to use it to unite people,” said Glassman, who is gay. “You can’t label a group of people. Labels aren’t good,” he said. Smith said he’s an activist for the rights of “all people.” “I truly believe you shouldn’t judge people by x, y, z, and I’ve lived that life,” he said. “No one has fought for gay rights as much as I have. You should judge people by who they are and what their character is,” he said.

Street closures

Both agree street closures have been helpful in cutting back on crime. However, Glassman thinks there are some that aren’t “properly maintained.”

Annie Beck House

Glassman and Smith support solutions to bring the historic home back to a safe condition that can be enjoyed by the public.

Future of Aquatic Complex

Glassman is open to hearing what private developers might bring to the table regarding the “neglected” complex and its future. Smith said he was completely opposed to any private influence on the property, and that perhaps an aquarium could be developed there.

Gun shows

Glassman, a former high school teacher, said he would not renew the license for the gun show operator at War Memorial Auditorium. Smith said he wouldn’t vote for a gun show on city property until background checks are shored up and youth are not able to buy assault rifles.

“The Wave” streetcar Both pledged to undo the Wave contract.

2.28.2018 •

LGBTQIA bites

Lesbian

Lesbian Couple Sues Trump Over Right to Foster Refugee Child

By Ryan Lynch Gender Neutral

Irish University Makes 170 Toilets Gender Neutral

Photo credit: Vernon Bryant, Staff Photographer at Lambda Legal.

Lesbian couple Fatma Marouf and Bryn Esplin are suing president Donald Trump’s administration after the pair was denied the adoptive rights to a child. The couple, who both teach at Texas A&M University, had contacted a Fort Worth branch of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to adopt a child, according to WFAA. The group contacted a representative before they were set to be interviewed, but were told they did not “mirror the holy family” and could not go through the process. “We were both completely shocked,”

Marouf said. “I think we just looked at each other and then I wanted to clarify what they meant by that.” The pair said they believe the group cannot do this because the Conference of Catholic Bishops receives taxpayer money to operate their adoption program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Marouf and Esplin filed the lawsuit with the help of LGBT advocate Lambda Legal, according to WFAA. The duo said they hope they can get a change of the decision with the suit.

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2 .28.2018

A university in Ireland has changed nearly 200 toilets to be gender neutral. The change comes as the University College Dublin (UCD) made changes to make a “more welcoming campus,” according to the Irish Post. The university will also be adding gender neutral toilets to their sports facilities in Belfield as part of the policy change. Students will also be able to change their name on school paperwork without

gender recognition paperwork. “Our universities are drivers of change, promoters of equality and champions of justice,” Minister for Children and equality activist Katherine Zappone said to the Irish Times. UCD joins Dublin City University and Dublin Institute of Technology in changing the amount of gender neutral toilets on campus.

LGBTQIA bites

Transgender

National campaign showcases stories of transgender kids

Photo courtesy of The GenderCool Project.

A group of transgender kids have become the face of an organization looking to give other children support and resources. The GenderCool Project was formed by parent Jen Grosshandler and transgender woman Gearah Goldstein to provide examples of transgender children making a positive impact, according to the New York Times. The group aims to get rid of the bias of negative stereotypes that

surround the transgender community. “Our mission is to just get rid of the stigmas and just live our lives,” Nicole, one of the participants in the group, said to the Times. “And that’s what everybody else is doing. So my question to the world is: ‘Why can’t we? Why should we not?’” Grosshandler and Goldstein introduced the campaign in February after Trump rolled back background protections in schools, according to the Times.

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NEWS state

Pushing Pain into Action onePULSE and Matthew Shepard foundations team up for month-long project in Orlando this year Dori Zinn

ara Grossman used to party with her friend Drew Leinonen at Pulse nightclub. She graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2007 — where she met Drew — and moved to New York City, but would visit relatives and friends, including Drew and Pulse, when she came back down. “I don’t know how I did it… going out until 2 a.m.,” she said. “With him it was easy. He had endless energy.” She saw him two weeks before he died in the Pulse nightclub shooting in June, 2016. She had met Drew’s boyfriend, Juan, who also died in the attack. Grossman was completely changed after her friend died. After graduating from UCF and moving to New York, she had gotten her MFA in nonfiction creative writing. It had led to work in marketing and branding and for nearly five years, that’s what she did. But she wanted a change. She decided to move to Denver and became a consultant. After Drew died, she started The Dru Project — she said it was his screen name, before “branding” was even a thing. “A lot of his friends would be like ‘what’s the dru project? It sounds like a nonprofit for boys,’” she said. “He branded himself before ever needing it.”

The Dru Project is an LGBTQ+ nonprofit advocacy group that promotes a gay straight alliance. Grossman says Drew started the GSA at Seminole High School when he attended. He also won the Anne Frank humanitarian award. The Dru Project, once an online handle, is now an organization dedicated to providing curriculum for GSAs in high schools all over the country. After Drew’s death, Grossman grieved hard for a month. She had The Dru Project and had left marketing, but it wasn’t enough. She had just started her consulting business four months before Drew died. After his funeral, she nullified all her contracts. “Your company is great but what do you do?” she would ask herself about her clients. “I decided to work in advocacy.” She went to a Colorado nonprofit job board and found an opening for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. She didn’t leave the Executive Director alone until he gave her an interview. Four months after the Pulse shooting, she got a job there. “Our executive director was friends with Matthew Shepard,” she said. “So we had a conversation about Pulse and Drew.” Three weeks after she started her new job, Grossman got a call from Barbara Poma,

“Judy and Dennis had been fighting the fight against hate crimes for 19 years and I felt like connecting with them would be crucial.” - Barbara Poma

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2 .28.2018

Above: Sara Grossman with Drew Leinonen. Courtesy of Sara Grossman.

the executive director for the onePULSE Foundation, hoping to work together on a project. “Shortly after [Pulse] tragedy, I reached out to them,” Poma said. “I knew our foundations had similar missions.”

Fueled by Tragedy, Powered by Pain Barbara Poma was running Pulse and other businesses with her husband before tragedy struck. After the nightclub shooting, onePULSE was immediately born. Poma wanted to meet others who had been doing the work she now wanted to do, including Matthew Shephard’s parents. “Judy and Dennis had been fighting the fight against hate crimes for 19 years and I felt like connecting with them would be crucial,” Poma said. She met Sara, and they connected instantly through Drew. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s murder, and the Foundation will be working on a multitude of events and projects. Grossman and Poma are working on an event in Orlando for June. “We decided to do a celebrity fundraiser to raise money for both organizations,” Grossman said. “Bringing these two organizations together will be powerful. It makes sense.” Every year, The Matthew Shepard

Foundation has a gala, but this year it will be much bigger, Grossman said. There have been requests from all over the country, from The Laramie Project, to art shows, and countless other events where people have felt compelled to do something. “So many people call and email us to tell us they created something in honor of Matthew Shepard,” Grossman said. “We’re going to try to collect them to put them in a gallery here in Denver.” But it’s the partnership with onePULSE that Grossman is excited about. While dates and events haven’t been finalized yet, there are plans to include not only a celebrity fundraiser, but also a showing of The Laramie Project — a play about reactions to the murder of Shepard. It draws on the reactions of hundreds of people that were interviewed in the town of Laramie, Wy. It’s one of the top 5 most popular plays in the country, Grossman said. And this project is one of a bunch of moving pieces. So far, Grossman says the month-long event will start with Gay Days on June 2 in Orlando. Proceeds will be split among both organizations, with a gala or a celebrity reading of The Laramie Project — or both. “We’re raising awareness of how these two organizations and foundations were born out of tragedy,” Grossman said. “[We’re] creating good by moving anguish into action.”

NEWS miami-dade Photo courtesy of Dale Stine.

Local Fashion Designer Giving Back to Miami Community Peruvian George Coronado hosting pop-up events benefiting LGBT organizations

Jose Cassola

jocacommunications@outlook.com

ashion designer George Coronado says he’s always had a passion for good design — “in the home, in my work and in what I wear.” The Peruvian-born couturier is branching out, bringing his fashion line, Coronado Designs, from Lima, Peru to South Florida for spring 2018 — and benefiting LGBT nonprofits in the process. On Friday, March 2, Coronado is hosting a pop-up show at Dion Atelier, 224 Eighth St., in Miami Beach, where 20 percent of his sales will go to “a cause that is near and dear” to him: the Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida LGBT Scholarship Program for students in the arts, design and education. “I believe it’s important to support organizations that also support art, design and creative minds,” Coronado said. “We should have the motivation to find an organization that inspires us and to do our best efforts to use our business and network to help.” Coronado is no stranger to giving back to the community. He has volunteered for several LGBT causes and organizations, including Care Resource, SAVE, Unity

“Going from daywear to evening, club and resort, my designs are for a new man. A confident man. A Coronado man.” - George Coronado fashion designer

Coalition, the Winter Party Task Force, Miami Beach Gay Pride, Pride Fort Lauderdale, Orlando Pride and the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. While Coronado has always been involved with the fashion industry, he also has a background in marketing. He did marketing and event production for almost a decade in Miami, working as the director for his company, Give Me A Beat Productions. Coronado established himself in his native Peru and developed what he says has become one of the leading men’s contemporary lines in the country. His clothing is made of pima cotton, known for its softness, luster and durability. He says his designs “inspire, flatter and compliment the South Florida male.” “For a long time, I just couldn’t find clothes that I enjoyed wearing, especially pieces that could fit my lifestyle,” Coronado said. “Going from daywear to evening, club and resort, my designs are for a new man. A confident man. A Coronado man.” After a three-year absence from the Miami entertainment and events scene, Coronado is bringing his fashion line to the U.S. He says his upcoming store in Miami will open with a “very unique concept,” adding there’s no “better place to launch” this concept than his “dear South Florida.” “My designs are the results of my life, my travels, my friends and my passions,” Coronado said. “South Florida has always been in my heart and my designs, and I hope I will be very much at home here.”

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Equality Florida. Photo via Facebook.

Equality Florida Pushes No NRA Money Initiative Michael d’Oliveira

quality Florida has taken aim at another advocacy organization: the National Rifle Association. Equality Florida has signed on with and is promoting the No NRA Money initiative, an attempt to get voters and politicians to stop supporting the NRA and its goals. On the website, NoNRAmoney.org, voters are asked to oppose any candidate who takes NRA money or has a favorable rating from them. Elected officials are asked to pledge not to take NRA campaign donations, tout their NRA ranking, and pursue “common sense gun laws.” Last week, Equality Florida CEO Nadine Smith was on MSNBC’s “AM Joy” to promote No NRA Money. “Very simply, we are aiming to break the stranglehold that the NRA has on blocking rational gun policy. We know what to do to stop these mass shootings. We know what to do because we’ve done it before in this country. We banned assault weapons [from 1994 to 2004].” She went on to say that the students from Stoneman

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Douglas and others in favor of better gun control laws understand “politicians have abandoned us and we demand better.” The renewed opposition to the NRA, whether it be No NRA Money, or some other groups or individuals, has already claimed some victories – Hertz, Delta, and United Airlines are some of the companies that have announced they are ending their businesses relationships with the NRA. But the NRA isn’t likely to ignore the NO NRA Money initiative. According to an article by Newsweek after the Las Vegas shooting in October of last year, donations to the NRA increase after mass shootings. “Take the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in December 2012, in which 20 children and six adults were killed. In the months that followed, the NRA raised what was then a record $2.7 million for its political action committee. That represented a 350 percent increase over the same period the previous year.”

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Publisher's Editorial

Convictions

Blame the Shooter and Sale Not the sheriff and students

Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

Students protest at the Florida State Capitol. Photo credit: Kellie Keesee/CNN.

n the cosmos that we live in, with universal access to the Internet, a lie can be half way around the world before the truth catches up with it. If someone is out to get you, they can randomly orchestrate a social media attack against you in no time at all. If they know what they are doing, there is no limitation to the harm they can cause and the havoc they can wreak. It doesn’t have to be Russian hackers conspiring to sabotage a presidential election. It can be a sophisticated political consulting company operating out of a Virginia office building five minutes from the White House. Or as the president himself said, some “400-pound guy lying on his bed home at night.” Immediately after the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, angry and grieving students mobilized a strong media presence. The students of Stoneman Douglas have risen to the occasion. Many who are members of their theatrical classes are compellingly articulate and accomplished, enraged and energized. They have demanded that their voices

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be heard and they want assault weapons outlawed. Their message has not only captured the attention of the national media at home, but simultaneously stirred the conscience of communities across the globe. Even as I prepare this column, they are organizing a national rally and a march on Washington, D.C., the likes of which America may not have been seen in 50 years. But just as their movement is being galvanized, so too are dark forces of opposition seeking to turn them away and sabotage their effort. The gun rights lobby has now made the students, the sheriff and administrative failures along the way, their new targets. They are attempting to stall the momentum and magic of these student soldiers. Already being laid bare on the Internet is an orchestrated series of disparaging videos demeaning these young men

and women as ‘crisis actors,’ who were paid to market their ‘message.’ Correspondingly, poorly edited and distorted videos of their on-air interviews are being presented to the public as ‘scripted.’ David Hogg was their first target, simply because as an aspiring journalist, some of his past work could be resourced and altered. There is nothing false about these young men and women who lost their friends on that fateful Valentine’s Day. They are speaking out for those who can no longer speak for themselves. There is nothing false about what they are doing. There are only those who would falsify their authenticity. We need to expose those fraudsters for who they are. The students are stirring a national spirit, proving as Gavroche did in Le Mis, ‘what little people can do.’

They are attempting to stall the momentum and magic of these student soldiers.

They are impressing Americans in small towns and large cities with their candor and commitment; their willingness to be confrontational, not co-opted. Consider Emma Gonzalez, the young woman whose interviews and speeches have been visceral and gone viral, the girl with the cool cropped buzz cut. Emma already has nearly a million followers on Twitter. She did not even have an account two weeks ago. This is what our technology can do today. But now as lines of this debate generate into a national discussion of gun control, these young students have become the targets of right wing saboteurs. Not just the NRA, but CPAC and powerful conservative lobbies, hidden on the Dark Web are going to fight back and play dirty. They know how, and they have the money and media savvy to do it. Morals, don’t count on those. That is not in their arsenal. When these countervailing political forces see that Oprah and Ellen, Hollywood and George Clooney have lined up with Emma Gonzalez and Cameron Kasky, they are going to fight to keep that AR-15 in their closet, the same place they prefer their gay

Publisher's Editorial

Convictions

they are going to fight to keep that AR-15 in their closet, the same place they prefer their gay kids to be. kids to be. Lines will be drawn. Every piece of dirt they can muster will surface. The Internet campaign the students have launched is taking off like an Elon Musk rocket, and it represents the future. The NRA is going to use every musket in their barrel to bring it down. If the kids are casualties, they will care less. So be it. In their mind, it is ‘acceptable losses.’ The NRA does not want the students to be media ‘darlings.’ They want to make them their own media’s targets. The NRA has time on their side. Their archaic views have survived Columbine, Sandy Hook, and Vegas. This is just a new battleground for them. These are young students who were not preparing for political warfare. They still have not graduated from high school. They must first must go back to class, take tests, and study required subjects not pressing against their heart right now. These are young students who also must deal with the catastrophic and emotional loss of some of their closest friends. I dare say their life experiences today may prove to be more valuable then knowing World War I started when a Serbian nationalist shot an archduke who was the heir to the throne of the AustroHungarian Empire in Sarajevo, Bosnia. I am thinking David Hogg and Cameron Kasky would rather know who the Republican whip in Congress is that

shepherds bills through committee. But hey, that won’t get you an ‘A’ in world history. Those who oppose gun control initiatives will latch on to any lever they can push. In Florida, the government has appointed a commission to investigate the sheriff more quickly than he has selected a panel to deal with mental illness, despite Pulse, the airport shooting, and now Parkland. Welcome to the blame game where we now see politicians turn our attention from raising the age of access to guns to arming the school teachers. You will hear more about the failings of BSO to intervene sooner. You will hear how the FBI tip center is woefully incompetent. You will hear how only if we give more cops more weapons we will discourage and defeat more shooters. Why didn’t we all do more when we knew so much about how screwed up this kid was? Every excuse will come our way. Hell, we are fighting simply to keep deadly and murderous assault rifles out of people’s hands. We are not even talking about hand guns. It seems that gun control advocates are so beaten we have come to accept you have a right to kill with those. Demanding that Sheriff Israel resign simply hijacks the debate. Sure, if only the sheriff in Parkland quits today, no kid on the Pacific Coast will ever pick up a gun again. Be real. If a thorough investigation David Hogg, one of the student activists from Stoneman Douglass HS. Photo credit: CNN.

reveals his agency failed to do its job, the voters will do theirs in two years. This shooting should prove to citizens everywhere and to the NRA that it may take a lot more than a good guy with a gun to stop a bad guy with a gun. Or arming your typing teacher, for that matter. Maybe what it takes is making the guns inaccessible, illegal and unavailable. The fundamental issue for America to debate is not the police response to shootings that never should have occurred. The fundamental issue to discuss is why these events transpire at all and end them altogether. Of course, we must plan tactical responses which can successfully reduce fatalities, but the principle purpose is to end the madness, not brag about how quickly we got victims to a hospital. SFGN and this publisher will do all it can to support the students, soldiers called into battle when they should be in Biology. Their passions and their voices must be aired. The distractions and the deviations must be denounced. This story is more than just about a missed call to the FBI tip center. This is about an entire generation of lawmakers failing to take the tips from Columbine to Stoneman Douglas. These students are so eloquently and simply stating that weapons of war have no places in our malls or movie theaters, community centers or classrooms. They are stating the legislators are already accountable for their failures and omissions. They don’t want apologies and they don’t want prayers. They want action, and they deserved it years ago. I went on Facebook this weekend with my 50th anniversary class of Lawrence High School from Cedarhurst, New York. Many are retired and living here now. Like me, they have friends and relatives at Stoneman Douglas. A half century ago we had issues, race

Sheriff Scott Israel. Photo credit: CNN.

divisions, and drug problems. But our principal worried more about a group of us scooting out of school to go to Nathan’s in Oceanside for the Senior Breakfast Club than an active shooter. The world is not what we intended, not at all. This battle is about changing the culture. Woodstock, we did not become. When emotionally charged students arrived in Tallahassee last week to demand a debate on assault weapons, our legislative moralists were in a hardened debate that could not be interrupted, about, of all things, pornography. Unreal. Let me tell you what is obscene, and it is not the pornography you can rent in almost every hotel room in America. It’s not about the violent video games, sold from Australia to Alaska. What is obscene is that we elect leaders again and again who do nothing about something, but always do something about nothing. And we should be ashamed of ourselves, because we let it happen. Don’t worry, the legislators in our state have preserved ‘National Crocodile Day.’ Somewhere a gubernatorial proclamation is celebrating a citizen who fought to save a sea turtle. But your safety in a school class room, don’t push them. That takes time. Margaret Mead, the famed anthropologist once wrote, ‘Never doubt a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.’ Maybe those voices, fresh from the wounds and losses heard at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, will finally be so. How appropriate it is that the school is named after a woman who lived to be 108 years old; who moved her generation and Floridians to think of the environment and this Earth as a planet we must protect rather than exploit. Maybe the school named after her will do so for our children as well.

2.28.2018 •

Convictions

Editorial Cartoon

Convictions

Off The Wall

Editorial Cartoon By Mike Luckovich

OFF THE WALL Pier Angelo

uring the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Games, nine Olympians flew the rainbow flag along with their national colors. This year’s batch of LGBT athletes beat out the total of four that participated in the 2014 Winter Olympics. That total is the most ever for a Winter Olympics, according to the Advocate. In the Rio De Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympics, a record 53 LGBT participants competed in the games, according to Gay Star News. With two-straight Olympics worth of records for the LGBT community here is how they performed and placed.

(THE 9 ATHLETES LISTED BELOW WERE FEATURED IN THE 2.14.18 ISSUE OF SFGN AT THE START OF THE GAMES) GUS KENWORTHY ( Usa – Freestyle Skier) was not pleased to see Ivanka Trump at the closing ceremony to The 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. The athlete, who placed 12th in the slopestyle final, took to Twitter to voice his displeasure about having Trump in attendance with the rest of the Olympians representing the United States. BARBARA JEZERSEK ( Cross Country Skiing) Slovenian born, Australian citizen, finished a respectable sixth in the team sprint semi-final. ADAM RIPPON (U.S. Figure Skater) The 2018 Winter

Olympics may be remembered in the figure skating community as the year that all of the Americans choked. It sounds harsh, but just about everyone performed below expectation in their individual events at some point. Adam Rippon, however, skated as well as he ever has. Without a quad in his program, it was a forgone conclusion that he couldn’t medal. A rough landing on a quad is often worth as much as or more than a less difficult jump executed cleanly. However, a flawlessly skated program is far more pleasing to the eye — and no man was more elegant or entertaining than Rippon. Even though Rippon missed the medal in the individual event he did help America win a bronze media the men’s team event.

ERIC RADFORD (Canada – Figure Skater) Radford and

his skating partner Meagan Duhamel skated both portions of the team event, placing 2nd in the short program round, and 1st in the long program round, greatly assisting Canada to their team gold medal. They were the

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2 .28.2018

only top pair to skate both programs, as the individual pairs event is the first of the Olympics. In the individual event, they won the bronze medal with two strong skates.

CHERYL MAAS (Netherlands - Halfpipe Snoboarder) Four out of every 5 slopestyle competitors crashed in a dangerous event at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Many snowboarders in Pyeongchang, South Korea failed to contend with the 31 km/hour gales. Dutch athlete Cheryl Maas called the event a “shit- show.” BELLE BROCKHOFF (Australia – Snowboard Cross) finished inside the top 10 in the first qualification run before placing third in her quarter-final. Her semi-final did not go as planned, however, with the two-time Olympian crashing. She recovered to take part in the small final where she was fifth to earn her overall ranking of 11th. IREEN WUEST (Netherlands, Speed Skater) had quite a

Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. The speed skater from the Netherlands won a gold medal and two silver medals, setting records along the way. She was selected by her Dutch teammates to carry the flag for the Netherlands in the Olympics Closing Ceremony.

BRITTANY BOWE (U.S., speed skater) On the last day

Bowe turned in her third straight top-five finish of these Olympics in long track speed skating, finishing fifth in the women’s 500-meter with a time of 37.53 seconds. She also was fourth in the 1,000, the event in which she held the world record until November, and fifth in the 1,500.

Convictions

Jesse’s Journal U.S. Representative Alcee Hastings (D-Fla). Photo courtesy of the Dolphin Democrats, Facebook.

Alcee Hastings addresses the Dolphin Democrats Members elect new Directors; endorse municipal candidate Jesse Monteagudo

olphin Democrats observed Black History Month during the Club’s Annual Meeting (February 21) with a Keynote Speech by U.S. Representative Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.). The Congressman accepted a Black History Month proclamation from Wilton Manors Mayor Gary Resnick and proceeded to speak about the recent shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Rep. Hastings strongly condemned Florida Governor Rick Scott and the Republican Legislature for their pro-gun policies (especially the state law that bans local governments from enacting gun control ordinances) and the Trump Administration for its anti-LGBT record. Hastings endorsed Dean Trantalis for Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, praised fellow activists Lottie Albert and Verna Johnson, and promised to add Wilton Manors’ proclamation to the Congressional Record. Following Rep. Hastings’s address, members of the Dolphin Democrats proceeded to elect members of the Club’s Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee – Alfredo Olvera, Brad Bonds and Nik Harris -- submitted nominees for three of the five Board vacancies: Naomi Siegel

(running for re-election), Steve Hanley and Michael Stara. Candidates Jason King, Vance Lyles and Carin Rose were nominated from the floor. The top five vote getters were elected: Naomi Siegel, Steve Hanley, Jason King, Vance Lyles and Michael Stara. Olvera thanked members for their vote; and also thanked outgoing Directors Verna Johnson and Ed Leuchs for their past service. Members of the Dolphin Democrats also voted to endorse a candidate for City Commission District 2 in the upcoming Fort Lauderdale Municipal Elections. They voted to endorse out candidate Steve Glassman, the only candidate on the ballot. Opposing candidate Tim Smith made a point of order regarding him being left off the ballot considering he submitted a questionnaire in December 2017, but Parliamentarian Justin Proffitt and other Directors ruled that Smith submitted an endorsement request/ questionnaire for the primary election and that endorsement requirements must be made for each election separately. Thus candidate Tim Smith was not eligible. Glassman joins Dean Trantalis, whom the Dolphin Democrats had already endorsed for Mayor of Fort Lauderdale.

Jesse Monteagudo is a freelance writer and journalist. He has been an active member of South Florida's LGBT community for more than four decades and has served in various community organizations.

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2.28.2018 •

LIFESTYLE photos

cocktail party & fundraiser On Sunday, Feb. 25, the Campbell Foundation hosted their fundraiser at the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center. They welcomed guest speaker Dr. Alan Landy, professor and chairman of the Department of Immunology/Microbiology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. J.R. Davis

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www.EmeraldEliteHomeHealth.com 2.28.2018 •

lifestyle photos

wrestling with Pride

sored a wrestling on sp er nt Ce e id Pr e th , 22 On Thursday, Feb. Drive. All proceeds on ilt W on x le mp Co r no Ma event at the benefitted the pride Center.

J.R. Davis

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lifestyle food Saravá Açaí Café

Dolce Salato Pizza & Gelato

Rick Karlin

Twinkle Twinkle

How restaurant ratings sites rank Wilton Manors restaurants

elieve it or not in many towns there are no reliable restaurant critics, like moi; no one to guide you to the best restaurants in that town, or to warn you about those that, how shall we say this charitably? Are disgusting ptomaine-infested roach pits. Every once in a while, I like to check out what other folks have to say about my home turf, Wilton Manors. I could only find two locations that included every dining establishment in Wilton Manors and even then, I had to create some guidelines in order to get the lists to align. First, I eliminated establishments that serve food, but are primarily known as bars as the listings do not separate ratings

for food from the bar aspect. Places such as Rumors, Gym Bar and Pub are not included, even though they serve food. Secondly, I eliminated chain restaurants, so no Dairy Queen, Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks. Finally, I kept the listings to those places actually on the island of Wilton Manors. Therefore, places such as Bravo and Candela are not included because once we crossed that bridge it became a slippery slope; are those spots really in Wilton Manors or not? Keep in mind that both web sites, Yelp and Trip Advisor use an aggregate star rating system. This, of course, does not allow for certain nuances that a full-fledged review does.

Yelp

By far the most popular restaurant rating web site. While the overall star rating is a good indication of the quality of the food and service, take a look at the most recent reviews and evaluate the reviewers’ points. I have only included those places that had 20 or more reviews. Yelp Gives 5 stars to: Saravá Açaí Café 2213 N. Dixie 954-530-4001 Yuji Japanese Restaurant 1913 N. Andrews 954-908-1428 4.5 stars The Alchemist 2430 NE 13th Ave 954-673-4614 Bubbles & Pearls 2037 Wilton Dr. 954-533-9553 Dolce Salato Pizza & Gelato 2406 Wilton Dr. 954-463-7677

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Ethos Greek Bistro 2055 Wilton Dr. 954-999-0034

Wolsen Caffe 2043 Wilton Dr. 786-647-8888

Mini Pita Plus 2410 Wilton Dr. 954-999-0771

Galanga 2389 Wilton Dr. 954-202-0000

Siam Cuisine 2010 Wilton Dr. 954-564-3411

Naked Grape 2163 Wilton Dr. 954-563-5631

4 Stars

Rosie’s Bar & Grill 2449 Wilton Dr. 954-563-0123

Las Colinas Restaurant 2724 N. Andrews 954-390-7410

Tee-Jay Thai Sushi 2254 Wilton Dr. 954)-537-7774

New York Grilled Cheese 2207 Wilton Dr. 954-564-6887 Sea & Olive 2390 Wilton Dr. 954-533-6660 Sozo Sushi Bar 2362 Wilton Dr. 954-630-1916 Sushi Song/Gaysha 2223 Wilton Dr. 954-530-0153 Voo La Voo Cafe 2430 NE 13th Ave. 954-200-5285

2 .28.2018

Yuji Japanese Restaurant

Andrews Diner 2980 N. Andrews 954-563-3555 Bombay Cafe 3060 N. Andrews 954-568-0600 EAT 2150 Wilton Dr. 954-200-3046 Java Boys 2230 Wilton Dr. 954-564-8828 Le Patio 2401 NE 11th Ave. 954-530-4641

Stork’s Bakery & Coffee House 2505 NE 15th Ave. 954-567-3220 What The Pho 2033 Wilton Dr. 954-870-6060 3.5 Stars Bona 2468 Wilton Dr. 954-565-7222 Chopstix 2603 N. Dixie Wilton Manors, FL 954-563-9902

Lotus Chinese Kitchen 1434 NE 26th St. 954-566-5565 Maria’s Cantina 2400 Wilton Dr. 954-314-7703 Mind Your Manors 2045 Wilton Dr. 954-223-2172 Rumors Bar & Grill 2426 Wilton Dr. 954-565-8851

Quality Restaurant 1417 NE 26th St. 954-564-2858 3 Stars Georgie’s Alibi/ Monkey Bar 2266 Wilton Dr. 954-565-2526 2.5 Stars Toppings Pizza 2904 N. Andrews 954-568-7100

They do have the advantage of being the opinion of many individuals’ visits to the businesses, not just the night a reviewer happened to stop by. That being said; many people writing the reviews are imbeciles. For example, one reviewer of an Indian restaurant complained that the food was spicy! Duh! Also, the averages used to determine the aggregate rating don’t take into account changes in a place over time. For example; Bona’s rating is lower than it should be because the average is based upon reviews of the place under the previous owners as well as the current management. Please take those ratings with a grain (or a box of) salt!

Trip Advisor

Trip Advisor also uses an aggregate score, but its facts are not quite as reliable. It will often list restaurants from other towns and seldom indicates if a restaurant has gone out of business. Since the addresses and phone numbers are listed above, I’ve only included the rankings. Also, there were a few places reviewed on Yelp that do not have listings on Trip Advisor. Score 5.0

The Alchemist Andrews Diner Bubbles & Pearls Ethos Greek Bistro LePatio Naked Grape New York Grilled Cheese Co. Rosie’s Bar & Grill TeeJay’s

Eat Deli Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar Las Colinas Lotus Chinese Maria’s Cantina Mind Your Manors Mini Pita Plus Rumors Sea & Olive Shawn & Nick’s Courtyard Café Siam Cuisine Sozo Sushi Bar Sushi Song/Gaysha Quality Diner Toppings Pizza What the Pho

Score: 4

Score 3.5

Bombay Cafe Bona Italian

Chopstix Galanga

Dolce Salato Pizza & Gelato Voo La Voo Cafe Score 4.5

In the end, you are the best judge of what your dining experience was like, for even a trained professional, like me, is basing their review on just one or two visits, most of the time.

2.28.2018 â&#x20AC;¢

SFGNITES

F O R T H E W E E K O F m a r c h 1 - M a r c h 6 , 2 0 1 8 • W W W . S F G N . C O M J.W. Arnold

Men in Tights

jw@prdconline.com

THU

3/1

concert Celebrate the beauty and complexity of nature with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons featuring solo violinist Lara St. John and the South Florida Symphony tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Broward Center. Sebrina Maria Alfonso also conducts Beethoven’s picturesque Pastoral Symphony and a premiere by composer Lisa Nardi. The program will be repeated on Friday, March 2 in Boca Raton. Tickets at SouthFloridaSymphony.org.

FRI

3/2

theater Actors Playhouse, 280 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, presents the South Florida regional premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical “Once” through March 25 at the Miracle Theatre. An immersive experience set in a lively Dublin pub, the production is based on the romantic 2007 indie film of the same name that extolled the power of music to help people achieve their dreams. Tickets start at $40 at ActorsPlayhouse.org.

Sunday

3/4

ballet

The all-male ballet company Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, affectionately known as the Trocks, specializes in a loving critique of the conventions and traditions of ballet: campy and hysterical, but intelligent and beautifully executed. The Trocks return to South Florida tonight at 8 p.m. for one performance at the Arsht Center in Miami. Their program includes scenes from “Swan Lake” and “Raymonda’s Wedding.” Tickets start at $30 at ArshtCenter.org. Photo Credit: Zoran Jelenic.

SAT

3/3 SUN

3/4 MON

3/5 TUE

3/6

comedy

festival

film

theater

Everyone’s favorite trailer trash Tupperware saleswoman Dixie Longate returns to South Florida with her new show, “No Instructions,” tonight at 8 p.m. at the Sunshine Cathedral, 1480 SW 9th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Life was so much easier when everything came with instructions, but what is Dixie to do now? She’ll also try to sell you some Tupperware. Bring checkbooks! Tickets are $30 at OutlandishFL.org.

Celebrate Jewish Culture at the first Yi Love Yiddish Fest in Miami Beach, Thursday, March 1 – Sunday, March 4. Enjoy lectures, concerts and theatrical performances at the Colony Theatre on Lincoln Rd. Today at 11 a.m., attend a screening of David Novack’s “Finding Babel” and a free Purim concert at 4 p.m. by the Toronto Klezmer Stars. For a full schedule of events and tickets, go to ColonyMB. org/YiddishFest.

We’re not afraid to admit that we’re allergic to crowds—especially the box office record-breaking audiences turning out for Marvel’s latest superhero flick, “Black Panther.” Wakanda is an amazing place and the characters are fierce in so many ways. Where can we get a vibranium suit? Mondays are one of the best days to avoid the masses at the local cineplex. Check local listings for show times and theaters.

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 Indiantown Rd. in Jupiter, presents the iconic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical “South Pacific” tonight through March 25. This love story, set on a Pacific island during World War II, includes favorites like “There’s Nothing Like a Dame,” “Bali Ha’i,” “Bloody Mary” and “I’m Gonna Wash that Man Right Outa My Hair.” For tickets and more information, go to JupiterTheatre.org.

•

2 .28.2018

March 4-24 40 Films. Three Weeks. Two Thumbs Up. Feature films, documentaries, comedies and short films from the around the world that explore the Jewish experience, culture, history, and identity.

Regal Shadowood 16 and Movies of Delray

561-544-7426 â&#x20AC;˘ bocajff.org 2.28.2018 â&#x20AC;˘

A&E theater Playwright Philip Middleton Williams. Photo Credit: Philip Middleton Williams.

Fatherhood Changes Gay Man’s Life in New Play J.W. Arnold

hat do you give a gay man for his 40th birthday when he seems to already have everything? This guy has a loving partner, successful career and supportive parents, but when the 15-year-old son he never knew comes knocking on the door, he’s forced to reevaluate his life. That’s the premise of Philip Middleton Williams’ award-winning new comedy, “All Together Now,” receiving its world premiere this weekend at the Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton. “Is it a gay play? I say no,” said longtime South Florida resident Williams. “It’s got gay characters, but when you ask if it’s a ‘gay play’ what are you talking about? Is it a coming out story? No, that’s been done to death.” The writer did draw on personal experiences when formulating the plot. While he was living in Albuquerque, N.M. in 1999, a lesbian couple asked him to become their sperm donor. They went through the procedure three times without achieving pregnancy. After returning to Miami two years later, Williams began to wonder “what if” the procedure had been successful and those musings provided the seed for a play years later. “My take was not just the surprise of a 15-year-old kid showing up out of the blue— and on his 40th birthday—but the impact on him, his partner and parents and the new dynamics becoming a father might have on them,” said Williams. Williams worked on the project intermittently for years until 2016 when Ricky

J. Martinez, then artistic director of Miami’s New Theater, announced a new play reading seriesa at the company. Within a month, Williams had completed the first draft. But, it is Joyce Sweeney’s The Playgroup LLC that will be presenting the first staged production of “All Together Now.” Williams’ play won her company’s new play competition last year and was enthusiastically programmed on the three-year-old company’s season. “She gets my writing,” he said of Sweeney. “She understands and is very energetic about it. We have a great cast and, as I sat through the first reading, I knew they were right on the money.” The Playgroup’s production stars Brenda Aulbach, Eytan Deray, David Ehrlich, Fran Friedman, Patrick Sheehan and Richard Weinstock with set designer Nick LoMonte and stage manager Robin Pauline rounding out the team. In addition to Williams, the company has also successfully produced new plays by local playwrights Todd Caster, Peter Hawkins, Brian Harris, Joe Feinstein and Tom Andrew. Even though Williams has been writing for decades and is an advisor to the William Inge Theatre Festival and member of The Dramatists Guild, he still humbly considers himself an “emerging playwright.” He particularly lauds Sweeney and her board for encouraging other emerging writers. I’m passionate about writing,” he said. “It’s cheaper than therapy and doesn’t damage my liver.”

The Playgroup LLC presents “All Together Now” by Philip Middleton Williams on March 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. and March 4 and 11 at 2 p.m. at the Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton. Tickets are $25 at WillowTheatre.org or call 561-347-3948.

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2 .28.2018

A&E art

B R OWA R D C E N T E R A N D M A R K CO RTA L E P R E S E N T

Audra McDonald

Cey Adams rocketed from street artist to the creative director at Def Jam Recordings. He will discuss his life at a Business for the Arts Broward breakfast on March 8. Photo Credit: Cey Adams.

Renowned Street Artist, Designer Continues to Make Difference J.W. Arnold

s a young man in New York City, street artist Cey Adams could never have imagined where his gritty expressions on the walls of subway stations might take him. His works became regarded, along with the signature images of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, as the beginning of an important artistic movement. “We were very young when we started making work in the ‘80s,” Adams recalled. “I didn’t see it as a career path, it wasn’t an option, but it was in my blood from the very beginning.” His distinctive images would catch the eye of hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons who made him creative director of Def Jam Recordings. Adams would go on to co-found Drawing Board, the label’s in-house design firm, where he created album covers, logos and advertising campaigns for Run DMC, The Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Notorious B.I.G., Maroon 5 and Jay-Z. “I taught myself how to do a lot of the traditional graphic design,” he said. “That was a huge challenge for me. At that time, it was an industry trade. You had to know certain things to communicate with printers and vendors. I had to teach myself (through) trial and error, but I had the creativity and that helped a lot.” Just as he had helped define a genre with his street art, Adams now was writing the visual language of the hip hop movement and his influence continues. “It was rough, there were no blueprint to follow, no role models. Nobody had done hip-hop before,” Adams said.

In recent years, Adams has turned his efforts toward the new generations of artists. He frequently serves as a mentor to youth from communities of color and shares his own success story across the country. On Thursday, March 8, Adams will discuss “Creating Awareness Through Art” at the monthly Business for the Arts Broward breakfast in Fort Lauderdale. Artwork created during a three-day workshop by Adams and local youth for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s AIDS Walk also will be unveiled at the meeting at Stache. “I feel I have a lot of history and knowledge to share, when I’m talking about my work,” he said. “I recognize that I’m somebody who has worked with some superstars (and) a lot of young people wonder what it’s like,” referring to not only Basquiat and Haring, but also his long list of famous musical artists. HIV/AIDS is also an important cause for the artist who lived in the West Village and watched many friends and colleagues— including Haring—succumb to the disease in the mid-1980s. “That was a creative community and watching all those people disappear was an instant call to action. That’s why I continue to do work with charitable organizations. It’s a responsibility, the job of an artist to shine a light on those things, whether we’re painters or dancers or musicians. I come from that generation that makes change through making art. Watching them perish only made me want to get out there and do more,” he concluded.

Cey Adams will speak at the Business for the Arts Broward monthly breakfast on Thursday, March 8 at 7:30 a.m. at Stache Bar Drinking Den + Coffee Bar, 109 S.W. 2nd Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The meeting is free but RSVPs are requested to RVegas@BFABroward.org.

Generously underwritten by Lee M. Mandel, M.D., F.A.C.S.

MARCH 11 Au-Rene Theater

The winner of six Tony Awards, two Grammys and an Emmy Award, Audra McDonald brings her luminous soprano and incomparable gift for dramatic truth-telling to the Broward Center stage.

TICKETS at BrowardCenter.org • Ticketmaster | 954.462.0222 Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office • Group Sales | 954.660.6307 Follow us:

BrowardCenter

The Broward Center 2017-2018 season is presented by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation.

2.28.2018 •

February 28 - March 6

Datebook

Theater Tucker Berardi

Calendar@SFGN.com

Top

broward county * Willie Nelson

Picks

March 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pompano Beach Amphitheater, in Pompano Beach. The country star will perform hits such as “On the Road Again,” “Always on my Mind,” and more. Tickets $49.50 to $99.50. Call 954-5195500 or visit theamppompano.org.

Solomon’s 700 Wives

* Staged Reading of ‘Rights’

Wicked

Through March 11 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. A musical comedy based on the biblical story of King Solomon. Tickets $35; save $10 with code SOL. Call 845-598-2850 or visit 700wives.com.

* The Young People’s Guide to Broadway

Friday March 9 at 11:30 a.m. at the Crest Theater, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. See a theatrical, entertaining and educational show celebrating the art of musical theater past to present. Tickets $25. Call 561-243-7922.

Monday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Island City Stage in Wilton Manors, 2304 N Dixie Hwy. Playwright Bruce Karp presents a three-part stage reading dealing with pressing issues like abortion, gays in the military and samesex marriage. Tickets are $10. Call 954-5192533. Through March 4 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. What happened before “The Wizard of Oz?” The hit Broadway musical takes you to high school, when Elphaba and Galinda battle to be the most popular Tickets $34.50 and up. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter. org.

Friday Night Sound Waves Music Series

Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music spanning genres and tributes every Friday evening through November. Free. Visit FridayNightSoundWaves.com

palm beach county Free Friday Concerts

* Denotes New Listing

Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in

Willie Nelson will be performing March 2 in Pompano Beach. Photo: Facbeook.

Delray Beach. Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Returns in October. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.

miami-dade county If I Forget

Through March 4 at GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Ave. in Coral Gables. Three Jewish American siblings come together to celebrate their father’s 74th birthday. Tickets $45. Call 305-445-1119 or visit GableStage.org.

Looking for something to keep cool?

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2 .28.2018

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Outdoor Music Series

Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Free with museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or visit PAMM.org.

The Big Show

Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

MAR 4

ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER | KNIGHT CONCERT HALL

TICKETS! 305.949.6722 · arshtcenter.org

2.28.2018 •

Datebook

Community Tucker Berardi Calendar@SFGN.com

Hookups =

Top Picks 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 561775-5900 or visit MCCPalmBeach.org.

* Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival

Sunday, March 18 at Fort Lauderdale Beach. Join us in the 2018 march or donate! Donations will benefit the Pride Center for use in vital HIV programs. Visit PrideCenterFlorida. org.

* Alternative Book Fair Weekend

Visit www.squirt.org to hook up today

Friday March 9 - Sunday March 11 at The Box Gallery, 811 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach. The Box Gallery initiates the first alternative book fair featuring punk and queer icons. Oneday pass $10, weekend pass $15. Visit TheBoxGallery.info for tickets.

February 28 March 6 Broward Support Services 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.

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.

broward county * GLLN CLE Luncheon

Thursday, March 1, 11:45am to 1:15pm at Timpano Chophouse, 450 E Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale. Eat with Michael J. Higer, President of the Florida Bar and experienced litigator and trial lawyer. $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Contact saoji@cclawpa.com to RSVP.

* NSU Art of Wine and Food Series

Thursday, March 1 at 6pm at the NSU Art Museum, One East Las Olas Boulevard. Join wine specialist Kathleen Scheuer in a toast to Spring with four varietals of wine and small bites. Tickets $40 per person. Call (954) 2620258.

Care Resource Recovery Group

Mondays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Care Resource, 3160 NW Ninth St. in Oakland Park. A weekly meeting with licensed behavioral clinical counselors on healing one’s entire being in the recovery process. Visit CareResource.org.

•

2 .28.2018

* A Night of Healing Through Music

March 10 at 7pm at the Sunshine Cathedral. Spend a night listening to a variety of choirs, music groups and soloists from the South Florida area. Visit PrideCenterFlorida.org.

* Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival

Sunday, March 18 at Fort Lauderdale Beach. Join us in the 2018 march or donate! Donations will benefit the Pride Center for use in vital HIV programs. Visit PrideCenterFlorida.org.

Mascara, Mirth & Mayhem: Independence Day on Fire Island - Photography by Susan Kravitz

Through March 11 at the Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Photographer Susan Kravitz’s exhibition chronicling the Invasion of the Pines.

February 28 - March 6 Exhibit closes March 11. Suggested donation $5. Call 954-763-8565 or visit StonewallMuseum.org.

Voices of Pride

Meets 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 for rehearsal details.

Life Coaching

Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Latinos Salud Clubhouse, 2300 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Get one-on-one life coaching from certified CRCS coaches. For guys living with HIV, their partners, and anyone who identifies as transgender. Free. Call 954-765-6239 or visit LatinosSalud.org.

Lauderdale Bridge Club Lessons and Games

Mondays at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 401 SE 15th St. in Fort Lauderdale. Join the club for bridge lessons and try your hand at some games. Cost $4. Call 610-4016475 or visit MarpleBridgeClub.com.

palm beach county * Hina Matsuri

March 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach. The museum hosts a traditional doll festival, a Japanese custom to wish girls good health and happiness. Call 561-495-0233 or visit Morikami.org.

* Voices of Courage: A Celebration of Women

Saturday, March 3rd 7pm - 10pm at the Arts Garage in Delray Beach, 94 NE 2nd Avenue. Hear female activists, entrepreneurs and politicians share their stories of triumph in a male-dominated world. Tickets $45. Call 561-450-6357.

* Alternative Book Fair Weekend

Friday March 9 - Sunday March 11 at The Box Gallery, 811 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach. The Box Gallery initiates the first alternative book fair featuring punk and queer icons. One-day pass $10, weekend pass $15. Visit TheBoxGallery.info for tickets.

* Denotes New Listing

* Sopranos Night with Vincent Pastore and Goumba Johnny

Saturday 8 p.m. at Old School Square, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. Watch some of the best stand-up comedians in the country. Tickets from $47 to $67. Visit OldSchoolSquare.org.

* The Young People’s Guide to Broadway

miami-dade county * White Party Week

Feb. 28 to March 6 throughout Miami Beach. A weeklong extravaganza of parties, dances, pool lounges, and more benefiting Care Resource. Visit WinterParty.com.

Arsht Center Farmers Market

Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Purchase fresh food from local farmers, including

fruits, vegetables, meats, prepared foods, as well as chefs, live music, and cooking demonstrations. Tickets $45 to $75. Free. Visit ArshtCenter.org/en/Visit/Dining.

POZCONNECT Support Group for Spanish Speakers

Mondays 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Pridelines, 6360 NE Fourth Court in Miami. A support group for HIV+ people, in Spanish. Free. Call Eddie at 305-571-9601, ext. 105 or visit Pridelines. org.

Yoga

Tuesdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at Jose Marti Park, 362 SW Fourth Ave. in Miami. Yogis 18 and older of all levels are invited to a practice lead by a certified instructor. Bring your own yoga mat, water, and towel. Free. Call 305358-7550 or visit BayfrontParkMiami.com/ Yoga.html.

key west Hot Naked Sundays

Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. at Island House, 1129 Fleming St. in Key West. A pretea pool party. Call 305-294-6284 or visit IslandHouseKeyWest.com.

Nite Life Law If you drink, don’t drive. If you drive, don’t drink. If you do both, call us.

Kent & Cormican Criminal Defense Law Center

954.763.1900

Norman Elliott Kent & Russell Cormican 12 S.E. 7th Street, Suite 709 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 www.NormKent.com

2.28.2018 •

THE

GUIDE

Business Directory

attorney

Law office of george castrataro 707 NE 3rd Ave #300, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954.573.1444 Lawgc.com

law office of Gregory Kabel 1 East Broward Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, 33301 954.761.7770 gwkesq@bellsouth.net law office of Shawn Newman 710 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.563.9160 Shawnnewman.com

Law office of Robin bodiford 2550 N Federal Hwy #20, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954.630.2707 Lawrobin.com

a&e Ft Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus PO Box 9772, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33310-9772 954-832-0060 www.theftlgmc.org Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida 2040 North Dixie Hwy, #218, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-763-2266 Gaymenschorusofsouthflorida.org

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

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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 Island City Dental 1700 NE 26th Street, Ste. 2, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-564-7121 Islandcitydental.com

transportation

RAINBOW RIDES-SAVE MONEY ON YOUR RIDE! - We treat you like family! SPECIALIZING IN AIRPORT RIDES! Need a ride to FLL, MIA, or PBI? (or anywhere else?) I'm a friendly driver with a nice, clean Chevy Malibu. My fixed-rate pricing beat all ride sharing - apps every time. Call or text me to schedule a ride, I'll be there early and I'll text you when I arrive. No 'surge" prices, no hassles. Call or text Nikki at 954-600-3133.

final arrangements Kalis-McIntee Funeral & Cremation Center

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

financial services WE’RE HERE FOR ALL YOUR

FINANCIAL NEEDS Taxes IRS Issues Accounting

Bookkeeping Small Business Advising

health insurance Medicare/MedicaID Florida Blue / Blue Cross Blue Shield 2765 West Cypress Creek Road Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 Call Steve Herbstman @ 954-554-7074

health American Pain Experts 6333 N. Federal Hwy, Ste. 250, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-678-1074 Americanpainexperts.com

professional services

954-667-9829 ACCOUNTING@STERLINGACCOUNTING.COM

2435 North Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305

therapy

getaway

handyman Miami/Broward/Palm Beach Paint/Caulk/Remove Grout/Yard Work Fix Drips & Switches/Debris removal Assembles Furniture & Appliances Repair or Fix Call "Avrom" Keith 786-227-9981

sfgn.com 2.28.2018 •

THE

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Business Directory

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

social

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www.stsfrancisandclare.org Baptisms • Weddings • Memorial Services

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accommodations Public Notice - XJW Entertainment, Inc intends to file a fictitious name in Florida, primarily used in a Broward County business named XES. Email XESFLL@GMAIL.COM with any objections.

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piano

PRIVATE COMPLEX FOR RENT - 1 Bed Apt, Must See, Private complex, Fully renovated, laundry, ask: $1150.00 Progresso, 1214 NE 5th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, 33304 Call 954-552-2831

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.

Classified Advertising Works! Place an ad in SFGN’s Classifieds

954.530.4970

employment wanted SPECIAL HIRE NEEDED - Earn $45,000 per year. Experienced, self-motivated professional salesman needed. Work competitively in a highly flexible and relaxed LGBT-friendly environment. Fax resume to 954-530-7943. Crew Leader-City of Wilton Manors - Fulltime with benefits. Supervise and perform general maintenance work inside/outside. $17.00 to $22.00 per hour. DOE. To apply, visit www.wiltonmanors.com and click on the JOBS link.

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

Classified Advertising Works!

954.530.4970

employment positions wanted

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.

real estate oakland park Charming, Large 3/2 Waterfront home For Sale. Dual fireplaces, granite counter tops, wood floors. 4350 NE 15th Avenue. Call Dean Lyon Sales Associate Realtor with the Keyes Company. 561-789-8588 or go to www.deanlyon.keyes.com

www.sfgn.guide

roommates miami other Suburban Homestead - Seeking LGBT Young Adults Share 3/2 Home. Miami Gardens - efficiency (couples), and rooms (singles). Includes Utilities, Internet, Laundry, Fenced Yard, Private Parking, Furnished (optional), Pets Welcome... Text 786.306.7076 for appointment Michael.

rentals wilton manors

MIKE THE RENTAL GUY - NE Lauderdale/Wilton Manors/Oakland Park-1/1 from $1090, 2/1 from $1140. Victoria Park-2/1=$1290.00 cable included. Credit & Income Requirements-Pets okay with restrictions Call for Details Mike 561- 703-5533 or miketherentalguy@ aol.com

real estate for sale

Male-Caregiver - 10+ Experience, Certified in State of Florida. Call Antonio 954.599.3265

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

home health care

COMPANION AIDE - Strictly Professional, TBI, PCA, and NHTD certified Over ten years’ experience. Provide light personal care, light cleaning. Laundry and major meal prep. Respite for caregiver. Serious inquires call Karl 954-616-8952

painting

GREGG'S PAINTING - I paint both interior and exterior. Great rates, free estimates. I am detailed-oriented, friendly, reliable, punctual, and neat. No job too small. Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Call Gregg at 617-306-5694 or 954-870-5972 Email: gmanbenn44@gmail.com

professional services RESUME Consulting - Nearly 20 years of recruiting experience. Consultation includes one-on-one session, job hunting tips and tricks, social media review. Email Jason@TheDriveRecruiting.com

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954.530.4970

2.28.2018 •

HOSTED DEPARTURE

7 Nights – Sept 1-8, 2018 Labor Day Alaska Group Cruise

ALASKA

Norwegian Cruise Line - Norwegian Bliss Seattle, Washington Roundtrip, Ketchikan, Juneau, Sawyer Glacier, Skagway, Victoria, British Columbia, and Seattle.

from $1,049 pp +Free Juneau Whale Watching Tour if BOOKED BY MARCH 15th

The Aquafest Value Add

Hosted Departure by Aquafest “A” Team Staff Prepaid Service Charges (Gratuities) for 2 Ultimate Beverage Package for 2 Special Savings on Alaska Shore Excursions

LGBT CRUISES & TOUR EVENTS

(800) 592-9058 / AquafestCruises.com Kenya African Safari-Christmas Markets Danube More in 2018 More in 2018 Castles of the Rhine -Scandanavia & Russia-Machu Picchu & 2019 & 2019