local name global coverage april 11, 2018 vol. 9 // issue 15
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Compass Board ‘Too Busy’ To Take Questions From Public, Press Michael d’Oliveira
Questions remain after abrupt departure of CEO
C
ompass spent most of 2017 celebrating Tony Plakas’ 20 years with the organization. In January of 2018 he was gone – with no fan fare, no passing of the baton, not even a press release. It even took Compass weeks to update their website to reflect his departure. Plakas was Compass’ chief executive officer. He didn’t respond to multiple requests for interviews, but Julie Seaver, Compass’ executive director and acting CEO, insisted Plakas’ departure was mutual. “Basically, he and the board decided to end his contract. It was a little unexpected, but I’m excited. We’re excited . . . The sustainability of the organization is at an all-time high,” said Seaver. She said that Plakas’ replacement will be chosen at the organization’s April 11 annual board meeting and that Compass was looking forward to the future and was pleased with how Palm Beach Pride went. “We’re pretty excited.” After the initial went online on Friday SFGN followed up asking for an interview with a member of the board. Seaver said the board probably would not get back to SFGN in time to meet the newspaper’s deadline. “I have a board full of CPA’s and Auditors that are in the middle of their busiest time of year and the board’s process is on their timetable and not the public or SFGN’s timetable,” Seaver said. But last year the chairman of the board Michael Grattendick had lots to say about Plakas “We’re in a better place than we’ve been in years. And it’s because of his leadership skills and vision,” he told SFGN last May. “He has the ability to tailor the message to any component of the community whether it’s the youth, volunteers, major contributors, individuals, organizations. He has an ability to meet with any of the constituents, and tailor a message they respond to.” According to Compass’ website the other board members include Kerensa ButlerSee our news in video Online now!
Tony Plakas (left) with Compass staff. Photo via Facebook.
April 11 2018 • Volume 9 • Issue 15
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Gile, Marc Pickering, Michael Woods, Nicole As an example, he pointed to the director Leidesdorf Marulli, and Clarence Brooks. of the Palm Beach County Library System Plakas’ departure raised questions about who makes $129,163 and oversees a budget of his salary. $52.7 million. Compass’ budget for 2015 was According to the latest tax documents $1.6 million. The Pride Center’s budget is $2.3 SFGN was able to obtain, Plakas earned million. The San Francisco LGBT Community $126,000 in 2015. In previous years, his salary Center has a budget of $3.8 million. The LGBT was lower. In other years, it was higher. In Community Center has a $9.3 million budget. 2009, it was $90,857. In 2012, it was $142,830. “There just seems to be a disparity.” He In 2013, it was $112,000. In 2014, it was stressed that his interest in Plakas’ salary was $130,500. because he wants to see Compass do well Other salaries in 2015 as an organization. “We’re made by directors of LGBT looking for Compass to centers in other parts of survive and thrive.” the state and the country “This was a topic that was include $217,194 at the LGBT brought up,” stated Seaver, Community Center in New who said that Plakas’ salary York, $85,107 at the William was commensurate with Way LGBT Community directors of other LGBT Center in Philadelphia, organizations. She said that a $125,340 at the San Francisco lot of work and responsibility LGBT Community Center, goes into the CEO position. $204,267 at the Center on “Fiduciary oversight is an Halstead in Chicago, and extreme responsibility and $106,000 at the Pride Center they take that responsibility - Julie Seaver Compass’ executive director in Wilton Manors. very seriously.” and acting CEO Someone familiar with the For Plakas’ 20 year organization, who asked not anniversary SFGN profiled to have his name published, stated he thought the former CEO and when asked about his Plakas’ salary should be lower compared future with the organization he declined to some of the other LGBT and non-LGBT to comment instead saying “I serve at the MBER organizations because their M E budgets are pleasure of a board of trustees…so I am not bigger. going to jinx myself on that one.”
“Basically, he and the board decided to end his contract. It was a little unexpected, but I’m excited... The sustainability of the organization is at an all-time high.”
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NEWS online
Action Online
Don't miss the
Atlanta Police to Hold LGBT Citizens Police Academy
Study Finds Lesbian, Bisexual Kids Disciplined More in School
Transgender Weightlifter’s Historic Golden Bid Derailed by Injury
D.C. Police Seek Help in Case of Gay Attorney Found Dead in Car
Daniel Potucek was found unconscious sitting in the front passenger seat of a Mazda SUV parked in front of a row house at 2004 8th St., N.W. (Photo via LinkedIn).
Boston, other Marathons Say Trans Women can Compete as Women
6. In Moving Essay, Olympic Diver Robert Paez Comes Out as Gay 7. Kesha Officiates Lesbian Marriage in New Music Video Photo via YouTube Still.
8. Groundbreaking TV Series “In the Life” Now Available Online 9. ‘Broad City’ Star Abbi Jacobson Says She Dates Men and Women Abbi Jacobson. Photo: Flickr / iDominick.
10. LGBTQ Filmmakers Hit High Seas on Pride of the Ocean Film Festival
Visit SFGN.com to stay up to date on all the news across the web! Twitter.com/SoFlaGayNews
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Facebook.com/SouthFloridaGayNews
NEWS coffee and conversation
The Pride Center. Photo via Facebook.
More Info Coming on Sex Predator Controversy Pride Center CEO Robert Boo addresses scandal at weekly ‘Coffee & Conversation’
Damon Scott
R
obert Boo, the chief executive officer of The Pride Center at Equality Park in Wilton Manors, said April 10 that he would soon provide more details regarding his involvement in a controversy involving a now former employee who is a convicted sex predator. The former employee, Clarence Collins, was found guilty in 1997 on two charges: sexual battery on a victim less than 12 years old and lewd and lascivious behavior on a child under 16. He’s also listed on the sex offender registry. He had worked at the Pride Center in some capacity since 2003, until he was fired March 19. Collins was arrested last week and charged with two criminal charges relating to his failure to properly register his address. Read more from SFGN on page 20.
“Hindsight is always good to have, but when you’re in the moment you have to make the best decisions based on the information you have.” - Robert Boo
Boo said Tuesday that he would be “… sending an update to the community on where we were with the decision process, and when I was aware of new information and the actions I took.” The comments came during the announcement period at The Pride Center’s weekly “Coffee & Conversation” gathering in front of a room full of more than 100 people, mostly senior men. Boo has been criticized for allegedly knowing of Collins’ past, but still allowing him to work at the center, including during a time when a playground was installed. Boo specifically cited recent coverage by the Miami Herald and the Sun Sentinel as “not complementary or 100 percent true.” He did not mention SFGN broke the story two weeks ago. “Hindsight is always good to have, but when you’re in the moment you have to make the best decisions based on the information you have,” Boo said. “My intent, energy and focus is that The Pride Center thrives. That’s what I’ve done for the past 12 years of my life. I ask that you be patient and not be quick to judge until you see all the facts. It’s hard to get the message [out] of what the real story is,” he said. It was not clear when his update would be sent.
CEO of The Pride Center
4.11.2018 •
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NEWS miami-dade
Police Response Questioned in
Gay Bashing
The Miami Beach attack happened after Pride; suspects surrendered Photos courtesy of the MBPD.
Jason Parsley
Update: Right before SFGN went to press the four suspects surrendered to the Miami Beach Police Department through an attorney. A spokesperson for the department said “We anticipate felony charges for each of them.” The four men have been identified as Juan C. Lopez, 21; Luis M. Alonso, 20; Adonis Diaz, 21; and Pablo Reinaldo Romo, 21.
A
gay couple were called faggots and then attacked outside the 6th Street public bathroom in Lummus Park on Sunday night in Miami Beach. SFGN spoke to the gay couple, who described a violent attack by four males as they were on their way home from the festivities of Miami Beach Gay Pride. Police are now searching for the suspects. The attack was caught on camera and video footage clearly shows the faces of the four males. “This was my first time going to gay parade,” noted Rene Chalarca, 32. At some point during the attack a third person attempted to intervene and assist the victims. This person was also beaten. All three victims went to the hospital. “We were walking and holding hands and needed to use the bathroom,” Dmitry Logunov explained. So the two of them stopped at public restroom as they headed home for the evening. As Logunov, 32, walked out of the restroom he was called a “faggot” in Spanish, punched, and then beaten unconscious. His boyfriend, Chalarca, quickly intervened, but three more men jumped in and began to attack him as well. Chalarca’s memory is blurry after that but he remembers attempting to chase the men as they fled the scene. While the crime itself was horrific enough for them, what happened afterwards further traumatized the gay couple. Once the police arrived both men urged the officers to
go after their assailants, whom they could still see in the distance, but were told: “We won’t chase them, they are far.” But then it got worse. At one point a female officer told Logunov to “stop the drama, shut the fuck up.” Another officer repeated that to him a few minutes later. One of the officers also told him to “put ice on your face at home and you’ll be alright.” “This is a terrible crime, as such, we are dedicating our full efforts to capturing the attackers. The Miami Beach Police Department prides itself on its inclusion of everyone,” a spokesperson for the Miami Beach Police Department said. “If anyone feels mistreated by any of our officers, they are encouraged to contact MBPD’s Internal Affairs unit so that any complaint can be addressed immediately.” Miami Beach City Commissioner Michael Gongora also
weighed in saying, “I am disturbed by this and have sent to the Police Chief for investigation. Being Miami Beach’s first and only openly gay commissioner it’s important to me that our community be safe and treated well - especially during Gay Pride.” Later after an ambulance arrived the paramedics treated them at the scene and also told them they’d be OK and to just go home, put ice on their faces, or they could pay $800 and go to the hospital. The paramedics, though, were wrong. Later the couple decided to go to the hospital on their own, where it was discovered Chalarca had a broken tear duct and was told to try not to cry or get emotional. He may need surgery. Besides that, both were pretty shaken up and suffered from cuts and bruises. Parts of their faces were also very swollen. On Monday the two men sought help from The Hub at the LGBT Visitor Center on Miami Beach where officials connected them with gay friendly officers at the MBPD. “They were very nice and helpful,” Logunov said. “Then we met with the detective, who leads our case, and he was nice and professional as well. Today’s experience with the police was much better.”
If anyone has information contact Miami Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-0471-TIPS.
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2018 Honorees
Dolores Huerta Harvey Milk Foundation Honors Medal Preeminent Leader of the Latino, Labor and Women’s Civil rights movement.
Celebrating Unity and Inclusiveness
Friday, April 27, 2018 • 7 pm Hard Rock Event Center Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida Continuous Open Bar • Interactive Food Stations Live Entertainment • Awards Presentation
After Party Craig Stevens News Anchor, WSVN
Guest Host Lynn Martinez News Anchor, WSVN
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4.11.2018 •
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LGBTQIA bites
L
Lesbian
Cynthia Nixon is Selling ‘Unqualified Lesbian’ Pins
B
By Ryan Lynch Bisexual
Actor Alyson Stoner Comes Out as Bisexual
Cynthia Nixon. Photo credit: Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashin
Cynthia Nixon will now sell “unqualified lesbian” pins after a New York politician bestowed the moniker onto her. The “Sex and the City” actor was called that phrase by Christine Quinn, according to LGBTQ Nation. Quinn had previously feuded with Nixon after she supported Bill de Blasio over her in the New York City mayoral race in 2013. “Cynthia Nixon was opposed to having a qualified lesbian become mayor of
New York City,” Quinn said after Nixon’s candidacy announcement. “Now she wants to be an unqualified lesbian to be the governor of New York. You have to be qualified and have experience. She isn’t qualified to be the governor.” After Quinn’s remarks, Nixon later turned the phrase into a campaign slogan for her run in the New York gubernatorial race. Nixon is offering the pins for a $5 contribution to her campaign.
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Alyson Stoner, credit Sydneynigel wiki.
Former Disney actor Alyson Stoner came out as bisexual in an essay for Teen Vogue. Stoner explained the first time she had fallen in love with a woman, according to PinkNews. She talked about finding herself in the wake of that realization. “I’m asking for you to feel what I feel on a human level, to appreciate the beauty of someone diving into the unknown in pursuit of love and truth,”
Stoner wrote. “I’m asking you to accept me as I accept myself.” Stoner, who previously acted in “Cheaper by the Dozen” and “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” mentioned the clash of her religious beliefs and finding her secuality. “Whatever your identity, you are lovable and wonderful and enough,” she wrote.“I’m on the other side of some of these battles internally, but it’s still a challenge in the outside world.”
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LGBTQIA bites
T
Transgender
RIT Students Fight to Reinstate Hormone Replacement Therapy on Campus
Rochester Institute of Technology.
Students at the Rochester Institute of Technology protested last week to get hormone replacement therapy treatments back on campus. Annamaria Kontor, a doctor at RIT who was providing hormone therapy to students, was fired by the school after they said she exceeded boundaries as a primary care physician, according to the Democrat and Chronicle. The New York Division of Human Rights received a complaint from Kontor and later found the school may have discriminated in firing her. Students who have been looking for
hormone therapy in the meantime have had to travel to hospitals in the area with long waiting lists and that are harder for students without a car to reach. “A lot of students come into the Q Center with questions (about access) and we can’t really help them because we don’t have much information,” RIT student Natasha Amadasun said. “HRT is not a luxury that people just want — they need this. It’s a medication.” The school is having a comprehensive review in the meantime of what services it provides to transgender people, according to the Democrat and Chronicle.
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NEWS national
Impulse Group Founder Reflects On
Groundbreaking Activism John McDonald
I
t was an outside approach that caught fire. “I felt there was something missing in which people could talk about HIV and sexual health in a way that was a little more modern than what we were used to,” said Jose Ramos. Seeking to shake up the dialogue with a new weapon in the war on AIDS, Ramos founded the Impulse Group. Nine years later, the international organization has become a recognized model in effective and modern public health strategies. In a telephone interview from Los Angeles, Ramos discussed the history of his social group and challenges on the horizon. “Trying to go to them instead of them coming to us, that’s how this whole concept begin,” Ramos said. “Them” are sexually active young people -- specifically gay and bisexual men. While overall rates of new HIV infections in the United States have declined, the numbers are rising in self-identified gay and bisexual men ages 25 to 34. That’s where the Impulse Group comes into play. With the support of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Ramos crafted teams and strategies to educate at risk populations in some of America’s largest cities. He had grown tired of what he called “stale” conferences and meetings full of bureaucrats reminiscing about the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s. “They keep doing the same things and getting the same results,” Ramos lamented. On the contrary, Impulse Group events feature provocative themes and explosive dialogue. “Maybe it’s something they will react to because that’s how we get them into care,” Ramos said. Volunteers, comprised primarily of young gay and bisexual men, power the organization. Naturally, there are sceptics. “If you go and recruit a bunch of 19 and 20-year-olds and allow them to speak like people are speaking in their communities, people are going to be outraged,” Ramos said. “Not because they are doing anything wrong, but because they don’t understand it.”
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Jose Ramos. Photo via Facebook.
In 2015, Impulse Group made its biggest wave when it hosted a pool party in Miami. Anyone over the age of 40 was asked to pay $50 to attend. This decision did not go over well with many South Florida seniors. The group’s Facebook page was flooded with complaints and negative comments. “The age thing created the most backlash,” Ramos admitted. “I didn’t want people to feel that way again. We’ve never done it again. It did not work and it did not put us in a good light.” Other events dealt with hook-up apps, unprotected sex, drug and substance abuse and prevention tools such as PrEP and PEP. With a global presence in 18 cities, Impulse Group continues to seek solutions
with innovative marketing. Ramos was born and raised in Mexico City and is proud of the work his group has done in what he describes as a macho culture. “That has been one of my great satisfactions,” Ramos said of the Mexico City chapter. “We have done a lot of testing and linkage to care. It is our most successful international chapter.” However, some areas of the map are more challenging than others. In the U.S., African Americans (40 percent) and Hispanics (22 percent) account for the largest numbers of new HIV infections. Ramos said more attention is needed in the South. “Accessibility to resources within cultures plays a huge part,” Ramos said. “Washington
D.C., Atlanta, Houston we have a lot of new infections in the black community. Some of the resources like PrEP (pre-exposure) or PEP (post-exposure) is not as easy to get there.” PrEP is a once-a-day dose of Truvada that blocks transmission of HIV in nearly 99 percent of cases. Ramos said 87 percent of PrEP users are white males over the age of 30. “It’s a big tool not reaching the black community,” Ramos said. “They have detached themselves from the rest of the community and continue to date each other. Even if they can get PrEP for free we have a hard time getting them to understand they are valued and entitled to it.”
NEWS national
NEWS health
In South Florida, where new HIV infection Lauderdale, posted this on the group’s rates remain high, Ramos said his team is Facebook page: “An incredible group not as diverse as he would like and change of people educating the youth in our is needed. community through exciting events these “The team there is not as diverse when it guys are truly a special organization that comes to the black community so there is enhance our community.” an opportunity for us to do a better job to Ramos decided to start Impulse Group target the black community and challenge after his best friend was diagnosed with my teams there to do a better representation AIDS and given only a few weeks to live. of the black community because it is hard “I want to give back but not in the way to reach a community that of giving money or donating you don’t really understand,” food and clothes to some big Ramos said. organization,” Ramos said. Substance abuse is also Impulse Group is not just an issue in South Florida, shock and awe, Ramos said. which has a well-documented A brotherhood has developed history as a party culture and and showing compassion base of operations for the is essential, he said. Ramos illegal drug circuit. Stories told a story of receiving a of “cocaine cowboys” and Facebook message from a Colombian drug lords have young man newly diagnosed given way to “chem sex” with HIV and seeking help. parties of meth and heroin. “About four years ago I got “South Florida is having a message on Facebook from an issue with drugs and this 18-year-old guy,” Ramos addiction especially when said. “I met him for coffee. He it comes to meth,” Ramos had moved to L.A. from Ohio - Jose Ramos admitted. “It is having an and was suicidal so I guided Founder of Impulse impact within the community him through the process. I there.” went to his first appointment Recently, Impulse Group’s South Florida with him. I remember the kid was so afraid chapter hosted an event in Wilton Manors and crying and he held my hand through the which dealt with substance abuse and whole process.” drugs. Again, cries of foul were heard across Creating and sustaining Impulse Group the community. has been quite a process as well, one that “People were offended because we were Ramos admits is an education in itself. talking about drugs in the way that we were,” “I do think we’ve made mistakes because Ramos said. “But you have to realize if you the guys don’t come from the field,” Ramos listen to everybody around about how to be said. “We have made adjustments through sensitive to this and that you will never do learning and we have been exposed to anything. Somebody will also be offended. criticism. That said, I still believe if we take Whatever you say in whatever way you say it outside the box and look for ways to reach it somebody will always be offended.” people that is up to date we have a better Impulse has its share of supporters too. chance of promoting healthier sex and life.” Miik Martorelli, President of Pride Fort
“The age thing created the most backlash... We’ve never done it again. It did not work and it did not put us in a good light.”
Grindr Will No Longer Share User HIV Status With Third Parties Ryan Lynch
G
rindr is now disallowing third parties from viewing and storing the HIV information of users. The move comes after leaks were found in their relationship with companies Apptimize and Localytics, according to Gay Star News. Swedish TV show “Plus Granskar” found that the cell phone and GPS data of individual users could be accessed. Grindr initially defended their relationship with Apptimize and Localytics before changing their position. “I understand the news cycle right now is very focused on these issues,” Grindr’s security chief Bryce Case said to Axios. “[But] I think what’s happened to Grindr is, unfairly, we’ve been singled out.” Data experts said that the information could be more vulnerable to hackers when shared with a third party. “Even if Grindr has a good contract with the third parties saying they can’t do anything
with that info, that’s still another place that that highly sensitive health information is located,” Cooper Quintin, a senior staff technologist and security researcher at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said to BuzzFeed News. “If somebody with malicious intent wanted to get that information, now instead of there being one place for that — which is Grindr — there are three places for that information to potentially become public.”
Impulse Group. Photo via Facebook.
4.11.2018 •
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NEWS miami-dade Photo by J.R. Davis. See more photos on page 30.
Miami Beach Gay Pride Celebrates 10 Years More than 140,000 people attend festival Tucker Berardi
T
he Pride celebrations in South Beach were not limited to 5th through 15th Streets — rainbow flags and pride-goers could be seen throughout Miami Beach over the course of the weekend. This year marked the ten year anniversary of Pride in Miami, a feat that wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of then-mayor Matti Herrera Bower who advocated for the first Pride in 2003, as well as the countless other figures and organizations who help the celebration to run smoothly and grow with each passing year. Bower was honored at the special media reception at TD Bank on Sunday, April 8. The current mayor presented keys to the city to the Grand and Ally Grand Marshals, out Olympian Gus Kenworthy and Roxanne Vargas, respectively. Kenworthy and Vargas also took to the stage early Saturday for a Q&A, and Kenworthy shared his experiences as an Olympic athlete both in and out of the closet. “My Olympic experience was infinitely better this time,” Kenworthy said. “I actually just got to be myself, which sounds dumb, but it was really a treat. In Sochi, I was in the closet, and I wanted to be out but I was too scared. Every interview I did I was kind of lying...I had a boyfriend but I just wasn’t talking about it. And every interview was like what type of girl do you like, who’s your celebrity crush, what’s your ideal date. It was just hard for me.” He continued, “I was lying, and it caused tension
between [my boyfriend] and I, and it just made me feel setting up tents that lined the walkways of the Pride pretty low about myself. So to get to this Olympics and be festival grounds. like let’s talk about Zac Efron, let’s talk about Drag Race The parade was a spectacle with 35 floats and an and Adam Rippon...I was finally able to be myself.” estimated 3,000 participants, but the festival grounds An estimated 135,000 spectators were present at last did not hold back in terms of decoration — pride flags, year’s Pride — compared to 15,000 in the celebration’s inflatable decor and elaborate costumes kept the 2003 debut. This year organizers estimate grounds colorful and diverse. about 140,000 attended. The growth is The main draw of the festival was the certainly recognizable by the scope of Pride grounds’ dueling stages, which the shows, the 120-plus tents and served the purpose of hosting talks, vendors as well as the guests that housing DJs and ensuring that people make Pride so special. were dancing all day. “We are proud to have delivered Seventies disco-queen Thelma an epic, week-long experience Houston and 80s songstress Taylor in celebration of our 10th Dayne performed Sunday night on Anniversary,” said Bruce Horwich, the main stage, and Saturday night’s vice chair of the Miami Beach Gay crowd were treated to a number of - Bruce Horwich Pride Board. “The response to our performances before headliner Betty Vice Chair of the Miami Beach Gay Pride Board events has been universally positive Who took the stage with her backup and enthusiastic and we want to thank dancers. the City, our sponsors, our vendors, and VIP galas and tents, all-night dance our volunteers for helping make all the magic parties, family-friendly zones and of course the happen. We don’t know how we’ll outdo ourselves for the pride parade ensured that everyone would have a reason next Pride, April 5 to 7, 2019.” to enjoy Pride. Big businesses and mom-and-pop shops were as much The efforts of the city were recognizable in all aspects of a part of the festival and parade as individuals, adorning the festival — Miami’s commitment to its LGBT residents floats alongside those of community organizations and stretches from local businesses to the police force.
“We are proud to have delivered an epic, week-long experience in celebration of our 10th Anniversary.”
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What is TRUVADA for PrEP?
Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP?
TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medicine that is used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.
Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: ® Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. ® Also take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA for PrEP? Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-negative. ® Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. ® You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. ® If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. ® To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1: ® Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. ® Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you. ® Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners. ® Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. ® If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. TRUVADA can cause serious side effects: ® Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking TRUVADA, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.
What are the other possible side effects of TRUVADA for PrEP? Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: ® Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with TRUVADA. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA. ® Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. ® Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. ® Bone problems, including bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRUVADA for PrEP? ® All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis. ® If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA. ® If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can be passed to the baby in breast milk. ® All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. ® If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include certain medicines to treat hepatitis C (HCV) infection. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page.
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I'm passionate, not impulsive. I know who I am. And I make choices that fit my life. TRUVADA for PrEP™ is a once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when taken every day and used together with safer sex practices. ® TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex. ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP.
Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you. Learn more at truvada.com
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NEWS miami-dade
GetEQUAL Goes Under The national organization was headed by a local queer man
Photos via Facebook. x
John McDonald
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n organization dedicated to making people feel uncomfortable now finds itself in the uncomfortable position of ending operations. GetEQUAL is closing, executive director Gabriel GarciaVera confirmed to SFGN. Financial problems and internal staff dysfunction prompted the shutdown, he said. “In the coming weeks, I will do my best to close GetEQUAL with responsible and loving stewardship,” wrote Garcia-Vera in a letter dated March 27. “I will work to assure that we pay all of our debts, and that our transitioning employees and contractors are treated with fairness and compassion. I will look for ways to pass on our intangible assets of contacts and other resources to other organizations that share our vision and values.” Garcia-Vera, a queer Latinx organizer, had been at the helm of GetEQUAL less than a year and described his relationship with movement building and campaign manager Aaryn Lang as troubled from the start. “Unfortunately, while well-intentioned, the ‘arranged marriage’ set-up in the hiring of both Aaryn and me created a context in which neither of us was well-positioned to succeed,” Garcia-Vera wrote. Lang, a black trans woman, accused the GetEQUAL board of directors of racism and transphobia and demanded donations be made to other organizations supportive of transgender and queer people of color. Garcia-Vera denied the allegations of discrimination and said GetEQUAL’s board had collapsed, assets were extremely limited and fundraising nearly impossible due to a “social media storm.” In a Facebook post, Lang labeled GetEQUAL’s closing a “victory.” “GetEQUAL is closing its doors and though this is a victory I do not delight in it, it is a victory nonetheless. A victory that
I hope will aid us in our collective growth as a movement,” Lang wrote. Founded in 2010, GetEQUAL first gained attention with its demonstrations against the U.S. military policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Led by Lt. Dan Choi, an out U.S. Army officer, three GetEQUAL members were arrested for handcuffing themselves to the White House fence. Following the repeal of DADT and on the heels of the
landmark Supreme Court decision of Obergefell v. Hodges, GetEQUAL went in a new direction. Still advocating nonviolent direct action, the organization began to focus more on the transgender community and racial and social justice issues. “Liberation Can’t Wait” became the new GetEQUAL rallying cry. Under the direction of Angela Peoples, GetEQUAL protested and disrupted Pride parades and festivals for “their corporatization, heavy police presence and overall failure to support and uplift queer and trans youth of color.” Will Kohler, author of the blog Back2Stonewall, called GetEQUAL’s dilemma rich in irony. “The irony of GetEQUAL being accused of racism and transphobia after years of accusing the gay and lesbian community of racism and transphobia is not lost on many in the community who have questioned their tactics and behavior…,” Kohler wrote. Garcia-Vera, who was named to SFGN’s OUT50 list in 2017, said he was shuttering the organization with a heavy heart. “I know this conversation has struck a nerve in the community,” Garcia-Vera wrote. “I want to acknowledge that anti-blackness, racism, misogyny, anti-trans sentiments are things that we must all unpack, and also are things that we are all taught. I believe that these conversations are things that as a community we must be willing to unearth if we truly believe that our struggle for liberation is connected.”
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NEWS palm beach
NEWS national
U.S. Census Counts Same-Sex Couples For First Time
The 2017 Palm Beach Equality Florida Gala, which took place at WPB Lake Pavilion. Photo via Equality Florida, Facebook.
Photo credit: Ted Eytan.
Brittany Ferrendi
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he United States Census Bureau revealed in a congressional report that the 2020 U.S. Census will ask couples if they identify as “same-sex” or “opposite-sex.” This will be the first distinction of samesex couples in U.S. census history. “It really normalizes our experience on an American government form so that everybody looking at it and everybody filling it out sees that we exist,” lesbian married woman Wendy Becker told NPR. Becker is then, of course, that comes with real a part of the 2020 census practice run in disappointment that we are still lacking questions about sexual orientation and Rhode Island’s Providence County. The run’s new relationship categories gender identity that would let us see the full include “same-sex husband/wife/spouse” spectrum of the LGBT community.” The 2020 census is the and “same-sex unmarried 24th in history. It’s used partner.” to reapportion seats in the But not all LGBT people House of Representatives and will be represented in the new calculate the distribution of census — it currently leaves out billions in federal funds to local bisexual people, transgender governments. people, and any single LGBT Senior Director of Strategic people. Projects for the Transgender “It’s a good thing that we Law Center told NPR she hopes are now going to improve the gender identity and sexual way in which we ask people orientation will be added to the about their relationships, and - Wendy Becker census. whether they’re married, and to married lesbian “You know, these are all whom they’re married,” LGBT labels,” she said. “But if we Researcher and Vice President of the LGBT Research and Communications don’t have the proper labels when we try Project at the Center for American Progress to look at the picture, there will be a lot of Laura Durso told The Daily Beast. “And missing pieces, like jigsaw puzzles.”
“... Everybody looking at it and everybody filling it out sees that we exist.”
TRAVEL EDITION March - April 2018
OUT NOW!
Camping Vacations Food ... And more!
Visit SFGN.com to find your copy 18
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PBCHRC to Donors: Don’t ‘Feel Obligated to Support Equality Florida Gala’ This year’s event will take place in West Palm Beach on April 15 Michael d’Oliveira
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f universal LGBT support for the upcoming Equality Florida Gala was something assumed, that assumption is wrong. In an email, Rand Hoch, founder and president of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council [PBCHRC], instructed recipients that they shouldn’t “feel obligated to support” Equality Florida’s Gala – Sunday, April 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Pavilion, 101 S. Flagler, West Palm Beach. “You may have received an e-mail from an organization called Equality Florida entitled ‘Join in support of Equality in Paradise!’ The e-mail solicits your contribution of at least $500 to support of the ‘Equality Florida Palm Beach Gala’ . . . PBCHRC does not want you to feel obligated to support Equality Florida by sponsoring, supporting or even attending this event,” Hoch wrote. “Over the years, Equality Florida’s staff has repeatedly marginalized the efforts of local volunteers to secure LGBTQ rights. As recently as last month, in a publication she co-authored, Equality Florida’s CEO [Nadine Smith] intentionally diminished the LGBTQ progress made in Palm Beach County. (It is important to point out that Allan Hendricks has been a strong and valuable advocate for the Palm Beach County LGBTQ community for many years – despite his affiliation with Equality Florida.) If you want to contribute to an LGBTQ organization which actually works to help our community, please consider contributing to Compass, the LGBTQ community center in Lake Worth.” SFGN reported on Hoch’s previous criticism of GLAAD and Equality Florida’s
LGBT media guide. In an email, Allan Hendricks and Nadine Smith said Equality Florida’s donors “are inspired to give because they understand” the importance of the organization’s work. “Even more so now with a hostile administration seeking to push us backwards. 100% of the proceeds of our Palm Beach Gala will support our work with local school districts, including Palm Beach, to create Safe and Healthy learning environments for LGBTQ youth. Rand has complained that a Spanish-language focused media guide created by GLAAD in partnership with Equality Florida did not fully spotlight all of his contributions. The guide includes some key Florida milestones and is not a compendium. The guide focuses a great deal on Miami as headquarters to a range of Spanish-language media outlets. Our community is underrepresented in Spanish-language media and we are grateful to GLAAD for preparing this important online tool and for responding quickly to suggestions and updates. We encourage everyone to read the guide for themselves and share it with their media outlets. Equality Florida local steering committees host more than a dozen major events once a year all across the state and select the local honorees.” They invited supporters to come to the event and watch the awards being presented. “In the past, we have recognized and honored Rand’s leadership at PBHRC. This is a time that calls us all to greater unity as we defend victories and push forward together against newly invigorated adversaries.”
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NEWS local
Pride Center Under Fire Clarence Collins worked at the Pride Center for 15 years all the while being a convicted sex predator, who’s listed on the state’s sex offender registry. That fact finally came to light two weeks ago after SFGN reported it. Instead of going away the controversy continues to grow. One board member has resigned, and now there are calls for the CEO of the Pride Center, Robert Boo, to resign as well. Jason Parsley
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The Pride Center playground. Playground photo credits: Brendon Lies.
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hree minutes. Buzz. Three minutes. Buzz. Three minutes. Buzz. That’s what Pride Center board member Heidi Siegel heard over and over again at the organization’s monthly meeting a few weeks ago as she attempted to talk about a sex predator who was allowed to work on campus. “They tried to stop me from speaking,” she said. Despite the buzzer going off every three minutes, she refused to stay silent. Siegel continued her impassioned speech for about 15 minutes. “People heckled me. They painted me as a villain. They insinuated that I was a racist. Someone said I was a bad mother,” Siegel said. “Someone else shouted out that the oppressed had become the oppressors. Someone told me to not come back to the center. My entire speech was just about trust and betrayal.” However, another board member had a completely different take on the March 21 meeting. “The latest Pride Center Board meeting was handled like it always is - openly and professionally,” said Denise Spivak. “All interested members of the community were given fair and ample time to speak, while the Board quietly and respectfully listened.” Richard Alalouf, the executive director of South Florida Family Pride,Family Pride, also attended and backed up Siegel’s recollection of the meeting. Siegel, who is a mother, was deeply troubled over the fact that a convicted sex predator had been allowed to work at the Pride Center for years. The employee in question, Clarence Collins, 63, was found guilty in 1997 on two
charges: sexual battery on a victim less than 12 years old and lewd and lascivious behavior on a child under 16. He’s also listed on the sex offender registry. He has worked at the Pride Center in some capacity since 2003. Meanwhile, the Pride Center controversy has not gone unnoticed by authorities. In a new development this week, Collins was arrested and charged with two criminal charges relating to his status, first failing to re-register as a sex offender, and second, failing to notify law enforcement of a change of address. Collins apparently lived in Wilton Manors. He has not been able to make his bond, which is set at $3,500, and he’s facing a special condition that upon his release, he wear an electronic ankle monitor. As a member of the board, and as someone who brought her daughter to campus, Siegel didn’t know about Collins’ history. As soon as she found out about a sex predator working at the Pride Center, she pushed Chief Executive Officer Robert Boo to fire him immediately. Siegel has since resigned from the board. Before her resignation, she told SFGN, “I’m not sure my values are in alignment with the board or the leadership for the Pride Center right now.” Though Spivak said, “I and the other Board members fully support [executive director] Robert and think he is doing a great job of handling the situation.” “That’s the attitude that led me to resign,” Siegel added. Other current board members include: Mark Budwig, Dr. Leslie Leip, Chris Caputo, Craig Engel, Mitch Bloom, Jason Hagopian, Brenda Hartley, Ernest Olivas, Richard Safaty, Paul Smith, Jane Bolin, and James Walker.
NEWS local
Pride Center Evades SFGN’s Questions SFGN first reported this story two weeks ago and interviewed Chief Executive Officer of the Pride Center Robert Boo. SFGN followed up with him last week as more details began to emerge. He requested the questions be sent via email and then asked for an extension after he missed the deadline. Despite the exemption being granted, his final responses did not address SFGN’s questions, which are listed below.
1. To the best of your knowledge who on staff knew of Clarence’s sex offender status? Did any of the board know? 2. I’ve spoken to some people who feel the Pride Center betrayed them by keeping this a secret. How do you respond? Robert Boo.
When Richard Alalouf found out about the sex predator, he hoped no one at the Pride Center knew. So when he learned some of them did know, he was angry and felt betrayed. But his first thought was about his son. “He was alone with my kid. That was my immediate reaction.” The playground project at the Pride Center was Alalouf’s idea. It’s a personal point of pride for him. “They had a duty to my group to tell us about this,” Alalouf said. “We partnered with them on the assumption that this was a safe place for children to play.” Alalouf runs the South Florida Family Pride, an organization that provides support, advocacy, and fun for LGBT parents with children in South Florida. His group represents more than 600 families. Over the past few years the group
“They had a duty to my group to tell us about this. We partnered with them on the assumption that this was a safe place for children to play.” - Richard Alalouf
South Florida Family Pride
has grown closer to the Pride Center with the building of the playground as well as the organization using the Pride Center’s facilities for its events. CEO Boo told SFGN two weeks ago the employee in question, Clarence Collins, was never “on-site during any events involving children.” “That’s an absolute lie,” Alalouf said. “He was there to help me set up, tear down. He was at the front desk when I had 60 children there.” Siegel also disputed Boo’s statement. She once remembered instructing her daughter to help Collins in the kitchen during another event. Another member of the community, who did not wish to be identified, sent a photograph to SFGN showing Collins with a child at a Christmas Party at the Pride Center. SFGN also followed up with an outside group that has used the Pride Center’s facilities in the past on whether or not they were asked if children would be at their event. That question never arose. Boo sent two apology letters to South Florida Family Pride so Alalouf would have something to send to his membership. Alalouf rejected the first letter when he deemed it not apologetic enough, saying that Boo didn’t take full responsibility. “In 2015, we built a playground on our campus in order to better serve our community of families. From that point until March 17, The Pride Center was not aware that this employee was prohibited by statutory requirements from being within 300 feet from a playground,” Boo wrote in his second letter to SFFP. “The simple truth is, I did not know about the statute. This is not an excuse, but the reality. Nothing more, nothing less. I deeply apologize. I learned about the playground statute on Saturday, March 17, and terminated the former
3. One such person is Richard from the South Florida Family Pride. He feels his organization should have been made aware of this before the playground was installed. Since this organization deals with LGBT families and children why weren’t they made aware? 4. Richard as well as others have disputed your claim that Clarence was not “on-site during any events involving children.” Some people have also stated they encouraged their own children to help Clarence out at the Pride Center. How do you respond? 5. About how many people approached you over the years about Clarence’s sex offender status? 6. It is illegal for a sex offender to work near a playground. Were you not aware of this? 7. Do you know if there have been any other sex offenders who have worked at the Pride Center since you’ve been there?
Here are the four responses Boo sent back to SFGN: “Upon learning of a statute violation related to our playground and a former employee of The Pride Center, we took immediate and decisive action by terminating the individual.” “The Pride Center at Equality Park is a unifying force within the LGBTQ community, delivering vital services. We have always sought to provide a welcoming environment that as a top priority ensures the safety and security of all of our members, partners, visitors and their families.” “As the CEO I bear and accept full responsibility for the handling of this situation, including the decision to terminate this individual. I appreciate the fact that The Pride Center’s Board of Directors is in full support of the steps taken to date.” “We have launched a new task force to review all policies and procedures and to ensure that members of our community continue to place their trust and confidence in The Pride Center.”
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NEWS local
What Did Clarence Collins Do? Clarence Collins, 63, a janitor at the Pride Center, has become the center of a firestorm of controversy since it was discovered that he is a convicted sex predator and the leadership of the center knew about it, but kept him on staff anyway. The Miami Herald was able to obtain the court filings on Collins’ conviction. Below is a summary of what they reported. Collins was arrested in 1995 and according to the Herald he confessed to molesting and raping an 11-yearold girl several times during a one month period. The young victim told investigators Collins had threatened to shoot her to death if she told anyone. After pleading guilty, Collins was sentenced to 10 years in prison but only served about seven. After his release, he served 10 years on probation. At the time of his arrest Collins was working as a shipping clerk in Hallandale. According to the arrest form, he confessed to raping the girl. The girl was the daughter of one of Collins’ friends. As Collins awaited trial, the girl told investigators that he had shown her a gun and told her he would kill her if she told anyone. The young girl would spend weekends at Collins’ home in North Miami Beach. Collins, according to her, would be playing a game or watching a movie “when he would start.” She identified Collins to investigators and said to them he was “the one who raped me.” He described to them that he was the one who touched her private areas underneath her clothing. He would also hold her down and force himself on her. A psychologist specializing in sex
additions and disorders found that Collins “would present as a mild to moderate risk to re-offend sexually.” Collins was found guilty on two charges: sexual battery on a victim less than 12 years old and lewd and lascivious behavior on a child under 16. Collins was also ordered to complete a Mentally Disordered Sexual Offender Treatment Program. About two months after his release in 2002, he was arrested for not registering as a sex predator. In 2003 he started volunteering at the Pride Center and was hired parttime in 2013.
employee on Monday, March 19. I took immediate action.” But according to Julie Carson, a city commissioner for Wilton Manors, she brought up Collins to Boo more than a year ago. “I contacted Robert to make sure he was aware that Clarence is a sexual predator,” Carson said. “I trust Robert and I trusted that he knew the right things to do. In hindsight I’m very upset with myself for not following through. I took somebody’s word that it was OK.” Alalouf said that many people who attended the recent board meeting stood up in support of Collins with a “poor Clarence” attitude. “One person said they felt indebted to [Collins] because she was outside and somebody jumped out of the bushes and he helped her,” Alalouf recalled. “The property isn’t safe for children playing on that playground.” Boo also defended Collins to SFGN two weeks ago, saying, “The individual was an elderly janitor who decades prior, had one reported incident of inappropriate behavior toward a child. He had served his time and wanted to repay his debt to society. In his years of service at The Pride Center, he did not raise any red flags.” Alalouf rejected that argument: “This person is a sex offender. He molested a person under the age of 12 in his 40s. This was not some stupid mistake when he was a teenager.”
“I hope and pray there are no children that come forward that are victims of sexual abuse.” - Julie Carson
City Commissioner, Wilton Manors
For Alalouf though, Boo’s entire defense was a deflection. “The law is clear: Sex offenders are not allowed to work near a playground,” he said. A few years ago, South Florida Family Pride asked the Pride Center to be its fiscal agent, which means the organzation could collect tax exempt donations without being a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Alalouf terminated that arrangement last week. “I don’t trust them anymore,” he said. “They failed the community. They failed us.” Even though Alalouf is angry, he said, “I love Robert to pieces. But this is a slap in the face to the people who donated money for the playground. One family made a $10,000 contribution.” Alalouf added: “When the Pride Center started serving growing gay families the dynamics of the Pride Center changed instantly. They pursued that demographic. When it comes to families the gay community has its head in the sand.” As for Collins, Alalouf said, “He was a nice guy, yes. but I feel sorry for the child he molested. I feel sorry for the victim’s family.” Collins has found supporters amongst the friends he made while working at the Pride Center. One such person has set up a GoFundMe page page to help raise funds for Collins because “he is going through a rough patch,” and “is having a hard time finding a job and a place to live.” But before that happens, he will have to face a circuit court judge. Siegel and Alalouf both now believe Boo should resign and the board should launch an internal investigation. So far the board has only committed to form a task force that will review all policies and procedures in an effort to gain back the community’s trust. Alalouf also believes the playground should be shut down until the Pride Center can ensure every child that visits is safe. Meanwhile in the city of Wilton Manors, Commissioner Carson said she would add this controversy to the next city commission meeting agenda. “The city will be notifying all of the schools, all of the agencies and any other parties that must be notified by law.” She later added: “I hope and pray there are no children that come forward that are victims of sexual abuse. I hope there are no children that have been victimized. That’s my first hope.”
Jason Parsley can be contacted at Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com. 22
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NEWS local
Pride Center Whistleblower Comes Forward
As an employee he was rebuffed after alerting management of Clarence Collins Jason Parsley
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tephen Kosiorek worked at the Pride Center for about one year starting in 2015 during the same time the playground was being
installed. “I did a lot of odd stuff for them. Maintenance. Housekeeping. Kitchen duties,” he said. He also worked with Clarence Collins, 63, the convicted sex predator that worked at the Pride Center in some capacity since 2003 until he was fired on March 19. Kosiorek had no idea that Collins was on a sex offender registry when he started. But when someone approached him with the information he immediately took it to his superiors. The first person he told suggested he “run it up the food chain.” And so he did. Some employees expressed surprise. Other appeared to already know. “Some were shocked and appalled. Others were like, “yea, yea don’t worry about it,” Kosiorek said. “The center’s management though was OK with it.” Kosiorek, though, wasn’t OK with it. After he found out he researched the terms of Collins’ release and at one point counted the amount of steps it took to get to the playground from the front desk in the lobby where Collins was usually stationed at. Kosiorek said that no one followed up with him after making them aware of Collins’ history. He eventually decided to approach Robert Boo, the chief executive officer, of the Pride Center. “I caught him coming out of the elevator.
I said “I need to talk to you about Clarence,” Kosiorek recalled. “Robert replied, ‘I don’t have time for this today.’” Boo never followed up and Kosiorek eventually dropped the subject. “No one ever directly came out and said if you speak about this you’re going to get fired,” Kosiorek said. But he added, “It was implied that if I make a big deal about this I am not going to have a job here.” Kosiorek also said that Collins once chaperoned the LGBT youth prom and LGBT youth New Year’s Eve party. Boo sent a generic statement to SFGN on Friday. “Upon learning of a statute violation related to our playground and a former employee of The Pride Center, we took immediate and decisive action by terminating the individual.The Pride Center at Equality Park is a unifying force within the LGBTQ community, delivering vital services. We have always sought to provide a welcoming environment that as a top priority ensures the safety and security of all of our members, partners, visitors and their families,” Boo wrote. “As the CEO I bear and accept full responsibility for the handling of this situation, including the decision to terminate this individual. I appreciate the fact that The Pride Center’s Board of Directors is in full support of the steps taken to date. We have launched a new task force to review all policies and procedures and to ensure that members of our community continue to place their trust and confidence in The Pride Center.” 4.11.2018 •
23
NEWS state
AHF Targets State’s
Breach of Trust
Statewide campaign targets denial of HIV care contract SFGN Staff
M
ore than 2,000 HIV patients in Florida could be at risk after Florida Medicaid denied the renewal of an HIV care contract with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s Positive Healthcare.
AHF isn’t taking the rejection lying down. On Tuesday they organized a protest in front of the Broward County Area Office of Florida’s Medicaid agency on Commercial Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. “I was at the rally to support AHF because they are so experienced and well positioned to provide complete and informed medical care to the HIV community,” said Hugh Beswick, president of the AIDS World Museum in Wilton Manors. A press release from AHF stated that this potential disruption of care “is certain to disrupt care for a population of nearly 2,000 vulnerable Florida HIV patients.” Over 150 people attended the protest insisting that state officials renew its Medicaid contract with Positive Healthcare. It was not AHF’s only attempt to alter the public outcome of this decision.
In addition to the protest on Tuesday they are also running full page ads Sunday, April 8, in five major daily Florida newspapers, asking “Why Are Florida Medicaid Officials Disrupting Healthcare Coverage for People Living with HIV?” The newspapers include the Miami Herald and Sun Sentinel. “We will be pressing a campaign to educate the public—including all Floridians living with HIV—as well as other Florida state officials and bureaucrats to persuade officials to reconsider their cancellation of the contract,” Michael Kahane, AHF’s southern region co-coordinator said in a prepared statement. Another similar protest is being held this morning, April 11, in Dade County at their local Medicaid office as well. Similar crowds are expected to attend.
Photo credit: Jesus V. Aranguren. “The reality is that Florida is the epicenter of the HIV epidemic in the United States today, and people living with HIV should have the right to choose where they receive their HIV care,” said Mike Kahane, AHF Bureau Chief, Southern Region. “Our Positive Healthcare program has been doing so in partnership with the State of Florida on behalf of its Medicaid population living with HIV for nearly twenty years. And unlike most large insurance providers like Aetna and United Health, Positive Healthcare provides wraparound services, including access to our AHF healthcare centers where expert HIV medical care is provided, as well as access to our AHF Pharmacies, all staffed with teams solely dedicated to helping patients overcome barriers to care.
AHF’s newspaper advocacy ads were designed to include some pointed statistics about HIV in Florida, including the following facts: • Nearly 5,000 people in Florida were infected with HIV in 2016 alone, which means one out of every eight new HIV infections in the United States occurred in Florida. • South Florida leads the nation in new HIV diagnoses at 38.7 new infections per every 100,000 people. In contrast, the overall rate in the United States is 12.3 new infections per every 100,000 people. • Nearly 136,000 Floridians are estimated to be living with HIV, but one in six is still not aware of his or her HIV-positive status.
Photo credit: Jesus V. Aranguren.
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• More than 30,000 Floridians currently living with HIV are not receiving care for their infection.
The ad also urged readers to go to the website: HIVcare.org/Florida to learn more and how they can support those living with HIV. “Many Florida Medicaid patients living with HIV have been seeing their doctor for years, even decades, and are thriving in care,” Michael Weinstein, President of AHF, said in a prepared statement. “These same patients will suffer disruption of treatment and can suffer substandard care if they are simply dumped into the general patient population, or if their care is jobbed out by huge, for-profit insurance companies for treatment by a family medicine doctor or general practitioner without HIV expertise.”
Editor’s Note: AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is the largest global AIDS organization, and currently provides medical care and/ or services to over 889,000 individuals in 39 countries worldwide. Advertising for its multiple local services, clinics, physicians, and pharmacies regularly appear in SFGN.
THE KINSEY SICKS
FRI, APRIL 20 / 8:30PM Ticket Information:
smdcac.org 786.573.5300
10950 SW 211 St | Cutler Bay, FL 33189
®
®
IT IS THE POLICY OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TO COMPLY WITH ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. THE FACILITY IS ACCESSIBLE AND ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE MAIN STAGE AUDITORIUM AND THE BLACK BOX THEATER SPACE. TO REQUEST MATERIALS IN ACCESSIBLE FORMAT, AND/OR ANY ACCOMMODATION TO ATTEND AN EVENT AT THE SOUTH MIAMI-DADE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER, PLEASE CONTACT STEPHANIE APONTE, 786-573-5314, SAPONTE@MIAMIDADE.GOV, AT LEAST FIVE DAYS IN ADVANCE TO INITIATE YOUR REQUEST. TTY USERS MAY ALSO CALL 711 (FLORIDA RELAY SERVICE).
4.11.2018 •
25
Publisher's Editorial
Convictions
A Rough Patch for the LGBT Community But where there are thorns there are roses
Norm Kent
norm.kent@sfgn.com
x
N
o community is better capable of withstanding hard times and bad press than ours. We have dealt with adversity and accusations for years. We will rise above it now as we have in the past. The South Florida Gay News prints the news. We don’t make it up. We report it. Our job, our duty, our mission, is to share with you the storylines that shape our lives and illuminate our community. But the sun which shines can also burn. Our obligations do not change. We report on the fire as well as the firemen. We report on the rescue as much as the tragedy. The developing storm over the long-term employment of a registered sexual offender may lead to many casualties, lost jobs, and deep disappointment. It may bring scrutiny upon those we trust, and already the mainstream media, both the Miami Herald and SunSentinel, picked up the story we first broke. We can’t say where it will lead, only that we will lead you there. This is a newspaper not afraid to break stories, even if it means putting scam artists like the late Mike Cruz in jail for stealing money from Pride South Florida, exposing Bobby Blair’s million dollar media fraud, or Jim Ellis’s condominium con scheme at Wilton Station orchestrated while buying drinks for unwitting investors at the Manor. We simply tell the truth because that is what newspapers are supposed to do, independently, individually, and honestly. We are not here to solely coronate or celebrate our community, but there is nothing that gives us more pride. Of course, we want to be able to showcase our own successes, and we do, with the OUT50. However, if we learn they have run astray and have a tarnished past, as we discovered with Bruce Presley not too long ago, we disclose the damage. It’s my job, just like I had to publish an article about one of our reporters a few years ago who went to jail for DUI with serious bodily injury. He not only stole away a life and his career, but he careened onto our front pages. So it goes. Our task in reporting the news is to simply
tell you the story of what has happened, what is happening, and what does happen. To do that, we rely upon our community leaders to reply and respond to our legitimate enquiries and professional duties. Sometimes they do, and sometimes they don’t, but we need your help. We need whistleblowers and truth tellers who are willing to buck the tide and provide us with credible sources when those in power poison their position or pervert their mission. Legitimate discussion, debate, and dissent is healthy if you want to sustain a good community newspaper. As a radio talk show host for ten years, I can tell you the show was always a little more entertaining when callers took me to task than patted me on the ass. Controversy and adversity breed change and challenge. Running away breeds cowards. Stonewalling is no way to run an agency subject to public review. You don’t want to answer questions? Fine, but that does not mean we are not going to write about you. SFGN is not about pillow talk. We run a paper the way it should be run, with our limited staff and budget. Our role as the tri-county’s credible LGBT newspaper of record is why we just hosted a conference for the National Lesbian and Gay Media Association, and a dozen legacy LGBT newspapers from across the country, including the Washington Blade, Philadelphia Gay News, Bay Windows, and many publications from places you used to live in. Additionally, we partner with CNN, the Sun-Sentinel, the Florida Press Association and a host of credible media entities. A few years ago, when we made him our Man of the Year, Robert Boo sat and answered all our questions. But when it came time last week to address directly the perplexing and problematic issue of continuing to illegally employ a registered sex offender, he won the award for Mr. Two-Step, purposely evasive and non-responsive. He could have done better. The questions and answers speak for themselves. We reported on them. You make
Legitimate discussion, debate, and dissent is healthy if you want to sustain a good community newspaper.
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Robert Boo
Julie Seaver
the call. You are the community. He is your director, and he rightfully won many accolades for his achievements and accomplishments. Today, you be the judge. Robert Boo is not alone. Others in power often don’t feel an obligation to answer to the media. In a foolish and notoriously stupid comment last week, the outgoing mayor of Wilton Manors, Gary Resnick, told SFGN he does not “read our paper anymore.” This was after I asked him to review an editorial I did about a dangerous intersection jeopardizing the lives of citizens in our community. And his reply is he does not read our paper because his honor was upset that we have a columnist named Sal Torre who disses him too often. Well, guess what Mr. Mayor? He writes a half page column once every two weeks. In the interim, we publish about 120 other pages, and you don’t read our paper? You are the mayor in a same-sex centric city publishing one of the largest LGBT weeklies in America, and yet you announce to its publisher that you “don’t read SFGN anymore.” Fine, you have that right, and guess what, I have the right to endorse a more qualified and spirited candidate for mayor this year rather than one who could not get a parking lot built here for the last ten. So don’t read our paper, but if you would like to, it’s available at over 150 locales in the Manors, including your law office. After this year’s election, you will be spending a lot more time there. We are also proud to publish the Compass newsletter in West Palm Beach, but like other pride centers, all their decisions are not universally popular. Sometimes they too are called to task. We tell the story, that’s all. When
Gary Resnick
we ask for a quote, it is to give the feature impartiality, fairness and the ability to tell both sides, not to take one or the other. Last week, we were doing a feature on its CEO’s departure after two decades on the job. They had no time for us. We got an email from its new CEO explaining that “we have a board full of CPA’s and Auditors that are in the middle of their busiest time of year and the board’s process is on their timetable and not the public or SFGN’s timetable.” Are you kidding me? No time for the public that pays their salaries, funds their mission, or the press which illuminates their work? Who do they have time for? OK, technically, Julie Seaver, is only the acting CEO, right. Like Robert Boo, she did not HAVE to answer our questions. There is no law requiring it. But nor is there a law that says I have to be silent about their stupidity in not doing so. It is not just stubborn and foolish – it is irresponsible and unprofessional. When the directors reply that they have “no time to reply,” they have replied, albeit silently and inefficiently. Your lack of a response is a response, as telling as your answers may have been. So you can ignore our deadline, but my editorials won’t ignore your ignorance. My friends, a free press is needed now more than ever before. In Washington, D.C., there is a president trying to shut it down. Without the LGBT community standing up to power and prejudice, we would not have community centers or newspapers or thriving gay communities. Let’s remember our obligation is to serve diversity, not diminish it. There will be rainbows and rainstorms. We will get through both, but let’s own up to all. We are strong. We are one. We are proud. No one is turning us back.
In adults with HIV on ART who have diarrhea not caused by an infection IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or by calling 1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.
What Is Mytesi? Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART. Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite).
Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include:
Tired of planning your life around diarrhea?
Enough is Enough Get relief. Pure and simple. Ask your doctor about Mytesi.
Mytesi (crofelemer): • Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV • Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract • Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies • Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest What is Mytesi? Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Important Safety Information Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure that you do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right medicine and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side effects that occurred more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%).
Should I Take Mytesi If I Am: Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant? • Studies in animals show that Mytesi could harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to become pregnant • There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mytesi • This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed A Nursing Mother? • It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk • If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi • Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age • Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to find out if Mytesi is right for you
What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi With Other Medicines? If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal supplements, or vitamins, tell your doctor before starting Mytesi.
What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi? For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor or pharmacist. To report side effects or make a product complaint or for additional information, call 1-844-722-8256.
Rx Only Manufactured by Patheon, Inc. for Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. San Francisco, CA 94105 Copyright © Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
For Copay Savings Card and Patient Assistance, see Mytesi.com
Mytesi comes from the Croton lechleri tree harvested in South America.
Please see complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com. NP-390-29
• Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE 4.11.2018 •
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column letters to the editor
Thank You For Your
Pride Center Story GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
Dear SFGN: I read your story about the sex offender at the Pride Center. As a local resident, a supporter of the gay community, a survivor of child sexual abuse, and a human being, I am both outraged and disgusted that this man was allowed to work at the Pride Center. But I’m really writing to congratulate you on your story. It is wellwritten, comprehensive, and balanced. I don’t think you get to write these kinds of investigative stories very often, and they’re not easy. I know from experience that they’re challenging, but you stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park. The result is a story that could right a wrong, save vulnerable people from a dangerous situation, and make our little corner of the world a better place. No writer can ever hope for more than that kind of home run. Bravo!!!
PROUD SPONSOR
A ”10 BEST” SPA
Best, Mary Damiano
EDITOR’S CHOICE EDITOR’S CHOICE
A “TOP 10”
BEST SMALL RESORT
NUMBER ONE
SPA OPEN TO THE PUBLIC SPA MEMEBRSHIP AVAILABLE
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SOCIAL MEDIA
CLOTHING OPTIONAL AREAS GAY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1999
Let your voice be heard! Submit your own letter to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com
column letters to the editor
Local Swim Coach Blasts Pride Center Over
Handling of Sex Predator
To the South Florida Gay News, Thank you for running this article! This man should have never been on the grounds from day 1! It is a shame, a damn shame that any board member would protect this person. I personally know from other staff members at the Pride Center, that they knew for years, and even people who work there have asked in the past for this man not to be on their crews! We as gay people want rights, want this, want that, well we have to be better and follow the laws of the state, and federal government, especially when children are involved. Board members Mark Budwig, Dr. Leslie Leip, Chris Caputo, Craig Engel, Mitch Bloom, Jason Hagopian, Brenda Hartley, Ernest Olivas, Richard Safaty, Paul Smith, Jane Bolin, and James Walker. You should all resign, but first fire Robert Boo! This is inexcusable! No child should be at risk and you folks failed miserably! To defend these actions is putting everything done, every dollar donated, every volunteer, every hour worked by everyone at risk! You are all enablers now! Shame, Shame, Shame. Thank you Commissioner Julie Carson for speaking up! I further call on the City of Wilton Manors to pass an ordinance that any business has children under the age of 18 involved in programs, that a YEARLY background check be done for all employees and volunteers, this includes Churches, Day Cares, private schools and gyms associated with Children. These should be put on file at City Hall. There is no excuse for this and no tolerance for not protecting the children of our city and Broward County that come here to play, attend school, and/or instructional classes! How can you dare call yourself equal if you will not protect children. Thank you Heidi Siegal, and Richard Alalouf for doing the right thing! Again, Robert Boo, you need to resign or be fired along with your board. How can you folks sleep at night?
John Grzeszczak President, Hammerhead Aquatics Wilton Manors
Let your voice be heard! ď ą Submit your own letter to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com 4.11.2018 •
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LIFESTYLE photos
MIAMI BEACH PRIDE
This year marked the ten year anniversary of Pride in Miami, which more than 140,000 people attended. The current mayor presented keys to the city to the Grand and Ally Grand Marshals, out Olympian Gus Kenworthy and Roxanne Vargas. Read more on page 13. J.R. Davis
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LIFESTYLE photos
10 years!
TO SEE MANY MORE PHOTOS, VISIT SFGN.COM ON FACEBOOK.
4.11.2018 •
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Convictions
History
YESTERDAY TODAY By SFGN Staff
SFGN takes a look back in time at local news to see what was happening this week in history.
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t h n e Glory i e u q s a B Dining in Historic Settings Rick Karlin
T
2018
he area in West Palm that flanks Dixie Highway has long been known as Antique Alley for the preponderance of antique and vintage furniture stores. As far as dining goes, it was a vast wasteland, until recently. Several new restaurants have popped up in the past couple of years and the latest, Basque in the historic Hotel Biba, has got to be one of the best dining experiences, not just in the area, but in all of South Florida. What’s even more amazing is that the majority of the food is prepared and served out of a food truck.
Visit
SFGN.com/FOOD to read the rest of this article.
South florida is full of foodie landmarks. join sfgn as we show you the best of the best! We know you have fine taste... so come treat yourself.
Where will you dine thursday, april 26th? wILTON mANORS
Legacy Restaurants The Over Easy Cafe Rosie’s Bar and Grill
h, il 26t
Apr , y a d hurs
T
Media Sponsor LOCAL NAME. GLOBAL COVERAGE.
SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNE W S .COM
2018
50% Georgie’s Alibi Maria’s Cantina Mini Pita Plus Wilton Creamery Bona Italian Restaurant Hunters After Party! Mind Your Manors Naked Grape Wine & Tapas The Pub Wilton Manors
Fort Lauderdale Cafe Vico Eduardo de San Angel Kitchenetta Las Orquideas Pelican Landing Pier 66 Hotel & Marina Pizza Craft Valentino Cucina Italiana Vinny’s by the Sea
Oakland Park Cafe Seville Cielito Lindo Tres Cucina Caruso Italian Market
pompano Cielito Lindo Uno Las Orquideas The Foundy 4.11.2018 •
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SFGNITES
F O R T H E W E E K O F a p r i l 1 2 - a p r i l 1 7 , 2 0 1 8 • W W W . S F G N . C O M J.W. Arnold
Feel The Beat
jw@prdconline.com
THU
4/12
theater The cult 2007 movie “Waitress” gets the Broadway musical treatment from an amazing all-woman team, including songwriter and singer Sara Bareilles (“Brave,” “Love Song”), screenwriter Jesse Nelson (“I Am Sam”) and director Diane Paulus (“Pippin,” “Finding Neverland”). Get swept into the story of a talented pie maker at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale through April 22. Tickets start at $30 at BrowardCenter.org.
FRI
4/13
concert Start writing down all your favorite songs because “Dueling Pianos” is coming to the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Rd. in Jupiter, tonight at 5 and 8 p.m. The audience becomes part of the show in this request-driven, sing-along, dancealong, thump-the-tables-along extravaganza on the stage of one of the region’s most successful theaters. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll cha-cha. Tickets are $30 at JupiterTheatre.org.
x
Sunday
4/15
dance
The Argentine-based dance company, Che Malambo, will excite audiences with precise footwork and rhythmic stomping, drumming of the bombos and singing and whirling boleadoras (lassos with stones on the end) tonight at 8 p.m. at the Arsht Center in Miami. This thrilling, percussive musical spectacle celebrates the unique South American cowboy tradition of the gaucho. Tickets start at $30 at ArshtCenter.org. Photo Credit: Diane Smithers.
SAT
4/14 SUN
4/15 MON
4/16 TUE
4/17
theater
concert
theater
concert
Art imitates life in Ronnie Larsen’s hit Off Broadway play, “Sleeping with Straight Men,” playing through April 29 at the Foundry at Abyss Studios, 2304 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors. The infamous “Jenny Jones” murder case is illuminated in this disturbing and surprisingly funny story based on the true events that unfolded after a national television show. Dave Polgar and Tyler Charles Kane star. Tickets are $35 at RonnieLarsen.com.
Michael Vita performs an afternoon of “feel good songs” today at 2 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors. Hal Roland will also be featured at the piano at this free concert of Broadway, jazz and pop songs, sponsored by SAGE (Senior Action in a Gay Environment) of South Florida. For further information about the concert or other programs, call the SAGE office at 954-634-7219 or visit SAGEWebsite.org.
The Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Rd. in Jupiter, kicks off the first ARC New Works Theatre Festival, April 16 – 22, with a staged reading of “1001 Nights,” a new musical with music and lyrics by John Mercurio, book by Kenneth Allan Vega, and conceived by Andrew Kato. The show tells the tale of Sophie, a runaway slave searching for freedom in antebellum United States. Admission is free. More info at JupiterTheatre.org.
The South Florida Symphony, under the direction of Sebrina Maria Alfonso, tackles one of the mammoth works of the romantic orchestral repertoire, Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique tonight at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale. The program also marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel with Nimrod Borenstein’s “If You Will It It Is No Dream.” Tickets start at $55 at SouthFloridaSymphony.org.
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IF YOU LOVE TRUMP, YOU’LL HATE THIS SHOW!
APRIL 19
APRIL 21
Recreating the look, sound, pomp and showmanship of Queen and its flamboyant frontman Freddie Mercury, this amazing tribute band showcases rock royalty’s greatest hits!
Join America’s Favorite Dragapella® Beautyshop Quartet as they lead us all in resisting these new dark times with laughter, integrity, and heroically high hair in an unforgettable new musical.
TICKETS at ParkerPlayhouse.com
TICKETS at BrowardCenter.org | Ticketmaster: 954.462.0222
Ticketmaster | 954.462.0222 Group Sales | 954.660.6307
Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office & Group Sales: 954.660.6307
Follow us:
#ParkerPlayhouse
The Parker Playhouse 2017-2018 season is presented by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation.
Amaturo Theater
Follow us:
BrowardCenter
The Broward Center 2017-2018 season is presented by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation.
4.11.2018 •
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A&E theater “Fun Home,” opening this weekend at Zoetic Stage, is a biographical musical about graphic novelist Alison Bechdel. Photo Credit: Michael McKeever.
Tony Winner ‘Fun Home’ is More than Coming Out Story J.W. Arnold
B
THE KINSEY SICKS
FRI, APRIL 20 / 8:30PM Ticket Information:
smdcac.org 786.573.5300 10950 SW 211 St | Cutler Bay, FL 33189
®
®
IT IS THE POLICY OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TO COMPLY WITH ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. THE FACILITY IS ACCESSIBLE AND ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE MAIN STAGE AUDITORIUM AND THE BLACK BOX THEATER SPACE. TO REQUEST MATERIALS IN ACCESSIBLE FORMAT, AND/OR ANY ACCOMMODATION TO ATTEND AN EVENT AT THE SOUTH MIAMI-DADE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER, PLEASE CONTACT STEPHANIE APONTE, 786-573-5314, SAPONTE@MIAMIDADE.GOV, AT LEAST FIVE DAYS IN ADVANCE TO INITIATE YOUR REQUEST. TTY USERS MAY ALSO CALL 711 (FLORIDA RELAY SERVICE).
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rightly costumed superheroes aren’t the only comic book characters to be brought to life on the big screen and even the Broadway stage. Lesbian artist Alison Bechdel’s 2006 critically-acclaimed graphic novel “Fun Home” caught the attention of composer Jeanine Tesori and writer Lisa Kron, whose musical adaptation went on to snag the 2015 Tony Award for best new musical. Now, Miami’s Zoetic Stage is presenting the regional premiere of the coming-of-age drama at the Arsht Center, April 12 – May 13. Bechdel’s work may already be familiar to many SFGN readers. For many years, Express Gay News, the weekly paper founded by SFGN publisher Norm Kent in 2000, published her comic strip “Dykes to Watch Out For.” But, for Zoetic’s artistic director Stuart Meltzer, “Fun Home” offered a dramatic departure from the familiar—if still challenging—Stephen Sondheim musicals that have earned the company multiple Carbonell Awards. “I grew up with Sondheim, I know it so well. Sondheim influenced and continues to influence me,” reflected Meltzer, who is also on the theater faculty at the New World School of the Arts. “With ‘Fun Home’, I find it’s an adventure…it’s fresh and different.” A gay man who has also written awardwinning plays about his own complicated family relationships, Meltzer was immediately drawn to the autobiographical story. As Bechdel struggled with her own homosexuality, her journey was complicated by the fact that her father was a closeted gay man whose extra-marital infidelities included
underage men. Four months after coming out to her parents, Bruce Bechdel was killed in a horrible traffic accident, an incident she concluded was suicide. “The show exposes how the fear of being who you are can ultimately kill you,” Meltzer pointed out. “It’s shocking to me. I didn’t go through that. I told my father I was gay when I was 18 and didn’t experience that kind of backlash. I didn’t have to hide who I was.” While Meltzer expects South Florida’s diverse audiences to quickly connect with the complex dynamics, he is also presenting a story that focuses on the experiences of a lesbian. “There’s not a tremendous amount of lesbian material out there in the mainstream, let alone the theater,” he observed. Even though “Fun Home” has been playing to sold out audiences on Broadway for years, this is the first time Meltzer is “seeing” the play. He confessed, “I never saw the show in New York, but I read the play and listened to the music and I fell in love with it. Everyone who has seen the show has said that it would be a perfect fit for us and a story we’d be able to tell really well. That made me curious. I knew the musical was reaching lots of people across many different communities and I thought doing ‘Fun Home’ was a perfect opportunity to tackle something brand new and reach out to different aspects of our community.” Every day brings a new nuance to a character or a subtle reminder that, gay or straight, love is universal. On April 12, Arsht Center audiences will join the director and his cast and crew on an emotional journey that began in a comic book.
Zoetic Stage presents “Fun Home” at the Arsht Center in Miami from April 12 through May 13. Tickets are $50 at ArshtCenter.org.
A&E theater Bryan Fenkart and Desi Oakley star in “Waitress,” opening at the Broward Center this week. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.
‘Waitress’ Serves a Slice of Life at Broward Center J.W. Arnold
O
ne of the hottest tickets on Broadway is the stage adaptation of the 2007 film “Waitress.” The inaugural touring production arrives at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale on April 11, so leading man Bryan Fenkart, a veteran of the Tony-winning production of “Memphis: A New Musical,” shared some insights about the show. If they haven’t seen the movie, what do audiences need to know about the story? If you haven’t seen the movie, it’s a slice of life, about a young woman who is a very gifted pie maker at this little diner along the highway. She’s the girl next door in a deadend situation with a not great husband and a job she’s not crazy about. Then she finds out she’s pregnant and that awakens her to the dangers she’s never faced before. Her gynecologist has retired, there’s a new young doctor in town (Dr. Pomatter) and that’s me. They end up being catalysts for each other and fall in love. It’s a very human, grounded story about people you “know.” They have an affair. That sounds pretty complicated or unethical at the very least, especially since your character is a doctor. It’s a very delicate tightrope. The reason is he isn’t a bad guy, the villain is her husband… but if I had to define him, he’s a good guy that does a few bad things. That’s a trend— the antihero in entertainment—people who do good AND bad things. Even Jen, the lead character, is doing some bad things. She’s
cheating on her husband. Is it understandable given the circumstances? There are no white hats and black hats, they’re both humans and they make risky mistakes. Composer Sara Bareilles is a pop singer and songwriter. How would you describe her score for the musical? It must be different from the typical Broadway musical. It’s so distinctly Sara from the moment you hear it. It doesn’t sound like her radio hits, but her signature is on it. That’s the mark of a great writer. It’s a remarkable artistic achievement to write songs that further the plot and really help tell the story, instead of just stand-alone pop hits. She has successfully done it on her first go. As far as the sound, you’d call it pop— with a country twinge—but that goes with the subject matter (of the show)…there’s a sixperson band on the stage. That’s something I really like about the show. The band is always visible, instead of a “magical sound” underneath you in the pit, which has its place in musical theater. In the same way your character is an unlikely hero, your theater career got an unusual start, didn’t it? I was in high school. I was 16 and lost a bet to a classmate and had to join drama…At that time, I already liked music and had an affinity for writing and singing, but after that first play, I kept joining and eventually went to college to study drama.
“Waitress” will be presented at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale from April 11 – 22. Tickets start at $30 at BrowardCenter.org. 4.11.2018 •
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A&E festival
Flaming Classics Creation Combines
Queer Poetry, Performance and Cinema Event on April 13 pays homage to Club Jewel Box, one of Miami’s first queer clubs Jose Cassola
jocacommunications@outlook.com
C
lub Jewel Box, a one-night only experience celebrating queer culture and expression, will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, April 13 at the The Jewel Box at the National YoungArts Foundation, 2100 Biscayne Blvd., in downtown Miami. As part of the O, Miami Poetry Festival, the event is a reclamation of queer spaces that have disappeared in Miami, combining queer avant-garde cinema with poetry and performance. Club Jewel Box pays homage to a 1940s Miami club of the same name, which was one of the city’s earliest queer clubs run by Danny Brown and Doc Brenner from 1946 to 1952. The original Club Jewel Box operated alongside the nationally touring Jewel Box Revue, featuring drag queens and kings in a nightclub show. Friday’s event will present six films punctuated with poetry, read by local poets from Miami and feature performance components from local drag entertainers, including King Femme, Ded Cooter, Kunst and Jupiter Velvet, among others. The films are: “Blow Job” (Andy Warhol, 1963); “Christmas on Earth” (Barbara Rubin, 1963); “Fireworks” (Kenneth Anger, 1947); “Looking for Langston” (Isaac Julien, 1989); “Mano Destra” (Cleo Uebelmann, 1986); and “Pink Narcissus” (James Bidgood, 1971). Club Jewel Box is the brainchild of Trae DeLellis and Juan Barquin, the curators of Flaming Classics, a film series pairing feature films with live work by local performance artists. Each event, based at the Bill Cosford Cinema, includes an introduction, a screening and a tailored live performance. When the duo started to plan Flaming Classics as a series, DeLellis said they were “adamant that it have a kind of disrespect of categories and genres.” Instead, they wanted it to showcase the variety of a queer perspective and audience. DeLellis and Barquin said they had always had in mind to implement more experimental and avant-garde material at Flaming Classics, but they didn’t know when it would be the right time or place. When the partners took notice of the O, Miami call for proposals, having attended their events for years, they decided to create an event around experimental queer cinema and poetry and that’s how Club Jewel Box was born.
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“We finally put it together that many of the experimental films we had been considering [at Flaming Classics] had a kind of poetic essence to them,” DeLellis said. “These films are very much about mood, themes of desire, the relationship between restraint and excess, but most importantly about expressing something that is about feeling. I think in that way, poetry is also a format that attempts to verbalize non-verbal feelings.” Both Flaming Classics and O, Miami are Knight Arts Challenge award winners. As a result of that, DeLellis and Barquin say they were “ecstatic to have O, Miami — a fellow winner — accept and collaborate on the project.” “We’ve watched as [O, Miami] has delivered on their mission statement, solidifying and expanding that mission each year,” DeLellis said. “Through them, we have been able to connect with the National YoungArts Foundation and secured one of Miami’s most beautiful buildings, The Jewel Box, as a venue for the evening.” DeLellis says Club Jewel Box is an event that wouldn’t be possible without the resources and aid of O, Miami, YoungArts and others like Obsolete Media Miami, who is helping with the projection; Claire Grossman and Jose Villar-Portela at Reading Queer, who are working on poetry selections and performances; and the entertainers who are crafting special performances for after the films. Friday’s event is open to attendees age 18 and over due to sexual content. Cocktails will be provided by Concrete Brewery and Tito’s Homemade Vodka for attendees age 21 and up. “We do a call for festival projects every fall, asking for ideas for how poetry can reach more people in Miami,” said Scott Cunningham, executive director of O, Miami. “This year, we received around 300, and we were thrilled to receive one from Flaming Classics.” O, Miami’s mission is to expose every citizen in Miami-Dade County to a poem in April. DeLellis said one of his and Barquin’s goals is to build off that mission and expose people to queer culture and history in some way through Club Jewel Box and all other Flaming Classics events. He adds it’s also “very important to promote and create new queer spaces” because he feels there is now
“a sense that queer spaces, among other safe spaces for minorities, are in danger.” “We were inspired by one of Miami’s earliest queer spaces, the original Club Jewel Box, and their traveling show the Jewel Box Revue, which featured male and female impersonation,” DeLellis said. “It’s so exciting to celebrate that heritage and reimagine the past in a very contemporary way.” After viewing some footage from The Wolfson Archive that depicted the police raids of queer spaces in the past, DeLellis said he and Barquin decided to nickname their event a “pervert roundup.” Pervert roundups were when police would invade queer spaces and arrest anyone in the space. “With ‘Club Jewel Box,’ we wanted to reappropriate that concept of a ‘pervert roundup’ as a positive,” DeLellis said. “Instead of shame, it’s a proud celebration of queer culture and a choice to embrace the label, ‘pervert.’” DeLellis said they will have select images from the old Jewel Box on display for people to see. The night will be documented by photographers and Sooperkool videographers to “preserve this for Miami’s queer history.” “We definitely want the event to reflect the queer past, present and future of Miami,” DeLellis said. “With ‘Club Jewel Box,’ we want to expose everyone to something they may not have experienced before.” DeLellis said Flaming Classics is about experiencing something new or reexperiencing something in a new context or with a new community. While planning, he and Barquin are constantly asking each other if
“we’ve seen this or that.” “It’s so easy to limit the LGBTQ experience, both by mainstream culture and even within our own community,” DeLellis said. “[At Flaming Classics], we are proudly presenting queer content and themes, but the series has always been about inclusion of LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ individuals. That is one of the things we like about the label, queer. It really starts to encompass so many different types of people and perspectives that eventually you realize that being ‘non-queer’ is the minority.” Flaming Classics is currently finalizing its May series, which will be centered around queer films dealing with “mommy issues” in honor of Mother’s Day. Their June series will feature a selection of four queer films connected to Florida in time for Pride Month and Miami Film Month. Called Florida Focus, the series is supported by the Florida Humanities Council. While there are other large scale projects in the works similar to Club Jewel Box for the future, DeLellis says he and Barquin enjoy the uniqueness of each Flaming Classics event. “One of our favorite parts of Flaming Classics is that by pairing a film with a performance, it becomes difficult to repeat the events. They are always defined by the performer and the audience, which is an energy that is in constant flux,” DeLellis said. “This version of ‘Club Jewel Box’ will definitely be a one-time event, but we’d certainly be open to recreating the concept with new films and performers. We like sequels, as long as they are thought out and add something special.”
Visit SFGN.com/JewelBox for more information about the original Jewel Box Revue.
4.11.2018 •
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Datebook
Theater Tucker Berardi
Calendar@SFGN.com
Top
Picks
*The Merry Wives of Windsor
Friday, April 13 to 22 in Studio One, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus. Come watch FAU’s iteration of ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor,” featuring the loud and foolish blowhard Sir John Falstaff as he chooses between two wives who engage in a competition of wits to win his hand. Tickets $22. Visit fauevents.com or call 1-800-564-9539.
Oliver!
April 12-29 at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave, Lake Worth, Fl. Come see the award-winning musical adaptation of Dicken’s classic novel Oliver Twist. Tickets range from $23 to $35. Call 561-586-6410 or visit lakeworthplayhouse.org/oliver.html
*This Random World
Friday, April 13th at the Main Street Playhouse, 6766 Main Street, Miami Lakes. Seven characters whose worlds intersect as they search for deeper meaning and connection in their own lives. Tickets $25 to $30. Visit MainStreetPlayers.com
april 11 - april 17 broward county Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
Wednesday, April 18 at 7:30 pm. Listen to modern pop hits and past favorites reimagined in a soulful and fun style reminiscent of the 1920’s. Tickets from $40 to $160. Visit TheCenterCS.com.
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 *The Merry Wives of Windsor
Friday, April 13 to 22 in Studio One, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus. Come watch FAU’s iteration of ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor,” featuring the loud and foolish blowhard Sir John Falstaff as he chooses between two wives who engage in a competition of wits to win his hand. Tickets $22. Visit fauevents. com or call 1-800-564-9539.
Works by Rod Faulds and Isabel Gouveia
April 5 through April 30, with reception Wednesday, April 11 from 7 pm to 9 pm at FAU’s Theater Lab Space. This is a two-
Free Friday Concerts at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts. Photo courtesy of Delray Beach.
person exhibition by artists who employ photography and digitally-based technologies to create works resembling fine art prints or abstract paintings.
the award-winning musical adaptation of Dicken’s classic novel Oliver Twist. Tickets range from $23 to $35. Call 561-586-6410 or visit lakeworthplayhouse.org/oliver.html
Be Here Now
Free Friday Concerts
Through April 22 at FAU’s Theater Lab in Boca Raton. Two lost souls come together under unusual circumstances — Bari, an overworked center employee meets a man who makes art out of trash. Can love bring Bari out of the dumps?
Oliver!
April 12-29 at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave, Lake Worth, Fl. Come see
Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in 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 *This Random World
Friday, April 13th at the Main Street Playhouse, 6766 Main Street, Miami Lakes. Seven characters whose worlds intersect as they search for deeper meaning and connection in their own lives. Tickets $25 to $30. Visit MainStreetPlayers.com
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.
Full Charge Bookkeeping Services
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 JustThe-Funny.com.
* Denotes New Listing 40
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JOIN US FOR NATIONAL HEALTHCARE DECISIONS DAY HONORING THE MEMORIES OF BISHOP MAKALANI-MAHEE & JOHN EMMET
START YOUR CONVERSATION AT THE KITCHEN TABLE NOT THE OPERATING TABLE
Wednesday, April 18th Networking, Nosh, Exhibits, 5:30-6:15 Program 6:15-7:30
At The Pride Center at Equality Park, 2040 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors RSVP Appreciated by April 13th 954-382-1997 or hjosephs@fl-elderlaw.com
Speakers: Stephanie L. Schneider, Board Certified Elder Law Attorney Linda Bucilli, CLTC, Northwestern Mutual Dr. Leonard Hock, Jr, DO, Chief Medical Officer, Trustbridge Palliative Care Sponsors Law Office of Stephanie L. Schneider PA
Northwestern Mutual The Striano Financial Group
Trustbridge
Coral Shores Realty Brian S. Bedigian PA, Realtor
Dependable Senior Care
Fort Lauderdale Behavioral Health Center
Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Neptune Memorial Reef
april 11 april 17
Datebook
Community Tucker Berardi
Broward Support Services
Calendar@SFGN.com
Top Picks
PFLAG
Wild Tales Zoo Miami Speaker Series
April 14 from 7 pm to 8 pm at the Miami Zoo, 12400 SW 142 St, Miami. Meet Patti Ragan, founder of the Center for Great Apes in 1984, a sanctuary for chimpanzees and orangutans, as she shares stories of her experiences with these animals. Tickets $10. Visit zoomiami.org
Southern Jam
Saturday, April 14th at 4 pm at the Sun Cove Amphitheater, 20405 Amphitheater Circle, Boca Raton, FL. Music Jam Productions presents a country music extravaganza featuring Trace Adkins, Marty Stuart and Sammy Kershaw. Tickets $75 to $80. Visit http://bit.ly/2Ea1m3g.
*Meet Michael Pollan
Friday May 18 at 7 pm at the Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus Auditorium, 300 NE 2nd Ave, Bldg 3, Second Floor. Pollan is the author of five New York Times bestsellers, and he explores places where nature and culture intersect: our plates, our farms and gardens, and now in the plants and fungi humans use to alter our consciousness. Tickets $28. Visit booksandbooks.com
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 *4th Annual Heart & Soul Festival
Friday, April 27th from 6-9 p.m. at the GALLERYone DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in Fort Lauderdale. Local artists will showcase their collection of art, live jazz music and gourmet food. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Visit www.bfabroward. org.
*Super Saturated
Friday, April 27 at 7:30pm at the Young At Art Museum, 751 SW 121 Ave, Davie. SuperSaturated is a night of sensation featuring interactive art installations, live music and performance art paired with plenty of beer, cocktails and food! Tickets $100. Call (954) 424-5064.
TASTE of Oakland Park
Friday, April 27 from 6 pm to 9 pm at Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 N. Dixie Highway, Oakland Park. A grand tasting celebration of food and drink for locals by locals. Tickets
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are $15 and include food and drink samples from all vendors. Free for children under 12. Visit oaklandparkfl.gov.
Wild Tales Zoo Miami Speaker Series
April 14 from 7 pm to 8 pm at the Miami Zoo, 12400 SW 142 St, Miami. Meet Patti Ragan, founder of the Center for Great Apes in 1984, a sanctuary for chimpanzees and orangutans, as she shares stories of her experiences with these animals. Tickets $10. Visit zoomiami.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.
april 11 - april 17 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.
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.
palm beach county *Dans la Tradition de l’Art Brut
April 6 to 21 at the Box Gallery, 811 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach. See works of art form renowned artists Nelson Babilonia,
Robert Catapano and Eric Perna. Free. Visit theBoxGallery.info
Food Truck Invasion
Wednesday, April 18 at 5 pm at the Sun Cove Amphitheater, 20405 Amphitheater Circle, Boca Raton, FL. Every first and third Wednesday partake in rotating entertainment activities and on-site food trucks! Free admission.
Southern Jam
Saturday, April 14th at 4 pm at the Sun Cove Amphitheater, 20405 Amphitheater Circle, Boca Raton, FL. Music Jam Productions presents a country music extravaganza featuring Trace Adkins, Marty Stuart and Sammy Kershaw. Tickets $75 to $80. Visit http://bit.ly/2Ea1m3g.
Transcendence
Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A closed transgender youth support group for teens ages 12 to 19. For more information, email youth@compassglcc.com.
Art After Dark
Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Norton Museum of Art, 1451 S. Olive Ave. in West Palm beach. Enjoy a special look at the
museum’s exhibits with docent-led tours, curators’ conversations, art workshops, and demonstrations. Free. Call 561-832-5196 or visit Norton.org.
miami-dade county *Meet Michael Pollan
Friday May 18 at 7 pm at the Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus Auditorium, 300 NE 2nd Ave, Bldg 3, Second Floor. Pollan is the author of five New York Times bestsellers, and he explores places where nature and culture intersect: our plates, our farms and gardens, and now in the plants and fungi humans use to alter our consciousness. Tickets $28. Visit booksandbooks.com
*Saving India’s Elephants
Friday, April 27 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at the Miami Zoo, 112400 SW 152 ST, Miami. Karmic Satyanara-yan and Geeta Seshamani are flying in from India to share their work eradicating the abusive practices of ‘dancing’ bears in India. Tickets $10. Visit zoomiami.org.
Redland Blues and BBQ Festival
April 14 at 10 am and 15 at 5 pm at the Fruit and Spice Park 24801 SW 187th Avenue,
Homestead, Fl. Lots of BBQ and incredible blues and country music. Featuring a classic car and motorcycle show as well as kid’s pony rides. Tickets are $8, free for kids. Visit Redlandfruitandspice.com.
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.
key west Aqua Idol
Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Aqua Key West, 711 Duval St. in Key West. Support your local artists and vote for your favorite! Benefits Waterfront Playhouse. Call 305-294-0555 or visit AquaKeyWest.com.
Tea Dance: A Key West Tradition
Sundays at 4 p.m. at La Te Da Hotel, 1125 Duval St. An early evening dance in the Key West tradition. Call 305-296-6706 or visit LaTeDa. com.
* Denotes New Listing
PORN pulse
North Carolina Republican Masturbated On Cam Hunter Houston
R
epublicans in Florida sought to condemn porn. Elsewhere, Republicans in North Carolina seek to elect an ex-porn actor to state office. Peter Boykin, a gay Republican campaigning for a seat in the North Carolina state legislature, admitted he once participated in porn. “This is not something I would do today,” Boykin told The Daily Beast. “If people are going to hold on to something I did 20 years ago, so be it. But really people change.” Boykin, 40, founded the group “Gays for Trump.” He claims transgender Americans are more prone to mental illness and would be the military’s “weakest link.” “People already have enough problems with PTSD, I don’t think it’s a good idea to give someone going through that type of change a weapon. They might snap and turn
Peter Boykin. Photo via Facebook.
it on their fellow soldiers,” Boykin told The Daily Beast. As far as his porn past, Boykin said he masturbated on camera and sold his underwear on a now deactivated web site. Meanwhile, in a February voice vote, the Florida legislature declared pornography a public health risk. Boykin is campaigning in a largely African American Democratic district encompassing parts of Greensboro, N.C.
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Please email tips (or more, if you desire) to PornPulseSFGN@gmail.com 4.11.2018 •
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4 .11.2018
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
W ED N ES D AY S
7:0 0P M
2435 North Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305
MANNY SIMONE, NEWS ANCHOR
CUSTOM IN
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Custom mad e Roller shad Curtains es Verticals Blinds Movie scre ens Windows Wifi door lo cks Wifi light sw itches
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We also inst all/replace A / C thermos the latest in tats of technology (Ecobee or — downloa Nest) ded and co ntrolled by your sma r t ph on
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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
Contact Hai m to schedu le a no obligatio n quote!
954-398-3676
Hitechshade@gmail.com
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45
THE
GUIDE
Business Directory
To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970 professional services
spirituality
William D. Turner taylorandturner@yahoo.com 2520 North Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305
954.630.2627
social
call us to reserve space! The Parish of Sts. Francis and Clare Where we welcome and appreciate diversity.
2300 NW 9th Avenue (Powerline Rd) Wilton Manors, FL 33311 Mass Times: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 10:30 AM Ecumenical Catholic 954.731.8173
www.stsfrancisandclare.org Baptisms • Weddings • Memorial Services
Only one product is beyond the government’s reach when it comes to defects and safety: firearms.
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4 .11.2018
2 bedroom/2 bath condos from
$135,000
Ocean/Intracoastal from
$300,000
THE BEST SERVICE, THE BEST RESULTS SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST!
Helping Buyers, Sellers, Renters, and Investors for over 18 years in South Florida.
$250,000
Brian S. Bedigian, P.A.
RealtorBrian@aol.com www.BrianFTL.com
Your South Florida Specialist for Over 18 Years
from
Pest and Termite Control, Inc
Tennis Lessons at Hagen Park in Wilton Manors. Individual or group lessons. Call Robert 732-604-0362 for more information.
Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors & Oakland Park REMODELED homes:
3 bedroom/2 bath homes
Taylor & Turner
sports
real estate
Realtor
954.205.5275
SFGN Classified$ To place a Classified Ad, call us at 954.530.4970
attorney Injury or illness? - Unable to work due to injury or illness? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc., Social Security Disability Attorneys! FREE Evaluation. Local Attorneys Nationwide 1-855-643-2430 [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)]
commercial for sale
employment positions wanted 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
rentals wilton manors
rentals fort lauderdale
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
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
Rental wilton manors - 2/1 recently fluffed ground floor condo. First, last, deposit. $1,150/mo. The Grove, 8th Ave. 954-654-4910. #2055.23623
television
Drake Tower - 2 Bedroom - Two Bath, Totally Renovated, Spectacular River View. Fully Furnished, Upgraded Cable Included, 1 Year Lease - $1600 per month + Security. Available May 1, 2018. Call Anthony - 619.822.5158
www.sfgn.guide
DIRECTV SELECT PACKAGE! - Over 150 Channels, ONLY $35/month (for 12 mos.) Order Now! Get a $200 AT&T Visa Rewards Gift Card (some restrictions apply) CALL 1- 888-597-7205
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
internet
AT&T - High Speed Internet Starting at $40/month. Up to 45 Mbps! Over 99% Reliability! Bundle AT&T Digital TV or Phone Services & Internet Price Starts at $30/month. Call 1-855-830-9658
FREE Information Kit
855-407-8729
www.dental50plus.com/SouthFL
Classified Advertising Works! Place an ad in SFGN’s Classifieds
954.530.4970
www.sfgn.guide
massage - miami Midtown Miami Massage - Full body massage - 65 minutes only $45; 95 minutes is only $70. I have 38 5-star Google reviews. I work on both men and women, and couples. Out calls start at $65. Over 20 years experience. LIC ma0006625. Body shaving and trimming starts $40. Nelson 305-905-5397
piano
WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE PIANO? Learn from an experienced teacher. All levels and ages welcome. Learn to play classical, popular, jazz, or show tunes. Visit www.edwinchad.com or call 954-826-9555 for more information.
painting
dental DENTAL INSURANCE - Call Physicians Mutual Insurance Company for details. NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for 350 procedures. 855-407-8729 or http://www.dental50plus.com/SouthFL Ad# 6118
electrician
HARRY’S ELECTRIC RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL - Additions, renovations, service upgrades, breaker panels,FPL undergrounds, code violations, A/C wiring, ceiling fans, recessed, security & landscaping, lighting, pools, pumps, Jacuzzis, water heaters, FREE PHONE ESTIMATES 954-522-3357 Lic & Ins. www. harryelectrician.com
employment 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.
www.sfgn.guide
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
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.
senior living A PLACE FOR MOM - The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-888-250-3053
real estate wilton manors FANTASTIC DUPLEX $469,000 - Unit is 3 bedrooms & 2 baths. Newer Roof, New Electric Panels and more. Huge Pie Shaped Lot on Quiet Street. Please call for Appointment Michael Tublin United Reality Group 561-703-5533
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47
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Aug 13 - 20, 2019 7 Nights – Labor Day Castles on The Rhine River Cruise Aquafest Hosted Group of LGBT Travelers September 5-17, 2019
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