local name global coverage april 18, 2018 vol. 9 // issue 16
Stormy. Pages 2, 14
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SouthFloridaGayNews.com
April 18 2018 • Volume 9 • Issue 16
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Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com
Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com
Editorial
Robert Boo (left) and Harvey Milk. SFGN File Photo.
Outraged Parents Threaten to Protest ‘Diversity Honors’ Over Sex Predator Scandal
Art Director • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Digital Content Director • Brittany Ferrendi Webmaster@sfgn.com Designer • Char Pratt Copyeditor • Kerri Covington Arts/Entertainment Editor • JW Arnold JW@prdconline.com Social Media Manager • Tucker Berardi TBerardi2014@fau.edu Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin Gazette News Editor • Michael d'Oliveira HIV Editor • Sean McShee Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis JRDavis12000@hotmail.com
Senior Features Correspondents Jesse Monteagudo •
Correspondents
Dori Zinn • Donald Cavanaugh • Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • Sean McShee • David-Elijah Nahmod
Jason Parsley
A
s the sex predator scandal at the strengthening all relevant safeguards and Pride Center continues to grow, some safe space elements in what is an outstanding parents are now threatening to protest community center led by a commendable the upcoming Diversity Honors event taking and passionate CEO,” said Stuart Milk, Co place on April 27 at the Seminole Hard Rock Founder, Harvey Milk Foundation. “We Hotel & Casino. The annual reception and look forward to honoring an incredible list dinner is a joint fundraiser for the Pride of inspiring awardees at this years Diversity Center and Harvey Milk Foundation. Honors, on April 27, while continuing our The controversy involves long-term partnership with Clarence Collins, 63, a convicted the Seminole Hard Rock sex predator, who was allowed Hollywood Hotel and Casino to work at the Pride Center and the Pride Center.” in some capacity since 2003 But others are not satisfied. until he was fired on March One such person and parent, 19. After a playground was Richard Alalouf, executive installed on campus in 2015 it director of the South Florida became illegal for him to work Family Pride, is demanding that there. SFGN broke the story on the Chief Executive Officer, March 28 and the Miami Herald Robert Boo, of the Pride Center later reported on the details and the Chairman of the of Collins’ conviction. Collins Board, Mark Budwig, resign at - Richard Alalouf executive director confessed to raping an 11-yeartheir next meeting, which is of the South Florida old girl in the mid-90s as well Wednesday. Family Pride as threatening “to kill her if she “If they do not resign, a told.” protest will be the least of their BER “The Pride Center leadership have concerns,” he said. “We areM E Mprepared to reaffirmed to us their commitment to contact the sponsors and corporate entities.”
“If they do not resign, a protest will be the least of their concerns.”
MEMBER
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This year’s event will honor Dolores Huerta, a preeminent leader of the Labor and Women’s Civil rights movement; Dean Trantalis, the recently elected mayor of Fort Lauderdale; Craig Stevens, a news anchor for WSVN; David Richardson, a Florida state representative; and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Gay-Straight Alliance. Alalouf insists this could have been avoided if Boo and the board had handled the situation differently. “I have always had a great relationship with Robert, trusting in his leadership of the Center. My trust has been broken. My wish is for the Pride Center to get back on track and provide a safe environment for the whole LGBTQ community,” Alalouf wrote to the board on Monday. “For that to happen, they need to rebuild the trust in our community and make substantial changes to improve safety. That starts at the top with the leadership.” On Friday the first sitting board member called for Boo’s resignation. “I am ready to call for resignation. This was a clear lack of judgement on Robert’s part,” Jim Walker said.
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NLGJA Journalist of the Year South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright © 2018 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
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NEWS online
Action Online
Don't miss the
Pro-LGBT Candidate Beto O’Rourke Faces Texas Senator Ted Cruz in Runup to Election
Photo via BetoForTexas.com.
Activists Call For Boycott of Film Depicting Cis Male Actor as Trans Sex Worker
Cara Delevingne Speaks Out Against Coachella Owner for Funding Anti-LGBT Groups
Cara Delevingne. Photo via Instagram / @caradelevingne
Amazon Adds 60 LGBT Titles to Prime Service
“Body Electric,” one of the 60 new LGBT titles added to Amazon Prime.
Prominent Gay Rights Lawyer Sets Himself on Fire in Protest Suicide
David S. Buckel, shown in 2006, left a note that said, “My early death by fossil fuel reflects what we are doing to ourselves.” Photo via Jose F. Moreno, AP.
6. Gay Chilean Sex Abuse Victim to Meet with Pope Francis Juan Carlos Cruz. (Photo courtesy of Juan Carlos Cruz)
7. Policy on Bullying Eyed After Bisexual 12-Year-Old Hangs Himself 8. Rare Win for China’s LGBT Community After Censorship U-Turn by Sina Weibo Runners of the Shanghai Pride Run make signs with their fingers while wearing rainbow shoelaces at the start of the race in Shanghai on June 18, 2016. AFP/Getty Images.
9. Trinidad and Tobago Sodomy Law Struck Down 10. After Sparking Outrage, Amazon Removes ‘Straight Pride’ Pin from Site
Visit SFGN.com to stay up to date on all the news across the web! Twitter.com/SoFlaGayNews
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NEWS state
Baer Blasts Pompeo Nomination Courtesy of Lauren Baer.
John McDonald
L
auren Baer, a South Florida Congressional candidate, denounced the nomination of CIA Director Mike Pompeo to lead the U.S. State Department. “The Tillerson State Department was ineffective. But a Pompeo State Department will be downright dangerous. With the threats to our national security more pressing than ever, it’s time to #DefendDiplomacy, not install Trump’s war cabinet,” Baer tweeted on Thursday. Baer, 38, was a high level official in the Obama administration and worked at the State Department under Secretaries Hillary Clinton and John Kerry. She is a married mother and global strategist seeking the Democratic nomination in U.S. House district 18, which includes parts of Palm Beach, St. Lucie and Martin Counties. “I’m not running as a gay candidate,” Baer told the Palm Beach Post. “I’m running as a candidate who is gay. We share the same values as other folks, have the same concerns for our daughters as other folks have for their children.”
Baer married Emily Meyers, an attorney, in 2014 in a ceremony in New York. She has raised more than $1 million in her first attempt at congressional public office and is endorsed by the Victory Fund. As for Pompeo, the former Congressman from Kansas said during Thursday’s confirmation hearing that he did not approve of same-sex marriage. “I continue to hold that view,” Pompeo said when questioned by U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey. U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Pompeo to replace Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State. Tillerson reportedly called Trump a “moron” and was fired on March 13.
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NEWS palm beach
Compass: No Decision on CEO Yet SFGN still waiting to hear from the board Jason Parsley
N
o decision has been made on who will fill the spot of Tony Plakas, the former CEO of Compass. “At this week’s board meeting, the board discussed their plan to permanently fill the role of Executive Director,” said Claudia Harrison, Chief Information Officer. “A statement outlining that plan will be released by the president of our board in the near future.” Despite the board being ready to hire a new CEO, many questions still remain about the abrupt departure of the previous CEO. And so far the Compass board has been tight lipped over the matter. Last week SFGN requested an interview with a board member to discuss Plakas’ departure. “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,” Executive Director Julie Seaver said.
Tony Plakas. Photos via Facebook.
Except that’s not true. A CPA’s license is public record in Florida and easily verifiable. Only one of the six board members listed on Compass’ website holds a CPA license. That person is Kerensa Butler-Gile. The other ones, Michael Grattendick, Marc Pickering, Michael Woods, Nicole Leidesdorf Marulli, and Clarence Brooks are not CPAs in Florida. In fact, last year SFGN profiled Woods, who stated he’s a teacher at Santaluces High School, while in another story Grattendick stated he is the Chief Financial Officer of Aurora Diagnostics. Compass spent most of 2017 celebrating Plakas’ 20 years with the organization. But when he left there was no announcement. Instead it appears it was kept under wraps. Their website wasn’t updated for weeks after SFGN learned Plakas had left. It’s unclear when his last day was. According to Florida’s Department of Corporations, though, Compass filled out their annual report on January 3
“... The board’s process is on their timetable and not the public or SFGN’s timetable.” - Julie Seaver, pictured (left) with Tony Plakas. listing Seaver as its executive director and registered agent. The last one that was filled out was on April 20, 2017 where Plakas was still listed as the CEO and registered agent. “Basically, he and the board decided to end his contract. It was a little unexpected, but I’m excited,” Seaver previously said. SFGN interviewed Seaver in early January and asked her why, if it was a mutual parting of the ways, there appeared to be such secrecy surrounding Plakas’ departure. Specifically, SFGN asked why a joint statement wasn’t released. Seaver said it was a great idea and she would love to do that, but that was up to the board and she didn’t know why they weren’t saying anything. As mentioned above the Compass board still has not responded to SFGN’s request for an interview. Someone familiar with the organization,
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who asked not to have his name published, stated he thought Plakas’ salary was too high compared to other non-profit organizations. According to the latest tax documents, which are now downloadable on Compass’ website, Plakas earned $126,135 in 2016 and $126,000 in 2015. In previous years, his salary was lower. In other years, it was higher. In 2009, it was $90,857. In 2012, it was $142,830. In 2013, it was $112,000. In 2014, it was $130,500. “This was a topic that was brought up,” Seaver previously stated. She said Plakas’ salary was commensurate with directors of other LGBT organizations. She said that a lot of work and responsibility goes into the CEO position. “Fiduciary oversight is an extreme responsibility and they take that responsibility very seriously.” Plakas has declined to comment since he left the organization.
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Get in care. Stay in care. Live well. cdc.gov/HIVTreatmentWorks 4.18.2018 •
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LGBTQIA bites
L
Lesbian
Release of South African Man Accused of Killing Lesbian Sparks Protest
B
By Ryan Lynch Bisexual
Delegate Daughter Takes on Conversion Therapy Ban Against Senator Father
Noxolo Xakeka, via Facebook.
A man accused of killing a lesbian woman was released on bail, sparking activists to petition against his release. Activist group Triangle Project put out a petition against Bongile Joni, who was charged with the Jan. 1 murder of Noxolo Xakeka, according to the Sunday Times. Nearly 800 people signed the petition asking to deny bail to Joni and reverse the decision. “He lives in the community where the
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victim resided and where her friends who were there that night still live,” said Triangle Project’s Sharon Ludwig. “So they can easily become a target for intimidation.” The judge postponed further court proceedings until May 23 to allow for further investigation and to gather a lone outstanding witness statement, according to the Times.
Meagan C. Simonaire, via Facebook.
A bisexual Maryland state delegate is taking the charge on Maryland’s conversion therapy ban against her senator father. Meagan C. Simonaire of the Maryland General Assembly spoke in favor of a bill banning the practice on minors in the state, according to the Washington Post. Simonare told her own story of being put into conversion therapy by her fundamentalist parents.
“The pain of having her goodintentioned parents convinced of its ability to ‘fix her’ was enough to cause significant pain, self-loathing and deep depression,” Simonaire said. “There were times where she seemingly couldn’t stop the tears from falling.” Simonare’s father, House of Delegates senator Bryan, disputed the story and said he and his wife did not force her to go to conversion therapy.
LGBTQIA bites
T
Transgender
Psychologist Receives $1 Million Federal Grant for First Nationwide Study of Transgender Kids
A University of Washington psychologist received a $1 million federal grant for one of the largest ever studies of transgender children. The National Science Foundation granted Kristina Olson the Alan T. Waterman Award, according to the Associated Press. According to Olson, the grant would be used to expand a program which pediatricians already use to expand awareness about gender. “‘Transgender children’ is a category we have so little scientific knowledge
about,” Olson said. “I’m interested in their experience of feeling you are in a social category that other people don’t think you’re a part of.” The program, titled the TransYouth Project, started in 2013 and recruited 300 children from 45 states from ages 3-12, according to the Associated Press. The plan is to track the children for 20 years and collect data and observations on their mental health through their early adult lives.
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NEWS national
30th AIDS Walk Miami to Attract Thousands of Participants 5k fundraiser takes place April 22 in Miami Beach
Jose Cassola
jocacommunications@outlook.com
A
IDS Walk Miami, a 5k walk-a-thon fundraiser benefiting Care Resource and the Food-for-Life-Network, marks its 30th anniversary this year on Sunday, April 22. The walk begins and ends at SoundScape Park, 400 17th St., in Miami Beach.
All funds raised from AIDS Walk Miami Ceremonies for AIDS Walk Miami, says that are used in Miami-Dade and Broward needs to change. counties to help diverse communities in “We can all help make HIV/AIDS a thing need with case management services, of the past....This walk is a key part of that housing assistance, food assistance, effort,” Gelber said. “It shows that our counseling, prevention outreach/education community is not only inclusive but also and other support services. Care Resource committed to helping those affected by HIV/ offers free, confidential and rapid HIV/STI AIDS and becoming better educated about testing, PrEP linkage and client referrals to the virus. Together we can truly change the other available health course of this epidemic and get to services. zero new infections, zero deaths, Rick Siclari, CEO at and zero stigma.” Care Resource, says People living with HIV/AIDS AIDS Walk Miami is an require services that are funded important fundraiser by AIDS Walk Miami. Kishi that attracts thousands Martin, a promotion outreach of participants who educator and peer navigator “walk for different at Care Resource, said he was reasons, but walk motivated to pursue a career in together for one the field because he wanted to common cause — to help and make a difference in his prevent new infections, community. maximize the health “So many friends of mine outcomes of those have been diagnosed with HIV - Rick Siclari infected and to end the and STIs and we didn’t have CEO, Care Resource epidemic here in South the knowledge or information Florida.” necessary enough to protect us, “During this 30-year anniversary, we will especially those who are LGBT,” Martin walk in honor and memory of those we said. “My mother lost a lot of friends to HIV knew, loved and lost to HIV,” Siclari said. in the 1980s and always had conversations “With the progress that continues to be about sexuality and sexual health.” made, we are hopeful that sometime in our Martin said he supports the LGBT lifetime, God willing, there will be a cure.” community — a portion of the population Though HIV/AIDS is now a manageable most affected by HIV — because he was illness — with a host of medications bullied throughout his childhood and grew allowing people to live longer, healthier up wanting to feel accepted. lives — more than 40,000 people each “I want to be among people who won’t year are still getting infected. Miami-Dade judge me for my sexuality,” Martin said. “I and Broward counties are ranked No. 1 and feel validated and empowered that I can be No. 2 in the country for the number of new myself without hiding who I am and help HIV and AIDS cases. Miami Beach Mayor others who are dealing with discrimination Dan Gelber, who is serving as the Master of or lacking self-esteem.”
“With the progress that continues to be made, we are hopeful that sometime in our lifetime, God willing, there will be a cure.”
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2017 ADS Walk Miami, via Facebook.
Jorge Bernal, television presenter for “La Voz Kids,” “Suelta La Sopa Telemundo” and NBC Universal, is serving as this year’s Grand Marshal for AIDS Walk Miami. He says participation in the walk is “critical to increasing awareness, fighting stigma and raising funds to support the most vulnerable people living with HIV/AIDS in South Florida.” “Advances in treatment and new prevention strategies have now made ‘Getting to Zero’ — zero new infections, zero deaths, zero stigma — an achievable goal,” Bernal said. “Getting to zero still requires the efforts of everybody. Please join me on April 22nd and thousands of others that are committed to getting to zero by participating in AIDS Walk Miami.” During the post-walk ceremony, attendees can enjoy a community health fair with a variety of activities for families
and the community, including pet adoptions, free wellness screenings, HIV testing, carnival games, giveaways, dozens of booths with information about available medical and support resources and more. Walkers are encouraged to visit every station at the health fair and complete a “health passport,” which they obtain after the walk. Each participant will receive prizes and incentives for their participation. Recording artist Daniel Patrick Ellis and singer/songwriter Janae Catt will be the scheduled performers. Ellis says while advancements have been made in medicine to reduce the risk of contracting HIV, “we are still on our journey to end AIDS.” “Working cohesively with my friends at Care Resource is an honor and I am looking forward to celebrating the progress we’re making together as a community,” Ellis said.
Registration for AIDS Walk Miami begins at 8 a.m. April 22. The walk begins at 9 a.m. To register online, visit AIDSWalkMiami.org. For more information about Care Resource, visit CareResource.org.
NEWS local
Judge Lisa Porter Announces Resignation Michael d’Oliveira
1
7th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Lisa Porter has announced her resignation. Porter, 55, who lives in Wilton Manors with her partner Patricia Windowmaker, will resign on June 30, according to Law.com Porter, a graduate of the University of Florida, was appointed to her current position in 2008 by then Gov. Charlie Crist. She was re-elected in 2010 and ran unopposed in 2016. Before becoming a judge, she was the chief assistant statewide prosecutor for the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution from 1995 to 2008, and assistant state attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit from 1988 to 1995. She was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1998. Porter told Law.com she plans to spend time with family, work with local charities, and possibly run for another elected office. “Perhaps I’ll get involved in politics. I don’t know. I’ll just have to see where the path leads,” Porter said Thursday. “I spent 20 years in the executive branch as a prosecutor, 10
Lisa Porter.
years on the judicial side as a judge. I might, down the road, be interested in exploring the legislative branch.” In her letter to Gov. Rick Scott, Porter wrote, “My career as a public servant has been rewarding beyond all measure. I thank the people with whom – and for whom – I have served for this honor.”
4.18.2018 •
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NEWS miami-dade
Miami Beach Police Department Accused Of Mistreating and Ignoring Victims Photo via Miami Police Department, Facebook.
Jason Parsley
D
mitry Logunov and Rene Chalarca were attacked in an apparent gay bashing after the end of Miami Beach Pride while on their way home. The suspects have since surrendered and may be charged with a hate crime. This incident alone was traumatic enough, but the victims have also accused the Miami Beach Police Department of downplaying their attack and mistreating them. At one point a female officer allegedly told Logunov to “stop the drama, shut the fuck up.” Another officer repeated that to him a few minutes later, Logunov claims. One of the officers also allegedly told him to “put ice on your face at home and you’ll be alright.” When the police first 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.” “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,” a spokesperson for the MBPD told SFGN after the attack. While City Commissioner Michael Gongora added: “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.” SFGN reached out to the Mayor of Miami Beach Philip Levine, who’s now also running for Governor, for a comment. “Hate crimes have no place in Miami Beach, or anywhere in our country. Everyone should be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of who they love. As Mayor, I was committed to fighting injustices and was proud that our
Rene Chalarca, shortly after he was attacked iat Miami Beach Pride.
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“Hate crimes have no place in Miami Beach, or anywhere in our country. Everyone should be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of who they love... As Governor, I won’t tolerate this. Not for one second.” - Philip Levine
Mayor of Miami Beach
city received a perfect score from the national LGBTQ organization, Human Rights Council every year I was in office,” he said. “I’m also proud to have supported a key initiative, Safe Spaces, to ensure that a safe environment in Miami Beach is always fostered. As Governor, I won’t tolerate this. Not for one second.” But this doesn’t appear to be just an LGBT issue. SFGN has since interviewed the mother of a 16-year-old victim, whom she said was treated in a similar way after being attacked on the beach on President’s Day in February. The attack was caught on video and shows another girl beating her with a bottle. “The police told her there was nothing they could do about it,” said Maria Morales, the girl’s mother. Her mother said during the attack her daughter lost her cell phone so when she came across the police she asked for help and they ignored her pleas. “She’s 16 years old. She’s a minor. That’s unacceptable.” Her daughter eventually left the police and found another way to contact her mother, who left work and picked her up. Morales took her daughter to the police station to file a report, where she said, the police at first tried to downplay the attack. Morales, though, wouldn’t let up. Eventually she tracked down two of her daughter’s assailants and took the information to the police. One girl was eventually arrested and charged.
“Don’t fuck with a child’s mom,” Morales said. “I did all of their leg work. I got the videos. I got their names.” In January SFGN reported on another incident in which Tiffany Fantasia, a local drag queen whose real name is Henry Williams, was put in handcuffs and manhandled by the MBPD because she matched the description of a black male in possession of a knife. At the time of the incident Williams was in men’s clothes but he still had his drag makeup on. At the time Williams posted this on Facebook: “I have never been so disgusted with Miami Beach Police Department. The way they handled the situation was horrible. They handcuffed me out of nowhere while walking down my own block with a McDonald’s bag, cell phone and keys saying that I matched the description of somebody with a knife. And then when I asked why [they were] handcuffing me, they’re telling me to be quiet and listen with my ears.... I did nothing wrong! Obviously, from a mile away, you could tell I wasn’t the person! And some of you wonder why black people have a problem with y’all.” Fantasia later met with Police Chief Daniel Oates where they were able to work out their differences.
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THE FIGHT CONTINUES While the LGBT community has seen many successes in the past decade, there are still many more milestones yet to come. Follow history as it happens by reading your weekly copy of SFGN.
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4.18.2018 •
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NEWS local
Pride Center Board Member Calls on CEO to Resign As Sex Predator Scandal Grows Jason Parsley
A
board member of the Pride Center called on CEO Robert Boo to resign on Friday. “I am ready to call for resignation,” said board member Jim Walker. “This was a clear lack of judgement on Robert’s part.” Walker was especially disappointed in a statement from board president Mark Budwig on Wednesday that stated: “The Pride Center Board of Directors supports CEO Robert Boo’s decisive action to address the issue pertaining to a recently terminated part-time employee. We are committed to continuing our work with Robert, the Pride Center staff, our members
“Had I known then what I know now, including the abhorrent details of how he hurt that child, I would have immediately terminated him and never permitted him to continue working at The Center in any capacity.” - Robert Boo
CEO of The Pride Center
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and partners to be a welcoming, safe space and inclusive home that celebrates, nurtures and empowers the LGBTQ community and our neighbors in South Florida.” Walker called the statement “patently untrue,” saying “several board members are ready to call for [Boo’s] resignation.” This comes just hours after Boo sent out a letter to the community Friday morning addressing the unfolding sex predator scandal that has engulfed the LGBT community center over the last month. “Had I known then what I know now, including the abhorrent details of how he hurt that child, I would have immediately terminated him and never permitted him to continue working at The Center in any capacity,” Boo wrote. Clarence Collins, 63, a convicted sex predator, worked at the Pride Center in some capacity since 2003 until he was fired on March 19. Collins confessed to raping an 11-year-old girl in the mid-90s as well as threatening “to kill her if she told.” Walker said he and some other board members did not feel the letter was appropriate and that the board should be taking lead on handling this situation. “He’s the one under scrutiny here. He should not be acting as his own spokesperson,” Walker said. “By not acting we [as the board] are implicitly endorsing him.” According to Walker, Boo told the board that he could not bring Collins’ sex predator status to the board because it was a “personnel issue.” However, Collins is listed on a public sex offender registry list that everyone has access to.
Walker also said Boo could have taken the issue to an attorney at any time to seek legal advice. In the letter Boo accepts responsibility for the controversy, promises to work to regain the trust of the community, and asserts that the safety of anyone visiting the Pride Center is of the utmost importance to him. “At the time, however, I did not know all of the facts and regretfully relied upon information provided to me by a law enforcement officer, which was incomplete,” Boo wrote. This is the first time he mentioned he spoke with a law enforcement officer. In the past Boo only said he spoke with Collins’ former probation officer. Boo now admits Collins did work at child themed events. Previously he asserted Collins was not allowed to work those events. But others disputed that assertion and there is photographic evidence of Collins working one event. Boo clarified this in his letter: “I thought that I was doing the right thing by forbidding this individual from working during childfocused events hosted at the facility, and by instructing him to only take part in pre-event set-up or post-event clean-up.” Now it appears Collins only worked before and after those events. Although Richard Alalouf, the executive director of South Florida Family Pride, disputes this characterization as well. “Clarence was sitting in the lobby, or at the front desk, or in the kitchen during our events,” he said. “One time the sound system stopped working and I had to use him midevent.”
Boo further adds: “I was unaware that this employee was prohibited by statutory requirements from being within a certain distance of any playground, even if it was not actively in use by children. I did not know about the statute; this is not an excuse, but simply the truth.” However, SFGN interviewed a former employee, Stephen Kosiorek, who disputes that and said when he found out about Collins’ past, he informed most of the management of the Pride Center, and mentioned the employment restrictions registered sex offenders have to face, which includes not being allowed work near playgrounds. The playground was built in 2015 with financial and logistical support from KaBoom!, a non-profit that helps builds playgrounds across the nation, and JetBlue. The City of Wilton Manors also contributed close to $3,000 to the building of the playground. SFGN obtained an email from 2015 from local activist Michael Rajner to the Wilton Manors City Commission expressing some concerns about the playground project. “As The Pride Center moves forward with their playground as LGBT safe space for LGBT families and children, I do hope they run level 2 background checks on their employees and volunteers to ensure those who are sexual offenders are properly screened so not to endanger the safety and welfare of those families,” Rajner wrote. Julie Carson, a City Commissioner for Wilton Manors, previously told SFGN she spoke to Boo about Collins more than a year ago.
NEWS local “If Robert truly was concerned for our children, he would not need to know the details of the crime to support and emphasize with our concerns that he knowingly exposed our children to a sexual predator.” - Heidi Siegel
former board member
“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.” Here is what the Florida law states: “If the victim was under age 18, a prohibition on working for pay or as a volunteer at any place where children regularly congregate, including, but not limited to, schools, child care facilities, parks, playgrounds, pet stores, libraries, zoos, theme parks, and malls.” After Collins was fired from the Pride Center he was arrested for failing to reregister as a sex offender, and failing to notify law enforcement of a change of address. Since he’s been in jail, a third charge was added for illegally working near a playground. SFGN has also since learned Collins once lived on the Pride Center campus sometime in 2013, a couple of years before the playground was built. His address on the sex offender registry, at the time, was listed as “transient.” “It became first hand knowledge for me because of my trusted servant position for a 12-Step Program meeting, that would meet in the mornings in Building B at The Pride Center. I witnessed Clarence Collins sleeping on the couch, living in the PALS Project office,” Michael Mayberry said. “I asked him ‘why are you living here?’ and he said it was for financial reasons, the long bus ride from where he used to live, and because of the odd hours he was working at The Center.” Mayberry also added: “I asked him how he could set-up an apartment...and he said he
Robert Boo.
kept it low-key (he had all the keys to get into the building) and the Center management was being tolerant of the situation until he could get the funds to move closer to the Center.” Boo’s letter is not enough for Heidi Siegel. She resigned from the Pride Center board over Boo’s handling of the scandal. “Robert’s first course of action was to try to silence a mother who was upset, to encourage a verbal attack on that mother and to defend the sexual predator as well as minimize his role at the Center and his crime,” Siegel said. “If Robert truly was concerned for our children, he would not need to know the details of the crime to support and emphasize with our concerns that he knowingly exposed our children to a sexual predator. Instead, it took learning of the details and calls for his resignation in the Miami Herald for him to release a public relations firm crafted letter.” Boo now wants to regain the trust of the community and move forward. “I am deeply sorry to have lost the trust of some members of the community and apologize profoundly for having failed to further investigate this man’s criminal background after speaking with his probation officer,” Boo wrote. “To be clear, the safety and security of all children, visitors, partners and staff of The Pride Center are of paramount importance to me.” The Center already announced that they would be creating a task force to review all of their internal policies going forward. Boo reiterated his commitment to the task force. “We are creating a task force to review all practices, policies and procedures. We make great efforts to ensure that we comply with all ethical and legal requirements expected of us,” Boo wrote. “We are committed to ensuring the continued inclusion, safety and support of all Center visitors, community partners and friends.” A task force though isn’t enough for Siegel or Alalouf. Both have called for Boo’s resignation and an internal investigation looking at what happened. “He clearly does not have the capacity to handle conflict, protect members of our community or not go on the offensive,” Siegel said. “His voice is not trusted nor qualified. He needs to resign.”
4.18.2018 •
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NEWS health
National Trans HIV Testing Day is Wednesday, April 18 Denise Royal
N
ational Transgender HIV Testing Day is a day of awareness for the transgender community around HIV and AIDS. In the United States, more than a million adults identify as transgender. Transgender women are at high risk of having HIV and of contracting HIV. Transgender women of color, especially black/African American and Hispanic/Latina women, experience disproportionately high rates of HIV. A 2013 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the percentage of transgender people who received a new HIV diagnosis was more than three times the national average.. “Focusing specifically on Trans individuals is important,” says Camille Lewis of Empower U. “It’s vital to know your status and destroy
April’s South Florida AIDS Network Report Sean McShee the stereotypes that are stamped on us. If you are (HIV) positive, get proper health care and remain happy, healthy and fabulous. If you’re (HIV) negative, continue to use safe practices and have routine checkups with your primary care physician.” The last event commemorating the day will take place:
Survivor’s Pathway Testing
Free HIV, STD, and Hepatitis C testing provided by FDOH Miami Dade County. Wednesday, April 18, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 1801 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33145
This report discusses the monthly meeting of the South Florida AIDS Network (SFAN). SFAN is the advisory board for the Ryan White Care (RWC) program of the Florida Department of Health in Broward. This report also discusses the quarterly meetings of the Broward County HIV Prevention Planning Council (BCHPPC).
T
he April SFAN meeting continued to discuss changes to the Medicaid PAC Waiver program. Under that program, Medicaid would pay for services for people with specific serious medical conditions. A representative, Eunice Medina, from the Agency for Health Care Administration (ACHA) spoke at this meeting. ACHA administers Medicaid in Florida. Medina reported that in 2017 the Florida Legislature ordered ACHA to consolidate and integrate Project AIDS Care (PAC) and two other Medicaid Waiver programs into the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program. Joey Wynn, SFAN Chair, had forwarded the complaints of Broward Medicaid clients living with HIV to ACHA. Medina had examined them. Medina emphasized that ACHA’s main goal was continuity of care. She reported that “Health plans must honor any ongoing treatment that was authorized or scheduled prior to the recipient’s enrollment into the new plan for up to 60 days after the recipient enrolls in the plan.” Medina also stated, “Providers should continue providing any services that were previously authorized, regardless of whether the provider is participating in the plan’s network. Plans must pay providers for previously authorized services for up to 60 days, and must pay non-network providers at the rate previously received for up to 30 days.” When a managed care company fails to comply with this policy, providers or recipients can initiate a complaint process with ACHA. The largest number of complaints involved the loss of massage therapy services, according to Medina. One provider reported that one SMMC company lacked massage therapists in their networks.
If someone has a complaint about the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Program, they can file a complaint at http://bit.ly/2HoaJSw. For information on ACHA Grievance and Appeal System and Fair Hearing Overview, please visit http://bit.ly/2qwjCPr. The spring meeting of The Broward County HIV Prevention Planning Council (BCHPPC) met on April 12. They met at the Department of Health’s Broward County Administrative Building, 780 SW 24th Street, Fort Lauderdale. In this meeting, HIV prevention agencies described their activities, accomplishments, and challenges. In 2016, Broward had 40.1 new HIV diagnoses per 100,000 residents, the second highest rate among all U.S. Counties. Broward’s gay and bi male residents would have a much higher rate. An audience member identified a major problem in Broward’s HIV testing programs. People most in need of testing do not appear to be testing. Only about 1 percent of people testing for HIV in Broward had positive results. Given the high rate of new HIV diagnoses, the positive test rate should increase to bring the epidemic under control. In addition, the people most in need of PrEP, Black and Latino gay/ bi men and Black women have low rates of PrEP use, both nationally and locally. HIV Prevention fails to reach those most in need of it. Latinos Salud announced that they were now conducting oral and anal STD testing as well as penile STD testing. The MSM Advisory Group provides advice on HIV prevention among gay and bi men. They are seeking new members. Their next meeting will be on May 14 at 1:30 p.m.at 560 NW 27th Ave.
Announcements The next SFAN Meeting will be on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 9:30 a.m., at the Holy Cross Healthplex, 1000 NE 56th Street, Ft. Lauderdale. The next BCHPPC will be on July 26. Please visit http://bit.ly/2HhzIqP for location. Follow Sean McShee on Twitter @SeanMcShee
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FEATURE film
Forced To Live In Darkness One gay man’s journey through the night David-Elijah Nahmod
I
n 2007 John Kapellas, a gay man who lives in San fascinated Hanasik became. “In 2016, after visiting Francisco, was forced to permanently retreat to John a few times, I learned more about his back his apartment after his body began to develop story and realized that I could not only overcome the painful rashes whenever he was exposed to natural technical hurdles but, more importantly, I discovered or artificial light. Kapellas now spends all of his time a person whose story intersected with some of the indoors with a flashlight as his only source of light. It questions we’re asking about trauma, abuse, and is in this strange dark world that he has built a whole thriving beyond survival,” he said. new life for himself. Hanasik soon came to admire his subject. “John is Kapellas is the subject of “How To Make a Pearl,” probably one of the most curious and loving men I’ve Jason Hanasik’s short documentary. It’s a fascinating ever met,” he said. “So when I asked him if I could portrait of a strong, brave man who accepts his fate make a film about him he immediately said yes and and makes the best of a situation most people would was excited to go on the adventure.” find unbearable. He spends a lot of his time drawing, He explains why most of the film focuses on Kapellas’ creating beautiful images on the walls of his home. backstory. “I made a conscious decision not to make A former boyfriend stops by to bring him a medical documentary,” Hanasik said. “I groceries. He watches TV and shares think we have more to learn from him as stories from his past: his childhood, a person than a diagnosis or medical “Not only is John his coming out story, and the losses condition.” He noted that there of his friends during the peak years aren’t any answers as to whether or gay but the life he’s of the AIDS crisis. These stories not Kapellas might be able to one being forced to lead is far are illustrated with videos from day emerge from the dark. from normal—he’s doing it Kapellas’ archive of home movies. Hanasik explained what he Filmmaker Hanasik spoke to with a special shade of grace, was trying to convey when he SFGN about why he chose to made “How To Make a Pearl.” “For generosity and creativity.” the bring Kapellas’ story to the screen. past ten years I’ve lost a major - Jason Hanasik “I was drawn to John Kapellas member of my blood or chosen Filmmaker because I thought his life experiences family,” he said. “I saw that he, like and the way he had navigated the past me, was walking among the living while and was finding his way through the present also spending a fair amount of time with the was a special kind of medicine,” he said. “A medicine dead. When I went looking for films which helped me that might be useful for both trauma survivors and understand how to spend more time with the living and those navigating their own versions of an endless night. in the present, and what to do with the pain and trauma I also immediately saw him as a really intriguing Queer that had intersected with my life, I didn’t immediately character. Not only is John gay but the life he’s being locate them. Instead I found movies which focused forced to lead is far from normal—he’s doing it with a more on the road to a traumatic experience and not special shade of grace, generosity and creativity.” necessarily myths of how to navigate a life living with Hanasik recalled how Kapellas came into his life. it.” “John is a friend of my best friend,” he said. “While I’ve And then he met Kapellas. “As I got to know John I known my best friend for quite some time, I did not could see that he had found, or was forced to find, his meet John until 2015. When I first met him and entered concept of pearling. I thought this was the story I want his space I didn’t immediately think I’m going to make to shepherd into culture. Although, to focus on only a film with him. There were, of course, the technical that concept or aspect of the film would be reductive. hurdles of filming in almost complete darkness but I think each section of John’s life discussed in the film also, at the time, I didn’t know his back story, and while and how John and his circle have navigated it has little a person living in the dark is curious, it in of itself is not pearls of wisdom that will and has resonated with enough of a reason for me to make a film.” different sections of the audiences who have seen it.” The more he learned about Kapellas, the more
Jason Hanasik’s “How To Make A Pearl” is now available for free online viewing: bit.ly/2EOtV6B 20
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4.18.2018 •
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NEWS miami-dade
SAVE Launches Business Equality Network Luncheon Series The group will promote workplace uniformity and discourage discrimination Jose Cassola
jocacommunications@outlook.com
S
AVE, a local human rights group and advocate for the LGBT community, recently hosted the first of a new series of lunch and learn events in support of its Business Equality Network in Miami. SAVE’s Business Equality Network is a group of South Florida businesses that are taking a stand and saying that discrimination is bad for business.
“We want the most qualified workers here to meet and network with one another and in the state, regardless of who they are,” learn why equality is good for business.” said Tony Lima, executive director of SAVE. Right now in Florida, it’s legal to “We stand behind equality for all, including discriminate against LGBT people. Lima said people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and that’s “wrong and it’s costing us.” According transgender. The values of equality are good to a 2016 study by Dr. Dale Brill of Think Spot, for business and creates an environment Florida could boost its economic output by of fairness and inclusion, which helps our $5.46 billion over 10 years if it was more businesses thrive.” LGBT inclusive. By attracting millennials and The first Business Equality Network the creative class, Florida could generate an luncheon took place April 4 at El Novillo additional $3.91 billion in personal income restaurant in Miami. and $3.47 billion in disposable Attendees were welcomed income in 10 years. by Lima and City of Miami “In many parts of Florida, Mayor Francis Suarez, people can be fired from an ally of the local LGBT their jobs just for being gay or community. In 2016, SAVE transgender. We are taking a joined forces with Miami stand and saying that Florida Congressman Carlos should be open for business to Curbelo and marketing everyone,” said Bren Pantilione, executive Mike Valdezformer campaign manager for Fauli to inaugurate the SAVE. “If we want to live in a Business Equality Network Florida that grows by attracting and recruit local businesses the very best talent, has a strong in favor of workplace economy and is a vibrant place equality. Businesses and to live, then we must celebrate, - Bren Pantilione former campaign organizations who have respect and protect everyone manager for SAVE joined the network include who works, lives and plays in our Lyft, Uber, IKEA, SunTrust, great state.” Magic City Casino and Ball Currently, there is no non& Chain. discrimination law in Florida that protects “We’ve seen our Business Equality LGBT people from discrimination in Network grow from just a handful of small employment. Lima says non-discrimination business owners to well over 200 businesses, policies would help business owners recruit large and small over the last two years,” Lima and retain top talent and help businesses said. “We hope our luncheons will foster a create a welcoming environment for place for these like-minded business leaders customers and clients.
“We are taking a stand and saying that Florida should be open for business to everyone.”
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Photo courtesy of SAVE.
“Passing this type of legislation would ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect, help Florida companies attract the best and brightest employees and enhance the state’s reputation as an open and inclusive world business center,” Lima said. “We support any proposal that furthers full equality for all Floridians.” SAVE’s Business Equality Network
luncheon series runs in partnership with the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Florida International University, Greater Miami Society for Human Resource Management, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Career X Change and Influence Communications. The next luncheon is slated to take place Wednesday, May 2 at FIU’s south campus.
Business owners who wish to sign on to the Business Equality Network can visit www.save.lgbt/business_equality_network. For more information, email Tommy Gomez at tommy@save.lgbt.
WMG Volume 5 • Issue 7 April 18, 2018
Wilton Manors Gazette
community
Commission Tentatively Approves Pool but Concerned About Parking, Future Use By Michael d’Oliveira The facility will have 35 parking Wilton Manors commissioners are generally in support of the proposed spaces. Roberta Moore, director of pool facility at 550 E. Oakland Park Community Development Services, said Blvd. But concerns about parking and 151 were required but that there was no the possible future use of the property way that many could be incorporated may prevent them from approving into the site. The deck, parking, and the it. Whether or not the city approves possibility that the site could one day be the project will be determined at a purchased and turned into a bar were future meeting. The building has been concerns voiced by commissioners. “I hope they schedule unoccupied since at their events wisely. least 2011 after Goodwill Maybe Uber will have moved out. a lot of business,” said John Grzeszczak, head Commissioner Tom coach of Hammerhead Green. “I don’t know Aquatics, is requesting how you have any event that the city change with 35 spaces,” said the zoning from Light Commissioner Scott Industrial to General Newton. “For a city that Business [B-3]. He also talks about parking, wants to renovate the I am stunned,” said facility and expand it Commissioner Julie by 9,264 square feet. Carson. If approved, the total Newton also talked square feet would be about the noise that 30,945. Grzeszczak said - Tom Green would be generated by the facility will be named commissioner people using the rooftop after June Krauser, deck and how that known as the “Mother of Masters Swimming” who died in 2014. would impact the people living next “She wrote the rule book for masters and near to the property. Newton said swimming. She was world famous and he has to keep their quality of life in mind. “I need some assurances.” she lived right here in Wilton Manors.” The Planning & Zoning Board In addition to the main 50-meter pool, the renovated facility would approved the project on Feb. 12 with 10 include a therapy pool, office, gift/pro variances, including parking. Residents shop, locker room, outdoor kitchen, who have spoken about the project have mostly been supportive. The president and a 5,300 square foot rooftop deck.
“hope they schedule their events wisely. Maybe Uber will have a lot of business.”
of one of the condo associations that is next to the property said he and his board support the project. But one resident told The Gazette he’s worried about parking and noise. Grzeszczak said the parking and noise concerns were “unfounded” and that Hammerhead Aquatics has never had a noise complaint and has the backing of the adjacent condos. “This is a daytime business,” said Grzeszczak. Asked what the closing time of the facility would be, he estimated 8 or 9. He added that it would be later for holidays, like July 4th, but those would be rare and still not unreasonable. Mayor Gary Resnick brought up the possibility that the site, after it is rezoned, could eventually be sold to someone who wants to open a bar. “If it’s rezoned, it’s permanently rezoned,” he said.
To prevent that from happening, Resnick suggested the city place some kind of conditions on the property. City Attorney Kerry Ezrol suggested that restrictive covenants might be an option to prevent a future owner from opening a bar there or other unwanted use. Grzeszczak said he would own the facility for “forever and a day” and that “It’s going to be something that brings business into this city besides a bar.” Vice Mayor Justin Flippen asked about what kind of businesses could open at the site under its current zoning. Moore said a boat storage yard and laundry facility are two allowed uses. Flippen commented that if an industrial business were to be located there, instead of the pool, trucks could be coming in and out at all hours of the day. WMG
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April 18, 2018
4.18.2018 •
23
Opinion
Taking the Plunge It’s time to address Robert Boo and Gary Resnick By Sal Torre
WMG April 18, 2018 • Volume 5 • Issue 7 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kerri Covington
Editorial
Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com Digital Content Director • Brittany Ferrendi Webmaster@sfgn.com News Editor • Michael d’Oliveira
Correspondents James Oaksun
For many reasons, I have chosen not to get involved with the Pride Center for over ten years, then some might see that as a noble Pride Center’s recent playground debacle. In addition, it seems like decision. People should be given the opportunity to serve their I have annoyed His Honor, Mayor Resnick, with my satirical piece time and to become better members of society. However, rather last month. Try, try as I might not to discuss the lack of leadership than limit children’s activities at the Pride Center, Robert Boo at the Pride Center and in our Island City, I fear that I can no longer actively courted corporate sponsors and LGBT family organizations hold back, despite cautionary appeals from within, from taking the for the new playground while knowing that this gentleman was employed at the Pride Center. plunge. “Ignorantia juris non excusat.” Readers not versed in legal Latin Having to endure weeks of public attacks from Robert Boo following my Op-Ed, “Pride Center Needs to Come Out of the might be scratching their heads, but Robert Boo should be well Closet,” and then having to spend time responding to claims of aware of this phrase as CEO of a major non-profit organization. “fake news” and more, I have been a bit disinclined to reopen that It translates, ‘”ignorance of the law excuses not.” Furthermore, whole chapter. Furthermore, I would rather not stroke the flames his explanation that he wasn’t aware of the severity of the crimes of those who claim that I have some type of vendetta against Robert committed does not make the matter any better. How does one rate the severity of a sex offense against a minor? Boo. My intent back then, as it is now, is just to ask Robert’s job is not to construe Florida law to fit his for honest answers, answers to questions I hear opinions, but to lead the Pride Center and to abide many in our community asking. If mistakes and bad Robert Boo had by the laws of the State of Florida, of which it seems judgement were made, then our community leaders should be held fully responsible, just like Clarence no problem with he might need some help understanding. One endearing characteristic of a good political Collins, the sex predator, who worked at the Pride SFGN when the leader is that you’re a person of your word, that you Center, should be held responsible for his actions paper awarded follow through with promised or stated intentions. and bad judgement. About two years ago, Mayor Resnick publically One shared attitude of both Robert Boo and him Activist stated at his victory celebration at the Triangle Gary Resnick is to blame others, be it my articles, of the Year or Building that he would not be seeking re-election SFGN, and others. Nobody likes to be put on the allowed him two and that this would be his last term. spot, especially in a public forum; but this is the Many residents took the Mayor at his word, reality both of these community leaders have full pages to encouraged others to run and have endorsed knowingly and willingly chosen by the positions rebuke my 750someone other than Resnick. Now back-paddling, they occupy. So instead of blaming unfavorable word article. His Honor has announced that he is again seeking press coverage, stomping your feet like a spoiled reelection and is wondering why no one is really too child, and publically stating that you no longer read excited about such news. the publication in question, it might be a better idea Gary Resnick has made his choice. Rather than pass the torch to to grow the hell up and deal with the issues with which you have a new generation and to be recognized as the long-serving Mayor been entrusted. Robert Boo had no problem with SFGN when the paper awarded of our Island City, he chose to go against his word and become him Activist of the Year or allowed him two full pages to rebuke embattled in what will no doubt be a tough election. He cites the my 750-word article. Now he can’t return SFGN’s phone calls or many issues that still need to be completed as the main reason he is answer requests for information regarding the playground debacle. seeking reelection. Gary has been in office well over 10 years. How Furthermore, he knew where to turn when he wanted to take full long does it take for something to get accomplished? Voters in our credit for the first Children’s Playground on a LGBT community Island City will make their choice this coming November. In closing, Heidi Seigal, the Pride Center board member who center’s campus, SFGN. In that news coverage, Robert Boo stated, “The playground is to provide a safe space for same-sex parents to resigned over the playground debacle, should be a shining beacon be able to bring their children.” Unfortunately, due to decisions to us all, demonstrating that doing what is right and not looking the other way takes courage, sacrifice, and the highest duty to the made by Robert Boo, that space now has a very dark cloud over it. If Robert Boo’s intent was to protect and help an elderly gentleman greater community at large. Thank you Heidi for making life just and known sex offender, who had worked and volunteered at the better here. WMG
Staff Photographers
J.R. Davis • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires
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Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Clark Rogers clark.rogers@sfgn.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. MEMBER
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 24
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4 .18.2018
2 •
April 18, 2018
Commission Will Place Water Quality on Next Agenda
Community
“It only took four speeches,” said mayoral candidate Boyd Corbin By Michael d’Oliveira After months of criticizing the city at a previous meeting. “We have five times commission about the city’s water quality, more Chloroform than the EPA allows. We Boyd Corbin, who recently announced he is have nearly double the allowable maximum running for mayor, got the response he was contaminant level for Dichloroacetic Acid and two other contaminants looking for. that surpassed the EPA MCLs At the April 10 commission include Dichloroacedic Acid meeting, Mayor Gary Resnick told “The color of and Trichloroacedic Acid.” Corbin the issue of water quality Corbin said he got those would be on the April 24 commission my tap water results through a test he paid agenda. “It only took four speeches. has been for from a private company. Thank you very much,” responded tinted green/ In an email from the Corbin. Florida Department of Corbin, who has accused city brown for Health, Corbin was informed officials of lying about water quality, the last year that his water test was not has repeatedly called upon the city and a half.” acceptable because it did not commission to test the water it have a valid chain of custody. gets from Fort Lauderdale’s Fiveash - Tom Marten City Manager Leigh Regional Water Treatment Plant. resident Ann Henderson said the “Residents of the city want to water the city gets from know the truth about our water so we can do something about it, like buying the Fort Lauderdale’s Fiveash Regional Water right water filter systems. The city commission Treatment Plant is continually tested by is putting residents in harms way by lying to Fort Lauderdale and certified by the Florida us about our water, saying it tested fine. You Department of Health. In its 2016 Water know better,” Corbin told commissioners Quality Report posted on its website, the city
3 •
claims all levels of chloramines, fluoride, arsenic, and other harmful chemicals and substances are within acceptable limits. Corbin has also talked several times about the green color of his water. But, until the March 13 commission meeting, officials mostly refrained from responding. “No one on this commission has ever heard that we have bad water. Ever. If I knew there was bad water in this city, I’m telling you right now, everyone on this commission would be screaming and yelling,” said Commissioner Scott Newton, who held up a glass of water. Other residents have also complained about the color of their water. “I am very concerned about the safety
April 18, 2018
of my bathing and drinking water. The color of my tap water has been tinted green/brown for the last year and a half. My situation is certainly not unique. There are many other residents I have been communicating with in person and online that have the same problem with their water,” wrote resident Tom Marten in an email. Vice Mayor Justin Flippen said there’s been “misinformation and blatant lies that are out there” and that the commission is here to ensure public health and safety. “We are here to address your issues, your concerns, particularly as they relate to public safety,” said Commissioner Julie Carson. WMG
4.18.2018 •
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Business
community
Commission Moves to Require Commission Denies Generators on New Condos Developer’s Flex Unit Request By Michael d’Oliveira With an eye towards hurricane season, Wilton Manors commissioners want to require new multi-unit residential buildings to install generators to ensure elevators can still operate in the event of a loss of electricity. The regulation was proposed by Commissioner Tom Green in September of last year and commissioners voted on it for the first time at their April 10 meeting. If approved during a second vote, new condominiums with public elevators that are at least two stories or up to 74.99 feet high would have to provide a permanent generator. The generator would have to be in use for at least seven days. The regulation would not apply to nursing homes or commercial buildings. Vice Mayor Justin Flippen said the state pre-empts local governments from regulating nursing homes. “The state pre-empts us on quite a bit. We did what we can with this. Maybe in the future [we can do more].” Green, who lives at The Metropolitan, said he came up with the idea when he saw his wheel-chair bound neighbor being carried down the stairs because Hurricane Irma knocked-out the power to the building. “He had to be carried down by a couple friends. I don’t ever want to see that again.” Green said it was “unfortunate”
By Michael d’Oliveira
Wilton Manors City Commission, via Facebook.
that the proposed regulation only requires a generator for new construction and he hopes the commission will eventually require existing multi-story residential buildings with elevators to install a generator. Commissioners also brought up the issues of cost and fuel storage. Commissioners asked city staff to find out how much it would cost for a developer to install a generator. They also discussed possibly requiring the installation of underground fuel tanks. WMG
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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
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Coral Shores Realty Brian S. Bedigian PA, Realtor
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Fort Lauderdale Behavioral Health Center
Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Neptune Memorial Reef
26
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4 .18.2018
Most residents who spoke about the as he did at the Feb. 27 meeting, even proposed townhouse project at 549 NE 21 though commissioners said they wouldn’t Ct. were in favor of the project. But, citing approve that number, Hernandez said he density concerns, commissioners did not thought a conversation about 14 units approve the developer’s request for 12 would come up. Resnick countered, saying Hernandez hadn’t submitted any flex units. Tim Hernandez, owner of New Urban other plan besides the original. “Now, Communities, had requested 12 flex you’re dealing with a [time crunch] units for his proposed 16-unit townhome situation,” said Resnick. Before the number of flex units was development behind Gables Wilton Park. Only four are allowed under code but decreased, Hernandez said the project commissioners are allowed to award extra would be good for the city because it flex units if they choose and increase the would bring in more residents within walking business of Wilton Drive who number of units that can be built. would support local But for commissioners, businesses. Resident Ken 16 was just too many Stone told commissioners for the 0.8-acre piece to be careful. “We need of land. “I would never growth but we’ve got to be support 16 units on a very cautious.” piece of land that size,” The residents who said Commissioner supported the project Tom Green. Instead, cited an increase in tax commissioners voted revenue. One man against 4-0 to approve eight flex the project said it would units. Commissioner Julie ruin his privacy because Carson left the meeting - Tom Green people would be able before the vote took place commissioner to see over his fence. but voted no when the Hernandez disputed that, project first came to the saying there would be a lot of trees. commission on Feb. 27. Others in support said it would increase Commissioners tabled a separate related ordinance to their May 8 meeting the availability of housing that was to give Hernandez time to redesign his affordable by Wilton Manors standards. “I never said affordable,” said project and bring it back for approval. “I can’t make 12 units work,” said Hernandez. He estimated the cost to purchase the units, if built, would be in Hernandez. Asked by Mayor Gary Resnick why he the high $400,000 range. “Mid $500s, requested the same amount of flex units hopefully.” WMG
“I would never support 16 units on a piece of land that size.”
• • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • •
4 4• September • April 18, 2018 6, 2017
politics
Boyd Launches Long Shot Bid for Mayor By Michael d’Oliveira Boyd Corbin. Photo via Facebook.
In an emailed statement to The Gazette, with additional fees, no parking garage and Boyd Corbin said he’s running for mayor code enforcement Nazis. We pay a company to get rid of “mismanagement and a half million each year to read the parking corruption” by city officials. “Residents are meters the city paid for! 6 percent annual sick of being lied to by the city commission. city employee raises. The money will soon run out. Enough is enough. They are stealing millions I’m here to stop the lies and from our water bills. corruption.” They say your water is In addition to The ex-con Corbin not green and the tests the water issue, referred to is business run on it are just fine. We Corbin has owner Nick Berry. Berry is currently have five times also a member of multiple the EPA maximum level also accused city boards. His past was for chloroform which is the Wilton profiled by SFGN in a bad for your liver, kidneys previous issue. and brain. It can give you Manors Police In addition to the water cancer and is absorbed Department of issue, Corbin has also through your skin. Three accused the Wilton Manors other contaminant levels harassment and Police Department of are too high.” called for Chief harassment and called for He also talked about Chief Paul O’Connell to be other issues. Paul O’Connell fired. Corbin’s campaign “The Wilton Drive lane to be fired. against the police chief elimination project will started because he believes cost millions more than the grant plus another half million each year he was unfairly targeted by police over a for maintenance after it’s done since FDOT 2012 incident between him and celebrity won’t be footing the bill anymore. We need impersonator Michael L. Walters. Corbin a parking garage.” Asked about FDOT’s was wearing a KKK outfit [as a joke, he said] plans for Wilton Drive, a spokesperson said on Halloween and carrying a tiki torch. In the organization will continue to maintain the video, Walters can be seen grabbing Corbin’s torch, struggling, and lunging at the road at its own expense. Corbin continued, “The planning and him. Corbin was charged in the incident zoning board is run by an ex-con [major but eventually cleared of the charges. drug trafficking]. Businesses are suffering WMG
• • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • 5 •
April 18, 2018
4.18.2018 •
27
BRIEFS
Check out what’s happening
Around Town By Michael d’Oliveira
Art Expo returns The next Art Expo will be held on Saturday, April 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. along Wilton Drive. Art Expo is a monthly event where business owners host local artists. Visit wmae.org for more information. At the same time, local gallery owner Aster da Fonseca will host IN OPEN AIR, an exhibition depicting paintings focused on Florida’s landscapes. It features works by Ted Matz, Janet Onofrey, and Dunny Potter. The gallery is at 2201 Wilton Drive. WMG
Fire station roof bid Wilton Manors is now accepting bids for the renovation of the Fire Station roof. Bids must be submitted by May 15. A pre-bid meeting will take place at city hall on Thursday, April 26 at 10 a.m. “The work will include but not be limited to site preparation, earthwork, the cutting, removing all existing roofing down to the metal deck and replace with new roofing system on existing roof and overhangs.” WMG
Citizens Police Academy Graduates of the 6th Wilton Manors Citizens Police Academy pose with police and city officials at the April 10 commission meeting. The Academy is a 10week course that aims to teach participants about code compliance, the K9 unit, road patrol, the detective bureau, drug enforcement, and other aspects of the police department. The next course will begin on Jan. 31, 2019 and end on April 5. Email info@wmpd.org for more information or call 954-390-2162. This year’s graduates are John Attilus, Garrett Brian, Linden Cheney, Joan Coniglio, James Cunningham, Concettina Koenig, Michael Miranda, Joseph Pallant, Inez Pasher, Gudrun Rhoads, Miguel Sarquis, Ron Shimshilashvili, Robert Shore, Paul Sterl, Andrew Walker Vazquez, and William Zilligen. WMG Citizens Police Acadamy.
Tip-A-Cop Tip-A-Cop, a dining event where Wilton Manors police officers serve as “celebrity waiters,” will be held on Thursday, April 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. at Rumors Bar & Grill, 2426 Wilton Drive. The money raised will be donated to Special Olympics Florida. WMG
• • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • 28
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4 .18.2018
4 6• September • April 18, 2018 6, 2017
Convictions
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Convictions
Mombian
Of Marriage and Parenting Our 25th anniversary Dana Rudolph
M
y spouse Helen and I recently celebrated our 25th anniversary (though our time as legal spouses is obviously shorter). Reaching a quarter century together—just about half of my life—feels significant in a way that previous anniversaries, even milestone ones at the decade marks, have not. Here are a few reflections on the occasion. We’ve been through a lot together, including six interstate moves as a couple and significant career changes. We met as struggling grad students and now have a son in high school who will soon be looking at colleges himself. For us, retirement is now closer than college. We’ve dealt with births and deaths in each of our families. We’ve disagreed and argued but also supported and encouraged each other. How have we made this work? I don’t think we have any secret except that we’ve both managed—with difficulty sometimes—to change and grow over the years. We’ve learned each other’s peeves and sore points and how to communicate more effectively when one of us does get upset about something. We’ve been willing to adapt our roles and routines as needed around both outside employment and household tasks. We’ve offered each other support and sympathy, and remembered that ineffable something that drew us to each other in the first place. Since becoming parents, too, and especially as our son gets older, I’ve become more aware of needing to set an example for him of what a healthy relationship looks like. Not that Helen and I never disagree— it’s also important for our son to see that two people can argue and still love each other, and for him to learn how people can apologize and reach resolution after an argument. But I’ve come to realize it’s often not worth sweating the small stuff.
We’ve also always believed that it’s important for us each to have time apart as well as together. Marriage, legal or otherwise, doesn’t mean being joined at the hip. (Except sometimes. Ahem.) Giving each other alone time, or time for other interests and friends, is critical for a balanced life and makes us appreciate each other anew when we’re reunited. Now that we’re parents, it’s equally important for us to spend time as a couple without our son (and not just in the hipbumping way). When our son was an infant, my parents would sometimes watch him while we went out for a quiet dinner. He even stayed with them overnight for several days once while we took a real vacation. We came back truly rested and ready for the next phase of his everchanging development; my parents loved spending time with their only grandchild; and our son gained exposure to new experiences and people. He’s grown into a pretty adaptable teenager who loves to travel with us, and I put a lot of that down to his early “travel” to Grandma and Grandpa’s. He’s old enough now that we can pretty much take him any place we go to (except for bars, which aren’t really our thing anyway), but it’s still sometimes nice for us moms to get away on our own. Having said that, one of the great joys of parenthood for me is doing things as an entire family. That includes rediscovering things I liked to do as a child—visiting children’s museums, sledding in the winter, making cookies on a rainy afternoon. It also means being introduced to things by our 21st-century son, like VR games, ziplining, and Harry Potter amusement parks. Kids don’t make a marriage; there are plenty of happy and child-free married (and
When I think about all the things in each of our lives that led us to meet 25 years ago, it seems a moment of impossible odds.
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4 .18.2018
Dana Rudolph (left) with her wife Helen Maynard and their son.
otherwise committed) folks out there. But for those marriages that do include them, children can expand horizons and give us extra motivation to work on our parental relationships (or conversely, to realize that things are so bad that one needs to get out for the sake of the children). Raising children brings new concerns and responsibilities to the adults involved. Passing the marker of midlife, children or no, carries yet another wave of issues and decisions (and occasional backaches). But with responsibilities come also joys, and a good marriage carries love at its core, despite laundry, bills, and other duties of adulthood. Somehow, Helen and I have made it all work for 25 years now. We have a similar set of values yet complement each other
well where we differ. (She loves hoppy beers, whereas I’m all about the dark and malty, so we never fight over the last bottle.) When I think about all the things in each of our lives that led us to meet 25 years ago, it seems a moment of impossible odds. I’m not the kind to put this down to some mystical move of God or fate. Call it luck, perhaps; luck with a lot of work that followed. Marriage, of course, can be a fraught subject for LGBTQ folks and other marginalized people for whom it has been unfortunately mired in politics. At the personal level, however, it remains about love, no matter what politicians and pundits say. Happy anniversary, then, to the woman I love. I’m looking forward to our next 25 years and beyond.
Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of Mombian (mombian.com), a GLAAD Media Award-winning blog and resource directory for LGBTQ parents.
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
Presenting Sponsor
Benefitting These Organizations:
David Richardson Florida State Representative
For tickets • diversityhonors.com
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Gay Straight Alliance
Stegelmann Family LOCAL NAME. GLOBAL COVERAGE.
SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNE WS.COM
4.18.2018 •
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lifestyle food
Eating Well & Doing Good Dining Out For Life & Chefs Up Front
Rick Karlin
Help make a difference while dining out with two events coming up soon that benefit organizations seeking to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Chef Up Front
F
LIPANY (Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition to Youth) will host its annual Chefs Up Front fundraising dinners this August at The Biltmore in Coral Gables and the W Fort Lauderdale. This popular epicurean adventure showcases the talent of 10 of South Florida’s most acclaimed chefs who prepare a five-course signature dinner
tableside for their guests. Each table’s menu is unique and complemented by sommelier-selected wines. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit Share Our Strength’s Cooking Matters program, which connects families with healthy food by teaching them how to prepare nutritious and delicious meals on a limited budget. The evening will begin with a special reception and silent auction while hors d’oeuvres and specialty cocktails are served. Following the reception, each chef will prepare his or her signature courses in an intimate dinner setting. An after party will follow where guests can mingle with the chefs. The evening is hosted by radio personalities Kimmy B. of Hits 97.3 and Julie Guy of 101.5 LITE FM, both of whom are long-time FLIPANY supporters. Tickets are $250 and available with a discount of $50 Off until July 10 (use discount code CUF50EB). Ticket prices increase to $250 per person on July 11, 2018. To purchase event tickets, visit www.chefsupfront.org, choose the event location you would like to attend and scroll down to choose seats.
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Dining Out For Life
E
njoy a meal with family or friends at a participating restaurant during Dining Out For Life on Thursday, April 26 and help raise much needed funds for Broward House. The national event includes more than 3,000 participating restaurants raising money for those impacted by HIV/AIDs. In more than 60 cities across North America, restaurant will donate a generous portion of the day’s proceeds to fund HIV/AIDS care, prevention, education, testing, counseling and other essential services in their city. Volunteer spokespeople for the national event include Ted Allen, host of Food Network’s “Chopped”, actor Pam Grier (“Foxy Brown”, “Jackie Brown”), designer Mondo Guerra, winner of Lifetime’s “Project Runway All-Stars”, and chef Daisy Martinez from Food Network’s “Viva Daisy!” “The wonderful thing about Dining Out For Life is you can do it three times in one day, by going to a different restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” said Mondo Guerra. “You can sit down and have a meal
with someone interesting, someone you love, maybe someone you haven’t seen in a while. And, it’s an opportunity to have a conversation. The fight against this disease begins with real, honest conversation.” Subaru has been a corporate sponsor since soon after the fundraiser was established. Alan Bethke, Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America, Inc. explains why, “We have been the host sponsor of Dining Out For Life for more than a decade; however, the struggle to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues on. Subaru is proud to be part of an event that spreads awareness for such a worthy cause and encourages people to support those who need it most in their local communities.” This year marks the sixth year that Broward House will be the beneficiary organization for Broward County’s participating restaurants. Broward House President and CEO Stacy Hyde stated, “We are grateful to our restaurant owners for their generosity and commitment to the community. We invite everyone to go out and eat at one of these giving restaurant
lifestyle food partners on April 26th and support these restaurants throughout the year. Your presence will make a difference for those we serve and combat stigma by stating HIV Care and Prevention matter as HIV/AIDS is still an epidemic in Broward County.”
Check out the confirmed list of participating restaurants below and be sure to grab breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks at one—or a few—on April 26th in support of Broward House and Dining Out for Life!
2018 Participating Restaurants Venue
Hours/Meal Service
Donation Amount
Rosie’s Bar & Grill The Over Easy Café Mind Your Manors Wilton Creamery Naked Grape Wine Bar The Foundry Pizza Craft Cucina Caruso Georgie’s Alibi Cielito Uno and Tres Pelican Landing @ Pier 66 Hotel & Marina Bona Italian Restaurant
Lunch/ Dinner 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Breakfast/ Lunch 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Lunch/ Dinner noon- 10 p.m. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Dinner 4 p.m. – midnight Dinner 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Dinner 4 p.m. - midnight. Lunch/ Dinner 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Lunch/ Dinner 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Dinner 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
30% 25% 25% 50% 30% 25% 30% 30% 50% 25%
Lunch/ Dinner 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Lunch/ Dinner 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Dinner 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Lunch/Dinner noon- 11 p.m. Lunch/Dinner noon- 11 p.m. Lunch/ Dinner 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
30%
Eduardo de San Angel Mini Pita Plus Maria’s Cantina Las Orquideas
25% 30% 50% 50% 30%
Fort Lauderale and Pompano Cafe Seville Cafe Vico
Lunch/ Dinner 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. 5 p.m. - close Lunch/ Dinner 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
30% 30%
Hunters will be hosting the official after-party and will be donating 100 percent of classic cocktail sale proceeds from 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. SFGN is an official media sponsor of Dining Out for Life. For an updated list and details visit: DiningOutForLife.com/BrowardCounty/restaurants/
Broward House has served Broward County for 30 years in providing care and prevention for HIV/AIDS. In 2018, the agencies’ 95 staff have had 8,000 contacts with individuals through their prevention/education, testing, case management, assisted and independent living programs and their counseling and substance abuse treatment programs.
Dine Out For Life spokspeople. Photo via DOFL website.
4.18.2018 •
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SFGNITES
F O R T H E W E E K O F a p r i l 1 9 - a p r i l 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 • W W W . S F G N . C O M J.W. Arnold
No, She Didn’t!
jw@prdconline.com
THU
4/19
theater Former ‘70s supermodel Susan Anton stars in the musical review “Jerry’s Girls,” opening tonight and running through May 13 at the Wick Theatre, 9201 N. Federal Hwy. in Boca Raton. Enjoy memorable songs from Broadway composer Jerry Herman’s hits, including “Hello, Dolly,” “Mame,” “La Cage aux Folles,” and more, sung by Anton and South Florida’s favorite leading ladies. Tickets are $80 at TheWick.org.
FRI
4/20
film The World AIDS Museum and Educational Center, 1201 N.E. 26th St. #111 in Wilton Manors, brings back its popular Friday film series tonight at 7 p.m. with a screening of “Theo & Hugo: Paris 05:59.” Two men engage in unprotected sex at a Paris club, but must face the consequences when one reveals he is HIV-positive. Free, but $5 donation requested at the door. For more information, go to WorldAIDSMuseum.org.
x
Saturday
4/21
Comedy
The Kinsey Sicks, America’s favorite “dragapella” quartet, returns to the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale with their new show, “Things You Shouldn’t Say.” These talented ladies from San Francisco will lead the vocal resistance against Donald Trump with laughter, integrity and heroically high hair in this new show that also explores racism, AIDS, extreme macramé and even oblong vegetables. Tickets at BrowardCenter.org. Photo Credit: KinseySicks.com.
SAT
4/21 SUN
4/22 MON
4/23 TUE
4/24
art
theater
television
nightlife
Who knew a little stroll down Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors on the third Saturday of the month might become a cultural experience? Tonight from 6 – 9 p.m., the Wilton Manors Arts & Entertainment Expo will offer a showcase of art and performances by local artists, craftsmen and performers in the many galleries, boutiques and businesses along the busy drive. For more information, go to WMAE.org.
Maplewood Playhouse closes out its 2017-18 season with the upbeat and funny musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” opening Friday, April 20 and playing this weekend only at the Kelsey Theater, 700 Park Ave. in Lake Park. Carbonell winner Mallory Newbrough stars as one of the mid-pubescent spellers seeking the championship of a lifetime. Tickets start at $30 at TheKelseyTheater.com.
In case you missed it, Netflix launched its latest sci-fi series, “Lost in Space, last week and tonight is a great night to engage in some binge-watching. It’s not quite campy like the 1960s Irwin Allen TV series—there are no monkeys with pointy ears or sexy silver-clad aliens—but the reboot has high production values and confronts the kinds of complex family issues that survive into the 22nd century. Watch at Netflix.com.
Head down to The Pub, 2283 Wilton Dr. in Wilton Manors, tonight for Show Tune Tuesdays, beginning at 8 p.m. Sing along to videos from your favorite movie musicals, but Nathan the Hairy Pianist and Michael Scott will also be performing from 8:30 – 10 p.m. Munch on spicy calamari and enjoy $5 Ketel One vodka cocktails and $8 Moscow Mules from 9 p.m. to close. For more information, go to ThePubWM.com.
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IF YOU LOVE TRUMP, YOU’LL HATE THIS SHOW!
APRIL 21 Amaturo Theater
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 BrowardCenter.org
Ticketmaster: 954.462.0222 Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office Group Sales: 954.660.6307 Follow us:
BrowardCenter
The Broward Center 2017-2018 season is presented by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation.
4.18.2018 •
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A&E film
Six Films to See
this week at Outshine Miami J.W. Arnold
T
he OUTshine Film Festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary, returns to Miami, April 20 – 29, offering LGBTQ cinephiles more than 80 film screenings, celebritystudded red carpets, glamorous parties and panel discussions with directors, writers and actors. “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” International Premiere Friday, April 20, 8 p.m. Scottish Rite Temple, Miami Italian with English subtitles / Italy / 89 min. There was a time when festival programs were padded with cute and quaint coming out stories. With the advance of marriage equality, more wedding movies reflect the experiences of LGBTQ filmmakers, like this comedy from Italy. When Berliners Antonio and Paolo return to Antonio’s village in Italy to be married, everyone experiences more than a little culture shock. Only a big musical number can rescue their nuptials when one of the men comes clean about his past. “Queerama” Southeast Premiere Saturday, April 21, 9:45 p.m. English / U.K. / 71 min. This fascinating montage—reminiscent of the emotional films shown each year at awards shows—was pieced together from hundreds of archived documentaries, features and television shows discovered in the British Film Institute. The soundtrack by John Grant and Hercules & Love Affair provides the only narration in this survey of funny, touching and disturbing gay and lesbian references from British pop culture over the past century. “Alaska is a Drag” Sunday, April 22, 7 p.m. English / U.S.A. / 90 min. Leo is an aspiring drag superstar stuck working in an Alaskan fish cannery. He and his twin sister are trapped in the monotony of fist fights and fish guts and spend their days figuring out how to escape. Out of necessity, Leo learns to defend himself, catching the
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The international premiere of “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” opens the 20th annual OUTshine Film Festival this weekend. Photo Credit: Breaking Glass Pictures..
attention of the local boxing coach. He must then decide whether to compete in a big fight or make his drag debut. Despite the convoluted plot, this comedy has lots of heart and a cameo by Margaret Cho. “Funny Story” East Coast Premiere Sunday, April 22, 7:15 p.m. English / U.S.A. / 87 min. Here’s another one of those gay wedding films: This time, Walter, a womanizing, second rate TV actor, unknowingly crashes his estranged lesbian daughter’s destination wedding. After a night of drinking, he also unwittingly beds the bride (not his daughter, the other one). Talk about an awkward situation! Along the way, Walter discovers the destructiveness of narcissism and healing power of forgiveness. Michael J. Gallagher directs the well-conceived dark comedy.
“In Between Seasons” North American Premiere Monday, April 23, 9 p.m.
Korean with English subtitles / South Korea / 115 min.
We’ve seen this story before: A mother must come to terms with her son’s homosexuality after he is nearly killed in a tragic accident. She takes out her confusion and anger on his boyfriend, who demonstrates the clarity and resilience of love in the face of adversity. What makes this film so intriguing and powerful is its setting, mired in the strict conventions of Korea’s homophobic society. This is a compelling drama, both skillfully filmed and beautifully acted.
“Wounded by the Wind” International Premiere Tuesday, April 24, 9 p.m. Spanish with English subtitles / Spain / 80 min. “All the world is a stage. And all the men
and women merely players.” Director Juan Carlos Rubio takes Shakespeare’s famous quote to heart, setting this two-man drama with its string of powerful monologues in an empty theater. David is going through his deceased father’s things and runs across a mysterious letter from a former lover, a man. His curiosity gets the better of him and he learns more about the legacy of the mysterious, detached man who was his father. Unless noted, screenings are presented at Regal Cinemas South Beach, 1120 Lincoln Rd. in Miami Beach. For a complete festival schedule and tickets, go to OUTshineFilm.org. Watch SFGN next week for more picks from the festival’s second weekend.
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A&E drag “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars” winner Trixie Mattel brings her new show to the Broward Center on Friday, April 20. Photo via TrixieMattel.com.
TRAVEL EDITION March - April 2018
OUT NOW!
Camping Vacations Food ... And more!
Visit SFGN.com to find your copy
Multitalented ‘Drag Race: All Stars’ Winner Brings New Show to Broward J.W. Arnold
W
hen 28-year-old Brian Michael Firkus dons pumps and a wig, he transforms into the outrageous, lifesized Barbie doll Trixie Mattel, the winner of season 3 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars.” But, behind the make-up, the thoughtful Wisconsin native is a talented performer, musician and songwriter who can imagine life after drag. “Trixie” is currently on a victory tour of the country with her new show “Trixie Mattel: Now with Moving Parts” and she/he took a few minutes recently to discuss “their” careers and future ambitions:
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What can audiences expect in your new show? I’m going to have to be naked, it’s so hot in Florida! It is a stand-up show that features my musical gifts, video, lip sync…all spicy and exciting, it has some surprisingly moving sentiments behind the jokes, some serious moments, too. I’m going to make people laugh and cry.
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Beyond your iconic drag skills, you’re also a talented musician. When did you discover your love for music? I was living as a mermaid and this sea witch wanted to steal my voice. Seriously, I grew up in the deep north woods of Wisconsin, on my grandfather’s knee. He was a country musician. I never liked country, it was “old peoples’ music,” but as I got older—maybe 22 or 23 after my grandparents passed away—I realized the music has a lot of complexity and weight. By the late ‘90s, I was playing guitar, acousticdriven pop music. I never really got into folk and country, even though I grew up listening
to it, but now I’ve kind of come full circle. I want to continue to break into the world of folk music and be seen as a serious musician and not as reality show trash. You came into this season of “All Stars” as an underdog after being eliminated not once, but twice in season 7. Why did you decide to try again? Obviously, I was traumatized after the first time, going home early and feeling embarrassed. In episode 4 (season 7), when I thought I was going to eliminated, I felt so emasculated. It’s funny how you can feel that way when you’re in drag. But you came back... I knew the audience would have a lot invested in me. I’m living proof that you don’t have to win to go on to be a success. I really felt the pressure and pressure doesn’t help…I’ve always said that it’s important to impress the judges, but it’s more important to impress the other queens in the room. If you do a great job and the other queens think you did a great job, you won’t go home because they remember that. How has Trixie evolved over the years? You can tell, since I started doing music and stand-up, that I’ve went from Malibu Barbie to Coachella Barbie. I do see myself evolving backwards and getting out of drag at some point. I don’t see myself being able to sell the Trixie thing forever. I think about doing other characters, maybe a sort of male character. I like doing comedy, I like doing music and I like dressing up and I’ll always be doing those things.
“Trixie Mattel: Now with Moving Parts” Tour comes to the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale for one show only, Friday, April 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $43.55 and VIP packages including a meet-and-greet and photographs are also available. Tickets at BrowardCenter.org.
THE MAGIC BEHIND THE
STAGE GO BEHIND THE SCENES Every week, SFGN brings you an inside look on what’s hitting the stage near you. From interviews with producers to exclusive peeks at new performances, we’re here to make sure you’re ready for every show.
SFGN.COM/SFGN-ARTICLES/AE 4.18.2018 •
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april 18 - april 24
Datebook
Theater Tucker Berardi
Calendar@SFGN.com
Top
Picks
*Cook and the Cork PreShow Dinner.
Wednesday, April 18th from 5 - 6 pm at the Cook And The Cork, Coral Springs Center of the Arts. Enjoy a pre-show dinner before enjoying Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox. Tickets $37. See menu at TheCenterCs. com
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
Wednesday, April 18 at 7:30 pm at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts. 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.
*ABBA the Concert
Thursday, April 19 at 8 pm in Dreyfoos Hall at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach. Enjoy this live tribute to ABBA. Tickets $20 - $100. Visit max. kravis.org.
broward county *Cook and the Cork Pre-Show Dinner.
Wednesday, April 18th from 5 - 6 pm at the Cook And The Cork, Coral Springs Center of the Arts. Enjoy a pre-show dinner before enjoying Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox. Tickets $37. See menu at TheCenterCs.com
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
Wednesday, April 18 at 7:30 pm at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts. 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 *Something Rotten
May 1 - May 6 at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach. Hear the story of the Bottom brothers as they struggle to find their place in the theater world dominated by William Shakespeare. Tickets $28 - $68. Visit max.kravis.org.
Friday Night Sound Waves Music Series. Photo courtesy of Friday Night Sound Waves.
*ABBA the Concert
Thursday, April 19 at 8 pm in Dreyfoos Hall at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach. Enjoy this live tribute to ABBA. Tickets $20 - $100. Visit max.kravis.org.
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-person exhibition by artists who employ photography and digitally-based technologies to create works resembling fine art prints or abstract paintings.
Be Here Now
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 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
Free Friday Concerts
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 *From The Dirt
April 18 to 28 at 8 pm at the Miami Theater Center, 9806 NE 2nd Ave, Miami Shores. An Americana-inspired contemptorary dance work about the human experience. Tickets $25. Call 305-751-9550.
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 JustTheFunny.com.
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SouthFloridaGayNews It’s about time. It’s about us. A paper that speaks with you, to you, and about you. A paper that pulls no punches, protects our friends, defends our allies, and defines our adversaries. Our goal is to have you make our paper your home page.
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41
Datebook
Community Tucker Berardi Calendar@SFGN.com
Top Picks *Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 21 from 8 am to 10 am at NW 39th St. Greenway, Oakland Park. Join the Oakland Park Community Corps as they celebrate Earth Day with a tree planting along the NW 39th Street greenway. Free event. Call 954-630-4502.
*Onyx
Thursday, April 19 at 8 pm at the Arts Garage, NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach Fl. Enjoy live music, local bands and special guests Jessica Morale and Del Pelson at this art-centric community event. Tickets $10. Call 561-450-6357.
*South Beach Chamber Ensemble
Saturday, April 21 at 8pm at the Arts Garage, NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. The South Beach Chamber Ensemble is a powerhouse string quartet that offers “high quality chamber music for multi-generational audiences.” Tickets $30 - $45. Call 561-450-6357.
april 18 april 24 Broward Support Services PFLAG
Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Southwest Ranches. A support group for parents of LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and locations.
SunServe Youth Group
Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral Springs and Hollywood. A support group and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and times.
Survivor Support
First and third Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support from counselors and peers who have lost loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention at 954-384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org.
broward county *Cuisine for Art Fundraiser
Thursday, April 26 at 6:30 pm at the Hard Rock Event Center, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. An annual fundraiser to benefit the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood. Entertainment will include the Dale Powers Band, vocalist Maria DeCrescenzo, and Michael Dean as Cher. Tickets $150.Visit artandculturecenter.org
*Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 21 from 8 am to 10 am at NW 39th St. Greenway, Oakland Park. Join the Oakland Park Community Corps as they celebrate Earth Day with a tree planting along the NW 39th Street greenway. Free event. Call 954-630-4502.
4th Annual Heart & Soul Festival
Friday, April 27th from 6 pm to 9 pm at the GALLERYone DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in Fort Lauderdale. Local artists will showcase their collection of art, live jazz music and
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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 are $15 and include food and drink samples from all vendors. Free for children under 12. Visit oaklandparkfl.gov.
Voices of Pride
Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie
april 18 - april 24 Highway in Lake Worth. Join the Gay Men’s Chorus as they practice every week. Free. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC. com for rehearsal details.
Life Coaching
Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Latinos Salud Clubhouse, 2300 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Get one-onone life coaching from certified CRCS coaches. For guys living with HIV, their partners, and anyone who identifies as transgender. Free. Call 954-765-6239 or visit LatinosSalud.org.
Lauderdale Bridge Club Lessons and Games
Mondays at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 401 SE 15th St. in Fort Lauderdale. Join the club for bridge lessons and try your hand at some games. Cost $4. Call 610-4016475 or visit MarpleBridgeClub.com.
palm beach county *Onyx Art Stroll
Thursday, April 19 at 7 pm at the Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach Fl. Take part in a free art show where local artists and
crafts people display and sell their original artwork. Call 561-450-6357.
*Onyx
Thursday, April 19 at 8 pm at the Arts Garage, NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach Fl. Enjoy live music, local bands and special guests Jessica Morale and Del Pelson at this art-centric community event. Tickets $10. Call 561-4506357.
*South Beach Chamber Ensemble
Saturday, April 21 at 8pm at the Arts Garage, NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. The South Beach Chamber Ensemble is a powerhouse string quartet that offers “high quality chamber music for multi-generational audiences.” Tickets $30 - $45. Call 561-450-6357.
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.
LGBTQ Teen Support Group
Tuesdays from 6 pm to 7 pm at the Falk
Center for Couseling, 22455 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton. Join experts in a support group that addresses discrimination, coming out, depression, PTSD and how to deal with these stresses as an LGBTQ teen. Call 561483-5300 to register in advance.
Transcendence
and he explores places where na-ture 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
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.
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.
miami-dade county
key west
*OUTSHINE Film Festival
Saturday, April 21 at 2:30 pm at Regal Cinemas, 1120 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Come to see the best in independent films, featuring “Quiet Heroes,” s story of the only doctor serving HIV/AIDS patients in the entire state. Visit outshinefilm.com.
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,
Gay Key West Trolley Tours
Saturdays at 4 p.m. meeting at 628 Duval St. See the gay side of Key West on this trolley tour. Tickets $25. Call 800-535-7797 or visit GayKeyWestFL.com.
Hot Naked Sundays
Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. at Island House, 1129 Fleming St. in Key West. A pretea pool party. Call 305-294-6284 or visit IslandHouseKeyWest.com.
* Denotes New Listing
presented by:
Business of the Year Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Business Person of the Year Vicki Brail
May 19
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4.18.2018 •
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THE
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Business Directory
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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
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KEEP YOUR EYES ON
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South Florida Gay News
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SouthFloridaGayNews It’s about time. It’s about us. A paper that speaks with you, to you, and about you. A paper that pulls no punches, protects our friends, defends our allies, and defines our adversaries. Our goal is to have you make our paper your home page.
Welcome to the South Florida Gay News.
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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
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Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors & Oakland Park REMODELED homes:
3 bedroom/2 bath homes
Taylor & Turner
sports
real estate
Realtor
954.205.5275
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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 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
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rentals fort lauderdale 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
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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
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FREE Information Kit
855-407-8729
www.dental50plus.com/SouthFL
help wanted dog runner sought (with references) - Victoria Park, Fort Lauderdale. Call Norm 954-661-3361
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
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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.
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 29+ YEARS EXPERIENCE - $$$ SAVE THOUSANDS $$$ • 4% TO LIST AND SELL • Michael Tublin 561-7035533 United Realty Group
www.sfgn.guide 4.18.2018 •
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