4/25/18 V9i17 by South Florida Gay News

local name global coverage april 25, 2018 vol. 9 // issue 17

BOOOO! A community cries foul over controversy Pages 5 - 9, 20, 21

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April 25 2018 • Volume 9 • Issue 17

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Editorial

Compass Board Breaks Their Silence After 4 Months Jason Parsley

ver the last several weeks SFGN has been inquiring about what happened to Compass’ long time CEO Tony Plakas. The Compass board has so far evaded answering those questions. On Tuesday the board finally broke its silence and released a public statement. “In January 2018, after much deliberation and consideration, and in recognition of Tony Plakas’ over 20 years of service as celebrated in November 2017, the board of trustees and Tony decided to move in a new direction for the organization,” the statement reads. “We are grateful for Tony’s contributions and vision. Under his leadership, Compass grew to be a nationally recognized LGBTQ community center. We will always be grateful for his dedication and hard work.” It’s unclear why it took the organization almost 5 months to make this announcement. SFGN first inquired about Plakas’ departure in January and asked why

The organization finally addresses the departure of their CEO Tony Plakas, but questions still remain

nothing was made public. Julie Seaver, the website, Plakas earned $126,135 in 2016 acting executive director, said she would and $126,000 in 2015. In previous years, have liked to release a joint statement with his salary was lower. In other years, it was her former boss, but that was higher. In 2009, it was $90,857. up to the board, and she didn’t In 2012, it was $142,830. In 2013, know why they weren’t saying it was $112,000. In 2014, it was anything. $130,500. Compass’ statement did not The Compass statement did address this. And so far Plakas not address this. has declined to comment. “This was a topic that was Seaver previously told brought up,” Seaver previously SFGN, “Basically, he and stated. She said Plakas’ salary the board decided to end was on par with directors of his contract. It was a little other LGBT organizations unexpected, but I’m excited.” from around the country. She As SFGN previously said that a lot of work and reported, someone familiar responsibility goes into the CEO - Julie Seaver with the organization, who position. “Fiduciary oversight is executive director asked not to have his name an extreme responsibility and published, stated he thought they take that responsibility Plakas’ salary was too high compared to very seriously.” other non-profit organizations. The statement also announced that the MEMBER According to the latest tax documents, board has launched an executive director which are now downloadable on Compass’ search process. MEMBER

“Basically, he and the board decided to end his contract. It was a little unexpected, but I’m excited.”

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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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Pride Center CEO Suspended Three more board members resign

Jason Parsley

he fallout from Robert Boo’s decision to keep a convicted sex predator on staff at the Pride Center after a playground was installed continued Wednesday when the board announced his punishment. “The Board of Directors of The Pride Center at Equality Park last night unanimously approved a resolution to censure Pride Center CEO Robert Boo, who will be suspended without pay for two weeks,” the statement reads. “The resolution also calls for Boo to be subject to a corrective action plan, including additional training and monitoring of his performance.” After the meeting Monday night another board member, Jim Walker, resigned. SFGN also learned Mitch Bloom and Richard Safaty resigned, but SFGN could not independently verify that. “Shame on you. You have now lost 4 productive members of the Board,” former board member Heidi Siegel wrote. “For what? Defense of someone who did not do his job correctly and has lost the confidence of many in the community.” Siegel resigned last month because of Boo’s handling of the scandal. The Chairman of the board Mark Budwig also recently resigned as well as board members Jane Bolin, Safaty, Walker and Bloom, bringing the total to 6. Those that still remain include Leslie Leip, Vice Chair; Chris Caputo, Secretary; Craig Engel, Treasurer; Christopher Bates; Jason Hagopian; Brenda Hartley; Ernest Olivas; Paul Smith; and Denise Spivak. Last week the board met and voted to not remove Boo, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Pride Center. The vote was 8-4 in favor of keeping him. They did, however, vote to censure him and agreed to meet on Monday night to determine his punishment. Boo has come under fire for not taking

action sooner to terminate the employment of a registered sex offender, Clarence Collins, 63, who confessed to raping an 11-year-old girl in the mid-90s and threatening “to kill her if she told.” Children regularly visit the Pride Center and use its playground. Boo admitted he knew of Collins’ sex offender history all along, just not the details of the crime, and wanted to give him a second chance. But once the playground was installed Collins’ employment at the center was no longer legal since sex offenders aren’t allowed to work somewhere children gather. Boo later claimed ignorance of the law. Collins was fired on March 19 and later charged with illegally working at the Pride Center. Andy McNeill, a father of 7-year-old twins, doesn’t believe this punishment goes far enough. “At the end of the day, Robert has served our community well over the years. He is a great guy. He’s done a lot for our community. He’s been very supportive of LGBT families in the past.” McNeill said. “No one takes any joy in calling for him to step aside. But this is a huge lapse of judgment that cannot be overcome. When leaders make bad decisions, consequences happen. We need new leadership at the Pride Center.” Since Boo, he said, has lost the trust of the community he doesn’t see how he can effectively lead the organization during these turbulent times and oversee the changes the Pride Center must make going forward. McNeill is also a member of South Florida Family Pride, a group that represents more than 600 LGBT families in South Florida. Besides Boo stepping aside he’s also calling for an independent investigation led by a child care expert. 4.25.2018 •

NEWS local

‘Dark Cloud’ Hangs Over Pride Center CEO addresses donors at Founder’s Circle Damon Scott

he apologies came in spades last week March 19. Collins confessed to raping an in Wilton Manors. 11-year-old girl in the mid-90s as well as The Chief Executive Officer of threatening “to kill her if she told.” The Pride Center, Robert Boo, apologized Board member Jim Walker recently repeatedly to a crowd at a “Founders Circle called for Boo’s resignation and said he Reception,” held at Rosie’s and some other board Bar & Grill on Wilton members did not feel a Drive. public letter Boo emailed “We learn from our to supporters April 13 was mistakes and obviously appropriate, and that the the reason we are here board should be taking tonight is so I can very lead on handling this publically, very openly, situation. apologize,” Boo said to a According to Walker, crowd of dozens of board Boo told the board he was members, founders, staff not able to bring Collins’ and others at Rosie’s. sex predator status to the “… Because of some board because it was a decisions that I made “personnel issue.” with the information that However, Collins is I had, I brought a black listed on a public sex cloud to the center,” he offender registry list that continued. the public has access to. - Robert Boo While Boo did not At the Founders Circle CEO of The Pride Center directly describe the Reception, Boo reiterated incident that brought on the board was appointing his apology, his comments a task force in response stem from a weeks’ long controversy to the situation. involving former employee, Clarence “One of the outcomes from this whole Collins, who is on the sex offender registry. encounter is the board has taken the Collins, 63, is a convicted sex predator direction to create a task force of experts who worked at the Pride Center in some out in our community to help look at capacity since 2003, until he was fired on our policies, our procedures, our safety

“… Because of some decisions that I made with the information that I had, I brought a black cloud to the center.”

Robert Boo.

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4 . 25.2018

Founder’s Reception at Rosie’s Bar & Grill. Photo via The Pride Center, Facebook.

practices — so that we can be inclusive to the entire community no matter what their socio-economic situation is,” Boo said. “Whether it’s children, whether it’s seniors — we need to provide that safe space.” Boo ended his comments to loud applause from what appeared to be most of those in attendance.

“ … I just want you to hear it from me — we always try to tell the founders first — and so I’m here to say thank you. … from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all of your past support over the years and I hope that you can continue to support the center as we move forward,” he said. Boo’s full comments at the reception are below.

Everything happens for a reason. We learn from our mistakes, and obviously the reason we are here tonight is so I can very publically, very openly, apologize. First to our board of directors, who have given their time, their talent and their treasure to help make the center run. They are all volunteers, they give their time. And because of some decisions that I made with the information that I had, I brought a black cloud to the center. And so I openly apologize to our board of directors. I openly apologize to our 39 paid staff for my error, and I apologize to the 300 volunteers who give their talent to help make the center the place that it is. We impact the lives of thousands of individuals, and because of a bad decision on my part; I brought a dark cloud to the center. And so for you, our founders, who give their talent, you give your donations so that we can make the magic work, I apologize to my founders because over the last 12 years I have worked to ensure that we provide the best possible space for our community. So it just seems fitting that I’m in a very public restaurant, that I’m making this apology to you. Lessons learned from this whole issue will only make the center a much stronger, much [more] vibrant place for our community. The board has, one of the outcomes from this whole encounter, is the board has taken the direction to create a task force of experts out in our community to help look at our policies, our procedures, our safety practices, so that we can be inclusive to the entire community no matter what their socio-economic situation is. Whether it’s children, whether it’s seniors, we need to provide that safe space. So, from the bottom of my heart I ask for your forgiveness. I apologize if I’ve lost your trust and I’ve put this black cloud over the center and I hope that you will continue to support the center, because the center is more than just one person. It takes a whole community; it takes a whole village for the center to be the wonderful place that we have envisioned and the wonderful place that we want it to be in years to come. So, I thank you. I apologize. I want to be a part of the solution to make it better and if that’s what God is willing me to do, that’s what I’ll do. But I just want you to hear it from me, we always try to tell the founders first, and so I’m here to say thank you. So if you have any questions or have any concerns, if you have anything you’d like to say please speak to me afterwards, but from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all of your past support over the years and I hope that you can continue to support the center as we move forward. Thank you.”

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9/26/17 2:13 4.25.2018 • PM7

NEWS local

Witch Hunt?

Robert Boo survived a vote to remove him, but now the Pride Center’s reputation hangs in the balance. Supporters of the embattled CEO have called his actions a “mistake” but believe it’s time to move on. His detractors though still want him to resign and promise this story isn’t going away. Jason Parsley

he embattled Chief Executive Officer of the Pride Center, Robert Boo, has a job – for now. He survived a vote to remove him last week for his handling, or as some would say mishandling, of the sex predator controversy that has engulfed the LGBT community center over the last month. This week Boo was suspended for two weeks without pay. But for some members of the community that’s not enough – they want him to resign. But is this a witch hunt? Some of Boo’s supporters sure think so. “Oh for God’s sake! Let’s move on. Robert Boo should not resign unless he has made other serious errors that I am unaware of. This is turning into a real witch hunt,” long time local activist and lawyer, Robyn Bodiford, commented on SFGN’s previous coverage of the story. Another supporter, Stephen Driscoll, wrote on Facebook: “This move to cut ties with the Pride Center smacks of political opportunism, bordering on a witch hunt. It’s counter-productive for the whole community. Enough. Salem witch trials, anyone?” Andy McNeil, a father of 7-year-old twins, disagrees. “A witch hunt? Define witch hunt?,” McNeil said. “He was in a charge when a sex predator was breaking the law at the facility. He allowed him near our most precious asset – our children. There is no with hunt there. Those are the facts. Our hope was that the board would speak with one unified voice and say the community center does not put an employee’s welfare above our children’s safety.” Boo has come under fire for not taking action sooner to terminate the employment of a registered sex offender, Clarence Collins, 63, who confessed to raping an 11-year-old girl in the mid-90s and threatening “to kill

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4 . 25.2018

her if she told.” Children regularly visit the Pride Center and use its playground. Boo admitted he knew of Collins’ sex offender history all along, just not the details of the crime, and wanted to give him a second chance. But once the playground was installed, Collins’ employment at the Center was no longer legal since sex offenders aren’t allowed to work somewhere children gather. Boo later claimed ignorance of the law. Collins was fired on March 19 and later charged with illegally working at the Pride Center. For now the scandal shows no signs of slowing down. Six board members have quit. Outraged parents have called for a protest of the upcoming Diversity Honors, a major fundraiser for the Pride Center that takes place Friday. Wilton Manors City Commissioner Julie Carson called for a discussion at this week’s city commission meeting on whether the city should sever financial ties to the Pride Center (the meeting took place after SFGN went to print, check online for updates). McNeil, a member of South Florida Family Pride, has also called on Boo to resign. Even so, he still defends the CEO’s legacy. “At the end of the day. Robert has served our community well over the years. He is absolutely a good guy. He is a great guy. He has done a lot for our community. Many of us know him and respect him,” McNeil said. But regardless of how well McNeil personally likes Boo he believes the CEO must step aside in order for the organization to move forward and regain the trust of the community. “No one takes any joy in calling for him to step aside. But this is a huge lapse of judgment that cannot be overcome,” Boo said. “When leaders make bad decisions, consequences happen. We need new leadership at the Pride Center.” Not everyone agrees.

Robert Boo at The Pride Center. Photo via The Pride Center, Facebook.

“I think all the calls for Boo and the board to resign immediately are overblown, and wonder if there is another agenda driving the demand,” Bodiford commented. “Yes, an inquiry must be had, but, we as a community must remember that we fought too long and hard to get a Pride Center in the first place and even if Boo was in fact (not saying he was) negligent, it’s no reason to destroy the institution or even the man. Chill. Easy does it.” While Debra Katz wrote on Facebook: “People make mistakes, the director, Mr. Boo has sincerely apologized. It is time to learn, grow, move on and forgive. We are all human and it is not our role to stand in judgement. The staff of The Pride Center has done far more good for the community than this unfortunate incident. The Center has many programs hanging in a delicate balance that

people depend on to function and live. I think you have to look at the common good and the good works generated by the Center. The benefits far outweigh the cons.” But even Boo’s detractors believe in those sentiments about the Pride Center and all of the good it does. They just don’t think Boo should be leading the organization any longer. On Facebook Michael Broward pointed out that Collins was never accused of harming a child while working at the Pride Center. “The sad part is that Clarence, despite what he did two decades ago, is still a better person than most of many of us today,” Broward said. “No one was ever harmed by Clarence, or anyone else for that matter, at The Pride Center in the 15 years he worked there. The ‘damage’ was completely theoretical and not actual.”

NEWS local McNeil pushed back against that argument they run level 2 background checks on saying that unless an actual investigation their employees and volunteers to ensure takes place no one can say no child was those who are sexual offenders are properly harmed and no one ever complained. screened so not to endanger the safety and “We don’t know that,” he said. “That’s why welfare of those families.” an independent investigation needs to take At the time Rajner wrote that email, he place and be conducted by a child welfare had recently completed his term on the professional. That’s one of my requests to city’s Community Affairs Advisory Board the board.” and served as its chair. Other people though are Now he agrees the now blaming the playground playground must go. and calling for its removal. “I urge The Pride Center to Marcello Galante asks on immediately dismantle the Facebook whether all visitors playground to minimize their will be required to undergo legal liabilities, and donate criminal background checks it to an organization better before coming to the Center. suited for this equipment so it “Will they too need…checks goes to good use,” Rajner said. because of this playground? Michelle Alves though IMO it was poor planning on doesn’t understand how the part of all parties involved. people are blaming a South Florida Family Pride playground. bares as much fault as the “I get there are a ton of CEO. Regardless of the programs there for people Center’s former employee, it who do need them. However - Michelle Alves was never the ‘appropriate’ they aren’t shutting it down. location for child safety. Tear The man who hired this man it down. The playground is the problem....get knew and stated that he knew. It was not up rid of it and find it a new home.” to the CEO to give this man a second chance Some others commentators agree with around children. That’s putting innocent that sentiment. kids at risk,” she wrote on Facebook. “How Bill Volbrecht wrote on Facebook: “The are people even sticking up for these people, biggest mistake The Pride Center made blaming the playground? Sorry but gay was putting the playground there in the people have kids to who also need a safe first place.” While another person, Todd place.” Cortese, added, “Yes the playground should Ultimately it’s the Pride Center that has go. Problem solved. There are plenty of the most to lose in this battle. those available all over the county and “We’re not stopping. We won’t stop. As an state.” organization we feel it’s important to protect Long time local activist Michael Rajner our kids at all cost. This is for the betterment had concerns about the playground even of the community. This is not about an before it was installed. In 2015 he expressed individual, ” McNeil said. “The reputation that to the city commission with this email: of the Pride Center is on the line. How will “As The Pride Center moves forward the Pride Center be perceived in the next with their playground as LGBT safe space months, years, decades? We want it to be a for LGBT families and children, I do hope safe place for all of us. “

“It was not up to the CEO to give this man a second chance around children. That’s putting innocent kids at risk.”

4.25.2018 •

LGBTQIA bites

Lesbian

Nigerian Newspaper Column Accuses British Prime Minister of Being a Lesbian

By Ryan Lynch Bisexual

Mulan Fans Upset Bisexual Character Li-Shang Not in Live-Action Remake

Theresa May. Credit: Kuhlmann / MSC.

Theresa May was accused of being a lesbian for voicing regrets over the U.K.’s anti-gay laws in former colonies. Paul Onomuakpokpo made the claim in a column titled “Theresa May’s search for a Lesbian Wife,” according to PinkNews. In the piece, the writer said May should search for a Nigerian bride and break up with her husband Philip because of her calls to end laws against gay marriage. “Obviously, May is ruing her mistake

of ever getting married to a man,” Onomuakpokpo wrote. “She would have preferred to be a lesbian-husband with a wife.” The opinion article later questions her straightness by the fact that she does not have children and that she said that she is a Christian, but accepts same-sex marriage. Onomuakpokpo claims that former colonies need to make a push to avoid being forced to accept same-sex marriage by western countries.

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A casting call for the Mulan live-action remake has caused some concern over the removal of one particular character. The remake of the 1998 animated film announced that Li Shang, who fans have claimed is bisexual, was not included at all in the movie, according to NME. Fans took to Twitter to voice their frustration with the decision by Disney. “When u wanna support the upcoming

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mulan remake bc disney cast a gorgeous, talented actress who’s actually chinese to play mulan but they’re also replacing bisexual icon li shang with a random misogynistic dude who’ll overshadow mulan’s journey & add 0 good elements to the story,” Twitter user harleivy tweeted. The movie is set to be released in 2019, according to NME.

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LGBTQIA bites

Transgender

Coast Guard Will Not Ban Transgender Troops without Direct Law for Them

Photo: U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrea Anderson.

The U.S. Coast Guard made clear that they would not ban transgender service people unless there was a rule upheld against their service. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft said during a House of Representatives subcommittee meeting that his branch is “certainly committed” to the continued service of transgender people, according to The Hill. This comes despite President Donald Trump’s attempts to create a transgender ban in the military, which has faced several

successful legal challenges since being proposed last July. “Seems to me this is an invented problem and a waste of time and dollars and military resources by targeting these dedicated service members who’ve proved their fitness and their ability to serve,” North Carolina Rep. David Price said during the meeting. According to The Hill, there are currently 17 transgender people serving in the Coast Guard out of 40,000 total members.

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NEWS national x

Photo: True Colors Fund, via Facebook.

Handbook Connects Homeless Youth, Supporters to Legal Options LGBT-youth section included

Damon Scott

p to 1.6 million youth experience homelessness each year. While that number alone is compelling, the nonprofit True Colors Fund also said that almost half of those youth (about 40 percent) identify as LGBT. “Considering that LGBT youth represent an estimated 7 percent of the total youth population, these numbers are disproportionately high,” the New York Citybased group states on its website. With youth homelessness come a wide variety of challenges, one of which is the access to legal help and resources. In Florida, a partnership has developed to address legal issues and options for homeless youth and their supporters. The coalition is publishing a “Homeless Youth Handbook” and companion website that is two years in the making. Law firm Baker McKenzie leads the partnership, which includes Disney, the American Bar Association’s “Homeless Youth Legal Network’s Pro Bono Project” and the Florida’s Children First organization. The handbook launched April 13 at an event in Orlando. It includes a significant section on issues germane to LGBT youth, specifically. The LGBT angle is a particular concern because advocates say those youth can be even more vulnerable than the general homeless youth population — at greater risk for victimization, unsafe sexual practices, and mental health issues, for example. Robin Rosenberg is deputy director of Florida’s Children First. The statewide advocacy organization works on behalf of kids who are in foster care or in the child welfare system — many of whom are susceptible to homelessness. “There is a substantial issue with young people who leave the child welfare system without a permanent family,” Rosenberg said. “They end up making their way in the world

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4 .25.2018

without a safety network,” she said. Rosenberg said her group also helps young people understand their legal rights after they become adults. “Our organization is part of the legal aid system in Florida. We train and support attorneys across the state who are directly working with young people,” she said, along with legislative advocacy. “It’s one thing to get laws passed, but if kids can’t access [the benefits], it doesn’t help much,” Rosenberg said, partly in reference to the importance of the forthcoming handbook. So she and Baker McKenzie, one of the leaders in pro bono work for homeless youth with a Miami office, direct people to HomelessYouth.org, where the Floridaspecific information will be launched in tandem with the handbook, and kept updated. Attorneys at Baker McKenzie and Disney worked on the chapters, while Florida’s Children First facilitated review by experts in the state on each of the topic areas. Specifically regarding LGBT homeless youth, topic areas include employment and housing discrimination, foster care, temporary housing options (if you’re kicked out of your home), assault, abuse, hate crimes, free speech rights at school, civil rights (generally), military enrollment, gender transition, change of name, mental health issues and health care. Rosenberg said those who access the handbook would discover many things they might not know, such as the fact that Florida offers free college tuition to homeless students. “This resource is as much for people in the community who end up helping teens and young adults,” she added. “They know there should be something to help and don’t know what it is. The more people who know, the better,” Rosenberg said.

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David Webb

quarter-century ago the nation fixated on President Bill Clinton’s proposal to enact a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy for the U.S. Military. The bitter controversy erupted in the national media Jan. 30, 1993, when three Camp Lejeune Marines and the patrons of a gay bar named Mickey Ratz in Wilmington, N.C., went to battle. The bar fight and the injuries sustained by one of the patrons, Crae Pridgen Jr., who recently died and once lived in Dallas for a brief time, dominated the headlines. Since then, the event that garnered so much notoriety at the time has faded in history. Everyone has forgotten that the LGBT community celebrated Pridgen -- who suffered cuts, bruises, a black eye, a cut lip and a lost tooth -- as a star in the aftermath of the bar melee. Back then his appearances in restaurants and bars frequented by the LGBT community anywhere in the country triggered crowds of admirers and best wishers. The Human Rights Campaign penned a fundraising letter under his name, he appeared at the March on Washington as a headliner and the Southern Poverty Law Center filed a lawsuit against the Marines on his behalf. He also made an appearance on the Today show. It proved to be a short-lived celebrity. All changed in April 1993 when a judge in Wilmington acquitted the Marines on assault charges after a six-day trial covered live on television. The judge ruled the prosecutors failed to meet the burden of proof, and that she believed the Marines had acted in self-defense. The Marines claimed they were taunted by gay patrons while Pridgen maintained that the military men, who entered the club with their girlfriends, attacked and yelled “Clinton must pay,” an alleged reference to the new military policy allowing gay and lesbian soldiers to serve. The loss of the criminal case devastated Pridgen’s civil suit, and it later was settled out of court. The three Marines signed a statement saying that harassment is wrong, and they made a $100 contribution to the American Foundation for AIDS Research. Pridgen found it difficult to find

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Crae Pridgen Jr. Via Facebook.

employment after the debacle of the criminal trial, and his church expelled him from the congregation. He endured widespread criticism in his hometown, and nationwide from straight conservatives. As is the case with victims of violence, Pridgen suffered the classic symptoms of post-traumatic stress syndrome, such as anxiety and depression. Pridgen attempted to relocate to other cities. He spent some time in Montgomery, AL, the home of the Southern Poverty Law Center, before returning to North Carolina. While in Alabama he served as a volunteer lobbyist for the newly-formed Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Alabama. Pridgen, who relocated to Fort Lauderdale in 1999, died March 2 at the age of 53. He appears to have lived a much quieter life in his final years in comparison to his former high media profile. His obituary in the Wilmington Star News said that he died unexpectedly at Florida Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale. During his time in Florida, Pridgen worked as a mental health technician. He also became active in Lambda South, a 12-step recovery program for LGBT people, and in Florida Roundup, a statewide conference of LGBT recovery groups, as the chair of various committees. Few people today remember him, but Pridgen should be recognized by the LGBT community for bringing widespread attention to the ongoing effort to combat hate crimes and promote tolerance. He gave all he had to give, and he paid a heavy price for his contribution.

David Webb worked at the Southern Poverty Law Center as a writer and researcher at the time the organization represented Crae Pridgen. Webb was assigned to Pridgen’s case and worked with him closely.

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at the Broward Center April 29th, 2018 - 4 PM

Broward Center for the Performing Arts at the Abdo River Room

A chamber music concert by world renown pianist Kemal Gekic, Amernet quartet’s violist Michael Klotz and principal cellist of Symphony of the Americas, Iris van Eck On the program:

Brahms: Sonaten Satz, Trios Opus 8 and 114 Tickets: www.browardcenter.org Ticketmaster box office: 954-462-0222 For more information contact Chameleon: 954 761-3435 or www.facebook.com/ChameleonMusicians Chameleon Musicians Inc.

Known for its innovating, enlightening, edifying, and exciting concerts Chamber Music with a “Twist” We are looking forward to seeing you very soon! Funding for this organization is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council.

4.25.2018 •

NEWS national

LGBT Candidates Hope to Ride a

Blue Wave in November There are 18 LGBT people running for Congress; 11 have a strong chance at winning Lisa Keen Keen News Service

The following is the first in a series of articles examining how LGBT candidates and organizations are positioned to help Democrats take back the majority of the U.S. House and Senate this year.

epublican House Speaker Paul Ryan stunned many people with his announcement April 11 that he would “retire” from office next January. But he was just following a crowd of Republicans in Congress (more than three dozen) who had already decided they would not run again. Their mostly unspoken motivations seemed clear: They either felt they could no longer support their party’s leader –President Trump— or feared they could not be reelected. Ever since President Trump took office, polls have shown that voters would prefer that Democrats controlled the House and Senate. Asked which party’s candidate they would support in a Congressional election, they said Democrat. Even the Fox News poll said so. The implications for LGBT people of having Democrats win control of even one chamber are profound. The Republican majority Congress has completely blocked any consideration of pro-LGBT legislation, has approved anti-LGBT judicial nominees, and advanced bills with language that eliminates many protections for LGBT people. For example, the House approved a funding bill that included language reaffirming an executive order from President Trump that allows religious exemptions to federal nondiscrimination policies. And Republican leadership in the House orchestrated the defeat of a funding bill with pro-LGBT language. The Senate confirmed a U.S. Supreme Court nominee (Neil Gorsuch) and 11 federal appeals court nominees opposed by LGBT legal groups. LGBT candidates vying to be part of Congressional change are all Democrats, but one.

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4 .25.2018

Some quick numbers: Republicans currently hold 237 of the House’s 435 seats; Democrats hold 193; and there are five vacancies. More than 10 percent of House Republicans (27) have announced, like Ryan, that they will not seek re-election in November. (That compares to five percent of Democrats (11).) Four Senate seats are being vacated by incumbent Republicans (compared to one Democrat). To become the majority in the House, either party needs 218 seats. So, for Democrats to become the majority, they need a net gain of 25 in November. There are 18 LGBT Congressional candidates this year—four incumbents and 14 newcomers. All but one of the newcomers are Democrats; none are Republicans; one is Green Party. The chances for success by the newcomers can be calculated on such things as whether they are running to fill a vacant seat or against a strong incumbent, what the demographic and political make-up of their district is, whether they have put together a strong and well-funded campaign; and whether they have run for or held elective office before. So far, at least seven of the 14 show a strong chance of winning in November: Matt Heinz, Arizona (2nd district) Katie Hill, California (25th) Lauren Baer, Florida (18th) David Richardson, Florida (27th) Angie Craig, Minnesota (2nd) Chris Pappas, New Hampshire (1st) Gina Ortiz Jones, Texas (23rd)

Lauren Baer (left) with her wife Emily Meyers and their daughter. Image via Youtube.

While the other seven have significant obstacles to overcome, most have developed impressive campaigns and are still very much in the running: Jim Gray, Kentucky (6th) Pat Davis, New Mexico (1st) Rick Neal, Ohio (15th) Lorie Burch, Texas (3rd) Mary Wilson, Texas (21st) Eric Holguin, Texas (27th) James Partsch-Galvan, Texas (29th) The next primary coming up is Rick Neal’s, in Ohio May 8. A newcomer to politics and a former Peace Corps worker, he’s raised an impressive $396,000, according to the Federal Elections Commission. His Democratic opponent has not reported any income yet to the FEC. But whoever wins

the primary faces incumbent Republican Rep. Steve Stivers, who is unopposed in the GOP primary and has already raised more than $2 million for his re-election. Stivers is only a two-termer, but he’s already chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Neal has an uphill battle. Six LGBT candidates have important primary races May 22. Five of them are in Texas, where they each won the most votes in the first primary but not enough to win the nomination outright. Of those five, Gina Ortiz Jones has the best odds of winning. She won 41 percent of the vote, while her nearest competitor (and May 22 opponent) won only 17 percent. Her latest report to the FEC showed almost $600,000 but in November, she’ll be up against an incumbent Republican who has raised twice that. But she –and Minnesota’s Angie Craig--

NEWS national

David Richardson.

have also caught the attention and support action committees. A very few, like Craig and of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Jones, are getting help from the Democratic Committee’s efforts to win over Republican- Party. held districts. Individual citizens from any state Two other LGBT Texas primary candidates can contribute to these campaigns. For May 22 are going into their run-offs having donations of $200 or more, the candidate won the largest percentage of must report the name, vote in the original primary. address, occupation, and If five or six Lorie Burch won 49.6 employer of the individual percent of the vote and the contributor to the Federal newcomer LGBT endorsement of the Dallas Elections Commission. News. Federal law limits how Congressional Eric Holguin came in much any one person can give candidates win second in his original to any one candidate: $2,700 Democratic primary, but the per primary and $2,700 per this fall, they configuration of his district general election. will comprise the in Texas (the 27th) is in the Individuals can also give unusual position of being $5,000 per year to a political largest number challenged in an appeal action committee, and that of openly LGBT before the U.S. Supreme Court committee can then give April 24. Plus, the incumbent $5,000 per primary and members of Republican resigned April 6 per general election to Congress in history. $5,000 due to a sex scandal. Lots can individual candidates. happen between April 24 and If five or six newcomer May 22 to affect that primary. LGBT Congressional candidates win this The fifth Texas LGBT candidate is James fall, they will comprise the largest number Partsch-Galvan, running as a Green Party of openly LGBT members of Congress member. in history. Currently, there are six such Also, facing a primary opponent May 22 is members in the House; but two of those, Jim Gray, the openly gay Mayor of Lexington, Rep. Jared Polis of Colorado and Rep. Kyrsten Kentucky. Gray ran for the U.S. Senate seat Sinema of Arizona, are running for other held by Rand Paul two years ago and lost by offices (Polis for governor and Sinema for the a significant margin. But he’s probably the U.S. Senate). The newcomers, if successful, best known among the six Democrats on the will join the existing four LGBT incumbents, May 22 primary ballot. If he wins, he’ll face who are all running for re-election and have a Republican incumbent, Andy Barr, and the strong chances of returning to office: Cook Political Report predicts Gray could give Barr a “tough reelection race.” David Cicilline of Rhode Island What all these candidates need is Sean Patrick Maloney of New York money. Some of them are getting small Mark Pocan of Wisconsin contributions from several LGBT political Mark Takano of California.

4.25.2018 •

NEWS local

diversity honors Returns Friday

This year’s honorees chosen for work in and out of the LGBT community Michael d’Oliveira

his year’s annual Diversity Honors will showcase individuals working on behalf of the LGBT community and beyond. The annual event will be held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood on Friday, April 27 from 7 to 11 p.m. “This collaborative effort between the Harvey Milk Foundation, The Pride Center at Equality Park and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is an ongoing celebration of those who exemplify authenticity, leadership and courage,” wrote organizers in a press release. This year’s honorees are Mayor Dean Trantalis, Stoneman Douglas activist Emma Gonzalez, Rep. David Richardson, labor activist Dolores Huerta, WSVN 7 anchor Craig Stevens, and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Gay-Straight Alliance. Tickets are $200 each and can be purchased at DiversityHonors.goodmanpr.com.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ Gay-Straight Alliance

Marjory Stoneman Douglas GSA. Photo by Carina Mask.

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4 .25.2018

The students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ Gay-Straight Alliance [GSA] weren’t prepared for the loss of their friends and teachers during the Feb. 14 mass shooting at their school. But they were prepared to take action in the aftermath. Since Stoneman Douglas became the site of a mass shooting that took the lives of 17 individuals, members of the GSA have become some the nation’s most well-known gun control advocates. It’s why the group was chosen to be honored by the Diversity Awards. “GSA prepared us by giving us a voice. But it also gave us a reason to fight,” said Leonor Munoz, GSA’s vice president. Behind that voice, said Munoz, is the support system fostered by GSA. Emma Gonzalez, GSA president, has become the most prominently outspoken Stoneman Douglas student. “And that really says something [about GSA],” Munoz said. “There are so many others [in GSA]. Even if they haven’t gone to meetings, there are a lot of people who are a part of it. Everyone in the gay community, they’re not seen as normal in most places. Having our GSA, we are able to say, ‘No, we’re okay. We’re okay with being who we are.’ That builds our self-confidence and sense of unity. Even in the most accepting of places, we learn to be ourselves.” That experience “fighting to be alive” is the right kind of experience to fight for other issues, such as gun control, she said. “In order to be an activist, you have to have a good support system.” That support system, said Munoz, is really what GSA is all about. “I know that Valentine’s Day kind of got overrun. But that day our GSA had an event outside where we ate lunch and we had proclamations of love [100 to 200 people proclaimed their love for one another]. Our GSA has a history of spreading love and unity.” Now, GSA is spreading love for the people they wish were still alive. “Because we were there, and we tried to share love that day, we’re fighting for love.”

NEWS local Emma Gonzalez Ever since she became part of the national conversation about guns and gun control, it seems that Emma Gonzalez has been the recipient of equal parts support and criticism, depending on which side of the issue the person talking about her is. But the Diversity Honors has chosen to give her praise by naming her the recipient of the 2018 Milk Foundation Milan Rozsa Youth Award. Diversity Honors organizers stated that she was chosen for being “a youth activist and advocate for LGBT rights, gun control, and has become an international leader for the current generation of American students. She survived the shooting at 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School, where she still serves as the president of the Gay Straight Alliance. Emma is the co-founder of the gun-control advocacy group ‘Never Again MSD.’” They also lauded her multiple appearances on U.S. and international television as well as her appearance on the cover of Time magazine. “Gonzalez continues to inspire as an openly LGBT media superstar, speaking up for student safety and an end to violence.” In a rally in Fort Lauderdale shortly after the shooting at Stoneman Douglas, Gonzalez said students understand that if they don’t study, if they do nothing to prepare for their tests, they will fail. She said it’s the same with gun violence. “If you actively do nothing, people continually end up dead. So, it’s time to start doing something.” SFGN was not able to reach Gonzalez for comment.

Emma Gonzalez. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

Dean Trantalis

Dean Trantalis. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

Dean Trantalis is no stranger to making history. He became Fort Lauderdale’s first openly-gay commissioner in 2003. In March of this year, he became the city’s first openly-gay mayor in a landslide victory. He was also an inaugural honoree for the Diversity Honors. For his work advancing the cause of the LGBT community, which includes his successful advocacy for the Broward Human Rights Ordinance in 1990, Trantalis will be awarded the Pride Center’s Alan Schubert Award of Excellence. “The former Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner has been a passionate public servant and outspoken leader of civil rights and equality for many years,” said Diversity Honors organizers. On election night in March, Trantalis, who did not respond to an interview request in time for publication, called his mayoral win a victory for the entire community. “It was our time,” Trantalis told his supporters.

Read more on page 18 4.25.2018 •

NEWS local Diversity Honors Returns Friday ● Continued from page 17 Rep. David Richardson As the first openly-gay state legislator in Florida’s history, Rep. David Richardson was chosen by Diversity Honors, in part, for his work on behalf of the LGBT community. But it was only one of the reasons. Also cited was his work “on criminal justice and prison reform, support for sensible gun violence prevention measures, promotion of traditional public schools and a steadfast commitment to civil liberties.” That’s how Richardson, a Democrat who represents the 113th District in Miami Beach, also views his time in office. “I got elected to represent everybody in my district, not just the gay community. I didn’t want to be a gay legislator. I wanted to be legislator who just happened to be gay.” That attitude, he said, has allowed him to build relationships with his colleagues, which have helped him when it came time to “accomplish things for the gay community.” In particular, he points to the removal of the ban on gay adoption from the books. It was a symbolic victory because the court had struck down the ban years before. But even symbolic victories on LGBT issues, said Richardson, are important. “It’s the first time in the history of Florida anything has ever passed out of the legislature that was pro-gay. I think that’s remarkable.”

David Richardson. Photo via Facebook.

Craig Stevens

Dolores Huerta

WSVN 7 NEWS anchor Craig Stevens has covered many historic events, including Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, the 2000 presidential election, and the 2016 death of Cuban leader Fidel Castro. Along the way, he’s won many honors, including an Emmy Award. When he’s not anchoring the nightly news in South Florida, Stevens gives much of his time to local LGBT organizations and causes, including Care Resource, the National LGBTQ Task Force Recognition Dinner, PRIDE Fort Lauderdale, AIDS Walk Miami, grand marshal of the Stonewall Parade, and past special guest host of the Diversity Honors. It’s that past work for the LGBT community that led him to be chosen as one of this year’s recipients for the Diversity Honors. But just as Stevens has been supportive of his fellow members of the LGBT community, he said he feels fortunate to have worked in a newsroom at WSVN 7 which has been accepting of his sexual orientation as a gay man and has been supportive of the work he does as a journalist. It’s a pro-LGBT atmosphere he knows not everyone is fortunate enough to have. Local ownership of the station, he said, is one of the reasons he believes that’s been the case

Dolores Huerta is a proponent of LGBT rights. She’s spoken and written in favor of LGBT marriage long before the Supreme Court legalized it in 2015, and she’s repeatedly stated that LGBT rights are human rights. But her outspoken support of LGBT rights is only the latest in a long line of battles she’s fought. Huerta, who is the president and founder of the Dolores Huerta Foundation and co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America with Cesar Chavez, has fought for over 50 years. Near the start of her activism, the fight for the rights of migrant farm workers took her to the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles the night Robert Kennedy was assassinated in June of 1968. That night, Kennedy thanked Huerta for her work with the union. Fast forward 50 years later and she’s still fighting. For her lifetime of work, she’s been chosen by Diversity Honors to receive the Harvey Milk Foundation Honors Medal. In a 2013 op-ed for NBCLatino.com, Huerta compared LGBT individuals to family members. “When we see our Latino hermanos y hermanas harassed and held back simply for being who they are; when we can’t come together to celebrate a wedding for our gay friends; and when we know they don’t have the same opportunities we take for granted, it affects us personally.” SFGN was unable to reach Huerta for comment.

Craig Stevens. Photo credit: WSVN-TV, Facebook.

Dolores Huerta. Photo credit: Gage Skidmore.

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4 .25.2018

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column letters to the editor

New Resident expresses

concern over controversy

TRAVEL EDITION March - April 2018

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Dear Editor; I’m sharing my concerns with you. My husband and I both new to South Florida. I’m a professor at Harvard University in Cambridge. My husband is a commercial pilot. We like the area, Wilton Manors to be precise due to the reputation of The Pride Center at Equality Park. I’m a tenured professor of sociology and have a fairly good grasp on how organizations function and their culpability in community. Upon reading these stories and asking people who’ve lived here longer what happened with Mr. Collins I’m shocked. I have spoken only briefly with Mr. Boo and that was a social gathering. He seems confident and aware. That a CEO of an LGBTQ center claims no knowledge of employment law is irresponsible. Add my name calling for his dismissal

Julian Bashers, PhD

Let your voice be heard!  Submit your own letter to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com

•

4 .25.2018

column letters to the editor

Leave Robert Boo Alone Everybody Makes Mistakes

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Dear SFGN Editor, Community calls to fire Robert Boo are way overkill, and an overly quick knee jerk reaction. He was recently censured by his Board of Directors over his handling of the Clarence Collins case, which will be a stain on his resume forever. I worked occasionally with Clarence Collins in the three years I was employed at the Pride Center in the administration department from 2008 to 2011, and he worked hard and did the tough and dirty maintenance jobs no one else wanted to do. Also the organization had almost no African American workers or volunteers in those early days when Clarence started (2003 or so) and that was important for Pride Center diversity, especially before they become more family centered, (2015 or so) which was championed by none other than Robert Boo! Any executive can and will make mistakes. Sometimes they should be fired for these mistakes, if for example, they personally profit from said mistake, or if an employee or client or community member is harmed or injured because if the mistake, or if the mistake shows a continual pattern of bad judgement by said executive. In my opinion, while not perfect in every way, Robert has not met any of the above listed criteria which might cause the Board of Directors or the Community at large to ask him to leave. Mr. Boo has served many years reliably and with great effort to rally this sometimes difficult community to re-embrace the Pride Center and its mission. Censure yes, dismiss no.

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Let your voice be heard!  Submit your own letter to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com 4.25.2018 •

Publisher's Editorial

Convictions

Have Pride in the Pride Center Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

This organization is greater than one man

Photo: The Pride Center, via Facebook.

n Broward County, we have been fortunate to have able and credible leadership steer not only our Pride Center at Equality Park but a host of our nonprofits, all working vigilantly to gain and keep our public trust. One sex offender carelessly employed on the campus of the Pride Center cannot be allowed to demean or deny all the good the visionaries and volunteers of the Pride Center at Equality Park have accomplished over the last decade. Too many lives have been enriched, too many good programs undertaken, and too many people have been served to allow a careless misstep to sabotage the staff and souls who have so honorably worked and so hard for so long, doing it with class and grace, while serving so well our community’s needs. The Pride Center at Equality Park has written its story over the years with amazing achievements from AIDS counseling to drug programs, youth counseling to senior groups, from hosting educational seminars to community rallies. We are simply home to one of the premiere, best, top, efficient Pride centers in the country, and I have been to every city with one. We are second to none and stand equal with them all. And we are more loving,

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4 .25.2018

spacious and prettier than many. Our cover two weeks ago may have been troubling and we may be in deep water, but damn, our community has overcome so much worse. We are lucky to have directors working hard to insure that honor and integrity is maintained as its mission. Our duty as a newspaper is not to kill our own. It’s simply to report a story. And it’s sad when a friend is arrested, a bar owner goes broke, or a good person does a bad thing. But we did not wear the raincoat while naked in the park. We just reported on who did. Bad things happen, and that’s news too. We don’t live in a bubble. Most importantly, you don’t give up. You don’t abandon ship. You right the wrong and set sail again, with the promise to do better next time, armed with the knowledge of a lesson well learned. My sometimes unfortunate job as your local neighborhood publisher, is to remind you- today again- that a legitimate newspaper,

an honest newspaper, one that publishes all the news, good or bad, has a fundamental obligation to cover a community’s wins and its wounds, the victories that make us proud, the warts that shame us. Please though don’t lose faith in the good our Pride Center has done. Just witness the Diversity Honors program this weekend as the Hard Rock Casino, the Harvey Milk Foundation and the Pride Center at Equality Park come together with students from the Gay Straight Alliance at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to showcase the unity and spirit we can generate working together to promote the public good. The ship that is the Pride Center at Equality Park is battle tested and seaworthy. Help make it sail to new ports and brighter horizons. Don’t let one storm sink it. It’s been helping this community with good deeds and great people for years. Let’s give back some of the love. It’s a place to be proud of. The Pride Center is bigger than any one

Our cover two weeks ago may have been troubling and we may be in deep water, but damn, our community has overcome so much worse.

person. It has to survive after we are all long gone. No one person can stand in it’s way, and if he through misfortune does, then the right thing to do is for him to stand down on his own, directed by his conscience and the greater good. We are all here for a limited time. Life is too brief a moment. It can be taken away suddenly or slowly, so sing your song while you are here. You can leave a legacy whether you were a math teacher in Hewlett, Long Island like Stuart Milk’s uncle, or a student in Parkland, Florida whose life was lost too soon. Never give up and always move forward. You can be the survivor that tells a new story of honor and joy, love and passion, caring and concern. Find your corner of the world and build it into Main Street. You are only limited by the boundaries of your imagination. Have none. Dream forever. Build your castle. Keep the ability to laugh at yourself and you will never cease to be amused. Value every breath you can take, every sight you can see and every friend you can make. They come and go so much faster then we ever think. Along the way, smile and give second chances. None of us are perfect. That’s why they made erasers and white out years ago.

Convictions

Off The Wall

Lesbian Inmates A Tale of Two Countries

Pier Angelo

couple of months ago SFGN reported on a British prison banning lesbian inmates from rooming with each other. Women in relationships could apply to be in the same unit but not in the same cell. In Italy, a country that is still far behind the rest of Western Europe on gay rights, the same situation, was handled, surprisingly, in the opposite manner. The prison of Rebibbia, a suburb of Rome, Italy, on the northeast edge of the city, is one of the major Italian jails intended for rehabilitation and social reintegration. In the summer of 2017 two female inmates, Camilla and Adriana, were sharing, with other females, the same cell. Serving time for drugs they slowly became close and fell in love. Their relationship became known and thanks to their exemplary behavior, the warden, or in this case the Matron, together with the counseling of a psychiatrist and a pedagogue, pushed forth their requests to be assigned a cell just for the two of them and to be able to celebrate a civil union. It was a first. They were allowed to commemorate

the occasion with a big party complete with flowers, gifts, dresses, rings, a cake, and friends and families from the outside. Even the prison Chaplain and the Town Councilor took part in the ceremony. The entire prison of Rebibbia became a small village wishing the newlywed couple well. No honeymoon for now, that will have to wait until 2019 when they will both free again. For now, they spend their time in a small cell with a bunk bed, a small electrical stove and their framed picture on the wall. The prison is the condominium and the cell their happy apartment. It is a small step toward reform of the Italian prison system tackling with â&#x20AC;&#x153; love behind bars,â&#x20AC;? a place where more often than not sexuality is associated with violence. While Camilla and Adriana can now share the same cell and plan the next step in their lives together it is important to point out, and this is one of those cases when common sense is turned upside down, that if the couple was heterosexual immediately after the marriage was performed they would have been sent to separate cells.

4.25.2018 â&#x20AC;˘

Convictions

Jesse’s Journal

Wilton Manors

My second home Jesse Monteagudo

homas, Jefferson, who served as US Minister to France from 1785 to 1789, was a passionate lover of all things French. (His political enemy, Alexander Hamilton, loved the British.) According to a famous saying attributed to Jefferson, “every man has two countries - his own and France.” Though Jefferson never said this, in his autobiography he admitted that France was his “second choice” for a country to live in after his own. As the home of the Enlightenment and the Romantic Movement, France attracted intellectual and artistic pilgrims from all over Europe, Asia and the Americas. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries American students, tourists and expatriates, including many lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and trans* people, flocked to France for its history, its art, its literature and the freedoms that were often denied us back home. As a gay man who has lived in South Florida for most of his life, there have been several places that I called my home. One place that I never lived in, but nevertheless consider to be my second home, is Wilton Manors. And I am not the only one. To paraphrase Jefferson’s apocryphal quote, “every LGBT person in South Florida has two homes - their own and Wilton Manors.” I visit the Island City several times a week, for business and for pleasure. Many of my friends live in Wilton Manors. My favorite watering holes are all on Wilton Drive: Hunter’s, where I often gather with my pals for Sunday tea dance; the Alibi, with its award-winning hamburgers; and Rumors Bar. Some of my favorite

restaurants are also on the Drive: Shawn & Nick’s Courtyard Cafe; Rosie’s Bar & Grill; and EAT, among others. I often attend events at the Pride Center on Equality Park, most notably the Center’s weekly “Coffee and Conversation;” the Dolphin Democrats’ monthly meetings; and Congregation Etz Chaim’s Friday night services. I am even on a first-name basis with Mayor Gary Resnick and the City Commissioners. Though Wilton Manors’ housing is rather pricey, I often think of moving there, if only to save on gas. Someday, I might do so. Since the gay nineties, LGBT people have moved into the Island City and made it a queer Mecca. According to Wikipedia, “the city is home to a sizable LGBT population as well as winter vacationers, who frequent its many nightclubs and gay-owned businesses along the main street, Wilton Drive; the 2010 U.S. Census reported that it is second only to Provincetown, Massachusetts in the proportion (15%) of gay couples relative to the total population. It contains a large Pride center, the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center, and a branch of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, whose main facility is in neighboring Fort Lauderdale. The Mayor, Gary Resnick, refers on his official biography to his male partner.” Wilton Manors’ web page (wiltonmanors.com) proudly proclaims its status as the “Second Gayest City in America.” Every year since 2011, South Florida Gay News (SFGN) chooses WilMa to be the “Best City to Live In” in its annual “Best of” issue. (I wrote

Since the gay nineties, LGBT people have moved into the Island City and made it a queer Mecca.

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4 .25.2018

most of the blurbs proclaiming that fact.) SFGN is a proud part of Wilton Manors’ LGBT community, with offices on Dixie Highway just a block south of Five Points. “Wilton Manors has become the soul, hub, and the epicenter of gay life in South Florida,” SFGN publisher Norm Kent wrote in the annual, SFGN-published Guide to Wilton Manors (now revised to cover all of South Florida), that “what was once a farming community is now a growing urban village, driven and powered by many

LGBT entrepreneurs… Our community has bite, kick, and a bark. We are here, and we are heard.” Every two weeks SFGN publishes a supplement, the Wilton Manors Gazette (WMG), which includes my friend Sal Torre’s hard-hitting commentary. If you are LGBT, live in South Florida, and have not yet visited your second home, you should do as soon as you can: You will find lots of wonder here. In the Island City, the rainbow shines every day.

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

Brahms

at the Broward Center April 29th, 2018 - 4 PM

Broward Center for the Performing Arts at the Abdo River Room

A chamber music concert by world renown pianist Kemal Gekic, Amernet quartet’s violist Michael Klotz and principal cellist of Symphony of the Americas, Iris van Eck On the program:

DEAR BELOVED BARBARA BUSH God had Blessed You in many Ways and You have Blessed Us in Return. You reached out and touched those who were Living with HIV/AIDS when others trembled in fear and dared not. You, through your love and compassion, offered the way, the truth, and the light to those in need and to those who neither understood nor practice that which is revealed in the prophetic essence of His Two Greatest Commandments. Rest in Peace

Log Cabin Republicans - Broward

Chameleon Musicians Inc.

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South Florida Gay News

SFGN.com @SoFlaGayNews

SouthFloridaGayNews

Classic style... high tech platform. No room for a newspaper in your back pocket? Keep SFGN’s weekly paper on your phone. “South Florida Gay News”

4.25.2018 •

LIFESTYLE photos

outshine film festival opening The Big Opening Night Party for the OutShine Film Festival was a hit success on April 20, unveiling the festival with films such as “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” and “The Scotish Rite Temple.” See page 32 for more on the OutShine Film Festival. J.R. Davis

To see many more photos, visit South Florida Gay News on Facebook. 26

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4 .25.2018

Editorial Cartoon

Convictions

Editorial Cartoon By Mike Luckovich

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Salad Days Some recipes to make your mouth green

2018

Rick Karlin

s the weather gets warmer you’re going to want to spend less time hanging around the stove, much less turn on an oven. Entrée salads are a great option this time of year, they’re easy to make and as a bonus, can be healthier than a meat and potatoes dish. Here are a few of my favorite recipes to try, all of which serve two as an entrée, four as a side salad.

Visit

SFGN.com/FOOD to read the rest of this article.

If you’re looking for a delicious way to treat yourself, search no more! We’ve got the hot tips you need. We know you have fine taste... so come treat yourself.

Accounting and Tax Services Timothy S. Hart, CPA Managing Partner

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4 .25.2018

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HISTORY ● Rec

Kalis-McIntee Funeral & Cremation Center GET INTO THE MOMENT Follow SFGN.com on Facebook and see all the places you’ve been. We post photos from events across South Florida. From business gatherings to political protests, we’re right there with you.

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Wilton Manors’ Neighborhood Funeral & Cremation Service Provider Since 1959

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We invite you to stop by and talk with us regarding any questions you may have about services we offer as a full service funeral home. Available 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week.

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SFGNITES

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THU

4/26

film The summer movie season is upon us, which means there must be a blockbuster superheroes sequel on the marquee. You won’t be disappointed because Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor and more are back with “Avengers: Infinity War,” opening tonight at the local Cineplex. Get your tickets soon because this could be the big hit of the season. Check local listings for theaters and show times. Catch a peek at Marvel.com.

FRI

4/27

food Head over to Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 N. Dixie Hwy., tonight from 6 – 9 p.m. for Taste of Oakland Park. This celebration of food and drink—for the locals by the locals— features cooking demonstrations and food and beverage samples from local restaurants in the city’s culinary district, as well as live music and children’s activities. Only 2,000 tickets are available, so reserve yours today for $15 at OaklandParkFL.gov.

Monday

4/30

event

The fleet has landed in South Florida for Fleet Week Port Everglades, South Florida’s annual opportunity to thank our men and women in uniform. Two Navy ships and three Coast Guard cutters are docked for the week while sailors participate in community service projects and enjoy liberty. Tonight at 7 p.m., come down to Esplanade Park in Fort Lauderdale for the All Hands on Deck Welcoming Party and thank them for their service. Info at BrowardNavyDaysInc.org. Photo Credit: U.S. Navy.

SAT

4/28 SUN

4/29 MON

4/30 TUE

5/1

comedy

theater

television

theater

The Emmy Award-winning comic and TV star, Judy Gold, is returning to the RRazz Room at the Mizner Park Cultural Center, 201 Plaza Real in Boca Raton, for an evening of comedy tonight at 7:30 p.m. This funny lady is known for her acclaimed stand-up specials on HBO, Comedy Central and LOGO, as well as appearances on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “Louie.” Tickets are $35– 55 at SmartTix.com

There are now two performing spaces at Abyss Studios, 2304 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors and this weekend is your last chance to see two hit shows: Island City Stage’s production of the “Sound of Music” spin-off “The Radicalization of Rolfe” and Ronnie Larsen’s “Sleeping with Straight Men” the real-life story of a television talk show that goes terribly wrong. For tickets, go to IslandCityStage.org and RonnieLarsen.com.

The Winter Olympics may have made hunky gay figure skater Adam Rippon a household name, but his star is really going to shine on the latest season of “Dancing with the Stars,” premiering tonight at 8 p.m. on ABC. He’s already got plenty of fancy footwork, but will he flash some abs during a hot Latin number? At least that’s what we’ll be looking for when he takes the floor. Check local listings for channels and show times.

Welcome to the Renaissance! “Something Rotten,” the hilarious Broadway comedy about the very first musical, “Omelette,” comes to the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach tonight through Sunday, May 6. If you missed the show in Fort Lauderdale or Miami, then consider catching the Brightline to hear Shakespeare’s lament, “It’s Hard to be the Bard.” Oh, and don’t forget your codpieces. Tickets start at $28 at Kravis.org.

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4 .25.2018

Y R O T S E H T OF FRANKIE VA L L I & THE FOUR SEASONS May 8-20 • BrowardCenter.org 954.462.0222 • Groups 10+ Tickets 954.660.6307

4.25.2018 •

A&E film

Five More Films to See at

OUTshine Miami This Weekend J.W. Arnold

he OUTshine Film Festival wraps up its 20th anniversary this weekend in Miami Beach. The 10-day festival included more than 80 feature, documentary and short film screenings, as well as red carpet events, parties and panel discussions with directors, writers and actors. Here are five films worth seeing during this final weekend of the festival: “Snapshots” Southeast Premiere Thursday, April 26, 7 p.m. English / U.S.A. / 91 min. “A grandmother’s secret past collides with her granddaughter’s secret future and her daughter’s angry present.” The acting in this lesbian-themed family drama starring Piper Laurie may be painfully forced, but the story—and the women’s complicated intergenerational relationships—remains uplifting, proving love can surmount obstacles resulting from secrecy. “Postcards from London” North American Premiere Friday, April 27, 6:45 p.m. English / U.K. / 88 min. Every LGBT film festival needs a little camp and you’ll find it in “Postcards from London.” Jim is young man from the countryside who has just moved to London and finds himself recruited into a group of sophisticated male escorts. “I’m searching for a world full of mystery and possibilities,” he tells them. Let’s just say this film isn’t quite the gay version of “Pretty Woman.”

If you liked “The Office,” then you’ll absolutely adore director Sonia Sebastian’s deadpan comedy “Freelancers Anonymous.” 32

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4 .25.2018

A teen from a small English village is recruited by a group of sophisticated big city escorts in “Postcards from London,” screening at the OUTshine Film Festival this weekend. Photo Credit: British Film Council. “McQueen” Southeast Premiere Saturday, April 28, 3 p.m. English / U.K. / 111 min.

“Freelancers Anonymous” Sneak Peak Sunday, April 29, 2:30 p.m. English / U.S.A. / 81 min.

“Every Act of Life” Southeast Premiere Sunday, April 29, 5:15 p.m. English / U.S.A. / 90 min.

Fashion designer Alexander McQueen reached the pinnacle of success, yet he could never really escape his unremarkable working-class background or the depression that tormented him throughout his career. He committed suicide in 2010 at the age of 40, just days after his mother died. SFGN wasn’t able to screen this film in advance, but the industry buzz is real.

If you liked “The Office,” then you’ll absolutely adore director Sonia Sebastian’s deadpan comedy “Freelancers Anonymous.” After quitting her “soul-sucking” corporate job, Billie teams up with a misfit band of women to launch a new app for freelancers, all while juggling the preparations for her same-sex wedding. What could go wrong? Plenty, and it predictably does.

“Every Act of Life” is a rather conventional documentary about 78-year-old playwright Terrence McNally, whose stellar career has inspired multiple generations of LGBT people. Director Jeff Kaufman stays out of the way as a “Who’s Who” of Broadway legends reminisce and praise the four-time Tony winner who left Corpus Christi, Tx. as a teen for the bright lights of Broadway.

Screenings of these films are presented at Regal Cinemas South Beach, 1120 Lincoln Rd. in Miami Beach. For a complete festival schedule and tickets, go to OUTshineFilm.org.

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.

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4.25.2018 •

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South Florida Gay News

SFGN.com @SoFlaGayNews

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. 34

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4 .25.2018

A&E dance British performer Ms. Tickle will be featured at the Florida Burlesque Festival this weekend in Fort Lauderdale. Submitted photo.

Florida Burlesque Festival Returns to Fort Lauderdale J.W. Arnold

ention the word “burlesque” and what comes to mind? The term generally conjures up images of voluptuous female dancers stripping down to pasties in smoky bars, while many LGBT people might immediately think of Gypsy Rose Lee and the iconic musical “Gypsy.” But burlesque is so much more, argues Bambi La Fleur, an internationally-acclaimed performer and producer of the third annual Florida Burlesque Festival, and she wonders why burlesque isn’t more popular with gays and lesbians. “Burlesque can be sexy and decadent,” she said. “It celebrates seduction and is never tawdry…sometimes it’s extremely funny.” Technically, the term burlesque is derived from the Italian word “burla,” meaning “a joke, ridicule or mockery” and was generally applied to particular works of literature and theater beginning in the 17th century. In the U.S. by the 1860s, burlesque came to refer to traveling vaudeville-style variety troupes featuring bawdy comedy and strip tease acts. By the 1930s, burlesque, like vaudeville a generation earlier, had largely fallen out of fashion. La Fleur’s festival is part of a recent revival of that nearly forgotten form of entertainment and it’s not just intended for sexuallyfrustrated, middle-aged men: “We have an amazing line-up,” she said. “We have femme fatales, a female ventriloquist, a singer and, in my humble opinion, it will be the best show ever.” Among the world-class performers she has

booked is Hot Toddy, the king of “boylesque,” whose performances “lean towards comedy,” said La Fleur. “He’s hilarious.” Hailing from London, England, Ms. Tickle has been called the “mystical mistress of tease” and her act features the most beautiful costumes La Fleur has seen. South Florida-based Greek fire dancer Angeliki will debut her unique fire “tango” at the festival, while the festival’s “legend,” 74-year-old Camille 2000, will offer an unforgettable tribute to the Marquis de Sade. And La Fleur, who has been planning the festival for months, will even take the stage on Saturday “by force,” she said with a chuckle, promising a taste of the act she will perform during her upcoming European tour. Popular South Florida female impersonator Electra will serve as the mistress of ceremonies for both evening performances. Like previous festivals, a tribute will be offered to the legendary Bunny Yaeger, the former pin-up girl turned photographer—and South Florida resident—who passed away in 2014 at the age of 85. “Bunny is widely credited with helping turn the erotic pin-up into high photographic art and is one of the country’s most famous and influential photographers who helped define the art of erotic photography. (Her) images broke through her subjects’ obvious physical beauty and shone a spotlight on their personalities and inner world. She was an actress, author, model and not only an inspiration to many, but also a dear friend,” La Fleur wrote on the festival website.

The Florida Burlesque Festival will be held on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 at 8 p.m. at Savor Cinema (formerly Cinema Paradiso), 503 S.E. 6th St. in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $35 – 55 at FloridaBurlesqueFestival.com. 4.25.2018 •

Datebook

Theater Tucker Berardi

Calendar@SFGN.com

Top

Picks

*What We Play Is Life

May 22 at 6 pm at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School presents a night of jazz from the Stoneman Douglas jazz band, joined by world renowned artist Herbie Hancock, jazz artist Wycliffe Gordon and musician Paquito D’Rivera. Tickets $20 to $40. Visit thecentercs.com

*Black Jacket Symphony Presents The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

Sunday, April 28th at 7:30 pm at Dreyfoos Hall, Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach. Enjoy a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band with a full live recreation accompanied by some of the Beatles’ greatest hits. Tickets $15 to $85. Visit max.kravis.org

*Legally Blonde the Musical

May 4 - 6 at the Key West Theater, 512 Eaton Street. Key West high school drama club and Key West Theater join forces for this musical iteration of the dramedy classic taken from the big screen: Legally Blonde. Visit thekeywesttheater.com or call (305) 985-0433.

april 25 - May 1 broward county *What We Play Is Life

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 *Ruben Studdard Sings Luther Vandross

Sunday, May 13 at 7:30 pm in Dreyfoos Hall, Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach. Special Mother’s Day opportunity to see American Idol star Ruben Studdard sing his top hits. Tickers $15 to $100. Visit max. kravis.org.

*Black Jacket Symphony Presents The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

Sunday, April 28th at 7:30 pm at Dreyfoos

Hall, Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach. Enjoy a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band with a full live recreation accompanied by some of the Beatles’ greatest hits. Tickets $15 to $85. Visit max. kravis.org

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.

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.

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 JustThe-Funny.com.

* Denotes New Listing 36

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4 .25.2018

SCHOOL 10 E I V 0-Y A D EA D L R O GALA • CONCERTS • FESTIVAL

MAY 10-12, 2018

Join in the celebration of this splendid building’s history

GALA & CELEBRATION - OLD DAVIE SCHOOL THURSDAY • MAY 10 • 6 - 10 P.M.

6650 GRIFFIN ROAD • DAVIE, FL 33314

LIVE CONCERT - BERGERON RODEO FRIDAY • MAY 11 • 6 - 9 P.M.

LOCAL CRAFT BEER & DELICIOUS BBQ

MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL DAVIE SCHOOL

SATURDAY • MAY 12 • 10 - 5 P.M. • 6650 GRIFFIN RD. A family festival of music with Bluegrass by “Uproothootenanny” and soft rock by “The Long Run,” kids games, BBQ, local craft beer, and arts and crafts.

FOR GALA TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION VISIT: OLDDAVIESCHOOL.ORG

Diana Cronkhite

DAVIE-COOPER CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

4.25.2018 •

april 25 may 1

Datebook

Community Tucker Berardi

Broward Support Services

Calendar@SFGN.com

Top Picks

PFLAG

*Diversity Honors 2018

Friday, April 27 at 7 pm at the Hard Rock Event Center, Hard Rock Casino & Hotel, Hollywood, Florida. Celebrate unity and inclusiveness as honorees are recognized from across the community. Continuous open bar and food stations, live entertainment and after party. Visit diversityhonors.com for tickets.

*GFLGLCC May Mixer

Tuesday, May 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Brinny Irish Riverfront Pub, 304 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale. Join the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce at their May Mixer aboard the Double Decker Water Taxi. Complimentary drink included, cash bar and Hors D’oeuvres available. Tickets free for members, non-members $10. Visit gogayfortlauderdale.com

*Yappy Hour

Friday, April 27 from 5 to 8 pm at Rum Row, 3824 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West. Come enjoy drinks and animals all in the same place for this boozy adoptable meet & greet with some of Key West’s cutest furry friends. Raffle for prizes available, $1 of every drink special will go to the SPCA. Visit gateshotelkeywest.com.

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

SunServe Youth Group

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

Survivor Support

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

broward county *Pride Film Series — The Shape of Water

Tuesday, May 8 at 1:15 pm at the Pride Center in Wilton Manors. Enjoy this free showing of Guillermo Del Toro’s The Shape of Water. Must be 18 or older to attend. Soda and popcorn will be served.

*GFLGLCC May Mixer

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

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4 .25.2018

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

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 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.

april 25 - May 1 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 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.

palm beach county 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

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.

Sober Sisters

Mondays at 6:15 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. J St. in Lake Worth. A support and discussion group for female recovering alcoholics. Visit LambdaNorth.net.

Positive Connection

Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Men who are HIV positive are invited to come together for support, education, and advocacy. Closed group. Call 561-324-1626 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

Bisexual Support Group

Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Share your thoughts with other members of the bisexual community, discuss issues, and address concerns in a safe environment. Email marissa@compassglcc.com or visit CompassGLCC.com.

miami-dade county

*Champions of Equality 25th Anniversary Gala

Wednesday, May 16 from 7 to 9 pm at the home of SAVE Guardian John Byrne, 400 Alton Road, Unit 3007, Miami Beach. Celebrate 25 years of SAVE with lite bites and complimentary cocktails, presented by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Visit championsofequality.com to order tickets and RSVP.

Saving India’s Elephants

Friday, April 27 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at the Miami Zoo, 112400 SW 152 ST, Miami. Karmic Satyanara-yan and Geeta Seshamani are flying in from India to share their work eradicating the abusive practices of ‘dancing’ bears in India. Tickets $10. Visit zoomiami.org.

Arsht Center Farmers Market

Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Purchase fresh food from local farmers, including fruits, vegetables, meats, prepared foods, as well as chefs, live music, and cooking demonstrations. Tickets $45 to $75. Free. Visit ArshtCen-ter. org/en/Visit/Dining.

POZCONNECT Support Group for Spanish Speakers

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

Book Study

Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Norbu, will lead classes on learning the foundations of Buddhism. Call 786-529-7137.

key west Tea Dance: A Key West Tradition

Sundays at 4 p.m. at La Te Da Hotel, 1125 Duval St. An early evening dance in the Key West tradition. Call 305-296-6706 or visit LaTeDa.com.

Jazz in the Gardens

Sundays 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St. in Key West. Wind down from the crazy weekend with a few hours of soothing jazz. Call 305-294-2661.

* Denotes New Listing

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 4.25.2018 •

THE

GUIDE

Business Directory

attorney

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

law office of Gregory Kabel 1 East Broward Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, 33301 954.761.7770 gwkesq@bellsouth.net

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

law office of Shawn Newman 710 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.563.9160 Shawnnewman.com

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

beauty

furniture

Trantalis & Associates attorneys Dean J. Trantalis, Esq. 2301 Wilton Drive Suite C1-A, Wilton Manors, 33035 954.566.2226 TrantalisLaw.com

a&e

Ft Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus PO Box 9772, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33310-9772 954-832-0060 www.theftlgmc.org

car

dental Oakland Park Dental 3047 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954.566.9812 Oaklandparkdental.com

Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida 2040 North Dixie Hwy, #218, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-763-2266 Gaymenschorusofsouthflorida.org

sfgn.guide

on-call

KEEP YOUR EYES ON

South Florida Gay News

Licensed & Insured

954-725-3633

SFGN.com

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contractors, Inc.

Est. 1989 “Experience Matters” Service after the sale! ▶ residential security ▶ commercial security ▶ closed circuit tV www.customalarmcontractors.com 40

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4 .25.2018

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

Welcome to the South Florida Gay News.

final arrangements Kalis-McIntee Funeral & Cremation Center

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

financial services WE’RE HERE FOR ALL YOUR

FINANCIAL NEEDS Taxes IRS Issues Accounting

Bookkeeping Small Business Advising

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

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

professional services

954-667-9829 ACCOUNTING@STERLINGACCOUNTING.COM

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2435 North Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305

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Custom mad e Roller shad  Curtains es  Verticals  Blinds  Movie scre ens  Windows  Wiﬁ door lo cks  Wiﬁ light sw itches 

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

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2430 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY WILTON MANORS FLORIDA 33305 954.581.5655 954.581.5606 FAX buyreliablerides.com 4.25.2018 •

THE

GUIDE

Business Directory

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

spirituality

William D. Turner taylorandturner@yahoo.com 2520 North Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305

954.630.2627

social

call us to reserve space! The Parish of Sts. Francis and Clare Where we welcome and appreciate diversity.

2300 NW 9th Avenue (Powerline Rd) Wilton Manors, FL 33311 Mass Times: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 10:30 AM Ecumenical Catholic 954.731.8173

www.stsfrancisandclare.org Baptisms • Weddings • Memorial Services

Only one product is beyond the government’s reach when it comes to defects and safety: firearms.

www.sfgn.guide 42

•

4 .25.2018

2 bedroom/2 bath condos from

$135,000

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Pest and Termite Control, Inc

Tennis Lessons at Hagen Park in Wilton Manors. Individual or group lessons. Call Robert 732-604-0362 for more information.

Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors & Oakland Park REMODELED homes:

3 bedroom/2 bath homes

Taylor & Turner

sports

real estate

Realtor

954.205.5275

SFGN Classified$ To place a Classified Ad, call us at 954.530.4970

attorney Injury or illness? - Unable to work due to injury or illness? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc., Social Security Disability Attorneys! FREE Evaluation. Local Attorneys Nationwide 1-855-643-2430 [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)]

commercial for sale

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

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

rentals wilton manors

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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

Drake Tower - 2 Bedroom - Two Bath, Totally Renovated, Spectacular River View. Fully Furnished, Upgraded Cable Included, 1 Year Lease - $1600 per month + Security. Available May 1, 2018. Call Anthony - 619.822.5158

www.sfgn.guide

$$$ SAVE THOUSANDS $$$ 4% TO LIST AND SELL • Michael Tublin 561-703-5533 United Realty Group

television

real estate

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

help wanted dog runner sought (with references) - Victoria Park, Fort Lauderdale. Call Norm 954-661-3361

internet

FREE Information Kit

855-407-8729

www.dental50plus.com/SouthFL

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

www.sfgn.guide

piano

electronics for sale Kodi TV Box Fully Programmed, $79.00 2Gb/16Gb • Movies, Premium TV & Sports, No Monthly Fee. IPTV Service Available. 800 Channels with VOD $100 per year, Free Trial 9542837557 HDTVME.Com

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.

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

painting GREGG'S PAINTING - 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.

www.sfgn.guide 4.25.2018 •

LGBT CRUISES & TOUR EVENTS

17th Annual

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Oct 28- Nov 4, 2018 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas Ports: Galveston, Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel

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Aug 13 - 20, 2019 7 Nights – Labor Day Castles on The Rhine River Cruise Aquafest Hosted Group of LGBT Travelers September 5-17, 2019

Exclusive LUXURY LGBTCruise Tour Vietnam, The Mekong River, and Cambodia (Angkor Wat) with #1 Tour Operator Abercrombnie & Kent

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