5/11/16 V7i19 by South Florida Gay News

local name global coverage May 11, 2016 vol. 7 // issue 18

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f l o r i d a

g a y

n e w s

Face forward

SOUTH FLORIDA DOCS ‘SCULPT’ NEW USE FOR HIV/AIDS DRUG DIVERSITY HONORS RETURNS Pages 17, 46

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS

Pages 30, 34 - 35

ATTORNEY GENERAL FIGHTS FOR TRANS COMMUNITY Pages 32

SOFLAGAYNEWS

SFGN.COM 5.11.2016 • 1

New Odefsey ® is now available

2 ODEC0005_OdefseyJrnlAd-B_Spread_10x10-75_SFlaGayNews.indd • 5.11.2016

1-2

Actual Size (15.4 mm x 7.3 mm)

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

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

3/30/16 11:13 AM

5.11.2016 â&#x20AC;˘

Brief Summary of Patient Information about ODEFSEY ODEFSEY (oh-DEF-see) (emtricitabine, rilpivirine and tenofovir alafenamide) tablets Important: Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with ODEFSEY. There may be new information about ODEFSEY. This information is only a summary and does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. What is the most important information I should know about ODEFSEY? ODEFSEY can cause serious side effects, including: • Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis may happen in some people who take ODEFSEY or similar medicines. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms which could be signs of lactic acidosis: – feel very weak or tired – have unusual (not normal) muscle pain – have trouble breathing – have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting – feel cold, especially in your arms and legs – feel dizzy or lightheaded – have a fast or irregular heartbeat • Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems may happen in people who take ODEFSEY. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large and you may develop fat in your liver. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems: – your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) – dark “tea-colored” urine – light-colored bowel movements (stools) – loss of appetite – nausea – pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking ODEFSEY or a similar medicine for a long time. • Worsening of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. ODEFSEY is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and take ODEFSEY, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking ODEFSEY. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. – Do not run out of ODEFSEY. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your ODEFSEY is all gone. – Do not stop taking ODEFSEY without first talking to your healthcare provider. – If you stop taking ODEFSEY, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking ODEFSEY.

4ODEC0005_OdefseyJrnlAd-B_Spread_10x10-75_SFlaGayNews.indd • 5.11.2016

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What is ODEFSEY? ODEFSEY is a prescription medicine that is used to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years of age and older: • who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past and have an amount of HIV-1 in their blood (“viral load”) that is no more than 100,000 copies/mL, or • to replace their current HIV-1 medicines in people who have been on the same HIV-1 medicines for at least 6 months, have a viral load that is less than 50 copies/mL, and have never failed past HIV-1 treatment. It is not known if ODEFSEY is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age or who weigh less than 77 lb (35 kg). When used to treat HIV-1 infection, ODEFSEY may help: • Reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load”. • Increase the number of CD4+ (T) cells in your blood that help fight off other infections. Reducing the amount of HIV-1 and increasing the CD4+ (T) cells in your blood may help improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or getting infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). ODEFSEY does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to others. Do not share or re-use needles, injection equipment, or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them. Do not have sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.

Who should not take ODEFSEY? Do not take ODEFSEY if you also take a medicine that contains: • carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®, Tegretol-XR®, Teril®) • dexamethasone (Ozurdex®, Maxidex®, Decadron®, BaycadronTM) • dexlansoprazole (Dexilant ®) • esomeprazole (Nexium®, Vimovo®) • lansoprazole (Prevacid®) • omeprazole (Prilosec®, Zegerid®) • oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®) • pantoprazole sodium (Protonix®) • phenobarbital (Luminal®) • phenytoin (Dilantin®, Dilantin-125®, Phenytek®) • rabeprazole (Aciphex®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater ®, Rimactane®) • rifapentine (Priftin®) • the herb St. John’s wort or a product that contains St. John’s wort

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking ODEFSEY? Before taking ODEFSEY, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have liver problems including hepatitis B or C virus infection • have kidney and bone problems • have had depression or suicidal thoughts • have any other medical conditions • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ODEFSEY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking ODEFSEY.

Pregnancy registry: there is a pregnancy registry for women who take HIV-1 medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take ODEFSEY. – You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. – At least one of the medicines in ODEFSEY can pass to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if the other medicines in ODEFSEY can pass into your breast milk. – Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may interact with ODEFSEY. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. • You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with ODEFSEY. • Do not start a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take ODEFSEY with other medicines. How should I take ODEFSEY? • Take ODEFSEY exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. ODEFSEY is • • • • •

taken by itself (not with other HIV-1 medicines) to treat HIV-1 infection. Take ODEFSEY 1 time each day with a meal. Do not change your dose or stop taking ODEFSEY without first talking with your healthcare provider. Stay under a healthcare provider’s care when taking ODEFSEY. Do not miss a dose of ODEFSEY. If you take too much ODEFSEY, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. When your ODEFSEY supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. This is very important because the amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. The virus may develop resistance to ODEFSEY and become harder to treat.

What are the possible side effects of ODEFSEY? ODEFSEY may cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about ODEFSEY?” • Severe skin rash and allergic reactions. Skin rash is a common side effect of ODEFSEY. Rash can be serious. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get a rash. In some cases, rash and allergic reaction may need to be treated in a hospital. If you get a rash with any of the following symptoms, stop taking ODEFSEY and call your healthcare provider right away: – fever – skin blisters – mouth sores – redness or swelling of the eyes (conjunctivitis) – swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat – trouble breathing or swallowing – pain on the right side of the stomach (abdominal) area – dark “tea-colored” urine

• Depression or mood changes. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have

any of the following symptoms: – feel sad or hopeless – feel anxious or restless – have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself • Change in liver enzymes. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus infection or who have certain liver enzyme changes may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening liver problems during treatment with ODEFSEY. Liver problems can also happen during treatment with ODEFSEY in people without a history of liver disease. Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your liver enzymes before and during treatment with ODEFSEY. • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having any new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking ODEFSEY. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking ODEFSEY if you develop new or worse kidney problems. • Bone problems can happen in some people who take ODEFSEY. Bone problems may include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bones. The most common side effects of rilpivirine, one of the medicines in ODEFSEY, are depression, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and headache. The most common side effect of emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, two of the medicines in ODEFSEY, is nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. • These are not all the possible side effects of ODEFSEY. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. • Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about ODEFSEY. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about ODEFSEY that is written for health professionals. For more information, call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.ODEFSEY.com. Keep ODEFSEY and all medicines out of reach of children. Issued: March 2016

ODEFSEY, the ODEFSEY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and GSI are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2016 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. ODEC0005 03/16

3/30/16 11:13• AM 5.11.2016 5

the opeNING LINe Photos: Facebook.

reDeMptIoN aND rehaBILItatIoN: the Story oF NIcK Berry David Steven Katz –

I did not know the back story, now I will even more spend my money and time with their companies, knowing the back story makes a big difference, it puts a meaningful face on the organization. I always say spend you money with people you like and trust.

phil Lauderdale –

comments from SFGN’s

online outlets

Compiled by John McDonald

DeveLoperS SeeK to traNSForM SpIrItuaL LIvING ceNter INto up ScaLe apartMeNtS raymond carrier – 26th street is already populated with lower priced rentals with duplexes and small apartment buildings. This project finally represents something more upscale and fitting for Wilton Manors.

Well written. Amazing story.

Noah Kitty – heidi Shoshana –

Proud of you Nick for sharing your story! I know you have struggled with this coming out for sometime and I am glad you have made peace with it. Xoxo to you and Joe.

if its four stories high it will block out the sun from the rest of the neighborhood.

Kevin Burke –

Anything is better than the extinct behemoth lying on 26th street. Make a decision.

SFGN INtroDuceS MaKeup coLuMNISt For MeN Make-up on a man? He best be in a Casket.

Last week when SFGN ran the feature on the anniversary of the COPA raid, we included a stock photo of a bartender, Lori Tanner, who had previously worked at the Copa. However, it should MEMBER be mentioned that Ms. Tanner did not work at the Copa at the time of the raid, and was in no way implicated, involved, or connected thereto with the law enforcement operation.

Jeffrey alman –

One word. Gold shadow. Just sayin.

vincent zeteliano – NO!

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DENNIS JOZEFOWICZ INTERNET DIRECTOR 2010 - 2016 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 © 2016 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

• 5.11.2016

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news highlight

caMpBeLL FouNDatIoN’S phILaDeLphIa teaM receIveS GraNt John McDonald

he Campbell Foundation, a Fort Lauderdale based nonprofit HIV/AIDS organization, awarded a $75,000 grant to fund a team of researchers in Philadelphia. In a news release, the Campbell Foundation announced Dr. Irwin Chaiken and his team of researchers at Drexel University College of Medicine would use the grant to develop an effective delivery system targeting hidden reservoirs of the HIV virus. That “delivery system” is called killer peptides. The goal, scientists note, is to suppress HIV infection and its progression with specially designed molecules. Those molecules target protein on the surface of the virus to stop it from entering cells and starting the infection cycle. “The development of a long-acting formulation of HIV-1 inactivators that can selectively target and kill infectious viruses, viruses activated from latent reservoirs, and activated latently infected cells (the “kill” component of “kick and kill” approach to attacking latent reservoirs), could suppress virus infection, progression and spread,” said Dr. Chaiken, in a news release. “Long-acting treatments may also lead to ‘treatment as prevention’ pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) strategies.”

The Chaiken Research Group, reportedly, uses a combination of chemical and biological approaches to investigate the fundamental nature of protein interactions in solution, viruses and cells, and their roles in disease pathogenesis. “Achieving full viral suppression of HIV has proven difficult, even in an age of effective drug regimens,” said Campbell Foundation Executive Director Ken Rapkin, in a news release. “This research team will look into blocking HIV-1 entry and inhibit HIV replication in the latent reservoirs that harbor the virus. The goal of developing a long-acting antiretroviral would be key to the overall health of those with HIV, as well as reducing the possibility of transmission.”

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5.11.2016 •

Compiled by Jillian Melero

AIDS Nonproﬁt Again Sues San Fran (EDGE) An AIDS nonprofit that’s been trying to move a pharmacy in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood is again suing the city and gay Supervisor Scott Wiener, claiming discrimination. The Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation filed its latest complaint April 28 in San Francisco Superior Court. In court documents, the nonprofit accuses Wiener of opposing its plans because AHF has been an outspoken critic of PrEP, which Wiener takes and which is supported by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. “For at least the last two years, AHF has continuously, very loudly, and very forcefully argued against the adoption of PrEP as a widely used method of attempting to prevent HIV infection,” the nonprofit, which expresses safety concerns about the prevention method, says in its complaint. The nonprofit claims Wiener and others enacted controls

riz. High Schooler Exposes Himself in Yearbook, Gets Playgirl Offer

(EDGE) An Arizona high school student who was recently arrested after exposing himself in a yearbook photo received an offer to pose nude for Playgirl.com. Hunter Osborn, a football player at Red Mountain High School in Mesa, Ariz., was facing 69 charges for indecent exposure and one count of furnishing harmful items to minors, after showing off his junk in a team photo that was published in the school’s yearbook, which was sent to 3,400 students, many of whom are underage, according to CBS affiliate KPHO. Instinct magazine reports all the charges have been dropped, however. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office released a statement regarding the charges. “An assessment of the available evidence for the felony charge of Furnishing Harmful Items to Minors, ARS 133506.A., leads us to conclude that the evidence does not establish a violation of the statute,” said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “MCAO has furthered review of remaining misdemeanor charges submitted by the Mesa Police Department for possible submittal to the Mesa City Prosecutor’s Office.” Local police also announced the incident exposure counts were nixed as no one involved wanted to press charges, according to AzCentral.com. Osborn could have more to celebrate if he accepts Playgirl’s offer. A spokesperson for the X-rated publication spoke with blog Naughty Gossip about the student athlete and his prank gone wrong. “We’re trying to reach this kid to get him in Playgirl. We want to support him as this was a hilarious prank, and people are too tightly wound. Playgirl.com would like to have him pose naked and pay his legal bills,” they said. It’s unclear if Osborn has accepted the offer.

• 5.11.2016

against its plans “in retaliation against AHF for engaging in its aforementioned protected First Amendment activities.” In a phone interview Monday, Wiener said AHF’s claim about the AIDS foundation is “completely untrue. My action had nothing to do with favoring or disfavoring anyone, and everything to do with closing a loophole so AHF and others could not game the formula retail rules.” He was referring to how, at least at one point, the nonprofit had planned to call the space Castro Pharmacy instead of AHF Pharmacy. By doing so, he said, AHF was “pretending not to be formula retail.” The commission “failed to proceed in the manner required by law, its decision is not supported by its findings, and its findings are not supported by substantial evidence,” AHF says. AHF is seeking $500,000 in damages from the city, plus other costs.

labama Chief Justice Faces Ouster After Gay Marriage Fightt

(AP) Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore - ousted from office more than a decade ago over a Ten Commandments display - now faces removal from the bench over his effort to block gay marriage from coming to that state after the U.S. Supreme Court effectively legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission on Friday filed ethics charged against Moore, saying that the state chief justice abused the power of his office and displayed disrespect for the judiciary. The charges largely stem from a Jan. 6 administrative order Moore sent to probate judges telling them an Alabama order and law banning same-sex marriages remained in effect. His order came six months after the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges effectively legalized gay marriage. “By issuing his unilateral order of January 6, 2016, Chief Justice Moore flagrantly disregarded a fundamental constitutional right guaranteed in all states as declared by the United States Court in Obergefell,” the Judicial Inquiry Commission wrote in the charges. Chief Justice Roy Moore

The Court of the Judiciary will decide whether Moore is guilty of violating judicial ethics. If found guilty, he could face removal from office. Moore issued a statement Friday night saying he doesn’t believe the commission has authority over administrative orders and state court injunction. Moore, as he did in a press conference last week about the complaints, referenced a recent protest outside his office by gay and transgender people. “There is nothing in writing that you will find that I told anybody to disobey a federal court order. That’s not what I said,” Moore said last week. Asked if judges should be issuing licenses to gay couples, Moore said it remained for “probate judge to decide.”

Carolina Governor Leads North Lawsuit Over LGBT Rights

(AP) North Carolina filed a lawsuit Monday against the federal government in a fight for a state law that limits protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Gov. Pat McCrory’s administration filed the lawsuit seeking to keep in place the law the U.S. Justice Department said last week violated the civil rights of transgender people. The Justice Department had set a deadline of Monday for McCrory to report whether he would refuse to enforce the last that took effect in March. McCrory’s defiance could risk funding for the state’s university system and lead to a protracted legal battle. McCrory and other state officials have been under pressure since the U.S. Justice Department warned last week that the law passed in March violates civil rights protections against sex discrimination on the job and in education for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. In letters, federal civil rights enforcement attorneys focused particularly on provisions requiring transgender people to use public restrooms that correspond to their biological sex.

News Briefs

Continued

‘

(EDGE) Surprise, surprise: “Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson, who made headlines a few years ago after using homophobic language in a GQ interview, is back at lashing out against the LGBT community. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the reality star teamed up with the controversial group Citizens United to raise money and sent out an email to conservatives over the weekend, blasting trans rights. “This is Phil Robertson from Duck Commander and I’ve got a radical idea,” he wrote in an email, according to THR. “Men should use the men’s bathroom and women should use the women’s bathroom. Just because a man may ‘feel’ like a woman doesn’t mean he should be able to share a bathroom with my daughter, or yours. That used to be called common sense. Now it’s called bigoted.” He adds: “The Judeo-Christian values that led America to greatness are under full assault by the mob mentality of political correctness, and we’re slowly losing our soul.” Robertson’s email also includes a link to StandTallWithPhil.org, which asks for donations for “Speak Freely,” a joint effort

Photo: Facebook.

Duck Dynasty’ Patriarch Sends Anti-Trans Email Over Bathroom Laws

between the reality star and Citizens United. “As Americans, we ought to be able to speak freely about our faith in God and live by our values without fear of coercion,” the website reads.

een Girl Reportedly Takes Life Over Struggles With Sexuality

(EDGE) A teenage girl from Scotland reportedly took her own life Friday, after struggling with her sexuality, the British newspaper the Mirror reports. Chloe Orr, 15, was found dead in her garden shed in Dumfries, Scotland and left behind a letter detailing her inner turmoil. The teen’s mother, Kelly Moorhead, 35, said Orr, who was openly gay, was having trouble accepting her sexuality. “When Chloe came out, we all accepted her...but Chloe couldn’t,” Moorhead told the Mirror. “She really struggled with being a lesbian.” The newspaper reports Orr was joking with her mother hours before she took her life. According to the Daily Record, the teen’s family started to worry about her when they couldn’t reach her Friday evening. They tried calling her cell phone several times but Orr didn’t answer. Around 10 p.m. her family discovered her body in her garden shed after hearing her phone ring. “I kept calling but there was no answer. We heard the phone ringing inside the shed and we found her,” Moorhead told the Mirror. Orr reportedly left behind a suicide note and a lock of her hair for her mother. In the letter, the teen wrote she was sorry but could

not cope, despite the support from friends and family. Orr’s relatives said they were shocked by her death and did not know of her struggles with her sexuality. The teen leaves behind a twin sister Samantha as well as a 12-year-old brother and a seven-year-old sister. A friend of Orr’s told the Sun, the teen “appeared to be happy, but a smile can often cover a lot of pain. She was beautiful, really intelligent and fun.” Police said they took Orr to the hospital Friday night. She was pronounced dead shorty after. Authorities do not suspect suspicious circumstances in Orr’s death, the Mirror notes. 5.11.2016 •

news national

New Studies Look at prep for trans people

Lindsey Bahr

Associated Press

(EDGE) The California HIV/AIDS Research Program has announced that it has funded three new demonstration projects - including two in the Bay Area - to learn more about PrEP for transgender women and men. “These studies will provide critical information on the implementation of PrEP among transgender people in California, and will help guide state and national efforts to address the epidemic in this often neglected population at high risk for HIV,” said CHRP director Dr. George Lemp. The international iPrEx study, which enrolled about 2,500 men and transgender women who have sex with men, found that once-daily Truvada reduced the risk of HIV infection by 44 percent overall, rising to 92 percent for those with measurable blood drug levels. In an open-label extension of iPrEx, no one who took Truvada at least four times a week became infected. One team, which will receive $2.9 million over four years, is a collaboration between UCSF, the Gladstone Institutes, the Gender Health Center in Sacramento, and La Clinica de la Raza in Oakland. This team will develop a demonstration project for trans women of color dubbed TRIUMPH (Trans Research-Informed Communities United in Mobilization for the Prevention of HIV). The program involves community-led efforts to increase knowledge and acceptability of PrEP, using advocates from within trans communities and trans-specific educational materials. To improve drug adherence, the project will feature peer-led health workshops and one-on-one counseling sessions. The other Bay Area team - with a four-year budget of $2.6 million - includes the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Tom Waddell Urban Health Center, Castro Mission Health Center, and Asian Pacific Islander Wellness Center, along with the Tri-City Health Center in Fremont. This team will use a patient-centered “medical home” approach to develop a comprehensive PrEP education, access, and support package for trans women and men. “To date, PrEP has largely been framed as an HIV prevention tool for gay men,” lead project investigator Dr. Albert Liu from the DPH told the B.A.R. “Our project will partner with four Bay Area

• 5.11.2016

clinics highly experienced in delivering transgender care and integrate PrEP provision into transgender services. Through the San Francisco DPH’s Transgender Advisory Group, we will work closely with the transgender community in developing and implementing all phases of this project.” The team will develop a trans-specific social marketing campaign and online education to increase knowledge about PrEP, as well as a sexual risk assessment tool, peer navigators, and adherence reminders delivered via text messaging. “The transgender community’s HIV risk is 49 times greater than the general population, but so often transgender people are an afterthought in HIV prevention,” co-investigator Dr. Tri Do of the API Wellness Center told the B.A.R. “We hope to show that PrEP delivery is most successful when medical care and HIV prevention are provided in the context of safe, trusted community spaces like API Wellness Center and its Trans: Thrive program.” Finally, the third team - with a $3.75 million budget - is a collaboration between the UC San Diego School of Medicine, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, Family Health Centers of San Diego, the University of Southern California, and HarborUCLA Medical Center. These researchers will evaluate whether a trans-focused case management approach to contextualize PrEP within the needs of the whole person can improve engagement with and adherence to PrEP. All three teams will look at potential drug interactions between PrEP and gender-affirming hormone therapy. The UCSF project will include a pharmacokinetic drug interaction study, while the UCSD team will evaluate whether protective PrEP drug levels are reached in trans women on hormonal therapy and if PrEP is associated with any changes in hormone levels. “Our overarching goal is to really determine the best practices for engaging trans women with PrEP and getting trans people to say ‘PrEP is for me if I’m at risk for HIV,’” said Deutsch, who is a co-principal investigator for the UCSF project. “We not only need to get 165 trans people to take PrEP at sites in Oakland and Sacramento, but also get them to tell two friends - the way the gay community has promoted PrEP.”

News Briefs

Continued

nti-LGBT Missouri ‘Religious Objections’ Proposal Suffers Setback

(EDGE) A San Francisco woman has been accused of threatening to kill two drag performers outside a gay South of Market nightclub while wielding a knife and yelling anti-gay and antitrans slurs. Pearly Martin, 29, pleaded not guilty April 27 to two felony counts of making criminal threats, and misdemeanor charges of exhibiting a deadly weapon and vandalism of less than $400. Each of the felony counts carries an allegation of a hate crime based on the victims’ gender and an allegation of use of a deadly weapon. Rakesh Modi, a co-owner of Club OMG, at 43 Sixth Street, said in a Facebook exchange that he heard Martin make comments like “I have a real pussy and you don’t,” and “I will kill you faggots” to “some drag queens who were outside leaving the club.” Bar staff called police. Court records say the incident occurred Monday, April 25. At Martin’s arraignment last Wednesday in San Francisco Superior Court, Assistant District Attorney Brenna Kantrovitz said Martin had been “brandishing a knife,” and in the squad car, she had screamed “multiple curse words” and “kicked out a window.” Martin had also told people that her boyfriend had a gun and would kill them, Kantrovitz said. Deputy Public Defender Chesa Boudin said the allegations involved “simply verbal threats,” and there hadn’t been any physical violence. No weapon had been found on Martin, he said.

Martin, who didn’t comment as she appeared in court Wednesday in an orange sweatshirt and pants, is in custody at San Francisco County Jail #2 on $300,000 bail, according to the sheriff’s department. She initially agreed to an interview request made through a deputy Friday, but minutes later changed her mind and declined to speak to a reporter. Her next court date is May 10.

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Actual ATRIPLA patients. ‡

ATRIPLA has been chosen by more than 500,000 people with HIV and their doctors. § In the US, ATRIPLA is the #1 prescribed one-pill, once-daily HIV treatment.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR OR VISIT ATRIPLA.COM TO FIND OUT MORE. What is ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA® (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) is a prescription medication used alone as a complete regimen, or with other anti-HIV-1 medicines, to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children at least 12 years old who weigh at least 40 kg (88 lbs). ATRIPLA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS and you may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections. See your healthcare provider regularly while taking ATRIPLA. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA can cause serious side effects: n Some people who have taken medicines like ATRIPLA (which contains nucleoside analogs) have developed lactic acidosis (build up of an acid in the blood). Lactic acidosis can be a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get the following signs or symptoms of lactic acidosis: – feel very weak or tired – have unusual (not normal) muscle pain – have trouble breathing – have stomach pain with nausea and vomiting – feel cold, especially in your arms and legs – feel dizzy or lightheaded – have a fast or irregular heartbeat n Some people who have taken medicines like ATRIPLA have developed serious liver problems (hepatotoxicity), with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and fat in the liver (steatosis). In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you get the following signs or symptoms of liver problems: – skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) – urine turns dark – bowel movements (stools) turn light in color – don’t feel like eating food for several days or longer – feel sick to your stomach (nausea) – have lower stomach area (abdominal) pain n You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking nucleoside analog-containing medicines, like ATRIPLA (efavirenz/emtricitabine/ tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), for a long time. n If you also have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and you stop taking ATRIPLA, you may get a “flare-up” of your hepatitis. A “flare-up” is when the disease suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Patients with HBV who stop taking ATRIPLA need close medical follow-up for several months to check for hepatitis that could be getting worse. ATRIPLA is not approved for the treatment of HBV, so you need to discuss your HBV therapy with your healthcare provider. Who should not take ATRIPLA? You and your healthcare provider should decide if ATRIPLA is right for you. Do not take ATRIPLA if you are allergic to ATRIPLA or any of its ingredients. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking ATRIPLA? Tell your healthcare provider if you: n Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant: You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

• 5.11.2016

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TAKING CARE OF

For adults with HIV-1,

WITH THE STRENGTH OF

Undetectable viral load is a goal, and ATRIPLA has the power to help get you there. In a clinical trial: • ATRIPLA has been proven to LOWER VIRAL LOAD to undetectable* in approximately 8 out of 10 adult patients new to therapy through 48 weeks compared with approximately 7 out of 10 adult patients in the comparator group† • ATRIPLA has been proven to LOWER VIRAL LOAD to undetectable* through 3 years in approximately 7 out of 10 adult patients new to therapy compared with approximately 6 out of 10 adult patients in the comparator group†

SELECTED IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION n Some people who have taken medicines like ATRIPLA have developed build up of lactic acid in the blood, which can be a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. n Some people who have taken medicines like ATRIPLA have developed serious liver problems, with liver enlargement and fat in the liver, which can lead to death. n If you also have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and you stop taking ATRIPLA, your hepatitis may suddenly get worse. ATRIPLA is not approved for the treatment of HBV. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (continued) Women should not become pregnant while taking ATRIPLA and for 12 weeks after stopping ATRIPLA. Serious birth defects have been seen in children of women treated during pregnancy with efavirenz, one of the medicines in ATRIPLA. Women must use a reliable form of barrier contraception, such as a condom or diaphragm, even if they also use other methods of birth control, while on ATRIPLA and for 12 weeks after stopping ATRIPLA. Women should not rely only on hormone-based birth control, such as pills, injections, or implants, because ATRIPLA may make these contraceptives ineffective. n Are breastfeeding: Women with HIV should not breastfeed because they can pass HIV and some of the medicines in ATRIPLA through their milk to the baby. It is not known if ATRIPLA could harm your baby. n Have kidney problems or are undergoing kidney dialysis treatment. n Have bone problems. n Have liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection. Your healthcare provider may want to do tests to check your liver while you take ATRIPLA or may switch you to another medicine. n Have ever had mental illness or are using drugs or alcohol n Have ever had seizures or are taking medicine for seizures. Seizures have occurred in patients taking efavirenz, a component of ATRIPLA, generally in those with a history of seizures. If you have ever had seizures, or take medicine for seizures, your healthcare provider may want to switch you to another medicine or monitor you.

What important information should I know about taking other medicines with ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA may change the effect of other medicines, including the ones for HIV-1, and may cause serious side effects. Your healthcare provider may change your other medicines or change their doses. MEDICINES YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE WITH ATRIPLA n ATRIPLA should not be taken with: Combivir® (lamivudine/zidovudine), COMPLERA® (emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), EMTRIVA® (emtricitabine), Epivir® or Epivir-HBV® (lamivudine), Epzicom® (abacavir sulfate/lamivudine), STRIBILD® (elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir DF), Trizivir® (abacavir sulfate/lamivudine/zidovudine), TRUVADA® (emtricitabine/tenofovir DF), or VIREAD® (tenofovir DF), because they contain the same or similar active ingredients as ATRIPLA. ATRIPLA should not be used with SUSTIVA® (efavirenz) unless recommended by your healthcare provider. n Vfend® (voriconazole) should not be taken with ATRIPLA since it may lose its effect or may increase the chance of having side effects from ATRIPLA. n ATRIPLA should not be used with HEPSERA® (adefovir dipivoxil). Please see Important Safety Information continued on the following pages.

*Undetectable was defined as a viral load of fewer than 400 copies/mL. † In this study, 511 adult patients new to therapy received either the meds in ATRIPLA each taken once daily or Combivir® (lamivudine/zidovudine) twice daily + SUSTIVA® (efavirenz) once daily. ‡ Symphony Health Solutions, PatientSource APLD and Source® PHAST Prescription Monthly, counts are cumulative and equivalized. January 2007–February 2015. § Symphony Health Solutions, Source® PHAST Prescription Monthly, equivalized counts, July 2006–May 2015.

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ATR ATR

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

ATRIPLA is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2016 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. 697US1601747-04-01 04/16

• 172004380_v2.indd 5.11.2016 3

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Haveever everhad hadseizures seizuresor orare aretaking takingmedicine medicinefor forseizures. seizures. ■■ Have ■ If you believe you took more than the prescribed amount of ATRIPLA, contact your local poison Whatimportant importantinformation informationshould shouldIIknow knowabout abouttaking takingother othermedicines medicineswith withATRIPLA? ATRIPLA? What control center or emergency room right away. ATRIPLA may may change change the the effect effect of of other other medicines, medicines, including including the the ones ones for for HIV-1, HIV-1, and and may may ■ Tell your healthcare provider if you start any new medicine or change how you take old ones. Your ATRIPLA causeserious seriousside sideeffects. effects.Your Yourhealthcare healthcareprovider providermay maychange changeyour yourother othermedicines medicinesor orchange change cause doses may need adjustment. their doses. doses. Other Other medicines, medicines, including including herbal herbal products, products, may may affect affectATRIPLA. ATRIPLA. For For this this reason, reason, itit isis their ■ When your ATRIPLA supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. veryimportant importantto tolet letall allyour yourhealthcare healthcareproviders providersand andpharmacists pharmacistsknow knowwhat whatmedications, medications,herbal herbal very This is very important because the amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine supplements,or orvitamins vitaminsyou youare aretaking. taking. supplements, is stopped for even a short time. The virus may develop resistance to ATRIPLA and become harder to treat. MEDICINESYOU YOUSHOULD SHOULDNOT NOTTAKE TAKEWITH WITHATRIPLA ATRIPLA MEDICINES ATRIPLA also also should should not not be be used used with with Combivir Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine), (lamivudine/zidovudine), COMPLERA COMPLERA®®,, ■ Your healthcare provider may want to do blood tests to check for certain side effects while you ■■ ATRIPLA take ATRIPLA. EMTRIVA, Epivir, Epivir-HBV (lamivudine), Epzicom (abacavir sulfate/lamivudine), STRIBILD®®,, EMTRIVA, Epivir, Epivir-HBV (lamivudine), Epzicom (abacavir sulfate/lamivudine), STRIBILD Trizivir(abacavir (abacavirsulfate/lamivudine/zidovudine), sulfate/lamivudine/zidovudine),TRUVADA, TRUVADA,or orVIREAD. VIREAD.ATRIPLA ATRIPLAalso alsoshould shouldnot not What should I avoid while taking ATRIPLA? Trizivir beused usedwith withSUSTIVA SUSTIVAunless unlessrecommended recommendedby byyour yourhealthcare healthcareprovider. provider. be ■ Women should not become pregnant while taking ATRIPLA and for 12 weeks after Vfend(voriconazole) (voriconazole)should shouldnot notbe betaken takenwith withATRIPLA ATRIPLAsince sinceititmay maylose loseits itseffect effector ormay mayincrease increase ■■ Vfend stopping it. Serious birth defects have been seen in the babies of animals and women treated thechance chanceofofhaving havingside sideeffects effectsfrom fromATRIPLA. ATRIPLA. the with efavirenz (a component of ATRIPLA) during pregnancy. It is not known whether efavirenz ATRIPLAshould shouldnot notbe beused usedwith withHEPSERA HEPSERA®®(adefovir (adefovirdipivoxil). dipivoxil). caused these defects. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you are pregnant. ■■ ATRIPLA Also talk with your healthcare provider if you want to become pregnant. It is also important to tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following: It is also important to tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following: Fortovase, Invirase Invirase (saquinavir), (saquinavir), Biaxin Biaxin (clarithromycin), (clarithromycin), Noxafil Noxafil (posaconazole), (posaconazole), ■ Women should not rely only on hormone-based birth control, such as pills, injections, or implants, ■■ Fortovase, because ATRIPLA may make these contraceptives ineffective. Women must use a reliable form Sporanox(itraconazole), (itraconazole),Victrelis Victrelis(boceprevir), (boceprevir),or orOlysio Olysio(simeprevir); (simeprevir);these thesemedicines medicinesmay mayneed need Sporanox of barrier contraception, such as a condom or diaphragm, even if they also use other methods of tobe bereplaced replacedwith withanother anothermedicine medicinewhen whentaken takenwith withATRIPLA. ATRIPLA. to birth control. Efavirenz, a component of ATRIPLA, may remain in your blood for a time after therapy Calcium channel channel blockers blockers such such as as Cardizem Cardizem or or Tiazac Tiazac (diltiazem), (diltiazem), Covera Covera HS HS or or ■■ Calcium is stopped. Therefore, you should continue to use contraceptive measures for 12 weeks after you Isoptin (verapamil) (verapamil) and and others; others; Crixivan Crixivan (indinavir), (indinavir), Selzentry Selzentry (maraviroc); (maraviroc); the the Isoptin stop taking ATRIPLA. immunosuppressant medicines medicines cyclosporine cyclosporine (Gengraf, (Gengraf, Neoral, Neoral, Sandimmune, Sandimmune, and and others), others), immunosuppressant Prograf (tacrolimus), (tacrolimus), or or Rapamune Rapamune (sirolimus); (sirolimus); Methadone; Methadone; Mycobutin Mycobutin (rifabutin); (rifabutin); Rifampin; Rifampin; ■ Do not breastfeed if you are taking ATRIPLA. Some of the medicines in ATRIPLA can be passed Prograf to your baby in your breast milk. We do not know whether it could harm your baby. Also, mothers cholesterol-lowering medicines medicines such such as as Lipitor Lipitor (atorvastatin), (atorvastatin), Pravachol Pravachol (pravastatin (pravastatin sodium), sodium), cholesterol-lowering with HIV-1 should not breastfeed because HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in the breast milk. Talk and Zocor Zocor (simvastatin); (simvastatin); or or the the anti-depressant anti-depressant medications medications bupropion bupropion (Wellbutrin, (Wellbutrin, and with your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding. You should stop breastfeeding or may need Wellbutrin SR, SR, Wellbutrin Wellbutrin XL, XL, and and Zyban) Zyban) or or Zoloft Zoloft (sertraline); (sertraline); dose dose changes changes may may be be needed needed Wellbutrin to use a different medicine. whenthese thesedrugs drugsare aretaken takenwith withATRIPLA. ATRIPLA. when Videx,Videx VidexEC EC(didanosine); (didanosine);tenofovir tenofovirDF DF(a (acomponent componentofofATRIPLA) ATRIPLA)may mayincrease increasethe theamount amountofof ■ Taking ATRIPLA with alcohol or other medicines causing similar side effects as ATRIPLA, such as ■■ Videx, drowsiness, may increase those side effects. didanosineininyour yourblood, blood,which whichcould couldresult resultininmore moreside sideeffects. effects.You Youmay mayneed needto tobe bemonitored monitored didanosine more carefully carefully ifif you you are are taking takingATRIPLA ATRIPLAand and didanosine didanosine together. together.Also, Also, the the dose dose ofof didanosine didanosine ■ Do not take any other medicines, including prescription and nonprescription medicines and herbal more mayneed needtotobe bechanged. changed. products, without checking with your healthcare provider. may

172004380_v2.indd 4

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

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ATRIPLA may cause the following serious side effects: ■ Lactic acidosis (buildup of an acid in the blood). Lactic acidosis can be a medical emergency and may need to be treated in the hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get signs of lactic acidosis. (See “What is the most important information I should know about ATRIPLA?”) ■ Serious liver problems (hepatotoxicity), with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and fat in the liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any signs of liver problems. (See “What is the most important information I should know about ATRIPLA?”) ■ “Flare-ups” of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, in which the disease suddenly returns in a worse way than before, can occur if you have HBV and you stop taking ATRIPLA. Your healthcare provider will monitor your condition for several months after stopping ATRIPLA if you have both HIV-1 and HBV infection and may recommend treatment for your HBV. ATRIPLA is not approved for the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection. If you have advanced liver disease and stop treatment with ATRIPLA, the “flare-up” of hepatitis B may cause your liver function to decline. ■ Serious psychiatric problems. A small number of patients may experience severe depression, strange thoughts, or angry behavior while taking ATRIPLA. Some patients have thoughts of suicide and a few have actually committed suicide. These problems may occur more often in patients who have had mental illness. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you think you are having these psychiatric symptoms, so your healthcare provider can decide if you should continue to take ATRIPLA. ■ Kidney problems (including decline or failure of kidney function). If you have had kidney problems in the past or take other medicines that can cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider should do regular blood tests to check your kidneys. Symptoms that may be related to kidney problems include a high volume of urine, thirst, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. ■ Other serious liver problems. Some patients have experienced serious liver problems including liver failure resulting in transplantation or death. Most of these serious side effects occurred in patients with a chronic liver disease such as hepatitis infection, but there have also been a few reports in patients without any existing liver disease. ■ Changes in bone mineral density (thinning bones). Laboratory tests show changes in the bones of patients treated with tenofovir DF, a component of ATRIPLA. Some HIV patients treated with tenofovir DF developed thinning of the bones (osteopenia) which could lead to fractures. If you have had bone problems in the past, your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bone mineral density or may prescribe medicines to help your bone mineral density. Additionally, bone pain and softening of the bone (which may contribute to fractures) may occur as a consequence of kidney problems.

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Common side effects: Patients may have dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, trouble concentrating, and/ or unusual dreams during treatment with ATRIPLA. These side effects may be reduced if you take ATRIPLA at bedtime on an empty stomach. They also tend to go away after you have taken the medicine for a few weeks. If you have these common side effects, such as dizziness, it does not mean that you will also have serious psychiatric problems, such as severe depression, strange thoughts, or angry behavior. Tell your healthcare provider right away if any of these side effects continue or if they bother you. It is possible that these symptoms may be more severe if ATRIPLA is used with alcohol or mood altering (street) drugs.

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If you are dizzy, have trouble concentrating, or are drowsy, avoid activities that may be dangerous, such as driving or operating machinery.

ATRIPLA® (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) Other possible side effects with ATRIPLA: ■ Changes in body fat. Changes in body fat develop in some patients taking anti HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include an increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), in the breasts, and around the trunk. Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The cause and long-term health effects of these fat changes are not known. ■ Skin discoloration (small spots or freckles) may also happen with ATRIPLA. ■ In some patients with advanced HIV infection (AIDS), signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections may occur soon after anti-HIV treatment is started. It is believed that these symptoms are due to an improvement in the body’s immune response, enabling the body to fight infections that may have been present with no obvious symptoms. If you notice any symptoms of infection, please inform your doctor immediately. ■ Additional side effects are inflammation of the pancreas, allergic reaction (including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), shortness of breath, pain, stomach pain, weakness and indigestion. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you notice any side effects while taking ATRIPLA. Contact your healthcare provider before stopping ATRIPLA because of side effects or for any other reason. This is not a complete list of side effects possible with ATRIPLA. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a more complete list of side effects of ATRIPLA and all the medicines you will take. How do I store ATRIPLA? ■ Keep ATRIPLA and all other medicines out of reach of children. ■ Store ATRIPLA at room temperature 77°F (25°C). ■ Keep ATRIPLA in its original container and keep the container tightly closed. ■ Do not keep medicine that is out of date or that you no longer need. If you throw any medicines away make sure that children will not find them. General information about ATRIPLA: Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use ATRIPLA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give ATRIPLA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. This leaflet summarizes the most important information about ATRIPLA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about ATRIPLA that is written for health professionals. Do not use ATRIPLA if the seal over bottle opening is broken or missing. What are the ingredients of ATRIPLA? Active Ingredients: efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate Inactive Ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate. The film coating contains black iron oxide, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, red iron oxide, talc, and titanium dioxide. Revised: February 2016 ATRIPLA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. COMPLERA, EMTRIVA, HARVONI, HEPSERA, SOVALDI, STRIBILD, TRUVADA, and VIREAD are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. SUSTIVA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company. Reyataz and Videx are trademarks of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Pravachol is a trademark of ER Squibb & Sons, LLC. Other brands listed are the trademarks of their respective owners. 21-937-GS-016 ATRC0106

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Rash may be common. Rashes usually go away without any change in treatment. In a small number of patients, rash may be serious. If you develop a rash, call your healthcare provider right away. Rash may be a serious problem in some children. Tell your child’s healthcare provider right away if you notice rash or any other side effects while your child is taking ATRIPLA.

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lgbtqia bites

Lesbian

GIrL SayS She waS throwN out oF her proM For wearING a SuIt (AP) A Pennsylvania high school student said she was barred from attending her prom because she wore a suit rather than a dress. Aniya Wolf said she’s a lesbian who has worn a shirt and pants for all three years she has attended Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, according to WHTM-TV (http:// bit.ly/1T5K6lV ). She and her mother, Carolyn Wolf, said the family got a last-minute email saying girls had to wear dresses to attend Friday’s prom. Carolyn Wolf said she didn’t think the dress code barred her daughter from wearing a suit and the last-minute message was unfair because they had bought a new suit. Aniya said she decided to go to the prom anyway but was thrown out. The school released a statement Saturday saying the dress code was sent to parents three months ago specifying girls must wear formal dresses, and those who didn’t follow it would not be admitted. A reminder was sent to all students on March 6, the school said. “Bishop McDevitt will continue to practice acceptance and love for all of our students.

• 5.11.2016

Compiled by Jillian Melero

Bisexual

aNaLyzING JaMeS FraNco’S SeXuaLIty

Credit: Bridget Laudien.

Aniya Wolf (right). Facebook.

They are tremendous young men and women,” the school said. “We simply ask that they follow the rules that we have put into place.”

(SFGN) Taking on gay and straight roles alike, many fans wonder which side James Franco pitches for – or if he’s interested in both. The 36 year-old actor involves himself with many roles across the spectrum as sexuality – including his role in 2015’s “I Am Michael” alongside co-star Zachary Quinto, about a gay activist who rejects his sexuality and embraces religion. “Yeah, I’m a little gay, and there’s a gay James,” he told Vulture in an interview. In an issue of FourTwoNine, Franco interviewed himself as Straight James

talking to Gay James. In the interview, Straight James asked Gay James: “Are you fucking gay or what?,” to which Gay James responded “Well, I like to think that I’m gay in my art and straight in my life. Although, I’m also gay in my life up to the point of intercourse, and then you could say I’m straight. So I guess it depends on how you define gay.” So whether Franco identifies himself as gay, straight or somewhere in between, one thing is for sure – he’s keeping people guessing.

lgbtqia bites

continued

Transgender

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(AP) North Carolina government and university officials were given until Monday to tell federal attorneys whether they would stop enforcing a new law blocking LGBT protections, particularly provisions requiring transgender people to use public restrooms that correspond to their biological sex. The Justice Department is “trying to define gender identity, and there is no clear identification or definition of gender identify,” Republican Gov. Pat McCrory said on “Fox News Sunday.” McCrory has called the law is a commonsense measure designed to protect the privacy of people who use bathrooms and locker rooms and expect all people inside the facilities to be of the same gender.

DOJ last week demanded McCrory, University of North Carolina leaders and the state’s public safety agency to respond by Monday whether they intended to stop enforcing the law. Repealing the law also would satisfy the attorneys, but GOP lawmakers who run the General Assembly had no plans before to do so by the deadline. Civil liberties groups and several individuals already have sued to challenge the law, which also prevents local governments from passing rules giving protections to lesbians, gays and bisexual and transgender people while using public accommodations like restaurants and stores. The state law was designed to block an ordinance by the city council in Charlotte.

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5.11.2016 •

community announcement

SFGN Intern Launches Queer Magazine Nicole Wiesenthal

n October 2015, I decided to apply for the position of editor-in-chief of a new queer arts magazine on the University of Florida campus, SPILL. A few weeks later, I found out I had been chosen to lead the magazine which had no funds, no official status and consisted at that time of me and Carolyna Guillen, who had come up with the idea to create the magazine despite no prior experience in the area. I hired a team of ten, and we began to plan out the magazine. The only thing we had when we started out was the name SPILL, coming from “Spill the tea,” a popular saying in the queer community on campus. In the first few months, we lost three staff members, and Carolyna had to put her schooling on hold, leaving me completely in charge of birthing the magazine. We bought ourselves a domain name, SpillArtsMag. com, with money we all donated, and I found myself constantly wanting to give up, feeling like we were trying to do the impossible. What kept me going was the staff, which seemed hopeful about completing the magazine and the people who had been submitting. Before us, there had been two other queer magazines started in Gainesville, both of which didn’t make it past their third issue. “Quality over quantity,” I emphasized again and again at meetings, and I came back to

• 5.11.2016

this mantra when looking over the previous magazines in Gainesville. Finally, on April 14, we released the magazine, charging $15 per copy because we didn’t have any funds and we wanted everyone to have access to it for the cheapest price. We didn’t make any profit, and even spent more money on the release party, but in the end, it felt right. At the release party, we learned the stories of the writers behind the work, like the man who was once suicidal, the person who had a crush on their roommate who still had no idea of it and the individual who found his confidence in photographing drag queens at nightclubs. These are intimate works meant to be shared, and regardless of sexual orientation, I feel like everyone can relate to the common theme. We have allowed people to tell their stories and done so in a way that does not put them to shame. For me, that is enough. If you are interested in viewing or purchasing a copy, submitting your own work or learning more about the magazine, visit us on SpillArtsMag.com. Content broaches topics not limited to child abuse, the transgender bathroom controversy, genderful fashion and life at the Parliament House. I also urge you to check out submissions that didn’t make it into the magazine. I hope you enjoy.

politics out on the trail

Activists Doubt Keechl’s Chances John McDonald Photo Credit: John McDonald.

outh Florida LGBT politicians are beginning to assemble the necessary parts for their respective campaigns. Ken Keechl, a former Broward County Mayor, hosted a fundraiser recently at a Fort Lauderdale coffee shop. Keechl, who has lost his last three campaigns for elected office in Broward County, is challenging incumbent Florida Rep. George Moraitis (R-Fort Lauderdale) for the district 93 seat. But first, Keechl, an attorney, must defeat Doug Oberman, a 22-year-old Florida Atlantic University student in the Democratic primary Aug. 30. “He (Keechl) can win if he gets out of his ivory tower and knocks on doors,” said Michael Albetta, a longtime Broward political operative. Others are not so sure.

“I’d rather lose with Doug,” said Percy Johnson, past president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Democratic Club. “If Moraitis can barely beat a college kid that looks bad. Those old Republicans would not be happy about that.” Meanwhile, in Orlando, Carlos Guillermo Smith qualified by petition to run for the Florida House of Representatives in district 49. Guillermo Smith, an out gay Latino man, also received the endorsement of St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. “While serving in the Florida House, I witnessed first-hand how Carlos can get things done. He knows his district and he understands the issues facing our state. Carlos is a real progressive leader for all of Florida,” said Kriseman, in a news release.

5.11.2016 •

news local

hIv is not a crime event Starts May 17

Sean McShee

IV is not a Crime II, A National HIV Training Academy, will take place from May 17 to 20, 2016. It will occur in Huntsville, Ala. at the University of Alabama. This Academy plans to provide the skills to change HIV Criminalization laws. The all-inclusive registration package costs $395. It covers registration, three nights lodging, and nine meals. Each registrant will have a private room in a suite of rooms within a dorm. As of April 12, 2016, 158 people have either registered or received scholarships. The Academy expects between 250 and 300 participants, but has capacity for 400. The Sero Project and other HIV organizations are organizing this event. The Sero Project and other advocates have had some successes in changing these laws. As states have enacted almost all of the HIV criminalization laws, Tami Haught of The Sero Project argues that “these laws are going to have to be changed state by state.” In 2014, Iowa modernized its HIV criminalization laws. In 2015, Tennessee reformed its “Aggravated Prostitution” Bill. Convicted sex workers with HIV can now have their names removed from the sex offender list. In Florida, state Senator Renee Garcia, R-Miami, has introduced a bill that would modernize Florida’s HIV criminalization laws. At the Federal level, Senators Chris Coons, D-Del., Ed Markey, D-Mass., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., have cosponsored US Senate Bill S 2336, a bill to modernize HIV laws. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., has introduced a companion bill in the House, HR 1586. Advocates need to increase their skills to increase these successes. Haught said that The HIV Academy plans to increase the numbers and skills of advocates. She would like people to “start campaigns in every state with an HIV specific law.” The Academy has scheduled

time for people to meet by state and form state work groups. Each state work group would identify allies and develop a strategic plan tailored to that state. In addition, the people in this group would identify the relevant actions that they will take upon their return from The Academy. The Sero Project plans to assist these state work groups throughout the year. The Academy will focus on HIV criminalization laws in the South, because the epidemic is concentrated in this region. The South also has a concentration of HIV specific laws. The former Confederate states have an average of 1.9 HIV specific laws per state. The rest of the US has an average of 1.3 HIV specific laws. At four HIV specific laws each, Florida and Nevada are tied for the state with the third highest number of HIV specific laws. According to Haught, The Academy will focus on “understanding and defending the rights of sex workers, immigrants,” and other over-criminalized populations. Haught reported that The Academy would focus on “how race, sexuality, and gender identity impacts criminalization.” Workshops at the Academy will include leadership development and communication. The academy has prioritized empowering people living with HIV/AIDS and their allies. Haught feels that if people talk about how these laws affect their lives, it can “make a difference in the movement and in the campaign.” Haught had a message for Florida with its high rates of new HIV cases. She welcomed and urged people from Florida to attend The Training Academy. At the Academy, participants can obtain the resources needed to change Florida’s HIV specific laws. She hopes to see a large delegation from Florida. To register for the conference, please visit HIVisNotACrime.com The Academy may live-stream its plenaries. For updates on this and other information, please visit HIVisNotACrime.com

To ﬁnd out more information on HIV criminalization, please visit the Sero Project at SeroProject.com. 22

• 5.11.2016

TRANSforming the Workplace TD BANK AND THE GFLGLCC PRESENT: TRANSFORMING THE WORKPLACE - TRANSGENDER ISSUES AND ANSWERS

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news national

Loretta Lynch

Photo: CNN

NC’s “Bathroom Bill” Blows Up

Lisa Keen Keen News Service

he controversy over North Carolina’s anti-LGBT “bathroom law” escalated dramatically this week, dominating much of the national media’s attention. The U.S. Department of Justice threw down the gauntlet Friday, threatening to cut off federal funds to the state if North Carolina enforces the law and, on Monday, Governor Patrick McCrory picked up that gauntlet and promised a major effort to defend the law. The Republican governor filed a lawsuit in federal court Monday morning, seeking a declaration that the law is not discriminatory. And at a press conference Monday afternoon, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch responded with strong words, indicating that the DOJ and the Obama administration would do “everything we can to protect [transgender people] going forward.” Lynch likened the North Carolina law to Jim Crow laws that, for decades following the Civil War, tried to segregate blacks from whites. She also compared it to laws that attempted to ban same-sex couples from obtaining marriage licenses. Lynch said the DOJ would file a federal civil rights lawsuit against McCrory, North Carolina, and other North Carolina entities, seeking to have the state law declared in violation of federal law. She said DOJ would also retain the option of curtailing federal funding to the state. The state received more than $4 billion from the federal government in 2015 for educational programs and $1 billion for highway and transportation needs. Noting that she is a native of North Carolina,

• 5.11.2016

Lynch said the bathroom law is a “pretext for discrimination and harassment” that “inflict[s] further indignity on a population that has already suffered.” “This is not the first time that we have seen discriminatory responses to historic moments of progress for our nation,” said Lynch, referring to Jim Crow laws that sought to enforce racial segregation. “State-sanctioned discrimination never looks good and never works in hind sight,” she said. “…It was not so very long ago that states, including North Carolina, had other signs above restrooms, water fountains, and on public accommodations, keeping people out based on a distinction without a difference. We’ve moved beyond those dark days….” McCrory signed House Bill 2, also known as House Bill 2 or HB 2, on March 23, setting off an onslaught of protest and media scrutiny, prompting a number of corporations and celebrities to cancel activities in the state. While most of the widespread national media attention has focused on the bill’s requirement that people use public restrooms based on the gender indicated by their birth certificate, the law also prohibits any local jurisdiction in the state from enforcing non-discrimination laws to punish any discrimination beyond that based on race, religion, color, national origin, age, biological sex, or handicap. The latter provision is aimed at undoing local ordinances that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. DOJ official Vanita Gupta, the principal deputy assistant attorney general at DOJ, sent a

May 4 letter to McCrory, saying the law violates Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act and the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). It notes that Title VII prohibits an employer from discriminating based on sex and that the U.S. Supreme Court, in Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins in 1989, ruled that discrimination based on sex includes any “sex-based consideration.” The DOJ gave North Carolina until 5 p.m. EDT Monday, May 9, to confirm whether it intends to enforce House Bill 2. After first asking for an extension of the deadline, McCrory instead announced Monday morning that the state would sue for relief. The lawsuit, McCrory v. U.S., says DOJ’s claim against the state law is “a baseless and blatant overreach” by DOJ. It notes that the governor issued an executive order on April 12 to expand “discrimination protections to state employees on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, among others.” And it asks the court to declare that HB2 does not violate federal law. In various interviews and press statements since last Friday, McCrory has claimed that North Carolina has “not taken away any rights that currently existed in any city” in the state. He said opponents of the law have “distorted the truth” and are “smearing our state in an inaccurate way.” He characterized HB 2 a “basic, common sense bill” that protects the privacy rights of individuals. McCrory’s lawsuit and public statements this week stood in stark contrast to his reaction last month to a Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruling. That ruling, in Grimm v. Gloucester, said

Title IX of the federal Education Amendments Act prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. McCrory said then that he would “respect” the 4th Circuit panel decision as it applies to federally funded educational facilities. North Carolina’s HB 2 has been the subject of many news reports during the past month, including the 2016 presidential campaign. Only one candidate –Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz—spoke in favor of the law. He tried to use the issue to drum up support for his campaign in Indiana’s primary last week. But Cruz came in a distant second in that primary and subsequently dropped out of the race. In her remarks Monday afternoon, Attorney General Lynch spoke director to transgender people, promising that the DOJ and the entire Obama administration “see you …stand with you and we will do everything we can to protect you going forward.” Lambda Legal and the ACLU, which have filed their own federal lawsuit against the North Carolina law, applauded the DOJ’s actions Monday. Jon Davidson, legal director for Lambda Legal, issued a statement Monday afternoon saying, “We are fighting this case with everything we have. We have the law on our side, we have the facts on our side, and we have the federal government on our side.” The Williams Institute estimates that more than 336,000 LGBT people live in North Carolina.

5.11.2016 â&#x20AC;¢

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TRANSforming the Workplace

Denise Royal

ake part in an informative and educational conversation about transgender issues as they pertain to the workplace and tourism in our area. TD Bank and the GFLGCC present: TRANSforming the Workplace -- Transgender Issues and Answers. It takes place on May 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Place 17th Street Convention Center, 1851 SE 10TH Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The presentation and panel discussion features perspectives from corporate, federal and tourism professionals with a focus on policy, legal, legislative and practical matters for employers. Anti-transgender laws have recently passed in Mississippi and North Carolina, highlighting the need to educate people. “There is a lack of education and understanding,” says Keith Blackburn, President/CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. “I have worked with Richard Gray and our CVB in supporting last year’s Southern Comfort Transgender Conference. I have learned that the transgender community faces

Transgender issues in corporate America obstacles on every level. That includes obstacles from society in general to jobs, travel, family and more. The panel discussion will be interactive, so attendees will be able to ask questions and gain insight from TD Bank on a corporate perspective with policies and background. “Atticus Rank of SunServe will offer statistical information on practical matters and information for employers and also speak from a transgender man’s perspective,” Blackburn said. Gina Duncan of Equality Florida will offer legislative updates, talk about corporate training and also speak from a transgender woman’s perspective. Richard Gray of the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB will discuss the recent transgender study on tourism, mention the upcoming Southern Comfort Conference and give practical information for hotel and hospitality businesses. Finally, Chris Courtemanche of the CIA will share the agency’s policy and discuss the high profile story about “Jenny” as explained in a recent Advocate article.

The complimentary event begins with a brief networking component – with beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres served. Seating is limited, so please RSVP on GoGayFortLauderdale.com/events or email Keith Blackburn at Keith@gﬂglcc.org. 26

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rIcharD Gray, MaNaGING DIrector LGBtQ MarKet For the Greater Fort LauDerDaLe coNveNtIoN & vISItorS Bureau. In 1995 Richard Gray developed the Greater Fort Lauderdale’s highly successful LGBTQ marketing initiative. An inductee in the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Associations Hall of Fame, a Fort Lauderdale hometown hero and a recipient of the gay plus Award for Achievement from MTV/Logo, Gray is passionate about all aspects of travel. Gray is also the Vice Chairman of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. GINa L. DuNcaN, traNSGeNDer INcLuSIoN DIrector For eQuaLIty FLorIDa. Gina Duncan has served on the Orlando Human Rights Campaign Steering Committee as Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee. She chaired the Transgender Day of Remembrance and Transgender Career and Wellness Fair events. Duncan was elected President of the Metropolitan Business Association (MBA), the LGBT Chamber of Commerce in Orlando. She was the ﬁrst transgender person to serve as President of a major chamber of commerce in the country. She was the President of MBA and the Come Out With Pride event, which annually draws over 100,000 people to the Orlando area. Partnership Registry in both the City of Orlando and Orange County. In 2014, Duncan became Equality Florida’s Transgender Inclusion Director embarking on a career in corporate transgender inclusion training and consulting. Duncan has trained major corporations across the U.S. and was a guest speaker at the Global Summit on Human Rights in Milan, Italy. Duncan is now recognized as a national and international speaker on transgender inclusion in the work place. Duncan chairs Equality Florida’s Transgender Inclusion Initiative, TransAction Florida, which is comprised of an 18 member advisory board from all over the state of Florida. TransAction advocates for transgender rights and protections through public policy, advocacy and education efforts statewide. chrIS courteMaNche, LGBt coMMuNIty outreach proGraM MaNaGer For the ceNtraL INteLLIGeNce aGeNcy (cIa.) Chris Courtemanche has been with the CIA for 21 years. Courtemanche is now the agency’s LGBT Community Outreach Program Manager in the Diversity and Inclusion Ofﬁce. His role as the LGBT Community Outreach Program Manager for the CIA is to dispel myths and misconceptions about the Agency with the ultimate goal of making the CIA an employer of choice for the LGBT community and creating a stronger relationship between the CIA and the LGBT community. attIcuS raNcK, DIrector oF traNSGeNDer ServIceS For SuNServe. Atticus Ranck holds a Master’s degree in Gender and Sexuality Studies from Florida Atlantic University. In his current position, he is an educator, advocate, and case manager helping transgender adults as they navigate a world that has no place for them. Ranck has trained local organizations such as BARC and Fort Lauderdale Hospital on Transgender Cultural Competency and has presented on transgender-related issues across the country. For his work, Transgender Services has been named “Best Place for Trans Folks 2015” by SFGN and Ranck has been named one of SFGN’s OUT50. roXaNNe JaMeS, DIverSIty reLatIoNShIp MaNaGer wIth the oFFIce oF DIverSIty aND INcLuSIoN at tD BaNK. Roxanne James provides support and serves as a subject matter expert to TD's LGBTA, Women in Leadership and Veterans Subcommittees across the U.S. footprint. In the past year, she had led several Diversity initiatives to increase employee awareness and bolster TD Bank's commitment to be a diverse and inclusive workplace. Her most recent project has been TD's LGBTA "I'm Coming Out" podcast where senior leaders are interviewed about their workplace "Coming Out" experience and why it is important to bring your authentic self to work each and every day.

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“HIV, you won't stand between me and a long, healthy life.” Eddie - Miami, FL Living with HIV since 1987.

Encouraged by the love of my HIV-negative partner, I started HIV treatment 27 years ago. I’ve seen first hand the dramatic advancement of HIV care. When I first started treatment, I had to take 30 pills a day. Now, I just take 3 pills a day with few side effects. Initially, I started treatment to protect my partner from getting HIV. Now, I know that being healthy, taking my medication, exercising, and eating well are the reasons I have a full and productive life today.

• 5.11.2016

HIV

TREATMENT

WORKS

Get in care. Stay in care. Live well. cdc.gov/HIVTreatmentWorks 5.11.2016 â&#x20AC;¢

CONVICTIONS

publisher's editorial

Norm Kent

theReﬂ‘ScuLptra’ treatMeNt ections on the Way It Was in Days that Were

norm.kent@sfgn.com

nce, when HIV was a death sentence, less discrimination against HIV patients. it was as scary to live with it as it was Support groups have fought back and not to die from it. allowed illness to define their lives. Often There was nothing anyone could do. The standing alone, without government disease ravaged your body, and your face support, our gay community has met the would wither away. From spontaneous challenge and persevered. ugly blotches, Kaposi’s sarcoma lesions, Today, pharmaceutical ads populate our externally embarrassing newspaper with protocols and you, to wrenching internal treatment regimens. Local nausea, it was living hell. agencies such as Poverello Wrong and Years ago, being diagnosed run food banks, and the Pride with HIV meant more than injustice was Center support groups. having a finite time left on Care Resource sponsors a everywhere, Earth. It meant the time white party and amongst its not just in you had left was physically national and international challenging and personally efforts, the AIDS Healthcare the absence difficult. You had to fight to Foundation sponsors AIDS of treatment, walks and treatment facilities keep your spirit and your soul, warding off dementia worldwide. but the and deterioration. It was not One of the more modern emptiness of pretty, and to make things treatments to fight HIV is the care. worse, we lived in a world use of various steroids to build where communities treated the body up. The illness that people with AIDS as lepers. once collapsed the body has Ryan White was kicked out of his school. been met with medication that now makes A Broward County librarian with HIV was you look stronger rather than weaker. booted from his job. Wrong and injustice In fact, a quiet, under the breath running was everywhere, not just in the absence of joke in gay gyms are that the strongest and treatment, but the emptiness of care. most well defined guys are probably HIV Things have changed as science and positive, prescribed steroidal medicines medicine have made advances. There is to fight the virus. Still, there is no kidding

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ourselves. HIV drastically changes your health and life style. Given the realities HIV patients still face, it’s encouraging, is it not, to run a feature front page like we have done this week? One of the HIV drugs once used to fight facial lipoatrophy can now be used cosmetically to enhance the body. That’s not bad; it’s American ingenuity at it best. The FDA has approved the use of Sculptra, and it was a Miami-Dade County clinic that became a primary research center. It’s now being used as a cosmetic and anti-aging tool, but isn’t that something? No less an AIDS advocate than Mark King, the author of ‘My Beautiful Disease,’ is a proponent. “It’s hard to describe how self-conscious and even debilitating it can be to walk around with the physical effects of wasting,” says King. ‘Sculptra’, the medical abstracts say, is a polylactic acid used as a synthetic dermal filler that is injected into your face, causing an increase in your body’s own production of collagen. It fills in your face, making you feel and look better. I used to rub ice cream on my thighs, but this sounds more effective. While not typically life threatening, facial wasting was and can still be one of the most stigmatizing complications of HIV. It’s great

to hear of medicines turning that around. I remember my bout with cancer 15 years ago. I recall wasting away to 135 pounds. I remember saying to myself, “so this is what my body would be like if I lived to 85 years old…you just waste away.” I did not exactly want to be seen in public. Years ago, many men with HIV felt the same way. They just disappeared off the face of the map. Anything that helps you alleviate the personal suffering and physical pain associated with a debilitating disease is worth cheering about. That this reality still can impact gay men in the year 2016 makes the product and the story worthy of your attention. Let’s hope it helps restore lives as well. Now if we can also turn our attention to passing the medical marijuana amendment on the Florida ballot this November, I will be a really happy man. I am looking forward to Hemp Soaps and a THC cream for my face. I want to go into J Marks one evening and enjoy a sativa-based grilled salmon with some herbally-sprinkled tea. Take care, and join me this Friday night at the Hard Rock in Hollywood as we honor the Harvey Milk Foundation with the Second Annual Diversity Honors Dinner. It will be special. After all, you are, too. Be there, or be square.

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Guest

CONVICTIONS

attorNey GeNeraL coMeS out SwINGING For traNS coMMuNIty

Loretta Lynch

Loretta Lynch's remarks to the public

oday, we are filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against the state of North Carolina, Governor Pat McCrory, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the University of North Carolina. We are seeking a court order declaring House Bill 2’s restroom restriction impermissibly discriminatory, as well as a statewide bar on its enforcement. While the lawsuit currently seeks declaratory relief, I want to note that we retain the option of curtailing federal funding to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the University of North Carolina as this case proceeds. This action is about a great deal more than just bathrooms. This is about the dignity and respect we accord our fellow citizens and the laws that we, as a people and as a country, have enacted to protect them – indeed, to protect all of us. And it’s about the founding ideals that have led this country – haltingly but inexorably – in the direction of fairness, inclusion and equality for all Americans. This is not the first time that we have seen discriminatory responses to historic moments of progress for our nation. We saw it in the Jim Crow laws that followed the Emancipation Proclamation. We saw it in fierce and widespread resistance to Brown v. Board of Education. And we saw it in the proliferation of state bans on same-sex unions intended to stifle any hope that

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gay and lesbian Americans might one day be afforded the right to marry. That right, of course, is now recognized as a guarantee embedded in our Constitution, and in the wake of that historic triumph, we have seen bill after bill in state after state taking aim at the LGBT community. Some of these responses reflect a recognizably human fear of the unknown, and a discomfort with the uncertainty of change. But this is not a time to act out of fear. This is a time to summon our national virtues of inclusivity, diversity, compassion and open-mindedness. What we must not do – what we must never do – is turn on our neighbors, our family members, our fellow Americans, for something they cannot control, and deny what makes them human. This is why none of us can stand by when a state enters the business of legislating identity and insists that a person pretend to be something they are not, or invents a problem that doesn’t exist as a pretext for discrimination and harassment. Let me speak now to the people of the great state, the beautiful state, my state of North Carolina. You’ve been told that this law protects vulnerable populations from harm – but that just is not the case. Instead, what this law does is inflict further indignity on a population that has already suffered far more than its fair share. This law provides no benefit to society – all it does is harm innocent Americans.

Instead of turning away from our neighbors, our friends, our colleagues, let us instead learn from our history and avoid repeating the mistakes of our past. Let us reflect on the obvious but often neglected lesson that statesanctioned discrimination never looks good in hindsight. It was not so very long ago that states, including North Carolina, had signs above restrooms, water fountains and on public accommodations keeping people out based upon a distinction without a difference. We have moved beyond those dark days, but not without pain and suffering and an ongoing fight to keep moving forward. Let us write a different story this time. Let us not act out of fear and misunderstanding, but out of the values of inclusion, diversity and regard for all that make our country great. Let me also speak directly to the transgender community itself. Some of you have lived freely for decades. Others of you are still wondering how you can possibly live the lives you were born to lead. But no matter how isolated or scared you may feel today, the Department of Justice and the entire Obama Administration wants you to know that we see you; we stand with you; and we will do everything we can to protect you going forward. Please know that history is on your side. This country was founded on a promise of equal rights for all, and we have always managed to move closer to that promise, little by little, one day at a time. It may not be easy – but we’ll get there together.

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Photos: Anthony Beven.

feature health

Harrision Farias, a nonHIV patient, receiving his first Sculptra treatment.

With HIV ‘Facial Waste’ Less Common, Treatment Has Broader Appeal The history of Sculptra and how its helping new patients today

Anthony Martinez Beven

n the 1980s one of the most noticeable scarlet letters that gay male survivors of HIV had to bear was volume loss in their faces. The afflicted looked visibly sick and gaunt. Many within the gay community were “given lack of meaningful treatment options” for even their primary health-care needs let alone supplemental, cosmetic treatment needs, according to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). In 2004, Sculptra was approved for HIV plus patients. “The filler, called Sculptra, is the first such treatment approved for a condition known as lipoatrophy… the FDA expedited review of the product because of its importance to people with HIV/AIDS,” the FDA said at the time. It is estimated that about 1 million people

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in the U.S. were HIV plus in 2004, although about one third were undiagnosed. Some 50 percent developed lipoatrophy. An estimated 150,000-350,000 patients benefited from Sculptra as a cosmetic treatment. Dr. Albert Canas, a South Florida native and current medical practitioner in Miami Beach, was selected as the only research site in Miami-Dade County for a special study connected with the FDA approval of Sculptra. Canas initially agreed to be interviewed for this story but was unresponsive to phone calls and email. Dr. Steven Santiago, chief medical officer for Care Resource, a nonprofit and health center for uninsured and under-insured LGBT patients in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, said over the years, he has referred about 400 HIV plus patients to Canas. Santiago said Canas was trained by Dr. Peter Engelhart, an HIV specialist who died in the 1990s and was one of the first

researchers of Sculptra. Miami-based Drs. Joseph Piperato, Tory Sullivan and Richard Feinstein are also trained in this injectable cosmetic treatment, he said. Former Fort Lauderdale resident Mark King, who is gay and suffered from facial volume loss as a result of HIV, used Sculptra from 2008-2012. He was injected by Dr. Gerald Pierone in Vero Beach. “I am really grateful that this solution exists… It’s hard to describe how selfconscious and even debilitating it can be to walk around with the physical effects of wasting,” said King, who now lives in Baltimore. “I would recommend Sculptra for HIV plus patients… because of the patient assistance available.” Newer HIV medicines are less likely to cause the condition than HIV medicines developed in the past. Many people with HIV now never develop lipoatrophy, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Newer HIV medicines are less likely to cause the condition than HIV medicines developed in the past.

feature health Broader Appeal & Use for Sculptra Sculptra is now being used more broadly as a cosmetic anti-aging treatment to address facial volume loss for gays and straights alike. Dr. Neda Vanden Bosch, primary cosmetic physician of Medical Specialists of the Palm Beaches, has several lesbian and gay nonHIV patients, in addition to hundreds of heterosexual patients, whom she treats for facial volume loss with Sculptra. “Today’s patients are looking for long lasting and natural results delivered with minimal to no downtime,” Vanden Bosch said. “In clinical trials, over 85 percent of patients were satisfied with their results 25 months after treatment.” Fort Lauderdale resident Harrision Farias, who is gay, recently had his first Sculptra treatment. “I’m 39, getting close to 40. I feel like my body has changed a little bit. If I can do something to keep in good condition and prevent aging then I will do it,” Farias said. Boynton Beach resident Jamie Simmons, who is a lesbian, also had her first Sculptra treatment with Vanden Bosch recently to restore lost volume in her face and “return the appearance of younger, fuller skin with less wrinkles.” “From what I’ve read about Sculptra, and from what Dr. V explained, it provides a very long lasting volumnization, because it induces my own collagen production. It can also last a few years,” said Simmons, who said once her treatment plan is completed, she expects a “natural, fuller, uplifted look.” Sculptra typically requires 2-3 injection sessions, Vanden Bosch said. There is 6-8

“Today’s patients are looking for long lasting and natural results delivered with minimal to no downtime.” - Dr. Neda Vanden Bosch

Primary Cosmetic Physician of Medical Specialists of the Palm Beaches

Jamie Simmons, a non-HIV patient, during her treatment with Vanden Bosch.

weeek waiting period between each session with two vials per session at $750 per viable, or $1,500 per session. However, the maker of Sculptra, Galderma, is offering $625 in instant rebates on a series of three sessions before Sept. 30. Simmons said she would recommend Sculptra to others. There are temporary side effects associated with Sculptra, including possible nodules (rare), swelling and bruising, according to www.docshop.com. There are other products similar to Sculptra, such as Juvederm, Restylane or Radiesse, but Vanden Bosch said when those products are used they don’t provide as much of a natural look as Sculptra does. “Other fillers are implanted material that last 4-9 months, on average, depending on the person and product used,” Vanden Bosch said. Mark King said this of Sculptra, “I would use my money more wisely on Bellafill, a semipermanent filler. This filler was not available when I began being treated; and once it was approved, I began using it. After 2-3 sessions, I don’t believe I will ever have to be treated again.” Vanden Bosch acknowledged the more permanent effects of Bellafill (5-7 years), but she but warns of small, plastic beads, used in the cosmetic treatment. She said bacteria can form around the beads. “The body will often try to encapsulate the involved area with scar tissue, resulting in an inflammatory lump that is often palpable below the skin surface,” Vanden Bosch said, adding results will eventually fade and become “lumpy” as the aging process continues around the filler. In addition to Vanden Bosch, Drs. Albert Canas, of Miami, and dermatologist Shino Bay Aguilera, who is based in Fort Lauderdale, also perform cosmetic facial filler injections for interested patients.

Anthony Martinez Beven covers Miami-Dade County for SFGN. He can be reached at anthony.beven@sfgn.com.

5.11.2016 •

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Tampa Bay Rays Got Pride

@PEACEPIPEFORTLAUDERDALE

John McDonald

GBT baseball fans in West-Central Florida have a chance to show their support next month for the Tampa Bay Rays. A night geared towards the LGBT community is being organized. Equality Florida, the State’s largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality and justice for LGBT people, is putting together a “Pride Night” June 17 as the Rays host the visiting San Francisco Giants at Tropicana Field. “The Rays have one of the most progressive front offices in all of baseball,” said Brian Longstreth, a St. Petersburg realtor and Equality Florida supporter. “The organization is completely committed to diversity. They see we do have fans and are involved in the community. It’s a good fit.” Longstreth said the Rays have welcomed LGBT groups for the last 10 years and the annual pride night typically attracts 200 to 500 people who directly participate. Likewise, the Rays routinely take part in Pride festivities in the Tampa Bay area. Billy Bean, Major League Baseball’s first ever Ambassador for Inclusion, praised Tampa Bay’s ownership for being a leader in establishing a welcoming workplace. The Rays, Bean said, were one of the first ball clubs to produce an anti-bullying video for the Trevor Project. “There’s no place for bullying or hatred

of LGBT kids or anyone in our society,” said B.J. Upton in the video, first released in 2011. Upton has since been traded to the Atlanta Braves, but the message continues. “Tampa Bay has a great commitment to workforce diversity,” Bean said in a telephone call from his New York office. “The team is a visible part of the community and serving in many ways every day in the Tampa Bay area.” Bean, a former outfielder, said he is not holding his breath on if a current Major League Baseball player comes out of the closet. “That’s a huge personal decision,” Bean said. “It’s a unique situation. Every person has their own way of coming out.” For professional athletes, Bean said, it is important to consider counseling to determine “if they want to bring that level of media attention into their lives.” Heading into Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay owned a 14-14 record, good for third place in the American League East standings. Ticket price for Equality Florida’s Pride Night are $99. Longstreth said the seats are field level by the Rays’ bullpen. Once those sellout, $30 seats are available at a higher viewing section. Tropicana Field, Major League Baseball’s smallest stadium, has been home to the Rays since its inception.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit EQFL.org or TampaBay.Rays.MLB.com 36

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5.11.2016 â&#x20AC;¢

lifestyle retiring gay

the hIGh coSt oF retIreMeNt SavINGS Ric Reily This multi-part series, Retiring Gay, primarily considers the financial steps to successful retirement. However, preparing emotionally for retirement is equally important to a happy, fulfilling and successful retirement. Planning for retirement is your opportunity to reconsider day-to-day living. Insurance, investments, spending, savings, socializing, residence and many other considerations change. Reaching retirement with a wellexecuted plan makes your transition to a post work life easier and more fulfilling.

NormKent.com

mployer sponsored retirement plans, like your 401K, have an administrator who is usually a company employee overseeing the plan for participants. The financial company that actually holds the assets and makes investments is the manager. The sponsor, your employer, pays a fee for each participant and management fees, either a fixed annual amount or a percentage of the total assets of the plan. This is important to understand; either the employer is paying a one time annual fee, or the manager is reducing the return to everyone in the plan to pay the fee, or both. Over your 40-year career you can lose tens of thousands of dollars in fees or even upwards of double that depending on the structure of your plan. While serving as tacit administrator of an employer-sponsored plan at a past employer I began to question rates of return that just didn’t seem right. The plan manager representatives were of no help, either they really didn’t know or they didn’t want me to know how returns and fees were calculated. Either, in my mind, is a dereliction of duty. Hence I ran my own test. On the first day of a calendar quarter I made an investment in my personal mutual fund account in the exact fund I held in my retirement account. At the end of the quarter I had a significantly better return in the personal account than I did in the retirement account. The largest fee charged, and the real reason that big banks and insurance companies are in the retirement fund management business, is a portion of the yield of each participant’s investment. This is the number I ferreted out in my test and it was a big number, about one half of one percent. Doesn’t seen big? If you save $10,000 each year for forty

years you will have about $125,000 less. That’s a big number. This charge to participant’s savings through reduction of returns is systemic and no plan manager is going to readily alert anyone, though the amounts are all disclosed in the plan documents. According to the ICI 2013 Fact Book employer sponsored retirement plans hold about $5 trillion, which yields about $25 billion in returns stripped as fees by plan managers from participants each year. Finding the discrepancy in our plan sent me to the plan managers’ representatives for an explanation. All of sudden they turned from my best buds into marble mouthed idiots. They spoke over and around the point and could not, or would not, say how it all worked. Though it took months of research I found out that the plan used mirror funds. A mirror fund is a vehicle that is essentially a copy of an existing name brand mutual fund. Rather than investing directly into the actual fund, your retirement money is invested in another account that is then used by the plan manager to buy into the actual mutual fund. The benefit of this concept is that there are no entry or exit fees and plans with many participants making many trades can be sold the idea that overall costs will be lower. A mirror fund is generally not as profitable as it originally seems because the management fee can be substantially higher than the mutual fund it reflects. Mirror funds can easily be a false economy. Employer sponsored retirement plans can be difficult to grasp. Weighing the benefits of tax deferral and employer matches against excessive fees and limited access to your money can be a tough call. Like any investment decision, approach your employer sponsored retirement plan with knowledge and understanding.

Missed a week? Don’t worry. Catch up at SFGN.com/RetiringGay to follow the series online. Ric Reily is the author of two books, Money Is The Root Of All - Skip The Debt Habit, and Gregory’s Hero. You can reach him at ricreily@gmail.com

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lifestyle books

Gay & LeSBIaN hIStory For KIDS by Jerome Pohlen

Terry Schlichenmeyer Every day, you try to catch a little news. It might be online, maybe in a newspaper, magazine, or on TV, but you’re a smart kid and you like to stay informed. Lately, you’ve been hearing a lot about gay rights and gay marriage, and you want to know more. Read “Gay & Lesbian History for Kids” by Jerome Pohlen, and your questions might be answered. Knowing someone who’s gay, lesbian, or transgender is nothing new; in fact, history indicates that our earliest ancestors acknowledged and were “comfortable with” LGBT people. Homosexuality appears in mythology, royalty, battlefields, art (Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci were said to be gay), and in some religions. In North America, many beloved nineteenthcentury authors, poets, and songwriters were gay or lesbian, and Native American culture embraced people who were of “twospirits.” Transgender individuals fought in the Civil War or were pioneers or settlers. We know that LGBT individuals existed elsewhere and at other times, too, because laws were made against them. That was especially true through the early 1900s. Though we entered “the Progressive Era” in the beginning of the century, it was anything but progressive for people who were gay. When the country was stricken by The Great Depression in the 1930s, things got even worse for the LGBT community and many people had to hide their lives from general society. In some ways, things got better during World War II. The government needed military personnel and LGBT individuals, like everyone else, needed jobs— so they signed up in droves to fight for their country. Very few were denied a chance to serve but sadly, after the war was over,

$17.95 / $21.95 Canada 180 pages c.2016, Chicago Review Press many gay and lesbian personnel received “blue discharges,” and were denied veteran’s benefits. Once again, LGBT individuals needed to closet themselves and their lifestyles. Not doing so could mean arrest or worse. And then, finally, things started to turn around. Activism in the 1960s and ‘70s helped the LGBT community to gain rights and support on other issues, unfair laws were changed, and many people helped make “things get better.” I struggled with “Gay & Lesbian History for Kids,” but not for the reasons you might think. My biggest issue comes with its potential audience, vis-à-vis the content: mainly, that it contains either a lot of very advanced information for kids who are young enough to be excited about the “21 Activities” here; or a lot of silly, juvenile “activities” for kids who are old enough to handle very advanced information. Then, too, the presence of said activities may be moot, since they mostly had little to do with LGBT history. Conversely, and to the positive, I appreciated the pre-twentieth-century info that author Jerome Pohlen offers; it was interesting, but is it enough to save this book? I don’t know: the target audience here is 9-and-up, which I think is way too young. Fresh-eyed 12-to-15-yearolds may appreciate what’s inside “Gay & Lesbian History for Kids,” but hand it to a reader over 16, and the news probably wouldn’t be good. 5.11.2016 •

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J.R. Davis

r.I.p. MISS vIcKy KeLLer

coMMuNIty coMeS toGether to reMeMBer a pIoNeer oF rIGhtS Read more about the life and times of Miss Vicky here: http://bit.ly/1OmeUYm

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NaBu aMerIcaN FuSIoN BuFFet Rick Karlin

3485 N. Federal, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954-568-2208

ou always run a risk when you take The hibachi station offers a wider variety over a long-time favorite dining of options, but to tell the truth I never establishment. Sure, you’ve got loyal utilize it – the sushi is more tempting. customers, but there’s usually a reason There is also a wider variety of seafood, why the place was for sale. Most often the including abundant quantities of perfectly owners just want out and hadn’t invested cooked crab legs (at dinner), oysters, much in the upkeep of the old favorite. cooked shrimp and two kinds of ceviche. The Old Florida Seafood House is a The cooked bar also offers all the Asian perfect example – of what not to do. classics, Chinese, Japanese and even some When the new owner came in, he Thai options. The choices range from renovated the place (which it desperately pepper beef, grilled fish, gyoza, shrimp needed), but he also hiked up the prices, tempura, all offered by the previous got rid of the old wait staff and had management. The NaBu team has also incompetent people running the kitchen. added chicken curry, Japanese eggplant and Less than a year later, it was out of business. sautéed long-beans. Soup options include The folks that bought miso, hot and sour and the former Kyojin appear won ton among others. In to be doing a better job addition to the spinach with The hibachi transitioning the place into sesame seeds marinated in a station offers soy-mirin blend, also known its new identity, NaBu. The signs the signs facing the as gomae, salad options a wider street identify the place as include seaweed, cucumber NaBu, but the sign over the and Caesar salads. variety of entrance still says Kyojin. For those into desserts options, but (me!), Asian restaurants are It’s only when you get to the front door that the new usually a disappointment. to tell the sign is visible. They’ve Almond and fortune cookies given the interior a sorely truth I never in Chinese restaurants and needed facelift. The buffet red bean paste based treats utilize it – the in Japanese. NaBu offers a area has been freshened up with serving dishes that look wider variety, although sushi is more bit less like steam table pans most are of the prepackaged and more like classic white tempting. variety and offer a variety china. The dining areas have of treats more familiar to been refreshed as well with western palates; cheesecake, new partitions and table pecan pie, assorted pastries tops. (that all manage to taste the same) and The food has been kicked up a notch. an ice cream case featuring five western There’s a wider variety of sushi (although flavors, as well as green tea. they’ve eliminated the convenient colorWhile the sushi doesn’t rival that of the coded label Kyojin used which indicated finest restaurants specializing in that fare, whether the sushi was raw, cooked or it is darn close, and for the price (lunch vegetarian) sashimi and nigiri. The rolls is $11.95, dinner is $18.95weekdays and are refreshed often, at least on the two $20.95 weekends) and variety, it can’t be times we’ve visited. beat.

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concert Head to the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Dr. in— you guessed it, Coral Springs—tonight for “The Music of ABBA: Arrival from Sweden” at 8 p.m. This 10-piece band will take you back to the ‘70s as they recreate the music, costumes and dance moves of the original Swedish stars that defined pop music during the disco era. Tickets start at $37.10 at CoralSpringsCenterForTheArts. com.

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community The Pride Center and the Harvey Milk Foundation invite you to join them at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood tonight for the Diversity Honors. The event, hosted by WSVN anchor Omar Lewis and featuring singer Levi Kreis, recognizes seven distinguished leaders in our community. Tickets are $175, including reception, seated dinner and entertainment, at DiversityHonors. com.

“Beautiful – The Carole King Musical,” the true story of legendary songwriter, features many of King’s most popular songs. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.

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Concert

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Lady Bunny joins the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida tonight at 8 p.m. for “The Wizard of Odds: Witches & Bitches.” This sing-a-long concert will feature opportunities for the audience to join in on selections from “The Wizard of Oz,” “Wicked” and “The Wiz.” You won’t want to miss this unique experience at the Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $25 and $45 at GMCSF.org.

Vladimir Issaev’s Arts Ballet Theater of South Florida concludes its season tonight at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center’s Amaturo Theater with a program of classics. Enjoy iconic pas de deux created by Issaev and guest choreographers, performed by the company’s talented international dancers. The program will also be presented in Aventura on Saturday, May 14. Tickets start at $30 at BrowardCenter.org.

“Hello Goodbye” from producer Ellen DeGeneres is a different kind of reality television. The show, hosted by Curt Menefee and airing on Travel Channel on Mondays at 11 p.m., shares the stories of loved ones who are departing from airports all across the country, but in an unexpected twist, also reunites those travelers—for good and for bad. Check local listings for channels and show times.

“Beautiful – The Carole King Musical” continues its run at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale through Sunday, May 22. This uplifting show tells the inspiring true story of the legendary songwriter’s rise to stardom. The score features King’s biggest hits, including “I Feel the Earth Move,” “One Fine Day,” “A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got a Friend” and more. Tickets start at $30 at BrowardCenter.org.

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ctor and recording artist Levi Kreis was packing his bags for his regional debut in Miami Beach last July when he was notified that The Cabaret South Beach had been suddenly evicted by its landlord. Nearly a year later, the Tony Award-winner will have another opportunity to dazzle South Florida audiences, this time as the featured entertainer at the Diversity Honors at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Resort on Friday, May 13. And this time, there’s absolutely no chance his performance will be canceled. SFGN spoke with Kreis last year, when the talented actor and singer equated his showbiz success to lightning striking twice: “Nobody sees the 15 years of work that takes place before the lightning strikes,” he insisted, noting the same is true for many artists who seem to burst onto the entertainment scene. “It’s been a process to celebrate.” Kreis grew up in a small town near Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He was “the little boy who would pound out tunes on the piano as soon as he heard them” and began composing his own songs by the age of 12. He knew he was gay at an early age, but yearned to be a Christian musical artist and fit in with his peers, a period he called “his biggest torture.” Kreis even secretly underwent conversion therapy and had “hands laid on me more times than I can count.” Eventually, he accepted “the breath of God is in each of us to be who we are.” Kreis eventually left Tennessee and headed to L.A., where he landed a lead role in an indie film as Matthew McConaughey’s brother. He was then cast in a musical that had been greenlighted for Broadway when the 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred. “Nobody wanted to touch it,” Kreis recalled, “and major record labels didn’t know what to do with me as an openly gay man.”

He got his first break in 2004 when his producer suggested him for a challenge on “The Apprentice.” The competitors would develop a marketing plan for him and his music. But, there was a downside. He was forced to sign a six-month confidentiality agreement until the episode aired, even if that seven minutes could potentially change his life. “I had $200 and was living in Hoboken, New Jersey. I spent it recording 10 of my songs that would eventually become my debut album. A friend put together a website and we just waited for the episode to air,” he said. “I just hoped enough people would see the episode. Well, a thousand orders came through, (and) the next night, another thousand, and then another thousand.” Other big breaks came when he was cast in the touring company of “Rent” and later, as Jerry Lee Lewis in the Broadway smash, “Million Dollar Quartet.” Kreis would leave Radio City Music Hall with a Tony Award in his hand. Not long afterwards, one of his songs would be included in the soundtrack for the season two finale of the CW Network series, “The Vampire Diaries,” introducing his music to yet another new audience. His music was also featured on the AMC series, “Sons of Anarchy.” “It’s a testament to what happens when we let go of others’ expectations,” he said adamantly, “a process to celebrate.” Honesty is a theme Kreis “sticks to” in everything he does. Like so many entertainers, he struggled with addiction and has been sober for six years, but he embraces the freedom and self-love recovery has offered. Like the Diversity Honors award recipients at the ceremony, presented by the Pride Center and Harvey Milk Foundation, Kreis faced his challenges head on and the results speak—or rather, sing—for themselves.

Levi Kreis will appear at the Diversity Honors on Friday, May 13 at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Resort in Hollywood. Tickets are $175 at DiversityHonors.com.

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Submitted Photo

Actor and recording artist Levi Kreis will be the featured entertainer at the Diversity Honors festivities at Seminole Hard Rock on Friday.

GeeK out to outcoN MIaMI How OUTCon Miami is combining queerdom with geekdom

Lynnette Cantos

UTCon, Florida’s first LGBT targeted fandom convention, is a one-day event happening on Saturday, May 14 at the Miami Airport Convention Center. The convention was founded by Jonathan Stryker who saw the need for an LGBT geek convention in South Florida, knowing there were several emerging geek-oriented queer conventions in bigger cities like FlameCon in New York City and GaymerX in San Francisco. “I’m a huge anime geek. I love everything anime, love comic books a lot too, anything geeky I was into,” Stryker said. “I feel the LGBT geek community wasn’t represented in the way that other states are doing it. Someone needed to start it down here, and that really inspired me to want to have representation for LGBT down here.” A Miami native, Stryker has attended numerous conventions since 2005 and developed a growing passion for his geeky pursuits. His main interests are primarily with anime conventions, based on gatherings in which fans discuss and embrace Japanese animation and pop culture. “I just really loved the environment. The people are super friendly, they love the same thing that you love, just share the fandoms and all the crazy things you love with other people,” Stryker said regarding his enthusiasm of attending anime and comic conventions. By becoming involved in cosplay—the Japanese-coined term combining “costume” and “play”—Stryker began to make his own costumes by scratch, posing in character and uploading them online. Through social media, he has gained notoriety in the cosplay scene under the names “J Stryker” and “Stryker-

kun,” which he goes by on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube respectively. A majority of Stryker’s cosplay portfolio is from an anime called “One Piece,” a popular anime and manga in Japan about a group of pirates in search of the ultimate treasure of the titular name. “There are themes about LGBT in [One Piece], the main character is super accepting of everybody, one of their friends is gay, there is a whole gay island full of drag queens, and all kinds of human species,” Stryker said. “It’s so inspirational to me, it has literally changed my life.” OUTCon is also aiming to help the community, as portions of the convention profit will go to Miami-Dade County Animal Services shelter. “I’ve always had a deep passion for animal rescue, shelters and helping animals,” Stryker said. “So I wanted to do something where I could attach [it to] that and donate to charity.” OUTCon will have convention staples such as video game tournaments, local vendors and a costume contest. However, it will also include unique panels like “Your Voices and Experiences Matter” on the subject of bullying and discrimination, a “Lip Sync for your Life-uh” contest inspired by “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and night shows like “Drag Show Extravaganza!” and a performance from Internet sensation Ms. Prada. OUTCon Miami takes place Saturday, May 14 at Miami Airport Convention Center, 711 NW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL 33126. Doors open at 11 a.m. and admission is $10 at the door. Visit OUTCon Miami’s Facebook page for more details.

paid content

Voices of Pride The Gay Men’s Chorus of the Palm Beaches Presents

Live in Living C St Andrews Episcopal Church—Lake Worth Tickets for Live in Living Color available online at voicesofpride.org (561) 247-4554

A SMILE TO BE PROUD OF AT ANY AGE Voices of Pride the Gay Men’s Chorus of the Palm Beaches, a 501 (c)(3)

s we move towards the month of June with all the Pride events and parades that mark the positive stance against discrimination and violence toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, we can all think of the many things we are proud of. All of us will be able to make up a list of everything we are proud of. As a dentist, one of the things that make me happy is if a patient is proud of their smile. We all have a different perspective of what that may entail. For some, it may be a healthy, clean and cavity free smile. For others it may be a sparkling, white and dazzling smile. Either way, your smile is integral to your health and happiness. The way we talk or eat, and the way we feel about ourselves are all affected by the state of our smile. As a dentist, I look at a person’s smile from 4 major areas: 1. The health of the gums and bone - this is the foundation that holds the teeth in place. You may have the most beautiful teeth but if the foundation is poor, the teeth will fall out. 2. Cavity free and infection free teeth 3. The bite and position of the teeth - many times, the way we bite can cause a great deal of damage and fractures of the teeth 4. Cosmetics and the beauty of our smile

VOP appears "Live In Living Color" this May as they launch into their spring season with their fabulous main concerts at St. Andrews Church, Lake Worth, where they are Artists in Residence. But hold onto your church hats, ladies! Yes, VOP raises church roofs too with their sassy takes on pop and show tunes as well as their classy renditions of standards from the American Songbook. Be prepared to spend time in church like you never have before with sets, lights, costumes (a singing deck of cards?) and lots of laughs. This "ain't no church choir musicale" For most of us, the cosmetics and beauty of our smile is the first thing we think of. But don’t forget to keep them healthy too. This would mean brushing twice a day, flossing daily and regular checkups with your dentist. Believe it or not, but as we age, gum disease is the number 1 cause of tooth loss, and not tooth decay. How many of you have heard your dentist tell you about the chips or fracture lines or wear on your teeth? This is often from grinding and clenching and is made especially worse by the poor positioning of the teeth. This can be fixed with braces or Invisalign. If this is not an option, then at least protect them with a night guard. Lastly, the million dollar question is “how do I get that million dollar smile?”. Well, if everything else we discussed above is in great shape, you might want to whiten them, or place veneers. There are so many new advances in this field that the options are endless. Just remember, there is a beautiful smile behind those chipped, stained, crooked teeth that is waiting to get out. Speak to your dentist to help you unlock a smile you can be proud of.

Dr Charmaine Johnson Premier Smile Center 954-566-7479

I’m 26 and transitioning. I have a lot going on - I don’t need to be mocked, misgendered, or marginalized, and I don’t have time to hunt out news that matters to me. That’s why I read EDGE on my Android tablet. I’m being true to my future - and that’s where it will be.

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

5.11.2016 •

May 11 to May 17

Datebook

Theater Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com

top

picks

RuPaul’s Drag Race: Battle of the Seasons

May 11 at 8 p.m. at Parker Playhouse, 707 NE 8th St. in Fort Lauderdale. The 12 stars of the past seasons battle it out, including Pearl, Adore Delano, Alaska, Courtney Act, Ginger Minj, Miss Fame, and others. Tickets $36.50 to $301. Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.com.

Florence + The Machine

May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The band’s “How Beautiful” tour kicks off in Miami. Tickets $37.50 to $107. Call 786-777-1000 or visit AAArena.com.

Hair!

May 20 to June 5 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Be a flower child for the day with a performance of this classic musical. Tickets $45. Call 561-8327469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Denotes New Listing

broward county Gold Coast Jazz: Giacomo Gates & The Gold Coast Jazz Society Band Trio

May 11 at 7:45 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Gates and the trio perform favorites from the Great American Songbook. Tickets $50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Spring Gala

May 15 at 5 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Ballet Master Vladimir Issaev ends the season with impressive classical pieces. Tickets $30. Call 954-4620222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Seniors Acting Up!

May 17 from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. South Florida actors do readings of “Mixed Doubles,” “Fibber McGee and

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Molly,” “Sweet Charity,” and “The Age in Which We Live.” Free. Visit Facebook.com/ SeniorsActingUp.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Through May 22 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The story of Carole King, from her start as a girl with a dream in Brooklyn. Tickets $30 to $115. Call 954462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

Friday Night Sound Waves Music Series

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

palm beach county Satchmo at the Waldorf

May 13 to June 12 at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis St. Just months before his death in 1971, Louis Armstrong talks about his life and career. Tickets $64. Call 561-5144042 or visit PalmBeachDramaworks.org.

miami-dade county Them Beaux

Through May 13 at the Miami Theater Center, 9806 NE Second Ave. in Miami Shores. A reinterpretation of “The Beaux,” a play set in the Deep South with con men, hijinks, love, and deception. Tickets $25. Call 305-751-9550 or visit MTCMiami.org.

* Spring Gala

May 14 at 7 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. Ballet Master Vladimir Issaev ends the season with impressive classical pieces. Tickets $30. Call 305-466-8002 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

Don Pasquale

Through May 14 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Don Pasquale fears that his nephew Ernesto will steal his fortune, so he seeks to find a woman to marry, which only causes his problems to get worse. Tickets $25 to $229. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Miami Symphony Orchestra: Grand Season Finale

Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The last performance of the season with Lola Astanova on the piano. Tickets $44 to $122. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

Stage Kiss Through May 15 at Main Street Players, 6766

Main St. in Miami Lakes. Former lovers, She and He head back into show business after a two-decade hiatus and, unbeknownst to them, are cast in the leading roles. Tickets $25. Call 305-558-3737 or visit MainStreetPlayers.com.

PAMM 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 305-3753000 or visit PAMM.org.

The Big Show

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

May 15 at 6 p.m. at the Adrienne Arsht

* Florida Jazz and Blues Jam 2016

May 14 at 3:30 p.m. at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater at Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park, 20405 Amphitheater Circle in Boca Raton. The inaugural festival features performances by Buddy Guy, plus Lee Ritenour, John Mayall, and Victor Wooten featuring Dennis Chambers, Bob Franceschini, and Anthony Wellington. Tickets $65, $75 the day of. Parking is $10 to $15. Visit MusicJamProductions.com.

Short Cuts 6

Through May 15 at Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail in Boca Raton. Enjoy eight, 10-minute shorts from the best South Florida playwrights. Tickets $25. Call 561-347-3948 or visit WillowTheatre.org.

* Catch A Rising Star Comedy presents DOM IRRERA

May 19 at 8 p.m. at the Crest Theatre at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. The one-man sketch is a performance of comedy and improv. Tickets $45 to $65. Call 561-243-7922 or visit OldSchoolSquare.org

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! Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.

Photos: Facebook

Florence + The Machine : May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami

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BroaDway & caBaret Star KareN MaSoN to appear at LyNN uNIverSIty Rick Karlin

aren Mason has starred on Broadway, Off-Broadway, television and “…has few peers when it comes to ripping the roof off with her amazing voice that knows no bounds!” according to TheatreScene.net. The recording star and twelve-time MAC Award winner (including Female Vocalist of the Year for six consecutive years) comes to Lynn University’s Amarnick-Goldstein Concert Hall on May 18 as the final show of this season’s “Mabel Mercer Foundation’s Cabaret at Lincoln Center Comes to Live at Lynn” series. Mason is not just a cabaret star, she’s Broadway’s go-to gal when a show needs a showstopping performer with great pipes. She most recently garnered rave reviews starring as the Queen of Hearts in “Wonderland,” and originated the role of Tanya on Broadway in “Mamma Mia!” (for which she was awarded a 2002 Drama Desk nomination as Best Actress). Her other leading roles include Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard” in the Broadway and in Los Angeles productions, Velma von Tussel in “Hairspray” on Broadway and as Mazeppa in the original production of “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway.” She has also had featured roles in the Broadway productions of “Torch Song Trilogy” and “Play Me A Country Song” and won the Outer Critics Circle Award for her performance in “And The World Goes ‘Round.” Mason is a true gypsy, having toured and appeared in starring roles in shows such as; “A Christmas Story,” “White Christmas,” “Side By Side By Sondheim,” “Company” (at the Coconut Grove Playhouse) and, of course, “Gypsy.” As a concert artist, Karen has headlined Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Feinstein’s at The Regency, Rainbow & Stars, the Algonquin, and The Ballroom. Her most influential job was when she was hired as a singing hostess at a Chicago restaurant in 1976. (“I was too clumsy to be a waitress”, she joked). That is where she met musician, composer and music arranger Brian Lasser, who would become her mentor, business partner and best friend for 16 years. They formed a fast partnership and performed in Chicago’s cabaret scene for 3 years, becoming favorites of the gay community and eventually conquering the entire city. No matter how big a fish you are, Chicago is a small pond, and in 1979 Mason and Lasser packed up and moved to New York City, hoping to conquer Broadway and New York’s cabaret world. They managed to do so rather quickly, landing gigs at The Duplex (1979), The Algonquin (1981), and opening Don’t Tell Mama (1983) with Karen being cast in her first New York Broadway show, “Play Me A Country Song” in 1982. It seemed nothing could stop the dynamic duo, and then Karen woke up on the morning of September 4, 1984, sounding like Minnie Mouse.

She’d contracted a virus that affected her vocal cords. She didn’t know if she’d ever sing again. Six months later, after much medical treatment, her voice returned in 1985. She and Brian resumed performing and working on a musical featuring Brian’s original music. It wasn’t long, however, before another virus, HIV, altered Karen’s life forever. Brian Lasser died of complications of AIDS in 1992. Mason was devastated, “I really thought I would never make music again.” Mason has been a longtime ally of the LGBT community, Lasser’s death only cemented her commitment to her friends and fans. She has appeared at a number of benefits and fundraisers to help fight AIDS and support the LGBT community. Her highly acclaimed recordings include her newest single, “It’s About Time,” written by her husband Paul Rolnick and Shelly Markham, which has become a same-sex wedding staple. She has also recorded a number of albums “Right Here/ Right Now” (2009 Mac Awardwinner) and “When the Sun Comes Out,” “The Sweetest of Nights,” “Christmas! Christmas! Christmas!,” “Not So Simply Broadway” and “Better Days,” recorded live at the West Bank Cafe featuring songs by Lasser (including the 1998 Emmy Award-winning song Hold Me). Karen has also been featured on the soundtrack of the original cast CDs of “Wonderland,” “And The World Goes Round” and “Jeffrey” as well as the studio cast recordings of “Wonderful Town” and “Lost in Boston II.” Tickets for the concert at Lynn University on Wednesday, May 18 are $40 and can be purchased at Lynn.tix.com. 5.11.2016 •

Datebook

community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com

Top Picks

Savvy College Planning: Six Ways to Cut College Costs

May 12 from 6 to 7 p.m. at The Brockway Memorial Library, 10021 NE Second Ave. in Miami Shores. David Treece, investment adviser, will discuss financial aid, your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number, college pricing, and more. Free. RSVP to 305-751-8855, info@davidtreece. com, or TreeceFinancialGroup.com.

Delray Beach Craft Beer Fest

May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Old School Square, 51 N Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Enjoy a night of beers, games, live art, and more. Tickets $35 to $50 before May 13. Visit DCBraftBeerFest.org.

LGBT Senior Cultural Competency 101

May 19 and June 15 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Learn how your business can better serve the LGBT senior community during one of these classes, with options to book a longer session for staff. RSVP to Bruce Williams at 954463-9005, ext. 109 or email BWilliams@ PrideCenterFlorida.org.

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Transgender Advisory Board

First Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at T House at FUSION, 2304 NE 7th Ave. in Wilton Manors. Give your input on how to better the transgender community. Call 954-213-0610 or visit T-HouseOnline.com

MSM Advisory Group Meeting

Second Mondays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at varying locations. The Florida Department of Health in Broward County meeting of the MSM (men who have sex with men) Advisory Group, a part of the Broward County HIV Prevention Planning Council. Call ahead of time for the meeting location. Call 954-467-4700, ext. 4991.

Songwriter’s Showcase

Second Mondays at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center Abdo New River Room, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. An open mic night in the style of the Greenwich Village ‘60s coffee

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Broward Support Services

May 11 to May 17

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

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

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

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

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

house sessions. Admission $10. Call 954-4683287 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

Talkin’T

Third Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Fusion, 2304 NE Seventh Ave. in Wilton Manors. A open discussion group for the transgender and gender variant community. Call 954-213-0610 or visit T-HouseOnline.com.

Positive Perspectives

Fourth Mondays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Fusion, 2304 NE Seventh Ave. in Wilton Manors. A discussion and support group for those living with or are affected by HIV, lead by peers and a clinical therapist. Free. Call 954-567-7141, ext. 139 or visit CareResource.org.

Movie Night

Fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Enjoy a movie and snacks every month with friends. Call 954-353-9155 or visit PrideCenterFlorida.org.

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STD Testing Vaccinations

and

Flu

First Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. The Department of Health comes monthly. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

Silent Disco

First Thursdays at 9 p.m. at The Fieldhouse at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Dance to music by the DJ through wireless headphones for a unique night out. Tickets $20. Call 561-243-7922 or visit OldSchoolSquare.org.

LGBT Bereavement Group

Second Mondays at 6 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Join bereavement specialists and others experiencing loss. Free. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

Living Buddhism

Second Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Learn about this ancient way of life and how you can overcome life’s obstacles in a peaceful manner. Free. Visit CompassGLCC.com.

PFLAG

Second Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A rap and support group for LGBT and straight spouses and their families and friends. Call Carole 561-716-9464.

Food Truck Invasion

Second and fourth Wednesdays at 5 p.m at the Seabreeze Theater at Carlin Park, 400 S. SR A1A in Jupiter. Enjoy a night of food trucks and live music twice a month. Free. Visit Facebook. com/seabreezeamphitheater.

Palm Beach Prime Timers

Second Saturdays at 3 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A support and meet-up group for middle age gay and bisexual men. Free. Visit PrimeTimersWW.com/PalmBeaches.

Shutterbugs

Third Mondays at 7 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Love photography? Join BLAST and other women to explore the art of digital photography. Free. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com

Trans Youth Group

First and third Fridays at 5 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A support group for transgender youth 12

to 19 years old. Email Katherine Murphy at katherine@compassglcc.com.

miami-dade county * The Amethyst Gala

May 21 at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Miami Downtown, 1601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. A night of dinner, networking, and honoring the HotSpots Media Group, Damian Pardo, Jackson Health System, and Raquel Matas. Tickets $200. Call 305-6734440, email rsvp@gaybizmiami.com, or visit GayBizMiami.com.

Arsht Center Farmers Market

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

Rainbow Circle

Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. at the University of Miami Flipse Building #302, 5665 Ponce de Leon Drive in Coral Gables. An open discussion about coming out, relationships, peer pressure, bullying, depression and more. Free. Visit Pridelines.org.

Yoga

Tuesdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at Jose Marti Park, 362 SW Fourth Ave. in Miami. Yogis 18 and older of all levels are invited to a practice lead by a certified instructor. Bring your own yoga mat, water, and towel. Free. Call 305-358-7550 or visit BayfrontParkMiami.com/Yoga.html.

HIV Support Group

Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at South Beach AIDS Project, 1234 Washington Ave. Ste. 200 in Miami Beach. A support group for those who are HIV positive. Free. Call 305-535-4733, ext. 301 or email support@sobeaids.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 Nurbu, will lead classes on learning the foundations of Buddhism. Call 786-529-7137.

Miami Log Cabin Republicans

Fourth Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. at Casa Larios, 7705 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Meet with other like-minded people and hear from speakers in the community. Visit LogCabin.org/chapter/florida-miami.

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dental

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

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

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

legal

POVERELLO THRIFT STORE 2056 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.561.3663 Poverello.org

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

MODERN HOME 2 GO 4000 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.530.5650 Mh2go.com

professional services

PEACE PIPE 4800 N Dixie Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 954.267.9005 Facebook.com/peacepipeﬂ DAOUD’S 2473 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954.928.2437 Daouds.com

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954.302.3228 Americantaxandinsurance.com

legal

retail

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

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realty

HENRI FRANK GROUP 401 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954.604.9999 Henrifrank.com

SELZER & WEISS 1515 NE 25th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.567.4444 Selzerandweiss.com

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restaurants

J. MARK’S 1245 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (954) 390-0770 Jmarksrestaurant.com

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ERNIE'S B-B-Q 1843 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 954-523-8636

BEEFCAKES 1721 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 954.463.6969 boardwalkbar.com

THE FLORIDIAN RESTAURANT 1410 E Las Olas Blvd r Ad Fort Cont. 8/17/15 1:56 PM Page 1 Lauderdale, FL 33301 954.463.4041

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STORKS BAKERY 2505 NE 15th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.567.3220 Storksbakery.com

spirituality

theaters

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veterinarian

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MAY ISSUE

5.11.2016 •

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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

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licensed massage AFFORDABLE AWESOME MASSAGE BY JIM Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and LomiLomi Massage for Men; in a very comfortable, relaxed and Private Massage Studio, NOW conveniently located in Wilton Manors on NE 26th Street, with plenty of free parking. Same Day appointments are welcome; please call Jim, 954-600-5843 email: info@ massagebyjim.com or visit my website for testimonials, rates and more. GREAT OPENING SPECIAL NOW AVAILABLE! www.massagebyjim.com Licensed and Certiﬁed MM22293 INCREDIBLY AWESOME BODYWORK IN WPB - 1st TIME CLIENTS SAVE $25 PER SESSION. In-calls at a private studio 15 minutes west of PBIA. Intuitive, experienced licensed massage therapist offers affordable rates 7 days, early to late. Calls only 561-254-8065 for the very best massage experience you can get HANDS DOWN! #MA51008

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

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.

pets/supplies

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roommates

entertainment JAZZ TRIO AVAILABLE - 25% DISCOUNT TO SFGN READERS!!!!!!! - Jazz vocalist with over 30 years experience performing in South Florida is available with her trio for your special event,party or corporate fundraiser.Booking now for the balance of 2016 and into 2017 so reserve today.Recent performances include JAZZ IN THE PINES and WALK ON WEDNESDAY MUSIC SERIES. I work with South Florida’s ﬁnest jazz musicians to make your special affair one to remember. Reasonble rates. 25% Discount when you mention you saw ad in SFGN CLASSIFIEDS.Call Cindy at 954-298-8158. www.myspace.com/cindycurtisandcompany I can’t wait to sing for you!

LOOKING FOR ROOMMATE IN OAKLAND PARK - 2 BR apt.to share.Furnished. Age 18 to 65 required. In “gated community.”$400/month plus 1/2 utilities.Call Brian at 954-529-3490

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954.530.4970 music lessons VOICE LESSONS & MUSIC THEATRE COACHING - Over 30 years experience. Students have performed on (and off) Broadway, in National & International tours, recorded solo albums & placed in prestigious competitions. www.kreutzmusic.com 617-967-0575

painting

GREGG'S PAINTING - Interior/exterior,great rates, friendliness, reliability, neatness. No job too small. Call Gregg at 617-306-5694 or 954-870-5972.

personal concierge

A HELPING HAND - Do you require assistance with paperwork, shopping,getting to appointments, etc? Elementary school teacher with 10 Years + experience/Masters Degree. Available to help you with these tasks. Call/ text Mark at: 954-224-0632, or email: mds94@juno.com

• 5.11.2016

GAY WHITE MALE TO SHARE 2 BR/2 BA GATED CONDO - Furnished room, WI-FI, W/D, TV in room, pool, must have steady income and own transportation, 1st-Last $650/month, utilities included, no pets no drugs. Call Zack at 954-401-8431 or 954765-3665

rentals fort lauderdale

FORT LAUDERDALE RENTALS - Looking for a great rental in FORT LAUDERDALE? One bedrooms starting at $900. Two bedrooms starting at $1,000. 1st/last/security + good credit. Visit my website and call me today. www.mikesREteam. com 954-627-1222 ext. 901 Mike Trottier, Realtor @ Mike’s Real Estate (iHome Florida Real Estate)

rentals wilton manors RENTALS IN WILTON MANORS - Looking for a great rental in WILTON MANORS? One bedrooms starting at $1,000. Two bedrooms starting at $1,200. 1st/last/security + good credit. Visit my website and call me today. www.mikesREteam. com 954-627-1222 ext. 901 Mike Trottier, Realtor @ Mike’s Real Estate (iHome Florida Real Estate)

rentals

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

rentals oakland park OAKLAND PARK RENTALS - Looking for a great rental in OAKLAND PARK? One bedrooms starting at $1,000. Two bedrooms starting at $1,400. 1st/ last/security + good credit. Visit my website and call me today. www.mikesREteam.com 954-6271222 ext. 901 Mike Trottier, Realtor @ Mike’s Real Estate (iHome Florida Real Estate)

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5.11.2016 •