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January 6, 2016 vol. 7 // issue 1

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Best bites of 2015 Food, Films, books, & More

A Year of Progress • page 25 Best Books of 2015 • page 34 SFGN's top read stories • page 36 'Danish Girl' opens transgender door

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SOFLAGAYNEWS

SFGN.COM 01.06.2016 • 1

New Genvoya is now available

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• 01.06.2016

Actual Size

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

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

12/4/15 4:12 PM 01.06.2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 3

Brief Summary of Patient Information about GENVOYA GENVOYA (jen-VOY-uh) (elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide) tablets Important: Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with GENVOYA. There may be new information about GENVOYA. 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 GENVOYA? GENVOYA 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 GENVOYA. 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 GENVOYA. 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 for several days or longer • nausea • stomach pain • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking GENVOYA for a long time. • Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. GENVOYA is not for use to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). If you have HBV infection and take GENVOYA, your HBV may get worse (flareup) if you stop taking GENVOYA. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. • Do not run out of GENVOYA. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your GENVOYA is all gone. • Do not stop taking GENVOYA without first talking to your healthcare provider. • If you stop taking GENVOYA, 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 GENVOYA.

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• 01.06.2016

What is GENVOYA? GENVOYA is a prescription medicine that is used without other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years of age and older: • who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past 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 an amount of HIV-1 in their blood (“viral load”) that is less than 50 copies/mL, and have never failed past HIV-1 treatment HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. GENVOYA contains the prescription medicines elvitegravir (VITEKTA®), cobicistat (TYBOST®), emtricitabine (EMTRIVA®) and tenofovir alafenamide. It is not known if GENVOYA is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age. When used to treat HIV-1 infection, GENVOYA may: • 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). GENVOYA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must stay on continuous HIV-1 therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others: • Do not share or re-use 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 safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to other people.

Who should not take GENVOYA? Do not take GENVOYA if you also take a medicine that contains: • alfuzosin hydrochloride (Uroxatral®) • carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®, Tegretol-XR®, Teril®) • cisapride (Propulsid®, Propulsid Quicksolv®) • ergot-containing medicines, including: dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E. 45®, Migranal®), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Migergot®, Ergostat®, Medihaler Ergotamine®, Wigraine®, Wigrettes®), and methylergonovine maleate (Ergotrate®, Methergine®) • lovastatin (Advicor®, Altoprev®, Mevacor®) • midazolam, when taken by mouth • phenobarbital (Luminal®) • phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®) • pimozide (Orap®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®) • sildenafil (Revatio®), when used for treating lung problems • simvastatin (Simcor®, Vytorin®, Zocor®) • triazolam (Halcion®) • the herb St. John’s wort or a product that contains St. John’s wort

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking GENVOYA? Before taking GENVOYA, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have liver problems including hepatitis B infection • have kidney or bone problems • have any other medical conditions • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if GENVOYA can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking GENVOYA. 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 GENVOYA. – 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 GENVOYA can pass to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if the other medicines in GENVOYA 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. Other medicines may affect how GENVOYA works. Some medicines may interact with GENVOYA. 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 GENVOYA. • Do not start a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take GENVOYA with other medicines.

How should I take GENVOYA?

• Take GENVOYA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. GENVOYA is taken by itself (not with other HIV-1 medicines) to treat HIV-1 infection.

• GENVOYA is usually taken 1 time each day. • Take GENVOYA with food. • If you need to take a medicine for indigestion (antacid) that contains aluminum and • • • •

magnesium hydroxide or calcium carbonate during treatment with GENVOYA, take it at least 2 hours before or after you take GENVOYA. Do not change your dose or stop taking GENVOYA without first talking with your healthcare provider. Stay under a healthcare provider’s care when taking GENVOYA. Do not miss a dose of GENVOYA. If you take too much GENVOYA, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. When your GENVOYA 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 GENVOYA and become harder to treat.

What are the possible side effects of GENVOYA? GENVOYA may cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about GENVOYA?” • 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 GENVOYA. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking GENVOYA if you develop new or worse kidney problems. • Bone problems can happen in some people who take GENVOYA. 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 effect of GENVOYA 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 GENVOYA. 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. General information about the safe and effective use of GENVOYA. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use GENVOYA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give GENVOYA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about GENVOYA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about GENVOYA that is written for health professionals. For more information, call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.GENVOYA.com. Keep GENVOYA and all medicines out of reach of children. Issued: November 2015

EMTRIVA, GENVOYA, the GENVOYA Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, TYBOST, and VITEKTA are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2015 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. GENC0002 11/15

12/4/15 4:13 PM 01.06.2016 • 5

the oPening line Photos: Facebook.

rePublicAn PresidentiAl cAndidAte rick sAntoruM ProMises to ignore suPreMe court MArriAge ruling robinson Almanzar – And this is why guys like him will never win, because their hate is a major agenda and SO much bigger than their abilities to come up with a real, smart plan to make this country better...

tony scarcella – Please just drop out of the race now and save us from your racist propaganda

comments from sFgn’s

online outlets

Compiled by John McDonald

Missouri Attorney generAl cAndidAte wAnts business exeMPtions For sAMe-sex MArriAge cereMonies

Avon Jon – there was a time where you could refuse service to blacks as well, we are waaaaaay past that now. Move on sam Zara –

I foresee more lawsuits coming down the pike for Missouri and their taxpayers.

Martin talbot –

A reflection of a dysfunctional and biased culture!

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

JANUARY 6, 2016 • VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1 2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

PUBLISHER • NORM KENT NORM.KENT@SFGN.COM

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER • PIER ANGELO GUIDUGLI

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / EXECUTIVE EDITOR • JASON PARSLEY JASON.PARSLEY@SFGN.COM

Editorial

ART DIRECTOR • BRENDON LIES ARTWORK@SFGN.COM DESIGNER • CHARLES PRATT INTERNET DIRECTOR • DENNIS JOZEFOWICZ DENNIS.JOZEFOWICZ@SFGN.COM EDITORIAL ASSISTANT • JILLIAN MELERO JILLIANMELERO@GMAIL.COM ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR • JW ARNOLD JW@PRDCONLINE.COM NEWS EDITOR • JOHN MCDONALD JOHN.MCDONALD@SFGN.COM FOOD/TRAVEL EDITOR • RICK KARLIN GAZETTE NEWS EDITOR • MICHAEL D'OLIVEIRA SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER • J.R. DAVIS JRDAVIS12000@HOTMAIL.COM

Senior Features Correspondents

JESSE MONTEAGUDO • TONY ADAMS

Correspondents

gAy Porn stAr rocco steele turns hiV educAtor; sAys Jury still out on PreP

dennis Paul carreiro – Is he still around?

Mons Floen

– He says nothing here. His opinion on PrEP is not fact. He needs to be better informed. Communicating as an "educator" that PrEP isn't "iron clad" is unhelpful at best and dangerous at worst. Then, he says he doesn't judge but lists how most gay men have had wild days of sex, drugs and booze. Huh? It feels like he's hiding his moralizing behind a facade of "caring." I'm sure he means well but I'd rather that self-appointed community leaders did better.

Jeannie Joysmith

– Instead of sex shaming, let's focus on testing, medication and sex education.

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MEMBER

Rocco Steele

carl szulczynski –

I think it's great that he is doing this. As someone who has appeared in gay porn myself, once upon a time, and remained HIV negative, I'd like to see more activists speaking publicly about ways to avoid contraction and address our internal issues.

PRINTING BY SUN COAST PRESS

Cover: Four covers this week!! See why on page21, the beginning of our annual Day in LGBT South Florida. Submitted photos.

MEMBER

SFGN WINNER of

MEMBER

• 01.06.2016

And runner-up for

NLGJA Journalist of the Year

Associated Press

& 3 FLORIDA PRESS CLUB Awards

MEMBER

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 © 2015 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

Photo: Facebook.

news highlight

Ken Kelley

Jury Verdict Awards Thousands to Man Injured At ‘Stable’ Bar

John McDonald

local gay country and western bar is now on the hook for monetary damages after a jury last month found the bar responsible for injuries relating to a 2011 incident. Jeffrey Dinsmore, 35, said he was pushed to the ground where he hit his head and suffered a concussion at the now closed Stable bar in Fort Lauderdale. He claimed that he missed three months of work due to a medically diagnosed post-concussion syndrome. Consequently, Dinsmore sued Stable’s owner, Scandals Bar & Lounge, for failing to properly train, supervise or interview staff. The company elected not to defend the case, and the court issued a default judgment, for failing to contest the claim. On December 30, 2015, a Broward County jury awarded Dinsmore $39,787 in damages. SFGN contacted Ken Kelley, owner of Scandals, for a response. “The Stable had liability insurance but the insurance carrier filed for receivership

in 2014,” Kelley wrote in an email. He noted that a Broward Sheriff’s Office investigation cleared his bouncer, who he refused to identify, telling SFGN “I determined the incident was a non-issue and elected to not defend the case. End of story." That however was not the case for Dinsmore’s attorney, Scott M. Behren of Weston. He nevertheless proceeded to trial on the issue of damages and secured the verdict last week against Scandals, the parent corporation of the Stable. In August of 2015, the Stable, located at 205 E. Oakland Park Blvd., closed and merged its operations with Scandals Saloon, located at 3073 NE 6th Avenue in Wilton Manors. Kelley declined to say if the bouncer is still employed by his company. Instead, he told SFGN that it “must be desperately searching for news to fill the pages of your publication if you feel this story has any merit or is newsworthy…it is tabloid journalism at its worst.”

01.06.2016 •

Compiled by Jillian Melero

Popular gay & lesbian radio duo derek and romaine return (EDGE) After twelve years as a popular gay/lesbian duo on satellite radio, Derek Hartley and Romaine Patterson will launch a new streaming service on Monday, January 4, 2016. DNR 2.0 will feature a live two hour broadcast each weekday at 2 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET available by subscription through their website www.DerekAndRomaine.com. Past shows will continue to stream throughout the day and be available in a download archive on the site. "After more than a decade together, Romaine and I are excited to launch this new adventure together," says Derek Hartley, an author and columnist who first joined Romaine Patterson on air in April 2003. "We've been together so long it feels more like a marriage than a working relationship and creating this new show has almost been like renewing our vows." "We are doing this new show because our longtime listeners really demanded it," added Romaine

Patterson, known nationally for her LGBT activism before transitioning to radio show host, "We have all become like a family over the years and we have to keep the family together!" The new streaming service coincides with a relaunch of their website with an emphasis on building community, familiar territory for the duo. Prior to joining the world of radio, Derek Hartley developed content around online communities in the 1990s at America Online and early LGBT media venture PlanetOut, while Romaine Patterson worked for the media watchdog GLAAD. In addition to the new show, Derek and Romaine will continue the DNR Cruise, the successful group travel venture they launched together in 2013. Their fifth cruise leaves from Seattle for Alaska on August 28, 2016 and a sixth cruise in February 2017 will be announced next month. Photo: Facebook.

alt Lake City's 1st Openly Gay Mayor to be Sworn In Monday

(AP) Former Utah lawmaker Jackie Biskupski will be sworn in Monday as the mayor of Salt Lake City, becoming the first openly gay person to hold the office. The 49-year-old is no stranger to making history in the state. In 1998, she became Utah's first openly gay lawmaker. She served in the state House of Representatives until 2011. Since then, she has worked in the Salt Lake County Sheriff's office. Biskupski defeated two-term incumbent mayor Ralph Becker in November by winning 52 percent of the vote in the state's liberal capital city. She will take the oath of office around noon. Salt Lake City, Utah

â&#x20AC;˘ 01.06.2016

SIS Reportedly Kills Teen for Being Gay

(Edge Media) Members of the Islamic militant group ISIS accused a young teen of being gay and reportedly killed him by throwing him off the roof of a building, but spared the life of a commander who allegedly raped the victim, according to a report by ARA News, a Syrian independent press agency. The 15-year-old boy was sentenced to death by being pushed off a high building in Deir Ezzor province in Syria. The report claims the ISIS commander who allegedly raped the victim is believed to be Abu Zaid al-Jazrawi, who has appeared in a propaganda video showing child soldiers executing prisoners in a demented version of hide-andseek. al-Jazrawi was spared the death sentence, but was punished by being flogged and sent to Iraq to fight on the front line. A witness told ARA News the execution of the teen took place in public and in front of a large gathering of local civilians. The footage of the incident has yet to make it online, however. "The boy was accused of being engaged in a homosexual relation with the prominent ISIS officer Abu Zaid alJazrawi," media activist Sarai al-Din told ARA News. "Abu Zaid was forced to leave Syria and join the fighting fronts in northwestern Iraq. The decision has been taken by the ISIS leadership." ARA News reports a source claimed the boy was arrested "in the house of an ISIS leader" last Thursday.

Though the story has been picked up by a number of media outlets, the Daily Mail writes it could not "independently verify these claims." Nevertheless, this isn't the first time ISIS was reported to kill men accused of being gay by throwing them off the roofs of buildings. Similar incidents have been occurring for some time now.

news briefs

ore Research Needed on PrEP Use in Transgender Women

(EDGE) A policy brief released in December by the National Center for Innovation in HIV Care -- a program of The Fenway Institute, AIDS United, and ARCW -- examines questions that have been raised about the interaction between feminizing hormones used by transgender women, and the medication currently approved for use as pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention (PrEP). It calls on the scientific community to conduct more research on PrEP with transgender women, and urges transgender women who are HIV-negative to discuss PrEP with their doctors as a potential option for helping them stay HIVnegative. Transgender women are 49 times more likely to have HIV than the general population, and approximately 20 percent of transgender women worldwide are living with HIV. Black transgender women are three times more likely than White and Latina transgender women to be living with HIV. Until an analysis of two PrEP clinical trials involving transgender women was published in The Lancet in November 2015, however, there was no data indicating efficacy of PrEP among transgender women. As a result, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has not yet issued guidance on the use of PrEP among transgender women. "Transgender women are a priority population in HIV prevention and treatment, and need to be a priority population in PrEP research," said Sean Cahill, PhD, co-author of the issue brief and Director of Curriculum and Policy at the National Center for Innovation in HIV Care. "More research is needed to demonstrate that PrEP is effective for transgender women and to better understand any interaction between PrEP and feminizing hormones. In the meantime, PrEP is a prevention option that transgender women should consider in consultation with their medical providers." The policy brief, "Transgender women and pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention: What we know and what we still need to know" is available at http://bit.ly/1Ur4l9L .

Continued

nti-Gay, Racist Incidents Mar Philadelphia's Mummers Parade

(AP) Philadelphia's incoming mayor and some organizers of the city's annual New Year's Day parade called for increased sensitivity on Saturday, a day after some participants mocked Caitlyn Jenner, were accused of harassing gays and painted their faces brown to portray Mexicans. The 116-year-old Mummers Parade - often characterized as the city's version of Mardi Gras - has faced annual criticism for its lack of diversity and racial insensitivity. Critics found the activities of some amateur performance groups, called brigades, offensive again this year. One member dressed like Jenner, who won a 1976 Olympic gold medal in decathlon as Bruce Jenner before recently transitioning to a transgender woman. And a gay man who was out walking a dog accused the same group of assaulting him but did not file charges. That brigade, Finnegan NYB, displayed signs of a Wheaties box picturing Bruce Jenner alongside a box of Froot Loops picturing Caitlyn Jenner. A man with that group was seen shouting expletives about gays in a video shot by New York Daily News editor Nick Kurczewski, Philly. com reported Saturday. Michael Inemer Sr., who identified himself as a captain of the Finnegan Mummers group, refused to apologize for the Jenner display, saying it was a parody in keeping with the parade's history that includes crossdressing. He did apologize for the marcher who shouted against gays. Before apologizing, the Finnegan NYB group tweeted a photo of a Mummer holding a sign saying, "Mummers Lives Matter" - an apparent reference to the Black Lives Matter group that has protested the deaths of blacks at the hands of police in various parts of the country. The incidents during this year's parade occurred even after organizers created the "Philadelphia Division," which was meant to diversify the parade with two new Hispanic performance groups, a black drill team and the LGBT Miss Fancy Brigade.

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news briefs

continued

Compiled by Jillian Melero

caitlyn Jenner settles suit by woman injured in deadly crash (AP) A woman injured in a fatal crash involving Caitlyn Jenner settled her lawsuit against the Olympic gold medalist, according to court papers. Jessica Steindorff had sought unspecified damages against Jenner in the Feb. 7 crash that killed one woman and injured several others along the Malibu coast. One of Jenner's lawyers stated in court papers filed Dec. 15 in Los Angeles County Superior Court that the suit had been settled and dismissed. No terms of the settlement were mentioned. Jenner, 66, was hauling an off-road vehicle behind a Cadillac Escalade when she steered to avoid cars slowing for a traffic light on Pacific Coast Highway. Jenner rear-ended two cars - a Lexus driven by Kim Howe and a Prius driven by Steindorff. Howe, 69, was

ich. Elections Board to Consider Gay Rights Petition

(AP) Supporters of amending Michigan's constitution to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity are hoping to clear an initial procedural step. The Fair Michigan ballot committee's petition form will be considered Tuesday by the Board of State Canvassers. The group must gather roughly 315,000 valid voter signatures to put the measure on the November 2016 statewide ballot. The state constitution bars discrimination because of religion, race, color or national origin. The amendment would add gender, gender identity, sex and sexual orientation protections. The Republican-controlled Legislature has blocked bills to protect gay and transgender residents by updating Michigan's civil rights law. Gay rights advocates are divided over whether a ballot proposal should be initiated, however. Michigan.

killed when her car was pushed into the path of an oncoming Hummer. Sheriff's investigators determined Jenner was traveling at an unsafe speed for traffic conditions. Prosecutors declined to file a vehicular manslaughter charge against Jenner, who won a 1976 Olympic gold medal in decathlon as Bruce Jenner before recently transitioning to a transgender woman. Howe's stepchildren are suing Jenner for wrongful death and a family traveling in the Hummer also sued for damages. Philip Boesch Jr., one of the Jenner's lawyers, said in an email that the Steindorff case had been dismissed, but he would not comment further. An attorney for Steindorff did not immediately return calls or a message seeking comment.

as Vegas Celebrates Gay Marriage Milestone

(AP) Clark County partnered with the Las Vegas business community to mark a local gay marriage milestone on New Year's Eve. According to the county, Phoenix residents Ronald Bauman and Dumitru Alexeev received the 5,000th samesex marriage license issued in Clark County since the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the constitutionality of gay marriage in the state. The county says the couple planned to marry Friday in Las Vegas. They were offered a number of gifts by local businesses, including a basic wedding package at Luxor Wedding Chapel, stays at Circus Circus Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay, and tickets to the "Michael Jackson One" show and the High Roller. The Marriage License Bureau started issuing licenses to same-sex couples on Oct. 9, 2014.

ead of Ex-Gay Support Group Blames Holiday Family Fights on the Gays

(EDGE) With parents and friends like these, who needs enemies? If there was any unpleasantness around your holiday table this year, Regina Griggs, head of the Ex-Gay "support group" Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays (PFOX), is putting the the blame squarely where she believes it belongs - on gay or transgender family members. "The holidays can be a difficult time for families, especially if sons or daughters declare that they are homosexual or transgender," writes an end of the year money begging

â&#x20AC;˘ 01.06.2016

Caitlyn Jenner.

Photo: Facebook.

email from PFOX. "As a result, stress, sadness or even anger may surface at holiday dinners or New Year's celebrations." The email, which is filled with Griggs' signature blameplacing and self-denying rhetoric, encourages parents to tell their LGBT child that they're thinking things over before loving or accepting them. "Parents need to ask their child for time to think through their feelings, just as they did, and then set aside a time after the holidays when the family can discuss how to keep the family together and respect and allow for differences of opinion," she writes. "The holidays are also a time when homosexual children may want to bring home a partner, and many choose the holidays as a time to come out, knowing that their families may postpone a conversation to keep peace," Griggs added. "Parents should be prepared to set boundaries-the same as they do for single, heterosexual children. Plan events that your child enjoyed when growing up, involve your child in activities, and agree to discuss your feelings about their declaration after you've had time to think things through."

News Briefs

Continued

entucky governor Removes Clerks' Names from Marriage Licenses

Photo: Facebook.

Gov. Matt Bevin

(SFGN) Kentucky’s new governor, Matt Bevin issued an executive order last Tuesday that removes the names of county clerks from being printed on marriage licenses, Metro Weekly reports. The decision was made in order to allow clerks who object to same sex marriage, a level of separation from issuing licenses to gay and lesbian couples. The order fulfills one of Bevin’s campaign promises to social conservatives during his run against former Attorney General Jack Conway (D). Bevin made the promise amidst national attention from the Kim Davis debacle. "Today, I took action to uphold several commitments I made during my campaign so that we can implement real solutions that will help the people of Kentucky," Bevin said in a statement. "...As we move into the New Year and upcoming session, I look forward to working with legislators and stakeholders to build consensus and drive policy that makes a meaningful impact on

the lives of all Kentuckians." The ACLU, which is still pursuing legal action against Davis, says Bevin’s order only "added to the cloud of uncertainty that hangs over marriage licensing in Kentucky." The group questions whether or not the new licenses can be considered legally valid, which will only cause further complications. "The requirement that the county clerk's name appear on marriage licenses is prescribed by Kentucky law and is not subject to unilateral change by the governor - conceded by the previous administration in court filings. Today, however, a new administration claims to have that authority," said William Sharp, legal director of the ACLU of Kentucky. "The ACLU continues to work with loving couples who hold marriage licenses of questionable validity and for those who are waiting to legalize their unions until this is resolved," Sharp said.

Ellen DeGeneres

(AP) Ellen DeGeneres is receiving a humanitarian award, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is reaping the benefits. Producers of the People's Choice Awards announced Monday that DeGeneres will be recognized as the Favorite Humanitarian at Wednesday's ceremony. The honor comes with a $200,000 donation from Walgreens, which DeGeneres is directing toward the

Photo: Facebook.

llen DeGeneres to Accept People's Choice Humanitarian Award

hospital. She joked that the award "sums me up perfectly as I am both a human and an itarian." DeGeneres is also nominated for Favorite Talk Show Host at the fan-voted People's Choice Awards, which will be presented at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles and broadcast on CBS. 01.06.2016 •

lgbtqia bites

lesbian

lesbiAn MoM gets legAl helP with AlAbAMA AdoPtion cAse (SFGN) A lesbian mother, identified only as V.L. in court documents, is receiving legal support in her request to have her adoption case reviewed by the US Supreme Court, Metro Weekly Reports. V.L. was previously denied visitation rights to see her three children, even though she had legally adopted them in Georgia. She is challenging a decision by the Alabama Supreme Court which refused to recognize the out-of-state second-parent adoption of the three children she was raising with her former partner, identified as E.L. As of last week, the US Supreme Court issued a stay on the Alabama court’s decision, allowing V. to have visitation rights until there is a permanent resolution. While her case awaits review, V is also receiving support from various adoption advocates and legal scholars. They have filed seven amicus briefs on her behalf, arguing that the separation is harmful to the children involved, and violates the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the constitution, Metro reports, under which states are expected to respect those court judgements issued in other states.

• 01.06.2016

"This unprecedented decision by the Alabama Supreme Court harms not only our client and her children, but thousands of other adoptive families," said Cathy Sakimura, director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, which is representing V.L. "These amicus briefs show a broad consensus among adoption experts, advocates and scholars, as well as constitutional law scholars, that adoption law and the Full Faith and Credit Clause strongly protect the finality of adoptions from attack years later and require all states to recognize adoptions from other states, even if they may disagree with the law applied in those adoptions."

Compiled by Jillian Melero

gay/Poz

hiV-PositiVe MAn leAds sF Aids FoundAtion (SFGN) Tim L. Jones was names the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s (SFAF) interim CEO in December, according to the Bay Area Reporter. SFAF is one of the largest AIDS nonprofits in the country. Jones is gay and HIV positive. About his HIV status, Jones says, it is “"significant in the sense that we're hoping to move into an era of supporting people living with HIV more so than what we are today." In addition to trying to end the transmission of HIV, SFAF is also establishing Strut, a gay and bi men’s health center set to open in January. "We are looking to help people living with the disease, so that's me, and it really does hit home that I'm involved at this level of the organization," said Jones. "I'm somebody who has benefited from the AIDS foundation. ... It's important for us to stay focused on helping those living with HIV going forward." Jones takes over from Neil Giuliano who served as CEO for the last five years. Giuliano announced in August that he was leaving SFAF to become CEO of Greater Phoenix Leadership, a business organization that focuses on civic improvement.

Jones has said that one of his priorities is to ensure "we're focused on serving our clients to the best of our abilities," especially through Strut. The center's opening comes at "an unprecedented time for the foundation,” he said. “We have really developed a stronger commitment to the community by ensuring our board members are very engaged.” Giuliano and predecessors Mark Cloutier and Pat Christen were all HIV negative. However SFAF co-founder Cleve Jones, is also HIV positive. SFAF spokesman Andrew Hattori told the Reporter that SFAF co-founder Cleve Jones "We have a long history of HIV-positive members of our board of directors, including past board chairs."

bisexual

new studies show bi PeoPle Are excluded by strAight And gAy Peers (SFGN) Confirming what many bi people have felt for some time, the Journal of Bisexuality December issue published two studies outlining the discrimination bisexuals deal with inside and outside of the LGBT community, the Daily Beast reports. One study was conducted by Counseling Psychology Ph.D. student Tangela Roberts and two professors at the University of Massachusetts. They surveyed 745 bisexuals about their experiences with discrimination. The survey asked participants to complete an Anti-Bisexual Experiences Scale (ABES), which on a scale of one to six, ranked how frequently they experiences certain forms of discrimination. Examples included being told they were confused about their orientation, being excluded from certain social networks, and having it assumed that they are more likely to cheat. “Although the level of discrimination that bisexuals experienced from

heterosexuals, when compared to discrimination from the lesbian and gay community, was statistically significantly higher, the effect size reveals that the degree of difference was small,” their study concluded. “Essentially it’s like saying that two people are yelling at you, but one voice is a decibel higher,” Roberts explained to The Daily Beast. “Yes, statistically one voice is more significant, but the difference between the two voices is small.” The average ABES score reported for experiences with straight people was 2.38. The average for experiences among gay men and lesbians was only slightly lower at 2.29, the Beast reports. Similar results were found in a smaller study conducted at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto by postdoctoral research fellow Corey Flanders. Of 35 bisexual women interviewed about mental health, many described feeling excluded even in LGBT safe spaces.

continued

transgender

Mother oF Murdered trAns teen seeks FinAnciAl helP (SFGN) The murder of transgender teen Gwen Araujo in 2002 played a large role in the advance of transgender rights. Now Araujo’s mother, Sylvia Guerrero, is struggling financially and has launched a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe. "I have been borrowing money to keep afloat, but I'm drowning," Guerrero wrote on the site. She is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and various medical issues, says the Bay Area Reporter. "I made a promise to Gwen that I wouldn't give up, and that I'd keep moving forward," Guerrero said in an interview. "She keeps reassuring me that things are going to be OK." Araujo was murdered in October 2002 while attending a house party in Newark California. Her body was taken and buried in a grave in the Sierra foothills. Araujo’s murder, along with Guerrero’s advocacy, spurred a new level of attention to transgender issues, including the barring of the “panic” defense, where those charged with murder cited their victim’s sexual orientation or identity as the trigger. Now, 13 years after her daughter’s murder,

Guerrero is coping with PTSD, celiac disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, and has lost her social security benefits. She has been unable to see her doctors or receives her medications. She has been splitting her time living with two of her children as she’s been unable to afford a home of her own. "When this was the top story, everybody was there," Guerrero said in the interview. "People were coming out of the woodwork." But now, she said, "nobody wants to help. It's not today's news. It's old." As of Monday, January 4, people have contributed $2,259 toward Guerrero's goal of $4,000. She hopes to buy a used car with the money.

Photo: GoFundMe.

lgbtqia bites

01.06.2016 •

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• 01.06.2016

Sean McShee

n Worlds AIDS Day, 2015, the insurance company, Prudential, began selling life insurance to people infected with HIV. Cliff Eserman, President of Incompas Financial, described this as “A huge symbolic step forward, compared with 30 years ago.” HIV treatment has advanced enough that life insurance companies can see a potential profit in the HIV positive market. These companies have to be fiscally conservative, limiting their risk. As these companies only sold life insurance to the HIV uninfected, these companies lack data on persons living with HIV who buy life insurance. The companies are ‘tip-toeing’ into this area to see what the risks are. As the risks become more predictable, “they can potentially liberalize their criteria going forward, or maybe even lower costs as maybe other insurance carriers join in,” Eserman said. While this event may signify HIV becoming a manageable disease, not all groups of the HIV infected find HIV to be equally manageable. Data from HIV studies do show differences among groups of the HIV infected. The life expectancies for non-whites and people who inject drugs have failed to increase as much as they have for other groups. One study (Samji 2013) examined differences in life expectancy among the HIV infected in treatment. It compared life expectancy by sex, race, and HIV risk group. The study calculated additional expected years of life for a 20-year old infected with HIV and in treatment. In order to observe progress over time, the study organized data in three time-based groups based on years of data collection: 2000 to 2002, 2003 to 2005, and 2006 to 2007. Life expectancy among all HIV infected people increased by 15.3 years, to 71.4-years old. In the U.S., a 20-year old male can expect to live to 77 and a 20-year old woman to 81.7 years of age. HIV infected people with a history of drug injection have the lowest life expectancy of all groups studied. On average, they only live

to be 48.8-years old. While racial differences exist, these differences decreased over time of the study. In the 2000-2003 group, HIV infected whites lived on average 23 years longer than non-whites. In the 2006-2007 group, that gap had shrunk to 8.5 years, an impressive 63 percent reduction. Despite that impressive 63 percent reduction, HIV infected non-whites live on average roughly 8.6 years less than the general population and 8.5 years less than white HIV infected. In the developed world, women tend to live noticeably longer than men do. This study found no stable pattern by sex. These life expectancy figures arise from one study. They may not reflect those of all HIV infected but they are consistent with other findings. These figures do suggest serious differences in benefits of treatment among the HIV infected.

Questions about who needs life insurance anyhow

TV ﬁnancial advisor Suze Orman argues that only people with dependents need life insurance. Dependents can include children, disabled adults, spouses/partners, and aging parents. If your partner depends on your share of the rent/mortgage payment to keep a roof over their head, you are dependent on each other. Many people living with HIV would not rank the unavailability of life insurance as their major concern. Still its availability has great symbolic importance to signify progress in treating the epidemic. Improvements in treatment fail to beneﬁt all groups equally. We cannot control the epidemic until they do. To read Suze Orman’s blog on who needs life insurance, please visit SuzeOrman.com/blog/ life-insurance-made-easy.-really For information on buying life insurance for the HIV infected, please visit MyaEqualis.com or visit Incompass (Cliff Eserman’s company) Incompasins.com To read Samji 2013, please visit http://bit. ly/1mTnYgb

01.06.2016 â&#x20AC;¢

news local

Photo: Facebook

Carl Schmid

2016 Budget Funding Bill, Effects on HIV and LGBT Issues Sean McShee

he federal funding bill of December 2015 changes littles for those health services important to the LGBT community. Carl Schmid, of the AIDS Institute, said that the Institute and other lobbyists had defeated attempted budget cuts. As the National Institutes of Health (NIH) received a $2,000 million increase, HIV research funding could increase. Chronically underfunded LGBT health priorities, such as transgender health, will remain underfunded. Congress approved a $4.5 million increase in funding for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and Tuberculosis Prevention. This brings total funding for these programs to $1,122.3 M, a 0.4 percent increase. The administration had requested a $63.9 million increase. According to Schmid, three programs fund most HIV treatment: Medicare, Medicaid, and Ryan White Care. Prior statutes have set the funding formulas for Medicare and Medicaid. Congress cannot easily change those formulas. While Congress has not yet reauthorized Ryan White Care (RWC), it can continue to operate as long as Congress funds it. This bill funds Ryan White Care through the end of the 2016 budget year. For most RWC programs, Congress funded the same amounts for 2016 as it had for 2015. One RWC program, the Early Intervention Program received a $4 million increase in 2016. Congress rejected the Administration’s request to move Children, Youth, Women, and Families programs into the Early Intervention Programs. Looking at these figures in isolation hides the effects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on RWC. Many RWC clients are enrolling in Marketplace Health Plans or Medicaid plans in those states (not Florida) which Expanded Medicaid. Instead of RWC paying for their entire health care, RWC is now paying only for their premiums. This creates more funds available for other RWC programs. Language in the House Sub-Committee report prioritizes research about biomedical interventions rather than behavioral interventions. Carl Schmid emphasized that these interventions are inter-related.

• 01.06.2016

Behavioral interventions are necessary to improve adherence and to increase HIV testing behaviors. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a bio-medical intervention, relies on a schedule of daily dosing (adherence), a behavior, for its effectiveness. According to Schmid, attempts to cut HIV funding come from many sources. The GOP, now the majority party, generally favors cutting non-defense spending. Some Christian rightists tend to oppose funding programs that benefit the LGBT population. As HIV has become more manageable, other disease constituencies have also begun to question its amount of research funding. They charge that diseases that affect more people should receive greater research funds. People making this argument have tended to favor using “disease burden” as the criteria for allocating research funding. Historically about 10 percent of the NIH budget has gone to HIV research. Some members of Congress have wanted to reduce that amount. According to Carl Schmid, the exact allocation of funds within NIH remains an administrative choice, not a Congressional one. Ominously, Congress has peppered this budget report with instructions to report on the “disease burden” of specific diseases. Medical research about one disease may yield knowledge about another. For example, research to increase adherence to a daily dosing schedule for PrEP can benefit other disease treatments that require daily dosing such as tuberculosis or cardio-vascular disease. Schmid said that allocation for research funding decisions should be made on multiple criteria, rather than just the “disease burden.” For example, infectious diseases may require more public health resources than non– infectious diseases. Some diseases, such as HIV, have a global impact. Most HIV infected people live in Africa, which lacks resources for research. Schmid stated, “The AIDS Institute can understand why other disease constituencies might question the amount that HIV receives. Disease burden, however, should not be the sole criteria for making these decisions.”

community announcement

Four Weeks Left to Select a Healthcare Plan Broward Regional Health Planning Council and partners working hard to help Broward County residents navigate and sign-up

pen enrollment to purchase healthcare insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace has kicked off. There are only four weeks left to enroll – Jan. 31, 2016 is the deadline. Consumers who enroll in a health insurance plan by Jan. 15 will have their coverage begin on Feb. 1, 2016; enrollments between Jan. 16 and Jan. 31 will take effect on March 1. During last year’s open enrollment period, more than 90 percent of Florida residents were eligible for some form of financial assistance made available through the Health Insurance Marketplace as a provision of the Affordable Care Act. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, as of June 30, 2015, there were more than 1.3 million people enrolled in Florida’s marketplace. Broward Regional Health Planning Council (BRHPC) is leading the drive to alert Broward County residents that it is important for them to sign up by Jan. 31. Individuals and families, even if they have been denied insurance in the past, are encouraged to log onto www.brhpc. org or www.coveringflorida.org, or call 2-1-1 for help in the enrollment process and to learn about potential financial assistance. BRHPC has partnered with several local community-based organizations — 211-Broward, Hispanic Unity of Florida, Urban League of Broward County and Community Access Center — to help get the word out and to make sure individuals and families sign up and get access to the medical coverage they need.

Working with BRHPC and its partners, Broward residents will receive assistance enrolling and guidance in navigating the various health insurance plan options by certified Navigators. “South Florida had great results earlier this year in signing up eligible residents,” said Michael DeLucca, President and CEO of BRHPC. “There are still thousands of people who do not have health insurance. We want to help the community learn more about the Marketplace and show them how easy and affordable it is to get health coverage.” Timing is critical. The tax penalty for avoiding purchasing health insurance has doubled for 2016. The penalty for 2016 is 2.5 percent of income, or $695 per adult (whichever is greater) and the penalty for each child in the family without coverage will be up to $347.50. The government collects these penalties through tax refunds. Residents who utilize BRHPC and its partners need to bring the following documentation with them to their appointment: • Email Address (an account can be set up at the appointment) • Social Security number • Annual Income •Naturalization or Immigration Documentation To learn how to enroll, or for more information, call 2-1-1, email getcovered@brhpc.org or log onto www.brhpc.org or www.coveringflorida.org. 01.06.2016 •

Photo: Facebook

politics out on the trail

Hoch To Receive MLK Honor John McDonald

alm Beach State College will present retired judge Rand Hoch with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award at the school’s annual MLK celebration. Attorney Rae Franks, a law school classmate, nominated Hoch for the award. “In law school, Rand and I shared a passion for advancing workers’ rights,” said Franks, in a news release. “Over the years, he has worked tirelessly as a pro bono advocate, activist and organizer working to secure equal rights for minorities and women.” Hoch grew up in Massachusetts and was at the State House when then Governor Francis Sargent signed a bill into law lowering the voting age. Hoch moved to South Florida in the 1980s and founded the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council in 1988. The organization is dedicated to

• 01.06.2016

ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. “It is a humbling experience to receive an award honoring Dr. King,” Hoch said in a news release. In 2015, Hoch worked with the Palm Beach County Commission and City of West Palm Beach to address the problem of “shopping while Black,” effectively expanding the definition of places for public accommodation. The MLK Celebration is scheduled for 11 a.m., Jan. 14 on the Lake Worth campus of Palm Beach State College. The keynote speaker is Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, host of HuffPost Live and BET News as well as a frequent contributor to CNN.

To RSVP for the event, visit www. palmbeachstate.edu/mlk /rsvp

Photo: United States Navy

politics white house watch

Big Dog Unleashed John McDonald

ormer U.S. President Bill Clinton, aka Cruz embarked on a bus tour of Iowa this “The Big Dog,” returned to the campaign week aimed at whipping up support among trail on Monday to give a speech in the state’s evangelicals. Several polls have Cruz support of his wife, Hillary. leading in the Hawkeye state making him a Speaking at Nashua Community College target for Trump’s brash rhetoric. in New Hampshire, Clinton said Hillary is “Not too many evangelicals come out of practicing a brand of “politics that are inclusive Cuba, OK.” Trump told a crowd in Iowa last enough to actually get something done.” The month. nation’s 42rd President said the 2016 election Cruz, 45, who identifies as Southern Baptist, is “about restoring broadly shared prosperity, was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada to an rebuilding the middle class.” American mother and Cuban father. While in New Hampshire, “There are a lot of people Clinton steered clear of who talk a good game any verbal jousting with about their faith, including " Hillary is Republican front-runner Mr. Trump and Mr. Cruz,” practicing Donald J. Trump. Appearing Armstrong Williams, business on Fox News’ New Years Eve advisor to Carson, told CNN a brand of program from his Palm Beach week. “Dr. Carson lives it.” politics that are lastThe Mar-a-Lago private club, Republicans are inclusive enough slated to debate again Jan. 28 Trump said if he gets the Republican nomination he from Des Moines, Iowa with to actually get would be the Clintons’ “worst Fox News broadcasting the something done." proceedings. nightmare.” Early indications are Trump Meanwhile, on the -bill clinton appears headed for a GOP Democratic side, Hillary takeover. With just under a Clinton holds a 49 to 37 percent month to go before the Iowa lead in Iowa over U.S. Senator Caucuses, the billionaire Bernie Sanders of Vermont businessman leads a Real Clear Politics with Ex-Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley national poll of Republican candidates with polling at six percent. Sanders, however, holds 35 percent support. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of a slight edge in New Hampshire (49 to 45) site Texas places second in the same poll with 19.5 of the nation’s first primaries Feb. 9. percent followed by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio The Democrats are scheduled to debate of Florida (11.5 percent), retired neurosurgeon again on Jan. 17 in Charleston, South Carolina Ben Carson (8.8 percent) and New Jersey in a format hosted by the National Black Governor Chris Christie (4.8 percent). Caucus and moderated by NBC. 01.06.2016 •

news local

Dan Sweeney Sun-Sentinel

Year Later, Same-Sex Marriages Go from Extraordinary to Ordinary

he first LGBT couples to get married in the state are celebrating their first anniversaries. Same-sex marriage became legal in MiamiDade County on January 5, with the rest of the state following on January 6. In the last year, they've had children, bought homes and in many cases, been surprised that something so extraordinary can lead to a life so ordinary. And where else to begin a look back at Florida's first year of same-sex marriage than with the first couple married in the state? Cathy Pareto and Karla Arguello "It's been a banner year for us," said Cathy Pareto, who married Karla Arguello just after noon Jan. 5 in a Miami-Dade courtroom. "Since we got married, we had a big church wedding, which was really special. And in August, we welcomed our twins, who are now four months old." Pareto and Arguello spent months in the spotlight as one of six couples involved in a lawsuit in Miami-Dade County to overturn the state's gay marriage ban. But few knew Arguello was expecting. "When the whole court case took place, we were pregnant — very, very quietly pregnant," Pareto said. In a state as large as Florida, it normally would be difficult to pick out which couple were married first after the ban against gay marriage fell. But Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Sarah Zabel lifted the ban a day earlier than the rest of the state. And immediately after her decision, she presided over Pareto and Arguello's wedding. The big church wedding came a few months later, giving friends and family the opportunity to share the moment.

• 01.06.2016

"We've been together 16 years," Pareto said. "We felt married already, but something definitely shifted when things became legal for us. There was something very reassuring about being recognized as a family unit." Todd and Jeff Delmay "When you participate in something as historic as we did, you really get excited about the idea that one or two voices can make a difference," said Todd Delmay. He and his partner Jeff Delmay followed Pareto and Arguello in getting married the day the ban fell in Miami-Dade County, which makes them the first gay men married in the state. The Hollywood residents later attended last year's State of the Union speech at the invitation of U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston. But since then, Todd reports feeling eerily normal. "We had an experience with a bank recently. We went to open a new account at the bank, and when I said, 'This is my husband,' the banker never batted an eye," Delmay said. "When you fight for equality, you get this very mundane everyday experience and you have to remind yourself that it's an extraordinary experience that made it happen." After the impulse wedding last year, the Delmays are finally having a reception with friends and family this Jan. 16, just in time to celebrate their anniversary. "We wanted to set an example for our son. He's sort of understanding it now that we're married and having this celebration," Delmay said. "It's an exciting time, with our lives changing and business growing. We're just like everybody else now." Vanessa and Melanie Alenier

For Vanessa and Melanie Alenier, that sense of "What's next?" that haunts Todd Delmay hangs even heavier in the air. Prior to being part of the Miami-Dade gay marriage lawsuit with Pareto and Arguello, the Aleniers were plaintiffs in one of two lawsuits fighting Florida's gay adoption ban. Between trying to adopt their son and trying to get married, the Hollywood couple have spent about half of their 10 years together litigating. "It's great not to be in the spotlight," Vanessa said. "For the first three to six months, when I would say 'wife,' I'd be like, 'whoa.'" For their one-year anniversary, the Aleniers plan to go to dinner. They've saved a slice of wedding cake to eat. Their wedding album finally arrived after a long delay. And they have all the usual hoops to jump through that come with getting married. "Once we got married, I was able to go on [Vanessa's] company insurance policy," Melanie said. "When they call me and ask about benefits they're also asking about my wife," Vanessa said. "There's this warm, incredible feeling when the insurance company says, 'And your wife, Melanie Alenier, anything to change about her?'" "For us, it was so exciting to be able to go on insurance," Melanie said. Irene and Dana Murphy While the Delmays and the Aleniers had changed their names before the ban on samesex marriage ending, it was only after they got married that Irene Kalinowski became Irene Murphy. The two had had a marriage ceremony in 2008, one not recognized by the state, but they recoiled at the idea of getting married

in another state only to have their marriage ignored in their home state. When they came to a courthouse in Delray Beach on Jan. 6, they had planned to have a friend who is a notary marry them. They'd just get the marriage license and be on their way. "We just kind of got caught up in the celebration. It didn't seem right to wait at that point," Irene Murphy said. "We've been together 16 years, we've been married since 2008, so Florida's very late to our party. However, we're very glad they showed up." The Jupiter couple intend to keep celebrating their anniversary on Oct. 11, the date of their unrecognized 2008 marriage ceremony, which took place in Florida. But they have more cause to celebrate. "We just purchased a home together," Murphy said. "On one of the forms my title agent sent to me, it asks for husband and wife. So, I took the opportunity to share with her that the form was outdated and needed to be updated and she happily complied. So I feel like we got to make a little bit of a change for other couples purchasing a home, at least with that title agent." The marriage has also meant that all the complicated paperwork that she and Dana Murphy had to have previously — the health care proxy, the power of attorney — is a thing of the past. "Now, I don't have to worry about whether or not our relationship is going to be recognized legally," Murphy said. "I've been able to update all my medical records to reflect that I'm married and I can't tell you how refreshing it is to fill out any form since Jan. 6 and check the correct box."

column of the week

Photo: Tomislav Georgiev for CNN

CONVICTIONS

the other reFugee crisis

Sebastian Maguire

ith this year’s Supreme Court victory for marriage equality, it is easy to forget that LGBT people still face dire circumstances over large swaths of the globe. Seventy-nine countries still criminalize LGBT life in some way, including some that have the death penalty. While these laws are sometimes directly enforced, they more often reinforce societal discrimination and embolden both state and non-state actors to target the identified scapegoat. The decreasing effectiveness of inflammatory rhetoric in the U.S. signals new challenges for human rights activists in places such as Uganda and Russia. In recent years, the lucrative anti-gay industry has had success exporting its toxic mix of pseudoscience, religion, and fear. Scott Lively, who made his name blaming homosexuals for the Holocaust, is one example of a hate entrepreneur. As this country became increasingly unreceptive, he shifted his focus to a more receptive overseas audience. Uganda’s infamous “Kill the Gays” bill owes much of its “intellectual” backing to Lively and his ilk. Lively has also ventured into Russia, where his message has contributed to President Vladimir Putin’s crackdown on LGBT expression. And of course there are the two most populous countries, where queer organizing is still a precarious endeavor. India’s judiciary seemed to have invalidated its sodomy law, only to reinstate it subsequently. Windows of hope crack open occasionally in China only to be shut by leaders eager to quash any activity that could be seen as human rights organizing. Given these attacks on LGBT life, we must ask ourselves what we can do from our

privileged position. Supporting organizations in the affected countries when they request such support is critical to building sustainable local movements. Already European and North American governments and private foundations fund HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs that work with activists focused on issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. Many times this is the only way to organize in extremely dangerous settings. Beyond such support, our country must provide refuge for LGBT individuals who are forced from their countries of origin. While asylum exists as an option for some, it places an inordinate burden on most persecuted individuals. A gay man from Jamaica, for instance, must gather enough money to move to the U.S. and obtain a temporary visa under false pretenses. If his community finds out, he may not survive the ensuing mob. If the U.S. consular officer who is interviewing him for his tourist or student visa finds out that he fears persecution due to his sexual orientation, that officer will likely deny his only path to the U.S. and to freedom. The obstacles do not end there. LGBT individuals must navigate a byzantine legal system to win asylum. This entails finding legal representation, a particularly tricky endeavor in a field crowded with incompetent lawyers and non-lawyer scammers. Asylum seekers must find a job or other way to support themselves, but virtually no one is authorized to work legally until 180 days after filing an asylum application. Networks of support that are available to other immigrants are often unavailable due to homophobia within many families and immigrant communities.

Healthcare, especially related to mental wellbeing, is not readily available in most of the U.S. Mental health services are incredibly important to these individuals, nearly all of whom have endured torture or other traumas. Finding culturally and linguistically appropriate professionals who are also LGBTaffirming can be daunting. Once asylum is granted, which can take several years, the problems do not end. While asylees are allowed to immediately petition for spouses and children outside the U.S., this option is closed to most asylees with samesex partners. In a recent move, the State Department changed its policy to allow some same-sex partners from a few countries to immigrate once their partners are designated as refugees. However, the vast majority of families of LGBT asylees are left to fend for themselves in the persecuting countries or somehow find their own way out. The federal government could alleviate many of these challenges by incorporating LGBT communities into its refugee admissions policy. Horror stories abound of LGBT individuals and families pleading to U.S. embassies and their international partners for life-saving assistance, only to be turned away. Not only should the U.S. be steering these individuals through the refugee process, but also officials should be proactively identifying potential beneficiaries. Once in the U.S., these refugees need services that are sensitive to the types of persecution they suffered. Advocates

report that current resettlement programs contracting with the federal government are plagued with homophobia and transphobia. Regardless of how they reach our country, LGBT immigrants deserve support services that address their very particular needs. Unfortunately, this population’s needs remain neglected even as the number of funding sources for LGBT-focused and immigrantfocused programs grows. The fact remains that even the most altruistic-sounding service providers follow the money, meaning much of the inaction stems from the lack of funding dedicated specifically to LGBT immigrants. Money is not the only issue; the ideological priorities of the movement also matter. Many LGBT organizations are ultimately run by wealthier, whiter gay men (although there are exceptions). Marriage was their goal, and now it is time to pack up the movement and ride off into the sunset. Grassroots activists are left to address a host of pressing issues, to name just a few: transgender justice, economic disparities, youth and education, and immigration. LGBT issues do not fare much better at major immigrant advocacy organizations. Many of these groups fight for what they term “comprehensive” immigration reform yet omit LGBT concerns. There is indeed an ongoing refugee crisis that has largely escaped the attention of this country. How the LGBT community responds will be a measure of whether the movement will carry forth the legacy of Stonewall.

Sebastian Maguire is an immigration attorney and legislative aide to New York City Council Member Daniel Dromm. 01.06.2016 •

Jesse’s Journal

Photo: David S. Holloway/CNN

CONVICTIONS

terrorisM And Politics

Jesse Monteagudo

015 has been a particularly violent shooting an act of terrorism. year in the U.S. Since Jan. 1, there President Obama’s reaction to the San have been 353 mass shootings in Bernardino shooting was characteristically the U.S. However, none of the shooters got mild, especially in comparison to those of the attention given to Syed other American politicians Rizwan Farook and Tashleen or the American media. They Malik, the married couple encouraged and exploited the If the who on Dec. 2 killed 14 American people’s fear and people and injured 22 more at anxiety about terror attacks Republican the Inland Regional Center in against the Homeland, which candidates San Bernardino, California, after San Bernardino were at where Farook worked. for president the highest level since 911. Previous killers, mostly Democratic front-runner wanted to American-born, white Hillary Clinton delivered a Christians, inspired nothing speech in which she outlined scare the more than (ineffective) calls her approach to fighting American for gun control from the terrorism. She also criticized political Left and “thoughts Republican politicians who people, they and prayers” from the even before San Bernardino certainly political Right. The crimes were doing their best to succeeded. of the Farooks, a Muslim make political hay out of couple possibly inspired the American people’s fear by jihadist groups like ISIS, of foreign terrorism. Clinton led to a rare prime-time, was particularly critical Presidential address from the Oval Office, of GOP front-runner Donald Trump, who where President Barack Obama called the caused a sensation when he suggested that

• 01.06.2016

Muslims be barred from entering the USA. I usually avoid Republican presidential debates - I have to watch my blood pressure - but the fifth GOP debate of 2015 (held Dec. 15, after the terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino) were “must see television.” In addition to Trump, the debate featured former Governor Jeb Bush; retired neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson; Governor Chris Christie; former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina; Governor John Kasich; Senator Rand Paul; Senator Marco Rubio; and Senator Ted Cruz Though Trump was at his bombastic worst, each of the candidates tried his or her best to be the toughest one on terror; certainly tougher than Obama or Clinton. Trump wanted to kill the families of terrorists and close parts of the Internet in Iraq and Syria. Cruz promised to “carpet bomb” the Islamic State’s capital of Raqqa. Christie offered to create a “no-fly zone” over parts of Syria and bomb Russian planes who flew over it. (Though Russia is also fighting ISIS, anti-Russian sentiment is always popular with right wing jingoes - Kasich also

suggested that it is time we “punched the Russians in the nose.”) Only Rand Paul seems to exhibit any sense or sanity, criticizing his opponents’ eagerness to lead their nation to World War III. All the candidates criticized “political correctness” as well as the Democrats’ interest in other issues such as climate change. To the GOP wannabes, fighting ISIS is the only fight that matters and they hope to carry that fight right into the White House. As New York Times Magazine contributor Ana Marie Cox tweeted, “This wasn’t a ‘foreign policy’ debate, or even a ‘national security’ debate. It was [a] contest about who could tell the scariest story.” If the Republican candidates for president wanted to scare the American people, they certainly succeeded. But their scare tactics did not make us more fearful of ISIS or alQaeda. They scared us with the thought of what they might do if, God forbid, one of them becomes President of the United States. Terrorism is a serious matter, but it deserves a better response than that given by the GOP candidates.

Mombian

CONVICTIONS

2015: A yeAr oF Progress, with More to do Dana Rudolph

hat a year. It’s tempting, in a year-end wrap-up, to put a big bow on what we put a ring on and call it a day. While marriage brought us many advances, however, it also highlighted other issues that we still need to tackle in order to bring full equality and inclusion to LGBTQ parents and our children. Marriage equality is, of course, a big deal. The win in Obergefell v. Hodges not only brought marriage to same-sex couples, but put same-sex parents and our children front and center in the case and in the public eye. Most of the plaintiffs were parents. And Justice Anthony Kennedy, who wrote the majority opinion, showed he understood the importance of marriage for our children, saying, “Without the recognition, stability, and predictability marriage offers, children suffer the stigma of knowing their families are somehow lesser. They also suffer the significant material costs of being raised by unmarried parents, relegated to a more difficult and uncertain family life. The marriage laws at issue thus harm and humiliate the children of same-sex couples.” He wisely cautioned, though, that marriage is also meaningful even for those who cannot or choose not to procreate—thus addressing one of the leading arguments against marriage equality, that marriage is entirely about procreation. Marriage equality expanded parental rights in some states. Twelve states (Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Texas) did not permit same-sex couples to adopt children jointly

before Obergefell, according to a report from the Pew Charitable Trusts, citing the Human Rights Campaign. After Obergefell, however, that restriction has crumbled in all but Mississippi. Four couples are now challenging the Mississippi ban in federal court with the help of attorney Roberta Kaplan (a lesbian mom herself), who successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013 to bring down part of the Defense of Marriage Act. Our equal access to adoption and fostering is threatened, however, by “religious freedom” laws in North Dakota, Michigan, and Virginia (and under discussion in several other states). These laws permit child welfare agencies receiving state money to refuse to place children with same-sex couples or other LGBTQ people if doing so conflicts with their religious beliefs. And Kansas State Rep. Jim Ward (D-Wichita) has requested that legislative auditors investigate the state’s Department of Children and Families over what he calls “systemic” discrimination against LGBT people in adoption and foster care. Same-sex couples have also had to file lawsuits in several states in order to have both parents’ names put on their children’s birth certificates. In October, a couple in Utah was awarded $24,000 in legal fees after they won their case, but cases from couples in Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, North Carolina, and Wisconsin are still pending or being appealed. A note of caution: While accurate birth certificates are necessary for enrolling a child

in school, getting a passport, and applying for various other benefits, they are still not sufficient for someone to be recognized as a parent in all jurisdictions and circumstances, many LGBTQ legal organizations have said (and the judge in the Arkansas case himself indicated). Second-parent adoptions or court judgments of parentage are still recommended. Even adoptions, however, are under attack (though I have great hope the threat will fail). The Alabama Supreme Court in September refused to recognize three second-parent adoptions done in Georgia by a lesbian mom living in Alabama. The U.S. Supreme Court on December 14 granted an emergency stay of the order, giving the woman visitation with her children until the U.S. Supreme Court either rules on the case or refuses to take it. The whole situation is ugly, with one mom trying to deny her ex-partner any parental status and calling into question the validity of adoptions from state to state. A similar case of parental breakup shows that we still are not equal when it comes to recognizing unmarried parents. In September, a Maryland court upheld a ruling denying parental standing (and thus visitation rights) to a non-biological mom because she and the biological mom were not married at the time of their child’s birth—even though they had planned and were raising the child together,

and eventually married. The judge indicated that in the same circumstances, the father in a different-sex unmarried couple would likely have been recognized, but current law did not allow recognition of a non-biological mother. We also lack full equality in other areas. Lack of non-discrimination protections means that people can still be fired or denied housing in many states for being LGBTQ. Transgender people, married or not, are still in much earlier stages of legal recognition and social acceptance. These inequalities negatively impact children of LGBTQ parents as well. Additionally, respect does not necessarily follow legality. There are still places in this country where I would be afraid to hold hands with my spouse. Kids still get bullied for being LGBTQ or having LGBTQ parents. LGBTQ families of color remain at a disadvantage because of the systemic racism in our society. And despite advances, we need even more representation in books and other media of LGBTQ families in all our diversity—of family structure, race, religion, socioeconomic class, and more. This year will stand as a watershed year, however. Our work towards LGBTQ equality is not done, nor is the work of social justice in other arenas done — but 2015 gave us one shining example of what progress looks like.

Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of Mombian (mombian.com), a GLAAD Media Award-winning blog and resource directory for LGBTQ parents. 01.06.2016 •

column

Photos: Facebook

CONVICTIONS

did eQuAlity FloridA oVerstAte its record For 2015? Tony Adams

LGBT activists go to war on social media

admire Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality prefer that EQFL stop meddling and siphoning donations that would be better used if kept local. Florida (EQFL), and wish she would someday Iliescu defended the wording of the EQFL run for governor, but I take exception to something I read in her appeal for financial appeal, writing, “I am in receipt of about 30 year end support on Dec. 28, in which she says, “Check fundraising appeals from LGBT organizations out this sweet list of victories accomplished in 2015! With you by our side, we: Secured marriage from across this state and the nation---all of them doing tremendous worthy work--and equality in Florida -- and nationwide!” none of them mentioning any of the other Really? A number of dedicated LGBT activists in South Florida let their long time grumbling organizations that also do worthy work. So about EQFL percolate to the surface upon please forgive Equality Florida for doing the same.[…]And you should be receiving that money beg. I proud of all the great work that followed the sniping closely PBCHRC, with you, Rand, at its because it is indicative of the If you could head have accomplished[…]But predicament faced by LGBT you should be very ashamed advocacy groups everywhere: rewrite the of taking every opportunity how will they attract enough bashing Equality Florida, funding to support an text of the EQFL of Rand. Mark--you should be infrastructure that is outmoded appeal, would ashamed, too. Talk about and outsized in a culture that two-faced--When the largest senses LGBT victories more you reword statewide organization than new challenges? awards Aaron[Huntsman] and Is EQFL nervous about its the part Lee[Jones] or Rand with the future and irritated by claims Voice For Equality it means that equality was won locally about winning we want everyone to know in Florida rather than through marriage about the tremendous efforts its statewide efforts? How will individuals are putting forth EQFL avoid being considered equality? and the results they are having. a post-marriage equality We do have great reach, and carpetbagger here in South we were among the first to Florida? If a recent Facebook praise David Richardson for crossfire is any indication, there his success with the adoption bill language. are no easy answers. […]So please stop being so negative about this The Facebook spat involved EQFL Development Director Row Iliescu, Huntsman/ incredibly hard-working group of staff and Jones media director Mark Ebenhoch, volunteers which is helping to bring about sooo Huntsman/Jones attorney Bernadette Restivo, much positive change---collaborating with so President and Founder of Palm Beach County many others.[…] You could really serve your Human Rights Council Rand Hoch, State community better by focusing your meanness Representative David Richardson and number of towards our joint opposition.” In 2016, LGBT infighting will probably longtime activists from South Florida who would

• 01.06.2016

match GOP infighting as nervous and inflated organizations in both camps shrink while rogue activism gains muscle, attracts mainstream attention and shows the world how instant connectivity and LGBT visibility that now drill down into the psyche of small town America are more effective at securing LGBT equality than are traditional advocacy groups. (This prediction means I won’t be invited to any fund-raising “galas” this year, but I skipped them all in 2015, so what the hey.) In Florida, look for an increase in local and county LGBT initiatives in 2016, and compare them to EQFL’s mission and reach for the entire state. Is there room for both approaches in the new battles for equality? Yes. Will the rules of cooperation between the two groups change in 2016? Yes. Should EQFL’s wording in their appeal have respected this new dynamic? Yes. In researching my forthcoming book about Aaron Huntsman and Lee Jones, the Key West bartenders who could be credited with winning marriage equality in Florida despite initially receiving a cold shoulder from EQFL, I encountered several activists who feel that Huntsman and Jones received honors/awards from EQFL not because of what those two men accomplished on their own, but as a way to ride their coat tails and seem to be a part of their victory. While Huntsman and Jones are fine gentlemen who cannot be drawn into making disparaging remarks about EQFL, their friends and associates do not refrain. If we are to open our wallets for LGBT advocacy in 2016, how can we make sure that our dollars are effective in the areas that most concern us locally rather than get soaked up in support of the overhead of large entities which by nature shuffle and lumber where rogues can dodge and dart? I asked EQFL Deputy Director Stratton

Pollitzer to weigh in on the Facebook crossfire, having received a forwarded message in which he confirmed having reviewed it. He begins his response, “We are proud of the relationships we have with local, state, and national organizations and we routinely praise our partners in our communications and honor them from the stages of our events.” He also says that in 2016, EQFL will focus on fighting backlash, banning discrimination and impacting the fall elections. Okay, but what about the disgruntled local activists claiming that EQFL jumps in to take credit for things accomplished by others? I asked him a follow up question to which I have not yet received a response: “If you could rewrite the text of the EQFL appeal, would you reword the part about winning marriage equality?” I do not advocate shunning EQFL’s request for financial support, but it is incumbent upon that entity to include in its money beg a list of extremely specific goals for 2016. Donors can be very forgiving when specific goals are not met, but unforgiving when they suspect their generosity serves only to keep afloat an organization that simply monitors and applauds the success of others. (According to its website, EQFL has a staff of 27! That is a lot of applause!) Additionally, if EQFL became more viral in its strategies and less reliant on a small pool of wealthy contributors, a broader spectrum of financial support and a streamlined organization might be the result. LGBT advocacy in Florida needs some new and daring rules for an adventurous new year. 2016 will be a sink-orswim year for organizations like EQFL. I would like to see EQFL become much more rogue and much less traditional and bureaucratic in its forging of better relationships with south Florida LGBT activists.

CONVICTIONS

seeing in the dark

Photo: Facebook

Andrea “Dre” Hernandez

VisuAlly iMPAired MAssAge therAPist with A heAling touch Belo Cipriani

he journey to full-time employment can be filled with roadblocks -- especially if someone has a disability. According to a 2013 employment survey published on DisabilityStatistics.org, only 40.2 percent of working age people with visual impairments are employed – an alarming figure for a society with access to adaptive technology, and with various employment programs in place. For Andrea “Dre” Hernandez, who was born with albinism, a hereditary condition characterized by the absence of melanin in hair, skin, and eyes, knowing it would be tough to get a job with a visual disability did not hold her back from pursuing a career and living independently. “My vision is 20/200. I’m nearsighted and have been legally blind since birth. I also have albinism, and everyone with this condition is visually impaired,” said Hernandez. In addition to problems with her vision, Hernandez is also extremely sensitive to the sun. She is miserable during the summer months and can feel feverish from sunburn. Despite her limitations, Hernandez lives on her own and gets around on public transportation -- her smart phone being the best access tool via apps for the visually impaired. Hernandez’s fierce independence is a result of the hands-off approach her family took when raising her in San Jose, California. She says, “I don’t think anyone really cared. They didn’t help me. They didn’t seem concerned. They didn’t try to do anything to help me. It wasn’t talked about, so I had to learn to figure everything out on my own.” However, when Hernandez began to display an interest in women as a teen, her family did have something to say. “I came out when I was 13. My mom didn’t handle it well, saying it was a phase. My sister didn’t take it too well, either, but after awhile things got better.” But while Hernandez’s upbringing may have not been the most nurturing, through

reflection and self-discovery, she developed an appreciation for the healing arts. “I love the concept of healing through touch. I also think about the internal pain that people suffer from, and I like to help ease someone’s anxiety. Massage therapy is good for that,” said Hernandez. Determined and driven, Hernandez enrolled at Carrington College in San Leandro to pursue a certificate in massage therapy -- a quest that tested her in every way possible. She says, “I did really well academically, but the books were in very small print. So, I got lots of migraines, and headaches almost every day, because I’d try to focus when reading. I had to get it done. I sometimes got behind because I wasn’t able to work as quickly as possible.” Money also became a problem for Hernandez during her massage course work and she would have dropped out if a friend had not lent her a few hundred dollars to pay for school. Hernandez also attributes her success to her instructor Kerry Matthews, who always tried her best to ensure things in the classroom went smoothly. Hernandez now works at Massage Envy in Fremont -- a job she landed right after completing her training, and a place that has proven to be very supportive. Her colleagues help her out with tasks when needed and her workstation did not need any major accommodations. Also, clients are respectful of her condition and sometimes find her story cool. In the future, Hernandez would like to work with people with mental disabilities. She shares, “Eventually, I want to work side by side with a psychiatrist and people with mental health issues. People don’t think about internal pain very much, and I’m a strong believer that massage helps from the inside out. I want to help people ease their anxiety so they can open up and let go of their pain -- both emotional and physical.”

Belo Cipriani is a freelance journalist, the award-winning author of Blind: A Memoir and Midday Dreams, and a spokesperson for Guide Dogs for the Blind. He was voted “Best Disability Advocate” in the Bay Area in 2015 by SF Weekly. 01.06.2016 •

Photo: Facebook

column chamber chat

your wAke uP cAll How to remain upbeat and positive in 2016

ew year, new beginnings, new everything! We should all start 2016 with a new approach in life where we ought to make the most out of each day. Our Chamber is lucky to have many spiritual and faith based organizations as members who remind us that life is not all about work, work, work and making money. This month I share with you the below advice by Chris Jackson, Senior Ministry at Unity on the Bay, on how to maximize the first moments of your day. For many of us, the sound of the morning alarm clock is a command to pull ourselves out of comfy bed linens toward the coffee maker and morning news – a necessary and often dreaded requirement to beginning another day. Actually, the first waking moments of your day can make a tremendous, positive difference in the quality of your life. You can intentionally start your day on an affirmative note and set priorities before the demands of the day take hold. It’s the perfect time to design your day and your life. Each new day is a true gift – a cause for celebration. Before you retire in the evening, plan your morning as though it was a truly special occasion. Set out your clothes, prepare the coffee maker and be ready to play some soothing music or light a candle. Find an alarm clock that will awaken you with uplifting music or positive affirmations. The very first sensations you experience upon waking can impact your whole day. It has been said that something precious is lost if we rush headlong into the details of life without pausing a moment to pay homage to the mystery of life

• 01.06.2016

and the gift of another day. A great day begins with a great mindset. When you awaken, take a moment to ponder the privilege of being alive and healthy. Create a brief vision or mission statement for your life. Consider what you believe to be your purpose in life and, specifically, how you fulfill that purpose. Read your statement every morning. Make time to articulate your values in life. Consider what is most important to you – peace of mind, physical health, loving relationships, your work, gratitude and generosity or joy. Consider intentions or goals for each of your values – ways in which you allow what you value to be reflected in your actions. Review your written intentions each morning. One of the most valuable early morning activities involves maintaining a gratitude list. Every morning, spend a few minutes pondering the people, things and situations you are thankful for. These could include everything from basic comforts, like running water and secure housing to great employment or a fulfilling partnership. Greet the day with inspiring readings. Spend time in quiet meditation, prayer and reflection. Our lives are fleeting moments in the passing of eternity. To awake each morning fully conscious of the gift of another day empowers you to treasure the gift of your existence and never take a single second for granted. Written by Jorge Richa (Marketing & Programming Director, Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. www.gaybizmiami.com)

Gazette Wilton Manors

Business Sports

Volume 3 • Issue 1 January 6, 2016

Twice-Monthly Neighborhood Outlook

Island City Open Returns For Round Six By Michael d’Oliveira Every year, Wilton Manors resident Robert Hofmann grabs his racket for the Island City Open tennis tournament. Besides it being his “neighborhood tournament,” as a past winner, he said he enjoys the competition because no one seems too obsessed. “It’s a friendly group of people. It’s not cut throat like some other places.” This year’s tournament, the 6th annual, will take place on Jan. 30 and 31 at Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive. There are men’s and women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles and three skill levels: A, B and C. The cost to enter is $25 per person or $40 per doubles team. Those who play get a shirt and barbeque. Winners will receive gift cards to local restaurants. Donna Kocyba, tennis director at Hagen Park, said the tournament will attract about 60 players and about 100 spectators. “It gets people involved in tennis. It’s a great event for the community,” Kocyba said.

It’s also a benefit to the city. “When people come here to play, from Sunrise, Weston, wherever, they’re coming through Wilton Manors,” said Patrick Caan, Leisure Services Department director. The drive through exposes visitors to the city’s restaurants and businesses. It’s also a showcase for Hagen Park’s hydro grid courts. Caan said the courts are modeled after the ones at the Boca Raton Resort & Club which was named number seven of “The 50 Greatest Tennis Resorts in the United States” by Tennis Magazine in 2003. This year’s sponsors, which provide the gift cards, include Matty’s on the Drive, Mind Your Manors, Storks, Match Point, 13 Even, The Best Cellar and Le Patio. The deadline to register is Jan. 26. Call 954-390-2132 or email donnatennis1@aol.com.WMG

Business

Wilton Manors Solar Company Powers its Own By Michael d’Oliveira With over 1,344 megawatts of “solar experience,” Moss Solar has a lot of experience building solar projects. But it wasn’t until April of last year that the company finally harnessed the power of solar at its own headquarters. Moss Construction, which owns Moss Solar, built a solar parking canopy at its headquarters on Andrews Avenue in Wilton Manors. The canopy, which has electric car charging ports, 200 solar panels and can generate 88,375 kilowatts per year has been helping to power the building since April of last year at an estimated savings of about $11,000 per year.

Moss’ other solar projects are located in other parts of Florida, California, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Indiana and Canada “Moss Solar is building thousands of kilowatt facilities across the country. We have seen how well this proven technology has worked for our clients to reduce their carbon footprint while cutting down on electricity cost. It was a decision that made sense for the environment as well as our bottom line. Additionally, our employees’ cars will be sheltered from the sun for the majority of the day, which in South Florida is an added benefit,” wrote the company in a press release. WMG

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 •

January 6, 2016

01.06.2016 •

Opinion

New Year’s Resolutions Gazette Wilton Manors

JANUARY 6, 2016 • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 1

By Sal Torre

2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

Hello residents of Wilton Manors. This is your beloved city, here to discuss our resolutions for the New Year and to mention some of the wonderful gifts I received this past holiday season. Unfortunately, Santa did not read the wish list I mailed to the North Pole, because the new IT Director and the fully-staffed Police Department I wished for was not to be found under the tree on Christmas morning. I guess we will have to turn those Christmas wishes into my New Year’s resolutions. So, here is Resolution #1 for 2016. I, the City of Wilton Manors, will put forth a concentrated effort to finally fill the much needed position of IT Director. This position is so vital to our future that we can no longer accept it remaining vacant, now for over a year. This is South Florida for heaven’s sake, and a job that offers a starting salary of $74,000, a four-day work week, and great benefits sounds really good to me. Hello out the there, are we getting the word out? We are a wonderful place to work, have great team players, a new city leadership, along with great places to dine and have after-work cocktails up and down the Drive. This resolution is far too important to wind up on the heap of unfulfilled New Year wishes comes the end of the year. Let’s move on to Resolution #2. Let’s put forth an equally concentrated effort to obtain a fully-staffed Police Department for the coming year, one that will remain that way for some time. As cities go here in South Florida, I have high standards, but perhaps it’s my ego getting me in trouble again. You would think that there would be many good qualified candidates out there who would want to make a career choice here in Wilton Manors. We seem to have a revolving door of new police officers who stay only a short time. Perhaps we need to take a closer look at what might be going on here. I know we have to compete with the big guy, the Broward Sherriff’s Office, and other larger cities that offer more mobility and different career paths for those qualified candidates. But, we keep finding ourselves in this under-staffed position even after we have taken the time to hire qualified candidates. Residents continue to demand that public safety be a top priority, our elected officials voted to hire additional officers this past year at a big expense to our budget, and year after year we fail to see a fully-staffed Police Department doing their job protecting and assisting all of us in making me a better and safer city. I need the help! Not sure if the twelve-hour work shifts may be an issue for the rank and file. As a city that almost clocks in a 24 hour shift, I find myself exhausted, especially when weekends come around, so I am not sure how productive our officers can be after 10 hours, never

Community By Michael d’Oliveira

PUBLISHER • NORM KENT NORM.KENT@SFGN.COM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER • PIER ANGELO GUIDUGLI ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / EXECUTIVE EDITOR • JASON PARSLEY JASON.PARSLEY@SFGN.COM

Editorial

ART DIRECTOR • BRENDON LIES ARTWORK@SFGN.COM ONLINE PRODUCER • DENNIS JOZEFOWICZ DENNIS.JOZEFOWICZ@SFGN.COM EDITORIAL ASSISTANT • JILLIAN MELERO JILLIANMELERO@GMAIL.COM NEWS EDITOR • MICHAEL D’OLIVEIRA

mind twelve. I am still having trouble with how 12-hour shifts guarantee more boots on the ground. I guess that is why I need a City Manager, an Assistant City Manager, a Police Chief, a Police Administrative Assistant, and a HR Director. IF so many people are telling me it is true, I guess it must be then. Resolution #3. Can we please decorate me with some fabulous new lights next Holiday Season? I am tired of being left with just the usual Christmas tree, Menorah, and Kwanza decorations across from City Hall. I want lights up and down the Drive! Come on people, this is Wilton Manors and our Arts & Entertainment District. I should look absolutely fabulous for the Holiday! Send this Resolution over to the new Business Improvement District meeting – Christmas 2016 wants plenty of holiday lights please!! Resolution #4 might sound greedy, but here goes. I am blessed as the City of Wilton Manors with so many residents who volunteer their time to help me be the wonderful city that I am. Volunteers to city boards, active neighborhood associations, and residents working with the many non-profits help accomplish much needed and wonderful things here, but I want more! Let 2016 be the year you look to become more active in our community and in some way look to join with other residents to make me an even better city in the coming New Year! More active residents bring much needed new ideas and new energy into the mix. Together we will make 2016 a great year, ‘cause life can only get better here’! WMG

Former Gibby’s Location Finally Under Construction After multiple failed attempts at redevelopment, construction is underway at the former Gibby’s Steaks & Seafood. Located in Oakland Park just east of Dixie Highway at 2900 NE 12 Terrace across the Middle River from Wilton Manors, The Pointe at Middle River will consist of 40 townhomes on 3.4 acres of land. Each three-story, 2257 square foot home, most of which will have waterfront views, will include three bedrooms, two baths, two half baths, a two car garage and private balconies. There will also be a gated entrance, clubhouse, a fitness center, meeting room and walking path. The developer’s website describes the design as “South Beach architecture.” Daria Wallach, sales consultant for The Pointe, said she didn’t know when construction would be fully completed but models of the townhomes would be ready for viewing in March. Previous unsuccessful proposals for the site included the G Resort, a gaythemed hotel, and a 102-unit townhome/condo development. WMG

Correspondents

NATALYA JONES • JOHN MCDONALD • JAMES OAKSUN

Staﬀ Photographers

J.R. DAVIS • POMPANO BILL • STEVEN SHIRES

Sales & Marketing

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SALES MANAGER • JUSTIN WYSE JUSTIN.WYSE@SFGN.COM ADVERTISING SALES ASSOCIATE • EDWIN NEIMANN EDWIN.NEIMANN@SFGN.COM ADVERTISING SALES ASSOCIATE • CINDY CURTIS CINDY.CURTIS@SFGN.COM ADVERTISING SALES ASSOCIATE • JIM ALBRIGHT JIM.ALBRIGHT@SFGN.COM ACCOUNTING SERVICES BY CG BOOKKEEPING South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law ofﬁce, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.

Associated Press

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• 01.06.2016

2 •

January 6, 2016

Supply, Meet Demand

Real Estate Geek

By James Oaksun Peak real estate season is here! Realtors here typically do 60-65 percent of their annual business in the first six months. Most buyers are aware that prices fell off a cliff from 2006 into early 2011, but often don't know how much they have recovered. Sellers know prices have strengthened but have heard rumblings of flattening. What's the real story? Using Multiple Listing Service data for single family homes sold in arms-length transactions, I've looked at fourthquarter sales (median prices and volume) for each of the last five years. Prices during the 2013-14 high season got ahead of themselves, particularly east of Dixie. Prices then cooled significantly there and throughout all of the Island City to a lesser degree. Many other neighborhoods in east Broward saw similar cooling (if not outright declines) as I showed in my Broward's Real Estate Yearbook (available by request or online at issuu.com/jamesoaksun/docs/2015_yearbook). Now there is evidence of stronger (2013 level) pricing again, with a possible bubble in higher priced homes in West Wilton. The basic laws of economics are affirmed even in looking at something like Island City real estate. Demand goes up (as it did in 2012-13) and prices march up almost in lockstep. But

then just as there can be over correction on the downside, there can be “irrational exuberance” in a rising market. Demand then drops, and prices along with it. Ultimately a more steady state can be achieved, at least for short time frames. What we are seeing now, mainly, is two types of owners selling. The first type are the more investment-oriented people who bought at or near the market bottom and are now able to cash out at a healthy profit. These people might be more willing to negotiate price and terms. The other main class of sellers are people who bought as prices were headed upward in 2002-04, but before the absolute peak. With the run up in prices these people are now (finally) able to sell at roughly what they still owe on the property. These people are ready to sell but really need to get their price. A smart Realtor will be able to identify for their buyers which sellers falls into which classification, as well as how to help sellers get the optimal price on sale. WMG James Oaksun, Broward's Real Estate GeekSM, is a Realtor with the Wilton Manors office of RE/MAX Preferred. In addition to having degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a graduate of the Realtors Institute (GRI).

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January 6, 2016

01.06.2016 •

Community

Police

Wilton Manors Gets Perfect HRC Score

Wilton Manors Sergeant Named Officer of the Year By Michael d’Oliveira Suicide by cop. It’s a phrase Wilton Manors Police Chief Paul O’Connell doesn’t like uttering. But when Thomas Carberry intentionally provoked Sgt. Rick Shawver into suicide by cop on Sept. 7, 2014, O’Connell takes comfort in the fact that no one else died. For his actions, Shawver has been named the “Officer of the Year” by the Broward County Chiefs of Police. “As officers responded to the area they were advised by the frightened caller that the subject has fired gunshots into his home, he was fearful that the subject would shoot him and that he had barricaded himself and his roommate in the bathroom of their home. In a nutshell, this was an “active shooter” call,” wrote O’Connell in his letter nominating Shawver for the award. O’Connell praised Shawver for his tactical expertise, calm presence and leadership of the less experienced officers on the scene. “It was ‘follow me;’ the very essence of leadership on the line. The armed subject subsequently made a decision that compelled officers to discharge their firearms to stop the threat.” In June of 2015, the grand jury determined the shooting was justified. Shawver declined a request to be interviewed. “If you know Rick he is a humble guy that wants no spotlight to be placed upon himself. Rather, he just enjoys coming in and accomplishing the mission our PD sets out to achieve each and every day,” wrote Commander Gary Blocker. “I think his entire acceptance speech

Chief critical of “cookie cutter assessment of WMPD” By Michael d’Oliveira

given yesterday (Dec. 3) was one sentence. Indeed . . . very humble!” wrote O’Connell. In his nomination letter, O’Connell also cited Shawver in helping a single mother bring her home up to code and avoid fines. “He recruited members of our department who volunteered their services on their ‘off time’ to paint the house and make all necessary repairs to achieve compliance.” O’Connell said Shawver is an example of a word people often forget when talking about police: service. Earlier in his career, Shawver was named the 1987 Officer of the Year in LauderdaleBy-The-Sea. According to a Sun Sentinel article published at the time, he received the award for rescuing a woman from a burning building. “He’s a local kid that grew up in a town with tremendous aptitude for the job, and his dedication is making him realize every ounce of that aptitude,” said former Lauderdale-ByThe-Sea Police Chief Joseph Fitzgerald in the article. WMG

Business

Medical Company Purchases Old SunTrust Bank

By Michael d’Oliveira

The former SunTrust Bank on Northeast 26 Street was purchased in 2015 by MIGLOBAL for $3.6 million. A spokesperson for MIGLOBAL, which designs and builds hospitals, dialysis centers and other medical facilities, said the company has not decided yet how the building or property will be used. MIGLOBAL, a company located in the United States and Central and South America, already has offices in Fort Lauderdale. MIGLOBAL purchased the property in September from Unity Church which moved to Fort Lauderdale.

According to Wilton Manors From Farming Community to Urban Village, written by Wilton Manors Historical Society Secretary Benjamin Little, the 3.27-acre property was built in 1955 as the Wilton Manors National Bank and later became a SunTrust branch. SunTrust sold the property to New Urban Communities in 2005. New Urban had hoped to build 61 apartments and 6,648 square feet of commercial space in a mixed-use development but plans never materialized. New Urban sold it to Unity Church in 2012. WMG

For the second year in a row, Wilton Manors has gotten a perfect 100 from the Human Rights Campaign [HRC]. “We’re really proud to be recognized by the HRC. It’s not something that’s happened without a great deal of thoughtfulness and effort,” said City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson. Wilton Manors is one of only three Florida cities to get a perfect HRC score; Orlando and St. Petersburg were the others. The city got 89 standard points and 16 bonus points. HRC only counts a maximum of 100 points. Fort Lauderdale got an overall score of 80 and Oakland Park an 86. The HRC evaluated 408 municipalities nationwide and scored them based on how LGBT friendly their policies are. Categories include non-discrimination practices, how welcoming the city is to LGBT individuals, the availability of transgender health benefits and the existence of an LGBT police liaison or task force. It’s that last category, where the city got 5 out of 10 points, that Chief Paul O'Connell was critical of. “After review of the criteria I have to respectfully disagree with their “cookie cutter” assessment of WMPD. A police department of our size serving a small community of our size does not have the luxury of dedicating one sworn position to this important, but limited, task. In the alternative, WMPD does have a full-time Community Police Officer assigned to the entire community . . . straight, LGBT, black, brown & white, young and elder,” wrote O'Connell in an email. Henderson agreed with O’Connell. “I think, being a small city, that’s really the only way we can do it.” According to Henderson, Wilton Manors’ score was a combination of an initial evaluation by the HRC and feedback by the city. “We were able to identify some areas

[HRC gave us a lesser score on] and increase our points where we underscored. It gave us an opportunity to reflect a score that better reflects our policies.” The city’s original score was 98; 84 standard points and 14 bonus points. Other points lost by the city were for not offering transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits to city employees, something Deanna Muniz, the parent of a transgender child, pleaded with commissioners to add. Muniz, who lives in Sunrise, asked commissioners to add the benefits during their Dec. 8 meeting. “I have other children and I can take them to the doctor and there’s no issues. With my son there’s a lot of layers. It’s very difficult to tell my son, ‘Your sister can go to the doctor but you might need alternative care or our insurance doesn’t cover your care.’ It’s just a reminder that he’s different.” Resident Michael Rajner also supported adding the benefits and said the city already covers HIV and AIDS-related healthcare, “which is more expensive” than transgender procedures. “There’s no Ryan White-like program to cover [transgender healthcare],” he said. Recently, Commissioner Julie Carson advocated the city take a look at adding the benefits but commissioners have yet to make a decision. Henderson said the issue is being researched by the Human Resources Department and could come back to the commission by late January or early February. An initial estimate by Dio Sanchez, director of Human Resources, puts the total cost of a transgender procedure at about $75,000. The city could budget money specifically for that purpose or add it to their policy. Attempts to contact the HRC were unsuccessful because the organization’s offices were closed for the holiday break.

WMG

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• 01.06.2016

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January 6, 2016

lifestyle cars d R I V E n

2016 c 2016 Cadilla

ATS-V

Photo: Jaguar

Base Price: $78,295 Power: 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 (380 hp, 339 lb-ft of torque) Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg (EPA est): 15–19/24–27

2016 JAguAr F-tyPe s couPe It’s so pretty.

Steve Siler

ars, as with people, can get away with a lot when they’re pretty. And the Jaguar F-Type could be one of those cases. Sure, it’s cramped, but it’s so pretty. It can’t handle a shopping spree at Crate & Barrel, but it’s so pretty. It’s hard to enter your manfriend’s driveway without scraping the nose, but—sigh—it’s soooo pretty. Truth be told, the F-Type doesn’t have much to apologize for. It’s a sports car, after all, and anyone looking to buy one usually know that certain sacrifices are required. As a sports car, it is damn near perfect, with excellent steering, pan-flat cornering, high levels of grip, and power aplenty under that long, phallic bonnet. I terrorized South Florida in a 495hp V-8-powered F-Type ragtop when the car was launched two years ago, and it was incredible. With just 380 hp and a fixed glass roof, this F-Type V-6 S offered a much different experience. It was less about looking fierce at stoplights while scaring passersby with a raucous crackling exhaust than appreciating the car’s sheer beauty standing still and exquisite dynamic balance on the road. In other words, it is more mature. And it’s damn beautiful. The coupe’s most

dramatic design feature is its roofline, which tapers dramatically as it stretches all the way to the rear lip. Outward vision is less than stellar, but with cars like this—as with uncomfortable shoes and skin-tight jeans—when you know you look this good, you make the sacrifice. It’s so beautiful, in fact, that when you get to your destination and walk away, before you get inside, you turn around and look at it one more time. Sometimes more than once. It’s also comfortable. The F-Type may be a sports car, but it’s still a Jaguar, so you’ll find leather everywhere and a full raft of amenities that will leave your passenger (whether it be your spouse or your trick) more than impressed when they slide inside. Out on the road, the passenger also benefits from grab handles on both sides, the better to hold him- or herself in place while you exploit the car’s sparkling handling. This is an emotional creature that appeals to your emotional side, but should your left brain pipe in at any point, the supercharged V-6’s fuel efficiency is reasonably good. The price, on the other hand…well again, it’s soooooo pretty.

Truth be told, the F-Type doesn’t have much to apologize for

OR YOU COULD BUY:

Chevrolet Corvette Porsche 911 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Renowned automotive journalist Steve Siler pioneered automotive writing for the GLBT community in 1998 and currently contributes auto news and reviews to Car and Driver Magazine, Yahoo Autos, The New York Daily News, Autoblog, Details, and many more. You can follow his adventures on Twitter/Instagram: @silerroad. 01.06.2016 •

Photo: Facebook

feature community

lesbiAn tent reViVAl ArriVes in lAke worth Jorjet Harper

oted lesbian playwright Carolyn Gage a dozen books and many essays. But there is nothing academic about Gage’s Lesbian Tent will raise a joyful noise onstage at Compass Center in Lake Worth with her Revival — it’s a “hands-on” experience. The Lesbian Tent Revival has been Lesbian Tent Revival show, in a one-night-only entertaining lesbians around the country, who performance on Jan. 16. The topic of Gage’s divinely inspired have enthusiastically called the experience lesbocentric sermon will be “The Seven Deadly uplifting, eye opening, liberating, powerful, thought-provoking, edifying, Sins and How to Get More of Them in Your insightful, inspiring, awesome, brilliantly Life.” During her tent revival funny, and not-to-be-missed performance, Gage becomes — an evening of radical lesbian “Sister Carolyn of the Sacred “we didn’t celebration and “synaptic Synapse.” get to be excitement.” Gage is well-known for her The Lesbian Tent Revival is writings and appearances lesbians by a combination of many things, created for specifically lesbian doing what and what ties it all together is audiences. hilarity. “As a lesbian I write about we were “The goal of the Revival is, myself, my history, culture and told.” well, to revive us all, bringing us community,” Gage said. “The back to our pride, our creativity, added bonus is that the subject our life-loving connections with of our lives has been taboo for so -Carolyn Gage each other, and our ecstatic bliss long, it’s a very rich and largely in being women-loving women,” unexplored territory!” Gage said. “Hallelujah!” Gage is the author of more Gage’s appearance in Lake than 65 plays, including “The Second Coming of Joan of Arc and Harriet Worth is sponsored by BLAST (Bi, Lesbian and Tubman Visits a Therapist” (which has been Straight Together) . The BLAST community now has more than 2,100 members. (See www. produced in Palm Beach County by Empty Closet Women’s Theater, starring Gwen Artiaga meetup.com/BLASTwpb) The group’s founder/director, Toni and Melinda Jackson). Her work includes musicals, one-acts, one- Armstrong Jr., has long admired Gage’s woman shows and dramas. She often tours in theatrical works. “There’s no one like Carolyn Gage,” her own shows, offers lectures and workshops Armstrong said. “During these years when on lesbian culture and history, and has won much energy has been directed toward LGBT numerous awards. She is also the author of

• 01.06.2016

rights and mainstream acceptance – including the successful fight for marriage equality – she has continued to focus radical creative thought on lesbian and/or feminist issues. “Harriet Tubman Visits a Therapist,” for example, is a brilliant intersectional take on racism, the ways women are told to ‘go along to get along,’ and the agendas people have for trying to make powerful women step down. Her work is one of a kind, and we’re thrilled she’s bringing her Tent Revival to Palm Beach County.” The spirited BLAST Tent Revival Choir, the “Seven Deadly Sin-gers,” will lend their voices to the merriment and mayhem of the Lake Worth event. Led by Corrinne Farner, the singers will provide backup for Gage’s sermon, using familiar tunes with lyrics reworked to bolster the fervor of Sister Carolyn’s evangelical lesbianism. One of the difficulties of building a shared lesbian culture, Gage observes, is “really paying attention to being inclusive. Whose voices get heard? Who is at the table? And more to the point, what are all those hidden, cultural, and institutional imbalances that lie behind exclusion? “Fortunately, we lesbians tend to be a contentious bunch,” she said. “After all, we didn’t get to be lesbians by doing what we were told. We notice things and we speak out. It’s my experience that we lesbians are fierce and vigilant about social justice. The trick is learning to celebrate our confrontational skills in all their magnificence.”

Although times are changing, lesbian visibility in the mainstream still lags wildly behind that of gay men, notes Gage. “This is still patriarchy, and though we may all be queer, some of us are women. It is still imperative for lesbians to take responsibility for our own cultural representations. Separatism does not seem like a scary word to me. Every marginalized population operates with varying degrees of separation from the dominant culture. It’s how we hold onto our identity. For me, it creates the space where I can think with clarity about what best serves my interests and those of my community.” A lesbian religious experience, however satirical and fun, is a serious challenge to the way patriarchy protects its own interests. “Women who reserve their primary intimacy for other women threaten an empire of unpaid female labor in male-dominated cultures,” Gage said. “And women who do not conform to gender norms call into immediate question the assumptions and entitlements of male supremacy. Just more reasons for celebrating ourselves!” At Gage’s Lesbian Tent Revival, we can look forward to a vivid, participatory experience of the vitality and sheer joy of lesbians gathering together to celebrate our fine selves and to feel the spirit among us. Gage and BLAST invite you to join the congregation. Hallelujah, indeed! For ticket information and other details about the January 16 show: http://bit.ly/1Ot7hy0.

01.06.2016 â&#x20AC;¢

lifestyle books

My best books oF 2015 Terry Schlichenmeyer

s you look back over your year, there are a lot of things you notice. You had fun – probably more than once. You had some really great meals with really great friends – also probably more than once. And in my case, there were books – definitely more than one. Over three hundred twenty, to be exact, but here are my Top Picks of 2015. Happy Reading!

Fiction

A History of Loneliness by John Boyne I always loved author John Boyne’s books; in fact, “The Absolutist” is one of my Top Five Ever. But “A History of Loneliness” has to be right up there. In this book, a priest explains his relationship with a colleague who always seems to be moved around from parish to parish. What’s wrong will slowly dawn on you, but our narrator is a little slower on the uptake. What happens will make you want to crawl into bed and cry for an hour.

Fiction One Night by Eric Jerome Dickey In “One Night” by Eric Jerome Dickey, a woman who has nothing left to lose meets a man who has everything in life. She needs money. He decides that he needs her and they embark on a one-night stand that’s almost unbearably taught. I loved the mixture of this book: psychological, erotic, and sass.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman Remember what it was like to be a kid? You’ll revisit it again in “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry” by Fredrik Backman, the story of a seven-year-old who loses her grandmother. Else is precocious, Granny was her only real friend and she was somewhat of a rascal. And as proof of that, before she dies, Granny leaves Elsa with an assignment. Part fantasy, part childhood, all charming, this book from the author of “A Man Called Ove” is a wonderful winner.

Fiction The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz “The Hired Girl” by Laura Amy Schlitz might be found on the Young Adult section of your bookstore or library, but I definitely thought it was more of an adult novel. It’s the story of a teenager who leaves her family because her father is abusive, and she moves to Baltimore to become a housemaid. It’s 1911, she’s Catholic, but her new employers are Jewish and the learning curve is steep. There’s adventure, heartbreak, romance, and history here – and yes, you can still share it with your favorite teen…

Fiction

tion non-Fic The Magician’s Lie by Greer Macalliste Also tightly written is “The Magician’s Lie” by Greer Macallister. It’s the story of a small-town sheriff who finally captures a killer who’s been on the loose for some time. She’s a slippery one – an illusionist – and he hopes she’ll offer a confession. Instead, she tells him a story… The sheriff doesn’t know what’s lie and what’s not – and neither will you in this wrap-you-up tale with an ending you totally won’t see coming.

• 01.06.2016

Fiction

Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania” by Erik Larson You may find “Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania” by Erik Larson on other Best Of lists this year, for a reason. This is a historical account of the sinking of a ship but there’s more: Larson is known to tease a story out, adding small side notes and spinning off in ways that enhance the tale he’s telling. That makes for a fascinating, heart-pounding true account you won’t want to put down.

lifestyle books

PEACE PIPE

non-Fic t

ion Bobby Wonderful: An Imperfect Son Buries His Parents by Bob Morris made “Bobby Wonderful: An Imperfect Son Buries His Parents” by Bob Morris made me laugh, and it made me cry a small creek. It’s the story of Morris’ mother, her life and her death, and the relationships she had with her family. It’s also a gay man’s love letter to his very supportive Mom, and it definitely lives up to its name: it’s wonderful.

ion

t non-Fic Rain: A Natural and Cultural History by Cynthia Barnett

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Though it may sound odd, “Rain: A Natural and Cultural History” by Cynthia Barnett put me in a good mood when I read it – maybe because it was as refreshing as its subject. Here, Barnett writes about all aspects of that stuff that falls from the sky – historically, culturally, and meteorologically speaking – and she sprinkles readers with facts, disasters, and sunshine. This book simply made me happy, which is why it’s on this list.

non-Fic t

ion Good Mourning: A Memoir by Elizabeth Meyer As a lover of All Things Scandalous, I found “Good Mourning: A Memoir” by Elizabeth Meyer with Caitlin Moscatello to be absolutely delicious. After Meyer lost her father, a high-powered lawyer, she realized that she was rather fascinated with death, just a little bit. So she marched into one of Manhattan’s premiere funeral homes, asked for a job, and ended up being a funeral planner (think: services that are anything but dead). I loved this book for its behindthe-scenes peeks, and for the tales that only an insider can tell.

Rosemary by Kate Clifford Lights Out by Ted Koppe There’s a TIE for the last slot on this nonfiction list: I loved “Rosemary” by Kate Clifford Larson for its jaw-dropping look at history, the Kennedys, and power gone wrong. I also couldn’t put down “Lights Out” by Ted Koppel, a cautionary, scare-thedaylights-out-of-you book on what could happen if our electric grid and internet infrastructure are attacked by terrorists.

non-Fiction 01.06.2016 •

feature top ten

Drama On The High Seas Tops The List of SFGN.com Stories From 2015 John McDonald

gay cruise in reverse, a Miami nightclub skipping out on paying its workers and a publisher’s blistering open letter to the owners of a piano bar. These stories top the list of heavy hitters, in terms of website traffic, in 2015 on SFGN.com In February, an RSVP Vacations Cruise abruptly reversed course to return two passengers to Miami. The ship, the aptly named Regal Princess, contained a roster of mostly gay men and reports were rampant of wild partying onboard. Officials with Atlantis Events, confirmed two men were offloaded from the ship and were taken to a nearby hospital. The cruise was the 30th anniversary voyage for RSVP Vacations and continued on to Mexico and Grand Cayman following the incident. The story and its subsequent

• 01.06.2016

update ranked first and third, respectively, in terms of website hits. SFGN’s second story on this list involved the House Nightclub, a popular spot for the glitz and glamour crowd, in Miami. The nightclub was accused of not paying workers. One VIP bottle service worker had enough and blew the whistle on House’s general manager, Mark Lowe. The fourth story involved another lawsuit in which the former owners of Georgie’s Alibi were accused of publicly humiliating a manager into quitting. One of the previous owners, Jackson Padgett, was accused of pouring water on the manager’s head and ordering him to perform fellatio on him. Checking in at No. 5 on the list of top stories from 2015 is SFGN publisher Norm Kent’s blistering open letter to the owners

of Tropics. Kent took aim at Tropics, the longtime Wilton Manors restaurant and piano bar, for its response to the tragic death of a beloved member of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. Greg Futchi was run over and killed outside of Tropics and his death prompted outrage from the community at large with demands for lower speed limits on “The Drive.” Rounding out SFGN’s top 10 stories are as follows: The death of noted drag magician Cashetta (6), the suicide of local porn star Dmitri Kane (7), an interview with porn star Killian James about bareback sex and PrEP (8), The Impulse Group of South Florida accused of age discrimination (9) and a subway marriage proposal becomes an internet sensation in China (10.)

The fourth story involved another lawsuit in which the former owners of Georgie’s Alibi were accused of publicly humiliating a manager into quitting.

paid content

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lowers Wilton Manors is now open on the corner of Five Points in Wilton Manors. A full service florist focused on value and service with a flair for the unique. Specialists in enhancing life’s celebrations, milestones or significant occasions. Doug and Bill Beckett bring their talents to Wilton Manors having owned two award winning florist businesses in Laguna Beach and San Juan Capistrano,

California. Award winning florist Doug’s has a passion for brilliant weddings along with masterful arrangements created to deliver maximum impact and enjoyment whatever the occasion. “From a single rose to imaginative events, we want to be your go to florist” Bill states. Stop in to say hello and discover Flowers Wilton Manors.

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Editorial sponsored by Flowers Wilton Manors. 01.06.2016 •

lifestyle photos

Hot Spots Muscle Beach Party JR Davis

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For more photos, visit sFgn on Facebook!

lifestyle history

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intersex: a person with sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit within the labels of female or male. Formerly referred to as hermaphrodites.

lgbtQ: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer.

skoliosexuAl: a person attracted to genderqueer and transgender people.

Queer, or questioning, undecided, intersex, asexual.

gender identity: The internal perception of an individual’s gender and how they label themselves. gender exPression:

External display of gender, through dress, demeanor, social behavior measured on a scale of masculinity and femininity.

bi-gender: One who fluctuates between female and male gender based identities. cisgender:

the majority of people whose gender identity, gender expression and biological sex all align (man-masculine-male or woman-feminine-female).

third gender: a person who does not identify with traditional genders of male or female. two-sPirits: Native American two-spirits were male, female, and sometimes intersex individuals who combined activities of both men and women with traits unique to their status as two spirits. In most tribes, they were considered neither men nor women; they occupied a distinct, alternative gender status.

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AsexuAl: the lack of sexual attraction to anyone, or low or absent interest in sexual activity. It may be considered the lack of a sexual orientation, or one of the variations thereof, alongside heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality. PAnsexuAl: a person who experiences sexual, romantic, physical or spiritual attraction for members of all gender identities. Fluid: gender-fluid or fluid- sexuality describes a person fluctuating between a mix of options such as man and woman, bisexual and straight. FtM/F2M; MtF/M2F: female-tomale; male-to-female transgender person. trAnsitioning: the process of moving from one sex or gender to another. trAnsgender: A blanket term used to describe all people who are not cisgender. A person whose gender identity is the opposite of their biological sex, who may undergo medical treatments to change their biological sex to align with their gender identity, or they may choose to live their lives as the opposite sex. cross–dresser: a person, gay or straight, who dresses as the opposite gender for relaxation, fun and/or sexual gratification. 01.06.2016 •

lifestyle food

Photos: Facebook

More best bites

There are just too many to choose from

n my last column I started to list the best dishes I had enjoyed in my ﬁrst year of reporting on restaurants for SFGN. Frankly, I thought that there’d be ﬁve, maybe six, that would make the list. In looking back over my past columns, I was surprised at how many more there were. Even in a restaurant that underwhelms me, there can be a stand out dish. No wonder I’m always struggling to get back to my original weight of 6 lbs. 8 oz.!

Rick Karlin

I’m certainly not a food snob, and great food can even be found at your neighborhood diner. At Peter Pan Diner, my go-to dish is from the low-carb menu. I always order the triple salad combo. It features three healthy scoops of excellent tuna, chicken and seafood salad, with cucumbers, tomatoes and Greek olives. I also order a toasted bagel, completely obliterating the low-carb aspect. I don’t care. There’s easily enough for two people, but I won’t share. 1216 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park, 954-565-7177.

While JT Threlkeld and his partner Chris Messina may have closed Wilton Manor’s Out of the Oven, they still serve the same delicious crumb cake at their new place, Oakland Park’s 45th St. Bakery and I, for one, am grateful. 1950 NE 45th St., 954-533-6747, OutOfTheOvenBaking.com.

One of the hardest parts about reviewing a restaurant is when everything is good. It’s hard to avoid coming off sounding like the place hired you to promote them. That was the case with Wilton Manors’ own New York Grilled Cheese. Everything that I tasted was perfectly prepared. There were some things I liked better than others, but that was a matter of personal preference, not an indication of the quality of the food. The basic sandwich consists of perfectly crisp waffle-grilled bread dripping with plenty of gooey cheese. Additional ingredients or different kinds of bread distinguish the various sandwiches,

all named after New York neighborhoods. My favorites depend on my mood, it’s either the “Soho,” which combines brie, crispy onions, crunchy bacon and berry marmalade on toasted oatmeal wheat bread or the “Harlem Jalapeno” a spicy combo of crispy jalapeno poppers, crispy onions and sweet chili aioli added to the restaurant’s classic grilled cheese ingredients. Whichever I choose, it comes with my favorite bite, the tomato basil soup for dipping. It creates a slow afterglow at the back of your throat that is delightful. 2207 Wilton Dr., 954-564-6887, NewYorkGrilledCheese.com

On my visits to What the Pho I was not bowled over (no pun intended) but others have raved about it, so I will be giving it a second chance. Even though I wasn’t crazy about the pho, I had nothing but raves for the banh xeo. Often referred to as a crepe or pancake, it is a paper-thin omelet stuffed with fresh veggies and herbs. It was perfectly prepared, one of the reasons I’m willing to give the place another chance. 2033 Wilton Dr., 954-779-7769

Brunch buffets are usually a case of quantity over quality. At Dapur, the Sunday brunch manages both quantity and quality, while delivering more exotic fare than you’ll usually see on a brunch buffet. In addition to the buffet of Asian and western fare, there are also sushi and omelet stations and carts of dim sum from which to choose. The $23.95 prix fixe ($14 more if you want to partake of the unlimited Bloody Mary, mimosa and sangria bar - and you will) is one of the best deals and meals in town. 1620 N. Federal, Ft. Lauderdale, 954-3062663, DapurKitchen.com

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Sometimes the simplest plates can have the most impact. That’s the case with the cashew cheese plate at Sublime. It is presented with olive tapenade, a small bowl of kim chee vegetables and crostini. I challenge you to compare this to the richest goat’s milk product. You don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy this delightful snack. 1431 N. Federal, Fort Lauderdale, 954-615-1431, SubimeRestaurant.com

Occasionally the best bite isn’t one particular dish, but the best deal in town. Such is the case at Mojo, which celebrates Tuesday (an under-appreciated day) with select martinis for $6. On that same day, Mojo also offers a three-course prix fixe (appetizer, entree and dessert) for $19.95. For those who dine early and want to order a la carte, if you’re seated before 6:30, they’ll give you a free soup or salad and dessert with any entrée every day but Sunday. 4140 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale, 954-568-4443, MojoFL.com

I couldn’t end this column without mentioning chocolate. The budino, a rich thick pudding, topped with salted caramel, chopped hazelnuts

and whipped cream at Louie Bossi is, quite possibly, the best dessert I’ve ever had in my life. 1032 E. Las Olas Blvd., 954-356-6699, LouieBossi.com

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theater “Diva Diaries,” running through Jan. 31 in the Abdo New River Room at the Broward Center, is the story of three drag queens on the verge of a nervous breakdown when they find out the club where they’ve performed for 25 years is closing. Feathers fly as the divas spill secrets, fall apart and come together in this musical. Snacks and dessert are available one hour before the show. Tickets are $45 at BrowardCenter.org.

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dance Miami City Ballet continues its season at Miami’s Arsht Center this weekend with Program II: Balanchine’s “La Source,” set to music by Delibes; Peter Martins’ quirky “Barber Violin Concerto,” and Twyla Tharp’s signature “In the Upper Room” with music by Philip Glass. The program will be repeated at the Broward Center, Jan. 16 -17, and Kravis Center, Jan. 29 – 31. Tickets and show times at MiamiCityBallet.org.

The circus has come to town. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus returns to Miami’s American Airlines Arena, Jan. 8 – 18, with “Circus XTREME.” Photo Credit: Feld Entertainment.

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The circus has come to town! Yes, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus returns to Miami’s American Airlines Arena, Jan. 8 – 18, with “Circus XTREME,” and this show is not just for the kids. Don’t miss one of the last opportunities to marvel at the trained elephants before they are retired permanently from the circus. Tickets start at $16. For more information and show times, go to Ticketmaster.com.

SAGE of South Florida presents “A Cabaret in the Afternoon,” featuring well known Broadway performer Michael Vita today at 2 p.m. at The Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Vita will be singing familiar hits from the Great White Way, accompanied by Jeff Hess on piano and Arnie Miller on bass. The performance is free and free parking is available at the center. For information, go to SageWebsite.org.

Jan McArt’s New Play Reading Series features “The Goldberg Variations” by gay director and playwright Stuart Meltzer tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Wold Performing Arts Center on the Lynn University campus in Boca Raton. Directed by Margaret Ledford, the play explores the challenges for a family dealing with a parent’s failing health, a story based on Meltzer’s own experiences. Tickets are $10 at Events.Lynn.edu.

The Symphony of the Americas continues its masterworks season tonight at 8:15 p.m. in the Amaturo Theater of the Broward Center. Maestro James Brook-Bruzzese conducts award-winning Italian violinist Roberto Cani in Wieniawski’s “Concerto No. 2 in D minor,” Rossini’s spirited “L’Italiana in Algeri Overture” and Dvorak’s dramatic “Symphony No. 6 in D.” Tickets are $50 and $75 at BrowardCenter.org.

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a&e movies

best lgbt FilMs oF 2015

David-Elijah Nahmod

“Best” of course is a relative term. From my vantage point, these are the best LGBT films of 2015. MIA are several films that I suspect would have made the list had I seen them: the lesbian dramas “Freeheld” and “Grandma,” and the documentary “Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine” – I look forward to catching them on DVD. Of the films I did see, it was “The Danish Girl,” a riveting trans themed

biopic from “Les Misrables” director Tom Hooper which tops the list. There are in fact two trans themed films on this list, as the trans community continues to emerge from the shadows and take their place at the table. There’s also one controversial choice, but as stated earlier, these are just my opinions. We’d love to know what your favorite films are, please let us know. Happy New Year!

The Danish Girl

Boulevard

Director Tom Hooper and star Eddie Redmayne both deserve to win second Oscars for their work in this mesmerizing biopic. The film tells the true life story of LIli Elbe, believed to be the first transwoman to undergo sex reassignment surgery. “The Danish Girl” is, first and foremost, a love story between Lili and her wife Gerda (Alicia Vikander), who remain together even after Lili transitions. Though Gerda sees herself as losing her beloved husband, she stands by Lili’s side. Even as their relationship becomes platonic, Lili’s and Gerda’s deep love for each other remains fully intact. Redmayne gives an extraordinary performance both as Lili, and as Einar, the male persona she leaves behind. In other films where transwomen are played by cisgender men, the trans character often looks like a drag queen. Not so in “The Danish Girl.” Redmayne’s power as an actor allows a woman to emerge on screen He completely alters his onscreen body language as he transitions from Einar to Lili. The story’s setting, 1920s Copenhagen Denmark, is lovingly recreated in his heartbreaking and heartwarming history lesson. Lili’s tale serves as an education to us all, whether trans or not: find the courage and strength to be yourself.

Tangerine

Amazingly, filmmaker Sean Baker shot his film with an iPhone. Thanks to current technology, “Tangerine” has a somewhat polished look, while also capturing the harsh realities of transgender street life. Real life transwomen Mya Taylor and Kitana Kiki Rodriguez star as Alexandra and Sin-Dee, best friends and prostitutes on the streets of Hollywood. “Tangerine” is a no-holds bared look at a dangerous lifestyle that many transwomen of color are forced to endure due to a society which often still refuses to accept them. This is strong stuff – the film illustrates in no uncertain terms how unsavory and violent Alexandra and Sin-Dee’s world can be. But “Tangerine” is also funny and sweet--the girls are loud and foul mouthed – and they genuinely love each other. “Tangerine” is an important film that might open people’s hearts and minds as how many in the trans community have been forced to live, even as they hope and yearn for something better.

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“Boulevard” is not a great ﬁlm – the script needed some work. But “Boulevard” marks the final performance of the late, great Robin Williams (1951-2014), who was given one last hurrah as Nolan - a sixty year old man in a somewhat friendly but loveless marriage to Joy (Kathy Baker). Nolan and Joy create the illusion of themselves as a happily married couple, even as they hide the truth from their friends and from themselves: they sleep in separate rooms and have not made love in decades. After Nolan meets Leo (Roberto Aguire), he’s able to face the truth about himself. Leo is a troubled hustler, and Nolan tries to mentor him. It’s a lost cause, but their strange friendship enables Nolan to accept his own long suppressed homosexuality. The flawed script doesn’t allow viewers to learn who Leo and Joy really are, but William’s performance is so powerful that “Boulevard” becomes a rewarding viewing experience. At the time the film was shot the actor was struggling with his own inner demons. Williams allows the audience to peak inside Nolan’s soul and to see the character’s torment – we might just be seeing a bit of Williams’ own torment as the story unfolds. It’s an extraordinary performance from a great actor. A most fitting final bow.

Bessie

Queen Latifah stars in this beautifully produced biopic of legendary blues singer Bessie Smith. Smith (1894-1937) was an African American woman who walked to the beat of her own drum at a time when most “colored folks” knew their place. Smith lived her life to the fullest and partied hard. She loved men and women alike, and the film doesn’t shy away from her bisexuality. Sumptuously produced, “Bessie” recreates Smith’s era – including the blatantly harsh racism which was still socially acceptable during those days. The film features a number of riveting musical numbers with Latifah belting them out as she struts her stuff across the stage. “Bessie” is grand entertainment – it’s a fitting tribute to a woman who kicked open a few doors as part of the generation which preceded the civil rights movement.

a&e movies Stonewall Roland Emmerich’s “Stonewall” is to the legendary riots what James Cameron’s “Titanic” was to the maritime disaster, a romanticized retelling of actual historic events starring a fictional lead. The film was viciously attacked by LGBT activists before it was even released – the intensity of their venom was disturbing – many of the protesters admitted that they’d not seen the film. The accusations hurled at the film were false. The film told the truth about the harsh conditions which gay and trans kids – many of whom had been rejected by their families--were forced to live in during the Stonewall era. Nor does “Stonewall” shy away from the police brutality and harassment, which sparked the riots. The film has two villains: a violent gay mafia goon (Ron Perlman) and a conservative gay activist (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) who shows a willingness to sell his community out. Both of these characters are white. “Stonewall” also offers a riveting, Oscar worthy performance from newcomer Jonny Beauchamp as Ray/Ramona, an embittered yet kind-hearted cross dressing Latin prostitute – Beauchamp steals the film. It’s Ramona and real-life African American Stonewall veteran Marsha P. Johnson (Otoja Abit) who offer fictional lead Danny Winters the love, loyalty and support he never gets from the Rhys-Meyers character. Romona and Johnson are “Stonewall’s” most sympathetic and likable characters. Is “Stonewall” a perfect film? Is it completely accurate? No, but neither was “Titanic.” But “Stonewall” does get many aspects of the Stonewall saga right. It did not deserve the attacks that were hurled at it. It’s out on DVD/Blu Ray – give it a chance.

Larry Kramer: In Love and Anger Produced for HBO, Jean Carlomusto’s feature length documentary preserves the history and legacy of legendary AIDS activist Larry Kramer. The film opens as long time HIV survivor Kramer lies in his hospital, barely alive after undergoing surgery which was needed in order to save his life – director Carlomusto is seen in Kramer’s hospital room tending to his needs. “Larry Kramer: In Love and Anger” then flashes back to Kramer’s less than happy childhood and follows him as he begins a career as a Hollywood producer and screenwriter – Kramer received an Oscar nomination for penning the script to Ken Russell’s “Women in Love” (1969), a film which stunned viewers at the time due to its blatant homoeroticism. In 1977 Kramer became persona-nongrata in the gay community after his shocker of a novel “Faggots” was published. In the book Kramer dared to suggest that gay culture was shallow and unhealthy – an argument that is still being waged today. But it was when Kramer rallied the troops during the peak years of the AIDS epidemic that made his legacy. A co-founder of the AIDS activist organization ACT-UP, Kramer screamed and cursed at a government which knowingly let people die – and at gay men who were, in his eyes, apathetic. “Larry Kramer: In Love and Anger” includes a still-shocking clip: Kramer tells a 1980s TV interviewer that the government was ignoring AIDS because the disease was killing “niggers, spics and faggots.” By the time Carlomusto made her film, most people had admitted that Kramer was right.

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a&e theater Michael Leeds provides direction to Troy Stanley, left, and Kevin Reilly during a rehearsal of his new play, “Who Killed Joan Crawford?” at Island City Stage.

liPs celebrAtes MAdonnA’s swing through south FloridA John McDonald

he ladies of Lips are paying tribute to the Queen of Pop. In a benefit for Care Resource, Lips, the longtime drag den, is hosting a Madonna themed party. The dinner show is scheduled for 7 p.m., Jan. 20 at the Lips location in Oakland Park, 1421 East Oakland Park Blvd. “We’re fortunate to be able to lend support to a great organization like Care Resource,” said Yvonne Lame, Lips founder and coowner, in a news release. “There’s no better reason to celebrate than Madonna coming to town and each of our divas is ready to put her own unique twist on The Queen of Pop’s great music for this worthy cause.” Madonna is bringing her “Rebel Heart” tour to Miami for two shows at American Airlines Arena, Jan. 23-24. Her provocative style SFGN_Florida_House3.pdf 1 4/9/2015 1:03:28 PM has long attracted a gay following and Lips

performers are ready to reinvent many classic “Material Girl” numbers. Lame is promising a night featuring Madonna anthems “Papa Don’t Preach,” “Like A Virgin,” “Into The Groove,” and “Like A Prayer.” Cost for the evening is $31, which includes dinner, beverages, cover charge, taxes and gratuity. Reservations are strongly encouraged as this particular show, Lame insists, will sell out. Reservations can be made by calling 954567-0987 or visit LipsUSA.com Proceeds from this Madonna themed Lips party will benefit AIDS Walk Miami 2016 now in its 28th year. Care Resource, South Florida’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization, operates facilities in Miami, Miami Beach, Little Havana and Fort Lauderdale.

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Photo Credit: Andy Rogow.

Photo: Facebook

a&e music

new coMedy showcAses locAl director's writing skills J.W. Arnold

ichael Leeds is best known as a director, but with the world premiere of his comedy, “Who Killed Joan Crawford?” at Island City Stage next week, South Florida audiences will also get to evaluate his talents as a playwright. “I’m a director first, so I have no ego as a writer to cut,” he explained in a phone interview between rehearsals. “I’m used to working with a playwright, so I’m wearing my director hat when I’m writing.” The Tony Award-nominated director actually started with the title. Leeds was reading about the iconic actress when the title came to mind. “I just had to write a play to back up the title and started to imagine how that could play out,” he recalled. A fan of Agatha Christie murder novels, Leeds drew inspiration from the mystery writer’s “And Then There Were None” and the corresponding movie, “Ten Little Indians.” He envisioned a birthday party with a theme – all the guests would be invited to come dressed as their favorite Joan Crawford movie character. The host is a soap opera star and his friends include his publicist, writer, investor, therapist and a young memoirist. The story begins with lots of laughs until a murder is committed. “As in all these plays and movies and books, it’s a rainy night, they’re in a cabin upstate and the road is blocked after a tree falls,” Leeds explained with a slight chuckle. “Part of the fun of it for me is five men who are dressed as a woman, but not trying to be

a woman,” he added. “They’re lumbering around the stage in heels and make-up.” Leeds coaxed Island City Stage artistic director Andy Rogow for the production, along with another well-known local actor, Kevin Reilly. Also in the cast are Troy Stanley, Christian Vandepas, who Leeds worked with in last season’s production of “Poz,” and New York actor Barry Marcus. Already, the play’s title has raised eyebrows. One patron told Rogow she didn’t know Joan Crawford had been murdered. “When they hear it’s a comedy-thriller, that intrigues them more,” Leeds said. The play has already received a couple of readings in Chicago, where it was a winner of a contest by a local theater for gay-themed plays, but the current rehearsals are shaping the production in important ways. “The personal qualities of the characters come out more in rehearsals,” he said. “There’s also an old expression that the last actor to show up is the audience. You learn so much from them and their reactions.” The Broadway veteran said it’s not uncommon for well-rehearsed productions to undergo major rewrites after the first preview performance with an audience. Leeds also relied on advice from awardwinning South Florida playwright Michael McKeever and his partner, equally accomplished director Stuart Meltzer. “They say writing is actually rewriting and sometimes you have to kill your babies,” Leeds said, but if the buzz coming from rehearsals is any indication, Leeds’ baby is going to make it this time.

Island City Stage presents the world premiere of “Who Killed Joan Crawford?” written and directed by Michael Leeds, Jan. 14 – Feb. 14, at Abyss Stage, 2304 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors. Tickets are $35 at IslandCityStage.org.

a&e history Submitted Photo

Find all you need to begin the Year with fabulous style at

PhotogrAPhy exhibit celebrAtes gAy icons, J.W. Arnold unlikely cAreer

ob Deutsch was just a teen when he first attended the filming of a television show in Manhattan in the early 1960s, but the experience would send him into a photography career surrounded by the biggest names in stage, television and film. His photographs of these iconic personalities are the subject of a new exhibit, “Star Struck,” opening at the Stonewall Museum Wilton Manors Gallery this week. Deutsch was 16 and living in Queens when a cousin who worked for CBS gave him tickets to “The Garry Moore Show,” featuring a young Carol Burnett. “TV show tapings were free and because I liked them so much, I began sending away for tickets,” recalled Deutsch. He collected autographs from many of the stars, but it was an encounter with Marilyn Monroe at Madison Square Garden that would send him on a career as a celebrity photographer. Monroe was attending a 1962 salute to President John Kennedy and Deutsch spotted her getting out of her limousine, but she declined to sign his autograph book. That’s when he “went out and got a camera.” In those days, it was easier to get close to the stars. He would attend the performances and then hang around outside the studios, theater stage doors or even their hotels. “We chatted and got friendly,” he said, capturing shots of Burnett, Elizabeth Taylor, Barbra Streisand, Natalie Wood and Jane Fonda. Burnett would let him carry her bag from the studio to her hotel after her television shows. Deutsch was invited to photograph Robert Goulet’s wedding and struck a friendship with Vivien Leigh, who was starring in “Tavarisch” on Broadway. Leigh invited him back to her dressing room several times and when the actress went back to London, they continued corresponding via mail. It was all a hobby, however, until 1970, when Deutsch started selling his photographs to newspapers and magazines. He eventually went to work for Newsweek, where he worked until 1983. He became a regular at the famed Studio 54 nightclub, capturing the celebrities who came to see and be seen. “It was such a great rush to walk past all those people (waiting) in the line to get in,” he said. “But, I guarantee you, I didn’t have as a good a time as the people who were dancing.” Deutsch is now a resident of Fort Lauderdale where he resides with his husband, but at the time, his parents owned an apartment in Miami and his visits to Florida frequently

involved work. He was among the last to photograph Elvis Presley who performed at the long-gone Hollywood Sportatorium. Deutsch had a $15 front row ticket and shot pictures of the singer, who was overweight and obviously in declining health. The pictures were published in Newsweek and outlets across Europe. Some of his images occasionally resurface in the tabloids, earning Deutsch residuals. “When I go to Publix, I always go through the magazines,” he said. Deutsch was also assigned to cover Elizabeth Taylor’s 1981 pre-Broadway, out-of-town tryout of “Little Foxes” at the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale, one of his fondest celebrity encounters. He photographed the first runthrough in an empty theaters, “a wonderful memory.” “When it was all over, they called me up on stage and asked me how I wanted (Taylor) to pose. As I was doing it, I was saying to myself, I’m actually directing Elizabeth Taylor,” he recalled. The publicist was so thrilled with the images, Deutsch was invited to photograph the opening night party and presented with tickets later to the Broadway opening. Eventually, the long hours and late nights got to Deutsch and he called it quits in 1983. Instead, he became a very successful real estate agent in Brooklyn, choosing not to speak of his previous career, except for one party at his apartment when he pulled slides from his closet. Years later, his friend, Tony Timiraos, former executive director of Our Fund, introduced him to Stonewall National Museum and Archives executive David Jobin, and suggested an exhibit of his photographs. It’s been more than a year, but 32 photographs and some mementos have finally been assembled with the help of exhibit curator Charles Ross. More than three decades later, Deutsch has fond memories of the experiences and the relationships he struck with those stars, but would never considering resuming his career. “Absolutely not,” he exclaimed. “Now everybody has a camera on their phones. When I was a photographer it was all film and prints and my cameras were too heavy even back then. I can’t imagine all the pushing and shoving and waving.” “Star Struck: Vintage Portraits of Gay Favorites” with photography by Bob Deutsch will be on display Jan. 7 – Feb. 14 at the Stonewall Museum – Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Dr. For more information and gallery hours, go to Stonewall-Museum.org.

www.mh2g.com Interest FREE Financing Available! *

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Datebook

Theater Christiana Lilly

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top

Picks

Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute

Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. A tribute to the King of Pop by the longest running tribute band. Tickets $40.85 to $56.75. Call 954-4620222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.org.

Norm Lewis

Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. Lewis made Broadway history when he was the first African American man to play the phantom in “Phantom of the Opera.” Tickets $40 to $45. Call 305-466-8002 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

LAST CHANCE: The History Boys

Through Jan. 10 at Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. Eight men’s lives are forever changed by their teacher. Tickets $64. Call 561-514-4042 or visit PalmBeachDramaworks.org.

* Denotes New Listing

broward county * The Jackie Mason Musical

Jan. 7 to 24 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. A younger Jackie Mason spots the beautiful Ginger, played by his daughter Sheba Mason, at a Miami deli and tries to woo her every winter when he returns south. Tickets $49.99, or $24.50 with discount code EARLY. Call 954-678-1496 or visit EmpireStage.com.

* Shen Yun: Experience a Divine Culture

Jan. 8 to 10 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Travel through 5,000 years of Chinese culture with classical dance, music, and acrobatics. Tickets $60 to $200. Call 954462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* #UnhappyHour

Fridays and Saturdays from Jan. 8 to 24 at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive in Coral Springs. Claire

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and Charlie work at a Florida dive bar, and each night is filled with odd customers, dreams, and a complicated relationship. Tickets $39.22. Call 954-344-5999 or visit CoralSpringsCenterfortheArts.com.

* Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis Rockin’ Birthday Bash

Jan. 9 at 8 p.m. at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive in Coral Springs. Elvis Presley impersonator MacDonald pays tribute to the King of Rock’s birthday. Tickets $28.62 to $49.82. Call 954-344-5999 or visit CoralSpringsCenterfortheArts.com.

* John Sebastian

Jan. 9 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist for The Lovin’ Spoonful performs favorites from the band, including “Do You Believe in Magic?,” “Welcome Back,” and “Rain on the Roof.” Tickets $32.50 to $42.50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Olate Dogs

Jan. 10 at 1 p.m. at the the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Winners of "America’s Got Talent", the 10 poodles perform entertaining acrobatic feats. Tickets $27 to $75. Call 954462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Golda’s Balcony

Jan. 10 at 3 p.m. at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive in Coral Springs. A one-woman show chronicling the tale of Golda Meir’s humble beginnings as a Russian immigrant to the prime minister of Israel. Tickets $28.62 to $49.82. Call 954-3445999 or visit CoralSpringsCenterfortheArts. com.

* Menopause the Musical

Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive in Coral Springs. A hilarious gathering of four women at a lingerie sale moaning and groaning over hot flashes, sex, and growing old. Tickets $32.86 to $64.66 benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Call 954-344-5999 or visit CoralSpringsCenterfortheArts.com.

* Symphony of the Americas: Roberto Cani, Violin

Jan. 12 at 8:15 p.m. at the the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Violinist Cani performs with the Symphony of the Americas. Tickets $50 to $75. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter. org.

* An Evening with Paul Anka

Jan. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The songwriting master wrote Tom Jones’ “She’s a Lady,” Michael Jackson’s “This is It,” and Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” Tickets $37.50 to $140. Call 954-4620222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

palm beach county

miami-dade county

* New York Gilbert & Sullivan * I’ve Got a Little Twist Players: I’ve Got a Little Twist Jan. 7 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. A mash up of Broadway favorites brings forth this musical, with a twist. Tickets $38. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis Rockin’ Birthday Bash

Jan. 10 at 1:30 and 7 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Elvis Presley impersonator MacDonald pays tribute to the King of Rock’s birthday. Tickets $50. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* New World Symphony

Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The symphony is joined by Christian Macelaru as conductor and Arnaud Sussman on violin. Tickets $35 and up. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Anka -- My Music My Way

Jan. 12 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The songwriting master wrote Tom Jones’ “She’s a Lady,” Michael Jackson’s “This is It,” and Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” Tickets $35 and up. Call 561-8327469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Romeo and Juliet

Jan. 12 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The story of star-crossed lovers is told in its entirety by the State Ballet Theatre of Russia. Tickets $25 and up. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.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.

Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. The Gilbert & Sullivan Players celebrate American musical theater. Tickets $40 to $45. Call 305-466-8002 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

* Run for Your Wife

Jan. 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. at Main Street Players, 6766 Main St. in Miami Lakes. A reading of the British comedy, where a London taxi driver is living a double life with two families. When he gets into an accident, it all comes to a head when both families are notified. Tickets $5. Call 305-558-3737 or visit MainStreetPlayers.com.

* Miami City Ballet: Program II

Jan. 8 to 10 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The ballet company performs La Source, Barber Violin Concerto, and In the Upper Room. Tickets $22 to $99. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey: Circus XTREME

Jan. 8 to 18 at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The two traveling circuses make their way back to Miami with stunts from humans and animals alike. Tickets $16 to $75. Call 786-777-1000 or visit AAArena.com.

* Gil Shaham Plays Tchaikovsky

Jan. 9 at 8 p.m. at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The violinist performs works by Tchaikovsky and Beethoven. Tickets $45 to $140. Call 305-9496722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Good Vibrations

Jan. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Old Square Pavilion, 51 Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Former frontmen from The Rascals, The Monkees, Journey, Grank Funk, and Eddie and the Cruisers come together for the 2016 tour. Tickets $40 to $125. Call 561-243-7922 or visit OldSquare.org.

* Miami Symphony Orchestra: Ocean Drive in Vienna

Jan. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Viennese classical music is tinged with a Latin twist. Tickets $44 to $122. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.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.

porn pulse

Photo: Facebook

Jasper Robinson Dead At 21 Hunter Houston

nd yet another gay porn actor has, reportedly, taken his own life. The latest to fall is Jasper Robinson, a tall, slender 21-year-old Washington native who, according to The Advocate Magazine, called San Francisco home. Robinson, who had the words “chaos” and “peace” tattooed across his shoulders, appeared in scenes for Helix Studios, Boycrush, NextDoor and Cocky Boys during his three year run in adult film work. And, of course, tributes and condemnations poured in. “I’m still in shock and can’t believe he’s gone,” tweeted gay porn actor Phillip Ashton. “I’m def going to miss him and all the amazing times we had together. Those that knew Jasper he had touched everyone in one way or another. He was a very outgoing blunt one

with nature kinda guy.” A Greek commentator on the Towleroad website was far less kind, seizing on Robinson’s death to blast the entire porn industry. “It’s official: Escorting and porn should carry health advisory labels,” wrote Michos Tsimas. “I wonder when LGBT organisations are going to start addressing the huge fallout from prostitution and drugs in our communities. They keep going on about trans murders and suicides, conveniently omitting that most of these deaths are directly or indirectly linked to drugs and prostitution.” Robinson apparently died on Dec. 13, with news breaking last weekend of his demise. He is the third twenty-something porn actor reported to have committed suicide recently. The deaths of Zac Stevens, 25, and Dimitri Kane, 20 were reported in November.

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01.06.2016 •

Datebook

community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com

Top Picks “Star Struck: Vintage Portraits of Gay Favorites” Exhibit Opening

Jan. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Stonewall Museum -- Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Bob Deutsch’s photographs of gay icons are the focus of this exhibit, including Barbra Streisand, Elizabeth Taylor, Eric Astrada, Elvis Presley, Bette Midler, Lily Tomlin, and more. Free. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org.

Oshogatsu

Jan. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach. Ring in the Japanese New Year (the year of the monkey!) with food, games, entertainment, and a tasting room. Tickets $12, $35 for tasting room. Call 561495-0233 or visit Morikami.org.

Meet Our Brewers

Jan. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Concrete Beach Brewery, 325 NW 24th St. in Wynwood. Get to meet the crew that works behind the scenes to bring customers their favorite brews at this new craft beer spot. Free. Call 305-796-2727 or visit ConcreteBeachBrewery.com.

broward county * Fourth Annual Mercedes-Benz Concours d'Elegance

Jan. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park, 3300 N. Park Road in Hollywood. Car lovers will enjoy an afternoon of Mercedes Benz vehicles of all makes, models, and years. Tickets $1.50 park entry. Call 954-357-8811 or visit MBCA.org.

* Highlights from 10 Years in Gay Photojournalism

Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall Museum -Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Shooting for The Advocate and OutWeek, photographer Jim Marks discusses what he’s seen through the camera lens. Free. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum. org.

Life Coaching

Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Latinos Salud Clubhouse, 2300 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Get one-on-one life coaching from certified CRCS coaches. For guys living

• 01.06.2016

Broward Support Services 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 garri1@earthlink.net

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. with HIV, their partners, and anyone who identifies as transgender. Free. Call 954-7656239 or visit LatinosSalud.org.

Introduction Buddhism

Modern

Mondays 6 to 6:30 p.m. at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 140 W. Prospect Road in Fort Lauderdale. Join a guided meditation and instruction with Western Buddhist teacher, Jay Radin. Free. Visit MeditationinFortLauderdale.com.

Man2Man Discussion

JAn. 6 to JAn. 12 positive reinforcement and encouragement from your peers. Call Ted Verdone at 954566-2074 or email tedverdone@comcast. net.

Come On, Get Happy!

Third Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at SunServe, 2312 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. A discussion group designed around the mind-body connection and emotional balance. Free. Call Katy Yankie at 954-764-5150 ext. 105 or visit sunserve.org.

palm beach county * Avatars of the Divine: Women in Pre-Columbian Society

Jan. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m at Griffin Gallery Ancient Art Gallery Center, 608 Banyan Trail in Boca Raton. Welcome the newest exhibit showing the power of women in preColumbian cultures. Free. Call 561-994-0811 or visit GriffinGallery.net.

Positive Connection

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

Rapid HIV Testing

Wednesdays at MCC of the Palm Beaches, 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens. Find out your status in a safe and private way. Free. Email dropincenter@ mccpalmbeach.org

Yoga Among the Orchids

Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at the American Orchid Society, 16700 AOS Lane in Delray Beach. Practice your yoga in the presence of beautiful, calming orchids. $20 a class. Call 561-404-2011 or visit OrchidWeb.org.

Yoga on the Waterfront

Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m. at Lake Pavilion, 101 S. Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach. Take a day out of the week to center yourself on the yoga mat. $10 per class or residents $40 for eight weeks, nonresidents $50 for eight weeks. Call 561-804-4902.

Mondays 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. A weekly informal discussion group among gay men of all backgrounds. Contact John Beuscher at 954-319-4292 or email johnnybushwick@aol.com.

Overeaters Anonymous

Toastmasters

Coming Out Support Group

Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Learn the art of public speaking with

Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A safe place to discuss their eating habits and goals. Free. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. a Compass GLCC of the Palm Beaches, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Get support as you

Queer Alternatives

Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. An all encompassing social group, those 18 to 29 who consider themselves to be lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, questioning, or anything in between are welcome to join! Free. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

miami-dade county The Flying Trapeze School

Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 4 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 1075 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Soar through the air like a member of the circus with trained trapeze experts. Call 786239-8775 or visit TheFlyingTrapeze.net

Free Rapid HIV Testing

Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Latinos Salud, 555 Washington Ave. Suite 235 in Miami Beach. Receive the results of your free, confidential HIV test in minutes. Call 305397-8967 or visit LatinosSalud.org

Community Yoga Series

Third Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. at jugofresh Wynwood Walls, 222 NW 26th St. in Miami. Yoga instructor Dawn B. Feinberg leads a monthly yoga class in the middle of Miami’s art district. Mats are available, but yogis are encouraged to bring their own. Free. Call 786-472-2552.

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.

Capoeira

Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Bayfront Park’s Tina Hills Pavilion, 1075 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Learn the Brazilian art of capoeira, a mix of dance and martial arts, with Mestre Ze Com Fome. Free. Call 305-989-6628 or visit mestrezeomfome.com.

Modern Buddhist Meditation

Mondays and Tuesdays at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Find inner peace with instruction on meditation with Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Nurbu. Cost $10 and $5 per class. Call 786-529-7137.

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Business Directory chiropractic COAST CHIROPRACTIC INJURY & WELLNESS CENTER 2608 NE 16th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33334 954.463.3036 www.coast-chiropractic.com

dental

LANE & ERIKS DENTAL ASSOCIATES 1831 NE 45th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.771.3331 Laneanderiksdental.com OAKLAND PARK DENTAL 3047 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954.566.9812 Oaklandparkdental.com ANDREWS DENTAL CARE 2654 N Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311 954.567.3311 Andrewsdentalcare.com

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

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

professional services

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

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

legal

SELZER & WEISS 1515 NE 25th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.567.4444 Selzerandweiss.com SHAWN NEWMAN 710 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.563.9160 Shawnnewman.com LAW GC 707 NE 3rd Ave #300, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954.573.1444 Lawgc.com

GREGORY KABEL 1 East Broward Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, 33301 954.761.7770 gwkesq@bellsouth.net

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restaurants

STORKS BAKERY 2505 NE 15th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.567.3220 Storksbakery.com THE FLORIDIAN RESTAURANT 1410 E Las Olas Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954.463.4041

NAKED GRAPE 2163 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.563.5631 Nakedgrapewinebar.com BEEFCAKE’S 1721 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 954.463.6969 Boardwalkbar.com

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J. MARK’S 1245 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (954) 390-0770 Jmarksrestaurant.com ERNIE'S B-B-Q 1843 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 954-523-8636

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retail

KALIS-MCINTEE FUNERAL & CREMATION CENTER

investments

restaurants

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BARTON & MILLER CLEANERS 2600 N. Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-4314

AMERICAN TAX Publication & INSURANCE :Newspaper Ad Cont. Levitt Small Ad Gay WILTON MANORS DENTAL 2929 E Comm. Blvd, 8th Floor Penthouse D, Fort Lauderdale, FL 2517 NE 9th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.302.3228 954-564-4746 Americantaxandinsurance.com Wiltonmanorsdental.com ISLAND CITY DENTAL 1700 NE 26th Street, Ste. 2, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-564-7121 Islandcitydental.com

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

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 NATURAL SLEEP 3040 N 29th Ave, Hollywood, FL 33020 954.951.2678 Naturalsleepfd.com

POVERELLO THRIFT STORE 2056 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.561.3663 Poverello.org MODERN HOME 2 GO 4000 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.530.5650 Mh2go.com ESTATE AUCTION CO. 6 South Federal Hwy, Dania Beach, FL 33304 954-921-2828 Estateauctionco.com

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retail ESTATE AUCTION CO. 6 South Federal Hwy, Dania Beach, FL 33304 954-921-2828 Estateauctionco.com

realty

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

travel / leisure

theaters FT LAUDERDALE GAY MEN'S CHORUS PO Box 9772, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33310-9772 954-832-0060 www.theftlgmc.org ANDREWS LIVING ARTS STUDIO 23 NW 5th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954.530.1879 Classcreations.com KRAVIS CENTER 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL (561) 832-7469 Kravis.org ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132 305.949.6722 Arshtcenter.org GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA PO Box 39617, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33339 954-763-2266 Gaymenschorusofsouthflorida.org

veterinarian DR. PIERRE B. BLAND, DVM 3225 N. Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-673-8579 Doctorblandvet.com

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SFGN Classified$ accounting - finance HEALTH & LIFE ADVISING INC - 14 years experience. Guaranteed issue 25K critical illness insurance rates at $36 and $50 including accidental injury coverage. Best rates for life guaranteed, from limited med to full medical underwriting. Term/ROP/ WHOLE/FINAL EXPENSE/ACA HEALTH PLANS WITH SUBSIDIES AVAILABLE. CALL 954-2000140, ask for Brian

attorney

electrician TOP DOG ELECTRIC-QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP AT A FAIR PRICE - Any and all types of electrical work performed by craftsmen who care about their work. 954-533-5005 guy@ topdogelectricfl.com www.TopDogElectricFL.com Lic# 97-CME-1724-X 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

entertainment/dj's

LIVE JAZZ FOR YOUR NEXT PARTY OR SPECIAL EVENT - Have your next special occassion be extra special with live jazz. Jazz vocalist with over 30 years experience performing in South Florida.No tapes or tracks.I work with South Florida's finest jazz musicians to make your special affair one to remember. Reasonable rates. Call Cindy at 954-298-8158 www.myspace.com/cindycurtisandcompany.

home health care

handyman

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

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• 01.06.2016

WANTED: RN/DON FOR NEW HOME HEALTH AGENCY - Are you a Florida licensed RN with Home Health supervisory experience?Are you interested in serving the LGBT community in PBC? If so, call Craig at 954-681-2209

To place a Classified Ad, call Cindy Curtis at 954.530.4970 or email at cindy.curtis@sfgn.com

help wanted EARN $300+ PER DAY - Activists Needed To Collect signatures to get Medical Marijuana on ballot. Earn $300+ per day. 954-616-7736; 754204-0114 Make own hours. HELP WANTED! - New full service gym located on E. Sunrise Blvd., looking for part time front desk help (Tues & Wed 5am- 10am and 8am-2pm every other Sat &Sun) and fill in as needed. Contact Julian via email julian@stamina1640.com.

home & garden

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help wanted SEEKING FRONT DESK PERSON FOR DENTAL OFFICE - Looking to hire full time 8-5 front desk person for receptionist, answering phones, filing, making appts. Full time position with benefits and fun, relaxed working atmosphere for the right person. No previous dental experience needed. Willing to train if you have good attitude and work ethic. To apply, email opdentalung@aol. 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 - In-calls at a private studio 15 minutes west of PBIA. Intuitive, experienced licensed massage therapist offers affordable rates 7 days, early to late. ASK ABOUT WEEKLY SPECIALS! Calls only 561254-8065 for the very best massage experience you can get HANDS DOWN! #MA51008

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

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rentals

painting GREGG'S PAINTING - Interior/exterior,great rates, friendliness, reliability, neatness. No job too small. Call Gregg at 617-306-5694 or 954-8705972.

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.

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pets/supplies

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 2 BD/2 BA W/POOL-A beautiful 2BD/2BA with pool duplex surrounded by lush gardens and well maintained landscaping. Updated kitchen with granite counters, terrazzo floors, large closets, central AC, washer/dryer. Small pets allowed. Nonsmoking. Perfectly suited for a roommate. Available February 1st. Phone 954-593-1576.

spiritual

FIRST GLORIOUS CHURCH OF LOVE - ReVive your experience with God! We are a house of prayer for ALL OF God's people!! Sunday Worship 2:30 p.m. 1200 N.E. 135th St., North Miami, Fl. 33161. www.firstgloriouschurchoflove.com

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01.06.2016 •

Broward Health Imperial Point is committed to becoming the hospital of choice for the LGBTQ community. We are uniquely equipped with the training and the staff to provide a comfortable environment for everyone who walks through our doors. As a certified healthcare provider for the LGBTQ community, we welcome patients for who they are. We do this by providing an environment where everyone can be transparent about their healthcare needs. Delivering on our promise to give our patients a long, healthy life is what makes Broward Health Imperial Point a leader in the treatment and awareness of the LGBTQ communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health needs. For more information, call 954.776.8500 or visit, BrowardHealth.org/BHIP

6401 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

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â&#x20AC;˘ 01.06.2016