10/21/15 V6i42 by South Florida Gay News

local name global coverage

October 21, 2015 vol. 6 // issue 42

s o u t h

f l o r i d a

g a y

A look ahead at Latinos Salud • Pages 4, 5 A look back at Southern Comfort • Pages 30 - 32 A second look at pride • Page 26

n e w s CHECK OUT THE NEW

Gazette Wilton Manors

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LGBT

History month Remembering DOMA, gay bike gangs, and more in lgbt history SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS

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Pages 40 - 46

SFGN.COM

the oPenIng lIne Photos: Facebook.

the Sin of Pride

Columnist says 'Gay Pride is a tired, outdated, boring embarrassment that's outlasted its usefulness or relevance.' michael walters – I'm stunned that anyone could have written this. This is a myopic, self-loathing little diatribe from someone who seems to be afraid of people who have no issue with showing the world that we are, like it or not, here to stay. To show that we are proud to be who we are, although we are not always unified or understanding with others in our communities. Pride should be displayed every day of our year. We should live with love and joy and leave behind those who don't like it to wallow in their own bitterness.

larkin lynch – I'm sure the author of this article thought he was being cutting edge when this utter shit was written, but being provocative for its own sake reveals he has nothing of substance to say. This piece totally missed whatever mark it was aiming for by a mile. It wasn't funny or clever in any way and the author is a total hack.

greg kanter – You suffer from another virus. It causes Gay amnesia and makes its victims preachy and snooty. Visit a Pride festival in the South (no, Ft. Lauderdale doesn't count) and view it with no prejudice. Notice the young people. Guess how many had to sneak out of their parents' house just to attend, maybe find somewhere safe to change clothes first, dared to hold a loved one's hands, or laugh with a gender non-conforming friend for the first time. Understand these phenomena also happen at Pride in Wilton Manors and Miami. Guess how many lives are forever changed and even saved because someone saw their first Pridefest. Lucky you (It's called "privilege") to have safe, unlimited access to everything Gay whenever you want. There's a kid living down the street from you who isn't so lucky.

• 10.21.2015

online outlets

Compiled by John McDonald

PrIde Fort lauderdale roCked By SexISm ChargeS This absolutely sounds sexist, and as far as the children present, what kind of message does this send to little girls? As a former board member of Pride SWFL and as a mother raising ally children, I think that most families that you will find at pride events are trying to raise body positive children. With the different states of dress and undress that it seems (from the story and comments) males were walking around in, the young girls attending this event were sent a message that their bodies are something to be hidden while the male figure is to be displayed. Perhaps the Pride board in FL will remedy this situation with support or creation of some kind of body positive program for young people?

Jared todd – The event was poorly planned and lost the idea of Pride. This story too is just uncalled for both Kent and this women need to shut up.

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Editorial

JESSE MONTEAGUDO • TONY ADAMS

lori tanner – If it was a 17-year-old boy in a speedo or a thong I guarantee you nothing would've happened. There is double standard in this town, in this community, on many levels.

Carl Szulczynski –

I couldn't agree with the writer more, for the most part. The very term "gun control" sounds invasive. Firearm regulation sounds better than any form of government control. I've been the victim of a violent crime and I will not allow it to happen again. I am ready for anyone who wants to threaten my home or family. Everyone should be prepared to defend themselves. I've spent most of my adult life in Chicago with the strictest gun laws in the nation, yet the highest gun crime rate. Clearly the police can't always be trusted to protect and serve equally, so we must take matters into our own hands. I don't call 911. That said, I see no need for automatic weapons. If a shotgun doesn't eliminate any attacker, a machine gun isn't going to either. Anyone who wants a gun should be background checked for mental illness. MEMBER

"Don't Just Ban Guns, Ban All Vehicles" Letter to the Editor makes many valid points. Far too often the Gays of the Left make false assumptions that we should be more like pacifist Europe. Yet Europe is under siege by ISIS infiltration. Terrorist incidents are spiking in London, Paris, Scandanavia, etc. Gun control makes easy robbery very common. The day after the Oregon shootings, our President said he should have gun laws like Australia. The next day a man walked up to and shot a police officer. We have to get over our self-deceiving myths about gun free socialist/bankrupt Europe. Furthermore, women are indeed leading the U.S. in attaining gun permits. Most guns owned inE this country MEMB R are for safety from the bad elements. And rightly so. Kudos to Kenneth Blunk.

MEMBER

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OCTOBER 21, 2015 • VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 42

Senior Features Correspondents

reader CallS on gayS to arm themSelveS

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Cover: Protesters at the Court hours before the overturning of DOMA. Photo: Hurricanehink.

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.

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a Permanent PrIde Flag? Wilton Manors considers raising it all year long Michael d’Oliveira

n June, Wilton Manors became the first city in Broward to raise the rainbowcolored gay pride flag at city hall for LGBT Pride Month. Now, the city may be the first to raise it permanently. At the Oct. 13 commission meeting, resident Timothy Evans suggested the flag’s permanent display as a representation of the city’s large gay and lesbian population and its majority – four out of five – gay and lesbian commission. According to the 2010 Census, Wilton Manors has the second highest number of same-sex couples in the nation for cities with populations under 100,000. Provincetown, Massachusetts has the most. Commissioners will discuss the issue at their next meeting on Oct. 27 but there’s at

least one commissioner, Vice Mayor Scott Newton, who is against the idea. “It sets the wrong kind of precedent. We’re a community of all and not just one type of person.” John Fiore, elected Wilton Manors’ first openly-gay mayor in 2000 and Broward’s first openly gay elected official in 1988, said he personally supports raising the pride flag at city hall. “My first comment is boy, have we come a long way. It represents a large portion of our population.” The possible negative, he added, “is every other group might want to have their flag up there as well. Where do you draw the line?” He suggested the city develop a flag policy to ensure things don’t get out of control. “A good thing can turn into a bad thing easily.”

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10.21.2015 •

news local

Interview with Steve Fallon Sean McShee

Executive Director of Latinos Salud talks HIV

eople living with HIV have different levels of infectiousness at different times in their lives. They have the highest levels during the window of uncertainty, immediately after initial HIV infection. Unfortunately, at this time of high infectiousness, they are least likely to know their correct HIV status, but most likely to infect others. This reporter interviewed Steve Fallon, Ph.D., Executive Director of Latinos Salud and consultant to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) among other agencies about this and other subjects. Fallon said, “If somebody has been recently infected, they honestly don’t, and can’t know, that not only are they HIVinfected but they are also highly infectious.” While Fourth Generation HIV tests can detect the presence of the virus earlier than

• 10.21.2015

other tests, according to the CDC no current test can detect HIV prior to three weeks after initial infection. To explain this process, Fallon used the image of a castle with all of its cannons pointing outward. “Our immune system … doesn’t know to look inside itself where HIV is growing. It’s inside the castle.” Without a response from the immune system, HIV grows uncontrollably. The population of the unchecked virus can become enormous, up to 2,000,000 viral particles of HIV per milliliter of blood,” Fallon reported. “At some time after initial infection, the immune system figures out that HIV is there. Then, you start getting sick with HIV conversion-flu.” That conversion-flu means that the immune system is beginning to control HIV. “Now you’re in a tug of war.

We do know that without medication, eventually, you will lose that tug of war. But, thank God, the immune system was there to take it to a tug of war, rather than a rout,” he continued. “If you were to have a slip up, with somebody in the first two months after their infection, they are 12 to 20 times more contagious than they will be for the rest of their life. You would actually be safer going to a hospital where someone was horribly ill with opportunistic infections related to AIDS and having unprotected sex with them. That would be safer than having unprotected sex with someone newly infected.“ This high level of infectiousness can become self-sustaining. As more people become newly infected and highly infectious, they can then go on to infect others who become highly infectious. This second group then goes out and infects even more people, like a snowball rolling down a hill picking up more snow. It only stops when people test and learn their accurate HIV status and reduce their risk behavior. In order to understand how South Florida provides a particularly risky environment for HIV infection, people need to understand

“prevalence.” Steve Fallon defined prevalence as “the presence of a disease, or condition in a given group.” Sometimes prevalence is expressed as a “1 in X chance of encountering someone with that condition.” “When we talk about background HIV prevalence, we’re talking about probability. If you have a slip up tonight with a sexual partner,” the background prevalence effects the “probability that your partner might be HIV positive.” This type of information is useful for public health planning. Fallon cautioned that at the individual level prevalence has less usefulness compared with individual protections, such as condom use, PrEP, or negotiated safety. Fallon found it credible that some epidemiologists have estimated national HIV prevalence to hover around 1 out of 8 among gay and bi men. He believes that the local situation differs. “I don’t think everyone realizes just how dire the epidemic is down here in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties,” Fallon said. “Miami-Dade County is number one, and Broward County is number two in the nation for new HIV diagnoses.” These two counties had to “compete” with 3,005

news local other counties in U.S. for that “distinction.” supports something like the “birth control While Fallon has not recently crunched model” for HIV prevention. Women use the numbers for Broward County, he different forms of birth control at different estimated HIV prevalence in this area to be points in their lives, to match the changing about 1 in 4 among Black gay men, about 1 circumstances of their lives. Similarly, gay in 8 among Latino gay men, and about 1 in and bi men may find condoms work at one 13 among White gay men. Fallon emphasized point, PrEP at another, and negotiated safety that in certain zip codes at yet another, as their lives or subcultures, prevalence change. could increase to a chance Fallon repeatedly stressed of 1 in 3 that your partner discussion and clarity “Miami-Dade tonight could be capable of with the other(s) involved County is infecting you. “Anytime that we’re going If prevalence lacks utility to be entering a potentially number one, at the individual level, it risky situation, we should and Broward can help people understand first define our terms and County is that as HIV prevalence make sure we’re on the same increases, room for error page with our partner. If I number two decreases. High prevalence say I ‘love you,’ have I just in the nation results in high probability pledged monogamy? Or, did of encountering someone I just mean I feel close to you for new HIV capable of infecting someone at this specific moment? We diagnoses” uninfected. “The more owe it to ourselves to make HIV infection in a group,” sure we heard what our Fallon cautioned, “the more partner truly meant.” -Steve Fallon necessary, it is to have some The CDC has estimated type of individual protection, that 14 percent (1 in 7) of all such as condoms, PrEP, etc.” gay and bi men living with This becomes particularly important in HIV are unaware of their HIV status. They areas such as South Florida where new cases are the Unaware Infected. While some of of HIV infection are increasing. them have never tested, some are now in that The CDC has recommended that all gay highly infectious window of uncertainly, and bi men take the HIV test at least once but others have become infected since their per year. It has also suggested that gay and bi last HIV test. The Unaware Infected pose a men with higher risk, for example those with major, if seldom recognized, challenge to more than one sexual partner, could benefit HIV prevention. We need to recognize this from testing every three or six months. “A challenge. recommendation should be a guideline and Steve Fallon has served as a consultant not a rule. It is a good idea to have a regular to the CDC, Health Resources Services schedule for HIV testing, but it has to be Administration, the U.S. Office of Minority one that works for you and your partner(s),” Health, Human Rights Campaign, and a Fallon clarified. dozen state Departments of Health. The What works for someone today may interview has been edited for clarity and not work for him or her tomorrow. Fallon brevity.

To read the full interview, which touches on many HIV-related subjects, please visit http:// HowStandardIsYourDeviation.blogspot.com. For more information, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/features/ngmhaad/ and http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/ testing/index.html The Fourth Generation HIV Test can reduce that window of uncertainty by 15.5 days. Latinos Salud offers that test. 10.21.2015 •

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INDICATION INDICATION and IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for ATRIPLA® (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate [DF]) What is ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA is a prescription medication used alone as a complete regimen, or with other anti-HIV-1 medicines, to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children at least 12 years old who weigh at least 40 kg (88 lbs). ATRIPLA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS and you may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections. See your healthcare provider regularly while taking ATRIPLA. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA can cause serious side effects: • Some people who have taken medicine like ATRIPLA (which contains nucleoside analogs) have developed lactic acidosis (build up of an acid in the blood). Lactic acidosis can be a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get the following signs or symptoms of lactic acidosis: - feel cold, especially in your - feel very weak or tired arms and legs - have unusual (not normal) - feel dizzy or lightheaded muscle pain - have a fast or irregular - have trouble breathing heartbeat - have stomach pain with nausea and vomiting *Undetectable was defined as a viral load of fewer than 400 copies/mL. † In this study, 511 adult patients new to therapy received either the meds in ATRIPLA each taken once daily or Combivir® (lamivudine/zidovudine) twice daily + SUSTIVA® (efavirenz) once daily. ‡ Symphony Health Solutions, Source® PHAST Prescription Monthly, equivalized counts, July 2006–July 4, 2014.

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• Some people who have taken medicines like ATRIPLA (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) have developed serious liver problems (hepatotoxicity), with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and fat in the liver (steatosis). In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get the following signs or symptoms of liver problems: - skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) - urine turns dark - bowel movements (stools) turn light in color - don’t feel like eating food for several days or longer - feel sick to your stomach (nausea) - have lower stomach area (abdominal) pain • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking nucleoside analog-containing medicines, like ATRIPLA, for a long time. • If you also have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and you stop taking ATRIPLA, you may get a “flare-up” of your hepatitis. A “flare-up” is when the disease suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Patients with HBV who stop taking ATRIPLA need close medical follow-up for several months to check for hepatitis that could be getting worse. ATRIPLA is not approved for the treatment of HBV, so you need to discuss your HBV therapy with your healthcare provider. Who should not take ATRIPLA? You and your healthcare provider should decide if ATRIPLA is right for you. Do not take ATRIPLA if you are allergic to ATRIPLA or any of its ingredients. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking ATRIPLA? Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant: Women should not become pregnant while taking ATRIPLA and for 12 weeks after stopping ATRIPLA.

5/19/15 11:38 AM

With over 8 years of prescribing experience, ATRIPLA is the #1 prescribed one pill, once-daily HIV treatment‡ SELECTED IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION • Some people who have taken medicines like ATRIPLA have developed build up of lactic acid in the blood, which can be a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. • Some people who have taken medicines like ATRIPLA have developed serious liver problems, with liver enlargement and fat in the liver, which can lead to death. • If you also have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and you stop taking ATRIPLA, your hepatitis may suddenly get worse. ATRIPLA is not approved for the treatment of HBV. Please see below for more information about these warnings, including signs and symptoms, and other Important Safety Information. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ask your doctor about ATRIPLA today.

Serious birth defects have been seen in children of women treated during pregnancy with efavirenz, one of the medicines in ATRIPLA (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate). Women must use a reliable form of barrier contraception, such as a condom or diaphragm, even if they also use other methods of birth control, while on ATRIPLA and for 12 weeks after stopping ATRIPLA. Women should not rely only on hormone-based birth control, such as pills, injections, or implants, because ATRIPLA may make these contraceptives ineffective. • Are breastfeeding: Women with HIV should not breastfeed because they can pass HIV and some of the medicines in ATRIPLA through their milk to the baby. It is not known if ATRIPLA could harm your baby. • Have kidney problems or are undergoing kidney dialysis treatment. • Have bone problems. • Have liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection. Your healthcare provider may want to do tests to check your liver while you take ATRIPLA or may switch you to another medicine. • Have ever had mental illness or are using drugs or alcohol • Have ever had seizures or are taking medicine for seizures. Seizures have occurred in patients taking efavirenz, a component of ATRIPLA, generally in those with a history of seizures. If you have ever had seizures, or take medicine for seizures, your healthcare provider may want to switch you to another medicine or monitor you.

Epzicom® (abacavir sulfate/lamivudine), STRIBILD® (elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir DF), Trizivir® (abacavir sulfate/lamivudine/zidovudine), TRUVADA® (emtricitabine/tenofovir DF), or VIREAD® (tenofovir DF), because they contain the same or similar active ingredients as ATRIPLA (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate). ATRIPLA should not be used with SUSTIVA® (efavirenz) unless recommended by your healthcare provider. • Vfend® (voriconazole) should not be taken with ATRIPLA since it may lose its effect or may increase the chance of having side effects from ATRIPLA. • ATRIPLA should not be used with HEPSERA® (adefovir dipivoxil). These are not all the medicines that may cause problems if you take ATRIPLA. Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking or plan to take. Important Safety Information is continued on the following page. Please see Patient Information on the following pages.

What important information should I know about taking other medicines with ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA may change the effect of other medicines, including the ones for HIV-1, and may cause serious side effects. Your healthcare provider may change your other medicines or change their doses. MEDICINES YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE WITH ATRIPLA • ATRIPLA should not be taken with: Combivir® (lamivudine/zidovudine), COMPLERA® (emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), EMTRIVA® (emtricitabine), Epivir® or Epivir-HBV® (lamivudine),

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5/19/15 11:38 AM

10.21.2015 •

ATRIPLA (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) Important Safety Information (continued) What are the possible side effects of ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA may cause the following additional serious side effects: • Serious psychiatric problems. Severe depression, strange thoughts, or angry behavior have been reported by a small number of patients. Some patients have had thoughts of suicide, and a few have actually committed suicide. These problems may occur more often in patients who have had mental illness. • Kidney problems (including decline or failure of kidney function). If you have had kidney problems, or take other medicines that may cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider should do regular blood tests. Symptoms that may be related to kidney problems include a high volume of urine, thirst, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. • Other serious liver problems. Some patients have experienced serious liver problems, including liver failure resulting in transplantation or death. Most of these serious side effects occurred in patients with a chronic liver disease such as hepatitis infection, but there have also been a few reports in patients without any existing liver disease. • Changes in bone mineral density (thinning bones). Lab tests show changes in the bones of patients treated with tenofovir DF, a component of ATRIPLA. Some HIV patients treated with tenofovir DF developed thinning of the bones (osteopenia), which could lead to fractures. Also, bone pain and softening of the bone (which may lead to fractures) may occur as a consequence of kidney problems. If you have had bone problems in the past, your healthcare provider may want to do tests to check your bones or may prescribe medicines to help your bones.

ATRIPLA®

ATRIPLA (uh TRIP luh) Tablets ®

ALERT: Find out about medicines that should NOT be taken with ATRIPLA. Please also read the section “MEDICINES YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE WITH ATRIPLA.” Generic name: efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (eh FAH vih renz, em tri SIT uh bean and te NOE’ fo veer dye soe PROX il FYOU mar ate) Read the Patient Information that comes with ATRIPLA before you start taking it and each time you get a refill since there may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. You should stay under a healthcare provider’s care when taking ATRIPLA. Do not change or stop your medicine without first talking with your healthcare provider. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about ATRIPLA. What is the most important information I should know about ATRIPLA?

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Common side effects: • Patients may have dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, trouble concentrating, and/or unusual dreams during treatment with ATRIPLA. These side effects may be reduced if you take ATRIPLA at bedtime on an empty stomach; they tend to go away after taking ATRIPLA for a few weeks. Tell your healthcare provider right away if any of these side effects continue or if they bother you. These symptoms may be more severe if ATRIPLA is used with alcohol and/or mood-altering (street) drugs. • If you are dizzy, have trouble concentrating, and/or are drowsy, avoid activities that may be dangerous, such as driving or operating machinery. • Rash is a common side effect with ATRIPLA that usually goes away without any change in treatment. Rash may be serious in a small number of patients. Rash occurs more commonly in children and may be a serious problem. If a rash develops, call your healthcare provider right away. • Other common side effects include: tiredness, upset stomach, vomiting, gas, and diarrhea. Other possible side effects: • Changes in body fat have been seen in some people taking anti-HIV-1 medicines. Increase of fat in the upper back and neck, breasts, and around the trunk may happen. Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The cause and long-term health effects of these changes in body fat are not known. • Skin discoloration (small spots or freckles) may also happen. • In some patients with advanced HIV infection (AIDS), signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections may occur soon after anti-HIV treatment is started. If you notice any symptoms of infection, contact your healthcare provider right away.

•

You have stomach pain with nausea and vomiting.

•

You feel cold, especially in your arms and legs.

•

You feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Have liver prob provider may w may switch you

•

You have a fast or irregular heartbeat.

•

Have ever had

•

Some people who have taken medicines like ATRIPLA have developed serious liver problems called hepatotoxicity, with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and fat in the liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare provider right away if you get the following signs or symptoms of liver problems:

•

Have ever had

•

Your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice).

•

Your urine turns dark.

•

Your bowel movements (stools) turn light in color.

•

You don’t feel like eating food for several days or longer.

ATRIPLA may chang HIV-1, and may cau change your other m herbal products, may all your healthcare p supplements, or vitam

•

You feel sick to your stomach (nausea).

MEDICINES YOU SHO

•

You have lower stomach area (abdominal) pain.

•

You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking nucleoside analog-containing medicines, like ATRIPLA, for a long time.

•

If you also have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and you stop taking ATRIPLA, you may get a “flare-up” of your hepatitis. A “flare-up” is when the disease suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Patients with HBV who stop taking ATRIPLA need close medical follow-up for several months, including medical exams and blood tests to check for hepatitis that could be getting worse. ATRIPLA is not approved for the treatment of HBV, so you must discuss your HBV therapy with your healthcare provider.

ATRIPLA also s COMPLERA®, E sulfate/lamivudi zidovudine), TR SUSTIVA unless

•

Vfend (voricona effect or may inc

•

ATRIPLA should

• Additional side effects are inflammation of the pancreas, allergic reaction (including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), shortness of breath, pain, stomach pain, weakness, and indigestion.

What is ATRIPLA?

This is not a complete list of side effects. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you notice any side effects while taking ATRIPLA. You should take ATRIPLA once daily on an empty stomach. Taking ATRIPLA at bedtime may make some side effects less bothersome. Please see Full Prescribing Information, including “What is the most important information I should know about ATRIPLA” in the Patient Information section. Please see Patient Information on adjacent and following pages.

© 2015 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. ATRIPLA is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. SUSTIVA is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. 697US1500145-03-01 04/15

Patient Information

14511603_0014503_DTC_GAVoice_10x10.5_Ad_v4_M.indd 3

• 10.21.2015

ATRIPLA contains 3 medicines, SUSTIVA® (efavirenz), EMTRIVA® (emtricitabine) and VIREAD® (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate also called tenofovir DF) combined in one pill. EMTRIVA and VIREAD are HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus) nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and SUSTIVA is an HIV-1 non-nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). VIREAD and EMTRIVA are the components of TRUVADA®. ATRIPLA can be used alone as a complete regimen, or in combination with other anti-HIV-1 medicines to treat people with HIV-1 infection. ATRIPLA is for adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 40 kg (at least 88 lbs). ATRIPLA is not recommended for children younger than 12 years of age. ATRIPLA has not been studied in adults over 65 years of age. HIV infection destroys CD4+ T cells, which are important to the immune system. The immune system helps fight infection. After a large number of T cells are destroyed, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) develops. ATRIPLA helps block HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, a viral chemical in your body (enzyme) that is needed for HIV-1 to multiply. ATRIPLA lowers the amount of HIV-1 in the blood (viral load). ATRIPLA may also help to increase the number of T cells

What important infor ATRIPLA?

It is also important to following: •

Fortovase, Invira Sporanox (itraco to be replaced

•

Calcium channe or Isoptin (verap the immunosu Sandimmune, a Methadone; M medicines such Zocor (simvasta Wellbutrin SR, W may be needed

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Videx, Videx EC increase the am side effects. Yo taking ATRIPLA need to be chan

5/19/15 11:38 AM

ATRIPLA® (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)

with ATRIPLA. NOT TAKE WITH

isoproxil fumarate ROX il FYOU mar ate)

e you start taking it on. This information about your medical ovider’s care when ut first talking with r pharmacist if you

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LA have developed liver enlargement ealthcare provider s of liver problems:

dice).

(CD4+ cells), allowing your immune system to improve. Lowering the amount of HIV-1 in the blood lowers the chance of death or infections that happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections).

ATRIPLA® (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) •

Does ATRIPLA cure HIV-1 or AIDS? ATRIPLA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS and you may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections. You should remain under the care of a doctor when using ATRIPLA.

•

Who should not take ATRIPLA? Together with your healthcare provider, you need to decide whether ATRIPLA is right for you. Do not take ATRIPLA if you are allergic to ATRIPLA or any of its ingredients. The active ingredients of ATRIPLA are efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir DF. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking ATRIPLA? Tell your healthcare provider if you: •

Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant (see “What should I avoid while taking ATRIPLA?”).

•

Are breastfeeding (see “What should I avoid while taking ATRIPLA?”).

•

Have kidney problems or are undergoing kidney dialysis treatment.

•

Have bone problems.

•

Have liver problems, including hepatitis B virus infection. Your healthcare provider may want to do tests to check your liver while you take ATRIPLA or may switch you to another medicine.

•

Have ever had mental illness or are using drugs or alcohol.

•

Have ever had seizures or are taking medicine for seizures.

•

nd you stop taking is. A “flare-up” is an before. Patients ollow-up for several ck for hepatitis that reatment of HBV, so provider.

VA® (emtricitabine) fovir DF) combined nodeficiency virus) SUSTIVA is an HIV-1 READ and EMTRIVA one as a complete at people with HIV-1 nd older who weigh or children younger 65 years of age.

he immune system. mber of T cells are ops.

mical in your body he amount of HIV-1 e number of T cells

ATRIPLA also should not be used with Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine), COMPLERA®, EMTRIVA, Epivir, Epivir-HBV (lamivudine), Epzicom (abacavir sulfate/lamivudine), STRIBILD®, Trizivir (abacavir sulfate/lamivudine/ zidovudine), TRUVADA, or VIREAD. ATRIPLA also should not be used with SUSTIVA unless recommended by your healthcare provider.

•

Vfend (voriconazole) should not be taken with ATRIPLA since it may lose its effect or may increase the chance of having side effects from ATRIPLA.

•

ATRIPLA should not be used with HEPSERA® (adefovir dipivoxil).

It is also important to tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following: •

Fortovase, Invirase (saquinavir), Biaxin (clarithromycin), Noxafil (posaconazole), Sporanox (itraconazole), or Victrelis (boceprevir); these medicines may need to be replaced with another medicine when taken with ATRIPLA.

•

Calcium channel blockers such as Cardizem or Tiazac (diltiazem), Covera HS or Isoptin (verapamil) and others; Crixivan (indinavir), Selzentry (maraviroc); the immunosuppressant medicines cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), Prograf (tacrolimus), or Rapamune (sirolimus); Methadone; Mycobutin (rifabutin); Rifampin; cholesterol-lowering medicines such as Lipitor (atorvastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin sodium), and Zocor (simvastatin); or the anti-depressant medications bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, and Zyban) or Zoloft (sertraline); dose changes may be needed when these drugs are taken with ATRIPLA.

•

Videx, Videx EC (didanosine); tenofovir DF (a component of ATRIPLA) may increase the amount of didanosine in your blood, which could result in more side effects. You may need to be monitored more carefully if you are taking ATRIPLA and didanosine together. Also, the dose of didanosine may need to be changed.

14511603_0014503_DTC_GAVoice_10x10.5_Ad_v4_M.indd 4

Medicine for seizures [for example, Dilantin (phenytoin), Tegretol (carbamazepine), or phenobarbital]; your healthcare provider may want to switch you to another medicine or check drug levels in your blood from time to time.

Keep a complete list of all the prescription and nonprescription medicines as well as any herbal remedies that you are taking, how much you take, and how often you take them. Make a new list when medicines or herbal remedies are added or stopped, or if the dose changes. Give copies of this list to all of your healthcare providers and pharmacists every time you visit your healthcare provider or fill a prescription. This will give your healthcare provider a complete picture of the medicines you use. Then he or she can decide the best approach for your situation. How should I take ATRIPLA? •

Take the exact amount of ATRIPLA your healthcare provider prescribes. Never change the dose on your own. Do not stop this medicine unless your healthcare provider tells you to stop.

•

You should take ATRIPLA on an empty stomach.

•

Swallow ATRIPLA with water.

•

Taking ATRIPLA at bedtime may make some side effects less bothersome.

•

Do not miss a dose of ATRIPLA. If you forget to take ATRIPLA, take the missed dose right away, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the next dose. Carry on with your regular dosing schedule. If you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

•

If you believe you took more than the prescribed amount of ATRIPLA, contact your local poison control center or emergency room right away.

•

Tell your healthcare provider if you start any new medicine or change how you take old ones. Your doses may need adjustment.

•

When your ATRIPLA 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 ATRIPLA and become harder to treat.

•

Your healthcare provider may want to do blood tests to check for certain side effects while you take ATRIPLA.

MEDICINES YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE WITH ATRIPLA

liver problems if n taking nucleoside e.

Reyataz (atazanavir sulfate), Prezista (darunavir) with Norvir (ritonavir), or Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir); these medicines may increase the amount of tenofovir DF (a component of ATRIPLA) in your blood, which could result in more side effects. Reyataz is not recommended with ATRIPLA. You may need to be monitored more carefully if you are taking ATRIPLA, Prezista, and Norvir together, or if you are taking ATRIPLA and Kaletra together. The dose of Kaletra should be increased when taken with efavirenz.

These are not all the medicines that may cause problems if you take ATRIPLA. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take.

What important information should I know about taking other medicines with ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA may change the effect of other medicines, including the ones for HIV-1, and may cause serious side effects. Your healthcare provider may change your other medicines or change their doses. Other medicines, including herbal products, may affect ATRIPLA. For this reason, it is very important to let all your healthcare providers and pharmacists know what medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins you are taking.

AT •

Avoid do

Women should not become pregnant while taking ATRIPLA and for 12 weeks after stopping it. Serious birth defects have been seen in the babies of animals and women treated with efavirenz (a component of ATRIPLA) during pregnancy. It is not known whether efavirenz caused these defects. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you are pregnant. Also talk with your healthcare provider if you want to become pregnant.

•

Women should not rely only on hormone-based birth control, such as pills, injections, or implants, because ATRIPLA may make these contraceptives ineffective. Women must use a reliable form of barrier contraception, such as a condom or diaphragm, even if they also use other methods of birth control. Efavirenz, a component of ATRIPLA, may remain in your blood for a time after therapy is stopped. Therefore, you should continue to use contraceptive measures for 12 weeks after you stop taking ATRIPLA.

•

Do not breastfeed if you are taking ATRIPLA. Some of the medicines in ATRIPLA can be passed to your baby in your breast milk. We do not know whether it could harm your baby. Also, mothers with HIV-1 should not breastfeed because HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in the breast milk. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding. You should stop breastfeeding or may need to use a different medicine.

•

Taking ATRIPLA with alcohol or other medicines causing similar side effects as ATRIPLA, such as drowsiness, may increase those side effects.

•

Do not take any other medicines, including prescription and nonprescription medicines and herbal products, without checking with your healthcare provider.

•

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5/19/15 11:38 AM

10.21.2015 •

ATRIPLA® (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)

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Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades.

•

Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.

•

Changes in body fat. Changes in body fat develop in some patients taking anti HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include an increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), in the breasts, and around the trunk. Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The cause and long-term health effects of these fat changes are not known.

•

Skin discoloration (small spots or freckles) may also happen with ATRIPLA.

•

In some patients with advanced HIV infection (AIDS), signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections may occur soon after anti-HIV treatment is started. It is believed that these symptoms are due to an improvement in the body’s immune response, enabling the body to fight infections that may have been present with no obvious symptoms. If you notice any symptoms of infection, please inform your doctor immediately. Additional side effects are inflammation of the pancreas, allergic reaction (including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), shortness of breath, pain, stomach pain, weakness and indigestion.

Lactic acidosis (buildup of an acid in the blood). Lactic acidosis can be a medical emergency and may need to be treated in the hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get signs of lactic acidosis. (See “What is the most important information I should know about ATRIPLA?”)

•

Serious liver problems (hepatotoxicity), with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and fat in the liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any signs of liver problems. (See “What is the most important information I should know about ATRIPLA?”)

Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you notice any side effects while taking ATRIPLA.

•

how you

rtain side

•

Other possible side effects with ATRIPLA:

•

e missed ouble the d help in provider

ealthcare of virus in time. The .

Do not share needles or other injection equipment.

ATRIPLA may cause the following serious side effects:

•

A, contact

•

What are the possible side effects of ATRIPLA?

escribes. less your

some.

Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 to others.

ATRIPLA® (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)

“Flare-ups” of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, in which the disease suddenly returns in a worse way than before, can occur if you have HBV and you stop taking ATRIPLA. Your healthcare provider will monitor your condition for several months after stopping ATRIPLA if you have both HIV-1 and HBV infection and may recommend treatment for your HBV. ATRIPLA is not approved for the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection. If you have advanced liver disease and stop treatment with ATRIPLA, the “flare-up” of hepatitis B may cause your liver function to decline.

Contact your healthcare provider before stopping ATRIPLA because of side effects or for any other reason.

Serious psychiatric problems. A small number of patients may experience severe depression, strange thoughts, or angry behavior while taking ATRIPLA. Some patients have thoughts of suicide and a few have actually committed suicide. These problems may occur more often in patients who have had mental illness. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you think you are having these psychiatric symptoms, so your healthcare provider can decide if you should continue to take ATRIPLA.

•

Keep ATRIPLA and all other medicines out of reach of children.

•

Store ATRIPLA at room temperature 77°F (25°C).

•

Keep ATRIPLA in its original container and keep the container tightly closed.

•

Do not keep medicine that is out of date or that you no longer need. If you throw any medicines away make sure that children will not find them.

Kidney problems (including decline or failure of kidney function). If you have had kidney problems in the past or take other medicines that can cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider should do regular blood tests to check your kidneys. Symptoms that may be related to kidney problems include a high volume of urine, thirst, muscle pain, and muscle weakness.

General information about ATRIPLA:

•

Other serious liver problems. Some patients have experienced serious liver problems including liver failure resulting in transplantation or death. Most of these serious side effects occurred in patients with a chronic liver disease such as hepatitis infection, but there have also been a few reports in patients without any existing liver disease.

•

Changes in bone mineral density (thinning bones). Laboratory tests show changes in the bones of patients treated with tenofovir DF, a component of ATRIPLA. Some HIV patients treated with tenofovir DF developed thinning of the bones (osteopenia) which could lead to fractures. If you have had bone problems in the past, your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bone mineral density or may prescribe medicines to help your bone mineral density. Additionally, bone pain and softening of the bone (which may contribute to fractures) may occur as a consequence of kidney problems.

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

This is not a complete list of side effects possible with ATRIPLA. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a more complete list of side effects of ATRIPLA and all the medicines you will take. How do I store ATRIPLA?

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use ATRIPLA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give ATRIPLA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. This leaflet summarizes the most important information about ATRIPLA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about ATRIPLA that is written for health professionals. Do not use ATRIPLA if the seal over bottle opening is broken or missing. What are the ingredients of ATRIPLA? Active Ingredients: efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate Inactive Ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate. The film coating contains black iron oxide, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, red iron oxide, talc, and titanium dioxide. Revised: January 2015 ATRIPLA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. COMPLERA, EMTRIVA, HEPSERA, STRIBILD, TRUVADA, and VIREAD are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. SUSTIVA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company. Reyataz and Videx are trademarks of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Pravachol is a trademark of ER Squibb & Sons, LLC. Other brands listed are the trademarks of their respective owners. 21-937-GS-014 ATRC0079

697US1500055-03-01

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

14511603_0014503_DTC_GAVoice_10x10.5_Ad_v4_M.indd 10 • 10.21.2015

5/19/15 11:38 AM

politics white house watch

demS deBate; FIorIna ImPlodeS Jason Parsley

ast Tuesday the Democrats held their first debate, which turned out to be a ratings success for CNN, pulling more than 15 million viewers. Most analysts had predicted that the Trump free debate would be considerably down from the 23 million that watched CNN’s Republican debate. While the 15 million was lower it wasn’t as low as even CNN predicted. In comparison the highest watched democratic primary debate in 2008 only garnered about 10 million viewers. On Thursday Democratic frontrunner and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will testify before the House Select Committee on Benghazi. The committee has taken a beating in the press over the past few weeks with several newspaper editorial boards calling for to be disbanded after several Republicans have admitted that the committee is being used to go after Clinton. Vice President Joe Biden continues to toy with the press on whether he’ll run for president. Another deadline was missed last week and now supposedly he’ll be making an announcement this week. In an indication that’s looking for votes he changed his story on Tuesday about the Osama Bin Laden raid. It’s been widely reported in the past that the Vice President was against going after Bin Laden.

In 2012 Biden said to lawmakers “Mr. President, my suggestion is, don’t go.” Now he’s changed his story saying he told the President in private to go for it and didn’t want to contradict him in front of advisors. On the Republican front it appears the Carly Fiorina surge has imploded. The latest poll shows her support dropping from 15 percent to 4 percent. Meanwhile George W. Bush entered the political fray this week by attacking Senator Ted Cruz saying “I just don’t like the guy,” Politico reported. This week also saw the official third quarter fundraising numbers from the campaigns. Check out our chart for the detailed list. On the Democratic side Hillary raised over $29 million with independent Bernie Sanders coming in a close second with $26 million. While former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee raised a dismal $15,000 (that’s right $15 thousand). On the Republican side neurosurgeon Ben Carson led the way with over $20 million with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush coming in second with $13 million. The biggest disappointment though appears to be Senator Marco Rubio. His $5.7 million didn’t impress any of the pundits especially since he’s experienced a post debate surge in the polls.

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nyC to host worldPride 2019 as part of 50th anniversary of Stonewall uprising

(EDGE) NYC Pride, announced Monday that New York City has been selected to host WorldPride 2019. WorldPride 2019 will be held in conjunction with Stonewall 50, the official commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. 2019 marks the first time that WorldPride, a global LGBT Pride event, will be celebrated in the United States. Previous host cities have included Rome, Jerusalem, London, and Toronto, while Madrid will host the next WorldPride in 2017. NYC Pride's bid was accepted during the annual general meeting of InterPride in Las Vegas this weekend. InterPride is the international organization of LGBT Pride organizers. "The Stonewall Uprising is considered the most

significant event that ignited the modern LGBT rights movement, so it makes perfect sense to bring WorldPride to the birthplace of Pride in 2019," said David Schneider, NYC Pride's Stonewall 50 Director, "We are so grateful that our fellow Pride organizers from across the globe have chosen New York City for this momentous occasion." The theme of Stonewall 50/WorldPride 2019 is "Millions of Moments of Pride," and features an expanded two-month series of events and programs alongside NYC Pride's historic March, Rally, PrideFest, and legendary dances for men and women. While NYC Pride draws millions to NYC each June, Stonewall 50/WorldPride 2019 is anticipated to be one of the largest LGBT events ever to occur.

d. Police Charge Man in Shooting Death of Trans Woman

(EDGE) Maryland county police charged a man with first-degree murder for the shooting death of a transgender woman, the Advocate reports. Zella Ziona, 21, was shot in the head in an alley behind a laundromat around 5:50 p.m. Thursday, according to the Guardian. A police statement says she was shot multiple times. Ziona was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital around 8:12 p.m. "It's not random ... investigators are looking at many things," Montgomery County police captain Paul Starks told the Guardian. An anonymous witness told local news station WJLA that he saw gunfire around the time of the killing and that Ziona was surrounded by four or five teenagers. He added there was an argument and one of the teens pulled out a gun and opened fire. "They argued and things happened so fast. I don't know what they argued for," the witness said. He added he heard about four or five gun shots. "They did find a victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the head," Montgomery County Police Officer Rick Goodale told WJLA. "Detectives do not believe this was a random shooting." Police arrested Rico Hector Leblond, 20, Friday and charged him with the murder of Ziona, according to the Advocate. The Guardian notes Ziona was misgendered in early reports of the incident. Gawker points out, Maryland is one of just 16 states with hate crime laws that protect residents based on actual or perceived gender identity. Ziona is the 22nd transgender or gender-nonconforming person reported to be killed this year, according the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs. This is an increase compared to 2014 as the NCAVP reported there were 20 documented murders of trans or gender-nonconforming people.

â&#x20AC;˘ 10.21.2015

Gay Liberation Front.

N Gov. Discusses Division on LGBT Protections

(AP) Gov. Mike Pence says he's considering if the concerns of religious conservatives can be reconciled with those of gay rights supporters who want LGBT protections in law. The Republican spoke to WRTV-TV in Indianapolis (http://bit.ly/1RiuqGC ). He says nothing has been determined and he's spending time studying the issue and listening to people. He says he's learned Indiana residents cherish faith and don't tolerate discrimination. His comments come as lawmakers have largely shied away from speaking publicly about LGBT rights. Democrats have planned to push legislation and several Indiana cities have considered adopting their own lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender protections. Religious conservatives and gay rights supporters remain divided after last spring's religious objections law, which generated national headlines. Critics say the law could sanction discrimination against gay and lesbian couples.

'Ex-Gay' Report: Harmful

Therapy

(EDGE) A new report from the government says conversion therapy for youth is harmful, recommending the controversial "treatment" be stopped. The report criticizing the "ex-gay" therapy comes from the Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration (SAMHSA)this week, stating the practice should not be used on children. The research's panel consisted of practitioners in child and adolescent mental health, family therapy, ethics and the psychology of religion. Researchers said they "found that variations in sexual orientation and gender identity are normal, and that conversion therapies or other efforts to change sexual orientation or gender identity are not effective, are harmful, and are not appropriate therapeutic practices." "When dealing with a sensitive topic such as gender identity or sexual orientation in young people, it is essential that families, educators, caregivers, and providers seek

the best available information and advice," said SAMHSA acting administrator Kana Enomoto. As Pink News points out, the condemning report from the government agency shouldn't be that surprising as President Barack Obama called for an end of conversion therapy earlier this year, when an adviser said, "We share your concern about its potentially devastating effects on the lives of transgender as well as gay, lesbian, bisexual and queer youth. The overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates that conversion therapy, especially when it is practiced on young people, is neither medically nor ethically appropriate and can cause substantial harm." Washington D.C. became the third jurisdiction to ban conversion therapy. Both California and New Jersey have also banned the practice for minors.

harma Brat 'Furious' Over Bernie Sanders Snub

(EDGE) Notorious AIDS medication price-gouger Martin Shkreli is "furious" that 2016 Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders wouldn't accept a campaign contribution as an inroad to a debate with the Vermont Senator over his pricing practices, The Boston Globe reports. "We are not keeping the money from this poster boy for drug company greed," said Michael Briggs, a spokesman for the Sanders campaign in an email. Shkreli had donated $2,700, the maximum amount allowed by law, to the Sanders campaign. According to a report in the Boston Globe, Shkreli made the contribution in the hopes of getting a private meeting with the Senator to explain why drug prices in the United States are so high. The Sanders campaign has refused to keep the money, and has re-gifted Shkreli's donation to the Whitman-Walker health clinic in Washington. "I think it's cheap to use one person's action as a platform without kind of talking to that person," Shkreli said in the interview. "He'll take my money, but he won't engage with me for five minutes to understand this issue better." Sanders and his opponent former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton both expressed outrage last month when it was reported that Shkreli's Turing Pharmaceuticals raised the price of anti-parasitic drug, Daraprim, a medication used by some AIDS patients a whopping 4,000 percent. "I would lump Wall Street and the pharmaceutical industry at the top of my list of people who do not like me," Sanders said during Tuesday night's Democratic debate. "Right now the rule of law in the United States is that drug companies can price their products wherever they see fit, not wherever he sees fit," Shkreli said. "If the rule changes by congressional vote, then you know, I'll adapt to the rules." Shkreli, who has been labeled "The Most Hated Man in America," is "furious" that Sanders is using him as a punching bag without giving him a chance to give his side.

Continued

od Hates Kim Davis? WBC to Protest County Clerk

(EDGE) It will be a self-righteous dual smack-down on Monday October 19, when the Westboro Baptist Church takes their side show to the Rowan County Clerk's office in Morehead, Kentucky to protest defiant county clerk Kim Davis. It appears as though Kim Davis' multiple marriages caught the fire and brimstone eye of the WBC. And although she says she's repented from her sluttish past, they ain't buying it. A press release published on the WBC website reads in part:

The Lord willing, Westboro Baptist Church pickets to warn the living! So when God Almighty put a spotlight upon the proud sinners and selfrighteous hypocrites Kim Davis and her so-called "supporters", we must GO, because we follow the Lamb, withersoever (sic) he goeth! [...]Rowan County Kentucky Clerk, with high-dollar salary and digs, she acquired, ONLY after she took an oath to uphold and defend the constitution and the laws. Kim claims that she has lived in proud sin for many years, divorcing and remarrying, not one time or two times, in fact you need a score card to keep track. Her lawyers, being smooth talking fellows say that all that was before her call to salvation two years ago when her current mother-in-law died. Nice, tidy, cleaver, but no cigar! That man that Kim Davis is living with and calling her husband, IS NOT! Her husband is Dwain Wallace, who she married when she was 18-years-old. It does not matter how many years you pile on, it was adultery at the beginning and it was adultery in the middle and it is indeed adultery today! See these words of Bible doctrine and be instructed and obey! These words would bind the heart of a servant of God and only good works would follow! Kim Davis hates these words and has decided that her adultery is less sin, than the sin of the sodomites.

Photo: Americasroof.

News Briefs

10.21.2015 â&#x20AC;˘

Compiled by Jillian Melero

Continued

report: over 800k uS Facebook users Came out as lgBt in Past year (EDGE) The number of people coming out as LGBT on Facebook is growing each year, according to new research by the social media giant. For Spirit Day Thursday, Facebook's Research and Data Science division published a new report detailing the increasing number of U.S. Facebook users identifying as LGBT. "Not only has the total number of Americans who have come out on Facebook risen dramatically, but so has the number coming out each day," Facebook said, according to Engadget. The Facebook research reported that about 6 million of Facebook's U.S. users identify as LGBT and 800,000 came out in the last year. Facebook officials said that there was a spike in the

ix Members of Anti-Gay Russian Neo Nazi Group Reportedly Jailed

(EDGE) Russian police have jailed six members of an antigay Neo-Nazi group, which aims to torture gay teens by

humiliating and beating them and posting the recorded incidents online, Gay Star News reports. Police in the Russian region of Ural arrested nine members of Occupy Pedophilia who were courting unsuspecting LGBT people via personal ads. In the past, members of the group have also lured gay teens by making fake accounts on the popular Russian social media network site VK.com. The Sinarsky District Court Kamensk-Ural found nine members of the group guilty of at least 19 attacks against gay people, according. They were found guilty of death threats, torture and causing "moderate damage to health" but were not found guilty of participating in an "extremist group." Six members of Occupy Pedophilia have been jailed with varying sentences; between three to six years in prison,

• 10.21.2015

number of users coming out after the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage in June. "On a typical day, one out of every 10 people who change their 'interested in' status on Facebook do so to reflect a same-gender interest," wrote researchers Bogdon State and Nils Wernerfelt. "On the day of the Supreme Court ruling, this ratio was double, one out of every five people. Additionally, in the days following the June 26 Supreme Court decision, we saw more than 26 million people display a rainbow filter on their profile picture." Facebook made headlines around the time of the high court's decision for its app that added a rainbow filter to users' profile picture to show support for gay marriage.

while three other members received suspended sentences. Occupy Pedophilia members trick young gay men or teens into a "date" the group set up. But upon arrival, the group would capture the victims and take them to a different location to bully, torture and humiliate them on camera. EDGE has reported on various incidents over the last few years. The organization was headed by Maxim Martsinkevich, who started group in order to "identify and report pedophiles" in Russia. Martsinkevich is currently serving jail time for "hooliganism" after authorities arrested him down in Cuba in early 2014.

Couples Ask Judge to Recognize FlaSame-Sex Spouses as Parents

(NCLR/EQFL) Two same-sex couples who filed a federal lawsuit challenging Florida’s refusal to add both of their names to their children’s birth certificates asked the court for immediate protection for their families on Friday. The request for a preliminary injunction was filed by Debbie and Kari Chin of St. Petersburg and Yadira Arenas and Alma Vazquez of Winter Haven. “Florida law requires the state to issue birth certificates listing both spouses to all married couples, and the Supreme Court’s decision this past summer makes clear that it is unconstitutional for the state to treat married same-sex couples differently than opposite-sex couples with respect to birth certificates,” said Shannon Minter, Legal Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, which represents the plaintiffs. On August 13, 2015, the couples, along with Equality Florida Institute, filed a lawsuit challenging Florida’s refusal to issue birth certificates listing both spouses as parents of their children.

Debbie and Kari have been together for 15 years and were married in Boston in 2013. When Kari gave birth in February, they were told that Debbie could not be listed on his birth certificate. "Without being on our son's birth certificate, in the event of an emergency or if something were ever to happen to my wife, I am not sure where that would leave us," said Debbie Chin. Yadira and Alma have been together for three years and were married in New York in 2013. When Alma gave birth in March, they were not allowed to put Yadira on the birth certificate as a parent, and Alma was told that she had to be listed as “single” on the form. “Our family deserves equal protection and respect. We don’t want our child to grow up feeling that the State of Florida does not recognize us a family,” said Arenas.

News Briefs

Continued

rans Male Model Loses Men's Health Ultimate Guy Contest Photo: Facebook.

(EDGE) Transgender male model Aydian Dowling did not win the Men's Health Ultimate Guy contest and will not appear on the cover of an upcoming issue of the men's fitness magazine. Dowling, who was leading the competition early on and was poised to become the magazine's first trans cover model, was the magazine's runner-up in the final round of the contest. The trans activist lost the cover to firefighter and EMT Tim Boniface, People Dowling, 28, took to Facebook after losing the Men's Health cover competition, which took place earlier this year in order to find a man "who is fit and fearless, a doer who gives back and leads by example." "As some of you may already know, I did not get the title of 2015 Mens Health Ultimate Guy," Dowling wrote on Oct. 12. "Of course

I hold feelings of disappointment for what could have been an amazing opportunity for our visibility as a community. The work we have put in the last six months was and is still completely relevant to our movement to full Transgender Rights and Equality. I would like to fully congratulate the winnerTim, and ALL the other guys who shared this amazing journey with me!" "For their dedication to their communities and for the new family we have created," he wrote. "I would also like to Thank each and every one of the over 72 THOUSAND people who voted a Transman to the Number 1 spot on the Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice List!" Though he won't be making history as the first trans man to cover Men's Health, he will appear on a cover with some of the other contest's contenders.

ccused Philly Gay Bashers' Plea Deal Infuriates LGBT Community

(AP) Two men accused of beating a gay couple in a case helped solved by social media sleuths will avoid prison time under a plea agreement announced Thursday that outraged members of the gay community. Instead, prosecutors said, Philip Williams and Kevin Harrigan must stay away from downtown Philadelphia for several years, pay just under $1,000 in restitution and perform 200 hours of service at a facility serving the LGBT community. In a tweet, gay writer and activist Dan Savage called the sentence "appalling." Williams, 24, and Harrigan, 26, apologized to the victims and the judge as they pleaded guilty to assault and conspiracy charges in the attack last year that left one victim with a broken jaw and cheekbones. They said the beating wasn't motivated by the couple's sexual orientation. Prosecutors said the victims, Zachary Hesse and Andy Haught, had encouraged a resolution that avoided excessive punishment while sending a positive message about tolerance and understanding. Pennsylvania's

hate crime law does not cover sexual orientation. "Today's agreement is certainly about justice, but it is also about honoring the wishes of the victims to make sure they can continue to heal and gain closure," District Attorney Seth Williams said in a statement. A third defendant, Kathryn Knott, will go to trial. Prosecutors say Williams and Harrigan, from the suburban communities of Warminster and Warrington, were part of a group that hurled gay slurs and profanity and beat Hesse and Haught near Philadelphia's ritzy Rittenhouse Square on Sept. 11, 2014. The case gained attention when police posted a video of the suspects, and online followers used social media sites to help identify them. "This affected the sense of security for all people in Center City, particularly people who are gay and lesbian," Assistant District Attorney Michael Barry said. The defendants, he said, damaged Philadelphia's reputation as a safe, gay friendly city. 10.21.2015 â&#x20AC;˘

DISCOVER {

Wisdom inspired by real people

WHAT IS PREZCOBIX™? • PREZCOBIX™ is a prescription HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1) medicine used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). PREZCOBIX™ contains the prescription medicines PREZISTA® (darunavir) and TYBOST® (cobicistat). • It is not known if PREZCOBIX™ is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. • When used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection, PREZCOBIX™ may help: ○ reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load.” ○ increase the number of CD4+ (T) cells in your blood that help fight off other infections. • PREZCOBIX™ is always taken in combination with other HIV medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults. PREZCOBIX™ should be taken once daily with food. • PREZCOBIX™ does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS, and you may still experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection. You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. • Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions on how to prevent passing HIV to other people. • Please read the Important Safety Information below and talk to your healthcare provider to learn if PREZCOBIX™ is right for you. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about PREZCOBIX™? • PREZCOBIX™ may cause liver problems. Some people taking PREZCOBIX™ may develop liver problems which may be life-threatening. Your healthcare provider should

• 10.21.2015

do blood tests before and during your treatment with PREZCOBIX.™ ○ Chronic hepatitis B or C infection may increase your chance of developing liver problems. Your healthcare provider should check your blood tests more often. ○ Signs and symptoms of liver problems include dark (tea-colored) urine, yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, pale-colored stools (bowel movements), nausea, vomiting, pain or tenderness on your right side below your ribs, or loss of appetite. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any of these symptoms. • PREZCOBIX™ may cause severe or life-threatening skin reactions or rash. Sometimes these skin reactions and skin rashes can become severe and require treatment in a hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash. ○ Stop taking PREZCOBIX™ and call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any skin changes with symptoms such as fever, tiredness, muscle or joint pain, blisters or skin lesions, mouth sores or ulcers, red or inflamed eyes like “pink eye” (conjunctivitis). • PREZCOBIX,™ when taken with certain other medicines, can cause new or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking PREZCOBIX.™ Who should not take PREZCOBIX™? • Do not take PREZCOBIX™ with any of the following medicines: alfuzosin (Uroxatral®), cisapride (Propulsid®, Propulsid® Quicksolv), colchicine (Colcrys®, Mitigare®, if you have liver or kidney problems), dronedarone (Multaq®), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E.45®, Embolex®, Migranal®), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Ergomar®, Ergostat®, Medihaler®, Migergot®, Wigraine®, Wigrettes®), methylergonovine (Methergine®), lovastatin or a product that contains lovastatin (Altoprev®, Advicor®, Mevacor®), lurasidone (Latuda®), oral midazolam (Versed®), pimozide (Orap®), ranolazine (Ranexa®), rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifater®,

Date: 5/20/10 Customer Code: 034170-150507 File Name: 034170-150507_729943_WisdomMiami.com_v1

Group 360 Job #: 729943 Brand: PREZCOBIX TM

T:10.0 in

WisdomMiami.com

YOUR WISDOM WITHIN Visit WisdomMiami.com to hear wisdom inspired by experts and people like you living with HIV. Ask your provider if Once-Daily* PREZCOBIX™ is right for you.

*PREZCOBIX™ is taken in combination with other HIV medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults.

Rifamate®, Rimactane®), sildenafil (Revatio®) when used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), simvastatin or a product that contains simvastatin (Simcor®, Vytorin®, Zocor®), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) or a product that contains St. John’s Wort, or triazolam (Halcion®). • Serious problems can happen if you take any of these medicines with PREZCOBIX.™ What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking PREZCOBIX™? • About all health problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver problems, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C, have kidney problems, are allergic to sulfa (sulfonamide), have diabetes, have hemophilia, or have any other medical condition, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking PREZCOBIX.™ • About all medicines you take. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines interact with PREZCOBIX.™ Keep a list of your medicines to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take PREZCOBIX™ with other medicines.

bleeding in people with hemophilia have been reported in patients taking protease inhibitor medicines, including PREZCOBIX.™ ○ Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicines. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these changes are not known. ○ Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. These are not all of the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX.™ For more information, ask your healthcare provider. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see accompanying full Product Information for more details.

• The most common side effects of darunavir, one of the medicines in PREZCOBIX,™ include diarrhea, nausea, rash, headache, stomach area (abdominal) pain, and vomiting. • Other possible side effects include:

Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP

○ High blood sugar, diabetes or worsening diabetes, and increased © Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP 2015 05/15 034170-150507

Date: 5/20/10 Customer Code: 034170-150507 File Name: 034170-150507_729943_WisdomMiami.com_v1

027409-150108

What are the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX™?

10.21.2015 •

Group 360 Job #: 729943 Brand: PREZCOBIX TM

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION PATIENT INFORMATION PREZCOBIX (prez-koe-bix) (darunavir and cobicistat) tablets Please read this information before you start taking PREZCOBIX and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information 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 PREZCOBIX? • PREZCOBIX may cause liver problems. Some people taking PREZCOBIX may develop liver problems which may be life-threatening. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before and during your treatment with PREZCOBIX. If you have chronic hepatitis B or C infection, your healthcare provider should check your blood tests more often because you have an increased chance of developing liver problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the below signs and symptoms of liver problems. • dark (tea colored) urine • yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes • pale colored stools (bowel movements) • nausea • vomiting • pain or tenderness on your right side below your ribs • loss of appetite • PREZCOBIX may cause severe or life-threatening skin reactions or rash. Sometimes these skin reactions and skin rashes can become severe and require treatment in a hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash. Stop taking PREZCOBIX and call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any skin changes with symptoms below: • fever • tiredness • muscle or joint pain • blisters or skin lesions • mouth sores or ulcers • red or inflamed eyes, like “pink eye” (conjunctivitis) • PREZCOBIX when taken with certain other medicines can cause new or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking PREZCOBIX. See “What are the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX?” for more information about side effects. What is PREZCOBIX? PREZCOBIX is a prescription HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1) medicine used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). PREZCOBIX contains the prescription medicines PREZISTA (darunavir) and TYBOST (cobicistat). It is not known if PREZCOBIX is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. When used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection, PREZCOBIX may help: • reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load”.

• 10.21.2015

• 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). PREZCOBIX does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. 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 safe 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 on how to prevent passing HIV to other people. Who should not take PREZCOBIX? Do not take PREZCOBIX with any of the following medicines: • alfuzosin (Uroxatral®) • cisapride (Propulside®, Propulsid® Quicksolv) • colchicine (Colcrys®, Mitigare®), if you have liver or kidney problems • dronedarone (Multaq®) • ergot-containing medicines: • dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45®, Embolex®, Migranal®) • ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Ergomar®, Ergostat®, Medihaler®, Migergot®, Wigraine®, Wigrettes®) • methylergonovine (Methergine®) • lovastatin or a product that contains lovastatin (Altoprev®, Advicor®, Mevacor®) • lurasidone (Latuda®) • midazolam (Versed®), when taken by mouth • pimozide (Orap®) • ranolazine (Ranexa®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifater®, Rifamate®, Rimactane®) • sildenafil (Revatio®), when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) • simvastatin or a product that contains simvastatin (Simcor®, Vytorin®, Zocor®) • St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), or a product that contains St. John’s Wort • triazolam (Halcion®) Serious problems can happen if you take any of these medicines with PREZCOBIX. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking PREZCOBIX? Before taking PREZCOBIX, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have liver problems, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C • have kidney problems • are allergic to sulfa (sulfonamide) • have diabetes • have hemophilia • have any other medical condition • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if PREZCOBIX will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking PREZCOBIX.

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION • Pregnancy Registry: There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiretroviral medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take PREZCOBIX. • You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV to your baby. • It is not known if PREZCOBIX can pass into your breast milk. • Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines interact with PREZCOBIX. Keep a list of your medicines to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with PREZCOBIX. • Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take PREZCOBIX with other medicines. How should I take PREZCOBIX? • Take PREZCOBIX exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. • Do not change your dose or stop taking PREZCOBIX without talking to your healthcare provider. • Take PREZCOBIX 1 time a day with food. • If you miss a dose of PREZCOBIX by less than 12 hours, take your missed dose of PREZCOBIX right away. Then take your next dose of PREZCOBIX at your regularly scheduled time. • If you miss a dose of PREZCOBIX by more than 12 hours, wait and then take the next dose of PREZCOBIX at your regularly scheduled time. • If a dose of PREZCOBIX is skipped, do not double the next dose. Do not take more or less than your prescribed dose of PREZCOBIX at any one time. • If you take too much PREZCOBIX, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. What are the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX? PREZCOBIX may cause serious side effects including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about PREZCOBIX?” • Diabetes and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Some people who take protease inhibitors including PREZCOBIX can get high blood sugar, develop diabetes, or your diabetes can get worse. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice an increase in thirst or urinate often while taking PREZCOBIX. • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medications. The changes may include an 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 longterm 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 new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine. • Increased bleeding for hemophiliacs. Some people with hemophilia have increased bleeding with protease inhibitors including PREZCOBIX.

The most common side effects of darunavir, one of the medicines in PREZCOBIX, include: • • • • • •

diarrhea nausea rash headache stomach area (abdominal) pain vomiting

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX. For more information, ask your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. How should I store PREZCOBIX? • Store PREZCOBIX tablets at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep PREZCOBIX and all medicines out of reach of children. General information about PREZCOBIX Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use PREZCOBIX for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give PREZCOBIX to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about PREZCOBIX that is written for health professionals. For more information call 1-800-526-7736. What are the ingredients in PREZCOBIX? Active ingredients: darunavir and cobicistat Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, and silicified microcrystalline cellulose. The tablets are film-coated with a coating material containing iron oxide black, iron oxide red, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol (partially hydrolyzed), talc, and titanium dioxide. Manufactured by: Janssen Ortho LLC, Gurabo, PR 00778 Manufactured for: Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP, Titusville NJ 08560 Issued: January 2015 © Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2015 027415-150108

10.21.2015 •

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New Playground Part of Community Day Festivities John McDonald

ride Center at Equality Park is ready A fundraising goal of $75,000 was set to to officially open its new playground build the playground, a 2,500 square foot at Saturday’s fifth annual structure. KaBoom!, community day. a nonprofit, helped “Because of the energy, secure funding for the The playground passion, sweat, time and project and volunteers is the first dedication of many, LGBT with the low-cost families and our allies now airliner JetBlue Airways of its kind in have a safe play space to provided labor to assist the nation, connect, network, educate and in construction. in that it is learn,” said Pride Center Chief Hours for Saturday’s Operating Officer Kristofer grand opening are constructed Fegenbush. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a site The playground is the first Festivities will include designated of its kind in the nation, Pride a children’s and pet’s costume contest, Center officials say, in that it is to serve the K9 demonstrations, constructed on a site designated needs of LGBT “funky” designed to serve the needs of LGBT police vehicles and fire community. U.S. Census data community. trucks, an appearance from Broward County shows by the bomb squad, that in 2010, 28 percent of samesex female households and nine percent hamburgers, hot dogs and cotton candy. Community Day is sponsored by South of same-sex male households reported Florida Family Pride. children in the house.

For more information, visit PrideCenterFlorida.org or call 954-463-9005. 20

• 10.21.2015

news local

CNBC Exposes Mutual Benefits Local Viatical firm profiled in season debut this Friday SFGN Staff

he popular CNBC show “American Amongst those expected to be Greed” kicks off its tenth season interviewed in the segment are the this Friday night at 10 p.m. EST by Honorable Lisa Porter, who investigated highlighting the story of Mutual Mutual Benefits while Benefits Corporation, a locallyshe was an Assistant based but internationally-known Attorney General "They were viatical firm, busted by the federal under Charlie government for criminal fraud. Crist, prosecuting huge local The episode is entitled “Friends insurance fraud. philanthropists Without Benefits.” Narrated Porter is now a living large; by Stacy Keach, the feature is Broward County expected to show how Mutual Circuit court judge. major players Benefits bought life insurance SFGN publisher in the gay policies from AIDS patients, the Norm Kent was also community." chronically ill and seniors, but interviewed for the then fraudulently resold them as feature, expected low risk investments to clients, to discuss how the - Norm Kent who were defrauded of millions of corporation reached SFGN Publisher dollars. out to the gay The principles of Mutual community to gather Benefits included a number of public support for prominent local gay figures, including their efforts. attorney Anthony Livoti, and Steven "It's a sad story” Kent said. “They were Steiner, both of whom served as directors huge local philanthropists living large; of Broward County's then largest AIDS major players in the gay community. agency, Center One. They were both The problem was they were donating convicted and sentenced to 10 and 15 years someone else's money. That's greed, not in jail, respectively. generosity." 10.21.2015 •

lgbt bites

Compiled by Jillian Melero

Lesbian Supreme Court’s Sotomayor Officiates Lesbian Wedding (SFGN) Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor officiated the wedding of Ingrid Duran and Catherine Pino last Saturday in Washington D.C. the Washington Blade reports. The two women are also business partners, the founders of D & P Creative Strategies, an organization that addresses corporate, legislative and philanthropic concerns of Latinos, women, and LGBT individuals.

• 10.21.2015

Photos throughout social media highlight what appeared to be a Mexican themed wedding and a cake decorated with pink sugar skulls. Sources close to the event say it took place at the Potomac View Terrace, and among the guests were U.S. Treasurer Rosa Gumataotao Rios, Rep. Xavier Beccera (D-Calif.), Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.), Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.), and Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.). According to Out magazine, two other justices have officiated same sex marriages. “Ruth Bader Ginsburg has officiated at least two same-sex when she presided over the ceremony for a former student of hers from Columbia Law School, and this year when she renewed the vows of U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius and his husband, Clayton Bond. Justice Elena Kagan officiated a ceremony in Maryland of a former law clerk in 2014. Retired Justice Sandra Day O'Connor presided over a marriage in 2013 at the Supreme Court.”

Gay Report: 'Ex-Gay' Therapy is Harmful (EDGE) A new report from the government says conversion therapy for youth is harmful, recommending the controversial "treatment" be stopped. The report criticizing the "ex-gay" therapy comes from the Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration (SAMHSA)this week, stating the practice should not be used on children. The research's panel consisted of practitioners in child and adolescent mental health, family therapy, ethics and the psychology of religion. Researchers said they "found that variations in sexual orientation and gender identity are normal, and that conversion therapies or other efforts to change sexual orientation or gender identity are not effective, are harmful, and are not appropriate therapeutic practices." "When dealing with a sensitive topic such as gender identity or sexual orientation in young people, it is essential that families, educators, caregivers, and providers seek

lgbt bites

continued

transgender

Bisexual yoko ono addreSSeS lennon’S BI rumorS (SFGN) In an exclusive interview with the Daily Beast, Yoko Ono talks about her relationship with John Lennon, and rumors of their bisexuality. “John and I had a big talk about it, saying, basically, all of us must be bisexual. And we were sort of in a situation of thinking that we’re not [bisexual] because of society. So we are hiding the other side of ourselves, which is less acceptable,” Ono said. “I think he had a desire to [have sex with men], but I think he was too inhibited,” said Ono, then clarifying: “No, not inhibited. He said, ‘I don’t mind if there’s an incredibly attractive guy.’ It’s very difficult: They would have to be not just physically attractive, but mentally very advanced too. And you can’t find people like that.” When asked whether or not Lennon had had a sexual relationship with another man, Ono answered no. “The beginning of the year he was killed, he said to me, ‘I could have done it, but I can’t because I just never found somebody that was that attractive,’” she added. “Both

John and I were into attractiveness — you know — beauty.” On LGBT equality Ono said, “LGBTs should have true equality, Ono says, “and you’ll get it. Equality is people having to create their own future. That’s what they’re [gay people] doing. They should be very, very positive.” “Equality under the law and equality in real life is slightly different,” says Ono. “People are different from how the law can control them. We have a very complex life called the human life. There’s more than equality in life.”

“BeComIng nICole” FollowS tranS teen’S Journey (SFGN) Published this week, “Becoming Nicole: the Transformation of an American Family” follows the true story of trans teen Nicole Maines, her identical brother Wyatt, and their family’s journey to acceptance over the course of the last four years. Author Amy Ellis Nutt, writer for the Washington Post, discusses her reasons for choosing this story and this family to pursue in an interview with Out magazine. “There were several aspects to the story and the Maines family that hooked me right away. First of all, Nicole and her brother Jonas were still young teenagers and, in many ways, the family’s journey was still unfolding. As a journalist, that was exciting. Because the science of gender identity is still being learned, I also felt that Nicole and Jonas being identical twins gave me a perfect opportunity to explore the importance of this intermediate territory between nature and nurture called epigenetics: how our environment (even the environment of the womb), contributes to who we are, even when our DNA is identical, as it is in the case of Nicole and Jonas.”

HOMEOWNERS

When asked what she hopes to achieve with this book, Ellis has a broad scope. I think the lessons of “Becoming Nicole” cross many boundaries, not just gender. How much are we willing to listen to our children, to our spouses? How much are we willing to change? What does it take to survive as a family, to understand differences and accept difficult truths? All of us are more than just our names, or the words others use to describe us. There will always be a conflict between our need to know who we are as individuals, and society’s need to categorize and classify us. How we respond to that conflict – as individuals, as a family – is what this book is really all about.

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news local

Gainesville Celebrates Pride This small town festival continues to grow

Denise Royal

n Saturday, Oct. 24, you are invited to come out as you are to Gainesville’s PRIDE Parade. The parade begins at noon at 7th Street and West University Avenue. Floats will begin at the intersection of 7th St and W University Ave and proceed east on University Ave to S 1st St. At 1 p.m. once the parade ends, the Pride Festival begins and runs until 9 p.m. It will feature dozens of local musical acts, including Flash Silvermoon and Q the Sound and over one hundred vendors. It is free and open to the public. “The Gainesville Pride Festival is different than any other Pride event you’ll attend. Imagine a hometown non-sponsored, noncorporate feel with more than five thousand resident and out-of-town visitors in attendance having a great time in a relaxed setting,” says Helen James-Storey of the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida. “Clearly, this is an event people can’t help but gravitate towards.” The origins of today’s Pride celebrations are generally credited to the Stonewall Rebellion of June 28, 1969. While June is considered “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month” and President Obama declared June “LGBT Pride Month” it’s important to remember this is Florida and in June the weather is sweltering. The Gainesville Pride Festival was moved to October in 2000 to encourage students at UF to participate and to accommodate the better weather in the fall. Since the festival was moved, it has increased in size every year and in 2014 over five thousand people participated in the festival.

• 10.21.2015

“The Gainesville Pride Festival is different than any other Pride event you’ll attend. Imagine a hometown non-sponsored, non-corporate feel with more than five thousand resident and out-of-town visitors in attendance having a great time in a relaxed setting. Clearly, this is an event people can’t help but gravitate towards.”

- Helen James Storey

Pride Community Center

The next day, on Sunday, Oct. 25, Pride Sunday takes place. The United Church of Gainesville (1624 NW 5th Ave) will hold its annual Gay Pride Sunday Services at 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Pride Message “Queering The Witness” The Rev. Dr. Shelly Wilson, Senior Minister – Special Seminar at 10:45 a.m. “Sex & Gender: Beyond Binary, A Discussion Of Current Scientific Thinking” Georg Vollweiler, Ph.D., Professor of Anthropology, Santa Fe College – Brunch to follow in the Reimer Fellowship Hall at 12:15pm. At 10:30 a.m., the second annual Gainesville Pride Brunch will be held at Emiliano’s Café. Co-hosted by Gainesville Community Alliance and PCCNCF. $23.50 per person (includes tax and gratuity). Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance by Oct. 20 – available from GCA and PCCNCF.

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breakdown in communications read his resume. I was interested in hearing has some members of the Dolphin what he had to say. I hope nothing serious Democrats questioning the level of prevented him from being here.” commitment from Fort Lauderdale’s elected DuBose, 44, is in his first term in officials. Tallahassee. He replaced Perry E. Thurston, Members of Florida’s oldest LGBT Jr., who was term limited and represents political club waited to hear from Florida District 94, which includes most of Fort Representative Bobby B. Lauderdale and central DuBose last Wednesday Broward County. Prior to night, Oct. 14, but he serving at the state level, never showed. The club DuBose was a Fort Lauderdale advertised and promoted City Commissioner and Vice DuBose’s appearance on Mayor. Facebook and e-mail blasts, Dolphin Democrats Vice but evidently his office did President James Basmajian said not receive those messages. he is willing to forgive DuBose In a news release, Gabriel for the miscommunication, Sheffield, legislative but is hoping the incident is aide to DuBose, issued not a signal of disrespect to the the following statement: LGBT community. “I believe there was a “There are politicians who miscommunication on take us for granted,” Basmajian when Rep. DuBose was admitted. “They show up once - Noah Kitty going to appear at the asking for our vote and shake Dolphin Democrats Dolphin Democrat as a few hands and we never President we’ve rescheduled this see them again. I think the event before. It wasn’t him Dolphin Democrats have sat blatantly disregarding the back and taken this for far too organization and I would like to extend my long. Maybe this will be a wake-up call for apologies on behalf of our office. However the group.” Rep. DuBose still would love to give his An estimated 40 people attended the Oct. legislative update at a later date.” 14 meeting held inside the Pride Center Meanwhile, Dolphin Democrats President at Equality Park in Wilton Manors. At the Noah Kitty was none too pleased with meeting, members listened to speeches from DuBose’s disappearing act. candidates and revised bylaws to include “We deserve the courtesy of a notice that “allies” within the organization. Basmajian he couldn’t make it,” Kitty said. “He could, at said he is hoping DuBose will come through the very least, sent a representative or aide and help the group put together its annual and he didn’t. We have an e-mail that he holiday party. agreed to be here.” “I expect Bobby DuBose to make up for Dolphin Democrat member Dick Poirier this mistake and support our Christmas called DuBose’s no show, “sad,” adding, “I party,” Basmajian said.

“We deserve the courtesy of a notice that he couldn’t make it.”

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10.21.2015 •

guest column rebuttal

Photo: CNN

Reader Blasts Pier Angelo’s“Sin of Pride” Tyler Bastys

pon first reading this article, I was absolutely irate at the gall of the author. I thought to myself, “How dare he say such jaded and false things?” and left a short and snide comment. As the day wore on, my mind kept returning to this article, and I became determined to clearly demonstrate where the bitter queen went wrong by penning the trash published on Facebook. Pride is a momentous and grand occasion and we should be absolutely elated that it has become such a widespread phenomenon. This year marks the 42nd anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which is a vital part of LGBT history and culture. By the 1980’s this marvel we call “Pride” was occurring in such far flung places as Russia, The Middle East,

You happen to be a man of influence and considerable wealth with the means and connection to actually address some of the issues you claim exist. Instead, you’ve chose to whine and spread your bitterness and hypocrisy all over the Internet for the world to see. 26

• 10.21.2015

Prides are some of the most vibrant and fun places on Earth

and Nepal which was vital in helping spread awareness to the AIDS crisis occurring globally at the time. This year, Obama officially declared June to be LGBT Pride Month in a Presidential proclamation. If that’s not progress Mr. Angelo, I don’t know what is. Pride remains and shall always be relevant. Stonewall is always spoken about in both speeches and among the crowds in reverence. This is our history and it passes from generation to generation. Pride also serves as a show of numbers. The festivals show the local communities how many LGBT people and supporters there really are in their area. This is our visibility, our million-man march. It also serves as a welcoming and accepting group of people for the youth to join and look up to. Most people’s first pride is a deeply meaningful and defining experience. More importantly, Pride serves as a stage to address current issues. Our fight is far from over. We have still yet to obtain rights for transgender individuals, LGBT rights in the workplace in many states, adoption rights, and obviously basic civil rights in other countries around the globe such as Uganda and Russia. We care for and celebrate our community Mr. Angelo. We have Pride to prove that we are unashamed. You state “Prides have become a business, a way for corporations to take the rainbow dollar.” If a corporation has a booth that

generally means they paid a fee to be there which in turn helps to put on the festival in the first place. Secondly, if the gays want the product being offered, be it insurance, solar panels, trinkets, art, or jewelry, why not let them have the opportunity to buy it? I have seen many unique and creative things at Pride such as handmade jewelry by gay artisans, art featuring male physique or same-sex love scenes (a rare find), or even corporations who were offering same sex couples things like life insurance benefitting their partners long before such policies were commonplace. If our community doesn’t want the products being offered, they just won’t purchase it. You called Pride “stale and unimaginative.” This statement couldn’t possibly be further from the truth. Prides are some of the most vibrant and fun places on Earth. They are so colorful and full of laughter. Pride is the time where everyone goes “all out” from drag queens to go-go boys. It’s like gay Christmas! You said “the admissions price is a rip off.” Great Prides, or large events of any sort, must be funded. The talent must be paid. There are several other expensive factors to consider like security, portable toilets, fences, permits, etc. That admission fee is each individual’s small, personal contribution to the revelry and delight of the day. If you want a free show, go see Dame Edna tell the same jokes at The Alibi every

Monday night, or listen to Jennifer McClain attempt to hit notes far out of her range while she guzzles fireball. That small fee ensures quality, safety, and cleanliness for all the participants. What really bothers me the most Mr. Angelo is that this article was written by you. You are one of the owners of the South Florida Gay News which is actually a sponsor of Pride Fort Lauderdale! I’m assuming that your ownership of the paper is the only possible reason that this garbage masquerading as a news article was even published online. More importantly, as the owner of one of the top and most widely distributed gay papers in the country, you should be a leader and a pillar of the community who champions our cause. You most certainly shouldn’t be smearing it with “unicorn vomit!” You happen to be a man of influence and considerable wealth with the means and connection to actually address some of the issues you claim exist. Instead, you’ve chose to whine and spread your bitterness and hypocrisy all over the Internet for the world to see. If you are unhappy with our community, perhaps you should take your sad and bitter self to Tropics with the rest of your moaning and groaning, near-dead contemporaries and complain into your cold plate of mediocre food. You, sir, should be ashamed of yourself while the rest of us continue to have PRIDE.

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column letters to the editor

The Local Log Cabin Repub’s Have Done So Much for LGBT Rights

Kenneth Blunk You Are Wrong Reader responds to last week’s letter calling for gays to arm themselves

Former local president speaks out against OUR Fund’s cold-shoulder

ear Norm: As a long time member of Log Cabin Broward and one its former Presidents I can assure you that our volunteer efforts were not insignificant as some associated with the OUR Fund’s Board and those seemingly on their November panel may envision. You and Jessie, like Andy, Joe Campanella, Karl Clark, Buddy Markewell, Robin Bodiford, Allen Terel, Lynn Mattingly, Dean Trantalis, etc. knew/know more about our history than some who would go about recreating it with regard to Log Cabin’s historical involvement not only from the days of the Brigg Amendment but also relative to some dealing with Anita’s “Save our Children” Campaign along with the formation of PAC PAC and Americas for Equality, etc. You may also recall the dinner at Chardee’s (“Remembering When”) LCR initially suggested and then helped organize to honor and reflect back on those historically involved. You will recall that LCR Broward was very involved in the battle to rescind the anti-gay DADT military policy and one of our members helped found the South Florida Chapter of the GLBVA now AVER (American Veterans for Equal Rights). Likewise you will recall how we participated in organizing the demonstrations at Coral Ridge as we planned with GUARD (Gays United Against Repression and Discrimination), P-Flag and others to peacefully sponsor the first public challenge against the “Reclaiming America for Christ” conference. Obviously, documentation will also demonstrate the

• 10.21.2015

effectiveness of LCR and LEF supporters with regard to marriage equality, AIDS Funding, etc. Now that I historically book back with some of our friends I understand that many of those who deny LCR’s long-terms efforts have no idea about our local Tuesday Night Group or even the Original “Amity Business Group” that folded when someone wanted to turn its confidential membership list over to government agents. There is so much more historically as you know. The nay slayers who criticize Log Cabin Broward today are the free spirits who now are living off the backs of so many of us as well as those who are no longer with us when it comes to the long-term battle for our inclusion and equal rights. Many of those who are in denial about Log Cabin’s involvement were not here when some of our former activists dealt with the arrests on the beach at the Marlin, Tacky’s, the Copa, and elsewhere. While we hear so much about National activists we had some outstanding individuals here in the Southeast who quietly but effectively helped create positive change for our community. Unfortunately, it appears that some leaders of the OUR Fund Charitable Foundation seeming weren’t here to fully experience what historically unfolded for us on the Gold Coast of Florida even before some of those on the panel initially arrived in town just as I once did. —Jack Majeske Former President Log Cabin Broward

srael has adopted the National Rifle Association's (NRA} dream policy. All Israeli Jews are urged to buy guns and are urged to take the law into their own hands. Result: as many innocent citizens are being killed as terrorists & criminals. The combination of guns held equally by authorities and rebel groups is the definition of a "war zone." As can be seen in the Middle East, rebels are not unified but are broken into warring factions. Such would be the case in the gay community, which would break into well-known political and behavioral groups. Considering the propensity for violence in gay relationships, just imagine the bloodbath we'd have in our community. A concisely summarized Canadian study supported by several studies by U.S. psychologists and university departments of Psychology states:

“Regarding studies regarding homosexual couples and violence, a recent study by the Canadian government regarding homosexual couples states that ‘violence was twice as common among homosexual couples compared with heterosexual couples.’” htt p : / / w w w.C o n s e r va p e d i a .co m / Homosexuality_and_Murders It must be noted that the munitions manufacturers sell weapons to any one across the Globe, finance the NRA, which "owns" numerous U.S. congressmen and senators. —Nelson S. Benzing Jr. Fort Lauderdale

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feature southern comfort Photos: Brendon Lies.

Alexis Dee.

A Place To Call Home The 25th Annual Southern Comfort Conference comes to Broward Brendon Lies

hen walking into the Southern survival for a community long swept under Comfort Conference, one was the rug. greeted with a sense of calm. For the previous 24 years, the SCC had It wasn’t the wild prideful convention been hosted in Atlanta, GA, touting itself that one might expect of the gay or lesbian as the largest gathering of its kind in the community, but instead felt U.S. While there had been no like a place of warmth for immediate concerns about those who were forced to its previous location, it was “I really believe live a double life. thanks to Richard Gray, the One might say it LGBT Managing Director that we would was a vacation, and at the Fort Lauderdale not have the the destination was Convention Visitors Bureau healthcare authenticity. (CVB) who reached out to the inclusiveness “Many of the people at conference and convinced offered today if this conference are not them to come to South out,” said Alexis Dee, Board Florida. corporations had President of the Southern “Without Richard’s not first been Comfort Conference. dedication to the transgender shown it was “Their families have no community, we wouldn’t possible.” idea they’re transgender, be here today,” said so they come here and Commissioner Stacy Ritter - Jamison Green have the opportunity to be of Broward County at the themselves.” conference, shortly after President of WPATH Yet the conference was she proclaimed October not all about the peaceful 3rd to be Southern Comfort luxury of the Bonaventura Conference Day in Broward Resort in Weston where the conference was County. hosted for the first time this year. While there had initially been many Ripe with seminars, excursions, and concerns about the move to South Florida, transgender health specialists, the Gray’s efforts alongside the CVB made the conference aimed to cover every aspect of transition as smooth as possible.

• 10.21.2015

And that’s what the Southern Comfort Conference is all about.

Provider’s Day One event debuting at the 25th Southern Comfort Conference was geared towards local healthcare providers. Provider’s Day, held on the day before the regular conference started, gave local transgender health specialists an opportunity to delve into the knowledge base of special guests and learn new ways to monitor their patients in a field that is heavily bogged down by political tape. The event was hosted by Jamison Green, President of World Professional Association for Transgender Health as well as Vin Tangpricha, the Secretary-Treasurer of WPATH and Jay Brown from the Human Rights Campaign. This new event began with an in-depth presentation from each speaker, then welcomed questions from locals in a warm gesture towards the Florida community that gave local providers a chance to learn more about the complexities of transgender healthcare. One topic that was heavily stressed by Green was the importance of advocacy. As President of WPATH, he emphasized

the importance of working with HRC to show companies that their employees were given benefits that allowed them to transition. Together with the HRC, Green says they have drastically spread awareness and raised the number of companies that will cover their workers by staggering numbers in just the last few years alone. “I really believe that we would not have the healthcare inclusiveness offered today if corporations had not first been shown it was possible,” Green said before encouraging his providers to keep in mind that the workplace was just one of many places that their patients found obstacles in their journey. Despite running as a three-hour session, the seminar for Provider’s Day was arguably too short, as was apparent by the number of questions that couldn’t be answered in depth. Yet most could agree the difficulties were much a result of the uncharted waters that doctors were still sailing in order to assist their transgender patients. “The studies just do not exist at this point,” said Tangpricha, referring to a question from one provider about the length of time it would take for certain risk factors to arise during hormone therapy. All three speakers agreed, however, that the most important rule for a trans

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healthcare provider is to work with their patient closely and listen. That alone, Green said, is groundbreaking. “Many people seem to feel that transgender lives are bifurcated lives. That’s how trans people have been historically viewed. But their lives are incredibly diverse,” he went on to explain. As the Provider’s Day seminar wrapped up in preparation for the conference’s following events, Green finished with a statement that seemed to sum up the importance of the comforting environment that the SCC had proudly named itself for. “Trauma is the most universal experience of trans people,” Green professed. “Regardless of how successful their transition is.” Provider's Day. Jay Brown (left), Jamison Green, Alexis Dee, and Vin Tangpricha.

SemInarS and gueSt SPeakerS Many at the convention were disappointed by the limited time slots of the seminars, as the selection of speakers was truly remarkable. Some highly-anticipated guests included Zackary Drucker the co-director of “Transparent” (see SFGN.com) and Jazz Jennings the transgender youth currently starring in her own television series. Yet speakers also included surgeons hailing as far as Philadelphia, as well as a number of local surgeons. Each of the sessions were hosted throughout the conference center of the Bonaventura Resort, whose staff were

incredibly welcoming towards the diverse guests staying for the week. Yet once the doors to a session were closed, conversation was allowed to open even further, branching into topics that were revolutionary just for being spoken aloud. Most topics ranged from various types of surgery for both transwomen and transmen to talks around how well to dress and of course the psychology of gender. One seminar hosted by Dr. Timothy Herley even focused specifically on society’s powerfully influential yet limited perspective of gender, titled, Why all the Upset about Gender? Meanwhile, another session by Dr. Sara Fackelman, titled, Oy vey – You’re Jewish and Transgender? What would Yentle say? even offered to bless transgender Jews for their sex reassignment surgeries. Not to be forgotten, however, were sessions that encouraged the conference’s guests to live even if their journey could never be completed. Michelle Cooper, M.S., hosted a seminar on Coping with Inability to Transition, which spoke about the impassible circumstances that many transgender individuals face in their journey such as finances, health, and even family responsibilities that force their journey of self-discovery to a halt. As a science educator, Cooper spoke on ways to find peace, despite feeling condemned to a life of misery and inauthenticity.

Sweet getaway Perhaps one of the most beneficial part of the SCC’s move to Broward is Fort Lauderdale’s diverse and open environment. Giving members of the conference a chance to enjoy life in their authentic form is a large part of what makes the Southern Comfort Conference feel so much like home. All throughout the week, guests boarded shuttles that would bring them into the heart of Fort Lauderdale to neighborhoods including Wilton Manors, famous for its inclusive atmosphere. Other events went as far as the everglades, giving attendees a chance to experience Florida in its wildest form. Another excursion allowed guests to visit the famous Stonewall Museum and Gallery in Wilton Manors, granting conference members a moment to honor their history. Yet the importance of escaping to such a welcoming environment could be seen on conference members even by the poolside. For once, there was no guilt as conference attendees basked in the sun far away from their struggles back home. While many events focused on the life that attendees deserved to but were in most cases unable to live, other events involved keynote speakers such as Gina Duncan, the Transgender Inclusion Director of Equality Florida. A proud advocate for the trans community, 10.21.2015 •

feature southern comfort Saturday Dinner Gala and award ceremony.

Duncan spoke at the lunch event on Friday physically and emotionally — before heading about Equality Florida’s new Transgender out to see everything that South Florida had Resource Guide with crucial information to offer. regarding transgender healthcare in Florida. “When someone is looking for an Where Did All The Boys Go endocrinologist in Fort Myers, they can Even when glancing through the list of click… and find those resources,” Duncan seminars, one noticeable fact about the said. There was also a chance for people to conference stood out. At the SCC, most meet Jazz Jennings after one event, allowing seminars and events were focused towards them to receive a personalized signed copy trans women. There are a number of likely reasons of her book “I Am Jazz” as an inspirational souvenir. Jazz’s entire family joined her for for that, yet much of it comes down to the event, sparing no enthusiasm towards speculation. “Even in Atlanta, most of the guys who the conference attendees who had questions. Yet while most events were geared towards came were local,” said Dee somewhat those transitioning, there was a place of regretfully. This year seemed no different, with most reprise for family members who had come of the trans men who were present hailing along for the journey. The Nest Program was open all day, giving from Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach spouses, parents and children of transgender County. The traditional low attendance of trans conference members a place to find support men at SCC makes it in one another. difficult for the conference In between events, the to plan more male-centered marketplace also thrived events, as there’s simply no with live. The Nest guarantee that the seminars’ Sprawling through Program was attendance will weigh one of the resort’s largest open all day, out the cost of time and conference rooms, the commitment. marketplace was alive with giving spouses, Many at the conference vendors offering specialized parents and quietly speculated that the assistance in numerous children of high rate of blend-ability topics. amongst trans men has Some mentionable transgender played a major factor in their vendors included In The conference attendance. Once receiving Closet Boutique, assisting members a hormone therapy, trans men trans women with place to find are far more likely to achieve hairstyling, makeup and a fully masculine appearance shoes, as well as Cross Dress, support in one and conform to a life of a boutique offering stockings another. stealth, meaning they do not and shapewear. live as openly transgender. Many vendors in the This was evident by the marketplace offered services for emotional support, such as the Trevor limited seminars for trans men. Only one of Project who offered information to assist the seminars diverted from the topic of chest or lower surgery, instead focusing on a trans LGBTQ youth in need of crisis intervention. From lawyers and surgeons, wigs to man’s ability to assimilate into masculine breastforms, the marketplace offered a conversation and speech. Sessions offered for trans women, on the chance to shop and touch up — both

• 10.21.2015

other hand, ranged from clothing to voice training, socialization, using breast forms, and even facial feminization surgery. Even events for trans men were limited more to all-inclusive nights, with only an open-bar football night exclusively hosted for trans men by Mel Coleman, Director of Transman functions. Alexis Dee is optimistic that the conference will be able to attract more trans men in the future if they can continue to spread awareness in the community, and the conference aims to extend its arms out for anyone who wishes to change the low attendance rate with an event that will be more appealing to trans men both local and afar. “[In Atlanta] the guys there often pointed out the lack of events, but I have always welcomed any men who wish to join us as volunteers,” said Dee sincerely. “They’re a part of our community.”

Farewell For Now The last day of the conference was filled with seminars and events for those who had energy left after the events of the week, yet the grand finalé was undoubtedly the Saturday Night Gala. Hosted by Alexis Dee herself, the dinner was a chance to dress your best before bidding farewell to the SCC’s beautiful new home. From sparkling dresses to clean-pressed suits and even a wedding dress, trans men and women alike were invited to a cash bar of fine liquor before relaxing in the convention hall. Once it had begun, guests joined in celebrating with everyone who had worked so hard to make the SCC’s 25th year a success. A thank you went out to the audience as well, many of whom were early pioneers who had stopped attending in order to live their lives, only to return this year for the SCC’s grand unveiling in Florida. To finish the awards, several groups

took a moment to thank Richard Gray for his involvement. The Florida Chapter of the Trans Latina Coalition, led by Arianna Lint as they marched up to the stage, presented Gray with one of two awards of the night, the other of which he received from the Fort Lauderdale CVB for his efforts in inclusiveness for the LGBT community. Once the formalities had ended, the dance floor was opened up, and Alexis Dee was welcome to sit at her table. When asked how the event compared to previous years, she spared an exhausted but grateful smile. “It doesn’t change much,” Dee said, explaining that the conference itself aims to be a place of comfort rather than excitement. “For many people, this conference is just home.” Fortunately that home in Broward County will be here to greet the Southern Comfort next year, and hopefully for many years to come. Alexis Dee and Richard Gray.

Gazette Wilton Manors

Volume 2 • Issue 20 October 21, 2015

Twice-Monthly Neighborhood Outlook

Page 2 Oktoberfest Wilton Manors

Page 2 Tri-Rail Station

Page 3 Real Estate Geek

Page 4 Open Letter To Mayor

Page 4 Focus On Westside

Community Business

Wicked Manors Organizers Anticipate 25,000 to 30,000 Attendees By Michael d’Oliveira Wilton Manors’ annual Wilton Drive-closing Halloween event is expected by organizers to be more packed than usual. In their third year in charge of Wicked Manors, Oct. 31 from 7 p.m. to midnight, Pride Center executives expect attendance to reach between 25,000 and 30,000 – an increase from the estimated 18,000 to 20,000 who attended last year. “It’s on a Saturday. No one works on a Sunday. There’s nothing stopping people from coming out this year,” said Roger Roa, director of development for Pride Center. “This year’s theme is Once Upon A Drive. Fairy tales both good and bad and whatever you’re feeling for that night.” Miss Misty Eyez will serve as the “Dragtastic” emcee on the mainstage along with The HITS 97.3 FM morning show. Adult costume contests, a pet costume contest, kids costume contest and competitions amongst “South Florida’s Fiercest Drag Queens” will be part of the night’s festivities. Thousands in cash prizes are up for grabs. But, added Roa, it will be very much like Wicked Manors’ events of the past.

“Nothing will be extraordinarily different than the last two years.” Roa said the hope is that proceeds from the event will increase as well. “Last year we raised more than $30,000 after all expenses. We’re hoping to double that this year with the ten bars that are going to be on Wilton Drive,” Roa said. That money is reinvested in the Pride Center, located in Wilton Manors. Besides funding Pride Center’s programs and services, “We do it because it brings awareness to the entire South Florida community for who we are and what we do.” Wilton Drive will be closed from Five Points to Northeast 21 Court from 1 p.m. on Oct. 31 to 3 a.m. on Nov. 1. Parking is $10 and available at Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive; Richardson Park, 1937 Wilton Drive; Municipal Complex, 2100 N Dixie Hwy.; the Center for Spiritual Living, 1550 NE 26 St. and the city owned lot at Northeast 26 Street and Northeast 8 Terrace across from Kids In Distress . WMG

Photo: Facebook.

For more information, visit WickedManors.org.

Business

Kiwanis Pumpkin Patch WMG Staff The Kiwanis Club of Wilton Manors has opened its annual Pumpkin Patch at Iberia Bank, 2465 Wilton Drive. The Patch is open Monday to Friday from 12 to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The last day of operation will be Oct. 31 or when all pumpkins are sold. Traditional orange pumpkins are available as well as red, white, blue and yellow pumpkins. Gords,

hay bales and corn stalks are also available for sale. Pets are welcome and photographs are encouraged. Money raised from the sale of pumpkins is used to fund programs that benefit the children of Wilton Manors. “All the proceeds go right back into the community,” said Kate Donohue, Kiwanis secretary. WMG

Photo: Facebook.

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October 21, 2015

10.21.2015 •

Opinion

Oktoberfest Wilton Manors By Sal Torre

Gazette Wilton Manors

OCTOBER 21, 2015 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 20

Photo: Oakland Park Facebook.

2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305

Oktoberfest is an annual autumn festival that communities celebrate with plenty of beer drinking and merriment. One can say that sounds like any given Friday night, or most nights, here in Wilton Manors. However, this October has been reason to celebrate here in our Island City. Beginning on Oct. 1, we welcomed in our new City Manager, Leigh Ann Henderson. This new leadership extends to the recent hiring of our new Assistant City Manager, Pam Landi. We welcome Leigh Ann’s many years of experience serving our city, and equally welcome the breath of fresh air blowing in with newcomer Pam Landi, who brings a very impressive track record and experience to our city. Best wishes to both of you in moving our city forward with new energy and renewed focus on what we need to address here in Wilton Manors. More good news followed with the Special City Commission meeting on Oct. 6. This special meeting was for the purpose of appointing the first board members of the recently approved Business Improvement District. This long awaited and long sort after designation creates a special taxing district mainly along Wilton Drive, to bring together property owners and business owners to make improvements and to provide services needed throughout our Arts and Entertainment District. Many outstanding community leaders were appointed to the board and we look forward to the BID‘s first meeting and many wonderful changes to the Drive. Moving ahead to the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting a week after, on Oct. 13, we were tantalized with the presentation by Keith & Associates on what the future might look like for the Andrews Avenue and Oakland Park Blvd corridor. This zoning study was commissioned by our city over a year ago, in large part due to the urging of the Westside Association of Wilton Manors requesting that our city make proactive zoning changes to encourage future redevelopment along this vital and underutilized corridor of our city. We will see the wonderful and energetic Michael Vonder Meulen, Senior Planner of Keith & Associates, make his rounds all month long making presentations of the zoning study to neighborhood associations, Planning and Zoning board, and the Economic Development Task Force. This study lays out a road map to revitalize a major part of our city, to create an environment for future redevelopment through zoning and land use changes. Our small Island City needs to capitalize not only

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Editorial

on the success of Wilton Drive and the Dixie corridor, but expand that success westward to Andrews Avenue to help secure the future financial stability of our city. The creation of new housing stock, new businesses that serve the surrounding community and the redevelopment of existing properties must be a priority of our new city leadership moving forward in the coming year. We created the ‘Drive’ now it’s time to create the ‘ Avenue.’ Also announced by the city are the public safety improvements that the Florida Department of Transportation has planned for Wilton Drive. Finally a crosswalk will be placed at NE 20th Street, flashing beacon signs and possibly new pedestrian lighting along the length of the Drive. Great news from FDOT. October is not all business and no play here in Wilton Manors. Our Leisure Services Department will host the annual Spooktacular event for our local children to enjoy. This event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 22, beginning 6 p.m. at the Wilton Manors Elementary School. Then it’s on to the Halloween extravaganza for children of adult ages, the annual Wicked Manors Halloween Street Party along Wilton Drive hosted by the Pride Center. This year’s theme is, ‘Once upon a Drive,’ and with All Hallow’s Eve falling on a Saturday night, I am sure the Trick or Treating will go on to the early morning hours. Looking to see Kim Davis dress ups walking the Drive with all the other ghouls and demons that come out on this special night. These are only the highlights. There are many other community meetings, social events, and happening every month. All this positive news and community activity reminds us all why we love Wilton Manors, cause life is just better here. WMG

Community

Wilton Manors May Still Get a Tri-Rail Station By Michael d’Oliveira The battle with Oakland Park isn’t over yet

State officials are promising one Tri-Rail station to serve passengers in Wilton Manors and Oakland Park. But with only one station for both cities, the question still remains: what city will it be built in? That’s an answer the Florida Department of Transportation [FDOT] said it hopes to have answered in the Spring of 2016. In total, 25 stations, from Miami-Dade to Jupiter, will be built as part of an eastern extension of Tri-Rail along the FEC Railway. Choosing the site will depend on the residential and/or commercial density of the potential surrounding area and the potential ridership. FDOT officials said maximizing ridership will help the project obtain federal funding. In Tier 1, stations will be built three to four miles apart. If Wilton Manors doesn’t get a station the first time, Amie Goddeau, FDOT Dist. 4 project manager, said there’s a chance it could be chosen in Tier 2. “You’ve got to be cost effective with the key destinations and high ridership. If the system is very successful, you’d have opportunities for

more of a local station. As the system grows, there’s more opportunity,” Goddeau said. If Wilton Manors is chosen, the station could be built somewhere south of the corner of Northeast 26 Street and Dixie Highway. If in Oakland Park, it could be built north of the corner of Oakland Park Boulevard and Dixie Highway. To help Wilton Manors’ chances, in addition to lobbying FDOT directly at a public meeting in 2012, city officials have taken steps to make the area around the railway more attractive. The Transit Oriented Corridor [TOC], which encompasses Dixie Highway was approved by commissioners to allow for more commercial and residential mixeduse. City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said allowing mixed-use will increase the area’s “destination value.” Developers have also played a role by increasing the number of residents who live nearby the train tracks. Built in 2006, Wilton Station,

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Associated Press

located on Northeast 26 Street just east of Dixie Highway, has 272 condo units and 18,000 square feet of retail space. The Metropolitan, currently under construction and located on Northeast 24 Street near Dixie Highway, has 179 apartment units. WMG

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• 10.21.2015

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October 21, 2015

Flipping Broward On Sunday nights, my partner and I enjoy watching “Flipping Vegas.” It’s entertaining (it’s on cable after all) but the implication is that it is easy for a relatively experienced person to make a lot of money by buying distressed properties, spending $30-50,000 bringing them to contemporary standards, and selling at a big profit. Well, as an old MBA, I can tell you the Iron Laws of Finance have not been suspended when it comes to real estate. Much as is the case with gamblers, you always hear

(

By James Oaksun

Real Estate Geek

about the wins; never the losses. High reward does not come without high risk. (Of course Reality TV shows don’t highlight the failed deals.) In the property bust of 2006-2011, distressed sales dominated the market here. Not so much within WilMa and Poinsettia Heights (speaking of nearby neighborhoods). However, some of the surrounding areas were really hit hard. With crisis can come opportunity. Investors were able to buy properties almost by the handful in certain neighborhoods – often for 70 percent less than their price at the market high. And yes, many people profited. The lower price at which you can buy, the better the chances of selling for a profit, regardless of what you do to the property. For the largely first time buyers looking at these renovated properties, quality of the work varied widely. Some were done by conscious investors; some by people who cut corners at every juncture. Careful assessment was, and remains, a critical aspect of evaluating these sorts of properties. But what about now, for the investor? Are there still opportunities for these sorts of fix and flip deals in our area? Consider the chart here. While distressed sales

3 •

October 21, 2015

comprise a smaller part of the market, they are still out there in South Middle River, North Andrews Gardens and other select areas. For WilMa and Poinsettia Heights, I’d have to say the fix and flip ship has sailed. If you’re inclined to give this a try, you have to do your homework to a much greater degree than just a few years back. And you also have to bear in mind that you won’t be the only person seeking such opportunities. And you need a little bit of luck. Do you feel lucky?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).

10.21.2015 •

Business

Letter to the Editor

Demands for New Focus An Open Letter to the Honorable Mayor Resnick on Westside By Michael d’Oliveira

With all due respect, your recent email about updates to the plan for improving pedestrian safety on Wilton Drive are more of the same, idle words. Not once did you address the problem of dangerous drivers. You continue to pursue band-aid type fixes which may or may not get implemented. Changing the timing of the crosswalk outside city hall was done YEARS ago! Changing the timing of that light again will have NO effectiveness whatsoever. If you were really committed to making Wilton Drive safer, here is what you would do: Enforce basic trafﬁc laws. This means speeding, illegal turns, illegal u-turns, illegal lane changes, running lights and stop signs, failing to yield right-of-way to pedestrians especially during right and left hand turns, etc. The car that hit me several years ago did so while I was legally walking across the entrance to CVS. He was making an illegal right turn from the left lane. You continue to FAIL to address the traffic lawlessness. Demand reduction of Wilton Drive to one lane each direction through the business district. Lauderdale-by-theSea did this on A1A. Wilton Manors should do this on Wilton Drive. Nothing fancy, just plastic posts shutting off traffic in the outer two lanes. That will prompt through traffic to take a different route.

Business

Red light cameras along Wilton Drive. I have seen so many times when cars completely ran red lights without even slowing down. Text messaging is the most likely cause of this. Drivers will not change unless they face repeated tickets and hefty fines. Lower the speed limit further. 20 mph would be much better than the current 30 mph speed limit when people are typically driving 40 or 50 mph down Wilton Drive. It is a travesty that you did NOTHING until someone well-known in the community was killed by a car. You FAILED your job for years and years. Now you are finally doing some talk, but not nearly enough action. I will educate everyone I know who is a voter in Wilton Manors what a FAILURE Wilton Manors city government has been. Only after we replace you and the rest of the city commission with responsible people who will actually do something will Wilton Manors ever have a chance of being safer for pedestrians. WMG Sincerely, George Hampton Wilton Manors, FL

The release of a land use study for Oakland Park Boulevard and Andrews Avenue has Westside residents demanding commissioners go beyond research. “Andrews Avenue is an enormously important corridor,” said Sal Torre, president of the Westside Association of Wilton Manors. Resident Jake Valentine praised the city’s recent efforts to redevelop Mickel Park, located in the Westside on Powerline Road, but said the Westside has been “sorely overlooked for many years.” He called Andrews Avenue a “mishmash of code violations and blighted properties.” The study, he added, is a second chance for commissioners to address the needs of the neighborhood. “The Westside will no longer accept the status as a second thought.” Valentine isn’t the first to criticize the commission for neglecting other parts of the city. At various times over the last few years, some commissioners have also said Wilton Drive gets an inordinate amount of attention compared to other areas. “Too much attention is spent on one area of the city. Let’s not neglect the balance of the city,” said Commissioner Julie Carson in 2012. Mayor Gary Resnick said it most recently when the study was presented at the Oct. 13 commission meeting. “It seems we’ve forgotten Andrews and Oakland Park.” He called the study the “first step to improving” the roadways. It won’t be a quick fix though, the mayor added. “Andrews Avenue doesn’t lend itself to becoming more attractive. There’s so much concrete and so little landscaping. These things take a long time.” In recent years, city officials have been able to make improvements or begun the process of improving other areas. Officials

Wilton Drive BID Board Chosen

Wilton Manors’ attempt to generate funding for improvements to Wilton Drive now has a board to oversee the efforts. On Oct. 6, commissioners approved the appointment of seven people to the Wilton Drive Business Improvement District [BID]. The board is made up of a mix of three property owners, three business owners and one resident. Doug Blevins (property owner), James Govin (property owner), Robert Katz (property owner), Paul Hugo (business owner), Greg Phelps (business owner), Danny Scarfone (business owner) and Daniel Keester (resident) are the appointees. The first meeting of the BID will be held on Monday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the commission chambers, 2020 Wilton Drive. “We’re finally bringing this to where it needs to be,” Hugo said.

tried to develop an Andrews Avenue Business Improvement District [BID] like the one established for Wilton Drive. “We did explore a BID but the property owners were not generally interested,” Resnick said. The Wilton Drive BID will increase taxes on property owners on that street and use the extra money to make improvements. Recently, the city received $1 million in state funds to improve Dixie Highway from the New River to Five Points. The money will be used for pedestrian, lighting and landscape improvements. The city has also applied for a similar grant for Northeast 26 Street and is working with Fort Lauderdale to try and make Powerline Road safer. Pedestrian, landscaping, bike lane improvements and the addition of medians are some of the improvements Keith & Associates, the engineering firm that performed the land use study, suggested for Andrews Avenue and Oakland Park Boulevard. Complete Streets, a system where pedestrians, bicyclists, cars and buses share the road, could also be implemented Commissioner Tom Green said the addition of medians are important to make Andrews Avenue more like “a city [street] and not a runway.” Adding trees was part of the suggested landscaping improvements. If and when the city were to add them, resident Bob Cassidy said they should be planted along the sidewalks, not the medians. “There’s no shade in the summer,” said Cassidy about Andrews Avenue. The study also suggested attracting more residential development but also warned of the increased demand on resources and roadways that would bring. “We don’t want an 18-story building but there’s got to be more density,” said Green. WMG

By Michael d’Oliveira

The BID, approved by the majority of street’s property owners, is a special taxing district established to raise money to improve the street. It could also be used to help fund the Two Lane Initiative which would reduce the number of lanes on Wilton Drive from four lanes to two. The goal of the initiative is to improve pedestrian safety and add more landscaping and parking. Property owners will be assessed additional millage. The board will have the authority to set the assessment but has to have its budget approved by the commission The goal is to raise $1 million over the next 10 years; a cap of $100,000 per year has been set. Properties would be assessed starting in 2016. The bill for each property owner will be based on square footage. “This is one of the most important boards,” said Commissioner Julie Carson. WMG

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• 10.21.2015

4 •

October 21, 2015

column bil of rights

the real role oF allIeS

Bil Browning

f you've spent much time online, who like to engage in the age old practice you've likely encountered the of undercutting progress by talking it to Activists Who Complain A Lot crowd. death. Full of words like "oppression," Generally well-intentioned, they not only "trigger warnings," and "privilege," these critique a system of oppression, they also pieces make sure to place the blame exactly spend a large amount of where it belongs... the allies time criticizing the people who've joined a movement who are trying to tear that because they want to make a system down. You can find They helpfully point Instead of the change. members of the AWCAL out all the flaws of allies, usual allyin any social justice make sure to broadcast movement, but LGBT that they're not actually people have turned the bashing, liberal members themselves, technique into an art form. guilt bullshit, and highlight all the past Practically every day you mistakes any other ally has I'd like to read made so it can be blamed on can find someone on social media or in blog comments something that everyone. decrying someone else on You know what would their own side for a minor actually lays be nice to read? Instead mistake or perceived slight. of the usual ally-bashing, They're well meaning, out the truth of liberal guilt bullshit, I'd but they haven't quite like to read something that being an ally. grasped the idea that no actually lays out the truth of one is perfect. If you're not being an ally: you will be the an actual member of the least appreciated and most oppressed group, the target on your back is maligned part of a group of people you even bigger and brighter. empathize with and want to help. Allies also find themselves the target Your feelings won't matter. Your of frequent articles written by academics intentions won't matter. The amount

of work you put in will never be enough and you will never be forgiven for simple mistakes that other "true" members of the group will receive immediate absolution for committing. You will be scorned by academics, reviled by Internet activists, and your contributions will be degraded and downplayed. And in the end, you will pick yourself up, pull the arrows out of your back, and continue doing the best you can to dismantle the problems faced by the community you have chosen to help. You will put your heart on the line once again for others to stomp on. You will face threats of violence and condemnation by the same people oppressing that community even though it won't be appreciated by most. You will speak up when they can't and be shamed for daring to speak "on behalf" of others. You will screw something up and be vilified. You will carry on doing the

best that you can because you are a good person and while some like to claim that intentions aren't important, you will know that without good intentions nothing evil would ever change. You will remember that the Golden Rule is the one constant of every religion because of its simplicity and, well, good intentions. And you will know that you are doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do. You don't need the approval of liberal hypersensitive Internet activists who don't actually do anything other than complain about the work of others. They are not the people who want improvement; they crave the attention that being oppressed gives them. They want you to fail so they feel better about themselves. You do it because it is the moral thing to do - and no amount of Internet savagery or academic mumblings will change that. You're an ally.

Bil Browning is a freelance writer and gay activist based in Washington, DC. Known for his political and social commentary, Bil also does consulting work for political, communications and new media projects. His papers and activism memorabilia are part of the Smithsonianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s American History Museum archives center.

10.21.2015 â&#x20AC;˘

column guest

gay and tranS PrISonerS Plagued By BIgotry An inmate exposes a vicious system

Kasim Gero

Reprinted with permission from Freedom Socialist newspaper, Vol. 36, No. 5, October-November 2015 www.socialism.com

ithin the caged world of prison, out of sight and out of mind of LGBTQ activists on the other side of the bars, are gay prisoners. Without representation, without a voice, they suffer unthinkable cruelties; not only at the hands of bigoted or ignorant inmates, but also from prison authorities who have taken it upon themselves to spread lies and encourage brutish practices fueled by their homophobia and institutionalized bigotry. The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), enacted in 2003, falls greatly short of the need to aggressively eradicate antigay oppression and aggression. Prison rape continues to take place, especially of suspected or open homosexuals and trans inmates, and continues to be ignored.

how it works. The most damaging homophobia comes from the top — prison management. And its most powerful weapon is called Administrative Segregation (AdSeg) or Security Housing Unit (SHU) — official sounding words for solitary confinement. Prison bosses define AdSeg and SHU as

• 10.21.2015

administrative, not punitive measures. This just means they can legally isolate a human being based on a prisoner’s classification, rather than as punishment for breaking some institutional rule. Straight prisoners are also put into AdSeg for unproved rule violations or for supposedly being involved in a gang. If they recant gang life and make a deal, they can get out of the dreaded solitary confinement. Gay and trans inmates have no way out. They’re permanently classified. And the purpose of segregating them is to prevent them from practicing their sexuality. This is the practice at various prisons, the Maryland Department of Corrections (DOC) in general, and Prince George’s County Correctional Center in particular. Trans brothers and sisters are placed in segregation — punished for their gender and sexual orientation. That means 24 hours locked down, with only one hour for recreation and shower. They are also denied due process to the very bureaucratic and bigoted decision-makers, are deprived of their constitutional right to access the law library or legal material. This can mean solitary confinement for the rest of their lives in prison.

Fear and lies. Being openly gay or trans is obviously dangerous. So trying to keep it secret is understandable, but nearly impossible. Another weapon of the top DOC is gross misinformation. Guards tell inmates that AIDS comes from saliva and samesex intercourse, or simply any physical contact, or that sexually transmitted diseases are automatic outgrowths of homosexuality, etc. Bigoted religious beliefs of some officers and inmates, whether Christian fundamentalist or Nation of Islam, teach that AIDS is sent by god to punish “deviants.” These types regularly seek to destroy reputations and families and job opportunities by pointing the finger at homosexual “sinners.” Inmates can be outright fired if suspected of being gay. The level of backstabbing is a part of the general prison culture, but

the degree of bigotry and hatred used by inmates to steal a job or through a stream of gossip is unbearable. When a gay inmate has one of the preferred jobs — like teaching and tutoring or kitchen work — the level of bigotry called upon to have that inmate removed is far more poisonous than any other. The inability to escape this social damnation from fellow prisoners and guards alike creates an environment so agonizing that suicide pales in comparison to the social death from homophobia. Particularly stigmatized are trans and Black inmates. My close friendship with a Black gay comrade provides me with a window into that desperation to escape unrelenting attacks. Prison practices of criminalizing single-sex activity and prohibiting contraceptives and ways of sexual protections while in prison feeds the system of baiting and oppression.

The most damaging homophobia comes from the top — prison management

column guest STARTING OUR 10TH YEAR doC divide and conquer. Lies and ignorance continue to be the main driving force behind homophobic bigotry in prison. It’s a little like the way that, outside these walls, the news media equates political militancy with terrorism. Inside, behind bars, homosexuality is equated to a dread disease or perverse evil, both highly contagious. On top of that, some Black prisoners see it as a conspiracy to destroy the Black family. Fear is a mighty weapon in the hands of the DOC, which benefits, of course, from keeping inmates divided and suspicious of each other. The prevailing idea in corrections is that prisoners are no longer human beings, especially not LGBTQ prisoners. But as sure as our humanity cannot be cut off, neither can our sexuality. A very few institutions still permit conjugal visits. In addition to hetero sex there is bi-sex, trans-sex, etc. Instead of making all options voluntary and safe, Departments of Corrections promote intolerance of LGBTQ people and comrades. In reality, DOC is

the diseased deviant, for outlawing the desires, choices and preferences — the very humanity — of LGBTQ people.

Protest and solidarity. The time is now for gay, lesbian, trans, bi-sexual and questioning brothers and sisters who’ve been cast into the depths of this country’s degrading corrections system to be seen and heard. To no longer be afraid. These voices have for too long been muﬄed by the pillow of oppression that is the U.S. judicial system and its Departments of Corrections. Two institutions that practice homosexual hatred and sexual intolerance within these dungeons with impunity. The heart of workers in prison continues to beat in support of those fighting for $15 an hour minimum wage and much more. We stand with communities organizing against racist police brutality, and discrimination against desperate immigrants, with hunger strikers across the U.S. fighting for human rights. And we on the inside say firmly, in unison, an injury to one is an injury to all!

The prevailing idea in corrections is that prisoners are no longer human beings, especially not LGBTQ prisoners

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Kasim Gero is an activist with George Jackson University, which coordinates prison educational programs. Contact him at 343142/2410253, P.O. Box 700, Jessup, MD 20794. 10.21.2015 •

H I STORY column

Gay Leather and Bike Clubs in Their Golden Age South Florida once had a vibrant and thriving community Jesse Monteagudo

ccording to Liz Highleyman (“Past Out”), gay “motorcycle clubs, a mainstay of gay culture since the 1950s, ushered in a new brand of queer masculinity and gave rise to today’s leather/ SM community.”

South Florida chapter of Trident International were a major part of the local leather scene. These “patch” clubs, named after the patch or colors that members wore on their leather vests, were patterned after outlaw motorcycle clubs (MC’s) like Hell’s Angels. Thus, they incorporated most of the exclusive rules, hierarchies, pledge periods, point systems and secret handshakes of the outlaw clubs. Above all, the clubs satisfied a need: “Gay men’s need to bond in groups is one of the least recognized aspects of After World War II, many gay men who returned to civilian our culture,” wrote John Preston in Leatherfolk (1991). “A leather club gives one an immediate sense of fraternity life after military service stayed in gay-friendly port cities rather than go back to their hometowns. Many of them, in the most common and acceptable form. You are nominated for membership; someone likes you. You are wrote Guy Baldwin, “sought to retain the easy voted into membership; you have a circle of camaraderie, the stress and thrill of real risk friends. You are often elected to a leadership taking, and the masculine sexuality that they position (such clubs have untold numbers had known during their military days.” “Gay of offices to fill); your friends think you are a Inspired by the outlaw biker image made motorcycle competent person.” popular by Marlon Brando in “The Wild I was an active member of Saber MC from One” (1953), gay men founded the first gay clubs provided 1985 until the club declined around 2005. I motorcycle club, the Satyrs, in Los Angeles an outlet for served the club in various offices, including that (1954). By the mid-sixties San Francisco’s South of Market district had become a hotbed socialization - of President. For this article, I interviewed some of the of the gay bike club scene, as clubs spread and often for surviving club members, including the Rev. throughout California and across the USA. Anthony Borka (Saber), Joe Millman (Trident), sex.” “Gay motorcycle clubs provided an Richard Sedlak (Saber) and a founding member outlet for socialization - and often for sex,” of Trident who asked to remain anonymous. Highleyman wrote. “The early biker scene was - Liz Highleyman During their heyday, clubs were active in both closely allied with the emerging ‘Old Guard’ the leather scene and the “mainstream” LGBT leather/SM culture, and the clubs’ watering community. They hosted parties, bar nights, holes became some of the first leather bars. Stylized biker gear became a sort of uniform for a segment leather runs (weekend outings), and fundraisers for gay and of the gay community, featuring engineer boots, crotchless AIDS groups. According to Sedlak, “from the 70s to well into the 90s black leather chaps, and military-style caps.” In South Florida, the Thebans Motorcycle Club of Miami the South Florida leather scene was much different than it was founded as a domestic, non-profit corporation on is today. For one thing there were about seven or so clubs, August 6, 1975. By 1976 the Thebans were visible enough to most of them being motorcycle clubs, plus several fetish be one of the co-founders of the Dade County Coalition for groups. There was considerable interaction between the Human Rights. By the 1990s, gay bike and leather clubs like clubs and plenty of willing venues to hold fundraisers and the South Florida Eagles, Sunrays MC, the Brotherhood of other events. As a side note, while recently talking with Jim Man MC, Stingrays, Saber MC, Key West Wreckers and the Rakvica, who was the owner of the very popular Tacky’s Bar,

• 10.21.2015

we both agreed that the type of bar Tacky’s was would not be able to exist in this day and age. I have heard it said among us ‘old-timers’ that it is not as much fun being gay as it used to be. Millman, who co-founded Tridents, recalls meeting “some wonderful people that were members of the leather scene,” including his partner, Rev. Borka. “It was a very warm and close-knit family.” Clubs like Saber MC were true brotherhoods for those of us who were members. I do not have any blood brothers of my own so the Sabers were the brothers that I never had. By the time Trident International South Florida began in 1997, AIDS has taken the life of many of the older clubs’ members. According to its founder, “by the time the 90s had started, drugs, and specifically crystal meth, had already been a specific element to the culture of sex parties, particularly among the FFA [a fetish club devoted to fisting]. People were dying with regularity. I would get to know someone one year, have a good time with them, and they would be gone the next. I think we lost a lot of word-of-mouth history with many deaths. I remember hearing about ‘Old Guard’ leather customs that were passed from Master or Daddy to Slave or Boy. In the 90s leather more often than not passed from the dead to the living, by whoever could use it.” “By the time we formed Trident, people had started to survive. For a while we had quite a following, and were very involved with other clubs that were around in those days. Trident was a founding member of the Southeast Conference of Clubs, and its spokesperson was the founding treasurer, who also designed the logo. Trident members could be found at events all throughout the Southeast. Between Trident, Saber and the Key West Wreckers, South Florida was fairly well represented in events all throughout the Southeast, and people traveled from Georgia, Louisiana, Virginia, North and South Carolina and other parts of Florida to attend our events. Drugs, and particularly meth was becoming more common among the leather community, however, and was spreading outside the community among the LGBT community.” From the 70s to the 90s, proud gay leathermen like Gregg

H I STORY column Adams, Brad Buchman, Jim Fluker, Eric Lawrence, Mitch Novack, Harvey Pearson, Marty Rubin, Richard Sedlak, Steve Selwyn and Ed Wolfe were active in gay community organizations, not just leather ones. Gay leathermen founded Center One, Broward’s oldest AIDS service group, and HEALTHLINK, which helped financiallystrapped people living with AIDS. Except for Sedlak, none of those men are alive today. Borka remembers Fluker, who was also Sedlak’s partner, as one who was “very involved with the Sabers, did a lot, and died from AIDS at a young age.” According to Sedlak, “the most important club brother I would make note of is Steve Selwyn, the principal founder [with Sedlak] of Saber MC, who was a very popular and well-respected true leatherman. After his passing the club annually issued the Steve Selwyn award to those who gave service not only to the leather community but to the overall LGBT community as well.” After the turn of the millennium, a new generation of gay leathermen came of age who did not feel the need to join leather or bike clubs. To these young leathermen, the clubs’ rules and regulations were too restrictive; their membership too ancient; and their purpose too outdated. Besides, they argued, why go through a rigorous pledge period and boring meetings when there existed a wide variety of sex clubs, fetish clubs and nudist clubs that only required them to pay a membership and admission fee to have a good time? Borka agrees: “Leather clubs were no longer needed as people were welcome in leather clubs of whomever. There was no longer the isolation. Gay motorcycle clubs flourished and younger guys were not interested in joining old hairy men groups.” Sedlak, on the other hand, is more optimistic: “All those groups are now gone, but there is hope with new clubs like the Minotaurs and other leather/SM fetish groups. I have personally met them and found their club to be very dedicated to carrying on the legacy.” The Tridents founder attributes the clubs’ decline to “drugs and politicking.

People did not want to go to events only to be sneered at or have rumors flying around about what he said or he said. And the meth epidemic took a lot of people out of circulation as well, devastating groups of people. And those of us that got clean did not want to be out and about and around those that were using. And the Internet helped the decline. The leather community was at one time the gatekeeper for all things kink, and with the advent of AOL chat channels and then all the other sites that eventually emerged, it became much easier to find people into kink without having to buy expensive handcrafted clothing. Leather became something separate and distinct from kink, and the leather community became about appearance and for some, a way of life, rather than what went along naturally with all the various forms of kink. People who had no connection to the leather community were throwing fetish parties, and subsequently the kink that was entirely associated with leather now had no connection with leather at all.” “Is there still a leather community?” Borka asks, rhetorically. “It was a lifestyle. Now it is a matter of dressing up as if wearing an armband makes one a leatherman. Being a leatherman meant being comfortable in your own skin, enjoying dressing in leather, participating in kinky sex. Now, as I said, the leather scene is just dressing up in leather, but not a lifestyle.” Like the Tridents founder, Sedlak blames the Internet for the decline of the leather and bike clubs: “Everyone finds it easier to simply go online to look for what they want, find a trick on Grindr, and then do texting! Whatever was wrong with actually talking to someone in person, to really get to know them and make a meaningful connection. It was the aforementioned Jim Rakvica who noted that four young people sat at a table in one of our local restaurants and promptly started texting. No one spoke to anyone else - and one of them was actually texting her friend who was sitting right across from her! How sad that we seem to be losing the art of really communicating by using the most personal form we have, simply, talking.”

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

10.21.2015 •

H I ST ORY profile

Photo: Ted Eytan.

Sign showing support for Edie Windsor at a marriage equality rally in the United States.

By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com

Defeating DOMA Chatting with the lawyer who made it happen

have had to pay a single penny of estate tax on die Windsor, charismatic, stylish and articulate, found herself widowed just her inheritance,” Kaplan writes. As Kaplan argued her case for Windsor, a shy of her 80th birthday. She hadn’t yet been married two years to her spouse, Thea Philadelphia native who earned a bachelor’s Spyer, who died of complications from a heart degree in psychology from Temple University, she built her strategy around one imperative, condition on Feb. 5, 2009. which she kept on a Post-It: “It’s all about Edie, Windsor and Spyer had been together stupid.” more than 40 years by the time they made the Since the Supreme Court struck down treacherous journey to Canada, soon after the case for marriage equality failed in their home DOMA on June 26, 2013, Windsor has earned a reputation as a cult hero. state of New York. Spyer had lost Kaplan wrote about Windsor’s the use of almost all of her limbs reception at Stonewall in New to multiple sclerosis and used a Since the York City on the afternoon of wheelchair. the 5-4 decision: The two married on May 22, Supreme “When Edie stepped out 2007, at the Sheraton Gateway, Court struck of the car, the crowd, which a business hotel in Terminal had packed the streets and 3 of the Toronto Pearson down DOMA sidewalks, went crazy. She International Airport. waved her hands and blew Roberta Kaplan, a partner at on June kisses, beaming with joy as Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton 26, 2013, people clapped, cheered, and & Garrison, relates the scene in her new book, “Then Comes Windsor has screamed her name.” In a phone interview with Marriage: United States v. earned a PGN, Kaplan noted, “Who Windsor and the Defeat of want to spend their DOMA.” It came out Oct. 5. reputation as wouldn’t mid-80s like Edie Windsor has? Kaplan, also a lesbian, filed the What a way to spend them.” lawsuit that ultimately resulted a cult hero. in the U.S. Supreme Court declaring Section 3 of the federal You talk a lot Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional. about how you After Spyer died, Windsor inherited felt like it was fate for you to take Edie Windsor’s her estate. But because the two were a gay case. You sought help in your coming-out couple, the government did not recognize a process from Thea Spyer, a psychologist, in tax exemption typically granted to married 1991, years before meeting Edie or taking her couples. Windsor had to pay $363,053 in case. It seems like it was also fate for the case federal taxes and $275,528 in state taxes. against DOMA to be won at the particular time “If Thea had been ‘Theo’ — in other words, if in American history when it was. Did it feel like she had been born a man rather than a woman there was something in the water around 2009 — then Edie, upon being widowed, would not for the sea change to happen so quickly?

PGN:

• 10.21.2015

RK:

To use a corporate legal and a civilrights legal term, I think a lot of the “smart money” in this area — and people who work in this field, including, of course, Mary Bonauto [Civil Rights Project director at Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders] — had a sense that the next step to ultimately win equal protection under the law for gay people nationwide was to challenge DOMA. Everyone knew that the ultimate case was going to be a version of Obergefell. [The Obergefell v. Hodges decision in June essentially created marriage equality nationwide]. Ultimately, we as a community were going to ask the court to recognize and require marriage nationwide. But, before that, you have to get the Supreme Court used to the idea of gay people being married. That, in itself, was a relatively recent phenomenon. The best legal way to do that, I think everyone believed, and correctly, was to challenge DOMA, because DOMA on its face was such an irrational statute. If you think of the timeline here, marriages between gay couples only started in Massachusetts in 2003. Now, Thea died in 2009, so it’s only six years later. The facts are truly incredible. When we filed Edie’s case, in early 2010, only five states allowed gay couples to marry, and that didn’t even include New York. When I argued the case at the Supreme Court, I think it was nine. When we won the case in June [2013], it was 13. And then it just exploded. It’s easy to look back today and say, “Oh this was so obvious. Obviously this was going to happen.” But in 2009, that wasn’t necessarily the case. Marriage rights for gay people were still a pretty rare and pretty unique thing in this country.

PGN:

It was believed in 2013 that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was against rendering a 50-state ruling establishing the right to marriage between gay couples. What do you think happened over the next two years to change Ginsburg’s mind?

RK:

First of all, she wasn’t that explicit, let me be clear, when she gave that interview to [Jeffrey] Toobin in The New Yorker. I think a lot of people interpreted her as meaning that she was being cautious. But she didn’t come right out and say that. The reason it came out is, she was comparing the marriage issue to her theory about Roe v. Wade. Her theory about Roe v. Wade is that it arguably went too far too fast and created political backlash. I think the answer for Justice Ginsburg is probably the answer for most Americans, frankly: More and more people got — and I hate to use this phrase here, but — “gay married.” So people who [Ginsburg] knew and loved — former clerks, colleagues, friends, etc. — got married. Once people get married, you see that the lives they live are no different, and the relationships they have and the marriages they have, are no different than the marriages and relationships of anyone else. In particular, I think with Edie and Thea, who were together for so long — and, in certain ways, their marriage existed over the same period as Justice Ginsburg’s relationship to her late husband — I think she, like so many others, came to her standards really fundamentally about equality.

To read the full story visit SFGN.com/HistoryDefeatingDOMA.

editorial cartoon

HI STORY column

Photo credit: Facebook.

Dan Savage is an American gay activist, author, media pundit, and journalist.

Homo History 101 History was never as straight as we are told. Recording our history means reporting the truth. Pier Angelo

edward I "ed" koch (1924 –2013) was

an American lawyer and politician. He served in the U.S House of Representatives from 1969 to 1977 and three terms as mayor of New York City, which he led from fiscal insolvency to economic boom, from 1978 to 1989. A period of enormous change for the LGBT movement, including the beginning and some of the worst years of the AIDS crisis. Koch was a lifelong Democrat who described himself as a "liberal with sanity." He crossed party lines to endorse Rudy Giuliani for mayor in 1993, Michael Bloomberg in 2001, and President George W. Bush in 2004. A popular figure, he rode the New York City Subway and stood at street corners greeting passersbys with the slogan "How'm I doin'?" He died without ever publicly acknowledging his homosexuality. He has never been forgiven by large numbers of gay men and others who lost loved ones to AIDS. While some in the gay community, including his friend Charles Kaiser, a journalist and author, have offered a defense of Koch’s silence on his sexual orientation, the verdict among many AIDS activists on the former mayor’s record on addressing the epidemic has been decisive and harsh. “Ding dong, the wicked witch is dead,” wrote Larry Kramer, the co-founder of Gay Men’s Health Crisis and ACT UP, in an email. “He was not kind to us.”

Charles kaiser (1950) is an American author, journalist and blogger. He is the author of “The Cost of Courage,” “1968 In America,” and “The Gay Metropolis” (both available from Grove Press). “The Gay Metropolis” was a Lambda Literary Award winner, as well as a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. He

wrote the afterword for a new edition of Merle Miller's landmark work, “On Being Different: What it Means to Be a Homosexual,” which was published by Penguin Classics in the fall of 2012. That afterword was excerpted on the website of the New York Review of Books

merle dale miller (1919 –1986) was an American writer, novelist, and best-selling author who came out of the closet in an article in the NYT Magazine on January 17, 1971, titled "What It Means to Be a Homosexual." Due to the response of over 2,000 letters to the article (more than ever received by that newspaper) the article, with additional material was published later that year as a book. Miller became a spokesman for the gay rights movement. The article was again published as a book by Penguins Classics in 2012, with a new foreword by Dan Savage and a new afterword by Charles Kaiser.

SFGN_Florida_House3.pdf 1 4/9/2015 1:03:28 PM

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dan Savage (1964) is an American gay MY

activist, author, media pundit, and journalist. Savage writes the internationally syndicated relationship and sex advice column Savage Love. In 2010, Savage and his husband, Terry Miller, began the It Gets Better Project to help prevent suicide among LGBT youth. He has also worked as a theater director, sometimes credited as Keenan Hollahan. In his writing and public appearances, Savage has clashed with social conservatives on the right and the LGBT establishment on the left. He has been particularly vocal in response to Rick Santorum's views on homosexuality.. He has made several controversial public statements in various media, often lambasting people with whom he disagrees. CY

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HI STORY people

Historical Members of the LGBT Community LGBTHistoryMonth.com features a new proﬁle everyday in October. Visit their website to see more. LGBTHistoryMonth.com

Dusty Springfield Singer

Birth: April 16, 1939 Death: March 2, 1999

Jack Nichols Gay Pioneer

Birth: March 16, 1938 Death: May 2, 2005

“Every person I work with knows something better than me. My job is to listen long enough to ﬁnd it and use it.” In 1961, along with Frank Kameny, Jack Nichols cofounded the Mattachine Society of Washington, D.C., the the first gay civil rights organization in the nation’s capital. Four years later, Nichols and other members of the organization conducted the first gay rights protest at the White House. Nichols also participated in the Annual Reminders—pickets held in front of Independence Hall each Fourth of July from 1965 to 1969. The Annual Reminders helped galvanize the organized LGBT civil rights movement, paving the way for the Stonewall Riots in 1969. Nichols joined Frank Kameny, Barbara Gittings and other activists in a multi-year battle with the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to remove homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses. The APA eventually conceded, after failing to produce scientific evidence to support the classification. In 1967 Nichols became one of the first Americans to speak openly about being gay in the documentary “CBS Reports: The Homosexuals.” Though he appeared on screen, he said he was forced to use a pseudonym after his father, an FBI agent, threatened him, fearing the U.S. government might discover his son was gay. Nichols, along with his partner Lige Clarke, wrote the first LGBT interest column, “The Homosexual Citizen,” in a mainstream publication in 1969. The famous couple would later launch GAY, the first weekly gay newspaper in New York City. The publication flourished until Clarke was murdered in Mexico in 1975. Nichols later became an editor for the San Francisco Sentinel and GayToday.com.

• 10.21.2015

Robin Roberts TV Broadcaster

Birth: November 23, 1960

“It’s about focusing on the ﬁght and not the fright.” Robin Roberts is an award-winning broadcast journalist and co-anchor of ABC News’ “Good Morning America.” She became an outspoken advocate for cancer research, after being diagnosed twice with the disease. She won a 2012 Peabody Award for her reporting on the issue. Born in Alabama, where her father was a Tuskegee Airman, Roberts was an athlete who excelled at school. She was a standout on the Southeastern Louisiana University women’s basketball team. The University retired her number in 2011, and she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. Early in her broadcast career, Roberts predominately covered sports for Southern television affiliates and radio stations. She joined ESPN in 1990. As a sportscaster, she became well known for her catch phrase, “Go on with your bad self.” ABC named Roberts co-anchor of “Good Morning America” with George Stephanopoulos in 2005. The show has since earned four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning Program. Roberts made headlines in 2007 after going public about her breast cancer treatment and again in 2012 when she was diagnosed with MDS, a disease formerly known as pre-leukemia. After a bone marrow transplant from her sister, she collaborated with the Be the Match registry to publicize the need for bone marrow donors. Since then, more than 56,000 people have registered to donate bone marrow. Her courage and advocacy have been recognized with numerous honors from organizations like The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program and The Susan G. Komen Foundation. She received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY’s in 2013. The same year, she came out as a lesbian on Facebook, saying she was grateful for her “longtime girlfriend Amber Laign.” In 2014 Roberts received the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism and was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame.

“My sexuality has never been a problem to me, but I think it has been for other people.” Dusty Springfield was an English singer and record producer best known for her sultry, soulful sound. Born Mary Isobel Bernadette O’Brien in London (she got the nickname Dusty for playing football with the boys), Springfield was one of the most successful British female performers in history, with six top 20 singles in the United States and 16 in Europe. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the U.K. Music Hall of Fame. In 1958 Springfield joined her first singing group, The Lana Sisters, later forming The Springfields with her brother. She first received attention for her hit “I Only Want to Be With You,” and later with a string of solo songs like “Wishin’ and Hopin’” and “Son of a Preacher Man.” Springfield received acclaim in 1969 when she released “Dusty in Memphis,” an album that was awarded a prestigious spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame. She also became known for her blonde bouffant, heavy makeup and colorful evening gowns—a style emblematic of the Swinging Sixties. Springfield spent many years out of the public eye, reappearing in 1987 to collaborate with the Pet Shop Boys on “What Have I Done to Deserve This,” which topped both the U.S. and U.K. music charts. By the 1990s, Springfield’s music was experiencing a renaissance, appearing on several film soundtracks, including “Pulp Fiction.” During the late 1960s and early ’70s, Springfield was romantically linked to Norma Tanega, a California-born singer-songwriter who wrote a few of Springfield’s songs such as “Go My Love.” During an interview in 1970, Springfield said, “People say that I’m gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, gay. I’m not anything.” She was linked to many women during her life, including photojournalist Faye Harris and singer Carole Pope. In 1982 she married actress Teda Bracci, whom she met at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Though the wedding wasn’t legally recognized, they lived together for two years. Later in life, Springfield became a camp icon, attracting gay fans and drag impersonators. In 1994 a breast cancer diagnosis took a toll on her career. Springfield’s inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame came just two weeks after her death. At the induction, her friend Elton John said, “I just think she was the greatest white singer there has ever been … Every song she sang, she claimed as her own.”

SFGN and LGBTHistoryMonth.com are media partners.

HI STORY book PHotos: Facebook

StormtrooPer FamIlIeS New book tells a startling tale of the Third Reich David-Elijah Nahmod

ndrew Wackerfuss’ just published In “Stormtrooper Families” Wackerfuss, book “Stormtrooper Families: who is openly gay, recounts the histories of Homosexuality and Community in Nazi Stormtroopers, early fighters in the Nazi the Early Nazi Movement,” will no doubt movement. Through court records, memoirs, raise many eyebrows. The book tells a personal letters and police surveillance previously little known records, he recalls the gay chapter in the history of the stormtroopers. The author, Third Reich. who holds a Ph.D in German I have worked We will most likely never History from Georgetown for 15 years know the actual number University, now lectures and of people who were killed teaches at his alma mater now to try and during the Holocaust. Six and works as a government understand what million Jews are known to historian in Washington DC. draws a small have died, while millions “The stormtroopers were more from other targeted the Nazi party’s paramilitary percentage of groups also perished, militia,” Wackerfuss told gay men in every including LGBT people. The SFGN. “Most of the major total number of Holocaust political parties had this generation to dead, all groups combined, right wing parties – their job was to disrupt has been said to be around political meetings of their who want to 11 million individuals, enemies, protect their own though some historians have meetings from disruption, eliminate them speculated that the actual and carry out electioneering number may be considerably activities. They especially higher. liked to stage public There have been many spectacles of intimidation.” heroes that emerged in Holocaust histories, The stormtroopers, Wackerfuss said, as well as Nazi collaborators whose would live together in barracks. participation in the horrors shocked people In the years following the First World as much as the events which took place. War, a time known as the Weimar Era,

gays in Germany enjoyed a previously unprecedented freedom and openness, which may have contributed to the Nazi emergence. “After the war openly gay bars and cabarets began pretty much for the first time,” Wackerfuss said. “German culture: theater, writing, even the first films, began to explore homosexuality in a more sympathetic way. But this also created a backlash by those outraged by the supposed decline in morality.” During the Holocaust, gay men in Germany were forced to identify themselves with pink triangles sewn on their clothing. In 1935 the German government passed Paragraph 175, a law, which outlawed homosexuality. This raises the question as to how the gay stormtroopers were able to function. Wackerfuss said that their heyday was actually earlier during the movement. “Gay stormtroopers predated the concentration camps,” he explained. “We’re

talking 1920s and 30s, not the 40s. They really should have known better. German author Thomas Mann, himself gay, wrote at the time that gay men joining the Nazi movement were tying their own hangman’s noose. And he was right.” The Nazi movement, he also points out, was homophobic from the start. “Couldn’t they see that it wouldn’t end well for them?” he asks. Wackerfuss seems to draw a parallel in gay Nazi party members and gays today who join anti-gay religious groups or the Tea Party and GOP. “I have worked for 15 years now to try and understand what draws a small percentage of gay men in every generation to right wing parties who want to eliminate them,” he said. “Far from supporting the theory of gay fascism, the book shows how incompatible those concepts have been.” Stormtrooper Families is now available.

David-Elijah Nahmod is an American/Israeli half-breed who has lived in New York City and Tel Aviv. Currently in San Francisco, his eclectic writing career includes LGBT publications, SF Weekly & monster magazines. A survivor of childhood gay conversion therapy, he lives with PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. 10.21.2015 •

HI STORY profile

Photo: Facebook.

Dick Leitsch in 1971, during his time as a journalist.

Dick Leitsch: History is Unavoidable Perry Brass

or my friend Dick Leitsch, the last I became close; he literally taught me how to president of the Mattachine Society write for commercial publication. He revealed of New York, who last May turned 80, that his long-time partner was Dick Leitsch, history was unavoidable. I met Dick in two “president of the old Mattachine Society.” I blinked twice. Bobby had actually had a different periods of my life. At 20, I attended my first and only meeting of the New York history with Mattachine, and after Stonewall, Mattachine Society, at the old Wendell Wilkie as Mattachine was folding, became president House near Bryant Park in New York City. He while Dick remained executive director. I soon moderated, handsome, stylish, with a soft- met Dick again, and quickly adored him. He spoken Kentuckian polished air. I was turned was a throwback to another era, of courtly Southern gentlemen (he’s from totally off: Mattachine was Louisville) and old-school strictly out of my world as, new gay bar queens, denizens of a to New York, I struggled to make Dick told complete culture of gay bars, sense of myself. Two years later, something that younger people a few months after Stonewall, me he never now find difficult to understand. I joined the Gay Liberation thought For decades, gay bars were our Front. GLF offered me a valid most visible institutions. Gay political understanding of why of himself men and lesbians found their queers were being destroyed in only home in them. In New American society, and what we as being York, bars were raided cyclically: had to do, often rowdy as we political; usually before elections, before were, to change it. Both Dick major events like the 1964 New and Mattachine were loathed by he was York World’s Fair when Mayor many of my young GLF brothers simply for Robert F. Wagner, Jr. closed the and sisters, some of whom had bars to keep innocent tourists been in it and, like unruly kids, “our right from wandering in (like, what resented their dowdier parents. were they going to do in them?), to exist.” Dick was often referred to as “Pig or when cops decided they Leitsch.” For us, he represented wanted to squeeze out a bit gay accomodationists, what we more payola from mafia barkeeps. called “dragonfaggots,” “Aunt Sallies,” queer This was fostered by New York’s state “Uncle Toms.” His very image seemed like a alcoholic beverage agency, which had ghost from the 1950s and mid-1960s. Then in 1975, I started freelancing for Countrywide rules dating from the 1920s against serving Publications, a scrappy pulp magazine homosexuals “openly” in any bar. In 1966, Leitsch, along with other members of NY conglomerate on lower Park Avenue, run Mattachine staged the “Sip-In,” the first “out” by the infamously cheap Myron Fass and his brother (often described as “borderline gay demonstration in New York state history. They walked into Julius’, an oft-raided bar on personality” types for their explosive dealings with employees), who presided over a farm Waverly Place in the West Village, declared team for a later generation of successful writers themselves gay and were immediately refused service. The event was recorded in Fred W. and editors. My editor was Robert (Bobby) McDarrah’s famous photo showing Dick in Amsel, a gifted young man editing a group of profile next to Craig Rodwell (soon to open low-end, hetero porn magazines often written by hungry gay scribes like myself. Bobby and the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookstore, the first

• 10.21.2015

gay bookstore in the United States) and longtime activist Randy Wicker. Mattachine took Julius’ and the state agency to court, paying the bar’s legal fees because, as Dick put it, “We just wanted to make a case, not punish them.” A New York judge declared that the state’s policy denied gays their basic right to free assembly; the rule was unconstitutional. But this did not stop gay bars from being harassed, and three years later a June raid on the Stonewall Inn in the Village exploded as no one thought it would. Dick told me he never thought of himself as being political; he was simply for “our right to exist.” For close to a decade before Stonewall, he was one of a few openly gay men in America. To be that open, he’d had to take a virtual vow of poverty, and for several years lived rentfree in a room in a spacious rent-controlled apartment leased by Madolin Cervantes, a straight woman and Mattachine officer who loved gay men. To make money, as a solitary advocate for gay rights, he got sent out on college lecture circuits where he met the Beat poet Allen Ginsberg, America’s second openly gay man. “We would criss-cross each other on college campuses,” Dick told me. “We became friends. He published stuff in Mattachine publications.” Dick worked as a journalist, a holiday decorator for restaurants and stores and a bartender. He loved working in bars and restaurants. “When you’re a writer, you have to wait for the reviews to come out. When you work in a restaurant, you get the review immediately. It’s called a tip.” He was very close to his siblings back in

Kentucky who all had children, so Uncle Dick had a large extended family. Later when I became close to Jack Nichols, another Mattachine pioneer and a prolific writer who died in 2005, after becoming much more radical than most of his generation, Dick told me that having family made him less interested in leaving a legacy for history. “I have lots of nieces and nephews,” he told me. “They will live after me.” But history is unavoidable. We are now starting to see what huge courage and sacrifices these gay pioneers went through — Frank Kameny, who was jobless after a federal witchhunt deprived him of a position as an astronomer; Nick Nichols, whose own father, an FBI agent, plotted to have him murdered as a teenager; and Dick Leitsch, who took his role in it with such gallantry, never trying to reinvent history to try to concoct a place himself. He went from being America’s most famous, if only, homosexual, to almost forgotten. In 2006, on the 40th anniversary of the SipIn, he was asked by Scott Simon on National Public Radio: “Mr. Leitsch, is there still a Mattachine Society?” He answered, “Oh, no, not after Stonewall. I kept saying, what's the goal of Mattachine? And I always said the goal of Mattachine is to put ourselves out of business. When the cops walked into Stonewall, they tried to close it. People said, no, you're not going to close our bar. We have a right to have our bars and it's been established we have the right to have our bars. And Mattachine had nothing to do with Stonewall. That was something where the people rose up and did it. And that's the beginning of the gay movement.”

Perry Brass has published 19 books, is the author of the bestseller “The Manly Art of Seduction, How to Meet, Talk to and Become Intimate with Anyone” and FerroGrumley Award-nominated “King of Angels,” a gay, Southern Jewish coming-of-age novel set in Savannah, Ga., in 1963. His newest book is “The Manly Pursuit of Desire and Love, Your Guide to Life, Happiness and Emotional and Sexual Fulﬁllment In a Closed-Down World.” “The Manly Art of Seduction” is now available as an audio book through Audible.com. Brass frequently writes for the Hufﬁngton Post and can be reached through www.perrybrass.com.

10.21.2015 â&#x20AC;¢

column speak out

SPeak

What historical event do you feel was integral to the LGBT movement within the last 40 years that may not have received the attention it deserved?

Photo Credit: Rose Brasil/ABr.

SFGN Staff

SFGN’s “Speak OUT” is a weekly feature giving a regular voice to South Florida LGBT leaders.

“

The Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, held on October 11, 1987, is known as “The Great March” because of its size (estimated at 750,000) and the significance of the two issues that coalesced the lesbian and gay communities – the Reagan administration’s ignoring the AIDS crisis and the Supreme Court Bowers vs. Hardwick ruling upholding anti-sodomy laws. As an attendee, I came away from the March with a much clearer understanding of the power of our collective voice – as did a quarter million future leaders, activists and role models, which helped to propel the equality movement forward." — David Jobin, executive director of The Stonewall National Museum & Archives

“

Following candidate Jimmy Carter's 1976 public opposition to discrimination against gays and lesbians and President Carter's historic 1977 meeting with gay and lesbian activists at the White House, in 1980, the United States Democratic Party became the first major political party in the U.S. to endorse a homosexual rights platform plank. While we have moved on to progressively identify the issue as LGBT rights, it should be deeply appreciated that Democrats have embraced our community over 30 years ago, while the Republicans still have yet to do. As we engage in politics, we owe it to ourselves to support candidates and political parties that promote the LGBT community having an equal seat at the table of American Democracy." — Justin S. Flippen, J.D., Wilton Manors City Commissioner

“

Two things/events come to mind. First: founding of MCC Churches in 1968 by Troy Perry Before Stonewall he realized gay & Christian are not exclusive. From 12 people in a small house in California MCC Churches are now world wide sharing a simple message of love, social justice and liberation. MCC's have been on the forefront for change worldwide. Second are our LGBT community centers where ever they exist. From hosting meetings, holding classes, engaging seniors and youth they are our centers. "

“

The massive national and international coming out of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people is the most unheralded historic event in the past 44 years. There is nothing in human events to which we can compare it. Each and every one of us created this moment by putting a face on the issue to our parents and siblings, our bosses and fellow factory workers, our spouses and children, and our congregations. Imagine a time lapse video of the U.S. In which every coming out was recorded with a purple pin in the map." — Brian McNaught, noted columnist, author and LGBT activist

• 10.21.2015

— R. J. Hadley, community activist and blogger

SPeak

Visit SFGN.com/SpeakOut to see more of this week’s responses. Send an Email to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com if you know of a LGBT community leader that should be or wants to be a part of this list.

lifestyle photos

pride center at equality park partners with kaboom! to build playground

J.R. Davis

Ribbon cutting ceremony welcomes community members to help

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lifestyle cars d R I v E N

2016

The GLE-Class coupe comes in two flavors.

Photo: Steve Siler.

es-Benz d e c r e M 6 1 20 upe GLE-Class Co Base Price: from $70,500–$110,000 Power: turbocharged 3.0-liter

V-6 (362 hp, 384 lb-ft of torque); turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 (577 hp, 561 lb-ft of torque)

Transmission: 7- or 9-speed automatic Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg (EPA est): 13–19/18–24

2016 merCedeS-Benz gle-ClaSS CouPe Steve Siler

Sexy and Senseless Style Statement

e’ve all dated him: the guy that looks Mercedes did, however, find room for most of great, but is, shall we say, not very the company’s latest safety and convenience handy. He’s got muscles, but is too innovations. big to dance. He looks strong, but can’t carry The GLE-Class coupe comes in two flavors: a heavy box. You wonder what all that brawn powerful (362-hp GLE450 AMG) and ridiculously is for, but dammit if he just powerful (577-hp GLE63 S), both of looks so good. And yes, there’s which are ostensibly performance certainly a female equivalent oriented, at least by crossover You wonder of that guy, and for lesbians, standards. Each is more than swift I imagine she would be even and can handle its mass heroically what all more confounding. well. That said, between the high BMW’s tall, thirsty, seating position and formidable that brawn expensive X6 is that person’s mass, neither is terribly fun to hurl automotive incarnation, around a corner. Between the two, is for, but super-hot but with slantI’d probably choose the GLE450 dammit back styling that cuts rear AMG over the steroidal GLE63 S, headroom and prevents because while the GLE63 S is indeed if he just anything substantial from better to drive, it’s not $39,500 fitting in its cargo area. It’s a better. looks so sport-utility, minus the utility. Just as fun is being seen in the good. Yet as senseless as the X6 is, its big things, and being coddled in enduring popularity prompted their lavish interiors. These are Mercedes to introduce a highMercedes-Benz automobiles, after profile, practicality-be-damned style-statement all, with all of the attendant cache and sybaritic of its own, the GLE-Class coupe. delights. So long as you don’t need to use the The GLE-Class is essentially a four-door snug rear seat or cargo area for anything but hatchback version of the M-Class (which also occasional trips to the airport, you and your has been rechristened the GLE-Class for 2016). worthless, muscle-bound paramour should be As such, it’s harder to fit tall people and cargo in perfectly happy with it. Just don’t ask it to open the back, especially with its extra-high liftover. a jar.

• 10.21.2015

Photo: Mercedes. Photo: Steve Siler.

OR YOU COULD BUY: BMW X6/X6M Range Rover Sport SVR Porsche Cayenne Turbo/Turbo S

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.

lifestyle photos

MIFO Opening film screening at gateway and cinema paradiso J.R. Davis

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lifestyle food Flash Fire Pizza

Blaze Pizza

Rick Karlin

while ago we rated pizzas from a number of Wilton Manors restaurants. While those places all had their pluses and minuses, there are two new pizza places in Fort Lauderdale that are following a new business model. These restaurants are similar to many, such as the California-based chain Pieology, which follow the same format as Subway and Chipotle; you step up to the counter and pick the ingredients from fresh selections on display. The pizza is assembled right in front of you, popped into a superheated oven and within 10 minutes, you’ve got your own personal pizza creation in front of you. The secret to this super-fast preparation lies in the super thin crust popular in Naples (Italy, but perhaps Florida too). What you get is a slightly blistered, crisp crust. Obviously this style of pizza is not intended to be piled on with “the works.” You can do so, but you’ll miss out on the beauty of this pie, which is simplicity.

FlaSh FIre PIzza 2949 N. Federal Hwy. Fort Lauderdale 954-440-2426 FlashFirePizza.com Flash Fire Pizza features a good mix of guilty pleasures and health-conscious options, there’s even gluten- free dough, hormonefree chicken, local organic vegetables, GMO-

• 10.21.2015

a new SPIn on PIzza free greens and premium local and globally sourced cured meats. A build your own pizza starts at $7.95, with a plethora of options, some of which, such as prosciutto and fresh mozzarella, incur an up-charge. However, most of the ingredients are included in the basic rate. On one visit I piled all three sausage options, salami, and kalamata olives onto my pizza. On another I went for all veggies (caramelized onions, oven-roasted peppers and tomatoes and capers). But I’m getting ahead of myself. Before you even get to the toppings section of the assembly line, you can opt for one of a halfdozen sauce options (standard or spicy red sauce, pesto, Alfredo or garlic oil) an equal number of cheeses; a mozzarella base with a choice of standard, smoked or fresh or a combination of all three. There’s also Parmesan, feta, blue and a few other cheeses from which to choose. The topping options total more than 40 and range from the expected (sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, etc.) to the exotic (bison sausage, peppadew, butternut squash and roasted corn) and finishing items such as sea salt, truﬄe oil and live herbs. If you prefer not to trust your own instincts, the menu offers suggestions by way of their signature combinations. For those looking for something other than pizza (there’s always one in every group, isn’t there?) pies, salads, and charcuterie boards are an option. Beer, wine and Italian ices are available. There’s also a $9.95 daily special

which includes a one-topping pie side salad and soft drink. Although Flash Fire is a one-off restaurant, there are plans to franchise. Co-founder Jason Frese explains his concept of his new restaurant, “The philosophy is ‘farm to fire in a flash’ — artisanal pizza done fast and fresh. Flash Fire Pizza may be fast, but it’s not fast food.”

Blaze PIzza 6334 N. Andrews, Fort Lauderdale 954-635-2661 2135 S. University Dr. Davie 954-835-5848 BlazePizza.com If Flash Fire is a one of a kind restaurant, Blaze is the quintessential franchise operation, with uniformed employees who spout what have to be suggested lines of dialogue. There are, in fact, hundreds of Blaze Pizza restaurants around the country, mostly on the west coast and in the Midwest. The chain, founded by Rick Wetzel of the famed pretzel company, has only two South Florida locations so far. Expect that to change-the Andrews location has been packed on my visits there. The vibe is slick, yet manages to feel like a local place. The chain gets extra points

for being environmentally conscious using materials that can be easily recycled. The basic pie is the same price as Flash Fire, though slightly smaller. It’s also an all-the toppings-you-want deal. Blaze also offers “signature pizzas” for those who can’t or don’t want to come up with their own combinations, which oddly, are priced more than the build your own variety, even though you can build exactly the same pizza. The meat options include; bacon, crumbled meatballs, grilled chicken, Italian sausage, pepperoni, salami or smoked ham. Veggies include the usual suspects as well artichokes, arugula and jalapeños. Cheese selections are a little more diverse than at Flash Fire, adding goat cheese, ricotta and a vegan cheese to the mix. Blaze also wins in the salad department. While there isn’t a build-your-own option, the pre-made (surprisingly fresh) salads offer a selection from side salads to entrée portions. Among the stand-outs are beets with goat cheese, almonds and arugula, house vinaigrette; roasted veggies with gorgonzola; classic Caesar and an antipasto entree salad with grilled chicken, bacon, artichokes, roasted red pepper, red onion, shredded mozzarella and romaine. The only dessert option is the S'more pie. Wine and beer are available in some locations. If Blaze and Flash Fire are the future of pizza, I say bring it on – as long as I can go to Chicago for some of that decadent stuff once in a while.

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advance Tickets available september 15th $30 in Advance • $35 on Oct. 26th Tickets Limited to 700! For Tickets Online: www.tasteoftheisland.org Master Chef Sponsor: Marble of the World

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THU

10/22

theater Slow Burn Theatre Co. makes its eagerly anticipated debut at the Broward Center’s Amaturo Theater tonight at 8 p.m. with “Big Fish,” the musical comedy about a traveling salesman and the tall tales that capture the imaginations of all he encounters. The show features a rich musical score by Andrew Lippa and stars Shane Tanner and Ann Marie Olsen. Experience the magic Thursday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. through Nov. 8. Tickets start at $45 at BrowardCenter.org.

FRI

10/23

dance If you followed the heated competition between Team Stage and Team Street this summer on Fox’s hit, “So You Think You Can Dance,” then don’t miss the opportunity to see the Top 10 finalists live in South Florida tonight at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center. Tickets start at $30 at Kravis.org. The show then moves to Miami’s Arsht Center on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. for a dazzling repeat performance of ballroom and hip-hop dance highlights. Tickets for that show start at $39 at ArshtCenter.org.

There’s a new hero in National City. “Supergirl,” a live-action series starring Melissa Benoist, premieres Monday on CBS. Photo Credit: CBS Television.

SAT

10/24 SUN

10/25 MON

10/26 TUE

10/27

music

dance

television

books

Admit it, you first fell for singer Ricky Martin when he was a pint-sized member of the original Puerto Rican boy band, Menudo. We’ve watched him grow up, fill out, come out and start a family, all while “livin’ la vida loca.” Tonight at 8 p.m. at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, he will demonstrate the combination of musical talent and Latino sex appeal that has made him a superstar. The One World Tour concert will also feature Wisin. Tickets start at $23 at Ticketmaster.com.

Miami City Ballet opens its 30th anniversary season this weekend with a mix of classic and contemporary: George Balanchine’s “Swan Lake,” set to the timeless music of Tchaikovsky, followed by young British phenom Liam Scarlett’s “Viscera” and Jerome Robbins’ “Fancy Free,” a footloose story of sailors on liberty in New York City. The company repeats the program at the Broward Center, Nov. 7 – 8, and the Kravis Center, Nov. 13 – 15. For show times and tickets, go to MiamiCityBallet.org.

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s not Superman! No, it’s the caped hero’s cousin, “Supergirl,” who makes her network television debut on CBS tonight at 8:30 p.m. We bet you’ll be tuned in to watch. Melissa Benoist stars as Kara Zor-El, who escapes the doomed planet Krypton, is adopted by the Danvers family and winds up in National City, fighting for truth, justice and the American way. This show has potential to become a Monday night guilty pleasure. Check local listings channels and show times.

Gay Jamaican author Max Arthur-Mantle discusses his novel, “Batty Bwoy,” and the challenges of LGBT life in his country tonight at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall National Museum – Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive. The acclaimed book presents the coming out story of a young Jamaican boy who must cope with a neglectful mother, poverty, and the violent homophobic culture that is rampant on the Caribbean island. The event is free. For more information, go to Stonewall-Museum.org.

• 10.21.2015

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Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch open the season in the famed Royal Room at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach.

Royal Room Opens Palm Beach Cabaret Season with Dynamic Duo J.W. Arnold

fter a friendship spanning 35 years, Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch practically finish each other’s sentences. “There’s an unspoken vocabulary between us. Nothing needs to be said,” explained Caruso before Stritch added, “I know what he’s thinking and he knows what I’m thinking and you just can’t fake that. It’s organic.” Since meeting in Texas, each has become a star within the tight cabaret community. Caruso has performed in concert and on Broadway and produces the popular “Cast Party” series on Monday nights at Birdland in Manhattan. Stritch is the accompanist of choice for Liza Minnelli, Linda Lavin, Christine Ebersole and Marilyn Maye. On Friday, Oct. 30, they will be reunited once again in Palm Beach to open the 2015-16 cabaret season at The Colony Hotel’s famed Royal Room. “It’s a gift. More for us than the audience,” Caruso said. “We can’t wait to work together.” But, the duo does have a treat for the loyal Royal Room audiences. They plan to move the piano down into the dining room, creating an intimate lounge atmosphere. After an opening set of standards from the Great American Songbook and a centennial tribute to Frank Sinatra, they plan to take requests from the audience. The format was a hit last year with audiences requesting the usual chestnuts from the repertoire, along with a few unexpected curveballs, like a medley of hits from Donny & Marie (Osmond). “We never know what we’ll get asked to do,” said Stritch, “but we’re fearless, pretty much

willing to try just about anything. As long as the audience understands, we can afford to goof a little.” Even after years on the cabaret circuit, they have found themselves stumped, searching for songs on their phones during the break. But that’s just part of the fun, they insist. “We’ll try anything once,” Caruso said confidently. Caruso pointed out the cabaret repertoire continues to expand beyond the classics of the ‘20s and ‘30s and now includes easy listening pop tunes from the ‘70s and ‘80s and even more contemporary works from up-andcoming composers. Royal Room audiences will be treated to the full range of classic and contemporary cabaret this season. After Caruso and Stritch’s opening weekends, Oct. 30 – 31 and Nov. 6 – 7, the Colony line-up includes Nicole Henry, Nov. 13 – 14, 20 – 21; Nicolas King, Dec. 3 – 5; violinist Aaron Weinstein and guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, Dec. 10 – 12; and The Four Freshmen, Dec. 15 – 19. Broadway legend Tommy Tune offers another gala New Year’s Eve engagement, Dec. 31, followed by performances, Jan. 5 – 9. For 2016, both returning favorites and debut performances round out the schedule: Spencer Day, Jan. 12 – 16; Steve Tyrell, Jan. 19 – 23, 26 – 30; Carole J. Bufford, Feb. 3 – 6; Tony Danza, Feb. 9 – 13, 16 – 20; Melissa Manchester, Feb. 23 – 27; John Pizzarelli, March 1 – 5; The Lettermen, March 8 – 12; Marilyn Maye, March 15 – 19; Jane Monheit, March 22 – 26; and Will and Anthony Nunziata, March 29 – April 2.

For reservations and more information, go to TheColonyPalmBeach.com.

• 10.21.2015

a&e comedy

Submitted photo.

Comedian Margaret Cho brings her PsyCHO tour to the Fillmore Miami Beach on Friday, Oct. 30.

margaret Cho wantS to marry you! J.W. Arnold

o one has been celebrating the marriage equality victory more than comedian Margaret Cho and she wants to officiate over the marriages of LGBT couples in the audience at her upcoming appearance in Miami Beach. “I’ve been working on marriage equality since 2004, so this is a great thing to celebrate with everybody, with an actual ceremony,” she explained in a phone interview. “It will be fun. It’s a great wedding story.” The veteran comic is no amateur when it comes to helping couples tie the knot. She first married gay couples at San Francisco City Hall when Mayor Gavin Newsome briefly authorized same sex nuptials in 2004, and again for a few months in 2008 when the California Supreme Court struck down the state’s ban before the passage of Proposition 8. She even became an ordained minister, “from some church on the Internet. I have a card, but it doesn’t matter (which one),” she explained. Cho will also entertain marriage proposals during the show. “More and more, people are looking for a special occasion, so that works, too,” she said. “We’ve had to deal with so much institutionalized homophobia because of these laws and now it’s written into the Constitution.” Cho added in her deadpan manner, “Denying gay men the bridal registry was the ultimate travesty.” Cho is never at a loss for words and marriage

equality isn’t the only topic on her mind. She also plans to talk about the 24-hour news cycle, the many police brutality cases in the news and the Bill Cosby rape allegations. “One way to manage anger is through humor,” she pointed out. But she isn’t going to only focus on the negative headlines. Cho also plans to celebrate the lives of two important role models, Robin Williams and Joan Rivers. She plans to play the race card and the “rice” card and has also been following social media to find other topics for her act. “We have more visibility, more ethnic diversity,” Cho, a Korean-American who is also publicly bisexual, said, noting that within the LGBT “alphabet” Cho doesn’t see as much “B (bisexual) presence.” She predicts the next battle for the LGBT community will be workplace and housing protections, adoption rights and restrictive “religious liberty” laws that license discrimination. “They’ve been using that lame excuse because Jesus probably would have understood that and accepted that and loved that. It’s not really Christian to be a homophobe,” Cho argued. Cho is looking forward to returning to the stage in South Florida, even though she has some television projects also in the works. “I think I’m better at it,—comedians get better with time,” she said. “Comedians who are focused on live shows really push themselves. They’re able to be in the moment as well as to deliver a show.”

The veteran comic is no amateur when it comes to helping couples tie the knot.

Margaret Cho appears Friday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. at The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater in Miami Beach. Tickets are $29.50 – $49.50 at FillmoreMB.com.

the

December 12

SUZANNe WeSTeNHOeFer

“Totally Inappropriate Tour”

JANUAry 30

Emmy Award Winning Comedy Genius

brUce VilANcH & JeSSicA KirSON (Comedy Central, NBC TV’s Last Comic Standing) FebrUAry 6

JAcKie “The Joke Man” mArTliNg (The Howard Stern Show) & micHele bAlAN (NBC TV’s Last Comic Standing, The Joy Behar Show, LOGO) CoralSpringsCenterForTheArts.com • 954-344-5990 10.21.2015 •

Datebook

Theater Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com

top

Picks

Big Fish

Oct. 22 to Nov. 8 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Will’s father is a traveling salesman with crazy stories, and he’s determined to find the truth behind them. Tickets $45. Call 954-4620222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

So You Think You Can Dance

Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The hit TV show has wowed America with its selection of competitive dangers, and performers from season 12 will put on a show that you’ll never forget. Tickets $30 and up. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

Ricky Martin

Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Martin comes to Miami in support of his latest hit album, “A Quien Quiera Escuchar.” Wisin will open for him. Tickets $23 to $126. Call 786-777-1000 or visit AAArena.com.

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broward county * Halloween is Murder!

Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. An interactive play, where the audience reads parts to solve a murder mystery. Tickets $20. Call Barbara Fox 786-683-6078.

* UB40 ft. Ali Campbell, Astro, and Mickey Virtue

Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The band reunites for hits like “Red, Red Wine” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Tickets $30 to $60. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

Flying High

Through Oct. 25 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Seven 10-minute short plays that will have you in stitches. Tickets $30. Call 866-811-4111 or visit PigsDoFlyProductions.com.

• 10.21.2015

oCt. 21 to 27 * Kim Russo: The Happy Medium

Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A medium since the age of 9, Russo acts as a voice for the dead to the living. Tickets $35 to $50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Demetri Martin Live in Concert

Oct. 28 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Formerly a correspondent for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Martin is known for his witty jokes. Tickets $26 to $36. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

The Rocking Dead

Through Nov. 1 at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive in Coral Springs. The rock band, The Rocking Dead, goes into hiding in a cabin to escape an embarrassing live television event. However, they discover the next morning they’re in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. Call 954-3445990 or visit CoralSpringsCenterForTheArts. com.

palm beach county * Young Frankenstein

music from the Broadway hit. Call 561-3958285, ext. 608 or visit StGregorysEpiscopal. org/events/concert-series.html.

at 8 p.m. Tickets $35 with promotional code “LGBT.” Call 305-444-9293, ext. 1 or visit ActorsPlayhouse.org.

* Vote for Me: A Musical Debate

* Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club

Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. at FAU’s Theatre Lab, 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. With the presidential race in full swing, enjoy a rendition of how the debates would go down if the candidates had to sing and dance their way through it! Then, cast your vote. Tickets $20. Call 561-297-4784, email theatrelab@fau.edu, or visit FAUevents.com.

Come Blow Your Horn

Through Oct. 25 at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW Ninth St. in Delray Beach. At 21, Buddy Baker decides to go out on his own and move out of his parents’ house and into his brother, Alan’s. Comedy ensues when he tries to live the playboy lifestyle, just like his big brother. Tickets $15 for students, $30 other. Call call 561-272-1281, ext. 4 or visit DelrayBeachPlayHouse.com.

* Sex with Strangers

Oct. 25 to Nov. 15 at Arts Garage, 180 NE First St. in Delray Beach. Olivia falls for a younger sex blogger and navigates dating in the digital age. Tickets $30 to $45. Call 561-450-6357 or visit ArtsGarage.com.

Oct. 22 to Nov. 1 at the Crest Theatre, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Entr’Acte Theatrix brings Mel Brooks’ comedy to the stage, retelling the tale of Dr. Frankenstein attempting to bring a corpse back to life with the help of his assistant Igor and his troublesome fiancee Elizabeth. Tickets $30. Call 561-2437922 or visit DelrayCenterfortheArts.org.

* Angèle Dubeau & La Pietà

* Circle Mirror Transformation

Picnic

Oct. 22 to Nov. 1 at the Lake Worth Playhouse’s Stonzek Theatre, 713 Lake Ave. Five strangers come together in a drama class for adults, bringing up emotions buried deep. Tickets $20. Call 561-586-6410 or visit LakeWorthPlayhouse.org.

* Comedy for a Cause

Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. at the Improv Comedy Club, 550 S. Rosemary Ave. in West Palm Beach. Enjoy a night of laughs, starring 2014 “Last Comic Standing” runner-up, Lachlan Patterson. Tickets $15 benefitting the SMART Ride 12. Call Call 561-472-9160, ext. 220 or visit FoundCare.org/events.

* Jason Aldean, Tyler Farr, and Cole Swindell

Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way in West Palm Beach. In a show full of pyrotechnics, Aldean performs with Tyler Farr and Cole Swindell. Tickets $65 and up. Call 561-7958883 or visit CruzanAmphitheatre.net.

* Phantom of the Opera

Oct. 25 at 4 p.m. at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd. in Boca Raton. With the 1925 silent film playing in the background, organist Tim Brumfield dresses as the phantom and performs the timeless

Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The Canadian violinist is joined by La Pietà to perform songs from her album, “Blanc,” inspired by her breast cancer battle. Tickets $29. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org. Through Nov. 8 at Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. A drifter stumbles into a sleepy town into the arms of a group of lonely women. Tickets $64. Call 561514-4042 or visit PalmBeachDramaworks.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.

miami-dade county * Alice’s Wonderland

Adventures

Oct. 21 to Nov. 20 at the Miami Theater Center, 9806 NE Second Ave. in Miami Shores. In honor of the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s beloved book, the company performs the fairytale. Tickets $35. Call 305-751-9550 or visit MTCMiami.org.

* LGBT Night: “The Toxic Avenger”

Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Miracle Theater, 280 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. An LGBT Night with a wine reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by a “The Toxic Avenger” starring Clay Cartland

Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. On the road since 1997, the group is a celebration of Cuban music. Tickets $45 to $125. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Anaïs Mitchell

Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211 St. in Cutler Bay. Mitchell has toured the world telling stories through folk music. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 the day of the show. Call 786573-5300 or visit SMDCAC.org.

* Bernadette Peters

Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. The Tony Award-winning actress performs following a pre-show reception. Tickets $225. Call 305-466-8002 or visit AventuraCenter. org.

* Siempre Flamenco -- Mirada Flamenca

Oct. 24 to 25 at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211 St. in Cutler Bay. Five artists perform their interpretation of the Spanish dance form. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 the day of the show. Call 786-573-5300 or visit SMDCAC.org.

The Eve of Jackie

Through Oct. 25 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Jackie Wilson’s story is told by the performances of TheatreSouth Atlanta. Tickets $50. Call 305949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Taylor Swift

Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The winner of seven Grammy Awards, Swift is the youngest winner of Album of the Year. Tickets $36.50 to $197. Call 786-777-1000 or visit AAArena.com.

* So You Think You Can Dance

Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The hit TV show has wowed America with its selection of competitive dangers, and performers from season 12 will put on a show that you’ll never forget. Tickets $175 to $325. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

Disgraced

Through Nov. 1 at GableStage at the Biltmore, 1200 Anastasia Ave. #230 in Coral Gables. A Muslim-AMerican attorney living in New York City struggles to find his identity. Tickets $55. Call 305-445-1119 or visit GableStage.org.

* Toxic Avenger

Through Nov. 8 at the the Miracle Theater, 280 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. The story a man fighting the evils of his city, all while falling in love. Tickets $15 to $53. Call 305-444-9293 or visit ActorsPlayhouse.org.

10.21.2015 â&#x20AC;¢

Datebook

Community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com

Top Picks Sobe Seafood Festival Oct. 21 to 24 throughout South Beach. With the start of stone crab season, area restaurants are participating in the Seafood Festival with special menus, cooking battles, and more, culminating in the main festival on Oct. 24 from 1 to 9 p.m. Visit SobeSeafoodFest.com.

Zombie Prom Oct. 24 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Delray Center for the Arts Vintage Gymnasium, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Join the high school class of 1985 in this zombie theatre prom night -- wear your scariest zombie makeup and costumes! Tickets $20. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayCenterfortheArts.org

“Batty Bwoy” Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall National Museum – Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Author Max-Arthur Mantle shares his novel that tells the story of Mark Palmer, a gay black man in Jamaica struggling with his sexuality and the country’s disapproval of it. Free. Visit Stonewall-Museum.org.

broward county * Community Day

Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. The whole community is invited to a day of fun with the grand opening of the new playground, as well as food, drinks, pet costume contests, police vehicle and K9 demonstrations. Free. Call 954-463-9005 or visit PrideCenterFlorida.org.

* Gold Coast Derby Girls

Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at War Memorial Auditorium, 800 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. The local team takes on the Fort Myers Derby Girls and the Tampa Bay Bruise Crew. Tickets $15 to $20 for adults. Visit GoldCoastDerbyGrrls.com.

* 40th Anniversary Celebration

Oct. 25 at noon at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, 1650 Harrison St. in Hollywood. An anniversary luncheon celebrating 40 years of the arts at the center.

• 10.21.2015

Broward Support Services 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, 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.

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

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. Tickets $55 to $80. Call 954-921-3274 or visit ArtAndCultureCenter.org.

* American Pride Fest

Oct. 25 from noon to 5 p.m. at America’s Backyard, 100 SW Third Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.. Wear your colors, costumes, and bathing suits to celebrate pride at this afternoon dance party with music, food trucks, and more. Tickets $25 for open bar, benefitting SunServe. Call 954-394-2970 or email Michael Boffice at BrowardEventsInc@ gmail.com

LEVELS

Through Oct. 31 at Tedd ART Works, 2422 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. A series of multi-media works by Robert H. Troy Lam Pimentels, on display through Oct. 31. Free. Call 703-269-8244 or visit Facebook.com/ TeddsARTWorks.

Pablo Picasso: Painted Ceramics and Works on Paper, 1931 to 1971

Through Nov. 1 at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, One E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort

oCt. 21 to 27 Lauderdale. The eccentric artist is mainly known for his paintings, but he also made art into rugs, sculptures, drawings, ceramics, and other media. Call 954-525-5500 or visit NSUArtMuseum.org.

“The Indestructible Lee Miller”

Through Feb. 14, 2016 at the NSU Art Museum, One E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. An exhibit showcasing the work of the first female combat photographer during World War II. Museum entry $8 to $12. Call 954-262-0204 or email moareservations@moafl.org to RSVP to the art talk. Visit NSUArtMuseum.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 with HIV, their partners, and anyone who identifies as transgender. Free. Call 954-765-6239 or visit LatinosSalud.org.

Introduction to Modern Buddhism

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

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.

palm beach county * A Tribute to Women

Oct. 22 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Boynton Beach Art District, 404-422 W. Industrial Ave. in Boynton Beach. The monthly art walk pays tribute to women with artists, musicians, and vendors, including a live mural painting for breast cancer awareness. Free. Call 786-5211199 or email BoyntonBeachArtDistrict@ gmail.com.

* “Many Faces of Israel” Film Series

Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Norton Museum of Art, 1451 S. Olive Ave. in West Palm Beach. A part of the ongoing Israeli Film Series, a showing of “The Film Class” and “These Are My Names,” both examining the lives of indigenous black Bedouins and black Jews in Ethiopia. Museum admission $12. Call 561832-5196 or visit Norton.org.

* Pride Business Alliance

Oct. 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Benny’s on the Beach, 10 S. Ocean Blvd. in Lake Worth.

The alliance is meeting for its monthly mixer with other business owners in the area. Free. Call or visit CompassGLCC.com/pba.html.

CAP Study of Gay Black Men

Through Dec. 1 at FoundCare, 2330 S. Congress Ave. in Palm Springs. The “Real Talk” study seeks black gay men ages 18 to 49 to provide input on a new Comprehensive AIDS Program (CAP) program geared towards the community. Participants are compensated for their time and the study is confidential. For more information, call 561-472-2466, ext 114 or 121 or visit foundcare.org.

Zumba Fitness

Mondays at 6 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Get moving with a certificated Zumba instructor for an infusion of exercise and dance moves. Donation of $5 or more. Call 561-324-1626 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

Sober Sisters

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

Out of the Closet, Into the Light

Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at MCC of the Palm Beaches, 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens. AA for the LGBT community. Free. Call 561-775-5900 or visit MCCPalmBeach.org.

miami-dade county Support Our Cultural Arts Members Network Reception & Show

Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Actors’ Playhouse Miracle Theater, 280 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking reception followed by a performance of “The Toxic Avenger.” Cost: $35, use promo code “LGBT”. Call 305-444-9293 or visit actorsplayhouse.org.

* 50 + 50: 100 Years of Fashion

Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. at Books & Books, 9700 Collins Ave. in Bal Harbour. Fashion designer Felicity Brown talks fashion and art in this celebration of 50 years of Bal Harbour Shops. Free. RSVP to 786-245-2200 or email info@fashionprojectbhs.com.

* Wine on Harvest Moon: Spirits, Spells & American Lore

Oct. 24 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72 Ave. in Palmetto Bay. Enjoy a haunting evening on the historic property with plenty of the best food and wine, taking guests on a journey through the country. Tickets $150 to $175, benefiting The Deering Estate Foundation. Call 305-2351668, ext. 263 or visit DeeringEstate.com/ Wine-on-Harvest-Moon.

* Denotes New Listing

porn pulse

Photo: James Franco Instagram.

Franco Producing ‘King Cobra’ Biopic Hunter Houston

ames Franco is producing a film about one of gay porn’s darkest incidents. Surprise, Surprise. Franco, whose bizarre cinematic tastes are well documented, is planning to produce a movie about the real life murder of gay porn producer Bryan Kocis. And get this, gay gossip queen Perez Hilton reports Franco is considering fresh face Disney actor Garrett Clayton for a leading role. Clayton is best known as a cast member on the Disney Channel’s Teen Beach Movie. He is, reportedly, being considered to play gay porn actor Brent Corrigan in the Kocis biopic. Kocis, owner of Cobra Video, was brutally murdered in 2007 by two Virginia escorts. The whores slashed Kocis’ throat, nearly decapitating him, stabbed him 28 times and then set his house ablaze. Investigators determined the charred remains were Kocis based on dental records. The whores, whose names Porn Pulse will not mention,

are currently serving life in prison with no chance of parole. The working title for Franco’s flick is “King Cobra” and the 37-year-old actor/ director/producer is promising big name talent associated with its production. That list includes Molly Ringwald and Christian Slater. In promotion of the project, Franco took to his Instagram account on Tuesday (Oct. 20), posing shirtless in his Nasty Pig trunks with an unidentified beefy underwear model.

10.21.2015 •

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theaters 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

I’m gay. I am the future of the LGBT community. And I read about that future every day on my Android tablet. Because that’s where I want it to be.

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

10.21.2015 •

SFGN Classified$ attorney

entertainment/dj's LIVE JAZZ FOR YOUR NEXT PARTY OR SPECIAL EVENT - Have your next special occasion be extra special with live jazz. Jazz vocalist with over 30 years experience performing in South Florida. Can work as a duo, trio or more. 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

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

home & garden

POOL SERVICE Mention this ad and receive your ﬁrst month

FREE! some restrictions apply

electrical 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

employment - full time

automotive THE BEST WINDOW TINTING IN FT. LAUDERDALE! - Solar Cut Tinting offers state-ofthe-art computer cut window tinting for car, home, office, or boat. Let us cool you down today! Call us at (954) 657-8087.

computer RELIABLE AND REASONABLY PRICED COMPUTER SERVICE - Is your PC or MAC running slow? We have the solution. We provide virus malware removal, data preservation, OS upgrades and PC/MAC security. Over 10 years in business. Call Rick at (954) 232-1824 www. YourComputerade.Com

SFGN.com electrician HARRY’S ELECTRIC RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL - Additions, renovations, service upgrades, breaker panels,FPL undergrounds, code violations, A/C wiring, ceiling fans, recessed, security & landscaping, lighting, pools, pumps, Jacuzzis, water heaters, FREE PHONE ESTIMATES 954-522-3357 Lic & Ins. www. harryelectrician.com

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.

Place an ad in SFGN’s Classiﬁeds

954.530.4970 66

• 10.21.2015

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. Call 954-566-9812 or email opdentalung@aol.com PART TIME-SHORT TERM HELP WANTED - HELP WANTED BY SENIOR, living in Wilton Manors, to set-up and operate a HOME FILING SYSTEM. Beginning to have some cognitive problems and need help getting organized. $15.00/ hour or you name reasonable compensation. Call (973) 202-6721

help wanted GIRL FRIDAY 4 U is looking for some new talent in South Florida. We are currently filling positions for home and business cleaners and office assistants. Please contact Billy at 954.601.GF4U or billy@ girlfriday4u.com.

home & garden cleaning services

CLEAN IT RIGHT! - The best cleaning for your buck. 1BD $60, 2BD $70, 3BD $80 and up. Excellent rates & references. 10 years in business. Serving Broward, North Miami-Dade & S. Palm Beach. Call Manny 954-560-4443.

home & garden

Serving Broward Since 1999

Call for a free estimate: 954-367-7007 Web: www.skimmerspools.com Email: skimmerspoolservice@gmail.com

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

home and garden landscaping

LANDSCAPE SERVICES SERVING GAY SOUTH FLORIDA OVER 25 YEARS Landscape design and install. Irrigation repair, lighting. Smaller jobs welcome. Call for a free and friendly estimate. We show up on time. (954)5156244. designbjm@aol.com

home and garden pressure cleaning

FAST RELIABLE SERVICE - We show up on time. Walkways,Driveways or Pool areas.Refresh your property to look like new. Brad 954-515-6244 designbjm@aol.com

licensed massage

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 561-2548065 for the very best massage experience you can get HANDS DOWN! #MA51008

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

sfgn.com

music lessons 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.

professional services other PROVEN METHOD TO INCREASE YOUR FANTASY 5 LOTTO WINNINGS - Let us help you increase your odds several times for winning some money in the Florida Fantasy 5 Lottery. Our analysis can help you win. Limited memberships available. Check out our website at www.lotteryhelpersclub. com.

pets/supplies

rentals fort lauderdale 1414 NE 5TH Ter. HUGE 1 BR/1 BA - Condo Quality, Open gourmet kitchen w/smooth-top stove, D/W, crisp white cabinets.Tile floors, CenAir, Designer Bath,onsite laundry,$1000/mo. F/S. Pet Deposit. Owner/Licensee (954)448-9811

Large remodeled 2/2 Penthouse condo with gorgeous views of the Middle River and Beach skyline.

$292,000

EAST OAKLAND PARK 2BD/1 BA HOUSE CLOSE TO WILTON MANORS - Private yard/ pool/laundry room. New kitchen,DW/disp,Central A/C, GM renter(s)Cable T.V./internet split;Electric extra.water,yardcare incl.$1300.1st, l/last/security. security negotiable. Call 954-993-8830.

rentals vacation rentals

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.

real estate for sale

1 BD/1.5 BA CONDO FOR SALE-HOLLYWOOD - Nice 1 Bd./1.5 Bath.Porcelain-plank tile throughout, Garden view condo. Over 55-gated community. Incredible pool. Hollywood one mile west of HR Casino on Stirling Rd. $67,500 Call 954-961-3947 or 954-336-1816 VICTORIA PARK 1 BR/1 BA - Beautiful updated 1 BR/1 BA with private fenced patio;small complex; gorgeous open beamed ceilings;tile floor; next to Holiday Park tennis courts;W/D; small dog ok; $925/ month; 954-729-1936. 2 BR 2 BA REMODELED CONDO - Tile floors, kitchen has granite, stainless upgraded appliances, & cherry cabinets. Amenities include: secure building; elevator; laundry rooms; pool,clubhouse and ample parking. In Wilton Manors, near shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Condo financials good with fully funded reserves. Price $190k. Call 318-461-1634.

“FILL THE VACANCY RATES” SUNDAYTHURSDAY - Need a last minute room? Take advantage of our $79 dollar rates at the NEW Calypso Inn, Wilton Manors. Not good for reservations. Good for one night only. Valid major credit card required. Phone Wes Leigh at 954605-3561 to see if there is a vacancy.

To arrange a showing, please contact

ABRAHAM FUCHS LUXURY PARTNERS REALTY

561-318-1876

x-terminator

furnished housing rentals *PERFECT RELOCATION RENTALS 4 WEEK+ SPECIAL FROM $395/WEEK Intimate 7 unit Liberty Garden Suites offering all the comforts of home. for your Vacation or Temporary Housing Needs. Beautifully Furnished & Full Equipped Studio & One BR Apts. with Full Kitchens, in lush tropical Gay Resort setting. 5 Min. south of Airport in Dania Beach. Central to Haulover Nude Beach & Wilton Manors. Incl. Wi-Fi, laundry, private parking, utilities, cable, tel. Gay Owned & Operated. Pets Always Welcome. Celebrating Our 18th Year Call Joe or Jack at (954) 927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com

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

real estate agents

FLORIDA’S TOP GAY REALTORS - Instant FREE Access to Florida and the Nation’s Top Gay Realtors. Free Buyers Representation! On-line: www.GayRealEstate.com or Toll Free 1-888-420MOVE (6683)

self help

10.21.2015 •