local name global coverage
CHECK OUT THE NEW
WMG
November 22, 2017 vol. 8 // issue 47
Begins in center
s o u t h
f l o r i d a
g a y
n e w s
Voices of Equality Equality Florida Honors Greg Louganis
Page 20
Panel Aims to Educate Media on Trans Terminology
Page 4
SouthFloridaGayNews
A Candid Conversation with LeAnn Rimes
Page 34
soflagaynews
SFGN.com
NEWS highlight
SouthFloridaGayNews.com Photo courtesy of Pixabay.
November 22, 2017 • Volume 8 • Issue 47
2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com
Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com
Editorial
California Approves LGBT-Inclusive Textbooks in Elementary, Middle School Curriculums Brittany Ferrendi
L
ike it or not, LGBT people are a part of history. Now California is encouraging schools to make that a known fact. On Thursday the California state board of education approved 10 LGBTinclusive history textbooks for schools teaching kindergarten through eighth grade. California is now the first and only state to include LGBT-inclusive textbook recommendations. “California tends to be the first state to pass a lot of progressive laws and — mainly because of our diversity — a lot of inclusive laws,” said Executive Director of Our Family Coalition Renata Moreira in an interview with The Daily Beast. The coalition was one of many organizations that pushed to teach LGBT history in the Golden State. “I think in other states folks are still looking to California to see how the inclusion is going to be rolled out. So there’s some hesitancy and frankly lack of leadership in other states to see that people with disabilities and LGBT people are included in history.” According to California’s 2011 Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful Education Act, history and social science curriculums must include information about successes of
a wide range of Americans including LGBT “The absence of specific labels regarding people, Native Americans and people with sexual orientation creates an adverse disabilities. California school districts are reflection because the identity of these not required to use books recommended by individuals is not honored and demeans the state, but curriculums must adhere to their contributions to history. The depictions state standards adhering to the FAIR Act. of these individuals do not specifically "The decision today means refer to achievements in art, that LGBTQ students, and those science or other fields as LGBTQ “I think in with LGBTQ families, will finally contributors.” be able to see themselves and In response, HMH claimed other states our history accurately reflected folks are still modern labels should not apply in textbooks in California," to history. looking to said Moreira. "We celebrate “The achievements of people California to SBE's final vote and are more who experience or express see how the than ready to continue working sexual desire for their own sex inclusion is with partners and educators on as well as those who do not going to be the next chapter as we move conform to conventional gender rolled out.” norms are central to both United to district adoption across the state." States history and culture. - Renata Moreira The board also rejected two However, HMH feels that the Executive director of our family books from Houghton Mifflin terms lesbian, gay, bisexual, coalition Harcourt for violating the FAIR transgender, and queer are Act by not including LGBT contemporary terms that may history. Specifically, according to LGBTQ not map well on past lives and experiences.” Nation, the books mentioned historical As an alternative, HMH included figures like American Poets Walt Whitman information in the teacher’s materials that MEMBER and Emily Dickenson without including claimed these historical figures might have material about their sexualities. identified as LGBT if they lived today.
Art Director • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Digital Content Director • Brittany Ferrendi Webmaster@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kerri Covington Arts/Entertainment Editor • JW Arnold JW@prdconline.com Social Media Manager • Tucker Berardi TBerardi2014@fau.edu Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin Gazette News Editor • Michael d'Oliveira HIV Editor • Sean McShee Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis JRDavis12000@hotmail.com
Senior Features Correspondents Jesse Monteagudo • Tony Adams
Correspondents
Dori Zinn • Donald Cavanaugh • Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • Sean McShee • David-Elijah Nahmod
Contributing Columnists
Brian McNaught • Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily • Terri Schlichenmeyer
Associate Photographers
Carina Mask • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires
Sales & Marketing
Director of Sales & Marketing • Mike Trottier Mike.Trottier@sfgn.com Sales Manager • Justin Wyse Justin.Wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann Edwin.Neimann@sfgn.com Sales Assistant / Classifieds • Tim Higgins Tim.Higgins@sfgn.com Distribution Services • Rocky Bowell National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com
Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Printing by Sun Coast Press
MEMBER
OUR Other Publications Get yours, on racks now!
Photo: Greg Louganis. Photo credit: J.R. Davis. MEMBER
Associated Press
SFGN Winner of & 5 Florida Press Club Awards And runner-up for
NLGJA Journalist of the Year South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright © 2017 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
2
•
1 1 .22.2017
MEMBER
MONTHLY SPA SERVICE INCLUDED
DISCOUNTED BEER & WINE MENU
ACCESS TO RESORT AMENITIES
11.22.2017 •
3
NEWS local
Panel Aims to Educate Media on Trans Terminology Michael d’Oliveira
A
n old photograph used in a Narinesingh. The moderator will be newspaper or local nightly TV Brendon Lies, a transgender man, SPJ newscast might be flattering Florida secretary, and South Florida for some people. But for a transgender Gay News art director. The panel was individual, it can be harmful and conceived by Lies. disrespectful. “I’ve been interviewed as a trans “[When it comes to a male to female person, as well as interviewed others transgender individual] they may refer to who are trans, and both times I’ve her as male or they may publish an old experienced a lack of comfort and photo that may not represent her identity. mutual understanding. My goal with It’s antiquated, it’s harmful, this panel is to destigmatize it’s disrespectful,” said the relationship between Emery Grant, a transgender journalists and trans people, man and director of who both seek a world of programming and justice and equality. Trans education at the Stonewall people need their voices National Museum & heard, and journalists Archives in Fort Lauderdale. are the ones holding the “Many transgender lives microphone.” are taken by violence. Christiana Lilly, president It’s not uncommon for of SPJ Florida and freelance these individuals to be writer for South Florida misgendered in their local Gay News, said the panel newspapers.” is needed because of the To educate members of increase of transgender the media on the correct use actors and actresses in - Brendon Lies of language and terminology Hollywood, the military ban moderator when reporting on issues on transgender individuals that involve the transgender announced by President community, Stonewall and The Society Donald Trump, and other issues. of Professional Journalists Florida will She said she sees a lot of reporters who host “The Transgender Community aren’t familiar with the correct use of and the Media,” a panel discussion at language. Stonewall’s Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 “I see ‘transgenders’ and Wilton Drive, on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7 ‘transgendered’ all the time . . . We’re just p.m. trying have an open conversation and let Grant is one of the panelists. The others people learn from each other.” are SunServe case manager Tiffany The event is free but a donation of $5 Arieagus, and transgender activist Rajee is suggested.
“Trans people need their voices heard, and journalists are the ones holding the microphone.”
4
•
1 1 .22.2017
NEWS out50
SFGN’s OUT50 Nominations Now Open SFGN Staff
D
o you know someone in the local LGBT community who deserves recognition? Has SFGN overlooked them? Well, if so, here’s your chance to submit your own nominations. Visit SFGN. com/OUT50nominations and fill out the form. Check out our past nominees at the below links!
2014 SFGN.com/OUT50 2015 SFGN.com/2015OUT50 2016 SFGN.com/2016OUT50 2017 SFGN.com/2017OUT50
Musical Selections:
Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending E’en So Lord Jesus Quickly Come (Paul Manz) Advent Message (Martin How) Wachet auf (J.S. Bach) 1750 E. Oakland Park Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334
954-563-5155
www.saintmarksftl.com 11.22.2017 •
5
What is TRUVADA for PrEP?
Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP?
TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medicine that is used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.
Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: ® Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. ® Also take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA for PrEP? Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-negative. ® Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. ® You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. ® If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. ® To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1: ® Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. ® Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you. ® Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners. ® Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. ® If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. TRUVADA can cause serious side effects: ® Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking TRUVADA, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.
What are the other possible side effects of TRUVADA for PrEP? Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: ® Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with TRUVADA. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA. ® Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. ® Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. ® Bone problems, including bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRUVADA for PrEP? ® All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis. ® If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA. ® If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can be passed to the baby in breast milk. ® All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. ® If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include certain medicines to treat hepatitis C (HCV) infection. 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 Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page.
6
•
TVDC0168_PrEP_B_10x10-75_SFloridaGayNews_Latino_p1.indd 1-2 1 1 .22.2017
I’m open-minded, not uninformed. I know who I am. And I make choices that fit my life. TRUVADA for PrEP™ is a once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when taken every day and used together with safer sex practices. ® TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex. ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP.
Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you. Learn more at truvada.com
8/7/17 2:18 PM • 11.22.2017
7
IMPORTANT FACTS
This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEPTM (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.
(tru-VAH-dah) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative. • Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. • You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you were exposed to HIV-1 or have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. • If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. • See the “How To Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information. TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.
ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA for PrEP is a prescription medicine used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. • To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health. Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. • Take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.
HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1. • Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. • Use TRUVADA for PrEP together with condoms and safer sex practices. • Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP” section. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. • Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. • Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. • Bone problems. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.
BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis. • Have any other medical conditions. • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. • Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can pass to the baby in breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP.
HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK • Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. • Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you. • Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners. • Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV infection. • Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for program information.
TRUVADA FOR PREP, the TRUVADA FOR PREP Logo, the TRUVADA Blue Pill Design, TRUVADA, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Version date: April 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0168 07/17
8 TVDC0168_PrEP_B_10x10-75_SFloridaGayNews_Latino_p1.indd • 1 1 .22.2017
3
8/7/17 2:18 PM
NEWS local
Photo Credit: tedeytan, Wiki.
Patches of AIDS Quilt coming to Fort Lauderdale, Lake Worth
Accounting and Tax Services
Michael d’Oliveira
R
ev. Fred Gray remembers the time before the AIDS Quilt and all the progress that has been made since it was first stitched 30 years ago. Now, he hopes that bringing the AIDS Quilt to his church, United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale, will be one small stitch in preventing an unraveling of the progress woven so far. “We decided we wanted to do something that was less church and more community. We’re hoping that this just develops more awareness and, with the looks of things politically today, that we’re not going to regress,” Gray said. One time Gray specifically doesn’t want to regress back to is when those afflicted with HIV/AIDS were denied the medical care they needed and treated as pariahs. He recalled the time when he watched his best friend, Joe Hare, and Hare’s partner, Howard Reynolds, both die from the disease. He had to bring his friend lunch in the hospital because none of the medical staff would enter the room. “People were really very sick and dying very quickly. It was absolutely ridiculous for people not to care for about other people.” Parts of the Quilt will be on display at United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale from Nov. 26 to Dec. 1, 2501 NE 30 St., Fort Lauderdale. From now until November 27, parts of the AIDS Quilt will be on display at Sunshine Cathedral Metropolitan Community Church, 1480 SW 9 Ave., Fort Lauderdale. From Dec. 1 to 13, it will be at Compass Community Center, 201 N. Dixie Hwy., Lake Worth. Visit AIDSquilt. org/view-the-quilt/display-schedule for other dates and locations. The brainchild of Cleve Jones, an LGBT activist from San Francisco who was featured in the Harvey Milk film “Milk” starring Sean Penn, the AIDS Quilt was first displayed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 11, 1987. On Nov. 10, Jones spoke about coming up with idea for the AIDS Quilt during the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center’s “An
Evening with Cleve Jones” event at Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale. Jones, in a video of his speech provided by the World AIDS Museum, said the idea came to him in November of 1985 when he and a friend were putting up flyers to remind people of the annual vigil held in honor of Milk and Mayor George Moscone. Both were murdered by disgruntled former city supervisor Dan White in November 1978. Jones said the specific moment of inspiration came when he was in the Castro in San Francisco and saw a newspaper headline about the 1,000 dead from AIDS in San Francisco alone up to that point. “I knew that of those first thousand to die, almost every one of them lived and died within six blocks of where I was standing. And there was no evidence. And I was getting angrier and angrier and angrier, and I remember saying to my friend Joseph, ‘You know . . . maybe if this was a field of rotting corpses in the sun then people would see it and they would understand, and if they were human beings they would be compelled to respond. And there was no response . . . I was furious and I didn’t know what to do.” Days later at the vigil for Milk and Moscone, Jones asked the crowd to write the names of the friends, lovers, and neighbors who died because of AIDS on poster boards. Later, Jones and the crowd scaled the side of the federal Health and Human Services building in San Francisco and covered the walls with those poster boards. “And I looked over the heads of everybody at that patchwork of names on the wall, and I thought it looked like some kind of strange quilt,” he said as he snapped his fingers, illustrating his eureka moment. “And I thought of my great grandma, Irene Rupert, and the quilt she sowed in 1952. It was such a warm, comforting, middle class, traditional family values kind of symbol . . . it just seemed like such an American folk art.”
Timothy S. Hart, CPA Managing Partner
2929 East Commercial Boulevard, Penthouse D | Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308 954-202-9770 | 954-202-9777 Fax THart@R3Accounting.com | www.R3Accounting.com
11.22.2017 •
9
M E D I C A R E
Make
A D V A N T A G E
NEWS state
SFGN Wins 5 Florida Press Club Awards
Blue your source
for Medicare
Advantage.
SFGN Staff When you’re shopping for Medicare coverage, Blue is here to help. We’re your partner in navigating the Medicare landscape, making the most of your health care and feeling confident about your choices.
Call Steve Herbstman Today
BlueMedicare means SM
value more savings more choices more
more.
Contact us today:
Apple Insurance Steve Herbstman www.appleinsurance.com
954-554-7074 (TTY users call 1-800-955-8770), 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. local time, Mon. - Fri. to speak to a licensed agent.
Florida Blue is a PPO, RPPO and Rx(PDP) plan with a Medicare contract. Florida Blue HMO is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Florida Blue or Florida Blue HMO depends on contract renewal. Health coverage is offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. HMO coverage is offered by Health Options, Inc., DBA Florida Blue HMO, an affiliate of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. These companies are Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Florida Blue complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüstica. Llame al 1-855-601-9465 (TTY: 1-877-955-8773). ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou. Rele 1-855-601-9465 (TTY: 1-800-955-8770). Y0011_87324 0917R1 CMS Accepted
10
•
1 1.22.2017
T
he Florida Press Club recently announced the winners to its annual Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Contest. SFGN took home five prizes including a first place win for best Illustration. The winning infographic for the illustration category was made by Brendon Lies, SFGN’s art director, for the newspaper’s special issue on the transgender community last spring. The graphic showed the journey of a trans person in a chutes and ladders type of style. “I wanted to make the stigma and confusion behind transitioning more palatable,” said Lies, his first time winning a Florida Press Club award. “By making it a game board you’re guaranteeing people will look at it.” SFGN also took second and third place for
the same trans issue mentioned above, and its special issue covering the aftermath of Pulse, the nightclub shooting in Orlando that claimed 49 lives. Freelancer Christiana Lily took second place for Minority Reporting and finally freelancer Dori Zinn took third place for Community News writing. “Congratulation to all of the winners,” said SFGN Publisher Norm Kent. “SFGN is committed to award winning journalism.”
CallCall or Come In Today or Come In Today
954.522.3800 954.522.3800 YourYour Pallant Insurance TeamTeam Pallant Insurance
We’llWe’ll Handle It! It! Handle
www.PallantInsurance.com www.PallantInsurance.com
1800 N.E. 26th Street · Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 1800 N.E. 26th Street · Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305
FREE PolicyPolicy Review FREE Review FREE Quotes FREE Quotes HOMEOWNERS HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE INSURANCE
HURRICANE HURRICANE INSURANCE INSURANCE
FLOOD INSURANCEFLOOD INSURANCE
AUTO INSURANCEAUTO INSURANCE
FAST and Courteous Service FAST and Courteous Service 11.22.2017 •
11
NEWS miami-dade Photo courtesy of Gay8 Festival.
Kickoff Event for Gay8 Festival Draws Supporters, Donations Jose Cassola
jocacommunications@outlook.com
T
Third annual Latino LGBT music, food and arts fest to take place February 2018 in Little Havana
hink of the Gay8 Festival on Miami's Calle Ocho as a "Pride [celebration] on steroids." That's how organizer Damian Pardo describes the event, "which is really about bringing all parts of the community together for one day of fun in Little Havana," he said. The third annual Gay8 Festival will take place 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18 on Southwest Eighth Street between 14th and 17th avenues. The closed-off block party for LGBT Latinos is meant to draw gay and gay-friendly members of all cultures from across Miami, not just from the Latino community. The festival launched in 2016 with 17,000 attendees. That number grew to more than 30,000 in 2017. A kickoff event for the music, food and arts fest took place Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Casa Juancho in Little Havana, attracting many movers and shakers of the LGBT community, including Tony Lima of SAVE; Community Builders Cindy Brown, Hector Zuazo and Robert Medina of Lambda Living; and Azucar and Bailo Nightclub resident drag queens Marytrini Fernandez and Teresita La Caliente. "I helped start this festival...music, dance parties, art, all kinds of things," Pardo said. "It's really representative, it's kind of like a Pride on steroids. It's everybody Pride. It's Haitian Pride, Latino Pride, Gay Pride, etc. But the Pride comes from all of us being together. That's where the pride comes from. It's a little bit unique in that sense." Attendees of the official kickoff enjoyed complimentary tapas, bites and drinks, while organizers sought donations from the community and sold T-shirts of the official 2018 Gay8 Festival. Artwork on the shirts was designed by Eliott Prada, a Cuban American artist and store owner of La Isla Gallery and Gifts, a Cuban memorabilia shop on Calle Ocho.
“It's everybody Pride. It's Haitian Pride, Latino Pride, Gay Pride, etc. But the Pride comes from all of us being together.” - Damian Pardo
Event organizer
In a Facebook post where he shared images of attendees showing off and wearing the T-shirts, Prada said "I'm so proud of our community and that I can do my part! Thanks everyone! Many more LGBT art, prints, and designer T's will be available for Gay8 Feb. 18, 2018." Pardo said people at February's festival can expect to enjoy "free films, walking tours and great food. It's a good time," he said. Pardo said the kickoff is "the day we celebrate, bringing in the sponsors and our hosts. We generate the momentum, start getting the idea, 'hey we're heading towards the festival, let's start supporting it.'" Along the way, there will be events related to the festival. For the first year, the Miss & Mister Gay8 pageant in association with the Gay8 Festival will take place Sunday, Jan. 14 at the Jokker Nightclub. The winners to be named King and Queen will appear on the cover of “Imagen" Magazine. There will also be a Palante (Move Forward) Awards show that will serve as a fundraiser for the Gay8 Festival. The community is encouraged to purchase VIP tickets that include open bar drinks at $100 to $150 apiece to help fund costs related to organizing the street festival. BB&T Bank representative Johnnie Mejia spoke at the
kickoff, revealing the bank's support and sponsorship of the Gay8 Festival in 2018. "We're very happy to be coming on board again for a second year in a row with Gay8," Mejia said. "BB&T considers Gay8 one of the premier festivals that builds bridges throughout our community, honors diversity and celebrates differences, which people think are a bad thing, but I think differences are a beautiful thing." Jeremy Mason, when speaking to attendees of the kickoff, said he didn't have to sell them on this festival. "Thirty thousand people came out last year and danced in the streets and had the time of their lives at this festival, Mason said. "The different things you can do at the festival, the movies, the literary talks, the vendors; there's so much that happens here. But the real joy of Gay8 for me is the fact that it's a rich tapestry of individual stories and people coming out as they are in their own skin and enjoying being on Calle Ocho and living their best lives together wherever they are...because it's a festival of togetherness, and that is why this is a joy. We have a new tag line for the festival: It's 'Live Your Story Here.' Because that's what we do when we come to Calle Ocho as part of Gay8." Tony Lima, executive director of SAVE, is on the committee that runs the festival. In past years, he has been in charge of the men's Macho stage. This year, DJ Alex Ferbeyre will be taking over the reins of that party, leaving Lima to help with the fundraising, programming for the parties and hosting the stages. "I'll be up there with a mic introducing bands and stuff. Just helping with the intricacies of the festival," Lima said. "It's so exciting. I'll see you at the festival during President's Day Weekend."
People looking to become volunteers, hosts or sponsors of the Gay8 Festival can email hosts@gay8festival.com. 12
•
1 1.22.2017
The winners are here!
COME SEE WHO YOU VOTED FOR! All your favorite South Florida businesses
Throughout August our readers nominated their favorites in each “Best Of” category, and in September they voted for the finalists. Last week the winners were announced, make sure you don’t miss it!
Visit sfgn.com/BestOf2017 Best Restaurant Best Take Out Best Pizza Best Guest House Best Neighborhood Bar Best Nightclub Best Place To Shop
Best Happy-Hour Best Pet Groomers Best Coffee Shop Best Drag Queen Best Movie Theater Best City to Live In Best Non-Profit
Best Gym Best Live Theater Best Business Group Best Beach Best Hair Salon Best Spa ... And many more!
11.22.2017 •
13
SHOWDOWN EVENT CALENDAR
WEDNESDAY - 11/22 ALIBI Opening Swing Party Pre-Registration 2-4-1 All Night Long with Showdown Wristband
THURSDAY - 11/23 The Pub- Registration Party! “Thanksgiving Orphan’s Dinner” 2-4- 1 Drink Prices Until 9PM Drink Specials All Night Long Special Hurricane Showdown Cocktail 10% OFF Food with Showdown Wristband
FRIDAY - 11/24 Registration @ 2PM - Mills Pond Park Games Begin @ 4PM Home Run Derby Field 3 From 6-9 PM! “FIRST AT BAT” Party [ 8PM - 1AM ] - GYM BAR $2 Tacos & 1 FREE Green Tea Shot with Showdown Wristband
14
•
1 1.22.2017
GET IN ON THE ACTION!
SATURDAY - 11/25 Round Robin Continues @ 8AM Tournament Play Begins @ 1PM Bats, Balls & Booze Party @ 6 to 9PM - Scandal’s Saloon Hit the Showers Party - Southern Nights Strip the Jock Contest – Live Entertainment – Drink Specials All Night Long!
CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY - 11/26 Championship Games at 2, 4 & 5PM Mills Pond Park - EVERYONE IS INVITED Win Weekend Stays at Local Resorts including: Cabanas, Pineapple Point & Courtyard FTL Beach Dinners for 2, T-Shirts & Equipment (Must Be PRESENT To Win) Awards & Rewards at Alibi Drink Specials Buffet for All Participants
11.22.2017 •
15
NEWS miami-dade Photo courtesy of Jose Cassola.
W Miami Building Gay Clientele With Networking Gathering for LGBT professionals Brickell hotel launches ‘Whisper OUT Loud’ Jose Cassola
jocacommunications@outlook.com
W
hen you think of Miami's Brickell neighborhood, you think upscale, you think preppy professional. One thinks of a location that is moments away from world-class shopping like Brickell City Centre and the Miami Design District. Many people don't necessarily equate Brickell, however, as a gay destination. The W Miami is looking to change that. W Miami, located at 485 Brickell Ave., has "an unbeatable location," said Marthica Galvis, its marketing manager. The hotel offers 146 luxurious guest rooms and suites and has a WET Deck, a rooftop pool located 50 stories high. Located right next door is the Whisper Cocktail Lounge, which offers daily happy hours, specialty programming, latenight vibes and cocktails. "We’re at the pulse of electric cultural experiences and encourage guests to meet new people," Galvis said. "We’re always looking to engage with locals and facilitate partnerships, build community events and ensure that we’re upholding the key pillars of the W brand: fashion, fitness, music and design. The W brand is known for its leadership and commitment to the LGBTQ community. We have a strong track record of providing an environment where everyone is invited, embraced, valued and respected.” In an effort to build its gay clientele, W Miami recently hosted "Whisper OUT Loud," a networking party for LGBT professionals. The hotel held two "Whisper OUT Loud" events in October and November and is looking into hosting more events for the LGBT community in 2018. Local drag queen Athena Dion, the hostess of the R House Wynwood Sunday drag brunch, served as emcee at the last
gathering and performed alongside fellow drag entertainers Noel Leon, Sasha Lords and Tiffany Fantasia, named Best Drag Queen in the SFGN Best Of 2017 contest and Favorite Drag Queen at the fifth annual Pink Flamingo Awards. Dion said the W Miami approached her because the venue wanted to do a monthly party for LGBT professionals. "They invited all the fabulous queens of Miami to start it up last month. It was a really great turnout," Dion said. "We have a pretty cute crowd. Come check us out." DJ Daniel Hottpants Blair said the W called him to provide the musical entertainment. He said attendees of future mixers can expect to see "a bunch of queens, hopefully nobody tripping in either sense of the word," he laughed. "Aside from that, I really hope that people just drink a lot and then do a little hand waving in the air. That's what I want." Attendees like Daniel Luque had a blast. He said the party on Brickell was "something convenient on this side of town, something new and fresh. It's just perfect." David Galindo, who identifies as gay, said he actually found out about the LGBT mixer through a few of his friends that live in Brickell and he decided to come check it out. "It's really nice to finally have some type of venue for us on Brickell and not have to go all the way to the beach," Galindo said. "The view is amazing. The ambiance is pretty nice; the mixture of the music, the drag queen show. Tiffany Fantasia is one of my favorites... The fact that it's on a Friday at a time that [gay professionals] are finishing work. We can have a drink, relax, maybe go to a restaurant in the area. Everything is great. I'd enjoy coming here again."
For more information on future events, visit WMiamiHotel.com. 16
•
1 1.22.2017
17th ANNUAL
welcome to your family at sea... Halloween Cruise
Oct 28- Nov 4, 2018 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston
Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas Ports: Galveston, Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel
Starring:
Miss Conception Billy Gilman from “The VOICE”
Amy & Freddy
from $599
Private shows with guest celebrities * $1000 in Costume Prizes Gay DJ * Themed Dance Parties * Group Dining on most cruise lines Aquafest Staff & Cruise Directors * Optional Gay Beach Parties Single, Couples, & Lesbian Get-Togethers * Afternoon T-Dance and much more...
join the Award Winning Largest & Best LGBT Private Group Event!
(800) 592-9058 / AquafestCruises.com
MORE IN Alaska - Kenya African Safari- Christmas Markets Danube MORE IN 2018 2018 Castles of the Rhine - Scandanavia & Russia 11.22.2017 •
17
Convictions
Seeing In The Dark
New Resource for People with Disabilities
Impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma Belo Cipriani
P
eople with communication disabilities, such as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Down syndrome, aphasia caused by a stroke, and some forms of cerebral palsy and autism, are the most vulnerable during and after disasters like Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. In many cases, these individuals get separated from their helpers, lose access to their speech-generating devices and their low-tech tools, and get relocated to places where they are unable to receive the proper support. The United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (USSAAC), a 501c(3) nonprofit established in the 1980s, has launched two websites through the San Franciscobased disaster relief portal Recovers.org, to help people with disabilities and their families who have been affected by Harvey and Irma. “USSAAC’s decision to launch its two Recovers sites,” said Harvey Pressman, Co-chair of USSAAC’s Hurricane Relief Committee, “came about through the confluence of two separate events: (1) Sarah Blackstone’s earlier experiences managing an extensive and successful AAC recovery effort in Louisiana and Mississippi in the years following Hurricane Katrina and (2) her more recent experience in her own local area launching and managing a Recovers.org site in response to the most expensive wildfire in American history….” Dr. Sarah Blackstone, who is one of the founders of USSAAC, and has received recognition for her relief efforts in the Soberanes fire by the Red Cross, shared that for individuals who cannot use natural speech, and have been affected by Harvey, the situation is pretty grim. “One mom in Texas has two children and one, age 6, has autism, is non-verbal and lost an iPad and apps in Hurricane
Harvey,” Blackstone said. “This mother also takes care of her grandfather who had a laryngectomy and cannot speak and is so weak he can no longer use his electrolarynx. So, two people in her household have severe communication disorders and she’s now living in a hotel.” Pressman states that stories about people with communication disabilities in Florida are just starting to trickle in. “A single mom,” said Pressman, “with a child with autism and two other children with special needs wakes up to find her bottom floor flooded, the speech-generating device her autistic child uses to communicate under water, and the need to immediately evacuate.” “A woman,” continued Pressman, “whose elderly dad lives with her and depends on an electronic device loses power.” “A family with a child with cerebral palsy is evacuated and has to leave behind a $6,000 speech generating device that has been destroyed in the storm,” he added. The Recovers.org site works as a network that matches both individuals and organizations to people who need help, as well as to people who can offer assistance. “You go on and say ‘I need…’ or ‘I can do this…’ or ‘I can contribute these items…’ or ‘I want to donate…’ and, voila, things begin to happen,” Pressman said.
for individuals who cannot use natural speech, and have been affected by Harvey, the situation is pretty grim.
18
•
1 1.22.2017
USSAAC’s Recovers.org sites have already received donations from two companies that produce Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) products, Saltillo and Prentke Romich, as well as several monetary donations and volunteer hours from USSAAC members. Pressman points out the need for donations is dire, as USSAAC provides a type of support not offered by any other type of nonprofit or agency. “USSAAC has customized the general purpose Recovers.org portal to provide the highly specialized support and services that neither groups like the Red Cross nor other non-specific disability groups have the capacity to provide: the devices, tools and
support services required by individuals with complex communication needs whose communication supports have been taken away by the disaster,” he explained. Blackstone, 73, and Pressman, 81, are a Monterey, CA-based couple who have dedicated their lives to helping people with disabilities. Blackstone is an international expert in the field of augmentative and alternative communication and Pressman is an educator who has run employment projects for people with disabilities. To support people with disabilities afected by Harvey, please visit: Harveyaac. recovers.org/. And to support people with disabilities impacted by Irma, please visit: AACdisasterrelief.recovers.org/.
Belo Cipriani is a disability advocate, a freelance journalist, the award-winning author of Blind: A Memoir and Midday Dreams, and the spokesperson for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Learn more at www.belocipriani.com.
11.22.2017 •
19
LIFESTYLE photos
15th annual broward gala On Sunday, Nov. 12, Equality Florida's annual gala at Pier 66 in Fort Lauterdale celebrated voices of equality, honoring Greg Louganis as well as PNC Bank and many others for their contributions to the LGBT community in 2017. More than 500 people attended this year’s event, which raised more than $500,000. J.R. Davis Greg Louganis.
To see many more photos, visit South Florida Gay News on Facebook.
20
•
1 1.22.2017
WMG Volume 4 • Issue 21 November 22, 2017
Wilton Manors Gazette
Community
Wilton Manors to Install Metal Detectors in Commission Chambers By Michael d’Oliveira In a move called “a sign of the times” by consultant hired by the city. O’Connell said both city officials and residents, a metal other safety strategies would be implemented detector will be installed at the entrance of but, citing security concerns, declined to say what they were at this time. the city commission chambers. Recently, the city also began posting an The decision was announced by Mayor Gary Resnick during the city’s Veterans Day additional police officer in the commission ceremonies at Hagen Park on Saturday, Nov. chambers during commission meetings. 11. Resnick made the announcement as he Previously, only one officer would be talked about the need for more gun control officially posted in the back of the room. and listed some of the recent mass shootings Now, there is also one assigned to the front of the room. that have taken place in the Commissioner Julie United States, including Las Carson said she doesn’t think Vegas, the Fort Lauderdale/ that a metal detector would Hollywood International make an effective deterrent Airport, Pulse Nightclub, in a room as small as the and the church shooting in commission chambers, Sutherland Springs, Texas. but said she would defer to In an interview with O’Connell. “I’m going to look The Gazette, Chief Paul to the chief.” She said she’d O’Connell echoed Resnick like to see bullet proof glass on gun control. “Our Second installed on the outside of Amendment has been - Scott Newton the commission chambers kidnapped by the NRA.” Commissioner and some kind of protective O’Connell said the metal metal or glass placed over detector would be installed in January. Asked which mass shooting the wood paneling of the commission dais. prompted the city to decide to install the “If someone comes in [and starts shooting], metal detector, O’Connell said it was Pulse in we have nowhere to go,” she said. “I’m very sorry that we have to even talk Orlando. “Pulse was the key.” The police chief said the decision to about it,” said Commissioner Scott Newton. install the metal detector was made during But, better safe than sorry, he added. “It’s a a special closed-door commission meeting necessary evil.” Resident Mary Ulm said she already feels on Oct. 2. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the city’s security master plan and its safe at commission meetings but said she’s implementation. The metal detector, he said, fine with the metal detector if it will make was one of the suggestions of the security city officials and other residents feel safer.
Photo courtesy of the City of Wilton Manors.
“I’m very sorry that we have to even talk about it.”
But not every resident is fine with the new security feature. “Short of our police department having received or is knowledgeable of credible threats, I find the installation of metal detectors at our city’s commission chambers to be a knee jerk reaction by local officials in response to our nation’s disgraceful failure
to take any substantive action on addressing gun control and gun violence,” said Sal Torre, president of the Westside Association of Wilton Manors. “The presence of armed Wilton Manors police officers at all city meetings should be more than enough security and offer a high degree of safety for our residents.” WMG
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 •
November 22, 2017
11.22.2017 •
21
Opinion
Patriotism Isn’t Just for Conservatives I love My Country Too By Sal Torre
WMG November 22, 2017 • Volume 4 • Issue 21 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kerri Covington
Editorial
Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com Digital Content Director • Brittany Ferrendi Webmaster@sfgn.com News Editor • Michael d’Oliveira
Correspondents
John McDonald • James Oaksun
Recently I spent my Saturday afternoon at the Veterans Day event hosted by the City of Wilton Manors, a fitting tribute to the many men and women who have served in the military of our great nation and deserve our unequivocal gratitude and respect. No one should ever overlook, minimize, or forget their bravery, sacrifices, and service to protect our essential American values, freedom, and way of life. Looking over the diverse crowd and listening to the impassioned speakers, I felt a sense of anger and contempt towards the radical rightwing fanatics who falsely claim a God-given ownership over patriotism. These fascists wrap themselves in the American flag and chant, “Make America Great Again.” In reality, the only way we will make America great again is to realize that every one of us makes America the great nation it already is. Our brave veterans come from very different backgrounds. Some are wealthy, poor, white, black, Latino, gay, straight, male, female, transgender, and some not even U.S. citizens when they volunteered. They were Christian, Jewish, Muslim, atheist, liberal, socialist, conservative, and more. They all came together as Americans willing serve a country they believed in, to defend the dream of freedom for all! Only when we begin to recognize ourselves as a nation of many, instead of a select privileged class, will we truly make America great again. Our Mayor selected verses from Maya Angelou’s poem, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” to talk about defending our freedoms. Perhaps a more appropriate choice would have been a poem written by Langston Hughes, “Dream of Freedom,” part of which reads:
There are those who claim This dream for theirs alone-A sin for which we know They must atone. This dream knows no frontier or tongue, The dream no class or race. The dream cannot be kept secure In any one looked place. It must be saved for ALLOur dream of freedom!
Looking at those who make life better for the many here in our Island City of Wilton Manors, I would like to move the subject to last week’s SFGN edition and the selections for SFGN’s Best of 2017. Having spent the past week pondering or perhaps actually channeling the spirit of Emma Goldman, a political activist, union organizer, and writer, while reviewing her influence during the first half of the 20th Century, I feel the need to share my thoughts and Emma’s wisdom, on who should be our local Wilton Manors choice for Best Local Politician and Best LGBT Activist. While Debbie Wasserman Schultz might qualify as best politician for being able to hold on to elected office after her actions over the past few years, her failure at the helm of the Democratic Party paved the way for the Trump Presidency. Her backing of the payday loan industry was a slap in the face for many Florida working families struggling to get out of the vicious cycle of debt. A far better choice for Best Politician would be Congressman Ted Deutch, who represents Wilton Manors and serves as Chair of the Congressional LGBT Aging Issues Task Force and as Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. It is often said that all politics are local, so perhaps we should look right here in our Island City where we can choose any one of our City Commissioners for doing a great job, Vice Mayor Justin Flippen and with Commissioner Scott Newton could both be our hometown favorites. Looking outside our borders, Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Dean Trantalis would be a formidable contender. Sorry, Debbie! Now let’s look at the selection for Best LGBT Activist. Doing a spectacular job, one that pays you a six figure salary, does not make you a great activist, it makes you a great CEO. A true activist is someone who fights for a cause about which he or she is passionate, someone willingly accepting the personal costs and unpopularity that advocating for a controversial issue may bring. There are many in our wonderful city who are committed and who struggle to bring about the change in which they believe, but no one fills that role better than our own Michael Rajner. On many occasions Michael reminds us of the issues that we as a city and a community need to address, rather than remain silent or ignore. Activist Rajner does not win a lot of friends along the way, but activism is not a popularity contest. Love him or hate him, but always respect Michael’s commitment to make our community better, even though we would rather him shut up at times. Activists like Michael Rajner force us to consider and make hard choices about what it means to stand for equality, justice, and freedom for all! That is the work of a true activist. Thank you, Michael, for making life just better here -- and Emma thanks you too. WMG
Staff Photographers
J.R. Davis • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires
Sales & Marketing
Director of Sales & Marketing • Mike Trottier mike.trottier@sfgn.com Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Sales Assistant • Tim Higgins Tim.Higgins@sfgn.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. MEMBER
MEMBER
Associated Press MEMBER
M E M B E Gay R Copyright © 2017 South Florida News.com, Inc.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 22
•
1 1.22.2017
2 •
November 22, 2017
Plenty of Inventory?
Real Estate Geek
By James Oaksun Before Thanksgiving, I will be rolling out my third edition of Broward’s Real Estate Yearbook, providing a detailed view of pricing, sales and inventory trends in 35 distinct East Broward neighborhoods (with new expanded coverage of Lake Worth in Palm Beach County). Last time, I assessed pricing trends in the three neighborhoods of the Island City. In this issue I will have a few things to say about the inventory levels of single family homes here. Realtors frequently complain about “low inventory levels.” Sometimes this is warranted; sometimes not. Of course, the principal measure of success among some Realtors is getting new listings, the more the better. But if there are too many homes on the market, buyers may get suspicious about neighborhood desirability and pricing. In theory, an inventory calculation (measured in the number of months needed to sell the homes on the market at the current rate of sales) should be trivial. Just take the number of homes for sale and divide it by the sales per month. This has made me uncomfortable for a couple different reasons at least. First of all, there are ways of manipulating this statistic (to a degree) to produce a misleading result. But by hearkening back to my previous career in Actuary-Land, I have developed a methodology to correct for that. (For purposes of this column, you don’t need to know the details, but I may do a technical note on it for my website, someday,
if anyone is interested. Next year I will serve on the Research Advisory Committee for Florida Association of Realtors, and perhaps I can work on that with them.) The second reason is easier to explain. Here in South Florida, our real estate sales vary seasonally, sometimes dramatically so. Further, with the variability in sales rates known among owners (and, one would expect, Realtors), the level of inventory at any given time would be what is known in statistics and economics as a leading indicator of coming sales activity, and not a coincident indicator. To see what effects these matters would have on the “months of inventory” calculation for the Island City as a whole, I looked at average sales over three, six and 12-month periods, compared with average inventory levels for periods ending three months prior to the date in question. The results are shown in the graph. Two observations in closing. First, overall inventory levels in WilMa have been acceptable, even ample, over the last several years. Second, the analysis raises a question of what, exactly, is the optimal level of inventory. Looking across the 41 neighborhoods in the yearbook, inventory levels by neighborhood increase (from a base level) at a rate of roughly one month for every $100,000 of price. This suggests that the Realtor “rule of thumb” that inventory of less than six months indicates a “seller’s market” is not universally applicable. And my frequent readers know how I feel about rules of thumb. WMG
3 •
November 22, 2017
James Oaksun, Broward's Real Estate Geek(SM), is BrokerOwner of New Realty Concepts in Oakland Park. In addition to having degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI).
11.22.2017 •
23
Community Art
Community
Wilton Manors’ CDBG Application Art Expo Returns, Offers Exposure for Artists and Storefronts to Go For Storage Building By Michael d’Oliveira
By Michael d’Oliveira
x
Island City Park Preserve, one of the potential areas to be improved by the grant. Photo courtesy of the City of Wilton Manors.
After months of resident input, and possible computer training programs. multiple commission discussions and Unfortunately, Broward County has public hearings, commissioners voted advised the City that no new social service on Nov. 14 to submit its Community programs may be funded with 44th year Development Block Grant [CDBG] allocations,” DeJesus wrote. At a previous meeting, commissioners application to obtain funding to build a multi-purpose storage building at Mickel expressed a desire to see the city apply to use the funds on something that would Park. The money, about $65,000 provided provide free WiFi or a way for residents by the federal government, is doled to charge their mobile devices after their out every year to be given to certain electricity is knocked out by a future communities with blighted areas. This hurricane or other natural disaster. Resident Paul Kuta stated the building year, the Highland Estates neighborhood and the neighborhoods west of Andrews should be equipped with solar panels. “I believe this building Avenue qualified to receive should be equipped funding. with solar roof panels to If approved and built, If approved and reduce utility costs and the building would be built, the building provide electricity during used to store equipment would be used to emergencies.” for various recreational Other suggestions for the activities and maintenance store equipment use of the money included equipment. “A storage for various a kayak storage facility at building would also recreational Island City Park Preserve promote more efficient activities and or Donn Eisele Park, shade maintenance operations maintenance structures and artificial than having to transport turf at Donn Eisele, solarall supplies and equipment equipment. powered public phone from the maintenance charging stations at parks, facility at Dixie Highway,” wrote Todd DeJesus, capital projects crosswalks on Powerline Road south and grants manager, in a memo to the of Northwest 29 Street, an emergency generator at Mickel Park, and storm water commission. Usually, city officials attempt to use the improvements. Past uses of CDBG funds include a lift funding for something that will improve the quality of life of residents in blighted station rebuild, construction of sidewalks, a drainage system, street resurfacing, the areas. “It was suggested at previous public construction of a floating dock, purchase hearings that consideration be given and installation of an emergency generator, to the development of programs to creation of a parking lot near Island City benefit low income residents including Park Preserve, and fitness stations. WMG
Stephan Greco and Drew Eric wouldn’t have walked into Out of the Closet Saturday night if they hadn’t come to Wilton Drive for the Wilton Manors Arts & Entertainment Expo. “If it weren’t for the Art Expo, I would not have been able to find the perfect Christmas gift for a friend at Out of the Closet. I walked in and it was right there waiting for me,” Greco said. “I’m very happy it’s back,” said Eric. Now in its second season, the Expo, formerly known as the Art Walk, is held every third Saturday of the month along Wilton Drive from 6 to 9 p.m. The event features local businesses showcasing artists and their work and runs until May of 2018. Along with giving artists exposure, business owners and others with Wilton Drive addresses also hope to draw traffic during the event. “Absolutely. We love to be open on nights when things are going on,” said Jody Slagle, events and engagement supervisor for the South Florida Symphony, which recently relocated to Wilton Drive. “It’s a big plus for us.” Santos Gonzales last participated in the event two years ago and Saturday was his first time back. “It’s wonderful. The interaction with the customers, the people . . . it’s good to showcase my art and get my name out there.”
It was Mindy Gang’s first Expo and she sold a piece of her jewelry within the first hour. “It’s a great way to give artists a chance to get their art out there,” Gang said. “I think it’s really important for artists to get involved in the community and sell their art,” said artist Tiffany Beasi. Artist and author Ellen Sparer also likes participating in the Expo and similar events in Fort Lauderdale. When she spoke to The Gazette, she said it was too early to tell how she’d do. But she said location would probably be key. Employees at various Wilton Drive businesses echoed her comments. “It really depends what part of the street you’re on,” said an employee at Wilton Creamery. Marcy Miller, co-owner of Bubbles & Pearls, said “everybody wins” with events like the Expo, but that the event doesn’t consistently bring people out. “Sometimes, it’s slammed. Sometimes, it’s not.” One employee at What The Pho restaurant, said it’s hard to tell how much the event contributes because Saturday is a normally busy night already. WMG Visit wmae.org for more information on the Expo.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 24
•
1 1.22.2017
4 •
November 22, 2017
Community
Off The Wall
Chardees Redux
Sensation Tattoo Gives Tattoo Discounts for Donated Toys By Michael d’Oliveira
By Pier Angelo
Those who want to get a little ink for themselves this holiday season can also give a little to a needy child at the same time. Sensation Tattoo, located at 2031 Wilton Drive, is having its annual Toys for Tats toy drive. Customers who bring in a child’s toy valued at $10 and up will get a 25 percent discount off their tattoo. Higher discounts will be offered for more expensive toys. Santiago Gonzalez, manager at Sensation Tattoo, which opened its doors on Wilton Drive last year, said he expects his clients will participate like they did last year, but even more so this Christmas. “We expect a better turnout in Wilton Manors. Last year, we had people bringing in multiple toys. We had the whole backseat and the whole trunk full.” The haul of toys included action figures, dolls, board games, and toy cars. “It was kind of all over the place,”
Photo courtesy of Chardees.
Photo courtesy of Sensation Tattoos, Yelp.
Santiago said. The discount starts Nov. 24 and goes until Christmas Eve. “We go out Christmas Eve to parks that are in the worst parts of the neighborhood and give them to kids who need them. We pull over to the side of the street [if we see a needy family] and give out toys,” Santiago said. Call 954-514-7666 for more information. WMG
The floodgates were opened in the mid What do the Mini Cooper, the Volkswagen Beetle, and the Fiat 500 have nineties. Inspired by Chardees’s success in common? They are classics and icons and popularity a slew of gay or gay-friendly from the past that have been brought back businesses followed — coffeehouses, real with great success and a touch of nostalgia estate agents, eateries, clothing stores, banks, developers, more gay bars. thrown in for good measure. In 1997, Jim Stork started Stork's Bakery Now Wilton Manors is getting its own and Café on NE 15th trip down memory lane Avenue; three years later, revived and repolished. Wilton Manors elected its Chardees is Baaaaack! Wilton Drive is first gay mayor, John Fiore. In its hay days Chardees the heart of one Norm Kent founded the was The Place, The center tribe's local paper, The of WM's universe. of the gayest Express, precursor of SFGN, It opened in 1990 and towns in America; in December of '99. Today, closed in 2007. A glittering 40 percent of Wilton Manors is the center gay mirage in a desert of of Florida's queer galaxy. boarded-up strip malls, its 15,000-plus Wilton Drive is the heart trailer parks, crack houses, residents identify of one of the gayest towns and abandoned buildings in America; 40 percent of strewn with garbage. The as LGBT. its 15,000-plus residents venue aimed specifically identify as LGBT. at the mature gay men, or And it all started with one gay bar. silver foxes, and their admirers. Tony Dee, The Lord of the Drive, believes It was renowned worldwide and featured two legendary bartenders: Mark Hess and that the old magic is still there, the name Jimmy Molloy. The “Supper Club” as it recognition has certainly survived and he was also known, headlined entertainers hopes it is still the destination many of the like Eartha Kitt, comedienne Pudgy, singer original patrons never left. He says: “Seeing Jennifer Holliday, and Judy Tenuta. It an old friend can put a smile on your face.” We wish him all the best. Chardees was the place to go to, by some loved and revered as “the new church,” it became a Lounge will open soon at: 2440 Wilton Drive. WM 33305. WMG mainstay.
• • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • 5 •
November 22, 2017
11.22.2017 •
25
Community
Art
Check out what’s happening
Art Committee Aims to Bring Focus to Wilton Manors Art Scene
Around Town By Michael d’Oliveira
By Michael d’Oliveira
Nature-In-Art-Contest
Photo courtesy of Pixabay.
The Second Annual Nature-In-Art Contest is now underway. Organizers want participants to submit photos of birds, plants, animals, insects, water and anything else nature-related. Photograph submissions must be taken within the city limits of Wilton Manors and up to five can be submitted. The deadline to send submissions is Jan. 15. Photos can be emailed to naturephotos@wiltonmanors.com or mailed to Todd DeJesus, 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305. WMG
Keefe McCullough chosen as auditor At their Nov. 14 meeting, commissioners voted to hire Keefe McCullough, located in Fort Lauderdale, as the city’s auditor. In response to an RFP for auditor services, six firms responded. The top three, as ranked by city staff, gave presentations at the meeting. Keefe McCullough was ranked highest by city staff. The next step is for the city and Keefe McCullough to negotiate a contract. WMG
Photo courtesy of Pixabay.
City applies for Colohatchee boat launch grant At their Nov. 14 meeting, commissioners voted to apply for a $135,000 grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through its 2018 Recreational Trails Program. The money would be used to build a boat launch at the Colohatchee Park parking lot west of Northeast 15 Street. If approved, the grant requires the city contribute a portion of the cost - $35,000. WMG
Friends of the Library Book Tent The Friends of the Wilton Manors Library will have its Book Tent on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Hagen Park Community Center, 2020 Wilton Drive. Books, videos, and audio materials are available in exchange for a small donation. Money raised by The Friends is used to fund programs and buy equipment for the city’s library. At the same time, the city will kick-off its Island City Yard Sale. Space is available for rent. Call 954-390-2115 or 954-390-2130. . WMG
In addition to visual art, such as murals, The first meeting of Wilton Manors’ public art advisory committee yielded a lot smaller paintings, decorating utility boxes, of ideas and attendees expressing a desire and sculptures, performance art and film were also brought up as one type of art to bring the city’s art scene into focus. “We have the ability to do some awesome the committee should be fostering and things,” said Tom Rossetti, owner of the promoting. To pay for the art, grants, loans, Rossetti Fine Art Gallery on Wilton Drive. The meeting, held Nov. 16 at Art Gallery fundraisers, and solicitation of donations 21, was led by resident and Art Gallery 21 were ideas brought up. One attendee co-founder Constance Ruppender and suggested a paid tour of beautiful and wellTodd DeJesus, the city’s special projects manicured backyard gardens in the city to raise money. Other fundraiser suggestions and grants manager. “We’re not making any decisions. This included art auction, and crowdsourcing. Sal Torre, president of the Westside is preliminary,” said DeJesus. Ruppender Association of Wilton asked that those who want Manors, suggested that the to join the committee Wilton Drive Improvement should give a commitment The city District, which was of 12 months or more. commission wants established to generate Attendees discussed additional tax revenue to possible ways to fund art, the committee to improve the street, might what kind of art should be separate from also be a source of funding. be created, and locations the city so that Impact fees were also to place art. One man discussed. But impact suggested something big it can be more fees aren’t an option right like the world-famous efficient and now, said DeJesus. The Bean in Chicago. One city commission wants the woman suggested a effective. committee to be separate sculpture garden at Rachel from the city so that it can Richardson Park. Art in city hall and other public buildings was be more efficient and effective. If the city were to institute impact fees and use that another. “Do we just want one [piece of big money to fund public art, the committee art] or lots of art?” asked Ruppender. would have to be subject to the Sunshine She also asked that those interested in Law and other state and city regulations. “That doesn’t mean we can’t get them joining the committee give at least a 12-month commitment. She compared the to change their minds,” Ruppender said. committee to a bus which needs the right “That could be a campaign issue. Do you support public art?” WMG people to drive it and make it successful.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 26
•
1 1.22.2017
64 ••
November September22, 6, 2017 2017
11.22.2017 •
27
LIFESTYLE photos
Pride Center Founder's Circle The Pride Center Founders keep The Pride Center alive with their contributions. Take a look at this month's exclusive gathering of local heroes, J.R. Davis
x
To see many more photos, visit SFGN.com on Facebook.
28
•
1 1.22.2017
Package Deal Rick Karlin
A
few weeks ago, I wrote a column suggesting some alternative ideas for Thanksgiving, both places to dine out and restaurants that were offering entire meals to go. If you prefer not to cook, there’s another option; prepared holiday meals from grocery stores. Most chains now offer entire Thanksgiving meals which can be picked up fully-cooked and merely heated up before serving. Here’s a run-down on what’s available locally. Most require little more than 24-hours-notice. If you snoozed and didn’t order in time for Thanksgiving, they’re also available for Christmas or New Year’s Day. The prices indicated are for packages that serve 6-8, unless otherwise noted.
Visit
SFGN.com/FOOD to read the rest of this article.
No matter what your plans are this thanksgiving, be thankful... sfgn's got your back. We know you have fine taste... so come treat yourself.
This week’s featured
photo
By J.R. Davis
● Rec
Want to see more? Equality Florida Gala Taste of the Island Artopia
Facebook.com/SouthFloridaGayNews 11.22.2017 •
29
LIFESTYLE photos
Taste of the ISLAND's 12th year On Monday, Nov. 13 at the Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve, foodies and businesses alike gathered to share the foodie joy and promote themselves in Wilton Manors' annual celebration of cuisine. J.R. Davis
To see many more photos, visit South Florida Gay News on Facebook.
30
•
1 1.22.2017
THE NEXT GENERATION OF MEN FOR MEN ENTERTAINMENT
THE HOTTEST MALE DANCERS 7 NIGHTS A WEEK!
THANKSGIVING FEATURING
MR. GOLDEN BOY 2017
Get inn Hoooy
FEAST MODE
KEVIN
2 SHOWS NIGHTLY: WED 22 • THU 23 FRI 24 • SAT 25 OPEN EVERY DAY 3 PM-2 AM • FRI & SAT TILL 3 AM WWW.BOARDWALKBAR.COM
1721 N ANDREWS AVE. • FORT LAUDERDALE
BEEFCAKE’S TRADITIONAL
THANKSGIVING
19
ALL-U-CAN-EAT BUFFET
$
.95
*
THURSDAY, NOV 23, 2017 12 NOON - 8 PM
RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED 954-463-6969
BEEFCAKE’S OPEN SUN-THURS TILL 2 AM • FRI & SAT TILL - 3 AM
WWW.BOARDWALKBAR.COM • 1721 N ANDREWS AVE. • FORT LAUDERDALE
*Per person. Tax and Gratuity not included. Does not include alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. 11.22.2017 •
31
SFGNITES
F O R T H E W E E K O F N o v em b er 2 3 - no v em b er 2 8 , 2 0 1 7 W W W . S F G N . C O M J.W. Arnold
Making Headlines
jw@prdconline.com
THU
11/23
nightlife After celebrating Thanksgiving, head down to Miami Beach where White Party Week kicks off tonight with “White Journey” at Score. Other events include “White Dreams” at Salvation on Friday, “White Starz” at Score on Saturday, the famed “Muscle Beach” tea dance on Sunday afternoon, “Noche Blancha” on Sunday night at Cameo and “White Horizons” and “Swan Song” on Monday. Tickets and more information at WhiteParty.org.
FRI
11/24
television If you survived the Black Friday stampedes at the local malls and big box stores, relax tonight with Irving Berlin’s nostalgic “Holiday Inn.” Tune in to Masterpiece on PBS at 9 p.m. for a network television broadcast of the Roundabout Theatre’s hit Broadway production that recently closed at Studio 54. Bryce Pinkham, Corbin Blue and Lora Lee Gayer star in this holiday favorite. Check local listings for channels and show times.
Tuesday 11/28
theater
Based on the real-life 1899 New York newsboys’ strike, Disney’s Tony Award-winning musical “Newsies,” opening tonight and running through Dec. 17 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 Indiantown Rd. in Jupiter, tells the story of the boys who struggle to sell newspapers in order to survive. As paper prices rise, they band together to take on some of the most powerful men in New York. Tickets start at $58 at JupiterTheatre.org. Photo Credit: Zak Bennett.
SAT
11/25 SUN
11/26 MON
11/27 TUE
11/28
dance
theater
nightlife
theater
Hurricane Irma couldn’t stop the South Florida Ballet and artistic director Lynda DeChane. The company’s “Holiday Magic” gala at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale was rescheduled. Enjoy the third act of “Sleeping Beauty (Aurora’s Wedding),” two famed pas de deux from “Flames of Paris” and “Swan Lake,” and “Dean Martin’s Christmas Tribute,” featuring Sean Patrick Kennedy. Tickets start at $20 at BrowardCenter.org.
Patrick Cassidy makes his Wick Theatre debut this weekend in “She Loves Me,” performing the role that won his father, Jack Cassidy, a Tony Award on Broadway. Set in a European perfumery in the 1930s, “She Loves Me” is the story of two shop clerks who rarely see eye to eye, but both respond to a “lonely hearts” advertisement in the newspaper and become secret penpals. Tickets start at $85 at TheWick. org.
It’s a good thing drinks are 2-4-1 during Happy Hour at Georgie’s Alibi in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. After Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, we’re going to be absolutely broke! In addition to cheap drinks, you can enjoy a show featuring Florida’s Own Dame Edna, the incredible performer Michael Walters, in the Manchester Room at 8, 9 and 10 p.m. For more information, go to AlibiWiltonManors.com.
“The Book of Mormon,” the hilarious Tony Award-winning comedy about two wide-eyed young Mormon missionaries who travel to Africa to preach the Mormon religion, comes to Miami’s Arsht Center through Sunday, Dec. 3. From the creators of “South Park” and “Avenue Q,” the musical is an irreverent, but big-hearted commentary on organized religion and blind faith. Tickets start at $35 at ArshtCenter.org.
32
•
1 1.22.2017
holidays at hard rock live WITH ALAN CUMMING
DECEMBER • 17 • 2017 at 7 P.M. seminole hard rock hotel & casino - hollywood, fl TICKETS & INFO: www.GMCSF.org
11.22.2017 •
33
A&E music
Singer LeAnn Rimes kicks off her “Today is Christmas” tour in Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 2. Photo courtesy of LeAnn Rimes.
A Candid Conversation with LeAnn Rimes
J.W. Arnold
L
eAnn Rimes was just a teen when she first burst onto the international music scene in 1996. Her debut album, “Blue,” hit No. 1 on the Billboard country music charts, but was just the first hit of many. As she matured, so did her music. Now 35, she has also been an outspoken ally for LGBT rights in an industry that has been historically inhospitable to openly gay artists, leading her to address LGBT discrimination in her latest single, “LovE is LovE is LovE.” Rimes kicks off her annual “Today is Christmas” tour on Saturday, Dec. 2 in Fort Lauderdale at the Parker Playhouse, performing her favorite holiday songs, biggest hits and fan favorites. SFGN spoke with Rimes about her concert, career and crusade in support of the LGBTQ community: SFGN: Has Christmas always been a special holiday for you? Rimes: Absolutely! I love Christmas! I love the joy the time of year brings, the time we get to spend with family; it’s the only time of year where everyone puts themselves aside and puts others first. I wish we carried this way of living throughout the year. I love the food, the music, the decorations—what is not to love? You grew up in the public eye. What’s one thing—or two—that people would never guess about you? That I am a lot more shy than anyone would ever guess. (I) like life simple. I love cheese! When you see or hear yourself at 13-years-old singing “Blue,” what thoughts come to your mind? A very young innocent girl who didn’t know what crazy rollercoaster ride she was getting on and how it would change (her) life; but, also very
grateful (for) all of life’s blessings it had brought to me and my family and friends. Looking back, is there any aspect of your career that you would have changed? Why bother dwelling on anything in the past too long? Everything shaped me into the person I am today and for that I am thankful. You’ve been an outspoken advocate of the LGBT community. Why are our issues so important to you? When I was 11, my uncle died of AIDS and he was gay, and my dad was the only one who came to his funeral. It was at that point I just couldn’t understand how someone could be shunned because of who he is. Since then, I vowed I would use whatever voice I could, to stand up and fight for equality. I hate that it is even still an issue. We have come a long way, but we still have a ways to go. To the public, the music industry— especially country music—seems to be becoming more open and accepting of the LGBT community and artists. Is that the way you see it? I think we have come really far, though I still get surprised here and there, wondering if anyone realizes what century we are living in and that any kind of hate and prejudice has no place (anywhere). I am excited to see our progression and I hope it will only continue, because we still have a lot of hate in this world. Any last words for our readers? I love my LGBTQ fans. Thank you so much for your love and support over the years! Come out to the show and let’s spread the holiday cheer!
LeAnn Rimes brings her “Today is Christmas” tour to the Parker Playhouse, 707 N.E. 8th St. in Fort Lauderdale, on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $44.50 at ParkerPlayhouse.com.
34
•
1 1.22.2017
11.22.2017 •
35
november 22 - november 28
Datebook
Theater
broward county
Christiana Lilly
Calendar@SFGN.com
Top
Picks
Becoming Dr. Ruth
Nov. 25 to Dec. 23 at GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Ave. in Coral Gables. Dr. Ruth is more than a sex therapist — the one-woman show tells her story as a Holocaust survivor, Haganah sniper, single mother, and teacher. Tickets $45 to $60. Call 305445-1119 or visit GableStage.org.
Peter & the Starcatcher
Through Nov. 26 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Ever wondered what happened before Peter Pan became The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up? A musical adaptation of Peter the orphans adventures to Neverland. Tickets $45. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.
LAST CHANCE: The Book of Mormon
Through Nov. 26 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. An odd pair of Mormon missionaries are sent to Africa to spread the word of God in this comedy that has taken Broadway by storm. Tickets $35 and up. Call 561832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.
* Denotes New Listing
36
•
1 1.22.2017
* Sebastian Maniscalco
Nov. 24 to 25 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The comedian’s shtick is saying out loud what everyone is thinking! Tickets $59.75 to $250. Call 954462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.
* A Christmas Carol
Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Charles Dickens’ classic is revamped as a musical. Tickets $7.20 and up. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.
Evita.
Photo courtesy of Evita.
Hir
Through Dec. 10 at Island City Stage, 2304 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. A soldier returns home from war to find his mother has dressed his father in clown make-up and a dress and his sibling newly out as transgender. Tickets $35. Call 954-519-2533 or visit IslandCityStage.org.
Friday Night Sound Waves Music Series
Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music spanning genres and tributes every Friday evening through November. Free. Visit FridayNightSoundWaves.com
palm beach county A Christmas Story
Through Dec. 3 at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. in Lake Worth. A hilarious Christmas classic, a young boy is determined to have his Christmas wish come true. Tickets $35 and up. Call 561-586-6410 or visit LakeWorthPlayhouse.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! Returns in October. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.
miami-dade county * The Book of Mormon
Nov. 28 to Dec. 3 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. An odd pair of Mormon missionaries are sent to Africa to spread the word of God in this comedy that has taken Broadway by storm. Tickets $30 and up. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.
* Lady Gaga
Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The Joanne world tour comes to Miami, starring the Grammy Award winning and Academy Award nominated Lady Gaga. Tickets $64 and up. Call 786-777-1000 or visit AAArena.com.
Evita
Through Dec. 17 at the Actors Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. The story of Eva Peron, from her humble beginnings to her rise as the first lady of Argentina and a champion for the working class. Production is performed in English Nov. 3 to 26 and then in Spanish Nov. 30 to Dec. 17. Tickets $57 to $64. Call 305444-9293 or visit ActorsPlayhouse.org.
Outdoor Music Series
Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Free with museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or visit PAMM.org.
The Big Show
Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com.
11.22.2017 •
37
Datebook
Community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com
Top Picks White Party Week
Nov. 23 to 27 throughout Miami. The biggest party to come to Miami returns for a week of clubbing, pool parties, music, and dancing. Visit WhiteParty.org.
Third Annual Transgender Equality Awards
Nov. 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Infinity Lounge, 2184 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. The awards return to acknowledge and recognize advocates in the transgender community. Call 954-463-9005, ext. 205 or visit PrideCenterFlorida.org.
Hurricane Irma Relief
Through Nov. 30 at the Urban League of Palm Beach County, 1700 N. Australian Ave. in West Palm Beach. Were you impacted by Hurricane Irma and need help? Come to the league Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to receive assistance. Bring your SSN, address and description of the damage, phone number, a working address, insurance information, and banking information. Call 561-833-1461 or visit ULPBC.org
PEACE PIPE Over 1,000 SQ FT. GLASSROOM!
* Denotes New Listing LOWEST PRICES • LARGEST SELECTION GUARANTEED • YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR VAPOR NEEDS!
LARGEST SELECTION
HOOKAHS • SHISHA • ROLLING PAPERS • VAPORIZERS • ELECTRIC CIGARETTES • ELIQUIDS • ZIPPOS • TOBACCO ACCESSORIES
DIESEL • LEFT COAST • MEDICALI • ROOR • GRAV LABS • SILIKA • PULSE • TSUNAMI & MORE!
INCENSE + CANDLES + TAPESTRIES • ASHTRAYS • TORCH LIGHTERS • FLASKS • BODY JEWELRY • GAMES • ROLLING TOBACCO • POSTERS • STATUES • FIGURINES • T-SHIRTS • LOTS MORE!
OPEN MON - SAT: 10AM - 9PM • SUN: 12 - 6 PM EVERYTHING YOU NEED! MORE THAN YOU EXPECT! The Best Since 1996
954-267-9005
15 Minutes From The Beach or I-95 754-779-7007
4800 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY, FORT LAUDERDALE JUST SOUTH OF COMMERCIAL BLVD
Two Locations!
FACEBOOK.COM/PEACEPIPEFL
38
•
1 1.22.2017
821 N. FEDERAL HWY., FORT LAUDERDALE JUST SOUTH OF SEARS TOWN NEXT TO CUBBY HOLE @PEACEPIPEFORTLAUDERDALE
November 22 november 28 Broward Support Services Gender Bender Youth Group
Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at SunServe Campus, 1480 SW Ninth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A group for LGBT youth 13 to 21 to discuss gender, gender expression, binary systems, friendship, family and whatever else comes up! Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com
PFLAG
Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Southwest Ranches. A support group for parents of LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and locations.
SunServe Youth Group
Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral Springs and Hollywood. A support group and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and times.
Survivor Support
First and third Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support from counselors and peers who have lost loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention at 954-384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org.
broward county * Stonewall Library Open House
Nov. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Stonewall National LIbrary & Archives, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Learn more about the library’s 27,000 books, films, and more. Free. Call 954-763-8565 or visit StonewallMuseum.org.
* A Community Responds: Our Response to HIV/AIDS
Through Jan. 7, 2018 at the Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. An exploration of the response to HIV/AIDS over time. Free to attend, suggested donation $5. Call 954-7638565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org.
Voices of Pride
Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Join the Gay Men’s Chorus as they practice every week. Free. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com for rehearsal details.
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.
november 22 - november 28 Rest Your Mind
Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Kadampa Meditation Center, 241 W Prospect Road Ste. B in Fort Lauderdale. Start your week with relaxing meditation to center yourself. Free. Visit MeditateinFortLauderdale.org.
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 Lewis Shena at klezmerman@gmail.com.
Toastmasters
Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Learn the art of public speaking with positive reinforcement and encouragement from your peers. Call Ted Verdone at 954-566-2074 or email tedverdone@comcast.net.
Proud Speakers
Mondays from 7:15 to 9 p.m. at The Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Join the Toastmasters to work on your communication and leadership skills. Call 954-900-4075, email tedverdone@gmail.com, or visit Facebook.com/proudspeakers2266.
palm beach county Transcendence
Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A closed transgender youth support group for teens ages 12 to 19. For more information, email youth@compassglcc.com.
Sober Sisters
Mondays at 6:15 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. J St. in Lake Worth. A support and discussion group for female recovering alcoholics. Visit LambdaNorth.net.
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.
Positive Connection
Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Men who are HIV positive are invited to come together for support, education, and advocacy. Closed group. Call 561-324-1626 or visit CompassGLCC.com.
Bisexual Support Group
Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Share your thoughts with other members of the bisexual community, discuss issues, and address concerns in a safe environment. Email marissa@compassglcc.com or visit CompassGLCC.com.
miami-dade county * MDGLCC-U Luncheon: Proactive HIV Prevention with Truvada for PrEP
Nov. 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, 1633 N. Bayshore Drive in Miami. Dr. Joseph Piperato will talk about Truvada for PrEP over a lunch with the MiamiDade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Free. RSVP to 305-673-4440, gaybizmiami. com, or rsvp@gaybizmiami.com.
* Unlock the Power of Partnerships: Young Professional Network Social Mixer
Nov. 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Rooftop “C-Level” of The Clevelander South Beach,
1020 Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. The Young Professional Network, Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and the Gay Vista Social Club invites LGBT professionals 18 to 39 to an evening of free cocktails, appetizers, a DJ, networking, and prizes. Tickets $10 online, $20 at the door. RSVP to 305-673-4440, gaybizmiami.com, or rsvp@ gaybizmiami.com.
Arsht Center Farmers Market
Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Purchase fresh food from local farmers, including fruits, vegetables, meats, prepared foods, as well as chefs, live music, and cooking demonstrations. Tickets $45 to $75. Free. Visit ArshtCenter.org/en/Visit/Dining.
key west Hot Naked Hump Days
Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Island House, 1129 Fleming St. in Key West. Relax in the middle of the week with two-for-one drinks, free shots, videos and music, giveaways, and naked boys at the pool. Call 305-294-6284 or visit IslandHouseKeyWest.com
11.22.2017 •
39
THE
GUIDE
Business Directory
attorney Law office of george castrataro 707 NE 3rd Ave #300, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954.573.1444 Lawgc.com Law office of Robin bodiford 2550 N Federal Hwy #20, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954.630.2707 Lawrobin.com
attorney
To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970
dental
florist
law office of Gregory Kabel 1 East Broward Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, 33301 954.761.7770 gwkesq@bellsouth.net law office of Shawn Newman 710 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.563.9160 Shawnnewman.com
Oakland Park Dental 3047 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954.566.9812 Oaklandparkdental.com
a&e
Island City Dental 1700 NE 26th Street, Ste. 2, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-564-7121 Islandcitydental.com
Ft Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus PO Box 9772, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33310-9772 954-832-0060 www.theftlgmc.org Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida 2040 North Dixie Hwy, #218, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-763-2266 Gaymenschorusofsouthflorida.org
Andrews Dental Care 2654 N Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311 954.567.3311 Andrewsdentalcare.com
sfgn.com bookkeeping
call us to reserve space! club
Licensed & Insured
954-725-3633
custom alarm contractors, Inc.
Est. 1989 “Experience Matters” Service after the sale! ▶ residential security ▶ commercial security ▶ closed circuit tV www.customalarmcontractors.com 40
•
1 1.22.2017
final arrangements
furniture
professional services
Chery’s Blinds & Interiors
call us to reserve space!
professional services
Kalis-McIntee Funeral & Cremation Center
2505 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-7621 Kalismcintee.com
call us to reserve space! financial services
Drapery • blinDs • shutters • Silhouette • Drapes • Shades • Swags/Custom Valance • Blinds • Wood Shutters • Flooring & More FREE
Shop at Home Service Leading Brands Low Prices!
repairs aVailable
We Will Beat Any Advertised or Written Estimate by 10%
Cherysblinds.com Free estiMates 4300 n.e. 5th avenue
954-563-4545
health insurance Medicare/MedicaID Florida Blue / Blue Cross Blue Shield 2765 West Cypress Creek Road Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 Call Steve Herbstman @ 954-554-7074
health
American Pain Experts 6333 N. Federal Hwy, Ste. 250, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-678-1074 Americanpainexperts.com
www.sfgn.guide
handyman Miami/Broward/Palm Beach Paint/Caulk/Remove Grout/Yard Work Fix Drips & Switches/Debris removal Assembles Furniture & Appliances Repair or Fix Call "Avrom" Keith 786-227-9981
photographer WE’RE HERE FOR ALL YOUR
FINANCIAL NEEDS Taxes IRS Issues Accounting
Bookkeeping Small Business Advising
Let’s make music together! Have you ever wanted to play something from your favorite musical, or a cover from Glee, or a Chopin nocturne? Whatever your aspirations, from classical to pop, I can help you. I have worked with hundreds of students at all stages of life. Sign up for a free trial lesson to see if I’m the right teacher for you!
954-667-9829 ACCOUNTING@STERLINGACCOUNTING.COM
2435 North Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305
THE
GUIDE
Business Directory To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970
I’m also available for parties! Halloween, Christmas… and everything in between!
Nathan Johnson Pianist | Teacher
(617) 444-9926 | pianowithnathan@gmail.com www.pianowithnathan.com 11.22.2017 •
41
THE
GUIDE
Business Directory
To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970
real estate Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors & Oakland Park REMODELED homes:
2 bedroom/2 bath condos from
sports
spirituality
Tennis Lessons at Hagen Park in Wilton Manors. Individual or group lessons. Call Robert 732-604-0362 for more information.
101 NE 3rd St Fort Lauderdale FL 33301
Brian S. Bedigian, P.A.
RealtorBrian@aol.com www.BrianFTL.com
Your South Florida Specialist for Over 18 Years
Realtor
954.205.5275
transportation therapy
www.stsfrancisandclare.org Baptisms • Weddings • Memorial Services
sfgn.com 1 1.22.2017
$250,000
Taylor & Turner Pest and Termite Control, Inc
Mass Times: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 10:30 AM
•
Helping Buyers, Sellers, Renters, and Investors for over 18 years in South Florida.
$300,000
call us to reserve space!
Where we welcome and appreciate diversity.
42
from
from
The Parish of Sts. Francis and Clare
Ecumenical Catholic 954.731.8173
Ocean/Intracoastal
3 bedroom/2 bath homes
spirituality
THE BEST SERVICE, THE BEST RESULTS SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST!
$135,000
RAINBOW RIDES-SAVE MONEY ON YOUR RIDE! - We treat you like family! SPECIALIZING IN AIRPORT RIDES! Need a ride to FLL, MIA, or PBI? (or anywhere else?) I'm a friendly driver with a nice, clean Chevy Malibu. My fixed-rate pricing beat all ride sharing - apps every time. Call or text me to schedule a ride, I'll be there early and I'll text you when I arrive. No 'surge" prices, no hassles. Call or text Nikki at 954-600-3133.
William D. Turner taylorandturner@yahoo.com 2520 North Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305
954.630.2627
SFGN Classified$ To place a Classified Ad, call Tim Higgins at 954.530.4970 or email at Tim.Higgins@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
employment wanted
SPECIAL HIRE NEEDED - Looking for strong males (must be able to hold up fall risk gentlemen, dementia, Parkinson's, stage 4 cancer, etc.) for LGBT seniors, must be gay-friendly, many have live-in senior partners (must enjoy the company of gay people and comfortable in gay settings, restaurants, etc.) Call 954-629-1377 and leave a message ONLY, include your contact info, name, and level of experience in senior care or your willingness to devote your time to senior care. Faxes welcome at 754-301-5802
handyman
HUSBAND FOR RENT - Is he procrastinating home repairs? He says he will do it tomorrow?? After the football game?? We fit right in - in the house or the yard, small or big jobs: tile, dry wall, paint, plumbing, roof leaks, broken furniture, irrigation, fences, and more! It doesn't cost to hassle us to see the work - so why wait? Neat, clean work for a reasonable price. Call Haim at 954-398-3676, sidnalll@yahoo.com
music lessons VOICE LESSONS & MUSIC THEATRE COACHING - Over 30 years experience. Students have performed on (and off) Broadway, in National & International tours, recorded solo albums & placed in prestigious competitions. www.kreutzmusic.com 617-967-0575
painting
GREGG'S PAINTING - I paint both interior and exterior. Great rates, free estimates. I am detailed-oriented, friendly, reliable, punctual, and neat. No job too small. Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Call Gregg at 617-306-5694 or 954-870-5972 Email: gmanbenn44@gmail.com
piano WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE PIANO? Learn from an experienced teacher. All levels and ages welcome. Learn to play classical, popular, jazz, or show tunes. Visit www.edwinchad.com or call 954-826-9555 for more information.
pool service COOL POOLS- RELIABLE POOL SERVICE Professional pool service.Covering Wilton Manors, Lighthouse Point, and eastside of Pompano Beach. 15 years experience. Licensed and insured.Free estimates. Call 954-235-0775.
professional services RESUME Consulting - Nearly 20 years of recruiting experience. Consultation includes one-on-one session, job hunting tips and tricks, social media review. Email Jason@TheDriveRecruiting.com ASSIST GAY COUPLES IN WILTON MANORS Mid-December to Mid-April - Provide daily personal care for one disabled man in wheelchair and his partner. Prepare healthy meals, light housekeeping, laundry, and shopping. Full-time live in optional. Must be a non-Smoker and have a valid driver’s license and clean record. References are needed as well. Apply by sending a letter telling us about yourself and past experiences @ domestic.paul@yahoo.com
real estate new construction
United Realty Group - Builder in Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Coconut Creek, Lauderdale Lakes and Hollywood. Starting in the 200's, 2 & 3 Bedrooms, 1 & 2 Garages available with building incentives. Call for details Michael 561-703-5533 or email mkltub@aol.com for more info.
rentals wilton manors
MIKE THE RENTAL GUY - NE Lauderdale/Wilton Manors/Oakland Park-1/1 from $1090, 2/1 from $1140. Victoria Park-2/1=$1290.00 cable included. Credit & Income Requirements-Pets okay with restrictions Call for Details Mike 561- 703-5533 or miketherentalguy@ aol.com
rentals fort lauderdale
MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE 2/1 $1,300/MO reduced Live very close to Wilton Manors and The Drive. Tudor Manor Complex. Very tropical. Pets OK. First/Last/Sec & Association approval. Contact Mike Trottier, Realtor 954-627-1222 ext 1 www.mikesREteam.com iHome Florida Real Estate
rentals oakland park
1BD/1BT $935/MONTH near Wilton Manors Nice clean 1BD/BT, with semi private landscape patio and fenced back yard off bedroom. Updated Kitchen. Tile floors and good size rooms. Walk in closet. Off street parking, about 4 blocks from the drive. Located in one story 4-Unit apartment with Laundry room. $50.00 application fee--Background check. NO SMOKING, NO PETS, CALL 754-336-7563
Nite Life Law If you drink, don’t drive. If you drive, don’t drink. If you do both, call us.
roommate boca raton
Elderly gay man formerly from Europe seeks roommate between 62 and 75 to share a 3 bedroom house and pool. Must have a car. Very low rent. Serious minded only! Call Gary @ 561-451-0205.
Kent & Cormican Criminal Defense Law Center
954.763.1900
Norman Elliott Kent & Russell Cormican 12 S.E. 7th Street, Suite 709 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 www.NormKent.com
11.22.2017 •
43
The Hurricane Showdown Softball Tournament:
A little bit more than Fun & Games “Why not?” That’s what I asked myself when I took the helm of this longstanding premiere LGBT sporting event. The Hurricane Showdown is in its 24th year and players and fans from all over the USA and Canada come to enjoy our great city and play some competitive softball. The SFAAA, (South Florida Amateur Athletic Association) is one of the country’s oldest and largest LGBT sporting organizations with membership at over 400 strong. Each year we go above and beyond to give our players an amazing South Florida experience. “So”, I thought, “why not let the locals in on the fun?” Each year, restaurants, bars and retailers offer discounts and deals to the players who wear the coveted showdown wristband which are given to each registered player. “Why not extend that experience to
the locals and generate more commerce for the businesses that have been so supportive of the tournament. Why not?” This year I’m proud to say that with the help of Pride Factory and Alibi and Caruso’s Market, and countless other retailers and merchants, the locals can get in on the fun and help out a great cause by doing so. For just $5 locals can purchase a wristband at Pride Factory and immediately get 15% off regular merchandise and 10% off sale (green dot) items. Then they can take their wristband and receive 20% off all food at Georgie’s Alibi, and the list goes on from there.
Here’s the best part of it: all proceeds go to the SMART Ride., the 2nd largest AIDS bicycle ride in the country and the only one of its size to give back 100%.. What a great way to start off the holiday season with a feel good gesture like that. Here’s the real deal: all discounts are in effect until the end of the year! So stop by the Pride Factory and pick up a wristband – save on food and merchandise throughout the holiday season – and most importantly: feel good doing it! Retailers and restaurants can still get in on the action. All of the info is on www. hurricaneshowdown.com. Why Not?
all proceeds go to the SMART Ride., the 2nd largest AIDS bicycle ride in the country and the only one of its size to give back 100%.
GIVE A LITTLE, GET A LOT The Hurricane Showdown has teamed up with local restaurants and retailers to support the Smart Ride.
Purchase a Showdown Wristband at Pride Factory and receive discounts all over town through the end of the year.
Visit www.HurricaneShowdown.com
Mike Moody Tournament Director Hurricane Showdown Ft. Lauderdale, FL