12/2/15 V6i48 by South Florida Gay News

local name global coverage

December 2, 2015 vol. 6 // issue 48

s o u t h

f l o r i d a

g a y

n e w s

CHECK OUT THE NEW

Gazette Wilton Manors

PAGES 45 - 48

A Newsletter by Compass Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Palm Beach County @CompassCenter

@CompassCenter

@Compassglcc

Fall 2015 Winter 2014Issue Issue

INSERT IN CENTER OUR MISSION Fall 2015 Winter 2014Issue Issue

MEMBERSHIP SUPPORTS COMPASS’ PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Compass aims to diminish stereotypes by challenging long-standing misconceptions about the character of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

MEMBERSHIP SUPPORTS COMPASS’ PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

I’d like to personally thank you for your continued support of Compass Community Center. 2015 has been a historical year for the LGBT community, locally and nationally. We find ourselves in unprecedented times. I, too, was overjoyed when marriage equality spread across our Nation. As we celebrate this achievement, we must not forget the diverse needs of our community. I was born and raised in Palm Beach County. I started volunteering for Compass in 2000 and have been on the Board of Trustees since 2003. I’ve been an educator in Palm Beach County Schools for more than two decades, and I’ve seen first-hand the degree to which young people need to feel safe and respected in order to succeed academically. I spoke before the School Board on this topic as both a former bullied student and as a current educator. School district policies were amended, but trust me, there is still much work to be done.

Michael Woods at PrideFest of the Palm Beaches, Photo courtesy of MW.

We accomplish this by emboldening our youth, promoting pride in our community, and acting as an educator, advocate, health service provider, and focal point for community organizing.

IN THIS ISSUE

and Equality Prom. Compass also hosts the Pride Business Alliance, its monthly networking mixers, and the annual Business Expo. Today, Compass is the leader in HIV Prevention in Palm Beach County, testing thousands of people each year, and linking them to life-saving care and resources. None of this would be possible without private contributions from community members like you. Your membership allows Compass to provide the high quality programs our community wants and needs. Please join me in making an annual contribution to Compass so we may continue to provide life-saving resources, and support our thriving community in this pivotal moment in history. The teacher in me reminds you that we can all do better. The Board Member in me thanks you for joining us in the fight.

P. 3

COMPASS An articlePRIORITIZES you should WOMEN’S HEALTH read!

P. 6

TRANSGENDER DAY OF An article you should REMEMBRANCE read!

P. 9

CASE MANAGEMENT TEAM An articleNEW you PANEL should TO INDUCTS read!MEMORIAL QUILT AIDS

I’d like to personally thank you for your continued support of Compass Community Center. 2015 has been 11 P. 10 a historical year for the LGBT community, locally and nationally. We find ourselves in unprecedented times. I, too, was overjoyed when marriage equality spread across our Nation. As we celebrate this achievement, we must not forget the diverse needs of our community. I was born and raised in Palm Beach County. I started volunteering for Compass in 2000 and have been on the Board of Trustees since 2003. I’ve been an educator in Palm Beach County Schools for more than two decades, and I’ve seen first-hand the degree to which young people need to feel safe and respected in order to succeed academically. I spoke before the School Board on this topic as both a former bullied student and as a current educator. School district policies were amended, but trust me, there is still much work to be done.

Compass serves approximately 50,000 people annually with a small staff of 20 and a team of dedicated volunteers. Compass provides support, education, and empowerment programming for LGBT youth, adults, families, and people living with HIV. Compass hosts more than 20 social and support groups, community education workshops, and community outreach events like World AIDS Day, PrideFest of the Palm Beaches, Stonewall Ball,

COMPASS’ YOUTH MENTOR An article you should PROGRAM EMBRACES THE read! ARTS

Sincerely, J. Michael Woods, M.Ed. Treasurer, Board of Trustees

Michael Woods at PrideFest of the Palm Beaches, Photo courtesy of MW.

www.CompassGLCC.com | 561.533.9699

OUR MISSION

Compass aims to diminish stereotypes by challenging long-standing misconceptions about the character of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. We accomplish this by emboldening our youth, promoting pride in our community, and acting as an educator, advocate, health service provider, and focal point for community organizing.

IN THIS ISSUE

P. 3

COMPASS An articlePRIORITIZES you should WOMEN’S HEALTH read!

P. 6

TRANSGENDER DAY OF An article you should REMEMBRANCE read!

P. 9

CASE MANAGEMENT TEAM An articleNEW you PANEL should TO INDUCTS read!MEMORIAL QUILT AIDS

11 P. 10

COMPASS’ YOUTH MENTOR An article you should PROGRAM EMBRACES THE read! ARTS

Holiday Hunting Compass serves approximately 50,000 people annually with a small staff of 20 and a team of dedicated volunteers. Compass provides support, education, and empowerment programming for LGBT youth, adults, families, and people living with HIV. Compass hosts more than 20 social and support groups, community education workshops, and community outreach events like World AIDS Day, PrideFest of the Palm Beaches, Stonewall Ball,

Sincerely, J. Michael Woods, M.Ed. Treasurer, Board of Trustees

www.CompassGLCC.com | 561.533.9699

SFGN Annual Gift Guide From food to fashion and everything else fun

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS

pages 28 - 30, 50 - 53

SOFLAGAYNEWS

SFGN.COM

New Genvoya is now available

GENC0002_SFlaGayNews_10x10.75_Sprd.indd 1-2

• 12.2.2015

Actual Size

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

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

11/18/15 11:33 AM 12.2.2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 3

Brief Summary of Patient Information about GENVOYA GENVOYA (jen-VOY-uh) (elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide) tablets Important: Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with GENVOYA. There may be new information about GENVOYA. This information is only a summary and does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.

What is the most important information I should know about GENVOYA? GENVOYA can cause serious side effects, including: • Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis may happen in some people who take GENVOYA. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms, which could be signs of lactic acidosis: • • • • • • •

feel very weak or tired have unusual (not normal) muscle pain have trouble breathing have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting feel cold, especially in your arms and legs feel dizzy or lightheaded have a fast or irregular heartbeat

• Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems may happen in people who take GENVOYA. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large and you may develop fat in your liver. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems: • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) • dark “tea-colored” urine • light-colored bowel movements (stools) • loss of appetite for several days or longer • nausea • stomach pain • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking GENVOYA for a long time. • Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. GENVOYA is not for use to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). If you have HBV infection and take GENVOYA, your HBV may get worse (flareup) if you stop taking GENVOYA. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. • Do not run out of GENVOYA. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your GENVOYA is all gone. • Do not stop taking GENVOYA without first talking to your healthcare provider. • If you stop taking GENVOYA, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking GENVOYA.

GENC0002_SFlaGayNews_10x10.75_Sprd.indd 3-4

• 12.2.2015

What is GENVOYA? GENVOYA is a prescription medicine that is used without other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years of age and older: • who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past or • to replace their current HIV-1 medicines in people who have been on the same HIV-1 medicines for at least 6 months, have an amount of HIV-1 in their blood (“viral load”) that is less than 50 copies/mL, and have never failed past HIV-1 treatment HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. GENVOYA contains the prescription medicines elvitegravir (VITEKTA®), cobicistat (TYBOST®), emtricitabine (EMTRIVA®) and tenofovir alafenamide. It is not known if GENVOYA is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age. When used to treat HIV-1 infection, GENVOYA may: • Reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load”. • Increase the number of CD4+ (T) cells in your blood that help fight off other infections. Reducing the amount of HIV-1 and increasing the CD4+ (T) cells in your blood may help improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or getting infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). GENVOYA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must stay on continuous HIV-1 therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others: • Do not share or re-use needles or other injection equipment. • Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades. • Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to other people.

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

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking GENVOYA? Before taking GENVOYA, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have liver problems including hepatitis B infection • have kidney or bone problems • have any other medical conditions • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if GENVOYA can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking GENVOYA. Pregnancy registry: there is a pregnancy registry for women who take HIV-1 medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take GENVOYA. – You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. – At least one of the medicines in GENVOYA can pass to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if the other medicines in GENVOYA can pass into your breast milk. – Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Other medicines may affect how GENVOYA works. Some medicines may interact with GENVOYA. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. • You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with GENVOYA. • Do not start a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take GENVOYA with other medicines.

How should I take GENVOYA?

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

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

magnesium hydroxide or calcium carbonate during treatment with GENVOYA, take it at least 2 hours before or after you take GENVOYA. Do not change your dose or stop taking GENVOYA without first talking with your healthcare provider. Stay under a healthcare provider’s care when taking GENVOYA. Do not miss a dose of GENVOYA. If you take too much GENVOYA, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. When your GENVOYA supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. This is very important because the amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. The virus may develop resistance to GENVOYA and become harder to treat.

What are the possible side effects of GENVOYA? GENVOYA may cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about GENVOYA?” • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having any new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking GENVOYA. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking GENVOYA if you develop new or worse kidney problems. • Bone problems can happen in some people who take GENVOYA. Bone problems may include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bones. The most common side effect of GENVOYA is nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. • These are not all the possible side effects of GENVOYA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. • Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. General information about the safe and effective use of GENVOYA. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use GENVOYA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give GENVOYA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about GENVOYA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about GENVOYA that is written for health professionals. For more information, call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.GENVOYA.com. Keep GENVOYA and all medicines out of reach of children. Issued: November 2015

EMTRIVA, GENVOYA, the GENVOYA Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, TYBOST, and

VITEKA are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other VITEKTA marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2015 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. GENC0002 11/15

11/18/15 11:33 AM 12.2.2015 • 5

the oPening line Photos: Facebook.

dmitri Kane, local porn star, commits suicide

Joseph green – WTF is going on with all these porn "stars" dying??

stephen devine – So sad. I would never have guessed he was 20 though. Poor thing. We need to do better for our queer youth.

online outlets

DECEMBER 2, 2015 • VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 48 2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305

Compiled by John McDonald

PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

mormon church rules children of gay Parents can no longer Be BaPtiZed at Birth christopher hlat – I love when Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses come to my door knocking. I look through the peep hole then answer the door butt naked and say how can I help you... steve Johnson –

martin talbot –

Take this as a wakeup call, if you needed one, to get out of this idiotic cult.

Take your money and talents to a LGBTIQ friendly religion or secular organization and let them go into decline!

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER • PIER ANGELO GUIDUGLI

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Senior Features Correspondents

JESSE MONTEAGUDO • TONY ADAMS

Correspondents

rePuBlican front-runner donald trumP suggests national data Base for muslims; mocKs disaBled rePorter luimar Zibetti garz –

tom hantzarides –

Everyone - people, voters, media - need to stop reporting on this guy. Let's act like he doesn't exist and maybe he'll go away. Even he says that he gets all this free media....

John Bata –

I think Trump is done now after the disgusting comments he made while making fun of Serge Kovaleski, a disabled New York Times reporter. Anyone who believes his response -- that he didn't know what the man looked like -- should be committed along with Trump.

Photo: POOL.

We are NOT "scapegoating a religious minority group" - we are demanding accountability of a group that expresses their "religion" by declaring HOMOSEXUALS to be an abomination and therefore must die" Therefore to YOU I say I will not be #refugeeshamed nor#immigrationshamed Milk This: "Got H8?"

MEMBER

PUBLISHER • NORM KENT NORM.KENT@SFGN.COM

Editorial

marshall r. Krug – very sad. he looks like he has everything. only proves that beauty is only skin deep, and it hides some deeper problems sometimes. RIP guy.

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

comments from sfgn’s

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Cover: SFGN's Holiday Gift Guide is here to help you with the most difﬁcult seasonal decisions.

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MEMBER

• 12.2.2015

And runner-up for

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& 3 FLORIDA PRESS CLUB Awards

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South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law ofﬁce, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright © 2015 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

news local

gay tourist commits suicide in fort lauderdale guesthouse John McDonald

Georgia man was found dead, the apparent victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, on the afternoon of Nov. 12 at the Elysium Resort in Fort Lauderdale . The victim, identified by investigators as Timothy Smith, 54, of Lithonia, Ga., was a

guest at the all gay male, clothing optional resort. Smith had been listed as a 'missing and endangered person' by the Cobb County, Ga. Police Department. “Mr. Smith was reported missing by a family member after he left a note stating he possibly had intentions of harming himself,”

wrote Lt. Tim Brooks, of the Cobb County Crimes Against Persons Unit, in an e-mail to SFGN. “As with any missing person report we take them seriously and investigate them fully.” Smith was discovered lying on the bed in his room in a pool of blood by resort employees. A silver and black semi auto pistol was lying on the bed next to Smith’s body, the police report states. The gunshot wound, police say, was to the chest. Fort Lauderdale Homicide detective Mark Shotwell said that while a gunshot wound to the chest is uncommon in suicide cases, it does happen. He determined the wound was self-inflicted. If he is accurate, it marks the fifth suicide of a gay man in the greater Fort Lauderdale area in the past three months, raising concerns amongst local health care advocates.

Photo: Facebook.

Forward thinking has always been part of Comcast’s philosophy. And embracing social diversity is our way of showing it.

Enjoy a special selection of LGBT programming only at xfinity.com/lgbt.

XFINITY® Triple Play

a month for 24 months

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Call 1-800-XFINITY or visit xﬁnity.com/lgbt today

Offer ends 12/31/15. Limited to new residential customers. Not available in all areas. Requires subscription to Starter XF Triple Play with Digital Starter TV, Performance Internet and XFINITY Voice Unlimited®. Early termination fee applies. Equipment, taxes and fees, including regulatory recovery fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $3.50/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $1.00/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the promo. After 12 months, regular monthly charge applies to Blast!® Internet service. After promotional period, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular rates apply. Comcast’s current monthly service charge for Starter XF Triple Play is $136.99–$141.99 and for Blast!® Internet is $12 (pricing subject to change). TV and Internet service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. Internet: Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. WiFi claim based on November 2014 study by Allion Test Labs, Inc. Reliability claim based on 2014 FCC Measuring Broadband America report. Prepaid card mailed to Comcast account holder within 18 weeks of activation of all required services and expires in 90 days. Cards issued by Citibank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa® U.S.A. Inc. and managed by Citi Prepaid Services. Cards will not have cash access and can be used everywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted. Call for restrictions and complete details. © 2015 Comcast. All rights reserved.

CCT6417 LGBT Print 10x7.625.indd 1

12.2.2015 • 7 8/12/15 10:30 AM

Compiled by Jillian Melero

leaders of warming earth meet in Paris to cut emissions

Photo: Facebook.

(AP) A Philippine court plans to deliver its verdict in the emotion-charged case of a U.S. Marine accused of murdering a transgender Filipino after discovering her gender when they checked into a hotel. Officials plan heavy security for the ruling in the case involving U.S. Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton. Left-wing activists plan protests in Olongapo City, northwest of Manila, where Pemberton is accused of strangling to death Jennifer Laude after they met in a bar in October last year. The killing sparked anger in the Philippines and reignited calls for an end to America’s military presence at a time when the U.S. is reasserting its dominance in Asia, and Manila has turned to Washington for support amid a territorial dispute with China.

• 12.2.2015

t. Activists Take Issue Sanders’ LGBT Support

Photo: CNN.

with

(EDGE) In a recent New York Times article, gay rights activists from Vermont took issue with 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and his support for the LGBT community. They told the newspaper Sanders “was less than a leader, and not entirely present, on the issue.” Sanders has called out presidential opposite Hillary Clinton for her track record on gay rights, pointing out he has been against the Defense of Marriage Act and the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. But Vermont LGBT activist gave the NYT a different perspective on the independent senator, whom they said wasn’t a leader when gay rights were an issue in the state. The NYT reports when Sanders became the mayor of Burlington, Vt. in 1981, he approved a resolution in 1983, proclaiming June 25 to be Gay Pride Day, writing “In a free society we must all be committed to the mutual respect of each other’s lifestyles.” When Sanders rose to the state’s House of Representatives in 1990, LGBT-related sentiments became rare. In 1996 he voted against DOMA but said his reasoning was based on state rights, not civil rights. “We’re not legislating values,” Jane Sanders, the candidate’s wife and then chief of staff, told The Associated Press at the time, according to the NYT. “We have to follow the Constitution.” When the Vermont Supreme Court approved of civil unions in 1999, Sanders supported the decision but did not mention same-sex marriage. A year later, Sanders said during a news conference that the ruling took attention away from the state’s economic issues. “There are a dozen other issues out there that are as important or more important as that issue.” he said.

In a recent interview with the NYT, Sanders said “without tooting my own horn,” he opposed DOMA, which was signed by President Bill Clinton at the time. “I’m not evolving when it comes to gay rights. I was there!” he added. Vermont was the first state to recognize civil unions.

Photo: CNN.

hilippine Court to Give Verdict in US Marine’s Murder Case

victims in France, Lebanon, Iraq, Tunisia and Mali. “There are two big global challenges that we must face,” he added, urging leaders to create a world free from both environmental destruction and extremist violence. Many of the leaders paid their respects at sites linked to the attacks on their way to the conference. President Barack Obama, in a late-night visit, placed a single flower outside the concert hall where dozens were killed, and bowed his head in silence. “We stand with Paris,” said U.N. climate change agency chief Christina Figueres said at talks near Le Bourget airfield, just north of the city. “The city of light, now more than ever, is a beacon of hope for the world.” On Sunday, hundreds of thousands of people rallied around the world, calling on the leaders to make real progress at the talks. Violence erupted after one peaceful demonstration in Paris, and hundreds of people were arrested.

Photo: Facebook.

(AP) Addressing the twin threats of global warming and extremist violence, the largest group of world leaders ever to stand together kicked off two weeks of high-stakes climate talks outside Paris on Monday, saying that by striking an ambitious deal to cut emissions they can show terrorists what countries can achieve when they are united. The gathering of 151 heads of state and government comes at a somber time for France, two weeks after militants linked to the Islamic State group killed 130 people around Paris. Fears of more attacks have prompted extra-high security and a crackdown on environmental protests - and threaten to eclipse longer-term concerns about rising seas and increasingly extreme weather linked to man-made global warming. “The challenge of an international meeting has never been so great because it’s the future of the planet, the future of life,” French President Francois Hollande said after a moment of silence for attack

(AP) A Kansas sperm donor’s battle to avoid being declared the legal father of a same-sex couple’s child has some similarities to the fight for gay marriage, the man’s attorney argued in court filings. The Kansas Department for Children and Families has sought to have William Marotta of Topeka declared the father of the child born to Jennifer Schreiner in 2009. The state wants Marotta to be responsible for thousands of dollars in public assistant the state provided, as well as future child support. Marotta has said he contacted Schreiner and her then-partner after seeing an ad they placed on Craigslist seeking a sperm donor and signed a contract waiving his parental rights and responsibilities. Kansas law requires a physician to be involved in the artificial insemination process, but that didn’t happen in Marotta’s case, The Topeka Capital-Journal (http:// bit.ly/1LGN6uI ) reported. In June, a Shawnee County district court judge said that meant he isn’t entitled to the same protections given to other sperm donors. Charles Baylor, who represents Marotta, argued in a filing earlier this month that state statute shouldn’t discriminate against the lesbian couple by forcing the child to have a male parent. “In October 2012, when this case was filed, it may have been legally justifiable to look only for a non-custodial male upon whom to pin an obligation of child support. That day has passed,” Baylor writes in the filing. The Kansas Parentage Act requires enlisting the help of a licensed physician during the artificial insemination process. That requirement went into effect in 1973.

Photo:Facebook

ttorney Compares Kansas Sperm Donor’s Plight, Gay Marriage

Continued

ay Marriage Is Legal But Not On Tribal Lands

(AP) Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic decision this year that legalized gay marriages nationwide: American Indian reservations are not bound by the decision and many continue to forbid gay marriages and deny insurance and other benefits. The reasons vary and to some extent depend on cultural recognition of gender identification and roles, and the influence of outside religions, legal experts say. Other issues like high unemployment, alcoholism and suicides on reservations also could be higher on the priority list, said Ann Tweedy, an associate professor at the Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, who has studied tribes’ marriage laws. Advocacy groups largely have stayed away from pushing tribes for change, recognizing that tribes have the inherent right to regulate domestic relations within their boundaries. “Tribal sovereignty is very important to tribes,” Tweedy said. “They don’t want to just adopt what the U.S. does.” The Navajo Nation is one of a few of the country’s 567 federally recognized tribes that have outright bans on gay marriage. Some tribes expressly allow it, while others tie marriage laws to those of states or have gender-neutral laws that typically create confusion for gay couples on whether they can marry. The mish-mash occurs because tribes are sovereign lands where the U.S. Constitution does not apply. Cleo Pablo said she’s never felt unwelcome in the tribal community where she works as a probation officer but doesn’t believe she should be treated differently under the law. Pablo follows in the footsteps of a handful of other tribal members in Oregon, Washington state and Michigan who lobbied their governments for marriage equality. “As Native people in the community, we’re taught to stand in the background, not create waves,” she said. “I’ve done the opposite. People know who I am, who I was. I wouldn’t rock the boat. It gets to the point if you don’t say anything, nothing is going to change.”

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Planned Parenthood shooting in colorado

(AP) As a leading defender of abortion rights and comprehensive sex education, Planned Parenthood deals daily with some of America’s most contentious issues, and is well accustomed to receiving verbal threats. Some of the organization’s supporters say Friday’s deadly shooting at its clinic in Colorado Springs shows that the vitriolic rhetoric could be inspiring actual violence. But critics show no signs of backing away from a multi-pronged offensive against Planned Parenthood, keeping protests and a congressional investigation on their agenda for the coming year. The man arrested in the attack that killed a police officer and two civilians uttered the phrase “no more baby parts,” a law enforcement official said. Authorities have not elaborated on the gunman’s possible motives, but Planned Parenthood said witnesses described him as an abortion opponent. The “body parts” phrase echoed rhetoric that surfaced last summer, when anti-abortion activists began releasing undercover videos they said showed Planned Parenthood personnel negotiating the sale of fetal organs.

editorial cartoon

• 12.2.2015

The anti-abortion group that made the videos, the Center for Medical Progress, condemned the “barbaric killing spree in Colorado Springs by a violent madman.” Planned Parenthood said any payments were legally permitted reimbursements for the costs of donating organs to researchers, and has since stopped accepting even that money. Though the videos have inspired multiple investigations in Congress and in several states, none has confirmed any law breaking by Planned Parenthood. Since the videos surfaced, threats have become even more frequent, abortion-rights leaders say. “We’ve seen an alarming increase in hateful rhetoric and smear campaigns against abortion providers and patients over the last few months,” said Vicki Cowart, president of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains. “That environment breeds acts of violence.” There have been eight murders and more than 220 bombings and arson attacks at abortion facilities in the U.S. since 1977, according to the National Abortion Foundation. Two Planned Parenthood receptionists were killed in 1994 at clinics in Brookline, Massachusetts.

By andy marlette

Photo: CNN.

Planned Parenthood: long a lightning rod in us culture wars

Calls Planned Parenthood Suspect Cruz ‘Transgendered Leftist Activist’

(EDGE) Days after the suspect in the Colorado Planned Parenthood fatal shooting was arrested, 2016 GOP presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) offered an alternate theory about the suspect, calling him a “transgendered leftist activist.” Downplaying the anti-abortion rhetoric surrounding the incident, Cruz told reporters at a campaign stop in Iowa Sunday that it was reported 57-yearold Robert Lewis Dear “was registered as an independent and a woman and a transgendered leftist activist,” according to the Texas Tribune. “If that’s what he is, I don’t think it’s fair to blame on the rhetoric on the left. This is a murderer,” Cruz added. Dear was taken into custody Friday after allegedly opening fire inside a Planned Parenthood facility in Colorado Springs, Colo., which left three people dead and nine injured. Cruz’s comments came after a reporter reminded Cruz the suspect allegedly made a comment about “baby parts”

while being arrested, the Huffington Post reports. HuffPo points out Dear’s voter registration, where he is listed as a woman, was discovered by Gateway Pundit, which calls itself a “right-ofcenter news website.” “We know that he was a man who was registered to vote as a woman,” Cruz said, according to HuffPo. “The media promptly wants to blame him on the prolife movement when at this point there is very little evidence to suggest that.” When the senator was asked if the incident was an act of domestic terrorism, [Cruz] said: “I would call it a murder. It was a multiple murder of what appears to be a deranged individual. And it was horrific, it was evil and we will find out more about the facts, but I don’t think we should jump to conclusions.” He added: “We don’t know what those motives were, but whatever they were, it’s unacceptable, and it’s horrific and wrong.”

News Briefs

Continued

isc. School Cancels Reading of Book about Trans Kid after Threat from Hate Group

(AP) A southern Wisconsin elementary school cancelled a planned reading of a children’s book about a transgender girl after a group threatened to sue. The Mount Horeb Area School District released a statement Wednesday saying it will not proceed with its planned reading of the book “I am Jazz,” the Capital Times reported (http:// bit.ly/1TadnaG ). The district said it would give the Board of Education the opportunity to address a situation, for which the district has no current policy. Last week, the principal of Mount Horeb Primary Center sent a letter to parents saying the book would be read and discussed because the school has a student who identifies as a girl but was born with male anatomy. “We believe all students deserve respect and support regardless of their gender identity and expression, and the best way to foster that respect and support is through educating students about the issue of being transgender,” the letter said.

The Florida-based Liberty Counsel group threatened to sue, saying it was contacted by concerned parents. In a letter to the school district, the group contended that reading the book would violate parental rights. The Southern Poverty Law Center classifies the Liberty Counsel as a hate group that advocates for “anti-LGBT discrimination, under the guise of religious liberty.” In its statement Wednesday, the district said as it seeks to address the needs of the individual student, it will be mindful of the needs of other students and families. It also said families whose children may be affected will be notified of future actions, and the goal is to protect all students from bullying so they can learn together in a safe environment. The school district was closed Friday, and emails to the superintendent, elementary school principal and others were not immediately returned to The Associated Press.

G Photo: Wikipedia.

ay Rights Activists March in New Delhi Parade

(AP) Hundreds of gay rights activists danced to drum beats and held colorful balloons as they marched in a parade in New Delhi on Sunday, celebrating what they call the diversity of gender and sexuality. Organizers said that while the gay pride parade celebrated the gains India’s LGBT community has made in recent years, they also wanted to highlight the continuing discrimination it faces. The Delhi Queer Pride Committee also demanded the repeal of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalizes homosexual acts. Over the past decade, homosexuals have gained a degree of acceptance in parts of deeply conservative India, especially in big cities. Many bars have gay nights, and some high-profile

Bollywood films have dealt with gay issues. Still, being gay is seen as shameful in most of the country, and many homosexuals remain closeted. On Sunday, Harsh Aggarwal, who runs a digital marketing company in New Delhi, said that there has been progress, though it has come slowly. “But it’s happening,” he said. “There are more people who are coming out without masks. Society also is respecting us. That’s the progress,” he said. Activists had cheered in 2009 when the New Delhi High Court declared Section 377 of the Penal Code unconstitutional. But the judgment was overturned four years later when India’s Supreme Court decided that amending or repealing Section 377 should be a matter left to Parliament, not the judiciary. 12.2.2015 •

Photo: Facebook.

feature Memoir

Tiny Tina's Not So Tiny Piece of LGBT History

Norm Kent

t was the 1970s and the gay life in South Florida was marked by its nightlife, and it's nightlife was measured by the Copa. As Tiny Tina, Ray Fetcho was one of its star drag performers. The preeminent bar for all things gay, the Copa was a hedonistic dance club located on South Federal Highway in Dania Beach, just by the airport. One night a week, the Copa would host a 'Wet Jockeys' Contest, and the contestants, all dressed in nothing but white Haines underwear, would showcase their wares, as a drag queen poured pitchers of water on their not so private- and suddenly- ever so transparent parts. The contest was funny and upbeat, and would pack the Copa. No host was more popular than Tiny Tina, the 'Queen of Comedy.' But what was popular to the gay community was pornographic to the police. Early in 1976, they raided the Copa, taking Tiny Tina into custody, charging her with 'offering for a lewd act.' With homosexual acts deemed illegal at the time, she pled no contest to the charge. Over 30 years later, it would come back to haunt her. After retiring from full time performing and becoming a nurse's aide, Ray Fetcho worked as an employee and caregiver in an assisted living facility. As laws changed, background checks became required to work in nursing facilities. Individuals with certain types of arrests, like Ray's were banned. In 2010, after one such check, Ray's employers discovered the arrest from a quarter century before. They regretfully, but summarily, fired her.

â&#x20AC;˘ 12.2.2015

Tiny Tina's plight became a news sensation locally. It went viral nationally online in LGBT publications. After decades of social service, Ray was suddenly out of work for a minor act years before. But Tiny Tina fought back. SFGN took up her cause. With the aid of counsel, first Ray petitioned the state government for an exemption from the harsh statute. After some legal wrangling, and a successful appeal, his nursing licenses were reinstated. 'She' won her job back. Soon afterwards, Ray would face a health challenge . Diabetes would claim his leg. Last week, the consequences of the disease claimed his life. On Monday, December 7, the Boardwalk will host a tribute and memorial for 'Tiny Tina.' Stated John Castelli, the present day Wilton Manors realtor, " She was a legend in the South Florida area, who performed for over 44 years, generating love and laughter." Castelli would know. He was the owner of the Copa when her act was interrupted by the police so many years ago, in a lifetime far away. A winner of the Miss Congeniality Award for three years, it is now named after Tiny Tina. A regular contestant in the Miss Florida pageant, Tiny Tina was also a former honorary Miss Florida as well. She was friends with Cathy Craig for 33. Together, they formed an act that still performed up until last year together- even after losing a leg to diabetes. Her shows

continued weekly for senior citizens in local nursing homes. She would not let adversity beat her back. "Tiny Tina was a great performer," said Boardwalk's Victor Zepka. "it is an honor to host a tribute to her. We expect to have a slate of stars on stage." Added Cathy Craig, "Her gay daughters were Dana Manchester, the first lady of South Florida. The legendary Nikki Adams. And Angie Walker. A long long friendship with Miss Wanda Wednesday, and an 8 year relationship with Mr Robert Traut. She touched many people lovingly." Tiny Tina, the Queen, took her acts on cross country tours to gay venues, and wound up playing the local condo circuit. She was ever the entertainer. Still, for one brief moment in time, faced with injustice and discrimination for being herself, she rose to the occasion and said, 'No.' In those difficult days, the 'Queen' became a king, a plaintiff in the cause for the gay civil rights you own today. Look back with fondness and respect. You never know when you too will be called upon to make a difference. May you shine as much as Tiny Tina.

A winner of the Miss Congeniality Award for three years, it is now named after Tiny Tina.

H I V T R E AT M E N T C H E C K I N

WHEN TAKING YOUR HIV MEDS, HAVE YOU NOTICED THAT YOU: I M P O RTA N T: Tear this sheet out and share it with your healthcare provider.

STRONGLY AGREE

SOMEWHAT AGREE

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Feel tired a lot Have trouble sleeping Have frequent diarrhea Have frequent headaches Often feel dizzy or have an upset stomach Skipped taking medicine to avoid having to deal with a side effect

WHAT’S NEXT?

If you “agree” with any of these, or have any other side effects, talk to your healthcare provider. Especially if side effects are making it hard for you to take your medication as prescribed. There may be something your healthcare provider can do. To determine the best treatment option for you, the advice of your healthcare provider is always best.

Visit treatmentcheckin.com to learn more.

12.2.2015 •

lesbian

Korean university students elect first out lesBian President Korea’s older religious and conservative set. “I am totally against this kind of thing,” said Choi Byun-jin, a 67-year-old retiree. “It is against God’s will. God created human beings as man and woman. They cannot change.” “They should expel her from the university,” said one aging Korean army veteran in central Seoul. “We are not standing up against our enemies to protect her.” Yet at nearby Yonsei University, the student body echoes the sentiment of those at Seoul National. “I like her for who she is regardless of her personal life,” said 20-year-old Leer Soo-jin. “As long as she does her job right, it doesn’t matter, who cares?”

Photo: Facebook.

(SFGN) Seoul National University has made front page news in the region after students elected Kim Bo-mi as the first openly lesbian student body president, the Independent reports. Just over half the student body voted in the election. Bo-mi won 86.8 per cent of the votes with 11.2 per cent casting negative ballots, despite Bo-mi running unopposed. Her election made front page headlines an opportunity which Bo-mi used to make a statement. “I hope that people love themselves for who they are and live with confidence in this world,” she told Korea’s voracious media. “So I am telling you here that I am a lesbian,” she said. Bo-mi’s orientation appears to be of little consequence to her classmates. “I don’t care whether she’s a lesbian or not,” said Park Han-jin, a senior at the university. “These days many of my friends don’t care about gender.” Despite the seeming acceptance or indifference from Bo-mi’s classmates, her openness regarding her sexuality has stirred

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gay & Bisexual

cdc says 1 in 4 gay and BiseXual men should Be on PreP (SFGN) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new data stating 1.2 million Americans and their doctors should be educated about using pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP, the Advocate reports. The figure includes one in four, or 492,000, sexually active gay and bi men Additionally one in five, or 115,000, adults who inject drugs, and one in 200, or 620,000, sexually active straight adults, are also advised to consider PrEP, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, and National Survey on Family Growth. Thus far, Truvada is the only drug approved for PrEP. Studies show, taken once daily, the drug makes it more difficult for HIV to establish a permanent infection after exposure to the virus through sexual contact or injectable drug use. Used in combination with other HIV drugs, Truvada was approved for PrEP by the Food and Drug Administration in 2012, but The Washington Post reports a recent survey showed that a third of primary care doctors had not heard of it.

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Studies have shown that PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV by a degree of 70 to more than 90 percent. Researchers at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco announced in September that 100 percent of the more than 600 high-risk individuals, remained HIV-free for two years while taking Truvada for a study.

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striving for equal rights for LGBT people, based in Ho Chi Minh City. “Still, a lot of work needs to be done to ensure a gender recognition procedure that meets transgender people’s needs. In amending the civil code, an important door has been opened for us.” Under current law, sex reassignment surgery (SRS), is only permitted for intersex people. In the past, some Vietnamese transgender people have travelled to Thailand to undergo SRS. Those who chose not to have surgery would still be unable to change their gender on legal documents. The World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH), has stated: “No person should have to undergo surgery or accept sterilization as a condition of identity recognition.” In a January 2015 policy statement, WPATH called on governments “to eliminate unnecessary barriers, and to institute simple and accessible administrative procedures for transgender people to obtain legal recognition of gender, consonant with each individual’s identity, when gender markers on identity documents are considered necessary.”

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vietnam moves to legaliZe gender reassignment The Vietnamese National Assembly approved a bill to legalize sex reassignment surgery and to introduce legal gender recognition for transgender people who have undergone such surgery, Human Rights Watch reports. The law allows those who wish to undergo gender reassignment surgeries to do so in Vietnam rather than abroad, and to subsequently change the gender marker on their official documents. “We are celebrating this victory not only for our community, but also for our country. Vietnam has become more tolerant and inclusive,” said Nguyen Hai Yen, project manager of ICS (Instruct, Connect and Service), the Vietnamese organization

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news local

KNOW WHO’S BEHIND THE PROFILE local writers’ grouP PuBlishes anthology

GayWrites hopes for larger role in LGBT literary community Michael d’Oliveira

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ound love, lost love, sexuality, war, bravery, drug-use, new beginnings, new identities, fathers and sons, all of it, and more, can be found in GayWrites Anthology Volume 1. Published by the local writers group, GayWrites, the Anthology is a mix of poems, short stories and excerpts by the gay and straight members of the group. GayWrites has been meeting every Wednesday at the Stonewall Library since 2009 to critique each other’s writing. “I guess coming in once a week wasn’t enough,” said Dr. Jay Asher, president and founder of GayWrites. Certain members, including Asher, have been published but this is the first time their work has been published together. Asher hopes to make an annual publication. Copies of the Anthology will be available for sale at the Second Annual GayWrites Readings from the Authors on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Stonewall Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive. This though, said Asher, is just a “baby step.” The ultimate goal is to become a publishing house for LGBT writers and straight writers who want to publish LGBTthemed material. “All the stuff that would be representative of our community,” he said. “It’s important the [heterosexual] community understands . . . you don’t have to be gay to write with GayWrites. We are very welcoming.”

Gloria Fleitman, a heterosexual woman and GayWrites’ treasurer, has known that for some time. “I’m in the company of professionals who are willing to share,” she said. “I come up with a better quality story [with their help].” Her writing in the group is dominated by her late friend, Cherry Hill, a male-to-female transgender woman who died before her time. Cherry, born Charles, is featured in Fleitman’s two contributions to the Anthology – “I Am Cherry” and “Who Am I?” Asked how she writes a transgender individual as a heterosexual woman, “From recollections of an individual who was a cherry in my life and my brother’s experiences, he was bisexual, and my own mindset of how I would want to be treated.” She calls her writing, “a tribute to another human being. How she went from Charles to Cherry. Between the beginning and the end, there is a story that needs to be told. It’s stimulating and fascinating to watch her growth. She strove to be the best she could be.” Ultimately, she wants her involvement in GayWrites to be about more than just writing. “As long as I’m here, I want to make this world a better place. I want to help build a bridge of better understanding between the straight world and quote, unquote, alternative lifestyles.”

GayWrites meets every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at Stonewall Library, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.

Photo: Facebook.

news local

Should City Cover Gender Reassignment Surgery? Commissioners debate topic Michael d’Oliveira

he city’s health insurance plan already result in a cut to other benefits. “In 20 years covers the physical well-being needs of [of being a city official] I’ve never had an employees. Now, Commissioner Julie employee ask for gender reassignment.” Carson wants the plan to cover the physical Resnick suggested LASIK eye surgery would and mental well-being of employees who are be used by more employees. diagnosed as needing gender-reassignment Carson took issue with the comparison. surgery. “So you want to use LASIK At the Nov. 24 commission as a comparison to gender meeting during a discussion reassignment surgery? "In 20 years of this year’s employee health [Gender reassignment] is I’ve never had plan, Carson suggested adding far more complicated than gender reassignment surgery LASIK. Not having it done is an employee to the 2017 employee health more detrimental.” ask for gender plan. It was a repeat of what Resnick accused Carson she asked for in February of reassignment." of making the issue into a this year. “I would love for us political one. to consider this. If this was Carson, who called support - Gary Resnick some other procedure I don’t of adding the surgery a Mayor of know if we’d be having this “progressive” cause, conceded Wilton Manors conversation.” that the issue can be a political Dio Sanchez, director of one but she also called it Human Resources, said the necessary. “This is about city could provide the procedure through its need.” insurance plan or by setting aside a budgeted In 2012, the American Psychiatric amount of money. He estimates the cost Association [APA] voted to recognize gender would be between $40,000 and $60,000 for dysphoria as a condition that should be the surgery a total of about $75,000 after treated. the inclusion of counseling and hormone The APA’s position is that individuals replacement therapy. “I do not want an with gender dysphoria can “benefit greatly increase [in the budget] if it’s not going to be from medical and surgical gender transition used,” said Commissioner Tom Green. treatments” and that health insurance, Mayor Gary Resnick said adding the private and public, should cover gender benefits for gender reassignment would transition treatment. 12.2.2015 •

Photo: POOL.

news national

oBama names reciPients of Presidential medal of freedom Three LGBT icons included in list

SFGN Staff Recently President Barack Obama named 17 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the U.S., to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. This list features three LGBT icons including famed singer, actor, director, producer Barbra Streisand; openly gay theater composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim; and singer, songwriter, actor Gloria Estefan. The awards will be presented at the White House on Monday, Nov. 24.

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Barbra Streisand is one of our Nation’s most gifted talents. Her body of work includes extraordinary singing, acting, directing, producing, songwriting, and she is one of the few performers to receive an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony. Her performance in 1968’s Funny Girl endeared her to Americans for generations, and she won her first Academy Award for her role in that film. In 1984, she became the first woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Director, which she won for the motion picture Yentl. Streisand is also a recipient of four Peabody Awards, in addition to the National Medal of Arts and Kennedy Center Honors. In 2009, she endowed the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, which works to correct gender inequality in the research of a disease which each year kills more women than men.

stePhen sondheim Stephen Sondheim is one of the country’s most inﬂuential theater composers and lyricists. His work has helped deﬁne American theater with shows such as Company, West Side Story, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George,

and Into the Woods. Sondheim has received eight Grammy Awards, eight Tony Awards, an Academy Award, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Sondheim also founded Young Playwrights, Inc., to develop and promote the work of American playwrights aged 18 and younger.

gloria estefan Gloria Estefan is a singer, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur who introduced Latin music to a global audience. The Cuban-American lead singer of the Miami Sound Machine has had chart topping hits such as “Conga,” “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” and “Anything for You.” Estefan has won seven Grammy Awards and is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 100 million records worldwide. She is an inductee to the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Estefan became one of the ﬁrst mainstream Hispanic artists to crossover between English and Spanish language music paving the way for countless other Latin artists to follow. Other recipients include baseball legend, Yogi Berra (posthumous); founder of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Bonnie Carroll; the first African-American woman elected to Congress, Shirley Chisholm (posthumous); Grammy award winning music producer Emilio Estefan; advocate for Indian treaty rights Billy Frank, Jr. (posthumous); national security expert Lee Hamilton; pioneer in American space history Katherine G. Johnson; baseball legend Willie Mays; longest serving female senator Barbara Mikulski; Grammy and Emmy award winning conductor Itzhak Perlman; climate change advocate William D. Ruckelshaus; film director Steven Spielberg; Grammy award winning musician James Taylor; and civil and human rights leader Minoru Yasui (posthumous).

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

• 12.2.2015

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

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

Group 360 Job #: 729943 Brand: PREZCOBIX TM

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WHAT IS PREZCOBIX™?

T:10.0 in

WisdomMiami.com

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

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

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

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

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

Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP

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

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

027409-150108

What are the possible side effects of PREZCOBIX™?

12.2.2015 •

Group 360 Job #: 729943 Brand: PREZCOBIX TM

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

• 12.2.2015

• increase the number of CD4+ (T) cells in your blood that help fight off other infections. Reducing the amount of HIV-1 and increasing the CD4+ (T) cells in your blood may help improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or getting infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). PREZCOBIX does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others. • Do not share or re-use needles or other injection equipment. • Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades. • Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions on how to prevent passing HIV to other people. Who should not take PREZCOBIX? Do not take PREZCOBIX with any of the following medicines: • alfuzosin (Uroxatral®) • cisapride (Propulside®, Propulsid® Quicksolv) • colchicine (Colcrys®, Mitigare®), if you have liver or kidney problems • dronedarone (Multaq®) • ergot-containing medicines: • dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45®, Embolex®, Migranal®) • ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Ergomar®, Ergostat®, Medihaler®, Migergot®, Wigraine®, Wigrettes®) • methylergonovine (Methergine®) • lovastatin or a product that contains lovastatin (Altoprev®, Advicor®, Mevacor®) • lurasidone (Latuda®) • midazolam (Versed®), when taken by mouth • pimozide (Orap®) • ranolazine (Ranexa®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifater®, Rifamate®, Rimactane®) • sildenafil (Revatio®), when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) • simvastatin or a product that contains simvastatin (Simcor®, Vytorin®, Zocor®) • St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), or a product that contains St. John’s Wort • triazolam (Halcion®) Serious problems can happen if you take any of these medicines with PREZCOBIX. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking PREZCOBIX? Before taking PREZCOBIX, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have liver problems, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C • have kidney problems • are allergic to sulfa (sulfonamide) • have diabetes • have hemophilia • have any other medical condition • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if PREZCOBIX will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking PREZCOBIX.

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

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

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politics out on the trail

gay man’s oPPonent charged with eXtortion John McDonald

he opponent of a gay man running for public office was arrested Monday, Nov. 30, for felony extortion. Police in Largo, Fla. charged Robert Avery, 31, with second degree extortion. Avery is campaigning for a seat on the Largo City Commission against Aaron Darr, 24, an openly gay man. Avery is accused of writing and sending an anonymous e-mail on Aug. 29 to Darr’s campaign website threatening to release “negative information” about Darr unless he dropped out of the race. Investigators traced the IP address of the e-mail’s sender to Avery, police said. Darr released the following statement: “I never wanted anyone to get arrested. Once I reported this case, it was out of my hands and the evidence would decide the fate of the person in question who sent this anonymous and mean spirited email that suggested that I ‘drop out’ of my race for The Largo City Commission, Seat 3 in 2016 due to ‘digital’ information he or she had that would

negatively "humiliate" me from running for office in the future,” Darr said. It is unclear what “negative information” Avery has on Darr. An outspoken advocate for HIV/AIDS care, Darr has publicly disclosed that he is HIV positive in numerous interviews with the press, including SFGN. Avery told Tampa Bay area television station Bay News 9 he intends to stay in the race. He was released from jail Monday evening on a $10,000 bond. Largo is the third largest municipality in Pinellas County and Avery claims to be a native.

world aids day

South Florida communities commemorated World AIDS Day yesterday, December 1, with marches, meetings and memories, from our beaches to boardrooms. See the photos and read the stories in next week’s edition of your hometown newspaper, SFGN, bringing you our local name with global coverage. Be sure to read last week’s paper as well, highlighting our bi-annual HIV news supplement, the Spirit, online at www.sfgn.com

May the day come when we celebrate a cure. 24

• 12.2.2015

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Photo: CNN.

politics white house watch

Rubio Panders To Religious Right John McDonald

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he U.S. Presidential campaign, on the run the government. We are still seeing the Republican side, continues to take disastrous effects of the last such choice,” surprising twists and turns with the the newspaper’s editorial board writes. nation’s first caucuses just three months Trump wasted no time blasting Christie, away. tweeting “How is Chris Christie running the Florida’s junior Senator, Marco Rubio, state of NJ, which is deeply troubled, when pandered to social conservatives last week, he is spending all of his time in NH? New suggesting America’s marriage Jerseyans not happy!” laws are unsettled. Rubio gave Christie lags near the an interview to the Christian bottom of the GOP pack in "We should Broadcasting Network, saying polling and was relegated to God’s law is the ultimate test of be supporting the “cocktail hour” debate character and if Christians are during the last candidate get Planned “ordered to perform a same-sex together. The Republicans Parenthood, marriage as someone presiding are scheduled to debate over it, we are called to ignore not attacking again Dec. 15 at the Venetian that.” Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. it." Rubio furthered stated, “We The debate will air on CNN cannot abide by that because and is moderated by senior - Hillary Clinton government is compelling us to anchor Wolf Blitzer. sin.” Meanwhile, on the Democratic Candidate With voters in Iowa scheduled Democratic front, former to caucus Feb. 1, Rubio trails Secretary of State Hillary billionaire businessman Donald J. Trump, Clinton continues to be way ahead in the retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson and Texas polls. Speaking in New Hampshire last Senator Ted Cruz in polls conducted in the weekend, Clinton reacted to the fatal Midwestern state. shooting at a Colorado Planned Parenthood Elsewhere, In New Hampshire polling, facility remarking, “We should be supporting Rubio ranks second behind Trump. New Planned Parenthood, not attacking it.” Hampshire’s first in the nation primary Vermont socialist Bernie Sanders and Exis slated for Feb. 8 and one of the state’s Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley trail leading newspapers – The Union Leader Clinton in Democratic polling. Sanders, – is endorsing New Jersey Governor Chris her nearest challenger, remains focused on Christie. In its endorsement, the newspaper income inequality -- tweeting on Monday, dinged both Rubio and Cruz. “We are living in a rigged economy, corporate “We don’t need another fast-talking, profits are soaring while millions of our well-meaning freshman U.S. Senator to children live in poverty.”

Orchid, Garden & Gourmet Food Festival Featuring the 9th Annual Orchid and Exotic Plant Sale

Saturday and Sunday

December 5 and 6

900 North Birch Road Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (954) 703-2614 www.bonnethouse.org

$12 Members â&#x20AC;˘ $15 Non-Members House will be open for tours at an additional cost.

9:00am - 4:00pm

12.2.2015 â&#x20AC;˘

Feature gift guide Justin Wyse

Hot Gifts T

his year I worked with a few companies to bring products that I have personally tried and tested to our readers. This year I worked with a couple of great skin care companies, adult products and even some of our local theaters to bring you something different in our gift guide this year. Every product was personally tested or review by me.

If you are looking for something to spruce up your sex life with someone special or even by yourself the Autoblow 2 is sure to help with this. It’s deﬁnitely something different and unique and feels really great. Try it alone or with someone to learn to maximize your enjoyment. This is a great gift kit for your jet set traveler friend. It contains a few essential products that can all be purchased individually in regular sizes. The facial cleanser was by far my favorite product from this company cleaning all aspects of your face daily.

Anthony The Holiday Kit The perfect stocking stuffer, this kit contains four of Anthony’s fan favorite products: Shave Cream, All Purpose Facial Moisturizer, Glycolic Facial Cleanser, Facial Scrub and Invigorating Rush Hair & Body Wash. *Anthony donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of all products to support prostate cancer research. Price: $65 ($90 value), Available at Anthony.com

Broadway Theater is something everything should enjoy sometime in their lives. It’s a great way to escape reality of everyday life and live in the fantasy lives of those acting on stage. Each year Broadway Across America brings South Florida several magical moments. This year they are offering this special mini package of shows showcasing Kinky Boots, by Cyndi Lauper, the famous Dirty Dancing and Once, by Carole King. There’s no better way to jumpstart your theater life than these 3 shows. Priced from: $119 Purchase online at: www.browardcenter.org

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The Autoblow 2 What has two thumbs and loves blowjobs? You, obviously. With the new and improved Autoblow 2, you'll soon experience the sex toy for men that sets a new standard in realistic solo experiences. Give your arm a rest and allow the Autoblow 2 to work a load or two out automatically. The sleeve pops out in a second for easy cleaning. You'll need a water-based lubricant, plus you might want to use a toy cleaner to make sure your sleeves are squeaky clean when you're done. The package deal has just been added! Double your pleasure and privacy with a handle and discreet storage case at a web-only price. ENJOY! Priced at: $160 Buy Online at: www.autoblow2.com

Feature gift guide

If you’re looking for a variety of ways to spruce up that special man in your life’s daily living Brickell Men’s Products offer a large variety of products to do just that. Using them as described always works best in my book. My favorite of these 4 products was the Restoring Eye Balm, it really worked well to remove the pufﬁness around my eyes from those long nights of no sleep.

Brickell Men’s Products Daily Essential Face Moisturizer: If used twice daily as instructed, this bottle will last approximately 2 months. Energize and clear your skin using powerful natural ingredients with the from Brickell. This natural men's face wash keeps your face oil and shine free all day, without over drying. Guys with more sensitive or dry skin should use our Purifying Charcoal Face Wash. Restoring Eye Balm: If used twice daily as instructed, this jar will last approximately 45 days. Brighten and rejuvenate tired, dull eyes with a potent combination of powerful natural ingredients in this under eye cream for men. Smoothes wrinkles around the eyes by strengthening the surrounding skin, while reducing pufﬁness (bags) and dark circles. This fast absorbing, lightweight under eye cream for men immediately sinks into the skin, leaving no greasy residue or shine, creating the .5 oz jar. Smooth Brushless Shave Cream: If used daily, this jar will last approximately one month. Our premium, non-lathering shaving cream for men softens your whiskers, while gently lifting them up, allowing for an ultra close shave. An advanced blend of natural ingredients builds a protective cushion between your face and razor, allowing for an irritation, nick and cut free shave. This natural shaving cream for men is not meant to be used with a brush. Daily Strengthening Shampoo: If used daily on medium length hair, this bottle will last approximately 45 days. Our Daily Strengthening Shampoo for men is the to create stronger, fuller hair through a unique combination of natural ingredients. Gentle natural cleansers also provide a deep cleansing experience for a ﬂake-free scalp. You'll immediately notice a difference after using this powerful, natural men's shampoo. Products range from $15 - $30 Can be purchased: Pride Factory 850 NE 13th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (954) 463-6600 or www.brickellmensproducts.com I hope this year here at SFGN we have been able to inspire you to buy something different and unique for those special people in your lives. If you have any questions about the products or items listed in this section of the gift guide please contact: justin.wyse@sfgn.com. I hope your holiday season is filled joy, laughter and good times with friends and family. Happy Holidays! 12.2.2015 •

Feature gift guide Justin Wyse

Staff Picks A

re you tired of shopping already for the Holidays or just don’t quite know what to buy someone? Well the staff of SFGN has spent some time shopping for you this year and has come up with a variety of gifts for those who enjoy electronics, clothes, accessories and even some adult fun. So with no further adieu we present the 2015 Staff Picks.

Dennis Jozefowicz – Internet Director Samsung EVO 850 250 Gig SATA III 2.5” Solid State Hard Drive $89.99 www.Amazon.com With today’s modern computers, the bottle-neck that slows you down the most is the hard drive. Probably the best upgrade you can to do for your computer is getting a solid-state hard drive. I personally got the Samsung EVO 850 to upgrade a refurbished laptop I purchased for DJ’ing, and what a HUGE difference. The technology has gotten stable enough that solidstate hard drives are as reliable as regular hard drives, and Samsung has become the leader in the ﬁeld. And boy is it fast. Booting up Windows 10 on a 2.5 GHz Intel i5 laptop is only 4-5 seconds from power-on to desktop, and opening software is instant. Cloning your existing hard drive to this SSD is super easy with included software, and a generic USB3-to-SATA adapter. (It’s sold separately, for approximately $13.) It’s made for laptops with SATA III, but it will work, and improve computers with SATA II.

Cindy Curtis – Advertising Sales Associate The Audrey – Personal Vibrator $59.99 www.PalmBeachPassion.com

Devon Woods – Administrative Assistant Rebellious Ryan $16.80 www.Amazon.com I would recommend Rebellious Ryan because of its sex-ﬂesh material, making it feel more realistic compared to your typical dildo, and the length and girth helps you hit all the right spots, for only $16.00!

Brendon Lies – Art Director Steam Link and Controller www.store.steampowered.com $49.99 For the computer game addict: Want to get your pc gamer out of the man cave and into a more family-oriented space this season? With both the Steam Link and Controller, it's now possible. Link allows your computer to transmit full screen video feed onto your favorite TV screen, while the much-anticipated Steam Controller allows unparalleled control over games. With a hepatic touch pad and a patented design, the Controller is designed for games that wouldn't otherwise function without a mouse and keyboard. This season, show the gamer in your family how much his presence in the family would be appreciated.

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John McDonald – Editor Kenneth Cole New York Side Logo Tie Clip $34.00 www.Macys.com Why do people need tie clips? Well, for starters it keeps your business professional look in place on those windy days. It also adds an element of class and air of sophistication. Might I recommend this particular tie clip from Kenneth Cole available through Macy’s. Suit up, fellas.!

Jason Parsley – Associate Publisher Apple TV $149 – 32G $199 – 64G www.Apple.com We all love apps and so it just makes sense that apps will be the future of TV just like they’ve become such an integral part of our Smartphone experience.

Justin Wyse – Sales Manager dENiZEN by Levi’s $24.99 www.Target.com We all love to look fashionable but great fashion usually comes at a higher price. Well Levi’s has done created the perfect jean for men and women of all sizes. They have created a jean that has some give to it allowing room for the holiday growth while not compromising your jean size. They ﬁt perfectly every time and look great too. Fashion forward, priced perfect, ﬁts every budget and makes a superb holiday gift for anyone in your life.

Edwin Neimann – Advertising Sales Associate Access Denied Men’s RFID Blocking Wallet Bi-Fold Leather $48.95 www.Amazon.com (10 color choices available) If you have had your credit card compromised recently, then get this wallet. Not only will it protect your credit cards, but it's stylish too! Choose from a variety of styles and colors and get a wallet that's sexy and keeps your cards safe. Each year we try to provide you with the most current and top selling gifts available and I hope we have done that again this year. The staff at SFGN enjoys their holiday shopping so we hope these simple gifts will help make the shopping whether online or in the stores as easy as possible. We here at SFGN hope you enjoy your Holidays this year!

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Check out SFGN.com/BestOf2015 to see this year’s winners. 32

• 12.2.2015

Exp. 12/31/15

A Newsletter by Compass Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Palm Beach County @CompassCenter

@CompassCenter

@Compassglcc

Fall 2015 Winter 2014Issue Issue

MEMBERSHIP SUPPORTS COMPASS’ PROGRAMS AND SERVICES I’d like to personally thank you for your continued support of Compass Community Center. 2015 has been a historical year for the LGBT community, locally and nationally. We find ourselves in unprecedented times. I, too, was overjoyed when marriage equality spread across our Nation. As we celebrate this achievement, we must not forget the diverse needs of our community. I was born and raised in Palm Beach County. I started volunteering for Compass in 2000 and have been on the Board of Trustees since 2003. I’ve been an educator in Palm Beach County Schools for more than two decades, and I’ve seen first-hand the degree to which young people need to feel safe and respected in order to succeed academically. I spoke before the School Board on this topic as both a former bullied student and as a current educator. School district policies were amended, but trust me, there is still much work to be done.

• LGBT youth are still bullied out of schools and turned away from their homes. • LGBT people still contract HIV at disproportionate rates. • Transgender individuals still continue to experience discrimination and acts of violence every day. Compass serves approximately 50,000 people annually with a small staff of 20 and a team of dedicated volunteers. Compass provides support, education, and empowerment programming for LGBT youth, adults, families, and people living with HIV. Compass hosts more than 20 social and support groups, community education workshops, and community outreach events like World AIDS Day, PrideFest of the Palm Beaches, Stonewall Ball,

Michael Woods at PrideFest of the Palm Beaches, Photo courtesy of MW.

OUR MISSION

IN THIS ISSUE

P. 3

COMPASS An articlePRIORITIZES you should WOMEN’S HEALTH read!

P. 6

TRANSGENDER DAY OF An article you should REMEMBRANCE read!

P. 9

CASE MANAGEMENT TEAM An articleNEW you PANEL should TO INDUCTS read! AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT

11 P. 10

COMPASS’ YOUTH MENTOR An article you should PROGRAM EMBRACES THE read! ARTS

Sincerely, J. Michael Woods, M.Ed. Treasurer, Board of Trustees

www.CompassGLCC.com | 561.533.9699 12.2.2015 • 33

EXTRAORDINARY CHARITIES HIGHLIGHTS COMPASS Extraordinary Charities selected Compass as one of the Extraordinary Charities in Palm Beach County and will be featured in the 2016 Directory for Charitable Giving, unveiling this November. Founded by Beverlee Miller Raymond and her husband, John Raymond, Extraordinary Charities is a Palm Beach based nonprofit organization devoted to raising awareness of Palm Beach County charities who perform exceptional work. The Directory is an informative resource for anyone who wants to support organizations that are building a stronger, more cohesive community. Now on its 4th annual publication, the 2016 Directory for Charitable Giving is distributed to thousands of high networth individuals, small foundations, philanthropic advisors and others who wish to be more knowledgeable when making contributions with assurance that their gifts will have a significant positive impact. “We are honored to be part of the Directory for Charitable Giving this year”, said Tony Plakas, Compass’ CEO, “Private contributions enhance Compass’ funded programs by providing financial resources held outside of the scope of our funded, direct service programs.” To learn more about Extraordinary Charities, visit www.extraordinary-charities.org

Extraordinary Charities founder, Beverlee Miller with Compass’ CEO Tony Plakas and Chief of Staff, Ryanmarie Rice

SFGN READERS VOTE COMPASS BEST NON PROFIT Compass is honored and thrilled to be voted Best Non-Profit in Palm Beach County by the readers of the South Florida Gay News. More than twenty-seven years ago, a small group of dedicated volunteers founded Compass in an effort to educate, connect, and serve the LGBT community. The commitment to Compass’ mission, not only by the staff and board of trustees, but by our volunteers, motivates Compass to better serve our community, year after year. Compass’ PrideFest of the Palm Beaches was also named Best LGBT Event of the Year. Our very own Julie Seaver was named LGBT Activist of the Year. We could not be more proud of our team or more grateful to the community who voted in SFGN’s Best of 2015 competition!

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COMPASS IS CERTIFIED FOR EXCELLENCE Compass is Certified for Excellence in Nonprofit Management for the tenth consecutive year, by Nonprofits First®. The Certification process requires agencies to meet or exceed over 875 standards including nonprofit administration, board governance, finance, strategic planning, risk management, charitable solicitation, human resources, and volunteer management. Certification stands to reassure community members and stakeholders in Compass’ demonstrated accountability, sustainability, and commitment to excellence.

@CompassCenter

@Compassglcc

COMPASS PRIORITIZES WOMEN’S HEALTH Compass hosted the inaugural Women’s Health Conference for Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender women in Palm Beach County on Saturday, November 7, 2015. Lesbian and Bisexual women, specifically, are at increased risk for developing some cancers, including breast and ovarian cancers, and are statistically less likely to get routine health screenings. This conference was designed to address the unique and diverse needs of women in our community. “More often than not, women lean toward the caregiver role, putting the needs of their loved ones before their own,” said Tony Plakas, Compass’ CEO, “We want LBT women to join us in this initiative to prioritize women’s health.” The conference, sponsored by Empty Closet Women’s Theater, offered a full day of breakout sessions, health & wellness vendors, a networking lunch, and dynamic keynote address by Lillian Tamayo, CEO of Planned Parenthood of South, East, and North Florida. Breakout sessions included Nutrition, Healthy Relationships, Sex, Meditation 101, Breast Health, Natural Path: Symptomless Menopause, Hormone Replacement Therapy, and Technology & Your Health. “I used to say that in order to balance the stresses of work and family, I make sure to check myself off my to-do list first,” Ryanmarie Rice, Compass’ Chief of Staff explained during opening remarks, “But somewhere along the line, the to-do list got too long and I stopped prioritizing myself. Today, I ask you to join me in prioritizing our health. Put yourself back on your to-do list.” More than 150 women attended the inaugural conference, making the commitment to put their own health back on their to-do lists.

For more information about the Women’s Health Initiative, contact compass@compassglcc.com. For information about the Empty Closet Women’s Theater, visit: http://www.emptyclosetwomenstheater.com/

Women’s Health Conference: Let’s Talk About Sex presentation by Planned Parenthood of South, East, and North Florida , Photo courtesy of Adrienne Percival

Women’s Health Conference: Nutrition Presentation by Health Coach, Daryl Hall, Photo courtesy of Adrienne Percival

Women’s Health Conference: Health & Wellness Vendor Lounge, Photo courtesy of Adrienne Percival

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COMPASS REACHES TEENS COUNTYWIDE Amanda Canete, Youth Program Coordinator As we head into Compass’ 4th year facilitating Wyman’s Teen Outreach Program® (TOP®), it is important to reflect on all that has been accomplished. Wyman was founded in 1898 in St. Louis, Missouri with the original purpose of providing children in sweltering residences with fresh air, nutritional food, and outdoor activities. The Teen Outreach Program® is an evidencebased curriculum that empowers teens with the tools and opportunities needed to avoid risky behaviors and become leaders with a powerful vision for their future. TOP has the ability to inspire community-level change through community service learning opportunities and dramatically reduce teen pregnancy and high school dropout rates. The teens of Compass’ Teen Outreach Program® have completed over 500 community service hours this past year that directly affected the local community. One of the biggest impacts that TOP delivers is providing a variety of opportunities to not

only the teens that come to Compass but, the teens that are in TOP clubs at their middle and high schools. Through our partnership with Wyman and Planned Parenthood of South, East and North Florida, Compass provides youth empowerment programming within Palm Beach County Schools to students who otherwise would not have access to Compass or our services. Having the capability to go into public schools and cultivate a sense of community, leadership, equality, and compassion is something we only dreamt about 24 years ago when Compass first received funding to provide services to LGBT youth and families. I have seen TOP clubs make a significant impact on many young people’s lives and am excited for the next generation of future leaders. For more information about Compass’ Youth Program, contact youth@compassglcc.com

THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

Compass Staff with MCC of the Palm Beaches Bill Meissner Food Pantry volunteers Photo Courtesy of Wanesco Images

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Compass’ Pride Business Alliance November mixer took place at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach on Wednesday, November 18, 2015. Compass hosts a traveling business mixer as part of its Pride Business Alliance, each month. The Pride Business Alliance, formed in 2005, was founded with the initial goal of providing the community with a safe directory of LGBT-owned and LGBT-friendly businesses and resources. All are welcome to attend the monthly mixers to connect with other like-minded businesses and professionals. Nearly 200 people attended the November mixer, which took place at the worldrenowned National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Compass’ Pride Business Alliance hosted a food drive to beneﬁt the Bill Meissner Food Pantry at the Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches (MCCPB). Each month, the MCC of the Palm Beaches’ Bill Meissner Food Pantry feeds 1,500 people in need. “Compass’ Pride Business Alliance members brought dozens and dozens of bags of food - enough to ﬁll 2 cars heading to the Bill Meissner food pantry at MCC of the Palm Beaches,” Adrienne Percival, Compass’ Business Development Associate noted, “We’re proud to engage our Pride Business Alliance members in supporting this tremendous resource to the community in Palm Beach County.” For more information about Compass Community Center or the Pride Business Alliance, visit www.compassglcc.com or email Adrienne@compassglcc.com

YOUTH MEMBER LEADS FOOD DRIVE TO BENEFIT COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN NEED Compass Youth Group Member, Jacob, organized a Thanksgiving food drive to beneﬁt Compass community members in need. Jacob joined efforts with the Student Government Association at Worthington High School in West Palm Beach to collect canned foods and non-perishable items to donate to families in need. “I’ve been going to Youth Group at Compass for 4 years and I love volunteering at the front desk. I’m happy to give back in any way I can, especially around Thanksgiving!” - Jacob M.

WORLD AIDS DAY: A Day With(Out) Art and Unveil World AIDS Day, observed on December 1st each year, is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988. Compass commemorates World AIDS Day, year after year, inviting community members into our center for two weeks of events surrounding the NAMES Project Foundation AIDS Memorial Quilt which will be on display December 1-11. This year, Compass is partnering with Palm Beach Opera, Voices of Pride, and the local arts community to commemorate World AIDS Day beginning with A Day With(Out) Art. On December 1st, Compass will host “A Day With(out) Art”, inviting local artists, galleries, and museum to shroud works of art with black cloth. The shrouding of art is intended to bring awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the arts community and promoting awareness of healthy practices and lifesaving resources. Local artists have submitted pieces to be displayed and shrouded in Compass’ Grand Hall during the World AIDS Day candlelight service on December 1st. Rolando

@CompassCenter

Chang Barrero, local artist and activist of Activista Artista, spearheaded this project and volunteered his time to curate this breathtaking group exhibition. On December 2nd, we will celebrate life with the Unveil: The Stigma, The Truth, The Art Reception and grand opening ceremony for the AIDS Memorial Quilt at Compass Community Center. The reception will include poignant works of art on display, opening ceremony for the AIDS Memorial Quilt, and a live performance by Palm Beach Opera. Sections of the internationally celebrated AIDS Memorial Quilt – the 54-ton, handmade tapestry that stands as a memorial to more than 94,000 individuals lost to AIDS – will be on display from December 1, 2015 - December 11, 2015. Compass hosts the largest display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in the state of Florida in observance of World AIDS Day each year.

For more information on the upcoming World AIDS Day events, contact Lorenzo@ compassglcc.com.

@CompassCenter

@Compassglcc

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Rodrigo Mendez performing at the open mic, Velvet Lenore emceeing; Photo courtesy of Wanesco Images

TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE Palm Beach Opera performing with Compass Youth, Photo courtesy of Wanesco Images

Ryanmarie Rice, Chief of Staff Transcendence, Compass’ Transgender Youth Group, invited Palm Beach County Gender Support to commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance, observed annually on November 20, 2015. The evening included a candlelight vigil and calling of the names of the 22+ Transgender individuals who were murdered in acts of antitransgender violence in the last year alone. Following a moment of silence, Jamie of Transcendence Youth Group joined Palm Beach Opera in a moving performance from the opera, As One, written by Kimberly Reed and Mark Campbell. The piece, “Out of Nowhere”, explores personal and global violence against Transgender individuals. Emcee, Velvet Lenore, opened the stage for poetry, storytelling, music, empowerment, and healing. It was a powerful evening, attended by more than 100 Trans community members and their allies. “Love yourself. The most important relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself. If you have that, nothing else matters,” Velvet urged the crowd, inspiring once-bystanders to take the stage and share their truth. PBC Gender Support performing a play by Mildred Smith; Photo courtesy of Wanesco Images.

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SCHOOL DISTRICT PROCLAIMS OCTOBER LGBT HISTORY MONTH Photo courtesy of the Palm Beach County School District

For the third consecutive year, Compass Youth received the School District’s Proclamation of LGBT History Month on October 21, 2015. While it was a great honor for the youth to receive the proclamation, they look forward to continued progress in improving school climate for LGBTQ students. The School District’s proclamation validates that Palm Beach County supports Compass and LGBT youth. On behalf of the community, we extend our appreciation to the School District of Palm Beach County.

Photo courtesy of Jackie Garetano

Compass Youth, Jacob thanks the School Board of Palm Beach County: “Your recognition of LGBT History Month sends the message to students that we don’t have to be divided by gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or social class. This ties us together as one. Thank you.” Photo courtesy of Jackie Garetano

Live Performance by Palm Beach Opera Unveiling of group exhibition and opening for the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Compass Community Center 201 N. Dixie Highway Lake Worth, FL 33460 compass@compassglcc.com

Compass Youth, Mariah Rivera, addresses the School Board, stating, “Education regarding LGBT issues and history is still severely lacking in today’s school curriculum. People like Karl Heinrich Ulrich, Edith Windsor, and Laverne Cox deserve a place in our textbooks.”

@CompassCenter

DECEMBER

2ND

2015

7-9PM

Group exhibition curated by Rolando Chang Barrero

@Compassglcc Page 7 | CompassGLCC.com | 561.533.9699

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CASE MANAGEMENT TEAM INDUCTS NEW PANEL TO AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT On World AIDS Day, Compassâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Case Management team will induct a new panel to the AIDS Memorial Quilt to honor and commemorate community members who have died in the last year. The Case Management team formed a committee of staff and community members who have been working on the handmade quilt panel since October. The induction ceremony will take place on December 1st at Compass Community Center during the World AIDS Day, A Day With(Out) Art ceremony, 6:30-8:00pm. Established in 1987, The AIDS Memorial Quilt is composed of more than 48,000 individual 3 x 6 foot panels, each one commemorating the life of someone who has died of AIDS. These panels come from every state in the nation, every corner of the globe and they have been sewn by hundreds of thousands of friends, lovers and family members into this epic memorial, the largest piece of ongoing community art in the world. By revealing the humanity behind the statistics, the AIDS Memorial Quilt helps teach compassion, triumphs over taboo, stigma and phobia; and inspires individuals to take direct responsibility for their own well-being and that of their family, friends and community.

For more information about Case Management at Compass, visit: http://www.compassglcc.com

@CompassCenter

@Compassglcc

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COMPASS’ YOUTH MENTOR PROGRAM EMBRACES THE ARTS Katherine Murphy, Center Programming Coordinator The Compass Mentor Program launched a new year of programming in October and will continue an Arts and Culture focus—providing teens with the opportunity to experience local shows and exhibits. We maintain a partnership with the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the PEAK Program, and will attend four of their fantastic shows this season. We have a special relationship with Palm Beach Opera for Rehearsal 101 and Opera OUT Loud. Launched in March 2015, Opera OUT Loud explores operatic works that highlight LGBTQ themes and issues, and celebrates contributions to opera made by LGBTQ individuals and affirming companies. Opera Out Loud came to fruition after Compass’ Mentor Program attended a field trip to Palm Beach Opera’s Rehearsal 101. During a discussion with Dr. Jourdan Laine Howell, Education and Community Engagement Manager for Palm Beach Opera, one of the youth noted that the piece was heteronormative and, thus, hard to relate to. This comment inspired Dr. Howell to launch a pilot project with Compass’ Youth Mentor Program - a project which has gained national recognition. Opera OUT Loud was featured in the most recent edition of Opera America Magazine. Dr. Jourdan Laine Howell, had this to say: “You connect people to opera by finding stories that are accessible, relatable, and personal...and you keep them engaged by giving them a sense of ownership over their own experience.”

Compass Youth, Photo courtesy of Opera Out Loud

When the group read “As One” by Kimberly Reed and Mark Campbell they were touched by a particular aria, “Out of Nowhere” as it explores personal and global violence against transgender individuals. Through Dr. Howell the youth were able to connect with Ms. Reed and received a personal letter from her: “Mark and I would be honored to know that studying a piece we created played even a small part in each of you reaching your ideal. Thank you for paying such close attention to our work” The aim of the Compass Mentor Program is to embolden our youth, to help develop their sense of belonging, promote pride, and show them the many opportunities that await them in college and the professional world. In addition to our arts and culture programming, tutors mentor teens after school at the Compass Youth Drop-In Center. Compass Youth, Photo courtesy of Opera Out Loud

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We are currently accepting applications for local professionals to become mentors. For more information, email katherine@compassglcc.com.

GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES AT COMPASS BOOK CLUB - This social group is dedicated on discussing books relating to gratitude. Meets every Wednesday at 6:30 pm. BROTHASSPEAK - This discussion group is dedicated to issues for and about black gay men. Meets every Wednesday at 7 pm.

Are you a member of Compass? There are a ton of member perks and 8 different levels of membership. Your annual membership contributions help Compass provide much needed services to diverse clientele throughout Palm Beach County.

For more information about membership, visit www.compassglcc.com

COMING OUT - All ages coming out support group. Meets every Thursday at 6:30 pm. M-BOYZ OF ENTOURAGE - Join the movers and shakers of Entourage (ages 18 to 29). Meets every Friday at 5 pm PBC GENDER SUPPORT - All ages support group dedicated for transgender individuals. Meets 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 7 pm. PFLAG - Parents, families and friends of lesbian and gays. Meets the second Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. POSITIVE CONNECTION - Group for and about HIV+ Men. Meets every Tuesday at 6:30pm. An opportunity for men to get together, learn and support each other. Closed group, please call 561-324-1626. QUEER ALTERNATIVES - Social group for all LGBTQ ages 18 to 29. Meets every Friday at 5 pm. For more information and outings information email ernie@compassglcc.com. TRANS YOUTH GROUP - This support group is for transgender youth ages 12 - 19 years old. Meets 1st & 3rd Friday of every month at 5 pm. For more details contact Katherine Murphy at katherine@compassglcc.com YOUTH GROUP - This Social and Support Group is dedicated for LGBTQ youth ages 12-18 years old. Meets every Wednesday and Friday at 5 pm. FTM SUPPORT GROUP - This support group focuses on the needs of the FTM Transgender community and meets every 2st and 3rd Monday of the month.

A NIGHT OF REMEMBRANCE RECEPTION

NAMES PROJECT AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT PANEL INDUCTION OF COMMUNITY MAMBERS THAT WE HAVE LOST

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HIV TESTING HOURS AT COMPASS Mondays & Thursdays 4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Hepatitis A & B Vaccinations, Hepatitis C & Syphilis Testing, Tetanus Shots & Flu Shots (seasonal) 1st Thursday of each month

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MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Membership and contributions enhance Compass’ funded programs by providing ﬁnancial resources for community center activities and special events held outside of the scope of our funded, direct service programs.

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS __ __ __ __ __ __ __

$35 $100 $250 $750 $1,500 $2,500 $5,000

Member Supporter Community Advocacy Legacy Leader Vitality

Name:____________________________________________ Phone Number:___________________Birthday __________ Email Address: ____________________________________ Billing Address: ____________________________________ City:______________________ State:_____ Zip:_________ Name as you would like it to appear in all published materials, plaques and signs: _________________________________________________ I would like to remain anonymous I am interested in quarterly or monthly payments, please contact me to set that up.

METHOD OF PAYMENT Checks enclosed payable to Compass Visa | MasterCard | Discover | American Express Card #:______________________________Exp: _ _ / _ _ Signature:_____________________ CCV Code: _________ Mail completed form to: Compass | Attn: Membership 201 N. Dixie Hwy. Lake Worth, FL 33460 Questions? 561.533.9699 or compass@compassglcc.com

@CompassCenter

@Compassglcc

COMPASS COMMUNITY CENTER 201 North Dixie Highway Lake Worth, FL 33460 Phone 561.533.9699 | Fax 561.586.0635 Compassglcc.com | Compass@Compassglcc.com

HOURS OF OPERATIONS Community Center Hours Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Fridays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturdays 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. David Bohnett CyberCenter Hours Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Fridays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Rapid HIV Testing Hours Mondays & Thursdays 4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. First Thursday of the month the Department of Health provides Hepatitis A & B Vaccinations, Hepatitis C & Syphilis Testing, Tetanus Shots & Flu Shots (seasonal)

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Gazette Wilton Manors

Volume 2 • Issue 23 December 2, 2015

Twice-Monthly Neighborhood Outlook

Community Business

City Applies For $3 Million in Grants for Roadway Improvements By Michael d’Oliveira

As city officials hope to get state officials to narrow Wilton Drive and pay for it, they want the same with Northeast 26 Street and Northwest 29 Street. On Nov. 24, commissioners voted to apply for $3 million in grants to make roadway improvements to both streets – Northeast 26 Street from Five Points to Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale and Northwest 29 Street from Andrews Avenue to Powerline Road. The city is partnering with Fort Lauderdale on the Northeast 26 Street grant because a portion of the project is in Fort Lauderdale. In two grants to the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization [MPO], each at $1.5 million, the city requests that both streets be narrowed and bicycle lanes added. Safety median islands are part of the Northeast 26 Street request “when feasible.” The city is applying for the grants under the MPO’s Complete Streets program, defined by the MPO as “a street where the entire right of way is planned, designed,

and operated for all modes of transportation and all users regardless of age or ability. Pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motorists of all ages and abilities must be able to safely move along and across a complete street. Complete streets make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, catch the bus, and bike to work.” If approved, the grants would be awarded in 20192020. Paul Rolli, president of the Central Neighborhood Association, said improvements to the streets are necessary or else “our roads are just going to be thoroughfares.” Resident Paul Kuta disagreed. “I think we are losing all common sense in supporting the Complete Streets program for narrow roads in our city. Our priority in transportation planning should be to ensure that people and emergency responders can drive to and from work, shopping, schools and emergencies safely and expeditiously.”WMG

Bike Drive to Give “Shiny New” Presents to Children

Charity

By Michael d’Oliveira

Like a dedicated elf, Bob Gagnon has assembled a small fleet of bicycles every December for the last five years. He doesn’t get paid but he knows the bicycles will go to needy children, and that’s payment enough. “At 71 years old, I’ve had a good life and it’s time for me to pay back the society where I got the good life from. It’s just a good deed.” The bikes are for Nick Berry’s annual Bike Drive for Kids In Distress. For the last six years, Barry, with the help of those giving him bicycles, has donated them to local children for Christmas. “It started as just a reason to have a party and it just grew,” said Berry, co-owner of Courtyard Café and Rumors Bar and Grill. “The first year we got seven bikes. Last year we had 204. We’re hoping to break that record. I’m just over 100 right now.” This year, he’ll be giving the bicycles to Kids In Distress, the Children’s Diagnostic Center, the Wilton Manors Police Department, for its bike safety event, and one or two other organizations.

“We try to spread it around . . . to keep it within the city.” Along with bicycles, which can be ordered online and shipped to Barry’s house, monetary donations are also accepted. Those who donate money or bikes are invited to the party he throws every year to thank donors. Choosing to donate bikes stems back to Barry’s own Christmas memories. “I remember when I was a kid living out in the country outside Detroit. I remember getting my shiny new bicycle. It feels good to know we can give a couple hundred shiny new heart-warming presents to people who have less than we have. It just makes me feel good. It just really brings a whole different community together.” Bikes and monetary donations are tax deductible. WMG To make a donation, call Berry at 954-805-1195. Individuals who want to attend the donor party must RSVP by Dec. 10.

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

December 2, 2015

12.2.2015 •

Opinion

Life’s Just Better Here… Gazette Wilton Manors

DECEMBER 2, 2015 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 23 2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305

By Sal Torre Last week our City Commission adopted the new city tagline, “Life’s just better here.” Frequent readers of this column will know that I have been advocating this tagline throughout the past year by ending each article with some form of this phrase. I was very happy to see the Mayor and City Commissioners decide to keep the word, ‘just,’ in the tagline, especially after the presenters from Conceptual Communications thought the word “just” was too braggadocious. Wow, you have to love it when someone pulls a word like braggadocious out of our dusty vocabulary chest. As my mind tried to register what the gentleman had just said, I suddenly heard Julie Andrews singing “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, um diddle, diddle diddle, um diddle aye.” Snapping back to reality, I listened to the discussion of the word “just” and the tagline as a whole. Conceptual Communications claimed that the word ‘just’ implied bragging in a cocky or arrogant way, thus their use of braggadocious. Commissioner Green stated that Wilton Manors has a lot to truly brag about as a city, and that keeping the word ‘just’ was a good thing. Commissioners agreed and voted unanimously to adopt the tagline as it was originally chosen by focus groups and others –“Life’s Just Better here….” Bravo, well done!! Reflecting about all we have to brag about, I noticed many residents and those affiliated with organizations located here in Wilton Manors listed in the Florida Agenda’s, “Top 100 LGBT Movers and Shakers in the Sunshine State.” Those named includes two of Wilton Manors’ elected officials, Mayor Gary Resnick and Commissioner Justin Flippen. Surprisingly absent from the list are our other two LGBT elected officials, Commissioners Tom Green and Julie Carson. Commissioner Carson was the first openly lesbian official to be elected in Broward County. She has been a champion for the transgender community, fighting for equal benefits for all, and requiring all companies that do business with the city offer the same. In September, Commissioner Carson received Equity Florida’s Community Partner for Equality Award, and honored by Congresswoman Lois Frankel. Commissioner Tom Green was an early champion of LGBT rights here in Broward County and throughout Florida and continues to be an active advocate today. He was an original member of the Tuesday Night Meetings, an organization which became

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

Historic Richardson House. Facebook. the Dolphin Democrats, now the leading and oldest LGBT Democratic Club in Florida. Perhaps in a rush to include nightclub and business owners who earn lots of money from our community, the Florida Agenda forgot to include our two Commissioners and many others throughout the State of Florida who contribute so much to the LGBT community. The Top 100 are almost entirely from South Florida and the Orlando area, leaving many activist and community leaders from places such as Jacksonville, Pensacola, Tampa/St. Pete, and Gainesville excluded from the list. Looking ahead to next year, the Florida Agenda would do better in limiting their scope to the Movers and Shakers of South Florida or decide to look further north than the I-4 corridor. Big thanks go out to all of the Top 100! Coming back to Wilton Manors, we are fast approaching the end of a very good year for our city. We move ahead to 2016 with new leadership under City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson. Andrews Avenue will be a main focus now that the recent zoning study is completed. Complete Streets projects along Powerline Road, NW 29th Street, NE 26th Street and hopefully Wilton Drive will begin or be approved by the MPO in the coming year. The Business Improvement District along Wilton Drive is up and running. Our neighborhood associations are active and working together to bring about necessary improvements throughout our city. Property values remain vigorous, along with a strong financial future for our city. Our recreational facilities, programs, and local library offer much for residents to brag about. So let’s enjoy the Holiday Season and get ready to move ahead to 2016, where we will find many more reasons to brag about Wilton Manors, ‘cause, Life’s JUST better here…!!! WMG

Community

City Votes to Decriminalize By Michael d’Oliveira Marijuana

Following in the footsteps of Broward County, Wilton Manors commissioners unanimously voted to decriminalized marijuana possession. On Nov. 24, commissioners approved a civil citation program for those caught with 20 grams of marijuana or less. The citation program will only be used if no other crimes were associated with the possession. A first offense means a fine of $100, a second $250 and a third $500. When the third offense occurs the person charged with possession must go through a mandatory substance abuse assessment. The county has identical fines. Like the county, which approved its citation program in October, anyone found possessing marijuana a fourth time in Wilton Manors will be subject to arrest and imprisonment if convicted. Commissioner Julie Carson said the citation program would allow police to “focus on other things.” When commissioners began discussing the citation program earlier this year it was thought that marijuana arrests might be costing the city a significant amount of money and officer time. A report issued by the police found no significant cost in time or money to the city

regarding marijuana arrests. The average time officers spend per arrest transporting suspects to the main jail in Downtown Fort Lauderdale is between 40 and 60 minutes. So far this year, 124 individuals were arrested for marijuana in the city; 102 were given notices to appear in court and 22 were physical arrests. Commissioners argued that decriminalization was important to keep people from having their lives ruined. “Something very, very minor ruins lives,” said Mayor Gary Resnick. Drug convictions can lead to a loss in public benefits as well as employment opportunities. And although Wilton Manors doesn’t spend a lot of money on the issue, the ACLU found that states spent $3.6 billion last year enforcing marijuana laws. The ACLU also found that 52 percent of drug-related arrests were for marijuana. Commissioner Justin Flippen wanted to institute mandatory drug treatment after the first offense but the rest of the commission objected, saying that it would be a form of additional punishment.

Editorial

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

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NATALYA JONES • JOHN MCDONALD • JAMES OAKSUN

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

Associated Press

Flippen said he wanted to institute the treatment program sooner to prevent offenders from getting to the third citation. “It doesn’t mean you have a substance abuse problem,” Resnick said. Commissioners will hold a final vote on the program at their Dec. 8 meeting. WMG

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December 2, 2015

Tis The Season To Be… Selling?

Real Estate Geek

By James Oaksun Do Realtors in Wilton Manors ever have a slow season? Sometimes it seems like all we do is work, cell phones (or Bluetooth headsets) glued to us. Other times complaints are heard about how “slow” business is. A couple columns ago I suggested this might

be a good time to list property, especially given uncertainties headed into 2016. Recent events have only added to unease. I think the unstated assumption among most of my colleagues is that November and December are quiet. Realtors are entitled to holidays too, you know. We have friends and

3 •

family members who enjoy our company (most of us, anyway). But has that historically been the case? I took a quick look at listing dates and selling dates for the full years 2012, 2013 and 2014 to see if any identifiable pattern emerged. For listing property, and I guess it caught me a bit off guard, the month of May has had a disproportionate number of new listings. I suspect a reason for this had been the strong market in the 201214 period. Valuations were going up, and people saw neighbors selling quickly at good prices and were trying to capitalize. Some of those who waited until May to list, got a quick hit – a sale at season end. But many may have not been in a hurry to sell, or may have just been testing the waters. October and January also were popular listing times – October perhaps to beat the season start, and January after the holidays have ended. Traditionally the months of March, April and May have had the most closings. However, it's not like business grinds to a

December 2, 2015

halt with the departure of the snowbirds. Generally, sales run about 20 percent higher than baseline in high season, and 20 percent lower in quieter months. In other words, it's always a little bit busy. Where are we now, business wise? Closings have definitely quieted and will likely stay quieter until March 1. December is a slow listing month, but a slightly higher than average closing month as people wrap up transactions for year-end. Something of which you may not be aware – of all the homes that have come onto the market in Wilton Manors the last three years or so, 40 percent did not sell in the initial listing contract period. I will be exploring the reasons for that in the coming weeks.WMG James Oaksun, Broward's Real Estate GeekSM, is a Realtor with the Wilton Manors office of RE/MAX Preferred. In addition to having degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a graduate of the Realtors Institute (GRI).

12.2.2015 •

Community

Government

“Life’s Just Better Here” City chooses tagline By Michael d’Oliveira For all tourists and would-be residents, Wilton Manors has a message: “Life’s Just Better Here.” Those four words make up the city’s official tagline and will be used to attract residents, tourism and business. At the Nov. 24 commission meeting, Conceptual Communications, the city’s public relations and marketing firm, rolledout the tagline. It was the product of months of work and multiple sessions with the public to get feedback. At the meeting, Conceptual Communications presented “Life is Better Here.” “Where Diversity is Celebrated” and “Experience the Unique Side of Paradise”

were the second and third most popular choices. Martin Gould, representative for Conceptual Communications, said “Life is Just Better Here” was the most popular choice but some residents felt the “Just” was too braggadocious and so it was removed before being presented to city officials. “I want to be braggadocious,” Commissioner Tom Green said. In the end, commissioners tweaked the public’s favorite choice and went with “Life’s Just Better Here.” Now, it will be incorporated into the city’s efforts to market itself to tourists, potential residents and those who are looking for shopping, dining and nightlife. WMG

Parking Solutions Will Be Expensive

City may take out more loans, BID supports reducing Wilton Drive By Michael d’Oliveira

Business

Citizens Police Academy, Island City University Taking Applications By Michael d’Oliveira Wilton Manors Police Dept. Facebook.

Residents and business owners in Wilton Manors who want to learn more about how the city and police department function have their opportunity. Applications are now being accepted for the 10-week Citizens Police Academy and six-week Island City University. Nonresidents can apply but space is limited. The police course will include the areas of code compliance, drug enforcement, K-9, detective bureau, special investigations, community policing, traffic enforcement, a ride along with patrol officers and more. Applicants must be 18 years or older. Classes will be held from Jan. 28 to March 31.

Commissioner Justin Flippen is a graduate of the program and touted its “civic benefit” earlier in the year. “This is just a great tool for building relationships between law enforcement and residents.” Although the Citizens Police Academy has existed for years, this is the inaugural year for Island City University. Like its police counterpart, the program will allow individuals to learn about the various city departments, including the fire department, and how they operate. Classes will be held from March 30 to May 10. WMG

To apply for Island City University, contact City Clerk Kathryn Sims at ksims@wiltonmanors.com or 954-390-2123. To apply for the Citizens Police Academy, email info@wmpd.org or call 954-390-2162.

As a built-out city, the only way to provide more parking for Wilton Drive is by purchasing land. So far, officials have done it twice before using money obtained through a $1.1 million loan in 2011. Now, with that loan spent, officials have begun discussing the possibility of more loans. “Available land is scarce and not cheap,” said Bob Mays, finance director, at the parking workshop on Nov. 17. Recently, the city bought an empty lot behind Bona Pizza at Northeast 23 Drive and Northeast 11 Avenue for $447,879. Once developed into a paved lot, the land will provide between 18 and 24 spaces. Possibly more depending on landscaping and other design requirements. Estimates on the cost to pave are between $180,000 and $240,000. The other city lot, at Northeast 8 Terrace and Northeast 26 Street, is 42 spaces and cost $788,000. Mays estimates that parking revenue would generate about $2.1 million in profit over the next six years or $340,000 per year. The city can leverage that revenue to obtain another loan. Mays suggested two possible amounts – a $1 million loan funded by an annual payment of $100,000 or a $3 million funded by an annual payment of $300,000. Mays said he would work with Lanier, the city’s parking firm, to study the Wilton Drive parking situation and bring the issue back to the commission in February. “This is exactly what I was looking for. I’m tired of hearing myself talk about this [parking problem],” Vice Mayor Scott Newton said. That money could be used to buy more land for surface parking, build a parking

garage or fund some other kind of parking solution. Other suggestions include hiring a valet service, an idea that was tried already and failed, and using a shuttle to convey people up and down the street. Reducing Wilton Drive could also generate more parking by adding spaces on the sides. But the lane reduction will probably only happen if the Florida Department of Transportation grants a city request to narrow the road. Commissioners have said they are hesitant to make significant changes to the road if the city has to foot the bill. On Nov. 16, the Wilton Drive Business Improvement District [BID] board unanimously voted to support the lane reduction. The BID is made up of seven members who will make recommendations to the commission concerning changes and improvements to the street. But spaces along Wilton Drive, similar to Las Olas Boulevard, is still years away and Commissioner Tom Green said the city needs to act now. “We can’t wait for two lanes.” To build a garage, possibly on the city hall parking lot, the city may have to form a public private partnership with a developer. In the past, the city has explored public-private partnerships to build a garage and mixed-use projects at the site, but did not proceed. But a garage at city hall, the south end of the street, may not solve the parking problems at the north or central portions. Some would prefer to build multiple surface parking lots at various locations up and down the street. “People just don’t want to go very far [when they park],” said Robert Katz, Wilton Drive business owner and member of the BID.

WMG

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• 12.2.2015

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December 2, 2015

12.2.2015 â&#x20AC;¢

Feature gift guide

Mikey Rox’s Ultimate Guide to Gay Gift Giving 2015 Mikey Rox

ay who has G e th t e g hat do you ake your pick from T everything? gift ideas, perfect for y a these holid nturers and more. ve s, techies, ad LGBT foodie

EROVER Great Scott! It’s not the Hoverboard Zemeckis and Mattel promised us back in 1989, but EROVER isn’t a bad compromise. This hands-free, Segway-like self-balancing scooter boasts speeds up to nine miles per hour and a distance of nine to 12 miles on a single charge. From $250, Amazon.com

Mahabis Slippers Available in classic and summer styles, Mahabis has reinvented the traditional slipper with detachable, customizable soles; collapsible heels; and an impossibly soft sheep’s wool lining for a sleek, Instagram-ready footwear experience designed with your fashionable little piggies in mind. $89, Mahabis.com

Somabar Robotic Bartender This app-controlled robotic bartender takes up about as much counter space as your standard KitchenAid mixer while letting you create cocktails and infuse bitters with the ease and effortlessness of a bottle-tossing Brian Flanagan. $429, SomeBarKickStarter.com

Mellow

Ridge Merino

Restaurant-quality dining sets up shop in your home kitchen with Mellow, a WIFI-connected, sous-vide-style food-preparation device that cooks food with such precision you’ll think your hubby hid Wolfgang Puck in the pantry.

Whether you’re bombing down a dusty slope or just binge watching Netﬂix while you ‘chill,’ Ridge Merino has you covered – literally – with its line of moisture-wicking, UV-protecting, cold-weather undergarments that keep your body covered and comfortable despite the elements.

$399, CookMellow.com

Fitbit Charge HR In a sea of wearable ﬁtness devices that make claims they don’t live up to, Fitbit stands out for its streamlined design and forwardthinking functionality. Its latest incarnation, Charge HR, multitasks as a heart rate monitor, daily activity and exercise tracker, sleep monitor, and a watch with caller ID. $150, ﬁtbit.com

#LoveWins Tapestry Your pride speaks for itself with the handmade #LoveWins watercolor tapestry that looks just as great hanging on your wall as it does worn as a shawl. $79, Society6.com

Shore Projects Watches Style is of the essence in this customizable collection of watches from ‘across the pond.’ UK-based Shore Projects lets timepiece-toting dandies to choose from 14 different faces that are interchangeable with a selection of 24 straps available in a spectrum of colors and patterns, like leather, pastel, and polka dots. $260, USA.shoreprojects.com

From $25, RidgeMerino.com

Pride Collection from glassybaby Light up your holiday and pride parties with this rainbow-colored collection of hand-blown, Martha Stewart-endorsed candleholders, 10 percent of the proceeds from which are donated directly to organizations that provide ﬁnancial and emotional assistance to those in need. $264, glassybaby.com

Coolest Cooler A high-performance blender, outdoor Bluetooth speaker with Party Pairing, USB charger, LED lid light, bottle opener, accessory deck, and other awesome integrated essentials will make you the token LGBT P-I-M-P of your next Sunday morning tailgate party. $485, coolest.com

BB-8 Droid Star Wars fever got the jump-off earlier this year when video of BB8, Sphero’s app-enabled droid, starting rolling around on YouTube, and social media blew up with anticipation for the most adorable robot since Wall-E. Features include voice recognition, the ability to record and play back holographic videos, autonomous behavior, and an adaptive personality that’ll make you hope the Force is with you. $150, Apple.com

• 12.2.2015

Feature gift guide

Stocking Stuffers Nerdwax Shades stay put with a couple nose-dabs of this balmy blend of beeswax and other allnatural and certiﬁed organic ingredients designed to keep sun- and eyeglasses ﬁrmly in place. $10, NerdWax.com

Loopy Cases Save your phone from those dreaded drops and cracked screens with this case that features a patented loop to make one-handed use secure and stress-free. $29, LoopyCases.com

Harry’s Shave Products Quality products at fair prices offer a better way to shave with Harry’s grooming supplies available as one-time gift items (great for Dopp kits or gym bags) or as a subscription that sends replacement products on a pre-selected schedule. From $5/month, Harrys.com

RingSafe Save yourself the heart attack of losing your engagement or wedding ring by securely fastening it to a set of keys, necklace, or other hard-tomisplace accessory.

AJ Murry’s Kentucky Bourbon Candle Scent up your hotel room, ofﬁce, man cave, or – because this is the place where its application is most appreciated – the bathroom like a southern whiskey distillery with this tin travel candle that features base notes of vetiver and cedar blended with bourbon, cognac, palmarosa, and rose. $12.50, AJmurrays.com

AlignMed Posture Shirt Start the new year with better posture with the help of Good Housekeeping-approved Align Med garments, like the Posture Shirt, engineered with patented NeuroBand technology that provides postural control and muscle activation to relieve pain, improve balance, and increase range of motion. $95, AlignMed.com

www.mh2g.com

Zipper Earbuds Why it’s taken so long to ﬁnd a solution for the ball of wires that are your headphones every time you take them out is up for debate, but these never-tangle zipper earbuds are your saving grace.

Interest FREE Financing Available! *

$25, CocalilyBoutique.com

$39.99, RingSafe.com Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world, including CNN.com, The Huffington Post, The Advocate, Instinct magazine, and Out.com, among many others. He splits his time between homes in New York City and the Jersey Shore with his dog Jaxon. Connect with Mikey on Twitter @mikeyrox.

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12.2.2015 •

Feature gift guide

Terri Schlichenmeyer

Book Guide

ou do it at least once a week, just because. It’s fun, relaxing, enlightening, and social. You love to shop… except when you have to shop for a gift for someone and you don’t know what to buy. Gah. In that case, how about a book? How about one of these books…..

COOKING / FOOD The mixologist on your list will truly enjoy “Cocktail Noir” by Scott M. Deitche, an all-things-gangster look at speakeasies, gin joints, hooch, authors who write about them, and recipes. Mystery fans will like it, too. Also look for “Best Food Writing 2015,” edited by Holly Hughes. Your foodie will love you for it. The foodie on your gift list will love this pair of memoirs about food: first, there’s “Life from Scratch” by Sasha Martin, a book about a food writer who undertook an unusual project, and how it helped her face her memories. Pair it with “Eating Viet Nam” by Graham Holliday, foreword by Anthony Bourdain. That’s the story of a man who also undertakes an unusual (and actually quite risky) project overseas. Also for the mystery fan who loves to cook: “Goldy’s Kitchen Cookbook” by mystery writer Diane Mott Davidson.

• 12.2.2015

It’s a sort-of-semi anthology of the recipes that have been featured in Davidson’s whodunits, as well as a few other dishes you can make. The only mystery is what to make first…

GENERAL NONFICTION Is there a lover of All Things Southern on your list? Then wrap up “Southern Living: 50 Years: A Celebration of People, Places, and Culture.” This heavy, huge compilation of half a century of the iconic magazine is jam-packed with photos, short articles, photos, pictures and… did I say “photos”? If Beatlemania has hit someone on your gift list, then the gift to give this year is “The Complete Beatles Songs” by Steve Turner. This large-sized book is full of lyrics from the Fab Four, as well as stories of how the songs came to be, and plenty of photos of John,

Paul, George, and Ringo. It could be the Ticket to Ride this holiday… Wrap it up with “Sex, Drugs & Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Zoe Cormier. It’s a scientific book about our impulses and what makes us par-tay! No doubt, the fashionista on your list will be overjoyed to unwrap “That’s What Fashion Is” by style-maker Joe Zee. It’s a little memoir, a little how-to, and a whole lot of ideas and gossip. What’s not to love, ‘specially when you pair it with “Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic” by Jennifer L. Scott, a genteel book on looking, dressing, and acting elegant. No doubt, there’s a MAD Magazine fiend on your list, so “Spy vs. Spy: An Explosive Celebration” from the MAD

mag folks (foreword by Lewis Black) is a can’t-miss gift. It’s absolutely filled with classic cartoons, posters, and everything you loved about that gleefully revenge-filled cartoon. If you can, put “The Art of Horror,” edited by Stephen Jones in the box, too. It’s a huge coffee-table book jam-packed with posters, drawings, stories, and shivers.

FICTION For the historian who needs a little fiction now and then, “Viet Man” by D.S. Lliteras may be the thing to wrap up. It’s the story of a warrior, after he comes home, and the memories of battle that he struggles to forget. Wrap it up with “The Guyana Contract” by Rosalind Kilkenny McLymont, a ripped-

Feature gift guide

LGBT STUDIES If there is a young adult on your list who’s recently come out – or who knows someone who has – then “This Book is Gay” by James Dawson has answers to a lot of questions, including those from people who’ve come out already and who offer advice. It’s a quick-to-read, easily browse-able book that treats all subjects factually. Bonus: you can borrow it back if you have questions of your own… Here’s a different book that your giftee might like: “Not Gay: Sex Between Straight White Men” by Jane Ward. This book takes a look at what defines gay, for a man. Are “straight” men who flirt with men really straight? Is there a fine line in sexuality, or none at all? This is a thought-provoker, so be prepared to discuss… Do love and politics make strange bedfellows? Your giftee will know, once you’ve wrapped up “Don’t Tell Me to Wait” by Kerry Eleveld. This book, written by a former Advocate reporter, takes a hard look at the Obama administration and how the LGBT community helped change policy. If there’s someone on your list who’s fascinated by (or uninformed of) LGBTQ history, then “The Gay Revolution” by Lillian Faderman could be the best gift he (or she!) gets this holiday. This brick of a book is filled with over 700 pages of tales of the fight for basic rights and the triumphs as they happened. Wrap it up with a book that looks at another facet of LGBTQ history: “QDA: A Queer Disability Anthology,” edited by Raymond Luczak. It’s a book filled with stories – 48 of them – written by authors who explore what it’s like to be disabled and gay.

from-the-headlines thriller about a high-powered female executive whose new work assignment seems suspiciously underhanded – a feeling she especially gets when she learns that a man from her past is involved, too… No doubt, there’s a tender heart on your gift list – someone who’s always sunny and smiling. “100 Days of Happiness” by Fausto Brizzi is the book you want to give her (or him?). It’s the story of a down-and-out man who learns that he’s going to die, so he spends his last 100 days on Earth doing good for the people around him. Wrap it up with “The Best Advice in Six Words,” edited by Larry Smith. What a really great gift idea! (Count ‘em – there’s six!) How could I not include a zombie book on my gift list? There’s no way I couldn’t – so why not wrap up

“Posi+ive” by David Wellington, a post-apocalyptic novel of zombies, insane road warriors, and a new world in the making. Could your giftee resist? I think not… Wrap it up with the Young Adult novel “The Six” by Mark Alpert. It’s the story of a teen whose disease has stolen his mobility, but he’s found an alternative: a virtual world where he always wins. Problem is, so does the program…. The crime buff on your list will absolutely love unwrapping “Charlie Martz and Other Stories” by Elmore Leonard. It’s a collection of previouslyunpublished short stories, written in the early years of Leonard’s career. It’s a little bit of mystery, a little bit of western, and a whole lot of goodness. Pair it with “Bull Mountain” by Brian Panowich, a story of crime, family, honor, and moonshining…

To see more book selections for your friends and family, visit SFGN.com/2015HolidayBooks.

Out Now! PICK UP YOUR COPY ON A STAND NEAR YOU!

THEMIRRORMAG.COM

12.2.2015 •

community announcement

Facebook.

An Undersea Tribute to Life

Chris Rudisill.

Stonewall Museum Names New Director

The Neptune Reef is a unique and affordable destination to establish a lasting legacy, while creating life after life. Now being offered by

Stonewall Museum

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• 12.2.2015

tonewall National Museum & Stonewall Archives is one of the country’s Archives (SNMA), has a new largest publicly-accessible LGBT archives; Executive Director. After a national the Stonewall Library is the nation’s largest search by SNMA, Chris Rudisill has been LGBT lending library. named to the position following a vote of “Chris is a perfect fit for Stonewall, the Board of Directors of which is gaining greater the Fort Lauderdale-based prominence as the leading museum, library, archives national institution devoted "Chris... has and gallery. He assumes his to preserving and sharing the vision and role December 7, 2015. LGBT history,” said Stonewall Rudisill has been Director Board Chair Gary Bitner. “He the skillset of LGBT Community Center has the vision and the skillset to help Services of Metro Wellness to help Stonewall become a Stonewall and Community Centers of truly national organization.” Tampa Bay since 2012. In his “I look forward to become a previous role as Executive serving the greater LGBTQ truly national Director of St. Petersburg community through the organization." Pride from 2010 to 2012, he work of Stonewall National Museum & Archives, is credited with raising the preserving our history visibility, participation and - Gary Bitner and giving a voice to our funding of the festival by 31 Stonewall Board movement,” says Rudisill. percent. Chair Chris Rudisill graduated In his new role at cum laude with a Bachelor Stonewall, Rudisill will oversee all aspects of its management, of Fine Arts from the University of North fundraising and programming, including the Carolina at Charlotte and has over 17 years Stonewall National Education Project, which of experience in the profit and not-for profit annually attracts hundreds of educators sectors. His museum experience includes and administrators to a conference that a stint at the Mint Museum of Art and the works to create safer and more productive Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Charlotte, learning environments for all students. The NC. Stonewall National Museum & Archives is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c) (3) that promotes understanding through preserving and sharing the proud culture of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their significant role in society. SFGN will do a follow-up in the coming weeks.

DS, CANDY, GREETING CARLTIES, GIFTS, BASKETS, NOVES ORIGINAL AND SO MUCH MORE

5, R1

OVE

E OR ST

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OR N A

• Huge selection of Holiday cards • Hundreds of Glass Ornaments • Over 100 types of great tasting sugar free candy • Sweets & snacks from over 90 countries

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• Tons of 2016 Calendars • Over 40 ﬂavors of soda (made with cane sugar) in glass bottles

To the Moon

2205 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

(954) 564-2987

ToTheMoonMarketplace.com

12.2.2015 •

column transforming gender

holding out for a hero Rebecca Juro

rjuroshow@gmail.com

n November 2007, a young presidential perhaps for another generation or more, on candidate named Barack Obama full federal civil rights protections for LGBT released an op-ed to LGBT media in workers. which he made this promise: In 2011, trans man and former senior “I will…place the weight of my aide to Congressman Barney Frank, Diego administration behind the enactment of Sanchez, told LGBT Weekly: the Matthew Shepard Act to “Number one, the thing outlaw hate crimes and a fully that breaks my heart the inclusive Employment Nonmost is that we did have We’re tired Discrimination Act to outlaw the votes this time. ENDA workplace discrimination on didn’t come up because of giving our the basis of sexual orientation of two things, primarily. time, money, and gender identity.” One is Healthcare, which As a Contributing Editor took so much longer, and attention for The Bilerico Project at and number two is the to elected the time it was released, like Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – the ofﬁcials who many working class LGBT thinking that it needed to Americans I was excited to see go up on the Defense Bill, forget we exist Obama make this promise to and so that when it came once safely our community, and as it did up, it went. elected to ofﬁce for many of us, it cemented my “… [B]oth Congressman support for him to become our Barney Frank and Tammy for another two next president. Baldwin do believe – and to six years. When candidate Obama we know, because we did in fact become President counted – we believe we Obama, though, things had the votes this last changed. While the fully Democratic- congress. And, we ran out of time. So the controlled Congress Obama brought with short answer is the calendar. him did eventually pass the hate crimes bill “But this time we had the votes, even with and he signed it into law, President Obama some Republican surprises to pass a fully never lifted a finger to honor the promise inclusive ENDA bill.” he’d made to our community to protect our Yes, you read that right. The Democratic right to work. Party leadership knew they had the votes Without Obama’s promised public they needed to protect all LGBT Americans support, neither chamber even brought from discrimination in the workplace for the ENDA up for a vote during the 111th first time in American history almost seven Congress. Democrats were trounced in the years ago, but they were too busy with other 2010 elections, and the window closed, things to be bothered to actually vote on it.

• 12.2.2015

And they wonder why it’s become so much more difficult to rally the LGBT community in support of their candidates today. Working class LGBT people who have been around and fighting this fight as long as I have know the truth: We’re not just angry, we’re tired. We’re tired of Democrats de-prioritizing our interests in favor of the wish list of wealthy donors. We’re tired of self-centered so-called “progressive” politicians making promises that don’t survive past the election. We’re tired of “leaders” who prioritize maximizing campaign contributions above maximizing equal rights and fair treatment for all. We’re tired of giving our time, money, and attention to elected officials who forget we exist once safely elected to office for another two to six years. We’re tired of politicians who talk a good game but fold in the clutch when it’s time to deliver on their election season rhetoric. I’m a Bernie Sanders supporter. I believe he’s the best choice to be our next president. At the same time, however, I’m also a realist. I follow the polls. I know that the GOP has no one who can secure the majority of the national vote, and I know that Bernie

Sanders, as good a candidate as he is, almost certainly isn’t going to be able to overcome his lack of support among minority voters and gun control supporters to secure the nomination. I know, barring some unforeseen major disaster, Hillary Clinton can start picking out Oval Office furnishings right now. So the question becomes not which candidate is the best choice to lead our country, but how do we ensure that President Hillary Clinton makes protecting LGBT working families against discrimination a priority for her administration, and perhaps most importantly, how do we ensure that she won’t be willing to throw transgender people under the bus (again) to facilitate securing those rights exclusively for cisgender Queers? The short answer is also the most obvious: We can’t. What we can do, however, is get her on the record on what she supports and for whom. We know she supports the Equality Act, but will she insist on transgender inclusion or would she be willing to trade away our rights to protect the wealthiest groups? Getting these answers is our challenge, and the time is now. LGBT working families can’t wait any longer for justice.

Rebecca Juro is a nationally-published freelance journalist and radio talk show host who is the Media Correspondent for The Advocate website. Her work has appeared in the Huffington Post, the Washington Blade, Gay City News, the Albany Times Union, and The Advocate magazine, among others. Rebecca lives in central New Jersey and shares her life with a somewhat antisocial cat. Email: rjuroshow@gmail.com Twitter: @beckyjuro

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n its November issue People magazine named David Beckham as the sexiest man alive. Even though he is straight he has been a good friend and supporter of the LGBT community and has integrated, absorbed, recycled and rebranded many of the aspects of the most sophisticated gay men. As David Golblatt said in his book "The Game Of Our Lives," “Beckham was an exceptional player but his genius was to take the raw material of his body and football career and convert them into a level of global coverage that no player of the era, anywhere, could match. Search engines have declared him among the most sought-after names on the internet for much of his career. His marriage to Victoria Adams, aka Posh Spice, was the master stroke, forging an alliance of pop music, fashion and soccer, combined with a faultless masculine domesticity and parenthood with a brazen

commercial exploitation of his sexuality that appealed to men and women, gays and straights and most of all to corporations." Cultural commentator Mark Simpson remarked: “unmoisturized heterosexuality had been given the pink slip by consumer capitalism. The stoic, self-denying straight male didn't shop enough. Beckham was the future. His body, tailored, tattooed, fit, and oiled, appeared everywhere from menswear departments to the cover of the gay magazine Attitude. Beckham was a true original, the first to venture into sartorial territory once deemed dangerously effeminate and comfortable with being made a gay icon. He was and is the quintessential metrosexual. He might be gay, he might be straight or bisexual, but this is utterly immaterial because he has clearly taken himself as his own love object and pleasure as his sexual preference.”

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lifestyle food

smitty's Butcher shop 1980 ne floranada, 954-771-9341 smittysmeatsandwines.com.

feasting on floranada Rick Karlin

ere’s a nice bit of trivia; Oakland Park loss of Wilton Manors’ Out of the Oven was originally named Floranada. The need only head up to Oakland Park’s 45th name is a combination of Florida and St. Bakery (1950 NE 45th St., 954-533-6747) Canada, but it didn’t last long, the town was where OOTO owners JT Threlkeld and Chris forced into bankruptcy after the hurricane of Messina have set up their new shop. The 1926. When the municipality reincorporated, larger space allows for an expanded menu residents chose to re-name it Oakland Park. of offerings. They’ve kept some of the most That information explains why a short section popular items (incredible loaves of bread, the of 45th St. is also named Floranada. But it best crumb cake in the world and the Italian doesn’t explain why there are so many spots treat, sfogliatelle) and added pizzas and an expanded assortment of pies and cakes. on that street to pick up delicious eats. Just a couple of doors down, you’ll find a One of the oldest places on that section of Floranada just east of Federal is Smitty's neighborhood diner that is also like stepping Butcher Shop (1980 NE Floranada, 954-771- back in time. Mom’s Kitchen (1940 NE 45th St., 9341 SmittysMeatSandwines.com.) Not only 954-776-7292) looks like something out of the has Smitty’s been around for more than 1970s, and I bet most of the employees have 40 years, it is the best spot to pick up prime been working there since then. The good news is that the food doesn’t and exotic meat and imported taste that old. It’s always delicacies. Readers of a certain been fresh and wellage may remember when Not only has prepared whenever I’ve butcher shop floors were dropped in, for breakfast covered in sawdust (Smitty’s Smitty’s been or lunch only, they close still is) and the folks behind the at 3 p.m. More good news, counter knew their product. around for the prices are straight out Smitty’s still has that, too! more than 40 of the 1970s as well. Don’t While the prices aren’t quite believe me? Try ordering as old-fashioned, you get good years, it is the a breakfast combo which value for your dollar. Smitty’s best spot to includes an egg, pancake, sells only the best quality sausage and bacon for meat, hand-trimmed and cut to pick up prime than $5 anywhere order. In addition to the usual and exotic meat less else! Even steak and eggs fare; beef, lamb, pork and veal, will cost you less than Smitty’s offers buffalo, bison, and imported $10. If you want to get all venison, alligator, antelope, elk, delicacies. health conscious, Mom’s boar, rabbit, quail, partridge, will even sub egg whites squab, pheasant, goose and or Egg Beaters for only 50 guinea hens, as well as Peking cents more. Not a breakfast fan? Check it out; and Muscovy duck. What else would you expect as a neighbor a deluxe cheeseburger or patty melt and fries to an old-fashioned butcher, but an old- will only set you back $6.25. Home-cooked fashioned bakery? Those who lament the style entrees are also available daily and run

• 12.2.2015

the gamut from veal Parmesan to meatloaf, all served with a couple of sides for just $7.95. Low prices and good food; a timeless combination. While not on Floranada, Tequila Sunrise (4711 N Dixie Hwy., 954-938-4473, TequilaSunrise.us) is, as real estate agents might say, “Floranada adjacent.” Tucked in the back of a little strip mall, this place is a gem. Specializing in Mexican seafood (although there are plenty of options for carnivores), the rambling, low-key eatery offers such delights as lobster enchiladas in which you’ll discover tons of tail and claw meat rolled into two corn tortillas. The enchiladas are then coated with lobster bisque and cheese and baked to bubbly goodness before being topped with a healthy dollop of fresh guacamole. There are also versions with shrimp, blue crab or a seafood medley. If you prefer your fish a little less adorned, try the mahi Veracruz, which is simply grilled and served atop a bed of tomatoes, onions, chilies and cilantro. More traditional offerings; burritos, tacos, chimichangas, and fajitas are offered with a choice of chicken, steak, ground beef or carnitas. Vegetarians can opt for a number of dishes; chili relleño, veggie burrito or something from the vegan menu. Most of the entrees are in the $10-$15 range and include rice, refried beans (vegetarian version available) and salad. The lunch special is an incredible bargain; just $5.99 for a choice of one of eight entrees and a trip to the soup and salad bar. After saving all that money, you may want to celebrate with a Margarita. Go for the top shelf version, it’s only 20¢ more. The specials aren’t limited to lunch, either. On “Taco Tuesdays” it’s all you can eat tacos for $8 and “Thirsty Thursdays” features Tequila Sunrise’s signature giant fishbowl Margarita for only $3.99 (with an entrée purchase).

45th st. Bakery 1950 ne 45th st., 954-533-6747

mom’s Kitchen 1940 ne 45th st., 954-776-7292

tequila sunrise 4711 n dixie hwy., 954-938-4473, tequilasunrise.us

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with host Varla Jean Merman Saturday, February 13, 2015 The Parker Playhouse

Only tickets purchased at stonewall-museum.org or by calling 954-763-8565 support the organization’s mission to preserve and share LGBT history.

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TELEVISION It’s that time of the year when the networks pull out all those old chestnuts like “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and “Miracle on 34th Street.” But for something different, tune in to the brand new adaptation of “The Wiz Live” tonight at 8 p.m. on NBC, starring Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, Stephanie Mills, Ne-Yo, and David Alan Grier as your favorite characters in this funky urban take on that LGBT favorite, “The Wizard of Oz.” Check you local listings for show times and channels.

FRI

12/4

EVENT Head down to Huizenga Plaza in downtown Fort Lauderdale tonight for Chillounge, a unique and fascinating outdoor lounge party sponsored by Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. The evening will showcase live band performances from local artists, pyrotechnics, a dazzling fashion show along with a captivating daybed parade, a colorful Brazilian Samba Troupe and the graceful AeroSphere arial balloon performances hovering above. Tickets start at $25 at Chilloungenight.com.

An aerialist hangs from a balloon high above Chillounge revelers. The unique outdoor party comes to Fort Lauderdale on Friday. Photo Credit: Cirque du Chill.

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12/5 SUN

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12/8

THEATER

LITERATURE

FILM

THEATER

Arts Radio Network Theatre Project presents a live radio-style performance of Frank Capra's holiday masterpiece, “It's a Wonderful Life,” complete with live sound effects, an original score and a cast of truly "wonderful" actors who bring the small town of Bedford Falls to life. The production recreates George Bailey's heartwarming Christmas Eve journey in the Abdo Room at the Broward Center on Friday, Dec. 4 and tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at BrowardCenter.org.

Five years ago, Stonewall Library and Museum made a home for GayWrites, a group of gay, lesbian and transgender writers that meets weekly to read and critique each other’s work. Members have published short stories and book reviews in magazines, produced plays, and self published novels. Today at 2 p.m. at the Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive, GayWrites members will showcase their best works. Free, refreshments provided. Information at Stonewall-Museum.org.

Oscar nominated filmmaker Amy Berg examines the meteoric rise and untimely fall of one of the most revered and iconic rock ‘n’ roll singers of all time, Janis Joplin, in a powerful documentary screening this week at Cinema Paradiso Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. “Janis: Little Girl Blue” reveals the singer’s life through concert and personal footage, interviews with friends and family and rare personal correspondence. For show times and tickets, go to ParadisoCinemas.com.

C’mon everybody, let’s get kinky! The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein, “Kinky Boots,” comes to Miami’s Arsht Center for one week only beginning tonight (and hits the Broward Center for a longer run next year). Sing and dance along with the fierce, loveable drag queens who teach the owner and workers of a failing British shoe factory what it means to be true to yourself. Performances tonight through Sunday, Dec. 13. Tickets at ArshtCenter.org.

• 12.2.2015

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By Paul Rudnick

Photo Credit: Ellie Perez.

E T A H I LET M A H

Suzanne Westenhoefer brings her spontaneous comedy to the Rrazz Room in Coral Springs on Dec. 12.

lgBtQ rights are no laughing matter for comic suZanne westenhoefer J.W. Arnold

November 19 - December 6, 2015 713 Lake Avenue | 561.586.6410 | www.lakeworthplayhouse.org

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uzanne Westenhoefer isn’t sure what she’s going to talk about when she brings her act to The Rrazz Room at the Coral Springs Museum of Art next week. A veteran comic who got her start 25 years ago on open mic nights in the comedy clubs of New York, Westenhoefer is notorious for never doing the same show twice or even writing down her jokes. She may choose to talk about her dinner tonight with former Secretary of State and Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Yes, Westenhoefer should be getting ready for the high profile engagement, but she’s doing a phone interview, instead. “I’ve been really struggling with what I can say if I catch her attention,” admits Westenhoefer, who is rarely at a loss for words. “I am really, really political, like, since I was about 19. I’ll probably blurt out something brilliant like, ‘The lesbians are right behind you, right where you want them’.” An attractive woman, Westenhoefer first came on the national scene on a 1991 broadcast of the syndicated “Sally Jessy Raphael” talk show, ironically titled, “Breaking the Lesbian Stereotype….Lesbians Who Don’t Look Like Lesbians.” “Can you believe it? It would be so insulting now, but it was normal then,” she recalled, “and you know what? People went insane.” For the next couple of years, Westenhoefer and her girlfriend would attend parties with other women and, invariably, someone would whip out a videotape of the episode and they would all watch that show, whether they realized she was in the room or not. “It made me feel like a superhero, it was a neat way to be introduced,” she said. And while times have certainly changed, Westenhoefer warns the LGBTQ community

not to become complacent with recent victories. The amateur politico warns the next president will appoint at least three Supreme Court justices and hard-fought gains could be reversed just as easily. She repeated the popular Facebook meme, “In most states you can get married on Saturday to your same sex partner and get fired for being gay on Monday. We have to remind ourselves we are still not the majority. We have to continue marching.” Westenhoefer also worries that the LGBTQ community may lose its history and sense of identity as we are assimilated into mainstream culture. “There’s something that’s been lost with our acceptance. Some of our history has been lost. There’s not an intense need to know where we’ve come from and it’s not very smart for us. One bad president could change everything for everyone who’s queer in the United States,” she warned, like Donald Trump, but it would take another article to capture all her comments on the blustery businessman who would be President. But don’t expect political rants at the Rrazz Room because the always charming Westenhoefer tends to shy away from politics in her acts. “I really like to talk about the weird things that happen to me, like accidents,” she promised, “and my dinner with Hillary Clinton.” And she wants the gay guys to know that— even though she’s a lesbian comic—they’re going to love the show. She urged, “Do me one favor, tell the gay guys to come out. A lot of times, they think I won’t have anything to say that relates to them.” I just want to know what she ends up asking Clinton. Chances are it will get some laughs.

Comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer appears at The Rrazz Room at the Coral Springs Museum of Art, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $33.92 at CoralSpringsCenterForTheArts.com.

• 12.2.2015

Historic Bonnet House estate will be bustling with activity this weekend during the 9th Annual Orchid, Garden and Gourmet Food Festival.

Photo: Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

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Beach landmarK Blossoms with orchids, food and entertainment J.W. Arnold

onnet House Museum & Gardens will be in full bloom this weekend as the historic landmark hosts its 9th Annual Orchid, Garden and Gourmet Food Festival. More than 3000 orchid enthusiasts and plant lovers, in general, will have the opportunity to vividly experience and purchase from hundreds of colorful and fragrant varieties of orchids, exotics and tropical plants, herbs and fruit trees from more than 40 local growers. According to Bonnet House marketing manager Monica Estevez, visitors may also buy divisions of rare aromatic orchids originally grown by the estate’s owner, Evelyn Bartlett, “a piece of history you can take home.” In addition to flower displays, food vendors will offer a diverse selection of delectable bites ranging from panAsian to traditional American dishes and Trader Joe’s will be sampling many of their popular products. During the lunch hour, live music will be performed by Nicole Noel and Chance Meyer on Saturday and Cliff Holdren and the Bluegrass Players on Sunday. The museum and gardens welcome more than 85,000 visitors each year, but the festival is the only weekend guests are allowed to wander the buildings and

grounds on self-guided tours. Docents will be available in each room to describe the history and contents. Behind “the big gate and walls” on Route A1A on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Bonnet House & Museum is one of the region’s hidden treasures, said Estevez. Early settler Hugh Taylor Birch purchased the Bonnet House site and the property across Sunrise Boulevard that would become Birch State Park in 1895. He gave the Bonnet House property to his daughter Helen and her husband, Chicago artist Frederic Clay Bartlett, as a wedding present in 1919. The newlyweds began construction of Bonnet House in 1920, completing a winter retreat where Frederic could pursue his artwork and Helen could compose music and poetry. Tragedy struck in 1925 when Helen died from breast cancer and Frederic’s visits became sporadic until 1931 when he married Evelyn Fortune Lilly. Together, Frederic and Evelyn embellished Bonnet House with the decorative elements and art that have survived. Bartlett died in 1953, but Evelyn continued to return each winter. In 1983, she gave Bonnet House to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, ensuring the survival of the estate as a cultural and educational landmark.

The 9th Annual Bonnet House Orchid, Garden and Gourmet Food Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6 on the grounds of Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, 900 N. Birch Road in Fort Lauderdale. Admission is $12 for members and $15 for nonmembers. For tickets and more information, go to BonnetHouse.org.

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Picks

It’s a Wonderful Life

Dec. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. In ther style of old radio, the story of George Bailey as he discovered what the world would be like if he weren’t born. Tickets $25. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

Kinky Boots

Dec. 8 to 13 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Featuring hits by Cyndi Lauper, Charlie Price is struggling to keep the family show business afloat when the eccentric Lola comes asking for new stiletto boots. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

Blue Man Group

Dec. 8 to 13 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The legendary production takes theater to a whole new level with comedy, music, and outof-this world technology. Tickets $27 and up. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis. org..

dec. 2 to dec. 8 * Symphony of the Americas: Sounds of the Season

Dec. 8 to 13 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The symphony performs Christmas favorites. Tickets $20 to $85. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Gold Coast Jazz: Allan Harris Quintet

Dec. 9 at 7:45 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A celebration of the late jazz composer, Billy Strayhorn. Tickets $50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

palm beach county * Quintessentially Emeline!

Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Emeline Michel takes traditional Haitian rhythms and infuses itwith jazz, pop, and blues for a unique sound. Tickets $15. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Live in Central Park: Revisited the Songs of Andrea Bocelli

Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Jonathan Hawkins, Lee Lessack, and Heather Lundstedt recreate Bocelli’s 2011 performance in Central Park. Tickets $39. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Mac Miller

Dec. 4 at 8:30 p.m. at the Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. The rapper is joined on stage by Earthgang, Michael Christmas, and Choo Jackson. Tickets $32 to $42. Call 305-6737300 or visit FillmoreMB.com.

miami-dade county * Juanes * Craig Ferguson

Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. at the Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. The comedian from “The Late Late Show” performs in Miami in support of his “The New Deal” tour. Tickets $35 to $59.50. Call 305-673-7300 or visit FillmoreMB.com.

* Kenny G

Dec. 4 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The sax player performs hits from his Christmas album, “Miracles: The Holiday Album.” Call 305949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The Colombian singer-songwriter is joined by special guest, Ximena Sariñana. Tickets $37.50 to $97.50. Call 786-777-1000 or visit AAArena.com.

* The Hip Hop Nutcracker

Dec. 5 to 6 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. A twist on the classic Tchaikovsky ballet of toys coming to life the night before Christmas. Call 305-9496722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Vic DiBitetto

Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. at the Crest Theatre at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Catch this stand-up comedian called a cross between Rodney Dangerfield and Ralph Kramden. Tickets $45 to $65. Call 561-243-7922 or visit OldSchoolSquare.org.

* Johnny Rodgers: Legends of American Music

Dec. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Rodgers travels through time and genres during the golden age of music. Tickets $35. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis. org.

* Denotes New Listing * The History Boys * Doodu Boy

Dec. 3 to 20 at Empire Stage, 1140 North Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. A one-man play of Stefhen Bryan’s life story, from the struggles in the Jamaican ghetto to his journey in the US. Tickets $20 to $30. Call 954-678-1496 or visit EmpireStage.com.

The Barber of Seville

Dec. 3 to 5 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The Florida Grand Opera performs the story of Count Almaviva, who turns to the barber, Figaro, for help wooing the beautiful Rosina. Tickets $21 to $200. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Kansas

Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. Known for their hit “Carry On Wayward Son,” the British prog rock band performs in South Florida. Tickets $48 to $73. Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.org.

• 12.2.2015

* Voices of the Season

Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 100 N. Palmway in Lake Worth. Voices of Pride perform holiday favorite, with $5 of each ticket benefitting TRUE. Tickets $25. Visit VoicesOfPride.com.

* Daniela Liebman

Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The 13-year-old piano prodigy will play compositions by Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, and other great composers. Tickets $30. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Blue Group

Dec. 8 to 13 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The performance troupe is a mix of comedy, theater, music, and dance all rolled into one. Tickets $27 and up. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

Photo: Wikipeida

broward county

Dec. 4 to Jan. 3, 2016 at Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. Eight men’s lives are forever changed by their teacher. Tickets $64. Call 561-514-4042 or visit PalmBeachDramaworks.org.

Craig Ferguson Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. at the Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach.

DIVA DIARIES

National Arts Institute and Broward Center Present

a sassy new musical with big hair

January 6–31 Diva Diaries tells the story of three dynamic drag queens on the verge of a nervous breakdown as they prepare for their final night on stage. Extremely funny, Diva Diaries has an energetic pop score and eye-popping production numbers. In the end, Diva Diaries is a musical celebration of friendship, family, and fabulous fun! Enjoy convenient and delicious dining in the Café at the Abdo New River Room starting 90 minutes prior to the performance and during intermission. A full bar is also available.

tickets at Browardcenter.org Ticketmaster | 954.462.0222 Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office Group Sales | 954.660.6307 Follow us:

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12.2.2015 •

Datebook

community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com

Top Picks Art Miami

Dec. 2 to 6 at Midtown Miami, North Miami Avenue and 34th Street in Miami. An anchor art fair for Art Basel, an exhibition of modern and contemporary art from 125 international art galleries. Visit ArtMiamiFair.com.

Gay Writes: A Showcase of Readings by Local Authors

Dec. 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Hear readings from members of the weekly GayWrites writing group. Free. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org

Art Talk: Women in the Arts

Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. A discussion with women in the art world, from curators to artists. Tickets $15. Call 561-243-7922, ext. 305, email mgatto@oldschool.org, or visit OldSchoolSquare.org

broward county Wilton Manors Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Jaycee Park, Wilton Drive and Northeast 21st Court in Wilton Manors. The city’s annual lighting of the Christmas tree, as well as live music, food, vendors, and more holiday fun. Free. Call 954-630-3118 or visit WiltonManors. com.

Stonewall Author Series: Lorenzo C. Robertson

Dec. 3 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Robertson reads poetry from “Eclectic Essence - Poetry for the Heart, Mind and Soul” and discusses his book “Detached.” Free. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org

* “ELDERS ROCK!” Book Signing

Dec. 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fort Lauderdale Center for Spiritual Living, 1550 NE 26th St. in Wilton Manors. Dr. Harvey Austin will give a talk about aging gracefully and healthily, then sign copies of his bestselling book, “ELDERS ROCK! Free. Call 954-566-2868.

• 12.2.2015

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

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

GayWrites Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at the Stonewall Library, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Come join us and write your memoir, poem, blog, novel or short story. Free. Email garri1@earthlink.net

SunServe Youth Group

dec. 2 to dec. 8 palm beach county * Delray’s Tree Lighting Ceremony

Dec. 3 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. The city’s tree goes up in lights, along with an evening of animated displays, a holiday market, vendors, entertainment, and Santa Claus. Free. Visit 100ftChristmasTree.com

* Dickens Carolers

Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at Cornell Art Museum, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Traditional carolers will welcome guests at the entrance of the museum. Free. Call 561-243-7922 or visit OldSchoolSquare.org.

Palm Beach Prime Timers

Second Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Mature gay men meet monthly for diverse social, cultural and educational activities. Visit PrimeTimerSWW.com/PalmBeaches.

Shutterbugs

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.

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

Survivor Support

Rusty Gordon GLBT Democratic Caucus

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.

Judy Shepherd Toy Drive

Through Dec. 11 at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Bring a new, unwrapped gift for children in need. Call 954463-9005, ext. 108 or email womenwithpride@ pridecenterflorida.org.

LGBT Grandparents Group

Third Saturdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at SunServe South, 2312 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Meet other LGBT grandparents! Call 954-764-5150 or visit SunServe.org.

Dharma for Parents and Kids

Third Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Meet other likeminded people in this group open to the public. Free. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC. com

Peer Navigation

Third Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Meet others who are HIV positive for discussion topics and meet new friends. Free. Contact Danielle@ compassglcc.com.

BBAD Open Mic Night

Third Thursdays from 7 to 10 p.m. at the ActivistArtistA Gallery, 404-422 W. Industrial Ave. in Boynton Beach. With beer and wine in hand, check out some of the area’s best musical talent. $5 sign up fee. Call 786-521-1199.

miami-dade county

First Sundays from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 140 W Prospect Road in Oakland Park. Parents and their children can learn together about love, kindness, patience, and inner peace in the modern home. Cost $10 per family. Call 954-537-9191 or visit MeditationInFortLauderdale.org.

CONTEXT Art Miami

Riverwalk Sunday Arts

Dec. 3 to 6 at the Aqua Hotel, 1530 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach. In its 11th year, an exhibition of diverse works from young and experienced artists around the world. Visit AquaArtMiami. com.

Fourth Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Historic District to Esplanade Park in Fort Lauderdale. A monthly arts event of artists, performers, storytellers and vendors. Visit GoRiverWalk.com

Dec. 2 to 6 at Midtown Miami, North Miami Avenue and 34th Street in Miami. The sister fair to Art Miami, an exhibition of emerging and midcareer artists. Visit ArtMiamiFair.com.

Aqua Art Miami

* Denotes New Listing

Art Basel at MOCA

Through Dec. 5 at the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA), 770 NE 125th S. in North Miami. Starting with the opening of “Carlos Salas: Latin America and the Global Imagination,” MOCA celebrated Art Basel with lectures, documentary screenings, and a celebration of Latin American art. Museum admission $3 to $5. Call 305-893-6211 or visit MOCANoMi.org.

A Day in the Life of Coral

Through Jan. 18, 2016 at Museum Park, 1075 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. New York-based artist David Brooks presents billboards of coral around Miami and its changing atmosphere. Free. Visit FringeProjectsMiami.com

Mercado De San Miguel

Through Jan. 30, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 1075 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Fridays and Saturdays will be transformed into La Feria del Mercada de San Miguel, a traditional market in Spain, fit with food-related activities every time. Free. Visit BayfrontParkMiami.com.

Arsht Center Farmers Market

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

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entertainment/dj's

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rentals

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spiritual First glorious church of love - Renew your experience with God! We are a house of prayer for ALL of God's people!! Sunday Worship 2:00 p.m. 1200 NE 135th St., North Miami, FL. 33161. www. firstgloriouschurchoflove.com

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

6401 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

A hospital for everyone.