local name global coverage December 13, 2017 vol. 8 // issue 50
The Rise and Fall of the
Florida Agenda How a local LGBT newspaper went worldwide only to crash and burn within months Pages 16 - 25
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December 13, 2017 • Volume 8 • Issue 50
2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com
Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com
Editorial
Art Director • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Digital Content Director • Brittany Ferrendi Webmaster@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kerri Covington Arts/Entertainment Editor • JW Arnold JW@prdconline.com Social Media Manager • Tucker Berardi TBerardi2014@fau.edu Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin Gazette News Editor • Michael d'Oliveira HIV Editor • Sean McShee Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis JRDavis12000@hotmail.com
Compass Commemorates World AIDS Day
Senior Features Correspondents Jesse Monteagudo • Tony Adams
Deon C. Jefferson
O
n Dec. 1 the Compass Community Center showcased one of the biggest pieces of folk art in the world. The quilt, which was provided by The Names Project, was used in conjunction with World Aids Day. Even though the program started at 7, there was hardly a shortage of people at 6. Over 80 people showed their support, many of them came sporting their traditional red ribbon. The ceremony started off with Lake Worth’s Mayor Pam Triolo reading the proclamation from the city, as well as introducing the theme for this year, “My health, my right. “I am so honored to be here,” said Triolo. “This is a very special evening, not just for Compass, but for the entire city as a whole. I usually travel this time of the year so I haven’t been here for this presentation. I was given a tour earlier and I was moved beyond belief. I’m so proud of the work that Compass does.” As the evening went on, guest were serenaded by local singing sensations The Voice of Pride. They opened with a spirited rendition of the 1975 classic song “Hallelujah,” which was made famous by Leonard Cohen. World Aids Day is such an important day, their next selection “I dreamed a dream” gave everyone a chance
to reflect on just how special the day actually was. Their beautiful voices soared as the audience hung on to every word, and note. Along with the choir and an appearance from Mayor Triolo, Compass also had three special guests give speeches.’ The speakers were Chris Lacharite, who is a registered nurse that’s worked in the HIV filed since 1985 in Boston, Los Angeles, and in South Florida. He currently works as the HIV Program Manager for the Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches. Another speaker was Deacon Russell Apollonia, who spoke on his experience with being diagnosed with G.R.I.D in 1985, as well as his reaction to being tested positive for HIV in 1986. Lorenzo Lowe, who serves as the HIV and Prevention Director for Compass, had kind words to share about the last speaker Sabrine Pearson. “I am so happy to introduce the final speaker for the evening,” Lowe said. “She is a great friend and I’ve learned so much from her.” Pearson, is the Youth Mentor Coordinator for Compass. Not to mention, she is also the first ever transgender employee at Compass Community Center. Pearson was diagnosed MEMBER
Correspondents
with HIV in 2001. She began her transition in 2006. Over the years, she has become known for being an outspoken advocate for transgender rights and healthy lifestyles for those affected by HIV. She gave a very emotional speech that touched several people seated in the crowd. Many shed tears due to being inspired by her transparency and her optimism. “I do a lot of education and public speaking, but I’ve never ironically done public speaking about my status, so here goes,” Pearson said. “I have faith that we as a community can honor our fallen brothers and sisters by walking away from today with a call to action. We will honor them by laser focusing our advocacy work to help our marginalized individuals suffering with HIV such as our youth, people of color and the transgender community.” Shortly after the speakers, on-lookers were invited to view the AIDS memorial quilt along with candlelight visual. On-lookers were asked to have a moment of silence to reflect on the monumental day, and the huge impact HIV has had on our community.
Compass will be holding the in their facilities until Dec. 12. Visit their website www. M E M quilt BER compassglcc.com for more information on the rest of their World Aids Day events.
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NLGJA Journalist of the Year South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright © 2017 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
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MEMBER
NEWS coffee and conversation
Can Connie Find Her Way To Pride? This week's Coffee & Conversation
John McDonald
C
onnie Francis needs a ride. The 79-year-old singer from “Where The Boys Are” fame would like to visit the Pride Center at Equality Park but needs some help. “She doesn’t drive,” said Carl Barton, SAGE of South Florida Vice President. Barton emceed Tuesday morning’s Coffee & Conversation program, standing in for Bruce Williams who is on holiday. Barton said he has met Francis who lives in Weston and she expressed an interest in attending an event at the Pride Center. “We have a lot of volunteers willing to pick her up but nobody’s gone and done it yet,” Barton said. Francis sung the title song in the 1960 movie that launched Fort Lauderdale as a hot tourist destination for the spring break crowd. Targeting a teen audience, “Where The Boys Are” explored changing attitudes about adolescent sexuality and morals in the American college generation. Elsewhere in the program, Pride Center Chief Executive Officer Robert Boo wished
(L to R) Tom Pence, Carl Barton and Dan Horn at Tuesday morning’s Coffee & Conversation program at Pride Center in Wilton Manors, Fla.
the room a “Happy Hanukkah” and said the center is collecting unwrapped children’s toys for students at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Patti Lynn, community outreach specialist for the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, told the audience to not drink and drive. “Call Uber, Lyft or a friend,” Lynn said. Tom Pence, speaking on behalf of A Celebration of Friends, Primetimers Fort Lauderdale and Friends of Palm Aire, announced a group is setting sail aboard the Jungle Queen on Dec. 19. For more information about Coffee & Conversation, contact Bruce Williams, Senior Services Coordinator at 954-463-9005, ext. 109.
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12.13.2017 •
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NEWS online
Action Online
Don't miss the
Alabama Man Speaks Out Against Roy Moore With Sign of Deceased Lesbian Daughter
Photo: Twitter / @ADesiderio
President of Ghana: Legalisation of Homosexuality ‘Bound to Happen’
First Openly Gay Senate President Steps Down After Husband Accused of Sexual Assault
Left: Stanley Rosenberg. Right: Bryon Hefner.
Bermuda Takes Away Same-Sex Marriage Six Months After Legalization
Gay Man Running Against Woman Who Denied His Marriage License
Left: David Ermold, photo via Twitter / @DErmold. Right: Kim Davis, photo via CNN.
6. Different Laws, Same Issue: Northern Ireland Has Its Own Civil Law Cake Battle Photo: Flickr / Dan DeLuca.
7. SeniorAdvice Ranks 2 Florida Housing Communities in Top LGBT-Friendly Senior Living 8. Star Wars Actor Open to Being First LGBT Character Photo by Gage Skidmore.
9. Pa. Lawmaker Defends His Heterosexuality After Being Tapped on Arm Photo: YouTube Still.
10. MS Supreme Court to Decide If Divorced Lesbian Couple Can Both Be Biological Parents
Visit SFGN.com to stay up to date on all the news across the web! Twitter.com/SoFlaGayNews
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9/26/17 2:13 12.13.2017 • PM5
LGBTQIA bites Lesbian
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NJ Lesbian Sheriff Files Discrimination Lawsuit Against Her Department
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By Ryan Lynch Bisexual
‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ Character Rosa Diaz Comes Out as Bisexual Photo: Facebook
A New Jersey police officer is filing a discrimination lawsuit which alleges her supervisors created a hostile work environment for her. Jasmine Cruz claims that Lt. Lisa Kaminski and undersheriff Bruce Lamparello made derogatory remarks about her sexuality after she made an unrelated complaint against three other people in April 2014, according to NJ.com. The Hudson county sheriff’s officer also said that Kaminski said she wanted to replace her with a “white male.”
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“I don’t know how you’re gay, it doesn’t make sense,” Kaminski allegedly said to Cruz in the complaint. The complaint was resolved in 2015, but Cruz claims after that a photo of her and her girlfriend was removed from her desk shortly after. She also claims Kaminski said she “was out to get her,” and that she had previously yelled at a working Cruz while in plain clothes without a badge present. Kaminski and Lamparello are both currently retired from the department for reasons unrelated to the lawsuit.
In the 99th episode of Fox television comedy “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” show mainstay Rosa Diaz was revealed to be bisexual. During last Tuesday’s episode, Diaz’s sexuality was revealed after a phone call with a female voice called her “babe.” Show character Charles later asked about her sexuality and she reveals she is dating a woman. According to Entertainment Weekly, actress Stephanie Beatriz said she hadn’t seen bisexuality represented like the way
they showed her character. “It’s really cool to me that our show is exploring something with almost the safety net underneath it, telling the audience, ‘Look, we’re not doing this so that we can explore a story and simply throw it away when it’s convenient for us,” she said. “We are going to keep this person around because we love this person already.” The show’s 100th episode, which will air on Dec. 12, will explore Diaz’s identity further, according to Entertainment Weekly.
LGBTQIA bites
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Transgender
DOJ Appeals Decision to Allow Transgender Troops Next Year After having its ban on transgender military service overturned twice, the Department of Justice is appealing a Jan. 1, 2018 deadline to allow those soldiers to serve. The reversal comes after a July directive by president Donald Trump to disallow the service of transgender people within the US Armed Forces. According to NewNowNext, federal judges in D.C. and Maryland ruled to disallow the ban on transgender troops last month. “While reviewing legal options with the Department of Justice, the Department of Defense is taking steps to be prepared to initiate accessions of transgender applicants for military service on January 1, 2018, per recent court orders,” Pentagon Spokesperson Major Dave Eastburn wrote in a statement. If the Department of Justice is
Photo: CNN
successfully granted a stay, the deadline for troops to enlist could be pushed until the case is brought to a higher court.
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NEWS national
NEWS local Photo courtesy of Adrian Madriz.
‘Gaymer Nights’ at Gaythering Will Raise Money for LGBT Homeless Youth Tucker Berardi
N
onprofit organization Smash the Slumlords is hoping to bring Miami’s queer nerds together for a good
cause. Starting Wednesday, Dec. 13 the organization will host weekly game tournaments at the Hotel Gaythering in Miami. Gaymers will be able to compete against one another in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Just Dance, Playstation VR, Mario Kart, retro games and more. “We think of ourselves, the collective campaign, as a way to express community through the way of dignified housing, organizing the community and getting everyone together to play some videogames,” Adrian Madriz, CEO of SMASH the Slumlords told SFGN.
Each tournament has a suggested $5 donation to enter, and flash tournaments for Smash and Just Dance will be held every 30 minutes. Just Dance winners get a free bar tab, and Super Smash Bros. winners get a free specialty Mario shirt from Oso Apparel. Smash the Slumlords has a mission to “shelter LGBTQ homeless youth, defeat the slumlords, end gentrification and develop Miami for the people, by the people,” according to a press release. Donations from this event and otherwise will be used toward the first dedicated LGBT youth homeless shelter in Miami-Dade county. Gaymer Nights will be held every Wednesday at Hotel Gaythering in Miami Beach, and will start at 8 p.m.
For more information on Smash the Slumlords events, donation opportunities or community efforts, visit www.smashtheslumlords.org.
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‘The Silence Breakers’ Call Out Trump and Other Alleged Abusers in TIME’s Person of the Year Issue Tucker Berardi
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IME’s 2016 Person of the Year was Donald Trump, and this year he has once again made it into the magazine’s annual feature. Though this time it is for a very different reason. TIME’s 2017 Person of the Year piece is titled “The Silence Breakers” and focuses on the women — and some men — who have spoken up against their abusers in an increasingly monumental movement to stop men in power from sexually abusing the people below them. Some of these allegations and abuses go as far as the White House. According to The Hill, Trump took to Twitter in November to brag about a second potential Person of the Year award, saying, “Time Magazine called to say that I was PROBABLY going to be named ‘Man (Person) of the Year,’ like last year, but I would have to agree to an interview and a major photo shoot. I said probably is no good and took a pass. Thanks anyway!” Though he didn’t agree to the photo shoot, Trump’s name still came up multiple times in the Person of the Year piece through numerous sexual assault allegations. “Summer Zervos, a former contestant on The Apprentice, was one of roughly 20 women to accuse the President of sexual harassment,” The TIME reporters wrote. “She filed a defamation suit against Trump days before his Inauguration after he disputed her claims by calling her a liar. A New York judge is expected to decide soon if the President is immune to civil suits while in office. No matter the outcome, the allegations added fuel to a growing fire.” The 2017 Person of the Year focused much more on a movement, going from the
inception of the “Me Too” hashtag — first used almost a decade ago by Tarana Burke, a social activist, to rally survivors of sexual harassment and assault — to discussing Harvey Weinstein, Bill O’Reilly, and even Donald Trump. “The language used by the man who would become America’s 45th President, captured on a 2005 recording, was, by any standard, vulgar,” the TIME reporters wrote. “He didn’t just say that he’d made a pass; he ‘moved on her like a bitch.’ He didn’t just talk about fondling women; he bragged that he could ‘grab ‘em by the pussy.” Though Trump’s behavior was not so unacceptable at the time to bar him from taking office, according to TIME the culture surrounding the abuse of power and the backing of victims of sexual assault suggest a strong, dramatic change in our society and our expectations for how men in power should act — and the consequences they should suffer if they fail to do so. “The galvanizing actions of the women on our cover … along with those of hundreds of others, and of many men as well, have unleashed one of the highest-velocity shifts in our culture since the 1960s,” Edward Felsenthal, TIME Magazine’s editor in chief said in a statement. As more and more allegations surface and as each new celebrity or politician falls under public scrutiny for their abuses and behaviors, justice is served. TIME reports that, “These silence breakers have started a revolution of refusal, gathering strength by the day, and in the past two months alone, their collective anger has spurred immediate and shocking results: nearly every day, CEOs have been fired, moguls toppled, icons disgraced.”
12.13.2017 •
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NEWS out50
SFGN’s OUT50 Nominations Now Open SFGN Staff
D
o you know someone in the local LGBT community who deserves recognition? Has SFGN overlooked them? Well, if so, here’s your chance to submit your own nominations. Visit SFGN. com/OUT50nominations and fill out the form.
Check out our past nominees at the below links!
2014 SFGN.com/OUT50 2015 SFGN.com/2015OUT50 2016 SFGN.com/2016OUT50 2017 SFGN.com/2017OUT50
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NEWS local
Christmas Events in Wilton Manors Wilton Manors Tree Lighting. Photo: City of Wilton Manors, Facebook.
Natalya Jones
I
t’s that time of the year when the majority of the country is snowed in, miserable, and cooped up watching Christmas specials on T.V. Unlike the 47 states that actually experience season change (Hawaii and California, you’re omitted from this list), Florida is always ready to party in scandalous outfits, no matter what the holiday. Indulging in this is South Florida, more specifically Wilton Manors. Here are some fun holiday parties happening this month.
Rumor’s Third Annual Santa Sip N Strut Rumor has it that a party is going on, and you’re invited. Attendees decked in holiday decor will parade down Wilton Drive. Featured will be food, drinks, prizes and more. This will occur on Sunday, December 17 from noon until 6 p.m. Rumors Bar & Grill is located at 2426 Wilton Dr. in Wilton Manors. Call 954-565-8851 or visit RumorsBarWiltonManors.com.
Christmas Tree Skirt Promenade The Pub’s third annual Christmas Tree Skirt Promenade will inspire you to act like a tree and wear a skirt. Some examples include tutus, kilts, or even an actual tree skirt. This event is on Friday, December 15 from 7 to 10 p.m. The Pub - Wilton Manors is located at 2283 Wilton Dr. in Wilton Manors. Call (754) 200-5244 or visit Facebook. com/pg/thePUBwiltonmanors.
The Manor’s Annual Christmas Ball and Santa’s Christmas The Manor will be hosting not one, but two Christmas events this year. Friday, December 22 will feature their annual Christmas ball with performances by the Bubblegum Divas as well as dancers. The next day on Saturday, Dec 23, the man in the red suit will have his own party called Santa’s Christmas. There will be Christmas performances and free professional pictures with Santa and his helpers. Both parties start at 11 p.m. The Manor is located at 2345 Wilton Dr. in Wilton Manors. Call 954-6260082 or visit themanorcomplex.com.
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Lips Holiday Spectacular Drag queen hot spot Lips will host holiday themed shows every Tuesday night in December. The holiday music show seating is at 7:30 p.m. and features a three-course holiday dinner for $20.95 per person. There will also be a holiday brunch on Christmas Eve at $26.95 per person. Guests can also book holiday parties every weekday evening during the normal shows. Lips is located at 1421 E Oakland Park Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Call (954) 567-0987 or visit fladragshow.com.
12.13.2017 •
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NEWS state
Openly Gay Florida State Rep Running for Congress David Richardson campaigning for Ileana Ros-Lehtinen’s seat to be vacated in 2018 Jose Cassola
jocacommunications@outlook.com
F
ive years ago, David Richardson was the first openly gay state representative elected in Florida. Now the elected official is looking to become the first openly gay Congressman in the Southeast. Richardson is running for Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen’s congressional seat. Earlier this year Ros-Lehtinen announced she would not run for re-election. Richardson said he’s not necessarily relying on positioning himself as a gay legislator to garner votes. “The way I’ve fashioned myself is I’m not going to Tallahassee or Washington D.C. as a gay legislator. I’m going as a legislator who just happens to be gay,” Richardson said. “On the same token, however, we do need our gay representation in the Southeast. There’s six openly gay members of Congress right now but no one from the Southeast. From Texas to Rhode Island, there is no openly gay Congressperson.” Richardson recently spoke to his constituents at a networking event for LGBT professionals at a private residence at the Murano Grande on Miami Beach Nov. 30. Over the weekend, he attended the Victory Institute Conference in Washington D.C., where he participated in a panel discussion about his Congressional campaign and his experience serving as a State Representative since 2012. At both events, he laid out what his agenda in Washington would be if elected in Congress, including prison reform, healthcare, gun violence and LGBT issues. Richardson has been working on banning conversion therapy for gay minors and housing protections for LGBT individuals facing discrimination. “It was great talking about the positive measures I have accomplished for the LGBT community, especially in the current political environment,” Richardson wrote in a Facebook post. He said in Congress, he would like to work on repealing the marriage equality prohibition “we still have on the books.” “We actually have a law that says every year we’re supposed to clean up the
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books,” Richardson said. “So I really want to work on getting that marriage equality prohibition off the books in much the same way a couple of years ago I was able to get the gay adoption ban off the books even though the courts had overturned it six years earlier.” Richardson is in his third term now as a State Representative. The north end of his district is in the city of Miami Beach. The district goes south along the coast all the way down to Cutler Bay and inland to Coral Gables and the area around Dadeland and Kendall, extending into Little Havana. Richardson ran his first campaign in 2012 from Hotel Gaythering on South Beach when the building and business were in their beginning stages. Gaythering co-owner Alexander Guerra said it’s important to support local candidates, gay or straight, because “given the social climate that we are in right now and who we have leading this country, I think it’s very important that we stick by each other and those who are doing good.” “There are plenty of people who are not ethical...and you want to stick by those who are,” Guerra said. “And we will always support those people. It’s not necessarily because someone is openly gay but because they are right for the job.” Richardson said he thinks he’s been “very effective in working across the aisle and trying to get things done” for his community -- both gay and straight. “The seat that I represent now in the state house sits 100 percent entirely within the congressional seat,” Richardson said. “All of those folks that I’m representing now I will represent in the congressional seat, as well. The district that I represent is a Democratic seat. Of course, Tallahassee is controlled by… Republicans. A Democrat there has to figure out how to get things done to be effective, to bring home projects for the constituents and I’ve worked very well across the aisle to be able to do that. I know that I’ll be able to do that in Washington, as well.” Former Miami Beach Commissioner Joy Malakoff has worked with Richardson
David Richardson speaks at the 2017 International LGBTQ Leaders Conference. Photo courtesy of the Victory Institute.
for many years. She said he is the “best representative we’ve had for years and years in Tallahassee, and one of the reasons is David’s background as a CPA” or certified public accountant. “As a CPA, it’s so important in Tallahassee with what they’re doing with all the tax monies that they’re getting...and he has done his best working from across the aisle,” Malakoff said. “He knows how to work with the Republicans and the Democrats and he’s been able to be very effective.” Malakoff said Richardson has “really gone above and beyond in his position to help in the criminal justice system in the state of Florida, which seems to be a very backwards system in this state.” “In some ways, Florida, excluding South Florida, is very much still an old-time Southern state,” Malakoff said. “David knows the way to get to everybody. He’s really the type of person that we need representing us here in Florida in Washington. And since he has the fiscal background, we need somebody with a background in finance to represent us. And I think that the next representative in Washington needs to be David Richardson.” Richardson said he was a little bit surprised when Ros-Lehtinen announced
she was deciding to retire in 2018. He thought she would’ve stuck around through at least 2020. “That would’ve been my bet,” Richardson said. “She’s been doing this a long time and has a big following. I don’t know exactly her reasons for retiring in 2018 but I feel strongly the seat is going to flip. In fact, it’s the No. 1 or No. 2 flip opportunity in the country depending on how you look at it. The demographics for this seat has changed so much. It’s very much a Democratic seat right now. I’m really excited about it.” Besides being Democratic now the district is also Hispanic and Ros-Lehtinen is a very popular Hispanic Republican. Even though Richardson is not Hispanic, he’s not worried. “Some people say only a Hispanic can win this seat,” Richardson said. “But the seat that I represent now, that I won in 2012, is about 68 percent Hispanic.” Richardson said the other interesting thing about the district, as it pertains to the Democratic primary, is that the district is only 38 percent Hispanic, 12 percent African American and 50 percent Anglo. “Once you get to the general then it becomes 60 percent Hispanic,” he said. “The good thing is I speak a little bit of Spanish. ‘Un poco de Español’ goes a long way.”
news national
Grindr Adds Options For Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Users Donyae Lewis
A
day after many across the nation celebrated Trans Remembrance Day, one dating app is moving in the direction of being more representative of this community. Grindr, the dating and social networking app originally geared towards gay men, has revealed that they will be including identifying options for trans and gender non-conforming users. Users now have the freedom to customize their profiles to include terms such as “trans man,” “woman,” “cis man,” “non-binary,” “non-conforming” and “queer.” The app has also offered the option to select your gender pronouns and identify with your own language, if none of the terms seem like the perfect fit. Peter Sloterdyk, Grindr’s vice president of marketing, relayed how the recently announced updates are a part of the company’s mission to highlight “the diversity of their user base.” “Grindr takes our role as global leaders very seriously and strives to make every user feel welcome, safe and understood,” he said in an email to HuffPost. “We have a daily responsibility to grow with and learn from our users, including everyone in our growing and evolving LGBTQ community.” The company has taken another step forward in being more inclusive by also including a Gender Help Center on the app to help users know the proper way to
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have dialogue with transgender and gender nonconforming people. Director of Grindr for Equality Jack Harrison-Quintana told HuffPost that this new addition takes the pressure off trans people to educate the general public. “One thing we heard over and over again from trans people using Grindr was that they felt unwelcome as other users would often only want to ask them about what it means to be trans or approached without knowing how to speak respectfully about trans issues,” Harrison-Quintana said. “That’s why we created written resources linked from the gender identity fields in the profile to answer users’ questions and decrease that burden on trans people.” It is unclear if Grindr will allow users to filter trans and gender nonconforming people when searching for dates. At the time of publication Grindr has not yet responded for comment.
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954-566-3377 12.13.2017 •
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news film
New Documentary Film Project Explores Sexual Fluidity in Male Black America Brittany Ferrendi
A
n underrepresented minority is taking a stand through the arts. “No Homo | No Hetero: Sexual Fluidity and Manhood in Black America” co-directed and co-executively produced by David J. Cork and H. Sharif “Herukhuti” Williams is a documentary film project that illustrates the challenges and expression of being a black bisexual man in the United States. The creators are seeking out screening opportunities within South Florida for Spring 2018. The documentary film uses interviews, performance art and archival footage and “invites the audience to explore the politics of living and loving authentically at the contentious intersection of racism, biphobia, and toxic masculinity” according to their fundraising page. The film is currently raising money on IndieGoGo, reaching $26,887 and surpassing their flexible goal of $24,000 with only 10 backers — the high majority of which ($24,000) from an anonymous backer on Nov. 14. The funds go towards shoots in Los Angeles and Atlanta over a two-day span and a one-day shoot in New York City. The costs include flight, hotel, food, transportation, equipment rental, payment towards crew, insurance, and payment towards interviewees. The co-directors self-describe as artist-activists. Williams is a long-time activist and founder of the Center for
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Culture, Sexuality and Spirituality. Cork is co-founder and chief creative officer of BiUS Entertainment, a production company focused on spotlighting underrepresented minorities. They boast creating the first documentary by and about bisexual men. More than 80 percent of their crew are “sexually fluid black men.” “No Homo | No Hetero is one of those films that comes along at the right time to bring into focus about the nature of who we are by calling our attention to previously ignored members of our communities,” their page reads. “Because we have deep roots in the Black community, it is of the utmost importance to us that use our artistic and scholarly skills to help address the trauma, division, and tension that racist, biphobic misrepresentations Black bisexual men have caused.” “We know we can make a difference. When people see themselves authentically represented, they feel empowered. When people have the opportunity to learn about the experiences of members of their community, they are better able to breakdown the walls that divide them. Empowerment and unity are the foundation to successfully organizing to eliminate these disparities.“ Cork spoke with South Florida-based podcast Brothas Speak on Tuesday, Nov. 28. Listen in at BrothaSpeakPod.net.
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SFGN EXCLUSIVE
The Rise and Fall of the
Florida Agenda How a local LGBT newspaper meteorically expanded, went public, and national, only to fail as fast as it launched, leaving nothing but lawsuits, pissed off creditors, and unfulfilled promises in its wake. By Norm Kent
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NEWS feature By Norm Kent Bobby Blair had a dream. A vision. He wanted to take a small paper from Wilton Manors, the Florida Agenda, and transform it into a worldwide LGBT phenomenon. He tried. He crashed. He burned. And took a lot of people down with him in the process. After gobbling up numerous iconic LGBT publications across the country, taking his company public, blowing through millions of dollars from investors, today there is nothing left but ashes, and hollow promises that unpaid creditors will one day be compensated. Besides the Florida Agenda MMPW also published Frontiers in LA, Next Magazine in New York and Fun Maps. Multimedia Platforms Worldwide (MMPW), the parent company of the Agenda, is today nothing more than a case being postponed again and again. It’s sitting on the docket of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, deferred again last week for another 30 days, for what the judge said will be “the last time.” While out of business and not publishing for well over a year now, the company and its operatives, including Blair, are shielded from legal action against them by remaining under the protection of Chapter 11 bankruptcy safeguards. It was this past summer, in August, when SFGN first reported that MMPW was facing sanctions in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, set into motion by a U.S. trustee’s determination that Blair’s company had failed to fulfill its numerous legal obligations to the court in its attempt to reorganize and refinance the company. The company has not even paid the court fees that have been due since their filing, the trustee told Judge Ralph Ray on Dec. 5 - in Federal Court. Still, the case was deferred, over the objection of the U.S. attorney, because the creditor and the defendant suggested that despite the “tortured history of this case, a settlement might
now be imminent,” and it is the only thing that can forestall a “total loss to all creditors.” It is a loss, according to the SEC 10 filings of MMPW, assessed through June 30, 2016, of $12.7 million. After the hearing, Bobby Blair’s counsel asked if he could shed any light on the proposed agreement; asked if he could say anything encouraging to investors who have been shut out. “No,” he said, “Thank you, but no comment. Stay tuned.” Jeffrey Sternklar, the Boston based attorney for the plaintiff, also said his clients directed him not to comment. But he told Judge Ray that the cumulative losses for the creditors are in excess of $15 million at this date, “and if the case goes into Chapter 7, no one will get anything.” For Sternklar, and his clients White Winston, it is nothing new. He has been arguing the same for nearly a year. He told the court on January 9, 2017 that “the prospects for a MMPW reorganization are illusory,” and that the “Debtors’ efforts to roll up various media outlets proved unprofitable and infeasible” even before the bankruptcy. This SFGN exclusive is the story of how, and likely why, those magazines imploded. SFGN’s investigative report illuminates and tracks the tedious proceedings, up through and including last week’s “last and final” postponement. This case has had a residual human and business impact in each of the places MMPW touched, from South Florida to Southern California. More than that, a bankruptcy this large has caused damage to the LGBT community in America and to prospective media investors all over the country.
The Rise and Fall of the Florida Agenda and its Progeny Bankrupt. What does that mean? “Chapter 11 Bankruptcy is an American legal tool provided to businesses which enables them to save their company,” explains Black’s Law Dictionary. “Rather than just shut down and close your doors, it gives them an opportunity to keep their employees working and businesses operating while the company pays down its debts to creditors in smaller amounts than due over a longer period of time,” added George Castrataro, a prominent Fort Lauderdale attorney with a significant bankruptcy practice. On October 4, 2016, with less than $50,000 in cash on hand, MMPW filed papers in the United States Southern District Bankruptcy Court listing at the time a staggering $6 million in debt, half the amount they had actually admitted to in public SEC 10 filing three months before. They asked to be placed into Chapter 11 protection, and were. When their court pleadings were filed it stunned their employees. They had spent the summer promising even more
expansion. Scores of local gay businesses and private investors suddenly faced a huge, unanticipated, financial hit. Columbia Fun Maps Publisher, 74-year-old Alan Beck, a large contributor to MMPW, was out a half million dollars. Local photographer Dennis Dean was burned for $1,000, Miss Kitty Meow for $2,000, and even a local gay freelancer, Gregg Shapiro, was out $850. Having branded themselves as the “leading LGBTQ media publishers in America,” MMPW was publishing market wire press releases promoting and advertising themselves nationwide. While Blair promoted MMPW as a worldwide company the truth was Florida Agenda only published 5,000 copies a week in South Florida while Next published 15,000 in NY, a far cry from the global LGBT media leader he billed the company to be. The company’s founder Bobby Blair though continued to brand and promote a failing product up until the last minute and even after. After filing his bankruptcy proceedings with the Southern District, Blair argued his
Bobby Blair. Courtesy of Sharon Ford, Youtube.
company was a viable business entity on the cusp of success, vehemently protesting through his lawyers that MMPW was unjustly driven against their will into a bankruptcy they did not want. Last August however, the U.S. government filed pleadings stating otherwise, telling the court that Bobby Blair has not lifted a finger to reorganize the company or pay anyone back. The only exception was in a petition last November where Blair asked that some of his own back pay and that of his major staffers be released so they could orchestrate such a plan. The money came and went. The plan, not at all. Last fall, Blair’s lawyers promised the court they could create a plan to resuscitate their multiple publications, arguing they had been forced involuntarily into bankruptcy when an unethical lender wrongly
maneuvered a Boston District Court to place a freeze on all their assets, unfairly shutting down their revenue streams, and crippling their ability to operate. Attorney George Castrataro challenges that notion: “The truth is a chapter 11 plan for MMPW was doomed to failure from the beginning. Based on their initial pleadings, it was transparently clear that they did not have the finances or wherewithal to effectively reorganize and pay back anyone. Now, over a year later, they still have not” he said. Castrataro also pointed out,
“The truth is a chapter 11 plan for MMPW was doomed to failure from the beginning.” - George Castrataro LAWYER
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NEWS feature Continued from previous page as did counsel for White Winston, that you have to not only propose a plan, but prove up that it is likely to succeed. White Winston, the lender who initiated the seizure of assets claim in Massachusetts, concurred with Castrataro’s analysis. From the outset, their court pleadings argued nothing “could or would save MMPW,” but rather its condition was “terminal.” Its lawyers stated no plan could ever work, but they needed to get to “first base” with White Winston in order to put anything in place. “They have to settle with us first,” lawyer Sternklar said. But they have not still, though new promises were made last week. “With its offices shut down, employees let go, and publications not printed,” they argued earlier this year, “it is unlikely any new lender would infuse the operation with funds to start up the company again.” Their predictions have proven to be prescient and true. “The only hope at this point for all creditors not to be totally wiped out,” Sternklar told the court, “is that we reach a settlement, which we hope may be imminent.” “It needs to be,” Judge Ray replied last Wednesday. “At the next hearing I am either dismissing the petition or appointing a trustee.” The hearing will be set in January of 2018; some 15 months after the publications shut down and the corporation went dark.
How the Dream Began
on Commercial Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, helped facilitate MMPW’s dream, at one point becoming an officer of the company. With superb marketing skills at taking small companies public, Hart introduced Blair to prospective investors. “We secured a plateau for him and introduced him to financiers that had the wherewithal to fuel his vision of an international LGBTQ media company with a presence in print nationally and online globally,” Hart said. Hart added: “We did our job well. We took a small local company and helped structure it- transitioning it to a publicly traded one. We laid out a runway and gave him a $3 million platform. He could have soared, but he had no clue how to run with it, so instead he crashed and burned.” Hart and his TBG Holdings company lost out on hard money, too. On the bankruptcy petitions Blair signed and filed, Hart is listed as a creditor owing $300,000. Many of his clients were stung as well. Hart pulled out of the operation. Bobby Blair publicized his company’s viability with a host of never-ending wellhyped empty press releases, with companies now also listed as unsecured creditors. One national LGBT marketing representative, who asked to remain anonymous, said “From the outset, the MMPW announcements were false boasts and misleading proclamations improperly misrepresenting the position of MMPW in the
The road to bankruptcy for MMPW was paved well before it defaulted on a $1.8 milliondollar loan from White Winston in September of 2016. Bobby Blair, its founder, spoke to SFGN earlier this fall, just before Labor Day, in 2017; a year after the loan defaulted and he lost his enterprise. “My vision to build a global LGBT media company was no easy undertaking. The cost to do so for any company is tens of millions of dollars if you want to provide the digital content quality and reach of a Huffington Post kind of company for our LGBT community along with including my vision of a digital video network featuring original programming and purchased video content,” Blair said. One of the major players in the rise of MMPW was Tim Hart, whose TBG Holdings
LGBTQ marketplace, along with its stature, status, and influence in the gay media market.” At one point MMPW had boasted their twoyear-old company had “over 4 million unique online visitors annually, representing 7.5 million readers.” Members of the National LGBT Media Association, which is made up of legacy papers including the Washington Blade, Bay Windows, and Philadelphia Gay News, scoffed at the assertions. None of MMPW’s publications were ever a part of the established LGBT media group. (SFGN also belongs to the association) Nevertheless, Blair continued his marketing and expansion. Leaving TRG Holdings behind by early 2016, Blair financed his expansion and largesse by securing new and multiple loans to acquire various publications in financial flux, from Frontiers in LA to Next in NY. All the acquisitions were celebrated online as if it were the coming of a new age and day in LGBT media. MMPW even went public, taking its operation to the NY Stock Exchange. Local and national investors were courted to buy shares. Writers and staffers were openly offered pieces of the company. It traded shares on NASDAQ, and was promoted in the penny market exchanges. Even though the shares had little market value in the beginning, it was part of the marketing that financed the expansion and lure of MMPW to prospective investors. MMPW’s business model included more Bobby Blair. Courtesy of Sharon Ford, Youtube.
“after reading the bankruptcy documents months later, I was mortified to discover the date we were given for payment was actually the date they knew they were going to default on the loan.” - Kevin Hopper, former publisher of MMPW
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than print publications. It included the WiRLD digital portal website, designed to expand the online media presence of LA’s Frontiers Magazine, promising to offer tokens and loyalty discounts to frequent readers “at LGBT venues everywhere.” National press releases on Marketwire touted the company and its multi-faceted LGBT presence. But WiRLD, like MMPW, crashed to earth before it ever took off. “It was hope, or so we thought,” said investor Alan Beck. “But it turned out to be hype.” The hype for the WiRLD marketing campaign included a full-page article in the February 24, 2016 edition of the Florida Agenda proclaiming that an offshoot of the WiRLD digital portal would be the relaunch of a local HIV related nonprofit Blair supervised. Under the umbrella of the WiRLD Foundation, Blair announced MMPW would “create a worldwide foundation to support homeless LGBT youth that was going to be the charitable arm of our digital brand.” The project, which promised also a 15-member board of directors, never materialized. Despite holding fundraisers under its name, including recurring events in Wilton Manors, such as tea dance cruises and ‘Dancing with the Stars’ at the Manor, no tax records were ever filed with the IRS for the WiRLD Foundation, nor provided to SFGN, which requested them from MMPW attorneys. With a digital promotion of he and his team ringing the NY Stock Exchange market bell, Bobby Blair vigorously promoted the dream, even on a Times Square electronic billboard. Monies used to acquire new entities came by distributing millions of penny stock shares of MMPW, while simultaneously attempting to land new loans from more investors to fuel a continuing expansion. Blair attempted to create a cross-country platform to capture what he advertised was the “burgeoning 8.7 trillion-dollar LGBTQ market.” Yes, trillion. His company sought to lock it up. Even one of Blair’s top staffers, publisher Kevin Hopper was misled by the numbers. He lost out on over $12,000 in back pay. “Bobby Blair and MMP management assured the entire staff that we had secured a loan and it was to be paid out mid-September 2016,” Hopper said. “I spent that summer continuing to work with our employees and vendors with the full understanding everyone would get paid in September.” It did not happen. Hopper noted that “after reading the bankruptcy documents months later, I was mortified to discover the date we were given for payment was actually the date they knew
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NEWS feature Continued from previous page they were going to default on the loan. “ The entire staff was fooled and disarmed by the sudden bankruptcy, but not Blair or the principals. Court records reviewed after the business demise revealed they had in fact consulted with their attorneys about a potential bankruptcy filing months before. “It was a pump and dump from the start. Blair got to pump, but he never got the cash payout he hoped for to cut and run,” one employee said. “And all the loans and lies finally caught up with him. That’s why he is in bankruptcy court and I am out thousands of dollars in back pay.” Blair brought in national figures such as retired gay major league baseball player Billy Bean, to market his venture. He made videos of himself showcasing his amateur tennis background and affiliation with Billie Jean King. Elaine Lancaster, an internationally known drag queen, became their “worldwide” spokesperson. The company even underwrote a book and video documentary of Blair himself, publicizing his own life story. Though never a political figure or an activist, the film, “Hiding Behind the Baselines,” revealed Blair’s struggles as a young gay man in professional sports. Testimonies from Billie Jean King personalize the product. “We were a evolving company with nearly 4 million dollars a year in revenue and growing,” Blair said. “We were establishing and growing with a solid North American footprint. We simply needed the appropriate financial partners at that time to see our business plan forward.” “The partners and plan were more than in place,” claimed Tim Hart. “But Blair and the team he put together was clueless and in over his head. We did our job. We are still in business. He ought to ask how he did his.”
The Disappointment and Demise Alan Beck is a businessman who grew up selling and kicking his way through the streets of New York. He had spent decades creating Columbia Fun Maps, the citywide pocket size directories promoting LGBT venues in scores of cities across the globe. Beck met Blair in South Florida, and Blair sought to bring the Fun Maps under his umbrella. Perhaps the largest creditor listed in the MMPW bankruptcy, Alan Beck now admits, “I bought into the Kool-Aid that Bobby Blair was selling.” As a result, Beck sold all his assets and his company to MMPW. MMPW used the glossy
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Multimedia Platforms' CEO, Bobby Blair, at NASDAQ Closing Bell during LGBT
Week; OTCQB: MMPW. Courtesy of Sharon Ford, Youtube. maps to herald in their rising presence, to secure new loans, and enhance their outreach. Meanwhile, while marketing Fun Maps as their own, MMPW was breaching the terms of their payback to Beck. They defaulted almost immediately on their promises of payment. Michael Turner, the publisher of Frontiers Magazine in LA, claimed he too became a victim of Bobby Blair. He sold his company as well to Blair, under what he claims now are false promises and lies. SEC filings indeed establish that while MMPW acquired Frontiers Magazine, it also failed to meet its financial and legal obligations to Turner. Turner was supposed to stay on with MMPW as the MMPW president of digital media, creating the WiRLD Foundation websites. It did not last. “We were flat out misled. It was Blair and Multimedia Platforms that did not have access to the capital they represented to us prior to their acquisition,” Turner said. “While we had Beck was more astonished to see that Blair a talented team to partner with them, it turns the history of the Southern California gay community since 1981, may be simply put in a went on Facebook, as recently as Halloween out they brought to the table an acquisition drawer and left to rot.” weekend, to pay homage to all his ‘close plan that had little cash and lacked the capital His words were echoed by the VP of New friends’ and business partners, suggesting he needed for growth.” Blair called the purchase of Frontiers “the Frontiers Holdings, Tristan Schukraft, who was about to launch a new national digital first of his two biggest mistakes.” He explained: also served as the company’s marketing publication shortly. “None of us can believe what we are “I supported the purchase of Frontiers director: “The company was so poorly managed under Bobby reading,” Beck said. Magazine. We should Blair’s leadership… he Meanwhile, Blair traces the demise have never purchased the created operational of MMPW at least in part upon his own company. We inherited a inefficiencies, increased miscalculation, stating “I never should have company nearly a million expenses, and there were surrendered my role in the company or dollars in debt and payables grossly unethical, if not allowed it to move out west.” and the publication lost a illegal activities, too.” While that is what he told SFGN last month, ton of money every month. Schukraft explained, for it is clearly not what he represented to others We were not financed at example, instances where a year ago, celebrating his own promotion and that time for such a financial MMPW altered tax filings the international global promise of MMPW burden.” of employees without in multiple self-promotional press releases, Turner labeled Blair’s their knowledge. He said online editorials and in print, in all of his explanation as “false, Blair “lacked any moral publications. untrue, and grossly compass.” Tim Hart agreed at least in part with misstated. We were never “What can I say,” Turner Blair’s analysis: “Blair foolishly ‘bought into a million dollars in debt. said. “I was disgusted to Hollywood.’ Moving their operations never Blair is covering up his own learn how certain people made any sense, and it is what precipitated failings.” manipulated and used their downfall.” - Bobby Blair Turner accused Blair others, victims like Alan Still, said Hart, the prudent financial Former CEO of MMPW of “running MMPW like a Beck, as a source for their counselor, “No matter where you are, you rogue operation. Several of own money even when the cannot spend more than you make. Bobby us were completely left in company was sinking.” Blair turned out to be a horrible manager of the dark without financial and operational Beck acknowledged he used his own the money he took in.” reports, probably because they did not exist.” personal American Express card to pay When it came time to turn to White Because of the misrepresentations, Turner Blair’s personal debts for cars, restaurants, Winston, its potential lenders for financing, resigned from the company in April of 2016, and he has now filed in the bankruptcy and apartments. He understands today he is they were presented with the glamor, the gold, and everything but the truth. Thus, proceedings against MMPW a proof of claim unlikely to see those funds ever again. But he is not without some fire, already while MMPW secured a loan, its purported in the amount of $484,755.55. having hired an attorney to potentially sue misrepresentations accelerated the ultimate Of Frontiers, the magazine Turner sold to Blair, he now laments that “an iconic those who have wronged him. Once removed demise and destruction of its company. publication, an institution, that documented from bankruptcy protections, Blair would Less than 90 days after getting their first become a target. installment from White Winston, their entire
“I never should have surrendered my role in the company or allowed it to move out west.”
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NEWS feature Continued from previous page
operation was out of business, never to publish again. The underwriters for White Winston discovered they were being misled almost immediately after agreeing to undertake a series of loans to help MMPW. White Winston went from lender to plaintiff almost overnight. White Winston and its lawyers have refused to discuss the case with SFGN. But they have plenty to say in their pleadings and court documents filed steadily from Boston to South Florida. This story tracks those judicial records. In court last week, while stating a new “settlement plan” is “imminent”, and “our only hope,” their lawyers admitted to the court that the litigation history of this case was “tortured and contentious.” Indeed, the record confirms the same, with lawyers filing motions to hold the others in contempt of court.
The Beginnings
Based on the written and published financial representations of MMPW executives, in their stock documents and filings, White Winston agreed in the summer of 2016 to become a major financier of MMPW. The court exhibits show they provided a “master credit facility loan,” conditioned upon MMPW assigning, securing and collateralizing all their assets with White Winston. The loan mandated timely and corresponding guarantees insuring that the borrowed monies would be paid back promptly and on schedule, with severe
consequences for failing to do so. It was MMPW’s alleged breach of the promises on that note which became the fuel for the bankruptcy. In both its state and federal court filings, White Winston claimed it uncovered evidence right after making the loan that it was secured fraudulently. They accused Blair of having misrepresented MMPW’s standings, earnings and worth. Additionally, they claimed, MMPW instantly failed in meeting its legal duties and obligations to the lender. Today, Blair claims to have had no part whatsoever in the deal, because it happened after he resigned as the CEO, which he explains was his “second biggest mistake.” “I was convinced by a few it was best for a new team that had Hollywood digital experience and in their past had successfully grown emerging digital companies successfully to step down as CEO,” Blair said. “Losing belief and confidence in myself at this critical time proved to be the biggest mistake of my professional life.” It is Blair’s contention today that the new CEO and CFO “negotiated every piece of the credit facility agreement with White Winston” and “that within weeks of signing became our financial demise. I never had one conversation or one email with them.” He says he would have never negotiated “such a bad deal.” White Winston’s legal pleadings scoff at Blair’s assertions. The loan was made, delivered and accepted by MMPW in July of 2016, with the first payment being due on September 1, 2016. MMPW failed to make it. White Winston sued at once. They charged in their
Bobby Blair and Alan Beck in 2015 announced the acquisition by Multimedia Platforms of FunMaps. Photo courtesy of Facebook.
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pleadings repeatedly that Blair was singularly company to present a legitimate good faith responsible for “gross mismanagement,” plan to retool and pay back creditors. “gross misconduct,” and “fraud.” Three months after the litigation ensued, One of the initial allegations is telling. For the bankruptcy court provided MMPW with example, as proof, White Winston explained emergency relief to acquire limited financing one of the immediate duties of MMPW after to start up again. But White Winston was the loan was made was to collect and gather back in court by January of 2017, arguing that their sales revenues into secure accounts, or “MMPW has not used the proceeds of that “lockboxes,” for White Winston to guarantee financing as promised to resume publication.” their future payments. Still, in early of 2017, the court approved Based on the outlined revenues MMPW a settlement agreement that failed to promised the lender it was taking in on a materialize. Now nearly a year has passed, weekly basis, that account should have had and according to both parties, a new one may over $100,000 by the time the first note be on the table. In the interim, there has been payment was due on September 1. But there no Agenda, Frontiers, or Next. No WiRLD was less than $10,000 in the account, and digital site or homeless foundation. Just MMPW instead defaulted. endless court dates and postponements. However, the first default would be only one of many more suspicious factors White Winston would allege in its court pleadings. They argued that MMPW had been knowingly dishonest and duplicitous in securing the loan, accusing them of multiple fraudulent Within two months of MMPW filing for acts. bankruptcy protection, their creditors, White White Winston wasted no time when Winston was alleging that Blair had defrauded they determined they were swindled. They not only its company, but the Bankruptcy immediately went to court in Boston, provided court as well. Specifically, they accused Blair for in the contract as the venue for a breach of of intentionally delaying the litigation from their loan. They sought and summarily won proceeding on course, by failing to present an emergency injunction and a restraining order freezing and seizing all the assets of any feasible reorganization plan on a timely basis, as required by law. MMPW. Accusing him of continuing ‘gross Bobby Blair did not even have an attorney appear for him at the hearing. White Winston mismanagement and misconduct,’ the even noted that MMPW “took no action in the pleadings alleged Blair failed to take the most basic steps to reorganize its Massachusetts litigation to company or pay back anyone. assert their alleged defenses.” His lawyers filed pleadings With the handwriting on When Blair denying all the allegations. the wall, MMPW instead A review of the many swore sought Chapter 11 relief in motions filed by White federal bankruptcy court in to those Winston shine a light into South Florida. “The purpose documents, the ongoing nature and of doing that,” explained operations of MMPW, there were at attorney George Castrataro, with serious allegations of “is to attempt to preempt least three inexcusable misconduct. The the jurisdiction of the attorney for MMPW, Michael pending Massachusetts court, and Sesse of Fort Lauderdale, allow all proceedings and actions vigorously fought all the rulings to emerge from the against MMPW allegations, challenging and bankruptcy court down here.” contesting any wrongdoing in The legal maneuver was not in multiple pleading after pleading. successful. It failed. Instead locations. Since the case eventually the Massachusetts court reached a preliminary granted White Winston the settlement, neither of the relief they sought. MMPW suddenly found parties received a complete judicial resolution any and all of its limited assets frozen. MMPW then turned to the South Florida of either of their claims by the court. Sesse, bankruptcy court for relief. Given an however, did receive compensation of over opportunity to reorganize, and allowed to pay $100,000 in attorney’s fees, perhaps the down their debts over time, they argued they only party so far who came out making could be up and running in short order. This money in this bankruptcy. These were funds is the legal threshold a court needs for the legitimately awarded by the court through a
The Legal Claims of Allegations of Fraud and Mismanagement
NEWS feature
proper application for the same. The pleadings after the bankruptcy was filed also reflect that a court approved attempt at corporate restructuring through a California company fell through. A settlement was approved in March of 2017, but it collapsed too. No reorganization ever came about. “That was our best hope,” said Jamie Forsythe, once the MMPW general manager for its East coast operations “but it never materialized. Once again, any hopes we had were dashed and denied.” Given the hostile and accusatory nature of the pleadings, and the counter petitions, it is remarkable any proposed settlement or resolution of the case ever took place, but it did. Before that however, the parties filed notices that revealed who accused whom of what. This story records what they each alleged.
MMPW Accused of Not Disclosing Tax Liabilities White Winston first charged MMPW of securing its loan through bold faced lies. Primarily, they allege that MMPW secured the funds while purposely hiding and knowingly concealing its true debt, including at least $164,000 in federal and payroll tax obligations to the IRS. The lender stated MMPW’s “representations and warranties were false when made.” Specifically, White Winston stated, “had the debtors truthfully reported to the lenders the extent of their outstanding tax obligations, the plaintiffs would not have entered into the loan.” Additionally, they say, MMPW, secured the loan by falsely representing that “it had paid or made arrangement for the payment of all taxes, assessments, and governmental charges and levies thereon, including any interest and penalties, to the extent the same have become due.” It was not true. At the time of the loan, MMPW owed taxes in four different states. Even Next Magazine had outstanding tax obligations of $34,000 from 2015, as did all their other publications. That was just the tip of the iceberg. White Winston also accused MMPW of misrepresenting its stock filings to the SEC, hiding their true earnings, failing to disclose certain lawsuits, and shielding staff mismanagement and incompetence which compromised the company’s actual net worth. White Winston said they were tricked into hurriedly advancing a loan to MMPW to help them satisfy other notes they had pending
to prevent a default on another note Blair’s company had coming due. White Winston claimed they were willing to do so based on MMPW’s publicly filed federal SEC stock filings, known as 10-K and 10-Q affidavits. They later alleged those documents were materially misleading and perjurious. These are documents that bear Bobby Blair’s signature as the president of the company.
MMPW Accused of Hiding Funds from Lender Additionally, instead of immediately paying back loan monies to White Winston under the terms of the note, they alleged MMPW engaged in ‘knowing and intentional fraud’ by hiding the paybacks in secret accounts they did not know about or could not access, a material breach of the loan. Specifically, they alleged Blair used these monies- due the lenders under the terms of the note- to pay off his personal debts, including his apartment in LA, and travel across the country. Alan Beck said this was not unusual for Blair. He even convinced Beck to let him to charge expenses on Beck’s personal American Express card. A man who has read all the pleadings, and helped Blair get started, Tim Hart said today: “None of these allegations surprise me. Bobby was in over his head. You have to manage money wisely not wildly.” For his part, MMPW, through its counsel, and Blair, as its sole officer, fought the allegations with pleadings of their own, standing their ground and arguing the foreclosure on the note was premature and improper. They claimed the legal action was without merit, interfering and interrupting what was on the cusp of becoming a successful global media enterprise. MMPW argued that the Boston court had no right to seize their assets, that they had filed the bankruptcy on a timely basis, and the lender’s action was illegal and premature, essentially crippling MMPW. But each pleading filed by White Winston punctured another huge hole in Blair’s claims.
MMPW Accused of Hiding Litigation For example, at page 40 of their 10 Q filing for the SEC, MMPW certified under oath “that we are currently not involved in any litigation…” and “that there is no action, suit,
Here is a list of local people and businesses that MMPW owes money to. This list does not include all of the people and businesses out of state.
Larry Rutstein
Delray Beach
$ 350,000.00
Melvyn Weiss
Boca Raton
$ 200,000.00
Mark Friedman
Boca Raton
$ 75,000.00
Ronald and Beverly Harris
Delray Beach
$ 55,000.00
Donald and Gail Mitzner
Boca Raton
$ 30,000.00
Jamie Forsythe
Fort Lauderdale
$ 25,000.00
Kevin Hopper
Fort Lauderdale
$ 15,787.00
Rebecca Rustein
Delray Beach
$ 10,000.00
Neil Strickland
Fort Lauderdale
$ 8,461.00
Patrick Berkley
Fort Lauderdale
$ 4,200.00
Nikolaos Papalazrou
Fort Lauderdale
$ 3,816.00
Shawn Palacious
Fort Lauderdale
$ 1,500.00
Gregg Shapiro
Fort Lauderdale
$ 850.00
Litagation Resolution, Inc
Miami
$ 703.00
Storage Post
Fort Lauderdale
$ 652.00
Equisolve
Fort Lauderdale
$ 499.00
Dawson James Securities
Fort Lauderdale
$ 495.00
GFLCC
Fort Lauderdale
$ 410.00
Anthony Ricciardo
Boca Raton
$ 400.00
Minuteman Press
Fort Lauderdale
$ 392.00
Elmwood Forrest Productions, Inc
Mount Dora
$ 300.00
The Associated Press
West Palm Beach
$ 282.00
Logan Studios
Miami
$ 100.00
Promotional Breezes, Inc
Fort Lauderdale
$ 63.00
Michael Davis
Fort Lauderdale
$ 50.00
Wells Fargo Bank
Fort Lauderdale
$ 23.00
Florida Total
$ 783,983.00
12.13.2017 •
23
NEWS feature Continued from previous page
MMPW Accused of Staff Mismanagement
proceeding or inquiry before any court or government agency… to the knowledge of the executive officers…threatened against or affecting our company. In which we believe an adverse decision could have a material White Winston’s allegations of MMPW’s adverse effect.” fraud also runs to misrepresentations the When Blair swore to those documents, company made as to its staff and management. there were at least three pending actions They alleged that MMPW knowingly lied and against MMPW in multiple locations. There is attempted to conceal the incompetence and documentation showing that MMPW was not truth at every turn. unaware of these pending legal actions. One example is enormously illustrative. First, their former managing editor, Daniel After the lenders tendered their first payment Hicks, had sued Blair and MMPW in U.S. to MMPW, they sent a representative to LA to meet with Peter Frank, District Court to recover the newly touted CFO of overtime wages. Eventually, MMPW, who had replaced he won a settlement of Blair in the role last summer. $12,000. After a cross country In Broward Circuit Court, flight, the lenders were Peter Clark and the Hot told by staffers that Frank Spots Media Group had filed was ‘ill’ and out of the a suit for breach of a nonoffice indefinitely ‘with compete agreement against meningitis.” But the court Blair personally and MMPW pleadings say otherwise, corporately. That was and the staffers at Frontiers apparently not disclosed acknowledge they knew the to the lenders or on its SEC truth. filing either. White Winston noted in MMPW also had failed court documents that Frank to disclose that long time was hardly “ill,” as MMPW Frontiers staffer on the had asserted. In truth, the West Coast, journalist Karen - Kevin Hopper CFO, they alleged, had Ocahm, had made a claim Former Publisher gone on a ‘drug binge,’ ‘was of MMPW with the Equal Employment intoxicated,’ and absent Opportunity Commission without leave or notice to on the grounds of age the lenders. discrimination. Their lawyers were furious, and claimed In March of 2017, she filed a suit in United their clients had been deceived. They wrote States District Court. In October, Blair asked ‘Had his condition and health been disclosed the court to release the proceeds of an to us, we never would have followed through insurance policy to help defray the costs of with the loan. It was purposely concealed,’ the claim. It is still pending, and the court they alleged, both before and after the loan allowed the insurance company the leeway was made. Blair, however, denied any knowledge of the defendants sought to defend the case.
“There are still people hurt from what he did in the past. It speaks for itself.”
Fort Lauderdale Courthouse. Courtesy of the Southern District of Florida.
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the fraud himself, issuing a press release to that effect, claiming he was going to hurry back and “take matters into his own hands.” But Forsyth told SFGN, “we all knew what was going on, and Blair never came back in.” “The company did try to bring in a prominent businessman, Robert Weiss, but by then it was too little, too late. It was too far gone,” Tim Hart said. Weiss resigned in short order, leaving Blair with the shattered remnants of an insolvent company with obligations and loans it could not meet. Bankruptcy became inevitable.
inappropriate distributions, the trustee can also demand the funds be returned from even innocent parties. Under Chapter 11, you can self-administer a reorganization. But under chapter 7, the trustee polices every action.” White Winston first started asking for the case to be converted to Chapter 7 in January of 2017, insisting that any reorganization was not only “illusory,” but that “there is no prospect that the business can survive in a dormant state.” At the very least, they wanted a trustee appointed.
The Government Steps In
The Human Pain: Creditors Never Paid
After months of contentious litigation and countervailing motions by both parties, a tentative settlement was reached. It was premised on a new reorganization plan being presented by June 1, 2017. Like the restructuring of the note and the resuscitation of the publishing enterprise, it never happened. Now the U.S. government, through a trustee, is asking the bankruptcy case to be dismissed with prejudice. Back in August, a U.S. trustee, Damaris Rosich-Schwartz, filed paperwork asking U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Ralph Ray to formally terminate the reorganization, accusing Blair of failing to do even the most fundamental tasks required, from monthly reporting to paying her fees. As of yesterday, they still had not been paid. The judge expressed impatience with the failure, but continued the case for thirty more days to give the parties yet another chance at settlement. It was over the objection of the U.S. trustee. If an agreement is not reached, then RosichSchwartz will go into court next month and argue her motion. The court pleadings assert that Bobby Blair is guilty of a series of “unexcused failures” to comply with “the basics of Chapter 11 protection.” If a trustee is appointed on the case, it could spell a lot of trouble for Blair. Local attorney Castrataro noted, “once a trustee is appointed by the court, it exposes Bobby to an extraordinary amount of scrutiny. A trustee for the creditors will be charged with looking at every dollar taken out of MMPW for the past four years.” “At this stage of the game,” Castrataro said, “if a trustee is appointed, they would be duty bound to notify the Department of Justice if their offices became aware of the potential of illegal activity.” Castrataro added that “If the company was insolvent or its managers indulged itself in
Nearly a year has now passed, and none of the secured and unsecured creditors have been paid back. While local investor Alan Beck took the biggest hit at $458,084, he was not alone in his losses. The nonpriority unsecured claim holders represent 221 businesses and individuals, totaling a cumulative debt of $4.5 million. Creditors with secured claims, the first likely to get paid if any assets are collected, total nearly $1.4 million. The second list, priority secured claims, total $220,000. This time, MMPW did not conceal their IRS liability for payroll taxes, more than $213,000. After that, there are taxes due the State of California for $4,903 and the State of New York for $1,099 Back due taxes are also owed to Florida for $$1,232 and North Carolina, $708. The list of losses extends to their corporate officers, management, staff, and startup lenders, along with accounting firms, law firms, publishers, consultants, and anyone who bought into taking the company public and selling its stock. Though he received $200,000 down for selling Frontiers to Blair, that was a small part of a cash and stock deal for Michael Turner. His paper is now out of business, his digital presence gone, his shares of stock worthless and the balance on his note as an unsecured creditor $250,000. Many local employees have been hard hit, and have hardly recovered. The general manager for East Coast operations of MMPW, Jamie Forsythe, had taken the proceeds of an accident settlement case, and loaned them $25,000 in November of 2015 on a shortterm note, to help pay for the launching of the WiRLD website. Now an unsecured creditor, who was never paid back a dime, he likely won’t get a penny. The only refunds on monies due employees came about last November when the
NEWS feature
bankruptcy court released some funds to pay a week’s worth of wages to senior staff, due to them before the bankruptcy. “But most of us were owed four or more weeks back pay,” said Forsythe, who was separately owed over $4,000 in back pay. The week MMPW filed for bankruptcy, publisher Kevin Hopper was expecting a commission check of $3,500 and intending to take a European vacation. Instead, he was listed for $14,438.00 in back pay. Now living in Brooklyn, New York and operating his own new digital marketing company, NYX media, it irks Hopper that Blair was promoting online as recently as last week a new 2018 initiative to launch an LGBT national publication. “There are still people hurt from what he did in the past. It speaks for itself,” he said. The overwhelming number of creditors, who provided services, and investors who put up capital, have not been paid back anything since the chapter 11 filing last October. With the U.S. government now calling for chapter 7 closure, it is likely all the rest will see nothing. “I took a big hit,” Alan Beck admitted. “But it wasn’t just me. So many people were hurt, and it was by malfeasance and greed. That is what hurts the most.” The records bear him out. Forum Publishing in Deerfield Beach, which resorted to publishing the Agenda on a cash only basis, is on the hook for $8,190. One of the creditors, Buddy Tuchman of the PCA Printing is listed as due the amount of $2,195. They both did better than California Offset Printers in Castaic, Calif, and Circle Press in New York City, out $30,075 and $36,293 respectively.
Even the small Storage Post business on NW 19th Street in Fort Lauderdale, which stocked inventory for MMPW, is out $652. Minuteman Press, a small franchise operation on 4th avenue in Lauderdale, is owed $392. R & M Services in Fort Lauderdale is due $4,000. AutoNation repossessed their red Ford Transit used for deliveries, and took a loss of $3,200. Tim Hart’s local accounting company, R3 Accounting, which shared office space with the MMPW publications, also provided administrative and bookkeeping services for all the MMPW Publications. It does not matter today. They are unsecured creditors in the amount of $30,000. “It’s a thorn in our side,” Hart admitted. Other people that are owed money include: David Nagelberg of La Jolla, Calif – $350,000 Terry King of Indian Trail, North Carolina – $100,000 Ronald and Beverly Harris of Delray Beach – $55,000 Jack Zwick of Southfield, MI – $50,000 Harry Newton of New York City – $50,000 Arthur Luxembourg of Brooklyn, NY, – $50,000 Armatis Shabani of Los Angeles – $50,000 Donald and Gale Mitzner, of Boca Raton – $30,000 Patrick Berkley of Fort Lauderdale – $4,000 Adriana Cortez of Fort Lauderdale – $2,500 The list of casualties is cross-continental and staggering. All the company’s financial information is not open to the public, only the court filings. Those filings list the investors and the outraged. Salesforce, the Texas based company which
provides lead and accounting services for media entities, also has an unsecured claim of $8,112. American Express in Fort Lauderdale had faith in MMPW. Their card is owed $28,589. MMPW somehow managed to leave Mazdigital.com, a NY media company and content provider, with a debt of $5,690 and Complete Business Solutions in Philadelphia with an obligation of $101,111. Point Capital in Englewood, New Jersey, a funding vehicle and investment portal for small companies, is owed $100,000. Meanwhile, many small time freelance writers were also jilted out of money from each of Blair’s publications. Mikey Rox is owed $1,375. Billy Masters, is owed $600. The two women who run Q Syndicate out of Detroit, which provides editorial content for LGBT publications across the country is owed $525. Across the continent, Outfest, the immensely popular gay and lesbian film nonprofit film festival, has lost $3,750. Overall, MMPW’s debtor’s petition acknowledged when they filed their bankruptcy last October they owed 35 employees the total sum of $138,529. Interestingly, Bobby Blair claimed part of his own salary as a debt. He claimed to be owed $18,356 dollars for services rendered and not paid. Since payroll employees get first dibs at any assets, if there are any left, Blair, who was paying himself $250,000 a year, would get paid before any of the unsecured creditors. But realistically, at this point, he is more likely to be on the receiving end of new lawsuits than court ordered disbursements. “Without the protection of the bankruptcy court, Blair could be facing lawsuits and claims for many years to come,” Castrataro said. “But it is unlikely that the millions of dollars of unsecured creditors owed money by MMPW will ever collect anything.”
Was Bankruptcy Inevitable? The last quarterly SEC filing of MMPW and its stock was published on June 30, 2016. It outlined the company’s enormous debt and the extent of its multiple loans. Many of the people and businesses who took a leap of faith and invested in Multimedia did so in the face of even earlier SEC filings and stock advisors that warned against it. At page 8 of their 10 Q filing, MMPW in fact published that the company had “recognized a net revenue of $1,459,168 and a net loss of $4,698,799” for the preceding 12 months. Additionally, the company acknowledged it was operating with a “negative working capital
of $5,518,237 as of June 30, 2016.” The picture was not pretty. According to their SEC filing last June, “there is no assurance that the company will be successful in raising additional capital or that such additional funds will be available.” Consequently, MMPW certified that “in view of these conditions, the ability of the company to continue as a going concern is now in doubt. Its valuation could be altered should the company be unable to continue as a going concern.” The statement was prophetic. The White Winston loan of $1.7 million was going to be their short-term salvation. When that collapsed through foreclosure, so did MMPW. With at least $6 million of hard debt, its employees discharged, its offices empty, the publications shut down and there being no assets to speak of, the ‘normal course of businesses for Multimedia Platforms Worldwide, Inc., is now being conducted in the Southern District of Florida’s Bankruptcy Court, Case No. 16-23603-RBR. Asked whether he had any regrets or apologies to anyone over the company’s demise, and the crushing losses hundreds of investors faced, Bobby Blair provided SFGN with a lengthy statement, which concludes as follows: “It’s heartbreaking MMP after nearly a decade of blood, sweat and tears has ended the way it has. My number one goal was to serve our community in a way that gave our community members a voice to make a difference. I am deeply saddened my investors lost their money and will be forever grateful for their support.” “I want to thank all our supporters and former staff across the United States and Canada where we published magazines, maps, our south Florida newspaper and our digital content for their hard work and relentless dedication,” Blair stated. “I have great hopes to see my LGBT media become reality one day again. I hope to include all my investors who lost their money on MMP.” Despite presently promoting a tennis website and selling real estate, Blair, as noted, has talked on Facebook recently about starting a new digital LGBT platform. The final edition of the MMPW global dream is likely to be delivered by a U.S. bankruptcy court judge early next month in Fort Lauderdale. It may be ruin or redemption. Blair did not say whether he would be in court to hear it personally. He said “I gave it all I had. I thank everyone who supported me.” “Someone should be there,” Alan Beck said. “Someone has to stand and answer for the gross mismanagement, and tell us where all the money went.”
12.13.2017 •
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Photo: Facebook.
LIFESTYLE tech
Gay Dating App Jack'd Challenges Racism on Grindr David-Elijah Nahmod
I
n a new video currently available for viewing on YouTube, gay dating app Jack’d claims that 37 percent of Americans identify as Black, Hispanic, Latino or Asian. “You see them on Jack’d, do you see them on Grindr?” the video asks. Grindr, the most popular of the gay dating apps, has repeatedly come under fire for allowing its members to post “No Blacks, no Asians,” in their profiles. “Your dating preferences are actually racist,” continues the Jack’d video. “We will be the generation that ends racism.” The video was created by Alon Rivel, who serves as Director of Global Marketing for Jack’d. Rivel, who is a 29 year old gay man, told SFGN that an African American who works with Jack’d got “ew.....you’re black” as a response on Grindr. “We need as a community to be better because we are all minorities,” Rivel said. “It’s one thing to not want to respond to someone because you’re not attracted to them, but to outwardly say it is unacceptable. People of color experience this every day—it impacts their self-worth. On Jack’d we don’t tolerate this. We are known as a safe space for people of color.” Shaun Haines, a gay African American man, told SFGN that when he reached out to a Grindr profile, the response
was “I don’t fuck the n........” Grindr told SFGN that their policy is to not allow for such behavior on their site. Peter Sloterdyk, VP of Marketing for Grindr, provided SFGN with a statement which they also gave to the Advocate. “Grindr recognizes that sexual racism is a larger problem within our community and impacts all dating apps, not just Grindr,” Sloterdyk said. “We prohibit the use of offensive or racist language and encourage our community to report offending profiles through our app’s built-in system. We take these reports seriously and respond to by censoring or banning offending profiles. We consistently look for ways of improving the Grindr experience and do so through ongoing conversations with LGBT community organizations via Grindr For Equality, a holistic program at Grindr that works to promote justice, health, safety, and more for LGBTQ individuals around the globe.” Grindr publicist Jeff Koo told SFGN that the company would not comment further on the subject. Haines said that he takes issue with Grindr’s claim that they take action regarding offensive responses. “Reporting the incident to Grindr, unfortunately, didn’t result in much action,” Haines told SFGN. “I received a
Haines said that he takes issue with Grindr’s claim that they take action regarding offensive responses.
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standard legal response from their legal team. I believe at the time that I had begun to advocate that the platform being to implement mechanism to protect its users from harassment and support the process of resolving issues of identity verification. I still believe these networks should be tasked with identity verification as valuable resource to resolving any crimes committed through these platforms.” “I never set out to say anything bad about Grindr,” Rivel said. “But Grindr is influential and needs to do better. We’re the underdog and we’re trying to do better.” Jack’d, according to Rivel, has 1.2 million members, with 450,000 daily active users – 30 percent are Black, 25 percent are Asian, 25 percent are Latino/mix/other. “We’re the most diverse dating app, and also the youngest,” he said. “80 percent of our members are under 26.” Rivel added that Jack’d has suspended or deleted accounts for hate speech. “In terms of how many, it really varies depending on how many users report such activity to customer service,” he explained. “Overall we do see a very low occurrence of this type of behavior on Jack’d.” Rivel declined to reveal the nature of the language Jack’d might have seen. “We will not reiterate hate speech or anything negative that a user has said or negatively been subjected to by another user on the app,” he said. “It is very uncommon for us to get reports of hate speech or racism occurrences on Jack’d as our user base knows that we do not tolerate it and that this platform is safe for everyone regardless of who they are or where they come from.”
Wishful Gifts 8pm Saturday
DECEMBER 16, 2017 All Saints Episcopal Church 333 Tarpon Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL
For tickets call 954-832-0060 or
www.TheFTLGMC.org
$25 General Admission & $40 VIP
Funding in part by the Broward County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council
12.13.2017 •
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LIFESTYLE photos
UP THE BAR with impulse group On December 1, Impulse Group South Florida hosted an in-house party on World AIDS Day to “remember the past and celebrate the future.” Performers included Sonique Love, Pandora Boxx, Cynthia Lee Fontaine and Athena Dion. J.R. Davis
To see many more photos, visit South Florida Gay News on Facebook.
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17th ANNUAL
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MORE IN Alaska - Kenya African Safari- Christmas Markets Danube MORE IN 2018 2018 Castles of the Rhine - Scandanavia & Russia 12.13.2017 •
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lifestyle food A selection of coffee
and food at The Alch
emist.
h and BBQ Pork Sandwic uitera. at Fr Acai Mint Iced Tea
Photos courtesy of
Fruitera and Alchemi
st, Facebook.
Garden of Earthly Delights Rick Karlin
Eucalyptus Gardens
2430 NE 13th Ave., Wilton Manors 954-266-9434
T
he Alchemist, named Wilton Manors’ “Best Kept dining destination from three quirky, reasonably priced Secret” in our recent “Best of” issue, is certainly that. options. It can be found in Eucalyptus Gardens, a garden The best know is The Alchemist (954-673-4614, of earthly delights tucked along a side street in Wilton TheAlchemist.cafe), where the main focus is the coffee – Manors. The Alchemist may be the city’s best kept secret, and they are serious about the brew, using a proprietary but its neighboring restaurants, Voo La Voo Café and La process and the purest water they can get. The menu Frutera Garden Bar, are equally rare gems waiting to be focuses on delicious open-faced sandwiches the restaurant discovered. dubs as “slicers,” topped with everything Named for the tall Rainbow Eucalyptus from avocado to zatar (a sesame-thyme trees that line its path, Eucalyptus Gardens blend). There is also a wide variety of glutenNamed for the is equal parts hippie and hipster. In addition free desserts available. Most everything is to the three restaurants, you can also find a priced less than $10. tall Rainbow clothing boutique housed in an Airsteam La Frutera Garden Bar (754-701-5977) Eucalyptus Trailer, a vintage and reclaimed furniture dishes up a delicious brunch on Sundays from trees that warehouse and an urban garden. That is if 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring classics such as you can find the place. Turn off 26th Street huevos rancheros, arepas and chilaquiles. line its path, and head south on 13th Ave. (right behind the Weekdays and evenings enjoy tostadas, Eucalyptus shuttered Old Florida Seafood House). When salads, quinoa stuffed burritos, tamales (try the street ends you’ll find the entrance to the shrimp stuffed version), nachos and Gardens is Eucalyptus Gardens. There’s a small parking street corn while sipping some house-made equal parts lot to the east and, on busy weekends, folks sangria. In addition to the classic white or hippie and will direct you to alternate parking locations. red versions, try one featuring acai, passion Once inside, stroll the gravel path and explore fruit, dragon fruit, lychee, hibiscus or chicha hipster. some of the shops before deciding on your morada. The same exotic fruits can also
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be ordered in margaritas or mojitos (regular or virgin versions). Chef Sylvie Le Nouail is the quintessential French cook, running Voo La Voo (754-200-5285, VooLaVooCafe. com) from behind the counter with a smile for everyone. Everything that’s wonderful about French food; the attention to detail, the wonderful sauces, the flair in presentation is all there. What’s missing is any air of pretention or inflated prices. Enjoy a slightly chewy buckwheat crepe filled with chicken and béchamel (like the best pot-pie filling ever!), seafood with gruyere, or smoked salmon and crème fraiche. Or opt for a sweet filling such as fruit and pastry cream or Nutella and whipped cream. If you prefer, there are quiches served in their own baking dishes, salads, omelets and sandwiches. Vegan and vegetarian options are also readily available. A variety of imported and domestic beers, a few classic French cocktails and wines add to the enjoyment. All three places feature laid back service; after you order and pay at the counter, you’re given a number and your meal is delivered to your table (mostly outside, although all three places have a few inside tables). At any of the places you can enjoy a wonderful meal for less than $20 a person, a few bucks more if you order a drink.
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SFGNITES
F O R T H E W E E K O F D ece m b er 1 4 - D E C E MB E R 1 9 , 2 0 1 7 W W W . S F G N . C O M J.W. Arnold
Christmas Cabaret
jw@prdconline.com
THU
12/14
theater Thinking Cap Theatre Co. has carved out a niche with its Gender and the Pulitzer Prize play reading series of works by women, but tonight, Dr. Nicole Stodard’s edgy company explores the other end of the gender spectrum with the Florida premiere of Young Jung Lee’s “Straight White Men,” through Jan. 7 at the Vanguard Sanctuary for the Arts, 1501 S. Andrews Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets $35 at ThinkingCapTheatre.org.
FRI
12/15
circus Cirque du Soleil returns to South Florida with its 41st production, “Volta,” an extreme sports-fueled extravaganza under the blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau next to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The company’s quirky artistry is fused with high-flying BMX bike stunts, inline skaters and more through Feb. 4. You’ve never seen a show quite like “Volta,” creators promise. Tickets start at $40 at CirqueDuSoleil.com.
x
Sunday
12/17
concert
The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida welcomes stage, film and television star Alan Cumming for a one-night, special holiday concert at 7 p.m. at the Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. This festive evening of music and magic will celebrate the richly diverse traditions of the holiday season with the perfect blend of love and laughter. Tickets start at $40 at GayMensChorusOfSouthFlorida.org. Photo Credit: Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida.
SAT
12/16 SUN
12/17 MON
12/18 TUE
12/19
dance
Television
film
Concert
Miami City Ballet’s whimsical new production of “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” opens tonight and runs through Dec. 24 at the Arsht Center in Miami. Balanchine’s classic choreography and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score are accentuated by imaginative new sets and costumes by Isabel and Ruben Toledo. The production moves to the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, Dec. 28 – 30. Tickets at MiamiCityBallet.org.
“A Christmas Story” is one of the most popular holiday movies of all time and tonight you can see the musical version performed live at 7 p.m. on Fox. Andy Walken stars as Ralphie, the boy whose only dream is to get a Red Ryder Range Model Carbine Action BB Gun for Christmas. Matthew Broderick narrates the story and the iconic “leg lamp” makes a cameo appearance. Check local listings for channels and show times.
Tickets for opening weekend of the latest installment in the “Star Wars” saga, “The Last Jedi,” have been sold out for weeks. A quick check reveals more than a few tickets available beginning today as kids head back to school and their parents get to work. Get your sci-fi geek on and head over to the local cinema for an escape from the holiday craziness and catch the epic film. Check local listings for theaters and show times.
The South Florida Symphony opens its Masterworks Series with “Mozart Meets Hemingway and Siudy Flamenco.” Hear Mozart’s “Haffner” Symphony, Daugherty’s “Tales of Hoffman” and de Falla’s “El amor brujo” on Saturday, Dec. 16 in Key West, Sunday, Dec. 17 at the Arsht Center in Miami and tonight at the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale. Special performance by the Siudy Flamenco Dance Co. Tickets at SouthFloridaSymphony.org.
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A&E theater Roosters serve as a metaphor for the new play “Cock Talk,” opening next week at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale. Photo Credit: Facebook.
‘Cock Talk’ is Celebration of the Male Member and More J.W. Arnold
F
or more than two decades Eve Ensler’s play “The Vagina Monologues” has empowered women to speak frankly about their identities, aspirations and, yes, sexual desires. Now, thanks to Key West writer Wayne Keller, men have a similar opportunity with “Cock Talk.” “It’s like ‘The Vagina Monologues’ with balls,” teases promotions for the show, which will be performed on Sunday, Dec. 17 and Wednesday, Dec. 20 at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale. According to director and producer Jason Hershin, “Cock Talk” is “a real look at the issues and thoughts going through a man’s head at any given time. Just four guys talking about…whatever comes up…the wacky issues that men deal with.” “It’s not a gay show or a heterosexual show. It’s not porn. It’s not racy or raunchy,” promised Hershin, despite its name. “It’s just in-your-face, laugh-out-loud funny stories that all of us men share.” The four characters include a goodlooking “Chippendales”-type guy, an inexperienced “everyman,” a clinical “professor” and a gay guy, all interacting with the audience and sharing “funny stories that go along with the penis and how (men) grow up with these things.” Keller originally wrote “Cock Talk” 10 years ago after seeing a performance of “The Vagina Monologues” and wondering
why there wasn’t a counterpart from the “male perspective.” The play received its premiere at the Fringe Theater in Key West last February and was recently performed in Boca Raton before coming to Fort Lauderdale next week. The current cast includes Christian Baquero, Jacob Harriss, Benny Reyes and Chris Merryman, who discuss wet dreams as teenagers, awkward experiences with condoms, becoming “pee shy” in a bathroom without stalls, and even the thrill of standing next to the jet in the pool. “The word ‘taboo’ is huge, but these subjects are certainly awkward to say the least,” explained Hershin. “Believe it or not, men are afraid to talk about masturbation, erectile dysfunction and penis size with their buddies. I hope the play will open people up to discussing these issues more freely. We’re guilty of holding things in.” The play isn’t afraid to broach more serious subjects, also. The gay character discusses coming out to his family, while another admits he was sexually abused by a coach as a boy. Hershin emphasized the show provides a safe forum for these weighty topics, but is always tempered by lots of light-hearted comedy. “Our job is to educate and entertain in a fun way and we never forget that,” he said.
Wayne Keller’s play, “Cock Talk,” will be performed on Sunday, Dec. 17 and Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $30 at EmpireStage.com.
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www.stsfrancisandclare.org Baptisms • Weddings • Memorial Services
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A&E music The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida returns to Hard Rock Live for their big holiday concert featuring Broadway and television star Alan Cumming. Photo Credit: Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida.
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u
Three more holiday themed concerts this weekend J.W. Arnold
Local Gay Men’s Choruses will sing in the holiday season with special programs featuring outstanding soloists and big-name stars. Here are some highlights of the other special concerts ahead: Original Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus The Original Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus will feature outstanding soloists in its 30th anniversary holiday concert, “Wishful Gifts,” on Saturday, Dec. 16 at All Saint’s Episcopal Church in Fort Lauderdale. Founder and artistic director Dr. Gary Keating will lead the 24-voice chorus in a classical holiday concert, including British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Fantasia on Christmas Carols,” featuring tenor Kevin Barios, cellist Santiago Luna and organist Dan Copher. “There’s truly something for everybody,” he said. “I’m especially blessed to have so many talented soloists. That gives us the opportunity to perform all sorts of special music.” Chorus tenor Kelly Hodges will perform a powerful Sandi Patti arrangement of “O Holy Night,” and there will also be plenty of opportunities for audience participation, a chorus tradition. Tickets for “Wishful Gifts” are available at TheFtLGMC.org.
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Still Time to Catch a Gay Chorus!
Miami Gay Men’s Chorus The Miami Gay Men’s Chorus will incorporate a Latin beat at its annual holiday concerts, “Joy for the Season,” courtesy of Grammy-winner Jon Secada, on Saturday, Dec. 16 at Coral Gables Congregational Church in Coral Gables. Secada will perform selections from his latest album, which took home the trophy at the Latin Grammys last weekend, as well as several numbers with the chorus. “It’s nice to have somebody of his notoriety reach out to perform with us,” said artistic director Anthony Cabrera, who had to reorganize his original program at the last minute. Cabrera also has several interesting “pairings” planned, like Oleta Adams’ “Get Here” sung with “I’ll be Home for the Holidays,”
as well as traditional Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs. “It’s a feel-good concert,” he said, “with something for everyone.” The chorus will also perform a similar program—without Secada—on Friday, Dec. 15 at Miami Shores Presbyterian Church in Miami Shores. Tickets for “Joy for the Season” are available at MGMChorus.org.
Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida The 150-voice Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida welcomes Broadway and television star Alan Cumming (“Cabaret,” “The Good Wife”) to the stage of the Hard Rock Live at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood on Sunday, Dec. 17. Cumming, who won a Tony for his performance at the Emcee in “Cabaret,” will sing some of the songs from the penned by Kander and Ebb and share some of the stories from his career. “He loves to tell stories,” said artistic director Harold Dioquino, who promised a varied and exciting program. “It’s really a privilege for us to perform with him.” In addition to traditional holiday favorites, Actress Sharon Gless, famous for her roles on “Cagney & Lacey” and “Burn Notice,” will narrate a musical tribute to Ruth Coker Burks, “the cemetery angel” who gave up a career in real estate to care for AIDS victims during the height of the crisis. “That’s the heart of the show,” said Dioquino, “what Christmas is all about.” In addition to the Hard Rock Live performance, the chorus presented a similar program, “Light & Joy”—without Alan Cumming—at the Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets for “Holidays at Hard Rock Live with Alan Cumming” and “Light & Joy” are available at GayMensChorusOfSouthFlorida.org.
Wishful Gifts 8pm Saturday
DECEMBER 16, 2017 All Saints Episcopal Church 333 Tarpon Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL
For tickets call 954-832-0060 or
www.TheFTLGMC.org
$25 General Admission & $40 VIP
Funding in part by the Broward County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council
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A&E theater Tom Wahl and Nicholas Richberg star in the world premiere of Terry Teachout’s play “Billy and Me” at Palm Beach Dramaworks. Photo Credit: Samantha Mighdoll.
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J.W. Arnold
I
n his new play “Billy and Me,” receiving its world premiere this month at Palm Beach Dramaworks, playwright—and Wall Street Journal theater critic—Terry Teachout supposes what might have transpired during two meetings of famed playwrights Tennessee Williams and William Inge. Teachout notes in the program that the play is “a work of fiction, freely based on fact” and Williams reminds the audience more than once that while he often drinks to forget, “in memory, everything is true.” The two masters—one still universally revered, the other largely forgotten—certainly knew each other, but neither said much about any personal relationship to speak of. They were both gay, both alcoholics, both self-destructive and, at the urging of Palm Beach Dramaworks artistic director William Hayes nearly two years ago, Teachout set out to answer any lingering questions about their relationship. The result is a two-hour play that does, at times, create a complicated and nuanced portrait of the men and their supposed relationship in two acts: The first is set in a Chicago gay bar, where Williams (Nicholas Richberg) has summoned the St. Louis critic Inge (Tom Wahl) to meet on New Year’s Eve after a performance of “The Glass Menagerie” in a pre-Broadway tryout. Williams alternately obsesses unceasingly about the sloppy performance of a drunk star and encourages Inge to embrace his homosexuality. Fast forward 15 years to Inge’s Manhattan apartment. It turns out Inge was inspired to write after that initial encounter. He’s had four big hits, but his latest play is deemed a flop by the critics. Williams conveniently shows up to console Inge and a heated argument erupts pushing Inge to attempt suicide, downing an entire bottle of pills.
What do we learn from either episode? Well, they were both tortured artists with the usual “mommy” issues that society blamed at the time when sensitive boys “turned” gay. They both struggled to remain at the top of their field when success is defined by their latest creation. There’s even the hint of a sexual encounter, when largely throughout the play they display no sexual tension, let alone chemistry. The problem is it takes two hours to make these very predictable discoveries. Teachout relies on clichéd theatrical devices, setting up the work as a memory play introduced by an aged Williams and interrupting throughout as the action stops and Williams breaks the fourth wall to elaborate on his feelings to the audience. The first act plods along, despite the best efforts of director Hayes, Richberg and Wahl, as Teachout devotes nearly 45 minutes setting up his premise. Williams talks a lot, seemingly reciting his own Wikipedia entry for the benefit of the audience, and Inge shrugs along before the story even begins to get interesting. The audience seemed to agree, with many of the older patrons deserting at intermission. The second act is better, with a quicker pace, more emotional peaks and valleys, and, well, that melodramatic attempt at suicide. Carbonell Award-winners Richberg and Wahl give valiant, award-worthy performances. Richberg also manages to straddle a fine line. His Williams is flamboyant and confident, yet never campy or cartoonish. Victor Becker’s clever set design and Paul Black’s lighting effectively support Teachout’s memory play concept. It even snows on New Year’s Eve. But, the problem remains, after two hours of meticulously crafted talkity talkity talk, audiences don’t really learn anything new about these historical characters or won’t care much about these conversations or imagined dalliances. Some questions are just not worth asking.
Palm Beach Dramaworks presents the world premiere production of Terry Teachout’s “Billy and Me” through Dec. 31 at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. Tickets are $75 at PalmBeachDramaworks.org.
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December 13 - December 19
Datebook
Theater Christiana Lilly
Calendar@SFGN.com
Top
Picks
A Christmas Killing Spree
Dec. 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Join a comedic murder mystery dinner benefiting the SMART Ride. Tickets $28. Visit www.eventbrite.com.
Stalker Bob and His Mother
* Broward Women’s Choral Group
Dec. 19 at 7 pm. at Sunshine Cathedral, 1480 SW Ninth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The choral group performs songs for the holidays. Tickets $20. Visit bwcchoralgroup.org.
Friday Night Sound Waves Music Series
Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music spanning genres and tributes every Friday evening through November. Free. Visit FridayNightSoundWaves.com
palm beach county
Through Dec. 23 at the Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Jim and Jimmy retire to Florida and one of their “tricks” turns out to be the son of a career criminal who uses her child to lure her victims. Tickets $30. Call 954678-1469 or visit EmpireStage.com.
* The TEN Tenors: Home for the Holidays
Becoming Dr. Ruth
Little Shop of Horrors
Through Dec. 23 at GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Ave. in Coral Gables. Dr. Ruth is more than a sex therapist — the one-woman show tells her story as a Holocaust survivor, Haganah sniper, single mother, and teacher. Tickets $45 to $60. Call 305-445-1119 or visit GableStage.org.
* Denotes New Listing
broward county * Secret Garden
Dec. 14 to 31 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Mary moves in with her unapproachable uncle when she becomes an orphan, but she and her cousin discover a new world in the property’s garden. Tickets $47 to $60. Call 954-4620222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.
* A Civil War Christmas
Dec. 15 to 23 at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Ave. in Pompano Beach. The American version of “A Christmas Carol,” a musical showcase of how America
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came together for Christmas. Tickets $35. Call 954-545-7800 or visit CCPompano,org.
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Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. For 16 years, the group of 10 has sold out shows around the world. Tickets $25 and up. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org. Through Dec. 17 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The classic musical of a shy florist who encounters a flesh-eating plant. Tickets $45. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.
* Steve Solomon’s “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy”
Dec. 19 to 23 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Solomon returns with an updated version of his one-man comedy show. Tickets $35. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.
* Newsies
Through Dec. 27 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Road in Jupiter. Newspaper boys become the news when they fight against their employer for fair wages. Tickets $58 and up. Call 561-575-2223 or visit JupiterTheatre.org.
Billy and Me
Through Dec. 31 at Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. The play takes place over 15 years, beginning with Tennessee Williams at a bar after a tryout of his play, and then years later after the flop of his friend William Inge’s first Broadway play. Tickets $55 and up. Call 561-514-4042 or visit PalmBeachDramaworks.org.
The Perez Art Museum in Miami, where live music thrives at the Outdoor Music Series every third Thursday. Photo Credit: Perez Art Museum.
Free Friday Concerts
Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Returns in October. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.
miami-dade county Evita
Through Dec. 17 at the Actors Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. The story of Eva Peron, from her humble beginnings to her rise as the first lady of Argentina and a champion for the working class. Production is performed in English Nov. 3 to 26 and then in Spanish Nov. 30 to Dec. 17. Tickets $57 to $64. Call 305444-9293 or visit ActorsPlayhouse.org.
Winter Shorts
Through Dec. 23 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Eight- to 10-minute comedic shorts with a holiday twist by City Theatre. Tickets $39 to $54. Call 305-9496722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.
Outdoor Music Series
Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Free with museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or visit PAMM.org.
The Big Show
Don’t miss a
Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com.
tastE Feeling the hunger? Read SFGN’s weekly food column for an exclusive bite on local bars, restaurants, and seasonal flavors.
sFGn.com/FooD
BY CHRISTOPHER DURANG
JANUARY 4-14 Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play!
Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia share a home in Bucks County, PA, where they bicker and complain about the circumstances of their lives. Suddenly life unfolds in an action-packed 24 hours that punctuates the otherwise uninterrupted monotony when their movie star sister Masha arrives for a visit with her boy-toy, hunky aspiring actor Spike.
Featuring
Erika Scotti
Jeffrey Bruce
Elli Murray
At the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center 21050 95th Avenue S., Boca Raton, FL
FOR TICKETS CALL 561-544-7426 OR VISIT LEVISJCC.ORG/THEATER VANYA and SONIA and MASHA and SPIKE is produced with special permission of DRAMATISTS PLAY SERVICE This production partially underwritten by Beverly & David Feiges Erika Scotti appears courtesy of the Actors Equity Association Theater at the J is generously underwritten by Gerald Golden (Of Blessed Memory)
12.13.2017 •
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Datebook
Community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com
Top Picks 8th Annual Holigay Celebration & Toy Drive
Dec. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the HUB at the LGBT Visitor Center, 1130 Washington Ave. Miami Beach. Enjoy an evening of food, open Bacardi bar, music, and Santa. Bring an unwrapped toy to benefit the Miami Beach Police Department’s Children’s Holiday Relief Fund. RSVP to 305-673-4440, rsvp@ gaybizmiami.com or gaybizmiami.com.
Second Annual Project SAFE Holiday Donation Drive
Through Dec. 18 at Dynamic Recovery Center, 2424 W Oakland Park Blvd. in Oakland Park; SunServe, 2312 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors; and Pink Sub Shop, 2041 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Help homeless LGBTQ+ youth and donate new toiletries, socks, underwear, gift cards, and more. Free. Visit TransSocial.org.
Divas
Through Dec. 29 at Hatch 1121, Lucerne Ave. in Lake Worth. Paintings of divas and drag queens on a number of media. Free. Visit LakeWorthArts.com.
December 13 December 19 Broward Support Services PFLAG
Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Southwest Ranches. A support group for parents of LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and locations.
SunServe Youth Group
Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral Springs and Hollywood. A support group and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and times.
Survivor Support
First and third Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support from counselors and peers who have lost loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention at 954-384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org.
* Denotes New Listing
broward county Santa By the Sea
Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Colohatchee Boat Ramp and Waterways, 1975 NE 15th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Watch Santa take a break from the cold and launch his lighted water sleigh onto the water. Free. Call 954-3902130 or visit wiltonmanors.com.
Weaving a Rainbow: Queer Kwanzaa Celebration
Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Celebrate the African American holiday of thanksgiving with an explanation of the holiday, a demonstration of the symbols, and food and music. Free to attend, suggested donation $5. Call 954-763-8565 or visit StonewallMuseum.org.
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* Unsung Hero of the AIDS Crisis: Ruth Coker Burks
Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. With no medical training, Coker Burks cared for nearly 1,000 AIDS patients who had been abandoned by society and medicine. Free, $5 suggested donation. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org.
Judy Shepherd Toy Drive
Through Dec. 18 at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Women With Pride run their annual toy drive benefiting Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Please bring new, unwrapped gifts for children 6 to 12 years old worth at least $10. Call 954-463-9005, ext. 204 or visit PrideCenterFlorida.org.
December 13 - December 19 A Community Responds: Our Response to HIV/AIDS
Through Jan. 7, 2018 at the Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. An exploration of the response to HIV/AIDS over time. Free to attend, suggested donation $5. Call 954-763-8565 or visit StonewallMuseum.org.
Voices of Pride
Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Join the Gay Men’s Chorus as they practice every week. Free. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC. com for rehearsal details.
Life Coaching
Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Latinos Salud Clubhouse, 2300 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Get one-on-one life coaching from certified CRCS coaches. For guys living with HIV, their partners, and anyone who identifies as transgender. Free. Call 954-765-6239 or visit LatinosSalud.org.
Rapid HIV Testing
Wednesdays at MCC of the Palm Beaches, 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens.
Find out your status in a safe and private way. Free. Email dropincenter@mccpalmbeach. org
palm beach county Transcendence
Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A closed transgender youth support group for teens ages 12 to 19. For more information, email youth@compassglcc.com.
Sober Sisters
Mondays at 6:15 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. J St. in Lake Worth. A support and discussion group for female recovering alcoholics. Visit LambdaNorth.net.
Out of the Closet, Into the Light
Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at MCC of the Palm Beaches, 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens. AA for the LGBT community. Free. Call 561-775-5900 or visit MCCPalmBeach.org.
Out of the Closet NA Group
Mondays at 7 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. J St. in Lake Worth. A support and discussion
group for LGBT recovering addicts. Visit LambdaNorth.net.
miami-dade county
zoo alight with colorful lights, as well as boat rides, hot chocolate, music, and more. Tickets $9.95. Call 305-251-0040 or visit ZooMiami.org.
Arsht Center Farmers Market
Dec. 15 from 4 to 9 p.m. in downtown Miami. The annual street performance festival returns with musicians, theater troupes, comedians, acrobats, dancers, and more performing at the ground level of Metromover Inner Loop stations. Free. Visit BuskerfestMiami.com.
Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Purchase fresh food from local farmers, including fruits, vegetables, meats, prepared foods, as well as chefs, live music, and cooking demonstrations. Tickets $45 to $75. Free. Visit ArshtCenter.org/en/Visit/Dining.
* Second Annual Project SAFE Holiday Donation Drive
POZCONNECT Support Group for Spanish Speakers
* Buskerfest
Through Dec. 18 at Pridelines, 6360 NE Fourth Court in Miami; FIU MMC Campus MPAS Office, 11200 SW Eighth St. GC 216 in Miami; Legal Services of Greater Miami, 4343 W. Flagler Street #100 in Miami. Help homeless LGBTQ+ youth and donate new toiletries, socks, underwear, gift cards, and more. Free. Visit TransSocial.org.
Zoo Lights
Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 30, including Dec. 26 to 30, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152nd St. in Miami. See the
Mondays 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Pridelines, 6360 NE Fourth Court in Miami. A support group for HIV+ people, in Spanish. Free. Call Eddie at 305-571-9601, ext. 105 or visit Pridelines.org.
key west Jazz in the Gardens
Sundays 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St. in Key West. Wind down from the crazy weekend with a few hours of soothing jazz. Call 305-294-2661.
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THE
GUIDE
Business Directory
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Law office of Robin bodiford 2550 N Federal Hwy #20, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954.630.2707 Lawrobin.com
a&e Ft Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus PO Box 9772, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33310-9772 954-832-0060 www.theftlgmc.org Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida 2040 North Dixie Hwy, #218, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-763-2266 Gaymenschorusofsouthflorida.org
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Andrews Dental Care 2654 N Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311 954.567.3311 Andrewsdentalcare.com Island City Dental 1700 NE 26th Street, Ste. 2, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-564-7121 Islandcitydental.com
www.sfgn.guide
final arrangements Kalis-McIntee Funeral & Cremation Center
2505 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-7621 Kalismcintee.com
call us to reserve space!
financial services WE’RE HERE FOR ALL YOUR
FINANCIAL NEEDS Taxes IRS Issues Accounting
Bookkeeping Small Business Advising
954-667-9829
health insurance Medicare/MedicaID Florida Blue / Blue Cross Blue Shield 2765 West Cypress Creek Road Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 Call Steve Herbstman @ 954-554-7074
health American Pain Experts 6333 N. Federal Hwy, Ste. 250, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-678-1074 Americanpainexperts.com
professional services
ACCOUNTING@STERLINGACCOUNTING.COM
2435 North Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305
call us to reserve space! getaway
Taylor & Turner Pest and Termite Control, Inc
William D. Turner taylorandturner@yahoo.com 2520 North Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305
954.630.2627 therapy
handyman Miami/Broward/Palm Beach Paint/Caulk/Remove Grout/Yard Work Fix Drips & Switches/Debris removal Assembles Furniture & Appliances Repair or Fix Call "Avrom" Keith 786-227-9981
professional services
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THE
GUIDE
Business Directory
To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970
real estate Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors & Oakland Park REMODELED homes:
2 bedroom/2 bath condos from
spirituality
sports Tennis Lessons at Hagen Park in Wilton Manors. Individual or group lessons. Call Robert 732-604-0362 for more information.
Clare
101 NE 3rd St Fort Lauderdale FL 33301
Christmas Eve Mass: 10 PM Christmas Day Mass: 10:30 AM
Baptisms • Weddings • Memorial Services
call us to reserve space!
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Helping Buyers, Sellers, Renters, and Investors for over 18 years in South Florida.
$250,000
Brian S. Bedigian, P.A.
RealtorBrian@aol.com www.BrianFTL.com
Your South Florida Specialist for Over 18 Years
Realtor
954.205.5275
transportation
Mass Times: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 10:30 AM
www.stsfrancisandclare.org
$300,000
THE BEST SERVICE, THE BEST RESULTS SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST!
call us to reserve space!
Where we welcome and appreciate diversity.
Ecumenical Catholic 954.731.8173
from
from
The Parish of and
Ocean/Intracoastal
3 bedroom/2 bath homes
spirituality Sts. Francis
$135,000
RAINBOW RIDES-SAVE MONEY ON YOUR RIDE! - We treat you like family! SPECIALIZING IN AIRPORT RIDES! Need a ride to FLL, MIA, or PBI? (or anywhere else?) I'm a friendly driver with a nice, clean Chevy Malibu. My fixed-rate pricing beat all ride sharing - apps every time. Call or text me to schedule a ride, I'll be there early and I'll text you when I arrive. No 'surge" prices, no hassles. Call or text Nikki at 954-600-3133.
SFGN Classified$ To place a Classified Ad, call Tim Higgins at 954.530.4970 or email at Tim.Higgins@sfgn.com
electrician HARRY’S ELECTRIC RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL - Additions, renovations, service upgrades, breaker panels,FPL undergrounds, code violations, A/C wiring, ceiling fans, recessed, security & landscaping, lighting, pools, pumps, Jacuzzis, water heaters, FREE PHONE ESTIMATES 954-522-3357 Lic & Ins. www. harryelectrician.com
handyman HUSBAND FOR RENT - Is he procrastinating home repairs? He says he will do it tomorrow?? After the football game?? We fit right in - in the house or the yard, small or big jobs: tile, dry wall, paint, plumbing, roof leaks, broken furniture, irrigation, fences, and more! It doesn't cost to hassle us to see the work - so why wait? Neat, clean work for a reasonable price. Call Haim at 954-398-3676, sidnalll@yahoo.com
home health care REGISTER NURSE (PRIVATE DUTY) - Male RN with 20 years’ experience, for short term assignments, postsurgical care, IV administration, new medical diagnosis, ect. Call John at 954-918-5410
painting
GREGG'S PAINTING - I paint both interior and exterior. Great rates, free estimates. I am detailed-oriented, friendly, reliable, punctual, and neat. No job too small. Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Call Gregg at 617-306-5694 or 954-870-5972 Email: gmanbenn44@gmail.com
professional services ASSIST GAY COUPLES IN WILTON MANORS Mid-December to Mid-April - Provide daily personal care for one disabled man in wheelchair and his partner. Prepare healthy meals, light housekeeping, laundry, and shopping. Full-time live in optional. Must be a non-Smoker and have a valid driver’s license and clean record. References are needed as well. Apply by sending a letter telling us about yourself and past experiences @ domestic.paul@yahoo.com
pool service COOL POOLS- RELIABLE POOL SERVICE Professional pool service.Covering Wilton Manors, Lighthouse Point, and eastside of Pompano Beach. 15 years experience. Licensed and insured.Free estimates. Call 954-235-0775.
rentals wilton manors MIKE THE RENTAL GUY - NE Lauderdale/Wilton Manors/Oakland Park-1/1 from $1090, 2/1 from $1140. Victoria Park-2/1=$1290.00 cable included. Credit & Income Requirements-Pets okay with restrictions Call for Details Mike 561- 703-5533 or miketherentalguy@ aol.com
piano WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE PIANO? Learn from an experienced teacher. All levels and ages welcome. Learn to play classical, popular, jazz, or show tunes. Visit www.edwinchad.com or call 954-826-9555 for more information.
professional services COMPANION AIDE - Strictly Professional, TBI, PCA, and NHTD certified Over ten years’ experience. Provide light personal care, light cleaning. Laundry and major meal prep. Respite for caregiver. Serious inquires call Karl 954-616-8952 RESUME Consulting - Nearly 20 years of recruiting experience. Consultation includes one-on-one session, job hunting tips and tricks, social media review. Email Jason@TheDriveRecruiting.com
employment wanted SPECIAL HIRE NEEDED - Experienced, self-motivated professional salesman needed. Work competitively in a highly flexible and relaxed LGBT-friendly environment. Fax resume to 954-530-7943.
real estate wilton manors FANTASTIC WILTON MANORS DUPLEXeS - Both units are 3 bedrooms & 2 baths. Newer Roof, New Electric Panels and more. Huge Pie Shaped Lot on Quiet Street. Please call for Appointment Michael Tublin United Reality Group 561-703-5533
rentals oakland park 1BD/1BT $935/MONTH near Wilton Manors Nice clean 1BD/BT, with semi private landscape patio and fenced back yard off bedroom. Updated Kitchen. Tile floors and good size rooms. Walk in closet. Off street parking, about 4 blocks from the drive. Located in one story 4-Unit apartment with Laundry room. $50.00 application fee--Background check. NO SMOKING, NO PETS, CALL 754-336-7563
The Madness Corner An Egyptian court sentenced 14 men to three years prison for “abnormal sexual relations,” among other charges. They were arrested while waving rainbow flags at a concert
SFGN Staff 12.13.2017 •
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Mozart Meets Hemingway & Siudy Flamenco • December 16-19 Mozart’s Symphony No 35 Haffner | Daugherty’s Tales of Hemingway | Falla’s El Amor Brujo
www.SouthFloridaSymphony.org • 954-522-8445 Boca Raton | Fort Lauderdale | Key West | Miami