12/26/18 V9i52

local name global coverage december 26, 2018 vol. 9 // issue 52

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Cuba Caves on Gay Marriage x

Won’t Add to Constitution

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December 26, 2018 • Volume 9 • Issue 52

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 piero@sfgn.com Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com

Editorial

Art Director • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Digital Content Director • Justin Musial Webmaster@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kerri Covington Arts/Entertainment Editor • JW Arnold JW@prdconline.com Social Media Manager • Tucker Berardi tberardi@ufl.edu Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin Gazette News Editor • Sallie James HIV Editor • Sean McShee Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis JRDavis12000@hotmail.com

Nick Adkins

C

uba has caved to evangelical and public pressure to remove language from their new constitution defining marriage as a union between “two people… with absolutely equal rights and obligations,” staying silent about marriage instead.

“This was a side step,” gay Communist Party blogger Francisco Rodriguez said on the government’s neutrality. “It’s a solution. Not ‘between a man and a woman’ or ‘between two people.’ Now is when it all begins.”

This compromise allows for the possibility of the legalization of gay marriage in the future.

“The draft constitution will not define which parties enter into a marriage...so that is now out of constitutional reform discussions overall,” Council of State secretary and drafting coordinator Homero Acosta said according to state media, The Telegraph reported.

According to NBC News, gay rights advocates had proposed removing the

“The draft constitution will not define which parties enter into a marriage.”

- Homero Acosta

Council of state secretary and drafting coordinator

Senior Features Correspondents Jesse Monteagudo

Correspondents

Dori Zinn • Donald Cavanaugh • Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • David-Elijah Nahmod

Contributing Columnists

Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily • Terri Schlichenmeyer

Associate Photographers Carina Mask • Steven Shires

In Memorium

Pompano Bill, 1924 - 2018

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Mariela Castro Espín, the director of the Cuban National Center for Sex Education.

Photo credit: wiki user Northside.

description of marriage as a union of a man and woman, to non-discriminatory language instead, attracting protests from evangelical churches and ordinary citizens in months of public meetings on the new constitution.

State media said there were 192,408 comments on this portion of the draft, Article 68, and most were in favor of it being removed, according to Pride News.

Cuba’s National Assembly announced MEMBER

on Twitter that a powerful commission responsible for revising the constitution has proposed eliminating the language from the new charter “as a way of respecting all opinions.”

The constitutional commission is headed

by Communist Party head and former president Raul Castro. The new version of the Cuban constitution will be put in front of the people of Cuba for final approval in early 2019.

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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.

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MEMBER

12.26.2018 •

3

NEWS local

The Grand Resort Celebrates its

The refreshing scenery at The Grand Resort.

Photo via Facebook.

20th

Anniversary Martin Gould

A

t one time, there were a dozen gay guesthouses along Fort Lauderdale Beach. Over the last five years, gay resorts have taken their toll as new, larger properties spring up right across the street from the ocean. Today, only three gay guesthouses remain open on the beach.

But back in 2000, when Casey Koslowski Other upgrades purchased the guesthouse at 539 N. Birch Road, he had big plans for a grand resort.

One of the resort’s largest—and most Those plans became a reality and that successful—innovations is the Grand Grand Resort became a Fort Lauderdale Resort Day Spa. Unlike other guesthouses gay icon. or hotels, local residents can have full use Next month, the Grand Resort celebrates of the facilities and even purchase a yearits 20th anniversary. The celebration round package of monthly treatments at a is already in the planning stages and discount. “We have a Spa app, so guests can Koslowski has many reasons to have a book their own appointments in advance.”

Grand birthday party.

Membership also allows locals to use “About a year after finishing college I the pool, WiFi, parking, hot tub, gym and was recruited by real estate other amenities, same as developers to work on the the other guests have. sales teams of their new According to Casey, projects, first in Naples and “many people love Paula, then on this coast, based our manicurist, who’s on my foreign language and been with us for 16 years. sales skills.”

People from all over book The commissions Casey appointments with her. earned selling those Locals and vacationers, properties gave him enough whether they stay there or capital to buy the Grand. elsewhere.”

He immediately began Perhaps another main remodeling the hotel’s 33 reason for the Grand’s rooms and suites, adding longevity is Casey’s amenities and aggressively innovative and far-reaching promoting the benefits of promotion efforts, the staying in a luxury resort. most successful of which “The resort has changed a has been sponsorship of lot over the years,” according RuPaul’s Drag Race.

- Casey Koslowski to Marketing and Operations The Grand provides a owner Manager, Edward Zielke. prize package for the winner “We now have 12 different and a guest: a week’s stay at room types, Courtyard guest rooms, pool the Grand Penthouse plus airfare, worth view guest rooms on the second floor up to $8,000. The resort continues to and larger Junior suites on the first floor. sponsor the show and will also participate They’re more like apartments. You can in Drag Con in New York and Los Angeles cook and have guests over.” next year. The Drag Race sponsorship has

“The property has a legacy of repeat guests. They usually book for next year before checking out.”

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opened up a younger audience to consider vacationing in Fort Lauderdale in general, and the Grand Resort in particular.

The resort has also been featured in several episodes of a YouTube series called “My Naked Kitchen,” where hot-looking guys cook in their Speedos in one of the Grand’s suites.

One of Casey’s long-term efforts has been his promotion of both the resort and Fort Lauderdale’s Gay Pride events as he travels throughout the U.S. “We went to Dallas last year and are going to Charlotte in 2019,” according to Edward, who said promoting both the resort and our community helps attract more people to visit. “The property has a legacy of repeat guests. They usually book for next year before checking out.” It’s also a way to cultivate a younger clientele. “Growing up, gay guest houses were mainly looking for camaraderie with other gay men. Now, the younger gay market has begun to know us and stay with us,” according to Casey. The Resort also sponsors local activities such as Island City Stage, Gay Men’s Chorus and gay sports leagues.

The resort is expanding in other ways.

“Diversity is important to us,” Edward said.

“We want to expand our reach: young, old, people of color, those who are newly out.

We want to embrace everyone.”

International visitors are also an important part of the Grand Resort’s longrange plan. According to Casey, many international visitors who stay at the resort wind up buying a nearby condo to live here. And guess who helps them find what they’re looking for? Casey, of course, since he knows the local real estate market so well.

“I do not plan on leaving hospitality nor real estate and am actually looking into other markets where The Grand Resort and Spa could open another location.”

As the Grand Resort turns 20, Casey said Fort Lauderdale feels a little more like South Beach did 20 years ago.

“People with more money are coming here,” he said.

That’s probably a good sign the Grand Resort will have 20 more good years ahead—at least.

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12.26.2018 •

5

NEWS local

The Naked Rugby Players.

Photo via TheNakedRugbyPlayers.com

Facebook Lifts Ban On Naked Rugby Calendar Nick Adkins

B

anned for containing “sexual activity,” a British group raising money for both LGBT inclusive rugby and testicular cancer awareness had its Facebook page restored.

“Thank you to Facebook who reversed their decision to ban us! Much appreciated,” the group posted on their Facebook page Dec. 17.

The Naked Rugby Players is a British national calendar composed of six rugby clubs which aims to raise money for cancer charity, Balls To Cancer and LGBT inclusive rugby, as well as bring awareness to testicle cancer and LGBT sports, according to the Facebook page.

The facebook page was banned Dec. 16 and given the explanation that the picture uploaded to the platform contained genitals, sexual - Jake

activity, explicit language or “female nipples,” The Gay UK reported.

The Naked Rugby Players calendar, however, contained none of the above.

“Facebook’s ban is obviously disappointing. We are so proud of this calendar and the message that it gives.

Be proud of your body, be proud of your sexuality and be comfortable in your own skin,” The calendar’s Creative Director Jake Hook said.

Their 2019 calendar was nominated one of the top five fundraising calendars in Britain.

“Thank you for The Naked Rugby Players charity calendar.

It was most generous of you and is much appreciated,” Prince Harry told the group after receiving a copy of last year’s calendar.

Hook

“Be proud of your body, be proud of your sexuality and be comfortable in your own skin.”

Creative director

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12.26.2018 •

7

NEWS x

Trans Exhibit Shows

Progress in Cuba The photographs are on display at Compass through December

Kristen Grau

N

ew-York based award-winning photographer Mariette Pathy Allen has been documenting transgender lives across the world for decades. For one of her latest projects, she trekked through Cuba’s historic streets in 2012 and 2013 — where the LGBT community has lost the extreme shackles it once had.

Allen’s project, “TransCuba,” consists of over 30 intimate portraits of transgender men’s and women’s home lives across Cuba.

The exhibit, a collective effort with The Box Gallery in Palm Beach, proudly lines the walls of Compass, the LGBT Community Center of the Palm Beaches, through the end of December.

The Box Gallery owner and Compass volunteer Rolando Barrero meticulously curated the exhibit, which was unveiled at Compass’ “PUSH! PhotoFest” as part of Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20.

“Hopefully [TransCuba] will normalize the idea of transgenders in other countries,” Barrero said. Allen “seamlessly” amplifies the message that transgender people aren’t unique to the United States, he said.

The photos are part of her TransCuba publication. In her book, she accompanies

her photographs with detailed interviews with dozens of transgender Cubans. The book also features a portion written by Mariela Castro, who is director of Havana’s Cuban National Center for Sex Education and daughter of Cuban leader Raul Castro.

The government-funded organization has pushed for LGBT rights and HIV prevention education since 1989.

Forty years ago, Allen took a group photo of crossdressers at a hotel in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. This sparked her interest in following the LGBT community, her website reads.

“When I took a group picture, I was moved by the experience of looking into the eyes of one of the people in the group,” she said.

“I felt as if I was looking at the essence of a human being rather than a man or a woman.”

TransCuba is her third book, along with three others: “Transformations:

Michael Riordan, Katherine Murphy, Julia Murphy and Rolando Chang Barrero viewing “TransCuba” at the Compass Community Center. Photo credit: Rolando Chang Barrero, Facebook.

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A photo from the “TransCuba” project. Credit: Mariette Pathy Allen.

Crossdressers and Those Who Love them,” Despite these steps forward, the trans The Gender Frontier” and her latest, community still faces discrimination and “Transcendents: Spirit Mediums in Burma poverty in some areas. On Tuesday, Cuba and Thailand.” announced they would not Cuba has taken strides in include same-sex marriage granting LGBT rights since language in their new the 1960s and 70s. During constitution draft “after Fidel Castro’s reign, gays and widespread popular rejection lesbians were imprisoned, of the idea,” the Associated fired and sent to forced labor Press reported. camps called “re-education Barrero said Allen’s photos camps,” according to BBC. portray these areas as a But Raul and Mariela “world of humbleness” and Castro’s influence has acknowledges their thorny opened new doors for the uphill battle fighting for trans community. The Cuban LGBT equality in a country government offered its first that’s still struggling for basic free transition surgeries human rights. in 1997 — while 13 people The TransCuba exhibit - Mariette Pathy Allen were allowed to change their “pushes the limit,” Barrero photographer names and photos on their said. “Generally, [people] don’t IDs that year, according to the document this community...

International Journal of Cuban Health and TransCuba humanizes transgenders instead Medicine. of placing a label on them.”

“I felt as if I was looking at the essence of a human being rather than a man or a woman.”

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12.26.2018 •

9

NEWS state

Amendment 4 Restored the Right to Vote to Felons

But There’s a Catch Some LGBTQ ex-felons will never get to cast a ballot Daniel Villarreal

L

atrice Royale, a beloved competitor from “RuPaul’s Drag Race“ implored her Instagram fans to vote three days before the midterm elections.

In a post, Royale wrote, “I made a mistake! 46 percent of the state’s prison population I paid for my crime! I pay my taxes! … I don’t despite being only 16 percent of the general have my right to vote! I urge all that have a population. voice, please vote! Speak for people like me However, on Nov. 6, nearly 65 percent of who can’t!”

Floridian voters approved Amendment 4, a Like 1.6 million people ballot measure restoring voting living in Florida, Royale rights to felons who completed (birth name Timothy their sentences (and weren’t Wilcots) had lost his right convicted of murder and sex to vote because he’d once offenses). been convicted of a felony.

Amendment 4 seemed He violated his probation posed to benefit the estimated on a 2002 drug arrest in 5 percent of male prisoners and Fort Lauderdale. He’d 33 percent of female prisoners been carrying cannabis who identify as LGBT, and to and Klonopin without a majorly overhaul the state’s prescription — a felony — old way of restoring convicts’ and served about a year in voting rights, a process that prison. could take anywhere from 15 After being released, to 38 years with no guarantee - Scott Greenberg Wilcots discovered of approval.

Executive director of he could no longer “Of course the passage of the Freedom Fund participate in elections Amendment 4 is a subject that thanks to a 1868 state is near and dear to my heart,” constitutional amendment specifically Wilcots told SFGN. “For over a decade, I designed to reduce the number of black have been stripped of my right to vote. I was voters. The amendment disproportionately always under the assumption that once you affected black Floridians as they make up pay for your crime and do your time, you

“Votes shouldn’t be held hostage to payment.”

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Voting in 2018. Photo via the League of Women Voters, Flickr.

can regain your life, rebuild and become a productive member of society. As it turns out ... not so much.”

But unbeknownst to Wilcots and many supporters of Amendment 4, the newly passed law won’t immediately restore the voting rights of most felons. In fact, poorer felons won’t ever get their rights back.

In a Dec. 8 Florida Sentinel editorial, Scott Greenberg — the executive director of the Freedom Fund, a non-profit fighting the mass jailing of LGBTQ people — pointed out that ex-felons only have their voting rights restored after they pay court fees associated to their arrest, an amount that can range anywhere from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars.

This basically amounted to a debt trap and a poll tax, Greenberg wrote, especially

considering that the average annual income of a formerly incarcerated Americans is $6,500. That poverty, combined with the fact that Florida also suspends drivers licenses for nonpayment of court debt, ensures that only wealthier ex-convicts will ever regain their voting rights.

It’s unclear how many of Florida’s former felons owe court fees, but when Freedom Fund looked at 100 South Florida court records from 1998, they found that 92 still owed fees.

“Votes shouldn’t be held hostage to payment,” Greenberg wrote.

When asked by SFGN, Greenberg said he disagrees with an oft-stated online sentiment that those who violate laws shouldn’t have a hand in shaping them.

These comments ignore the law’s racist

NEWS state roots, he said, and maintain an outsized the majority of people are good people consequence for common felony offenses and humans don’t always make the best like drug possession, public fighting, stealing decisions.” over $300 or sleeping in public, a felony “I do not understand the [court] fees being charge that especially affects the 960,000 added [as a condition to restore voting.] If homeless LGBT youth currently living on they have paid their time then it should be the streets. free like all of us!”

“I don’t understand how But the implementation [breaking these laws] should of Amendment 4 faces preclude you from the civic other roadblocks apart from fabric or ever having a say in lingering court fees. Election government,” Greenberg said supervisors in the state’s 67 “If someone infringes counties for restoring former upon the laws and the idea is felons’ voting rights. to bring them back into the Florida Governor fold in a more ‘pro-social’ Ron DeSantis said the way, why would you want to legislature will have to pass exclude them from exercising “implementation language” a fundamental right that before Amendment 4 can - Trinity “The Tuck” makes people participate in go into effect, but the new Taylor how things work and have a legislative term doesn’t start drag queen and stake in how government gets until March 5 and others Florida resident done?” worry that legislators will Because felons are regularly prolong the process or make excluded from employment opportunities it harder than necessary. and public benefits, Greenberg said the Some felons may not realize that they current legal consequences for felons as need to finish their probationary sentences punitive enough without adding extra or pay court fees before re-applying to vote. penalties.

As such, if they check the box on the voter Research also shows that Florida felons registration forms which said, “I affirm that I who have their voting rights restored are am not a convicted felon, or if I am, my right much less likely to commit another crime. to vote has been restored,” they could be In fact, he said that LGBT people should found guilty of another felony. take a particular interest in this issue In short, it seems like it’ll be a while before since they’re three times more likely to be Amendment 4 will benefit anyone, let alone incarcerated than the general public.

Florida’s LGBT former felons like Wilcots.

Trinity “The Tuck” Taylor, another Florida Nevertheless, he said that he’ll continue resident who appeared on RuPaul’s Drag encouraging his fans to push for reform.

Race, agrees with Greenberg.

“Because I couldn’t vote,” Wilcot said, Taylor said, “If someone did something “it has been my mission to influence and wrong and they do their time then they inspire those who could to use their voice. should be given a second chance. Obviously, I have not, nor will I ever, waver from my not all crimes to me are forgivable but mission to make change happen.”

“If they have paid their time then it should be free like all of us!”

A protest against voter suppression. Photo credit: Michael Fleshman via Flickr.

12.26.2018 •

11

NEWS national

Utah senator blocks

lesbian EEOC appointment Lou Chibbaro Jr.

S

en. Mike Lee (R-Utah) on Wednesday continued his one-man effort to block the nomination of lesbian attorney Chai Feldblum to a third term on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

In a Dec. 19 Senate floor discussion on the Feldblum nomination, Lee invoked a longstanding Senate rule that gives a single senator the ability to indefinitely hold up and potentially kill a presidential nomination for a non-judicial appointment by declaring an objection to the nominee.

In keeping with another longstanding tradition of bipartisan cooperation in approving nominees to the five-member EEOC, President Donald Trump earlier this year agreed to a request by Senate Democrats that he nominate Feldblum for a third term on the EEOC. At the same time, Trump nominated two others to the EEOC at the request of Senate Republicans.

Trump was following a tradition carried out by nearly every U.S. president since the EEOC was created by Congress in 1965 to enforce the employment nondiscrimination provisions of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964. Since that time three of the five commissioners have been selected for a four-year term by the party that holds the presidency while the other two have been selected by the minority party.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), who has led

“In this country it is illegal to discriminate against someone in the workplace because of the traits that make them who they are.”

- Patty Murray senator

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Sen. Mike Lee. Photo credit: Gage Skidmore, Flickr.

efforts in support Feldblum’s nomination, pointed out in remarks on the Senate floor on Wednesday that the Senate has approved nearly all EEOC nominees by a unanimous consent. When she asked for unanimous consent for the confirmation of Feldblum along with GOP nominees Janel Dhillon and Daniel Gade, Lee objected.

Among other things, Lee accused Feldblum of being a strong and unreasonable opponent of “religious freedom” and claimed Feldblum has stated openly that in employment discrimination cases, an employer cannot cite religious beliefs as a legal ground for refusing to hire someone.

“Ms. Feldblum has written that she sees a conflict between religious belief and LGBT liberty as ‘a zero-sum game’ where ‘a gain for one side necessarily entails a corresponding loss for the other side,’” Lee quoted Feldblum as saying.

“These are not the words of an open-

minded lawyer,” he continued. “These are the words of an activist intent on stamping out all opposition to her cause.”

Lee also said he opposes Feldblum’s nomination because of her longstanding and active role in pushing for legalizing same-sex marriage, something Lee said he strongly opposes because it’s at odds with his religious beliefs.

Murray disputed Lee’s interpretation of Feldblum’s statements pertaining to the issue of employment discrimination. She also pointed out that by blocking a resolution for the joint approval of Feldblum and the other two nominees, Lee’s action would result in the lack of a quorum on the EEOC because there would be just two of the five commissioners in office beginning on Jan. 1.

Such a development could prevent the EEOC from deciding on important employment discrimination and sexual harassment cases expected to be brought

before the commission in 2019, Murray said.

“I come to the floor today to raise concerns about the unprecedented and partisan obstruction of a highly qualified nominee to a critical agency,” Murray said in her remarks on the Senate floor.

“In this country it is illegal to discriminate against someone in the workplace because of the traits that make them who they are – their race, religion, sex, disability, and more – and it is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s responsibility to enforce those laws and give every person the opportunity to make a living for themselves without fear of discrimination or harassment,” Murray said.

She and others supporting Feldblum’s nomination have also noted that Feldblum played a key role in persuading the EEOC to interpret existing federal laws to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Lee has cited Feldblum’s actions along those lines as among the

NEWS national

reasons why he’s opposing her nomination silence many people seeking justice under the for a third term on the commission. law,” Ellis said.

“Right now, a single Republican senator is Also expressing support for Feldblum’s threatening to derail the confirmation of Ms. nomination this week was Jerri Ann Henry, PrEP has become one of our Feldblum for another term on the EEOC,” who earlier this month assumed the role of PrEPpowerful has become of our Murray said. “Ms. Feldblum has served two executive director of the national LGBT group most toolsone in the fight terms on the EEOC, where she has earned Log Cabin Republicans. most powerful tools in the fight against HIV/AIDS. the respect of her professional colleagues on “Log Cabin Republicans is disheartened against HIV/AIDS. both sideso of the aisle,” Murray said. “She to hear that Republican Senator Mike Lee pr viders We are Wededicated are dedicated health health care care providers providers has strong support from Republicans and is delaying the bipartisan confirmation of We are dedicated health care providers patitis for Infectious for Infectious Diseases, HIV, Hepatitis HIV, Hepatitis C, C, Democrats in the Senate, and she has Equal Employment OpportunityC, We areDiseases, dedicated health care providers for Infectious Diseases, HIV, Hepatitis C, been confirmed by this Senate Commission (EEOC) nominee Chronic Chronic illnesses, illnesses, and HRT. and HRT. for Infectious Diseases, HIV, Hepatitis C, Chronic andHRT. HRT. twice.”

Chai Feldblum over her Chronicillnesses, illnesses, and The New Yorksupport for same-sex based national LGBT marriage,” Henry said in advocacy organization a statement.

A. Howard Howard A. A.A.A. GLAAD is among the “Marriage equality Howard Howard organizations and is the law of the land, Grossman, MD Grossman, MD an, MD Grossman, Grossman, MD MD individuals supporting and a right supported Feldblum that are by the vast majority NOW NOW NOW NOW calling on Senate of Americans,” Henry ACCEPTING ACCEPTING - Sarah Kate Ellis Majority Leader Mitch said. “Members of the NG ACCEPTING ACCEPTING NEW Glaad president NEWPATIENTS. PATIENTS. McConnell (R-Ky.) to use EEOC have an obligation TIENTS. NEW PATIENTS. NEW PATIENTS. CALL TODAY! and ceo his authority to release the to uphold established law CALL TODAY! Feldblum nomination from to ensure no American faces OD A Y! CALL TODAY! CALL TODAY! Lee’s hold and bring it to the Senate wrongful workplace discrimination floor for a vote. for their gender, race, religion, or the gender “Commissioner Feldblum has served the of their spouse,” she said. “In this regard, EEOC with integrity and is experienced and Ms. Feldblum has carried out her role with 2500 NE 15th Ave | Wilton Manors, FL 33305 highly qualified for the job,” said GLAAD distinction,” added Henry.

2500 NE 15th Ave | Wilton Manors, FL 33305 President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “With “If Sen. Lee wants to better represent many Americans seekingFL justice and surviving Republicans on this 33305 issue, he should do so by s, 25002500 NE 15th NE Ave 15th Ave | Wilton | Wilton Manors, Manors, FL 33305 FL 33305 discrimination and sexual harassment in the supporting marriage, not by playing politics workplace, it’s imperative that the country’s over settled law,” she said. top political reporters cover this alarming When asked by the Blade at the U.S. Capitol problem,” said Ellis, who was referring to on Thursday for further comment on his GLAAD’s concern that mainstream media opposition to the Feldblum nomination, outlets have not reported the holdup of Lee declined to comment and referred the Feldblum’s nomination.

Blade to his remarks on the Senate floor on “One anti-LGBTQ activist should not Wednesday.

of our PrEP PrEP has has become become oneone of our of our he fight most most powerful powerful tools tools in the in the fightfight against against HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS.

“One antiLGBTQ activist should not silence many people seeking justice under the law.”

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Chai Feldblum. Photo credit: U.S. Dept. of Aggriculture, Flickr.

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12.26.2018 •

13

KEEP YOUR EYES ON

NEWS national

No More Gay Roles for Darren Criss

South Florida Gay News

Darren Criss. Photo via wiki user popsugar.

Nick Adkins

S

It’s about time. It’s about us. A paper that speaks with you, to you, and about you.

A paper that pulls no punches, protects our friends, defends our allies, and defines our adversaries. Our goal is to have you make our paper your home page.

Welcome to the South Florida Gay News.

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traight-identifying Darren Criss, 31, who won ‘best actor for limited series or movie’ at this year’s Emmy awards for portraying 27 year old gay serial killer Andrew Cunanan, recently swore off further gay roles in an interview with Bustle magazine.

“I want to make sure I won’t be another straight boy taking a gay man’s role,” Criss told the magazine, days after returning from an overseas tour with former ”Glee” co-star Lea Michele.

“It’s just made me really scared because [the Andrew Cunanan season of American Crime Story] ticked so many massive boxes,” Criss said. “I’m kind of like, ‘Well, shit, how can I possibly move from there?’” He went on to say.

“I think it’s more empowering to everybody, including myself, if I’m articulate about identifying myself as a straight male playing a gay character,” Criss said for the Hollywood issue of Out magazine in 2011, when he was 24 years old. “Ultimately, that’s more powerful for both communities.”

Cunanan, the gay serial killer Criss portrays in “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime story,” shares being a member of the Filipino community with the actor.

When the Andrew Cunanan season was in development, Criss told executive producer Ryan Murphy “I defy you to find another guy who looks kind of like him, who’s in the same age range, who’s in your Rolodex of actors.

Because if you don’t cast a half-Filipino guy, the Filipino community is going to cry bloody murder. So I don’t know what your other options are!” Criss shared with Indiewire.

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to re nt ite Ms

First they came for the Mexicans, and I didn’t speak up

because i wasn’t mexican.

Then they came for the immigrants, and I didn’t speak up

because i wasn’t an immigrant.

Then they came for Muslims, and I didn’t speak up

because i wasn’t muslim.

Then they came for transgender people, but I didn’t speak up

because i wasn’t transgender.

when will

you speak up?

12.26.2018 •

15

NEWS palm beach

PBCHRC’s Rand Hoch Named ‘Top Lawyer’ SFGN Staff

R

etired Judge Rand Hoch was recently named a Top Lawyer by Marquis Who’s Who, the world’s premier publisher of biographical profiles.

“It is humbling to have been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who for my work as an attorney,” Hoch said. “I am particularly honored to know that they value the pro bono legal work I have done for Florida’s LGBTQ community for more than three decades.”

Hoch is a well-known LGBT rights advocate in Palm Beach County and is also the president and founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council.

“An accomplished listee, Judge Hoch celebrates many years’ experience in his professional network, and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field,” a press release from Marquis stated. “As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.”

Rand Hoch.

The rest of the press release details Hoch’s accomplishments.

In 1992, Florida Governor Lawton Chiles appointed Mr. Hoch to serve as a Judge of Compensation Claim. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Hoch practiced labor, workers’ compensation and election law at the Law Office of Gerald A. Rosenthal from 1989 to 1991 and at Kaplan, Sicking and Bloom from 1985 to 1988. Mr. Hoch also served as a research assistant for professor Ruth Fleet Thurman at Stetson University College of Law from 1983 to 1985. Following his tenure on the bench, Judge Hoch formed the Law and Mediation Offices of Rand Hoch, where he continues to work as a private mediator helping parties resolve workplace disputes.

Prior to his career in law, Mr. Hoch served as a real estate broker in Florida and as a political consultant in Washington, DC, Massachusetts and Florida. While in undergraduate school at Georgetown University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in American Government, he served as the research director for the Council of Active Independent Oil and Gas Producers from 1996 to 1997 and as national volunteer coordinator for the Henry M. Jackson for President Committee from 1974 to 1976.

In 1988, Mr. Hoch founded the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, a local independent advocacy organization for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. He served as President from 1988 to 1992 and from 2001 to the present. In that capacity, Judge Hoch was instrumental in the enactment of more than 130 laws and policies providing equal rights, protections and benefits for the LGBT community in Florida.

Throughout his career, Judge Hoch has been recognized for his contributions. The recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award from Palm Beach State College, he has also received an Inaugural Diversity Honors Award from the Harvey Milk Foundation. South Florida Gay News named him among their Out 50, and Florida Agenda named him one of Florida’s Top 100 LGBT Movers and Shakers. Judge Hoch has been featured in numerous honors publications, including multiple editions of Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Law, Who’s Who in American Politics, Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in the South and Southwest, and Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in America.

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Publisher's Editorial

Convictions

David Jobin is ‘Our Man’ Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

‘Our Fund’ CEO is SFGN’s ‘Person of the Year’

x

A

fter multiple discussions with numerous community leaders, David Jobin, the Executive Director of Our Fund, has been chosen as SFGN’s ‘Person of the Year.’ He claims the award in 2018 for his achievements in excellence the past five years in South Florida.

Working in the South Florida philanthropic community, Jobin has cultivated an unparalleled spirit of camaraderie and volunteerism. Our Fund is changing the landscape for nonprofits.

First, Jobin’s stewardship and management of Our Fund has brought the heralded agency to new heights. He has been acclaimed for his professionalism, praised for his congeniality, and admired for building new partnerships. He is respected by all as a unifier. Rightly so.

Our Fund has lived up to its mission of responsible philanthropy. Since its founding in 2011, it has supported our community with over six million dollars in grants in its first seven years. Its reputation has been sterling.

As reported in SFGN last week, eighteen more grants were added to the table this year.

At Our Fund Foundation’s Fall Community Grant Program, held at Fort Lauderdale’s New River Fine Art Gallery, more than $120,000 in grant money was given out.

Youth Pride Band Scholarship Recipients. Photo via Our Fund.

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Our Fund has achieved success by reaching within the box and thinking outside it. It has encouraged generous donors by being innovative, transparent, and professional.

Under Jobin’s leadership, Our Fund has started programs which heretofore had not been seen in South Florida. Following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Anthony Timiraos, Jobin has kept Our Fund relevant and reliable.

First, Our Fund’s annual LGBT Leadership Forum has brought together consequential voices to promote social issues. The overflow crowds are a tribute to its seriousness of purpose on matters of substance.

Our Fund now also hosts quarterly forums for local not for profits, discussing shared concerns, management, and fund raising opportunities. When they first started, they had meetings with 15-20 groups participating.

They now need a bigger space. It has doubled in size, with almost 40 agencies checking in to their meetings.

“It is a cross pollination of resources,” Jobin said. “Our Fund has fostered a camaraderie amongst neighboring nonprofits from Miami to Palm Beach.” The plan is working.

Established only in 2011, Our Fund has quickly become one of the largest LGBT

community foundations in the U.S. Its $10 million endowment ranks third in the nation, behind much older and longer-established foundations in San Francisco and Seattle.

“I am a director who enjoys fund raising,” said Jobin, who acknowledges that Our Fund focuses on “more substantive donors. We do not want to take away from members of the LGBTQ community assisting their favorite projects and causes they already support.”

“Our aspiration is to triple that number; reach a higher plateau.

That would enable us to focus on programs more and fundraise less.”

Jobin said the number of organizations applying for grants has tripled over the last few years, due, in large part, to the Foundation’s expansion into Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. The grants are disbursed to a wide variety of unique groups.

One recipient this year was a little-known group, ‘Thou Art Woman.’ Jobin explained, “They focus on raising the profile of LBT women and their allies through performance and visual arts. And Our Fund wants to reach groups and agencies others have not been able to.”

Jobin is hands on, reviewing applications personally.

Still, more established groups, such as SunServe and the Smart Ride have also benefited from Our Fund’s grants, along with Compass, Aqua, and the Alzheimer’s Association of South Florida. More importantly, everyone in the community benefits when nonprofits are trusted and run well.

The Board of Directors of Our Fund has grown too, inviting and allowing distinguished

community leaders to provide oversight and counsel, guidance and supervision.

Transparency. It matters.

Sadly, one of those members, Chuck Shields, a distinguished attorney, passed away unexpectedly this Fall. Shields had been president of the Broward County Estate Planning Council. An annual estate planning series will be now be developed and named in his honor.

Our Fund employs its resources to also sponsor leadership forums and educational seminars. They just hosted a chat with an FAU professor, developed around the play ‘Hamilton’ running now at the Broward Center. Standing room only.

“We are changing the landscape for nonprofits,” Jobin advised. “We are showing what can be achieved.”

Philanthropy is in Jobin’s blood. From 2009-2013, prior to moving to Florida, he had served as the Executive Director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D. C. His success there was a precursor to his achievements here.

While singing for the chorus part time, he oversaw an increase in their revenues by 65 per cent full time in his short tenure as its ED. When he relocated to South Florida, he took on the task of becoming Executive Director of the fledgling Stonewall National Museum & Archives. He handled the tasks for two years, but enthusiastically jumped at the chance to lead Our Fund.

Anthony Timiraos, Jobin’s distinguished predecessor, said “I knew the day that David

“We are changing the landscape for nonprofits,” Jobin advised.

“We are showing what can be achieved.”

Publisher's Editorial

Convictions applied for the position of CEO/President that he was the right man for the job. I did not want to see someone who did not understand the needs of our community and the importance of philanthropy.”

Timiraos, who spent five years as the first CEO and President of Our Fund, building its reputation and stature, added, “David’s success with Stonewall National Museum and Archives gave me the comfort level I needed. I was very happy when the Board of Directors decided to offer him the position.”

While at Stonewall, Jobin had launched the Stonewall Gallery on Wilton Drive, placing the organization at the intersection of gay South Florida. It was a quiet start to a greater journey.

Before becoming active in LGBT causes professionally, Jobin spent twenty years in theater management, first at Magic Theatre in San Francisco and then at the City Theatre Company in Pittsburgh.

Jobin lives in Wilton Manors with his partner, Angel Burgos, a university executive.

He still has a love for all things thespian. When he has spare time away from Our Fund, he also serves on the Board of Directors of the Slow Burn Theater.

“One of my goals is to showcase South Florida as the most hospitable place in the world for LGBTQ people to live. I appreciate the chance to do my part as well.”

Our Fund will break new ground again in February with its debut of the LGBT Philanthropy Awards. The inaugural event will celebrate individuals and families whose generosity of time, talent and resources make a significant impact on South Florida’s GBTQ community.

This visionary way of paying it forward can be said of David Jobin himself.

He has fostered a culture of philanthropy by uniting donors with groups supporting the LGBT community.

He has strengthened community organizations.

He has inspired ‘giving’ to ensure that Our Fund secures our future for generations to come.

For all these reasons, SFGN has selected David Jobin with our “Person of the Year” award.

He who brings sunshine to others cannot help but bring it back to himself.

When David first came to Ft. Lauderdale, I knew from the start that he was an amazing talent. Our Fund has grown and matured under his leadership, because let’s face it, who can say no to the sparkle in his smile. David stands with equal footing among the many great leaders we are blessed with in our community. His good work will leave us with a legacy that will help each new generation prosper.

David Jobin.

Photo courtesy of Our Fund.

12.26.2018 •

19

Convictions

Trans Talk

Policing Masculinity As a trans man I learned first hand how men and women are viewed by society Atticus Ranck

I

didn’t realize how much men policed other men until I came out as male. And once men started policing me, then I really started to police myself.

I stopped sitting with my legs crossed because my brother-in-law told me, “Guys don’t sit that way.”

I changed the way I waved hello after a male friend of mine told me I waved “gay.” My brother made fun of my swim shorts for being too short. I think all these cisgender men were telling me these things because they were teaching me how to be a man.

But, really, it just made me neurotic about all of my actions. I started policing myself incessantly. It was emotionally exhausting to constantly be thinking about my every move.

Then I started to question my gender all over again.

If sitting with my legs crossed or waving “gay” came naturally to me, does that mean I’m not really a guy?

But then I remembered that I was socialized female for 24 years. It would take time for “manly” things to come naturally to me. And even if they didn’t or never did, I wasn’t any less male for it. I’m a guy because I say I am, no matter how I sit or how short my shorts are.

I actually feel bad for many cisgender, straight men that feel so boxed in by the rules society set forth for their gender that they can’t wear shorts above the knee or pink socks without their very sex being called into question.

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When my grandmother passed away, I wrote a eulogy for her with input from my siblings. When I asked my brother what he thought of it, he said he didn’t know if I should mention my pink socks. When my grandmother was alive, she gave us socks for every holiday Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Christmas, etc.

One of those socks was pink with frogs on them. I believe it was a Valentine’s Day pair. She gifted them to me when I was still identifying as female. In the eulogy, I wrote about this tradition my grandmother had and how I owned a pair of pink socks with frogs on them as a gift from her. What my brother is really trying to tell me when he says I shouldn’t mention the pink socks is that he could be embarrassed by me, embarrassed for me, trying to protect me from ridicule, or that he’s trying to teach me how to be a man by telling me what society deems is or is not appropriate for someone of my age and gender.

I’m not mad at these guys, though. They live in a world which has rigid rules for men and how they

I’m a guy because I say I am, no matter how I sit or how short my shorts are. should express their masculinity. Besides, growth is possible.

For our wedding, my wife and I wanted my three nieces and one nephew involved. When we asked my oldest niece to be the ringbearer, my 6-year-old niece said she also wanted to throw flowers like the rest of her siblings and her cousin. So we let her be both a ring bearer and a flowerkid. When we told my brother that his son would be a flowerkid along with his female cousin and sister and we showed him the outfit we wanted my nephew to wear (burgundy shirt, blue pants, suspenders and a bow tie), he said, “Well we do love the outfit and I can’t say it’s not out of my comfort zone, but usually stepping out of your comfort zone is an opportunity to grow. So we’ll embrace it. And he’ll look too cute not to do it.”

Progress, not perfection.

Atticus Ranck is the Health Programs & Supportive Services Manager for Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown, PA. Previously, he was the Director of Transgender Services at SunServe in Wilton Manors. Atticus is a trans man who advocates for the LGBT community through his work, trainings, presentations, and everyday encounters.

Convictions

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FAITH & PRIDE spirituality New Year’s Resolutions ─

Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot?!

The Rev. Mark Andrew Jones, BSG

W

hy bother with New Year’s Resolutions? Too often they are little more than frustrating starts to the rest of our lives. But what if we crafted more than party favors?

Those of us from a liturgical church tradition may have a head start. A new church year starts with the Season of Advent, which begins with the fourth Sunday before Christmas. The name “advent” is derived from a Latin word for “coming.” Many Christians craft their New Year’s resolutions with thought of the “three comings of Christ”: (1) the coming celebration of our Lord’s nativity Christmas; (2) the coming of Christ in our hearts; and (3) the coming of Christ at the end of the ages. Of course, the vast majority of the world uses the Gregorian calendar and celebrates the beginning of a new calendar year on January 1st. In pre-Christian times the Julian calendar also started on January 1st and was dedicated to Janus, the Roman god of gateways and beginnings, for whom the month of January is named.

On January 1st and thereafter I urge you to recognize that each day is a new day and a new beginning. First and foremost, therefore, resolve to be free of the past.

Be gentle with yourself. No one is perfect.

Rather than beating oneself for a mistake, have a sense of humor (“Oh, there you go again, Mark”).

Give up comparing people, including yourself to others. People are too complicated for a true, apples-to-apples

comparison anyway. Comparing ourselves to others almost inevitably leads to either judging oneself or others. Remember – your journey is unique … and so are the journeys others pursue. Be happy for them.

Be happy for yourself. Smile, be friendly and be of good cheer. It’s a mood changer – for you and others; because non-verbal communications are often more powerful than the spoken word.

Give back. Discover what it means to be blessed to be a blessing.

Sharing of your time, talent, and treasure is powerful for you and for others.

By giving back you shift your perspective from an internal, sometimes needy place to a source for external satisfaction and joy. It can be building Habitat homes or as simple as buying a cup of coffee or a sandwich for someone. Volunteer and interact with people so you can see the difference you make. Volunteering in our mobile Holy Grill comes to mind; feed the homeless and working poor – feed body and soul.

Be compassionate and of good character with a healthy balance of Head and Heart.

Just as anger and cruelty seem to soak into and darken one’s marrow, compassion (which comes with empathy and kindness) lightens the spirit for joy. Have integrity and be honest. These are values no one can take from you; they have to be given away.

Respect the dignity of every human being – dealing honestly and justly with all. Eschew divisiveness in favor of an inclusive sense of community for peaceful living.

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lifestyle two guys and a dog

Memories Light the Corners of My Mind Brian McNaught

R

eel in the Closet, a 2015 documentary by Stu Maddox, compiled the home movies, dating back to the 1930s, of ordinary LGBT people, celebrating with their friends, none of whom knew they would one day be seen on the big screen, nor that their candid shots would become their legacy to us.

LGBT museums today, such as the Stonewall National Museum in Fort Lauderdale, covet such films and photos that help create a picture of what life was like for us all, prior to today. Do you have such films and photos? Ray and I do, of a period starting soon after Stonewall to the present, a no less significant time, considering Anita Bryant, Harvey Milk, Marches on Washington, AIDS, Barney Frank, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Brokeback Mountain, and Marriage Equality, just to cite a few reasons.

Do you remember when many of us were taking home movies? When I was a child, my parents held the camera up to their eye, and would direct us, “Smile. Say something.” That was when you took your film to have it developed, and in turn got a yellow box with a reel of film inside. A few times a year, the family would sit together as Dad ran the projector, and Mom gave commentary.

We kids would laugh, point at the screen, and say “Who’s that?”and “Look at you.” It was a documentation of the McNaughts.

All of my siblings have copies of the films.

Since Ray and I have been a couple, we’ve recorded everything with our cameras. When the photos came back in fat envelopes, we’d go through them together, pick out the ones we liked best, and insert them carefully, one by one, into beautiful, leather bound albums. We have at least two dozen of them displayed up at the lodge on Tupper Lake. We also have stacks of discs that have been transferred from video camera cassettes.

Now, of course, there’s iPhones and iClouds. We create e-albums, and e-invite others to have access to the photos and videos. We also have Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media outlets through which we can post a photo, series of photos, or video, to help family, friends, and strangers stay up on our lives. Most of us in the U.S. needn’t fear social repercussions from posting these photos, unlike the gay and transgender people in the 1950s. They trusted that their friends would never show the photos or movies to anyone but “family.”

I’m very glad that we have the photo albums and discs, but I rarely sit down to look, watch, and reminisce. I have fantasies of enjoying the discs, and slowly going through the photo albums, as I linger on my deathbed, long enough to complete the task. But, I don’t get to choose when and how I die, and I hate to think I might miss the great pleasure of “lighting the corners of my mind,” with memories of Ray, me, Jeremy, Brit,

The photos and the films prove that we existed, that we loved, that our lives had meaning.

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1 2.26.2018

Photo credit: Brian McNaught.

Lincoln, and our families and good friends.

When and why do you think we stop sitting alone, or together as couples, going through the photos, and watching the home movies of ourselves? When and why do you think we start back looking and watching them again? Wouldn’t rekindling memories of our past enrich our relationships?

The photos and the films prove that we existed, that we loved, that our lives had meaning. What happens, then, when they get tossed out a few years after our deaths because they took up too much space in a nephew or niece’s basement? Do we vanish? Will anyone see firsthand proof of our full, beautiful lives?

I used to love it when Mom would guide us through the old photos of her family, telling us how our great uncle Frank used to be a flashy dresser and dancer in his day. We knew him only as the skinny old man with the whiskers who drank beer and smoked on the back porch of his sisters’ home.

Mom’s grandfather was a ship’s captain on the Great Lakes who drowned. (Dad joked he was drunk.)

The stories created for us the sense of belonging to something bigger than just our immediate family. Some

ancestors came from Ireland, others from Scotland. On one side of the family, or the other, we allegedly had relatives on the Mayflower. We learned that we were part of a living history of struggle, of succeeding, of glory, and of heartache, regardless of when we immigrated here.

So, too, are today’s and tomorrow’s LGBT youth our children. They’re part of your and my family, and they need us to explain who they’re seeing in the photos. These young people belong to a bigger picture, to a living history that we helped create. While it’s true that many young LGBT and queer youth currently don’t seem to care much about their history, they, too, will grow older, and as they do, they’ll be more interested in how they got to where they are now. So, please don’t throw away the records of your lives. Don’t let them get discarded by others who might not understand or care about the important stories they tell.

Before you donate them, though, sit comfortably alone, or with others, and slowly go through the albums and films so that you, too, might remember all of the struggles, the living, the grieving, the loving of our lives. I promise myself that when I go north this summer, I’m going to sit alone, or with Ray, and look at the captured moments of our lives.

I wish you could sit with me. I have so many wonderful stories to tell. And, so do you.

Brian McNaught has been a leading educator on LGBTQ issues globally since 1974. He has made his many books and DVDs available for free at Brian-McNaught.com. The New York Times named him “The Godfather of gay diversity training.”

12.26.2018 •

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OUT NOW

ON A RED RACK NEAR YOU!

THE REEL LIFE

S O U T H

F L O R I D A

G A Y

N E W S

Vol. 7 Issue 4 • September 2018

OF FREDDIE MERCURY

PICTURED: RAMI MALEK IN “BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY.” PHOTO CREDIT: ALEX BAILEY/TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX.

READ IT ONLINE AT THEMIRRORMAG.COM 12.26.2018 •

27

SFGNITES

F O R T H E W E E K O F D e c e m b er 2 7 , 2 0 1 8 - J a n u ary 1 , 2 0 1 9 • W W W . S F G N . C O M J.W. Arnold

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theater Celebrate the holidays with “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” playing through Dec. 30 at the Arsht Center in Miami, courtesy of Broadway Across America. This timeless tale of joy and goodwill is filled with classic Berlin songs and topped with glorious dancing and lots of snow.

Based on the classic movie musical, this show is guaranteed to please a special someone. Tickets start at $34 at ArshtCenter.org.

FRI

12/28

dance Miami City Ballet transports audiences to a dazzling winter wonderland in the new production of “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker this weekend at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. Step into the magical world of toy soldiers, ferocious mice and the enchanting “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy,” all set to the beloved music of Tchaikovsky and performed by a live orchestra. Tickets at MiamiCityBallet.org.

x

Monday 12/31

nightlife

The Manor Complex, 2345 Wilton Dr. in Wilton Manors, is promising the “Greatest New Year’s Eve Showcase,” tonight beginning at 9 p.m. D.J. Tony Moran will be in the booth and Billboard magazine five-time #1 dance diva Pepper Mashay will be on stage, with additional appearances by T.P. Lords, Erika, Sasha and Calypso and hot cirque performers. Tickets are start at $15 at Showclix.com/event/ManorNYE2019.

Photo Credit: Facebook.com.

SAT

12/29 SUN

12/30 MON

12/31 TUE

1/1

drag

theater

comedy

holiday

Murry and Peter present “A Drag Queen Christmas,” featuring all your favorites from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” tonight at 8 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 N.E. 8th St. in Fort Lauderdale. Miz Cracker and Monet X Change are your co-hostesses for “The Naughty Tour,” also featuring Alyssa Edwards, Farrah Moan, Latrice Royale, Trinity the Tuck, Naomi Smalls and more. Tickets are available at ParkerPlayhouse.com.

The Hills are alive! A brand new production of “The Sound of Music” is coming to Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Dr. in, you guessed it, Coral Springs, tonight at 7 p.m. The beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family includes Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most famous songs: “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss” and “Climb Every Mountain.” Tickets at TheCenterCS. com.

The Washington, D.C.-based musical comedy troupe Capitol Steps come to the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Rd. in Jupiter, tonight to offer a humorous look at some serious issues in an all-new show to ring in the New Year. Founded in 1981, the Capitol Steps put the “mock” into democracy at every hilarious (yet serious) performance. Two shows at 5 and 8 p.m. Tickets start at $70 at JupiterTheatre.org.

After you sleep off that hangover, it’s time to make some New Year’s resolutions. Just remember, if plan to lose weight or exercise more in the new year, most people ditch those resolutions within three weeks or less. Instead, make a resolution you can keep: support the arts in 2019, especially those theater, dance, musical and visual arts organizations that support our local LGBT community. That’s a winner!

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A&E theater Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical “Hamilton” has finally arrived at the Broward Center for a limited run.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.

5 Tips to Consider Before You See ‘Hamilton’ J.W. Arnold

T

ickets to “Hamilton” on Broadway are practically impossible to purchase— especially on a journalist’s meager salary—so, when I entered the Broward Center last week to see the show for the very first time, I found myself watching through the lens of the average theatergoer. We’ve all heard the hype about Lin-Manuel Miranda’s rap/hip-hop take on the life of Alexander Hamilton, but the time had finally come to judge the show for myself. Here are five takeaways that may help readers make the most of the experience and perhaps enjoy the show just a little bit more: 1. Brush up on your history.

Isn’t Alexander Hamilton the guy on the $10 bill? Aside from that, most Americans know little to nothing about our first Treasury secretary other than he was one of our venerable founding fathers. You don’t have time to read Ron Chernow’s definitive 832-page biography (and the inspiration for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical), but do log in to Wikipedia and catch up on the basic facts you may have forgotten since your sophomore U.S. History class.

2. Download the original cast recording.

Did I mention that “Hamilton” is essentially a rap musical?

Sure, there are a couple of straight musical numbers, but most of the title character’s life is conveyed through fastmoving rhyme and can be hard to understand, especially in the many ensemble numbers. For about ten bucks, you can download the Grammy Award-winning original cast recording (featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda himself in the title role) and give the smart lyrics a listen. You’ll be glad

you did when you’re seated in the Broward Center’s boomy Au Rene Theater.

3. Don’t get caught up in all the hype.

“Hamilton” has arguably been the hottest ticket on Broadway for three years and the five-week national tour production at the Broward Center sold out fast. The show is hot, but it’s not worth $600 a ticket on the resale market or even $200. It’s a great show, but like many other hot shows (“Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables,” “The Book of Mormon”), it’s going to be around for a long time and touring productions will make their way back to South Florida sooner, rather than later. Be patient, but if you can’t wait, download the “Hamilton” app and get into the daily $10 ticket lottery. Good luck!

4. Be prepared to be amazed.

On every level, this touring production is one of the finest on the road. The incredibly talented cast perform with passion and skill; the book and music absolutely deserved that Pulitzer Prize; the choreography is inventive and perfectly danced; and the set, lighting and sound design are executed at a level rarely seen in a touring production.

There’s a reason the show has snatched practically every award possible and this production is certainly as close to the Broadway version as possible.

5. But, if you’re not…

While Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical is an incredible work of art, it may not be your favorite show and that’s OK. You can appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity, but be ready for a cocktail after three hours of fast-paced rap and hip-hop music.

The Tony Award-winning musical “Hamilton” is performed through Jan. 11 at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale. Currently, only resale tickets are available. A limited number of $10 tickets are available in a daily lottery on the official “Hamilton” app, available on your app store. For more information, go to BrowardCenter.org.

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A paper that pulls no punches, protects our friends, defends our allies, and defines our adversaries. Our goal is to have

it Frank Molano jokes that he is the “designated adult” in charge of the New Directions Chamber Winds, but when it comes to their music, he and the other 15 musicians in the local ensemble are always serious.

The ensemble will offer a special concert on Sunday, Dec. 30 at the Wilton Theater Factory in Wilton Manors. Entitled “Song & Dance,” the program will include music by Camille Saint-Saëns, Sergei Prokofiev, Leo Delibes, Edvard Grieg and more.

“We are particularly eclectic in our programming,” said conductor Juan Mansilla. “We seek out works that are very unique and particular, yet accessible and relatable to the audience. And then, with each of our programs, we try to create a compelling narrative, so it’s not just a string of random musical pieces.”

The program Molano and Mansilla have planned for the Wilton Manors performance begins with the biblical story of Samson and Delilah, the famed “Bacchanal” from Juan Mansilla conducts a rehearsal of the New Directions Chamber Winds.

Saint-Saëns’ opera. From there, the fifteen Photo via the New Directions Chamber. musicians will present music inspired

by Italian Renaissance courts, including selections from Prokofiev’s 20th-century to be in this group. We have very dedicated ballet, “Romeo and Juliet.” musicians,” Molano added. “The rehearsals “Deals were made on the dance floors can be very intense to learn such challenging in Renaissance Italy,” explained Mansilla, music in a short amount of time.” “with every step and gesture and how they Many of the works are written for the were executed on the floor. It’s absolutely ensemble’s instrumentation of flutes, fascinating.” clarinets, oboes, bassoons and From there the conductor will horns, but other full symphonic lead his volunteer musicians in “Everybody works have been transcribed. music from the ballet “Coppelia” Molano is quick to point out who is in

by Delibes and explore the that the transcriptions are inherent nationalism of Grieg’s true to the original the group completely “Four Norwegian Dances,” a work, but offer audiences a musical response to Johannes way to experience the melodies wants to Brahms’ “Hungarian Dances” and harmonies performed be in this and Antonín Dvořák’s “Slavonic by a different combination of Dances.” instruments. group.”

“We also have some surprises Performing with New planned,” Mansilla promised.

Directions does attract the - Frank Molano Rehearsals began several better wind musicians in the weeks ago. Most of the area. musicians are highly accomplished “If you play in a big band or big orchestra, performers, but the ensemble also includes you tend to be drowned out; whereas in several talented student musicians who are a small group, it doesn’t matter if you’re eager to learn the classical wind repertoire. playing the 2nd, 3rd or 4th part, you will be “Everybody who is in the group wants heard,” Mansilla said.

New Directions Chamber Winds presents “Song & Dance,” on Sunday, Dec. 30 at 4 p.m. at Wilton Theater Factory, 2304 N. Wilton Dr. in Wilton Manors. Tickets are $20 at IslandCityStage.org.

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12.26.2018 •

33

PORN pulse

Why Famed Director Tim Higgins

Left Fort Lauderdale Hunter Houston

I

ntercontinental legendary porn director and former Fort Lauderdale resident William Higgins is celebrating 40 years in the business. Recently he discussed how he got started, why he left Florida, and how he found new success shooting in Eastern Europe, in a two part (part one, part two) interview with porn news source, AVN. Higgins’ porn career started as porn but along the way he’s had some close calls consumer. with the law.

“I thought, ‘Well, these films are really “After a while, I thought everything was horrible—certainly I can do better!,” he told legal, and there was a huge raid during the AVN. Carter administration,” he told AVN. Starting in 1978, some of the long time It was at that point Higgins decided he director’s iconic works include “The Boys better consult an attorney. of Venice, The Class of ‘84,” “These Bases “I [went and] said, ‘I thought porno was Are Loaded,” “The Best Little Warehouse in legal because of the First Amendment,’ and L.A.,” “Sailor in the Wild,” “Cousins,” “The [the attorney] laughs and says, ‘Oh how naïve Pizza Boy,” and “Big Guns.” you are! What’s amazing to me is that you’ve Higgins’ first encounter with gay porn been in the business this long and haven’t took place in Dallas in a twin theater that had any encounters with the police.’” featured straight and gay erotic films. He was closeted at the time so he would often buy Fort Lauderdale a ticket to the straight movie and switch to Those words would later prove to be the gay one.

In Dallas, he had been a customer of prophetic in 1988, when Higgins and a talent Falcon, the revolutionary 1971 gay porn scout found themselves cruising for ‘models’ studio, and one day received a letter from the in South Florida.

“Well, I had a scout, and company saying that no future I’ve said to all the scouts, orders would be shipped to “The charge ‘Whatever you do, don’t Texas, Tennessee or Florida. mess around with anybody According to an Out dropped, and they underage,’” Higgins told AVN. Magazine interview with called me and So together in Fort Falcon, at the time shipping Lauderdale they drove along obscene materials across state said, ‘Okay, you the street, “and I saw a kid lines was illegal. Delivering can come back to who was obviously underage, porn into certain parts of the and I said ‘Don’t look at him.’

South, like Atlanta or Florida the USA now.’ And [the scout] said, ‘I’m not was a risk because it depended I said, ‘You know, I And looking at him.’ And I said ‘I on community standards. know you’re looking at him.’”

The studio founders were don’t think I will.”

Afterwards, Higgins left on brought to trial after what - Tim Higgins a business trip. was presumably “a mail order Porn Director “And guess what?” Higgins sting.” told AVN, “He had shot Higgins decided “The movies are so bad and Falcon won’t sell me pictures of the guy I told him not to pick up, their 8-millimeter films, I’ll just go out and not to shoot.”

Shortly thereafter Higgins woke up to 15 I’ll make gay porn on my own.’”

He noted some of his big hits, like the police cars raiding the house with shotguns, royalties-producing “A Married Man”, and nightsticks, and ‘everything else.’

The cop explained to him, “Well [the some of his failures, like a confiscated cumshot fiasco with “Kip Noll Superstar” - scout] took these pictures and he sent them

34

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to a lab, and the lab had to call us by law.”

And he showed Higgins the pictures and he said, “Do you have anything to say about that?” And Higgins said, “Yes, take the cuffs off of me and I will murder him right in front of you. Can you can arrest me for that?’”

In the midst of the investigation, Higgins went on a ‘world tour.’ First he went to Australia and made a movie, but he didn’t like it. Then he went on to Thailand, and was happy with the product, but didn’t see any future opportunities there.

Ultimately, Higgins ended up in Amsterdam where his European distributor was located.

Higgins eventually settled in Prague, Czech Republic, where he started EuroMilitary.com, which later morphed into WilliamHiggins.com.

“Meanwhile, the FBI had actually gone to Fort Lauderdale, and they found the kid and they showed him my picture and they showed him the other guy’s picture, and he said, ‘Never saw either of them,’ The charge dropped, and they called me and said, ‘Okay, you can come back to the USA now.’ And I said, ‘You know, I don’t think I will.’”

Prague, Czech Republic Higgins told AVN it’s easier to shoot in the Czech Republic, because it’s a lot cheaper to do business there.

“When I left America, the AIDS crisis had just hit. So with the model situation, you had a firehose and then somebody turned it off— and it was ‘drip, drip, drip’ from 1986 on.”

Higgins speculates it must be more and more expensive to shoot back in the U.S. because there’s no city “with the possible exception of San Francisco”, where he can find a steady stream of models.

William Higgins. Photo via Facebook.

“Studios like Corbin Fisher and Sean Cody, they’re flying the models in from hither, thither and yon,” he told AVN. “They put them up in hotels, they wine and dine them, they shoot them and then they send them back from wherever they come from. That is very expensive.”

In the Czech Republic, the director said that the biggest traveling expense to bring in a model is about $45.

“We’re paying comparable to the U.S. for the models. It’s much easier to shoot porn nowadays,” Higgins told AVN, ”But I would never go back and try and start doing porn in the USA again.”

Whereas HIV rates in the Czech Republic have been on the rise with some people blaming the influx of bareback porn. Two of the major studios in the Czech Republic, Bel Ami and William Higgins, have refused to go the bareback, according to a Global Post report.

Porn Pulse is a weekly column featuring news and tidbits on the gay porn industry.

Have a tip? Send Hunter Houston an email at HunterHoustonSFGN@gmail.com.

12.26.2018 •

35

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954.530.4970

employment wanted SPECIAL HIRE NEEDED - Earn $45,000 per year.

Experienced, self-motivated professional salesman needed. Work competitively in a highly flexible and relaxed LGBT-friendly environment.

Fax resume to 954-530-7943.

Help Wanted - Housekeeper - The Grand Resort and Spa is seeking a F/T, P/T or Seasonal Housekeeper for an all-male, clothing optional resort in Fort Lauderdale. Candidate should be efficient, detailed and dependable. Hotel/resort experience is a plus. Please supply work references. Send resumes to jobs@grandresort.net. NO PHONE CALLS.

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 GREGG’S PAINTING - Interior/Exterior. Free estimates, great rates! Detail-oriented, friendly, reliable, punctual and neat! No job too small. Broward & Palm Beach counties. 954-870-5972 | gmanbenn44@gmail.com

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Call SFGN at

954.530.4970

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www.SFGN.GUIDE 12.26.2018 •

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