2/8/17 V8i6

local name global coverage February 8, 2017 vol. 8 // issue 6

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FLAG FIreSTorM! FORT LAUDERDALE OFFICER IN TROUBLE OVER PRIDE FLAG • PAGE 28

JUnGWIrTH BACKS A neW BeAr • PAGe 7

‘BoYS WITH BoATS’ IS THe neWeST WAY To eSCAPe PAGe 34

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ProTeSTS erUPT FroM PALM BeACH To MIAMI PAGeS 10, 11

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SFGN.COM 2.8.2017 • 1

NEWS wilton manors

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

February 8, 2017 • Volume 8 • Issue 6

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

Wilton Manors Police Department. Photo Credit: WMPD.

ControverSy eruptS over WiLton manorS poLiCe Survey After several delays CAAB nixes idea despite voting for it at a previous meeting

Michael d’Oliveira

Art Director • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Designer • Charles Pratt Associate Editor • Jillian Melero JillianMelero@gmail.com Webmaster • Brittany Ferrendi Webmaster@sfgn.com Arts/Entertainment Editor • JW Arnold JW@prdconline.com News Editor • John McDonald John.McDonald@sfgn.com Social Media Manager • Tucker Berardi TBerardi2014@fau.edu Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin Gazette News Editor • Michael D'Oliveira HIV Editor • Sean McShee Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis JRDavis12000@hotmail.com

Senior Features Correspondents

T

he Community Affairs Advisory Board In an interview with The Gazette, Brooks may have reached a final decision said he left because the board members in on its police survey: leave it to the attendance were moving against doing the professionals. survey. Brooks, a former police officer, came At their meeting on Feb. 1, up with the idea of the survey CAAB voted 4-0 to not do its to gauge public opinion about “i’m all for the police in order to address own survey. Instead, CAAB will advise the city to include more possible concerns before they [a survey] questions about the police potentially become bigger because i when the city releases a survey problems. knoW We’re later this year. Past city surveys “You’re making yourself not perfect. look like you’re trying to have been conducted by firms with experience creating but it has to hide something,” said Brooks surveys. he left. be done by a before In a previous meeting, At the meeting, two professional residents spoke against the CAAB had voted to go forward with the survey but the board survey and said they were and done reversed itself and decided to with the conduct of the obJectively.” happy have another vote. police. Resident Boyd Corbin - Chief Paul O’Connel Chair Michael Goodman, urged CAAB to do the survey.

WILTON MANORS Skip Stadnik, M.E. DePalma Brooks said that even if POLICE and David Walker voted only one member of the against doing the survey. Tim community is dissatisfied Ross was not present for the meeting. Bryan with the police department,M ECAAB should MBER Wilson left the meeting before the issue was still try and solicit that resident’s opinions. brought up. Isaac Brooks left in the middle “We’re here to hear them and represent of the discussion before a vote took place. them,” Brooks said.

MEMBER

But others disagreed.

The CAAB members against the survey said they thought it should be something done by professionals. They also said it should be part of the city’s upcoming survey, planned for later this year, which will save money.

Chief Paul O’Connell agreed. “I’m all for [a survey] because I know we’re not perfect.

But it has to be done by a professional and done objectively.”

Goodman said CAAB wasn’t qualified to put together a survey of questions related to resident satisfaction with the police.

“This survey is bigger than us,” he said.

DePalma said the board should act more in line with its capacity as an advisory board. “We should advise the city to include these questions in their survey,” she said.

Brooks tried to delay the vote until the entire board was present but Walker said that the decision had been delayed too long already. “If [the other members] are passionate about this they should be here to vote on it. This has been ongoing since November of last year.”

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Cover: Fort Lauderdale Police Department Mounts at 2016 Stonewall Pride; photo by Brendon Lies. West Palm Beach march on Mar-A-Lago; photo by Chris Persaud. Miami anti-Trump protest; photo by Carina Mask.

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

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NEWS national

trump ContinueS proteCtionS For LgBt FederaL ContraCtorS John McDonald

Photo: CNN.

S

andwiched between an immigration order and a Supreme Court justice nomination, U.S. President Donald J. Trump continued an executive directive to protect LGBT federal contractors.

On Tuesday, Trump announced he would preserve protections for LGBT people who contract with the federal government. Former President Barack Obama first issued the order in 2014.

“President Donald J. Trump is determined to protect the rights of all Americans, including LGBTQ Americans,” read a partial statement from the White House. “President Trump continues to be respectful and supportive of LGBTQ rights, just as he was throughout the election.”

Conservative LGBT organizations were the first to rally to Trump’s side.

“American Unity Fund applauds President Trump for his bold statement affirming his support for LGBTQ Americans,” said Tyler Deaton, American Unity Fund Senior Advisor, in a news release. “A Republican President has never spoken so clearly or so forcefully to the unique needs of the LGBTQ community.”

American Unity Fund is a Washington, D.C. based nonprofit “dedicated to advancing the cause of freedom for LGBTQ Americans by making the conservative case that freedom truly means freedom for everyone.”

Likewise, the leader of the national Log Cabin Republicans chapter praised the decision as well.

“Donald Trump campaigned promising to be a ‘real friend’ to the LGBT community, and now he is delivering on that commitment,” said LCR president Gregory T. Angelo, in a news release.

Meanwhile, religious groups are not throwing in the towel just yet. Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said a “religious liberty” exemption is coming.

“I think this is going to be addressed,” Perkins told CNBC.

2.8.2017 •

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Compiled by Jillian Melero

in new interview, pence Stands

By LgBt protections (EDGE) Vice President Mike Pence recently gave an interview with ABC News’ “This Week” host George Stephanopoulos and said he agreed with President Donald Trump’s decision to keep Obama’s order that protects LGBT federal workers from discrimination.

Pence told Stephanopoulos that “discrimination would have no place in our administration.”

“I think throughout the campaign, President Trump made it clear that discrimination would have no place in our administration,” Pence said. “He was the very first Republican nominee to mention the LGBTQ community at our Republican

National Convention and was applauded for it. And I was there applauding with him.”

“I think the generosity of his spirit, recognizing that in the patriot’s heart, there’s no room for prejudice, is part of who this president is,” the vice president added.

Pence then discussed Trump’s plan on nixing the Johnson Amendment, which prevents churches and other tax-exempt institutions from supporting or opposing political candidates.

Pence’s comments come as a surprise given his own anti-LGBT track record that included his signing of Indiana’s 2015 Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Mike Pence.

Credit: POOL, CNN.

CRIME

NATIONAL

NATIONAL

(AP) Thousands of LGBT Americans have raged against President Donald Trump outside the New York City bar where the gay rights movement was born. They’re demanding that the president suspend his immigrant ban.

The activists gathered outside the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village on a chilly Saturday afternoon, chanting “Resist, resist!”

The president issued an executive order a week ago barring travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S. A judge temporarily blocked the ban on Friday.

Activist Cathy Renna says LGBT Americans have been deeply affected by what she calls “the horrible things Trump has been doing” because their community includes gay Muslim men, immigrants and women hurt by rollbacks on reproductive rights.

In 1969, Stonewall Inn was raided by police, sparking riots.

(AP) Texas knows how to throw a party, and for the Super Bowl in Houston, a new 29-story luxury hotel with a rooftop pool shaped like a meandering “lazy river” is the kind of glitzy welcome mat that keeps big events coming back. But that status may soon be put to the test.

Undaunted by the NCAA and NBA punishing North Carolina over bathroom laws that target transgender persons, powerful Texas Republican lawmakers are pushing to pass similar measures by June, and in doing so are daring leagues to boycott some of the biggest cities and stadiums in the U.S. The stakes are bigger than Texas: other GOP-controlled states that watched the economic fallout in North Carolina could grow newly emboldened if sports executives decide that Texas is essentially too big to bail. Conservatives lawmakers have filed measures in almost a dozen states that would require people to use bathrooms or facilities that correspond to the sex on their birth certificate. LGBT advocates condemn the measures as discriminatory.

As the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons settled in Houston this week, the NFL issued a statement embracing “tolerance and inclusiveness” without comment on Texas’ bill or whether it could jeopardize future Super Bowls in Texas.

The NCAA, which has 14 championship events booked in the state between now and 2019, declined comment.

“Texas wins an outsize number of these events. These really are good facilities. It’s a location that’s fairly centralized,” said Daniel Rascher, president of Californiabased SportsEconomics, which performs impact studies and financial analyses surrounding major sporting events. “If a determined organization wanted to go elsewhere they would do it, but it is the state that would be the most difficult to avoid.”

Log Cabin Republicans president Gregory T. Angelo is calling for the incarceration of protestors involved in Wednesday night’s violent demonstration against the appearance of gay Breitbart columnist Milo Yiannopoulos, labeled a white nationalist by critics, hosted by Berkeley College Republicans at the University of California Berkley.

“Tolerance is as tolerance does, and the left seems willing to tolerate those who agree with them - and only those,” Log Cabin Republicans President Gregory T. Angelo said in a statement release by LCR Thursday.

Angelo then went on to praise President Trump, who, in response to the Berkeley demonstrations, tweet-threatened to pull federal funds from the school.

“Log Cabin Republicans condemns the Berkeley protesters engaging in violence and attacks on police under the guise of freedom of speech, and applauds President Trump for speaking out against this flagrant bastardization of the First Amendment.”

“As an organization with a chapter and constituency on the school’s campus, these outrageous actions directly endangering the safety of our members hit especially close to home. Lock.

Them. Up!” Angelo concluded.

pack nyC’s West village to exas ‘Bathroom Bill’ may pose Big test for ock them up!’ LCr president Blasts thousands protest trump administration tSports Leagues ‘Lprotest of gay Breitbart editor

West Village protest. Credit: Facebook.

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Gregory T. Angelo Credit: Facebook.

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3/25/15 3:57 PM 2.8.2017 • 5

NEWS local Larry Kramer.

Photo:facebook.

Larry Kramer Coming to the World AIDS Museum

Controversial HIV activist to give on stage interview Ryan Yousefi

T

Brokered by

he World AIDS Museum and Educational Center (WAM) announced that on March 8 they will be opening the doors of their new exhibit; AIDS Crisis in America: 30 Years of ACT UP - A Convergence of Disease, Art and Human Resilience.

In addition, WAM announced Academy Award-winning performer Larry Kramer will be on hand to help the center celebrate.

The exhibit, set to run into mid-April, will feature artwork, film, and photography that helps detail the 30-year history of ACT UP, the primary organization behind political and social responses to the AIDS pandemic.

Kramer is scheduled to attend two of the three events taking place on March 9 and 10; a book signing on the 9 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. that will kick off celebration the three-day event, and An Evening With Larry Kramer, an interview with Kramer that will take place March 10 at 8 p.m. at the Sunshine Cathedral.

Throughout the three-day event Kramer will speak to the history of the HIV/AIDS crisis and corresponding evolution of the LGBT movement, and detail how it’s impacted the LGBT community over the last 35 years.

Kramer co-founded the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in 1982, an organization that has become the world’s largest private group assisting people living with AIDS. While Kramer is known for being outspoken, and at times controversial, his work educating the LGBT community on the AIDS epidemic is widely respected.

Kramer’s work with ACT UP, a group he

co-founded in 1987, is widely considered one of the reasons public health policy and the perception of people living with AIDS changed over the years as people began to remove the stigma behind the disease.

Kramer also wrote the critically acclaimed play, “The Normal Heart,” a look at the AIDS crisis in its early years. The play went on to become a Broadway show and was recently adapted as an HBO film in 2014.

According to WAM CEO Hugh Beswick, securing Kramer for the new AIDS exhibit launch was extremely important to the museum.

“Larry Kramer is brilliant, controversial and often difficult. Every person we contacted about this exhibit advised us that the story of AIDS cannot be told without Larry Kramer -- like him or not, he was behind the key events which led to where we are today,” Beswick told SFGN. “He also addresses more fully than others the role of stigma in hindering the resolution of this pandemic. WAM was founded by Steve Stagon on the premise that the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS is almost worse than the disease itself.”

Beswick says the museum created the new exhibit to educate people, and Kramer is uniquely qualified to help them do just that.

“This new exhibit means that WAM is broadening its impact and attracting the attention of national and global organizations. Beswick told SFGN. “It also details individuals who are keys to the past, present, and future of HIV/AIDS. Larry Kramer has been at the heart of the AIDS story.”

For more information about The World AIDS Museum and Educational Center, or the opening of their AIDS Crisis in America: 30 Years of ACT UP - A Convergence of Disease, Art and Human Resilience, please call the museum at 954-390-0550, or email them at hughbeswick@comcast.net.

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NEWS local

man aCCuSed oF threatening LgBt Community iS BaCK in BuSineSS Michael d’Oliveira

C

After alleged social media threats, Craig Jungwirth plans new Beach Bear Weekend

raig Jungwirth, the man who was accused of making threats against the LGBT community, said he plans to hold his annual Beach Bear Weekend April 13 to 16 in Fort Lauderdale. The threats came in September of last year after the Pulse Nightclub shootings and under an account with the same name as Jungwirth.

“My events are selling out cause you faggots are total patsies. None of you deserve to live.

If you losers thought the Pulse nightclub shooting was bad, wait till you see what I’m planning for Labor Day,” read one message.

“I’m gonna be killing you fags faster than cops kill niggers. It’s time to clean up Wilton Manors from all you AIDS infested losers,” read another.

Jungwirth, 50, was accused of posting the threats but prosecutors dropped the charges.

A judge formally dismissed them on Jan. 4.

In an emailed statement to the Sun Sentinel, Jungwirth’s attorney, Assistant Federal Public Defender Michael Spivack, wrote “We are happy that the nightmare for

Mr. Jungwirth is finally over and that he can move on.” In the same Sun Sentinel article, Spivack stated that anyone could have posted the threats under Jungwirth’s name.

But the case may not be over.

According to Wilton Manors Police Chief Paul O’Connell, federal investigators are looking for more evidence with which to prosecute Jungwirth. An email to federal prosecutors about the case was not returned in time for publication.

When the threats were made, many members of the LGBT community took to social media to express their anger and fear.

Now that Jungwirth has said he will hold Beach Bear Weekend again, those same emotions have resurfaced.

“Heads up. This lunatic is trying to promote this year’s [Beach] Bear Weekend. Stay clear.

He’s already tried to friend me,” wrote Rick Grayson about Jungwirth on Facebook on Jan. 28.

When asked about the case being reopened, Jungwirth responded by citing his attorney’s

previous statement to the Sun Sentinel. He also cited the statement when he was asked how he expects people to feel safe enough to attend his event, even though many members of the LGBT community believe he was the one who made the threats on social media.

When asked about his event, Jungwirth directed SFGN to his website, Bearsurrections. com.

The event’s name and website are very similar to the website address for BearSurrection, another bear-themed event which is planned for April 10 through 16 in Wilton Manors. That website is bearsurrection.com. It was registered Nov. 17, 2016. Jungwirth’s was registered Jan. 25, 2017.

Despite the closely related name, Jim Ward, one of the organizers for BearSurrection, said his event is not associated with Jungwirth.

“We just knew there was a huge void for bear events,” Ward said.

Jungwirth also told SFGN he planned to run for mayor of Wilton Manors in 2018, but offered no further details.

Photo: Broward Sheriff’s Office.

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LGBTQIA bites

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eLLen uSeS ‘Finding dory’ pLot to CritiCiZe trump order

(SFGN) Oregon Gov. Kate Brown issued her own executive order on Thursday, assuring that her state would not condone or enforce Donald Trump’s travel ban affecting refugees and travelers from seven Muslim majority countries, nor will they participate in any future Muslim registry LGBTQ Nation reports.

“I will uphold the civil and human rights of all who call Oregon home,” Brown said a statement. “It is also my duty to prevent any undue harm to our economy and ensure the ability of Oregonians to support their families.

These new policies from the White House show no regard for the values Oregonians believe in or the economic realities Oregon faces.”

Brown also asked Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum to take legal action against the travel ban, which the

the animated fish she plays finds herself stuck in an aquarium institute “behind a large wall.”

She notes that the wall “has almost no effect” in keeping Dory and her friends from getting back to the ocean.

She says Dory is helped by other sea creatures “even though they’re completely different colors because that’s what you do when you see someone in need, you help them.”

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H

Bisexual

gov. Kate BroWn among thoSe to reSiSt traveL Ban

Ellen DeGeneres.

(AP) Ellen DeGeneres has used “Finding Dory” to illustrate her stance on President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on immigration and refugees.

DeGeneres provides the voice of the title character in the Disney/Pixar hit. Trump hosted a screening of the animated film at the White House over the weekend.

DeGeneres went over the plot of the film on her chat show Monday , mentioning that

Compiled by Jillian Melero and Brittany Ferrendi

Gov. Kate Brown.

Alexander Gustavo.

administration is walking back from calling a Muslim ban. States including Minnesota, New York Virginia and Massachusetts have also filed suit against the Trump administration’s immigration order. U.S. District Judge James Robart temporarily blocked the travel ban nationwide on Friday.

LGBTQIA bites

t

continued transgender

tranSgender nepaLi haS her Big moment on indian CatWaLK (AP) It was her big moment. Anjali Lama sashayed down the catwalk in the swanky Mumbai auditorium. A fitted, cream dress highlighted her tall, slender frame. Her pulledback hair showed off her high cheekbones.

Modeling at Lakme Fashion Week often seemed like a dream far beyond her reach, but Lama has become the first transgender woman to model at one of the top events on India’s fashion calendar and one sponsored by a top Indian cosmetics brand.

Growing up as the fifth son in a poor farming family in Nepal, Lama didn’t dream early in life to be a fashion model. First was the painful struggle to accept that he felt deeply female.

“I knew even as a child that I didn’t like being a boy, wearing those clothes,” Lama said by phone as she juggled fittings and photo shoots in Mumbai, India’s entertainment capital.

The years in the village were hard. Other children in school made fun of the boy, then called Nabin Waiba, and he struggled with figuring out why he felt so uncomfortable.

Anjali Lama.

“I began to feel really confused and depressed. I kept asking myself ‘I’m a boy, so why do I feel this way?’

“I tried to change but it was mental torture.”

Coming to Kathmandu as a teenager brought some anonymity but few answers.

“I would walk around the city and see the beautiful saris and dresses in shop and wish I could dress like that. I used to wish God had made me a girl,” she said.

ALL-INCLUSIVE... AS NEWS

SHOULD BE AS DIVERSE AS EVER Whether you are in the bisexual or transgender communities, are asexual, gender-fluid, pansexual, or maybe you still aren’t sure, SFGN is proudly here to connect you with the rest of our colorful community.

www.SFGN.com 2.8.2017 •

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NEWS palm beach

thouSandS marCh in WeSt paLm to proteSt trump at mar-a-Lago Chris Persaud

T

hey crowded the sidewalks as they marched down Flagler Street. They shouted all manner of anti-Donald Trump phrases. They marched over the Southern Boulevard bridge to President Donald Trump’s home in Palm Beach, the Mar-a-Lago, walking through dozens of pro-Trump demonstrators yelling at them.

They finally arrived across the street from the house of the man who was the target of their rage -- yelling and chanting in front of riot police.

Then at 9 p.m. they all left.

No arrests. No reports of violence. No fights reported between protesters and proTrumper supporters. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, at least 3,000 people marched 2.5 miles along Flagler Drive from the West Palm Beach Trump Plaza to President Donald Trump’s Palm Beach Home, Mar-aLago. The event was lead by South Florida Activism, which also led the West Palm Women’s Rally on January 21. Trump does not own the West Palm plaza.

Protesters gathered outside of Trump Plaza around 5 p.m., where they held signs and chanted the usual slogans.

Trump Protesters, photo by Chris Persaud “No Donald Trump! No KKK! No fascist U.S.A.!” — A common chant at anti-Trump protests.

“Her body! Her choice!” — Referring to reproductive rights.

“No wall! No ban!” — Referring to

Trump’s proposed U.S.-Mexico border wall and the temporary anti-Muslim travel ban he instated last weekend.

“If you rearrange the letters in PRESIDENT TRUMP you get MR. PUTIN’S RED PET,” one sign stated, implying that Trump obeys Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“IKEA has better cabinets,” another sign stated, referring to Trump’s cabinet picks, which have enraged liberals.

Science fiction fan Thomas Robinson held a Star Wars-themed anti-Trump sign.

It depicted the Statue of Liberty as Princess Leia strangling Trump the Hutt, with a Mike Pence creature at his side. “He’ll launch the nukes,” Robinson said. “He’s already building a wall on our behalf.”

As the crowd marched down Flagler, a few people waving flags of Palestine and Soviet Russia managed to get to the front. One of those men -- dressed in a black beanie, black jacket and black pants, going by the name Johann -- had a bullhorn and screamed into it, “Fuck the police!” Protesters behind the communist-themed men shook their heads in dismay. “No, be polite,” one shouted back.

“Stay on message” shouted another.

“Hey, they’re just out doing their jobs,” yelled an off-duty West Palm officer, who said he was marching for two friends who could not be there — one a Muslim and the other a gay Mexican.

Johann and the other men refused to say why they felt so strongly about West Photo Credit: Chris Persaud.

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Mar-A-Lago. Photo Credit: WallyG, Flickr.

Palm Beach Police officers who made sure evidence Pence has changed his anti-LGBT protesters stayed off the street, out of traffic. positions.

Volunteers along the march route set While Nieto and other pro-Trump up tables where they gave out water to supporters held their positions, protesters protesters. When the march reached by 8 p.m. marched to the Palm Beach side of Southern Boulevard, several hundred the bridge. They were met with more than a protesters broke off from the main group dozen Palm Beach Sheriff’s deputies wearing to walk across the Southern Boulevard riot gear, blockading the intersection of bridge, where a few dozen pro-Trump Southern and South Ocean Boulevard. demonstrators parked their cars and pickup Deputies kept protesters on the grass across trucks to yell at marchers. from Donald Trump’s One man waving a Betsy Mar-a-Lago.

Ross flag yelled “Homos For the next hour, go back to Canada,” demonstrators chanted which amused the Trump phrases like “Hey hey! supporter standing a few Ho ho! Donald Trump feet next to him. The flaghas got to go!” and “This waver yelled “You’re a baby is what democracy looks killer,” at a protester, who like!” Many jeered at the got in a shouting match with body-armor-and-riot- Protester’s him about abortion, before mask-equipped cops, chant a cop next to them broke chanting “Hey you’re up the argument, saying, cute,” and urging them “Alright alright, I can see to remove their clothes. both sides of the issue, just keep going.”

The crowd yelled “Boo” and “Shame on Erwin Nieto, a gay Panamanian Trump you” whenever they saw people driving voter, waved a rainbow flag and carried a into the Mar-a-Lago estate to attend the sign denouncing terrorism committed by 60th annual American Red Cross Ball, a Muslims. He supports Trump banning travel fundraiser. to America from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, At one point, officers brought out a tankSyria, Somalia and Yemen. “If they believe like vehicle, but never used it. those countries are responsible, that’s why Then at 9 p.m., when the march they’re doing it,” Nieto said. No Americans was scheduled to end, protesters left. have been killed by citizens of those Officers followed them to make sure no countries between 1975 and 2015, a report demonstrators turned back to Trump’s by the Cato Institute found. estate.

Nieto said he is not worried about Trump Some protesters called friends to get a being anti-LGBT either, despite his choice ride back home. Some started to make the of Vice President Mike Pence, who wanted 40-minute trek back to their cars parked to spend Indiana taxpayers’ money on gay in downtown West Palm. And despite the conversion programs when he was governor backlash Uber got for its CEO being a Trump of the state. “I think Trump converted him,” advisor, some protesters called on Uber to Nieto said about Pence, although there is no come get them.

no Wall! no ban!

NEWS photos

MIAMI AnTI-TrUMP ProTeST On Saturday, February 4th 2017 hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Downtown Miami demanding a reversal of the Muslim Ban, stopping the construction of the Sabal Trail Pipeline, boycotting certain banking institutions and FPL. Carina Mask

To see many more photos, visit SFGn.com on Facebook.

2.8.2017 •

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NEWS palm beach

mad hatter For the Win at annuaL gay ChiLi CooK oFF Photo Credit: Facebook.

Jason Parsley

M

ad Hatter in Lake Worth was crowned this year’s winner of the fifth annual gay chili cook off.

“Community-driven events that directly benefit our youth are always the most inspiring,” said Tony Plakas, CEO of Compass. “The participants don’t only donate their money, they donate a lot of time and heart. And a bonus is we get to eat some damn good chili.”

The event took place at Penny’s at the Duke, and despite rain and cold, raised more than $3,000 for the Compass youth group. Last year’s event raised about $4,000.

Other contestants included H.G. Roosters (2016 winners), Rhythm Cafe, and Love Tokens, Pj’s Bowl of Red, and Eric Pearson

cooking for the Compass Youth Group.

Performers included RaeJean Cox, Velvet Lenore, Rianna Petrone and Nicole Saphire.

The Compass Youth Group is for LGBT teens and allies ages 12-19. They meet every Wednesday and Friday from 5-7 p.m. at Compass in Lake Worth.

Visit CompassGLCC.com for more information about the Compass GLCC.

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NEWS miami

Sex Slave Trial Ends in Guilty Verdicts

Human trafficking victim relieved the nightmare is over Denise Royal

T

wo Hungarian men face more than 200 years in prison after being convicted by a Miami-Dade jury of luring young gay men to the U.S. to serve as sex slaves. Gabor Acs and Viktor Berki are scheduled to be sentenced on April 7. They’ve been found guilty of human trafficking, racketeering and conspiracy because the victims were gay men forced to prostitute themselves for months in New York and Miami.

Márió Balog, 25, was one of their victims.

Court documents show he and two victims at the center of the case were all in their early 20s, in 2012 when they were flown to New York City to work in what they thought was a legitimate business in the U.S. Their plan was to stay for a few months, earn money and return to Hungary.

Prosecutors say Balog and two others were fooled by the defendants, held against their will in virtual slavery, and forced to perform sex acts for webcams or serve as prostitutes in Miami and New York. The victims say they were particularly bullied and intimidated by Berki, who frequently reminded them he was a policeman in Hungary. According to prosecutors, the three were given little food and threatened with violence if they left.

Balog told SFGN he and the other victims were held against their will in a

windowless room with no air conditioning with only a mattress on the floor while in Miami.

His story is in stark contrast to the portrait painted by defense attorneys who claimed Balog and the others were willing participants, who lied about being victims to avoid deportation back to Hungary.

“That was their defense,” said Balog’s fiancée Brian Suthers. “But the evidence spoke for itself.”

Balog said testifying in this trial was difficult and he’s glad it’s all behind him.

He’s relieved that Acs and Berki were found guilty.

“I was crying,” he admitted. “And I couldn’t stop.”

Moving forward, Balog plans to stay in Florida. He’s pleased to be in love and happy to have companionship.

“I have not had a good relationship before,” he said. Now engaged to be married, Balog and Suthers are looking forward to spending the rest of their lives together. “Something good came out of all this,” Suthers said. “We met and I’ve stood by his side.”

Balog also hopes to become a translator or advocate for other human trafficking victims. “I know what they’ve been through and I want to help,” he said.

A crowdfunding page has been set up to raise money for the human trafficking victims in this case. You can donate at YouCaring.com/ HelpTheLGBTtraffickingVictims.

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NEWS state

Florida House Bill Has LGBT Groups Concerned John McDonald

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Florida Republican has filed a bill that LGBT rights groups are calling a threat to progress.

House bill 17, filed by Representative Randy Fine (R-Brevard County), essentially gives the State of Florida the final say in all governing matters. Palm Beach County Human Rights Council Founder Rand Hoch called the bill, “horribly over-reaching.”

“If enacted, this bill prohibits local government from adopting any regulation on any business, profession, and occupation unless there is an express authorization from the legislature through a general law,” said Hoch. “If enacted, this could nullify almost all of the conversion therapy bans already in place – and all of them in the works. To make matters worse, his bill calls for the law to be applied retroactively to Jan. 1, 2017.”

Hannah Willard, Public Policy Director for Equality Florida, said Fine’s bill is “incredibly far-ranging” and will likely spark a backlash from the business community. Willard said she is hoping to meet with Fine during the

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The practice of conversion therapy on minors has been banned in multiple South Florida municipalities, including Wilton Manors, Miami, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth and West Palm Beach.

Elected to the Florida House in 2016, Fine serves on the Public Integrity and Ethics Committee. He defended HB 17 to the Orlando Sentinel, telling the newspaper that local governments “can pass regulations, they just have to be regulations that are expressly authorized by the state.”

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15

NEWS national

texaS SeeS FirSt tranSgender mayor Brittany Ferrendi

I

n an open letter to her town of New Hope, Texas, Mayor Jess Herbst publicly came out as transgender.

“As your Mayor I must tell you about something that has been with me since my earliest memories. I am Transgender,” she wrote and submitted to her town’s website, adding that she began her hormone replacement therapy two years ago.

Herbst became mayor in May of last year. In addition to being the first known transgender mayor in Texas, she’s also the first transgender elected mayor in the state overall.

“I know that transgender people are just coming to light in our society, and we have made great strides in the last few years,” she added. “It is gender identity not sexual preference that applies to me. I love my wife, and she loves me, we have no intention of change. My daughters have been adamant supporters of me and are proud to tell people their father is transgender.”

Study ShoWS gay men more CLoSeted at WorK

Mayor Jess Herbst

In addition, Herbst has started a blog to chronicle her journey, at JessHerbst.com.

Herbst has also specified that she does not take offense to being called the improper pronoun as she understands her townsfolk needing time to adjust. She encourages anyone to email her with questions and attend Monthly Town Council Meetings.

Christiana Lilly

D

o gay men go back into the closet when they’re at work?

Travis Speice, an assistant professor at the Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences, spent four years asking this question and determined that in one way or another, and even if they don’t realize it, they do.

“Gay men do in fact change how they behave how they work, he said. “It’s not surprising because everybody does this to some extent.

We don’t wear the same clothes we wear to work while we’re sitting on the couch at home.”

Speice was a Ph.D. student at the University of Cincinnati at the time of conducting the study, which began in 2012. For two years, he interviewed more than 50 men from - Travis the Cincinnati area, as well as men in Texas, Florida, and Colorado. He presented his findings, “How Gay Men Navigate the Corporate World,” (www.uc.edu/news/ NR.aspx?id=23820) at the end of 2016.

In those interviews, men talked about having to reveal their sexuality to different people, almost having to continually come out of the closet. Others said they made efforts to “tone down my gayness,” such as the way they spoke or holding back hand gestures.

But what Speice noticed was the continual reference to acting “professional.” When he noticed the pattern, he started questioning his subjects what that meant to hem.

“What they meant by being professional was doing some of the things or dressing as or talking like straight men in their jobs,” he said.

“But they really did talk about the ways, ‘I dress like the other guys in the office, I don’t want to stand out, I don’t want to hurt myself either in an interview for the job or being considered for a promotion.’”

“Sometimes they were told explicitly by their bosses, ‘You can’t act gay.’”

The occupations that the men were in also impacted their behavior in the office, whether it was a more traditional workplace or one that was more laid back. However, even in my liberal workplaces, gay men found that they still experienced bias.

One man worked in a marketing firm with artsy coworkers; he was free to express himself openly and was out to all his colleagues.

However, he noticed that he still behaved Speice differently when he was with his female or male coworkers -- with the latter, he would lower his voice, speak slower. Also, he saw that his boss would often place him in campaign projects geared towards women and with his female colleagues.

“That gay identity does shape your work experience,” Speice said.

Now, as an assistant professor, Speice is interested in pursuing studying how gay men present themselves online, whether it be social media or on dating sites. It was actually this idea that lead him to his original study of gay men in the corporate world.

“I started to find that even among gay men, they tend to rank and rate each other, so within a marginalized group, there’s further marginalization,” he said.

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NEWS national

Man Sues Grindr After Fake Account Sends 700 Men to His Door Brittany Ferrendi

G

ay hookup app Grindr is under heat for allowing an impersonation account to get out of control.

“My entire life has been stolen from me. My privacy has been taken from me. I’m humiliated daily,” said Matthew Herrick, victim of the fake account, in an exclusive interview with Wired. “It’s a living hell.”

Herrick filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of New York against Grindr last week, claiming the company refused to take the account down after his repeated attempts to contact them. He accuses it of false advertising, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress and deceptive business practices.

According to Herrick, someone took pictures from his Instagram account and posed as him, encouraging Grindr users to visit him at home and even his work by manipulating the app’s geo-physical settings. The users also had access to his phone number which kept his phone

busy with calls, texts, and lewd photos.

The person or persons behind the impersonation account soon went even further, offering drugs, orgies and unprotected sex, according to Wired. The worst incidents included an outbreak of violence and a user who was told to act out a rape fantasy with Herrick.

“They were setting him up to be sexually assaulted,” Herrick’s attorney Carrie Goldberg said. “It’s just luck that it hasn’t happened yet.”

Wired spoke to Ashley Kissinger, a media defense attorney, who pointed out that section 230 of the Communications Decency Act may let Grindr win the lawsuit. The section of the act holds that internet services are not legally responsible for user-posted content.

Similar accounts popped up on gay dating app Scruff, but in contrast to Grindr, Scruff took down the accounts immediately and banned the IP address from creating new accounts.

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2 .8.2017

NEWS national

DOWNTOWN ELEVATED

Photo Credit: CNN.

Strong Rebuke From The Left For SCOTUS Nominee Gorsuch John McDonald

O

n Tuesday evening, Neil Gorsuch, a U.S. appellate judge from the 10th circuit, was nominated by President Donald J. Trump for the Supreme Court.

Gorsuch, 49, would fill the vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, who passed in February of 2016. His nomination to the highest court in the land is already receiving strong rebukes from liberal and progressive groups and Democrats.

U.S. Congressman Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) said Gorsuch is cut from the Scalia mold.

“If Mitch McConnell wanted to replace the late Justice Scalia with someone with equally or even more extreme views, he’s getting the pick he wanted,” Deutch said.

“Judge Gorsuch’s far-right views fall so far outside the mainstream that he should not be confirmed for a lifetime appointment to the nation’s highest court.”

Gorsuch is perhaps best known for siding with Christian activists in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. where he essentially advocated against requiring employers to provide no cost contraception coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Lambda Legal, the nation’s oldest and largest legal organization working on behalf of LGBT people and people living with HIV, released a statement calling Gorsuch’s record “troubling.”

“We absolutely must not confirm a Supreme Court nominee who has ruled that the religious beliefs of employers can trump the law,” said Lambda Legal spokesman Tom Warnke. “It is a short hop from birth control restrictions to restrictions on the intimate relationships and health care needs of LGBT people.”

A Colorado native, Gorsuch’s legal philosophy is often described as “textualism.” He is the youngest Supreme Court nominee since the nomination of Clarence Thomas in 1991.

Adding to the chorus of condemnation was

the National LGBTQ Task Force, which issued its own statement Tuesday evening.

“Judge Neil Gorsuch’s record reveals a jurist who: believes that bosses should control their employees’ private health care decisions; supports the misuse of religion to legalize discrimination; and holds LGBTQ equality with disdain,” said Rea Carey, Task Force executive director. “He is also a darling of those who are vehemently opposed to marriage equality. He seems like someone who aligns perfectly with Donald Trump and Mike Pence’s view of the world, but is completely out of touch with the realities of most people’s lives.”

It remains to be seen if Democrats will be able to block Gorsuch’s nomination as effectively as the Republicans did to Merrick Garland, former President Barack Obama’s choice to replace Scalia.

“Mitch McConnell defied history by blocking President Obama’s pick for the Supreme Court for almost a year, and his unprecedented move has now paid off with President Trump’s nomination of an extreme right-wing ideologue,” said Deutch, a senior member of the House judiciary committee.

“Judge Neil Gorsuch’s radical views on federal regulations fly in the face of long-standing Supreme Court precedent and will undermine crucial consumer protections, environmental protections, and labor safety protections. He sided with corporations in the Hobby Lobby decision defining them as people, giving corporations the right to deny women birth control in the name of religious belief.”

Deutch added, “(Gorsuch) has publicly attacked everyday Americans for seeking access to our nation’s courts to protect and support their individual rights. His rulings supporting the use of excessive force by law enforcement will be a step-back in our nation’s effort to reform the criminal justice system. And he has consistently sided with corporations and their interests while quashing the ability of employees to protect their rights in the workplace.”

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NEWS local

NEWS national

BLaCK pride art aWaKeningS at pride Center Denise Royal

O

n Thursday, Feb. 9, the Kiki Project at the Pride Equality Center will commemorate Black History and National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day with ‘Black Art Awakening,’ a black history art exhibit.

Artists will display pieces, including paintings and photography, representing black history and the journey of African Americans and HIV/AIDS. The Black Pride Art Gallery Reception will be held in the Schubert Building, inside the main hall from 7–8:30 p.m. Honorary curators are Broward County Commissioners Dale Holness and Wilton Manors City Commissioner Julie Carson.

The Kiki Project Team is designed for Black same gender loving men to learn how to better serve our community.

For more information about ‘Black Art Awakening’ contact: Lorenzo Robertson at lrobertson@pridecenterflorida.org or 954-463-9005 ext. 306.

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nationaL BLaCK hiv/aidS aWareneSS day highLightS diSparity in diagnoSeS Denise Royal

N

ational Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, observed every year on February 7, is the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on the racial disparities in HIV infection that persist in the U.S. In 2017, as in years past, HIV disproportionately affects African Americans.

According to most recent statistics from the Florida Department of Health, African Americans account for 15 percent of the state’s population, but account for 44 percent of adult HIV infection cases and 47 percent of adult AIDS cases reported in 2014.

A report by the Centers for Disease Control shows that in 2014, one in five African Americans had progressed to AIDS by the time their infection was diagnosed. The same analysis also shows that once diagnosed, less than half of African Americans with HIV have achieved viral suppression through care and treatment -- that is, the virus is under control and at a level that dramatically reduces the risk of transmission.

The goal of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) is to promote HIV education, testing, treatment and community involvement in black communities. NBHAAD was founded in 1999 as a national response to the growing HIV and AIDS epidemic in African American communities. This year’s theme is “I am my Brother/Sister’s Keeper: Fight HIV/AIDS.” “As a Black Gay Man, I know that this is

an issue that we aren’t speaking on in our churches, homes, and with our friends,” said Lorenzo Lowe, HIV Prevention Director of Compass. “We remain silent and refuse to ask questions regarding safer sex. In many cases we can’t even speak about being part of the LGBT community while attending church.”

One South Florida church plans to break the silence. In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), will partner with Mount Olive Development Corporation in Fort Lauderdale to present the Keep The Promise (KTP) Concert & March to create greater awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS in Broward and Miami-Dade counties and encourage the community to answer the “call to action” in addressing the rising HIV/AIDS epidemic. It’s one of many NBHAAD events planned for South Florida.

“It’s time to take responsibility- to do better and to be better,” Lowe said. “We need to share information within our communities and support one another in this fight. I hope as a community we can get to a point where we begin to mobilize and say I am my Brothers/ Sisters Keeper.”

Everyone should know his/her HIV status. The CDC recommends HIV testing as part of routine health care.

Ask to be tested. Rapid tests can provide results in as little as 20 minutes. Free or low cost testing is available. Visit GetTested.cdc.gov to find an HIV testing location near you.

NEWS national

Gay Man Honors Late Father With Nature Tour John McDonald

M

ikah Meyer is a singer, performer, traveler and nature enthusiast.

And he’s coming to a park near

you.

Meyer spoke with SFGN prior to embarking on a boat tour of Biscayne National Park. The 30-year-old gay man said he intends to visit all 417 U.S. national parks in a journey honoring his late father.

“There’s this illusion that we have forever to pursue our dreams,” said Meyer.

“I created this journey to honor the idea that life is short and you never know when your time is up.”

When he’s not in the wild, Meyer can typically be found inside a church. He was most recently a member of the Washington National Cathedral Choirs, where he sang for the inauguration prayer service of former President Barack Obama.

“I’m a countertenor which is basically a male soprano,” Meyer said. “If people come to one of my concerts they’ll hear the highest voice a man could ever sing.”

Locally, music lovers will get their chance to hear Meyer sing when he visits the United Church of Christ in Fort Lauderdale this Sunday. Meyer, who grew up in a Lutheran family, is also the founder of “Queer For Christ” – the world’s largest LGBT Christian young adult organization.

Mixing the two cultures is challenging, Meyer admits.

“My Christian friends didn’t understand why I was gay and my gay friends didn’t understand how I could be a Christian,” he said.

By traveling the country and roughing it in the great outdoors, Meyer said he hopes to dispel old stereotypes about both sexuality and religion.

“I grew up in Nebraska,” he said. “There weren’t a lot of gay role models. All I ever saw in the media were drag queens and guys in speedos.”

While in DC, Meyer said he experienced more acceptance of his sexuality than his faith.

“I wish gay people in DC were more accepting of Christianity,” he said.

“There are many churches in DC that are welcoming and affirming of LGBT people.”

Now traveling the country in a cargo van, Meyer credits the work of the late gay icon Harvey Milk for trailblazing his road to acceptance.

“More of us need to follow Harvey Milk’s lead and come out,” he said.

Meyer launched his journey to visit all of America’s national parks on the 11th anniversary of his father’s death. His trip has been chronicled by multiple news organizations and there is a book in the works. The book, fittingly, is called “Life’s More Fun When You Talk To Strangers.”

For More Info: TBCMikah.com UCCFtL.org NationalParks.org 2.8.2017 •

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NEWS national

the reunion proJeCt Long time HIV survivors share stories of hope at annual conference

Sean McShee

A

bout 125 people attended The Fort Lauderdale Reunion Project Conference in late January. The Reunion Project focuses on issues of long-term survivors of the HIV epidemic.

In the ‘80s, HIV had such a high mortality rate that the term, “Long-Term HIV survivor,” would have made no sense. In the mid ‘90s, Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment (HAART) became standard care. HIV became a chronic and manageable condition. Survival became possible.

Jeff Berry and Matt Sharp, along with others, co-founded the Reunion Project. Berry works as editor-in-chief of “Positively Aware.” Sharp is a long-time activist. They agreed to speak to SFGN about the Reunion Project.

According to Berry, the term, “LongTerm Survivor,” refers to someone who was diagnosed pre-HAART. That definition includes people living for 20 or more years with an HIV diagnosis.

That definition, however, may be too narrow.

Sharp recognized that “there are many levels of trauma, pain, suffering, and stigma.” Berry and Sharp mentioned other types of longterm survivors: People diagnosed after 1996 who have lived with a chronic, manageable

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condition; professionals and volunteers who provide care to people living with HIV; and HIVnegative people whose social world HIV has destroyed.

Sharp urged people “Not to forget people who have been living with HIV a long time, and to recognize that we have something to offer. We have a rich story to tell. People can learn from us.”

Two local providers spoke to the attendees.

Local therapist, Dr. David Fawcett presented on how to build skills for emotional resilience. The “Happy Heine” doctor, Ellie Schochet presented on anal cancer and other health issues.

Emotional resilience refers to “an individual’s ability to cope with stress and adversity.” This process demands active engagement. According to Fawcett, resilience is not a character trait but a learned skill.

The seven steps to emotional resilience consist of the following: Live consciously; Work to overcome shame; Deepen one’s capacity for empathy; practice self-care; take responsibility; nuild healthy social connections off line; and develop a sense of purpose.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) refers to a family of viruses, two of which cause cancers of

the anus, cervix, mouth, and penis. Among gay men living with HIV, anal cancer has become a frequent complication of long-term survival.

Doctors have begun to use anal Pap smears to screen for anal cancer. Pap smears can detect anal cancer in its treatable early phase. Schochet recommends regular screening with Pap smears every two years for gay men over 35.

A vaccine can prevent HPV. While health insurance will pay for anal Pap smears, it will only pay for the vaccine up to age 24 or age 26, depending on HIV status.

Attendees appeared mostly white and male.

Berry attributed this to long-standing separation and fear between communities. He reported that The Reunion Project Conference in Philadelphia attracted very diverse attendees. That city has had a long history of multi-racial HIV activism.

That history shows how bridging that separation can occur. It also shows that it will take effort and time. The next stop for The Reunion Project will be Atlanta where they are working with a large group of African-Americans.

Berry and Sharp felt that the conference had succeeded. People had come up to Berry and requested information on how to bring a Reunion Project Conference to their city.

Some of the conference members graphed the year of their diagnosis on a collaborative timeline. Submitted photo.

To read “The Unintended Consequences of AIDS Survival” by Matt Sharp, please visit Tpan.com/ sites/default/files/Unintended_final.pdf For more information on the national Re-Union Project, please visit Facebook.com/Groups/TheReunionProject.

Follow Sean McShee on Twitter @SeanMcShee

NEWS national Donald Trump.

Photo: POOL, CNN.

Trump Promises to Repeal Johnson Amendment Again Michael d’Oliveira

R

eiterating a campaign promise he made at the Republican National Convention in July, President Donald Trump said he would “get rid of and totally destroy the Johnson Amendment.”

Trump’s statement came during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 2. In his speech, Trump talked about rights and liberty coming from god. “Among those freedoms is the right to worship according to our own beliefs.”

The Johnson Amendment, devised by and named after President Lyndon B. Johnson when he was in the U.S. Senate in 1954, prohibits religious organizations from directly or indirectly participating in political campaigns. The penalty for such activity is the loss of an organization’s tax-exempt status.

At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump framed the Johnson Amendment as an attack on religious expression. But at the Republican National Convention when he was a candidate, he talked about removing the restrictions on political expression given to religious leaders and organizations. “You have so much to contribute to our politics, yet our laws prevent you from speaking your minds from your own pulpits.”

Dr. John Stauffer, pastor of First Christian Church of Wilton Manors, said he thinks it would be a good idea if more religious people got involved in politics.

“What I would say is you keep all the decent people out [of politics] . . . those who love the lord and serve him with living the right ways.”

In his sermons to the congregation, Stauffer said he’s already political. But he doesn’t endorse specific politicians. Instead, Stauffer tells people which values they should keep in mind when they are trying to decide who to vote for.

“I speak about how we should support our government and be good citizens. I don’t tell

them who to vote for. I tell them how to vote . . . for those who are against abortion and uphold the principles of god.”

Rev. Kirrill Gvosdev, rector at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Wilton Manors, said he also tells his congregation which values they should look for in candidates. But as for direct pronouncements, he stays away from those. “I try to not get involved in politics.”

But even if the Johnson Amendment isn’t repealed, which will take an act of Congress, it’s already a law that doesn’t get strictly enforced.

According to the Washington Post, “In reality, the Internal Revenue Service rarely punishes churches for political statements.

For several years, more than 2,000 pastors have joined what they call “Pulpit Freedom Sunday” to test the ban by speaking their political views in their sermons. The IRS only investigated once and did not punish in that case, according to the conservative organization that organizes the annual effort.”

The organization that promotes “Pulpit Freedom Sunday” is the Alliance Defending Freedom [ADF], an organization founded to defend religious freedom.

In a statement on its website, ADF Senior Counsel Erik Stanley wrote that “Americans don’t need a federal tax agency to be the speech police of churches or any other nonprofit groups, who have a constitutionally protected freedom to decide for themselves what they want to say or not say. By removing the threat of an IRS investigation and potential penalties based simply, for example, on what a pastor says from the pulpit, this bill brings the law into conformity with the First Amendment . . . The government can’t base any tax exemption on a requirement that a church or any other non-profit organization surrender a constitutionally protected freedom, including free speech.”

2.8.2017 •

23

NEWS palm beach

Photo Credit: Youtube.

the FauLK Center in BoCa targetS LgBt iSSueS With neW Support group Tucker Berardi

B

oca Raton is making moves to help out the LGBT community.

The Faulk Center for Counseling in Boca Raton has started a new support group for LGBT individuals looking to build a supportive community in Boca and surrounding areas.

“Our community saw that there was a need and we took action,” Alison Rubin, the Faulk Center Development and Marketing manager said in a phone call. “This is a support group that doesn’t discriminate against anybody. This is not a counseling group — this is a support group.”

The group is facilitated by three counselors at the moment: a psychology graduate, a social worker and a counseling masters’ student from Nova Southeastern University.

“Mental health services are provided by graduate students pursuing master’s degrees or doctoral degrees in psychology, social work or mental health counseling, as well as clinical volunteers who hold advanced degrees in a mental health field” reads the Faulk Center about page.

“All graduate students and volunteers are supervised by the Center’s staff of licensed psychologists.”

According to Rubin, the Faulk Center has never turned away a patient in 43 years.

The center strives to be a safe space for anyone who needs it, and they have now

created a designated space for anyone who specifically seeks support on LGBT issues.

“I’ve read that the community suffers a high rate of depression and we want to be there to help as best we can,” Rubin said.

“I think that hopefully there will be a great response to this opportunity.”

The group is for LGBT individuals and allies 18 years and older, and is currently meeting every Friday from 11:45 am to 1:15 p.m. Coffee is served in the first 15 minutes of the meeting.

Anyone interested in attending should call 561-483-5300 before attending their first session.

“At the Faulk Center for Counseling, we provide a warm, accepting and confidential environment where people who are dealing with life’s problems are helped to make changes or to cope more efficiently with things that they cannot change,” said Rubin.”

For people seeking individual counseling, counselors are available per appointment.

The Faulk Center was founded in 1973

by Dr. Elizabeth H. Faulk, and since then has provided counseling services to people of all ages. In 1970 Faulk founded the Elizabeth H. Faulk Foundation, a nonprofit, with the goal of providing “free and lowcost psychological and mental health consultation services to the needy.”

Visit FaulkCenterForCounseling.org for more information.

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25

NEWS national

LGBT Dance Protest Targets Trump Hotel Lou Chibbaro Jr.

Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association

Photo Credit: Facebook.

(WB)

With music blaring from two Jessica Raven, executive director of large speakers perched in the Collective Action for Safe Spaces, a D.C. back of a pickup truck, several hundred group that advocates for ending sexual people gathered on the sidewalk in front harassment against women and LGBT of the Trump International Hotel in people and one of the organizers of the downtown Washington Friday night as part dance protest, led a chant at the site of the of an LGBT “dance protest” against policies hotel in support of solidarity with other of President Donald Trump. communities that face discrimination and After dancing and listening to speakers marginalization. At her request, the crowd at the site of the hotel, participants shouted “we’ve got your back” after she followed members of the D.C. LGBT group called out the groups “blacks, Muslims, WERK for Peace, which organized the immigrants, homeless people, sex workers, event, in a procession along Pennsylvania trans people, queers, and “all of the above.”

Avenue, N.W., to the White House. Leading When the procession reached the corner the procession was the pickup truck as it of 15th Street, N.W. and the section of continued to play dance music.

Pennsylvania Avenue where the White D.C. police quickly closed surrounding House is located, and beyond which private streets long enough to make way for the vehicular traffic has been banned since colorful procession, which the 2001 terrorist attacks, included some wearing the pickup truck stopped.

“We will be T-shirts and leotards despite Participants in the protest celebrating temperatures hovering in then carried the speakers the low 30s. Organizers said with lively further along Pennsylvania they didn’t apply for a permit music from all Avenue toward the White to secure street closings in House as music continued to seven banned advance of the protest. countries and play.

“We are here today to The procession came to from Latin celebrate in solidarity an end a short distance from America because the White House where a our intersectionality and our resistance,” said lead those cultures 10-foot high chain link fence organizer Firas Nasr in blocked further access to the are part of opening remarks as the House. Signs attached our fabric, the White crowd assembled outside the to the fence said it was put beautiful fabric in place to temporarily close Trump Hotel. that makes “We are here to send that section of Pennsylvania a clear, clear message to America great.” Avenue to pedestrians to Donald Trump and his enable construction workers - Firas Nasr administration that we will to disassemble the large One of WERK’s not tolerate discrimination, reviewing stand where the FOUNDERS hate, or bigotry in our president and his family country.” watched the inaugural parade Nasr, who is one of the founders of WERK on Jan. 20. for Peace, told the gathering at the hotel “Yes, we were stopped by a fence but that that organizers selected dance music from doesn’t stop us from loving one another,” all seven Middle Eastern countries that Nasr told the Blade as he stood next to the the president included in his controversial fence. “We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re executive order that temporarily bans ready to dance. And that’s what we’re doing people from those countries from entering on this street in front of the White House.” the U.S. Dimitry Meister, one of the WERK for “We will be celebrating with lively music Peace members who helped organize from all seven banned countries and from the protest, said he viewed the dance Latin America because those cultures are protest as “more of a celebration toward part of our fabric, the beautiful fabric that intersectionality and acceptance of makes America great,” Nasr said. “We need everybody” than a protest specifically to be very cognizant to the fact that many against Trump. He noted that many of the people from those seven countries straight people who are supporters of the could not join us tonight. So we dance in LGBT community participated in the event. solidarity with them.”

One of them, D.C. resident Chris Martin,

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propelled himself along the entire distance from the Trump Hotel to the White House in a wheelchair.

“I’m a minority, too,” he said when asked why he came to the protest. “I’m a disabled person. First they come for the Muslims and then they come for gay people and eventually they’ll come for me too,” he said, adding, “People here are great. It’s a very nice protest.”

Karen Serio and her partner Ann West, who are suburban Maryland residents and members of the LGBT supportive Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, said they wanted to join the protest, among other things, to show that people of faith are opposed to many of the Trump administration’s actions taken during the first two weeks Trump has been in office.

“We’re horrified that all of the rights are being stripped away in front of our eyes,” Serio said. “So we’re doing what we can.

We’re concerned about LGBT rights and the executive order he may sign soon.”

The White House released statements over the past week saying the president would not rescind an executive order issued by President Barack Obama in 2014 banning LGBT employment discrimination by federal contractors. Earlier this week, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Trump had no immediate plans to sign and issue a draft “religious freedom” executive order that advocates say would curtail LGBT rights.

The Feb. 3 dance protest at the Trump Hotel and White House came about three weeks after WERK for Peace organized what it called a queer dance party outside the Northwest Washington home of then Vice President-elect Mike Pence.

“WERK for Peace is a queer-based grassroots movement that uses dance to promote peace,” a statement on the group’s website says. “We take to the streets around the world to claim space and assert: We are here. And we will dance,” the statement says. “But let’s get real. We don’t just dance.

We WERK.”

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27

NEWS local

FLAG FIreSTorM! Fort Lauderdale Officer In Hot Water Over Rainbow Flag Sgt. Fontalvo tried to sabotage his unit’s participation in Pride festival

Jason Parsley

S

afety or anti-gay bias? personally ordered an officer off his horse.

A sergeant of the Fort Lauderdale Police “Sergeant Fontalvo’s irrational decision and poor Department was accused last year of putting judgement embarrassed members of his Unit and his personal beliefs ahead of his department when an portrayed the agency in a negative light,” the report internal investigation found he attempted to derail the concludes.

Mounted Unit’s participation in June’s Pride parade in The investigation reveals Fontalvo went out of his way Wilton Manors. to sabotage his unit’s participation in the Pride parade.

Sgt. Hugo Fontalvo claimed he was concerned about “In the hours leading up to the parade Sergeant security and safety. But the investigators weren’t buying Fontalvo became increasingly irritated and upset over it. the decision to carry the Pride flag,” reads the complaint.

“The evidence in this case demonstrated Sergeant “The evidence clearly demonstrated his relentless drive to Fontalvo’s personal beliefs were pushed on everyone in keep ‘his’ Mounted Unit from participating in the parade.” the Mounted Unit regardless of whether it was wanted or One captain even went so far as to tell Sgt. Fontalvo to not,” the investigation reads. stay away from the event.

The internal affairs investigation The investigation also revealed that revealed that Fontalvo’s actions violated Fontalvo attempted “to operate the “sergeant several department policies including Mounted Unit based on his personal disobedience of any rule, order or directive; fontalvo put beliefs.” Some of those practices included conduct prejudicial/disruptive to the good prayer sessions throughout the day his personal holding order of the department; and failure to and weekly prayer meetings with outside beliefs ahead civilians at the barn. supervise effectively.

Several people complained of Fontalvo’s of others and The investigation reads, Fontalvo “… behavior regarding the Police Department’s created an environment where officers Was solely Mounted Unit’s participation in last June’s felt they had no choice but to participate PrideFest march in Wilton Manors. Some of responsible or ignore the activities. Many officers the officers were to carry a Pride flag while expressed concern with the public display of for his riding their horses. However, Fontalvo first religious rhetoric and voiced apprehension actions.” attempted to remove the Mounted Unit over speaking against it for fear of being from the parade by citing security concerns, transferred from the unit.”

- Investigation and when that didn’t work, later cited safety Fontalvo though did end up getting his Report concerns over carrying a flag while riding a way at the parade because the other officers horse. After it was determined there were did not want to make a scene after they no security or safety concerns Fontalvo showed up on the were not told not to ride and carry the flag. day of the parade and ordered an officer who wanted to At one point after getting his way Fontlavo exclaimed, ride and carry a flag to instead walk.

“See. This is Jesus. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. This is Jesus.”

“When Sergeant Fontalvo realized he could not get his Despite his safety concerns over carrying a flag while unit removed from the parade for security reasons, he riding two other officers were allowed to ride and carry claimed the flags would be a hindrance and attempted the Florida flag and the U.S. flag. to get the Motor Unit to carry them instead,” the By the end of the parade Fontalvo had clearly become investigation reads. unhinged with the investigation revealing that he According to the complaint Police Chief Frank Adderley “repeatedly manipulated his knife while questioning the requested that anyone who was willing to carry the flag two officers and asked them twice to state the punishment be allowed to do so. The investigation reads “Sergeant for insubordination.”

Fontalvo put his personal beliefs ahead of others and was The investigation recommends a 20-day suspension solely responsible for his actions.” and demotion to rank of Officer.

The investigation details how Fontalvo, who was not scheduled to work the parade, showed up anyway without SFGN is waiting to hear back from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department approval. When Fontalvo realized he could not convince on what’s happened since the investigation was completed. the acting sergeant to refute the order to carry the flag he

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29

Convictions

Publisher's Editorial

The President is a Pussy Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

“If an elephant walked into this Senate chamber, you would call it a mouse with a thyroid condition.”

- - Senator Sam Ervin of South Carolina to a Nixon administration official during the 1973 Watergate hearings

H

person who wrote it. Unacceptable. e just can’t stand the heat.

In a series of tweets on Sunday morning, the America’s tweeter-in-chief has proven again that the best indicator of President referred to the jurist who overturned his illegal ban as a “so-called judge.” If that future behavior is past behavior.

He continues to lie, publish false statements, wasn’t enough, he then proceeded to state that and recklessly disparage truth and dignity. He the court’s decision was so bad it placed the has reduced the White House to an Out House, nation’s safety at risk, adding, “If something and hell, at the rate he’s going, he is going to be bad happens here, blame him.”

No, Donald that won’t fly. If something bad out of the house soon enough.

America is patient, but we will only take so happens here, we will blame you. It will be much. We won’t take four years living with a on your watch. After all, you are the one who spoiled little rich kid pouting every day like a singled out George Bush as being responsible child in a sandbox. We won’t take it. We simply for 9-11.

Let me share something else with you, won’t. Our news will be harder, our facts more Chief Lying Bear. The judge who entered fierce, our anger more legitimate.

Mr. Trump has learned nothing about being this order against you, and the appeals court ‘presidential.’ He is as delusional as a duck in judges who backed him up, are not ‘so called judges.’ They are men heat. Scott Peltey on CBS said it and women who were best last night when he opened No, the murder appointed in accordance with the line that the “President with the Constitution of the is divorced from the reality of rate is not the United States of America, a facts.” highest it has document you are sworn to It’s almost difficult to track uphold, not to deride. How how many lies a day Trump ever been. No, dare you suggest otherwise? disseminates. You wind up the press is What the courts are playing catch. No, the murder doing, Mr. Trump, is they rate is not the highest it has not covering are engaged in an ‘extreme ever been. No, the press is not up terrorist vetting’ of your extremist covering up terrorist attacks. attacks. No, executive orders. They are No, the courts are not trying to making sure you do not usurp presidential authority. the courts are corrupt the constitution Judges are just trying to not trying or the rule of law. They are make sure it is used legally and making sure you obey it. So constitutionally. That makes to usurp far, we have no reason to them patriots to be praised, presidential trust you. not persons to be presidentially On the other hand, the persecuted.

Mr. Trump’s authority. judge who enjoined you conduct is traitorous. from acting illegally was Last week, the judiciary was again his target. This past week, Mr. Trump a nominee of a Republican President of the was schooled in the separation of powers. He United States, George Bush. Republican and used the authority of the executive branch Democratic senators in a 99-0 vote confirmed to issue an order on immigration that was him to his lifetime appointment. We have judicially challenged and enjoined by a federal reason to have faith in him.

On January 20, you took an oath of office court.

Faced with a court’s directive stating that swearing to uphold and defend the Constitution his presumptive immigration ban order was of the United States of America. To do so, you unconstitutional and overly broad, Trump did don’t issue orders that incarcerate immigrants what only a child would do. He attacked the illegally or publish words that disgrace jurists

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“Cabaret” the musical. Credit: Joan Marcus.

unjustly. Do that and you become the ‘so-called president.’

You want to disagree with a court’s ruling?

Fine. Do so. File your appeal in the courts, not your vile attacks on twitter. You who wanted this job so much have become an ungrateful winner and sore loser. You know what? At that national prayer breakfast last week, you should not have been praying for Arnold Schwarzenegger. You should have been praying for the American people. With you in the Oval Office, we are going to need all the prayers we can get.

In two weeks in office, Mr. Trump has sabotaged our judicial system, undermined the integrity of our voting institutions, and disgraced the United States in international affairs. It’s shocking, and the Republican apologists who refuse to call him out today will regret it tomorrow. They have sold out principle for power and each day poison their souls with the toxic potion.

Mr. Trump, you have started a war not only with the press, but also with the truth. From the podium of your press secretary to the laptop your tweets taunt from, you lie, you deceive, and you disgrace virtue and honor.

Our newspaper represents one small voice in this great community. But we will join with others in standing our ground against your duplicity and denials. You will not trample over us with artificial facts, transparent lies, and astounding misstatements. You can continue telling lies about us, but we will

continue to tell the truth about us.

The people rising up in the streets across our nation hear the voice of democracy calling.

They hear liberty bells ringing. They will not go gently into the night. They will gather loudly in the day, and their voices will resonate throughout the evenings.

The LGBT community won’t fall for your false praise and cheap overtures either. Go forward with that executive order on religious freedom and you will hear from us as well, from South Florida to Seattle; from seashore to seashore. We are getting ready to gather at the National Monument in Washington, D.C., on June 11. We will be there in force.

Our country has recklessly surrendered too much power to the chief executive. We will have to deal with the fact that courts will legally uphold many of your executive actions and orders, but that won’t ever make them socially acceptable to us in our communities.

We are here, we are queer, and we are not going anywhere. We will be heard, loud and proud, at every corner and at each turn. Too many of us have fought too hard and for too long to look the other way.

So, tweet away, Mr. President. You can’t handle the truth we are about to deliver it right back at you. If you are so worried about protecting the United States, take a look at that book Mr. Khan offered to lend you during the campaign. It’s worked for 240 years, and it’s called the U. S. Constitution.

2.8.2017 •

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a ptSd diary

Photos: Facebook

ConviCtions

Carrie FiSher’S CourageouS mentaL heaLth advoCaCy

By David-Elijah Nahmod

"I went too fast, I was too much" - Carrie Fisher "All I can do is love her" - Debbie Reynolds

T

he world was stunned when motherdaughter movie stars Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher passed away within one day of each other at the end of December.

Reynolds, of course, was a major film star during the 1950s and ‘60s and a popular headliner in Las Vegas for nearly fifty years. Fisher--Princess Leia--needs no introduction to “Star Wars” fans.

Reynolds and Fisher were strong women who not only bounced back from adversity, they laughed about it. It would be easy to criticize their privileged, Beverly Hills lifestyles, but in truth, both women were graduates of the school of hard knocks.

Beginning around 1990, Fisher went public regarding her battles with mental illness. She was diagnosed manic-depressive, now more commonly known as Bipolar Disorder. Fisher’s attempts at self-medication nearly killed her-she overdosed during the 1980s and was hospitalized in a psychotic state. Many years later Reynolds told Oprah Winfrey that visiting Fisher in the psych ward was one of the hardest things she ever had to do.

Fisher bounced back and resumed her acting career. She also became a best-selling author.

Her novel “Postcards From the Edge” was a thinly veiled, fictionalized memoir about her relationship with her mom.

Fisher went on to write a number of other books, all semi-autobiographical. Her writings touched upon some very dark subjects: she wrote candidly about her experiences growing up as the child of celebrities, her parents’ ugly, highly publicized divorce, and of her lifelong battle to keep a grip on her sanity. Her work was consistently hilariously funny--Fisher even laughed about her illness.

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“If my life wasn’t funny it would just be true, and that is unacceptable,” Fisher said.

In her acclaimed one-woman show “Wishful Drinking,” Fisher laid it all out on the table. With humor and grace, she let people know that it was OK to have a mental illness. There was no shame in it, and yes, recovery was possible. But her no-holds-barred honesty included letting people know that the battle never really ends.

It never does. I developed PTSD nearly 40 years ago after surviving a harrowing and abusive childhood. Like Fisher I’ve had psychotic episodes which I can barely remember--but I recall enough to know that, like Fisher, “I went too fast and I was too much.” But also like Fisher, I’ve had my triumphs, such as the freelance writing career that I love so much. I’ve done fairly well for myself. Today, around fourteen years since I began writing professionally, I’m published an average of five times per week. In 2012 I even won a minor writing award--I was voted Best Film Reviewer at the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Film Awards. The award statuette is now one of my most beloved possessions.

Through it all, Carrie Fisher was, and continues to be, one of my role models. It has given me tremendous hope and strength to look at her and see all that she overcame. When I see how well Fisher lived after her diagnosis, I see the possibilities in my own life. When I hear her candid humor regarding her battles, it inspires me to share my own stories in the hope that others will read my words and know that they’re not alone. Healing is more possible than most people may realize.

Carrie Fisher was only 60 years old. Her wisdom and her strength will remain with me for the rest of my days.

ConviCtions

editorial Cartoon

By andy marlette

Don’t miss a

tastE Feeling the hunger?

Read SFGN’s weekly food column for an exclusive bite on local bars, restaurants, and seasonal flavors.

sFGn.com/FooD 2.8.2017 •

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FEATURE boys with boats

BoyS With BoatS

Local Facebook group takes off

Tucker Berardi

G

et your sea legs and meet some guys while of political jargon found on Facebook. you’re at it.

“There are no political or religious posts in the group, Boys With Boats, a Facebook group that period,” Pettus said. started with 15 members and now boasts 568, is a boating The club also serves as a constructive alternative to club that caters to those who are first-time boaters meeting guys at bars and clubs. interested in the lifestyle to owners of mega“We want to take the younger guys out yachts, and everyone else in between. of bars and show them there is more to “We have members with kayaks and life than liquor and smoking,” Pettus members with a 120-foot yacht,” said. “We want to mentor people Jeremy Pettus, the club’s founder interested in boating, to give “We HAVe told SFGN. “It doesn’t matter the them something meaningful.”

MeMBerS WITH size of your boat, we just want “We boat, drink, and know people to come and see who we things,” reads the club’s KAYAKS AnD are.” website.

MeMBerS WITH A Boys with Boats is On the third Saturday of predominantly a gay club, every month, Boys with Boats 120-FooT YACHT.” although Pettus said there are a host a raft-up event where a handful of straight and lesbian member chooses a location for -Jeremy Pettus couples as well. the club’s boats to anchor up to “Even though it’s Boys with Boats, each other overnight. The club CLUB FOUNDER we are open to all,” he said. also hosts meet and greets as well Pettus bought a boat in November as larger scale events.

2015 and started restoring it, sharing his Pettus is currently working on an progress on a dedicated Facebook group. That event in February that will be held at Lake group became an outlet for people to share updates and Sylvia. From Saturday into Sunday, members will be race info about their own boats, and eventually its members dinghies and paper boats at their raft-up location, eat a began meeting for events both on and off the water. potluck dinner and brunch the next morning, and return The club has become an outlet for people to talk about to land Sunday night where they will host a masquerade a common interest that distances itself from the overflow ball at a nearby seaside restaurant.

Pettus is working to expanding the club, establishing their website boyswithboats.club as well as working on an online store, which he hopes to open in the next two months.

“People have approached me saying that this club is filling a void,” Pettus said. “I told them that the club was all about ‘you,’ I want to hear ‘your’ story.”

For anyone interested in boating, or just want to get involved and meet some guys, Boys with Boats is always open to new faces.

“It’s a great way to meet people outside of bars and sports leagues,” Pettus said. “I am very proud of our club, I am very proud of our members.”

To find out more about Boys with Boats, check their Facebook page at bit.ly/2k0rWCC 34

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LIFESTYLE photos

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PAID content

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“Relationships are built on connection, and if the intimate connection of sexual satisfaction is broken, it can lead to a breakdown in the relationship as a whole. Men who care about their partners often seek me out to help them overcome a physical attribute that they cannot fix on their own,” said Dr. Loria. “When they leave me, they often report back that their own confidence and sexual prowess have been greatly increased, which means amazing things for the relationship.”

MEASURING UP AFFECTS A MAN’S ESTEEM Dr. Loria’s procedure primarily impacts a man’s girth and length when flaccid. With some patients, the procedure will also increase the length when erect. However, Dr. Loria’s experience indicates that an increase in girth, not length, has the most impact on producing greater stimulation and feeling during sex – among both homosexual and heterosexual couples.

“It has been reported that the average penile girth is 4.75 inches. I routinely recommend an increase in penile girth to 6.5 to 7 inches in circumference,” he said. “Many patients have reported that this size is best for optimal sexual stimulation, and I find that this girth applies to a majority of cases with only a few patients needing to be larger.”

In working with many homosexual clients, Dr. Loria has also learned how to best address their aesthetic needs.

“Gay men seem to have a greater interest in penile size and shape than straight men. Many gay men tell that a larger penis is more attractive,” he said. “So my goal is to have the result meet their expectations.”

A GIFT FOR YOU AND HIM Dr. Loria’s patients have reported using everything from pills to stretching mechanisms – both hardware and manual – to “fix” the problem.

His practice’s growing popularity is due, in part, to the fact that he has been performing the minimally invasive medical procedures since 2010 and has worked with cosmetic fillers since 1995. But before he takes a patient, Dr. Loria likes to understand why the man sought him out.

“Simply stated, they seek me out for self-esteem, confidence, and to stimulate their partner. My theory is that just about all men feel ‘inadequate’ and they just want more size to feel comfortable with how they look naked,” he said. “They also want a size increase because many men feel that they are not stimulating their partners, due to lack of girth. After a patient has an enlargement treatment and then has intercourse, the experience is just short of absolutely phenomenal. Some patients, who have had two or more treatments, have described their partners as having ‘seizure-like orgasms.’

“I mention these details because this makes the men feel great that they can satisfy their partners; it is like an emotional rush of self-esteem and confidence.”

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2.8.2017 •

37

SPORTS hockey

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N

ow LGBT hockey players can get even more support from their teammates.

National Hockey League Clubs are naming one player from each team as a You Can Play ambassador. They are designated as a means of support and inclusion of diversity within both the locker room and the community.

“Our Clubs, our players and our fans are committed to welcoming everyone to hockey,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in a press release. “While the NHL family strives for diversity and inclusiveness all year long, February is ‘Hockey Is For Everyone’ month, which will highlight, on a daily basis, the many ways our sport brings greater attention, heightened awareness and broader opportunities.”

The Hockey is for Everyone month was created by the NHL and the National Hockey League Player’s Association as part of a “longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion in hockey.”

In addition to LGBT inclusion, the month will focus awareness of gender equality, people with disabilities, ethnicity equality and socio-economic status.

The campaign is also part of the You

Can Play Project, a nonprofit organization that seeks to combat homophobia within sports communities.

In addition, some NHL Clubs will feature a home game as a You Can Play night which will celebrate “members of the local LGBTQ community with ceremonial puck drops, anthem singers, features on hometown heroes, and ‘Pride Tape’ will be used during pregame warm up.”

“Players are proud to partner with You Can Play and the NHL on the Hockey is for Everyone campaign this month,” said NHLPA Special Assistant to the Executive Director Mathieu Schneider. “The initiatives and conversations taking place in February will continue to promote inclusion and diversity in our game and help ensure that hockey truly is for everyone.”

Shawn Thornton is the designated ambassador for the Florida Panthers. Also worth noting is Andrew Shaw from the Montreal Canadiens, who was suspended last year from the Chicago Blackhawks for using a gay slur during a game.

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2 .8.2017

‘Sorry not Sorry’

by Naya Rivera

Terri Schlichenmeyer

o

h, the things you did in your youth!

All those late nights, sneaking out of the house and thinking your parents didn’t know (they did). The crazy things you did on the road, hoping the police would never stop you (they did). The parties, the goofy fashions, the drama, all the fun and all the regrets… like author Naya Rivera, are you “Sorry Not Sorry”?

Even before she entered the world, Naya Rivera says she loved the spotlight.

Her mother was a model while pregnant with Rivera and almost as soon as Rivera was born, she became a model, too. She did print ads, then a few commercials until, at five years old, she landed a part on a comedy with Redd Foxx.

Alas, when Foxx died, the show did, too, and after some minor guest spots and TV commercials, Rivera became just a regular “awkward” Hollywood preteen with “quarter-white, quarter-black, half-Puerto Rican, and all frizz hair.” She longed for straight hair, curves and a boyfriend. She missed her career.

But adolescence wasn’t the only hard thing Rivera dealt with: her father was onand-off-unemployed, their family of five moved from veritable mansions to nearhovels, and there were more times than not when Rivera had no money for extras at all.

But yet, in a weird Hollywood twist, she “was almost always financially helping my family in some way” through funds set aside when she was a kindergartener. That caused a lot of pressure, and Rivera became anorexic.

At age eighteen, she got the rest of the funds, and went a little wild. Taught by her father about money management, she

c.2016, ECW Press $25.95 / $27.95 Canada 258 pages nevertheless let credit cards get out of hand and she fell into trouble.

For that, she is sorry.

She’s also sorry for drooling on Nicole Richie, starving herself, focusing on “material things,” sleeping with a married man, the death of a friend, and an abortion.

She’s not sorry for writing down her goals, occasional splurges, lying on a resume, her lesbian character on Glee, “being an other,” or falling in love with the right man.

Having read my share of name-dropping, chirpy H’wood bios, I approached this one with caution. Turns out, I didn’t need to: “Sorry Not Sorry” is actually very good.

Yes, author Naya Rivera drops names, but how can she not? She grew up in the midst of other stars in a town filled with stars; still, rather than breezy bragging about knowing famous people, readers get a sense that Rivera knows how unusual her friendships were and how special her growing-up was, despite the poverty she endured.

This is a chatty book; Rivera writes to her readers, rather than at them, which is refreshing. She’s also quick to reveal her mistakes and regrets, but she’s not preachy in the least; in fact, she offers a personal story rather than advice.

That, and the happy ending we’re handed, makes this a sometimes-funny, sometimesoutrageous memoir that’s easy to like. If that sounds perfect, “Sorry Not Sorry” is a book you won’t regret reading.

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2.8.2017 •

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LIFESTYLE food

neWS you Can uSe Rick Karlin

A

couple of popular restaurants have added new items to their menus and there are some special events coming up, so let’s whip out our phones and add these events to our calendars. For those of you who like to go old-school and use actual datebooks, we’ll wait while you get them out, find a pen and open to the right date.

SWeeT HeArTS If you’re looking for a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift, JP’s Chocolate Shoppe, 2410 Wilton Drive, offers up heart-shaped chocolates, and chocolate roses as well as special boxes for JP’s yummy treats, 954-3685533, jpschocolateshoppe.com. If you’ve got a bear that you want to impress, think about this “Beary Cuddly” plush teddy bear holding a three-pack of chocolate-covered pretzels from Hoffman's Chocolates, 920 E. Las Olas.

While they may be available at the store, it’s always better to order ahead; 954-368-4320, Hoffmans.com.

To THe MAX Still going strong after 20 years, Max’s Grille in Boca Raton’s Mizner Park was packed on a recent Wednesday night when I stopped by to check out some new menu options. For those who haven’t been, Max’s Grille emphasizes simple preparations highlighting clean flavors, inventive combinations and the use of local products. Our server Sandy made our experience on the patio as pleasant as it could be, given the cigar smoke and drunken shrieks from a table of obnoxious folks seated not five feet from us.

We checked out the grilled octopus, one of my favorites. When cooked correctly octopus has a light flavor and a texture not unlike a tender shrimp. While our octopus was cooked correctly, it had not been skinned, so the first bite felt like I was chewing a rubber band. A few simple slices and I skinned it myself.

I was rewarded for my efforts with a delicious piece of seafood served on charred escarole

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with a wonderful horseradish gremolata. My husband’s lobster Louie salad featured copious amount of perfectly poached lobster, baby iceberg, heirloom tomatoes and avocado. Crab crusted snapper paired a fried filet topped with plenty of crabmeat, served with Lyonnaise potatoes, leeks and braised greens atop a pool of red pepper vinegar sauce. Yum! A perfectly cooked, juicy and tender skirt steak arrived topped with chimichurri and sautéed wild mushrooms redolent with garlic and thyme. We ended our meal with a perfectly fine, but unremarkable Key lime pie and warm flourless chocolate cake that was more of a volcano cake.

Although we wanted to sample some dishes that weren’t offered as part of a popular special, it is certainly worth trying out. With the “Three Course Experience”, available from 5 - 6 p.m., you order from one of five options for apps and desserts, along with an entrée from the seafood, wood-fired, grilled or classic sections of the menu, and for the price of a regular entrée, you’ll get all three courses. To make the deal even more enticing, if two from the table order the special, they add a free bottle of wine.

If you’re the only one at the table to order the special, you’re not left out; you can order a glass of house wine or a cocktail for $5. There’s also a happy hour special available Sunday through Friday from 4 – 6 p.m. Drinks under $15 and selected appetizers are all half-priced.

561-368-0080, MaxsGrille.com

BoSSI PAnTS There may be a chill in the air, but you can warm up with some newer dishes at Louis Bossi, 1032 E Las Olas Blvd., one of the city’s most popular spots. New antipasti include: perfectly steamed clams atop a pool of spicy spreadable salami broth. OMG! A bowl of this and some fresh bread and I’m a happy camper.

Another newcomer is the calamari a la plancha, topped with sautéed garlic, cherry tomatoes, arugula, and spicy Fresno peppers. There are two new pizza offerings; one featuring arugula and peppadew and another sporting rapini,

stracciatella and the same spicy spreadable salami sauce as the clam dish. If you’re looking for a pasta dish to heat you up, check out the new angel hair topped with calamari, and a red sauce flecked with Calabrian chili peppers. There’s even a new cocktail; a take on a Pimm’s Cup that features the addition of strawberries. Check it out during happy hour, 4 - 7 p.m. every day, when it’s $2 off drinks and pizzas are half-price (at the bar only).

954-356-6699, LouieBossi.com

HoW To GeT LeI’D Oakland Park hosts a Polynesian cultural festival Feb. 25 and 26, at Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 N. Dixie. The annual event features entertainment and Polynesian food. Get an eyeful while enjoying hula lessons, fire and knife dancers and ukulele exhibitions from scantily clad hotties. The event runs from noon - 7 p.m. both days, admission is $10 per person.

PolynesianCultureAssociation.com

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F O R

T H E

SFGNITES

W E E K

O F

J.W. Arnold

jw@prdconline.com

THU

2/9

F E B R U A R Y

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F E B R U A R Y

1 4 ,

2 0 1 7

W W W . S F G N . C O M

Dazzling Dance

DESIGN Before Bravo’s groundbreaking reality show, “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” interior designer Thom Filicia was one of the rising stars of the industry. He’ll be in South Florida tonight as part of the New York Times’ “Times Talks” at 7 p.m. at Temple House, 1415 Euclid Ave. in Miami.

Times contributor Stephen Heyman will moderate the candid discussion about his career. Follow Times Talks on Twitter: @TimesTalks.

FRI

2/10

DANCE Miami City Ballet presents the world premiere of Alexei Ratmansky’s “The Fairy’s Kiss” this weekend at the Arsht Center in Miami. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s story, “The Ice Maiden,” the ballet is set to music

by Stravinsky. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The program will be repeated at the Kravis Center, Feb. 24 – 26, and Broward Center, March 11 – 12.

Tickets at MiamiCityBallet.org.

Monday

2/13

DANCE

Twyla Tharp, the legendary choreographer, celebrates 50 years of dance-making tonight at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale. The double bill begins with “Preludes and Fugues,” set to J.S. Bach’s “The Well-Tempered Clavier,” and closes with Tharp’s beloved “Nine Sinatra Songs,” featuring music by Frank Sinatra and costumes by Oscar de la Renta. Tickets start at $35 at BrowardCenter.org.

Submitted photo.

SAT

2/11 SUN

2/12 MON

2/13 TUE

2/14

COMEDY

THEATER

THEATER

THEATER

Iconic international celebrity airhostess Pam Ann first jetted out of her hometown of Melbourne, Australia, 20 years ago.

Pam, the alterego of comedian-writer-producer Caroline Reid, has developed a cultlike status both here and overseas with her masterful portrayal of an International “hostie.” See the trolley dollie live at Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale tonight at 8 p.m.

Tickets at OutlandishFL.com.

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Road in Jupiter, is best known for stunning musical productions that rival the best of Broadway. This weekend, the company tackles the powerful and very current topic of Islamophobia in the 2012 criticallyacclaimed play, “Disgraced” by Ayad Akhtar. Carbonell winner J. Barry Lewis directs. Playing through Feb. 26. Tickets start at $56 at JupiterTheatre.org.

South Florida audiences have an unique opportunity to see new plays evolve, thanks to the Jan McArt New Play Reading Series. Many of the plays presented in staged readings at Lynn University in Boca Raton have been produced to critical acclaim at professional theaters across the country. Tonight at 7:30 p.m., Don Webster’s new play, “Love and Other Unnatural Acts” will be presented.

Tickets are $10 at Events.Lynn.edu.

“Beautiful – The Carole King Musical” makes its last local tour stop at the Arsht Center in Miami. The show, which runs through Feb. 19, tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom from a young songwriter in Brooklyn to become one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Her music defined a generation of baby boomers and more. Tickets start at $32 at ArshtCenter.org.

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A&E theater Scott Turner Schofield stars in ‘Becoming a Man in 127 Steps’ at Miami-Dade College this weekend.

Submitted photo.

pLay iLLuStrateS tranSgender man’S Journey in 127 StepS J.W. Arnold

F

or transgender writer, educator and performer Scott Turner Schofield, surgery was just a first step. Soon after leaving the hospital, he asked himself, “Now what?”

Schofield’s transformation took 127 steps, actually, and he will be sharing his experiences in his show, “Becoming a Man in 127 Steps,” this weekend at Miami-Dade College.

“These are my own experiences,” explained the Los Angeles-based performer. “The show is about being a person who became a man, but I wasn’t born one. It’s not a coming out or transition story. There are any number of television shows for that. It’s about living as a man when you were a radical feminist your entire life. It’s about opening up my head to you.”

Schofield who describes himself as 24 to 29 in “Hollywood” years, has been out as transgender for 18 years, a revelation that came when he first met another transgender man.

“It was the moment when I found the word, that the word could apply to me as a female body person. I identified as a lesbian, but I felt like the guy. I know there are butch lesbians who feel the same way, but butch lesbians and transgender men are not the same,” Schofield recalled. “It was like a lightbulb turned on. I knew I was a part of the LGBT community, but I thought the ‘T’ only applied to women.”

Armed with this knowledge, Schofield began his transition, but, as he was again quick to point out, that was a start in a long personal journey.

About a decade ago, he created “127 Steps,” his third one-man show, by writing and assembling vignettes of his experiences.

Schofield, a former theater student at Emory University, uses playful storytelling, dramatizations and even silk fabric acrobatics to illustrate the lessons he learned about being a “man” after becoming one. Some are silly and

others are touching, many involve the largely unnoticed, unwritten rules for men in modern society.

Each performance is unique. Since there is not enough time to share all 127 stories, Schofield asks the audience to spontaneously select numbers. Aided by a cheat sheet and distinctive props, his story unfolds at the whims of the audience.

In addition to performing in theaters and universities around the globe, Schofield brought the production to the Arsht Center eight years ago, one of the most successful runs.

“Solo performances have been so important to telling LGBT history,” Schofield pointed out, citing Tim Miller, an early member of the ACT UP movement who used theater to publicize the ravages of the AIDS era, and others who have shared their stories through the years.

“I’m grounded in that very clear history.”

And, at practically every show, someone in the audience—no matter the venue— approaches him afterwards. They often announce, “I saw myself in your story.”

Schofield likes to tell the story of a group of five working class men who thought the show was some sort of “redneck comedy.”

They probably never would have purchased tickets if they had known the true nature of the show, but told Schofield they walked out of the theater as “changed” persons.

“This is a show for people who don’t get— quote unquote—transgender stuff,” Schofield promised.

An important part of Schofield’s mission is education and, in addition to the performances, he will be leading workshops for LGBT youth in partnership with Pridelines and a transgender community forum while in Miami. Each performance also concludes with a Q&A session to discuss the issues that arise.

Scott Turner Schofield performs “Becoming a Man in 127 Steps” on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. at Miami-Dade College’s Live Arts Lab, Building 1, 300 NE Second Ave. in Miami. Tickets are $30 ($10 for students) at MDCLiveArts.org.

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Matthew Morrison comes to the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale on Feb. 17. Submitted photo.

‘gLeeKS’ reJoiCe

Matthew Morrison is coming to Fort Lauderdale J. W. Arnold

T

elevision and theater star Matthew Morrison has a lot of trust in his friend, Sirius XM personality and pianist Seth Rudetsky.

“Honestly, I have no idea,” was Morrison’s answer when asked what he would be singing with Rudetsky at the Parker Playhouse on Friday, Feb. 17.

“I’m usually very meticulous with all my shows, but this particular show with Seth will be completely off the cuff. Basically, half the show is an interview and half he gets at the piano and I sing my songs, a journey of my life, a treasure chest of my past,” added Morrison.

The handsome 38-year-old actor became a household name as chorus instructor Will Schuester on Fox’s “Glee,” but he also earned a Tony nomination for the 2005 Best Musical, “Light in the Piazza” and most recently spent a year on Broadway as “Peter Pan” creator J.M. Barrie in “Finding Neverland.” He has appeared on numerous television shows and movies and recorded a duet with Elton John.

“Seth has all of my repertory and he figures out what he wants to do,” said Morrison. “He’s just so witty and a smart man who knows theater. He’s in the driver’s seat.”

Morrison is actually enjoying the break to step back and assess his opportunities.

“The great thing about doing these

concerts is it gives me time to look at a lot of scripts and with success comes the power to say no,” he explained.

On Father’s Day, he will be launching a new internet business, Sherpapa, that creates and sells high quality “field kits” for young fathers who travel with their families. Morrison married in 2014 and looks forward to the role of father.

“I love skydiving, extreme skiing. I’m a daredevil in that way, but getting less and less as I get older and my body tells me you can’t do that more and more,” Morrison revealed. “How I’ve been successful is by going balls to the wall and getting out there and living for the rush and having no fear.”

He’s currently eyeing film and TV roles—“Broadway is a young man’s game,” he said— and years after “Glee” ended, still considers that show one of his greatest achievements.

“I could have been on a talk show or a lawyer show or a doctor show,” he pointed out, but the impact of the musical about a high school chorus of misfits sparked conversations about bullying, school shootings, sexuality and other issues that teens struggle with.

“To go around the world and hear stories from people everywhere who were so inspired by it, it gives me goosebumps.

As an actor, it gave me the ability to change lives,” he said.

Matthew Morrison appears with Seth Rudetsky on the Mark Cortale Presents Broadway Series on Friday, Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE 8th St. in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets start at $37 at ParkerPlayhouse.com.

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2.8.2017 •

49

A&E comedy

aCCLaimed aCtor ‘SingS Sappy SongS’ and more at arSht Center J.W. Arnold

A

lan Cumming is a no-nonsense multitasker and he gets bored easily, especially with journalists who seem to ask the same questions over and over.

(His publicist advised me to check out the frequently asked questions on his website before—emphasis added—the telephone interview.)

Apparently, I discovered, he gets asked a lot about his accent. He’s a Scot who finds an American accent easy to replicate as fans of ABC-TV’s “The Good Wife” well know.

That, inevitably, leads to the next question, “What do Scots wear under their kilts?”

His reply, “Gosh I’ve never been asked that before! This Scotsman wears nothing, allowing his jewels of Scotland freedom and fresh air.”

A critically-acclaimed television and stage actor (he won a Tony for his role as the sexually-charged Emcee in “Cabaret”), he would reluctantly choose the stage over screen, if forced: “That is a really boring question. But the answer is, as you might have gathered from my resumé, I like both. If, however, in the unlikely event that I had a gun to my head, I would choose the stage as I love the immediate connection with the audience.”

He is also an accomplished writer and photographer. His latest book, “You Gotta Get Bigger Dreams: My Life in Stories and Pictures,” was featured at the Miami Book Fair International last November. (And yes, he did once write an essay titled, “May the Foreskin Be with You,” calling himself an “intactivist” opposing the mutilation of baby boys.)

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Cumming is not particularly interested in explaining his bisexuality—he’s been in relationships with women and men and is currently married to photographer Grant Shaffer—and doesn’t particularly consider himself an activist, although he is heartened by the fluidity of today’s youth.

On Friday, he will perform his celebrated cabaret show, “Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs” on the stage at the Arsht Center in Miami.

Homework completed, I dialed his number…hoping not to become the latest journalist to bore him.

SFGn: What can you tell me about your upcoming show?

Cumming: Well, I can tell you everything.

It’s a cabaret of songs and stories I’ve been touring for the last year and a bit. An oldfashioned cabaret, intense, a smorgasbord of emotions….a very eclectic mix, Annie Lennox, Billy Joel, Stephen Sondheim. It’s very structured, but there’s not a plot. It’s about being authentic, things that happened to me, definitely.

You’re such a multi-talented, creative person. How would you describe yourself professionally?

I very much consider myself a storyteller.

Whether it’s a play or I’m writing, I do call myself a professional storyteller for hire, no matter what medium. I want to connect with people and express myself and hopefully provoke them.

Alan Cumming brings his cabaret show to Miami’s Arsht Center on Friday. Submitted photo.

You seem to always have a lot of projects going on. Do you ever get any down time?

I can switch off as well. I have a lot of things on the draw at once, I sometimes wish I had less ideas. I have so much fun doing all the things I do, but you have to actually focus. I’m good at multitasking.

Maybe an hour later I’m doing something completely different. I have a very full life in terms of all the things I do.

How would you describe Alan Cumming, the man?

Well, I mean, a Scottish elf trapped in a middle-aged man’s body. I feel that as you

get older, it’s actually a great thing. You have experience, wisdom and knowledge and, thus far anyway, can engage in an active way with life. I do have friends who are much, much, much younger than me.

I don’t feel it yet, but completely relate (with them) on a level that is authentic. It’s the best of both worlds, I don’t feel that different.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors?

I always say I feel that everything you do is a triumph. Be yourself and stick to your guns and don’t get overly encouraged to become something you’re not.

“Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs” will be performed on Friday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. at the Arsht Center in Miami. Tickets start at $49 at ArshtCenter.org.

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FeB. 8 - 16

Datebook

Theater Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com

top

picks

Shooting Porn!

Feb. 9 to March 12 at 7 p.m at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Based on Ronnie Larsen’s 1997 documentary, the film has been adapted for the stage and takes the audience behind the scenes of a porn shoot and the drama that ensues.

Contains male nudity and simulated sex scenes. Tickets $35. Call 954-678-1496 or visit EmpireStage.com.

The Vagina Monologues

Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. and Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. at Compass Community Center, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. The award-winning play based on interviews with more than 200 women celebrates the liberation of the V word. Suggested donation $15 to $30 benefitting Compass’ Women’s Health Program. Call 561-5339699 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

Andrea Bocelli

Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami.

The iconic voice of romance returns to South Florida for his annual Valentine’s Day concert. Tickets $79 and up. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Denotes New Listing

broward county Dave Chapelle

Feb. 10 at 7 and 10 p.m. at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive in Coral Springs. Hear new material from the king of comedy. Tickets $71.20. Call 954-344-5990 or visit CoralSpringsCenterfortheArts.com.

The First Step - Diary of a Sex Addict

Through Feb. 11 at Island City Stage, 2034 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. A dramedy following the journey of Joe, a gay sex addict, as he works through recovery. Play contains nudity and graphic sexual situations. Tickets $35. Call 954-519-2533 or visit IslandCityStage. org.

* Cabaret du Jour: Bill Campbell & David Meulemans

Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. at The Tennis Club, 600 Tennis Club Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets $20 plus two-drink minimum, residents $15 plus two-

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drink minimum. Call Ken Harrison 954-5472819 or email Kenh7748@yahoo.com.

* Bon Jovi

Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. The iconic rock band tours in support of their “This House is Not For Sale” tour. Tickets $30 to $129. Call 800-745-3000 or visit TheBBTCenter.com.

* An Evening With Kristin Chenoweth

Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Spend Valentine’s Day with this Tony Award-winning chanteuse.

Tickets $30 to $129. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Joe Bonamassa

Feb. 16 to 18 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Considered one of the greatest guitar players, Bonamassa puts on more than 100 sold-out shows every year to fans of his blues tunes. Tickets $88.51 and up.

Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.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

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 Celine Dion Tribute by Elisa Furr

Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. The singer, dancer, songwriter, composer, and producer pays tribute to Dion with favorites like “Love Can Move Mountains,” “I’m Alive,” “Power of Love,’ and “My Heart Will Go On.” Tickets $40 to $45. Call 305-466-8002 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

Roslyn Kind

Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. The sister of Barbra Streisand, Kind delivers a show of her own. Tickets $50 to $55. Call 305-4668002 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

Sunday in the Park with George

Through Feb. 12 at the Adrienne Arsht Center,

1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Inspired by the painting, a struggle ensues between an artist and his muse in this musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. Tickets $50. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

Between Riverside and Crazy

Through Feb. 19 at GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Ave. in Coral Gables. When a retired police officer is being threatened with eviction, he ponders life and death. Tickets $60. Call 305445-1119 or visit GableStage.org.

Real Women Have Curves

Through Feb. 26 at Main Street Playhouse, 6766 Main St. in Miami Lakes. It’s 1987 in Los Angeles and a group of Mexican American women are toiling in a sewing factory, sharing each of their unique immigration stories. Tickets $25 to $30.

Call 305-558-3737 or visit MainStreetPlayers. com.

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.

palm beach county New Country

Through Feb. 12 at Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. in Lake Worth. Cocky Justin Spears is at the top of the country charts, and on the eve of his wedding, madness ensues at the hotel with odd visitors and characters. Tickets $23.

Call or visit LakeWorthPlayhouse.org. * A Valentine’s Day Concert featuring Solid Brass Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. at Seabreeze Amphitheater in Carlin Park, 400 S. SR A1A in Jupiter. Solid Brass performs classic rock and R&B tunes to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Free. Visit Facebook. com/SeabreezeAmphitheater.

* From the Swing Era with Love

Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. at FAU’s University Theatre, 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. The Florida Wind Symphony Jazz Orchestra performs jazz hits from the likes of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and Benny Goodman..Tickets $20. Call 1-800-564-9539 or visit fauevents.com.

Collected Stories

Through March 5 at the Don & Ann Brown Theater, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach.

An author writes a controversial novel about her mentor’s affair with a poet. Tickets $66. Call 561-514-4042 or visit PalmBeachDramaworks. org.

#OrlandoUnited: Every week, SFGN will pay tribute to one member of our community who was lost in Orlando.

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Datebook

Community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com

top picks Race to Equity Summit

Feb. 8 and 9 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. My Brother’s Keeper Network hosts a meaningful discussions to promote racial equity in Palm Beach County. Call James Green at 561-2425702, email ysd-mybrotherskeeper@ pbcgov.org, or visit UnitedWayPBC.org.

PrEP Social Event

Feb. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Alibi’s Manchester Room, in Wilton Manors.

Meet guys on PrEP and learn more about the drug with Damon L. Jacobs, a therapist and PrEP advocate. Call 954-463-9005, ext. 210, email prep@pridecenterflorida. org, or visit PrEPWithPride.com.

Upholding the American Dream

Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. at the InterContinental Miami, 100 Chopin Plaza in Miami.

Americans for Immigrant Justice’s 21st annual dinner, honoring Khizr M. Khan and Maria Gabriela “Gaby” Pacheco.

Tickets $300. Email Ariela Moscowitz Fegley at afegley@aiijustice.org or visit aiijustice.org/21st_annual_awards_ dinner.

FeB. 8 - 16 broWard support services GENDER BENDER YOUTH GROUP

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

PFLAG

Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Southwest Ranches. A support group for parents of LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free.

Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and locations.

SUNSERVE YOUTH GROUP

Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral Springs and Hollywood. A support group and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and times.

SURVIVOR SUPPORT

First and third Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support from counselors and peers who have lost loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention at 954-384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org.

broward county Black Art Awakening

The Lure of Provincetown

Author Presentation: “The Sea is Quiet Tonight” by Michael Ward

Stonewall Gala Fundraiser

Feb. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Celebrate Black History Month and National Black HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day with an exhibit of art, cocktails, and culture. Call 954-463-9005, ext.

306, email lrobertson@pridecenterflorida.org, or visit PrideCenterFlorida.org.

Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall National Museum -- Wilton Manors, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Ward’s memoir recounts the early days of the AIDS epidemic. Free. Visit Stonewall-Museum.org.

* Green?

Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. at Village Design, 600 Breaks Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Italian artist Marcella Novotny’s paintings showcase people eating healthy foods, but the paintings are created with toxic materials that we see every day. Call 954-565-5790 or visit http://bit.ly/2kjrz6Z.

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Through Feb. 11 at the Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. A popular vacation spot for the LGBT community, including “Dyke Drag Brunch,” the exhibit showcases photographs

by Midge Battelle and Al Kaplan and paintings

by Len Paoletti. Free. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org.

Feb. 14 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.

Before enjoying a show by Broadway singer Kristin Chenoweth, take part in the open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, and silent auction.

Tickets $100. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org.

* Taste of Oakland Park

Feb. 17 from 6 to 19 p.m. at Jaco Pastorius Park, 1098 NE 40th Court in Oakland Park. A grand tasting event from more than 30 local restaurants. Tickets $10. Call 954-630-4251 or visit OaklandParkFL.gov.

Body Work: The Art of the Male Form

Through March 19 at the Stonewall National Museum -- Wilton Manors, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Explore the male form, masculinity, and gayness through American artists’ paintings drawings, photography. Free.

Visit Stonewall-Museum.org.

What’s Going On: Marvin Gaye’s America

Through March 30 at the Miramar Cultural Center Arts Park, 2400 Civic Center Place in Miramar. An exploration of how the Motown pioneer influenced music and and society. Guests are invited to bring a photo of themselves from the ‘70s and a reflection of how life has changed since then for the “My 70s” portion of the exhibit. Call 954-602-4500 or visit MiramarCulturalCenter.org.

Safe “T” Transgender/Gender Variant Group

Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at SunServe, 2312 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. A dropin support group for those who identify as transgender, transsexual, and genderqueer.

Trans women on the first and third Wednesdays only. Free. Call John Swan at 954-764-5150, ext.

110 or visit SunServe.org.

* Denotes New Listing

FeB. 8 - 16

palm beach county High Gloss WPB: The Art of Fashion

Feb. 10 to March 10 at The Box Gallery, 811 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach.

Celebrate where fashion and art intersect with wearable art, lifestyle accessories, fine art photography, and more. Call 786-521-1199 or visit TheBoxGallery.info.

* US Heroes: Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Raul Castro

Feb. 10 to March 17 at Palm Beach State College’s BB Building, 2160 PGA Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens. A series of paintings of the “three mass murderers of the Cuban revolution,” challenging what we know about the men and the theme of hero creation. Free Call 786-521-1199 or email RolandoBarrero@ mac.com.

* Pride Business Alliance Mixer

Feb. 15 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Sean Rush Atelier, 3700 S. Dixie Highway No. 3 in West Palm Beach. Network with like-minded area businesses. Free for members, $20 for nonmembers. Visit CompassGLCC.com/ events/business-mixers.

Street Photography: Candid Portraiture

Feb. 25, March 25, and April 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Old School Square Crest Theatre building studio 5, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Russell Levine leads a walk through the streets of Delray to instruct students on candid street photography. Fee $75. Call 561243-7922 or visit OldSchoolSquare.org.

Community Justice: The Black Panther Party and Other Civil Rights Movements

Through March 4 at the FAU Ritter Art Gallery, 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. An exhibition of photography, film, and prints of various social justice movements over time and their impact on society. Free. Call 561-297-2661 or visit FAU.edu/galleries.

miami-dade county Arsht Center Farmers Market

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

Yoga

Tuesdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at Jose Marti Park, 362 SW Fourth Ave. in Miami. Yogis 18 and older of all levels are invited to a practice lead by a certified instructor. Bring your own yoga mat, water, and towel. Free. Call 305-3587550 or visit BayfrontParkMiami.com/Yoga. html.

HIV Support Group

Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at South Beach AIDS Project, 1234 Washington Ave. Ste. 200 in Miami Beach. A support group for those who are HIV positive. Free. Call 305-535-4733, ext. 301 or email support@sobeaids.org.

Book Study

Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Norbu, will lead classes on learning the foundations of Buddhism. Call 786-529-7137.

key west Gay Key West Trolley Tours

Saturdays at 4 p.m. meeting at 628 Duval St. See the gay side of Key West on this trolley tour. Tickets $25. Call 800-535-7797 or visit GayKeyWestFL.com.

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Business Directory 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 PO Box 39617, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33339 954-763-2266 Gaymenschorusofsouthflorida.org

chiropractic COAST CHIROPRACTIC INJURY & WELLNESS CENTER 2608 NE 16th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33334 954.463.3036 www.coast-chiropractic.com

final arrangements

To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970

handyman

Have you made your wishes known?

We’re here to help.

1-800-343-5400

www.levitt-weinstein.com

Pre-Arrangement Discounts For All Our LGBT Friends

sfgn.com

dining

The Best Cellar

health

Boutique Wine Shop & Wine Bar

NATURA DERMATOLOGY 1120 Bayview Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 754.333.4886 naturadermatology.com

The Ultimate Wine Tasting Experience Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sat., at 8:00 p.m.

MASTER HYPNOTHERAPIST AND LIFE COACH

ONLY $15 PER PERSON! 954-630-8020

cleaning BARTON & MILLER CLEANERS 2600 N. Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-4314

1408 N.E. 26th St. Wilton Manors, FL 33334

florist

WE’RE HERE FOR ALL YOUR

FINANCIAL NEEDS

dental

Taxes IRS Issues Accounting

OAKLAND PARK DENTAL 3047 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954.566.9812 Oaklandparkdental.com

Bookkeeping Small Business Advising

ANDREWS DENTAL CARE 2654 N Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311 954.567.3311 Andrewsdentalcare.com

954-667-9829

ISLAND CITY DENTAL 1700 NE 26th Street, Ste. 2, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-564-7121 Islandcitydental.com

final arrangements KALIS-MCINTEE FUNERAL & CREMATION CENTER

2505 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-7621 Kalismcintee.com

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framing

ACCOUNTING@STERLINGACCOUNTING.COM

2435 North Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305

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

call us to reserve space!

ADDICTIONS • SMOKING • WEIGHT LOSS • INSOMNIA • STRESS REDUCTION • ROAD RAGE • ANGER MANAGEMENT • PAST LIFE ANALYSIS • RELATIONSHIP COACHING Coach Bill For Life

WWW.COACHBILLFORLIFE.COM

954.641.8315

health DR. TORY SULLIVAN 2500 N Federal Hwy #301, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954.533.1520 Torysullivanmd.com AMERICAN PAIN EXPERTS 6333 N. Federal Hwy, Ste. 250, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-678-1074 Americanpainexperts.com

professional services

Income Tax Preparation •Individual •Small Business •Free Consultation Doug Turner, Enrolled Agent Best Books & Taxes, LLC 2201 Wilton Drive, Suite 4 bestbooksandtaxes.com

954-565-1041

Call today for appointment

professional services AMERICAN TAX & INSURANCE 2929 E Comm. Blvd, 8th Floor Penthouse D, Fort Lauderdale, FL

954.302.3228 Americantaxandinsurance.com

LAW OFFICE OF GEORGE CASTRATARO 707 NE 3rd Ave #300, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954.573.1444 Lawgc.com LAW OFFICE OF ROBIN BODIFORD 2550 N Federal Hwy #20, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954.630.2707 Lawrobin.com LAW OFFICE OF GREGORY KABEL 1 East Broward Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, 33301 954.761.7770 gwkesq@bellsouth.net LAW OFFICE OF SELZER & WEISS 1515 NE 25th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.567.4444 Selzerandweiss.com

call us to reserve space!

TREAT HIM TO AFFORDABLE LUXURY!

LAW OFFICE OF SHAWN NEWMAN 710 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.563.9160 Shawnnewman.com

Valentine’s Retreat

$260

&Žƌ zŽƵ

^ĞĂǁĞĞĚ &ĂĐŝĂů ^ŝŐŶĂƚƵƌĞ DĂƐƐĂŐĞ sĞƵǀĞ Ƶ sĞƌŶĂLJ ZŽƐĞǭ

&Žƌ ,ŝŵ

^ĞĂǁĞĞĚ &ĂĐŝĂů ^ŝŐŶĂƚƵƌĞ DĂƐƐĂŐĞ sĞƵǀĞ Ƶ sĞƌŶĂLJ ZŽƐĞǭ

sports ϵϱϰͲϱϲϲͲϬϬϰϮ ϭϮϬϭ E ϮϲƚŚ ^ƚ͘ηϭϬϰ͕ tŝůƚŽŶ DĂŶŽƌƐ ǁǁǁ͘ ĂǀŝĚ ŽƵŐůĂƐ^ƉĂ͘ĐŽŵ

TENNIS LESSONS AT HAGEN PARK in Wilton Manors. Individual or group lessons. Call Robert 732-604-0362 for more information.

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Business Directory To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970 restaurants STORKS BAKERY 2505 NE 15th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.567.3220 Storksbakery.com BEEFCAKES 1721 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 954.463.6969 boardwalkbar.com J. MARK’S 1245 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (954) 390-0770 Jmarksrestaurant.com

ERNIE'S B-B-Q 1843 S Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 954-523-8636

retail

spirituality

The Parish of Sts. Francis and Clare Where we welcome and appreciate diversity.

101 NE 3rd St Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 Mass Times: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 10:30 AM Ecumenical Catholic 954.731.8173

www.stsfrancisandclare.org Baptisms • Weddings • Memorial Services

PEACE PIPE 4800 N Dixie Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 954.267.9005 Facebook.com/peacepipefl

Lucy’s Hair & Body Care Salon F 10% OFs nt ie cl w ne for Monday-Saturday Hours 10AM to 8PM

 954.601.6067  954.354.7028 216 S. Federal Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

spirituality

call us to reserve space!

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real estate

SFGN Classified$ To place a Classified Ad, call Tim Higgins at 954.530.4970 or email at Tim.Higgins@sfgn.com

cleaning services

EMERALD IRISH CLEANING - Established for 30 years. 3 hours of cleaning for $60.00. Use time as you wish. English speaking *hand scrub floors* Cleaning supplies included. Service guaranteed 954-524-3161

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 954522-3357 Lic & Ins. www.harryelectrician.com

help wanted

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 HELP WANTED BONA ITALIAN RESTAURANT - Looking for Wait Staff, greeter/phone orders, dishwasher help, pizza chef, bussers. Day and evening shifts in an established Italian Restaurant.

Grow with us. Stop by to fill out an application M-F 11am-2pm, 3pm-5pm. Weekends after 4:30PM.

health

MANSCAPING SERVICES WE OFFER - Treat yourself to a Full Body Hair Removal, Shaving, Trimming, and Waxing. European Facial, Oxy Hydro Treatment. No Chemicals used.Looking Good & Feeling Good Call Ebi at 561-502-3217 or www.euromanscaping.com

piano

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE PIANO? Learn from an experienced teacher. All levels and ages welcome. Learn to play classical, popular, jazz, or show tunes. Visit www.edwinchad. com or call 954-826-9555 for more information.

pool service

COOL POOLS- RELIABLE POOL SERVICE Professional pool service.Covering Wilton Manors, Lighthouse Point, and eastside of Pompano Beach.

15 years experience. Licensed and insured.Free estimates. Call 954-235-0775.

Follow the action.

sfgn.com Licensed & Insured

home health care NEED AN EXPERIENCE CAREGIVER-PRIVATE DUTY - CARING MATURE RELIABLE CERT. CAREGIVER 25 YEARS EXP WILL TAKE CARE OF YOUR SICK/ELDERLY LOVE ONE. ALL GENDERS WELCOME EQUAL LOVE & CARE FOR ALL REFS UPON REQUEST CALL 754-207-9822

music lessons

VOICE LESSONS & MUSIC THEATRE COACHING - Over 30 years experience. Students have performed on (and off) Broadway, in National & International tours, recorded solo albums & placed in prestigious competitions. www.kreutzmusic.com 617-967-0575

painting

GREGG'S PAINTING - I paint both interior and exterior. Great rates, free estimates. I am detailedoriented, 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

rentals wilton manors

MIKE THE RENTAL GUY - NE Lauderdale/Wilton Manors/Oakland Park-1/1 from $990, 2/1 from $1140. Victoria Park-1/1=$1090.00 cable included.

Credit & Income Requirements-Pets okay with restrictions Call for Details Mike 561-703-5533 or miketherentalguy@aol.com

real estate wilton manors

UNITED REALTY GROUP - $149,900 2 bed 1 bath-1 block to the drive. Low maintenanceNO RENTAL RESTRICTIONS! DUPLEXINVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY $308,900 Quiet street Both 2 bed 1 bath-Huge Yard Call for details Michael Tublin 561-703-5533.

Follow the action.

sfgn.com rentals fort lauderdale 4 BLOCKS FROM THE DRIVE- $850.00 - Nice clean 1-BD/1-BATH with private fenced garden patio through French doors off living room. Tile floors and good size rooms, off street parking.

Located in a one story 4-unit apartment with laundry room. $50.00 application fee--Background check, No Smoking, No Pets, $850.00 call 954818-9012

954-725-3633

custom alarm contractors, Inc.

Est. 1989 “Experience Matters” Service after the sale! ▶ residential security ▶ commercial security ▶ closed circuit tV www.customalarmcontractors.com 2.8.2017 •

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