V8iss14

local name global coverage

CHECK OUT THE NEW

WMG

April 5, 2017 vol. 8 // issue 14

Begins on page 67

s o u t h

f l o r i d a

g a y

n e w s

trans and visible a guide to transitioning, local trans organizations and tips for allies

Section begins on page 22

Miami gay Beach pride to pay tribute to pulse Page 10

SouthFloridaGayNews

Director of "Strike a pose" shares dark inspiration Page 88

soflagaynews

SFGN.com

2

•

4 . 5.2017

4.5.2017 •

3

NEWS miami dade

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Bebe Rexha To Perform At Miami Beach Gay Pride John McDonald

M

ore names are leaking out regarding participation in this year’s Miami Beach Gay Pride.

In a press release from his Miami Beach public relations firm, Richard H. Murry revealed the addition of another talent for the weekend event. Bebe Rexha is slated to bring her “All Your Fault” tour to South Beach for a closing night concert on Sunday, April 9.

“We’re extremely excited to have Bebe Rexha perform for our audience,” said Mark Fernandes, board chair of Miami Beach Gay Pride, in a press release. “She is so of-themoment and her songs are all extremely popular.”

Rexha, 27, is expected to make multiple

Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent

appearances during the weekend and is advertised as a headliner. She is currently riding a wave of media attention on the strength of a sexy single, “I Got You.” Murry’s PR firm also released the details of the Miss Miami Beach Gay Pride Pageant, set for April 3 at Score Nightclub and a “Pride Lights the Night” tribute to the victims of the Pulse Nightclub massacre. For “Pride Lights the Night” buildings across Miami, including the Freedom Tower, will light up in rainbow colors to pay respect those lost in the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.

Meanwhile, Rexha joins a MBGP lineup that already features parade marshals Ross Mathews, “Uncle” Johnny Pool from the Elvis

Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli

Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley JasonEParsley@gmail.com

Editorial

Duran Show and local LGBTQ Task Force members Liebe and Seth Gadinsky.

For more information, visit ww.miamibeachgaypride.com

NEWS state

Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Working Its Way Through Tallahassee

John McDonald

C

annabis is a hot topic this legislative session.

As Florida agencies grapple with how to implement marijuana for medicinal purposes, a house bill is making the rounds seeking to decriminalize pot altogether.

HB 1403 categorizes misdemeanor criminal offenses for minor possession as non-criminal civil violations, said Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith.

Smith, a gay Democrat from Orlando, introduced the bill. If the bill is passed, Smith said, “adults and minors would no longer be subject to arrest for possession of personal use quantities of cannabis defined as one ounce or less.”

Jeff Clemons, a Lake Worth Democrat, filed a companion bill in the Florida Senate (SB 1662.)

Under Smith’s proposal, adults found with small amounts of marijuana would pay a fine of no more than $100 or complete 15 hours of community service. The change, Smith said, would reduce unnecessary arrests and unclog Florida’s judicial system.

April 5, 2017 • Volume 8 • Issue 14

2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Art Director • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Designer • Charles Pratt Associate Editor • Jillian Melero JillianMelero@gmail.com Digital Content Director • 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 Jesse Monteagudo • Tony Adams

Correspondents

Dori Zinn • Andrea Richard • Donald Cavanaugh • Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • Sean McShee • Alex Adams • Gary Kramer • David-Elijah Nahmod

Contributing Columnists

In 2016, FDLE records show 39,706 Floridians were arrested for low-level cannabis possession. In 2010, Florida spent $229 million enforcing marijuana laws, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.

“These draconian marijuana possession laws have wasted taxpayer dollars, unnecessarily filled up our state prison system, and distracted law enforcement from focusing on apprehending dangerous criminals,” Smith said. “We should be creating opportunities for people to succeed - not creating obstacles and ruining lives over minor infractions or youthful indiscretions. It is past time for the legislature to end the unjust incarceration of Floridians for non-violent drug offenses.

If Amendment 2 was any indication, public opinion on marijuana has changed drastically over the years. Tallahassee politicians must catch up with where a majority of Floridians MEMBER already are.”

Last November Florida voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the state constitution allowing for the use MEMBER

Brian McNaught • Dana Rudolph • Wayne Besen Ric Reily • Steve Siler • Bil Browning • Terri Schlichenmeyer

Associate Photographers Pompano Bill • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing

of marijuana for medical purposes. Several South Florida municipalities have passed moratoriums on marijuana dispensaries until state guidelines are issued.

Per the Office of Compassionate Use website, qualified patients must be a Florida resident, have a three month or longer relationship with a certified physician and receive a diagnosis of a condition acceptable for treatment with lowTHC (medical marijuana).

Meanwhile, HB1403 currently sits in the house criminal justice subcommittee and no votes have been recorded. The 12-member committee includes David Richardson (D-Miami Beach).

Director of Sales & Marketing • Mike Trottier Mike.Trottier@sfgn.com Sales Manager • Justin Wyse Justin.Wyse@sfgn.com Senior Sales Associate • Kevin Hopper Kevin.Hopper@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann Edwin.Neimann@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Brett Coppol Brett.Coppol@sfgn.com Sales Assistant / Classifieds • Tim Higgins Tim.Higgins@sfgn.com Distribution Services • Rocky Bowell • Brian Swinford National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com

Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Printing by Sun Coast Press

SFGN Winner of & 3 Florida Press Club Awards And runner-up for

MEMBER

OUR Other Publications Get yours, on racks now!

Associated Press

Cover: Illustration by Brendon Lies.

4

•

4 . 5.2017

MEMBER

NLGJA Journalist of the Year

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

Copyright © 2017 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

4.5.2017 •

5

ACLU Takes Legal Action to Defend Rights of Transgender Students in Pennsylvania (EDGE) The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Pennsylvania filed a legal motion today to defend the Boyertown Area School District's practice of allowing students to use restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity.

The motion to intervene in the case was submitted in a federal lawsuit that is seeking to overturn the practice. The ACLU's action was filed on behalf of Aidan DeStefano, a student at Boyertown Area Senior High who is transgender, and the Pennsylvania Youth Congress, a coalition of LGBTQ youth leaders and youth organizations.

One of the organizations is the Boyertown Gay-Straight Alliance, whose members include transgender students who would be harmed by the lawsuit.

"Transgender students just want what everyone else

M

national

ississippi LGBT Law Being Argued in Federal Appeals Court

(AP) A federal appeals court is hearing arguments about a Mississippi law that would let merchants and government employees cite religious beliefs to deny services to same-sex couples.

U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves halted the law before it could take effect last July, ruling it unconstitutionally establishes preferred beliefs and creates unequal treatment for LGBT people.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments Monday about the Mississippi law in Lubbock, Texas.

Republican Gov. Phil Bryant and other supporters say the law protects beliefs that marriage can be between only a man and a woman, and that a person's gender is determined at birth and cannot be changed.

Gay and straight plaintiffs who sued the state say the law gives "special protections to one side" in a religious debate.

H

politics illary Clinton's back in the spotlight, but decidedly not on the campaign trail

(CNN) -- Hillary Clinton's speech Wednesday night to a group of businesswomen in San Francisco may have been the most political she has been since losing November's election.

But people close to the former secretary of state stress the speech doesn't foretell a more forceful jump back into the political fray.

The small group of Clinton aides who are still in regular

6

•

4 . 5.2017

wants, to be accepted for who we are," said DeStefano.

"Reversing the practices that have allowed me and other trans kids to thrive at school would be devastating."

Jason Landau Goodman of the Pennsylvania Youth Congress said, "Schools that foster inclusive environments for all students, including transgender youth, should be commended, not sued."

The lawsuit against the school district was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by a pair of conservative legal organizations, the Alliance Defending Freedom and Independence Law Center. This case is similar to lawsuits filed by those organizations around the country that seek to exclude transgender students from locker rooms and restrooms that match their gender identity.

contact with the 2016 Democratic nominee say Clinton, through a series of speeches she will give in the coming months, won't shy away from defending "core American values" when they are questioned or challenged.

Clinton learned about Fox News' Bill O'Reilly's comments about Rep. Maxine Waters' hair and Spicer's back-and-forth with April Ryan on Twitter, aides said, and decided Tuesday that she wanted to work the comments into her speech on sexism.

"She was patronized and cut off as she tried to ask a question," Clinton said of Spicer's exchange with Ryan, adding later: "Any woman who thinks this couldn't be directed at her is living in a dream world."

Clinton's next speech will be at Georgetown University, where she will discuss women in politics and peace efforts.

And on April 10, Clinton will speak at a fundraising dinner for the LGBT Community Center in New York. Clinton will also speak at the Wellesley graduation later this year, a speech that will bring her back to the 1969 commencement speech that helped launch her career.

The former secretary of state is regularly talking to friends, former donors and close campaign aides, but those who have spoken with her describe the calls as more personal than political or professional.

U

sports

S Rep. Joe Kennedy Urges NCAA to Keep NC Sports Boycott

(AP) The latest member of the Kennedy clan in Congress is urging the NCAA to continue steering championship sporting events away from North Carolina over the refusal of politicians to allow local laws that protect LGBT residents from discrimination.

U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III of Massachusetts said Monday he's speaking up because he says last week's law repealing House Bill 2 still violates the civil rights of transsexuals.

He wrote the NCAA last week urging the college sports organization to keep boycotting North Carolina. The association this week is expected to announce championship sites for 2018 through 2022.

Kennedy is an LGBT rights advocate whose college roommate at Stanford was Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player.

Kennedy is the grandson of the late Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.

e n t e rta i n m e n t

'Transparent' Win at GLAAD 'Moonlight,' Media Awards

(AP) The Oscar winner "Moonlight" has won again, taking best film at the 28th annual GLAAD Media Awards.

Barry Jenkins' coming-of-age portrait was honored by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation at the awards held Saturday at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

The group nominated only two films for the award, which it said reflected the dearth of LGBTQ story lines in Hollywood.

The other nominee was "Star Trek Beyond."

On the TV side, Jill Soloway's "Transparent" won for outstanding comedy series.

The best drama series went to the Freeform fantasy "Shadowhunters."

Patricia Arquette was honored with the Vanguard Award and tearfully dedicated the award to her late transgender sister, Alexis Arquette.

The awards honor the "fair, accurate and inclusive representations" of the LGBTQ community.

4.5.2017 •

7

NEWS palm beach

Photo:The Box Gallery, Facebook.

Sue Latta Sculptures on Display in West Palm Beach Artist took marriage fight to Supreme Court

Denise Royal

S

ue Latta’s artwork is edgy – clearly a Barrero said. “It’s about publicity; when your reflection of her personality. Currently private life is exposed it can be like going under on display at The Box Gallery in West the microscope, like Latta did while litigating Palm Beach, the exhibition features about half civil rights.” a dozen pieces on display until April 30. The Latta and her partner Traci Ehlers were multimedia exhibition was part of the recent married in 2008. They took the fight for Pridefest of the Palm Beaches.

LGBT marriage equality all the way to the U.S. Latta’s award-winning work has evolved Supreme Court and won. For two years, the over the years. She started as case made its way through the a photographer before adding legal system. The case is known sculpture to her repertoire. as Latta v. Otter.

These days, her work is a hybrid The pieces ‘Unrelenting of both. Latta finds inspiration all Display’ and ‘What is Lost’ are around her and it shows in the part of Latta’s Red X Portfolio. On details of her work. her website she describes them “The quality of her work as something that she knew stands out – the form, polish and just had to be done – telling a aesthetics,” said Rolando Chang lifetime of stories that needed to Barrero, Curator of The Box be told, but also representing her Gallery. “It makes the profane evolution as an artist.

Latta’s multi-dimensional sacred and the sacred profane. It’s work has been highlighted trying to bring back conversation - Rolando Chang in more than a dozen solo and discourse about what art is Barrero exhibitions so far in her career. supposed to be.”

Curator A resident of Boise, Idaho, Latta Much of the work being holds a master’s degree in Fine displayed at The Box Gallery is thought provoking. The main topics of these Art and is a member of the Adjunct Art Faculty pieces are intimacy and relationships. Among at Boise State University. Her work is on the moving pieces is one called ‘Terminal.’” It is display in the many places around Boise from a multi-media sculpture about a woman’s inner commissions awarded by the Boise City Arts most parts. “It’s about unrelenting exposure; by Commission and the Idaho Commission on making the inside visible to the outside world,” the Arts.

“The quality of her work stands out – the form, polish and aesthetics.”

The Box Gallery is located at 811-B Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. It is open weekdays from 11am to 6pm or by appointment.

8

•

4 . 5.2017

WE FOCUS ON HIV TO HELP YOU FOCUS ON

TODAY

Ask your doctor if a medicine made by Gilead is right for you.

onepillchoices.com © 2015 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC1849 03/15

UNBC1849_ML1_10x10.75_SFloridaGayNews_p1.indd 1

3/24/17 10:50 4.5.2017 • AM9

NEWS miami dade

Pride Party at World Erotic Art Museum Ryan Yousefi

T

he Peaceman Pride Party fundraiser event takes place at the World Erotic Art Museum on Miami Beach Friday, April 7, and you’re invited. Guests are welcome to attend the costume sex symbol themed party in their best Marilyn Monroe or James Dean.

The $100 a ticket fundraiser event is raising funds that will be dedicated to worthwhile LGBT/PTSD causes.

“All funds raised at the Peaceman Pride Party will be earmarked for scholarship(s) for transgender people who need help with addiction problems (a big problem in our community) at the Reawakening Wellness Center in Miramar,” Peaceman Pride Party Spokesman Steve Deitsch said. “They are one of the few addiction/wellness centers in the country that welcome transgender people and have specific expertise in this area.”

The party is scheduled to be hosted by Sir Ivan, a philanthropist, Billboard Top 10 recording artist, and creator of the Peaceman Foundation. Ivan is the son of the late Naomi Wilzig, the creator of the World Exotic Art Museum. The WEAM location is unique enough on it’s own, but the Peaceman party promises to kick it up a notch with this year

with it’s night of celebration in the name of raising money for great causes.

“There will be champagne, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. People will all be in costume – they are encouraged to come as either Marilyn Monroe or James Dean – famous sex symbols.”

Deitsch said. “WEAM is the only fine erotic art museum in the world and has a rare collection of over 4,000 pieces. There is an extensive LGBT erotic art wing in the museum too. It is in the heart of South Beach (at 12th and Washington), so it is a convenient location, but also a huge space with different levels and lots of eye-popping art – a great combination.”

Miami Gay Beach Pride Kicks Off Thursday ‘Pride Lights the Night’ will pay tribute to the victims of Pulse

Ryan Yousefi Guests can purchase tickets at online at www.eventbrite.com. For further information contact: Anna@ThePeacemanFoundation.org

T

he annual Miami Gay Beach Pride kicked off April 3 at City Hall in Miami Beach with the raising of a rainbow flag and the annual Miss Miami Beach Gay Pride Pageant and Silent Auction event that takes place at Score nightclub on Washington Avenue.

On April 6, “Pride Lights the Night,” a Miami Beach Gay Pride Tribute to the victims, families, and friends of the PULSE Nightclub shooting, plans to light up Lincoln road. At 8 p.m. that night, Miami native and PULSE survivor Mario Perez is scheduled to “flip the switch” to illuminate the promenade in an assortment of rainbow colors. Starting that night over 40 buildings throughout Miami will display rainbow colors and LGBT flags during Pride 2017 as part of a larger citywide project called Pride Lights the Night. The Betsy-South Beach will be one of those participants, as they host “Pride (Poets) Light The Night,” a tribute to the victims, families, and friends of the PULSE Nightclub tragedy.

Betsy Hotel owner Jonathan Plutzik recently spoke to SFGN about what it means to participate in Pride Week 2017.

“We are proud to be participating in Pride Lights the Night – as one of more than 40 organizations that will pay homage to those that perished in Pulse; it’s so important to feel one with our community, especially at a time like this,” Plutzik said. “During our

event, we’ll light up several areas of our building – the façade on Collins Avenue, our Poetry Rail (that contains the poetry of four LGBT poets), and The Betsy Orb, on which we’ll run a video with words and music that tell a powerful story about the Pulse tragedy.”

Betsy South Beach and many others are participating in the display of unity and remembrance of the victims of PULSE and their families. The Pride Lights the Night also aims to illuminate the sky in a show of solidarity within the LGBT community.

Comedian, TV host and author Ross Matthews has been tabbed as the celebrity Grand Marshall of the Miami Beach Gay Pride weekend events, and “Uncle” Johnny Pool of Elvis Duran and the Morning Show fame will wear the title of Advocate Marshal.

Both will make appearances from April 7 to April 9, including at the Miami Beach Gay Pride Festival that takes place Saturday, April 8 from noon to 10 p.m., and the Miami Beach Gay Pride parade that will put the cherry on top of the weekend on Sunday, April 9 from noon to 2 p.m.

Grandstand seating for the parade will be available between 11th and 12th streets on Ocean Drive. The parade will be hosted by emcees Roxanne Vargas from NBC6 and Tiffany T. Fantasia. Fantasia will provide commentary on the floats and as they pass by the seating areas.

For more information on Miami Beach Gay Pride weekend events visit MiamiBeachGayPride.com or call 305-496-7635.

10

•

4 .5.2017

Brian had his HIV under control with medication. But smoking with HIV caused him to have serious health problems, including a stroke, a blood clot in his lungs and surgery on an artery in his neck. Smoking makes living with HIV much worse.

You can quit.

CALL 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

#CDCTips

HIV alone didn’t cause the clogged artery in my neck.

Smoking with HIV did.

Brian, age 45, California

4.5.2017 •

11

NEWS national

NEWS state

National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is April 10

National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is April 10 Denise Royal

H

IV/AIDS is a problem for young people in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, at least 21 percent of the estimated HIV infection cases diagnosed in 2013 were under the age of 25. Many teens who are infected don’t know it. In Florida, 16 percent of all new HIV infections reported in 2014 were among persons under the age of 25.

National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD) is observed annually on April 10 to bring education and awareness to the impact HIV/AIDS has on young people.

Dylan Brooks of Lantana is an ambassador to Advocates for Youth, a nonprofit organization and advocacy group dedicated to sexual education and HIV and STI prevention. As an ambassador, Brooks was chosen to speak at a congressional briefing in Washington DC on April 10 about NYHAAD along with other ambassadors from across the country.

This year’s theme for NYHAAD is “Young, Free, and Positive- Ensuring All Young People Thrive” and the discussions will be focusing on how HIV/AIDS impacts young people of color and the impact stigmatization and criminalization have on our communities.

Efforts are also being made throughout South Florida to reduce the numbers of infected youth. Compass LGBT Community Center in Lake Worth is one of them.

“At Compass, we’re taking it beyond the numbers and making it known with our annual event ‘Between the Sheets,’” Brooks said. “Where we not only encourage youth to get tested but also educate young people about how they can prevent the transmission of HIV. This event will be on April 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in recognition of National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.” Compass is located at 201 North Dixie Highway Lake Worth, Florida 33460.

12

•

4 .5.2017

In addition, Compass is partnering with Planned Parenthood and Palm Beach County Youth Leadership Council (PBCYLC) to have an intimate “jeopardy themed” sex talk. Comprehensive sex education is failing to educate our youth about healthy sex practices, relationships and STIs. More specifically, LGBT youth do not have an outlet to discuss issues without fear of judgment, where they can be safe and have open, honest conversations while receiving accurate information about sexual health.

Latinos Salud, with offices in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties is another. “Our main youth programs are SOMOS (which means “We Are!”) in Broward, and Miami Mpower in Miami-Dade,” said Stephen Fallon, Executive Director of Latinos Salud. “They serve gay Latinos ages 18 to 30.” Each program utilizes socialized education methods. That is, younger gay guys plan and stage their own large and small events that are designed to be fun and popular. Yet each event also includes education about reducing HIV/STD risks, with staff offering immediate HIV and STD testing, as well as support services to help any of our younger clients connect to care or stay in medical care.

Today’s young people make up the first generations who have never lived in a world without HIV and AIDS. NYHAAD serves as a reminder that investing in young people's health and education is a critical step to achieving an AIDS-free generation. It also provides an important reminder that we all need to know the basic facts about HIV transmission, testing and prevention. It’s also an important call to get tested. The CDC recommends everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 years get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care.

HIV Drug Pricing Bills Stall In Tallahassee John McDonald

A

bill intended to lower the cost of HIV medications is gaining little traction in Tallahassee.

According to the office of Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith, House Bill 1405 is “not moving.” The bill, touted as bipartisan effort to improve health equity and quality care for people living with HIV, currently sits in the house health innovation subcommittee and has yet to receive a hearing.

The bill, Smith said, would prohibit HMOs from classifying prescriptions for people living with HIV at the highest tier in regards to copays and deductibles.

“Our bill allows the prescribing physician, not HMO bureaucrats, to decide the appropriate drug refills, step therapy requirements, drug quantities and utilization techniques that will be in the best interest of the health of the patient,” said Smith, a gay Democrat from Orlando.

Jason King, legislative affairs manager for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s Southern Bureau, said adjustments to prescription drug pricing are vital.

“We have been hearing from our patients that they cannot afford the medications that are being prescribed to them by their doctors,” King told SFGN. “Over the years, insurers have purposefully designed their plans to discourage HIV+ patients from enrolling by requiring excessively high deductibles, and medication copays and coinsurance. Knowing they can’t meet the required cost share, patients seek health plans elsewhere, or they enroll into these cost-prohibitive plans without the ability to consistently afford their medications.”

In 2015, the Florida Department of Health reported 4,868 diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases.

FDH estimates there are 127,589 Floridians living with HIV and of that figure – 12.4 percent are unaware of their status.

Expensive remedies to HIV infection are a deterrent to treatment, King said.

“What’s worse is some patients forgo enrolling into a plan altogether, meaning they may not be taking their medications needed to remain virally suppressed and not transmit HIV to others,” King said. “Florida has some of the highest rates of new HIV infections in the country. The only way that’s going to change is if every person living with HIV can afford and take the medications they need.”

SFGN contacted Smith’s Tallahassee office Friday morning for an update on HB 1405.

Ida Eskamani, Smith’s legislative assistant said the bill has not been placed on the house health innovation subcommittee agenda.

Senator Rene Garcia, a Hialeah Republican, has filed a companion bill which currently sits in the senate banking and insurance committee. There have been no votes recorded on Garcia’s bill.

Such feet dragging by lawmakers is not helping matters, said King.

“The Legislature should take seriously the affordability of HIV drugs if the state truly wants to achieve zero infections in Florida,” King said. “These bills are about patients being able to afford the medications they need to live and thrive, and we at AHF are going to do everything we can to support Senator Garcia and Representative Smith and their efforts around these bills.”

NEWS state

Prison Reform Bill Wins Narrow Approval

John McDonald

I

n a blow to the private prison industrial complex, a bill sponsored by Florida Representative David Richardson won committee approval.

In a 7-6 vote on March 28, the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee approved Richardson’s request to shift oversight of seven private prisons to one governmental agency.

Richardson, an openly gay Democrat from Miami Beach, has spent the last two years investigating the prisons. He recommended transferring operational oversight from the Department of Management Services to the Department of Corrections.

A certified forensic accountant, Richardson told the Miami Herald private prisons have had the DMS “hoodwinked” for years.

“We have found inflated pricing, tremendous performance problems and cost-cutting measures that were unsafe and wasting taxpayer money,” Richardson told the Herald.

Conditions at the Gadsden Correctional Facility in North Florida had deteriorated to the point where Richardson asked Governor Rick Scott to use emergency powers to take over the prison.

In another investigation into the Lake City Correctional Facility, Richardson discovered the state had overpaid the contractor more than $16 million.

“Today I accomplish something that hasn’t been done in a long time,” Richardson posted on Facebook. “I stood up to the private prison industrial complex and called out the misdeeds of state agencies and themselves. Even as a member of the minority party, I persuaded my colleagues to join me in calling for reform in the way the private prison contracts are negotiated, awarded and managed. It is long past due for Floridians to be in charge of their tax dollars.

My bill passed by ONE vote, but a victory is a victory. Today, I had Goliath against me, but my name is David! Today, David won!”

Call or Come In Today

954.522.3800 www.PallantInsurance.com

Your Pallant Insurance Team

We’ll Handle It!

1800 N.E. 26th Street · Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305

FREE Policy Review FREE Quotes HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

HURRICANE INSURANCE

FLOOD INSURANCE

AUTO INSURANCE

FAST and Courteous Service 4.5.2017 •

13

NEWS palm beach

Sound OUT Loud!

Event will protest Trump’s policies and pay

Gay Polo Returns to Wellington

homage to the First Amendment

Ryan Yousefi

S

ound OUT Loud!, a program developed by artist, curator, and arts advocate Rolando Chang Barrero, will take place at the 6th Annual KeroWACKED multimedia Festival on April 16, from 12-10 p.m. The event, co-produced by Chang Barrero, The Boynton Beach Art District, and Will Buckley founder of Fare Play, is planned as a celebration for attendees to not only celebrate their First Amendment rights, but also as an outlet for citizens to make their voices heard in opposition to the Trump administration.

The event will allow 40 people fifteen minutes each to vent about literally whatever is on their mind. Yes, anything. The goal, Chang Barrero said, is to light a fire in the community, and get people excited about defending freedoms so many before them have taken for granted.

“My hope is to educate and mobilize our community to defend and preserve our laws and programs, and show, specifically, how they impact their lives in ways that one may not have considered,” Chang Barrero said.

“It is not just important, but vital to our democracy to have the freedom and express our similarities as well as our differences in a

lawful manner as express in our Constitution and to have free access to presenting and receiving those opinions and expressions.”

“The forum is an opportunity for everyone to voice their commitments, thoughts, and understanding regarding the First Amendment,” Chang Barrero said. “I’m hoping that it turns into a vital community building opportunity for people to meet and join together in any of the various efforts that will be presented.”

Some of the policies the new White House administration has enacted and recent actions towards the press have created quite the stir over the President Trump’s first month in office. Limited access to appointees and attacks on the press have quickly eroded some citizens trust in government to the point demonstrations like Sound OUT Loud!

Have become the norm.

“Currently, we are witnessing the barring of the press from access to information by the White House, as well as, the very real possible dismantling of funding for media outlets, and education,” Chang Barrero said.

“The time to curtail these critical and detrimental actions has arrived.”

Search for Sound OUT Loud! on Facebook or visit http://bit.ly/2muVN7H for more information.

14

•

4 .5.2017

Horses and tailgates and balls…Oh my!

Ryan Yousefi

T

he eighth Annual International Gay Polo Tournament takes place at the International Polo Club Palm Beach located at 3667 120th Avenue in South Wellington Saturday, April 8. The polo players and those regulars who come out to watch the tournament every year are planning the best version of the event yet, and it’s not too late get in on the fun, even if you don’t know the first thing about Polo.

Over the years the annual tournament has grown from something that wasn’t at all meant as an LGBT event, to something that has blossomed into one of the most fun weekends of the year.

“Having attended Gay Polo since its inception, I find it amazing to see how it has developed over the years,” said Rand Hoch, President, and Founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council. “The first season, when I was a guest, most of the spectators were not LGBT. There were only handful of tailgate spaces. Most of us spent more time watching the polo matches than socializing. It was a pleasant afternoon diversion, but nothing like what it is now.”

“The following year, Gay Polo League promoter Mason Phelps invited PBCHRC to lunch, letting us know that GPL had selected PBCHRC to receive 50 percent of the proceeds of the sale of individual tickets to the gay polo tournament. Mason also told us that GPL was encouraging people to decorate their tailgate spaces, and there would be prized in several categories. He really wanted it to develop into the premier LGBT-friendly sporting (and social) event in Palm Beach County.”

Over the years, the Gay Polo tournament has become as much about the festivities before and after the matches, as much as it is about the matches themselves. Tailgating for the event has taken on a life of its own, and guests are actually encouraged to kick it up

a notch.

“Over the years, elaborate tailgating became the primary attraction for most attendees, with the polo matches going on in the background,” Hoch said. “People recreated airline cabins, hair salons, and even a wedding chapel. (I was honored to marry a gay couple in that chapel at gay polo a few years back). Each year the number of tailgates as increased and teams really got into competing for the tailgate awards.”

Tailgate spaces are available for reservation for $395 and include six general admission tickets, a 10×10 tent, and one designated parking spot. Tailgaters are encouraged to decorate their spaces any way they would like and are encouraged to get ultra-creative to top their competitors. In addition to the available tailgate spaces, a Cherry Knoll Farm VIP tent that will be positioned on the midfield line is available to reserve. The VIP table for six includes gourmet food and beverages, table side service, an open bar, and VIP parking, all for $1,500. Individual VIP tickets are available for $250.

For those who have never come out to experience the Gay Polo Tournament, Rand Hoch says don’t be shy; it’s a wonderful event, and experiencing it couldn’t be any easier.

“Newbies to gay polo will be amazed by the festivities,” Hoch said. “Getting a group together and having a tailgate, even if it just a simple space with chairs and a cooler, is a great idea because it provides a base, and a place to watch the matches between visits to the various tailgates” More-so into Polo, and not so much tailgating? That’s cool too; general admission tickets to the Gay Polo event are $30, and general parking is available for $10. For further information about Gay Polo Week, call 561-753-3389 or email cz@ phelpsmediagroup.com.

NEWS state

PAID content

A SMILE TO BE PROUD OF AT ANY AGE

Orlando and Orange Mayors Omit ‘LGBT’ and ‘Latinx’ from Pulse Memorial Brittany Ferrendi

T

he mayors of Orlando and Orange County have designated June 12 as “Orlando United Day — A Day of Love and Kindness” in recognition of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. However, they left out two marginalized communities impacted by the massacre that took the lives of 49 people and injured 53 others.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs launched a special page on the Orange County website introducing the day to remember the victims of the mass shooting and to “honor the survivors” and their families.

They also released a video announcing the designated day.

In the video, both mayors failed to mention the LGBT or Latinx communities — both of which were largely included and affected by the tragedy. Pulse was an LGBT nightclub and the massacre took place on Latinx night.

“Our community will never forget the tragedy of Pulse or the grief of those who lost loved ones. From heartbroken family and friends to survivors putting shattered lives back together, our entire community stands with you,” Dyer states.

Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan criticized Dyer and Jacobs for their omissions. Sheehan is Orlando’s first openly gay city commissioner.

“If you’re going to be inclusive, you have to talk about everyone who was impacted.

That’s not happening,” Sheehan told the Orlando Sentinel. “Frankly, I was afraid this was going to happen. I didn’t want it

to be about the politicians. I wanted it to be about the people who were impacted.”

Dyer soon released a statement, but did not explain why they did not mention the minority communities involved.

“Our commitment to those who were directly impacted by the loss of loved ones, those who survived the attack, those who were there that night and every single person who felt the pain and loss of this tragedy is unwavering.”

Jacobs released a statement in defense, stating it was not their intention to exclude communities.

“If in the absence of specific mention of our cherished LGBTQ and Hispanic populations in the video announcement for the Orlando United Day yesterday, the message was construed as insensitive or dismissive, I would certainly like to underscore that in no way was that the intention,” he said. “I regret if anyone experienced that reaction.”

Jacobs also used the word “anniversary” in reference to June 12 — a comment that Sheehan found offensive.

“They were so busy pushing their marketing campaign that they said the word ‘anniversary,’ which is very hurtful to the families, because it’s not an anniversary, it’s a day of remembrance,” she said.

This incident comes weeks after Governor Rick Scott failed to mention the very same marginalized communities affected by the tragedy in his State of the State Address in early March.

A

s we move towards the month of June with all the Pride events and parades that mark the positive stance against discrimination and violence toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, we can all think of the many things we are proud of. All of us will be able to make up a list of everything we are proud of. As a dentist, one of the things that make me happy is if a patient is proud of their smile.

We all have a different perspective of what that may entail. For some, it may be a healthy, clean and cavity free smile. For others it may be a sparkling, white and dazzling smile. Either way, your smile is integral to your health and happiness. The way we talk or eat, and the way we feel about ourselves are all affected by the state of our smile.

As a dentist, I look at a person’s smile from 4 major areas:

1)

The health of the gums and bone - this is the foundation that holds the teeth in place.

You may have the most beautiful teeth but if the foundation is poor, the teeth will fall out.

2) Cavity free and infection free teeth 3) The bite and position of the teeth - many

times, the way we bite can cause a great deal of damage and fractures of the teeth

4) Cosmetics and the beauty of our smile

For most of us, the cosmetics and beauty of our smile is the first thing we think of. But don’t forget to keep them healthy too. This would mean brushing twice a day, flossing daily and regular checkups with your dentist. Believe it or not, but as we age, gum disease is the number 1 cause of tooth loss, and not tooth decay.

How many of you have heard your dentist tell you about the chips or fracture lines or wear on your teeth? This is often from grinding and clenching and is made especially worse by the poor positioning of the teeth. This can be fixed with braces or invisalign. If this is not an option, then at least protect them with a night guard.

Lastly, the million dollar question is “how do I get that million dollar smile?”. Well, if everything else we discussed above is in great shape, you might want to whiten them, or place veneers. There are so many new advances in this field that the options are endless.

Just remember, there is a beautiful smile behind those chipped, stained, crooked teeth, that is waiting to get out. Speak to your dentist to help you unlock a smile you can be proud of.

Dr Charmaine Johnson Premier Smile Center

(954) 566-7479 2717 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306

4.5.2017 •

15

16

•

4 .5.2017

4.5.2017 •

17

18

•

4 .5.2017

NEWS national

Submitted photo.

Feature pets

Big Boys Know Best

Gilbert Baker (1951-2017) Pride Flag creator dies at 65

David-ElijahNahmod

H

undreds gathered in San Francisco's Castro District on Friday night, March 31, only a few hours after news broke that Gilbert Baker had died at age 65. The Castro was the neighborhood where, in 1978, Baker created the iconic Rainbow Flag, now the worldwide symbol for LGBT equality and pride.

Baker meant for the flag's colors to represent the diversity of LGBT people.

A few months later Harvey Milk, the first openly gay member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, rode in that year's Pride Parade-then called Gay Freedom Day. Milk and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated at San Francisco City Hall before the year was over.

Long time gay activist Cleve Jones was a personal friend to Baker and Harvey Milk. Both Jones and Baker were portrayed in the recent ABC TV historical drama "When We Rise."

"He was a veteran, a drag queen, a sister, a revolutionary, and a hippie," Jones said as he addressed the crowd at Harvey Milk Plaza in the Castro. "He dedicated his life to the movement.

He saw the struggle for LGBT equality as part of the larger social justice movement."

Jones led mourners in a moment of silence for Baker, asking people to think of Baker's mother, who survives him.

Ken Jones, another community activist, stood quietly and teary eyed during the moment of silence. Ken Jones was also portrayed in "When We Rise."

"We need moments like this where we can come together and comfort each other through our pain and sorrow with our presence, our community," Ken Jones told SFGN. "If truth be told, Gilbert Baker is free. Free from all pain and sickness. Free from every oppression. Free, just like the flag that watches over us all the days of our lives."

Baker's work touched many LGBT people across the generations. Steven Bracco, a 31-year-old gay man in San Francisco, spoke to SFGN about his experience raising the Rainbow Flag in a "When We Rise" sequence which recreated the first time the flag was

raised nearly forty years ago.

"It was an honor to have been part of this incredible recreation," Bracco said. "I'm incredibly grateful to have been part of this experience. The Pride Flag is a symbol of our community and it's important that we remember who created it. We have Gilbert Baker to thank for this symbol that is recognizable worldwide."

Throughout his life Baker remained a humble man who saw the bigger picture. A former member of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence–he was Sister Chanel 2001–Baker once marched in a Pride Parade in a loincloth.

With his body painted pink, he carried a pink cross and called himself Pink Jesus. Virulently anti-gay activist Rev. Jerry Falwell saw a photo of Pink Jesus and used it as weapon against the gay community. Baker never appeared in public as Pink Jesus again.

“You are responsible for what you do and say,” Baker said in 2012. “The Moral Majority took a picture of Pink Jesus and used it as a tool that I had no control over – they raised millions to stop the gay agenda with that picture. That made me wake up. When you do a piece of art it can be used against you.”

The 49 LGBT people who were murdered last summer at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, were also honored at Friday's rally in the Castro. San Francisco journalist David Bogachik, an emigre from the Ukraine, carried a Rainbow Flag with the words Somos Orlando-We Are Orlando--written across it. The words were written in Spanish to remember the fact that most of the people who died at Pulse were Latinx.

After the rally, mourners marched down Castro Street chanting We Remember Gilbert Baker. Several people held a long rectangular Rainbow Flag at the head of the march which had the words Rise and Resist sewn across it.

"Gilbert will always be remembered," said Sister Merry Peter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. "He gave away the Rainbow so the whole world could share it."

Now if you like BIG cats, Panchito (ID 281776) is the fellow for you. This handsome black and white fellow is 10 years young, and tips the scale at 21 pounds! He is bigger than some dogs. Panchito has quite the personality and because he is in one of our community cat rooms, we have discovered that this fellow likes to redecorate at night. He moves the pillows and blankets around his room and sometimes hides under them. Panchito gets along with other pets and would do best in a home with older kids.

Panchito

When you adopt from the Humane Society of Broward County all pets are spayed or neutered before going home. In addition, they receive preliminary vaccinations, heartworm test for dogs over seven months, feline leukemia test for cats, a limited 10-day health care plan courtesy of VCA Animal Hospital, a bag of Purina ONE food and more. The adoption fee for dogs over six months is $100 and felines over six months are $30. For more information call the shelter today at 954-989-3977 ext. 6. The Humane Society of Broward County is located at 2070 Griffin Road, just a block west of I-95 and opens daily at 10:30 a.m. To see who else needs a home visit www.humanebroward.com

4.5.2017 •

19

Publisher's Editorial

Convictions

Pride Means Never Having to Say You are Sorry Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

A

s the publisher of the South Florida Gay News, I have to say thank you this week to a number of people and groups. Bear with me. Thank you speeches can be boring.

Today’s should not be.

First of all, SFGN is printing this week the largest LGBT newspaper in America, at 100 pages. As a free paper, we can only do that because you support us with your advertising dollars.

After 8 years of printing SFGN, I am smart enough to realize you don’t do that because we are a charity. We are not. We are a for profit corporation, and serving the LGBT community of South Florida is our mission and purpose. We do it with original reporting, honest journalists, credible columnists, and skilled advertising salespeople, genuine with our product and our performance.

Our paper features legitimate and real news, exposing our warts and our wounds, our wins and our victories. We affiliate with CNN and the Sun-Sentinel, the First Amendment Foundation, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association. We are a member of the National Gay Media Association.

We have much to be thankful for in our corner of the world. Miami Beach pride this weekend will give you a sense of it, as Fort Lauderdale and Lake Worth pride have done so over the past month.

We live in a community where gay life has not only emerged, it is treasured and accepted.

We live in a place where your own life can be celebrated and not censored. Nor will this paper ever be.

Even so, this week, our newspaper breaks novel ground. In the midst of this remarkable issue is a multi-page tribute to the transgender community. Cocreated by Jillian Melero, SFGN's Associate Editor, and created and designed by SFGN's Art Director, Brendon Lies, the stories, the art, and the game board they created pay homage to the burdens and blessings a transgender individual faces in our world today.

Thanks in part to Sunny.org, and the Greater

Fort Lauderdale Convention and Business Bureau, we also host in the fall the Southern Comfort Conference, shining a positive light on our growing transgender population. We all do our part. Last week, our OUT50 honored so many of you who do so much. If you missed it, visit SFGN.com/2017out50 to read up on the LGBT individuals making a difference in our community.

This week, Dave Cook and the Miami Beach pride army of volunteers get to showcase their international message. Advertisers from all over the country, from Macy’s to pharmaceuticals, have joined with us in promoting this event.

It’s our time to shine.

These corporations advertising on our pages or underwriting pride events are sending a message to local businesses and political leaders that LGBT lives matter.

We always have and always will.

Today, though, we are mainstream and middle of the road; equal in rights and stature to the rest of the world.

We are not just ‘queers’ anymore. Never should have been in the first place, and to prove that we will join in a national equality march on June 11 with our own South Florida celebrations, marking our corner of the world with pride and passion. It’s who we are.

Last week’s issue, promoting the fourth annual OUT50 was also a testament to the will and work ethic of our staff.

Jason Parsley’s effort in creating this annual popular feature celebrated the lives of so many who enrich and enhance our culture and community. He is one hell of an Associate Publisher.

Florida itself is growing in stature and recognition. Orlando and St. Petersburg have stunning LGBT communities, and next month Harvey Milk Diversity Honors Awards will be showcased in both venues. Whether it a Hurricane Showdown national softball tournament, or a Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, we have lives in South Florida like

In Eastern Europe, gays are fighting for their lives.

We are fighting for a 2 for 1 night.

20

•

4 .5.2017

few places on this globe. In Eastern Europe, gays are fighting for their lives. We are fighting for a 2 for 1 night.

Our newspaper suffers from an embarrassment of riches. We have so many people doing so many things in so many places, sometimes we slip up. Allyson Thomas is the remarkable director and founder of Miss Florida International, whose pageant runs again this year in Orlando on April 16. Miss Allyson should have been so identified last week, but it was our error.

Being human is a privilege, not an excuse.

Our community has no excuses to make to anyone. There are gay athletes playing in major league parks, lesbian professionals serving as jurists, and transgender persons laying out amazing newspapers like ours.

Hopefully, all of these lives will one day be featured on our pages or in the OUT50.

There were lines at Fort Lauderdale pride, and there will be problems on Miami Beach this weekend. We can’t all expect everything and everyone to run perfectly on all four cylinders. But let’s do our best, working closely together, on common goals and mutual interests. We salute the volunteers of Miami Beach pride, pay tribute to their astounding effort, but we will report on their shortcomings if they so occur.

The duty of a newspaper is to be honest and report the truth, wherever it may

lead to. It does not matter if you run an AIDS foundation or marvelous nightclub.

Like Spiderman said, ‘with power comes responsibility.’ We all have an obligation to live honorably and make a difference for good.

For almost 8 years, this newspaper has committed to doing that for you, being conscientious, concerned, and committed to giving you straight facts and gay news- thus the dual moniker for SFGN. National advertising agencies like Rivendell have embraced us, local professionals, from car dealers to attorneys advertise with us, and scores of restaurants and realtors populate our pages. Please support them as they do us. They help bring you the paper you are holding in your hand.

Still, SFGN is in the 21st century. You can read us online at SFGN.com, get our eblasts, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The Mirror Magazine is also ours, and you can find the Food and Wine Issue on the stands now. Our other publication ‘The Guide,’ your complete reference to what’s hot in Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale and beyond. Make sure you check it out in June.

Ours is a good life. Let’s keep it that way.

I hope to see you all on April 20 when we kick off our OUT social club, illuminating the pride and professionalism of the LGBTQ community here in South Florida.

COLUMN speak out

SFGN Staff

Speak

UT

Photo: Steven Shires.

SFGN’s “Speak OUT” is a weekly feature giving a regular voice to South Florida LGBT leaders.

Last week SFGN released its annual OUT50 list.

Who would you like to spotlight?

“

Retired Police Captain Lillie Harris. Here is her bio: Harris is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute Command Officer Course (FBI), and has extensive law enforcement training in key areas of specialty, including community policing, conflict analysis/resolution, crisis management, and succession management. She was raised during the McDuffie riot era, in the Liberty City Area, and was featured on a 1998 episode of the TV show 20/20 for her work as a sergeant in the Miami North End District, when she helped to get rid of one of the John Doe Boys, one of toughest drug gangs in the country. She retired from the force in August 2016, and is now a private consultant with her own company, The Community Policing Project, Inc. (COPP), where she serves as CEO and project manager. Recently she was in charge of security for local filming of the Oscar-winning film Moonlight.

She will be one of the executive producers of the 2018 Black Women Rise conference in West Palm Beach.”

— Toni Armstrong, Founder/Director of BLAST Women of WPB

“

If it must only be one single person, then I would ask you to consider Judge Lisa Porter, who is a resident of Wilton Manors, was a recent honoree of our Women's History Month program, is open about being a lesbian, joined me in being officiants at our city's marriage equality ceremonies, and is a great role model for others. Because she is a judge she cannot promote herself directly, but if a newspaper were to seek information from her, that would permit her to respond accordingly.”

— Justin Flippen, Vice Mayor of Wilton Manors

“

Dr. Fred Brugal. I learned of Dr. Fred Brugal when I was having my hair cut by his spouse, Will Breto. I asked Fred to coffee to see if he might be interested in doing volunteer work for the Stonewall National Museum & Archives. It turned out that Fred once worked for Merck, as a nuclear physicist, doing research on HIV drugs. Fred said "yes" to volunteering, and began by organizing the HIV/AIDS documents in our archives. It wasn't long before we coaxed him on to the Board of Directors, and then to be the Board's Chair. I've seen few people in my 43 years of activism who has plunged him or herself so completely into a project as did Fred Brugal, MD. His wise, patient, good-humored, all-in guidance and work helped make Stonewall the cultural jewel it is today.”

— Brian McNaught, noted columnist, author and LGBT activist

Speak

UT

Visit SFGN.com/SpeakOut to see more of this week’s responses. Send an Email to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com if you know of a LGBT community leader that should be or wants to be a part of this list.

4.5.2017 •

21

Transgender intro

Welcome To The

Transgender SPECIAL section Brendon Lies

A

lot has happened in the past few years for the trans community.

When I came out in late January, 2014, I had no idea that it was on the cusp of one of the most rapid changes that the trans movement has ever faced.

Suddenly “transgender” was a buzz word, and as someone who was newly out and proud, I was thrown in the middle of it.

Since that time, we have seen major celebrities come out as trans. Politicians from the President of the United States to the Supreme Court have ruled on trans inclusivity, and more and more parents are becoming supportive of their trans youths’ identities.

Yet it hasn’t all been pink roses and blue skies.

We’ve been fighting tooth and nail for trans equality in healthcare and the workplace, while conservatives

have unleashed the hypocritical ‘bathroom debate’ to marginalize trans individuals using public spaces. And with the turmoil of our new political administration, we’ve seen trans immigrants, people of color, and disabled trans individuals suffer.

The transgender community has a long way to go before we can sing about victory.

But for all we hear about trans people in the news, how much do we hear about the lives they live? Despite having become a voice for an entire community, I can remember the struggle I faced to find real answers for my own journey.

That’s what this issue is for.

Whether you’re young, questioning, old, queer, gender fluid, learning how to do lipstick or figuring out that new tie, wondering what hormones may have to offer

Politicians from the President of the United States to the Supreme Court have ruled on trans inclusivity, and more and more parents are becoming supportive of their trans youths’ identities.

22

•

4 .5.2017

or just hoping to connect with others in the community, our hope is that this guide will help answer some of the questions in your mind.

And if you’re cisgender (that is, happy with how you were assigned at birth), I urge you to use this section to learn about the issues that the T in LGBT still faces. Maybe you’ve even wondered how a drag queen is different from a trans woman (a question I receive surprisingly often).

Then keep reading, now’s your chance to learn! The more informed you are, the more you’ll become a true ally.

“Transgender” isn’t a buzzword… it’s a journey, and in light of Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, I’m honored to bring you an entire special section finally dedicated to such.

Without further ado, welcome to SFGN’s transgender special issue.

4.5.2017 •

23

Transgender column

What Is Dysphoria?

A trans man tries to explain from his experience Brendon Lies

E

ven though I get asked often, it’s almost impossible to describe dysphoria.

After all, every trans person’s experience with dysphoria is different – a few don’t even feel dysphoria, but for those who do, it can be literally unbearable. I’ve heard from many trans individuals I’ve spoken to that puberty is likely to be the worst, since that’s when secondary sex characteristics first develop.

But even when speaking for myself alone, it’s impossible for me to find the right words to explain what that’s like.

So instead, I’ll take you on a journey.

When I was a kid, everything about men is what I wanted to be when I grew up. I’m not talking about career opportunities, respect in society, or even how to dress. I wanted the whole nine yards. Whenever I saw a woman wiggle her chest, I felt actual disgust – and at some point, I decided that wouldn’t be me.

I couldn’t explain why, it just wouldn’t.

I would be a miracle of science and would prove everyone wrong. I simply decided that, once I hit puberty, I would get facial hair, my voice would drop, and everyone would suddenly realize they had been wrong all along.

I was convinced. In fact, in seventh grade I happened to get a cold, and I was certain that it lowered my voice several notes.

But then I stopped growing.

24

•

4 .5.2017

My hips got bigger, other guys got taller and started to grow awkward moustaches while their voices properly dropped. And I was stuck with a pixie voice and a bald face.

That, for me, was the beginning of dysphoria.

It’s like having a hand grow from your elbow. For some kids it starts even younger, sometimes even as soon as they can point at themselves in the mirror. I once heard a story of a three-year-old “boy” who tried to perform self-reassignment-surgery with a safety scissors… the distraught parents took their child to therapy, and soon learned they had a daughter.

Dysphoria is no joke. It’s a slow grinding feeling of wrongness, the same gradual pain and numbness that you feel when you get a tattoo beaten into your skin.

When you first notice it, it might not be so bad.

But over the weeks, months and years, with no cure or acknowledgement, it only gets worse.

I’m lucky that for me, hormone therapy was a strong tool that helped relieve the majority of my dysphoria. I finally got the facial hair that I had felt doomed without, my voice dropped into what feels like a normal pitch, I lost a lot of weight on my lower half, and even my hands have more veins.

But that wasn’t the only step. As a trans man, I still had the type of busty chest that

most cisgender women happily wear.

Just over a year ago, I found myself sitting up late on Google, frantically searching for sterile ways to perform a self-surgery. My insurance had denied my procedure, and I told myself that a self-surgery couldn’t possibly be any more agonizing than what I had been going through.

Then I found myself on the Wikipedia page for “Self-Mutilation.” You know what one of the number one causes is?

Gender dysphoria.

People get so tired of waiting for surgery that they grab a scissors and flip a coin to decide between their wrist or their genitals.

The next day I called my mother, and we set a goal to save up for my top surgery within four months. Keep in mind even being able to call my parents on the phone makes me one of the lucky ones.

That alone is a sad testament to how far trans people have to go before we’re respected.

The number one cure according to countless therapists and organizations is to be allowed to transition and receive whatever medical care is necessary. When we restrain trans people from the care they need, it encourages one of two things: hiding who they are while hoping that the dam doesn’t break, or taking matters into their own hands.

Of course, some trans people may not feel dysphoria towards certain parts of

their body. A trans man, perhaps, might hate his chest but has no issue with his voice. It’s important not to push trans people to transition completely unless they choose to do so, or they risk developing an entirely new case of dysphoria. It’s no one’s business what is deemed “complete” for someone’s transition except for the person who is living through it.

Not to mention, many surgeries are still being developed – countless trans people are fearful of lower or even upper surgeries (i.e. voice modification surgery, body masculinization surgery, phalloplasty, etc.) because they may be imperfect and come with risks. It’s like a patient turning down spine surgery because they’re afraid it might only paralyze them.

But for those who take the jump to transition, trust me – it’s not about the aesthetic, and it’s certainly not to “trick” anyone… it’s because it’s their only option. Stabbing your thigh with a weekly hormone injection for the rest of your life isn’t fun, nor is going under anesthesia to prepare for a long painful recovery. It’s done because it’s a necessity to tolerate your own reflection.

As a community, we have to eliminate the stigma of treating gender dysphoria.

Trans people deserve rights, and the greatest right is to be who we are, free of pain or trauma.

And that means respecting our right to transition.

4.5.2017 •

25

Transgender hormones

The Guide to Hormones

Their tie to the trans experience, the complications, and the exceptions Brendon Lies

F

or many trans individuals, hormone replacement therapy is the epitome of healing options for treating gender dysphoria.

There are countless effects of hormones; for trans women who take estrogen, they can experience a softening of features, new curves, decrease of muscle mass, less body hair, and even development of breasts, to name a few. Trans men who take testosterone experience a voice drop, hardened features, an evolved sex drive and even facial hair (not to mention some extra hair everywhere else).

Ultimately, hormones are responsible for secondary sex characteristics, meaning anything typically developed during puberty.

For the trans person who may have been suffering since childhood, these changes can be a powerful relief.

On the flip-side, they cannot undo characteristics that developed during the ‘first round’ of puberty. That may be where different surgeries come in, although that is ultimately up to the individual to decide.

Yet physical changes aren’t the only thing that hormones affect. Energy level, mood, and even overall brain function can be affected by hormones.

As an example, many trans men including myself recall estrogen-driven anger as hysteric and even sad.

Yet on testosterone, anger becomes more of a powerdriven state that is far more physical.

Hormone therapy may also result in unintended side effects. There is a small chance that one may suffer an allergic reaction to the oil used to preserve hormones prior to injection. A rare but much greater concern is the possible development of venous thromboembolism, yet according to Henk Asscheman, MD, PhD, who spoke on the results of the 2014 study, “When using the guidelines from the Endocrine

26

•

4 .5.2017

Society [Endocrine Treatment of Transsexual Persons], you are not going to see a lot of comorbidities with cross-sex hormone treatment." Asscheman’s study followed over 2000 trans patients over the course of a year and found that less than one percent suffered from venous thromboembolism.

For this reason, it is still highly recommended that hormone therapy patients continue permanent ongoing checkups with a health provider to screen for any negative symptoms. Contrary to popular belief, hormones are not temporary; once therapy begins, it is a lifelong process that will likely only be discontinued if a doctor sees it as detrimental to one’s health.

Many of the changes and risks may not be seen as a benefit, occasionally leading an individual to pause or cease hormone therapy altogether. Nonetheless, the changes that hormones offer is generally seen as enough of a benefit to pursue treatment.

For those who are able to use hormones in their transition, it is a necessity that comes with additional hurdles — the complication of insurance, receiving a therapist’s approval, and finding a trans-friendly doctor.

Fortunately for those in South Florida, there are many options, depending on location.

Yet even for the trans person who decides against or is unable to complete hormone therapy, it is crucial to understand that their decision should not reflect on their authenticity. The trans community always has and will continue to have those who choose not to conform to certain standards. Hormone therapy, surgery, and even what clothes are worn are ultimately their decision.

They say every journey is different. But if the shoe fits, wear it.

The steps to begin

Regardless of where you go or what your treatment options would involve for hormone therapy, there are generally a number of steps one can expect from hormone therapy.

1. Visit a therapist In order to begin hormones, it’s a requirement in Florida to receive a letter of approval from a certified therapist. This may seem unnecessary, especially for a trans person who is well aware of their identity.

Nonetheless, speaking to a therapist may still provide an important outlet for preparing oneself for the changes ahead.

2. Find a certified endocrinologist While endocrinology is widespread for diabetic patients, it is much harder to find a doctor who is willing to treat transgender patients.

Once a doctor is located, they will require the therapist letter in order to begin treatment.

3. Beginning treatment Early on, one can expect that the doctors will insist on administering the hormones during visits. This may also be a requirement based on insurance or the practice itself. There are a variety of options, including topical gels, intramuscular injections, and even some oral prescriptions.

4. Self-treatment If self-administering hormones eventually becomes an option, blood work will still be required on a fairly regular basis. Regardless of treatment, it is crucial to maintain treatment; too little or even too much in one dose may result in a body’s overcompensation, resulting in detransition.

5. Monitoring progress The first few months may see changes, or they may not. It is important to be patient, and take pride in every road mark. Many trans individuals monitor their progress with selfies, videos or blogs.

If you are considering hormone therapy, do not rely on this guide alone. Visit WPATH.org or reach out to SunServe or Care Resource to find a doctor or therapist to speak about treatment options.

Transgender bites

There Is Always Help If you're trans and experience a crisis, it's okay to reach out.

The Trans Lifeline is a 501(c)3 non-profit that you can call at any time, completely run by transgender staff.

Their staff is on call 24/7.

If you're suffering through a crisis and are transgender, non-binary or questioning, please call the trans lifeline at any time at

(877) 565-8860 (United states)

You're never alone.

4.5.2017 •

27

Transgender surgery tips

Six Tips Before

Surgery Brendon Lies

I

f you’re trans, you know that there isn’t just one surgery. In fact, there are dozens. And there’s a good chance at some point you’ll hear about one that would ease a lot of discomfort for you.

Regardless of why you get surgery or which one(s) you choose, there are things you may need to keep in mind before you make the jump and sign up for a consultation.

1.

It’s okay to be scared

If you’re thinking about a surgery that you know you need, it’s alright to feel hesitancy or even fear. It’s entirely normal to panic before we face change. It might do you good to research first-person accounts. Another thing you should do, and what many surgeons will require, is that you speak to a therapist first to help your mind settle. That brings us right to the next point…

2.

Don’t feel pressured into it

Our society imposes gender rolls on everyone, whether gay, straight, male, female, agender, gender fluid, etc. Don’t feel like you need to follow those rolls. If one surgery interests you but another doesn’t, or if no surgeries interest you, that’s alright! It’s your body, and the last thing you want is to make your life even more uncomfortable. You’re still valid, no matter what you choose.

3.

There are many options

Take time to do your research, but don’t be overwhelmed.

Sometimes the best answers you can get are from others who have been through it before. Fortunately in South Florida, the trans community is large enough that you’re likely to find someone with answers at a trans group somewhere at least reasonably close to your area. And don’t just research what type of surgery you want — look into the surgeons too, as you’ll learn that not all scalpels are equal.

4.

Find people to help you through

If you go through with surgery, not everyone is going to understand. It’s a huge benefit if you can find others who are there to help you through, whether emotionally or during the physical recovery period. You might experience a lot of different emotions from surgery — but even if they’re good feelings, there’s nothing like having a support system to eagerly listen.

5. It won’t make everything perfect While you likely already know this, it’s highly worth mentioning. No surgery is going to fix all your life’s woes. That isn’t to downplay what a surgery can do for someone; when you opt for a procedure, it’s to alleviate a major discomfort holding you back. And of course with that one problem out of the way, it will help clear your mind for the many other problems that life will still have to offer.

6.

Be patient

For something as expensive and sometimes complicated as surgery, it’s no surprise that many trans people end up waiting a very long time to get a surgery done. Even if your insurance covers surgery, it might not cover all of it — so be ready for a waiting period. The more you begin to realize you need a procedure completed, the harder it can be, so don’t hesitate to find a therapist or some friends to speak to… But no matter how you cope, the most important thing is you keep your hopes up. Even if it’s one day or one dollar at a time.

This column is for information only, and doesn’t constitute medical advice. If you’re trans or questioning and would like more information or help regarding the types of surgery available, you can reach out to the Trans Services Department at SunServe.org.

28

•

4 .5.2017

4.5.2017 •

29

Transgender column

Photo by Travis Wise, Flickr.

What’s In A Name

A guide to beginning a name change in South Florida Brendon Lies

C

oming out as trans means the birth of the real you.

For many trans people, that means changing your first – and sometimes middle or even last – name.

Some trans people find that getting their new name is a significant rite of passage that marks the beginning to discovering the person they’ve always been inside. Yet for others, it’s just a necessary step to prevent being “outed” by society. Many even change their last name during the process, a step that may be necessary to hide their identity from family members.

Either way, a name change can be a necessary nightmare.

Unfortunately, a name change process varies from county to county as well as from state to state, meaning there are few guides to be found when it comes to beginning this process.

The good news is that South Florida’s coast is progressive.

While you still have a good deal of paperwork to fill out, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll suffer any ignorance from the court system itself.

In fact, there are even centers (including SunServe) that will happily assist you through the entire process. And before you lose hope because of potential expenses, requesting a form of indigence from the court can reduce or even nullify your fees for a name change, depending on county.

Whether you’re choosing your new name because you’re afraid that a masculine name would 'out' you to a police officer that sees you as a woman, or because you want to mark the beginning of your new life ahead, this guide will hopefully help those in South Florida who are looking to begin the process.

Note: The information provided is a guide, not legal advice.

Laws vary from county to county and may change or vary based on individual circumstance. If you need further assistance, it’s best to reach out to one of the organizations listed at the end of the article for more accurate or up to date information.

30

•

4 .5.2017

1. Beginning steps

2. Submit fingerprints

To begin, go to your county Courthouse and request the paperwork for a legal name change, which may cost around $32 (although the fee may also be waived with the right paperwork).

The receptionist may ask what type of name change you’re planning to get, which is necessary to determine which paperwork you’ll need; for example, changing your last name due to marriage is a much shorter process. When asked, answer that you want to change your first name. It’s unlikely they will require any further information, but if so, remember that you are not required to out yourself.

While you’re speaking to the receptionist, also request the form of indigence. Even if you feel that the form will be denied based on your income level, your past debts will also be considered and you might be relieved to find it’s approved.

Once you receive your name change instructions, you’ll find that everything is thoroughly explained. You have as much time as you need to fill it out, but if you choose to find a friend or professional to assist you, make sure they fill out their name on the paperwork in the designated area to identify themselves as an assistant in the legal process. For legal purposes, this article would even count as a resource and would need to be listed.

Some of the other required information includes all past addresses within your lifetime (within the U.S), social security, past felonies, and any schools that you’ve attended.

If you’ve already received your instructions from the court, they’ll include instructions for when and where to complete this step. The state of Florida usually requires name change applicants to get their fingerprints taken, a process that generally requires a fee of around $25 regardless of whether or not your indigency form was approved.

The process itself takes about five minutes not counting possible waiting time. Upon completion, you receive a form that should be delivered to the courthouse before the rest of the process can continue.

3. Return your documents to the court Once your documents are complete and your fingerprints have been taken, return to the controller’s office at the courthouse to file for the name change. There’s a small processing fee that may vary. Then comes the waiting.

4. Wait for a letter Once everything has been submitted, wait for your letter from the court. Because the reasons behind changing a first name may be considered ‘nefarious,’ Florida courts will require that a judge review the name change before it’s approved.

If anything has been found out of place that prevents the name change, you’ll receive a letter

Transgender column to clarify what needs to be modified or Security before driver’s licenses or completed prior to your ruling. identification since Social Security is However, if everything is in order, you’ll federal as opposed to state identification, have one of two outcomes. which is local. It’s also safe to hang onto The first is a court date, which means the receipt from the Social Security office appearing before a judge on the given date. if possible.

This might seem like the worstThe most obvious next step case scenario, but it usually is a driver’s license or just involves appearing in identification. If you’ve court where you’ll be been lucky up to this No matter asked by a judge why point, you may find which you wish to change the atmosphere of your name. How documents you’re the DMV to be the you answer is your most intimidating updating, rest decision, but so part of this process. assured that there But as long as you long as your reason doesn’t involve are people to help come equipped with anything nefarious, the letter from the you along the it’s unlikely that the judge and a receipt way. judge will give you a from the Social Security hard time. This is not the office, you should have no case in many states, where problems. name changes have been denied, Per current Florida law, a letter so be sure to count your blessings if you’re from a therapist is all you need to prove applying in South Florida. your gender may also be updated. So for The other possibility is that you’ll many, it’s ideal to do both at once. Speak receive a letter saying that the court case to a certified therapist ahead of time if you was waived and your name change was wish to complete this step, but consider approved by a judge’s review. In this case, printing out the current Florida laws your letter will include a court approval for gender changes on licenses if you’re and is legally binding, but keep in mind this worried that the staff of the DMV will try is a non-notarized form. To amend your to deny you. driver’s license, birth certificate, passport All other documents you have will or social security, it may be helpful to also need to be updated, including rental return to the courthouse controller’s office leases, bank accounts, insurance and for a notarized name change order. name at work. You’ll find that the name change process is fairly long, as some steps 5. Updating your may not become applicable until you do documents your taxes the next year; but no matter which documents you’re updating, rest Once you’ve done your name change, assured that there are people to help you you need to update your Social Security along the way. And trust me, it’s well worth card. It’s usually best to update Social the hassle once you’re done.

Transgender bites

YouTube Connection For many trans people, the internet was their key to self-discovery.

When you feel trapped inside the wrong person, there's nothing like opening a web browser to see a smiling face telling you it's possible to touch your dreams.

Here are three youtube channels that are great, whether you're still questioning or you transitioned years ago:

2. PrincessJoules: a popular MTF blogger who covers everything from stigma to her experience with surgery youtube.com/user/princessjoules

1. FTMTranstastic: a collaboration of trans men who release daily videos on various themes youtube.com/user/FTMtranstastic

3. Kat Blaque: "a black woman who happens to be trans;" trans stigma is only one of many topics that Kat boldly tackles bit.ly/2nRDmeR

For more help regarding a name change in Broward County, reach out to SunServe at Sunserve.org. In Palm Beach County, reach out to the Compass GLCC at CompassGLCC.com, and in Miami-Dade, contact the Pridelines at Pridelines.org.

4.5.2017 •

31

Transgender column

How Becoming a Man

Made Me a Feminist Brendon Lies

T

o all the women out there, I have bad my temper on a colleague over the phone. news for you.

Before I transitioned, this would have gotten It’s worse than you think. me reprimanded, and they might have even A lot worse. hung up on me.

For many people, living as a woman means Instead, they apologized and promised an dealing with downplayed expectations, immediate resolution. casual sexist remarks and the assumption I remember hanging up the phone in utter that our worth was primarily based on awe. They hadn’t told me to calm down; attractiveness. they simply listened to what I was shouting I remember countless times where I was between curse words. fearful of raising my tone because I would But besides listening to you, something hate to look “unprofessional” or even be else happens. dismissed as premenstrual.

You’re welcomed into discussions you Heck, there were times I even dismissed never imagined existed. myself for such reasons.

The way men talk when women walk away Little things, like messy hair or foul is so much worse than I ever imagined. I language, were sore spots that needed to would suddenly hear bosses comment on the be fixed. And whenever I worked for a male size of other employee’s chests, my neighbors employer, there was a unique tone that was joke about gripping the women at the college saved just for me and the other women in next door, or even hear groups of men with our workplace – describable as a soft tone kind personalities privately joke about that you would use to speak to children with. attacking women.

For countless women and feminineA pretty good example is one of my favorite presenting individuals, experiences like this businesses, which I’ve been going to since become a lifelong journey through a hell of long before I transitioned. The burly old man gaslighting and mixed signals. running the business promised quality and But when I transitioned, there was a profession, and I always enjoyed his fairly nearly immediate shift. harmless personality. Sprouting a goatee You see, trans men have a pretty unique didn’t stop me from relying on his services. perspective when it comes to the way that Maybe it was just the kind of guy he was, genders are treated. but I was never really questioned about my Because testosterone is an gradual shift into a new body. He aggressive hormone that continued to treat me the same results in sharpened jaws, as always, like any of his raised hairlines, facial other faithful customers. hair, lower voices and a But the day I knew You’re top heavy figure, many I was one of the guys trans men find that welcomed into was the day he began after a certain point to laugh with another they are completely discussions you customer in front of read as male. me about “selling his never imagined wife” Sometimes it only to “buy a hot takes a few months for eighteen-year-old.” existed. strangers to exclusively The thought that quips use “sir” when speaking to like this seem funny or you. appropriate to men in any At that point, something context, never mind how frequent strange begins. People begin to listen, it is, is a horrific testament to how no matter how messy your hair is. Your work ingrained the cisgender male population’s is based entirely on your work, and if you’re agenda of female oppression has grown. frustrated at someone else, they blame There are other changes that trans themselves – instead of you. men experience, for example the random A very notable experience I had was intimacy of a hug from your best friend the first time at my current job that I lost becomes a thing of the past. I’m not a

32

•

4 .5.2017

psychologist, but I can say from my own experience that stark male expectations to reject intimacy only adds to the ease with which men are able to brush off the potential of women in society.

From what I’ve seen, as men are forced to live aggressive lives free of touch or emotion, women are converted into ‘accessories’ that are meant to fill in the gaps that men can’t fill themselves – even if it’s exclusively through a sexual context. The more men in our society continue to fight in a never ending competition to prove who is the most masculine, the more women will struggle to prove they don’t exist only to fill in for a man’s ‘secret’ desires.

I remember wanting to speak up to that business owner at the time, but as a trans person I also feared that doing so would reveal I was trans and possibly even make

me a target to aggression.

Fortunately or not, I’ve had plenty of practice since then.

If women were incapable, then how would you explain my transition not just from female to male, but from a lightly reprimanded employee with low expectations to the bold voiced director leading an entire wing of a newspaper?

It’s time for women to have respect, and for far more men to join me in calling out sexist behavior when it happens. We can’t expect women to carry this fight alone, especially not when they’re dismissed every time they leave the room.

There’s no shame in feminism.

In a society where aggression and sexism dominates, nobody wins. And take it from a trans guy… that’s exactly the society we live in right now.

4.5.2017 •

33

34

•

4 .5.2017

Transgender column

Trans Must-Have Shopping List For the stealth, binary, dysphoric or questioning Brendon Lies

N

Feminine

ot all trans people aim to “pass” (that is, be immediately read as a specific gender). Yet for those who do — regardless of why — it can be one of the biggest challenges of transitioning, especially early on.

Whether you’re journeying towards the male spectrum or the female spectrum, here are six helpful tools from credible websites to get you heading in the right direction.

Breast Forms Maybe you’re not able to start hormones, or maybe the results aren’t yet as drastic as hoped.

Give your breasts their missing cushion with this breast form. It may be tempting to jump to a size H, but try to find a size that matches your frame.

And remember; better quality equals better results!

Platinum Seal Classic 1 Attachable Breast Forms Price: $224 - $274 Check the rest of the website to find the right quality or price!

TheBreastFormStore.com/PlatinumSeal-Classic-BreastForms.aspx Make-up Knowing how to cover stubble is a huge benefit that will get you by as you ponder your options.

Start with a bit of matte red lipstick for the base to counteract the blue hue of stubble, blend well, then apply foundation… Once you master the right blending, you’ll feel like yourself within minutes each morning.

Borghese 7-Pc. Ready-To-Wear Color Collection Price: $59 Also look online for foundation and matte lipstick mcys.co/2ny3fzF Panty Girdle This versatile garment aids in keeping your hips snug, your belly flat, and your physique well tucked. This particular girdle has a zipper for easy removal, and is built for firm control, comfort, and flexibility.

Power Shaper by Underworks Price: $57 Be sure to size yourself carefully Underworks.com/Power-Shaper

Bonus

Binder If done wrong, binding your chest can be almost as uncomfortable as not binding your chest. This style was my personal favorite with even-coverage and lots of stomach breathing room, but various styles are available, so be sure to look around. And remember — if your breathing feels restrained, go up a size.

Econo High Power Compression Chest Binder by Underworks Price: $17 Be sure to size yourself carefully Underworks.com/MenCompression-Shirts

Masculine

Packers Surgery is expensive, and not all trans guys are convinced that results are worth it. While you decide, hang onto that bulge and feel a bit more complete with this top-of-the-line packer.

Four-in-one packers are available as well.

FreeTom Prosthetics Price: $162 - $243 Clearance options available FreeTomProsthetics.com Stand to Pee (STP) Many packers are already designed as STPs, but they can be quite an investment. If you’re resorting to a sock bundle to pack, you’ll need something else for those outings at the dance club when all the stalls are taken. This model allows for easy pocket-transportation, but plastic varieties are also available.

Mr. Fenis Price: $25 Sells out quickly - check back often!

FTMessentials.com/Collections/ STP-Devices

Voice Training App Working your voice into a different frequency is no small task, especially for trans women. While trans men may have an advantage if they choose hormone therapy, not all guys fit in right away to their new vocal cords — and of course, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is not for everyone. No matter the situation, these two apps are here to help!

Eva MTF and Eva FTM Price: $4.99 Available on iOS ExceptionalVoiceApp.com 4.5.2017 •

35

36

•

4 .5.2017

4.5.2017 •

37

38

•

4 .5.2017

Transgender column

Bridging the Age Gap Becky Juro

R

ecently, I had the chance to see Gender Revolution, the National Geographic documentary on trans and intersex people hosted by Katie Couric. It was almost exactly what I expected, a primer on gender variant people and some of the issues in our lives. It’s clearly intended for straight, cis viewers, basic and accessible, a “Trans 101.”

Since I can remember a time when seeing this kind of information in mainstream media was exceedingly rare outside of the occasional sensationalized features on daytime television talks shows, I’m personally very happy that this documentary and others like it are getting the kind of attention they are.

At the same time, however, there are times when I think those creating these programs assume they and their viewers know more than they actually do, and as a result leave out important information which could help a viewer new to these topics to understand them better.

One example of this comes toward the end of Gender Revolution, during an interview segment with two trans women, former professional tennis player Renee Richards and actress, model, and writer Hari Nef. As you’d expect, the difference in perspective on trans people and issues between 80-year-old Richards and 24-year-old Nef is vast. Richards, who underwent gender confirmation surgery in 1975, expresses a strictly binary view

of gender in the interview, while Nef’s perspective is unsurprisingly far more modern, also encompassing non-binary expressions of gender.

It was watching these two women debate gender and trans issues from perspectives so completely removed from one another that I began to feel that something important was missing. It wasn’t at all an unfamiliar feeling.

Even though we’ve seen a massive increase in trans-relevant programming in mainstream media over the last few years, it’s still a pretty rare thing to hear our community’s history discussed, and even rarer to see it portrayed accurately.

When we get anything at all, what we usually see is at best an abbreviated retelling that leapfrogs from the eras of Lili Elbe and Christine Jorgensen to Sylvia Rivera and Richards to Laverne Cox, Janet Mock, and Nef’s generation of modern trans youth. Rarely, if ever, is the story of the trans community in-between the eras of Richards and Nef even acknowledged, much less actually told, and it’s an important story to tell.

That trans community, the one which was prevalent in the ‘90s and ‘00s and still is to some extent, was responsible for creating and building much of the foundation of our modern community.

We were the generation who brought the term “transgender” into common usage.

We were also the generation which, with the help of the Internet, transformed a

collection of small local cliques of trans people into a national movement. We were the first to collectively lobby federal, state, and local politicians for civil rights laws to protect trans people from discrimination, and we were the first to create our own community media, by, for, and about trans people and the topics and issues we care about.

We weren’t a particularly large group, especially at first. With few legal protections on the books, and a culture that saw us as clowns and freaks, coming out trans and going public was an especially courageous act. Doing so not only carried the very real risks of being ostracized from friends and family but also losing jobs and the prospect of future employment, as well as becoming targets of public derision and physical violence.

There were no well-funded civil rights organizations fighting for our equality, no major media outlets reporting on us from perspectives other than derision and sensationalism. Few jurisdictions in the United States had laws forbidding discrimination against us, and virtually

no politicians or political parties had any interest in creating any.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, we had one thing and one thing only we knew we could rely on with certainty: Ourselves.

Just about all of us presented solidly within the gender binary. Out of necessity we were far too busy concerning ourselves with fitting into society well enough to keep our jobs and not be thrown out of our homes to concern ourselves with futuristic fantasies like non-binary identities. It was only once we’d reached the point where we’d successfully integrated ourselves into the social and political culture as women and men in the mid-to-late '00s that nonbinary identities began to emerge with any regularity.

It’s our generation which is the bridge between Richards and Nef. We built the foundations of the community which trans youth like Nef is expanding and modernizing. Most of us are still here, though, and while we certainly don’t deserve all the credit, it would be nice to be recognized for all that we did do, at least once in a while.

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

4.5.2017 •

39

Transgender news The raising of the trans flag in Wilton Manors during Trans Day of Visibility. Photo Credit: J.R. Davis.

South Florida Trans News Trans Visibility All Year Long Jillian Melero

O

n March 29, the Wilton Manors City Commission decided to raise the transgender flag over city hall on select dates. While the commission has debated whether to fly the flag year-round, Monica Helms, author, veteran and creator of the transgender flag, wrote an open letter to the Commission asking that the flag be flown on at least three days: March 31, International Transgender Day of Visibility, Aug. 19, Transgender Flag Day, and Nov. 20, Transgender Day of Remembrance. The commission agreed to that, and will also raise the flag during the city’s Stonewall festival in June.

Whether the flag flies over city hall for three days or 365 days, we watch what happens inside city halls, county commission meetings, and the state capitol every day.

Civil rights and protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and especially transgender people are still largely overlooked on the federal and state level, leaving employees, students, and residents vulnerable to discrimination in our schools, hospitals, places of work, or when looking for a secure and stable home.

Florida state law does not yet prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in the areas of housing, employment, or public accommodation. A situation which leaves LGB and Transgender residents at risk of losing their homes, jobs, and being denied resources and services over who they love or who they are.

But the state legislature has introduced

40

•

4 .5.2017

joint bills in the Florida house and senate that could change that. Fifteen GOP lawmakers have signed on to what’s being called “the Competitive Workforce Act,” legislation that has been introduced in some form since 2009. Per the 2017 session HB 623 and SB 666 would ban discrimination against LGB and Trans people in employment, housing, restaurants and other businesses.

Sponsored by Democrats Rep. Ben Diamond of St. Petersburg and Sen. Jeff Clemens of Lake Worth, Senate President Pro Tempore Anitere Flores, R-Miami; Sen. Dana Young, R-Tampa; Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah; and state Rep. Kathleen Peters, R-South Pasadena, have all publicly backed the legislation, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Our state laws don’t address the harassment or bullying of or discrimination against students based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Rhetoric regarding Title IX antidiscrimination guidelines, debates whether gender identity is included as a protected status along with sex and whether state or federal guidelines should be amended to include gender identity and sexual orientation.

But Broward County public schools do allow students to use public accommodations corresponding to a student's gender identity. And Broward Superintendent Robert Runcie has pledged that the school board will continue to uphold this policy. “We have a moral obligation and

a responsibility to protect all students from discrimination, bullying and harassment,” Runcie said.

Miami Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez told the Miami Herald saying “We are an inclusive community, and have policies in place to protect our LGBT residents,” announcing that the county would continue with protections in place since 2014.

Florida healthcare law doesn’t ban the exclusion of transgender healthcare services, and it doesn’t provide for transgender inclusive health benefits for employees. But in March, Oakland Park became the fifth city in Florida to offer comprehensive health insurance coverage for transgender medical procedures like gender confirmation surgery and facial reconstruction. Four of the five cities are in South Florida, including Wilton Manors, Miami Beach and West Palm Beach. The fifth city is St. Petersburg.

Like every state, we do allow someone to change the gender markers on their driver’s license. And unlike some states, Florida doesn’t require surgery to do so.

Our hate crime law includes bias or crime against a person based on their sexual orientation, but it doesn’t address crime against a person based on their gender identity. According to the Human Rights Campaign, all but five states -- Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina and Wyoming -- have laws addressing hate crimes. Of the remaining states with hate

crime laws on the books, 15 states: Alabama, Alaska, Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia do not include protections for LGB and Transgender people.

While we celebrated the flying of Monica Helms’ Trans flag here in Wilton Manors, we also mourned the loss of Gilbert Baker, creator of the LGBT Rainbow flag, a flag embraced by the LGBT community because it encompassed diversity, and reflected optimism.

We are watching. And we are looking to our representatives to work to change policy, to broaden inclusivity, and to create new opportunities for people of color, transgender and gender nonconforming people to be afforded equal rights and opportunities to safe housing and schools, gainful employment, and inclusive healthcare on a local, state, and national level, all year long.

The National Center for Transgender Equality publishes a resource guide for creating Transgender inclusive policy at www.transequality.org/issues/agendas To track bills HB and SB and similar bills, visit www.flsenate.gov/Session/ Bills/2017

The Parish of Saints Francis and Clare Ecumenical Catholic Church (CACINA)

PALM SUNDAY - Sat. 5 PM; Sun. 10:30 AM Wednesday through Friday - 7 PM THE SACRED TRIDUUM Thursday - Mass of the Lord’s Supper Friday - Solemn Passion, prayers for the church, Holy Communion Saturday - Easter Vigil @ 5 PM Easter Day - 10:30 AM

101 NE 3rd Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 954-731-8173 www.stsfrancisandclare.org/com

POZ CRUISE November 4 - 11, 2017

Celebrity Summit

Rates begin at $649.00 per person

Our 13th Annual cruise will sail roundtrip from San Juan and visit St Croix, St Maarten, Dominica, Barbados & Grenada.

This cruise attracts 250 - 300 men from all over the country.

Reserve a window or any balcony cabin and get either the complimentary beverage package or a $300 per cabin shipboard credit.

FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Paul B. Stalbaum • Cruise Designs Travel

ADVENTURE BEARS & FRIENDS February 18 - 25, 2018

Celebrity Silhouette

Departs Ft Lauderdale to Key West, Costa Maya, Cozumel & Grand Cayman Rates as low as $849 per person Reserve a window or any balcony cabin and get either the complimentary beverage package or a $300 per cabin shipboard credit.

954-566-3377 | www.cruisedesignstravel.com paul@cruisedesignstravel.com Our low group rates are guaranteed. Please note that should the cost of fuel increase substantially, a surcharge could be added by the cruise line.

4.5.2017 •

41

Transgender news

Dale Hansen

Dallas Sportscaster Dale Hansen

Takes Pro-Trans Stand David-Elijah Nahmod

I

n the predominantly red state of Texas, anti-LGBT sentiments run deep.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has promised to introduce a federal "religious freedom" bill which would legalize anti-LGBT discrimination on "religious grounds". And the Texas State Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case brought forth by GOP lawmakers in Houston which would limit the protections offered to legally wed same sex couples--the plaintiffs in the case have said that they hope to get SCOTUS to overturn their landmark 2015 ruling which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

Yet amidst all the bigotry there are signs of change. Around 100,000 women marched for their reproductive rightsfor their reproductive rights in various Texas cities during January's national Women's March according to Texas Monthly magazine. And on WFAA TV in Dallas, longtime sportscaster Dale Hansen, 68, who is straight and cisgender, took an extraordinary on-air stand in support of Mack Beggs, a high school aged female-tomale transgender wrestler who was forced to wrestle on the school's girls' team.

"We have argued long enough about birth certificates," Hansen said during a broadcast which went viral and landed him an appearance on Ellen DeGeneres' chat show."It’s an argument that needs to end. You don’t have to understand – I myself don’t understand.

But Mack Beggs is not the problem so many people make him out to be. He’s a child simply looking for his place in the world, and a chance to compete in the world. Do we really not have the simple decency to allow him at least that?"

It was a characteristic stand for Hansen, who was raised in a religious, conservative community. He spoke to SFGN about how and why he expanded his worldview.

"I grew up in a small town in Iowa," Hansen said via phone. "My dad used the "N" word like it was a proper noun. "Yet he thought highly of Rory Matthews, a black man in town. Dad said that the Matthews are different. That kind of

42

•

4 .5.2017

logic will twist your mind--it twisted mine."

Hansen also recalled his Navy days, sitting with a group of his buddies in a saloon. A group of noisy black men were seated nearby.

"Look at those noisy 'n-word' guys!" said one of Hansen's friends.

"You mean just like us?" replied Hansen, as he walked over to join the black men, who he said were playing better music on the jukebox.

Hansen's career began as a radio DJ in 1973. "I never went to college and bounced around for awhile," he recalled. He became a sportscaster almost by accident when a slot opened up and has been with WFAA for 34 years "I've always believed that sports is a metaphor for life," he said. "I work for a station which allows me to talk about things that matter more than who won the game."

Hansen added that when he got home from delivering his Beggs speech, there were 110 emails in his inbox. "The next day there were 600, over 1000 by the following afternoon, all of them positive and from all around the country. I stopped counting at 5,000. I've heard from people in 27 countries."

Hansen's circle of friends includes straights and LGBT people of various races and ethnicities, as well as arch conservatives and staunch liberals. He noted that they all break bread together in an environment of mutual respect and that he greatly enjoys being around different kinds of people.

"We're not all crazy in Texas," he said. "We just elect crazies to office. The leaders of the state send the wrong message to the country.

We're not that bad. " Hansen said that he has not heard from Mack Beggs. Prior to his stand for Beggs, Hansen had taken a similar on-air stand for openly gay African American football player Michael Sam. "Are you sure you're reading the right bible?" Hansen asks of anti-gay conservatives.

"I think you're reading the Reader's Digest Condensed version. If there's a problem I'll let God sort it out later."

Transgender news Tatiana Williams

A Day of Action for Trans Women of Color but

More Help is Needed Denise Royal

M

Matter, the National Black Justice Coalition arch 15th, 2017 was National and the Institute for Asian Pacific American Day of Action for Trans Women Leadership and Advancement for a series of of Color. Launched by the LGBT rallies around the country. advocacy group Get Equal, it was a collective Last month, Rep. Joe Kennedy III call to action to stand with, protect and (D-Mass.) announced his chairmanship celebrate the lives of transgender women of of a transgender equality task force for color. Three months into 2017, seven trans Congress’s Equality Caucus. “We will fight women have been murdered in the U.S. back against a scourge of hate-based, The deaths of Mesha Caldwell, Jaquarrius hate-inspired violence that plagues the Holland, Chyna Doll Depree, JoJo Striker, transgender community every single day, Ciara McElveen, Jamie Lee Wounded Arrow, particularly women of color,” he said. and Tiara Richmond are alarming civil rights Despite that support, the life remains and anti-violence advocates. While 2016 difficult for many transgender was the deadliest year on record women. The National Center for for transgender homicides, Transgender Equality states 2017 could be even worse – “We need more on its website that one in that statistic is an everyday women of color five transgender people reality for transgender on the front lines to in the United States has women of color in South discriminated Florida. empower one another been against when seeking “It's very important to show each other a home, and more for the community to you are not alone.” than one in ten have understand the violence been evicted from their that transwomen of - Tatiana Williams homes, because of their color face just trying to Trans Miami gender identity. Meanwhile, live every day,” says Tatiana another study conducted by Williams, Testing Expansion the Center for American Progress Coordinator at the Price Center and the Equal Rights Center in 2016 in Wilton Manors. “I believe that the finds only a minority of homeless shelters police and some involved in government fail are ‘willing to properly accommodate to protect these women because they feel we transgender women.’ bring the violence on ourselves. Most of the “We have gotten use to celebrities telling time, it's a pure hate crime.” our stories i.e. Caitlyn Jenner and Jazz The frequency of the killings this year is Jennings,” says Williams. “These ladies are rattling a community whose members are privileged and have no clue of real struggles prone to suffering violent attacks, whether as a transwoman. They may understand hate-based or otherwise. Transgender people the transition aspects but when it comes to have had more reason to watch their backs living in the trenches, they have no clue. We since President Trump’s administration need more women of color on the front lines halted a White House policy of pushing for to empower one another to show each other their rights to the same public bathrooms you are not alone. We are tired of living in as other men or women. In a major show of the shadows – the sad part is, many people solidarity, Get Equal partnered with several want to keep us there.” national organizations including Black Lives 4.5.2017 •

43

Transgender news ▼ ProtectTransKids Protest in Washington, D.C. Photo Credit: Ted Eytan.

The Bathroom Scare

From Jim Crow to now, public restrooms have been used to vilify minorities Christiana Lilly

A

fter less than two months in where everyone just wants to do their office, the Trump administration business and leave, since Jim Crow laws undid one of the Obama White and beyond, fear of what happens in the House’s pro-LGBT legislation: bathroom bathroom has lead to stereotyping and rights for LGBT students. legislation under the false guise of safety In the alleged interest of children and health. and their safety in school bathrooms, “The bathroom itself is highly students must use the restroom sexualized, a place where that aligns with their sex people come in contact at birth — a blow to with their sexuality, with parents of transgender their vulnerability. children.

There’s a whole “This whole “The fact is we’re set of rules about not asking for our bathrooms that issue is pretty own bathrooms,” exist,” said Fred said Aryah Lester, much fabricated.” Fejes, a professor the founder and at FAU and a fellow director of Trans at the Peace, Justice - Aryah Lester Miami. “We’re just and Human Rights Trans Miami asking to have a Initiative. comparatively safe place During the civil rights in order to just do our era, racial segregation laws business, what everyone else were justified as a means to does in the bathroom.” protect the public from the “crazed The fight for bathroom rights among negro” and the supposed diseases that transgender people is actually a part black people carried that white people of a long history of unease, prejudice, did not. This lead to black people being and segregation in bathrooms. A place forced to using separate restrooms and

44

•

4 .5.2017

even separate glasses and dinner utensils when working at a white person’s home.

Black men especially were characterized as uncontrollable sex fiends who would prey on helpless white women.

“When it produces a brute, he is the worst and most insatiate brute that exists in human form,” wrote Clifton R. Breckinridge of black men in 1900, according to the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia.

While the civil rights era is dealing with separation by race — one that was commonplace and completely accepted without question in many parts of the country — and the transgender “bathroom bill” is gender, or one’s perceived gender, there are many overlapping qualities.

For Lester, the standout for both cases is that one population is being treated as less than. During Jim Crow, black people were perceived as second-class citizens to their white counterparts. In the transgender people bathroom debate, those against using the bathroom of one’s choice is stating that they are not equal to a cisgender person.

“This whole issue is pretty much

fabricated,” Lester said. “It’s letting the fear take over from the propaganda that’s allowing people to make wrong decisions when it comes to allowing for protections for people.”

Fear mongering is a huge part of bathroom consciousness, and it’s easy to do since people feel so vulnerable using restrooms. In fact, according to multiple activist groups, including Transgender Law Center, the Human Rights Campaign and the American Civil Liberties Union, there have been zero verified cases of a transgender person attacking a cisgender person in the restroom.

According to a study by the Williams Institute, transgender people might be the ones who are more likely to be assaulted.

The study interviewed 93 transgender people — 68 percent said they have been verbally harassed and 9 percent have been physically assaulted. They also shared stories of being barred from using the restroom at school or at work.

One transgender woman said she was sexually assaulted while in the men’s restroom — the one “bathroom bill” advocates would have wanted her to use.

Transgender bites

Transgender news Fejes pointed out that it’s not only transgender people who historically have been feared in the restroom, but also gay men. The stereotype exists of straight men fearing an unwanted foot tap between bathroom stalls in a code for sexual activity. In Florida, the “purple pamphlet” was released with sexually explicit photos and warnings detailing how gay men sought oral sex and were sexual deviants. This was all during the “red scare” of the Johns Committee, where Florida’s government went after gay men and women in Florida’s universities.

Today, with transgender Americans asking for the right to use the bathroom of their choice, those opposed are crying out for the protection of women and children in restrooms. The argument is that should a transgender woman, physically born a man, be allowed in the women’s restroom, the women will be at risk of being raped or attacked and children will be molested.

“The fear mongering is very similar in both cases,” Lester said of racial segregation and the transgender bathroom issue. “Now we see the same fear mongering happening when it comes to the bathroom issues and inciting fear of child molestation or sexual assault when historically, when we look at the numbers, the numbers really point straight forward that trans people have never been involved in any of these types of incidents.”

To showcase how things will go should opponents get their way, a transgender man created a photo series #WeJustNeedtoPee in 2015. Michael

Hughes took selfies in bathroom mirrors alongside female friends applying makeup or walking out of bathroom stalls, and the hashtag went viral among other transgender people showing the outrageousness of restrictive bathroom laws.

With the Trump administration now rolling back the work former President Barack Obama did for the transgender community, the photos are coming back around. In fact, some didn’t believe Hughes was born biologically female.

“When you have Caitlyn [Jenner] coming out and so on, it’s really hard to maintain this image that the transgender women who are in the bathroom represent a sexual threat because it’s like, this woman is a threat?” Fejes said.

With Trump striking down Obama’s legislation for transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice in schools, the response has been mixed.

Many cheered, praising the president for protecting children from predators and not giving into political correctness.

Others, though, were disappointed that he not only disregarded the rights of transgender students, but also was ignoring Title IX rules, which bans discrimination based on a student’s sex.

“The message was from the White House was actually that the administration doesn’t care for the safety of trans students,” Lester said.

“That was a very disappointing thing to hear, [especially] with the high rates of bullying and teen suicide that we have, especially with the LGBT community.”

▼ A recent transgender rights march in Cincinatti, OH. Facebook.

Pronouns It's not just about preference.

If you think pronouns aren't important, try calling the Queen "sir."

I doubt you would... so why do so to trans youth, who certainly don't have the Royal Guard to protect them from chilling statistics?

When someone changes their preferred pronoun, it brings an overwhelming sense of completion and validation to who they are.

And the best way to be an ally is to respect their identity.

He/him/his: She/her/hers: They/them/theirs: There are many other non-traditional preferred pronouns, like zhe/zhim/zher or xe/xem/xyr, and many more.

If you ever sincerely mess up a pronoun, just apologize and respectfully move on. DOn't make a scene, it does more harm than good.

Daniel Ross, CPA ‘Preparing Individual & Small Business Tax Returns since 1985’

Certified Public Accountant Certified Fraud Examiner Individual & Small Business Tax Preparations Electronic Filing of 2016 Returns Available

Get your tax refund in your hands in 1 to 3 days

Serving Hollywood and Wilton Manors Call to schedule an appointment!

I am now in Hollywood, 2 blocks away from Young Circle

Evening & Weekend Appointments Available danrosscpa@aol.com

954.612.9922 “No upfront fee” with a refund return

4.5.2017 •

45

Transgender ally's guide

Language Sex usually refers to the way a person is classified as either male or female, and is based on the appearance of external anatomy at birth, as recorded on one’s birth certificate.

Gender Identity is a persons innate, deeply held sense of gender, not necessarily visible to others.

Besides the binary male or female, some people identify as non-binary or gender queer. And many cultures have a history of a third, or fluid gender.

Gender Expression is how a person presents their gender identity externally, through choice of proper names, pronouns (he/she/they etc.) or personal style (hair, clothes, makeup) or behaviors, conscious or subconscious.

Sexual Orientation describes a person’s attraction to another person on a physical, romantic, or emotional level. Sexual orientation, is different from gender identity. Gender identity is who you are, sexual orientation -- lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, or straight – is about who you’re attracted to.

A transgender woman who is only attracted to other women will usually identify as a lesbian.

Transgender is the broad term to describe people whose gender identities and/or gender expressions differ from those associated with their assigned sex. Someone who is transgender may be prescribed hormones to help align their bodies with their gender identity. Surgery is also an option, but those decisions differ for each person. Someone may be transgender without altering their appearance or undergoing medical procedures. Trans is the shortened form as in trans woman, trans man or trans person.

An Ally’s Guide to Trans Issues

Transsexual was the term first used in medical and psychological communities for people who made permanent changes, or sought to make permanent changes to their bodies through medical treatment.

Someone can be transgender without being transsexual, while someone may specifically describe themselves as a transsexual woman or man.

Cross-dresser may refer to anyone who regularly wears clothes associated with another sex. Crossdressing is a non-permanent form of gender expression.

Cross-dressers don’t look to medically alter their physical appearance nor do they usually feel at odds with their gender. Male cross-dressers often identify as straight.

A cross-dresser is not the same as a drag queen. Drag queens are men, usually gay, who perform dressed as women for entertainment or satire.

The process of transitioning from assigned sex to a more actualized sense of gender identity varies in personal, medical and legal choices from deciding whether to tell friends family or coworkers, to changing names socially or legally, to using new pronouns, discovering a new look, discussing if hormone therapy is the right choice, and whether to have surgery.

Gender Confirmation Surgery (GCS) or Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) is supervised by a doctor and may play a part in the larger picture of a person’s transition. These terms are preferred over “sex change operation.” Referring to people as “preop” or “post-op” should be avoided as it implies that all transgender people should choose to, or can afford to have medical procedures.

Sources:

Jillian Melero Gender Dysphoria formerly known as Gender Identity Disorder (GID) describes the feeling of emotional and psychological discord that one experiences when their assigned sex and gender identity are at odds. Individualized treatment through hormones or surgery may be recommended by a psychiatrist or other medical authority.

In 2013 the American Psychiatric Association released new guidelines, replacing GID with Gender Dysphoria. Trans healthcare advocates maintain that because Gender Dysphoria is a condition listed within the APA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), that health insurance should cover any medically necessary treatments.

Cisgender describes someone who is not transgender. Cis is a Latin prefix meaning “on the same side as” versus trans meaning “across, beyond, or through.”

Gender Non-Conforming describes some people whose gender expression is different from cultural expectations of masculine and feminine, but it is not interchangeable with transgender. While a person’s gender expression may step outside of traditional male and female norms, this alone doesn’t make them transgender.

Just as many transgender men and women may express themselves in conventionally masculine or feminine ways.

Non-binary and/or genderqueer refers to people whose gender identity and/or expression falls outside of the traditional male or female roles. They may find their experience falls somewhere in between, or is something separate entirely. Not to be confused with transgender or transsexual.

http://www.glaad.org/reference/transgender http://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gender-dysphoria/what-is-gender-dysphoria

46

•

4 .5.2017

4.5.2017 •

47

I refuse to let HIV get in the way of my busy schedule. I even have a cell phone app that reminds me to take my HIV meds. When I’m not working, I keep busy with boot camp, swimming, weight lifting, meditation, traveling and — oh yeah — karaoke. I know that the more control I have over my HIV, the less power I give to the virus. I take control by taking my HIV medication every day.

48

•

4 .5.2017

“Think you can slow me down, HIV? Not in this lifetime.”

Yuri - Miami, FL Living with HIV.

HIV

TREATMENT

WORKS

Get in care. Stay in care. Live well. cdc.gov/HIVTreatmentWorks 4.5.2017 •

49

Transgender bureaucracy

The Bureaucracy of

Transitioning Want to experience the ups and downs of being trans? Try this game and see how far you make it!

Brendon Lies

Rules: Take turns making your way across the board. You may skip forward at the designated spots. Remember, choose the path that works for you.

1

i

Come out

2

3

[may jump to at any time; return to your previous location when finished]

4

Hormones route

[can bypass to step 11]

50

•

Conta and death records department to see the requirements to amend a birth certificate

4 .5.2017

e, (if step 18 is not complet to proflip two coins in order ds.) ceed. Both must be hea

5 Tons of research

iii

Receive a letter from a therapist confirming your transition

ii vi ct your birth

Consider transitioning options (may jump to end)

Cisgender players who are not considering transitioning – for example, if you're male, imagine yourself as female coming out as male at step 1. You should end the game as YOURSELF!

ii

Update license

Self-discovery; begin exploring clothing options

Wildcard: Face discrimination or unexpected hurdles; all players must flip a coin every 3 turns. If tails, go back two spaces.

6 Find therapist who is trans friendly

Print a copy of Florida’s current law to allow updated gender markers on licenses

Head to social security office to update name

Receive therapist’s letter for treatment approval

f name plete, flip change isn’t co ma wildca proceed) rd coin to

vi

vii

7

iv

If updatin g name, ha ve court ap proval prepared (i

8

Arrive at th DMV; hav pa letters pre ff in case sta n to questio

se; Receive licen not if name was updated, skip h. steps g and

Find endocrinologist who is qualified for hormone replacement therapy

v

9

Hope that there are no ill effects; flip 4 coins. If all are tails, return to step 4 and skip section.

s C

Transgender bureaucracy

16

Fra sear ntically ger y ch for su f wai unds; m rt on e ex ust turn tra

15

17

Arrange time off work without arousing suspicion

Wrestle with insuranc e; flip a coin. If h ea skip to ste ds, p 17

14 Locate surgeon for consultation

13

v

he ve ared f tries n you

25

Turn in paperwork ; coin to see flip a form of ind if the ige is approve ncy heads, skip d. If to 27

er Find anoth therapist on (depends ) for procedure al an approv letter

12

time Recover y elfie) (surger y s

Procedure (good luck!)

ts erprin g n fi t Ge taken nt uireme (a req a law) rid of Flo

23

to Head r name fo court e papers; g n cha or a form ask f igency of ind the fee e to havaived w

rs t pape l u o l l i F na fessio

ro ra iving p er ve o if rece ce at SunS on, wait n ti a ta iz is ass ar organ ip the next simil rns but sk toss. two tuildcard coin w

26

10

Wait for a court hearing; fl ip a coin. If he ads proceed to , 29

30

Contact the county clerk d for a notarizer u o y r fo letter name change

11

Considering surgery

Name change

[optional; may skip]

27

Allocate fu nds to pay for name change

Lots of ch; resear it? rth is it wo ass to byp (If no, 21) step

21

22the

31

Begin experiencing a second puberty.

Congratulations!

tions a c i l p if Com coins; 3 s, (flip are tail 7) three to step 1 n retur

19

18

24

20

Smile at your reflection [may skip to at any time, but if so, toss a wildcard for each section skipped; if any are tails, wait two turns for discrimination then flip again]

28

Head to c ourt, where the judge will decide your name cha nge. Flip a wildcard coin.

29

d You’ve receive a letter of approval, s! congratulation

Congratulations! The journey is never over, but you’ve come a long way. All the things you previously had the privilege to take for granted, like your name or driver's license, were new hurdles that had to be overcome just to fit into society.

Of course, real life is no game, and transitioning can be hard.

So no matter what you've gone through or where you are now, stay confident and never give up. It's worth it.

4.5.2017 •

51

Transgender style Andreja Pejic‘

Jeffree Star

Gender In Jillian Melero

I

pretty good at acting as a boy. But I was hiding who I was.”

On the covers of the Vogue Paris March issue is Brazilian model Valentina Sampaio. It wasn’t Sampaio’s first cover, she was featured on Elle Brazil in November. But she is the first trans model to appear on the cover of the French Vogue.

Now four years into her modeling career, 19-year-old Sampaio has been described as shy, and does little press, but she has walked in Milan fashion week and is a L’Oréal brand ambassador. Sampaio came out as trans in a YouTube video, on International Woman’s Day – as part of a L’Oréal campaign - -with the tagline "It comes from the soul. I love being a woman."

Taking the makeup artist from behind the camera to in front of it, internet celeb with 4.7 million Instagram followers, Jeffree Star released his “Androgyny” eyeshadow palette $45, with shades named “fetish” “dominatrix” “safe word” and “swallow” -- featured in Glamour magazine in March.

Cosmo debuted the latest collaboration between Star and Boy Beauty Vlogger Manny MU, featuring the lines “Skin Frost” highlighters, $29 in a variety of tones and “Velour” liquid lipsticks – in shades like “Daddy,” a matte taupe and “I’m Shook” a medium coral color, for $18-- just last week.

Mua became Maybelline’s first male model, starring in their “Big Shot” mascara campaign in February. This was shortly after Cover Girl debuted their first Cover Boy, high school student James Charles, in October.

Sampaio is the first trans model to appear on the cover of the French Vogue.

•

Style Photos: Instagram.

f you’ve seen a few seasons of America’s Next Top Model you already know, androgyny can sell. Whether it’s Jeffree Starr’s new makeup line or the “masculine couture” clothing of HauteButch, trans and gender nonconforming models are in the spotlight of an industry that sells beauty and sex.

Australian model Andreja Pejić, 25 appears on the cover of GQ Portugal’s April edition, and she’s not above rubbing it in.

“I'd say this cover represents me getting my long-awaited revenge on all those boys who didn't wanna hold hands in public when I was finding out about love for the first time,” the Bosnian-born Pejić said about her cover shot on Instagram.

The chick has bragging rights.

She’s walked in men’s and women’s shows for Jean-Paul Gautier and Mark Jacobs, and her covers include Vogue, Elle, and Allure. She got to appear with David Bowie in the video for 2013’s "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)." Pejić discussed her transgender identity, and going through surgery in a 2013 article in People.

“I always dreamt of being a girl,” said Pejić. “One of my earliest memories is spinning around in my mom’s skirt trying to look like a ballerina.” Pejić said things changed when she was 9, and started getting cues from her brothers and her friends at school.

“I wanted to be a good kid and I wanted to please my parents,” she said, so she participated in boys’ sports. “I kept my dreams and my imagination to myself and became

52

Valentina Sampaio

4 .5.2017

Manny Gutierrez

4.5.2017 •

53

Transgender style HauteButch ModelSearch Credit: Haute Butch.com

Masculine Couture by HauteButch.com

HAUTEBUTCH Taking Niche Fashion up a Notch Denise Royal

H

ave you ever tried on clothes and hated the image in the mirror?

Trying to find the right fit can be a challenge – especially if shirts are too snug, vests too wide or pants made too boxy to give you the right silhouette.

Part of the frustration comes from labels.

Not just the size labels – anyone from XS to XXL can have problems with the way a garment fits. It’s the gender labels – from traditional men’s shirts to women’s pants -- having a gender assigned to your clothes can make finding something you like and that actually fits, that much more difficult.

That’s where Karen Roberts found herself a few years ago – struggling to find a wardrobe that was dressy enough for her career in real estate blended with a tailored and sophisticated look to match her aesthetic.

Compared to her female colleagues in pearls, skirts and heels, Roberts felt out of place. “I was a professional,” Roberts says.

“I would often look at my counterparts in their power skirts and high heels and I was always concerned with how I looked and trying to ascertain whether I looked as professional as they did in my butch style clothing. I never felt I measured up,” she tells SFGN. She thought about designing clothes for folks like her. Roberts started with a vision board, using it to envision what a clothing line for people like her would look like. “I

54

•

4 .5.2017

didn’t know anything about sewing,” she admits. “I worked a regular job during the day and learned about sewing, sizing and seam allowances at night.”

All of her hard work led to the creation of HAUTEBUTCH. It’s a fashion line for fashionistos – targeting the butch, trans, and queer customer. The clothes at HAUTEBUTCH aren’t just expressive – they are sexy, sophisticated and representative of the people who wear them. Customers can be men, women or people who identify as either.

The typical HAUTEBUTCH customer is a 40ish professional woman says Roberts, who “is professional, likes to look good and may, or may not be super fit.” Many customers live overseas, “A lot of women in the United Kingdom love how expressive we are.” But there’s a common comment from many customers. “People talk about how cool it is to have clothes that fit them and express their personality,” says Roberts.

“They just say wonderful things about the fit and how great it is to have clothes for a special occasion. It’s those kinds of comments from our customers that keep us going.”

The clothing line features dress shirts, ties, vests, sportswear, footwear and ties.

Customers comment mostly on the quality of the garments and how they literally cannot get enough of them. “Many say they

want more items and bigger sizes,” says then we are the brand for you.”

Roberts. They are also impressed with the Even though the company is not profitable level of customer service at HAUTEBUTCH. yet, earlier this year, HAUTEBUTCH “When we send out a package, we try to donated a portion of its proceeds to the make it special. We make it look like a gift America Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The and handwrite each note,” Roberts says. It’s company said it was doing so to defend important for our customers to understand the constitution. “We are making choices that we impress their patronage.” to support what we believe in,” says Right now, HAUTEBUTCH is Roberts. “We’re looking to stand mainly sold online, with the up for women, gay, queer, company also making transgender rights, black appearances at festivals lives matter –I would Having a and fashion shows. say most of the groups gender assigned Shirts range from who are marginalized to your clothes around $80 to $140 right now, including while vests are immigrants, and all can make finding regularly priced those under attack, something you like around $110. While we stand up for. All and that actually some people may of those people are scoff at the higher our main customers fits that much prices at HAUTEBUTCH and we support them.” more difficult.

Butch, Roberts isn’t Looking ahead, worried.

“When I’m HAUTEBUTCH is cruising designing a shirt, I’m trying to – on Olivia Cruise’s June voyage give customers more detail than what to Alaska. “That’s pretty exciting. you’ll find at Kohl’s, K-Mart or Marshall’s,” We’re looking forward to doing that.” The says Roberts. “If you want that kind of shirt company is also planning to produce suits. and you want to pay that price that’s where “We’re going to try to fit that into a more you’ll have to go. “Our sizing is genderless affordable framework than what you’ve and our clothes fit men and women. To do seen out there and with a HAUTEBUTCH this, it takes money and time. If you want aesthetic,” says Roberts. “It will be different something that fits you and with some from what you see, not quite as vanilla.” thought and attention put into the detail,

4.5.2017 •

55

Transgender out 50

Out Five Trans People Five picks from this year's out 50 SFGN Staff

L

ast week, SFGN released its fourth annual Out50, featuring 50 LGBTQ+ activists, advocates and allies from around South Florida. We hope to put the focus on people who support diversity and encourage inclusivity in the workplace, in our schools, and in our neighborhoods. In recognition of transgender day of visibility, and transgender representation every day, here are five, transgender and gender nonconforming locals from our Out50.

Tiffany Arieagus Broward County

By Mike d'Oliveira

There’s not too much work in South Florida for someone of Tiffany Arieagus’ talents.

But Arieagus, a transgender woman and former Miss F.I. Florida in 1978, who sings jazz, disco and the blues, isn’t having trouble getting work in other parts of the country and the rest of the world.

This year alone, she’s booked in Las Vegas, South America, Europe, Mexico and Canada.

“I love to sing. I love to dance. I do everything. I love to sing the down and dirty blues live. I believe in going past the limit. When I go past the limit, hopefully I can take the audience with me.”

When she’s not singing, she serves as the Supervisor of Housing and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Case Management for SunServe. “I believe you have to be involved in your community. I’m very much into the politics of making America a safer, better place for everyone.”

Rajee Narinesingh Broward County

By Denise Royal

Rajee Narinesingh is on a journey with lots of ups and downs. People all over the world know her face and the story behind it thanks to the reality TV show Botched.

“People all over the world contacted me,” she said. “Not only LGBT people, all walks of life, different races, classes and ages.”

Narinesingh was injected with cement in her cheeks, chin and lips more than a decade ago. Since then, she’s been on a mission to prove that beauty is more than skin deep.

“I know that beauty is within,” Narinesingh told SFGN. “People connect with my essence. What is really important is my spirit and the way I touch people.”

56

•

4 .5.2017

Transgender out 50 Emery Grant Broward County

By Mike d'Oliveira

When Emery Grant organizes discussions dealing with culture, sexual orientation and other issues, he tries to be as inclusive as possible. But there’s one thing he always attempts to exclude: preconceived notions.

“There’s a responsibility to acknowledge that our lives are much more complex. Our lives are more rich and complicated than what might be a certain set of expectations of what LGBTQ might be like,” said Grant, director of community engagement for the Stonewall National Museum & Archives.

Ever since he read a book on feminism in college, Grant said he’s been hooked on cultural studies. “I really feel passionately that LGBTQ culture is for everyone.” As a transgender man, Grant said he’s part of the LGBT kaleidoscope but he wants to make sure every diverse background has a chance to express itself.

“Both professionally and personally, it’s important to ensure that cultural spaces don’t fall short of telling the stories of people with all of their experiences and modes of expression, and that includes transgender individuals.”

Caspian Cassidy Key West

By Andrew Printer

Caspian Cassidy is a senior at Key West High School. He is engaged in a dual enrollment program with the local community college in anticipation of finishing at a university and starting a career in food technology.

In Cassidy’s sophomore year, he understood that he was transgender and determined to make changes based on this truth. Choosing a new first name that kept a connection with his Russian heritage Caspian Cassidy embraced his identity and became a determined educator and role model in his high school, in the process, taking his message to the school board.

He is president of the high school’s Gay Straight Alliance, he participates in band where he is proficient at an astonishing 10 instruments. Beyond that and with a nod to his career aspirations Caspian is heavily invested in food, gardening and agriculture and founder of the Grimal Grove youth program.

Parker Phillips Miami-Dade

By Brittany Ferrendi

Although Parker Phillips began as a teacher, they really found their calling as a femme professional dominatrix under the name Lady P. “Bondage is a human urge,” they said, explaining how it connects people through shared experiences and desires.

Phillips began doing professional sessions four years ago. In 2014, they partnered up with their mentor and others to form “Studio P,” a dungeon in North Miami Beach.

During their time in school, Phillips began their transition from female to male but soon found their comfort mid-transition and gained a solidified role of femdom, which they describe as “empowering,” identifying themself as an assigned-gender female non-binary fem.

Phillips continues their role in the BDSM community through the organizing of Miami Munch, a place for kinky and curious people to come together under a vanilla setting and discuss events, dungeons and the community.

Phillips hopes that globally, there is a change in the cultural attitude toward BDSM. Locally, they hope that the BDSM community can provide a safe space, open more dungeons and educate.

For those out there who need support, Phillips offers this advice: “Relentlessly listen to one’s self.”

If you’d like to recognize someone in your community to be featured in SFGNs OUT50 or upcoming issues, visit www.SFGN.com/OUT50nominations 4.5.2017 •

57

Transgender bites

Transgender trans-friendly florida

A Safe Conference The Southern Comfort Conference For the third year in a row, Fort Lauderale will host one of the country's most unique conferences – the Southern Comfort Conference.

This year, registration will open on April 15 and will be located right on Las Olas at the Riverside Hotel. The activities are yet to be announced, but usually range from seminars with famous doctors specialising in trans healthcare to meet-and-greets with trans celebrities.

Most importantly, it allows trans people a safe and welcoming chance to connect with countless others in the community, regardless of their stage in transition.

For more info, follow the Southern Comfort Conference on Facebook at Facebook.com/southerncomfortconference and stay tuned!

TransFlorida

How Trans Friendly is Florida?

Jillian Melero

F

lorida sends mixed signals to transgender people.

Tourism campaigns like Hello Sunny, inclusive of transgender and LGB people, showcase the best of Florida, encouraging folks to fly or cruise here, to unwind on our beaches, dine in our restaurants, shop in our megamalls, stay in our boutique hotels, or heck why not buy a condo?

We host events like the recent TransCon at Barry University, and the upcoming Southern Comfort Conference which was just announced for Sept. 14-16 at the Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale.

And our University of Miami Hospital has a transgender healthcare clinic, now expanded into a comprehensive LGBTQ Wellness Center, offering physical, mental, and sexual health services. (– page 59) But when we talk about Transgender visibility and LGBT equality, we’re looking at what’s behind our image as an LGBT cultural tourist destination. In Florida, civil rights and protections for LGB and especially transgender people are still largely overlooked on the state level, leaving employees, students, and residents vulnerable to discrimination in our schools, hospitals, places of work, or when

looking for a secure and stable home. (– page 40) Fortunately, we have allies for Trans equality in all levels of office, allies like Wilton Manors City Commissioners Justin Flippen and Julie Carson who fought to have gender confirmation benefit options added to the city’s employee healthcare plan. And Allies like U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Miami), mother of transactivist Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen. (– page 62) Yet we may be most fortunate to share our community with transgender activists and advocates like Arianna Lint of TransLatin@ and Arianna’s Center, Aryah Lester, founder and director of TransMiami, Tatiana Williams, Testing Expansion Coordinator at the Pride Center and many others, only some of which we get to feature each year in our Out50. (– pages 56-57) The people working to change policy, to broaden inclusivity, and to create new opportunities for men and women of color, LGB, transgender and gender nonconforming people, are the people who make South Florida more than a place for LGBT folks to visit, but one where they can thrive.

• Registration for the Southern Comfort Transgender Conference is set to open April 15. Follow @SouthernComfortConference on Facebook for updates.

• For more information on Miami’s LGBT Wellness Center see page 59 or visit http://surgery.med.miami.edu/plastic-and-reconstructive/gender-affirmation • For listings of local resources and social events for people who are transgender or gender nonconforming, see page 64 or visit www.TransSocial.org

58

•

4 .5.2017

Transgender trans-friendly florida Dr. Christopher Salgado (L) and Lauren Foster.

University of Miami Hospital Opens LGBTQ Wellness Center

Center addresses gender and sexual health, mental and emotional well-being Christiana Lilly

A

fter years of having to drive all over South Florida to access medical and mental health providers, the LGBT community in Miami and beyond now have a single place it can get healthy.

One of the first of its kind in the southeastern United States, the University of Miami Hospital proudly opened the LGBTQ Center for Wellness, Gender and Sexual Health. Here, the community can see doctors and social workers to address its unique and specialized needs.

“It all comes together under one roof, that way we can serve our patients a lot better,” said Lauren Foster, the center’s director of concierge. “We can provide a multitude of services for them and make their journey smooth.”

Although the center itself is brand new, the hospital opened a smaller clinic focused on transgender patients in 2016. It since then morphed to encompass the LGBTQ community, although most of the patients are transgender.

At the center, patients of all ages, gender and identity find a one-stop shop for their entire well-being. Medical doctors are on staff to perform various surgeries and procedures for physical transition as well as HIV/AIDS treatment, while social workers are on hand to assist in a patient’s emotional and psychological health.

For transgender patients, it’s easy access to hormone services, top and bottom surgeries, facial feminization, and other important procedures. Plus, by having a staff that is trained in how to work with the LGBTQ community, patients don’t have to fear being

misgendered or discussing sensitive topics with a clueless health professional.

Also, being in a hospital setting is a huge asset for the center.

“Gender affirmation surgery is major surgery that needs to be performed in a hospital setting rather than an ambulatory setting,” Dr. Christopher Salgado, a gender affirming surgeon, professor of surgery, and editor of “Gender Affirmation: Medical and Surgical Perspectives,” said in a press release from the hospital.

“At UMH, physicians and hospital staff provide continuous monitoring and are equipped to handle any situation that may arise. Being in a full-fledged hospital also helps ensure the best outcomes and recovery from surgery.”

The University of Miami Hospital is also one that has been recognized by the LGBTQ community for its inclusive healthcare.

In 2015, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation named the hospital a “leader in LGBT healthcare equality.” Facilities earn this honor through the foundation’s healthcare equality index, which evaluates how inclusive the the practices and policies are for its patients, visitors, and employees.

This includes nondiscrimination policies, visitation rights for same-sex partners, and staff being educated in LGBTQ health.

Not only is it convenient, but the center fills a void that was in Miami-Dade County for so long. Although the area is known for being LGBTQ friendly, the county does not have a pride center or the multitude of medical and social services that exist in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Foster, who is a transgender woman, said before the center opened, she would have to commit to large parts of her day to drive to see doctors, including Dr. Salgado.

“It’s huge gift to the community to have this facility here for sure,” she said.

The other arm of the center is focusing on one’s mental, emotional, and psychological well being. Again LGBTQ people find that a plethora of social services and support groups are at the Pride Center in Wilton Manors and the Compass GLCC in Lake Worth — at best a long drive, but for others, an impossibility if they don’t have access to reliable transportation.

“It appears that there are still barriers in Miami as it relates to services for the LGBTQ community,” said Estin Kelly, the center’s executive director of quality, safety, and research. “There’s diverse amount of needs in our community.”

Kelly is working on creating a support group at the center, which not only would be a place for people to meet other LGBTQ people who might be going through the same struggles, but also for him to gauge what the needs are of the community. This will help the center improve its patient access and what services are needed. “[We need to] really understand what’s impacting our community,” he said. “Not just the transgender community, but our LGBTQ community and see what’s out there, what we can provide from a hospital or a leadership perspective.”

For transgender patients, not only is there a physical transition involved, but also a mental and psychological one. Kelly

and other social workers help transgender people with blending into and coming out to their community, whether socially or at work, which is different depending on what stage a person is at in their life.

“LGBTQ issues are not necessarily the same as everyone else’s, really being sensitive to those needs and how to respond to them because conflicts can arise,” Kelly said.

In being open with the public, he said, there are the struggles of having someone look at you differently, and being comfortable with family members, friends and coworkers.

The end goal, he said, is to partner with other area organizations to harness each other’s strengths, such as the police department or nonprofits. Together, they can advocate for LGBTQ people holistically. “[We’re] meeting the patients where they are. They’re in different stages and different levels that they’re dealing with right now, and understanding where they’re coming from,” Kelly said.

What: LGBTQ Center for Wellness, Gender and Sexual Health Where: University of Miami West Building 1321 NW 14th St. in Miami Phone 305-689-3100 Website: surgery.med.miami.edu/plastic-andreconstructive/gender-affirmation 4.5.2017 •

59

Transgender trans-friendly florida

National Transgender HIV Testing Day is

April 18 Denise Royal

N

ational Transgender HIV Testing Day (NTHTD) is just around the corner. Its purpose is to recognize the importance of routine HIV testing, status awareness and continued focus on HIV prevention and treatment efforts among transgender and gender non-binary people.

The goal of NTHTD is to encourage community-based organizations, health jurisdictions and HIV prevention programs to host local transgender HIV testing community events and/or develop transspecific HIV testing campaign materials and resources. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2013, the highest percentages of newly identified HIVpositive cases was among transgender persons.

Trans women of color, especially African-Americans and Latinas,

“It is very important for the Transgender Community to know their status for so many reasons.”

- Tatiana Williams

60

•

4 .5.2017

experience disproportionately high rates of HIV. A 2008 meta-analysis of 29 regional US studies found that race was a significant mediating factor to HIV status among trans women; that is, race influences how much risk one has of contracting HIV. It is important to emphasize, however, the literature suggests that racism, not just race, influences these women’s risk.

Transphobia (specific discrimination experienced by trans people), homophobia, and racism appear to collectively increase risk among trans women of color.

“It is very important for the Transgender Community to know their status for so many reasons,” says Tatiana Williams, Testing Expansion Coordinator at the Pride Center at Equality Park. Many Transwomen have challenges finding employment and face other socioeconomic issues. In this situation, some turn to the sex trade, for survivor work, which puts them at risk. Many of the men who are involved with these women tend to sleep with multiple partners in the community, of which is a very small population giving the numbers of our overall population in the county. “Knowing their status be it negative is great, now he/she has the opportunity to get preventive help to stay that way,” Williams said. “If he/she is positive knowing as soon as possible means he/she could access care to keep an undetectable viral load which prevents you from transmitting the virus.”

4.5.2017 •

61

Transgender trans-friendly florida (L-R) Jennie Smith-Camejo, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Arianna Lint, and Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen.

Submitted Photo.

Where Black Lives and Trans Lives Intersect

South Florida transgender activists and allies talk about the challenges faced by trans people of color Olivia Sheets

P

ridelines Center is less than three miles from Martin impact HIV has had on trans people. Chung says the laws Luther King Boulevard. But while hosting a panel on surrounding HIV transmission risks and exposure are transgender issues with civil rights activist Cecilia an unofficial criminalization of gay and trans lives and Chung, it became the intersection of Black Lives Matter disproportionately affect transgender women, who are and Trans Lives Matter. more likely to engage in sex work due to workplace The panel was organized by Morgan discrimination. and Ashley Mayfaire of TransSocial From the audience Tatiana Williams, “We know South Florida, and Arianna Lint Testing Expansion Coordinator for the of Arianna’s Center. The original Pride Center, said she is frustrated that the schedule included Chung, a civil because she feels it’s rare that black divisions within trans women are included in support rights activist and Senior Strategist of Transgender Law Center, organizing, and when they are it is the 'T' can be Tony Lima and Bren Pantilione to exploit their image rather than worked through.” create of SAVE Miami, and Bishop SF positive change. Williams said Makalani-Mahee, Transgender trans women of color not only face -Ashley Mayfaire Program Coordinator for Broward’s animosity for being trans but for being Co-Founder of Department of Health. Wilton minorities too, some of which could be TransSocial Manors City Commissioner Julie eased by including women of color among Carson, recipient of the 2014 Trans groups advocating for trans rights.

Equality Award, and Republican U.S. Rep. “You have to put some of those people, those Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Miami) also attended. women and men that look like them, in the room,” Chung, the first transgender woman to chair the Williams said.

San Francisco Human Rights Commission and now Makalani-Mahee agreed that it is at times challenging a member of the Health Commission, addressed the to address the needs of a specific community. The work

62

•

4 .5.2017

gets “very sanitized” said Makalani-Mahee. “We want women, particularly trans women of color, to thrive,” Makalani-Mahee said.

After the discussion, Ashley Mayfaire said she was happy to open a dialogue and help a community with few peer outlets to talk about their experiences and needs.

“We are planning another community meeting with the help of Arianna's Center and Cecilia Chung, to do the work of bringing our Trans community closer together.” said Mayfaire. “We know that the divisions within the "T" can be worked through, and we look forward to helping in that process.”

TransSocial’s next event is Wed. April 12, a Trans Men's Night of Empowerment at Dynamic Recovery Center from 6:30 - 8:30pm.

4.5.2017 •

63

Transgender trans-friendly florida Morgan (left) and Ashley Mayfaire, the founders of TransSocial. Photo by J.R. Davis.

By Trans for Trans

Groups and Services in South Florida SFGN highlights local organizations supporting transgender needs Olivia Sheets

W

hether finding safe housing, choosing a new name or looking into healthcare options, transgender men and women face a variety of obstacles. South Florida Gay News spoke with local organizers who manage programs and connect trans people with the resources to gain access to jobs and safe housing, and to navigate name and gender marker changes on legal documents.

Arianna’s Center Arianna’s Center doesn’t have a brick and mortar location just yet, but it’s got Arianna Lint, founder and CEO. Lint established her center a year and a half ago through grants from Translatina Coalition. Arianna, a transwoman from Peru, where she received her law degree, focuses on helping undocumented immigrants, the Latinx trans community, people with HIV and AIDS, and those formerly incarcerated.

Lint advocates for minority immigration rights, saying minorities are frequently deported over minimal charges like loitering, or held in ICE camps. She works with them to obtain their citizenry and stresses the need for more immigrant friendly lawyers.

Arianna’s Center promotes trans sensitivity and competency through workshops at prisons, universities, and government bureaus, including specifically addressing the relationships between the trans community and HIV, sex work, and immigration.

Contact Arianna by email at arianna@ translatinacoalition.org, or call 786-600-1915

64

•

4 .5.2017

REDACTED

TransSocial During his own transition last year Morgan Mayfaire realized that resources aren’t readily available to transitioning men and women, so he and his wife Ashley created created a trans community calendar and resource website that would later become TransSocial.

TransSocial offers their own services like name and gender marker changes but also organizes events from social groups, to informative panels with groups like Pridelines, SAVE LGBTQ, and Arianna’s Center. They also promote third party, trans-benefitting business on their website like the recurring Queer + Trans Community Yoga Class in an effort to promote safe spaces for trans people. The couple makes it a point to know what’s going on in the trans community and knowing about other organizations out there so they can refer people to places like Care Resource, an LGBTQ friendly Federally Qualified Health Center.

For the future TransSocial is working with Latinos Salud and Latinos En Accion on a “by trans for trans” HIV testing event by certified testers who are trans for transgender clients planned for National Transgender HIV Testing Day, Thursday, April 18. They’re also creating a support group for allies and loved ones of trans and gender nonconforming people. The Mayfaires say there are a lot of these groups in Broward County but not enough in Miami. Later on the agenda this year, they plan to help create gainful employment for trans men and women by working with colleges and tech companies to create transgender inclusive workplaces.

Contact Morgan and Ashley by emailing info@ transsocial.org or call 954-667-2916 For more South Florida Trans friendly services, visit TransSocial.org

Transgender bites

More Trans Inclusive Groups and Resources Pridelines www.Pridelines.org Pridelines in Miami hosts Beyond the Binary, a peer led group for transgender and non-binary youth age 13 to 24 on every second and fourth Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Pridelines also offers the LGBTQ Rainbow Circle, a safe space for adolescents to speak about their lives and Young Adults Taking Action, focused on HIV and STI prevention and sexual health.

Care Resource www.CareResource.org Care Resource is a Federally Qualified Health Center and has trans sensitive health care programs tailored to trans specific needs like hormone therapy, case management, a name change clinic, and primary care. Care Resource has services available in Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.

Trans Action Florida www.EqFL.org/TransActionFL Trans Action Florida was formed in 2014 by Equality Florida, as a statewide initiative to educate employers on transgender inclusion and advocate for the transgender equality in matters of public policy.

National Center for Transgender Equality www.transequality.org The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) was founded in 2003 by transgender activists to advance transgender equality and advocacy and representation in Washington, D.C. NCTE works at the local, state, and federal level to change laws and policies to be more transgender inclusive.

4.5.2017 •

65

66

•

4 .5.2017

WMG Volume 4 • Issue 6 April 5, 2017

Wilton Manors Gazette

Community

StonewallOrganizersOpenGoFundMe Page to Cover Security Costs

By Michael d’Oliveira Like Wicked Manors before them, the organizers of this year’s Stonewall festival are dealing with soaring security costs as a result of the mass murder of 49 individuals at Pulse Nightclub in June of 2016.

To cover those costs, organizers have set up a GoFundMe page to help supplement sponsorship money which will be used to help pay for the event – Saturday, June 17 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. along Wilton Drive.

As of March 30, only $100 has been donated to the GoFundMe page – gofundme.com/wiltonmanors-stonewall-security – but Jeff Sterling, CEO of the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, which has been chosen by the city for the third year in a row to run the event, said it hasn’t been advertised yet. He expects more donations once the advertising campaign is started in earnest.

“We’re treating the GofFundMe page as another avenue [of revenue].

Obviously, we’re chasing other sponsors to cover the highly, almost insurmountable cost, of security,” Sterling said. “We’re going to have to

raise more money than Stonewall has ever had to in the past.”

Sterling said the expected cost of security will be about $50,000. It was $24,000 last year. It’s an expense which he joked has added a few gray hairs to his head. Next year, he said he hopes the city will take care of the security costs. “We’ve requested to put this stuff in the police budget. The city should just consider it an expense of doing business here.”

Along with additional security, Sterling said organizers and city officials are making a bigger effort to estimate the economic impact the festival has on the city, county, and region.

He wants to use the information to get more financial support from the county.

Using his own internal numbers, Sterling estimated Stonewall brings in $650,000 to the businesses in the city and $3 million to the county. “We need Broward County to recognize the contribution of Wilton Manors. [People who come to Stonewall] spend their money outside Wilton Manors, too.”

Sterling said the expected cost of security will be about $50,000. It was $24,000 last year.

2016 Stonewall Pride. Photo by Brendon Lies.

In addition to using a drone and additional cameras to take photos of the crowd, Pamela Landi, assistant city manager, said she’s working on a survey to give to festival attendees.

“This isn’t anything we’ve done before.

We want to be able to provide realistic and hard data on the impact the festival has on the region,” Landi said.

Landi is still in the preliminary stages of the survey but said that it will include questions about how much people spend and where they are from.

For more information on Stonewall festival, visit x WiltonManorsStonewall.com.

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

April 5, 2017

4.5.2017 •

67

Opinion

NationalPoetryMonth WMG

By Sal Torre

April 5, 2017 • Volume 4 • 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 Associate Editor • Jillian Melero JillianMelero@gmail.com

Editorial

Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com Designer • Charles Pratt Web Master • Brittany Ferrendi Webmaster@sfgn.com News Editor • Michael d’Oliveira

April is full of topics to write about. April Fool’s Day, Tax Day, and the springtime holidays all offer opportunities for articles.

Likewise, Wilton Manors decision to fly the Transgender Flag on Transgender Visibility Day on March 31, offers plenty of material one could write about.

I decided instead to remind everyone that April is National Poetry Month. To many, poetry is some obscure form of writing, an elitist art form, that requires too much effort to write and understand, and is no longer relevant in today’s electronic world.

However, the power of just a few words, the intensity of language, the ability to spark great controversy, and the capacity to change lives and influence young minds are what makes poetry so important. This is why we should stop and ponder this medium during National Poetry Month.

Take a moment to look back to a time when smartphones did not dominate our lives, when communication was not governed by 140 characters of Tweeting, and when we read, we consumed information and gained knowledge that gave us the ability to move beyond ourselves. As a young gay man, reading and specifically reading poetry showed me a whole different world.

It gave me the awareness that there were others like me who lived in silence amongst the many, but who craved acceptance, understanding, love, and especially freedom to be who we are.

Many suffered humiliation, hatred, violence, but remained beautifully optimistic and longing for better days. As with many young gays of the 70’s, aware of the inequality, lack of civil rights and protections, I was inspired by the black civil rights movement and its leaders. The talk of rights and liberties for marginalized minority groups demanding their fair share of the American Dream and the fight for equality of those who had been pushed into an inferior class of citizenship inspired me to become involved.

No wonder two of my favorite poets are Langston Hughes and James Baldwin. They wrote about oppression and prejudice, but also about the wonders of freedom and equality, with hints of their homosexuality woven into their words, words that allowed eager young minds to gain awareness of themselves.

In “Café: 3 AM,” Langston Hughes protests an early morning police bashing at a gay bar, not an unusual occurrence back in 1960’s America. In “A Lover’s Question,” James Baldwin writes about facing the truth of one’s own self, looking in the mirror, the mirror being the reflection from his lover’s eyes.

Another of my favorites is Maya Angelou, especially her groundbreaking work in 1969, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” Those of us growing up with the labels of “faggot,” “nigger,” and

“low-life” and feeling marginalize and inferior as we searched to understand ourselves can gain inspiration, confidence, and self-assurance from this amazing work. Years later, Maya wrote a poem of the same name, which gives us the answer to why the caged bird sings, “… The caged bird sings for freedom.”

I recently came across an amazing poem, entitled, “James Baldwin,” about the life of the gay black poet and author. Here are a few lines: They don’t have a holiday For the Black and Gay No one wants you if you don’t say The right things or belong to the right church.

White Society has no use for you.

You are not the Black Boogie man They can use to scare their women Into submission.

Black Society is through with you.

You are not the Brother man That can spread his seed And keep the race strong.

You fight the causes, Longing to belong in your home, To live in your skin, Breathe your air, Sing your song.

Wondering when will you be free?

While we enjoy great freedoms here in wonderful Wilton Manors, able to be who we want to be, we must never take it all for granted. The rights we fought so long and hard to win must be cherished and guarded at all costs. Thank you, Michael Rajner, for leading the charge to display the Transgender Flag. Thanks to our Mayor and City Commission for their decision to have the Transgender Flag fly alongside the Pride Flag at Jaycee Park, showing support for members of our community who are faced with enormous obstacles to be free. Those who wish to chip away at our rights will begin with the weakest among us, and we as a community must unite and stand strong together. This is the only way everyone in Wilton Manors can continue to say “… Life is just better here!” WMG

Correspondents

Natalya Jones • John McDonald • James Oaksun

Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing

Director of Sales & Marketing • Mike Trottier mike.trottier@sfgn.com Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Senior Sales Associate • Kevin Hopper kevin.hopper@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Brett Coppol Brett.Coppol@sfgn.com Sales Assistant • Tim Higgins Tim.Higgins@sfgn.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community.

All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.

MEMBER

MEMBER

Associated Press MEMBER

MEMBER

Copyright © 2017 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 68

•

4 .5.2017

2 •

April 5, 2017

Real Estate Geek

Who Do You Trust?

By James Oaksun For this column and the next, we are going to take a slight – but related – diversion from our annual exposition on community. This week I want to talk about two matters that popped up in the news and on my Facebook feed in the last couple days. In the next issue, I’m going to give some First Quarter 2017 pricing and sales data, fresh off the presses (or out of my analytical software anyway) for those who might have an interest in the current market situation.

But today, let’s talk a little bit about trust.

First, about who we trust with our money. Perhaps we don’t like to think about it too much, but we do trust politicians at various levels with our tax dollars, and that they will spend them on the purposes for which they were intended by means of enacted legislation. In the early 1990s the Florida state legislature determined that a worthy objective was increasing the stock of “affordable housing” here, and passed a bill (later signed) that earmarked a portion of the transfer tax on real estate deeds (one of those pesky “closing costs” that Realtors and mortgage brokers have to explain to people) to affordable housing projects.

All well and good, except that over the years this honeypot of money has proven irresistible to the legislature and various governors. Since the start of the housing bust

in 2007, more than $1.3 billion (yes with a “b”) of this “affordable housing trust” money has been swept up by our friends in Tallahassee and spent on other projects.

Now, as you know from prior columns in this series, the affordability of housing stock here in WilMa and East Broward generally is a huge issue. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could trust elected officials to do what they promised?

The Realtors, both locally and at the state level, have been lobbying the legislature on this for years.

If you happen to see East Broward state legislators Gary Farmer and George Moraitis skulking about town, you might want to ask their opinions on this, as the legislature is in session and the budget is being discussed now. (Use the words “Sadowski Trust” for bonus points.)

The second issue is a little more sensitive. What happens when there is a reciprocal currency of trust and good faith, that ends up getting broken?

Admittedly this may end up getting a little philosophical, but it’s important and maybe related to the first issue. It’s something that happens all the time in the real estate and mortgage brokerage business. A mortgage broker friend worked on a complex transaction with a difficult client (no they are not all just done by a “rocket”) to have the

customer, at the eleventh hour, move to another service provider.

What happens in a world where the foundations of trust have been compromised? You work, you develop relationships in what you assume is an environment of mutuality, only to discover that in reality there is no mutuality. Maybe it begins (or at least is fueled by) decisions by politicians at various levels when they break their word to us by sweeping up “affordable housing trust” money to spend on other pet projects. If no one complains and they get re-elected, there are no consequences. So there is no penalty.

Perhaps some Realtors and mortgage brokers shot themselves in the foot, by not clearly demonstrating their value added. Or did a handful of “bad apple” Realtors and mortgage brokers do the damage to the whole industry? Did it happen slowly, subtly? And now, when really skilled counsel might be needed more than ever in special situations, can it be rebuilt before the next crisis occurs? WMG James Oaksun, Broward's Real Estate Geek(SM), is BrokerOwner of New Realty Concepts in Oakland Park. In addition to having degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI).

Business

MetropolitanFacesScrutinyAtCommissionMeeting Developers accused of lying about power lines

By Michael d’Oliveira Commissioners most likely won’t force developers of The Metropolitan to demolish their buildings to underground power lines, but they are disappointed it wasn’t done before construction started.

Commissioners voted 4-0 to withhold issuing The Metropolitan’s certificate of occupancy and site plan adjustment.

“I can’t support waving these conditions,” said Mayor Gary Resnick.

Commissioner Tom Green abstained from the vote because he lives at The Metropolitan.

Undergrounding the power lines was one of the conditions developers agreed to when they got the commission to approve The Metropolitan, a 179-unit apartment rental complex at 1224 NE 24 St., adjacent to Colohatchee Park, in 2014.

“I respect you so much, but I’m disappointed,” said Commissioner Julie Carson to developers at the March 28

Photo: Facebook.

Commission meeting. She asked how she’s supposed to explain to residents that developers didn’t make good on their promise. “You made a commitment to us and I’m committed to the residents of Wilton Manors.”

Commissioner Scott Newton was more blunt. “It’s got to be a flat out lie [you didn’t know you’d have to do this before you started construction].”

Developer Michael Wohl said he and his partners deployed their best efforts but couldn’t get Flower Power & Light to approve the undergrounding of the utility lines. “We have been great citizens here,” he said. Attorney Robert Lochrie, representing developers, said his client shouldn’t be blamed for FPL’s actions.

“FPL won’t do it where there’s residential [development],” Lochrie said.

“You didn’t do your due diligence,” Newton said.

But as angry and disappointed as commissioners were, they still expressed appreciation for developers building the project which was previously home to a rundown trailer park with blight issues.

“I want to resolve this dispute,” Newton said. “I hope we can work this out,” Carson said. “This is not a period. This is a comma,” Vice Mayor Justin Flippen said.

WMG

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 3 •

April 5, 2017

4.5.2017 •

69

y t i l i b i s i V f g o la f r e y d n e a g s n D a r e the t ns

Photos

Tra

is a r o t s e t o v s r o Wilton Man

r to e times a yea re th d e is a r h. ill be roudly to watc d that a flag w p e d id re c e e d th a y g e y th munit sion, ors Commis nity. The com n u a m M m n o to c r il e W d gen ebate in the nt to the trans ta r o p im After much d re a t te events tha commemora Photos By J.R. Davis

To see more photos by Carina Mask, visit the South Florida Gay News Facebook page.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 70

•

4 .5.2017

4 •

April 5, 2017

Community

Wilton Manors Votes to Fly TransgenderFlagonLimitedBasis

By Michael d’Oliveira

Yahaira Barrientos, Kelley Winters , and Bishop S. F. Makalani-MaHee proudly pose beside the trans flag that was raised in Wilton Manors. Photos by Carina Mask.

Wilton Manors will “acknowledge the T,” as Vice Mayor Justin Flippen has become fond of saying, by flying the transgender flag.

On Tuesday, commissioners voted unanimously to fly the transgender flag on International Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31), Transgender Flag Day (Aug. 19), Transgender Day of Remembrance (Nov. 20), and the week of the city’s Stonewall Festival in June. It will be flown at Jayce Park on the same pole used for the city’s Pride Flag. On Thursday the city held a flag raising ceremony to commemorate the occasion.

Transgender ally Michael Rajner brought the issue to the commission in February with a transgender flag that had been donated Antonio Dumas, owner of To The Moon.

Rajner said the transgender community was still struggling with basic issues they were 10 years ago, such as bathroom use. That issue of bathroom use caused him to bring the issue to the city after the Trump administration reversed an Obama administration guideline that asked public schools to let transgender students use the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identity. Trump officials decided it should be left up to the states.

In his renewed call for the city to raise the flag, Rajner cited Boston Mayor Marty Walsh who raised the flag in May of 2016 in his city and vowed to keep it up until Massachusetts legislators passed equal protections for transgender individuals.

Transgender author Dr. Kelley Winters

told commissioners that raising the flag was about raising visibility for the transgender community. “It’s time for the Island City to live up to its promise,” she said. Jen Laws said “it would be deeply meaningful” for him and other transgender individuals to see the flag raised because members of his community don’t always feel included or accepted by some, including the federal government.

Although he supports flying the flag on the dates chosen and he respects the transgender community, Commissioner Scott Newton said he doesn’t want to see the flag flown permanently. Previously, he said he considers the transgender community represented by the Pride Flag. “They are in the LBGTQ ... it seems like we keep separating out [all these different groups].”

Commissioner Tom Green said no other groups have come forward asking for their flag to be flown but that the transgender community represents “something unique” because it’s the most marginalized in the country right now. “This is way beyond bathrooms,” said Green, referring to the level of violence and discrimination faced by transgender individuals.

According to the Human Rights Council, there were at least 21 transgender individuals who were murdered in 2015 because of who they were. In 2016, it was 22.

Other groups, said Mayor Resnick, could also come forward and suggest the city fly their flag “if they feel marginalized.” WMG

• • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • 5 •

April 5, 2017

4.5.2017 •

71

Community

Submitted photo.

Taking Over ‘Site 92’ City wants control

By Michael d’Oliveira Broward County Parks and Recreation officials have cleared the exotic vegetation on the 1.43 acre site known as “Site 92.”

Now, parks officials are trying to figure out how to clear the site, located on Wilton Drive across from Richardson Park, from the county’s inventory of green space.

“It’s a really small park for us. We don’t normally operate spaces that small,” said Dan West, Broward County's Parks and Recreation director.

West said he and his staff are working with Patrick Caan, Wilton Manors Leisure Services director, and his staff to get the Broward and Wilton Manors commissions to agree to have the city take over the

park. “We’re kind of hoping we can work this out. Both commissions would need to agree that it’s closer to the city’s interest [for the city to own this park],” West said.

Caan has said city staff wants to obtain the park but does not yet know how exactly what kind of park it would be used for or how it would be developed. It’s currently open to the public.

Caan estimates that, if the city did take the land over, it would cost about $15,000 a year for general maintenance, such as emptying garbage cans and landscaping.

If the city added amenities, that would increase the cost.

Although it’s currently open to the

Community

public, West said that one of the problems with the park now is access. “The problem right now is parking. [There’s nowhere for people who drive to park].”

But resident Stephen Newman said he hopes parking spaces aren’t added.

“I’d prefer that it be a passive park site.

I think if they did a parking lot it would be cold and unfriendly and an ugly way to enter out city . . . I would also be against a dog park

as that would alienate a lot of our residents such as myself,” wrote Newman in an email.

He added that he’d like to see a garden-style park with benches and gazebos.

“After all, we are the Island City and there is no other park that I am aware of that exists on or near the Drive that would encourage residence to walk there and get to know neighbors while enjoying the lovely views of water at that location.” WMG

Business

Commercial Recycling to Remain Voluntary

Free Wilton Drive Shuttle Launches

Vice Mayor Flippen prefers the ‘carrot over the whip’

By Michael d'Oliveira

By Michael d’Oliveira In September of last year, Commissioner Tom Green expressed an interest in possibly making commercial recycling mandatory in the city.

But after a report by city staff, Green and other commissioners will keep commercial recycling voluntary, at least for now.

Vice Mayor Justin Flippen said he prefers the “carrot over the whip.”

David J. Archacki, Emergency Management/Utilities director, said a lot of the businesses don’t currently do recycling because of various reasons, including cost and space issues. Business owner Nick Berry said he takes recycled materials regularly from his businesses to the city’s 24-hour recycling center but doesn’t have the room for a bin. “If we had room for two bins we’d love to recycle.”

Out of 290 commercial properties in the city, 54 participate in recycling, said Archacki.

“I thought it was much better than this. I’m disappointed,” Green said.

“The Emergency Management/Utilities Department has begun to work with Waste Management on a comprehensive plan to encourage commercial recycling. In addition, staff will be working with Conceptual Communications [the city’s public relations firm] to highlight the volunteer recycling program in a public campaign to increase participation in voluntary commercial recycling. Results of those efforts will be reported to the Commission at a future meeting,” wrote Rita Sanz, administrative coordinator Emergency Management/Utilities Department in the report to commissioners.

The state allows municipalities to enact mandatory recycling programs for businesses but each business must be allowed to choose its own waste carrier. City officials can’t force businesses to hire a certain waste removal company. WMG

The city’s free Wilton Drive shuttle service launched on March 30, and runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The shuttle, which was implemented by officials to help alleviate some of the parking problems along Wilton Drive, will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays.

The shuttle will travel up and down Wilton Drive and has eight stops – City Hall/Hagen Park parking lot, the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, behind the 2309 N. Dixie Hwy. parking lot at 2216 NE 11 Ave., Northeast 9 Avenue and Wilton Drive, the Northeast 8 Terrace parking lot, Northeast 7 Avenue and Wilton Drive, Northeast 22 Street and

Wilton Drive, and Richardson Park.

“Join us [and ride the shuttle],” said Commissioner Tom Green. “Let’s use this shuttle and show people not only is it useful but it is necessary.”

The shuttle is on a 90-day trial period and is estimated to cost about $7,000. City staff said the service can be extended if needed for an additional $17 per hour. “We’re going to use the 90 days to gather info to find what works and what doesn’t. If we find that it is working we will recommend to the city commission to extend the program,” said Bob Mays, city finance director.

WMG

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 72

•

4 .5.2017

6 •

April 5, 2017

Off The Wall

Now Wilton Manors Needs An Airport

By Pier Angelo

Does Wilton Manors really need a train station? It looks as if the almighty city commission is preparing to submit a grant application of $205,000 to study and develop a plan on building a train station in the Island City.

The application will be presented to the South Florida Regional Transit Oriented Development Pilot Program.

Let me get this straight: the city, in its usual wisdom and foresight, can find the space to build a unnecessary train station but in more than seven years of “studies” it hasn’t been able to put together the much needed parking garage?

The parking garage that residents and visitors have been begging and clamoring for? Where are the priorities here?

How do these pipe dreams come up?

According to Grant Manager Todd DeJesus, (with a name like that he should be able to make miracles happen), a potential station area has been located on a portion of the Tri-Rail Coastal Link Corridor.

The program requires a match of up to 20 percent of the total grant requested.

The maximum award is $205,000 and the minimum match $41,000. The commission

has set aside $50,000 of the general fund toward the station project.

I guess the train station will go hand in hand with the other major plan the city commission has been floating: Building a Hotel over the retail space at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. Great: added noise, added traffic, added competition for the small guest houses around town. These small businesses will suffer and eventually close.

Perhaps this is the master plan to de-gay Wilton Manors. Gays began exiting South Beach several years ago after it started turning itself into Corporate America.

Same thing has happened to Key West: guesthouses advertise as “straight friendly,” bars and clubs have vanished; gays have sold their homes and moved north.

Will this happen to us?

Most likely YES. You can bank on it.

In the meantime I can’t wait for the city commission to come up with a plan to build a small airport in WM. With a train station, a hotel and an airport, economically, it would be a real boon to the city. The time is perfect for all three.

Pack your bags. Time to start looking north again. WMG

Perhaps this is the master plan to degay Wilton Manors.

• • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • 7 •

April 5, 2017

4.5.2017 •

73

Community

Health

Check out what’s happening

Around Town

Marijuana Doctor Office Opens First one in city

By Michael d’Oliveira

By Michael d’Oliveira

Shred Event (correction) In the last issue of The Gazette, it was incorrectly stated that the April 15 Shred Event, sponsored by Adrienne Foland and the City of Wilton Manors, was from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The correct time is 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event will be held at Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive. Proof of residency is required. For more information, call 954-205-6594. WMG

Photo credit: Green Health, Facebook.

Renovation of Fire Station 16

On March 28, commissioners approved a $169,989 contract with Republic Construction to perform interior renovations for the city’s fire station.

According to city staff, Republic was the lowest of six bids. The project will consist of remodeling the bathrooms to meet ADA requirements, renovating the kitchen, relocating the air conditioning units from the roof to the ground level, replacement of aging sewer lines, installment of an ADA ramp at the front entrance, replacement of ceiling tiles, installment of an impact front bay window, and patching and painting of interior walls.WMG

Island City Canoe Race

Sign-up is now open for the 26th Annual Island City Canoe Race. The event will be held on May 20 at 10 a.m. as part of the city’s 70th annual birthday celebration.

The 7-mile relay race will start at Colohatchee Park and end at Richardson Park.

The cost to enter is $150 per team before April 15 and $200 after April 15. There is a men’s, women’s, and co-ed division and each team must consist of 10 people.

The co-ed teams must have at least three male and three female members. For more information, call 954-390-2130 or visit wiltonmanors.com/parks. WMG

Piling work won’t close Colohatchee

A project to repair 110 boardwalk pilings at Colohatchee Park won’t interfere with the park’s operating hours, said officials. On March 28, commissioners approved a $66,000 contract with B&M Marine Construction. The work involves reinforcing each piling with a concrete post and will be performed on Tuesday’s and Wednesdays when the park is already closed. WMG

City extends risk assessment contract

On March 28, city commissioners voted to extend the contract of Burns & McDonnell Engineering to provide a security risk assessment. Originally hired in December of 2016, the original contract expired March 31 but city staff recommended that more time was needed. The goal of the assessment is to improve public safety by developing a master security plan for employees and city facilities and identifying funding sources for needed security upgrades and adjustments. WMG

Block Party

As part of Mayor Gary Resnick’s efforts to get residents to ditch their cell phones and participate in face to face social networking, the city’s Block Party event will be held on Thursday, April 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Coral Gardens Park, located at Coral Gardens Drive and Northeast 27 St. Attendees are asked to bring food. The city will provide games, activities, light refreshments, tables and chairs. WMG

Wilton Manors doesn’t have a marijuana dispensary yet, but the city does have its first marijuana doctor office.

Green Health – Marijuana Doctors, 1749 NE 26 St., opened March 1.

“We like the small town vibe and community of Wilton Manors. We felt this service would be a great addition to the community. We have gotten overwhelming support,” wrote Green Health representative Doug Waun in an email.

The company also has offices in Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, St. Petersburg, and Tallahassee.

According to Roberta Moore, Community Development Services director, it’s the only marijuana doctor office open in the city. Because only prescriptions are issued and no medication is given out on the premises, Green Health is classified as a professional medical office and is located near other medical offices,

including a chiropractor and a dentist.

Waun estimates the office’s one doctor has seen 150 patients as of March 30.

Another will be joining the staff on May 1. To prescribe medical marijuana, physicians have to complete an eighthour CME Medical Cannabis course provided by the Florida Medical Association.

“We see people from all walks of life. Patients battling cancer, patients with epilepsy and other seizure disorders, PTSD, chronic pain and a fair amount of terminal patients looking for end of life care and relief,” Waun wrote.

In August, the city commission voted to allow dispensaries to open in the city but placed restrictions on where they could be located. This was done in anticipation of the expanded use of medical marijuana throughout the state.

“These are coming and you need to zone them before you can’t control where they’re located,” said Mayor Gary Resnick in August. WMG

Waun estimates the office’s one doctor has seen 150 patients as of March 30.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 74

•

4 .5.2017

8 •

April 5, 2017

4.5.2017 •

75

PEACE PIPE Over 1,000 SQ FT. GLASSROOM!

LOWEST PRICES • LARGEST SELECTION GUARANTEED • YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR VAPOR NEEDS!

LARGEST SELECTION

HOOKAHS • SHISHA • ROLLING PAPERS • VAPORIZERS • ELECTRIC CIGARETTES • ELIQUIDS • ZIPPOS • TOBACCO ACCESSORIES

DIESEL • LEFT COAST • MEDICALI • ROOR • GRAV LABS • SILIKA • PULSE • TSUNAMI & MORE!

INCENSE + CANDLES + TAPESTRIES • ASHTRAYS • TORCH LIGHTERS • FLASKS • BODY JEWELRY • GAMES • ROLLING TOBACCO • POSTERS • STATUES • FIGURINES • T-SHIRTS • LOTS MORE!

OPEN MON - SAT: 10AM - 9PM • SUN: 12 - 6 PM EVERYTHING YOU NEED! MORE THAN YOU EXPECT! The Best Since 1996 15 Minutes From The Beach or I-95

954-267-9005

4800 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY, FORT LAUDERDALE JUST SOUTH OF COMMERCIAL BLVD

Two Locations!

FACEBOOK.COM/PEACEPIPEFL

PAID content

Pride Factory Celebrates

21st Anniversary Tucker Berardi

T

he Pride Factory — the go-to shop for swimwear, clothing, sunglasses, health products and much, much more — has just turned 21.

754-779-7007

821 N. FEDERAL HWY., FORT LAUDERDALE JUST SOUTH OF SEARS TOWN NEXT TO CUBBY HOLE @PEACEPIPEFORTLAUDERDALE

Store manager Rocky Bowell has been 21 percent off of random items throughout with the store for 18 years and says that the store during March and giving away the store has done so well because they random items all month. listen to what their customers want.

The Pride Center concluded their The store has gone from anniversary month with a selling adult videos in its celebration held in-store younger days to selling from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 2. books, and now the Pride According to Pride Factory Factory offers a wide range of President Lori Deak, the clothing, birthday cards and store will have sales going adult toys — Pride Factory on in April, so those who has something for everyone. missed the Anniversary In terms of clothing, the sales in March still have an Pride Factory has a lot of opportunity at savings. From brands loyal to the store. It is April 5 - 11, customers can the only place in Broward to save $5 on purchases of $50 find brands like Addicted and and save $15 on purchases of Pump. They also have items $100. from Jor, Modus Vivendi, On Saturday, April 15 the Ruff Riders and more. store will also host Andrew - Rocky Bowell “For a store this size to Christian for a book signing be around this long in this of “Sex = Power = Freedom” community is a feat in itself,” as well as a fashion show Bowell said. “And we aren’t even located from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fans of Christian’s on the Drive.” book also have a chance to be chosen to The store, located at 850 Northeast 13th receive a gold collector’s edition copy.

Street in Fort Lauderdale, has been leading “We thank our customers for supporting up to its anniversary celebration by taking us this long,” Bowell said.

“For a store this size to be around this long in this community is a feat in itself.”

76

•

4 .5.2017

lifestyle history

homo History 101 History was never as straight as we are told.

Recording our history means reporting the truth.

Pier Angelo

Gilbert Baker (June 2, 1951 – March

31, 2017) was a gay rights activist and the artist who designed the rainbow flag in 1978.

Baker's flag quickly became the symbol of the LGBT rights movement. The original flag had 8 colors, two colors were eventually combined and one color, pink, removed.

Baker served in the army from 1970 to 1972. He was stationed in San Francisco at the beginning of the gay rights movement. After his honorable discharge from the military, he taught himself to sew. He used his skill to create banners for gay-rights and anti-war protest marches. It was during this time that he met and became friends with Harvey Milk. Baker later refused to trademark his rainbow flag calling it his gift to the LGBT rights movement.

In 1979, Baker began work at Paramount Flag Company in San Francisco. Baker designed displays for Senator Dianne Feinstein, the Premier of China, the presidents of France, Venezuela and the Philippines, the King of Spain, and others. He also designed creations for numerous civic events and San Francisco Gay Pride. In 1984, he designed flags for the Democratic National Convention.

In 1994, Baker moved to New York City, where he lived for the rest of his life. Here, he continued his creative work and activism.

That year he created the world's largest flag (at that time) in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots.

In 2003, to commemorate the Rainbow Flag’s 25th anniversary, Baker created a Rainbow Flag that would be unfurled stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean in Key West. After the commemoration, he sent sections of this flag to more than 100 cities around the world. Due to his creation of the rainbow flag, Baker often used the drag queen name "Busty Ross.”

In 2008 Baker said in an interview that he knew immediately from the way people reacted to the flag that it was “going to be something. I didn’t know what or how – but I knew.”

Baker, 65, died on March 30, in New York City. He is survived by his life partner Alex Bruno.

Upon Baker's death, California state senator Scott Wiener said Baker "helped define the modern LGBT movement." When long time friend and activist Cleve Jones heard of Baker’s death he described the flag’s first appearance at the 1978 gay pride parade saying, “It was quite amazing to stand there and watch all these thousands of people march beneath those giant flags…people looked up and their faces lit up, and without any explanation this was now our flag.”

Due to his creation of the rainbow flag, Baker often used the drag queen name "Busty Ross.”

4.5.2017 •

77

LIFESTYLE photos

Lake worth pridefest

On Sunday, March 26, Lake Worth came to life with the annual pride festival sponsored by Compass GLCC. This year's Grand Marshal was Jazz Jennings, the trans teen made famous from her TLC show "I Am Jazz."

J.R. Davis

Jazz Jennings (left), the Grand Marshal of the parade, rides the coach of Pridefest sponsor Wells Fargo.

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

78

•

4 .5.2017

lifestyle tony's talks

TonyAdams

O

Photo credit: Tony Adams.

Aging With HIV “We Can’t Beat The Clock”

n March 29, every chair was taken at the World AIDS Museum & Educational Center, 1201 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL, for a presentation

by Dr. Patrick Kenney of Midland Medical, titled “HIV & AGING (Including info about PrEP).”

Most attendees were members of “Pozitive Attitudes,” an every Wednesday HIV plus support group led by Steve Stagon, the founder of the museum.

Dr. Kenney began by saying that no one likes to talk about aging and how it might relate to HIV. Everyone’s aging is dependent upon a number of variables some of which progress independently of the virus. He said, “HIV-plus people who age, deal with complications of three factors: the direct effects of the virus itself, the effects of medications that treat the virus and the natural effects of an individual’s personal genetic composition. Many older folks develop early-onset diabetes or osteoporosis (brittle or weakened bones.) HIV does not cause these diseases, but it can enhance them negatively.”

Dr. Kenney noted that the current batch of available medications is “pretty awesome” with fewer side effects and easier regimens, but the difficulty of aging with HIV has not improved. One significant factor is that as HIV-plus persons age, they may add additional medications to treat other ailments that come with age.

These additional meds sometimes clash

with HIV meds, causing problems for the user. He added, “As we age, our immune system is naturally less robust. The body of someone who is 50-plus years old when acquiring a new infection is going to have a difficult time dealing with the onslaught of the infection. The small consolation of dealing with that age group is that they adhere to protocols of medication much better than do their younger counterparts.

It is also encouraging to be able to report that today the life expectancy for an HIVplus person is equal to that of an HIV negative person. All the same, we can’t beat the clock, no matter how hard we try.”

Dr. Kenney reports that he is seeing more diabetes, cardiovascular disease and non-HIV malignancies in his older patients. They also frequently battle a host of ailments that come under the heading “inflammation.” He noted that a person’s gut has its own immune system necessitating its own treatment. He also noted that HIV can “cross over” into the brain, effecting cognitive functions, with an increase in neurocognitive disorders, some of which would occur with age and without the presence of HIV. One attendee asked how an HIV-plus person would know if his cognitive changes were related to HIV or not.

He said, “For example, I spent a week trying to recall the names of the brothers who formed the BeeGees. Should I seek treatment from my HIV doctor?”

In response, Dr. Kenney distinguished

between cognition and recall.

He said, “Cognitive problems are identified as instances when you might suddenly become incapable of performing routine repetitive things like driving home from work without getting lost, or placing leftovers in the refrigerator rather than the washing machine. Recall-difficulties happen to most people as they age.”

Dr. Kenney gave the group two pieces of significant advice. First, he stressed the importance of routine screening for cancer, vitamin levels and hormone levels.

He said, “We are not sure why, but HIV-plus people have greater instances of osteoporosis than their counterparts.

We also see a lot of lung disease, not just from smoking, but from drug use and simple genetics. We use the umbrella term ‘frailty’ to describe a host of symptoms that can be observed as someone ages with HIV. For this reason, we try to get our patients to quit smoking, decrease alcohol and increase exercise.”

Second, he advised anyone living with HIV with a doctor not specializing in infectious diseases to be very specific in describing their conditions in any consultation and to demand that such a doctor become familiar with the current treatments and protocols.

He said, “We are trying to better educate doctors who are not specialists in HIV so that they can learn to ask the right questions of their aging patients. Currently there are no guidelines about timing and

treatments that fuse gerontology with HIV treatment. This is an area where doctors must practice the art of medicine.” He elicited laughter when he added, “As you age, your T-cell levels may be great, but your immune system is still considered a little dysfunctional. But, aren’t we all?”

About PrEP (taking Truvada as “preexposure prophylaxis” to lower the chances of acquiring HIV) Dr. Kenney talked about how Truvada has been improved over the years to decrease its chances of causing bone weakening or kidney disease. The drug is still not perfect. He described the case of a bodybuilder who shattered his arm upon falling. He came from a family with a history of osteoporosis that should not have caused the onset of brittle bone disease at his age. His musculature was excellent, but his bones were weak. He had been on PrEP for two years. Therefore, the screening and vigilance needed by someone on PrEP is the same as that needed by someone who is HIV-plus.

Dr. Kenney concluded by saying, “HIV is become easier to treat, despite your age. Find a good provider and get regular screenings. There are some very promising new forms of injectable meds that will replace daily pills with a single monthly shot. The whole goal of HIV therapy is to make the virus more tolerable. I feel that with so many advances in gene therapy, we will see a functional cure for HIV within our lifetime, maybe in five years. We will probably see a vaccine even sooner.”

4.5.2017 •

79

lifestyle food

Submitted photos.

#

s #FamilyFood #Surve e t i r o v ySay fanfa s

RickKarlin

'Family' Food

D

id you know that Wilton Manors has more restaurants per capita than most major cities? The adult population of Wilton Manors is about 10,000 people and there are 24 restaurants on Wilton Drive alone! That’s not even taking into account the four ice cream shops and the candy stor-gasm that is To The Moon!

For my birthday, I have sometimes gathered a group of friends and gone to a different restaurant for each course of the meal and ordered my favorite dish at each location. Before I reveal which are my favorites, I thought it only fair to get input from my readers. Where would you go for a progressive dinner along Wilton Drive? You can keep your choices to a simple three-course meal (appetizer, entrée and dessert) or get all fancy with a four, five or six-course, meal.

Please send me a list of your favorite dining spots along with your favorite dish at each location. The only restrictions I’m going to put on this are that each dish must be a regular menu item and you can only have one course at any restaurant. Please send your list to SFGNfeatures@gmail.com with “Survey Says” in the subject line.

The restaurants below are all eligible. I’ve listed them from the south end of the Drive to the north end and have included the web site for those places that have one: Tropics 2000 Wilton Dr. 954-537-6000 tropicswm.com

Ethos Greek Bistro 2055 Wilton Dr. 754-999-0034 ethosbistro.com

Siam Cuisine 2010 Wilton Dr. 954-564-3411 siamcuisinefl.com

Pink Sub 2041 Wilton Dr. 954-320-0748

What The Pho 2033 Wilton Dr. 754-779-7769 whatdapho.net Bubbles & Pearls 2037 Wilton Dr. 954-533-9553 bubblesnpearls.com Mind Your Manors 2045 Wilton Dr. 754-223-2172

80

•

4 .5.2017

Sushi Rock 2199 Wilton Dr. 954-533-5162 EAT 2150 Wilton Dr. 954-626-0722 Matty’s 2426 Wilton Dr. 954-564-1799 Naked Grape Wine & Tapas 2163 Wilton Dr. 954-563-5631 nakedgrapewinebar.com

Survey Says….

New York Grilled Cheese 2207 Wilton Dr. 954-564-6887 newyorkgrilledcheese.com Shawn & Nick’s Courtyard Café 2211 Wilton Dr. 954-563-2499 wiltonmanorscourtyardcafe.com Java Boys 2230 Wilton Dr. 954-564-8828 Gaysha 2223 Wilton Dr. 954-530-0153 gayshasushi.com Tee-Jay Thai Sushi 2254 Wilton Dr. 954-537-7774 teejaythaisushi.com Alibi-Monkey Bar 2266 Wilton Dr. 954-565-252 alibiwiltonmanors.com Village Pub 2283 Wilton Dr. 754-200-5244 villagepubwm.com Wilton Creamery 2301 Wilton Dr. 954-565-1183 wiltoncreamery.com Sozo Sushi Bar 2362 Wilton Dr. 954-630-1916

Galanga 2389 Wilton Dr. 954-202-0000 galangarestaurant.com Dolce Salato Pizza & Gelato 2406 Wilton Dr. 954-463-7677 dolce-salato.net Rosie’s Bar & Grill 2449 Wilton Dr. 954-563-0123 rosiesbarandgrill.com Rumors/Palate Party 2426 Wilton Dr. 954-495-8385 palateparty.com Bona 2468 Wilton Dr. 954-565-7222 bonaitalianrestaurant.com And, although not technically on Wilton Dr., I am including Le Patio 2401 NE 11th Ave. 954-530-4641 lepatiowiltonmanors.com Gym Sportsbar 2287 Wilton Dr. 954-368-5318 gymsportsbar.com I hope to hear from many of you.

To see more food articles, visit SFGN.com/food

4.5.2017 •

81

F O R

T H E

SFGNITES W E E K

O F

a p r i l

6

-

A p r i l

1 1 ,

2 0 1 7

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

J.W. Arnold

jw@prdconline.com

THU

4/6

Television Tonight at 9 p.m., Logo presents the television premiere of “Strike a Pose,” the documentary celebrating the 25th anniversary of Madonna’s infamous “Blonde Ambition” tour. The tour was the subject of a documentary, “Truth or Dare,” and this new film takes a look— decades later—at the lives of the singer’s memorable backup dancers who had the courage to “express themselves.” Check local listings for channels and show times.

FRI

Ballet Boys

4/7

opera Palm Beach Opera closes its season at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach this weekend with Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operetta, “The Pirates of Penzance.” Mayhem ensues when a rollicking band of pirates plots to keep a young man from leaving their service. The uproarious comedy features a brilliant score filled with memorable melodies. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $20 at Kravis.org.

Friday

4/7

Dance

The internationally acclaimed, all-male dance company BalletBoyz is featured in the compelling narrative dance film, “Young Men,” airing tonight at 9 p.m. on “Great Performances” on PBS. “Young Men” tells the story of young soldiers during World War I who experience the indiscriminate brutality of warfare. The broadcast marks the centennial of the armistice of the World War I. Check local listings for channels and show times.

Photo Credit: BBC Two.

SAT

4/8 SUN

4/9 MON

4/10 TUE

4/11

dance

theater

television

concert

Miami City Ballet concludes its 2017 season this weekend at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale with “Who Cares?,” George Balanchine’s bubbly 1970 ballet danced to the popular songs of George Gershwin. The program also includes Balanchine’s classic, “Divertimento No. 15,” set to music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Paul Taylor’s beloved “Arden Court,” with a musical score by William Boyce. Tickets at MiamiCityBallet.org.

Island City Stage, 2304 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors, presents the world premiere this weekend of James Beller’s play, “Son.” On the morning of their wedding, the teenage son of a lesbian couple is confronted with a shocking accusation. “Son” is a riveting new drama that explores the devastating impact of the past on the present as a relationship is tested and secrets revealed. Tickets are $35 at IslandCityStage.org.

Have you checked out Hulu? In addition to reruns of current network shows, the subscription service also offers original programming. Check out “Difficult People,” a sort of contemporary “Will & Grace” with a sarcastic twist; “Casual,” a compelling family portrait about the complications of sex, love and dating; and “Harlots,” a historical drama about the denizens of a Georgian brothel.

For more information or to subscribe, go to Hulu.com.

There’s a Motown revival going on tonight at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. The Four Tops and the Temptations, including founding members Duke Fakir and Otis Williams, will be performing their greatest hits from the 1960s. You’ll be humming along as they take the stage to sing with “Baby, I Need Your Loving,” “Reach Out, I’ll Be There,” “The Way You Do the Things You Do” and “My Girl.” Tickets start at $29 at Kravis.org.

82

•

4 .5.2017

4.5.2017 •

83

A&E art

Submitted photos.

Art Gallery 21 Exhibits Local and Historical Photographs Celebrating Work Michael d’Oliveira

W

hen Louise Meredith took photos of people working, she found what isn’t always expected – happiness. “You just see people so proud,” she said.

Meredith was taking the photos for the “Diversity, Equity, and a Paycheck” exhibit at Art Gallery 21 in Wilton Manors. It consists of 26 photographs of individuals in Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale, and Oakland Park performing various jobs. “There’s no two alike,” said Constance Ruppender, co-founder of Art Gallery 21.

Some of Meredith’s subjects gave a smile, some didn’t know they were being photographed, and some put on a little show. One construction worker lit a cigarette before he let Meredith take his picture.

“Each one was a performance to me,” she said. “It was a real learning experience. People were so nice once I told them what I was doing.”

In addition to the photographs, Meredith used her description of each photo, located on the wall next to the photos, as a way to highlight the pay gap issue between men and women. “I went at it from all angles.”

Meredith and the exhibit’s other photographers took photos of all kinds of jobs – bricklayer, artist, police officer, exterminator, candy store clerk, barista, bartender, waitress, butcher, painter, construction worker, art gallery owner, cake decorator, realtor, the Wilton Manors Finance Department, and more.

“This is to generate interest in the

Smithsonian [“The Way We Worked”] exhibit,” said Ruppender. “The Way We Worked” is a traveling Smithsonian exhibit that showcases historic photographs of Americans in all types of professions. Wilton Manors is the only South Florida stop scheduled on the tour. “We tried to do something that would connect with the Smithsonian exhibit, but on a local level. We didn’t want blank walls,” Ruppender said.

“American jobs are as diverse as the American workforce. The opportunity provided by work is central to the American dream and has attracted people to better lives in America. With strength, ingenuity, creativity, thoughtfulness, and heroics, American workers keep our economy and our society up and running,” reads a statement about “The Way We Worked” on the website of Museum On Main Street, which helped Art Gallery 21 become a stop on the tour.

On March 18, the opening night of “Diversity, Equity, and a Paycheck,” Art Gallery 21 also hosted “Story Slam” which gave attendees a chance to tell their stories in front of the other attendees.

“Diversity, Equity, and a Paycheck” will be at Art Gallery 21 from now until May 26. The Smithsonian exhibit will be on display March 24 to May 6. The gallery’s operating hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Admission is free. “The Way We Worked” is sponsored by The Florida Humanities Council and The Smithsonian Institution and is based on photographs from The National Archives.

Visit artgallery21.org/the-way-we-worked for more information.

84

•

4 .5.2017

4.5.2017 •

85

A&E theater

Kerry Ipema stars in “One Woman Sex and the City,” coming to the Broward Center, April 14 – 15. Photo Credit: Greg Gallagher.

Parody Offers Crash Course in ‘Sex and the City’ J.W. Arnold

H

ave you ever dated one of those guys who could quote entire episodes of “The Golden Girls” or “Absolutely Fabulous” verbatim? It can be humorous and endearing or sometimes annoying and agonizing. If your guy is a fan of “Sex and the City,” there’s a way to quickly get up to speed on the hit series.

“One Woman Sex and the City” is coming to the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale. In just 90 minutes, the uninitiated can catch up on seven seasons of romantic exploits and sexual escapades from Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha.

The show is the creation of Canadian playwright and director T. J. Dawe. The 44-year-old, creator of “The One Man Star Wars Trilogy,” “The One Man Lord of the Rings,” and a number of other solo plays, found himself in such a situation several years ago when a girlfriend introduced him the four fancy free ladies at the center of the HBO series.

“At the time, I was very anti-TV and had never seen it,” recalled Dawe. “I quickly recognized the brilliance of the writing, the modern fairy tale.”

He teamed up with New York-based actress Kerry Ipema and “One Woman Sex and the City” was born.

“I started watching it again, culling through my memories for the pivotal scenes, characters and moments that I remembered,” Dawe said. “It took me a little over a year, it was a big challenge.”

For his “Star Wars” parody, Dawe only had to condense six hours and the “Lord of the

Rings” trilogy ran about 10 hours.

“I had to squeeze 48 hours into 90 minutes,” he added, “and it was a challenge.”

Word count became a valuable tool as he sought to condense the scenarios and relationships. Ipema threw in her input and a joke writer was consulted to ensure the experience offered some fresh material for those fans who knew the episodes inside and out. He likened the group process to working on the writing staff of a weekly television sitcom.

The success of “One Woman Sex and the City” also relies on Ipema’s acting and improvisational skills.

“When we’re creating a show, each of us has our own ideas, talents and energies and a one-person show is best when it’s tailor made to what that (actor) brings to the table,” Dawe explained.

The show premiered at a theater festival in Winnipeg last July and has since been performed in “a lot of red states,” as Dawe put it, including venues in Louisville, Ky., Fargo, N.D. and Omaha, Neb. Dawe hasn’t had many predominantly gay audiences yet, but that may change when the show pulls into Fort Lauderdale, with its exceptionally large LGBTQ community.

“Up to now, our audience seems to be mostly groups of heterosexual women, like the four main characters in the show,” said Dawe. “There may be some gay men, but very few straight men. If straight men had brains, they’d come to this show to find out what they want from the abundance of single women.”

“One Woman Sex and the City” plays at the Broward Center’s Abdo New River Room in Fort Lauderdale, April 14 – 15. Tickets start at $35 at BrowardCenter.org.

86

•

4 .5.2017

A&E theater Arlette Del Toro and Elizabeth Price star as a lesbian couple in Island City Stage’s world premiere production of “Son,” opening this weekend.

Photo Credit: Martin Childers.

Playwright Reflects on Creative Process, Premiere at Island City Stage J.W. Arnold

P

laywright James L. Beller is tightlipped about his world premiere drama, “Son,” opening this weekend at Island City Stage in Wilton Manors.

A former government regulatory attorney who quit his day job a decade ago, Beller would only confirm the synopsis posted on the LGBTQ-centric theater company’s website: “On the morning of their wedding, the teenage son of a lesbian couple is confronted with a shocking accusation.

‘Son’ is a riveting new drama that explores the devastating impact of the past on the present as a relationship is tested and secrets revealed.”

The Washington, D.C. resident was willing to give up a few hints, however. It’s not a political play or courtroom drama.

Beller’s breakout hit was “Ethan Now,” which won top honors at the 2008 Capital Fringe Festival. After a few minutes, the writer did share some thoughts about his writing process and the new play.

“I haven’t written other plays about two women or lesbian moms. Most of my other plays emphasize gay men,” he explained.

“It’s about family, an unusual family, not a typical family. There are plenty of two-mom families around. It’s family drama and they have to deal with a crisis that puts them to the test and really brings to the forefront what their relationships are and how they will survive.”

Beller did do his research, consulting with a number of lesbian friends who were

raising children, but, he also relied on his imagination. A former actor, he wrote the play using a similar process to an actor tackling a new role.

“I write every character as if I’m that character. Even if I’m writing a play about five gay men, I can only be close to one of them. I have to imagine what it’s like to be that character,” he said.

Beller is excited to have his new work premiered by Island City Stage and directed

by Carbonell-winner and Tony-nominee Michael Leeds.

The production was a lucky circumstance.

Knowing the company has a strong history of producing new works, one of Beller’s friends forwarded the play to Leeds and artistic director Andy Rogow last year.

“They were a little leery when my friend came to them with this play, but they were open enough to read it,” he said. “I won’t try to put words in their mouths, but after they read it, they asked him where he had found this play. I was equally as happy. It’s very, very hard for playwrights to get produced.”

Beller traveled to South Florida for the initial readings and made some rewrites on the recommendations of Leeds and Rogow.

He returned this week to sit in on the final week of rehearsals before the world premiere.

“Working on this has been one of the best experiences of my life. They are fantastic,” he said of the company, director and actors.

“The play has been evolving in what I think a really great way.”

James L. Beller’s “Son” will be performed April 6 – May 7 by Island City Stage, 2304 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Tickets are $35 at IslandCityStage.org.

4.5.2017 •

87

A&E television

Submitted photos.

Truth or Dare Dancers Expose Blond Ambition's Dark Roots Tony Phillips

"T

with this larger-than-life world of Madonna ruth or Dare when you’re 20 is about on tour, but also with these seven fierce guys. showing your penis,” Reijer Zwaan I was not that aware of the sexuality being says, “but when you’re 45, it’s about expressed at 11, but something intrigued me.” showing your truth, whether that’s a nice “I walked into this gig not knowing what truth or a more difficult one.”

I was up for,” Oliver Crumes remembers on The Dutch director of the new documentary a phone call from Las Vegas, where he now “Strike A Pose” is talking about the childhood calls home. “I come from the Ninth Ward party game that throws players on the horns of New Orleans. I grew up in the projects. of honesty or performance. But his latest is “Many will remember him as Ollie, the much more concerned with the definition troupe’s bleached-blond, youngest of “Truth or Dare” we’ve come member, and also its lone to know from the 1991 film heterosexual.

Madonna wherein Madonna plucks “When you playfully elbows him in seven young dancers look at our David Fincher’s “Vogue” out of obscurity for her video. “If someone was ground-breaking Blond film, it’s all about gay,” the colorfully Ambition world tour. life: falling down dressed Crumes And while that film’s announced in the 1991 mantra was “express and getting back up film, “I’d probably yourself,” the entire on your feet.” punch him out.” troupe held onto Cut to 25-years dark secrets that only later in Zwaan’s film a quarter of a century - Reijer Zwaan and baby-faced dancer later they are ready to lay Director of Luis Camacho lovingly bare.

"Strike a pose" exclaims, “How can you be “I saw ‘Truth or Dare’ when homophobic? You look like a I was only 11-years-old,” Zwaan parrot!” But if Crumes journey was remembers. “I went to the cinema one of overcoming homophobia to accept his with my step-mom, sister and father thinking troupe as a band of brothers, Camacho’s arc why should I see a film about Madonna? Two is about a dark descent into heroin. After the hours later, I thought, can I please see this tour, hanging out on a Saturday afternoon again right now? It made such an impact

88

•

4 .5.2017

with Madonna in her Los Feliz home, Camacho quickly realized she wasn’t the kind of friend to stick around for something as thorny as addiction.

A portrait of Madonna emerges as someone who doesn’t have time for fallibility, let alone living with HIV. On stage, she and her backup singers play slags teasing the dancers about rubbers until Madonna utters that immortal line, “Hey you, don’t be silly, put a condom on your willy.” HIV prevention PSA embedded in a pop tour: game-changing, but one of those boys, Gabriel Trupin, would be dead of AIDS five years later, blindsiding other company members. Indeed, a near majority had both adrenaline and HIV coursing through their veins sharing the stage with their staunch, HIV-preventionist capo.

Carlton Wilborn, the dancer of whom Madonna announces, “It’s blue!” after he whips it out in bed with her, remembers a different kind of blue in “Strike A Pose.”

Learning he’s HIV-positive while on the tour, company doctors tell him they need to inform his boss. “There is no fucking way you will tell,” the only troupe member to “Hunger Games” his way into the singer’s next tour— 1993’s The Girlie Show—remembers shouting back. Crumes recalls a similar medical emergency when he collapsed from asthma, but kept the entire incident from Madonna.

Salim Gauwloos—immortalized as Slam— explains even a backstage movie has its own

backstage that no one was ready to enter, but that’s not exactly an environment that lends itself to a post-show HIV sharing circle.

Contrast that with Keith Haring, the pop artist dead at 31 two months before Blond Ambition launched. Madonna describes her friend as “a man who had the courage to tell the truth, and the truth is he had AIDS.” It’s an austere dichotomy: rubbered-up, HIV-negative sex machine or infected Ibsenian ghost, but whatever else he was, Haring was not on Madonna’s payroll, worth about 25 million when he cashed out.

“You don’t want to get hurt,” Zwaan agrees about the working dancer, “you don’t want to get the flu, you don’t want to have anything because it’s a business being run, a concert tour like that, and, on the personal level, they didn’t have anyone replacing them. It was just the seven of them. Now, there’s 30 dancers on stage and stand-ins waiting in the wings, but back then it was just seven and Madonna.

Strike the heroin, HIV stigma, even the dancers’ infamous 1992 lawsuit: would Madonna still be around for afternoon hangs in Los Feliz? “Wow,” Zwaan replies, “that’s a big what if? But when you look at our film, it’s all about life: falling down and getting back up on your feet. And that goes for all of us. When you’re the age they were on tour, you feel you could rule the world. Then comes life and you have to deal with whatever comes your way.”

A&E film

Photo: Estate of Bayard Rustin Courtesy Estate of Bayard Rustin.

Bayard and Me A loving spouse recalls the gay civil rights leader David-ElijahNahmod

I

n Matt Wolf’s short, sweet film “Bayard and Me,” Walter Naegle, a gay man in New York, recalls his relationship with Bayard Rustin (1912-1987). Rustin was the openly gay civil rights leader who worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King in organizing the March on Washington in 1963. Because of his homosexuality, Rustin has often been left out of history.

Wolf, a younger gay man who grew up in San Jose California, is a long time admirer of Rustin. The filmmaker, who currently lives in New York, points his camera at Naegle and lets the now 68-year-old share his memories. Parts of “Bayard and Me” were shot in the New York apartment where Rustin and Naegle made a life together. That apartment remains Naegle’s home three decades after Rustin’s passing.

“Bayard and Me” is only 16 minutes long.

Wolf manages to include an impressive amount of information in the film’s scant running time.

As Naegle walks through New York’s once seedy Times Square, he recalls his first meeting with Rustin in front of a newspaper stand in 1977.

Both men were waiting for a red light. They looked into each other’s eyes and instantly connected, remaining together for the rest of Rustin’s life.

At the time Rustin was 65. Naegle was 27-he speaks honestly and matter-of-factly about their age differences. Both men knew that their time together would be limited. Naegle also

recalls a mom that many gay men of the period might have wished they had. Though concerned for the many taboos her son was breaking (a gay, interracial, inter-generational relationship) at a time when LGBT equality laws were still a dream and when intolerance was still the norm, Mrs. Naegle accepted their relationship and embraced Rustin.

As he sits in the home they once shared, a home still filled with the many beautiful objects d’art which Rustin collected and loved, Naegle reminds us what life was like in those premarriage equality days. Rustin wanted to be sure that Naegle could remain in their home after his passing. To give Naegle legal status, Rustin adopted Naegle as his son, a common practice among same-sex couples during generations past. Mrs. Naegle, bless her heart, signed the necessary paperwork giving up her own parental connection to her son so the adoption could move forward.

The best films leave you wanting more. When “Bayard and Me” fades out, most viewers will be thirsty for more. In 2013 Naegle accepted the Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in honor of Rustin’s civil rights work. It was a long overdue honor, yet it is not mentioned in “Bayard and Me.” Hopefully Wolf and Naegle can collaborate on a longer version of this lovely work, so that more insight into the couple’s life and Rustin’s work can be offered.

"Bayard and Me" will screen at the Florida film Festival on Sunday April 23 and Friday April 28.

Details here: http://www.floridafilmfestival.com/program/films/6-x-real-documentary-shorts-2 For more information about seeing the film, please visit Super Deluxe Films: https://www. superdeluxe.com/ or the filmmaker's website: http://www.mattwolf.info/ 4.5.2017 •

89

Apr 5 - apr 11

Datebook

Theater Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com

Top

Picks

The Pirates of Penzance

April 7 to 9 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Frederic completes his apprenticeship on his 21st birthday, releasing him from a band of pirates. Now free, he falls in love with Mabel — until he realizes he was born on Leap Day and is technically not 21 yet. Tickets $20 and up.

Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

Dry Powder

Through April 23 at GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Ave. in Coral Gables. A comedy of the people behind the changing economy. Tickets $45 to $60. Call 305445-1119 or visit GableStage.org.

Son

Through May 7 at Island City Stage, 2304 N Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. On the morning of his mothers’ wedding, the son of a lesbian couple discovers an accusation that tests their relationship.

Tickets $35. Call 954-519-2533 or visit IslandCityStage.org.

broward county * #SorryNotSorry

April 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the NSU Art Museum, One E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

Conceptual artist Allison Bolah presents an interactive performance piece on the human narrative. Free with museum admission. Call 954-525-5500 or visit NSUArtMuseum.org.

The Bitch is Back: Joe Posa as Joan Rivers

Through April 9 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Posa teams up with comedy writer, Tony Tripoli, in a tribute to the late, great Joan Rivers. Tickets $35. Call 954-678-1496 or visit EmpireStage. com.

Sex Tips for Straight Women From a Gay Man

Through April 9 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A local university has invited author Dan Anderson for a sex tip seminar. Tickets $45. Call 954462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

90

•

4 .5.2017

* Panic! At the Disco

April 15 at 7 p.m. at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. The band comes to South Florida in support of its Death of a Bachelor Tour. Tickets $35.25 and up. Call or visit TheBBTCenter.com.

Friday Night Sound Waves Music Series

Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music spanning genres and tributes every Friday evening through November. Free. Visit FridayNightSoundWaves.com

palm beach county * They’re Playing Our Song

April 13 to 30 at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. in Lake Worth. A composer teams up with an aspiring lyricist and as their work together grows, so does the relationship. Tickets $38. Call 561-586-6410 or visit LakeWorthPlayhouse.org.

Arcadia

Through April 30 at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. Traveling through the 19th and 20th centuries, a mystery occurs at Sidley Park on the property of the Coverly family.

Tickets $66. Call 561-514-4042 or visit PalmBeachDramaworks.org.

All the Way

Through April 9 at the Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. It’s 1964 and America is at the cusp of a major change — unrest in Vietnam, the Civil Rights bill is struggling to be passed, and President Lyndon B. Johnson is at the center of it all. Tickets $40 . Call 305-444-9293 or visit ActorsPlayhouse.org.

The Caretaker

Through April 16 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. A man invites a homeless man to his flat after a bar fight, and learns there is much more to this stranger than he thought. Tickets $50. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

Outdoor Music Series

Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Free with museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or visit PAMM.org.

The Big Show

Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami.

A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com.

* Denotes New Listing

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 561-2437922 or visit DelrayArts.org

miami-dade county * Sankofa Jazz Festival

April 8 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, 6161 NE 22nd Ave. in Miami. A celebration of jazz with the Nicholas Payton Trio with Amina Scott and Joe Dyson.

Free. Call 305-638-6771 or visit AHCACMiami. org.

The Pink Elephant

Through April 9 at the Miami Theater Center, 9806 NE Second Ave. in Miami Shores. Follow the pink elephant’s journey, teaching the audience a lesson about diversity. Tickets $25.

Call 305-751-9550 or visit MTCMiami.org.

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

PORN pulse

Jailed Porn Actor Released To Mother Hunter Houston

A

Florida Circuit Court let a young porn actor out of jail last Friday.

Brandon Chrisan, aka Kyle Dean, was released by authorities in Manatee County and into the custody of his mother. The 12th Circuit Court ordered Chrisan to continue participation in a drug intervention program.

Court documents show Chrisan was arrested Feb. 21, 2017 on contempt of court and violation of probation charges. Chrisan, 19, is on probation for multiple drug and burglary convictions.

Str8Upgayporn.com reports Kyle Dean’s most recent adult film work was with Corbin Fisher studios. The 5-foot-7, 160-pound, blonde hair, hazel-eyed Dean plays a top in the Corbin Fisher scene.

Some online commentators have described Dean as a “gay-for-pay” performer, noting

his frequent pleas for financial assistance for everything from Uber rides to Amazon wishlist gifts.

His rap sheet in Florida includes possession of Xanax and marijuana and burglarizing cars.

Please email tips (or more, if you desire) to PornPulseSFGN@gmail.com

4.5.2017 •

91

Datebook

Community Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com

Top Picks Miami Beach Gay Pride

April 7 to 9 throughout Miami Beach.

A celebration of pride with a beach party, festival, and parade. See the full schedule at MiamiBeachGayPride.com.

Chinese Lantern Festival: The Wild

Wednesdays through Sundays from 5:30 to 10 p.m. through April 9 at Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 20405 Amphitheater Circle in Boca Raton. Be mesmerized by more than 800 lanterns in the shape of animals from around the world. Tickets $22 for adults, $25 at the door. Visit ChineseLanternFestival. com.

Trans Men’s Night of Empowerment

April 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Dynamic Recovery Center, 2424 W. Oakland Park Blvd. in Oakland Park. A celebration of transgender men with keynote speaker Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, as well as presentations by Dr. Lanalee Sam, Dr. Morgan Mayfaire, and Jen Laws. Visit TransSocial.org.

* Denotes New Listing

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 954384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org.

broward county * No Fooling it’s Bingo

April 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors.

More than $1,300 was won at the March Bingo game, who will win next? Game packages $15 and up. Call 954-463-9005 visit PrideCenterFlorida.org.

* Medicare or Mediscare?

April 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors.

Learn the ins and outs of Medicare to make an informed decision about the program.

Free. Call 954-463-9005, ext. 113, email maturingtogether@pridecenterflorida.org, or visit PrideCenterFlorida.org.

Inaugural Pride Center Run/ Walk and Free Breakfast

April 8 at 7:30 a.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. The

92

•

4 .5.2017

Front Runners & Walkers celebrates moving its weekly runs to the Pride Center with breakfast and a run/walk. Free. Call 954-2478642 or visit FrontRunnersFortLauderdale. org.

SAGE Book Club: “A Book of Revelations”

April 8 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Stonewall National Library & Archives, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. A discussion of A.C. Burch’s collection of eight short stories.

Free. Visit Stonewall-Museum.org.

Home: Documenting Our Home Life

Through May 7 at the Stonewall National Museum — Wilton Manors, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. An exhibition examining safe spaces and what we call home. Free. Visit Stonewall-Museum.org.

April 5 - april 11 palm beach county * Street Photography: Candid Portraiture

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 561-243-7922 or visit OldSchoolSquare. org.

Women Time

Musicians

Through

Through April 28 at FAU’s Wimberley Library. 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton.

The exhibit explores the history of women in music with photos and sound archives spanning genres. Free. Call 561-297-0080 or visit FAU.edu.

Sue Latta Sculptures

Through April 30 at The Box Gallery, 811 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. The mixed media artist artist and her wife were co-litigators in one of the court cases fighting for marriage equality. Donations

benefit youth programs at Compass GLCC. Visit TheBoxGallery.info.

Transcendence

Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A closed transgender youth support group for teens ages 12 to 19. For more information, email youth@compassglcc.com.

miami-dade county * Pride (Poets) Light The Night

April 6 to 9 from 8 p.m. to midnight at The Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. As a tribute to Pride and the lives lost at the Pulse nightclub shooting, poetry readings by Cuban-American poets Richard Blanco and Carlos Pintado.

A dozen other poets will be highlighted at the hotel’sm Art Deco wing. Free. Visit TheBetsyHotel.com.

Arsht Center Farmers Market

Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Purchase fresh food from local farmers, including

fruits, vegetables, meats, prepared foods, as well as chefs, live music, and cooking demonstrations. Free. Visit ArshtCenter. org/en/Visit/Dining.

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 786-5297137.

Yoga in the Garden

Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach. Hit the mat for an indoor yoga practice overlooking the garden.

Tickets $10 Wednesdays, $15 Saturdays.

Call 305-673-7256 or visit MBGarden.org.

key west Aqua Idol

Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Aqua Key West, 711 Duval St. in Key West. Support your local artists and vote for your favorite!

Benefits Waterfront Playhouse. Call 305294-0555 or visit AquaKeyWest.com.

Hot Naked Hump Days

Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Island House, 1129 Fleming St. in Key West. Relax in the middle of the week with two-forone drinks, free shots, videos and music, giveaways, and naked boys at the pool. Call 305-294-6284 or visit IslandHouseKeyWest. com

Women’s Flag Football

Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Bernstein Park, 6751 Fifth St. on Stock Island. Practice and games once a week. Free. Call 305-8968678 or email IWFFA@IWFFA.com.

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.

Hot Naked Sundays

Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. at Island House, 1129 Fleming St. in Key West. A pretea pool party. Call 305-294-6284 or visit IslandHouseKeyWest.com.

4.5.2017 •

93

Business Directory attorney Law office of george castrataro 707 NE 3rd Ave #300, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954.573.1444 Lawgc.com Law office of Robin bodiford 2550 N Federal Hwy #20, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954.630.2707 Lawrobin.com

attorney Selzer law 1515 NE 25th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.567.4444 SelzerLaw.com law office of Shawn Newman 710 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.563.9160 Shawnnewman.com

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

attorney

dental

law office of Gregory Kabel 1 East Broward Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, 33301 954.761.7770 gwkesq@bellsouth.net

a&e

Andrews Dental Care 2654 N Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311 954.567.3311 Andrewsdentalcare.com

Ft Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus PO Box 9772, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33310-9772 954-832-0060 www.theftlgmc.org Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida PO Box 39617, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33339 954-763-2266 Gaymenschorusofsouthflorida.org

call us to reserve space!

Oakland Park Dental 3047 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954.566.9812 Oaklandparkdental.com

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

sfgn.com

fitness

leitner training www.LeitnerTraining.com

In Home Therapeutic Exercise and Personal Training COMFORTABLY and PRIVATELY AT HOME One on One, Pairs or Small Groups

Specializing In: Alzheimer’s Hypertension Osteoporosis Gastric Bypass Cardiovascular Disease Sports Injuries Clinically Obese Diabetes Type I and II Mature Adults Multiple Sclerosis Cerebral Palsy Muscular Imbalances Corrective Posture Stability/Strength/Core 94

•

4 .5.2017

Over 35 Years in the Health and Fitness Industry Experienced in clinical, field and academia National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer Corrective Exercise Specialist American Heart Association Basic Life Support Instructor (CPR) American College of Sports Medicine, Member University Department Chair and Professor of Sports Medicine/ Fitness/Exercise Science

954-290-6701 Rick Leitner, Master of Science Exercise Physiologist, Health Educator

financial services

WE’RE HERE FOR ALL YOUR

FINANCIAL NEEDS Taxes IRS Issues Accounting

Bookkeeping Small Business Advising

furniture

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!

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

sfgn.com health

954-667-9829

ACCOUNTING@STERLINGACCOUNTING.COM 2435 North Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305

health

florist

professional services

4.5.2017 •

95

Business Directory To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970 professional services Licensed & Insured

954-725-3633

custom alarm contractors, Inc.

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

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

retail

call us to reserve space!

96

•

4 .5.2017

Peace Pipe 4800 N Dixie Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 954.267.9005 Facebook.com/peacepipefl

sfgn.com

4.5.2017 •

97

Business Directory

real estate

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

spirituality

Lucy’s Hair & Body Care Salon F 10% OFs nt ie cl w ne r fo

sports Tennis Lessons at Hagen Park in Wilton Manors. Individual or group lessons. Call Robert 732-604-0362 for more information.

Monday-Saturday Hours 10AM to 8PM

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

call us to reserve space!

The Best Cellar

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

ONLY $15 PER PERSON! 954-630-8020 1408 N.E. 26th St. Wilton Manors, FL 33334

call us to reserve space! spirituality

call us to reserve space!

98

•

4 .5.2017

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

accomodations APRIL SPECIALS FROM $595/WEEK PERFECT FOR VACATION & RELOCATION Beautifully Furnished & Fully Equipped Studio & One Bedroom Apartments w/Full Kitchens in Gay Tropical Resort Setting, Incl. Wi-Fi, free laundry, private parking, utilities, prem. cable. Central to Haulover Nude Beach & Wilton Manors. Located just south of the Airport in Historic Dania Beach.

Longer term Monthly rates available for 3 months+ Stays. Pets Always Welcome. Call Joe or Jack at (954) 927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com

arrangement HISTORIC EVERGREEN CEMETERY - AVAILABLE: 2 Prime Spaces at Historic Evergreen Cemetery.

Fort Lauderdale's unique and beautiful resting place located near the Rio Vista neighborhood. Generous discounted price. Call 954-937-1610

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

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

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.

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

pool service

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

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

rentals wilton manors

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

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

EMERALD IRISH CLEANING - Established for 30 years. 3 hours of cleaning for $75.00. Mention this ad and get $15.00 off the 75.00.Use time as you wish. English speaking *hand-scrub floors* Cleaning supplies included. Service guaranteed 954-524-3161’’

rentals fort lauderdale

employment - full time J. MARK'S Restaurant NOW HIRING - Line cooks (Saute, Grill, Salad), Servers, Front Desk & Busboys. Apply in person Mon - Fri: 1490 NE 23rd St, Pompano Beach or 1245 N Fed. Hwy, Fort Lauderdale CHEF WANTED - Tropics Restaurant in Wilton Manors is looking for a new chef. Searching for a competent, creative chef that understands the restaurant business. Must be able to run the line during busy shifts. Passion for food and a good attitude are a must. Holidays, nights, and weekends are required. Competitive wages. Apply in person at 2000 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors.

THE CLUB FORT LAUDERDALE NOW HIRING We are looking for a few good men to join our team.

Verifiable customer service experience is required.

MUST PASS A DRUG TEST. The position entails a LOT of cleaning during your shift. We are open 24/7, so you must have a flexible schedule. We offer competitive wages and excellent health benefits. Submit your application and resume to the front desk. 110 NW 5TH Ave Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311 – (954) 525-3344 www.clubft.com

sfgn.com

sfgn.com

TROPICAL SINGLE FAMILY HOME - Won't Last Long 1489 sq. ft. 3 bedroom/2 bath. Cherry Wood/ SS Kitchen. Bath with Jacuzzi Tub. Fenced yard with tropical setting and carport. Pet Friendly! $2300.00 F/L/S & background required. For more info contact Kimberly (Sky Beach Realty)@ 754-204-0535.

real estate oakland park SLEEPY RIVER ACRES WATERFRONT HOME - Come live in the best neighborhood in Oakland Park-This 2 bedroom/ 2 bath home sits on two sides of the waterfront on an over 16,000 sq ft lot.

Build your dream home surrounding $500,000 plus home or live comfortably in this one! $325,000 Brian Bedigian, PA Coral Shores Reality. 954-2055275, realtorbrian@aol.com

real estate

UNITED REALTY GROUP - $149,900 2 bed 1 bath-1 block to the drive. Low maintenance-NO RENTAL RESTRICTIONS! DUPLEX $349,000 Quiet street Both 2 bed 1 bathHuge Yard Call for details Michael Tublin 561-703-5533

roommates oakland park

SMALL CONDO 2 SHARE - 60 and over male, in gated/guarded community, W/2 pools, etc. $400/ month + utilities. Fully furnished, plus cable & tv & WiFi, DVR. Call Jerry 954-529-3490 4.5.2017 •

99