6/21/17 V8i25

local name global coverage

CHECK OUT THE NEW

WMG

June 21, 2017 vol. 8 // issue 25

Begins on page 29

s o u t h

f l o r i d a

g a y

n e w s

A Proud Week

Wilton Manors' annual stonewall festival a success Page 38, 39

the

S pirit

SFGN’s HIV/AIDS News Source

Theo Smith honored at Compass GLCC's stonewall ball Pages 12

SouthFloridaGayNews

Dale Madison, Former Columnist, Dies at 64 Page 15

soflagaynews

SFGN.com

NEWS local

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

June 21, 2017 • Volume 8 • Issue 25

2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com

Editorial

Miss and Mr. Stonewall.

Photo: J.R. Davis.

Stonewall Festival Recalls Struggle for Civil Rights John McDonald

B

ob Spratt walked up and down Wilton Drive on Saturday afternoon dressed in a rainbow colored tank top and flirted with other men.

A gay man, Spratt has lived in Wilton Manors since 1999, moving down from Ohio to “come out to myself.” And yet despite all the advances in society for the LGBT community, Spratt, 64, is still reluctant to reveal his employer. He told SFGN all he felt comfortable saying is he works for a “local grocery store.”

Wilton Manors’ annual Stonewall event was a reminder of gay America’s painful history and current dilemma. In a country where gays can marry and serve in the military in many places there remains a pressure to stay in the closet as companies and even states offer little to no protections.

As Spratt walked the Drive, Democrats met in Hollywood to plan the party’s next move.

Florida still refuses to include LGBT people in a statewide non-discrimination policy. David Richardson, a gay state representative from Miami, is proposing to remedy the problem with bills addressing housing, employment and public accommodations.

Last Saturday on Wilton Drive was about as public as it gets.

“This is the one day we can walk up and down the streets and celebrate that we can be open and gay,” said Brian Peterson, a festival vendor.

Peterson sold hot dogs and bottled water to festivalgoers on a hot summer afternoon in South Florida. Produced by the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, the festival and parade honor the events around the historic Stonewall Inn.

On June 28, 1969 New York City cops raided the Stonewall Inn sparking the gay liberation movement. More than 40 years later, the Stonewall Inn is now a National Monument; there is an LGBT library in Fort Lauderdale and a parade in Wilton Manors.

Broward Judge Robert Lee uses the library often for research and writing purposes. In a recently published piece for Florida Supreme Court Historical Society Magazine, Lee notes Fort Lauderdale’s Stonewall National Museum and Archives contain “hard-to-locate and rare materials relating to the LGBT experience.”

In the Spring/Summer 2017 issue of the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society Magazine, Judge Lee wrote about the Robert F. Eimers case. “Until 1978, no person could be a member of the Florida Bar who was a known or ‘admitted’ homosexual,” Lee notes. A headline from the March 21, 1978 edition of the New York Times reads “Florida High Court Upholds Right of Homosexuals to Practice Law.” A year later the Stonewall Riots would erupt.

“It was an ice breaker for the gay community,” said Adam Daniel Guerra, a drag performer and former contestant on the television program “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

Guerra, who transformed into his Madonna character inside a room at the Ramada Fort Lauderdale Oakland Park Inn, said when he thinks about Stonewall the word “change” comes to mind.

MEMBER “When I think about Stonewall I think of a small group of people taking a stand and really mobilizing for change,” Guerra said in a poolside interview at the Ramada before his appearance at Rumors Bar & Grill later that night.

MEMBER

Saturday’s parade was led by Golden Globe award-winning actress Sharon Gless.

Wilton Manors Commissioner Justin Flippen remembers Gless fondly from her work on the hit Showtime series “Queer As Folk.”

“I told her she was my favorite mom on TV,” Flippen said.

Jeff Sterling, Chief Executive Officer of Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, said the event raised $300,000 and balanced its books.

“We were revenue neutral this year,” Sterling said. “This is the third year now we’ve put it in the black.”

Prior to WMEG managing the Stonewall production, the event lost upwards of $40,000 annually, Sterling said. In a non-election year, the 2017 event had 126 vendors and 85 parade entries.

Initial estimates place Saturday’s crowd at between 25,000 to 30,000 people. For the parade Flippen stood in the bed of a pick-up truck holding the rainbow flag.

“Stonewall commemorates real civil rights activism,” Flippen said. “It’s when drag queens marched out of a bar to stand up to police harassment, racism, sexism and homophobia.”

Fast forward to present day and many of the parade entries are police agencies.

“We’re now joined by law enforcement who march side-by-side with us,” Flippen said.

Police, firefighters, clergy, social groups, bars, businesses, health care agencies, banks and even airlines were represented in Saturday’s parade.

But not Bob Spratt’s employer.

“They told us not to wear our uniforms out here,” Spratt said.

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

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

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

Associate Photographers

Carina Mask • 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 Sales Assistant / Classifieds • Tim Higgins Tim.Higgins@sfgn.com Distribution Services • Rocky Bowell 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

MEMBER

Broward Cover: Wilton Manors hosted its annual Stonewall Pride Festival. Photo: J.R. Davis.

Palm Beach Cover: The Compass GLCC will be honoring Theo Smith at its annual Stonewall Ball. Submitted photo.

2

•

6 . 21.2017

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.

NEWS international

Gay Irish Prime Minister Takes Office

C

onfirmed by a majority vote, Leo Varadkar, a gay man, has taken office as Taoiseach — the prime minister of Ireland.

Last month, Varadkar became the leader of governing political party Fine Gael, then submitted to become the next prime minister.

The lower house of Parliament, the Dail Eireann, approved his nomination 57-50, with 45 abstaining. According to The Independent, the main opposition party Fianna Fail was the main abstention.

“If my election has shown anything, it is that

prejudice has no hold in this Republic,” he said in his victory speech reported by PinkNews.

“Friends, today I’m honoured to have been elected as leader of the party. I accept it with humility, and am also aware of the challenges ahead. I want to thank everyone who engaged in this democratic process. To you who supported me, I give you my heartfelt thanks, and won’t let you down. To those who did not, I hope I can gain your trust and confidence in the years ahead.”

He also said his father, who is an immigrant

Brittany Ferrendi from India, would be proud that he could “be judged by his actions, not his origins or identity.”

According to CNN, former party leader Enda Kenny stepped down after being Taoiseach since 2002.

He is the fourth openly gay head of government in world history. Currently the other gay leader in office is Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg’s prime minister. Varadkar is also the European Union’s youngest leader at 38.

6.21.2017 •

3

Six Advocates Resign from Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS: 'We're Outta Here' (EDGE) Six members of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS resigned from their jobs with a bang last week by publishing a letter in Newsweek claiming that President Donald Trump doesn't care [about] HIV. "As advocates for people living with HIV, we have dedicated our lives to combating this disease and no longer feel we can do so effectively within the confines of an advisory body to a president who simply does not care," wrote Scott Schoettes, Lucy Bradley-Springer, Gina Brown, Ulysses Burley III, Michelle Ogle and Grissel Granados in a joint letter published in Newsweek titled "Trump Doesn't Care About HIV. We're Outta Here."

In the letter, the HIV advocates mention a litany of examples from the president's short time in office

to back up their assertion that he doesn't appear to be concerned about containing the epidemic or the wellbeing of people living with HIV. They mentioned Trump hasn't even appointed anyone to lead the White House Office of National AIDS Policy, and noted how the administration took down the website for the Office of National AIDS Policy when he took office in January.

However, it was the potential damage to those living with HIV/AIDS from the proposed repeal/replace GOP health care bill that the group called "final straw for us more like a two-by-four than a straw."

"We hope the members of Congress who have the power to affect healthcare reform will engage with us and other advocates in a way that the Trump Administration apparently will not," they wrote.

Credit: U.S. Gov.

international

Pride

"We see that religious parents have a lot of prejudice in accepting their own kids," said Andrea Carvalho who coordinates the Mother's for Diversity group and flew from Santa Catarina to Sao Paulo for the parade.

(AP) Germany's opposition Greens are pledging not to enter any coalition government after the country's September election without securing a commitment to allowing gay marriage.

Germany has allowed same-sex couples to enter civil partnerships since 2001 but, while other European countries have since allowed full-fledged gay marriage, much of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative bloc remains reluctant to do so.

The traditionally left-leaning Greens hope to be kingmakers after Germany's Sept. 24 election, though the chances of that are unclear. A coalition between Merkel's party and the Greens, with or without a third party, may emerge as a possibility.

The dpa news agency reported that a Green party congress on Saturday included in its election program the statement: "With us, there will be no coalition agreement without marriage for all."

(AP) Hundreds of thousands of revelers gathered in Sao Paulo on Sunday for one of the world's largest gay pride parades with this year's event focusing on the threat of religious fundamentalism to Brazil's LGBT community.

Under a giant rainbow-colored flag, revelers of all ages, many wearing bright wigs, turned the city's Paulista avenue into a multicolored sea of people filling more than 10 city blocks.

Organizers said they expected 3 million people to participate in Sao Paulo's 21st annual gay pride parade, though military police did not release a crowd estimate.

Grammy award-winning singer Daniela Mercury and Brazilian pop star Anitta performed at a parade that organizers said would focus on secularism and the idea that no religion is law regardless of people's individual beliefs.

Parade organizer Claudia Regina said on the event's official Facebook page that "our main enemies today are religious fundamentalists," warning that some groups insist on condemning LGBT people and "removing rights that we have already obtained."

Adopting the political tone, some revelers held up signs depicting U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as drag queens.

Many at the parade shared the feeling that religious fundamentalists are threatening rights.

"They just need to let us have the right to live, to have the right to be happy," said Sheila Star, a drag queen in her mid50s.

The city of Sao Paulo said in a statement that it had invested over $400,000 in infrastructure for the parade.

Tourists from all over Brazil and Latin America fly to Sao Paulo to attend the celebration.

pride

Greens Won't Enter Govt Without of Thousands for Brazil Gay German Hundreds Gay Marriage Pledge Parade, World's Biggest

4

•

6 . 21.2017

Attend Gay Pride March in Thousands Ukraine's Capital

(AP) Thousands of people have attended a gay pride parade in the Ukrainian capital amid tight security.

Much of downtown Kiev was cordoned off and about 5,000 police officers were on duty for Sunday's event, which has traditionally been a focal point for attacks by ultranationalists.

Kiev police spokeswoman Oksana Blishchik wrote on Facebook that about 2,500 people attended. People marched with rainbow flags and placards, including one that read "Love and let love."

A counterdemonstration by a few hundred ultra-nationalists resulted in minor scuffles and seven arrests, according to local media.

Kiev held its first major pride march last year after a proWestern government that came to power in 2014 sanctioned such events.

In 2015, the march was called off when right-wing activists pelted participants with smoke grenades.

NEWS palm beach

Photo: Facebook.

Equality Rally Results In Engagement For West Palm Beach Couple John McDonald

T

heo Smith got down on one knee for his lover in front of the nation’s capitol.

Smith proposed to Mike Curtis during a June 10-11 visit to Washington, D.C. Curtis said yes.

The couple were part of a group from West Palm Beach that attended The Equality March for Unity and Pride. H.G. Roosters, a popular West Palm Beach LGBT club, organized the trip.

Smith called the experience “unbelievable.”

In a letter to SFGN, Smith writes he learns everyday “it does get better. I will never forget the support and encouragement from this unique group of 32. More importantly, I will never forget the unforgettable experience of a lifetime and for that, I am grateful.”

H.G. Roosters is owned by AJ Wasson, a member of SFGN’s 2016 Out 50. Wasson arranged for Smith, Curtis and 30 other community members to fly from West Palm Beach to Washington. For travel aficionados, the group used Southwest Airlines and stayed at the Hyatt. Smith said he developed the idea with Roosters manager David Hazen over weekly games around the pool table.

Be

nt.

“It was a brilliant idea,” Smith told SFGN in a telephone call last week. “It was an important milestone for our rights.”

Smith said he thanks Michael Weinstein for helping with a grant package. He also expressed gratitude to the drag queens at H.G. Roosters for donating their tips to make the trip happen.

While in D.C., the couple enjoyed nightly walks in the mall.

“The best way to see the monuments is at night,” Smith said. “With the light being on them just makes it much more surreal.”

L HELP,

Let’s Be Let’s Be Blunt.

Blunt.

IF WE IF WE

YOU NEED LEGAL HELP, CAN HELP. YOU NEED The LEGALLaw HELP,Offices of CAN HELP.

Norm Kent & Russell Cormican The Law Offices of

954.763.1900 RMKENT.NORMKENT. COM 954.763.1900 Norm Kent & Russell Cormican The Law Offices of COM Norm Kent & Russell Cormican

NORMKENT.COM 954.763.1900

THE CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW CENTER OF SOUTH FLORIDA

CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW DEFENSE CENTERLAW OFCENTERSOUTH THE CRIMINAL OF SOUTHFLORIDA FLORIDA 6.21.2017 •

5

LGBTQIA bites

L

B

Lesbian

Confirmation of Serbia's First Gay PM is Thrown into Doubt Ana Brnabic

(AP) Serbia's ruling conservatives say if Prime Minister-designate Ana Brnabic does not get enough votes to be confirmed by parliament as the first openly gay person to head the country's government, an early general election will be held.

Brnabic, nominated last week by Serbian Present Aleksandar Vucic, could also become the conservative nation's first female prime minister. But some of Vucic's coalition partners say they will vote

6

•

6 . 21.2017

against her due to her sexual orientation.

Vucic on Monday met with 100 of his party lawmakers who promised to vote for Brnabic in Serbia's 250-seat parliament.

She needs at least 26 more votes to be confirmed.

Party official Marija Obradovic says if Brnabic does not get the additional support, an early vote will be held.

By Jillian Melero and Brittany Ferrendi

Bisexual

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown to Attend UN Climate Change Conference in Germany (SFGN) Oregon Governor Kate Brown joined two other West Coast governors, Jay Inslee of Washington and Jerry Brown of California to denounce President Trump’s inaction on climate change on Tuesday, June 13. Brown announced that she would attend the U.N. conference on climate change in Germany in November, the Portland Business Journal reported. Brown is the first openly bisexual state governor.

“Despite the decision by the White House to retreat, we as Oregonians and as Americans will move forward to fulfill the goals of the Paris agreement," she said.

"The Paris agreement is a blueprint for job creation, stability and global prosperity and I'm certainly going to take this message to Bonn."

The three governors, Brown, Inslee and Brown met in Sacramento with Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, incoming president of the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP23).

Kate Brown.

The states are members of a group called the Under 2 Coalition, formed to limit the global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius through reductions in carbon emissions. Fiji joined the coalition on Tuesday.

Since 2007, Oregon has had carbonemissions reduction goals, measured against 1990 levels, to cut emissions by 10 percent by 2020 and 75 percent by 2050.

Oregon, had 63 million tons of emissions in 2015, and is forecast to fall around 11 million tons short of its 2020 goal, the Journal reported.

LGBTQIA bites

T

continued Transgender

First Out Trans Candidate Wins State Legislative Primary (SFGN) She beat three other primary candidates and now she’s poised for a chance to become the nation’s first transgender state legislator.

On Tuesday Danica Roem became the Democratic party’s representative in the District 13 Virginia House of Delegates race. She now faces Bob Marshall of the Republican party. Marshall is a selfdescribed “chief homophobe.”

“Danica Roem is a leader in a national movement of trans candidates who are determined to become a voice for their community in the halls of power,” President & CEO of Victory Fund Aisha C. Moodie-Mills said in a press release. “This historic primary win sets up a general election battle where voters will choose between ‘Bigot Bob’ Marshall – the most anti-LGBTQ member of the Virginia state legislature – or Danica, a proud trans woman who is committed to representing

all people in her district. I am confident voters will choose leadership over divisiveness and make Danica the first out trans candidate to win and serve in a state legislature.”

Roem was endorsed by the Victory Fund, which has been working with her campaign through the primary. Now they are persuading voters to support her.

“Over the next five months, Victory Fund will work to make 2017 the year of the trans candidate – by supporting Danica and the unprecedented number of out trans candidates across the nation,” said Moodie-Mills. “Our team will provide campaign and fundraising support, build visibility and knock on doors for our candidates. Trans elected leaders are the antidote to the anti-trans legislation and policies proposed at all levels of government – so we must elect more of them.”

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 6.21.2017 •

7

NEWS palm beach

Submitted photo.

Wellington Moves Forward on Conversion Therapy Ban

Despite Opposition

By Tucker Berardi

A

nother city in Palm Beach County has moved one prohibit distressed children from getting help with their step closer to banning conversion therapy for homosexual attractions and feelings. minors. Wellington voted 4-1 Tuesday to move “Dr. Hamilton is intentionally trying to mislead the forward. A second vote will take place later Village Council,” retired Judge Rand Hoch, this month. the president and founder of PBCHRC said.

This has become a theme of sorts in the “Nothing in the ordinance will prevent “[conversion county this year where city after city has minors from seeking help regarding sametherapy] is banned the controversial practice. Those sex attractions, or gender identity or based on the other places include West Palm Beach, expression.” falsehood Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach Dr. Hamilton served as the president of and Riviera Beach. the National Association for Research and that being gay, The Palm Beach County Human Rights Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) for lesbian or Council has been the driving force behind years. NARTH was a small yet well-funded transgender is a for-profit organization of therapists who each of those bans. mental disorder purported that LGBT individuals had On Tuesday, June 14 the Wellington Village council met to hear PBCHRC’s mental disorders, according to PBCHRC. or defect that argument as to why conversion therapy The organization encouraged anti-LGBT needs to be — also known as reparative therapy, the therapy for children as young as three cured.” process of eradicating unwanted same-sex years old. NARTH had its tax-exempt attraction and gender dysphoria in LGBT status revoked by the Internal Revenue - Dr. Rachel Needle youth — is ineffective and harmful to Service in 2012.

PBCHRC psychologist children.

Pickup and Hamilton were not the only “A ban on conversion therapy on dissenters — many Wellington citizens unwanted homosexual feelings or gender dysphoria would and parents expressed concerns that their rights would be in fact be child abuse,” David Pickup, a licensed reparative infringed on. therapist who practices in Texas and California told the “Elected officials at the local, state and federal levels Wellington Village Council. “How can you take away the have a compelling interest in protecting children,” Hoch rights of children and their parents to their freedom of said in response to parental concerns. “Courts across our speech?” nation have repeatedly ruled that the fundamental rights Pickup shared his experiences receiving and of parents do not include the right to choose medical or administering what he called “authentic” reparative mental health treatment for their children that has been therapy, claiming that the arguments made by PBCHRC determined to be harmful.” were biased and lacked supporting research.

Whether or not conversion therapy is harmful was Pickup was not the only one to plead with the commission the question of the Wellington Village Council meeting. to vote ‘no’ on the ban. Dr. Julia Harren Hamilton warned PBCHRC psychologist Dr. Rachel Needle went back-andthe council that if the ordinance was enacted it would forth debate style with Pickup and Hamilton over the

8

•

6 . 21.2017

research and arguments available that would prove (or disprove) how harmful the practice of conversion therapy really is on LGBT youth.

Dr. Needle asserted that conversion therapy is based on two false premises and can lead to number of potential risks such as shame, depression, social withdrawal, issues with sexual intimacy, substance abuse and suicidal ideation.

“First, [conversion therapy] is based on the falsehood that being gay, lesbian or transgender is a mental disorder or defect that needs to be cured,” Needle said. “And second, it is based on the presumption that being LGBTQ is something that can actually be changed through therapy.”

Needle continued, “Any ethical mental health practitioner should not attempt to cure or repair gender identity or sexual orientation through these scientifically invalid techniques. Attempting to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity can have a devastating impact on a minor.”

The American Psychological Association has linked conversion therapy to multiple negative effects including depression and suicide. In 2009, the Association adopted the “Resolution on Appropriate Affirmative Responses to Sexual Orientation Distress and Change Efforts,” which stated that reparative treatment relied on “anti-LGBTQ bigotry and a clear distortion of scientific data,” according to PBCHRC. After hearing both sides, the council voted four to one to ban conversion therapy for minors. Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig opposed the measure.

“Wellington is a diverse, inclusive, safe community that strives to provide the best quality of life for its residents — most of all its children,” Wellington Vice Mayor John McGovern said. “Allowing any child to be exposed to the critical health risks associated with sexual orientation change efforts, without any clear evidence that such change is even possible, is inconsistent with our community.”

NEWS miami-dade

Theo (right). Photo: John McDonald.

Peace Youth Ambassadors Meet In Miami John McDonald

T

here are four traits Nadine Jacquemin lists as parental musts – love, compassion, acceptance and support.

“Be there for your children no matter what,” Jacquemin said.

One hundred students, many from South Florida, are expected to participate in the annual Peace Ambassador Leadership Summit, organizers said. The summit is a seven-day conference at Florida International University in Miami.

Jowharah Sanders, executive director and founder of National Voices for Equality Education and Enlightenment (NVEEE), is attending. The summit, Sanders said, is not LGBT in theme but still welcoming to all.

NVEEE is a bullying and suicide prevention organization.

“We do a lot of educating and building allies,” Sanders said.

Sanders was selected to SFGN’s OUT50 group in 2014. At the time her organization had recently been granted funding from World Wrestling Entertainment, the famed professional wrestling brand owned by Vince and Linda McMahon.

Four years later Sanders is helping to promote next month’s summit at FIU, describing it in peaceful terms.

“Parents always tell me how enlightened

they are after attending,” Sanders said.

Jacquemin in one of those parents. She is the mother of a transgender teen.

“Life skills,” Jacquemin replied when asked what attendees can expect to get from the summit.

Jacquemin said she is from France and is interested in yoga. She said yoga exercises help manage her anxiety and relaxes her mind.

Theo Brombacher, 17, is Jacquemin’s almost adult child. Brombacher identifies as “masculine queer” and will serve as a counselor at this year’s PALS. Brombacher recently started taking testosterone and is planning to have “top surgery” – a standard procedure for trans guys.

Bullying, Brombacher said, can be alleviated with a change in environment.

This is often times the first and most difficult step.

“They keep frenemies,” Sanders said. “A lot of girls want to stay in a certain group so they endure bullying.”

Cyber bullying is a huge issue, Sanders said and educational organizations are seeing an increase in the need for bullying and suicide prevention workshops.

“If you are being bullied, get the facts, keep notes and always tell somebody – a trusted person,” Sanders said.

MONTHLY SPA SERVICE INCLUDED

DISCOUNTED BEER & WINE MENU

ACCESS TO RESORT AMENITIES

The summit (July 16-23) is open to students ages 14-19. PFLAG (Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays), Sanders said, is a sponsor and SunServe is supporting the summit.

For enrollment information, call 954-866-5880 or visit www.NVEEE.org

6.21.2017 •

9

NEWS state

Arrested!

Craig Jungwirth Taken Into Custody After SFGN Story Jason Parsley

Craig Jungwirth.

Photo Credit: Broward Sheriff's Office.

C

raig Jungwirth has finally been arrested the case against him to be “weak.”

– again.

According to the current arrest warrant Last week SFGN reported that an signed on April 19, Jungwirth violated the arrest warrant had been issued against terms of his probation by violating a noJungwirth in April, yet despite knowing his contact order with the victim of his crimes, current address, he still had not been taken local businessman Nick Berry, the owner into custody. of Rumors and Courtyard Four days after the SFGN Café in Wilton Manors. story appeared, Jungwirth In April Jungwirth “I didn’t even was finally arrested in Orange allegedly posted messages try to get his County for a violation of on the Facebook page of probation probation. It’s still unclear Rumors about BeachBear what took so long for weekend, an event he violated. His authorities to apprehend him. has organized in the past. probation “In general, when a warrant He also posted messages officer is issued attempts are made to noting that he was going reached out bring the person in custody,” a to run for mayor of Wilton spokesperson for the Broward Manors. to me and I Sheriff’s Office told SFGN last “I did not respond to confirmed the week. “The warrant is also him,” Berry said. “I didn’t posts.” added to a national database even try to get his probation that law enforcement officers violated. His probation - Nick Berry can check when coming into officer reached out to me local business contact with a person.” and I confirmed the posts.” owner Jungwirth appeared in court The warrant also noted in Broward County on Monday Jungwirth had failed to and is now being held without bond in jail. undergo a mental health assessment, a He is due to appear in court at 2 p.m. June 26 second and mandatory condition of his on the probation violation. probation.

Jungwirth is infamous for allegedly In January of this year, Jungwirth pleaded threatening a Pulse-style attack against the guilty to two second degree misdemeanors.

LGBT community in Wilton Manors. He was He was sentenced to a year’s probation. eventually arrested, but the charges were The first misdemeanor charge, in 2015, later dropped after prosecutors determined dealt with Jungwirth’s skipping out on his

bill from the Courtyard Cafe. He was also charged with criminal mischief from an incident in 2016 when Jungwirth defaced the windows at Rumors with paint.

As for his alleged threats against the Wilton Manors LGBT community in January, Federal prosecutors dropped those charges against Jungwirth. He was initially arrested Sept. 4, 2016 by the FBI in Orlando. He was extradited to Broward County where he faced charges of sending threatening messages via Facebook.

Some of the more alarming messages Jungwirth allegedly sent: “My events are

selling out cause you faggots are total patsies. None of you deserve to live. If you losers thought the Pulse nightclub shooting was bad, wait till you see what I’m planning for Labor Day.” Another message read: “I’m gonna be killing you fags faster than cops kill niggers. It’s time to clean up Wilton Manors from all you AIDS infested losers.”

Ultimately, federal investigators were not able to link the threats to Jungwirth despite the messages being sent from Facebook profiles named after Jungwirth. He had been facing 10 to 16 years in prison if convicted.

Don’t miss a

tastE Feeling the hunger?

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

sFGn.com/FooD 10

•

6 .21.2017

NEWS miami-dade

NEWS local Photo Credit: Carina Mask.

Photo: J.R. Davis.

Diversity Honors Raises $100,000 Will benefit Pride Center and Harvey Milk Foundation Jason Parsley

T

Pulse Remembrance Events Only the Beginning

Police, community leaders working towards safety of LGBT in South Florida Jose Cassola

A

week after South Florida LGBT and straight allies came together to remember the 49 victims of the Pulse Orlando massacre, law enforcement and community leaders have taken steps to ensure a tragedy of that magnitude never takes place in gay centric cities like Wilton Manors or Miami.

The Stonewall Pride and Parade Festival, which took place in Wilton Manors over the weekend, had a heavy police presence with many officials patrolling the grounds and taking part in the festivities.

Increased vigilance at events like Stonewall and Miami Beach Gay Pride is what Officer Christopher Bess of the City of Miami Police Department says is essential and a priority for departments nationwide in a post-Pulse society. Metal detectors and police officers were abundant at two separate remembrance events in Miami for the Pulse Nightclub casualties.

"Our ultimate goal was to make sure everyone felt safe at these events honoring the 49 victims," said Miami Police Spokesman Bess, whose officers conducted pre-event bomb sweeps at both the Adrienne Arsht Center and the AmericanAirlines Arena. Hundreds of supporters were in attendance at the gatherings Sunday, June 11 and Monday, June 12.

Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado said his officers have undergone intensive active shooter training and even learned the layouts of every single nightclub in his city in the immediate aftermath of the Orlando shootings.

"More visible law enforcement is the key.

If you have a huge police presence, people

who are up to no good are more likely to walk away and abandon whatever plot they are cooking," Regalado said. "We also need to do more to ban illegal weapons in this country. It's not going to happen overnight, but we need to raise our voices and let them be heard. We shouldn't be victims of fear or abandon our daily lives out of fear. That's what the terrorists want."

Pridelines, a nonprofit organization serving South Florida's LGBT community since 1982, co-sponsored the Pulse Day of Remembrance at the AmericanAirlines Arena with the City of Miami Police Department and the Miami Heat. The program included all types of performances from dance to poetry to singing, as well as interfaith prayer, a candlelight vigil and the naming of the victims with each of their pictures rotating on digital LED screens.

Though it was a somber event, Pridelines CEO Victor Diaz Herman said the occasion was an opportunity for the community to celebrate the lives of the "lost 49 souls" and "honor them with action."

"It's our hope that we encouraged and inspired people to take action so those lives were not lost in vain," Diaz said.

Diego Roman Martinez, a Miami resident who attended the Arsht Center remembrance event, said the solidarity he felt with fellow LGBT and straight allies moved him and made him proud to be a part of the day.

"This is all about love and pride," Martinez said. "Pride is never something you feel alone. That's why there are seven colors of the rainbow, because you never feel anything alone. Not a single thing."

his year’s Diversity Honors raised $107,198 with $53,599 going to each the Pride Center in Wilton Manors and the Harvey Milk Foundation. That’s a lot more than last year when each organization took home about $35,000.

“We’re thankful for the support of a broad, diverse community in empowering a successful fundraiser. These monies will enable us to continue to provide a welcoming, safe space to our community. We’ve received such positive feedback about the evening and the recognition of the diverse honorees,” said COO of the Pride Center Kris Fegenbush. “Attendees consistently have complimented the program, the speeches, the honorees, the entertainment, the food, the drinks, the dancing, the decor, the prizes and the special details of the over-thetop gala. It was a special night.”

For the third year in a row the event was held at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood. About 530 people attended this year’s gala. Last year 450 showed up.

This year’s honorees included Pulse survivor Isaiah Henderson; Ireland Senator David Norris; local performer Tiffany Arieagus; long time Pride Center board member Ilene Berliner; attorney Dan Hall; SAVE board member Giselle Kovac; trans rights activist Jessica Norton; President and CEO of the Stoli Group Patrick Piana; CEO of Compass Tony Plakas; and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.

The money raised for the Pride Center will be used for mortgage reduction of their Equality Park campus.

“We hope to one day apply future fundraising toward the multi-use cultural center identified by the community during our Master Plan process,” Fegenbush added.

Laser Hair Removal

Nose and Ears Combo $35

On any area treated by laser for hair removal, hair must be brown or black

Touch Up Tuesdays

Dysport $75 OFF 90 or more units

Filler Fridays

Purchase any 2 Restylane syringes & get the 3rd equal or lesser FREE! Mention Promo Code MM17 for Savings. Above Pricing per session.

Expires 06/30/17 Look at our Website for more May Savings.

6.21.2017 •

11

NEWS national

Stonewall Ball 2016. Photo Credit: Michael Cushman.

16th Annual Stonewall Ball Takes Place Saturday Andy Amoroso and Theo Smith to receive this year’s community awards Nate Nkumbu

O

n Saturday June 24, the Compass LGBT Community Center of Palm Beach County in Lake Worth will be hosting the 16th Annual Stonewall Ball in the Harriet Himmel Theater in downtown West Palm Beach. The event is open to the public with VIP tickets costing $75 and general tickets costing $35 and $40 at the door The ball commemorates the Stonewall riots of 1969, in which members of the LGBT community of New York City protested and demonstrated against a police raid of the Stonewall Inn. The protest is generally known as the turning point for LGBT rights in America.

This year’s event will award Andy Amoroso with the Compass Leadership award. The award, which was founded in 2006 acknowledges those in elected office that fight for inclusiveness and fairness.

“As former Vice-Chairman of the city's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), Commissioner Amoroso is a longtime small business owner and active community leader. Andy has been integral in leading the way to creating new jobs, revitalizing the downtown business corridor, and highlighting the music, art and cultural events we have all grown to love about Lake Worth,” said Ryanmarie Rice, Chief of Staff of Compass in a press release.

Another award winner, Theo Smith of West Palm Beach is this year’s recipient of the Michael Brown Memorial Faces of the Community Award. The award is handed out to those that have done community work, programs and organized events for the LGBT Community in Palm Beach County.

“Theo's years of dedication and volunteerism in numerous community outreach programs and fundraising include Compass, The SMART Ride, breast cancer awareness, autism, HIV/AIDS awareness and many other charitable events and organizations.

Theo’s instinctual yet healthy empathy towards others continues to drive him in serving his fellow community members everyday,” Rice said.

The award was named after Michael Brown, a native

12

•

6 .21.2017

of the area, manager at Rooster’s Bar in West Palm Beach and an AIDS prevention organizer. Brown was murdered in 2009 by an on-again-off-again lover.

Compass named a garden in his memory after his death.

Smith said winning the award is very humbling, especially as he was close to Brown.

“He was a close friend of mine so receiving the award 10 years after his death is very is humbling. He was a living hero to all that knew him,” he said.

The professional architect said that helping people has been an important part of him since he was a young child and that it has followed him since.

“Theo’s instinctual yet healthy empathy towards others continues to drive him to serve his fellow citizens today. It is through his service towards others that each day he learns more about himself, thus gaining a greater acceptance and empowerment of him and others,” Smith wrote in his commencement speech for the event.

Julia Murphy, the Chief Development Officer for Compass said that they should expect a large crowd at the award show with numbers ranging around 1,200 people. Last year 1,500 attended.

The event attracted not only the general public but state and and local officials according to Murphy.

Murphy said that the event happens in June to commemorate the LGBT community in Palm Beach County and the nation as well.

“It’s the one ball that we have for the year for Palm Beach County and it recognizes community individuals and community leaders that have made strides within the LGBTQ community locally so we’re able to do an award ceremony and we transition to a night full of fun and celebration for all the strides we’ve made,” she added.

Visit Compassglcc.com/events/stonewall-ball-blackwhite-party for more information.

In the past both recipients have been named a part of SFGN's annual OUT50 list, which recognizes community leaders each year.

OUT50 2015 Theo Smith - Gay Rights Activist A lot of people in South Florida know Theo Smith. And a lot know him by his moniker, “The Gay Mayor of West Palm Beach.” In his 43 years on the planet, Smith has wracked up some wide recognition as a doer — especially when it comes to helping gay institutions.

“I really like to see our diverse communities come together to benefit people in need regardless of orientation,” said Smith, noting that the largest project he’s worked on is the Breast Cancer Fundraiser.

“Breast cancer doesn’t know if you’re gay or straight,” he noted.

Although he’s enjoyed tremendous visibility in his years in the community, he had avoided sharing his life with his family until two years ago – on National Coming Out Day. “I knew I was gay very early – like five - and it’s not easy being black and gay,” he said.

“I was finally tired of living my life to protect other people’s feelings. And actually, it wasn’t so bad. My family is very loving.”

An architectural consultant by day, Smith shared that, “I don’t go around announcing to the straight worlds that I’m gay, but I don’t hesitate to let people know if they ask.”

OUT50 2014 Andy Amoroso - Store Owner & Politician Openly gay Lake Worth City Commissioner, Andy Amoroso, says he has never come out.

“I never had to,” he said,” “My parents were cool with it from the beginning. “And I was never bothered in school.”

The Florida native was born in Broward and raised in Lake Worth.

He attended Lake Worth High and Palm Beach Community College (now Palm Beach State College), and majored in travel.

Amoroso opened the first gay travel agency in the county and had tremendous success. He sold the business and opened Studio 205 at 205 N. Federal Highway, the first and only gay emporium in Palm Beach County.

He moved to his current location at 600 Lake Ave. and has added a juice bar on L Street.

He also owns a vintage goods store at 619 N. Dixie Highway called Atomic Living.

Amoroso entered politics “to make a difference” – for both gay and straight residents.

“When the city is healthy, you can do so much more for everyone,” he said. “Just getting elected started that process,” he continued. “I’m the first elected gay city commissioner in Lake Worth and all of Palm Beach.”

And he still runs the only gay store in the county.

6.21.2017 •

13

Transforming Gender

Convictions Rebecca Juro

rjuroshow@gmail.com

Whose Flag Is It? The Philadelphia Office of LGBT affairs raises the new flag. Photo Credit: CNN.

I

t’s an interesting time to be an LGBT Philadelphian.

The city kicked off Pride Month with the introduction of a new Pride flag. The new design includes two additional stripes, one black and one brown, to symbolize the inclusion of LGBT people of color.

While I think it’s a given that the inclusive values behind this idea are shared by the vast majority of the city’s Queer community, no one at the Philadelphia Office of LGBT Affairs apparently felt it necessary or even just a good idea to bother finding out if this was something the community actually wanted.

The new design was kept secret from the Philly LGBT community at large until it was revealed on June 8, and it’s pretty obvious why the Office of LGBT Affairs chose to do so. Taking the time and making the effort to get input on the move from the community this flag represents would have necessarily carried the very real risk that a significant portion of the community would have opposed the move. That is, however, how truly inclusive movements are supposed to work: When there are decisions to be made that impact everyone, everyone gets a say.

We are right now several months into the most authoritarian presidency in American history, saddled with a federal government that continues to make clear in any number of ways that it considers LGBT Americans to be second class citizens, unworthy of the freedom to control even such basic aspects of our lives as choosing who we marry, where we live and congregate, what government services we can access, or even where we go to the bathroom.

Philadelphia, a city that’s considered one of our country’s most progressive, unilaterally decided to significantly alter one of the LGBT community’s most cherished symbols without bothering to

seek any input at all from the community at large. As much as I can appreciate and support the sentiment behind it, the way this went down was anything but inclusive.

Personally, had I been asked, I’d have voted no. Symbols are about meaning and aesthetics. The rainbow flag is by definition inclusive and always has been.

Its brightly colored stripes already have specific meanings, and none of them have anything to do with race. Taken as a whole, it’s well-known what the rainbow flag means and that it represents the entire LGBT community.

There’s no question that Philadelphia is a racially divided city in many ways, not the least of which are the ways in which our LGBT community interacts socially and politically. There’s also no question that trans Philadelphians often don’t get the same opportunities and consideration as our cisgender peers, yet no one’s arguing that we should add a stripe for trans people too.

That’s probably for a pretty obvious reason.

Trans people have already had our own flag for many years, one which has flown in front of Philadelphia City Hall and at other important locations nationwide.

Its colors have been projected on significant national landmarks like the White House and the Freedom Tower in New York City.

A new flag representing LGBT people of color I could fully get behind and support. The addition of black and brown stripes to an otherwise brightly colored symbol of the entire American LGBT community, not so much. As symbols go, rather than signal inclusivity, the new stripes don’t mesh well at all artistically with the rest of the flag and thus imply exactly the opposite.

To me, what the Philadelphia Office of LGBT Affairs is doing here is like having a car in desperate need of engine repair

To me, what the Philadelphia Office of LGBT Affairs is doing here is like having a car in desperate need of engine repair and bringing it in for a paint job.

14

•

6 .21.2017

and bringing it in for a paint job. It might make you feel better in the short term, but it doesn’t do anything at all to help address the actual issues you’re having. That can only be accomplished by going under the hood and working on the real problems.

There’s no doubt that there’s work to be done if the kind of progress we all seek is to be made. Real work, hard work, the kind of work that involves those who truly care about creating the kind of Philadelphia LGBT community that serves, honors, and respects all who are a part of it and want to

see it become the very best that it can be for all of us. Adding a couple of new stripes to a flag that’s been around for decades isn’t going to accomplish that.

Real community symbols, particularly those representing historically oppressed minorities, are chosen not imposed.

Inclusivity means what it says. Everyone counts, everyone matters, everyone gets a say. We all know what it’s like to live without it. It’s now time for us to begin in earnest the process of discovering what it’s like to live with it.

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.

in memoriam

Photo: Facebook.

Dale Madison, Poverello Fundraiser, Former Columnist, Dies at 64 Michael d’Oliveira

“H

e could turn a Republican into a Democrat. He was very charming. The man was so

charming.”

That’s how Father Bob Caudill described Dale Madison. Madison, 64, died on June 17.

But Caudill, who had known Madison since the early '90s and “anointed” him in his hospital room shortly before his death, said he would never argue politics with other people. “He was so diplomatic. He would never argue. Just the nicest person.”

Throughout his time in Wilton Manors, Madison took on several roles. Business owner of “Oh, What A Basket,” a gourmet gift basket shop, writer of the “Pinkies Up” column in the former “Scoop Magazine,” one of the organizers of the first Stonewall festival in the city, and fundraiser for the Poverello Center.

Madison’s death was a shock to Brad Casey, former publisher of “Scoop Magazine.” Casey found out about Madison’s illness and death through Facebook.

Casey met Madison in the early 90s when his publishing office was next to Madison’s business on Wilton Drive. “He was a very sociable-type person. Very likeable.” So, in 1993, Casey gave Madison a column in his magazine and named it “Pinkies Up” after the tendency of some people to stick their pinky fingers out when holding a cocktail.

“Pinkies Up” ran from 1993 to 2001.

“It was a social column about different parties [held in the area]. It became very, very popular. He was a good writer. He was very funny,” Casey said. “He was good with people. He became so popular they started asking him to host different benefits and get involved in the community. His stage presence was really good. He must have emceed hundreds of different benefits, my goodness. Sometimes two and three a week.”

Madison’s column also eventually led to his involvement in organizing the beginnings of Stonewall in Wilton Manors.

“He was very outgoing and very involved in the community. His passing is quite a loss to this community,” Casey said.

News of Madison’s death was heavily prevalent on social media as friends posted tributes to him, several of which included photos of cocktails enjoyed in his honor.

“This one's for you Dale. Xo Forever in our hearts. – celebrating your life,” wrote Dave Griff. “Dale Madison this one is for you my friend! All the way from Key West. You will be missed my dear friend! Cheers,” wrote Ryan Jackson.

On the day of Madison’s death, Terry DeCarlo wrote that “heaven has gained another Angel today! RIP Dale Madison....

Today we will keep our ‘Pinkies Up in your honor!”

Visitation services will be held Saturday, June 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pride Center in Wilton Manors. The memorial service, which will be officiated by Caudill, will begin at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to All Saints Soup Kitchen in Oakland Park.

Call 754-205-4640 for more information.

6.21.2017 •

15

Convictions

Jesse’s Journal

The Return of Physique Pictorial Jesse Monteagudo

A

rguably the most influential gay Jack LaLanne, Joe Dallesandro, Steve Reeves publication of all time was Physique and Mickey Hargitay.

Pictorial, which flourished between Physique Pictorial also featured the work 1951 and 1990. The creation of photographer of Tom of Finland, George Quaintance and and film maker Bob Mizer (1922-1992), who Art-Bob. Mizer’s use of posing straps to created this magazine as an outgrowth of cover the goods did not save him from the his Athletic Model Guild, Physique Pictorial moral police; and he served prison time for was the greatest of a series “obscenity.” Though of pre-Stonewall “physical Mizer tried to keep Though Physique fitness” publications geared up with the times, towards gay men.

Physique Pictorial Pictorial never In “A Short History seemed quaintly claimed to be a gay of Physique Magazines” outdated by the time publication, and legal it ceased publication, (2011), I wrote about the influence that beefcake shortly before Mizer restrictions kept mags had upon a generation I am the proud Mizer from publishing died. of gay men who came of age owner of a copy of full-frontal nudes and out of the closet in the The Complete Reprint two crucial decades that of Physique Pictorial, until the late sixties, followed World War II. In its a 3-volume set the photos and heyday, Physique Pictorial published by Benedikt artwork in this consistently outsold more Taschen in 1997 that respectable homophile shows the history and magazine were very publications like ONE and development of this homoerotic. the Mattachine Review. seminal publication.

Though Physique The Bob Mizer Pictorial never claimed to be a gay Foundation was established by photographer publication, and legal restrictions kept Dennis Bell in 2010 to preserve and promote Mizer from publishing full-frontal nudes the work of progressive and controversial until the late sixties, the photos and artwork photographers. To commemorate the 25th in this magazine were very homoerotic. anniversary of Mizer’s death - Mizer died on Physique Pictorial showcased some of the May 12, 1992 - the Foundation announced best male bodies on the planet, including plans to re-launch Physique Pictorial.

16

•

6 .21.2017

“Nearly 30 years later, we want to expose a new generation to Physique Pictorial,” Bell announced. “We have volunteers from across the country who are assisting in this endeavor, from design work to writing.”

The first issue of Physique Pictorial in 27 years will be published in early August and will feature material both new and familiar.

Each quarterly issue will prominently feature a popular Mizer model, along with biographical information. It will also profile other up-and-coming, modernday photographers who focus on the male physique. The magazine will also run regular feature stories that explore elements of male physique photography in general and Bob Mizer specifically. “We want to maintain the artistic integrity of the original publication while updating it for a 21st century audience,” Bell notes. To accomplish his goal Bell brought in art director Frederick Woodruff to forge the magazine’s graphic design.

According to Woodruff, “Dennis and I are committed to preserving Mizer’s spirit with

the return of Physique Pictorial. Highlighting the beauty and power of the male form was always Bob’s priority and we’re continuing that standard.” Bell agreed, adding that “we strive to meet that goal in all we do here at the Foundation - to foster enthusiasm for the art of Bob Mizer, which was revolutionary and even illegal in his time, but which is experiencing a renaissance today. Mizer was also known for being generous in his efforts to promote other artists and give them a place where their work could be recognized.

We are thrilled to be able to extend that tradition here as well.

This continuation of Physique Pictorial is an homage to Mizer’s art and its lasting effect on our culture and on masculinity.”

Each issue of the new Physique Pictorial will cost $20, and the Bob Mizer Foundation’s website (www.bobmizer.org) will soon begin taking orders. Supporters of the Foundation may also purchase back issues of the original Physique Pictorial at the Foundation’s online storefront.

Jesse Monteagudo is a freelance writer and journalist. He has been an active member of South Florida's LGBT community for more than four decades and has served in various community organizations.

Convictions

Editorial Cartoon

Editorial Cartoon

By Mike Luckovich

• Realtor

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.

6.21.2017 •

17

18

•

6 .21.2017

JUNE, 2017 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com • Vol. 7 Issue 1

the

More AIDS stories online!

S pirit

SFGN’s HIV/AIDS News Source

The Story of HIV-positive Asylum Seeker

Denis Davydov

Sean McShee

T

he gay, HIV-positive asylum seeker, Denis Davydov has returned to San Jose, Calif., after 46 days of detention in Krome Detention Center in Miami. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents detained Davydov for overstaying his entry visa, despite his pending asylum status. His case has now been transferred to California, but his next court date remains unknown.

In Russia, Davydov had no access to HIV medicine for years. Others harassed him for being gay. He said, “I do not even want to think about what would happen to me, if I were sent back there.” In Krome, he again found dehumanizing conditions. “The guards called us by a number and our country of origin, like we were not even human beings. I was just 'Russia XYZ’,” Davydov reported.

Davydov came to the U.S. in September 2014 and applied for asylum in June 2015. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) granted the 30-year-old Russian “pending asylum status.” This status allows him to stay in the U.S. even if his visa would expire, while USCIS evaluates his asylum claim.

People seeking asylum have to stay within the U.S. until their case is resolved. In early March, Davydov travelled to the U.S. Virgin Islands to go backpacking.

When on March 13 he tried to board his flight home to San Jose, Calif., CBP agents detained Davydov in Saint Thomas, USVI. At that time, he had physical documentation of his pending asylum status from the USCIS. The CBP charged Davydov with “overstaying his visa,” but USCIS had

Denis Davydov, Facebook.

granted him permission to stay in the U.S. while his case was pending. People with pending asylum status frequently “overstay” their visa. According to Immigration Equality (IE), the CBP agents had no legal grounds for detention as Davydov’s asylum case was still pending.

It is not clear what caused CBP to detain Davydov. Jackie Yodashkin of IE, reported that, prior to Davydov’s detention, CBP agents had not found his HIV meds. They also did not find gay porn or other gay “indicators.” Yodashkin indicated that Davydov speaks with an accent.

While Davydov could get his HIV meds at Krome, he developed a thrush-like condition. The doctor-on-duty told Davydov that he would have to see a specialist. After waiting six hours to see that specialist, he still received no medical treatment. The thrush-like condition has since cleared up.

Yodashkin said that IE currently represents 56 LGBT Russians seeking asylum in the U.S. Jamaica, Mexico, and Russia produce the largest numbers of asylum seekers in the U.S. Russian requests for asylum increased after 2013 when Russia passed its anti-LGBT propaganda law.

An unknown number of global migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers are LGBT or live with HIV. IE has secured asylum in the U.S. for 950 people as of May 2017. All are either LGBT or live with HIV infection. IE currently has another 680 clients seeking asylum. These 680 current clients either are LGBT or live with HIV. Conditions in Chechnya only increase the importance of LGBT and HIV refugee rights.

For information about Russian LGBT immigrants, visit the Facebook page of RUSA LGBT. For more information on Immigration Equality, please visit ImmigrationEquality.org To keep up with LGBT issues in Russia, please visit LGBTNet.org/en/Content/Our-contacts.

Follow Sean McShee on Twitter @SeanMcShee

6.21.2017 •

19

the

S pirit

SFGN's HIV/AIDS News Source

June 27 is National HIV Testing Day

national

This year’s theme ‘Test Your Way. Do It Today.’

Denise Royal

N

ational HIV Testing Day has expanded in many areas to National HIV Testing Week. People nationwide and throughout South Florida are encouraged to learn their HIV status on June 27.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care.

People with certain risk factors should get tested more often.

Knowing one’s HIV status provides powerful information.

People who test positive for HIV can take medicines to keep them healthy and to greatly reduce their chance of passing HIV to others. But the only way to know for sure if someone has HIV is to get tested.

The 2017 federal theme is "Test Your Way. Do It Today."

Credit: Vic, Flickr.

The CDC is running a new national HIV testing and prevention campaign designed to motivate all adults to get tested for HIV and know their status—called Doing It .

South Floridians are urged to do¬ it—the rate of new HIV diagnoses in this area jumped to more than three times the national average in 2015, according to the CDC’s annual HIV Surveillance Report, which found that diagnoses in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach area in 2015 averaged about 38.8 cases per 100,000 people. Nationally, the rate of new HIV diagnoses in 2015 averaged 12.3 cases per 100,000 people, according to the CDC data, which is preliminary.

“On national HIV testing day we should recognize that HIV testing is the first and most important step we can take to meet our personal health goals and to achieve

public health by working to and the HIV epidemic,” says Dr. Howard Grossman, a widely-recognized specialist in HIV medicine. “Testing for HIV should be as routine as screening people for blood pressure or checking them for diabetes. Ready access to testing is especially important for our brothers and sisters in communities of color and our transgender communities, groups that are disproportionately affected by the epidemic.”

Around 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, and one in eight people don't know they have it.

Nearly 45,000 people find out they have HIV every year.

HIV testing is the gateway to prevention and care.

Studies have shown that providing antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible after diagnosis improves a patient’s health, reduces transmission and can eventually lead to undetectable viral loads of HIV. This model has been implemented in other cities, and is being piloted in Miami-Dade County. People who test negative have more prevention tools available today than ever before. People who test positive can take HIV medicines that can keep them healthy for many years and greatly reduce their chance of passing HIV to others.

According to Florida’s Department of Health, the state is a national leader in HIV testing with a wide-range of statewide services. The department provides high-quality HIV testing services using the latest testing technology at each of the 67 county health departments. In 2015, over 378,000 tests were conducted. Testing is also performed through private doctors' offices and other non-DOH testing sites.

“Today it’s harder to make an excuse for why a person hasn’t been tested for HIV,” said Lorenzo Lowe, Director of HIV Prevention at Compass, The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Palm Beach County. “Thanks to millions of dollars from funding sources, testing is available in multiple cities and locations including your physician’s office. There are also websites and phone apps that can direct anyone to a testing site. Testing is free, it’s quick, it’s easy, so ‘just do it.’

Take the test and learn your status. It’s just that simple.”

Florida continues to lead the nation in the number of HIV tests conducted at over 1,500 publicly funded and registered sites. Many community centers, including the Pride Center in Wilton Manors, Compass in Lake Worth and Care Resource in Miami, have testing events from June 21 to June 27. For a total list of testing sites, view the health department’s interactive map at FLhiv.doh.state.fl.us/ClinicSearch/ClinicSearch.aspx.to.

20

•

6 .21.2017

PAID ad

Licensed & Insured

What is Genesis?

Dr. Ferdinand Cabrera, Owner and Medical Director of the Genesis Health Institute, first recognized the need to incorporate a more preventative style of medicine while practicing as a board-certified internist for over 20 years. When the opportunity to exclusively practice functional, integrative and anti-aging medicine arose, it was just a matter of time before Genesis Health Institute was born. Genesis… “the beginning.”

Our mission at Genesis is to promote the healthiest and highest quality of life for our patients. This simple premise translates into one common goal amongst all men and women, regardless of age, weight or current medical status.

Our practice works synergistically between medical anti-aging therapies and aesthetic age management treatments… all focused on the patient’s ultimate goal… to look and feel their very best!

The Genesis Health Institute celebrates its 10 year anniversary this year. We were the first full service anti-aging facility to open in the community and at a time when people were forced to make some very tough financial decisions. We are now and have always been very conscious of our patients’ financial situation. Even though there are many new anti-aging centers, medical spas, and aesthetic centers opening around us, we still focus on value and financial integrity and remain the price leader in our industry. Along with ten years’ experience, we have acquired the expertise that cannot be found in those new centers opening around us. Just check out what patients are saying about us online… our reputation speaks for itself!

We offer a wide variety of medical therapies. Our most popular are Testosterone, Growth Hormone (HGH), and Intravenous (IV) Nutrition Therapies.

Testosterone Therapy revives energy, improves thought/ memory, increases sex drive, builds lean muscle and burns body fat. Nearly all men benefit from Testosterone Therapy; and starting at just $155.00 per month, it’s a very affordable treatment.

Growth Hormone (HGH) Therapy works in harmony with Testosterone. HGH Therapy builds lean muscle, burns body fat, helps for a better night’s sleep, increases hair and skin cellular production, relieves aches and pains and is an overall aid to the body’s natural healing process.

Nearly everyone benefits from Growth Hormone (HGH) Therapy.

Starting at just $150.00 per month, it is also a very affordable therapy.

Intravenous or IV Nutrition Therapy has many benefits for the body, both medically and aesthetically. Most importantly, it nourishes and fortifies the body’s immune system. The immune system is responsible for fighting inflammation and keeping the body healthy, energetic and strong. In addition to immune support, IV Nutrition enhances aesthetic beauty by supplying important vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants to slow the aging of cells and promote cell generation for healthy, bright and glowing skin and hair. Many patients utilize IV Nutrition for quick hangover relief and hydration renewal, especially this time of year.

IV Nutrition is key for optimal antiaging and priced reasonably starting at just $65.00 per treatment.

In addition to medical therapies designed for patients to look and feel their very best, Genesis offers the latest in aesthetic treatments with that same goal in mind. The summer months feature a wide variety of specials and include deep discounts on nearly all aesthetic

treatments through September 30, 2017.

Some of the most popular aesthetic treatments offered and on sale this summer: Xeomin, the “Better than Botox” wrinkle reducer… savings of 20% off SculpSure Laser Fat Reduction… lose 50% of your waistline fat for $3,600.00… save $1,650.00 Ultherapy Ultrasound Powered Non-Surgical Facelift… $3,000.00… save $2,000.00 Sculptra Facial Filler… Purchase includes Free Dysport Wrinkle Reducer and/or Restylane Refyne Filler for the lips or under eyes… added value up to $800.00 in free product PCA Chemical Peels & Facials… purchase 3 and receive your 4th for free… save $99.00 Facial Micro-needling… $325.00… save $70.00 Micro-needling with PRP growth factor (Vampire Facial)… $575.00… save $120.00 P-Shot (Priapus Shot)… $1,500.00… save $400.00 Laser Hair Reduction… 25% off savings PRP Growth Factor Facial Acne Scar Reduction or Hair Regeneration Treatments… purchase 2 treatments… receive 3rd treatment for free… save $1,000.00 All purchases through September also include a free In-Body Body Composition Analysis…

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

The Genesis Health Institute is located in the heart of Wilton Manors at 1001 NE 26th Street (next door to Starbuck’s at 5-points). They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Anyone interested in antiaging or true preventative medical care should call 954561-3175 for a complimentary consultation. You may also check out their website at www.ghinstitute.com to learn more about their varied medical and aesthetic treatments.

6.21.2017 •

21

the

S pirit

national

SFGN's HIV/AIDS News Source

The Republican Health Care Plan Would

Devastate People With HIV Trump’s draconian proposed budget cuts and the House health care bill would also severely impact HIV prevention efforts

CNNMoney/Healthcare.gov

Benjamin Ryan POZ Magazine

T

he verdict is in. The one-two punch of coverage was out of reach for too many President Donald Trump’s proposed people with HIV.” federal budget and the House The letter lavishes scorn on the bill (which Republican health care bill, if actually the Senate will apparently jettison in favor enacted, would deal a devastating blow to of starting from scratch) for its billions of people living with and at dollars of cuts to traditional risk for HIV. And while the Medicaid programs; phasing U.S. epidemic, which has out of the Affordable Care been steadily improving Act’s (ACA, or Obamacare) on many fronts in recent expanded Medicaid years, would take a major programs; erosion of key hit, the president’s proposed protections against healthcuts to global HIV funding plan-related discrimination could prove cataclysmic to that benefit people with developing nations.

HIV; and problematic An all-male gang of 13 changes to the formula for Republicans in the Senate determining subsidies for is now faced with the the premiums of private daunting task of adapting health plans obtained on the American Health Care the open, or “nongroup,” Act (AHCA) to appease market.

50 members of the Addressing the president’s Republicans’ slim 53-seat proposed 2018 fiscal year - Dana Van Gorder Executive Director of majority. In a recent joint budget, the grandly titled Project Inform letter to senators, 133 HIV “A New Foundation For organizations stressed that American Greatness,” Dana the bill that passed the House without a Van Gorder, executive director of Project single Democratic vote on May 4 “would Inform, says, “Donald Trump has shown return America to a time when health care complete and utter contempt for people

"Donald Trump has shown complete and utter contempt for people with and at risk for HIV.¨

22

•

6 .21.2017

with and at risk for HIV. This proposal is so offensive that even conservative Republicans find it frightening, and it has only a modest chance of passing in its entirety. Still, as a reflection of the values of this administration, it is morally bankrupt and uncivilized.”

“President Trump’s heartless budget proposal explodes hard-fought and effective bipartisan public health policy in fighting HIV/AIDS,” says Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, a Democrat from New York. “This budget’s cruelty and counter productiveness is unparalleled, and Democrats will seek allies and fight tooth and nail to make sure this proposal doesn’t see the light of day in the Senate.”

(Requests for comments from numerous Republican Senators on the HIV-related impact of the president’s budget and the AHCA went unanswered.)

The May 24 release of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report estimating the AHCA’s impact sent a bruising message that, compared with projections based on the current health care law, 14 million fewer Americans would have health insurance in 2018, a figure that would swell to 19 million by 2020 and 23

million by 2026. (These projections do not factor in the president’s proposed budget cuts that affect health care.) In 2026, the estimated number of uninsured people younger than 65 (and therefore largely ineligible for Medicare) would be 51 million, compared with a projected 28 million if Obamacare were left intact.

This loss of health insurance would disproportionately affect older people with lower incomes, in particular those between 50 and 64 years of age with incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), or $24,120 for individuals.

Given demographic trends, such a bias against late-middle-aged people with chronic health conditions would likely have a considerable impact on the aging U.S. HIV population, which tends to be lower income. While just one third of those living with the virus were 50 or older in 2010, that proportion is expected to rise to one half by 2020. Currently, only a sliver of U.S. residents with HIV are 65 or older and therefore have access to Medicare (neither the president’s budget nor the AHCA target that program). Even by 2030, only a fifth of the HIV population is expected to be in their senior years.

the

S pirit

national

SFGN's HIV/AIDS News Source

How the budget and the AHCA target Medicaid: If enacted, the president’s budget and the AHCA would set in motion cuts to Medicaid so drastic that by 2027 federal spending on the program would be an estimated one half of what it is today, even without accounting for inflation. Over the next decade, the health care legislation would slash $834 billion from Medicaid while Trump’s budget proposes axing $627 billion in support for the program; the potential overlap between those two figures remains hazy.

Medicaid is the primary source of insurance coverage for people with HIV in the United States. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2014, 42 percent of U.S. residents in medical care for HIV were on Medicaid, a figure that rose from 36 percent in 2012 thanks to the expansion of Medicaid in states that opted to do so under the ACA. (Compared with the highly restrictive traditional state Medicaid programs, expanded state Medicaid programs have a simple cutoff for admission: having an income below 138 percent of FPL, or $16,643 for an individual.) By comparison, 30 percent of those in HIV care were privately insured in 2014, 14 percent were uninsured, 8 percent had Medicare, and 6 percent had some other form of health coverage.

The House health care plan would also forbid any new states from receiving federal matching for expanded Medicaid programs (32 states plus Washington, DC, have adopted expanded Medicaid since 2014). And starting in 2020, the federal government would cease providing matching funding to states for new enrollees to existing expanded Medicaid programs. Meanwhile, participation in such programs would likely ultimately wither under attrition because federal matching would end for any enrollee who experienced a gap in expanded Medicaid coverage of a month or more.

In states that expanded Medicaid, steadily doing away with the program would reintroduce a health care catch-22

of the pre-ACA era, in which someone with HIV typically had to have AIDS (and therefore a disability designation) before Medicaid could cover them and provide the antiretrovirals (ARVs) that would have spared them from a depleted immune system in the first place.

And then there's private insurance: Starting in 2020, the AHCA would end the progressive income-based subsidies available for nongroup private insurance plans—non-employer-based insurance purchased on the open market. In their place would come an age-based system of federal subsidies—tax credits that would phase out for those with incomes between $75,000 and $115,000. The credits would increase from $2,000 annually for individuals up to age 29 to $4,000 annually for those age 60 and older. Levels of premium assistance would also no longer vary regionally according to differences in plan costs across the country.

Beginning in 2018, insurers would be permitted to charge premiums five times greater for older individuals compared with younger ones, stretching the current permitted ratio of three to one.

A surcharge up to 30 percent more in premium costs for the first year of a nongroup health plan would hit those applying for coverage who experienced a 63-day-plus gap in health coverage during the previous year. According to Andrea Weddle, executive director of the HIV Medicine Association, this bump in cost “is likely to make health care coverage unaffordable for many people with HIV who have a gap in coverage.”

States could otherwise apply for a waiver permitting insurers to adjust the cost of health plan premiums based on an individual’s health status and his or her expected health care costs—a process known as medical underwriting—for those who fail to prove they had continuous health coverage for the previous 12 months.

“The AHCA provision that punishes people with chronic diseases for lapses in

"The AHCA provision that punishes people with chronic diseases for lapses in their coverage, something people living with HIV often have no control of, is immoral and humane.¨ - Barbara Lee (D-CA13)

their coverage, something people living with HIV often have no control of, is immoral and humane,” says Representative Barbara Lee, a California Democrat and longtime friend to the HIV cause.

According to Weddle, people with a preexisting condition like HIV, “whose employment status or ability to maintain coverage may fluctuate due to their condition,” would be among those “most at risk for being subject to the premium penalty or being charged higher premiums based on their health status.”

A second optional waiver would allow states to rewrite the roster of essential health benefits (EHBs) that Obamacare has dictated private insurers must provide to consumers. These include coverage for prescription drugs, hospital inpatient care, chronic disease management, preventive services such as HIV testing, and mental health and substance abuse treatment.

According to a recent National Association of State & Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) brief, plans in states that axed key EHBs could leave people with HIV “with health insurance that does very little to provide meaningful access to care and treatment.”

The CBO estimates that states covering one sixth of the U.S. population would opt for both the medical underwriting and EHB waivers. Consumers in these states would likely be able to choose between medically underwritten plans or community-rated

plans, with prices geared to their geographic area and smoking status.

In these states, the CBO predicts, the cost of community-rated plans would rise such that people with preexisting conditions who have had a gap in insurance coverage “would ultimately be unable to purchase comprehensive nongroup health insurance at premiums comparable to those under current law, if they could purchase it at all.”

For those with high health care costs who do maintain coverage with a private plan, out-of-pocket costs would likely increase the most in these states compared with those that sought fewer changes to state health care regulations.

States accounting for about half the U.S. population would apply for neither waiver, the CBO predicts. In those states, average premiums in 2026 would be an estimated 4 percent lower than they would be with current law. However, because starting in 2019 insurers could charge more for older people, those approaching age 65 would face steeper costs.

The remaining one third of the population would live in states that the CBO projects would make moderate changes to health care market regulations. Thanks to policies offering fewer benefits, premiums would be about 10 to 30 percent lower in 2026, depending on the area of the country, than they would be under current law. Younger people would reap greater savings.

The CBO report breaks down projections CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE ▶ 6.21.2017 •

23

the

S pirit

national

SFGN's HIV/AIDS News Source

◀ Continued from previous page

of what 21-, 40- and 64-year-old individuals relative pittance in the face of a probable would pay in annual insurance premiums heavy need for such alternatives. for nongroup plans in 2026 if the current Last, even if any health care legislation law persisted or if under the AHCA these is doomed to die in the Senate, the overall individuals lived in a state that either did morass engulfing the future of U.S. health not seek waivers for market regulations or care policy “has the effect of potentially sought moderate changes. destabilizing the market,” according to For an individual with no spouse or Jennifer Kates, PhD, the director of global dependents making 450 percent of FPL health and HIV policy at the Kaiser Family ($68,200), average premiums under the Foundation. With insurers currently in AHCA would wind up substantially cheaper the process of setting the prices for 2018 in 2026 than with Obamacare for 21-and Obamacare nongroup private plans, 40-year-olds while costs would remain Trump’s refusal to indicate whether he in the same ballpark for the 64-year-olds will exercise his executive authority to cut regardless of the health care legislation in off federal subsidies for private insurance place. premiums, may ultimately drive up next As for those with an income at 175 year’s premiums. percent of FPL ($26,500), average annual premiums in 2026 would be $1,700 with A Safety net: the Obamacare still in place, regardless of Ryan White CARE Act their age. Under the AHCA, in the states seeking no waivers or moderate health care On the bright side, the Ryan White CARE regulation changes, 21-year-olds would Act, a federally funded program established see respective annual premiums of $1,750 in 1990 that has long benefited from and $1,250; 40-year-olds would experience bipartisan backing, would remain a vital slight relative rises of a respective $2,900 safety net providing financial support for and $2,100; and the 64-year-old’s costs the care and treatment of people with HIV would skyrocket compared with those who lack insurance or are underinsured. under the ACA to a respective $16,100 and Fortunately, Trump has spared the $13,600—amounting to more than half divisions of Ryan White that provide their income. care and treatment benefits from The report also stresses that reductions significant proposed cuts. However, in EHB protections could substantially raise according to Wendy Armstrong, MD, the out-of-pocket costs, particularly for mental chair of the HIV Medicine Association, health and substance abuse care, both of “Ryan White has been essentially flat which are integral funded, or not keeping up with to the wraparound inflation, for many years.” The services that many program, she says, is “stretched "Ryan White significantly, and a greater people living with and at risk for HIV need patient influx into that system has been for optimum health. will stretch the program even essentially more.”

Additionally, benefits no longer deemed It wasn’t so long ago that people flat funded, with essential by a state HIV died while wait-listed or not might wind up subject for drug coverage from Ryan to annual or lifetime White’s AIDS Drug Assistance keeping benefit caps—a policy Program (ADAP)—at its peak, the up with shift that could hit cumulative list stretched to 9,000 people who take people—because they lived states inflation, expensive prescription with slimmer matching budgets for many drugs such as ARVs. to the program.

The AHCA would The president’s 2018 budget years.¨ establish a fund of would, however, eliminate two - Wendy Armstrong, MD $123 billion (spread Ryan White programs entirely: HIV Medicine Association over nine years) for the AIDS Education and so-called high-risk Training Centers (AETC), which pools to subsidize coverage for people shut receives $34 million annually to provide out of the insurance market because of vital training for physicians in caring for preexisting conditions. But such a source of people with HIV; and the Special Projects health care coverage has a notorious history of National Significance (SPNS), which of inadequacies, including high costs to the develops innovative models of care for the consumer. Furthermore, experts consider HIV population with an annual budget of the AHCA’s funding for high-risk pools a $25 million.

24

•

6 .21.2017

Additional cuts and effects: Driving down insurance rolls could also greatly compromise efforts to prevent HIV transmission. Recent innovative local efforts to reduce new-infection rates in places such as San Francisco and New York City lean upon the Obamacare-finessed ease of insurance access. This benefit helps ensure that an increasing proportion of those living with the virus are on ARVs and have an undetectable viral load, thus likely all but eliminating their risk of transmitting the virus to others. Additionally, the ACA likely fuels access to PrEP for those at risk of HIV. Additional proposed HIV-related cuts in Trump’s 2018 fiscal year proposal include: eliminating the entire $54 million budget for the Secretary of Health and Human Services Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) Fund; a 15 percent, $17 million cut from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s MAI budget; axing 7 percent of the budget, or $26 million, for the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) program at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; a 14 percent, $22.3 million cut to sexually transmitted infection prevention efforts at the CDC just as STI rates are rising; and a one-year elimination of federal funds to Planned Parenthood, which is a major source of HIV testing and prevention services nationwide.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) would incur a $7.2 billion annual cut,

seeing its budget drop by 22 percent. This includes an 18 percent, $550 million cut to HIV research efforts. Such an elimination of funds would likely have a considerable impact on the global epidemic, possibly resulting in scaled-back research into numerous important avenues, including the quest for HIV vaccines and cure methods.

Calling the president’s budget “heinous,” Representative Barbara Lee says its passage “would abdicate U.S. leadership in the fight to cure HIV/AIDS on the global stage and gut efforts to combat HIV in the world’s poorest countries.”

Indeed, with the United States by far the greatest funder of international HIVrelated aid, Trump has proposed slashing the nation’s annual $6 billion budget for such efforts by $1.1 billion, or about 20 percent. According to amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, the $225 million cut to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) alone would drive 250,000 people off HIV treatment and orphan 78,000 children.

Finally, the CDC would incur a $149 million cut to its annual HIV prevention budget, a 20 percent drop. Considering that CDC dollars are responsible for a majority of HIV prevention expenditures in the United States, such a hit would compromise the ability to control the epidemic just as recent so-called high-impact efforts on the part of the CDC were apparently starting to bear fruit, helping drive down rates of new HIV infections 18 percent in six years.

From POZ.com, June 2, 2017. Reprinted with permission. Copyright 2017 CDM Publishing, LLC. Paul Ryan during the healthcare vote.

Photo Credit: CNN.

the

S pirit

SFGN's HIV/AIDS News Source

June Report from SFAN Sean McShee The South Florida AIDS Network (SFAN) functions as the networking and advisory body for the Florida Department of Health (FL-DOH) Ryan White Care (RWC) program in Broward County. Newcomers and visitors are welcome to its meetings.

K

im Saiswick, chair of the Florida Comprehensive Planning Network (FCPN), provided SFAN with a report of the most recent FCPN meeting. FCPN has functioned as the statewide advisory body for the FL-DOH RWC program. Now that Florida has integrated its HIV prevention and treatment planning, FCPN has changed. HIV service providers, prevention workers, advocates, and the FL-DOH now exchange information and feedback at FCPN meetings.

Report from FCPN During 2016, males made up 76 percent of ADAP clients, and females 23 percent. Five ADAP clients were transgender males and 184 were transgender females.

Florida-DOH has set an ambitious goal. After six months in ADAP, 90 percent of ADAP clients should achieve viral suppression. Only those ADAP clients with health insurance, however, were able to achieve this goal.

Successful HIV treatment consists of viral suppression, defined as having less than 200 viral copies per milliliter of blood. It maintains the ADAP client’s health and significantly minimizes transmission risk. At present, no consensus exists about transmission risk for people with a suppressed viral load. A growing number of researchers, providers, and advocates have argued that a consistently suppressed viral load prevents transmission.

Saiswick discussed the Florida Patient Needs Assessment. Respondents reported the following unmet needs: dental/oral health care, case management, health insurance, food-bank, and housing assistance. When compared with the previous needs assessment, the number of people unsure of where to get services had doubled.

People at FCPN also discussed the statewide rollout of Test and Treat programs. Under this program, people can choose to begin HIV treatment within 24-hours of receiving an HIV-positive test result. Six metropolitan areas in Florida have the highest HIV rates: Broward, Jacksonville, MiamiDade, Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach. All

six areas now have functioning Test and Treat Programs.

Test and Treat programs in South Florida At FCPN, Karen Villamiazar reported that 38 out of 50 clients in the Miami-Dade Test and Treat program have achieved viral suppression. Clients averaged 58 days to achieve viral suppression. This program identified five acute HIV cases. All five have now suppressed the virus.

The acute HIV phase occurs immediately after initial infection and presents the greatest risk for HIV transmission.

Janelle Traveras presented preliminary data from Broward’s Test and Treat program. From May 1 to May 26, sixty-six people had enrolled in its program.

HIV testing diagnosed thirty new cases of HIV infection. Thirty-six had been previously diagnosed, but were out-of-treatment at the time of testing.

Taveras announced that Broward DOH would be hiring PrEP Navigators. These navigators will help people seeking PrEP to obtain it. In addition, these navigators can link people at high risk for HIV infection to other needed services.

LGBT Radio & Podcasts

Broward RWC Neil Walker, Broward-RWC, reported that Broward-RWC had 5 percent of its budget left unspent by the end of FY2016. Broward-RWC will not have to return this amount.

Walker also reported that enrollment in Broward-RWC declined in FY 2016 by 8.5 percent.

He attributed this to increased enrollment in ACA insurance programs. Broward-RWC clients had a viral suppression rate of 81 percent.

Announcements June 24 from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Unity Day Health Fair at Williams Memorial CME Church, 644-646 NW 13 Terraces, Fort Lauderdale.

June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. Next SFAN Meeting: Friday, July 14, 2017 at 10 a.m., at the Holy Cross Healthplex, 1000 NE 56th Street, Ft. Lauderdale. SFAN welcomes newcomers.

News, comm en ry, inte entertata inment rviews,

Saturday 7PM-8PM on 850AM WFTL Streaming live on www.850WFTL.com, or by downloading the 850 WFTL mobile app

Hosted by T o • Congressmm Hantzarides with an Mark Fole y for comme • News by S ntary and insight outh Florida • Pop Culture G , Entertainmay News ent with D a n a M • “Faithful & Fabulous” wunson ith Rev. Dr. Le a Brown “Aim

ing to in activate our form, empower, and diverse com munity” Facebook.com/getoutsouthflorida

Instagram: @getoutsflradio • Twitter: @GetOutSF For more information e-mail: TomH@GetOutSouthFlorida.com

6.21.2017 •

25

the

S pirit

International

SFGN's HIV/AIDS News Source

Florida May Hold the key to

HIV-Funding for Africa Sean McShee

T

rump’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) includes cuts of $1.08 billion in global AIDS funding. On June 6, Hilary McQuie of HealthGAP spoke at the World AIDS Museum about those cuts. She spoke about how they would affect HIV in African countries.

Florida has a critical role in whether those proposed cuts become reality. It has several key “players” on relevant committees: Sen Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Miami), and Rep Tom Rooney (R-SW Florida). McQuie urged attendees to contact those three to stop these proposed cuts.

Between 37 and 40 million people worldwide live with HIV. About 70 percent of them live in African countries. In African countries, more straight people live with HIV than gay and bi men do. When HIV strikes straight people during their child-raising years, it leaves many orphans in its wake. Millions of potential orphans could destabilize resource-poor countries. Only outside funds could stave off disaster.

According to McQuie, two major sources provide most of these funds: The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GF). The second Bush administration and the Black Congressional Caucus jointly developed PEPFAR. The GF also began in the early 2000s as a public-private partnership.

Global HIV-funding decreased during the 2008 great recession. It has yet to recover. Decreased funding coincided with breakthroughs that allowed people to see an end to the epidemic.

These breakthroughs include antiretroviral therapy (ART), access to inexpensive, generic ART, effective prevention of mother-to-child-transmission, PEP, PrEP, and programs for voluntary male circumcision. Decreased funding reduced the potential benefit of those breakthroughs.

McQuie reported that research indicates a path to controlling HIV in Africa by 2030. In order to do so, African countries would have to achieve the “90/90/90 goals” by 2020. The “90/90/90 goals” have three sequential components. The first would be to diagnose HIV in 90 percent of those infected. The second would be to prescribe ART to 90 percent of those diagnosed. The third would be to suppress the virus in 90 percent of those taking ART. Out of 54 countries in Africa, 21 receive PEPFAR funding. According to UNAIDS, in African PEPFAR countries, annual HIV related deaths decreased by 227,100 between 2010 and 2015.

Among these countries, 14 reported decreased HIV-related deaths, and five reported increased deaths. Ethiopia and Nigeria failed to report data.

In half of the PEPFAR African countries, 57 percent or more of those diagnosed with HIV are receiving ART. Botswana reported 78 percent and Rwanda reported 79 percent receiving ART. Despite poverty, African countries are making major progress against HIV. That progress depends on global HIV-funding and access to inexpensive generic antiretrovirals.

LGBT HIV Issues in Africa Heterosexual transmission drives the HIV in Africa. Gay and bi African men, however, have higher infection rates than heterosexuals do. Global HIV researchers use the label “key populations” for stigmatized groups like LGBT people, drug users, and sex workers. Outside funding can ensure access to services for key populations despite stigmatization.

Hostility to LGBT people varies among African countries. Uganda’s infamous “AntiHomosexuality Act of 2014” has earned it the dubious distinction of most hostile. In contrast, South Africa became the first African country to recognize same-sex marriage in 2006, nine years before the US did.

South Africa has one of the most pro-LGBT political cultures in the world. It arose from grass roots activism led by LGBT people of color. These cuts pose the greatest risk to LGBT Africans.

HIV in African countries differs from HIV in the US. The shared suffering, however, can provide a way to break out of narrow nationalism.

To learn more about HealthGAP, please visit HealthGap.org 26

•

6 .21.2017

the

S pirit

SFGN's HIV/AIDS News Source

STIs Beyond HIV Sean McShee

A

s HIV becomes a more manageable disease, the difference in severity between its outcome and that of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) also decreases. Syphilis, hepatitis C, and human papilloma virus (HPV) all pose serious health risks. Syphilis can damage the heart, the brain, and nervous system. From 1996 to 2016, diagnoses of infectious syphilis in Broward increased by 906 percent. Hep C can lead to liver cancer. HPV can lead to anal cancer. All can lead to death.

Science has developed STI services other than testing and treating. These new services include HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and HPV. Someone with an STI may be a good candidate for PrEP. Given this new STI environment, SFGN investigated STI services other than HIV testing in Broward County. A Google search identified agencies offering STI services in Broward. A phone/e-mail survey followed, to clarify the services provided.

This investigation had two criteria for inclusion. Agencies had to accept walk-ins.

Services had to be free, or have a sliding-scale/ donation fee structure. Seven agencies met these criteria. Other agencies may provide some STI services, but they failed to meet the criteria or appear in the Google search.

HIV PEP Care Resource and all three AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) sites (Wilton Dr, Sunrise, and SE 3rd Ave.) offer PEP. As someone has to begin PEP within 72 hours of exposure, weekend access is critical.

The AHF sites on Wilton Drive and Sunrise are open Saturday and Sunday for people who need PEP over the weekend.

HIV PrEP Care Resource and the Edgar Mills Health Center offer PrEP to people testing positive for another STI. All other agencies will refer out for PrEP.

Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C The Edgar Mills Health Center offers hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines. All three AHF clinics, Broward House, Care Resource, the Edgar Mills Health Center, and Latinos Salud offer testing for hepatitis C. HPV vaccine Care Resource and the Edgar Mills Health Center offer the HPV vaccine.

Herpes If a sore is present, all three AHF clinics will test for herpes. The Edgar Mills Health Center also offers a test for herpes.

Syphilis All three AHF clinics, Broward House, Care Resource, the Edgar Mills Health Center, and Latinos Salud offer syphilis tests.

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia These bacterial STIs can occur in the penis, throat, rectum, and vagina. In order to diagnose these STIs, clinics have to perform separate penile, oral, rectal, and vaginal tests.

All three AHF clinics, Broward House, Care Resource, the Edgar Mills Health Center, and Latinos Salud offer penile tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia. All these clinics, except for Latinos Salud, offer vaginal testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia. All three AHF clinics offer rectal and oral tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia in the rectum or throat often produce few symptoms. STIs in the rectum or throat, however, can end up in somebody else’s penis. Control of these STIs among gay and bi men logically requires gonorrhea and chlamydia testing and treatment in the rectum and throat.

Ever since the early 80’s, HIV has loomed as the monster STI, but things have changed since then. For an unknown number of gay and bi men, monogamy is optional. Some of us only know the first names or screen handles of our sexual partners. In this context, regular STI testing may be the only way to control STIs. Gay and bi men probably should begin to think about STIs in new ways.

Walk-in STD clinics in Broward County that are Free, Donation, or Sliding Scale AIDS Healthcare Foundation Broward Wellness Center (AIDS Healthcare Foundation) AIDS Healthcare Foundation / Wellness Center (Wilton Manors) Broward House Incorporated Client Services Care Resource DOH-Broward Family Planning and Immunization Clinic: Edgar Mills Health Center Latinos Salud

1785 E Sunrise Blvd 700 SE 3rd Ave 2097 Wilton Drive

954-462-9442 954-767-0273 954-358-5580

2800 N Andrews Ave 871 W Oakland Park Blvd 900 NW 31st Avenue

954-568-7373 954-567-7141 954-467-4700

2330 Wilton Dr.

954-765-6239

6.21.2017 •

27

the

S pirit

SFGN's HIV/AIDS News Source

Three South Florida Scientists Awarded Grant for HIV Research Denise Royal

T

YOU’RE ALREADY A PART OF

HISTORY ● Rec

GET INTO THE MOMENT Follow SFGN.com on Facebook and see all the places you’ve been. We post photos from events across South Florida. From business gatherings to political protests, we’re right there with you.

Facebook.com/SouthFloridaGayNews 28

•

6 .21.2017

hree South Florida scientists on the front line in the HIV/AIDS battle have been given $25,000 grants to further their research. Scientists at the University of Miami, Florida International University and Broward Health are the proud recipients of the grants from The Campbell Foundation.

The Campbell Foundation’s mission is to eradicate HIV and AIDS in our lifetime through education, prevention and research. Now in its 22nd year, the Campbell Foundation has given away $10.4 million, with about $1.2 million going to direct services. The nonprofit has been funding cutting-edge research into a cure for HIV since its creation by the late Richard Campbell Zahn, the chemist who developed Herpecin-L Lip Balm for the treatment of cold sores and fever blisters.

One of the recipients is Dr. Maria L Alcaide of the Miami Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) at University of Miami. Her HIV research has been published in dozens of medical journals.

Her grant will be used for a mentoring program with the aim of attracting, supporting and encouraging young investigators to the field of HIV research.

The $25,000 grant will be used to create a mentoring workshop, which will provide tools for mentors and mentees from academic institutions in South Florida. These workshops have been proven to encourage and support the development of the next generation of HIV scientists.

“South Florida is unique and we have a lot of challenges. Creating a pool of young investigators who focus on research in our region is crucial to ending the HIV epidemic in our area,” Alcaide said in a written statement.

HIV prevention is the goal of a team of researchers at the Broward Health Comprehensive Care Center in Fort Lauderdale.

The center provides primary care services to those affected by HIV/AIDS. The center

provides cutting edge treatment and care annually to more than 1,800 clients affected by HIV/AIDS. The Campbell Foundation grant will be used to get high-risk HIV-negative women on anti-HIV medication (i.e. PrEP) to prevent new infections.

“If you really want to eradicate this disease, then you have to look at the other side of the equation and that is: How do we prevent people from getting infected in the first place?” said grant recipient Dr. Farouk Meklat, in a written statement, who will be conducting the study.

“We want to prevent those who are most vulnerable and at risk from becoming HIV positive."

HIV positive people face a lifetime of having to take antiretroviral medication daily.

For some, remembering to take it becomes difficult. Missing medication can result in the loss of therapeutic effectiveness, and more dangerously, the formation of a medicationresistant strain of HIV. Grant recipient Dr. Rahul Jayant, a researcher at FIU, is looking to develop a long-lasting antiretroviral medication.

“We already have developed a longactive nanoformulation, which can release antiretroviral drugs over a one-week period using our U.S. patented nanotechnology approach. Now, with the generous help from The Campbell Foundation, we will be working toward the development of single-dose formulation that can release the ARV drugs up to one month,” said Dr. Jayant in a written statement.

Many HIV patients tend to lose memory.

This is particularly true with older HIV patients or those who are drug abusers. So the hope is a longer-lasting medication will help patients better adhere to their regimens.

You can learn more about The Campbell Foundation at CampbellFoundation.net.

WMG Volume 4 • Issue 11 June 21, 2017

Wilton Manors Gazette

Community

A Wilton Manors Hotel Has Broad Support

By Michael d’Oliveira More information is needed, but the Grape, said a hotel should have been built business owners, residents, and tourists years ago and that it would be an asset for interviewed about the hotel that might the community, as long as it’s not “a huge be built at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors monstrosity.” He added that he thinks a said they are generally supportive of the lot of groups, especially LGBT ones, would choose Wilton Manors as the place to hold project.

In a previous interview, the developer, their conventions. “That’s a great thing. It’s Coconut Grove-based Grass River Property, a total boon to tourists who want to spend said plans right now are to build a hotel time in Wilton Manors.”

Ed Lugo, owner of Ed Lugo with 120 to 125 rooms.

Resort, said he’s confident The hope is to start the hotel wouldn’t hurt his construction in 2018. The business. “It’s going to attract city manager’s office is also a different kind of person [who generally supportive of the wants to stay in my kind of project because getting a lodging and not a traditional hotel built is one of the hotel]. They want something city’s economic goals. special.” But Lugo, who “We would love to build opened his doors 10 years ago, a hotel. We’re considering doesn’t think developers will a lot of different things,” ever build one at the Shoppes said George Spillis of of Wilton Manors because Grass River Property. “My there isn’t enough demand. partners and I desperately “There are six of us [small want to build a hotel on the - George Spillis resorts and bed and breakfasts property.”

Grass River Properties in Wilton Manors] and we’re Many business owners not 100 percent occupied. On on Wilton Drive support weekends, yes, there’s enough demand. the project.

“It’s just going to bring everyone more But not during the weekdays. I wish it business. As long as it’s not too high, how could be Key West or Miami, but it’s not.”

Nick Berry, co-owner of Rumors Bar can it be bad?” said Anthony Dumas, owner of To The Moon. “Nothing works & Grill and Courtyard Café, said that the back there. Something needs to be there,” hotel would create more visitors who he said, referring to the empty shops on the would spend their money here in the back half of the property. “It’s just going to daytime. Encouraging daytime shopping on Wilton Drive is something the city has bring in more tourists.”

Tim Slivinski, co-owner of Naked been trying to do for years. “We absolutely

“We would love to build a hotel. We’re considering a lot of different things.”

need it. They’re going to be spending their money here.”

Jennifer Santos, who lives in Brazil and has attended multiple Stonewall festivals, including the one held Saturday, said she would most likely stay in the hotel if it was built. “I love Wilton Manors. I come for the gay community.”

At a recent commission meeting, resident Ruthanne Stadnik said the city needs to diversify its lodging accommodations. “We really need some lodging places other than vacation rentals.”

“As long as the hotel is up against the

Drive and no taller than the Gables I am okay with it. But if they plan to put up a tall building right up against the houses [behind the Shoppes of Wilton Manors] I am sure they will get quite a fight from neighbors,” said Kevin Knorr, who lives near the Shoppes of Wilton Manors.

In a previous interview, Paul Rolli, president of the Central Area Neighborhood Association, who lives directly behind the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, said the support or opposition by nearby residents would depend on the plans when and if they are presented. WMG

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

June 21, 2017

6.21.2017 •

29

Opinion

WMG Wilton Manors Pride

June 21, 2017 • Volume 4 • Issue 11

By Sal Torre Photo by J.R. Davis.

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 Copyeditor • Kerri Covington

Editorial

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

Correspondents

John McDonald • James Oaksun

Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires

As I sit down to write my article on the eve of our city’s Stonewall Pride Festival, we here in Wilton Manors have plenty to be proud of. This past week has reinforced my pride in our city, our community, and within myself.

Each year’s Pride festivities cause many of us to pause from our daily routine and commitments to view our existence as part of a larger community. It’s more than just a time to head down to The Drive and take part in the parade and celebrations. It’s a time to acknowledge our role in the greater scheme of our existence. We come together, not to just celebrate Gay Pride, but to celebrate our role in moving toward a greater acceptance by our neighbors, our fellow countrymen, and our global community. Celebrating diversity and working toward a more compassionate and accepting world is something we should have immense pride in our work here in Wilton Manors.

Attending the Mayor’s and City Commissioner’s Stonewall Gala this past Thursday was a great opportunity to witness how our Island City contributes to the wonderfulness of Broward County. County Commissioners Chip LaMarca and Tim Ryan were in attendance, along with elected officials from various cities such as Commissioner Trantalis of Fort Lauderdale and Tim Lonegan of Oakland Park, judicial representatives, along with various non-profit organizations all coming together to celebrate the kick-off event for the Stonewall Festival. Many volunteers on our city boards and committees also took part in the festivities that evening, representing a strong commitment by our residents that celebrating and remembering the birth of the LGBT movement is something that benefits all of us here in our great city of Wilton Manors.

Many will question why we hold this great event in June rather than a more weather-friendly time, like February or March. The time of year is important because on a hot summer night in New York City, a group of drag queens, along with young gays and lesbians decided to fight against all the oppression, all the

injustice, all the bullshit that life had deposited on their doorsteps and say “Enough is enough!”

One must remember that back in 1969, homosexuality was illegal in every state except Illinois. Gay bars were frequently raided by local police and harassment was the norm faced by many. Mocking headlines of New York Daily News read, “Homo Nest Raided, Queen Bees are Stinging Mad.” We have come a long way since 1969 and have much to be thankful for. As we commemorate the birth of the Gay Pride Movement so many years later, we should be able to endure the heat, the downpours, the inconvenience of June in South Florida and come together to celebrate all that is great within our community and the world around us, and commemorate what those brave, bitchy and overheated queens did for all of us 48 years ago.

Speaking of bitchy queens, I just want to mention our Mayor and City Commissioners. Now now, they are not the bitchy queens I am looking to mention. I am referring to those in our community that constantly bitch and complain, who verbally attack those who serve, who find it easier to point fingers than to get involved and work together with our elected officials, our city government and neighborhood volunteer groups. We are blessed to have wonderful public servants from Mayor Resnick, to our Vice Mayor Justin Flippen right on through to Commissioners Tom Green, Scott Newton, and Julie Carson. We should never expect them to agree with us on every single issue, but realize that they give us their time, their professionalism, their willingness to listen, and their dedication to making our city the best it can be.

Celebrating diversity, respecting other opinions and lifestyles, working together as a community is what makes Wilton Manors great. We must never forget the struggles that made this all possible, we must continue to celebrate and remind ourselves how special we are and we must look ahead fostering our own special Wilton Manors Pride!

That Pride is why we can say, ‘Life is Just Better Here!’ WMG

One must remember that back in 1969, homosexuality was illegal in every state except Illinois.

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 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

M E M B E Gay R Copyright © 2017 South Florida News.com, Inc.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 30

•

6 .21.2017

2 •

June 21, 2017

Gov. Scott Vetoes Wilton Manors Sidewalk Grant

By Michael d’Oliveira “Unfortunately, the governor has Despite bipartisan support, a bill in the state legislature to allocate $600,000 for vetoed it. But we’re really proud of the sidewalk connectivity in Wilton Manors work we did,” said City Manager Leigh failed to make it past Governor Rick Scott’s Ann Henderson. In particular, Henderson credited Assistant City veto pen.

Manager Pamela Landi, HB 3339 and its Senate who has a background in companion, SB 2500, were governmental relations, vetoed by Scott on June 2. with traveling to Democratic Rep. Bobby Tallahassee and helping to B. DuBose (94), who get the bill to advance as represents Wilton Manors, far as it did. sponsored the bill. Also “She did all the supporting the bill was legwork,” Henderson said.

Republican Rep. George Henderson also credited Moraitis (93), whose the city’s representatives. district includes a small - Gary Resnick Wilton Manors Mayor “We’re very fortunate to portion of Wilton Manors have close relationships near Federal Highway. In with local legislators.” the House, the vote was 98 The city has had a lobbyist in the past yays, 14 nays, and 8 absent. In the Senate, but not currently. Asked if this might it was 34 yays, 2 nays, and 3 absent.

“This kind of legislation is unheard change that, Henderson replied that the of. Our folks did a great job,” said Mayor city might go back to having one but she Gary Resnick about the bill at a recent doesn’t see how it could have swayed the governor on this issue. “It doesn’t mean in commission meeting.

Business the future we won’t have one,” she said.

If the city does get state money for sidewalks in the future, or allocates its own funding, commissioners have said on multiple occasions that it will be left up to the residents in each neighborhood to decide if they want sidewalks or not. “We’re going to need to discuss that. Some don’t want them,” Commissioner Tom Green said.

Some residents, such as former mayor and

state representative Tracy Stafford, who uses a wheelchair, have asked commissioners to increase sidewalk connectivity throughout the city. At a July 2016 commission meeting where residents gave input on how a Community Development Block Grant should be spent, Stafford urged commissioners to do as much as they could to ensure people in wheelchairs can easily navigate sidewalks and crosswalks. WMG

“This kind of legislation is unheard of.

Our folks did a great job.”

3 •

June 21, 2017

6.21.2017 •

31

City

Photo by Carina Mask.

Pelosi’s Visit Costs City $2,701

By Michael d’Oliveira The May 26 visit by Democratic Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi to the Pride Center in Wilton Manors cost the city $2,701, according to police.

As part of her visit, Pelosi, who is also the House Minority Leader, promised that Democratic lawmakers would make the “Equality Act” a top priority if voters returned them to power in 2018. The act would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which includes protections against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Commander Gary Blocker said the money for additional security for Pelosi came out of the sworn/nonsworn salaries and sworn overtime accounts. Blocker said similar visits have been funded the same way.

“The city assesses these special events on a case by case basis in order

to decide if it is appropriate to invoice the applicable organization or individual,” wrote Blocker in an email. “The Wilton Manors Police Department is committed to assessing the public safety needs of our community and implementing the appropriate level of security on a continuous basis and as special circumstances arise.” WMG

• • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • Celebrating our 7th Year on Wilton Drive!

New Patients

$69

Your smile should leave a great impression!

($295 Value)

Comprehensive Exam, Digital X-Rays & Cleaning*

General & Cosmetic Dentistry New, State of the Art Facilities•Most Insurances Accepted Always Plenty of Free Parking•Located Conveniently on Wilton

954-565-7666 Dr. David K. Warner, DDS, FAGD Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry

1946 Wilton Drive •Wilton Manors • FL 33305 www.IslandCitySmiles.com *In the absense of gum disease. Not applicable to insurance benefits.

32

•

6 .21.2017

4 •

June 21, 2017

5 •

June 21, 2017

6.21.2017 •

33

Community

News

Check out what’s happening

Around Town

City to Pave Lot Near Bona Pizza

By Michael d’Oliveira

By Michael d’Oliveira

City wins budget preparation award The Wilton Manors Finance Department has received the national Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for Fiscal Year 2016-2017. This is the third year that the city has received the award. WMG

Revival Pool Party Poverello will host its Revival Pool Party fundraiser on Saturday, July 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. at 2554 NE 9 Ave., Wilton Manors. The fundraiser will be hosted by drag queen Kitty Meow with music by David Knapp. An open bar will be available and food will be served. Tickets are $50 in advance and $65 at the door. Call 954-5613663 for more information. WMG

Book Fair The Friends of the Wilton Manors Library will have its Book Fair on Saturday, July 8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Hagen Park Community Center, 2020 Wilton Drive. Books, videos, and audio materials are available in exchange for a small donation. Money raised by The Friends is used to fund programs and buy equipment for the city’s library. WMG

Gallery 21 art opening this Saturday Art Gallery 21’s newest exhibit will open on Saturday, June 24 at 7 p.m. It will feature the works of Darlene Fenster, Carol Finlayson, Barbara Pardon, Heidi Reiter, and Henry Rhommerdahl. The works will be on display from June 24 to July 15. Admission is free and the gallery is located in the Woman’s Club of Wilton Manors, 600 NE 21 Ct. Attendees can view the art on Saturdays from 7 to 9 p.m.

Volunteers are also needed. For more information, email artgallery21wcwm@ gmail.com or call 954-661-4740. WMG

Duetch’s staff at Wilton Manors City Hall The staff from U.S. Congressman Ted Deutch’s office will be available at Wilton Manors City Hall, 2020 Wilton Drive, on Wednesday, July 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Staff members will be available every first Wednesday of the month to answer questions and assist with matters related to the federal government. Duetch also has an office at Broward College, 111 East Las Olas Blvd., in Fort Lauderdale, by appointment only. Call 561-470-5440 for more information. WMG

There’s almost no parking near Bona will be $270,746. City officials said they Pizza. That’s why the new owners, Glen were able to reduce that paving cost Weinzimer and Mark Byrd, are glad the from $290,319. At the time the lot was city has provided the parking lot close to purchased, officials estimated it would their restaurant at Northeast 11 Avenue cost between $180,000 and $240,000 to pave it. Sun Up Enterprises was chosen as and Northeast 23 Drive.

“There’s not a lot,” said Weinzimer, the lowest bidder and has been contracted who has so far unsuccessfully explored to do the work.

The lot purchase has been criticized other solutions. One possibility is valet but Weinzimer said he’s been unable to by some residents as too expensive. find a spot for the valet to park the cars. Some residents also said that it would He has his eye on the eventual narrowing be a better use of money to build a single of Wilton Drive from four lanes to two. parking garage. This is the second parking He expects the on-street spaces in front lot the city has purchased and developed. of the restaurant will be eliminated when In April of 2014, the city opened its construction begins, making the new lot 42-space lot on Northeast 26 Street and even more important. “I think it will really Northeast 8 Terrace across the street from Kids In Distress. The cost of buying the help us.” land and paving that lot At their June 13 was $788,000. meeting, commissioners City officials It was a cost that some approved measures purchased the city officials have also related to two parking lots – the paving of a 23-space parking lot behind addressed. At the ribbon cutting for the Northeast city near Bona Pizza, and Bona Pizza in 26 Street and Northeast 8 the renewal of a revenueOctober of 2015 Terrace parking lot, Mayor sharing agreement with for $447,879 to Gary Resnick called the the owner of a 21-space lot at 2309 N. Dixie Hwy. help alleviate some money spent “inordinate” but necessary.

It’s the latest effort by of the parking When the lot behind the city to provide more problems on the Bona Pizza is unusable parking for businesses. north end of because it’s under Recently, the city also construction, city officials started operating a free Wilton Drive. said motorists will be able shuttle service along Wilton Drive. If the service is utilized, to use the lot close to it on Dixie Highway. the city will keep operating it. The shuttle Although the lot on Dixie Highway has operates 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays to been used less than expected, city staff Sundays and has eight stops along Wilton recommended that commissioners renew an agreement with its owner. Per the Drive.

City officials purchased the parking agreement, revenue from the lot is split lot behind Bona Pizza in October of 2015 50/50 between the owner and the city. for $447,879 to help alleviate some of The agreement doesn’t cost the city any the parking problems on the north end money and it will retain 100 percent of of Wilton Drive. The cost to pave the lot revenue that stems from citations. WMG

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 34

•

6 .21.2017

6 •

June 21, 2017

Feature pets

Looking For Love Sweet Sammy (ID 577243) is looking for a forever home… can you make his wish come true? After eight years his family decided they no longer had time for loveable Sammy so now he needs another family to love. At 19 pounds there is a lot of Sammy to love! This fellow gets along with other felines and likes people of all ages. He is playful and affectionate and really hopes you’ll give him a chance. Can Sweet Sammy be part of your family?

Sammy

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 tests for dogs over seven months, feline leukemia tests 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

6.21.2017 •

35

LIFESTYLE photos

Planning to party A look back at the amazing team who planned and put together Miami Beach Pride, one of the greatest pride events in South Florida.

J.R. Davis

x

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

36

•

6 .21.2017

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

954-267-9005

15 Minutes From The Beach or I-95 754-779-7007

4800 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY, FORT LAUDERDALE JUST SOUTH OF COMMERCIAL BLVD

Two Locations!

FACEBOOK.COM/PEACEPIPEFL

821 N. FEDERAL HWY., FORT LAUDERDALE JUST SOUTH OF SEARS TOWN NEXT TO CUBBY HOLE @PEACEPIPEFORTLAUDERDALE

6.21.2017 •

37

lifestyle photos

STONEWALL PRIDE 2017!

On Saturday, June 17, Wilton Drive came to life with its annual Stonewall Festival and Pride. The event was sponsored by businesses and organizations across South Florida.

J.R. Davis

To see many more photos, visit South Florida Gay News on Facebook.

38

•

6 .21.2017

lifestyle photos

6.21.2017 •

39

LIFESTYLE photos

Transart

TransArt's opening night on June 8 in Miami Beach, which honored the trans community's artistic endeavors.

Carina Mask

x

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

40

•

6 .21.2017

LIFESTYLE photos

Trans Artists gather at rumors Trans artists meet at Rumors to recognize artists in the community to honor the annual event between June 8 and June 11.

Carina Mask

x

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

6.21.2017 •

41

lifestyle books

‘On Christopher Street: Transgender Stories’ photographs by Mark Seliger, foreword by Janet Mock

Terri Schlichenmeyer

E

verybody, as they say, has a story to tell.

An ancestor was captured in an early war. Parents overcame adversity in a new country. A health scare, a welcome blessing, a lucky streak, a chance meeting, we all have our tales to share. And in “On Christopher Street: Transgender Stories,” photographs by Mark Seliger, you’ll read a few.

Where would you go if you just wanted to be yourself?

If you are transgender and living in or near Manhattan, you’d go to Christopher Street in the West Village. There, you could find support, advice, community, or family, if you needed it. Recently, you might have also run into photographer Seliger, who says in a brief statement that he noticed the “freedom of expression and gender identity” that was once abundant is “vanishing” from the area.

High-end condos, cafes, and restaurants are moving in and the trans community is being pushed aside; here, Seliger put a marker on it before it’s gone. “… I realize that everybody has a trans story, that being trans is something that affects all of us,” he says, using his camera as storyteller.

Being in prison as a trans woman, says one photo subject, is like being “caged.” You don’t belong with the men. They won’t put you in the women’s lock-down. Everybody knows what’s going on and sometimes, the guards have one more slap-down in store for you just before you’re released.

Many stories begin with “I was four” or five or eight when the teller realized that they were in the “wrong body.” Families were supportive (or not), transitioning “is not

42

•

6 .21.2017

c.2016, Rizzoli International Publications

$55.00 / $80 Canada 160 pages easy,” and the decision for or against surgery is deeply personal but ultimately, it’s the “inner peace” that matters. Still, lying about being trans can backfire and even if nobody knows, there’s a “constant state of paranoia and fear” that may yet linger.

And then there’s the place itself: Christopher Street has “a dark side,” with drugs, prostitution, and harassment. That means that for LGBT youth, which comprise 40 percent of the nation’s street kids, it isn’t always safe…

And so there I was, quietly reading “On Christopher Street: Transgender Stories,” when it suddenly… ended! The surprise was not that it did so, but that I was so wrapped up in the inside this book that I didn’t notice the last pages looming.

Yes, it’s that kind of thing, filled with photographical portraits that are worth the clichéd thousand words, and then some.

Photographer Mark Seliger’s subjects seem mostly well-at-ease in snapshots that feel random but natural; some people are identified, some are not, and not all of them weigh in, verbally. Those that do, tell tales that hit hard, in part because they leave readers with the sense that there’s more, but that it’s too difficult to speak.

This large-size, elegantly-presented coffeetable book is one you’ll return to again and again because what’s inside is so compelling.

If it is, indeed, true what they say about everyone having a story, “On Christopher Street” is filled with good ones.

6.21.2017 •

43

LIFESTYLE photos

Making A Splash

From May 18 to 21, Aqua Girl and Impulse Group hosted a pool party that made waves in the local community.

J.R. Davis

x

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

44

•

6 .21.2017

6.21.2017 •

45

lifestyle food Sea & Olive

Rick Karlin

Sea and Olive on The Drive Sea & Olive

2390 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors 954-306-3778

W

hoever is in charge of the kitchen knows a thing or two about cooking. Each of the dishes we sampled was delish. Friends who have visited the new spot report similar experiences.

Where Sea & Olive fails is in the front-of-the-house operation. Upon entering, we were practically pounced upon by a server. We were dining early before a movie and were the first customers, so we had our choice of seats in the attractive dining room or equally beautiful patio. As our server handed us the menu she informed us that Sea & Olive is a Turkish restaurant. The menu options are mostly Turkish dishes, some with influences from neighboring Mediterranean countries.

There is an entire page of small shared plates, or mezze, as they are referred to throughout the Mediterranean. Shaksuka is a stew of eggplant, tomato, pepper and onion, usually baked with an egg on top. Sea & Olive’s version arrives sans egg, but with eggplant so tender that it melts in your mouth. A bowl of anchovies is simply that, with the addition of olive oil and a few slices of onion and garlic. Both are excellent with the chewy, grilled pita bread.

Other small plate options include hummus, cacik (the Turkish version of tzatziki), grape leaves, borek (meat filled pastries), grilled fish, saganaki (grilled cheese) and assorted vegetable dishes, but oddly enough, there are no plates of the restaurant’s namesake, olives! Small plates range in price from $5-13, with most running $8 or less, making the special combo of two mezze plates for $16 and four for $30 not such a great deal.

Salads, priced $6-8 are easily enough for two to share, or as an entrée with the addition of grilled salmon, shrimp or chicken for $6 more. Coban presents a large bowl of chopped cucumber, tomato and red onion with tangy vinaigrette. Entrée courses are a bit pricey, ranging from $16 to $27. Although the portions are sizable, my grilled octopus was accompanied by only two tablespoons of sautéed greens; my husband’s grilled salmon was augmented by the same greens and some vinegary onions.

The addition of a starch side would go a long way toward making these dishes seem more fairly priced.

My octopus was perfectly prepared, but my husband’s dish took a lot longer than expected. When the salmon

Sea & Olive’s version arrives sans egg, but with eggplant so tender that it melts in your mouth.

46

•

6 .21.2017

arrived it was perfectly medium rare, but the skin was rubbery. The number one rule with fish skin is that if you can’t serve it crispy, remove it from the plate. Meanwhile, my dish had grown cold as I sat waiting for his entrée to arrive.

Neither our server, nor the others that stopped by ever asked why my plate sat practically untouched, nor did they offer to correct the mistake. When our server brought the check she finally admitted that she forget to put in the order for the second entree. We were the only diners in the restaurant! How can you forget to put in an entrée when you only have two customers?

At the end of the meal, our server presented us with two miniscule pieces of baklava as an apology. With an error like that the salmon entrée should have been comped. When we got our bill, we were also overcharged for a glass of wine. I pointed out to that the menu indicated house wines were $4 a glass during happy hour. She explained that that only applied to drinks at the bar, although it doesn’t state so on the menu. In the end, we were given the happy hour price, but this is just another example of folks who don’t know what they’re doing running a restaurant.

I’ll give Sea & Olive a second chance, only because the food was well prepared and the atmosphere charming.

However, they need to get someone in there who knows how to manage the front of the house operations if they hope to succeed. Queens will forgive less than stellar food, but we love good service!

‘

LADIES NIGHT WEDNESDAY 2-4-1 Kettle One All Night

• 2 - 4 - 1 D a i ly T i l 7 p m M o n - F r i •$6 Bar BitesTil 7pm • Over 40 Wines To Choose From • D a i ly W i n e S p e c i a l s Gastro Pub & Wine Bar

Under New Management Daily Lunch Specials 2045 WILTON DRIVE • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 • 754.223.2172 6.21.2017 •

47

F O R

T H E

SFGNITES W E E K

O F

J u n e

-

J u n e

2 7 ,

2 0 1 7

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

Every Coming Out Story has a Song…

J.W. Arnold

jw@prdconline.com

THU

2 2

6/22

theater The Golden Girls are back! Nick Brennan’s musical parody, “Thank You for Being a Friend” opens tonight at 8 p.m. at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Dr. in Fort Lauderdale, and runs through July 16. The laughs start when pop star Ricky Martin moves in next door and the girls enter the Shady Pines Retirement Home Talent Show, determined to defeat the handsome Puerto Rican singer. Tickets are $35 at EmpireStage.com.

FRI

6/23

theater “Happy Ending,” the hit new play from Ronnie Larsen (“Making Porn”), is transferring to Andrews Living Arts, 23 NW 5th St. in Fort Lauderdale, for an extended run through July 16. Intrigue abounds as two men open up about their most secret dreams and desires during a routine massage therapy session. But, will they both get the “happy endings” they crave. Contains male nudity. Tickets start at $35 at RonnieLarsen.com.

Saturday

6/24

concert

The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida presents “Generation OUT,” a musical ode to that shared rite of passage in the LGBT community, coming out. Artistic director Harold Dioquino will conduct a program of anthems that pays tribute to past and present generations and ultimately weaves together the story of one community. Tonight at 8 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE 8th St. in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets at GMCSF.org.

Submitted photo.

SAT

6/24 SUN

6/25 MON

6/26 TUE

6/27

concert

theater

theater

film

Legendary singer Diana Ross brings her “In the Name of Love” tour to the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach tonight, June 24, and the Arsht Center in Miami tomorrow, June 25. Her career has spanned five decades with record sales that top 100 million, and the Grammy-winner continues to bring audiences to their feet with her grace, glamour and incomparable musical gift. Tickets at Kravis.org and ArshtCenter.org.

Thinking Cap Theatre continues its provocative Gender and the Pulitzer Prize series with a staged reading of Marsha Norman’s 1983 winner, “ ‘night, Mother,” today at 1 p.m. at the Vanguard Sanctuary for the Arts, 1501 S. Andrews Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.

Karen Stephens and Tina Thomas star and Elizabeth Price directs this thought-provoking drama. A talkback session will follow. Tickets are $10 at ThinkingCapTheatre.org.

The Theatre League of South Florida’s Summer Theatre Fest continues tonight at Area Stage, 1560 S. Dixie Highway. in Coral Gables. Each Monday, local theaters will offer staged readings of new plays. The performances allow audiences to react and, more importantly, shape new works that could be headed to a professional production.

Readings start at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $10. For more information, go to AreaStageCompany.com.

Tired of superheroes and sequels? This weekend, check out “The Beguiled,” a period drama set at an all-girl boarding school in the South during the Civil War. Sexual tensions and old rivalries explode when a wounded enemy soldier (Colin Farrell) takes refuge.

Director Sofia Coppola teased in pre-release interviews that the drama would “appeal” to straight and gay audiences alike. Hmmm. Check local listings for theaters and show times.

48

•

6 .21.2017

6.21.2017 •

49

A&E arts

Cabaret artist Joey Arias. Photo Credit: Albie Mitchell.

Singer Headlines Miami Beach LGBT Arts Festival J.W. Arnold

N

ew York-based cabaret and drag artist Joey Arias will headline FUNDarte’s eighth annual Out in the Tropics LGBT arts festival, June 22 – 25 in Miami Beach.

Arias got his start more than 40 years ago, singing with rock bands, but gradually moved into the New York cabaret scene in the early 1980s. He would later spend seven years as the sexy emcee of Cirque du Soleil’s “exotic, erotic, X-rated” production, Zumanity, in Las Vegas before returning to his home in the Big Apple in 2010 to develop a new stage show and cabaret act.

“I think the cabaret world, back to Weimar and Paris and those times, was a statement of society, really, poking fun at it and pushing envelopes. It was more political in those days,” explained Arias in a phone interview from his New York home.

“It was not my intention to be a cabaret performer. I was going to be a pop star, but I kept finding myself in cabaret situations.”

Arias plans to perform works by his “spiritual mother,” Billie Holiday, on Friday evening in the Gleason Room at the Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave. “I sing her (songs) all the time, it soothes my voice,” he said.

The set list will also highlight many of the composers of the Great American Songbook of the ‘40s and ‘50s, including Johnny Mercer.

“I like their lyrics, their genius,” Arias said, noting that he also likes to put his own stamp on more contemporary music. “I like

to take songs and twist them around and make them ‘Joey,’ jazzy, cabaret sounding.”

The audience at the Gleason Room on Friday night might even hear charttopping hits from the Beatles or Madonna performed with that unique Joey Arias interpretation.

“Cabaret has slipped through many different genres, so I use the word loosely.

That’s the way times go. Things are going faster, we have technology and instant access. There will be another transition,” he predicted.

In addition to the cabaret performance

by Arias, Out in the Tropics will offer audiences a diverse program of music and educational events: Spanish singer La Shica will present a provocative evening of sultry flamenco/ jazz/hip-hop fusion in the Gleason Room on Thursday. The appearance is copresented by Centro Cultural Español.

On Saturday, the feminist hip-hop sensation Krudas Cubensi, a duo of Cuban vocal rap artists that recently relocated from Havana to Austin, Tex., will take the Gleason Room stage.

Out in the Tropics concludes on Sunday at 2 p.m. with a free “Striptease Literario” literary reading featuring Miami author Antonio Orlando Rodriguez at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Dr. A panel discussion will follow the reading. The event is co-presented by Miami-Dade College’s Miami Book Fair International.

Out in the Tropics performances at the Gleason Room begin at 8:30 p.m. and tickets are $30 at Ticketmaster.com. A festival package is also available for $65. For more information and a complete schedule, go to FUNDarte.us.

50

•

6 .21.2017

A&E theater

Busy Summer Ahead for LGBT Theater J.W. Arnold

D

uring the hot summer months when the snowbirds and tourists head north, many theaters are “dark,” theater jargon for “closed.” That’s not the case for three local venues that primarily attract LGBT audiences.

In addition to the critically-acclaimed world premiere of Stuart Meltzer’s funny family drama, “The Goldberg Variations,” currently playing through July 16 at Island City Stage in Wilton Manors, the LGBTcentric theater company will co-produce “Shorts Gone Wild 5,” Aug. 17 through Sept. 10. The annual festival of provocative short plays has become a summer tradition, pushing the envelope on topics of sexuality, love and gender identity. Tickets for both productions are $35 at IslandCityStage.org.

Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale, has also carved out a niche with small LGBT-themed plays. This weekend, “Thank You for Being a Friend,” a musical “Golden Girls” parody by Nick Brennan, will open for a three-week run. The laughs start when Puerto Rican pop singer Ricky Martin

moves in next door to the funny foursome, played by Brooks Braselman, Larry Buzzeo, Paul Mercado and Nick Brennan. When Martin enters the Shady Pines Retirement Home talent show, the girls are determined to defeat him and take home the top prize.

Tickets are $35 at EmpireStage.com.

Later this summer, Michael Aman’s “Muscle Bears the Musical” will get its first full production at Empire Stage, opening Aug. 24. Aman, who is best known for his dramas “Poz” and “Feeding the Bear” produced at Island City Stage, unveiled the new musical comedy in a staged reading last fall. Tickets should be available soon at EmpireStage.com.

Playwright and producer Ronnie Larsen is offering three shows at Andrews Living Arts (ALA), 23 NW 5th St. in Fort Lauderdale, an intimate space in the up-and-coming FAT Village arts district downtown: After a successful world premiere at Empire Stage in May, Larsen’s play “Happy Ending” is transferring to ALA for an extended run through July 16. The play

explores the relationship between a gay massage therapist and his straight client.

Over the course of the session, they open up to each other about the hopes and dreams and, ultimately, their individual searches for a “happy ending” in their lives. New York City-based actor Christopher Moss joins the cast before the production hits the road for a late-summer run in Atlanta.

Larsen’s hilarious “Penis Talk Show,” a comedy show that features three anonymous models who bare it all and answer frank and funny questions from the audience, will be offered monthly on Wednesdays, July 12 and August 16 at 8 p.m., with other dates under consideration.

“Big Bright Star,” a one-man show created and performed by Chris Harder and directed

by Obie Award-winner David Drake (“The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me”), comes to ALA, July 20 through Aug. 6. Harder, also a talented cabaret artist, reveals the sacrifices necessary to achieve stardom in the gay porn industry in this sexy—and revealing— comedy.

After a successful world premiere at Empire Stage, Ronnie Larsen’s “Happy Ending” transfers this weekend to Andrews Living Arts in Fort Lauderdale’s FAT Village. Photo Credit: Christian Carroll.

Tickets for all three shows are available at RonnieLarsen.com.

“It’s amazing to me that South Florida can support so many shows, especially in the slow summer months,” commented Larsen.

“Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors have that critical mass of gay residents who enjoy theater, buy tickets to gay plays and want to see more.”

6.21.2017 •

51

Datebook

Community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com

Top Picks TransSocial Saturdays

Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. at Pridelines, 6360 NE Fourth Court in Miami. Come hang out with others for a movie, snacks, and discussion every Saturday. Visit TransSocial. org.

No Secret Anymore

June 22 at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall National Museum — Wilton Manors, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. A screening of “ No Secret Anymore,” about the relationship and lives of lesbian activists Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon. Suggested donation $5. Call 954-530-9337 or visit Stonewall-Museum. org.

Stonewall Ball Black and White Party

June 24 at 7:30 VIP and award reception and 9 p.m. general entry at the Harriet Himmel Theater, 700 S. Rosemary Ave. in West Palm Beach. Compass GLCC’ s annual fundraiser in memory of the Stonewall Riots in June 1969. Tickets $35 in advance, $40 at the door, $75 VIP. Visit CompassGLCC.com.

Broward Support Services

Gender Bender Youth Group

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

PFLAG

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

Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and locations.

SunServe Youth Group

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

Survivor Support

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

broward county * Novel Reading: “The Next One Will Kill You” June 22 at 7 p.m. at the Oakland Park Library, 1298 NE 37th St. in Oakland Park. Author Neil Plakcy reads from his novel “ The Next One Will Kill You” about openly gay FBI agent Angus Green solving cases in Miami. Free.

Visit MahuBooks.com.

* Dick’s Service Station Car Wash

Through July 2 at the Stonewall National Museum — Wilton Manors, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. An exploration of the homophobia and sexism experienced in the world of sport by lesbian, bisexual, and transgender female athletes. Free. Call 954530-9337 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org.

United & Proud Through

Life Coaching

* National HIV Testing Week Celebration June 28 at 10:30 a.m. at the First

•

6 .21.2017

Game On! Female Athletes Competing with Homophobia in Sports

June 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dick’ s Service Station, 3528 NE 12th Ave. in Oakland Park. Get your car washed and your hair cut to benefit the Broward House SMART Ride team. Call 954-522-4749, ext. 1202 or visit browardhouse.org June 26 at Magnetic Pompano, 220 N. Federal Highway C104 in Pompano Beach. ArtsUnited celebrates Pride Month with art by the LGBT community. Free. Visit MagneticPompano.org.

52

Congregational Church in Fort Lauderdale UCC, 2501 NE 30th St. in Fort Lauderdale.

Join the Pride Center for a special celebration of HIV Testing Week and encourage your peers to know their status. Free. Visit PrideCenterFlorida.org

Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Latinos Salud Clubhouse, 2300 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Get one-on-one life coaching from certified CRCS coaches. For guys living with HIV, their partners, and anyone who identifies as transgender. Free. Call 954-7656239 or visit LatinosSalud.org.

June 21 - June 27 Rest Your Mind

Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Kadampa Meditation Center, 241 W Prospect Road Ste. B in Fort Lauderdale. Start your week with relaxing meditation to center yourself. Free. Visit MeditateinFortLauderdale.org.

Man2Man Discussion

Mondays 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors.

A weekly informal discussion group among gay men of all backgrounds. Contact John Beuscher at 954-319-4292 or email johnnybushwick@aol.com.

palm beach county Sushi & Stroll

July 14, Aug. 11, and Sept. 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach. The summertime fete returns with sushi rolls, drumming by Fushu Daiko, tours, and more. Admission $15. Call 561-495-0233 or visit Morikami.org.

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.

Zumba Fitness

Mondays at 6 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Get moving with a certificated Zumba instructor for an infusion of exercise and dance moves. Donation of $5 or more. Call 561-324-1626 or visit CompassGLCC. com.

Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Purchase fresh food from local farmers, including fruits, vegetables, meats, prepared foods, as well as chefs, live music, and cooking demonstrations. Tickets $45 to $75.

Free. Visit ArshtCenter.org/en/Visit/Dining.

Yoga

Mondays at 6:15 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. J St. in Lake Worth. A support and discussion group for female recovering alcoholics. Visit LambdaNorth.net.

Tuesdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at Jose Marti Park, 362 SW Fourth Ave. in Miami. Yogis 18 and older of all levels are invited to a practice lead by a certified instructor. Bring your own yoga mat, water, and towel. Free. Call 305-358-7550 or visit BayfrontParkMiami.com/Yoga.html.

Out of the Closet, Into the Light

Book Study

Art Walk on Wilton Drive

Yoga in the Garden

Sober Sisters

Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at MCC of the Palm Beaches, 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens. AA for the LGBT community. Free. Call 561-775-5900 or visit MCCPalmBeach.org.

Third Saturdays on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. A monthly art festival along the drive.

Free. Visit ArtWalkOnWiltonDrive.com.

miami-dade county Arsht Center Farmers Market

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

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 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.

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 305-294-0555 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-for-one 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.

* Denotes New Listing

6.21.2017 •

53

June 21 - June 27

Datebook

Theater Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com

Top

Picks

Thank You For Being a Friend

June 22 to July 16 at Empire Stage,1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale.

A “ Golden Girls” musical parody with an all-male cast. Tickets $35, use code EARLY to save $5. Call 212868-444 or visit EmpireStage.com.

Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull

June 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The Latin superstars return to Miami for their second show. Tickets $55.95 and up.

Call 786-777-1000 or visit AAArena. com.

Diana Ross

June 24 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. For five decades, Ross has been one of the most influential performers in music. Tickets $49.

Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Denotes New Listing

54

•

6 .21.2017

broward county Happy Ending

June 22 to July 16 at Andrews Living Arts,

23 NW Fifth St. in Fort Lauderdale. A massage therapist welcomes a customer to his massage table who bends the rules.

Contains nudity and sexual situations.

Tickets $35 to $50. Call 954-826-8790 or visit RonnieLarsen.com

Finding Neverland

Through June 25 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A playwright is at a dead end creating his new play, until he meets four young brothers who inspire Peter Pan. Tickets $29.85 and up. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

Girls Only: The Secret Comedy of Women

Through June 25 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. After going through their girlhood diaries, the creators put together a show with sketch comedy, improv, songs, videos, and audience participation. Tickets $35 to $45. Call 954462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

The Goldberg Variations

Through July 16 at Island City Stage, 2304 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. The Goldberg family throws a party every year in honor of their late grandmother’ s birthday, but when Caleb tries to switch things up, his boyfriend and family spin the event out of control. Tickets $35. Call 954-519-2533 or visit IslandCityStage.org.

Friday Night Sound Waves Music Series

Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music spanning genres and tributes every Friday evening through November. Free. Visit FridayNightSoundWaves.com.

palm beach county * Sense and Sensibility

June 23 to July 22 at FAU’ s Studio One Theatre, 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. Kate Hamill presents her play based on the Jane Austin novel. Tickets $25. Call 800-564-9539 or visit fauevents.com.

* Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus

June 23 to 25 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach.

The one-man play showcase the hilarity of relationships from dating to the bedroom.

Tickets $55. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis. org.

* Slightly Stoopid with Iration, J Boog, The Movement

June 24 at 5 p.m. at Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 20405 Amphitheater Circle in Boca Raton.

Lay out a picnic blanket and enjoy music from the folk reggae band. Tickets $34.50 in advance, $40 day of show. Parking $10 to $15. Visit axs.com/events/334670/slightlystoopid-tickets. Free Friday Concerts Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach.

Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Returns in October. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.

miami-dade county Diana Ross

June 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd in Miami. For five decades, Ross has been one of the most influential performers in music. Tickets $51 to $115. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

Summer Shorts

Through July 12 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd in Miami. The annual short play festival presents a brand-new line of 10-minute plays and mini-musicals, including Lin-Manuel Miranda’ s “ 21 Chump Street.” Tickets $39. Call 305-9496722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

Outdoor Music Series

Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Free with museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or visit PAMM.org.

The Big Show

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.

PORN pulse

'Seed Money'

Doc Chronicles the History of Legendary Falcon Studios Hunter Houston

C

huck Holmes (1945-2000) founded Falcon Studios because he was tired of the cheap, sleazy porn which was being offered to audiences during the early 1970s.

Holmes wanted to pleasure himself to films which offered decent production values and attractive models who looked like they were enjoying themselves. He founded Falcon so that he could watch the kind of films that he wanted to see.

Apparently many people agreed with Holmes. Soon after its founding in 1971, Falcon was THE gay porn studio. No other company could match its financial success.

In the recently produced documentary "Seed Money" filmmaker Mike Stabile traces the history of Falcon. Stabile recounts the company's swift rise, and how the AIDS crisis of the 1980s nearly destroyed it. Stabile also recalls Holmes' lifelong struggle to gain the respect of a hypocritical community who was willing to jack off to his films even as they disassociated themselves from him.

In "Seed Money" Stabile points to an early political campaign by out lesbian Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin). Baldwin received a sizable donation from Holmes-the money was returned. Baldwin was afraid that being associated with a pornographer would harm her career. A few years later San Francisco's LGBT Community Center was named after Holmes, who had donated huge amounts of money so that the building could be completed. Bay Area Reporter, San Francisco's LGBT newspaper, received numerous angry letters from community members who were "disgusted" that their hallowed Center could be named after a man like Holmes.

Incidents like these weighed heavily on

Holmes and caused him much anguish.

Numerous friends, colleagues, and Falcon models, speaking on camera for Stabile's film, recall that Holmes was quite sincere about wanting to make his community a better place. They also recalled a man who cared deeply about producing films with higher production values featuring attractive models who took care of their bodies. To that end Holmes could, on occasion, be a bit of a tyrant. When a film was in production he took on a "my way or the highway" attitude.

Holmes must have known what he was doing, as many of his titles brought in huge amounts of money. Stabile doesn't reveal the dollar amount made by any Falcon film, but its made clear that Holmes became a wealthy man via Falcon.

Stabile further points out that Falcon films were lovely to look at. The models were well groomed and the settings were impressive--a Beverly Hills mansion, a lush tropical beach-as many of Holmes' associates rightly point out, Falcon films were the best the industry had seen up to that point.

What's most impressive about "Seed Money" is how much information Stabile was able to include in the film's scant running time. Holmes was 55 years old when he died of AIDS in 2000. During his half-century sojourn he changed the face of an industry and touched countless lives. Stabile tells that story in a mere 71 minutes. Viewers may walk away from the film feeling as though they've met Holmes personally. Perhaps they'll also feel that Holmes was indeed worthy of the respect he never got during his lifetime.

"Seed Money" is now available on Amazon.

Please email tips (or more, if you desire) to PornPulseSFGN@gmail.com

6.21.2017 •

55

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 counseling

attorney law office of Gregory Kabel 1 East Broward Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, 33301 954.761.7770 gwkesq@bellsouth.net

Complimentary copy of

Sex Happens: The Gay Man’s Guide to Creative Intimacy

by Dr. Arlen Keith Leight

call us to reserve space!

For A Limited Time Only Hurry While Supplies Last To claim your complimentary book go to: www.MarriageCounselingForMen.org/contact

a&e Ft Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus PO Box 9772, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33310-9772 954-832-0060 www.theftlgmc.org

call us to reserve space!

Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida PO Box 39617, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33339 954-763-2266 Gaymenschorusofsouthflorida.org

QuickBooks Bookkeeping • • • • •

Retail Restaurant Landscape Professional Office Individuals

Doug Turner EA, CPB QuickBooks Advanced ProAdvisor bestbooksandtaxes.com

• • • • •

A/R, A/P, Financials Monthly Reconciliations Quarterly Reviews Payroll Services Sales Tax Filings

Best Books & Taxes, LLC 1881 NE 26th Street, Suite 202 Wilton Manors, FL 33305

954-565-1041

BAJJ Storm Protection, Inc. Hurricane Impact Windows & Storm Shutters - Residential & Commercial

Family Owned & Operated 20 + Years Experience Licensed & Insured References Senior & Veteran Discounts

FINANCING AVAILABLE Call JOE - Operations Manager cell: (954) 494-0366 Office: (954) 927-8108 Schedule a FREE Project Quote

56

•

6 .21.2017

dental

financial services

health

professional services

Oakland Park Dental 3047 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954.566.9812 Oaklandparkdental.com Andrews Dental Care 2654 N Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311 954.567.3311 Andrewsdentalcare.com Island City Dental 1700 NE 26th Street, Ste. 2, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-564-7121 Islandcitydental.com

final arrangements Kalis-McIntee Funeral & Cremation Center

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

furniture

sfgn.com

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

financial services

professional services

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

WE’RE HERE FOR ALL YOUR

FINANCIAL NEEDS Taxes IRS Issues Accounting

Bookkeeping Small Business Advising

call us to reserve space! florist

TWO GUYS PAWN FREE PHONE QUOTES!

(954) 565-0727 954-667-9829 ACCOUNTING@STERLINGACCOUNTING.COM

2435 North Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305

call us to reserve space!

3345A N. FEDERAL HWY. (US 1) OAKLAND PARK, FL 33306

browardpawnshops.com

call us to reserve space!

6.21.2017 •

57

Business Directory To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970 spirituality Where we welcome and appreciate diversity.

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

www.stsfrancisandclare.org Baptisms • Weddings • Memorial Services

MM28611 MA65936

WILTON MANORS MASSAGE

$

75 HOUR

$

100

CHRIS TUNKUS

954.258.8779 1322 NE 4th Avenue • Fort Lauderdale WILTONMANORSMASSAGE.COM

VOTED pest control

Taylor & Turner Pest and Termite Control, Inc

William D. Turner taylorandturner@yahoo.com 2520 North Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305

58

•

6 .21.2017

from

$135,000

954.630.2627 call us to reserve space!

$300,000

3 bdroom/2 bath homes

THE BEST SERVICE, THE BEST RESULTS SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST!

Helping Buyers, Sellers, Renters, and Investors for over 18 years in South Florida.

$250,000

Brian S. Bedigian, P.A.

RealtorBrian@aol.com www.BrianFTL.com

Your South Florida Specialist for Over 18 Years

from

Call or text

Tennis Lessons at Hagen Park in Wilton Manors. Individual or group lessons. Call Robert 732-604-0362 for more information.

2 bedroom/2 bath condos

from

1.5 HOUR

sports

Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors & Oakland Park REMODELED homes:

Ocean/Intracoastal

therapy

The Parish of Sts. Francis and Clare

real estate

Realtor

954.205.5275

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

electrician

HARRY’S ELECTRIC RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL - Additions, renovations, service upgrades, breaker panels,FPL undergrounds, code violations, A/C wiring, ceiling fans, recessed, security & landscaping, lighting, pools, pumps, Jacuzzis, water heaters, FREE PHONE ESTIMATES 954-522-3357 Lic & Ins. www.harryelectrician.com

employment wanted

SPECIAL HIRE NEEDED - Looking for strong males (must be able to hold up fall risk gentlemen, dementia, Parkinson's, stage 4 cancer, etc.) for LGBT seniors, must be gay-friendly, many have live-in senior partners (must enjoy the company of gay people and comfortable in gay settings, restaurants, etc.) Call 954-629-1377 and leave a message ONLY, include your contact info, name, and level of experience in senior care or your willingness to devote your time to senior care. Faxes welcome at 754-301-5802

furnished housing SHORT TERM APARTMENT RENTALS

PERFECT FOR RELOCATION - Fully furnished & equipped Studio & One Bedroom Available for 3 to 6 month lease, all inclusive of Utilities, Premium cable, Wi-Fi & Taxes from $1400 to $1600/month. First & Last month rent plus Security required. Weekly vacation stays also welcome. Pets Welcomed. Gay Owned & Operated. Call 954-927-0090.

handyman

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 detailed-oriented, friendly, reliable, punctual, and neat. No job too small. Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Call Gregg at 617-306-5694 or 954-870-5972 Email: gmanbenn44@gmail.com

pool service

COOL POOLS- RELIABLE POOL SERVICE Professional pool service.Covering Wilton Manors, Lighthouse Point, and eastside of Pompano Beach. 15 years experience. Licensed and insured.Free estimates.

Call 954-235-0775.

rentals wilton manors

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

Victoria Park-1/1=$1190.00 cable included. Credit & Income Requirements-Pets okay with restrictions Call for Details Mike 561- 703-5533 or miketherentalguy@ aol.com

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

licensed massage

MASSAGE BY DENNIS - $60 per 90 min-Out calls higher. Swedish, Deep Tissue, manscaping available. All clients and Body types welcome, Reflexology and Feet.

Couples Discounts. Delray Beach. 22 years’ experience.

MA18563 Call Dennis 561-502-2628.

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

sfgn.com

rentals oakland park Rentals- Oakland Park - 1bd/1bth all tile floors, granite counter tops, new tile bath, off street parking, convenient location NO PETS, NO SMOKING, $50 application fee for Background check. Call 954-8189012

rentals fort lauderdale

MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE 1/1 - 1/1 Corner unit with private patio, clean, updated kitchen/bath, terrazzo/tile.

Near all. Sorry no pets. 1st/L/S $1,075. Glenn Lawson REMAX Experience by the Sea 954-295-8616

real estate new construction

United Realty Group - Building in Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Coconut Creek, Lauderdale Lakes and Hollywood. Starting in the 200's, 2 & 3 Bedrooms, 1 & 2 Garages available with building incentives. Call for details Michael 561-703-5533 or email mkltub@aol.com for more info.

6.21.2017 •

59