local name global coverage June 28, 2017 vol. 8 // issue 26
s o u t h
f l o r i d a
g a y
n e w s
Founding
daddy
America has always been a little bit queer Pages 18 - 20
After 30 years the Palace shuts down next week Pages 26 - 27
SouthFloridaGayNews
Dykes on bikes ride off with legal victory Page 10
soflagaynews
SFGN.com
NEWS highlight
SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Queen Elizabeth Vows to Protect LGBT Community Brittany Ferrendi
June 28, 2017 • Volume 8 • Issue 26
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Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com
O
n June 21, Queen Elizabeth II addressed Parliament claiming she will handle discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. “My government will make further progress to tackle the gender pay gap and discrimination against people on the basis of their race, faith, gender, disability or sexual orientation,” she said. She did not go into specifics for this plan, but the inclusion was timely. According to a recent survey commissioned by Pride in London, nearly half of the LGBT community in London say they were victims of hate crime in the last 12 months. The remarks were made during the annual State Opening of Parliament, which outlines the UK government’s plans for the next Parliament session. Gender recognition laws were not mentioned in the speech despite recent politics. Prime Minister Theresa May told PinkNews before the election:
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“We are currently reviewing the Gender Recognition Act to take account of the issues that have been raised about how it operates. I know that for some trans people, the legal process to change their gender can be distressing, so changes do need to be made. We’re looking to move away from the current focus on medical checks towards a system that works better for trans people.” The Queen gave royal assent for marriage equality back in 2015. According to NewNowNext, she said at the time: “Who’d have thought 62 years ago when I came to the throne, I’d be signing something like this? Isn’t it wonderful?” The last time LGBT rights were mentioned in a Queen’s Speech was 2004 according to PinkNews. The mention included a vow to “increase equality and social justice by bringing forward legislation on the registration of civil partnerships between same-sex couples.”
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Queen Elizabeth II. Photo Credit: Joel Rouse/ Ministry of Defence.
NEWS state
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St. Pete Celebrates First Ever TransPride March Brittany Ferrendi
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he T in LGBT had their own time to shine in St. Petersburg — and made history in the process. The first 2017 TransPride March hit the St. Pete Pride Parade on Saturday, June 24 to give transgender and gender nonconforming people a safe space to celebrate who they are. About 30,000 people marched for the LGBT community, reports 10 News WTSP, Tampa Bay’s CBS station. “Normally the trans community is not really represented, but today we’re going first,” marcher Jennifer Gulley told the publication. “I think it’s harder to make that change in the community for some reason. Sometimes you feel discrimination in your own community, which is crazy to think, but you do feel a little of that. So, it’s nice to come
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out here and have our own march.” This is the first ever trans-centered event in St. Pete Pride’s 15-year history, trans board member Nathan Bruemmer told Tampa Bay. “It’s the silent ‘t’,” he told the publication, referring to the T in LGBT. “The trans community has long said they feel marginalized.” According to 10 News, the city’s police reported that there were no arrests made at the parade. “It means everything,” Bruemmer told ABC Action News. “What we have to do as an LGBT community is be fully inclusiveM by actions, not EMBER just by words. So highlighting the transgender voices and recognizing that we need to take a moment this year to sort of look at the work that needs to be done is really important.” MEMBER
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NLGJA Journalist of the Year
South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright © 2017 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
NEWS local
Photo: Tyler Oakley. Credit: Gage Skidmore.
Video Maker Brings Queer Talk To Fort Lauderdale John McDonald
T
yler Oakley, a YouTube celebrity, is scheduled to make an appearance Thursday evening in South Florida. Oakley, described by People Magazine as a “bespectacled online star,” will participate in a “Queer Me Out” speaker series, June 29, at the hotel W Fort Lauderdale. The topic is how nightlife shapes culture. Oakley, 28, can also be described as a connoisseur of content creation. He, reportedly, met former U.S. President Barack Obama and created a video for former First Lady Michelle Obama. The Michigan native has podcasted in pajamas for slumber parties and was a contestant on the CBS television series “The Amazing Race.” Joining Oakley at the W Fort Lauderdale for a panel discussion is nightlife personality Susanne Bartsch and The Misshapes, a creative DJ collective. Cocktails start at 7 p.m. in the W’s Living Room overlooking Fort Lauderdale’s beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. The Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce released an email promoting “Queer Me Out” as a new
global speaker series intended to celebrate the “extraordinary diversity of the LGBTQ community in support of the larger Marriott International #LoveTravels campaign.” Oakley likes to use hashtags too. His newest video project deploys #ChosenFamily and presents stories of queer resilience. Thursday night’s program at the W is a private soiree. To receive an RSVP link contact the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce at GoGayFortLauderdale.com or make reservations with the W at 954-414-8200.
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Judge Sides with AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Dismisses Suit A federal judge ruled in favor of one of the nation's largest suppliers of HIV and AIDS medical care, clearing it of wrongdoing in an alleged $20 million scam to bilk the federal government. Three former managers of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation filed a federal lawsuit in South Florida in 2014 alleging the company paid employees and patients kickbacks for patient referrals to boost funding from federal health programs. Employees were paid $100 for referring patients with positive test results to its clinics and pharmacies. U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams ruled in a decision unsealed this week that bonus payments were not subject to a 1972 law aimed at stopping unethical referrals because they fall under the statute's employee safe harbor provision. The lawsuit claimed the kickbacks started in 2010 at
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national upreme Court Sides with Same-Sex Couples in Arkansas Suit
(AP) The Supreme Court has ruled for same-sex couples who complained an Arkansas birth certificate law discriminated against them. The justices on Monday issued an unsigned opinion reversing an Arkansas high court ruling that upheld the law. Under the law, married lesbian couples had to get a court order to have both spouses listed as parents on their children's birth certificates. Arkansas routinely lists a woman's husband as a child's father, even if he is not the biological parent of the child. The same-sex couples want the same presumption applied to the married partner of a woman who gives birth to a child. Justices Neil Gorsuch, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented from the ruling.
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national upreme Court Takes on New Clash of Gay Rights, Religion
(AP) The Supreme Court is taking on a new clash between gay rights and religion in a case about a wedding cake for a same-sex couple in Colorado. The justices said Monday they will consider whether a baker who objects to same-sex marriage on religious grounds can refuse to make a wedding cake for a gay couple. The case asks the high court to balance the religious rights of the baker against the couple's right to equal treatment under the law. Similar disputes have popped up across the United States.
the company's California headquarters and spread to programs in Florida and several other locations. An attorney for the plaintiffs, Theodore Leopold, said in an email Friday that "we respect the ruling by the court but look forward to the appeal." The organization's president, Michael Weinstein, has vigorously denied any wrongdoing, saying when the lawsuit was filed that the small financial incentives for linking people to services and keeping them there are "mainstays of public health interventions." He said the proactive approach is critical to stopping HIV in the U.S. and to providing lifesaving care. The Los Angeles-based company cares for more than 400,000 patients in 36 countries and is leading a mass testing initiative to identify and treat an estimated 25 million people who don't know they are infected, according to its website.
The decision to take on the case reflects renewed energy among the court's conservative justices, whose ranks have recently been bolstered by the addition of Justice Neil Gorsuch to the high court. The court will review a Colorado court decision that found baker Jack Phillips and his Masterpiece Cakeshop discriminated against the gay couple under Colorado law. Phillips told the Supreme Court he has free speech and religious rights under the First Amendment that should protect him. He said he should not be compelled to bake a cake specifically to honor a same-sex marriage. Colorado's anti-discrimination law protects people on the basis of their sexual orientation. Charlie Craig and David Mullins filed a complaint against Phillips and his suburban Denver shop after Phillips said he would not create and decorate a cake in honor of their marriage. Colorado did not permit same-sex couples to marry until 2014. Two years earlier, Craig and Mullin were planning to fly to Massachusetts, where same-sex marriage was legal, and host a reception in Denver upon their return to Colorado. They wanted the cake for the occasion.
national
LGBT Law Faces More Court Mississippi Scrutiny
Credit: AHF, Facebook.
marriage; and a person's gender is determined at birth and cannot be altered. Legal experts say it is one of the broadest bills passed by any state in reaction to the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. It would allow clerks to cite religious objections to recuse themselves from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, and would protect merchants who refuse services to LGBT people. It could affect adoptions and foster care, business practices and school bathroom policies. Multiple lawsuits were filed by gay and straight Mississippi residents, and U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves blocked the bill just before it could become law last July 1. On Thursday, a panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said it would lift the injunction Reeves imposed. The panel did not rule on whether the law violates the constitutional prohibition on government establishing favored religious views. The panel said plaintiffs failed to prove they would be harmed by the law, "but the federal courts must withhold judgment unless and until that plaintiff comes forward." Plaintiffs' attorneys say they will ask the entire 5th Circuit to reverse the panel's decision, and they could appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Whether - or when - the law will take effect depends on the outcome of those appeals.
(AP) Mississippi is in for a long court fight over constitutional questions about its law dealing with religious objections to same-sex marriage. Legislators in 2016 passed House Bill 1523, called the "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act." It aims to protect three beliefs: marriage is only between a man and a woman; sex should only take place in such a
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LGBTQIA bites
L
Lesbian
Chicago Dyke March and A Wider Bridge at Odds after Three People asked to Leave March (SFGN) Organizers of the Chicago Dyke March asked three participants carrying rainbow flags with the Star of David to leave because they were making others at the event uncomfortable, the Windy City Times reported. Dyke March organizers posted to Facebook on Sunday: Sadly, our celebration of dyke, queer, and trans solidarity was partially overshadowed by our decision to ask three individuals carrying Israeli flags superimposed on rainbow flags to leave the rally. This decision was made after they repeatedly expressed support for Zionism during conversations with Chicago Dyke March Collective members. We have since learned that at least one of these individuals is a regional director for A Wider Bridge, an organization with connections to the Israeli state and rightwing pro-Israel interest groups… We want to make clear that anti-Zionist Jewish volunteers and supporters are welcome at Dyke March and were involved in conversations with the individuals who were asked to leave. We are planning to make a longer statement in the future.
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One of the three was Laurel Grauer, a manager at A Wider Bridge, a North American LGBTQ pro-Israel organization. “People asked me if I was a Zionist and I said ‘yes, I do care about the state of Israel but I also believe in a two-state solution and an independent Palestine,’” Grauer told the Times. “It’s hard to swallow the idea of inclusion when you are excluding people from that. People are saying ‘You can be gay but not in this way.’ We do not feel welcomed. We do not feel included.” More than 1500 people attended the Chicago Dyke March in La Villita, Saturday, June 24.
B
By Jillian Melero
Bisexual
Kentucky Teacher Comes Out as Bisexual to Support at Risk Students, is Fired (SFGN) When Montgomery County middle school chorus teacher Nicholas Breiner came out as bisexual on Instagram, he said he did it to bring comfort to some of his LGBTQ students, who had been suicidal. “I felt that they needed to know there was someone in the room that understood and supported them, regardless of who they were. As terrifying as it was to admit, I had to value someone else’s well-being over my own privacy,” Breiner said in his post. But shortly after his post, Breiner said he was called into a meeting with school principal Paula Stafford, and Montgomery County Deputy Superintendent Rick Culross, where his sexuality was brought up and he was cautioned “we live in a small town.” “For years, it was my opinion that my sexual orientation was my business and nobody else’s. But when your children are in danger, you must re-evaluate,” Breiner elaborated in a statement to the Lexington Herald Leader. “When a child is ready to take their own life because they love
differently than those around them, you x must prioritize their safety over your own privacy.” When Breiner’s teaching contract wasn’t renewed for the 2017-2018 school year, Montgomery County Superintendent Matthew Thompson, told the Herald Leader Breiner “was not fired or terminated…The employment decision relating to his nonrenewal was not in part, or in whole, because of his sexual orientation. However, I am unable to answer specific questions about the non-renewal due to confidentiality.” Stafford, Culross, and Thompson have not commented on Breiner’s account of the meeting. Approximately 30 parents, students, and former students attended a protest at the county courthouse in Mount Sterling, Saturday, June 17 to show their support for Breiner. “We all really feel that it comes down to his sexuality, and that’s a load of crap,” parent Megan Johnson said. “He’s a great educator.”
LGBTQIA bites
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continued Transgender
Transgender Firefighter Marches as NYC Pride Parade Grand Marshal (CNN) -- When Brooke Guinan joined the New York City Fire Department in 2008 she publicly presented herself as a man. She had no idea that on Sunday she’d be one of the NYC Pride Parade’s grand marshals while identifying as a transgender woman. Guinan began identifying as a transgender woman in 2011, three years into her firefighting career at FDNY. She first came out as a gay man at a young age, but began to question her gender identity in college. During her first few years in the department, she served in both firefighting and administrative capacities. For the past two years, Guinan has stepped out of the firehouse and has served the FDNY as its LGBTQ outreach coordinator. “The firehouse can be fun, but I am so enamored with my community and I am very pleased and grateful to do a different kind of lifesaving work in the fire department,” Guinan said. James Fallarino, spokesperson for NYC Pride, said Guinan appears to be the first openly transgender member of the FDNY. She is the first transgender public safety employee
to serve as an individual grand marshal. In 2002, two organizations -- the Gay Officers Action League (GOAL) and FireFLAG -- served as grand marshals after 9/11. “It is an amazing honor to be the Grand Marshal of this year’s Pride parade,” Guinan said. “I have always found inspiration in other people’s voices and it is an honor to be given an opportunity for my voice to be heard.” She was one of four grand marshals. The others are Krishna Stone, the director of community relations at Gay Men’s Health Crisis; Geng Le, a leader of the LGBTQ equality movement in the People’s Republic of China; and the American Civil Liberties Union.
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NEWS national
Photo: Dykes on Bikes at D.C. Pride in 2012. Photo by user Fae, Wikipedia.
Big Win for Dykes on Bikes First Amendment case should allow them to finally trademark their name
Lisa Keen
Keen News Service
S
core one for “Dykes on Bikes.” American rock group called “The Slants” to trademark its The long-standing organization of lesbian name. The PTO had rejected the group’s application, noting motorcycle enthusiasts filed a brief recently with that “slants” is a disparaging term for people of Asian the U.S. Supreme Court supporting an effort by an Asian- descent. But The Slants said they adopted the name to American group that sought to trademark the name “The “reclaim” the term and diminish its power as a derogatory Slants.” In a decision issued June 19, the Supreme Court term. said the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) violated In its brief to the Supreme Court, Dykes on Bikes noted the Asian-American group’s First Amendment right to that its efforts to trademark the name “Dykes on Bikes” had freedom of speech when it denied it the been rejected several times “on the ground right to register a trademark on the name. that the term ‘dyke’ is a disparaging term The PTO had argued that federal for lesbians….” trademark law prohibits registration of Like the Asian-American rock group, a trademark that may “disparage . . . or Dykes on Bikes explained that its use of bring . . . into contemp[t] or disrepute” any the term “dykes” was to “highlight and “persons… institutions, beliefs, or national confront the controversial history of symbols.…” But a unanimous court that term and dispel the notion that it is found that that amounts to government disparaging.” censorship. And attorneys for the San “The inconsistency of the PTO in Francisco-based Dykes on Bikes group registering other marks that use words applauded that decision. with a history of disparaging meaning, “Our argument on freedom of like QUEER AS FOLK and BITCH, while expression is very much like that of refusing to register the Dykes on Bikes the Slants. The USPTO should not be design mark, further demonstrates the deciding what is derogatory and what is arbitrariness of the standard,” said the not, and them doing so is the essence of brief. “Dykes on Bikes’ experience is a - Brooke Oliver viewpoint expression,” said Brooke Oliver, cautionary tale about delegating hundreds Attorney an attorney for Dykes on Bikes. She noted or thousands of discretionary free speech that the Dykes’ brief also argued that the decisions to individual civil servants [at PTO’s application of the so-called “disparagement clause” the PTO] working with no clear or objective standard. It is was arbitrary. The brief noted, for instance, that while the also a healthy reminder why the First Amendment strongly PTO denied Dykes on Bikes a trademark for its logo because disfavors this kind of content-based prior licensing of the wording, it granted a trademark for the name and restraint on speech.” granted trademarks for “Queer as Folk.” The brief also explained why it was important for Dykes Oliver and law professor Tobias Wolff prepared the brief on Bikes to trademark its name. The group is a “non-profit to the Supreme Court for the San Francisco Dykes on Bikes organization focused on political speech and social action.” Women's Motorcycle Contingent, a California 501(c)(3) Without a federal trademark, other entities (such as nonprofit which licenses chapters in other cities. Oliver businesses) can promote messages and sell products using said the group immediately submitted a request to the PTO the Dykes on Bikes name in ways that can affect the group’s seeking approval of its previously suspended application political message. And without the trademark protection, for a trademark of its logo. Dykes on Bikes cannot insist that copycat groups take down The Matal v. Tam decision also enables the Asian- postings on such social media as Facebook.
“The USPTO should not be deciding what is derogatory and what is not, and them doing so is the essence of viewpoint expression.”
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All eight participating justices agreed the patent law violated Free Speech rights, but they split 4 to 4 on why. (The court’s newest justice, Neil Gorsuch, did not participate in the case.) The conservative justices (Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito) joined by liberal Justice Stephen Breyer said the government had not made a convincing argument that the awarding of a trademark constituted a government subsidy of speech. It also said that “public expression of ideas may not be prohibited merely because the ideas are themselves offensive to some of their hearers.” The court’s liberal justices (Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan) and moderate Anthony Kennedy, said the patent law is unconstitutional because it “reflects the Government’s disapproval of a subset of messages it finds offensive, the essence of viewpoint discrimination.” The specific law under challenge in Matal v. Tam was a law known as the Lanham Act. The act says an otherwise legitimate trademark can be refused registration by the PTO if it “consists of or comprises immoral, deceptive, or scandalous matter; or matter which may disparage or falsely suggest a connection with persons, living or dead, institutions, beliefs, or national symbols, or bring them into contempt, or disrepute…” Debate over the law spread beyond the particulars of the name of one rock band and Dykes on Bikes and included whether some professional sports teams could be challenged for having names like “Washington Redskins.” The Washington, D.C. professional football team issued a statement, celebrating the Supreme Court’s decision. But Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said there’s a difference between having a legal right to use a name and a moral responsibility not to. “Even if teams have a constitutional right to use racist names, they have no moral right to do so,” said Minter. “The use of a derogatory term for Native Americans is repugnant, and the Washington team should change it immediately. Their failure to do so is appalling.”
NEWS state
Governor Rick Scott. Photo: CNN.
Governor Scott Breaks Pulse Promise
Tucker Berardi
C
hristine Leinonen lost her son Christopher and his boyfriend Juan Ramon Guerrero a year ago in the Pulse nightclub shooting, and has been advocating everyday since to end homophobia and transphobia in her community and her state. “I carry the grief from the loss of Christopher in my heart every single day, along with a determination to honor his life through advocacy,” Leinonen said in a statement. “This is so important, as we have seen hate crimes on the rise through our state and nation, and should remind lawmakers that they have an obligation to protect all residents.” In the days following the massacre, Governor Rick Scott told LGBT activists in backroom meetings that he would sign an executive order to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity throughout throughout state hiring and contracting, according to the Tampa Bay Times. It has already been a year, and that promise remains unkept. “He promised, and his office gave us every indication that this was going to happen,” Carlos Guillermo Smith, Florida Democrat and former Equality Florida lobbyist, told the Times. “At this point, it is a broken promise.” Politicians were not the only ones to notice Gov. Scott’s failure to sign an order. Leinonen encouraged Gov. Scott to uphold his promise to ensure that no one else in the state of Florida has to go without protections from discrimination. “By issuing this executive order, the governor can help uproot hate and protect LGBTQ state employees and government
contractors from discrimination,” Leinonen said. “With the stroke of a pen, he can signal that hate has no place in our state.” “Yet,” Leinonen continued. “The governor continues to do nothing and allows bigotry to go unchecked. Laws set the tone to serve as the moral compass of our society. Yet, the state of Florida fails to give its own citizens protection against being fired for being LGBTQ.” Currently in Florida it is legal to fire, refuse to rent or decline to serve people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. An executive order from Gov. Scott would ban discrimination in the hiring process and workplace, and broader protections being advocated for by Equality Florida would extend those protections to housing and public accommodations. Though Gov. Scott has yet to act on the issue, Lauren Schenone, a spokeswoman of the state, said that Florida “doesn’t tolerate discrimination in any form.” “In accordance with federal guidelines, Florida state agencies do not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, and state employees should not be discriminated against in any way,” Schenone continued. “Our office will continue to review ways we can work to eliminate discrimination of any kind.” Still, Leinonen and advocates continue to fight for unilateral legislation to explicitly ensure protections against discrimination of any kind in the state. “Gov. Rick Scott, it’s time to lead,” Leinonen said. “Please honor my son and the other 48 angels who were taken by hate with action.”
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NEWS national
Big Day for LGBT Folks at Supreme Court
One Win, One Loss
Lisa Keen
Keen News Service
T
he U.S. Supreme Court took dramatic a legal spouse’s name could be omitted from action on three LGBT-related cases her child’s birth certificate if she was not the today, with results that could biological mother or her “husband.” The be described as bad, good, and to-be- court issued the ruling without having heard determined. arguments in the case. In a 7 to 2 decision, the court said Missouri The Pavan v. Smith opinion noted, “As could not exclude a non-profit school from this Court explained in Obergefell v. Hodges, a state program just because the school the Constitution entitles same-sex couples was run by a church. LGBT activists had to civil marriage ‘on the same terms and argued the school should be denied state conditions as opposite-sex couples.’” funding because the school exercised its Obergefell was the 2015 decision that said religious beliefs against homosexuality and states could not ban same-sex couples from against other religions in determining which obtaining marriage licenses the same as children it would exclude. opposite-sex couples. But the majority of the Today’s opinion comes on court, including pro-LGBT the two-year anniversary of “The Arkansas moderates Anthony Kennedy the Obergefell decision. Supreme Court’s and Elena Kagan, said the The case involved two state’s denying funding to same-sex couples who used decision, we a school that “would have conclude, denied anonymous sperm donors received [a state grant] but for to conceive their children. married samethe fact that Trinity Lutheran Even though the U.S. sex couples is a church” violates the Free Supreme Court had in June Exercise clause of the First 2015 struck down bans access to the Amendment. The decision against same-sex couples ‘constellation came in Trinity Lutheran v. marrying, the Arkansas of benefits Comer. health department refused that the Stat[e] Lambda Legal had to issue the children’s birth submitted a brief in the case, certificates with the names ha[s] linked to noting that the school’s policy of both their parents. The marriage.’” allows discrimination against Arkansas Supreme Court - Supreme Court students and parents based upheld that refusal. on sexual orientation and “The Arkansas Supreme even based on religion. So, Court’s decision, we requiring the state to provide funds to the conclude, denied married same-sex couples Lutheran school would have the effect of the access to the ‘constellation of benefits that state supporting discrimination based on the Stat[e] ha[s] linked to marriage’,” noted sexual orientation and religion. the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Monday. It “When government provides aid to noted that benefits such as birth certificates religious schools and other entities, it must were among those the high court explicitly do so with safeguards ensuring that these included in its Obergefell decision. institutions neither discriminate based Susan Sommer, associate legal director for on religion nor use the funds to inculcate Lambda Legal, called the Pavan decision a religion,” wrote Lambda. win “for same-sex couples and their families That was the “bad” LGBT result. The across the nation.” “good” came in an unsigned (per curiam) “The Arkansas Supreme Court’s decision decision that included three dissents (Neil flew in the face of Obergefell, undermining Gorsuch, joined by Clarence Thomas and the dignity and equality of LGBT families Samuel Alito) who appeared to object only and the government’s obligation to protect to the method of the decision, not the result. children,” Sommer said. “It was also an The decision reversed an opinion of the outlier; every other state that had considered Arkansas Supreme Court that had held that this question got it right and ruled in favor of
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treating LGBT families equally. The historic ruling in Obergefell explicitly tells us that the spouses of birth parents, regardless if they are of the same sex or different sex, must be listed on the birth certificates of their children. Obergefell is crystal clear: marriage is marriage, and equal is equal. We congratulate our colleagues at National Center for Lesbian Rights on this great victory.” Finally, the U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday it would review a lower court ruling in Masterpiece Cake v. Colorado, a case involving a baker who refused to sell a wedding cake to a same-sex couple, claiming it violated his religious beliefs. Wedding cake baker Jack Phillips and his Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood, Colorado, agreed to sell various baked goods to a same-sex couple, but not a wedding cake. Phillips claimed his religious beliefs opposed marriage for same-sex couples. The couple filed a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division, which agreed that Phillips had violated the state law barring sexual orientation discrimination in public accommodations. Phillips appealed through the state court system, which ruled against him. The Colorado Supreme Court refused to hear his appeal. But the Alliance Defending Freedom took the case to the U.S. Supreme Court last year.
The ADF’s petition to the high court argued that Phillips’ Christian belief “compels him to use his artistic talents to promote only messages that align with his religious beliefs.” By ordering Phillips to create a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, ADF said, Colorado is violating the First Amendment’s guarantee of freedom of speech and “targets Phillips’ religious beliefs about marriage….” James Essex, head of the ACLU’s national LGBT project, said, “The law is squarely on [the same-sex couple’s] side because when businesses are open to the public, they’re supposed to be open to everyone.” “While the right to one’s religious beliefs is fundamental, a license to discriminate is not,” Essex said. The case is similar to one out of New Mexico in 2013, Elane Photography v. Wilcox. In that case, the photographer, also represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, said her religious objections to homosexuality should trump the state’s interests in eradicating discrimination against LGBT people. She said the First Amendment guarantee to freedom of speech should protect her ability to express her beliefs. The Supreme Court declined to hear the photographer’s appeal. The Masterpiece Cake case will likely be heard in October.
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6.28.2017 •
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NEWS state
Rick Scott Signs Medical Marijuana Plan Patients may qualify for pills, oils, edibles, and vape pens, but smoking banned
Jillian Melero
G
ov. Rick Scott on Friday signed into is limited to 25 dispensaries. For every law a constitutional amendment SB 100,000 new eligible patients added to 8-A to implement Florida’s medical the registry, another license will become marijuana plan, now seven months into available. its initial voter approval. There are seven growers currently The legislation allows patients who licensed in Florida, with ten to be added endure chronic pain related to 10 by October. Trulieve and Surterra are two qualifying conditions including cancer, of the seven. Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV, told the AP that they are AIDS, post-traumatic stress reviewing the bill before “I don’t know determining their next steps, disorder, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Crohn’s Jake Bergmann, founder and why they disease, Parkinson’s disease of Surterra, doesn’t would object CEO and multiple sclerosis to see an issue with the plan’s to anyone on structure for market growth. receive either low-THC cannabis or full-strength “There is a way to grow their death medical marijuana. as the patients grow (four bed wanting The law allows patients new dispensaries per to use what to use cannabis pills, oils, 100,000 patients). If you they wanted edibles and vape pens with have something that grows a doctor’s approval, but bans to relieve pain as patient access grows, it is smoking. smart,” Bergmann told and suffering.” pretty Orlando attorney John the AP. Morgan, who helped get the SB 8-A allows for - John Morgan Attorney amendment on the ballot the establishment of and passed, said he intends medical marijuana testing to sue the state for not allowing smoking, laboratories, and establishes the Coalition the Associated Press reported. for Medical Marijuana Research and “There are four places listed in the Education within the H. Lee Moffitt amendment that call for smoking,” Cancer Center and Research Institute and Morgan said. “I don’t know why they an appropriation of more than $15 million. would object to anyone on their death The bill passed 103-9 in the House and bed wanting to use what they wanted to 29-6 in the Senate on the final day of a relieve pain and suffering.” special session earlier this month before The law limits licenses to grow Scott signed it into law on Friday, among marijuana to 17, and each license holder 38 bills total.
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6.28.2017 •
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NEWS state
Photo Credit: Broward Sheriff’s Office.
Jungwirth Released Ordered To Complete Mental Health Assessment John McDonald
C
raig Jungwirth is a free man – again. The Orange County man, whose attempts at organizing a bear themed beach party devolved into alleged social media threats against the LGBT community in Wilton Manors, was released on his own recognizance by a Broward County judge Monday afternoon. Jungwirth appeared in the courtroom of Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren on the sixth floor of the Broward County Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. He entered the courtroom in handcuffs and dressed in a dark blue inmate uniform. Jana Bodner, prosecuting the case for the State Attorney’s Office, said Jungwirth had violated the terms of his probation by not completing a psychological evaluation and assessment and violating a no-contact order with the victim of his crimes. Jungwirth is serving a six-month probation sentence for defrauding an innkeeper -- Wilton Manors bar and restaurant owner Nick Berry. “Both of these allegations are significant,” Judge Lerner-Wren said. Alejandro Vargas, an attorney with the Broward County Public Defender’s Office, represented Jungwirth. Monday was Vargas’ first chance to consult with Jungwirth. After talking to Jungwirth, Vargas told the judge his client had completed a court ordered psychological evaluation in January in Orange County, which the state’s probation officer said was false. “The bottom line is it wasn’t done,” Judge Lerner-Wren said. “He needs to get it done. He was ordered to have it down. What he’s saying is clearly not true.” Jungwirth told Judge Lerner-Wren he is still living in Central Florida. The judge then ordered Jungwirth to comply with the nocontact order in regard to Berry.
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“I would certainly admonish Mr. Jungwirth to fully comply with any and all no-contact orders – direct, indirect and that is through any means of social media – email, Twitter, Facebook, blogging.” Jungwirth said he understood the meaning of direct and indirect contact via social media and that he acknowledged the importance of complying with the court’s order. When asked if he had any questions as to the meaning of indirect and direct contact with the victims via social media, Jungwirth replied “No, your honor.” Berry, owner of Rumors Bar and Courtyard Café in Wilton Manors, did not attend Monday’s hearing. Both Bodner and Vargas declined to comment when approached by SFGN outside of the courtroom. Judge Lerner-Wren reset Jungwirth’s hearing for July 17 at 11:15 a.m. in Broward County criminal court. At the next hearing Jungwirth is to provide evidence of a psychological evaluation. “I’m going to release him for the purposes of getting and securing that report pursuant to the court’s order and I’m very serious about it,” Judge Lerner-Wren said. The judge reminded Jungwirth he faced up to six months in jail on criminal contempt charges if he failed to get the psychological evaluation and assessment completed. “Do you understand?,” Judge LernerWren asked. “Yes, your honor,” Jungwirth replied. Jungwirth has been quite the courtroom personality. Accused of making social media threats of a Pulse-like attack against the LGBT community in Wilton Manors, Jungwirth beat the rap in January when federal prosecutors could not link the threats to any social media account connected to Jungwirth.
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6.28.2017 •
17
NEWS national
The Gay Founding Father Finally Recognized America’s newest museum includes LGBT community in our revolution
Mark Segal
Above: Museum Of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. All photos credit of Mark Segal.
Philadelphia Gay News
A
merica’s newest museum, Museum Of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, does something quite revolutionary: It recognizes the LGBT community as having played a part of that revolution. And it does so with several exhibits. This may seem strange to point out, as LGBT people have been a part of every facet of life and war throughout history — and at times the major historical players, from Alexander the Great to World War II codebreaker Alan Turing. But up until now, you might have thought that LGBT people were invisible at the founding of the U.S., and had no role in our country winning its independence. Thanks to this museum, that notion ends here and now. In addition to lauding the community’s historical efforts, another of the museum’s themes is that the revolution continues; we still have work to do. As Dr. Philip Mead, the museum’s director of curatorial affairs and chief historian, states: “We’re so pleased to have a story of the American Revolution here that we hope includes all
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Americans and messages for people around which LGBT rights were being debated the world.” when a conservative on the panel stated Here’s how LGBT media played a part in something to the effect of, “When our getting that story to the museum. founding fathers created this nation, they It’s a rare experience when you actually didn’t have those [LGBT] people in mind.” get to see something that you’re passionate Well, this angered me and, as you’d about take root. It’s expect, became a even more special when challenge. academics in the field In response to that Without von run with that material, TV show, I pitched a embrace it and make it project titled “We Are Steuben, there a major point of their America,” as part of the own project. What the LGBT History Project I would be no museum has done is a coordinate that appears United States of great leap in LGBT history. in numerous newspapers Those involved are well (including SFGN) around America, and aware of that and embrace the country each October. it, maybe more than me. We commissioned writers that means a And I just love when those and began research on who join the march begin LGBT people who were gay man was a to lead it or add to it to instrumental to the cause founding father. create discussion. of the Revolutionary War. So what has me so In our research, there euphoric? was one character who It’s a story that goes back about six stood out and fascinated me. His name was years. I was watching a TV talk show on Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben. He
was a brilliant and somewhat flamboyant military genius. I read almost everything that I could find on the web and then the wonderful and revealing biography “The Drillmaster of Valley Forge.” The book was written by Paul Lockhart, who at this point most would say is the foremost expert on von Steuben and a teacher of military history. Von Steuben was outrageous and he was going to be my contribution to the project — never did I expect how passionate I’d become about him earning his rightful place in history. Why von Steuben? Simply, his being acknowledged as a gay man would bring about major change in the way we look at the founding of this country. Without von Steuben, there would be no United States of America, and that means a gay man was a founding father. If we could prove that the founding fathers knew he was gay, then the founding fathers not only had us in mind when founding this country, but also expected us to have equality, or what could pass for equality at that time. Clearly, one of those equality
NEWS national
points was the issue of gays in the military. For that is where von Steuben and founding father Benjamin Franklin come in. Never did we expect that in our research we’d find such names touching on the subject as Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and Adams and many others. The project of explaining von Steuben’s impact became so big and touched on so many founding fathers that we had to break it into various segments: a piece on Franklin, another on Washington and so on. Here in quick order is a short version of part of the von Steuben story: In the late 1700s, von Steuben had a somewhat-celebrated military leadership career in the various German states, though at numerous times he was accused of having sex with his male recruits. He never denied the allegations, but he did leave (escape) those countries before he could be charged or arrested. He arrived in Paris hoping to impress The Continental Congresses ambassador to the Court of Louie XVI, Benjamin Franklin, and get a commission in the Continental Army commanded by George Washington. At the first meeting, Franklin was unimpressed. Von Steuben left Paris, but another scandal brought him back. Von Steuben and his friends — connected either to the court of Louie XVI or to Franklin — asked Franklin to have another meeting with von Steuben, knowing of those scandals and the chances that he could be arrested in Paris if he did not escape Europe. Franklin met with von Steuben and agreed on the plan to escape, but not before von Steuben went shopping and enlisted an entourage. How could one not find him fascinating? There can be little doubt here that Franklin, the Bill Gates of his day and a major celebrity in Paris at that time, with spies at
his disposal, would not have known of von Steuben’s “problems.” This makes Franklin the father of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Before von Steuben boarded his boat, he ordered fine, new special uniforms made with epaulets and medals, found a personal staff and, just to look like royalty, brought along a couple of dogs. He was then smuggled out of Paris on a ship that had munitions for the Continental Army, along with letters of introduction to Washington and Congress by Franklin. The ship arrived in New England, and von Steuben met members of the Adams family and John Hancock before heading to meet Congress, and then onto Valley Forge to meet Washington. It was at Valley Forge that von Steuben pulled together Washington’s rag-tag Continental Army and began to make them into a cohesive, collective force. He taught them to drill, created a regulation book (which continued to be used by U.S. military until the war of 1812), instituted standards of sanitation and became Washington’s chief of staff. Today, there are few, if any, professional historians who would doubt that von Steuben was gay. In our research, we unearthed correspondence among members of the Adams family regarding the subject. The whispers about von Steuben led the Continental Congress to delay granting him a pension, and it was Washington’s last act as commander of the Continental Army to write the Congress on behalf of von Steuben’s “moral character.” And finally, at the urging of Hamilton, the first secretary of the treasury of the new country, Congress finally granted von Steuben an annual $2,500 pension. According to the New York Public Library (“The Papers of von Steuben”), the following is a list of von Steuben’s major achievements:
February 1778:
March 1778:
Arrives at Valley Forge to serve under Washington, having informed Congress of his desire for paid service after an initial volunteer trial period, a request with which Washington concurs. Begins tenure as inspector general, drilling troops according to established European military precepts.
1778-79:
Writes “Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States,” which becomes a fundamental guide for the Continental Army and remains in active use through the War of 1812, published in over 70 editions.
1780-81:
Serves as senior military officer in charge of troop and supply mobilization in Virginia.
1781:
Replaced by Marquis de Lafayette as commander in Virginia.
1781-83:
Continues to serve as Washington’s inspector general, and is active in improving discipline and streamlining administration in the army.
Spring 1783:
Assists in formulating plans for the post-war American military.
Continued on next page ▶ 6.28.2017 •
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NEWS national ◀ Continued from previous page Washington rewarded von Steuben with a house at Valley Forge (still in existence and open for visits), which he shared with his aide-de-camps, Capt. William North and Gen. Benjamin Walker. Walker lived with him through the remainder of his life, and von Steuben, who neither married nor denied any of the allegations of homosexuality, left his estate to North and Walker. His last will and testament, which includes the line “extraordinarily intense emotional relationship,” has been described as a love letter to Walker. Von Steuben, like many LGBT people and their histories and contributions, has remained invisible or unrecognized until recently. That is what is so revolutionary about what the Museum of the American Revolution has done. The largest original mural in the $150-million museum features von Steuben drilling the troops along with key figures at Valley Forge. Each figure has a biography. Here’s what the museum wrote about von Steuben: “Baron von Steuben came to the encampment as a volunteer but left it as a general. A German nobleman with experience in Frederick the Great’s Army, von Steuben transformed the Continental Army’s drill and training. In May, he was promoted to inspector general of the army. Here he sits on a horse directing the troops as they maneuver. Though the army didn’t ask, and he didn’t tell, von Steuben is thought by some historians to have been gay.” On my recent visit to the museum, when
Mead showed this to me, my response was, “What you’re going for is inclusion of the entire American family.” He smiled and responded, “Correct, the revolution belongs to all of us.” He pointed out other LGBT exhibits. One features a scene of two Quaker women visiting American prisoners of war at Independence Hall, then known as the Pennsylvania State House. The exhibit was based on the diary of a Quaker woman named Elizabeth Drinker, who wrote about the “two Hannah Catherells.” “Now there’s ambiguity in this scene,” Mead noted. “It’s possible that this refers to a nice and an aunt who were both named Hannah Catherell in the Quaker community. It’s also possible that it refers to Hannah Catherell and Rebecca Jones, two women who lived together who were described at the time as ‘yolk mates.’” When I inquired what “yolk mates” means, Mead explained, “They were co-workers, co-laborers in this place, in a school, for the good of the young people of Philadelphia. So some historians speculate that this may have been a same-sex couple. While we may not be able to prove that, we thought some of these displays were useful in getting people to think about the presence of the gay community here in Philadelphia in the 18th century.” When I asked Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, the museum’s vice president of collections, exhibitions and programming, about the museum’s LGBT inclusion, he put it up this way: “You can’t tell the story of E pluribus Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben.
unum without the pluribus.” Another possible LGBT connection exists in the Revolution Gallery. One of the people highlighted along a wall of revolutionaries is Deborah Sampson. A post-war, 1790s portrait depicting Sampson in a dress with a necklace and typical women’s haircut is featured alongside a summary of her contributions. “You’ll learn here that, during the Revolutionary War, she dressed as a man to join the Fourth Massachusetts Regiment,” Mead explained. “She saw combat and was discovered after she was wounded. She was honorably discharged from the Continental Army on the basis of her gender and later published a memoir of her experiences, ‘The Female Review.’” “This is the place where we talk about the highest aspirations of the revolutionary generation in 1776,” Mead added about the gallery in which Sampson’s story is featured. “We talk about the limitations of the revolution in immediately expanding voting rights and other civil liberties of many groups. But our point here is that the revolution continues; it’s an idea, it’s ongoing. So while the 1760-90 period might not have seen major changes for all of these people, the ideas of the revolution made advancement possible. And along the way we
meet people who have anticipation of those changes; they are pushing them forward with their own lives.” Mead next took me to the final screening room before you leave the museum for a film about the continuing revolution of our nation. The set-up features a clip of Abraham Lincoln and the words: “These revolutionaries were inspired and forged as a generation by their sacrifices and their belief that people have a right to liberty, equality and a role in governance.” “In 1858 Abraham Lincoln answers,” the narrator continued. “He sees a connection between the ideas of a revolution and the hopes of millions of immigrants arriving on U.S. shores. He describes these new arrivals as American revolutionaries, people without family ties to the revolution itself. He says that the revolution includes all people who are inspired by those words of 1776 and who look for the Declaration of Independence and feel they have a right to claim it. He called that the electric cord that links the hearts of patriotic and liberty loving men together.” As these words played, we saw pictures of slaves winning their freedom, immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, laborers organizing, women fighting for the right to vote and then we saw a picture of the first Gay Pride March fill the entire screen. I cried.
For more information about The Museum of the American Revolution, visit www.amrevmuseum.org.
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6.28.2017 •
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Convictions Jesse Monteagudo
Jesse’s Journal
Pride Amid Diversity
I have a confession to make: I missed my hometown Equality Rally for Unity and Pride in Fort Lauderdale. I was on my way south from gay summer camp when I got caught in a massive tie-up that stopped my car for hours; no surprise to all who have to drive on I-95 from Jacksonville to Miami. Looking back, I could have gone to the Rally in Nashville, which was close to the camp, or even to the National March in Washington, D.C. Or I could have gone to the Rally in West Palm Beach, had I known about it. But I tried to make it home on time, and I failed. Though I did not attend an Equality Rally, I heard about the Rallies from participants and from media reports. Several hundred people gathered at Huizenga Plaza in the name of Unity and Pride. In some respects, they were united. Participants protested against the political backlash brought about by the Trump Administration; and they mourned the 49 lives lost at the Pulse Nightclub Massacre of a year before. In other matters, however, there was division. Activists from the Food Not Bombs Group protested the presence of U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and attacked Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler for his campaign against the homeless. Bobby Henry, owner of the African-American newspaper The Westside Gazette, was correct when he urged participants, who gathered together in the name of Unity, to practice what they preached. Fort Lauderdale was not the only city where dissent and division put a damper on the Pride celebrations. In Washington, D.C. the Capital Pride Parade, held a day before the National March, was interrupted by members of the group No Justice No Pride, who protested Capital Pride’s lack of board diversity, its reliance on corporate sponsors, and the presence of the Metropolitan Police Department, notorious
for its brutal treatment of racial minorities. In Philadelphia, some palefaces were startled by the appearance of a new rainbow flag that contained black and brown stripes. The flag was created as a means to combat racism and to make LGBT people of color more visible. In Los Angeles, some who enjoyed the city’s annual Pride Parade were upset when it was replaced by a more politically-focused #ResistMarch that included Resistance groups like Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union, and Black Lives Matter. The National March itself was criticized and boycotted by the Log Cabin Republicans, which is not surprising since the event was billed as an antiTrump protest. March organizers and participants made much of uniting our community. Though we are willing to come together for Pride parades and rallies, the fact is that we are not united. We have nothing in common but our unorthodox sexual orientation or our transgressive gender identity. We are divided by our race, sex, age, religion, HIV status, physical or mental ability, health, wealth, education level and/or immigration status, among other things. And we are divided by our politics; especially in a country that is as politically divided as ours is today. And there is no equality. The standard of living of a poor, HIV positive, trans woman of color is different than the standard of living of an affluent, white, married man or woman. This is a fact that no Equality March or Rally for Unity and Pride can deny. Even within subgroups, we have divisions. Take my own example, as a gay member of the Latinx community. I was born in Havana, and my surname is Monteagudo, so I am obviously Latino. But I am also a light-skinned man of European descent; and my family and I benefitted from the U.S. government’s unusual leniency and generosity extended towards
Though we are willing to come together for Pride parades and rallies, the fact is that we are not united.
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Cuban refugees in the 1960’s. What do I have in common with a poor, dark-skinned Mexican or Central American trying to enter this country against the might of an anti-immigrant Trump administration? Growing up in Miami, a city with a large Cuban-American community, I never experienced racism, though I knew some others who did. If I experienced any prejudice, it was from other CubanAmericans on account of my gay sexual orientation. Thus, as time went by, I drifted away from other Cubans, except for my blood relatives. Today, most of my close friendships are with gay men of Eastern European Jewish descent - my two late
partners were Ashkenazi, as is the man that I am currently dating - who are also politically progressive. To be honest, I would rather spend time with a furry Jewish bear who is a Democrat than with Marco Rubio. We need to unite. The stakes are too big; and our enemies are too powerful. We must work together against the forces that seek to destroy us or dehumanize us. At the same time, we must recognize and accept our differences and the individual issues that are important to each one of us. You are you and I am who I am; and no call for Unity or Equality will hide that fact.
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.
6.28.2017 •
23
COLUMN speak out
Speak
UT
This month Philadelphia unveiled a new Pride flag adding two stripes, a black and brown one representing the black and brown communities within the LGBT spectrum. What are your thoughts on this new flag? SFGN’s “Speak OUT” is a weekly feature giving a regular voice to South Florida LGBT community leaders, activists and business people. SFGN Staff
“
There is no ill-will intended here. While adding the two stripes may have attempted to symbolize racial inclusion, simply adding two stripes will not accomplish this. Symbols do not automatically matriculate into practice. Practice must come with greater acceptance and integration among all of us “rainbow” people…. as we learn to live and work together more harmoniously regardless of what color the stripes are on the banner we choose to live under.”
— Paul Smith, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel & retired Clinical Social Worker
“
After reading a fair number of responses I feel the current flag is enough. I see it symbolizes an LGBTQ community: not a race nor nationality.”
— Robert Hadley, community activist Photo: CNN.
“
Absolutely not, that looks hideous! One of the things I admire overall in the LGBT community is the level of conscientiousness and the ability to see past differences and celebrate the individualism. Lately, it seems the LGBT community is getting sucked into the distractions and are beginning to partake in actions that do not contribute to the peace-loving-happiness we know, that rainbow pride. Philadelphia has its share of racism period. If black and brown are listed, might as well add a white stripe. NOT. In my reality, it is easier to feel the racial tension percolate from a white gay male than a straight white male, and this makes me cringe. So, I can understand Philly’s frustration and actions regarding the flag modification, but, this is not the solution. While I understand the issues we black/brown people experience, I totally disagree with this new Pride flag. The colors of the rainbow are lively and have meaning that transcends the pigment of human skin. Life, sex, healing, art, nature, sunlight, serenity, and spirit represents all that is good with fortifying existence. Philly, please find a better way!”
— Sonja Pressley, BLAST Assistant Organizer
“
I remember the very first Gay Pride and the rolling out of the Gay Pride Flag and it included and represented ALL of US!!!!! The Rainbow Flag symbolized the Fight for all who Embrace Diversity, Freedom of Expression and the Right to Love Whoever You Want. It has nothing to do with race. RAINBOW NATION!”
— Tiffany Ariegus, Community Activist, Provider, Entertainer and Fundraiser
Speak 24
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UT
6 .28.2017
“
Adding black and brown colors to the rainbow flag is very effective in focusing our attention on life threatening racism. In spirit, it’s not unlike adding letters to the acronym, which is now LGBTQQIAA. Yet, maybe the more you add to either, the less clear they become in meaning to anyone, here and elsewhere in the world.”
— Brian McNaught, noted columnist, author and LGBT activist
“
If members of our community who feel marginalized or even worse, excluded, want this, who has the right to say no? I don’t. Let’s hope it’s a symbolic beginning of a much bigger movement to eradicate all forms of racism in the LGBT community. I welcome the new flag.”
— Judy Ireland, Assistant organizer for BLAST Women of WPB
“
The flag is one that needed to be more inclusive, as the LGBTQ community is knowingly riddled with racism and classism. It always baffles me as a Black lesbian how equality is always sought after, and demanded on one level and on the contrast considered “controversial” when it comes to minorities. There are numerous Black and Brown persons who are within the LGBTQ community and I think too often the community is viewed in one lense. That lense is generally upper middle class and White. That lense is not a representation of all of us..”
— Danielle Allen, founder of the Black Women’s Education Empowerment Initiative
Visit SFGN.com/SpeakOut to see more of this week’s responses. Send an Email to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com if you know of an LGBT community leader that should be or wants to be a part of this list.
Convictions
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Feature palace
Palace in Peril South Beach staple looking for a new home on Ocean Drive Jose Cassola
P
alace Bar and its iconic drag show and “The city is allowing us to close down brunches are in quite the pickle. the street for this massive all-out block The South Beach favorite of party like we’ve done before for Pride and millions of locals, tourists and celebrities White Party,” Donall said. “Only this time alike is set to leave the place it’s called it’s extra special because it’s our last party home for nearly 30 years on Tuesday, July at 1200 Ocean Dr. We have a huge schedule 4. The sale of the building and a mandatory of events planned for the entire weekend, 40-year recertification and renovation is culminating on the Fourth of July with 11 forcing owner Thomas Donall, his drag a.m. and 1 p.m. brunches and fireworks. If queens and wait staff out of the world- the Palace has ever meant anything to you, renowned locale on 1200 Ocean Dr., where you need to come out, show your support longtime performers like Noel Leon, and help us go out in style.” Tiffany Fantasia and Shanaya Bright (the In 2016, developer Steve Kassin’s “Queen of Costumes”) are known to do flips Infinity Real Estate bought the building and splits on the sidewalk, stop traffic on that houses Palace and 23 residential the Drive and even emerge units for more than $15 from the beach. million. A spokesman Leon showed television for Infinity said the audiences Sunday how company wanted to flexible she is on Bravo’s make enhancements “Watch What Happens to the building and Live” with Andy Cohen, improve the property’s himself a fan and a frequent “prominence and customer of the venue. accessibility.” Leon beat popular queens Palace opened in Detox and Valentina in the February 1988 -- under “Lip Sync For Your Wife” the guidance of thenchallenge by doing a drop owner Steve Palsar -- as in front of Cohen, plusthe lone restaurant on size model Ashley Graham Ocean Drive in a sea and real estate agent Ryan of hotels. The eatery Serhant of “Million Dollar started a trend of other Listing New York.” cafés and restaurants Palace’s Last Dance opening up and down Sessions started at the the Drive and quickly beginning of June and attracted celebrities - Antonio Alfonso end appropriately enough from Elton John and LOCAL RESIDENT on a holiday known for Madonna to the late fireworks. The bar plans to Princess Diana and go out with a bang Tuesday, as Donall says slain designer Gianni Versace, who was the City of Miami Beach is helping them set murdered at his mansion just a block away up a block party on 12th Street, closing off from Palace in 1997. the area between Ocean Drive and Collins Over 29 years, Palace has reached its Avenue. The block parties have been a greatest success in the last decade with Palace fixture in the past for events such as Donall at the helm. The Michigan native, Winter Party, White Party and Miami Beach a veteran designer and nightclub owner, Gay Pride. Donall says it’s fitting the South introduced daily drag on-the-street shows, Florida LGBT venue ends its tenure at the drag brunches, weekly T-Dances and free 1200 location the same way. block parties for Pride, White Party and
“Let’s face it, Miami Beach is not what it used to be and it will never be again... not if the multi-million dollar developers have a say.”
Submitted photo.
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Feature palace Winter Party weekends. Former resident queen and alumna Latrice Royale even made it to the top four of Season 4’s “Rupaul’s Drag Race.” But Donall’s and Palace’s contributions to the South Florida LGBT community haven’t just been cocktails and men in drag; there’s been more than $2 million in donations made to charitable causes such as Miami Pride, the National LGBTQ Task Force and Care Resource. So after everything Palace has given to the local LGBT community, some patrons are up in arms about the possibility of the drag bar closing its doors forever. “Palace has been an institution for the last 30 years,” local resident Antonio Alfonso said. “If they are coming to an end, what’s left of gay South Beach in my opinion is not much to entice me to drive to the beach in horrible traffic and then having to pay $20 to park. Let’s face it, Miami Beach is not what it used to be and it will never be again... not if the multi-million dollar developers have a say.” Other patrons have asked what are LGBT members doing to give back to Palace now that it is being booted off Ocean Drive with no place to go. Nya Carter and Darci Beaudreau of West Philadelphia recently visited Palace and said the venue is similar to a longtime gay haunt from back home called Woody’s, which has had a “huge following and has been really popular for at least 20 years.”
“Our community would be in an uproar if Woody’s was closing and wasn’t receiving help to relocate elsewhere. At the very least, we would be signing petitions,” Carter said. Though Donall says the City of Miami Beach has been helpful by offering to waive permits for Palace’s July 4th block party, he says the city could step up a little more by assisting with the search for a new venue on Ocean Drive, which is essential for the lavish and sometimes outrageous sidewalk and street performances. Former Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Góngora, who is running again for Commissioner in November, said though “much of these things are driven by private industry, if I were Commissioner I would’ve placed this item for discussion at the Commission and looked for a pop-up location for the Palace to operate until it finds a new home.” Góngora added: “It is sad that escalating rents and high prices are driving away so many of the local businesses that helped make Miami Beach the success it is today. We need to patronize our local businesses and help support them. I truly hope that the Palace finds a new home soon. The Palace is a part of so many wonderful memories and I want to ensure that it remains a part of our community for future residents and visitors to also enjoy.” As its slogan goes “every queen needs a Palace,” without the Palace, what are the South Florida queens to do?
The queens sound off: Tiffany Fantasia, 14-year performer:
“Nothing’s forever. Yes, this is a mainstay, a part of out history. But so was Warsaw. So were several other nightclubs. It’s a business. It happens. As I’ve gotten older, one thing I’ve noticed when it comes to owning a business, it’s better to own the land than lease the space. Not to say anything against Tom or any of the previous owners, but we gays come into a neighborhood, take it over and make it look pretty and we forget to buy the land so that prices can stay stable and we’re not forced out by any developer.”
Noel Leon, 10-year performer:
“I’m sad because this is where my family is, my friends. This location will always have a lot of memories. But there’s nothing to save here. Yes, we’re hopeful and confident that we will find another home, but this version of Palace is over and it’s not so easy to find another home just like that. A lot of it has to do with money and permits, but there are also places who don’t want drag queens around, the kind of performances we do, some girls come out a little more nude, it’s a lot of things.”
TP Lords, 10-year performer:
“We are losing an iconic, legendary spot where we can be out in the open, show our art and gayness and stumble upon that young gay kid who is struggling with himself and now he has a place to go to and feel welcomed and at home. This is sad. There will never be a spot like 12th Street and Ocean Drive. But we have to roll with the punches and we will be OK.”
Tlo Ivy, 6-year performer:
“This surreal experience with Palace has been a blessing for me. What I’m going to miss most is the dressing room. The life we have back there is completely different from what we go through out here in front of an audience. I think as far as people saying the LGBT community isn’t doing enough for us, I believe we are all doing the best we can. At the end of the day, it’s all about money and dollar signs. Money talks. We all can do so much and we all got personal stuff to deal with, but the knife cuts both ways. We may be going down for now, but we are not out for the count.”
Athena Dion, 7-year performer:
“When I was growing up, as a little kid, I watched ‘The Birdcage’ and that started my fascination and love for drag. The fact is the Palace is the legitimate real ‘Birdcage,’ so I feel like I’ve done a 360. Performing here has been a dream come true. We all have so many memories and have built so many relationships. We all have our platforms and postPalace, we’re going to do great things. I ask our fans to help us out and support the girls no matter where we end up. They work hard and built the Palace to what it is.” Owner Donall warns his followers -- including the haters -- that no matter how long they are gone, “a month, maybe two,” Palace will return. “This is not farewell. It’s a ‘see ya soon,’” Donall said.
Submitted photo.
To receive the latest information about Palace’s final show and relocation, text the word PALACE to 64600.
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LIFESTYLE local
CHAMPIONS of EQUALITY
SAVE Dade’s Champions of Equality Gala on June 16 at Downtown Miami’s Penthouse Riverside Wharf honored community leaders who have significantly advanced the cause of equality for the LGBT community in South Florida. Carina Mask Jazz Jennings (second to left), along with her family.
Tony Lima.
To see many more photos, visit South Florida Gay News on Facebook.
Family law attorney Nancy Brodzki (left).
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View of Miami’s skyline from the
event.
LGBT Radio & Podcasts
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 o • Pop Cultureuth Florida Gay News , Enterta Dana Munsoinment with • “Faithful & n Fabulous” w 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
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lifestyle books
‘The Art of the Affair’ by Catherine Lacey and Forsyth Harmon Terri Schlichenmeyer
I
t’s all about who you know.
The guy who bags your groceries might have stock tips for you. A co-worker introduces you to your next best friend. You find a great restaurant from your stylist, a new job from a former classmate, and your neighbor gives you gardening advice. It’s all about who you know or, as in the new book “The Art of the Affair” by Catherine Lacy and Forsyth Harmon, it’s who you’ve dallied with. Somehow, in some way, the people you meet leave fingerprints on your life. A laugh you’ll never forget, a bon mot you’ll quote, or even an attitude can be a memorable springboard for an idea. That goes doubly for creative types, for whom romantic (or platonic) relationships, their “carnage of affairs” could lead to “countless works of art.” These unions, whether legal or otherwise, also left a tangle of threads between many artists and writers. Essayist and editor Edmund Wilson, for instance, helped launch the career of Anaïs Nin, who later wrote erotica. Nin was “unapologetic about her… affairs,” of which there were many, including a banker, “probably a homosexual,” and novelist & playwright Gore Vidal, who himself had “a short affair” with writer James Baldwin, who called another man “the love of his life.” Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington both collaborated professionally with Grammywinner Ella Fitzgerald, but it was Marilyn Monroe who helped boost Fitzgerald’s career. Monroe talked the owner of an L.A. nightclub into booking the singer, and she attended each of Fitzgerald’s performances there. Monroe, of course, had her share of affairs, too, as well as a friendship with Truman Capote, who was repeatedly
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c.2017, Bloomsbury $20.00 / $27.00 Canada 88 pages insulted by none other than Tennessee Williams. Williams was no fan of Tallulah Bankhead, and the two publicly snarked at one another for years. Bankhead was an exhibitionist and didn’t care who saw her naked – which, presumably, included her lover, Billie Holiday. Oh, and playwright Williams…? He was a friend of Gore Vidal, who also knew Truman Capote and Anaïs Nin… Did you ever go somewhere with someone who seems to know everybody? That’s what it’s like to read “The Art of the Affair.” Author Catherine Lacey and illustrator Forsyth Harmon play a sort of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon in their book - except, not surprisingly, Bacon isn’t here. Instead, readers are taken back many decades to look at the dalliances and relationships of artists and stars of the early Twentieth century, and because very few contemporary artists grace these pages, there may be many times when you won’t recognize the people among the threads. That can be remedied through inference, but a better explanation (at least for some artists) might have been nice, as would an index. Still, I liked the tidbits in this book, the mini-factlets between ties, and the obvious delight that author and artist lend to the love affairs they so diligently discovered. Light, gossipy, and a little scandalous, “The Art of the Affair” shows that it’s who you know that’s important – and I know you’ll like it.
Feature pets
Bundles of Furbabies Pepper (ID 574954) and Casper (ID 574953) are three year old sisters who are looking for a home where they can stay together. Can you make their wish come true? This lovely duo get along with other cats and dogs and with their long luxurious coats, will need a family who can devote time to brushing them so they are always looking their best. Now you can adopt these sisters and pay just one $30 adoption‌might just be the best money you spend this month.
Pepper
Casper
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
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LIFESTYLE homo history
West Palm Beach Shows its True Colors In 1995 voters in the city rejected an effort to repeal a pro-LGBT rights ordinance
Graham Brunk
I
materials urging West Palm Beach voters to repeal the ordinance. f one Christian commits rape, should all Christians be judged These hand outs condemned homosexual behavior calling it to be rapists?” “vulgar.” That is what Glen Scriber, a gay West Palm Beach resident in They went on to mention that “even when done consensually 1994 asked in a opinion letter published by The Palm Beach Post on December 14 of that year. The events unfolding at that time and in private, homosexual behavior has spill-over effects with public dimensions because it is self-destructive, were a huge success story for South Florida’s LGBT community. disproportionally disease ridden behavior.” At the time, then West Palm Beach Mayor, Nancy Graham, Proper wrote an opinion letter to the Palm had put before the city commission an “equal Beach Post where he claimed that if gays opportunity ordinance,” which would prohibit could work wherever they want, such as discrimination in housing, employment, and a daycare center, they could potentially public accommodation based on race, color, spread dangerous diseases or even origin, religion, and sexual orientation. ““we are doctors engage in lewd behavior, because The inclusion of that last group of people according to him gays have up to was challenged by Christian conservative and ditch diggers,” and 10 times as many partners as a groups in the area. “conservatives and liberals,” “womanizer.” The Palm Beach County Human Rights The aforementioned Glen Scriber Council helped draft the ordinance. and that the city is making opinion letter was a response to Palm Beach County had already put in Proper’s narrow mindedness in place an ordinance in 1989 that prevented right in prohibiting this kind assuming all gay people delve into discrimination in housing for the LGBT the same illegal activities. Scriber population, but not employment. of prejudice.” had said “we are doctors and ditch The West Palm ordinance was put into effect diggers,” and “conservatives and in mid 1994, but it didn’t take long before the liberals,” and that the city is making right West Palm Beach Christian Coalition voiced in prohibiting this kind of prejudice. its opposition and gathered the necessary 1,500 Then Palm Beach County Commissioner, Carol signatures to send the ordinance to the polls to be voted Roberts, countered Proper’s argument with a letter upon by residents. Their argument was that gay people are of her own published in the same newspaper. She claimed we “choosing” to engage in their behavior and that the other groups would be taking a “giant step backwards” if voters chose to repeal mentioned were not. Additionally, they went on to say that gays this law. were not a group traditionally discriminated against and therefore Fortunately, on January 10, 1995, 56 percent of West Palm Beach their inclusion is unwarranted. voters chose to keep the ordinance intact, the first time in Florida Bob Proper, then chairman of the West Palm Beach Chapter of the history that a repeal effort was defeated by voters on the first Christian Coalition led a very emotional campaign, distributing
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Submitted photo.
attempt. No major effort against rights for LGBT here in South Florida has been successful since then. It really was the turning point for the LGBT community in Florida since it did create a chain reaction around the state where other municipalities and counties attempted to do something similar. By 2002, Palm Beach County commissioners adopted a similar ordinance, making the effort now county wide. Broward and Miami-Dade, famously, have similar laws in effect. In 2007, the City of West Palm Beach amended the ordinance to include transgender people. The founder and current president of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, Rand Hoch, wasn’t living in West Palm Beach at the time but still remembers the repeal effort. In fact he didn’t believe they would win the fight and actually advised them to concentrate their efforts elsewhere. They didn’t listen to him. “West Palm Beach mayor Nancy Graham, who was a Republican at the time, asked PBCHRC if she could head the campaign to defeat the repeal. She was -- and still is -extremely passionate about equal rights for the lesbian and gay community,” he said. “Working together, Mayor Graham and PBCHRC put together an amazing coalition of civil rights and labor activists, Jewish community leaders, women’s rights activists, seniors, neighborhood association members and individual citizens interested in equal rights for all. It was truly an incredible achievement.”
Graham, a West Palm Beach native, is a local librarian with an interest in LGTBQ history in South Florida. He welcomes emails and story ideas. Contact him at GrahamBrunk@gmail.com.
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lifestyle food
Submitted photos.
Nick's Pizza and Chicago dog (center)
Rick Karlin
Fast Friends
Two new fast casual dining spots in Wilton and Fort Lauderdale
T
wo fast/casual restaurants opened recently and both are off-shoots of established players in the South Florida food scene; one a small familyrun operation and the other a big player in the Fort Lauderdale restaurant industry.
Nick’s Pizzarelli 2244 Wilton Dr. Wilton Manors 954-566-2722 NicksPizzarelli.com The folks behind the popular Nick’s Italian Restaurant & Upstairs Supper Club in the Galt Ocean neighborhood have taken over the space formerly occupied by Humpy’s in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. At first glance you might not even notice the difference. The format is the same fast-casual format; step up to the counter and place an order for a giant slice or a whole pie, grab a seat in the intimate dining area or on the outside patio and watch the boy candy pass by and when your order’s ready the friendly staff brings it over. Even the menu is similar. Starters, most priced less than five bucks include garlic rolls, meatballs with a dollop of ricotta and garlic cheese bread. The fish dip, served with crackers, jalapenos and diced onions is $ 8.95, but offers a sizable portion. For main dishes, there are a few salads, calzone, hoagies and Stromboli but, for most,
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Spatch
the pizza’s the main draw. I’ll say right off the bat; I’m not a fan of New York style pizza, so I skipped the slices and report here on the evaluations of my fellow diners. They were divided; three said it was very similar to Humpy’s, one liked it better and the other thought it wasn’t as good. The basic 20” cheese is 14.99, add a buck for each topping. Gourmet 16” pizzas range in price from $16.99- $18.99. All are available as slices, starting at $3.50, for basic cheese (with extra toppings 50 cents each). The gourmet slices range from $4.25-$4.50. Among the gourmet options are some typical options veggie, meat lovers’, etc., as well as more unusual offerings such as; mac & cheese, shrimp scampi, bacon blue cheese burger, buffalo and the Pizzarelli special. The shrimp scampi was loaded with jumbo shrimp cooked to perfection (normally shrimp on pizza ends up over-cooked) and the combo’s toppings were plentiful. Nick’s is now run by Dominic, the grandson of the founder Maria. Dominic’s grandmother may have been born in Italy, but she lived in the Chicago area before moving to Fort Lauderdale in 1971. That explains the unique
specialty of Nick’s Pizzarelli; Chicago-style hot dogs. Regular readers of my column know that I love a good Chicago-style wiener. Nick’s has got it down; from the genuine Vienna hot dogs to the correct toppings; yellow mustard, chopped onions, slices of tomato, a slice of pickle, celery salt, bright green relish and sport peppers. They even use the requisite poppy-seed encrusted bun (although mine was edging on stale and wasn’t steamed, as a proper bun should be). Nick’s even offers cupcakes, although unlike Humpy’s they aren’t made in-house and my chocolate brownie topped creation tasted as if it had been stored in the fridge too long. My friend’s coconut cream confection, on the other hand, was fresh as could be. While Nick’s Pizzarelli doesn’t offer the birch beer that Humpy’s did, it does offer some artisan sodas on tap, as well as beer and wine. The guys at Hunters and Alibi who work up an appetite dancing and drinking will be happy to learn that Nick’s is open until 2:30 in the morning Thursday through Saturday and until 11 or 12 other nights. I predict we’ll start seeing late night crowds gathering (shades of Spiritus in Provincetown). Spatch Peri Peri Chicken 3848 N Federal Fort Lauderdale 954-607-1703 SpatchPeriPeri.com It’s amazing that a little family-run operation like Nick’s can get its concept so right and that a place like Spatch developed
by the folks at the Restaurant People, who also own YOLO, Tarpon Bend, Boatyard and Sun, Surf and Sand, as well as restaurants and clubs in Tallahassee and Las Vegas, gets it so wrong. In what appears to be the first of what the group hopes will be a chain, the fast/casual restaurant specializes in grilled chicken with a South American influence. Spatch cooking means that a chicken is split down the back, opened up and grilled. The purpose of cooking a chicken spatchstyle is to speed up the cooking process and end up with crispy skin. Peri-peri flavor is a South American sauce featuring lemon, peppers and spices that can vary from mild to scorching hot and is the South American equivalent of American BBQ. When prepared correctly spatch-cooked chicken with peri peri spice is unbelievably wonderful. Unfortunately, at Spatch, it is anything but. The day of our visit, everyone’s chicken arrived barely warmed-through, with anemic grill marks and with rubbery skin. The spice level in the sauces is hardly discernible. Service, while friendly, wasn’t particularly well informed about the menu (or even how to operate the cash register) and couldn’t describe the differences in the supposed heat levels, other than to tell me “the hot one is spicy.” Duh! The side dishes were equally bland and uninspired. If the Restaurant People group expects this to be the beginning of a chain of fast/casual spots, they’re going to have to reinforce this weak link.
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F O R
T H E
SFGNITES W E E K
O F
J u n e
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J u l y
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2 0 1 7
W W W . S F G N . C O M
Red, White and Bouffant
J.W. Arnold
jw@prdconline.com
THU
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6/29
theater The Wick Theatre, 7901 N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton, is the place to go for dazzling Broadway musicals, especially during the summer. The theater, also home to the most impressive collection of historic theatrical costumes in the world, is currently presenting Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” through July 9. Sing along to “Be Our Guest” and the other tuneful melodies in Alan Mencken’s score. Tickets are $75 at TheWick.org.
FRI
6/30
cabaret Hot summer nights call for a cool concert. Enjoy songs from the Great American Songbook and hits from the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s tonight at 8 p.m. at The Vanguard Sanctuary for the Arts, 1501 S. Andrews Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Carbonell Award-winner Ann Marie Olson and Patrick Watson perform, accompanied by former Louis Prima Band member Billy MacCumber on piano and violinist Randy Bella. Tickets are $35 at ThinkingCapTheatre.com.
Saturday
7/1
film
“Wigstock: The Movie,” is being screened tonight at 7 p.m. at the World AIDS Museum, 1201 NE 26th St. #111 in Wilton Manors. The 1995 documentary about the popular East Village drag festival features Lady Bunny, along with RuPaul, Lypsinka, Joey Arias and performances by singers Crystal Waters, Debbie Harry and more. Free, $5 donation requested. More information at WorldAIDSMuseum.org. Photo Credit: MGM.
SAT
7/1 SUN
7/2 MON
7/3 TUE
7/4
film
theater
nightlife
holiday
The mischievous minions are back this weekend in “Despicable Me 3,” along with their lovable master, Gru. When the new boss at the Anti-Villain League fires him, Gru resists the urge to return to a life of crime and instead seeks out his long-lost twin brother. The reunited siblings team up to take down Balthazar Bratt, a former ‘80s child star who seeks revenge against the world. Check local listings for theaters and show times.
After a successful run at Empire Stage, “Happy Ending,” the hit new play from Ronnie Larsen (“Making Porn”), has transferred 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 deepest 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.
We’re used to national holidays falling on Mondays, but Independence Day will be celebrated on a Tuesday this year. You know what that means? It’s going to be a long holiday weekend because anybody who can will take Monday off, also. Meet your friends on Wilton Drive this afternoon and beat the summer heat with a refreshing cocktail. Stick around for dinner or catch a show at one of the bars. Enjoy yourself because you are off tomorrow!
It’s Independence Day. After cooking out the quintessential American holiday feast of hamburgers and hotdogs, head to the beach for fireworks. Major displays are planned for Fort Lauderdale Beach, Mardi Gas Casino in Hallandale Beach, Hollywood Beach, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Lake Worth, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Miami Beach and other locations. Check local listings for more information.
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A&E theater
Broadway Vet Reflects on Career, Opportunities J.W. Arnold
E
very year, tens of thousands of hopeful young singers, actors and dancers journey to New York City in the hopes of finding stardom on Broadway…or at least a job. Auditions abound and some will land spots in the chorus. Many will not and will struggle to pay their bills with odd jobs or by waiting tables. Every now and then, one of those talented performers—and, make no mistakes, most are very talented—breaks out of the pack and fulfills that dream to perform on stage for enthusiastic audiences each night. Callan Bergmann is one of the lucky, but he will be the first to admit it takes more than luck or karma to land that first job and, more importantly, build a career on Broadway. On July 8, the 29-year-old will share his stories in an intensive one-day musical theater masterclass with students at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Conservatory in Jupiter. Bergmann, currently a cast member in the revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats,” describes himself as a “quadruple threat,” an actor who sings, dances AND tumbles. Like the students he’ll be coaching, Bergmann was inspired at an early age. “I grew up in a very small town and no one from where I was from did that…pursued theater for a living,” he recalled. “I wasn’t until late in my high school career that I decided to go to college for musical theater. The kids who live in larger cities have more opportunities for training, honing their skills.” Bergmann was determined as a student at Point Park University. “I felt like I was behind went I went to college and that pushed me to learn as fast as I could and as much as I could,” he said. During his Jupiter workshop, Bergmann plans to teach common Broadway dance combinations before moving into singing and acting exercises and, of course, tips for auditioning. Many of the students will be auditioning for college and community and regional theater programs soon. “A lot of kids move to the city and they expect it to be a lot easier than it is,” Bergmann warned. “You have to get your name in the mix and get in front of a lot of people. There are exceptions where a 19-year-old kid walks into an audition and books their first Broadway show, but it takes a while to be recognized in the community as a professional, someone a director or choreographer will be willing to take a risk on. If you can get a director or choreographer to take that risk with you,
Broadway actor Callan Bergmann will present a master class to Maltz Jupiter Theatre Conservatory students this weekend. Submitted photo.
when you are given that opportunity, you have to be professional and work hard and have a great attitude, or you’ll be written off.” Bergmann paused before adding, “Sometime it takes years or decades.” Luckily for him, Bergmann landed his first role, the Off-Broadway premiere of “Lucky Guy the Musical,” quickly. Unfortunately for him, it closed a week and a half after opening. “That’s a bit of a shock when it’s your first show. I was very young when this happened, but I didn’t get too discouraged. It motivated me more,” he said. He soon nabbed a spot in “Silence the Musical,” a parody of the film, “Silence of the Lambs,” an Off-Broadway hit that would run two years. Then the big roles followed: He originated the role of Lewis and was the lead understudy in the first national tour of the Best Musical Revival, “Pippin.” His gymnastic skills certainly helped with that show. And currently, he takes the stage eight times a week in “Cats,” a “hard dance show, but it’s amazing to be part of that legacy.” Bergmann also volunteers his time in the cast of “Broadway Bares,” the sexy burlesque show that raises money for Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS, an annual event he describes as his “number one favorite thing to be a part of…an opportunity to raise money for such a great cause helping thousands of people who are not able to help themselves.” What’s next? Bergmann will find out after the next audition.
To learn more about the Maltz Jupiter Theatre and its conservatory program, go to JupiterTheatre.org.
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June 28 - July 4
Datebook
Theater Christiana Lilly
Calendar@SFGN.com
Top
broward county * Bring It
Picks
Vans Warped Tour
July 2 at 11 a.m. at Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way in West Palm Beach. The tour returns with a day chock full of bands -- Bowling for Soup, American Authors, Save Ferris, Gwar, Anti-Flag, Attila, and more. Tickets $62 and up. Call 561-795-8883 or visit WestPalmBeachAmphitheatre.com.
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 305949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.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.
July 1 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Miss D and her Dancing Dolls jump right out of the Lifetime series and onto the stage for a high-energy performance. Tickets $44.25 to $114.26. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.
Happy Ending
Through 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
Thank You For Being a Friend
Through 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 212-868-444 or visit EmpireStage.com.
Friday Night Sound Waves Music Series
Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music spanning genres and tributes every Friday evening through November. Free. Visit FridayNightSoundWaves.com
ALL-INCLUSIVE... AS NEWS
SHOULD BE AS DIVERSE AS EVER
Whether you are in the bisexual or transgender communities, are asexual, gender-fluid, pansexual, or maybe you still aren’t sure, SFGN is proudly here to connect you with the rest of our colorful community.
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miami-dade county
* Chicago -- The Band and The Doobie Brothers
* Algo De Un Tal Shakespeare
June 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way in West Palm Beach. One of the longestrunning American bands, Chicago, is joined on stage by The Doobie Brothers. Tickets $28 and up. Call 561-795-8883 or visit WestPalmBeachAmphitheatre.com.
* Incubus
July 6 at at Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way in West Palm Beach. Jimmy Eat World opens for the California rock band, known for their hits “Make Yourself, “Pardon Me,” “Drive,” and more. Tickets $30 and up. Call 561-795-8883 or visit WestPalmBeachAmphitheatre.com.
Sense and Sensibility
Through 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.
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.
* Denotes New Listing
July 6 to 9 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd in Miami. The Mexican play “Something by One Shakespeare” is an improvisation of the Bard, bringing his collection of stories to the modern day. Performed in Spanish. Tickets $34. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.
* Paul McCartney
July 7 at 8 p.m. at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The iconic performer kicks off his “One on One” tour in Miami. Call 786-777-1000 or visit AAArena.com.
Outdoor Music Series
Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Free with museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or visit PAMM.org.
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.
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Datebook
Community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com
Top Picks
LAST CHANCE: Game On! Female Athletes Competing with Homophobia in Sports
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 954-530-9337 or visit Stonewall-Museum. org.
America’s Birthday Bash
July 4 from 3 to 9:30 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 301 N. Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The bash is back with a Kids Zone, food, drinks, and the largest free fireworks show in South Florida. Free. Call 305-358-7550 or visit BayfrontParkMiami.com.
The 10th Annual 4th of July Celebration
July 4 at 5:30 p.m. at Sunset Cove Amphitheater, Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park, 20405 Amphitheater Circle in Boca Raton. Celebrate our nation’s independence with a live music by the Gypsy Lane Band, concessions, and fireworks. Free. Visit Facebook.com/ sunsetcoveamphitheater
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 * 4th of July at BB&T Center
July 4 at 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. Bring the whole family for the city of Sunrise’s annual Fourth of July celebration, including music from the Baha Men and The Romantics. At 9 p.m., enjoy an impressive fireworks display. Free. Visit SunriseFL.gov/July4
* OUTWRITE: LGBTQ Authors Exhibition Opening
July 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wlton Drive in Wilton Manors. The museum houses the largest collection of LGBTQ books — more than 20,000! The exhibit showcases rare and historic pieces through Sept. 3. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org.
Life Coaching
Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Latinos Salud Clubhouse, 2300 Wilton
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Drive in Wilton Manors. Get one-on-one life coaching from certified CRCS coaches. For guys living with HIV, their partners, and anyone who identifies as transgender. Free. Call 954-765-6239 or visit LatinosSalud.org.
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.
Toastmasters
Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040
June 28 - July 4 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Learn the art of public speaking with positive reinforcement and encouragement from your peers. Call Ted Verdone at 954-5662074 or email tedverdone@comcast.net.
Proud Speakers
Mondays from 7:15 to 9 p.m. at The Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Join the Toastmasters to work on your communication and leadership skills. Call Jose Antigua at 954-594-0634 or visit 2266.toastmastersclubs.org.
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.
museum’s exhibits with docent-led tours, curators’ conversations, art workshops, and demonstrations. Free. Call 561-832-5196 or visit Norton.org.
miami-dade county Arsht Center Farmers Market
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.
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.
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 561495-0233 or visit Morikami.org.
Out of the Closet, Into the Light
Yoga
Transcendence
Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Norton Museum of Art, 1451 S. Olive Ave. in West Palm Beach. Enjoy a special look at the
palm beach county Sushi & Stroll
Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A closed
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.
Art After Dark
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 305358-7550 or visit BayfrontParkMiami.com/ Yoga.html.
Book Study
Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Drolma
Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Norbu, will lead classes on learning the foundations of Buddhism. Call 786-529-7137.
Yoga in the Garden
Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach. Hit the mat for an indoor yoga practice overlooking the garden. Tickets $10 Wednesdays, $15 Saturdays. Call 305-6737256 or visit MBGarden.org.
key west 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
* Denotes New Listing
Nite Life Law If you drink, don’t drive. If you drive, don’t drink. If you do both, call us.
Kent & Cormican Criminal Defense Law Center
954.763.1900
Norman Elliott Kent & Russell Cormican 12 S.E. 7th Street, Suite 709 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 www.NormKent.com
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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
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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
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Business Directory To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970 spirituality
therapy
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
pest control
Taylor & Turner Pest and Termite Control, Inc
William D. Turner taylorandturner@yahoo.com 2520 North Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305
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2 bedroom/2 bath condos from
$135,000
Ocean/Intracoastal from
$300,000
954.630.2627 call us to reserve space!
THE BEST SERVICE, THE BEST RESULTS SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST!
Helping Buyers, Sellers, Renters, and Investors for over 18 years in South Florida.
$250,000
Brian S. Bedigian, P.A.
RealtorBrian@aol.com www.BrianFTL.com
Your South Florida Specialist for Over 18 Years
from
Where we welcome and appreciate diversity.
Tennis Lessons at Hagen Park in Wilton Manors. Individual or group lessons. Call Robert 732-604-0362 for more information.
Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors & Oakland Park REMODELED homes:
3 bdroom/2 bath homes
The Parish of Sts. Francis and Clare
sports
real estate
Realtor
954.205.5275
SFGN Classified$ 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 Fully refurbished in oakland park-$775 - 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 954-818-9012
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.
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