9/20/17 V8i38

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September 20, 2017 vol. 8 // issue 38

Begins on page 37

s o u t h

f l o r i d a

g a y

n e w s

One for the

Bisexuals Special Edition

It's Bisexual Visibility Week!

Here's to you, the forgotten letter Pages 26 - 36

Prepping for the smart ride Pages 20, 21

SouthFloridaGayNews

Hurricane irma: Florida continues to heal Pages 2, 6, 9, 15, 42

soflagaynews

SFGN.com

NEWS highlight

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Local LGBT Community Centers Suffer Damage From Irma John McDonald

RJ and Chris working on shutters.

Photo courtesy of The Pride Center.

T

he Pride Center at Equality Park opened its doors after Hurricane Irma on Thursday four days after the storm blew through South Florida. But not without damage.

The center lost 4 of its 15 A/C units.

“We’re facing major damages financially,” said Pride Center Chief Operations Officer Kristofer Fegenbush. “Air conditioning units aren’t cheap.”

Fegenbush said re-opening quickly was important as the center facilitates many support programs. Those in 12-step programs are particularly vulnerable during times of crisis, Fegenbush said.

“Now is the time when people can be triggered because of the grieving and stress from the storm,” Fegenbush said.

The Florida National Guard secured the center’s warehouse as a staging location for food and water distribution. Elkin Alfred,

representing United Way of Broward County, set up a table inside the warehouse to assist those in need.

Alfred said while unfortunate, Hurricane Irma brought people together.

“It’s good to see people out talking to their neighbors again and asking what they can do to help,” Alfred said.

Along with disrupting group meetings, the hurricane briefly put a pause on health programs. There was no HIV or STI testing available for the first few days after reopening. Those services have now resumed.

Meanwhile, Compass in Lake Worth was closed all of last week due to a loss of power and lack of major traffic lights leading into the city. The Center reopened on Monday for limited services. The building’s air handler was also damaged so the center is without A/C.

September 20, 2017 • Volume 8 • Issue 38

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

Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

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

Editorial

“With water to mop up in the front door area, a few roof leaks to fan dry, shutters to remove and trees to be cut yesterday, we couldn't host crucial social and support groups last night as people are feeling nauseated from the heat as the fans are offering little to no relief,” said Julia Seaver, Chief Operations Officer for Compass Community Center.

Their HIV testing is also on hold for now until they’re able to get new HIV tests.

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

Senior Features Correspondents Jesse Monteagudo • Tony Adams

Correspondents

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

NEWS local

Contributing Columnists

Seniors Encouraged To Check On Friends, Neighbors After Storm This week’s ‘Coffee and Conversation’ at the Pride Center John McDonald

P

ulling together as a community was the theme of Tuesday morning’s coffee and conversation program at Pride Center as speaker after speaker encouraged teamwork in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

“This is a time to reach out to your neighbor to make sure they are ok,” said Pride Center CEO Robert Boo. “Many people in this room live alone and you may not have someone checking up on you.”

Boo encouraged the senior group to contact friends they have not seen or heard from since Hurricane Irma ravaged South Florida.

He also said the center’s front desk has useful information for resources and the United Way

Publisher's Note:

is staffing a warehouse inside Equality Park to receive donations of hygiene products, water and non-perishable food. A delivery of 35,000 MREs (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) is expected soon, Boo said.

Gary Kempler, a senior agent with Creative Financial Network, sponsored this week’s program. Kempler went over the structure of Medicare, defining the basics of parts A, B, C, and D of the government’s health programs.

“Medicare will never initiate a phone call to you,” Kempler warned. The government, he said, will be issuing new Medicare cards next April which do not display social security numbers.

MEMBER

Robert Boo and Bruce Williams. Photo by John McDonald.

Elsewhere, Jerry Chasen, director of Legacy Planning for SAGE USA, announced Pride Center Senior Services Director Bruce Williams, would receive the organization’s “pioneer award.”

Representatives with AARP, Broward Sheriff’s Office and Florida Department of Health also addressed the group.

Next week’s sponsor is Shine (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders). For more information, contact Bruce Williams, Senior Services Coordinator at 954-463-9005, ext. 109.

MEMBER

Our apologies. Due to the storm, many customary and normal distribution points of SFGN may be inaccessible and unavailable this week. Please tell your friends that the entire paper and a PDF will always be available online at SFGN.com Cover: Bisexual Week.

OUR Other Publications Get yours, on racks now!

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NLGJA Journalist of the Year South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community.

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

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9 . 20.2017

In adults with HIV on ART who have diarrhea not caused by an infection IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or by calling 1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.

What Is Mytesi?

Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART. Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite).

Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include:

Tired of planning your life around diarrhea?

Enough is Enough Get relief. Pure and simple. Ask your doctor about Mytesi.

Mytesi (crofelemer): • Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV • Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract • Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies • Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest What is Mytesi?

Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Important Safety Information Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure that you do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right medicine and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side effects that occurred more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%).

Should I Take Mytesi If I Am: Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant?

• Studies in animals show that Mytesi could harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to become pregnant • There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mytesi • This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed A Nursing Mother?

• It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk • If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi • Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age • Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to find out if Mytesi is right for you

What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi With Other Medicines?

If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal supplements, or vitamins, tell your doctor before starting Mytesi.

What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi?

For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

To report side effects or make a product complaint or for additional information, call 1-844-722-8256.

Rx Only Manufactured by Patheon, Inc. for Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. San Francisco, CA 94105 Copyright © Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

For Copay Savings Card and Patient Assistance, see Mytesi.com

Mytesi comes from the Croton lechleri tree harvested in South America.

Please see complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com.

NP-390-29

• Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE 9.20.2017 •

3

NEWS miami-dade

Molto Brings New Life to Struggling Gay SoBe Bar’s staff of “dragtenders” serve drinks, food and put on a show

Jose Cassola

Photo courtesy of Molto Bar and Restaurant.

R

aymond Ortega, co-owner of Molto Bar and Restaurant on Lincoln Road, had a vision: to open a gay bar in South Beach where the hosts and servers also put on a show for you -- in drag.

Think Coyote Ugly on steroids.

In that famous saloon female bartenders performed outrageous stunts on the bar and fed shots to patrons. Molto – at the site of the old Haven – has a similar feel to Coyote Ugly, only the servers are drag queens who perform even crazier stunts – like drag legend Noel Leon doing her signature split on the bar or transgender Fantasia Royale pouring water on her, ahem, large chest.

"When I first came here and saw the place, that’s the first thing we started talking about. We’re gonna get on the bar and perform," Royale said. "It just adds an extra effect to our shows. It’s something different, something to make the crowd go wow; like when I used to perform at the Palace going into the streets. Here at Molto, it’s a more intimate setting. We have to be intimate with our crowd, getting on the bar and feeding them shots. That’s what we’re going for.”

Fellow "dragtender" Tlo Ivy says that's precisely what Molto is trying to accomplish.

“We’re trying to incorporate that feel.

We want to do something different," Ivy said. "Here in Miami Beach, as far as stable gay places to go, we have Twist and Score.

That’s pretty much it, but they are clubs and we are a bar. So we want to offer something different and offer variety."

Ortega's vision came originally from the roots of Palace. The 31-year-old grew up there and was one of the first servers and bartenders there 12 years ago when the third owners of Palace, Doug and Henry, owned it.

He was also a part of creating the drag shows there every day and pushed very hard to do it.

"The drag queens there originally were hosts and servers," Ortega said. "I was there before Thomas Donall took over the lease.

He only let the performances continue, the entertainment part only. So when I became a bar manager at Palace, it was an element I always wanted to incorporate back at Palace."

Since Palace closed on Ocean Drive, Ortega sought to bring back the bar he knew 12 years ago but into this era. He recruited many of the staff and entertainers from Palace and opened Molto.

"A bunch of us, the best from the Palace

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9 . 20.2017

Bar, took over and we’re sort of bringing Molto up from the bottom up," Ivy said.

"We offer everything; it’s not just one sort of format. There’s open format to everything."

Ortega says Molto is different from other gay venues.

"We are not just a drag venue and that's different because well, we don't have local gay bars on South Beach anymore," he said. "We have clubs [like Twist and Score] or weekly events. But we've lost the feel of having a gay bar on South Beach,” he said.

“Molto is a venue where everyone knows everyone, and you can come and day drink or eat great food that are not really South Beach prices. I'm trying to bring back a bar I knew 12 years ago but into this era; where you have a happy hour, where you have great-tasting food while also giving the drag girls an opportunity to bartend, serve and perform.

Everyone is seeing them in a different light, not just as a performer at Molto."

So far for Royale, accepting Ortega's invitation to be a part of the Molto team has been "one of the best choices I’ve made in the last couple of months."

"It’s a little different being on the other side of the bar because usually I’m the one who’s drinking," Royale laughs. "But now I’m getting the hang of everything. It’s good. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a very long time and now I’m able to do it. Ray gave me a chance and I’m very excited to see what comes out of this. I hope Molto brings us, for one, unity. It’s another gay bar for us to have a choice to come to. It’s good that we’re rebuilding South Beach."

The feedback on social media so far has been positive. Jeff Pazzo on Facebook wrote: “Simply put..... amazing! The staff, the drinks and the food. South beach definitely needed this!”

Joanna James on Facebook said: “I'm glad it's here! Gay life is alive and well in Miami Beach! Check it out!”

Chino Rikan on Facebook wrote: “Just the right mix of class and sex appeal. The drinks are awesome and the food is amazing. Staff is friendly and entertaining. [This is] my new go-to spot.”

Though Molto is for the gay community,

performer Tlo Ivy says the venue is "open to all – straight people, bisexual people, lesbians. Whatever you want to be, blue, yellow, green, however, you’re welcomed.”

“As the new up and coming gay joint in South Beach, I want everyone to come and experience this new spot open to our gay community," Ivy said. "We have specials all the time, happy hour. Our drinks and food are cheap. The food is amazing. Our specialty

is Italian food. Hopefully, we blow up and become the next new spot.”

Co-owner Ortega reiterates the same.

"My goal is for the locals on South Beach to have a place to come to and for anyone in the LGBT community or anyone who supports the LGBT community can come over and over again," Ortega said. "We kind of popped up out of nowhere and it’s bringing a new energy to South Beach."

IF YOU GO: ► Address: 1237 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. ► Hours of operation: 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

"We will soon be having a breakfast buffet for $19.99; all you can eat every day, which will open us up at 8 a.m.," co-owner Raymond Ortega said. ► Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3-8 p.m. ► Mondays: Industry Night with Tlo Ivy; 2 for 1 well drinks for people in the biz and for South Beach locals; pop-up shows by Tlo Ivy. ► Tuesdays: Dragtini Tuesday with Noel Leon; $8 martini menu all night; pop-up shows by Noel Leon. ► Wednesdays: #MuchWoman Dinner and a Show, $29.99; performances by Noel Leon; special guest seating at 7:30 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m. ► Thursdays: #AlleyMuch Thursdays with Ray Ortega and Noah Wyche; DJ starts spinning at 9 p.m.; hip-hop, top 40, house; drag shows throughout the night from the house divas. ► Fridays: #HappyFridays; happy hour extended until 9 p.m.; DJ starts at 9 p.m. with Fernand Cute or Dj Latrice Perry; hosted by Missy Meyakie Le Paige and Fantasia Royale. ► Saturdays: The Kiki Brunch with the whole cast of Molto; $29.99 unlimited drinks and food; video mix DJ from 4-9 p.m.; resident DJ from 9 p.m.-3 a.m. ► Sundays: Much T-dance with special drinks and DJ from 5-10 p.m.

For more information, call 305-776-9964 or email info@moltosouthbeach.com.

NEWS state

Vote Now!

SFGN’s Best Of underway

SFGN Staff

S

FGN readers nominated their favorites in dozens of categories in August. Voting is now underway to choose this year’s Best Of. Who will win Best Restaurant? Best Coffee Shop? Bartender? Business?

Drag Queen? Vote now!

Winners will be announced in November.

Below are some of the categories: Best Restaurant; Best Pizza; Best Burger; Best Dessert; Best Drag Queen; Best Bar; Best Coffee Shop; Best Guest House; Best Happy Hour; Best Business Group; Best Place to Workout; Best City to Live; Best Theater; Best Beach; Best Place to Shop; Best Non-Profit; and Best LGBT Event of the Year. And more!

Visit SFGN.com/BestOf to cast your vote today.

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9.20.2017 •

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NEWS local

NEWS national

Queer Celebrities Lena Waithe and Kate McKinnon Win Emmys Brittany Ferrendi

Kate McKinnon.

T

he Emmys brought on a big win for diversity.

The 69th Primetime Emmy Awards hosted by Stephen Colbert saw two lesbian women taking home awards: Lena Waithe and Kate McKinnon.

Waithe won for comedy writing, becoming the first African-American woman to win in that category. She earned the award for co-writing “Master of None” episode “Thanksgiving” along with her co-star Aziz Ansari. The episode was based on her own experiences coming out as a lesbian.

In addition to writing the episode, Waithe also has a recurring role on the show as Aziz’s openly gay friend Denise.

During her acceptance speech, she expressed the importance of diversity in the entertainment industry.

"I love you all and last but certainly not least my LGBTQIA family," she said. “I see each and every one of you. The things that make us different, those are our superpowers — every day when you walk out the door, put on your imaginary cape and go out there and conquer the world, because the world would not be as

beautiful as it is if we weren't in it.”

She continued: “And for everybody out there that showed us so much love for this episode, thank you for embracing a little Indian boy from South Carolina and a queer black girl from the South Side of Chicago. We appreciate it more than you could ever know."

Waithe wasn’t the only LGBT woman to win an award. McKinnon won her second Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work in “Saturday Night Live.” She was the first openly gay female cast member on the show.

She came to the Emmy’s with her girlfriend of one year, Jackie Abbott. She gave her girlfriend a hug before accepting the award.

Donald Glover also made history at The Emmys for being the first African-American to win for comedy series directing.

Taken during the 2016 Southern Comfort Conference.

Photo credit: Steven Shires.

Transgender Conference in Fort Lauderdale

Cancelled Because of Irma Michael d’Oliveira

H

urricane Irma has claimed at least I can say, with a 100 percent certainty, one non-living victim – the 2017 it will be 2018 [before we have another Southern Comfort Transgender conference],” said Stefanie Schumacher, Conference. Scheduled for Sept. 14 to treasurer for the conference.

16 at the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Schumacher said it’s been suggested Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, the that future conferences be held before conference most likely won’t occur again or after hurricane season. But financial until next year. concerns, in the form of cheaper hotel Organizers announced the cancellation rates, dictate the scheduling. Organizers on their website and social media with could charge more but that might mean promises of refunds for fewer people attend, she said. those who registered “We’ve always tried to “The before Irma did. do the most economical transgender conference for our attendees.

“We are sorry to community is The transgender community announce that, due to Hurricane Irma, SCTC famously not is famously not wealthy. We 2017 is cancelled. The raise the rates but are wealthy. We could safety of our attendees is people going to be willing to could raise of the utmost concern to pay for it?” the rates but us and everything points Those practical concerns to Florida taking a nasty are a part of the goal of the are people hit from this monstrous conference, this year and in going to be storm . . . Please give us years past. willing to some time to get your Everything from legal name pay for it?” changes to information for registration refunds done as we are dealing with a lot crossdressers to information - Stefanie of issues at the moment, on surgery is discussed Schumacher SCTC Treasurer as you might imagine. Our during the conference, said thoughts and prayers are Schumacher. “We really try with those in the path of Irma. Please to cover every aspect of the transgender take every precaution to protect yourself community. We really try and have and your loved ones,” reads the website. something for everyone which is not “We are in discussions [with the easy to do because the transgender Riverside Hotel] for next year. I think community is so vast.”

Visit sccfla.org to check for updates on the next conference.

6

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9 . 20.2017

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9.20.2017 •

7

NEWS state

NEWS local

Space Coast Pride in Melbourne on Sept. 30 Ryan Yousefi

M

issing Pride? If so Space Coast Pride takes place Sept. 30 in Melbourne’s historic Eau Gallie Art District. The 10th annual Space Coast Pride Parade & Festival will feature live music, vendors, entertainment, food, beverages, pageants, and even a kid's zone.

“The primary focus (of Space Coast Pride) is to foster a sense of community among LGBT residents and to bridge the divide with our straight families, friends, neighbors, and organizations,” said Scott Wall-DeSousa, the Director of Events for Space Coast Pride.

“Space Coast Pride festival and the parade is the pinnacle of our efforts. Space Coast Pride is committed to upholding LGBT interests in Brevard County. This year’s event motto is ‘Healing,’ with last years being ‘Love’ we are following the colors of the Pride Flag and over the past years horrific events it seems fitting for a Central Florida Pride.”

Each year the event has grown exponentially.

According to Wall-DeSousa, this year promises to be the biggest event yet.

“Pride in Brevard started with just a couple of people, some of which are still on the board today. It was a small event held at the Wickham

Photo courtesy of Space Coast Pride.

Park Pavilion. Three years ago, Pride exploded in Brevard filling the streets of the Historic Downtown Eau Gallie Arts District.” WallDeSousa said. “This year is has grown once again. It starts with an evening event from 3 p.m. and our parade and festivities at 5 p.m. This year we have a few celebrity performers such as comedian Sandra Valls and musical artists Sam Tolson and Debby Holiday. Of course, no Pride could be without their local talents of Drag shows and other musical artists, and of Course the Reigning Miss Space Coast Pride.”

Visit SpaceCoastPride.org for more info.

Guests are encouraged to reserve hotels early as Pride is just one of the many events happening that weekend. Hilton Rialto, the official host of Space Coast Pride, is selling out quickly.

Shana Tova from Congregation Etz Chaim Join Rabbi Noah Kitty and Cantor Jerry Berkowitz, along with community members and friends, to bring in the New Year 5778!

Rosh Hashanah is Wednesday & Thursday, September 20 & 21.

Yom Kippur is Friday & Saturday, September 29 & 30.

Tickets for all holiday services are $200, or $60 per service Tickets are still available and may be purchased at the door Evening services begin at 8pm • Morning services begin at 10am

All services are held in our sanctuary in the Pride Center back building

Enjoy services with our community? You may count the cost of your guest ticket towards a special firstͲyear membership!

Congregation Etz Chaim

8

2038 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954Ͳ564Ͳ9232 • www.EtzChaimFlorida.org Proudly serving the LGBT & Progressive Community since 1974 •

9 . 20.2017

Oakland Park Preparing Conversion Therapy Ban John McDonald

I

n the midst of the storm of the century, the City of Oakland Park moved ahead with plans to ban conversion therapy.

At Wednesday night’s meeting commissioners approved the drafting of an ordinance that would prohibit the practice of conversation therapy within the boundaries of this eastern Broward County municipality.

Several residents spoke in favor of the ban, some offering personal accounts of the harmful nature of the so-called “therapy.”

“Conversion therapy is part of the system of homophobia which starts with the premise that being gay or lesbian is something to change,” said Mitchell Rosenwald, a licensed clinical social worker for the State of Florida.

Rosenwald, a gay man, said conversion therapy – also known as reparative therapy – has been debunked by every major American scientific organization.

The American Psychological Association reports conversation therapy efforts “have serious potential harm to harm young people because they present the view that the sexual orientation of lesbian, gay and bisexual youth is a mental illness or disorder, and they often frame the inability to change one’s sexual orientation as a personal and moral failure.”

Rabbi Noah Kitty of Congregation Etz Chaim, a LGBT inclusive synagogue, implored the city to act to protect its children.

“When parents fail children it’s up to elected officials to step in,” Kitty said.

Michael Rajner, a Broward County human rights activist, called conversion therapy “evil witchcraft.”

“Our youth should not be preyed upon,” Rajner said.

One woman, Rebecca Zucker, spoke against the ban.

“There’s a parent side of this,” Zucker

said. “I’m a grandparent. I have boys and girls. I would not want to see a city take my rights away. I understand the point. I respect the LGBT community. I have LGBT friends.

I have family, but I would never go to a community and say put a limit on something and tell someone they are wrong.”

Zucker said she has lived in Oakland Park for three years having moved from the midwest where she worked as a real estate agent. She said the ban on “sexual orientation change” was contrary to the spirit of love the city should convey.

“By putting restraints on others choices we are doing the same to them it’s just a reverse model,” Zucker told the commission.

Oakland Park Mayor John Adornato III and Commissioners Tim Lonergan, Michael Carn and Matthew Sparks attended the meeting. Commissioner Sara Guevrekian was absent. Adornato said he asked for public comments after reading of other cities banning conversion therapy.

“As one of the more highly populated LGBT communities in Florida and perhaps the country we need to respect our residents and respect our youth and provide leadership for them and send the right message that respect for our children is critical,” Adornato said.

Commissioner Sparks, a gay man, said his parents sent him to conversion therapy and it did not work.

“Once was enough for me,” Sparks said.

“I’m absolutely in favor of this, let’s ban it.”

Commissioner Carn called conversion therapy “a form of hate.”

“Who are you to control who I am or who I suggest I am?,” Carn said.

Vice Mayor Lonergan said he considers conversion therapy a harmful practice and strongly supports the ban. He suggested the ban also cover adult individuals with disabilities who have a legal guardian.

NEWS key west U.S. Navy surveying the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in the Key West. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy.

Key West Begins Irma Cleanup Efforts Most LGBT businesses avoid major damage

John McDonald

L

ife in Key West is slowly returning bath but thank God there is no major to normal – as normal as life in Key damage to report.”

West can be.

Smead, marketing director for the “We suffered a major blow but we’re Island House, said staff began returning coming back,” said Steve Smith, a resident Monday evening. The café and bar will of the Conch Republic and open first, Smead said. former executive director Monroe County officials “The support of the Key West Business have set a target date of from our Guild. “The island is not as Oct. 20 to allow tourists lush as it used to be but we to visit, but the Island guests has did not lose everything like been amazing House is aiming to be fully some of the islands to the functional well before then, and we need north.”

Smead said.

Smith said Publix and that patronage “What we need now is to get Winn Dixie are making reservations,” Smead said. food deliveries, electricity is through this “The support from our restored to most homes and guests has been amazing challenging businesses and commercial and we need that patronage time.” airlines begin arriving on to get through this Wednesday. challenging time.”

- Jeffrey Smead Owner of The Over at the Island Other LGBT businesses Island House House, cleaning efforts are have also resumed underway to bring the gay operations. Aqua Nightclub men’s guesthouse back to standards. has re-opened, Smead said, while “The Island House is OK,” Jeffrey Bourbon Street Pub and Club 801,on Smead said in a telephone call to SFGN Duval Street served as a command center Monday evening. “We need a really good for police during the hurricane.

MONTHLY SPA SERVICE INCLUDED

DISCOUNTED BEER & WINE MENU

ACCESS TO RESORT AMENITIES

Key West.

Photos credit of John Hines, CNN.

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NEWS miami-dade

Hotel Gaythering Offers Low Rates to

Those Without Power

LGBT establishment took part in Miami Beach hurricane-relief discount program through Monday x

Jose Cassola

H

urricane Irma's visit to South Florida Facebook a friend in the LGBT community left many people without power shared about Gaythering's specials. across the state. The City of Miami "Their affordable rates sealed the deal," Beach offered some relief to its residents Rodriguez said. "My place STILL had no burdened by the temporary loss of power as of Friday evening and my father electricity and running air conditioning by and I just couldn't stand the heat and releasing a list of hotels with special rates another night with no A/C. I had the first and discounts in the wake of the storm. good night's sleep I've had in a week where Among the more than dozen hotels I didn't wake up drenched in my own sweat. taking part in the “Residents Be Our Guest" What a relief." hurricane-relief discount program is Hotel Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine Gaythering, 1409 Lincoln Road. The LGBT applauded hotels like Hotel Gaythering, and "straight-friendly" hotel offered some Loews Miami Beach, Dream South Beach, of the lowest rates in Miami Beach. the Nautilus, and the National Hotel for "Crate" shared rooms, taking part in the city's similar to a hostel, were on special discount program.

“I had the sale for $29 a night through “Families are suffering, Thursday and $39 nightly and we are calling upon first good from Friday through Sunday, [our hotels], as our great night's sleep down from $49 and $59 a partners, to help us serve I've had in a night, respectively, a $20 our residents in this time savings. The 64-square-feet of need," Levine said in a week where "crates" accommodate two statement. "We know that I didn't wake guests (men only) with a many of [our residents] are up drenched full-size bed and a shared still without power, making bathroom with two shower the recovery process that in my own stalls, one toilet and one much more challenging. sweat. What urinal.

In order to offer direct and a relief.”

Regular rooms with kingimmediate support to Miami size beds, ranging from Beach residents, our local - Angel Rodriguez $85 to $99 a night Monday hotels have generously Miami Resident through Thursday and stepped forward to offer a $145 to $160 a night Friday special recovery rate of $99 through Sunday, went for as low as $49 and or below for Miami Beach residents." $79 a night, respectively, a savings of $40 to Hotel Gaythering is owned by Alex Guerra $60. and Stephan Ginez. The co-owners bought The special rates ran through checkout the old three-story Miami Beach apartment time, 11 a.m., Monday and were for Miami building in 2010 and began renovations Beach residents with photo identification. in 2012. The hotel was a hit with guests But non-Beach residents were welcomed to from the beginning, particularly with take advantage of the offers, too. visitors and residents tired of the swanky Angel Rodriguez, who lives near the and contemporary scene South Beach had Miami Design District with roommates and become. his elderly father, was so fed up with the “We didn’t want anything that looked loss of electricity and A/C since Hurricane very Miami. We chose the location because Irma made landfall Sunday, he decided to it put people into a neighborhood so they rent a hotel room for the weekend. With no feel like they are part of a neighborhood,” guarantees when power would be restored Guerra told the Boston Globe in April 2014. at his home, he rented a "crate" for his “It’s close enough but far enough from father and himself after seeing a post on everything.”

Known for its mascot, a rabbit, the hotel's bar hosts “Hoppy hour” from 5-8 p.m. every evening. The venue offers "gayly" specials and weekly events, including Karaoke Mondays, hosted by local drag legend Tiffany Fantasia, and "Bears and Hares" Fridays.

Hotel Gaythering has also served as host to nonprofits like SMASH (Struggle for Miami's Affordable and Sustainable Housing), which is part of the "Smash the Slumlords" campaign that helps fight slumlords and gentrification in Little Havana and inner cities like Liberty City and Overtown. Former Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Góngora also recently hosted his kickoff campaign for his reelection bid at the Gaythering.

Joseph Armstrong has been offering donation based yoga at the Gaythering for several years now. He says he's still inspired every time he walks through the doors of the hotel.

"What a privilege to be associated

with this amazing place in South Beach," Armstrong wrote on Facebook. "More than just a really nice hotel and bar, they work hard to give back to the community. The owners take a personal interest in being of service to locals and visitors alike. It's really unparalleled. I just can't say enough good things about Hotel Gaythering."

Added Laurence Bansil, also on Facebook: "We travel all over the world but this place is very special. It's defo sexy and cosmopolitan with guests from every country. Can't wait to come back."

After issuing a city-wide curfew in Miami Beach, which was finally lifted Friday, Mayor Levine says he is thankful the hotels that participated in the hurricane relief discount program stepped up the way they did.

"So many [hotels] stepped forward with generous hospitality, open arms, and meaningful collaboration," Levine wrote in a letter. "[We're thankful] the beach is back [for business]!"

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LGBTQIA bites Lesbian

L

Houston Church Blocks Jewish Lesbian from Helping Harvey Victims (SFGN) A Texas woman who volunteered at a Houston church to help families in need after hurricane Harvey, was told she’s no longer welcome after the pastor asked about her religion and sexual orientation.

The Calvary Church in Friendswood Texas needed volunteers to help at the food bank after Hurricane Harvey, Carmen Hix told OutSmart magazine.

Hix, a 64-year-old Navy veteran, took a week off from work and donated $500 worth of food to the church.

Hix said she was later called into pastor Ron Hindt’s office. Hindt asked why she said “Shalom” after her prayers. When she told him that she was Jewish, he asked her to leave and to not return to the church.

“I asked ‘So if I were a liar with an evil heart, and I told you what you want to hear, that I am a Christian, I would

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be allowed to continue to contribute to those less fortunate than I?’ I was told, ‘Yes,” Hix said.

After returning home, Hix called the church to complain against pastor Hindt.

She was invited back to the church, only to have Hindt ask her to leave again, this time because of her sexual orientation.

According to Hix, the pastor said that he “can’t let you represent our church, as being a lesbian is a sin.”

Hix shared her story on Facebook, prompting several complaints to the church and a demand for an apology.

Hindt posted an apology to the Calvary Church Facebook page, which has since been deleted.

According to Hix, Hindt invited her back to the church to “show me the evil of my ways and would change my heart to realize that my 20-year relationship with my wife was a sin.”

LGBTQIA bites Transgender

T

Outcry from Harvard Students after Chelsea Manning Dropped as Fellow (SFGN) Harvard students are criticizing what they’re calling the school’s double standard in fellowship selection, asking that Chelsea Manning’s fellowship status be reinstated, and petitioning to revoke that of Sean Spicer, and Corey Lewandowski.

“We call upon the Harvard Kennedy School to reinstate Chelsea Manning’s designation as a fellow at the Institute of Politics,” read a letter, cosigned Sunday by the Trans Task Force, the Progressive Jewish Alliance, and the Anti-Islamophobia Network, among other groups, the Harvard Crimson reported.

Harvard’s Institute of Politics had announced on Wednesday that Manning would be one of approximately 10 visiting fellows including former White House press secretary Sean Spicer, Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign manager Robby Mook and Kansas City Mayor Sly James Jr. On Thursday, CIA Director and graduate of Harvard Law School Mike Pompeo canceled an appearance at a Harvard forum.

Pompeo wrote in a letter that appearing after Manning, who was found guilty of leaking classified information to WikiLeaks, would "betray" his conscience and the trust of the people of the CIA. Former CIA Deputy Director Michael Morell resigned as a senior fellow at Harvard University after the school's announcement.

The school withdrew the offer to Manning Friday morning.

Manning is still invited to spend a day at the school and participate in a forum with students, but Elmendorf said in a statement that designating her as visiting fellow was "a mistake," CNN reported.

Several hundred alumni have also signed a petition for Spicer and former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski’s fellowships to be revoked, citing that Lewandowski was charged with misdemeanor battery of a reporter before he was fired from the Trump campaign, and Spicer was routinely accused of lying during his engagements with the press.

I

Intersex

Chicago LGBT Center calls for American Academy of Pediatrics to Consider Intersex Kids (SFGN) Chicago’s LGBT center, the Center on Halsted, has asked the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to endorse a moratorium on medically unnecessary surgeries on intersex kids. The AAP, an organization of 66,000 pediatricians across the U.S, will meet in Chicago for their annual gathering this weekend.

Kim Fountain, Chief Operating Officer at Center on Halsted stated, "It's time for the AAP to provide Intersex kids the same protections as LGBTQ youth."

The American Medical Association Board of Trustees recommended respect for intersex children’s rights to autonomy and informed consent, saying “our AMA affirm that medically unnecessary surgeries in individuals born with differences of sex development are unethical and should be avoided until the patient can actively participate in decision-making” Intersex people, those whose chromosomes and sex organs don’t match

up with what is generally considered typically male or female – make up nearly two percent of the human population.

One of the risks associated with sexual assignment surgery on children is that the child is too young to participate in the process, and the sex assigned may not match with the child’s gender identity.

A report from the Human Rights Watch recommended the AAP develop a policy on medically unnecessary and nonconsensual surgeries on intersex children consistent with APP standards on Assent, Informed Permission and Consent, and on female genital mutilation.

Human Rights Watch and interACT are joined by the World Health Organization, Amnesty International, Lambda Legal, three former US surgeons general, and international intersex-led organizations in calling for an end to medically unnecessary non-consensual surgeries on intersex children.

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column letters to the editor

Senior Housing at the Pride Center More Questions Than Answers

This e-mail is regarding the proposed low-income housing at the Pride Center. The following are some points to consider after reading the e-mail from the PC that went out recently.

It started as low-income and has changed to affordable.

It started as LGBTQ Senior Housing, changed to self-selected, and has changed to Senior Housing with a focus on LGBTQ. It started as 48 units, went to 120 and now is proposed at 130 units.

More than double the density of the proposed project at 26th and 15th.

We were told it was a done deal. The City has no plans and drawings.

There is still no Land Use change.

There has been no feasibility study.

There has been no impact study.

120 - 130 non-tax payer residents generating over $1 million dollars to the Pride Center and nothing to WM. Is there sustainability problem at the PC? A thinly veiled revenue generator?

PC presents that it has had long discussions with its BOD and senior housing organizations - but no discussions with the community to see if the community is interested in hosting this project in our backyard.

Could this lead to up to four years of construction at the Equality Park?

Broward County does add sexual orientation to the Federal list of protected classes but that is protection FROM discrimination.

Also HIV/AIDS individuals and the elderly/disabled can certainly be favored, but of course, PC could not try to sell the project as a 5 story low income nursing home.

"The 9 percent Federal Tax Credit issued by Florida Housing” is governed by the Dept. of Treasury under Section 252 of the Tax Reform Act 1986 and Section 42 of the IRS Code. The amount each state is allocated changes yearly. These are a type of private bonding/fundraising, selling federal securities to local banks and investors. Federal regulations still apply and that there is no loophole to favor LGBTQ tenants.

Are these articles by the PC actually setting up the WM Commissioners to be the bad guys if they don't approve this project? (that hasn't even yet been presented).

Matthew Dreger

Let your voice be heard!  Submit your own letter to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com 18

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Convictions

Editorial Cartoon

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feature smart ride

What a first-timer needs to know Photo courtesy of Smart Ride.

Jason Parsley

sk questions. That’s the number 1 piece of advice Lance Hatch has for someone thinking about participating for the first time in the Smart Ride, an annual two-day 165-mile bicycle ride from Miami to Key West.

Required items: ▶ Bicycle (mechanically safe and in good working order, make sure to have it inspected for bike fit prior to the ride) ▶ Helmet (ASTM, Snell, ANSI or CPSC approved) ▶ 2 Water bottles (one filled with an electrolyte replacement drink) OR 1 hydration pack (like a Camelbak), plus a bottle filled with an electrolyte replacement drink. ▶ Bike frame pump or CO2 cartridges ▶ Patch kit or spare tube that will fit your tire size. ▶ Bicycle multi-tool for making adjustments ▶ Bike seat bag (to carry multi-tool, tire irons, patch kits, tubes, cell phone, cash/credit card)

Useful, but not mandatory items: ▶ Sunscreen ▶ Insect Repellant, Hand wipes or hand sanitizer ▶ Lip balm w/ sunscreen ▶ Band-Aids ▶ Bike computer ▶ Cycling gloves ▶ Sunglasses

Other items to pack: ▶ Variety of riding clothes for 2 days (make sure to be prepared for variable weather) ▶ Clothes for evening functions and Key West (shorts, t-shirts, jeans, flip flops, very casual) ▶ Swimsuit (yes there is a pool at Hawks Cay) ▶ Any prescriptions you need ▶ Antacid, ointments, bandages, Ibuprofen ▶ Toiletries ▶ Earplugs (to drown out the snoring from your roommate)

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Last year was Hatch’s first time riding in the event.

This year the Smart Ride takes place November 1718. And while that’s still a couple of months away now is the time for a first timer to start preparing, training and most importantly riding.

"I have a bit of a competitive streak – mostly with myself to explore and exercise my personal best – so I’m nothing, if not psyched and enthusiastic, about completing my first Smart Ride,” Hatch, 57, told SFGN before last year’s ride.

And so how did it go?

“Excellent,” he said. He attributes that to his rigorous training schedule which included 2-3 morning rides for an hour to an hour and a half and twice weekly spin classes.

“I prepared well for it. I was in good shape for it,” he said. “It was a great experience for a good cause.”

He’s doing it again this year.

Oh, and another tip of his? Make sure you drink an electrolyte replacement beverage such as Gatorade.

This year he plans on taking a class on how to change a tire as added preparation.

The moment that stood out the most of him was when “Glen [Weinzimer, founder of the Ride] and others spoke. It was just amazing to be with all of those people at one place at the end of the two-day ride.”

It will be Michelle Altman’s first time taking part in the Smart Ride.

“After being diagnosed over 10 years ago with AS (Ankylosing Spondylitis) I was advised it is not in my best interest to do any activities that could cause injury. I still receive monthly treatments and I'm still learning how to adjust to my new way of life,” Altman said. “I have good days and bad days. I also work a challenging work schedule which consists of long hours of working on my feet and outside in inclement weather.”

But this year the 53-year-old decided that her illness would not stop her.

“I decided to take control of my life again and not let AS hinder me and the things I love to do, therefore; the word ‘NO’ has now become ‘I Can,’ ‘I Will,’ and ‘Watch Me.’” Altman is riding 60 miles each weekend to prepare for the event.

“I walk several miles a day during my work shift. I also get a few miles in by running. I try to change it up and add in kayaking as well,” she said.

Ken Mauldin is excited for his first time this year as well. For the past two years, he’s been a part of the crew.

He’s ready to make the transition from crew to rider.

Top 10 Riders So Far…

Top 10 Teams So Far…

1. Eric Krause $11,065 2. Joseph Locke $10,188 3. Jason Fields $7,147 4. Donald Dotzauer $5,251 5. Roland Merchant $3,700 6. Juan Benitez $2,770 7. Richard Rogowski $2,495 8. Karen Frank-Noll $2,350 9. Lawrence Davanzo $2,325 10. Jim Marston $2,320

1. Key West Mile Markers $37,886 2. Tampa Bay Area Cyclists $20,000 3. Broward House Give a Shift $16,624 4. CDTC Cyclones $12,167 5. Viking Power $12,165 6. Prideliners $12,017 7. YOLO $10,513 8. LOVE ALWAYS WINS $9,974 9. Miracle of Love $8,638 10. Community AIDS Network $6,247

feature smart ride Photo courtesy of Smart Ride.

SMART Ride Lip Sync Battle Fundraiser Thursday, September 21 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Hunter’s Night Club 2232 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors “I was set to crew again this year, and then I took this year’s motto to heart. ‘If not now, When?’ I started doing a couple of short rides on my clunker bike (7-10 miles) and I felt good and decided to change from crew to rider,” he said. “This year I will get to experience the Ride in a different way. I already know that when you participate in this event, you get an overwhelming sense of community. They use their talents and resources, and push themselves to help other humans. It's beautiful.”

The annual bike ride raises money for local HIV-related charities and is entering its fourteenth year. The ride has raised more than $8 million since 2003 with $1 million being raised last year alone.

“This year we have seen a national trend with events like SMART Ride that saw reduced participation, maybe because of uncertainty since the election last November. People seem to be preoccupied with so many pressing issues,” said Glen Weinzimer, founder of the Ride. “SMART Ride is on target this year, defying that trend.”

This year’s theme: “If not now, when?”

“When do we make a difference? When do we stop the spread of HIV and AIDS? When do we help those in need? When do we educate those at risk? When do we change the statistics and change Florida from number 1 in the nation for new cases of infection?”

Weinzimer questioned. “If not now, when?”

Weinzimer tells first timers not to worry.

After 14 years, they’ve built a well-oiled machine.

“We have cheerleaders that will motivate you, medical support, water, Gatorade, bike techs and food. Remember you might not have some of these things when training on your own to keep you healthy,” he said. “Most of the riders are not professionals. They just want to make a difference. I tell them to look at it as five, 20-mile rides in the first day. A

part of this is psychological.”

Weinzimer recommends three months of training to prepare, which would include three 15-mile rides a week. He also recommends looking for organized training rides on the weekends, of which he said are aplenty. A few weeks before the ride a participant should be able to ride 60 miles two days in a row.

“This is not a race,” Weinzimer said adding that the speeds of the riders usually fall between 12 to 23 miles an hour. “It’s about making a difference.”

There are stops every 15 to 20 miles to rest and refuel.

Many folks, he said, wrongly believe they’re not athletic enough, too out of shape, too old, etc.

“Our youngest rider was 18 and oldest was 82,” he noted.

The second aspect of the ride that scares people off is fundraising. Each rider has to commit to raising at least $1,250.

Weinzimer said once you put it out there, especially on social media, it’s easy to raise the money. And if that doesn’t work many people belong to teams who fundraise together.

Mauldin has already met his goal.

“I am proud to say that I have raised $1,300 to date. I kicked off my fundraising by sending my first 10 donors a jar of my famous homemade Mango-Pineapple Jam,” he said. “I have also joined the ‘Love Always Wins’ team and we have a couple of team fundraisers coming up.”

If a person is still unsure they can handle the ride after reading this, Weinzimer said the organization is always looking for volunteers to be a part of the 300-person crew it takes to organize the event. Some of those jobs include: bike techs, driving the vehicles, people to handle the bike parking, massage therapists, medical staff and even cheerleaders.

Lip Sync Battle – watch your favorite local celebrities (if only in their own minds!) battle it out!

Raffle! Shot specials!

Facebook event page: http://bit. ly/2muVN7H

Cheese-A-Rama 5 at New York Grilled Cheese Tuesday, September 26 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Broward House Community Tag Sale Benefit Team give a Shift and the SMART Ride Saturday Sept. 30 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2800 N. Andrews Ave Wilton Manors Come Shop at our Community Yard Sale on Saturday, September 30th! All proceeds directly benefit Broward House SMART Ride Team Give A Shift!

We are still accepting items to sell! If you have anything you would like to donate please contact us at 954-522-4749 X1202 At the end of the yard sale, Poverello will be collecting the remainder of goods to help feed the nearly 3,000 clients they serve with HIV in Broward County.

New York Grilled Cheese 2207 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL

‘Give a Shift’ Car Wash

New York Grilled Cheese will be holding their Fifth Annual Cheese-A-Rama! Join us for a silent auction, entertainment, and raffles at New York Grilled Cheese.

Saturday Oct. 7 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Smart Ride in 2010. Photo by Michael Glinter.

Dick’s Service Station 3528 NE 12th Ave, Oakland Park Dirty Car? Need a Hair Cut? Join us on Saturday, October 7th at Dick’s Service Station! Get your hair cut while we make your car squeaky clean! All proceeds from this car wash fundraiser benefit Broward House SMART Ride Team Give A Shift.= And if you get hungry....

Dick’s Service Station will provide hamburgers, hot dogs & cold refreshments for a charitable donation. Come for a wash, stay for a cut or manicure. See you there!

Visit TheSmartRide.org for more information.

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Convictions

Jesse’s Journal

I’m Coming Out… As A Bottom Jesse Monteagudo

It’s time to stop the bottom shaming

R

ecently actor Haaz Sleiman (“Nurse In many traditional societies, like the Jackie”) caused a sensation when he Latinx community that I grew up in, there came out on social media, declaring was no stigma to being a gay top, just as long to the world the following: as he remained a top. On the other hand, “A new study finds that more LGBTQ the bottom was looked down as being less people living in the United States have been of a man. This is the case even in male-only murdered so far this year than in 2016. So societies like prisons, where masculine this video is my response to this study. I am tops rule and bottoms are feminized sex a gay, Muslim, Arab-American man. And objects.

I’m going to take it even further - not only The AIDS epidemic only made matters am I gay but I’m also a bottom. Not only worse for gay bottoms: A study by the am I a bottom, but I’m also a total bottom, University of California, San Francisco’s which means I like it up you-know-where. Alliance Health Project revealed that tops And I say this to all the homophobes living have a 1 in 500 chance of contracting HIV in the United States of America and across from an HIV-positive bottom, while a the globe. Why not? If bottom has a 1 in 50 chance you ever come to me to of contracting HIV from an kill me just because I’m The fact is, HIV-positive top. gay, I will destroy you. I It’s not easy being a there are many might be gay and I might bottom. So why are there so masculine, be a nice guy but don’t get many bottoms? As any gay it twisted because I will man in search of a partner assertive power f**k you up.” will tell you, bottoms vastly bottoms, and Sleiman also wrote outnumber tops. Bottoms many submissive, about being in the closet are so plentiful in some gay and the pressure to come communities that we joke “feminine” tops. out. However, to most about them; for example, To quote the late people, gay or otherwise, “Fort Bottomdale.” Tops are the only memorable thing so much in demand because Marty Rubin, if I about Sleiman’s post was are scarce; and bottoms won a dollar every they his admission that he is a often go versatile or nothing time a drag queen “total bottom.” will get done.

That a man’s revelation Some would say there is a poked me, I would that he is a “total bottom” connection between being be able to buy my can still startle so many gay and being a bottom, but I reminds us that bottom own chain of clubs. am not so sure. It is easier to shaming is alive and well. be a bottom than to be a top; In a world still divided and there would be many along sex roles, the gay bottom - the one more straight male bottoms if society (and who takes the penis in his mouth or anus, their partners) allowed them. The fact is, for the two of you who don’t know what I’m there are many masculine, assertive power writing about - is seen as the one who takes bottoms, and many submissive, “feminine” the “female” role in a relationship. And in tops. To quote the late Marty Rubin, if I a world that still values masculinity above won a dollar every time a drag queen poked femininity, the gay bottom is viewed as me, I would be able to buy my own chain being less worthy than the gay top. of clubs.

Throughout history, humankind has As you probably figured out, I am a gay been kinder to tops than it has been to bottom. I was a bottom all my life, and I will bottoms. To most people, sex is about be a bottom until the day I die. And I am penetration, and the one who penetrates is proud to be a bottom. Being a bottom has the one in charge. informed my social life, my political life,

Haaz Sleiman.

Courtesy Jesse Monteagudo.

and my literary life: As a writer of gay erotic fiction, most of my fictional heroes have been proud gay bottoms who, like Haaz Sleiman, “like it up you-know-where.”

And there is nothing wrong with that.

Between you and me, I think bottoms

enjoy sex more than tops do, though sometimes we must deal with the consequences of sex. With sexual freedom comes sexual responsibility, and tops must accept those responsibilities, just as bottoms have done.

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.

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Let The

Bi Shine

Brittany Ferrendi

But the truth is, their numbers are bigger than they seem...

E

ven if “Bisexual” is the third letter in LGBT, it tends to be an afterthought.

After first mention, the initialism typically gets synonymized with "gay and trans communities." Bi social groups are few and far between unless lumped in with other sexual identities. In fact, bisexuals didn't even have their own themed pride parade until just this year in Tel Aviv, Israel.

They are also often misunderstood.

They face stigma from straight people and even members of the LGT community for "not being able to pick one" in terms of which gender they are attracted to.

They are often accused of "actually being straight or gay, but not wanting to

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commit." People often falsely assume — with no help of media depictions — that bisexual people are promiscuous, they desire more than one partner, or that they cannot commit.

For these reasons, many bisexuals prefer to stay in the closet. Their mental stability often suffers from being isolated from all sides. They are less likely to seek out help for sexually transmitted illnesses.

But the truth is, their numbers are bigger than they seem.

The UK 2012 Bisexuality Report asserts that people who have ever been attracted to more than one gender make up “a significant minority, or even a majority, of the population.” Family members,

neighbors, friends, celebrities — you may know many bisexual people without the slightest notion.

Despite what people may falsely believe, bisexuals do exist. They are real.

They are not all promiscuous. They do not all prefer more than one partner. They are not faking it to fit in. They deserve as much as the rest of the LGBT community.

And they most certainly aren't going to let a hurricane stop their time to shine.

Sept. 17 through 23 is Bisexual Visibility Week, with Saturday being 2017’s Bisexuality Day. Celebrate the visibility this week with South Florida Gay News.

Welcome to the bisexual special issue.

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How Visible Are Bisexuals in South Florida?

It’s a hard question to answer but SFGN examines the issue Jason Parsley

A

lack of bisexual visibility is a common complaint from bisexual organizations and activists. Just including the B in LGBT isn’t enough. Bisexual programs need to stand on their own to increase awareness and visibility.

It’s easy to say any program for gay men includes bi men. Any program for lesbians includes bi women.

But often times bi men and bi women are stigmatized from both the LGBT community and the straight community.

SFGN took a look at how often our local LGBT organizations promote and/or talk about bisexual awareness. So we looked at their Facebook postings over the course of one year from August 2016 to August 2017.

The results weren’t encouraging.

Of course Facebook and social media aren’t the be-all-end-all, but it’s good starting point since social media plays such an important part of our lives and how we communicate with each other.

“Shine a bright light in your social media feeds on Celebrate Bisexuality Day and Bisexual Health Month.”

- Robyn Ochs Bisexual Activist

28

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9 .20.2017

SFGN examined the postings from the Pride Center at Equality Park, Compass, Pridelines, Sunserve and Latinos Salud. These five organizations combined posted almost 2,500 times.

And how often were bisexuals mentioned? They got 11 posts.

We’re not including instances where bisexuals are lumped together under the umbrella term LGBT, or when the term was mentioned in a spelled out list like gay and bisexual men or lesbian, gay, biesxual, transgender.

Nine of those 11 posts promoted bisexual related events, such as their social and support groups.

Only two were in regards to bisexual visibility and awareness.

Meanwhile Bisexual Health Awareness Month got zero posts. That’s right, not one of those Facebook pages mentioned the month-long event that takes place annually in March. One organization did mention LGBT Health Awareness Week with several LGBT health posts. LGBT Health Awareness week also takes place in March.

Bi Visibility Day got one post and Bisexual Awareness Week got one post. To put that in perspective, Hump Day got mentioned five times, while even National Donut Day got it's own post.

It’s important to note that this article isn’t discussing the resources these organizations offer to bisexuals. This article is just about the visibility of the bisexual community on their Facebook pages. For instance, Pridelines in Miami celebrated Bisexual Awareness Week for the two last years. One event they held last year was a forum on social and

health care disparities in the bisexual community.

The center also hosts a monthly bi-plus community brunch on the third Saturday of the month, and there is a bi-plus support group on the first Thursday of the month. Compass hosts a twice-monthly bi support group.

SFGN reached out to a leading national bisexual activist, Robyn Ochs, for ways to increase bi visibility.

One of the most obvious ways – social media.

“Shine a bright light in your social media feeds on Celebrate Bisexuality Day and Bisexual Health Month,” she said.

She continued: “Support groups are an obvious service. And make sure to advertise them. Organize programs and cultural events: bring in bi+ speakers, musicians, artists, and make it clear that they identify as bi+.”

Other ideas include covering the bi community in their newsletters, interviewing local bi folks, making sure there is adequate bi representation in the organization, and providing bi training for the board and staff.

This year Bisexual Awareness Week is taking place Sept. 17 to 24 while Celebrate Bisexuality Day (also known as Bi Visibility Day) is Sept. 23.

Online:

www.glaad.org/biweek2017 www.BiVisibilityDay.com

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9.20.2017 •

29

Hollywood's Bisexual Closet Film Historian Boze Hadleigh Tells Stories of Bisexual Stars David-Elijah Nahmod

A

small crowd of around a dozen people gathered at the GLBT History Museum in the Castro last month for Hollywood's Bisexual Closet: Marilyn Monroe and More, a talk given by out gay Hollywood historian and author Boze Hadleigh.

Hadleigh's books include Conversations With My Elders and Hollywood Lesbians.

Many Hollywood stars of the Golden Age were found to be gay after their time in the spotlight had faded. The most notable examples of this are William Haines, a top box office star who gave up his career in 1932 in order to live with his partner. Perhaps the best example is that of gay movie star Rock Hudson, whose homosexuality was common knowledge for decades — Hudson was officially outed by the press shortly before his death from AIDS in 1985.

While homosexuality in Hollywood has long been a topic of discussion, the topic of bisexuality has often been kept quiet.

"Indeed bisexuals are largely ignored in a polarized media and society that imagines everything is either-or instead of and-but," Hadleigh told Bay Area Reporter after the talk. "Rock Hudson told me he didn't ‘believe in bisexuals.’ Same with most heteros and gays, I'd say."

Yet Hadleigh shared stories he's uncovered of stars who apparently were bisexual, even if they never came out as such. He notes that three of Liza Minnelli's four husbands were bisexual — including singer/songwriter Peter Allen, who died of AIDS. Allen wrote the song Quiet Please, There's A Lady

On Stage, a heartfelt tribute to Minnelli's mom, gay icon Judy Garland.

One attendee at the talk was a fan of actor Farley Granger, who's best remembered as the star of Hitchcock's “Rope” (1948) and “Strangers on A Train” (1951).

There was a dark, homosexual undertone in both of Granger's films for Hitchcock. In both films he played men who were plotting murders with other men — both films imply a strong sexual attraction between the two pairs of men.

Decades later Granger consented to be interviewed for the 1995 documentary "The Celluloid Closet" in which he discussed the implications of homosexuality in classic Hollywood cinema. In his 2008 autobiography "Include Me Out," written

“Whether they had sex, no one can know but them. Marilyn questioned her own sexuality.”

- Boze Hadleigh Author and Historian

30

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9 .20.2017

with his longtime partner Robert Calhoun, Granger admitted to having affairs with both men and women.

Hadleigh's research indicates that Marilyn Monroe was not heterosexual, though she did have several marriages to men. "She had a close fiveyear relationship with lesbian drama close Natasha Lytess," Hadleigh said. "Whether they had sex, no one can know but them. Marilyn questioned her own sexuality. While she was filming in London she was analyzed by Dr. Anna Freud — Sigmund Freud's daughter — who concluded that Marilyn was not heterosexual."

Other actors named during the talk include Richard Gere and Marlon Brando, who loved many women but was quite open about being bisexual.

Brando's son Cristian, according to Hadleigh, was named after actor Christian Marquand, Brando's male lover. Hadleigh noted that 1930s movie queen Marlene Dietrich, whose career continued into the 1970s, was perhaps the best known among Hollywood's female bisexuals.

Hadleigh told Bay Area Reporter that he prefers books to the internet when researching his subjects.

"The internet is not edited and abounds with myths and fabrications," he said. "For a celeb-quotes book like my Marilyn Forever, it helps that I speak five languages and travel a lot. Often the media outside the US is more frank about sexual topics — I get quotes from books, magazines, newspapers, and from personal interviews."

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9.20.2017 •

31

Bisexual Individuals at Higher Risk for STIs

Biphobia, identity affect how people treat sexual relationships Ryan Lynch

B

eing attracted to both men and women doesn't necessarily mean that a person will have more sexual partners. But bisexual individuals, especially males, are facing higher risk for sexually transmitted disease than in the past.

According to the most recent data from the Center for Disease Control, bisexual and gay males account for 83 percent of syphilis cases where the sexual partner is known. That comes with a rise in the disease’s rates nationally, from an all-time low of 2.1 cases per 100,000 people in 2000 to 5.3 cases per 100,000 people in 2013.

According to Mara Gambineri, the communications director for the Florida Department of Health, the local area has been slightly better than the state itself at staying healthy through syphilis cases. For their 2016 study of in-state cases by gender of sex partners, 3.9 percent claimed both male and female sex partners for Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

For the state as a whole, five percent of all respondents with the STI claimed both male and female partners. Gambineri said that the male and female individuals did not have to self-identify as bisexuals but did say they had both sexes as partners.

But it’s not just Syphilis rates that are on the rise.

Men who have sex with both have higher rates than heterosexual males when it comes to the human papillomavirus (22 percent to 3 percent,) Gonorrhea (11 percent to 2 percent) and Herpes (5 percent to 3 percent).

Epidemiologist for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention William Jeffries IV said in his research “Beyond the Bisexual Bridge” that males who have sex with both male and female partners face different risk factors because of their identity. Those include, according to him: “unprotected sex, early sexual debut, forced sexual encounters, increased numbers of sexual partners, substance use, exchange sex, risk behaviors of their male and female partners and pregnancy-related considerations.”

“These factors uniquely shape MSMW’s vulnerability to HIV/STIs and other sexual health problems,” Jefferies said. “Anti-bisexual sentiment, socio-economic marginalization, culturally specific masculine ideologies, and sexual identity can negatively influence their sexual partnerships and likelihood of disease acquisition.”

“These factors uniquely shape MSMW’s vulnerability to HIV/ STIs and other sexual health problems.”

- William Jefferies

Epidermiologist for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention 32

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9 .20.2017

Jefferies said that biphobia can often be a reason why members of community have lower rates for getting tested and often higher rates for drug use and amount of sexual partners. He also pointed out that because some people will call bi individuals “a closeted gay person” or say their identity is not real, it causes people to try and prove their sexuality by having more sex with more partners.

Their identity can also shape how willing they are to getting help, as a lack of an affirming community can hurt bisexual individuals.

“MSMW’s sexual identities have important sexual health implications,” Jefferies said. “ MSMW largely lack access to a well-defined bisexual community and are less likely than MSM to participate in the gay community.In the absence of sexually affirmative communities, MSMW’s sexual identities may reflect how they wish others to perceive them and may influence MSMW’s receptiveness to public health interventions..”

The CDC recommends that those who are sexually active regardless of partner should regularly be screened for STIs and always use a condom. The organization also recommends being open with your doctor about your sexual history.

“Sexual health promotion for MSMW should not be limited to HIV/STI prevention alone,” Jefferies writes in his study “Recognition of MSMW’s unique sexual and social experiences can lay the foundation necessary for ensuring that these men have healthy and fulfilling sexual experiences.”

9.20.2017 •

33

Double Discrimination Pressure to Follow Binaries Puts Bi Individuals At Higher Risk For Mental Health Issues Tucker Berardi

T

he members of the LGBT community are by no means strangers to isolation. For many the fear of coming out to friends and family is justified: you run the risk of loved ones shunning you for who you love or how you identify yourself.

We have our own loved ones and our own safe spaces for when those relationships fail — our brothers and sisters in the LGBT community who love us regardless of who we are. For many bisexuals however, those safe spaces are just as hostile.

Bisexuals often experience isolation felt by neither straight nor gay communities. Deemed immoral by heterosexuals and noncommittal by gay communities, many bisexuals have to fight for a place to fit in, and no one is offering a space.

“Double discrimination is a wellknown experience for bi people which definitely impacts on mental health, especially for those who expected to be welcomed in LGBT communities having been rejected by straight communities, only to find they’re not welcome there either,” Meg-John Barker wrote SFGN in an email.

Barker is a doctoral Psychology in Social Sciences researcher at Open University who has studied bisexual mental health and the unique positions of bisexuals between heterosexual and LG (Lesbian and Gay) communities.

“Of all the larger sexual identity groups, bisexual people have the worst mental health problems, including high rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicidality,” Barker wrote. “This has been found bother internationally and in the UK specifically, and has

been strongly linked to experiences of biphobia and bisexual invisibility.”

According to the UK Bisexuality Report released in 2012, biphobic heterosexuals often see bisexual people as “amoral, untrustworthy, hedonistic spreaders of disease and disrupters of families.” At the same time, some LG people may feel that “the existence of bisexuality ‘muddies the water’ in a way which calls into question the basis which they have fought for their rights.”

“Bisexuality has been acknowledged to be an ‘invisible,’ ‘excluded’ or ‘silent’ sexuality within several domains including: mainstream media, lesbian and gay communities, sex research, psychology and psychotherapy, policy and legislation,” The Bisexuality Report states. “It has been argued that bisexual invisibility is the main problem comforting bisexual people accessing services.”

Bisexuality is often left out of the rhetoric in many LGBT spaces and groups. After the initial use of the inclusive acronym, talk more than usually devolves into phrasing like “the gay community.” Sometimes bisexual individuals themselves identify as gay or lesbian for the sake of brevity — even in LGBT spaces.

“If someone points out a pretty girl and I turn round, they all crow at me not to look ‘cos I’m supposed to be gay.

I’m fed up. It’s all gay this and queer that at school,” one of the report’s subjects told the study. “There isn’t a word for people like me, so I guess I’m on my own. I’d say I was bisexual, but you have to be 50-50, right?”

Alfred Kinsey, a social researcher

“Bisexuality has been acknowledged to be an ‘invisible,’ ‘excluded’ or ‘silent’ sexuality within several domains.”

- The UK Bisexuality Report 34

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9 .20.2017

that studied human sexuality, found that sexuality was not black white or otherwise, but fell on a spectrum.

There is a large population of heterosexuals, a smaller population of homosexuals, and a significant number of individuals in the middle with varying amounts of attraction to either sex.

According to Kinsey, there are a large number of bisexuals, but only a comparative few of them are truly 50/50 in terms of attraction. The rest of them may prefer one sex over the other, and settle for an either gay or straight classification.

Barker and associate Christina Richards discuss the unique state of bisexual isolation in their text, “Sexuality and Gender for Mental Health Professionals: A Practical Guide.”

While isolation from heterosexual populations may not come as a surprise to bisexual individuals, many are met with surprise and hurt when they turn to LGBT-friendly spaces only to find that they are discriminated there as well.

Fortunately, not all LGBT and straight groups or communities are biphobic. There are plenty of biinclusive spaces, both online and off, that provide social and therapeutic opportunities for bisexuals.

“I’d suggest seeking out online and offline bisexual spaces where they can get support and meet like-minded people,” Barker wrote. “It definitely helps to hear from others with similar stories.”

There are new therapies in development that specifically deal with bisexual issues. But work can be done throughout the LGBT community and beyond to establish a more bi-inclusive culture. More and more bisexual characters and media depictions are presenting themselves on TV. But more bi-positive depictions and discussions are a great way to benefit bisexual peers.

“It’d be wonderful to see more positive social media depictions, as well as media reporting about bi experience, and about sexuality as a spectrum," Barker wrote.

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9.20.2017 •

35

Six Bi Musicians You Can Hear On The Radio Right Now Emily Bloch Kesha. Photo credit: Jeff Denberg.

P

op singer Aaron Carter was one song into his nostalgic set at the LGBTQ nightclub Hamburger Mary’s when he made a bold statement.

“Yes, I am a bisexual man,” he told the crowd.

The early Aug. performance marked Carter’s first since coming out to his followers on social media.

It was an emotional night according to the Tampa Bay Times. At one point, Carter started tearing up.

"I just want to say thank you for believing in me again," he told the crowd. The newspaper reported that his voice was quaking and his eyes were filling with tears.

But the audience’s support got him through the rest of his performance, which included a mix of old hits like “I Want Candy” and newer songs.

Carter may be one of the more recent musicians to come out as bisexual, but he’s definitely not the first. Davie Bowie was already doing interviews about being bisexual in the 70s. And by pursuing a string of lovers throughout the 60s, some laud Lou Reed as one of the first out bisexual musicians.

But bisexual musicians aren’t a thing of old-school glam rock. Here’s a look at six out, bisexual musicians that you can hear on the radio at any given moment: 1. Halsey

When “New Americana” artist Halsey penned a bisexual love song, her label asked if she wanted Katy Perry to collaborate on it.

That was a hard no.

“I was like: ‘I’m not putting an artist on this song unless they’re f***ing gay,’” she told Vulture in an interview. The singer’s latest full-length album, “Hopeless Fountain Kingdom,” already has two songs that are being praised as “bisexual anthems.”

Hasley recorded the love song, “Strangers” with Fifth Harmony singer Lauren Jaurequi — who came out as bisexual last year in an open letter to Donald Trump.

“It’s a whole space that no one’s ever really touched upon before,” Jaurequi told Elle Magazine about the song. “I feel like representation in music is so important.”

“Strangers” is the first song Halsey has written with lyrics addressing female pronouns. The album — which was released June — also features “Bad At Love,” a song about failed love that switches between male and female pronouns when addressing the love interest.

2. Billie Joe Armstrong Green Day

In 1994, punk rockers Green Day brought its third studio album, “Dookie,” into the world. The record was a gamechanger for the three-piece, with hits like “Basket Case,” “Welcome to Paradise” and “She.” A year later, frontman Billie Joe Armstrong sat down with LGBT magazine, The Advocate.

“I think I’ve always been bisexual,” he told the magazine. “I think people are born bisexual and it’s just that our parents and society kind of veer us off into this feeling of ‘oh, I can’t.’ They say it’s taboo.

It’s ingrained in our heads that it’s bad when it’s not bad at all. It’s a very beautiful thing.”

Since then, the band put out nine additional studio albums, including its latest, “Revolution Radio,” which came out last Oct. Green Day also continues to tour — they hit West Palm’s Coral Sky Amphitheatre on Sept. 3.

“The funny thing is that I was very open and honest about that from the beginning,” the artist said. “Go back four or five years, people, and you’ll see the same answer.”

- Fergie 36

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9 .20.2017

3. Kesha

A pop artist known for all things grunge and glitter, Kesha — formerly known as Ke$ha — has been in the music scene since her first single “Tik Tok” took over the airwaves in 2009.

Within a year, she was interviewing with Out Magazine. “I wouldn’t say I’m gay or straight,” the singer said. “I don’t like labeling things anyway. I just like people.” And a few years after that, she opened up about her sexuality again to The Huffington Post. “I don’t just love men,” she said. “I love people. It’s not about gender. It’s just about the spirit that exudes from that other person you’re with.”

Now, after four years without new music and a long legal battle against her former producer, the pop artist has released “Praying,” a song about new beginnings.

She also announced that her third studio album, which will be called “Rainbow,” isn’t far behind.

4. Lady Gaga

There’s almost nothing more pure than watching Lady Gaga, the mother monster herself, discussing the song lyric “bluffin’ with my muffin” from her single “Poker Face” with Barbara Walters.

But that’s what happened in a 2010 interview when the world was just starting to get to know Gaga. “I do like women,” the now six-time Grammy winner told Walters.

“That’s what the song was about … I was fantasizing about women.”

Since that early interview, Gaga’s represented the LGBTQ community through her advocacy work — like speaking at the National Equality March — and through her music. Her 2011 single “Born This Way” continues to be an anthem for the community.

5. Fergie

The “Fergalicious” singer and former Black Eyed Peas singer said she’s never kept her bisexuality a secret. In 2009, she spelled it through an interview with The Advocate. “The funny thing is that I was very open and honest about that from the beginning,” the artist said. “Go back four or five years, people, and you’ll see the same answer.”

She later received an Always Next, Never Now award for her work with the LGBT community from LOGO TV. With and without the Peas, Fergie’s had plenty of singles, including “Glamorous,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and more recently, “M.I.L.F. $.” Her new studio album, “Double Dutchess” is scheduled to drop this month.

6. Sia

Before songs like “Chandelier” and “Cheap Thrills” made Sia a household pop name, she was making indie pop records and dating both men and women. She was relatively private about it — until an interview with Attitude Magazine revealed that she was having relationship issues with a woman.

"I’ve been talking to my love interest about what I am,” Sia told After Ellen about the interview. “And she’s like, ‘Are you going to come out?’ And I said, ‘I guess I already did.’”

Later in 2013, Sia told her own story.

“I’m queer,” she tweeted. “I don’t really identify as lesbian because I’ve dated predominantly men. But I’ve certainly dated women.” A year later, she was performing at the LGBT Gala. The artist plans to release a Christmas album according to Billboard.

WMG Volume 4 • Issue 17 September 20, 2017

Wilton Manors Gazette

Community

City Raises Fire Assessment Close to passing final budget and millage rates

By Michael d’Oliveira At the special city commission meeting on Sept. 13, commissioners unanimously approved fire assessment fees and moved towards final approval of the budget. The final budget and millage hearing is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall.

The proposed operating millage rate is 5.9837, the debt service rate for the 1999 parks bond is 0.1672 the debt service rate for the city hall bond is 0.3345. The total proposed millage rate is 6.4854, a reduction of 0.0693 from the 2016-2017 millage rate. This year’s proposed budget is $35,059,978. The budget for 2016-2017 was $35,832,593.

If the proposed millage rate holds, the average single-family home covered under Save Our Homes [SOH] will pay an annual increase of $13.14 in ad valorem taxes. Those not covered under SOH will

pay an increase of $229.21. The average condo covered by SOH will pay an annual increase of $5.93. Condos not under SOH will pay an increase of $121. By law, commissioners can lower the proposed millage rate but they can’t increase it.

Commissioners are positive about an increase in property values but are wary of a proposal by the legislature that would allow homeowners to take an additional $25,000 off the taxable value of their homes. If passed by voters in November 2018, it would result in the city losing $330,000 in revenue in the subsequent budget year.

Commissioners held the final vote on fire assessments. The assessments are broken up into six categories and each category is assessed a fee based on its usage from the previous year. If a certain usage experiences a higher volume of calls, the cost goes up. If the number of

Police Lobby Can Be Used for Online Exchanges

By Michael d’Oliveira Need a safe place to exchange items after an online sale? The Wilton Manors Police Department lobby at City Hall is available.

Individuals looking to make an exchange can use the lobby as a way to deter would-be criminals. Officials say it’s not safe to meet

someone you don’t know at a residence or other private location because they may be looking to steal the item offered or possibly harm or kill the other individual. The lobby offers police protection and an area that is brightly-lit with video cameras.

calls goes down, the cost goes down. The fees are used to pay for the cost of fire services.

Single family homeowners will pay $214.72, a $4.54 increase over last year.

Commercial owners will pay $41.59, a reduction of $1.06 from last year. Industrial

owners will pay $8.02, an increase of $5.12 from last year. Institutional will pay $27.28, an increase of 0.86 cents. Government will pay $30.55, an increase of $4.34. Nursing homes will pay $76.48, an increase of .38 cents. WMG

Business Chief Paul O’Connell said the lobby offers a safe place for exchanges to take place. It’s been available for that use since 2013, but O’Connell said it hasn’t really been advertised much until now. “We’re a trading zone. I just don’t think we’ve done a good job of advertising.” WMG The lobby, 2020 Wilton Drive, is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 954-390-2150 for more information.

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

September 20, 2017

9.20.2017 •

37

Opinion

WMG Quiet Time with Irma

By Sal Torre

September 20, 2017 • Volume 4 • Issue 17 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Associate Editor • Jillian Melero JillianMelero@gmail.com Copyeditor • Kerri Covington

Editorial

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

Correspondents

John McDonald • James Oaksun

Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing

With my housemates away for two weeks, my plan was to rest and relax then perhaps do some projects around the house. My anticipated quiet time came up against a Category 5 hurricane named Irma, and Irma definitely had center stage.

Right after dropping my housemates off at Miami International for their flight, I started to notice reports that a Category 5 hurricane was possibly heading straight for the southeast coast of Florida. As dire news began to fill the airways, my gut feeling told me to take this storm seriously.

After work last Monday, I attempted to purchase all the hurricane supplies I would need to secure my house. Feeling very clever, I decided to avoid the crowds at Home Depot by ordering my supplies online with home delivery for the next day when I returned from work. What took place next was yet another sign that things would not be going as planned. My online orders were canceled, with directions that such items as plywood would have to be purchased only at store locations. Bastards!

Next came the long lines at gas stations, the rush for the last grocery items on store shelves, and of course the all-important stop at the liquor store for the vital additions to the hurricane supplies.

Then the real work began. Bring everything inside, board up house, ride out storm, bring everything back outside, remove boards. Add to that equation the debris clean-up, no electricity, fence repair, pets, back to work, heat, exhaustion, and so much more.

Residents need a serious vacation after going through all that.

My plans for stress-free quiet time turned into two weeks of hard labor. I tried to soothe my exhausted self with the notion that hard work is good for the soul, that I was relieving stress and getting needed exercise.

However, with no A/C or Jeopardy at 7:30, the idea of cleansing

my soul just wasn’t cutting it. My soul is doing just fine and as for reducing stress, have you tried driving in South Florida without traffic lights? All the hard labor in the world will not reduce that type of stress. Hopefully, my sweat-soaked clothes at least had the benefit of my body sweating out some of the toxins that somehow find their way into my system.

Many thanks to our city staff who worked so diligently to get our city ready for the storm and then getting it back up and running afterwards. So many people on our local city level, county level, and others, play vital roles for our residents that often go unnoticed. County workers called for shelter duty, police personnel, fire, and EMT’s who remain on duty throughout the storm, CERT volunteers, and so many other workers who must perform needed functions while their families are left to ride out the storm without them. These dedicated public servants deserve our heartfelt gratitude.

All in all, our great city of Wilton Manors came through the storm in good shape. Some residents are still without power, some do not have cable or internet service, and some have damage to their property. We are very lucky that the storm did not come directly at us. Otherwise we would be dealing with a very different post-storm reality.

As we deal with the inconveniences caused by Irma, let us remain grateful that we are alive, our families are safe, and that we still have our homes and our neighbors to enjoy. Our hearts and prayers go out to those in the Keys, the Islands, and Texas who have virtually lost everything.

As we clean-up and move beyond our encounter with the wrath of Mother Nature, let’s continue to work together, helping those in need, checking in on elderly neighbors and doing good for our community. This way we can continue to guarantee that life will remain just better here. WMG

We are very lucky that the storm did not come directly at us.

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

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

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September 20, 2017

Notes From the Commission Meeting Green will propose generator rule for residential buildings with elevators

Politics Poverello seeks to replenish food stocks

After losing a lot of its refrigerated food because of Hurricane Irma, Poverello in Wilton Manors is asking for donations to get its food pantry back to where it was before the storm.

Food items requested include proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs and more. Visit poverello.org or call 954-561-3663 for more information on how to donate.

City looking for stories

By Michael d’Oliveira “At a minimum, they’ve got to have After seeing the loss of power impact condos and apartment buildings, something to [generate power to] operate the elevator,” said Green. including his own, Commissioner Tom Green said he will propose a new City eligible for “At a minimum, regulation that will require hurricane funds they’ve got to those residential buildings have something with elevators to have At the special city generators. He said he’s commission meeting on to [generate not sure when exactly he Sept. 13, Commissioner power to] operate Julie Carson asked if the will propose the regulation the elevator.” but that it would be some impact of Hurricane Irma time in the near future. would cost the city any - Tom Green Green, who lives at money. City Manager Wilton Manors The Metropolitan, a Leigh Ann Henderson Commissioner four-story development said it was too early to which is located next to know yet what the cost of Colohatchee Park, said he came up with the damage is. But, she added, because the idea after seeing his wheelchair-bound Governor Rick Scott declared a state of neighbor struggle to get in and out of his emergency the city would be eligible for apartment because there was no power to up to 75 percent of the cost of damages the elevator. reimbursed by FEMA.

3 •

Wilton Manors officials want to publish Irma-related stories of neighbors helping each other. Email plandi@wiltonmanors.com to submit a story.

Get hurricane alerts

With hurricane season still ongoing, residents can sign-up for email or text alerts from the city. Visit WiltonManors.com and go to the link at the top of the page. WMG

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

September 20, 2017

9.20.2017 •

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Community

Check out what’s happening

Around Town

By Michael d’Oliveira

LIFT A CHILD

Neighborhood association meetings

YOU LOVE

All three neighborhood associations have upcoming meetings. The Westside Association of Wilton Manors will meet on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Hagen Park Community Center, 2020 Wilton Drive. The Central Area Neighborhood Association will hold a meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Hagen Park Community Center. The East Neighborhood Association will hold its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. at Independence Hall, 639 NE 26 St. Parking is free at all three meetings. WMG

WITHOUT

THE HIP PAIN

YOU HATE

Last chance for grant input At its Sept. 26 meeting, the city commission will vote on how to spend its annual Community Development Block Grants [CDBG] money. Highland Estates and the area west of Andrews Avenue and south of the Middle River qualify to receive the funds – an estimated $60,000 to $65,000. In the past, Wilton Manors has used CDBG funding to buy and develop the 14-space overflow parking lot near Island City Park Preserve.

Other uses include fitness stations, fencing, sidewalks, a drainage system, solar lighting, landscaping and street resurfacing. But residents can still give their input – at the meeting and by emailing tdejesus@wiltonmanors.com. Commissioner Tom Green suggested perhaps purchasing seating with solar panels for Island City Park Preserve.

“I love things that involve solar. I think people at the park would enjoy that.”. WMG

Oakland Park Oktoberfest TAKE OUR FREE ONLINE RISK ASSESSMENT AT FLORIDAMEDCTR.COM/ASSESSMENT If you’ve tried it all to reduce hip pain, it may be time to consider a more permanent medical solution. Start with a free, online assessment to evaluate the health of your hips. We offer minimally invasive options that may eliminate hip pain and get you back to a more active lifestyle. Visit floridamedctr.com to find a doctor near you, or call (844) 367-4559.

The Oakland Park Oktoberfest, hosted by Funky Buddha, will be held on Oct. 6 from 6 to 11 p.m., Oct. 7 from 1 to 11 p.m., and Oct. 8 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Jaco Pastorius Park, 1098 NE 40th Ct. Funky Buddha will be serving German-inspired beer and food inside the Biergarten. There will also be amusement rides, craft vendors, contests, Bavarian folk dancing, music by Sepp Diepolder: Master Yodeler and The Alpine Express Band, "Dachshund Dash," stein races, beer barrel races, apple strudel eating contests, and more. Admission is $5 and free for children 12 and under.

Visit oaklandparkfl.gov/228/oktoberfest for more information. WMG

Blocker named assistant chief Commander Gary Blocker has been named assistant chief of the Wilton Manors Police Department. “This is a recognition of all the work he does,” said Chief Paul O’Connell, who made the announcement at a recent commission meeting. Blocker, who has been with the department for six years, thanked the community, city manager, and commission for their “support and guidance.” Mayor Gary Resnick said the city was fortunate to have Blocker and “a good police department.” WMG

©2017 Florida Medical Center. All rights reserved.

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(844) 367-4559 jointreplacementfmc.com

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• • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • •

September September20, 6, 2017 2017

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PHOTOS local

Another look at hurricane irma After Hurricane Irma swept across the entire state of Florida on September 10, local community members and business owners in Wilton Manors have done their best to pick up the pieces and return to business as usual.

Carina Mask

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

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Feature pets

A Really Good Boy After having the same family for most of his life, Toke (ID 582430) is eager to find another family to love. This fellow, is an 8 year young, 28 pound Corgi mix who could lose a pound or two. He is incredibly sweet, gets along with other dogs, is good with kids and loves to meet new people. Toke is also pottytrained. This cutie is sure to put a smile on your face as he smothers you with love.

To k e

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

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lifestyle food Colada Waffles.

Padrino's ropa vieja.

Padrino's empanadas.

Rick Karlin

F

or quite some time, Cuba was a tropical playground for Americans looking for a quick getaway. Then came Castro’s Communist regime, followed by an American embargo and suddenly, Cuba was cut off from most of its suppliers. With little in the way of raw materials, the Cuban people made the best with what they had. Old American autos were kept running for years beyond their life expectancy. With limited agricultural resources the, Cuban people were equally resourceful.

Cuban cuisine is a blend of the food of indigenous peoples, with heavy influences of the Spanish, French, and Portuguese that settled on the island. There are even influences from African and Chinese immigrants. Cuban food reflects European influences much more predominantly than that of Central and South American, or most of the Caribbean for that matter.

The food tends to be more savory, utilizing garlic, cumin and oregano, than spiciness derived from peppers. Sofrito, a blend of sautéed onion, green pepper and garlic, is a basis for most dishes. Meats and poultry are usually marinated in citrus juice and slow cooked until tender. Rice, along with plantains, yucca and black beans accompany most dishes. In Cuba, most cooks must shop using ration coupons and seafood is usually reserved for the upper class and tourists. That’s why you’ll find few dishes featuring fish, even though Cuba is an island.

Key West is just 90 miles from Cuba and Miami is just up the road a bit, so many of those fleeing Castro’s Cuba headed there. Miami was, and still is, a source for

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Photos courtesy of Rick Carlin.

Cubra Libre Cuba cuisine is making its way north

great Cuban food, but many Cubans are venturing farther north to settle, and we reap the benefits of their rich cuisine.

Padrino’s

1135 N. Federal, Fort Lauderdale 954-210-8989 Padrinos.com The Padrino family tradition stretches all the way back to a small food market and winery in 1930’s Cuba. Diosdado Padrino opened his first restaurant in America in Hialeah in 1976. Five years later he opened a larger restaurant in Hallandale, a year later his son Mario expanded the business, which now includes five locations. The newest restaurant just opened in Fort Lauderdale and features a menu of traditional dishes served at a reasonable price point. Sandwiches are in the $10 range, while entrees are about $6-$8 more on average, both include side dishes.

Of course you can find the Cubano, crusty bread, stuffed with ham, sliced roast pork, Swiss cheese and pickles, then pressed and grilled. Other Cuban favorites on the menu include chicken and pork cutlets as well as the Palomilla, a thin, juicy, steak topped with sautéed onions and potato sticks.

Start your meal with the appetizer combination which features plantain chips, picadillo empanadas, ham croquettes, and fiesta tostones (hand pressed green plantains, fried and topped with creole chicken or chorizo sausage, cheese and cilantro-tomato salsa).

There are soul-stirring bowls of soup including a rich stock with tons of tender chicken and soft carrots, traditional black bean and caldo gallego (white bean soup, with chunks of smoked ham). Cups are $3-$4 and bowls are only a buck more.

For something lighter there are salads, including a mango infused Caesar, all available with the addition of grilled chicken or seafood.

Meat and potato eaters will love the churrasco (char-grilled skirt steak) with house-made chimichurri and lechon asado (slow roasted pork topped with sautéed onions). Naturally, the national dish of

Cuba, ropa vieja (a pot roasted flank steak with green peppers and onions) is offered, as are masas de Puerco (fried chunks of pork topped with grilled onions) and the lesser known, but equally delightful chilindron de carnero, a tender lamb shank in a Creole sauce. All entrees come with beans, rice, yucca or sweet plantains, but the sides can be switched around. Do yourself a favor and make certain to get the buttery boiled yucca.

There is a full bar and wine list available.

Dessert options include tres leches cake, rice pudding and flan, but I doubt you’ll have room.

If you’re looking for more examples of Cuban fare, check out these gems.

Mario’s Catalina Restaurant 1611 N. Federal, Fort Lauderdale 954-563-4141 CatalinaRestaurant.net

A bit upscale and pricey, but well worth every penny.

925 Nuevos Cubanos

925 N. Andrews, Fort Lauderdale 954-806-8375

This feels like a place you’d find along a road in Cuba. Those into burly muscle guys will be drooling over the owner as much as the food.

Colada

525 N. Federal, Fort Lauderdale 954-368-4705 ColadaHouse.com

Although it looks like a chain, this coffee shop, from the owners of Hollywood’s Miramar Bakery, dishes up some serious Cuban fare. The brunch is fabulous, especially the tres leches waffle stack.

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SFGNITES

F O R T H E W E E K O F S e p te m ber 2 1 - S e p te m ber 2 6 , 2 0 1 7 W W W . S F G N . C O M J.W. Arnold

Beam Us Up

jw@prdconline.com

THU

9/21

theater This is your last chance to catch “Muscle Bears the Musical” at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. The show, featuring a book by Michael Aman and score

by Matthew Doers, spins the tale of a young cub who is ready to give up on love (and body hair) when his “Furry God Daddy” drops in to save the day.

The show closes on Sunday, Sept. 24 so get your tickets. This show is a hit.

Tickets $20 – 35 at EmpireStage.com

FRI

9/22

film Emma Stone and Steve Carell star in “Battle of the Sexes,” the movie about the famed 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, one of the most watched television sports events of all time.

The match became a touchpoint for the women’s movement and also occurred as King was struggling with her homosexuality. Check local listings for theaters and showtimes. More info at BattleOfTheSexes-Movie.com.

Sunday

9/24

television

“Star Trek: Discovery” launches tonight on CBS before moving to the network’s streaming service, CBS All Access. This prequel, the first new series in 12 years, goes where no “Star Trek” has gone before, filling the gap between “Enterprise” and “The Original Series” during the Federation-Klingon War and featuring the adventures of U.S.S. Shenzhou first officer Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green). Check local listings for show times Photo courtesy of CBS Studios.

SAT

9/23 SUN

9/24 MON

9/25 TUE

9/26

theater

comedy

television

community

Thanks to Hurricane Irma, Maplewood Playhouse’s inaugural production, “Glory Days,” was postponed to this weekend at the Kelsey Theater, 700 Park Ave. in Lake Park. Kimberly Rommel-Enright directs this soaring rock musical about four friends who reunite a year after graduating from high school. Their mission is to hack the sprinkler system and soak the jocks who bullied them. Tickets start at $30 at TheKelseyTheater.com.

Comedian Judy Gold is back in South Florida at the Boca Black Box Center for the Arts, 8221 Glades Road in Boca Raton. The star of the OffBroadway hits, “The Judy Show” and “25 Questions for a Jewish Mother,” Gold will be performing her signature stand up on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.

Oh, and did we also mention that she’s a Jewish lesbian mother? Tickets are $30 at BocaBlackBox.

If you like “The Big Bang Theory,” then you’re going to love “Young Sheldon,” premiering tonight at 8:30 p.m. on CBS. This 30-minute sitcom is set in 1989 as the brilliant, yet socially awkward 9-year-old genius Sheldon Cooper enters high school in East Texas. The adorable Iain Armitage stars as young Sheldon, but Jim Parsons also shares some adult perspective as the clever show’s narrator. Check local listings for channels.

The World AIDS Museum and Educational Center, 1201 NE 26th St. in Wilton Manors, hosts a special community forum, “The Impact of HIV on Millennial and Post-Millennial Youth,” tonight at 7 p.m. The panel discussion will explore how young people ages 13 – 29 are uniquely affected by HIV and ways the community can work to reduce stigma.

Panelists will share their own stories and struggles. For more information, go to WorldAIDSMuseum.org.

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A&E music Singer and actress Lynda Carter, best known as TV’s “Wonder Woman,” performs this weekend at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. Photo Credit: Karl Simone.

Original Wonder Woman Comes to Seminole Casino J.W. Arnold

Lynda Carter talks about being a gay icon and upcoming concert

L

ike many awkward gay boys growing up in conservative, rural towns, I frequently escaped into a fantasy world of comic books and superheroes. When Lynda Carter first appeared on television in 1976 as the most glamorous superhero of them all, Wonder Woman, my second grade self was instantly smitten with her blue eyes and dazzled by her golden tiara, magic lasso and bullet-proof bracelets.

So, when I received the press release announcing her upcoming concert appearance at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, I immediately replied with a request for an interview.

Four decades later, here I was, practically giddy as I awaited her call. The prospect of actually speaking in person to my childhood idol was practically overwhelming.

I’m not sure I could distinguish the difference then, but I know now that Lynda Carter was just an actress who played the statuesque Amazon on television. Fortunately, she embraced the iconic role that captured the imaginations of many fans years ago. Superhero or not, she was just as wonderful as that red, white and blue persona.

STILL MARCHING FOR

EQUALITY THE FIGHT CONTINUES

While the LGBT community has seen many successes in the past decade, there are still many more milestones yet to come.

Follow history as it happens by reading your weekly copy of SFGN.

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SFGN: I absolutely fell in love with you as Wonder Woman. I was seven years old and in second grade. It seems like yesterday that you brought one of my heroes to life on the television.

Lynda Carter: That’s so sweet. When I see the faces of people who got to know me when they were young, their faces change and they change in the most beautiful way. They’ll tell me the most beautiful stories, and, in the most beautiful ways their eyes light up and they become their seven-year-old selves. They remember some joyful thing, some happy moment in their life when they were inside the character inside themselves. It’s really cool.

SFGN: A whole new generation of girls and boys is experiencing empowerment thanks to the hit “Wonder Woman” movie now.

Carter: (Director) Patty Jenkins and Gal

(Gadot) and I talked about it. I tried to explain this phenomenon, but they’re now experiencing it for themselves. This is what you hang onto when something gets popular—their experiences, your experiences. It’s not about you, it is you.

SFGN: You’ve been an ally to the LGBTQ community for a long time. When did you realize you had become a gay icon?

Carter: I’ve always had gay friends and I’ve never liked to see them bullied…I was interviewed by OUT magazine, and was told I was such an icon. I said, What? (The writer) said, You don’t know? YOU DON’T KNOW? Oh, Lynda sit down here, I’m going to tell you why…she said I had crossover appeal. Women (lesbians) liked me and (gay) men liked me, too. They’re like country western fans, they never leave you. I’ve always been a defender, but I just didn’t know how close we were. I wasn’t dumb about it, I kind of knew, but she showed me all these fan websites.

SFGN: What can you tell our readers about your upcoming appearance at the Seminole Casino? I understand it’s called “The Other Side of Trouble.”

Carter: It’s a rip-roarin’ show. I don’t know if they’ll make me stick to 90 minutes, but then I’ll probably have to cut a couple of songs out because I want to talk a little bit about Wonder Woman to the fans. We have 10 pieces on the stage, so it’s seven musicians and three singers.

My daughter, I think, is going to be joining me.

She’s 26 and a great singer. She just finished her bar exam.

SFGN: You sing so many different genres of music. What do you have planned?

Carter: It’s my taste in music, music that inspires me. There are some original songs, songs about my son and daughter, music I wrote for video games, everything from Chris Isaak to Billie Holliday to a lot of different styles. I even wrote a couple of country songs, which are fun…It’s a shuffle, I guess. When you put on your playlist or tune in the radio, you’re always surprised by what comes up next. It is always a surprise.

Lynda Carter performs “The Other Side of Trouble” with her all-star band on Saturday, Sept.

23 at 8 p.m. in the Pavilion at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, 5550 NW 40th St. in Coconut Creek. Tickets start at $40 at CasinoCoCo.com.

Play Explores the Tension of Race and Culture in Gay Relationships J.W. Arnold

“M

y story is that typical narrative of a Midwestern boy who comes out of the closet—or doesn’t come out— in his hometown and then leaves,” explained playwright Michael Patrick Spillers, who grew up in the Ozark mountains of southwest Missouri.

Spillers, now 48, headed west to Los Angeles, but instead of settling in the traditionally gay enclaves of West Hollywood or Silver Lake, he found himself in the grittier Hispanic neighborhoods of East L.A. “But, at the risk of generalizing, I didn’t fit into that stereotype of upward mobility of the white gay men who make it to the big city, double income-no kids—at least until recently—with the sort of financial security and affluence that is usually associated with West Hollywood,” he continued. “West Hollywood left me feeling cold and I gravitated to the other side, LGBT communities of color.”

Spillers’ experience in his early 20s would become the basis for a one-man show and, later, a five-actor play, “White Boy,” that explores the clash of cultures he experienced as he immersed himself into and began dating within the Latino community. His play will receive its southeast premiere Sept. 27 – Oct. 22 at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale.

Like Spillers, the “white boy” in “White Boy” is Patrick, a young Midwesterner who makes a move to East Los Angeles and falls for Lobo, a Chicano gang member. The unlikely couple must deal with the clash of cultures and confront racism and labels.

Spillers pointed out that young Latino gay men often have a more difficult time separating

their sexual identities with the priority their culture places on family.

“For a lot of young gay Mexican and Salvadoran kids, that connection to family is much more difficult to negotiate. They are often living at home helping take care of extended family members or still connected to roots in a different country…and their gay lifestyles are more integrated into their culture—the music, brands of beer and even the language. It can come across almost like self-segregation because they hang out in clubs where bartenders are going to hear them in their language,” Spillers said.

Even self-identifying as “gay” can be an issue for some.

“One of the pioneering concepts, being ‘gay’ or ‘MSM’ (men who have sex with men) for communities of color doesn’t work. Why doesn’t everyone call themselves gay? The terminology and idea of connecting with other men at a sexual level without identifying as gay is complicated. It’s not just a matter of ‘being in the closet’,” he added.

Spillers, who is also directing, was convinced to remount a production of “White Boy” by local producer Ronnie Larsen. Spillers shelved the work nearly 20 years ago, but soon realized that the issues of race and culture were every bit as relevant today.

Even the title, “White Boy,” can be tricky given the current racial tensions in this country, Spillers pointed out. He “reimagined, reinvented and revived” the play and, in the process, discovered how current and contemporary it could be for a new generation of audiences.

“White Boy” by Michael Patrick Spillers will be performed Sept. 27 – Oct. 22 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Dr. in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets start at $30 at RonnieLarsen.com.

ON ARTSCALENDAR.COM

Michael Patrick Spillers based his play, “White Boy,” on his own experiences dating Latino men in East Los Angeles. Photo credit: Christian Carroll.

Keep It Reel

A&E theater

Provided by ArtServe & Broward Cultural Division

9.20.2017 •

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A&E D V D ’s

Queerly Digital LGBT cinema on DVD/Blu Ray, a monthly column

David-Elijah Nahmod

W

elcome to Queerly Digital, a monthly column for cinema lovers from across the LGBT spectrum. All titles are available on DVD, Blu Ray, or both. This column will as the months progress, be sure to include titles which honor all LGBT experiences.

“Kiki”

A film by Sara Jordeno 94 minutes • IFC Films Twenty-five years ago Jennie Livingston's "Paris is Burning" captured the imagination of Queer moviegoers. A feature length documentary, the film chronicled drag balls in New York City's African American LGBT community. Now, filmmaker Sara Jordeno offers what could be considered a prequel to Livingston's film: "Kiki" is a documentary about the ball culture among New York's LGBTQ youth of color—"Paris is Burning" focused on drag elders.

The balls are often held in storefronts, small church auditoriums or wherever else the promoters are able to find space. Contestants get to show off their impressive, flamboyant skills in costuming, voguing, and their fierce attitudes. For many of New York's Queer youth of color these competitions, called Kiki Balls, are the only opportunity they have to shine, to achieve some validation—the costuming and athletic dance moves which viewers get to see aren't just impressive, they're jaw dropping.

These kids are gifted.

Much of the film focuses on their lives and backgrounds. Growing up in ghetto communities, many of the film's interviewees are poor and marginalized in neighborhoods where being LGBT is considered a taboo.

Throughout the film we hear stories of their lives.

They share chilling and heartbreaking tales of family rejection, police harassment, addiction, mental illness, violence, suicide, and having opportunities to better their lot in life denied to them. In one heartbreaking sequence Jordeno takes viewers to an impromptu memorial service for Travis, a young "Kiki" dancer for whom life proved too difficult. Travis chose to end his life.

There are positive moments as well. Early on Ryan, a leader of the "Kiki" scene, drives to his Virginia hometown with his boyfriend. They meet with Ryan's conservative, churchgoing mother, who accepts and embraces them. Mom

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says that she could never not love her own child--she believes that it’s possible to be gay and to come to Christ.

Towards the end of the film Ryan and his boyfriend visit the White House and participate in President Barack Obama's LGBT Youth Summit of 2015, which took place while LGBT Americans were awaiting the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on the legality of marriage equality.

Back in New York, various "Kiki" participants point out that the marriage battle was won because white gay men fought for it--people of color and trans people, they note, remain in the shadows with little hope of achieving the status that gay white men take for granted.

While the dancing and costuming in "Kiki" are impressive, it's the stories these kids share that will no doubt stay with viewers. Haunting and heartbreaking, the "Kiki" dancers remind us that we have a long way to go until true equality is achieved for all.

“Baby Steps”

A film by Barney Cheng 100 minutes • Gravitas Ventures Films Barney Cheng's "Baby Steps" will no doubt draw comparisons to Ang Lee's "The Wedding Banquet," a charming 1993 film about a Taiwanese mom trying to find the right girl for her son, who's already found the right guy.

"Baby Steps" takes this concept one step further--this time mom must not only accept her son's boyfriend, she has to deal with their decision to have a child via a surrogate mom. Ironically, the mom in both films is played by Asian actress Ya-Lei Kuei, even though there's no connection between the two characters.

While "Baby Steps" has its humorous moments, the film is far more serious in tone than "The Wedding Banquet." Danny (Cheng) and Tate (Michael Adam Hamilton) are an upscale gay couple in Los Angeles. Danny is under enormous pressure from his mom in Taiwan to marry and give her a grandchild. Danny wants to do both of those things, albeit with Tate, who's cute, blonde and very American.

With a little bit of humor, a lot of heart, and with serious insight into Taiwanese culture, "Baby Steps" tells two different stories in tandem. On one side viewers follow Danny and Tate in their search for the egg donor and the surrogate who will make them the dads they want to be. On the other side we get to know the long-widowed Mrs. Lee, an old school Asian lady who must confront her homophobia if she wants her son to remain in her life--and if she wants to get to know her grandchild.

A character driven tale, "Baby Steps" emerges as a bittersweet but ultimately uplifting fable about familial love. And the guys are adorable together!

According to the film's press release, "Baby Steps'" theatrical run in Taiwan started a conversation on LGBT rights and helped to propel the Asian nation's recent decision to legalize same-sex marriage.

A&E television

Local Chef Back on TV in All Star Competition Rumors’ Robyn Almodovar returns to the show that made her famous

J.W. Arnold

I

t’s been more than nine months since Rumors Bar & Grill’s executive chef Robyn Almodovar traveled back to Los Angeles to tape “Hell’s Kitchen: All Stars,” but on Friday, Sept. 29 viewers will finally see how she fared in her second run-in with celebrity chef and host Gordon Ramsay.

“You come back from the filming in La La Land, you’ve been gone for months, you can’t tell anyone, and then you seem to forget about it a little bit,” explained Almodovar, who has also competed on the Food Network’s “Chopped” and “Cutthroat Kitchen.”

“Now it’s becoming more real. I know what exactly happened, but I have no idea how the world will see it because there’s editing. I’ll be watching the show for the first time with everyone, as well,” she added.

The Brooklyn native first appeared on Ramsay’s popular reality cooking competition seven seasons ago and feels the experience was influential on her career.

“I’ve wanted to go back to show the world how much I’ve grown as a chef,” Almodovar said.

Filming these shows can be a grueling experience for competitors.

“We’re working 24/7, filming every day. (The producers) are putting together what they need for each episode’s storyline and then it gets stretched out for 17 weeks or however many episodes they need for the season,” she said.

When the shows finally air, the biggest frustration for competitors like Almodovar are the mean comments viewers frequently post online after each episode.

“There are a lot of trolls out there that watch the show and ridicule the contestants.

There’s a lot of negativity,” she said. “The first time I was on the show, there were so many negative comments. They have no idea what you’ve gone through; instead, maybe they should watch the show and learn something.”

By comparison, Ramsay, who is portrayed on the show as foul-mouthed and confrontational, doesn’t seem nearly so nasty.

“Gordon is really serious when he’s in

Rumors executive chef Robyn Almodovar will compete on Fox’s “Hell’s Kitchen: All Stars” next week. Photo courtesy of Blackwood Imaging.

the kitchen. There’s an attention to detail, focus, passion, ambition—just like I’m serious in my kitchen. With him, it’s all about communication, especially in the kitchen, and everybody being on the same page,” she said. “It’s hard work, dedication, passion, patience. As a chef, you always strive to be the best when perfection is hard to achieve.”

Years ago, Almodovar might never have imagined herself facing the heat in any kitchen, let alone one on television. She initially pursued nursing and cosmetology, but a late-night commercial for the famed Le Cordon Bleu cooking school captured her attention and the rest is history.

She is now one of the leading chefs in South Florida, owns Palate Party, a popular food truck, and will be returning to television. Each Friday evening, she will be hosting watch parties at the Wilton Manors bar and grill for friends and fans.

“They might just see a different Robyn.

Everyone remembers me from the last time,” she promised. “There are 16 fantastic all-stars, the first in ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ history, I would not want to miss it.”

“Hell’s Kitchen: All Stars,” featuring Robyn Almodovar, premieres on Friday, Sept. 29 on Fox. Check local listings for channels and show times.

9.20.2017 •

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Datebook

Theater Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com

Top

Picks

Zac Brown Band

Sept. 22 to 23 at the Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way in West Palm Beach. On their Welcome Home tour, the Zac Brown Band comes to South Florida for two nights. Tickets $56 and up. Call 561-795-8883 or visit WestPalmBeachAmphitheatre.com.

Building the Wall

Sept. 23 to Oct. 8 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. After America goes through a terrorist attack in 2019, martial law is declared and millions of immigrants are detained.

Tickets $54 and up. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

LAST CHANCE: Hook Ups Vol. 1

Through Sept. 23 at Andrews Living Arts Studio, 23 NW Fifth St. in Fort Lauderdale. Two characters look at what happens when hooking up with dating apps. Tickets $35. Call 954-8268790 or visit RonnieLarsen.com.

broward county * David Cook with Kathryn Dean

Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The winner of “American Idol” season seven, Cook made history with 13 debuts on the Billboard charts. Tickets $35 to $85. Call 954462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

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September 20 - september 27 * UB40 Legends Ali, Astro, and Mickey

Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The band reunites to perform their hits, including “Red, Red Wine,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and “I’ve Got You Babe.” Tickets $32 to $120. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

Muscle Bears: The Musical

Through Sept. 24 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. A young cub is about to shave his chest when his Furry God Daddy comes to him and shows him the life of a bear. Tickets $35. Call 954-678-1496 or visit EmpireStage.com

* Rose & Rosie

Sept. 30 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.

The British wife and wife team are known for their YouTube fans following them for their one-of-a-kind banter comedy. Tickets $45 to $50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

Friday Night Sound Waves Music Series

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

palm beach county 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.

Friday Night Sound Waves features Kickin' It Country with AMB. Photo courtesy Friday Night Sound Waves.

miami-dade county * The Under Pants

Sept. 29 to Oct. 22 at the Main Street Playhouse, 6766 Main St. in Miami Lakes. In this adaptation by Steve Martin, Louise goes outside to see the king in a passing parade when her underpants accidentally fall to her ankles. Suddenly two men are fawning after her, to the dismay of her husband.

Tickets $35 to $30. Call 305-558-3737 or visit MainStreetPlayers.com.

Outdoor Music Series

Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come

out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Free with museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or visit PAMM.org.

The Big Show

Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami.

A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com.

* Denotes New Listing

PORN pulse

Titan Men Dishes On New Career Hunter Houston

W

ith hurricanes wreaking havoc it seems appropriate to mention that former weatherman turned porn star Dallas Steele is back in the headlines.

Steele gave an interview to Gay Star News last month in which the TitanMen star described his clothing preferences among other things.

“I am as comfortable in a suit as I am a jockstrap,” Steele told Gay Star News.

Steele worked in broadcast television for FOX and CBS affiliated stations under the name Jim Walker.

Steele calls Dallas, Texas home. On his Twitter account, @DallasSteeleXXX, Steele touts himself as a “future US Senator.” He is dating Taylor Bishop, whose Twitter handle is @boysteele.

It’s been reported the 44-year-old adult film actor used proceeds from his Rentmen.com account to undergo butt implant surgery. From the looks of his most recent work, it appears the surgery was a success.

Steele tweeted a video on Tuesday of himself

testing an automatic dildo inserting device.

“I love machines that get you off. Nothing like a big boy pounding my ass with lots of Crisco everywhere,” Steele tweeted.

In his Gay Star News interview, Steele also pushed back against the notion sex work ends at 40.

“I’m sorry if the haters have decided that gays over forty are supposed to put on the board shorts, move to the suburbs and settle down to bridge parties once per week. I don’t plan to ever go quietly into the night,” he told GSN.

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

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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Datebook

Community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com

Top Picks True Colors: In Our Own Words, Video Stories in Queer America

Sept. 22 to Nov. 5 at the Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.

View how LGBT activism has blossomed online, from the “It Gets Better” campaign, coming out, and online personalities.

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

september 20 september 27 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

Sober Sisters

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.

TransSocial Saturdays

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.

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.

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

Survivor Support

broward county

THE MAGIC BEHIND THE

MUSIC GO BEHIND THE SCENES Every week, SFGN brings you an inside look on what’s hitting the stage near you. From interviews with producers to exclusive peeks at new performances, we’re here to make sure you’re ready for every show.

SFGN.COM/SFGN-ARTICLES/AE 54

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9 .20.2017

The Pew

Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. at Mt. Hermon AME Church, 401 NW Terrace in Fort Lauderdale.

A conversation of sexuality, spirituality, and HIV in the black church. Free. Call Ederick Johnson at 954-463-9005, ext. 308 or visit PrideCenterFlorida.org.

* Stonewall Movie Night: “Before Night Falls”

Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Reinaldo Arenas joins Fidel Castrol’s rebel group and finds love with Pepe, leading to years of a lovehate relationship and two years imprisonment.

Free; suggested donation $5. Call 954-7638565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org.

Life Coaching

Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Latinos Salud Clubhouse, 2300 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Get one-on-one

life coaching from certified CRCS coaches.

For guys living with HIV, their partners, and anyone who identifies as transgender. Free.

Call 954-765-6239 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

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

september 20 - september 27

Pinot, Sketching With Shiraz, Realism with Riesling, and much more. Must be 21 or older. Class $30. Call 954-284-0141 or visit BaCAPompano.org.

palm beach county

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.

Out of the Closet, Into the Light

Dharma for Parents and Kids

Voices of Pride

First Sundays from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 140 W Prospect Road in Oakland Park. Parents and their children can learn together about love, kindness, patience, and inner peace in the modern home. Cost $10 per family. Call 954-537-9191 or visit MeditationInFortLauderdale.org.

Paint & Sip

First and Third Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and second and fourth Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bailey Contemporary Arts, 41 NE First St. in Pompano Beach. Grace Gdaniec leads classes aptly named Painting With

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.

Mondays at 7 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Join the Gay Men’s Chorus as they practice every week. Free. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com

are HIV positive are invited to come together for support, education, and advocacy.

Closed group. Call 561-324-1626 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

miami-dade county Arsht Center Farmers Market

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

Visit ArshtCenter.org/en/Visit/Dining.

Yoga

Mondays at 7 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. J St. in Lake Worth. A support and discussion group for LGBT recovering addicts. Visit LambdaNorth.net.

Tuesdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at Jose Marti Park, 362 SW Fourth Ave. in Miami. Yogis 18 and older of all levels are invited to a practice lead by a certified instructor. Bring your own yoga mat, water, and towel. Free. Call 305358-7550 or visit BayfrontParkMiami.com/ Yoga.html.

Positive Connection

Book Study

Out of the Closet NA Group

Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Men who

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.

HIV Support Group

Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at South Beach AIDS Project, 1234 Washington Ave. Ste. 200 in Miami Beach. A support group for those who are HIV positive. Free. Call 305-5354733, ext. 301 or email support@sobeaids. org.

Prayers For World Peace

Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Buddhist teacher, Todd Ellenberg will lead prayers and meditation. Cost $10.

Call 786-529-7137.

* Denotes New Listing

9.20.2017 •

55

THE

GUIDE

Business Directory

attorney

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

Selzer law 1515 NE 25th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.567.4444 SelzerLaw.com law office of Shawn Newman 710 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.563.9160 Shawnnewman.com

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

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

a&e

Ft Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus PO Box 9772, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33310-9772 954-832-0060 www.theftlgmc.org Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida 2040 North Dixie Hwy, #218, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-763-2266 Gaymenschorusofsouthflorida.org

www.sfgn.guide

Don’t miss a

tastE Feeling the hunger?

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

sFGn.com/FooD Licensed & Insured

954-725-3633

custom alarm contractors, Inc.

Est. 1989 “Experience Matters” Service after the sale! ▶ residential security ▶ commercial security ▶ closed circuit tV www.customalarmcontractors.com 56

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bookkeeping

dental 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

call us to reserve space!

final arrangements

financial services

pest control

health Dr. Tory Sullivan 2500 N Federal Hwy #301, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954.533.1520 Torysullivanmd.com

Kalis-McIntee Funeral & Cremation Center

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

florist

American Pain Experts 6333 N. Federal Hwy, Ste. 250, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-678-1074 Americanpainexperts.com

professional services

Taylor & Turner Pest and Termite Control, Inc

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

954.630.2627 call us to reserve space!

call us to reserve space!

furniture

www.sfgn.guide

professional services

financial services

TWO GUYS PAWN FREE PHONE QUOTES!

(954) 565-0727 3345A N. FEDERAL HWY. (US 1) OAKLAND PARK, FL 33306

handyman WE’RE HERE FOR ALL YOUR

FINANCIAL NEEDS Taxes IRS Issues Accounting

Bookkeeping Small Business Advising

browardpawnshops.com

Miami/Broward/Palm Beach Paint/Caulk/Remove Grout/Yard Work Fix Drips & Switches/Debris removal Assembles Furniture & Appliances Repair or Fix Call "Avrom" Keith 786-227-9981

call us to reserve space! health insurance

954-667-9829 ACCOUNTING@STERLINGACCOUNTING.COM

2435 North Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305

THE

GUIDE

Medicare/MedicaID Florida Blue / Blue Cross Blue Shield 2765 West Cypress Creek Road Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 Call Steve Herbstman @ 954-554-7074

Business Directory

To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970 9.20.2017 •

57

THE

GUIDE

Business Directory

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

real estate Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors & Oakland Park REMODELED homes:

2 bedroom/2 bath condos from

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

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

www.stsfrancisandclare.org Baptisms • Weddings • Memorial Services

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

transportation RAINBOW RIDES-SAVE MONEY ON YOUR RIDE! - We treat you like family! SPECIALIZING IN AIRPORT RIDES! Need a ride to FLL, MIA, or PBI? (or anywhere else?) I'm a friendly driver with a nice, clean Chevy Malibu. My fixed-rate pricing beat all ride sharing - apps every time. Call or text me to schedule a ride, I'll be there early and I'll text you when I arrive. No 'surge" prices, no hassles. Call or text Nikki at 954-600-3133.

therapy

call us to reserve space!

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$135,000

Ocean/Intracoastal from

$300,000

3 bedroom/2 bath homes

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

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

$250,000

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RealtorBrian@aol.com www.BrianFTL.com

Your South Florida Specialist for Over 18 Years

from

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

announcements

opportunity

SIGNS IN THE SKIES-IS GOD SPEAKING TO US! Holy Angels Catholic Community, 2917 NE 6th Avenue, invites you to join in a 3-week series on Thursday nights beginning September 14th at 7:00PM. With great American Eclipse, then Hurricane Harvey and Irma, and the upcoming "Great Alignment" of the constellations and planets. Some say the September 23rd alignment is the fulfillment of the prophecies of the coming end times in the book Revelations, Chapter 12. Come and join in a discussion on does God speak to us through the stars and planets. For more information call 954-633-2987.

accent modification Speak better english - Do people ask you to repeat more than once when speaking English on the phone? Let me, a retired professor, help you with one on one exercises and specific conversational lessons. I will also reduce your apprehension about speaking English.

Call for an appointment 718-415-7809.

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

handyman HUSBAND FOR RENT - Is he procrastinating home repairs? He says he will do it tomorrow?? After the football game?? We fit right in - in the house or the yard, small or big jobs: tile, dry wall, paint, plumbing, roof leaks, broken furniture, irrigation, fences, and more! It doesn't cost to hassle us to see the work - so why wait?

Neat, clean work for a reasonable price. Call Haim at 954-398-3676, sidnalll@yahoo.com

www.sfgn.guide

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

www.sfgn.guide 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.

rentals wilton manors

MIKE THE RENTAL GUY - NE Lauderdale/Wilton Manors/Oakland Park-1/1 from $1090, 2/1 from $1140.

Victoria Park-2/1=$1290.00 cable included. Credit & Income Requirements-Pets okay with restrictions Call for Details Mike 561- 703-5533 or miketherentalguy@ aol.com

roommates boca raton Roommate - Elderly gay man formerly from Europe seeks roommate between 62 and 75 to share a 3 bedroom house and pool. Must have a car. Very low rent. Serious minded only! Call Gary @ 561-451-0250.

real estate broward county LARGE MIDDLE RIVER DUPLEX - Located in residential area near downtown Wilton Manors $305,900.00 Call Gary for details 954-736-7583.

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

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

pool service

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

Call 954-235-0775.

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The nominations are in...

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES!

Vote for your favorite South Florida businesses

Throughout August our readers nominated their favorites in each “Best Of� category. Now in September readers like you will vote for the finalists.

Visit sfgn.com/BestOf Best Restaurant Best Take Out Best Pizza Best Guest House Best Neighborhood Bar Best Nightclub Best Place To Shop

Best Happy-Hour Best Pet Groomers Best Coffee Shop Best Drag Queen Best Movie Theater Best City to Live In Best Non-Profit

Best Gym Best Live Theater Best Business Group Best Beach Best Hair Salon Best Spa ... And many more!