02/01/10 V1I2

Is ‘Glee’ Too Gay?

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God, Gays and Football Stories on Page 19

February 1, 2010 • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 2

GAY AD INTERCEPTED

CBS BLOCKS Super Bowl Ad See Page 8

See Page 5

Photo by Cal Deal

Gay Man Super Glues Pet to Death!

7 page

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Super Boys Greet Connie on Beach

14 page

Realtors Optimistic on Housing

Back Page

O.U.T. Holds Leaders Conference

31 page

Erotic Museum of JeanClaude Baker

36 page

Gay Parenting is OK in OK

2

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Passages

AIDS Activist Dies

At the time, director Steven Spielberg said of the diminutive actress: “Good things can come in small packages, and that’s certainly true of Zelda.”

Rubenstein’s activism as a spokesperson for AIDS awareness had its roots in her own experiBy Cliff Dunn ences as a person of small stature. he was 4’ 3” tall, but friends and co-stars say her heart was Lambasting Hollywood’s depiction as big as her activist spirit. On Janu- and treatment of ‘little people,’ ary 27th, actress Zelda Rubenstein, both on and off screen, she called it “absolutely despicable,” and said best remembered for her role that “you’re not an actor if you’re as psychic Tangina Barrons in the just a person that fits into a cute ‘Poltergeist’ films, died of natural causes in Los Angeles; she was 76. costume. You’re a prop.”

In 1985, Rubenstein immersed Rubenstein began her film herself in AIDS activism. Apcareer in 1981, but it was her proached by an AIDS awareness appearance 1982’s ‘Poltergeist’ in organization, L.A. CARES, she was a part specifically created for a recruited to market the role of a little person that catapulted her mother who pleads with her gay to fame.

Rubenstein Played Psychic in ‘Poltergeist’

S

Features Editor............................... Joey Amato joey.amato@southfloridagaynews.com

Correspondents.........................Robert Cherin, .................................................Carol Porter, .........................................Jesse Monteagudo

Contributing Columnists............ Wayne Besen, . .................................................. Pier Guidugli ..................................................... Deb Price, . ............................................ Jennifer Vanasco

Online Website Director (Master of Our Domain)...............Tom Forcella tommy.forcella@southfloridagaynews.com

NationalGayNews.com Webmaster . ......................................................Bill Meyers

Arts and Entertainment............ Mary Damiano, .................................................... JW Arnold ......................................... Sebastian Fortino

Office Manager ........................ Matthew Clark

Display Marketing Associates .............................................. Robert Brown, . ...............................................Brian Swinford .................................................. John Fugate

Display & Internet Marketing Manager...........................Cliff Dunn cliff.dunn@southfloridagaynews.com

Classified Advertising.................. Mike Trottier classifieds@hotspotsmagazine.com 954-928-1862

National News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

National Sales Representative.......................Rivendell Media todd@rivendellmedia.com

GLCC News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Distributor........... Charles Braun Enterprises

Oklahoma Gay Couple Raises Child. . . . 34

Travel News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Printing and Publication............. Miami Offset

Connie-O! Comes Home. . . . . . . . Back Page

Editorial Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-19

South Florida Gay News.com is published weekly on Mondays. Our paper is a member of the Associated Press.

The views and opinions expressed within this publication, in bylined columns, stories, and letters to the editor are those of the writers expressing them. They do not represent the opinions of South Florida Gay News.com, Inc., or the Publisher. They are included to promote free speech and diversity of thought.

You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations in SFGN, and it would be careless to do so.

For the sake of readable newswriting, the word “gay” in SFGN should, when relevant, be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community.

All of the material that appears in SFGN, both online at www.southfloridagaynews.com, and in our print edition, including articles used in conjunction with our contract with the Associated Press and our columnists, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Thus, nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher of SFGN, at his law office, Kent & Cormican, P.A., 110 Southeast 6th Street, Suite 1970, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33301.

SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.

Copyright©2010 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

February 1, 2010 • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 2

Super Glued to Death. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Theater, Entertainment, Dining,Travel, Reviews . . 21-31 The Rear Ended Chicken. . . . 22 Heard It on the Gayvine. . . . . 30

‘Reversal Therapy’ No Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Local News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9, 14-15

Obama Promises to End DADT. . . . . . . . . . 15

Health News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

FEATURE STORIES:

A Gay Cop Fights Back Update. . . . . Page 3 Lavender Women Network. . . . . . . . . . . . 4

4

Prop 8 Trial Concludes in Cali . . . . . . . . . 32

9 page

COLUMNS:

Joey Amato. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Jennifer Vanasco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

17

SFGN Nites:

Cartoons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

SFGN Editorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

page

Norm Kent Publisher and Editor in Chief publishernorm@southfloridagaynews.com

THE NUTS AND BOLTS: INSIDE YOUR SFGN

page

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

News Editor.......................... To Be Announced

with the late zelda rubenstein at the last october.

February 1, 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 2

Star Trek’s George Takei is pictured aids project los angeles aids walk

son to “play safely.”

Videos of the ads were shown in gay bars, with the son depicted as a bare-chested stud.

The campaign later spread to print media, in which she speaks the words “Don’t forget your rubbers” to her “son,” shown in raingear.

Beneath her were the words “L.A. CARES…like a mother.”

Craig Thompson, executive director of AIDS Project Los Angeles, said that Rubenstein “was one of the very first Hollywood celebrities to speak out on HIV and AIDS.” After her ads appeared, the campaign’s hotline “skyrocketed.”

Rubenstein was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, and earned a degree in bacteriology, is survived by a daughter, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Sebastian Billings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Wayne Besen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Joey Amato. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Nutrition News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 National Legal Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . 32 International News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Business News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Spirituality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 SFGN Profile: Glenn Packard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Hotspots Magazine/ SFGN Classified. . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-39

“This above all… to thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” -Shakespeare, Hamlet/I/III

Creative Director.....................George Dauphin

Associated Press

3

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Verdugo Credits SFGN for Ground Breaking Story Hollywood Police Officer Gathers International Support in Job Fight

By Joey Amato

Within hours after SFGN broke the ground-breaking

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Using the nickname his friends and TV fans from HDTV know, the Facebook group “Mikey Verdugo Fights Back” has resulted in an outpouring of support from straight citizens and gay activists everywhere.

“It’s amazing what SFGN has done for me,” said Verdugo. “The amount of posi­ tive feedback I am getting is incredible.

I would like to thank all of my family, friends, and loyal supporters for being by my side during this difficult time in my life. If not for them, I don’t know where I would be today. Also I would like to ex­ press my gratitude towards Norm Kent who believed in me and my story.”

“I have never been so inspired to par­ ticipate in the fight for fair and equal rights until now. Since this story went global, I am receiving countless emails, letters of support, and hearing stories of unfair treatment as a result of a per­ son’s sexual orientation.” Verdugo added.

“I realize how many people everywhere have also been exposed to homophobia and discrimination still.”

Mikey Verdugo Fights Back

I

Publisher’s Welcome

Fired for shooting a porn movie in 1996, five years before he ever became a cop, an arbitrator ruled last month his fir­ ing was legal. Verdugo said he is exploring with counsel his legal remedies and wants to challenge the determination in court.

Meanwhile, the SFGN story has been seen on websites and blogs as far away as Australia and Singapore.

Locally however, the story has been featured on South Florida networks, and now in the age of Internet Journalism, a Facebook Fan page has been set up es­ pousing Mike’s battle.

The Facebook page, “Mikey Verdugo Fights Back” quickly gathered broad com­ munity support, signing up over 700 fans within its first 72 hours.

Said Verdugo, “I have done countless TV interviews and been on radio stations from here to England. I really owe the public support to SFGN, for being the first to launch my story. I had no idea that this N would have caused such a huge snow­ SFG les: Profi alist n Jour aus h ball effect, thus making this global Rot news in two days.”

Go to FACEBOOK Group

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news feature, “A Gay Cop Fights Back,” websites from USAToday.com to MSNBC.com picked up Mikey Verdugo’s campaign to take back his job as a Hollywood police officer.

4

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

‘Lavender Women’ Color Success Job Fairs and Workshops Promote Networking

By Robert Cherin, SFGN SouthFloridaGayNews.com

D

id you know a good resumé is equal to 1,000 pictures? So, where do you go to acquire that light­ ning jab of prose combined with solid shots of enthusiasm and looking pretty jazzy in the process? Attend the Lavender Event’s Job Fair on Feb. 5, at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center (2040 N. Dixie), start­ ing at 10:00 am.

“We have seven professionals,” says Chair­ person Wendy Phillips, “that will be doing different workshops right now.”

For those who haven’t heard of Lavender Events for Women, it provides an informa­ tive and contemporary adult educational pro­ gram on a variety of topics ranging from so­ cial to physical health to financial well being.

According to Phillips, some of the seven professionals “have either worked in the HR business or headed their own staffing agen­ cies. We have an ex-model coming in to help [with poise], and an artist who will explain what colors look good and what each color

states. And we have a professional resumé writer to help out.”

Six workshops Lavender Events for Women will offer six workshops going. Two resumé writing workshops and two job interviewing skills workshops, a dress to impress workshop, (“How to dress for an interview,” says Phil­ lips, breathlessly), Do’s and Don’ts of appli­ cations, and job hunting to help people who are looking for a job.

With unemployment in Florida at 11.5%, 8.5% of workers underemployed, these events are a must to attend.

Phillips says, “I know many women who are saying ‘I wish I could get a better job’ or ‘do more with my life’ but lack the courage or know-how to improve their lives. So this is a way for them to come out and see what’s in the community.

“The whole idea is that we are training these women to write a resumé and to do an interview,” adds Phillips. “If we bring people back into the [GLCC] Center in a job fair, these women, whether they are un­

Inidviduals from the Memorial Hospital Cancer Center, (Center) Joanne Hayes, (Right) Paul Hyman (director of Pride Center) and Wendy Phillips

employed or they are dissatisfied with their jobs and are a little afraid to go out and give it their all because of the marketplace, who are prepped and ready to go can now apply for jobs.”

The job fair

Women enjoying Sister Speak at Stonewall Library held on the 3rd Thursday of every month.

“We’re working on bringing Human Rights Campaign (HRC) ap­ proved companies into the Center to do a mi­ nority and women’s job fair,” says Phil­ lips. Each year the HRC publishes the top companies they feel are diverse; it’s a checklist that they do; every company gets a score. They publish whoever gets 100%.

“That means they are a friendly company to deal with. Either they have benefits or they have diversity clauses.

We’re inviting compa­ nies to participate at

the job fair.

“These companies,” she adds, “are more friendly. You can talk with a representative of that company and see how they would fit. Best Buy might be here, She Magazine, a couple of small local companies have said they’d like to come but haven’t yet confirmed. My goal is to have 30 companies here.”

Change Since its beginning in 2008, Lavender Events for Women has put the L back in the GLCC. Phillips seeks to run three events a month. In 2009 they added new events.

A Sunday Brunch Series—a quarterly gath­ ering for education and social networking, a community health fair, a Back-to-School Backpack/school supply drive and a sports fair. They’re also intent on keeping most of their events annual, including their sig­ nature event, Stella’s Ball, which is sched­ uled for each October. However, there will be changes.

Wendy Phillips says that their annual fundraiser, “I Am What I Am Dance” teaches diversity, not only in the greater community, but within their own lesbian community.” will be in April instead of August. “Although we run many dances, there were none in the spring. So we switched it,” she added.

5

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Partner Watches As:

Chloroform, Glue Kills Friend’s Dog

Zoe in better times

By Norm Kent

tempted to paste the lacerations shut.

On the next day, the 13th, Zoe got loose ou write a story like this in disbe­ again, Haire said, but this time sustained a more severe cut, re-opening the lacerations. Jones at­ lief. But it is true.

A healthy hound retriever mix, tempted to treat the dog’s wounds on the spot.

Haire explained that the couple “could entrusted to an Oakland Park gay couple for its care, was killed when the morons per­ not afford to pay for a vet,” so Jones decided formed amateur surgery on the dog in their to perform an operation on the dog right in living room while holding the dog down their home. First, they muzzled the dog.

The couple then began the procedure on a against its will.

The couple, 56 year old William Ralph coffee table in their living room. Also pres­ Jones, Jr., and his partner of six years, ent was Ayse Jones, the 26 year old daughter Charles Haire, lived at 5711 NE 7 Terrace in of Jones, from a previous marriage, in a het­ erosexual life far away.

Oakland Park.

According to Haire, Jones retrieved some den­ A neighbor, Danielle Vecchio, had asked tal floss and a the men to watch over standard sewing her dog, Zoe, since the needle from the rules of her apartment bathroom while complex disallowed pets he and Ayse held over 40 pounds. the dog.

You may have seen the Haire told SFGN story on the television that when Jones news and in the local com­menced the daily newspapers. One of procedure the dog the partners, Jones, has began “scream­ing been charged with two and yelping.” Be­ counts of felony animal Zoe, post mortem cause of this, he cruelty. He was released said, “It required all three of us to hold from jail last week on a $5,000 bond.

After being released from custody, Jones him down.”

Haire stated Jones then instructed him to apparently had some domestic issues with his partner, Claire. That’s where we come in. administer Cholipin, a prescription-only hu­ Unsolicited, unannounced, and on his man muscle relaxant to the dog, “to calm it own initiative, Claire walked into the offices down.” Haire complied with the instruction.

When that did not quiet the dog suffi­ of SFGN on January 27, 2010, to complain that he was not “being treated properly by ciently, Haire said that Jones retrieved Chlo­ roform from the medicine cabinet, while he his partner,” Jones.

Claire began to tell his story, “the full sto­ and the man’s daughter continued to restrain ry,” of what happened to the dog, Zoe, on the dog.

Jones, Haire said, poured the chloroform that tragic day to SFGN Features Editor Joey Amato. In doing so, he basically confessed to onto a cloth, and then placed a lethal dose over the dog’s mouth. The dog expired. being part of the crime.

Haire then volunteered that Jones at­ According to Haire, on January 12, 2010, the dog escaped from the Jones/Haire house­ tempted to administer mouth to mouth CPR hold through a hole in the fence, but cut and to the now deceased Zoe.He then told SFGN scarred its body on a protruding nail. It left a that the entire time this was transpiring he had a cell phone in his hand.

3-4 inch laceration on the dog’s chest.

Asked why he did not call 911, or physical­ Haire said the cut was minor, but he then admitted to SFGN that he stood idly by as ly restrain his partner, Haire claimed he “was his partner retrieved Super Glue, and at­ scared, that Jones had a gun in the house.”

Y

story about how the dog died, saying it had got into some chloroform in the medicine cabinet.

Vecchio was unconvinced.

She developed a ruse to sort out the truth.

Vecchio told SFGN: “I made up a story Stated Dr. Brandon Cox, a well respected veterinarian who founded the Gentle Care to them saying I was going to see a psychic Animal Hospital in Fort Lauderdale years so I could divine the real truth. Then Haire ago: “It is sad he could not afford a vet. But called me the next day and confessed what a dog is not a science project. Chloroform really happened, how all three of them held is not a viable alternative, and not used by Zoe down while she was crying for help. I animal hospitals. They could have called the think they should all go to jail.”

Detectives charged only Jones with two Humane Society. Or they would have been far better off just leaving the dog alone and counts of felony animal abuse. They said if convicted, he could get 20 years in prison. seeing if the wounds healed themselves.”

Asked if he helped hold the dog down His family paid his $5,000 bond.

A few days after being released, Jones then against his will, Claire admitted to SFGN got a restraining order against his partner “Yes, Yes, Yes.” Haire, who had gone on Channel 7, WSVN, and complained about his conduct. This led to his unannounced arrival at our office to complain about the way he was be­ ing treated: “Jones is try­ ing to make me out to be the bad guy,” he said.

Danielle vecchio william ralph jones, jr.

Admitting he was biAsked if he felt he did the wrong thing, polar, had occasionally seen a psychiatrist, and that the actions he engaged in were a Claire again shouted out “Yes, Yes, Yes.” The dog’s owner, Danielle Vecchio, is dev­ “horrible, terrible thing,” Haire nevertheless astated: “I got Zoe after I lost a child, and refused to say to SFGN he could have done had a miscarriage. Zoe filled that void. Now anything else.

But he stood there and watched, cell I feel like I have lost another baby.”

The story does not end there. After the phone in hand, as a dog died at the crimi­ episode, Jones wrapped the dog in a white nally negligent hands of his partner.

Having read this ladies and gentlemen of bed sheet, sewed it closed, and delivered it, dead, to its owner. He then made up a the SFGN jury, what is your verdict?

6

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Davie Couple Charged with Hate Crime

By Cliff Dunn

A

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY REDUCED OVER 200,000! WILTON MANORS PATRONS. This restaurant is a landmark and has been pleasing customers since 1976. Seating capacity is 120 seats, huge kitchen with all kitchen equipment owned not leased. Restaurant has beer and wine license and could expand to full liquor license. Currently open 5 nights and has potential for lunch business. Good cash business with early birds from 4-6 pm. Strong clientele year ‘round, all weekends, and Holidays are packed. $239,000

Victoria landings wonderful 3 bedroom 3.5 Bathroom tri-level townhome with private elevator, private swimming pool with water feature and a two car garage! Gorgeous cashmere granite counters, large walk-in closets, spacious bedrooms!

Great location, too! You must see this beautiful townhome before you buy any other! $599,000 Call for more details!

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY REDUCED OVER 200,000! WILTON MANORS PATRONS. Nestled between the Intracoastal & The Beach! Updated 2-bedroom 2 bath home has a large remodeled kitchen w/computer nook & is perfect for those who love to cook. The large open floor plan is perfect for entertaining w/French doors leading to the patio & private backyard. Both bathrooms have been remodeled w/marble & top of the line fixtures. Mexican Tile & terrazzo throughout makes this a perfect house. Only steps to the Lauderdale by the Sea shops, restaurants & of course, the beach! $419,000

WILTON MANORS Priced to SELL! This big and beautiful home boosts formal living room, formal dinning room, 3 bedrooms, family room overlooking the pool, plus extremely large media room which could be turned into a fourth bedroom. Large wonderfully landscaped corner lot with paver driveway on one of Wilton Manors loveliest streets.

Close to the drive and all the restaurants and shops, local parks and the Richardson Estate for nature trails and kayaking on the river. $389,000 A Great Value for the price!

SAILBOAT POINT ONLY $70,000 APPROVED AT THIS PRICE! MUST CLOSE

BY MARCH 10, 2010. This 2-BEDROOM, 2- BATHROOM CONDO FACES THE LAKE! GATED COMPLEX WITH POOL! NEEDS A LITTLE WORK! YOU MUST SEE THIS ONE!

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ON THE DRIVE! Owners will take a triple net lease beginning as low as $5000 dollars per month with negotiated escalations. Will give long lease with options. Now available this always busy restaurant and bar servicing lunch and dinner where reservations are necessary. The bars (three of them) are full from happy hour until closing featuring entertainment nightly. In addition, a patio bar. If you want to make a profit from day one and just put the key in the door...this is it. $1,200,000 Call for details.

Davie couple is accused of com­ mitting two separate assaults over a twoday period against the same gay man—at­ tacks police are calling hate crimes.

According to police reports, on September 6, 2009, Barry Jones Ricardo Rivera of Fort Lauderdale walked to his neighbor’s apartment to complain about loud noises coming from inside.

Jones, 45, told Fort Lauderdale Police that after he knocked on the door of the apartment located in the 2100 block of Northeast 56th Street, Ricardo Rivera began to hit him.

Rivera’s arrest affidavit reads: “Jones stated that Rivera knocked him to the ground and up against the wall. Jones stated that Rivera was yelling ‘faggot’ over and over while hitting him.” Rivera is alleged to have repeatedly punched Jones in the chest and face and to have threatened to kill Jones.

On the following day, Jones said that he saw a green Ford Expedition parked outside the apart­ ment complex; the vehicle resembled one which Ri­ vera was driving on the night of the attack.

Jones says that when he walked to the Expedition to write down its tag number, Rivera’s wife, Bedsaida, jumped out of the driver’s seat and began shower­ ing him with pepper spray. The arrest affidavit states that she screamed “faggot” and “I’m going to get you” at Jones during the attack.

Jones claims that he tried to escape, running into the apartment’s swimming pool area. The affidavit states that Rivera, 49, followed him and sprayed him directly in the face.

Bedsaida Rivera disputes Jones’ claims. She claims that he confronted her husband and that when he attempted to shut the door on Jones, the man stuck his foot in the doorway. She also says her husband never punched Jones or called him a “faggot.”

Police arrested Bedsaida Rivera in Davie on Janu­ ary 12, and charged her with simple battery.

Ricardo Rivera was arrested in Georgia on January 27th and charged with aggravated battery.

Because the pair are charged with hate crimes in the attacks, they face stiffer sentences if found guilty.

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Real Estate

ket and the job market, and many believe that until the job market begins to improve, the real estate market will be under pressure.

John Castelli of Castelli Real Estate Services has a different view.

“Unemployment isn’t directly related to the housing market because the majority of people facing unemployment are not in the market to purchase homes.” Castelli also has a posi­ tive view for the year after experiencing a rise condo market is very weak now, as people are in sales in 2009. “Inventories were down 30%, frightened off by high HOA fees, and renting while pending home sales were up 36%. This in­ dicates a turnaround.” homes to save on the fees.

Atlantic Properties Home sales in 2009 wit­ International’s Scott nessed a bounce thanks to Rouda doesn’t predict government intervention with a turnaround in the the first time home buyer tax South Florida market credit, which initially ended until 2011. However, on November 30. The credit Rouda attributes his has now been extended to first time homebuyers who John Castelli (L) and Andy Weiser (R) company’s recent sales enter into contract before April 30 and close to sound marketing strategies. “Marketing in on their home before June 30. Most of the the real estate industry has become difficult. In people benefiting from the credit have been our community I use print media, web ads and in the lower income tax bracket and analysts social media. In the last six months, I’ve have fear that the high end market may continue had over $3 million in sales directly attributed to my print ads.” to suffer.

Hal Feldberg of Banyan Realty Group ex­ Some analysts have determined there is a strong correlation between the housing mar­ perienced higher sales in 2009 in the mid

South Florida Realtors Optimistic on Housing Sales in 2010 Predicted to Increase

By Joey Amato Features Editor

I

f the first few weeks of 2010 are any sign of the future of the real estate mar­ ket this year, then happy days may be here again. Even though 2009 was margin­ ally better for local realtors and agents than in 2008, sales were still sharply down from the height of the housing bubble.

Celeste Shank Ellich of First Service Real­ ity International is very optimistic and says she has received an overwhelming number of inquiries from people looking to purchase homes or rent properties in the area. Ellich observed that “people relocating to the re­ gion are reluctant to purchase homes and are looking at the high-end rental market as an alternative.” Ellich also explained that the

7 to high-end markets. According to Feld­ berg, who maintains a fairly large gay clien­ tele, “most of the sales are from cash buyers looking for deals. Most of Banyan’s recent sales are waterfront or located in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.“ He says that 2010 should be a great year as Fannie Mae ensures more mortgages, which means people can obtain easier financing.

When it comes to the high-end market, consumers are downsizing because they “want to” rather than “need to,” according to Andy Weiser of Coldwell Banker. Weiser at­ tributes the predicted rise in home sales this year to “historically low interest rates and af­ fordable homes.” He continued that now is “a great time for investors who did not partici­ pate in the last surge to put money to work.”

Although most local realtors and real estate agencies remain optimistic, experts are pre­ dicting a dip in housing toward the middle of the year as interest rates rise and home prices stabilize. The rate of foreclosures hitting the market is also predicted to increase later in the year, although short sales will decrease.

Last year was a record one for foreclosures in South Florida, with 516,711 properties being turned over to the bank, an increase of 34% from the year prior.

8

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

CBS KO’s Gay Super Bowl Ad

By Joey Amato

L

ate Friday afternoon, the Super Bowl network, CBS, announced that it had rejected a proposed ad from Man­ Crunch.com, a gay dating Web site.

Within hours, the story hit CNN.com, kick starting a debate over whether the CBS deter­ mination is sex­based and discriminatory. CBS denies the claim.

“After reviewing the ad, which is entirely commercial in nature, our standards and prac­ tices department decided not to accept this par­ ticular spot,” said CBS spokeswoman Shannon Jacobs. “We are always open to working with a client on alternative submissions.”

CBS said it turned down the ad partly for fi­ nancial reasons, but ManCrunch believes that there’s more to it than that.

Dominic Friesen, a Mancrunch spokesperson, told SFGN that his company had submitted the ad on January 18th and received a letter on the

SECURE YOUR SEATS FOR

28th stating it had been re­ jected.” He continues, “They [CBS] kept on stalling and then ultimately told us there wasn’t any more ad space.”

“It’s straight­up discrimi­ nation,” said spokesperson Elissa Buchter.

Jacobs of CBS declined to comment on the charge of discrimination, but SFGN Publisher Norm Kent has criticized the network in this week’s SFGN editorial, on page 18: “It’s a joke,” he said, The letter provided to ManCrunch by CBS states the ad “is not within the Network’s broad­ cast standards for Super Bowl Sunday.”

The letter also states that the CBS sales de­ partment “has had difficulty verifying [Man­ Crunch’s] credit status.”

Buchter said that basing the rejection on cred­ it status doesn’t make sense because “we offered to pay cash.” But Jacobs said CBS has no record of any such offer.

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TODAY<< AND >>FUTURE

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CBS is charging up to $3 million for 30­sec­ ond spots. Buchter said ManCrunch would have been charged $2.5 million for its ad. Friesen claims his company had raised $40 million from investors, and money was not an issue: “We paid $100,000 just to produce the commercial.”

“This was going to be our first national tele­ vision ad,” states Friesen. “We are planning on rolling out an all­inclusive marketing strategy consisting of television, print, radio and online advertisements, but we wanted the Super Bowl ad to be our first.”

Shortly before ManCrunch announced the rejection, Jacobs of CBS said her company was

reviewing the ad and it was “just one of many.”

ManCrunch’s ad, which can be viewed on its Web site, shows two men watching the Super Bowl.

Their hands brush each other in the potato chip bowl, which inspires a passionate, male­on­male make­out session.

ManCrunch is not alone. Godaddy.com, an online retailer of Web site domain names, is running one ad in the Super Bowl this year but as posted on the www.southfloridagaynews.com website, had a second one rejected by CBS in the process.

That one featured a man named Lola.

The denial by CBS to air the ad has not gone un­ noticed, from gay bloggers to the mainstream press.

More than 700 hits were found when the story was researched on Google. The New York Post titled their coverage “Man­kiss ad isn’t gay­OK with CBS.” Other websites seem to suggest that Man­ Crunch produced the ad—and sent it to CBS— with the intention of generating more publicity by being rejected.

9

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

National News

Gay Man Says ‘Reversal’ Therapy Did Not Change Him

gays were bad people sank him into despair and to the brink of suicide. ‘’My mother would tell me she hated me,’’ he said. “Once she told me she wished she had had an abortion instead of a gay son.’’

Campbell cross-examined Kendall gently, asking if he ever believed the therapy could help,

By Lisa Leff

Associated Press Writer SAN FRANCISCO (AP)—A gay man testi­ fied Wednesday, January 20th in a federal same-sex marriage trial that the “reversal ther­ apy’’ he underwent as a teenager to change his sexual orientation drove him to the brink of suicide.

Lawyers for two same-sex couples suing to overturn California’s gay marriage ban called 26-year-old Ryan Kendall to the witness stand to demonstrate that a person’s sexual orientation cannot usually be changed.

The point is central to their effort to show that gays deserve special protections from discrimination under the U.S. Constitution.

Kendall said the therapy he tried at the insistence of his parents did nothing to turn him into a heterosexual.

“I was just as gay as when I started,’’ he said.

James Campbell, a lawyer for the ban’s sponsors objected to Kendall being allowed to testify, saying it was irrelevant to the legal issues in the case.

Kendall said his parents discovered he was gay as they read his journal when he was 13. He was from a religious family and

Protesters fighting for same-sex marriage in Proposition 8 Trial

his mother and father “flipped out,’’ he said.

“I remember my mother looking at me and telling me I was going to burn in hell,’’ he testified.

His parents sent him to a private Christian therapist and then a more intensive program run by the National Association for Repara­ tive Therapy of Homosexuality.

During his 18 months in the program, Kendall said he did not believe his sexual orientation could be changed and that hear­ ing from his therapist and his parents that

since he had been forced to go by his parents.

“Your only goal for conversion therapy was to survive the experience, is that true?’’

Camp­bell asked.

“Very true,’’ Kendall answered.

Campbell asked if Kendall knew anyone who had entered reparative therapy volun­ tarily. Kendall said he did not.

“You have testified your particular family experience was just as damaging to you as the therapy itself, was it not,’’ Campbell asked.

“Yes, I have,’’ he said.

Obama to Congress:

Extend Same-Sex Benefits

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) President Barack Obama called on Congress to pass a law extending benefits to same-sex partners, a day after he renewed his support for repealing the ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military.

Obama was responding to a question during a town hall meeting Thursday in Tampa,Fla. He noted a bill is pending that would extend to domestic partners benefits such as granting Social Security survivor payments and allowing hospital visitation.

Obama said: ``My hope is we can get it done.’’

Obama has acted administratively to extend some benefits to federal employees with same-sex partners.

He has called for a repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, which bars federal recognition of gay unions and the granting of benefits.

10

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Health and Nutrition

‘An Apple A Day’ Keeps Doctors Away

By Eat Well

A

is for Apple...and…Antioxidants Apples contain potent antioxidants which counteract the damaging effects to our cells caused by the process of oxidation. Re­ search indicates that antioxidants help delay the onset of age­related diseases such as can­ cer, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impair­ ment, Alzheimer’s disease, immune dysfunc­ tion, cataracts, and macular degeneration. In addition, apples are an excellent source of fiber, providing approximately four grams of dietary fiber in a medium­sized apple. Soluble and insoluble fiber can help lower your cho­ lesterol. Flavonoids, also prevalent in apples, prevent inflammation and have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease.

You might be surprised to learn that there are more than 7500 varieties of apples around

the world. Select apples that have smooth, clean skin with­ out soft or dark spots.

Apples should be stored in a plastic bag in the refrig­ erator. Tip: After you cut an apple, rub some lemon juice on the slices to keep them from turning brown.

The healthy benefits of apples gave rise to the adage “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

of Epidemiology states that low vitamin D and calcium levels may disrupt the communica­ tion between healthy cells, allowing more ag­ gressive cancer cells to take over.

BLOOD PRESSURE PILLS AND CORONARY HEART DISEASE According to a study published on the website of the British Medical Journal in May 2009, researchers found that blood pressure­lowering drugs reduced the number of fatal and non­fatal heart attacks by 25 percent and strokes by about 33 percent. The report states that “the preventive effect of lowering blood pressure is substantial.”

LACK OF vITAMIN D & CANCER

PNEUMONIA vACCINE PREvENTS SWINE FLU DEATHS

New studies indicate that low levels of vi­ tamin D may influence the development of cancer. A report in the May issue of Annals

Many of the serious consequences of swine flu are caused by the presence of pneumonia.

According to a recent article in the Los AngeFAW10_PrintAd.pdf

1

1/13/10

5:25 PM

les Times, the use of the common pneumonia vaccine has the “potential to prevent an esti­ mated one­third of pneumonia deaths linked to swine flu.” In early June, the CDC ex­ panded its recommendations on who should get the pneumonia vaccine. In addition to adults 65 and older or those with chronic ill­ nesses, it now includes people between the ages of 19 and 64 who are smokers or have asthma.

WHERE BUSINESS COMES TO SUCCEED. For advertising opportunities, call John Fugate.

954-530-4970

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

eHarmony Goes Gay

By Cliff Dunn

F

ollowing almost three years of litigation for a class-action suit brought by gays and lesbians, the popular online dating site eHarmony.com agreed January 26th to pay $500,000 and become more receptive to same-sex seekers of their perfect mates.

The suit was brought when bisexuals ac­ cused the company of double-billing them for access to both sites. Bi individuals will now have access to both sites for a single fee.

The settlement was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. Under its terms, eHarmony

will add a “Gay & Lesbian Dating” cat­ egory to its popular main Web site. Users will then be directed to CompatiblePart­ ners.net, an affiliate service established last year by the Sacramento, Californiabased company.

The eHarmony.com site at present pro­ vides links for black, Hispanic, Christian, Jewish, and senior dating, among others.

But it didn’t offer gay, lesbian and bisexu­ al matchmaking services until last spring.

Under the terms of the settlement, eHar­ mony—founded in 2000 by evangelical Christian Neil Clark Warren, a clinical psy­ chologist—will establish a $2 million fund, with $500,000 going to pay gay, lesbian and bisexual Californians who can prove they were harmed by the site’s discriminatory policies (the rest will go for legal fees). Each is expected to receive around $4,000. eHarmony has admitted to no wrongdo­ ing. With its bank accounts lighter by $2 million, officials are free to contemplate the philosophical differences between “right“ and “wrong .”

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12

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

‘Stars of the Rainbow’ Honorees Named

By Joey Amato

L

ast week, the GLCC/Pride Center an­ nounced their 2010 Stars of the Rain­ bow honorees, to be showcased at the annual Stars of the Rainbow fundraiser, to be held March 21st at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six. 2010 marks the Center’s 17th anniversary of providing valued services and programs to the community.

Guests attending this spectacular poolside event will be given the chance to make a dif­ ference in our community while gazing at the sunset over South Florida. This year’s theme is “Black & White” and guests are encour­ aged to wear cocktail-chic black or white attire. In addition to the always emotional Stars of the Rainbow ceremony, guests will be greeted by the sounds of the Delray String Quartet and be delighted by an elegant dis­ play of cuisine, fashion and entertainment.

The honorees represent individuals, busi­ nesses and organizations that exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and/or activism. Hon­

orees have represented the GLBT communi­ ty in a positive light, and have supported the efforts of the GLCC/Pride Center. This year’s honorees include: Business Star of the Year

Rosie’s Bar & Grill

Community Star of the Year

Richard Gray

Board Member Star of the Year

Nicole Mannarino, CPA—Board Treasurer. Partner, MarcumRachlin, a division of Marcum LLP Public Official Star of the Year

Anthony Neidwicki, Oakland Park City Commission Volunteer Star of the Year

Lavender Events for Women

Alan Schubert Humanitarian

Mona Pittenger

Tyler Healis Sustainability

John C. Graves Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward

Richard Gray

Anthony Neidwicki

Oakland Park City Commissioner Antho­ ny Neidwicki tells SFGN, “It is an honor to be re­cognized by such an important organi­ zation that gives so much to our community.

As an openly gay elected official and com­ munity activist, I have worked hard to make Oakland Park welcoming to and inclusive of the GLBT community and our families, so it is great to be recognized for my work.”

Richard Gray states, “It was a wonderful and very flattering sur­prise to hear that I was the recipient of the 2010 Community Star of the Year Award. Being honored by your community peers is the absolute icing on the cake, and makes all the years of my work helping Greater Fort Lauderdale be­ come one of the Top GLBT destinations in North America even more special.”

Mona Pittenger was “very flattered and quite humbled. The leadership of the GLCC/

Pride Center, both staff and volunteer, has done so much to make this project a reality I felt that be­ stowing such a high honor on me was indeed a selfless act.

Mona Pittenger As a community, we have a lot of work to do to grow to the same level as other major markets. The new Pride Center campus is a tremendous step in the right direction. It will take increased com­ mitment by the entire community to make equality a reality for all GLBT people, both in time and money.”

DATE:

Sunday, March 21

LOCATION: Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six 2301 S.E. 17th Street Causeway, Fort Lauderdale Time:

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

A limited amount of tickets are currently available for $150 and can be purchased at www.starsoftherainbow.com

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Travel

Out In – Atlanta

By Joey Amato

leather bar, is famous for its cavernous dark rooms and shadowy corners. The house DJ Features Editor always spins great music for patrons on the he Advocate recently ranked small but lively dance floor. The crowd at the Atlanta as the “Gayest City in Eagle tends to be hard-core, so visitors beware.

Swinging Richards is a fully nude male America”. One of my colleagues relocated to South Florida from the Georgia strip club (which you won’t find in South capital and said “hotlanta” wasn’t that hot. Florida), featuring some of the hottest danc­ Let’s explore the city and make that deter­ ers this side of the Bible Belt. With over 75 performers from around the world, Swing­ mination ourselves.

Long known for its charm and southern ing Richards is the largest all-male strip club in the country. hospitality, Atlanta has ex­ Helpful Links: Atlanta is no stranger to his­ www.gay-atlanta.com tory. One of America’s great­ www.atlantapride.org est icons has a museum in this www.outonfilm.org southern jewel. No, it’s not a person…it’s a soft-drink. The World of Coca-Cola features the largest collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia ever assembled and traces the centuryold history of the world’s most popular soft drink. Since its grand opening, the World of Coca-Cola Atlanta has wel­ perienced a cultural revolution in the past comed nearly nine million visitors and is At­ decade. Trendy real estate and chic lounges lanta’s most visited indoor attraction.

If science is what you crave, visit SciTreknow dot the landscape and are not only con­ centrated in Buckhead, the neighborhood The Science & Technology Museum of At­ best known for upscale boutiques and high- lanta. The museum houses over 140 per­ manent exhibits and is ranked in the top end restaurants.

LGBT visitors have gravitated to Mid­ ten science centers in the nation. Another town, Atlanta’s arts and entertainment dis­ great attraction is Zoo Atlanta. Located in trict. W Atlanta Midtown is located between the Grant Park neighborhood, Zoo Atlanta Piedmont Park and Midtown Mile, placing is proud to have on display the Giant Pandas it at the center of the city’s commercial and of Chengdu and over 250 species of animals cultural attractions, as well as near the city’s from all over the world in natural habitats.

Atlanta is also home to some of the high­ best nightlife. This hotel has become the est attended LGBT events in the country. epicenter for gay culture in the city.

Those looking to experience a hotel unique If you plan your vacation accordingly, you to the city should try Hotel Palomar, a styl­ can catch a performance by the Atlanta Gay ish Midtown hotel which offers pet-friendly Men’s Chorus, or attend Out on Film, Atlan­ luxury accommodations. If in-room spa treat­ ta’s LGBT film festival. 2010 marks the 23rd ments, L’Occitane bath amenities and glorious year for Out on Film, the largest LGBT event city views are your definition of a vacation, in Atlanta after Pride weekend.

And speaking of pride, The 40th Annual then Hotel Palomar is an excellent choice Of course southern boys and gals know Atlanta Pride Festival will be held this year how to party. Atlanta is home to almost 30 on October 9th and 10th, coinciding with LGBT bars and clubs, making it this destina­ National Coming Out Day (October 11th). tion an ideal place to visit if you are looking The Atlanta Pride Committee has also con­ to let loose. Some standout establishments firmed the official Kickoff Party, which will include Wild Mustang, a great choice if you take place on Friday, October 8th at the are into shirtless boys showing off their Georgia Aquarium.

Atlanta may not have the beaches of washboard abs. Cover charge is a bit steep, South Florida, but it does offer a lot for the but definitely worth it.

The Atlanta Eagle, Atlanta’s best-known LGBT community.

T

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February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

O.U.T. Leadership Conference Looks at Florida GLBT Adoption Laws

By Cliff Dunn

O

n Saturday, January 23rd, the Organizations United Together (O.U.T.) Federation held its 2nd Annual Winter Leadership Conference at the Orlando Marriott hotel. The conference was held in partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida LGBT Advocacy Project and the Gay & Les­ bian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).

The O.U.T. Federation, a Florida non­ profit corporation, is comprised of lo­ cal GLBT organizations and allied groups which promote equality and justice for GLBT Floridians.

Its executive director, Ted Howard, likens O.U.T. to the U.N. Security Council. “It’s a place at the table for GLBT organizations of all stripes,” he says. “There are too many in­ stances where limited resources and talent­ ed leaders are not being utilized properly or working unintentionally at cross-purposes with people who should be their natural al­ lies,” Howard observed.

Howard said that O.U.T. encourages lo­ cal groups to share resources and informa­ tion in pursuit of their collective aims. The

organization doesn’t engage in lobbying or electoral activity but instead devotes its re­ sources to education and training on mat­ ters of relevance to GLBT communities and their leaders.

The organization allows any local GLBT or allied group to apply for mem­

bership. Groups that seek O.U.T. Federation member­ ship agree to embrace and support equality for GLBT Floridians and to operate autonomously.

Participants at O.U.T.’s Leadership Conference were encouraged to attend work­ ing groups that targeted a variety of subjects, including business, faith, community, youth, health, arts, candi­ dates and elections, and lo­ cal ballot initiatives.

Also during the confer­ ence, a Q&A on civil rights was conducted by state Sen­ ator Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach) and state Representa­ tive Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton), sponsors of GLBT Out’s Ted howard, right, and above, pictured with a group of winter leadership conference attendees anti-discrimination bills in the Florida legislature.

In a letter to Gelber, a Democratic can­ business community, re­ didate for Florida attorney general, Wilton ligious leaders.”

States including Utah Manors resident Richard Rogowski, who at­ tended the Leadership Conference, wrote: “I and Mississippi (and, as am fighting for the right of last November, Arkan­ of gay people to adopt.” sas) effectively ban gays Added Rogowski: “This and lesbians from adopt­ is a question of equal ing with laws prohibiting adoption by unmarried rights. Period.”

One of the highlights couples, but Florida is of the O.U.T Federation the only state that pro­ conference was a train­ hibits by law gay men and lesbians, both ing held by the ACLU individuals and couples, from adopting of Florida and GLAAD children.

In 1977, state lawmakers passed the leg­ that focused upon Flor­ ida’s ban on adoption by islation following a campaign led by enter­ gay men and lesbians. tainer Anita Bryant to repeal a gay rights The session, conducted ordinance adopted by Miami-Dade (at the

by Los Angeles-based time known as Dade) County.

O.U.T. conference attendees of the ACLU/ trainer Dannie Tillman of GLAAD, concen­ trated on imparting communication skills GLAAD training session learned techniques that will achieve the overall aim of parity in for preparing and delivering short presen­ tations on gay adoption, conducting media state adoption laws.

“What we’re looking to do,” says How­ interviews, and generally winning hearts ard, “is to build a conversation with ev­ and minds in this often volatile area of pub­ eryone: friends, neighbors, family, the lic policy.

The O.U.T. Winter Leadership Confer­ ence occurred at a timely moment in Flori­ da GLBT history. Any day now, a court rul­ ing is expected in the case of Martin Gill.

Gill, a 48-year-old North Miami flight at­ tendant, and his partner have been fighting to adopt two foster children they’ve been raising since 2004. A Miami-Dade circuit

court judge found in 2008 that Florida’s gay adoption ban is unconstitutional and ordered the state to permit the adoption.

The ruling, which said that state law possessed “no ratio­ nal basis” for prevent­ ing gays and lesbians from adopting, was appealed to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, which heard the case in August 2009. A ruling could occur at any time.

O.U.T.’s Howard says his organization and allied groups are ready for the outcome, whichever way it falls. “The training ses­ sions are preparing for next steps,” he says.

“Regardless of the [appeals court] decision, there will already be a groundswell of edu­ cation in place.”

More information on the O.U.T. Federation can be found at its Web site www.OutFL.org

15

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Obama Asks and Tells

Keeps Promise to Repeal Gay Military Ban

By Cliff Dunn “This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are. It’s the right thing to do.” ­ —President Barack Obama, January 27, 2010

I

t was just two sentences out of a speech that lasted over an hour, but gay and lesbian Americans have been waiting for two decades to hear those words.

Making good on his promise to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ President Obama used his first State of the Union address to call for an end to the Defense Department policy which allows gays and lesbians to only serve in the armed forces as long as they do not publicly reveal their sexual orientation to others.

The military discharged nearly 10,000 ser­ vice members under the policy in a 10-year period, from 1997 to 2007. The law has re­ mained in effect under President Obama, and hundreds more soldiers have been discharged since his inauguration.

“Don’t wait, don’t delay,” was the response

from U.S. Army Lt. Dan Choi, the Iraq combat veteran and West Point grad who jeopardized his military career in March 2009 when he de­ clared during an appearance on “The Rachel Maddow Show” on MSNBC “I am gay.”

In a May 2009 letter to Obama, Choi wrote: “I served in the Army for a decade under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ an immoral policy that forces American soldiers to lie about their sexual orien­ tation. Worse, it forces others to tolerate decep­ tion. As I learned at West Point, deception and lies poison a unit and cripple a fighting force.”

One of the more famous servicepersons dis­ charged is the renowned Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer, whose life story was featured in a 1995 movie starring Glenn Close.

Honorably discharged in 1992, Cammer­ meyer told the South Florida Gay News: “It was heartening to hear President Obama mention that he would work with Congress to overturn Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

“I would be honored to have a Command­ er-in-Chief acting as President Truman, and pushing for the repeal of a law which has created two classes of people, one open and affirming, the other second class, secretive and disrespected,” she added.

Cammermeyer, who was eventually rein­ stated to the Armed Forces in 1994, added: “It is past time when the dedicated commit­ ment of gay and lesbian service members is acknowledged and celebrated by allowing them to serve in the military with full ap­ preciation of their humanity.”

Mark LaFontaine of Oakland Park, Na­ tional Treasurer of American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) says that it will be eas­ ier to gain support for repeal “by the mili­ tary brass than many lawmakers.” AVER is the oldest and largest gay Veterans Service Organization in the United States.

Noted LaFontaine, a United States Coast Guard veteran, “The leadership understands that DADT is not working and is not a true representation of our military’s mission to

be guardians of freedom and representatives of the liberty they have sworn to defend,” “Congress will be another story entirely,” LaFontaine said. “I think we need to bring veterans from every era in service that expe­ rienced discrimination to the congressional hearings. Right now, we only seem to hear from those kicked out under DADT and for­ get about those who served prior and were subjected to witch hunts, torture, false im­ prisonment and other abuses.”

“Their stories,” he predicts, “combined with those from the DADT casualties, will show the history of abuse and discrimina­ tion against GBLT servicemen and women.

This could help Congress to gather enough votes to pass this legislation.”

Military analysts agree. Colonel Om Prakash, a Pentagon staff officer, has argued forcefully for an end to DADT. Prakash says “it is not time for the administration to reex­ amine the issue; rather, it is time for the ad­ ministration to examine how to implement the repeal of the ban.”

Also calling for the repeal of DADT are Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Rob­ ert Gates, who was originally a Republican appointee of President George W. Bush.

Both officials will testify tomorrow before the Senate Armed Services Committee at its special session.

2D ays Lat er.. .

Jan uar y V

olu me 25, 2 1, I ssu 010 e1

Breaking News from Day 1

www.southfloridagaynews.com

16

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Jennifer Vanasco

Gay Marriage Is Not the ‘New’ Abortion

G

SFGN Editorial

2/1/2010

CBS Embarrasses Itself by Rejecting Same-Sex Ad Norm Kent, Publisher

W

e concluded last week’s editorial by saying gay men and women are normal neighbors. We are partners in our community, not apart from it.

This week, even gay and lesbian Ameri­ cans will gather by their TV sets and in popular sports bars or in family gatherings to watch the Super Bowl. Venues such as Georgie’s Alibi and Sidelines in Wilton Man­ ors will be packed, having established them­ selves as popular gay sports bars.

The Super Bowl promises to be a spec­ tacular game between two great teams with awesome aerial attacks.

The popular event costs advertisers nearly three million dollars to run even a 60 sec­ ond spot. Major corporations routinely use the venue to showcase virgin ads and new marketing campaigns. Television shows are subsequently produced just to comment on the Super Bowl ads.

Typically, those ads stay away from too much controversy or politics. However, this year USF quarterback Tim Tebow will be featured in a commercial for the rabidly antigay group, Focus on the Family.

At the same time, word comes to all of us that a gay dating site ad featuring a comical gay kiss has been summarily rejected by CBS. In doing so, they have given more publicity to the

ad then if it had run quietly during the game.

An anti—abortion ad gets its day in the sun and the pro gay ad is forced into a clos­ et. Someone tell CBS we don’t do closets anymore. This is a double standard, and we should not stand for it.

Straight and gay dating sites on the Inter­ net have become internationally visible and financially viable. It’s the fad of the pres­ ent and the wave of the future. To quote from Hairspray, you can’t stop the flow of the ocean.

There is still a world out there that defines us not by our deeds in the daytime, but by what kinds of things people think we do in the night time. It is none of their business.

An advertisement showing that gays date and mate as straights do sends a message that we are normal too. The CBS decision to reject the ad while accepting one from Focus on the Family is wrong.

SFGN joins the chorus of those media en­ tities encouraging CBS to redact its decision to deny Mancrunch.com an opportunity to air their happy same-sex moment. CBS should work to partner with the gay com­ munity and not alienate it.

Hey, CBS, would it surprise you to learn there will even be a few gay Olympians in Vancouver later this month?

ay marriage is not like abortion.

This might seem obvious—one is about keeping a life from starting, the other is about joining two lives together—but in fact, gay marriage is compared to abortion a lot.

People lump gay marriage in the same po­ larizing issue category as abortion and gun control all the time. It’s one of the issues, it seems, that defines someone as a liberal or conservative, from a Red state or a Blue one.

For example, the Washington Post said in a headline in 2004 that gay marriage is “the new abortion.”

And often, legal experts or other talking heads will predict the outcome of a Supreme Court gay mar­ riage battle by looking at Roe v. Wade. That deci­ sion was a disaster, they say, because the Court’s opinion protecting the right to an abortion was far ahead of public opin­ ion. The country was heading toward making abortion legal anyway, the theory goes, until the Court made a big deal about it and caused a backlash that we’re still suffering from.

But gay marriage is not abortion.

In a New Yorker article on the Proposi­ tion 8 trial Perry v. Schwarzenegger, which is currently being argued, Margaret Talbot writes that researchers who “have studied public opinion on gay rights, believe that in five years a majority of Americans will favor same-sex marriage—the result of genera­ tional replacement and what [one research­ er] calls ‘attitude adjustment.’”

She goes on to say, “The generational di­ vide does not produce such results for all so­ cial issues. On abortion, for instance, younger Americans tend to be less supportive of un­ fettered rights. Nor does gay marriage seem to be a life-cycle issue—one that people be­ come more conservative about as they age.”

Also, when people change their minds about gay marriage, they tend to do it in only one direction—become approving.

Abortion can change minds either way.

Why is this? Because intuitively, people understand that abortion (or gun control) is fundamentally different from gay marriage.

Abortion and gun control are both pri­ vacy issues.

People who want an abortion or want to own a gun (or who don’t want to wear a seat­ belt or get their kid immunized) are people who want to make a personal choice without government interference or regulation.

In a world without a government, they would be able to make these choices un­ hindered.

Also, they apply to every­ one equally. Either every woman can get an abor­ tion or no one can.

Gays and lesbians who want to get married are simply asking to be regu­ lated in the same way as straight couples. We are asking that the laws apply equally to us.

Yes, we can opt out of the system all together.

We can get married in a church without the state’s involvement or not marry at all, but live together as a cou­ ple. That would be a private choice, and that is the sort of choice already addressed by the overturning of sodomy laws by the Supreme Court in Lawrence v Texas.

But what we want is for the law to apply to us. We WANT to be regulated in the same way as anyone else. We WANT the state to sanction our unions. We want to abide by the state’s tax laws for couples.

The reason that people (even conserva­ tive people, like Dick Cheney) move toward acceptance of gay marriage is because even­ tually they recognize that the issue is not a moral question—as abortion is—but instead is about a fundamental issue of fairness.

Gay marriage is not abortion. Let’s not pre­ dict failure just because we think it is.

Jennifer Vanasco is an award-winning, syndicated columnist. Follow her at http://www.Twitter.com/ JenniferVanasco. Email her at jennifer.vanasco@ gmail.com

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

17

Legal Analysis

Understanding Florida’s Hate Crime Law

By Norm Kent

A

few months ago, I had the op­ portunity to address a rally com­ memorating the life of Craig Co­ hen, beaten senselessly to death last April outside the Peter Pan Diner in Oakland Park, Florida.

Not too long after Craig was attacked, so too was another young man, David Villano­ va, assaulted at a nearby location.

There was no rhyme or reason to either assault or beating; just another one of those shocking things we come home to at night and see on our television sets. A gang of teen­ agers were suspected of the crime.

Because both victims were gay, there was reasonable speculation that this gang was tar­ geting gay men. If that could be established, the attack would be a ‘hate crime.’

What exactly is a hate crime and how is it different from any other crime?

Surprisingly, lots of people still do not fully understand the law.

Hate crimes, or bias-motivated crimes, are defined as offenses motivated by hatred against a victim- based on his or her race, religion, sexual orientation, handicap, ethnicity, or na­ tional origin.

In Florida, for a long time, African Americans have been primary targets. Since 9-11, nation­ ally, Muslims have been increasingly victim­ ized. However, for the gay community, when it comes to hate crimes, we have always been the ‘chosen people.’

The most important thing to understand about a crime based on hate is that, if prov­

Write to the Editor Please send your letters to: Letters to the Editor SFGN 2520 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 OR EMAIL: editor@southfloridagaynews.com

mation released to the watched or witnessed the attack, and did en, it enhances or lawyers of the accused nothing, were charged. Under that circum­ increases the penal­ has now suggested stance, then a hate crime would boost that ties for the assail­ that the sexual pref­ criminal’s potential sentence. ant. That is no small Accordingly, if you are ever unfortunate erence of the victims thing, because it can didn’t factor in when enough to be exposed to such a tragic circum­ take a simple assault, their attackers were stance, do your best to keep your wits about which is a misde­ planning or commit­ you, consciously recording those words or meanor, and raise it deeds an attacker accosted you with, so that ting the crimes. to the level of a third They were just vi­ your claim you were the victim of a hate degree felony. cious human beings crime will be sustained as a matter of law.

Craig Cohen suf­ Sadly, both as to David and Craig, the looking to rob some­ fered many months one, anyone, they swift and sudden assaults, and the grave in the hospital after found defenseless. To injuries to each party, prevented the State his attack, but now charge the defendants of Florida from establishing a hate crime he has died from the with a hate crime from the outset. So far, nothing any of the injuries. then would subject culprits have said has formed the basis for The suspects, even­ the count to a mo­ changing that determination. tually apprehended, The late Craig Cohen.

His life taken last April.

It’s too bad, because the possibility exists tion to dismiss by a could be charged seasoned and skilled the actions were hate-based, but it just can­ with premeditated not be proven up. murder. As such, they may face the death defense attorney.

We need not blame the sheriff or the state The next possible way of prosecuting the penalty for their crimes.

Since the suspects would already be fac­ case as a hate crime would be if independent attorney. Instead, let us blame the culprits ing the maximum penalty for their acts, that witnesses heard something during the event for their inexcusable hate. it may have been a hate crime would only be that proved up the intent and bias of the assailants. an aggravating factor in their sentencing.

Since both David and Craig were attacked That has not happened here.

One last alternative to suddenly from behind, and could not offer detectives any evidence of what the assailants prosecute this case as a said prior to striking them, there was insuf­ hate crime might have ficient evidence to prove up a hate crime by been if one of the accused turned on the others and their words.

Neither could the victims identify the at­ said, “yeah, we planned it tackers. Thus, establishing the predicates for for the Peter Pan Diner be­ a hate crime became insurmountable, even if cause we knew we would get an easy gay target.” Nei­ it were one.

The first step for detectives to determine if a ther of those circumstances hate crime occurred is to interview the assail­ has panned out in this case ants and see if they confess to their intentions. thus far.

Consequently, even if If it was proven that a group of attackers were sitting around in a room and had conspired to BSO had the best of inten­ go out “and get them some fags,” law enforce­ tions, the information they ment would have the necessary elements to turned over to the State Attorney’s office was insuf­ charge a hate cime.

Matthew Shepard, victim of hate crime.

If they did so, that would raise the offense ficient as a matter of law to from an aggravated battery where the guys charge a hate crime penalty Let us light a candle and remind ourselves would be facing up to 15 years to a first degree enhancement.

As to Craig Cohen, it will not matter any­ that though Craig may not have been target­ felony where they would be facing life.

Before interviewing the assailants, detec­ more. Murder is murder and you face the ed because he was gay, many of your broth­ tives may have suspected it was a hate based harshest penalty. Where it would matter is ers and sisters are still, from South Florida’s attack on both victims. But preliminary infor­ if one of the other assailants, who simply shores to California’s coasts.

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February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Guest Columnist

‘Steamy Showers,’ Gay Lifestyle Condemned Christian Messenger Warns About Dangers of TV Show ‘Glee’ doing gay things with guys in the bathroom.”

By Stephenson Billings Christwire.org

GOLDEN GIRLS CONNECTION

A

Recently, I wrote about studies that re­ vealed the dangerous influence that the 1980s TV show “The Golden Girls” had on American men now in their 30s, 40s and 50s The link between watching the Girls and in­ creased risks of homosexual behavior was made abundantly meaningful. In a nutshell, the Golden Girls turned a generation away from procreation. It made our American boys into the most raunchy, campy, carnal people on the planet.

If we let ‘“Glee”’ continue, our children will find a way to watch it. It is a drug that is that addictive. If our children continue to watch, they will undoubtedly be influenced by its radical same-sex messages.

How many middle-aged men will find them­ selves in a dead-end “Glee”-based lifestyle?

Will they be ostentatious and sensitive, their dreams smashed up against a wall cry­ ing out to have that giant hole in their souls stuffed with some musky foreign thrill?

Will they be violating what’s left of our traditional cultural landscape with unimagi­ nable high-tech perversions, drenching, nay drowning the bright young men of tomor­ row in their relentless sauces of net porn and show tunes, maximized liberties and stem-cell party drugs?

Will male sports just become an excuse for gay locker room orgies?

How long until these types also leg­ islate to destroy the beauty of marriage, the safety of religion, and the rights of the righteous?

Look into the eyes of a young Kurt Hummel. Is that not the face our of fu­ ture’s polymorphous perverse intellectual terrorist?

Change the channel my friends. Change the channel and change the world!

n innocuous little show popped up on America’s tv screens late last year. Its name is “Glee” and it’s full of vibrant teens dealing with the gentle challenges of high school life. These are freshfaced kids, hard working and motivated, who can break into song at the drop of a sweaty football. But is there more to this sugary pop of a series? Should parents be concerned about any subtext of adult themes and situa­ tions? What makes this show so popular?

An in-depth analysis of “Glee” will certain­ ly raise the eyebrows of parents across Ameri­ ca. It contains a surprising number of mature scenarios—from pre-marital sex to drug use, from adultery to abortion, from premature ejaculation to explicit homosexual experi­ mentation. “Glee” goes out of its way to ap­ pear wholesome at first glance. It is colorful and cheerful with a scent of innocence. The message it seems to send is that teens should stay in school and aim for college. Yet beyond that (once the adults in the room tune out), it descends into a much darker place.

The ethical and social risks that “Glee” poses are so severe that it is unworthy of a home on a national network and should be removed from broadcast.

SEXUALITY, SPORTS AND SHOWTUNES To understand the dangerous implications of this poorly conceived series, let me start with the characters. They are just not believ­ able. All the women students look to be in their late 20s or early 30s in real life. The teachers aren’t the suffering and hardened types you’ll find in real American public schools. This rosy little place of “Glee” is de­ void of gun violence, sexting, drug dealing, suicide and larger questions of faith.

Instead of a real world high school, we have happy, shirtless teens hanging out in the showers or dancing on million dollar stages.

Why must the producers of this show have so many shots of the football team in the lock­

Glee boys rehearsing ‘Single Ladies’ performance

er room? They’re constantly dropping their shorts and jumping into a steamy shower, showing off tight biceps or lathering them­ selves all over with a fresh bar of soap. Is this some crafty attempt to appeal to the homo­ sexual segment of the show’s audience? Is it really appropriate for today’s male teens to let this sort of soft-core utopia influence them?

Additionally, the show has far too many musical numbers. From R&B hits to show tunes to classic rock & roll, the boys and girls of “Glee” really can put on a perfor­ mance. But it’s not convincing. They come across as trying too hard with their exaggerated facial expressions and hip postur­ ing, the soaring voices rang­ es. The singing is just too finely polished. The dance numbers are too excruciat­ ingly choreographed. No high school kids can put on these sorts of shows at the spur of a moment. These things require years of gutwrenching training.

Another major fault with the show is its fawning cel­ ebration of teenage homo­

sexuality and consumer indulgence. Again the show makes the case that accepting the gay lifestyle and making yourself as outra­ geous as possible will help you achieve some­ thing despite whatever social limitations you may have. The show does not offer any al­ ternative to the gay lifestyle argument. There are no teens cured of their relentless and wild male sex desire.

There are no moral figures on hand to give a comforting hand, there are no popular boys who say, “I don’t want to hurt my family any­ more and I love Jesus, so I am going to stop

Stephenson Billings is an Investigative Journalist, Motivational Children’s Party Entertainer and Antique Soda Bottle Collector all in one special, blessed package! Fan mail him at Stephenson@ Christwire.org

19

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Wayne Besen

God, Football and Urban Meyer

By Wayne Besen

I

n a dramatic move, University of Florida’s legendary football coach, Ur­ ban Meyer, abruptly quit the sport on Christmas Day. His decision came after a hos­ pitalization for chest pains and a realization that he had nearly worked himself to death building a championship team. Meyer’s pro­ digious work habits included neglecting his family and e-mailing recruits in church.

“I’m a person of faith and I wanted to make sure I had my priorities straight,” said Meyer. “A lot of times, coaches do not have their priorities straight. You put business before God and family, you have a problem.”

Of course, this is wishful thinking. If Meyer had actually prioritized God and family before the pigskin, he’d make a fine deacon and a great father…..and a mediocre Division II coach. Those who reach the pin­ nacle in sports have a rare combination of natural gifts and an obsessive need to win.

For example, the two most successful bas­ ketball players in my lifetime are Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant – both of whom are

pathological competitors. Their need to win likely crosses over into a disorder – but that is what it takes to be a champion.

For all his talk about God, it was the text messages and e-mails from the pews that catapulted the coach into saint­ hood in Gaines­ ville. The choice was to worship on Sunday or be wor­ shiped by adoring fans each Saturday – and Meyer chose the latter. This is not a criticism, just a reality check on Meyer’s mes­ sage that he could have reversed his priorities and still had the same successful career. I doubt he could have.

When Meyer announced his retirement, his 18-year old daughter hugged him and said, “I get my daddy back.” The coach said that he was retiring because God had told him to quit and his daughter’s reaction was confirmation of this divine intervention.

Two days later, following an afternoon on the practice field, Meyer changed his mind and switched his retirement status to a “leave of absence.” He expects to coach next fall.

So, did Meyer misinterpret God, confuse God’s voice with his own desires or is the coach defying His will by returning to the sideline?

In sports, it seems, God is always on the winning side, ready to snatch victory from the presumably heathen team, and deliver the game to the good guys. However, the notion is quite offensive and in some ways ruins the game. Why even watch, after all, if the sport is fixed and a victory is already preordained by God? In any case, I think that ath­ letes and coaches should get back to scoring touchdowns or drawing up plays on chalk­ boards. The whole “catch a ball for God” routine is get­ ting quite stale. Just once I’d like to see an athlete say, “I dropped the ball because Jesus doesn’t like me.”

Why not? Does He not get the credit for touchdowns, with an increasing number of spoiled, solipsistic athletes pointing towards the heavens after each score?

It is also outrageous to think that God gives a damn about football when children are starving and wars are raging. On my block

in New York City, there are about a half-doz­ en hobos who are exposed to the harshness of winter. I’d like to think that a just deity would end such injustice before traipsing off each Sunday to the New York Giants game.

For selfish reasons, as a University of Florida alumnus, I am glad Meyer is return­ ing. I like to win and gator chomp and it makes me feel good to marinade in victory.

It was exhilarating to crush Cincinnati 5124 in the Sugar Bowl.

But can we finally keep God off the goal line and have a separation of sports and Scripture? Can former Gator quarterback, Tim Tebow, an incredible athlete and a seemingly decent person, complete one sen­ tence without mentioning Jesus and turning it into a prayer?

The fact that an athlete is gifted, does not mean he is God’s gift to the universe. Fun­ damentalist athletes and coaches alike aren’t special and should stop acting like Moses, just because they get to appear on ESPN’s Sports Center.

Although, after watching Tebow pass for a career-high 482 yards and three touch­ downs while rushing for 51 yards against Cincinnati, I wouldn’t rule out that he could part the Red Sea. Wayne Besen, a Fort Lauderdale native, is an author, activist, columnist and public speaker. Now residing in Brooklyn, NY, he is the Director of Truthwinsout. org, exposing the lies of the anti-gay movement.

Super Bowl Analysis

20 Reasons Why Gays Don’t Play Football By the SFGN Staff

1

End Runs would take on new meaning.

2

All the good uniform color combinations are taken.

3 4 5

eam showers would T just take too long.

Team huddles might become too cuddly.

Teams would be fashionably late for kickoff.

6

Not enough players would want to be wide receivers.

7

Too many players would want to be tight ends.

8

In some circles, roughing the kicker would be rewarded.

9

pponents might be tackled O even if they didn’t have the ball.

10

F ourth-down and inches to go would also take on a whole new meaning.

11

ll the quarterbacks A would be throwing forward passes for extra points.

12

Holding would no longer be a penalty.

13

L ockers are too small for all their fashion accessories.

14

elmets would have H to be lined in velvet, or not worn to protect “faux-hawks.”

15

There is no texting in Football.

16

J ock straps bought on freshpair.com offer no real support.

17 18

he Hail Mary Pass T would be interpreted as a mating call.

Drop Back would, well you figure it out.

19

I f a gay man found a real Colt, he would do more than tackle him.

20

I f a gay man found a real Saint, he would think about something other than football.

20

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

ARGH! I’M LATE FOR WORK! I CAN’T BELIEVE SHE LEFT IT ON EMPTY!

234

Committment Test # 234

For advertising opportunities, call Brian Swinford: 954-530-4970

The film Watercolors will be screened at Cinema Paradiso.

y r a s r e v i n n 10th A

February 1, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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22

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Chorus Line: In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. For 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It’s what they’ve worked for with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives. It’s the one opportunity to do what they’ve always dreamed – to have the chance to dance. This is A Chorus Line, the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line. Winner of nine Tony Awards®, including “Best Musical” and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, this singular sensation is the longestrunning American Broadway musical ever.

Now A Chorus Line returns. Come meet the new generation of Broadway’s best. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts: February 2-7. Tickets start at $25. www.kravis.org

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E-YO: Live in Concert with special guests Jagged Edge and Verse Simmonds.The multi-talented Ne-Yo is sure to get everyone on their feet dancing and singing with his memorable Top Ten Hits including “Miss Independent,” “Because of You,” “So Sick,” “Closer” and many more! An energetic and diverse pop and R&B singer– songwriter, record producer, actor and occasional rapper, NeYo is also the mastermind behind chart-topping hits for super hot performers Beyoncé and Rihanna.The Knight Center: February 4.

Tickets start at $35. www.arshtcenter.org

makes this a truly decadent evening. Presented by the Junior League of Boca Raton. The Shops at Boca Center: February 4. Tickets start at $30. www.bocachocolate.com

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ucia Di Lammermoor (Florida Grand Opera): It’s not your typical wedding! Donizetti’s gripping tale of unrestrained passion, madness, murder and suicide will leave you reeling in your seat. Great music, spectacular settings and powerful drama make this one of grand opera’s all time favorites. It stars Eglise Gutierrez, who makes a stunning return to Miami following her 2008 debut as Violetta in Florida Grand Opera’s production of La traviata. Broward Center for the Performing Arts: February 4-6. Tickets start at $21. www.browardcenter.org

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iami City Ballet: The Neighborhood Ballroom — Back for its first full encore since its 2003 premiere is Edward Villella’s evening-length, action packed, atmosphere-drenched tale of a poet, his muses, and the great ballroom dances of the early and mid -20th century: the seductive waltz, quick-stepping jazz (including the Charleston), the fox-trot, where couples dance in the dark to big-band music, and the mambo, which ruled the dance floor in the 1950s. It’s Ballroom meets Ballet. Adrienne Arsht Center: February 5-7.Tickets start $19. www.arshtcenter.org

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ot a big football fan and not planning to watch the Super Bowl? Lips, the ultimate in drag dining, will be the place to be as it presents “Retro Rewind,” a special 70’s-80’s celebration hosted by Diva on Sun., Feb. 7 at 7 pm to benefit ArtsUnited as hocolate Decadence: A spectacular evening of sampling sweet and part of its Art Explosion International LGBT savory gourmet delights from South Florida’s Arts Festival. Reservations are required.

Please call 954-567-0987 or visit www. renowned restaurants, caterers and more. lipsusa.com.

Great food, wine, music and entertainment

C

Chicken with Two Rear Ends Found in Ocala Signs Dancing Contract with Boardwalk

By Dave Schlenker OCALA, Fla. (AP) — OK, we need to be careful here. This is a family newspaper, and the follow­ ing report invites a minefield of poultry puns about poultry buns.

Yet the fact remains: There is a chicken in Ocala with two rear-ends.

Not Earth-shattering news, mind you, but it is an anomaly that has a Marion County agri­ cultural agent puzzled and seeking answers.

How is this possible? How common is it?

Should the hen breed?

Southwest Ocala residents Alfredo and Ana Cruz bought the Red Star chicken from a friend recently with a batch of other chickens. They raise the animals for fun, eating and sharing the egg bounty with friends and family.

Weeks after the purchase, Ana said, she noticed the hen had a fuller back area, ac­ centuated by the chicken’s plume of white feathers. The couple brushed the feathers away and found two pubic regions, spaced about two inches apart horizontally. Typi­ cally, there is one such region in the center with a single orifice.

The couple dubbed the chicken J-Lo af­ ter shapely celebrity Jennifer Lopez.

“You know the singer? She has a lot of butt.

Well, this one is bigger,’’ Alfredo said Wednes­ day, motioning toward the chicken, which was snacking on uncooked rice and casually strolling around her pet-carrying case.

He spoke from the Marion County Agricul­tural Complex, where the couple met Nola Wil­son, the small-animal ex­ tension agent. The appointment was set up so Wilson could examine the chicken.

Wilson’s professional assessment: Yes, J-Lo has two pubic regions, one slightly larger than the other. And, no, Wilson has never seen anything like it.

“OK. Interesting,’’ Wilson said, examin­ ing J-Lo, who did not seem to mind all the pointing and staring and photographing.

Wilson plans to send the photos to the In­

SEPARATED AT BIRTH?

stitute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida, which might be able to provide more information on the oddity.

“My main curiosity is why. Is it something genetic?’’ Wilson said. She advised J-Lo’s owners to hold off breeding the chicken until she had more information. Otherwise, there could be some confusion among the breed­ ing participants, thus frustrating and anger­ ing said parties with sharp claws and beaks.

There may also be a health risk to the chicken if, by chance, she was able to lay two eggs in one sitting, said Scotti Hester, a professor of animal sciences at Purdue Uni­ versity in Indiana. If the chicken was capa­ ble of laying twice the eggs, it likely would lose too much calcium, she said.

So far, though, J-Lo has laid only two eggs within days of each other—considered normal output. Alfredo, who estimates the chicken is between 6 and 8 months old, said Thursday he was waiting for J-Lo to lay another egg at any moment.

While Hester was intrigued by Ocala’s spe­ cial chicken, she said she has seen stranger things, including a foot growing out of a chick­ en’s backside. Such occurrences are “very, very low,’’ she said, but “it happens throughout the animal kingdom every now and then.’’

Hester said X-rays could determine if the chicken has two ovary ducts, but J-Lo’s owners—while chuckling over their pet’s 15 minutes of fame—are content to just leave her be and enjoy a quiet existence on their property near Ocala’s airport.

“We’re just going to keep her. We don’t want to have any profit or anything like that,’’ Alfredo said. “We’ll hold onto her for a long time.’’

23

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Boom Boom Pow Big-Name Performers Make Art Explosion’s 10th Anniversary Pop

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo is one of the highlights of

Art Explosion.

By Mary Damiano

Art Explosion began as a one-nightonly art exhibition at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale. It has continued to grow and evolve over the years, tran­ rom a wickedly popu­ sitioning from a local art show to an lar international allinternational festival of GLBT arts. male dance troupe Art Explosion kicks off Satur­ to the grande dame of lesbian day, February 6 with the opening comics, Art Explosion cel­ night of their signature art exhi­ ebrates its 10th anniversary with bition at ArtServe. The theme of a splashy, big-name festival. the opening night event is “Car­ sUnited Stonewall Artist of the Month. The “It’s by far the best one we’ve naval!” in celebration of this year’s opening reception is Monday, February 8 had so far,” says Keith Clark, execu­ spotlight country, Brazil Brazilian art­ and runs through the month. tive director of ArtsUnited, the organiza­ Clark, who has been involved in Art Ex­ ists and performers will be highlighted tion that produces Art Explosion, which that night and throughout plosion since 2005, will also have a solo takes place February 4-20. “It doesn’t have as many events Tuta Veloso’s photograph the festival. More than 500 exhibition called “With You I’m Still Noth­ ‘Fetal’ is included in his guests will be greeted by ing” at Gallery 101 on February 12. as last year, but we focused solo exhibition at the On the theatre side, local actor Matthew on quality over quantity.”

Stonewall Library, part of Carmen Miranda (played In addition to the perfor­ the ArtsUnited Stonewall by Eva Weiner), enjoy Bra­ Glass and director Michael Yawney are mances and exhibitions of Artist of the Month series. zilian music by Djjust Oli­ teaming up for a staged reading of Something ver, Capoeira by Academy Something Uber Alles, by gay playwright As­ national and local artists, Art Explosion is celebrating its 10th anniversary of Copoeira Corpo e Movimento by Mestre surbanipal Babilla, who was head of Iran’s in a big way. There’s a performance by inter­ Pele, Samba by Pualo Gualano, plus a one- National Theatre until he was forced to flee national dance sensation Les Ballets Trock­ night-only erotic art exhibit, art and video Iran because of his controversial writings. adero de Monte Carlo, a 16-member all-male installations, performance art, and compli­ The play is a dark, one-man comedy about a Hitler look-alike who is troupe that dances a fine line between high abducted by two gay pas­ art and high camp. There’s two-time Gram­ try chefs for a subterranean my winning performer Matt Alber, whose Fuhrer worshipping cult to video “End of the World” won the OUT Mu­ be their living god. sic Awards Video of the Year for 2009. And GLBT films will also be there’s comedian Kate Clinton, whose witty screened at Cinema Para­ insights about the personal and the politi­ diso and the Stonewall cal makes her one of the most popular and Library, including Watersought-after lesbian comics. colors, Connie and Carla, “It’s probably been about four years since Parting Glances and MaKate Clinton has appeared in South Florida, L esbian comic Kate Clinton G rammy-winning artist dame Sota. but she’s coming for our 10th anniversary,” is this year’s Art Explosion Matt Alber will perform at This 10th anniversary says Clark. “And a huge coup is Ballet Trock­ finale.

Sunshine Cathedral. event is a triumph for Art adero—they probably haven’t been to South Explosion. The economy has taken its toll Florida in 10 years. They tour very little in mentary wine bar and desserts.

Tuta Veloso, a local Brazilian-born artist, on not-for-profit organizations, with arts the U.S., but we’ve got them.”

About 4,000 people attended various Art has been coordinating the Brazilian aspect organizations being especially hard hit.

Clark says that ArtsUnited has lost 40 per­ Explosion events last year. Clark expects of opening night.

“He’s got every Brazialian person he cent of its corporate sponsorships and 30 that number to climb higher this year. Ticket sales have been brisk—the Kate Clinton and knows involved in it,” says Clark. Veloso percent of government sponsorships.

“This year we got the budget down to Ballet Trockadero shows were nearly sold out will also exhibit his artwork in a solo show during Art Explosion, as the February Art­ the bare minimum,” says Clark, who first before the program book hit the streets.

Arts Editor

F

participated in Art Explosion in 2005. “But since Christmas, a lot of our sponsors have come back. There’s seems to be a little more loosening of the wallets over last year.”

Art Explosion is just the beginning of a full calendar of events presented by Art­ sUnited. In the spring, there’s the second annual Gay and Lesbian Literary Arts Fes­ tival (GALLA) at the Stonewall Library.

The event will bring prominent authors from around the country for several days of readings and workshops. Christopher Rice, Edmund White and John Rechy, are already confirmed for GALLA. There’s also a new event, the ArtsUnited Perform­ ing Arts Series, which launches with Matt Alber’s performance at Sunshine Cathed­ edral during Art Explosion. This series will bring GLBT performers to the Abdo River Room at Broward Center for con­ certs in an intimate, cabaret-style setting.

There’s United & Proud, ArtsUnited’s an­ nual June art exhibition, held to celebrate Pride Month. And there is their popular Stonewall Artist of the Month exhibition, which features an opening reception the first Monday of each month.

Clark, who has been involved with Art­ sUnited since 2004, is proud of what the organization has accomplished.

“We’re bringing GLBT culture to South Florida,” he says.

Art Explosion runs February 4-20 at various venues.

For a full schedule of events, visit www. artsunitedonline.org.

24

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Glenn Douglas Packard

South Florida’s ‘Dancing Entrepreneur’

By Jesse Monteagudo

of Pop. “He was extremely kind and profes­ sional. I tell the story about the day me and my dancers got a private performance of ‘Billy Jean’ Michael did as a sound check a day before the show. It was magic.”

Music impresario Lou Pearlman, creator of Backstreet Boys, was in the audience at the Jackson concert and liked what he saw.

A

t the age of 19, Glenn Douglas Packard had a life-changing experi­ ence when he almost lost his life.

As he remembers it, “I was in a 3wheeler accident. I used to be a bit of a hot rod back in my straight days and I was showing off and ended up hitting this jump, taking off in the air, then striking the ground. After that, I don’t remember any­ thing—until I woke up in my hospital bed to find nurses putting a catheter in me.”

What Glenn did on that fateful day was break his back and sustain a compound fracture to his right leg. Doctors wanted to amputate. “It was a life changing moment. I lay in a hospital bed for half a year and talk­ ed to God a lot. I was a farmer at the time and was living someone else’s dream, my dad’s.”

Glenn found a doctor who tried to save the leg. Warned he would never walk nor­ mally again, he told himself that no matter what “I was going to live an adventure and be true to myself and only do things in my life that made me the happiest. And one of those things was to get into the entertain­ ment business.” He did.

Glenn Douglas Packard is now best known as a co-star in the reality show Brooke Knows Best. But Packard, whom the New Glenn Douglas Packard’s Top Likes and Dislikes

Likes: Starbucks, Big Love, Horror Films, Comic books,Trevor Project, Reality Competition shows, Sweat pants & t-shirts, a great kiss, the beach, Facebook, salty things like potato chips, Rent, and his dog Brooklyn.

Dislikes: texting, fake people, stupid comedies, fast food, people who act always as victims, Perez Hilton, cocaine, tight jeans, the word ‘weird’, sweets & sugar, the casting couch, Britney’s performances, coconut, having to dress up, MySpace, dancing at night clubs, and cruising in gym bathrooms.

York Times called “a dancing entrepreneur,” is also famous in his own right as a choreog­ rapher, music director and producer.

FROM INJURY TO MTV At the age of 21, after his recovery from the devastating injury, Packard left Clare, Michigan and began to take dance lessons.

“I always loved dancing to music videos back on the farm, entertaining my brother and sister. I walked in and I never left. For the next couple of years all I did was dance.

I was like Forrest Gump . . . run Forrest run . . . dance Glenn dance.”

His career took off, performing at the MTV Music Awards and for various artists on their tours. Still, he wanted more: “I’m a control freak.

So an artist, who I was working for, Debbie Gib­ son, took a chance on my choreography and I did her performance for The RuPaul Show. It was a big hit. In the back of my head I felt like it could be taken away at anytime, so I worked like it was my first job and like it could be my last. “ As a choreographer, Glenn Packard worked with Marc Anthony, Mya, Usher, Liza Minnelli and Jimmy Buffett. He was nominated for an Emmy for his work in Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniver­ sary Concert. He and his lover at the time, Brian Thomas, choreographed the entire event.

Glenn has fond memories of the late King

He asked Packard to move to Orlando and be part of a new boy band, a quartet he named twONEty. “We toured Europe for two years. It was actually one of the best times of my life.”

The only thing that was hard was work­ ing with someone like Pearlman.” Packard accuses Pearlman of engaging in inappro­ priate sexual advances towards him and others. Pearlman, of course, was convicted and sentenced to federal prison in 2007 for running a Ponzi scheme.

Meanwhile, Glenn’s dancing career flour­ ished, landing a ‘command performance’ for King Mohammed VI of Morocco: “It was an honor. I was hanging at the palace with all these world leaders. I had no idea who they were. I was just being myself and showing them all a good time.”

FROM MOROCCO TO MIAMI Packard’s life journey has now brought him to South Florida, and he claims that he ‘loves’ Miami. It was here that he moved in with Brooke Hogan, and began his life as a reality show co-star. He is a big fan of the city: “It has everything- the beach, the culture, the entertainment, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!”

Does being in a reality show an invasion of one’s privacy? “Not one bit,” Glenn re­ plies. “It’s how you handle the situation.

And I think I am a lucky MOFO. Being given a chance to be on TV was a dream of mine. So having the camera around me was like; welcome to Glenn’s World! “ Glenn did not anticipate that the show would eventually air in so many countries.

He feels it has advanced the social accep­ tance of gays. “We need more gay people on television, to show the younger generation there is no need for a closet anymore. I have found a new passion in my life with the gay & lesbian commu­ nity. And it’s a respon­ sibility that I’m ready to take on, and make a difference.”

Packard is also the owner and creative di­ rector of a new night­ club experience called The Strip, on Lincoln Road. As he describes it, “The Strip is a NeoBurlesque Venue, in­ tertwining mo­dern dance and theatrical acts with a freakish twist,” featuring world class acts.

Busy as Glenn Douglas Packard is, he always finds time for the special man in his life, Daniel Miagany, whom Glenn calls “my sex symbol.”

His partner is a well-known gay cover model in L.A who “can be so sexy at one moment and then be a total goof ball the next. That’s why I love him. He is always looking out for me. I finally found my hero, which I’ve always been looking for.”

Going on one and a half years in their relationship, Glenn says “it feels good. And we are having the best time sharing our dreams together.”

Jesse Monteagudo (jessemonteagudo@aol.com) is a Florida-based freelance writer.

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Dining Review

WHERE: Trevini Ristorante

150 Worth Avenue in Palm Beach.

Open all year round for lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm Monday through Saturday and dinner from 5:00pm to 10:00pm Monday through Sunday.

For Reservations, call: 561.833.3883

By Joey Amato

N

othing beats spending a Sunday afternoon strolling Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. High-end boutiques, art galleries and cafés are abundant on the island, but if you don’t feel like walking very far, travel over to 150 Worth Avenue, the shopping plaza home to Saks Fifth Avenue, Hugo Boss, Neiman Marcus and Louis Vuitton among others. After a long day of shopping, head to the upper level, and look for the fine Italian eatery called Trevini Ristorante.

Two long time friends, Gianni Minervini and Chef Claudio Trevisa, opened Trevini Ristorante in 2001. The restaurant’s cuisine carries a traditional Italian flair and includes an array of seafood appetizers, pasta and veal dishes from various regions. Trevini also offers an extensive wine list, consisting of selections from around the world, served by the bottle or glass.

Upon arrival at Trevini, my guest and I were shown to our table and greeted by our hostess. In place of traditional bread, a small antipasto platter was brought to our table consisting of artichokes, pepperoni and other meats. Shortly after, our hostess graciously presented us with a pasta sampler, consisting of a wonderful trio of pasta and gnocchi. My favorite among the three was the Tortellini Panna Piselli E Prosciutto,

a delicious veal-filled tortellini with ham, peas and reggiano cream sauce. My guest found the gnocchi served in a pesto cream sauce to be his favorite dish.

To cleanse our palate after an array of pastas and sauces, we both decided to try Trevini’s special Crab and Cucumber salad.

Fresh lump crab meat is served over a bed of diced cucumbers and tomatoes and is accompanied by a wonderful dressing, which complemented the crab perfectly.

The décor at Trevini is tradition with a bit of a modern twist and is a great place to enjoy a quiet evening with a loved one.

The art is minimalistic, yet vibrant and by the time our entrees arrived, my guest and I were fully enthralled by our surroundings and laid-back Palm Beach ambiance.

Although the daily specials sounded intriguing, I opted for the Trota All ‘Agro, Con Vegetali Di Stagione, simply put, sautéed trout, shallots, capers, limes and orange wedges. This dish is by far the best fish entrée I’ve enjoyed in a long time. The trout was firm and the sauce accompanying the fish was delicious and did not overshadow the fish at all.

We also ordered the Vitello Con Gorgonzola e Funghi, the veal scaloppini with gorgonzola and mushroom cream sauce.

The veal was tender and well cooked, although the accompanying gorgonzola cream sauce was a little strong for my taste.

To complete our meal, I ordered a dessert that I haven’t had in about 15 years…

Zabaglione. Zabaglione is a delicious Italian dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, a sweet wine (usually Marsala) and mascarpone cheese. The dessert brought me back to Little Italy, circa 1995. A perfect way to end a perfect evening on “The Island”.

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February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Joey Amato

Catching My Breath ‘Catching My Breath’ is a personal reflections column about gay life. This week’s column was written

by Joey Amato, the Features Editor of South Florida Gay News.com. Submit your stories to editor@ southfloridagaynews.com’

The Day the Music Died A Personal Reflection of an Icon’s Loss as ‘This Is It’ Hits Stores on DVD

By Joey Amato Features Editor

T

he summer of 2009 was going to be the beginning of Michael Jackson’s triumphant comeback, marked by 50 sell-out shows at London’s O2 Arena. But just days before the one and only King of Pop was set to take the stage, as we all now know, tragedy struck.

His rehearsals at the Staples Center, which were the equivalent of home made movies made by cast members, all in preparation for his stage show, suddenly became a box office it. Raw footage became the real thing. The film­ ings, the tapings, the preparations lead­ ing up to Jackson’s historic return were edited, synthesized, and released on film, branded by the very name of the tour that was not to be: ‘THIS IS IT’ After sorting through hundreds of hours of rehearsal footage, Kenny Ortega, direc­ tor of and Jackson’s creative partner on the “THIS IS IT” concert, along with Sony Pic­ tures, created a stunning concert film.

Grossing over $250 million dollars worldwide, even in death Jackson made pop music history. Within weeks of its re­

lease in theaters, “THIS IS IT” became the highest grossing concert film of all time.

Following a blockbuster run, “THIS IS IT” is now available on DVD and Blue- Ray at your neighborhood video parlor. And sell­ ing fast.

Ortega said, “This film is a gift to Michael’s fans. As we began assembling the footage for the motion picture, we realized we cap­ tured something ex­ traordinary, unique and very special. It’s a very private, exclu­ sive look into a cre­ ative genius’s world.”

“For the first time ever, fans will see Michael as they have never seen him before,” said Orte­ ga. “It is raw, emo­ tional, moving and powerful footage that captures his in­ teractions with the collaborators he had personally assembled for this once in a lifetime project.”

Chronicling the months from April through June 2009, the film is drawn from more than 100 hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. The DVD is a must have for any music lover, and defi­ nitely for me.

I recall the day that changed music for­ ever. I remember the day we lost an icon.

I was on my way to a food & wine festival

at the Broward County Convention Center.

Driving down Davie Boulevard, though, will never be the same.

Within moments after I heard on the radio that Michael Jackson had suffered a heart attack my phone started ringing. My friend Lindy had just heard the same news.

At this point, neither of us knew if the King of Pop was dead or alive. The news reports were surreal and vague. With my heart pounding in my chest, I rushed into the convention center, almost in hysterics, searching for a television.

After staring aimlessly at CNN for nearly an hour, it was finally confirmed that Michael Jackson, one of my idols, was dead. The rest of my evening was a blur. I’m sure I was walking around the festival with a blank stare on my face. The handshakes and kisses hello to people I knew were thoughtless. I really don’t think the news had settled with me yet.

Within hours, the tributes to Jackson started pouring in. Every radio station was playing MJ non-stop. The next day, I re­ member waking up, walking into my den, turning on the television and crying. At that point I knew what happened the day prior was real and not a dream.

For days, every time I heard “Man in the Mirror” or “Heal the World” I would cry, knowing that Jackson’s impact was ir­ replaceable. I would venture to say that Mi­ chael Jackson is the only person in history

to bring the entire world together through music. It didn’t matter what race, color, age, sex or religion you were. When Mi­ chael Jackson died, the world stopped!

His televised memorial service was his­ toric. Artists from around the world joined together on one stage for one reason. When his daughter took the microphone, sur­ rounded by the entire Jackson family, I think the world finally understood what type of man MJ was. I don’t know anyone who didn’t a tear in their eye at that moment.

As a true Jackson fan, I did not care that he was a bit quirky or had been accused of criminal activity. I loved him for the music that he cre­ ated. It really upset me that people in America discounted his genius in the years leading up to his death. People should have been honoring him while he was alive instead of waiting until he was no longer with us.

I never had the chance to see MJ perform live, with the exception of performances released on video, but I could only imagine the energy and emotion in the arena as he took the stage. Sometimes I dream about being in the crowd during his historic con­ cert in Bucharest, Romania and feeling the overwhelming passion of the ultimate per­ former. I’ll never get to see the King of Pop, but I can still dream.

Michael Jackson will live on...in spirit... in memory....in music.

Dive Into Winter Party Winter Party tickets and passes are on sale now.

You can jump and dive into Winter Party Festival’s best lineup ever, or so they sayfeaturing world-famous DJs at Miami and Miami Beach’s hottest locations: You will get more than just your feet wet. The party starts with Rip Current at Score Nightclub, featuring LA DJ Roland Belmares along with house spinner DJ Pride.

Some serious sound waves for the annual festival of muscles and men and beach mayhem.

On Friday night at Dolce on Ocean Drive, father/son duo Hilton and Myron Wolman bring you Rising Tide with the powerful DJ duo Rosabel (Ralphi Rosario & Abel).

Follow SFGN Nites for more Winter Party announcements.

27

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Out from Behind the Mask

Miami playwright gets world premiere production at New Theatre Arts Editor

students on an American military base in Japan. While there, she directed plays, climbed Mount Fuji, and shared that dance with the woman in the bar. Riley poured those experiences into Alexa, the main character in The Hour of the Tiger. The oth­

Photo: Mary Damiano

4120 Laguna St. Coral Gable

For more information: 305-443-5909 or visit: www.new-theatre.org

Photos: Eileen Suarez

M

Writer Sandra Riley

LAY: The Hour of the Tiger P HERE: New Theatre W DATES: Runs through February 14

By Mary Damiano ore than 35 years later, Sandra Riley still remembers the night a young Japanese woman in­ vited Riley to join her on the dance floor in a mainstream bar in Japan.

“It was magic, so otherworldly,” says Ri­ ley. “We hardly moved, but everything was moving around us—the lights, the disco ball. There were mirrors on the walls, and as we turned, we kept seeing each other in the mirrors, but we were afraid to look at one another. The men in the bar got very quiet. I was holding my breath.”

That moment proved pivotal in Riley’s life, becoming the springboard for The Hour of the Tiger, now making its world premiere at New Theatre in Coral Gables. The story concerns an American teacher who falls in love with a geisha in 1973 Japan.

The play, which took five years to write, has also proved pivotal in Riley’s life, em­ powering her to go from living her life “un­ der the radar” and in the closet to living out and proud.

“I had to find the truth within myself in order to be able to write this honestly,” Ri­ ley says.

In the early 1970s, Riley took some time off from teaching to travel. She landed a position teaching drama to high school

Theatre Feature

Gwendolyn Lai and Kim Ehly play lovers from two different cultures in The Hour of the Tiger

er three characters in the play are loosely based on people she knew.

The Japan Riley experienced was very open for gay and lesbian people.

“Sex was not considered to be a serious matter in their lives,” Riley says. “Growing up in the 1950s in America, I experienced sexual repression, but the Japanese don’t consider it that way. It’s part of what they call ‘human feelings’ and quite natural. I went to one women’s bar then and I barely got in the bar before being mobbed by oth­ er women.”

While the United States was dealing with its sexual revolution, Riley says that Japan embraced western culture.

“They were eager to bring in the blos­ soming gay scene like they saw happening in New York,” Riley says.

In The Hour of the Tiger, every character has some degree of gayness. Alexa (played

by Kim Ehly) is a lesbian who has had

Gwendolyn Lai as Sanagi in The Hour of the Tiger, now making its world

New Theatre in Coral Gables

premiere at

experiences with men. Her friend David (played by Christopher Vicchiollo) is gay and in a relationship, but he speaks long­ ingly of his marriage to a young woman.

Hiroshi (played by Eric Miji) is David’s lov­ er, but also has a special relationship with Sanagi ( played by Gwendolyn Lai) a gei­ sha who has been with men and women, but falls in love with Alexa.

Riley says she wanted to explore love and the fluidity of sexuality.

“What I hope comes across is that you fall in love with the person,” says Riley. “It doesn’t matter what the sexual preference of the person is.”

Riley, now retired, taught high schoollevel drama and English literature in Mi­

ami-Dade County schools for more than 40 years. She was an accomplished teacher, creating the first theatre arts curriculum for the International Baccalaureate pro­ gram at Coral Gables Senior High. In ad­ dition to her teaching, she immersed her­ self in historical research in the Bahamas, and has written several plays about Baha­ mian historical figures. Riley’s career as a teacher, her education in parochial Catholic schools, and the social climate of repres­ sion and discrimination did not make it easy for her live openly as a lesbian.

But The Hour of the Tiger changed that.

As she wrote, Riley found herself on her own personal journey of self-discovery, selfexpression, and openness. She has no regrets that it took her so long to feel comfortable in her own skin, and allow­ ing the world to see what has always been in her heart and soul.

“It doesn’t matter when you get to that point,” says Riley. “It only matters that you do.”

Riley has been with her part­­ner, poet Peggy Hall, for 25 years. She says Hall is very sup­por­tive of her work, which includes be­ ing artistic director of the Crystal Parrot Players, a theatre troupe which produces work about the Bahamas. Riley has writ­ ten a play about Mariah Brown, a Bahamian settler who built the first house in Coconut Grove, and is working to get Brown’s house turned into a museum.

But right now, Riley is enjoying her world premiere of The Hour of the Tiger, and the impact it has had on her life.

“To be out and to live as one’s true self is so important,” says Riley. “The play is about the power of love. That power in­ forms and transforms our relationships with other people. And that kind of love can inspire our work.”

28

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Halo Becomes Mova Sets Foundation for National Expansion

Mova Lounge Miami 1625 Michigan Ave, Miami Beach (305) 534-8181

By Joey Amato

L

egendary Miami hotspot Halo has of­ ficially changed its name to Mova.

Mova’s kick-off event was hosted

by The Real World DC’s Mike Manning and marks the beginning of a year-long rebrand­ ing process. The new venue will strive to institute a philosophical shift in corporate culture and set the foundation for national expansion.

“Our objective is to introduce a new and exciting entertainment concept for the GLBT community,” stated Babak Movahedi, Owner of Mova. “The GLBT community today has evolved and we want to create a place where people can have fun while hav­ ing the opportunity to make a direct impact in our community.”

The new concept is designed to further

engage the local GLBT population through philanthropy, community outreach, and will include many green and sustainable practic­ es. This will combine an upscale lounge en­ vironment with an outlet for patrons to give back on a regular basis. Movahedi tells us, “It will be incorporated into our corporate culture to utilize Mova employees to take part in charitable events which benefit our surroundings.”

Community calendars supporting local organizations and philanthropic endeavors are expected to be rolled out this year in addition to a national expansion into other major markets.

This transition will begin by the launch of a new brand identity, logo, and name. This is expected to continue throughout the rest of the year. For more information, visit www. movalounge.com.

29

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Nightlife

Gender Bending Fun, Sports Top the Week

S

he’s baaaaack….Cashetta, South Florida’s singing maven of magic has reappeared on the Wilton Drive strip after nearly a year wowing crowds in Las Vegas.

“Las Vegas was great,” she says. “It had been a dream of mine to play Vegas for a very long time….since I was a teenager, so when I got the opportunity to move out there, I jumped at it.”

Unfortunately, the weak economy hit Las Vegas extremely hard, forcing Cashetta’s producer—and many other productions— into financial difficulties.

“We did 200 shows in nine months and that is quite an accomplishment,” but, as they say, the odds were stacked against the smaller shows on the Strip. “I didn’t want to close my show, but as my producer started to have problems, it became clear I would need to leave on my terms.”

Cashetta didn’t roll snake eyes, though, instead landing an exclusive South Florida contract with the Alibi and Bill’s Filling Station.

She performs her popular cabaret show on Saturdays at Bill’s and Sundays at Alibi, hosts Comedy Night at Alibi on Wednesdays and hits the Drive early on Thursdays at Bill’s early between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. before teach drag aerobics classes at Island City Fitness.

“We pull out the Wii at Bill’s and then I head over to the gym to lead the class in workout videos from the 80s,” she explains.

“How much fun is that?”

But, Cashetta hasn’t unpacked all her bags, despite her pleasure to be back in South Florida: She will be a featured entertainer for nine Atlantis gay cruises and vacations, including a trip to Asia, and she’ll make the yearly migration back north with the snowbirds to perform this summer again in Provincetown, Mass.

These Gals got Gams!

These ballerinas are anything but dainty.

If you’re looking for a change of pace later in the week, stop by Fort Lauderdale’s Parker Playhouse for Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo on Thursday, Feb. 4. This 16-member troupe of ballet enthusiasts gladly don their tights and toe shoes for a unique spin on “Swan Lake.”

Known as The Trocs, the company was founded in 1974 in New York City and has brought crowds to their feet in more than 500 cities around the globe.They combine the athleticism of male dancers with a little high camp.

For more information or tickets, go to www.parkerplayhouse.com.

The Big Game South Florida takes center stage on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 7 and both Miami and Fort Lauderdale bars and clubs are gearing up for the big game: Score nightclub on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach offers its Super Bowl Edition of Filthy Gorgeous Fridays with The PennyBack Boyz and DJ Mac beginning at 10 p.m.The party will also serve as a kick-off for the upcoming Winter Party Festival in March. Register for your chance to win a festival gold pass and one-year membership in the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, producers of the festival.

Whether you’re a diehard sports fan or just love the commercials, Saints and Colts supporters will be heading to Sidelines Sports Bar on Wilton Drive, South Florida’s only gay sports bar to watch the game.

Owners Laurie Whittaker and Marty Kildea and their team have plenty of game day specials and plan on pulling out all the stops for the biggest sporting event of the year.

HRC Goes Hi-Tech iPhone App Identifies Gay-Friendly Companies

HRC

has released a first of its kind, a free iPhone applica­ tion for its “Buying for Equality” guide. The app allows shoppers to access the guide as they enter a store to see how gay-friendly hundreds of brands are.

“As pro-equality consumers enter the stores in 2010, the new “Buying for Equal­ ity” iPhone application is a revolutionary tool that will help inform purchases and support those businesses who believe in our equality,” said Human Rights Cam­ paign President Joe Solmonese.

Businesses are rated on a scale from 0 to 100, based on whether or not they have poli­ cies that support LGBT people. These include anti-discrimination protections, domestic partner benefits, diversity training, transgen­ der-inclusive benefits and external practices.

The “Buying for Equality” iPhone ap­ plication puts information directly in the hands of consumers in an easy to read for­

mat that divides businesses and their con­ sumer products into red (brands to avoid), yellow (brands that have made some prog­ ress) and green (brands to support) catego­ ries to help consumers support businesses that support LGBT equality.

“Buying for Equality” breaks companies and their products into everyday purchas­ ing categories, including: Apparel & Ac­ cessories, Banking & Finance, Eating Out, Food & Beverage, Home & Garden and Technology.

The iPhone application is available for download at www.hrc.org/iPhone or by tex­ ting “SHOP” and a business or brand name to 30644. Both Apple, and the iPhone’s ex­ clusive service provider, AT&T, score 100% on the 2010 Corporate Equality Index.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.

7

30

Heard it on...

By the Nite Owl PJ’s Corners Late Nite Gay Life For those of you who can’t sleep or want to just get away from your partner for a while, PJ’s Corner Pocket is becoming more and more popular. Near Searstown in Fort Lauderdale, on Flagler, the private club is open till seven in the morning on the weekends, and the bottle club (BYOB) has a pool table, tournaments for the gay

PJ’s Private Club

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

pool league, Internet service, cable TV, and a laid back atmosphere to just chill out. But if you are going to play pool, you better be real good or have a nice body. Seems that Wednesday nite is ‘Strip’ Pool Nite. Who knows, maybe you want to lose.

Immigrants Breathe Sigh of Relief

Sebastian Ravetsky Richard Lewis Updating old news: Greater Fort Lauderdale’s undocumented immiCrime, Gays, and Jail grant men are breathing a collective sigh Ricardo Rivera, Sebastian Raof relief as, disgraced former BSO deputy vetsky, and Richard Lewis all have Jonathan Bleiweiss has left town, freed something in common this week. on a $250,000 bond pending his trial on 73 They are sharing space in jail, courtesy of counts of false imprisonment, stalking and the Broward County Sheriff. sexual battery.

Seems that Mr. Bleiweiss, a seven-year BSO veteran who Lewis and his ‘Mr. was assigned to the Oakland Park diviMaid’ business sion and had become a kind of “goodwill have been scamambassador” between BSO and the gay ming the elderly community, was arrested by cleaning them last year after complaints out whilst cleanfrom illegal immigrant men ing their homes. that the deputy (whose Ripping off the Adam4Adam screen name elderly and then was, creepily, “Johnny the pawning off their Scarf”) had shown them goods? Was there anything BUT goodwill, a gay connection?

Bleiweiss is permitted Mister Maid? Puh-leez!!! Detective Brian to live with his father in Rupp of BSO would like to hear from you if Oregon pending his trial. you have heard of other victims.

Speaking of victims, one gay man who was spending time in the Big House became severely victimized by another at his own house. The red haired Jonathan Bleiweiss gentleman, and we use the term loosely, featured here is Sebastian Ravetsky, locked up on burglary and grand theft charges after cleaning out the house of another gay gentleman while the latter was in custody, claiming his ‘uncle’ had left him all the property. Now the only property Ravetsky has Terror on Terramar? is a brown bag in the Sheriff’s property room, along with a $45,000 bond he can’t make.

But honey, your hair is stunning!

And Mr. Rive­ra has been charged with a gay hate crime for beating up one Barry Jones. You can read both these crime stories online at www. southfloridagaynews.com . And just what is a hate crime.? Our publisher provides a thoughtful legal analysis on our op-ed page in this issue of SFGN. Sadly, one more criminal justice story we may be reading about soon involves some scurrilous goings on at the very tropical award winning guest house on the Fort Lauderdale Beach, the regal and renowned Royal Palms, known more for its visual beauty than criminal batteries.

But a criminal charge has been filed after an incident last Wednesday nite. All we know is that marked Fort Lauderdale Police patrol cars have been conducting nightly guest appearances at the internationally known guest house and some people may wind up becoming guests of a less tropical guest house if the unsolicited guesting keeps up.Your guess is as good as ours. More news this week on www.southfloridagaynews.com as it unfolds…

31

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Lauding a Legend

Baker’s Son Pays Tribute to Icon at WEAM

By J.W. Arnold

“P

eople who are in show busi­ ness should never have chil­ dren,” insists Jean-Claude Baker. “Their first love is the applause and their public.”

Baker is not recalling a passage from the now famous biography, Mommie Dear­ est, chronicling the relationship between actress Joan Crawford and her adopted daughter, Christina, but rather his own re­ lationship with his “adopted” mother, the pioneering African-American performer Josephine Baker, who left the segregated world of America to become a phenom in the cabarets of Europe in the 1920s.

“I was 14 years old,” he recalls, working as a bellhop at a Paris hotel when he met the aging actress for the first time in 1957. The two immediately established a rapport.

“There’s a magic vibe between two human people,” he explains in a thick French accent.

“We were both traumatized—traumatized children—and spoke the same language.”

Baker was born a “poor, colored girl,” as Jean-Claude describes her, the victim of a difficult childhood, and he was forced to face the stigma of his “illegitimate” birth, the result of an adulterous affair during World War II. Baker escaped to Europe, where her race and talents made her the toast of the ar­ istocracy and intelligentsia and he scraped by until the aging diva took him in.

“She was a diva. She was famous and slept with (Pablo) Picasso and many famous kings and queens of Europe, but then she started adopting children at the age of 50… she used to call me the 13th of her 12 ad­ opted children,” he says.

And her children, who accompanied her on her travels, received quite an education as a result.

“There is no school, no university to give continued from page 34

Jean-Claude Baker, adopted son of iconic entertainer Josephine Baker

32

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Proposition 8 Trial Ends in California Judge to Decide Ban on Same-Sex Weddings

By LISA LEFF

Associated Press Writer SAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Testimony end­ ed Wednesday in a historic federal case chal­ lenging the constitutionality of California’s ban on same-sex marriage.

The trial included nearly 12 days of wideranging testimony on the meaning of mar­ riage, the nature of sexual orientation, and the role of religion in shaping attitudes about both.

Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walk­ er heard the case without a jury and has said he will take time to review the evidence before hearing closing arguments, probably sometime in March.

His verdict is likely to be eventually ap­ pealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Lawyers for the sponsors of Proposition 8. the state’s voter-approved ballot measure, have asked Walker to reserve their option to present more documents based on sub­ poenas they have issued to gay rights groups that opposed the measure.

The defense called just two expert witness­

es during the trial. More than a dozen wit­ lesbians the right to marry hurts them and nesses appeared for the plaintiffs, including hurts their children; and there was no rea­ sociologists, legal experts and gays who talk­ son, no societal benefit in not allowing them to get married.’’ ed about the effect of the ban on their lives.

The defense coun­ Lawyers for the two tered that limiting mar­ gay couples that filed riage to a man and a the lawsuit tried to show woman serves a para­ the U.S. Supreme Court mount social function has recognized marriage that outweighs civil as a fundamental right rights concerns. and that denying gays Andy Pugno, a law­ the right to wed causes yer representing Propo­ them harm sition 8 backers, cred­ They also argued that ited the plaintiffs with extending marriage to ``putting on a spec­ same-sex couples would David Boies, attorney for plaintiffs tacular show’’ but in­ not undermine hetero­ sisted much of their sexual unions.

Plaintiffs lawyer David Boies said Walker testimony was irrelevant to proving Cali­ had been provided with more than enough fornia voters acted irrationally in approving Proposition 8. evidence to strike down the ban. ``To invalidate people’s vote, the plaintiffs ``We said on the first day of trial we would prove three things,’’ he said during a news have a really tough job,’’ Pugno told report­ conference outside court. ``Marriage is a ers. ``They have to prove the people voted fundamental right, that depriving gays and irrationally when they voted to preserve

Do you always need an attorney to represent you when you are injured in an automobile or other accident?

Even though I have over 30 years experience in representing people who have been injured dure to the negligence of others, the answer is NO. However, in order to make the decision on whether or not you need the services of an attorney, you need to be properly informed of your legal rights. For information which will allow you to make that informed decision, please contact me for a free consultation.

the traditional definition of marriage ... The question is whether the people have a right to decide what is best.’’

The last witness to testify was David Blan­ kenhorn, president of the New York-based Institute for American Values, who said the rights of same-sex couples should come sec­ ond to preserving the cherished social insti­ tution of marriage.

Under cross-examination, Blankenhorn conceded there were many valid reasons for allowing gays to wed, but the consider­ ations are outweighed by the likely damage it would cause the already weakened state of heterosexual unions.

He acknowledged, however, that allowing gays to wed would have positive consequenc­ es for same-sex couples and society, such as scoring ``a victory for the worthy ideas of tol­ erance and inclusion,’’ reducing anti-gay prej­ udice and hate crimes, and creating a higher standard of living for same-sex couples. ``I do believe it is almost certainly true that gay and lesbian couples and their children would ben­ efit from having gay marriage,’’ he said.

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February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

33

Malawi Defends Persecution of Gay Couple Calls Homosexual Acts ‘Unnatural and Gross’

By Raphael Tenthani

Associated Press Writer BLANTYRE, MALAWI (AP) _ Malawi’s gov­ ernment said Monday that it is unmoved by international criticism of the trial of a gay couple charged with unnatural acts and gross indecency, felonies for which they could be imprisoned for up to 14 years.

In a statement Monday, Malawi’s Informa­ tion Minister Leckford Mwanza Thoto made no apology for the laws that criminalize homosexual acts. He said Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga were “clearly break­ ing the laws of Malawi.’’

“As government we cannot interfere in the court process,’’ Thoto said. “We depend on our Western friends, yes, but we are a sovereign country.’’

Monjeza, 26, and Chimbalanga, 20, have been jailed since their arrest Dec. 27, the day they celebrated their engagement with a party

that drew crowds of curious onlookers in this conservative southern African country. Hear­ ings in the trial also have attracted crowds.

A verdict is expected next month.

Amnesty International has called for the couple’s immediate release. More than 20 members of the Scottish parliament have condemned the arrest, calling on their government to review its development aid package for Malawi. OutRage!—a gay rights group—has called on Britain to intercede on behalf of the gay couple.

Mauya Msuku, the couple’s lawyer, said the laws under which Monjeza and Chim­ balanga were charged were archaic and un­ constitutional.

“The penal code criminalizes homosexuality or same-sex marriages but under the Bill of Rights in the new Constitution it is clearly stated that no one should be discrim­ inated against on the basis of—among other things—sexual orientation,’’ he said.

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34

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Business Profile

Andrew Isen’s Vision

Gay and Lesbian Marketing Firm Celebrates 20th Anniversary

By Joey Amato

I

n 1990, a young entrepreneur named Andrew Isen had a vision. He was a successful man who felt like corporate America was not speaking to him.

“I was openly gay, had a large disposable income and I was not on anyone’s marketing list.” Isen saw an opportunity in the making.

Working off his kitchen table with nothing but an IBM and a phone, Isen started WinMark Concepts, a full-service marketing and com­ munications firm targeting the ‘gay and lesbian community’. He is based in Washington, D.C. Today he runs WinMark Concepts, a gay and lesbian marketing firm celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Isen says he does not use LGBT in their marketing materials because “in the busi­

Lauding a Legend continued from page 32

you such an education. But, when you are older and your sex appeal is gone, it’s difficult to cope with that. Marilyn Monroe was very lucky to be remembered in her prime,” JeanClaude says, attributing her personality to two factors. “She was a Gemini with two personali­ ties: Josephine, the aging star, the legend, the first black sex symbol. But, as an older mother, she was very strict. Of course, I was the only one to see both sides of Josephine.”

The relationship became even more com­ plicated as Jean-Claude accepted his homo­ sexuality. Coming out was anything but an easy experience, despite his mother’s work in show business with many homosexuals.

He remembers one instance when the entertainer snapped at one of his adoptive brothers, Louis, a “gorgeous black man from Colombia,” who selected a colorful shirt for a nighttime outing during the late 1960s.

“I don’t want you to wear a flower shirt.

That is what homosexuals wear.’ I said to her, ‘But, all of your friends are homosexuals’,” he says to no avail. “She was impossible.”

Later when he did come out and had met a lover while the family was performing in De­ troit, she boasted to all the members of the

ness world, companies aren’t seeking to reach bisexual and transsexual consumers.”

Earning a BBA and MBA from George Washington University, Isen gained expe­ rience in multiple media platforms, all of which now encompass services his company WinMark offers. “From strategic planning, program development, experiential and field marketing, on-line marketing and consumer research, Our firm reaches out to businesses.”

Isen began with his company with a co­ operative advertising campaign called Direct Male, which targeted gay men. The highly successful campaign caught the attention of tobacco-maker, Philip Morris, who signed on with the firm. “They were my first client and the first company I sent an invoice to.”

Philip Morris hired WinMark to conduct a survey regarding the smoking habits of gay

According to marketresearch.com, the men. It was printed as a feature story in the New York Times. From that first day with buying power of U.S. gays and lesbians is Phillip Morris, Isen has now provided ser­ expected to exceed $835 billion by 2011.

Advertising indicators verify that gays vices to over 700 companies trying to target will reach out to companies who advertise the gay and lesbian community.

“We discovered in our very first year the to them, even willing to pay higher prices tremendous buying power of the GLBT mar­ for premium products and services. Those ket. Gay and lesbian consumers can be very reviews also reveal twice as many gay and lesbian Americans are to loyal to specific brands that have graduated from college; appeal to them, and they twice as likely to have an in­ show their support in buying dividual income exceeding goods and services from these $60,000; and twice as likely companies,” continues Isen. to have a household income WinMark has worked with of $250,000 or more. many Fortune 500 compa­ Amongst other charities, nies that embrace the idealsof Isen is a large supporter of the employee’ domestic partner Point Foundation, an organi­ benefits, non-discrimination zation that provides, mentor­ policies, and financial sup­ ing and leadership training to port for organizations sup­ Andrew Isen meritorious students who are porting equality.

In fact, Isen says that WinMark was the first marginalized due to sexual orientation, gen­ company to work with the British Tourist Au­ der identity or gender expression.

Named one of OUT Magazine’s “OUT 100,” thority to launch a gay and lesbian marketing initiative. “It raised hundreds of millions of WinMark’s Isen has made a lasting mark on the gay and lesbian community. dollars in revenue for the British,” Isen said.

For more information, please visit: www.

Statistics bear out the worth of marketing WinMarkConcepts.com to the gay and lesbian community.

company, “Look what good taste her son has.” nally settled in New York City, with the bless­ The biggest irony was that Baker herself ings of his mother. After work as a singer and the successful production of two-time Ace was bisexual.

“She always said that at a certain age, a woman Awards for a French language cable television should not have sex with a man anymore,” says show, Baker opened Chez Josephine, a popu­ Jean-Claude, “I didn’t know she was gay (at the lar theater district restaurant that honors his mother’s legacy. time), but she opened Over the years, he the door.” has supported the ca­ At the time, it was reers of many young very common for performers, including women in the theater, Harry Connick, Jr., particularly in Europe, who played piano there to engage in sexual for two years, and So­ and emotional rela­ pranos actor Michael tionships he calls “lady Imperioli. His dear lovers” friendships. friend Angela Lans­ His own experiences bury threw a party for bring a unique perspec­ the cast of her latest tive to the fight by gays production, Sondheim’s and lesbians to marry A Little Night Music and adopt children. at the restaurant, and She was ahead of her opera star Jessye Nor­ time, he insists, but man is a regular. He wonders if she were Josephine Baker works there with Jose­ to have another child if she would not secretly wish for it to be phine’s third adoptive son, Jarry, a Finn who straight to avoid the “trouble” gays and lesbi­ is also gay, and treasures the country home to which he escapes the hectic city life on ans face growing up in an intolerant society.

After many years performing with his the weekends.

“She would have been thrilled,” he says of mother, acting and modeling, Jean-Claude fi­

the restaurant, which shares the name with three other establishments his mother was as­ sociated with in Europe through her life. “The restaurant is the love of my life,” he says, and calls its 27 employees “his” children.

Jean-Claude spends much of his time shar­ ing his mother’s legacy and authored a Pulit­ zer Prize-nominated biography that was two decades in the making. (Baker wrote seven biographies at various stages of her life.)

In honor of Black History Month, he will discuss the remarkable life of the legendary songstress at Miami Beach’s World Erotic Art Museum, 1205 Washington Ave., on Monday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m., focusing on her early years as the first African-American performer at the Follies Bergere and com­ menting on the museum’s exhibit highlight­ ing his mother’s career.

Of course, he’ll be happy to share his own stories about Miami, too, including his first appearance in 1974 at the little theater in the Eden Roc Hotel.

Still, Jean-Claude insists, “There was no one like Josephine.”

Jean-Claude Baker will appear Monday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m., at the World Erotic Art Mu­ seum, 1205 Washington Ave., Miami Beach.

For more information, call (305) 532-9336 or go to www.weam.com

35

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

National News

Gay is OK in OK! Same Sex Parenting is Succeeding

The Ingersolls

By Matt Gleason TULSA, Okla. (AP) — IsaBella Ingersoll is only 2, but one day the Collinsville child will be reminded of her mothers’ guiding words, which are painted in bold pink let­ ters that ring her girlie bedroom walls: Dream. Wish. Hope. Believe. Imagine.

Achieve. Fly ....

Bella calls Liz Ingersoll, her birth mother, “Mom’’ and Liz’s wife Stephanie Ingersoll “Mama.’’ The trio of Ingersolls make a fam­ ily, albeit an unconventional one.

Tulsan Brian Timms has his own uncon­ ventional family. The 37-year-old gay man is raising his two teenage sons, both born to Timms and his ex-wife. He and his ex-wife also have a 22-year-old son, who is a U.S. Marine fresh out of Afghanistan.

To explain the effect of gay or lesbian par­ ents on children like IsaBella and Timms’ sons, Dr. Eric Nelson, a Tulsa clinical psy­ chologist, said, “The research strongly shows that same-sex couples are just as effective in raising healthy, well-adjusted children as opposite-sex couples.’’

Nelson’s statement is echoed by Char­ lotte J. Patterson, who has been called “the world’s expert on psychological re­ search on children and youths raised by

lesbian and gay parents.’’

Patterson wrote in the American Psycho­ logical Association’s journal: “In study after study, the offspring of lesbian and gay par­ ents have been found to be at least as well adjusted overall as those of other parents.’’

Asked to comment about gay and lesbian people raising children, Oklahoma Rep. Sal­ ly Kern, an opponent of gay marriage and adoption, e-mailed this response: “I am opposed to same sex couples rais­ ing children because children need both a mother and father in the home. Both sexes are necessary in order for a child, especially very young children, to learn how the two sexes are complementary and yet different.’’

In Oklahoma, same-sex couples cannot adopt a child together, but a gay person can adopt a child on his or her own.

In 2007, a lawsuit successfully challenged an amendment to the Oklahoma Adoption Code, which would have barred state offi­ cials from recognizing same-sex adoptions from other states or countries.

Toby Jenkins, president of Oklahomans for Equality, offered his view on gay and les­ bian parents.

“When those people decide to have chil­ dren, they have to spend more reflection time thinking about it than the average

Oklahoman,’’ he said. “They have to finan­ cially prepare for it. They have to prepare their family for it. They have to go through intensive counseling, therapies and resourc­ es if they consider adopting, all to just show they are fit to be parents.

“When you stop to think about it,’’ Jen­ kins continued, “that’s the way all children should come into the world.’’

Before Liz and Stephanie Ingersoll could realize the dream, they had to find each other. Liz Ingersoll “came out of the closet’’ at 10, so the 34-year-old has spent 24 years of her life as a gay woman—one whose own mother will say everything, but, “I accept you for who you are.’’

Stephanie Ingersoll grew up the daughter of a Pentecostal pastor, so, as she said, “I nev­ er explored (being a lesbian.)’’ Rather, she followed her parents’ expectations of: “You grow up. You marry a guy. You have babies.’’

It wasn’t until Stephanie met Liz at work that she finally understood what she wanted in life: Liz. The couple’s 2004 nuptials aren’t legal, but meant enough for Stephanie to take Liz’s last name.

Liz Ingersoll, now with the Commu­ nity Food Bank, once made a list of all the qualities she wanted in a partner. Foremost

among them was someone who wanted to raise a family.

Sitting at the couple’s dinner table with Is­ aBella, whose face was covered in spaghetti sauce, Stephanie Ingersoll summed up her own life’s goal: “I wanted this. Family.’’

After IsaBella was born to Liz Ingersoll via artificial insemination, nurses didn’t quite know what to make of Stephanie Ingersoll.

Liz Ingersoll recalled, “The nurse would ask, ‘Where’s the dad? Are you the grand­ mother?’ Everyone was confused.’’

Stephanie Ingersoll didn’t give birth to IsaBella, of course, but she did try for three months to conceive before Liz Ingersoll’s successful attempt.

When it came time to sign IsaBella’s birth certificate, her parents both wanted their names on it. Instead, that piece of paper ig­ nored Stephanie Ingersoll’s parentage. But it couldn’t keep Bella from loving her.

Stephanie Ingersoll, a stay-at-home mom, said, “There’s no way this child could love me more than she does.’’

Every night before IsaBella goes to bed, Liz Ingersoll tells her daughter: “Do you know you’re my favorite thing in the whole wide world?’’ continued on next page

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Tulsa World

them. They start talking back, and all that.

They’re not any fun anymore.

“They’re teenagers, they come in and During an early December truck ride to see the Rhema Christmas lights, the couple close their doors.’’

At 16, Timms worked at a Kentucky Fried explained how they are raising IsaBella. The women say they prefer to explain things to Chicken, where he met a 20-year-old beauty raising a 1-year-old son on her own. Soon, IsaBella rather than scold her.

Stephanie Ingersoll said, “I just think it’s Timms not only fell in love with the older very important to speak to them, and let woman, but also her baby boy, Jon Smith.

Timms married the woman and adopted them know why.’’ her son. During the couple’s “I want to raise a function­ six years of marriage, they had ing adult,’’ Liz Ingersoll ex­ two more sons. plained, “someone who choos­ “I had kids and that’s what I es to do the right thing because always wanted,’’ Timms recalled. it’s the right thing, not because “I wanted what everybody else of the consequences they had, so I never thought about might get. I firmly believe in (being) gay, until the end, when natural consequences.’’

I knew it was over.’’

Liz disagrees with Stepha­ At 25, Timms received full nie’s stance on not spanking. custody of the three children.

“I don’t know where she’s “ children need “It’s just the way it worked coming from in that respect,’’ Liz Ingersoll said. “But I re­ both a mother and out,’’ he said. “She had other things going on in her life, spect her decision.’’ father in the home.“ and it was best for (the chil­ But it’s not all discipline. Liz — OK Rep. Sally Kern dren), we both agreed.’’ said, “I’m definitely the one About five years ago, Timms who plays. I come in the door and we usually get down on the floor and we told Josh and his younger son that he was gay.

“I want them to be open and honest with just play. I hope that’s always my role.

“I want her to be able to come to me and not whatever,’’ Timms said. “How can I expect them be afraid to tell me the truth. I know that there to be honest if I wasn’t honest with them?’’

Josh said, “All my friends know, for the will come a time when I am not cool at all.’’

One day, Bella will realize her family isn’t most part, because, I mean, I don’t care. It’s not like other children’s families, but Stephanie a big deal to me. If you don’t like me because my dad is like that, I don’t want to be friends Ingersoll hopes it’s a gradual lesson.

“We want to keep her exposed to families of with you. It’s not evolution, it’s staying dumb.’’

Timms is now a full-time student at North­ same-sex families and families with differentsex parents, so it’s all normal,’’ Stephanie In­ eastern State University in Broken Arrow. He’s gersoll said. “That’s the whole thing, the kids working toward a degree in social work. He also conducts HIV tests for HOPE Testing themselves, they don’t think it’s not normal.

“Hopefully it won’t be that big of an issue Clinic, working with the same man who test­ as she’s growing up. The world is changing ed Timms positive for HIV nine years ago.

Timms told his younger boys that he was every day.’’

Brian Timms has watched that same world gay years ago, but he waited until two years change over the decades, first as a gay man ago to tell them he was HIV-positive.

“I wanted to wait, first, for them to be and, later, as a gay father.

On a cold night in late December, Timms older, but I also needed them to know that cooked a spaghetti dinner for his two teen­ I had it long enough that I wasn’t going to age sons, a 14-year-old who didn’t want his turn around and die.’’

Josh said of his father’s disease: “It’s not a name printed in the newspaper, and his character of my dad. It’s just something he’s 17-year-old, Josh.

Once Timms plated dinner, he joined the living with.’’

For other children whose parents are gay boys in the living room.

“I tell my mom, that if it wasn’t for feed­ or lesbian, Josh had this advice: “Don’t take ing them, they’d probably never come out of people’s (stuff). If they’re going to be a hat­ their rooms,’’ Timms said of his Xbox-loving er, and discriminate about it, ignore them. teens. “I would have a dozen more kids if I Don’t retaliate, because that’s not going to could keep them when they’re little. It’s when work out for you. Just walk away.’’

“Just stay open-minded.’’ they’re grown like this that I’m done with

continued from previous page

37

38

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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CALL GONZALO RE/MAX: 954-557-7028 --------------------------------------------------THE GAYLE BORDEN REAL ESTATE GROUP www.GayleBorden.com Direct Office: 954-525-3355 Direct Mobile: 954-815-6233 Coldwell Banker --------------------------------------------------RE/MAX PARTNERS LAS OLAS Joe Ando, PA Realtor ® Cell: 954-616-9655 Jim Cunningham, PA Realtor ®, ABR®, e-PRO® Cell: 954-854-3777 www.WereSellingParadise.com --------------------------------------------------PRO-TEAM FLORIDA Mike Walters 954-608-3807 Barry Murac 954-296-7700 www.SunshineHomes4Sale.com --------------------------------------------------BERGER REALTY GROUP, INC. Gary Katz 954-803-0885 heronbayagent@aol.com --------------------------------------------------ATLANTIC PROPERTIES INTERNATIONAL Scott Rouda, Realtor®, GRI, TRC, ICREA 954-643-7077 www.ScottRouda.com

--------------------------------------------------MARVILLA CONDOMINIUM Only 2 Units Left $119,000 Developer’s Final Close-Out 2124 NE 5th Avenue, Wilton Manors For Sales Info, Contact 954-971-6775 Preferred Realty --------------------------------------------------CASTELLI REAL ESTATE SERVICES Steven Pizzuto 954-873-2830 www.CastelliHomes.com

Roommates CORAL RIDGE Gay Professional looking to share a 2BD/2BA, off street parking, laundry in building, cable ready, all utilities included $550/ Mo. Must work. Call 954-993-6531 --------------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS - 1 MI. FROM ALIBI Share a 3/2 newer home with two professionals, unfurnished room. No smoking, drugs, x-drinking. Must like quiet and be employed. $550/Mo. + $550 Sec. Call 954-540-1811 --------------------------------------------------FORT LAUDERDALE, CLOSE TO WILTON MANORS Walking distance to stores, professional female looking for GM or Female. Must be neat, clean, employed outside of the home, and responsible. Your private bedroom has its own entrance, share bath and kitchen, pool, WD on premisis. $500/Mo. + Security.

Includes cable, internet and all utilities.

Available Feb 1st. Call 954-825-1228 --------------------------------------------------ROOMMATE TO SHARE Large 2 BR/2BA condo with river and city views. Walk to Wilton Drive. Newly renovated. Nonsmoker, no pets - job and references required. $595/month and half utilities. F/L/S. Call Rob 954-806-2034 --------------------------------------------------ANDREWS GARDENS Share Large 3/2 w/ Pool, W/D, WiFi, Utilities Included $490/mo. + Security. Employed.

Available Immediately. Call 954-881-2848 --------------------------------------------------ROOMATE WANTED FOR CLOTHING OPTIONAL POOL HOME IN WILTON MANORS 3BD/2BA. Must be dog friendly. Access to laundry facilities. Furnished Bedroom $600/ Mo. per month includes maid service twice a month. Please call Robert at 954-401-1726.

--------------------------------------------------FURNISHED ROOM BY OAKLAND AND ANDREWS Raquet Club, Large Room with Cable, AC, Walk-In Closet, Micro, Ref. Etc. In Room. Ex. Large Pool, Clubroom, Sm. Dog OK. $450/Mo. Screened by Assoc. Call Michael 954-537-2579 --------------------------------------------------FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT IN QUIET OAKLAND PARK Share a 2BD/1BA home near I-95 and East Oakland Park Blvd. No smoking, no drugs. $525/Mo. + Dep. Includes utilities and internet. Call 954-298-8117 --------------------------------------------------FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT Share a 2BD/2BA, near I-95 and Oakland Park Blvd, no smoking, no drugs. $550/Mo. + Dep. Includes utilities and cable. Call 954-684-7427

Rent/Lease WILTON MANORS - 1 BLOCK TO ALIBI Large, Clean, Studio Apartment. NEW Kitchen, Bath, Tile, Windows, A/C. END UNIT, Pool, W/D on premises. $650 mo. F/L/S References. 954-942-0870 or 954-263-7650 --------------------------------------------------OAKLAND PARK A WINNER! Newly Refurbished Apt. - Large 1 Bedroom/1 Bath, new tiled floors, updated bathroom, new kitchen appliances & A/C. Only $725/ month Call Lucien 954-816-1322 --------------------------------------------------NEED HELP LOOKING? At no cost to you, we review hundreds of properties in Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manor areas to meet your specifications and price range. We will even review and prepare the final lease to insure your protection. Call Dick at 954-616-7662 or our office 954-764-6061 East Side Realty Group.

--------------------------------------------------DRAKE TOWER LUXURY HIGHRISE Large 1BD, 1.5BA, High Security bldg., Pool, BBQ, Sauna, Gated Parking. Cable Included. $850/Mo. High floor, great sunsets.

Call 954-295-5163.

--------------------------------------------------NE FT LAUDERDALE 2BD/1BA Condo in Georgian Court, Main Floor Corner Unit, Pool, Club House, Laundry. Unit Updated. Close to I-95. $835/Mo. Free Month with Yr Lease. Call 954-229-9479

--------------------------------------------------2BD/2BA IN LAUDERDALE BY THE SEA 50 FEET FROM THE SAND 2 Master Suite Unit w/ walk in closets. 1st floor, ocean view, W/D, DW, granite/marble, micro, back patio and garden, short or long term lease. Call 954-439-2890 --------------------------------------------------VICTORIA PARK - FORT LAUDERDALE 2 bedroom 2 bath cottage w/ private fenced yard, central ac, utilities included $1,500/ Mo. Maint/Cleaning/Yard Work available to offset rent. Call Neal 305-797-4735 or office-305-296-7744 --------------------------------------------------2/2 CONDO - MANOR GROVE IV BLDG. J 1st Fl. Unit, Large MBR with Walk-in Closet/ Private Full Bath, Lrg. 2nd BR, Screen Porch.

Includes All Appliances, D/W, Storage Unit.

W/D on Premises. Reserved Parking. Walk to Wilton Dr. $1095/Mo. Avail Feb. 15th. Call 757-749-3484 --------------------------------------------------WALK TO WILTON DRIVE RESTAURANTS AND CLUBS 2BR/1BA - Central AC, freshly painted, renovated kitchen, built in micro, D/W, tile floor, private back yard. Only $875/Mo. 30 lb pet limit.

Call David at 917-710-8852, 407-491-1353 --------------------------------------------------STUDIO FOR RENT - COCONUT GROVE 5 min from Miami/Grove centers, Metrorail, 20 min to Miami Beach. $700/Mo. + dep. Call Norman 305-815-1089 --------------------------------------------------VICTORIA PARK CONDO 2BR/1BA fully furnished condo for rent.

Central air & heat, pool, tile floors, D/W, balcony, parking space, secured building.

No Pets. $950 per month plus electric, F/S. Call 954-565-2714.

--------------------------------------------------MANOR GROVE 2/2 Updated, tile, screened porch, walk to Wilton Drive, $1,200/Mo. Steve Pizzuto 954873-2830 Castelli RE Services --------------------------------------------------COLONIAL MANOR 1/1.5 Completely remodeled, walk to Galleria Mall, bike to beach. Steve Pizzuto 954-8732830 Castelli RE Services --------------------------------------------------ISLAND CITY LOFTS 2/2.5 CORNER UNIT Stunning, Pool, Fitness Center, on “The Drive”, $1,900/Mo. Steve Pizzuto 954873-2830 Castelli RE Services --------------------------------------------------PALM ISLAND VILLAS Brand New Tri-Level 3/3.5 Townhouse, walk to “The Drive”, $1,850/Mo. Steve Pizzuto 954-873-2830 Castelli RE Services -----------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS - RENOVATED STUDIO A/C, tile, W/D, kitchen, fenced. Walk to shops and clubs. $500/Mo. $750 moves you in. All utilities paid. Call 954-325-1591 ---------------------------------------------VICTORIA PARK TOWNHOUSE 2BD/2.5BA, Large Bedrooms. large Closets. newer fully equipped kitchen , newer appliances, WD, Courtyard, Pets OK, Hurricane Shutters, Fast Flexible Move In for Feb 1st.

Owner/Agent $1,425/Mo. 954-661-4481 --------------------------------------------------LAKE RIDGE STUDIO FOR RENT $700/Mo for 1 person. Incl utilities, Direct TV, Full Kitchen, Parking, Close to Wilton Manors, Downtown and 2 miles to beach. Nice Back Yard. Call Roberto at 954-383-8980 --------------------------------------------------NEAR THE BEACH 2BD/2BA $1,195/Mo. and 2BD/1BA $1,095/ Mo., window treatments, tile, carpet, large private fenced back yard, laundry on premisis, F/S 954-914-9144 --------------------------------------------------1BD/1BA NEAR BOARDWALK - THE WOODS Remodeled Full Kitchen & Bath, New Tile, W/D on premisis, pool, quiet building. $800/ Mo. Call 954-857-5579 --------------------------------------------------FURNISHED EFFICIENCY NE 25th ST, behind the Science of the Mind. Utilities included, private parking, annual lease, one adult, no pets, $585/Mo. F/L/$300Sec. Call Chaz 954-465-4292 --------------------------------------------------$750 BEHIND GALLERIA ($50 OFF FIRST MONTH) 1BD/1BA, 800 sqft w/ pool, no pets please.

Call 954-802-5059 or trmman@comcast.net --------------------------------------------------1BD/1BA CLOSE TO WILTON DRIVE 550sq ft. apt., newly renovated with granite countertops, European style cabinets, built in W/D, private back yard/covered patio. $850/Mo. Call 954-533-1240

-----------------------------------------------A1A - LIVE ACROSS THE FROM THE OCEAN - POMPANO BEACH 1B/1B & Studios from $650-$800, NE 12st & A1A, Walk A1A to Beach, Shopping, Dinning, Dancing. Complex has Community Pool & Laundry Room. Pets OK - Call 561-309-2214 --------------------------------------------------GEORGOUS TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT IN WILTON MANORS 2BD/2.5BA, 2 story townhouse, $1,450/Mo. Tile floors, central air, W/D, DW, screened in portch, community pool, sits on fingertip canal. In heart and soul of Wilton Manors.

Walk to restaurants, shops, nightlife. Can be furnished for $1,550/Mo. Approx 1,200 sqft. One small pet allowed. Call Anthony 215-715-0494 --------------------------------------------------POINSETTIA HEIGHTS Large 3/2 Duplex Apartment for Rent. Tile floors throughout. Eat in Kitchen, W/D, Guest Bedroom with Private Entrance. $1,100/Mo. + utilities. F/S. Call 954-565-2714.

--------------------------------------------------2BD/1BA IN WILTON MANORS W/D in unit, Central AC, DW, tile floors, excellent condition, pool on premisis, small pet ok, $1,000/Mo. + Sec. Includes all utilities (+cable) except electricity. 1yr. lease. Call 305-304-1349 --------------------------------------------------VICTORIA PARK SPACIOUS STUDIO Studio, pool, updated, Walk to Gateway and Galleria. N/S. $825/Mo. Call 954-270-0304 --------------------------------------------------VICTORIA PARK VERY LARGE 1 BEDROOM Large 1 bedroom, pool, updated, Walk to Gateway and Galleria. N/S. $1,000/Mo. Call 954-270-0304 --------------------------------------------------MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE TOWNHOUSES Large 2/1½ unit townhouse style. Tile, Central A/C, D/W, microwave, great location in quiet complex. $900/Mo. F/L/S 954-270-0304 --------------------------------------------------LAKERIDGE - PERFECT 1/1 Newer everything, granite kitchen, icemaker, steps to Holiday Park & The Depot. $725/Mo. F/S. Large 1/1 w/ big patio area for $825/Mo. F/S Call 954-448-9811, Pets OK. --------------------------------------------------MIDDLE RIVER 2BD/1BA Nice kitchen, central air, new floors, 1 year lease. $850/Mo. F/S. Call 954-448-9811, Pets OK. --------------------------------------------------MIDDLE RIVER - CONDO QUALITY Gigantic 1BD/1BA, Central AC, Open Granite Kitchen with Island, DW, ice-maker, designer bath, 15x20 master w/ walk-in closet.

Must See! $895/Mo. F/S. Call 954-448-9811, Pets OK. --------------------------------------------------NE FT. LAUDERDALE - WILTON MANOR AREA - AVAILABLE NOW Lovely, IMMACULATE, 1/1’s, private patios, newer kitchens, lg. BR, walk-n closet, tile floors, a/c, washer/dyer, cable ready, Quiet, all gay complex. Cat considered. $680-$700.

By appt. 954-592-3772 --------------------------------------------------727 NW 1ST AVE-OFF OF ANDREWS AVE. Completely Remodeled 2BR/1BA on beautiful street lined with new townhouses. Large fenced yard, very quet, private laudry on premises, parking. Central AC $850/mo + 1/ mo security. Gino 954-551-3621 --------------------------------------------------1/1 APARTMENT MINUTES TO WILTON DRIVE $725/MO. Private 1/1, cent a/c, all tile, french door to large patio/fenced yard & laundry, cats & most dogs okay 954-849-4944 --------------------------------------------------MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE DUPLEX Large 1 Bedroom Apt. AC, Tile, Fenced Yard, Washer/Dryer, Private Parking, Pet OK. $750/ Mo. Call 954-463-6791 --------------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS WATERFRONT ON THE PARK Waterfront 2BD/2BA Corner Unit, Large Open living areas, W/D in unit, $1,200/Mo. Waterfront 1BD/1BA, new kitchen, spacious apt. $875/Mo. Spacious STUDIO apartment, private entrance, tile floors, galley kitchen, full size refrigerator, updated bathroom, wall of closets $575/Mo. Call 954-224-8768 --------------------------------------------------VILLAGE PARK AT OAKLAND Move-In special for 2/1 second floor apt.

Pool, tennis, exercise room, laundry. New carpet, paint, xtra clean. Commercial Blvd East of 95 at NE 6 Ave. Adjacent Publix/ Bally’s, 1 mile to beach. Below market at $775/mo. 954-552-5023. Southcore Realty. or blueboy1st@hotmail.com

39

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com --------------------------------------------------FT LAUDERDALE - MIDDLE RIVER AREA LOW MOVE IN /EASY TERMS* 1BD/1BA in 4 unit bldg. $700/Mo. or $175/Wk*. W/D on premisis. 6 or 12 Mo. Lease. 954-527-9225 --------------------------------------------------MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE Large 1BD/1BA in gay fourplex. Tile floors throughout, laundry facilities, parking, less than 1 mile to Wilton Drive. $750/Mo. Call 954-815-2550 --------------------------------------------------2 MIN TO WILTON DRIVE Small quiet lushly landscaped bldg, 1/1, 1st floor, all tile, big bedroom, w/i closet, updtd kitchen, freshly painted, laundry on premises, some pets considered, $750 954849-4944 or 954-242-7566.

--------------------------------------------------EFFICIENCY & YARD $550 MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE Bright corner unit, tile, big walk-in closet, small kitchen sink & cabinet, refrigerator, microwave, NO STOVE, electric & water included; BBQ in yard. Cat OK. 954-242-7566 or 954-849-4944 --------------------------------------------------3/2 EMBARCADERO CONDO End unit, no shared walls, W/D in unit, assigned parking, gym, pool, $1,200/Mo. Call 954-701-6238 --------------------------------------------------GAIA RESIDENCES RIVERSIDE PARK Move In Today! Clothing. Optional Resort Complex. Contact Stacy 954-647-9947 Or email: ttuchow@aol.com

Profess. Services PLANNING A MOVE? At Cousins USA Moving & Storage, we want you to smile when you think of moving day, and we want you to tell a friend how pleasant your moving experience has been.

For more info on about how we can make moving day a good day. Call toll-free at 1-888-300-MOVE, ask for Carlos.

--------------------------------------------------IRRIGATION SYSTEM REPAIR 19 yrs. experience, excellent work, referrals by request. Call Roberto at 954-383-8980 --------------------------------------------------NEED A LAWYER ? Criminal Defense * DUI Traffic * Accidents * Injuries * Personal Injury * AAA Attorney Referral Service 24 Hours * 1-800-733-5342 --------------------------------------------------PERSONAL TRAINER Private gym/pool, one on one workouts, rates as low as $35/session, over 10 years changing lives in S. Florida and loving it!

Strength, flexibility, cardio, golf conditioning, nutrition. Frank Ward 954-630-0908 --------------------------------------------------RTS ELECTRIC 24 HOUR SERVICE Quality work at a reasonable price. Licensed & Insured #98-CME-1807-X. Contact 954257-9509. Also, all size generator service and installation.

--------------------------------------------------ONE STOP SHOPPING & ASSOCIATES HANDYMAN/REMODELING & MORE WITH 30+ YRS EXPERIENCE IN ALL PHASES OF...

Home improvements, a/c, extensions, electrical, plumbing, painting, kitchen, baths, flooring/ trim, steel erector and fabricator. PGT Impact Windows at Factory Direct Prices. Former owner of a NY remodeling co. as well as a hands on worker, because I demand perfection in all I do. Please call Mitch for prompt honest and dependable service. Lic. CGC1514441, EC13001388 and insured. (954) 253-4650 --------------------------------------------------DEREK’S 24 HR HANDYMAN SERVICE Introducing our new cabinet shop. For all your Custom Made Cabintetry, Countertops and Laminates. MUST SEE OUR WORK! JUST ASK OUR CLIENTS! All Electrical to code, any/all plumbing work, drywall finish work/repair, crown/baseboard pro-install, int/ ext painting, demo work, pressure washing, DECOR TILE Install, complete home up-dates.

For large jobs, 4-man crew abailable. WE HANDLE IT ALL. Instant call back direct service response. No job is ever too small.

Excellent references. Derek 954-825-5598 or email: DerekGallaway@att.net --------------------------------------------------NEED NEW CARPET? Latest styles & colors at discount prices!

Free shop at home service. Also, repairing or re-stretching of your old carpet. Call Wade at Nichols Rug 954-360-2918 --------------------------------------------------GREAT MASSAGE! GREAT RATES! PRIVATE STUDIO NOW OPEN! Great Massage, Great Rates. See my Display ad, or visit my website at www. massagebyjim.com Call Jim Libonati at 954600-5843. Licensed, insured and nationally certified MA50898

--------------------------------------------------THE ELECTRICIAN Ceiling fans, outlets, water heaters, service increases, pools, Jacuzzi, pumps, timers, photocells, 220 fuse box, yard lights. 954522-3357, 561-274-7446 or 305-534-1551.

Licensed/Insured.

--------------------------------------------------EXPERT AIR ADVICE AIR CONDITIONING REPAIRS Cooling is what we do best. FPL rebates, insured, CACO 36862 FREE estimates on replacements $75 tune up, Call 954-764-1990 --------------------------------------------------***CLEAN IT RITE*** THE BEST CLEANING FOR YOUR BUCK! 1BD $45, 2BD $55, 3BD $65.

Excellent rates and references. 10 years in the business. Call Manny at 954-560-4443 --------------------------------------------------HOME REMODELING/REPAIR From Small Repairs to High End Remodeling. Specializing in Kitchens and Baths.

Exceptional work ethic. Carpentry, plumbing ,electrical, etc. 20 Years Experience.

Atelier Development. Call 954-612-7795 for free estimate.

--------------------------------------------------BRUCE ELECTRIC CORP. Fair rates/quality work. All electrical services.

Repairs/upgrades. Generator sales/ installations. Prompt/reliable/dependable. State licensed & ins. EC13001903 954-748-6234 --------------------------------------------------* EARLY BIRD CONSTRUCTION * ROOFING, CARPENTRY, TILE, PAINT. Honest and ON TIME! 954-274-9378 --------------------------------------------------WWW.EMERALDIRISHCLEANING.COM SPECIALS • SPECIALS English Speaking, Hand Scrubbed Floors, Staff Fingerprinted, Detailed, 3 hours $55, 4 hours $65. Call 954-524-3161. Serving the community for 20 years.

--------------------------------------------------ONE CALL DOES IT ALL BY HOUSE! Carpet Cleaning, House Cleaning, Tile & Grout, Upholstery Air Ducts, Pressure Cleaning- Patios, sidewalks, & drive ways.

Construction and Foreclosure Clean Up. Cell 954-515-7615 --------------------------------------------------D.A.D.S. ELECTRIC, LLC All Electrical work done to NEC Codes. Neat and clean work. Community Loyalty. Give us a try. Our prices wont shock you. Gay owned and operated. #COC-02-CME-2027X. Call David & Dennis 954-549-0102.

--------------------------------------------------LYONS SNYDER LAW GROUP Criminal Defense Attorneys 954-462-8035 www.LyonsSnyder.com --------------------------------------------------LAW OFFICES OF GEORGE CASTRATARO Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation, Estate Planning/ Wills, Foreclosure Defense & Negotiation, GLBT Issues, Small Business. 954-573-1444 www.LAWGC.com --------------------------------------------------MAYERSOHN LAW GROUP P.A. State/Federal Criminal Defense & White Collar Crime 954-765-1900, 866-765-1900 www.MayersohnLaw.com --------------------------------------------------DRUCKER LAW OFFICES Personal Injury, Auto Accidents, Wrongful Death, Slip/Trip & Falls, Defective Product Injuries, Workplace Injuries. 954-7552120 www.FloridaLawTeam.com --------------------------------------------------LAW OFFICES OF CHRIS MANCINI, PA Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation Office: 954-522-2744 Cell: 305-219-6919 www.ChrisManciniEsq.com --------------------------------------------------STEPHEN D. JEROME ATTORNEY AT LAW Bankruptcy, Mortgage Foreclosure Defense, Wills, Estate Planning & Probate, Real Estate Closings, Domestic Partnership Agreements 954-946-0916, SJerome_Esq@bellsouth.net --------------------------------------------------ATTORNEY ROBIN L. BODIFORD, JD, MSW Wills & Trusts, Bankruptcy, Trust Admin, Probate, GLBT Issues, Incorporations 954-630-2707, www.RobinBodifordLaw.com --------------------------------------------------EMERGENCY SERVICES 24, INC. Complete Plumbing Services 24 Hour Water Removal 305-557-8998, 561-818-1171 www.WaterDamage24.com --------------------------------------------------EXPERT CARPET, TILE & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING BY DESI $59.99 2 Rooms, Deep Steam Cleaning Carpet or Sofa, Free Deodorizer $99.00 Winter Special Tile & Grout Or 35 cents per sq.ft. 954-383-5054

---------------------------------------A&A ROOFING AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS 954-274-9378 Licensed & Insured #93BS00177 ----------------------------------“I SHOW UP” HANDYMAN 954-684-9277 Sean SeanHarrenFTL@mac.com --------------------------------------------------HANDYMAN DAN SERVICE 954-670-9555 Dan MrDanCurtis@gmail.com Lic. #003537 --------------------------------------------------BROWARD BOYS PAINTERS Residential & Commercial Interior & Exterior 954-720-9605 www.BrowardBoys.com --------------------------------------------------THE PAINTING COMPANY Residential & Commercial Solids, Faux Finishes, Murals, Color Coordination, Venetian Plaster, Interior/Exterior. 954-2928219 PAINTandFAUX@aol.com --------------------------------------------------CGR PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Broward, West Palm, Dade Residential/Commercial 786-419-1360 --------------------------------------------------BROWARD PET CARE PROFESSIONALS Pet Sitting, Dog Walking, Day Care, Pet Taxi 954-612-2278, www.BrowardPetCarePros.com Certified, Bonded and Insured --------------------------------------------------TOTAL MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, INC. Condo & HOA Management Bookkeeping, Tenant Screening Contractor/Employee Oversight 954-727-3833, www.TotalMSolutions.com --------------------------------------------------HOME SOLUTIONS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 954-545-3027 Office www.RentSoon.com --------------------------------------------------PANE IN THE GLASS Window Tint Removal, Window Cleaning Power Washing, Screen Repairs Handyman, Painting. Call Scotty 954-566-4415, Lic. & Insured --------------------------------------------------LICENSED CONTRACTOR Carports to Garages Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Home Additions, Complete Roofs Rotted Facia and More…

Call 561-577-3017, Lic#CGC151692 --------------------------------------------------DINKLE DOG GROOMING WILTON MANORS Small to Medium Dogs 954-562-2278, DinkleDogs@aol.com --------------------------------------------------MY BREAKFAST IN BED AS SEEN ON TV…instead of sending flowers, Send a breakfast in bed! For menus and to order Online: www.mybreakfastinbed.com Karl’s Catering 305-829-5607

Miscellaneous CALL HARDLINE AND TRY IT FOR FREE NOW! 18+ Hot, Horny, Hung, Bi Studs Ripped Muscle Jocks Big Daddy Musclebears Bi College Fratboy’ 305-455-6969 954-334-5555 Other cities: 1-877-510-3344 --------------------------------------------------WE PAY YOU CASH TODAY For used DVDs, CDs, & VHS. Any quantity, large collections or just a few. We are the largest buyer of used media products in Florida. Movies4Sale, Inc. 954-921-4355 --------------------------------------------------UNCUT LOCAL LATIN DUDES Call: 786-364-7729 or 800-777-8000 FREE with Code: 9954 InteractiveMale.com --------------------------------------------------CARE RESOURCE - HIV RAPID TESTING BROWARD COUNTY 830 E. Oakland Park Blvd Oakland Park, FL 33334 For Info Call 954-567-7141 FREE and CONFIDENTIAL TESTING FROM 9:30 AM TO 5:00 PM www.CareResource.org/testinginfo.html --------------------------------------------------HIV AND STD TESTING AT THE GLCC 2040 N. Dixie Highway Wilton Manors, FL 33305 For more details and info call: 954-463-9005 or visit www.GLCCSF.org --------------------------------------------------STRICTLY SEX! 18+ Use Ad # 3211 305-651-0051 954-587-6050 561-689-5700 772-293-9125 407-895-0003 --------------------------------------------------RESEARCH STUDY - EARN CASH Are you a sexually active gay/bi man?

You may be eligible to participate in a paid research study! Call ROOM Project 954-566-8206

Health/Fitness ANDRE’S SPA SERVICES Licensed Skin Care Specialist & Cosmetologist Waxing, Microdermabrasion, European Facials, Manicures, Pedicures. 954-4823112 www.Spa2urHome.com --------------------------------------------------PRIVATE PERSONAL TRAINING GYM Rene Endara, World Champion Bodybuilder And Personal Trainer. Call for Free Consultation 954-394-6979 www.ReneEndara.com --------------------------------------------------DUANE LEVANDOWSKI, PERSONAL TRAINER “Back in it for your results” Certified Personal Trainer & Nutrition Counselor 954-655-6799 --------------------------------------------------REMOVE THE HAIR FROM ANYWHERE European Speed Wax, European Hard Wax, Body Grooming. Don DiCarlo 954-734-5531 www.TheBeachSpa.com Lic. CL1183450 --------------------------------------------------MOBILE TEETH WHITENING $49 Hotspots Special $69 Couples Special Call for Info & Appointment 954-583-0511 --------------------------------------------------ROBINS CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Bruce Robins Quality Chiropractic Care From a Doctor you can Trust.

Free Constultation & Exam 954-523-5336 701-D East Broward Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Services KFIR MOYAL PROFESSIONAL BODYWORK www.KfirMoyal.com, 404-966-1036 --------------------------------------------------ITALIAN BODYWORK Call me for your next great body rub!

954-494-5936 --------------------------------------------------DEEP MUSCULAR MASSAGE If my massage isn’t one of the best you’ve ever had, you don’t have to pay me.

Jamie G. 954-547-4872 --------------------------------------------------BESTOFFLORIDAMASSAGE.COM 8AM – 8PM, 7 Days a week 954-356-9348 --------------------------------------------------RELAX IN A MAN’S HANDS Hot Rubs $70+ North Dade IN/OUT Pro Table Paul 305-903-3331 --------------------------------------------------I WILL RUB YOU RIGHT! Joe 954-270-0357 --------------------------------------------------STEVE-JORDAN.COM Experience the ultimate in bodywork!

954-560-2542 --------------------------------------------------USA BODYWORK Kenn Steed, Fort Lauderdale 954-683-3360 www.USABodywork.us --------------------------------------------------EXTRAORDINARY MASSAGE Through Healing Spiritual Touch Shark 954-478-6728 --------------------------------------------------BODY CARE SERVICES 4 Hand or Solo Massage Master Haircuts, Body Trims Private Shaves, Waxing Facials, Manicures, Pedicures Personal Trainer, Pet Sitter Daniel 954-260-5588 www.Masseurfinder.com/bodyspa Lic.# MA15163 --------------------------------------------------AWESOME BODYWORK BY PAUL www.PaulBunting.com/Yoga Escape Now! Experience Hands On Thai Yin Yoga Bodywork and Feel The ultimate enjoyment! 60 or 90 Minute sessions! 954-756-2615

Models CARLOS 305-812-5085 27YO, Cuban, 5’7”, 140lbs. Green Eyes, Vers. Top Passionate, Clean Location Miami Beach --------------------------------------------------DANIEL 754-214-3164 Available for Body Rubs & Companionship 6’2”, 215lbs FTL, WPB, Miami --------------------------------------------------HAVE ME ON YOUR DOORSTEP IN 30 MINUTES! TREAT YOURSELF! Alex, 27YO, Cuban American, 5’8”, 160lbs, Masculine No Attitude, Very Well Hung & Versatile. 786-319-7665 --------------------------------------------------ASIAN INDIAN BOY 30 years old Handsome Boy for erotic rub down. Tantric work too Call 954-394-4150 for apt. anytime.

In & Out.

--------------------------------------------------MILITARY LOOKING AND HUNG 51,Tall, Muscular & Masculine. 8.5 x 6 cut.

Deep muscle. COME and RELEASE your TENSION. IN/OUT calls 8 AM to 7PM EVERYDAY. Clean, STD Free, and discreet.

954-257-0782 or Mineis8.5X6@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------***TOTAL BLISS**** If you overweight and over 60 you get my $60 special. Totally release every ounce of stress from your body by 43 yr old, 5’6”, 150lbs, moderately hairy, 8.5”, thick rugged hung nude dude. You will find it hard to get off the table when I’m through with you.

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Photo by Cal Deal

40

February 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Connie Francis with Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler today, and the Gateway Theater on East Sunrise Boulevard 50 years ago.

The ‘Boys’ Are Coming Back!

By A. Sebastian Fortino

L

egendary songstress Connie Francis appeared in Fort Lauderdale last Friday to promote Memorial Day Weekend events surrounding the 50th Anniversary of her classic and cult beach flick, Where the Boys Are. Ms. Francis—an American and malt shop icon—has had a love affair with her gay fans and admirers for decades. She has even been quoted as saying that the Boys movie is,“The gay national anthem.”

Her youthful and tender recordings are a time capsule of bittersweet teenage romances.

For gay men, songs such as, “Where the Boys Are,” “He’s My Dreamboat,” and “Who’s Sorry Now,” are as compelling today as they were when they premiered.

Mr. John McLaughlin, who is producing the event for Connie has been spending weeks

in South Florida preparing for the event. A friend of Ms. Francis for 20 years, he was contacted to promote the Memorial Day Weekend festivities.

Stated McLaughlin: “I have met with the Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler, and we are all gung ho to celebrate the anniversary of the movie.”

One of the forthcoming events will be a Connie Francis look alike contest. Ms. Francis has used that vehicle in the past to support GLBT issues.

Yes, we loved seeing Ms. Francis return to Fort Lauderdale Beach in a hot pink Cadillac, surrounded by even hotter male models, in vintage attire.

The boys were sponsored by Hot Spots Magazine, and the only thing missing was the Marlin Beach Hotel, the internationally famous gay hotel where many of the movie’s scenes were filmed. The Marlin Beach Hotel

closed sometime in the 1990’s.

The event will nevertheless be a boon for South Florida’s gay tourism venues.

Joseph A.Van Eron, who among other things is owner of the Liberty Suites, developer of the first GLBT Task Force for Florida Tourism, and president of the Dania Beach Tourism Council has long believed that, “to attract a gay market you need to understand the culture and history of the gay community.”

Mr.Von Eron served on the New Jersey Tourism Commission from 92-95, and “had the opportunity to meet Connie there.”

The main event, sponsored by Fort Lauderdale over the Memorial Day Weekend, will be Connie Francis’ Great American Beach Party. This event, according to both Mr. McLaughlin and Von Eron, will be “more nostalgic” of an experience.

Fort Lauderdale, which has spent the last decade trying to distance itself from

its Spring Break past, is now celebrating its former glory as a mid-century destination with this event.

Ironically, Where the Boys Are, is the film that brought Fort Lauderdale from a sleepy, beachside community to Spring Break heaven.

Asked how it feels to be back in Fort Lauderdale, launching a commemorative party for her film’s anniversary, Francis beamed that “It feels great; Fort Lauderdale is home to me and I am happy to be back here.”

In addition to the Great American Beach Party,Von Eron indicated that more gay specific events will be announced in the coming months, which tie in to the big planned party.

These events,Von Eron promises, will bring, “Gay heads to gay beds, and gay dollars into our gay businesses, while reinforcing that Fort Lauderdale is the premiere gay destination in the United States."