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July 21, 2010 • VOLUME 1 • Issue 26

AIDS Activists Take to the Streets INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Argentina Legalizes Gay Marriage

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Page 18

Bill Gates AIDS Address

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Photo by MICHAEL MURPHY

SFGN Profile: Oscar Llorente

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Exploring Coastal Maine

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July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Gay Candidates To learn about other gay candidates, log on to SouthFloridaGayNews.com /candidates

July 21, 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 26

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

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

Chief Executive Officer Vice President, Sales. . . . . . . Cliff Dunn cliff.dunn@southfloridagaynews.com

Lisa Maxwell: One of 11 Gay Candidates in Upcoming Elections

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isa Maxwell, running for the Lake Worth City Commission’s District 4 seat, was omitted from our previous article on gay candidates running for office in south Florida. Maxwell, a longtime out south Florida business woman,

Creative Director. . . . . . . . . George Dauphin george.dauphin@southfloridagaynews.com Online Website Director. . . . . Dennis Jozefowicz

Editorial Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . Joey Amato joey.amato@southfloridagaynews.com

has decades of experience working with multi-million dollar budgets and public/private partnerships. She is shaking things up in Lake Worth in many ways and hers promises to be the race to watch. What else can be

LAT E - B R E A K I N G

NEWS

Wilton Manors Man Arrested

Immigration and Customs Enforcement claim Marone was seen in March in the Dominican Republic with four young boys, exposing their genitals. A camera belonging to Marone was seized, containing various of naked boys ages 5 to 15 while in the pictures, including pictures of boys Dominican Republic. exposing themselves in sexual posiAccused of sexual exploitation of chiltions. Three of the boys have spoken dren, Marone is being held without bond after appearing in federal court on Monday. to investigators.

Took Pictures of Boys in Dominican Republic

By Dennis Jozefowicz

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obert John Marone, 49, of Wilton Manors was arrested by federal authorities, accused of taking pictures

said about a woman who listens to Moby, quotes Winston Churchill and restores historic buildings in her spare time? She’s definitely worth looking into and we’ll keeping our eyes on her in the future.

Copy Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penn Bullock penn.bullock@southfloridagaynews.com

News Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jarrett Terrill jarrett.t@southfloridagaynews.com Lifestyle & Features Editor. . . A. Sebastian Fortino sebastian.fortino@southfloridagaynews.com Arts/Entertainment Editor . . . Mary Damiano marysfgn@gmail.com SFGNites Editor. . . . . . . . . . . JW Arnold Health/HIV Editor. . . . . . . . . Paul Gallotta Business Editor . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Gary Senior Feature Correspondent. . . . . . . . . . . Jesse Monteagudo Contributing Columnists. . . . Tony

Adams, Wayne Besen, AJ Cross, Susan Estrich, Brian McNaught, Leslie Robinson Patricia Nell Warren

Sales Display Marketing Associates. . J ohn Fugate Brian Swinford National Sales Representative.Rivendell Media todd@rivendellmedia.com Distribution Manager. . . . . . . J ohn Fugate, JR Davis, Walter Franco Printing and Publication . . . . Miami Offset South Florida Gay News.com is published weekly on Mondays.

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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.

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July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Local News

G Worldwide Changes Location Luxury Hotel Will Be Built on 26th Street

By Joey Amato

for the resort.

David Holzapfel, COO of G Worldwide, says the company plans to build an $80 milfew issues ago, SFGN reported that a lion, 700,000-square-foot resort with a hotel, new resort would be built in Wilton Manors. Plans have now changed. Instead of the fitness center, spa, nightclub, restaurants, art gallery, banquet center and a movie theater. original location, G Worldwide plans on build“It’s better curb appeal,” Holzapfel says of ing the $80 million property on 26th Street.

The relocation arose because a few owners the new location at 1550 NE 26th St. Earlier this year, residents of Middle River of the six-acre Middle River Trailer Park, off Northeast 24th Street, between Dixie Highway Trailer Park were told to vacate and some left their dilapidated trailers behind. and 15th Avenue, refused to sell the property.

Trantalis says the company tried to G Worldwide offered $2.5 million for the land. purchase the trailer park more than a year “The sellers cannot convey clear title ago from the trustees of the property who, because the children [of the owner who died] are feuding over whether the property he said, “are required to sell it because they should be sold,” says G Worldwide attorney can’t pay the taxes, can’t pay the property.”

The park has been owned by the Yawt famDean Trantalis.

The company instead signed a $3.7 million ily for more than 50 years and three of the four beneficiaries refused to sell. The family contract for four acres at the site of the dispute wound up in court and “stymied our First Church of Religious Science. The cureffort to purchase,” Trantalis says. rent building will be bulldozed to make way

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July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Argentina Legalizes Gay Marriage in Historic Vote

By Michael Warren Associated Press

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Argentina legalized same-sex marriage Thursday, becoming the first country in Latin America to grant gays and lesbians all the legal rights, responsibilities and protections that marriage brings to heterosexual couples.

After a marathon debate, 33 lawmakers voted in favor, 27 were against it and 3 abstained in Argentina’s Senate in a vote that ended after 4 a.m. Since the lower house already approved it, and President Cristina Fernandez is a strong supporter, it now becomes law as soon as it is published in the official bulletin.

The law is sure to bring a wave of marriag-

es by gays and lesbians who have increasingly found Buenos Aires to be more accepting than many other places in the region.

The approval came despite a concerted campaign by the Roman Catholic Church and evangelical groups, which drew 60,000 people to march on Congress and urged parents in churches and schools to work against passage.

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio said “everyone loses” with gay marriage, and “children need to have the right to be raised and educated by a father and a mother.”

Nine gay couples had already married in Argentina after persuading judges that the constitutional mandate of equality supports their marriage rights, but some of these marriages were later declared invalid.

Press office of the state of tierra del fuego, argentina

International News

Alex Freyre, right, and partner Jose Maria Di Bello, both HIV positive, were married at the civil registry in Ushuaia in 2009.

Their marriage is now recognized by the government of Argentina.

As the debate stretched on for nearly 16 hours, supporters and opponents of held rival vigils through the frigid night outside the Congress building in Buenos Aires.

“Marriage between a man and a woman has existed for centuries, and is essential for the perpetuation of the species,” insisted Sen. Juan Perez Alsina, who is usually a loyal supporter of the president but gave a passionate speech against gay marriage.

But Sen. Norma Morandini, another member of the president’s party, compared the discrimination closeted gays face to the oppression imposed by Argentina’s dictators decades ago.

“What defines us is our humanity, and what runs against humanity is intolerance,” she said.

Same-sex civil unions have been legalized in Uruguay, Buenos Aires and some states in Mexico and Brazil. Mexico City has legalized gay marriage. Colombia’s Constitutional Court granted same-sex couples inheritance rights and allowed them to add their partners to health insurance plans.

But Argentina now becomes the first country in Latin America to legalize samesex marriage nationwide, granting gays and lesbians all the same rights and responsibilities that heterosexuals have. These include many more rights than civil unions, including adopting children and inheriting wealth.

Gay rights advocates said Argentina’s historic step adds momentum to similar efforts around the world.

“Today’s historic vote shows how far Catholic Argentina has come, from dictatorship to true democratic values, and how far the freedom to marry movement has come, as twelve countries on four continents now embrace marriage equality,” said Evan Wolfson,

who runs the U.S. Freedom to Marry lobby.

He urged U.S. lawmakers to stand up “for the Constitution and all families here in the United States. America should lead, not lag, when it comes to treating everyone equally under the law.”

Among the opponents were teacher Eduardo Morales, who said he believes the legislation was concocted by Buenos Aires residents who are out step with the views of the country.

“They want to convert this city into the gay capital of the world,” said Morales of San Luis province.

Ines Franck, director of the group Familias Argentinas, said the legislation cuts against centuries of tradition.

Opposing the measure “is not discrimination, because the essence of a family is between two people of opposite sexes,” he said. “Any variation goes against the law, and against nature.”

The president, currently on a state visit to China, spoke out from there against the Argentine Catholic Church’s campaign and the tone she said some religious groups have taken.

“It’s very worrisome to hear words like ‘God’s war’ or ‘the devil’s project,’ things that recall the times of the Inquisition,” she said.

Some opposition leaders have accused her of promoting the initiative to gain votes in next year’s presidential elections, when Fernandez’s husband, former President Nestor Kirchner, is expected to run again.

The vote came after Sen. Daniel Filmus urged fellow lawmakers to show the world how much Argentina has matured.

“Society has grown up. We aren’t the same as we were before,” he said.

July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

National Association of Black and White Men DAY 2010 in Ft. Lauderdale TogetherDIVERSITY Hold Convention

Saturday, July 31st, 1-4:30 at the Pride Center at Equality Park 2040 N. Dixie Hwy., Wilton Manors, FL 33305

By Staff Reporters

Join us for A Great discussion: "Connecting Multiculturally: Overcoming the Trust Deficit "

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he National Association of Black and White Men Together (NABWMT) will hold its 13th annual convention July 26-31 at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott North. The theme for the Diverse 2010 event is Pearls of Wisdom, a take on the gifts of a traditional thirtieth CO-SPONSORS: anniversary.

The interracial, multicultural LGBT-oriented group’s extravaganza will feature organizational meetings, workshops and festive social events.

A dozen workshops are scheduled, including “Chemical Dependency and Psychiatric Treatment in the LGBT Community,” “The House Community: A Tribute Long Past Due,” and others concerning LGBT issues.

Social events to lighten things up are also on the program in Wilton Manors. An entertaining and festive Madame X No Talent/ Talent Show will be staged Thursday evening July 29 in The Manor’s Epic Room. The Midlands Region of NABWMT chapters will host a meet and greet reception buffet early Friday evening on July 30.

Al Cicotte & Kevin Palombo American Tax & Insurance Services 2881 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306

Also during the week, NABWMT will elect officers and directors, host membership and board of directors meetings to set goals and refine the functions of the organization for the coming year. Discussions and films will be offered along with refreshments during evening hours.

A bit of culture during the week is possible.

Visits to the Stonewall Library and Archives are also on the schedule for those attending.

NABWMT last met in Fort Lauderdale in 1998. Other Florida conventions for the organization were staged in Tallahassee in 1989, Key West in 1995 and Miami Beach in 2002.

For more information about the convention, visit Nabwmt.org.

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July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

National News

is no doubt there are enough [Congressional] seats in play [in November’s mid-term elections] that could cause Republicans to gain control” of one or both chambers.

A number of recent polls show Republicans gaining support over Democrats among voters. A July 7-11 poll of 1,288 registered voters by ABC/Washington Post found that 47 percent would vote for the Republican in their Congressional district, while 46 percent would vote for the Democrat. Sixtytwo percent said they were inclined to “look around” for other candidates than their curBy Lisa Keen rent representative in Congress. Other polls Keen News Service showed similar findings.

There are 255 Demhe Employocrats and 178 Repubment Nonlicans in the House; 56 DiscrimiDemocrats, 41 Repubnation Act (ENDA) licans, and 2 Indepenis not on the agenda dents in the Senate. for Senate floor acIn May, House Spea­ tion for the next few ker Nancy Pelosi (Dweeks, prior to the Calif.) said ENDA August 9 recess. and a measure to reA spokesperson for peal Don’t Ask, Don’t Senate Majority LeadTell would get floor er Harry Reid said votes this year. She the Senate will take reassured a group of up work on as many LGBT leaders that, as nine matters durwhile a measure to ing the next month, repeal DADT may but none of those are move first, ENDA ENDA. would also move unThe nine include der her watch. the Defense authoSen. Harry Reid The DADT repeal rization bill, which incorporates language aimed at repealing measure did get a floor vote by the House Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell; and the nomination in May and passed; it also passed a Senate of Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court. committee –both as part of an annual DeThey also include Wall Street reform, energy fense spending bill. The full Senate is ex(including oil spills), and the extension of pected to consider the measure before the August 9 recess. unemployment benefits.

But the dwindling number of legislaThe Hill, a newspaper reporting on Congress, said Senate Democratic leaders met tive days and the growing number of urTuesday and, in consultation with Presi- gent legislative and political priorities have dent Obama, decided to focus on these lat- squeezed ENDA out.

Drew Hammill, a spokesman for Pelosi, ter three bills during the next two weeks. It also suggested the three bills were chosen, said Tuesday, “Passing ENDA this year is a at least in part, for their ability to bolster top priority for the Speaker, but we believe support for Democrats during the mid- that passing ENDA before DADT repeal has been finalized, jeopardizes both initiatives.” term elections in November.

“Until then,” said Hammill, “we should Congress returns from its summer recess on September 13, and The Hill said “Senators encourage the Senate to develop a course for acknowledge…little legislating will be pos- ENDA to ensure that when the House passes the legislation, the Senate can move quickly sible” between September 13 and elections.

White House press secretary Robert to send the legislation to the President’s desk.”

Rep. Barney Frank, chief sponsor of the Gibbs acknowledged the administration’s deep concern about the mid-term elections. bill, could not be reached by deadline this He told NBC’s Meet the Press Sunday, “there week.

ENDA Ends Up Nowhere

Another Disappointment for Obamaites?

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July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Robin Schwartz Named Executive Director of Aqua Foundation for Women

By Staff Reporters

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he Aqua Foun­dation for Women (AFW) is proud to announce Robin Schwartz as its new executive director.

AFW has grown tremendously since its be­ ginning in 2004, increasing its giving to $355,000 this year and tripling the size of its board.

Laura Steckler, the Foundation’s president, states: “With such roRobin Schwartz bust growth comes the need for strong management. The Aqua Foundation re­ quires its executive director to have a combination of dedication to our community along with the skills to run the many different aspects of our dynamic organization. In Robin, we are extremely confident we have found the perfect fit.”

Schwartz is respected in South Florida for her extensive involvement in many of the most important non-profit organizations in the region. She brings her experience as vice chair of Miami Beach Gay Pride, vice chair of the City of Miami Beach LGBT Business Enhancement Committee, and volunteer for countless non-profits.

As one of the founding members of the Aqua Foundation for Women, Schwartz’s tenure with the AFW gives her a unique understanding of the organization’s history and of its needs today.

In addition to Schwartz’s non-profit work, she has over 20 years of business success. Her career as a sales professional and manager includes owning and running her own business, as well as working in upper management for Fortune 500 companies.

“I could not be more proud to have been chosen from a pool of highly qualified candidates as the executive director of the Aqua Foundation,” says Schwartz.

“I am extremely excited to work with an amazing board, the dedicated volunteers and our LGBT community to continue the important work of the Foundation. And there is much work to be done. While we have made great strides, we still do not have full equality,” she says. “As a gay woman I am honored to have this opportunity to do something about it.”

July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Left to Right: James Rainey, Chuck Nicholls and Hugh Beswick

Angels Get New Board T

uesday’s Angels has recently announced the election of their 2010/2011 Board of Directors. Dan Blakemore will take the helm as president of the organization while Chuck Nicholls will become immediate past president. New to the board are Hugh Beswick and James Rainey, both who have a wealth of experience in non-profits and health services and promise to be valuable assets to the organization. Stepping down from the board after five years of service is Dr. Richard Fredricks.

To learn more about Tuesday’s Angels, please visit Tuesdaysangels.org.

SunServe Holds Open House Debuts New Pride Center Office Staff Reporters

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The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

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o showcase its new office at the Pride Center at Equality Park, SunServe will be holding an open house on Wednesday, July 28 from 6 – 8 p.m. The event will feature a performance by SunServe’s One Heart Ensemble, an improv group of members of the organizations youth program that dramatizes LGBT youth concerns.

As South Florida’s social service agency for the LGBT community,

SunServe offers a full range of outpatient counseling and psychotherapy services, including individual, group and couples sessions. All services are provided on a sliding scale fee with no one turned away because of inability to pay.

SunServe’s Broward Youth Group, hosting as many 50 young people at its weekly meeting, is adding new services for young people to address the multiple needs of LGBT youth in South Florida. The youth group sponsored an LGBT prom earlier this year and its One Heart Ensemble has performed at various school and church settings.

For more information about SunServe, or the Open House at the Pride Center, call 954-764-5150.

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July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

DADT Update

Charges Dropped Against Gay Veteran Protester Lt. Dan Choi, Who Chained Himself to White House Fence

Associated Press – WASHINGTON – Prosecutors have dropped all charges against an openly gay Iraq War veteran who twice chained himself to a White House fence to protest the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

Lt. Dan Choi and James Pietrangelo, a gay army captain honorably discharged for disclosing his sexual orientation, were in court Wednesday on charges of failure to obey police orders during the March and April protests. All charges were dropped against them.

Choi and his attorney had subpoenaed President Barack Obama to appear, but an attorney for the prosecution said the subpoena wasn’t served.

Prosecutor Christine Chang declined to comment on why the government dropped the case.

Choi said he believes Obama administration officials didn’t want to draw attention to the policy.

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July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN Editorial

July 21, 2010

Norm Kent, Publisher

We Need to Stop Fighting AIDS With Car Washes

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his past Monday, at Bill’s, a Wilton Manors bar, a fundraiser was held to generate money for Tuesday’s Angels, a great AIDS charity. The annual ‘Underwear Auction’ featured popular local bartenders selling their boxers and briefs.

Next month, Broward House will inaugurate an event at the Hard Rock to generate monies for their AIDS agency, entitled ‘Broward Bares It,’ and according to the press release, this steamy event will reach dynamic proportions to generate funds for those in need. Also in August, so too will the Poverello Food Bank hold its annual bowling tournament to raise funds for its HIV clients and food service programs.

Last week, the President of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Michael Weinstein, nobly flew across country to come to the steps of the Federal courthouse in Fort Lauderdale to stand outside with a bullhorn and protest that Florida patients needing

pharmaceuticals have been placed on a state-mandated waiting list. Two weeks into the unconscionable delay, already over 600 HIV patients cannot get their meds.

More than a quarter of a century into the pandemic, this newspaper must ask when we are going to stop having car washes to fight AIDS. Stripping in a bar to raise money to fight a disease? Bowling for dollars? Protesting on street corners instead of supplying meds in a clinic? How embarrassing is this?

Sure, whatever it takes we must do. The people taking part in these events are to be saluted, not censured. They are willing to push the envelope. Raising funds in the community any way you can is a critical part of galvanizing our forces and promoting our cause. We cannot expect our government to do everything, and we have not.

We have created our own food banks, pet projects and transportation initiatives. Most of us have lent our time and energies to multi-

Judge John ‘Jay’ Hurley’s Honorable Reply

By Norm Kent

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before him was accused of a hate ith 20 judicial races crime, evidenced by statements being contested, allegedly made by the defendant many candidates against a minority. for the county and circuit court Judge Hurley noted that he have appeared at Dolphin Demomust determine bail based on cratic club campaign forums. They various factors. One such factor have been asked some very gay is whether a defendant may conspecific questions by voters, and to Judge Hurley tinue to pose a threat to society, the extent they are allowed to do so, most have answered those inquiries in a and to such members of a particular minorforthright and dignified manner. It can some- ity, if he were to be released pending trial.

Judge Hurley rightly commented that in times be difficult; because the canons of ethics which judicial candidates are required situations where an accused denigrated gay persons by publishing hostile comments to abide by have restraints on things they which demeaned those persons as ‘fags’ or can and cannot say about pending cases. ‘queers’, and those remarks evinced a haLast week, Judge John Hurley, who has tred which provided evidence existed that gained notoriety on television as the first to release him or her back onto the streets appearance magistrate judge was asked would do no service to the community, that the question of how he would respond to he would exercise his discretion to ensure a situation in which a defendant standing

Underwear party ad at Bill’s for Tuesday’s Angels

ple agencies with bike rides and AIDS walks, art auctions and god-knows-how-many-charitable affairs. Ultimately, though, is it proper that over a quarter of a century into the pandemic we are still ‘bowling for dollars’? This is no way for a society to fight a disease.

There is much we have done to awaken our consciousness, tame our carelessness, and limit our exposure to HIV, from promoting condom use to using good common sense in an uncommon degree. We should not deceive ourselves though. Our government simply that such a person be denied their release until it could be shown that the threat could be somehow mitigated.

The crowd applauded. Judge Hurley’s opponent did not. She released a statement complaining that the jurist violated the canons of ethics. She said the jurist’s remarks suggested he was pandering to the gay community, and intimating how he would rule in a particular situation. Nonsense, nonsense, nonsense.

Judge Hurley justly stated that accused criminals who have used gay citizens as tools for their hatred may face higher bonds and more extensive judicial reviews prior to being released. Good for him. That is not only the way it should be. That is the way it should have always been.Years ago in Fort Lauderdale, a now deceased jurist once asked jokingly in a murder case whether it was a crime to kill a homosexual. Those verbal slights contributed to hate crimes and when a judge like Judge Hurley says he will not tolerate those kinds of comments in his courtroom he stands up for our rights. Congratulations to him. We are lucky to have him on the bench.

has not provided enough money to deal with the continuing crisis, at home or abroad.

AIDS crosses cultural lines. The number of people taking crucial AIDS drugs climbed by a record 1.2 million last year to 5.2 million overall, the World Health Organization said Monday. In South Florida, 12% of the HIV cases diagnosed are actually seniors over 50.

Another 12% are young people under 18.

HIV populations include increasing numbers of minorities. More and more African Americans and Haitians are testing positive.

Unfortunately, these groups can least afford to pay the costs of their medicines. So many more are also in turbulent waters, rocking precariously in a boat 30 feet from shore- as our government throws a 20 foot rope.

As you cast your ballots in this fall’s elections, hold your local politicians to task.

Insist they become AIDS advocates. Insure they become educated about the funding that is necessary and the treatment that is required to combat AIDS. Tell them car washes in parking lots just won’t cut it.

From candidates seeking seats on school boards to state legislatures, demand a higher level of awareness, a greater commitment to treatment, and an unyielding willingness to do better than they have done so far. There is not a single voice in the Florida legislature that openly represents the HIV community. That absence is not just testimony to their silence, but our failures.

The voices we speak for as AIDS advocates are friends of ours that are no longer here.

Once they walked with us, ate in our restaurants, marched in our pride marches, and played in our softball leagues. Do not forget them. Honor their memory, and fight like hell. It could be your tomorrow at stake.

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July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

General Gayety

Bill Gates

Victory for Argentina

By Leslie Robinson

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rgentina suffered a distinct blow when its promising soccer team was bounced from the World Cup. What did the country do to pick up its spirits?

It passed gay marriage.

Argentina is the first nation in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage.

Gays and lesbians in Argentina will have all the legal rights and responsibilities that marriage affords straight couples.

Goal!

The days leading up to the momentous decision were infused with pressure, both sides pushing and pushing. About the only thing missing were vuvuzelas.

And for all I know, some Argentine soccer fans brought those horns home from South Africa and blew them in the streets of Buenos Aires, aggravating people on both sides of the marriage battle.

The issue of same-sex marriage pitted the Catholic Church against Argentine President Cristina Fernandez. Time.com reported that Buenos Aires archbishop and Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio said, “This is no mere legislative bill, it is a move by the father of lies to confuse and deceive the children of God.” Fernandez responded that Bergoglio’s statement was “really reminiscent of the times of the Inquisition.”

The hyperbole was sky-high enough to tickle St. Peter’s feet.

Polls indicated a solid majority of Argentines favored same-sex marriage, even though the country is overwhelmingly Catholic. With the president of the nation a strong supporter of the bill, and the lower chamber having approved it in May, all that remained was for Argentina’s Senate to get in the game.

In a march organized by the Catholic Church and evangelical groups, 60,000 people descended on Congress the evening before the vote. Same-sex marriage supporters held smaller, loud rallies. As the final debate took place inside Congress, opponents stood outside reciting the rosary in freezing temperatures, and supporters chanted equality slogans.

These people must’ve wondered if the senators had escaped out the back door— the vote didn’t take place until 4:05 a.m., after 15 hours of debate. The game lasted so long it went into penalty kicks.

“Marriage between a man and a woman has existed for centuries, and is essential for the perpetuation of the species,” asserted Senator Juan Perez Alsina, according to The Associated Press.

Senator Norma Morandini compared the discrimination closeted gays experience to the oppression Argentina’s past dictators imposed. “What defines us is our humanity, and what runs against humanity is intolerance,” Morandini said.

With that, every dictator rose from his grave and tried to give her a red card, but no one noticed.

At the end of the long, tense session, the Argentine Senate approved same-sex marriage 33-27, with three abstentions. Argentina became the 10th nation in the world to approve gay marriage.

On the same day the Catholic Church lost the game, the Vatican announced that the “attempted ordination” of women is now one of the most serious crimes under church law, on a par with clerical sexual abuse of children. Altogether, the Catholic Church is shooting on the wrong goal.

The first legal same-sex wedding is scheduled for Aug. 13. Ernesto Rodriguez Larrese, 60, will wed Alejandro Vanelli, 61. The men have lived together for 34 years, so presumably they require no pre-wedding counseling.

Mexico City, which legalized gay marriage last year, made an offer the guys might not be able to refuse. The city’s tourism minister promised a free honeymoon to the first gay couple wed in Argentina. The minister seeks to recognize tolerance and to promote gay tourism, a healthy, eminently practical combo.

By the way, the two World Cup finalists, Spain and Holland, both legalized gay marriage. All the soccer-playing nations in the world, and it was those two that made it.

I’m just sayin’ . . .

Bill Gates’ Remarks to the International AIDS Conference

By Bill Gates

Co-Chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

I

’m honored to speak at the XVIII International AIDS Conference in Vienna today. This conference marks an important turning point in the fight against AIDS. There are good reasons to be hopeful – we have seen amazing progress. The number of people getting treatment for AIDS has increased twelve-fold since 2003. The people at this conference and major partners such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and PEPFAR have helped make this possible.

At the same time, we have to recognize that these are tough times for those of us who are passionate about fighting HIV. Economic turbulence has driven up government deficits, and some countries have responded by reducing their investments in global health. These are the challenges we all face, but they don’t have to define our time. [more] And that is why, even as we are hopeful, we have to be honest with ourselves: We don’t have the money to treat our way out of this epidemic. Even as we continue to advocate for more funding, we need to make sure we’re getting the most benefit from each dollar of funding and every ounce of effort.

If we push for a new focus on efficiency, especially in prevention, we can, over the next two decades, drive down the number of new infections dramatically.

Here’s how we can do that: • We need to scale up existing tools – like male circumcision and preventing motherto-child transmission.

• We need to focus prevention efforts on the communities where transmission is the highest – such as men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, and sex workers.

• We also need innovations in basic science, diagnostics, computer modeling, and our understanding of the virus itself. This would make it possible to create new weapons for our fight against AIDS, prevent even more infections, and save even more lives.

Vaccines, new diagnostics, and antiretroviral-based prevention (pills, injections and gels) are some of the new tools I’m really excited about.

If we scale up existing interventions and add new tools in the hardest-hit countries, it would change the face of AIDS. New cases would plunge. Millions more could be treated. The control of HIV would stand alongside the eradication of smallpox as one of the great public health victories in history.

This is the opportunity we have. We can keep doing things the old way, and keep getting the same result. Or we can push ourselves to make the most of every dollar of funding and every ounce of effort: to identify the most effective ways to save lives, and to share what we learn as widely as possible.

If we do that, we will have matched our compassion with the growing capacities of science, and we will start to write the story of the end of AIDS.

14

July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Report from the XVIII International AIDS Conference

New Survey Reveals Global HIV Epidemic Amongst Gay Men Blames Anti Gay Legislation as a Cause

V

ienna, Austria- In response to skyrocketing HIV prevalence rates among MSM around the world, global health leaders today unanimously called for an end to the human rights abuses against gay men and other men who have sex with men that con­­tribute to HIV vul­ nerability. The call came at BE HEARD, an allday conference event hosted by the Global Forum on MSM & HIV (MSMGF) to address soaring global rates of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM).

The event featured the unveiling of the Johns Hopkins—World Bank’s global survey of HIV epidemics among MSM in the year 2010. The study indicated HIV prevalence

Michel Sidibé

About the MSMGF The Global Forum on MSM & HIV (MSMGF) is an expanding network of AIDS organizations, MSM networks, and advocates committed to ensuring robust coverage of and equitable access to effective HIV prevention, care, treatment, and support services tailored to the needs of gay men and other MSM.

rates as high as 21.4% in Malawi, 13.8% in Peru, and 23% in Thailand. The data defines the current state of the HIV epidemic among MSM as characterized by ongoing epidemics in low and middle income countries, resurgent

A worldwide research study is now underway to test an investigational treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD, also known as smoker’s cough, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you: • Are 40 years of age or older • Have a diagnosis of COPD • Are a current smoker or were a smoker in the past In addition to receiving studyrelated physical exams and laboratory services at no charge, participants will receive study medication and will be monitored by a medical team, including the study physician.

Ask your doctor if this study is right for you.

For information and to schedule an appointment, contact Verne Appleby, R.N. at The Medical Offices of

epidemics in high income countries, and the discovery of new epidemics in areas that previously had no data.

“We have gone full circle,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director at UNAIDS, speaking at the opening plenary address. “Our vision of zero AIDS will never see the light unless we end criminalization of people by their sexual orientation.”

The study also showed that higher levels of treatment among MSM would lead to overall declines in the epidemic. “There has never been such an assemblage of data in the field of MSM and HIV before,” said Stephen Lewis, Co-Director of AIDS-Free

World. “By incorporating MSM into the broad treatment network, we are serving the objectives of the entire population. It makes it 10 times harder for those in the realm of MSM to be isolated, marginalized in the response.”

Stigma and discrimination was highlighted by many of the speakers as a key factor in the rapid spread of HIV among MSM. “As long as gay men are a target of hate, arrest, detainment, and service denial, we will never win the fight against AIDS,” said Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, during opening remarks.

The full-day event featured presentations from more than 100 of the world’s top experts on the health and human rights of sexual minorities. With over 500 attendees from more than 80 countries, the event was the largest gathering of its kind. The program highlighted a wide array of the most pressing health and human rights issues facing sexual minorities today, including the criminalization of homosexuality, new biomedical approaches to HIV prevention, and the spread of HIV among men who have sex with men in low- and middle-income countries.

15

July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

More AIDS Stories Online at SouthFloridaGayNews.com

July 2010

South Florida Gay News.com

Volume1, Number 2

Miami Area Ranks No.1 for AIDS Cases

By Joey Amato

A

ccording to data released recently by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Miami metropolitan area ranks No. 1 in the nation in AIDS case rates. The report, based on 2008 statistics, ranks Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and New Orleans second and third respectively.

Rounding out the top 10, in ascending order, are Baltimore; Jacksonville; Washington D.C.; Columbia, South Carolina; Atlanta; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and New York City.

Gay and bisexual men are among the largest group of individuals affected by AIDS. The two groups are referred to in CDC surveillance systems as men who have sex with men, or MSM. The report states: “This is the only risk group in the U.S. in which the annual number of new HIV infections is increasing.

There is an urgent need to expand access to proven HIV prevention interventions for gay and bisexual men, as well as to develop new approaches to fight HIV in this population.”

While new infections have declined among both heterosexuals and injection drug users,

the annual number of new HIV infections among MSM has been steadily increasing since the early 1990s.

MSM accounts for nearly half of the more than one million people living with HIV in the United States. While the CDC estimates that MSM account for just 4 percent of the U.S. male population aged 13 and older, the rate of new HIV diagnoses among MSM in the U.S. is more than 44 times that of other men.

According to Spencer Lieb, senior epidemiologist in the Bureau of HIV/AIDS for the Florida Department of Health, the Miami area has ranked in the top five for a long time. “The tri-county area has had one of the highest morbidity rates since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic,” he says. “So it’s not surprising to find them ranking high.” Lieb tells SFGN that the increasingly high number of persons living with HIV will result in a greater chance of onward transmission.

Furthermore, Florida has tested more individuals for HIV than any other state in the country. “If we test more people, then we are most likely to discover more cases,” Lieb says. Recently, the Florida Department of

Health implemented viral load and CD4 test- “In total, Miami has more interventions than ing methods, which have been proven to be any other city in the state,” Lieb says.

Among all of those who were infected, more successful methods of testing and may also be a contributor to the higher results the about half were unaware of their HIV status.

Results were particularly alarming for black state has witnessed.

Jacksonville ranked fifth in the report, adding MSM and young MSM. More than twofurther to worries that the HIV/AIDS epidemic thirds of infected black MSM and nearly 80 percent of infected MSM aged 18–24 were in Florida may be spiraling out of control.

Lieb continues, “If a person’s sexual net- unaware that they were infected. work includes a high density of AIDS STATISTICS BY CITY AIDS STATISTICS BY CITY people who are infected by the AREA OF AIDS D AIDS DIAGNOSES 2008 IN 2008 A P 100,000 PERP100,000 POPULATION virus, the chances are greater RRESIDENCE Miami, FLFL 42.8 42.8 that the person may contract Miami, Baton Rouge, LA 40.0 the disease.”

Baton Rouge, LA 40.0 New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA 32.4 Florida has implemented New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA 32.4 32.3 many programs in the last de- Baltimore-Towson, MD MD 32.3 cade to help those affected by Baltimore-Towson, Jacksonville, FL 26.9 the virus. The Miami area alone Jacksonville, FL Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV 25.9 26.9 has over a dozen programs or Washington, Columbia, SC DC-VA-MD-WV 25.6 25.9 organizations including Care Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA 25.3 Columbia, SC 25.6 Resource, Empower-U, Union San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo, PR 24.9 25.3 Positiva, Village South and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA New York, NY-NJ-PA 24.6 ALERT Health. The Univer- San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo, PR 24.9 San Francisco, CA 20.9 sity of Miami has also created a New York, NY-NJ-PA 24.6 program to help those worried Tampa-St Petersburg-Clearwater, FL 19.5 Francisco, Los Angeles, CA CA 18.1 20.9 about contracting the virus. San REA OF ESIDENCE

ER

IAGNOSES IN OPULATION

Tampa-St Petersburg-Clearwater, FL

19.5

Los Angeles, CA

18.1

16

July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

AIDS Conference Chief Lashes Out at World Leaders

Julio Montaner, and in ad (R)

By Veronika Oleksyn

Associated Press Writer VIENNA (AP) – World leaders lack the political will to ensure that everyone infected with HIV and AIDS gets treatment, the head of a meeting dedicated to the disease said Sunday.

Julio Montaner – the president of the International AIDS Society and chairman of the AIDS 2010 conference – said the G-8 group of rich nations has failed to deliver on a commitment to guarantee so-called universal access and warned this could have dire consequences.

“This is a very serious deficit,’’ Montaner said. “Let’s rejoice in the fact that today we have treatments that work ... what we need is the political will to go the extra mile to deliver universal access.’’

Montaner’s comments to reporters ap-

peared to foreshadow one of the key topics for the weeklong gathering, which organizers say has drawn 20,000 policymakers, experts and advocates to take stock of efforts to fight the disease and generate momentum for the future.

Reflecting the emotional nature of the debate, protesters carrying banners and shouting slogans such as “broken promises kill, show us the money!’’ and “treat the people!’’ delayed the start of the opening session.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in a video address to participants, also weighed in on the issue.

“Universal access must remain our beacon – access to lifesaving drugs, access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support,’’ Ban said.

Among the multitude of matters to be discussed by participants through Friday are the decriminalization of drug users, as well as the growing AIDS epidemic in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Montaner, in his comments to reporters, accused governments from some Eastern European states of indifference to the dire situations in their countries and said their absence at the Vienna meeting was “irresponsible to the point of criminal negligence.’’

According to the World Health Organization, 33.4 million people were living with HIV in 2008. While the numbers of deaths declined to 2 million in 2008 from 2.2 million in 2004, about 2.7 million new infections still occur each year.

Clinton, Gates: Fight AIDS More Efficiently

By Veronika Oleksyn

Associated Press Writer VIENNA – Two heavy hitters on the world health stage – Bill Clinton and Bill Gates – called Monday for a more efficient fight worldwide against the AIDS virus.

In separate speeches at an international AIDS conference in the Austrian capital, the former American president railed against spending too much money on reports that just sit on shelves and urged that funds directly target AIDS sufferers. Gates, the founder of Microsoft Corp., said health groups must adopt better business practices that deliver more bang for the buck.

Clinton said many countries are misspending foreign aid. He said funding should go directly to local organizations, because developing countries can deliver health services at a lower cost and less overhead than established organizations.

“In too many countries too much money goes to pay for too many people to go to too many meetings, get on too many airplanes,” Clinton said. “Keep in mind that every dol-

lar we waste today puts a life at risk.”

The number of people taking crucial AIDS drugs climbed by a record 1.2 million last year to 5.2 million overall, the World Health Organization said Monday. Between 2003 and 2010, the number of patients receiving lifesaving antiretroviral treatment increased twelve-fold, according to the Geneva-based body.

“We are very encouraged by this increase.

It is indeed the biggest increase that we have seen in any single year,” said Gottfried Hirnschall, director of the WHO’s HIV/ AIDS department.

Clinton also called on aid groups to remember that the world was “awash in trouble” due to the impact of the financial crisis.

“It is easy to rail at a government and say why doesn’t the government give us more money if they’re giving somebody else money,” he said. “But the government gets its money ... from taxpayers who have lower incomes today than they did two years ago.”

Gates said although finding new funding was critical, more could be done with the resources that were already available.

The Global Fund to Fight HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria, one of the biggest funders of AIDS programs, has in the past found evidence of fraud in countries’ health programs — like Uganda and Zambia — and suspended their programs or tried to get the money back.

“Even if we advocate for more funding, we can do more to get the most benefit from each dollar,” Gates told delegates. “If we push for a new focus on efficiency in both treatment and prevention and we continue ... to create new tools, we can drive down the number of infections dramatically and start writing the story of the end of AIDS.” Some countries – such as Russia – are not using data to make funding decisions that target the right populations because those groups make politicians uncomfortable, Gates added.

“If you’re afraid to match your prevention efforts to the right populations, then you’re wasting money and that costs lives,” he said.

Clinton said in order to have the “moral standing” to ask for more funding, organizations should prove to governments that “we’re doing our job faster, better and cheaper.” He also defended President Barack Obama’s efforts on AIDS. “You can demonstrate and call the president names or we can go get some more continued on page 24

17

July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

News Analysis

Let’s Talk About Sex The Obama Plan for HIV/AIDS

By Jarrett Terrill

A

fter reading through about 200 pages of reports associated with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States (NHASUS) yesterday, what emerged was a comprehensive plan for reducing the number of new HIV infections and increasing the quality of care for those who do test positive.

I’ve read the strategy—and it’s a good one.

I’d sign my name to it. However, this strategy should not be confused with a bill before Congress and therefore has no funding attached to it. Providing the funding for this strategy will likely be an uphill battle that requires unified community effort and pressure on Congress and especially the Senate.

The report gives detailed statistics on every-

thing from rates of infection, disparities between minority groups, breakdowns of funding dispersals between various federal agencies that deal with HIV, and bulleted points on how HIV was dealt with in the past. From this information, a new plan is derived.

In the new plan, we will be releasing regular reports on HIV nationally, something that has been sketchy at best over the last few years. These reports will feature some statistics that we have not previously seen, like “community viral load,” which takes a given area and measures the average number of viral antibodies per person/capita living in that community. This kind of advanced reporting can give us a better picture of how healthy a community might be as opposed to just how many people might be infected.

It is an important distinction because some communities with few people infected might

have a greater health disparity overall—that is to say some places might have more aggressive or “worse” cases of HIV although fewer in numbers.

The strategy features some language we perhaps have never heard from a government agency before, like “to promote a more holistic approach to health.” This isn’t some fringe herbal remedy dialogue—it refers to the simple idea that we need to take other STDs and illnesses into consideration in the treatment of HIV. Obviously an HIVpositive person isn’t going to have just one isolated health problem, but the current system, at least in Florida, is to treat people with HIV as though it is their only issue.

The Obama strategy changes all that.

The report does talk about funding, and even features a pie chart of where HIV/AIDS funding is going this year in terms of how

it is dispersed between federal agencies. One shocking statistic is that Ryan White/ADAP funding only accounts for about 15 percent of the money that the federal government spent on HIV/AIDS this year. Where is the rest of it going? About 50 percent went to Medicare, 30 percent went to the CDC and NIH, and the remainder was divided between the Veterans Services, Housing and Urban Development and Social Security.

The Health and Human Services Department is confident that if we follow the strategy, which they call a “living document” that requires “efforts from all levels of state, tribal and local governments and community members,” we can achieve their vision statement, and I’m inclined to agree. That vision statement reads: “The United States will become a place where new HIV infections are rare, and when they do occur, every person, regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or socio-economic circumstance, will have unfettered access to high quality, life-extending care, free from stigma and discrimination.”

J. Mark’s new digs hosts aids fundraiser Photos by GraphicPalette.com J. Mark’s Restaurant celebrated the opening of their newest location in Fort Lauderdale with a wonderful fundraiser for Broward House last Thursday. The new restaurant, which will debut to the public later this week, is the second location for owner Steven Mark Wilson. For more information, please visit Jmarksrestaurant.com. To find out about the next fundraiser for Broward House, Broward Bares It! 2010, go to SouthFloridaGayNews.com/baresit

The impressive dining room at the new J. Mark’s on Federal Highway was in the spotlight, as was the staff (inset, left)

Owners Steven Mark Wilson (left end) and Ariel Ayala (right end) take a break to sit with friends.

18

July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

AHF Takes to the Streets for ADAP Funds

By Richard Gary Photo by Jarrett Terrill

M

ichael Weinstein, President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation led a protest in front of the Federal Building in Fort Lauderdale on Friday June 16, 2010 to protest the lack of federal funding for ADAP – the AIDS Drug Assistance Program.

Approximately 50 staffers and supporters gathered in the afternoon sun to demonstrate against the budget cuts. More than 600 people are on Florida’s waiting list to receive lifesaving AIDS drugs. It is estimated that the list will grow by as much as 250-300 people per month. Florida is already ranked 3rd in the nation for the most new cases of HIV. “On behalf of HIV/AIDS health care providers, advocates and patients living in Florida, we call on the federal government and

the Florida delegation to intervene immediately to save the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program,” declared Weinstein, speaking with a bullhorn at the intersection of East Broward Boulevard and Northeast 3rd Avenue.

Noting that persons in other states who are on ADAP waiting lists have died hoping for treatment, Weinstein declared that “As more and more people are added to Florida’s waiting list, the likelihood of such an occurrence here increases, a situation that must—and can—be avoided with the necessary resources.”

To address the crisis at the federal level, Senators Burr, Coburn and Enzi recently introduced S. 3401, the ACCESS ADAP Act, a bill which provides $126 million in unobligated stimulus funds to eliminate waiting lists through Fiscal Year 2010. Weinstein criticized the fact that the bill has failed to

gain the full support of the Obama administration or Congress.

Many Florida officials who are currently facing elections have yet to address the crisis, including Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink, and the current Governor, Charlie Crist, now running as an Independent for a U.S. Senate seat. Protestors at Friday’s rally were not so silent.

“Tell your elected officials – you bailed out the banks, you bailed out Wall Street, now bail us out!” said one activist to much applause from the other participants.

Weinstein, meanwhile did praise both Florida Senator George LeMieux and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz for becoming co-sponsors of the ACCESS ADAP Act, which would provide an immediate increase in funding to save the AIDS Drug Assistance Program.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced that $25 million would be re-allocated to state ADAPs for Fiscal Year 2010. But Michael Kahane, the Southern Bureau Chief for AHF told the

crowd this would just not be enough. “This amount is simply insufficient to cover the need and neglects to take into account future uncertainty regarding budget cuts and the rate at which waiting lists are growing.”

The cost to provide AIDS medications is roughly $10,000 per patient, per year, and the $25 million in additional funding proposed by the HHS would barely be enough to cover the more than 2,200 people who are currently on waiting lists—without taking into account new patients enrolling and further state budget cuts. The speakers at the rally argued that the situation is worsening and if action is not taken now, it will become a public health disaster for the state.

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz has said both federal and state governments have fallen down on the job when it comes to ADAP funding. “Federal funding has not kept up with growing demand, and state budget cuts have resulted in funding reductions,” she told SFGN last week. “Some states,” she complained, “are even removing current beneficiaries from their program.”

19

July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

’Mo-dern Family SUZANNE TENNER

Forget summer blockbusters: The next big thing – from out director Lisa Cholodenko – might just be the two-mom movie, The Kids Are All Right

Annette Bening (left) and Julianne Moore star as Nic and Jules in Lisa Cholodenko’s movie The Kids Are All Right, a Focus Features release.

By Chris Azzopardi

J

ulianne Moore breezes into the room – a cozy, sun-lit suite at a Four Seasons in Los Angeles – with a perky bounce, appearing far shinier than the ordinary-looking lesbian mom she plays in The Kids Are All Right. Her wide smile’s luminosity challenges the light tugging at its glow, and

when she unleashes her walloping cackle it’s so magical it swallows the room.

She lets one loose while laughing off a question about kissing Annette Bening, her lover in the heartfelt slice-of-life feature, and then expresses agitation over Newsweek, giving a figurative middle-finger to the magazine for its anti-queer actor rant.

Moore isn’t gay, of course, but she’s hardly

a stranger to slipping into that role – and here she is again as Jules, a gay mom in a movie that’s really not very gay at all.

The film’s only agenda is to have no agenda whatsoever. It doesn’t preach or force liberal propaganda down the throat of Middle America, even with a lesbian couple at its core. Jules and Nic (Bening) are just two relationshipchallenged people trying to make it work.

For the full article on movie director Lisa Cholodenko, log on to SouthFloridaGayNews.com /movie

20

July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Nightlife by J.W. Arnold

Settling into Summer

I

t’s summertime in South Florida. But, as usual, we’re stuck in anything but the summer doldrums and this week’s line-up proves it. Here a few highlights of the upcoming week: Wednesday, July 21

W

e love Nicolette. In just the last few years, she has taken center stage in Fort Lauderdale, headlining the outrageous drag brunch at Lips.Tonight, she slips on her blond wig and Broadway best to help us celebrate Kristen Chenoweth’s birthday at the Alibi, located in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. Expect some of the singer’s signature songs from “Wicked” at the 9:45 p.m. show and stick around for birthday cupcakes from Fruit Cakes Bake Shop, too.

Thursday, July 22

J

oin the Gay & Lesbian Business Exchange for GLBX After Hours at AJ Cross The Crexent Business Center, 2881 E Oakland Park Blvd. in Ft Lauderdale. Come mingle with business professionals in the community and enjoy complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeurves from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. For more information, please contact visit Ftlchamber.com/glbx.

Friday, July 23

T

his is the last weekend to catch the incredibly popular play, Mr. Charles & Mexico City, at the Rising Action Theatre. Call 800-595-4849 for tickets.

Saturday, July 24

S

inger Crystal Waters is making an appearance at the Snow Ball tonight at Bill’s Filling Station, 2209 Wilton Dr. Tickets are $10 in advance/$15 at the door or bring a backpack full of school supplies.

Proceeds benefit Kids in Distress, a local organization that provides support and services to children.

H

Sunday, July 25

ave you been a dirty boy this weekend?

Here’s a chance to get really squeaky clean while being bad. South Beach nightclub Klutch, 136 Collins Ave., is throwing a foam party.Yes, the boys will be ditching their shirts and everything else they can get along without in a salute to the bubbly club craze of the 90s. A portion of proceeds benefit O Cinema.

Monday, July 26

G

et in a country groove to kick off the week. Lady Fancy will be performing at the friendly neighborhood saloon, Stable, at 205 E. Oakland Park Blvd. in Oakland Park.

The show starts at 8 p.m., but your friendly bartenders will be offering up drinks at happy hour prices all night long.

Tuesday, July 27

D

o you ever wish you could go back to college? Life was less complicated then.

Remember the cafeteria meal cards and the dry erase board on your door? Well, The Manor is bringing back one of the wickedest college traditions on College Night Tuesdays with $5 32oz. trash can punch! We didn’t think some of the ingredients—like pure grain alcohol—were even legal in Florida! The Manor Complex is located at 2345 Wilton Dr. in Wilton Manors.

AJ Throws B’Day Bash at Johnny’s

O

n Tuesday, July 27 at 8:00 p.m., Johnny’s will host the AJ Cross Birthday Extravaganza benefiting SunServe.

The event will be hosted by Electra and feature performances by recording artists John Minnis, Misty Eyez, Alandra Matthews, TP Lords, Richard Cortez, Mia Sangria, and Gemini Stone among others.

“For the past seven years I have hosted a fundraiser under the guise of my birthday party,” Cross proudly states. “Since my days at Cupids Cabaret, the Black Banana and now my second year at Johnny’s, my birthday event has raised thousands of dollars for local charitable organizations.”

This year’s event will benefit SunServe, whose main focus is to assist economically disadvantaged, youth, seniors, and people of differing abilities who have been affected by life-challenging health conditions in South Florida.

21

July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Heard it on...

things differently.

“Any property listed on the debtor’s bankruptcy petition is property of the bankruptcy estate and my client intends to administer those assets for the benefit of creditors,” said the attorney.

GLAAD Blasts The View

By the Night Owl YMCA Becomes the Y The Village People said they are “deeply dismayed” by the YMCA’s decision to change its name to the Y. Young man, there is a need to feel down.

The Village People said they are “deeply

The (original) Village People

dismayed” by the YMCA’s announcement that it will change its name to the Y. The YMCA, long known informally as the Y, announced an official rebranding Monday to reflect its priorities of youth, community development and healthy living.

According to the Huffington Post, the Village People registered their displeasure in a statement from the road. “Y.M.C.A.”is their best-selling single to date, with sales of more than 15 million units worldwide.

“We are deeply dismayed by today’s announcement from the YMCA that they feel a name change and a rebranding are in order after 166 years,” the band said in the statement. “Some things remain iconic and while we admire the organization for the work they do, we still can’t help but wonder Y.” The Village People vowed to continue to perform the song with all four letters at their concerts.

Star of 90210 Coming Out this Fall Come this fall, one of the 90210 boys will make Beverly Hills High a little gayer.

Michael Ausiello, Entertainment Weekly’s television writer, reported the news Tuesday. 90210 co-executive producer Jennie Urman confirmed the report, saying it was one of the many plot developments to occur in season 3. The character in question will be Teddy (Trevor Donovan, left), a tennis pro; Liam (Matt Lanter, right), a reformed rebel; or Navid (Michael Steger), the nice kid.

Season 3 premieres Monday, September 13, at 8 p.m. on the CW.

Gay Youth Database Jeopardized for Bankrupt XY Magazine The fate of a database containing thousands of gay teenagers’ names is in question following the bankruptcy of XY Magazine, which owned the names. While creditors want to grab the asset, opponents say it would violate the privacy of minors.

According to the BBC, after XY filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, “XY’s creditors have applied for the firm’s one remaining valuable asset: its database of one million users. But the Federal Trade Commission has expressed its concerns and said the sale ‘could violate Federal law.’”

The BBC reports that heated debate centers on the sensitivity of the information, given that it contains details about tens of thousands of young gay men.

But a lawyer for the creditors sees

ad, cosigned by the Black AIDS Institute and the National Black Justice Coalition, reads “The Centers for Disease Control has publicly disproven this myth…” but the View has failed to correct or redact its foolish comments, despite thousands of requests.

Ironically, at different times, the hosts of The View, Walters, Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg have all been honored by the gay rights group with GLAAD Media Awards.

GLAAD isn’t too happy with Barbara Walters and her cohorts on the popular talk show The View.

The gay media watchdog group has taken out a full Katie Holmes as page ad in the Hollywood Jackie O trade magazine Variety blastWe were not pleased to ing The View. report a few months ago It seems that last month cothat Gwyneth Paltrow was in host Sherri Shepherd and guest negotiations to portray femme K atie H olmes host, comedian D.L. Hughley, fatale Marlene Dietrich in a biblamed increased HIV rates among straight opic about her life. We are however pleased African American women on black men who to report that pictures of Katie Holmes as are secretly gay, AKA “on the down low.”

Jackie O have been popping up on the net “When you look at the prevalence of from the set in Canada. Holmes’ style, comHIV in the African American community, plexion, and brunette hair make her a nearly it’s primarily young women who are getting perfect doppelganger for the late, iconic First it from men who are on the down low,” Lady. The eight-hour miniseries is being proHughley said, on June 22. duced by the History Channel and will air in The Variety <http://www.variety.com/> 2011. Greg Kinnear will portray JFK.

22

July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

New Social Group Offers More than Booze getOutFL Members Explore Mother Nature

By Joey Amato

P

eople who are searching for an alternative to the bar and club scene now have reason to smile. A social group called getOutFL will provide these individuals with the opportunity to meet new friends, network, and socialize while taking advantage of all South Florida has to offer. The group, led by Executive Director Rick Zlotziver offers members a variety of activities ranging from camping and hiking to beach parties and wine tastings.

GetOutFL is an offshoot of another group called Venture Out Florida. “While searching for gay social groups and activities online, I came across Venture Out,” Zlotziver states. Venture Out was originally created by Bora Ucok, who then sold the business to Kevin Lerner and Rudy Flugel in 2005. After the day-to-day operations of the business began to overwhelm the couple, they decided to step away from Venture Out. Zlotziver decided that 2010 would be a great time to invigorate the organization. To add new energy to the group, he decided to change the name to getOutFL. “It begins where Venture Out left off. Our company

is driven by a desire to improve the social lives of the gay and lesbian community in South Florida.”

Lerner of Venture Out has agreed to assist Zlotziver and help develop a board of directors, who will be responsible for growth and branding initiatives as well as create a calendar of activities.

GetOutFL will be incorporating the 1500 members from Venture Out and has a goal of adding 1,000 new members in the next year. “We look forward to becoming the biggest and most exciting social group in South Florida,” Zlotziver states proudly.

Zlotziver attributes much of the company’s current growth to word-of-mouth marketing and social media. “Interest is also increasing as we develop and promote more events in the region.”

Much of getOutFL’s events take place in Palm Beach and Broward counties although the group plans to offer more options to their Miami-Dade members in the coming months.

For more information about the organization, please visit getOutFL.com.

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July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Oscar Llorente

Marketing Mt. Sinai

By Joey Amato

M

ount Sinai Medical Center is one of the region’s most renowned and respected medical facilities. Oscar Llorente is responsible for coordinating the hospital’s marketing, advertising and community outreach programs. As a marketing, networking and business development representative for the hospital, Llorente is responsible for maintaining a high profile in the community.

Not only is he the incoming President for the Hallandale Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, he is also on the boards of the Aventura and Greater North Miami Beach chambers, the Executive Director-at-Large for the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood as well as the Chair for the City of Hallandale Beach Green Leadership Organization.

At age 44, the Cuban native enjoys every

aspect of his career. “I like interacting with vast and diverse groups of people. I meet new people every day and learn about them and their cultures.” Part of Llorente’s job is to monitor client satisfaction.

The youngest of three children, Llorente attended both Miami Dade Community College and Florida Atlantic University. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon.

Llorente credits many people for his personal and professional success. “My best friend from childhood, Peter and his family were very inspirational.

Although we don’t share the same political and religious views, they support and love me for who I am,” he states. Peter was the first person Llorente came out to when he was in his early 20’s.

Furthermore, Llorente has found guidance in his supervisor Charlene Welker.

“She is more than a boss. I consider her a mentor, a friend and a good person.”

Oscar Llorente

Coming out was only one of the challenges Llorente would face. His mother, being of strong Hispanic descent, had a very difficult time coping with his sexuality. In addition,

Llorente had the bear the loss of his first life partner of eight years, Alan.

He was diagnosed with HIV shortly after the couple began dating. “I fell in love with him and after he was diagnosed, began to educate myself on the disease so we were familiar with every precaution.”

To overcome the challenges he was facing at the time, Llorente tried to stay true to himself by helping others and surrounded himself with positive, supportive and wonderful friends and family. A philanthropist at heart, Llorente enjoys giving back to the community, supporting organizations including the Poverello Center, the Gay and Lesbian Task Force, HRC and Care Resource.

During his down time, he and his current partner of 12 years, Gerard, enjoy supporting the local divisions of the ASPCA and Humane Society. They are proud parents of two dogs, Blazer and Chico. In addition to their love for shopping and exercising, the couple loves to travel, having visited six continents.

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July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Clenched Fists for Equality!

By A. Sebastian Fortino

T

here are two kinds of people in this world, pride jewelry people, and non-pride jewelry people. While some of us will refuse to wear a rainbow, others boast bejeweled nipple rings.

However, Los Angeles-based designer Carlos Antonio hopes to bridge the gap and give back to his community. The 31-yearold recently unveiled the “Fight for Equality” pendant. The pendant, a clenched fist made of silver benefits Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Fund (TCF), Give A Damn (GAD), and the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER).

“I have been designing jewelry for seven

To find our more about the pendant, and the organizations it supports through sales, please visit, Fightforequality.net and Carlosantonio.net

which during the early 20th century chronicled social injustices through art.

“The purpose for the pendant and the Fight For Equality symbol, is to build solidarity in out fight. I wanted to create a symbol that was empowering to both gay people and our straight allies, in a modern way.

The back of the pendant reads fight with knowledge. The clenched fist is always a symbol of empowerment, but it also works for the outside looking in,” said Antonio.

By “outside looking in” the artist means heterosexuals who support our fight for marriage equality.

The neutral look of the stainless steel pendant means that straight people are also buying it, such as Jason Mraz who feels it is a disgrace that two people of the same sex willing to make a commitment cannot marry in the United States. Other celebrities donning the pendant are Kristin Cavallari, Gavin Creel, Wilson Cruz, Tristan Prettyman, and Danny Teeson.

years. I studied sculpture, then ended up casting my own pieces,” Antonio told SFGN. “The stylists, at Barney’s New York Beverly Hills, where I worked, admired the pieces I made and asked me where to get them, when I told them I made them the stylists started to buy them from me.”

After that Antonio was courted by Hollywood stylists, to cast specific pieces for movies and television. When his friend and mentor of several years, Chad Griffith, founder of AFER, launched the lawsuit to overturn Prop 8 in San Francisco, Antonio wanted to support the cause.

“I started to wonder how I could get involved with equality through my genre, making jewelry,” said Antonio.

Rather than a generic piece, or the rainbow flag, which the artist agreed is slightly ubiquitous, Antonio wanted to create something empowering. The piece, a clenched fist, above the equality symbol’s equal sign, has the weight of German Expressionism,

Clinton/Gates: Fight AIDS Efficiently In 2005, G-8 leaders committed to an votes in Congress to get some more mon- Africa-focused package for HIV prevention ey,” Clinton said. “My experience is that the and treatment that gets “as close as possible to universal access to treatment for all those second choice is the better one.”

On Sunday, the head of the conference who need it by 2010.” They reaffirmed that said world leaders lack the political will to commitment again in 2006.

But a G-8 report from ensure that everyone last month’s summit of infected with HIV and world leaders in CanaAIDS gets treatment.

“If you’re afraid to match da acknowledged that Julio Montaner – the president of the your prevention efforts to the AIDS treatment International AIDS the right populations, then targets will not be met Society and chairman you’re wasting money and by 2010.

According to the of the AIDS 2010 conthat costs lives.”

World Health Orgaference – said the G-8 nization, 33.4 million group of rich nations – Bill Clinton people were living with has failed to deliver HIV in 2008. While on a commitment to guarantee universal access to AIDS drugs the number of deaths declined to 2 million and warned this could have dire conse- in 2008 from 2.2 million in 2004, about 2.7 million new infections still occur each quences.

Montaner’s comments foreshadowed one year. of the key topics for the weeklong gathering, which organizers say has drawn 20,000 Associated Press Medical Writer Maria Cheng conpolicymakers, experts and advocates. tributed to this report from London. continued from page 16

25

July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Crossword Puzzle 65 End of the answer 68 Hatcher, on Desperate Across Housewives 1 Certain cosmetic surgery 69 It’s a good thing that sucks 70 Penetrate slowly 5 Designing Women co-star Jean 71 Garbo, for one 10 Suffers in the sun 72 Egg holders 15 Series ender 73 Water whirled 16 Particular Advocate, e.g.

17 Light in the sneakers?

Down 18 Start of a question about 1 Like porn Bewitched 2 Spillane’s ___ Jury 21 S&M namesake 3 Puts bills in the G-string, e.g.

22 Follower of bears 4 “Ripe” stage of life 23 Miss among Cole Porter hits 5 You can shoot them off 24 Its teeth point in all directions from the hip 26 International money 6 ISP option 28 End of the question 7 Regarding 33 Austin’s Oilcan Harry’s, e.g. 8 Chicago Bears 35 Foe of Peter Pan ball carrier, e.g.

36 “We ___ please” 9 Join hands (with) 37 La Salle of _ER_ 10 Meadow murmur 39 Spanish titles 11 One who doubts 43 Stuff for oral gratification there’s a Divine Miss M? 44 Cause of “bed death” 12 Catwoman portrayer Eartha 46 Skater Mattis 13 K-12 grades, collectively 48 P-town’s Crowne Pointe, e.g. 14 Salty bodies 49 Start of the answer 19 What comes out 54 Like a rare baseball game of your head 55 Actor Richard 20 Vidal’s Breckinridge 56 Opposite of fem.

25 South Korea’s 59 What’s in the stallion’s first president mouth?

27 Cat ___ Hot Tin Roof 61 Pack up 28 Dry with a twist Flight Plan

29 Fabric suffix 30 “Like, no problem, man” 31 Alfred Douglas’ school 32 Like spilled seed 33 ___ poet (Ginsberg as a vegetarian)?

34 River near Michelangelo’s David 38 Satisfied 40 Rene Auberjonois on Deep Space Nine 41 Straddled a stallion 42 Throws out 45 Simpson trial judge Lance 47 Randolph Scott’s companion Cary 50 Moby Dick chaser 51 The Prophet writer 52 Idle 53 Cut into 56 Funny Mabley 57 From the top 58 Eye problem 60 Pleasure oneself, with “off” 62 Served perfectly, to Mauresmo 63 TV Guide info 64 Catch sight of 66 It may come before long 67 Came upon See solution on page 29

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26

July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

LGBT Adults Blog More Also Spend More Time On Social Media Sites

By Joey Amato

A

s media trends accelerate towards citizen-journalism and bloggercreated news content, a new national survey again validates that gay and lesbian adults online are today among the nation’s most loyal and heaviest blog readers and social network users.

According to a recent national survey conducted online by Harris Interactive, a majority of gay and lesbian adults are reading blogs. More than half of gay men and

lesbian respondents report reading some type of blog, compared to only 40 percent of heterosexuals. This represents an incremental increase from March 2008 when 51 percent of gay and lesbian respondents reported reading some type of blog.

When it comes to the types of blogs popular with Americans, the survey also found 36 percent of gay and lesbian adults read news and current issue blogs, compared to 25 percent of heterosexual adults. A quarter of gay and lesbian adults also read entertainment and pop culture blogs, compared

to 16 percent of heterosexuals.

Considering the global and media attention focused on American politics and the Obama presidency, 22 percent of gay and lesbian adults also read political blogs, compared to just 14 percent of heterosexual adults. Confirming their sustained strong connection with travel news and opportunities, 16 percent of gay and lesbian respondents report reading travel blogs, compared to 8 percent of heterosexual respondents.

Not surprising, over one third of all lesbian and gay male adults report they read blogs specifically tailored for gay and lesbian news and interests. More than half of these readers also say they visit gay and lesbian blogs weekly, and one in five do so daily.

Michael Rogers, veteran gay blogger and media activist, reported that these findings mirror his experience: “My own work tells me gay men and lesbians have tremendous need and appetite for authentic gay news and information, and they want it fast. As director of the National Blogger and Citizen Journalist Initiative, I work with scores of bloggers to enhance skills, improve delivery and content, and grow connections with a very receptive lesbian, gay, bisexual and

transgender audience across the U.S.” Apart from avidly reading blogs, gay and lesbian adults also are choosing to connect online through social networking sites more often than their heterosexual counterparts.

A remarkable three-quarters of gay and lesbian adults state they are members of Facebook, compared to 65 percent of heterosexual adults. Also, 32 percent of gay and lesbian respondents report being members of MySpace, compared to 22 percent of heterosexual respondents.

When it comes to the business-oriented social networking site, LinkedIn, 22 percent of gay and lesbian respondents report being members, while 16 percent of heterosexual adult’s state they are members. Finally, nearly 3 out of 10 gay men and lesbians report they are members of Twitter, while the same can be said of just 15 percent of heterosexual adults.

“Over this past decade, through many comparative measures, we see first-hand that online media consumption for gays and lesbians is strong and growing stronger,” said Bob Witeck, CEO of Witeck-Combs Communications. “A majority of LGBT households are hungrier than ever to stay well informed and to expand their social, professional and personal connections online. In today’s uncertain economy, and with companies and organizations competing for share of attention, it is clear that blogs and social networking sites have not only come of age for gay America—but in many ways have become the virtual, new gay community centers and marketplace.”

Where BUsiness Comes to Succeed

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

27

July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Travel

Exploring Coastal Maine

By Andrew Collins

M

aine’s classically quaint seaside towns and breezy beaches seem tailor-made for a relaxing vacation and sure enough, the state’s coastal sections are invaded by pleasure seekers all summer. Prestigious, blue-blood retreats like Kennebunkport and Camden overflow with magnificent estates, while the pristine scenery of Acadia National Park and Camden Hills State Park draw scads of hikers and bikers. Artsy and gay-popular Ogunquit makes a wonderfully low-keyed alternative to Provincetown, while hip Portland and up-and-coming Rockland offer sophisticated arts and dining.

The state’s shoreline twists and turns for an astonishing 3,478 miles — counting every inlet, cove, and bay; only the states of Alaska, Florida and Louisiana can claim more miles of waterfront. You could spend all summer exploring the dozens of inviting hamlets up and down the coast.

The southwestern edge of the state — just 70 miles from Boston and about 300 miles from both Montreal and New York City — is not only the most accessible, it has the most to offer gay and lesbian travelers. The

region extends from the bustling outletshopping hub of Kittery north through Ogunquit and up to Kennebunkport.

Fringed by a lovely 3-mile beach, tiny Ogunquit first developed a discernible gay following in the 1930s, with the opening of one of the country’s first successful summer theaters, the Ogunquit Playhouse. It still presents first-rate theatrical productions today. The gay presence grew in the ‘60s, when hippies and beatniks started regularly renting cottages and homes here. By the following decade the scene fully blossomed with the opening of a gay guest house, as well as a disco called Anabelle’s (still open but now called O2).

U.S. 1 and Shore Road, the main drags through the village, bustle with funky shops, art galleries, boutiques and several good restaurants. It’s a very short walk to the beach from just about any point in town. Ogunquit supports a pair of lively gay nightclubs, a piano lounge, and several restaurants with inviting bars. In a state where beaches can sometimes be pebbly or difficult to access, Ogunquit has one of Maine’s most celebrated ones — the northern reaches of this fine, golden spit of sand draw a predominantly lesbian and gay crowd.

Consider an excursion south to Kittery’s hundreds of mid- and high-end outlet shops. Or check out York’s Stonewall Kitchen — nearly 20 years ago, a local gay couple named Jonathan King and Jim Stott started selling their fabulous jams, mustards, relishes and sauces at a farmers market. They soon formed this now-internationally renowned em­porium and mail-order company of delicious gourmet foods. For the best scenery on this trip, follow Shore Road south from Ogunquit through York’s Cape Neddick, where you can stop for a picnic at the park that overlooks the dignified Nubble Lighthouse (built in 1879).

There are about a dozen gay-oriented accommodations in Ogunquit, most of them male-owned but catering to a mix of women and men. Just a few of the excellent possibilities include Moon Over Maine (http://www.moonovermaine.com), a fully restored 1830s Cape-style house with period-decor, well-chosen art, and a great location in the heart of the village; and the reasonably priced Ogunquit Beach Inn (http:// www.ogunquitbeachinn.com), a handsome little 1920s compound comprising a main house with five guest rooms, as well as two cottages with full kitchens (rented weekly).

A bit more upscale are the lovely Gazebo Inn (http://www.gazeboguesthouse.com), a handsome 14-room property with two hot tubs and a gym and sauna; and the beautifully situated Rockmere Lodge (http://www. rockmere.com), which is just off the famed Marginal Way walking path — most rooms have ocean views.

Charming Portland lies within striking distance of Ogunquit, perfect if you need a dose of urbanity. Don’t overlook this youthful, progressive city as a base, either, especially if you’d rather browse museums and stroll along shop-filled streets than loll about on the beach. Portland claims a dynamic arts scene and some of the best restaurants in Maine. You can also check out a few very fun GLBT nightspots.

For the full article on Coastal Maine, log on to SouthFloridaGayNews.com /maine

28

July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Stop and think, Leo! As the Sun enters Leo, he offers chances to reconcile the opposition between Saturn in Libra (conservative social controls) and Uranus in Aries (individualistic impulses). Standing up for yourself and looking good may feel too important. Focus on the special gifts you have to offer others.The real challenge there is to keep generosity untainted by ego. Paradoxically, the best way is to acknowledge your own selfish motivations.

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Fun and games can help you dodge problems in relationships even when they feel like solutions.The real solution lies in working through your most private fears and pains. Direct those playful urges to creative healing.

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Cleaning house is not the problem, but could be the solution. Focus on questions about your friends and your future while putting things into order and the answers will surprise you with their clarity and foresight.

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Sure, all work and no play – what kind of creative fun can be used to bolster your work rather than to distract from it? Reassessing your goals may be a necessary step toward that answer.

CANCER (June 21- July 22):The clash of your ambitions against the roots of your traditions shows some creative awareness, but those roots are important. Find a meeting point in your personal values. Reconciliation comes better from empathy than logical ideology.

LEO (July 23 – August 22):You’re feeling your oats and ready to roar, but stop and think.You can focus all that brainpower and energy into something really spectacular.

Greatness takes work, patience and discipline. Be ready to transform yourself as prerequisite to changing the world.

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): New erotic ideas are stoking your imagination.Within your fantasies it’s all fair game, but with a partner you’ll need to reconcile dreams with real-life limits. Some limits are open to renegotiation at least!

Solution to Crossword Puzzle on page 25

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): In these tough times your instinct is to hunker down and get serious, but your partner (or your impulse to find one) is proving disruptive.Think ahead, welcome new input, but do it with careful consideration, grounding and discipline.

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Careful, conservative instincts will help you get to the top.

More daring ideas from colleagues and aides can be useful.At least consider them and see how they can fit in constructively. Use expert opinions from authorities and those “in the trenches.”

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20):Welcome new ideas even if they do send your mind into a dizzying variety of directions.

Talk with friends to get integration and grounding. New insights into family problems offer you a chance to ameliorate problems that may never be entirely solved.

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Behind-the-scenes work will still be noticed, and will help boost your career. Family and community support may look counter-productive, but harnessing that support constructively is key to your success.

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Crazy new ideas are knocking against long-held ideals.You can’t solve the dilemma on your own, but engaging a partner or a respected opponent can help you see how the pieces can fit together.

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Look into any potential health problems you have been neglecting.

You’re due for a rude surprise, but can still nip it in the bud. Pay special attention to your heart, circulation, kidneys and pancreas.

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his website at www.starjack. com, and by e-mail at QScopes@ qsyndicate.com.

Humor

Q Scopes By Jack Fertig

29

30

July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Broward Offers Hiv/Aids 101 Training Class open to the general public and professionals whose certifications require certificate of training in HIV/AIDS.

B

roward County Health Department is offering a four hour HIV/AIDS 101 Training Class on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 from 8:30AM to 12:30PM in the 2nd floor auditorium at the Fort Lauderdale Health Center.The Health Center is located at 2421 SW 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, 33315.

The HIV/AIDS 101 Training Class is recommended for persons in professions whose certification does not specify Continuing Education Units (CEU’s), but requires certificate of training in HIV/AIDS. The class provides the basics and fundamentals of HIV/AIDS and participants will receive information on the latest HIV medications, research and comprehensive HIV prevention. The class also provides information on national, regional and local statistics and discussions on evidenced based interventions. There is a $20 fee for those seeking certification (a certificate will be issued at the end of the class). If no certification is needed, attendance is free of charge, on a first come first served basis.

Participants are encouraged to register early. For more information, or to register call (954) 467-4700 extension 5812.

The Manor at 2345 Wilton Drive sponsors many community events and softball teams.

Here is a photo of the squad that went to Minneapolis over Memorial Day for the 1st Annual NAGAAA Invitational Cup. Local gay softball leagues will be starting up again soon, on Thursday nights and Sundays. Contact Mills Pond Park in Fort Lauderdale for more information or go to the website for the South Florida Amateur Athletic Association at http://www.sfaaa.net

Passages

Memorial Service for

David Fisher D

avid Fisher passed away on June 26, 2010 at his home in Wilton Manors. A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, August 7 at 2 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Lauderdale, 3970 NW 21st Avenue.

Donations may be made to the UUCFL Sunday Morning Services Special Music Fund. Contributions up to $1,500 will be matched by a bequest from David’s estate. His wish is for special music to be added to two services per month for the 20102011 church year.

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July 21, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

S P O R T S

Reading between the lines

By Dan Woog

T

hey’re buried deep inside glossy media guides or in the middle of websites that take several clicks to reach.

They’re usually succinct: “Coach Soand-So is married to (spouse’s name).

They live with their (x number of) children in (insert town here).”

Those brief lines say a lot. Their absence says even more.

Most people who read coaches’ bios – sportswriters, avid fans, potential recruits and their parents – don’t give them much thought.

But Austin Stair Calhoun has.

A doctoral student at the University of Minnesota, she developed two research studies examining the biographies of college head coaches. She wanted to see whether coaching bios reinforced heterosexism in athletics – and how coaches who did not fit “heteronormative” patterns were portrayed.

Calhoun did not just wander into her project. A media-relations professional, she had written coaches’ bios at Washington and Lee University and the University of Delaware. There was a pattern: Male coaches were often described as “single and living in (town name).” Women were not. She wanted to explore those differences.

Working with Dr. Nicole LaVoi, associate director of the University of Minnesota’s Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport, Calhoun looked first at the biographies of Big Ten varsity coaches.

She coded 10 items, ranging from gender of the coach and sport to personal information, such as hobbies, spouses, children and pets. All, she said, are “markers of traditional nuclear family narratives.”

A second study included major Division I conferences, including the Big Ten, Pac-10, Big 12, SEC, ACC and Big East, as well as regionally representative Division III leagues.

That study looked at over 1,900 biographies.

The first study found no mention of any gay or lesbian partners. The second showed

Austin Stair Calhoun

only two: a male head coach of the female softball team at Oregon State University and the female field hockey coach at Wake Forest.

Though one hypothesis – that D-III schools, with less rigorous athletic demands and tamer recruiting battles, would be a more hospitable environment for openly gay coaches – was shattered, Calhoun looks at the glass as half full.

“I think it’s fantastic that there are at least two college coaches who are openly gay in their bios,” she says. “At least we’re talking about it.”

Calhoun also found something that wasn’t there. Over 35 percent of the coaches’ bios contained no information at all about spouses or partners.

“It’s improbable to think that only 0.1 percent of coaches are gay or lesbian,” she says. “There are people who are out in many facets of their lives. They’re just not out in their online coaching bios.”

Of the 690 coaches with no mention of a significant other, 57 percent were male, 43 percent female. They fell into two categories. Some bios included “some level of personal information,” such as interests or community work. Others did not. “When a bio stops at high school or college, that’s indicative of something,” Calhoun says.

“Over 1,200 coaches have some personal text. So the absence of that becomes visible.

It’s almost like not including personal information is a way of implicitly outing someone. People reading the biography may say, ‘Why isn’t there any information about this person’s personal life?’”

Coaching is a high-stress profession, Calhoun notes. “There are plenty of barriers for women. In some cases, there is no time for a female coach to have a family. But lots of coaches say ‘our team is a family.’ If there’s no traditional family involved, that’s an interesting dichotomy.”

LaVoi passes along an interesting saying: “The best qualification for a female coach is to be divorced, with no kids.” Calhoun interprets that to mean: “You’re ‘safe’ in terms of sexual orientation, but you’re not distracted by children.”

The feedback to the studies has been “fantastic,” she says. The pilot research was presented last year at the Sport, Sexuality and Culture Conference at Ithaca College, and published by the Women’s Sports Foundation. The national study was presented at the Tucker Center, and is being submitted to a professional journal.

Calhoun recently finished her coursework, and is embarking on her Ph.D. dissertation. The topic is “Gatekeeping Mechanisms of NCAA Media Professionals.” She’ll examine how sports information directors’ staffs prepare coaches’ biographies, with an eye toward how and why information on personal lives is included (or not).

“I want to see whether it’s the result of institutionalized homophobia” – meaning it comes from the culture of sports and individual institutions – “or if it’s internalized” (resulting from the coaches’ own desire to maintain privacy).

“This all started as a little idea of mine,” Calhoun says. “Now it may be the research of my career.”

Years from now, her own biography should make for very interesting reading.

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July 21, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com