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August 18, 2010 • VOLUME 1 • Issue 30

Champagne on Ice:

AP Photo/Ben Margot

Same Sex Marriage Stalled Page 9 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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SFGN page Profile: Men with Mojo

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page Elliot Tiber Interview

Pompano Bill

Steve & Zack of Ramrod

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August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Local News

National Gay Men’s Health Summit Next Week

special topics and populations, such as HIV negative youth of color, building community among Hispanic gay men, return to work issues for those on disability, and addictions recovery.

The summit is designed to promote social interaction and fun. A significant number of the workshops are experiencelebrate their lives while work- tial, such as laughter yoga or meditation, and are intended to be edgy, such as the ing on a brighter future for gay impact of GRINDR on our community men’s health and wellness. and the use of social media to improve The summit is open to all gay health and wellness. There will be and registration has been organized social events such as a show underwritten for residents and a pool party. of Dade, Broward, and Palm The gay men’s health movement grew Beach Counties by the from an interest in expanding the scope Broward County Health of gay men’s health beyond, but certainly Department and the Florida including, HIV to a full range of other isDepartment of Health. sues that impact our health and wellness.

Pre-summit workshops begin on One of the key challenges facing gay Wednesday, August 25, and include a men is to ensure that we continue to be panel featuring an intergenerational involved in the strategizing and impledialog around gay youth, adults, elders and ancestors; another focusing on body mentation phases of Health Care Reform. image and weight issues; and a gay men’s Another key challenge is to develop creative funding strategies and work leadership institute. alongside key policy makers while we siThe formal summit begins on Thursday, August 26, and concludes on Sunday, multaneously work with fellow advocates to shape policy such as ADAP and the August 29, and features a number of National HIV/AIDS Strategy. speakers and nearly 70 workshops on topics as diverse as addictions, mental For more information, visit the 2010 health, HIV, wellness, dating and relationNational Gay Men’s Health Summit ships, and spirituality. website at: Gmhs2010.com.

Many of the workshops will address

“Creating a Brighter Future”

By Joey Amato

H

undreds of gay men and their allies from throughout the country and beyond will gather on August 25 – 29, at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport and Cruise Port Hotel to participate in the 2010 National Gay Men’s Health Summit.

The theme of the event is “Creating a Brighter Future: The Next Decade of Gay Men’s Health” and will be held jointly with the 9th annual Southeast Regional Gay Men’s Health Summit. Over 250 gay men will gather to reflect on and

August 18, 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 30

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August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Let’s Make History Again!

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August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Banning Gay Adoption Harms Florida Children Decision Forthcoming in Landmark Case

By Dana Rudolph Keen News Service

W

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hen child protective services took two young children from their home and brought them to Frank Martin Gill and his partner in December 2004, the investigator told the men, experienced foster parents, that the boys deserved a good holiday.

The men were planning to move soon but agreed to take them temporarily.

It was clear the boys, ages four years and four months, needed care. The elder boy was wearing a dirty adult-sized t-shirt and sneakers four sizes too small. He did not speak, and his only concern was caring for his infant brother. Both boys had scalp ringworm and the younger had an ear infection, but the medicines brought from their home had been unused. When the older boy began to speak after about a month, the men learned he had never seen a book, could not count, and did not even know letters from numbers.

The brothers stayed and the men did not move. The boys developed friendships at school and in the neighborhood. They bonded with the biological son of Gill’s partner and with the men’s parents and siblings. They began referring to Gill and his partner (who is not identified in court documents) as “Papi” and “Daddy.”

In 2007, after the rights of the biological parents were terminated, Gill petitioned to adopt.

The men, however, live here- in Florida -- the one state that bans any gay men or lesbians from adopting. And that has created a dilemma for the courts: either they honor the law or honor their duty to rule in the best interests of the children.

Despite a positive home study, the Florida Department of Children and Families denied Gill’s adoption application. With the help of the ACLU of Florida, Gill sued the state. (The men felt they would stand no chance if they sued for a joint adoption.) During the trial, the court heard expert testimony from a psychologist who had assessed the boys and determined they would be “emotionally devastated” if taken from their current home.

In November 2008, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge

Nadine Smith

Cindy Lederman ruled that the adoption ban violated Gill and the children’s right to equal protection under the state Constitution. The government, she said, failed to demonstrate a rational reason for imposing the ban, and the law obstructed the right of children to a permanent, stable home as provided by federal and state law.

The state Department of Children and Families (DCF) appealed the ruling to the state’s Third District Court of Appeals, which heard arguments in August 2009. The decision has now been pending for a year.

A few other states have some restrictions on gay people adopting children, but Florida is the only state whose law specifically bans adoptions by all gay men or lesbians. Mississippi bans samesex couples from doing so, and Arkansas, Michigan, and Utah ban unmarried couples (by definition, all same-sex couples in the state).

So far, despite the ban, Florida courts have ruled three times to allow an adoption by a gay or lesbian parent. The first was in August 2008, when a Moncontinued on page 31

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August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN Profile:

The Men with Mojo

By Joey Amato

E

very now and then, a restaurant comes to South Florida and really creates a buzz in the community.

Recently, Mojo has done just that. Since the restaurant opened just a few weeks ago, I’ve heard nothing but positive comments about the establishment, so I figured I’d give it a try.

Mojo was founded by Anthony DeMaio and Domenick Falcione, partners in business and life for nearly 30 years. “We first met in August of 1980 at Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City during a crap game,” DeMaio recalls. “Several months later we ran into each other at a local bar and have been together ever since.” The couple will celebrate their 30th anniversary in November.

Food has always been in Falcione’s blood.

He travelled to Italy at 17 to apprentice at Sabatini’s in Florence before graduating from the Restaurant School of Philadelphia in 1981. “I opened my first restaurant called the Little Rock Café with my sister Linda

in 1984, which we sold in 1991.” He managed the infamous Splash Bar in New York City for a brief time before opening I Love Lucy’s Beach Grille in Margate, New Jersey.

DeMaio was born and raised in Atlantic City, NJ and attended college at St. Leo University on Florida’s west coast, where he majored in business and theater In 1999 the couple purchased a home in addition to property which would eventually become the original Mojo. If that weren’t enough, they were hired to design and manage a 500-seat restaurant in Somers Point, NJ. “In 2006, we decided to sell Mojo, but spent another year and a half at Sails, our Somers Point location,” states Falcione.

“After we parted ways from Sails we went back to our roots, I Love Lucy’s.”

At that time, the couple began to vacation in Fort Lauderdale for months at a time.

“We were really bored all winter, so we de-

Anthony and Domenick

cided to search out a business opportunity,” states DeMaio. They closed on the property which houses Mojo in April and began design work in May. Mojo opened its doors just a few weeks ago and has been met with positive feedback by the community. “We believe we have created a casual elegant neighborhood restaurant/lounge. Our backgrounds, creative menu and spectacular customer service is our recipe for success,” states Falcione.

The couple are hands-on operators. DeMaio handles all business transactions and serves as host, while Falcione is Mojo’s executive chef and resident artist. All artwork seen in the restaurant are his creations.

Mojo’s menu is a cross between many cultures. “We call our food ‘New American Eclectic’ cuisine. The menu was designed to be fresh, interesting and healthy,” states DeMaio.

With only a few weeks under their belt, Mojo is already participating in charitable ventures. “On Friday August 20, we are donating 10% of our proceeds to SMART Ride for any client who makes a reservation using ‘SMART Ride’ when they book. In addition, Mojo will host their first GLBX After Hours event on August 26 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Mojo offers happy hour specials Monday through Friday from 4:00- 7:00 p.m. as well as live music and DJ performances throughout the week.

As guests enter Mojo, they are greeted by a friendly staff and instantly notice the Key West meets South Beach décor.

For starters, my guest Andres and I chose to sample the fig and orange glazed Japanese eggplant as well as the fried calamari. The

fig and eggplant dish was wonderful, light and contained a perfect balance of flavors, ranging from the sweetness of the figs to the saltiness of the feta cheese which was sprinkled throughout. The dish is served with three wedges of flatbread and is a healthy option for those counting calories.

Next, we tried the fried calamari with Japanese seven spice, sweet Thai chili and lime. I am usually not a fan of fried calamari on its own, but the Asian-style preparation of this dish made it more tasty that the traditional version. Some other interesting selections include the baked escargot with artichoke hearts, feta, grape tomatoes, garlic butter and white wine as well as the spicy jumbo lump crab with sambal aioli, baby greens, crispy wontons and 12 year old balsamic glaze.

To stick with a healthier dinner, we decided to try one of Mojo’s specialty salads.

Chef Domenick recommended the caramelized goat cheese salad made with violet mustard, oranges, sake plums, almonds, mixed greens and a guava citronette. Both Andres and I adored this selection. The marriage of the plums and oranges with the creaminess of the goat cheese was perfect.

And the guava citronette was not overpowering, but yet complimented the flavors in the dish.

For our entrees, we ordered two of Mojo’s most popular dishes. First, the Irish organic salmon came grilled and served with an orange ginger glaze, wasabi mash and Asian vegetables. The fish was tasty and contained a nice char from the grill, although I found the vegetables slightly under seasoned and used more for presentation than taste.

Second, we tried the pan roasted duck breast sautéed with red kraut and apples, raspberry butter and a creamy cauliflower and goat cheese puree. Never before have I seen duck so perfectly cooked. It was so tender that at times, we thought we were eating a filet mignon. The raspberry butter added just the right sweetness to the dish, while the cauliflower puree helped to add to the dish’s uniqueness.

Finally, for dessert, we opted for the grilled coconut pound cake with sautéed peaches and blueberry syrup topped with vanilla bean ice cream. The warm cake was delightful, as were the sautéed peaches. What we liked most about Mojo was their use of fresh fruits in many of their dishes.

For more information, please visit Mojofl.com or call 954-568-4443 for reservations.

7

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

City County Credit Union Wilton Branch Celebrates One Year Anniversary

C

ity County Credit Union is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Wilton Manors branch. Officials say that the Credit Union, a not-for-profit cooperative owned by its members is gratified by the response it has received from the community in Wilton Manors, LGBT and otherwise.

In spite of being a new enterprise, Sandra Spence, Vice President for Public Affairs, says that CCCU has settled well, opening new accounts for residents and bringing the benefits of credit union membership to many.

Noting the shifting demographics in today’s financial services sector, Lloyd Gill, CCCU’s Acting CEO said “We are a diverse organization, with many gay and lesbian employees, so doing business in Wilton Manors is a great fit for us. We’re looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”

“To celebrate our first year anniversary,” adds Gill, “we will be offering a special oneyear CD rate of 1.05% APY to members who open this CD with new funds. Over the next few months we plan to offer business accounts, pet health insurance and financial planning seminars.”

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August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Same Sex Weddings on Hold Appeals Court Promises Expedited Final Ruling AP- A federal appeals court put same-sex weddings in California on hold indefinitely Monday while it considers the constitutionality of the state’s gay marriage ban.

The decision, issued by a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, trumped a lower court judge’s order that would have allowed county clerks to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples on Wednesday.

Lawyers for the two gay couples that challenged the ban said Monday they would not appeal the panel’s decision on the stay to the U.S. Supreme Court. They said they were satisfied the appeals court had agreed to expedite its consideration of the Proposition 8 case by scheduling oral arguments for the week of Dec. 6.

“We are very gratified that the 9th Circuit has recognized the importance and the pressing nature of this case by issuing this extremely expedited briefing schedule,” said Ted Boutrous, a member of the plaintiffs’ legal team. “Proposition 8 harms gay and lesbian citizens every day it remains on the books.”

Attorneys for sponsors of the voter-approved measure applauded the decision. In seeking the emergency stay, they had argued that sanctioning same-sex unions while the case was on appeal would create legal chaos if the ban is eventually upheld.

“I think the basic notion that this case is not final until it’s gone through the com-

plete appellate process really prevailed,” said Douglas Napier, a lawyer with the Alliance Defense Fund, a Christian legal firm.

“Rather than have this kind of pingpong effect of having the decision overturned, appealed and then overturned again, it’s better to have this kind of decision,” he said.

been preparing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples for the first time since Proposition 8 passed in November 2008. The measure amended the California Constitution to overrule a state Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex unions earlier that year.

“I’m sad, but I’m also glad that I didn’t

Gay couple Tara Walsh, left, and Wen Minkoff embrace Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010, City Hall in San Francisco. Judge Vaughn Walker put gay marriages on hold for at least another six days in California, disappointing dozens of gay couples who lined up outside City Hall hoping to tie the knot Thursday. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) outside

Under the timetable laid out Monday, it was doubtful a decision would come down from the 9th Circuit before next year.

A different three-judge panel than the one that issued Monday’s decision will be assigned to decide the constitutional question that many believe will eventually end up before the Supreme Court and further delay a final outcome.

County clerks throughout the state had

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pay the $100 to reserve an appointment at the clerk’s office,” said Thea Lavin, 31, of San Francisco, who had planned to wed her partner, Jess Gabbert, 30, if the stay were denied. “This has happened so many times before where we take two steps forward, one step back.”

Chief U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker had ordered state officials to stop enforcing Proposition 8 beginning late

Wednesday afternoon after ruling Aug. 4 that the ban violated the equal protection and due process rights of gays and lesbians guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution.

The ban’s backers appealed that ruling and also asked the 9th Circuit to block same-sex weddings in the meantime. They claimed in papers filed with the 9th Circuit that gay marriages would harm the state’s interest in promoting responsible procreation through heterosexual marriage.

Lawyers for two same-sex couples had joined with California Attorney General Jerry Brown in urging the appeals court to allow the weddings this week, arguing that keeping the ban in place any longer would harm the civil rights of gays and lesbians.

In a two-page order granting the stay, the appeals court panel did not indicate why it was keeping Proposition 8 in effect until it could consider the appeal of Walker’s verdict.

But it ordered Proposition 8 sponsors to address in their opening brief due Sept. 17 whether they even have the legal right to try to have the trial judge’s ruling overturned.

Both California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state Attorney General Jerry Brown, the original defendants in the case, have said they support same-sex marriage and refused to defend Proposition 8 in court.

Walker presided over a 13-day trial earlier this year that was the first in federal court to examine if states can prohibit gays from getting married without violating the constitutional guarantee of equality.

Currently, same-sex couples can legally wed only in Massachusetts, Iowa, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Washington, D.C.

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August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Jesse’s Journal

Stephen Wayne Foster: Gay Activist and Scholar

By Jesse Monteagudo

By Jesse Monteagudo

S

tephen Wayne Foster is almost a Native Floridian.

Though he was born in Virginia in 1943, he moved with his family to Miami a year later and grew up in Miami Shores. Foster studied at Miami-Dade College and the University of Miami, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History.

When Foster was 17 years old and in high school, he discovered gay history. “I came across Sir Richard Francis Burton’s translation of the Arabian Nights from 1880, which included a very long article about the history of homosexuality.

Years later, in D.C., I discovered a copy of ‘GAY’ on a newsstand, by Jack Nichols,” he commented, indicating that turned him on to an article about the NY Mattachine

Society, and “an awareness that nobody was writing about gay history and that there was a need for this. So I felt that if anybody was going to do it I should do it.”

Now retired, Foster lives in an apartment in Coral Gables that he first occupied in 1975, having witnessed over a half-century of South Florida gay history and culture.

His scholarly journey began as student in the UM Library, where, he says, “I took a notebook and a pen and saw thousands of books before me… starting with The History and Development of the Moral Ideas by Edward Westermarck, which contained a long essay about gay history. It formed the structure for all of my research after that.”

Making exhaustive trips to the on-campus libraries, Foster estimates he gathered notes from at least “5,000 books.”

Though Foster says that he realized that

John’s Lutheran Church, he was gay when he and asked him if he was 13, he did not could use an empty ‘come out’ until he was room on the second 26, encountering othfloor of their facility. He er gays at the popular got the go ahead and corner of 21st Street added some shelves, and Collins Avenue, his private collection near the gay beach. But of books and publicahe notes it was no easy tions, and opened the going back then, “That ‘Center for Dialog.’ was a time when the It was short lived, he Miami Beach police said. “Rev. Olson said were real bastards and that he was embarused the laws as excusrassed because straight es to raid gay bars and people might walk past make gay folks miserStephen Wayne Foster the open door of the able in so many ways.”

Gays did not immediately organize in library and see that it contained gay mateMiami. In 1972, though, Foster, along with rial- so he wanted me to keep the door shut.

Barry Spawn, Bob Barry, Bob Basker, and I felt very insulted by that and I gathered up Frank Arango, helped create ‘Gay Activists all the material and took it home. So our first Alliance of Miami.’ Foster was the treasurer. gay library lasted maybe three weeks.” About “They trusted me,” he said. “I had to keep a year later, Mark Silber founded the Stonethe money in my own account. We did not wall Library.

GAA-Miami and Foster remained active, have a corporation or anything.”

One of Foster’s achievements during his filing a class action suit against Miami Beach GAA-Miami days was the creation of South in 1972, challenging its laws against crossFlorida’s first LGBT library. Foster ap- dressing in public. In the same year, GAAproached the Rev. Don Olson, pastor of St. Miami members joined other activists to

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August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com protest both the Democratic and Republican conventions which were being held on Miami Beach. Many gays gathered in Flamingo Park, the protest site. The respected Dr. Franklin Kameny of Washington, D.C. was amongst the protesters.

Unfortunately, GAA-Miami did not long survive the 1972 conventions. As Foster recalls, “that when the conventions went away and the antiwar demonstrators went away the whole thing died down and people lost interest.” Foster himself lost interest and says he resigned “over internal feuding.” He indicated that even though there was over 250 people on the GAA mailing list, that “by the end of 1973, GAA-Miami was history.”

Foster tried to start a gay student group at UM, but says that was also short-lived, at least in part to a case of agoraphobia overcoming him. “It discouraged my ability to take part in Miami’s growing LGBT movement,” adding it is no longer an issue in his life.

By withdrawing from political activism, Foster says he was able to return to his “first love, gay history.” He was becoming a major contributor, authoring anthologies on Sir Francis Burton, and assisting Jonathan Katz with his groundbreaking Gay American History.

Through the years, Foster helped many other gay scholars write their books. Proudly, he notes that “my name is mentioned in at least thirty books, usually in the form of footnotes saying, ‘I wish to thank Stephen Foster for his help’”.

Separately, Foster also contributed original essays and translations to the pioneer gay journal Gay Sunshine. He has also contributed articles on gay communities for the 1990 publication of The Encyclopedia of Southern Culture and later for The Encyclopedia of Homosexuality.

At the time, many of those articles were written by authors who chose to use pseudonyms, to keep their names hidden,” Foster notes, “Not me. I used my real name.”

Stephen Wayne Foster’s cross-section of writings includes a wealth of gay legends, from Oscar Wilde to Charles Fourier. As he notes, they are all in his own name, one that has stood the test of time, endured the days of adversity, and still stands tall today.

Jesse Monteagudo is SFGN’s Senior Feature Correspondent and a South Florida resident since 1964.

Jesse invites other veterans of South Florida’s LGBT community to share their experiences with him.

Contact him at jessemonteagudo@aol.com

Discharges of Gays Still Rampant Under Obama Lesbians Most Subject to Firing

By Cliff Dunn

T

he military continued to fire mission-critical specialists for being gay in fiscal year 2009, according to new data released today. The data show that gay discharges included 8 linguists, 20 infantrymen, 16 medical aides, 7 combat engineers, 6 missile artillery operating crew members, and one member of the Special Forces, among others.

According to Aaron Belkin, “These data show, yet again, that ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ undermines national security. Why are we firing linguists and infantrymen in the middle of two wars?” Belkin is Director of the Palm Center, the research institute at the University of California that released the data today. A sample of the new data is posted at www.palmcenter.ucsb.edu.

The data confirm a long-term trend, and a 2005 government accountability report which found that the military fired 757 mission-critical specialists, including 322 linguists, in the first decade of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” JD Smith, co-Director of OutServe, said that today’s news shows how “don’t ask, don’t tell” jeopardizes the safety of the troops.

OutServe is the first-ever organization made up exclusively of currently-serving gay and lesbian troops. It now includes more than 500 members. The new data were collected by the Defense Manpower Data Center and made available by the House Armed Services Committee. They were submitted to the Committee in compliance with current law which requires each of the services to disclose on an annual basis the number of service members who have left the service, why they left and what jobs they performed.

The Palm Center also noted that the data showed disproportionate discharges on the basis of race and gender. In the Navy, two officers were discharged in FY 2009 and both were Asian. In the Army, of the five Officers discharged, two were African American, one was Asian and two were white.

Although women comprise only 14% of the Army, lesbians received 48% of the

Army’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” discharges in FYI 2009. In the Marines, women comprise just 6% of the force, but received 23% of discharges under the policy. In the Air Force, women comprise 20% of the service but received 51% of “don’t ask, don’t tell” discharges in FY 2009. Women comprise Lieutenant Colonel Victor J. Fehrenbach, discharged two years 14% of the Navy but short of being able to retire with full pension benefits received 27% of the disof the University of California, Santa Barcharges last year.

The Senate is expected to address the bara, committed to sponsoring scholarship policy shortly after it reconvenes from the to enhance the quality of public dialogue about critical and controversial issues of August recess on September 13.

The Palm Center is a research institute the day.

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12

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

August 18, 2010

SFGN Editorial

Commit Your Vote to Equality Norm Kent, Publisher

“This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable.

The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are.”

W

ith those words, President Obama indicated that he had no opposition to the development and construction of a Muslim mosque and community center at a site close to the home of the World Trade Center. The community center proposal has led to a national uproar over Islam, 9/11 and freedom of religion during a hotly contested midterm election season.

There are some who argue the site is “holy ground,” and should not be compromised.

Unfortunately, the 17 pizza places, 11 bars, 10 shoe salons and 2 porn and sex shops nearby say otherwise.

The reality is that President Obama has

stood up to ‘Islamophobia,’ just as a candidate and chief executive he has stood up for gay rights and protected us from to ‘Homophobia.’ The President and Mayor Bloomberg of New York City should be applauded for their defense of freedom of religion; of the separation of church and state.

So too should we salute Judge Vaughn Walker for his courageous ruling last week on gay marriage, now on a short hold while a higher court revisits it with an expedited fast track process. Our day is around the corner.

What is right is not always popular, and what is popular is not always right. When political leaders have the courage to buck the tide, they send forth a new wave of integrity that washes away corruption.

Those candidates, straight or gay, that have embraced gay marriage and the rights of gay citizens to partners as they wish and with whom they will, deserve our support these coming days.

Those elected leaders, who stand by their word, and move the needle towards equality, rather than away from it, deserve our

praise. Salute the persons who celebrate diversity and openness; who are willing to embrace equality under the law, not for some, but for everyone.

How do you find those persons on the ballot in an election where everyone is accusing everyone else of being corrupt career politicians? Well, start by looking at the candidates and their careers, what they have achieved, and where they have done it.

Have they challenged expedience and barely gotten their souls wet? Look for character and grit, not money or power.

Look for integrity and independence, not

party affiliation or past office. Do not seek candidates who played to the gay community. Find the ones who are players within it.

Find the voices that have articulated your vision, shared your pain, and dreamed your dreams. Just because someone wakes up with someone gay in bed next to him in the morning does not make him the person you want speaking up for you in the evening.

Make sure the person you vote for today is the kind of person you won’t be called in for jury duty about tomorrow. Commit your vote to excellence and honor, and the good you do will one day come back to you.

General Gayety

YOU’RE OUTTA HERE!

By Leslie Robinson

E

ven if you don’t like baseball, you’ve probably seen video of a manager vociferously arguing a call with an umpire. The manager might throw his cap. He might throw a base. He might throw out his back throwing a base.

Brent Bowers, skipper of a minor league team, performed an unusual physical maneuver and delivered a scalding tirade dur-

ing a confrontation with openly gay umpire Billy Van Raaphorst. Bowers now has a place in baseball history, but it will only get him into the Hall of Shame.

On July 31, Bowers’ Edmonton Capitals played the Orange County Flyers in Fullerton, Calif. Van Raaphorst, of Irvine, Calif., was the crew chief. In the first inning, another umpire called a close play at

first base. Bowers and some of his players pointedly objected to the call. Van Raaphorst warned them.

When Bowers and two players continued beefing, Van Raaphorst ejected them, the second day in a row he’d tossed Bowers in the first inning.

Bowers promptly benched his brain.

Outsports.com obtained the official report Van Raaphorst gave to the Golden Baseball League in which the umpire provided his account of what happened next. Bowers ran over to him and screamed, “You

Standing Tall

13

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Off the Wall

I Read the News Today, Oh Boy

By Pier Angelo Guidugli Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.

–Thomas Jefferson, 1787

G

ay News was a pioneering fortnightly newspaper founded in England in 1972. A collaboration between former members of the Gay Liberation Front and members of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE), Gay News was a response to a nationwide demand by lesbians and gay men for news.

The paper played a very important and loud role in the struggle for gay rights in the UK in the 70’s. It was described as the movement’s “debating chamber.” It ceased publication in April of 1983 after a long and costly legal battle with the courts, which had been brought on by the “moral vigilante” of the time, Mary Whitehouse. She was challenged by a printing of a homoerotic poem about Christ, written by James Kirkup called “The Love That Dares To Speak Its Name.”

Nowadays, newspapers do not need court battles over morality or censorship to be put out of business. The same way video killed the radio star, the Internet, readers’ apathy and economics are killing newsprint.

know what I heard? I heard you are a fucking faggot . . . So what do you do you fucking faggot? Do you take it up the fucking ass you faggot?”

Bowers bent over and grabbed his ankles, apparently fearful the umpire hadn’t understood his words and a visual aid was in order.

This leader of men screamed into Van Raaphorst’s face, “What’s the matter, did your fucking boyfriend fucking cum on your face today, is that how you like it you fucking faggot?”

It was a fine, family-friendly day at the ballpark.

Bowers threatened, “I ought to kick your ass you faggot.” The plate umpire came

Americans spend over 150 hours a month watching TV and surfing the web. Newspapers are no longer the predominant go-to news source. The Internet overtook newspapers as a news outlet a few years ago.

Newspapers across the US are suffering, or closing. Who will dig up corruption, white collar crimes, exploitation, political scandals, government agencies and big business cover ups when there are no more reporters?

Newspapers are a critical part of our democracy. They are the watchdog for the public interest.

The founding fathers called newspapers “the market place of ideas.” Politicians, business leaders, even the Church, are petrified by being exposed in public and would not mind seeing the newspapers go the way of the LP records.

Napoleon Bonaparte once said: “I fear the newspapers more than a hundred thousand bayonets.”

If we are going to have a democracy this problem must be solved. One vehicle which has been successfully demonstrated in Europe is where governments have extended media support to all daily publications- regardless of the newspapers’ political affiliations.

In the UK, The Commission of Inquiry into the Future of Civil Society, has branded the

over and Van Raaphorst walked away. Bowers screamed at the plate umpire, “I know he is a faggot, I was told by [two prominent people in the league] that he is a fucking faggot. I know he is a faggot!”

Whew. Van Raaphorst, who stands 6’4”, did well not to knock him into the hotdog stand.

Several possibilities here. The first is clear: This manager can’t manage his anger.

As to the second and third possibilities, his rant was so extreme and so primal, Bowers either is a poster child for the testosteronesoaked ethos of pro sports, or he’s gay.

My bet is the former. The very idea of the latter probably makes him want to throw

Let’s face it, the probmajority of online news lem is we have no attenas little more than “retion span anymore. We cycled ‘churnalism,’” were raised on Sesame the Guardian reports.

Street, computers, inTo combat this, the stant gratification and incommission has prostantaneous communicaposed a tax on the likes tions. Gov. Palin made it of Google and websites very clear that she did not using news that they read newspapers. Why themselves have not should she? She can get produced. It is estimatall the news she needs ed that the tax could from Tweety Bird. generate $150 million a Legend has it that the year, for local newspafirst thing Gutenberg printpers feeling the pinch. ed on his press was his faOn the US side, vorite German poem. The unfortunately, a new second was an editorial on Rasmussen Reports the death of publishing. survey shows that 84% Gore Vidal At SFGN, we are trying to of Americans oppose a three percent (3%) tax on monthly cellular prove that it is still doable. We have featured intelephone bills to help newspapers and tra- ternational, national and local news; entertainment and theater reviews, editorial columns, ditional journalism.

Similarly, 76% oppose a proposed five breaking stories, exposing crooks and making percent tax on the purchase of consumer you part of all this by allowing your comments electronic items such as computers, iPads to be read in an open forum.

Whatever you do, stay informed. With and Kindles to help support print media.

74% oppose the proposal to tax websites yours, and our advertisers’ support, we are like the Huffington Post to help the newspa- not finished yet. We believe in what John pers from which they draw their headlines. Stuart Mill said: if we silence an opinion, we Intellectual gay icon Gore Vidal in his book may silence the truth.

Otherwise the landscape of America will “Assault on Reason” writes on the demise of the marketplace of ideas in America: “...the soon resemble the 2007 movie “Idiocracy,” belief that citizens can govern themselves... a sarcastic comedy film where an average by logical debate..is the central premise of guy from 2008 wakes up 500 years later American democracy. This premise is now and finds that everything has been dumbed under assault... Newspapers are hemorrhag- down to the point that he is the smartest ing readers, reading itself is in the decline... guy on the planet.

Would you like popcorn with that? occupied by the empire of television.”

bats out of the dugout. Preferably with me in the way.

The Golden Baseball League responded to the homophobic tirade by suspending Bowers for two games. Yup, a whole two games. That decision was the foulest of foul balls.

Fortunately, Van Raaphorst’s fellow umps were incensed over this slap on the wrist, and threatened to walk off the job.

The league then suspended Bowers for the rest of the season. Bowers, who admitted to the tongue-lashing, resigned.

The guy without a job said he regrets what he did. “I’ve grown up more in three days than ever before,” said Bowers. That

still makes him only about 14.

The league president said, due to this incident, all 10 teams will be required to go through diversity training. Now that is a grand slam.

Kudos to Billy Van Raaphorst, who managed to endure an appalling situation. I don’t know if there’s a blessing for baseball umpires, so I’ll make one up: May your calls be accurate, may your temper be slow, and may a line drive never land in your teeth.

Leslie Robinson lives in Seattle. E-mail her at lesarobinson@gmail.com, and read other columns at www.generalgayety.com.

14

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Paul Gallotta

Visitation Rights and Wrongs HIV Editor

T

he GLBT community won a very large albeit quiet victory last month.

The largest accreditation organization in the country announced that all hospitals in America will need a non-discrimination policy for GLBT patients on their books if they wish to continue to receive federal funds.

Now most people reading this have never heard of the Joint Commission (formerly known as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations).

But this is big news that could ultimately impact everyone in our community.

Back in 2007 Lisa Pond collapsed onboard a cruise ship and was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital with a brain aneurysm. Janice Langbehn, her partner of 18 years and their 3 children followed the ambulance to Jackson Memorial but were denied the chance to be bedside. The precise reasons

remain debatable. Over the course of eight hours, Pond slipped into a coma and died.

Langbehn sued Jackson, but lost, when the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida refused to hear the case, noting that no law existed that required the hospital to allow her to be with her dying partner.

The case received nationwide attention and culminated last April with President Obama calling Langbehn in her home in Lacey, Washington to apologize. He then issued a directive to the Department of Health and Human Services to create new rules that would require every hospital in America that receives federal Medicaid and Medicare funding to protect the visitation and healthcare decision-making rights of GLBT patients.

“Every day, all across America, patients are denied the kindness and caring of a loved

Janice Langbehn and Lisa Pond

one at their sides—whether in a sudden medical emergency or a prolonged hospital stay…uniquely affected are gay and lesbian Americans who are often barred from the bedside of their partners with whom they may have spent decades of their lives.”

Prior to this, there was always the option to establish legal protections vis a vis living wills, health care surrogate papers, etc. But how many people who have pre-need documents carry them around? And for the record, the Langbehn-Pond family had them and the appropriate legal/medical forms were faxed to Jackson Memorial within 30 minutes of Pond’s arrival.

For its part, Jackson Memorial Healthcare Systems has subsequently implemented a non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. They’ve updated their patient’s bill of rights to include GLBT people and have updated their definition of family to include same-sex partners. Jackson still however, denies any wrong-doing.

“The most important piece of information to consider from our side of this story is that the charge nurse on duty the night Ms. Pond was in our care—and the person who made all visitation access decisions that evening—is herself a lesbian with a life partner. In addition, numerous members of the medical team working in our trauma unit are openly homosexual.”

Show of hands, how many people out there still flinch when a professional organization supported through our tax dollars still uses the term ‘homosexual’?

Who’s right? There are three sides to every story I suppose. But here’s a thought:

Langbehn wasn’t allowed to see her partner until a priest arrived to perform the Last Rites. If they had the time to send for a priest, they surely knew she was hitting life’s exit ramp and could have called Langbehn to her bedside a little earlier.

However the situation played out, you can’t change it now. The best we can hope for is to salvage a silver lining from this travesty by making sure it doesn’t happen again.

I had a somewhat similar situation a few months back. A patient I was working with was clearly circling the drain and the staff at the hospital which employed me was advised that under no circumstances was his partner to be allowed to see him. I know the fights I can win, and this wasn’t one of them so I bit my lip, shrugged and went to work. As luck would have it, I met my patient’s sister who ruefully informed me that her brother once was a nurse. Then she met this…person who got him addicted to crystal meth, possibly leading to his seroconversion and ultimately to life’s coda.

When God wants you to shut up, you’ll know about it. Three sides to every story.

Despite one-third of all Americans still thinking same-sex couples don’t deserve any legal recognition, the tide continues to turn.

Slowly. Now the Joint Commission is adding their considerable weight to the debate and policies nationwide are starting to change.

But as of this writing a Human Rights Campaign survey of 200 of the nation’s largest hospitals showed that 93 percent did NOT have fully inclusive non-discrimination policies. And 42 percent don’t even include sexual orientation in their Patient’s Bill of Rights non-discrimination policy.

15

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

The Pride Center Awarded $1.5 Million from CDC Will Help Fund HIV Prevention Services

By Joey Amato

T

he Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded The Pride Center at Equality Park a $1.5 million, five-year program grant which began on August 1, 2010.

The funding will be used to develop and implement HIV Prevention Services for men who have sex with men (MSM) groups in which there may be a high risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV infection regardless of race or ethnicity.

Over the last 17 years, The Pride Center provided prevention services to over 100,000 people in Broward County. Individuals are educated, counseled and linked to care for HIV, hepatitis and other communicable diseases.

“The Pride Center is very proud to become part of the CDC’s efforts toward stopping the growth of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in our area,” The Pride Center Executive Director, Paul Hyman, said in a statement.

“The funding will allow us to grow our efforts to help individuals decrease risk behavior, reduce transmission of HIV/STD through individual risk-reduction planning and reduce barriers to successful behavioral change. I would like to acknowledge the support of Diplomat Pharmacy for underwriting of the cost of preparing the complex CDC grant application. Additionally, we are

grateful for grant writing services provided

by Tiano Consulting Group, LLC.” Broward County has the first position in the nation for the rate of new AIDS diagnoses and second for the rate of new HIV infections according to the CDC’s latest Surveillance Report.

In addition to health education, The Pride Center provides an African American Testing Initiative (AATI) and the PALS Project which focuses on individual and group level interventions for HIV positive individuals teaching them skills for healthy living and reducing the spread of the virus to noninfected individuals.

The CDC grant will give The Pride Center the ability to expand on-going efforts and incorporate the CDC’s Project “Health and Community Services Program “(HCSP): Counseling Testing and Referral Services, RESPECT Intervention for Behavioral Change, and Comprehensive Risk Counseling Services” into the highest risk segment of the MSM population.

“The Pride Center was able to show the Health Department meaningful results with its current HIV prevention programs,” Jorge Gardela, Senior Health Outreach Manager, said in a statement. “As a result, CDC funding will enable the agency to continue its important work in the community on a much larger scale.”

For more information, visit Glccsf.org.

SFGN welcomes reader contributions regarding other organizations that receive CDC funding.

“We treat you like part of the family!”

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Graduate, New York Chiropractic College

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16

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Scott Galvin

John Adornato

Grindr Sweeps the Manor Sidelines Hosts Gay Candidates Tonite Also

By Joey Amato

A

s the Grindr fad sweeps the nation, the Manor Complex on Wilton Drive is preparing to host their first ever Grindr party this evening from 9:00 p.m. until midnight. Join your Grindr friends in the Windsor Bar while sipping on $4 cocktails while DJ Rene spins the hottest dance videos.

Grindr is a location-based social networking application available for purchase on Apple’s iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and compatible BlackBerry devices.

Based in Los Angeles, Grindr uses GPS technology to determine your exact location and instantly shows photos of the guys around you. It accomplishes this through a simple user interface that displays a grid of representative pictures of men arranged from nearest to farthest away. A single tap on a picture will bring up stats and a brief profile. From here the user can choose to

chat and share more information, such as exact location or more pictures. To learn more about the app, visit Grindr.com.

If “grinding” doesn’t sound like your cup of tea or flavor of vodka for that matter, earlier that same evening, Sidelines Sports Bar will host a reception for four gay candidates running for various government offices.

Come to the popular Wilton Drive bar beginning at 8:00 p.m. to meet John Adornato, who is running for Oakland Park City Commission (Seat 4); Scott Galvin, candidate for US Representative (District 17); Ken Keechl, who is seeking re-election as Broward County Mayor Commission (District 4); and Justin Flippen candidate for State House Representative (District 92).

Each candidate will be deliver a brief presentation during the event.

The four men will be at the bar garnering support for the primary, which will be held on Tuesday August 24. For more information, visit SidelinesSports.com

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www.SandraPerlman4Judge.com Political advertisement paid for and approved by Sandra Perlman, Non Partisan, for Broward Circuit Court Judge, Group 51

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Taking Stock of a Great Gay Life

The Man Behind Woodstock

Elliot Tiber Page 24

This image from “taking woodstock,” the 2007 film, based on tiber’s “summer of Love”

20

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Congregation Etz Chaim For LGBT Jews, Family, and Friends Invites you to

~ Come Home for the Holidays ~

High Holy Day Schedule 5771

Erev Rosh Hashanah Wednesday, Sept. 8, 8pm Rosh Hashanah Thursday, Sept. 9, 10am Kol Nidre Friday, Sept. 17, 7:30pm Yom Kippur Saturday, Sept, 18, 10am Healing and Ne’ila services begin at 5pm All services at Temple Bat Yam, 5151 NE 14th Terrace, Ft Lauderdale

Featuring renowned cellist John Kaboff, and the Lambda Chorale Tickets: Free to Members; Immediate Family Members & Out-of-Town Guests $50 (All Services), Non-members $100 all services/$50 ea.

Cost of tickets may be applied to membership ~ Please call to find out about our new membership specials ~

Fabulous Break the Fast, Sat., 9/18, 7:30pm Held at Congregation Etz Chaim, tickets $30 ea.

Cong. Etz Chaim, 1881 NE 26th St., Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Contact: 954-564-9232; congregation@etz-chaim.com

Everyone is Welcome!

Nightlife by J.W. Arnold

Wild Wednesday & More

A

s previously reported, Wednesday is a busy day in Wilton Manors with both the Manor Complex and Sidelines Sports Bar hosting large events. Below are some other options if you are looking to head out this week.

Wednesday, Aug. 18

I

f meeting politicians or meeting men isn’t your thing, head to Jimmie’s Chocolates tonight. Jimmie’s isn’t your typical Wilton Manors nightspot, but in conjunction with the popular women’s bar, New Moon, the sweet shop is dishing up Whip-It Wednesday from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Chef Rob himself, along with New Moon’s Allie, will be whipping out complimentary chocolate shots made with Whipped Vodka, a new whipped cream flavored brand. Don’t miss this unique party at 1426 NE 26th St. in Wilton Manors.

Thursday, Aug. 19

T

he boys are heading back to college soon and Cozmos has plenty of great specials tonight for all those local students.

Enjoy the $15 domestic beer bash—all you can drink—all night long. For those who are more likely attending graduate school, slip into the piano bar for the music of Terry Hammond from 6 to 10 p.m.

Cozmos Lounge is located at 2674 E. Oakland Park Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

Friday, Aug. 20

T

onight the Manor offers BearNation’s Bearlesque, an erotic theme party and it’s going to be something. Just imagine the pole-dancing bears! Erotic film star Vince Ferelli will be appearing and DJ Pannik will be in the booth. Arrive early for $3 domestic beer from 9 to 11 p.m. and stay late for 2-4-1 late night happy hour from 1 to 3 a.m.You’ll find those hot, hot pole dancing bears at 2345 Wilton Dr.

Saturday, Aug. 21

C

elebrate summer around the pool at the Hotel Victor, 1144 Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. The occasion is Summerfest ’10, the main event of the annual weekend fundraiser for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the same LGBT advocacy organization that brings us the Winter Party. DJs FR8-O and Charlmix will be providing the music and everyone receives two free Finlandia vodka cocktails with their ticket purchase. Later that evening, the party moves to Lincoln Road hotspot Score for Summer Storm, a hot dance event. Tickets for both parties are still available at Summerfestmiami.com.

And don’t forget to pick up some sunscreen in the meantime.

Sunday, Aug. 22

J

ohnny’s, one of Fort Lauderdale’s hottest male go-go bars, features South Florida’s largest amateur strip contest at midnight with more than $1000 in cash and prizes at stake for some fresh, undiscovered talent. Gemini Stone will be your hostess and after a few $3 cocktails, perhaps you’ll take a shot at the big prize and strut your stuff on stage.

Johnny’s is located at 1116 W. Broward Blvd.

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August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Tropical Heat Comes to Key West Sizzling Summer Parties Heads South

By Joey Amato

T

he quaint island of Key West is known for its year-round subtropical weather, but temperatures are predicted to rise dramatically Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 19-22 as they present Tropical Heat, one of the island’s hottest events of the year.

Tropical Heat offers four days of feverpitch revelry in the island city whose openness and respect for diversity have made it a world-renowned gay vacation destination.

The festival includes more than a dozen intriguingly decadent events ranging from drag shows to themed pool parties, appearances by adult entertainers and late-night parties at island clubs.

Comedian Paul J. Williams, acclaimed for his work on LOGO television network

and with RSVP Vacations’ cruises, will be Tropical Heat’s celebrity host. Williams and his drag alter ego, Sister Helen Holy, are scheduled to appear at the festival’s major events and star in an all-welcome comedy performance Sunday, Aug. 22.

The heat wave begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, with a kick-off party at Island House Resort, followed by an evening of unforgettable soirees.

Festival attendees can take the plunge Friday into an afternoon pool party and barbecue at Big Ruby’s; dress for “success” at a sizzling toga party at Equator Resort; join drag queens and other entertainers at “Uno Noche Caliente” at Aqua Nightclub, and much more.

Saturday’s highlights include a pool party at Island House. Then, proving that Key West heats up when the sun goes down, the

late-night “Exhibition” bash is planned at the Bourbon St. Pub. Attractions include a live DJ, dancers and even an on-site live film set.

The following day, revelers can participate in a lively Key West tradition: an all-welcome Sunday afternoon Tea Dance at La Te Da. The festival’s packed schedule is to culminate Sunday evening, when Williams showcases his sidesplitting humor in a oneman show at Aqua Nightclub.

For information about Tropical Heat or to purchase tickets, please visit Tropicalheatkw.com.

22

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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n Sunday August 29 be sure to head to the Sea Monster in Fort Lauderdale for Music from the Heart Tea Dance.

The event will benefit the Wellness Center of South Florida (WCSF), a non-profit organization dedicated to the care and well being of HIV/AIDS patients in our community.

The tea dance kicks off at 5:00 and will run through 10:00 p.m., since the following day is a workday. For a mere $5.00 suggested donation – suggested, by the way, means you can certainly give more! Guests can expect hors d’oeuvres, a gift raffle, a 50/50 drawing, and free parking, which is a prize unto itself.

Entertainment comes in the talented instruments of: chanteuse Nathalie Noreau, Drag it Out, and Special Mistress

Book Review Set Sail for Murder

.. . t I o t re Int More o M t u We P.So You Gfe It .. Out O

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t’s hijinks on the high seas in the fourth Polly Pepper mystery, though deducing who did the deadly deed is more or less beside the point – Jordan’s tarttongued blend of comic camp and acidic gossip is hardly about the sleuthing. Fading celebrity Pepper, her investments devastated by America’s economic collapse, is reduced to booking a fan appearance on the Kool Krooz liner Intacti (think Titanic), accompanied as

of Ceremonies, Moss Monica Moore. DJ Mas, Gregory Parsons, will be spinning – by special request – Classic 70s, Funk and Disco beats for you to dance away Sunday afternoon.

However, Guy Le Houx, who is a director at WCSF, specializing in fund raising and special events says to expect more entertainers then he’s letting on.

“I am also working to have one or two special, surprise guests that day,” said Le Houx. “Many local businesses have offered their support, but we are still looking for more sponsors, and donations to make the event extra special for both our guests and the Wellness Center.”

If you would like to learn more about the event please contact Guy Le Houx at 954-594-4178, or email him at WCSFGUY@acs.com

always by her hunky young son, queer Tim, and her long-suffering servant, bisexual Placenta – for a reunion of the Polly Pepper Playhouse cast. Murder intrudes when someone slashes the throat (with a sharpened CD from the TV show’s boxed set) of egotistical diva Laura Crawford, a much-loathed co-star. The suspect net is cast far and wide, almost capturing Pepper herself, but the real fun in this skewering of celebrity comes from Jordan’s ceaseless stream of bitchy Hollywood asides, name-dropping everyone from Doris Day and Hugh Jackman to Barbra Streisand’s son, Jason Gould, and Charlie Sheen, slammed for his “fluke” of a hit TV show.

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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A Letter of Religious Resignation

By A. Sebastian Fortino

M

aking a conscious decision to leave the faith you were baptized into is a relatively common act. Kenneth Kimball, an entrepreneur based in Pinellas County, severed ties with the religion into which he was baptized at the age of eight. He sent in his letter of resignation to the Church of Latter Day Saints, the Mormons.

What is interesting about his resignation is that he’s descended from one of the top five Mormon families. His great, great, great grandfather was Heber C. Kimball, (1801-1868) one of the first men to receive Joseph Smith’s new commandment of plural marriage.

At first Heber was reluctant to take another wife. However, the health benefits of polygamy impressed him.

Kenneth Kimball “I have noticed that a man who has but one wife, and is inclined to that doctrine, soon begins to wither and dry up, while a man who goes into plurality looks fresh, young, and sprightly.

Why is this? Because God loves that man, and because he honors His work and word.”

Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses Heber C. Kimball went on to have 45 wives. Only Brigham Young himself, with 55 wives had more. One of Heber’s descenTo read the full letter Kimball sent to the LDS Church, please go to SouthFloridaGay News.com/mormons

he knows the health benefits of marrying whom you wish to marry.

However, Kenneth Kimball is in good company. While he was unaware until my research into his family he has quite the black sheep among his ancestors. His cousin Winifred Shaughnessy, is better known as Natacha Rambova, Heber C. Kimball’s great-granddaughter. She was an American silent film, artistic director, screenwriter, producer and occasional actress.

Natacha was also the globetrotting wife of Rudolph Valentino, one of silent film’s first heartthrobs, known to be a homoKimball descendant Natacha Rambova and her husband Rudolf Valentino sexual. The LDS Church values ancestry, to them studying familial past seems akin to ancestor worship.

This is interesting, for Christ said no dants – a cousin of Kenneth Kimball – was Therefore, it is oddly fitting that LDS prophets would come after Him. Spencer W. Kimball, president of the church members can look towards both Another interesting fact is that while Church from 1973 until 1985. The president Kenneth and Natacha as proud dissenters Kenneth’s ancestor was persecuted for is revered as a prophet. his belief of plural marriage he is partially that found their way out of an indoctrina“When he was the acting prophet we’d tion in which they did not believe, so they leaving the church because he is married have family reunions, he’d always be there,” could live their lives as they saw fit. to a man. Like his ancestor before him said Kimball. “He was arguably the most homophobic of the prophets.”

Kimball has not been an active Mormon for 20 years, since he came out as a gay man.

He says the reason he is formally leaving the Church has to do with – in addition to disagreeing with the foundation of the religion and Christianity at large – Proposition 8.

“The church, and this is unsubstantiated but true,” admitted Kimball, “is undergoing an exodus out of the Church because of Proposition 8.There are more Mormons leaving the Church now than ever before, they’re decreasing in the first time in their history.”

Another interesting fact about Kimball’s resignation is that his forbearer, Heber C. Kimball was anointed as one of the Quorum of Twelve, a governing body of the church. In describing this Mormon body of individuals it is necessary to draw a parallel to the Roman Catholic Church, which the Mormons would despise.

They are, effectively, anointed into their role, which can be paralleled to the College of Cardinals. In the Catholic tradition that role is based on what congregants, and influence they possess. Essentially, their process is more democratic. The Mormons base it on the supposed direct influence of God unto the president, essentially a living prophet.

24

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Taking Stock of a Great Gay Life

The Man Behind Woodstock

Elliot Tiber

By A. Sebastian Fortino

T

he Summer of Love conjures up images of Flower Children, dancing through a haze of hashish smoke, as they “drop out,” and rock out to the sounds of Janis Joplin, Joan Baez, Santana, and The Grateful Dead. People actively rejected the conservative culture of the 1950s, they protested injustice, and hoped to reinvent society for a new generation.

Yet, gay people seem to be oddly missing from this utopian movement. Until a very important concert took place that summer in a sleepy hamlet in Upstate New York.

“Woodstock changed everything,” said Elliot Tiber from his home in Manhattan. “At the time we were finally classified as a lifestyle, no longer perverts or deviants. At Woodstock, the gays were mingling with everyone else, and there was a lot of sex going on. Nobody seemed to care, it had never happened anywhere else like this. I came out at Woodstock when my parents saw me kissing a man. It was a wonderful time, that’s why I’ve been so connected to it for the past forty years.”

The concert was originally supposed to be held at another location, in Wallkill, NY. However, the locals were not pleased with the idea. The rural community did not want, “10,000 drug addicts, hippies, homosexuals, and dirty lesbians raping cows.”

Tiber understood people not wanting drug addicts but had no idea how or why a lesbian would rape a cow. The industrious Tiber, who was a professor of art in New York City, and worked as a decorator, also served as the Bethel Chamber of Com-

merce president. He was able to grant the Woodstock organizers a permit to hold the event, initially at his parents’ hotel the El Monaco. When land proved inadequate he suggested his milkman’s land, as they only had to deal with cows on his property.

By the time the event was in full swing the police put flowers in their helmets and were respectful of everyone, even the famous Dykes on Bikes that showed up to offer complementary security.

“Nobody wanted to mess with the Dykes on Bikes and the police must have gotten a contact high from all the marijuana smoke,” said Tiber lightheartedly.

Even though Tiber issued a permit to host Woodstock in Bethel, the reception of his neighbors was not very warm.

“People drew swastikas, and wrote ‘faggot go home’ on our house. My parents understood the swastikas but not the faggot part. Don’t know where they got that idea,” he said of the slur. “I was a designer. Faggot hairdresser maybe, but faggot designer? No,” said Tiber wittily.

While his mother was initially not pleased with the event taking place, and the El Monaco Hotel hosting the hippies and musicians that descended upon their town, she was pleased with what cash they earned. After she hid money in mattresses, and her brassiere, they were able to pay off the hotel’s mortgage in one day which was needed – as the bank threatened to take over the failing hotel.

The summer of 1969 was a notable time for Tiber beyond Woodstock. He was so busy it is improbable he had time to notice Neil Armstrong walk on the moon in July. On a

sad note, the summer began with the death of Judy Garland on June 22.

“I went to the funeral home where they had Judy,” said Tiber. “There must have been 10,000 or 20,000 people in the streets. From the first time I saw her in concert when I was ten years old she, her voice, resonated with me. I realized that over the rainbow there must have been a better home for me somewhere. I went to her shows, gave her roses, met her…I was a little obsessed.”

His home life was really one in which the magic of Oz and its heroine was desperately needed. His artistic ambitions were not nurtured by his family, and from an

early age he knew he wanted to live life for himself, not them.

“My parents always discouraged me, even though I was always doing something artistic.

They wanted me to become a rabbi, as my mother was very religious,” said Tiber, but he challenged their insistence on a religious vocation. “At my Bar Mitzvah I told them I would be a hairdresser, an interior decorator, or a dancer with the Metropolitan.”

His independent spirit did not keep him home much longer after he became a man.

“I left home at 16,” he said fondly. “I supported myself. I painted neckties, murals for continued on page 32

25

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Expecting

Harris and Burtka Expecting….Twins?

A

ccording to the Associated Press, actor Neil Patrick Harris and his partner, David Burtka, will become proud parents of twins this fall.

A representative for Harris confirmed in an e-mail Monday that Harris made the announcement in a posting on Twitter.

The 37-year-old actor says he and Burtka are “super excited/nervous/thrilled.” He did not say whether they were adopting or using a surrogate.

Harris posted the message on Saturday. He stars in the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother.

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26

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Heard it on...

They say they checked the trunk and found 4-year-old Navarro in a cage, his fur covered with oil, crushed red peppers and chili peppers.

Police say Korkuc told them he did it because Navarro was ill-tempered. Korkuc was charged with cruelty and released; his phone number isn’t listed.

Police say he told them he was going to cook Navarro. Korkuc also told officers a number of things that didn’t make sense, including that his neutered male cat was pregnant.

Animal advocates have cleaned Navarro and put him up for adoption.

By the Night Owl

Which One is gay?

Isiah and Joshua Thomas

Isiah Thomas, son Joshua protest California gay marriage ban FIU men’s basketball coach Isiah Thomas and his son, Joshua, have posed for photographer Adam Bouska’s NOH8 campaign – protesting California’s gay marriage ban. The website posted a comment along with the photo: “We are Isiah and Joshua Thomas. We posed for the NOH8 Campaign because we believe that all hate and discrimination is wrong. It is time for full equality and equal rights for everyone, regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion, or gender.”

Pussy…for Dinner?

(AP) Buffalo, NY Police say a routine traffic stop led to animal cruelty charges after they found a live cat “marinating” in oil and peppers in the trunk of a car.

Buffalo police say officers heard the cat meowing when they stopped 51-year-old Gary Korkuc of Cheektowaga to ticket him for running a stop sign Sunday night.

As reported in the Advocate last month, 90210 producers teased fans with the promise that one of the three male characters pictured here would be coming out in the fall. Now, television website Zap2it.com claims to know which one it is. According to the site, Teddy (played by Trevor Donovan, pictured at left) is the male character coming out this season. It will be the first major gay character on the show since its inception. Producers previously confirmed the gay character would be either Navid (Michael Steger, right), Liam (Matt Lanter, center) or Teddy. At the end of the last season, Teddy got back together with his on again, off again girlfriend Silver (Jessica Stroup).

“I would be flattered if [it was me],” Donavan told reporters last month. “What a great chance to use your acting chops a little bit to dive into a different kind of character. That is why we do this.”

Earlier this month, Entertainment Weekly reported Kyle Riabko (Broadway’s Spring Awakening and Hair) had joined the cast as a love interest for the gay character.

Deep Inside Hollywood

By Romeo San Vicente It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s gay marriage It was time for the funny, under-appreciated and politically incorrect sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia to attack the subject of marriage equality, so it’s going to chew on both sides of the issue in its upcoming season’s first two episodes. Rob McElhenney’s character, in love with a transgender woman named Carmen (played by Brittany Danke), finds out that she has not only finished her surgical transition but that she is also marrying another man. And because this is a sitcom about self-centered apolitical people, he goes ahead with a court battle about Carmen’s “gay” marriage out of sheer jealousy. Meanwhile, straight characters marry on a whim and chaos ensues. And McElhenney personally knows the score on marriage equality: his own lesbian mother and her partner helped raise him. See the comedic skewering of this culture war when the new season premieres next month.

Jane Wiedlin, Daniela Sea join Casserole Club Filmmaker Steve Balderson isn’t playing it traditional in casting his upcoming feature The Casserole Club. Instead, for his period 1960s suburban dramedy about

“desolation, unspoken desires” and the hosting of elaborate dinner parties, he’s bringing together a group of actors that includes Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Go’s and former L Word co-star Daniela Sea. Wiedlin’s been exuberantly entertaining in a few films, like Clue and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure but has usually chosen to focus more on being the rock star she is. Sea has been in several bands, but is known for playing male on L Word. Wouldn’t it be cool if they played a hetero couple here and Sea was the girly-girl and the pixie-ish, bisexual Wiedlin had five o’clock shadow? It would, but that’s probably not how it’s going to work out. In fact, there’s no word at all on who their characters are, but shooting is scheduled to begin this fall. All will become clear soon enough. The film’s website has some great cocktail and casserole recipes to distract you in the meantime.

Queeries by Steven Perow Steven Petrow is the author of The Essential Book of Gay Manners & Etiquette. Find him on the web at www.gayandlesbianmanners.com

Who pays for dinner on a gay date?

Q: Even in 2010, with decades of openly gay dating under our community’s collective belt, I still get confused when the dinner check arrives. What rule of thumb do you go by for what seems like an archaic conundrum but truly is not?

Trevor Donovan, Matt Lanter, Michael Steger

Daniela Sea

A: Wasn’t life easier for everyone when the guy just paid for everything? Oh, right, that wouldn’t work for two gay men or two lesbians on a date. That’s why there’s a great rule: “You invite, you pay.” This is

especially the case if you’ve chosen the restaurant as well as making the invitation.

Also, consider these phrases as code for “I’ll pay”: “Please be my guest”; “It will be my treat”; “I’d like to invite you to join me…” and “Let me take you out to...”

Of course, it’s good manners to offer to pay for yourself or contribute toward the tip, even when you know you’re the guest. And it’s wise to be prepared to pay your own way, because you never know. By the way, if your date does pay for you, remember that you’re under no obligation to go out again, or to become horizontal.

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Steve and Zack ‘Bear’ All

27

life was concentrated “south of the tunnel” in downtown Fort Lauderdale. “People asked, ‘Why are you moving up there?’”

But the area soon took off. It entered a leather renaissance, a bygone golden era when there were four local leather bars ness at Ramrod on a Saturday night. criminated against either, and it was safely

By Penn Bullock “We have dick patrol now,” Whitney says. and at least five shops selling leather gear. too dark to tell if we were being glowered The scene has faded, a decline that WhitObscenity laws are tight in Fort Lauderefore I took my first trip to Ram- at. Before long we were sipping Budweisers, ney attributes to the Internet, which made feeling chilled out, if a bit numb from shock, dale – it’s a crime to have an erection in a rod, the legendary local leather nightclub – and the laws are being enforced gatherings in person redundant. These days, and enjoying a gay-club miracle: We could club, my boyfriend imparted a with more frequent police raids, the couple he says, the bulk of Ramrod’s patrons aren’t warning: “The patrons there are bears with hear each other over the music. leather fetishists; they just come to take off says. So Ramrod has had to crack down.

When we went tepidly onto the narrow barrel chests,” he said, “and they aren’t They would prefer to do away with patrols their shirts, a freedom that Ramrod is one back-patio, which I had heard was an anymuch appreciative of skinny, 21 year-old of the few clubs to afford. And the younger and let dicks roam free, but they can’t until thing-goes cruising zone, I expected to see guys like yourself.” The message was clear: ones, Enterline says with a hint of sadness, scenes from a 1970s illustrated underground the laws change.

Don’t expect to be ogled. Expect to be are “graduating to rubber and neoprene.” marginalized, disdained, and openly mocked, “Everyone’s welcome here,” he says - inif not beaten with rubber hoses. cluding twinks.“A lot of leather guys like So it was with understandable trepidation twinks.They like the boys-daddies thing.” that I went into the Ramrod last Saturday Whitney says their club’s success – wearing a cotton shirt and not a shred has to do with the unchanging vibe that of leather – accompanied by my 24-yearthey’ve kept for sixteen years. After all, the Pig old friend Travis, a fellow twink. When we Dance, an event going on when I visited, dates walked in the door, we noticed a sort of gift back to one of Ramrod’s opening nights. shop to our left, and poked our heads in. It “Ramrod is the oldest gay club in Fort could have doubled as a tackroom: There Lauderdale with the same owners, at the were neat rows of harnesses, bridles, and same location,” Enterline says. That contiguity every variety of BDSM gear hanging from with the past has turned the club into a histhe walls. The merchandise struck us as a toric site. It is to the leather scene what the bad omen, a foreshadowing of imminent Mai-Kai is to Hukilau: a point of pilgrimage… medieval rape, but we pressed on.

And, perhaps unlike the Mai-Kai, a place Through a little curtain we arrived in the where a lot of porn movies have been shot. cramped club space. Instantly the crush of “People come from all over the world to half-naked male bodies carried us off. We be at the Ramrod,” Whitney says. There are were trapped in a logjam on river rapids. plenty of rich people, and “the doctors and Travis grabbed a hold of my hand, his surlawyers seem to be the kinkier ones.”

“Fort Lauderdale is a small town and it’s vival instinct activated. There was almost no gay smut magazine: men in leather berets There are even visits by celebrities. The still a conservative police force,” Whitney says. lighting, so our eyes took minutes to adjust, holding a barbed whip in one hand, a veiny couple claims that Kevin Spacey has stopped Enterline hails from Ohio. He studied to schlong in the other, hunting for orifices. But and the air was filled with a thin haze – a by twice. I ask what other big names they’ve be a cartographer, and went up in helicopmix of cigarette smoke and sweat evaporat- we didn’t see a single exposed penis, just a come across, but “there’s a couple I can’t bunch of shirtless guys standing around with ters to draw maps. But he was outmoded ing off exposed chests. A small dance floor in the 1970s by computers and satellites. So tell you,” Enterline says. But he reveals that drinks, speaking in subdued, friendly tones was packed tight with men and strafed by he moved to Florida and became a bartend- the closeted celebrities arrive with their little laser lights. The music was heavy, elec- like they were at a church social. There was managers – so that if they’re photographed, hardcore porn playing on a few TVs, but the er. That’s where he met Whitney, a fellow tronic and unusual – there was notably no raunchiest scene I saw unfold in real life was bartender from Massachusetts. They’ve been they can say they were tagging along with Top 20 crap, and one song was punctuated their gay manager. business and romantic partners ever since two guys making out vigorously. by a five-minute-long female orgasm. The In a recent poll on GayCities.com, Ramthe late ’70s, though they can’t remember Travis and I were only propositioned interior, with its rustic, wood-paneled walls, rod was voted the best leather club in the the exact year. old-looking lamps, legions of pot-bellied and once. Standing by our cars after closing world. But Whitney says there are many “We’ve lost count,” Whitney says with time, discussing Ramrod’s ambiance and muscular bearded men, and atmosphere of locals who have never visited. a laugh. the German-like engineering of fetish gear, claustrophobia and drunken reverie, began “I don’t know if they’re afraid to come Sixteen years ago, they took over a to feel like a below-decks party on a pirate a guy in a pick-up truck pulled over next here – afraid they’re gonna get spanked and straight biker bar called The Hobbit. They ship, or perhaps an old frontier saloon over- to us and asked whether we knew anyone whipped and beat,” he says. added a cage, but left much else the same. interested in buying deep-sea fishing rods run by homoeroticism. Whatever the case, As I discovered, nothing of the sort takes And thus Ramrod was born. for $350 each. Is “deep-sea fishing rod” a there was the thrill of the lawless. place. But the couple likes that their club The couple remembers the Wilton leather euphemism? We still don’t know.

My boyfriend’s warning was partly acManors area before the great gay influx. The scares outsiders – because it ultimately In an interview the next day, Ramrod’s curate: Travis and I got few sexual leers, and lures them in.

Shoppes of Wilton Manors were a “halfonly one or two light, non-committal gropes owners, Zak Enterline and Steve Whitney, “It’s the intrigue,” Whitney says. explain to me why there was so little lewd- boarded up strip mall,” Enterline says. Gay from the patrons. But we didn’t feel disPompano Bill

B

28

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Crossword Puzzle

Love, Janis

Across 1 Fruits of the Earth author André 5 Song about donning gay apparel, e.g.

10 Break under strain 14 Served perfectly, to Mauresmo 15 Combined 16 “Baby Doll” band 17 Brazilian soccer great 18 Kelly McGillis’ ___ Land 19 Going full tilt 20 Start of a Janis Joplin quote 23 Where you might see R.E.M. 24 It’s tiny but attractive 25 Interior designer’s doing 26 Drips out slowly 28 Walk like you’re fagged out 31 Halves of ems 32 Balls 33 Time capsule events 36 More of the quote 39 Mychal Judge and Malcolm Boyd 40 Peru native 43 ___ Francisco 46 Early sneaker brand 47 Hunter that comes out at night 48 Bone to pick 50 Avg. 52 Meas. for Dr. Kildare 53 End of the quote 58 Clears 59 Comes out slowly 60 Kind of code or rug 62 Maupin story 63 Eat away at 64 Words before instant 65 They have foamy heads 66 “John Brown’s Body” writer 67 Poet Kitty

Down 1 Generation separator 2 Drink for some who don’t like it hot 3 2004 movie about Cole Porter 4 Genie portrayer Barbara 5 Big tech stock 6 Actress Susan 7 Come and go 8 Working in a mess 9 Look at a hottie in a bar 10 Obstacle to gay pride 11 Become aware of 12 Cartoonist Bechdel 13 Tools, in slang 21 “My country, ___ of thee ...”

22 In a queer way 23 Where the NY Liberty plays 27 Sitting sound 28 Part of the media 29 Lively tune 30 Meatheads 33 Favorite cheese on Wisteria Lane?

34 Thrift shop condition 35 Dijon dusk time 37 Family Matters nerd 38 They’re horny and hung like horses 41 Director Jean 42 T or F, on exams 43 Greek city of tough guys 44 Common rooftop item, once 45 Tease 47 Poem of Sappho 49 Decorative vessels 50 Napped leather 51 Family room piece 54 Pop singer Lisa 55 Time of Camelot 56 8 Women director Francois 57 The way you walk 61 First name among bi singers See solution on page 34

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

29

30

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Community Directory ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ArtsUnited, Inc. 1350 E Sunrise Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-530-2723 Artsunitedonline.org Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus PO Box 9772 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310 954-832-0060 fortlauderdalegaymenschorus.org Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival 1314 East Las Olas Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-760-9898 fliff.com in Harmony P.O. Box 70724 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33307 954-717-9494 Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 7251 NE 2nd Avenue Miami, FL 33138 786-376-1627 mglff.com Miami Gay Men’s Chorus PO Box 190209 Miami Beach, FL 33119-0209 786-663-7712 miamigaychorus.org New Age Books & Things 4401 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954-771-0026 South Florida Lambda Chorale 6278 N. Federal Highway Suite: 611 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 866-937-4644 lambdachorale.com South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble P.O. Box 4986 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-478-7478 Pridewindensemble.org Stonewall Street Festival P.O. Box 70665 Oakland Park, FL 33307 954-564-8707 stonewallstreetfestival.com

Miami Beach Gay Pride Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL miamibeachgaypride.com National Gay & Lesbian Task Force 3510 Biscayne Blvd. #202 Miami, FL 33137 305-571-1924 thetaskforce.org Pride Center at Equality Park 2040 N. Dixie Highway Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-463-9005 glccsf.org Pride South Florida P.O. Box 23686 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33307 pridesouthflorida.org Stonewall Library & Archives 1300 East Sunrise Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-763-8565 stonewall-library.org

Center for Positive Connections Fort Lauderdale SunServe Room at Sunshine Cathedral 1480 SW 9th Avenue Ft Lauderdale, FL 33319 786-985-2818 PositiveConnections.org Center for Positive Connections Miami 8315 N.W. 22 Avenue Miami, FL 33147 786-985-2818 PositiveConnections.org Comprehensive Care Center 1101 NW 1st Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 954-467-0880 Crystal Meth Anonymous www.crystalmeth.org GLCC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Domestic Violence 24-Hour Hotline 2040 N. Dixie Hwy FAMILY & FRIENDS Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-226-2279 Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG) glccsf.org pflag.org Food for Life Network South Florida Family Pride 3510 Biscayne Blvd #209 Broward County And Miami-Dade Miami, FL 33137 305-576-Food southfloridafamilypride.com careresource.org/ffln/ HEALTH & SOCIAL GLBT Suicide Awareness SUPPORT Initiative 701 SW 27th Avenue AHF (AIDS Healthcare Suite 1000 Foundation) Miami, FL 33135 aidshealth.org 305-646-3600 Alcoholics Anonymous switchboardmiami.org www.aa.org Hispanic AIDS Awareness Asians and Friends South Program Florida 2250 Coral Way, Suite 301 Fort Lauderdale, FL Miami, FL 33145 954-565-2345 305-860-0780 asiansandfriendssouthflorida.net emservices.com Bereavement Support Hollywood FL Center for Group of South Florida Positive Living 2040 N. Dixie Hwy Hollywood Playhouse Wilton Manors, FL 33305 2640 Washington Street 954-463-9005 Hollywood, FL glccsf.org 954-929-8959 Broward House, Inc. Jewish Community Services 1726 SE 3rd Avenue of South Florida Substance Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Abuse Services 954-522-4749 300 41st St BrowardHouse.org Miami Beach, FL 33140 COMMUNITY CENTERS & Camp4Health 305-572-8080 NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCS. 2040-B N Dixie Hwy Lambda South Clubhouse Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Compass lambdadadeclubhouse.org 954-530-4832 201 North Dixie Highway Camp4health.org Lake Worth, FL 33460 Mother’s Voices 561-533-9699 HIV education and prevention for Care Resource compassglcc.com parents Fort Lauderdale 150 W Flagler St, #2825 871 W Oakland Park Blvd.

Empower “U”, Inc. Miami, FL Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 8309 NW 22nd Avenue 305-347-5467 954-567-7141 Miami, FL 33147 MothersVoices.org careresource.org 786-318-2337 empower-u-miami.org Pride at Fort Lauderdale Care Resource Miami Hospital 3510 Biscayne Boulevard Empowering Spirits 1601 E Las Olas Blvd Miami, FL 33137 Foundation Fort Lauderdale, FL 305-576-1234 1609 N.W. 12th Avenue 877-PRIDE 46 careresource.org Miami, FL 33101 858-523-8201 empoweringspirits.org

Red Hispana Florida 1350 E Sunrise Blvd #129 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-462-8889 Redhispanafl.org Shadowood II 307 SW 5th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 954-462-3719 SoBe Room www.thesoberoom.com South Beach AIDS Project, Inc. 1234 Washington Ave # 200 Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-535-4733 sobeaids.org SunServe 1480 SW 9th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 954-764-5557 sunserve.org Switchboard of Miami HIV Prevention, Education and Care Confidential free telephone Counseling 305-358-HELP Switchboardmaimi.org Tuesday’s Angels 2545 East Sunrise Boulevard PMD 139 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-566-7686 tuesdaysangels.org Union Positiva Inc. 721 NW 21st Court Miami, FL 33125 305-644-0667 unionpositiva.org Women in Distress 24 Hour Crisis Line 954-761-1133 Womenindeistress.org YES Institute 5275 Sunset Drive Miami, FL 33143 305-663-7195 yesinstitute.org

The Pet Project 1164 E. Oakland Park Blvd.

Suite 308 Oakland Park, FL 33334 954-568-5678 petprojectforpets.org POLITICAL & ADVOCACY Broward Log Cabin PO Box 1281 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302 954-LCR-1995 lcrfl.org Dolphin Democrats PO Box 7437 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338 866-478-8262 dolphindems.org Equality Florida eqfl.org Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus PO Box 7492 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 877-446-8569 floridaglbtdemocrats.org Florida Together Outfl.org Gay American Heroes gayamericanheroes.com SAVE Dade 4500 Biscayne Blvd #340 Miami, FL 33137 305-751-7283 savedade.org Sunshine Republicans Sunshinerepublicans.org SENIORS Senior Action in a Gay Environment - SAGE 2040 N. Dixie Hwy, Suite 225 Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-634-7219 sagewebsite.org

SPIRITUALITY Abiding Savior Lutheran Church LEGAL AND CRIMINAL 1900 SW 35th Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Broward Human Rights Initiative (Legal Aid) 954-583-3212 491 N State Road 7 asavior.net Plantation, FL 33317 Body of Christ Church 954-765-8950 4033 N.E. 7th Ave Broward Human Trafficking Fort Lauderdale, FL Coalition 954-566-1791 (954) 594-3363 boc-church.org BHTC.us Calvary United Methodist Hate Crimes Task Force at Church Broward Sheriff’s Office 301 1st Avenue South 2601 W Broward Blvd Lake Worth, FL 33460 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 561-585-1786 954-831-8900 Center for Spiritual Living 1550 NE 26th St PETS AND ANIMALS Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-2868 Friends of Greyhounds cslftl.org 2621 NW 105th Lane Sunrise, FL Church of Our Savior, MCC 954-578-0072 2011 South Federal Hwy Friendsofgreyhounds.org Boynton Beach, FL 33435 Humane Society of Broward 561-733-4000 churchofoursaviormcc.org 2070 Griffin Rd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 954-989-3977 Humanebroward.com

Church of the Holy SpiritSong 1717 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 954-418-8372 cohss.org Congregation Etz Chaim 1881 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-564-9232 etzchaimflorida.org Divine Mercy New Catholic Communities 2749 N.E. 10th Avenue Wilton Manors, FL 33334 954-567-1930 newdivinemercy.org Drolma Center Buddhist Meditation W Prospect Rd Oakland Park, FL 33309 954-337-9191 First Congregational Church of Lake Worth 1415 North K Street Lake Worth, FL 33460 561-582-6691 lakeworthchurch.org MCC of the Palm Beaches 4857 Northlake Blvd.

Palm Bch Gardens, FL 33418 561-775-5900 mccpalmbeach.org Metaphysical Chapel of South Florida 233 North Federal Hwy #51 Dania Beach, FL 33004 954-923-0066 metaphysicalchapel.com New Divine Mercy Catholic Church 2749 N.E. 10th Avenue Wilton Manors, FL 33334 954-567-1930 newdivinemercy.org New Hope First Community Church 2929A S. Seacrest Blvd.

Boynton Beach, FL 33435 561-424-0699 newhopefla.org Parish of Sts Francis & Clare 441 NE 3rd Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-731-8173 stsfrancisandclare.org Sunshine Cathedral MCC 1480 SW 9th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 954-462-2004 sunshinecathedral.org St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 100 North Palmway Lake Worth, FL 33460 561-582-6609 integritypalmbeach.org The Way Donations (Ministry) 301 1st Avenue South Lake Worth, FL 33460 561-585-1786 Unitarian Universalist Church Of Fort Lauderdale 3970 NW 21st Ave Oakland Park, FL 33309 954-484-6734 uucfl.org

continued on page 33

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August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Banning Gay Adoption continued from page 4

roe Circuit judge allowed Wayne LaRue Smith to adopt the boy he and his partner had been fostering since 2001.

Because Smith had already been named the boy’s legal guardian, neither DCF nor the attorney general appealed.

The second adoption was granted to Gill through Lederman’s ruling in November 2008. The third was in January 2010, when a Miami-Dade circuit judge allowed Vanessa Alenier to adopt the one-year-old she and her partner have been fostering.

The judge said the adoption ban was “unconstitutional on its face.” The state has appealed that decision, too.

Nadine Smith, executive director of the advocacy group, Equality Florida, observed, “Judges are beginning to push back and say ‘There’s a contradiction in this law that does not allow us to carry out our prime mission, and that is that the children have to come first. What their needs are has to be the primary guidance in what we do.’”

Florida legislators have also recently attempted to overturn the ban in the legislature. Three bills were introduced in March, but two were withdrawn before a vote and one died in committee.

And Governor Charlie Crist, who now running for U.S. Senate, stated in June he believes in “a live and let live attitude as it regards adoption [by gay men and lesbians].” He said “the best decision maker would be a judge,” but that the current law must change first.

“I’m sure that a future legislature and maybe the next governor might address that issue,” he added.

Beyond Florida, some LGBT experts and advocates think that adoption could be the next major target -after marriage equality- for opponents of LGBT civil rights. In the federal trial this year challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 8, California’s ban on samesex marriage, a witness for the plaintiffs, Dr. Gary Segura predicted that, as fewer states are able to use the initiative process to con-

test same-sex marriage, “the new front line would be gay and lesbian adoption.”

“I would not be surprised to see antiadoption initiatives appearing in the near future,” said Segura, professor of political science at Stanford University.

Equality Florida’s Smith agreed, saying, “The entire country has a stake in ending [the Florida] adoption ban so that the far-right doesn’t begin trying to export it and expand it elsewhere through the same mechanisms that they pushed the marriage ban. . . . The far-right nationally is geared up to defend and expand this ban and we’ve got to be geared up nationally to defeat it.”

There are signs of this already. The Arizona House approved a bill at the end of February that would give preference to married couples when placing children with adoptive parents. It is now in the State Senate.

And voters in Arkansas approved that state’s ban on allowing adoptions by unmarried couples in November 2008. In April, a state circuit judge struck down the ban for that circuit, but the state is expected to appeal.

Anti-LGBT groups have long tried to tie the right to parent with the right to marry.

In the Proposition 8 case, for example, attorneys defending the marriage ban tried to persuade the court that an opposite-sex couple provides the best family structure for raising children, and that marriage should therefore be limited to oppositesex couples.

The defense’s star witness, David Blankenhorn, president of the Institute for American Values, however, testified, “I believe that adopting same-sex marriage would be likely to improve the well-being of gay and

lesbian households and their children.”

Attorneys on the plaintiffs’ side brought in two experts who had also testified in the Florida Gill case. One was Dr. Michael Lamb, professor of developmental psychology at Cambridge University, who spoke in both cases about the extensive research showing that children do as well with gay or lesbian parents as with straight ones. The other was Dr. Letitia Peplau, professor of psychology and sociology at UCLA, who testified to the stability of same-sex relationships.

Anti-LGBT groups may have better luck at the ballot box than in the court room, as the field of experts to testify on their behalf about same-sex couples and children seems to be shrinking. In the Gill case, the DCF brought in two experts for the trial court hearing who argued that gay men and lesbians were not suitable to become parents. Judge Lederman said of one, clinical psychologist Dr. George Rekers, “the court can not consider his testimony to be credible nor worthy of forming the basis of public policy.” (Rekers was later reported

to be traveling with a gay male escort who claimed Rekers himself was gay. Rekers responded that he spends time with sinners in order to help them.)

The other DCF expert, Dr. Walter Schumm, associate professor of family studies at Kansas State University, seemed to argue for Gill when he said, during the Florida trial, that “gay parents can be good foster parents,” and “the decision to permit homosexuals to adopt is best made by the judiciary on a case by case basis.”

Only one federal bill seeks to address the issue. The Every Child Deserves a Family Act, introduced by Rep. Pete Stark (D-Calif.) in March, would prohibit federal funds to states that discriminate in adoption based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Gill himself testified at a U.S. House panel discussion when the bill was introduced.

The bill is now in the House Ways and Means Committee and has 29 co-sponsors, but there are no scheduled hearings and no Senate counterpart, making it unlikely it will pass this session.

e

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August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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continued from page 24

people, and sold paintings. I didn’t sell them for great amounts but I was living in Greenwich Village, where all the artists were.”

Eventually, he studied art at Hunter University, and Brooklyn College where he was taught by the likes of Mark Rothko.This was the beginning of the New York School of Abstract Expressionism, a movement that defined the art of the mid-twentieth century as much as Woodstock performers influenced music.

He also frequented the Stonewall Inn, as it was one of the few gay bars in operation. It was backed by the unlikely marriage of mafia money, police who turned a blind eye in exchange for cash, and gay clientele.

“It was terrible in those days. If you left the bar alone people would try to frisk and beat you up, so you’d leave with others to get a cab,” recounted Tiber. “We were looking out the windows, there were cop cars there, some cops came inside for their money. The other cops hung outside the bar, just looking mean. In those days they looked at you and made you feel dirty and sick. Well, I shouted, ‘Let’s turn over the fucking cop car and get Mayor Lindsey out here.’ Someone started to chant gay power, which I’d never heard before. We barred the doors until Lindsey came. Then 1,000s of people started to show up.”

When asked if he can somehow separate one of the events from the summer of 1969 as the most pivotal, to his development as an artist, writer, filmmaker, and gay activist, Tiber said that would be impossible.

“No, I can’t separate them. I’ve been living with Woodstock and that summer for 40 years,” said Tiber with a fond sigh.

However, while the man who saved Woodstock – to the delight of hippies and anger of conservatives – has been a fixture on talk shows and retrospectives about those three days of peace, love and music the gay man that saved Woodstock has really only come out publicly within the past few years. Often times “gay” was edited out of the story.

After the release of “Taking Woodstock” in 2007 Tiber went on a radio show in Los Angeles to promote the book. He was told to wait in the green room until his time slot. Film-

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maker Ang Lee entered the room shortly after.

Tiber recognized Lee and, with typical Brooklyn chutzpa he told him that – while he loves his rather heavy, emotional films – it might be a nice change of pace to do a comedy.

Lee said yes. Tiber flew to the set in Yonkers, New York, from his home in Wilton Manors – he contemplates moving back, as he misses the strength of the gay community. They interviewed Tiber for five hours.

Production set up shop in an old airplane hangar. He found himself surrounded by all things Tiber and Woodstock.

“I felt like Citzen Kane,” Tiber said.

In the opening of that masterpiece of American cinema the value of the title character’s life is represented by the wealth, art, and possessions he collected. Kane’s life however is seen as empty, summarily devoid of anything but money and greed.

Tiber’s artistic life however has been vibrant, as an educator and activist. In the fall a new book he wrote, entitled Palm Trees on the Hudson comes out. He describes this as being a prequel to Taking Woodstock, and promises to be a tale of “the mob, Judy Garland, and interior decorating.” SFGN will review the book when it is published.

Tiber promises to earmark some of the money for a special event he wishes to organize.

“I’m trying to organize a Gaystock,” he said. “It’ll be three days of peace, love, music and equality. I want about 75 percent focused on gay rights leaders. There will be entertainment too, but I want it to be a platform of performers who are LGBT and can’t get a break because they’re gay.”

So far GLAAD is interested, and he is talking to a city on the Gulf Coast here in Florida as a possible location for the event. It seems that 41 years later the spirit of social change that swept across our country has not, and will not leave Elliot Tiber alone. However, rather than dwell on that pivotal time in history as frozen in the past, he still uses it to produce, create and give back to society.

For more information on “Taking Woodstock,” and the upcoming book, please visit Squareonepublishers.com

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August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Community Directory continued from page 30 SPORTS & RECREATION Aqua Foundation for Women 4500 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 340 Miami, FL 33137 305-576-AQUA (2782) aquafoundation.org Florida Storm Soccer Mills Pond - 2201 N.W. 9th Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-817-3163 floridastormsoccer.com Front Runners Fort Lauderdale P.O. Box 1415 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302 954-247-8642 frontrunnersfortlauderdale.org Gay Softball League Male Division Mills Pond Park Fort Lauderdale, FL sfaaa.net Gay Softball League Women’s Division Mills Pond Park Fort Lauderdale, FL womensdivision.sfaaa.net Hammerhead Aquatics Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-588-6371 hammerheadaquatics.com Miami Beach Gay Bowling League Lucky Strike Lanes 1691 Michigan Avenue Miami Beach, FL 305-532-0307 Nadadores of South Florida Swim Team nadadores.org SAA Bowling 1517 N.E. 26th Street Wilton Manors, FL manorlanesfl.com SAA Scuba South, Florida saascuba.org South Florida’s Gay Flag Football Team (Holiday Park) Fort Lauderdale, FL 786-553-3898 South Florida Tennis Club South, Florida sftc.us Thursday GLO Softball League Mills Pond Park Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-828-5977 thursdaysoftball.com Women’s Non Competitive Basketball 2040 N. Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Gay Italian Americans - GITA 830 East Oakland Park Blvd.

Fort lauderdale, FL 33334 954-629-5525 gaygita.com THRIFT STORES AND FLEA MARKETS Out of The Closet 2097 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-358-5580 Outofthecloset.org Out of The Closet 2900 N. Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33137 305-764-3773 Outofthecloset.org The Poverello Center 2292 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-563-1221 Poverello.org TRANSGENDER SUPPORT Transgender Equality Rights Iniiatives (TERI) 2040 N. Dixie Highway Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-463-9005 Facebook Page WOMEN’S SUPPORT GROUPS Blast Woman of WPB West Palm Beach, FL meetup.com/BLASTwpb Lavender Events for Women leforwomen.org Women in Network P.O. Box 9744 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33310 (954) 564-4WIN womeninnetwork.com

YOUTH & EDUCATION Alliance for GLBTQ Youth 1175 NE 125th Street Suite 510 North Miami FL 33161 866-634-8087 glbtqalliance.com Broward County Youth Group 1480 SW 9th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-548-4602 Lavender Writes Fort Lauderdale, FL lavenderwrites.org M Project 2800 N. Andrews Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-806-1103 myspace.com/m954guys STRICTLY SOCIAL PALS Project CoralGAYbles 2040 N. Dixie Highway Coral Gables, FL Wilton Manors, FL 33305 coralgaybles.com 954-463-9011 Florida’s Great Outdoors glccsf.org 2006 N 38 Ave Pridelines Youth Services Hollywood, FL 33021 180 N.E. 19th Street floridagreatoutdoors.org Miami, FL 33132 Fort Lauderdale Prime Timers 305-571-9601 PO Box 100666 Pridelines.org Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310 Youth GLBT Group Fusion MCC Sunshine Cathedral 2304 NE 7th Avenue 1480 SW 9th Avenue Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-630-1655 954-548-4602 myspace.com/fusionwiltonmanors

Where Business Comes to Succeed.

For advertising opportunities, call John Fugate: 954-530-4970

34

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Q Scopes By Jack Fertig To place an ad, call Brian Swinford

954.530.4970

or fill out the form on page 39.

Just shrug it off, Aries!

The Sun’s opposing Neptune and Chiron,Venus and Mars are square the nodes, and Mercury is turning retrograde. Freaking out won’t help. Resist

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Counseling and Psychotherapy for Gay Men Dr Arlen Keith Leight helps you find the courage to be you: happy, complete and filled with love. Offices on the Drive in Wilton Manors. Individuals/Couples-Relationships/Groups. www.DoctorLeight. com 954-768-8000

Help Wanted Part Time Assistant with knowledge of Quick books, MS office, Web and more. $10/hr Wilton Manors. call 954-496-9000

Home Improvement Remodeling/Handyman. over 35 years experience. i do it all. call Mark at 9545925898

Needed Touch licensed massage therapy and energy work. call Tod

Insurance & Financial Johnston. 9542708979 lic:MA46433 Allstate Direct: personal auto,home,condominium,boat and life insurance. For a free quote call Joe Mier 3057547414 ------------------------------------------------AMERICAN TAX & INSURANCE SERVICES If the I.R.S. or Insurance company has got you down call Big AL Cicotte or Kevin Palombo at 954-302-3328 ------------------------------------------------CORRECT COVERAGE INSURANCE Life/Health/Group/Dental/Disability Income/Annuities call toll free 1-877-646-2238 or 954-561-8297 Jim Rakvica www.correctcoverageinsurance.com

Licensed Massage Disclaimer The following advertisers listed under the category “Licensed Massage” are state licensed in Florida and provide therapeutic massage services.

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Pets/animals WE NEED A NEW FAMILY DESPERATELY!!

Our names are Wolfie (Black Male) and Maya (Female), we are 2 years old and we have been together since we were little pups. We are very sweet and loving dogs but my family needs to move- my parents are separating and can’t take us. We love children and WE are very good to them. We want to go to a home where they treat US right and we can be INDOORS. WE are fixed and have all our

vaccines. We love other animals too.

WE promise to be a good companion to your family and love each one of you unconditionally. We like to walk, run and play games. We can exercise together too! We also promise to bark every time a stranger knocks at the door. We are potty trained already too. Our father said he will take us to the pound if we are not placed soon. The teenager, our buddy is so heartbroken about having to give US up and want to make sure WE go to a good SPACIOUS LOVING home but we must stay indoors. We like to go outdoors too but as you can see our hair is long and shinny and are not used to being outside 24/7. OUR suitcases are packed WE are just waiting to hear from you! Please understand we must be inside, we must go together and have a spacious home. Please, please give US a second chance. Please contact Tania only @ 561-502-4475 if you MEET the REQUIREMENTS.Thank you very much!

------------------------------------------------AKC Old English Sheepdog Puppies 4 Sale. Born 7/19/10 these beauties will be ready for their forever home on 9/13/10. I have 7 in all, 2 males and 5 females. I have both parents Maggie and Hudson and they are beautiful and have great temperments. I will post a few pics and will update the pics as they grow. Please call or email me for more information. These dogs do not shed like most dogs and I believe are Hypoalagenic. Please email me at gkgookins@ yahoo.com or call 954-471-5111. PS, Tails have been docked and dew claws removed and the vet said they are outstanding pups.

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the temptation to childish indulgences.This won’t be easy, but hard work, maturity and responsibility offer the most effective way through this mess.

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Relationship karma is hitting hard.

Just shrug it off. Sublimate any urges to act out. Creativity will pay off, but only through careful consideration and cooperation.

Acceptance and learning from frustration leads to enlightenment and success.

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): You may hate arguments, but listen at least.You don’t have to join in, but hear out new ideas and decide for yourself, however quietly, which ones to profit from. Don’t get caught up in details. Keep an eye to the larger picture.

GEMINI (May 21- June 20):Your home life is going topsy-turvy.That’s a distraction that will work itself out. Focus on your investments, both financial and romantic; take the sensible, mature approach to both.

Don’t follow any ideas you don’t understand.

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Worries about money are usually a combination of realistic concerns and patterns absorbed in childhood from parents. Sorting those out aren’t easy, but your partner or a very good friend can help you clarify what you really need to deal with.

LEO (July 23 – August 22):Your birthday may bring up the stress and worries of being truly fabulous with advancing age.The truly fabulous are ageless and don’t worry about such things.What exercise and diet don’t preserve, inner peace, acceptance and an open heart will overcome.

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22):When you catch yourself getting sick with worry, meditation is the key back to health. Get creative and busy with something you love, but make sure to take time for calm centering.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22):Who turned up the thermostat? That’s Venus and Mars making you hot – maybe too hot to handle. Soaking up attention can over-inflate your ego. Channel your charisma into recruiting friends to do good for your community.

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21):You do your best work in the dark, so unwanted attention can be especially annoying.Try to think of that audience as a sibling who could be very helpful if you can express simple matters very clearly.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20):You were born to reach out in new directions, but if you’re not standing on solid ground when you do that you can easily fall on your face. Be very certain that your ideas and efforts are based on reliable facts and values.

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19):The “King of the Hill” is more target than monarch.

Do your best work in a forthright manner and try not to be too competitive or flamboyant about it. Keep your ego right sized and let your work speak for itself.

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Uncertainty about yourself and your sexuality can open you up to learning more about both. Let your partner take the lead, and if you don’t know what to do for yourself, focus on making your honey look good.

PISCES (February 19 – March 19):Worries, especially about work, health, relationships and sex, are kicking up a storm in your head.The real challenge is to take a mature, sensible view.An older friend can help you keep things in perspective.

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 415-8648302, through his website at www. starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

Solution to Crossword Puzzle on page 28

35

August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Because it makes sense.

S P O R T S

SPORTS NO LONGER IDENTIFIES ORIENTATION

Mon 9-5, Tues 8-4, Wed 9-4 Thur 9-3, Fri 9-2

By Jennifer Morales

pletely honest with my family, my co-workers and of, course, my friends. Ben our little city by the sea, ing a sports lover, however, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, I never felt comfortable cona growing phenomenon necting with my fellow team is occurring. Each year, resimembers. Thankfully, that dents eagerly await the many was then and this is now, visitors who come to our town and I’ve discovered a rapfor the sea, sun, and sandy idly growing fan base from beaches that have long been the gay community for both the mainstay of our tourist professional and amateur dollars. While much of the sports. It seems that no matsource of this economic gain ter what your orientation, comes from the mainstream sports is one leisure activity straight consumer, there are where the line in the sand a growing number of LGBT has blurred, and we, as gay visitors who take pleasure in people, are becoming more the area’s attractions and waand more integrated. ter sports, such as boating, Jennifer Morales Just a few years back, fishing, and water-skiing, as well as the many other outdoor sports, such Steve and John, and Joanie and Lisa had to go to a traditional sports bar to cheer as softball, tennis, rugby, and soccer.

In 2010, it’s gratifying to know that the for their favorite team. They couldn’t hold LGBT traveler is no longer relegated to hands, kiss when their team scored, or vacation in out-of-the-way, off-the-beaten- even scream at a television with other gay track destinations just to be themselves and sports fans. With the growing number of enjoy the fruits of their hard labor. Luckily gay sports bars popping up everywhere in for them, Fort Lauderdale is one of those this country (even Hawaii ), there are now cities that welcome LGBT visitors to their many cities and municipalities who welfestive playground, where gay men & wom- come these businesses and their clientele en can be comfortable as themselves and into their tax rolls.

The recent trend of new gay sports bar where sports no longer implies heterosexual-only “no-gays-allowed” exclusive clubs. openings is a HUGE step forward for the Professional sports leagues like the Na- gay community and for sports. The likelitional Football League, the National Bas- hood of seeing gay men & women cheerketball Association, Major League Baseball, ing, rooting, yes, even shouting expletives and the National Hockey League have long at opposing teams, on the fields, is becomattracted and promoted themselves to sports ing the norm. I, for one, am tickled pink fans in mainstream society. Gay sports (& lavender) to be a part of the competitive leagues, however, such as the South Florida and entertaining antics we call sports!

So, I say, get out there, compete and have Amateur Athletic Association, the Amateur Sports Alliance of North America, the Gay fun! We earned it!

Polo League, and even the Gay Games, are only just now witnessing a surge of popu- Jennifer Morales is a freelance writer and direclarity and a rise in participation. tor of marketing for Sidelines Sports Bar in Wilton Living my life as an openly-gay women, Manors, FL. She can be reached at Jennifer@sidelihas afforded me the luxury of being com- nessports.com.

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© 2007 Megan Hirsch

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August 18, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com